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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – December 2023

Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
CABINET APPROVAL ................................................................................................................................................. 7
PARLIAMENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS ................................................................................................................................. 8
FESTIVAL................................................................................................................................................................... 10
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ............................................................................................................................... 10
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS ....................................................................................................................................... 13
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 17
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ......................................................................................................................................... 18
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
INDIAN VISITS .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 21
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 21
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 23
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED.............................................................................................................................. 23
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS....................................................................................................................................... 27
OTHER BANKING NEWS ......................................................................................................................................... 32
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 35
ECONOMY & BUSINESS ............................................................................................................................................... 37
GDP & GROWTH RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 37
ECONOMY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................................... 39
BUSINESS NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 40
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 40
MoU’s WITH COUNTRY ........................................................................................................................................... 40
MoU’s WITH STATES ............................................................................................................................................... 41
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................................ 42
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 45
APPOINTMENTS....................................................................................................................................................... 45
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 45
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 49
BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS ................................................................................................................. 51
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................ 51

AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 53
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS ........................................................................................ 53
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS .............................................................................................................................. 53
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT .......................................................................................... 57
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE.......................................................................................................................... 60
EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 60
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS........................................................................................................................................ 62
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS IN CONTENT FORMAT ........................................................................................... 62
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 63
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................... 63
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 67
RANKING AND REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT ............................................................................................... 74
ACQUISITION & MERGERS ......................................................................................................................................... 77
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 80
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 80
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS ......................................................................................................................... 80
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 82
SATELLITES LAUNCHES .......................................................................................................................................... 82
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 83
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 85
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 87
CRICKET .................................................................................................................................................................... 87
BADMINTON & TENNIS........................................................................................................................................... 87
BOXING, WRESTLING & WEIGHTLIFTING ........................................................................................................... 89
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL ......................................................................................................................................... 89
ARCHERY & SHOOTING .......................................................................................................................................... 89
OTHER SPORTS NEWS ............................................................................................................................................ 89
BOOKS & AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 91
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 93
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 93
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 93
IMPORTANT DAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 94
APPS & WEB PORTAL ............................................................................................................................................... 104
ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................................................................... 106

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CABINET APPROVAL
Cabinet Approvals on November 29th 2023
On November 29, 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) of India
Narendra Modi has approved the following:
✓ Union Cabinet has approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the Sixteenth/16th Finance
Commission (FC), whose recommendations, spanning a 5-year period from April 1, 2026
to March 31, 2031, will be submitted by October 31, 2025.
✓ Union Cabinet also extended Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for five
years from January 2024 till December 2028.
✓ The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan
(PM JANMAN) with a budget of Rs 24,104 crore (Central Share: Rs. 15,336 crore, State
Share: Rs. 8,768 crore).
✓ Union Cabinet also approved the Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for providing Drones to the
15000 selected Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 2024-25 to 2025-26 for providing
rental services to farmers for agriculture purpose.
✓ The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs)
for a further three years i.e. from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2026. The financial
implication for the same will be Rs 1952.23 crore (Rs. 1207.24 crore as Central Share and
Rs. 744.99 crore as State share)….Click here for more detail………..
Cabinet Approvals on 8th December 2023

On 8th December 2023, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime
Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, approved the following:
✓ Reservation norms for jute packaging materials for jute year 2023-24 under JPM (Jute
Packaging Material) Act, 1987.
✓ Allocation of Rs.2500 crore continuation of interest Equalisation Scheme on Pre and Post
shipment Rupee Export credit till 30.06.2024.
✓ Rates of interest Equalisation
Rate of interest
S.No. Category of Exporters
Equalisation
Manufacturer and Merchant

1 Exporters exporting products 2%
listed in the 410 tariff lines
MSME exporters of all tariff
2 3%
lines
Cabinet Approvals on 15 December 2023

The union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the following proposals
on 15th December 2023
✓ Approves declaration of Surat Airport (Gujarat) as an International Airport.

✓ Approves MoU signed between India and Tanzania on Cooperation in the field of sharing
successful Digital Solutions.
✓ Approves MoC signed between India and Saudi Arabia on cooperation in the field of
Digitization and Electronic Manufacturing.
✓ Approves draft MoU between USA, India to enhance innovation ecosystems through
innovation handshake.
✓ Approves MoU between India,Italy on Cooperation in the field of Industrial Property
Rights.
Cabinet Approval on 27th December 2023

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved the following
proposals on 27th December 2023.
✓ Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Copra for the 2024 season.
✓ Project for the improvement and widening of the Khowai-Harina road covering a total
length of 134.913 kms in Tripura.
✓ Construction of a New 4556 meter-long, 6-Lane High Level/ Extra Dosed Cable-stayed
Bridge across the River Ganga connecting Patna and Saran, in Bihar.
✓ Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy
✓ Opening of the Consulate General of India in Auckland, New Zealand
✓ MoU between Prasar Bharati and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Malaysia. Click here
to read full News
PARLIAMENT
President Droupadi Murmu Gave Assent to Three New Criminal Bills & Telecommunications
Bill 2023
On 25th December 2023, the President of India Droupadi Murmu gave assent to three new
criminal bills: Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS2), 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha
(Second) Sanhita(BNSS2), 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Adhiniyam, 2023.
✓ The three new criminal bills will replace the British-colonial era laws: the Indian Penal
Code(IPC), 1860; the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973 and the Indian Evidence
Act(IEA), 1872 respectively.
✓ She also gave assent to the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 and Post Office Bill,
2023. Click here to read full News
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal CM Pema Khandu, US Ambassador Inaugurated ‘The Hump WWII Museum’
Pema Khandu, Chief Minister (CM) of Arunachal Pradesh along with Eric Garcetti, Ambassador
of the United States of America(USA) to India inaugurated ‘The Hump World War-II (WW-II)
Museum’ in Pasighat, East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.This 2nd of its kind museum in
Asia is dedicated to the fallen airmen of the Allied forces who participated in the ‘Hump’ airlift
during WWII.

Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh CM Inaugurated 1st ever Week-long Shimla Winter Carnival from 25 Dec
2023 to 5 Jan 2024
Himachal Pradesh (HP) Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the first-
ever week-long winter carnival at its historic Ridge in Shimla on 25 December 2023. The
winter carnival will last up to 5 January 2024 and aims to boost the tourism activities in HP.
Jammu and Kashmir

J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 Amended to Incorporate OBC Reservation
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Administrative Council led by Lieutenant Governor(LG) Manoj
Sinha amended J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 to incorporate the definition of Other
Backward Classes (OBCs) in the Act to ensure reservation for OBCs in Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs).
For the 1st time, OBCs in J&K will benefit from reservations for positions such as Sarpanchs
and Panchs.
Jharkhand
Justice Chandrashekhar Appointed CJ of Jharkhand High Court
Droupadi Murmu, the President of India, by exercising her powers conferred by Article 223 of
the Constitution of India, has appointed Shree Chandrashekhar as Chief Justice of the
Jharkhand High Court with effect from 29th December 2023. Chandrashekhar replaced
Sanjaya Kumar Mishra who retired on 28th December 2023.
Karnataka
Bengaluru’s KIA set to become India’s 1st Airport to Introduce CTX System
The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is set to become
the first Airport in India to introduce the Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) machine to
eliminate the need for removing personal electronic devices from handbags during pre-
boarding security checks.The CTX machine integrated with the Automatic Tray Retrieval
System (ATRS) and full-body scanners, will enhance the security measures and operational
efficiency.
Madhya Pradesh
Veera Rana takes Additional Charge as Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh
Veera Rana, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, was given the additional
charge as the Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh (MP). She became the 2nd woman IAS officer
to be elevated to the post of Chief Secretary of MP.Nirmala Buch was the 1st woman Chief
Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, from 1991 to 1993.
✓ Veera Rana succeeds CS Iqbal Singh Bains, who retired on 30 November 2023 after getting
2 six-month extensions.

Odisha
Odisha CM Launches ‘AMA bank’ Scheme to Provide Banking Service in Unbanked Gram
Panchayats
Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has launched “AMA Bank” scheme for providing
banking services through Customer Service Point (CSP) Plus banking outlets in 4373 unbanked
Gram Panchayats (GPs) in Odisha.
✓ Ama Bank model is the first-of-its-kind financial inclusion programme in India. Ama
Bank offers credit for small businesses along with 15 banking services through CSP Plus
banking outlets. It was launched with a budget of about Rs 500 crore.
The scheme was launched in collaboration with six public sector banks (PSBs) namely State
Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Union Bank of India (UBI), UCO Bank, Bank
of India (BoI) and Bank of Baroda (BoB).
FESTIVAL
24th Hornbill Festival Concluded in Nagaland
The 24th edition of the Hornbill Festival, referred as ‘Festival of Festivals’ is annually from 1st
to 10th December in Nagaland to encourage inter-tribal interaction and to preserve, protect
and revive the uniqueness and richness of the Naga heritage.
✓ The festival was inaugurated with the Traditional Gong by Governor of Nagaland La
Ganesan and Chief Minister (CM) Neiphiu Rio, the hosts of the festival.
Tansen Samaroh 2023: 99th World Music Festival held in Gwalior, MP

Tansen Samaroh 2023, The 99th edition of the annual World Music Festival, is being held in
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP) from 22 to 28 December 2023. The festival also includes the
presentation of the Rashtriya Tansen Samman Award, to individuals who have made
significant contributions to Hindustani classical music.
Tansen Samaroh 2023 is organized jointly by Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet
Academy and the Department Of Culture, Government of MP near the tomb of Tansen and
various venues across Gwalior.
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

GoI Launched Auction of 20 Critical Minerals Worth Rs 45,000 cr
Union Minister, Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Coal and Mines, Government of India (GoI) launched
the auction process of 20 critical mineral blocks, which is estimated to be worth around
Rs.45000 crore. The 20 blocks on sale are across various states, including Chhattisgarh, Uttar
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Bihar. This includes the lithium reserves in the
Jammu and Kashmir(J&K).
✓ This is a part of India’s efforts to strengthen the critical mineral supply chain for energy
transition and to achieve its net-zero target by 2070.
Celebrating 150 Years of Rio Tinto: Department of Posts India Unveiled a Commemorative
Stamp and Cover
Rio tinto, a British-Australian multinational metals and mining company, has launched a
customised ‘My Stamp’ and a special cover called ‘Rio Tinto 150’ in collaboration with the

Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. The stamp

commemorates the 150th anniversary of Rio Tinto which was founded in 1873.
India’s First Winter Expedition to Arctic Launched by MoES, Minister Kiren Rijiju
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has launched ‘1st Indian
Winter Expedition to Arctic’ to expand the India’s scientific activities to other critical and
core Arctic realms, in New Delhi, Delhi.
The expedition is facilitated under Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER) scheme of
MoES, through the aegis of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa.
MoEF&CC launched the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched the Indian
Forest and Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS) to encourage sustainable forest management
and agroforestry in India by offering voluntary third-party certification.
✓ IFWCS is governed by the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council (IFWCC) and
operated by the Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) in Bhopal(Madhya
Pradesh) as the designated Scheme Operating Agency (SOA).
The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies(NABCB) under the Quality Council of
India will be responsible for conducting independent audits through accredited
CBs(Certification Bodies), to assess the adherence of various organisations is aligned with the
standards of the IFWS scheme.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launched 'MedTech Mitra' to Empower India's
MedTech Sector
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW),
virtually launched MedTech Mitra, a strategic initiative to empower MedTech innovators and
advance healthcare solutions.
It is a collaborative initiative of the NITI Aayog(National Institution for Transforming India);
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
(CDSCO).
Amit Shah releases a Postal Stamp, Marking 50 Years of Pandit Jasraj’s Music Festival
Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and Ministry of Cooperation
(MoC), has released a commemorative Postal Stamp to mark 50th year of Pandit Jasraj
Motiram’s music festival ‘Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroha’ in New Delhi,
Delhi.
✓ About Pandit Jasraj Motiram: Pandit Jasraj is an Indian classical vocalist, belonging to
the Mewati gharana (a musical apprenticeship tribe of Hindustani classical music). He was
a recipient of the Padma Shri (1975), Padma Bhushan (1990) and Padma Vibhushan
(2000) in the field of art.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Launched NTPS-“One Nation-One Pass” to Enable Seamless
Transit of Forest Produce across India
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) launched the National Transit Pass System (NTPS), envisioned as a One National

One Pass system, will enable seamless transportation of timber, bamboo, and other forest
produce across India.
✓ Union Minister also flagged off the special Pan Indian vehicles carrying forest produce
to create awareness abou the applicability and ease of using NTPS.
Nitin Gadkari Launches DigiELV Trading Platform for ELV Certificate of Deposit along
with Automotive Circularity Orchestrator
Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH)
launched ‘DigiELV’, an authorised End of Life Vehicle (ELV) Certificate of Deposit (CD) Trading
Platform, and Automotive Circularity Orchestrator by Meta Materials Circular Markets
(MMCM) in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The launch event was organised by MMCM in collaboration with the Material Recycling
Association of India (MRAI) and Policy Times Chamber of Commerce (PTCC). DigiELV,
developed by MMCM and authorized by the MoRTH, offers a platform for the users to
lawfully trade CD.
TEC Launched online modules for CoA & Technology Approval Under Voluntary Certification
Scheme
Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) launched a Online Voluntary Certification
modules of Certificate of Approval (CoA) and Technology Approval under its voluntary
certification scheme to enhance the Ease of Doing Business and Promote Atmanirbhar
Bharat.
TEC is the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DOT) under the Ministry
of Communications (MoC)
1st Foundation Day of AIIA Goa: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Released
Commemorative Stamp
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani,
Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has released a commemorative postal stamp to mark the
first foundation day of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa which was inaugurated
on 11th December 2022.
PM Inaugurates the 1st Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 1st Indian Art, Architecture, and Design
Biennale 2023 (IAADB’23), which is being organized by the Ministry of Culture from 9th to
15th December 2023 at Red Fort in New Delhi, Delhi.
• During the program, the PM inaugurated the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design’ and
the student Biennale- Samunnati. He also launched a Commemorative Stamp…Click here
for more detail….
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated 2nd Edition of IFSCA’s InFinity Forum

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and addressed the InFinity Forum
2.0, the 2nd Edition International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)’s flagship
financial technology event, held at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in

Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The 2nd edition of InFinity Forum is organised as a precursor event to
Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.
✓ Theme:‘GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services’.
Organiser: IFSCA under the aegis of Government of India and GIFT City.
✓ International partner: Bloomberg
✓ Domestic Partners: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI);
Invest India; Institute of Chartered Accountants of India(ICAI) and Institute of Company
Secretaries of India(ICSI).
✓ Knowledge Partner: Boston Consulting Group.
New Design & Test Facility was Inaugurated at HAL’s AERDC in Bengaluru
On 29th December 2023, Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD),
inaugurated a new state-of-the-art design and test facility at Aero Engine Research and
Development Centre (AERDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
Note: AERDC, established in the 1960s, is the only design house that has developed test beds
for engines of both Western and Russian origin.
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

President Droupadi Murmu Confers President’s Colour to Armed Forces Medical College at
Pune
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the President’s Colour (represented by a
flag) to the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) at Pune, Maharashtra. To commemorate the
AFMC’s platinum jubilee year, the President released a commemorative coin (Rs.75), a special
cover, and a stamp to mark the occasion.
✓ The president’s colour, also known as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan,” is the highest honour
bestowed upon a military unit for its exemplary service, courage, and discipline.
✓ President Droupadi Murmu also inaugurated the Armed Forces Centre for Computational
Medicine, ‘Prajna’.
World’s First Portable Hospital ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube’ Unveiled in Gurugram
The world’s first portable hospital, the ‘Aarogya Maitri Aid Cube,‘ which can be set up within
one hour of arriving at the emergency site to treat the injured, was unveiled in Gurugram,
Haryana.It was designed indigenously under Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for
Sahyog Hita and Maitri).
India’s First Bullet Train Terminal Built At Sabarmati In Ahmedabad

According to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways (MoR), India’s first
bullet train terminal is built at the Sabarmati Multimodal transport hub in Ahmedabad,
Gujarat. The bullet train is being constructed with technical and financial support from the
Government of Japan.

NSE data: Maharashtra tops Among States with Highest Number of Registered Investors
According to recent data from the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Maharashtra tops the list of
states with the highest number of registered investors. Maharashtra registered a growth of
16.9% with over 1.48 crore registered investors.
✓ Uttar Pradesh (UP), with 89.47 lakh investors, has surpassed Gujarat (76.68 lakh) and
secured the 2nd position on the list. At present, India is ranked 4th in the world in terms
of market capitalisation, following the United States of America(USA), China and Japan.
MEA Notified Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules 2023 for Leasing Sites for Offshore Wind
Energy Projects
On 19th December 2023, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) notified “ Offshore Wind Energy
Lease Rules 2023”, new regulations for the lease of sites of offshore wind project.
✓ According to the new rules, the Lease shall be valid for a period of 3-year for conducting
resource measurements and surveys and it can be extended for an additional 2 years. The
lease expires this after 5 years.
GoI Approves 1st Urban Flood Mitigation Project Worth Rs 561.29 Crore
The Government of India(GoI) has approved the first urban flood mitigation project of Rs.
561.29 crore for the ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management Activities for Chennai Basin Project’
under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF), which also includes central assistance of
Rs. 500 crore.
✓ Government of India has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to release in
advance, the central share of the 2nd installment of the State Disaster Response Fund
(SDRF),amounting to Rs 493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and Rs 450 crore to Tamil Nadu
due to the impact of Cyclone Michaung.
18 New Products of Uttarakhand gets GI Tag

18 products of Uttarakhand including 12 agricultural goods, 4 Handi-craft goods, 1 food-stuff
and 1 manufactured good received Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
✓ Uttarakhand has become the 1st state in the country to get the highest number of 18 GI
tags in a single day. With these 18 new products, the total number of GI products in
Uttarakhand has become 27.
18 New GI products of Uttarakhand:
S.no GI Product Goods
Uttarakhand Chaulai (Ramdana)
1
(Fox tail Millet )
2 Uttarakhand Jhangora
Uttarakhand Lal Chawal (Red
3
Rice)
Agriculture
4 Uttarakhand Mandua
5 Almora Lakhori Mirchi
6 Uttarakhand Berinag Tea
7 Ramnagar Nainital Litchi
8 Ramgarh Nainital Aadu (Peach)

9 Uttarakhand Malta Fruit

10 Uttarakhand Pahari Toor Dal
11 Uttarakhand Gahat(Horse gram)
12 Uttarakhand Kala Bhat
Uttarakhand Bichhu Buti (Nettle)
13
Fabrics
Kumaoni Rangwali Pichhoda
14
Products Handi Crafts
15 Chamoli Wooden Ramman Mask
Uttarakhand Likhai (wood
16
carving)
17 Uttarakhand Buransh Sharbat Food Stuffs
18 Nainital Mombatti (Candle) Manufactured Goods
India & Oman Adopts Vision Document to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India and Haitham Bin Tarik, the Sultan of Oman
adopted the joint Vision document titled ‘A Partnership for the Future’ for strengthening
bilateral cooperation in diverse areas and to scale up the partnership between India and Oman.
✓ This joint vision underscores a shared vision, aligning the strategic goals of Oman Vision
2040, Oman’s national development blueprint, with India’s development objectives
under ‘Amrit Kaal’.
✓ 3rd Tranche of OIJIF Announced between OIA and SBI to Strengthen Economic Ties of
India and Oman
✓ Several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements were also signed during
his visit. Click here to read full News
DAC Approves AoNs for Various Acquisition Proposals worth Rs.2.23 Lakh Crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of
Defence(MoD), granted approval for Acceptance of Necessity (AoNs) for diverse Capital
Acquisition Proposals, worth Rs 2.23 lakh crore to enhance the operational capabilities of the
Armed Forces.
✓ The Council has approved the procurement of 2 types of Anti-tank Munitions namely, Area
Denial Munition (ADM) Type-2 and Type-3, which are capable of neutralising Tanks and
Armoured personnel carriers and enemy personnel.
iDEX Signed 300th Contract for Design and Development of GaN Semiconductors
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), the flagship
initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), signed its 300th contract with Bengaluru
(Karnataka) based M/S Agnit Semiconductors Private Limited in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The agreement focuses on developing advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) Semiconductors
which is essential for next-generation wireless transmitters in defence applications.
✓ The contract aims to utilise indigenous GaN technology to design, develop and
manufacture GaN components for defence in India.

MoD to buy 70,000 More Sig Sauer Semi-Automatic Assault Rifles for Rs 800cr
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the purchase of 70,000 semi-automatic
assault rifles for the Indian Army (IA) at a cost of Rs 800 crore, during a high-level MoD
meeting. They will be bought from the United States (US) based Sig Sauer Inc.
✓ India has been using Sig Sauer rifles since 2019 when it bought 72,400 SiG 716 rifles of
7.62 x 51mm caliber viz. 66,400 for IA, 4,000 for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 2,000 for
the Indian Navy (IN).
BEL Bags Orders Worth Rs 2,673 Crore From GSL & GRSE
Bengaluru (Karnataka) Based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Public Sector
Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), has received orders worth Rs 2,673
crore for the supply of 14 types of sensors for use on Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels
(NGOPV).
Order Details: BEL has received the order from Goa based Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for Rs
1701 crore and from Kolkata(West Bengal) based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
(GRSE) Limited for Rs 972 crore
India’s Total Rooftop Solar Capacity crosses 10 GW; Gujarat emerges as Leader
Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh(RK Singh), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE),
informed that the cumulative Roof Top Solar (RTS) installed capacity increased to 10.406
Gigawatts (GW) (as of 30th November 2023) from 1.8 GW (as of 31st March 2019). The
Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of RTS installations is around 46%.
✓ With 3.2 GW of RTS installed capacity(30% of the total installed capacity), Gujarat has
emerged as the leader in RTS segment.
✓ Gujarat is followed by Maharashtra with 1.85 GW and Rajasthan with 1.06 GW capacity.
MoRTH to Introduce Nationwide GPS-based Toll Collection System by March 2024

Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH)
announced that the Government of India plans to introduce a Global Positioning System
(GPS)-based toll collection system to replace the existing highway toll-collection booths
entirely.
✓ The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will begin implementing this new
system by March 2024.
CBDT Issues Guidelines on Under Section 194-O of IT Act 1961

On 28th December 2023, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), under the Department of
Revenue in the Ministry of Finance (MoF), issued the guidelines under sub-section 4 of section
194-O of the Income-tax Act 1961.
Section 194-O of the IT Act, 1961 states that an ECO 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
platform.

DEA releases Interest Rate on Small Saving Schemes for Q4FY24; Hikes rate on SSAS & 3-year
Time Deposit
On December 29, 2023, the Department of Economic Affairs-DEA (Budget Division), Ministry of
Finance released the interest rates for Small Savings Schemes applicable in the January-March
2024 quarter (Q4FY24) i.e. from January 1, 2024 to March 31, 2024.
✓ As per it, the interest rate on the Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme (SSAS) increased
by 20 basis points from 8% to 8.2% for Q424.
✓ The interest rate on three-year time deposits also increased by 10 basis points from 7% to
7.1%.
The interest rates for all other small savings schemes will remain unchanged from the rates
offered in Q3FY24 (October-December 2023).
Union Minister Piyush Goyal: Govt Extends RoDTEP Benefits to E-Commerce Exports
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), announced that the
government has extended the benefits of the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on
Exported Products (RoDTEP) to e-commerce exports through courier and postal services.
✓ Union Minister also released the "E-Commerce Exports Handbook for MSMEs(Micro,
Small, and Medium Enterprises)" prepared by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT) in New Delhi, Delhi.
During the event, DGFT and Shiprocket, an E-Commerce enabler, signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to support new and first-time exporters, especially from MSMEs, in
leveraging E-Commerce for international trade.
GOVT SCHEMES
CENTRAL GOVT SCHEMES
Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane Launched 3 Sub-schemes under RAMP Programme
On 20th December 2023, Union Minister Narayan Rane, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises(MoMSME), launched three sub-schemes under the aegis of the Raising and
Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme.
The 3 sub schemes are:
✓ MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME GIFT
Scheme).
✓ MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme).
✓ MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments (MSE ODR scheme).
STATE GOVT SCHEMES

Punjab Govt launches ‘Bhagwant Mann Sarkar, Tuhade Dwaar‘ Scheme
On December 10, 2023, the Government of Punjab launched “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade
Dwaar”, a state government scheme to deliver 43 citizen-centric services at people’s
doorstep.It was launched by the Arvind Kejriwal,Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi and AAP (Aam
Aadmi Party) national convenor; and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann during the event held in
Ludhiana, Punjab

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launched 3rd phase of BSKY Health Scheme

Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik launched the 3rd phase of its flagship universal
health coverage scheme, Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY), covering nearly 90% of the
population of Odisha.
Note: In the 1st phase of the BSKY launched in 2018, all services in public health facilities
were made free of cost for all persons, irrespective of income or residence.
Himachal Govt Initiates Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Yojna to Promote Self-Employment

Government of Himachal Pradesh (HP) has initiated the Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Yojna-
2023 (RGSY), with an outlay of Rs 680 crore, to generate self-employment opportunities and
promote entrepreneurship among local youth.
The RGSY will ensure guaranteed livelihoods for the youth and helps HP reduce vehicular
pollution and move forward to become a ‘green state’
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India Joins Battery Energy Storage Systems Consortium
On December 4, 2023, during the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28),
India became a member of the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium, led by
the Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet
(GEAPP).
✓ A total of 11 countries (first-mover countries), including India, have joined the BESS
consortium during the COP28.The BESS consortium is committed to achieving a combined
commitment of 5 Gigawatts (GW) of BESS by the end of 2024.
TIWB launched Programme in Saint Lucia for Tax Administration; India chosen as Partner
Administration
The Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB), a joint initiative between the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development (OECD) launched a program in Saint Lucia to strengthen its tax administration.
India, chosen as the Partner Administration, will provide Tax Experts for this 12-18 months
program. This is the 7th TIWB program for which India has supported by providing Tax
Experts.
WHO Officially Recognized Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognised Noma, also known as cancrum
oris or gangrenous stomatitis, as a neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). With the inclusion of
noma, WHO’s NTD list now has 21 diseases or groups of diseases.
United Nations Declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids

The United Nations (UN) has declared the year 2024 as the International Year of Camelids
(IYC 2024) to raise awareness of the economic and cultural significance of camelids in
protecting ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, assuring food security, and adapting to climate
change.

Camelids:
✓ Camelids are members of the family “Camelidae”, the only currently living family in the
suborder Tylopoda.
✓ Dromedary camels, Bactrian camels, wild Bactrian camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and
guanacos are the 7 distinct members of this Camelids.
IOM Launches Project PRAYAS for Orderly, Safe Movement of Indians Overseas
On December 21, 2023, International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched Project
PRAYAS (Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) in
partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI) to facilitate
safe, orderly and regular migration for Indian workers and students.
✓ This project is a joint collaboration between the IOM India and Indian Council of World
Affairs (ICWA).
Bhutan King Announces Gelephu Mindfulness City Project of 1,000 sq km on Assam Border
Bhutan's Reigning King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has announced that the Gelephu
Mindfulness City, or Special Administrative Region (SAR) project on the 116th National Day of
the Kingdom of Bhutan held at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu (Bhutan).
✓ The project covers over 1,000-square-kilometre area in Gelephu, located in Sarpang
District in Bhutan which also borders the Indian state of Assam.
✓ During the Bhutan King's speech on National Day, he thanked the Indian government for
the approval of the first India-Bhutan railway line that connects Gelephu (Bhutan) to
Kokrajhar (58 km rail link) in Assam.
ACG's Pithampur Facility Joins Global Lighthouse Network by WEF

ACG Associated Capsules Pvt. Ltd. (ACG Capsules), a pharmaceuticals contract manufacturer,
in Pithampur, Madhya Paradesh(MP), has joined the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global
Lighthouse Network (GLN) as “Factory Lighthouse”.
Lighthouses from India:
4 Indian Companies (including ACG Capsules) are featured among the 2023 cohort.
The other 3 Indian companies are:
✓ Renew Power Ventures Pvt Ltd (Ratlam, MP) as Factory Lighthouse
✓ Schneider Electric India(Hyderabad, Telangana) as Sustainability Lighthouse
✓ Hindustan Unilever (Sonepat factory in Haryana) as E2E Lighthouse
India's Coking Coal Imports Witnessed 5-Year High, Reached 38.14 mt; Australia Remains
Dominant Supplier
India’s coking coal imports are at a five-year high during the April-November period(11
months) of fiscal year 2023-24(FY24) at 38.14 million tonnes (mt). On a year-over-year (y-o-y)
basis, this represents a slight increase compared to the 38.12 mt imported during the same
period in FY23.
✓ Australia is the dominant supplier for India, accounting for over 60% of shipments. Over
the past 5 years, Australia’s market share has decreased from 75%.

✓ As of October 2023, the United States of America (USA) is the 2nd largest supplier of
coking coal to India. Russia is the 3rd largest supplier replacing countries such as Canada
and Mozambique.
India, Bangladesh Agrees to Extend Crucial IBP Route

As per the Protocol on Inland Water Transit & Trade (PIWT&T), the Government of India
(GOI) and Government of Bangladesh(GoB) have agreed to extend Indo-Bangladesh Protocol
(IBP) route and declare Safardighi in West Bengal as the new port of call.
✓ Both agreed to extend the trade and connectivity through the land route of Land Customs
Station (LCS) Radhikapur (Birol) and Hodibari (Chilahati) of West Bengal.
Angola Quits OPEC After Disagreements Over Production Targets

The Republic of Angola announced its decision to withdraw from OPEC (Organization of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries), with effect from January 2024, after disagreements
regarding the OPEC’s production targets. Angola has been a member of OPEC since 2007.
VISITS
INDIAN VISITS
Kenyan President William Ruto’s Visits to India from December – 4 to 6 2023
The President of the Republic of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto was on an official visit to India
from December 4 to 6, 2023 at the invitation of the President of India. This marks Ruto’s 1st
visit to India as President representing Kenya.India announced USD 250 million Line of Credit
(LOC) to Kenya to modernize its agri-sector.
✓ India and Kenya have signed 5 MoUs in various sectors such as: sports, education, culture
and digital solutions.
✓ India and Kenya unveiled a blueprint on ”Joint Vision Statement on Maritime Cooperation
in the Indian Ocean Region- BAHARI (Ocean in Swahili)”.
Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Gujarat & Uttar Pradesh - 17 & 18th December 2023
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Surat, Gujarat and Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh(UP)
from 17th to 18th December 2023. During his 2 day visit, he inaugurated and laid the
foundation stones for several development projects in both Gujarat and UP.
✓ PM Modi inaugurated the state-of-the-art New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB) of
Surat International Airport in Surat, Gujarat.
✓ PM Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse(SDB), the World’s largest and most
modern centre for international diamond and jewellery business.
✓ PM Modi inaugurated the 2nd phase of Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2023 at Namo Ghat,
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
✓ PM Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated various development projects worth Rs
19,150 crore in Varanasi, UP.
✓ PM Modi inaugurated Swarved Mahamandir, the world’s largest meditation centre in
Umaraha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI IN NEWS
Highlights of RBI’s 5th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy of FY24: Repo Rate Retained at 6.5%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s 5th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), held from
6th to 8th December 2023, has decided to retain the policy repo rate under the liquidity
adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.50% for 5th consecutive time.
✓ RBI has kept India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth 7% in FY24 (2023-24)
with Q3 at 6.5%, and Q4 at 6%.
✓ RBI has increased the cap on e-mandates for recurring online transactions to Rs 1 lakh per
transaction from the current Rs.15,000.
✓ RBI raises UPI transaction limit for hospitals, educational institutions to Rs.5 lakh.
✓ The MPC kept the policy rates unchanged.
Category Rate
Policy Repo Rate 6.50%
Fixed Reverse Repo Rate 3.35%
Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate 6.25%
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate 6.75%

Bank Rate 6.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.50%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 18%
RBI Cancels Licence of Maharashtra’s Shankarrao Pujari Bank & UP’s Urban Co-operative Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the license of Shankarrao Pujari Nutan Nagari
Sahakari Bank Limited, Ichalkaranji, Kolhapur in Maharashtra, and Urban Co-operative Bank
Limited, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh (UP) with effect from the close of business on 4th December
2023 and 7th December 2023, respectively.The banks do not comply with the provisions of
Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) read with Section 56 of the BR Act, 1949.
✓ On 7th December 2023, RBI has imposed monetary penalty on 4 co-operative
banks:Rajarshi Shahu Sahakari Bank Ltd., Pune, Maharashtra ,Prathamik Shikshak
Sahakari Bank Limited, Satara, Maharashtra,Patan Co-operative Bank Limited, Mumbai,
Maharashtra, and The District Co-operative Central Bank Ltd., Mahabubnagar, Telangana.
RBI authorised Bandhan Bank to Disburse Pensions to Railway Employees

Bandhan Bank Limited has received authorisation from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
distribute pensions through Electronic Pension Payment Order (e-PPOs) on behalf of the
Ministry of Railways (MoR). The authorisation is in line with the mandate of the Ministry of
Finance (MoF), MoR and RBI.

RBI Grants 1 year Extension to Co-branded Credit Card of Bajaj Finance & RBL Bank
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted a 1-year extension, until 21st December 2024, for
Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL)’s co-branded credit card partnership with Mumbai (Maharashtra)
based RBL Bank Limited.
Note: RBI granted 1 year extension against the 2 years sought by Bajaj Finance.
RBI Releases Draft Licensing Framework for APs under FEMA

On December 26, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a draft 'Licensing
Framework for Authorized Persons (APs)' under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA),
1999.
✓ Rationalize the authorization framework for money changers in view of the widespread
availability of banking services. Improve the scope of services being offered by AD
(Authorized Dealers)-Category II entities and review the regulatory framework for APs.
RBI approves IDFC-IDFC First Bank Merger; Notifies GSL Directions 2023
On December 26, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its nod for the reverse
merger of IDFC Limited and IDFC Financial Holding Company (IDFC FHCL) with its banking
subsidiary IDFC First Bank Limited. As part of the composite scheme of amalgamation, IDFC
FHCL would first merge with IDFC and then IDFC into IDFC First Bank Ltd.
✓ RBI has notified RBI (Government Securities Lending/GSL) Directions, 2023 in exercise of
the powers conferred under section 45W of the RBI Act, 1934 read with section 45U of the
Act and of all the powers enabling it in this behalf w.e.f. December 27, 2023.These are
applicable to all GSL transactions, undertaken in Over-the-Counter (OTC) markets.
RBI Extends Payments Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme Till 2025

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund
(PIDF) scheme and extended the deadline by two years, i.e., upto December 31, 2025.
✓ PIDF scheme was introduced by RBI in 2021 for a period of 3 years (until December
2023). The scheme aims to encourage deployment of payment acceptance infrastructure
such as physical Point of Sale (PoS) terminals, Quick Response (QR) codes by adding 30
lakh touch points every year.
RBI cancels licence of Gujarat’s Botad Peoples Co-operative Bank, and Maharashtra’s Adarsh
Mahila Nagari Sahakari Bank Maryadit
On December 29, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking license of
The Botad Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Botad, Gujarat but granted the non-banking
institution licence. It also cancelled the license of Adarsh Mahila Nagari Sahakari Bank
Maryadit, Aurangabad, Maharashtra.
Razorpay, Cashfree along with 4 Other Firms Gets RBI Nod to Operate as PAs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the ban on Razorpay Software Private Limited
and Cashfree Payments India Private Limited to act as a payment aggregators (PAs) and
gave final authorization to them along with 4 other firms to onboard new merchants onto their
platform for processing online payments.

SEBI
SEBI Postpones Linking of SCORES with ODR Portal to April 2024
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the timeline of linking of SEBI
Complaint Redressal (SCORES) platform with the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Portal from
4th December 2023 to 1st April 2024.The circular was issued under Section 11(1) of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
SEBI allows brokers to Invest Clients’ Fund in overnight MF Scheme; Suspends Registration of
Religare Commodities
On December 12, 2023, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed Stock
Brokers (SBs) and Clearing Members (CMs) to park client funds in Mutual Fund Overnight
Schemes (MFOS). Currently, they invest only in risk-free government securities.
✓ This follows the revision in framework for upstreaming of clients’ funds to clearing
corporations by SBs and CMs which was issued in June 2023.
SEBI suspends registration of Religare Commodities in NSEL Paired Contracts Case
On December 13, 2023, SEBI suspended the registration of Religare Commodities, a brokerage
firm, for its alleged involvement in illegal paired contracts on the National Spot Exchange Ltd
(NSEL).
SEBI Extends Deadline to June 2024 to add Nominees in Mutual Funds, Demat Accounts
On December 27, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the
deadline to add nominees for Demat Accounts (Dematerialisation Account) and mutual fund
portfolios to June 30, 2024. Earlier the deadline was December 31, 2023.
✓ Depository Participants, Asset Management Companies (AMCs), and Registrar and
Transfer Agents (RTA) will regularly remind holders via email and SMS (Short Message
Service) to comply with the nomination requirement.
SEBI issues Procedure for Public Issuance of ZCZP instrument by NPOs

On December 28, 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified a procedure
for public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) Instruments by a Not for Profit
Organization (NPO) and listing of such instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE).
SEBI has also allowed stock brokers to settle Client’s Funds lying with Trading Member
(TM) on Saturdays i.e. one more day is provided. Now, stock brokers can settle the running
account of clients' funds on the first Friday or Saturday of the quarter or month at the choice of
the clients.
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED

BANKS SIGNED WITH KEY NOTES
Reserve Bank of Bank of England (BoE) For cooperation and information exchange
India (RBI) regarding the Clearing Corporation of India
Limited (CCIL). The MoU establishes a
framework for the BoE to rely on the RBI’s
regulatory and supervisory activities.

✓ RBI in exercise of powers under the

provisions of Section 11(3) of FEMA
(Foreign Exchange Management Act),
1999 has imposed a monetary penalty
of Rs 10,000 on Bank of America, N.A.
for violation of RBI’s instructions on
reporting requirements under
Liberalised Remittance Scheme of
FEMA, 1999.
✓ RBI approved the promoter of CSB
Bank to retain a 26% stake in the
lender. This is higher than the 15%
stake that RBI had previously advised.
Asian Infrastructure United Nations To promote sustainable infrastructure
Investment Bank Development Programme development and address development
(AIIB) (UNDP) challenges in Asia and beyond.
The MoU recognises the shared objectives of
AIIB and UNDP in supporting national climate
goals and the 2030 Agenda through financing
sustainable development initiatives in
common members of operations.
Federal Bank Limited NCDEX e-Markets Limited To strengthen the integration of e-
(NeML) procurement and e-auction systems. This
partnership will facilitate an advanced e-
procurement solution and streamline e-
procurement and e-auction systems for
Central and State Government organizations.
About Federal Bank: MD & CEO - Shyam
Srinivasan, Headquarters– Aluva, Kochi,
Kerala
Ujjivan Small Finance Water.org, a global To providing clean water and sanitation, to
Bank Limited nonprofit organization offer accessible financing solutions for water
(Ujjivan SFB) and sanitation solutions. Ujjivan SFB will offer
loans of about Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 to
existing as well as new customers to enable
them to construct and renovate water and
sanitation facilities.
✓ About Ujjivan SFB: MD & CEO – Ittira
Davis, Headquarters – Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
Godrej Capital DBS Bank India, Visa and Godrej Capital, Non-Banking Finance
Nirmaan Amazon Company (NBFC) arm of the Godrej Group,
has partnered with DBS Bank India, Visa and
Amazon as part of its Nirmaan digital

platform initiative, aimed at providing an

extensive range of services to micro, small,
and medium enterprises (MSMEs).This is in
line with Nirmaan’s commitment to support
MSMEs through diverse value-added services
(VAS) to enhance market reach, financial
assistance, legal and compliance
simplification, employee welfare, and others.
HDFC Bank Limited Tata Neu Launched the co-branded credit card “Tata
Neu HDFC Bank credit card” powered by
RuPay/Visa.
The credit card is available in 2 variants:
✓ Tata Neu Infinity HDFC Bank Credit
Card
Tata Neu plus HDFC Bank Credit Card
Union Bank of India Accenture, a leading global To design and develop a scalable and secure
(UBI) professional services enterprise data lake platform with advanced
company analytics and reporting capabilities.
ICICI Bank Limited Intensive Vigilance and To offer cutting-edge electronic surveillance
Intervention System (iVIS), (e-surveillance) services across the bank
a subsidiary of Magellanic branches.
Cloud Limited The partnership aims to fortify ICICI Bank’s
branch-level security operations in
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and cash
counter operations.
World Bank (WB) Department for Promotion To improve India’s logistics efficiency.The
of Industry and Internal collaboration was held during DPIIT meeting
Trade (DPIIT), under the with World Bank Team in New Delhi, Delhi
Ministry of Commerce and which was chaired by Special Secretary
Industry(MoCI) (Logistics), DPIIT, Sumita Dawra.
World Bank funded National Agricultural
Higher Education Project(NAHEP) and Indian
Agricultural Research Project New Delhi,
Modern Agricultural Science Technology
Center for Climate Adapted Agriculture and
Water Management has been launched at
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth(MPKV)
(Agriculture University), Rahuri in
Ahmednagar district , Maharashtra.
Chennai (Tamil Indian Bank Signed a Rs 80 crore worth 5–year deal to
Nadu) based Intellect deploy its eMACH.ai powered Cash
Design Arena Limited Management System (CMS) to bolster their
Corporate Banking Modernisation.

✓ Under ‘INDLEAP’ Project, the Indian

Bank has adopted the goal of digital
transformation, by leveraging
technology wherever possible with
transaction banking and supply chain
management as growth engines.
About Indian Bank: MD & CEO– Shanti Lal
Jain ,Headquarters– Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
ICICI Prudential Life Ujjivan Small Finance Bank For the distribution of life insurance product.
Insurance limited (SFB) Limited Under this partnership, Ujjivan SFB's 700+
branches across 26 states and Union
Territories will offer the entire suite of ICICI
Prudential Life’s customer-friendly
protection, long-term savings, and retirement
products to its customers.
DBS Bank India Reliance Industries Limited To introduce a customised supply chain
(RIL) financing program meet the requirements of
compressed biogas (CBG) project initiated by
RIL. This initiative is a part of RIL’s net zero
emissios roadmap
Kotak Mahindra IndianOil Corporation Launched a co-branded credit card called
Bank Limited Limited (IOCL) ‘Indian Oil Kotak Credit Card’. The fuel card
(KMBL) is powered by Rupay contactless technology.
Karur Vysya Bank HDFC Life Insurance Signed a Corporate Agency (CA) arrangement
Limited (KVB) Company Limited to empanel HDFC Life as an additional
bancassurance partner of KVB for the life
insurance category.
The collaboration is aligned with the goal of
‘Insurance for all by 2047’ set by thex,
Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (IRDAI).
Paycraft Solutions NSDL Payments Bank and Launched One Nation Corporate Card, it will
Pvt. Ltd. the National Payments be offered to the Indian customers pan-India
Corporation of India (NPCI) from June end 2024
Aditya Birla Sun Life IDFC First Bank Limited Entered into a bancassurance partnership to
Insurance (ABSLI) offer insurance solutions to the bank’s
Limited the life customers.
insurance subsidiary The partnership aims to offer ABSLI’s
of Aditya Birla insurance products through the extensive
Capital Limited distribution network of IDFC First Bank.
(ABCL)
Axis Bank Limited American Express Company Launched the “Axis Bank Privilege Credit
Card” on the American Express network.

Under this partnership, Axis bank customers

will benefit with the local and global benefits
of the American Express network.
✓ Eligibility: The applicant should be a
resident of India aged between 18 to
70 with a net annual income of Rs 6
lakhs or more.
HDFC Life Insurance NKGSB Co-operative bank Entered into a Corporate Agency tie-up to
Company Limited Limited, a leading multi- enable the customers of the bank to avail the
(HDFC life) state scheduled co- products of HDFC Life.
operative bank
Asian Development National Bank for Launched an initiative to facilitate climate action
Bank (ADB) Agriculture and Rural in India’s Agriculture, Natural Resources, and
Development (NABARD) Rural Development (ANR) sector.
Under this initiative, NABARD collaborates with
the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to
establish a Technical Support Unit (TSU) to
address climate change challenges, focusing on
agriculture and rural livelihood sectors in India.
World Bank State Bank of India (SBI) Signed a USD 165 million Line of Credit (LoC) to
finance grid-connected rooftop Solar Photovoltaic
projects in residential and institutional sectors.
On December 21, 2023, SBI signed 200 million
euro (~Rs 1,800 crore) LoC with the European
Investment Bank (EIB) to support climate action
projects in India.
Central Bank of India Bengaluru (Karnataka) based To offer Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise
Limited (CBI) Kisetsu Saison Finance (India) (MSME) Loans. Under this partnership, CBI will
Private Limited be acquiring 80% of the MSME loans which are
originated and processed by Kisetsu Saison
Finance
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS

LOANS ISSUED BY RECEIVED BY AMOUNT KEY NOTES
Asian Development Uttarakhand Climate USD 200 To improve the quality, efficiency,
Bank (ADB) Resilient Power Million and reliability of power supply,
System Development and aiding the state in achieving
Project 24×7 power to its residents and
transitioning to the use of clean
energy.
✓ 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 to support livelihood
enhancement, training,
and awareness-raising
activities of this project.
ADB has unveiled a new initiative
to address climate and disaster
risks in the crucial Hindu Kush
Himalaya region, a vital water
source supporting over a billion
people across Asia.
Asian Development Government of India USD 175 To improve the connectivity and
Bank (ADB) million resilience of roads in Madhya
Pradesh (MP).This project will
enhance connectivity in the state
road network across 14 districts
in MP.
✓ ADB will enhance Madhya
Pradesh Road
Development Corporation
Limited(MPRDC) by
upgradation of 500 km of
roads to two-lane, with
climate-resilient design,
innovative safety features
and facilities catering to
elderly, women, children,
and people with
disabilities.
About Asian Development
Bank (ADB): President –
Masatsugu Asakawa
,Headquarters – Mandaluyong
City, Manila, Philippines
KfW Development REC Limited(formerly 200 million To reform Distribution
Bank, Germany Rural Electrification Euro Companies (DISCOMs) in India.
Corporation Limited), (approximately The agreement is in line with the
a Maharatna Central Rs. 1,795 Revamped Distribution Sector
Public Sector crore) Scheme (RDSS), which was
Enterprise (CPSE) launched in 2022 under MoP.
under the Ministry of
Power (MoP)

Asian Development India Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Bank (ADB) approved a USD 250
million policy-based loan to
develop industrial corridors in
India aligning with the National
Industrial Corridor Development
Program (NICDP).
✓ ADB approved USD 200
million loan to improve
solid waste management
and sanitation in Indian
cities.
✓ ADB will also provide an
- additional USD 3.15
million Technical
Assistance (TA) grant
from its Urban Resilience
Trust Fund, Republic of
Korea e-Asia and
Knowledge Partnership
Fund, and the Sanitation
Financing Partnership
Trust Fund.
ADB announced plans to launch
the Climate Action Catalyst
Fund (CACF) on January 1, 2024.
It is a first-of-its-kind carbon fund
under the Paris Agreement.
KfW Development State Bank of India 70 million To support solar
Bank, Germany (SBI) Euro photovoltaic(PV) projects in
(approximately India.
Rs 636 crore) The agreement was signed at the
International Financial Services
Centres (IFSC) Gujarat
International Finance Tec-City
(GIFT City) Branch of SBI in
Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Asian Development India 37 Billion Signed an loan agreement for a
Bank (ADB) Japanese Yen 37 Billion Japanese Yen (USD 250
(USD 250 million) loan to continue
million) financing the construction of the
82-kilometre Delhi-Meerut
Regional Rapid Transit System
(RRTS) corridor.

Japan International Government of India 415,301 Signed loan agreements to offer

Cooperation Agency million yen Japanese Official Development
(JICA) Assistance (ODA) loans
totalling 415,301 million yen for
the following two projects:
✓ Project for the
Construction of Mumbai -
Ahmedabad High-Speed
Rail (V) (loan amount:
400,000 million yen)
Program for Japan-India
Cooperative Actions towards
Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) in India (Phase 2) (loan
amount: 15,301 million yen)
World Bank Ministry of Finance USD 300 For the project ‘Tamil Nadu
(MoF), million Climate Resilient Urban
Government of India Development Program
(GoI) (TNCRUDP)’.
World Bank approved USD 100
million for the project ‘Sikkim:
Integrated Service Provision
and Innovation for Reviving
Economies (INSPIRES)’
Operation to support Sikkim’s
efforts to train, upskill, and
provide jobs for 300,500 women
and youth in high-growth and
priority sectors.
Asian Development Government of India USD 100 million Signed a loan agreement of USD 100
Bank (ADB) million for the project “India :
Tripura Urban and Tourism
Development Project” which aims
to improve urban services and
tourism facilities in the northeastern
state of Tripura.
This is the first urban project in
India that has been prepared with
Project Readiness
Financing(PRF).


OTHER BANKING NEWS

World Bank Launched Various initiatives to Address Methane Emissions Globally at the COP28
summit
The World Bank (WB) launched partnership platforms namely the Global Methane Reduction
Platform for Development (CH4D), a hub for methane reduction in agriculture and waste, and
the Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership (GFMR) which focuses on reducing
methane leaks in the oil and gas sector.
ADB Offered Loans for Various Projects in India and Co-Hosts 'Kutumb' with IIFL Home Finance
Ltd
Asian Development Bank (ADB) helps its members and partners by providing loans, technical
assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.
Recently it has collaborated with GOI, Uttarakhand, and IIFl Home Finance Limited for various
projects.
✓ ADB Loan to Promote Plant Health Management in India’s Horticulture
✓ ADB approves USD 200 million boost to enhance water supply and sanitation in
Uttarakhand
✓ IIFL Home Finance Ltd. presents the 15th chapter of ‘Kutumb’ in collaboration with the
Asian Development Bank (ADB).
World Bank Sets up Task Force to Study Recommendations of IEG on MDBs Reforms
The World Bank has set up a task force to study the recommendations to strengthen
multilateral development banks (MDBs) made by an Independent Experts Group (IEG)
constituted during India's G20 (Group 20) chairmanship.
About the Independent Experts Group(IEG):
The Independent Expert Group (IEG) was appointed under the India G20 Presidency to provide
recommendations for strengthening (MDBs)and has two co-convenors: Professor Emeritus of
Harvard University Lawrence Summers and former Chairperson of the 15th Finance
Commission NK Singh.
WB and DEA launch PPP Beginner’s e-course to foster PPP collaboration in Infrastructure
Capacity-Building
The World Bank (WB) and the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance
launched the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Beginner's e-course to help people
understand and contribute to PPPs in India.
✓ It is a step towards fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors in
infrastructure capacity-building. It was launched by Ajay Banga, President, WB Group in
the presence of Ajay Seth, Secretary, DEA, among others.
SIDBI grants Rs.12.45 Cr to ETO Motors to deploy 300 E3W

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has granted Rs. 12.45 crores to ETO
Motors Private Limited to deploy 300 Electric 3-Wheelers (E3W) in Hyderabad(Telangana)
and New Delhi (Delhi), under Mission 50K-EV4ECO.

IndusInd Bank launches 'eSvarna’, India’s First Corporate Credit Card on RuPay Network
IndusInd Bank Limited has launched India’s first Corporate Credit Card ‘The eSvarna Card’ on
RuPay network as part of a Corporate Liability program. With this launch, IndusInd Bank
became the first entity in India to integrate Unified Payments Interface (UPI) functionality
with a Corporate Credit Card.
The eSvarna Card is a Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMV) chip based contactless Commercial
Credit Card which can be used at all RuPay accepting merchant establishments across the
globe.
Bank of Maharashtra unveils Comprehensive Suite of New Products and Services

Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) announced a new suite of products and services during Maha
Parivartan Diwas on December 19, 2023 to improve the banking experience.
✓ The products and services were launched across diverse platforms like Mobile Banking,
Internet Banking, WhatsApp Banking, Credit Card Services, and a spectrum of Digital
Products.
Bank of Baroda Introduced BOB Parivar Account for Savings & Current Accounts
Bank of Baroda (BOB), a leading public sector bank(PSB), has launched the BOB Parivar
Account for Savings and Current Accounts which groups all the bank accounts belonging to
members of a single family under One Family. The accounts under the BOB Parivar Account
will be operated independently by the primary account holder.
Bank of India Launches Exclusive SB Account “Nari Shakti Savings Account” for Women
Bank of India (BOI), a leading public sector bank in India, has launched an exclusive Saving
Bank (SB) Account named Nari Shakti Savings Account, specifically designed for women aged
18 and above who have an independent source of income.This account offers benefits and
features designed to empower women financially and promote their well-being.
✓ About Bank of India (BOI): MD and CEO– Rajneesh Karnataka,Headquarters– Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
IDFC FIRST Bank & MasterCard Unveiled the “FIRST SWYP” Credit Card
IDFC First Bank Limited, in collaboration with MasterCard, has launched “FIRST SWYP
credit card”, designed exclusively for Gen Z generation.
✓ The card, powered by Mastercard, aims to provide various lifestyle requirements of the
youth, focused on affordability, convenience, and increased customer engagement.
IDFC FIRST Bank has launched IDFC FIRST Bank digital RuPay credit cards
IDFC FIRST bank has introduced “IDFC FIRST Bank digital RuPay credit card”, powered
for UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This is a digital credit card on the Rupay network.
World Bank & WFP Deepen Partnership against Backdrop of Record Food Insecurity
World Bank (WB) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have strengthened their
partnership amidst growing concerns about record levels of food insecurity worldwide. The
partnership aims to build robust food systems along with a preparation plan to handle future
shocks.

They also help governments and communities to boost food security, transform food systems,
and expand adaptive social protection programs.
Bandhan Bank secured mandate to collect revenue on e-GRAS portal from Assam
Bandhan Bank Limited has gained authorisation to collect revenue on electronic-Government
Receipt Accounting System (e-GRAS) from the Government of Assam .
✓ Assam e-GRAS (https://assamegras.gov.in) is an online system that facilitates creation of
eChallan and online payment by citizens anywhere, anytime. Through Assam e-GRAS
portal, people can pay to 70 departments for their services.
Federal Bank recognised as Top Performer of 2023 CAFI Award for Climate Reporting by IFC
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has recognised
Federal Bank Limited as the top performer of the 2023 Climate Assessment for Financial
Institutions (CAFI) Awards for Climate Reporting.
Federal Bank emerged as a standout performer by securing 2 positions on the global stage
and 4 recognitions in South Asian Region.
KMBL & IIT Kanpur Launched India's 1st School of Sustainability

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur(IIT-K)
in Uttar Pradesh(UP), has launched “Kotak School of Sustainability (KSS)”, India’s first fully
integrated school of sustainability, at IIT-K Campus. KSS is funded by KMBL through their
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme ‘Kotak Karma’.
Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme 2023-24 Series III Unveiled

The Government of India (GoI), under Notification No.4(6)-B(W&M)/2023 dated December 8,
2023, announces the opening of Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) 2023-24 (Series III) for
subscription during the period December 18-22, 2023 with Settlement date December 28,
2023.
IndusInd Bank Launched Industry-First Program For Diamond Industry

IndusInd Bank Limited has launched 'Indus Solitaire Program', an industry-first community
banking program designed for the diamond industry.
✓ The program goes beyond traditional banking and offers elite banking services to the
diamond community through IndusInd’s flagship branches in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and
Surat (Gujarat).
EIB invests USD 40 Million in Private Equity Fund Amicus Capital

European Investment Bank (EIB) announced the investment of up to USD 40 million (EUR 37
million) in the private equity fund Amicus Capital Partners Fund II managed by Amicus
India Capital Partners.
RBL Bank launches electronic Bank Guarantee on NeSL platform

RBL Bank Limited has entered into a partnership with National E-Governance Services
Limited (NeSL) to issue its electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) products built on the framework

enabled by NeSL. The partnership incorporates NeSL’s expertise in e-stamping and e-sign with
an aim to make the transition secure.
SBI, HDFC Bank will need to maintain Higher Capital from FY25
On December 28, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the list of Domestic
Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) in which State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank and ICICI
Bank continued to be identified as D-SIBS. However, SBI and HDFC Bank will need to maintain
higher capital from April 1, 2025.
✓ The additional common equity Tier 1 (CET-1) as a percentage of Risk Weighted Assets
(RWAs) requirement for SBI will be 0.80%, and for HDFC Bank, it will be 0.40%.
Note: The RBI has moved SBI from bucket 3 to bucket 4 and HDFC Bank from bucket 1 to
bucket 2. This means they will have to meet the above mentioned higher additional CET 1
requirements. Upto March 31, 2025, the D-SIB surcharge applicable to SBI and HDFC Bank is
0.60% and 0.20%, respectively.
PSBs Wrote-off Rs 10.42 lakh crore in 9 Years & Recovered 15.45%

The Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have recovered Rs 1.61 lakh crore out of the Rs 10.42 lakh
crore written off during the 9 fiscal years from 2014-15 to 2022-23. PSBs could not recover
even Re 1 as against Rs 5 written-off during 9 fiscal years starting 2014-15
SCB written off Rs 10.57 lakh Crore in the last 5 years; Recovered Rs 7.15 lakh crore
FINANCE NEWS
LIC Jeevan Utsav: New Life Insurance Plan Launched with Lifetime Guaranteed Returns
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched Jeevan Utsav plan, a Non-Linked,
Non-Participating, Individual, Savings, Whole Life Insurance plan, which provides insurance
coverage for the entire lifetime of the insured individual.The plan is available in two payout
options namely
✓ Regular income benefits: 10% of the basic sum assured chosen by the policyholder will
be paid at the end of each policy year (starting after 3 to 6 years).
✓ Flexi income benefits: 10% of the basic sum assured payable can be accumulated and
withdrawn later.
LIC Notifies Framework for Appointment of Shareholders’ Director in its Board

On December 1, 2023, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has notified LIC
(shareholders’ director) Regulations, 2023 to allow the induction of shareholders' directors
on LIC’s board.
✓ Election: Upon notice of not less than 1000 shareholders or one-tenth of the total number
of shareholders (whichever is lower), LIC would elect a shareholders' director through a
general meeting of such shareholders.
✓ Term: The board will appoint a shareholders' director for a tenure of 4 years.
Re-election: The director will be eligible for re-election and re-appointment for another 4
years.

IRDAI is set to Launch ‘Bima Vistaar’, the First of its Kind Insurance Product
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is all set to launch the
first of its kind affordable insurance product covering risks against life, health, and property
namely 'Bima Vistaar' in the first quarter of 2024-2025 i.e. Q1FY25.
Bima Vistaar is a part of Insurance Trinity which also includes Bima Sugam, a one-stop digital
platform; and Bima Vahak, a women-led field distribution force.
Aditya Birla Sun Life launches ABSLI Salaried Term Plan for Salaried Individuals
Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI) has launched the ABSLI Salaried Term Plan, a budget-
friendly term insurance plan for salaried individuals.
✓ The plan is categorised as a non-linked, non-participating, Life Individual, pure risk, and
premium plan. ABSLI Salaried Term Plan provides long-term comprehensive protection
with a policy term of up to 49 years.
SBI Card joins Bharat BillPay in the Credit Card Category

SBI Card has joined the credit card category of Bharat BillPay. The integration of the SBI Card
into Bharat BillPay was made by NPCI Bharat BillPay (NBBL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI),
Max Life introduces the Smart Total Elite Protection Term Plan
The Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Max Life) introduced “Max Life Smart Total Elite
Protection (STEP) Term Plan”, a non-linked, non-participating, individual pure-risk premium
life insurance plan.
✓ The offering provides enhanced coverage of Rs 2 crores, aligning with the growing
financial needs.
✓ It also offers flexibility, allowing policyholders to take a premium break every five years as
part of the cover continuance benefit.
Canara HSBC Life Insurance Launches 'Alpha Wealth' Plan with Option to Modify Premiums
Canara HSBC Life Insurance introduced the Alpha Wealth plan to provide extensive financial
security for policyholders and their families. The plan encourages long-term savings, with
loyalty additions and wealth boosters enhancing the attractiveness of the plan.
Canara Bank Launched New Products & Services on its 118th Founder’s Day
Canara Bank, a public sector bank in India launched new products and services for customers
on its 118th Founder’s Day (19 November). These
include Corporate ai1, Whatsapp Banking Channel, and Canara Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) 123 Pay.
LIC Notifies Hike in Gratuity Limit to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 3 lakh for Agents
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has increased the gratuity limit to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 3
lakh with an aim to improve the working conditions and benefits of the agents with effect from
6th December 2023.

Cashfree Payments Launches India’s First Self-Hosted Payments Orchestration Platform

Cashfree Payments has introduced India’s first self-hosted payments orchestration platform
‘FlowWise’ which allows payment management to take place directly on the merchant's
infrastructure.
Reliance General Insurance introduces ‘Reliance Health Global’ Insurance Policy

The Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (RGICL), a subsidiary of Reliance Capital
limited, introduced “Reliance Health Global”, a health insurance policy that provides
comprehensive coverage for customers globally, including treatment from the best hospitals.
Notably, it is the first global health insurance policy that covers emergency and planned
treatments within India by offering an unlimited Sum Insured.
U GRO Capital raises USD 30mn through NCDs from Netherland’s FMO
On December 19, 2023, U GRO Capital Limited, a non-banking financial company (NBFC),
raised USD 30 million (around Rs 250 crore) through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)
from FMO, the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, based in the Hague, the Netherlands.
Kotak Life Has Introduced a New Insurance Product ‘T.U.L.I.P’

On 20th December 2023, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited launched “Kotak
T.U.L.I.P”, a new term insurance policy with benefits of a unit-linked insurance plan (Ulip).
T.U.L.I.P, stands for term and Ulip, offers comprehensive protection like a term plan and also
the opportunity to grow their wealth like a ULIP.
ICICI Prudential AMC Changed its ETF Symbols

ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company(AMC) Limited has changed its exchange-traded
fund (ETF) product symbols to ‘IETF‘ (which stands for ICICI Prudential ETF) to simplify the
identification of ETF Schemes for passive investment purposes.
✓ The move is in line with Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI)'s master circular which
dictates that the scheme name should mirror the scheme category.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
ORGANIZATION YEAR RATE
National Statistical Office Q2FY24 7.6%
National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation
(MoSPI) released the estimates of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) for the July-
September Quarter (Q2) of 2023-24
(Q2FY24), both at Constant (2011-12) and
Current Prices.
✓ India’s Real GDP or GDP at Constant
(2011-12) Prices in Q2FY24 is

projected to grow at 7.6% as compared

to 6.2% in Q2FY23. It is estimated to
attain a level of Rs 41.74 lakh crore in
Q2FY24 as against Rs 38.78 lakh crore
in the Q2FY23.Nominal GDP or GDP at
Current Prices in Q2FY24 is estimated
at 9.1% as compared to 17.2% in
Q2FY23.
SBI’s Research Ecowrap raises India’s FY24
GDP forecast to 7% from 6.7%
State Bank of India (SBI) through its Research
‘Ecowrap‘ report has raised its forecast for
India’s GDP growth for FY24 to 7% from 6.7%,
citing robust Q2FY24 growth at 7.6%, driven
by a 13.9% surge in manufacturing and a
13.3% rise in construction.
OECD FY24 6.3%
According to the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD)
Economic Outlook November 2023 titled
‘Restoring growth’, the real Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth of India is expected to
be at 6.3% in financial year (FY) 2023-24.
✓ The report also pointed out that the
economy will slow down to 6.1% in
FY25 due to adverse weather-related
events and the weakening
international outlook.
This will facilitate the convergence of headline
inflation toward 4.2%, enabling the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) to reduce interest rates
from mid-2024, reaching 5.5% by the end of
2025.
Confederation of Indian FY24 6.8%
Industry (CII) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has
projected the India’s Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) to grow at 6.8 % in Financial Year
2023-24 (FY24) supported by infrastructure
development and promotion of ease of doing
business.
The projected economic growth is higher than
earlier projection of 6.5-6.7% which was
made in June 2023. CII also projected that the
growth will further accelerate to 7% in FY25

Asian Development Bank FY24 6.7%

(ADB) Asian Development Bank (ADB) in its Asian
Development Outlook (ADO) December 2023
raised its economic forecast for India to 6.7%
for Fiscal 2023-2024 (FY24) from the 6.3%
forecast made in September 2023.
For whole of Asia, ADB projected its economic
growth forecast in 2023 at 4.9% which higher
than the September 2023 forecast of 4.7%.
The outlook for 2024 is retained at 4.8%.
ICRA Limited (formerly FY24 6.5%
Investment Information and ICRA Limited (formerly Investment Information
Credit Rating Agency of India and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited) has
Limited) upgraded its Gross Domestic Product(GDP)
growth forecast for India for the fiscal year 2023-
24 (FY24) to 6.5% from the earlier estimate of
6.2%. The revises forecast is still lower than the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s GDP growth forecast
of 7% for FY24.
ECONOMY NEWS
Govt Provides Rs.6,186 Crore for Renewable Energy Via Green Bonds in FY23
Union Minister R.K.Singh, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), in a written
response to a query in Lok Sabha, informed that the Government of India (GoI) had raised
Sovereign Green Bonds (SGB) of Rs.16,000 crore (approximately) in the financial year 2022-23
(FY23).
Maharashtra becomes Largest Economy in India; UP becomes 2nd largest

According to a online blogging platform soic.in, Maharashtra has emerged as the largest
economy of India. It has largest share of 15.7% in India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is
followed by Uttar Pradesh (UP) with 9.2% share in India's GDP, and Tamil Nadu (TN) with
9.1%.
India's IIP Hits 16-Month High of 11.7% in October 2023; Retail Inflation Rises to 3-Month High
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has increased to a 16-month high, marking an
11.7% year on year (YoY) increase, in October 2023 compared to 6.2% YoY growth in
September 2023. This was mainly due to the robust performances in the manufacturing
(10.4%), electricity (20.4%), and mining (13.1%) sectors’ output.
DEA Grants One-Time Exemption to LIC to Achieve 25% MPS in 10 Years

On 21st December 2023, The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance
(MoF), granted one-time exemption (in the public interest) to Life Insurance Corporation of
India (LIC) to achieve 25% Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) within 10 years from the date
of listing, till May 2032.

BUSINESS NEWS
ONDC launches ‘Build for Bharat’ Initiative to Tackle Challenges in Digital Commerce Space
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has launched a nationwide initiative called
'Build for Bharat' in collaboration with Google Cloud India Private Limited, Antler Innovation
India Private Limited, Paytm(One97 Communications Limited), Protean eGov Technologies
Limited and Startup India.
Bharat Electronics Limited Receives orders worth Rs. 3,915 Crore

The Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), has
received multiple orders worth Rs. 3,915 crore for the supply of various defense equipment. It
received an order worth Rs 580 crore from the Indian Army for supplying an artificial
magnetic conductor (AMC) of radars.
RIL Becomes 1st Indian Company to Use Chemical Recycling For ISCC-Plus Certified Circular
Polymers
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) became the 1st Indian company to chemically recycle
plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into International Sustainability & Carbon Certification
(ISCC)-Plus certified Circular Polymers. RIL's Jamnagar(Gujarat) refinery became the 1st
refinery to get the ISCC-Plus certification, validating its capability to produce Circular
Polymers through chemical recycling.
Adani Global and Sirius International partners to form a JV - Sirius Digitech International
Adani Global Limited has formed a joint venture “Sirius Digitech International Limited
(Sirius JV)” with United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Sirius International Holding Limited
(Sirius) to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Secured Blockchain
Products for industrial applications. Sirius will own 51% of the Sirius JV, while Adani will own
49%.
VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Launched the New Logo of ICAI

Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice-President (VP) of India, launched the new logo of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) during the 1st ever Global Professional Accountants
Convention (GloPAC) held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 24th-26th November 2023.
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS

MoU’s WITH COUNTRY
COUNTRY MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
China Egypt Signed two cooperation documents in space
exploration to boost deep space exploration,
spacecraft development and construction of
space infrastructure. The 2 documents were,
✓ A MoU between the government of China
and Egypt on space cooperation and
peaceful use of outer space.

A cooperation agreement between the China

National Space Administration (CNSA) and the
Egyptian Space Agency (EGSA) on the
International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
Mozambique Ports and RITES Limited The contract is valued at USD 37.68 million
Railways (formerly known as (approximately Rs 314.1 crores).
Rail India Technical
and Economic
Service Limited), a
Navratna and
Schedule ‘A’ Central
Public Sector
Enterprise (CPSE)
under the Ministry
of Railways (MoR)
Saudi Arabia National Skill The MoU aims to protect the rights of skilled
Development India labourers (across all categories, including
Corporation Air Conditioner (AC) mechanics, and car
(NSDC) under the painters) who are working in Saudi Arabia.
Ministry of Skill
Development and
Entrepreneurship
(MSDE)
MoU’s WITH STATES

STATE MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Gujarat Airport Authority of A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
India (AAI) signed between the Civil Aviation Department of
the Government of Gujarat and the Airport
Authority of India (AAI) for the advancement of
airports in Gujarat.
Under this MoU, AAI will advance the
establishment of 11 proposed greenfield
airports, and evaluate their technical feasibility
and the availability of land.
Government of India (GoI) United National Signed a tripartite Peace Agreement in New
and the Manipur Liberation Front Delhi, Delhi to establish permanent peace in the
Government (UNLF) Northeastern region specifically in Manipur. The
peace agreement marks the end of a six-decade-
long armed movement.
For the first time, a Valley-based armed group
has agreed to return to the mainstream by giving
up violence and agreeing to honour the
Constitution of India and the laws of the land.

Kerala Startup Mission Business Finland To boost the startup ecosystems in India and
(KSUM) Finland.A KSUM volunteer exchanged the MoU
with Business Finland Senior Director Laura
Lindeman, during the Slush 2023 held in
Helsinki, Finland, from 30th November 2023 to
1st December 2023.
Assam National Dairy For the holistic development of the dairy sector
Development Board in Assam.This partnership is in line with efforts
(NDDB) to make Assam, sufficient in milk and egg
production in the coming years. The government
has targeted to increase Assam’s milk production
to 39 lakh litres per day from 29 lakh litres.
Gujarat Housing and Urban To invest up to Rs 14,500 crore to boost the overall
Development development of Gujarat by financing various housing
Corporation Limited and urban infrastructure projects.
(HUDCO)
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATION MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Tata Advanced Systems Satellogic Inc., a sub-meter To develop local space technology
Limited (TASL), a leading resolution Earth capabilities in India. This collaboration is a
aerospace and defence Observation (EO) Data first step in TASL’s satellite strategy. For
solutions provider collection company this, TASL is commissioning a Satellites’
Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) in
Karnataka.
National Institution for International Food Policy Signed a 5-year long Statement of Intent
Transforming India (NITI Research Institute (IFPRI) (SoI) to strengthen the policy and
Aayog) programme frameworks that will contribute
to the development of India
Indian Army (IA) Ministry of Electronics Collaborated to infuse cutting-edge
and Information technology and digital infrastructure into
Technology (MeitY) the core of the Indian Army’s operational
framework. The partnership aims to
establish indigenous fifth Generation(5G)
labs and plans to designate the Military
College of Telecommunication Engineering
in Madhya Pradesh as a sixth generation
(6G) test bed, to drive technological
advancements.
Ministry of Defence Telecommunications Signed a contract worth Rs.588.68 crore to

Consultants India Limited acquire the Digital Coast Guard (DCG)
(TCIL), Ministry of project under the Buy (Indian) category.
Communications (MoC) This contract in line with Government of
India’s strategic vision for Digital Armed

Forces will contribute to the efforts to

achieve ‘Atmanirbharta’ in defence.
ACKO General Insurance PhonePe To offer car and bike insurance products
directly through the PhonePe platform
which aims to deliver intuitive, affordable,
and reliable insurance coverage to the users.
This collaboration is facilitated through the
cutting-edge partnership Application
programming interface (API) stack for
seamless integration.
LIC Cards Services IDFC FIRST Bank Limited To launch “LIC IDFC FIRST Credit Cards”, a
Limited (LIC CSL) and Mastercard co-branded credit card to meet the dynamic
financial needs of India. The card is available
in two variants: LIC Classic Credit Card and
LIC Select Credit Card.
Ministry of Defence Bharat Electronics Limited Signed a 10-year contract worth Rs 5,336.25
(MoD) (BEL) crore to procure electronic fuzes for the
Indian Army (IA). Electronic Fuzes will be
manufactured by the BEL at its Pune,
Maharashtra and upcoming Nagpur Plant,
Maharashtra.
Ministry of Defence Mazagon Dockyard Signed a contract worth Rs.1614.89 crore
(MoD) Shipbuilders Limited for the procurement of six Next Generation
(MDL - functioning under Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVS) for the
MoD) Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
Ministry of Defence (MoD) entered a
contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited
(CSL) worth Rs 488.25 crore for the repair
and maintenance of equipment and systems
onboard naval vessels.
Amazon India Indian Coast Guard (ICG) To provide career opportunities for ex-
service personnel. The partnership aims to
help ex-servicemen from military
backgrounds pursue corporate careers
through opportunities at Amazon or in other
corporate roles
Ministry of Rural Ecommerce platform To empower the rural Self Help Group
Development (MoRD) ‘JioMart’ (SHG) artisans. The partnership paves a way
for SHGs of
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana(DAY)-NRLM
to on-boarded as sellers onto JioMart.
Solidaridad Regional Council for Leather Exports To strengthen the performance of the Indian
Expertise Centre (SREC), (CLE) under the Ministry of leather industry in domestic and international
markets.

New Delhi-based Charitable Commerce and Industry

Trust (MoCI)
Hyderabad (Telangana)- France-based Merio, To make Advanced Gimbals for the Indian
based HC specialised in UAV armed forces.
Robotics Private (Unmanned Aerial
Limited Vehicle) payload systems
Reliance Jio Infocomm Indian Institute of To develop the 'BharatGPT (Generative Pre-
Limited (Jio), a subsidiary of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Trained Transformer)' program.
Reliance Industries Limited Mumbai, Maharashtra Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati,
(RIL) Assam in collaboration with the Government of
Assam had hosted a career progression session
for meritorious students of Assam to help them
to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) subjects in their higher
education as part of Assam’s flagship
Programme ‘Arohan’.
Adani Green Energy (AGEL) Solar Energy Corporation of To supply 1,799 MW (Mega Watt) of solar
India (SECI) power. The final PPA to supply 1,799 MW solar
power was inked for a period of 25 years.
With this PPA, AGEL completes the power off-
take tie-up for the 8,000 MW manufacturing-
linked solar tender awarded to it by SECI in June
2020. This set a record for being the world’s
largest solar tender.
Reliance Industries Ltd Walt Disney Co. Signed a non-binding term sheet to merge their
(RIL) Indian media operations. Under the merger
Reliance would own 51% through a
combination of shares and cash, and Disney will
hold the remaining 49%. The merger is expected
to be finalised by February 2024.
Adani Total Gas Limited Flipkart India Private Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
(ATGL) Limited to collaborate on decarbonising Flipkart’s
supply chain.
ONDC Google and Meta In December 2023, Open Network for Digital
Commerce (ONDC), an open e-commerce
platform, announced two Separate partnership
with Google and Meta (formerly known as
Facebook).
✓ ONDC and Google has partnered to
enable metro ticket booking through its
mapping app - Google map.
ONDC and Meta has partnered to expand its
outreach to small businesses through Whatsapp.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED AS ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
Anumula Revanth Chief Minister Telangana Anumula Revanth Reddy,

Reddy President of Telangana Pradesh
Congress Committee (TPCC),
sworn in as the Chief Minister
(CM) of Telangana. He became the
1st Congress CM of Telangana and
the 2nd CM of the State since its
formation in 2014.
Mallu Bhatti Vikaramarka, Former
Leader of Opposition in Telangana
Legislative Assembly, took oath as
the Deputy CM of Telangana.
Lalduhoma Chief Minister Mizoram Lalduhoma (74), Leader of the
Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM),
was sworn in as the 6th Chief
Minister (CM) of Mizoram.He is
also the oldest person to become
the CM of Mizoram. Mizoram
Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati
administered the oath of office and
secrecy at the Raj Bhavan complex
in Aizwal, Mizoram.
In 2023 Mizoram Assembly
Election, Baryl Vanneihsangi(32)
from Aizawl South-III constituency
became the youngest woman
Member of Legislative Assembly
(MLA) of Mizoram.
Mohan Yadav Chief Minister Madhya Pradesh Mohan Yadav, the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) legislature party
leader was sworn in as the 19th
Chief Minister (CM) of Madhya
Pradesh (MP). BJP legislators
Rajendra Shukla and
Jagdish Devda were sworn in as
the Deputy Chief Ministers.
Mohan Yadav replaced Shivraj
Singh Chouhan who served as the

CM of MP for a record 4 terms of

more than 16 years and 5 months
in office.
Vishnu Deo Sai Chief Minister Chhattisgarh Vishnu Deo Sai of Bharatiya
Janata Party(BJP) was sworn in as
the 4th Chief Minister (CM) of
Chhattisgarh. BJP legislators Vijay
Sharma and Arun Sao were sworn
in as the Deputy Chief Ministers.
✓ Vishnu Deo Sai became the
first tribal chief minister
of Chhattisgarh.
Vishnu Deo Sai replaced Bhupesh
Baghel(Congress) who served as
the CM of Chhattisgarh from 2018
to 2023.
Bhajan Lal Sharma Chief Minister Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma of the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a 1st-
time Member of the Legislative
Assembly (MLA) elected from the
Sanganer Constituency, sworn in
as the 14th Chief Minister (CM) of
Rajasthan. Rajasthan Governor
Kalraj Mishra administered oath of
office and secrecy to Bhajan Lal
Sharma in the event held in Jaipur,
Rajasthan.
✓ Bhajan Lal Sharma replaced
Indian National Congress
(INC) leader Ashok Gehlot,
who served as the CM of
Rajasthan for 3 terms from
1998-2003, 2008-2013, and
2018-2023.
Diya Kumari and Prem Chand
Bairwa were sworn in as the
Deputy CMs of Rajasthan during
the event.
Chandra Shekhar Managing Director Bandhan Bank The board of Bandhan Bank
Ghosh (MD) and Chief Limited approved the re-
Executive Officer appointment of Chandra Shekhar
(CEO) Ghosh as the Managing Director
(MD) and Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of the Bandhan Bank , for 3

years.The re-appointment is
subject to the approval of the
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and
the shareholders of the bank.
If approved by RBI, the re-
appointment would be effective
from July 10, 2024.
Rajiv Anand Chairman Max Life Rajiv Anand, a Non-Executive
Insurance Co. Ltd. Director of Max Life Insurance Co.
Ltd. nominated by Axis Bank Ltd,
has been named the Chairman of
Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd., with
effect from 5th December 2023.
Rajiv Anand, Deputy Managing
Director (MD) of Axis Bank(since
2021) succeeded Analjit Singh,
the Founder and Chairman
Emeritus of Max Life Insurance Co
Ltd.
Vivek Kumar Gupta Part-time Board of Rail Droupadi Murmu, The President of
Government Vikas Nigam India, has approved the
Director Limited (RVNL) appointment of Vivek Kumar
Gupta as Part-time Government
Director on the Board of Rail
Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) with
immediate effect.
Manisha Padhi Aide-de-Camp Mizoram Squadron leader Manisha Padhi, a
(ADC) Governor 2015 batch Indian Air Force (IAF)
officer was appointed as the Aide-
de-Camp (ADC) of Mizoram
Governor Hari
Babu Kambhampati. She became
the first woman Indian Armed
Forces officer to be appointed as
Aide-de-Camp (ADC).
Lalbiaktluanga Chief Secretary Jharkhand Lalbiaktluanga Khiangte, a 1988
Khiangte batch Indian Administrative
Service (IAS) officer, was
appointed as 24th Chief Secretary
of Jharkhand with ‘immediate
effect’. He will be holding the post
till 31st October 2024.He will
replace the incumbent Chief
Secretary Sukhdev Singh (1987

batch IAS officer) who has been

made the DG of Shri Krishna
Institute of Public Administration
Satish Kumar Kalra Interim Managing Slice-backed NESFB The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Director (MD) and approved the appointment of Satish
Chief Executive Kumar Kalra, as interim Managing
Officer (CEO) Director (MD) and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of the Fintech startup
Slice-backed North East Small
Finance Bank (NESFB).
Pramod Agrawal Chairman BSE Limited The Securities and Exchange Board of
(formerly Bombay India (SEBI) has approved the
Stock Exchange) appointment of Pramod Agrawal as
the Chairman of the BSE Limited
(formerly Bombay Stock Exchange)
with effect from 17th January 2024.
He will be replacing Subhash
Sheoratan Mundra (SS Mundra), the
current Chairman of BSE, whose
tenure is set to expire on 16th January
2024.
Chandra Part-time Chairman Kotak Mahindra Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Shekhar Rajan (C S Bank Limited approved the appointment of Chandra
Rajan) (KMBL) Shekhar Rajan (C S Rajan) as the Part-
time Chairman of Kotak Mahindra
Bank Limited (KMBL) for two years
with effect from 1st January 2024.
He will be replacing incumbent Non-
Executive Independent Part-time
Chairman, Prakash Apte who is set to
retire on 31st December 2023.
Nina Singh 1st woman Director Central Industrial Nina Singh was appointed as the 1st
General (DG) Security Force woman Director General (DG) of the
(CISF) Central Industrial Security Force
(CISF). She will hold the post till her
superannuation on July 31, 2024.she
was holding the additional charge of
DG of CISF from August 2023
following the superannuation of
Sheel Vardhan Singh, who held the
position from November 2021
to August 2023.
✓ Anish Dayal Singh, DG of
Anish Dayal Singh Full-time DG Central Reserve Indo-Tibetan Border Police
Police Force (CRPF) (ITBP) was appointed as the
full-time DG of the Central
Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
till his superannuation on 31

December 2024. He was

holding the additional DG,
CRPF charge following S L
Thaosen's retirement on 30
November 2023.
✓ Rahul Rasgotra succeeded
Anish Dayal Singh and will be
the new DG of ITBP till the
date of his superannuation on
30 September 2025.
Vivek Srivastava was appointed as
DG of the Fire Service, Civil Defence,
and Home Guards till the date of his
superannuation on 30 June 2025.
INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
AS
Donald Tusk Prime Poland Donald Tusk, leader of Civic
Minister Coalition, was elected as the Prime
Minister (PM) of Poland by winning
a vote of confidence in parliament
on 11th December 2023. He takes
oath as PM at the presidential palace
by Poland’s President Andrzej Duda.
Geraldo João Prime Guinea-Bissau President of the Republic of Guinea-
Martins Minister Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo
issued the decree reappointing
Geraldo João Martins as Prime
Minister(PM) to the Government
of Guinea-Bissau.
He was initially appointed as PM in
August 2023 after winning the
legislative elections conducted in
June 2023.
Abdel Fattah President Egypt Incumbent Egyptian President
Saeed Hussein Abdel Fattah Saeed Hussein Khalil
Khalil El-Sisi El-Sisi secures 3rd term as Egypt's
president, after winning the 2024
Presidential Elections with 89.6% of
the vote. He is Egypt's 8th president,
who has been in office since 2014.
He was 1st elected as president in
mid-2014, then re-elected in 2018
for the 2nd term.

Sheikh Meshal Al- Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber

Ahmad Al-Jaber Kuwait Al-Sabah officially assumed the role
Al-Sabah of Emir of Kuwait, taking the
constitutional oath in a ceremony
held before the Kuwaiti National
Assembly. He became the 17th
ruler of Kuwait, the oil-rich Gulf
state.
He succeeded the late Emir
Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-
Sabah, who passed away at the age
of 86 on 16 December 2023. He
served as the Emir of Kuwait for 3
years (2020-2023).
Uma Sekhar Governing UNIDROIT India's first woman candidate, Uma
Council of Sekhar was elected to the Governing
UNIDROIT Council of the International
Institute for the Unification of
Private Law (UNIDROIT) in its
82nd session, by winning 45 out of
59 votes in the initial round of
elections held in Rome, Italy on 14
December 2023.With this, India will
be a member of the Governing
Council for the period from 1
January 2024 – 31 December
2028.
Vita Dani ITTF governing ITTF Sports philanthropist and
Board Member entrepreneur Vita Dani has become
the first Indian to be inducted as a
governing board member to the
International Table Tennis
Federation (ITTF) Foundation. Vita
Dani along with Jalaj Dani co-
founded Dani Foundation.
Deven Parekh Member Board of Directors of the Joe Biden, The President of the United
US International States of America (USA) has nominated
Development Finance Indian-American global venture
Corporation (DFC) capitalist Deven Parekh, Managing
Director at Insight Partners, as a
member of the Board of Directors of
the US International Development
Finance Corporation (DFC) for 3 years.

BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS

PERSON NAME BRAND / CAMPAIGN KEY NOTES
Suresh Kumar Raina Youth Voter Election Commission of India (ECI) appointed
Awareness Former (Retired) Indian cricketer Suresh Kumar
Ambassador for Raina as the Youth Voter Awareness
Union Territory Ambassador for Union Territory (UT) Jammu &
(UT) Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), to create awareness among the
Kashmir (J&K) youngsters to participate in the electoral
process for higher voter turnout.
✓ Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of J&K,
Pandurang K Pole presented a letter of
his appointment on 1st December, 2023.
PNB MetLife appointed India’s Star Cricketer
Smriti Mandhana its ambassador
Smriti Mandhana, Vice Captain of Indian
Women’s Cricket team has been appointed as
the brand ambassador of PNB MetLife India
Insurance Company Limited for their campaign
“Karo Bade Sapno Ki Tayyari”.
Deepika Padukone First ever global Bisleri International Private Limited, leading
brand ambassador Indian bottled water company, has roped in
Deepika Padukone, a bollywood actress and
producer as its first ever global brand
ambassador.
Kartik Aaryan Brand Ambassador Sony Sports Network (SSN), owned and
operated by Sony Pictures Networks (SPN), has
appointed Bollywood Actor Kartik Aaryan as
its official brand ambassador for football. As the
brand ambassador, he will feature on SSN’s
‘Your Home of Football’ campaign.
Deepika Padukone Brand Ambassador Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), a wholly-
owned subsidiary of South Korea-based Hyundai
Motor Company (HMC), has roped in
Deepika Padukone, a Bollywood actress and
producer as its brand ambassador.
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

India re-elected to International Maritime Organisation Council for 2024-2025
India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council under
Category B states for the 2024-2025 biennium. India got 157 votes out of 167, which is the
highest number of votes among candidates in category B.
✓ The election was held during the 33rd Assembly of IMO in London, The United Kingdom
(U.K.).

✓ Vikram Doraiswami, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, represented

India at the IMO Assembly.
Pakistan Elected as Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board from the Asia Pacific Group
Pakistan was elected as the Vice Chairperson of United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Executive Board for the term 2023-2025 from the Asia
Pacific Group.
Out of the 58-member Executive Board, Pakistan received 38 votes defeating India which got
only 18 votes.
4 Union Ministers Get Additional Charge: Arjun Munda Appointed as Agri Minister
Droupadi Murmu, President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has
given additional charge to 4 Union Ministers. Union Minister Arjun Munda, Ministry of Tribal
Affairs (MoTA), has been given additional charge as the Union Minister for the Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW).
Name Parliamentary Constituency
Lok Sabha
Arjun Munda Khunti, Jharkhand
Sushri Shobha Karandlaje Udupi Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Bharti Pravin Pawar Dindori, Maharashtra
Rajya Sabha
Rajeev Chandrasekhar Karnataka
HDFC Bank Recommends Re-appointment of Atanu Chakraborty as Chairman for 3 years

The Board of Directors of HDFC Bank Limited has recommended the re-appointment of
Atanu Chakraborty as the Part-Time Non-Executive Chairman and Independent Director of
the Bank to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a second term of 3 years with effect from 5th
May 2024 to 4th May 2027.
India to Represent Asia in Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission

India has been unanimously elected to represent the Asian region in the Executive
Committee of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC). The election took place during the
46th meeting of the CAC held at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) Headquarters in Rome, Italy from 27th November to 2nd December 2023.
About the Executive Committee of CAC:
✓ The Executive Committee comprises of the Chair, 3 vice Chairs, 6 regional coordinators
and 7 elected representatives from the 7 geographical regions of Codex: (Africa; Asia;
Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; Near East; North America; & The Southwest
Pacific).
The Executive Committee is chaired by the Chairperson of the CAC. At present, Chairperson of
CAC is Steve Wearne, Director of Global Affairs at the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency.

10 BJP MPs Including 2 Minister resigned from Parliament After winning State Elections
10 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Members of Parliament (MPs) including Union Minister
Narendra Singh Tomar, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) and
Minister of State (MoS) Prahlad Singh Patel, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI),
have resigned from the Parliament after winning the respective state assembly elections.
Prahlad Singh Patel also holds charge as the MoS for Minitry of Jal Shakti.
Govt Reconstitutes National Startup Advisory Council, MoCI Nominates 31 Non-Official

Members
On 18th December 2023, Government of India reconstituted the National Startup Advisory
Council (NSAC) upon the completion of its 2 year term. Following the reconstitution, Ministry
of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has nominated 31 non-official members to represent
various stakeholders of the startup eco-system.
Note: The term of the non-official members of NSAC shall be 2 years or until further orders.
Click here for the complete list of nominated members
AWARDS
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS
AWARD NAME AWARD FIELD KEY NOTES
WINNER
Best Film Award Children of Film Israeli film ‘Children of Nobody’, written
Nobody and directed by Erez-Tadmor, won the
Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award for Best
Film in the international competition
category at the 29th Kolkata International
Film Festival - 2023 (KIFF - 2023) held
from 5th - 12th December 2023 in
Kolkata(West Bengal).
Miss Continental Aastha Rawal Indian Actress Aastha Rawal has won the
International Award 5th edition of the Miss Continental
(2023) - International Award (2023) pageant
held in India for the very first time.
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS

AWARD NAME AWARD WINNER FIELD KEY NOTES
Leif Erikson Indian Space Chandrayaan- The Exploration Museum in Husavik,

Awards Research 3 mission Iceland announced the winners of the 9th
Organisation (ISRO) edition of the Leif Erikson Awards.
Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO), the national space agency of India

based in Bengaluru, Karnataka won the

2023 Leif Erikson Lunar Prize for its
Chandrayaan-3 mission, the 1st
spacecraft to softland near Moon’s south
pole. Click Here to read about
Chandrayaan-3 Mission
Sahitya Akademi Total of 24 Indian The Sahitya Akademi announced the winners
Awards 2023 Languages of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2023, the
annual award that recognizes literary works
in 24 Indian languages (including English).
The winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards
2023 include 9 books of poetry, 6 Novels, 5
short stories, 3 Essays, and 1 Literary Study.
✓ The Award is in the form of a casket
containing an engraved copper
- plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of
Rs. 1 lakh.
The awards recognize the works under
various categories such as poetry, short
stories, Novels, Play/Drama, Literary
criticism, Autobiography essays, Collections
of articles, and Literary History.Click here to
read full News
PRSI National Suganthy Sundararaj Public Relations Society of India (PRSI)
Award 2023 honoured Suganthy Sundararaj,
Regional Head of Public Relations at
Apollo Hospitals, with the PRSI National
Award 2023 for her outstanding
- contributions to PRSI and the industry.
The award was presented during the
International Public Relations (IPR)
Festival 2023 held in New Delhi, Delhi
from 25th to 27th November 2023.
WISE Prize for Safeena Husain Founder and Safeena Husain, the founder and board
Education 2023 board member of Educate Girls, was awarded
member of the WISE Prize for Education 2023 by the
Educate Girls Qatar Foundation at the 11th edition of
the World Innovation Summit for
Education (WISE) Summit held on 28th -
29th November 2023.
✓ Safeena Husain became the first
Indian woman to receive the WISE
Prize for Education, and she
received the WISE Prize medal
along with USD 500,000 prize
money.

Safeena Husain has been awarded the

NITI Aayog Women Transforming India
Award(2017), and the NDTV-L’Oréal
Paris Women of Worth Award(2016).
Chevalier de la Dr V R Lalithambika A The highest civilian award of France, for
Légion distinguished her contributions in promoting space
d’Honneur scientist at the cooperation between India and France.
Indian Space ✓ She becomes the 2nd ISRO scientist
Research
to receive the award. Previously, A
Organisation
S Kiran Kumar, former chairman of
(ISRO)
ISRO received the award in 2019.
Eminent Indian author and translator, Dr
Arshia Sattar, was honoured with
“Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des
Lettres” (Knight of the Order of Arts and
Letters), a prestigious honor from French
Government.
Indira Gandhi Daniel Barenboim & The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace,
Prize for Peace, Ali Abu Awwad Disarmament, and Development for
Disarmament, 2023 has been jointly awarded to
and Daniel Barenboim, an Argentine-Israeli
Development classical pianist and conductor, and Ali
for 2023 Abu Awwad, Palestinian peace activist,
-
for their efforts towards a non-violent
resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Indira Gandhi Prize has been conferred
every year since 1986 by the Indira
Gandhi Memorial Trust. It consists of a
monetary award of Rs 25 lakh along with
a citation
Forbes Asia’s Kushal Pal Singh The Forbes Asia’s 2023 Heroes of
2023 Heroes of (K.P. Singh), Nandan Philanthropy list, the 17th edition of the
Philanthropy Nilekani & Nikhil annual unranked list, features 3 Indians:
list Kamath Kushal Pal Singh (K.P. Singh), Chairman
- Emeritus of DLF Limited; Nandan
Nilekani, co-founder and Chairman of
Infosys; and Nikhil Kamath, Co-founder
and Chief Financial Officer, Zerodha. The
list features a total of 15 philanthropists
from the Asia-Pacific region.
ISSA Vision Zero ESIC The Employees' State Insurance
2023 Award Corporation (ESIC) under Ministry of
Labour & Employment (MoL&E) was
awarded Vision Zero 2023 Award by

International Social Security Association

- (ISSA) at the 23rd World Congress on
Safety and Health at Work, held in
Sydney, Australia from 27th to 30th
November, 2023.
The World Congress was co-organised by
the International Labour Organization
(ILO), SafeWork New South Wales (NSW)
and ISSA. The theme of the event was
“Shaping Change: Collaborating for a
healthier and safer world of work”
Nyholm Prize Savita Ladage Education Savita Ladage Professor at Homi Bhabha
Centre for Science Education, Tata
Institute of Fundamental Research in
Mumbai, Maharashtra, has been
honoured with the Royal Society of
Chemistry (RSC)’s Nyholm Prize for
Education, in recognition for her
contributions to chemistry education.
Golden Owl 3 Indian Armed All 3 Indian Armed Forces officers, who
Forces officers underwent the Command & Staff course
No 17 at the Defense Services Command
& Staff College (DSCSC) in Sapugaskanda,
Sri Lanka, were honoured with the
-
“Golden Owl” for outstanding
performance.
The 3 Indian Officers were:
✓ Major Rohit from the Indian Army.
✓ Lieutenant Commander Sunnay
Sharma from the Indian Navy
Wing Commander S Mahajan from the
Indian Air Force
Bhutan’s Dr Poonam Bhutan Government honoured Dr
National Order Khetrapal Singh Poonam Khetrapal Singh (India),
of Merit (NOM) Regional Director of the World Health
Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia,
with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit
(NOM) Gold Medal for her significant
-
contribution to public healthcare services
to Bhutan.
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, the
Druk Gyalpo(dragon king) of Bhutan
presented the award during the
celebration of 116th National Day of

Bhutan(17th December 2023) in

Thimphu, Bhutan.
Rabindranath Sukrita Paul Kumar For her book Sukrita Paul Kumar, Indian Poet, critic
Tagore Literary titled “Salt & and Translator, was honoured with
Prize Pepper: the 6th Rabindranath Tagore Literary
Selected Prize (2023) for her book titled “Salt &
Poems” Pepper: Selected Poems” published by
Paperwall Publishing. Indian-American
economist, Abhijit Banerjee, the 2018
Nobel Prize laureate (Economics),
received the Tagore Prize for Social
Achievement 2023.
World Special India’s Kempegowda India’s Kempegowda International
Prize for an International Airport's (KIA) Terminal 2 (T2) in
Interior 2023 Airport's (KIA) Bengaluru, Karnataka received the
Terminal 2 (T2) "World Special Prize for an Interior 2023"
from UNESCO's (United Nations
-
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization) Prix Versailles under the
category of Airports.
As per Bangalore International Airport
Limited (BIAL), it is the only Indian
airport to receive such global recognition.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT

UNESCO Announced Winners of 2023 Heritage award; Rambagh Gate in Punjab wins Award of
Excellence
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s 2023 Asia-
Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, also known as Heritage Awards, were
awarded to a total of 12 projects from India(6), China(5), Nepal(1).
✓ Rambagh Gate and Ramparts in Punjab(India), has won the “Award of Excellence”, the
highest honour of UNESCO heritage awards.
Karnikara Mandapam, Kunnamangalam Bhagawati Temple, Kerala, India have won the 2
awards. It was recognised with Special Recognition for Sustainable
Development category and Award of Distinction.
Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship (RKGF) 2023-24 and Chakra Awards Presented at the 12th
Edition of the annual REX CONCLiVE
Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship (RKGF) 2023-24 and the most prestigious and inclusive
Karmaveer Chakra Medal were presented to people who have innovative ideas which may
make a difference to the world.
✓ The awards are instituted by the International Confederation of Non-Governmental
Organisation (iCONGO) in association with the United Nations (UN).
✓ The awards were presented during the 12th Edition of the annual REX CONCLiVE and
Karmaveer Chakra Award event at Shri Nadar School, Faridabad, Haryana.

DSCI Excellence Awards Presented at Nasscom-DSCI Annual Information Security Summit 2023
The 18th edition of the NASSCOM- Data Security Council of India (DSCI) Annual
Information Security Summit (AISS), a 3-day event, was held from 19th to 21st December
2023 at the Leela Ambience Hotel, Gurugram, Haryana.
✓ During the summit, the 13th edition of the DSCI Excellence Awards (2023) was
presented to recognise organizations and individuals for their work in the fields of
cybersecurity and privacy. Click here for the complete list of winners
National Sports Awards 2023 Announced by Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced the National Sports Awards 2023
which will be conferred on 42 sportspersons, coaches and entities under 5 categories on 9th
January 2024 by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi,
Delhi.
✓ Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2023 will be given to the Badminton duo Chirag
Chandrashekhar Shetty and Rankireddy Satwik Sai Raj.
✓ Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar (Punjab) won the Maulana Abul Kalam
Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2023 for the record 25th time.
✓ Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023 will be awarded to
26 Awardees.
✓ Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games 2023 will be awarded
to 8 Awardees.
✓ Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement in Sports and Games 2023 will be awarded
to 3 Awardees.Click here to read full news
American Pop Singer Taylor Swift Named Time Magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year, 1st
Woman to be Named Twice
TIME, the news magazine based in the United States of America (USA), has named the
American singer-songwriter Taylor Alison Swift as its 2023 Person of the Year and became the
1st person to be recognised for her achievements in the arts.
✓ Lionel Andrés Messi, Captain of Argentina’s national football team, has been named Time
magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023.
✓ An American entrepreneur Sam Altman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and co-founder
of OpenAI, has been named Time Magazine’s CEO of The Year 2023.
✓ American actor and singer, Alex Eugene Newell, was named TIME’s 2023 Breakthrough of
the Year.
President Honoured Narayan Seva Sansthan’s President Prashant Agrawal with National
Award
On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023 (3 December
2023), Draupadi Murmu, President of India, honoured Prashant Agrawal, President of Narayan
Seva Sansthan (NSS) in Udaipur, Rajasthan, with National Awards for the Empowerment of
Divyangjan under the category ‘Best Personality- Empowerment of Differently-abled’.
✓ The award ceremony was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities (DoEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) at Vigyan
Bhavan, New Delhi, Delhi.

Education Minister Presents National Award for Innovations & Good Practices in Educational
Administration 2020-21 & 2021-22
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE) honored the 65 outstanding
district and block education officers across India with the National Awards for Innovations and
Good Practices in Educational Administration for the years 2020-21 & 2021-22.
✓ The awards for district and block-level education officers were instituted by the NIEPA in
2014.
✓ The NIEPA was established by the erstwhile Ministry of Human Resource
Development(MoHRD), now MoE, Government of India. It became a deemed-to-be
university in 2006.
Cambridge Dictionary Reveals ‘Hallucinate’ as Word of the Year 2023

The Cambridge dictionary has chosen “hallucinate” – a verb as its Word of the Year for 2023.
This decision is in recognition of the new meaning the word has acquired in the context of
artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms.
✓ The traditional definition of “hallucinate” refers to the experience of seeing, hearing, or
feeling things that are not there.
Indian Actor Kabir Bedi honoured with Italy’s Order of Merit

Kabir Bedi, a renowned Indian actor, was honoured with “Officer Order of Merit of the
Italian Republic” (Ufficiale Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the one of the most
prestigious Italian civilian award, for his contributions in promoting better relations between
India and Italy.
✓ The Scroll of Honour was signed by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and counter-
signed by Italian Prime Minister (PM) Giorgia Meloni.
'Against All Odds' and 'Winning Middle India' jointly Awarded Gaja Capital Business Book Prize
2023
The 5th edition of Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2023 was jointly awarded to"Against
All Odds: The IT Story of India" written by S. ‘Kris’ Gopalakrishnan, N. Dayasindhu, and
Krishnan Narayanan; and "Winning Middle India: The Story of India's New-Age
Entrepreneurs" written by T.N. Hari and Bala Srinivasa.
INS Shivaji Receives VAdm B R Chowdhury’s Vir Chakra

Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivaji, Indian Navy’s premier marine engineering training institute,
has received the original 'Vir Chakra' medal, which was awarded to Late Vice Admiral (VAdm)
Benoy Roy Chowdhury for his gallant actions during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
Oxford University Press names ‘Rizz’ as Word of the Year 2023

On December 4, 2023, the Oxford University Press (OUP) has named ‘Rizz’, a colloquial noun
defined as style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner, as
its word of the year for 2023. It is mainly used by the younger generation.

SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE

EVENTS
EVENTS VENUE KEY POINTS
International Film Festival of Goa 54th edition was held in Goa from 20 to 28th
India (IFFI) November 2023.The 54th IFFI was jointly
organised by the National Film Development
Corporation (NFDC) under the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting (MIB) along with the
Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Government
of Goa. Anurag Thakur, Union Minister, MIB,
inaugurated the VFX and Tech Pavilion as part of
the 54th IFFI in Goa.
✓ Renowned Indian actress, Padma Shri
Awardee Madhuri Dixit was honoured
with the Special Recognition to Bhartiya
Cinema award for her outstanding
contributions to the Indian film industry.
✓ American Actor Michael Douglas was
honoured with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime
Achievement Award of the Year (2023).
✓ Indian Panorama, the main component of
IFFI, showcased 25 feature films and 20
non-feature films at the 54th IFFI held in
Goa….Click here for more detail………
Conference of Parties (COP) Dubai, UAE (United The 28th edition of Conference of Parties
of the UN Framework Arabs of Emirates) (COP) of the UN Framework Convention on
Convention on Climate Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Dubai, UAE
Change (UNFCCC) (United Arabs of Emirates). The annual
climate summit was held from November 30,
2023 to December12, 2023.
✓ Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of
Industry and Advanced Technology
and UAE Special Envoy for Climate
Changes served as President of COP28.
✓ As per the 18th annual report card on
the state of the Global Carbon Budget
2023 by the Global Carbon Project
(GCP) , the Global emissions of fossil
carbon dioxide (CO₂) will increase by
1.1% in 2023.
✓ WMO (World Meteorological
Organisation) released the provisional
state of the Global Climate Report at
the 28th COP meeting in Dubai, UAE.

✓ COP28 Approves “Loss and Damage”

Fund worth USD 260 Million.
✓ UAE Unveils World’s largest single-site
Solar Power Plant.
7 edition of Yearbook of Global Climate
th
Action released at UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai,

UAE…Click here for more detail….
Conference of the Parties of Dubai, The United The 28th Conference of the Parties of the
the United Nations Arab Emirates (UAE) United Nations Framework Convention on
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)(COP 28) was held
Climate Change in Expo City, Dubai, The United Arab
(UNFCCC)(COP 28) Emirates(UAE) from 30th November to 12th
December 2023.
✓ India co-hosted with UAE the Global
Green Credit Initiative at COP-28
✓ PM Modi Launched the LeadIT2.0
initiative with focus on inclusive
industry transition
✓ IREDA launched the Retail Division and
Advocates Sustainable Investment at
COP28
✓ ReNew Signed MoU with ADB for USD
5.3 billion
✓ NMCG launched the Global River Cities
Alliance at the UN Climate Change
Conference
✓ Multilateral Development
Banks(MDBs) unlocked over USD 180
billion climate finance at COP28
✓ ADB launched USD 2 billion Nature
Solutions Finance hub at COP28
✓ Over 110 countries set to join COP28
deal to triple renewable energy by
2030 Click here to read full news
UNESCO’s Kasane, Republic of The 18th session of the United Nations
Intergovernmental Botswana Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Committee for the Organization (UNESCO)’s Intergovernmental
Safeguarding of the Committee for the Safeguarding of the
Intangible Cultural Heritage Intangible Cultural Heritage(ICH) was held
(ICH) from 5th to 8th December 2023 in Kasane,
Republic of Botswana.
✓ The session was chaired by H.E. Mr
Mustaq Moorad, Ambassador and

Permanent Delegate of the Republic of

Botswana to UNESCO.
✓ The session inscribed 55 new cultural
practices, including India’s Garba
Dance, to its Intangible Cultural
Heritage (ICH) List, in response to
nominations submitted by 72
countries.
The newly inscribed 55 cultural practices
include,
✓ 6 practices on the List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent
Safeguarding.
✓ 45 practices on the Representative List
of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity
✓ 4 on the Register of Good Safeguarding
Practices
Click here to read full news
Indian Ocean Naval Bangkok, Thailand The 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval
Symposium (IONS) Conclave Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC)
of Chiefs (CoC) (2023) hosted by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) was
held in Bangkok, Thailand from 19–22 December
2023. The 8th Conclave marks the transition of
IONS Chairmanship from France(2021-23) to
Thailand(2023-2025).
Note: India is scheduled to take over the Chair of
IONS (2025-27) during the 9th CoC, which
planned to be conducted in India in late 2025
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS

COMMITTEES & MEETINGS IN CONTENT FORMAT
Union Home Minister Amit Shah led Committee Approves Rs 1,658 Crore Recovery and
Reconstruction Plan for Joshimath
The high-level central committee, headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has approved
the Recovery and Reconstruction (R&R) plan of Rs.1,658 crore for Joshimath in Uttarakhand,
which was affected by landslides and land subsidence.Joshimath is also located in a high-risk
seismic zone known as ‘Zone V’, which is vulnerable to landslides and flash floods.
IOA Forms 3-member Ad Hoc Committee to Run Operations of Suspended WFI

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) constituted a 3-member ad hoc committee to run the
day-to-day operations of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). This comes after the
suspension of the WFI’s governing council by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS).

✓ The IOA appointed Bhupinder Singh Bajwa, the President of Wushu Association of India
as chairman of the ad hoc committee.
✓ The other 2 members of the committee are Maneyapanda Muthanna Somaya, an
Olympian in hockey; and Manjusha Kanwar, a former international badminton player.
INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
NAME CONDUCTED BY
World’s Top 100 Swedish think-tank SIPRI Top 100 listing includes the 100 companies
Arms Producing Stockholm with the largest arms revenue during the year
Companies 2022 International Peace covered.
Research ✓ For the 1st time, three Indian Public Sector
Institute (SIPRI) Units (PSUs) : Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) – 41st, Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL) – 63rd and Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) – 89th are listed
in the Top 100 arms producing companies.
Top Three Global Companies (2022) in the List
are:
Rank Company Country
Lockheed
United
1st Martin
States
Corporation
Raytheon United
2nd
Technologies States
Northrop
United
3rd Grumman
States
Corporation
1st Edition of India’s First Private (Private Radhakishan Shivkishan Damani, the founder of
Top 200 Self-made Banking by IDFC First Avenue Supermarts Limited (DMart) topped with
Entrepreneurs of Bank Limited) and the value of Rs.2.38 lakh crore.
the Millennia 2023 Hurun India ✓ He is followed by Binny Bansal and Sachin
Bansal (founders of Flipkart India Private
Limited) with an equity value of Rs.1.19 lakh
crore.
✓ Deepinder Goyal, the founder of Zomato
Media Private Limited, is ranked third with a
net worth of Rs 86,835 crore…click here for
more detail….

World Digital International Institute India Ranks 49th in the International Institute for
Competitiveness for Management Management Development (IMD)’s 7th edition of
Ranking (WDCR) Development (IMD) World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR)
2023 2023. The report measures the capacity and
readiness of 64 economies based on three broad
categories which are: Knowledge, Technology and
Future readiness.
✓ The U.S.A reclaimed its top position (Rank 1)
which performs well in all three categories –
Knowledge, Technology and Future
Readiness.
✓ Top five performing countries in the
WDCR Report
Rank Name of the Country
1st U.S.A(United States of America)
2nd Netherlands
3rd Singapore
4th Denmark
5th Switzerland
49th India
World’s 100 Most The 20th annual ranking of the World’s 100 Most
Powerful Women Powerful Women (2023) features a total of 4
(2023) Indian women. Union Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance and Corporate
Affairs is ranked 32nd on the list.
✓ The other 3 Indians are Roshni Nadar
-
Malhotra (rank 60), Chairperson of
HCLTech; Soma Mondal (rank 70),
former Chairperson of Steel Authority of
India Limited (SAIL) and Kiran Mazumdar-
Shaw (rank 76), Founder and Executive
Chairperson of Biocon India Private Limited.
Ursula vonder Leyen, the President of the
European Commission, European Union (EU)
topped the list for the second consecutive year.
World University Quacquarelli Symonds According to the QS World University Rankings:
Rankings: (QS) Sustainability 2024, the 2nd edition of the list
Sustainability 2024 published by Quacquarelli Symonds(QS), a global
higher education analyst, the University of Delhi
(DU), ranked 220th (globally), has topped among
the 56 Indian Universities featured on the list.
✓ DU is ranked 30th among Asian
Universities.
The University of Toronto, Canada, has topped
the list as the world’s most sustainable University

followed by the University of California (UCB),

Berkeley, the United States of America (USA) at 2nd
and the University of Manchester, the United
Kingdom (UK) at 3rd place.
2023 World World Health India constituted 66% of malaria cases in the
Malaria Report Organization (WHO) WHO's South-East Asia region in 2022. Despite an
overall decrease of 11.9% in estimated cases
between 2021 and 2022 in the region, Bangladesh,
Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand recorded an
increases in cases.
✓ Notably, India and Indonesia accounted for
about 94% of all malaria deaths in South-
East Asia region in 2022.
✓ Around 249 million malaria cases have
been reported around the world(in 85
malaria endemic countries and areas) which
exceeded the pre-pandemic count of 233
million in 2019
Leading Global Mercom Capital Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), a part of Adani
Large-Scale Solar Groups’s Group, is ranked as the World’s 2nd largest large-
PV Developers scale solar PhotoVoltaic (PV) developer in the
Mercom Capital Groups’s annual global report titled
“Leading Global Large-Scale Solar PV Developers”.
AGEL has a total solar portfolio of 18.1 GigaWatt
(GW). The list is topped by France-based
TotalEnergies with 41.3 GW of solar in its portfolio
of projects. Canada-based Brookfield Renewable
Partners is ranked 3rd with a capacity of 18 GW.
Mercer’s Quality of Mercer According to Mercer’s Quality of Living City
Living City Ranking Ranking
2023 2023, Hyderabad (Telangana); Pune(Maharashtra)
and Bengaluru(Karnataka) ranked 153rd, 154th
and 156th respectively, have emerged as the top
three Best cities in India in terms of living standard.
For the 6th time, Hyderabad has emerged as
the Best Indian city.
✓ Vienna(Austria) has topped the list for the
11th consecutive year and retained its title
as the Best City offering the highest quality
of life in the world.
Vienna is followed by Zurich(Switzerland), and
Auckland(New Zealand) in the 2nd and 3rd ranks.
The Worlds Largest S&P Global Market Based on life and accident & health reserves, Life
Life Insurers, 2023 Intelligence’s Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has been

named the 4th largest insurer in the world.LIC’s

reserves stood at USD 503.7 billion in the fiscal year
2023 (FY23) – April 2022 to March 2023.
The 2023 ranking is topped by Germany’s Allianz
SE with a reserve of USD 750.2 billion followed by
China Life Insurance Company Ltd, China(USD
616.90 billion) and Nippon Life Insurance
Company, Japan (USD 536.80 Billion).
Leveraging World Bank (WB) According to World Bank(WB)’s Migration and
Diaspora Finances Development Brief 39 titled ‘Leveraging Diaspora
for Private Capital Finances for Private Capital Mobilization’, India
Mobilization is considered a top remittance recipient with an
estimated inward remittance flow of USD 125
Billion.
✓ Mexico stands at the second position with
an estimated recipient value of USD 67
billion followed by China as third with USD
50 billion.
Top Five Remittance Recipients:
Estimated Remittance
Rank Country
Value (USD)
1 India 125 Billion
2 Mexico 67 Billion
3 China 50 Billion
4 Philippines 40 Billion
5 Egypt 24 illion
Hurun India Top Hurun India Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Hurun
100 Under 30 List India launched the inaugural edition of Hurun
(2023) India Top 100 Under 30 List (2023), which features
100 Indian entrepreneurs of age 30 or younger
(sorted by age).
✓ Kaivalya Vohra(21) and Aadit
Palicha(22) the co-founders of Zepto, a
grocery delivery platform, were
the youngest entrepreneurs on the 2023
list.
Devanshi Kejriwal(27), Co-Founder and Chief
Product Officer (CPO) of Skillmatics is the youngest
woman entrepreneur on the list.

REPORTS
REPORT NAME SUBMITTED BY KEY NOTES
Global Status Reports on Road World Health Which shows that the annual number of
Safety 2023 Organisation (WHO) road traffic deaths across the world has
slightly decreased to 1.19 million from
1.25 million, marking a 5% decrease in 10
years between 2010 and 2021.
In India, the total number of road traffic
fatalities went up from 1.34 lakh in 2010
to 1.54 lakh in 2021, and India’s share in
global road fatalities also increased from
11% to 13%. More Details
The Third National India reduced its Gross Domestic Product
Communication to the United (GDP) emission intensity by 33% between
Nations Framework 2005 and 2019. This was 11 years ahead
Convention on Climate Change of the target.
India’s average rate of emission reduction
-
increased from 1.5% annually during
2014 – 2016 to 3% annually from 2016 –
2019. This is the fastest recorded rate of
reduction so far across any country.
Q3 2023 Mercom India Mercom India The rooftop solar installations in India
Rooftop Solar Report Research registered a 34.7% year-on-year (YoY)
jump to 431 MegaWatt (MW) in the third
quarter (Q3- July-September) of calendar
year (CY) 2023.
✓ With this India’s cumulative
rooftop solar capacity reached 10.1
GigaWatts (GW) at the end of
September 2023.
✓ Gujarat retained its top position in
rooftop solar installations,
contributing 26.7% to the
cumulative installations, followed
by Maharashtra (13.5%) and
Rajasthan (8.3%).
Global Snapshot on HIV and United Nations Which provides global statistical and
AIDS: Progress and Priorities Children’s Fund response updates on children,
for Children, Adolescents, and (UNICEF) adolescents, and pregnant women. The
Pregnant Women report was published ahead of World
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS) Day 2023 (1 December).

As per the publication, nearly 98,000

adolescent girls aged 10-19 were infected
with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
(HIV) in 2022 – or 1,900 new infections
every week, it shows a significant testing
and medication access gaps persist among
children and adolescents. Click here
National Compilation on Union Minister Whose assessment was carried out jointly
Dynamic Ground Water Gajendra Singh by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB)
Resources Of India, 2023 Shekhawat, Ministry and States/UTs for taking suitable
of Jal Shakti (MoJS) interventions by various stake-holders.
✓ CGWB works under the aegis of
Department of Water Resources,
River Development & Ganga
Rejuvenation, MoJS.
✓ Total Annual Ground Water
Recharge: 449.08 Billion Cubic
Meters (BCM).
✓ Annual Extractable Ground Water
Resources: 407.21 BCM.
✓ Annual Ground Water Extraction:
241.34 BCM.
Average stage of Ground Water
Extraction: 59.26%.
Quarterly Bulletin Periodic National Sample Survey Unemployment rate (UR) in urban areas fell
Labour Force Survey (PLFS) (July Office (NSSO), Ministry from 7.2% in July –September 2022 to 6.6% in
to September 2023) of Statistics and July – September 2023 for persons of age 15
Programme years and above.
Implementation The report indicates that in urban
(MoSPI) areas, the Labour Force Participation Rate
(LFPR) in the current weekly status (CWS)
increased to 49.3% in the July to September
quarter of 2023, up from 47.9% in the
corresponding period in 2022.
Let Communities Lead UNAIDS Ahead of World AIDS Day 2023 (1
December 2023), the Joint United Nations
Programme on Human Immunodeficiency
Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS) (UNAIDS) released the
World AIDS Day Report 2023, titled “Let
Communities Lead”. The report states
that AIDS can be ended as a public health
threat by 2030, if only frontline
communities get full support from
governments and donors.

The 2023 theme of World AIDS Day is “Let

Communities Lead”.
Global Credit Outlook 2024: S&P Global Market India is set to become the third-largest
New Risks, New Playbook Intelligence economy in the world by 2030 and it is
projected to be the fastest-growing major
economy in the next 3 years.
i.At present, India is the fifth largest
economy in the world.
ii.The top five economy along with their
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) are as
follows (according to the ranking):
✓ United States of America (USA) -
USD 26,954 Billion
✓ China - USD 17,786 Billion
✓ Germany - USD 4,430 Billion
✓ Japan - USD 4,231 Billion
✓ India - USD 3,730 Billion
Crime in India – 2022 National Crime The report shows that a total of 58,24,946
Records cognisable crimes which includes
Bureau(NCRB) 35,61,379 Indian Penal Code(IPC) crimes
and 22,63,567 Special & Local laws(SLL)
crimes were registered in 2022. This
(2022) is the 70th edition of Crime in
India, the annual report published by
NCRB.
✓ It shows a decline of 4.5% in
registration of cases compared to
2021.
✓ The crime rate registered per lakh
population has declined from 445.9
in 2021 to 422.2 in 2022.
✓ Kerala, Puducherry and West
Bengal have witnessed the highest
charge sheeting rates under IPC
crimes.
According to the NCRB report, Kolkata
(West Bengal) emerged as the safest city
in India for the 3rd consecutive year
among major metropolis…Click here for
more detail……….
'Women Empowerment & State Bank of India's Which states that women voters in India
Ladli Behna_Dec23' (SBI) Economic will surpass male voters from the 2029
Research Department General Election onwards.
(ERD)

✓ In 2029, the total voter turnout is

expected to be 73 crores of which
women voters will be at 37 crore,
which will be higher than the
registered men voters at 36 crore.
✓ The report projects that the total
voter turnout in the 2024 general
election will be around 68 crores of
which 33 crore (49%) will be
women.
ERD projects that in 2047 (probable
election year 2049), women voter turnout
should increase to 55% and men voter
turnout might decrease to 45%.
Logistics Cost in India: Launched by Logistics The Report was prepared by the National
Assessment and Long-Term Division of the Council of Applied Economic Research
Framework Department for (NCAER), along with Asian Development
Promotion of Industry Bank (ADB) experts and task force
and Internal Trade members.
(DPIIT) under the Findings:
Ministry of Commerce i.India’s logistic costs ranged between
and Industry (MoCI) 7.8% and 8.9% during 2021-22, down
from 8.7-9.9% during 2011-12.
ii.Also the logistics cost was reduced from
8.3-9.4% to 7.8-8.8% during 2014-15 to
2016-17 due to a faster growth in nominal
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than in
logistic costs
Tracxn Geo Annual Report: Tracxn Technologies Which reveals a notable 73% decline in
India Tech 2023 Ltd., a leading global funding for the Indian tech startup
market intelligence ecosystem in 2023, compared to USD 25
platform billion in 2022, making it the lowest-
funded year in the last 5 years.
✓ India, with total funding of USD 7
billion (till 5 December 2023), has
slipped from 4th place (in 2022
and 2021) to 5th place among the
highest-funded geographies
globally in the 3rd Quarter (Q3) of
2023.
The top 4 highest-funded countries are
the United States of America (USA), the
United Kingdom (UK), China, and France
respectively.

Asia and the Pacific- Regional Food and Agriculture 5th edition of Asia and the Pacific-
Overview of Food Security and Organisation (FAO) of Regional Overview of Food Security and
Nutrition 2023: Statistics and the United Nations Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends'. As
Trends (UN) per it, 74.1% of Indians were unable to
afford a healthy diet in 2021. In 2020, it
was 76.2%.
It is an annual report published by FAO’s
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
(RAP).
State Finances: A Study of Reserve Bank of India Under the theme “Revenue Dynamics and
Budgets of 2023-24 (RBI) Fiscal Capacity of Indian States”.
The report states that the improvement
achieved in State finances in 2021-22 was
sustained in 2022-23, with the combined
States’ gross fiscal deficit (GFD) stood at
2.8% of gross domestic product (GDP).
The report provides data on and analysis
of the fiscal position of State governments
in India during 2021-22 (FY22-Actuals),
2022-23 (FY23-revised
estimates/provisional accounts) and
2023-24 (FY24-Budget Estimates)….Click
here for more detail….
Coal 2023-Analysis and International Energy Indian coal demand is expected to rise
forecast to 2026 Agency (IEA) by 3.5% annually to 1397 million
tonnes (Mt) til 2026. In 2023, the coal
demand in India is estimated to have
increased by 8% or 98 Mt.
Note: The Coal Report is an annual
publication of IEA which was first
launched in 2011.
Periodic Labour Force Survey Ministry of Statistics Unemployment Rate (UR) for graduates
(PLFS) & Programme aged 15 and above declined to 13.4% in
Implementation 2022-2023 (July 2022 and June 2023)
(MoSPI) from 14.9% in July 2021-June 2022.
✓ Chandigarh and Delhi had the
lowest URs for graduates, at 5.6%
and 5.7% respectively.
While, the highest unemployment is in
Andaman & Nicobar Island at 33%,
followed by Ladakh at 26.5% and Andhra
Pradesh (AP) at 24%.

Quantum Value Chain Report QETCI Quantum Ecosystems and Technology

for India and Quantum Council of India (QETCI) and the Ministry
Security Whitepaper of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY) jointly organised
the 1st edition of National Quantum
Science and Technology Symposium
(NQSTS 2023) at the Scope Convention
Centre in New Delhi, Delhi from 14th to
15th December 2023.
During the event, QETCI released
the Quantum Value Chain Report for
India and Quantum Security
Whitepaper for the Banking, financial
services and insurance (BFSI) Segment
Survey on International Trade Reserve Bank of India Which provides insights into cross-border
in Banking Services (ITBS), (RBI) banking activities of 14 Indian banks and
2022-23 44 foreign banks’ branches/subsidiaries
in India.
✓ Indian banks expanded their global
presence through the subsidiaries
route, with an increase in employee
strength for foreign branches
(0.5%) and subsidiaries (6.2%) in
2022-23.
Indian banks increased their overseas
presence through the subsidiaries route to
417 during 2022-23 from 399 in FY22.
State Finances: A Study of Reserve Bank of India As per the report, the Gross Fiscal Deficit
Budgets of 2023-2024 (GFD) of states fell from 4.1% of GDP
(Gross Domestic Product) (2020-21) to
2.8 % (2022-23).
✓ RBI has allowed card-on-file
tokenistation (CoFT) through
issuer banks or institutions, card
networks.
✓ RBI developed Dynamic Stochastic
General Equilbrium (DSGE) model
has projected GDP growth for India
at 6.0% for FY25(2024-25) and
retail inflation for India will be
moderated at 4.8% for FY2025.
RBI has introduced new norms in order to
curb “evergreening” of loans by lenders

through Alternate Investment Funds

(AIFs).
The AIdea of India: Generative Ernst & Young (EY) Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)/GenAI
AI's potential to accelerate adoption could boost India's Gross Domestic
India's digital transformation Product (GDP) by USD 359 billion to USD 438
billion by 2029-2030, reflecting a 5.9-7.2%
increase over baseline GDP.
Over 7 years (2023-24 to 2029-30), this
impact could cumulatively reach USD 1.2-1.5
trillion, contributing an additional 0.9% to
1.1% in annual CAGR (Compound Annual
Growth Rate)
India Skills Report 2024: Wheebox, a talent According to the 11th edition of the India
Impact of Artificial Intelligence assessment agency skills Report (ISR) titled 'India Skills Report
on Skills, Work, Mobility 2024: Impact of Artificial Intelligence on
Skills, Work, Mobility' released on 20th
December 2023, Kerala have emerged as the
most preferred State to work for both male
and female employable talent. The report has
been prepared by Wheebox, a talent
assessment agency.
✓ Overall employability in India has
increased to 51.25% among surveyed
youth with the necessary skills.
✓ In terms of large talent
availability, States with the highest
concentration of highly employable
youth are Haryana, Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh (AP), Uttar Pradesh
(UP), Kerala, and Telangana.
Telangana has the highest concentration of
employable talent in the age group of 18-21
with 85.45% followed by Kerala with 74.93%.
India's Crypto Portfolio 2023 CoinSwitch According to “India's Crypto Portfolio
2023”, the annual investor report of
CoinSwitch, India's largest crypto trading
platform, Delhi tops India’s crypto adoption
(measured in terms of value invested) in
2023.
✓ Delhi accounted for 8.8% of total
crypto investment followed by
Bengaluru(Karnataka) with 8.3% and
Mumbai(Maharashtra) with 5.2%.
Bitcoin, the most prominent crypto, is up by
more than 150% year on year, compared to
December 2022.
PwC Global Risk Survey 2023 - PwC India According to the report titled “PwC Global
India highlights Risk Survey 2023 - India highlights”, Cyber

risks are tops as the biggest threat faced by

the Indian organisations. Around 38% of
respondents are feeling highly or extremely
exposed to cyber risk.
✓ Climate change (37%) and inflation
(36%) were the 2nd and 3rd biggest
threats for Indian organisations.
Annual Report 2022-23 Insurance Regulatory The overall insurance penetration in India
and Development reduced from 4.2% in 2021-22 to 4% in 2022-
Authority of India 23.
(IRDAI) ✓ Life insurance penetration has
reduced marginally from 3.2% in
2021-22 to 3% in 2022-23 while non-
insurance penetration remained
unchanged at 1%.
✓ A total of 2.84 crore policies were sold
during the fiscal year 2022-2023
(FY23). Of this, 97.38 lakh were sold to
women.
Premium income of life insurance companies
rose by 12.98% to Rs 7.83 lakh crore in FY23
while the premium income of general insurers
increased by 16.4 per cent to Rs 2.57 lakh
crore.
RANKING AND REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT

IUCN Released Updated Red List of Threatened Species at COP28
On 11th December 2023, The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released
the updated IUCN Red List of Threatened Species during the 28th Conference of the
Parties(COP 28) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at
Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE).
✓ The updated IUCN list includes 157,190 species, of which 44,016 are threatened with
extinction.
Changes in Red List Status:
Species Change in Status
Lake Turkana robber Least Concern to
(Brycinus ferox) Vulnerable
Atlantic salmon (Salmo Least Concern to Near
salar) Threatened
Green turtle (Chelonia
mydas) Endangered to extinction
Central South Pacific
Green turtle (Chelonia
mydas) Vulnerable to extinction
East Pacific

Scimitar-horned oryx Extinct in the Wild to

(Oryx dammah) Endangered
saiga antelope (Saiga Critically Endangered to
tatarica), Near Threatened.
Big-leaf mahogany
Vulnerable to Endangered
(Swietenia macrophylla)
Telangana’s Tiriyani Block Ranked First in NITI Aayog’s Inaugural Delta Ranking of
Aspirational Blocks Programme
Tiriyani Block of Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district, Telangana secured the first position in
the National Institution for Transforming India(NITI) Aayog’s inaugural delta rankings of
Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) for the first Quarter of 2023-2024. The Kaushambi
block of Kaushambi District in Uttar Pradesh secured second position.
Zone Rank Block District State
1 (hilly and West
north- First Amri Karbi An Assam
eastern glong
states as
Ngop
well as Second Saitual Mizoram
a
islands)
Harra Uttar
2(North First Basti
iya Pradesh
Indian
Ghazipu Uttar
states) Second Viron
r Pradesh
Karnata
First Maski Raichur
3(southern ka
states) Naran Telanga
Second Adilabad
ur na
Siron Gadchir Maharas
4(western First
cha oli htra
Indian
Gadchir Maharas
states) Second Aheri
oli htra
Madhya
5(Central First Tirla Dhar
Pradesh
Indian
Madhya
states) Second Pat Barwani
Pradesh
First Andar Siwan Bihar
6(Eastern
Ram Jharkha
India) Second Dumka
garh nd

MOCI Minister Piyush Goyal releases 5th LEADS Survey Report: 13 States and UTs among
Achievers
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MOCI) released
the 5th LEADS ( Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2023 Survey Report in New Delhi,
Delhi.
Categories Achievers Fast Movers Aspirers
Haryana, Bihar,
Madhya
Punjab, Chhattisgarh,
Landlocked Pradesh,
Telangana, Himachal
States Rajasthan,
Uttar Pradesh,
Uttarakhand
Pradesh Jharkhand
Andhra
Pradesh,
Coastal Kerala, Goa, Odisha,
Gujarat,
States Maharashtra West Bengal
Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu
North- Assam, Arunachal Manipur,
Eastern Sikkim, Pradesh, Meghalaya,
Region Tripura Nagaland Mizoram
Daman &
Diu/ Dadra
Andaman &
& Nagar
Chandigarh, Nicobar,
UTs Haveli,
Delhi Lakshadweep,
Jammu &
Puducherry
Kashmir,
Ladakh
Bose Krishnamachari among 5 Indians featured on Art Review’s 2023 Power100 Most
Influential People in Art
5 Indians including Bose Krishnamachari, an Indian painter and artist-curator hailing from
Kerala, are featured on 2023 Power 100, the annual ranking of the most influential people in
art, published by Art Review, a London-based magazine. Bose Krishnamachari is ranked 38th
on the list. He has curated the murals on Manaveeyam street in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Traditional Historical and Colonial Architecture photography exhibition and ‘Contextual
Cosmologies

ACQUISITION & MERGERS

CCI Approves Atlas 2022 Holdings Stake Increase in Vodafone Group Plc
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approves the proposed acquisition by Atlas 2022
Holdings Limited to increase its voting rights/shareholding in Vodafone Group Plc (Vodafone)
from 14.6% to less than 25% through a series of on-market and/or off-market transactions.
✓ CCI approved the acquisition of shareholding of Delanord Investments Limited (Delanord)
by Abu Dhabi Ports Company PJSC (Abu Dhabi Ports Company).
SBI MF Gets RBI Approval to Buy 9.99% Stake in Karur Vysya Bank
SBI Mutual Fund (SBI MF) received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for
acquiring aggregate holding of up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of
Karur Vysya Bank Ltd (KVB). SBI MF has received regulatory approval, pursuant to Regulation
30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)(Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
✓ About KVB: MD & CEO– B Ramesh Babu ,Headquarters– Karur, Tamil Nadu.
SBI’s Stake in Jio Payments Bank Drops to 23% in FY23

State Bank of India’s (SBI) shareholding in Jio Payments Bank Limited reduced to 23% in
Financial Year2022-23 (FY23) from 30% that SBI maintained since the inception of Jio
Payments Bank. With shareholding less than 25%, SBI will not be able to restrict special
resolutions in the payment bank.
SBI to Acquire Additional 20% Stake in SBI Pension Funds for Rs 229.52 Crore
The Executive Committee of the Central Board (ECCB) of State Bank of India (SBI) has
approved SBI to acquire an additional 20% stake in SBI Pension Funds Private Limited
(SBIPFPL) for a cash consideration of Rs. 229.52 crore.
After the acquisition, SBI will own 80% of the stake in of SBIPFPL whereas the remaining 20%
of the stake will be owned by SBI Funds Management Limited.
Govt to sell 8% stake in IRCON International through OFS

The government of India has proposed to sell 8% stake in Ircon International Limited
(IRCON), a Navratna Central Public Sector Unit (CPSU) under the Ministry of Railways
(MoR), through an offer for sale (OFS).
Ambuja Cements Completes Acquisition of Sanghi Industries, at Rs 5,185 cr

Adani Group-owned Ambuja Cements Limited (ACL) completed the acquisition of Gujarat-
based Sanghi Industries Limited (SIL) at an enterprise value of Rs 5,185 crore by holding a
controlling stake of 54.51%.
✓ The deal offers low-cost debottle necking, with total clinker capacity of 6.6 MTPA, cement
capacity of 6.1 MTPA and 1 billion tonnes of limestone reserves to Adani Group.
✓ SIL also offers potential for green power generation, reaching up to 45%, incorporating an
additional 12 MegaWatt (MW) Waste Heat Recovery Systems (WHRS) and 30 MW of
Solar/Wind power.

Enemy Properties Shares Worth Rs 2709 crore Disposed through e-auction

The enemy property shares worth Rs 2709 crore were sold by the Government of India as part
of its initiative to dispose the enemy properties in India. The enemy properties are the assets
left behind by people who have taken citizenship of Pakistan and China, mostly between 1947
and 1962.
LIC Reduces Stake in HDFC Asset Management Company to 6.953% from 9.046%
Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has reduced its
shareholding in HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC) Limited from 9.046% to 6.953% of
the paid-up capital. LIC’s shareholding in HDFC AMC has reduced from 1,93,11,744 to
1,48,44,466 Equity Shares.
CCI approves Temasek & MO Alternate Investment Advisors Stake Buy in Niva Bupa Health
Insurance
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given its approval to acquire the stakes in Niva
Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited by Temasek-controlled entity and Motilal Oswal(MO)
Alternate Investment Advisors Private Limited.
✓ Temasek invested in Niva Bupa Health Insurance through its investment arm V-Sciences
Investments Pte Ltd.
SBI Mutual Fund Buys 1.5% Stake Karur Vysya Bank for Rs 194.4 cr
SBI Mutual Fund (MF) has acquired 1.5% of paid-up equity share capital in Karur Vysya Bank
(KVB) Limited through open market transactions.
✓ SBI Mutual Fund (MF) purchased a total of 1.2 crore shares of KVB for Rs 194.4 crore
with the average price per share being Rs 162.
✓ In November 2023, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) granted its approval to SBI MF to
acquire an aggregate holding of up to 9.99% in KVB.
Bain Capital Sold 1.08% Stake in Axis Bank for Rs 3737 Cr

Bain Capital, an American Private Equity (PE) firm, has sold 1.08% stake or 33.38 million
shares worth Rs 3737 crore in Axis Bank in a block trade. The shares were sold by 3 affiliate
firms of Bain Capital: BC Asia Investments VII, BC Asia Investments III and Integral
Investments South Asia IV at Rs 1119.7 apiece.
CCI Approves Acquisition of 100% Shareholding in Constantia by Capripack

On December 12, 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of
sole control over Constantia Flexibles Holding GmbH (Constantia) by Capripack BidCo GmbH
(Capripak). The sole control will be acquired by the acquisition of 100% of Constantia’s
shareholding and voting rights from Constantia Lux S.à r.l.
Infibeam Avenues acquires 49% stake in Pirimid Fintech

Infibeam Avenues Limited (IAL), a Gandhinagar (Gujarat) based Financial Technology
Company, has acquired 49% of paid-up equity share capital in Pirimid Fintech, a Ahmedabad
(Gujarat) based Financial Services company, by investing Rs 25 crore.

LIC reduces stake in Dixon Technologies to 3% from 5.012%

Headquartered in Mumbai (Maharashtra), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has
reduced its percentage of the paid-up capital in Dixon Technologies (India) Limited to 3% from
5.012% through open market operations.
IndusInd Bank Exits Nippon Life India Asset, Sells Shares Worth Rs 795.27 cr
IndusInd Bank Limited has sold its entire 2.86% of paid-up share capital in Nippon Life India
Asset Management Limited (NAM-INDIA) (Formerly Reliance Life Asset Management Limited)
for Rs 795.27 crore through open market transactions.
CCI Approvals on 19th December 2023

On 19th December 2023, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the following:
i.Proposal to acquire certain business undertakings of Ind Swift Laboratories Limited(ISLL)
and Essix Biosciences Limited(Essix) by Synthimed Labs Private Limited(Synthimed).
ii.Proposal to acquire majority shareholding of Glenmark Life Sciences Limited(GLS) by Nirma
Limited.
iii.Amalgamation of a list of companies and demerger of Real Estate Business Undertaking of
India Land Hotels Mumbai Private Limited into Indiabulls Pharmacare Limited.
CCI Approves Acquisition of Controlling Stake in RCL by IIHL, IIHL BFSI & Aasia
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of controlling stakes
in Reliance Capital Limited (RCL) by IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL), IIHL BFSI
(India) Limited (IIHL BFSI), and Aasia Enterprises LLP (Aasia).
✓ CCI approved the acquisition of a 9.99 % equity stake in Dilip Buildcon Limited (DBL) by
Alpha Alternatives Holdings Pvt Ltd (AAHPL) and its other entities.
✓ The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposal made by Kolkata
(West Bengal) based PCBL Limited (formerly known as Phillips Carbon Black Limited) to
acquire 100% paid-up share capital in Pune-based Aquapharm Chemicals Private
Limited (ACPL).
I-Pru AMC & I-Pru Life Gets RBI Approval to Acquire a 9.95% Stake in RBL, IDFC FIRST, Equitas
SFB, Federal and IndusInd Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its approval to ICICI Prudential Asset
Management Company Limited (I-Pru AMC) and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company
Limited (I-Pru Life) to acquire aggregate holding of up to 9.95% of the paid-up share capital
or voting rights in RBL Bank Limited, IDFC FIRST Bank Limited, Equitas Small Finance
Bank (SFB), Federal Bank, and IndusInd Bank Limited.
LIC reduces Stakes in BHEL to 9.617%

Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) reduced its shareholding in Bharat Heavy Electricals
Limited (BHEL) from 11.701% to 9.617% through open market operation(OMO). LIC sold its
BHEL shares at an average price of Rs 79.58 through secondary market between June 2019 and
December 2023.

DEFENCE
EXERCISE
EXERCISE NAME VENUE / KEY NOTES
PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
VINBAX-2023 India and Vietnam 4th edition of Joint Military Exercise is being held
between India and Vietnam in Hanoi, Vietnam
from 11th to 21st December 2023.
Aim: To foster collaborative partnership, inter-
operability and share best practices between the
India and Vietnam under Chapter VII of United
Nations (UN) Charter on Peace Keeping
Operations.
Exercise Astrashakti- Air Force Station During this the Indian Air Force (IAF) showcased
2023 Suryalanka in Andhra the abilities of Akash weapon system (AWS),
Pradesh (AP) and also successfully test fired Surface to Air
Missile for Assured Retaliation (SAMAR) air
defence missile system.
During the exercise, AWS which is a Short Range
Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) Air Defence
System neutralized four targets
simultaneously in a single firing unit.
TESTING
MISSILES NAME TESTING LOCATION FEATURES
High-speed tailless Aeronautical Test Defence Research and Development Organisation
flying-wing stealth Range, Chitradurga, (DRDO) has successfully carried out a flight trial of
Unmanned Aerial Karnataka an indigenous high-speed tailless flying-wing
Vehicle (UAV) stealth Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) from the
Aeronautical Test Range, Chitradurga, Karnataka.
The FWTD has been developed for India's secret
unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) programme
called ‘Ghatak’. FWTD was designed and developed
by the Aeronautical Development Establishment
(ADE), a premier DRDO laboratory located in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS

GRSE delivered Sandhayak (Yard 3025) SVL to Indian Navy
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata (West Bengal) has delivered Indian
Naval Ship (INS) Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first of four Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) ships to
the Indian Navy(IN) on 4th December 2023.

The contract for building four SVL ships was signed between the Ministry of Defense (MoD)
and GRSE on 30 October 2018. Other three Survey Vessel (Large) (SVL) are Nirdeshak (Yard
3026), Ikshak (Yard 3027) and Sanshodhak (Yard 3028)
Ministry of Defence Approved Rs. 2800 Cr Order for Buying 6,400 Rockets for Pinaka Weapon
System
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved the Rs 2,800 crore proposal to purchase about
6,400 rockets for Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) systems, for boosting the
Indian Army's capabilities. MoD's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the proposal
for the acquisition of 2 variants of these rockets, known as Area Denial Munition Type 2 and
Type-3.
Indian Navy Commissioned INS Tarmugli at Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam

On December 14, 2023, The Indian Navy commissioned the Fast Attack Craft, Indian Naval
Ship (INS) Tarmugli at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh(AP). VAdm
Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel was the Chief Guest for the commissioning ceremony.
✓ The vessel was build by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, West Bengal
in 2001.
Indian Navy Unveils New Admirals' Epaulettes Inspired By Chhatrapati Shivaji's Rajmudra
The Indian Navy (IN) has introduced a new design for the Admirals' Epaulettes, drawn from
the Naval Ensign and features elements inspired by the Rajmudra of
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
✓ The new design incorporates several symbolic elements such as the Golden Navy Button,
Octagon, Indian Sword, and Telescope.
✓ The redesigned Epaulettes have been unveiled for the ranks of Admiral, Vice Admiral, and
Rear Admiral, the top 3 positions in the naval forces.
Seventh Ferry craft 'Manjula' (Yard 786) Delivered to Indian Navy

On 29th December 2023, Kolkata (West Bengal) based The Shalimar Works (1980) Limited
has delivered the seventh 250 Men Ferry Craft ‘Manjula’ (Yard 786) to the Indian Navy (IN).
Manjula(Yard 786) Ferry Craft was built under the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Ministry of
Defence (MoD) with all major and auxiliary equipment or systems sourced from indigenous
manufacturers.
IN Commissioned Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer INS Imphal in Mumbai

On 26th December 2023,the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS)
Imphal(Yard 12706), a Stealth Guided Missile Destroyer, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai,
Maharashtra in the presence of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD).
✓ It is the third of four Project 15B ‘Visakhapatnam’ class destroyers designed by the IN’s
Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL),
Mumbai.
✓ The first two destroyers of Project 15B i.e. INS Visakhapatnam and INS Mormugao were
commissioned in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

LSAM 10 (Yard 78): Indian Navy’s 4th MCA Barge Launched in Mumbai
On 28 December 2023, The Indian Navy (IN) inducted the Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA)
Barge, LSAM 10 (Yard 78), the 4th Barge of the 08 x MCA Barge project at Naval Dockyards
in Mumbai, Maharashtra for the Naval Armament Depot (NAD), Karanja, Mumbai.
✓ The barge was built by the SECON Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh for the IN. The 1st Barge of series LSAM 7 (Yard 75) was delivered to IN
on 18th July 2023.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SATELLITES LAUNCHES
SATELLITE NAME COUNTRY PURPOSE
MisrSat-2 or China China National Space Agency (CNSA) launched
Aiji Yaogan Weixing Erhao (Aiji the MisrSat-2 or Aiji Yaogan Weixing Erhao (Aiji
2) satellite 2) satellite with a Long March-2C carrier rocket
from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in
northwest China. MisrSat-2, the optical remote
sensing satellite, was jointly developed by the
Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and CNSA.
Zhuque-2 Y-3 China China-based private space technology firm,

LandSpace Technology Corporation, successfully
launched the Zhuque-2 Y-3, the world’s first
liquid oxygen-methane powered launch vehicle,
carrying 3 satellites, from the Jiuquan Satellite
Launch Center, Inner Mongolia region,
China.With this, LandSpace became the World’s
first company to launch satellites using a rocket
fueled by Methane and liquid oxygen.
✓ The 3 satellites: Honghu satellite, Tianyi
33 satellite and Honghu-2 satellite, were
launched into the predetermined orbit.
China-based Beijing Interstellar Glory Space
Technology Ltd., also known as iSpace, has
launched “Hyperbola-2”, With this, iSpace
completed China’s first reusable launch vehicle
test.
Tsukoyomi-1 Rocket Lab, Rocket Lab, Inc. based in California, the United
Inc. based in States of America, successfully launched the “The
California, the Moon God Awakens” mission of the Institute for
United States Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS Inc.), the
of America Japanese Earth-
imaging company, from the Rocket Lab Launch

Complex 1, Pad B, on Mahia Peninsula, New

Zealand.
The electron rocket carried the QPS-Synthetic-
Aperture Radar (SAR)-5 satellite, named
“Tsukoyomi-1”, to a circular orbit 575
kilometres(km) above Earth.
3 Satellites China China’s Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center successfully
launched a Long March 11, carrying three
experimental satellites of the Shiyan 24C series,
from the waters of the coast of Yangjiang in
Guangdong province, China. The rocket has
successfully placed the satellites into the preset orbit.
China also launched the Long March-3B rocket
carrying the 57th and 58th satellites of the BeiDou
Satellite Navigation System (BDS) from the Xichang
Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern Sichuan
province, China.
OSIRIS-APEX United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
of America (NASA) launched OSIRIS-APEX (Origins, Spectral
Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security –
Apophis Explorer) to study the asteroid Apophis and
take advantage of the asteroid’s 2029 flyby of Earth.
Asteroid 99942 Apophis is named for the demon
serpent “Apophis” of the ancient Egyptian
mythology, which personifies evil and chaos. It is also
known as “God of Chaos”.
NATIONAL
Garuda Aerospace received ‘Second Type’ Certificate from DGCA for Medium Category Drones
Garuda Aerospace Private Limited from Tamil Nadu has secured the second type certificate for
medium category drones from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The
certification showcases Garuda Aerospace’s dedication to pioneering advancements in
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
✓ The DGCA Type Certification is issued under the provision of Rule 8 and Rule 9 (3) of the
Drone Rules 2021.
Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module Moves from Lunar Orbit to Earth Orbit

The Propulsion Module (PM) of Chandrayaan-3 by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s
(ISRO) retreats from an orbit around the moon to an orbit around Earth.
ISRO set to launch India’s first X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite
ISRO is set to launch India’s first X-ray polarimeter satellite (XPoSat) to investigate the
polarisation of intense astronomical X-ray sources.

CSL launches 3 Anti-Submarine Warfare Water Crafts for Indian Navy; Delivery of 3rd ACTCM
Barge, LSAM 17 Made
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) launched the first three ships of the 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare
Shallow Water Crafts (ASW SWC) project namely Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mahe, INS Malvan,
and INS Mangrol at its Kochi Yard in Kerala for the Indian Navy (IN).The 3rd Ammunition Cum
Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127) has been delivered to IN.
✓ The 3rd Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile (ACTCM) Barge, LSAM 17 (Yard 127) has
been delivered to IN in the presence of Shankar Mukharjee, INAS (Indian Naval Armament
Service), AGM Naval Armament Depot (NAD), Karanja in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Gajraj System: Indian Railways to Install AI-based Surveillance System to Prevent Elephant
Deaths on Tracks
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways, announced that the Indian Railways
will install ‘Gajraj System’, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based surveillance system, covering
700-kilometer (km) track across India to reduce elephant deaths on railway tracks.
✓ 700 km of rail network across Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Kerala, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh,
and Tamil Nadu will be covered under this system.
✓ The implementation of this system will costs around Rs 181 Crore.
Indian Researcher Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy, 1st Indian Woman to Operate a Rover on Mars
with NASA
Indian Researchers Dr Akshata Krishnamurthy has became the first indian citizen (woman) to
operate the rover (Perseverance) on Mars and also the first Indian citizen to collect sample
from the Mars to bring back to Earth.
Space regulator IN-SPACe Launches Seed Fund Scheme for Startups to Promote Innovation in
Space Sector
India's space regulator Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe)
has unveiled a seed fund scheme to offer financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore each to start-
ups operating in the areas of Urban Development and Disaster Management by using space
technology.
The scheme was launched in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO)'s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to provide opportunities to companies that
leverage space technology for societal benefit.
RattanIndia arm Introduces Compact Delivery Drone for Health Care and E-Commerce
Throttle Aerospace Systems Private Limited (TAS), a subsidiary of RattanIndia Enterprises
Limited has unveiled a compact delivery drone, L07 under TAS L-series.
L07 drone finds its application in the healthcare and e-commerce industries with a reliable and
efficient delivery solution. L07 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed to
meet the specific requirements of scenarios.
KPIT Unveils India’s First Sodium-Ion Battery Technology

KPIT Technologies unveiled India’s first Sodium (Na)-Ion battery technology which was
developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research

(IISER), Pune, Maharashtra. KPIT is the first company in India and the fourth In the world to
possess a proven technology solution for sodium-ion battery storage.
India’s Fastest’ Solar-Electric Boat Barracuda Launched in Kerala

India’s fastest solar-electric boat, Barracuda was launched at the Navgathi Panavally Yard in
Alappuzha, Kerala. The vessel was jointly developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
and Navalt Solar & Electric Boats Private Limited.
TBAL delivers 250th Fuselage for AH-64 Apache Helicopter

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) has delivered the 250th fuselage for AH-64E Apache
Combat helicopters which was manufactured at TBAL's state-of-the-art facility in Hyderabad,
Telangana.
Indian Army and AH-64E:
✓ Government of India (GoI) inked a contract with TBAL in 2020 for procurement of six new
Apache helicopters for the Indian Army at a cost of around USD 800 million.
✓ The first Apache will be delivered in February 2024, whereas the remaining five
helicopters are set to be delivered by April 2024.
Uttarakhand Tourism Conducts trial run of Gyrocopter for 'Himalaya Airsafari'

Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) in partnership with Rajas Aerosports and
Adventures Private Limited has completed the first gyrocopter trial flight at Bairagi Camp in
Haridwar, Uttarakhand. This paves a path for UTDB to launch India’s first Himalayan Air
Safari scheme using gyrocopter.
INTERNATIONAL
World's Biggest Experimental Nuclear Fusion Reactor JT-60SA Inaugurated in Japan
The world's largest and most advanced nuclear fusion reactor, Japan Torus-60 Super Advanced
(JT-60SA) started its operations in Naka, Japan. The reactor is a joint initiative between the
European Union (EU) and Japan.
✓ JT-60SA reactor is a six-storey-high machine which is constructed as per Broader
Approach (BA) Agreement. The agreement was signed between the European Atomic
Energy Community (Euratom) and Japan in 2007.
Iran's Navy Includes Cruise Missiles Talaeieh & Nasir to its Armoury
On December 24, 2023, Iran's navy has added the “Talaeieh” and the “Nasir”, the domestically
produced cruise missiles to its arsenal. The missiles are stationed at a naval base near the
Indian Ocean in the southern Iranian port of Konarak.
✓ The Talaeieh has a range of over 1,000 kilometers and can change targets while traveling.
The Nasir has a range of 100 kilometers and can be installed on warships.
Russian President Putin Unveils 2 New Nuclear-powered Submarines "Krasnoyarsk" and

"Emperor Alexander III"
Russian President Vladimir Putin unveiled 2 newly built nuclear-powered submarines
namely the "Krasnoyarsk" and "Emperor Alexander III," at the Sevmash shipyard in

Severodvinsk in Russia's northwestern Archangelsk region. The 2 vessels will join the Russian
Navy's Pacific fleet and will start patrolling the Pacific.
Russia & NASA Agrees to Extend Cross-flight Programme to ISS until 2025
Russia’s Roscosmos and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have
agreed to extend their partnership in space exploration by continuing cross-flights, involving
crews of various nationalities to travel on a single spacecraft to the International Space
Station (ISS) until 2025.
Pakistan Conducted Successful Flight Test of Indigenously Developed 'Fatah-II' Rocket System
Pakistan Military conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed guided
Multi-Launch Rocket System (MLRS) 'Fatah-II', which is equipped with state-of-the-art
avionics, a sophisticated navigation system, and a unique flight trajectory.
Google Launches its largest and most capable AI Model ‘Gemini’

Google launched its largest and most capable multimodal Artificial intelligence (AI) model,
‘Gemini’, which comes in three sizes: Gemini Ultra, Gemini Pro, and Gemini Nano.
Variants of Gemini:
Gemini Ultra: The largest and most capable model for highly complex tasks
Gemini Pro: The best model for scaling across a wide range of tasks
Gemini Nano: The most efficient model for on-device tasks
China Launches Uncrewed Reusable Spacecraft Into the Orbit

China launched a reusable uncrewed spacecraft atop a Long March 2F rocket from the
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China. The launch marked the third instance of a reusable
robotic spacecraft after 2020 and 2022.
World’s Deepest Physics Laboratory began its Operation in China’s Sichuan

China has commenced the operation of a 2,400-metre (7,874 feet) deep physics laboratory,
Deep Underground and Ultra-low Radiation Background Facility for Frontier Physics
Experiments (DURF) in Sichuan Province of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). DURF has
become the deepest and largest underground lab in the world.
China starts up world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor

China has commenced the operations of 200 megawatt (MW) High-Temperature, Gas-Cooled
Reactor (HTGCR) plant which is the world's first fourth-generation nuclear reactor in
Shandong, China. The plant was developed jointly by state-run utility Huaneng, Tsinghua
University and China National Nuclear Corporation.

SPORTS
CRICKET
BCCI Retires MS Dhoni’s Iconic Jersey Number 7
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the retirement of the former
Indian cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s (MS Dhoni) iconic jersey number “7” to honour his
achievements in Indian cricket.]
About the Retirement of Jersey Number: MS Dhoni becomes the second Indian to be given
this honour after Sachin Tendulkar, whose jersey number “10” retired in 2017.
Haryana Defeats Rajasthan to Win Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023–24

The Haryana men’s cricket team captained by Ashok Menaria won the Vijay Hazare Trophy
2023-24 by defeating the Rajasthan men’s cricket team led by Deepak Hooda in the finals held
in the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot (Gujarat).
✓ The 21st edition of the Vijay Hazare Trophy was held from 23rd November to 16th
December 2023, with 38 teams competing in a total of 135 matches.
This marks the first-ever Vijay Hazare Trophy win for the Haryana team, which beat Rajasthan
by 30 runs in the finals.
KKR Bids Mitchell Starc for Rs 24.75 cr as Most Expensive Player in IPL
Australian cricket player Mitchell Aaron Starc becomes the most expensive player in the
history of Indian Premier League (IPL) as he was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs
24.75 crore to play in the 2024 IPL season.
Mitchell Starc breaks Pat Cummins's (Australia) record buy of Rs 20.50 crore by the Sunrisers
Hyderabad.
BADMINTON & TENNIS

Forbes’ World’s Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023: Polish Tennis Player Iga Swiatek Tops;
India’s PV Sindhu Ranked 16th
Polish Tennis Player Iga Świątek(22 years old) has topped the Forbes’ annual list World’s
Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023, with a total earning of USD 23.9 million (on-field USD
9.9 million; off-field USD 14 million) in 2023.
✓ Indian Badminton player Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (PV Sindhu) is tied with American
Gymnast Simone Biles in 16th position with a total earning of USD 7.1 million (on-field
USD 0.1 million; off-field USD 7 million). Sindhu is the only Indian and the only
badminton player featured on the list.
Top 5 World Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023 by Forbes:
Earnings
Rank Name Nationality Sport (in USD)
1 Iga Świątek Poland Tennis 23.9 million
2 Eileen Gu China Freestyle skiing 22.1 million

United States of America

3 Coco Gauff (USA) Tennis 21.7 million
Emma
4 Raducanu United Kingdom (UK) Tennis 15.2 million
5 Naomi Osaka Japan Tennis 15 million
P.V. Sindhu India Badminton
16 Simone Biles USA Gymnastics 7.1 million
Indian Tennis Player Ramkumar Ramanathan Wins ITF Kalaburagi Open 2023
Indian tennis player Ramkumar Ramanathan won the men’s singles title of the International
Tennis Federation(ITF) Kalaburagi Open 2023 by defeating David Pichler (Austria) in the finals
held at the Chandrashekhar Patil Stadium, Kalaburagi, Karnataka.This marks his 3rd ITF title of
2023.
He has recently won the men’s singles title in the ITF Dharwad Open (Oct’ 2023) in Dharwad
(Karnataka) and the ITF Men’s Tennis Championship (Dec’ 23) in Mumbai (Maharashtra).
Leander Paes & Vijay Amritraj Become 1st Indians to be inducted into the International Tennis
Hall of Fame
Indian tennis legends Leander Paes; Indian sports commentator and promoter Vijay
Amritraj; and British sports journalist and writer Richard Evans were inducted into the
International Tennis Hall of Fame as a part of the class of 2024.
✓ Leander Paes was selected under Player Category and Vijay Amritraj and Richard Evans
were selected under Contributer Cateogry.
✓ Paes and Amritraj have became the 1st two Indians to receive the honours and the 1st
Asian men to be selected in their respective categories.
✓ Note: With this, India has became the 28th nation represented in the Hall of Fame.
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka wins ITF World Champion awards 2023
Novak Djokovic, a Serbian tennis player, has been named men’s International Tennis
Federation (ITF) World Champion 2023 for the eighth time in his career.
✓ Aryna Sabalenka, a Belarusian tennis player, has been named as the women’s ITF World
Champion for the first time for her consistent performance in the 2023 season.
Winners of ITF World Champion Awards 2023:
Category Player
Men’s Singles Novak Djokovic
Women’s Singles Aryna Sabalenka
Rajeev Ram and Joe
Men’s Doubles
Salisbury
Storm Hunter & Elise
Women’s Doubles
Mertens

BOXING, WRESTLING & WEIGHTLIFTING

India’s Antim Panghal, along with Hasrat & Georgios Named as UWW Rising Star of the Year
2023
India’s Antim Panghal, Georgios Kougioumtsidis (Greece), and Hasrat Jafarov(Azerbaijan)
have been named as United World Wrestling’s (UWW) Rising Stars of the Year 2023 in
Women’s Wrestling, Freestyle, and Greco-Roman respectively.
Winners of UWW Awards 2023:
Award Player Category
Antim Panghal Women’s
(India) Wrestling
Rising Stars
GeorgiosKougioumtsidis
of the Year Freestyle
(Greece)
2023
Hasrat Jafarov Greco-
(Azerbaijan) Roman
Iszmail Muszukajev
Freestyle
Breakout (Hungary)
Performances Women’s
Bose Tosun (Türkiye)
of the Year Wrestling
2023 Greco-
Gabriel Rosillo (Cuba)
Roman
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL

Manchester City Defeats Fluminense to Win FIFA Club World Cup 2023
The United Kingdom’s Manchester City Football Club (F.C.) won their maiden
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Club World Cup 2023 by defeating
Fluminense F.C.(Brazil) in the finals held at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah (Saudi
Arabia).
ARCHERY & SHOOTING

Indian Shooter Anish Bhanwala won Bronze at ISSF World Cup Final 2023
Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala won the bronze medal in the Men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event
at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun
2023 held in Lusail Shooting Range in Doha, Qatar held from 18th to 26th November 2023.
✓ This was India’s 1st medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event in the ISSF World Cup
Final history.
✓ India ranks 13th, along with Czechia; Great Britain; Latvia & the United States of America
(USA), in the medal tally with 1 bronze.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS

Khelo India Para Games 2023: Haryana Tops Medal Tally with 105 Medals
Haryana topped the medal tally with 105 medals (40 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze) in the
inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games 2023 held in New Delhi, Delhi from 10th - 17th
December 2023.

✓ Uttar Pradesh finished second in the medals table with 62 medals (25 gold, 23 silver, and
14 bronze) while Tamil Nadu finished third with 42 medals (20 gold, 8 silver, and 14
bronze).
✓ Mascot: ‘Ujjwala’, a sparrow, reminds strength comes in many forms and the human
spirit is unbreakable.
Sports Minister Anurag Thakur Launched Official Jersey, Logo, and Mascot of the 6th KIYG in
Tamil Nadu
Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MoYAS) unveiled
the official logo, jersey, and theme song of the 6th Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG 2024) in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The mascot of 6th KIYG named “Veera Mangai” and the ceremonial torch named “Thamizh”
were also unveiled during the event. The mascot “Veera Mangai” is the replica of the legendary
freedom fighter Tamil queen ‘Velu Nachiyar’
OYO partners with Khelo India and others to aid Differently-Abled Talent
Gurugram (Haryana) based OYO Hotels and Homes Private Limited (OYO) has partnered
with Khelo India Para Games and Divyang Kala Mela, to provide specialised and accessible
accommodation for differently abled players across India
Vaishali Rameshbabu Becomes India’s 84th Chess Grandmaster

Indian Chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu(22 years old), has become India’s 84th
Grandmaster(GM) by crossing the 2500 Elo live ratings during the ongoing 4th edition of the
Llobregat Open Chess Tournament (Llobregat Open 2023) from 30th November 2023 to 8th
December 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.
✓ She is the third Indian female, after Koneru Humpy (2002) and Harika Dronavalli (2011),
to get the GM title.
Vaishali and her brother Praggnanandhaa became the world’s first sister-brother pair to be
GrandMasters.
India’s Hardik Singh and Savita won the 2023 FIH Hockey Star Awards
Indian men’s hockey team midfielder Hardik Singh and Indian women’s hockey team captain
Savita Punia won the FIH men’s Player of the Year and the FIH Women’s Goalkeeper of the
Year award respectively at the 2023 International Hockey Federation’s (FIH) annual Hockey
Star Awards.
Award Player
Hardik Singh (India) Men’s Player of the Year
Xan de Waard (the
Women’s Player of the Year
Netherlands)
Pirmin Blaak (the
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
Netherlands)
Women’s Goalkeeper of the
Savita Punia (India)
Year

Gaspard
Men’s Rising Star of the Year
Xavier (France)
Teresa Lima (Spain) Women’s Rising Star of the Year
André
Coach of the Year (Male)
Henning (Germany)
Alyson Annan (China) Coach of the Year (Female)
Ben
Umpire of the Year (Male)
Göntgen (Germany)
Ayanna McClean
Umpire of the Year (Female)
(Trinidad and Tobago)
Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023: India’s Kiyana Parihar (U-8 Girls) and Harsh Suresh
(U-16 open) won gold medals
Indian chess players Kiyana Parihar (Under -8 Girls) and Harsh Suresh (U-16 Open) won
gold medals (Standard - category) in the Asian Youth Chess Championships 2023 held at Al
Ain City of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from December 12 to 22, 2023.
✓ Grandmaster (GM) Gukesh Dommaraju (India) won the inaugural Chennai Grand
Masters 2023 title, which was held at Chennai (Tamil Nadu) from 15th to 21st December
2023.Indian chess players GM Arjun Erigaisi and GM Pentala Harikrishna secured second
and third positions, respectively.
BOOKS & AUTHORS

BOOK NAME AUTHOR KEY NOTES
Resilient India: How Released by Pushkar Pushkar Singh Dhami , Chief Minister (CM) of
Modi Transformed Singh Dhami Uttarakhand, released a new book titled
India’s Disaster “Resilient India: How Modi Transformed India’s
Management Disaster Management Paradigm” at the 6th
Paradigm World Congress on Disaster Management in
Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
✓ The book is edited and compiled by
Bluekraft Digital Foundation and Modi
Story.
It is published by Rupa Publications India.
India’s Moment: Mohan Kumar Vikram K. Doraiswami, High Commissioner(HC)
Changing Power of India in London, United Kingdom(UK),
Equations around the released a new book titled “India’s Moment:
World Changing Power Equations around the World”
authored by Ambassador (Dr.) Mohan Kumar,
one of India’s leading experts on foreign
trade.The book is published by HarperCollins
Publisher India.

Naye Bharat ka Narendra Modi Former(14th) President of India Ram Nath

Samveda Kovind launched a book titled “Naye Bharat ka
Samveda” in an event held in Indira Gandhi
National Centre for the Arts(IGNCA), New Delhi,
Delhi. The book was authored by Prime
Minister(PM) Narendra Modi. The book is
published by Prabhat Prakashan Private
Limited.
Collected Works of Launched by Narendra Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, launched
Pandit Madan Mohan Modi the 1st series of 11 volumes of “Collected Works
Malaviya of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya“, at the event
held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
The event was organised on the occasion of the
162nd birth anniversary of Mahamana Pandit
Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of Banaras
Hindu University (BHU).
Breaking the Mould: Raghuram Rajan & Former Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
Reimagining India's Rohit Lamba Governor Raghuram Rajan in collaboration
Economic Future with Economist Rohit Lamba authored a new
book, titled "Breaking the Mould:
Reimagining India's Economic Future," that
explores strategies for accelerating India's
economic development. The book was published
by Penguin Random House India.
Introduction to Finite Indian Space Research The book titled "Introduction to Finite
Element Analysis - A Organisation (ISRO)’s Element Analysis - A Textbook for
Textbook for Vikram Sarabhai Space Engineering Students" released by the Indian
Engineering Students Centre (VSSC) Space Research Organisation(ISRO)’s Vikram
Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) offers insights
into the fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis
(FEA) method and how FEAST (Finite Element
Analysis of Structures) software can be used for
solving real-world problems.
The book was edited by S Somanath, Chairman
of ISRO, and Dr. Unnikrishnan Nair S, Director
of VSSC- Thiruvananthapuram(Kerala), and
written by finite element analysis experts of
VSSC. The book was published by Springer
Publications.

OBITUARY
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Vijayakanth Tamil actor and Madurai Passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
the founder of (TN). DMDK is a regional political
Desiya party in TN. In 2001, the Government
Murpokku of India (GoI) honoured him with the
Dravida ‘Best Indian Citizen Award by the
Kazhagam Government of India’ for promoting
(DMDK) patriotism
Dr. V. Mohini Giri Padma Uttar Pradesh Indian women's rights activist and
Bhushan the former Chair of the National
awardee Commission for Women (NCW)
passed away at the age of 86. She
was born on 15 January 1938, in
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).
✓ She received the Rosalie
Wolf Memorial Award
from the International
Network for the Prevention
of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in
2014, for a lifetime of
demonstrated dedication in
the service of “elder abuse.”
She was honoured with the Padma
Bhushan in 2007 for Social Work.
INTERNATIONAL
Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Ruling Emir of Kuwait Passed away at the age of 86. He
al-Ahmad al-Jaber al- Kuwait ruled Kuwait for 3 years, after taking
Sabah over from his half-brother, Sheikh
Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah in
September 2020.
✓ Kuwait's crown prince and his
half-brother (Heir), 83-year-
old Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad
al-Jaber al-Sabah, was
named the new Emir
succeding Sheikh Nawaf.

Henry Alfred Nobel Peace Prize Germany Passed away at the age of 100 in
Kissinger winner and former Connecticut, the United States of
American Diplomat America (USA). Henry Kissinger was
born as Heinz Alfred Kissinger in
Furth, Germany, on 27th May 1923.
His family moved to the USA in 1938.
He received the Nobel Peace Prize in
1973, jointly with Le Duc Tho
(Vietnam), for jointly having
negotiated a cease fire in Vietnam in
1973
American Economist Economist New York, the Who won the 1987 Nobel Prize in
Robert Merton Solow United States economics has passed away at the
of America age of 99. He was born on 23 August
1924 in Brooklyn, New York, the
United States of America. In 1987, he
won the Nobel Prize in Economic
Sciences for his contributions to the
theory of economic growth.
Jacques Delors French Politician France Who served as the President of the
European Commission (EC) from 1985
to 1995, passed away at the age of 98 in
Paris, France. He was born on 20th July
1925 in Paris, France.
He served as the 8th President of the
European Commission from 1985 to
1995 for three terms, longer than any
other holder of the office.
IMPORTANT DAYS
OBSERVED DATE / DAYS KEY NOTES
WEEK
November 30, 2023 United Nations (UN) Day To pay tribute to the victims, who lost their
of Remembrance for All lives or suffered from chemical warfare. The
Victims of Chemical Day also reaffirms the commitment of the
Warfare Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW) to eliminate the chemical
weapons threat and promote the goals of peace,
security, and multilateralism.
December 1, 2023 World AIDS Day United Nations (UN)’s World Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is annually
observed across the globe on 1 December to
raise awareness about AIDS and to unite people
across the globe to show support for people

living with AIDS and affected by Human

Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV).
✓ 1 December 2023, marks the 35th
anniversary of World AIDS Day,
✓ The theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is,
“Let Communities Lead.”
The red ribbon has become an internationally
recognized symbol of solidarity and support for
people living with HIV and for AIDS awareness.
December 1, 2023 59th Raising Day of the The Border Security Force (BSF) of India
Border Security Force annually celebrates the BSF Raising Day on 1
December to mark the establishment of BSF, a
primary border-guarding organisation of India
that came into existence on 1st December
1965.1st December 2023 marks the observance
of the 59th Raising Day of BSF.
BSF, also known as the First Line of Defence of
Indian Territories, is a paramilitary force
charged with guarding India’s land borders with
Pakistan and Bangladesh during peacetime and
preventing transnational crime.
December 2, 2023 International Day for the United Nations (UN) International Day for the
Abolition of Slavery Abolition of Slavery is annually observed across
the globe on 2 December to combat and
eradicate contemporary forms of slavery, such
as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, the
worst forms of child labour, forced marriage,
and the forced recruitment of children for use in
armed conflict.
The 50 for Freedom Campaign is led by the
International Labour Organization (ILO) and its
partners, the International Trade Union
Confederation (ITUC) and the International
Organization of Employers (IOE).
December 2, 2023 National Pollution National Pollution Control Day or National
Control Day Pollution Prevention Day is annually observed
across India on 2 December in the memory of
those who lost their lives in the disastrous 1984
Bhopal Gas Tragedy.The Day also aims to raise
awareness of the management and control of
industrial hazards and avoid pollution caused
by industrial processes or human negligence.
✓ 2 December 2023 marks the 39th
Anniversary of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy.

Bhopal Gas Tragedy was India’s first major

industrial disaster that took place on the
intervening night of December 2 and 3, 1984, in
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh(MP).
December 2, 2023 World Computer Literacy World Computer Literacy Day is annually
Day observed across the globe on December 2 to
raise public knowledge of computers and
encourage the development of technological
skills, particularly among children and women
in India.The day aims to promote digital literacy
and raise awareness in underserved
communities across the globe.
✓ 2nd December 2023 marks the
observance of 23rd World Computer
Literacy Day.
National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) or
Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA) aimed at
creating at least a digitally literate and
empowered person per household in India.
December 3, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Persons with Disabilities Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is annually
promote an understanding of disability issues
and mobilise support for the dignity, rights, and
well-being of persons with disabilities.IDPD also
seeks to increase awareness about the situation
of persons with disabilities in every aspect of
political, social, economic, and cultural life.
The 2023 theme of IDPD is, “United in action to
rescue and achieve the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by
persons with disabilities“.
December 4, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of
Banks Banks is annually observed across the globe on
December 4 to recognise the vital role of
banking systems in the Member States in
contributing to the improvement of the
standard of living.4th December 2023 marks the
observance of the 4th International Day of
Banks. The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA)
is a global framework for financing sustainable
development.
The UN Principles for Responsible Banking
(PRB), launched in 2019, collaborates with the

banking community to accelerate a positive

global transition for people and the planet.
December 4, 2023 Indian Navy Day Indian Navy Day is annually observed across
India on December 4th to recognise the role and
achievements of the Indian Navy in ensuring the
safety of the nation.The day also commemorates
the Operation Trident, Indian Navy’s offensive
operation conducted during the Indo-Pakistan
war in 1971. Operation Trident was an offensive
operation launched by the Indian Navy on the
night of 4–5 December 1971 on Pakistan’s naval
headquarters (PNHQ) (port city) of Karachi.
December 5, 2023 International Volunteer The United Nations (UN) International
Day Volunteer Day for Economic and Social
Development commonly known as
International Volunteer Day (IVD) is annually
raise awareness about volunteer service,
encouraging individuals, who dedicate their
time and skills to contribute their services as
volunteers locally and internationally.
The 2023 theme of IVD centres on “The power
of everyone - collective action - if everyone did".
December 4 to 8, UNCTAD eWeek The United Nations Conference on Trade and
2023 Development (UNCTAD) eWeek, previously
known as UNCTAD eCommerce Week, is a
global forum on development and the digital
economy.
✓ UNCTAD eWeek 2023 is being observed
from 4th to 8th December 2023 at the
International Conference Center of
Geneva(CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Theme: The theme of UNCTAD eWeek 2023
is "Shaping the future of the digital
economy."
December 5, 2023 World Soil Day The United Nations(UN)’s World Soil
Day (WSD) is annually observed across the
globe on 5th December to create awareness
about the importance of healthy soil and to
advocate the sustainable management of soil
resources.
The theme of WSD 2023 is “Soil and water, a
source of life”. 5th December 2023 marks the

observance of 10th WSD. The first ever WSD

was observed on 5th December 2014.
December 7, 2023 International Civil The United Nations (UN) International Civil
Aviation Day Aviation Day is annually observed across the
globe on 7 December to create awareness
about the importance of international civil
aviation and its role in the social and economic
development of a country.
The 2023 theme of International Civil Aviation
Day is “Advancing Innovation for Global
Aviation Development”.
December 7, 2023 Armed Forces Flag Day Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) is annually
honour the martyrs, men, and women in the
armed forces who bravely fought and continue
to fight on the borders to safeguard the
country's honour.
A committee was set up on 28 August 1949
under the then Defence Minister Baldev Singh.
The committee recommended observing Flag
Day annually on December 7. The 1st Armed
Forces Flag Day was observed on 7 December
1949.
December 8, 2023 SAARC Charter Day The South Asian Association for Regional
Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day is annually
observed on December 8 to mark the adoption
of the SAARC Charter on 8th December 1985 in
Dhaka, Bangladesh.8th December 2023 marks
the observance of the 39th SAARC Charter Day.
SAARC is an economic and political organization
of 8 countries in South Asia: Afghanistan,
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka…Click here for detailed
article…
December 8, 2023 Indian Navy's 56th Indian Navy annually observes Submarine
Submarine Day Day on 8 December to commemorate the
induction of the Indian Navy's 1st submarine,
the erstwhile Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kalvari (a
Soviet Foxtrot Class submarine) on 08
December 1967. 8 December 2023 marks the
observance of the 56th Submarine Day.
The Indian Navy submarine arm was born on 8
December 1967, with the commissioning of INS
Kalvari, the 1st Scorpene class submarine in

India under the command of Commander K.S.

Subramanian at Riga in Latvia, the erstwhile
Union Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1967.
December 9, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Commemoration and Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of
Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of
the Crime of Genocide this Crime is annually observed across the globe
and of the Prevention of on 9 December to mark the adoption of
this Crime “Genocide Convention” – the Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide, and to honour the victims of
Genocide.
✓ The theme of the 2023 observance is “A
Living Force in World Society: The
Legacy of the 1948 Convention on the
Prevention and Punishment of the Crime
of Genocide.”
✓ 9th December 2023 marks the 75th
anniversary of adopting the Genocide
Convention, the 1st human rights treaty
adopted by the UN General Assembly
(UNGA).
December 10, 2023 Human Rights Day The United Nations (UN)’s Human Rights Day
also known as International or World Human
Rights Day is annually observed across the
globe on 10 December to create awareness and
mobilise political will to promote respect for
rights and freedoms. The day marks the
anniversary of the adoption of the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
✓ 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of
UDHR, which coincides with the 30th
anniversary of the Office of the UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights
(OHCHR).
The theme of Human Rights Day 2023 is,
“Freedom, Equality and Justice for All.”
December 11, 2023 International Mountain The United Nations (UN) International
Day Mountain Day is annually observed across the
globe on 11 December to create awareness
about the importance of mountains to life.The
theme of International Mountain Day 2023 is
“Restoring Mountain Ecosystems”. The day

highlights the opportunities and constraints in

mountain development and builds partnerships
that will bring positive change to mountain
peoples and environments around the world.
UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/77/172,
proclaimed a Global framework for the 5 Years
of Action for the Development of Mountain
Regions 2023–2027.
Neutrality Neutrality is annually observed across the globe
on 12 December to raise public awareness of
the importance of neutrality in
intergovernmental relations.The Day also aims
to develop peaceful, friendly, and mutually
beneficial relations and encourages cooperation
between different countries globally.
December 12, 2023 Universal Health The United Nations (UN) Universal Health
Coverage Day Coverage Day (UHC Day) is annually observed
across the globe on 12 December to raise
awareness about the importance of strong and
resilient health systems in achieving universal
health coverage and to celebrate the progress
towards health for all.
✓ The 2023 UHC global campaign theme is,
“Health For All: Time for Action.”
It was on this day (12 December) in 2012, the
UNGA unanimously endorsed a resolution
urging countries to accelerate progress toward
universal health coverage (UHC) as an essential
priority for international development.
December 14, 2023 National Energy National Energy Conservation Day is annually
Conservation Day observed across India on 14 December to raise
awareness about the importance of conserving
energy and to promote sustainable energy
practices. The day also aims to showcase the
achievements of India in energy efficiency and
conservation.
✓ The National Energy Conservation Day is
annually organised by the Bureau of
Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the
Ministry of Power, Government of India
(GoI).
The National Energy Conservation Day was 1st
observed on December 14, 1991. BEE under

the guidance of MoP will observe National

Energy Conservation Week from 14 to 20
December 2023 throughout India
December 16, 2023 Vijay Diwas, or Victory Annually observed across India and
Day (Bijoy Dibos) Bangladesh on 16 December to celebrate the
historic victory of Indian armed forces against
Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war (India -
Pakistan War of 1971).
The Day also pays tributes to the martyrs of
both India and Bangladesh, who lost their lives
on the line during the war. 16 December 2023
marks the celebration of the 53rd Vijay Diwas.
December 17, 2023 International Day to End The International Day to End Violence
Violence Against Sex Against Sex Workers is annually observed
Workers across the globe on 17 December to focus
attention on hate crimes committed against sex
workers worldwide, as well as the need to
remove the social stigma and discrimination
that have contributed to violence against sex
workers.
The 1st International Day to End Violence
Against Sex Workers was observed on 17
December 2003 as a memorial and vigil for the
victims of Gary Ridgway, also known as the
"Green River Killer" in Seattle, Washington
(USA).
December 18, 2023 International Migrants United Nations (UN)’s International Migrants
Day Day is annually observed across the globe on
18th December to create awareness about the
important contribution of migrants while
highlighting the challenges they face.
✓ 18th December 2023 marks the
observance of 23rd International
Migrants Day. The first ever
International Migrants Day was
observed on 18th December 2000.
The theme of International Migrants Day 2023
is ‘Act Today‘.
December 18, 2023 UN Arabic Language Day The United Nations (UN) Arabic Language Day
is annually observed across the globe on 18
December to honour the language and cultural
diversity of the Middle Eastern Region. The
2023 commemoration coincides with the 50th

anniversary of the proclamation of Arabic as

one of the 6 UN official languages.
The 2023 theme of UN Arabic Language Day is,
“Arabic – the Language of Poetry and Arts.”
The 1st Arabic Language Day was observed on
December 18, 2012.
December 18, 2023 Minority Rights Day Minority Rights Day, also known as Minorities
Day, is annually observed across India on 18th
December to create awareness about the
constitutionally assured rights of religious
minorities. The theme of Minority Rights Day
2023 is ‘Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion’.
18th December 2023 marks the observance of
the 11th Minority Rights Day. The first-ever
Minorities Rights Day in India was observed on
18th December 2013.
December 20, 2023 International Human The United Nations (UN)’s International
Solidarity Day Human Solidarity Day is annually observed
across the globe on 20 December to raise
public awareness of the importance of solidarity
in addressing global challenges such as poverty,
inequality, and injustice.
The first-ever International Human Solidarity
Day was observed on 20 December 2006.
December 21, 2023 First-Ever UN World The first-ever United Nations (UN) World
Basketball Day Basketball Day was observed across the globe
on 21 December 2023 to recognise the pivotal
role of sports (including sports for disabled
persons), especially basketball, in fostering
human rights, peace, development, gender
equality, and the empowerment of women and
girls.
✓ Basketball has become the 1st team
sport to be honoured with an UN-
recognised international day.
On 21st December 1891, Basketball was
played for the first time at the International
YMCA (Young Men's Christian Association)
Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts,
the United States of America(USA). Basketball
was developed by Dr. James Naismith, a
Canadian physical education instructor.
December 22, 2023 National Mathematics National Mathematics Day (NMD) is annually
Day celebrated across India on 22 December to

commemorate the birth anniversary of the

Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan,
who was born on 22 December 1887 in Erode,
Madras Presidency, British India (now Tamil
Nadu, India)
22 December 2023 marks the 136th birth
anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan. The first-
ever NMD was observed on 22 December
2012, the 125th birth anniversary of Srinivasa
Ramanujan.
December 23, 2023 National Farmer's Day or National Farmer's Day, also known as
Kisan Diwas Kisan Diwas, is annually observed across India
on 23rd December to highlight the significance
of farmers’ contribution to the overall social and
economic development of India.
✓ The day also marks the birth
anniversary of Chaudhary Charan
Singh, a champion of the Indian farmers’
community, who served as the 5th
Prime Minister (PM) of India from
1979 to 1980.
23rd December 2023 marks the 121st birth
anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh.
The 1st Kisan Diwas (National Farmer's Day)
was observed on 23 December 2001
December 24, 2023 National Consumer National Consumer Rights Day, also known as
Rights Day Bharatiya Grahak Diwas or National Consumer
Day, is annually observed across India on 24
December to raise awareness of consumer rights
and responsibilities.
The day commemorates the enactment of the
Consumer Protection Act (CPA) of 1986, which
received the assent of the President of India on 24
December 1986. The 1st National Consumer
Rights Day was observed on 24 December 1986.
December 25, 2023 Good Governance Day Good Governance Day, also known as
Sushasan Diwas in Hindi, is annually observed
across India on 25th December to mark the birth
anniversary of the former(10th) Prime Minister
(PM) Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day also aims to
create awareness of accountability and
administration of government among the people.
25th December 2023 marks the 10th Good
Governance Day and 99th birth anniversary of Atal
Bihari Vajpayee. The third Good Governance Week

(Sushasan Saptah) was observed from 19-25

December 2023.
December 26, 2023 Veer Bal Diwas Veer Bal Diwas is annually observed across India
on 26 December to pay honour and tribute to the
sacrifices of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada
Fateh Singh, the 3rd and 4th son(Chhote
Sahibzadas) of Guru Gobind Singh, 10th and last
Sikh Guru.
✓ 26 December 2023 marks the 2nd
observance of Veer Bal Diwas. The first
Veer Bal Diwas was observed on 26th
December 2022.
On 9 January 2022, on occasion of the Prakash
Purab (birth anniversary) of Guru Gobind Singh, PM
Narendra Modi declared that December 26 would be
observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’ to mark the martyrdom
of the Chhote Sahibzadas.
Epidemic Preparedness Epidemic Preparedness is annually observed
across the globe on 27th December to highlight the
significance of the prevention of, preparedness for,
and partnership against epidemics.
27 December 2023 marks the observance of the
4th International Day of Epidemic Preparedness.
The first International Day of Epidemic
Preparedness was observed on 27 December 2020.
APPS & WEB PORTAL

APP & WEB NAME LAUNCHED BY PURPOSE
Geographic Information Union Minister of StateTo encourage technology driven spatial
System (GIS) application (MoS), MoPR, Kapil planning by the Gram Panchayat.
“Gram Manchitra” Moreshwar Patil This newly launched app will be aided by
MoPR’s previously launched mActionSoft
application, which will enhance the platform
by integrating geo-tagged data from assets,
providing a detailed view of Gram Panchayat
projects.
HDFC SKY HDFC Securities Limited HDFC Securities Limited, the stock-broking
arm of HDFC Bank, has launched its mobile
trading app, HDFC SKY on Amazon Web
Services (AWS), the cloud computing unit of
Amazon.com.AWS is the world’s most
comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud.
✓ HDFC Securities will provide secure
and low-latency trading services to

retail investors who prefer mobile

trading.
Revamped version of the Pharmacy Council of A cloud-based application to provide end-to-

DIGI-PHARMed App India (PCI) end services to Pharmacy
institutions/Pharmacist/Pharmacy
student/Pharmacist jobseeker.Dr. Montu
Kumar M Patel, President of PCI inaugurated
the revamped DIGI-PHARMed application.
web portal Department of For the National Awards for e-Governance
(www.nceg.gov.in) Administrative Reforms (NAeG) 2024.
and Public Grievances ✓ In 2024, 16 Awards(10 gold and 6
(DARPG) under the silver) will be conferred under the
Ministry of Personnel, NAeG 2024. The award includes an
Public Grievances and incentive of Rs 10 lakh for Gold
Pensions Awardees and Rs 5 Lakhs for Silver
Awardees.
National Geoscience Data Union Minister Pralhad Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of
Repository (NGDR) Joshi, Ministry of Mines Mines (MoM), launched the National
Portal (MoM) Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal
(https://geodataindia.go (https://geodataindia.gov.in/login), and the
v.in/login) Roadshow on Critical Minerals in New
Delhi, Delhi.
www.cashe.co.in CASHe CASHe, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven
financial wellness platform has strategically
repositioned the brand, along with the launch
of the new website and mobile
application(app) with the tagline - 'Bharat Ka
Money App.'
Paat-Mitro Ministry of To provide important information about
Textiles(MoT) Minimum Support Price (MSP) and agronomy
to jute farmers. The app was developed by
Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI), a
central public sector undertaking (CPSU)
under MoT
Janavani- Telangana State A public grievance mobile application,
Kalushya Nivarani Pollution Control Board designed for registering various complaints
(TSPCB) related to environmental pollution.

ENVIRONMENT
Demaorchestia Alanensis: New Marine Amphipod Discovered in Chilika Lake
Researchers from Berhampur University, Odisha have discovered a new species of marine
amphipod in the Odisha’s Chilika lake on east coast of India.
✓ The new species is given the scientific nomenclature ‘Demaorchestia alanensis’ after
Professor Alan Myers who made a significant contribution to global marine amphipod
studies.
✓ The discovery of the specie was published in online edition of journal ‘Zootaxa’
Pantoea Tagorei: Visva-Bharati Researchers Named New Bacteria after Rabindranath Tagore
The researchers from Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, West Bengal(WB) have
discovered a new species of ‘good’ bacteria with unique properties beneficial for plant growth.
The new species is named “Pantoea Tagorei”, after Rabindranath Tagore, who won the
1913 Nobel Prize in Literature. This is the 1st time any living thing has been named after
Tagore
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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – October 2023
Table of Contents
CABINET APPROVALS ............................................................................................................................................... 7
PARLIAMENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
FESTIVAL................................................................................................................................................................... 12
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ............................................................................................................................... 13
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................. 23
INDIAN VISITS .......................................................................................................................................................... 23
FOREIGN VISITS ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 24
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 24
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 27
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 33
GDP & GROWTH RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 35
ECONOMY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................................... 36
BUSINESS NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 36
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 37
MoU’s WITH STATES ............................................................................................................................................... 38
APPOINTMENTS....................................................................................................................................................... 42
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 42
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 47

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COUNTRY AMBASSADORS ..................................................................................................................................... 50
AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 53
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENCE & BRAVERY ............................................................... 53
NOBEL PRIZE ............................................................................................................................................................ 54
SUMMITS ................................................................................................................................................................... 60
EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 61
MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................................................. 64
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 66
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................... 66
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 69
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT .................................................................................................... 71
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 74
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 74
TESTING .................................................................................................................................................................... 76
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 78
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 79
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 79
BOOKS & AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 82
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 84
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 84
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 86
IMPORTANT DAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 87
APPS & WEB PORTAL ............................................................................................................................................... 106
ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................................................................... 109

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CABINET APPROVALS
Cabinet Approval on 4th October 2023
On October 4th, 2023, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi
has given its approval for multiple initiatives and they are as follows
 Cabinet approves Revised Cost of completion of balance works of North Koel Reservoir
Project in Bihar & Jharkhand
 Cabinet approves setting up of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University
 Cabinet approves Terms of Reference to Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-II under Inter
State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956
 Centre notifies establishment of National Turmeric Board
Cabinet Approval October 2023

In a significant development, the Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi,
 Approved an amendment to the Second Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act) for specifying royalty rates for three critical and strategic
minerals: Lithium, Niobium, and Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
 Approved an establishment of autonomous organization known as "Mera Yuva Bharat" (MY
Bharat).
 Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and France on cooperation in the
field of Digital Technologies.
 Cabinet approves an MoU between India and Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and Tobago for Digital
Transformation.
Cabinet Approvals on 18 Oct 2023

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals on
18 October, 2023
 Cabinet Approves Phase-II of GEC for 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh
 Cabinet approves MSP for Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2024-25
 11.07 Lakh Railway Employees to Receive Rs 1968.87 Crores in PLB
 Cabinet approves release of an additional instalment of DA and DR due from 01.07.2023.
Cabinet Approvals on October 25, 2023

Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has given its approval to the
following proposals which were detailed by Union Minister, Anurag Singh Thakur, Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting (MIB) during a press conference in New Delhi, Delhi:
 Inclusion of Jamrani Dam Multipurpose Project of Uttarakhand under Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The
total outlay of the project is estimated at Rs 2,584.10 crore.
 Nutrient Based Subsidy(NBS) rates for RABI Season, 2023-24 on Phosphatic and Potassic
(P&K) fertilizers.
 Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on Japan-India
Semiconductor Supply Chain Partnership….Click here for more detail…

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PARLIAMENT
President Droupadi Murmu Gives Assent to Women’s Reservation Bill 2023
On September 29, 2023, as per the notification issued by the Union Law Minister Arjun Ram
Meghwal ,President Droupadi Murmu has granted assent to the Women’s Reservation Bill
2023, which mandates a 33% reservation (one-third of total seats) for women in the Lok
Sabha, State Legislative assemblies, and National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. This historic
decision was officially approved by the President on September 28, 2023.
 Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson, Jagdeep Dhankhar on September 28 signed
the women’s reservation Bill as passed by Parliament before it was presented to President
Droupadi Murmu for her assent.
 Following the President’s assent, this Bill will be recognized as the Constitution (106th
Amendment) Act.
 The Women’s Reservation Bill 2023, officially titled as The Constitution (128th
Amendment) Bill, 2023 and commonly referred to as Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, has
been introduced in the Indian Parliament…Click here for more detail……….
New Drone (Amendment) Rules 2023 by MoCA: Citizens can Become Drone Pilots\
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), under the authority of section 5, sub-section 2 of section
10, and sections 10A, 10B, and 12A of the Aircraft Act, 1934 (22 of 1934), has introduced
significant amendments to the Drone Rules in 2023 for drone pilots. The rule is effective from
the 27th of September 2023.
Amendment to Aircraft Rules, 1937: Validity of Pilot License increased from 5 to 10 yrs
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) notified the amendment of the Aircraft Rules, 1937,
which will be called as “Aircraft (First Amendment) Rules, 2023”. Under this amendment,
following the revision of Rule 39C, the validity of the Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
and Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders has been increased from 5 years to 10 years
The Amendment to Aircraft Rules, 1937 introduces key changes under Rule 66, addressing
concerns related to the display of “false lights” in the vicinity of an aerodrome.…Click here for
more detail…

Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Establishment of STPF for Tiger Reserves
The Arunachal Pradesh(AR) Cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister(CM) Pema
Khandu approved the constitution of the Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) in three Tiger
Reserves of AR namely, Namdapha, Pakke, and Kamlang.
Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF):
STPF is a specialized force tailored to the needs of tiger reserves, comprising one company of
112 personnel each for 3 tiger reserves. Each company is subdivided into 3 platoons and 18
sections.

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Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel Inaugurates various Schemes and Infrastructural
Projects Worth Rs 1021.59 Crore
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Bhupesh Baghel virtually inaugurates various schemes and
infrastructural projects worth Rs 1021.59 crore.The schemes include the installation of a panic
button and Global Positioning System (GPS) services as part of the Nirbhaya project in every
passenger vehicle to locate the vehicle once the panic button is pressed.
He inaugurated bio-ethanol demonstration plant, Chhattisgarh Niwas, and launched Chief
Minister Construction Workers Pension Assistance Scheme, Automatic Number Plate
Recognition (ANPR) based e-detection system.
Baiga Tribe Becomes the 2nd Tribe to Get Habitat Rights in Chhattisgarh
Baiga, classified as the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), in Chhattisgarh has
received the Habitat rights under the Forest Rights Act(FRA) 2006. With this Baiga has become
the 2nd tribal group after Kamar to get habitat rights in Chhattisgarh.
 The Baiga community, primarily inhabits various districts in Chhattisgarh, such as
Rajnandgaon, Kawardha, Mungeli, GPM, Manendra-Bharatpur-Chirmiri, and Bilaspur.
 Note: On August 9, 2023, during the occasion of World Tribal Day, the Chhattisgarh
government granted habitat rights to the Kamar PVTG in 22 villages of the Magarlod block
of the Dhamtari district.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Various Initiatives across Various Sectors
The Himachal Pradesh (HP) Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Thakur
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved ‘Van Mitra’ Scheme, a community-based forest
conservation scheme. The state cabinet has also approved various decisions across different
sectors.
 Ropeway System Pilgrims
 Shimla Development Plan Amendment
 HP Town and Country Planning Rules Amendment
Karnataka
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Launched an Emblem to Mark Golden Jubilee of Renaming
State
The Chief Minister(CM) of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, unveiled an emblem of Karnataka
Sambrama-50 in a programme organised by the Department of Kannada in Bengaluru,
Karnataka.The launch of emblem marks the golden jubilee of the renaming of Mysore State as
Karnataka in on 1st November, 1973.
To mark 50 years of renaming the government of Karnataka decided to hold year-long
celebrations from 1st November 2023 to 1st November 2024.

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Karnataka launches ‘HAWK’ centralized wildlife crime management system
The Karnataka Forest Department, along with Wildlife Trust of India(WTI) has launched the
Hostile Activity Watch Kernel (HAWK) system, a specialised software platform to monitor all
aspects of forest and wildlife crime.
 The initiative is supported by NTT DATA, an Information technology (IT) services
provider, under its Corporate Social Responsibility(CSR) programme.
Kerala
Kasaragod Becomes 1st District in India to Declare Official Tree, Flower, Bird, Species
The Kasaragod district of Kerala became the first district in India to officially designate its
official tree, flower, bird and species showcasing its rich biodiversity and natural heritage.
 The district's official tree is 'Kanjiram' (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn), named after
'kasara', meaning wormwood, which is the origin of the district's name. 'Periya Polathali'
(Malabar river lily), was declared as its official flower. 'Vellavayaran Kadal Paranthu'
(White-bellied sea eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster) is declared as the district's bird.
"Palappoovan Aamma”, also known as Beeman Aamma (Cantor's Giant Softshell
Turtle), was declared the district's creature.
Maharashtra
‘Gadkari’: A Marathi Biopic of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari
The Marathi film titled 'Gadkari', the biopic of Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari, Ministry
of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is set to release in Cinemas on 27 October 2023.
The movie is directed by Anurag Rajan Bhusari starring Rahul Chopda as Nitin Gadkari.
Madhya Pradesh
MP CM Shivraj Chouhan Inaugurated India’s Largest Pumped Storage Project at
Neemuch
Chief Minister(CM) of Madhya Pradesh(MP) Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated India’s
largest pumped storage project in Khemla block of Neemuch district in Madhya Pradesh. The
project is being developed by Greenko Group, India’s largest energy storage company.
The project has a capacity of 1440 megawatt (MW), with storage for 7.5 hours. It is being
expanded to 1920 MW with 6 hours of storage, which will increase its daily storage capacity to
nearly 11 gigawatt hours (GWh)
MP CM Unveils 108 ft Statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar

Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister(CM) of Madhya Pradesh(MP) unveiled a 108-feet-tall
statue of 8th-century Vedic scholar and teacher Adi Guru Shankaracharya, on the Mandhata
hillock in Omkareshwar, Khargone district of MP.
 The statue is called as “Statue of Oneness,” depicts Shankaracharya as a 12-year-old child
(when he attained knowledge); It symbolize peace and unity.

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Odisha
Indigenous ATMAS inaugurated at Biju Patnaik Airport, Odisha
The Indigenously built state of the art Air Traffic Management Automation System
(ATMAS) inaugurated at the Biju Patnaik International Airport, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The ATMAS was jointly developed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL)
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Govt Announces 3 New Districts Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchaman City in
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Chief Minister (CM), Ashok Gehlot, announced the formation of 3 new districts:
Malpura, Sujangarh, and Kuchaman City in Rajasthan during the Gau Seva Sammelan in
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
 The decision to establish these new districts was based on both public demand and
recommendations provided by a high-level committee.
 With the addition of the 3 districts, the total number of districts in Rajasthan has now
reached 53
Tripura
Tripura Became 4th State in India to Introduce E-Cabinet System
Tripura Chief Minister(CM) Manik Saha launched an e-cabinet (electronic cabinet) system at
Agartala, the capital of Tripura to promote digital infrastructure development and digitization
of government services and information.
 With this, Tripura has become the 4th state in India (after Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and
Arunachal Pradesh) and 2nd state in northeast to implement the e-cabinet system.
 It is modelled on the e-cabinet system of Uttarakhand.
Tripura Launches “Yuba Tripura, Natun Tripura, Atmanirbhar Tripura” to Encourage

Youth Entrepreneurship
Tripura Chief Minister(CM) Manik Saha launched “Yuba Tripura, Natun Tripura, Atmanirbhar
Tripura”, an initiative of the Tripura Industries Development Corporation Limited (TIDCL) to
encourage youth to set up industrial and business units.The initiative is intended to provide
exposure and guidance to 100 interested individuals aged 18 to 45 from each of Tripura’s eight
districts, encouraging them to embark on their entrepreneurial paths.
MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar Launched Project "Heartland Tripura” to Boost

Employment for Students
Union Minister of State(MoS) Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Ministry of Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship and Electronics & Information Technology(IT) launched a project named
"Heartland Tripura" to enhance the employability and skills of the youth of Tripura.
This project was launched in partnership with Deloitte India and the National Institute of
Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Agartala(Tripura)and they signed
agreement in the inaugural ceremony.

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Uttar Pradesh
Yogi Adityanath Declared Gangetic Dolphin as State Aquatic Animal of UP
Chief Minister(CM) of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Yogi Adityanath has declared the Ganges River
Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) as the state aquatic animal.
Gangetic Dolphin are listed as Endangered in the International Union for the Conservation of
Nature(IUCN) Red List
MeitY Inaugurated UP’s 1st RPA Lab under FutureSkill PRIME Project in NIELIT
Gorakhpur
On 16th October 2023, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY), inaugurated the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Lab in National
Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh
(UP).
 This is the First-of-its-kind lab in UP was built under the Future Skill PRIME Project
funded by MeitY to bridge the gap between Industry and Academia.
 The lab was inaugurated during the 26th All India Director’s Meet of NIELIT.
UP Govt Set Up URIDA to Implement CM Grids Scheme

The Urban Development Department of the Government of Uttar Pradesh has established an
Urban Road Infrastructure Development Agency (URIDA) which will be responsible for
implementing the Chief Minister Green Road Infrastructure Development Scheme (Urban) (CM
Grids Scheme) on the ground.
In October 2023, the UP cabinet approved the CM Grids Scheme worth Rs.500 crore to
construct roads of international standards in all cities.
FESTIVAL
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Inaugurated 1st Indian Military Heritage Festival
2023 in New Delhi
On 21st October 2023, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD),
inaugurated the first edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival (2023)at the
Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Project Udbhav to promote the
indigenous discourse through the integration of ancient strategic acumen into the
military domain. Project Udbhav is a joint collaboration of Indian Army (IA) and USI.
Kati Bihu Celebrated Across Assam – 18th October 2023

Kati Bihu, also known as Kongali bihu, is the annual Assamese festival celebrated on the first
day of the Kati Month in the Assamese calendar, usually coincides with the mid-October. Kati
Bihu is celebrated during the time of relocation of the rice sapling which is observed with great
enthusiasm and fervor. The 2023 Kati Bihu was celebrated on 18th October 2023.The name
Kati Bihu comes from the Assamese word "kati", which means "to cut."

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PM Narendra Modi Launched India's 1st Regional Rapid Transit System in UP
Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi inaugurated the 17 Kilometer (Km) priority section of
the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Corridor at Sahibabad
RapidX Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
He also flagged off the ‘Namo Bharat’ RapidX train, connecting Sahibabad to Duhai Depot (UP),
which marks India's first RRTS. Additionally, 2 stretches of the east-west corridor of Bengaluru
Metro were dedicated to the public.
PM Modi Launched 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras in

Maharashtra
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi virtually launched the 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya
Vikas Kendras (PMGKVKs) established across 34 rural districts of Maharashtra through video
conferencing.
 The PMGKVKs will conduct skill development training programs across various sectors to provide
employment opportunities to rural youth.
 Each Kendra will train about 100 youngsters in at least two vocational courses. The training will
be provided by empanelled industry partners and agencies under the National Skill Development
Council (NSDC).
Union Home Minister Amit Shah Launches New Logo, Website, Brochure of NCEL
Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) launched the logo, website, and
brochure of the newly established National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).The launch
was made during the National Symposium on Cooperative Exports organised by NCEL in New
Delhi, Delhi.
AIIA’s 6th Foundation Day: New Molecular Biology Lab Launched

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) celebrated its 6th Foundation day on 20th October
2023 at AIIA campus, New Delhi, Delhi. A new molecular biology lab for advance research at
AIIA; a Manuscript Unit and Center of Excellence (CoE) Dakshya were launched during the
event.
 AIIA has signed six Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with well-known six
institutions such as Hindustan Salt Limited, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and
the Heartfulness Institute.
 AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled the statue of the Ayurveda practitioner late
Padma Vibhushan Awardee Vaidya Brihaspati Dev Triguna at the Vaidya Brihaspati Dev
Triguna Auditorium in AIIA.

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launched Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and
Technology & Bharatiya Bhasha Summit
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Ministry of Education(MoE) and the Ministry of Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), launched the Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and
inaugurated the two-day Technology & Bharatiya Bhasha summit in New Delhi, Delhi.
 The 2-day summit, held from 30th September to 1st October 2023, was organised as a part
of the 75-day Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav that commenced on 28 September 2023 and will
conclude on 11th December 2023.
 An exhibition was also set up to showcase Bharatiya Bhasha technology products, and
their applications by the industries, government organizations, and start-ups.
PM Launched Sankalp Saptaah to Improve Governance at Block Level

Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi launched ‘Sankalp Saptaah’, a unique week-long
programme for Aspirational Blocks of India, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi. He also
launched the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP) Portal and inaugurated the exhibition
showcased on the occasion.‘Sankalp Saptaah’ is linked to the effective implementation of the
ABP.
DAHD Launched ‘A-HELP’ Programme to Empower Women and Signed MoU with NRLM
at Jharkhand
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries,
Animal Husbandry and Dairying(MoFAHD) launched the ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health
and Extension of Livestock Production) program in Jharkhand.
 The initiative was launched through an MoU between DAHD and National Rural
Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
 Badal Patralekh, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Co-operative, Govt. of
Jharkhand was the chief guest of the launch programme.
276th Annual Day Celebrations of DAD: Defence Minister Launched DAD Digital
Initiatives SARANSH, BISWAS and e-Raksha Awaas
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched several digital initiatives of the Defence
Accounts Department (DAD) during its 276th annual day celebrations at Delhi Cantonment
(Cantt), Delhi. The newly launched digital initiatives include,
 An integrated defence finance dashboard for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) ‘SARANSH’
(Summary of Accounts, Budget and Expenditure for Raksha Mantralaya),BISWAS (Bill
Information and Work Analysis System),e-Raksha Awaas.
 The Defence Minister also distributed the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence for the
year 2023 during the event.
MWCD Launched Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children for Management

of Malnutrition in Children
Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD)
launched a new standardised Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children

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(Protocol) during a national event “Suposhit Bharat – Sashakt Bharat” at Vigyan Bhawan,
Delhi, to fight malnutrition in children in India.
 It is the first-ever national protocol for the Management of Malnutrition in Children.
 The Protocol has been jointly prepared by the MoWCD and the Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare (MoHFW).
 This is a part of the efforts of MoWCD to reduce malnutrition through Mission Saksham
Anganwadi and Nutrition 2.0.
MoCI Unveils Digital System for Automatic Issuance of Exporter Status Certificates
Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI), launched a new
initiative for issuing system-based automatic ‘Status Holder’ certificates under the Foreign
Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.The initiative was launched during the meeting with Export
Promotion Councils. At present, there are around 14 Export Promotion Councils under the
administrative control of the Department of Commerce.
MoEF&CC launches Green Credit Program & Ecomark Scheme

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched 2 new
initiatives, Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme to encourage sustainable
practices rooted in tradition and conservation and promote the ideas of ‘LiFE’ – ‘Lifestyle for
Environment’ movement.
 The MoEF&CC have made a set of rules called “Green Credit Rules, 2023” in exercise of the
powers conferred by section 3, section 6 and section 25 of the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986 (29 of 1986).
 The scheme under the Ecomark Certification Rules, 2023, enables labelling of products
with minimal environmental impact, and encouraging consumers and manufacturers to
choose eco-friendly options.
Union MNRE Minister RK Singh launches Dashboard for Data on Adoption and Forecasts
of EVs
Union Minister Raj Kumar (RK) Singh for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and
Ministry of Power launched a new Electric Vehicle (EV)-Ready India Dashboard
(evreadyindia.org) from New Delhi, Delhi. It has been developed by policy and industry experts
at think-tank OMI Foundation based in New Delhi, Delhi.
EV-Ready India Dashboard is the only dashboard in India that compiles sales data across all all
(34) Vahan states and Union Territories and Telangana.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates New Facilities at NIMHANS & unveils
New Logo of Tele-MANAS
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya,Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW)
inaugurated new facilities at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences
(NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka and launched the new logo of Tele Mental Health
Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS)
These events happened on 31st World Mental Health Day which was observed on 10th
October 2023.

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Union Minister Arjun Munda Inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav in Jharkhand
Union Minister Arjun Munda, Ministry of Tribal Affairs(MoTA) inaugurated “Aadi Mahotsav”
- the National Tribal Festival, organised by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development
Federation of India Limited (TRIFED), at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Aadi Mahotsav is an annual
initiative of MoTA to celebrate tribal entrepreneurship, crafts, culture, cuisine, commerce and
traditional art.
India’s First Solar Roof Cycling Track Inaugurated in Hyderabad

The 23 kilometer long Healthway Cycling Track, India’s first solar-roofed cycling track, was
inaugurated in Hyderabad, Telangana, by the state municipal administration and Urban
Development Minister K. T. Rama Rao. Around 16,000 solar panels have been installed to
generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power, which can power 32,000 streetlights or illuminate 800
kilometers of city streets.
Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurates India’s 1st Nano DAP plant in Gujarat
India‘s first Nano Di-Ammonia Phosphate (DAP–Liquid) plant was inaugurated by the Union
Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) at Kalol in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.It was set
up by Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) at a cost of Rs 300 crore.
 The development of plant is on the lines of Aatmnirbhar Bharat vision of Prime Minister
(PM) Narendra Modi.
 This is the second IFFCO plant in Gujarat. In May 2022, PM inaugurated IFFCO’s world’s
first Nano Urea Liquid in Kalol.
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

Bhopal's Mahila Thana became India's 1st Women-centric Police Station to get ISO
9001:2015 Certification
The Mahila thana (women's police station) of Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) became the first
women-centric police station across the entire India to be certified with the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 certificate.
 The ISO certificate is issued for 3 years. With this certification, Mahila Thana has become
the 2nd ISO-certified police station in Bhopal. In May 2023, Misrod police station
became the first ISO 9001:2015 certified police station of Bhopal.
Ministry of I&B Made Significant Revisions to the Cable Television Network Rules of
1994
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued a notification amending the Cable
Television Network(CTN) Rules of 1994. Moreover, a new provision has been added, enabling
Cable Operators to share infrastructure with Broadband Service providers.
 This amendment introduces a formal procedure for the renewal of registrations for Multi-
System Operators (MSOs). This significant change updates the rules which previously only
allowed for fresh registrations.
 MSOs will be required to submit their registration or renewal applications online through
Broadcast Seva Portal of MIB.

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Kerala Becomes the First State to Have Hallmarking Centres in All Districts
Kerala has become the first state in India to have hallmarking centers in all of its 14 districts.
This was achieved after the inauguration of a hallmarking center in Adimali, Idukki district,
Kerala.
 The hallmarking system is administered by the BIS, which is the National Standard Body
of India established under ‘Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016’.
 Hallmark Unique Identification (HUID) number is a six digit Alphanumeric code,
Intoduced in 2021
GI Tags Awarded to Eight Products from Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and
Kashmir, Odisha, and Goa
The Geographical Indications Registry, operating under the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry in Chennai, has recently awarded geographical indication (GI) tags to a collective of 8
distinct products. Among these, 3 originate from Arunachal Pradesh, 1 from Tamil Nadu, 2
from Jammu and Kashmir, 1 from Odisha, and 1 from Goa.
GI Tagged products are:
State GI Product Goods
Arunachal Pradesh
Yak Churpi Food Stuffs
Arunachal Pradesh
Khaw Tai” (Khamti
Rice) Agriculture
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Tangsa Textile
Pradesh Product Textiles
Udangudi
Tamil Nadu Panangkarupatti Food Stuffs
Jammu and Basohli Pashmina
Kashmir (J & Woolen Products Textiles
K) Udhampur Kaladi Food Stuffs
Kendrapara
Odisha Rasabali Food Stuffs
Goa Cashew (Kaju
Goa Or Caju) Agriculture
Israel-Hamas war: India launched ‘Operation Ajay’ to evacuate Indian nationals from
Israel
On 11 October 2023, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India (GoI)
launched 'Operation Ajay', a repatriation operation, to bring back Indian citizens from Israel
amid the ongoing 2023 Israel–Hamas War.

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This operation aims to assist Indian citizens in Israel who wish to return to India. According to
estimates, around 18,000 Indians (including students and caregivers) are currently residing in
Israel.
Railway’s IRCON & RITES Becomes 15th & 16th ‘Navratna CPSE’
The Department of public Enterprise(DPE) under the Ministry of Finance have been granted
Navratna status to two Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) namely Ircon International
Limited (IRCON) and RITES Limited (RITES) under the Ministry of Railways(MoR).
 IRCON International Limited is a specialized construction company that covers the entire
range of construction activities and services in the infrastructure sector. It is now
the 15th company to be granted Navratna status.
 RITES Limited which is a multidisciplinary engineering and consultancy organization is
the 16th Navratna amongst CPSEs.
DEA hikes interest rate on 5-year Recurring Deposit Scheme to 6.7% for Q3FY24
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division), Ministry of Finance, has increased
the interest rate on the 5-year recurring deposit scheme by 20 basis points to 6.7% from 6.5%
for the 3rd quarter (October-December) of 2023-2024 i.e. Q3FY24.The rates of other small
savings schemes remained unchanged.
CMIE’s Survey: India’s Unemployment Rate Declines to 7.1% in September 2023

According to Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE)’s Consumer Pyramids Household
Survey, India’s unemployment rate fell to a 12-month low of 7.1% in September 2023 from
8.1% in August 2023 despite the poor monsoon.
i.In rural areas, the overall unemployment rate dropped from 7.11% in August 2023 to 6.20%
in September 2023.
ii.In urban areas, the overall unemployment rate decreased from 10.09% in August to 8.94% in
September.
Ministry of Culture Organizes Curtain Raiser and logo launch event for IAADB
The Ministry of Culture organised a curtain raiser event for the inaugural India Art
Architecture Design Biennale (IAADB 2023) at the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi,
Delhi.
 The logo of the biennale was also launched during the event.
 The IAADB 2023 is set to be held from 9th to 15th December 2023, at Red Fort, with
events scheduled in Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Bengaluru (Karnataka).
BIAL sets up South Asia’s 1st Aircraft Recovery Training School in BLR Airport
Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) has established South Asia’s first Aircraft
Recovery Training School (ARTS) on the premises of Kempegowda International Airport
Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
 BIAL formed a strategic partnership with KUNZ GmbH Aircraft Equipment, Germany.
 BIAL is the first airport in India to acquire Code F compatible aircraft recovery equipment
and assemble a proficient team of recovery managers.

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Mumbai Airport is 1st in Asia to Commission ‘Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit’
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) of Mumbai, Maharashtra, has
become the first airport in Asia to commission a “Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit” (DARK), to
help stranded aircraft. DARK can quickly and efficiently recover large commercial and
transport aircraft that have become disabled due to runway excursions or other incidents.
WOAH Approves India’s Self-Declaration of Freedom from HPAI

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of
freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in
certain poultry compartments (approved farms) in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh,
and Chhattisgarh.
 AI is a highly contagious viral disease impacting domestic and wild birds. It can
occasionally infect mammals, including humans.
 In India, it was first detected in the state of Maharashtra in February 2006. India follows a
"Detect and cull" policy, as outlined in the National Action Plan for Prevention, Control,
and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised - 2021), to manage Highly Pathogenic Avian
Influenza (HPAI).
BIS Approves India’s First-ever Indigenous AC & DC Combined Charging Connector

Standard for LEVs
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standard Body of India, has approved
IS17017 (Part 2 / Sec 7): 2023, India’s first-ever indigenously developed Alternating Current
(AC) and Direct Current (DC) Combined Charging connector standard for Light Electric
Vehicles (LEVs).
 It is also the world’s 1st charging standard that combines AC and DC charging for small
EVs, such as electric scooters, motorcycles, three-wheelers, and quadricycles, and is
designed and engineered in India.
 The new standard is based on Ather Energy’s charging connector.
Indian Oil Corporation Launches India's 1st Gasoline & Diesel Reference Fuels
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG)
launched India’s 1st Reference Gasoline and Diesel Fuels produced by Indian Oil
Corporation Limited (IOCL).
With this launch, India joined the elite group of nations with domestic production of
‘Reference’ Petrol and Diesel and IOCL becomes the 4th refiner in the world to produce
‘reference’ grade petrol and diesel.

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GOVT SCHEMES
National Health Authority Organizes ‘Arogya Manthan 2023’ to Celebrate Anniversaries
of AB PM-JAY and ABDM
The National Health Authority (NHA) hosted the two-day Arogya Manthan event on September
25th and 26th, 2023, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event saw the anniversary celebrations
of 5 Years of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) and 2 Years of
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).Dwar Ayushman (ADA 3.0) and ‘Ayushman Bhav’
campaign launched by Hon’ble President of India….Click here for Top-Performing States/UT
for AB PM-JAY and ABDM at Arogya Manthan 2023..
75% of Beneficiaries of PM SVANidhi Scheme Come from Non-General Category with

OBCs Accounting for 44%, says SBI Report
According to the State Bank of India (SBI) research paper titled “PM SVANidhi: Strengthening
the Country’s Social Fabric by Empowering Grassroot Market Mavericks” 75% of the
beneficiaries of the PM SVANidhi scheme are from the non-general category.The research was
carried out by Soumya Kanti Ghosh, the Group Chief Economic Advisor of SBI.
 Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi(PM SVANidh), is a micro-credit
scheme launched by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2020.
Overview of Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhuyday Yojana (PM- AJAY) is a merged scheme of Centrally
Sponsored Scheme implemented since 2021-2022 with an aim to reduce poverty of the
Scheduled Caste (SC) community.The 3 scheme were,
 Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY)
 Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub Plan ( SCA to SCSP)
 Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana(BJRCY).
 The scheme is implemented through the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(MoSJ&E).
RCS-UDAN Scheme Successful Completes 6th Year in 2023

The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik i.e. let the
country’s common man fly) Scheme which focuses on improving unserved air routes in
underserved regions of India, completes 6th year in 2023.
 The RCS-UDAN scheme was launched as part of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)
2016 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on October 21, 2016, with a 10-year vision.
 The first RCS-UDAN flight was inaugurated by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on
27th April 2017, connecting Shimla(Himachal Pradesh) to Delhi.

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STATE GOVT SCHEMES
Assam CM launched Mukhya Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana for Medical Bill
Reimbursement
On 2 October 2023, on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, Assam Chief Minister
(CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Ayushman Asom: Mukhya
Mantri Lok Sevak Arogya Yojana, an online medical bill reimbursement scheme for the
Government of Assam's employees, pensioners and their dependents, at the event held in
Sankardev Kalakshetra International Auditorium in Guwahati, Assam.
HP CM Launched Sukh Ashraya Yojana for Orphans and Other Vulnerable Sections of
Society
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched the
‘Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashraya Yojana’ at the Ridge in Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) to provide
comprehensive support to orphans, specially-abled children, destitute women, and elderly
individuals in Himachal Pradesh.
With this scheme, Himachal Pradesh became the first state in India to enact a law aimed at
supporting orphan children and other vulnerable sections of society.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launched LAccMI bus service scheme in Malkangiri district
Odisha Chief Minister(CM) Naveen Patnaik launched the Location Accessible Multimodal
Initiative (LAccMI) Yojana in Malkangiri district of Odisha. The LAccMI scheme aims to offer
reliable and affordable public transit (bus service) throughout Odisha, with a focus on rural
areas.
 LAccMI is a public transportation system connecting gram panchayats to Bhuvaneshwar,
the capital of Odisha.
CM launched ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’; Began Disbursing Funds for Panchayat
`Development
CM launched the “Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha (Our Odisha, New Odisha)” scheme and began
disbursing funds for panchayat development in Odisha. The scheme aims to boost rural
infrastructure and promoting Jagannath culture across Odisha.
TN Govt Announces a New Samadhan Scheme for Traders to Settle Commercial Tax
Dues of Rs. 25,000 Crore
Tamil Nadu (TN) government announced a new Tax Arrears Conciliation Scheme (Samadhan
scheme) with waivers and concessions aimed at facilitating the settlement of the pending tax
dues of about Rs.25,000 crore, of which a majority are under the erstwhile Tamil Nadu Value
Added Tax (VAT) and other legacy tax legislations.
 This initiative aims to address and resolve long-standing issues related to pending tax
arrears, disputes, and appeals that have persisted between traders and the State
Commercial Tax Department.
 The scheme will be in force between October 16, 2023, and February 15, 2024.

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WHO recommends R21/Matrix-M, Malaria vaccine by Oxford & Serum Institute
World Health Organization(WHO) has recommended R21/Matrix-M, the new malaria vaccine
developed by Jenner Institute at Oxford University(the United Kingdom -UK) and Serum
Institute of India (SII) Private Limited leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology, for the
prevention of malaria in children.
The vaccine was developed with the support of the European and Developing Countries
Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).
North America’s First Gandhi Museum Opens in Houston

The Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston(EGMH), North America’s first Gandhi Museum opened in
Houston, Texas, United States of America (USA).The ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Museum
was held on 2nd October on the occasion of the 154th birth anniversary of Gandhi While the
museum officially opened to the public on 15th August 2023. The architecture of the 13,000-
square-foot museum is inspired by Gandhi’s twenty-four-spoke Chakra spinning wheel and the
statue of Gandhi placed in front of the museum.
EU Approves World’s 1st Green Bond Standards to Avoid Greenwashing

European Union (EU) lawmakers approved new standards for companies issuing “green”
bonds to help investors by enabling them to distinguish truly sustainable companies from
those engaged in greenwashing or misleading climate-friendly claims. These standards
introduce the “European Green Bond” label, representing a first-of-its-kind global initiative.
Europe has emerged as a global leader in the issuance of green bonds, representing over 50%
of the total volume in 2021, issuance is still only 3% to 3.5% of the overall bond market.
CCI Secured its 1st Membership in the International Competition Network’s Steering
Group for 2 Years
Competition Commission of India (CCI) secures membership in the International Competition
Network (ICN) Steering Group at the 22nd Annual Conference of the ICN, hosted by the Spanish
National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) in Barcelona, Spain from 18th to 20th
October 2023. This is the 1st time that CCI has become a member of the ICN’s apex body, a
Steering Group and the membership is for 2 years.
FATF Removed Cayman Islands from Its 'Grey List'

According to the review published by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on 27th October
2023, Cayman Islands was removed from the FATF ‘grey list’ - Jurisdictions under
Increased Monitoring. Panama, Jordan, and Albania were also removed from FATF’s Grey list
while Bulgaria was added to the list.
The grey list identifies countries that are actively working with the FATF to address strategic
deficiencies in their regimes to counter money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation
financing.

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VISITS
INDIAN VISITS
Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania’s
State Visit to India, October 8-10, 2023
President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania visited India from October 8-10, 2023. She was
accompanied by a high-level delegation including the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East
African Cooperation Hon. January Makamba (MP).
 The two countries inked six agreements providing for cooperation in the digital domain,
culture, sports, maritime industries and white shipping information sharing.
 The Reserve Bank of India has allowed authorized banks to open Special Rupee Vostro
Accounts (SRVA) for correspondent banks of Tanzania to facilitate transactions in local
currencies (i.e., Indian Rupee and Tanzanian Shilling).
 Tanzania’s President Hassan Granted Honorary Doctorate by JNU, the First Woman to
Receive This Honour…click here for more detail…
Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to MP & Rajasthan on 2nd Oct 2023

Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi visited Madhya Pradesh(MP) and Rajasthan.
 In Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, He laid the foundation stone and dedicated various
development projects worth about Rs 7000 crore.
 In Gwalior, MP, He laid the foundation stone and dedicated multiple development
initiatives worth around Rs 19,260 crores.
 PM Modi Inaugurates Atal Bihari Training Center - India's 1st High-Tech Training Center
for Divyangjan Sports.
Highlights of PM Modi's Visit to Telangana - 1 & 3 October 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Telangana on the 1st and 3rd of October 2023.
On 1st October 2023, he laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation multiple
developmental projects worth more than Rs 13,500 crore in Mahbubnagar, Telangana.
On 3rd October 2023, he laid the foundation stone and dedicated various development projects
worth Rs 8000 crores in Nizamabad, Telangana.
 Laid foundation stone for road projects related to Nagpur – Vijayawada Economic
Corridor
 Dedicated road project related to Hyderabad – Visakhapatnam Corridor developed under
Bharatmala Pariyojana
 Laid Foundation Stone & Dedicated Major Oil & Gas Pipeline Projects
Highlights of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Visits to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

PM Modi visited Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and launched multiple development projects on
October 5, 2023.PM Dedicates and Lays Foundation for Rs 5000 Crore Projects in Rajasthan.
PM Inaugurates and Lays Foundation for Development Projects Worth Over Rs 12,600 Crore
Madhya Pradesh.

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 Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple
projects in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, with a total estimated value of around Rs 5000 crores.
These projects span various sectors, including healthcare, education, transportation, and
infrastructure.
 Prime Minister performed the ‘bhoomi poojan’ for the ‘Veerangana Rani Durgavati Smarak
aur Udyaan’ in Jabalpur to mark the 500th birth anniversary of Veerangana Rani Durgavati,
a commemorative coin and stamp were released.
 The Prime Minister inaugurated more than 1000 houses constructed under the Light
House Project in Indore, part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)…Click
here more detail…
FOREIGN VISITS
Uttarakhand CM UK Visit from 25-28th September 2023: MoUs worth Rs. 12,500 Crore
Signed for Investment Proposals
Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar Singh Dhami visited the United Kingdom (UK) from
September 26-28, 2023 to invite Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and industrialists for the
upcoming Uttarakhand Global Investor Summit to be held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand in
December 2023 to achieve the goal of a strong Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand CM participated in
the Roadshow organized for the Global Investors Summit in Birmingham (UK) and held
discussions with various prospective industrialists of Birmingham.
The theme of the Global Investor Summit to be organized in Uttarakhand has been kept as
“Peace to Prosperity”.
Overview of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to Italy & France

From October 9-12, 2023, India’s Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD) was
on an official visit to Rome, Italy and Paris, France.
 India-Italy signed agreement on Defence cooperation
 On October 11, 2023, Union Minister Rajnath Singh conducted the 5th Annual Defence
Dialogue with French Minister of Armed Forces Mr Sebastien Lecornu in Paris.
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI IN NEWS
Highlights of RBI's 4th Bi-monthly Monetary Policy for FY24: LAF Stays at 6.50%, FY24
GDP Growth Estimated at 6.5%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced its fourth bi-monthly monetary policy. The RBI
Governor Shaktikanta Das-led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on October 4-6,
2023, decided to keep the rates and stance unchanged.
 Policy Repo Rate: For the 4th time in a row, the MPC has opted to keep the policy repo
rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.50%.
 SDF, MSF, and Bank rate remain unchanged at 6.25% , 6.75%, 6.75%, respectively
 RBI maintains CPI inflation forecast for FY24 at 5.4%
 RBI Doubles Gold Loan Limit Urban Cooperative Banks from 2 lakhs to 4 lakhs

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 Extension of PIDF Scheme to December 2025, Inclusion of Vishwakarma Beneficiaries
 RBI has allowed NBFCs (middle and base layer entities) to Offset Exposure with Credit
Risk Transfer Instruments Click here to read full news
RBI Announced Results of 2nd Edition of its Global Hackathon – HARBINGER 2023
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced second edition of its global hackathon,
“HARBINGER 2023 – Innovation for Transformation”. This event was announced on February
14, 2023.
 Theme: Inclusive Digital Services.
 The hackathon received 154 proposals submitted by teams from both India and 28
participating teams/entities from countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany,
Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
RBI initiated its inaugural global hackathon, titled “HARBINGER 2021 – Innovation for
Transformation,” with the theme ‘Smarter Digital Payments’ in 2021.…Click here for more
detail…
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Issues New Guidelines NBFC - SBR Master Directions 2023
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently published a new set of guidelines called the "Master
Direction – Reserve Bank of India [Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)– Scale Based
Regulation(SBR)] Directions, 2023".
 It replaces the Non-Banking Financial Company–Non-Systemically Important Non-
Deposit taking (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016, and the Non-Banking Financial
Company–Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking
Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016.
Under this regulatory framework, NBFCs are categorized into 4 layers based on their size,
activities, and perceived risk:
 NBFCs-Base Layer (NBFCs-BL) includes Non-deposit taking NBFCs with assets below Rs
1,000 crore.
 NBFCs-Middle Layer (NBFCs-ML) includes All deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFCs-D),
regardless of their asset size, Non-deposit taking NBFCs with assets equal to or exceeding
Rs 1,000 crore
 NBFCs-Upper Layer (NBFCs-UL)
 NBFCs-Top Layer (NBFC-TL) The Top Layer should remain vacant.
RBIH & Bhashini Collaborated for Linguistic Inclusion in Financial Services

Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and the Digital India Bhashini Division
(DIBD/Bhashini) collaborated to explore and develop innovative solutions that foster
linguistic inclusivity in the financial services sector.
This collaboration is with respect to the memorandum of Understanding(MoU) which was
signed during the Global Fintech Fest(GFF) held in Mumbai, Maharashtra in September 2023.

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RBI to Apply PCA Supervisory Guidelines to Government-Owned NBFCs Starting
October 2024; RBI Instructs BoB to Stop Customer Onboarding on Mobile App
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that it will apply strict supervisory norms under
the Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework to government-owned Non-Banking Financial
Companies (NBFCs) starting from October 2024. This move has significant implications for
these government-owned NBFCs.
 RBI has decided to extend the PCA framework to all deposit taking government NBFCs and
non-deposit taking government NBFCs in middle, upper and top Layers (excluding base
layer) with effect from October 1, 2024. Based on the audited financials of the NBFC as of
March 31,2024, or subsequent dates.
RBI Instructs Bank of Baroda to Halt Customer Onboarding on Mobile App
The Reserve Bank of India, under section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, has ordered
Bank of Baroda to immediately suspend the process of adding more customers to the 'bob
World' mobile application.
RBI's Monetary Policy Report: Bank Credit Composition Shows Significant
Transformation Over Time
Composition of Bank outstanding Credit Mar-23 Mar-13
Personal/Retail loans 32.10% 18%
Services 28.40% 24%
Industry 26.20% 46%
Agriculture 13.30% 12%
RBI Cancels CoR of Ind Bank Housing Ltd; Imposes Rs 5.39cr penalty on Paytm
Payments Bank
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) based Ind Bank Housing Ltd, a Housing Finance Company (HFC)
w.e.f. September 21, 2023.
 In this regard, it cannot transact the business of Housing Finance Institution and a Non-
Banking Financial Institution (NBFC). This decision has been taken by RBI in exercise of its
powers conferred on it under Section 29A (6) of the NHB Act, 1987
 Note: Set up in 1991, Ind Bank Housing Ltd’s major shareholders were Indian Bank and
HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd) with 51% and 25% stake,
respectively.
 RBI imposes Rs 5.39 crore penalty on Paytm Payments Bank
RBI Starts Wholesale Digital Rupee Pilot in Call Money Market

On October 17, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) initiated a pilot program for the
wholesale segment namely ‘Digital Rupee-Wholesale (e₹-W)’ of its Central Bank Digital
Currency (CBDC) in the interbank call money market.
e-rupee call money pilot is the second test of wholesale CBDC, after the government securities
market in November 2022.

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RBI Allows Retail Investors to Subscribe to FRSBs 2020 (T) via Retail Direct Portal
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the Government of India (GoI), has expanded
the range of products offered through RBI Retail Direct portal by allowing retail investors to
subscribe to Floating Rate Savings Bonds , 2020 (Taxable)- FRSB 2020 (T). The subscription of
bonds will be in the form of cash (up to Rs 20,000 only)/drafts/cheques or any electronic
mode.
The Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi launched the RBI-Retail Direct Scheme on
November 12, 2021.
MobiKwik’s Zaakpay gets In-Principle Nod from RBI to Operate as Payment Aggregator
Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has granted in-principle authorization to MobiKwik’s payment
gateway arm Zaakpay to operate as an online payment aggregator (PA).
 This will enable Zaakpay to onboard new merchants onto its platform for processing
online payments and scale the number of merchants associated with the startup.
 Payment Aggregators(PAs): PAs are entities that facilitate e-commerce sites and
merchants to accept various payment instruments from the customers.
SEBI
SEBI Extends Demat Account and Mutual Fund Unit Holder Nominations Deadlines
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the deadline for adding nominees
to demat accounts and submitting PAN and KYC details for physical security holders until
December 31, 2023.SEBI also extended the nomination deadline specifically for mutual fund
unit holders until January 1, 2024.
SEBI Empanels 12 Entities to Provide Digital Forensic Services

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has empanelled 12 entities, including Ernst
& Young LLP (EY), KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP, to provide digital forensic
services to its search team for onsite data acquisition during search and seizure
operations.This empanelment will be valid for 2 years.
About SEBI : Chairperson– Madhabi Puri Buch ,Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Bank of India (BoI) Warehousing Development To fund against e-NWRs (electronic
Regulatory Authority Negotiable Warehouse Receipt). The MoU also
(WDRA) aims to provide information to depositors
about the benefits, besides doing further
outreach activities to improve agricultural
pledge finance in India.
 The MoU was signed in the presence of
T.K Manoj Kumar, Chairperson, WDRA,
Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing director
(MD) cum Chief Executive Officer
(CEO), BoI.

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The WDRA is a Statutory Authority under the
Department of Food and Public
Distribution(DFPD) of the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs Food and Public
Distribution.
State Bank of India State Bank of Sikkim (SBS) To make insurance solutions accessible to the
(SBI) Life Insurance residents of Sikkim. Through this partnership,
Company Limited the State Bank of Sikkim offers SBI Life’s
diverse range of protection, wealth creation,
and savings insurance products to its
customers.
Japan Bank National Investment and For International Cooperation (JBIC) to
Infrastructure Fund Limited launch its first bi-lateral fund called India-
(NIIFL) Japan Fund (IJF) of Rs 49 Billion (USD 600
million).
The Fund was established by NIIF Limited
(NIIFL), a collaborative investment platform
for international and Indian investors. The
fund is anchored by the Government of India
and JBIC.
Axis Bank Limited Social Worth Technologies To launch India’s first-ever numberless credit
Private Limited (Fibe) card called Fibe Axis Bank Credit Card.The
(formerly known as card, powered by Rupay, also allows the
EarlySalary) customer to link this credit card to Unified
Payments Interface (UPI).
About Axis Bank Limited: MD & CEO –
Amitabh Chaudhry ,Headquarters – Mumbai,
Maharashtra
India Post Payments Small Industries Development To extend financial and other support services to
Bank (IPPB) Bank of India (SIDBI) MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises) in
rural and remote areas.
 SIDBI provides credit to small businesses,
while IPPB provides banking transaction
services.
Both entities also announced a hackathon for
innovation in financial services in rural areas and
also a Swavalamban Challenge Fund to promote
rural livelihood enterprises
Amazon Pay National Payments Amazon Pay India Private Limited (APIPL) in
India Private Limited Corporation of India (NPCI) partnership with National Payments
(APIPL) Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced
the option of Equated Monthly
Instalment(EMI) on RuPay credit cards in
Amazon Pay.

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Kotak Mahindra Bank NeSL Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited(KMBL) has
entered into a partnership with National E-
Governance Services Limited (NeSL) to issue
its inaugural electronic Bank Guarantee (e-
BG) through the platform of KMBL. NeSL’s
Digital Documents Execution (DDE)
technology will give real-time access to e-BG.

Asian Development Peri-urban areas of USD 181 Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Bank Ahmedabad, Gujarat million has approved a loan worth USD
181 million to build quality
infrastructure and services in the
peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad,
Gujarat to control urban sprawl.
Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability
Improvement Project was created
with an aim to provide basic
infrastructure in these growth
centres.
Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability
Improvement Project is funded by
Asian Development Bank(ADB).
Asian Development India USD 175 The Asian Development Bank
Bank million (ADB) has approved a USD 175
million loan for ‘India : Enhancing
Connectivity and Resilience of the
Madhya Pradesh Road Network
Project’.The project aims to
upgrade about 500 kilometers of
state highways and major district
roads to a standard two-lane
feature in Madhya Pradesh(MP).
ADB is partnering with Madhya
Pradesh Road Development
Corporation Limited (MPRDC), to
build the capacity of MPRDC in
climate change adaptation and
mitigation, disaster resilience, and
road safety.
 About ADB:President –
Masatsugu Asakawa
,Headquarters –

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Mandaluyong City, Manila,
Philippines
Asian Development India USD 400 The Asian Development Bank

Bank million (ADB) has approved USD 400
million policy-based loan to India
to enhance the infrastructure
quality and provide assured
public services and efficient
governance systems. The loan will
be under Sub-programme 2 of
ADB's Sustainable Urban
Development and Service
Delivery Programme.
 Subprogram 2 will support
investment planning and
reform actions at the state
and urban local body
(ULB) levels.
It will be implemented by the
Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs(MoH&UA) with guidance
from ADB.
OTHER BANKING NEWS

ADB Approves USD 200 Million for Flood & Riverbank Erosion Risk Management
Project in Assam
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan to strengthen flood
and riverbank erosion risk management along the 650-kilometer (km) long main stem of the
Brahmaputra River in Assam, India.
 The Project activities will be led, managed, and coordinated by the Flood and River
Erosion Management Agency of the Assam Government.
 The Water Resources Department of the Government of Assam will implement the works
and the Assam Agroforestry Development Board will use nature-based solutions.
ADB Capital Management Reforms Bring USD100 Billion Benefits Over Next Decade to
Asia-Pacific
Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the approval of capital management reforms that
are set to release approximately USD($)100 billion in fresh funding capacity over the next
decades for financing projects in Asia-Pacific region.
 This funding is intended to tackle significant Asian challenges, notably climate change.
 These reforms were implemented by updating the ADB’s Capital Adequacy Framework
(CAF).

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 Asian Development Bank: President – Masatsugu Asakawa,Headquarters – Manila,
Philippines.
NABARD Raises Rs.1,040.50 Crore in India’s First Social Impact Bond

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) raised Rs.1,040.50 crore by
issuing India’s first ‘AAA’ rated Indian Rupee-denominated Social Bonds at a coupon rate of
7.63%.NABARD issued bonds privately to eligible institutional investors, which were listed on
the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on September 29, 2023.
Nabard-issued bonds have been rated AAA rating by Credit Rating Information Services of
India Limited(CRISIL) and Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency(ICRA).
Axis Bank Launches Its Digital Bank Proposition ‘Open by Axis Bank’
Axis Bank Limited which is headquartered in Mumbai ,Maharashtra has launched its digital
banking proposition called 'open by Axis Bank' in its latest advertising campaign ‘Open 2023’
 The Open 2023 campaign highlights the top 15 features of the bank’s digital offerings.
The launch of 'open by Axis Bank' is a fulfilment of Axis bank’s vision to build Axis 2.0 as a
digital bank within the bank to offer a personalized, intuitive, and hassle-free digital banking
experience.
YES Bank Becomes the First Lender to Offer ‘ONDC Network Gift Card’
YES Bank Limited had become the first bank in India to issue an 'Open Network for Digital
Commerce (ONDC) Network Gift Card'. The card is powered by Rupay Network.
The card is issued in partnership with the ONDC, a government-backed initiative to
democratize digital commerce in India.
Outlook Group & IDFC FIRST Bank Launched retirement Planning Event "Outlook
Money 40After40”
Outlook Group in collaboration with IDFC FIRST Bank launched a retirement planning
event “Outlook Money 40After40” to spread awareness and create conversations around
retirement planning.
"40After40" is a two-day event and expo, which will be held at Jio World Convention Centre in
Mumbai, Maharashtra on 23rd and 24th January, 2024.
Fintech Startup slice Becomes SFB After Merger with NESFBL

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the merger of North East Small Finance Bank
Limited (NESFBL) and Bengaluru(Karnataka) based fintech startup slice(previously known as
Slicepay).
 Following this merger, slice will become the 1st fintech firm to transform into a Small
Finance Bank (SFB).
All slice entities, including its Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence, have been
merged with the combined banking entity.

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SBI launches Mobile Handheld Device to Provide Banking Services to FI Customers
The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a "mobile handheld device" for its financial
inclusion customers including senior citizens, differently-abled and the infirm. The device is
designed to enhance accessibility and convenience for customers who live in remote areas or
have difficulty visiting SBI branches.
Federal Bank Extends UPI Services to NRIs to Enhance Seamless Transaction

Kerala based Federal Bank Limited has extended the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
integration for Non-Residential External (NRE) clients through its mobile banking platform,
FedMobile, to enhance banking convenience for its Non-Residential Indian (NRI) clients.
The plan has been approved by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for NRIs
from countries including Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Canada, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, the
United States of America(USA), Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates(UAE), and the United
Kingdom(UK).
EIB Delegates Examined Agra, Kanpur and Lucknow Metro Construction

A three-member delegation from the European Investment Bank (EIB) examined Metro rail
works in Agra, Kanpur and Lucknow which is being constructed under Uttar Pradesh Metro
Rail Corporation(UPMRC).
 The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing EUR 450 million for Agra Metro Rail
Project.
 The total estimated cost of Kanpur Metro Rail Project is EUR 1354 million EIB will
contribute about EUR 650 million.
 The total value of Lucknow Metro Rail Project is EUR 914 million; EIB is contributing EUR
450 million.
ICICI Bank introduces ‘iFinance’, a One-Stop for Viewing Savings and Current Accounts
Across Banks
ICICI Bank Limited has launched a new feature called iFinance, which allows customers-retail
and sole proprietors, to get a consolidated view of their savings and current accounts across
banks in a single place. This facility is also extended to customers of other banks.
Sberbank Becomes First Russian Bank to Register with SEBI as FPI

Russian State-owned Sberbank has become the first Russian bank to register with the
Securities and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) as a foreign portfolio investor (FPI) for a
Category I FPI license. Foreign portfolio investment (FPI) involves an investor purchasing
foreign financial assets to access equities, bonds, derivatives, mutual funds, and guaranteed
investment certificates among others.
HDFC Bank Launches ‘XpressWay’ Digital Banking Platform for Banking Products and
Services
HDFC Bank has developed 'XpressWay,' a digital banking platform that offers a range of
financial products and services, providing customers with a fast and convenient banking
experience.

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 XpressWay provides a variety of services such as Xpress Personal Loans, Xpress Business
Loans, Xpress Car Loans, Xpress Home Loans, Xpress Loan on Cards, Xpress Credit Card,
and Xpress Savings Accounts.
 XpressWay is a part of HDFC Bank's 'NOW,' a brand that covers the bank's digital products
and services.
NBBP Launches B2B Services, Partners with Axis Bank

NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited(NBBP) has partnered with Axis Bank to launch its services under
the Business-to-Business (B2B) category to provide businesses value-added services like
flexible invoice presentation, complaint management, Management Information System(MIS),
etc.
 Axis Bank became the first BOU enabling B2B payments. NBBP’s B2B Category Payments
went live for the first time on e MyJio app for Arzooo, a B2B Retail Tech platform, with
Axis Bank as the Biller Operating Unit (BOU).
Bank Of Baroda Launches Bob LITE Savings Account

Bank of Baroda(BoB) launched a lifetime zero-balance savings account called the Bob LITE
Savings Account as a part of “BOB Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang” festive campaign.
The Bob LITE Savings Account comes with a lifetime-free RuPay Platinum debit card (subject
to maintaining a quarterly average balance(QAB)).
RBL Bank launches Zero-Balance Go Savings Account

RBL Bank, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank, has launched the GO Savings Account, a zero-
balance digital banking product. The account has a subscription-based model means it will
replace minimum balance requirement, thus, finishing the hassle of maintaining a minimum
balance.
AU Small Finance Bank Launches ‘Planet first - AU Green Fixed Deposit’ with 8.5%
Interest Rate
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) Limited launched its first Green Fixed Deposit (FD) namely
Planet First – AU Green Fixed Deposit with an interest rate of up to 8.50%. This launch
represents bank's commitment towards climate action, and allows customers to contribute to
sustainability by dedicating proceeds to green projects.
The Green FD was launched on 25th October 2023, last Wednesday of October, which is
celebrated as the Sustainability Day.
FINANCE NEWS
HDFC Pension Launches a First-of-its-kind NPS Preference Index on the Occasion of NPS
Diwas
HDFC Pension Management Company Limited has launched a first-of-its-kind ‘National
Pension System (NPS) Preference Index’ on the occasion of 2nd edition of NPS Diwas which
was observed on 1st October 2023.HDFC Pension also released NPS Preference Index Study
which is the industry first spotlight on NPS.

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HDFC Pension Management Company Limited,a subsidiary of HDFC Life Insurance Company
Limited is one of the Pension Fund Managers (PFM’s) appointed by Pension Fund Regulatory
and Development Authority (PFRDA) in India to manage funds for the National Pension System
(NPS).
Star Health Insurance introduces Surrogacy Cover and Oocyte Donor Cover
Star Health and Allied Insurance introduced surrogacy cover and oocyte donor cover to its
women-centric policy namely Star Women Care Insurance Policy at no extra charge for
policyholders.This inclusion will address the demand in assisted reproduction treatment, and
extending health insurance coverage to surrogate mothers and oocyte donors.
About Star Health and Allied Insurance: MD and CEO – Anand Roy ;Headquarters– Chennai,
Tamil Nadu.
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Gets Rs.300 Cr from IFC as First Installment of Investment
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (MLMML), a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M)
received the first installment of investment of Rs.300 crore from the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) for its Electric Vehicle (EV) division. This investment is IFC’s first in an EV
maker in India.
With this transaction, MLMML has ceased to be a wholly owned subsidiary of Mahindra with
effect from 9th October 2023, while it continues to be a subsidiary of the company.
Payment Aggregator Paysharp Gets ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification

Chennai(Tamil Nadu)-based Paysharp Private Limited(Paysharp), a Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) in-principle licence-approved Payment Aggregator, gets ISO/IEC 27001: 2022
certification, the world’s best-known standard for Information Security Management Systems
(ISMS). Paysharp, a fintech startup founded in 2019, is focusing on non-card-based payments
like Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments.
ISO/IEC 27001 helps organisations become risk-aware and proactively identify and address
weaknesses. It promotes a comprehensive approach to information security.
IRDAI Mandates Insurance Cover For Employees In Employer's Vehicle

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated all
general insurers with motor insurance business to provide an inbuilt feature in the Third Party
policy (TP) to cover to employees travelling in an employer's vehicle (including paid driver, if
applicable) under IMT. 29 of the Indian Motor Tariff 2002.
HDFC ERGO General Insurance launches Optima Secure

HDFC ERGO General Insurance launched Optima Secure, a health insurance policy that
offers four times the coverage at no extra cost. The policy covers medical expenses incurred
within India and comes with an optional global health cover.
Health insurance is a financial arrangement that provides coverage for medical expenses and
healthcare services.

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DFC Offers USD 30 Million to Dalmia Polypro Industries to Set up Greenfield Recycling
Facility in Nashik
The United States(U.S.) International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has offered an
External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) loan of USD 30 million to the Dalmia
Polypro Industries Private Ltd to fund the establishment of greenfield recycling facility in
Nashik, Maharashtra.
Escrowpay secures India’s 1st digital Escrow authorization from IFSCA

Escrowpay, a leading digital escrow platform, has secured India’s 1st digital escrow
regulatory fintech authorisation from International Financial Services Centres Authority
(IFSCA), Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Zerodha Fund House Launches Its Maiden Mutual Fund Schemes

Zerodha Fund House(ZFH), a joint venture between Zerodha Broking Limited and smallcase
Technologies Private Limited, launched its maiden mutual fund schemes Zerodha Nifty
LargeMidcap 250 Index Fund and Zerodha ELSS Tax Saver Nifty LargeMidcap 250 Index
Fund.Both schemes are open-ended, passive, index-equity mutual fund schemes.NFO is a
singular investment solution to invest in the top 250 companies.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
IMF World Economic Outlook 2023 6.3%
According to World Economic Outlook (WEO),
October 2023 -Navigating Global Divergences‘
the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
growth forecast to 6.3% in 2023 from July
2023 estimate of 6.1% due to 7.8% growth
during the June quarter.
 India will also grow at 6.3% in 2024
while remaining the world’s fastest
growing major economy in 2023 and
2024.
The IMF’s 2023 growth forecast for India is
same as the World Bank’s (WB) projection in
its India Development Update(IDU) October
2023.
Federation of Indian Chambers 2023-24 6.3%
of Commerce & Industry (FY2023-24) According to Economic Outlook Survey
(FICCI) released by Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce & Industry (FICCI), India’s annual

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median Gross domestic product (GDP) growth
rate for the financial year 2023-24 (FY2023-
24) is projected at 6.3% with a minimum and
maximum growth estimate of 6% and 6.6%,
respectively.
 The median forecast for Consumer
Price Index (CPI)-based inflation in
2023-24 is 5.5%, with a minimum and
maximum range of 5.3% and 5.7%,
respectively.
CPI inflation rate will remain above the
Reserve Bank of India(RBI)'s target level of
4±2 for Q3 & Q4 of FY 23-24
ECONOMY NEWS
India's Fiscal Deficit Rises to Rs 6.42 trillion to Reach 36% of FY24 target
According to Controller General of Accounts(CGA), India's fiscal deficit for the tenure April to
August of the financial year 2023-24 (FY24) is at Rs 6.42 trillion. This is 36% of the full-year
target of Rs 17.87 trillion.
In the same period of FY2022-23, the fiscal deficit was Rs 5.42 trillion, or 32.6% of the FY23
target Rs16.61 trillion.
IIFCL Sanctions Loans Worth Rs 8,800 crore to Boost Civil Aviation Infrastructure
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) has sanctioned loans worth Rs 8,800
crore for airports and civil aviation infrastructure development in India.The IIFCL has already
sanctioned loans of around Rs 4,000 crore. IIFCL is a government owned financial institution
that caters to the long-term financing needs of India’s infrastructure sector.
The launch of the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik’ (UDAN) scheme (in 2017) has boosted the
development of the airport sector.
IOCL to Invest Rs.1,660.15 Crore in Indian Oil NTPC Green Energy Pvt Ltd
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a state-owned Maharatna company, is set to invest Rs
1,660.15 crore as equity in Indian Oil NTPC Green Energy Pvt Ltd for setting up renewable
power plants.IndianOil NTPC Green Energy Pvt Ltd is a joint venture (JV) company with a
50:50 share between IOCL and NTPC Green Energy Ltd, (a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC
Limited) formed in June 2023.
BUSINESS NEWS
IOCL Approves Two Joint Ventures to Set up Compressed Biogas Plants
The board of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), a public sector Enterprise under the
Maharatna category approved joint ventures with EverEnviro Resource Management Pvt Ltd
and GPS Renewables Pvt Ltd for setting up compressed biogas (CBG) plants.
The two joint ventures will be formed with IOCL or one of its subsidiaries and the two partner
companies will have an equal stake of 50 % each in the newly formed joint ventures.

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Bharti Group to Acquire AXA’s 49% Stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance
Bharti Group, through its holding company Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) has
entered into a binding agreement with its Joint Venture(JV) partner AXA to acquire its 49% of
stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance.
 Through this acquisition, BLVPL will own 100% stake in the Bharti AXA Life Insurance.
 The transaction is expected to be completed by December 2023, subject to regulatory
approvals.
NLC incorporated NLC India Green Energy Limited for Renewable Energy Initiatives
Neyveli Lignite Corporation(NLC) India Limited incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary NLC
India Green Energy Limited (NIGEL) to focus on Renewable energy initiatives. NLC’s green arm
NIGEL is expected to establish Renewable energy projects to the capacity of 5 Gigawatt (GW)
by 2030.
Paras Aerospace receives 2nd Type Certification from DGCA for its Agri Drone
Mumbai(Maharashtra)-based Paras Aerospace Private Limited, a subsidiary of Paras Defence &
Space Technologies Limited, has received its 2nd Type certification from Directorate General of
Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its agricultural drones – “Paras-Agricopter V2.1”. The certification is
issue for MEDIUM Drone Category. Previously in April 2023, Paras Aerospace received a “Type
Certificate” from DGCA for its Agri Drone “Paras-Agricopter”.

India Dominican Republic Signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs)
in ocean sciences and medical product regulation.
The 2 MoUs were signed between,
 Central Drug Control Organization of India
(CDSCO) and the General Directorate of
Medicines, Food, and Health Products of the
Dominican Republic (DIGEMAPS).
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,
National Institute of Oceanography of India (CSIR-
NIO) and the National Authority for Maritime Affairs
of the Dominican Republic (ANAMAR)
India Argentina A Social Security Agreement (SSA) was signed
between India and Argentina to ensure
professionals and workers retain benefits and
contributions made toward social security,
promoting easier mobility between countries.
This SSA covers Indian laws on old age,
survivor’s pension and permanent, total
disability pension for employed persons, and

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includes Argentina’s contributory benefits under
their Social Security System.
India United Arab The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India
Emirates (UAE) have signed an MoU during the 11th India-
UAE high-level joint task force on
investments in Abu Dhabi, the capital of
United Arab Emirates (UAE). India and the
UAE have signed an MoU in seven areas such
as supply chain resilience, renewable energy
and energy efficiency, health and life
sciences, space systems, AI, Industry 4.0 and
advanced technologies, as well as
standardisation and metrology.
 These MoUs align with the UAE-India
Comprehensive Economic Partnership
Agreement (CEPA), which aims to
strengthen the UAE’s role as a trade
and logistics hub.
 NPCI International Payments Limited
(NIPL) and Al Etihad Payments (AEP)
entered into an agreement to
implement a Domestic Card Scheme
(DCS) in the UAE.
The 11 High-Level Joint Task Force Meeting
th
between the UAE and India focused on reviewing

the progress made on the CEPA and discussed
various aspects of bilateral economic
cooperation.
MoU’s WITH STATES

Assam Skill Development Indian Army Signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)
Mission (ASDM) under (Headquarters 51 for upskilling ex-servicemen and their
the Skill, Employment & Sub Area) dependents.
Entrepreneurship  This MoU between the Indian Army and
Department, Government ASDM will empower ex-servicemen and
of Assam their dependents to get remunerative
employment and self-employment.
Assam CM also unveiled a statue of Lachit
Borphukan, a medieval-era Ahom army
commander, and a Swahid Smarak (Martyr’s
Column) at Bir Lachit Borphukan Park inside
Narengi Military Station in Guwahati, Assam.

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Indian Red Cross Society National Cadet Corps To enroll NCC students as Youth Red Cross(YRC)
(IRCS), Andhra (NCC) Volunteers in Andhra Pradesh(AP).
Pradesh(AP) Under this MoU, the IRSC AP will instruct NCC
cadets in first aid, CPR, and disaster relief. NCC
Cadets will be encouraged to donate blood in
times of need and to participate in
environmental activities to combat climate
change.

World Anti-Doping World Health Organisation Inked a four-year Memorandum of
Agency (WADA) (WHO) Understanding (MoU) that enables experts from
both global organizations to work together and
exchange information concerning areas where the
realms of anti-doping and public health intersect.
The MoU was signed in Geneva, Switzerland,
between WADA president Witold Banka and
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Indian manufacturer For the procurement of automatic weather
stations at 82 IAF locations. This technology
advancement will significantly improve
aerospace safety by providing real-time
weather updates throughout flight operations
and training.
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) Ahmedabad-based Nav To use light-based high-speed communication
based Space Wireless Technologies for satellite communication in space.
Applications Centre Pvt Ltd (NavTech), a
(SAC), under Indian leading pioneer in Light
Space Research Fidelity (LiFi) technology
Organization (ISRO)
Cochin Shipyard Ministry of Defence (MoD) For mid-life upgrade and re-powering of the
Limited (CSL)(Kochi, advanced guided missile frigate Indian Naval
Kerala) Ship (INS) Beas (F37) at a cost of Rs 313.42
crore. INS Beas is the first Brahmaputra Class
Frigate to be re-powered from steam to diesel
propulsion.
Department for Gati Shakti Signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Promotion of Industry Vishwavidyalaya (GSV), (MoU) to advance Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti
and Internal Trade Gujarat based central (PMGS) National Master Plan(NMP).
(DPIIT), under the university  The MoU aims to advance India’s
Ministry of Commerce infrastructure and logistics sectors.
and Industry Under this MoU, GSV will be the nodal agency
across India to design, develop and deliver
courses and curriculum related to PMGS NMP

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and National Logistics Policy (NLP) at various
centre’s in different States.
Hindustan Aeronautics Safran Aircraft Engines A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was
Limited (HAL) signed between Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) and Safran Aircraft Engines, a
French aerospace engine manufacturer, to
develop industrial cooperation in ring forging
manufacturing for commercial engines.
HAL will produce LEAP (Leading Edge
Aviation Propulsion) engine forgings at its
foundry and forge facility in Bengaluru. LEAP
powers the Airbus A320 Neo family and
Boeing 737 Max.
The Automotive Indian Institute of For establishing a Common Engineering
Research Association Technology (IIT) Guwahati Facility Center (CEFC) titled “Digital Twin
of India (ARAI) (Assam) Center for Emerging Automotive Systems” in
the Hub and Spoke model. This CEFC was
established under the Capital Goods Scheme
Phase II of the Ministry of Heavy Industries
(MHI) by ARAI in collaboration with industry
partner Micelio Mobility Private Limited.
National Skill Coca-Cola India To launch the Super Power Retailer Program
Development under the Skill India Mission.
Corporation (NSDC), This will empower the retailer community in
based in New Delhi, the states of Odisha and Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Delhi, and operating The program is being piloted in Odisha.
under the Ministry of
Skill Development &
Entrepreneurship
(MSDE)
Skyroot Aerospace France-based Space firms Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, a Hyderabad
Private Limited, a Promethee Earth (Telangana) -based space startup, has signed two
Hyderabad (Telangana) - Intelligence and ConnectSAT memoranda of understandings (MoUs) with two
based space startup France-based Space firms Promethee Earth
Intelligence and ConnectSAT. The satellites of the
French space firms are set to be launched on
Vikram-I of the Skyroot.
 Skyroot signed an MoU with Promethee to
launch its Japetus earth observation
constellation onboard Skyroot’s Vikram
rockets.
Skyroot signed a trilateral MoU with ConnectSAT
and Expleo to launch ConnectSAT’s OSIRIS
satellite constellation onboard Skyroot’s Vikram
rockets.

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REC Limited (formerly National Informatics Centre For various Information and Communications
Rural Electrification Services Inc. (NICSI) Technology (ICT) and Digital Transformation
Corporation Limited) Services
Department of Land National Remote Sensing Signed an MoU to monitor Watershed
Resources (DOLR) Center (NRSC) Development Component of Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0)
using geo-spatial applications. The event also
witnessed the launch of mobile application
DRISHTI 2.0 and web-portal SRISHTI 2.0 for
WDC-PMKSY 2.0.
International Olympic Olympic Museum along Signed a new cooperation agreement to
Committee (IOC) with Reliance Foundation expand and promote the Olympic Values
Education Programme (OVEP) in India. The
agreement was signed by IOC President
Thomas Bach and Nita Ambani, IOC Member
in India and Reliance Foundation Founder
Chairperson, during a visit to the Reliance
Foundation Young Champs (RFYC) football
academy in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Indian Institute of National Institute of Signed a MoU to promote the exchange of
Corporate Affairs Communication Finance knowledge and resource between these
(IICA) (NICF) institutions for conducting research, training
capacity building and advocacy. The
collaboration also aims to develop the skills
and knowledge of Indian Posts and Telecom
Accounts and Finance Service (IP&TAFS)
officers
IBM(International Ministry of Electronics and IBM(International Business Machines
Business Machines Information Technology Corporation) signed 3 Memoranda of
Corporation) (MeitY) Understanding (MoUs) with 3 entities under
the Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY) to advance and
accelerate innovation in Artificial intelligence
(AI), Semiconductor, and quantum technology
in India.
 IBM and IndiaAI – Digital India
Corporation collaborate to establish a
world-class national AI Innovation
Platform (AIIP) for India.
 IBM is set to become India
Semiconductor Mission's (ISM)
knowledge partner for a
semiconductor research center.
IBM and the Centre for Development of
Advanced Computing (C-DAC) are set to work

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together to advance India’s National Quantum
Mission.
Google Fintech Association for To take down illegal digital lending apps on
Consumer Empowerment Play Store in India.
(FACE) Highlights of 9th annual Google for India
event:
i.During the event, Alphabet Inc. announced
plans to manufacture Pixel 8 smartphones in
India with sales starting in 2024.
ii.Google is partnered with Open Network for
Digital Commerce (ONDC) to enable
customers to book metro tickets directly
through the Google Maps app
Ministry of New & Ministry of Coal The Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of New
Renewable Energy & Renewable Energy (MNRE) collaborated to
(MNRE) work together for the promotion of green
energy.
MNRE will provide technical, policy, and
capacity-building assistance, while the
Ministry of Coal will supply land and capital
to construct solar energy, green hydrogen,
and other renewable energy projects.
IndusInd Bank Viamericas IndusInd Bank Limited has announced a
strategic collaboration with Viamericas
Corporation to offer digital inward
remittance services to Non Resident Indians
(NRIs) in the United States of America (USA).
This collaboration will enable NRIs to send
money to their beneficiaries in India through
IndusInd Bank's digital remittance platform
Indus Fast Remit(IFR).

APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
Siddharth Mridul Chief Justice Manipur High Court Delhi High Court judge Siddharth
Mridul was appointed Chief Justice
(CJ) of Manipur High Court by the
union government based on the
recommendation of the Supreme
Court Collegium in July 2023.Justice

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Siddharth Mridul is set to replace
Justice Muralidharan who has been
serving as the Acting Chief
Justice(ACJ) of the Manipur High
Court since February 2023.
Raghubar Das Odisha Droupadi Murmu, President of India,
has appointed former Chief
Minister(CM) of Jharkhand,
Raghubar Das(68 years old), as the
26th Governor of Odisha and
Telangana Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) leader Indra Sena Reddy
Nallu(73) as 20th Governor of
Tripura with effect from the date
Indra Sena Reddy Governor Tripura they assume charge.
Nallu  Raghubar Das will succeed
Ganeshi Lal who has been
serving as the Governor of
Odisha since 2018.
Indra Sena Reddy Nallu will succeed
Satyadeo Narain Arya who has been
serving as the Governor of Tripura
since 2021.
Ajit Pawar Director Pune District Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister
Central Cooperative (Dy CM) of Maharashtra, has
Bank Ltd (PDCC) resigned as a Director of the Pune
District Central Cooperative Bank
Ltd (PDCC) citing increase in
workload after becoming Dy CM of
Maharashtra.
Digambar Durgade, the President of
PDCC has accepted Ajit Pawar’s
resignation
Navneet Munot Chairman Association of Navneet Munot, Managing Director
Mutual Funds in (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
India (AMFI) (CEO) of HDFC Asset Management
Co. Ltd (AMC), has been elected as
the Chairman of Association of
Mutual Funds in India (AMFI).He will
take charge as chairman on 16th
October 2023, succeeding A
Balasubramanian, MD & CEO of
Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset
Management Co. Ltd.Anthony

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Heredia, MD, and CEO of Mahindra
Manulife Mutual Fund, was elected as
Vice Chairman of AMFI.
Ashok Vaswani MD & CEO Kotak Mahindra Bank The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Limited approved the appointment of Ashok
Vaswani as the next Managing
Director (MD) and Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Kotak Mahindra
Bank Limited (KMB) for a period of
3 years. The appointment is with
effect from the date of taking charge,
which shall not be later than January
1, 2024.
Ashok Vaswani will succeed Dipak
Gupta, the Joint MD of KMB, who is
serving as the interim MD & CEO of
KMB until December 31, 2023.
Ramaswamy Chairman and General Insurance Ministry of Finance has appointed
Narayanan Managing Corporation of Ramaswamy Narayanan as
Director(MD) India Limited (GIC Chairman and Managing
Re) Director(MD) to General Insurance
Corporation of India Limited (GIC
Re) with effect from 1st October,
2023 and up to the date of of his
superannuation (i.e. 30th September
2025) or until further orders,
whichever is earlier.
He succeeds Devesh Srivastava,
who retired from the post on 30th
September 2023. He has been
serving as CMD since December
2019.
Sanjay Kumar Jain CMD IRCTC Sanjay Kumar Jain has been
appointed as the Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) of the
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation (IRCTC).
 The post was vacant since
January 2021 after the
retirement of
Mahendra Pratap Maal.
 From June 2023, Seema
Kumar who is the Additional
Member (Tourism & Catering)

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is acting as CMD (Additional
Charge).
Nitin Gupta Chairman Central Board of The Appointments Committee of the

Direct Taxes Cabinet (ACC) has approved the re-
(CBDT) appointment of Nitin Gupta as the
chairman of the Central Board of
Direct Taxes (CBDT) for a tenure of
9-month with effect from 1st October
2023.He was re-appointment on a
contract basis till 30th June 2024, or
until further orders, whichever is
earlier, in relaxation of the
recruitment rules, on usual terms
and conditions applicable to re-
employed central government
officers.
Anirban Mukherjee Chief Executive PayU Global Anirban Mukherjee has been
Officer (CEO) Payment promoted as the global Chief
Organisation (GPO) Executive Officer (CEO) of PayU
Global Payment Organisation (GPO),
a payments and fintech business of
Prosu. Currently, he is a part of the
PayU global leadership team and
serves as the CEO of PayU India.
He replaces Laurent Le Moal, the
incumbent global CEO of PayU GPO,
who steps back from the operational
management of the day-to-day
business.
Nandini Azad Member International Nandini Azad, President of the Indian
Raiffeisen Union Co-operative Network for Women
(IRU) Board (ICNW) and the Working Women’s
Forum (WWF) (India), has been re-
elected as a member of the
International Raiffeisen Union (IRU)
Board for the 2nd term.
 In 2018, she was elected to
the IRU Board becoming the
first Indian and first woman
to be appointed to the post.
At Present, she is also serving as the
Chairperson of the International

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Cooperative Alliance(ICA) – Asia
Pacific(AP) Committee on Women.
Kumar Chair MCC’s World The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
Chokshanada Cricket has appointed former Sri Lankan
Sangakkara Committee(WCC) Cricket Captain Kumar Chokshanada
Sangakkara as the new Chair of
MCC’s World Cricket
Committee(WCC). He will succeed
former England captain Mike
Gatting, who has held the post since
2017. Former England Cricketer
Mark Charles Jefford Nicholas will
serve as the new President of MCC.As
of Oct 2023 ,Kumar Sangakkara is
currently the Director of Cricket and
the Head Coach of the Rajasthan
Royals in the Indian Premier League
(IPL).
Ipsita Dasgupta senior vice HP’s India market HP Inc. (known as Hewlett-Packard
president(SVP) Company), has appointed former
and Managing Apple executive Ipsita Dasgupta as
Director (MD) senior vice president(SVP) and
Managing Director (MD) of HP’s
India market.
She will take over the new position
with effect from 30th October 2023
succeeding Gurpreet Singh Brar,
who has been serving as the Interim
MD since November 2022
Swarup Anand Vice Chairman Mirae Asset South Korea-based Mirae Asset
Mohanty (VC) Investment Financial Group has appointed
Managers (India) Swarup Anand Mohanty as the Vice
Private Limited Chairman (VC) of Mirae Asset
(Mirae AMC) Investment Managers (India) Private
Limited (Mirae AMC) with effect
form 24th October 2023. With this,
Mohanty becomes the first Non-
Korean person to be appointed as the
VC within Mirae Asset Financial
Group.
Actor Rajkummar Rao National Icon Election Commission Bollywood Actor Rajkummar Rao
of India was named as the ‘National Icon’ for
voter awareness and education by
the Election Commission of

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India(ECI). Rajkummar Rao and ECI
entered a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for a period of
3 years at the event held in New
Delhi, Delhi
INTERNATIONAL
AS
Mohamed Muizzu President Maldives Mohamed Muizzu of the Progressive
Party of Maldives (PPM) was elected
as the New President of Maldives.
He is set to be sworn in on 17th
November 2023.He defeated the
incumbent President Ibrahim
Mohamed Solih (2018 to 2023) of
the Maldivian Democratic Party
(MDP) by securing 54% of the votes.
About Maldives: Capital –
Male,Currency – Maldivian Rufiyaa.
Daniel Noboa President Ecuador Daniel Noboa, a 35-year-old
businessman and a member of
National Democratic Action, won the
2023 General Election of Ecuador
defeating Luisa González of the
Citizen Revolution Movement.With
this victory, Daniel Noboa becomes
the Youngest ever President elect of
Ecuador.
 Daniel Noboa is taking over
as President after Guillermo
Lasso and will continue in
this role until May 2025,
which is when the current
term ends.
About Ecuador: Capital– Quito
,Currency– United States Dollar (US
Dollar)
Christopher Luxon Prime New Zealand Christopher Luxon has been elected
Minister as the 42nd Prime Minister(PM) of
New Zealand. He belongs to (and the
leader of) central-right National
Party of New Zealand.He will
succeed Labour Party’s Chris

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Hipkins who was appointed the 41st
PM of New Zealand in January 2023.
Robert Fico Prime Slovakia Zuzana Čaputová, President of
Minister Slovakia, formally appointed Robert
Fico as the Prime Minister (PM) of
Slovakia. He will succeed
Ľudovít Ódor who has been serving
as the Interim PM of Slovakia since
15 May 2023 after the resignation of
Eduard Heger as PM.This is the
3rd time Robert Fico will serve as
the PM of Slovakia, after having
served from 2006 to 2010 and from
2012 to 2018.
About Slovakia:Capital- Bratislava,
Currency- The Euro.
Sultan Ibrahim King Malaysia His Royal Highness (HRH) Sultan
ibni Almarhum Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan
Sultan Iskandar Iskandar, the Ruler of the southern
Malaysian state of Johor, was
elected as the 17th King of
Malaysia, also known as Yang di-
Pertuan Agong (YDPA) XVII, for a
term of 5 years, which will begin on
31st January 2024.
 He was elected by the
Conference of Rulers during
its 263rd (Special) meeting
held at the National
Palace(Istana Negara) in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He will replace incumbent Sovereign
Al-Sultan Abdullah ibni Sultan
Ahmad Shah, Ruler of Pahang
state, who has been serving as the
16th King since 2019. His tenure is
set to end on 30th January 2024.
Leon J. Topalian Chairman World Steel Leon J. Topalian, President and
Association(worldsteel) Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of
Nucor Corporation (the United
States of America-USA), was elected
as the 45th Chairman of the World
Steel Association(worldsteel), the

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international industry association
for the iron and steel sector.
India’s
Thachat Viswanath(TV) Narendran,
CEO & Managing Director(MD) of
Tata Steel Limited and Choi Jeong-
Woo, CEO of POSCO Holdings were
elected as the Vice Chairman of
Worldsteel. Choi Jeong-Woo served
as the 44th Chairman of the
WorldSteel.

Sachin Tendulkar Global Ambassador Former Indian cricket Player Sachin Tendulkar
was named as the 'Global Ambassador' for the
International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's
Cricket One Day International (ODI) World Cup
2023.
 Sachin unveils the World Cup trophy
before the inaugural match between
England and New Zealand on 5th October
2023.
Other ambassadors of ICC ODI World Cup
2023:
It includes Suresh Raina(India), Mithali Raj
(India), Vivian Richards(West Indies), AB de
Villiers( South Africa), Eoin Morgan(England),
Aaron Finch(Australia), Muttiah
Muralitharan(Sri Lanka), Ross Taylor(New
Zealand) and Mohammad Hafeez(Pakistan).
Bana Singh Ambassador for the The Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Union
“War Against Territory of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) has
Waste” nominated Param Vir Chakra(PVC) Awardee
Captain Bana Singh as the ambassador for the
“War Against Waste”, initiative to takle
sanitation challenges in rural areas of J&K. It
was announced during the Swachhata Hi Seva
(SHS 2023) campaign.
 The “War Against Waste” campaign
attempts to resolve waste management
and environmental conservation
challenges in rural J&K.

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Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS 2023) campaign was
celebrated from 15th September to 2nd October
2023 under the joint aegis of the Department of
Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) and the
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Mohammed Shami Ahmed Brand Ambassador Puma India has roped in Indian right-arm fast
bowler fast bowler Mohammed Shami Ahmed as
its brand ambassador.As part of this
partnership, Shami will promote Puma’s shoes,
clothing, and accessories through various
activities and campaigns.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni Brand Ambassador Mahendra Singh Dhoni (MS Dhoni), Former
(MS Dhoni) captain of the Indian Cricket Team, has been
appointed as the brand ambassador of PepsiCo
India’s potato chips brand Lay’s. As the brand
ambassador, he will feature on the ‘No Lay’s, No
Game’ campaign of Lay’s and promote the
match-viewing experience with Lay’s chips.
The ‘No Lay’s No Game’ is a global campaign
associated with football icons Thierry
Henry(France) and Lionel Messi(Argentina).
MS Dhoni Brand Ambassador State Bank of India (SBI) has roped in former
Indian Cricketer and former Captain of Indian
Men’s cricket team Mahendra Singh Dhoni
(MS Dhoni) as its official brand ambassador.
Under this partnership, Dhoni will play a major
role in the marketing and promotional
campaigns of SBI.
This partnership of SBI aims to reiterate its
commitment to serve the nation and its
customers with trust, integrity and dedication.
Katrina Kaif Brand Ambassador Katrina Kaif, a British-Indian actress, who
works in Hindi-language films, was appointed as
the Global Brand Ambassador for Rado, a
Switzerland-based luxury watch manufacturer.
She is featured in Rado’s campaign emphasizing
its dedication to crafting timepieces that
combine timeless materials with enduring style.
COUNTRY AMBASSADORS
PERSON NAME COUNTRY KEY NOTES
Arindam Bagchi Ambassador/Permanent Arindam Bagchi, Additional Secretary
Representative of India [External Publicity(XP)] and Spokesperson of
the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has

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to the United Nations been appointed the next
(UN) Ambassador/Permanent Representative of
India to the United Nations (UN) and other
international organisations in Geneva,
Switzerland. Arindam Bagchi is set to take
over the post from Indra Mani Pandey, the
incumbent Indian envoy to the UN in Geneva.

ACC appointed 12 Executive Directors for various PSBs
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
approved the appointment of 12 Chief General Managers (CGMs) and General Managers (GMs)
as Executive Directors (EDs) of various Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
S. Appointment
No. Appointee Previous Post ED (New Post) Period
1 Sanjay Rudra GM of BOM UBI –
2 Vijaykumar Nivrutti Kamble GM of BOM UCO Bank 3 years
3 Bhavendra Kumar CGM of Canara Bank Canara Bank 3 years
CGM of Punjab National
4 Bibhu Prasad Mahapatra Bank (PNB) PNB
Punjab & Sind
5 Ravi Mehra GM of Punjab & Sind Bank Bank 3 years
6 Rajiv Mishra CGM of UBI BOI 3 years
7 Brajesh Kumar Singh CGM of BOB Indian Bank 3 years
8 Shiv Bajrang Singh CGM BOI Indian Bank 3 years
9 Rohit Rishi CGM of Indian Bank BOM 3 years
10 Lal Singh CGM at Union Bank BOB 3 years
Central Bank of
11 Mahendra Dohare CGM PNB India 3 years
12 Dhanaraj T CGM Indian Bank IOB 3 years
India re-elected as President of AIBD General Conference for 3rd term

India has been re-elected as President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting
Development (AIBD) General Conference (GC) for the 3rd successive term. Previously India
served as President of AIBD GC in 2018-2021 and 2021 to 2023.
 India is set to lead the international organisation and will leverage itself as the
broadcasting and media hub across the Asia Pacific.
 Mayank Kumar Agrawal, Director General, Doordarshan is the president of AIBD GC.
Supreme Court Appoints Sign-Language Interpreter to Help Hearing-Impaired Lawyers

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud announced the appointment that the Supreme
Court of India has allowed the appointment of a sign-language interpreter. This will ensure

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that hearing-impaired lawyers and litigants, can fully comprehend and participate in judicial
proceedings.
RBI Constitutes 9 member Working Group on ECL Framework

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a 9-member external Working Group chaired
by Prof. R. Narayanaswamy to suggest Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework for provisioning
by banks.R Narayanaswamy is a retired Indian accountant and former Professor of Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
 RBI released a discussion paper in January 2023 proposing a new framework for
provisioning for credit risk, called ‘Discussion Paper on Expected Loss (EL)-based
Approach for loan loss provisioning by banks’,which states that banks will have to set
aside provisions based on their assessment of the expected losses on their loans, rather
than waiting until the loans actually default.
 RBI has appointed Muneesh Kapur as Executive Director (ED) with effect from October 3,
2023.As executive director, Muneesh Kapur will monitor the Department of Economic
and Policy Research.
ACC Extends Amit Agrawal’s Tenure as UIDAI CEO for 1 Year

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of Amit
Agrawal‘s tenure as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of
India (UIDAI) for a period of one year starting from November 2, 2023 up to November 2,
2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Amit Agrawal assumed charge as the CEO of UIDAI in June 2023 following the retirement of
Saurabh Garg.
3 Indian Technology Experts Named in the 39-member UN High-level Advisory Body on

AI
On 26 October 2023, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General
(SG) António Guterres revealed the formation of a 39-member High-
Level Multistakeholder Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in New York, the
United States of America (USA).
 The list featured 3 Indian technology experts namely Amandeep Singh Gill, UN SG’s
Envoy on Technology(since 2022); Nazneen Rajani, Lead Researcher at Hugging Face;
and Sharad Sharma, Co-founder of iSPIRT Foundation.
MyGov Chief Akash Tripathi to Take Additional Charge as CEO of India Semiconductor
Mission
Akash Tripathi, chief executive officer (CEO) of India’s citizen engagement platform MyGov, is
set to become the CEO of India Semiconductor Mission(ISM) as additional charge from 9th
October 2023.Akash Tripathi will succeed Amitesh Kumar Sinha whose tenure ends on 4th
October 2023.Akash Tripathi, a 1998 batch IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre has been
CEO of MyGov since October 2022.

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ACC Extends SBI Chairman Dinesh Khara’s Tenure till August 2024 & MD Ashwini
Tewari’s Tenure by 2-year
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC) has extended the tenure of the Chairman of
the State Bank of India (SBI) Dinesh Kumar Khara till 28th August 2024 or till he attains the
age of 63 years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
ACC has also extended the tenure of Ashwini Kumar Tewari as the Managing Director(MD) of
SBI for 2 years beyond January 27, 2024.
Amitava Mukherjee Gets Tenure Extension as NMDC CMD

The Ministry of Steel has extended the tenure of Amitava Mukherjee, Chairman-cum-Managing
Director (CMD) of the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) for a further period
of 1 year with effect from 20th November 2023 up to 19th November 2024 or till the
appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders.He is the Director (Finance) of
NMDC who has been holding additional charge as the CMD since March 2023.
Govt Appoints BCG to Craft ‘Vision 2047’ Document

The government of India has appointed the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a global
consulting firm, to help prepare the Vision 2047 document, outlining India’s medium-term
objectives for becoming a developed economy in the next 25 years. The document will
emphasise strategic measures to elevate India to a middle-income country.
AWARDS
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENCE & BRAVERY
National Service 52 persons Community President of India, Droupadi
Scheme Awards for Social Murmu presented the National
the year 2021-2022 Services Service Scheme Awards for the
year 2021-2022 at
Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi,
Delhi. The award was given to 52
persons to recognize their
outstanding contributions towards
voluntary community social
services.
The awards included 3 categories
namely Universities/+ 2 Council (2
Awards); NSS units and their
Programme Officers (10 NSS Units
+ 10 Programme Officers); and NSS
volunteers (30 Awards)….Click
here for more detail…….

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Satyajit Ray Lifetime Michael Douglas American American actor and producer
Achievement Award actor and Michael Douglas will be honoured
producer with the Satyajit Ray Lifetime
Achievement Award at the 54th
International Film Festival of
India(IFFI) to be held in Goa from
20th to 28th November, 2023.The
announcement was made by Union
Minister Anurag Singh Thakur,
Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting (MIB). He has
received several awards including 2
Academy Awards(Oscars) and a
Primetime Emmy Award.
Mother Teresa Narges Mohammadi Social Justice Narges Mohammadi, Iranian
Memorial Award women’s rights campaigner, and
the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate, will be conferred with the
Harmony Foundation’s Mother
Teresa Memorial Award for
Social Justice 2023.
About Narges Mohammadi:
i.She from Iran is a woman Human
Rights Defender (HRD), and Deputy
Director and spokesperson of the
Defenders of Human Rights Centre
(DHRC) in Iran.
NOBEL PRIZE
Katalin Karikó of Physiology Katalin Karikó of Hungary and Drew
Hungary and Drew or Medicine Weissman of the United States of America
Weissman of the (USA) were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize
United States of in Physiology or Medicine in 2023 by the
America (USA) Royal Swedish Academy of Science.The Nobel
Prize is awarded for their discovery
concerning nucleoside base modifications
that enabled the development of effective
mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
Anne L’Huillier of Physics Anne L’Huillier of France, Pierre Agostini of
France, Pierre France, and Ferenc Krausz of Hungary were
Agostini of France, awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics “for
and Ferenc experimental methods that generate attosecond
Krausz of Hungary pulses of light for the study of electron dynamics
in matter.”

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 The Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded by
the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences,
Stockholm, Sweden.
Anne L’Huillier is the fifth woman to receive the
Nobel Prize in Physics.
Alexei I. Ekimov of Chemistry Alexei I. Ekimov of Russia, Louis E. Brus of the
Russia, Louis E. United States of America (USA), and Moungi G.
Brus of the United Bawendi of France were awarded the 2023
States of America Nobel Prize in Chemistry “for the discovery and
(USA), and Moungi synthesis of quantum dots”.
G. Bawendi of  The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was
France awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy
of Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.
 Quantum dots are semiconducting
crystals in nanometer size, their main
property is that depending upon their
size they change their colours.
Quantum dots are used in illuminating computer
monitors and television screens based on
Nobel Prize
Quantum-dot Light-Emitting Diodes(QLED)
2023 technology.
Jon Olav Fosse of Literature Jon Olav Fosse of Norway was awarded the
Norway Nobel Prize in Literature 2023 “for his
innovative plays and prose which give voice to
the unsayable”. Fosse is the 4th Norwegian writer
to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
 The Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded
by the Royal Swedish Academy of
Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.
Fosse writes in Nynorsk, one of the two official
written versions of the Norwegian language, the
other being Bokmaal.
Narges Nobel Nobel Peace Prize 2023 was awarded to 51-
Mohammadi Peace Prize year-old Narges Mohammadi from Iran “for
her fight against the oppression of women in
Iran and her fight to promote human rights
and freedom for all”.With this win, she
became the 2nd Iranian woman to win the
Nobel Peace Prize after Shirin Ebadi (also the
first Muslim woman) who won the award in
2003.
Claudia Goldin Nobel Professor Claudia Goldin of Harvard

Economics University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, the
Prize United States of America (USA) won the 2023
Nobel Economics Prize, formally known as
the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic

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Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, for
her research contributions to the
understanding of women’s roles and
outcomes in the labour market.The Prize in
Economic Sciences is awarded by the Royal
Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm,
Sweden

ISAR Honours Institute of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of
2023 Chartered India (ICAI) has been awarded the ISAR
Accountants of Honours 2023, 6th edition of ISAR
India (ICAI) Honours, by the United Nations
Conference on Trade and Development
(UNCTAD) working group on
International Standards for Accounting
and Reporting (ISAR).
TN’s Guidance wins UN Promotion
Award
 Guidance the Investment
- Promotion Agency (IPA under the
Department of Industries,
Investment Promotion and
Commerce, Government of Tamil
Nadu (TN), was honored with the
2023 United Nations (UN)
Promotion Award for Excellence
in Scaling Up Energy Transition
Investments
The awards were presented during the
8th World Investment Forum (WIF)
held from October 16-20, 2023 in Abu
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the
theme 'Investing in Sustainable
Development'.
Shanmugha Arts, Ruixiang Zhang Mathematics The Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology
Science, & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Technology & Ramanujan Prize for 2023 will be
Research awarded to Ruixiang Zhang of China,
Academy Assistant Professor at the University of
(SASTRA) California, Berkeley, the United States of
Ramanujan Prize America(USA) for his contribution to
for 2023 Mathematics from analytic number

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theory, combinatorics, Euclidean
harmonic analysis to geometry.
The Prize will be conferred at the
International Conference on Number
Theory, which will be held from 20 to 22
December 2023 at SASTRA University in
Kumbakonam (birthplace of Ramanujan)
of Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
Global Indian Sudha Murty Author and The renowned author and philanthropist
Award Philanthropist Sudha Murty, chairperson of the Infosys
Foundation, became the first woman to be
honoured the Global Indian Award by the
Canada India Foundation(CIF) at Indo-
Canadian gala event held in Toronto,
Canada.The award is presented to her by
Indian High Commissioner to Canada
Sanjay Kumar Verma.
The government of India honoured her
with Padma Shri (the 4th highest civilian
award) in 2006 and Padma Bhushan (the
third highest civilian award) in 2023 for
Social Work.
Best Central Bank Shaktikanta Das Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor
Award 2023 Shaktikanta Das was awarded the “Best
Central Bank Award 2023” for being
ranked ‘A+’ in the Global Finance Central
Banker Report Cards 2023 during the
30th annual World’s Best Banks Awards
-
ceremony held at Marakesh, Morocco.
Thomas J. Jordan, the Governor of Swiss
National Bank (SNB) and Nguyen Thi
Hong, the Governor of State Bank of
Vietnam(SBV) were also rated A+ in
Central Banker Report Cards 2023.
Best Green Udhampur Udhampur Military Station in the Indian
Military Station Military Station Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and
Award Kashmir (J&K) bagged the 'Best Green
Military Station' award. The award
recognises the station’s environmental
efforts and highlights the commitment of
-
the Indian Army to strive for excellence.
During the award ceremony, the
Dehradun Military Station
(Uttarakhand) was acknowledge for

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securing the title of the “Second Best.”
The Bikaner Military Station (Rajasthan)
was honoured with the “Best
Transformative Station” trophy.
2022 Center on Dhananjay Global The Chief Justice of India(CJI) Dhananjay
the Legal Yeshwant(DY) Leadership Yeshwant(DY) Chandrachud has been
Profession(CLP) Chandrachud felicitated with the ‘2022 Center on the
Award Legal Profession(CLP) Award for Global
Leadership’ by The Harvard Law School
Center of Harvard University,
Massachusetts, United States of
America(USA).
 He was announced as the recipient
of the award in December 2022.
He was awarded in recognition of his
lifetime service to the legal profession in
India and around the world
2023 Mahatma UST Corporate UST, a leading digital transformation
Awards Social solutions company, has been recognized by
Responsibility the 2023 Mahatma Awards for Corporate
(CSR) Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence in
Excellence Community Initiatives, for sustainable and
impactful contributions to CSR in areas such
as education, health, livelihood, environment,
and disaster relief.
UST's impactful CSR initiative, the Adopt-a-
School program, has significantly influenced
the lives of more than 32,000 students across
India and Mexico.

International Olympic Committee Announced the Winners of the Inaugural IOC Climate
Action Awards
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the winners of the inaugural IOC
Climate Action Awards, which recognise athletes, International Federations (IFs), and National
Olympic Committees (NOCs) for their efforts to combat climate change.IOC Climate Action
Awards 2023 were awarded under 3 categories: sustainable travel, innovation, and athlete
advocacy.
 The IOC Climate Action Awards was introduced in November 2022, with the goal of
highlighting how sport can play an essential part in addressing the climate issue.
 The 2023 awards are supported by Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partners Airbnb,
Deloitte and Procter & Gamble (P&G)…Click here for more detail…….

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MSDE Dharmendra Pradhan Launched India Skills 2023-24 & Felicitates World Skills
2022 Winners
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
(MSDE) launched the IndiaSkills 2023-24, India’s most significant National Skill Competition
program. He also felicitated the winners of the 46th WorldSkills Competition (WSC 2022
Special Edition – WSC2022SE), which was held between 7th September and 26th November
2022 across 15 countries.
 India secured 11th position in the WSC2022SE.In 2019, India held the 13th position.
 WSC2022SE was the official replacement for WorldSkills Shanghai 2022, cancelled in May
2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 China secured the 1st position followed by South Korea in the 2nd and Chinese Taipei in
the 3rd position in the WorldSkills 2022 Special Edition…Click here for more detail…..
US Presidnet Biden honoured Indo-American Scientists Ashok Gadgil & Subra Suresh
with National Medal
Joe Biden (Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.) President of the United States of America honoured the
21 innovators, including 2 Indo American scientists: Subra Suresh and Ashok Gadgil, with
National Medal of Science (9) and National Medal of Technology and Innovation (12), the USA’s
highest Award for Science and Technology.
 Subra Suresh, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Brown University, was honoured
with National Medal of Science.
 Ashok Gadgil, University of California, Berkeley, Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory(LBNL), was honoured with National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
Mahsa Amini & Iranian women protest movement Won the 2023 Sakharov Prize
of European Parliament
On October 19, 2023, Roberta Metsola, President of European Parliament named Jina Mahsa
Amini and Iranian women protest movement as the winners of Sakharov Prize for Freedom
of Thought 2023 (Sakharov Prize), the European Union’s (EU) top human rights prize.
About Jina Amini:
i.Jina Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman, was arrested for allegedly
violating Iran’s mandatory hijab (headscarf ) law in September 2022. She died 3 days after
arrest.
Gujarat’s Dhordo featured among UNWTO's Best Tourism Villages 2023; MP’s Madla
selected for Upgrade Programme
On October 19, 2023, the Dhordo village in Kutch district of Gujarat, India named in the 3rd
edition of Best Tourism Villages 2023 list released by the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO). While, Madla village from Madhya Pradesh's Panna district has been
picked for the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme.
 The announcement was made during the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand,
Uzbekistan. the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO was launched in 2021 is part of the
UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme which fosters development and
inclusion in rural areas, combat depopulation, advance innovation and value chain

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integration through tourism and sustainable practices. Click Here for full list of Best
Tourism Villages by UNWTO 2023
Dr. Jitendra Singh Awards ‘Anubhav’ Prizes in 2023 and Speaks at Pre-Retirement
Counselling (PRC) Workshop and All India Pension Adalat
The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW) hosted the Anubhav Awards
2023 Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on October 23.Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized
various administrative initiatives that have been put in place, ensuring the timely
disbursement of pensionary benefits to retiring employees.These initiatives include: Pre-
Retirement Counselling workshops,Anubhav Awards,and Pension Adalat.
After evaluation, 4 individuals from 8 different ministries, departments, and organizations
were honored with Anubhav Awards, and 9 jury certificates were also awarded for the first
time to foster broader participation.
Army Chief Presents the President’s Colours to 3rd Battalion of Naga Regiment
General Manoj Pande, the Chief of Army Staff presented the ‘President’s Colours’
(represented by a flag) to the 3rd Battalion of the Naga Regiment during the Colour
presentation parade held at Kumaon Regimental Centre, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand. It was
received by Col Lalit Chandra Kandpal, the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Battalion of the Naga
Regiment.
The President’s Colour, also called ‘Nishan’, is bestowed upon a military unit in recognition of
exceptional service rendered to the country, both in peace and in war.

SUMMITS
SUMMIT VENUE KEY POINTS
Group20 (G20) Parliamentary India The 9th Group20 (G20) Parliamentary Speakers’
Speakers’ Summit (P20) International Summit (P20) was held at the India International
Convention Convention and Expo Centre(IICC) –
and Expo Yashobhoomi at Dwarka, New Delhi, Delhi from
Centre(IICC) 13th to 14th October 2023.This was the first P20
– summit hosted by India in cooperation with the
Yashobhoomi Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
at Dwarka, The theme of the forum was ‘Parliaments for One
New Delhi Earth, One Family, One Future’.The theme was
inspired from the ancient Indian philosophy of
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which means ‘The
World is one Family’.
Global Maritime India Summit MMRDA Prime Minister Narendra Modi
(GMIS) 2023 Grounds in virtually inaugurated the 3rd edition of the
Mumbai Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023
held form October 17 to 19, 2023 at the
MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai.

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During the event, the Prime Minister unveiled
“Amrit Kaal Vision 2047—blueprint for
Indian Maritime blue economy.”
 GMIS sees Rs 10 Lakh Crore Investments
and 360 MoUs, Featuring 34 Deals Valued
at Rs 3.24 Lakh Crore
 PM Modi inaugurates 21 projects worth
Rs 18,800 crore at GMIS 2023
 JNPA signs ₹20,000 crore MoU with DP
World for Vadhvan Port development
 TCI Group Honored as Maritime
Excellence Achiever at GMIS 2023 by
Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways
 NMPA Inks Seven MoUs Worth Rs 8,347
Crore
Click here to read full News…
EVENTS
United Nations General United Nations (UN) The 78th session of the United Nations
Assembly (UNGA) Headquarters in New General Assembly (UNGA) was held at the
York City, USA United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New
York City, USA, from September
18 to September 26, 2023. The world
leaders, Heads of State and Governments,
foreign ministers, diplomats, and
representatives from member states, often
called as the ‘Oscars of Diplomacy‘, attended
the annual high-level week.
 India, US, Israel & UAE launch new
I2U2 website & private enterprise
partnership on UNGA sidelines
 India, Japan agrees to strengthen
economic cooperation including high-
speed railway project
 UN India on LOI with Bill and Melinda
Gate Foundation
Click here to read full new
Swavlamban 2023 Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of
(Swavlamban 2.0) Defence(MoD), launched Swavlamban 2023
(Swavlamban 2.0), the 2nd edition of the
Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and
Indigenisation Organisation (NIIO) seminar,
in New Delhi, Delhi. The 2-day seminar was

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held from 4th to 5th October 2023. During the
seminar 5th Positive Indigenisation List (5th
PIL) of the Department of Military Affairs
(DMA), MoD comprising 98 items was
released.
 Defence minister launched the 76
challenges for the industry under the
10th Defence India Start-up Challenges
(DISC 10) and DISC 10 PRIME of
- Innovations for Defence Excellence
(iDEX).
 He also launched the Indian Navy’s
updated Indigenisation Roadmap
‘Swavlamban 2.0’.
 During the seminar, the Defence
Minister also launched Two India-
United States Defence Acceleration
Ecosystem (INDUS X) challenges under
‘INDUS-X Mutual Promotion of
Advanced Collaborative Technologies’
(IMPACT) finalised by iDEX and the
United States Department of Defense
(US DoD).
The Indian navy unveiled the Autonomous
Weaponized Boat Swarms and the
Autonomous Vessel Underwater (AUV) during
the Swavlamban 2.0…Click here for more
detail…
Indian Space Conclave (ISC Manekshaw Centre From October 9 to 11, 2023, the 2nd edition of
2023) in New Delhi annual Indian Space Conclave (ISC 2023) was
held at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi,
Delhi. The conclave was organized by Indian
Space Association (ISpA).
 It was co-hosted by Indian National
Space Promotion and Authorization
Centre (IN-SPACe), an autonomous
agency in the Department of Space
(DOS).
 The theme of ISC 2023 is 'Bhumandal
se Brahaman Tak' (From Earth to the
Entire Universe)'.
 ISpA & GIFAS signed MoU to Boost
Space Industry Capabilities in France &
India

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Deloitte, Nasscom & ISpA Launched
“Exploring opportunities for Indian
downstream spacetech” report
Middle East and North Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Climate
Africa (MENA) Climate Week 2023, took place from 8-12 October in
Week 2023 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It is the 2nd of four
Regional Climate Weeks held in 2023 and the
event hosted by the government of the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MENA Climate Week
is particularly significant as it precedes
COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference
scheduled to take place in Dubai on November
2023.
 It is organized by key international
organizations, including the United
Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United
Nations Development Programme
(UNDP), the United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP), and
the World Bank.
 India, Saudi Arabia sign MoU in the
fields of Electrical Interconnections,
Green and Clean Hydrogen and Supply
Chains.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi
Arabia and the Saudi Electricity Company
(SEC) announced the launch of the Electric
Vehicle Infrastructure Company…click here
for more detail…
Bharat Tex 2024 Bharat Mandapam & India is set to host “Bharat Tex 2024”, the
Yashobhoomi in New world’s largest Textile event from 26th to
Delhi 29th February 2024 at Bharat Mandapam &
Yashobhoomi in New Delhi, Delhi.The event
will be organised by a Consortium of Textile
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) with the
support of the Ministry of Textiles.
 This expo is the embodiment of India’s
5F vision – Farm to Fibre to Factory to
Fashion to Foreign.
Union Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal launched
the Kasturi Cotton Bharat website
(https://kasturicotton.texprocil.org/), a

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digital platform for necessary information and
updates on this initiative.

MEETINGS
MEETING NAME VENUE KEY POINTS
23rd Council of Ministers’ Colombo, Sri On October 11, 2023, Sri Lanka took over
(COM) meeting of the Indian Lanka as Chair of Indian Ocean Rim Association
Ocean Rim Association (IORA) (IORA) for the period 2023 to 2025 during the
23rd Council of Ministers’ (COM) meeting of the
Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held in
Colombo, Sri Lanka on 11 October 2023.
 Sri Lanka took over from the People’s
Republic of Bangladesh, the current Chair
of IORA (2021 to 2023). Sri Lanka’s
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry will chair the
Council, the highest decision-making
body of the IORA.
 India assumed the Vice–Chair role
of IORA for 2023–25. India is set to take
over the chairship of IORA during 2025-
27.
 The 23rd COM Meeting of IORA was held
in Colombo, Sri Lanka hosted by the
Government of Sri Lanka. The meeting
was held under the
theme “Strengthening Regional
Architecture: Reinforcing Indian
Ocean Identity”.
 The COM adopted the Colombo
Communique and the ‘IORA Vision 2030
and Beyond’, among other IORA related
documents.
India, Sri Lanka launch logo celebrating 75 Years
of diplomatic ties
Meeting of the Executive The Executive Committee (EC) of the National
Committee of NMCG Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) during
its 51st meeting approved 7 projects worth
- around Rs. 285 crore. The meeting was held on
12th October 2023 under the chairmanship of G.
Asok Kumar, Director General (DG) of NMCG.
Note: The 50th meeting of the EC of NMCG was
held on 31 July 2023 through hybrid mode.

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National level meeting on New Delhi The Department of Fisheries under the Ministry
‘Ghar-Ghar Kisan Credit Card of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
(KCC) Abhiyaan’ (MoFAH&D) conducted a National level meeting
on ‘Ghar-Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
Abhiyaan’, which means ‘Door to Door KCC
Campaign’ for fisheries on 19th October 2023 in
New Delhi, Delhi.
G20 Finance Ministers and Marrakech, The fourth and last gathering of G20 Finance
Central Bank Governors Morocco Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG)
(FMCBG) Meeting during India’s presidency occurred in
Marrakech, Morocco, from October 12 to 13,
2023. This meeting coincided with the Annual
Meetings of the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
 G20 FMCBGs adopt Communiqué at
fourth and final G20 FMCBG meeting
under Indian G20 Presidency.
 G20 FMCBG Communique Embraces G20
Independent Expert Group (IEG) Report
on Multilateral Development Banks
(MDBs) Strengthening.
FMCBG adopted a roadmap proposed in the
Synthesis Paper, designating it as the G20
Roadmap on Crypto Assets.
HLC’s Second Meeting New Delhi High-Level Committee (HLC) on One Nation, One
Election(ONOE) under the chairmanship of
Former President Ram Nath Kovind held its 2nd
meeting in New Delhi, Delhi on 25th October
2023.The website developed for the “One
Nation, One Election” was launched at the
meeting. This will act as a repository of all
relevant information on the ONOE proposal.
 The One Nation, One Election is a
proposal to hold simultaneous elections
to the Lower House of Parliament (Lok
Sabha) and State Assemblies.
HLC was constituted by the Government of India
in September 2023.
52nd GST Council Meeting The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
(CBIC) under the Ministry of Finance issued a
notification stating that GST (Goods and Services
Tax) will be levied on guarantees provided by
corporations to their subsidiaries prospectively.

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The corporate guarantee would be taxable from
the date of the notification.
As per the notification, GST at 18% will be levied
- on 1% of the total amount guaranteed by the
parent company or the actual consideration,
whichever is higher.
Key Recommendations made during the
52nd GST Council Meeting:
GST rates on “Food preparation of millet flour in
powder form, containing at least 70% millets by
weight” 0% when sold in non-pre-packaged and
unlabelled form. And 5% when sold in pre-
packaged and labelled form.
 Reduction of GST on molasses from 28%
to 5%.
The GST on Job work services for processing of
barley into malt has been reduced to from 18%
to 5%.Click her to read full news…
INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY NAME RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
CONDUCTED BY
Global Hunger Index International India ranks 111th out of the 125 countries
(GHI) 2023 humanitarian with a score of 28.7 in Global Hunger
organisation Concern Index(GHI) 2023. India slipped 4 positions as
Worldwide and compared to previous GHI ranking.
Germany-based Wel  In 2022, India ranked 107 out of 121
thungerhilfe countries. In 2021, it was placed at 101
out of 116 countries.
 In GHI 2023, 20 countries with 2023 GHI
scores of less than 5 are not assigned
individual ranks, They are collectively
ranked 1–20. These 20 countries are:
 Belarus, Bosnia &
Herzegovina, Chile, China, Croatia,
Estonia, Georgia, Hungary,
Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania,
Moldova, Montenegro, North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia,
Türkiye, United Arab Emirates(UAE),
and Uruguay.

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 It is jointly published by the international
humanitarian organisation Concern
Worldwide and Germany-based Wel
thungerhilfe with the aim to trigger
action to reduce hunger around the
world.
The ranks of India’s neighbouring countries are
Pakistan (102th), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal
(69th), and Sri Lanka (60th)
Global Innovation World Intellectual India => 40th Rank
Index (2023) Property Organization The World Intellectual Property Organization
(WIPO), an agency of (WIPO), an agency of the United Nations,
the United Nations published the 16th edition of the Global
Innovation Index (2023). India retains 40th rank
among 132 economies. While Switzerland
secured the top spot in the rankings, with
Sweden and the United States of America (USA)
following closely.
 Notably, India has made significant
progress, climbing 26 places from its
2013 ranking when it stood at 66th place.
India was at 81st place in 2015.
NITI Aayog, in partnership with Confederation
of Indian Industry (CII) and WIPO, has hosted
the virtual India Launch of Global Innovation
Index (GII) on September 29, 2023.
Ookla’s Speedtest Ookla India => 47th Rank
Global Index According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index
(August 2023 edition), India is ranked 47th
among 145 countries with median download
speed of 50.21 Mbps(Megabits per second).
India has moved up 72 places, from 119th place
in 2022 to the 47th position in 2023.
The list is topped by United Arab Emirates
(UAE) with the median download speeds of
210.89 Mbps. Qatar and Kuwait stands at
second and third rank with the download speed
of 192.71Mbps and 153.86Mbps respectively.
Mercer CFA Institute Mercer CFA Institute India => 45th Rank, Index value 45.9
Global Pension According to the 15th annual Mercer CFA
Index (MCGPI 2023) Institute Global Pension Index (MCGPI 2023),
India is ranked 45th out of 47countries. The
overall index value of India increased from 44.5

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in 2022 to 45.9 in 2023. India was ranked 41st
out of 44 in 2022.
 The 2023 Index is topped by the
Netherlands with overall index value of
85.0, followed by Iceland (83.5) and
Denmark (81.3).
 Singapore is ranked 7th out of 47 in the
MCGPI 2023 and retained
its top spot among
asian countries.
Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index 2023:
1. Netherlands, Index value 85
2. Iceland, Index value 83.5
3. Denmark, Index value 81.3
47(last) Argentina, Index value 42.3
360 One Wealth Hurun Hurun India & 360 One “360 One Wealth Hurun India Rich List
India Rich List 2023 Wealth 2023”, the 12th–anniversary edition of Hurun
India Rich List released in association with 360
One Wealth, is topped by Mukesh
Ambani(66), Chairman of Reliance Industries
limited(RIL). Mukesh Ambani has regained the
title as India’s richest man with a wealth of Rs
8,08,700 crore.
 Gautam Adani(61), Chairman of the
Adani Group, is ranked 2nd with a wealth
of Rs 474800 crore. In 2022 Adani
topped the list, he was ahead of Ambani
by a wealth gap of Rs 3 lakh crore.
 With a wealth of Rs 2,78,500 crore, Cyrus
Poonawalla (82) retained the 3rd position
in the list.
 The youngest on the list is 20-year-old
Zepto Founder Kaivalya Vohra.
Radha Vembu(50), product manager of Zoho,
overtakes Falguni Nayar (60) of Nykaa to
become the richest self-made Indian woman
with a net worth of Rs 36,000 crore.
Forbes India’s 100 Forbes India Mukesh Ambani, the Chairman and Managing
Richest 2023 List Director of Reliance Industries Ltd. topped the
Forbes India’s 100 Richest 2023 List with USD
92 Billion. Mukesh Ambani regains the ‘Richest
Indian’ title after he slipped to second spot in
2022.
 With a net worth of USD 68 Billion,
Gautam Adani of Adani Enterprises

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slipped to the second rank from the first
in 2022 and Shiv Nadar of HCL
Technologies ranked 3rd with a net
worth of USD 29.3 Billion.
 Savitri Jindal of the O.P. Jindal Group is
India’s richest woman with a net worth of
USD 24 billion.
NTPC Limited, formerly known as National
Thermal Power Corporation ranked 261st out of
the top 700 companies in the Forbes “World’s
Best Employers 2023” list and it is the only
Indian Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) featured
in the list.
REPORTS
India Development World Bank According to India Development
Update(IDU) October 2023 Update(IDU) October 2023 released by
World Bank(WB), India’s Gross Domestic
Products (GDP) growth for the Financial
Year 2023-24 (FY23/24) is retained
at 6.3% and for FY24/25 the growth rate
will be at 6.4%.
 India was one of the fastest-growing
major economies in FY22/23 at the
rate of 7.2%. India’s growth rate was
the 2nd highest among G20
countries.
 However, service sector activity is
projected to remain strong with
growth of 7.4%, and investment
growth is expected to stay robust
at 8.9%.
 Fiscal consolidation is expected to
continue in FY23/24, with the
central government fiscal deficit
projected to decline from 6.4% to
5.9% of GDP.
The report states that India’s headline
inflation is expected to average 5.9% in
FY23/24. IDU April 2023 projected India’s
headline inflation to decline to an average
of 5.2% in FY23/24.

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Gas 2023 Medium-Term International As per it, India’s natural gas demand is
Market Report Energy Agency expected to rise by 4% in 2023 calendar
(IEA) year and will continue to increase at an
average annual rate of about 8% till
2026.This growth will be driven by power,
petrochemical and fertiliser sectors. United
States (US) will retain position as the
world’s largest LNG exporter.
19th Quarterly Bulletin(QB) of National Statistical As per it, India’s urban unemployment rate
Periodic Labour Force Survey Office (NSO), (UR) in Current Weekly Status (CWS) terms
(PLFS) for April-June 2023 Ministry of for persons aged 15 years and above
(Q1FY24) Statistics and declined to 6.6% during Q1FY24 from 6.8%
Programme during Q4FY23. It was 7.6% in April-June
Implementation 2022 (Q1FY23).
(MoSPI)
Periodic Labour Force Survey National Sample Stating Unemployment rate (UR) at 6-year low
(PLFS) [July, 2022 – June, 2023] Survey Office of 3.2% in 2022-23 under the Usual Status
(NSSO), Ministry of (ps+ss). It was 6% in 2017-18.
Statistics and  The UR in Current Weekly Status
Programme (CWS) decreased to 5.1% in 2022-23. It
Implementation was 8.7% in 2017-18.
(MoSPI) The 6th annual report by NSSO is based on the
PLFS conducted during July 2022-June 2023.
The Impact of Disasters on United Nations Which is the first–ever global estimation of
Agriculture and Food Security Food and the impact of disasters on agricultural
2023-Avoiding and reducing Agriculture production focused on crops and livestock.
losses through investment in Organization (FAO)  As per the report, the Global
resilience aggregated losses for the past 30
years (1991-2021) due to disasters
events amounts to USD 3.8 trillion,
corresponding to about USD 123
billion per year.
The report has been prepared and jointly
produced by the Statistics Division (ESS)
and the Office of Emergencies and
Resilience (OER) of FAO.
The On-Time Performance aviation analytics According to 'The On-Time Performance
Monthly Reports - Airports for firm Cirium Monthly Reports - Airports for
September 2023 September 2023’ published by aviation
analytics firm Cirium, Kempegowda
International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru
(Karnataka) has secured the top position
as the world's most punctual Airport for
the past 3 consecutive months(July, August,
and September 2023).

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International Migration Organisation for According to the “International Migration
Outlook: 2023 Economic Co- Outlook: 2023” published by the
operation and Organisation for Economic Co-operation
Development and Development (OECD), for the 2nd
(OECD) consecutive year, India has retained its
position as the top country of origin for new
migrants to the member countries of OECD
in 2021.
China is ranked 2nd with 227,000 new
migrants followed by Romania (215,000);
Ukraine (189,000); and Germany(119,000).
World Energy Outlook 2023 International The International Energy Agency (IEA) has
Energy Agency released a report, World Energy Outlook
2023, which presents a vision of substantial
changes in global energy system by 2030.
The report highlights India’s growing
electricity demand, with annual growth of
around 5%, making it third-largest
electricity consumer globally by 2050, after
China and the United States. China is the
largest electricity consumer in the world.
 The International Energy Agency
(IEA) has predicted that 18% of the
electricity generated in India will be
from solar sources by 2030, which
set to be 6% increase in 2023.
 The IEA’s World Energy Outlook-
2023 report predicts a 30%
reduction in CO2 emissions from
India’s industry and a 25% reduction
in CO2 emissions per kilometer
driven by passenger cars by 2030.
IEA predicts that India’s capacity may
exceed 70 gigawatts (GW) annually by
2027.
RANKING & REPORTS IN CONTENT FORMAT

India to surpass Japan to Become 2nd Largest Economy in Asia by 2030: S&P Global
According to Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data of Standard & Poor (S&P) Global Market
Intelligence, India will become Asia’s second-largest economy by 2030 with a Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) of USD 7.3 trillion. India will also become the world’s third-largest
economy.PMI also forecasted that India’s GDP will grow at 6.2-6.3% in the financial year 2023-
24 (FY23-24).

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 United States of America(USA) is the world’s largest economy with a GDP of USD 25.5
trillion.
 This is followed by China, Japan, and Germany in second, third, and fourth respectively
(largest economy) with a GDP of USD 18 Trillion, USD 4.2 trillion, and USD 4 trillion
respectively.

IFC Received RBI’s Approval for Acquiring 9.7% stake in Federal Bank
International Finance Corporation(IFC) has received approval from Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) to acquire upto 9.7% of the paid-up share capital or voting rights of the Federal Bank
Limited (subject to the conditions specified therein).The approval has been granted by RBI
with reference to the application made by IFC. IFC currently holds a 1.34% of the paid-up share
capital or voting rights in the bank.
 About Federal Bank Limited: MD & CEO – Shyam Srinivasan ,Headquarters – Aluva,
Kerala
Air India Completes Acquisition of its 1st A350-900 Aircraft through GIFT City
Tata Group owned Air India successfully acquired India’s first Airbus A350-900 aircraft by
way of finance lease transaction with HSBC through AI Fleet Services Limited (AIFS).Air India
is the India’s first scheduled carrier to have acquired an aircraft from an entity registered in
GIFT City.
 AI Fleet Services Limited (AIFS) is a 100% subsidiary of Air India, and a Gujarat
International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)-
registered finance company.
CCI Approvals on 3rd October 2023

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the following acquisitions on 3rd
October 2023,
 Acquisition of certain stake of Lenskart Solutions Private Limited by Kedaara Capital Fund
III LLP
 Acquisition of majority stake in Indira IVF by Zonnebaars and amalgamation of Spaceway
Wellness into Indira IVF
 Acquisition of 100% shareholding of Lanco Amarkantak Power Limited by PFC Projects
Limited, REC Limited, SJVN Limited and Damodar Valley Corporation.
SBIFML Fund Gets RBI Approval to Acquire Upto 9.99% Stake in IndusInd Bank
SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFML) has received the Reserve Bank of India(RBI)‘s
approval to acquire up to a 9.99% paid-up share capital in IndusInd Bank Limited. This
acquisition will allow the company to also hold 9.99% voting rights in the bank. The holding of
SBIFML in IndusInd Bank should not exceed 9.99 % of the paid-up share capital or voting
rights of the Bank at all times.

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 IndusInd Bank Limited(Ltd): MD & CEO – Sumant Kathpalia,Headquarters – Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
CCI Approved Acquisitions Involving Hitachi Astemo Ltd

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following acquisition involving
Hitachi Astemo Limited(HAL), a Japanese public limited company that manufactures auto parts
for automobiles and two-wheeled motor vehicles in India.HAL was formed in 2021 by the
merger of four Hitachi Automotive companies.
CCI approves merger of IDFC Ltd with IDFC FIRST Bank

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the Scheme of Amalgamation of IDFC
Limited(IDFCL) with IDFC FIRST Bank.The approval was granted under the Green Channel
Route, which is a fast-track route for mergers and acquisitions that are unlikely to have any
adverse impact on competition.IDFCL is a development finance institution(DFI) and the parent
company of IDFC FIRST Bank.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Gets RBI Nod for Acquisition of Sonata Finance
Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) got approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire
100% of the issued and paid up capital in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) based Sonata Finance
Private Limited (SFPL) for Rs 537 crore.
Sonata Finance, established in 2006, is a Microfinance company registered as Non-Banking
Finance Company(NBFC)-Microfinance institutions(MFI) (Non-Deposit taking).
CCI Approves Rebalancing of Cross-shareholding Between Renault and Nissan

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the re-balancing of the existing
cross-shareholdings between Renault S.A. (Renault) and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
(Nissan)(Rebalancing).
 This also relates to the changes to the shareholding of 2 of their joint ventures(JV) Renault
Nissan Automotive India Private Limited (RNAIPL) and Renault Nissan Technology &
Business Centre India Private Limited (RNTBCI) in India.
Yes Bank Reinstate Its Stake in JC Flowers ARC to 9.9%

YES Bank Limited had acquired additional shares of J.C. Flowers Asset Reconstruction Private
Limited (“JC Flowers ARC”) to reinstate its equity share capital proportion to 9.9% in
accordance with share subscription and purchase agreement. This represents the acquisition
of 24,643,558 equity shares of JC Flowers ARC at Rs 29.68 per share.
RECPDCL Hands Over a Project Specific SPV to Power Grid Corporation

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) handed over the project-
specific SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) formed for the construction of ‘Ramgarh II
Transmission Limited’ transmission project, to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
(PGCIL).
RECPDCL is a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification
Corporation Limited).

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DEFENCE
EXERCISE
PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
SAMPRITI-XI 2023 Umroi, Meghalaya & Exercise SAMPRITI-XI 2023, an annual joint
India and Bangladesh military exercise between India and Bangladesh is
held in Umroi, Meghalaya, for 14 days from 3rd
October to 16th October 2023. This is the 11th
edition
of the Exercise, which strengthens India-
Bangladesh defence cooperation by promoting
stronger bilateral connections, cultural
understanding, and reciprocal benefits from
shared experiences.
CHAKRAVAT 2023 Goa The 2023 edition of the Annual Joint
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
(HADR) Exercise (AJHE) – “CHAKRAVAT 2023”
was conducted by the Indian Navy (IN) at Goa
from 09th to 11th October 2023. To address the
challenges posed by climate change in the Indian
Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian armed forces
conduct HADR operations as part of India’s
Security And Growth for All in the Region
(SAGAR) initiative.
The first edition of the exercise was held in 2015
and it has been conducted by the Indian Army,
Indian Navy (IN), and Indian Air Force (IAF) in
rotation since 2016.
East Coast Sagar Andhra Pradesh(AP), East Coast Sagar Kavach 02-23, a two-day
Kavach Tamil Nadu(TN) and comprehensive Coastal Security Exercise was
Puducherry(PY) conducted in Andhra Pradesh(AP), Tamil
Nadu(TN) and Puducherry(PY) from 11-12
October 2023 to assess the efficacy and
robustness of the coastal security system in
responds to unconventional threats from the sea.
The exercise was executed under Vice Admiral
Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-
Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command(ENC),
He is also the Commander-in-Chief, Coastal
Defence (East).
Prasthan The Security Exercise Prasthan 2023 was carried
out by Commodore Rajneesh Sharma Naval

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Officer-in-Charge (NOIC), under the aegis of
Eastern Naval Command, Indian Navy (IN) in
Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
- IN to host Mega Military Wargame ‘Milan’ in
Feb 2024
 IN is all set to host nine-day mega naval
exercise namely 'Milan' from February 19
to 27, 2024 in the Arabian Sea.
It's India's largest-ever military wargame, It is a
biennial multilateral naval exercise which was
initiated by the Indian Navy in 1995.
International Wales, United Kingdom The 3/5 Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force) team
Military Exercise clinched a gold medal for the Indian Army (IA) at
the Cambrian Patrol Competition 2023, an
International Military Exercise organzied in
Wales, United Kingdom (UK) from October 6,
2023 to October 15, 2023. Cambrian Patrol 2023
Military Exercise was hosted by Headquarters
160th (Welsh) Brigade on behalf of Commander
Field Army of UK Army.
Harimau Shakti 2023 Indo-Malaysia & Umroi Exercise Harimau Shakti 2023, the two-week
cantonment, located in Indo-Malaysia joint military exercise between the
Ri Bhoi district of the Indian Army (IA) and the Malaysian Army,
northeastern state of commenced at the Umroi cantonment, located in
Meghalaya Ri Bhoi district of the northeastern state of
Meghalaya. The exercise is scheduled till
November 5, 2023.
The last edition of the exercise, Harimau Shakti
2022, was conducted in Pulai, Kluang, Malaysia in
November 2022.
Joint Naval Exercise India and the European India and the European Union(EU) conducted
Union(EU) & Gulf of their first joint naval exercise in the Gulf of
Guinea Guinea on 24th October 2023. The exercise was
designed to uphold the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Participated Ships:
i.The exercise involved the Indian Navy's Offshore
Patrol Vessel Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumedha
ii.Ships of 3 EU member states(Italy, France and
Spain) also participated the exercise. They are:
 Italian Ship Foscari - Italian Navy
 French Ship(FS) Ventôse - French Navy
Spanish Ship Tornado - Spanish Navy.

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TESTING
Surface to Surface Indian Air Force(IAF) successfuly test fired its
version of the Surface to Surface version of the BrahMos missile in
BrahMos missile the vicinity of the Eastern Seaboard Archipelago. The
test mission accomplished all the predefined
- objectives.
Previously, BrahMos Missile Regiment of Indian
Army tested a land-attack variant of the extended-
range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile (BrahMos
ER) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Yard 12706 (Imphal): Third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B delivered to the Indian
Navy
Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B Class Guided Missile
Destroyer build at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) was delivered to the Indian
Navy(IN). The ship was designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB).
 Imphal, constructed using Indigenous Steel DMR 249A, is one of the largest Destroyers
constructed in India, with an overall length of 164 meters and displacement of over 7500
Tons.
IAF inducts 1st of 6 Dornier Do-228 Aircraft Manufactured by HAL

The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first of six new Dornier Do-228, 19 seater aircraft,
manufactured Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Public Sector Undertaking(PSU) under
the Ministry of Defence(MoD). The Dornier-228 aircraft is a multifunctional, lightweight
transport aircraft which can perform functions from utility and commuter transport to
maritime surveillance.
Indian Army Establishes first-ever BSNL BTS on World’s Highest Battlefield Siachen
Glacier
The Indian Army (Siachen Warriors) in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
(BSNL) has installed the first-ever BSNL Base Transceiver Station (BTS) on the world’s
highest battlefield, ‘Siachen Glacier’ in Ladakh. The tower was inaugurated on 6th October
2023 and will provide mobile communication services to soldiers at an altitude of over 15,500
feet.
Special Forces Training School at HP Gets Indian Army's 1st Vertical Wind Tunnel
General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), virtually inaugurated the Indian Army’s
1st Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS) at Bakloh,
Himachal Pradesh (HP) to train the special forces and refine the Combat Freefall (CFF) skills of
armed forces personnel.
 The state-of-the-art wind tunnel provides a controlled environment for military trainees.
It enhances the Combat Free Fall (CFF) skills of armed forces personnel.

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SATELLITES LAUNCHES
KuiperSat-1 and Amazon.com, Amazon.com, Inc.(AMZN.O) has launched the first
KuiperSat-2 Inc.(AMZN.O), two prototype satellites KuiperSat-1 and KuiperSat-2
USA to low Earth orbit (LEO) at the height of 500
kilometers (311 miles) as part of “Protoflight”
mission of Project Kuiper.The satellite was launched
by United Launch Alliance’s (ULA) Atlas V rocket
from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral
Space Force Station, Florida, United States of America
(USA).
Project Kuiper satellite system is a network of
satellites in LEO. The Kuiper System will operate at
altitudes between 590 and 630 kilometers (roughly
367 to 391 miles).
MIURA 1 SN1 Spanish space The first private suborbital European rocket MIURA
company PLD 1 SN1 was launched by Spanish space company PLD
Space Space. The reusable rocket was launched from El
Arenosillo Experimentation Centre (CEDEA) of
Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology
(INTA) in Huelva, Spain.
 With this launch, Spain has now joined the
elite club of nations that can launch rockets
into space.
Spain has become the tenth country to reach space.
Other nine countries are Russia, the United States of
America(USA), France, Japan, China, India, Israel, Iran
and North Korea.
Gaganyaan’s first flight Satish Dhawan On 21st October 2023, Indian Space Research
Test Vehicle Abort Space Centre in Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched
Mission-1 (TV-D1) Sriharikota, Gaganyaan’s first flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-
Andhra 1 (TV-D1) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in
Pradesh(AP) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh(AP).
 Test Vehicle Demonstration 1(TV-D1) is a low
cost liquid propelled single stage rocket which
is developed specifically for test missions.
 TV-D1 uses a modified VIKAS(VIKram
Ambalal Sarabhai) engine with CM and CES
mounted at its fore end.
IAF Test Fired Long Ranged BrahMos Missile

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Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested the air
launch version of BrahMos supersonic cruise
missile.
Shenzhou 17 (also known China China’s Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has
as “Divine Vessel”) launched its 30th flight mission Shenzhou 17 (also
known as “Divine Vessel”) along with three
astronauts to the Tiangong Space Station.The
spacecraft lifted off atop a Long March-2F Y17 carrier
rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in
northwest China.
This is the sixth manned mission of China to its space
station since 2021. The crew is led by former air
force pilot Tang Hongbo (48).
NATIONAL
KCP Delivers Integrated AirDrop Test – Crew Module Structure to ISRO for Gaganyaan
Mission
The Chennai-based KCP Heavy Engineering (KCP HE) hands over the first Integrated Air Drop
Test -Crew Module (IADT-CM) structure to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for
the purpose of assessing technology readiness for the Gaganyaan spacecraft.
 ISRO designed the IADT-CM structure, which was built in Thiruvotriyur, Chennai, by KCP-
Heavy Engineering Unit for heavy casting, machining, and fabrication.
 This was the first IADT-CM out of two orders by ISRO to KCP while the second IADT-CM is
set to be delivered by March 2024.
MeitY Launches Indigenous Portable DC Charger to Boost Electric Vehicle Adoption

On October 20, 2023, S Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics & Information
Technology (MeitY), launched the indigenous(Made in India) technology of “2KW DC
Portable Charger” designed to meet the new safety standard IEC 60950-11.
It was developed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Indian Institute Of Technology(IIT)
Madras Research Park in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) in collaboration with
Flowtrik Technologies. It is funded by MeitY.
Skyroot Aerospace Unveils Vikram-I Orbital Space Launch Vehicle

Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited unveiled ‘Vikram-I’ orbital space launch vehicle at the
newly inaugurated its headquarters 'The MAX-Q Campus' located at the GMR Aerospace and
Industrial Park in South Hyderabad, Telangana. The event was attend by Union Minister of
State(MoS) Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST) who also unveiled
simulation of Vikram 1.The Vikram-I rocket is capable of carrying a load of up to 480 Kilograms
(kg).
25T BP Tug ‘Mahabali’ launched at Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd in Gujarat

On 28th October 2023, Commodore Sunil Kaushik, Warship Production Superintendent(WPS)
(Mumbai) launched the 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, ‘Yard 305 – Mahabali’, at M/s Shoft

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Shipyard Private Limited (SSPL) in Bharuch, Gujarat. These Tugs are built under the
classification rules of Indian Register of Shipping (IRS).
Ericsson Sets up 6G R&D Centre in Chennai, TN

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson, commonly known as Ericsson, Swedish telecommunication
company, has announced setting up a 6G Research and Development(R&D) centre in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN).
Note: On 5th October 2023, Nokia established a 6G Lab at its Global R&D center in Bengaluru.
INTERNATIONAL
NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft was Launched to Study Metal Asteroid ‘Psyche’
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched a Psyche Spacecraft to an
interplanetary transfer orbit by using SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39a
(LC-39a) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, United States of America (USA). This is
NASA’s first mission to study an asteroid that has more metal than rock or ice.
After escaping Earth’s gravity, Psyche Spacecraft will use solar electric propulsion to
accomplish its six-year journey to the asteroid called ‘Psyche’ which is orbiting the Sun
between Mars and Jupiter.
Japan Becomes 1st Country Ever to Fire Electromagnetic Railgun

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), along with the Acquisition Technology &
Logistics Agency (ATLA), which comes under the Ministry of Defense of Japan, has successfully
test-fired a medium-caliber maritime electromagnetic railgun from an offshore platform.
With this, Japan became the first country in the world to successfully test-fire a maritime
railgun from an offshore platform.
Pakistan Successfully Conducts Training Launch of Ghauri Weapon System

Pakistan Army successfully conducted a training launch of the Ghauri Weapon System, a
medium-range, road-mobile, ballistic missile system indigenously developed by Pakistan, to
test the operational and technical readiness of Army Strategic Forces Command (ASFC).
 The launch was witnessed by Lieutenant General Muhammad Shahbaz Khan Commander
ASFC, senior officers from the strategic forces, scientists, and engineers of the strategic
organisation.
SPORTS
BADMINTON & TENNIS
Ayush Shetty Wins Bronze Medal in BWF World Junior Championships 2023
India’s Ayush Shetty won the bronze medal in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World
Junior Championships 2023 held from 25th September to 8th October 2023 in Spokane, United
States of America (USA).
Alwi Farhan of Indonesia won the gold medal by defeating Hu Zhe An of China (Silver) in the
23rd edition of the BWF World Junior Championships finals.

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Jannik Sinner Wins China Open 2023 Men’s Singles Title
Jannik Sinner of Italy won the China Open
2023 men’s single title against Daniil
Medvedev (Russia) for the first time. It was
held at the Beijing Olympic Green Tennis
Center, Beijing, China from September 28 –
October 04, 2023.
 Iga Swiatek (Poland) won the China Open
2023 women’s single title, beating her
opponent Liudmila Samsonova (Russia).
 Ivan Dodig (Croatia) and Austin Krajicek
(United States) cinched their fifth tour-
level title of the season (2023) at the
China Open 2023 by defeating Wesley
Koolhof (Netherlands) and Neal Skupski
(United Kingdom).
 Marie Bouzková (Czechia) and Sara
Sorribes Tormo (Spain) defeated Chan Hao-ching (Taiwan) and Giuliana Olmos (Mexico)
in the final.
Badminton: India’s Unnati Hooda Win Women’s Singles Title in the Abu Dhabi Masters
2023
India’s Unnati Hooda won the women’s singles title in the Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 badminton
tournament held at the ADNEC Marina Hall, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 17 –
22 October 2023.
 Indian Duo of Ashwini Ponappa and Tanisha Crasto won the women’s Doubles title.
 The tournament was organized by UAE Badminton Federation with sanctions from the
Badminton World Federation (BWF).
OTHER SPORTS NEWS

India Finishes Fourth in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 with 107 Medals
India finished Fourth in the medal tally of the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 with 107 medals
(28 gold, 38 silver and 41 bronze). The People's Republic of China secured the top position in
the medal tally, followed by Japan and South Korea(Republic of Korea).
 India won the highest number of medals in the Shooting event with 22 medals (7 Gold, 9
Silver, and 6 Bronze).
 It was followed by Athletics 29 medals (6 Gold,14 Silver, and 9 Bronze) and Archery 9
medals (5 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze).
 Compound archers Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Deotale won the most gold medals
(three each) for India in the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022…Click here for more detail….

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Overview of 141st Session of the IOC held in Mumbai; 5 Additional Sports added in 2028
Summer Olympics
The 141st Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) was hosted by India from
October 15-17, 2023, in Mumbai,
Maharashtra. The IOC's Executive Board met
during the session.The 141st session of IOC
was inaugurated by the Prime Minister (PM)
of India Narendra Modi.
 This is the 2nd IOC Session hosted by
India after 40 years. India hosted the
86th IOC session in New Delhi, Delhi in
1983.
 IOC has suspended the Russian Olympic
Committee (ROC) for violating the
Olympic charter after it incorporated
sports bodies from 4 territories
annexed from Ukraine as its member.
 It approved the proposal of Los Angeles
2028 Organising Committee of
Olympics and Paralympic Games for the inclusion of 5 additional sports including Cricket
(T20-Twenty20), Softball/Baseball, flag football, lacrosse (sixes) and squash.
 IOC awarded the following four personalities or IOC members with Olympic Orders
acknowledging their outstanding contribution to sport and Olympism…click here for more
detail…
Verstappen wins Qatar GP 2023 to win 3rd Formula1 World Championship

Max Verstappen, the Belgian- Dutch driver of Red Bull added his name to the list of Formula
One (F1) triple champions.Max Verstappen achieved this feat by securing 2nd place in Qatar
Grand Prix 2023 sprint race, Australian driver of McLaren Oscar Piastri won the Sprint race.
 Later on, Max Verstappen won the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix main race event, followed by
Australian driver of McLaren, Oscar Piastri and British driver of McLaren, Lando Norris.
India’s Raunak Sadhwani Wins World Junior Rapid Chess Championship 2023 Title
India’s GrandMaster(GM) Raunak Sadhwani won the FIDE World Junior Rapid Chess
Championship 2023 title in the open category. He also secured second place(Silver Medal) in
the FIDE World Junior Blitz Championship 2023 in the open category.
 The inaugural edition of the Federation Internationale des Echecs/International Chess
Federation (FIDE) World Junior Under 20(U-20) Rapid & Blitz Championships was
held from 9th to 16th October 2023 in Pula(Sardinia), Italy.
 Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Govhar Beydullayeva of Azerbaijan won the FIDE World
Junior Girls U20 Rapid Chess Championship 2023 title.
 GM Mahammad Muradli of Azerbaijan won the FIDE World Junior Blitz Championship
title.
 WIM Xeniya Balabayeva of Kazakhstan won the FIDE World Junior Girls U20 Blitz
Championship title.

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The Indian team won the 3rd Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners in
the youth section by defeating the defending champions Serbia in the final.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Wins 50th F1 in US Grand Prix 2023

Max Verstappen, the Belgian-Dutch driver of Red Bull won the Formula 1 (F1) United States
Grand Prix 2023 held at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, The United States of
America(USA) from 20- 22 October 2023.
This marks Max Verstappen’s 50th career win in the F1 and he joins Lewis Hamilton(103),
Michael Schumacher(91)(Germany), Sebastian Vettel(53) )(Germany) and Alain Prost
(51)(France) in the 50-win club.
Chess: Nodirbek Yakubboev wins Qatar Masters Open 2023 Title; India’s S L Narayanan
Secures Third Place
The GrandMaster(GM) Nodirbek Yakubboev (Uzbekistan) won the Qatar Masters Open 2023
Title held at Lusail Sports Arena, Qatar from 10th to 21th October 2023. GM Nodirbek
Abdusattorov (Uzbekistan) secured second place while GM S L Narayanan(India) secured third
place in the Qatar Masters Open 2023.
International Master (IM) Vaishali Rameshbabu (India) secured the women’s champion title
while IM Divya Deshmukh(India) and Woman International Master (WIM) Alua Nurmanova
(Kazakhstan) secured second and third highest ranks among women players.
BOOKS & AUTHORS

Four Books revolving Released by Narendra Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi released
around the success of Modi four Books revolving around the success of
India’s Group 20 India’s Group 20 (G20) presidency at the G20
(G20) presidency University Connect Finale programme held at
Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.These 4
books are available on the G20 India website
and on its application in e-book format.
 The Grand Success of G20 Bharat
Presidency: Visionary Leadership,
Inclusive Approach.
 G20 University Connect Programme:
Engaging Young Mind.
 India’s G20 Presidency: Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam – One Earth, One family,
One Future.
Showcasing Indian Culture at G20.
The Professionals' Pattabhi Ram V and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan(PTR), Minister of
Handbook to ChatGPT Dungar Chand U Jain Information Technology and Digital Services,
Government of Tamil Nadu(TN) released “The

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Professionals' Handbook to ChatGPT”, a book on
ChatGPT for professionals in various field.
The book authored by Pattabhi Ram V and
Dungar Chand U Jain was published by
ReadWrite Productions.
Igniting Collective Published by Westland BlueKraft Digital Foundation has launched a
Goodness: Mann Ki Publications Limited book on Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s
Baat @ 100’ monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat. The
book has been titled ‘Igniting Collective
Goodness: Mann Ki Baat @ 100’.
 The book is published by Westland
Publications Limited.
This is the third book of Westland Publications
in the series, which captures the journey of
Mann ki Baat.
The Reverse Swing: Ashok Kumar Tandon Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of
Colonialism to Petroleum and Natural Gas(MoPNG) launched a
Cooperation book titled “The Reverse Swing: Colonialism
to Cooperation” authored by Ashok Kumar
Tandon, a veteran journalist and political
commentator.
The book, published by Prabhat Prakashan,
features stories on the relationship between
India and the United Kingdom (UK), India's
colonial past and its resurgence and the current
journey through the Amrit Kaal.
The Lords of the Co-authored by Indian The book titled 'The Lords of the Wankhede -
Wankhede - Tales cricketer W.V. Raman Tales Between Two Titles' Co-authored by
Between Two Titles and senior journalist R. Indian cricketer W.V. Raman and senior
Kaushik was launched journalist R. Kaushik was launched in
Bengaluru, Karnataka and it was published by
Rupa Publications. The book describes the
changes that occurred in Indian cricket between
1983 and 2023, and reflects on the events that
influenced the growth of cricket in India.
Breaking the Mould: Raghuram Rajan & Raghuram Rajan, Former Governor of the
Reimagining India’s Rohit Lamba Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Economist
Economic Future Rohit Lamba has authored a new book titled
“Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s
Economic Future".
The book published by Penguin Business, an
imprint of Penguin Random House India (PRHI),
is set to be released in December 2023.

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Ashtadhyayi Bhashya’, Jagadguru Prime Minister Narendra Modi released three
‘Ramanandacharya Rambhadracharya books, including ‘Ashtadhyayi Bhashya’,
Charitam', and ‘Ramanandacharya Charitam', and ‘Bhagwan
‘Bhagwan Shri Krishna Shri Krishna ki Rashtraleela', during his visit
ki Rashtraleela to Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
The three books were written by Jagadguru
Rambhadracharya of Tulsi Peeth. Jagadguru
Rambhadracharya awarded Padam Vibhushan
in 2015 in the field of Literature and Education.
OBITUARY
NATIONAL
Dr. Dahyabhai Padma Shri Gujarat A renowned Indian Sanskrit
Karunashankar Shastri Awardee scholar and founder of
Brahmarshi Sanskrit
Mahavidyalaya, Nadiad(Gujarat) ,
has passed away at the age of 98
in Nadiad, Gujarat. He was born on
26 February 1926 in Mehsana,
Gujarat. In 2016, he was awarded
the ‘Padma Shri’ in the field of
Literature and Education.
Dr. Shri Dahyabhai Karunashankar
Shastri was a distinguished
Sanskrit scholar in India, holding
titles like Vyakaranacharya,
Sahitacharya, and Hindi Visharad.
Karthyayani Amma Nari Shakti Kerala Who topped Akshara Laksham
Award winner project of Kerala’s adult literacy
programme, passed away at the
age of 101 in Alappuzha, Kerala.
She was born in 1922.
 In 2019, she was also
appointed as the Goodwill
Ambassador of the
Commonwealth of
Learning for the
promotion of distance
education among 53
member countries.
In 2020, she was awarded the
Nari Shakti Puraskar, the highest

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civilian award for women, by the
Ministry of Women and Child
Development(MoWCD)
Dr. Manohar Singh Gill (MS Padma Undivided Passed away in New Delhi, Delhi at
Gill) Vibhushan Punjab the age of 87. He was born on June
Awardee and 14, 1936, in undivided Punjab. MS
the 11th Chief Gill was a 1958 batch of the Indian
Election Administrative Service (IAS)
Commissioner officer of Punjab cadre.
(CEC) of India MS Gill was awarded the Padma
Vibhushan in 2000 for his
exceptional and distinguished
services as a civil servant.
Arul Padma Shri Melmaruvathur Padma Shri Awardee Arul
Thiru Bangaru Adigalar Awardee village Thiru Bangaru Adigalar,
a Spiritual Leader and the
founder of
Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi
Siddhar Peedam in
Kancheepuram district
(Tamil Nadu (TN)) passed away
at the age of 82 in
Melmaruvathur,TN. He was born
on 3 March 1941 in
Melmaruvathur village.He was
conferred with
Padma Shri in 2019 for his
spiritual services to the society.
Birendra Nath Datta Padma Shri Assam An eminent Assamese scholar,
Awardee Linguist, and Singer, passed away
at the age of 88 in Guwahati,
Assam. He was born on March 1,
1935 in Nagaon, Assam. He was
awarded the Padma Shri in 2009
for Literature and Education.
Bishan Singh Bedi Former Indian Punjab Passed away at the age of 77. He
cricketer, was born on 25th September 1946
legendary left- in Amritsar, Punjab. Government
arm spinner of India honoured him with the
Padma Shri for sports in 1970.
 He has taken 266 wickets
in 67 matches. With this, he
made a record of being the

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highest wicket-taker in
India.
In June 2023, Ravindra Jadeja
surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi to
become India’s most successful
left-arm spinner in Test cricket by
taking 267 wickets in 65 matches
at an average of 24.25
Babanrao Dhakne Former Union Maharashtra Passed away in Ahmednagar,
Minister and Maharashtra at the age of 86. He
senior was born on 10 November 1937 in
politician Akola, Ahmednagar in
Maharashtra.
He served as the Union State
Minister in the Ministry of Energy
(1990 to 1991) under the
premiership of Chandra Shekhar
(8th Prime Minister of India -
1990 to 1991)
INTERNATIONAL
Martti Ahtisaari Nobel Peace Viipuri (now Who served as the 10th President of
Laureate Vyborg, Finland (1994 to 2000), passed away
Russia) at the age of 86 in Helsinki, Finland.
He was born on 23 June 1937, Viipuri
(now Vyborg, Russia),
Finland.In 2008, Martti Ahtisaari was
awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for
his important efforts, on several
continents and over more than three
decades, to resolve international
conflicts.
Piper Laurie American actress Michigan, USA Passed away in Los Angeles(LA), the
United States of America(USA). She
was born “Rosetta Jacobs” in 1932 at
Michigan, USA. She was nominated
9 times for an Emmy and 3 times for
an Academy Award(Oscar).
She got her first Oscar nomination in
1961 for the movie "The Hustler".
Later she was nominated for two
more movies namely "Carrie," (1976)

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and "Children of a Lesser God"
(1986).
Louise Elisabeth Jewish-American New York, Passed away at the age of 80 in
Glück poet & essayist and USA Cambridge, Massachusetts, the
Nobel laureate United States of America (USA). She
(Literature 2020) was born on 22 April 1943 in New
York, USA
Sir Bobby (Robert) Former England Northeast Passed away at the age of 86. He
Charlton football player England suffered dementia in 2020.Sir Bobby
Charlton was part of the England’s
Federation Internationale de Football
Association (FIFA)World Cup
winning team in 1966. Robert
Charlton was born in 11th October
1937 in Ashington, northeast
England, United Kingdom(UK).
Li Keqiang Chinese economist China Passed away at the age of 68 in
and politician who Shanghai, China. He was born in July
served as the 1955 in Dingyuan County in eastern
Premier of People's China's Anhui province.
Republic of China In 2013, he became the Premier of
(2013-2023) the State Council for the 1st term,
and in 2018, he was re-elected as
premier for a 2nd five-year term
IMPORTANT DAYS
WEEK
September 28, 2023 Indian Army Celebrated The Regiment of Artillery, an operational arm of
197th Gunners Day Indian Army, annually observes September 28th
as the “Gunners Day”. The 28th of September
2023 marks the observance of the 197th
Gunners Day.
The day commemorates the raising of 5
(Bombay) Mountain Battery, equipped with 2.5-
inch Guns,was inaugurated as the 8th Company
of the Golandaz Battalion, Bombay Foot
Artillery (India’s first Artillery unit), on 28th
September 1827.
September 30, 2023 International Translation The United Nations (UN) International
Day Translation Day (ITD) is annually observed
across the globe on 30 September to recognise
and honour the invaluable contributions of

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translators and language professionals, who
facilitate communication between nations
strengthening global peace, cooperation,
understanding, and development.
 The theme of ITD 2023 is, “Translation
unveils the many faces of humanity”.
The annual theme of ITD is chosen by the
Fédération Internationale des
Traducteurs/International Federation of
Translators (FIT).
October 1 to 31, 2023 Breast Cancer Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is
Month annually observed across the globe during the
month of October (from October 1 to 31) to
raise awareness about breast cancer, promote
early detection, support those affected by the
disease, and raise funds for research,
prevention, and treatment.
 BCAM, the month-long global health
campaign, serves as a reminder of the
significance of regular breast
examinations and mammograms to
detect breast cancer at an early, more
treatable stage.
Symbol: The pink ribbon is an international
symbol of support for breast cancer awareness
month.
October 1, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of
Older Persons Older Persons (IDOP) is annually observed
across the globe on October 1 to raise
awareness of the contributions and
achievements of older individuals (defined as
those aged 65 years or older) in society, as well
as to promote their well-being and inclusion in
all aspects of life.1st October 2023 marks the
observance of the 33nd anniversary of the IDOP.
The theme for IDOP 2023 is “Fulfilling the
Promises of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights for Older Persons: Across Generations.”
October 1, 2023 International Coffee Day International Coffee Day (ICD) is annually
observed across the globe on 1 October to
celebrate and promote the global love and
appreciation for coffee. This day provides an
opportunity to recognize the significant cultural,
economic, and social impact of coffee around

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the world.ICD aims to recognise the millions of
people across the globe, from farmers to
roasters, baristas, coffee shop owners, and
more, who work hard to create and serve the
beverage.
The 2023 theme of International Coffee Day is,
“promoting the right to a safe and healthy
working environment in the coffee supply
chain”.
October 1, 2023 World Vegetarian Day World Vegetarian Day(WVD) is annually
observed across the globe on October 1 to
promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing
possibilities of vegetarianism.World Vegetarian
Day marks the beginning of Vegetarian
Awareness Month, which begins on 1st October
and concludes on 1st November, World Vegan
Day.
October 2, 2023 World Habitat Day The United Nations (UN) World Habitat Day
(WHD) is annually observed across the globe on
the first Monday of October to reflect on the
state of cities and human settlements and
promote the right to adequate shelter and the
need for sustainable urbanization. WHD also
launches Urban October.
 The theme of WHD 2023 is “Resilient
urban economies. Cities as drivers of
growth and recovery“.
The 2023 global ceremony took place in the city
of Baku, Azerbaijan.
October 2, 2023 International Day of Non- The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of
Violence Non-Violence is annually observed across the
globe on 2nd October to celebrate the birthday
of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian
Independence movement and pioneer of the
philosophy and strategy of non-violence.
In India, October 2, 2023, marks the 154th Birth
Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 17th
International Day of Non-Violence, observed as
Gandhi Jayanti.
October 2 to 8, 2023 69th Wildlife Week Wildlife Week is annually observed across India
in the month of October from 2 to 8 October to
spread awareness of the importance of wildlife
and its conservation in India.The annual

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observanance coincides with the birth
anniversary (2 October) of Mahatma Gandhi,
who championed the principles of Ahinsa (non-
violence) and compassion toward all living
beings.
 The theme of Wildlife Week 2023 is
“Partnerships for wildlife conservation“.
October 4, 2023 World Animal Day World Animal Day (WAD) is annually
observed across the globe on October 4 which
aims to brings together the animal welfare
movement to work towards creating a better
world for all animals.
 The theme of World Animal Day 2023
is ‘Great or Small, Love Them All’.
The idea of World Animal Day was initially
proposed by Heinrich Zimmerman, a writer
and publisher of the German magazine “Mensch
und Hund” (Man and Dog).
October 4 to 10, 2023 World Space Week The United Nations (UN) World Space Week
(WSW) is annually observed across the globe
from 4th to 10th October to celebrate the
contributions of space science and technology
to the betterment of the human condition.
 The theme for World Space Week
2023 is “Space and Entrepreneurship”.
 The first-ever WSW was observed
from 4th to 10th October 2000.
Why October 4 to 10?
October 4, 1957: Launch of the first human-
made Earth satellite, Sputnik 1, thus opening
the way for space exploration.
October 10, 1967: The signing of the “Magna
Carta of Space”, also known as the Treaty on
Principles Governing the Activities of States in
the Exploration and Peaceful Uses of Outer
Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial
Bodies.
October 5, 2023 World Teachers' Day The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO)'s World
Teachers' Day (WTD) is annually observed
across the globe on 5 October to recognise the
important role that teachers play in education
around the world.

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 The 2023 theme of WTD is, "The
teachers we need for the education we
want: The global imperative to
reverse the teacher shortage".
 WTD is co-convened in partnership with
the International Labour Organization
(ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund
(UNICEF), and Education International
(EI).
The first ever World Teachers’ Day was
observed on 5th October 1994.
October 6, 2023 World Cerebral Palsy Day World Cerebral Palsy Day (WCPD) is annually
observed across the globe on October 6 to raise
awareness of Cerebral Palsy (CP) and honour
the efforts and accomplishments of people with
Cerebral Palsy. CP is a neurological disorder
that affects motor abilities and muscle mobility
 The theme for World Cerebral Palsy
Day in 2023 is “Together Stronger.”
In 2012, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA)
declared World Cerebral Palsy Day to be
observed on October 6 every year.
October 7, 2023 World Cotton Day The United Nations (UN)’s World Cotton Day
(WCD) is annually observed across the globe on
7th October to highlight the role of cotton in
creating jobs and maintaining economic
stability in cotton-producing countries,
particularly in least-developed countries
(LDCs).
 7th October 2023 marks the
observance of the 5th World Cotton Day.
The theme of World Cotton Day 2023 is
“Making cotton fair and sustainable for all,
from farm to fashion”.
The first World Cotton Day was observed on
7th October 2019 and hosted by World Trade
Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland
October 8, 2023 World Hydrogen and World Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day (H2FC Day)
Fuel Cell Day is annually observed on October 8 to recognise
the importance of the chemical element,
Hydrogen, and its role in the transition towards
a cleaner and more equitable energy future.The
day aimed at promoting awareness and
understanding of hydrogen as a clean and

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sustainable energy source, along with the
versatile technology of fuel cells.
On October 7, 2023, the eve of World H2FC Day,
the Government of India (GoI) organised an
event in New Delhi, Delhi to explore the
potential of hydrogen as a green and
sustainable energy.
October 8, 2023 Indian Air Force(IAF) Indian Air Force(IAF) Day is annually observed
Day across India on October 8 to commemorate the
establishment of the Indian Air Force (IAF) in
1932.8th October 2023 marks the celebration of
the 91st Anniversary of the Indian Air Force.The
Indian Air Force is also known as Bharatiya
Vayu Sena.
The theme of Indian Air Force Day 2023 is ‘IAF
– Airpower Beyond Boundaries’.
October 8, 2023 World Dyslexia Day World Dyslexia Day also known as “World
Dyslexia Awareness Day” is annually observed
awareness about dyslexia. The Dyslexia
awareness week is observed annually on the
first full week of October, always starting on the
first Monday.
 The day aims to promote inclusivity,
access to education, and the
implementation of effective strategies to
support individuals with dyslexia in their
learning journeys.
 The theme for World Dyslexia
Awareness Day 2023 is “Uniquely You”.
The Department of Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities (DEPwD) under Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment(MoSJE) is
observing World Dyslexia Day in India by
conducting various events across the country.
October 9, 2023 World Post Day The United Nations (UN) World Post Day is
annually observed across the globe on 9
October to mark the anniversary of the
establishment of the Universal Postal Union’s
(UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.The day
aims to bring awareness about the role of the
postal sector in everyday lives of people and
businesses, as well as its contribution to global
social and economic development.

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The theme of World Post Day 2023 observed on
9th October 2023 is “Together for trust:
Collaborating for a safe and connected future”.
October 9 to 13, 2023 National Postal Week National Postal Week is annually observed
across India from October 09 to 13 to generate a
broad awareness about the role of India Post
and its activities among the public and media at
a national level.
The observance of National Postal Week is led
by the Department of Posts (DOP).
The National Postal Week 2023 is observed
from 9th to 13th October 2023 under the theme
“Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and
connected future”.
October 10, 2023 World Day Against the World Day Against the Death Penalty is annually
Death Penalty observed across the globe on October 10 to
raise awareness about the inhumane and cruel
practice of capital punishment and the need to
get rid of the death penalty from the justice
systems.10th October 2023 marks the
observance of the 21st World Day Against the
Death Penalty.
Top 5 countries that executed the capital
punishment the most in the world in 2022 are,
(in order): China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and
USA.
October 10, 2023 World Mental Health Day World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is annually
raise awareness of mental health issues around
the world and to mobilize efforts in support of
mental health.WMHD is a global health
campaign that aims to encourage people around
the world to support the cause and establish a
healthy environment in all aspects of life to
support mental health.
 Symbol: The green ribbon is the
international symbol of mental health
awareness.
According to WFMH, the theme of the World
Mental Health Day Global Campaign 2023 is
“Mental health is a universal human right.”
October 10, 2023 First National Current The inaugural National Current Good
Good Manufacturing Manufacturing Practices(cGMP) Day was
Practices Day celebrated across India on 10th October 2023.

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The day aims to create awareness about the
critical role of cGMP in the pharmaceutical
industry, ensuring the quality and safety of
medicinal products.
 The theme of National cGMP Day 2023 is
“cGMP: Transforming Healthcare”.
10th October 2023 marks the first ever
National cGMP day.
October 11, 2023 International Day of the The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Girl Child the Girl Child(IDGC) is annually observed across
the globe on 11 October to focus attention on
the need to address the challenges girls face and
to promote girls’ empowerment and the
fulfillment of their human rights.
 The theme of IDGC 2023 observed on
11th October 2023 is “Invest in Girls’
Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being”.
The theme emphasises the need for the global
community to go beyond making commitments
and invest boldly in the action needed to
empower girls, safeguard their rights, and
enhance their well-being.
October 12, 2023 World Arthritis Day World Arthritis Day(WAD) is annually observed
awareness of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal
Diseases (RMDs) and its impact on people lives.
The day also highlights the importance of early
diagnosis and treatment.
observance of 28th WAD.
 The theme of WAD 2023 is “Living with
an RMD at all stages of life”.
 World Arthritis Day was first established
in 1996 by Arthritis and Rheumatism
International (ARI).
The first WAD was celebrated on 12th October
1996 and the event has been held annually ever
since.
October 12, 2023 World Sight Day World Sight Day (WSD) is annually observed
across the globe on the second Thursday of
October to focus the world’s attention on eye
health as a global issue and to recognise the
work done by the thousands of

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ophthalmologists across the world to fix the
problem of vision impairment.
 World Sight Day is also known as ‘World
Eye Day’ or ‘World Vision Day’.
 WSD 2022 was observed on 13th
October 2022 and WSD 2024 will be
The theme of World Sight Day 2023 is “Love
Your Eyes at Work”.
October 13, 2023 International Day for The United Nations (UN) International Day for
Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) is annually
promote a global culture of risk awareness and
disaster reduction.
 The theme of IDDRR 2023 is “Fighting
inequality for a resilient future.”
 The first International Day for Natural
Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) was
observed on 10 October 1990.
Since 2010, IDDRR has been annually
observed on 13 October.
 The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk
Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR) was
adopted at the 3rd UN World Conference
on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai,
Japan, on March 18, 2015.
The UN Global Assessment Report on Disaster
Risk Reduction (GAR 2023) is the flagship
report of the United Nations on worldwide
efforts to reduce disaster risk.
October 13, 2023 World Egg Day World Egg Day is annually observed across the
globe on the 2nd Friday of October to raise
awareness of the importance of eggs in human
nutrition, food security, and overall well-being.
 The 27th World Egg Day (World Egg
Day 2023) was observed on 13th
October 2023.
 The World Egg Day 2022 was observed
on 14th October 2022. The World Egg
Day 2024 will fall on 11th October 2024.
The theme for World Egg Day 2023 is
"Eggs for a healthy future."
The first ever World Egg Day was observed on
11th October 1996.

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October 14, 2023 World Migratory Bird The United Nations (UN)-backed biannual
Day campaign World Migratory Bird Day
(WMBD) is celebrated across the globe on 2
peak days of a year, 2nd Saturday of May (In
the spring) and October (in the fall).
 It is a day to raise awareness about the
importance of migratory birds, their
ecological importance, and the need for
international cooperation to protect
them and their habitats.
 WMBD 2023 falls on the 13th of May
and the 14th of October 2023.
 WMBD 2022 was observed on the 14th
of May and 8th of October 2022 and the
WMBD 2024 will be observed on the
11th of May and 12th of October 2024.
The theme/Campaign Slogan of WMBD 2023
is, "Water: Sustaining Bird Life".
October 14, 2023 World Standards Day World Standards Day (WSD) also known as
International Standards Day is annually
observed across the globe on October 14 to
educate consumers, policymakers, and
businesses about the value of standardisation.
The day is observed by the members of the
International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC), International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) and International
Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The theme of World Standards Day 2023
is “Shared Vision for a Better World –
Standards for Sustainable Development
Goals(SDG)”.
October 15, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Rural Women Rural Women is annually observed across the
globe on 15 October to recognise the critical
role and contribution of rural women, including
indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural
and rural development, improving food
security, and eradicating rural poverty.
 The theme of International Day of Rural
Women 2023 is “Rural Women,
Women with Rights”.
 The International Day of Rural Women
was created in 1995 by Civil society

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organizations at the 4th World
Conference on Women in Beijing, China.’
The first-ever International Day of Rural
Women was observed on 15 October 2008.
October 15, 2023 Global Handwashing Day The Global Handwashing Day is annually
observed across the world on October 15 to
raise awareness about the importance of
handwashing with soap and water as a way to
prevent disease.
observance of 16th Global
Handwashing Day.
 The theme for Global Handwashing Day
2023 is "Clean Hands Are Within
Reach."
 Global Handwashing Day was initiated
by the Global Handwashing Partnership
(GHP) in August 2008 at the annual
World Water Week in Stockholm,
Sweden.
The first Global Handwashing Day was
celebrated on 15th October, 2008.
October 15, 2023 World White Cane Day World White Cane Day, also known as White
Cane Safety Day, is annually observed across the
globe on 15th October to promote accessibility
and inclusion for people with disabilities and to
increase public awareness of the rules of
conduct for the visually impaired people. The
white cane is a critical mobility tool for blind
people that has been used for centuries.
World White Cane Day is observed in India by
the Department of Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities (DEPwD) under the Ministry of
Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE).
October 15, 2023 World Students Day World Students Day is annually observed on
15tOctober to commemorate the birth
anniversary of the 11th President of India (from
2002 to 2007) and the Missile Man of India Dr.
A P J (Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen) Abdul Kalam.15
October 2023 marks the 92nd birth anniversary
of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam
was born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram,
Tamil Nadu.

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 He also served as the Chief Project
Coordinator of the Pokhran-II nuclear
test in 1998.
 He played a major role as in the
development of India’s first indigenous
Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV-III).
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1981
for Civil Service, the Padma Vibhushan in 1990,
and Bharat Ratna in 1997 for Science and
Engineering.
October 16, 2023 World Food Day The United Nations (UN) World Food Day
(WFD) is annually observed across the globe on
16 October to highlight the millions of people
worldwide who cannot afford a healthy diet and
the need for regular access to nutritious food.
The day 16 October also commemorates the
establishment of the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the UN in 1945.
 The 2023 theme of WFD is, ‘Water is Life,
Water is Food. Leave No One Behind.’
October 16, 2023 39th Raising Day of NSG National Security Guard (NSG) annually
celebrate its Raising Day on 16th October to
mark the establishment of NSG (also known as
Black Cats) on 16th October 1984. 16th October
2023 marks the observance of 39th Raising Day
of NSG.NSG It is a Federal Contingency
Deployment Force for combating terrorist
activities in any part of India.
It operates under the Ministry of Home
Affairs(MHA) with the motto 'Sarvatra,
Sarvottam, Suraksha'.
October 17, 2023 International Day for the United Nations (UN) International Day for the
Eradication of Poverty Eradication of Poverty, also known as End
Poverty Day, is annually observed across the
globe on 17 October to raise awareness about
the global issue of poverty and how it is a
violation of human rights and human
dignity.This day also aims to honour the victims
of extreme poverty, violence, and hunger, and to
promote understanding and dialogue between
people living in poverty and the wider society.
The theme of International Day for the
Eradication of Poverty 2023 is, “Decent Work

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and Social Protection: Putting Dignity in
Practice for All”.
October 17, 2023 World Trauma Day World Trauma Day is annually observed across
the globe on October 17 to raise awareness
about trauma and educate people on ways to
address traumatic incidents and deaths. 17th
October 2023 marks 13th World Trauma Day.
 The theme of World Trauma Day 2023 is
‘Embracing Resilience, Overcoming
Trauma’s Impact’.
 World Trauma Day is a part of Bone and
Joint Action Week which is annually
observed from October 12 to October 20.
October 20, 2023 National Solidarity Day National Solidarity Day is annually observed
across India on 20 October to honour, respect,
and promote the bravery and strength of the
Indian armed forces.
The day is dedicated to mark the national
integrity displayed by India during the 1962
conflict with China(Indo-China War)
 The day is also plays tribute to all the
brave souls who lost their lives during
the Sino-Indian War which started on
20th October 1962 and ended on 21
November 1962.
 20 October 2023 marks
the 61st anniversary of the India-China
war.
In 1966, a committee was set up under the
leadership of then Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi to honour the martyrs of the war and to
promote a sense of patriotism and solidarity
among the citizens.The committee decided to
designate October 20 as National Solidarity Day.
October 20, 2023 World Osteoporosis Day World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is a global
awareness campaign annually observed across
the globe on 20 October to highlight the
importance of Osteoporosis and to raise global
awareness of the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of Osteoporosis and related
musculoskeletal diseases.
 The theme of 2023 WOD Campaign is
‘Build Better Bones’.

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 The first-ever WOD was observed on 20
October 1996.
October 20, 2023 International Chefs Day International Chefs Day is annually observed
across the globe on October 20 to celebrate the
Culinary arts and to educate the people about
the significance of culinary professionals
(Chefs).
 The day also aims to educate kids around
the world about the importance of
healthy eating.
 The day is observed by the World
Association of Chefs’ Societies
(Worldchefs).
 20th October 2023 marks the 20th
International Chefs Day.
The day was founded in 2004 by Bill Gallagher,
the then-president of the WorldChefs. The first
International Chefs Day was observed on 20th
October 2004.
October 21, 2023 Police Commemoration Police Commemoration Day (Police Martyrs
Day Day) is annually observed across India on 21
October to reflect, pay homage to, and
appreciate the incredible dedication of Indian
police martyrs.
 The day commemorates the sacrifices
of 10 brave Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF) policemen, who sacrificed their
lives while defending our borders with
China in 1959 at Hot Springs in Aksai
Chin, Ladakh.
 In January 1960, a resolution was passed
at the Annual Conference of Inspectors
General of Police of States and Union
Territories, recognising October 21st of
every as the Police Commemoration Day.
21st October of every year since 1960 is being
observed as Police Commemoration Day”. The
day is also observed as Police Martyr's Day.
October 21, 2023 Global Iodine Deficiency Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders(IDD)
Disorders Prevention Prevention Day or World Iodine Deficiency
Day Day is annually observed across the globe on
21st October to create awareness about the
importance of Iodine, an essential micro-
nutrient.

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IDD Prevention in India:
 The National Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Control Programme (NIDDCP) is a
government initiative launched in 1992
to address the widespread issue of
iodine deficiency in India.
 The National Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Control Programme (NIDDCP) aspires to
achieve a prevalence of iodine deficiency
disorders (IDDs) below 5% in India.
iAdditionally, the programme aims to ensure
that every household in the country consumes
adequately iodized salt containing 15 parts per
million (ppm) of iodine.
October 22, 2023 International Stuttering International Stuttering Awareness Day, also
Awareness Day known as International Stammering Awareness
Day (ISAD), is annually observed across the
globe on 22 October to raise awareness about
Stuttering, a speech disorder that affects
millions of people (about 1% of the population)
across the globe.
Symbol: Since 2009, the Sea-Green Ribbon has
been used as a stuttering awareness ribbon for
ISAD, The first ISAD was observed on 22
October 1998.
 In 1997, ISAD was first proposed by
Michael Sugarman, the co-founder of
the National Stuttering Project (NSP)
during the closing ceremony of the
International Fluency Association (IFA)
in San Francisco, California, the United
States of America (USA).
October 22 to 28, International Lead International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
2023 Poisoning Prevention (ILPPW) is annually observed across the globe
Week on the last full week of October to raise
awareness about the harmful effects of lead
poisoning(lead exposure).
 The day also aims to promote the action
to eliminate the use of lead in paint.
 This is an initiative of the Global Alliance
to Eliminate Lead Paint (Lead Paint
Alliance), jointly led by the United
Nations Environment Programme

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(UNEP) and the World Health
Organization (WHO).
In 2023, the ILPPW was observed from 22nd to
28th October 2023. This marks the 11th
observance of ILPPW.
October 23, 2023 World Snow Leopard Day World Snow Leopard Day, also known as
International Snow Leopard Day, is annually
raise awareness about the conservation and
protection of Snow Leopard, one of the world’s
most elusive and endangered big cats, and their
natural habitat.
The first-ever International Snow Leopard Day
was observed on 23 October 2014.
October 24, 2023 United Nations Day The United Nations (UN) Day is annually
mark the anniversary of the day on which the
UN Charter entered into force in 1945. 24
October 2023 marks the 78th Anniversary of
the foundation of the UN.
 The UN Day Concert 2023, held under
the theme “The Frontlines of Climate
Action”, was sponsored by the
Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of
Tonga to the United Nations with
support from PVBLIC Foundation’s
Family Offices for Sustainable
Development (FOSD).
The name ‘United Nations‘ was suggested by
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 32nd President of
the USA…Click here for more detail….
October 24, 2023 World Polio Day World Polio Day is annually observed across the
world on 24th October to highlight the
importance of the efforts to eradicate
poliomyelitis (polio), the infectious disease that
commonly affects children aged under 5.24th
October 2023 marks the 22nd observance of
World Polio Day.
 World Polio Day was established by
Rotary International(RI) to
commemorate the birth anniversary of
Jonas Salk, an American virologist who
developed the first successful polio

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vaccines. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) and
Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV).
South-East Asia Region of the World Health
Organization (WHO) including India was
certified polio-free by the Regional Certification
Commission (RCC) in 2014.
October 24, 2023 World Development United Nations (UN)’s World Development
Information Day Information Day is annually observed across the
globe on 24 October to draw the attention of the
world to development problems and the need to
strengthen international cooperation to solve
them.
 The day emphasises the significance of
widespread information dissemination
to ensure a comprehensive
understanding of global development
challenges.
The date of the observance was chosen to
coincide with the United Nations Day(24th
October) and also to mark the date of adoption
of the 1970 International Development Strategy
for the Second United Nations Development
Decade.
October 24, 2023 Indo-Tibetan Border Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Raising day
Police Raising Day is annually celebrated on 24th October to mark
the establishment of the ITBP, a Central Armed
Police Force functioning under the Ministry of
Home Affairs(MHA), in 1962.
 The day also honour the dedication of
the ITBP in safeguarding the security of
borders of India and promote sense of
security among the people living in
border areas.
24th October 2023 marks the observance of the
62nd ITBP Raising Day.
October 24, 2023 Disarmament Week The United Nations (UN)’s Disarmament Week
is annually observed across the globe in the
week starting on 24 October, the anniversary of
the founding of the UN, to spread awareness of
disarmament initiatives that have been
historically used by countries throughout the
world to establish international peace and
security.

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 The UN Disarmament Week is observed
from 24-30 October.
This day aims to promote awareness and a
better understanding of disarmament issues
and their importance.
October 24 to 31, Global Media and The United Nations (UN) Global Media and
2023 Information Literacy Information Literacy (MIL) Week is annually
Week observed across the globe from 24th to 31st
October to raise awareness of the importance of
media and information literacy (MIL) and to
celebrate the progress made towards achieving
MIL for all.24-31 October 2023 marks the
observance of the 12th Global Media and
Information Literacy Week.
The 2023 theme of Global MIL Week is "Media
and Information Literacy in Digital Spaces: A
Collective Global Agenda".
October 25, 2023 International Dwarfism International Dwarfism Awareness Day, also
Awareness Day known as World Dwarfism Day, is annually
observed across the globe on 25th October to
raise awareness about achondroplasia, a bone
growth disorder that causes dwarfism due to a
genetic mutation in the arms and legs.
observance of 12th International
Dwarfism Awareness Day.
International Dwarfism Awareness Day was
established by ‘Little People of America(LPA)’
to commemorate the birth anniversary of Billy
Barty (born as William John Bertanzetti), an
American actor who had
dwarfism(achondroplasia). The first
International Dwarfism Awareness Day was
October 27, 2023 World Day for The United Nations (UN) World Day
Audiovisual Heritage for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) is annually
remind us of the significance of archiving and
preserving Audiovisual (AV) sources, and to
honour the AV preservation professionals and
institutions that safeguard our heritage for
future generations.
 The 2023 theme of WDAH is “Your
Window to the World”.

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WDAH celebration is a key initiative of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the
Coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives
Associations (CCAAA).
October 27, 2023 77th Infantry Day Infantry Day is annually observed across India
on 27th October by Indian Army to
commemorate the contributions of the Infantry,
the largest fighting arm of the Indian Army.
 27th October 2023 marks the
observance of the 77th Infantry Day.
 On 27th October, 1947, the first military
event of independent India took place in
the Kashmir Valley against Pakistani
invaders.
October 28, 2023 International Animation International Animation Day (IAD) is
Day annually observed across the globe on 28
October to honour the birth of animation,
recognised as the first public performance of
projected moving images at Emile Reynaud’s
Théâtre Optique in Paris (France), on the 28th
of October 1892.
28 October 2023 marks the observance of the
22nd International Animation Day. IAD is
annually coordinated and promoted by the
Association Internationale du Film d’Animation
(ASIFA) (International Animated Film
Association). The first IAD was observed on 28
October 2002.
October 29, 2023 World Stroke Day World Stroke Day is annually observed across
the globe on 29 October to raise awareness of
the serious nature and high rates of stroke, and
the effective treatment options available to
drive action on stroke prevention.
 The theme for World Stroke Day 2023,
designated by the World Stroke
Organisation (WSO), is ‘Together we
are #GreaterThan Stroke.’
 The first World Stroke Day was
October 29, 2023 First ever UN’s The United Nations (UN)’s first-ever
International Day of Care International Day of Care and Support was
and Support observed across the globe on 29 October 2023

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to emphasise the importance of caregiving,
recognize the contributions of caregivers, and
advocate for policies and initiatives that support
and enhance care in all its forms.
 According to ILO, the global care
workforce comprises 249 million women
and 132 million men.
Women perform 76.2% of the total amount of
unpaid care work, 3.2 times more time than
men.
Oct 30 to Nov 5, 2023 Vigilance Awareness Vigilance Awareness Week is annually
Week observed across India during the week in which
the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai
Patel (31st October) falls.
 The week is observed by the Central
Vigilance Commission (CVC) to
promote integrity, transparency, and
ethical practices, emphasising the crucial
role of vigilance in preventing corruption
and ensuring accountability within
organizations.
Vigilance Awareness Week 2023 is observed
from 30th October to 5th November 2023.
The 2023 theme of Vigilance Awareness Week
is, “Say no to corruption; commit to the
Nation.”
APPS & WEB PORTAL

INDIE IndusInd Bank Limited IndusInd Bank Limited launched INDIE, a
customer centric digital mobile banking
application(app), to empower customers with
an all-in-one digital financial solution. This
hyper-personalized financial super-app
utilises the advanced analytics to provide
personalized insights to its customers.
SUGAM REC REC Limited REC Limited (formerly Rural Electrification
Corporation Limited) launched SUGAM REC, a
mobile app for its current and future
investors in REC’s 54EC Capital Gain Tax
Exemption Bonds.

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 REC Limited is a Maharatna Central
Public Sector Enterprise(CPSE) under
the Ministry of Power
SUGAM REC offers the ability to view
complete details of their investment in REC
54EC Bonds, including the investment
amount, interest rate, and maturity date.
Intelligent Grievance Dr Jitendra Singh Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr Jitendra
Monitoring System Singh, Ministry of Personnel, Public
(IGMS) 2.0 Public Grievances & Pensions, launched the
Grievance portal Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System
(IGMS) 2.0 Public Grievance portal and
Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard portal
of the Department of Administrative Reforms
and Public Grievances (DARPG).
 He also launched the Swachhata
Special Campaign 3.0 and released the
Precedent Book (e-book) prepared by
DARPG.
He also launched the Swachhata Special
Campaign 3.0 w.e.f. October 2, 2023 i.e. on the
occasion of Birth Anniversary of Father of the
Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, till 31st October,
2023.
Universalisation of ICCR & SPPU The Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Traditional Indian (ICCR) in partnership with Savitribai Phule
Knowledge System Pune University (SPPU), formerly known as
(UTIKS) Portal the University of Pune, in Maharashtra
organised the soft launch of an online
platform “Universalisation of Traditional
Indian Knowledge System (UTIKS) Portal” at
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
(MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka.
 The portal was soft-launched by Dr.
Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President, ICCR
UTIKS, an initiative of the ICCR, with a
mission to introduce Indian culture to a
worldwide audience and present its rich
civilization and culture in a learner-friendly
manner.
www.charak.chemicals. Ministry of Chemicals To provide statistical data related to the
gov.in and Fertilizers(MoC&F) chemical sector for the benefit of all
stakeholders.

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 The portal was launched during the
Sensitization workshop on ChemIndia
– Chemicals Inventory of India: An
Online Data Management System in
New Delhi, Delhi.
The web portal developed by Department of
Chemicals and Petrochemicals along with the
National Informatics Center(NIC).
Rojgar Prayag Portal Pushkar Singh Dhami Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister (CM) of
Uttarakhand, launched the government-
developed Rojgar Prayag Portal during the
Uttarakhand Youth Mahotsav 2023 program
organized at Parade Ground in Dehradun,
Uttarakhand.The event was organized by the
Uttarakhand Skill development Society and
Government of Uttarakhand on the theme
‘Uttarakhand Towards Entrepreneurship and
Employment’.
During the event, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
launched the Yuva Uttarakhand App to make
the schemes run by various departments
available at one place.
Apna Chandrayaan Dharmendra Pradhan Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the
Ministry of Education(MoE), launched a web
portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ for school
students in New Delhi, Delhi. The web portal
was developed by the National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
He also launched 10 special modules offering
a comprehensive perspective on the Indian
Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO)
Chandrayaan-3 mission for students.
The portal features activity-based support
material such as interactive quizzes, puzzles
for school students in Foundational,
Preparatory, Middle, and Secondary level on
Mission Chandrayaan-3.
Nandagaura Yojana Pushkar Singh Dhami On October 22, 2023, the Chief Minister of
Portal Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami,
launched the Nandagaura Yojana Portal, an
online facility to be annually available to
about 50 thousand girls who are permanent
residents of Uttarakhand.

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The CM also inaugurated the online portals of
Nanda Gaura Yojana (NGY), a scheme to
improve the gender ratio; and
Mukhyamantri Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana
(MMKY) aimed at providing nutrition and
extra care to the mother and the girl child
after delivery on the occasion.
iStart Talent Connect Rajasthan The government of Rajasthan launched the
Portal “iStart Talent Connect Portal” under iStart
Rajasthan, the flagship initiative of the
Rajasthan Government in collaboration with
Jaipur-based startup Hyrefox.The portal was
launched during the Bhamashah Techno Hub,
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Swayampurna e-bazaar Pramod Sawant Goa Chief Minister(CM) Pramod Sawant
launched the ‘Swayampurna e-bazaar’, an
online platform to sell products across India
made by self-help groups, local artisans, and
women of Goa.The Goa government is set to
provide training at the panchayat level
through Swayampurna Mitras on the
packaging of items for sale through the
Swayampurna e-bazaar portal.
ENVIRONMENT
Protosticta Armageddonia: Pune Researchers Found New Damselfly Species in Western
Ghats, Kerala
Researchers from MIT-World Peace University (MIT-WPU) in Pune ,Maharashtra) have
discovered Protosticta Armageddonia (Armageddon Reedtail), a new species of damselfly in
the southern Western Ghats of Kerala.They name “Armageddon” symbolizes the global crisis of
habitat loss and climate change affecting insect populations.
 The discovery of the new species has been documented in the International Journal of
Odonatology. It has also been recorded and registered with the Zoological Survey of India
(ZSI), Pune.
Badis limaakumi: New Species of Badis Fish Discoverd from Nagaland

Scientists have discovered a species of Badis fish (fresh water fish), “Badis limaakumi”, from
the Milak River in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland. The new species is named
after Limaakum, assistant professor and head of the zoology department at Fazl Ali College,
Nagaland.
 Badis is a species of Asian freshwater fish in the family Badidae, order Perciformes and
class Teleostei.

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Limaakum discovered the new fish during the project “Integrated Taxonomic Studies on The
Fishes Found in The Rivers of Nagaland”.
Epithemis wayanadensis: New Dragonfly Species Found in Wayanad

Researchers have discovered a new species of colourful dragonfly in Wayanad, Kerala. The new
species, also known as “Red-rumped Hawklet”, is given the scientific nomenclature “Epithemis
wayanadensis”. It is named after its habitat “the Wayanad plateau”, situated among the
biodiverse Western Ghats.
 The discovery of the new species is published in the peer-reviewed, open-access journal,
Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, by the Elsevier Group.
 The species Epithemis wayanadensis (E. wayanadensis) belongs to the Genus Epithemis, a
genus of insects, and family Libellulidae. It is endemic to the Western Ghats, India.
Bufoides Bhupathyi: New Toad Species Discovered in the Dampa Tiger Reserve of
Mizoram
Researchers from India and the United Kingdom have discovered a new toad species “Bufoides
Bhupathyi” (Common name: Mizoram rock toad) in the the Dampa Tiger Reserve(TR) of
Mizoram.
It is named after the S Bhupathy, a noted herpetologist who served as principal scientist at the
Coimbatore(Tamil Nadu)-based Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History(SACON).
Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans: An Anaerobic, Hydrogen-Producing Bacterium

Found in Aravali Hot Spring, Maharashtra
Scientists under the Bioenergy Group at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in
Maharashtra, identified a New Genus of anaerobic lignocellulose-degrading bacteria called
Sporanaerobium hydrogeniformans in the hot spring of Aravali, located in Ratnagiri
district (Maharashtra). This bacteria has a remarkable ability to produce hydrogen gas as a
byproduct of its metabolic processes.
Aspirant Queries

Quizzes.

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 Affairscloud’s Self Analysis for General Awareness Section

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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – November 2023

Table of Contents
PARLIAMENT .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
FESTIVAL..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ................................................................................................................................. 9
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
VISITS............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
INDIAN VISITS .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
FOREIGN VISITS ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
BANKING & FINANCE .................................................................................................................................................. 20
RBI IN NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................. 20
SEBI ............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
FINANCE NEWS......................................................................................................................................................... 27
GDP & GROWTH RATE ............................................................................................................................................ 29
ECONOMY NEWS ...................................................................................................................................................... 31
BUSINESS NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 32
MoU’s WITH STATES ............................................................................................................................................... 33
APPOINTMENTS....................................................................................................................................................... 39
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 39
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 44

AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 48
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS ........................................................................................ 48
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENCE & BRAVERY ............................................................... 50
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS ..................................................................................................................... 51
SUMMITS ................................................................................................................................................................... 58
EVENTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 59
MEETINGS ................................................................................................................................................................. 61
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 62
RANKING ................................................................................................................................................................... 62
REPORTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 65
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................................ 71
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 71
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 75
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 76
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 76
CRICKET .................................................................................................................................................................... 76
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL ......................................................................................................................................... 78
ARCHERY & SHOOTING .......................................................................................................................................... 79
BOOKS & AUTHORS ..................................................................................................................................................... 82
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................................... 83
NATIONAL ................................................................................................................................................................. 83
INTERNATIONAL ..................................................................................................................................................... 87
IMPORTANT DAYS ....................................................................................................................................................... 88
APPS & WEB PORTAL ............................................................................................................................................... 103
ENVIRONMENT........................................................................................................................................................... 104

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PARLIAMENT
Coal Ministry Amends SHAKTI Policy to Expand Coal Linkage and Promote Market
Transparency
The Ministry of Coal has amended the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala
(Coal) Transparently in India) Policy, which allows power plants, including private generators
without Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), to be granted coal linkage for a minimum of three
months to a maximum of one year.
The Ministry of Coal introduced the Coal Linkage Policy known as Scheme for Harnessing and
Allocating Koyala (Coal) Transparently in India (SHAKTI) in 2017 for the allocation of coal
among thermal power plants transparently and objectively.

Assam
Assam Launches App Based ASTC Cab Services & UPI Backed Digital Payment Solutions
The Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has launched its mobile application(app) - based city
cab services and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) - backed digital payment solutions to book cabs,
track their rides in real-time, and make payments digitally.
✓ The new services were inaugurated by Assam Transport Minister Parimal Suklabaidya. The ASTC
has partnered with PhonePe Private Limited to provide UPI-based digital payment solutions for
its city cab services.
Bihar
Bihar Governor Approves Bill Raising Quota for Backward Classes to 65% from 50%
On November 17, 2023, the Governor of Bihar, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, approved the Bihar
reservation amendment bill 2023, passed recently by the Bihar Legislative Assembly and Council
during the winter session.
✓ This bill raises the quota for deprived castes (Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST),
Economically Backward Classes (EBC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC)) from 50% to 65% in
state government jobs and educational institutions.
✓ Along with the existing 10% quota for economically weaker sections (EWS), the total quantum of
reservation will now stand at 75% in Bihar.
Chandigarh
Chandigarh Smart City launches AI-driven Chatbot ‘BIRBAL’
Anindita Mitra, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL),
launched an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven chatbot “BIRBAL” to provide a one-stop platform
for citizens to access information and services.The BIRBAL is developed using CoRover.ai, a
generative AI-powered conversational AI platform.
Jammu and Kashmir

J&K Police Becomes 1st in India to Use GPS Tracker Anklets for Terror-Accused on Bail
The officials of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) introduced Global
Positioning System (GPS) tracker anklets to monitor the terror-accused people out on bail.

With this, J&K Police became the first police department in India to make use of GPS tracker anklets.
Karnataka
Karnataka Launches Dr Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti Yojana for Cardiac Emergencies
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister of Karnataka, launched Dr Puneeth Rajkumar Hrudaya Jyoti
Yojana to provide treatment to people experiencing sudden heart attacks and cardiac
issues.Karnataka’s Health Department launched the scheme in memory of Late Kannada Actor
Puneeth Rajkumar, who died in 2021 at the age of 46 due to cardiac arrest.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya CM Launches ‘Water Smart Kid Meghalaya’ Campaign and Awards the Water
Guardians
Meghalaya Chief Minister (CM) Conrad K Sangma launched the ‘Water Smart Kid Meghalaya‘
campaign, an initiative under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), which focuses on educating children
about water conservation and protection and aims to instill a sense of responsibility as Water
Conservation Ambassadors. During the event, the CM and Marcuise Marak, the Public Health
Engineering (PHE) Minister recognised and awarded the “Water Guardians,” for inspiring
efforts in the conservation of water bodies.
✓ The recipients of this award were the Lumshyiap Village Water and Sanitation Committee
(VWSC) in Ri Bhoi District, Darechikgre VWSC, and Dura Kantragre VWSC in West Garo
Hills District.
Meghalaya Launches ‘Food Security’ Campaign to Achieve Zero Hunger

Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, launched the
“Food Security Campaign” to sensitise the public about the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013
and strive to achieve United Nations(UN)’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 – ‘Zero Hunger’ by
2030.
Odisha
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar
Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the All India Football Federation
(AIFF)-International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Talent Academy at Kalinga
stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in the presence of Arsene Wenger, Chief of Global Football
Development at FIFA and former Arsenal manager.
✓ This strategic initiative is a collaborative effort between AIFF, FIFA, and the Odisha
government to elevate football development in India.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched ORC in Bhubaneswar for the Study of Culture &
History
Union Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE), has inaugurated Odisha
Research Centre (ORC) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha which aims to develop innovative
epistemological frameworks to explore varied and nuanced dimensions of Odisha's history,
culture, economy, and society.

Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh Declares November 25 as ‘No Non-Veg’ Day
Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has declared November 25 as “no non-veg
day” to mark 144th birth anniversary of Sadhu Thanwardas Lilaram Vaswani.The day coincides
with the observance of International Meatless Day on November 25. The announcement was
made after UP government imposed a ban on the production, storage, distribution and sale of
food products with halal certification.
West Bengal
WB Governor Ananda Bose awarded the inaugural Durga Bharat Samman
West Bengal (WB) Governor CV Ananda Bose presented the inaugural Durga Bharat Samman
(2023) during the event organised at the Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, WB.During the event, he
formally launched the “Mission Kala Kranti”, an initiative aimed at “promoting the art and
culture of West Bengal and India”.
✓ The government of WB has organised the Durga Puja Carnival, showcasing the iconic idols
of Goddess Durga, on 27th October 2023 in the Red Road, Kolkata, WB.
✓ Ahead of the Durga Puja Festivals 2023 Durga Bharat Param Samman awards were
presented to:
✓ Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty ,Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) ,Chandrayaan
Team of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) , and Visva-Bharati University,
Santiniketan (WB).
SC Collegium Recommended Addl Judge Roy Chowdhury as Permanent Judge of Calcutta HC

The Supreme Court (SC) Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, has
recommended Additional judge Siddhartha Roy Chowdhury for the appointment as a
permanent judge of the Calcutta High Court(HC), West Bengal(WB).The SC Collegium also
includes Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sanjiv Khanna of SC of India.
FESTIVAL
Manipur Celebrates Annual ‘Mera Hou Chongba’ Festival
People of Manipur celebrated Mera Hou Chongba, the annual cultural festival of solidarity in
Manipur at the Kangla Palace Compound in Imphal in Manipur. The event was organised by the
Mera Hou Chongba Thoushil Lup.Manipur Chief Minister(CM) Nongthombam Biren Singh along
with the titular king of Manipur Leishemba Sanajaoba attended the event.

PM Narendra Modi Launched ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ Platform for Youths of India
On 31st October 2023, on the occasion of National Unity Day 2023, Prime Minister (PM)
Narendra Modi launched the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (MY Bharat) platform for the youth of India
during the program held in Kartavya Path in New Delhi, Delhi.The MY Bharat platform
encourages youth participation in nation-building efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility
and engagement.
✓ The program marked the culmination of the “Meri Maati Mera Desh” campaign’s Amrit
Kalash Yatra.

✓ MY Bharat is an autonomous body under the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of

Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS), Government of India (GoI).
Union Minister Amit Shah Launches 'Bharat Organics' brand of National Cooperative Organics
Ltd
Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation launched the 'Bharat Organics' brand of National
Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), a newly established cooperative body to promote organic
produce.
✓ The brand was launched during the one-day National Symposium on 'Promoting Organic
Products through Cooperatives’ organised by NCOL, in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ Union Minister Amit Shah also launched the NCOL's logo, website, brochure, and membership
certificates to 5 cooperative societies.
✓ 6 organic products under “Bharat Organics” brand was launched during th event. The 6 products
are, tur dal, chana dal, sugar, rajma, basmati rice, and Sonamasoori rice.
EESL launched NECP & EEFP to Revolutionize India's Energy Landscape

On 2nd November 2023, Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh, Ministry of Power, has unveiled two new
programs of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP)
and the Energy Efficient Fans Programme (EEFP), during the event held in New Delhi, Delhi.
Krishi 24/7: Govt launches India’s 1st AI solution for Agricultural News Monitoring
Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) launched Krishi
24/7, India's first AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered solution for automated agricultural news
monitoring and analysis.
Developers:
It is developed by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW), MoA&FW in
collaboration with Mumbai, Maharashtra-based Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence
(Wadhwani AI) with support from Google.org.
MoHUA Launched Jal Diwali - ‘Women for Water, Water for Women Campaign’
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched 'Jal Diwali - Water for Women, Women for
Water’ awareness campaign under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT),
flagship scheme of MoHUA, in partnership with National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).
✓ Jal Diwali, the first phase of the Water for Women, Women for Water campaign, will be held from
7th to 9th November 2023.
✓ Odisha Urban Academy is the knowledge partner of this campaign
IAEA Launches Open Data Platform to Make Scientific Data More Accessible
On November 14, 2023, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) launched an open
data platform namely ‘IAEA Data Platform’ to streamline scientific data accessibility for
decision-makers, Member States, experts, and the public.It consolidates, organize and
standardize IAEA data into a single repository, enhancing transparency, and knowledge.

Union Minister Smriti Irani launched New protocol for Anganwadi Workers to Track Children
with Disabilities
Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani, Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), has
launched the Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang (disabled) Children in an event held in
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The protocol provides guideline for Anganwadi workers to track and help children with
disabilities upto the age of 6.
✓ The protocol is an important commitment under the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi program of
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
Gujarat CM unveils Crest of Indian Navy warship 'Surat'

On November 6, 2023, Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, unveiled the crest of the
Indian Naval Ship(INS) Surat, indigenous under-construction, guided missile destroyer of Project 15B,
at the ceremony conducted under the aegis of Western Naval Command by Gujarat Naval Area, in Surat,
Gujarat.
✓ This is the 1st capital warship to be named after the city of Gujarat and this is also the first time
that unveiling of the crest of a warship is held in the city, it has been named after.
MoSJE Unveils Financial Incentive for Empowering Divyang Individuals

Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities(DEPwD), under
the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), has announced a 1% interest rate rebate for
divyang (Persons with Disabilities- PwDs) who receive financial support through the National
Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC).
PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation of various Development Projects in Maharashtra and
inaugurated 37th National Games in Goa
Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated various development
projects worth around Rs7500 crore in Shirdi, Maharashtra on 26th October, 2023.He also
inaugurated the 37th National Games which were scheduled to hold in Panaji, Goa.
✓ PM launched “Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana”
✓ PM Modi Dedicates Left Bank Canal Network of Nilwande Dam
71st Foundation Day of EPFO: Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2023

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Labour, and Employment (MoLE), virtually inaugurated
the 71st Foundation Day of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) at Bharat Mandapam,
New Delhi, Delhi.
Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2023:
The Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2023 was presented during the 71st EPFO Foundation Day.
The award recognises the offices and establishments for their contributions and performance.
List of Awardees of Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2023
✓ During this event, Rameshwar Teli, MoS. MoLE, inaugurated an exhibition named “Amrit Kaal –
Behtar Kal“, displaying the 71 years of EPFO history including the chatbot and revamped MIS 3.0;
✓ He also unveiled the 2nd edition of the State Profile Booklet 2023.

PM of India and Bangladesh jointly inaugurated Development Projects in Power and Rail
Sector
On 1st November 2023, Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India and Sheikh Hasina, PM of
Bangladesh, jointly inaugurated three Indian–assisted development projects via video conferencing.
These 3 projects in the rail and power sector aims to strengthen connectivity and energy security in
India and Bangladesh.
The 3 projects are:
✓ Rail Link between Tripura’s Nischintapur and Gangasagar in Bangladesh
✓ Khulna –Mongla Port Rail Line
✓ Launched Unit-II of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant
President Murmu inaugurates Parvati Bhawan, Navdurga Path Skywalk Project in J&K
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated a 250-metre ‘Navdurga Path' skywalk and the
remodelled ‘Parvati Bhawan’ at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and
Kashmir(J&K).
About the Skywalk:
The skywalk is a pedestrian flyover that is built at an elevation of 20 feet above the existing track and
cost Rs.15.69 crore
PM Modi Inaugurated the 2nd Edition of ‘World Food India’ in New Delhi
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2nd edition of World Food India (WFI
2023), the biennial Mega Food Event, on November 3, 2023, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati
Maidan, New Delhi.The event held from November 3-5, 2023 was organised by the Ministry of
Food Processing Industry(MoFPI).
✓ PM Modi also inaugurated Food Street as part of World Food India 2023.
✓ Mascot: MillInd, a probot/foor processing robot, is the Mascot for WFI 2023.
✓ PM Modi highlighted the impressive foreign direct investment (FDI) of Rs.50,000 crore
attracted by India’s food processing sector in past nine years.
✓ During WFI 2023, Global and domestic investors have committed an investment of Rs
33,129 crore in India’s food processing sector……Click here for more detail………
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW) flags off India’s 1st International Cruise Liner "Costa Serena" in
Mumbai
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) flagged
off the maiden voyage of the vessel "Costa Serena", the India’s 1st International Cruise Liner at an
event held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This launch symbolises the dawn of a new era in cruising and
tourism in India.
✓ This initiative aligns with the Government of India's "Dekho Apna Desh" initiative to the middle
class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.
✓ The Costa Serena was constructed by Fincantieri (Shipbuilding company) at its Sestri Ponente
shipyard in Genoa, Italy and was inaugurated in Marseille, France.
✓ The Costa Serena is the tenth vessel to join the 17-ship fleet of Costa Crociere (Costa Cruises).
India hosts the 6th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance

India hosted the 6th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at Bharat Mandapam, in
New Delhi, Delhi. Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh (RK Singh) Ministry of Power (MOP) and

Ministry of New & Renewable Energy(MNRE), President of ISA presided over the 6th Assembly
of ISA. During the 6th Assembly, ISA released 3 flagship reports to provide insights into the
current state of solar energy, providing updates on Solar Technology, Solar Market and Solar
Investments.
✓ India, ISA to Contribute USD 35 Million to Global Solar Facility.
✓ The 6th Assembly of ISA has decided to increase the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for solar
projects across its member countries to 35% from the existing 10%.
✓ Chile has officially joined the ISA as its 95th member. Chile Ambassador Juan Angulo
handed over the Instrument of ISA ratification to Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary
(Economic Diplomacy) in the Ministry of External Affairs………Click here for more
detail…….
Kishtwar Saffron from J&K Receives GI Tag

Kishtwar Saffron brand, which is cultivated and harvested in the Kishtwar Region of the Union
Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from
the GI Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry
of Commerce and Industry.
Kishtwar’s saffron, locally known as Kumkum, is also a key cash crop in Jammu’s isolated
mountainous district of Kishtwar that has high medicinal value.
India Becomes Chair of International Sugar Organisation for 2024

India became the Chair of International Sugar Organisation (ISO), apex international body on
sugar and relating products, for 2024. This was announced during the 63rd council meeting of
ISO in London, United Kingdom (UK).
✓ Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution in the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution attended the meeting.
✓ Ethanol blending percentage in India has increased from 5% in 2019-20 to 12% in
Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2022–23 (December 2022–October 2023).
India Approves USD 360 Million in Investments in IT Hardware Sector

The Indian government has approved investments worth USD 360 million in the Information
Technology (IT) hardware sector under its flagship manufacturing incentives scheme to boost India's
position in the global electronics supply chain.
This announcement comes as a major step towards realizing India's ambitious target of becoming a USD
300 billion IT hardware manufacturing hub by 2026.
Kerala RT Mission Selected for UNWTO's Global List of Case Studies

Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission of Kerala was selected for the global list of Case Studies of
United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). UNWTO’s recognition will further inspire
Kerala’s RT mission to promote eco-friendly tourism.
✓ Apart from Kerala's RT Mission, Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve project is the only
other Indian case study to be featured in this UNWTO list.

India’s 1st Telecom CoE to be set up at IIT Roorkee, UP

India's first Telecom Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be established at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Roorkee campus in Saharanpur, in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The UP Government
will fund around Rs.30 crore for its establishment.
✓ The center will focus on connecting 5G technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to
develop innovative devices and technologies and will also prepare a base for the launch of
6G technologies.
MoHFW Rebranded AB-HWCs as 'Ayushman Arogya Mandirs'

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Health, and Family Welfare (MoHFW), has
rebranded the Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as
'Ayushman Arogya Mandirs'.
✓ The rebranded AB-HWCs will carry a new tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.
Norway to Fund USD 44.7mn to Support India’s Hunger Project in Uttarakhand

The Government of Norway will fund USD 44.7 million to strengthen food security and environmental
protection in Uttarakhand under India’s ‘The Hunger Project (THP)’. This funding will be valid for 3
years, until September 2026.
✓ Norway will aid in promoting food security by improving productivity for small-scale producers of
food, and by developing local value chains and markets.
What is THP?
It is a non-profit organization that works to end hunger and extreme poverty across 12 countries in
Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. In India, it is currently working in the five states of Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh (MP), Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
In Uttarakhand, it will be implemented in 3 districts, 9 blocks, 172 gram panchayats and 145 van
panchayats.
Ladakh achieves 4th GI Tag with its Seabuckthorn

The Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), a thorny shrub or small tree in the Union Territory
(UT) of Ladakh received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag under “Agriculture” goods category. This
becomes the 4th GI product of Ladakh.
✓ The other 3 are Pashmina Wool of Ladakh(Textiles); Ladakh Raktsey Karpo Apricot(Agriculture)
and Ladakh Shingskos (Wood Carving)(Handi Crafts).
✓ The GI tag was granted by the GI Registry, operating under the Department for Promotion of
Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoCI).
Government Mandates Blending of Compressed Bio-Gas in CNG and PNG Segments of CGD
Sector
The National Biofuels Coordination Committee (NBCC), chaired by Union Minister Hardeep
Singh Puri, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG) announced a phased-wise
mandatory blending of Compressed Biogas (CBG) in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Piped
Natural Gas (PNG). The CBG Blending Obligation (CBO) will promote the production and
consumption of CBG in India.
CBO Implementations:
✓ The CBO will be implemented in phases, with voluntary participation until the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2024–2025, followed by mandatory blending obligation from FY 2025–2026.

✓ The initial mandatory blending percentages are set at 1%, 3%, and 4% of total CNG/PNG
consumption for FYs 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28 respectively. From 2028-29
onwards, the CBO will increase to 5%.
India To Host World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly In 2024

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Communications announced that India will be hosting
the World Telecommunication Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) in 2024
✓ WTSA is the governing conference of the International Telecommunication
Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T).
✓ It is a quadrennial event (happening once in 4 years).
CEA Approves DPRs of 2 SJVN Projects in Arunachal Pradesh worth Rs.40,000cr

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power has approved the detailed Project
Reports (DPRs) of SJVN Ltd (formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam) for its two Hydro
Projects in Arunachal Pradesh (AR). The projects are 3097 MW (Mega Watt) Etalin HEP (Hydro
Electric Power) & 680 MW Attunli HEP which are worth around Rs.40,000 crore.
MIB Approves Comprehensive “Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023” to Empower CBC

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has approved the Digital
Advertisement Policy, 2023 to enable and empower the Central Bureau of Communication
(CBC), the advertising wing of the Government of India (GoI) that operates under the MIB, to
conduct campaigns in the Digital Media Space.
• This policy highlights CBC’s mission to disseminate information and create awareness
about various schemes, programs, and policies of the GoI.
• Acknowledging the transforming media landscape, the policy aligns with the increasing
digitisation of media consumption.
Survey of India & Genesys International Partnered for 3D Digital Twin-mapping Programme in
India
The Survey of India (SoI), the National Survey and Mapping Organization of India, and Genesys
International, an Indian mapping company that provides Geospatial solutions, have formed a
strategic partnership to create a three-dimensional (3D) digital twin-mapping programme in
India.
✓ With this partnership, Genesys thus becomes the 1st company to have a public-private
agreement with SoI for digital twinning.
✓ The partnership is in line with India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022, promoting
Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in geospatial data production and usage.
GOVT SCHEMES
Free Ration Scheme PMGKAY will be extended till 2028
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi announced the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Anna Yojana(PMGKAY) for another five years while addressing an election rally at Durg in
Chhattisgarh.The scheme which was supposed to be ended by December 2023 will be ending in 2028.

✓ The scheme was initially rolled out in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
✓ PMGKAY is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
Finance Ministry Notified 7 Changes in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme Rules

On 7th November 2023, Department of Economic Affairs(DEA), under the Ministry of Finance, notified
7 changes in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme(SCSS), a government-sponsored savings instrument for
individuals aged 60 years or employees aged 55 years or more but less than 60 years.
✓ Extended Time for Investing Retirement Benefits: The government has provided 3 months to
invest in SCSS for individuals aged above 55 but below 60. At present, the investment must be
made within 1 month of receipt of retirement benefits.
✓ Deduction on premature withdrawal: 1% of the deposit will be deducted if the account is closed
before the expiry of 1 year of the investment.
✓ Maximum Deposit Amount: The maximum deposit limit for SCSS has been enhanced to Rs 30
lakh from Rs 15 lakh with effective from 1st April 2023.
STATE GOVT SCHEMES

Jharkhand Cabinet Approved ‘Abua Awas Yojana’ Housing Scheme
The Jharkhand Cabinet led by Chief Minister(CM) Hemant Soren approved the ‘Abua Awas Yojna’
(AAY), a state-supported housing scheme for the poor to build 8 lakhs pucca houses for the homeless
in Jharkhand in 3 phases at a total budget of Rs 16,320 crore.
Jharkhand Cabinet Approves Rs 1,485cr Electrification Scheme

Jharkhand Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister(CM) Hemant Soren approved a new electrification scheme
named “Mukhya Mantri Ujjwal Jharkhand Yojana”.
✓ The scheme aims to provide electricity facilities to un-electrified rural hamlets and households, as
well as leftover urban areas.
✓ The cabinet has allocated Rs 1,485.39 crore for this scheme.
UNCCD’s Data: India Lost 30.51 Mn Ha of Healthy Land to Degradation From 2015-19
According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)’s first data
dashboard, around 30.51 million hectares(Ha) of healthy land in India were degraded from
2015 to 2019.Around 9.45% of India’s landmass was degraded as of 2019. This was 4.42% in
2015.
✓ India’s total degraded land is equivalent to the size of 43 million football pitches.
✓ According to the UNCCD Data, Between 2015 & 2019, the world lost at least 100 million ha
of healthy and productive land every year.
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat becomes the 8th wonder of the world

Angkor Wat of Cambodia has become the Eighth Wonder of the World by surpassing Italy's
Pompeii. The recognition of the Eighth Wonder is an informal one bestowed upon noteworthy
new structures, projects, or designs.

About Angkor Wat:

✓ Angkor Wat is an Ancient Temple Complex located in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
✓ It was built in the 12th century by King Suryavarman II over a time span of 30 years.
✓ Angkor Wat is one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Heritage sites. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1992.
A Joint Release of WHO and ILO: Working under the Sun Causes 1 in 3 Deaths from Non-
melanoma Skin Cancer
The 2 United Nations (UN) agencies, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly released research in the journal Environment
International, estimating that approximately 1 in 3 non-melanoma skin cancer deaths are
attributed to occupational sun exposure.
✓ The joint release highlights the burden caused by non-melanoma skin cancer due to
occupational exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation
✓ It also underscores the need for implementing better preventative measures.
✓ It is a group of cancers that develop in the upper layers of the skin. This cancer’s 2 main
subtypes are basal and squamous cell carcinoma.
WHO Unveils a New Operational Framework for Building Climate-resilient & low-carbon
Health Systems
The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled a new Operational framework for building
climate-resilient and low-carbon health systems to tackle the challenges posed by a rapidly
changing climate. The Framework is designed to enhance health systems’ resilience while
reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help safeguard health communities worldwide.
The Framework was developed following the request for the World Health Organisation
(WHO) support by Ministers of Health from over 75 countries.
Russia Withdraws from Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe

Russia has formally withdrawn from the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
(CFE), a landmark arms control agreement that sought to limit the deployment of conventional
weapons in Europe. The exit of Russia is due to North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO)
eastward expansion as a threat to its security. The agreement was signed by 23 participating
States – those belonging to NATO and the Warsaw Treaty Organization (WTO).
Bhutan Becomes 1st Country to Fully Sterilise its Entire Street Dogs Population
Bhutan became the first country in the world to completely sterilize and vaccinate its entire stray dog
population across Bhutan.
Swedish Firm Saab AB Becomes India's first 100% FDI in Defence Sector
Swedish defence company Saab AB has become the first foreign company to get Government of India
(GoI)’s approval for 100% foreign direct investment(FDI) in defence sector.
About Saab AB FDI:
The FDI proposal is valued at around Rs 500 crore. With this, Saab is set to establish a facility to
manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket launchers in India.

✓ The facility will support the production of the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian Armed Forces as well
as components for users of the system around the world.
✓ SAAB FFV India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Saab was Incorporated in 2022.
UAE Inaugurates Al Dhafra Solar PV project, World’s Largest Single-Site Solar Power Plant
The United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s state-owned Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company)
has inaugurated the world’s largest single-site solar power plant, “2 GigaWatt(GW) Al Dhafra
Solar Photovoltaic(PV) Independent Power Project (IPP)” in Abu Dhabi, UAE.Al Dhafra Solar PV
project was unveiled by Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi. With this solar
power production capacity will increase to 3.2GW.
VISITS
INDIAN VISITS
Overview of PM Modi’s 2-day Visit to Jharkhand; Addresses Celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav
Diwas 2023
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi paid a 2-day visit to Jharkhand from 15th to 16th November
2023. During his visit, PM Modi participated in the event organised to mark Janjatiya Gaurav
Diwas, 2023 in Khunti, Jharkhand. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, also known as Tribal Pride Day, is
annually observed across India on 15th November to commemorate the birth anniversary of
Birsa Munda, an iconic freedom fighter.
✓ PM Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 7,200 crores in
various sectors like rail, road, education, coal, petroleum, and natural gas. These projects
aim to enhance infrastructure and services in Jharkhand.
✓ During the 3rd Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, PM Modi digitally released the 15th instalment of
the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
✓ PM Modi launched two significant initiatives, namely the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra‘ and
the ‘PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN)’ from Jharkhand….Click here
for more detail…
Highlights of President Droupadi Murmu’s Visit to Odisha & Andhra Pradesh - Nov 20 to 22
Droupadi Murmu, President of India, was on an official visit to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
(AP) from November 20 to 22, 2023. During her visit,
✓ She inaugurated the New Eklavya Model Residential School(EMRS) at Kuliana, Odisha.
✓ She flagged off three new trains from Badampahar Railway Station.
✓ She launched the Education Campaign “New Education for New India” of Brahma Kumaris
in Odisha.
✓ Attended Convocation of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, Odisha & Sri Sathya
Sai Institute, AP.

FOREIGN VISITS
Overview of FM Nirmala Sitharaman’s 3 Day Visit to Sri Lanka
Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance, was on a three-day official visit to Sri Lanka from 1st
to 3rd November 2023.
During her visit,
✓ Addressed the ‘NAAM 200’ organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the arrival of
India-origin Tamils (IOTs) to Sri Lanka.
✓ She inaugurated two State Bank of India (SBI) branches in Sri Lanka.
✓ Addressed the India-Sri Lanka Business Summit at Colombo, Sri Lanka.
✓ Union Finance Minister of India witnessed the exchange of the Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for Solar Electrification of Religious Places in Sri Lanka. India will allocate Rs 82.40
crores out of the Government of India(GoI) grant assistance of Rs 107.47 crore for the promotion
of Buddhist sites.
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan’s 3-Day Visit to UAE Focused on Education and Skill Development
Partnership
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) made 3-day visit to the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) from November 1-3, 2023. The primary objective of the visit was to reinforce both
nations’ educational and skill development systems, ensuring mutual benefits and growth.
✓ India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have expanded their educational cooperation
by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
✓ NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) International has signed an agreement with
We One, a subsidiary of DP World, a Dubai-based multinational logistics company to support
the skill development and employment opportunities for the front-line workforce.
✓ NSDC and EFS Facilities Services Group, a UAE-based Facilities Management Firm, have
entered into a MoU to facilitate Skilled International Workforce Mobility (IWM) for Indian
nationals, with a specific emphasis on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries…Click
here for more detail…
Union Minister Piyush Goyal attended IPEF and APEC ministerial meeting in U.S.
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution and Textiles was on Four-day official visit to San Francisco,United States (U.S) from
November 13-16, 2023. His visit includes various official engagements of Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework (IPEF) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
✓ The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed between India and The U.S. during the
roundtable titled “Decoding the “Innovation Handshake: U.S.-India Entrepreneurship
Partnership” in San Francisco, U.S.
✓ IPEF Supply Chain Agreement signed by 14 IPEF Partner Countries
✓ The U.S. hosted the 30th APEC Leaders Summit which held in San Francisco. Apart from 21-
member countries of APEC, India attended the summit as Guest Economy. Piyush Goyal. Minister
of Commerce and Industry represented India at the summit.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI IN NEWS
RBI issues Norms to Regulate PA-CB in Cross-Border Payments; Imposes monetary penalty on
PNB, Federal Bank
On 31st October 2023, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Regulation of Payment
Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB). RBI has decided to include all entities facilitating cross-border
payment transactions for import and export of goods and services under the direct regulation of the
RBI.
✓ The entities including Authorised Dealer (AD) banks, PAs and PAs-CB shall comply with these
instructions.
✓ All non-banks which provide PA-CB services must apply for authorization from the RBI by April
30, 2024.
RBI Imposes Monetary Penalty on PNB, Federal Bank, among others
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on the following entities:
✓ Punjab National Bank (PNB): Rs 72 lakh penalty
✓ Federal Bank: Rs 30 lakh penalty
✓ Kosamattam Finance Limited: Rs 13.38 lakh penalty
✓ Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: Rs 10 lakh penalty
✓ L&T Finance Limited: Rs 2.50 crore penalty
RBI Approves Appointment of Isha Ambani, Anshuman Thakur & Hitesh Sethia as Directors of
Jio Financial Services
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for the appointment of Isha
Ambani, Anshuman Thakur, and Hitesh Kumar Sethia as Directors of Jio Financial
Services Limited, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) backed by Reliance Industries
Limited(RIL).
RBI Strengthens Regulations on Consumer Lending, Mandates Higher Capital Buffers for Banks
and NBFCs
RBI increased the risk weights on credit card exposures by 25% points
to 150% and 125% for banks and NBFCs, respectively.
RBI Allows Banks to Open Current Accounts for Export Proceeds Alongside Special Rupee Vostro
Accounts
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted authorization to Authorized Dealer Category – I (AD
Category – I) banks to open additional current accounts for export proceeds, supplementing the
existing special rupee vostro accounts.
RBI Ups Minimum Amount for Offering Non-Callable TDs from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 1 Cr
On October 26, 2023, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the minimum amount for offering Non-
Callable Term Deposits (TDs) from Rs 15 lakh to Rs 1 crore with immediate effect, allowing all
customers to prematurely withdraw money from Fixed Deposit (FD) of up to Rs 1 crore. This mandate
will cover all commercial banks and co-operative banks.
✓ This means all domestic TDs accepted from individuals for amounts of Rs 1 crore and below will
have a premature-withdrawal-facility.
✓ These instructions will be applicable for Non-Resident (External) Rupee (NRE) Deposit / Ordinary
Non-Resident (NRO) Deposits.

ICICI Bank Gets RBI Nod to Make ICICI Securities Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved ICICI Bank‘s request to make ICICI Securities a
wholly-owned subsidiary. Following this, ICICI Securities will be delisted and become a wholly-
owned subsidiary of its parent company, ICICI Bank.
✓ ICICI Securities has four lines of business: Broking, Distribution of financial products,
Wealth management, and Investment banking.
RBI Bars Bajaj Finance Lending Under eCOM and Insta EMI Card
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) exercise of its powers under section 45L(1)(b) of the RBI Act, 1934
barred Bajaj Finance Limited from sanctioning and disbursing loans under its two lending
products viz. eCOM and Bajaj Insta EMI Card, with immediate effect.The reason behind this
action is the non-adherence of Digital lending guidelines of RBI by the company, specifically by
not providing Key Fact Statements to borrowers for two lending products.
RBI Supersedes Abhyudaya Co-operative Bank Board & Appoints Administrator

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 36 AAA read
with section 56 of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act, 1949 (As Applicable to Co-operative
Societies), has superseded the board of directors of Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank Limited for
12 months (1 year) amid poor governance standards of the latter.
✓ In this regard, RBI appointed Satya Prakash Pathak, former Chief General Manager of State
Bank of India (SBI), as the administrator of the bank.
✓ RBI has imposed a monetary penalty on three banks viz. Citibank N.A. (Rs 5 crore), Bank
of Baroda/BOB (Rs 4.34 crore) and Indian Overseas Bank/IOB (Rs 1 crore) for non-
compliance with some of its Directions.
RBI Adds 19 Unauthorised Forex Trading Platforms In Alert List

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has updated its 'alert list' of unauthorised forex trading
platforms by adding 19 more entities, taking the total to 75.
These entities are neither authorised to deal in forex under the Foreign Exchange Management
Act (FEMA), 1999 nor to operate electronic trading platform (ETP) for forex transactions
under the Electronic Trading Platforms (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2018.
SEBI
SEBI Unveils New Format for SID of AMC
Intending to streamline the dissemination of relevant information to investors, the Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has unveiled a new format for the Scheme Information
Documents (SIDs) of Asset Management Company(AMC).
✓ The new norms are suggested by the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and
recommended by the Mutual Fund Advisory Committee(MFAC).
✓ The new format will come into force from April 1, 2024.
Fedfina, IREDA, EPACK Durable & Suraj Estate Developers get nod from SEBI to float IPOs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has given approval to four companies viz.
Fedbank Financial Services Limited (Fedfina), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
(IREDA), EPACK Durable, and Suraj Estate Developers to raise funds through initial public

offerings (IPOs).These companies filed preliminary IPO papers with SEBI between July and
September 2023.
SEBI Chief Madhabi Buch Introduces IRRA Platform

Madhabi Puri Buch, the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has officially
launched the Investor Risk Reduction Access (IRRA) platform at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
The IRRA platform, initiated by Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) under SEBI's guidance.
SEBI Eases Regulations for Holders of Physical Securities Without PAN and KYC Detail
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the capital markets regulator, announced the
elimination of the requirement to freeze folios lacking PAN, KYC details, and nominations for all holders
of physical securities.
SEBI Grants Approval to Unifi Capital for the Launch of Mutual Fund Business
Portfolio management firm Unifi Capital announced that it has received in-principle approval from
the capital markets regulator, SEBI, to establish a mutual fund house.
SEBI introduced significant amendments at the 203rd Meeting of SEBI Board

Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairman of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) chaired the
203rd meeting of the SEBI which was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra on November 25, 2023.
Key Highlights of 203rd meeting of the SEBI Board are:
✓ SEBI Board introduces flexibility for Social Stock Exchange(SSE) in order to give boost to
fund raising by Not for Profit Organisation (NPOs) on the SSE.
✓ SEBI reduces minimum issue size from Rs1 crore to Rs 50 Lakh for public issuance of
Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP) instruments.
✓ SEBI has further approved to reduce minimum application size from Rs 2 Lakh to
Rs10000 for public issuance of ZCZP by NPO on social stock exchange. It will help to
expand participation of subscribers including Retail.
✓ SEBI Board approved a regulatory framework for index providers to introduce
transparency and accountability in the functioning of the securities market.
✓ SEBI approved amendments to SEBI (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
✓ SEBI with the objective of protecting the interests of investors in Alternative Investment
Funds (AIFs) approved an amendment to SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds)
Regulations, 2012.
✓ SEBI plans to introduce same day (T+0) settlement by March 2024 and Instantaneous
settlement 2025. Click here to read full news…

World Bank The Global Fund A new MoU was signed between the World
Bank (WB) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS
(Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome),
Tuberculosis (TB), and Malaria (the Global
Fund) to improve their collaboration on
climate change’s impact on health.

Aim: To support more efficient, effective, and

sustainable financing to improve health
outcomes in the face of climate change.
SBI Cards and Reliance Retail Limited SBI Cards and Payment Services Limited (SBI
Payment Services (RRL) Card), in collaboration with Reliance Retail
Limited (SBI Card) Limited (RRL), has launched a co-branded
credit card called the ‘Reliance SBI Card’
which aims to provide a world-class customer
experience.
✓ The card comes in two variants namely
Reliance SBI Card and Reliance SBI
Card PRIME.
✓ Reliance SBI Card, made using recycled
plastic, is powered by RuPay
contactless technology.
Mahindra Finance Enters Co-Lending
Partnership with SBI
Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services
Limited, a leading non-banking financial
company (NBFC) in India, has entered into a
Co-Lending Model(CLM) partnership with the
State Bank of India (SBI) to provide to
affordable and personalized financing
solutions to empower Micro, Small, Medium
Enterprises (MSME) sectors across India.
SIDBI DAY-NRLM The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National
Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) and
the Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI) signed a MoU to promote
women-led enterprises in India. The MoU is
set to span 2 years. Under this MoU, the
expertise of DAY-NRLM and SIDBI will be
utilised to develop a transformative initiative
to promote women-led enterprises among
experienced members of Self-Help Groups
(SHGs).
Axis Bank Limited Institute of Rural Management Axis Bank Limited has signed a Memorandum of
Anand (IRMA) Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Rural
Management Anand (IRMA), (Anand) Gujarat, to
establish the Axis Bank Chair for Financial
Inclusion at IRMA campus.
The chair was established to promote financial
inclusion (FI) and financial literacy across India.
Karnataka Bank HDFC Life Insurance Company Karnataka Bank has formed a strategic corporate
Limited (HDFC Life) partnership with HDFC Life Insurance Company

Limited (HDFC Life) to offer life insurance

products to its customers.
Hong Kong and UK Export Finance (UKEF), The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking
Shanghai Banking the United Kingdom (UK)’s Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India) have
Corporation Limited, export credit agency signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with UK Export
India (HSBC India) Finance (UKEF), the United Kingdom (UK)’s
export credit agency, to establish a financing
programme of up to 100 million pound.
This programme will support Indian Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and
corporates for financing their imports from
UK.
IndusInd Bank Indraprastha Gas Limited To promote Digital Rupee (e₹), the Central
Limited (IGL) Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) launched by
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).The
collaboration aims to promote cashless
transactions at IGL Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) Stations in Delhi National Capital
Region (NCR).
About IndusInd Bank Limited(Ltd): MD &
CEO – Sumant Kathpalia ,Headquarters –
Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Mastercard U GRO Capital Limited, a To offer holistic digital supply chain financing
Incorporated Non-Banking Financial solution to small businesses in India.
MA(Mastercard) Company (NBFC) This collaboration is in line with Mastercard’s
announcement to get 1 billion people and 50
million micro and small businesses, including
25 million female entrepreneurs into the
digital economy by 2025.

Asian Development India USD 400 Indian government signed a USD
Bank (ADB) million 400 million policy-based loan
agreement with the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) to
support its sub-programme 2 of
the Sustainable Urban
Development and Service
Delivery Programme.This
program is India’s urban reform
agenda to create high-quality
urban infrastructure, improve

service delivery, and promote

efficient governance systems.
Asian Development Greenway Grameen USD 6.5 The Asian Development Bank
Bank (ADB) Infra Private Limited million (ADB) and Greenway Grameen
Infra Private Limited have signed
a USD 6.5 million senior secured
loan agreement for the Greenway
Carbon Credits Gender Finance
Project.The financing also
includes a USD 3.25 million first-
loss liquidity reserve from the
Climate Innovation and
Development Fund (CIDF).
✓ The project aims to
facilitate the production
and distribution of 1
million subsidized
Greenway Jumbo Stoves to
rural households in
Madhya Pradesh and
Odisha.
About Asian Development Bank
(ADB): President – Masatsugu
Asakawa ,Headquarters –
Mandaluyong City, Manila,
Philippines.
Asian Development Maharashtra Tertiary USD500 Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Bank (ADB) Care and Medical million approved a loan package of
Education Sector USD500 million for Maharashtra
Development Program Tertiary Care and Medical
Education Sector Development
Program which envisages to
improve access to quality and
affordable tertiary health care and
medical education in
Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Maharashtra based L&T
Finance Limited(LFT), a Non-
Banking Financial Company
(NBFC) and a subsidiary of Larsen
& Toubro Limited (L&T),signed a
USD125 million financing pact
with ADB to support financing in
rural and peri-urban areas of

India, especially for women

borrowers.
Asian Development Modernization of USD 170 Project includes upgrading five
Bank (ADB) water supply services Million water treatment plants (325
in Kochi, Kerala Million Litres Per Day/MLD)) and
constructing a new one (190
MLD).
OTHER BANKING NEWS

ADB & GEF Introduce Natural Capital Fund to Foster Environmental Conservation
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) jointly introduced
the Natural Capital Fund (NCF), a concessional fund aimed at backing projects in ADB’s
developing member countries (DMCs). The GEF has committed a USD15 million investment to
support the NCF’s initiatives focused on improving food security and safeguarding natural
capital.
✓ About ADB: President – Masatsugu Asakawa,Headquarters – Manila, Philippines.
HSBC Became the First Foreign Bank to Introduce e-BGs in India

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India), in association
with the National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL), has introduced the electronic-Bank
Guarantees (e-BGs) services to digitize trade finance.With this, HSBC India became the first
Foreign Bank in India to offer e-BGs.
✓ e-BG is a digital equivalent of a traditional paper-based Bank Guarantee.
✓ The process is made simple by introducing electronic stamping (E-stamping) and
electronic signing (E-signing).
ICICI Bank Enables Transactions to Merchant QR Code Using its Digital Rupee App
ICICI Bank Limited has enabled its customers to pay to any merchant QR(Quick Response) code using
the “Digital Rupee by ICICI Bank”, the digital rupee (e₹) app of ICICI Bank.
✓ ICICI bank achieved this by making its digital rupee app UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
interoperable.
PNB Introduces Digital Gold Loan for Hassle-Free Credit Access

Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched two PNB Digital Gold Loan schemes namely PNB Gold
Loan for the retail segment and PNB Swarnim for the agriculture segment.The schemes aim to
provide customers with hassle-free access to credit to meet their personal and agricultural
needs by using gold jewellery as collateral for the loan.
About PNB: MD & CEO – Atul Kumar Goel,Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi.
AU Small Finance Bank & ixigo Launches Premium Co-Branded Travel Credit Card
AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) along with a travel platform ixigo (Le Travenues Technology
Limited) announced the launch of their premium ixigo-AU co-branded credit card which aims to
enhance the travel experiences of modern travelers in semi-urban regions.
✓ The card is a first-of-its-kind value proposition across all travel verticals such as flights, trains,
buses & hotels.

Federal Bank Introduces UPI Lite for Small-Value Digital Payments

Federal Bank Limited has launched Unified Payment Interface (UPI) Lite, a simplified version
of the UPI system which allows users to make small-value digital payments offline without
entering a UPI PIN. The UPI Lite functionality was introduced by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in
September 2022.It is an ‘on-device wallet’ feature integrated into existing UPI mobile
application.
Russia Makes it Easier for Indians to Open & Use Bank Accounts
The Russian government has simplified the process for Indian nationals to open and operate bank
accounts in the financial institutions of Russia.
IndusInd Bank launches 'Platinum RuPay Credit Card' with UPI Integration
IndusInd Bank Ltd launched the ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ in collaboration with
the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), enabling customers to make payments through the
RuPay network using Point of Sale (POS) devices and e-commerce websites.
FINANCE NEWS
DFC Offers USD 553 Million to Adani Ports-led CWIT
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has announced an offer of USD
553 million to Adani Ports-led Colombo West International Terminal Private Limited (CWIT) to
support the development of the deepwater shipping Container Terminal in the Port of
Colombo, Sri Lanka.
CWIT is a joint venture (JV) developed by a consortium led by Adani Ports & Special Economic
Zones Limited (APSEZ) (51% stake), Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings (34%
stake), and the Sri Lankan government-run Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) (15%).
India First Life gets GIFT City IFSC Registration

IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirst Life) has become the 1st life insurance
company in India to receive Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT-City)’s International
Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Registration.The IFSC Unit of IndiaFirst will soon commence
operations.
NHAI Accepts First Insurance Surety Bond as Bid Security for NHAI TOT Bid for Monetization
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) accepted the first insurance surety bond as
bid security for the Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) Bundle 14 bid. The bond was issued at a rate
of 0.25% and did not require any margin money.This will be the first time this instrument is
being utilized as a Bank Guarantee (BG) in the road infrastructure sector for monetization of
bids.
The NHAI collaborated with the Highway Operators Association of India (HOAI), SBI General
Insurance, and AON India Insurance for this initiative.

Canara HSBC Launched 'GAIN' Life Insurance Plan for Customers of Karnataka Vikas Grameena
Bank
Canara HSBC Life Insurance, an insurance company sponsored by Canara Bank and HSBC, has launched
a new guaranteed income plan named the ‘Guaranteed Assured Income’ (GAIN) for the customers of
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) in Mangaluru (Karnataka).
IRDAI Forms Taskforce To Review Bancassurance Norms

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has formed a task force under
the Chairmanship of Meena Kumari, Executive Director(Life) of IRDAI, to review the existing
bancassurance framework.
The task force was formed in response to concerns about mis-selling/forced selling of insurance
policies through the bancassurance channel. The taskforce is asked to submit these recommendations
within 31st December 2023.
AFLI launches Super Cash Plan for Regular Income and Security
Ageas Federal Life Insurance (AFLI) has launched a new non-linked, participating, individual life
insurance savings plan called Ageas Federal Life Insurance Super Cash Plan.
ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund completes 21 years

On 31st October 2023, The ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund scheme has completed 21 years. The
scheme was incepted on 31st October 2002.
✓ The fund has a good track record, which generates a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of
21%.
✓ As of 30 September 2023, the scheme manages an Assets Under Management (AUM) of Rs
24,060.99 crore or about 57% of the total AUM in the multi-asset allocation category.
Maharashtra leads ‘Q2FY24’ Mutual Fund Investments in India: AMFI Data

According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), Maharashtra emerged as the
leader in mutual fund investments in India during July-September Quarter-Fiscal Year 2024(Q2FY24)
with a substantial equity asset of Rs 7.47 lakh crore out of the industry's total equity asset of Rs 25.85
lakh crore.
✓ It is followed by Gujarat and Karnataka holding equity assets of Rs 2.21 lakh crore and Rs 1.99
lakh crore respectively.
✓ They have surpassed Delhi (ranked 4th), whose equity asset dropped to Rs 1.94 lakh crore.
InCred Holdings Ltd Becomes 2nd Unicorn of 2023

Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based InCred Holdings Limited, the parent company of fintech startup
InCred Financial Services Ltd, has become the 2nd Indian startup to become a unicorn, valued at
over USD 1 billion, in 2023. InCred became an unicorn after raising funding worth Rs.500 crore
in its latest round (Series D) of equity funding.
✓ The equity round has gathered interest from various investors, including a global private
equity fund, corporate treasuries, family offices, and Ultra-High-Net-worth-Individuals
(UHNIs).

Bima Lokpal Day 2023: Insurance Ombudsman Disposed 92.28% of Complaints in FY23
On the occasion of Bima Lokpal Day 2023(11th November 2023), Insurance Ombudsman announced
that it has disposed of over 92.28% of the complaints received from the insured during Financial year
2022-23(FY23).
✓ Insurance Ombudsman has settled 51,625 out of 55,946 received complaints across all 17
Insurance Ombudsman Offices.
✓ Kolkata office in West Bengal, resolved 100% of complaints in the FY23. All 3,027 complaints were
resolved.
IRDAI sets up 11-member Task Force, Led by Randip Singh Jagpal to examine the Impact of
DPDP Act, 2023
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) formed an 11-member
task force to examine the impact of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act of 2023 on
the insurance sector.
✓ The Chairperson of the task force will be Randip Singh Jagpal, Executive Director (Non-
Life) at IRDAI and Member of Stakeholders’ Committee.
Tata AIG introduces New Insurance plan ‘Health Supercharge’

Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited has launched its new health insurance plan,
Health Supercharge to provide comprehensive coverage for individuals and families residing
in Tier I to Tier IV locations.
It offers 2 plan options namely Value Plan and Geo Plan, based on the geographical location.
NPCI Instructs Payment Apps to Deactivate Inactive UPI IDs by December 31, 2023
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has directed all Third Party Application
Providers (TPAP) and Payment Service Provider (PSP) banks to deactivate all Unified
Payments Interface (UPI) IDs that have remained inactive for a period of one year or more.
This measure is to be implemented by December 31, 2023.
CDSL becomes the First Listed Depository to Register More Than 10 crore Demat Accounts
Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) had become the first Indian depository
to hold 10 crore(100 million) active dematerialisation (demat) accounts. CDSL attained this
position by surpassing the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL).
ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
UBS Securities India Private FY24 6.3%
Limited UBS Securities India Private Limited raised India’s
fiscal year 2023-2024 (FY24) GDP (Gross
Domestic Product) Growth estimate by 10 basis
points (100 basis points mean 1 percentage point)
to 6.3% amid better-than-expected domestic
economic activities

✓ UBS also increased India's FY25 GDP

growth forecast upwards by 20 basis
points to 6.2%.
It also projected India's growth to settle towards
the long-run average of 6.2% and 6.5% in FY26
and FY27.
Moody’s Investors Service FY23-24 6.7%
(MIS) Global credit rating agency Moody’s Investors
Service (MIS) has retained India’s economic
growth projection at 6.7% for financial year
2023-24(FY23-24) in its “Global Macro
Outlook 2024-25 (November 2023 Update)”.
✓ The report also projected that India’s
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow
at 6.1% in FY24-25 and 6.3% in FY25-
26.
✓ This is slightly higher than the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI)‘s projection of
6.5% for 2023-24.
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc 2024 6.3%
According to India 2024 outlook from Goldman
Sachs Group, Inc, India's real Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) growth is expected to decline
marginally to 6.3% in 2024 from the 6.4%
estimated for 2023.
India's GDP is projected to grow at 6.5% in FY25
compared to 6.2% in FY24.
ICRA Limited (formerly FY 2024 (Q2FY24) 7%
Investment Information and According to the ICRA Limited (formerly
Credit Rating Agency of India Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency
Limited) of India Limited), India's Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) for the second quarter of FY 2024
(Q2FY24) is estimated to grow at 7%.
✓ The Gross Value Added (GVA) growth will
ease to 6.8% in (July-September 2023) Q2,
driven by the services sector at 8.2%,
agriculture at 3.5%, and industry at 6.6%.
ICRA maintains a GDP growth estimate of 6% for
FY24, projecting a slightly lower figure than the
MPC's projection of 6.5%
S&P Global Rating 2023-24 (FY24) 6.4%
American credit rating agency, S&P Global
Rating, has raised India's gross domestic
product (GDP) growth rate forecast for 2023-
24 (FY24) by 40 basis points(bps) to 6.4%, up
from 6%. For FY25, India's GDP growth
projection has been reduced to 6.4% from

6.9% amid subdued global growth, a higher

base, and the lagged impact of rate hikes.
ECONOMY NEWS
IndusInd Bank, Suzlon Energy among 9 firms added to MSCI India Index
On November 15, 2023, Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) added nine Indian stocks
to its MSCI Global Standard Index w.e.f. November 30, 2023.
Additions on MSCI India Index: IndusInd Bank, Suzlon Energy Limited, One 97
Communications (Paytm), Persistent Systems, APL Apollo Tubes, Polycab India, Macrotech
Developers, Tata Motors A (Tata Motors DVR), and Tata Communications.
T-Hub unveils T-Bridge and T-Scale on Its 8th Foundation Day

As a part of its 8th Foundation Day (16th November 2023), Telangana government led incubator,
Technology Hub (T-Hub) unveiled two flagship initiatives: T-Bridge and T-Scale, aimed at further
propelling the growth and success of Indian startups.
BUSINESS NEWS
Flying Wedge is First Company to Secure DGCA Certification for UAS
Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace Technologies Private
Limited has become the first Indian private company to receive a type certification from the
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The type certificate was given for their indigenous
Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS) called “FWDA10”.
FWDA10 was certified for its proper design, material, specification, construction and
performance for safe operations.
Hindustan Aeronautics incorporates JV With Safran for Helicopter Engines

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and France based Safran Helicopter Engines have
decided to set up a new 50/50 joint venture (JV) company in Bengaluru, Karnataka to design,
develop, produce, sell, and support helicopter engines.This joint venture will be the first engine
design and manufacturing house in India.
The JV was formed with an aim to develop the adequate propulsion system for the Indian
Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) future 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval
version, the Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
IndiGo, the First Airline to Operate Flights from Noida International Airport
Noida International Airport (NIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
IndiGo Airlines to become the launch carrier for the under-construction airport which is
scheduled to open at the end of 2024.
Through this MoU, IndiGo is set to become the first airline to operate flights from Noida
International Airport.
BSNL Set to Award Rs.1000-Crore Contract to Nokia for OTN Equipment

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is set to award a multi-year Rs.1000-crore
purchase order to Finland’s Nokia for the supply of Optical Transport Network (OTN)
equipment and deployment through a local system integrator. The contract, part of BSNL’s

Phase-4 project on a turnkey basis on the pan-India level is to supply, install, and commission
OTN with a 3-year Operation and Maintenance (O&M) services and comprehensive Annual
Maintenance Contract (AMC) for 8 years.

India France Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
Grievances (DARPG) under the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
Government of India, and Ministry of Public Sector
Transformation & the Civil Service of the French
Republic have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) for
Cooperation in the field of Public Administration and
Administrative Reforms for 3 years.
India Netherlands India and Netherlands signed a Memorandum of
Intent (MoI) for cooperation on medical product
regulation and enhance the quality of medical
products and health care services for both the
nations, at the Hague, Netherlands.
✓ The MoI was signed during the meeting
between Bhagwant Khuba, Minister of State
(MoS), Ministry of Chemicals and
Fertilizers(MoC&F) of India and Ernst
Kuipers, Minister of Health, Welfare and
Sports of Netherlands.
During his visit, Bhagwant Khuba, MoS, MoC&F led
Indian delegation to participate in the 2nd World
Local Production Forum (WLPF 2023) held in the
Hague, from 6th to 8th November 2023.
India Russia Russia has signed a contract to supply and
produce hand-held anti-aircraft missile Igla-S
Man-Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) to
India.Igla-S is designed to counter low-flying
aircraft and helicopters.
It has a range of 500meters to 6000 meters and
can go upto the altitude ranging from 10meters
to 3500 meters
India Italy Dr. S Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister
(EAM) has signed two agreements with the Italian
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign
Affairs Antonio Tajani to boost youth mobility &
cultural exchange during his two-day visit to Italy on
2nd-3rd November 2023.

Signed Agreements:
✓ The Mobility and Migration Partnership
Agreement to enable seamless movement of
workers, students and professionals.
The Executive Programme on Cultural
Cooperation(EPCC) agreement for the period 2023-
27.
India EU A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was
signed between the European Union (EU) and
India to strengthen semiconductor supply chains
and jointly pursue innovation.
What will be done under the MoU?
✓ Share semiconductor ecosystem
experiences, best practices, and
information.
Identify collaboration opportunities in research,
development, and innovation.
MoU’s WITH STATES

Karnataka Meta (formerly The Karnataka government signed a Letter of
known as Facebook) Intent (LoI) with Meta (formerly known as
Facebook), an American Multinational Social
Technology Company to elevate awareness
about online user safety and digital citizenship
among students and educators.
Through this partnership, the Karnataka
government plans to offer training to 1 lakh
teachers and 10 lakh students in digital safety
and Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality
(VR) by 2025.
Odisha 3 entities The Odisha government has signed 3 Memoranda of
Understanding (MoUs) with 3 entities to build an
ecosystem for the manufacturing of semiconductors.
The 3 entities are India Electronic and Semiconductor
Association (IESA), global semiconductor giant
Synopsys and Electronics and Computer Software
Export Promotion Council (ESC).
Odisha Arcelor Mittal Nippon To establish a High-performance center (HPC) in
Steel (AM/NS) India Kho Kho at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar,
Odisha to promote Kho Kho talents.The MoU
signed in the presence of Chief Minister of
Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, highlighted the
commitment of both parties to fostering sporting
excellence.

Uttar Pradesh CSIR and DRDO The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has collaborated
with institutions like the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defense Research and
Development Organization (DRDO) as knowledge
partners to incorporate the proposed Bulk Drugs
Park in Lalitpur district, UP.
The UP govt has signed a Memoranda of
Understanding (MoU) with 43 labs of CSIR and 46
labs of DRDO, where research work will be done to
manufacture affordable medicines.

United Nations International Atomic Energy United Nations(UN) and the International
Agency (IAEA) Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) collaborated to
create a new stamp collection and first-day
envelopes to honour Marie Curie (Maria
Salomea Skłodowska-Curie) on her 156th birth
anniversary which was observed on 7th
November 2023.
✓ United Nations Postal Administration
(UNPA), the postal agency of the United
Nations, has released a definitive set of
stamps featuring Marie Curie portrait
and first-day envelopes adorned with a
new IAEA distinctive cachet.
The commemorative envelope also honors the
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme
(MSCFP).
World Health Ministry of Ayush Signed a Traditional and Complementary
Organization (WHO) (Ayurveda, Yoga, Medicine 'Project Collaboration Agreement
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha (PCA)' during an event organized in Geneva,
and Homeopathy) Switzerland.
✓ Under this partnership, WHO will
prepare Traditional Medicine Global
Strategy 2025-34 with the support of
the Ministry of Ayush.
1st phase of the PCA, 2023-28, will prove to be a
milestone in the global development of
Traditional and Complementary Medical System.
Election Commission of Ministry of Education To develop an institutional framework to
India (ECI) (MoE) formally incorporate electoral literacy into the
school and college education system.
✓ This MoU will extend ECI's flagship
Systematic Voters’ Education and
Electoral Participation (SVEEP) in
schools and colleges.

✓ Under the MoU, National Council of

Educational Research and Training
(NCERT) will include content on
electoral literacy in school textbooks and
advise state education boards to follow
the same.
Ministry of WCD Colors India's leading Hindi General Entertainment
Channel (GEC) and Viacom18 Media Private
Limited's Flagship Channel COLORS has
announced a collaboration with the Ministry of
Women and Child Development (WCD) to
support the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)
initiative to raise awareness about the social evil
of girl child abandonment.
Bharat Biotech University of Sydney To collaborate on advancing vaccine
International Limited Infectious Diseases research, strengthening academic-industry
(BBIL), the developer of Institute (Sydney ID) partnerships, and combatting infectious
India's first indigenous diseases globally.
Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin
Bharat Petroleum GAIL (India) Limited Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
Corporation Limited (BPCL) and GAIL (India) Limited, India’s leading
natural gas company, have signed a 15-year
agreement worth Rs 63,000 crore to supply
propane to GAIL’s Propane Dehydrogenation
and Polypropylene (PDH-PP) Plant project in
Usar, Maharashtra.
GAIL’s upcoming Usar-based PHD-PP plant
represents India's 1st PDH plant, which is likely
to launch operations in 2025.
CSIR-NIIST HAL Kerala-based Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research-National Institute for Interdisciplinary
Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in
Bengaluru (Karnataka) to collaborate in India's
aerospace and defense sectors.
The collaboration aims to strengthen the
indigenisation and import substitution program
for India's aerospace and defence sectors.
Indian Institute of FSR Global Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and
Corporate Affairs (IICA) FSR Global, an initiative of the Florence School
of Regulation (FSR), signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to promote collaboration
in academia and research on regulatory issues
of the energy sector.
REC Limited (Formerly RailTel To provide financial assistance upto Rs
Rural Electrification 30,000 crore for infrastructure
Corporation Limited) developmental projects in next 5 years.

These projects encompass a wide range of

areas, including Data Center products and
services, Telecom & IT products and
services, Railways & Metro projects, and the
KAVACH Train Collision Prevention System.
IIS Kanpur IIT Kanpur, HAL & DASI Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) Kanpur (Uttar
Pradesh-UP) has signed Memorandum of
Understandings (MoUs) with Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur;
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL); and
Dassault Aircraft Services India Private
Limited(DASI).These MoUs aims to
empower and prepare the youth of UP for
the aerospace and defence sector,
particularly to support the Defence
Industrial Corridor in UP.
IICA Lean Campus Startups & Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA)
WEICI India signed a MoU with Lean Campus Startups
(Trust) and Mumbai, Maharashtra based
Women Entrepreneurs International
Chambers of India (WEICI India) in
Manesar, Gurugram, Haryana, to empower
corporate and women entrepreneurs
through various training programmes. IICA
in partnership with Lean Campus Startups &
WEICI India aims to empower both
corporate and women entrepreneurs,
augmenting their knowledge, skills, and
competencies in the effective establishment
and management of a diverse workforce.
HAL Airbus Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and
Airbus, the largest European aircraft
manufacturer, signed a contract to establish
a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO)
facility for the A-320 family of aircraft at
Nashik, Maharashtra.Airbus will provide
tools and consulting services, with the
facility set to be operational by November
2024.
Solvent Extractors’ ABIOVE, the Brazilian For close cooperation in soyabean oil supply to
Association of India (SEA), a Association of Vegetable Oil India.
cooking oil industry body Industries
Samarkand Institute of University of Delhi To create numerous opportunities for
Economics and Services students, faculty, and researchers from
in Uzbekistan Samarkand and Delhi. This partnership

endorsed by both institutions, aims to

facilitate valuable experiences for both
students and faculty, contributing
significantly to global education and
research.
Small Industries Technology Development To ease access of credit to Micro, Small &
Development Bank of Board (TDB) Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that are
India (SIDBI) attempting to develop and commercialize
indigenous technology or adapt imported
technology for wider domestic applications.
National Institute for the National Book Trust To promote inclusivity.

Empowerment of Persons (NBT) and Daisy Forum of ✓ The MoU with NBT aims to establish
with Visual India (DFI) a Universal Design Center for
Disabilities/(Divyangjan)- Reading in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
NIEPVD The MoU with DFI aims to create and
disseminate accessible books through
Sugamya Pustakalaya, an online library
designed for persons with print disabilities
in India.
Department of Social International Society for Signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Justice and Krishna Consciousness (MoU) for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Empowerment (DoSJE), (ISKCON) (NMBA) to synergize efforts in combating
Ministry of Social Justice drug abuse and building a healthier,
and Empowerment addiction-free nation.
(MoSJE) The Department of Social Justice and
Empowerment is the Nodal agency for Drug
Demand Reduction.
Headquarters, Integrated Council of Scientific and The MoU aims to provide a framework for
Defence Staff (HQ IDS) Industrial Research (CSIR) initiating collaborative interaction between
CSIR Labs, HQ IDS, and Armed Forces
(Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air
Force).
National Institute of The Energy and Resources Signed a Memorandum of Understanding
Disaster Management Institute (TERI) (MOU) to collaborate on Disaster Risk
(NIDM) Reduction (DRR).
The MOU will formalize a strategic
partnership, fostering research, capacity
building, and training to enhance Research
Initiatives.

National Association of NRW.Global Business For the expansion of NASSCOM's launchpad

Software and Services program in Germany.
Companies (NASSCOM) This collaboration aims to promote
innovation, investment, and technological
exchange between North Rhine-Westfalia
(NRW) in Germany and India.
Ministry of Defence M/s Bharat Heavy The Ministry of Defence has signed a
Electricals Limited (BHEL) contract with M/s Bharat Heavy
Electricals Limited (BHEL), Haridwar,
Uttarakhand for the procurement and
manufacturing of 16 Upgraded Super Rapid
Gun Mount (SRGM) along with associated
equipment/accessories for Indian Navy (IN)
under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost
of Rs 2956.89 crore.
Inland Waterways Amazon Signed a MoU enabling Amazon to utilize the
Authority of India (IWAI) Ganga River (National Waterway/NW 1) for
cargo movement, transporting customer
shipments and products.The first ship with
e-commerce cargo will soon be flagged off
from Patna, Bihar to Kolkata, West Bengal
(WB).
✓ This collaboration is a significant
step towards realizing the Prime
Minister (PM)’s Maritime Amrit Kaal
Vision 2047.
In January 2023, Amazon had a dedicated
air cargo network in India through Amazon
Air.
Blue Dart Express India Post To introduce an automated digital parcel
Limited (Blue Dart) lockers service at selected post offices
across India.With this, Blue dart aims to
offer an additional delivery method to its
customers. This partnership with India post
will enable consignees to conveniently
retrieve their shipments from digital parcel
lockers.
Amazon DGFT Amazon India signed a MoU with the
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
(DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Government of India to enable Micro, Small,
and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and
boost e-commerce exports from India. The
partnership aligns with the Foreign Trade

Policy 2023, which identifies e-commerce as

a focus area for amplifying India’s exports.
Amazon India and the West Bengal
Industrial Development Corporation
(WBIDC) signed a MoU to enable MSMEs
and boost e-commerce exports from West
Bengal(WB) during the 7th edition of the
Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS).

APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
Deepesh Nanda President- Tata Power Tata Power, one of India’s largest
Renewables and Renewable Energy integrated power companies,
Chief Executive Limited (TPREL) appointed Deepesh Nanda as
Officer (CEO) and President-Renewables and Chief
Managing Director Executive Officer (CEO) and
(MD) Managing Director (MD) of Tata
Power Renewable Energy Limited
(TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata
Power, with effect from November
1, 2023.He succeeded Ashish
Khanna, who moved as President
of Generation Business.
Professor Sarang Member Strategic and Professor Sarang Deo, Professor of
Deo Technical Operations Management at the
Advisory Group Indian School of Business (ISB) has
(STAG) for been appointed as a member of the
Tuberculosis (TB) Strategic and Technical Advisory
Group (STAG) for Tuberculosis
(TB) by the World Health
Organization (WHO). He will be a
part of a 15-member expert group
responsible for independently
evaluating the WHO’s efforts in
eradicating TB.
Manoranjan Mishra Executive Director Reserve Bank of The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
(ED) India (RBI) appointed Manoranjan Mishra as
its Executive Director (ED) with
effect from November 1, 2023. As
the ED, Manoranjan Mishra will

oversee three Departments namely

Enforcement, Risk Monitoring, and
External Investments &
Operations.
Prior to his appointment as ED, he
was serving as Chief General
Manager in the Department of
Regulation, RBI.
Koppu Sadashiv Chairman and Bharat Heavy Koppu Sadashiv Murthy has been
Murthy Managing Director Electricals Limited appointed as the Chairman and
(CMD) (BHEL) Managing Director (CMD) of the
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
(BHEL) with effect from 1st
November 2023 till the date of his
superannuation (28th February
2027) or until further orders.
✓ Koppu Sadashiv Murthy,
Executive Director at BHEL,
will succeed Nalin Shinghal,
who has been the CMD of
BHEL since July 2019.
✓ Prior to his appointment as
CMD, he served as the
Executive Director of the
Corporate Operations
Management group at
BHEL.
Rajendra Menon Chairman Armed Forces Former Chief Justice(CJ) of Delhi High
Tribunal (AFT) Court(HC), Rajendra Menon has been
re-appointed as Chairman of the
Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) for four
years till 6th June, 2027.
✓ He was initially appointed to
the post in 2019 succeeding
Justice Virender Singh.
AFT is a military tribunal of India
established in 2009 under the Armed
Forces Tribunal Act, 2007.
A S Rajeev Managing Director Bank of The Appointments Committee of the
(MD) & Chief Maharashtra (BoM) Cabinet (ACC) has extended the
Executive Officer tenure of A S Rajeev, Managing
(CEO) Director (MD) & Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Bank of Maharashtra
(BoM) for 6 months till his
superannuation. He has been serving

Matam Venkata Rao MD & CEO Central Bank of as the MD & CEO of BoM since
(M V Rao) India (CBI) December 2018.
Govt extends tenure of MV Rao, MD
& CEO of CBI
The ACC has also extended the tenure
of Matam Venkata Rao(M V Rao), MD
& CEO of Central Bank of India (CBI)
till 31st July 2025. MV Rao has been
serving as the MD & CEO of CBI since
March 2021.
Mr. Sushil Chandra Non-Executive Dabur India Limited Dabur India Limited appointed Mr.
Independent Sushil Chandra, the former (24th)
Director Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of
India as an Additional director, in the
category of Non-Executive
Independent Director for a period of
5 years with effect from November 2,
2023, till November 1, 2028.
Sushil Chandra is a 1980 batch Indian
Revenue Services (IRS) (Information
Technology) officer. He previously
served as Chairperson of Central
Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
Heeralal Samariya Chief Information Central Information On 6th November 2023, Heeralal
Commissioner (Chief Commission (CIC) Samariya sworn in as the Chief
IC) Information Commissioner (Chief IC)
of the Central Information
Commission (CIC). He becomes the
first Dalit Indian Administrative
Service (IAS) officer to hold the post.
✓ Draupadi Murmu, President
of India, administered the oath
of office at the function at
Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
Delhi, Delhi.
He succeeds Yashvardhan Kumar
Sinha, whose tenure as chief of CIC
ended on 3rd October 2023.
Goverdhan S. Rawat Deputy Managing NABARD The Government of India has
and Dr. Ajay Kumar Directors(Dy MDs) appointed Goverdhan S. Rawat and
Sood Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood as Deputy
Managing Directors(Dy MDs) of
National Bank for Agriculture and
Rural Development (NABARD), an
apex development bank administered
by the Ministry of Finance.
Sanjay Kallapur and Part-time members NFRA The Government of India has
R. Narayanaswamy appointed Sanjay Kallapur and R.

Narayanaswamy as part-time
members of the National Financial
Reporting Authority (NFRA), India’s
independent accounting regulator for
3 years.
Venkat Nageswar Chief Executive AMFI The Association of Mutual Funds in
Chalasani India (AMFI), a self-regulatory
organisation (SRO) for the Mutual
Fund (MF) industry in India
appointed Venkat Nageswar
Chalasani, former Deputy
Managing Director (DMD) of the
International Banking Group of
State Bank of India (SBI), as its
new Chief Executive.
He will replace N.S. Venkatesh,
who has served 2 consecutive
terms of 3 years each since
October 2017.
CR Praveen Nair Flag Officer Rear Admiral CR Praveen Nair,
Commanding the officially assumed the role of Flag
Western Fleet Officer Commanding the Western
Fleet on November 10, 2023,
marking a change in leadership for
-
the Western Fleet, the Sword Arm
of the Indian Navy.
He succeeded Rear Admiral Vineet
McCarty, who became the Fleet
Commander of the Western Fleet
in November 2022.
Ashok Vaswani Director, Managing Kotak Mahindra Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited
Director (MD) & Bank Limited (KMBL) has appointed Ashok
Chief Executive (KMBL) Vaswani as a Director, Managing
Officer (CEO), and Director (MD) & Chief Executive
Key Managerial Officer (CEO), and Key Managerial
Personnel Personnel of the Bank, for 3 years,
with effect from January 1, 2024.
The appointment received approval
from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
in October 2023.
He will succeed Dipak Gupta, whose
term as the MD & CEO, and Key
Managerial Personnel of KMBL ends
on December 31, 2023.
Vinay M Tonse Managing Director State Bank of India Appointments Committee of the
(MD) (SBI) Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime

Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, has

approved the appointment of Vinay M
Tonse as the Managing Director (MD)
of State Bank of India (SBI) for two
years till November 2025.
✓ Prior to this appointment,
Vinay Tonse was serving as
the Deputy MD (Corporate
Account Group) of SBI
Vinay M Tonse was recommended to
the post by Financial Services
Institutions Bureau (FSIB) in
September 2023. The post (MD of SBI)
fell vacant in June 2023 after the
appointment of Swaminathan
Janakiraman as Deputy Governor of
the Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
Amar Chintopanth, Directors Board of Reliance The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Shardchandra V Capital given approval to the appointment of
Zaregaonkar, Moses five Hinduja Group representatives
Newling Harding including Amar Chintopanth,
John, Bhumika Batra, Shardchandra V Zaregaonkar, Moses
and Arun Tiwari Newling Harding John, Bhumika
Batra, and Arun Tiwari as directors on
the board of Reliance Capital.
Lakshmi Additional Director South Indian Bank Lakshmi Ramakrishna Srinivas was
Ramakrishna Limited appointed as the Additional Director
Srinivas of the South Indian Bank Limited, a
Private Sector Bank headquartered in
Thrissur, Kerala. She was appointed
as a non-executive Independent
Director (ID) for a 3-year term from
November 20, 2023.
Rajat Kumar Jain Part-time Fino Payment Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Chairman Bank (Fino Bank) approved the appointment of
Rajat Kumar Jain as the Part-
time Chairman of Fino Payment
Bank (Fino Bank) with effect from
24th November 2023, until 1st
November 2025. He is currently
serving as an Independent Director
in Fino bank.
Puneet Vidyarthi President Rural Marketing The Rural Marketing Association
Association of of India (RMAI), the premier body
India (RMAI) of rural marketers in India, has
appointed Puneet Vidyarthi as its
President for the 2023-2025

during its 18th Annual General

Meeting (AGM). Puneet Vidyarthi
succeeds Biswabaran Chakrabarti,
incumbent President of RMAI
(since 2019)
Rajneesh Goel Chief Secretary Karnataka Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister(CM)
of Karnataka, has appointed
Rajneesh Goel as the 40th Chief
Secretary of Karnataka. He will
hold the post till his retirement in
July 2024 or until further orders.
He is currently serving as the
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) in
the Home Department of the
Government of Karnataka.
He will succeed Vandita Sharma,
the incumbent Chief Secretary
(since May 2022) who is set to
retire on 30th November 2023.
Atal Dulloo Chief Secretary Jammu & Kashmir The Appointments Committee of
(J&K) the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed
Atal Dulloo, a 1988 batch Indian
Administrative Service (IAS)
officer, as Chief Secretary of
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) with
effect from 1st December 2023 or
from date of assumption of charge,
whichever is later and until further
orders.
He will replace the incumbent
Chief Secretary Arun Kumar
Mehta who is set to retire on 30th
November 2023.
INTERNATIONAL
AS
Javier Milei President Argentina On November 19, 2023, Javier Milei(53)
of Libertarian Party was elected as the
new president of Argentina. He will
succeed the current Argentina
President Alberto Fernández after
assuming office on December 10,
2023.

✓ Javier Milei is an economist and

former television personality
with little political experience.
He is also regarded as 'Chainsaw Man'
because of his unique style of campaign
by using chainsaw as symbol which
represents its intention to shred
unnecessary spending by up to 15% of
Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Pedro Sánchez Prime Minister Spain Pedro Sánchez of the Spanish
Socialist Workers’ Party(Spanish
acronym: PSOE) was re-elected as
the Prime Minister (PM) of Spain,
officially President of the
Government of Spain.He was elected
for the 2nd term with a majority in
the Spanish parliament.He has been
serving as the Acting PM of Spain
since 25th July 2023.
Luc Frieden Prime Minister Luxembourg Luc Frieden (60), a member of the
Christian Social People's Party (CSV),
sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minister
(PM) of Luxembourg. He succeeds
Xavier Bettel of Liberal Democratic
Party (DP), who served as PM of
Luxembourg from 2013 to 2023.
Outgoing PM Xavier Bettel was
appointed as deputy PM and foreign
minister.
Andry Rajoelina President Madagascar Incumber President of Madagascar
Andry Rajoelina, leader of Young
Malagasies Determined (Tanora
Malagasy Vonona, TGV) party, was
re-elected as the President of
Madagascar for 3rd term.
Previoulsy, he has served as the
President of Madagascar from 2009
to 2014 and from 2019 to 2023. He
became the youngest president in
the Madagascar’s history.
Saima Wazed Regional World Health On 1st November 2023, Saima Wazed,
Director Organisation (WHO) the candidate of Bangladesh, was
South-East Asia Region nominated as the Regional Director of
(SEAR) the World Health Organisation (WHO)
South-East Asia Region (SEAR), one of
the 6 WHO Regions.

✓ Saima Wazed, the daughter of

Bangladesh Prime Minister(PM)
Sheikh Hasina, won the
election with 8 votes(including
Bangladesh and India).
✓ Following the appointment, She
will succeed the incumbent
Regional director Dr. Poonam
Khetrapal Singh (since 2014)
from India on 1st February
2024.
Surendra Kumar Member United Nations (UN) Senior Indian diplomat Surendra
Adhana Advisory Committee on Kumar Adhana was re-elected as a
Administrative and member of the United Nations (UN)
Budgetary Questions Advisory Committee on Administrative
(ACABQ) and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) for
a three-year term, 2024–26, beginning
on 1st January 2024.
He has been a member of ACABQ, a
subsidiary organ of the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA), since
November 2022.
Girish Chandra Vice-Chair United Nations (UN) Girish Chandra Murmu, the
Murmu Panel of External Comptroller and Auditor General
Auditors for 2024 (CAG) of India, was elected as the
Vice-Chair of the United Nations
(UN) Panel of External Auditors for
2024.The Panel has elected Pierre
Moscovici, First President of Cour
des comptes, French Republic, as its
Chair for 2024.
Girish Chandra Murmu, a 1985
batch Indian Administrative Service
(IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre, has
been serving as the CAG of India
since 8th August 2020.
Dr. Anish Shah President- Federation of Indian Dr. Anish Shah, Managing Director
elect Chambers of Commerce (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
and Industry (FICCI) (CEO) of the Mahindra Group,
for 2023-2024 named as the President-elect of
Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI) for
2023-2024.He will succed
Subhrakant Panda, the incumbent
President of FICCI after the 96th
Annual General Meeting which is set

to be held in December 8-9 2023 in

New Delhi, Delhi.

Chetan Bhagat Brand Ambassador Renowned Indian Author and columnist Chetan
Bhagat was appointed as the Brand Ambassador
of Henry Harvin Education (HHE), a Global
Edtech company based out of the United States
of America and India. HHE is an online platform
providing 800+ programmes for upskilling and
reskilling that serves as a career and
competency development organisation.
Pankaj Tripathi UPI (Unified Payments The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
Interface) Safety has appointed Bollywood actor Pankaj Tripathi as
Ambassador its 'UPI (Unified Payments Interface) Safety
Ambassador' to strengthen safety awareness and
security on digital payment platforms.
In 2022, he was named the 'National Icon' of the
Election Commission of India (ECI) for his significant
contribution to creating voter awareness.
Sourav Ganguly Brand Ambassador of Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister (CM) of West
Bengal Bengal (WB) named former Indian cricketer and
Padma Shri Awardee Sourav Ganguly as the “Brand
Ambassador of Bengal” and handed over the
Appointment letter.
Prior to this appointment, renowned Bollywood
Actor Shah Rukh Khan has been serving as the
brand ambassador of Bengal since 2012.
Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Brand Ambassador AS-IT-IS Nutrition, a fitness and sports nutrition
Jadeja (Ravindra Jadeja) brand, has appointed Indian cricketer
Ravindrasinh Anirudhsinh Jadeja (Ravindra
Jadeja) as its brand ambassador.The
collaboration aims to work as a catalyst for
change, encouraging individuals to prioritize
their health and well-being.
SportsBaazi (formerly BalleBaazi), a sports
gaming platform, has appointed Afghanistan
spinner Rashid Khan Arman as its brand
ambassador.This decision aligns with
SportsBaazi’s redesigned brand identity, which
aims to provide thrilling new formats and
unique user experiences to alter fans’
interactions with sports.


Centre Appoints Nodal officers to Act against Film Piracy on Digital Platforms
The government has appointed 12 nodal officers from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(MIB) and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to combat film piracy. The authorised nodal
officers now have the power to block pirated film content across various platforms.
WHO Launches Commission on Social Connection (2024–2026) to Enhance Global Social

Connection
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a new ‘Commission on Social
Connection (2024–2026)’, comprising 11 leading policy-makers, thought leaders, and
advocates, to address loneliness as a serious health risk, prioritise social connection, and
accelerate the implementation of solutions in countries of all income levels.
The Commission will be Co-chaired by Dr. Vivek Murthy, Surgeon General of the United States
of America; and Chido Mpemba, Youth Envoy, African Union Commission.
Federal Bank Partners with Indian shuttler HS Prannoy for Brand Promotion
Federal Bank Limited has signed a partnership with Indian Shuttler Prannoy Haseena Sunil
Kumar (HS Prannoy)(31) for an exclusive collaboration.Under this annual partnership, Federal
Bank will be the exclusive banking partner.The partnership aims to promote the Bank’s
strategy to invest in various adjacent domains to enhance its brand’s influence.
About Federal Bank Limited: MD & CEO – Shyam Srinivasan ,Headquarters – Aluva, Kerala.
AWARDS
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF ARTS & CULTURE FILMS
WINNER
Emmy Award Vir Das Comedy On 20th November 2023, The International
category Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
announced the winners of the 51st
International Emmy® Awards (2023) in New
York City, United States of America(USA).
✓ Indian Comedian and actor Vir Das
won the Emmy under the Comedy
category for his Netflix stand-up
special show “Vir Das: Landing”. With
this, he became the first Indian
Comedian to win the Emmy Award.
Ektaa R. Kapoor, Co-Founder of Balaji
Telefilms was honoured with the International
Emmy Directorate Award for her contribution
to the world of arts and entertainment. She
became the first Indian Woman Filmmaker to
win the Directorate Award. Click here to read
full news

‘Gansamragini Lata Suresh Government of Maharashtra honoured

Mangeshkar Award’ Ishwar veteran playback singer and Padma Shri
also known as Lata Wadkar awardee Suresh Ishwar Wadkar with
Mangeshkar Award prestigious ‘Gansamragini Lata
for the year 2023 Mangeshkar Award’ also known as Lata
Mangeshkar Award for the year 2023. The
-
Lata Mangeshkar Award is an annual
award given by the Directorate of Cultural
Affairs of the Maharashtra Government in
memory of the legendary playback singer
Lata Mangeshkar.
✓ In 2020, he was honoured with the
Padma Shri for his work in the field
of arts.
He won a National Award in 2010 for the
Best Male Playback Singer category.
2023 Earthshot Prize 5 winners Indian solar-powered tech venture Science for
Society Techno Services Private Limited (S4S
Technologies) and a global soil carbon
marketplace ‘Boomitra’ founded by an Indian-
American are two among the five winners
of 2023 Earthshot Prize (3rd Edition).
✓ S4S Technologies won in the ‘Build A
Waste-Free World’ category whereas
Boomitra won in the ‘Fix Our
- Climate’ category.
✓ The winners’ list was announced by
William, Prince of Wales, at the
awards ceremony which was held
in Singapore.
Winners Category Country
Protect and The Andes
Acción Restore Mountains, South
Andina Nature America
GRST Clean Our Air Hong Kong, China
WildAid
Marine Revive Our
Program Oceans Global
Build A
S4S Waste-Free
Technologies World India
Fix Our
Boomitra Climate Global
Kalakar Puraskar Apolinaris Music Apolinaris D’Souza, a prominent Konkani
Award D’Souza singer, lyricist, and composer, was

honored with the 19th edition of the

‘Kalakar Puraskar‘ award in appreciation
of his immense contributions to the field of
music for over 5 decades.
✓ The award was presented by
Mandd Sobhann, in association
with ‘Carval Ghorane’.
The award was presented during the
263rd Monthly Theatre at Kalaangann,
Shakthinagar, Karnataka.
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENCE & BRAVERY

AWARD AWARD FIELD KEY NOTES
NAME WINNER
Rohini Nayyar Deenanath Outstanding The Software engineer-turned-social worker Deenanath
prize 2023 Rajput Contribution Rajput (33) from Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh has won the
to Rural second edition of Rohini Nayyar prize 2023 for an
Development Outstanding Contribution to Rural Development. The award
was presented by Nand Kishore (NK) Singh who is the
Chairman of the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
2023 Indian solar-powered tech venture Science for Society Techno
Earthshot Services Private Limited (S4S Technologies) and a global soil
Prize carbon marketplace ‘Boomitra’ founded by an Indian-
American are two among the five winners of 2023 Earthshot
Prize (3rd Edition).
✓ S4S Technologies won in the ‘Build A Waste-Free
World’ category whereas Boomitra won in the ‘Fix
Our Climate’ category.
✓ The winners’ list was announced by William, Prince
of Wales, at the awards ceremony which was held
in Singapore.
Winners Category Country
Protect and The Andes Mountains,
Acción Andina Restore Nature South America
GRST Clean Our Air Hong Kong, China
WildAid Marine Revive Our
Program Oceans Global
Build A Waste-
S4S Technologies Free World India
Boomitra Fix Our Climate Global

AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS

WINNER
Ballon d’Or Lionel Messi Footbal The 67th edition of the Ballon d’Or 2023 was held
award or on 30th October 2023 at the Théâtre du Châtelet,
Golden Ball Paris, France.
Award ✓ Argentina’s Lionel Andrés Messi (Lionel
Messi), who plays as a forward for Inter
Miami CF has won the Ballon d’Or award or
Golden Ball Award for the record 8th time.
Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí Conca (Aitana Bonmati)
has won the Ballon d’Or (Women) award or
Ballon d’Or Féminin Award.
Asian Football All India The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has won
Confederation Football the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
(AFC) Federation President’s Recognition Bronze Award for
President’s (AIFF) grassroots football. AIFF president Kalyan
Recognition Chaubey received the award at the AFC Annual
Bronze Award Awards 2022 in Doha, Qatar.
-
✓ AFC President Recognition Awards for
Grassroots Football ‘Gold’ won by Football
Australia.
AFC President Recognition Awards for Grassroots
Football ‘Silver’ won by the Guam Football
Association.
CFDA Fashion Serena Williams Tennis American tennis player Serena Williams received the
Icon Award Council of Fashion Designers of America's (CFDA)
Fashion Icon Award in 2023. With this, she becomes
the first athlete to receive this award.
ICC Hall of Former Indian Cricket Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag and
Fame 2023 cricketer former Indian women’s cricket team captain
Virender Diana Fram Edulji, along with Sri Lanka’s
Sehwag and Aravinda de Silva, were inducted into the
former Indian International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame
women’s cricket for the year 2023.Diana Fram Edulji is the first
team captain Indian woman cricketer inducted into the ICC Hall
Diana Fram of Fame.
Edulji, Sri The three legends are to be presented with a
Lanka’s commemorative ICC Cricket Hall of Fame cap
Aravinda de during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup semi-final
Silva at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
on 15th November 2023
International Taekwondo The International Olympic Committee (IOC)
Olympic Humanitarian awarded the 2023 Olympic Cup to the Taekwondo
Committee Humanitarian Foundation (THF) in recognition of

(IOC) awarded Foundation its long-term commitment to empowering refugee

the 2023 (THF) athletes and refugees worldwide through
Olympic Cup taekwondo.
✓ Thomas Bach, IOC President, presented the
-
Olympic Cup to World Taekwondo
President Chungwon Choue in a ceremony
at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne,
Switzerland.
The Taekwondo statue was unveiled in the
Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland to
commemorate the World Taekwondo’s Golden
Jubilee year.

WINNER
FICCI Healthcare Indian The 15th Edition of Federation of Indian
Excellence healthcare Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
Awards sector Healthcare Excellence Awards was held in New
Delhi, Delhi.The award is given to recognize
and felicitate organizations and individuals for
their outstanding contributions to the Indian
healthcare sector. The General Award is given
- on five different categories to recognize
excellence in healthcare sector.
✓ Excellence in Patient Service Delivery
✓ Excellence in Patient Safety & Care
✓ Excellence in Community Engagement
✓ Digital Transformation Initiative of the
Year
Training & Skill Development Initiative of the
Year…Click here for more detail….
Lifetime Salman Indian-born British-American author Salman
Disturbing the Rushdie Rushdie received the first-ever “Lifetime
Peace Award Disturbing the Peace Award” presented by the
- Vaclav Havel Center in Manhattan, New York,
United States of America (USA).He has
authored many novels and book of stories
including Midnight’s Children which was
awarded the Booker Prize in 1981.
2023 Global Nita Ambani Philanthropy The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum
Leadership and (USISPF) honoured Nita Ambani, founder and
Award Corporate Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, with the
Social 2023 Global Leadership Award for

Responsibility Philanthropy and Corporate Social

(CSR) Responsibility (CSR). John Chambers, Chairman
of USISPF, presented the award to Nita Ambani
at the award ceremony held in New Delhi,
Delhi.
Nita Ambani received the award for her
contribution towards women empowerment,
supporting education, promoting Indian arts &
culture (on a global platform and developing
sports in India.
NASA Sujit Roy Contribution to Sujit Roy, Co-Founder of Noida(Uttar Pradesh)
Implementation the Geospatial based BrainAlive Research Pvt. Ltd., was honoured
and Advanced artificial with National Aeronautics and Space
Concepts Team intelligence Administration(NASA) Implementation and
(AI) Advanced Concepts Team (IMPACT) Planet
(IMPACT) Planet
Foundation Award 2023 for his outstanding contribution to the
Award 2023
Model project Geospatial artificial intelligence (AI) Foundation
Model project.
NASA and IBM Research collaborated to create
NASA's first open-source geospatial AI foundation
model for Earth observation data. Sujit Roy was
part of the NASA’s research team.
British Academy Nandini Das Courting India-born author Nandini Das, based in the
Book Prize 2023 India: United Kingdom (UK), has been named the
England, winner of the 11th British Academy Book Prize
Mughal India for Global Cultural Understanding (2023), for
and the her debut book titled “Courting India: England,
Origins of Mughal India and the Origins of Empire”.
Empire ✓ The book is described as the origin story
of Britain and India through the story of
the arrival of Sir Thomas Roe, first
English ambassador in India, in the
early 17th century.
The British Academy Book Prize, formerly
known as the Nayef Al-Rodhan Prize, was
established in 2013. This is a leading
international non-fiction prize.
The Hindu 7 winners Union Minister Raj Kumar Singh, Ministry of Power
BusinessLine honoured the winners of the 5th edition of The
Changemaker Hindu BusinessLine Changemaker Awards
Awards during the award ceremony held in New Delhi,
Delhi.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was named the
Changemaker of the Year 2023 and Amul, the
brand of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing

Federation (GCMMF) based in Anand, Gujarat was

named Iconic Changemaker.
Global 8 winners Responsible Tourism Partnership and International
Responsible Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) announced
Tourism Award the 8 winners of the Global Responsible Tourism
2023 Award 2023, which includes Kerala Responsible
Tourism (RT) Mission (Kerala) and Soar
Excursions, Ahmedabad (Gujarat) from India.
- ✓ Kerala RT mission won the award
under Best for local sourcing, craft and
food category for promoting sustainable
and women-inclusive initiatives.
Soar Excursions won the award under Best for
meaningful connections category.
2023 JCB Prize for Perumal Fire Bird Fire Bird, originally written in Tamil as “Aalanda
Literature Murugan Patchi” by renowned Tamil Writer Perumal
Murugan won the 2023 JCB Prize for Literature.
The book was translated into English by Janani
Kannan and was published by Penguin Random
House India.
Fire Bird is the 5th translated work to win JCB
Prize for Literature.
2023 Kenneth E. Indian Ecological The International Society for Ecological
Boulding economist & Economics Economics (ISEE) honoured Indian economist
Memorial Award Padma Shri & Padma Shri awardee Bina Agarwal with 2023
awardee Bina Kenneth E. Boulding Memorial Award for
Agarwal Ecological Economics. Bina Agarwal is a
Professor of Development Economics and
Environment at the University of Manchester in
Manchester, United Kingdom (UK).
Along with Bina Agarwal, David Barkin, a
professor at the Metropolitan University in
Mexico City was declared as the joint recipient
of 2023 award.
Eco Warrior India's first ever dedicated award show for Indian
Awards 2023 Forest Service Officers, the Eco Warrior Awards
2023, was held in New Delhi, Delhi to honour
exceptional individuals and initiatives that have
made significant contributions to environmental
conservation and sustainable practices.
✓ Eco Warrior Awards 2023 was organised
jointly by Indian Masterminds and Indian
Forest Service Association, and the awards
were sponsored by Hindustan Petroleum
Corporation Limited (HPCL) - a Maharatna
company in oil and gas sector; Gas

Authority of India Limited (GAIL -

- - Maharatna); and Okinawa - Ye E Sahi Hai.
The Winners:
The awards were given in the following 5
categories:
i.Wildlife Conservation: Dr. Mohan Ram for his
work in wildlife conservation in Gir Forest, Gujarat
ii.Wildlife Protection: Ritesh Sarothiya, Regional
Deputy Director, Northern Region (NR), Wildlife
Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), Headquarters,
MoEF&CC, Delhi
iii.Forest Protection: Vasu Kanojia, DFO, North
Seoni, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
iv.Best Use of Technology for Conservation:
Biswajit Mishra, currently serving as Chief
Conservator of Forest (CCF), (CTI), in Bengaluru
v.Award for Community Connect: Millo Tassar,
Conservator of Forests in Arunachal Pradesh.
Miss Universe Miss Sheynnis Miss Sheynnis Alondra Palacios Cornejo (23) from
2023 Alondra Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe at the
Palacios 72nd Miss Universe Beauty Pageant 2023 in San
Cornejo Salvador, Republic of El Salvador. She is the first
women from Nicaragua to win Miss Universe
- crown.
✓ The first runner-up was Miss
Anntonia Porsild of Thailand, and the
second runner-up was Miss Moraya
Wilson of Australia.
Miss India Shweta Sharda made it to the top 20
but didn't reach the top 10 (evening gown round).
Innovation GAIL India Asian Power Magazine presented the 19th
Award – India Limited Asian Power Awards, 3rd Asian Oil & Gas
Awards, and inaugural Asian Water Awards in
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on November 2023.
GAIL India Limited won the ‘Innovation Award
– India’ for reduction in LNG Shipping cost &
-
emissions through Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer
of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) with
backhauling.
It also won ‘Midstream Project of the Year –
India’ for the installation of the first floating
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station at
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Best Employer REC Limited REC Limited (Formerly Rural Electrification
for Policies in (Formerly Corporation Limited) received the “Best
Diversity & Rural Employer for Policies in Diversity & Inclusion”
Inclusion Award Electrification Award.It was awarded at the 4th Diversity &

Corporation - Inclusion Excellence Awards and Conclave

Limited) 2023 organized by the Associated Chambers of
Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in
New Delhi, Delhi.
2023 Booker Paul Lynch For his novel Irish author Paul Lynch won 2023 Booker Prize
Prize ‘Prophet for his novel; ‘Prophet Song’ published by
Song’ Oneworld. He was awarded by Shehan
Karunatilaka, the 2022 winner, during a
ceremony held at Old Billingsgate, London in
the United Kingdom (UK). He received 50,000
Pound sterling and the Iris Trophy for his
award-winning novel.
2023 Global Abdullahi Abdullahi Mire, a former refugee from
Laureate of Mire Somalia has been named the 2023 United
UNHCR Nansen Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Refugee Awards (UNHCR) Nansen Refugee Award’s Global
-
Laureate for championing the right to
education while putting 100,000 books in the
hands of displaced children and youth in
Kenya.

UNEP Champions of the Earth 2023: Honours Solutions to Eliminate Plastic Pollution
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced its 2023 Champions of the
Earth, the United Nations(UN)’s highest environmental honour to recognise individuals, groups, and
organizations whose actions have a transformative impact on the environment.
2023 Laureates:
Category 2023 Laureates
Josefina Belmonte Mayor of
Policy Leadership Quezon City (Philippines)
Inspiration and Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Action (United Kingdom)
Entrepreneurial Blue Circle (China)

Vision José Manuel Moller (Chile)
Council for Scientific and
Science and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Innovation (South Africa)
Ministry of Steel Presented National Metallurgist Awards 2022 for Contribution of

Metallurgists in Iron & Steel Sector
Ministry of Steel presented the National Metallurgist Award (NMA) 2022 to recognise the
excellence and contribution of Metallurgists in the Iron & Steel Sector during the NMA 2022
ceremony.
✓ The NMA 2022 awards were conferred to 5 distinguished metallurgists in 4 categories.

✓ The 4 categories are: Lifetime Achievement Award; National Metallurgist Award; Award
for Research and Development (R&D) in Iron and Steel Sector and Young Metallurgist
Award(sub categories – Metal Science and Environment).
✓ Awardees of NMA 2022:
Category Winner
Lifetime Achievement Award Dr Kamachi Mudali Uthandi
National Metallurgist Award Dr Debashish Bhattacharjee
Award for R&D in Iron and Steel Sector Dr Rameshwar Sah
Dr Niloy Kundu (Metal Science)

Young Metallurgist Award
Agilan Muthumanickam (Environment)
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Presented to COVID-19 warriors

the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2022 was jointly awarded to the
New Delhi, Delhi headquartered Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the New Delhi based Trained
Nurses Association of India (TNAI) as representatives of the COVID-19 warriors in India.
2 Indian Cities joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network: Kozhikode for Literature & Gwalior
for Music
On the occasion of World Cities Day (31 October 2023), 55 cities joined the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
The list featured 2 Indian Cities namely Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) and Kozhikode (Kerala).
✓ Gwalior has been designated as the UNESCO ‘City of Music’ and Kozhikode as the UNESCO
‘City of Literature’.
✓ The newly recognised cities highlight their dedication to integrating culture and creativity
into their developmental frameworks.
Deepti Babuta becomes the First Woman to Bag Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature
Punjabi-author Deepti Babuta won the Dhahan Prize for Punjabi Literature 2023 for her Short stories
collection titled “Bhukh Eon Sah Laindi Hai (‘Hunger Breathes Like This’). She become the first
woman to win The Dhahan Prize.
“Authentic” is Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023

United States of America (USA) dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster announced that the
Word of the Year for 2023 is “Authentic”. According to Merriam-Webster, Authentic is defined
as “not false or imitation” and “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character”.

Collins Dictionary Named ‘AI’ as Word of the Year 2023

Collins Dictionary, a printed and online English dictionary published by HarperCollins in
Glasgow, Scotland, has named “AI” abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence, as the “Word of the
Year 2023”. ‘AI’, the uncountable noun, describes ‘the modelling of human mental functions by
computer programs’.
✓ Lexicographers (a person who compiles dictionaries) of Collins Dictionary stated that the
use of the term “AI” has increased and dominated the conversations of 2023.
✓ The word of the year is chosen from the spoken material from radio, TV and everyday
conversations.
CNS Adm R Hari Kumar Presented Maiden NIB to Cdr M Arun Chakravarthy
Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) has presented the maiden ‘NIB’ (Navy’s
Intellectual Beacon) to Commander M Arun Chakravarthy, winner of Indian Navy’s Sardar KM
Panikkar ‘NIB’ essay competition. He also received the unique badge (NIB), introduced for the
winner to wear on his/ her uniform for 1 year duration.
‘NIB’ essay competition was introduced to promote reading, writing, and thinking skills
amongst the Naval community.

SUMMITS
SUMMIT VENUE KEY POINTS
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safety Bletchley Park in The United Kingdom (UK) Government hosted
Summit Buckinghamshire the world’s 1st global Artificial
(UK) Intelligence (AI) Safety Summit at Bletchley Park
in Buckinghamshire (UK) on November 1-2, 2023.
This 2-day summit brought together Ministers and
representatives from various countries, including
the UK, the United States of America (USA), India,
among others.
✓ the Summit also witnessed the signing of
the Bletchley Declaration by 28 countries
and the launching of the world’s 1st AI
Safety Institute.
During the AI Safety Summit 2023, UK Prime
Minister (PM) Rishi Sunak launched the world’s 1st
AI Safety Institute in the UK to examine, evaluate,
and test new types of AI.
Bengal Global Business Summit West Bengal Government of West Bengal organized the 7th
edition of Bengal Global Business Summit
which was held from November21 to 22, 2023
in Kolkata, West Bengal. During the 7th edition
of Bengal Global Business summit, Mamta
Bannerjee (Chief Minister, West Bengal)
announced that West Bengal attracted

investment worth Rs3.76 Lakh crore which

includes signing of 188 MoUs and Letter of
Intent (LoI) in different sectors.
Reliance Industries pledge to invest Rs20000
crore in West Bengal.
✓ Sanjiv Puri (Chairman, ITC) launched the
ITCMAARS (Metamarket for Advanced
Agriculture and Rural Services) app at
the Bengal Global Business Summit in
Kolkata, West Bengal.
✓ National Stock Exchange (NSE) signed a
MoU with the Government of West
Bengal in Kolkata, West Bengal.
✓ World Trade Centre (WTC)-NDITA has
signed a MoU with the World Trade
Centres of Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai,
Kochi and Noida at the Urban
Infrastructure Session at Bengal Global
Business Summit 2023.
✓ Department of Transport, West Bengal
signed a MoU with Uber to launch Uber
Shuttle bus services.
West Bengal Industrial Development
Corporation (WBIDC) has signed a MoU with
Amazon India at the 7th edition of Bengal
Global Business Summit…Click here for more
detail….
EVENTS
16th Urban Mobility India Manekshaw Centre, The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(UMI) Conference & Parade Road, Delhi organized 16th Urban Mobility India (UMI)
Exhibition 2023 Cantt, New Delhi Conference & Exhibition 2023 in collaboration
with the Institute of Urban Transport (India)
and with the support of Delhi Metro Rail
Corporation Ltd. The event took place at the
Manekshaw Centre, Parade Road, Delhi Cantt,
New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ Inaugurated by: Shri Hardeep Singh
Puri. (Minister of Housing & Urban
Affairs and Petroleum and Natural Gas)
✓ Theme: Integrated and Resilient Urban
Transport

Awards were presented to state/city

authorities for their outstanding urban
transport projects in various categories…Click
here for more detail
India Mobile Congress (IMC New Delhi The 7th Edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC
2023) 2023), Asia’s largest telecom, media, and
technology forum, was held at Bharat Mandapam
in New Delhi, Delhi, from 27th to 29th October
2023.
✓ The theme of the IMC 2023 was ‘Global
Digital Innovation’. The congress was
virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister
(PM) Narendra Modi on 27th October
2023.
✓ PM Modi Inaugurates 100 ‘5G Use Case
Labs’ at IMC 2023, Including Five in
Andhra Pradesh
✓ Reliance Jio Launches India’s First
Satellite-Based Gigabit Broadband Service,
“JioSpaceFiber”
✓ Sunil Bharti Mittal announces satellite
communication breakthrough for India at
IMC 2023
✓ HFCL Unveils 1728-Intermittently Bonded
Ribbon (IBR) Cables at IMC 2023.
Indo-Pacific Regional New Delhi 5th edition of 'Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue
Dialogue 2023” (IPRD- 2023” (IPRD-2023)was held from November
2023) 15-17, 2023, the three-day annual apex-level
regional strategic dialogue of the Indian Navy
(IN), was held in New Delhi , Delhi, with the
theme ‘Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-
Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity’.
✓ IPRD-2023 Saw Signing of
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
by National Maritime Foundation
(NMF)
✓ The Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar
released a book entitled ‘Building
Partnerships – India and
International Cooperation for
Maritime Security’ published by NMF.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released
an edited volume entitled ‘Maritime
Perspectives: Maritime Security Dynamics
in the Indo-Pacific: Strategies and
Trends’ published by NMF.

ASEAN-India Millet Festival Indonesia The Indian Mission to Association of

2023 Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in
collaboration with Ministry of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare
(MoA&FW) organised the ASEAN-India
Millet Festival 2023 from 22nd to 26th
November 2023 , in Indonesia.
Millet Festival is a part of United Nation(UN)’s
International Year of Millets 2023 (IYM
2023) celebrations
CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE VENUE KEY POINTS
Global Conference on New Delhi The first Global Conference on Cooperation in
Cooperation in Enforcement Enforcement Matters (GCCEM) was held in New
Matters (GCCEM) Delhi, Delhi from 30th October to 1st November
2023. The conference was inaugurated by Union
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance
(MoF).
✓ The theme of 1st GCCEM was 'It takes a
Network to fight a Network'.
✓ The conference was organised by
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI),
under Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
Customs (CBIC) in consultation with
World Customs Organisation (WCO),
Brussels in Belgium.
Launch of phase IV of 'Operation Sesha' to curb the
illegal trade of Timber, including Red Sanders.

MEETINGS
MEETING NAME VENUE KEY POINTS
1st India-US Defence New Delhi Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under
Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS the Department of Defence Production (DDP),
X) Investors Meet Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India
and the United States Department of Defence
(USDoD), Government of the United States of
America (USA) organised the 1st India-US
Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS X)
Investors Meet on 8 November 2023 in New
Delhi, Delhi.
The first-ever INDUS-X Investors Event
generated the interest of investors in the start-

ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises

(MSMEs) operating in the defense sector.
1st Australia India Education IIT Gujarat Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry
and Skill Council (AIESC) of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Skill
Meeting Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) co-
chaired the 1st Australia India Education and
Skill Council (AIESC) meeting with Australian
Ministers- Jason Clare, Education Minister and
Brendan O’Connor, Skills & Training Minister.
✓ During the 1st AIESC meeting, 5
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)
were exchanged between Indian and
Australian Higher education institutions
(HEIs).
✓ Union Education Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan met Australian Education
Minister Jason Clare and both countries
agreed to increase research
collaborations in priority areas including
mines and minerals and critical minerals.
✓ Union Education Minister Dharmendra
Pradhan and Australian Education
Minister Jason Clare announced the
opening of two Australian Universities
campuses of Wollongong and Deakin
University in GIFT City(Gujarat
International Finance Tec-City),
Gandhinagar (Gujarat)…Click here for
more detail….
INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
NAME CONDUCTED BY
Edelgive Hurun India Hurun Research Institute On November 2, 2023, Hurun Research
Philanthropy List and EdelGive Foundation Institute and EdelGive Foundation released
2023 the Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List
2023 in which Shiv Nadar (78) of HCL Technologies
retained the title of ‘India’s Most Generous‘ for
the 3rd consecutive year as he donated Rs 2,042
crore during the FY2022-23.
✓ Azim Premji, founder chairman of Wipro, is
ranked 2nd, as he donated Rs 1,774 crore
and Mukesh Ambani, Chairman & Managing

Director of Reliance Industries limited (RIL),

is ranked 3rd with a donation of Rs 376 crore.
✓ Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of
Zerodha, became
the youngest philanthropist on the list as he
donated Rs 110 crore during FY22-23.
There are 7 woman in the list led by Rohini Nilekani,
founder of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, is the most
generous woman philanthropist as she donated Rs
170 crore during the year.
State Food Safety Food Safety and Standards According to the 5th edition of State Food Safety
Index (SFSI 2022- Authority of India (FSSAI) Index (SFSI 2022-2023) by Food Safety and
2023) Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), with the
inclusion of a new parameter (Improvement in SFSI
Rank) in the 2023 index, 19 out of 20 large states
recorded a drop in their 2023 scores from 2019.
The Index was released by Union Health Minister
Mansukh Mandaviya on World Food Safety Day
2023
Ranking & Score:
Score (2022- Score (2018-
Rank State/UT 23) 19)
Top 3 Large States
1 Kerala 63 66
2 Punjab 57.5 47
3 Tamil Nadu 56.5 72
Top 3 Small States
1 Goa 51 75
2 Manipur 40 47
3 Sikkim 39.5 31
Top 3 Union Territories
Jammu and
1 Kashmir 59.5 64
2 Delhi 49.5 57
3 Chandigarh 45 64
QS (Quacquarelli QS (Quacquarelli On November 8, 2023, the QS (Quacquarelli
Symonds) World Symonds) Symonds) World University Ranking: Asia 2024
University Ranking: was released, showcasing 148 Indian universities
Asia 2024 which is 30 more than the last edition. With this,
India now holds the highest representation in
Asia’s higher education system, surpassing China
(133) and Japan (96).India has 118 universities
in 2023 ranking.

✓ This is the 16th edition of the QS World

University Ranking in this category.
✓ Peking University, Beijing, China has
retained the 1st position in the QS Asia
Ranking 2024, while, Indian Institute of
Technology Bombay (IITB) in Mumbai,
Maharashtra grabbed the top spot in India
with 40th position in the Asia Ranking.
✓ Top 5 in QS World University Rankings:
Asia 2024
Rank University Country
1 Peking University China
The University of Hong
2
Hong Kong Kong
National University of
3 Singapore
Singapore (NUS)
Nanyang
4 Technological Singapore
University (NTU)
4 Tsinghua University China
Inclusiveness Index Othering and Belonging According to the Inclusiveness Index published
Institute (OBI) by the Othering and Belonging Institute (OBI) at
California University, United States of
America(USA), India was ranked 117th out of 129
countries with an overall score of 49.24. India
was ranked 129th in religion inclusiveness,
121st in gender, 108th in disability, 87th in race,
40th in the general population, and 39th in
LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Queer or questioning, Intersex, Asexual).
✓ The index was topped by New Zealand for
the second consecutive year with an
overall score of 82.08.
It is followed by 2nd place at Portugal (77.6), and
the Netherlands (76.98) in the 3rd place.
List of BBC 100 British Broadcasting British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) released
Women 2023 Corporation (BBC) the 11th edition of the list of BBC 100 Women
2023 which includes four Indian women viz.
Actress Dia Mirza, Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur,
Photographer Arati Kumar-Rao, and Tibetan
Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.It is list of
100 inspiring and influential women from around
the world for 2023.

✓ Harmanpreet Kaur and Dia Mirza are

named under the Entertainment & Sport
category while Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is
acknowledged under the category of
Culture and education.
✓ In 2023, for the first time, this BBC 100
Women list specifically highlights ‘Climate
pioneers’ a group of women leading the
battle against the climate crisis. This
includes Indian photographer Arati
Kumar-Rao.
The list is organized into categories like Culture
and Education; Entertainment and Sport; Politics
and Advocacy; and Science, Health, and
Tech.Click here for more detail
REPORTS
Road Accidents in India-2022 Ministry of Road According to “Road Accidents in India-
Transport and 2022”, the annual report published by the
Highways (MoRTH) Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
(MoRTH). The States and Union Territories
(UTs) of India reported a total of 4,61,312
road accidents during 2022. Tamil Nadu
(TN) tops the list of States in Number of
Accidents for the 5th consecutive year. TN
has reported 64,105 (13.9%) accidents in
2022.
TN is followed by Madhya Pradesh with
54,432 (11.8%), Kerala with 43,910 (9.5%)
accidents, Uttar Pradesh with 41,746
(9.1%) and Karnataka with 39,762 (8.6%).
World Economic Outlook: International The ‘World Economic Outlook:
Navigating Global Divergences Monetary Navigating Global Divergences’ report
report Fund (IMF) released by the International Monetary
Fund (IMF) in October 2023, projected the
global economic growth to slow down from
3.5% in 2022 to 3% in 2023 and 2.9% in
2024.
✓ This is one of the lowest growth
rates in decades and well below the
historical average of 3.8% recorded
between 2000 & 2019.

According to the report, the global inflation

is expected to decrease from 8.7% in 2022
to 6.9% in 2023 and 5.8% in 2024.
Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) United Nations Adaptation Gap Report (AGR) 2023:
2023 Environment Underfinanced. Underprepared – Inadequate
Programme (UNEP) investment and planning on climate adaptation
leaves world exposed, released by United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
reveals a concerning slowdown in the climate
adaptation efforts globally.
✓ The report states that the climate
adaptation finance flows from public
multilateral like the World Bank and
bilateral sources to the developing
nations declined by 15% to around USD
21 billion in 2021.
✓ At present, the estimated global
adaptation finance gap (difference
between needs and actual financial
flows) is USD 194-366 billion per year.
Note: The report was released in anticipation of
the Conference of the Parties (COP28) climate
talks in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE),
scheduled to be held from 30 November to 12
December 2023.
2024 Asia-Pacific Human United Nations The United Nations Development Programme
Development Report: Making Our Development (UNDP) released its “2024 Asia-Pacific
Future: New Directions for Human Programme (UNDP) Human Development Report: Making Our
Development in Asia and the Future: New Directions for Human
Pacific Development in Asia and the Pacific” stating
India among the top countries with high income
and highest wealth inequality, despite rapid
economic growth.
Highlights:
Income Growth: Between 2000 and 2022,
India’s per capita income increased from USD
442 to USD 2,389.
Poverty Reduction: From 2004 to 2019,
poverty rates (based on USD 2.15 per day)
dropped from 40% to 10%.
Multidimensional Poverty: India’s population
in multidimensional poverty decreased from
25% to 15% between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
Persistent Poverty: Despite progress, poverty
remains concentrated in states housing 45% of
the population but 62% of the poor.

Vulnerable Groups: Women, informal

workers, and inter-state migrants are at risk of
falling back into poverty.
Gender Disparity: Women constitute only 23%
of the labor force, with growing income
disparity despite rapid economic growth.
World Energy Employment International International Energy Agency (IEA) released
(WEE 2023) Energy Agency the ‘2nd edition of the World Energy
(IEA) Employment (WEE 2023)’ report stating
clean energy jobs surpassed fossil fuel jobs
for the first time in 2021 at the global level.
The report was prepared by the World
Energy Outlook Division of the Directorate
of Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks
of IEA.
Data from the International Labour
Organization (ILO), United Nations
Industrial Development Organization
(UNIDO), Economic Research Institute
(ERI), and national labour statistics were
utilized.
Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report World Health According to the World Health Organization's
2023 Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2023,
7.5 million people across the globe were newly
diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2022, the
highest ever since records began in 1995.
✓ India, Indonesia, and the Philippines,
responsible for over 60% of the global
decline in new TB cases in 2020 and
2021, surpassed 2019 levels of
diagnosis in 2022.
Globally, an estimated 10.6 million people
developed TB in 2022, up from best estimates
of 10.3 million in 2021 and 10.0 million in 2020.
India Finance Report 2023 (IFR Shaktikanta Das, The Shaktikanta Das, Governor of Reserve
2023) Governor of Bank of India (RBI), released the 1st
Reserve Bank of flagship publication of the Centre for
India (RBI) Advanced Financial Research and Learning
(CAFRAL) titled ‘India Finance Report 2023
(IFR 2023)‘. The report stated that India’s
fintech sector could replace traditional
banking in the near future.
✓ The theme of the report is
‘Connecting the Last Mile: Non-
Banking Financial Companies in
India’.

✓ CAFRAL, promoted by RBI, is a not-

for-profit organisation established in
2011 to promote research and
learning in banking and finance.
PayGlocal, a cross-border payments
platform, receives in-principle approval
from RBI for Payment Aggregator (PA)
license.
Progress Toward Measles World Health According to “Progress Toward Measles
Elimination- Worldwide, 2000– Organization (WHO) Elimination- Worldwide, 2000–2022”, a new
2022 and the United States report released by the World Health
(US) Centres for Organization (WHO) and the United States (US)
Disease Control and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Prevention (CDC) (CDC), around 11 lakh children in India
missed their Measles-containing-vaccine
first-dose (MCV1) in 2022.
Globally, India is featured among the top 10
countries with highest number of children who
missed their 1st dose.
State Educational Achievement Performance The State Educational Achievement Survey
Survey (SEAS) 2023 Assessment, Review (SEAS) 2023 was successfully conducted on 3rd
and Analysis of November 2023 among students in grades 3, 6,
Knowledge for and 9 to identify areas where learning needs
Holistic Development improvement.
(PARAKH) ✓ This is the 1st survey conducted by the
Performance Assessment, Review and
Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic
Development (PARAKH), the national
assessment regulator. The objective of
the survey is to assess the learning
competencies of students at the end of
each educational stage, i.e.,
foundational, preparatory, and middle
with a primary focus on Language and
✓ The survey was conducted in
collaboration with National Council of
Educational Research and Training
(NCERT), New Delhi, under the aegis of
the Ministry of Education (MoE) to track
the learning progress.
✓ The State Councils of Educational
Research and Training (SCERT) and the
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) were
responsible for organising the survey in
the sampled schools in their respective
states.
Emissions Gap Report 2023: United Nations As per the 14th edition of Emissions Gap
Broken Record Environment Report 2023: Broken Record: Temperatures

Programme hit new highs, yet world fails to cut

(UNEP) emissions (again), released by the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
the world must reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions by at least 28-42% by
2030 to limit warming to 2°C and 1.5°C,
respectively.
✓ The report warns that if countries
fail to reduce GHG emissions, then
global temperatures will be
increased by 2.5 to 2.9 degrees
Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Under current policies, global warming is
projected to reach 3 degrees Celsius above
pre-industrial levels by 2100.

Fincare SFB to Merge with AU Small Finance Bank in All-share Deal
The board of AU Small Finance Bank (SFB) Limited and Fincare Small Finance Bank (SFB)
Limited has approved an all-stock merger of AU SFB and Fincare SFB under Section 44A of the
Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
✓ AU SFB will acquire Fincare SFB in an all-stock transaction valued at Rs 4,411 crore.
✓ The merger is subject to approval by the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) and the Competition
Commission of India(CCI).
✓ About AU Small Finance Bank Limited: MD &CEO – Sanjay Agarwal,Headquarters –
Jaipur, Rajasthan.
CCI Approved Investment by IBEF-IV of MO Alternates in SK Finance

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the minority investment by India
Business Excellence Fund (IBEF) – IV(Acquirer), a private equity fund of Motilal Oswal
Alternates (MO Alternates), in SK Finance Limited (Target), a Non-Banking Financial Company
(NBFC) registered with Reserve Bank of India(RBI).
✓ IBEF – IV is a Category II Alternative Investment Fund(AIF) registered with the Securities
and Exchange Board of India(SEBI).
Zurich Insurance to Acquire 51% Stake in Kotak General Insurance for Rs 4,051cr
Kotak Mahindra Bank and Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company have entered into
definitive agreements with Zurich Insurance Company Ltd, whereby Zurich will invest approximately
Rs 4,051 crore to acquire a 51% stake in Kotak General Insurance.
The acquisition is subject to the regulatory approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and the Competition Commission of
India (CCI).

CCI Approvals on 6th November 2023

Acquisition of 49% shareholding of Bharti AXA Life Insurance Company Limited (BALIC) by Bharti Life
Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) from AXA India Holdings (AXA) taking its total shareholding in BALIC
to 100% and acquisition of BALIC’s sole control.
✓ Acquisition of 48.54% shareholding of Bharti Management Services Limited (BMSL) by Bharti
Enterprises Limited (BEL) from Societe Beaujon (a subsidiary of AXA) taking its total shareholding
in BMSL to 100% and acquisition of BMSL’s sole control.
✓ CCI has approved the acquisition of 20.51% equity shares of Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Limited
(IRSL) by Aloke Lohia from Brookgrange Investment Limited and transfer of 20.51% equity
shares of IRSL to Urmila Lohia by Aloke Lohia.
Jaiprakash Associates to Transfer 7.71% Equity to ICICI Bank as its Payment Obligation
Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) and associated trusts are set to transfer 7.71% equity or
over 18.93 crore shares to ICICI Bank as part of a settlement agreement between the JAL and
the bank, amid loan repayment default. The move is part of JAL’s efforts to reduce its debt with
the bank.The 7.71% stake is worth Rs 366 crore at the current market price.
✓ JAL failed to repay a loan worth Rs 4,258 crore, comprising a principal sum of Rs 1,733
crore and an interest of Rs 2,525 crore.
CCI clears Acquisition of Minority Stake in Shadowfax Technologies by Mirae Group Entities
Fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of a minority
stake in Shadowfax Technologies Private Limited (Target) by the Mirae Group
Entities (Acquirers).
• Acquisition of a minority stake in Shadowfax Technologies by Mirae Asset Late Stage
Opportunities Fund (Mirae IV).
RBI Approves Hinduja Group Entity Acquisition of Reliance Capital

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the resolution plan for debt-ridden Reliance Capital, and
enabled Hinduja Group entity IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL) to acquire Reliance Capital.
The Administrator of Reliance Capital received a “No objection” from the RBI on November 17, 2023.
CCI Approved for Titan’s Additional Stake-Buy in CaratLane

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 27.18% share capital of
CaratLane Trading Private Limited (CaratLane) by Titan Company Limited (Titan) on a fully diluted
basis, from Mithun Padam Sacheti, Siddhartha Padam Sacheti, and Padamchand Sacheti.
✓ Titan has acquired 91.90 lakh equity shares in CaratLane for a cash consideration of Rs 4621
crore.
✓ This acquisition increased Titan's stake in CaratLane to 98.28% from 71.09%.
CCI Approves Acquisition of Additional Stake in Niva Bupa Health Insurance by Bupa Singapore
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of an additional stake in
Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company by Bupa Singapore Holdings. The Proposed transaction
is approved under the green channel route, adhering to Regulation 5A and Schedule III of CCI
(Procedure in regard to the transaction of business relating to combinations) Regulations,
2011.
✓ Acquirer- Bupa Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd. (Bupa Singapore).
✓ Target- Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (Niva Bupa).

Berkshire Hathaway Sells its Entire 2.46% Stake in Paytm for Rs 1,371 crore
Berkshire Hathaway Inc, an American diversified multinational holding company led by
Warren Buffett, sold its entire 2.46% stake in One97 Communications, the parent company
of fin-tech company Paytm for Rs.1,371 crore in a bulk deal on the National Stock Exchange
(NSE).
DEFENCE
EXERCISE
PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
Exercise KAZIND- Otar, Kazakhstan Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF)
2023 participates in the Joint Military ‘Exercise
KAZIND-2023’ at Otar, Kazakhstan. The 7th
edition of the KAZIND, an annual bilateral
exercise between India and Kazakhstan, is being
held from 30th October till 11th November 2023.
The 2023 exercise was upgraded as a Bi-service
Exercise with the inclusion of the Air Force along
with the Army, about 30 Air Force personnel from
both sides will take part in the current edition of
the exercise.
Exercise Poorvi Akash The Shillong-headquartered Eastern Air Command
(EAC) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted its
- annual Command level exercise called Exercise
Poorvi Akash from 30 October to 5 November
2023 to check its combat preparedness.
5th CORPAT & Northern Bay of Bengal The 4th edition of the Bilateral Exercise between
Bongosagar 23 the Indian Navy (IN) and Bangladesh Navy(BN),
BONGOSAGAR 23, and the 5th edition of
Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) by the two navies
was conducted from 7th to 9th November 20233
in the Northern Bay of Bengal.
✓ Regular bilateral exercises and
coordinated patrols have strengthened
mutual understanding and cooperation
between the two navies.
Bongo Sagar exercise was first conducted in 2019
while 1st edition of IN-BN CORPAT was held in
2018.
MITRA SHAKTI- Armed forces of India MITRA SHAKTI-2023, the 9th edition of the joint
2023 and Sri Lanka military exercise between the armed forces of
India and Sri Lanka, commenced on 16th

November 2023 at the Foreign Training Node in

Aundh, Pune, Maharashtra. The 14-day exercise is
set to conclude on 29 November 2023.
Objective:To promote close relations between
armies of both countries and enhance
interoperability and sharing of best practices in
Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terrorism (CI-
CT) operations.
Vajra Prahar 2023 Meghalaya The 14th edition of the India - United States of
America (USA) Joint Special Forces exercise, Vajra
Prahar 2023, commenced at the Joint Training Node
in Umroi Cantonment, located in Ri Bhoi district of the
north eastern state of Meghalaya.
Exercise Vajra Prahar is an annual exercise between
India and the US to share the best practices and
experiences in areas such as joint mission planning
and operational tactics.
SURYA KIRAN- XVII Indo-Nepal joint Surya Kiran XVII, the 17th Edition of the Indo-
training Exercise, Nepal joint training Exercise began at
Uttarakhand Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. The exercise between
Indian Army and Nepal Army will be conducted
from 24th November to 7th December 2023. The
exercise is conducted alternatively in India and
Nepal.Surya Kiran XVI, 16th edition of the
exercise was held at Saljhandi, Nepal in December
2022.
NATPOLREX-IX off Vadinar coast, The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 9th
Gujarat National Level Pollution Response
Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) on 24-25 November
2023, off Vadinar coast, Gujarat, in accordance
with National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan
(NOS-DCP).
Aim: To assess the coordination and readiness of
various agencies in responding to a marine oil
spill.
The 8th edition of NATPOLREX-VIII was
conducted from April 19-20, 2022, off Mormugao
Harbour, Goa.
AUSTRAHIND-23 Australia The Indian Armed Forces takes part in the 2nd
edition of the Joint Military Exercise with
Australian Army in “AUSTRAHIND-23,” it is being
held from November 22nd to December 6th,
2023, in Perth, Australia.

Exercise “AUSTRAHIND” is an annual exercise

that will be held alternatively in India and
Australia.
The 1st edition of the “AUSTRAHIND’ was held in
2022 in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges (MFFR) in
Mahajan, Rajasthan.
TESTING
70 mm rockets and 20 Prachand The Indian Army conducted the inaugural test firing of 70
mm turret guns of its mm rockets and 20 mm turret guns of its Light Combat
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand in both day and night
Helicopter (LCH) conditions.
✓ It was carried out by the 1st LCH squadron from
the Air Force station in Likabali in Arunachal
Pradesh.
The Prachand is India’s first indigenous multi-role class
combat helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL). It received operational clearance in 2017.
New Generation Rudra The Spear Corps (the aviation unit of the Indian Army)
Rocket and Turret successfully test fired the New Generation Rocket and
ammunition Turret ammunition from the first Indigenous Attack
Helicopter Rudra.
About Rudra:
✓ The Rudra is a weaponised version of the
Advanced Light Dhruv helicopter of 5.8 Ton class
powered by two Shakti Engines.
It was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) to meet the requirements of Indian Army
and Indian Air Force(IAF).
Naval Anti-Ship IN’s Seaking 42B The Defence Research and Development Organisation
Missile-Short Range Maritime Helicopter (DRDO) in cooperation with the Indian
(NASM-SR) Navy (IN) successfully tested the indigenously designed &
developed Guided Naval Anti-Ship Missile-Short Range
(NASM-SR) from IN’s Seaking 42B Maritime Helicopter.
Naval Anti-Ship Missile - Short Range (NASM-SR):
✓ It is a helicopter-fired missile capable of
destroying small boats or Offshore Patrol Vessels
(OPVs) at a maximum range of 55 kilometers
while traveling at 0.8 Mach (slower than the
speed of sound).
✓ It is the first indigenous air-launched anti-ship
missile system developed for the Indian Navy and
is India's version of the Harpoon Anti-Ship
Missile.


Indian Navy Decommissions Ilyushin-38 Sea Dragon Aircraft; IAF phased out MiG-21 squadron
in Rajasthan
On 31st October 2023, Ilyushin (IL)-38 Sea Dragon (SD) long-range maritime patrol aircraft of the
Indian Navy(IN) was decommissioned after 46 years of service to the nation, at INS Hansa at Dabolim,
Goa.
P-8I aircraft and MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones:
✓ The Indian Navy has placed an order for eight P-8I aircraft in 2009 and the first aircraft entered
service in 2013. An additional four were ordered in 2016 and were all delivered by December
2021, bringing the total to 12 aircraft.
IAF phases Mig-21 Squadron Based in Rajasthan
On 31st October 2023, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has phased out another Mig-21 fighter squadron, No.
4 squadron, known as ‘OORIALS’, based in Uttarlai, Rajasthan. The squadron will be re-equipping it
with Sukhoi-30 MKI (SU-30MKI) aircraft.
Indian Navy’s 4th Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft ‘Amini‘ Launched

Indian Navy (IN) launched ‘Amini‘, the 4th in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow
Water Crafts (ASW-SWC), at shipbuilding facility of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) in Kattupalli,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu.It is built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE).
✓ The launch ceremony was presided over by Vice Admiral (VAdm) Sandeep Naithani, Chief
of Materiel, IN.
Indian Navy Launched 4th MCA Barge, LSAM 10 (YARD 78) at M/s SEPPL in AP
On 20th November 2023, Indian Navy (IN) launched the Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge,
LSAM 10 (Yard 78), the 4th vessel in the 08 x MCA Barge project, at Guttenadeevi, East Godavari,
Andhra Pradesh(AP).
The barge was built by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) Shipyard, M/s SECON
Engineering Projects Pvt Ltd (SEPPL), Visakhapatnam (AP).
Indian Army is Set to Induct Hermes 900 Starliner Drones of Israel

The Indian Army (IA) is set to induct the Hermes 900 Starliner drone a Multi-role, Medium Altitude
Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS) from Israel-based defence company Elbit
Systems to boost surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
IAF has inducted two Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Heron Mark 2 drones from the Israel
Aerospace Industries (IAI) in August 2023.

SATELLITES LAUNCHES
Two-stage Black Brant 9 NASA, USA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
sounding rocket (NASA) has launched a two-stage Black Brant 9 sounding
rocket as part of Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscopic
Experiment (INFUSE) mission from the White Sands
Missile Range in New Mexico, United States of America
(USA).

The mission aims to study the Cygnus Loop, a 20,000-

year-old supernova remnant located 2,600 light-years
away from Earth.
NATIONAL
India set to develop Israel’s Iron Dome like LR-SAM under Project Kusha
India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is set to develop a long-range
surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) system, similar to that of Israel’s Iron Dome defence
system.This system developed under “Project Kusha” will equip India with a robust air defence
system which will detect and neutralise incoming threats. DRDO is the defence Research and
Development (R&D) wing under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India.
ISRO Launches Robotics Challenge For Aspirants Interested In Space Missions With Cash Prize
Of Rs 5 Lakh
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched a robotic challenge program “ISRO Robotics
Challenge-U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) 2024 (IRoC-U 2024)” with a tagline of “Let's build a space
robot” to build robots to compete in an extra-terrestrial-inspired arena.
OneWeb India Becomes 1st Firm to Get IN-SPACe Approval for Satellite Broadband Service in
India
OneWeb India has become the first firm to receive the authorisations from Indian National
Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to launch Eutelsat OneWeb’s
commercial satellite broadband services in India.
✓ With this, OneWeb India aims to extend internet services to rural and unconnected areas
and territorial waters of India on a 24×7 basis using the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation.
✓ The authorisation valid for 5 years is subject to the assignment of the spectrum by the
Department of Telecommunication (DoT), Ministry of Communication for both the
gateways and user terminal operations.
New technology for converting CO2 to CO developed with Potential for Application in Steel
Sector
The National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCoE-CCU) at Indian Institute
of Technology(IIT ) Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra has developed a new energy-efficient technology for
converting Carbon Dioxide (CO2) to carbon monoxide (CO). It transforms the CO under electro catalytic
conditions at ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of water.
Central Railway’s Mumbai Division Commissioned BPAC System for Rail Safety
The Mumbai Division of Central Railway has commissioned the Block Proving by Axle Counter
(BPAC) system to enhance rail safety in the Vashind-Asangaon section of the Thane district in
Maharashtra. BPAC system counts the number of axles of wheels of train coaches passed in a
particular section. Once it gives clearance for no leftover coaches, it allows another train to
enter into that particular section.

RailTel Sets Up CoE to Provide Training on Railway Signalling & Tele Communications
RailTel Corporation of India Limited, a Miniratna (Category-I) Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE)
under the Ministry of Railways, has set up a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to provide training in railway
signalling and telecommunication systems in New Delhi, Delhi.
The CoE will offer a range of certification and diploma courses in collaboration with the Indian
Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Ashok Leyland is the First OEM to Manufacture LNG Engines

Ashok Leyland becomes the first Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to unveil an
in-house Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) engine named as ‘AVTR 1922’ .Ashok Leyland has
delivered first batch of 12 LNG-powered haulage trucks to Mahanagar Gas Limited in Hosur,
Tamil Nadu(TN). The AVTR 1922 is a customizable engine powered by a 6-cylinder H-series
‘Hino’ engine.
DoT Granted Jio and OneWeb with Licences for Satellite Internet Services in India
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications (MoC)
has granted the requisite licenses to Jio Satellite Communications Limited and Bharti
Enterprises-owned Eutelsat OneWeb. DoT allocated Internet Service Provider (ISP)-A and a
Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) licence to OneWeb and ISP license to Jio.
INTERNATIONAL
China Approves World’s First Passenger-Carrying Flying Taxi “Ehang’s EH216-S”
Chinese drone startup EHang received the type certificate for Ehang 216-S (EH216-S), its
electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, from the Civil Aviation Administration of
China (CAAC), the Chinese civil aviation authority under the Ministry of Transport. With this,
EH216-S becomes the 1st eVTOL vehicle in the world to be cleared for commercial use.
CRS-29: SpaceX Launched Its 29th Cargo Mission To ISS

On 9th November 2023, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and SpaceX
jointly launched Dragon’s 29th Commercial Resupply Services mission (CRS-29) to the
International Space Station (ISS). CRS-29 Dragon spacecraft was launched atop a Falcon 9
Rocket from Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center(KSC) in Florida, the United States
of America(USA). This is the 9th SpaceX launch under the Commercial Resupply Services-2
(CRS) contract.
SPORTS
CRICKET
22-Feet Long Statue of Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar Unveiled at Mumbai’s Wankhede
Stadium
Maharashtra Chief Minister(CM) Eknath Shinde unveiled the 22-foot statue of Bharat Ratna
Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It serves as a tribute to
his illustrious career (1989 – 2013) in his 50 years of life, commemorating his 50th birth
anniversary celebrated in April 2023. The statue has been designed by Pramod Kamble, a
renowned painter and sculptor from the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

Cricket: Punjab Defeats Baroda to Win Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023-24
The Punjab cricket team won its maiden domestic Twenty20 (T20) IDFC First Bank Syed Mushtaq Ali
Trophy(SMAT) 2023-2024 title by defeating the Baroda team in the final held in Inderjit Singh Bindra
Stadium in Mohali, Punjab.
✓ Abhishek Sharma(Punjab) has received the Player of the series award for scoring 485 runs and
taking 2 wickets.
✓ IDFC First Bank secured the title sponsorship rights for all BCCI matches, domestic and
international, for the next three years. The bank will pay Rs 4.2 crore per match for the
sponsorship.
ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023: Australia Wins the 6th title by Defeating India
The Australian Men’s cricket team led by Pat Cummins won the 13th edition of the International Cricket
Council (ICC) Men's One Day International (ODI) Cricket World Cup(CWC) 2023 by defeating Rohit
Sharma led India in the finals held in Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
✓ The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 was hosted by India across 10 venues from 5th October to
19th November 2023.
✓ Virat Kohli also broke Tendulkar's (49 centuries) record of the most number of centuries in ODI
matches, while Kohli scored his 50th century against New Zealand in the semi-final.
ICC Introduces Stop Clock in Men’s ODI and T20I Cricket to Regulate Time Taken Between
Overs
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a "stop clock" in men’s One Day International
(ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket matches to regulate the time taken between overs.
The bowling teams in men's ODIs and T20Is will be imposed a five-run penalty if the bowler fails to
bowl the next over within 60 seconds after the completion of the previous over for the third time in an
innings.
The Stop Clock will be introduced on a trial basis from December 2023 to April 2024.
Australian Women’s captain Meghann Lanning Announces Retirement from International

Cricket
Meghann Moira Lanning (Meg Lanning), Captain of Australian women’s cricket team
announced retirement from international cricket at the age of 31.Singapore born Meg Lanning
made her international debut in 2010 and played 241 matches for Australia. Meg Lanning,
nicknamed “Megastar”.She holds the record of winning most ICC tournaments as a captain in
Cricket.
Pakistan All-Rounder Imad Wasim Retires from International Cricket

Pakistan all-rounder Syed Imad Wasim Haider (34 years) has announced his retirement from
international cricket. Imad Wasim made his international debut in 2015 in a One Day
International (ODI) match against Sri Lanka.In his career, he took 109 wickets and scored
1,472 runs.
BADMINTON & TENNIS

BWF China Masters 2023: India’s Satwik-Chirag settled for 2nd place; China won the title
The Indian badminton duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty settled for 2nd
place in the men’s doubles of Li Ning China Masters 2023 held in Shenzhen Bay Gymnasium,
Shenzhen, China from 21st to 26th November 2023.

✓ India duo lost the finals against the World No. 1 pair of Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang
of China.
Novak Djokovic Defeats Jannik Sinner to Win His Seventh ATP Finals Title
Novak Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Jannik Sinner (Italy) to win the men’s singles title in Nitto
Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) finals 2023, held from 12th-19th November 2023 at
the Pala Alpitour stadium in Turin, Italy.
✓ Rajeev Ram(United States of America-USA) and Joe Salisbury(United Kingdom-UK) won
the ATP Finals men’s doubles 2023 title by defeating Marcel Granollers(Spain) and
Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) in the finals.
✓ Iga Swiatek(Poland) defeated Jessica Pegula(U.S.A) to win the women’s singles title at the
2023 GNP Seguros Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals.
✓ Laura Siegemund(Germany) and Vera Zvonareva(Unflagged – Russia) defeated Nicole
Melichar-Martinez(U.S.A) and Ellen Perez(Australia) to win the Women’s Doubles title at
the WTA Finals….Click here to more detail….
Tennis: Italy Defeats Australia to win Davis Cup 2023 title

On 26th November 2023, Italian tennis team captained by Filippo Volandri, won the Davis
Cup 2023 by defeating Australian team captained by Lleyton Hewitt in the finals held in
Palacio de Deportes Jose Maria Martin Carpena in Malaga, Spain. This marks Italy’s 2nd Davis
Cup title. Previously, Italy won the title in 1976.
✓ 2023 Davis Cup is the 111th edition of the tournament. The event was named Davis Cup
after Dwight Davis’s trophy, which was designed by William Durgin and crafted by
Rowland Rhodes.
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL

Para Indian Athletes Finishes Fifth with 111 Medals in Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2022
The Indian contingent finished 5th position in the medal tally with 111 medals (29 gold, 31
silver, and 51 bronze) in the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2022 held in Hangzhou, China from
22nd to 28th October 2023.
✓ The 4th edition of the Asian Para Games (2022) marks India’s record for the highest medal
tally so far surpassing the previous record medal tally of 72 medals(15 gold, 24 silver, and
33 bronze) in the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
✓ Mascot – The “Divine Bird” named ‘Feifei’ is the mascot.
Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 China 214 167 140 521
2 Islamic Republic of Iran 44 46 41 131
3 Japan 42 49 59 150
4 Republic of Korea 30 33 40 103
5 India 29 31 51 111

ARCHERY & SHOOTING

India Wins 55 Medals(21 Gold, 21 Silver & 13 Bronze) in Asian Shooting Championships 2023
India finished second in the medal tally with 55 medals (21 Gold, 21 Silver & 13 Bronze) in the Asian
Shooting Championships 2023 held in Changwon, South Korea from 22nd October to 2nd November
2023.
The 15th edition of the Asian Shooting Championships comprised both Junior and senior-level events,
organised by Asian Shooting Confederation (ASC).
Medal Tally:
1 China 33 21 22 76
2 India 21 21 13 55
3 South Korea 16 22 19 57
India Finishes Asian Archery Championships 2023 with 7 Medals

The Indian contingent finished second in the medal tally with 7 medals (3 Gold, 1 silver and 3
Bronze) in the Asian Archery Championships 2023 held in Bangkok, Thailand from 3rd to 10th
November 2023. South Korea secured first place in the medal tally with 11 medals(6 Gold, 2
Silver and 3 Bronze) while Kazakhstan in the third plce with 3 mrdals(1 Gold and 2 Silver) in
the 23rd edition of the Asian Archery Championship.
Medal Tally
1 South Korea 6 2 3 11
2 India 3 1 3 7
3 Kazakhstan 1 2 0 3
2023 Asian Para Archery Championships: India Tops Medal Tally with 9 Medals
Indian Para Archery team has topped the medal tally with a total of 9 medals (4 gold; 4 silver; 1
bronze) at the 2023 Asian Para Archery Championships and CQT(Continental Qualifying
Tournament) 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, which took place from 16 to 25 November 2023.
✓ South Korea finished in 2nd place with 5 medals(3 Gold, 1 Silver & 1 Bronze), and China
finished 3rd with 4 medals(2 Gold, 1 Silver & 1 Bronze).
✓ Indian Gold winners :-
Gold
Rakesh Kumar Compound Men Open
Rakesh Kumar & Suraj Singh Compound Men Open Team
Rakesh Kumar & Sheetal Devi Compound Open Mixed Team
Jyoti Baliyan & Sheetal Devi Compound Women Open Team

OTHER SPORTS NEWS

37th National Games Goa: Maharashtra Tops Medal Tally With 228 Medals
Maharashtra Finished top in the medal tally with 228 medals (80 gold, 69 silver, and 79
bronze) in the 37th edition of the National Games held in Goa from October 26th to November
9th, 2023.Maharashtra won the Raja Bhalindra Singh Trophy for the overall championship in
the National Games 2023, and it is also the first time Maharashtra has topped the medal tally
since 1994. Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) finished in second place with 126 medals
while Haryana finished in third place with 192 medals .
✓ Beach football, roll ball, golf, sepaktakraw, sqay martial arts, kalliyarapattu, pencak silat,
Yachtin gand taekwondo were added to the 37th National games.
✓ Mascot – MOGA ,It means “Love” in the Konkani language and it symbolises the beating
heart of every athlete, coach, and sports enthusiast.
✓ Theme/Motto– “Get Set Goa”.
✓ Official Sponsor: Paytm and Official Hydration Partner- Bisleri…Click here for full
detail…
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Wins F1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2023
Max Verstappen, the Belgian-Dutch driver of Red Bull won the Formula 1 (F1)Mexico City
Grand Prix held at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit in Mexico City, Mexico from
27th to 29th October 2023. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton(United Kingdom-UK) secured
second place while Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc(Monaco) secured third place in the Mexico
City GP.This marks Verstappen’s third consecutive win at the Mexico City GP including his win
in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
India Wins One Silver and Two Bronze Medals in World Wushu Championship 2023
India won three medals(one silver and two bronze) in the 16th edition of the World Wushu
Championships(2023) was held from 16th to 20th November 2023 in Fort Worth, Texas, United
States of America(USA).The Indian medalists were Naorem Roshibina Devi (silver), Kushal
Kumar (bronze), and Chhavi Ruhela(bronze).
Anurag Singh Thakur announces First-Ever Khelo India Para Games

Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, Ministry for Youth Affairs and Sports, announced the
first-ever Khelo India Para Games 2023, it will be held in New Delhi, Delhi from December 10
to 17, 2023. The Khelo India Para Games is organised to develop para sports and to identify
talented para-athletes.
Punjab defeats Haryana to Clinch 13th Senior Men National Hockey Championship 2023
Hockey Punjab own the 13th edition of Hockey India Senior Men National Championship
2023 and clinched gold medal by defeating Hockey Haryana in the finals. Hockey Unit of
Tamil Nadu clinched bronze medal and stands at third place after defeating Hockey Karnataka.
Chess: Vidit Gujrathi Wins FIDE Grand Swiss; Vaishali Wins FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss 2023
The Indian Grandmaster (GM) Vidit Santosh Gujrathi won the 3rd edition of Federation Internationale
des Echecs(FIDE) Grand Swiss 2023 title held from the 23rd of October to the 6th of November 2023 in
the Villa Marina, Douglas, Isle of Man.

International Master (IM)Vaishali Rameshbabu won the 2nd edition of FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss
2023 title.
FIDE Grand Swiss – Medal Winners:
Player Medals
GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi (India) Gold
GM Hikaru Nakamura(United
Silver
States)
GM Andrey Esipenko(Played
Bronze
under FIDE flag)
FIDE Women’s Grand Swiss – Medal Winners:
Player Medals
IM Vaishali Rameshbabu(India) Gold
GM Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine) Silver
GM Tan Zhongyi(China) Bronze
Indian Women’s Hockey Team Wins Asian Champions Trophy 2023

Indian women’s hockey team won the Jharkhand Women's Asian Champions Trophy Ranchi 2023
title by defeating Japan 4-0 in the final held in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
✓ The 7th edition of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy was held in Marang Gomke Jaypal Singh
Mundha AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from 27th October to 5th November
2023.
✓ China won the bronze medal by defeating South Korea in the Bronze medal match.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Wins F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix (GP) 2023
Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver (Dutch-Belgian) won the Formula 1 (FI) Sao Paulo Grand Prix
(GP) 2023 title held at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace circuit in Brazil from 03rd November 2023 to 05th
November 2023.
McLaren driver Lando Norris (United Kingdom-UK) secured second place while Aston Martin driver
Fernando Alonso (Spain) secured third place.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen won 2023 Abu Dhabi GP; Completes Season with 19th Win
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Belgian-Dutch driver competing under the Dutch flag) won the
15th edition of the Formula 1 (F1) Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Abu Dhabi GP
2023), held at Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on
26 November 2023.
✓ With this, Max moved to the 3rd position on the all-time wins list, with a total of 54 wins
by surpassing Sebastian Vettel of Germany. The list is topped by Lewis Hamilton (103) of
UK and Michael Schumacher (91) of Germany.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen Wins F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, the Dutch-Belgian driver, won the Formula 1 (FI) Las Vegas Grand
Prix(GP) 2023 held at Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada, the United States of America(USA) from 16th
November 2023 to 18th November 2023.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc (Monaco) secured 2nd place while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez (Mexico) secured
3rd place.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Building Partnerships Captain Himadri Das Jagdeep Dhankhar, the Vice President(VP) of
– India and India released a new book titled “Building
International Partnerships – India and International
Cooperation for Cooperation for Maritime Security” authored by
Maritime Security Captain Himadri Das during the Indo-Pacific
Regional Dialogue 2023 (IPRD-2023) at
Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
During IPRD-2023, Union Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance, released an
edited volume titled “Maritime Perspectives:
Maritime Security Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific:
Strategies and Trends”.
Nilavu Kudicha Sreedhara Panicker Sreedhara Panicker Somnath (S. Somnath),the
Simhangal Somnath (S. Somnath) present Chairman of the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) authored his autobiography
in his mother-tongue Malayalam titled ‘Nilavu
Kudicha Simhangal‘. The book is published by
Kerala-based Lipi Publications.
✓ The book was inspired by the success of
Chandrayaan-3, ISRO’s lunar-exploration
mission headed by S Somanath in August
2023.
✓ Nilavu Kudicha Simhangal’ is loosely
translated as “Lions that drank the
moonlight”
Snakes of Himachal Released by Sukhvinder Chief Minister (CM)of Himachal Pradesh
Pradesh Singh Sukhu (HP) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released a book titled
"Snakes of Himachal Pradesh" which provides
comprehensive information about the diverse snake
species (venomous and non-venomous) found in the
state of HP.
✓ The book was compiled and edited
by Omesh Kumar Bharti and DD Bisht, the
principals of the State Institute of Health and
Family Welfare, Shimla, HP.
✓ The book was published with funding from
the National Health Mission (NHM) in
Himachal Pradesh.
Mapping of the Prof. Ramesh Chandra Kalanidhi division of Indira Gandhi National
Archives in India Gaur and Vismay Basu Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) launched the book
titled ‘Mapping of the Archives in India’,
authored by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur and

Vismay Basu, in an event held in New Delhi,

Delhi.
✓ The book was published by IGNCA and
with the support of United Nations
Organization (UNESCO) New Delhi.
The book launch session was chaired by Ram
Bahadur Rai , President, IGNCA Trust.
Thread by Thread: The Sathya Saran Former Indian Cricketer Kapil Dev released the book
S.Kumar's Story titled “Thread by Thread: The S.Kumar's Story”
authored by Sathya Saran, a distinguished journalist
at The Palace Halls, NSCI, Mumbai, Maharashtra. The
book was published by Penguin Random House.
Pranab, My Father: A Published by Rupa A book titled “Pranab, My Father: A Daughter
Daughter Remembers Publications India Remembers”, a biography of Pranab Mukherjee,
former (13th) President of India, penned by his
daughter Sharmishtha Mukherjee.
The book, published by Rupa Publications India, is
set to be released on 11th December 2023, the 88th
birth anniversary of Pranab Mukherjee.
OBITUARY
NATIONAL
Padmanabha Balakrishna Former Karnataka Passed away in Mumbai,
Acharya (PB Acharya or PB) Governor of Maharashtra, at the age of 92. He
Nagaland (July was born on 8th October 1931, in
2014 – July Udupi, Karnataka.
2019) and
Veteran
Bharatiya
Janata Party
(BJP) leader
Leela Omchery Renowned Thiruvattar in Padma Shri Leela Omchery, a
musician, the princely renowned musician, musicologist,
musicologist, state of and writer passed away in New
and writer Travancore, Delhi, Delhi at the age of 94. She
Kanyakumari was born on May 31 1929 at
(now in Tamil Thiruvattar in the princely state of
Nadu) Travancore, Kanyakumari (now in
Tamil Nadu).
She was awarded the Padma Shri
(2009) in the Art Field; and the

Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi

award (1991)
Subrahmanyam Former (18th) Tamil Nadu Passed away at the age of 92 in
Venkitaramanan or S. Governor of the Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was born on
Venkitaramanan Reserve Bank of 28 January 1931 in Nagercoil,
India (RBI) Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu.
✓ S. Venkitaramanan joined the
Indian Administrative Service
(IAS) (Tamil Nadu cadre) in
1954 and served in several
key positions in both the state
and central government.
✓ He served as Finance
Secretary in the Ministry of
Finance. He also served as
Adviser on economic affairs at
the Prime Minister’s Office
under the premiership of
Rajiv Gandhi.
He was also served as an Advisor to
the Governor of Karnataka, when the
State was under President’s rule in
1989.
Sengamedu Srinivasa (SS) Padma Awardee Tamil Nadu Passed away at the age of 83 in
Badrinath and an eminent Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was born on
vitreoretinal 24th February 1940 in Triplicane,
surgeon, the Madras Presidency (Now Chennai,
founder of TN).
Sankara In 1978, he founded Sankara
Nethralaya Nethralaya Academy, a unit of the
Academy Medical Research Foundation.
Awards & Recognition:
✓ The Government of India
honoured him with Padma
Shri, the 4th highest civilian
award in 1983 and Padma
✓ Bhushan, the 3rd highest
civilian award in 1999 for his
contribution to the field of
Medicine. He is also the
recipient of Dr B. C. Roy
National Award (1991).
In 2010, He became the 1st Indian to
receive the Doctor of Science
(Honoris Causa) award
Dhruba Narayan Ghosh (DN Former West Bengal Passed away at the age of 95 in
Ghosh) Chairman (12th) Kolkata, West Bengal. He was born on
of the State Bank

of India (SBI) 6 August 1928 in Cooch Behar (West

and Chairman Bengal).
Emeritus of ICRA ✓ He served as Chairman of SBI
Limited from 1985 to 1989; Philips
India Limited from 1989-99;
Larsen & Toubro(L&T) from
1991-92.
He was the founder-chairman of the
credit rating agency ICRA Limited
(formerly Investment Information
and Credit Rating Agency of India
Limited)
Subrata Roy Founder and Bihar Passed away at the age of 75 in
Chairman of Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was
Lucknow (Uttar born on June 10, 1948, in Araria,
Pradesh)-based Bihar. He was popularly known as
Sahara India ‘Saharasri‘.
Pariwar Books: Shanti, Sukh: Santushti,
Essays on peace of mind and
happy living (1994); Life Mantras
(2016); Think With Me (2016).
Prithvi Raj Singh (PRS) Padma New Delhi Padma Vibhushan Awardee
Oberoi Vibhushan Prithvi Raj Singh (PRS) Oberoi,
Awardee Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi
Group, passed away at the age of
94. He was born in New Delhi,
Delhi on 3rd February 1929.He
was widely known as the ‘doyen of
Indian hospitality’. PRS Oberoi,
popularly known as “Biki”, served
as the Executive Chairman of EIH
Limited, which is the flagship
company of the Oberoi Group, one
of India’s largest luxury hotel
chains.
The government of India
honoured him with the Padma
Vibhushan India’s second highest
civilian honour, for Trade and
Industry in 2008.
Brijinder Nath Goswamy The renowned Sargodha (now Passed away in Chandigarh at the age
art historian and in Punjab of 90. He was born on 15th August
Padma Awardee province of 1933 in Sargodha (now in Punjab
Pakistan) province of Pakistan).
He was the recipient of the Padma
Shri Award (1998) and the Padma

Bhushan Award (2008) in the field of

literature and Education.
Nongthombam Maipak Former Mr Manipur Passed away in Imphal, Manipur
India title at the age of 88. He was born on
holder and June 12, 1935 at Uripok Sorbon
veteran Thingel Sinam Leikai in Imphal
bodybuilder of West District, Manipur.He was
Manipur popularly known as Mister Maipak
and ‘Son of Manipur’.
Justice M Fathima Beevi India’s 1st Kerala Passed away at the age of 96 in
woman Judge Kollam, Kerala. She was born in
of Supreme April 1927 in Pathanamthitta,
Court of India Kerala.
and former ✓ She was the 1st Muslim
Governor of woman judge to be
Tamil Nadu appointed to any higher
(TN) judiciary.
She was also the 1st woman to
become a Supreme Court Justice in
an Asian country.
B Sasikumar Renowned Kerala Passed away at the age of 74 in
Indian Violinist Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He
and Carnatic was born on 27 April 1949 in
Musician from Thiruvalla, Kerala.
Kerala
Zaverilal Dalpatram Mehta Renowned Gujarat Passed away at the age of 97 in
Gujarati Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He was born
photojournalist on 9th July 1928 in Halvad,
and Padma Shri Gujarat.
Awardee In 2018, he was honoured with
Padma Shri (literature and
education), India’s fourth-highest
civilian award.
C K Gopinathan Director on the Passed away. He has more than 25
board of years of experience in the
Thrissur - banking/finance sectors and has
(Kerala)-based been on the Board of the
Dhanlaxmi Dhanlaxmi Bank since 2016
Bank

INTERNATIONAL
Dame Antonia Susan Booker Prize-winning UK Passed away at the age of 87 in London,
Byatt known most as British Author, Critic, the United Kingdom (UK). She was born
AS Byatt and Poet on August 24, 1936, in Yorkshire,
England, UK.
Awards and Honours:
✓ Her most successful book,
Possession: A Romance (1990),
won the Booker Prize for Fiction
in 1990 and the Irish Times
International Fiction Prize.
She was honoured as the Commander of
the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in
1990 and the Damehood of the Order of
the British Empire (DBE) in 1999.
Saleemul Huq Bangladeshi-British Karachi, Bangladeshi-British Climate scientist
Climate scientist Pakistan Saleemul Huq passed away at the age
of 71 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. He was
born in Karachi, Pakistan on 2nd
October 1952.Saleemul Huq is the
Director of the International Centre
for Climate Change and Development
(ICCCAD) in Bangladesh.
Queen Elizabeth II bestowed him
with the Order of the British Empire
(OBE) in the 2022 New Year Honours
for services to combating
international climate change.
Marty Krofft Canadian TV Canada Marty Krofft, a Canadian TV
producer and producer and puppeteer known for
puppeteer imaginative children’s shows such as
‘HR Pufnstuf’ and ‘Land of the Lost,’
passed away in California, the United
States of America (USA) at the age of
86. He was born in Montreal, Canada
on April 9, 1937.

IMPORTANT DAYS
WEEK
October 27, 2023 World Occupational World Occupational Therapy (OT) Day is
Therapy Day annually observed across the globe on 27th
October to promote the mission and goals of
occupational therapy. Occupational therapy is a
client-centered health profession that promotes
health and well-being through work.
The theme of World OT Day in 2023 is “Unity
through Community,” which emphasises our
responsibility in collaborating with others to
foster participation and social engagement.
October 31, 2023 National Unity Day National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is
(Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) annually observed across India on 31 October to
commemorate the birth anniversary of the “Iron
Man of India,” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (31
October 1875), who was dubbed “Sardar”
(chief) for his leadership skills.
✓ He was the first Deputy Prime
Minister(Dy PM) and Home Minister of
Independent India from 1947 to 1950.
31 October 2023 marks the 148th birth
anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
October 31, 2023 World Cities Day United Nations (UN)’s World Cities Day (WCD)
is annually observed across the globe on
October 31 to promote the international
community’s interest in global urbanization,
push for global cooperation in sustainable
urban development and contribute to
sustainable urban development worldwide.31st
October 2023 marks the 10th World Cities Day.
✓ Theme: The theme of WCD 2023 is
“Financing sustainable urban future for
all”.
✓ Every year a location for global
observance is chosen to promote the
success of urbanization or address a
challenge resulting from urbanization.
✓ The Global Observance of WCD 2023 was
held at the Municipality of Uskudar in
Istanbul, Republic of Turkey.

October 31, 2023 World Savings Day World Savings Day (WSD), also known as World
Thrift Day, is annually observed across the
globe on 31st October to raise awareness
regarding the importance of saving and the
financial security of individuals.India observes
World Savings Day on 30th October, since 31st
October marks the death anniversary of Indira
Gandhi, former(3rd) Prime Minister of India.
Indira Gandhi was assassinated on 31st October
1984.
The theme of WSD 2023 is “Conquer your
Tomorrow” through various saving methods.
November 1, 2023 World Vegan Day World Vegan Day is annually observed across
the globe on 1 November to spread awareness
among people about the benefits of a vegan diet
on health and well-being.The day aims to
encourage and motivate people to avoid the
utilisation of animal-based products and the
killing of animals for selfish motives and to
prevent the exploitation of animals.
✓ In 1994, World Vegan Day was
established by Louise Wallis, a vegan and
animal rights activist and the then-chair
of The Vegan Society in the United
Kingdom (UK).
World Vegan Month is annually celebrated
during the month of November, commencing
with World Vegan Day on November 1.
November 2, 2023 International Day to End The United Nations (UN) International Day to
Impunity for Crimes End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
against Journalists (IDEI) is annually observed across the globe on
2nd November to pay tribute to journalists
killed in the line of duty, and to raise awareness
about the dangers of impunity for crimes
committed against journalists.
✓ The day also highlights the active role of
journalism and the media in preventing
and combating violence and
discrimination in digital environments.
The 2023 observance of IDEI and its events was
based on the concept note, “Violence against
journalists, the integrity of elections, and the
role of public leadership.”

November 3, 2023 International Day for The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Biosphere Reserve Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s
International Day for Biosphere Reserve
(BR) or World Biosphere Reserve Day is
November to raise awareness of the
importance of biosphere reserves and to
promote their conservation and sustainable use.
The first-ever International Day for BR was
observed on 3 November 2022. 3 November
2023 marks the 2nd observance of
International Day for BR.
November 5, 2023 World Tsunami The United Nations (UN) World Tsunami
Awareness Day Awareness Day (WTAD) is annually observed
across the globe on 5 November to raise
consciousness about reducing the risks created
by Tsunami, the giant waves, and improving
community preparedness.
✓ The UN Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR) facilitates the observance of
World Tsunami Awareness Day in
collaboration with the rest of the UN
system. The first WTAD was observed
on 5 November 2016.
The theme of WTAD 2023 is “Fighting
Inequality for a Resilient Future”.
November 6, 2023 International Day for The United Nations (UN)’s International Day for
Preventing the Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment
Exploitation of the in War and Armed Conflict is annually observed
Environment in War and across the globe on 6th November to raise
Armed Conflict awareness about the consequences that war
and conflict have on the environment.
✓ 6th November 2023 marks the
observance of the 22nd International
Day for Preventing the Exploitation of
the Environment in War and Armed
Conflict.
The first International Day for Preventing the
Exploitation of the Environment in War and
Armed Conflict is observed on 6th November
2002.
November 6 to 12, International Week of The United Nations (UN) International Week of
2023 Science and Peace 2023 Science and Peace (IWOSP) is annually
observed across the globe during the week in

which November 11th falls.IWOSP 2023 is

observed from 6th to 12th November 2023. The
first International Week of Science and Peace
was observed from 10th to 16th November 1986
as part of the observance of the International
Year of Peace.
November 7, 2023 National Cancer National Cancer Awareness Day (NCAD) is
Awareness Day annually observed across India on 7 November to
raise awareness about the prevention, detection,
and treatment of various types of cancer.
✓ According to the World Health Organisation
(WHO), Cancer is the second leading cause of
death worldwide, representing nearly 1 in 6
deaths globally.
The first NCAD was observed on 7 November
2014. NCAD also commemorates the birth
anniversary of the Nobel Prize Winner (for Physics
in 1903) Marie Curie (Maria Salomea Skłodowska-
Curie, born on 7 November 1867), a Polish-born
French physicist.
November 7, 2023 CV Raman Birth The birth anniversary of the Nobel Prize Winner &
Anniversary Bharat Ratna awardee, Chandrasekhara Venkata
Raman (CV Raman) is annually observed on 7th
November.
✓ 7th November 2023 marks the 135th birth
anniversary of CV Raman.
He is an Indian Physicist well known for his
discovery of the Raman effect.
November 8, 2023 International Day of International Day of Radiology (IDoR) or World
Radiology Radiography Day is annually observed across the
globe on 8 November to raise awareness about the
contribution of radiology towards safe patient care,
and to improve public understanding of the vital
role radiologists and radiographers play in the
healthcare continuum.
✓ IDoR was created to mark the anniversary
of the discovery of X-rays by Wilhelm
Conrad Röntgen, a German physicist & the
winner of the 1st Nobel Prize in Physics
(1901), in 1895.
8 November 2023 marks the observance of the
12th International Day of Radiology(IDoR).
The IDoR was 1st observed in 2012
November 8, 2023 World Urbanism Day World Urbanism Day(WUD), also known as World
Town Planning Day(WTPD), is annually observed
across the globe on 8th November to recognise and
promote the role of thorough planning in creating
livable communities.

i.The theme for World Town Planning Day 2023 is

"Learn Globally, Apply Locally"
November 9, 2023 National Legal Services National Legal Services Day(NLSD) is annually
Day observed across India on 9th of November. 09th
November 2023 marks the 29th National Legal
Services Day.
✓ The theme of National Legal Services Day
2023 is ‘Access to Justice for All:
Empowering the Marginalised through
Legal Awareness’.
The first ever NLSD was celebrated on 09th
November 1995.
November 6 to 10, World Quality Week World Quality Week (WQW) is annually observed
2023 across the globe on the 2nd week of November to
recognise the achievements of quality professionals,
reflect on the successes and challenges of the past
year, and share best practices for ensuring quality in
all areas of lives.
✓ WQW 2023 is observed from 6 to 10
November 2023.
The theme of WQW 2023 is "Quality:
realising your competitive potential".
The Chartered Quality Institute (CQI), a business
entity in London, the United Kingdom (UK),
observed the 2nd Thursday of November every
year as World Quality Day.
November 9, 2023 World Usability Day World Usability Day (WUD), or Make Things
Easier Day is annually observed across the
globe on the 2nd Thursday of November to
promote the principles of usability, accessibility,
and user experience in design.
WUD 2023 falls on 9 November 2023.WUD
2022 was observed on 10 November 2022 and
WUD 2024 will be observed on 14 November
2024.
The 2023 theme of WUD is, “Collaboration and
Cooperation“.
November 10, 2023 National Ayurveda Day National Ayurveda Day is annually observed
across India aimed at generating awareness
among people about health issues as well as the
potential role of Ayurveda in their prevention
and treatment. The day aligns with Dhanvantari
Jayanti, to honour Lord Dhanvantari, the God of
Ayurveda, and coincides with Dhanteras,
seeking blessings for robust health.
✓ The National Ayurveda Day 2023 falls on
10 November 2023 and marks the

observance of the 8th National Ayurveda

Day.
✓ The focal theme for Ayurveda Day 2023
is, “Ayurveda for One Health”.
“Dhanteras” is made up of 2 words “Dhan”
which means wealth and “Teras” which means
“13”.
November 10, 2023 World Science Day for The United Nations (UN)’s World Science Day
Peace and Development for Peace and Development is annually
observed across the globe on November 10 to
highlight the important role of science in society
and the need to engage the general people in
discussions about rising scientific concerns.10th
November 2023 marks the observance of the
22nd edition of World Science Day for Peace and
Development.
✓ The theme of World Science Day for
Peace and Development 2023 is
‘Building Trust In Science’.
Ana María Cetto, a Mexican physicist, has been
awarded the 2023 UNESCO–Kalinga Prize for
the Popularization of Science for her dedication
to making scientific knowledge more accessible
to the public.
November 11, 2023 National Education Day National Education Day is annually observed
across India on 11 November to mark the birth
anniversary of ‘Bharat Ratna’ Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad, the first education minister of
independent India.His immense contribution to
the field of education in India is recognised by
celebrating his birthday as National Education
Day across India.
✓ This day serves to raise awareness about
the fundamental right to education and
underscore its supreme importance.
11 November 2023 marks the 135th birth
anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who
was born on 11 November 1888, in Mecca
(Saudi Arabia).
November 12, 2023 Public Service Public Service Broadcasting Day or Jan Prasaran
Broadcasting Day Diwas is annually observed across India on 12
November to commemorate the first and only
visit of Mahatma Gandhi to the studio of the
then All India Radio (AIR) (now Akashvani ) in

Delhi, in 1947. To commemorate 50 years of

this visit of Mahatma Gandhi to AIR, a function
was organised at AIR premises on 12th
November 1997.Later in 2001, the day, “12th
November”, was declared Public Service
Broadcasting Day.
November 12, 2023 World Pneumonia Day World Pneumonia Day is annually observed
across the globe on November 12 to raise
awareness and educate people about
Pneumonia disease, the world’s most prominent
infectious death of children under the age of
5.12th November 2023 marks the observance of
15th World Pneumonia Day.
The theme of World Pneumonia Day 2023 is
“Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its
Track”.
November 13, 2023 World Kindness Day World Kindness Day (WKD) is annually
promote kindness and inspire people to engage
in at least one act of kindness that aspires to
unify the world as one.13th November 2023
marks the observance of 26th World Kindness
Day.
✓ The theme for World Kindness Day 2023
is “Be Kind Wherever Possible”.
World Kindness Movement (WKM) was formed
at a conference in Tokyo on 20th September
1997.
November 14, 2023 World Diabetes Day The United Nations (UN) World Diabetes Day
(WDD) is annually observed across the globe on
14 November to raise awareness about the
impact of diabetes on the health of people.WDD
also aims to highlight the opportunities to
strengthen the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diabetes. WDD is the world’s
largest diabetes awareness campaign, annually
focusing on a dedicated theme that runs for one
or more years.
✓ The theme for WDD 2021-23 is “Access
to Diabetes Care“.
The slogan for the 2023 campaign is: “Know
your risk, Know your response”.
November 14, 2023 Children’s Day/Bal Divas Children’s Day also known as Bal Divas is
annually observed across India on November 14

to honour the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna

Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s 1st Prime Minister,
who was known for his love and affection for
children.
✓ The day aims to emphasise the
significance of nurturing and celebrating
the vibrant spirit of the younger
generation.
✓ 14 November 2023 marks the 134th
birth anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru.
In 1955, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first
Prime Minister, was awarded the Bharat Ratna
by then-President Rajendra Prasad.
November 15, 2023 World Chronic World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Obstructive Pulmonary (COPD) Day is annually observed across the
Disease Day globe on the 3rd Wednesday of November to
raise awareness about COPD, one of the most
widespread illnesses across the globe.22nd
World COPD Day was observed on 15th
November 2023.
✓ World COPD Day 2022 was observed on
16th November 2022.
The theme for World COPD Day 2023 is
“Breathing is Life – Act Earlier”.
November 15 to 21, National Newborn Week National Newborn Week is annually observed
2023 across India from 15th to 21st November to
create awareness about the newborn care
importance for child survival and development.
The observance also aims to highlight the
importance of newborn care for child survival
and development.The annual observance in
India is led by the Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare (MoHFW).
The theme of National Newborn Week (since
2021) is “Safety, Quality and Nurturing care –
Birth Right of Every Newborn”.
November 16, 2023 International Day for The United Nations (UN) International Day for
Tolerance Tolerance is annually observed across the globe
on 16 November to promote and raise
awareness of tolerance, respect, and
understanding among all the diverse cultures
and communities across the globe.The day also
highlights the negative effects of intolerance

and promotes policies that ensure equal rights

and opportunities for all.
The day commemorates adoption of the
Declaration of Principles on Tolerance by the
member states of the United Nations
Organization (UNESCO) on November 16, 1995.
November 16, 2023 National Press Day National Press Day is annually observed across
India on 16th November to commemorate the
day on which the Press Council of India (PCI)
started its function as the moral watchdog to
ensure that the press maintains high standards
and is not fettered by any form of influence or
threats.The day celebrate the importance of a
free and responsible press in a democratic
society.
✓ The day also recognises the role of Press
as the 4th pillar of democracy.
✓ The theme for National Press Day 2023
is “Media in the Era of Artificial
Intelligence”.
According to Reporters Without Borders
(Reporters sans frontières – RSF)’s 21th World
Press Freedom Index (WPFI 2023), India is
ranked 161st out of 180 countries with a score
of 36.62.
November 16, 2023 World Philosophy Day The United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World
Philosophy Day is annually observed across the
globe on the 3rd Thursday of November to
highlight the enduring value of philosophy for
the development of human thought, for each
culture and each individual.
✓ World Philosophy Day 2023 falls on 16
November 2023.
World Philosophy Day 2022 was observed on
17th November 2022 and World Philosophy Day
2024 will be observed on 21st November 2024.
November 17, 2023 National Epilepsy Day National Epilepsy Day is annually observed
across India on 17 November to spread
awareness and educate people about Epilepsy, a
neurological disorder characterized by
recurrent seizures, and its impact on
individuals, families, and communities who are

affected by this disease.The day serves as a

platform to eliminate myths and
misconceptions surrounding epilepsy while
creating awareness about its symptoms and
management.
November 17, 2023 International Students’ International Students’ Day is annually
Day observed across the globe on November 17 to
celebrate multiculturalism, diversity, and
teamwork among students. The day aims to
guarantee that every kid in the world has access
to education.The observance marks the
anniversary of the events held after the Nazi
invasion of Charles University in Prague(Czech
Republic), in 1939.
November 17, 2023 World Prematurity Day World Prematurity Day (WPD) is annually
observed across the globe on 17 November to raise
awareness of the challenges and burdens for women
and babies associated with preterm birth and to
celebrate the lives of preterm infants.
The 2023 theme of WPD is, "Small Actions, BIG
IMPACT: Immediate Skin-to-Skin Care for Every
Baby, Everywhere."
November 18, 2023 National Naturopathy National Naturopathy Day is annually observed
Day across India on 18 November, to promote positive
mental and physical health through a drugless
medicine system called 'Naturopathy'.
✓ 18 November 2023 marks the observance
of the 6th National Naturopathy Day.
The first-ever National Naturopathy Day
was observed on November 18, 2018.
✓ The annual observance of the day is led by
the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and
Homeopathy), Government of India.
The 2023 theme of National Naturopathy Day is,
“Naturopathy for Holistic Health.”
November 18, 2023 World Day for the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing
Prevention of and from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and
Healing from Child Sexual Violence is annually observed across the globe
Exploitation, Abuse and on 18th November to create awareness about
Violence the impact of child sexual exploitation, abuse,
and violence.
The day aims to end Child Sexual Exploitation
and Violence and bring hope to the survivors
18th November 2023 marks the 2nd observance
of the World Day for the Prevention of and

Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse

and Violence.
November 18 to 24, World AMR Awareness World AMR (Antimicrobial Resistance)
2023 Week Awareness Week (WAAW), previously known as
“World Antimicrobial Awareness Week(WAAW),
is an annual global campaign celebrated across the
globe from November 18 to 24 to raise awareness
and understanding of Antimicrobial Resistance
(AMR).
✓ The theme for WAAW 2023 observed from
18th to 24th November 2022 is
"Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance
Together”.
WHO observed
the first World Antibiotic Awareness Week from
16th to 22nd November 2015.
November 19, 2023 World Day of The United Nations (UN) World Day of
Remembrance for Road Remembrance (WDoR) for Road Traffic Victims
Traffic Victims is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd
Sunday in November to pay tribute to all those
who have lost their lives or suffered serious and
irreversible damage to their health and to their
surviving families in road crashes.
✓ WDoR for Road Traffic Victims 2023 falls
on 19 November 2023. In 2022 it was
observed on 20 November 2022 and in 2024
it will be 17 November 2024.
The theme for WDoR for Road Traffic Victims 2023
is, "Justice" with the slogan, "Remember. Support.
Act."
November 19, 2023 National Integration Day National Integration Day, also known as Quami
Ekta Divas, is observed annually on November 19
across India to mark the birth anniversary of India’s
First Female Prime Minister (PM), Indira
Priyadarshini Gandhi, popularly known as Indira
Gandhi.
✓ 19th November 2023 marks the 106th
birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi. The
first ever National Integration Day was
observed on 19th November 2013.
The Day marks the beginning of National Integration
Week (Qaumi Ekta Week) which is observed from
November 19 to 25 every year.
November 19, 2023 Women's Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) is
Entrepreneurship Day observed annually across the globe on 19
November to honour female entrepreneurs and
celebrate and acknowledge their achievements and

contributions of women in business to our

community.
✓ WED is annually led by the Women’s
Entrepreneurship Day Organisation
(WEDO).
19 November 2023 marks the observance of the
10th WED. The first-ever WED was observed on 19
November 2014 at the United Nations (UN)
headquarters in New York, the United States of
America (USA).
November 19, 2023 International Men’s Day The International Men’s Day (IMD) is annually
honour the men in our lives and to acknowledge
cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements
they contribute to our society.
International Men’s Day. The first ever
IMD was observed on 19th November
1999.
The theme for IMD 2023 is "Zero Male Suicide".
November 19, 2023 World Toilet Day The United Nations (UN) World Toilet Day is
November to raise awareness about 3.5 billion
people without access to safe sanitation and to
encourage action to address the global
sanitation crisis.The global campaign theme of
World Toilet Day 2023 is, “Accelerating
Change”.
Every year, the theme of World Toilet Day is
chosen by UN-Water, the UN’s coordination
mechanism on water and sanitation.
The hummingbird is the symbol of World Toilet
Day 2023, because a toilet is small but mighty,
just like a hummingbird.
November 21, 2023 World Fisheries Day World Fisheries Day is annually observed across the
globe on 21st November to demonstrate solidarity
with the members of the fisher community, fish
farmers and concerned stakeholders across the
world.
✓ 21st November 2023 marks the 26th
World Fisheries Day. The first ever World
Fisheries Day was observed on 21st
November 1998.
The theme for World Fisheries Day 2023 is
"Celebrating the Wealth of Fisheries and
Aquaculture."

November 21, 2023 World Television Day United Nations (UN)’s World Television Day is
annually observed across the globe on November
21 to recognise the importance and influence of
television in our lives. The day recognises television
as a symbol for communication and globalisation in
the contemporary world.
✓ 21st November 2023 marks the observance
of 27th World Television Day. The first
ever world television day was observed on
21st November 1997.
The theme for World Television Day 2023 is
"Accessibility"
November 19 to 25, World Heritage Week World Heritage Week (WHW) is annually
2023 observed across India from November 19 to 25 to
promote the heritage and the culture of monuments
and important sites for their conservation.
✓ WHW events are annually organised by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under
the Ministry of Culture, various Museums,
and other heritage-conscious organisations
across India.
As of 2023, India has 42 UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. This includes: 34 cultural sites, 7 natural sites
and 1 mixed heritage site.
November 20, 2023 World Children’s Day The United Nations' (UN) Universal Children's Day
or World Children’s Day is annually observed
across the globe on 20 November to promote
international togetherness, and awareness among
children worldwide, and improve children's welfare.
The 2023 campaign Theme of World Children’s Day
is, "For every child, every right." World Children’s
Day is the United Nations Children's Fund
(UNICEF)'s annual day of action for children, by
children.
November 20, 2023 Africa Industrialization The United Nations (UN)’s Africa Industrialization
Day Day is annually observed across the globe on 20th
November to highlight the critical importance of
Industrial development for sustained and inclusive
economic growth in African countries.
Africa Industrialization Day. The first ever
Africa Industrialization Day was observed on
20th November 1990.
The theme of Africa Industrialization Day 2023 is
"Accelerating Africa's Industrialization through
the Empowerment of African Women in
Processing for an Integrated Market".

November 25, 2023 International Day for the The United Nations (UN) International Day for
Elimination of Violence the Elimination of Violence against Women is
against Women annually observed across the globe on 25
November to raise public awareness about the
global problem of violence against women.The
Day also aims to prevent violence against
women and promote basic human rights and
gender equality.
✓ This date was selected to honour the
Mirabal sisters, namely Patria, Minerva,
and Maria Teresa, political activists from
the Dominican Republic.
They were brutally murdered on 25 November
1960 for opposing the dictatorship of Rafael
Trujillo (1930-1961)….Click here for more
detail……
November 26, 2023 National Constitution National Constitution Day also known as
Day "Samvidhan Divas" 'Samvidhan Divas', is annually observed across
India on 26 November to commemorate the
adoption of the Constitution of India by the
Constituent Assembly of India on 26th
November 1949. The Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment (MoSJ&E) is the Nodal
Ministry for the celebration of Constitution Day.
26 November 2023 marks the 74th
Anniversary of adopting the Constitution of
India. The first-ever Constitution Day was
observed on 26 November 2015.
November 26, 2023 National Milk Day National Milk Day is annually observed across
India on 26th November to commemorate the
birth anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, the
Father of the White Revolution in India. The day
is annually organised by the Department of
Animal Husbandry & Dairying, under the
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &
Dairying.
✓ 26th November 2023 marks the
observance of 10th National Milk Day
and 102nd birth anniversary of
Verghese Kurein. the 1st National Milk
Day was observed on 26th November
2014.
✓ On the occasion of National Milk Day
2023, Union Minister

Parshottam Rupala, Ministry of Fisheries,

Animal Husbandry and Dairying released
the Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics
2023 (milk, egg, meat and wool
production 2022-23)in Guwahati, Assam.
The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2023, one
of the highest National Awards in the field of
livestock and dairy sector, has been conferred
during the National Milk Day event. Click here
to read full news
November 26, 2023 75th NCC Raising Day The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest
uniformed youth organisation in the world
annually celebrates its raising day on the 4th
Sunday of November, underscoring the NCC's
commitment to shaping youth with core values
such as discipline, leadership, and unwavering
patriotism.
✓ The 26 November 2023 marks the
observance of NCC's 75th Raising Day.
This day is traditionally celebrated as the
“NCC day”.
The 74th Raising Day was observed on 27
November 2022 and the 76th Raising Day will
be observed on 24 November 2024.
November 26, 2023 First-Ever UN World The first-ever United Nations (UN) World
Sustainable Transport Sustainable Transport Day was observed on
Day 26 November 2023 to recognise the pivotal
role of safe, affordable, accessible, and
sustainable transport systems for all.
The observance is led by UN Department of
Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in
collaboration with the UN regional economic
commissions. The resolution was initiated by
Turkmenistan.
November 29, 2023 International Day of The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Solidarity with the Solidarity with the Palestinian People is
Palestinian People annually observed across the globe on 29
November to provide an opportunity for the
international community to show its support for
the Palestinian people, who are still striving for
fundamental rights.
The first International Day of Solidarity with
the Palestinian People was observed in 1978.

APPS & WEB PORTAL

CSR portal IREDA Dr. Praveen Kumari Singh, Additional Secretary,
Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) launched
Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency
(IREDA)’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
portal to enhance transparency in its CSR
initiatives.
AAINA Dashboard for Ministry of Housing and On 13th November 2023, Ministry of Housing
Cities Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched
‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal to create a
database of the key performance metrics of
Urban Local Bodies (ULB).The portal is an
initiative of MoHUA. The primary objectives of
the AAINA Dashboard are to help cities to
✓ Help cities see how they are doing vis-
à-vis other cities,
✓ Inspire cities by pointing to new
possibilities and areas for
improvement.
Provide cities with the opportunity to learn
from and engage with frontrunning cities.
Dashboard Dr Jitendra Singh Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State
(Independent Charge), Ministry of Science &
Technology(MoST) launched the software
application Department of Science and
Technology (DST), “Dashboard”, for real-time,
prompt and effective Parliament business.
The MoS also laid the Foundation Stone of the
new Auditorium-cum-Guest House Complex
in the premises of the “Technology Bhavan”
which is the headquarters of DST.
DISHA Indian Council of The Indian Council of Medical Research’s
Medical Research’s (ICMR) National Institute of Pathology (NIP)
(ICMR) National in New Delhi, Delhi launched
Institute of Pathology “DISHA” – DIagnostic Services in Healthcare
(NIP) : Availability & Geo-mapping of Laboratory
services in India portal (www.icmrdisha.in) to
assist the public to identify and locate nearest
diagnostic health facilities.
ICMR-NIP is gathering data on diagnostic
public healthcare facilities and creating a

user-friendly online map to access suitable

laboratory facilities.
ENVIRONMENT
New Mushroom Species Discovered from Western Ghats, Kerala
Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI)
have discovered a new species of mushroom, “Candolleomyces albosquamosus” on the campus
of JNTBGRI at Palode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
✓ It was published in scientific journal Phytotaxa by JNTBGRI researchers C. K. Pradeep and
P. K. Nayana.
A New Edible Fish Species Found in Odisha’s Mahanadi River

Researchers have discovered a new species of edible fish named ‘Awaous motla’ in the
Mahanadi River near Sonepur, Subarnapur district and Boudh Bridge, Boudh district in Odisha.
The fish was named “motla” by the Fishermen of the Sonepur region. The new species Motla
belongs to the genus Awaous. This fish species belongs to the family Oxudercidae.
✓ The new species was discovered as a part of the project undertaken by the Zoology
Department of Berhampur University of Odisha and the Zoological Survey of India(ZSI),
Gopalpur(Odisha).
✓ The details on the new species were published in the Journal of Fish Biology.
Cnemaspis rashidi: New Species of Gecko Discovered in Western Ghats near Rajapalayam
The team of researchers led by Amit Sayyed, Founder and Director of the Wildlife Protection and
Research Society, have discovered a new species of gecko named ‘Cnemaspis rashidi’ in the Western
Ghats, Kottamalai estate near Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu(TN).
Lysionotus namchoomii: New Epiphytic Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Scientists at the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Center of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have
discovered a new species of epiphytic plant named as Lysionotus namchoomii, from the Pakke-
Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern Himalayas.
A New Species of Wasp Discovered in Kerala

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of
Taeniogonalos Schulz (wasp – a winged insect) named Taeniogonalos dhritiae, in the Western
Ghat Ranipuram Hills area of Kerala. The species is named after Dr Dhriti Banerjee, a noted
entomologist and the 1st Woman Director of ZSI.It was published in the international journal
‘Zootaxa’ on 3 November 2023.
The new species Taeniogonalos dhritiae belongs to the genus Taeniogonalos, which is a genus
of wasps in the family Trigonalyidae
ICAR Researchers Discovered 2 New Seer Fish Species in Indian Waters

Researchers from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Marine Fisheries
Research Institute (CMFRI) have discovered two new species of seer fish: Scomberomorus
avirostrus (Arabian Sparrow seer fish) and Scomberomorus leopardus (Russell’s

Spotted Seer Fish) in Indian Waters.This discovery brings the total number of seer fish
species in Indian waters to 6 from the existing 4 species.
✓ The research was conducted along the Indian coast by a team of taxonomists led by E M
Abdussamad the Principal Scientist of ICAR-CMFRI.
AAPA Aims for 5% SAF Usage by 2030

The Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has passed a resolution to adopt a collective
target of 5% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use by 2030 among its 14 member airlines.The
resolution was made in its 67th Assembly of Presidents of the Association of Asia Pacific
Airlines which was held in Singapore. The adoption of SAF is a critical step in aviation
industry’s journey towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
Nidirana Noadihing: New Frog Species Discovered in Arunachal

A new species of music frog ‘Nidirana Noadihing’ (Noa-Dihing music frog) was discovered
near the Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Gandhigram, Arunachal Pradesh. The species was named
after the Noa-Dihing River, which is near where the specimens were discovered.
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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – December 2023

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Cabinet Approvals on 8th December 2023

Manufacturer and Merchant

Cabinet Approvals on 15 December 2023

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Cabinet Approval on 27th December 2023

STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

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Jammu and Kashmir

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Tansen Samaroh 2023: 99th World Music Festival held in Gwalior, MP

LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

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Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India. The stamp

MoEF&CC launched the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated 2nd Edition of IFSCA’s InFinity Forum

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OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

India’s First Bullet Train Terminal Built At Sabarmati In Ahmedabad

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18 New Products of Uttarakhand gets GI Tag

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9 Uttarakhand Malta Fruit

India & Oman Adopts Vision Document to Expand Bilateral Cooperation

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MoRTH to Introduce Nationwide GPS-based Toll Collection System by March 2024

CBDT Issues Guidelines on Under Section 194-O of IT Act 1961

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STATE GOVT SCHEMES

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Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launched 3rd phase of BSKY Health Scheme

Himachal Govt Initiates Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Yojna to Promote Self-Employment

WHO Officially Recognized Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease

United Nations Declared 2024 as the International Year of Camelids

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ACG's Pithampur Facility Joins Global Lighthouse Network by WEF

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India, Bangladesh Agrees to Extend Crucial IBP Route

Angola Quits OPEC After Disagreements Over Production Targets

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BANKING & FINANCE

Fixed Reverse Repo Rate 3.35%

Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate 6.25%

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate 6.75%

Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.50%

Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 18%

RBI authorised Bandhan Bank to Disburse Pensions to Railway Employees

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RBI Releases Draft Licensing Framework for APs under FEMA

RBI Extends Payments Infrastructure Development Fund Scheme Till 2025

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SEBI issues Procedure for Public Issuance of ZCZP instrument by NPOs