National Affairs 2023 - October To December - Topic-Wise PDF by AffairsCloud 4

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2023 National Affairs

Table of Contents
2023 National Affairs - October .................................................................................................................................. 5

2023 National Affairs - November ........................................................................................................................... 18
2023 National Affairs - December............................................................................................................................ 27

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2023 National Affairs - October

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…
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

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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LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

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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2023 National Affairs - November

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.

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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.

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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.

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✓ 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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✓ 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.

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2023 National Affairs - December

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.

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✓ 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

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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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

Topic-Wise PDF
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

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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.

Topic-Wise PDF
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)

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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.

Topic-Wise PDF
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.

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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.
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2023 National Affairs

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2023 National Affairs - October

Cabinet Approval October 2023

Cabinet Approvals on 18 Oct 2023

Cabinet Approvals on October 25, 2023

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STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

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Karnataka launches ‘HAWK’ centralized wildlife crime management system

MP CM Unveils 108 ft Statue of Adi Shankaracharya at Omkareshwar

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Tripura Launches “Yuba Tripura, Natun Tripura, Atmanirbhar Tripura” to Encourage

MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar Launched Project "Heartland Tripura” to Boost

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UP Govt Set Up URIDA to Implement CM Grids Scheme

Kati Bihu Celebrated Across Assam – 18th October 2023

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LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

PM Modi Launched 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras in

AIIA’s 6th Foundation Day: New Molecular Biology Lab Launched

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Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launched Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav and

PM Launched Sankalp Saptaah to Improve Governance at Block Level

MWCD Launched Protocol for Management of Malnutrition in Children for Management

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MoEF&CC launches Green Credit Program & Ecomark Scheme

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Union Minister Arjun Munda Inaugurated Aadi Mahotsav in Jharkhand

India’s First Solar Roof Cycling Track Inaugurated in Hyderabad

OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

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CMIE’s Survey: India’s Unemployment Rate Declines to 7.1% in September 2023

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Mumbai Airport is 1st in Asia to Commission ‘Disabled Aircraft Recovery Kit’

WOAH Approves India’s Self-Declaration of Freedom from HPAI

BIS Approves India’s First-ever Indigenous AC & DC Combined Charging Connector

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2023 National Affairs - November

STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

Jammu and Kashmir

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Meghalaya Launches ‘Food Security’ Campaign to Achieve Zero Hunger

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SC Collegium Recommended Addl Judge Roy Chowdhury as Permanent Judge of Calcutta HC

LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

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

EESL launched NECP & EEFP to Revolutionize India's Energy Landscape

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Gujarat CM unveils Crest of Indian Navy warship 'Surat'

MoSJE Unveils Financial Incentive for Empowering Divyang Individuals

71st Foundation Day of EPFO: Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2023