Monthly_lyst9222 March 23

PIB 247 – March 2023
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Contents
National News ................................................................................................................................................ 5
SWAYATT on GeM Portal ................................................................................................................................... 5
National Youth Parliament Festival ................................................................................................................... 5
First G20 RIIG Conference .................................................................................................................................. 6
8th National Conference on Economics of Competition Law............................................................................ 6
Porter Prize 2023 ............................................................................................................................................... 7
Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of Qualifications ................................................................... 8
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission........................................................................................................ 8
National Level Exhibition ................................................................................................................................... 9
Indian Customs EDI – Electronic Data Interchange - System........................................................................... 10
Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023 ................................................................................................................. 10
SWAMIH Fund .................................................................................................................................................. 11
1st Meeting of G20 Anti-corruption Working Group ...................................................................................... 12
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan MoU ................................................................................................................. 12
NADA, NCERT MoU .......................................................................................................................................... 13
Yuva Utsava-India@2047 ................................................................................................................................. 13
Safe City Project ............................................................................................................................................... 14
Deakin University: 1st Foreign University to set up its campus in India ......................................................... 15
Integrated Teacher Education Programme ..................................................................................................... 15
Bahu Balli: World’s 1st Bamboo Crash Barrier ................................................................................................ 16
Millets Giveaway Campaign ............................................................................................................................. 17
Pharma Anveshan-2023 ................................................................................................................................... 17
IS 18149:2023 - Transportation of Dangerous Goods — Guideline ................................................................ 18
Prime Minister’s Awards for the Yoga 2023 .................................................................................................... 18
SMART-PDS ...................................................................................................................................................... 19
Multiple Indicator Survey – NSS 78th Round Report....................................................................................... 20
Swachhotsav Campaign ................................................................................................................................... 21
Khelo India Dus ka Dum tournament............................................................................................................... 21
International Conference on ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity’ ...................................................... 22
5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas ................................................................................................................................... 22
WINS Awards 2023 .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Golden City Gate Tourism Awards 2023 .......................................................................................................... 24
Research Grants for Women Scientists under CSIR-ASPIRE ............................................................................ 25
Regional Workshops on PM Gati Shakti NMP ................................................................................................. 25
National Conference- Bhumi Samvaad IV ........................................................................................................ 26
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World Food India-2023 .................................................................................................................................... 26

International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment ........................................................................ 27
PUShP Portal .................................................................................................................................................... 27
National Youth Conclave 2023......................................................................................................................... 28
Centre of Excellence for Kamalam Fruit .......................................................................................................... 28
International conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage .................................................................................. 29
Start-up Entrepreneur Workshop .................................................................................................................... 29
ATL Sarthi ......................................................................................................................................................... 30
Learning Science via Standards Series ............................................................................................................. 31
2nd Education Working Group meeting .......................................................................................................... 31
AgriUnifest 2023 .............................................................................................................................................. 32
Green National Highway Corridors Project ..................................................................................................... 32
MoU for Cleaner Energy Future ....................................................................................................................... 32
MoU for Skilling of Rural Youth and Empowering Women ............................................................................. 33
MoU to Facilitate Finance against e-NWRs ..................................................................................................... 34
AuditOnline Application ................................................................................................................................... 34
Listing of IREDA ................................................................................................................................................ 35
Meeting of Heads of SCO Tourism Administrations ........................................................................................ 36
3rd International SME Convention 2023 ......................................................................................................... 37
L20 inception meeting ..................................................................................................................................... 37
5th Poshan Pakhwada ...................................................................................................................................... 38
Global Conference on Digital Health ............................................................................................................... 38
‘City Finance Rankings 2022’ Portal ................................................................................................................. 39
District Mineral Foundation Trust.................................................................................................................... 40
India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary ...................................................................................................................... 40
herSTART platform ........................................................................................................................................... 41
Civil 20 .............................................................................................................................................................. 41
Two Joint Statements adopted at L20 ............................................................................................................. 42
Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference ......................................................................................................... 42
Blended Learning Platform .............................................................................................................................. 43
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture ..................................................................................... 43
National Mobile Monitoring System App ........................................................................................................ 44
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management ................................................................................... 44
Communication Ministers’ Conclave ............................................................................................................... 44
AIS for Taxpayer Mobile App ........................................................................................................................... 45
National Brainstorming Workshop on Urban Livelihoods ............................................................................... 46
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Green Tug Transition Programme ................................................................................................................... 46

Urban Climate Film Festival ............................................................................................................................. 47
1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit ............................................................................................................. 48
Web Accessibility Workshop............................................................................................................................ 48
DigiClaim .......................................................................................................................................................... 49
Sagar Manthan Dashboard .............................................................................................................................. 49
NHAI Organizes Hackathon .............................................................................................................................. 50
ITU Area office & Innovation Centre................................................................................................................ 50
Cabinet approves MSP for Raw Jute for 2023 -24 season ............................................................................... 51
G20-CSAR ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Exports Excellence Awards .............................................................................................................................. 52
Aravalli Green Wall Project .............................................................................................................................. 52
One World TB Summit ..................................................................................................................................... 53
National Conference on Biomass 3P - Pellet to Power to Prosperity .............................................................. 54
PARIVESH Portal ............................................................................................................................................... 54
Ministry of Rural Development signs MoU with 19 Captive Employers ......................................................... 55
G20 Expert Group on Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks .......................................................... 56
2nd Inland Waterways Summit ....................................................................................................................... 56
National Maritime Week ................................................................................................................................. 57
Sagar Setu Mobile App..................................................................................................................................... 57
Government’s Borrowing plan for 1st Half of FY 2023-24 .............................................................................. 58
Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive .................................................................................................... 58
IPPB launches WhatsApp Banking Services ..................................................................................................... 59
International News ...................................................................................................................................... 60
BIMSTEC Energy Centre ................................................................................................................................... 60
1st SCO B2B Global Conference ....................................................................................................................... 61
Pandemic Fund ................................................................................................................................................ 61
India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership ............................................................................... 62
16th meeting of SCO Youth Council................................................................................................................. 62
Colombo Security Conclave ............................................................................................................................. 63
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline .............................................................................................................. 63
2nd Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Negotiating Round ............................................................................ 64
I2U2 Group ....................................................................................................................................................... 65
Government Schemes .................................................................................................................................. 66
Sagar Parikrama Phase IV ................................................................................................................................ 66
Global Engagement Scheme ............................................................................................................................ 67
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Eklavya Model Residential Schools .................................................................................................................. 67

MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme................................................................................................................. 68
Mission Purvodaya ........................................................................................................................................... 70
Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry................................................................................... 70
Mission Sahbhagita .......................................................................................................................................... 71
PM MITRA Parks............................................................................................................................................... 71
PLI Scheme for specialty Steel ......................................................................................................................... 72
Champion Service Sector Scheme for Medical Value Travel ........................................................................... 73
Subsidy to PM Ujjwala Yojana Consumers ...................................................................................................... 73
North East Road Sector Development Scheme ............................................................................................... 74
Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture ...................................................... 74
Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises. .................................................................. 75
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme ............................................................................................. 76
Outlay of Vibrant Village Program ................................................................................................................... 77
1st Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test ............................................................................ 78
Revamping of Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprise ......................................................... 79
3 Months Campaign to boost micro-insurance Schemes ................................................................................ 79
Indices & Reports ......................................................................................................................................... 80
Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022 .......................................................................................................... 80
Women and Men in India Publication ............................................................................................................. 82
NITI Aayog Task Force report on Gaushalas .................................................................................................... 82
Questions from News .................................................................................................................................. 83
Other Important Questions in Short .......................................................................................................... 117
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National News
SWAYATT on GeM Portal
What: A function was recently held to commemorate success of “SWAYATT” on Government e-
Marketplace portal in New Delhi.
Tell me more
About SWAYATT on GeM Portal
• SWAYATT stands for “Start-ups, Women and Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions”.
• Objectives
▪ To promote inclusiveness of various categories of sellers and service providers on the
GeM portal.
▪ To develop women entrepreneurship.
▪ To encourage participation of MSME sector and Start-ups in public procurement.
• Launch Year: 2019.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
• Till date, 8.5 lakh Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) have done business on GeM portal,
worth over Rs. 1.87 lakh crore spread across 68 lakh+ orders.
• More than 1.45 lakh women MSEs have fulfilled 7.32 lakh orders worth Rs. 15, 922 Crore.
• 43000 SC/ ST MSEs have delivered 1.35 lakh+ order worth Rs.2,592 Crore on the GeM
portal.
About Government e Marketplace
• It was launched in 2016 for procurement of goods and services by Central

Ministries, State Departments, PSEs and Autonomous Bodies.
• It is a Section 8 company setup under the administrative control of the
Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Social inclusion is a core value of GeM and it focuses on increasing
participation from under-served sellers who face challenges in public
procurement.
National Youth Parliament Festival

What: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has organised 4th edition of National Youth Parliament
Festival (NYPF) in New Delhi.
Tell me more
• Theme of 4th NYPF: “Ideas for a Better tomorrow: India for the World”.
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• The parliament took place at three levels –
▪ District Youth Parliament (DYP): More than 2.01 Lakh youth from 748 Districts of all
States/UTs had participated in it at 150 venues across the country.
▪ State Youth Parliament (SYP): It has seen participation of youth selected by a Jury
from the District Youth Parliament.
▪ National Youth Parliament (NYP): It selected youths from the State Youth Parliament.
About National Youth Parliament Festival
• Objective: To hear the voice of the youth between 18-25 years of age, who will join various
careers in coming years, including public services.
• Previous editions of NYPF
▪ 1st edition of NYPF 2019 was organised with theme “Be the Voice of New India and
Find solutions and Contribute to Policy”.
▪ 2nd edition of NYPF 2021 was organised with theme “YUVAAH- Utsah Naye Bharat
Ka”. It was organised in virtual mode.
▪ 3rd edition of NYPF 2022 was organized with theme “Be the Voice of New India and
Find solutions and Contribute to Policy”.
First G20 RIIG Conference

What: The first Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering (RIIG) Conference on “Materials for
Sustainable Energy” was held under India’s G20 Presidency in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Why: To elaborate on the critical need for G20 Countries and participating International
Organisations in the area of energy.
Tell me more
• The conference is coordinated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
New Delhi.
• Under India’s G20 Presidency, three more RIIG events will take place at
▪ Dibrugarh (Assam) under the theme ‘Circular-bio-economy’.
▪ Dharamshala (Himachal Pradesh) under the theme ‘Eco-Innovations for Energy
Transition’.
▪ Diu under the theme ‘Scientific Challenges and Opportunities towards Achieving a
Sustainable Blue Economy’.
8th National Conference on Economics of

Competition Law
What: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has organised the 8th edition of the National
Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi.
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Why: To develop and sustain interest in Economics of Competition Law and create a critical mass
of antitrust economists.
Tell me More
About the Conference
• Objectives
▪ To stimulate research and debate on contemporary issues in the field of economics of
competition law.
▪ To develop a better understanding of competition issues relevant to the Indian context.
▪ To draw inferences for enforcement of competition law in India.
• It is being organised by the CCI every year since 2016.
About Competition Commission of India
• Objectives:
▪ To eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition.
▪ To promote and sustain competition.
▪ To protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade.
• Established: 2003.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• It is the chief national competition regulator in India.
• It is a statutory body established under Competition Act, 2002 and is
responsible for enforcing this Act.
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Composition: It consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members appointed by
the Central Government.
Porter Prize 2023

What: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been awarded Porter Prize 2023.
Why: For significant achievement in health sector especially COVID-19 management.
Tell me more
• The prize was announced at “The India Dialog” held at Stanford University, US.
▪ It was organized by Institute for Competitiveness and US Asia Technology Management
Centre.
▪ Its theme was “The Indian Economy 2023: Innovation, Competitiveness and Social
Progress”
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About Porter Prize
• Objective: To recognize Indian companies competing on the basis of value creation,

innovation, and strategy.
• It is administered by the Institute for Competitiveness.
• It is named after Michael E. Porter, an economist, researcher, author, advisor, speaker and
teacher.
▪ He has brought economic theory and strategy concepts dealing with most challenging
problems facing corporations, economies and societies.
▪ It includes market competition and company strategy, economic development, the
environment and healthcare.
Framework Mechanism for Mutual

Recognition of Qualifications
What: India and Australia have signed a Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of
Qualifications.
Why: To enable both countries to ease the mobility of students and professionals between them.
Tell me more
About this Framework Mechanism
• It covers both education and skill qualifications of the two countries.

• It will help facilitate two-way mobility of young people for education and employment
purposes by mutually recognising various levels of education and skill qualifications
• Under the mechanism, the Australian government will be contributing 1.89 million dollars for
running skills programme in India in the area of agriculture
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

What: Ministry of Power has appointed Jishnu Barua as Chairperson of Central Electricity
Regulatory Commission
Tell me more
About Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
• It is the key regulator of power sector in India.

• It is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under Electricity Act 2003.
• Established: It was established in 1998 under Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act,
1998 (this 1998 Act was repealed by Electricity Act, 2003)
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• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Power.

• Composition: It consists of
▪ Chairperson.
▪ Four Members (including Chairperson of Central Electricity Authority who is the ex-
officio member).
• Functions of CERC
▪ To regulate tariff of generating companies owned or controlled by Central Government.
▪ To regulate tariff of other generating companies having a composite scheme for
generation and sale of electricity in more than one State.
▪ To regulate inter-State transmission of electricity and to determine tariff for such
transmission of electricity, etc.
▪ It also advises the Central Government on
➢ Formulation of National Electricity Policy and Tariff Policy.
➢ Promotion of competition, efficiency and economy in activities of electricity industry.
➢ Promotion of investment in electricity industry.
National Level Exhibition

What: The National Trust has organized National Level Exhibition in New Delhi.
Why: To showcase talents and skills of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Tell me more
About National Trust
• Objectives
▪ To enable and empower persons with disability (PwDs) to live independently.
▪ To facilitate the realisation of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full
participation of PwDs.
▪ To evolve procedures for appointments of guardians and trustees for PwDs.
• It is a statutory body set up under the “National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with
Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities” Act, 1999.
• Parent Ministry: It functions under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It works for the welfare of persons with following four disabilities
▪ Autism
▪ Cerebral Palsy
▪ Mental Retardation
▪ Multiple Disabilities
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Indian Customs EDI – Electronic Data

Interchange - System
What: Indian Customs EDI – Electronic Data Interchange – System (ICES) has been recently
operationalised at two Land Customs Stations – Nagarakata (Jalpaiguri district) and Kulkuli
(Alipurduar district) in West Bengal on India-Bhutan border
Tell me more
• ICES is designed to exchange/transact customs clearance related information electronically

using EDI
• It processes number of documents that trade, transport and regulatory agencies are
required to submit/ receive in the process of customs clearance.
• ICES has two aspects:
▪ Internal Automation of the Custom House: It is for a comprehensive, paperless, fully
automated customs clearance system that makes functioning of Customs clearance
transparent and efficient.
▪ Online, real-time electronic interface: It is integrated with the trade, transport, banks,
and regulatory agencies concerned with customs clearance of import and export cargo.
• It has helped to fully automate the core functionality of the Indian Customs.
▪ It is now operational at 254 major customs locations handling nearly 99% of India’s
International trade in terms of import and export consignments.
Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023

What: Ministry of Jal Shakti has conferred 36 women WASH Champions with the ‘Swachh Sujal
Shakti Samman 2023’ in the run up to the International Women’s Day.
Why: For their exceptional and exemplary work being done at the grassroots level in the
implementation of
• Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen (SBM-G)
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA-CTR)
Tell me more
About Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023
• Objective: To bring the women achievers from the grassroots to the forefront and connect
them with national leadership, who can share their journey and thereby motivate others.
• Total 36 women champions of rural water and sanitation sector were conferred under
the following categories:
▪ Swachh Bharat Mission - Grameen (SBM - G)
➢ Making the village ODF Plus Model
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➢ GOBARdhan/Bio-degradable Waste and/or Plastic Waste Management

➢ Greywater Management and/or Faecal Sludge Management
▪ Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
➢ Women change-makers in the category of O&M of piped water supply
▪ National Water Mission (NWM)
➢ Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain
➢ Water Warriors
Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2023 (JSA:CTR-2023)
• It was also launched with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking
Water”.
• It is the 4th in the series of Jal Shakti Abhiyan.
• Focused interventions of the JSA:CTR-2023 include consolidation of
activities i.e.
▪ Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
▪ Enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of all water bodies and
preparation of scientific plans for water conservation
▪ Setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts
▪ Intensive afforestation
▪ Awareness generation
SWAMIH Fund
What: Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund has
provided final approval to about 130 projects with sanctions worth over Rs 12,000 crore
Tell me more
About SWAMIH Fund

• Objective: To provide priority debt financing for the completion of stressed, brownfield and
Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) registered residential projects that fall in the
affordable, mid-income housing category.
• It is India’s largest social impact fund specifically formed for completing stressed and stalled
residential projects.
• Launch Year: 2019
• Sponsored by: Ministry of Finance
• Managed by: SBICAP Ventures Ltd., a State Bank Group company.
• So far, it has raised Rs.15,530 crore to provide priority debt financing
• Target: Since its launch, it has already completed 20,557 houses
▪ It seeks to complete over 81,000 homes in the next 3 years across 30 tier 1 and 2 cities.
• It is considered as the lender of last resort for distressed real estate projects as it considers
▪ First-time developers.
▪ Established developers with troubled projects.
▪ Developers with a poor track record of stalled projects.
▪ Customer complaints.
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▪ Non-Performing Asset accounts.

▪ Projects where there are litigation issues.
1st Meeting of G20 Anti-corruption Working Group

What: The first meeting of the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group (ACWG) under India’s G20
Presidency has been held in Gurugram, Haryana.
Why: For strengthening Law Enforcement Cooperation for Action against Corruption and related
economic crime among other measures.
Tell me more
• Organising Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

• Co-chair of G20 ACWG 2023: Italy.
• 2nd ACWG meeting will be held in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand in May 2023.
• 3rd ACWG meeting will be held in Kolkata, West Bengal in August 2023.
About G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group
• Focus areas: It include public and private sector integrity and transparency,
bribery, international cooperation, asset recovery, beneficial ownership
transparency, vulnerable sectors and capacity-building.
• Its work is guided by St. Petersburg Strategic Framework and by multi-year
action plans.
Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan MoU

What: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has signed Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
Memorandum of Understanding with Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu.
Why: For spreading the message of NMBA through Ministry’s National Action Plan for Drug
Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) among the youth, women, students etc.
Tell me more
About National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR)
• Objective: To create awareness about ill effects of substance abuse among the youth.
• Duration: 2018 to 2025.
• Special focus: Higher education institutes, university campuses, schools and reaching out
into the community and garnering community involvement and its ownership.
• Under this scheme, ﬁnancial assistance is provided to States/UTs Administrations for
▪ Preventive Education and Awareness Generation.
▪ Capacity Building.
▪ Skill development.
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▪ Vocational training and livelihood support of ex-drug addicts.

▪ Programme for Drug Demand Reduction.
• It is currently operational in 372 districts of the country.
▪ Earlier it was implemented in 272 districts identified based on inputs from Narcotics
Control Bureau and findings of Comprehensive National Survey done by Ministry.
NADA, NCERT MoU

What: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) and National Council of Educational Research and
Training (NCERT), Ministry of Education have signed an MoU
Why: To strengthen the value-based sports education amongst school children and teachers.
Tell me more
• This collaboration will amplify NADA’s outreach efforts multi-fold in collaboration with
NCERT, and help create awareness at the grassroots.
▪ NADA is autonomous body under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
• It will enable NADA to leverage digital infrastructure and outreach capacity of Department of
School Education & Literacy through PM e-Vidya.
• Key activities that will be undertaken through this MoU include
▪ Developing e-content in accessible format on sports values and ethics like integrity,
diversity, equality, fair play, respect & teamwork.
▪ Promoting UNESCO Value Based Sports Education toolkit in every classroom.
Yuva Utsava-India@2047
What: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched Yuva Utsava-India@2047 from IIT
Ropar, Punjab.
• Dashboard of Yuva Utsava was also launched.
Tell me more
About Yuva Utsava-India@2047
• Nodal Organising Agency: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through its premier Youth
organization Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan.
• Coverage: All districts across the country.
• Theme: It will be Panch Pran consisting of
▪ Goal of developed India.
▪ To remove any trace of slavery or colonial mindset.
▪ Take pride in our heritage and legacy.
▪ Unity and solidarity.
▪ Sense of duty among citizens.
• Eligibility: Youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years.
• Implementation: It will be conducted in 3-tier format
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▪ District Level Yuva Utsav: It will be held from March to June 2023.
➢ 1st phase: It is scheduled to be held in 150 districts in March 2023.
▪ State level Yuva Utsav: It will see participation of winners of the District Level.
➢ It will be held in August to September 2023 at State Capitals.
▪ National Level Yuva Utsav: It will see participation of winners of all the State level
programs.
➢ It is scheduled to be held in 3rd/4th week of October, 2023 at New Delhi.
• Across the three levels, Young Artists, Writers, Photographers, Orators will compete and
traditional artists will showcase the rich cultural heritage of the country.
• Components of Yuva Utsav:
▪ Young Artists Talent Hunt- Painting.
▪ Young Writers Talent Hunt.
▪ Photography Talent Hunt.
▪ Declamation Contest.
▪ Cultural Festival- Group events.
Safe City Project

What: Ministry of Home Affairs has launched Safe City Project in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Tell me more
About Safe City project
• Objectives:
▪ To create a safe, secure and empowering environment for women in public places.
▪ To prevent and curb all forms of crimes against women and girl children in public places
by providing safer urban infrastructure and efficient access to law enforcement
agencies.
▪ To enable women and girl children to pursue all opportunities without the threat of
gender-based violence and/or harassment.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme.
• It is being implemented in 8 selected cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru,
Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
• Funding: The cost of the projects is shared between Central Government and concerned
States in 60:40 ratio.
▪ For Delhi (UT), it is fully funded by the Central Government.
• Projects under it involve
▪ Identification of hot spots for crimes against women.
▪ Deployment of various components including infrastructure, technology adoption.
▪ Capacity building in community through awareness programmes.
pg. 14
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Deakin University: 1st Foreign University to

set up its campus in India
What: Deakin University has become the 1st foreign university to set up an International Branch
Campus in GIFT-IFSC, GIFT City, Gujarat.
Tell me more
Background
• In Union Budget 2022-23, it was announced that
▪ “World Class Foreign Universities and Institutions will be allowed in the
GIFT City to facilitate availability of high-end human resources for financial
services and technology.
▪ They will offer various degree courses and will be free from domestic
regulations, except those by the International Financial Services Centres
Authority (IFSCA).
• Deakin University is a premier University of Australia.

• With this approval, it will be able to offer the same degree courses it offers in Australia in
Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Financial Management to both Indian
and foreign students.
Significance
• It will contribute to developing a robust extended ecosystem and make available high-end
human resources to the financial institutions operating out of GIFT City.
• It will also promote deep collaboration between academia and industry resulting in financial
innovations.
• It will set the stage for many more institutions of global repute to follow going by the
expressions of interest received so far.
Integrated Teacher Education Programme

What: National Council for Teacher Education has launched Integrated Teacher Education
Programme (ITEP) in 57 Teacher Education Institutions.
Tell me More
• It has been launched from the academic session 2023-24 throughout the country.
About Integrated Teacher Education Programme
• It is a flagship programme of NCTE under National Education Policy 2020.

• Notified Year: 2021
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• It is a 4 Year dual-major holistic undergraduate degree offering B.A. B.Ed./ B. Sc. B. Ed.
and B.Com. B.Ed.
• It will prepare teachers for the 4 stages of the new school structure i.e. Foundational,
Preparatory, Middle and Secondary (5+3+3+4).
• It will be available for all students who choose teaching as a profession after Secondary, by
choice.
• Admission for it will be carried out by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the
National Common Entrance Test
• Benefit: This integrated course will benefit students since they will save 1 year by finishing
the course in 4 years rather than the customary 5 years required by present B.Ed. plan.
Bahu Balli: World’s 1st Bamboo Crash Barrier

What: World's first 200-meter-long Bamboo Crash Barrier-Bahu Balli has been installed on the
Vani-Warora Highway (connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts) in Maharashtra
Why: To reduce the use of metallic, fibre, concrete etc. in fencing crash barrier along the
highways, expressways and roads.
Tell me More
• The bamboo species used in the making of this barrier is Bambusa Balcoa.
▪ It has been treated with creosote oil and coated with recycled High-Density Poly
Ethylene (HDPE).
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• It has undergone rigorous testing at various government-run institutions such as the

National Automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) in Pithampur, Indore.
▪ It has been rated as Class 1 during Fire Rating Test conducted at the Central Building
Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee.
▪ It has also been accredited by the Indian Road Congress.
Benefits
▪ It offers perfect alternative to steel and addresses environmental concerns.
▪ It is a rural and agriculture-friendly industry in itself making it an even more significant
milestone.
▪ Its recycling value is 50-70% whereas that of steel barriers is 30-50%.
Millets Giveaway Campaign

What: Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium, a Society promoted by Ministry of Agriculture
and Farmers Welfare has launched Millets Giveaway Campaign.
Tell me more
• Objective: To promote buying millets directly from FPO (Farmer Producer Organisation) to
support small & marginal farmers of the country.
• It supports three main areas
▪ Motivate general public to buy directly from FPO farmers.
▪ Give buyers experience on using ONDC’s (Open Network for Digital Commerce) My
Store platform.
▪ Motivate more people to adopt millets.
Pharma Anveshan-2023
What: Pharma Anveshan-2023 has been organised by Pharmacy Council of India on the occasion
of National Pharmacy Education Day (6th March).
• On this occasion, 'One Stop-Non-Stop' digital job portal was also launched.
Tell me more
'One Stop-Non-Stop' Digital Job Portal
• It was launched by Pharmacy Council of India.

• It will be useful for pharma professionals as well as recruiters from the industry.
• It will prove to be a game changer for the students coming from small towns and villages.
About Pharmacy Council of India
• Objectives:
▪ Regulation of the pharmacy education in the country.
▪ Regulation of Profession and Practice of Pharmacy.
pg. 17
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• It is a statutory body constituted under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.

• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
National Pharmacy Education Day
• It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor

Mahadeva Lal Schroff- father of Pharmacy Education of India.
• It recognises his contribution to establishing pharmacy education in India.
IS 18149:2023 - Transportation of Dangerous

Goods — Guideline
What: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently published new guidelines IS 18149:2023 -
Transportation of Dangerous Goods — Guideline.
Why: For enhancing safety in the transportation of dangerous goods.
Tell me more
About IS 18149:2023 Guidelines
• Objective: To standardize transportation practices to ensure hazardous goods are

transported in a safe and secure manner.
• They have been formulated under BIS’s Transport Services Sectional Committee, SSD 01.
▪ BIS is the National Standards Body of India.
• Dangerous goods covered under its ambit: Explosives, gases, flammable liquids,
flammable solids, oxidizing substances and organic peroxides, poisonous and infectious
substances, radioactive substances, corrosive substances and other miscellaneous
dangerous substances.
• They provide guidelines on classification, packaging, labelling and marking, handling,
documentation, training, transportation, emergency action and provisions for segregation.
• They provide guidelines for all stakeholders including vehicle owner’s/transport agencies,
contractors, consignors, consignees, operators and drivers carrying dangerous
goods/substances.
Prime Minister’s Awards for the Yoga 2023

What: Ministry of AYUSH has invited applications/nominations for Prime Minister’s Awards for the
Yoga 2023.
Tell me more
pg. 18
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About Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga
• Objective: To recognize exemplary contribution of individual(s)/ organization(s) towards the

development and promotion of Yoga both at national and international level.
• Two Categories (each comprising two awards each):
▪ National Awards: It is given to entities of Indian origin.
▪ International Awards: It is given to entities of Indian or foreign origin, for their
contribution towards promotion and development of Yoga across the Globe.
• Winners are announced on the International Day of Yoga (21st June).
• Reward: The winners are felicitated by Trophy, Certificate and a Cash Award of Rs. 25
lakhs.
▪ In-case of joint winners, cash award is divided amongst the winners.
• The selection process follows two tier system, for which following two committees are
constituted by the Ministry of AYUSH
▪ Screening Committee: It screens applications/nominations received through MyGov
platform/Ministry of Ayush’s website/National Awards Portal.
▪ Evaluation Committee (Jury): It decides the selection and evaluation criteria for
finalizing the recipients of the awards.
SMART-PDS
What: Ministry of Commerce and Industry has asked all the states/UTs to make efforts to
implement SMART-PDS at the earliest.
Tell me more
About SMART-PDS
• SMART-PDS stands Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public
Distribution System.
• Objective: To introduce a transparent and accountable system and reduce human
intervention and promote automation in the existing processes.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
• It seeks to leverage technology to reduce human intervention and promote automation in
the PDS supply chain, thereby ensuring timely and targeted delivery of food grains to
beneficiaries.
• It involves real-time tracking of food grains from the procurement stage to the distribution
stage, enabling authorities to monitor and address any issues or bottlenecks in the supply
chain.
• Components:
▪ Smart Ration Card
▪ Fingerprint Template: Under it, beneficiaries’ fingerprint template is recorded in these
smart ration cards, which records all transactions.
pg. 19
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Multiple Indicator Survey – NSS 78th Round Report

What: National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has carried out the Multiple Indicator Survey (MIS)
covering the entire country in its 78th round.
Tell me more
About MIS
• Report title: ‘Report on Multiple Indicator Survey, 2020-21’

• Objectives:
▪ To collect information for developing estimates of some important Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) indicators.
▪ To collect information about Purchase/Construction of house(s)/ flat(s) by household for
residential purpose after March 2014 and information on Migration.
• Coverage: It has surveyed whole India (except for some villages of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands).
• It was conducted during the period January-December, 2020, but the field work was
extended till August 2021, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Some Key Findings
No Description Rural Urban All

(%) (%) (%)
1 Percentage of persons reported to have 95 97.2 95.7
improved source of drinking water
2 Percentage of persons reported access to 97.5 99 98
improved latrine, amongst those who have
access to latrine
3 Percentage of persons reported access to hand 77.4 92.7 81.9
washing facility with water and soap/detergent
within premises
4 Percentage of households using clean fuel as 49.8 92 63.1
primary source of energy for cooking
5 Percentage of persons of age 15-29 years were 33 39.4 34.9
in formal and non-formal education and training
for 12 months
6 Percentage of persons of age 15-24 years not 30.2 27 29.3
in education, employment or training as on date
of survey
7 Percentage of persons of age 18 years and 67.8 83.7 72.7
above who used mobile telephone with active
sim card
8 Percentage of households in rural areas 92.5 - -
reported availability of all-weather roads within 2
km from place of living
9 Percentage of households reported purchase/ 11.2 7.2 9.9
construction of any new house/flat after March
2014
pg. 20
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10 Percentage of households reported 47.5 57.9 49.9

purchase/construction of new house/flat for first
time after March 2014
11 Percentage of persons having current place of 26.8 34.6 29.1
residence different from the last usual place of
residence
Swachhotsav Campaign
What: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has launched Swachhotsav, 3-week women-led
swachhata campaign, under the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0.
Tell me more
About Swachhotsav
• Objectives:
▪ To recognize and celebrate transition from women in sanitation to women-led sanitation.
▪ To celebrate women and their leadership and contribution towards a sustainable future.
▪ To create a peer learning network and encourage women at large to join the mission of
urban swachhata.
• Duration of Campaign: 10th to 30th March 2023.

▪ 30th March is celebrated as International Day of Zero Waste by UN.
• Following events will be launched as part of Swachhotsav

▪ 1st Women Icons leading Sanitation & Waste Management (WINS) Challenge-2023
➢ It was launched to recognize high-impact women entrepreneurs or women-led
enterprises working to achieve urban swachhata.
▪ Swachhata Yatra
➢ As part of it, representatives of 34 States/UTs will be travelling as ‘Swachhata
Doots’.
➢ It is a one-of-a-kind inter-state peer learning initiative that will encourage members
of Area Level Federations or Self-Help Groups to travel to selected cities.
▪ Swachh Mashaal March: Under it, cleanliness drives will be held at public places, open
plots, water bodies, railway tracks, public toilets in every ward of a participating ULB.
Khelo India Dus ka Dum tournament

What: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the first time will be organising Khelo India Dus Ka
Dum.
Why: To celebrate International Women’s Day 2023.
pg. 21
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Tell me more
About Khelo India Dus Ka Dum.

• Objectives:
▪ To provide platform to the women athletes who were unable to participate in
national/state level competitions.
▪ To ensure that competitive sports reach untapped geographical areas.
• It will feature 10 sports that will be held across 10 cities in the country.
• 10 sports disciplines are: Kho Kho, Wushu, Wrestling, Fencing, Archery, Swimming,
Basketball, Judo, Athletics and Yogasana.
• Total budget: Rs 50 Lakh.
International Conference on ‘Inclusive

Elections and Elections Integrity’
What: Election Commission of India (ECI) will be hosting the 3rd International Conference on the
theme ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity’ in virtual format.
Tell me more
• ECI will lead the Cohort on Elections Integrity, which was established as a follow up to the
‘Summit for Democracy’ held virtually in December, 2021.
• 25 Election Management Bodies (EMBs)/countries will be attending this Conference.
• Co-leads for the Cohort: Mauritius, Greece & International organization International
Foundation for Electoral System (IFES).
Previous Conferences
• 1st Conference: It was organized by ECI in October 2022 in New Delhi on
the theme ‘Role, Framework and Capacity of Election Management Bodies’.
• 2nd Conference: It was organized by ECI in January 2023 in New Delhi on
the theme ‘Use of Technology and Elections Integrity’.
5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas

What: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has celebrated Jan Aushadhi Diwas on 7th March
2023.
Why: To increase awareness about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana
Tell me more
• Slogan/Theme: ‘Sasti bhi, Achhi bhi’
pg. 22
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• Following events were conducted in different cities starting from 1st March 2023 to 7th
March 2023 with focus on awareness about the Jan Aushadhi Scheme
▪ Jan Aushadhi Jan Chetna Abhiyan
▪ Jan Aushadhi Pratigya Yatra
▪ Jan Aushadhi – Ek Kadam Matri Shakti ki Ore
▪ Jan Aushadhi Bal Mitra
▪ Jan Arogya Mela (Health Camp)
▪ Aao Jan Aushadhi Mitra Banein
▪ Celebration of 5th Jan Aushadhi Diwas at State/UT level
About Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)
• Objective: To make quality generic medicines available at affordable prices to all.

• Ministry: Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Implementing Agency: Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India.
• Under it, dedicated outlets known as Janaushadhi Kendras are opened to provide generic
medicines at affordable prices.
▪ As on March 2022, 8819 such Kendras are functional across the country.
▪ Government has set a target of 10,000 Kendras by the end of December 2023.
• Coverage: 743 districts out of 764 districts of the nation have been covered.
• Product basket: It comprises 1759 drugs and 280 surgical items, covering all major
therapeutic groups.
• Medicines available under PMBJP are priced 50%-90% less than that of branded prices.
• During FY 2021-22, PMBJP has achieved sales of Rs. 893.56 crores (at MRP).
▪ This has led to savings of approximately Rs. 5360 crores of the common citizens.
WINS Awards 2023

What: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has launched first edition of Women Icons Leading
Swacchata WINS Awards 2023.
Why: To highlight the impact of women in sanitation and waste management.
Tell me more
About WINS Awards 2023
• Objective: To recognize celebrate and disseminate inspiring and exemplary initiatives in

urban sanitation and waste management by women led organizations and individual
women.
• Applications for the Awards are open to
▪ Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
▪ Micro-enterprises.
▪ Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).
▪ Startups.
▪ Individual Women Leaders/Swachhata champions.
pg. 23
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• Thematic areas of awards

▪ Management of Community/Public Toilets.
▪ Septic Tanks Cleaning Services.
▪ Treatment Facilities (Used Water/Septage).
▪ Municipal Water collection and /or Transportation.
▪ Operation of Material Recovery Facilities.
▪ Waste to Wealth products.
▪ Treatment Facilities (Solid Waste Management).
▪ IEC, Training, Capacity Building.
▪ Technology and Intervention.
▪ Others.
Note: No need to remember the thematic areas of awards.
• Process
▪ Only citizens are invited to apply
▪ Urban Local Bodies (ULB) Level: ULBs will evaluate entries & nominate up to 5
applicants to State via Swachhatam portal.
➢ They can organize public felicitation of their nominees as city winners.
➢ ULB wise nominations will be evaluated at the State level.
▪ State level: Up to 3 entries in each category will be nominated by the State to MoHUA.
➢ States can also organize public felicitation of nominees as State winners.
➢ State nominations will be evaluated at the national level on their innovativeness,
impact, uniqueness, sustainability & replicability.
▪ National level: MoHUA will set up a Jury to evaluate the applications and select
winners in each category.
Golden City Gate Tourism Awards 2023

What: Ministry of Tourism has been awarded Golden & Silver Star at The International ‘Golden
City Gate Tourism Awards 2023’ at ITB, Berlin 2023.
Tell me more
• It was awarded in ‘TV/Cinema Commercials International and Country International’

Category.
About Golden City Gate Tourism Multi-media Awards
• It is given annually in various categories related to the Tourism and

Hospitality sectors.
• It is a creative multi-media international competition for countries, cities,
regions and hotels.
• The entries for it are judged by an international jury comprising film and
tourism experts.
• Its annual award ceremony takes place at ITB Berlin, the world’s leading
tourism trade show.
pg. 24
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Research Grants for Women Scientists under CSIR-ASPIRE

What: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research will be launching exclusive Research Grants for
Women Scientists under CSIR-ASPIRE and exclusive portal in this regard.
Tell me more
About CSIR-ASPIRE Grants
• Eligibility: Only women scientists across the country will be eligible to apply for research
grants.
• They will be provided research grants to carry out R&D in major disciplines of science and
engineering viz
▪ Life Sciences.
▪ Chemical Sciences.
▪ Physical Sciences.
▪ Engineering Sciences.
▪ Inter/trans disciplinary sciences.
• The funds will be provided for staff (JRF/SRF/RA), contingency and minor equipment.
• Total budget of a research proposal including research fellow’s stipend: It will not
exceed the limit of Rs.30 lakhs.
Regional Workshops on PM Gati Shakti NMP

What: Ministry of Commerce and Industry will be organising a Regional Workshop for the South
Zone on PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (NMP) in Kochi, Kerala.
Tell me more
• The Regional Workshop in Kochi is the second among the five regional workshops being
planned across the country.
▪ The first regional workshop was held in Goa in February 2023.
• Participating States/UTs: Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu,
Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and
Daman & Diu.
Regional Workshops on PM Gati Shakti NMP
• Objective: To bring more vigor and build synergy with all the
stakeholders of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
• They are being organized by DPIIT in partnership with States/UTs.
• Focus areas
▪ Strengthening the institutional mechanism of State Technical Support
Units (TSU) for integrated planning.
▪ Identifying common challenges and issues in adoption and
implementation of PM GatiShakti NMP.
pg. 25
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▪ Discussions on roadmaps for adoption of PM GatiShakti for planning

at the district level.
National Conference- Bhumi Samvaad IV

What: Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development will be organising National
Conference - Bhumi Samvaad IV in New Delhi.
Why: For implementation of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhaar.
Tell me more
About Conference
• It is being organized under Bhumi-Samvaad series of Dialogues and Deliberations of Land
Administration and Governance in the country.
• Theme: "Digitizing and Geo-Referencing INDIA with Bhu-Aadhaar (ULPIN)".
• Sessions of Conference:
▪ Democratization of Land Records Data and Matribhoomi.
▪ Application of Bhu-Aadhaar in Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and Ease of Living.
▪ Best Practices – National and Global (Georeferencing / Survey/ Resurvey/ Use of Bhu-
Aadhaar and Way Forward.
About Bhu-Aadhaar or ULPIN
• It is a 14-digit alpha-numeric number generated for each land parcel.
• It is being implemented as part of Digital India Land Records Modernization
Programme by Ministry of Rural Development.
• It contains ownership details of the land parcel, its size and longitude &
latitude details.
• It serves as a single, authoritative source of truth of information on any
parcel of land or property to provide integrated land services to the citizens
as well as all stakeholders.
World Food India-2023

What: The Curtain Raiser Event to 2nd edition of World Food India-2023 (WFI-2023) has been
held recently in New Delhi.
• WFI-2023 website, publicity brochure and promotional video were also launched.
Tell me more
About WFI-2023
• 2nd 'World Food India-2023’ will be held in November 2023 in New Delhi.
pg. 26
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• Organising Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

▪ It has organised first edition of WFI in 2017.
• Five pivotal elements of the WFI-2023:
▪ Millets- ‘Shree Anna-The Super Food of India’
▪ Innovation and Sustainability ‘Green Food’
▪ White Revolution 2.0
▪ Making India an export hub
▪ Focus on technology and digitisation
International Symposium on Health

Technology Assessment
What: The second International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA) 2023 has
been held in New Delhi.
Tell me more
About ISHTA 2023
• Organisers: Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in

collaboration with World Health Organisation (WHO) and Centre for Global Development.
• Theme: “Affordability, Availability and Accessibility of Healthcare Technologies through
Evidence generated by Health Technologies Assessments (HTA) for Universal Health
Coverage”.
• It provided a platform for stakeholders such as academia, researchers, policy makers,
industry, etc., to share their views on importance of HTA and its use.
• First ever HTA marketplace: It was also held on the side-line of this symposium.
▪ It showcased prominent HTA recommendations that have been implemented by the
State and Central Government.
PUShP Portal
What: Ministry of Power has launched High Price Day Ahead Market and Surplus Power Portal
(PUShP).
Why: To ensure greater availability of power during the peak demand season.
Tell me more
About PUShP Portal
• It will enable Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) to indicate their surplus power in
block times /days/months.
pg. 27
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• It will also enable those DISCOMs who need power to requisition the surplus power notified
on it.
• It will help to reduce the fixed power cost burden on the DISCOMs and enable all the
available power generation capacity to be utilized.
National Youth Conclave 2023

What: India’s biggest youth summit- ‘National Youth Conclave’ has been organised in New Delhi.
Tell me more
• It is being organized under the aegis of India’s G20 presidency in 2023

▪ It is also aligned with the Urban20 and Youth20 engagement groups of G20.
• Organisers: National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) in association with Smart Cities
Mission and Department of Youth Affairs, (Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports)
• Key events of the conclave
▪ Release of SAAR Compendium 1.0: It comprises 75+ case studies of innovative urban
projects under the SAAR program (Smart Cities & Academia towards Action Research)
documented by 15 premier colleges of the country.
▪ Launch – SAAR Programme 2.0: Under it, every Smart city is encouraged to tie-up
with at least one academic/research institution and prepare at least 3 case studies of
implemented projects.
➢ These will become reference document for replication of innovative urban initiatives.
Centre of Excellence for Kamalam Fruit

What: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has approved to establish Centre of Excellence
(CoE) for Kamalam Fruit (Dragon Fruit) under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture
(MIDH) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Why: To focus on production, post-harvest and value addition of Kamalam Fruit.
Tell me more
About the Centre
• Objective: To achieve self-sustenance in Kamalam fruit production, value addition and

enhancing economic development of the farming community.
• It will be established by Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru,
Karnataka.
• It will work for development of latest production technology as per the international standard
and demonstration of these technologies for high yield production
pg. 28
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Background
• Dragon Fruit is cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra,
Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman &
Nicobar Islands, Mizoram and Nagaland.
• Presently, the total area under its cultivation in India is more than 3,000
hectares.
▪ Its domestic production is not able to meet the domestic demand, hence
it is imported from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.
▪ Its import value was about Rs.100 crores for 2021.
• To increase domestic production and reduce imports of Dragon Fruit, MIDH
has set target for expansion of its cultivation area to 50,000 hectares in 5
years.
International conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage

What: First of its kind International Conference on “Shared Buddhist Heritage” with focus on
India’s civilizational connect with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) nations will be held in
New Delhi.
Tell me more
About Conference
• Objective: To re-establish trans-cultural links, seek out commonalities, between Buddhist
art of Central Asia, art styles, archaeological sites and antiquity in various museums’
collections of the SCO countries.
• Organisers: Ministry of Culture, Ministry of External Affairs and International Buddhist
Confederation (IBC-as a grantee body of the Ministry of Culture).
• It is being held under India’s Presidency of SCO (for 1 year period from September, 2022
until September 2023).
Start-up Entrepreneur Workshop

What: Start-up Entrepreneur Workshop on ‘Dry and Wet Waste Management Technologies for
Incubation’ was recently organized by Atal Incubation Centre – Bhabha Atomic Research centre in
Mumbai, Maharashtra
Tell me more
• Two technologies were introduced by BARC during the workshop
▪ SHESHA (for wet waste management)

o SHESHA is a novel, compact helical shaped waste converter aimed to manage the
biodegradable waste generated in small housing societies, restaurants, etc. in-situ,
o It will allow decentralized processing of the biodegradable waste.
pg. 29
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o The name Shesha has been given on the basis of the serpentine shape of the
digester (its resemblance to the snake Shesha) as well as Sanskrit name of waste
▪ Rapid Bio-composting (for dry waste management)

o The Rapid composting technology is based on cellulolytic fungi named Trichoderma
koningiopsis isolated from tree bark.
o It is safe to the environment and for human handling.
o The formulation is capable of composting kitchen waste, agricultural waste, garden
waste (dry leaves including coconut leaves) and temple waste.
o This method, being completely aerobic in nature, is devoid of foul odour and hence
has greater acceptability in the society
AIC-BARC
• Objective: To create a start-up eco-system based on spin-off technologies
of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
• It has been established under ambit of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI
Aayog.
• It is one of the first Technology Development cum incubation centres set up
in DAE.
• It fosters synergy between government research facilities and tech
entrepreneurs
ATL Sarthi
What: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) – NITI Aayog has launched ATL Sarthi, a comprehensive
self-monitoring framework to strengthen the ever-growing ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs
Tell me more
About ATL Sarthi
• It provides a Monitoring and Evaluation framework to enhance the performance of ATLs.

• It has four pillars which will ensure the performance enhancement of ATLs through regular
process improvements viz
▪ MyATL Dashboard: It is a self-reporting dashboard.
▪ Compliance SOPs for schools: It will ensure financial and non-financial compliances.
▪ Cluster-based Approach: For on-ground enablement of ATLs in collaboration with
relevant local authorities.
▪ Performance-Enablement Matrix: To provide ownership to schools to analyze their
performance.
• As a pilot, ATL Sarthi will be executed with different partners in regions like Karnataka,
Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat.
pg. 30
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Learning Science via Standards Series

What: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body of India has launched
‘Learning Science via Standards’.
Tell me more
• Objective: To use scientific concepts, principles and laws to help students understand their
practical applications in manufacturing, functioning and testing of quality characteristics of
different products as stated in the relevant Indian Standard.
• It is a unique initiative for students for learning science via standards.
▪ It is in continuum with earlier BIS initiative under which ‘Standards Clubs’ are being
established in educational institutions across India.
▪ Over 4200 such Clubs have already been formed with over one lakh student members.
▪ BIS provides financial support to these Clubs for undertaking up to 3 activities in a year.
2nd Education Working Group meeting

What: Ministry of Education has hosted the 2nd Education Working Group meeting in Amritsar,
Punjab under India’s G20 Presidency.
Tell me more
• G20 member countries, guest countries & invited organizations (OECD, UNESCO &
UNICEF) have participated.
• Four priority areas of the group under India’s Presidency
▪ Ensuring Foundational Literacy and Numeracy especially in context of blended learning
▪ Making Tech-enabled learning more inclusive, qualitative, and collaborative at every
level
▪ Building Capacities, promoting Life-long Learning in the context of Future of Work
▪ Strengthening Research, promoting Innovation through richer collaboration and
partnerships
Four EdWG Meetings
• 1st Meeting: It was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in February 2023.

• 3rd Meeting: It will be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in April 2023.
• 4th Meeting: It will be held in Pune, Maharashtra in June 2023.
• Meeting of G20 Education Ministers: It will be held in Pune, Maharashtra
in June 2023.
pg. 31
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AgriUnifest 2023
What: A 5-day cultural program “AgriUnifest 2023”- All India Inter Agricultural University Youth
Festival is being held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Tell me more
• Organisers: Bangalore Agricultural University in collaboration with the Indian Council of

Agricultural Research (ICAR).
All India Inter Agricultural University Youth Festival
• Objective: To integrate Indian agriculture by connecting various Indian
cultures, so that talents of youth of agricultural universities is nurtured and
appreciate Indian cultural diversity.
• It was conceptualized and initiated by ICAR in 1999-2000
Green National Highway Corridors Project

What: Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and World Bank have signed an agreement for the
construction of Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP).
Tell me more
About GNHCP
• Objective: To demonstrate safe and green highway keeping in view climate resilience and
use of green technologies.
• Total aggregate length GNHCP: 781 km.
• States covered: Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
• Total project cost: US $ 1288.24 million (Rs. 7,662.47 crore).
▪ World Bank Loan assistance: US $ 500 million.
• It will incorporate green technologies in road construction for conservation of natural
resources
• This will enhance the ability of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to bring green
technologies into the mainstream.
MoU for Cleaner Energy Future

What: Power Foundation, Ministry of Power and Climate Policy Initiative India Pvt. Ltd. (CPI) have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Why: To work together to support India's transition towards a cleaner energy future.
pg. 32
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Tell me more
Under this MoU

• Power Foundation and CPI will work together to promote distributed renewable energy,
capacity building, supporting India’s energy transition, and managing transition-related
risks.
• It will provide overarching framework in the areas of sustainable development of the power
sector.
About Power Foundation
• It is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It is a think tank and a policy & research advocacy body under the Ministry
of Power.
• It has been working to positively impact the changing energy landscape.
About Climate Policy Initiative India Pvt. Ltd.
• It is an organization registered under the Companies Act, 2013.
• It is a subsidiary of the international non-profit organization Climate Policy
Initiative.
MoU for Skilling of Rural Youth and

Empowering Women
What: Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Rural development have signed Memorandum of
Understanding.
Why: To collaborate in developing skilled personnel by imparting training to rural poor youth and
women for Ayush healthcare system under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana.
Tell me more
About MoU
• Duration: 3 years.
• Under it, training program will be undertaken and will be funded as per DDU-GKY cost
norms.
▪ For this, willing SHG members and rural poor youth will be enlisted for courses and its
training by institutes of Ministry of Ayush.
• Ministry of AYUSH will provide its institutes for the purpose of conducting courses, training
& certification of the aspirants/candidates.
• The collaboration will train 22000 rural poor youth under NSQF compliant courses under
DDU-GKY and their placement in 1st phase.
▪ NSQF – National Skills Qualification Framework
▪ The courses will include Panchakarma Technician, Panchkarma Assistant, Ayurvedic
Masseur, Kshara Karma Technician, Cupping Therapy Assistant etc.
pg. 33
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About DDU-GKY
• Objective: To transform rural poor youth into economically independent
and globally relevant workforce.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
• It was launched under National Rural Livelihoods Mission for skilling the
poorest of the poor youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years from Rural
India.
MoU to Facilitate Finance against e-NWRs

What: Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority (WDRA) has exchanged a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab National Bank (PNB).
Why: To facilitate farmers and traders in providing low interest rate loans/finance against e-NWRs
(electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt).
Tell me more
About MoU
• Objective: To provide information to depositors of the benefits, besides doing further

outreach activities to improve agricultural pledge finance in India.
• It will promote awareness about finance against e-NWRs with features such as, no
additional collateral and attractive interest rates.
(For more information on WDRA, NWRs and e-NWRs- please refer 31st October 2022 or October
2022 Monthly document)
AuditOnline Application
What: Ministry of Panchayati Raj has been awarded WSIS Prizes Award 2023 for its AuditOnline
software/application at WSIS Forum 2023 held in ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• WSIS – World Summit on the Information Society

• ITU – International Telecommunication Union
Tell me more
• AuditOnline has been awarded WSIS Prizes Award 2023 under Category 7 — Action Line
C7 — ICT Applications: e-Government.
▪ It was based on the most voted project in the category
pg. 34
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AuditOnline application
• It has been developed as part of Panchayat Enterprise Suite under e-Panchayat Mission
Mode Project initiated by the ministry
• Launch Year: April 2020.
• It was launched for conducting online audit of all Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• It seeks to further strengthen financial management and transparency of Panchayats.
• It is configurable as per every States’ Audit Act / Rules.
About World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS)
• Objective: To promote ICTs for achieving UN Sustainable Development

Goals.
• It is an annual award event coordinated by International Telecommunication
Union (ITU), affiliated with United Nations, in collaboration with UNESCO,
UNDP and UNCTAD
• This event is intended for ICT development initiatives that support
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• WSIS Forum 2023: It has been organized on the theme, ‘WSIS Action
Lines for Building Back Better and Accelerating the Achievement of SDGs’.
Listing of IREDA
What: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for listing of IREDA on the
Stock Exchanges through an Initial Public Offer (IPO).
Tell me more
• The listing will be by part sale of Government’s stake in it and to raise funds for IREDA
through issue of fresh equity shares.
• Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance will
drive the listing process.
• NOTE: This decision supersedes CCEA’s earlier decision taken in June 2017 for allowing
IREDA to issue 13.90 crore fresh equity shares to the public through IPO.
• Significance of IREDA IPO
▪ It will help in unlocking the value of Government’s investment.
▪ It will provide an opportunity to public to acquire stake in the national asset and draw
benefits therefrom.
▪ It will help IREDA in raising a part of its capital requirement for meeting growth plans
without depending on the public exchequer.
▪ It will also help to improve governance through greater market discipline and
transparency arising from listing requirements and disclosures
pg. 35
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About IREDA
• Established: It was incorporated in 1987.

• Parent Ministry: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE).
▪ It is currently a wholly owned Government of India, Mini-ratna (Category-
I) CPSE
• It is registered as a Non-banking Financial Company (NBFC) with Reserve
Bank of India.
• It is engaged in financing of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
projects in India.
• It plays pivotal role in achievement of RE target set by Union Government
as part pledge made as a part of Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)
in Paris Agreement.
▪ Union Government has set ambitious targets of achieving 175 GW of
installed RE capacity by 2022 and 500 GW by 2030.
Meeting of Heads of SCO Tourism Administrations

What: Meeting of Heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism Administrations
has been held in ‘Kashi’ (Varanasi), Uttar Pradesh.
Tell me more
• ‘Kashi’ has been declared as the First Tourism & Cultural Capital of SCO.
This meeting has approved
• Joint Action Plan: It is for implementing Agreement between Governments of SCO

Member States on Development of Cooperation in Tourism.
▪ Its components are
➢ Promotion of SCO tourism brand.
➢ Promotion of the cultural heritage of the SCO Member States in tourism.
➢ Sharing and Exchange of information and digital technologies in tourism.
➢ Promotion of mutual cooperation in medical and health tourism.
➢ Improving the quality of services.
▪ Under it, SCO member countries will undertake various activities such as SCO tourism
exhibition, SCO Food Festival, Webinar/Seminar on tourism, conference and expert
session on promotion and development of tourism in the region.
• Action Plan for “Year of Tourism Development in the SCO Space in 2023”: It has
identified list of activities and events to promote and showcase Tourism products of SCO
member States.
• NOTE: The next meeting of SCO Heads of Tourism Administrations will be held in
Kazakhstan in 2024.
pg. 36
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3rd International SME Convention 2023

What: The 3rd annual edition of the International SME Convention 2023 (ISC) is going to be held
in New Delhi.
Tell me more
• Objective: To provide actionable insights and recommendations for building sustainable
ecosystems for MSMEs and Plugging SMEs into Global Value Chains.
• Organisers: It is jointly organised by the Ministry of MSME & Ministry of External Affairs.
▪ Key State Partner: Madhya Pradesh.
▪ Associate State Partner: Uttar Pradesh.
▪ International partners: International Network for SMEs (INSME) and World Union of
Small and Medium Enterprises (WUSME).
▪ Insurance partner: TATA AIA.
• Main focus areas: India's major four Sunrise Sectors, which are
▪ Cleantech & Green Energy.
▪ Manufacturing.
▪ Services Sector.
▪ Agro food Processing & Agri Implements sector.
L20 inception meeting

What: The Labour20 (L20) engagement group’s inception meet as part of India’s G20 presidency
has been held in Amritsar, Punjab.
Why: To deliberate on key issues concerning the global workforce to provide direction to the G20
nations and institutions to focus on development reaching to the last person.
Tell me more
• Hosting Organisation: Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).

▪ BMS national president Hiranmay Pandya will be the chair of L20.
About L20
• It is one of the 11 Engagement Groups of the G20.
• It is led by the non-government efforts.
• It discusses the concerns and issues of labour and employment, in the light
of the latest trends in labour globally.
About Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh
• It is India’s largest central labour organization.
pg. 37
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5th Poshan Pakhwada

What: Ministry of Women and Child Development is celebrating the 5th Poshan Pakhwada from
20 March to 3 April 2023 with various activities nationwide.
Why: To raise awareness about importance of nutrition and promote healthy eating habits through
Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari.
Tell me more
Poshan Pakhwada 2023
• Theme: "Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India".

• Focus: To popularise ‘Shree Anna (Millets)’- the mother of all grains, as a valuable asset to
address malnutrition as part of celebration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• Poshan Pakhwada 2023 activities will focus on the following key themes:
▪ Promotion and popularization of Shree Anna / Millets for nutritional- well-being: It
will link Millet-based foods with supplementary nutrition, Diet consultation camps, etc.
▪ Celebration of Swasth Balak Spardha: It will be conducted for generating a healthy
spirit of competition for good nutrition good health and wellbeing.
▪ Popularize Saksham Anganwadis: As centres of improved nutrition delivery and early
childhood care and education.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child Development.
▪ In the State/UT, Department of Women & Child Development/Social Welfare
Department will be the nodal departments.
Background
• Poshan Abhiyaan was launched in 2018 with the aim to improve nutritional
outcomes in a holistic manner.
• Behavioural change at individual and community level is important
component of Poshan Abhiyan to achieve desired goals of a Kuposhan-
mukt Bharat.
• For this, every year, Poshan Pakhwada is celebrated in the month of March
for 15 days.
▪ Similarly, Rashtriya Poshan Maah is celebrated in the month of
September.
Global Conference on Digital Health

What: Global Conference on Digital Health has been held in New Delhi.
Why: To bring together global leaders and health development partners, health policy makers,
digital health innovators and influencers, academia and other stakeholders.
pg. 38
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Tell me more
About Conference
• Objective: To shift focus from strategy to achieving a global consensus on Plan of Action
that produces impactful results on ground in the member countries, through a set of digital
health initiatives.
• Theme: ‘Taking Universal Health Coverage to the last Citizen’.
• Organisers: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and WHO South-East Asia Regional
office.
• Five sessions of conference
▪ Digital health - an imperative for UHC
▪ Digital health population scale – Strategic enablers
▪ Digital health population scale - Technology enablers
▪ Innovations for UHC
▪ Global Digital Goods for UHC
‘City Finance Rankings 2022’ Portal

What: The ‘City Finance Rankings 2022’ portal has been made live by Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
Why: To enable Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to participate in the City Finance Rankings 2022
through an entirely digital, 100% paperless, process.
Tell me more
• Through this portal participating ULBs can submit the required data/documents (including
audited accounts, annual budgets, and self-reported performance metrics).
• Quality Control of India (QCI) as the Project Monitoring Unit will provide handholding
support to ULBs / States during the data collection process.
About City Finance Rankings 2022
• Objective: To evaluate, recognize and reward municipal bodies across the country on basis
of the quality of their current financial health and improvement over time in financial
performance.
• Evaluation Process: Participating ULBs will be evaluated on 15 indicators across three key
municipal finance
▪ Resource Mobilization
▪ Expenditure Performance
▪ Fiscal Governance
• Ranking Categories: ULBs will be ranked on the basis of their scores under any one of the
following four population categories
▪ Above 4 million
▪ Between 1-4 million
▪ 100K to 1 million
▪ Less than 100,000
pg. 39
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• The top 3 cities in each population category will be recognized and rewarded at the national
level as well as within each state/state cluster.
• Significance of City Finance Rankings:
▪ It will provide critical insights to policy makers into the state of finances of urban local
bodies.
▪ ULBs will also stand to benefit by participating in fiscal rankings as they will be able to
evaluate their own performance vis-à-vis other cities, which will motivate them for
improvement in future.
District Mineral Foundation Trust

What: Various developmental and welfare projects/programs are being taken up under Pradhan
Mantri Khanij Kshetra KalyanYojna (PMKKKY).
Tell me more
• These welfare projects/programs are funded through the funds accrued under District
Mineral Foundation Trust (DMF).
About DMF
• Objective: To work for the interest and benefit of persons, and areas affected by mining
related operations in such manner as prescribed by the State Governments.
• Section 9B of the MMDR Act,1957 prescribes the establishment of District Mineral
Foundation (DMF) in any district affected by mining-related operations.
• It is funded by statutory contributions received from the holders of mining leases in terms of
the fixed percentage of royalty prescribed by the Central Government.
• NOTE: There is no provision for budgetary allocation from Central Government or State
Governments to PMKKKY for such welfare projects/programs.
India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary

What: India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary or Dark Sky Reserve is being set up in Ladakh (UT).
Why: To give a fillip to Astro tourism in the Union Territory and generate revenue as well as
livelihood.
Tell me more
About Night Sky Sanctuary

• Objectives:
▪ To promote Livelihood through eco-friendly activities of Astro tourism.
▪ To spread awareness about astronomy.
▪ To boost scientific research with reduced artificial light and wildlife conservation.
• It will come at Hanle village in Eastern Ladakh.
• It is located within Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary and spread over 1,073 square
kilometres.
pg. 40
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• It is located adjacent to Indian Astronomical Observatory, the second-highest optical

telescope in the world, located at an elevation of 4500 meters.
herSTART platform
What: ‘herSTART’ platform has been introduced to promote women StartUps and to encourage
women entrepreneurs.
Tell me more
About herSTART platform
• Objectives
▪ To support women entrepreneurs to take off their innovative ideas.
▪ To provide resources and training modules free of cost to aspiring women
entrepreneurs.
▪ To serve as digital community and digital publication to spread their success stories.
• It is a start-up platform of Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship Council
• Components
▪ herSTART Incubator: It is dedicated full-fledged startup incubator for women
entrepreneurs and innovators.
▪ herSTART Accelerator: It is a round-the-year accelerator programme for high-impact
women-led startups.
Civil 20
What: Inception meeting of Civil20 under India’s Presidency has been held in Nagpur,
Maharashtra.
Tell me more
• C20 India Chair: Mata Amritanandamayi.

About Civil 20
• It is one of the official Engagement Groups of the G20.

• It provides a platform for Civil Society Organizations (CSO) around the world to voice the
people’s aspirations to the world leaders in G20.
• It gives CSOs a forum to protect the agency of this sector, reflect primary and common
concerns affecting world’s peoples.
• It also enables them to promote social and economic development with the vision of leaving
no one behind.
• C20 Chair: It is responsible for facilitating the C20 process. The appointment of each year’s
Chair is the prerogative of civil society in the host country.
pg. 41
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Two Joint Statements adopted at L20

What: Two Joint Statements as the final outcome were adopted at the Labour20 (L20)
engagement group’s inception meet in Amritsar, Punjab as part of India’s G20 presidency.
Tell me more
Two Joint Statement are

• Universalisation of Social Security:
▪ It calls for resolving question of portability of social security among G20 nations as a first
step towards universalisation of social security
• Women and the Future of Work:
▪ It calls for upskilling of women workforce globally to meet the emerging challenges of
tech-intensive industry and the post-pandemic job market.
▪ It also calls for recalibrating how women in the informal sector, and in family-raising
roles, contribute to global economy, and asked for valuing that contribution.
Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference

What: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA),
Ministry of Commerce and Industry has organised Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference in New
Delhi.
Tell me more
Announcement made/Initiatives launched during conference
• Commemorative Stamp and Commemorative Coin to mark International Year of Millets

2023.
• Compendium of Indian Millet (Shri Anna) Start-ups was launched.
• Book of millet “Shree Anna: A Holistic Overview”, prepared by FSSAI was released.
• Indian Institute of Millets Research of Indian Council of Agricultural Research was declared
as a Global Centre of Excellence.
• MoU between Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and UN World Food Programme
was also singed for cooperation between 2023-2027.
AgLive 2023 – The Millet Challenge
• Objective: To make impact by increasing interaction amongst millet-based
innovators/entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders for addressing
issues and challenges specific to millet.
• It was held as part of the Global Shree Anna Conference.
• Young entrepreneurs/innovators had pitched their millet based innovative
products/technologies before distinguished Jury to mobilize funding and
secure incubation opportunities.
• Winner: AgroZee Organics Pvt Ltd.
• First runner up: Some More Foods Pvt. Ltd.
pg. 42
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• Second runner up: Grans’s Goodness.
Blended Learning Platform

What: Blended Learning Platform has been launched during International Conference on Blended
Learning Ecosystem for Higher Education in Agriculture in New Delhi.
Tell me more
• Organiser: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

About Blended Learning Platform for higher education in agriculture
• Objective: To strengthen the national agriculture education system in the country.

• Developed by: ICAR as part of a World Bank-funded five-year National Agricultural Higher
Education Project (NAHEP).
• Financial Contribution: India and World Bank have contributed US $82.5 million (about
Rs 600 crore) each for this project.
• It is extension of Krishi Megh (National Agricultural Research & Education System - Cloud
Infrastructure and Services), which was started in August, 2020.
• It will make Krishi Megh even more useful for teachers and students of agricultural
universities and colleges across the country.
National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture

What: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing flagship network research
project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture’ (NICRA).
Why: To meet the challenges of sustaining domestic food production in the face of changing
climate.
Tell me more
About National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project
• Objective: To develop and promote climate resilient technologies in agriculture, which

addresses vulnerable areas of the country.
• Implementing Agency: Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
• Outputs of this project help districts/regions prone to extreme weather conditions like
droughts, floods, frost, heat waves, etc. to cope with such extreme events.
• Main thrust areas covered under it are
▪ Identifying most vulnerable districts/regions
▪ Evolving crop varieties and management practices for adaptation and mitigation
▪ Assessing climate change impacts on livestock, fisheries and poultry and identifying
adaptation strategies.
pg. 43
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National Mobile Monitoring System App

What: Ministry of Rural Development has made digitally capturing MGNREGA attendance
universal from January 1, 2023 through National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) App.
Tell me more
About NMMS App
• Objective: To bring more transparency and ensure proper monitoring of the MGNREGA
scheme in the States/UTs.
▪ Its pilot testing was done in Alwar district of Rajasthan.
• It is used to capture real time attendance of workers at MGNREGA worksites along with
geo-tagged time stamped photographs.
▪ There is no requirement for having gender-based registration in it.
• Universal Applicability: States/UTs have been mandated to capture of attendance for all
the MGREGA works (except Individual Beneficiary works) through NMMS App from 1st
January 2023.
• Benefits: It increases citizen oversight of MNREGA and enable faster processing of
payments.
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management

What: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav recently chaired 1st General Body Meeting
of National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM).
Tell me more
About NCSCM
• Objective: To promote sustainable coasts through increased partnerships, conservation

practices, scientific research, and knowledge management for benefit and wellbeing of
current and future generations.
• Established: 2011
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• It is a research institution to support the protection, conservation, restoration, management,
and policy advice on coasts.
Communication Ministers’ Conclave

What: Communication Ministers’ Conclave has been recently held in New Delhi.
Why: To enable digital transformation and inspire innovation in telecommunications.

pg. 44
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Tell me more
About Conclave
• Objective: To provide opportunities to startups, MSMEs and Indian telecom stakeholders

to meet prospective overseas buyers.
• Theme: ‘Enabling Innovation in Telecommunications to Ensure Digital Transformation of
the Society’.
• Participants: Communication Ministers and senior Government officials from across the
South Asia region, representatives of International Telecommunication Union.
• Following initiatives were also launched
▪ 17th India Telecom 2023: It an international business expo organized by Telecom
Equipment and Services Export Promotion Council (TEPC).
▪ UN Wayfinder navigational mobile App: It has been developed by C-DOT, to enable
users to find their way in various blocks and floors of UN buildings in Geneva.
▪ Bharat 6G Vision Document
▪ 6G Testbed Project
▪ ‘Call Before u Dig’ mobile app
o It is a tool envisaged for preventing damage to underlying assets like optical fiber
cables, that occurs because of uncoordinated digging and excavation, leading to
loss of about Rs 3000 crore every year to the country.
o The mobile app CBuD will connect excavators and asset owners through
SMS/Email notifications & click to call so that there are planned excavations in
the country while ensuring the safety of underground assets.
AIS for Taxpayer Mobile App

What: Income Tax Department, Ministry of Finance has launched a Mobile app- ‘AIS for
Taxpayer’.
Why: To facilitate taxpayers to view their information as available in Annual Information Statement
(AIS) / Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS).
Tell me more
About App
• Objective: To provide a comprehensive view of the AIS/TIS to the taxpayer which displays
the information collected from various sources pertaining to the taxpayer.
• It will enable taxpayers to view their information related to TDS/TCS, interest, dividends,
share transactions, tax payments, IT refunds, GST Data, Foreign Remittances, etc.
pg. 45
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National Brainstorming Workshop on Urban Livelihoods

What: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission has organised National
Brainstorming Workshop on Urban Livelihoods in New Delhi.
Why: To deliberate on innovative approaches towards sustainable livelihood generation for urban
poor and possible convergence between various Missions/Ministries.
Tell me more
About Workshop
• It has provided useful inputs for roadmap to achieve greater social inclusion,
entrepreneurship development and address vulnerability of urban poor.
• Eight thematic sessions of Workshop
▪ Community-led interventions in slums
▪ Urban areas of the aspirational districts
▪ Social security & entitlement for urban poor
▪ Gender livelihoods and innovation
▪ Micro-enterprises development
▪ Strengthening community institutions
▪ Shelter homes for urban homeless
▪ Support to urban street vendor
Green Tug Transition Programme

What: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched Green Tug Transition Programme.
▪ A tug or tugboat is a secondary vessel used for berthing a big ship by either towing or
pushing it towards the harbour
Why: To reduce transport carbon emissions and make India a global hub for green shipping by
2030.
Tell me more
About Programme
• It was launched during inauguration of India’s First National Centre of Excellence in Green
Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS) in Gurugram, Haryana.
• Under it, Green Hybrid Tugs will be introduced, which will be powered by green hybrid
propulsion systems.
• The eventual plan will be to adopt non-fossil fuel solutions like methanol, ammonia, and
hydrogen.
Targets for Green Tugs
• Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has set a target for the initial
Green Tugs to start working in all major ports by 2025.
pg. 46
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• At least 50% of all the tugs are likely to be converted into green tugs by
2030.
About NCoEGPS
• It is the result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping &
Waterways and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
• It will engage in developing the regulatory framework and alternative
technology adoption roadmap for green shipping in India.
• It is housed within the TERI complex in Gurugram, Haryana.
Urban Climate Film Festival

What: National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is organising the first Urban Climate Film Festival
through the CITIIS program under U20 engagement events.
Tell me more
About Urban Climate Film Festival

• Objectives
▪ To enlighten audiences about environmental, social and economic impacts of climate
change on urban settlements
▪ To spark conversations about building climate-resilient cities and invite inputs from the
public
▪ To encourage citizens to undertake “environmentally responsible behaviours” in line with
U20 Priority Areas and LiFE Mission
• It is being organised with support from: Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, French
Development Agency (AFD), and European Union.
• 11 films from 9 countries will be showcased to create wider awareness of the impact of
climate change on life in cities and engage the public on sustainable urban development.
• These selected films will be screened at the festival in New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru,
Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
About National Institute of Urban Affairs
• It is a Central Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Housing & Urban
Affairs.
• It is a national think-tank undertaking multi-disciplinary research, knowledge
exchange and capacity development, policy planning and advocacy in
domain of urban development.
• It is also serving as the technical secretariat for U20, the urban engagement
group of G20.
About the CITIIS Program
• CITIIS stands for City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain.
• It is a joint program of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, French
Development Agency (AFD), European Union (EU) and NIUA.
• It is assisting 12 Smart Cities in India implement innovation-driven and
sustainable urban infrastructure projects.
pg. 47
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1st Global Tourism Investors’ Summit

What: Ministry of Tourism recently has organised a roundtable interaction with heads of mission in
New Delhi as a run up to first Global Tourism Investor’s Summit (GTIS).
Tell me more
About GTIS 2023
• Objective: To provide a common platform for interactions between global and domestic
players and explore the investment opportunities in the Indian travel and hospitality sector.
• Ministry of Tourism will be organizing the country's first GTIS in New Delhi in May 2023 as
an initiative under India’s G20 Presidency.
• It will be organized in partnership with
▪ Invest India as Investment Promotion and Facilitation partner.
▪ Confederation of Indian Industry as the Industry Partner.
Web Accessibility Workshop

What: Rehabilitation Council of India has organised workshop on Web Accessibility.
Why: To create awareness and impart knowledge of fundamentals of digital accessibility including
social media accessibility.
Tell me more
About Workshop
• Objective: To help software developers to acquire the know-how for making digital
platforms more disabled-friendly.
About Rehabilitation Council of India
• It is the apex government body to regulate training programmes and
courses targeted at disabled, disadvantaged, and special education
requirement communities.
• It is statutory body established under Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
Act, 1992.
• Mandate:
▪ To regulate and monitor services given to persons with disability.
▪ To standardise syllabi.
▪ To maintain a Central Rehabilitation Register of all qualified
professionals and personnel working in the field of Rehabilitation and
Special Education.
pg. 48
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• It is the only statutory council in India that is required to maintain the Central
Rehabilitation Register.
▪ This register documents details of all qualified professionals who operate
and deliver training and educational programmes for the targeted
communities.
DigiClaim
What: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has launched National Crop Insurance Portal’s
digitized claim settlement module namely DigiClaim under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
Why: For speedy disbursal of claims to insured farmers.
Tell me more
About DigiClaim
• It has automated claim settlement process to ease all insured farmers' lives and provide
them with a sustainable financial flow and support.
• It will process farmers’ claims electronically, directly to their respective bank accounts in a
transparent and accountable manner.
• It has been enabled through integration of National Crop Insurance Portal and Public
Finance Management System.
• It has been made operational in six States with disbursal of insurance claims totalling Rs
1260.35 crore to insured farmers.
▪ 6 States: Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and
Haryana.
Sagar Manthan Dashboard

What: Real-time Performance Monitoring Dashboard of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and
Waterways (MoPSW) named ‘Sagar Manthan’ was launched recently.
Why: For digitalization and bringing transparency in the maritime transport sector
Tell me more
About Sagar Manthan
• It is digital platform having all the integrated data related to the MoPSW and other
subsidiaries.
• It has been developed in-house by MoPSW to enable organizations to monitor and track
the progress of their projects & key Performance indicators in real-time.
• Features
▪ Data visualization
pg. 49
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▪ Real-time monitoring
▪ Improved communication
▪ Data-driven decision making
▪ Increased accountability
• In future, it will be further be integrated with Input from CCTV, Live streaming from Drone,
AI based Algorithm and Mobile App for easy access and usability to increase efficiency.
• Benefits:
▪ It will ensure timely completion of projects, informed decision-making, increased
efficiency & effectiveness of projects.
▪ It will also promote real-time project tracking, risk management, resource allocation, and
progress reporting.
NHAI Organizes Hackathon

What: National Highways Authority of India has organized Hackathon on Barrierless Tolling
System and Intelligent Traffic Management System.
Why: To bring tech experts and startups on same platform to find innovate solutions that will
provide seamless commuting experience on National Highways.
Tell me more
About Hackathon
• It is Hackathon with Indian tech start-ups to foster innovation and technology-driven
solutions to address challenges of tolling and traffic management on National Highways.
• Organisers: Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL) in collaboration with
‘MeitY Start-up Hub’.
▪ IHMCL is a company incorporated by NHAI to carry out Electronic Tolling.
▪ MeitY Start-up Hub is a national coordination, facilitation and monitoring centre of
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Theme of the hackathon: It was barrierless tolling system and Intelligent Traffic
Management System to enhance safety and efficiency on NHs.
• Process: NHAI, MeitY and IIT Madras has shortlisted top 5 applicants in each of the two
categories of Barrierless Tolling and ITMS.
▪ Thereafter, the shortlisted Startups were provided a seed money of Rs. 10 lakh each to
conduct a Proof of Concept (POC).
▪ The POCs were conducted by these applicants in February 2023 at various identified
locations in Delhi NCR.
ITU Area office & Innovation Centre

What: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office & Innovation Centre in India was
recently inaugurated in New Delhi.
pg. 50
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Tell me more
About ITU Area office & Innovation Centre in India
• It is fully funded by India and is located at Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT)
building at Mehrauli New Delhi.
• It will serve India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Iran.
• It will enhance coordination among these nations and foster mutually beneficial economic
cooperation in the region.
• It is also envisaged to have an Innovation Centre embedded in it making it unique among
other area offices of ITU.
Background
• ITU is the United Nations' specialized agency for information and
communication technologies (ICTs).
• India signed a Host Country Agreement in March 2022 with ITU for the
establishment of Area Office.
Cabinet approves MSP for Raw Jute for 2023 -24 season
What: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) for
Raw Jute for 2023-24 season.
Tell me more
• The approval is based on recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and

Prices.
• Approved MSP of Raw Jute: Rs.5050/- per quintal.
• It in line with principle of fixing the MSP at a level of at least 1.5 times of all India weighted
average cost of production as announced by the Government in the Budget 2018-19.
• Central Government Nodal Agency: Jute Corporation of India.
▪ It will undertake Price Support Operations and losses incurred.
▪ In case of losses, they will be fully reimbursed by Central Government.
• Benefits: It will ensure a return of 63.20% over the all India weighted average cost of jute
production.
G20-CSAR
What: Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India has organised a curtain raiser
event for the forthcoming Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (G20-CSAR) in Ramnagar,
Uttarakhand.
Tell me more
pg. 51
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About G20-CSAR
• It is a government-to-government level initiative conceptualised under India’s G20-
Presidency.
• It seeks to bring together Chief Science Advisers and their equivalents of G20 member
countries, as well as the invited countries.
• They will deliberate upon and develop collaborative frameworks for some of the common
pressing global science and technology (S&T) policy issues.
• It will also help in establishing an effective and coherent global science advice mechanism
Exports Excellence Awards

What: The 6th and 7th Set of Exports Excellence Awards were conferred recently by Federation of
Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).
Why: To encourage, motivate and recognize best performing exporters from Western Region who
have excelled in export performance of goods and services during FYs 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Tell me more
About Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO)
• It is apex body of the Government recognised Export Promotion Councils, Commodity

Boards and Development Authorities in India.
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Headquarters: Niryat Bhawan, New Delhi.
• It is ISO 9001:2015 certified organization.
• It is responsible for representing and assisting Indian entrepreneurs and exporters in
foreign markets.
• It provides crucial interface between International Trading community of India with
Central/State Governments, Financial Institutions, Ports, Railways, and all engaged in
exports.
• Awards: It confers Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu awards to its exporters and export
facilitators for their outstanding performance in exports.
▪ It also confers the Export Excellence Awards to the members of the respective regions.
Aravalli Green Wall Project

What: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched Aravalli Green Wall
Project.
Why: To green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in four states.
pg. 52
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Tell me more
About Aravalli Green Wall Project
• It is part of Union Environment Ministry's vision to create green corridors across the country
to combat land degradation and desertification.
• 4 States Cover: Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi - where Aravalli hills landscape
span over 6 million hectares of land.
• It will involve planting native species of trees and shrubs on scrubland, wasteland and
degraded forest land, along with rejuvenating and restoring surface water bodies.
• It will also focus on agroforestry and pasture development to enhance the livelihoods of
local communities.
One World TB Summit

What: One World TB Summit was inaugurated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of
World Tuberculosis Day (24 March).
Why:
• To further deliberate upon the targets as the country moves forward to meet its TB
elimination objectives.
• To showcase learnings from National TB Elimination Programmes.
Tell me more
About One World TB Summit
• Organisers: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Stop TB Partnership.
▪ Stop TB Partnership, founded in 2001, is an organisation hosted by UN to amplify
voices of the people, communities, and countries affected by TB.
• Various initiatives launched during Summit

▪ TB-Mukt Panchayat initiative: It seeks to leverage support of over 2.5 lakh gram
panchayats to raise awareness about TB, eliminate the stigma attached to the disease
and help monitor and improve the uptake of services.
▪ Shorter TB Preventive Treatment (TPT): It was rolled out at pan-India level to
prevent the development of active TB – thereby stemming the spread of the disease.
▪ Family-centric care model for TB: It seek to ensure the well-being of families
affected by TB.
▪ Training module on extrapulmonary TB: It is developed for training healthcare
workers of secondary and tertiary levels of the public and private sectors in India.
▪ Release of India’s Annual TB Report 2023: It is a compilation of the country’s efforts
towards making India TB-free by 2025.
• States/UTs and districts awarded for their progress towards ending TB:
▪ State: Karnataka.
▪ UT: Jammu & Kashmir.
▪ Districts: Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Pulwama (J&K) and Anantnag (J&K).
pg. 53
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National Conference on Biomass 3P - Pellet

to Power to Prosperity
What: Ministry of Power is organizing “National Conference on Biomass 3P - Pellet to Power to
Prosperity” in New Delhi.
Why: To boost co-firing of biomass pellets in Thermal Power Plants.
Tell me more
• Objectives:
▪ To foster an enabling environment to boost co-firing of biomass pellets in Thermal
Power Plants in India.
▪ To provide a common platform for all the stakeholders in the field to share their
knowledge and experience.
• Organisers: National Mission on Use of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH) in
association of National Power Training Institute.
About SAMARTH
• Objective: To address the burning issue of air pollution particularly in
National Capital Region (NCR) due to farm stubble burning and to reduce
carbon footprints of thermal power generation.
• Ministry: Ministry of Power
PARIVESH Portal
What: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change’s PARIVESH Portal provides a
“single window” solution for an expeditious, transparent and effective decision making without
compromising on environmental safeguards.
Tell me more
About PARIVESH Portal
• PARIVESH stands for Pro Active and Responsive Facilitation by Interactive and Virtuous
Environmental Single-window Hub.
• Objective: To provide a “single window” solution by process automation of Environmental
(EC), Forest (FC), Wildlife (WL) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances.
• Launch Year:
▪ 2018 at Central level.
▪ 2019 at State level.
pg. 54
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• It is a web based, role-based workflow application developed for online submission and
monitoring of proposals submitted by proponents seeking EC, FC, WL and CRZ
clearances.
Ministry of Rural Development signs MoU

with 19 Captive Employers
What: Mistry of Rural Development has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 19
Captive Employers.
Why: To train and provide gainful employment to rural poor youths under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY).
Tell me more
• These captive employers will provide hands-on training to rural poor youth in their
respective industries-hospitality, apparel & textiles, manufacturing, IT/ITeS, telecom, retail,
Power etc.
• On completion of training, these youth will be provided gainful employment with minimum
salary of Rs.10000/per month for the minimum period of 6 months.
About Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
• Objective: To provide the gainful placement in sustainable manner to rural

youth after skilling.
• It is a placement linked skilling program of Ministry of Rural Development
under the aegis of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
• Beneficiaries: It caters to the rural poor youth.
• Funding: It is funded by Ministry of Rural Development.
• Coverage: It is currently being implemented in 27 States and 4 UTs for
rural poor youth with an emphasis on placements.
• Under it, more than 877 PIAs (Project Implementation Agencies) are
training rural poor youth in about 616 job-roles through more than 2,369
training centres.
▪ Since its launch, total 14.08 lakh candidates have been trained and 8.39
lakh candidates have been placed.
About Captive Employment
• It is a first of its kind initiative under DDU-GKY programme aimed at
addressing vision of a dynamic and demand-based skilling ecosystem.
• It caters to the requirements of industry partners assuring sustainable
placements for rural poor youth.
• Its concept was launched under DDU-GKY on the occasion of Antyodaya
Divas in 2020.
• It assures post-training placement of candidates for a minimum of 6 months
with a minimum CTC of Rs 10,000/-.
pg. 55
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G20 Expert Group on Strengthening

Multilateral Development Banks
What: G20 Expert Group on “Strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) has been
constituted under the aegis of India’s G20 Presidency.
Tell me more
Multilateral Development Bank (MDB)
• It is a financial institution established by multiple member countries and falls

under international law.
• Its owners are a national government and other international institutions and
organizations.
• Its purpose is to facilitate financing and provide advisory services for
developing countries.
• Example of MBD: World Bank, European Investment Bank, Asian
Development Bank, New Development Bank.
• Objectives of G20 Expert Group

▪ To prepare roadmap for updated MDB ecosystem for 21st century, with milestones and
timelines, touching upon all aspects of MDB evolution
▪ To evaluate various estimates regarding scale of funding required MDBs for addressing
their and member countries’ financing needs for SDG and transboundary challenges.
▪ To suggest mechanisms for coordination among MDBs for them to address and finance
global development and other challenges more effectively.
• It will submit its report to the Indian Presidency of the G20 before 30th June 2023.
• Composition of the Expert Group
▪ Co-convenors: Professor Lawrence Summers, Mr NK Singh.
▪ Members: Tharman Shanmugarathnam, Maria Ramos, Arminio Fraga, Prof Nicholas
Stern, Justin Yifu Lin, Rachel Kyte and Vera Songwe.
2nd Inland Waterways Summit

What: 2nd Inland Waterways Summit has been held in New Delhi.
Tell me more
• Objective: To explore potential of inland waterways for regional economic integration and
sustainable development by the different stakeholders.
• Organiser: PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
• Theme: “Tapping into the power of Inland Waterways: promoting growth, trade &
prosperity”.
pg. 56
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National Maritime Week

What: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is observing National Maritime Day 2023 (April
5) by organising National Maritime Week from 30 March to 05 April 2023.
Why: To pay tribute to services of seafarers
Tell me more
National Maritime Day (NMD)

• It is observed every year on April 5.
• Why: In 1919, it was on this day the first Indian commercial vessel had set
sail from Mumbai to London — SS Loyalty, of Scindia Steam Navigation
Company Ltd.
▪ This was also the first ever largest large scale shipping company which
was entirely owned by Indians.
• On occasion of NDM 2023, MoPSW will be presenting following awards to the eminent
personalities who have excelled in the maritime sector:
▪ Sagar Samman Varuna Award: It recognize and honour persons for their sustained
and outstanding contribution to Indian Shipping and/ or allied Maritime Industries.
▪ Sagar Samman Award for Excellence: It recognize and honour persons for their
lifetime exceptional and distinguished achievements or performance at the senior
functional level in Indian Shipping or Indian Maritime Industries.
➢ It is given in the areas of Management of Shipping Business, Commercial
Operations, Human Resource Development, Management of Maritime Technology
and Industrial Relations.
▪ Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry: It is given in recognition of their exemplary acts
of Gallantry in the Merchant Navy in India or elsewhere.
Sagar Setu Mobile App

What: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has launched App Version of National Logistics
Portal (Marine) ‘Sagar-Setu’.
Why: To provide easier access to functionalities on a handheld device.
Tell me more
• It has features like Login Module, Service Catalogue, Common Application Format, Letter of
Credit, Bank Guarantee, Certification, and Track & Trace etc.
• It will provide real-time information of activities to importer/exporter/customs broker
including vessel-related information, container freight stations and transactions on
fingertips.
• It also enables digital transactions for payments required for clearance process of
import/export like container freight station charges, shipping line charges, transportation
charges, etc.
pg. 57
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• Benefits for Traders

▪ Improve convenience with reduced turnaround time for approval and compliances.
▪ Increase visibility of operations and tracking.
• Benefits for Service Providers
▪ Help in tracking of records and transactions offered.
▪ Receive notification of service requests.
Government’s Borrowing plan for 1st Half of FY 2023-24

What: Ministry of Finance in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, has finalised its
borrowing programme for the first half (H1) of FY 2023-24.
Tell me more
• Out of Gross Market borrowing of Rs 15.43 lakh crore projected for FY 2023-24 in Union
Budget, Rs 8.88 lakh crore (57.55%) is planned to be borrowed in H1.
• It is scheduled to be completed in 26 weekly tranches of Rs 31,000-39,000 crore.
• It will be spread under 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 30 and 40 year securities.
• Share of borrowing under different maturities: 3 year (6.31%), 5 year (11.71%), 7 year
(10.25%), 10 year (20.50%), 14 year (17.57%), 30 year (16.10%) and 40 year (17.57%).
• Green shoe Option: Government will continue to exercise it to retain additional
subscription of up to Rs 2,000 crore against each of the securities indicated in the auction
notification.
• Weekly borrowing through issuance of Treasury Bills: It is expected to be Rs 32,000
crore in Q1 of FY 2023-24 with net borrowing of Rs 1.42 lakh crore during the quarter,
against net borrowing of Rs 2.40 lakh crore in Q1 of FY 2022-23.
• Ways and Mean Advances (WMA) limit for H1: It has been fixed at Rs 1,50,000 crore by
Reserve Bank of India to take care of temporary mismatches in Government account
Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccination Drive

What: Around 24 crore cattle and buffaloes in the country have been covered out of targeted
population of 25.8 Crore Cattle during 2nd round of Foot and Mouth Disease vaccination drive.
Tell me more
• This has reached a near universal coverage of over 95% cattle population, which is well
beyond the herd immunity level.
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
• It is a major disease of livestock especially in cattle and buffaloes in India
and causes huge economic loss to livestock owners due to a reduction in
milk yield.
pg. 58
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About National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
• Objective: To control Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis through vaccination
leading to their eventual eradication by 2030.
▪ It is now a part of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme.
▪ Nodal Implementing Agency/Ministry: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
(DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Currently under it, vaccination against FMD is carried out in all cattle and buffaloes.
▪ Funding: It is 100% funded by Central Government
▪ Government is also providing vaccination charges, accessories, awareness creation,
cold chain infrastructure etc. to enable States/ UTs to undertake vaccination in
campaign mode.
• Significance: It will help in increased domestic production and ultimately in increased
exports of livestock products
IPPB launches WhatsApp Banking Services

What: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) in collaboration with Airtel has launched WhatsApp
Banking Services for IPPB customers in New Delhi.
Why: To enable IPPB customers to access banking services on their mobile phone.
Tell me more
About IPPB WhatsApp Banking channel
• It will enable IPPB customers to seamlessly connect with the bank on WhatsApp and avail
a host of banking services.
• It is built with multi-language support, enabling added convenience to customers, especially
to those in rural parts of the country to access banking services in their preferred language.
About India Post Payments Bank
• Objectives:
▪ To build the most accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the
common man in India
▪ To remove barriers for the unbanked and under-banked and reach last
mile leveraging a network comprising 160,000 post offices.
• Parent Organization: Indian Post (Department of Posts, Ministry of
Communication).
• Ownership: 100% equity owned by the Government of India.
pg. 59
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International News
BIMSTEC Energy Centre
What: India has hosted the first meeting of the Governing Board of BIMSTEC Energy Centre
(BEC), Bengaluru, Karnataka.
▪ BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation.
Tell me more
• This meeting has recommended to add the additional following areas under the specialized
Wings of BEC
▪ Cyber Security.
▪ Green Hydrogen.
▪ Energy Transition
• During this meeting, India made presentation on establishing BIMSTEC Energy Centre
(BEC) in India and will be housed at Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bengaluru.
About BIMSTEC
• Objective: To accelerate shared growth and cooperation between littoral

and adjacent countries in the Bay of Bengal region.
• Established: 1997 (through Bangkok Declaration).
• Members: Total 7 countries- 5 countries of South Asia - Bangladesh,
Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and 2 countries of South-East Asia -
Myanmar and Thailand.
▪ They host 22% of the world population and account for combined GDP
of US$4.4 trillion (2022)
• Secretariat: Dhaka, Bangladesh.
• It is a sector-driven grouping, with prime focus on following 14 sectors
▪ Trade & Investment, Transport & Communication, Energy, Tourism,
Technology, Fisheries, Agriculture, Public Health, Poverty Alleviation,
Counterterrorism & Transnational Crime, Environment & Disaster
Management, People-to-People Contact, Cultural Cooperation and
Climate Change.
pg. 60
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1st SCO B2B Global Conference

What: The first B2B Global Conference & Expo on Traditional Medicine under Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will be held in Guwahati, Assam.
Why: To provide opportunity to regulators, industries and business leaders in all the SCO and
partner countries to deliberate on various aspects of Traditional Medicine.
Tell me more
About Conference
• Objective: To open up trade opportunities in traditional medicine amongst SCO & partner
countries.
• Organiser: Ministry of AYUSH
• It will deliberate on Regulatory Framework for Traditional Medicine Products and practices
for manufacturers and suppliers from SCO & Partner Countries.
About Shanghai Cooperation Organization
• It is Eurasian political, economic, and security alliance of eight countries.

• Established: 2001 (in Shanghai, China).
• Membership: It includes 8 member states, 3 observers and 14 dialogue
partner countries.
• India was granted Observer status of SCO in July 2005 at Astana Summit,
Kazakhstan and status of full member in June 2017 at the SCO Summit
Astana.
• India has assumed Presidency of SCO Council of Heads of State for the
year 2023.
▪ During 2022 SCO summit at Samarkand, India had taken initiative to
form new SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine.
Pandemic Fund
What: Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has organised a seminar in collaboration with
Pandemic Fund in New Delhi.
Tell me more
About Pandemic Fund
• It was launched in November 2022 during the Indonesian G20 Presidency

• It is a collaborative partnership among donor countries, co-investors (countries eligible to
receive funding), foundations and civil society organizations.
pg. 61
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• It finances critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and

response (PPR) capacities with focus on low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries.
• World Bank serve as its trustee and host its Secretariat.
• Implementing Agencies: Multilateral Development Banks, United Nations agencies and
specialized global health institutions.
India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership

What: India and Australia under their Critical Minerals Investment Partnership will be working
towards investment in critical minerals such as Lithium and cobalt.
Why: To develop supply chains of these critical minerals between the two countries.
Tell me more
• Under this MIP, both countries have identified five target projects – two for lithium and three
for cobalt.
• Investments under it, will seek to build new supply chains underpinned by critical minerals
processed in Australia.
• This will help India’s plans to become a global manufacturing hub, including for electric
vehicles and lower emissions from its electricity network
NOTE
• Australia produces almost half of the world’s lithium.
• It is the second-largest producer of cobalt and the fourth-largest
producer of rare earths.
16th meeting of SCO Youth Council

What: The 16th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Youth Council has
been held in hybrid mode in New Delhi under the chair ship of India.
Tell me more
• Theme of Virtual Conference: "Effective Community Development Activities".
• Hosting Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
About SCO
• It is a permanent intergovernmental organization which was established in
2001.
• It has eight member States viz India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan,
Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India became a full member of
SCO in June, 2017.
• There are four Observer States viz Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and
Mongolia.
• The official working languages of SCO are Chinese and Russian.
pg. 62
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Colombo Security Conclave

What: Indian Coast Guard Region (North East) is conducting the 4th edition of Table top exercise
under the aegis of Colombo Security Conclave in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Why: To discuss topics pertaining to challenges in maritime domain such as tackling threats from
anti-national elements, marine pollution response, search & rescue and damage control at sea.
Tell me more
• Apart from the India, representatives of member nations of Colombo Security Conclave - Sri
Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius – along with observer countries - Bangladesh and
Seychelles - are participating in the exercise.
About Colombo Security Conclave
• Objective: To make maritime security, marine pollution response and

maritime search & rescue priorities for the region.
• It was formed in 2011 as a trilateral maritime security grouping of India, Sri
Lanka and the Maldives.
▪ Its roadmap of activities was later expanded, with Mauritius joining as
the fourth member.
▪ Bangladesh & Seychelles participate in it as observer countries.
• It underlines regional cooperation and shared security objectives
concerning all littoral nations in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline

What: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina jointly
inaugurated the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFP) in a virtual mode.
• Foundation stone for its construction was laid by both Prime Ministers in September 2018.
Tell me more
• This is the first cross border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh.
• It has been built at an estimated cost of Rs.377 crore.
▪ Bangladesh portion of the pipeline built at a cost of approx. Rs.285 crore.
➢ This cost also has been borne by Government of India under grant assistance to
Bangladesh.
• Length of the pipeline – 130 Km (6 Km in India, 124 Km in Bangladesh)
• The pipeline connects Siliguri in West Bengal to Dinajpur district of Bangladesh
• Capacity of Pipeline: It can transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-
Speed Diesel (HSD).
▪ It will supply HSD initially to seven districts in northern Bangladesh.
• Significance:
pg. 63
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▪ It will put in place a sustainable, reliable, cost-effective and environment friendly mode of
transporting HSD from India to Bangladesh.
▪ It will further enhance cooperation in energy security between the two countries.
• NOTE: This is the second cross-border energy pipeline between India and its neighbours.
▪ India’s first cross-border energy pipeline was with Nepal.
2nd Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

Negotiating Round
What: Inter-Ministerial delegation from India led by Department of Commerce participated in 2nd
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) negotiating round in Bali, Indonesia.
Tell me more
During the Bali Round
• Discussions covered all four pillars of IPEF: Trade (Pillar I); Supply Chains (Pillar II);
Clean Economy (Pillar III); and Fair Economy (Taxation & Anticorruption) - (Pillar IV).
▪ India participated in the discussions related to Pillars II to IV.
About Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)
• Objective: Contribute to cooperation, stability, prosperity, development, and peace within

the Indo-Pacific region.
• It an economic initiative launched by United States President Joe Biden.
▪ It is not a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• It seeks to advance resilience, sustainability, inclusiveness, economic growth, fairness, and
competitiveness for economies of partner countries.
• 14 IPEF partners: Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia,
New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, US and Vietnam.
▪ They collectively represent 40% of global GDP and 28% of global goods and services
trade.
• 4 Pillars of IPEF:
1. Trade.
2. Supply Chains.
3. Clean Economy.
4. Fair Economy.
• NOTE: IPEF is designed to be flexible, meaning that its partners are not required to join its
all four pillars.
▪ On basis of this, India has agreed to three pillars relating to Supply Chains (Pillar II),
Clean Economy (Pillar III) and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). It has not joined Trade (Pillar I).
• Previous IPEF Rounds: First IPEF Round was held in Brisbane (Australia) in December
2022, and Special negotiating round was held in New Delhi (India) in February 2023, in Bali
(Indonesia).
pg. 64
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I2U2 Group
What: According to Ministry of External Affairs, there is no proposal to form I2U2 consortium to
develop agriculture and its allied technology to increase productivity.
Tell me more
About I2U2 Group

• I2U2 stands for India, Israel, UAE, and United States.
• Objective: To discuss “common areas of mutual interest, to strengthen the economic
partnership in trade and investment in our respective regions and beyond”.
• It is an inter-governmental economic cooperation forum
• Its inaugural summit was held in 2022 in virtual format
• Six areas of cooperation: I2U2 seeks to increase joint investment in six key areas of
water, energy, transport, space, health and food security.
• It is focused on driving tangible economic cooperation between its members across a range
of sectors.
• It seeks to mobilize private sector capital and expertise to help modernize infrastructure,
decarbonize industries, improve public health and development of green technologies.
AIM for Climate-AIM4C
• AIM4C was launched by UAE and US at Conference of Parties-26 (COP26).

• It includes Israel as a partner among 140 other governmental and non-governmental
entities.
▪ On the margins of I2U2 Business Forum, India has joined AIM4C in February, 2023 by
signing the letter of intent.
• It seeks to address climate change and global hunger by uniting partners to significantly
increase investment in and other support for climate smart agriculture and food systems
innovation for the period of 5 years (2021-2025).
pg. 65
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Government Schemes
Sagar Parikrama Phase IV
What: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is conducting Phase-IV of ‘Sagar
Parikrama’ in Karnataka.
Tell me more
• Phase IV will cover 10 locations in 3 costal districts of Karnataka
About Sagar Parikrama program
• Objectives:
▪ To facilitate interaction with fishermen, coastal communities and stakeholders to
disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs.
▪ To demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders as
a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
▪ To promote responsible fisheries with sustainable balance between utilization of marine
fisheries for food security of nation and livelihoods of coastal fisher communities
▪ To protect marine ecosystems.
• Launch Year: March 2022.
• It is being organized through a pre-decided sea route covering coastal States/UTs.
▪ It envisages to cover the maritime States/UTs in a phased manner.
• Previous Phases of Sagar Parikrama
▪ Phase I: It was held in Gujarat in March 2022 with theme of “KRANTI se SHANTI”. It
started from Mandvi and ended at Porbandar, Gujarat.
▪ Phase-II: It was held in Gujarat in September 2022 and covered 7 locations from
Mangrol, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Surat, Daman & Valsad.
▪ Phase-III: It was started from Surat, Gujarat in February 2023. It had covered coastal
areas of Diu & Daman (UT) and northern Maharashtra.
India’s fisheries sector
• India has a coastline of 8,118 km, covering 9 maritime States & 4 Union
Territories and providing livelihood support to 2.8 million fisher folk.
• It contributes 8% of the global share of fish production and is ranked as the
3rd largest fish producer in the world.
• It has shown steady growth rate in GVA accounting for a 6.724% share of
Agriculture GDP and contributing to about 17% of agriculture exports.
• Total fish production: 162.48 lakh tonnes, of which 121.21 lakh tonnes
are from inland and 41.27 lakh tonnes from marine.
• Fisheries exports: It was Rs. 57,586.48 crores in 2021-22.
pg. 66
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Global Engagement Scheme

What: Ministry of Culture is implementing Global Engagement Scheme.
Why: To promote Indian Folk Arts and Culture abroad.
Tell me more
About Global Engagement Scheme

• It was earlier known as Scheme for promotion of International Cultural Relations.
• Objective: To promote the rich and diverse culture of India aboard.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Culture.
• Three Components:
▪ Festival of India:
➢ It seeks to promote India's rich cultural heritage and enhance India's image in the
global arena.
▪ Grant in aid to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies Scheme:
➢ It provides financial assistance to cultural societies actively promoting Indian culture
abroad.
➢ It is provided to organise cultural activities depicting Indian Culture to help
encourage interest in India among foreign nations.
▪ Contribution Grant to International Organisations and delegations:
➢ It is meant for India’s contribution towards membership of international organisations
like ICROM, UNESCO, World Heritage Fund.
➢ It also facilitates Indian participation and hosting of international meetings.
Eklavya Model Residential Schools

What: Ministry of tribal affairs is implementing Eklavya Model Residential Schools scheme
Tell me More
About the Scheme
Objective: To increase the literacy level among the Tribals of India by imparting quality education
to children of Scheduled Tribes.
• This will be done by the construction of world class Eklavya Model Residential Schools on
the lines of Navodaya Vidyalayas.
Launch year: 1997 – 98
Nodal Implementing Agency – National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS)
pg. 67
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Coverage
• By 2022, every block with more than 50% ST population and atleast 20,000 tribal persons
will have an EMRS.
Construction and upgradation cost

• Upgradation cost – Rs.5 Crore per EMRS
• Construction cost
o Rs.38 Crore per EMRS
o RS.48 Crore per EMRS in N – E states, Hilly and difficult areas
Recurring cost – Rs.1,09,000 per student per year from 2019 – 20 (Earlier it was Rs.61500)
Structure of EMRS
Admissions are through competitive process
Number of seats for boys and girls are equal
Total Sanctioned strength of the school is 480
Education will be entirely free
MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme

What: Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has launched MSME Competitive (LEAN)
Scheme under MSME Champions Scheme.
Why:
• To create awareness amongst MSMEs about LEAN Manufacturing practices.
• To motivate and incentivize MSMEs to attain LEAN levels to become MSME Champions.
Tell me more
Lean: It is a set of management practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness
by eliminating waste.
About the Scheme
• Objective:
▪ To enhance productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness of MSMEs by reducing
wastages in processes, inventory management, space management, energy
consumption, etc.
pg. 68
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▪ To enhance the Domestic and Global Competitiveness of MSMEs through the

application of various Lean Techniques.
• Levels of Scheme:
• Components
▪ Industry Awareness Programmes/Workshop: MSMEs will be made aware of the
Scheme through Nation-wide awareness programmes
▪ Training Programmes: They will be conducted for stakeholders like MSME Officers,
Assessors and Consultants to enable an effective implementation of the scheme.
▪ Handholding: Under it, MSMEs will be provided handholding towards implementation of
Lean Tools/Techniques at three different levels.
▪ Benefits/Incentives: Ministry of MSME will provide graded incentives to MSMEs for
encouraging their participation under the scheme.
▪ PR campaign, Advertising & Brand Promotion: For popularizing the scheme.
▪ Digital Platform: It will have single window digital platform for its implementation.
• Coverage & Eligibility:
▪ All MSMEs registered with UDYAM registration portal of the MoMSME are eligible to
participate in this scheme and avail related benefits/incentives.
▪ It is also open to Common Facilities Centres under
➢ SFURTI (Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries).
➢ Micro & Small Enterprises - Cluster Development Program (MSE-CDP) Schemes.
• Financial Assistance for MSME Units

▪ 90% subsidy on implementation cost for handholding and consultancy fees for the
MSMEs.
➢ There will be an additional contribution of 5% for MSMEs which are part of SFURTI
clusters, owned by Women/SC/ST and located in North East.
▪ Additional 5% Contribution will be given to MSMEs registering through industry
association/Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) after completion of all levels.
▪ €5000/per MSME will be given to OEM/association after completing all stages of lean
intervention.
• E- Certificate: It will be issued by MoMSME to MSME after completion of Basic Level,
Intermediate Level, and Advanced Level
pg. 69
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Mission Purvodaya
What: Ministry of steel is implementing Mission Purvodaya
Tell me More
• Objective – Accelerated development of eastern India through the establishment of an integrated

steel hub in Kolkata, West Bengal
• Launch year – 2020
• Its focus is on eastern states of India (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal) and
northern part of Andhra Pradesh.
▪ These states collectively hold 80% of the country’s iron ore, 100% of coking coal and
significant portion of chromite, bauxite and dolomite reserves.
Scheme for Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry

• Objective – To strengthen the existing infrastructure facilities in order to make India a
global leader in the Pharma Sector
• Launch year – The detailed guidelines have been launched in 2022 for a period from FY
2021-22 to FY 2025-26
• Support provided – Financial Assistance will be provided to pharma clusters for creation of
Common Facilities
• Total Outlay – Rs.500 Crore
• Components
▪ Assistance to Pharmaceutical Industry for Common Facilities – To strengthen the existing

pharmaceutical clusters’ capacity for their sustained growth by creating common
facilities. Outlay for this component is Rs.178 Crores
▪ Pharmaceutical Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme
o Financial assistance to MSMEs either through up to maximum of 5% per annum
of interest subvention or through Credit linked Capital subsidy of 10%.
o Interest subvention will be 6% in case of MSME managed by SC/STs
o Outlay – Rs.300 Crore
▪ Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Promotion and Development Scheme
o To facilitate growth and development of Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices
Sectors through study/survey reports and Awareness programs.
o Outlay – Rs.21.5 Crore
pg. 70
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Mission Sahbhagita
What: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is implementing Mission
Sahbhagita
Tell me more
About Mission Sahbhagita
• Objective: For healthy and effectively managed network of 75 wetlands of national and
international significance.
• Launch Year: 2022 (on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav)
• It seeks to enable a society ownership approach for participatory conservation and wise use
of Wetlands.
• It also serves as a platform for sharing wetland management experiences, best practices,
success stories, and associated challenges.
NOTE
• India so far has 75 wetlands declared as Ramsar sites covering 23
States/UTs, making it largest network of Ramsar Sites in Asia.
• These sites act as a critical ecological network for the conservation of global
biological diversity and supporting human well-being.
PM MITRA Parks
What: Ministry of Textiles has approved setting up of 7 PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and
Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks for the Textile industry.
Why: To create world-class industrial infrastructure to attract large scale investment including
foreign direct investment and encourage innovation and job creation within the textile sector.
Tell me more
• These PM MITRA Parks will come up in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Selection of sites
▪ These 7 sites were chosen out of 18 proposals received from 13 States.
▪ Eligible States/Sites were evaluated using a transparent Challenge Method based on
objective criteria.
• Implementation: Ministry of Textiles will oversee execution of these projects.
▪ Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) owned by Centre and State Government will be set up
for each park which will oversee the implementation of the project.
▪ Convergence with other Central Government schemes will be also facilitated to ensure
additional incentives to the Master Developer and investor units.
▪ State governments will provide contiguous and encumbrance-free land parcel of at least
1000 acres of land.
pg. 71
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▪ They will also provide all utilities, reliable power and water supply, waste Water Disposal
system, effective single window clearance, conducive and stable industrial/textile policy.
• Financial support:
▪ Ministry of Textiles will provide financial support in form of Development Capital Support
up to Rs. 500 crore per park to Park SPV.
▪ Competitive Incentive Support up to Rs 300 crore per park to units in PM MITRA Park
will also be provided to incentivise speedy implementation.
• These parks will offer an excellent infrastructure, plug and play facilities as well as training
and research facilities for the industry.
• Nearly Rs. 70,000 crores investment and 20 lakhs employment generation is envisaged
through these parks.
PLI Scheme for specialty Steel

What: Ministry of Steel has signed 57 MoUs’ with 27 companies for specialty steel under the
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
Tell me more
Specialty steels have specialized or proprietary compositions or properties that are

specifically engineered for certain service conditions.
About PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel
• Objective: To boost domestic production of ‘Specialty Steel’ by attracting significant

investment.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Steel.
• Duration: 5 years (from 2023-24 to 2027-28).
• Budgetary outlay: Rs. 6,322 Crore.
• It is applicable to five categories of specialty steel viz.
▪ Coated/Plated Steel Products
▪ High Strength/Wear resistant Steel
▪ Specialty Rails
▪ Alloy Steel Products and Steel wires
▪ Electrical Steel
• Significance: It is expected to generate an investment of about Rs. 30,000 Crores and
additional capacity creation of about 25 Million Tonnes of specialty steel in the next 5 years.
pg. 72
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Champion Service Sector Scheme for Medical

Value Travel
What: Ministry of Ayush is implementing Central Sector Scheme namely Champion Service
Sector Scheme for Medical Value Travel.
Tell me more
About Champion Service Sector Scheme for Medical Value Travel
• Objectives:
▪ To encourage private investors to invest in AYUSH sector through establishment of
world class, state of the art Super Specialty Hospitals/Day Care Centre.
▪ To promote export of medical value travel services including services supplied to foreign
consumers in India by providing interest subsidy.
• Financial Assistance: It is provided in the form of Interest Subsidy to private investors for
establishment of Super Specialty Hospitals/ Day Care Centres of the Indian systems of
medicine.
▪ These Indian systems of medicine must be recognized under
➢ The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) Act, 2020 or The
National Commission for Homeopathy (NCH) Act, 2020 in FY 2021-22.
• Implementation Zone: It will be implemented in Green Field Mode on Pan India basis.
• Funding Mechanism: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) is facilitating
easy loans through identified Public Sector Banks.
Subsidy to PM Ujjwala Yojana Consumers

What: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a subsidy of Rs.200 per 14.2 kg
cylinder for up to 12 refills per year to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Tell me more
• Total Subsidy Expenditure: Rs.6,100 crore for FY 2022-23 and Rs.7,680 crore for FY
2023-24.
• All PMUY beneficiaries are eligible for this targeted subsidy.
• This subsidy will be credited directly to bank accounts of the eligible beneficiaries.
About Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana
• Objective: To provide deposit free LPG connections to adult women of poor households.
▪ It was launched from Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh by PM Narendra Modi.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
• Under it, deposit-free LPG connection is given to the eligible household with financial
assistance of Rs.1,600 per connection.
pg. 73
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▪ Free of cost first LPG refill and gas stove is provided for the first time by public sector Oil
Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• Target: The initial target was to provide LPG connections to 5 crore women members of
BPL households over a period of 3 years starting from FY 2016-17.
▪ Subsequently, it was expanded and was revised to 8 crore LPG connections by 2020.
➢ It was achieved in September 2019.
▪ NOTE: As on 1st March 2023, there are 9.59 crore beneficiaries.
• Ujjwala 2.0: It was started in 2021 to cover remaining households under PMUY on pan
India basis to provide additional 1 crore LPG connections.
North East Road Sector Development Scheme

What: Ministry of development of N-E region is implementing North East Road Sector
Development Scheme
About the Scheme
• Objective: To take up rehabilitation/construction/upgradation of the following category of
roads (including bridges on the roads) in the North Eastern Region (NER)
▪ Inter-state roads which are of vital connectivity for any one
▪ Roads in socio-politically neglected pockets of NER
▪ Roads required for security or strategic viewpoint, not covered in any other programmes.
▪ Roads necessary from the viewpoint of market access for agriculture produce
▪ Roads of economic importance on gap filling approach.
▪
• Launch Year: Financial Year 2015-16
• Implementing Agency: North Eastern Council (NEC).
▪ NEC has been authorized to operate the budget head of the scheme.
• Implementing Agency: Inter-Ministerial Committee has been reconstituted under the
Chairmanship of Secretary, NEC for screening, appraisal, sanction and monitoring of the
works under the scheme.
Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for

Promotion of Art and Culture
What: Ministry of Culture is implementing ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of
Art and Culture’.
Why: To protect all genres of artists including folk song artists.
Tell me more
pg. 74
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3 Components of Scheme
Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields (SYA)

• Beneficiary age group: 18 -25 years
• Scholarship: Rs.5000/- per month is provided to selected beneficiaries in four equal six
monthly instalments for a period of 2 years.
• Eligibility: Candidates should have undergone training under any Guru or Institution for a
minimum period of 5 years.
• Selection: The scholars are selected on basis of their performance in personal
interview/interaction before Expert Committee for Scholarship constituted by the Ministry.
Senior/Junior Fellowships to outstanding persons in different cultural fields
• Senior Fellowship: It is provided to selected Fellows in the age group of 40 years and
above in four equal 6 monthly instalments @ Rs.20,000/- per month for 2 years for cultural
research.
• Junior Fellowship: It is provided to selected Fellows in the age group of 25 to 40 years in
four equal 6 monthly instalments @ Rs.10,000/- per month for 2 years.
• Total intake: Up to 400 Senior & Junior Fellowships are awarded in one batch year.
• Selection: Fellows are selected by an Expert Committee for Sr / Jr Fellowship constituted
by the Ministry.
Tagore National Fellowship for cultural research
• Under it, the candidates are selected under two categories viz.
▪ Tagore National Fellowship
▪ Tagore Research Scholarship
• Criteria: They are selected to work on cultural research by affiliation under different
participating institutions in 4 different groups.
• Selection Process: Selection of Fellows and Scholars are made by National Selection
Committee (NSC).
• Financial Assistance:
▪ Selected Fellows are paid financial assistance @Rs.80,000/- p.m. + Contingency
Allowance.
▪ Selected Scholars are paid @Rs.50,000/- p.m. + Contingency Allowance for a maximum
period of 2 Years.
▪ The financial assistance is released in four equal six monthly instalments.
Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and

Small Enterprises.
What: Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) provides credit
guarantee to its Member Lending Institutions (MLIs).
Tell me more
• This guarantee is provided for loans extended by MLIs to Micro and Small Enterprises
(MSEs) without any collateral security or third-party guarantee under Credit Guarantee
Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises.
pg. 75
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About Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises
•
Objective: To make available collateral-free credit to the micro and small
enterprise sector.
• Implementing Agency: Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small
Enterprises (CGTMSE).
• Corpus of CGTMSE: It is being contributed by Government and SIDBI in
the ratio of 4:1 respectively.
• It seeks
▪ To strengthen credit delivery system
▪ To facilitate flow of credit to the MSE sector
▪ To create access to finance for unserved, under-served and
underprivileged
▪ To make availability of finance from conventional lenders to new
generation entrepreneurs
• Both the existing and the new enterprises are eligible to be covered under
the scheme.
About Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises
• It was jointly set up by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and
Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) in 2000 to implement
CGMSE.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme

What: 910 carpenters have been trained and certified under the Recognition of Prior Learning
(RPL) programme by Furniture and Fitting Skill Council (FFSC) working under Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and NARSI Group.
Why: To augment their skill training and to enable them in becoming an asset in creating a world
class infrastructure for New Parliament Building.
Tell me more
About Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme
• It is a component of Skill India’s flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
(PMKVY).
• It is an assessment process used to evaluate a person's existing skill sets, knowledge and
experience gained either by formal, non-formal or informal learning.
• It provides pre-screening guidance, counselling, and support to ensure the overall growth of
the candidates.
pg. 76
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Outlay of Vibrant Village Program

What: Ministry of home affairs has approved the financial outlay of Vibrant Villages Program from
FY 2022-23 to FY 2025-26
Tell me More
Outlay (in Crores)
FY 2022-23 FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 Total

Road Component 0.00 500 1000 1000 2500
Other Components 50 700 750 800 2300
About the Program
• Objective: To help border villages in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the
population in the border areas
• Duration: FY 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• Financial Allocation: Rs. 4800 Crore.
▪ Of this amount, Rs. 2500 crore will be used for roads.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Under it, funds will be provided for development of essential infrastructure and creation of
livelihood opportunities in targeted border districts to achieve inclusive growth and retain
population.
• This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and
reverse the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border.
• Coverage: 19 Districts and 46 Border blocks of 4 states (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand,
Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim) and 1 UT (Ladakh).
▪ First phase: It will be taken up in 663 Villages.
• Key focus outcomes:
▪ Connectivity with all-weather road.
▪ Drinking water.
▪ 24x7 electricity – including Solar and wind energy.
▪ Mobile and internet connectivity.
▪ Tourist centres and multi-purpose centres.
▪ Health and wellness centres.
• Vibrant Village Action Plans: It will be created by the district administration with the help
of Gram Panchayats.
• It will help to identify and develop economic drivers based on local natural and other
resources of border villages on northern border and develop growth centres on “Hub and
Spoke Model”
• This will be achieved through
▪ Promotion of social entrepreneurship.
▪ Empowerment of youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship.
▪ Leveraging the tourism potential through promotion of local cultural, traditional
knowledge and heritage.
pg. 77
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▪ Development of sustainable eco-agribusinesses on concept of “One village-One

product” through community based organisations, Cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs etc.
• It will also ensure 100% saturation of existing Central and state schemes.
▪ NOTE: However, it will not be overlap with Border Area Development Programme.
1st Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

Assessment Test
What: 1st Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) was held under Nav
Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) across 10 States/UTs.
Why: To assess the basic Reading, Writing and Numeracy skills of the neo-literates.
Tell me more
About 1st FLNAT
• More than 22.70 lakh learners participated, to declare them as literates on qualifying.
• 10 States/UTs: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh (UT),
Odisha, Jharkhand, Punjab, Meghalaya, Chandigarh (UT).
▪ Maximum number of learners 9,25,854 (female-5,91,421 male-3,34,433) have appeared
in Madhya Pradesh.
About Nav Bharat Saaksharata Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme
• Objectives: To impart foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills,
basic education, vocational skills and continuing education which are
necessary for a citizen of 21st century.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Education.
• Duration: 5 years (FY 2022 to 27).
• Outlay: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with total outlay of Rs.1037.90
crore.
▪ Central share: Rs.700 crore.
▪ State share: Rs.337.90 crore.
• It is in alignment with the recommendations of National Education Policy
(NEP) 2020.
• Target Group: It targets all non-literates of age 15 years and above in the
country, with more focus on females and educationally backward states.
• Total Target: 5 crore learners @ 1.00 crore per year.
• Implementation:
▪ It is implemented through volunteerism mode i.e. by volunteer teachers
through online mode using “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment
System (OTLAS)” in collaboration with National Informatics Centre,
NCERT and NIOS.
▪ NYKS volunteers, community, students of schools and Higher Education
Institutions and Teacher Education Institution are also involved for
teaching learning activities.
pg. 78
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• 5 components:
▪ Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
▪ Critical Life Skills
▪ Basic Education
▪ Vocational Skills
▪ Continuing Education
• Under this programme, Ministry of Education will be organising FLNAT
twice a year to certify learners.
Revamping of Credit Guarantee Scheme for

Micro & Small Enterprise
What: Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises has been revamped with effect
from 1 April 2023.
Tell me more
Background
• In Union Budget 2023-24, revamping of Credit Guarantee Scheme for
Micro & Small Enterprises was announced with effect from 1 April 2023.
• For this, Rs 9,000 crore will be infused to the corpus to enable additional
collateral-free guaranteed credit of Rs. 2 lakh crore and reduction in the
cost of the credit by about 1%.
Following revamping steps have been taken
• Corpus of Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): It
has been infused with a sum of Rs. 8,000 crore.
• Reduction of annual guarantee fee for loans: It has been reduced for loans up to Rs.1
crore from a peak rate of 2% per annum to as low as 0.37% per annum.
▪ This will reduce the overall cost of credit to the MSEs to a great extent.
• Limit on ceiling for guarantees: It has been enhanced from Rs.2 crore to Rs.5 crore.
• Legal Proceedings: It will no longer be required for settlement of claims in respect of
guarantees for loan outstanding up to Rs.10 lakh.
3 Months Campaign to boost micro-insurance Schemes

What: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance has launched 3-months-long
campaign to boost and achieve saturation of two micro-insurance Schemes at Gram Panchayat
level.
pg. 79
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Tell me More
• These two micro-insurance schemes are

▪ Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
▪ Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
• Duration of Campaign: 1 April to 30 June 2023.
• Under this campaign, camps will be organised at Gram Panchayat level in all districts by
banks with active participation of State administration and other Central Ministries
Indices & Reports

Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022
What: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying has released ‘Basic Animal Husbandry
Statistics 2022’.
Why: To give overview of Animal Husbandry sector briefly in terms of important livestock statistics
on livestock population, production and other information like animal diseases, infrastructure etc
Tell me more
About Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022
• It is the primary source of data on production estimates of four Major Livestock Products
Milk, Egg, Meat and Wool for year 2021-22
• It also contains data of secondary information like livestock population as per latest 20th
Livestock Census, import and export data of livestock and livestock products, incidence of
livestock disease, infrastructure and economic contribution of livestock sector.
Highlights of Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022
• During 2014-15 and 2020-21, the value addition of Livestock sector has grown at a
compound annual growth rate of 7.93%.
• In 2020-21, share of Livestock at constant prices in Agriculture Sector and total GVA was
30.13% and 4.9% respectively.
• Milk Sector
▪ Total milk production (2021-22): 221.06 million tonnes, an increase of 5.29% as
compared to previous year.
▪ Top five major milk producing States
o Rajasthan (15.05%)
o Uttar Pradesh (14.93%)
pg. 80
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o Madhya Pradesh (8.06%)

o Gujarat (7.56%)
o Andhra Pradesh (6.97%).
▪ Per-capita availability of milk: It is 444 gram/day and has increased by 17 gram/day
over previous year.
• Egg Sector
▪ Total egg production (2021-22): 129.60 billion numbers, an increase by 6.19% as
▪ Top five major egg producing States
o Andhra Pradesh (20.41%)
o Tamil Nadu (16.08%)
o Telangana (12.86%)
o West Bengal (8.84%)
o Karnataka (6.38%)
▪ Per-capita availability of egg: It is 95 nos/annum, an increase by 5 nos/annuam over
previous year.
• Meat Sector
▪ Total meat production (2021-22): It is 9.29 million tonnes, showed an annual growth
rate of 5.62%.
▪ Five major meat producing States
o Maharashtra (12.25%)
o Uttar Pradesh (12.14%)
o West Bengal (11.63%)
o Andhra Pradesh (11.04%)
o Telangana (10.82%).
▪ Per-capita availability of meat: It is 6.82 kg/annuam during 2021-22, an increased by
0.30 kg/annuam over previous year.
• Wool Sector
▪ Total wool production (2021-22): It is 33.13 thousand tonnes, which has declined by
10.30% as compared to previous year.
▪ Top five major wool producing States:
o Rajasthan (45.91%)
o Jammu and Kashmir (23.19%)
o Gujarat (6.12%)
o Maharashtra (4.78%)
o Himachal Pradesh (4.33%)
pg. 81
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Women and Men in India Publication

What: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation has released 24th issue of publication
titled “Women and Men in India 2022”.
Tell me more
About “Women and Men in India” publication
• It is a comprehensive document that provides data on a wide range of topics such as

education, health, employment, and political participation, among others.
• It presents data disaggregated by gender, urban-rural divide, and geographical region,
which helps to understand disparities existing between different groups of women and men.
NITI Aayog Task Force report on Gaushalas

What: NITI Aayog has released Task Force report titled “Production and Promotion of Organic
and Bio fertilisers with Special Focus on Improving Economic Viability of Gaushalas”.
Why: The task force was constituted to suggest measures

• To make gaushalas economically viable.
• To address problem of stray and abandoned cattle.
• For effective utilization of cow dung and cow urine in agriculture and energy sectors.
Tell me more
About Report
• It provides factual estimates of operating costs and fixed costs and other issues in respect
of gaushalas.
• It also provides estimates of cost and investments involved in setting up Bio-CNG plant and
Phosphate Rich organic Manure (PROM) plant in Gaushalas.
• It provides suggestions for improving financial and economic viability of Gaushalas,
channelizing potential of stray, abandoned and uneconomic cattle wealth for promoting
natural and organic farming.
pg. 82
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Questions from News

Q.) A function was recently held to commemorate success of SWAYATT (Start-ups, Women and
Youth Advantage Through e-Transactions) on Government e-Marketplace portal in New Delhi.
When was SWAYATT launched on GeM portal by Ministry of Commerce and Industry?
[a] 2014
[b] 2015
[c] 2016
[d] 2018
[e] 2019
Solution: [e]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about 4th edition of National Youth Parliament Festival (NYPF)
which was held recently in New Delhi.
(1) It was organised by Ministry of Education

(2) Its theme was “Ideas for a Better tomorrow: India for the World”
(3) It seeks to hear the voice of the youth between 18-30 years of age, who will join various
careers in coming years, including public services.
[a] 2 Only
[b] 1 and 2 Only
[c] 3 Only
[d] 2 and 3 Only
[e] 1 and 3 Only
Solution: [a]
Q.) Where has India hosted the first meeting of the Governing Board of BIMSTEC Energy Centre?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bengaluru
[c] Kolkata
[d] Gandhinagar
[e] Chennai
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has Ministry of AYUSH organised the first B2B Global Conference & Expo on
Traditional Medicine under Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)?
[a] Varanasi
[b] Bhopal
[c] Guwahati
[d] Madurai
[e] Jaipur
pg. 83
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Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has the first Research and Innovation Initiative Gathering Conference on “Materials for
Sustainable Energy” been organised under India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Dibrugarh
[b] Dharamshala
[c] Diu
[d] Jaipur
[e] Ranchi
Solution: [e]
Q.) Where has Competition Commission of India organised the 8th National Conference on
Economics of Competition Law to develop and sustain interest in Economics of Competition Law
and create a critical mass of antitrust economists?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bengaluru
[c] Mumbai
[d] Chennai
[e] Kolkata
Solution: [a]
Q.) Which Union Ministry has been awarded Porter Prize 2023 at “The India Dialog” organized by
Institute for Competitiveness and US Asia Technology Management Centre at Stanford University,
US?
[a] Ministry of Women and Child Development

[b] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[c] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[d] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[e] Ministry of Jal Shakti
Solution: [c]
Q.) With which country, India has signed Framework Mechanism for Mutual Recognition of
Qualifications to enable both countries to ease the mobility of students and professionals between
them?
[a] United Arab Emirates

[b] Malaysia
[c] New Zealand
[d] Australia
[e] France
Solution: [d]
pg. 84
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Q.) Jishnu Barua was recently appointed as Chairperson of Central Electricity Regulatory
Commission (CERC). Which of the following statements are correct about CERC?
(1) It is the key regulator of power sector in India.

(2) It is a statutory body functioning with quasi-judicial status under Electricity Act, 2003.
(3) It functions under Ministry of Power
(4) It consists of Chairperson and four Members
(5) It also advises the Central Government on formulation of National Electricity Policy and Tariff
Policy
[a] 1, 2 and 3
[b] 2, 3 and 4
[c] 1, 4 and 5
[d] 1, 3, 4 and 4
[e] All of the above
Solution: [e]
Q.) National Trust has organized National Level Exhibition in New Delhi to showcase talents and
skills of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. National Trust is statutory body
functioning under aegis of which of the following ministry?
[a] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

[b] Ministry of Education
[c] Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
[d] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[e] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Solution: [c]
Q.) Indian Customs EDI – Electronic Data Interchange - System (ICES) was recently
operationalised at two Land Customs Stations- Nagarakata and Kulkuli. These Land Customs
Stations are located on border between India and which country?
[a] Bhutan
[b] Nepal
[c] China
[d] Myanmar
[e] Bangladesh
Solution: [a]
Q.) Ministry of Jal Shakti has conferred 36 women WASH Champions with the ‘Swachh Sujal
Shakti Samman 2023’ for their exceptional and exemplary work being done at the grassroots level
in the implementation of
(1) Swachh Bharat Mission – Grameen

(2) Jal Jeevan Mission
(3) Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain
(4) Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban
pg. 85
[Type here]
[a] 1 and 2 Only

[b] 2, 3 and 4 Only
[c] 2 and 3 Only
[d] 1, 2 and 3 Only
Solution: [d]
Q.) Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2023 (JSA:CTR-2023) has been launched with the theme
“Source Sustainability for Drinking Water”. Which of the following have been included for
consolidation of activities for focused interventions of the JSA:CTR-2023?
(1) Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
(2) Enumerating, geo-tagging & making inventory of all water bodies
(3) Setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras in all districts
(4) Intensive afforestation
(5) Awareness generation
[a] 2, 3 and 5
[b] 1, 2 and 3
[c] 1, 2, 4 and 5
[d] 2, 3 and 5
Solution: [e]
Q.) Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund has
provided final approval to about 130 projects with sanctions worth over Rs 12,000 crore. Identify
incorrect statement about SWAMIH Investment Fund.
[a] It was launched in 2019

[b] It is sponsored by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and managed by SBICAP Ventures
Ltd
[c] It is India’s largest social impact fund specifically formed for completing stressed and stalled
residential projects
[d] It provides priority debt financing for the completion of stressed, brownfield and RERA
registered residential projects that fall in the affordable, mid-income housing category.
[e] None of the above
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has the first meeting of the G20 Anti-corruption Working Group (ACWG) under India’s
G20 Presidency been held for strengthening Law Enforcement Cooperation for Action against
Corruption and related economic crime?
[a] Gurugram
[b] Noida
[c] Varanasi
[d] Patna
pg. 86
[Type here]
[e] Chennai
Solution: [a]
Q.) With which social organisation, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently has
signed Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan MoU for spreading the message of the abhiyan among the
youth, women, students etc.?
[a] Akshaya Patra Foundation

[b] Pratham
[c] Save the Children India
[d] Brahma Kumaris
[e] Oxfam India
Solution: [d]
Q.) With which Ministry has National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), autonomous body under the
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has signed MoU to strengthen the value-based sport education
amongst school children and teachers?
[a] Ministry of Women and Child Development

[b] Ministry of Education
[c] Ministry of Home Affairs
[d] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[e] Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which of the following statement about Yuva Utsava-India@2047 launched recently from IIT
Ropar, Punjab is incorrect?
[a] It was launched by Ministry of Education through its premier Youth organization Nehru Yuva
Kendra Sangathan.
[b] It will be held in all districts across the country under the theme of Panch Pran
[c] Youth in the age group of 15 to 29 years are eligible to participate in it
[d] It will be conducted in 3-tier format viz. District Level, State Level and National Level
[e] Some of its components are Declamation Contest, Cultural Festival, Young Writers Talent Hunt
etc.
Solution: [a]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about Safe City Project
(1) It is being implemented by Ministry of Women and Child Development under Nirbhaya Fund
scheme
(2) It is being implemented in all cities across the country
(3) Under it, cost of the projects is shared between Central Government and concerned States in
60:40 ratio
[a] Only 2 and 3

[b] Only 1 and 3
pg. 87
[Type here]
[c] Only 2
[d] Only 3
Solution: [d]
Q.) Deakin University has become the 1st foreign university to set up an International Branch
Campus (IBC) in GIFT-IFSC, GIFT City, Gujarat. It is a premier University of which country?
[a] Australia
[b] Germany
[c] France
[d] United States
[e] Ukraine
Solution: [a]
Q.) National Council for Teacher Education has launched Integrated Teacher Education
Programme (ITEP) in 57 Teacher Education Institutions from the academic session 2023-24.
Identify incorrect statement about ITEP
[a] It is a flagship programme of NCTE under National Education Policy 2020.

[b] It is a 4 Year dual-major holistic undergraduate degree offering B.A. B.Ed./ B. Sc. B. Ed. and
B.Com. B.Ed.
[c] It will prepare teachers for 3 stages of the new school structure i.e. Preparatory, Middle and
Secondary.
[d] Admission for it will be carried out by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the National
Common Entrance Test (NCET).
[e] It will benefit students by saving their 1 year, as they will finish the course in 4 years rather than
customary 5 years required by present B.Ed. plan
Solution: [c]
Q.) Name the World's first 200-meter-long Bamboo Crash Barrier, that has been installed on the
Vani-Warora Highway (connecting Chandrapur and Yavatmal districts) in Maharashtra.
[a] Bahu Balli

[b] Bambulli
[c] Bamcrash
[d] Bahubarrier
[e] Bambahu
Solution – [a]
pg. 88
[Type here]
Q.) Which organisation has organised Millets Giveaway Campaign to promote buying of millets
directly from Farmer Producer Organisation to support small & marginal farmers of the country?
[a] National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development

[b] Indian Council of Agricultural Research
[c] Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium
[d] Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
Solution: [c]
Q.) Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare recently has organised a seminar in collaboration
with Pandemic Fund in New Delhi. Identify incorrect statement about Pandemic Fund
[a] It was launched in November 2022 during the Indonesian G20 Presidency.
[b] It is a collaborative partnership among donor countries, co-investors, foundations and civil
society organizations.
[c] It finances critical investments to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response
(PPR) capacities with focus on low- and middle-income (LMIC) countries.
[d] World Health Organisation serves as its trustee and host its Secretariat.
[e] Multilateral Development Banks, United Nations agencies and specialized global health
institutions currently serve as its implementing agencies
Solution: [d]
Q.) Pharma Anveshan-2023 has been organised by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) on the
occasion of National Pharmacy Education Day (6th March). Identify incorrect statement about PCI
(1) It is a statutory body constituted under the Pharmacy Act, 1948

(2) It regulates pharmacy education, profession and practice in the country
(3) It functions under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers
[a] 2 Only
[b] 3 Only
[c] 1 and 2 Only
[d] 2 and 3 Only
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which statutory body under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched 'One Stop-
Non-Stop' digital job portal for pharma professionals as well as recruiters from the industry?
[a] Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

[b] Medical Council of India
[c] Pharmacy Council of India
[d] Central Drug Research Institute
[e] Indian Council of Medical Research
Solution: [c]
pg. 89
[Type here]
Q.) Where has the 3rd Session of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR)
been organised under the theme “Building Local Resilience in a Changing Climate”?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Patna
[c] Varanasi
[d] Kolkata
[e] Dehradun
Solution: [a]
Q.) Which guidelines have been recently published by Bureau of Indian Standards for enhancing
safety in the transportation of dangerous goods?
[a] IS 19200:2023
[b] IS 18149:2023
[c] IS 12568:2023
[d] IS 17849:2023
[e] IS 13457:2023
Solution: [b]
Q.) Applications/nominations for Prime Minister’s Awards for the Yoga 2023 have been invited
recently. Identify incorrect statement about Prime Minister’s Awards for the Yoga
[a] It recognizes exemplary contribution of individual(s) and organization(s) towards development

and promotion of Yoga
[b] It is given in two categories viz. National and International
[c] Ministry of Culture is nodal ministry of this award
[d] Its winners are felicitated by Trophy, Certificate and a Cash Award of Rs. 25 lakhs
[e] Its selection process follows two tier system comprising- Screening Committee and Evaluation
Committee
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which Ministry has launched Swachhotsav, 3-week women-led swachhata campaign as a run
up event to celebrate Women’s Day?
[a] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

[b] Ministry of Rural Development
[c] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[d] Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
[e] Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Solution: [d]
pg. 90
[Type here]
Q.) What is the total budget of Khelo India Dus ka Dum tournament which will be organized by
ministry of youth affairs and sports to celebrate international women’s day?
[a] Rs.10 Lakhs

[b] Rs.20 Lakhs
[c] Rs.30 Lakhs
[d] Rs.40 Lakhs
[e] Rs.50 Lakhs
Solution – [e]
Q.) Election Commission of India (ECI) as lead of Cohort on Elections Integrity established as
follow up to the ‘Summit for Democracy’ will be hosting the 3rd International Conference on the
theme ‘Inclusive Elections and Elections Integrity’ in virtual format. Which of the following
country/ies is co-lead of this cohort?
[a] Mauritius
[b] Greece
[c] Pakistan
[d] A and B
[e] A, B and C
Solution: [d]
Q.) Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has celebrated Jan Aushadhi Diwas on 7th March 2023
to increase awareness about Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). How
many functional Janaushadhi Kendras are targeted to be set up by the end of December 2023?
[a] 6000
[b] 7000
[c] 8000
[d] 9000
[e] 10000
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which of the following statements are correct about recently launched Women Icons Leading
Swacchata (WINS) Awards 2023 to highlight the impact of women in sanitation and waste
management?
(1) It has been launched by Ministry of Jal Shakti

(2) Its applications are open to Self-Help Groups, Micro-enterprises, NGOs, Startups, Individual
Women Leaders.
(3) Some of its thematic areas are Municipal Water collection and /or Transportation, Operation of
Material Recovery Facilities, Waste to Wealth product etc.
[a] 1 Only
[b] 1 and 2 Only
[c] 1 and 2 Only
[d] 2 and 3 Only
pg. 91
[Type here]
Solution: [d]
Q.) Which organisation under Ministry of Science and Technology will be launching exclusive
Research Grants for Women Scientists under its ASPIRE program and exclusive portal in this
regard?
[a] National Botanical Research Institute

[b] National Physical Laboratory
[c] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[d] National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies
[e] Small Business Innovation Research Initiative
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which of the following States/UTs will be participating in Regional Workshop for the South
Zone on PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan organized by Ministry of Commerce and Industry in
Kochi.
(1) Andaman & Nicobar Islands

(2) Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu
(3) Lakshadweep
(4) Andhra Pradesh
[a] 1 and 3 Only

[b] 2, 3 and 4 Only
[c] 1, 2 and 3 Only
[d] 1, 3 and 4 Only
Solution: [e]
Q.) Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) has launched MSME Competitive
(LEAN) Scheme to create awareness amongst MSMEs about LEAN Manufacturing practices.
Which of the following statements are incorrect about the MSME Competitive (LEAN) Scheme?
(1) It has been launched under MoMSME’s MSME Champions Scheme

(2) It is being implemented at 3 levels- Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
(3) All MSMEs registered on MoMSME’s UDYAM registration portal are eligible to participate in it
(4) Under it, Government will provide 90% subsidy on implementation cost for handholding and
consultancy fees for the MSMEs
[a] 1, 2 and 3 Only

[b] 1 and 4 Only
[c] 2 and 4 Only
[d] 3 and 4 Only
Solution: [e]
pg. 92
[Type here]
Q.) Department of Land Resources will be organising organizing National Conference - Bhumi
Samvaad IV on implementation of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-
Aadhaar in New Delhi. Under which ministry does Department of Land Resources function?
[a] Ministry of Panchayati Raj

[b] Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
[c] Ministry of Earth Science
[d] Ministry of Rural Development
[e] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Solution: [d]
Q.) Which of the following statement/s is/are incorrect about Unique Land Parcel Identification
Number (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhaar?
(1) It is a 20-digit alpha-numeric number generated for each land parcel

(2) It is being implemented as part of Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme by
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(3) It contains ownership details of the land parcel, its size and longitude & latitude details
(4) It serves as a single, authoritative source of truth of information on any parcel of land or
property
[a] 1 Only
[b] 1, 2 and 3 Only
[c] 2, 3 and 4 Only
[d] 1 and 2 Only
[e] 1 and 4 Only
Solution: [d]
Q.) Where will ministry of food processing industry organize the 2nd edition of World Food India –
2023 in November 2023?
[a] Mumbai
[b] Bengaluru
[c] New Delhi
[d] Hyderabad
[e] Chennai
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which of the following organisation/s recently organised second International Symposium on
Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA) 2023 in collaboration of Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare in New Delhi?
[a] World Health Organisation

[b] Centre for Global Development
[c] World Bank
[d] A and B
[e] A, B and C
pg. 93
[Type here]
Solution: [d]
Q.) Which portal has been launched recently by Ministry of Power to ensure greater availability of
power during the peak demand season?
[a] UDAY portal

[b] Vidyut Pravah Portal
[c] TARANG Portal
[d] PUShP Portal
[e] PRAAPTI Portal
Solution: [d]
Q.) With which country does India sign Critical Minerals Investment Partnership to develop supply
chains of critical minerals including Lithium and Cobalt?
[a] United States

[b] France
[c] Australia
[d] Chile
[e] South Africa
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which of the following Ministry/ies recently organised India’s biggest youth summit- ‘National
Youth Conclave’ in New Delhi?
[a] Ministry of Education

[b] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[c] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[d] A and B
[e] B and C
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which of the following organizations has released a report titled “Production and Promotion of
Organic and Bio fertilisers with Special Focus on Improving Economic Viability of Gaushalas”?
[a] Ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying

[b] NITI Aayog
[c] DPIIT
[d] Ministry of agriculture and farmer’s welfare
[e] FSSAI
Solution: [b]
pg. 94
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has approved to establish Centre of Excellence for
Kamalam Fruit (Dragon Fruit) under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) in
Bengaluru, Karnataka. To increase domestic production and reduce imports of Dragon Fruit, MIDH
has set target for expansion of its cultivation area to ________in 5 years.
[a] 20,000 hectares

[b] 35,000 hectares
[c] 50,000 hectares
[d] 60, 000 hectares
[e] 70,000 hectares
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which ministry/ies is/are organising first of its kind International Conference on “Shared
Buddhist Heritage” with focus on India’s civilizational connect with Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) nations in New Delhi?
[a] Ministry of Tourism

[b] Ministry of Culture
[c] Ministry of External Affairs
[d] A and B
[e] B and C
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which organisation has been recently granted an ‘Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC)’
status by Reserve Bank of India?
[a] Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency

[b] Solar Energy Corporation of India
[c] Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States
[d] National Institute of Solar Energy
[e] National Institute of Renewable Energy
Solution: [a]
Q.) Atal Incubation Centre – Bhabha Atomic Research centre has organized Start-up Entrepreneur
Workshop on ‘Dry and Wet Waste Management Technologies for Incubation’. During the
workshop, two technologies, one for dry waste management and another for wet waste
management were introduced. Name the technology introduced for wet waste management.
[a] SHARA
[b] SHORA
[c] SHOBHA
[d] SHESHA
[e] SHAAM
Solution: [d]
pg. 95
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Tribal Affairs is implementing central sector scheme of Eklavya Model Residential
School (EMRS) to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribes (ST) students from Class ___ to
___ in remote areas to enable them to access the best opportunities in education and to bring
them at par with the general population.
[a] Class 4th to 8th

[b] Class 3rd to 7th
[c] Class 5th to 10th
[d] Class 6th to 12th
[e] Class 8th to 12th
Solution: [d]
Q.) “Mission Purvodaya” is often seen in news, is related to which of the following sector of the
economy?
[a] Fertiliser sector

[b] Cement sector
[c] Refinery sector
[d] Coal sector
[e] Steel sector
Solution: [e]
Q.) Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers is implementing the scheme of Strengthening of

Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI), with a financial outlay of ______ and for tenure from ______.
[a] Rs. 500 crores, FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025-26

[b] Rs. 700 crores, FY 2020-2021 to FY 2024-25
[c] Rs. 900 crores, FY 2021-2022 to FY 2023-24
[d] Rs. 1000 crores, FY 2021-2022 to FY 2025-26
[e] Rs. 1200 crores, FY 2020-2021 to FY 2024-25
Solution: [a]
Q.) Name the comprehensive self-monitoring framework, launched by NITI Aayog to strengthen
the ever-growing ecosystem of Atal Tinkering Labs.
[a] ATL-Saathi
[b] ATL-Dost
[c] ATL-Sakhi
[d] ATL-Sakha
[e] ATL-Sarthi
Solution: [e]
pg. 96
[Type here]
Q.) Which organisation has launched ‘Learning Science via Standards’ aimed to use scientific
concepts, principles and laws to help students understand their practical applications in
manufacturing, and testing of quality characteristics of different products as stated in the relevant
Indian Standards?
[a] NITI Aayog

[b] Bureau of Indian Standards
[c] Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
[e] National Council of Educational Research and Training
[e] All India Council for Technical Education
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which is the hosting Ministry of 16th meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
Youth Council held in hybrid mode in New Delhi under the chair ship of India?
[a] Ministry of Education

[b] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[c] Ministry of Tourism
[d] Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
[e] Ministry of Science & Technology
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Education hosted the 2nd Education Working Group meeting under
India’s G-20 presidency?
[a] Chennai
[b] Bhubaneshwar
[c] Amritsar
[d] Pune
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which of the following statements are incorrect about recently released ‘Basic Animal
Husbandry Statistics 2022’?
(1) It has been released by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

(2) The share of Livestock at constant prices in Agriculture Sector and total GVA was 30.13% and
4.9% respectively.
(3) Total milk production (2021-22) is 300.06 million tonnes, decreased by 5.29% as compared to
previous year.
(4) Total egg production (2021-22) is 129.60 billion numbers, an increase by 6.19% as compared
to previous year.
(5) Total wool production (2021-22) is 33.13 thousand tonnes, which has declined by 10.30% as
[a] 1, 3 and 4 Only

[b] 1 and 3 Only
pg. 97
[Type here]
[c] 4 and 5 Only

[d] 1, 3 and 5 Only
[e] 3, 4 and 5 Only
Solution: [b]
Q.) Identify the correct descending order of top five major milk producing States according to
‘Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2022’ released by Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry &
Dairying
[a] Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
[b] Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
[c] Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh
[d] Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh
[e] Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh
Solution: [d]
Q.) Where has the cultural program "AgriUnifest" been organized in collaboration with the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Mumbai
[c] Bengaluru
[d] Patna
[e] Jaipur
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where is Indian Coast Guard Region (North East) conducting the 4th edition of Table top
exercise under the aegis of Colombo Security Conclave?
[a] Chennai
[b] Kolkata
[c] Mumbai
[d] Kochi
[e] Visakhapatnam
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which Ministry has released 24th issue of publication titled “Women and Men in India 2022”?
[a] Ministry of Statics and Programme Implementation

[b] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[c] Ministry of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[d] Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
[e] Ministry of Education
Solution: [a]
pg. 98
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and World Bank have signed an agreement for the
construction of Green National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP). Under it, total 781 km
aggregate length GNHCP will be built. Which of the following states are covered under this
project?
(1) Himachal Pradesh

(2) Uttarakhand
(3) Rajasthan
(4) Maharashtra
(5) Uttar Pradesh
[a] 2, 3 and 4 Only

[b] 1, 2 and 3 Only
[c] 2, 3 and 5 Only
[d] 1, 3 and 5 Only
Solution: [d]
Q.) Power Foundation and Climate Policy Initiative India Pvt. Ltd. (CPI) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding to work together to support India's transition towards a cleaner
energy future. Power Foundation is a think tank and a policy & research advocacy body under
which Ministry?
[a] Ministry of Finance

[b] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
[c] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[d] Ministry of Power
[e] Ministry of Rural Development
Solution: [d]
Q.) With which Ministry, an MoU has been signed by Ministry of AYUSH to collaborate in
developing skilled personnel by imparting training to rural poor youth and women for Ayush
healthcare system under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana?
[a] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

[b] Ministry of Rural Development
[c] Ministry of Development of North-East Region
[d] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[e] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Solution: [b]
Q.) With which PSB has Warehousing Development Regulatory Authority recently signed MoU for
promoting awareness about finance against e-NWRs (electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt)
with features such as, no additional collateral and attractive interest rates?
[a] Central Bank of India

[b] State Bank of India
[c] Punjab National Bank
pg. 99
[Type here]
[d] Bank of Baroda

[e] Bank of Maharashtra
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which Mission/Scheme has been launched by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change on the occasion of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to enable a society ownership approach for
participatory conservation and wise use of Wetlands?
[a] National Wetland Mission

[b] National Water Mission
[c] Sustainable Habitat Mission
[d] Green India Mission
[e] Mission Sahbhagita
Solution: [e]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about recently inaugurated India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline
[a] This is the first cross border energy pipeline between India and Bangladesh
[b] Its length is 150 km which consists of 130 Km length in Bangladesh
[c] It can transport 1 Million Metric Ton Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel (HSD)
[d] Foundation stone for its construction was laid in September 2018.
[e] Cost of Bangladesh portion of the pipeline also has been borne by Government of India under
grant assistance
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which Ministry has been awarded WSIS Prizes Award 2023 for its AuditOnline
software/application under Category 7 — Action Line (AL) C7 — ICT Applications: e-Government
at WSIS Forum 2023 held in ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland?

[b] Ministry of Finance
[c] Ministry of Rural Development
[d] Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
[e] Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Solution: [a]
Q.) In which State/UT, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying is conducting Phase-IV
of ‘Sagar Parikrama’?
[a] Gujarat
[b] Daman & Diu
[c] Maharashtra
[d] Karnataka
[e] Kerala
Solution: [d]
pg. 100
[Type here]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)
[a] It aims to control Foot & Mouth Disease (FMD) through vaccination leading to its eventual
eradication by 2030
[b] It was launched in 2019 and now it is part of Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme
[c] It is being implemented by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[d] It is 100% funded by Central Government, which is centrally procuring vaccines against FMD
and supplying to States
[e] Currently under it, vaccination against FMD is carried out in all cattle and buffaloes.
Solution: [c]
Q.) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for listing of IREDA on the
Stock Exchanges through an Initial Public Offer (IPO). Identify incorrect statement about IREDA
[a] It was incorporated in 1987 with headquarters in New Delhi

[b] It functions under Ministry of Power
[c] It is registered as a Non-banking Financial Company (NBFC) with Reserve Bank of India
[d] It is engaged in financing of Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency projects in India
[e] It is currently a wholly owned Government of India, Mini-ratna (Category-I) CPSE
Solution: [b]
Q.) Ministry of Textiles has approved setting up of 7 PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions and
Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks for the Textile industry. In which States/UTs these parks will come up?
(1) Tamil Nadu

(2) Telangana
(3) Gujarat
(4) Karnataka
(5) Madhya Pradesh
(6) Uttar Pradesh
(7) Maharashtra
[a] 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
[b] 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7
[c] 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7
[d] 1, 2, 3 and 5
Solution: [e]
pg. 101
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Textiles recently has approved setting up of 7 PM Mega Integrated Textile Regions
and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks for the Textile industry. It will provide financial support in form of
Development Capital Support up to _______ per park to Park Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
owned by Centre and State Government.
[a] Rs. 300 crore

[b] Rs. 500 crore
[c] Rs. 700 crore
[d] Rs. 800 crore
[e] Rs. 1000 crore
Solution: [b]
Q.) Ministry of Steel has signed 57 MoUs’ with 27 companies for specialty steel under the
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme. Identify incorrect statement/s about PLI Scheme for
Specialty Steel
(1) It was launched in 2021 to boost domestic production of ‘Specialty Steel’ by attracting
significant investment.
(2) It is being implemented for duration from FY 2023-24 to FY 2029-30
(3) It has total budgetary outlay of Rs. 6,322 Crore
(4) It is applicable to only five categories of specialty steel
[a] 2 and 4 Only

[b] 1 Only
[c] 2 and 3 Only
[d] 4 Only
[e] 2 Only
Solution: [e]
Q.) Where has Meeting of Heads of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism
Administrations held under India’s Presidency of SCO?
[a] Bodhgaya
[b] Varanasi
[c] New Delhi
[d] Mahabalipuram
[e] Udaipur
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which of the following ministry/ies is/are organising 3rd annual edition of the International SME
Convention 2023 (ISC) in New Delhi?
[a] Ministry of Commerce and Industry

[b] Ministry of External Affairs
[c] Ministry of MSME
[d] A and B
[e] B and C
pg. 102
[Type here]
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which of the following is hosting organisation of Labour20 (L20) engagement group’s inception
meeting held in Amritsar, Punjab as part of India’s G20 presidency?
[a] Confederation of Indian Industry

[b] Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry
[c] Indian Economic Trade Organization
[d] Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh
[e] Indian Chamber of Commerce
Solution: [d]
Q.) What is theme of 5th Poshan Pakhwada, being celebrated by Ministry of Women and Child
Development from 20th March to 3rd April 2023?
[a] Increasing male engagement in Poshan Abhiyaan to improve nutritional outcomes

[b] A better future for every child
[c] Nutrition for All: Together Towards a Healthy India
[d] Inclusion, for every child
[e] Children of today, our keepers tomorrow
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and WHO South-East Asia Regional office
organised Global Conference on Digital Health with theme ‘Taking Universal Health Coverage to
the last Citizen’?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bengaluru
[c] Mumbai
[d] Hyderabad
[e] Chennai
Solution: [a]
Q.) ‘City Finance Rankings 2022’ portal has been made live recently to enable Urban Local Bodies
(ULBs) across the country to participate in the City Finance Rankings 2022. Which Ministry has
launched this portal?
[a] Ministry of Jal Shakti

[b] Ministry of Finance
[c] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[d] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[e] Ministry of Science & Technology
Solution: [c]
pg. 103
[Type here]
Q.) The various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas are taken
up under Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra KalyanYojna (PMKKKY). These projects/programs are
funded by which fund?
[a] District Mineral Rehabilitation Fund

[b] District Mineral Development Trust
[c] District Mineral Protection Trust
[d] District Mineral Foundation Trust
Solution: [d]
Q) Where India’s first Night Sky Sanctuary or Dark Sky Reserve is being set up?
[a] Ladakh
[b] Uttarakhand
[c] Himachal Pradesh
[d] Sikkim
[e] Arunachal Pradesh
Solution: [a]
Q.) When was ‘herSTART’ platform introduced by Gujarat University Startup and Entrepreneurship
Council to promote women StartUps and to encourage women entrepreneurs?
[a] 2019
[b] 2022
[c] 2021
[d] 2020
[e] 2018
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has inception meeting of Civil20 been held under India’s 20 Presidency?
[a] Patna
[b] Nagpur
[c] Bhopal
[d] Jaisalmer
[e] Dehradun
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority
(APEDA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry organized Global Millets (Shree Anna) Conference
to stimulate the exports of millets from India and provide market linkage to the producers?
[a] Bhopal
[b] New Delhi
[c] Mysore
[d] Chennai
pg. 104
[Type here]
[e] Varanasi
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which Ministry is implementing Central Sector Scheme- Champion Service Sector Scheme for
Medical Value Travel?
[a] Ministry of AYUSH

[b] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[c] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[d] Ministry of External Affairs
[e] Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Solution: [a]
Q.) Blended Learning Platform for Higher Education in agriculture was launched recently by Indian
Council of Agricultural Research in collaboration of which international organisation?
[a] Food and Agriculture Organization

[b] BIMSTEC
[c] World Economic Forum
[d] World Bank
[e] World Trade Organisation
Solution: [d]
Q.) When was flagship network research project ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient
Agriculture’ (NICRA) was launched by Indian Council of Agricultural Research to meet the
challenges of sustaining domestic food production in the face of changing climate?
[a] 2009
[b] 2011
[c] 2013
[d] 2016
[e] 2019
Solution: [b]
Q.) From which date, Ministry of Rural Development has made digitally capturing MGNREGA
attendance universal through National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) App?
[a] January 1, 2023

[b] October 2, 2023
[c] March 31, 2023
[d] April 1, 2023
[e] August 15, 2023
Solution: [a]
pg. 105
[Type here]
Q.) National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) is a research institution which
supports the protection, conservation, restoration, management, and policy advice on coasts.
Under which ministry does it function?
[a] Ministry of Rural Development

[b] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[c] Ministry of Science & Technology
[d] Ministry of Education
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has been Communication Ministers’ Conclave recently organised under theme
‘Enabling Innovation in Telecommunications to Ensure Digital Transformation of the Society’?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Chennai
[d] New Delhi
[e] Kolkata
Solution: [d]
Q.) Which mobile app has been launched by Income Tax Department, Ministry of Finance to
facilitate taxpayers to view their information as available in Annual Information Statement
(AIS)/Taxpayer Information Summary (TIS)?
[a] Digital Ayakar App

[b] IT Rate Finder App
[c] Aaykar Setu App
[d] Jan Dhan Darshak App
[e] AIS for Taxpayer App
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which Ministry is leading India in the 2nd negotiating round of Indo-Pacific Economic
Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) in Bali, Indonesia?
[a] Ministry of External Affairs

[b] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[c] Ministry of Finance
[d] Ministry of Defence
[e] Ministry of Home Affairs
Solution: [b]
pg. 106
[Type here]
Q.) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) has
organised National Brainstorming Workshop on Urban Livelihoods in New Delhi. Which Ministry is
implementing DAY-NULM?
[a] Ministry of Commerce & Industry

[b] Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
[c] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[d] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Solution: [d]
Q.) Which Ministry has launched Green Tug Transition Programme to reduce transport carbon
emissions?
[a] Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

[b] Ministry of Science & Technology
[e] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Solution: [a]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways inaugurated India’s First National
Centre of Excellence in Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS)?
[a] Gurugram
[b] Mumbai
[c] Kochi
[d] Chennai
[e] Kolkata
Solution: [a]
Q.) National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) is organising the first Urban Climate Film Festival
through the CITIIS (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain) program under U20
engagement events. CITIIS is joint program of
[a] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,

[b] European Union
[c] French Development Agency
[d] A and B
[e] A, B and C
Solution: [e]
pg. 107
[Type here]
Q.) Where will be Ministry of Tourism will be organizing the country's first Global Tourism
Investors’ Summit (GTIS) in May 2023 as an initiative under India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Chennai
[b] Jaipur
[c] Agra
[d] Kutch
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
Q.) Rehabilitation Council of India has organised workshop on Web Accessibility to create
awareness and impart knowledge of fundamentals of digital accessibility including social media
accessibility. Identify incorrect statement about Rehabilitation Council of India
[a] It is the apex government body to regulate training programmes and courses targeted at
disabled, disadvantaged, and special education requirement communities
[b] It was established in 1993 through Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI) Act, 1992
[c] It is headquartered in New Delhi
[d] It is the only statutory council in India that is required to maintain the Central Rehabilitation
Register
[e] None is incorrect
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which digitized claim settlement module of National Crop Insurance Portal was launched
recently by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?
[a] DigiAadhar Claim

[b] DigiAgri Claim
[c] PMFBY Insurance Claim
[d] DigiClaim
[e] InstantClaim
Solution: [d]
Q.) What is the name of Real-time Performance Monitoring Dashboard launched recently by
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways?
[a] Sagar Sangam

[b] Samudhra Monitoring Observatory
[c] Ocean Monitoring Centre
[d] Sagar Manthan
[e] Samudhra Manthan
Solution: [d]
pg. 108
[Type here]
Q.) National Highways Authority of India recently has organized Hackathon on Barrierless Tolling
System and Intelligent Traffic Management System. It was organised in collaboration with?
[a] DRDO
[b] ISRO
[c] MeitY Start-up Hub
[d] CSIR
[e] Indian Institute of Science
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which of the following Ministry is implementing Global Engagement Scheme with the aim to
promote the rich and diverse culture of India abord?
[a] Ministry of Tourism

[c] Ministry of Culture
[d] Ministry of Tribal Affairs
[e] Ministry of Minority Affairs
Solution: [c]
Q.) International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Area office & Innovation Centre in India was
recently inaugurated in in New Delhi. Which of the following countries in the region it will be
serving?
(1) Afghanistan
(2) Sri Lanka
(3) Iran
(4) Pakistan
(5) Bangladesh
[a] 2, 3 and 5
[b] 1, 2 and 4
[c] 1, 2, 4 and 5
[d] 2, 3, 4 and 5
[e] 1, 2, 3 and 5
Solution: [e]
Q.) What is the Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute per quintal approved by Cabinet Committee
on Economic Affairs for 2023-24 season?
[a] Rs.3750
[b] Rs.6050
[c] Rs.4050
[d] Rs.5050
[e] Rs.6100
Solution: [d]
pg. 109
[Type here]
Q.) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved a subsidy of Rs.200 per 14.2 kg
cylinder for up to 12 refills per year to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Identify incorrect statement about PMUY
[a] It was launched in 2016 to provide deposit free LPG connections to adult women of poor
households
[b] It is implemented by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
[c] Under it, deposit-free LPG connection is given to eligible household with financial assistance of
Rs 1,600 per connection
[d] Its initial revised target of 8 crore was achieved in September 2019, ahead of its deadline of
2020.
[e] Ujjwala 2.0 was started in 2021 to cover remaining households under PMUY on pan India basis
Solution: [b]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about I2U2 Grouping
(1) It is an inter-governmental economic cooperation forum of India, Israel, United Arab Emirates,
and United States of America
(2) Its inaugural summit was held in 2022 in Washington DC in physical format
(3) Its six key areas of cooperation are water, energy, transport, space, health and food security
[a] 2 and 3 Only

[b] 1 and 3 Only
[c] 3 Only
[d] 2 Only
Solution: [d]
Q.) Where has Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India organised a curtain
raiser event for the forthcoming Chief Science Advisers Roundtable (G20-CSAR)?
[a] Gangtok
[b] Ramnagar
[c] New Delhi
[d] Shimla
[e] Bhubaneshwar
Solution: [b]
Q.) The 6th and 7th Set of Exports Excellence Awards were conferred recently by Federation of
Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Identify incorrect statement about FIEO
[a] It is apex body of the Government recognised Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards
and Development Authorities in India
[b] It was established by Ministry of External Affairs in 1965
[c] It is ISO 9001:2015 certified organization with its headquarters in New Delhi
[d] It is responsible for representing and assisting Indian entrepreneurs and exporters in foreign
markets
pg. 110
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[e] It confers Niryat Shree and Niryat Bandhu awards to its exporters and export facilitators for
their outstanding performance in exports
Solution: [b]
Q.) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched Aravalli Green Wall Project
to green the 5 km buffer area around the Aravalli Hill Range in four States/UTs. Which of the
following States/UTs are covered under this project?
(1) Rajasthan
(2) Haryana
(3) Gujarat
(4) Delhi
(5) Madhya Pradesh
[a] 2, 3 and 5
[b] 1, 2, 4 and 5
[c] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[d] 2, 3, 4 and 5
[e] 3, 4 and 5
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has One World TB Summit been organised by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
and the Stop TB Partnership on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day (24 March)?
[a] Nagpur
[b] Srinagar
[c] Varanasi
[d] Jaipur
[e] Bengaluru
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which State has been awarded for its progress towards ending Tuberculosis during One World
TB Summit?
[a] Uttar Pradesh

[b] Maharashtra
[c] Madhya Pradesh
[d] Tamil Nadu
[e] Karnataka
Solution: [e]
pg. 111
[Type here]
Q.) Where has National Mission on Use of Biomass in Thermal Power Plants (SAMARTH) in
association of National Power Training Institute organised National Conference on Biomass 3P -
Pellet to Power to Prosperity?
[a] Raipur
[b] Bhubaneshwar
[c] Jamshedpur
[d] Varanasi
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
Q.) When was North East Road Sector Development Scheme launched by Ministry of
development of N-E region to take up rehabilitation/construction/upgradation of the roads
(including bridges on the roads) in the North Eastern Region (NER)?
[a] 2012-13
[b] 2013-14
[c] 2015-16
[d] 2016-17
[e] 2018-19
Solution: [c]
Q.) Rs.5000/- per month is provided to selected beneficiaries in four equal six monthly instalments
for a period of 2 years under Award of Scholarships to Young Artists in Different Cultural Fields
Component of ‘Scheme of Scholarship and Fellowship for Promotion of Art and Culture’
implemented by Ministry of Culture. What is beneficiary age group of this component?
[a] 20-30 years

[b] 18-25 years
[c] 25-40 years
[d] 18-30 years
[e] 15-35 years
Solution: [b]
Q.) Consider the following statements with respect to Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro
and Small Enterprises and identify the correct statement/s
(1) It was launched in 2000

(2) It is being implemented by Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises
(3) The corpus of Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises is shared between
central government and RBI
[a] Only 1 and 2

[b] Only 2 and 3
[c] Only 1 and 3
[d] None is correct
[e] All are correct
pg. 112
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Solution – [a]
Q.) When was Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) jointly set
up by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI) to catalyse flow of institutional credit to Micro & Small Enterprises?
[a] 2000
[b] 2005
[c] 2010
[d] 2014
[e] 2018
Solution: [a]
Q.) What is the objective of the ‘Swachh Mashaal March’ under the Swachhotsav 2023 campaign
under the Swachh Bharat Mission?
[a] To promote the use of single-use plastic items

[b] To spread awareness about the importance of composting
[c] To discourage open defecation
[d] To spread awareness about the circular economy
[e] To spread awareness about the idea of a ‘Garbage Free City’
Solution: [e]
Q.) Ministry of Rural Development has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 19
Captive Employers to train and provide gainful employment to 31,067 rural poor youths under
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) with minimum salary of
_______ per month for the minimum period of 6 months?
[a] Rs. 20000

[b] Rs. 16000
[c] Rs. 12000
[d] Rs. 10000
[e] Rs. 15000
Solution: [d]
Q.) How much capacity of domestic Solar PV module manufacturing capacity has been recently
allocated to 11 companies under Production Linked Incentive Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV
Modules (Tranche-II)?
[a] 20,200 MW
[b] 25,300 MW
[c] 39,600 MW
[d] 45,300 MW
[e] 50,600 MW
Solution: [c]
pg. 113
[Type here]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Communications organised ‘First International Quantum Communication
Conclave’ to discuss latest advancements in quantum communication technologies?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Chennai
[d] Mumbai
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
Q.) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme is a component of which of the flagship
scheme?
[a] National Rural Livelihood Mission

[b] Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
[c] Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
[d] Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana
[e] Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which of the following organizations has organised 2nd Inland Waterways Summit under the
theme “Tapping into the power of Inland Waterways: promoting growth, trade & prosperity”?
[a] DPIIT
[b] CII
[c] FICCI
[d] ASSOCHAM
[e] PDHCCI
Solution: [e]
Q.) How much amount has been allocated by the ministry of home affairs under the road
component of Vibrant Villages Program for FY 2023-24?
[a] 1000 Crores

[b] 500 Crores
[c] 700 Crores
[d] 750 Crores
[e] No amount has been allocated
Solution: [b]
pg. 114
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Education has conducted 1st Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment
Test (FLNAT) under Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) across
10 States/UTs to assess the basic Reading, Writing and Numeracy skills of the neo-literates.
Which of the following States/UTs were covered in 1st FLNAT?
(1) Bihar
(2) Ladakh
(3) Uttar Pradesh
(4) Chandigarh
(5) Madhya Pradesh
[a] 1, 2, 4 and 5
[b] 3, 4 and 5
[c] 1, 2, 3 and 4
[d] 2, 3, 4 and 5
[e] 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Solution: [d]
Q.) Which of the following statement/s is/are correct about Nav Bharat Saaksharata Karyakram or
New India Literacy Programme?
(1) It was launched in 2020 to impart foundational literacy and numeracy and also other five
components which are necessary for a citizen of 21st century
(2) It is being implemented by Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for 5 years (FY
2022 to 27)
(3) It targets all non-literates of age 18 years and above, with more focus on females and
educationally backward states.
(4) It will target 5 crore learners @ 1.00 crore per year during its implementation period
(5) Its five components are Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic
Education, Vocational Skills and Continuing Education
[a] 1, 2 and 3 Only

[b] 3, 4 and 5 Only
[c] 2, 3 and 4 Only
[d] 2 and 4 Only
[e] 4 and 5 Only
Solution: [e]
Q.) When is Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways organising National Maritime Week to pay
tribute to services of seafarers?
[a] 1 April to 5 April 2023

[b] 30 March to 5 April 2023
[c] 31 March to 6 April 2023
[d] 30 March to 5 April 2023
[e] 29 March to 4 April 2023
Solution: [b]
pg. 115
[Type here]
Q.) What is the name of App Version of National Logistics Portal (Marine) recently launched by
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways to provide easier access to functionalities on a
handheld device?
[a] Sagar Setu

[b] Samudra Setu
[c] Ocean Ease
[d] Ease of Ocean Trade
[e] Samudra Niryat
Solution: [a]
Q.) Limit on ceiling for guarantees under recently revamped Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro &
Small Enterprises has been enhanced from Rs.2 Crore to ______.
[a] Rs.5 crore

[b] Rs.4 crore
[c] Rs.6 crore
[d] Rs.3 crore
[e] Rs.7 crore
Solution: [a]
Q.) Which of the following has launched three new resources viz. Equipment Manual, Tinkering
Curriculum and Calendar of Activities for 2023-24 to foster innovation and creativity among India's
youth?
[a] National Skill Development Corporation

[b] Khadi and Village Industries Commission
[c] NITI Aayog
[d] Reserve Bank of India
[e] Small Industries Development Bank of India
Solution: [c]
Q.) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) in collaboration with which telecom company/ies has
launched WhatsApp Banking Services for IPPB customers to enable them to access banking
services on their mobile phone?
[a] Jio
[b] Vodafone-Idea
[c] Airtel
[d] A and B
[e] B and C
Solution: [c]
pg. 116
[Type here]
Q.) Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance has launched 3-months-long
campaign (1 April to 30 June 2023) to boost and achieve saturation of micro-insurance scheme/s
at Gram Panchayat level. Which of the following social security scheme/s is/are covered under this
campaign?
[a] Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

[b] Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
[c] Atal Pension Yojana
[d] B and C
[e] A and B
Solution: [e]
Q.) How much amount Government will borrow during the first half (H1) of FY 2023-24, out of
Gross Market borrowing of Rs 15.43 lakh crore projected for FY 2023-24 in Union Budget?
[a] Rs. 6.79 lakh crore

[b] Rs 8.88 lakh crore
[c] Rs. 9.23 lakh crore
[d] Rs. 10.56 lakh crore
[e] Rs. 11.90 lakh crore
Solution: [b]
Other Important Questions

in Short
Q.) Where has Ministry of Tourism in association with Indian Institute of Tourism & Travel
Management, United Nations Environment Programme and Responsible Tourism Society of India
organised third regional workshop on Development of Sustainable and Responsible Tourist
Destinations for Southern Region?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Chennai
[d] Kochi
[e] Visakhapatnam
Solution: [b]
NOTE: Southern region States/UTs participated in it- Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala,
Lakshadweep, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
pg. 117
[Type here]
Q.) Which agricultural organisation will be organising Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela in New Delhi under
the theme “Nutrition, Food and Environmental Protection with Shree Anna”?
[a] Indian Agricultural Research Institute

[b] Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering
[c] Central Plantation Crops Research Institute
[d] Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute
[e] Indian Institute of Horticultural Research
Solution: [a]
NOTE:
• Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela is being organized every year by the Indian Agricultural Research
Institute (IARI).
• Millets are also known as Shree Anna.
Q.) Where has President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated 7th International Dharma Dhamma
Conference, organised by the India Foundation in collaboration with Sanchi University of Buddhist-
Indic Studies?
[a] Varanasi
[b] Bhopal
[c] Bodh Gaya
[d] Leh
[e] Kushinagar
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has the first conclave on exploring synergies between Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-
National Rural Livelihood Mission initiatives of Rural Transformation and Corporate House’s
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts in rural areas been held?
[a] Bhopal
[b] Hyderabad
[c] New Delhi
[d] Jaipur
[e] Chennai
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has Indian Seed Congress been organized by the National Seed Association of India?
[a] Pune
[b] New Delhi
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Bengaluru
[e] Ludhiana
Solution: [b]
pg. 118
[Type here]
Q.) Which Ministry has organised “Dhara: Ode to Indian Knowledge Systems”, under the aegis of
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav?
[a] Ministry of Culture

[b] Ministry of Tourism
[c] Ministry of Education
[d] Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Solution: [a]
NOTE:
• The programme was conceptualized as a series of lectures and discussions dedicated to
specific areas of inquiry highlighting India’s civilizational achievements.
• It has completed one year in February 2023
• During its yearlong activities, it has been successful in creating public awareness and
helped to devise a framework for the promotion and revival of multiple domains of Indian
Knowledge Systems.
Q.) Under Cochlear Implant Scheme, children with hearing disability up to the age of 0 to _____
years are operated free of cost for cochlear (hearing device) implant surgery, with ceiling of
______ per unit of the device.
[a] 3 years, Rs. 2 lakhs

[b] 2 years, Rs. 3 lakhs
[c] 4 years, Rs. 2.5 lakhs
[d] 8 years, Rs. 10 lakhs
[e] 5 years, Rs. 6 lakhs
Solution: [e]
Cochlear Implant Scheme
• It is implemented under Assistance to Disabled Persons for Purchase/ Fitting of Aids and
Appliances Scheme (ADIP Scheme) of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• Ali Yavar Jung National Institute for the Speech & Hearing Disabilities (AYJNISHD),
Mumbai, is the nodal agency for providing assistance under it.
• Under it, Cochlear Implant is procured by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India
(ALIMCO), Kanpur and provided at the nominated hospitals.
Q.) Which PSU has been honoured with the CBIP Award 2022 for ‘Outstanding Contribution in
Power Generation’, attributed to its Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station?
[a] Rural Electrification Corporation

[b] North Eastern Electric Power Corporation
[c] Power Finance Corporation
[d] Power Grid Corporation of India
[e] NTPC Limited
Solution: [e]
NOTE: Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station: It is the largest power station in India and
the 9th largest coal-fired power station in the world, with an installed capacity of 4,760 MW.
pg. 119
[Type here]
Q.) With which institute has Ministry of Rural Development extended its Memorandum of
Understanding for providing design support for the products made by Self Help Groups of the
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihood Mission?
[a] National Institute of Fashion Technology

[b] Indian Institute of Technology - Delhi
[c] Tata Institute of Social Sciences
[d] Indian Institutes of Management
Solution: [a]
Q.) For which state has Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways recently sanctioned 7 Floating
Jetties under Sagarmala Program to enhance tourism, create employment, and generate wealth in
a ripple effect across industries?
[a] Gujarat
[b] Maharashtra
[c] Goa
[d] Karnataka
[e] Kerala
Solution: [d]
Q.) Mission “Pradhan Mantri PVTG Mission” for the welfare of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs) was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24. Under this mission, fund of
_______ will be allocated for duration of _________ for the socio-economic development of the
group.
[a] Rs. 5000 crore, 2 years

[b] Rs 10,000 crore, 5 years
[c] Rs 15,000 crore, 3 years
[d] Rs. 12,000 crore, 4 years
[e] Rs. 2000 crore, 1 year
Solution: [c]
About Pradhan Mantri PVTG Mission

• It will be launched as part of ‘Reaching The Last Mile- Leaving No Citizen Behind’.
• Outlay: Rs 15,000 crore
• Duration: 3 years
• Beneficiaries: 75 PVTG groups spread across 18 States and Andaman & Nicobar Island
(UT).
• It will saturate the PVTG families and habitations with basic facilities such as safe housing,
clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education health and nutrition, road
and telecom connectivity and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
pg. 120
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Q.) Ministry of Finance has notified Sovereign Gold Bonds 2022-23 (Series IV) for subscription
with issue price of Rs. 5,611 per gram. How much discount will be given per gram from the issue
price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode?
[a] Rs. 900

[b] Rs. 500
[c] Rs. 300
[d] Rs. 100
[e] Rs. 50
Solution: [e]
Q.) After which date, Bureau of India Standards (BIS) has prohibited sale of hallmarked gold
jewellery/artefacts without 6 digit alphanumeric Hallmark Unique Identification Number (HUID)?
[a] 31st March 2023

[b] 21st June 2023
[c] 15th August 2023
[d] 05th September 2023
[e] 10th December 2023
Solution: [a]
NOTE:
• 6 digit HUID number is in accordance with the Indian Standards specified in IS 1417 : 2016
as amended .
• It aims to protect consumers and enhance their confidence in purchase of hallmarked gold
jewellery with traceability and assurance of quality.
• Hallmarked jewellery lying with consumers as per old schemes (and not having HUID) shall
remain valid.
Q.) National Zoological Park, New Delhi (Delhi Zoo) celebrated World Wildlife Day on 3rd March,
2023. What was theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day?
[a] Life below water: for people and planet

[b] Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration
[c] Forests and Livelihoods: sustaining people and planet
[d] Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation
[e] It’s time to get serious about wildlife crime
Solution: [d]
Q.) Website of Santacruz Electronics Export Processing Zone (SEEPZ) was launched recently.
Where is SEEPZ located?
[a] Kochi
[b] Chennai
[c] Panaji
[d] Mangalore
[e] Mumbai
Solution: [e]
pg. 121
[Type here]
Q.) Where has Kaushal Mahotsav been organised by Ministry of Skill Development in association
with Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Automotive Skill Development Council, and National Skill
Development Council?
[a] Chandrapur
[b] Bastar
[c] Balasore
[d] West Champaran
[e] Seraikela Kharsawan
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which Ministry in collaboration with Madhya Pradesh Government is organizing Regional
Conference on the theme “Good Governance Practices” in Bhopal?
[a] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

[b] Ministry of Labour & Employment
[c] Ministry of Home Affairs
[d] Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
[e] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Solution: [d]
NOTE
• Objective: To bring the Government and Citizens closer through various administrative
reforms at the Centre, State and District level.
• Organiser: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG),
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
Q.) Where will Ministry of Labour and Employment be organising the 1st Labour 20 (L20) meeting
under India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Kochi
[b] Amritsar
[c] Patna
[d] Lucknow
[e] Bhopal
Solution: [b]
• L20 is one of the engagement groups under G20.
• It comprises leaders and representatives of trade union centres of G20 countries who
provide analyses and policy recommendations aimed at addressing labour-related issues.
Q.) Which Ministry will be organising mega walkathon event “WalkforHealth” in New Delhi on the
occasion of International Women’s Day?
[a] Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs

[b] Ministry of Home Affairs
[c] Ministry of Education
[d] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[e] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
pg. 122
[Type here]
Solution: [e]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about Samarth (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textiles Sector)
Scheme
[a] It is demand driven and placement-oriented umbrella skilling programme of Ministry of Textiles
[b] It will be implemented till March 2024.
[c] It aims to incentivize and supplement the efforts of textile industry in creating jobs in the
organized textile and related sectors, covering entire value chain including Spinning and Weaving
[d] It is implemented through Implementing Partners (IPs) comprising of Textile Industry/ Industry
Associations, State government agencies and Sectoral Organizations of Ministry of Textiles
Solution: [c]
NOTE: Samarth Scheme aims to incentivize and supplement efforts of the industry in creating jobs
in organized textile and related sectors, covering entire value chain of textiles, excluding Spinning
and Weaving.
Q.) Where has Gujarat University, Indian Institute of Sustainability and Kashmir University
organised cultural fest "Kashmir Festival"?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Ahmedabad
[c] Panaji
[d] Gandhinagar
[e] Srinagar
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which organisation under Ministry of Mines has awarded 5 ratings to NMDC’s iron ore mines -
Kirandul Deposit - 14 MZ, Kirandul Deposit – 14 NMZ and Bacheli Deposit – 5?
[a] Indian Bureau of Mines

[b] Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited
[c] Geological Survey of India
[d] National Institute of Rock Mechanics
[e] Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre
Solution: [a]
NOTE: Star Rating System of IBM assesses mines based on their efforts and initiatives taken for
the implementation of the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF).
Q.) India is the ______ largest tea producer and ________largest tea exporter in the world.
[a] 1st, 3rd

[b] 2nd, 4th
[c] 3rd, 1st
[d] 4th, 2nd
[e] 1st, 2nd
Solution: [b]
pg. 123
[Type here]
NOTE: India is also largest black tea producer with production at around 1350 M. Kgs and also the
largest consumer of black tea and consumes around 18% of the total World tea consumption.
Q.) Where has the conference of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its
affiliated institutes, agricultural universities and industries been organized recently?
[a] Bhopal
[b] Udaipur
[c] Pathankot
[d] Lucknow
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
NOTE: Through the conference, ICAR aims to work with organizations from industry, research and
academia, that are interested in ICAR's technologies.
Q.) In Sugar Season (October-September) 2022-23, India is expected to produce ________ Lakh
Metric Tons (LMT) Sugar, with diversion of about _______ for ethanol production.
[a] 359 LMT, 36 LMT

[b] 380 LMT, 45 LMT
[c] 336 LMT, 50 LMT
[d] 310 LMT, 80 LMT
[e] 390 LMT, 75 LMT
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• Total sugar production in Sugar Season 2022-23 will be 386 Lakh Metric Tons (second
highest in last 5 years).
▪ This is a little less than last year sugar production of 395 LMT (359 LMT sugar + 36
LMT for ethanol production).
Q.) Where will the 2nd G20 Education Working Group meeting on “Strengthening Research and
Innovation through collaboration” be held?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bengaluru
[c] Mumbai
[d] Chennai
[e] Amritsar
Solution: [e]
NOTE: It will be organised by IIT Ropar with focus on the identification of relevant policies and
best practices for research and innovations from the deliberations of G20 member nations.
pg. 124
[Type here]
Q.) Which state is hosting 23rd Commonwealth Law Conference under the theme “Commonwealth
Lawyers - common challenges in uncommon times”?
[a] Madhya Pradesh

[b] Goa
[c] Maharashtra
[d] Karnataka
[e] Tamil Nadu
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where will the 5th ASEAN-India Business Summit be held under the theme "Strengthening
and Moving Forward ASEAN-India Economic Relations for a Strategic Business Partnership"?
[a] Kuala Lumpur

[b] Manila
[c] Phnom Penh
[d] Hanoi
[e] Bangkok
Solution: [a]
Q.) NITI Aayog in collaboration with which organisation has organized a panel discussion, titled
Bridge Over Troubled Waters in New Delhi to strengthen water security and reduce risks?
[a] Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

[b] Association of Southeast Asian Nations
[c] World Bank
[d] Asian Development Bank
[e] United Nations Development Programme
Solution: [d]
Q.) Camel Product Processing Utilisation & Training Wing has been recently inaugurated at ICAR-
National Research Centre (NRCC). Where is NRCC located?
[a] Jaipur
[b] Bikaner
[c] Kutch
[d] Ajmer
[e] Jodhpur
Solution: [b]
pg. 125
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare in association with which organisation/s will be
organising National Workshop of Bamboo Sector Development and Bamboo Exhibition in New
Delhi?
[a] Invest India

[b] Kerala State Bamboo Mission
[c] TRIFED
[d] A and B
[e] A, B and C
Solution: [d]
Q.) India is amongst the fastest growing Fintech markets in the world. It has the highest FinTech
adoption rate globally of ____ which is significantly higher than global average rate of 64%.
[a] 70%
[b] 75%
[c] 80%
[d] 87%
[e] 90%
Solution: [d]
NOTE: India’s Fintech industry’s market size was US$ 50 Billion in 2021 and is estimated at US$
150 Billion by 2025.
Q.) Where has Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce
and Industry along with Confederation of Indian Industry organised India-Australia CEO Forum?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Hyderabad
[c] Mumbai
[d] Bengaluru
[e] Chennai
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has MeitY-NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) - Internet of Things (IoT) & Artificial
Intelligence (AI) organised Deep Tech Summit - Transformation Through Indigenous Innovation?
[a] Pune
[b] Bengaluru
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Gurugram
[e] Chennai
Solution: [b]
pg. 126
[Type here]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Food Processing Industries recently organized a two-day ‘Millet Fair
cum Exhibition’ as part of the Millet Mahotsav series?
[a] Nagpur
[b] Madurai
[c] Kochi
[d] Varanasi
[e] Rishikesh
Solution: [b]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing
Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme
[a] It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by Ministry of Food Processing Industries in 2020
[b] It provides financial, technical, and business support for the upgradation of micro food
processing enterprises in the country
[c] Under it, Credit Linked Subsidy @50% is provided for the establishment or setting up of micro
food processing unit
[d] Under it, for micro-food processing unit maximum subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs and for common
infrastructure maximum subsidy of Rs. 3 Crore is provided
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• PMFME Scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of individual micro-enterprises in the
unorganized segment & promote the formalization of this sector.
• Under it, Credit Linked Subsidy @35% is provided for the establishment or setting up of
micro food processing unit with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs and for common
infrastructure with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 3 crores is provided.
Q.) Where was first Common Incubation Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro
food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme inaugurated?
[a] Nagpur
[b] Jagtial
[c] Fazilka
[d] Jaipur
[e] Madurai
Solution: [e]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised fourth Y20 consultation meeting
under India’s G20 Presidency with theme ‘Peace building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era
of No War- the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’?
[a] Pune
[b] Bhopal
[c] Varanasi
[d] Kolkata
[e] Agartala
pg. 127
[Type here]
Solution: [a]
Q.) Where has Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce
and Industry along with Confederation of Indian Industry organised India-Australia CEO Forum?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Hyderabad
[c] Mumbai
[d] Bengaluru
[e] Chennai
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has MeitY-NASSCOM Centre of Excellence (CoE) - Internet of Things (IoT) & Artificial
Intelligence (AI) organised Deep Tech Summit - Transformation Through Indigenous Innovation?
[a] Pune
[b] Bengaluru
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Gurugram
[e] Chennai
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Food Processing Industries recently organized a two-day ‘Millet Fair
cum Exhibition’ as part of the Millet Mahotsav series?
[a] Nagpur
[b] Madurai
[c] Kochi
[d] Varanasi
[e] Rishikesh
Solution: [b]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing
Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme
[a] It is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by Ministry of Food Processing Industries in 2020
[b] It provides financial, technical, and business support for the upgradation of micro food
processing enterprises in the country
[c] Under it, Credit Linked Subsidy @50% is provided for the establishment or setting up of micro
food processing unit
[d] Under it, for micro-food processing unit maximum subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs and for common
infrastructure maximum subsidy of Rs. 3 Crore is provided
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• PMFME Scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of individual micro-enterprises in the
unorganized segment & promote the formalization of this sector.
pg. 128
[Type here]
• Under it, Credit Linked Subsidy @35% is provided for the establishment or setting up of
micro food processing unit with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 10 lakhs and for common
infrastructure with a maximum subsidy of Rs. 3 crores is provided.
Q.) Where was first Common Incubation Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro
food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme inaugurated?
[a] Nagpur
[b] Jagtial
[c] Fazilka
[d] Jaipur
[e] Madurai
Solution: [e]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised fourth Y20 consultation meeting
under India’s G20 Presidency with theme ‘Peace building and Reconciliation: Ushering in an Era
of No War- the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’?
[a] Pune
[b] Bhopal
[c] Varanasi
[d] Kolkata
[e] Agartala
Solution: [a]
Q.) How much amount has been released by Union Government as 14th instalment of tax
devolution to State Governments to accelerate their capital and developmental expenditure?
[a] Rs. 70,159 crores

[b] Rs. 90, 476 crores
[c] Rs. 1,05,234 crores
[d] Rs. 1,20,345 crores
[e] Rs. 1,40,318 crores
Solution: [e]
Q.) Exhibition titled “Women and Nation Building: 1857 to the Republic” has been organised on the
occasion of 133rd Foundation Day of National Archives of India in New Delhi. Under which
Ministry does National Archives of India function?
[a] Ministry of Culture

[b] Ministry of Home Affairs
[c] Ministry of Defence
[d] Ministry of Law and Justice
[e] Ministry of Tourism
Solution: [a]
pg. 129
[Type here]
Q.) Central Railway (CR) zone recently became _____ railway zone of Indian Railways to achieve
the milestone of 100% electrification of its entire Broad-Gauge (BG) network?
[a] 2nd
[b] 3rd
[c] 4th
[d] 6th
[e] 7th
Solution: [e]
NOTE:
• Till date, 7 zonal railways have completed 100% electrification of their BG network.
They are
▪ East Coast Railway, North Central Railway, North Eastern Railway, Eastern Railway,
South Eastern Railway, West Central Railway and Central Railway (It achieved this
milestone recently, after electrifying its entire BG network of 3,825 route km).
Q.) Where has Ministry of Ayush along with Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga organized
Yoga Mahotsav 2023 to commemorate 100 days countdown to 9th edition of International Day of
Yoga 2023?
[a] Varanasi
[b] Rishikesh
[c] New Delhi
[d] Chennai
[e] Bengaluru
Solution: [c]
Q.) Seed processing and storage facility has been recently inaugurated at Indian Grassland and
Grassland Research Institute, an institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research
(ICAR). Where is Indian Grassland and Grassland Research Institute located?
[a] Faridabad
[b] Udaipur
[c] Cuttack
[d] Agra
[e] Jhansi
Solution: [e]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology organised Chintan Shivir on the
theme ‘Digital India Techade – Strategy and Implementation’?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bengaluru
[c] Pune
[d] Hyderabad
[e] Chennai
Solution: [a]
pg. 130
[Type here]
Q.) Where is Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment organising March 2023 edition of 'DIVYA
KALA MELA' to showcase the products and craftsmanship of Divyang entrepreneurs/artisans from
across the country?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] Jaipur
[c] Varanasi
[d] Bhopal
[e] Patna
Solution: [d]
Q.) Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation (CSIRO) recently have signed Letter of Intent to encourage joint
cooperation to drive innovation activities in areas of national challenges and shared priorities.
CSIRO is national science agency of which country?
[a] United Kingdom

[b] Australia
[c] Finland
[d] New Zealand
[e] France
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• India Australia Innovation and Technology Challenge (IA-ITC) is core of the bilateral
engagement between both countries.
• It envisages to bring together the innovation ecosystems of both countries to address their
shared environmental and economic challenges by supporting cohorts of start-ups and
SMEs.
• It intends to leverage the complementary capabilities and resources of the innovation
ecosystem of both the countries.
Q.) Which country has hosted 18th meeting of Chief Justices/Chairpersons of the Supreme Courts
of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States with an aim to foster effective
judicial cooperation among the Member States?
[a] China
[b] Russia
[c] India
[d] Pakistan
[e] Kazakhstan
Solution: [c]
NOTE: It was held in New Delhi.
pg. 131
[Type here]
Q.) Where has the 28th edition of CII Partnership Summit been organised by Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the theme
“Partnerships for Responsible, Accelerated, Innovative, Sustainable and Equitable Businesses”?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Mumbai
[c] Kolkata
[d] Chennai
[e] Bengaluru
Solution: [a]
Q.) Where will be Ministry of Tourism hosting Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tourism
Ministers’ Meeting (TMM) as part of India’s Presidency of SCO?
[a] Rishikesh
[b] Bhopal
[c] Agra
[d] Varanasi
[e] Mahabalipuram
Solution: [d]
NOTE: Kashi (Varanasi) has been designated as the first cultural capital of the SCO.
Q.) The crude steel capacity of India has increased from 137.97 million tonnes (MT) in 2017-18 to
154.06 MT in 2021-22 and is envisaged to reach _____ by 2030-31.
[a] 500 MT
[b] 300 MT
[c] 240 MT
[d] 470 MT
[e] 600 MT
Solution: [b]
Q.) The overall utilization of the steel scrap in the steel sector in India is around _____ of the input
material used.
[a] 20%
[b] 25%
[c] 30%
[d] 45%
[e] 55%
Solution: [b]
pg. 132
[Type here]
Q.) With which country has India recently signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to
strengthen cooperation and research networking between research institutions to promote mobility
funding opportunities?
[a] Finland
[b] Norway
[c] Sweden
[d] Russia
[e] Australia
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• It was signed between India’s Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and
Swedish Foundation for International Cooperation in Research and Higher Education.
• It aims to promote mobility funding opportunities in both countries.
• It will facilitate academic cooperation through mobility activities as well as through
seminars, workshops and conferences.
Q.) As per Reserve Bank of India, to help women to overcome the hurdles in accessing bank
credit and credit plus services, Central Government has drawn up a 14-point action plan (now 13-
point action plan) in 2000 for implementation by Public Sector Banks (PSBs). The PSBs were
advised to earmark _____ of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit for lending to women.
[a] 1.5%
[b] 2%
[c] 2.5%
[d] 3.5%
[e] 5%
Solution: [e]
NOTE: As on March 2022, All 12 PSBs achieved the target of 5% of ANBC for lending to women.
Q.) For the first time, the definition of ‘gig worker’ and ‘platform worker’ has been provided in the
Code on Social Security, 2020. The Code also provides for setting up Social Security Fund. One
of the sources of this fund is contribution from aggregator between ____ % of annual turnover of
an aggregator subject to the limit of _____% of the amount paid or payable by an aggregator to
such workers
[a] 1 to 4%, 7%
[b] 3 to 4%, 6%
[c] 2 to 3%, 3%
[d] 1 to 2%, 5%
[e] 1 t0 3%, 4%
Solution: [d]
NOTE: Code on Social Security, 2020 provides for framing of suitable social security schemes for
gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident
insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc.
pg. 133
[Type here]
Q.) When was e-Verification Scheme launched by Income Tax Department (Ministry of Finance)
with an aim to share and verify financial transaction information of taxpayer using information
technology?
[a] 2016
[b] 2017
[c] 2018
[d] 2020
[e] 2021
Solution: [e]
Q.) Which of the following organisation/s is/are rendering District/Block level Agrometeorological
Advisory Services for the benefits of farmers in the country under the scheme “Gramin Krishi
Mausam Sewa (GKMS)?
[a] India Meteorological Department

[b] Indian Space Research Organisation
[c] Indian Council of Agriculture Research
[d] A and B
[e] A and C
Solution: [e]
Q.) The update to Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under Paris Agreement 2015
submitted to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in August 2022 includes
India's commitment to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by _____% by 2030, from 2005 level.
[a] 35%
[b] 40%
[c] 45%
[d] 50%
[e] 60%
Solution: [c]
Q.) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is implementing Nagar Van Yojana (NVY)
which envisages creation of 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatika in the country during the
period ______ under the funds available under National Compensatory Afforestation Fund
(CAMPA).
[a] 2022-23 to 2026-27

[b] 2021-22 to 2024-25
[c] 2020-21 to 2024-25
[d] 2019-20 to 2024-25
[e] 2018-19 to 2022-23
Solution: [c]
pg. 134
[Type here]
Q.) Where has the conference - "Dawn of a Plant-Based Age" during the ‘Aahaar’ exhibition been
organized by the Plant Based Foods Industry Association (PBFIA) to deliberate on plant-based
foods as an option for Food Security in the future?
[a] Chennai
[b] Mumbai
[c] Bengaluru
[d] Kolkata
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
Q.) Where Ministry of Commerce and Industry is organising third Business 20 (B20) Conference of
North East India under India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Gangtok
[b] Shillong
[c] Imphal
[d] Dispur
[e] Agartala
Solution: [a]
Q.) The unit for connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) implemented by
Ministry of Rural Development is
[a] Habitation
[b] Revenue Village
[c] Gram Panchayat
[d] Tehsil
Solution: [a]
NOTE: As reported by the State Governments/UTs, a total of 1,56,399 habitations of population
size 250+ & 500+ as per census, 2001 have been connected under PMGSY-I till March, 2023 and
883 habitations are yet to be connected.
Q.) Since inception of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in 2016-17, coverage under it
has been around _____ of Gross Cropped Area (GCA) in the States/UTs which are implementing
the scheme.
[a] 50%
[b] 20%
[c] 30%
[d] 60%
[e] 70%
Solution: [c]
pg. 135
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana- Gramin
(PMAY-G) since 2016 to provide assistance to eligible rural households pucca houses with basic
amenities by which year?
[a] 2023
[b] 2024
[c] 2025
[d] 2026
[e] 2027
Solution: [b]
Q.) National Project on Soil Health and Fertility was a sub-scheme of National Mission for
Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) under Umbrella Scheme–Green Revolution-Krishonnati in
“Agriculture Sector during 14th Finance Commission period. It is now being implemented as a Soil
Health component of which scheme during 15th Finance Commission period?
[a] Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana

[b] National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture
[c] Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
[d] Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
[e] National Food Security Missions
Solution: [c]
Q.) The overall fish production in the country has reached an all-time high at _______ in 2021-22
from 141.63 lakh tonne in 2019-20, recording a cumulative growth of 14.72% during the last three
years
[a] 146.79 lakh tonne

[b] 149.12 lakh tonne
[c] 155.79 lakh tonne
[d] 162.48 lakh tonne
[e] 173.56 lakh tonne
Solution: [d]
Q.) How much capital subsidy is available for eligible entrepreneurs (individual/
SHGs/FCO/FPO/JLGs and section 8 companies) under Establishment of Breed Multiplication
Farm Component of Rashtriya Gokul Mission?
[a] 20%
[b] 35%
[c] 40%
[d] 50%
[e] 60%
Solution: [d]
pg. 136
[Type here]
Q.) Under Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) up to ____ of
the benchmark cost is provided for installation of Rooftop Solar (RTS) projects up to 3 kW capacity
and _____ for capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW for individual households in residential
sector.
[a] 50%, 40%

[b] 30%, 30%
[c] 40%, 20%
[d] 20%, 30%
[e] 30%, 50%
Solution: [c]
Q.) Identify incorrect statement about Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES)
[a] It is being implemented w.e.f. FY 2017-18 to create appropriate infrastructure for the growth of
exports
[b] Ministry of Commerce and Industry is nodal implementing ministry
[c] Under it, financial assistance in the form of grants-in-aid is provided to only State Government
owned agencies for setting up or up-grading export infrastructure in States/UTs
[d] Under it, states can avail assistance through their implementing agencies for infrastructure
projects with significant export linkages like Border Haats, Land customs stations cold chains etc.
Solution: [c]
Q.) To achieve uniform nutritional impact among the targeted population, Central Government has
approved supply of fortified rice throughout the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) under
National Food Security Act (NFSA) and in Other Welfare Schemes of Government of India in all
States/UTs by the year _____ in a phased manner.
[a] 2023
[b] 2024
[c] 2025
[d] 2026
[e] 2027
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• The implementation plan of the initiative throughout the country in a phased manner
is envisaged below:
▪ Phase-I: Covering ICDS and PM-POSHAN in all over India by March, 2022.
▪ Phase-II: Phase I above plus TPDS and OWS in all Aspirational and High Burden
Districts on stunting (total 291 districts) by March 2023.
▪ Phase-III: Phase II above plus covering remaining districts of the country by March,
2024.
pg. 137
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Q.) A Centrally sponsored project for Computerization of functional Primary Agricultural Credit
Societies (PACS)/Large Area Multipurpose Cooperative Societies (LAMPS)/ Farmers Service
Societies (FSS) across the country is under implementation. This project entails bringing all the
functional PACS on ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) based common software, linking them
with NABARD through State Cooperative Banks (StCBs) and District Central Cooperative Banks
(DCCBs). What is total financial outlay of this project?
[a] Rs. 1500 Crore

[b] Rs. 2516 Crore
[c] Rs. 3000 Crore
[d] Rs. 970 Crore
[e] Rs. 3678 Crore
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised Summit of Ministers of Physical
Education and Sports of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) nations under India’s SCO
Presidency?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bengaluru
[c] Pune
[d] Kolkata
[e] Chennai
Solution: [a]
Q.) Which of the following services of India Meteorological Department (Ministry of Earth Science)
have been launched with ‘UMANG’ mobile App for use by public?
(1) Current Weather

(2) Rainfall Information
(3) Tourism Forecast
(4) Warnings and Cyclone
[a] 1, 2 and 4
[b] 1, 3 and 4
[c] 1, 2 and 3
[d] 2, 3 and 4
Solution: [e]
NOTE: In 2020, IMD has launched seven of its services- Current Weather, Nowcast, City
Forecast, Rainfall Information, Tourism Forecast, Warnings and Cyclone with ‘UMANG’ mobile
App for use by public.
pg. 138
[Type here]
Q.) Which of the following functions have been entrusted to Central Adoption Resource Authority
(CARA) under Section 68 of Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (as
amended in 2021)?
(1) To promote in-country adoptions and to facilitate inter-state adoptions in co-ordination with
State Agency.
(2) To regulate inter-country adoptions
(3) To frame regulations on adoption and related matters from time to time
(4) To carry out the functions of Central Authority under Hague Convention on Protection of
Children and Cooperation in respect of Inter-country Adoption
[a] 1, 3 and 4 Only

[b] 1, 2 and 4 Only
[c] 2 and 4 Only
[d] 1, 2, 3 Only
Solution: [e]
Q.) Ministry of Education has launched “National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with
Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat)” in 2021 for ensuring that every child in the country
necessarily attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 3, by _______.
[a] 2023-24
[b] 2024-25
[c] 2025-26
[d] 2026-27
[e] 2027-28
Solution: [d]
NOTE
• NIPUN Bharat Mission has been set up under the aegis of the centrally sponsored scheme
of SamagraShiksha.
• It is one of the components of the NEP 2020.
• It covers 3 year Foundational Literacy and numeracy in the preschool and Grade 1, 2 and 3
Q.) Where has the Business Women Expo 2023, India’s largest platform for Business Women and
Entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate and celebrate with corporate enterprises and trade been
organised?
[a] Pune
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Bengaluru
[d] Chennai
[e] Varanasi
Solution: [b]
pg. 139
[Type here]
Q.) National Rail Plan announced by Ministry of Railways envisages that the share of freight traffic
by rail should go up from current share of 28% to 44% by _____?
[a] 2030
[b] 2045
[c] 2051
[d] 2035
[e] 2040
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has Ministry of AYUSH organised 26th Convocation of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth
and 28th National Seminar on topic Usage of Trina Dhanya (Millets) in contemporary lifestyle?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Bhopal
[c] Lucknow
[d] Nagpur
[e] Hyderabad
Solution: [a]
Q) What is India’s rank globally in Research and Development (R&D) investment in terms of US$
Purchasing Power Parity (PPP)?
[a] 2nd
[b] 4th
[c] 5th
[d] 6th
[e] 8th
Solution: [d]
NOTE: India’s spending on R&D is consistently increasing in last 10 years. It has increased nearly
tripled from Rs. 39,437.77 crore in 2007-08 to Rs. 1,13,825.03 crore in 2017-18.
Q.) Where has Partnership Action against Tuberculosis (PAcT) Summit been held?
[a] Jaipur
[b] Ranchi
[c] Patna
[d] Lucknow
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
NOTE:
• It was organised by Apollo Tyre to contribute to Government’s National Tuberculosis
Elimination Programme in order to meet the goal of TB eradication from India by 2025.
• 75 Trucks with TB awareness messages provided by Apollo Tyres Foundation were also
flagged off during this summit.
pg. 140
[Type here]
Q.) Which Ministry is implementing Scheme for Implementation of “Development, Customization,

Deployment and Management of State-wise vehicle tracking platform for Safety & Enforcement as
per AIS 140 Specifications”, in States/UTs under Nirbhaya Framework?
[a] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

[b] Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
[c] Ministry of Women and Child Development
[d] Ministry of Home Affairs
[e] Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology
Solution: [b]
Q.) Which Ministry is implementing Production Linked Incentive scheme on “National Programme
on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage” for achieving manufacturing capacity of 50
Giga Watt Hour (GWh) of ACC for Enhancing India's Manufacturing Capabilities with budgetary
outlay of Rs. 18,100 crore?
[a] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

[b] Ministry of Power
[c] Ministry of Heavy Industry
[d] Ministry of Science & Technology
Solution: [c]
Q.) Which Ministry has launched Atal Jyoti Yojana (AJAY) in 2016 with the main objective to
provide Solar Street Lighting Systems for public use at different locations for improvement in
quality of life, safety and security?
[a] Ministry of Power

[b] Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
[c] Ministry of Science & Technology
Solution: [b]
Q.) Where has Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) organised workshop on
‘Human Factors Engineering in Military Platforms’ to address the need and future roadmap for
implementation of Human Factor Engineering in product life cycle of indigenous products?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Pune
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Leh
[e] Agra
Solution: [a]
pg. 141
[Type here]
Q.) India Post, the largest delivery network of the world, has recently signed an MoU with which
leading logistics aggregator company to boost last-mile e-commerce delivery services across the
country?
[a] Shiprocket
[b] Amazon
[c] Flipkart
[d] Meesho
[e] Delhivery
Solution: [a]
Q.) Inland Water Transport (IWT) is the most economical mode of transportation, especially for
bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, cement, food grains and fertilizer. Presently, it remains underutilized
at a share of 2% in India’s modal mix. Government intends to increase the share of IWT to _____
in India’s modal mix as per Maritime India Vision (MIV)-2030.
[a] 4%
[b] 5%
[c] 7%
[d] 10%
[e] 15%
Solution: [b]
Q.) River Gandak (Narayani River) has been declared as _______ from Bhaisalotan Barrage to
Gandak and Ganga River confluence at Hajipur in Bihar along with 111 NWs in the country vide
National Waterways Act, 2016.
[a] National Waterway-22

[b] National Waterway-40
[c] National Waterway-15
[d] National Waterway-37
[e] National Waterway-10
Solution: [d]
NOTE: Under Namami Gange Program, the development of river front on Narayani River in the
district of Gopalganj, Bihar has been undertaken and two Ghats have been constructed at a total
cost of Rs. 6.62 crore.
Q.) Which Ministry/ies is/are working with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing and
Services Export Promotion Council for developing a ‘One Step’ Heal in India portal for Promotion
of Medical Value Travel?

[b] Ministry of Ayush
[c] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[d] A and B
[e] A, B and C
Solution: [d]
pg. 142
[Type here]
NOTE: Heal in India is an Initiative of Government to promote the Medical Tourism in the country.
Q.) Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is the world’s largest
health protection scheme which provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per beneficiary family per
annum. As of March 2023, it is being implemented in 33 States/UTs out of total 36 States/UTs.
Which of the following States/UTs are not implementing this scheme?
(1) Odisha
(2) Chhattisgarh
(3) Delhi
(4) Rajasthan
(5) West Bengal
(6) Kerala
[a] 2, 3 and 4 Only

[b] 1, 2 and 3 Only
[c] 1, 4 and 6 Only
[d] 1, 3 and 5 Only
[e] 4, 5 and 6 Only
Solution: [d]
NOTE:
• In such States/UTs where AB-PMJAY is not implemented, National Health Authority has
directly empaneled hospitals so that beneficiaries under scheme can avail healthcare
facilities even in those States.
• Further, beneficiaries of State schemes which have been converged with AB-PMJAY, are
also eligible to avail healthcare services in any empaneled hospital across the country
under the portability feature of the scheme.
Q.) India’s dairy and animal husbandry sector contributes _____ to the country's GDP and the
contribution of dairy sector to agriculture sector is ______, which is valued around Rs 10 Lakh
crore, highest in the world.
[a] 3%, 15%

[b] 6%, 30%
[c] 4.5%, 24%
[d] 5%, 10%
[e] 8%, 35%
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Commerce and Industry organised PM Gati Shakti Regional Workshop
for North Zone to promote integrated planning and implementation of infrastructure projects using
PM Gati Shakti national master plan (NMP) platform?
[a] Srinagar
[b] New Delhi
[c] Chandigarh
[d] Shimla
[e] Dehradun
pg. 143
[Type here]
Solution: [a]
NOTE
• These workshops are a part of 5 series Regional Workshops being organised in 5 zones
viz, South zone, North Zone, Western Zone, Central Zone and North-eastern Zone.
• Organiser: Department of Promotion for Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
• North Zone Workshop saw participation of Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), NCT of
Delhi (UT), Chandigarh (UT), Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Punjab.
Q.) With which trade association has V.V. Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI), an autonomous
body of Ministry of Labour & Employment entered into a strategic alliance to promote advocacy for
labour and employment related policies and reforms?
[a] Indian Chamber of Commerce

[b] Indian Economic Trade Organization
[c] ASSOCHAM
[d] FICCI
[e] CII
Solution: [c]
Q.) Where has Bharat Startup Summit and Expo 2023 been organised by PHD Chamber of
Commerce and Industry?
[a] New Delhi

[b] Pune
[c] Bengaluru
[d] Hyderabad
[e] Chennai
Solution: [a]
Q.) Which Ministry has formulated National Strategy and Roadmap for Medical and Wellness
Tourism in order to boost Medical Tourism in the country?

[d] A and B
[e] B and C
Solution: [c]
Q.) What is the percentage of workers in the usual status engaged in agriculture and allied sector
as per Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2021-22 released by the Ministry of Statistics &
Programme Implementation?
[a] 45.56%
[b] 46.46%
[c] 45.46%
[d] 44.90%
pg. 144
[Type here]
[e] 46.86%
Solution: [c]
Q.) What is share of Gross value added (GVA) of agriculture and allied sectors in total economy
(%) at current prices in 2022-23?
[a] 17.8%
[b] 18.3%
[c] 19%
[d] 20.3%
[e] 21.6%
Solution: [b]
Q.) As of 2021, India has been the largest producer and _____ largest exporter of Millets (Shree
Anna)
[a] 1st
[b]2nd
[c] 3rd
[d] 5th
[e] 7th
Solution: [e]
Q.) What is India’s rank in the world in terms of fish production?
[a] 1st
[b] 2nd
[c] 3rd
[d] 4th
[e] 5th
pg. 145
[Type here]
Solution: [c]
NOTE: India’s stands third in the world in terms of fish production.
Q.) Which of the following integrated portal for leprosy case management has been launched
under National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP)?
[a] Nikshay Portal

[b] Nishay 2.0 Portal
[c] Nikusth 2.0 Portal
[d] Niravata 1.0 Portal
[e] Nirmata 3.0 Portal
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• Nikusth 2.0 portal: It aids in efficient data recording, analyzing and reporting of the data in
the form of indicators and a real time dashboard at center, state and district levels.
• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched National Strategic Plan (NSP) &
Roadmap for Leprosy (2023-27) in 2023 to achieve zero transmission of leprosy by 2027
i.e. three years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.3.
Q.) Where has Asia’s largest 4-metre International Liquid Mirror Telescope been recently
inaugurated?
[a] Nainital
[b] Leh
[c] Shimla
[d] Gangtok
[e] Tawang
Solution: [a]
NOTE: It is located at an altitude of 2450 metre at the Devasthal Observatory campus of ARIES,
an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in Nainital
district, Uttarakhand.
Q.) Which of the following are the priority areas of Culture Working Group (CWG) under India’s
G20 Presidency?
(1) Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property

(2) Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future
(3) Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and Creative Economy
(4) Leveraging Digital Technologies for Protection and Promotion of Culture
[a] 1 and 4
[b] 1 and 2
[c] 1, 2 and 3
[d] 2, 3 and 4
[e] 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution: [e]
NOTE
pg. 146
[Type here]
• CWG is organising four Global Thematic Webinars in March and April 2023 to foster an
inclusive dialogue and facilitate an in-depth discussion from an expert driven perspective on
the four priority areas.
• These webinars will be organised by Ministry of Culture and will be hosted and facilitated by
UNESCO(Paris).
Q.) Which Ministry has organised ‘Used Water Management in Small Cities’ on the occasion of
World Water Day 2023?
[a] Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

[b] Ministry of Science & Technology
[e] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Solution: [d]
• Theme of World Water Day 2023: "Accelerating the change to solve the water and
sanitation crisis."
Q.) Where will the 2nd Tourism Working Group Meeting of G20 under India’s Presidency be held?
[a] Amritsar
[b] Siliguri
[c] Bhubaneshwar
[d] Udaipur
[e] Bodh Gaya
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• It will be held at Siliguri/Darjeeling (West Bengal) in April 2023.
• 1st Tourism Working Group Meeting was held at The Rann of Kutch, Gujarat in February
2023.
Q.) Where has Regional Conference on 'Drug Trafficking and National Security' for Southern
States/UTs been held?
[a] Chennai
[b] Bengaluru
[c] Hyderabad
[d] Kochi
[e] Lakshadweep
Solution: [b]
Explanation: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair Regional Conference on 'Drug Trafficking
and National Security' in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Representatives from 5 Southern States and 3
UTs will be attending the Conference.
pg. 147
[Type here]
Q.) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Ministry of
Commerce and Industry will be participating in the International Food & Drink Exhibition (IFE).
Where will be IFE held?
[a] Brussels
[b] Berlin
[c] London
[d] Washington
[e] Paris
Solution: [c]
Explanation:
• APEDA will be participating in the International Food & Drink Exhibition (IFE) held in
London.
• IFE is aimed at promoting the export of agricultural products in the international market of
London.
• It is one of the most prestigious food promotion events of the United Kingdom.
Q.) With which PSU has Ministry of Defence signed contract worth over Rs.2,800 crore to the
supply of indigenously developed Medium Power Radars (MPR) ‘Arudhra’ to Indian Air Force?
[a] Bharat Dynamics Limited

[b] Bharat Electronics Limited
[c] Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[d] BEML Limited
[e] Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited
Solution: [b]
Explanation: MPR ‘Arudhra’ radar has been indigenously designed and developed by Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It will be manufactured by Bharat Electronics
Limited.
Q.) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched National Clean Air
Programme (NCAP) in 2019 with an aim to improve air quality in _______ cities (non-attainment
cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States/UTs.
[a] 131
[b] 110
[c] 90
[d] 74
[e] 58
Solution: [a]
Explanation:
• NCAP aims to improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities)
in 24 States/UTs by engaging all stakeholders.
• It envisages to achieve reductions up to 40% or achievement of National Ambient Air
Quality Standards for Particulate Matter10 (PM 10) concentrations by 2025-26.
pg. 148
[Type here]
Q.) India State of Forest Report (ISFR) is released by Forest Survey of India, Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change. There is an overall increase in forest cover of the
country by _______ square kilometre between ISFR 2017 and ISFR 2021.
[a] 2567
[b] 4592
[c] 5516
[d] 6503
[e] 8940
Solution: [c]
Q.) Identify correct statement/s about Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 which was
amended in 2016
Statement I: It provides for complete prohibition of work or employment of children below 14 years
in any occupation and process.
Statement II: It also provides for complete prohibition of work or employment of adolescents in the
age group of 14 to 18 years in hazardous occupations and processes.
[a] Only 1
[b] Only 2
[c] Both 1 and 2
[d] Neither 1 and 2
Solution: [d]
Explanation: Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 which was amended in 2016
provides for complete prohibition of work or employment of children below 14 years in any
occupation and process and adolescents in the age group of 14 to 18 years in hazardous
occupations and processes.
Q.) National Steel Policy (NSP), 2017 aims to achieve a steel production capacity of _____ million
tonnes (MT) by 2030 by enhancing domestic consumption to 160kg by 2030, produce high-quality
steel and make the sector globally competitive.
[a] 200 MT
[b] 300 MT
[c] 400 MT
[d] 500 MT
[e] 600 MT
Solution: [b]
pg. 149
[Type here]
Q.) Ministry of Ayush and Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare/Ex-servicemen contributory

health scheme (ECHS), Ministry of Defence have signed Memorandum of Understanding to
integrate Ayurveda in ECHS Polyclinics as an OPD service for ______ years period.
[a] 2 years
[b] 3 years
[c] 5 years
[d] 4 years
[e] 10 years
Solution: [c]
NOTE: Ministry of Ayush and Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare/ECHS, Ministry of Defence
(ECHS/DoESW) have signed MoU to integrate Ayurveda in ECHS Polyclinics as an OPD service
for five years period.
Q.) Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad
for procurement of two Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems ‘Project Himshakti’ at cost of
Rs.3,000 crore. Under which category these systems will be procured?
[a] Buy (Global)

[b] Buy and Make (Indian)
[c] Buy (Indian)
[d] Buy (Indian – IDMM)
[e] Buy (Global- Manufacture in India)
Solution: [d]
NOTE:
• Project Himshakti is under the Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and
Manufactured)} category comprising contemporary and niche technologies.
• It will encourage participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including
MSMEs, which are sub vendors of BEL.
Q.) Which Ministry/ies has/have launched ‘National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies
Elimination (NAPRE) from India by 2030’?
[a] Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

[b] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[c] Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry & Dairying
[d] A and B
[e] A and C
Solution: [e]
NOTE: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Fisheries Animal Husbandry & Dairying
have jointly launched ‘National Action Plan For Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination (NAPRE) from
India by 2030’.
pg. 150
[Type here]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’
for distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ under ADIP Scheme in association
with ALIMCO?
[a] Jaipur
[b] Datiya
[c] Jalgaon
[d] Sheohar
[e] Bhadohi
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ is
conducted under ADIP Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It is organized by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in association
with ALIMCO and District Administration, Datia in Datiya District of Madhya Pradesh.
• Apart from main function at Datia, distribution camps were also conducted at other 16
locations.
Q.) Which of the following Navratna CPSE, under Ministry of Mines has developed India’s first and
world’s 5th Bauxite Certified Reference Material (CRM) named as BARC B1201 in joint
collaboration with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)?
[a] National Aluminium Company Limited

[b] Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited
[c] Heavy Engineering Corporation Limited
[d] Khanij Bidesh India Ltd
[e] Hindustan Copper Limited
Solution: [a]
NOTE:
• National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) has successfully developed a Bauxite
Certified Reference Material (CRM) naming as BARC B1201 in joint collaboration with
BARC.
• NALCO is Navratna CPSE, under Ministry of Mines. It is country’s leading manufacturer
and exporter of alumina and aluminium.
Q.) Where has United Nations Water Conference 2023 been held?
[a] London
[b] Amsterdam
[c] Paris
[d] New York
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [d]
NOTE:
• Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has delivered the keynote address
at a panel discussion on ‘Namami Gange - an integrated and holistic approach towards
conservation and rejuvenation of River Ganga and its ecosystem’.
pg. 151
[Type here]
• It was organised by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) during the UN Water
Conference 2023 at United Nations Headquarter, New York.
Q.) National Science Centre, Delhi has organized Innovation Festival aimed to foster a passion
and aptitude for science and technology and to provide a unique platform to Innovative and
creative Innovators. National Science Centre, Delhi functions under which ministry?
[a] Ministry of Science and Technology

[b] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
[d] Ministry of Culture
Solution: [d]
NOTE: National Science Centre, Delhi, is a part of the largest network of Science
Centres/Museums in the world known as National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an
autonomous society under the Ministry of Culture.
Q.) Which city will be hosting Second Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group
meeting as part of India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Shillong
[b] Kolkata
[c] Patna
[d] Gandhinagar
[e] Pune
Solution: [d]
NOTE: 130 delegates from G20 member countries along with 11 invitee countries and 14
international organizations will take part in Second G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability
Working Group (ECSWG) meeting at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Q.) Where has Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology recently approved setting of the
Rs.180 crore worth Electronics Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) under EMC 2.0 scheme?
[a] Pune
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Varanasi
[d] Dharwad
[e] Raipur
Solution: [d]
NOTE: It is being set up at Kotur-Balur Industrial Area in Dharwad District of Karnataka.
pg. 152
[Type here]
Q.) Airports Authority of India has awarded six airports namely Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow,
Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru for Operations, Management and Development
under Public Private Partnership (PPP) for a period of _________ in the year 2020-2021.
[a] 20 years
[b] 30 years
[c] 50 years
[d] 70 years
[e] 100 years
Solution: [c]
NOTE: Airports Authority of India (AAI) has awarded six airports namely Ahmedabad, Jaipur,
Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru for Operations, Management and
Development under Public Private Partnership (PPP) for a period of 50 years in the year 2020-
2021.
Q.) Under Panchamrit Declaration announced during COP26 (Glasgow Climate Change
Conference 2021), India has set timeline for attaining non-fossil energy capacity of ________ by
2030 and also to meet _________ of its energy requirement from renewable energy by 2030.
[a] 300 GW, 60%

[b] 500 GW, 50%
[c] 400 GW, 60%
[d] 600 GW, 55%
[e] 550 GW, 50%
Solution: [b]
NOTE: Through Panchamrit Declaration during COP26, India has set timeline for attaining non-
fossil energy capacity of 500 GW by 2030 and also to meet 50% of its energy requirement from
renewable energy by 2030.
Q.) Which city will host the 1st Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting under
India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Chennai
[b] Lucknow
[c] New Delhi
[d] Bengaluru
[e] Mumbai
Solution: [e]
NOTE: The 1st Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting under India’s G20
Presidency is scheduled in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
pg. 153
[Type here]
Q.) Which Ministry has developed a National Indicator Framework (NIF) on Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) for facilitating the monitoring of progress of SDGs at national level?

[b] Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
[c] Ministry of Rural Development
[d] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
[e] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation in consultation with Central Ministries
and other stakeholders has developed a National Indicator Framework on Sustainable
Development Goals for facilitating the monitoring of progress of SDGs at national level.
• MoSPI releases “Sustainable Development Goals National Indicator Framework Progress
Report” on 29th June every year.
▪ This report contains detailed time series data, wherever available, along with metadata
on the SDG indicators.
Q.) What percent of cost of construction is collected as Cess to provide several welfare activities
for the Building and Other Construction Workers (BOCW) under Building and Other Construction
Workers’ Welfare Cess Act, 1996?
[a] 0.5%
[b] 1%
[c] 1.5%
[d] 2%
[e] 3%
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Cess Act, 1996 provides for the levying
and collection of Cess on the cost of construction which is used to provide for several
welfare activities for the BoCW workers.
• The cess is collected by the State at 1 % of cost of construction.
• The responsibility to register the BoCW workers and administer the fund for their welfare is
vested with the respective State BoCW Boards.
Q.) Which organisation/s will be organising International Conference on G20 Trade Finance
Cooperation during the 1st Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) Meeting scheduled in
Mumbai, Maharashtra under India’s G20 Presidency?
[a] Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India

[b] Confederation of Indian Industry
[c] India EXIM Bank
[d] A and B
[e] A and C
Solution: [e]
pg. 154
[Type here]
NOTE:
• International Conference on G20 Trade Finance Cooperation will be held during the 1st
Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) Meeting, scheduled in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• This International Conference is being organized by Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of
India (ECGC) and India EXIM Bank.
Q.) Where will be Export Promotion Council (ESC) organizing the 23rd edition of its flagship event
INDIASOFT 2023 - International ICT exhibition & Conference?
[a] Bengaluru
[b] Hyderabad
[c] Pune
[d] New Delhi
[e] Kolkata
Solution: [d]
NOTE:
• India soft is the premier IT event in India that brings together Indian Tech companies and
international technology players under one roof.
• It is being organised by Export Promotion Council (ESC) since 2001.
• 23rd edition of INDIASOFT 2023 - International ICT exhibition & Conference will be held in
New Delhi.
Q.) Which Project has been rolled out in 2021, as a flagship analytics project for Indirect Taxes, by
Central Board for Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) with objective of enhancing Indirect Tax
revenue, increasing taxpayer base, and supporting data-driven tax policy?
[a] Project Transparency

[b] Project Taxation Insight
[c] Project Tax Analytic
[d] Project INSIGHT
[e] Project ADVAIT
Solution: [e]
NOTE
• ADVAIT stands for Advanced Analytics in Indirect Taxes.
• It has been envisaged with a threefold objective of enhancing Indirect Tax revenue,
increasing taxpayer base, and supporting data-driven tax policy.
Q.) National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has organised event on Universal Acceptance on
the occasion of the first Global Universal Acceptance Day (28th March) aimed at driving
collaborative efforts for inclusive and multilingual internet. NIXI is non-for-profit company under the
aegis of the which Ministry?
[a] Ministry of Defence

[b] Ministry of Commerce & Industry
[c] Ministry of Communications
[d] Ministry of Science and Technology
Solution: [e]
pg. 155
[Type here]
NOTE:
• India has been chosen as the flag-bearer this year to promote and promulgate Universal
Acceptance for digital inclusion.
Q.) The Culture Working Group (CWG) under India’s G20 Presidency recently has organized the
global thematic webinar on, "Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property”. Which of the
following organisation is Knowledge Partner of this event?
[a] Friendship Force International

[b] International Scientific Committee on Cultural Landscapes
[c] United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
[d] South East Asia Cultural Organisation
[e] United States Agency for International Development
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• Culture Working Group (CWG) under India’s G20 Presidency in association with UNESCO
as the Knowledge Partner organized the global thematic webinar on "Protection and
Restitution of Cultural Property”.
• It is first webinar in the series of four Global Thematic Webinars scheduled to be held in
March and April 2023.
• These webinars aim to foster an inclusive dialogue and facilitate an in-depth discussion
from an expert driven perspective on the four priority areas articulated by the CWG.
Q.) Which country is providing following loans to India –
1. Rs. 5,509 crore for Patna Metro Rail Construction Project (I)
2. Rs. 520 crore for Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation for Climate Change
Response in West Bengal
3. Rs. 1,055.53 crore for Rajasthan Water Sector Livelihood Improvement Project (II)
[a] Germany
[b] France
[c] United States of America
[d] Australia
[e] Japan
Solution: [e]
NOTE: Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) is providing loans to above projects.
Q.) Where has 2nd Agricultural Deputies Meeting of the Agricultural Working Group (AWG) under
India’s G20 Presidency been held?
[a] Ladakh
[b] Chandigarh
[c] New Delhi
[d] Mumbai
[e] Puducherry
Solution: [b]
pg. 156
[Type here]
Q.) Where will the 2nd G20 Sherpas meeting under India’s G20 Presidency, chaired by India’s
G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant take place?
[a] Gangtok
[b] Kumarakom
[c] Mahabalipuram
[d] Ajanta
[e] Bodh Gaya
Solution: [b]
NOTE: It will be held in village of Kumarakom, Kerala, from March 30 to April 2, 2023.
Q.) For which armed force/s, Ministry of Defence has signed Rs. 1,982 crore contract with Bharat
Electronics Limited (BEL) for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System
‘Project Akashteer’?
[a] Indian Army

[b] Indian Navy
[c] Indian Air Force
[d] A and B
[e] A, B and C
Solution: [a]
NOTE:
• Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ will empower the
Air Defence units of Indian Army with indigenous, state-of-the-art capability, to effectively
operate in an integrated manner.
• It will enable monitoring of low-level airspace over the battle areas of Indian Army and
effectively control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.
Q.) Which Ministry has prepared the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI) maps for the entire coastline
of India?
[a] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change

[b] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[c] Ministry of Science and Technology
[d] Ministry of Mines
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• CVI maps have been prepared by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
(INCOIS), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• They are prepared by using 7 parameters such as shoreline change rate, sea-level change
rate, coastal elevation, coastal slope, coastal geomorphology, significant wave height and
tidal range.
pg. 157
[Type here]
Q.) Where has been the 1st meeting of India-Russia Working Group on Roads and Intelligent
Transport Systems held?
[a] Mumbai
[b] New Delhi
[c] Bengaluru
[d] Varanasi
[e] Chandigarh
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• It was held in New Delhi.
• The working group was established under MoU signed in 2021 between Ministry of Road
Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation on
Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Road Industry.
• The MoU seeks to establish a long-term and effective bilateral relationship of
communication and cooperation in the road transportation, logistics, Intelligent Transport
System (ITS) and green mobility sector.
Q.) How much target has been set by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for construction of
National Highways (NHs) in the country during the current financial year 2022-23?
[a] 10,600 km
[b] 15,500 km
[c] 20,00 km
[d] 13,800 km
[e] 12,200 km
Solution: [e]
NOTE: Ministry has set a target of 12,200 km for construction of National Highways (NHs) in the
country during the current financial year 2022-23.
Q.) Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Rural Self Employment Training Institute
(RSETI) scheme as a sub-scheme of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). What is eligible
age group for unemployed youth to undergo training at RSETI?
[a] 20-35 years

[b] 18-45 years
[c] 18-50 years
[d] 20-40 years
[e] 18-40 years
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) is implementing Rural Self Employment Training
Institute (RSETI) scheme as a sub-scheme of National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
• RSETI is a Bank lead, MoRD funded training institution established by Sponsor Banks in
their lead Districts to impart skill and entrepreneurship development training to rural poor
youth free of cost.
pg. 158
[Type here]
• Any unemployed youth in the age group of 18-45 years having an aptitude to take up self-
employment or wage employment and having some basic knowledge in the related field
can undergo training at RSETI.
Q.) Where has the B2B Conference & Expo and National Arogya Summit been organized under
India’s presidency of SCO to promote Traditional Medicine?
[a] Guwahati
[b] Ahmedabad
[c] Shillong
[d] Bengaluru
[e] New Delhi
Solution – [a]
The B2B conference was organized in line with the theme “SECURE” SCO, where –
• ‘S’ stands for Security for Citizens
• ‘E’ for Economic Development
• ‘C’ for Connectivity
• ‘U’ for Unity
• ‘R’ for Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Unity
• ‘E’ for Environment Protection
Q.) Name the portal, developed and maintained by the Federation of Indian Export Organization,
to provide product-wise countries tariff/preferential tariff information applicable for Indian products,
rules of origin, market access requirements, Export-Import policy, export benefits, etc. to the EXIM
community.
[a] Bharat Niryat Portal

[b] EXIM Portal
[c] Indian Trade Portal
[d] Indian EXIM Portal
[e] Export Portal
Solution – [c]
Q.) Where has Ministry of Tourism organised Chintan Shivir ‘Tourism in Mission Mode:
Convergence and Public Private Partnership’?
[a] Mumbai
[b] Chennai
[c] Bhopal
[d] Udaipur
[e] New Delhi
Solution: [e]
NOTE:
• Ministry of Education has conducted Chintan Shivir on Tourism in Mission Mode:
Convergence and Public-Private Partnership concluded in New Delhi.
pg. 159
[Type here]
• It witnessed deliberations on a wide range of challenges and opportunities for the

development of the tourism sector with the active participation of States, Industry
Associations and leaders.
Q.) How many cities are targeted to become 3-Star Garbage Free by October 2024?
[a] 800
[b] 950
[c] 1000
[d] 600
[e] 750
Solution: [c]
NOTE:
• 1000 Cities targeted to become 3-Star Garbage Free by October 2024.
• It was announced by Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs on the occasion of
International Zero Waste Day 2023 in New Delhi.
Q.) Ministry of Finance recently has given full exemption from basic customs duty on all drugs and
Food for Special Medical Purposes imported for personal use for treatment of all Rare Diseases
listed under the National Policy for Rare Diseases. When was the National Policy for Rare
Diseases announced?
[a] 2017
[b] 2021
[c] 2022
[d] 2020
[e] 2015
Solution: [b]
NOTE:
• Ministry of Finance has given full exemption from basic customs duty on all drugs and Food
for Special Medical Purposes imported for personal use for treatment of all Rare Diseases
listed under the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021.
• This exemption will result in substantial cost savings and provide much needed relief to the
patients.
Q.) Where will the 2nd Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India’s G20
Presidency take place?
[a] Gandhinagar
[b] Bengaluru
[c] Pune
[d] Udaipur
[e] Kolkata
Solution: [a]
NOTE:
• 2nd Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting under India’s G20 Presidency is
set to take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• 1st ETWG Meeting was held in Bengaluru, Karnataka from February 2023.
pg. 160
[Type here]
• Under India's G20 Presidency, four ETWG meetings, various side events and a Ministerial
Meeting have been planned.
Q.) NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated power generator, has registered the highest-ever power
generation of _____ billion units (BU) in FY23, a growth of 10.80% via-a-vis previous year.
[a] 150
[b] 200
[c] 268
[d] 387
[e] 400
Solution: [e]
NOTE: NTPC Ltd, India’s largest integrated power generator, has registered the highest-ever
power generation of 400 BU in FY23, a growth of 10.80% via-a-vis previous year.
pg. 161
[Type here]
pg. 162
[Type here]
pg. 163
[Type here]
pg. 164
[Type here]
pg. 165

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PIB 247 – March 2023

World Food India-2023 .................................................................................................................................... 26

Green Tug Transition Programme ................................................................................................................... 46

Eklavya Model Residential Schools .................................................................................................................. 67

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First G20 RIIG Conference

8th National Conference on Economics of

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Porter Prize 2023

Why: For significant achievement in health sector especially COVID-19 management.

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Framework Mechanism for Mutual

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• It covers both education and skill qualifications of the two countries.

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

About Central Electricity Regulatory Commission

• It is the key regulator of power sector in India.

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Indian Customs EDI – Electronic Data

• ICES is designed to exchange/transact customs clearance related information electronically

Swachh Sujal Shakti Samman 2023

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➢ GOBARdhan/Bio-degradable Waste and/or Plastic Waste Management

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▪ Non-Performing Asset accounts.

1st Meeting of G20 Anti-corruption Working Group

• Organising Ministry: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan MoU

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▪ Vocational training and livelihood support of ex-drug addicts.

NADA, NCERT MoU

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Safe City Project

About Safe City project

Deakin University: 1st Foreign University to

• Deakin University is a premier University of Australia.

Integrated Teacher Education Programme

• It is a flagship programme of NCTE under National Education Policy 2020.

Bahu Balli: World’s 1st Bamboo Crash Barrier

• It has undergone rigorous testing at various government-run institutions such as the

Millets Giveaway Campaign

'One Stop-Non-Stop' Digital Job Portal

• It was launched by Pharmacy Council of India.

• It is a statutory body constituted under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.

National Pharmacy Education Day

• It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Professor

IS 18149:2023 - Transportation of Dangerous

Why: For enhancing safety in the transportation of dangerous goods.

About IS 18149:2023 Guidelines

• Objective: To standardize transportation practices to ensure hazardous goods are

Prime Minister’s Awards for the Yoga 2023

About Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga

• Objective: To recognize exemplary contribution of individual(s)/ organization(s) towards the

Multiple Indicator Survey – NSS 78th Round Report

• Report title: ‘Report on Multiple Indicator Survey, 2020-21’

No Description Rural Urban All

10 Percentage of households reported 47.5 57.9 49.9