SPOTLIGHT

Monthly Current Affairs

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RBI - NABARD - SEBI

SPOTLIGHT – JULY 2023
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Contents
NATIONAL NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
STATE NEWS .................................................................................................................................................................... 59
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................... 75
DEFENCE NEWS ............................................................................................................................................................... 79
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ........................................................................................................................... 85
INTERNATIONAL NEWS ................................................................................................................................................... 95
REPORTS AND INDICES .................................................................................................................................................. 107
BANKING AND ECONOMY ............................................................................................................................................. 127
GDP FORECASTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 160
APPOINTMENTS ............................................................................................................................................................ 162
IMPORTANT DAYS .......................................................................................................................................................... 168
AWARDS ........................................................................................................................................................................ 175
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................................... 186
MISCELLANEOUS ........................................................................................................................................................... 200
QUESTIONS.................................................................................................................................................................... 205

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NATIONAL NEWS
1. Shri Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched
an android-based mobile app as “Report Fish Disease” under the National Surveillance
Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases.
• Developer - ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow
• The Department of Fisheries has allocated ₹33.78 crore for a period of three years for the
implementation of the second phase of the NSPAAD under the PMMSY scheme.
Source: PIB

2. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Field Assessment for the 8th
edition of world’s largest urban swachhata survey, Swachh Survekshan 2023 – Mera
Shehar, Meri Pehchan.
• Under SS 2023, around 3,000 assessors will take the field for assessment from 1 July,
2023. The assessors will study performances of 4500+ cities across 46 indicators and it is
expected to be completed within a month.
• Swachh Survekshan 2023 indicators focus on parameters pertaining to segregated
door-to-door waste collection, zero waste events, Divyang-friendly toilets, improved plastic
waste management and cleaning back lanes, wherein the marks have been increased this
year.
• The new indicator of Waste to Wonder Parks has been introduced with 2% weightage.
• Swachh TULIP, primarily for more than 1 lakh population cities enters SS 2023 as a new
indicator.
• Swachh Survekshan 2023 was rolled out on 24 May, 2022, with telephonic feedback from
citizens on various parameters of city cleanliness.
Source: PIB

3. Union Minister of Coal, Mines & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi has unveiled India's
first ever report on “Critical Minerals for India”, prepared by an expert team constituted by
the Ministry of Mines.
• For the first time, India has identified the comprehensive list of critical minerals taking into
account the requirements of sectors like defence, agriculture, energy, pharmaceutical,
telecom etc.
• 30 critical minerals have been identified in the report.
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• India has become the newest partner in the coveted Mineral Security Partnership
(MSP).
Source: PIB

4. Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval for
ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between Government of India (Gol) and
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
• On the 28th August, 2019, the Cabinet had approved the setting up of CDRI along with its
supporting Secretariat in New Delhi and gave the approval for Government of India
financial support of Rs. 480 crores to CDRI over a period of 5 years from 2019-20 to 2023-
24.
• Since its launch, thirty-one (31) Countries, six (06) International Organizations and two (02)
private sector organizations have become members of CDRI.
Source: PIB

5. Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF)
Bill, 2023 in the Parliament.
• The bill seeks to establish NRF as an apex body to provide high-level strategic direction of
scientific research in the country as per recommendations of the National Education Policy
(NEP), at a total estimated cost of Rs. 50,000 crores during five years (2023-28).

Administration of NRF -
• The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the administrative
Department of NRF which will be governed by a Governing Board consisting of eminent
researchers and professionals across disciplines.
• Prime Minister will be the ex-officio President of the Board and the Union Minister of
Science & Technology & Union Minister of Education will be the ex-officio Vice-Presidents.
• NRF’s functioning will be governed by an Executive Council chaired by the Principal
Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Functioning of NRF -
• NRF will forge collaborations among the industry, academia, and government departments
and research institutions, and create an interface mechanism for participation and

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contribution of industries and state governments in addition to the scientific and line
ministries.
• It will focus on creating a policy framework and putting in place regulatory processes that
can encourage collaboration and increased spending by the industry on R&D.

Abolition of SERB -
• The bill will also repeal the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) established
by an act of Parliament in 2008 and subsume it into NRF which has an expanded mandate
and covers activities over and above the activities of SERB.
Source: PIB

6. The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy rolled out the guidelines for the much-
anticipated incentive schemes for green hydrogen and electrolysers.
• Out of the ₹17,490 crore allocated for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen
Transition Programme (SIGHT), ₹13,050 crore would go for incentivizing production of
green hydrogen, while another ₹4,440 crore would go for electrolyser production.
• Under the scheme, a direct incentive in terms of ₹per kilogram of green hydrogen will
be provided for a period of three years from the date of commencement of green hydrogen
production.
• The incentives will be capped at ₹50 per kg in the first year of production, ₹40 per kg
during the second year of production and ₹30 per kg in the third year of production.
• The ministry would provide a base incentive of ₹4,400 per kilowatt in the first year of
production, which will gradually decline on an annual basis.
• The incentives for electrolysers will be provided for 5 years from the date of
commencement of manufacturing of electrolysers.
Source: LiveMint

7. Report on Panchayat Development Index was released by the Union Minister of State for
Panchayati Raj Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil at National Workshop on Panchayat
Development Index (PDI) in Delhi.
About Panchayat Development Index -
• Objectives:

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o To promote Localization of SDGs by creating awareness among panchayats and

stakeholders about their importance.
o To encourage panchayats to adopt best practices and innovations to improve their
performance in achieving SDGs.
• It is a composite index that measures performance of panchayats in achieving
Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It provides holistic and evidence-based assessment of the development status of
panchayats, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
• Ranking and Categorization:
o It provides rankings for panchayats at different levels, including district, block, and
village, based on their overall scores.
o It categorizes panchayats into four grades: A+ (above 90%), A (75-90%), B (60-
75%), C (40-60%) and D (scores under 40%).
• 9 Themes/Focus Areas: (i) Poverty-free and enhanced livelihood, (ii) healthy village, (iii)
child-friendly village, (iv) water-sufficient village, (v) clean and green village, (vi) self-
sufficient infrastructure, (vii) socially just and secured villages, (viii) good governance, and
(ix) women-friendly village.
• Benefits:
o It can be used by States/UTs for Panchayati Raj Awards and to emphasize a data-
driven and evidence-based approach to development.
o It serves as a tool for planning, monitoring, and evaluating schemes implemented
by panchayats and other agencies aligned with the SDGs.
o It facilitates sharing of knowledge and experiences among panchayats and
stakeholders for learning and replication of successful models and interventions.
Pilot project of PDI and Report Highlight -
• It was carried out in four districts of Maharashtra- Pune, Sangli, Satara, and Solapur.
• Data collected form it, was used to compile the report.
• Findings of Pilot study: It showed that 70% of the panchayats in the four districts of
Maharashtra fall in Category C, while 27% are in Category B.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• India is a signatory to United Nation 2030 Agenda for achieving inclusive; people centric
and holistic Sustainable Development through 17 Goals.

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• Nodal institution for implementation of SDGs: NITI Aayog

• Ministry of Panchayati Raj is anchoring the process of Localization of Sustainable
Development Goals (LSDGs) in PRIs.
Source: PIB

8. Twelve top start-ups from across 9 Indian states working in agriculture, ed-tech, women’s
livelihood, circular economy, and biodiversity were announced as winners at the 5th edition of
Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Dialogue India.
• The winning 12 start-ups receive seed funding of up to $5,000 to scale up their innovations.
The runners-up received US$ 3,000.
• The 2022-23 edition received 378 applications from 28 states across the country.
• Youth Co: Lab India 2022-23 focused on 6 thematic areas, which are
i. Digital and Financial Literacy for Youth,
ii. Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment,
iii. Developing FinTech Solutions focused on Biodiversity Conservation,
iv. Promoting Biodiversity-friendly Lifestyles through Technological Solutions in
Finance,
v. Accelerating Circular Economy through Upcycling Innovations and,
vi. Behavioural Nudges for LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
• Out of the applications, 47 short-listed start-ups received one-on-one mentoring and
capacity-building sessions from experts for two months through the Youth Co: Lab
Springboard Programme.
• Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Dialogue 2022 have been announced.
Themes Winners Founders
SaralX- Enhancing access Akashdeep Bansal
and opportunities for people
Digital and Financial Literacy
with disabilities
for Youth
Edubuild - Experinships for Saksham Gupta
youth
Project Baala - Menstrual Soumya Dabriwal
Gender Equality and Women hygiene for economically
Economic Empowerment marginalized menstruators
(Mumbai)

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Agrosure - Mechanisation Akshay Dipak Kawale

solution for women farmers
Gepo Aali - To nurture back Dimum Pertin
the lost indigenous crop
Developing FinTech Solutions variety of the region using
focused on Biodiversity ancestral farming practices
Conservation Nutty Village - Managing farm Aman Kumar
to fork organic value chain in
groundnuts (UP)
Promeat - Plant based meat Debabrata Das
Promoting Biodiversity-friendly
(Assam)
Lifestyles through
Myplan 8 - Incentivising spend Rajat Sohan Vishwakarma
Technological Solutions in
on low carbon sustainable
Finance
alternatives
Dump in Bin - Using plastic Rishabh Patel
waste in pavement
Accelerating Circular
manufacturing
Economy through Upcycling
Econscious - Functional and Sonal Shukla
Innovations
aesthetic recycled plastic
products
Digi Swasthya- Telemedicine Sandeep Kumar
for rural India
Behavioral Nudges for LiFE
Sputnik Brain - Non-invasive Shankar Sri
(Lifestyle for Environment)
brain modulation for stress
management

Knowledge Nuggets -
• Youth Co: Lab, co-created in 2017 by UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Citi
Foundation, aims to establish a common agenda for countries in the Asia-Pacific region
to empower and invest in youth, so that they can accelerate the implementation of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, social innovation, and
entrepreneurship.

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• Youth Co: Lab was launched in India in 2019 in partnership with Atal Innovation
Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog.

The Springboard Programme -

Source: Youth Co.Lab and PIB

9. Department of Telecommunications has launched ‘5G & Beyond Hackathon 2023’ for
shortlisting India-focused cutting-edge ideas that can be converted into workable 5G & beyond
products and solutions.
• The participants can develop 5G & beyond solutions from across multiple categories
including -
o Healthcare,
o Education & Governance,
o AgriTech & Livestock,
o Environment,
o Public Safety & Disaster Management Enterprise,
o Smart Cities & Infrastructure,
o Cyber Security,
o Banking, Finance & Insurance,
o Logistics & Transportation,
o Multimedia & Broadcast Satellite, among others
• The 5G & Beyond Hackathon is open to individuals, students, start-ups, and academic
institutions in India.
Source: PIB

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10. India's first indigenously developed 700 MW nuclear power reactor starts commercial
operations.
• The reactor is located at Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP) in Gujarat.
• The Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is building two 700 MW
pressurised heavy water reactors (PHWRs) at Kakrapar.
• The NPCIL plans to build sixteen 700 MW PHWRs across the country.
• Ten reactors have been sanctioned by the government at 4 locations.
▪ Gorakhpur in Haryana
▪ Chutka in Madhya Pradesh
▪ Mahi Banswara in Rajasthan
▪ Kaiga in Karnataka
• Construction of 700 MW nuclear power plants is underway at Rawatbhata in Rajasthan
and at Gorakhpur in Haryana.
Source: The Economic Times

11. Power Ministry has notified ‘Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023’ to create India’s first
domestic regulated carbon market.
• The scheme is drafted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power.
• The scheme entails formation of a “National Steering Committee, a technical
committee, and an Accredited Carbon Verification Agency.
• Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) will be the carbon market regulator.
• The Grid Controller of India will be the registry for the Indian carbon market.
• Functions of these committees –
o The steering committee would be responsible for making the regulations, procedures
and guidelines for the functioning of the carbon market.
o The technical committee will be responsible for compliance of the said rules and
regulations.
• The Bureau has entrusted the existing power exchanges for the carbon credit certificate
trading.
• How will it work?
o Any project or entity which saves on emissions can issue carbon credit against their
savings. (One credit is equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide or the equivalent in
other greenhouse gases.)
o These credits can be bought by an entity which is a carbon emitter.
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Knowledge Nuggets
• A carbon credit allows its owner to emit that certain amount of carbon dioxide or other
greenhouse gases.
• The voluntary carbon credit market in India could touch $200 billion by 2030 from the
current $2 billion.
Source: Business Standard

12. Ministry of Defence signs a ₹2725 cr. deal with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
for INS Shankush submarine.
• The contract entails Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of the submarine.
• INS Shankush is a sub-surface killer (SSK) class submarine of Indian Navy.
• It belongs to Shishumar class of submraines and has a speed of 22 knots.
Source: The Hindu Business Line

13. Two-day Startup20 Shikhar summit hosted by Startup20 Engagement Group begins in
Gurugram, Haryana.
• The Startup20 Engagement Group, operating under the India G20 Presidency, aims to
shape the future of the global startup ecosystem.
• Brazil will continue its participation in the Startup20 Engagement Group in 2024.
• Startup Conclave was organized as a part of the summit. The startups showcased their
innovative products and services, engaged in investor pitches, mentoring sessions, and
network with industry professionals during the conclave.
Source: News on Air and PIB

14. IIT-Kharagpur is developing a tamper-proof signalling system based on blockchain

technology for the Indian Railways.
Source: The HIndu

15. India is organizing an International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) during 5th
– 7th July 2023 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Organizers - Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in partnership with the Ministry of
Petroleum and Natural Gas, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Office of
Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India in collaboration with the Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII)
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Source: PIB

16. Union Rural Development Ministry has extended the deadline for mandatory payments of
the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme via Aadhaar Based
Payments System (ABPS) to August 31.
Source: The Hindu

17. In the Union Budget for the financial year 2023-24, the national campaign “Sickle Cell
Anaemia Elimination Mission 2047” was announced to eradicate this challenge of sickle cell.
• The campaign was launched in Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh.
• PM also launched training modules for primary, secondary, and tertiary care including
medical officers, staff nurses, Community Health Officers, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and
Accredited Social Health Activist workers.
• Across 278 districts of India, screenings will be done for people between 0-40 years to
stem the further spread of the disease.
Source: PIB

18. Ministry of Women and Child Development organized the Regional Symposium on Child
Protection, Safety and Child Welfare at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• There were nine participating states of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and UTs of Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• The focus of the programme was on the Amendments in the Juvenile Justice Act, Rules.

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• An online Training Module on the JJ Act, developed by the Ministry in collaboration with
the LBSNAA, Mussoorie was inaugurated and launched on the Karmayogi Igot platform.
o The module is aimed at sensitization and capacity building of all functionaries who
need to be aware of the provisions for child safety, protection and welfare right up to
the village level.
Source: PIB

19. Ministry of Women and Child Development has approved a scheme to provide support to
minor rape survivors who have been abandoned by their family, often due to pregnancy, and
have no other means to support themselves.
• The “scheme for critical care and support for accessing justice to rape/gang rape
survivors or minor girls who get pregnant” will provide shelter, food, safe transportation
for court hearings, and legal aid.
• A fund of ₹74.1 crore has been allocated for the scheme. The financial support to such
minor victims will be provided under aegis of the Nirbhaya scheme.
• This additional support will be available at child care institutions for those up to the age of
18 and thereafter up in aftercare facilities up to the age of 23.
Source: HT

20. Ministry of Rural Development has launched eSARAS (e-commerce mobile app) under the
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for
strengthening marketing support for products made by women of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• The eSARAS fulfillment centre was also inaugurated at the Ministry’s Janakpuri office in
New Delhi on this occasion.
• The eSARAS fulfilment centre will be managed by the Foundation for Development of
Rural Value Chains (FDRVC - a Not for Profit Company constituted jointly by Ministry of
Rural Development and Tata Trust).
• The Centre will be used for processing, packaging and shipping of products that customers
purchase through the eSARAS Portal and eSARAS mobile App.
• eSARAS App and Portal and other popular on-ground events like SARAS Melas and
Saras Food Festivals are organized under DAY-NRLM for strengthening online marketing
support.
Source: PIB

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21. The Department of Telecommunications has launched Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA), a

collaborative platform consisting of public and private companies, academia, research
institutions, and standards development organizations.
• The website (https://bharat6galliance.com) for Bharat6G Alliance was also launched.
• Bharat 6G Alliance will forge coalitions and synergies with other 6G Global Alliances to
understand the market needs of 6G.
Source: ET

22. Dark patterns, also known as deceptive patterns, is the term used to describe the ways in
which websites or apps make their users do things that the users do not intend to do or would
not otherwise do, as well as to discourage user behaviour that is not beneficial for the
companies.
• The term was coined by Harry Brignull, a London-based user experience (UX) designer, in
2010.
• Central government has taken a notice of it and set up a 17-member task force to prepare
guidelines to protect consumers.
• The Ministry has started classifying complaints received on the National Consumer
Helpline 1915 to compile information on dark patterns, which can be used by the Central
Consumer Protection Authority to initiate action under the Consumer Protection Act,
2019.
• The Consumer Affairs Ministry has identified nine types of dark patterns being used by
e-commerce companies. Most of these are also listed on deceptive.design.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• The nine types of dark patterns are -
o False urgency
o Basket sneaking
o Confirm shaming
o Forced action
o Nagging
o Subscription traps
o Bait & switch
o Hidden costs
o Disguised ads
Source: IE
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23. Scientists from Bangladesh and Mauritius embarked on board India’s ocean research
vessel ‘Sagar Nidhi’ to participate in a joint ocean expedition spanning nearly 35 days.
• Sagar Nidhi is an ice-strengthened multidisciplinary vessel operated by the National
Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai.
• The joint ocean expedition is conducted by Indian National Centre for Ocean Information
Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• The expedition is an outcome of the maiden CSC Oceanographers and Hydrographers
conference held at Goa and Hyderabad in November 2022.
• The Earth Sciences Ministry has at present six ships— Sagar Nidhi, Sagar Manjusha,
Sagar Kanya, Sagar Sampada, Sagar Tara & Sagar Anveshika — which are used for
several ocean studies and applications, including ocean observation.
Source: TOI

24. Union Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a “Scheme for Expansion and
Modernization of Fire Services in the States” for strengthening fire services in the states
with a total outlay of Rs. 5,000 crores.
• The allocation of Preparedness and Capacity Building Funding Window has been
earmarked under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
• An amount of Rs. 500 crores, out of the total outlay, has been kept for incentivizing the
States based on their legal and infrastructure-based reforms.
• For seeking funds for the projects under the scheme, the concerned State Governments
shall have to contribute 25% (except for the North-Eastern and Himalayan (NEH) States
which shall contribute 10%) of total cost of such projects / proposals from their budgetary
resources.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• The 15th Finance Commission recommended an allocation of 12.5% of each of the
National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Fund
(SDRF) [10% of the total corpus of the National Disaster Risk Management Fund
(NDRMF) and the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF)] for the Funding
Window of Preparedness and Capacity Building.
Source: PIB

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25. The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu addressed the closing ceremony of the 125th
Birth Anniversary of Alluri Sitarama Raju at Hyderabad.
• Born on July 4, 1897 in Andhra Pradesh, Alluri Sitarama Raju was a sanyasi and was a
freedom fighter. He was a part of Rampa Rebellion.
Source: PIB

26. Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch its third lunar exploration
mission, Chandrayaan-3 on July 14.
• Chandrayaan-3 will be the first spacecraft to land on the South Pole of the Moon.
• The mission will demonstrate a safe and soft landing on Lunar Surface and Rover roving on
the Moon. There is no orbiter element in the mission.
Source: Financial Express

27. Urban 20 (U20) Mayoral Summit, under India’s G20 Presidency has been inaugurated at
Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
• The Summit will serve as a medium for sharing best practices and special initiatives taking
place in developed cities of the world.
• The 2-day summit will have discussions on topics like water security, promoting
digitalization, and mainstreaming women and children in urban development.
• Chair city of 6th U20 - Ahmedabad
Source: CMO Gujarat

28. 10th India-Tanzania Joint Commission meeting on Economic, Technical and Scientific
Cooperation was co-chaired by Indian External Affairs Minister (Dr. S. Jaishankar) and Foreign
Minister of Tanzania (Dr. Stergomena Tax) in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania),
• Tanzania is the fourth-largest trade partner of India in Africa.
Source: Deccan Herald

29. The 3rd edition of the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) portal
has been launched.
• Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) has developed
NeSDA framework based on the Online Service Index (OSI) of UN eGovernment Survey.
• The portal aims to measure the depth and effectiveness of existing e-Governance service
delivery mechanisms from the citizen’s perspective.
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• DARPG undertakes NeSDA study biennially.

Source: darpg.gov.in

30. The virtual summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has recently been
concluded.
• India based AI- Bhashini has been launched to the SCO member nations during the
summit.
o The Government of India has launched Bhashini in 2022. This native AI-based
language platform will remove the language barriers by allowing people from
different languages to interact with one another over digital platforms.
• Belarus is set to become a full member of SCO by 2024.
• Kazakhstan has taken over as SCO's rotating presidency from India for 2024.
Source: HT, ET, ET

31. 3rd G20 Culture Working Group (CWG) meeting is being held in Hampi, Karnataka.
• The first two CWG meetings were held at Khajuraho and Bhubaneswar.
• Priority areas of CWG-
o Protection and Restitution of Cultural Property
o Harnessing Living Heritage for a Sustainable Future
o Promotion of Cultural and Creative Industries and Creative Economy
o Leveraging Digital Technologies for the Protection and Promotion of Culture.
• An exhibition titled “Woven Narratives” is being organized as part of the 3rd G20 CWG
Meeting at Hampi.
• The delegates will visit to heritage sites like the Vijaya Vittala Temple, the Royal
Enclosure, and the Yeduru Basavanna complex of the Hampi Group of Monuments
(UNESCO World Heritage Site) as part of the meeting.
• The delegates will also experience the famous Coracle Ride in the Tungabhadra River.
• The CWG is working with delegates of the G20 members, guest nations and international
organisations through an inclusive process of in-depth discussions.
Source: PIB

32. Department of Fisheries has launched the ‘Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge’ in
partnership with Startup India hub and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT).
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• The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge sought applications across four problem
statements.
• Out of the 121 applicants, only 12 have been selected as winners of the challenge.
• The selected startups will be provided with a cash grant of INR 2 lakhs to help them
continue building their innovations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
• The winners will be declared on National Fish Farmer’s Day on 10th July 2023 at
Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu.
Source: PIB

33. India has joined the Champions Group of the Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG).
• The Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG) was set up by the United Nations Secretary-
General, António Guterres, in March 2022.
• The GCRG aims to address urgent and critical global issues pertaining to interlinked crises
in food security, energy, and finance and to coordinate a global response.
• The GCRG is overseen by the Champions Group comprising of the Heads of the
States/Governments of Bangladesh, Barbados, Denmark, Germany, Indonesia and
Senegal.
• Shri Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs has been designated as
Sherpa to the GCRG process.
Source: Ministry of External Affairs

34. India and the US have launched the 'Operation Broader Sword', a special bilateral multi-
agency enforcement operation targeting illicit pharmaceuticals, devices, or precursor chemicals
shipped using the international mail system.
• Participants - US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), US Customs and Border
Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement
Administration (DEA), and US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) in collaboration with
Indian Government's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
Source: ANI

35. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched an NCC Integrated Software.
• The NCC Integrated Software, developed in partnership with Bhaskaracharya Institute for
Space Applications and Geo Informatics (BISAG), is a single window interactive
software for Cadets, designed on the ‘Entry to Exit Model’.
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• The software will digitalize the entire process from the stage of enrolment as a cadet in
NCC till exit registration as alumni.
• The NCC and State Bank of India (SBI) have signed an MoU to open zero balance
accounts of all NCC Cadets with debit card, chequebook & passbook facility under SBI’s
“Pahli Udaan” scheme. About 5 lakh cadets will be benefitted by this MoU every year.
Source: PIB

36. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in collaboration with Bayer, has launched ‘ATL Industry
Visit’, a unique industry visit initiative under Atal Tinkering labs.
• As part of the initiative, the first visit has taken place at Bayer’s manufacturing facility in
Vapi, Gujarat.
• Bayer has opened its manufacturing and production plants and research centres across
Vapi, Shamirpet, Chandippa, and Bangalore to the ATL students to provide first-hand
exposure.
• Bayer has partnered with NITI Aayog since 2021 to support various initiatives of the Atal
Innovation Mission.
Knowledge Nuggets -
Atal Innovation Mission
• Launched in- 2016
• Aim- To promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
• Initiatives-
o Atal Tinkering Labs: Creating a problem-solving mindset across schools in India.
o Atal Incubation Centers: Fostering world-class startups and adding a new
dimension to the incubator model.
o Atal New India Challenges: Fostering product innovations and aligning them to the
needs of various sectors/ministries.
o Mentor India Campaign: A national mentor network in collaboration with the public
sector, corporates and institutions.
o Atal Community Innovation Center: To stimulate community-centric innovation
and ideas in the unserved /underserved regions including Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
o Atal Research and Innovation for Small Enterprises (ARISE): To stimulate
innovation and research in the MSME industry.
Source: PIB and AIM

pg. 18
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37. Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL, Assam) has been upgraded from Schedule B to
Schedule A CPSE by the Government of India.
• The upgradation to Schedule A will now make NRL eligible to achieve the status of
Navratna which in turn will give higher financial autonomy.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• NRL is the largest refinery in Northeast India with a capacity of 3 million metric tonnes
per annum (MMTPA). Currently it is implementing a mega refinery expansion project to
triple its capacity to 9 MMTPA.
• NRL ranks among the top 20 CPSEs in India, excelling in sales revenue and profitability.
• CPSE (Central Public Sector Enterprises) are those companies in which the direct
holding of the Central Government or other CPSEs is 51% or more.
Source: ANI

38. Information & Broadcasting Ministry has released a draft of comprehensive guidelines for
exhibition of Public Service Awareness (PSA) films made by the Central Government for
educational and awareness purpose.
• Duration of PSA films: The films shall be screened in cinema theatres for a period of 15
days or as per the Ministry’s instructions. The screening of all government films should be
done during PST [Prime Screen Time].
Source: The Hindu

39. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has developed a Deep Learning (DL)-based
framework called OsteoHRNet which can evaluate the severity of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
by analysing X-ray images.
• Knee osteoarthritis has no possible cure except total joint replacement at an advanced
stage, hence an early diagnosis is essential.
• This AI-based model can be used to detect the severity level of the disease and assist
medical practitioners remotely for a more accurate diagnosis.
• This model predicts knee OA severity according to the WHO-approved Kellgren and
Lawrence (KL) grading scale that ranges from grade 0 (low severity) to 4 (high
severity).
Knowledge Nuggets –

pg. 19
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• Knee Osteoarthritis is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in the world and has a
prevalence of 28% in India.
• There is no possible cure for Knee OA except total joint replacement at an advanced
stage hence an early diagnosis is essential for pain management and behavioral
corrections.
Source: Economic Times

40. Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications in collaboration with

MyGov is organising Bharat Internet Utsav.
• The event aims to assimilate and share empowering real-life stories on the transformation
brought by the Internet in various aspects of life of the citizens.
Source: Economic Times

41. US Navy has signed a 5-year master shipyard repair agreement (MSRA) with L&T for
Voyage repairs.
• The first ship under the agreement to undergo steel repairs, USNS Salvor was received at
L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard, near Chennai.
• This is the third US ship coming to L&T Shipyard for voyage repairs.
o Earlier, voyage repairs of Marine Sealift Command (MSC) Fleet Support Ships –
USNS Charles Drew and USNS Matthew Perry were undertaken and completed
on-time by L&T.
o L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard is equipped with a heavy ship-lift, multiple dry berths,
and wet berths to concurrently enable building of new ships and undertaking repairs
and refits
Source: The Financial Express

42. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has inaugurated Product
Design Centre (PDC) set up at Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC),
Kolkata.
• The Product Design Centre will be beneficial for startups, entrepreneurs and MSME’s of the
eastern region of the country.
• An appearance-based detection system i.e., Grain-Ex through machine vision
technology for pulses is also developed under ‘National programme on Electronics and
ICT applications in Agriculture and Environment (AgriEnIcs)’ along with ICAR-IARI.
pg. 20
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• The appearance-based e-Quality detection system for 14 types of pulses (Grain-Ex), would
bring about a transformative change in the e-NAM markets for quality-based pricing.
Source: PIB

43. Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has issued an
expression of interest (EoI) for transfer of technology of the Small Satellite Launch
Vehicle (SSLV) to Indian Private players.
• There is an increased global demand for the launch of small satellites into low earth orbit
(LEO) over the past years.
• SSLV is a three-stage solid launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of upto 500kg
to a 500km circular orbit.
Source: ToI

44. 3rd Sherpa’s meeting under India’s G20 Presidency to begin in Hampi in Karnataka.
• The 3-day meeting will be chaired by India’s G20 Sherpa, Amitabh Kant.
• The delegates will deliberate and engage in co-authoring the Leaders Declaration to be
adopted by the G20 leaders in New Delhi Summit.
Source: NewsonAir

45. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Standards Coordination

Portal.
• The portal has been developed by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) in
association with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the
Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India.
• The portal will aim to boost India’s involvement in global standardisation activities and act
as central hub for sharing information and promoting collaboration in the standardisation of
telecom and related ICT domains.
• TEC standard on “Fairness Assessment and Rating of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Systems” has also been launched.
o This standard will outline comprehensive procedures for evaluating and rating the
fairness of AI systems, ensuring ethical and responsible deployment of AI.
Source: ET

pg. 21
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46. The 50th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has recently been
concluded in New Delhi.
• Major Highlights of the Meeting
o A short video film titled ‘GST Council- 50 steps towards a journey’ was released
to mark the 50th meeting of the council.
o Changes in Tax Rates: The GST Council has made the following revisions to the
tax rates:
▪ Uncooked or Unfried Snack pellets and Fish Soluble Paste: The tax rate
has been reduced from 18% to 5%.
▪ Imitation Zari Threads or Yarn: The tax rate has been reduced from 12% to
5%.
▪ Food and Beverages Consumed Inside Cinema Halls: The tax rate has
been set at 5% without input tax credits, as opposed to the previous 18%
on cinema services.
o Tax Treatment of Online Gaming, Casinos, and Horse Racing:
▪ Online gaming, casinos, and horse racing activities will now be taxed at the
uniform rate of 28% on full face value.
• The GST laws will be amended to explicitly include online gaming
within the tax framework.
o Exemption from GST:
▪ GST Council has exempted cancer-related drugs, medicines for rare
diseases, and food products for special medical purposes from GST.
o Establishment of GST Appellate Tribunals:
▪ The Council is considering proposals from states to establish 50 Benches of
the GST Appellate Tribunals in the country.
▪ The initial Benches will be set up in state capitals and locations where High
Courts have benches.
o Concerns Raised on GST Network and PMLA:
▪ Some states have expressed criticism regarding the recent decision to bring
the GST Network (GSTN) under the purview of the Prevention of Money
Laundering Act (PMLA), administered by the Enforcement Directorate
(ED).
▪ Tamil Nadu has argued that this inclusion contradicts the interests of
taxpayers and the objective of decriminalizing GST offenses.

pg. 22
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▪ The Revenue Secretary has assured the Council that it was in line with the
requirements of the Financial Action Task Force.
• It was clarified that the ED will neither receive nor provide
information from the GSTN, and the notification is aimed
at empowering tax authorities to combat tax evasion and
money laundering.
o RBL Bank and ICBC bank exempted from IGST
• It has been decided to include RBL Bank and ICBC bank in the list of
specified banks for which IGST exemption is available on imports of gold,
silver or platinum and update the list of banks /entities eligible for such
IGST exemption as per Annexure 4B (HBP) of Foreign Trade Policy
2023.
o GST Exemption on Satellite Launch –
• It has been decided that GST exemption on satellite launch services
supplied by ISRO, Antrix Corporation Limited and New Space India
Limited (NSIL) may be extended to such services supplied by
organisations in private sector also to encourage start-ups.
o ‘My Stamp’
• Besides, to mark this occasion, the first set of a Special Cover and
customised ‘My Stamp’ were also presented to Chairperson and
Members of the Council by the Chief Post Master General, Delhi.

Knowledge Nuggets -
GST Council

pg. 23
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• The GST Council is a constitutional body responsible for making recommendations on

issues related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
• As per Article 279A (1) of the amended Constitution, the GST Council was constituted
by the President.
• Members:
o The members of the Council include the Union Finance Minister
(chairperson), the Union Minister of State (Finance) from the Centre.
o Each state can nominate a minister in-charge of finance or taxation or any
other minister as a member.
Source: PIB

47. Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce &
Industry has recently notified two new Quality Control Orders (QCOs) on 'Potable Water
Bottles' and 'Flame-Producing Lighters'.
• The QCO for ‘Potable water bottles’ has mandated compulsory certification under the
appropriate IS Standard for the production and import of potable water bottles made
of copper, stainless steel, or aluminium.
• The QCO for ‘Flame-Producing Lighter’ has mandated compulsory certification under IS
Standards for ‘Safety Specification for Lighters’, and ‘Safety Specifications for Utility
Lighters’, for the Flame lighters manufactured for domestic market or imported into India.
• In collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), DPIIT has initiated the
development of 64 new QCOs, covering 317 product standards. The new orders will be
made through consultation with key industry associations and stakeholders.
• To ensure compliance with the quality standards set forth in the QCOs, the Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS) play a crucial role.
o BIS is responsible for certifying products that meet the prescribed standards, both
for domestic and international manufacturers.
o With the QCOs, manufacturing, storing and sale of non-BIS certified products are
prohibited as per the BIS Act, 2016.
o Violation of the provision of the BIS Act can lead to a penalty of imprisonment of up
to 2 years or with a fine of at least Rs 2 lakh for the first offence.
▪ In case of second and subsequent offences, the fine will increase to Rs 5
lakh minimum and extend up to ten times the value of goods or articles.
Source: BS
pg. 24
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48. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), an energy Maharatna has become the first
Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) in India to get certified for Anti-Bribery
Management System (ABMS) by an international accredited certification body, M/s InterCert
USA.
• ONGC is also the first organization in India that adopted the Integrity Pact (IP) by
Transparency International in 2005.
Source: ONGC

49. Agriculture Secretary Manoj Ahuja has launched a new campaign for banks under Agri
Infra Fund (AIF) titled BHARAT (Banks Heralding Accelerated Rural & Agriculture
Transformation).
• The one month-long campaign (from 15th July 2023 to 15th August 2023) has been
launched with a target to raise Rs. 7200 Crore in a month for banks under Agri Infra Fund.
o The AIF is a financing facility launched in July 2020, for creation of post-harvest
management infrastructure and community farm assets.
▪ Under AIF, Rs 1 lakh crore is to be disbursed by financial year 2025-26 and
the interest subvention and credit guarantee assistance will be given till the
year 2032-33.
Source: ET

50. Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways of India has inaugurated 'SAGAR SAMPARK’,
which marks a step towards digital transformation in the maritime industry.
• About SAGAR SAMPARK
o It is an indigenous Differential Global Navigation Satellite System (DGNSS).
▪ DGNSS is a terrestrial based enhancement system which corrects the
errors and inaccuracies in the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
allowing for more accurate positioning information.
▪ The DGNSS will help mariners in safe navigation and will reduce the risk of
collisions, groundings, and accidents in the port and harbour areas. This will
lead to safe & efficient movement of vessels.
• The latest DGNSS system will transmit corrections of GPS and Global Navigation Satellite
System (GLONASS) and reduce errors caused by the atmospheric inferences, satellite
clock drift and other factors.

pg. 25
[Type here]

• The error correction accuracy has been improved from 5 to 10 meters to less than 5 meters
for 100 Nautical Miles from Indian coastlines.
Source: PIB

51. India's first regional AI news anchor “Lisa” has been introduced by Odisha TV, an Odia-
based news station.
• Lisa can speak in multiple languages, including Odia, English, and others.
• Previously, India Today Group has introduced their own AI news anchor named Sana.
Source: ET

52. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed the contract for running and maintaining the
government’s portal for public procurement Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
• Previously in 2017, Intellect Design Arena and software company Infibeam were awarded
the contract to design, develop and maintain the GeM portal.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Launched- August 2016
• Ministry- Ministry of Commerce,
• Objective- One-stop-shop platform for government ministries and agencies looking to
procure goods and services.
Source: ET and gem.gov.in

53. The Curtain Raiser of 7th edition of Asia’s premier digital technology, India Mobile Congress
(IMC) exhibition will be held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 27 October to 30 October 2023.
• The event is co-hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and Cellular
Operators Association of India.
• The theme of IMC 2023 is ‘Global Digital Innovation.’
• IMC 2023 will include the key programmes that would put the spotlight on:
o Launch of 6G
o Advancement in 5G networks
o Increasing use of AI in telecommunications and other domains
o Edge computing, Industry 4.0
o Emergence of India Stack.
• IMC 2023 has also planned to introduce several B2G and B2B forums and industry round
tables, university and student engagement, and global buyer forums.
pg. 26
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• This year IMC will introduce Aspire, a grand Start-Up event that will place significant
emphasis on igniting the future of entrepreneurship growth among young innovators and
industry delegates in the telecom and other digital domains.
• First IMC was held in the year 2017.
Source: PIB

54. India will host the ASEAN Countries Conference on Traditional Medicines on July 20,
2023, at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• Ministry of Ayush will host the event with support from the Ministry of External Affairs,
Indian Mission to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat.
• A total of 75 participants will attend this one-day conference which will include international
delegates from eight ASEAN countries, with an additional two international delegates
participating virtually.
• The purpose of the conference is to facilitate brainstorming sessions and idea sharing on
the topic of Traditional Medicines.
Source: ANI

55. Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Act, 1957 to allow the commercial mining of 6 critical minerals.
• The six critical minerals are: lithium, beryllium, niobium, tantalum, titanium and
zirconium.
• Till now, commercial mining of these critical minerals by private companies was
prohibited. Only government agencies were allowed in exploration and mining operations.
• These minerals are required for manufacturing in several sectors, including electric
vehicles, batteries, glassware, automotive components, defence machinery,
telecommunication equipment, and medical technology.
• All of India’s lithium requirement is imported from countries such as Chile, Russia, China,
Ireland and Belgium.
o Berrylium is imported from Russia, the UK, Netherlands, South Africa and China.
Source: Livemint

56. Ministry of Panchayati Raj has launched Action Taken Report (ATR) Module of
AuditOnline for holistic audit of all panchayat accounts.

pg. 27
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• To promote greater transparency and accountability in Panchayat audits, AuditOnline

application was launched in 2020.
• The ATR module aims to provide a more structured approach to the audit process,
ensuring clarity on the actions taken in response to audit findings.
• As per the operational guidelines of the 15th Finance Commission, states must ensure
that all tiers of Panchayats, constituting 100% of rural local bodies have audited accounts
for the 2021–22 period starting from the fiscal year 2023–24.
Source: PIB

57. PM Narendra Modi has been conferred the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, France’s
highest civilian and military honour.
• The National Order of the Legion of Honour, or The Legion of Honour is the highest
French decoration and is one of the most famous national honours in the world.
• The honour normally recognises the contribution of the French people in the “service of the
nation”.
o Foreigners are honoured if they have rendered services (e.g., cultural or economic)
to France or supported causes defended by France, and sometimes upon high
dignitaries on a state visit to France.
o The Order was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
o There is no material or financial benefit attached to the award.
Source: IE

58. Two-day Startup20 Shikhar summit hosted by Startup20 Engagement Group has concluded
in Gurugram, Haryana.
• India has officially handed over the torch to Brazil (G20 presidency for 2024) and has
committed to continue the Startup20 initiative in 2024.
• Saudi Arabia has become the first country to extend support to the Startup20's call to
allocate an ambitious sum of $1 trillion per annum into the startup ecosystem by 2030.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Startup 20
• Founded- 2023 (Under India’s G20 Presidency)
• Startup20 is an official engagement group to shape the future of the global startup
ecosystem.

pg. 28
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• Chair- Dr. Chintan Vaishnav

Source: PIB and Startup20India

59. Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is organising a ‘5G and Beyond Hackathon

2023’.
• The contest is open to individuals, students, start-ups, and academic institutions in India.
• A total of 100 winners will share a total prize pool of Rs 1 crore, and will be mentored from
experts.
Source: The Financial Express

60. Ministry of Home Affairs has launched ‘Scheme for Expansion and Modernization of Fire
Services in the state’ with an outlay of Rs 5000 crore.
• The amount will be allocated from Preparedness and Capacity Building funding window
under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
• A budget of Rs. 500 crore (out of the total outlay) has been set aside for incentivizing the
states on the basis of their legal and infrastructure-based reforms.
• The State Governments will have to contribute 25% (except for the North-Eastern and
Himalayan states which shall contribute 10%) of total cost of such projects from their
budgetary resources.
Source- PIB

61. IIT Kanpur has developed India’s first 100% Dimethyl Ether (DME) -fuelled tractor/ vehicle
for on- and off-road applications.
• The research has been supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board
(SERB), an attached institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• DME is renewable, cost-effective and produces negligible soot and particulate
emissions.
Source- dst.gov.in

62. Chandrayaan-3 has been launched on board LVM3 M4 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space
Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
• It is India's third lunar mission and second attempt at achieving a soft landing on the
moon's surface.

pg. 29
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• India will become the fourth country in the world to achieve this feat, joining the ranks of
the United States, Russia, and China.
About Chandrayaan-3 Mission:
Features:
• The lander (Vikram) and rover payloads (Pragyan) of Chandrayaan-3 remain the same
as the Chandrayaan-2 mission.
• There are 4 scientific payloads on the lander.
o To study lunar quakes, thermal properties of the lunar surface, changes in plasma
near the surface, and accurately measuring the distance between Earth and the
moon.
• There are two payloads on the rover.
o To study the chemical and mineral composition of the lunar surface and to
determine the composition of elements such as magnesium, aluminium and iron in
the lunar soil and rocks.
• The propulsion module of Chandrayaan-3 features a new experiment called Spectro-
polarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE).
o SHAPE aims to search for smaller planets with potential habitability by analyzing
reflected light.
• Chandrayaan-3's journey is estimated to take approximately 42 days, with a landing
scheduled for August 23, 2023 at the lunar dawn.
• The lander and the rover will have a mission life of one lunar day (about 14 Earth
days).
Knowledge Nuggets
What is India’s Other Chandrayaan Missions?
• Chandrayaan-1:
o India's first lunar exploration in 2008, aimed to create a 3-D atlas of the
moon and conduct mineralogical mapping.
▪ Launch Vehicle: PSLV – C11
▪ Findings- Detection of water and hydroxyl on the lunar surface
• Chandrayaan-2:
o Chandrayaan-2 consisted of an Orbiter, Lander, and Rover, with the goal of
exploring the lunar south pole.
▪ Launch Vehicle: GSLV MkIII-M1

pg. 30
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o Although the lander and rover crashed on the moon's surface, the Orbiter
successfully collected data and found signatures of water at all latitudes.
Source: IE

63. India and Indonesia have launched the “India - Indonesia Economic and Financial
Dialogue” (EFD Dialogue) on sidelines of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors meeting in Gujarat.
• The EFD Dialogue aims to enhance collaboration on bilateral and international
economic and financial matters by bringing together economic policymakers and
financial regulators from both countries.
• Indonesia is India’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region with the bilateral trade of
worth $38 billion in FY 2022-23.
Source: PIB

64. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has replaced the Standing
Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) with Standing Committee on Statistics
(SCoS).
• About SCES
o Formed in - 2019
o Members- 28 (including 10 non-official members)
o Chair - Pronab Sen (India’s first chief statistician and the former chairman of the
National Statistical Commission)
o Mandate- To review the framework for economic indicators pertaining to the
industrial sector, the services sector and the labour force statistics such as Periodic
Labour Force Survey, the Annual Survey of Industries, the Index of Industrial
Production and the Economic Census.
• About SCoS
o Members- 10 official members and four non-official members.
▪ Maximum members- 16
o Chair- Pronab Sen, India’s first chief statistician and the former chairman of the
National Statistical Commission (NSC)
o Mandate- To review the framework and results of all surveys conducted under the
aegis of the National Statistical Office (NSO)
Source: The Hindu
pg. 31
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65. Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched ‘AI for
India 2.0’, a free online training programme on Artificial Intelligence on World Youth Skills’
Day (July 15).
• This is a joint initiative of Skill India and GUVI.
o GUVI is an IIT Madras incubated ed-tech company that enables tech learning in
vernacular languages.
• The program will be available in 9 Indian languages.
• The program has been recognized by National Council for Vocational Education and
Training (NCVET)and IIT Madras.
Source: PIB

66. India’s first PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model-based Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) in
collaboration with OPPO India has been established in Kerala.
• The lab has been inaugurated at St Paul’s CEHSS in Kuriachira, Thrissur.
• This collaboration between the AIM and OPPO with Learning Links Foundation as the
implementation partner adapts the ‘Hub n Spoke’ strategy.
• The ATL is the nodal school which will act as a ‘Hub’ for the students from neighbouring
government schools to come and conduct experiments in the lab.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• The Atal Tinkering Lab has been set up to empower school children in grades 6th to
12th to develop innovative solutions.
• The students can harness cutting-edge technology tools such as 3D printing, the
Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, miniaturised electronics, space technology, drone
technology, and technology-inspired textiles.
• Till 2022, 10,000 ATLs were established across 35 States and UTs in India though
government grants.
Source: FE

67. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), with the technical assistance of
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has developed five guidelines aimed at
enhancing mountainous infrastructure in India.
• These guidelines were published by Indian Road Congress (IRC).

pg. 32
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• The guidelines provide technical specifications and best practices for road construction in
mountainous regions, covering the following topics:
o Planning of hilly roads
o Slope protection and embankment with advanced technology
o Tunnel on arterial roads in hilly area
o Mountain bridge with advance technology
o Operation and maintenance of mountainous highways
• MoRTH and JICA have agreed to implement "Capacity Development Project on
Highways in Mountainous Regions" from 2016 to 2021.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is the Apex Body of Highway Engineers in the
country.
• The IRC was set up in December, 1934 on the recommendations of the Indian Road
Development Committee best known as Jayakar Committee set up by the Govt. of India
with the objective of Road Development in India.
Source: ET and IRC

68. Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) became the first airport in the country to have 4
operational runways.
• A dual elevated Eastern Cross Taxiways (ECT) has also been inaugurated.
o The ECT will connect the northern and southern airfields on the eastern side of the
airport and reduce the taxiing distance for an aircraft by seven kilometres.
• IGIA is operated by the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), a consortium led by GMR
Airports Infrastructure Ltd.
Source: ET

69. India, in collaboration with Organisation for Economic cooperation and development
(OECD), is set to launch a pilot project on tax & financial crime investigation for the South
Asian Region.
• The program will be launched at the Regional Campus of National Academy of Direct
Taxes in New Delhi.
Source: IE

pg. 33
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70. India’s first transnational project to Bangladesh electricity grid by Adani group has been
commissioned.
• This 1600 MW Ultra Super-Critical Thermal Power Plant (USCTPP) is situated at Godda
in Jharkhand.
• The Godda power plant is the 1st in India to have started operations with 100 % flue gas
desulphurisation (FGD), selective catalytic reconverter (SCR) and zero water discharge.
• The 100% power generated from Godda USCTPP is supplied to Bangladesh.
Source: Livemint

71. Union Food Minister has launched the sale of ‘subsidised’ chana dal under the brand name
‘Bharat Dal’.
• The chana dal is priced at Rs 60 per kg for one kg pack and Rs 55 per kg for 30 kg pack.
• Why Bharat Dal?
o To make pulses available to consumers at affordable prices by converting chana
stock of the government into chana dal, when the prices of other dals are on rise.
• The milling and packaging of chana dal is undertaken by National Agricultural
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) for distribution through its retail
outlets.
Source: IE

72. Ministry of Culture will sign a Cultural Property Agreement with the US for “smooth
repatriation” of antiquities smuggled out of the country.
• Soon, 105 trafficked antiquities will be returned to India by the United States.
Source: IE

73. Ashok Leyland has won orders worth Rs 800 crore from the Indian Army to supply defence
vehicles.
• The contracts awarded will include the procurement of the Field Artillery Tractor (FAT 4×4)
and the Gun Towing Vehicle (GTV 6×6).
o The FAT 4×4 and GTV 6×6 are specialised vehicles employed by the artillery for
towing light and medium guns, respectively.
o The vehicles will be delivered over the next 12 months.
o These platforms are indigenously designed, developed and manufactured by Ashok
Leyland.
pg. 34
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Source: IE

74. Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 is being organized as a G20 event by Food Safety
and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in New Delhi.
• This is the first time the summit is being held outside Rome, Italy.
• Various initiatives will be launched in the summit-
o Food-o-Copoeia, a comprehensive collection of food category-wise monographs,
serving as a single-point reference for all applicable standards for specific product
categories.
o Common regulators platform 'SaNGRAH' (Safe food for Nations: Global food
Regulatory Authorities Handbook). It is a comprehensive database of Food
Regulatory Authorities from 76 countries worldwide.
▪ SaNGRAH will be available not only in Hindi and English but also in six Indian
languages—Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam.
o Common Digital Dashboard—a unified IT portal providing comprehensive
information on standards, regulations, guidelines, contamination limits, and the latest
developments by Food Regulators in India.
Source: PIB

75. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced new measures under the
advance authorisation scheme.
• Advance Authorisation Scheme under the Foreign Trade Policy, allows duty-free import of
inputs for export purposes.
o The eligibility of inputs is determined by Sector-specific Norms Committees based
on input-output norms.
• To make the norms fixation process more efficient, a user-friendly and searchable database
of ad-hoc norms fixed in the previous years has been created.
• These norms can be used by any exporter without approaching the norms committee. The
database is hosted on the DGFT website.
Source: PIB

76. Indian Army has launched Tri-Services ‘Nari Sashaktikaran Women Motorcycle’ from New
Delhi to Dras (Ladakh) to commemorate 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas.

pg. 35
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• The 25-member strong tri-services rally will cover a total distance of approximately 1000
kilometres, to reach Kargil War Memorial in Dras on 25 July 23.
• For this Rally, the Indian Army has partnered with TVS Motor Company and the
participants will be riding on TVS Ronin motorcycles.
Source: PIB

77. NITI Aayog has released the Techno-Commercial Readiness and Market Maturity Matrix
(TCRM Matrix) Framework to drive innovation and entrepreneurship in India.
• This is an assessment tool designed to revolutionize technology evaluation, foster
innovation, and fuel entrepreneurship in India.
• The framework presents an integrated assessment model that offers in-depth insights
and actionable intelligence to stakeholders at every stage of the technology development
cycle.
Source: PIB

78. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the proposals for procurement of 26
Rafale Marine aircraft (naval variant) from France.
• The DAC has also granted the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 3
additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be constructed by
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• DAC is Indian defence ministry’s apex body for military procurement.
Source: PIB

79. The 2022 WHO/UNICEF estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) have
been released recently.
Findings
• As per this estimate, the coverage rate for DPT3, the third dose of diphtheria, pertussis and
tetanus vaccines, in India rose to an all-time of 93% in 2022.
o This has surpassed the previous pre-pandemic best of 91% recorded in 2019.
o It also marks a sharp increase from the 85% recorded in 2021.
• In the WHO South-East Asia region, the number of zero-dose children (those who
haven’t received any dose of the DPT vaccine) have halved to 2.3 million in 2022 from 4.6
million in 2021.
Source: IE
pg. 36
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80. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has inaugurated the New Integrated Terminal Building of
Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
• 3 airports in Shibpur, Car Nicobar, and Campbell, as well as 4 water aerodromes in
Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, and Port Blair, will be established by the Govt. of India
with the investment of Rs. 150 crores.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Veer Savarkar International Airport, also known as Port Blair Airport, is located about 2
km south of Port Blair, Andaman Nicobar Islands.
• It is named after Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the noted freedom fighter, it is the only
commercial airport of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Source: PIB

81. Festival of Libraries 2023, a two-day event organised by the Union Ministry of Culture is to
be held on 5th - 6th August 2023.
• The government has launched National Mission on Libraries (NML) in 2014.
• This mission has a total budget of Rs100 crore to develop model libraries, connect district
libraries with digital networks, and prioritize libraries in economically backward districts.
Source: PIB

82. 2nd edition of India-Tanzania Joint Defence Cooperation Committee was held in Arusha,
Tanzania.
• A 5-year roadmap for defence cooperation is agreed to between the two nations.
• It includes initiatives such as customised training & capacity building to maritime
cooperation, infrastructure building and collaboration in defence equipment and technology.
Source: PIB

83. The G20 Conference on Crime and Security in the Age of NFTs, AI, and Metaverse was held
in Gurugram, Haryana.
Source: NoA

84. 10th India-Tanzania Joint Commission Meeting was held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
• Focus was laid on importance of Mission IT (India and Tanzania) in the meeting.
pg. 37
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• In July 2016, India and Tanzania signed an agreement for a line of credit of 92 million USD
for the rehabilitation and improvement of the water supply system in Zanzibar.
Source: NoA

85. Department of Telecommunications in collaboration with National Disaster Management

Authority will conduct Cell Broadcast Alert System testing to enhance emergency
communication during disasters.
• The Cell Broadcast Alert System is a state-of-the-art technology that allows to send critical
and time-sensitive messages for disaster management to all mobile devices within a
designated geographical area.
Source: PIB

86. 4th G-20 Employment Working Group and the Labour and Ministers' Meeting is held at
Indore, Madhya Pradesh with focus on finalising the ministerial declaration and outcome
documents.
Source: G20

87. First ever “Credit Guarantee Scheme” for Livestock Sector has been launched by
Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Key Features
• Objective
o Facilitate smooth flow of credit to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) engaged in the Livestock sector and increase access to finance for un-
served and under-served livestock sector.
• Credit Guarantee Fund Trust:
o A trust of Rs. 750 crores have been established to provide credit guarantee
coverage up to 25% of the credit facilities extended to eligible MSMEs by lending
institutions.
• Interest Subvention:
o An interest subvention of 3% on loans obtained from Scheduled Banks or National
Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
o Borrowers can avail up to 90% of the total project cost as a loan.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
pg. 38
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o The AHIDF is a Central Sector Scheme under the Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar
Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package of Rs.15000 crores for incentivizing
investments.
Source: PIB

88. Union cabinet has approved to upgrade National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE)
in Mumbai as 21st Indian Institute of Management (IIM) of India.
• Maharashtra will become the 1st state to have two IIMs. IIM Nagpur was among the six
new-generation IIMs established by the Government of India in 2015.
• The NITIE was formerly known as the National Institute for Training in Industrial
Engineering.
o It was established by the government of India in 1963 with the assistance of the
United National Development Programme (UNDP) through the International
Labour Organisation (ILO) to create skilled professionals.
Source: IE

89. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) celebrated its 42nd
Foundation Day.
• NABARD came into existence on July 12, 1982 with an aim of giving integral focus on debt-
related issues pertaining to agricultural and rural development.
Source: ToI

90. Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France

Key highlights
• Launched a 25-year vision roadmap
o The joint statement – “25th Anniversary of the Strategic Partnership between France
and India: towards a Century of Indo-French Relations” – sets the course for the
France-India bilateral relationship in all areas till 2047.
o Year 2047 will mark:
▪ 100 years of India’s Independence
▪ 100 years of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and
▪ 50th year of the Indo-French strategic partnership.
• Launch of India-France Indo-Pacific Roadmap
pg. 39
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o A roadmap for joint actions in the Indo-Pacific was adopted.

o In 2018, India and France agreed on a ‘Joint Strategic Vision of India-France
Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region’.
o Under this roadmap, the two sides decided to work on finalising an Indo-French
development fund for third countries.
▪ This will enable joint financing of sustainable development projects in the
Indo-Pacific region.
o India and France will work to set up the Indo-French Health Campus for the Indo-
Pacific.
• Joint Commitment to Eliminate Single Use Plastic Products Pollution
o Joint commitment by France and India aims to eliminate single use plastic products
pollution, including ban on single use plastic products which have low utility and high
littering potential.
Source: IE, ET, MEA

91. India has contributed USD 1,000,000 to the United Nations as part of the initiative to promote
the usage of the Hindi language at the global organisation.
• United Nations Department of Global Communications is responsible for the language
uses.
• India had launched the Hindi@UN project, in collaboration with the UN Department of
Public Information of the UN, in 2018.
• The project aims to enhance the public outreach of the United Nations in the Hindi
language, and to spread greater awareness about global issues among millions of Hindi-
speaking people around the world.
• India's Permanent Representative to the UN - Ruchira Kamboj
Source: ET

92. Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar led a three-member Election Commission
of India (ECI) delegation to Cartagena, Colombia to attend the 11th meeting of the
Executive Board of the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB).
• An international conference on the theme “A global view on the challenges of
regional elections 2023” is also being organised by National Civil Registry, Colombia
on July 12, 2023.
Knowledge Nuggets -
pg. 40
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• A-WEB was founded in October 2013 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

• The Association of World Election Bodies is the largest association of Election
Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide with 119 EMBs as Members & 20 Regional
Associations/Organisations as Associate Members.
Source: ECI

93. Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying is implementing the Credit Guarantee
Scheme under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
• Purpose - to strengthen credit delivery system and facilitate smooth flow of credit to the
micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in livestock sector without hassles
of collateral security
• Corpus - For operationalizing the scheme, DAHD has established a credit guarantee fund
trust of Rs 750 crore which will provide credit guarantee coverage up to 25% of the credit
facilities extended to the MSMEs by the eligible lending institutions.
• The establishment of credit guarantee fund trust was approved under the Prime Minister’s
AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package of Rs 15,000 crore 'Animal Husbandry
Infrastructure Development Fund' (AHIDF).
• DAHD has formed a trust with NABSanrakshan Trustee Company Private Limited, a
wholly owned subsidiary of NABARD for the establishment of a credit guarantee fund trust
for extending the credit guarantee to MSMEs under AHIDF scheme.
• Entities which will be supported by the Credit Guarantee Scheme for incentivizing
investments by -
o individual entrepreneurs,
o private companies,
o MSMEs,
o farmers producers’ organizations (FPOs),
o Section 8 companies to establish the dairy processing and value addition
infrastructure; meat processing and value addition infrastructure; animal feed plant;
breed improvement technology and breed multiplication farm; animal waste to wealth
management (agri waste management); and setting up of veterinary vaccine and
drugs manufacturing facilities.
• Launch date – March 2021
• It is India’s first ever fund trust under credit guarantee scheme of AHIDF in the agriculture
and animal husbandry sector.
pg. 41
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• Under AHIDF scheme, the interest subvention of 3% loan and up to 90% of the total
project cost from any scheduled bank, National Cooperative Development Corporation
(NCDC).
Source: ET

94. One District One Product (ODOP) program, an initiative under the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry,
launched its first collaboration with the Government of Gujarat in New Delhi to promote the
indigenous crafts and artisans of the State.
• The ODOP Wall was also inaugurated at the Garvi Gujarat Bhawan.
• Gujarat has a total of 33 districts.
Source: PIB

95. Open Network for Digital Commerce, in collaboration with NSE Academy Ltd, a subsidiary
of the National Stock Exchange, has launched the ‘ONDC Academy’ to provide information to
sellers and network participants about simple ways to conduct e-commerce business.
• The certification of course completion will be provided by the NSE Academy Ltd.
• The Academy will teach the participants about the online business, e-commerce, and
technical know-how about the platform.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• ONDC, a Section 8 company, was incorporated on December 31, 2021.
• It is a DPIIT initiative to create a facilitative model to help small retailers take advantage
of digital commerce.
• It is not an application, platform, intermediary, or software but a set of specifications
designed to foster open, unbundled, and interoperable open networks.
Source: ET

96. Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat released the Manual for
Disaster Management Plan (DMP) during the two-day National Conference of Rural WASH
Partners Forum at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.
• The Manual is developed by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.
• Purpose - to ensure safety, uninterrupted supply and minimum loss of Water, Sanitation
and Hygiene (WASH) assets and services involving stakeholders at national, state, district,
and village level
pg. 42
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Knowledge Nuggets -
• Disaster Plan is developed based on the Advisory issued by National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) which, under Section 37 of Disaster Management Act,
2005 desires every Ministry/ Department to develop its own disaster plan to counter and
be prepared for any emergency arising in future.
Source: PIB

97. Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 70,000 appointment letters to new recruits
through video conferencing in the Rozgar Mela, which was organised at 44 locations in India.
• The recently inducted recruits will work under the departments of Central Government as
well as State Governments and UTs, which are supporting this initiative.
• On October 22, 2022, PM launched the Phase 1 of the 'Rozgar Mela', marking the start of
the campaign to provide 10 lakh government jobs.
Source: TOI

98. NITI Aayog has released the Revamped India Energy Security Scenarios (IESS) 2047
(IESS 2047 V3.0) to assess the integrated impact of various green energy policies of
Government of India.
• An open-source tool, IESS incorporates several policies related to alternative energy
resources like Green Hydrogen, Energy Storage, Renewable Purchase Obligations, PM-
KUSUM, offshore wind strategy, Electric Vehicle policy, Energy efficiency, etc.
• IESS 2047 is a user-friendly interactive tool that can help ministries/ departments to
develop a variety of energy transition scenarios to achieve net-zero.
• Designed with the help of IIT Bombay, the revamped IESS 2047 will be updated on yearly
basis. The baseline has been standardised at 2020 and calibrated up to 2022.
Source: PIB

99. The Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), under the Ministry of Labour and
Employment, has extended the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana for a period of two years
from 01.07.2022 to 30.06.2024.
• This is the third extension to the scheme with two extensions given each in 2020 and 2021
to financially support ESIC beneficiaries who had lost jobs during the pandemic.
Knowledge Nuggets -

pg. 43
[Type here]

• Launched in 2018 on a pilot basis for a period of two years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti
Kalyan Yojana provides relief in the form of cash compensation up to 90 days to the
insured persons (IPs) under ESIC who have become unemployed.
• The existing benefits under the scheme include enhanced rate of unemployment relief
of 50% of wages as against 25% earlier.
• Eligibility conditions -
o Insured persons who have been in insurable employment for a minimum period
of two years immediately before her/his unemployment and have contributed for
not less than 78 days in the contribution period immediately preceding to
unemployment and minimum 78 days in one of the remaining three contribution
periods in two years prior to unemployment.
• Further, the claim under the scheme earlier could be made after 90 days of being
unemployed which has now been reduced to 30 days.
Source: ET

100. For the first time in India, the Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 was hosted by the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the aegis of the Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in New Delhi.
• CEO, FSSAI - Shri G Kamala Vardhana Rao
• Initiatives launched at the Summit -
o Common Digital Dashboard - The Dashboard is a common unified IT-portal that
provides comprehensive information on standards, regulations, notifications,
advisories, guidelines
o SaNGRAHA - It was conceptualized to facilitate domestic and overseas exporters,
importers, manufacturers, traders etc. This handbook provides the information about
the Food Regulatory Authorities of various countries across the world, their mandate,
food safety ecosystem, food testing facilities etc. at one platform.
▪ 'SaNGRAH' - Safe food for Nations: Global food Regulatory Authorities
Handbook
o Food- ‘O’-copoeia – It is a collection of food category-wise monographs which is a
single point reference for all applicable standards for a specific product category
specifying quality & food safety standards, labelling and claim requirements, specific
packaging requirements and many more
Source: PIB FSSAI and FSSAI
pg. 44
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101. Update on Tele-MANAS (Mental Health and Normalcy Augmentation System) -

• Announced – Union Budget 2022-23
• Launched – October 2022
• Ministry – Health and Family Welfare
• Purpose – to provide mental health counselling to people via telecommunication methods
• Helpline numbers - 14416 or 1-800-891-4416
• Languages – 20
• Functioning cells – 42 Tele-MANAS cells in 31 states and Union Territories
• Counsellors - More than 1,900 counsellors have been trained and they are running the first
line services
• Services – First, callers are attended by over 1900 trained counsellors. Callers who
required specialist care are being successfully linked to appropriate services such as
District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and other nearby health care facilities
• Plans for Tele-MANAS - integration with e-Sanjeevani will be launched in the coming days
• Progress till now - It has received more than 2,00,000 calls from various parts of the
country since its launch in October last year.
Source: ET

102. President of Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, paid an official visit to India.
• This will be President Wickremesinghe’s first visit to India since assuming the current
responsibilities.
• India and Sri Lanka are examining the possibility of allowing the use of the Indian rupee
for local transactions.
Source: LiveMint and MEA

103. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team-India (CERT-In), an office within the
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has warned of a new ransomware
called 'Akira', which can get into your computer and lock your files by encryption.
• The malware encrypts data, modifies filenames of all affected files by appending the ".akira"
extension.
• Akira ransomware has been active since March 2023 and breaching corporate networks.
• The hackers use a VPN to launch an attack and target organizations that do not have two-
factor authentication enabled. The hackers, then, ask for a ransom.
pg. 45
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• Over the past two months, CERT-In has warned of two other ransomwares active across
networks - Bl00dy ransomware, which was targeting the education sector in June and the
Trigona ransomware in May.
Source: TOI

104. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a six-day event focusing on semicounductors
– Semicon India 2023 – at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar on July 28.
• The event is scheduled to be held between July 25 and 30 and with the PM inaugurating
the main event on July 28.
Source: IE

105. The 5th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit will be jointly organised by the Ministry of
Civil Aviation, Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd. and the Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on 25th July 2023 in Khajuraho,
Madhya Pradesh.
• Theme - "Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters & Small
Aircraft"
Source: PIB

106. NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) has announced the 2nd consecutive commercial space
mission, to take-off aboard ISRO’s rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
• The mission PSLV-C56 will deploy 1 primary and 6 additional satellites as part of the
mission’s entire payload.
o Primary payload - Singapore government’s Defence Science and Technology
Agency’s DS-SAR satellite, for imaging applications.
o The six secondary payloads include-
▪ 2 technology demonstrator satellites Velox-Am and Scoob-II,
▪ An experimental satellite called Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Explorer
(Arcade)
▪ Private nanosatellite NuLIon
▪ Galassia-2 and Orb-12 Strider.
• Earlier this year, PSLV-C55 deployed two satellites from Singapore in orbit.
o Singapore’s ‘TeLEOS-2’ was the primary payload, and Lumelite-4 as secondary
payload.
pg. 46
[Type here]

• Previously, it has been projected that India will become a $13 billion space economy by
2025, of which satellite launch services and applications would account for 36% or over
$4.5 billion.
• NSIL is the commercial space missions’ arm of the Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO).
Source: Livemint

107. HCL Technology (HCLTech) has joined the XR Startup Programme, an initiative
between Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• The initiative aims to discover, nurture, and accelerate extended reality (XR) technology
start-ups in India.
o Extended reality is a broad term to refer to augmented reality, virtual reality, and
mixed reality.
• HCLTech will provide one-on-one mentorship to start-ups, leading thought leadership
sessions and provide valuable business and industry perspectives.

Knowledge Nuggets
• The XR Program was launched in September 2022.
• It is a joint initiative between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
(MeitY) and social media giant Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and
WhatsApp.
• It offers a grant of up to Rs 20 lakh to selected start-ups working in XR technologies.
Source: BS

108. India's first Cannabis Medicine Project is set to be launched in Jammu.

• Cannabis Research Project’ of CSIR-IIIM Jammu is a first of its kind in India in Private
Public Partnership with a Canadian firm InsdusScan.
• CSIR-IIIM is the oldest scientific research institute in India with the history of discovering
mint way back in 1960s and the centre of purple revolution.
• CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) is pioneer in the Cannabis
research and obtained the first license for cultivation in the country.
o Following this, many other states like Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, Madhya
Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have started making the policy and rules for use of
Cannabis for scientific purpose.
pg. 47
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Source: PIB

109. India’s first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in the field of fisheries is set to come up at Kerala
University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos).
• The University has secured a grant of ₹10 crore from NITI Aayog.
• The AIC at KUFOS will be dedicated to promoting research, technological advancement,
and entrepreneurship in fisheries and allied sectors.
• AIC initiative is part of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), which seeks to encourage a
culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across various sectors in India.
Source: HBL

110. Government has decided to make Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) as the
nodal facilitation agency for telecom IPRs and patents.
• C-DoT, which is the RD wing of the Department of Telecommunications, will only act as
the facilitator for standard essential patent (SEP) negotiations and shall not have any
financial obligations towards any party.
• C-DoT will provide handholding and all the necessary support to start-ups, MSMEs and R&D
entities for converting innovations into IPRs and translating research into commercially
deployable products.
• Functions to be undertaken-
o IPRs/SEPs management on behalf of the Indian R&D ecosystem.
o Participate in IPRs/SEPs related engagements on behalf of Indian technology
entities.
o Development, hosting and maintenance of Indian telecom IPRs/SEPs repository in
coordination with TEC, global and regional standard development organizations
• The National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP) envisages to enable next
generation technologies and services through investments, innovation and IPR generation.
Source: ET

111. A memorial has been unveiled in Italy to honour Indian Soldiers contributions in World War
2.
• The memorial is in the form of a live sundial. The motto of the memorial is "Omines Sub
Eodem Sole" which translates to "We all live under the same sun"
• 'VC Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial' has been unveiled at Montone (Perugia, Italy)
pg. 48
[Type here]

• Tribute to-
o Indian troops who fought during Italian Campaign, during the 2 nd World Waro
o Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, Victoria Cross, who was killed in action fighting on the
heights of Upper Tiber Valley.
Source: ET

112. Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, has inaugurated the 5th
Helicopter & Small Aircraft (Heli) Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
• Theme of the event: "Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters &
Small Aircraft"
• Organizers: Ministry of Civil Aviation, in association with the Government of Madhya
Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and
Industry (FICCI).
• Other initiatives in the summit-
o Launch of UDAN 5.2
▪ UDAN 5.2 has been launched for further enhancing the connectivity to remote
and regional areas of the country and achieving last-mile connectivity through
small aircraft such as 1A (<9 seats) and Category 1(<20 seats).
▪ A total of 22 new routes have been awarded.
o HeliSewa-App has been launched.
o A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pawan Hans and Jetserve for
advancing the Helicopter and Small Aircraft sector in India.
Source: PIB

113. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of

Pharmaceuticals has received 5,772 complaints of alleged overcharging.
• The information has been shared by the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and
Fertilizers, Bhagwanth Khuba.
• The NPPA (pharma pricing authority) monitors the prices of scheduled as well as non-
scheduled medicines under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 and acts against
companies found to be overcharging consumers.
Source: BW

pg. 49
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114. National Security Advisor NSA Ajit Doval has met Director of the Office of the CPC Foreign
Affairs Commission Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs’ Meeting in Johannesburg,
South Africa.
Source: NoA

115. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released draft Telecommunication
Consumers Education and Protection Fund (6th Amendment) Regulation, 2023.
• TRAI had notified the Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund
Regulations, 2007.
• Under this-
o A fund called “Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund”
(TCEPF) was created.
▪ The income generated by the TCEPF is utilised to undertake activities such
outreach programmes, workshops, developing educational and awareness
material, etc.
▪ The activities are planned by the Committee for Utilisation of
Telecommunication Consumers Education and Protection Fund
(“CUTCEF”) setup under the regulations.
• The authority has observed that for preparation, maintenance & audit of accounts of
CUTCEF, expenditure is to be incurred from TCEPF and provisions are required in the
regulations. Accordingly, amendments have been proposed.
• During the year 2020, Corporation Bank, in which the TCEPF is maintained, has been
merged with the Union Bank of India.
o Further, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 has been repealed by the Consumer
Protection Act, 2019. Therefore, amendments have been made to change the
relevant provisions in the principal regulations.
Source: PIB

116. Health Ministry has launched an online portal to report violation of ban on e-cigarettes.
• Despite the ban imposed by the Union government in 2019, e-cigarettes continue to be
sold on e-commerce sites.
• Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import, Export, Transport,
Sale, Distribution, Storage and Advertisement) Act, 2019 (PECA) regulates the ban on e-
cigarettes.
pg. 50
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• The online violations under PECA-2019 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products
Act-2003 may be reported to www.violation-reporting.in.
Source: ET

117. India and Bangladesh have signed a contract for installation of computer based interlocking
signalling system for Dhaka-Tongi-Joydebpur rail line.
• It is one of the busiest rail lines in Bangladesh.
• The project is being implemented under the Line of Credit extended by India to
Bangladesh.
Source: DDnews

118. Skyroot (Hyderabad-based space start-up) has successfully conducted a rocket-engine

test at ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.
• The test involved the Raman-II engine, designed by Skyroot to generate 820 Newton (Sea
Level) and 1,460 Newton (Vacuum) thrust.
• Skyroot intends to integrate the Raman-II engine into the fourth stage of its launch vehicle,
Vikram-I.
Source: ToI

119. An awareness program named “Anu Awareness Yatra - 2023” is being organized by
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam.
• The program is being held in association with the National Council of Science Museum
(NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Vigyan Bharathi - Arivial Sangam, Tamil Nadu and Indian
Association for Radiation Protection.
• Theme- ‘ATOMS IN THE SERVICE OF THE NATION’
Source: PIB

120. Government has proposed to sell about 5.36% stake in Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL)
through an offer for sale.
• Under the proposed OFS, the government will offload about 7.08 crore equity shares,
representing 3.4% equity on Day 1, which is the T Day and in the case of oversubscription,
an additional 1.96% stake will be sold.
• Only non-retail investors will be allowed to place their bids on T Day.
• Only retail investors will be allowed to place their bids on T+l day.
pg. 51
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Source: ET

121. IIM Kozhikode to set up India-Japan Study and Research Centre.

• The centre will enhance management education and research competencies in specific
areas of mutual interest between both two countries.
Source: HBL

122. Financial fraud transactions of Rs 570 crore have been prevented using the cyber fraud
reporting system.
• The Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System, under Indian
Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs was
operationalised in April 2022 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop
siphoning off of funds by the fraudsters.
Source: News18

123. President Droupadi Murmu has completed one year in office. On this occasion, the
President laid foundation stone of various projects and inaugurated several projects, which are
-
• ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ - New gallery ‘Janjatiya Darpan’ (tribal mirror) has been inaugurated
by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
o It has been developed by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, an
autonomous institution under the Union Culture Ministry.
• ‘Navachara’-an Artificial Intelligence-enabled gallery – it is developed by Rashtrapati
Bhavan in collaboration with Intel India.
• ‘Sutra-kala Darpan’ - a Textile Collection of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
o Rashtrapati Bhavan is a repository of distinct textile traditions, ranging from zardozi
and gold-embroidered velvets in its carpets, bed and table coverings, to fine muslin
and silk drapes. This gallery showcases a remarkable collection of antique textiles
that decorate the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Cricket Pavilion – The President laid the foundation stone for construction of a Cricket
Pavilion at the Sports Ground of Dr Rajendra Prasad Kendriya Vidyalaya, President’s
Estate
• A book - Received first copy of the book on Ayush Wellness Centre, President’s Estate,
titled ‘Preserving Health, Embracing Traditions’.
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Source: PIB

124. Ministry of Jal Shakti Celebrates 1st Anniversary of Rural WASH Partners Forum
(RWPF) with a two-day National Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• Theme of the conference- “Accelerating Progress towards a Swachh Sujal Bharat."
Knowledge Nuggets-
Rural WASH Partners Forum
• It is a platform set up by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) in
collaboration with KPMG India for Development/ Sector Partners working in rural WASH
space of India.
• Aim of forum- To supplement the efforts of DDWS in the implementation of the Swachh
Bharat Mission (Grameen – Phase II) and Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Launched- July 2022 and has since grown to include over 200 partners.
Source: PIB

125. Bengaluru has become the 1st Indian city to join World Cities Culture Forum.
• World Cities Culture Forum -
o Founded in- 2012 by the office of the Mayor of London.
o It is a global network of nearly 40 cities, which provides a way for policy makers in
these cities to share research and intelligence, and explore the vital role of culture for
their future prosperity.
Source: ToI

126. ITC in collaboration with the Department of Post has released a special postal stamp to
raise awareness on millets.

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• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has taken several initiatives to celebrate
the International Year of Millets-2023 such as holding of G20 Agriculture Ministerial
Meeting (AMM) and designating ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad as Global Centre of Excellence
on Millets (Shree Anna).
• India is the largest producer of millets in the world.
Knowledge Nuggets-
Why are we focussing on Millets?
• Millets have special nutritive properties (they are high in protein, dietary fibre,
micronutrients and antioxidants) and special agronomic characteristics (drought-
resistant and suitable for semi-arid regions).
• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has declared 2023 as
the International Year of Millets.
National Millets Mission (NMM):
• It was launched in 2007 by Government of India to promote the production and
consumption of millets.
Source: BS

127. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched several new technological
initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
A. YES-TECH Manual
• It is a comprehensive guide to facilitate the implementation of YES-TECH, a technology-
driven yield estimation system, offering methodologies, best practices, and integration
insights for accurate yield assessments at the Gram Panchayat level.
B. WINDS Portal
• It is a centralized platform that hosts, manages, and processes hyper-local weather data
collected by Automatic Weather Stations and Rain Gauges at Taluk/Block and Gram
Panchayat levels.
C. AIDE mobile app
• The app aims to revolutionize the enrolment process by making it door-to-door, making
crop insurance more accessible and convenient for farmers.
Knowledge Nuggets-
What is Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana?

pg. 54
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• Launched in 2016 and is being administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and

Farmers Welfare.
• Objectives:
o To provide insurance coverage and financial support to the farmers in the event
of failure of any of the notified crops as a result of natural calamities, pests &
diseases.
o To encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices.
• Premium:
o There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif
crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops.
o For annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by
farmers is 5%.
Source: PIB

128. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the Resource
Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition in Chennai.
• The coalition has been launched on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Environment and Climate
Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers
meeting.
• The coalition is structured around the three guiding pillars of partnerships for impact,
technology cooperation and finance for scale.
Source: PIB

129. Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed an
agreement for $295 million loan to upgrade state highways in Bihar.
• Purpose- To upgrade around 265-kilometer state highways with climate and disaster
resilient design, and road safety elements.
Knowledge Nuggets-
• Since 2008, ADB has provided five loans totalling $1.63 billion to the state of Bihar, for
upgradation of about 1,696-kilometer state highways and construction of a new bridge over
the Ganga River.
Source: PIB

130. Rajkot International Airport in Gujarat has been inaugurated.

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• It is the first greenfield airport in the state and has been built at a cost of Rs 1,405 crore.
Source: ET

131. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the new International Exhibition-cum-
Convention Centre (IECC) named as ‘Bharat Mandapam,’ at the redeveloped Pragati
Maidan complex in Delhi.
• It is set to be the largest conference and exhibition site in India, built at the cost of Rs.2700
crore.
• The complex will also be the venue of the G-20 Summit in September.

Source: IE

132. National Health Authority (NHA) has launched 100 microsites project under Ayushman
Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
What are microsites?
• They are a cluster of small and medium-scale clinics, nursing homes, hospitals with less
than 10 beds, laboratories, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities that are ABDM-
enabled and offer digital health services to patients.
• The microsites aim to establish a small ecosystem within a particular geographic area
where there is complete ABDM adoption, and the entire patient journey is digitised.
Knowledge Nuggets
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• It was launched in September 2021.
• It aims to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals, insurance
firms, and citizens access health records electronically when required.

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• The National Health Authority (NHA) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
will be the implementing Agency.
Source: TH

133. President of India has laid the foundation stone for “Divine Light House” of Prajapita
Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya at Dasabatia, Odisha
• The theme of the year “The Year of Positive Change” has also been launched for
conducting seminars and conferences.
Source: PresidentofIndia

134. Prime Minister (PM) of India has inaugurated Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam, a 2-
day event.
• The event was organized to mark the 3rd anniversary of the National Education Policy
(NEP) 2020.

Key Highlights of Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam

• The PM released the first instalment of funds under the PM SHRI Scheme.
• The PM also released education and skill curriculum books translated into 12 Indian
languages, enhancing learning by allowing students to study in their mother tongue.
• The Union Minister of Education and Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
launched ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) app.
o Slogan: Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.
o Objective: Impart basic education,digital and financial literacy and critical life skills.
o Beneficiary: Citizens aged 15 and above who have missed the opportunity to
attend formal schooling.
o It is being implemented through volunteerism. It encourages volunteers to
participate as DUTY or Kartavya Bodh towards nation-building.
Knowledge Nuggets
PM-SHRI
• Centrally Sponsored scheme announced in 2022.
• Objective: Development of more than 14500 schools across the country which will be
redeveloped to reflect the key features of the new National Education Policy, 2020.
• Duration: 2022-23 to 2026-27
Source: PIB , PIB
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135. Ministry of Culture has launched portal of ‘MERA GAON MERI DHAROHAR’, a virtual
museum at Qutub Minar, Delhi.
About Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD):
• It is a component of National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) established by the
Ministry of Culture in coordination with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts
(IGNCA).
• Objective: To culturally map India's 6.5 lakh villages, spanning 29 States and 7 Union
Territories, on a comprehensive virtual platform.
• Core Idea: To encourage appreciation for India's culture and traditions, paving way for
economic growth, social harmony, and artistic development in rural communities.
• MGMD is undertaken as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), an initiative of the
Government of India (GoI) to celebrate 75 years of independence.
Source: PIB

136. PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 2nd edition of Semicon India 2023 conference
organised by India Semiconductor Mission at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Theme: ‘Catalysing India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem’
• Purpose: To provide a platform to the participants to deliberate on various aspects shaping
the semiconductor ecosystem in India.
Other major highlights of the conference
• US CHIP design major Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has planned to invest up to $400
million in India over the next 5 years.
o AMD is a leading designer of semiconductor chips globally and is the chief
competitor to Intel.
• Micron reaffirmed its commitment to establish India's first semiconductor plant in
Gujarat.
o This will include a total investment of USD 2.75 billion (around Rs 22,540 crore) with
the total cost of the plant comprising USD 825 million (around Rs 6,760 crore) from
Micron and the rest from the Indian government in two phases.
Source: PIB , BS

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137. Central Government has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to sign an
agreement for an additional $200 million loan, dedicated to the ongoing Rajasthan
Secondary Towns Development Sector Project.
About the project -
• It was launched in 2020 with initial capital of $300 million to assist the Government of
Rajasthan in enhancing access to better water supply services in at least 14 secondary
towns.
Source: ET

STATE NEWS
1. Seven different products from Uttar Pradesh have received GI tags.
• The Geographical Indications Registry is located at Chennai.
• Products - ‘Amroha Dholak’, ‘Mahoba Gaura Patthar Hastashlip’, ‘Mainpuri Tarkashi’,
‘Sambhal Horn Craft’, ‘Baghpat Home Furnishings’, ‘Barabanki Handloom Product’ and
‘Kalpi Handmade Paper’
Source: The Hindu and GI

2. Maharashtra Chief minister Eknath Shinde announced to rename the upcoming Versova–
Bandra Sea Link as Veer Savarkar Setu and Mumbai Trans Harbour Link as Atal Bihari
Vajpayee Smruti Nhava Sheva Atal Setu.
• Maharashtra cabinet also decided to expand the limit of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan
Arogya Yojana from ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh.
• Other than the extension of Jan Arogya Yojana, the state cabinet gave a green nod to
investment proposals worth ₹40,000 crore.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• The State Government of Maharashtra launched its flagship health insurance scheme,
Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana (RGJAY) in 2012.
• The scheme is renamed as Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) from
1st April 2017.
• The Integrated Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) and Ayushman
Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was launched in the state on 1st
April, 2020.

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• United India Insurance Company Limited (a PSU) is providing health insurance

coverage to beneficiaries under the insurance mode.
• Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana is fully funded by Government of
Maharashtra.
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is jointly funded by Government of India and
Government of Maharashtra in the ratio of 60:40.
• The scheme provides coverage for meeting all expenses relating to hospitalization of
beneficiary up to Rs 1,50,000/- per family per policy year.
Source: LiveMint and MPJAY

3. For the first time in India, Greater Chennai Police established a ‘Drone Police Unit’ to assist
cops in aerial surveillance.
• A total of nine drones under three categories are available in this unit: Quick Response
Surveillance Drones (6), Heavy Lift Multirotor Drone (1) and Long-Range Survey Wing
Place (2).
Source: IE

4. Hemis Teschu Festival is organized at Hemis monastery, the biggest Buddhist monastery in
Ladakh.
Source: IE

5. Tamil Nadu has topped in the electronics exports in FY23.

• Tamil Nadu overtook three states - Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra - to
become India’s top exporter of electronic goods in FY23.
• In FY23, Tamil Nadu exported electronic goods worth $5.37 billion.
Source: HBL

6. PM Modi flagged off five Vande Bharat Express trains from Rani Kamlapati Railway
Station in Bhopal.
• These five trains will boost connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa,
Bihar and Jharkhand.
• The five Vande Bharat Express trains are -
o Rani Kamalapati (Bhopal)-Jabalpur Vande Bharat Express,
o Khajuraho-Bhopal-Indore Vande Bharat Express,
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o Madgaon (Goa)-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express,

o Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express,
o Hatia-Patna Vande Bharat Express
Source: LiveMint

7. Under its Anna Bhagya scheme, Karnataka govt will provide cash equivalent to the 5 kg of
rice to the Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in exchange of rice.
• Reason – the state is unable to procure rice
Source: ET

8. The 7th edition of Mysuru Literature Festival will be held at Hotel Southern Star in Mysuru.
• Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Bibek Debroy, and
Kannada writer and Jnanapith award winner Chandrashekar Kambar will be the guests of
honour.
Source: The Hindu

9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Sai Hira global convention centre at
Prasanthi Nilayam in Sri Sathya Sai district of Andhra Pradesh.
Source: TOI

10. Union Minister for Home and Cooperation Amit Shah virtually launched the ‘Akshar River
Cruise’ on Sabarmati Riverfront.
• The cruise is the first passenger catamaran built in the country under Make in India at a
cost of Rs 15 crore.
Source: IE

11. Odisha Government has launched ‘Mo Jungle Jami Yojana’ (My Forestland Scheme) for the
forest dwellers.
• The scheme intends to complete recognition of all rights under the Scheduled Tribes and
Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights Act), 2006 in the next
two years.
• Forest Rights Cells will be constituted at the tahsil and district level to assist in the
effective implementation of FRA, 2006.

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• Odisha is ranked third in terms of tribal population and has 62 types of tribes including 13
Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Source: The Hindu

12. Jammu and Kashmir has launched India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot to ensure the
availability of health counsellors, clinical psychologists and consultants round-the-clock.
• ‘J&K Health Conclave’ on Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases was
inaugurated at Srinagar by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
• J-K Health and Medical Education Department has also signed memorandums of
understanding (MoUs) with Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre and
National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• About Tele- MANAS
o National Tele Mental Health Programme of India, Tele Mental Health Assistance
and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) was announced in Budget 2022.
o Tele-MANAS is a two-tier system.
▪ Tier 1 comprises State Tele MANAS cells, which includes trained
counsellors and mental health specialists.
▪ Tier 2 comprises specialists at District Mental Health Programme
(DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-
Sanjeevani for audio visual consultation.
Source: Business Standard

13. Tamil Nadu Police has launched an initiative ‘Pengal Pathukappu Thittam’ to ensure
women’s protection.
• A helpline has been launched for women travelling alone at night between 10 pm and 6 am.
• Other Initiatives by TN government-
o ‘Police Akka’ (Police sister)- To prevent young girls, especially college students
from falling prey to cybercrime
o ‘Kaaval Karangal’- Rescuing people who are abandoned and need protection and
care, including the mentally ill.
Source: CSR Journal

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14. Tamil Nadu government has issued the operational guidelines for ‘Kalaignar Magalir Urimai
Thogai’ scheme
• Features of the scheme-
o Eligibility- Women who have completed 21 years of age with an annual family
income of less than ₹2.5 lakh; family land holding not exceeding 5 acres (wetland)
and 10 acres (dryland); and annual household electricity consumption below 3,600
units.
o Launch date- September 15, 2023
o Financial Assistance- Rs. 1000/month
Source: The Hindu

15. Gujarat government has signed six Memorandum of Understanding with private industries
for mangrove plantation under Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible
Incomes (MISHTI) scheme.
• Purpose – to plant over 3000 hectares area of land to conserve coastal ecosystems
Knowledge Nuggets
• MISHTI scheme plans to explore the possible area for the development of mangroves
covering approximately 540 sq km, spreading across 11 states and 2 union territories for 5
years, starting from 2023-24 onwards.
• In Udupi, World Environment Day 2023 will be observed by planting mangroves at Kodi of
Kundapur, under the MISHTI scheme.
Source: News on Air, Times of India

16. Odisha CM Patnaik has launched 'Ama Pokhari' project for development of urban water
bodies.
• Around 2,000 large water bodies in all 115 urban local bodies of the state will be covered
under the project.
• Rs.120 crores will be spent on the implementation of the initiative.
Source: The New Indian Express

17. Odisha Government has launched ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ (our Odisha new Odisha) to
boost rural infrastructure especially digital connectivity, and promote the Jagannath culture
across the state.

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• An amount of Rs.4000 Crore has been sanctioned under the scheme from the State
Budget.
• Coverage: The scheme will cover all Gram Panchayats in each Block of the State with the
entitlement of Rs.50 lakhs.
• Project Cost: Every gram panchayat can take up works up to Rs. 10 lakhs under the
scheme.
• Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Odisha.
• The present scheme is a modified version of the previous initiative, ‘Ama Gaon
Ama Bikash’ (our village our development).
Source: TOI

18. Gujarat Government has launched the Antyodaya Shram Suraksha Accident Insurance
Scheme.
About the scheme -
• Objective of the scheme- To ensure financial stability for the workers in case of any
accident or death.
• Implementing Ministries- Indian Postal Department, the Indian Post Payments Bank and
the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• Beneficiaries- All those registered under the e-Shram portal.
• Under this scheme, insurance with a premium of ₹289 and ₹499 per year will provide to be
crucial support to workers in the event of death or partial disability.
• Financial Support- In case of the labourer’s accidental death, Rs. 10 lakhs will be given to
their family and the same amount will be given to the worker in case of permanent disability.
Also, in the event of the death, the deceased’s children will be eligible for education
assistance of Rs. 1 lakh.
Source: CMOGujarat

19. Uttar Pradesh Government has approved the construction of two 'Obra D' thermal power
projects of 800 MW each in the state.
• The thermal power plants will be built at the cost of Rs. 18,000 crore and executed by the
government with a 50:50 partnership with central government-owned power generator
NTPC.
• The 'Obra D' thermal power plants will be the first ever ultra-super critical unit in the
state.
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• The plant will boast of state-of-the-art technology and high efficiency, with low consumption
of coal, bringing down the cost of power generation, which will lead to slashing of electricity
rates in UP.
Source: ET

20. Jammu and Kashmir has launched a Mobile-Dost-App in sync with the vision of Apka-
Mobile-Hamara-Daftar, an initiative for mobile-based delivery of citizen-centric services in the
Union Territory.
• The app aims to empower the people of Jammu & Kashmir by providing a comprehensive
platform to access all the Government to Citizen Services (G2C) directly from their mobile
devices.
Source: NewsonAir

21. Goa Government Has Signed 3 memorandum of Understanding with Credit Guarantee Fund
Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), Paytm and Institute of Chartered
Accountants (ICAI).
• With CGTMSE
o For administering the Goa Credit Guarantee Scheme or Mukhyamantri Saral
Udyog Sahayya Yojana in the state.
o The state government in the budget 2023-24 has announced to introduce the
scheme this year and assign Rs 10 crore to raise credit guarantee coverage under
CGTMSE up to 95%.
▪ Currently, for loans up to Rs 5 lakh, the guarantee cover available for micro
enterprises under CGTMSE is up to 85% while for loans between Rs 5 lakh
and Rs 5 crore, the cover is up to 75%.
• With Paytm
o To facilitate digital payments across various government departments by deploying
Paytm devices – Electronic data capture (EDC) machines, PoS (Point of sale)
terminals and QR (Quick response) code and promoting the Paytm app.
• WITH ICAI
o For training on technical cooperation in GST and to develop co-operation and
collaboration in capacity building, research, assistance in policymaking, consulting
and other activities.
Source: FE and goagov.in
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22. Sarbananda Sonowal (Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush) has laid
the foundation stone of Inland Waterways Transport (IWT) Terminal in Assam.
• The terminal will be developed at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh, along the banks of Brahmaputra
river (along National highway-2) in Assam.
• The tourist-cum-cargo IWT terminal will be developed at a cost of ₹46.60 crores and is
scheduled to be completed by February, 2024.
Source: Economic Times

23. Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary Swapnil Naik has launched 'Yuva Tourism Club' in
Itanagar.
• The Yuva Tourism Club is an initiative by the Ministry of Tourism.
o Purpose- To nurture and develop young ambassadors of tourism who will act as a
catalyst for attracting more tourism to India.
• In Arunachal Pradesh, 135 Yuva Tourism Clubs with over 5000 members have been
formed.
Source: Newsonair

24. Madhya Pradesh government to set up 9,000 'CM Rise' schools to provide quality education.
• Features of School:
o The schools will provide quality education and will have 'smart classes' through
which teachers from Delhi and Mumbai can teach students.
o Atal Tinkering Lab will also be set up in these schools for promoting innovations
and creativity. The schools will have modern labs, sports grounds etc,"
o A 'School Chale Hum' campaign has also been launched.
Source: ET

25. Himachal Pradesh has launched the Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023 website, a digital platform
aimed at aiding the disaster-affected people of the state.
Source: HT

26. Rajasthan assembly has passed the ‘Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill, 2023’
Features of the bill
• All families of the state to get guaranteed employment of 125 days every year.
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• The aged, disabled, widows, and single women will get a minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per
month.
o Importantly, the pension will be increased at the rate of 15% each year.
• The Bill has 3 broad categories-
o Right to minimum guaranteed income,
o Right to guaranteed employment
o Right to guaranteed social security pension.
• The government has anticipated an additional expenditure of Rs 2,500 crore per year for
this scheme.
Source: IE

27. Gujarat government has revamped Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-Mukhyamantri
Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) scheme.
• While the Centre's PMJAY is popularly known as Ayushman Bharat, MA stands for the
state government's Mukhyamantri Amrutam scheme, which was merged with the central
health scheme.
• Under the revamped scheme, people can avail free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh
instead of the previous limit of Rs 5 lakh.
Source: ET

28. J&K government has created “Department of Public Grievances” as a separate

Administrative Department
• The department will deal with the redressal of Public Grievances and Lieutenant Governor's
Mulaqaat - Live Public Grievance Hearing.
• It will also deal with Jammu and Kashmir Integrated Grievance Redress and Monitoring
System (JK-IGRAMS).
Source: NoA

29. Govt. of Gujarat and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
have jointly launched ‘One District One Product’ Wall at Garvi Gujarat Bhawan in New
Delhi.
• Objective- To promote the indigenous crafts and artisans of the State.
Source: PIB

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30. Gujarat government has signed a memorandum of understanding with London-based

company OneWeb and the Department of Science and and Technology, Government of
India to set up two 'Satellite Network Portal Sites'.
• The satellite network portal site is to be launched in Jotana, Mehsana district, Gujarat and
possibly commissioned in 2023 with an investment of over Rs. 100 crores.
• OneWeb is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite company. It uses LEO to provide a broadband
network instead of using the traditional method of using geostationary satellites located
36,000 km above the equator.
Source: ToI

31. Karnataka government has launched the Gruha Lakshmi scheme.

• Under the scheme, women heads of households across the state would receive ₹2,000
every month.
• Those possessing APL/BPL and Antyodaya cards can avail this benefit, however, the
income tax and GST payers cannot avail this benefit.
Source: Livemint

32. Chhattisgarh government has launched Gramin Awas Nyay (Rural Housing Nyay Scheme).
• A sum of Rs. 100 crores have been earmarked for the scheme which will provide free
housing for poor in the state.
Source: NIE

33. The Uttar Pradesh Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Mobility Policy, 2022 laids out
conditions concerning the subsidy available on the purchase of electric vehicles in the state.
• As per the recent guideline, customers who have purchased electric vehicles in the state
after October 14, 2022, will have to apply on the portal to get a subsidy from the
government.
• To get the purchase subsidy incentive, eligible applicants must apply to the web portal
upevsubsidy.in.
• Eligible applicants will include those who have purchased and registered electric vehicles in
Uttar Pradesh after the date of notification of the policy.
• According to this, a 15% subsidy will be given on the factory price of e-vehicles purchased
in the state.
Source: ET
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34. Surat Diamond Bourse – world's largest office building – has been developed by the
Indian architecture firm Morphogenesis.
• It comprises over 7.1 million square feet of floor space, which means that it has surpassed
the Pentagon as the world’s largest office building.
• Around 90% of all the planet’s diamonds are cut in Surat. On the other hand, the Belgian
city of Antwerp is known as the world’s diamond trading hub.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• What are the objectives of SDB?
o To promote imports, exports and trading of Diamonds, Gems & Jewellery from
India.
o To provide state-of-the-art infrastructure to the organizations engaged in
manufacturing & trading of diamonds.
o To promote, advance, protect and develop trade, commerce and industry relating
to Gems & Jewellery including cutting, polishing and processing.
o To establish and maintaining an International Trading Center in India to facilitate
Diamond, Gems & Jewellery industry.
o To develop India as a modern and sophisticated Diamond, Gems & Jewellery
market in the world.
Source: CNN and SDB

35. Odisha Cabinet has approved provision of Rs. 5700 crores for implementation of a state
sector scheme ‘Interest Subsidy-Subvention’ under which interest-free crop loans of up to
Rs. 1 lakh would be made available to farmers.
• Effective interest rate would be 2% for crop loans above Rs.1 lakh to Rs.3 lakh. These
interest rates would be applicable retrospectively from April 1, 2022.
Source: The Hindu

36. The Rajasthan Assembly has passed the Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill,
2023 to provide minimum guaranteed income to all adult citizens as part of a welfare package
for the state.
• Under it, some beneficiaries will receive guaranteed employment at minimum wage for at
least 125 days per financial year.

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• Other beneficiaries such as senior citizens, specially-abled persons, widows and single
women shall be entitled to a pension under the Bill. The pension payable shall be increased
at the rate of 15% per annum from FY 2024-25.
Source: India Today

37. Telangana is launching the second phase of the “Saagu Baagu” (agricultural advancement),
in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF).
• Recently, the Switzerland-based WEF has also released a report “How AI and emerging
technologies are shaping the future of agriculture in India’s Telangana State” based
on the results of the pilot “Saagu Baagu” project.

About the Project -

• Purpose of the project – to provide the farmers access to ag-tech services such as AI-
based advisories, soil testing, produce quality testing and e-commerce
• Launch - The project was initiated in 2022
• Implementation partner - Digital Green (in consortium with three agritech start-ups) and
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
• Progress - The first phase of the project has impacted the lives of over 7000 chilli farmers
in the state.

Phase 2 of the Project -

• Launch – 2023
• Coverage - 20,000 chilli and groundnut farmers in three districts
• Database - Public infrastructure — India’s first agricultural sandbox, an agricultural data
exchange and agri-data management framework — will be included in this phase to support
agritech services.

Phase 3 of the Project -

• Launch – 2025
• Coverage – to be announced
Knowledge Nuggets -

pg. 70
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• World Economic Forum is implementing its Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture

Innovation (AI4AI) initiative to use emerging technology solutions in the agriculture
ecosystem in India.
• Launched in - August 2020
• Participants - World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution India,
Government of Telangana and support from the Ministry of Agriculture, the NITI Aayog
and the Ministry of Electronics and IT
Source: HBL and AI4AI

38. Kerala has got India's first Construction Innovation Hub (CIH) that seeks to promote
affordable and sustainable building facilities to foster collaboration, innovation and knowledge-
sharing among the stakeholders.
• Location of CIH – Kochi
• Collaboration – It has been set up in association with Habitat for Humanity India (HFHI),
which is an American non-profit organisation building homes and providing housing-related
services to low-income families
• Administration of CIH - Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will be responsible for the CIH’s
overall programme management
o KSUM Chief Executive Officer - Anoop Ambika
Source: HBL

39. Odisha's Naveen Patnaik became the second-longest-serving chief minister in the
country, replacing West Bengal's Jyoti Basu.
• Patnaik, the five-time chief minister of Odisha, took charge on March 5, 2000, and holds the
post for 23 years and 138 days.
• Basu served as the chief minister of West Bengal for 23 years and 137 days.
• Former Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling still holds the record of being the
longest-serving CM in the country. He was the CM from December 12, 1994, till May 27,
2019 -- more than 24 years.
• Patnaik is also the third leader after Chamling and Basu to become the chief minister of a
state for five consecutive times.
Source: ET

pg. 71
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40. Gujarat government has unveiled the Semiconductor Policy (2022-2027) to promote
domestic semiconductor chip manufacturing sector.
• It is the first state in India to introduce a dedicated Semiconductor Policy.
• The State government has also unveiled an IT/ITES (Information Technology and
Information Technology Enabled Services) policy tailored to invigorate the information
technology and semiconductor design domains.
• Recently, an MoU was signed between the US-based Micron Technology and the
Government of Gujarat for establishment of a state-of-the-art Semiconductor Assembly,
Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP) facility in Sanand, Gujarat at over Rs 22,500
crore.
Source: News on Air

41. Rajasthan assembly has passed the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration
and Welfare) Bill, 2023.
Features of the bill
• A welfare board, The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board will be
formed.
o Members- To meet at least once in six months.
▪ Chairperson: Labour Minister
▪ 2 members, each from gig workers and aggregators to be nominated by the
state government.
▪ 2 more representatives, including one from civil society, will also be
nominated by the state government.
▪ One-third of the Board to consist of women.
o Purpose- The board will ensure registration of gig workers and aggregators
operating in the state and establish a social security and welfare fund for gig
workers.
• Registration of gig workers and aggregators:
o Aggregators will have to provide its database of all platform-based gig workers on-
boarded or registered with them to the state government within 60 days of
enforcement of this Act.
▪ The state government will maintain a database of the gig workers and
generate a unique ID for every one of them.

pg. 72
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o Aggregators too will have to get registered with the state government within 60 days
of enforcement of the Act.
• Platform Based Gig Workers Fund and Welfare Fee –
o Under this, a social security and welfare fund will be established for gig workers.
Apart from other sources, it will be made up of a Gig Workers Welfare Fee that will
be levied from an aggregator.
• Provision for penalties- If any aggregator fails to pay the welfare fee within time, they will
be penalised with an interest of 12% per annum from the date on which such payment is
due.
o If any other clauses of the act are violated by the aggregators, the Bill empowers the
state government to impose a fine up to Rs 5 lakh for the first contravention and up
to Rs 50 lakh for subsequent contraventions.
Source: IE

42. Tamil Nadu’s Authoor betel leaves have been issued Geographical Indication certificate.
• The tag is registered in the name of Authoor Vattara Vetrilai Vivasayigal Sangam.
• The betel leaves are locally known as Vettrilai, are nurtured by Thamirabrani river water.
They also find a mention in the 13th-Century book 'The Travels of MARCO POLO (The
Venetian)'.
Source: NIE

43. Odisha’s Naveen Patnaik has become the 2nd longest serving Chief Minister in India.
• Patnaik, the five-time Chief Minister of Odisha, has been holding the post for the last 23
years and 139 days.
• He achieved this feat by breaking record of West Bengal CM Jyoti Basu, who held the
office for 23 years 137 days.
• Former Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling still holds the record of being
the longest-serving Chief Minister of the Indian State, he served the state for over 25
years.
Source: ANI

44. Madhya Pradesh government has lowered the minimum age for Ladli Behna Yojana.
• This is an ambitious financial assistance scheme for underprivileged women where they
are eligible for receiving ₹1,000 every month.
pg. 73
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• Earlier- Women aged between 23 and 60 years.

o Now, those completing 21 years from January this year would also be included.
o They, however, should be married and fulfil the other existing eligibility criteria
Source: TH

45. Telangana government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Walmart
and Flipkart for capacity building of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the
State.
• Objective- Development of local MSMEs towards accessing a wider domestic marketspace,
to leverage online retail and enable sustained growth and commercialisation.
Source: NIE

46. AP-Genco and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd. (NHPC) will form a Joint
Venture (JV) for implementing Pumped Storage Hydropower Projects (PSPHs) in Andhra
Pradesh.
• Total generation capacity of the projects under JV- 6,000 MW
Source: HBL

47. 20,000 Government teacher have been trained under Naan Mudhalvan Scheme of Tamil
Nadu.
• Under the scheme, announced in the State Budget 2023-24, 1,000 civil services aspirants
would be shortlisted every year through a test and each of them would be provided ₹7,500 a
month for 10 months to prepare for the preliminary examination.
Source: TH

48. Government of Chhattisgarh has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with
Tata Technologies, an engineering and product development digital services company.
• Purpose- To modernise 36 government-owned ITIs in the state with a total project cost of
Rs 1188.36 crore.
Source: Tata

49. Tamil Nadu government has signed a memorandum of Understanding with U.K. government
for setting up a botanical garden in Chengalpattu near Chennai.

pg. 74
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• Purpose- Kew Gardens, London will provide advice and expertise around landscape
planning, plant collection development and botanical garden management.
• Other initiatives launched-
o ‘Roadmap for Green Indexing of Industries’ for industrial decarbonisation in Tamil
Nadu.
o U.K. Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions’ (UK PACT) mangrove
project.
o “Tide Turner Plastic Challenge”, a global youth-led movement against single use
plastics in association with UNEP.
Source: TH

50. Kerala has introduced the 'Shubhayatra' scheme, which aims to support and facilitate
overseas emigrants from the state to enhance international migration.
• With a financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh, a tax holiday for 6 months, and attractive
interest subvention, the scheme intends to help eligible candidates cover the incidental
expenses associated with overseas employment.
• The scheme will provide a soft loan called ‘foreign employability skilling assistant’ which
covers preparatory expenses for migration.
• The Kerala government has allocated ₹2 crore in the current financial year for providing tax
holidays and interest subvention to emigrants.
• Candidates who avail of the soft loan will have a grace period of up to 3 years to repay the
borrowed amount.
Source: TH

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

1. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a unique package of
innovative schemes for farmers with a total outlay of Rs.3,70,128.7 crore.
A) Continuation of Urea Subsidy Scheme
• Purpose - to ensure constant availability of urea to the farmers at the same price of Rs
242/ 45 kg bag excluding taxes and neem coating charges.
• Out of above approved package, Rs. 3,68,676.7 crore have been committed for urea
subsidy for three years (2022-23 to 2024-25).

pg. 75
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• This is apart from recently approved Nutrient Based Subsidy of Rs 38,000 Crore for
Kharif season for 2023-24.
o NBS covers Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potash (K) and Sulphur (S).
• At present, the MRP of urea is Rs.242 per 45 kg bag of urea (exclusive of charges
towards neem coating and taxes as applicable), whereas the actual cost of the bag
comes around Rs. 2200.
• Central Govt has increased fertilizer subsidy from Rs. 73,067 Cr in 2014-15 to Rs.
2,54,799 Cr in 2022-23.
B) Nano Urea eco-system strengthened
• By 2025-26, eight Nano urea plants with production capacity of 44 Crore bottles
equalling to 195 LMT of conventional urea will be commissioned.
C) India to become Aatmanirbhar in Urea by 2025-26
• Indigenous production of urea has increased from the level of 225 LMT during 2014-15,
to 250 LMT during 2021-22.
• In 2022-23, production capacity has increased to 284 LMT.
• These along with Nano Urea Plants will reduce our current import dependency in urea
and finally make us self-sufficient by 2025- 26.
D) PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and Amelioration
of Mother – Earth (PM-PRANAM)
• It was announced in the Budget that PM-PRANAM will be launched to incentivize States/
Union Territories to promote alternate fertilizers and balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
E) Rs. 1451.84 crore have been approved for Market Development Assistance (MDA) for
promoting Organic Fertilizers from Gobardhan Plants
• Market Development Assistance (MDA) scheme in the form of Rs 1500 per MT to
support marketing of organic fertilizers, viz., Fermented Organic Manures (FOM)/Liquid
FOM/Phosphate Rich Organic Manures (PROM) produced as by-product from Bio- gas
Plants/Compressed Biogas (CBG) Plants set up under umbrella GOBARdhan
initiative.
• Such organic fertilizers would be branded in the names of Bharat Brand FOM, LFOM
and PROM.
• 500 new waste-to-wealth plants will be set up under GOBARdhan scheme.
F) Introduction of Sulphur coated Urea (Urea Gold)
• Purpose - to address sulphur deficiency of soil and save input costs for the farmers

pg. 76
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G) Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSKs)

• Now, the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSKs) touched 1 lakh.
Source: PIB

2. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Fair and Remunerative Price
(FRP) of sugarcane for sugar season 2023-24 (October - September) at Rs.315/quintal for
a basic recovery rate of 10.25%.
• It has also been approved to provide a premium of Rs.3.07/quintal for each 0.1% increase
in recovery over and above 10.25%, & reduction in FRP by Rs.3.07/quintal for every 0.1%
decrease in recovery.
• The FRP approved shall be applicable for purchase of sugarcane from the farmers in the
sugar season 2023-24 (starting w.e.f. 1st October 2023) by sugar mills.
• India is the second largest exporter of sugar in the world. In sugar season 2021-22, India
has also become largest producer of sugar.
• It is expected that India would become third largest ethanol producing country in the
world by 2025-26.

Source: PIB

3. Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s

Innovation Cell, has announced a Tomato Grand Challenge (TGC) hackathon to invite
innovative ideas at various levels of the tomato value chain.
• Purpose - to ensure availability of tomato to the consumers at affordable prices and help
tomato farmers get value for the produce

pg. 77
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• Tracks/ Categories of participants -

o Students, Research Scholars and Faculty Members and
o Industry individuals, Indian start-ups, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),
Limited Liability Partnership (LLPs), Professionals
Source: PIB

4. Department of Consumer Affairs has started the procurement of tomatoes under the Price
Stabilisation Fund and is making it available at a highly subsidised rate to consumers.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• Price Stabilization Fund - The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up in 2014-15
under the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Famers Welfare (DAC&FW) to help
regulate the price volatility of important agri-horticultural commodities like onion, potatoes
and pulses were also added subsequently.
o The PSF scheme was transferred from DAC&FW to the Department of
Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April 2016.
o The PSF is utilized for granting interest free advance of working capital to Central
Agencies, State/UT Governments/Agencies to undertake market intervention
operations.
o This fund can be used for imports.
• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) - The DAC&FW implements the MIS to protect the
growers of perishable agri-horticultural commodities from making distress sale in the
event of a bumper crop during the peak arrival period when the prices tend to fall below
economic levels and cost of production.
o Under the scheme, the loss on account of the fall in price is borne between the
central government and the state government on a 50:50 basis.
Source: PIB and Statesman

5. Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics

(ICRISAT) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) have released BARI
Chinabadam-12 (ICGV 07219).
• This is an improved groundnut variety in Bangladesh.
• It demonstrates greater resistance to foliar fungal diseases and matures four days earlier
than its counterpart.

pg. 78
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• This new variety is useful for groundnut cultivation in areas typically submerged during the
rainy season, such as the ‘Char regions’ (newly-formed landmasses in a river or estuary).
Source: HBL

DEFENCE NEWS
1. Three Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will take part in the Bastille Day
celebrations over the Champs Elysees in Paris.
• PM Narendra Modi will attend this year’s Bastille Day Parade as the guest of honour.
Source: IE

2. Indian Air Force will hold a major multilateral exercise codenamed 'Exercise Tarang Shakti'
in October-November 2023.
Source: ANI

3. The 7th edition of the SALVEX (Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal) exercise has been
conducted between Indian Navy and US Navy at Kochi.
• The exercise is being held since 2005.
• Ships INS Nireekshak and USNS Salvor were included from Indian and US sides
respectively.
• The exercise aims at enhancing interoperability, cohesiveness and gaining from best
practices mutually.
Source: PIB

4. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a Teaming Agreement with Spain-based Navantia to
participate in the Navy’s P75 (India) submarine project.
• These submarines will be based on Spain’s S80 class of submarines.
• P75 (I) would be the first programme to be processed under the ambitious Strategic
Partnership model of acquisition of the Defence Ministry.
Knowledge Nuggets -
Difference between Project 75 and Project 75(I) –
• Project 75 –
o Developing six diesel electric submarines by Mazagaon Dock Shipyard Ltd in
collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
pg. 79
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o List of submarines and their dates of commissioning –

▪ INS Kalvari (1st) – 2017
▪ INS Khanderi (2nd) – 2019
▪ INS Karanj (3rd) – 2021
▪ INS Vela (4th) - 2021
▪ INS Vagir (5th) - 2023
▪ INS Vagsheer (6th) - 2024

Project 75(I) -
• The P-75I class is a follow-on of the P-75 class submarines of the Indian Navy.
• The Project 75 (I) will develop the six new conventional submarines equipped with Air-
Independent Propulsion under the Strategic Partnership Model.
o Strategic Partnership Model – It is a collaboration between domestic industry
and a foreign company to produce high-end military platforms to reduce import
dependence.
• All six submarines are expected to be constructed in India under the Make in India
initiative.
Source: IE and The Hindu

5. Indian Defence ministry has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
for procurement of two Dornier Aircraft for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an overall cost of Rs
458 crore.
• HAL will indigenously manufacture the Dornier Aircraft at its Kanpur facility.
• Earlier this year, the defence ministry had signed a deal with HAL to procure six Dornier
aircraft at a cost of Rs 667 crore for the Indian Air Force.
Knowledge Nuggets
• The Dornier aircraft is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft.
• It has been developed specifically to meet the manifold requirements of utility and
commuter transport as well as for maritime surveillance.
Source: Economic Times and Livemint

6. INS Sunayna, an Indian naval ship, recently visited Seychelles as part of the multinational
maritime security exercise known as Op Southern Readiness 2023.

pg. 80
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• The exercise conducted by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) aims to enhance
cooperation and counter piracy while ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation in the
region.
Source: PIB

7. India Navy is hosting the bilateral JIMEX (Japan-India Maritime Exercise) 2023 (7th edition)
from 05 -10 July 2023 at Vishakhapatnam.
• The exercise conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-
Defense Force, began in 2012.
• JIMEX 23 will witness the participation of-
o INS Delhi (India's first indigenously built Guided Missile Destroyer)
• INS Kamorta (India’s indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette)
o INS Shakti (India’s fleet tanker)
o P8I (India’s maritime patrol aircraft) and Dornier
o JS Samidare (Japan’s guided missile destroyer)
Source: PIB

8. 15th edition of bilateral joint military exercise “NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23” is scheduled to be

conducted at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
• It is an annual training event with Mongolia which is conducted alternatively in Mongolia
and India.
• Last edition - Special Forces Training School, Bakloh (Himachal Pradesh) in 2019
• Participant from India - JAMMU AND KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment
• Aim- Build positive military relations, exchange best practices, develop inter-operability,
bonhomie, camaraderie and friendship between the two armies.
• Primary theme - To focus on counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under
United Nations mandate.
Source- PIB

9. Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) has signed a contract with Indian Army for
procurement of Tactical Access Switch.
• This device would strengthen the tactical communication capability of the Indian Army.
Source: ANI
pg. 81
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10. First barge of series LSAM 7 has been delivered to Indian Navy.
• The barge is built in accordance with the classification requirements of the Indian Register
of Shipping (IRS) and has a service life of 30 years.
• Working Group on Military Cooperation of the Indian-Russian Intergovernmental
Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) has met
for the 3rd time in Delhi.
Source: newsbharti

11. India-made C295, a military transport aircraft to be delivered from Vadodara factory starting
2026.
• Till now, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had a monopoly over manufacture of
military aircraft in India.
• In 2021, India formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the legacy
Avro fleet of the IAF at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore.
o Under the deal, first 16 aircraft will come from Airbus facility in Seville while the
remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured by the Tata Advanced Systems (TASL)
in India.
o A fully operational factory will be in place in Vadodara in Gujarat by November 2024
and are scheduled for delivery between 2026 and 2031.
Source: IE

12. Government to provide free-dish in border villages on Indo-China border.

• The government will provide 1 lakh 50 thousand free Doordarshan DTH connections in far-
flung areas to improve Akashvani's reach in border villages.
Source: NoA

13. The Indian Air Force will receive its first Airbus military transport aircraft C295 in
September 2023.
• The trials of the aircraft will take place at Airbus’s Seville facility in Spain.
• The first 16 C-295 aircraft will be delivered to the IAF by Airbus in flyaway condition from
Spain.
• Remaining 40 planes are to be built in India
• Total cost of 56 planes - ₹21,935 crore
pg. 82
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• Indian Developer of the 40 planes - Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus
are jointly executing the project
o Manufacturing - The main constituent assembly for the C295 set up by Tata at
Hyderabad will be functional in July 2023, while the final assembly line in Vadodara
will be operational in November 2024
Source: LiveMint

14. The Indian Army flagged off an all-women motorcycle rally, in partnership with TVS Motor
Company, on the occasion of commemorating the 24th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
(July 26).
• 25 riders, atop TVS Ronin, participated in this rally which will stretch from the National War
Memorial in New Delhi to Kargil War Memorial in Dras, Ladakh.
• Chief of Army Staff - Gen. Manoj Pande
Source: FE

15. Home minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Aviation Security Control Centre (ASCC) as a
part of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
• Scope - The ASCC will cater to all airports protected by CISF.
• Location - It will be located at the force’s Mahipalpur campus in New Delhi.
• Components - It will have four components – communication and monitoring centre,
incident management centre, aviation research centre and data centre.
• Purpose - to present a one-stop solution to all aviation security needs including real-time
monitoring of bomb threat calls and VVIP movement, maintenance of contingency plans
and researching the latest technologies and gadgets in the field
Source: TOI

16. India has decommissioned INS Kirpan, its fully operational indigenously built missile corvette,
and handed it over Vietnamese Navy.
• It is the first time in India’s history when it has decommissioned a fully operation corvette
and given to another nation with a complete weapon complement.
• The handing over ceremony took place at Cam Ranh in Vietnam.
• INS Kirpan served in Indian Navy for 32 years. Since its commissioning in 1991, the ship
has been an integral part of the Navy’s Eastern Fleet.

pg. 83
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• It is manned by about 12 officers and 100 sailors and is 90 meters long and 10.45 meters in
width with a maximum displacement of 1,450 tons.
• The transfer of INS Kirpan from the Indian Navy to the Vietnam People’s Navy symbolises
the status of the Indian Navy of being the ‘Preferred Security partner’ in the Indian
Ocean Region.
• Chief of Naval Staff - R Hari Kumar
Knowledge Nuggets -
• In June 2022, India finalised the $500 million Defence Line of Credit extended to
Vietnam.
• Both countries had signed a Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence
Partnership towards 2030 and had inked a pact on Mutual Logistics Support to
strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between them.
• Last year, India had handed over 12 high-speed guard boats to Vietnam at a ceremony at
the Hong Ha Shipyard.
• In a visit to Vietnam in June last year, defence minister Rajnath Singh had announced
gifting two simulators and monetary grant towards setting up of Language and IT Lab at
Air Force Officers Training School for capacity building of Vietnamese Armed Forces.
Source: IE

17. An Indian Navy Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and an Indian Air Force (IAF) C-130 transport
aircraft has visited Australia’s Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
• Purpose- To expand the strategic reach of the Indian military and improve interoperability
with Australia.

pg. 84
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Source: TH

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
1. Nasscom has signed an MOU with MIDAS (Manchester's Inward Investment Agency) and
MAG (Manchester Airports Groups) to promote innovation, investment, and technological
exchange between Greater Manchester, in the UK, and India.
• This MoU will lead to the establishment of the first Nasscom launchpad in the UK.
Source: TOI

2. NADA India signed an MoU with South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization
(SARADO), comprising of Anti-Doping Organizations of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal
and Sri Lanka, at the NADA India – SARADO Cooperation Meet in New Delhi.
• Purpose - to increase the Regional Cooperation in anti-doping in sport
Source: PIB

3. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of

Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and the Public Service Division, of the
Republic of Singapore have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for
cooperation in the field of personnel management and public administration till 2028.
Source: Livemint

4. THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to provide technical services as the technical
consultant.
• THDCIL will assess the landslide susceptibility areas and recommend mitigation measures
for vulnerable slopes between Udhampur and Ramban on NH 44.
Source: Economic Times

5. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
Voyager Space (US-based) to foster collaboration in spacecraft launch and deployment
opportunities

pg. 85
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• Under this MOU, Voyager Space and NSIL will explore launch and deployment
opportunities for small satellites orbited by Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), under
Department of Space (DOS) is the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO).
Source: prnewswire.in

6. The Bureau of Water Use Efficiency, National Water Mission, under the Ministry of Jal
Shakti and Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) have signed an MOU for a Water Positive
India.
• The MOU aims at awareness creation and promotion of rainwater harvesting structures, low
flow fixtures and sanitary ware, treatment of grey & black water, water audit of built
environment.
• Goal-4 of the National Water Mission envisages increasing the water use efficiency by
20%.
Source: PIB

7. Election Commission of India and Electoral Tribunal of Panama signed an MOU in

Panama City to establish the institutional framework for their ongoing cooperation in the field
of election management and administration.
• Having signed MoUs with Mexico, Brazil and Chile in the past years, this is the fourth MoU
signed by ECI with an EMB in the Latin Americas region, with an overall 31 MoUs with
EMBs and international organisations across the world.
Source: PIB

8. International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and Climate Policy Initiative –
India (global think tank) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the
mobilization of sustainable finance in India.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• About IFSCA -
o Established in- April 2020
o Act- International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019

pg. 86
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o Mandate- Development and regulation of financial products, financial services,

and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in
India.
o Headquarters- GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
Source: Business Standard

9. Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote millet foods among defence
personnel.
• The MoU will pave the way for the introduction of millet-based menus in mess, canteens
and other food outlets under the MoD.
• The collaboration will ensure training of food handlers & chefs of mess, canteens of the
Armed Forces and other food outlets on food safety and hygiene as per the Food Safety
and Standards Act 2006.
• A book ‘Healthy Recipes for Defence’, developed by FSSAI, which includes a range of
millet-based dishes has also been released.
Source: PIB

10. India and Japan have signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) for the development of
the Integrated Mast United Combined Radio Antenna (NORA-50).
• The system is called UNICORN (UNIted COmbined Radio aNtenna) NORA-50 integration
mast, a horn-shaped structure for tactical data link, TACAN (Tactical Air Navigation
System), and communications.
• The stealth naval antennas will improve communication, navigation, and stealth capabilities.
Source: News Bharti

11. IIT Madras and Ministry of Education have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT) of Zanzibar (Tanzania) to
establish a campus of IIT Madras in Zanzibar.
• This will be the first-ever establishment of an IIT campus outside of India.
• The campus is scheduled to launch its programs in October 2023.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Capital Of Tanzania- Dodoma

pg. 87
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• The National Education Policy 2020 has emphasized to integrate knowledge as a key
element of bilateral relations and promote global welfare.
Source: Financial Express

12. Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for unmanned aircraft systems
& Innovative air mobility.
• The MoU will result in harmonized standards & accelerated growth of Indian unmanned
aviation sector
Knowledge Nuggets
• EU-India Aviation Summit was held in New Delhi in April 2023
Source: PIB

13. India has signed two Memorandum of Understanding with United Arab Emirates (UAE).
1st MOU –
• With the Education and Knowledge department of Abu Dhabi, UAE for setting up
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi campus in the Gulf Country.
o IIT Delhi is the second IIT to announce setting up an offshore campus after IIT
Madras.
o Earlier, IIT Madras signed an MoU for setting up a campus in Tanzania's
Zanzibar.
o In December 2022, IIT-Kharagpur announced its plans to establish its branch in
Malaysia.
2nd MOU –
• With Central Bank of UAE
o For establishing a framework to promote the use of local currencies i.e., the
Indian rupee (INR) and the UAE Dirham (AED) for cross-border transactions.
▪ A Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) will be created to promote
the use of INR and AED bilaterally.
▪ It will cover all current account transactions and permitted capital account
transactions.

pg. 88
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▪ Benefit- This will enable exporters and importers to invoice and pay in
their respective domestic currencies, which in turn would enable the
development of an INR-AED foreign exchange market.
o For interlinking India's Fast Payment Systems (FPSs) – Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) with UAE's Instant Payment Platform (IPP).
Source: Livemint and ET

14. International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with BITS Pilani and PIEDS Finxcelerator, Pilani Campus in Rajasthan.
• This MoU will enable cooperation and collaboration on diverse initiatives regarding
FinTech and TechFin entities.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• About IFSCA - The IFSCA is responsible for development and regulation of
international
financial services, including that of insurance sector, in the IFSC, which is treated
as a separate international financial jurisdiction, distinct from rest of India.
• About PIEDS BITS - The Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society
(PIEDS) BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus is a non-profit society, its initiatives are spread
across incubation, acceleration, seed funding, and innovation.
Source: IFSCA

15. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has signed a memorandum of

understanding (MoU) with Absolute, a bioscience company.
• The partnership aims to enhance the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme
(RWBCIS).
• How?
o By building technical capabilities of the scheme and digitalising service delivery of
crop insurance and agricultural credit processes.
o By promoting credit profiling of farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and farmer producers’
organisations (FPOs) to mobilise agriculture financing.
Source: HinduBL

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16. Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy have signed an MoU to revive the “ancient stitched
shipbuilding method (Tankai method)”
• It is a 2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding.
Source: PIB

17. Ministry of Culture has signed a memorandum of understanding with Canara Bank for
disbursal of financial assistance to the selected beneficiaries under the “Scheme for Financial
Assistance for Veteran Artists”.
• The scheme was earlier known as “Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artists”.
• Under this scheme an amount of Rs. 26.00 crore has been allocated in for the year 2023-
24.
• Eligibility- An artist aged 60 years and above who have contributed in the field of art and
culture in their active age and whose annual income is not more than Rs. 48,000/-
Source: PIB

18. Avaada Group has signed an MoU with REC under which the latter will invest ₹20,000 crore
in the renewable energy solutions company over the next five years.
• The partnership was announced on the sidelines of the 4th meeting of the G20 Energy
Transition Working Group (ETWG) in Goa.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• REC Ltd, formerly known as Rural Electrification Corporation Limited, is a leading public
sector enterprise in India.
• It is a Navratna company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
• REC Ltd (an NBFC) primarily focuses on financing and promoting rural electrification
projects across the country.
Source: HBL

19. Ministry of Culture and the Indian Navy have signed an MoU to revive and preserve the
2000-year-old technique of shipbuilding known as the ‘stitched shipbuilding method’.
Source: PIB

20. The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and AOAC INTERNATIONAL
(AOAC) have signed an MoU to collaborate and enhance the food safety analytical
ecosystem in India.
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• By leveraging AOAC's globally recognized expertise and standards, FSSAI aims to

enhance its analytical capabilities and align with international best practices, ultimately
strengthening the food safety ecosystem in the country.
Source: HT

21. India and Japan signed an MoU on semiconductor development, which will include design,
manufacturing, equipment research and talent development.
• The MoU is on five fronts, viz. semiconductor design, manufacturing, equipment research,
talent development, and bringing resilience to the semiconductor supply chain.
• The semiconductor industry is witnessing rapid growth, surpassing $650 million and
expected to reach $1 billion within the next five to six years
Source: LiveMint

22. IIT-Guwahati has signed an MoU with Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) to build
capacity/skills in international affairs and foreign policy.
• The agreement will be valid for a period of 3 years.
• Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is also the President of the Indian
Council of World Affairs, announced this collaboration during his address at the 25th
Convocation of IIT Guwahati.
Knowledge Affairs -
• The Indian Council of World Affairs was established in 1943 by a group of Indian
intellectuals as a think tank.
• It was registered as a non-official, non-political and non-profit organisation under the
Registration of Societies Act, 1860.
• By an Act of Parliament in 2001, the Indian Council of World Affairs has been declared an
institution of national importance.
• The Vice President of India is the ex-officio President of ICWA.
Source: ET and ICWA

23. India Chamber of Business and Commerce and Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) have signed an MOU to promote India as global Hub in healthcare manufacturing.
Knowledge Nuggets -

pg. 91
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• Founded in 1925, Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the leading and only National
Chamber of Commerce having headquarters in Kolkata.
Source: PIB and ICC

24. An MoU was signed between the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Echo
India (a non-profit organization) to establish JJM Digital Academy.
• The online portal of JJM Digital Academy was launched by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti,
Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
• Purpose - to build the capacity of various stakeholders associated with water supply
programme like administrators, engineers, Panchayat functionaries, technicians, sanitation
workers and foot soldiers by equipping them with necessary knowledge and skills to
effectively contribute to achieving Jal Jeevan Mission objectives.
• The Academy will be using digital technology in delivering training through innovative
approach.
Source: PIB

25. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navratna Defence PSU, has signed MoUs with Gabriel
Power and CoRover Private Limited to leverage opportunities across the power and energy
sectors and AI-based conversational solutions.
Source: HBL

26. Hero Future Energies (HFE) has signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with
REC Ltd and Power Finance Corporation Ltd to develop green energy projects.
• The memorandum will lead to infusion of Rs 3,100 crore each into HFE over the next 5
years.
• The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the 4th G20 Energy Transition Working
Group meeting, Goa.
• The funds will be used to develop renewable projects across the country, including solar and
wind for commercial and industrial customers, utility projects and green hydrogen
derivatives.
Source: BS

27. Kerala Startup Mission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IFSCA to bolster
fintech startups.
pg. 92
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• Benefits- KSUM-registered fintechs will get access to IFSCA’s Regulatory and Innovation
Sandbox. They can also apply to the IFSCA FinTech Incentive Scheme 2022 for grants.
• KSUM is Kerala government’s nodal agency established in 2006 for entrepreneurship
development and incubation activities in the State.
Knowledge Nuggets -
IFSCA
• Established- 2020, under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act,
2019.
• Headquarters- GIFT City, Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
• Mandate- A unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products,
financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre
(IFSC) in India.
• GIFT IFSC is the maiden international financial services centre in India.
o The GIFT city consists of a multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which
houses India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and an
exclusive Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
Source: HBL

28. India AI and Meta India have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on AI
and emerging technologies.
• India AI will leverage Meta's AI research models like Llama, Massively Multilingual Speech,
and No Language Left Behind.
Knowledge Nuggets-
• India AI, an independent business unit (IBU) under the Digital India Corporation, is a
knowledge portal, research organisation, and an ecosystem-building initiative.
• CEO of India AI- Abhishek Singh
Digital India Corporation
• It is a not-for-profit Company set up by Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY), under Section 8 of Companies Act 2013.
o Earlier the company was known as 'Media Lab Asia'.
• Purpose- To lead and guide in realizing the vision, objectives and goals of the Digital India
program.
Source: ET

pg. 93
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29. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) of India and the Ministry of
Information and Communication Technology (MICT) of Papua New Guinea have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share INDIA STACK.
KNOWLEDGE NUGGETS
India Stack
• It is a set of APIs (Application programming interface) that allows governments,
businesses, startups, and developers to utilize a unique digital Infrastructure to solve
India’s hard problems towards presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery.
• India Stack is a government-led initiative to enable various digital services across
different sectors.
• The components of this collection are owned and maintained by different agencies.
• The key components of INDIA STACK include Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface
(UPI) and Digital Locker.
• The vision of India Stack is not limited to one country (India); it can be applied to any
nation, be it a developed one or an emerging one.

Source: PIB

30. State-owned RITES Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian
Railway Finance Corp. (IRFC) to explore avenues of mutual collaboration in the railway eco-
system and the transport infrastructure sector.
Source: LM

pg. 94
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31. State-owned non-banking financing companies Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) and
REC Ltd have signed agreements with major clean energy companies for providing a total of
Rs 5 lakh crore funds to their projects.
• PFC has signed pacts worth Rs 2.37 lakh crore with 20 companies while REC, has signed
for Rs 2.75 lakh crore.
• The memoranda of understanding (MoU) were signed for solar, wind, green hydrogen,
battery storage, and electric vehicle companies as well as the manufacturers of green
energy equipment, among others, in the clean energy space.
Source: ET

32. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with the BITS Goa Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship
Society (BGIIES, Goa).
• Purpose- To drive innovation and progress in the shipbuilding and defence industry using
cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies.
Source: HBL

33. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TMS), the Germany-based leading naval company, has
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian defence PSU Mazagon Dock
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).
• Purpose- For the overhaul and modernisation of submarine INS Shankush to extend its
operational capability.
• INS Shankush is a Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) class submarine.
Source: HBL

INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1. UK has formally signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific
Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc.
• The UK will be the first European member and first new member since CPTPP is created.
• With the UK as a member, CPTPP will have a combined GDP of Great Britain Pound
(GBP) of 12 trillion and account for 15% of global GDP.
• The agreement for the UK’s membership is expected to come into force by next year after
all member nations ratify the deal.
pg. 95
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Knowledge Nuggets –
• The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
(CPTPP) is a free trade agreement (FTA) between Australia, Brunei Darussalam,
Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam.
• The CPTPP was signed by the 11 countries on 8 March 2018 in Santiago, Chile.
• There are 11 countries that are member of CPTPP as of now: Canada, Mexico, Peru,
Chile, New Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan.
o India is not a member.
Source: HinduBL and CPTPP

2. The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has recently removed India from
a list of countries mentioned in a report on children and armed conflict.
• The report highlighted the alleged recruitment and use of boys by armed groups in Jammu
and Kashmir (J&K), as well as their detention, killing, and maiming by security forces.
Source: CSR Journal

3. Earlier, Argentina ranked first with USD 46 billion, Egypt stood in second place with USD 18
billion, Ukraine came in third with USD 12.2 billion, Ecuador took the fourth spot with USD 8.2
billion, and Pakistan was at fifth position with USD 7.4 billion in terms of the loans taken from
the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
• Now, Pakistan will overtake Ecuador to become the world's fourth-largest IMF borrower with
loans worth USD 10.4 billion.
• IMF has recently approved a USD 3 billion to Pakistan under its standby arrangement.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• The Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) provides short-term financial assistance to
countries facing balance of payments problems.
• Terms of Stand-by Arrangement -

A) Interest Rate -
o The market-determined Special Drawing Rights (SDR) interest rate—which
has a minimum floor of 5 basis points—and a margin (currently 100 basis points),
together known as the basic rate of charge.

pg. 96
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o A surcharge of 200 basis points is paid on the amount of credit outstanding above
187.5% of quota. If credit remains above 187.5% of quota after three years, this
surcharge rises to 300 basis points.

B) Duration
• Flexible. Typically covers a period of 12–24 months, but not more than 36 months.

C) Repayment
• Due within 3¼-5 years of disbursement. Each disbursement is repaid in eight equal
quarterly instalments beginning 3¼ years after the date of each disbursement.
Source: BS and IMF

4. United States bid to join United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) after 5 years was approved by large majority in extraordinary
Session of General Conference.
• The United States will fund the equivalent of 22% of the Organization's regular budget.
• It was the 5th extraordinary session of the General Conference held at the UNESCO’s
Headquarters in Paris.
Source: UNESCO

5. Virgin Galactic completes its first commercial spaceflight mission ‘Galactic 01’.
• The spaceship flew six people and more than a dozen research payloads to space in VSS
Unity, a unique suborbital science lab.
• Galactic 02, the first spaceflight with private astronauts, is planned for August 2023.
• Virgin Galactic is an American spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson.
• CEO of Virgin Galactic - Michael Colglazier
Source: Economic Times

6. Iran joined the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation as its 9th member during the 23rd SCO
Council of Heads of State Summit (hosted by India virtually).
• Theme of the SCO Summit - 'Towards a SECURE SCO’
o S: Security, E: Economic development, C: Connectivity, U: Unity, R: Respect
o Prime Minister Modi gave this acronym at the 2018 SCO Qingadao Summit.

pg. 97
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• India has set up new pillars of cooperation under its Chairmanship - Startups and
Innovation; Traditional Medicine; Digital Inclusion; Youth Empowerment; and Shared
Buddhist Heritage.
• Varanasi was declared as first-ever SCO Cultural and Tourist Capital for 2022-23.
• After India, Kazakhstan will be the next country to hold the presidency of the SCO.
• The meeting was joined by the representatives of all member countries including
representatives of two SCO bodies, the secretariat and Regional Anti-Terrorist
Structure (RATS) – and six multilateral organisations.
• Iran, Belarus and Mongolia have been invited as Observer States. Turkmenistan has
also been invited as the guest of the Chair.
Source: Bloomberg PIB and LiveMint

7. 26th World Mining Congress was organized at Brisbane, Australia.

• The India pavilion at WMC - featuring NLC India Ltd (NLCIL), Coal India Limited (CIL) and
NMDC - was inaugurated by Coal secretary Amrit Lal Meena.
Source: TOI

8. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the establishment of a new Ministry of
Investment, which is aimed at developing the investment vision of the country and enhancing
its competitiveness in the global market.
Source: News on Air

9. International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous international organization

established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• ISA, which has its headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, came into existence on 16
November 1994, upon the entry into force of UNCLOS.
• As of 18 May 2023, ISA has 169 Members, including 168 Member States and the
European Union.
Source: ISA

10. Egypt and Turkey have appointed ambassadors to each other's capitals for the first time in a
decade to restore normal diplomatic relations.
• Amr Elhamamy will become Egypt's ambassador in Ankara while Turkey nominated Salih
Mutlu Sen to become its ambassador in Cairo.
pg. 98
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Source: Reuters

11. U.N. Security Council will hold a first-ever meeting on the threats of Artificial Intelligence
(AI), organized by the United Kingdom.
• It has been presented as a centrepiece of the UK’s presidency of the council.
Source: News on Air

12. Europe’s Ariane- 5 rocket has launched 2 satellites in its final mission (117th mission) from
French Guiana.
• France's Syracuse 4B and Germany's Heinrich Hertz (H2Sat) satellites have been
launched to the geostationary orbit.
• Ariane-5 is a 53-metre-tall, three-stage launcher which was first launched in 1996.
• Ariane-6, the successor of Arian-5, which will be operational from 2024.
• Other satellite launches by Ariane-5-
o James Webb Telescope in 2021, in partnership with NASA and the Canadian
Space Agency
o Europe's comet-chasing Rosetta mission in 2014.
Source: Reuters

13. Israel Innovation Authority has announced new initiative with an investment of USD 11
million to foster technological advancement.
• The program includes initiatives in three different verticals –
o Delivery technology
o Health
o Technology solutions for schools and campus security.
Source: News on Air

14. Indian Tri-Services Contingent is going to participate in the French Bastille Day Parade.
• PM Narendra Modi will attend this year’s parade as the guest of honour.
• The Bastille Day Parade will witness a 269-member tri-services contingent of the Indian
Armed Forces marching alongside their French partners.
• The Bastille Day (Fete Nationale Francaise) or National Day of France is celebrated on
July 14.

pg. 99
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• The day marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille in 1789 during the French
Revolution.
Source: The Print

15. Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe to visit India for 2 days starting 21st July
• This will be Mr. Wickremesinghe’s first visit to India since being appointed President of Sri
Lanka in 2022.
Source: The Hindu

16. UN has organized the ‘AI for Good Global Summit’ in Geneva, Switzerland to advance
health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and other global
development priorities.
• Organizer - International Telecommunication Union, co-convened with the government of
Switzerland
• More than 50 robots attended the summit. Some of the important ones are -
o Grace (developed by Hanson Robotics and SingularityNET) - It is the world’s
foremost nursing assistant robot
o Sophia (developed by Hanson Robotics) - It is the first robot Innovation
Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme
o Ameca (developed by Engineered Arts) - It is an ideal platform to explore how
machines can live with, collaborate, and enrich humanity in tomorrow’s sustainable
communities
o Nadine (created by the University of Geneva) - It is one of the world’s most realistic
humanoid social robots
o Geminoid (developed by Hiroshi Ishiguro from Japan) - an ultra-realistic humanoid
robot
o Ai-Da (developed by Aidan Meller) - It is the first ultra-realistic robot artist
o Desdemona - the “rockstar” robot of the Jam Galaxy Band
Source: ITU and UN

17. SpaceX has been granted approval by the Mongolian government for launching the high-
speed connectivity services through Starlink.
• The official collaboration between the Mongolian government and SpaceX was formally
initiated in February during the 2023 Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona, Spain.
pg. 100
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Source: LiveMint

18. China has successfully launched world’s first methane-powered rocket.

• Beijing-based firm LandSpace has launched Zhuque-2 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Inner Mongolia.
• Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin are also developing methane-fueled
space vehicles.
• The methane-liquid oxygen rocket is less polluting, safer, and less expensive.
• LandSpace has become the only the second private Chinese company to launch a liquid-
propeller rocket.
o Beijing Tianbing Technology successfully launched a kerosene-oxygen rocket in
April 2023.
• China has also announced plans to send two rockets to the moon by 2030.
o One of the two planned rockets will carry the spacecraft that will land on the moon's
surface, while the other will transport the astronauts.
Source: BS

19. 4 multilateral agencies have launched the ‘One Health Priority Research Agenda’
on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
• The organisations are-
o Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
o UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
o World Health Organization (WHO)
o World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).
• The agenda aims to advocate for increased research and investment in antimicrobial
resistance (AMR).
• 5 key pillars and 3 themes have been identified to drive research -
o Themes- Gender, vulnerable populations, and sustainability
o Pillars-
▪ Transmission
▪ Integrated surveillance
▪ Interventions
▪ Behavioural insights and change
▪ Economics and policy
pg. 101
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Knowledge Nuggets
• WHO has also launched a global research agenda for AMR in human health in June
2023, which prioritizes 40 research topics for evidence generation to inform policy
making by 2030. It will focus majorly on low- and middle-income countries.
Source: Down to Earth

20. World Humanitarian Drive (WHD) which promotes international education and trade, has
been granted special consultative status by United Nations Economic and Social Council
(ECOSOC).
• Benefit of the status: Empowers WHD to actively interact with its subsidiary bodies, the
Human Rights Council, other intergovernmental bodies, and the UN Secretariat.
• Who can be granted status? NGOs which have special competence and are concerned
specifically with only a few of the fields of activity covered by the ECOSOC.
o ECOSOC has 54 member states which are elected by the United Nations General
Assembly for overlapping 3-year terms.
• World Humanitarian Drive (WHD) is an International NGO with operations in 12 countries,
founded in the U.K. by British Indian global peace activist, Abdul Basit Syed.
Source: FE

21. Tata Sons to build a 40-gigawatt (GW) battery cell gigafactory in the United Kingdom (UK),
with an investment of over £4 billion.
• This unit will be used to develop electric mobility and renewable energy storage solutions
for customers in UK and Europe.
Source: BT

22. The 56th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) was held on 11-12 July 2023 in Jakarta,
Republic of Indonesia.
Source: asean.org

23. Twitter has launched its revenue sharing programme for select content creators.
• This will allow content creators to earn revenue from advertisements posted in replies to
users’ posts.

pg. 102
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• The creators should be verified users with at least 5 million impressions on their posts in
each of the last 3 months and have a Stripe payment account.
Source: ET

24. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has completed its first year of service on 12th July.
• To celebrate the completion of a successful first year, NASA has released Webb’s image of
a small star-forming region in the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex.
• The James Webb Space Telescope is the world's premier space science observatory.
• Webb is an international program led by NASA with its partners, ESA (European Space
Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency.
Source: nasa.gov

25. UAE will participate with an observer status in the plenary of the Asia/Pacific Group on
Money Laundering (APG), a Financial Action Task Force-Style regional body (FSRB),
taking place this week in Vancouver, Canada.
• The UAE is the first Arab country to be granted observer status at the APG.
• Other participants - IMF, World Bank, OECD, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime,
the UN's Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate, the Asian Development Bank,
Commonwealth Secretariat, INTERPOL and the Egmont Group of Financial Intelligence
Units
• Founded in 1997 and part of the global network of similar Financial Action Task Force-Style
Regional Bodies (FSRBs), the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering is the largest in
terms of membership numbers and geographical size.
Source: ANI

26. The European Council adopted an assistance measure, worth €20 million, under the
European Peace Facility to support the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The support will be implemented by the Belgian Ministry of Defence.
• Through this assistance measure, the EU will provide basic, non-lethal individual
equipment, such as commando kits, first aid kits and clothing, and collective equipment,
such as counter-IED kits, vehicles and radios, for the 31st Rapid Reaction Brigade of the
FARDC.

pg. 103
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Knowledge Nuggets -
• The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common
Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas.
• The facility aims at preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international
security and stability.
• The European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the
capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military
and defence matters.
Source: EU

27. International Seabed Authority (HQ – Kingston, Jamaica) will conduct its 30th session in
2025.
• At the session, the authority and its members aim to sign the deep-sea mining
regulations.
• The Authority is working to develop a code for regulating the possible exploitation of nickel,
cobalt and copper in deep seabed areas that fall outside of national jurisdictions.

28th session of ISA -

• Dates – March 2023 (part 1), July 2023 (part 2), and November 2023 (part 3)
• Venue – Kingston, Jamaica

ISA’s S.H.E. See Her Exceed Mentoring Programme -

• Launched – 2023
• Starting - The kick-off meetings between mentors and the selected mentees are foreseen
to take place in October 2023.
• Tenure – The mentorship program is of 12 months.
• Purpose – to encourage women to make a career in deep-sea science

ISA’s Deep-Dive e-Learning Platform-

• This platform has been conceived to equip participants with specialized knowledge of the
Area and insight into deep-seabed activities for optimal career success.

Knowledge Nuggets -

pg. 104
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• The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous international organization

established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1994 Agreement).
• Established - It became fully operational as an autonomous international organization in
June 1996
• Members (as of 18 May 2023) - 168 Member States and the European Union
• HQ - Kingston, Jamaica
• Secretary-General - Michael W. Lodge (British national)
Source: TOI, ISA, SHE, and Deep Dive

28. Exercise Talisman Sabre - Australia’s largest bilateral military exercise with United States – is
taking place in Australia.
Source: AUS Def

29. BRICS Urbanisation Forum’s meeting will be organized in Durban, South Africa.
• Theme - Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations
• BRICS 2023 Summit (15th edition) - Johannesburg, South Africa
Knowledge Nuggets -
• About the Forum – It was inaugurated in New Delhi in February 2013. It's first in-person
follow-up will be held in Durban.
• The BRICS Urbanisation Forum provides a platform for governments, organisations,
experts and scholars from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) to
engage with some of the issues expected to arise at the BRICS Summit, and
subsequently provide policy advice to the leaders of the bloc when they meet.
Source: ET

30. 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM14) and 8th Mission Innovation (MI8) has been held on
the sidelines of 4th G20 Energy Transition Ministerial Meeting in Goa, India.
• Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) has adopted the Clean Energy Marine Hubs Initiative
(CEM-Hubs), focussing on scaling up low carbon fuel production,
• Theme for the event: ‘Advancing Clean Energy Together’.

pg. 105
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• The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) is a high-level global forum to promote policies and
programmes advancing clean energy technology.
• MI is a global initiative of 23 Countries and the European Commission to accelerate clean
energy revolution.
Source: ET

31. SpaceX has launched 22 Starlink satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO).
• A Falcon 9 rocket carrying the Starlink spacecraft was lifted off from Cape Canaveral
Space Force Station in Florida.
• It was the 6th launch and landing for this Falcon 9 first stage booster.
• Starlink is a 'satellite constellation' in the Earth's lower orbit to deliver broadband internet.
o According to SpaceX's website, it has made a total of 248 launches, 182 reflights
and 209 landings, so far.
Source: CNBC

32. UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi has been elected as chair of WTO’s
13th Ministerial Conference.
• World Trade Organisation’s 13th Ministerial Conference that will be held in Abu Dhabi in
February 2024.
Source: NoA

33. Gabon has launched Africa's first debt-for-nature swap, with a plan to buy up at least $450
million of its government debt and switch it to an eco-friendly blue bond.
• In debt-for-nature swaps, a country's debt is bought up by a bank or specialist investor and
replaced with cheaper ones (with the help of a multilateral development bank "credit
guarantee" or "risk insurance").
o The savings are intended to be used to fund conservation.
Source: Reuters

34. SpaceX has launched the world's largest commercial communications satellite - Hughes
Jupiter 3 using the Falcon Heavy launch vehicle.
• The Jupiter 3 satellite is designed to deliver internet services to customers in North and
South America.

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• JUPITER 3 is built by Maxar Technologies and is launched from Kennedy Space Center
Launch Pad 39A in Florida.
Source: PRNewswire

35. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-7 mission is scheduled to be launched in August.

• The spacecraft responsible for carrying the astronauts to the International Space Station
(ISS) is named Endurance.
• Developed by SpaceX, this Dragon spacecraft will accelerate at an astonishing speed of
17,500 mph during its orbital insertion to rendezvous with the orbiting laboratory.
• The Falcon 9 rocket will propel the Dragon spacecraft, Endurance, into space.
• Crew-7 is the 7th rotational mission to the ISS for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
Source: NASA

36. NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have entered into
collaboration to demonstrate a nuclear thermal rocket engine in space.
• NASA and DARPA will partner on the Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations,
or DRACO, program.
About DRACO program:
• NASA is attempting to develop a nuclear rocket that will take humanity to Mars and beyond.
Under the DRACO program, NASA aims to have an in-space test of Nuclear Thermal
Propulsion (NPT) within 2027.
Source: Nasa

REPORTS AND INDICES

1. The report- Scaling Smart Solutions with AI in Health: Unlocking Impact on High-
Potential Use Cases was released by the World Economic Forum in Geneva.
• It was developed in collaboration with global management consulting and technology firm
ZS.
Source: News on Air

2. World Economic Forum has released the “Energy Transition Index 2023”.
• Total countries – 120
• Top countries -
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• India’s rank -

• Only 2 out of 120 countries – India and Singapore – are advancing across the equitable,
secure and sustainable dimensions, each with its own unique transition journey.
• Energy intensity CO² intensity CO² per capita Share of electricity Renewable capacity
Source: Official Report

3. An international think-tank, Institute for Economics and Peace (HQ - Sydney) has released
the Global Peace Index 2023 (17th edition).
• Total - 163 countries
• Parameters - 23 indicators across three domains: the level of Societal Safety and
Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of
Militarisation
• Top -

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• India -

• Bottom -

• South Asia -

pg. 109
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Observation -
• In total, peacefulness improved in 84 countries and deteriorated in 79.
• The average level of global peacefulness deteriorated by 0.42% in the 2023 Global
Peace Index.
• The total military spending increased by 17% since 2008 with the largest increases
coming from China ($180 billion), the US ($70 billion), and India ($40 billion).
• Global Progress -

Source: Relief Web and Official Report

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4. According to a new study published in the journal JAMA Network, India saw the highest
number of childhood diabetes cases and deaths in 2019 in the world.
• The country also has the highest disability-adjusted life-years (DALY).
o According to the World Health Organization, one DALY represents the loss of the
equivalent of one year of full health.
• Globally, in 2019, there were 227,580 cases of childhood diabetes, 5,390 deaths and
519,117 DALYs. This represents a 39.4% increase in incident cases since 1990.
• South Asia had the highest burden of cases of childhood diabetes, childhood diabetes-
associated deaths and childhood diabetes-associated DALYs in 2019.
Source: DTE

5. WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring Program (JMP) 2023 has launched a report ‘Progress
on household drinking water, sanitation and hygiene 2000-2022’ with special focus on
gender.
• The report has compiled data on global progress towards achieving universal access to
safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
• The report also provides an in-depth analysis of gender inequalities between and within
countries.
• Parameter-wise performance (in 2022) –
Global
Water - 2.2 billion lacking access
Sanitation- 3.5 billion people lacking access
Hygiene- 2 billion lacking access
Menstrual Health- Adolescent girls and
women living in rural areas more likely to use
reusable materials, or no materials at all to
manage menstruation
Gender- 1.8 billion people lacking access
Source: UNwater.org

6. Ministry of Education has released the Performance Grading Index 2021-22 (2nd edition).
• Parameters -

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• Score-wise categories -

• Number of States in different categories -

• Rankings of States in different categories -

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• Rankings of States domain-wise -

o Domain 1 – Learning Outcomes and Quality

o Domain 2 – Access

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o Domain 3 – Infrastructure and Facility

o Domain 4 – Equity

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o Domain 5 – Governance Processes

o Domain 6 – Teacher Education & Training

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Knowledge Nuggets -
• Performance Grading Index (PGI) started in 2017 to help States/UTs to identify specific
interventions required to make transformational changes in school education.
• The PGI 2.0 is constructed based on 73 indicators from 2 Categories containing 6
Domains.
• The PGI 2.0 is completely aligned with Unified District Information System for Education
Plus (UDISE +), National Achievement Survey (NAS), PM POSHAN portal, PRABAND
portal and Vidyanjali Portal data which now enables automatically to fill values of 69
indicators directly from UDISE+/NAS report.
Source: Official report

7. Latest findings of the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index have been released by Oxford
Poverty and Human Development Initiative and UN Development Programme (UNDP).
• Findings-
o Prevalence of Poverty-

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o Distribution across the regions -

o Reduction in Poverty-
▪ 25 countries, including India, have halved their global MPI values within 15
years.
• These countries include Cambodia, China, Congo, Honduras, India,
Indonesia, Morocco, Serbia, and Vietnam.
o India specific data-
▪ In 2005-2006, about 645 million people were in multidimensional poverty in
India, with the number declining to about 370 million in 2015-2016 and 230
million in 2019-2021.
▪ Thus, 415 million poor people moved out of poverty from 2005-2006 to
2019/2021.
▪ Incidence of poverty has fell from 55.1% to 16.4%.
▪ Deprivation in all indicators declined.
▪ The above findings are significant as India surpassed China (in Apr 2023) to
become the world’s most populous nation with 142 crore people.
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Knowledge Nuggets
About Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)
• It is a key international resource that measures (annually) acute multidimensional
poverty across more than 100 developing countries.
• Launched in- 2010
• Released by- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford
Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI).
• Dimensions- 3
• Indicators- 10

Source: Official Report

8. Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation (5th edition) has been
released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific's
(UNESCAP).
Findings-
• India has emerged as the best-performing country amongst all the countries of the South
Asia region.
o The country has achieved a perfect score of 100% in four key areas:
▪ Transparency
▪ Formalities
▪ Institutional Arrangement and Cooperation
▪ Paperless Trade

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o India has witnessed an improvement in the score for “Women in Trade

Facilitation” component from 66.7% in 2021 to 77.8% in 2023 thereby indicating
commitment to gender inclusivity.
• About the Survey
▪ The survey covers WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) along with set
of nearly 60 trade facilitation measures categorized into 11 sub-groups,
namely:
• Transparency; Formalities; Institutional arrangement and cooperation;
Transit facilitation; Paperless trade; Cross-border paperless trade;
Trade facilitation for SMEs; Agricultural trade facilitation; Women in
trade facilitation; Trade finance for trade facilitation; and Trade
facilitation in times of crisis.
▪ The survey is fact-based rather than perception based.
▪ It follows a 3-step approach to data collection and validation implemented
over 6-month period every 2 years.
Source: PIB

9. Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings list for the year 2023 has been
released.
About the Ranking
• Number of Universities Ranked- 605
• Indicators- 13 (same as the flagship ‘THE World University Rankings’)
o Reputation survey
o Staff-to-student ratio
o Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio
o Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio
o Institutional income
o Reputation survey
o Research income
o Research productivity
o Research influence
o Proportion of international students
o Proportion of international staff
o International collaboration

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o Knowledge transfer
• THE Rankings lists the world’s best universities that are 50 years old or younger.
• The universities of the world are judged across all their core missions - teaching, research,
knowledge transfer and international outlook
• Nanyang Technological University, Singapore has topped the list.
India’s Performance-
• 3 Universities have made it to top 100 rankings-
• Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala- 77th
• JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research- 79th
• Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences- 91st
• Lovely Professional University (LPU) is ranked in the top 251-300 bands among world’s
universities created since 1973.
Source: Official website

10. World Investment Report 2023 has been released by United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development.
Key Findings-
• The overall global FDI has declined by 12% to $1.3 trillion in 2022.
o The overall FDI status in different regions is-

o During 2022, FDI inflows to India rose by 10% on an annual basis to $49 billion.

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• The developing countries need renewable energy investments of about $1.7 trillion each
year but attracted only $544 billion in clean energy FDI in 2022.

• SDG Investment Gap: The present SDG investment gap in developing countries has
widened from $2.5 trillion in 2015 to an alarming $4 trillion.
o Developing countries’ energy investment needs are estimated at $2.2 per year.
o This refers to investment in energy generation, energy efficiency and low-carbon
transition technologies and sources.
• Fossil fuel subsidies around the world has amounted to $1 trillion in 2022 which is 8
times the value of subsidies provided to renewable energy.
• Renewable Energy Investments: The developing countries need about $1.7 trillion each
year in renewable energy investments. (Only $544 billion in 2022).
o This refers to investment in power grids, transmission lines and storage.
• Sustainable Market Finance- The value of the sustainable finance market – which
includes bonds, funds and voluntary carbon markets have grown by more than 10% to $5.8
trillion in 2022. The sustainable bond issuance has grown fivefold over the past five years.
The sustainable bond market was worth $3.3 trillion in 2022.
• Of 147 NDCs submitted by developing countries, 48 provide information on investment
requirements and 40 discuss prospective sources of investment.

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• The report has proposed a Global Action Compact for Investment in Sustainable
Energy for All. It contains a set of guiding principles covering the 3 objectives of the
energy transition – meeting climate goals, providing affordable energy for all and ensuring
energy security.
o It has put forward 6 action packages covering national and international investment
policymaking; global partnerships; regional and South–South cooperation; financing
mechanisms and tools; and sustainable finance markets.
Source: Official report

11. Export Preparedness Index 2022 report has been released by NITI Aayog.
• About the report (3rd edition)
o It presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s export performance, along with its
sector-specific and district-level merchandise export trends.
o Pillars- 4

Pillars Sub-pillars
Policy Export Promotion Policy
Institutional Framework
Business Ecosystem Business Environment
Infrastructure
Transport Connectivity
Export Ecosystem Export Infrastructure
Trade Support
R&D Support
Export Performance Growth and Orientation
Export Diversification
o Indicators- 56
• Findings of the report
o Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Karnataka are top performing states (All three
belong to coastal states).
▪ In Himalayan States, Uttarakhand tops the list.
▪ In landlocked states, Haryana tops the list.
▪ In UT/Small states, Goa tops the list.
o Among export districts, Jamnagar (Gujarat), Surat (Gujarat) and Mumbai Urban
(Maharashtra) are top performing.
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o Gujarat has 8 districts, the highest number of districts in the top 25 export districts in
the country.

12. “National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023” report has been
released by NITI Aayog.
• About the report (2nd edition)
o Like the global MPI, India’s national MPI has 3 equally weighted dimensions –
Health, Education, and Standard of living – which are represented by 12 indicators.
▪ Global MPI has 10 indicators (doesn’t include maternal health and Bank
account).

• Findings of the report

o Reduction in Multidimensional Poverty:
▪ Between 2015-16 and 2019-21, around 13.5 crore people have moved out
of multidimensional poverty.
o Decline in Poverty Percentage:
▪ India's population living in multidimensional poverty has decreased
from 24.85% in 2015-16 to 14.96% in 2019-21, reflecting a decline of 9.89 %
points.
o Rural-Urban Divide:

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▪ The rural areas of India have experienced the fastest decline in poverty, with
the poverty rate dropping from 32.59% to 19.28% between 2015-16 and
2019-21.
▪ In urban areas, the poverty rate reduced from 8.65% to 5.27% during the
same period.
o State-Level Progress:
▪ In terms of number of MPI poor, Uttar Pradesh saw the largest decline in the
number of poor individuals, with 3.43 crore (34.3 million) people escaping
multidimensional poverty.
▪ The states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan also
witnessed significant progress in reducing multidimensional poverty.
▪ Bihar saw the fastest reduction in MPI value in absolute terms with the
proportion of multidimensional poor reducing from 51.89% to 33.76% in 2019-
21 followed by Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

o SDG Target:
▪ The MPI value for India has nearly halved from 0.117 to 0.066 between
2015-16 and 2019-21.
▪ The intensity of poverty has reduced from 47% to 44%, indicating that India is
on track to achieve SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) Target 1.2

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(reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half) ahead of the

stipulated timeline of 2030.
o Improvement in Indicators:
▪ All 12 indicators used to measure multidimensional poverty showed marked
improvements.
Source: Official Report

13. International Energy Agency (IEA) in collaboration with Petroleum Planning and Analysis
Cell (PPAC) has launched the Oil 2023 medium-term market report, titled: IEA Oil 2023 –
Supply and demand dynamics to 2028.
• India is the world’s 4th largest refiner, has the 4th largest LNG terminal capacity, 4th largest
auto market and also 3rd largest bio fuels producer.
Findings of the report
• In FY 2022-23 the overall consumption of petroleum products was 223 MMT, with a growth
of about 12% over the previous year.
• The growth of global oil demand is set to slow down, almost coming to a halt by 2028.
o The annual demand growth is expected to decline from 2.4 mb/d in 2023 to just 0.4
mb/d in 2028.
• Alternate clean fuels like biofuels are expected to provide 10% of new liquid fuel supply
growth to 2028.
o Biofuels production expands nearly 600 kb/d from 2022 to 2028, with Brazil,
Indonesia and India combined accounting for 70% of this increase.
• Global upstream investments in oil and gas exploration, extraction and production are on
course to reach their highest levels since 2015, growing 11% year-on-year to USD 528
billion in 2023.
Source: PIB

14. A report titled “A World of Debt: A growing burden to global prosperity” has been released
by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
Key Highlights
• Global public debt
o In 2022, global public debt has reached a record USD 92 trillion.
o It includes both general government domestic and external debt.

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o Developing countries owe almost 30% of the total, of which 70% is attributable to
China, India and Brazil.
▪ India is bearing an obligation weight of $2.8 trillion.
▪ China, owes close to $14 trillion, while the United States owes $30 trillion.
• Developing World
o Public debt is growing faster in the developing world.
o Total public debt has increased from 35% of GDP in 2010 to 60% in 2021.
o External public debt has increased from 19% of GDP in 2010 to 29% of GDP in
2021.
• Exports
o The share of external public debt to exports has increased from 71% in 2010 to
112% in 2021.
o During the same period, external public debt service as a share of exports has
increased from 3.9% to 7.4%.
Source: unctad

15. New report from UNAIDS titled, ‘The Path that Ends AIDS’, advocates that AIDS can be
ended by 2030.
Key Findings
• The number of people on antiretroviral treatment worldwide has rose almost fourfold, from
7.7 million in 2010 to 29.8 million in 2022.
• HIV treatment has averted almost 20.8 million AIDS-related deaths in the past three
decades (1996 to 2022).
• In 2022, an estimated:
o 39.0 million people globally were living with HIV
o 29.8 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy
o 1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV
o 6,30,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses
Source: unaids.org

16. Henley Passport Index 2023 has been released.

• Indian passport has climbed seven places to secure the 80th rank, up from 87th in 2022,
giving its holders visa free access to 57 countries.
• Global Rankings and Shifts
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o Top Position: Singapore has the most powerful passport in the world.
▪ Japan previously held the top spot on the Henley Passport Index for five
years.
o Runners-up: Germany, Italy, and Spain share the second position on the index.
▪ Japan, along with Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea,
and Sweden, shares the third spot.
• About the Index
o Henley Passport Index is the only one of its kind based on exclusive data from the
International Air Transport Authority (IATA).
o The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations.
o It is updated quarterly.
Source: Official website

BANKING AND ECONOMY

1. Bank of India has launched a ‘Centralized Pool Buy-Out and Co-Lending Cell’ to boost
priority sector lending.
• The Cell will be housed in the Bank’s Mumbai headquarters.
• It will be equipped with an end-to-end digital underwriting system to onboard pool buy-out
and co-lending of loans in partnership with NBFCs (non-banking finance companies).
Source: HBL

2. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with Priority Pass Access
India to enable RuPay card holders to access airport lounges.
• With this partnership, the eligible RuPay card holders in India will be able to access over 50
premium lounges and airport experiences in major cities across India.
Source: ET

3. ICICI Lombard General Insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance have jointly
launched a combi product, ‘iShield’, which will provide customers with both health and life
insurance under the “use and file” procedure.
• A combi-product offers benefits of a life insurance, along with that of general or other
insurance covers.
Source: FE
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4. Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has become the first company to receive the
eligibility certificate under the production-linked incentive scheme for automobiles (Auto
PLI).
• Now, the company can receive subsidies from the government under the Rs 25,938 crore
scheme.
• The certificate for M&M was awarded by the Automotive Research Association of India,
which is a testing agency under the Heavy Industries ministry.
Source: CNBC

5. The Ministry of Culture has appointed Canara Bank for the disbursal of financial
assistance to veteran artists under the 'Scheme for Financial Assistance for Veteran
Artists'.
• Ministry of Culture has launched 'Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists' scheme
under which financial assistance of Rs 6,000 per month is provided to artists and scholars
above the age of 60 years.
• Under the scheme, disbursal of financial assistance to artists selected before 2017 is
currently made through LIC while for the artists approved post 2017, it is made directly by
the ministry.
Source: ET

6. Shriram Finance Limited has partnered with leading payments and financial services
company Paytm to offer digital credit for small merchants.
• Through this partnership, Shriram Finance’s products will be made available on Paytm’s
platform.
Source: TOI

7. Kotak Mahindra Bank and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) partnered to
allow the bank's customers to use their RuPay Credit Card on UPI with UPI-enabled apps.
• With the linkage of Kotak RuPay Credit Cards on UPI, customers would not need to use
their physical Credit Card.
• Customers can make payments from the UPI app at merchant outlets with QR codes and
POS devices across the country.
Source: ET
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8. Digital transformation solutions company UST has announced its role as an Innovation
vendor for Project Rosalind.
• UST also partnered with Quant, the blockchain for finance pioneer, to provide the
underlying infrastructure and blockchain platform.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• Project Rosalind is an experiment in application programming interface (API)
prototypes for central bank digital currencies (CBDC) from the Bank for
International Settlements and the Bank of England via the BIS Innovation Hub
London Centre.
• Project Rosalind developed and tested prototypes for an application programming
interface (API) specifically built to distribute retail CBDCs.
• It is based on a two-tier distribution model (central bank at the foundation of the retail
CBDC system and customer-facing activities carried out by the private sector).
Source: IBS Intelligence and BIS

9. Tata AIA Life Insurance has introduced WhatsApp Premium, a new feature, to let its
customers pay policy premiums through WhatsApp only.
• Tata AIA Life enabled the renewal of premium policies through several digital modes and
integrated five languages — English, Hindi, Tamil, Gujarati and Bengali.
Source: HBL

10. Department of Expenditure has given a boost to reforms by the states in power sector by
providing financial incentives in the form of additional borrowing permissions.
• The initiative was announced by the Union Finance Minister in Union Budget 2021-22.
• Under this initiative, an additional borrowing space of up to 0.5% of the Gross State
Domestic Product (GSDP) is available to the States annually for a four-year period from
2021-22 to 2024-25.
• Based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Power, the Ministry of Finance has
granted permission for reforms undertaken in 2021-22 and 2022-23 to 12 State
Governments.
• Over the last two financial years, they have been allowed to raise financial resources of Rs.
66,413 crores through additional borrowing permissions.
Source: PIB
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11. According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy, the unemployment rate increased
to 8.45% in June from 7.68% in the previous month.

Source: BS

12. World Bank has approved $1.5 billion in financing to accelerate India’s low carbon
transition, which includes scaling up of renewable energy supply for reducing costs and
improving grid integration.
• The $1.44 billion loan is from the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) and is facilitated by a United Kingdom $1 billion backstop aimed
at boosting the World Bank’s climate change financing to India.
• The remaining $56.57 million credit is from the International Development Association
(IDA).
• The financing will help to achieve India’s target of 500 GW of installed renewable energy
capacity by 2030 and net zero by 2070.
• The program will support the successful implementation of the National Green Hydrogen
Mission that aims to stimulate $100 billion in private sector investment by 2030.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• In January 2023, India issued its first sovereign green bond. The program will support
policy actions for the issuance of $6 billion in sovereign green bonds by 2026.

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• Now, the government plans to issue bids for 50 GW of renewable energy every year from
FY23-24 to FY27-28, which will avoid carbon emissions of 40 million tonne per annum
by 2026.
Source: Livemint

13. Department of Expenditure under the Finance Ministry has approved capital investment
proposals of Rs 56,415 crore for 16 states in the current financial year 2023-24.
• The approval has been given under the scheme titled ‘Special Assistance to States for
Capital Investment 2023-24’.
• The scheme, which was announced in the Budget for 2023-24, special assistance is being
provided to the state governments in the form of 50-year interest free loan up to an overall
sum of Rs 1.3 lakh crore during the financial year 2023-24.

Knowledge Nuggets -
• In FY23, Centre’s capital expenditure exceeded the government’s revised estimate of Rs
7.28 lakh crore by Rs 8,551 crore.
• The Centre has already released two instalments of tax devolution totalling Rs 1.18 trillion
for June instead of the normal monthly devolution of Rs 59,140 crore.
Source: IE

14. Government raises interest rate on select small savings schemes by 0.3% for second
quarter of FY 2023-24.
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• The interest rates on small savings schemes are reviewed every quarter by the
government and are linked to market yields on G-secs.
• The interest rates of different schemes are spread ranging from 0-100 basis points over
and above G-Sec yields of comparable maturities.

Source: Livemint, Department of Economic Affairs

15. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved a range of measures in its
recently concluded board meeting.
• Highlights of the meeting-
• Reduction of listing time to 3 days, down from the previous 6-day period from the date of
closure of the issue.
o Revised IPO listing timeline will be made applicable in two phases – voluntary for all
public issues opening on or after September 1, 2023, and mandatory on or after
December 1, 2023.
o It will help the subscribers who were not allotted shares in an initial public offering
(IPO) to receive their money back quickly.
• Tighter disclosure requirements by the foreign portfolio investors (FPI)
o This will apply to-
▪ FPI holding more than 50% of their Indian equity AUM (asset under
management) in a single Indian corporate group.
▪ FPIs that individually, or along with their investor group holding more than Rs
25,000 crore of equity AUM in the Indian markets.

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▪ Exempted entities - government and government-related investors, pension

funds and public retail funds and corporate entities
• Listing of NCDs (non-convertible debentures)
o Regulations require listed entities having outstanding listed NCDs (as on December
31, 2023) to list their subsequent issuances of NCDs at the stock exchanges.
o The new norm will come into effect from January 1, 2024.
o Purpose - facilitating transparency in price discovery of NCDs, better disclosures to
investors and the market and to check possible mis-selling of unlisted bonds
• Sponsor of InvIT (infrastructure investment trust)/ REIT (real estate investment trust)
will hold a certain minimum unit holding on a reducing scale for the entire life of the
InvIT/ REIT.
o Presently, SEBI regulations mandate the sponsor to hold a minimum of 15% units for
a period of at least three years from the date of listing of units.
Source: Indian Express

16. SBI launches 34 Transaction Banking hubs at 21 districts centres to drive growth.
• The newly established hubs will be staffed by specialized product experts who will not
only assist business customers but will also facilitate seamless connectivity with other
business verticals and subsidiary companies.
• July 1 - SBI’s 68th foundation day
• State Bank of India Act, 1955 established the bank.
Source: The Hindu Business line and LiveMint

17. Bank of Baroda (BoB) will divest 49% stake in its credit card arm BOB Financial Solutions
Ltd.
• Currently, BoB holds 100% stake in BOB Financial Solutions Ltd.
• BoB Financial Solutions Ltd. was established in 1994 as a non-banking financial
company, a wholly-owned arm of BoB.
Source: Business Standard

18. Indian Bank has partnered with National E-Governance Services Ltd (NeSL) to unveil new
services under its digital transformation initiative Project WAVE.
• It has introduced an electronic bank guarantee (e-BG) service to ease traditional paper -
based processes.
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• This move will reduce the turn-around time of the bank guarantee issuance and delivery
to the beneficiary from an industry average of 3-4 working days to a few minutes.
• The process of digitisation under Project WAVE was first launched in January 2022.
Source: Economic Times

19. India has delayed plans to collect a 20% tax on annual overseas spending of more than Rs
700,000 ($8,500) by three months to provide banks with more time to prepare their systems.
• It will now be applicable from Oct. 1, 2023. Earlier it was to be implemented on July 1.
• In May, the government had said it would only impose 20% tax on overseas spending of
above Rs 700,000 through international debit and credit cards in a financial year.
Source: The Print

20. In RBI’s latest Financial Stability-June 2023 report, the Gross Non-Performing Assets
(GNPA) ratio of Scheduled Commercial Banks has fallen to 10-year-low of 3.9% in March
2023 and net non-performing assets (NNPA) ratio declined to 1%.
• Scheduled commercial banks strengthened their capital base with Capital to risk-
weighted assets ratio at a historical high of 17.1% and common equity tier-1 capital
ratio at 13.9% in March 2023.
Source: News on Air

21. As per the RBI’s data, India's external debt rose marginally to USD 624.7 billion annually at
end-March 2023.
• The external debt to GDP ratio declined to 18.9% at end-March 2023.
• The ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to foreign exchange reserves increased to
22.2% at end-March 2023.
Source: ET

22. According to the Ministry of Finance, the gross GST revenue collected in the month of June
2023 is ₹1,61,497 crore.
Source: LiveMint

23. The Boards of IDFC First Bank Ltd and IDFC Limited approved their merger with each other.
• Recently, the Housing Development Finance Corp Ltd merged with HDFC Bank in a $40-
billion deal, the largest in India's corporate history.
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Source: Business Today

24. According to the World Bank and World Trade Organization (WTO), India doubled its share
of global commercial services exports to 4.4% in 2022 from 2% in 2005.
• The data was released in the ‘Trade in Services for Development’ report.
• As per the report, in India, South Africa and Türkiye, jobs directly linked to cross-border
services exports account for more than 10% of total services sector jobs.
• Overall, digitally delivered services exports were worth $3.82 trillion in 2022 and 54% of
total global services exports were delivered digitally in 2022.
Source: ET

25. Flipkart has partnered with Axis Bank to provide personal loans for its customers.
• The maximum amount of loan will be ₹5 lakhs with flexible repayment cycles ranging from
6 to 36 months.
• This facility will empower customers with increased purchasing power and improve
accessibility and affordability.
Source: Livemint

26. Union Finance Minister has chaired a meeting to review performance of Public Sector
Banks (PSB).
• Findings -
o Performance of PSBs- All the major financial parameters such as, credit
deployment, profitability, asset quality, capital adequacy etc. have improved.
o Asset quality of PSBs has improved significantly. During FY 2022-23, PSBs
earned a record aggregate net profit of around ₹1.05 lakh crore.
o Overall Priority Sector Lending (PSL) have exceeded the mandated target.
• Union Finance Minister will also chair review meetings on functioning of the Regional Rural
Banks (RRBs) in different parts of country in July-August 2023, starting from Tripura on
21st July.
Source: PIB

27. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the banking licenses of two co-operative banks
namely, Malkapur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd, Buldana (Maharashtra) and Shushruti
Souharda Sahakara Bank Niyamita, Bengaluru.
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• The banks did not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
• Every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her
deposits up to Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
(DICGC) on liquidation of banks.
Source: Outlook

28. PhonePe has launched one-stop Point-of-sale (POS) device which will enable merchants to
accept payments via debit cards, credit cards and UPI.
• The device will be preloaded with the PhonePe POS App and support transactions through
tap/swipe/dip and interoperable dynamic QR codes.
Source: Economic Times

29. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has reduced its stake in India Cement by 2%
through open market transactions.
• The current shareholding of LIC stands at 3.833% from 5.875%.
Source: The Hindu Business Line

30. The government has amended provisions of the Money laundering Act to allow enforcement
directorate (ED) to share information with GST Network.
• The move would help recovery of Goods and Services Tax (GST) evaded through money
laundering.
• GSTN handles the technology backbone of the indirect tax regime and is the repository
of all GST-related information, including return, tax filing and other compliances.
• As per the amendment to the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA),
2002, GSTN has been included in the list of entities with which ED will share information.
o The government has already allowed the ED to share information about economic
offenders with 25 agencies including Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI),
Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi),
Intelligence Bureau, and Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), among others
o With the addition of GSTN, the list of entities now stands at 26.
Source: Economic Times

31. National Housing Bank (NHB) has operationalised the ₹10,000-crore Urban Infrastructure
Development Fund (UIDF) for the creation of urban infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
pg. 136
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Features of the Fund-

• Coverage: 459 tier-2 cities with population of 50,000 to less than a lakh and 580 tier-3
cities with population of 1 lakh to less than a million are being covered under UDIF as of
now.
• Minimum and maximum size of the project: ₹5 crores (₹1 crore for northeast & hilly
States) and ₹100 crores respectively.
• Loan Repayment: The principal amount is to be repaid in 5 equal annual instalments
within 7 years from the date of withdrawal, including a moratorium period of 2 years while
interest will be payable on quarterly basis.
• Interest rate: The current rate of UIDF loans is bank rate minus 1.5 percent i.e., 5.25%
• Focus areas: Basic services like sewerage and solid waste management, water supply
and sanitation, construction and improvement of drains/storm water drains, etc. and impact-
oriented projects would be prioritised.
Source: The Hindu Business Line

32. Ministry of Finance has amended the Government Savings Promotion General Rules,
2018 with the Government Savings Promotion General (Second Amendment) Rules,
2023.
• The rules cover various schemes provided under Government Savings Promotion Act,
1873 such as Public Provident Fund (PPF), National Saving Certificate (NSC), Sukanya
Samriddhi, Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, Mahila Samman Nidhi Post Office Time
Deposits, Kisan Vikas Patra, and Post Office Monthly Income Scheme.
• Amendments made-
Category 2018 rules 2023 Changes
Non-resident Indians Not allowed to invest in small Eligible to be nominated as
saving schemes. nominee.
Conversion of account Account opened as a Single Conversion of a joint account
Account cannot be converted into a single account on account
into a Joint Account or vice of the death of an account
versa. holder.
Accounts on the names At present, an adult can open The latest rule says that only
of minors an account on behalf of the the recent passport size
minor by submitting proof of age

pg. 137
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of minor. There is a provision for photograph of the guardian

submission of passport size needs to be submitted.
photograph of the account
holder.
Death of Depositor - If the total amount is up to ₹5
lakh in a deposit account, and
there is no nominee and the
probate of his will or letters of
administration of estate or a
succession certificate or legal
heir certificate is not produced
within six months from the date,
then the rightful claimant will be
required to fill Form11.
Source: The Hindu Business Line and Official notification

33. Reserve Bank of India has allowed card network portability from 1 October, 2023.
• Card network portability enables consumers to transfer their card accounts from one
network to another.
o Currently, when applying for a debit or credit card, there is no option to choose the
network provider as it is decided by the card issuer.
• Authorised card networks in India-
o American Express Banking Corp.
o Diners Club International Ltd.
o MasterCard Asia/ Pacific Pte. Ltd.
o National Payments Corporation of India – Rupay
o Visa Worldwide Pte. Limited
Source: Business Standard

34. IDFC FIRST Bank, Club Vistara, and Mastercard together have introduced a travel credit
card.
• The card will combine banking services with various travel benefits such as access to
airport lounges, complimentary flight tickets, accelerated reward points, and cover for
cancelled flight & hotel bookings among other features.
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Source: Business Standard

35. Citi Commercial Bank (CCB) has the launched a new platform, CitiDirect Commercial
Banking for enhanced Digital banking Services.
• The platform is live in the U.S., and CCB plans to pilot it in the second half of 2023 across
Hong Kong, India, Singapore and the U.K.
• The platform will combine Citi’s global products and services into a Helvetica, offering
services across Cash, loans, trade, foreign exchange, Servicing and Onboarding.
Source: Hindu Business Line

36. 3 multilateral banks have pledged financial support during International Conference on
Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2023) held in Delhi, India.
Support Pledged-
• The European Investment Bank (EIB) has pledged 1 billion euros to develop a large-
scale hydrogen industry hub.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) intends to provide $20-$25 billion over five years to
support India's green growth.
• The World Bank has approved $1.5 billion to aid India's low-carbon transition journey.
Source: Business Standard

37. India and Bangladesh to trade in Indian Rupee to lower the dependency on dollar.
• Trade settlement through Indian rupee will only apply to export amount from Bangladesh
while the rest of imports from India will be settled in US dollars.
o Trade and transactions with India will be done by its Eastern Bank and Sonali Bank
Ltd of Bangladesh, while from Indian side operations will be done by State Bank of
India and ICICI Bank.
• Bangladesh is India's biggest trade partner in South Asia and India is the second
largest trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia.
• Reserve Bank of India has allowed banks from 18 countries to trade in rupees including
Germany, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, Oman and others.
o Bangladesh become 19th country to trade with India in rupees.
Source: NewsonAir

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38. The index of industrial production (IIP) in India has grown by 5.2% in May 2023 from 4.2%
measured in April 2023.
• The manufacturing sector has witnessed a growth of 5.7% in May up from 4.9% in April
2023.
• The power generation sector has witnessed a marginal growth of 0.9% in May 2023 year
on year.
• Mining output has increased by 6.4% in May from 5.1% in April.
• In May, India has witnessed a remarkable growth in its core sector output which contributes
more than 40% of the IIP. The core sector witnessed a substantial jump of 18.1% compared
to the same period last year.
Knowledge Nuggets
About IIP
• It is an index that tracks manufacturing activity in different sectors of an economy.
• Base Year- 2011-2012
• Broad sectors- Mining, manufacturing, and electricity
• Eight Core industries (40% of IIP)- Electricity, crude oil, coal, cement, steel, refinery
products, natural gas, and fertilisers
• Data compiled and published by- Central Statistical Organisation operates under the
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
Source: Livemint

39. The CPI inflation numbers for June 2023 were recorded at 4.81% which are higher than the
estimates mainly on account of higher foods inflation especially prices of cereals and pulses.
• The inflation numbers are within the tolerance band of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) of
2% to 6%.
• The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) has seen a significant jump to 4.4% in June 2023
from 2.9% in May.
Source: FE

40. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated certification of
environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating services within 6 months.
• The ESG rating service provider will have to be incorporated as a company under the
Companies Act, 2013, and specify ESG rating activity, as the main object in its
Memorandum of Association.
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o Foreign agencies that provide ESG rating services will also have to get SEBI
certification.
o Foreign ESG rating providers must be incorporated in the jurisdiction of a member of
the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and recognised under their respective law,
having a minimum experience of 5 years in the business of providing ESG rating of
securities or companies.
• The certified rating agency will have to disclose its rating methodology for all ESG ratings
on its website.
• The promoter of the ESG rating agency shall maintain a minimum shareholding of 26% in
the ESG rating provider for a minimum period of 5 years from the date of grant of
registration.
Source: Business Line

41. HDFC Bank has become the first bank in the country to implement interoperability between
United Payment Interface (UPI) and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), with the launch
UPI QR code.
• This feature will enable the customers to transact using the funds available in their CBDC
(India's sovereign digital currency) wallet through single UPI QR code. There will be no
need to scan different QR codes at the same merchant.
• The interoperable UPI QR code will allow HDFC Bank merchants to accept payments from
their customers in the form of Digital Rupee currency.
Source: BS

42. Payments service provider PayU has announced the launch of a 45-day fintech accelerator
program, ‘inFINity’ in collaboration with AWS India (Amazon Web Services) and venture
capital firm Chiratae Ventures.
• The program aims to support the growth of early stage fintech startups by providing access
to mentorship from industry experts, curated resources, and AWS Activate credits.
• To apply for the program, startups must be either bootstrapped or have raised funding of
less than $5 million, seek to raise Seed to Series A funding and have a minimum viable
product (MVP) already developed.
• CEO of PayU India- Anirban Mukherjee
Source: BS

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43. Reserve Bank of India has cancelled the licence of two cooperative banks -- Sri Sharada
Mahila Co-operative Bank, Karnataka and Harihareshwar Sahakari Bank, Maharashtra due
to inadequate capital and earning prospects.
• The two banks’ ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business
on July 11, 2023.
• About 99.96% and 97.82% of the depositors of Harihareshwar Sahakari Bank and Sri
Sharada Mahila Co-operative Bank respectively are entitled to receive the full amount of
their deposits from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
o On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim
amount of his/her deposits of up to Rs 5 lakh from DICGC.
Source: ET

44. Fincare Small Finance Bank has launched its multilingual campaign ‘The Great Indian FD
Fest’.
• The campaign aims to raise awareness about the bank’s interest rate offering for all
categories of customers.
• The brand ambassador of the campaign is Viswanathan Anand.
Source: FE

45. Razorpay has launched its first international payment gateway for the Malaysian market
with Curlec, known as ‘Curlec by Razorpay’.
• Razorpay had acquired a majority stake in Curlec (Kuala Lumpur-based fintech) at a
valuation of $20 million last year with an aim to fuel its global expansion plans.
• The new Curlec payment gateway will serve more than 5,000 businesses with a target of
RM10 billion ($2 billion) in annualized gross transaction value (GTV) by 2025.
Source: Livemint

46. Bank of India has become the first bank to offer Mahila Samman Savings Certificate
• Till now, only post offices were authorised to open accounts under the Mahila Samman
Savings Certificate.
• About the scheme
• Interest rate- 7.5% per annum, compounded quarterly.
• Maturity- Two years from the date of opening.
• Minimum investment- Rs.1000
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• Maximum investment- Rs. 2 lakh

• Beneficiary- Individual girls or women, or a guardian of the minor girl.
• Tax Benefits- Earnings under the scheme are taxable, No TDS (Tax Deducted at
Source
• Partial Withdrawals- Upto 40 per cent of the eligible balance after one year from the
date of opening the account.
• Account closure penalty- 2 per cent after six months from the date of account
opening, and the applicable interest rate will be 5.5 per cent
• Number of accounts of an individual- Multiple accounts are allowed with a gap of 3
months between each account.
• Accounts under this scheme can be opened until March 31, 2025.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Bank of India’s MD & CEO- Rajneesh Karanatak
Source: Business Standard

47. Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Park+ for FASTag-based smart parking solution
at Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport.
• The move will enable automatic fee payment at airport parking by deducting through the
valid FASTag associated with the vehicle.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Park+ is an app for car owners founded in 2019 which solves the daily challenges faced
by car owners.
• Founder and CEO- Amit Lakhotia
Source: Economic Times

48. Propelld (Education Financing Startup) has received non-banking financial company
(NBFC) licence from Reserve bank of India.
• This will strengthen the Startup’s liabilities franchise and ability to offer longer-term
product.
• The company can now lend directly along with functioning as a loan service provider
(LSP).
Source: Economic Times

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49. India's services exports have increased by 7.7% on year in May 2023 according to
provisional estimates of Reserve Bank of India
• The exports are valued at $27.06 billion while imports have increased by 2% to $15.5
billion.
• The final figures are usually published quarterly as part of the country's overall balance-
of-payments data.
Source: Economic Times

50. IDFC First Bank Ltd. has merged with IDFC Ltd. in 155:100 share exchange ratio.
• IDFC Limited, an infrastructure financing institution (DFI), was allowed by RBI in April
2014 to set up IDFC Bank Limited.
• In 2018, the IDFC Bank and Capital First merged, and were renamed as IDFC First Bank.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Recently, Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC) Ltd. has merged with HDFC
Bank in a $40-billion deal, the largest in India's corporate history.
• Chairman (IDFC Ltd.)- Anil Singhvi
• Chairman (IDFC First Bank Ltd.)- Sanjeeb Chaudhuri
Source- Business Today

51. Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) has constituted a 5-member working group for implementing
recommendations of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) committee on the “working of the
Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)”
• The working group will undertake a thorough review of assignment agreements and trust
deed templates.
• The Secondary Loan Market Association (SLMA) will be tasked with standardisation of
documents.
Knowledge Nuggets
• RBI had set up a committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the working of
ARCs under the chairmanship of Sudarshan Sen, in April 2021. The report of the
committee was released on November, 2021.
• SLMA is a self-regulatory body formed as per directions of the RBI in August 2020 with
the primary objective to promote the growth of the secondary market for loans in India.
Source: Business Line and slma.in

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52. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a consultation paper on
'Consolidated Cyber Security and Cyber Resilience Framework (CSCRF) for SEBI
Regulated Entities (RE)'
• The regulated entities are required to in place an up-to-date cyber crisis management
plan.
• The framework is based on parameters as defined by National Institute of Standards and
Technology (agency of the United States Department of Commerce) -- Identify, Protect,
Detect, Respond, and Recover.
Source: Economic Times

53. Google Pay has launched UPI Lite to boost small value transactions.
• Google Pay will allow users to create a UPI Lite wallet within the same app, which can be
loaded up to Rs 2,000 at a time. Users can spend up to Rs 200 per transaction without
requiring a pin.
• Currently, users can only load up to Rs 2,000 twice a day, limit their spending on the app
to Rs 4,000 per day.
• UPI lite payment was first announced by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) back in September 2022 and is currently
compatible with over 15 major public sector and private banks.
o Paytm, PhonePe, and BHIM were the first set of UPI payment apps to introduce
UPI lite payments.
Source: IE

54. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has appointed Tata AIG
General Insurance Co. as the lead non-life insurer for Maharashtra.
• It has identified key segments such as motor insurance, health insurance, crop insurance,
support of MSMEs and employment related insurance solutions to drive overall insurance
penetration in the state.
o Tata AIG will also assist in promoting the adoption of flagship government schemes
such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
• The aim is to increase insurance penetration in the state in line with its vision “Insurance
for all by 2047”.
• MD & CEO of Tata AIG General Insurance: Neelesh Garg
Source: ToI
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55. Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has launched the 'CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal'
• The portal aims to facilitate over 10 crore depositors of Sahara Group in claiming their
money back within a timeframe of 45 days.
• The depositors of four cooperative societies of Sahara Group are eligible to use the
portal to claim their refunds
o Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Ltd
o Saharayan Universal Multipurpose Society Ltd
o Humara India Credit Cooperative Society Ltd
o Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd
• Refund Process
o The first payment of up to Rs 10,000 will be made to 1 crore investors who had
deposited Rs 10,000 or more.
o In the first phase, the allocated corpus is of Rs 5,000 crore.
o Once this fund is exhausted, the government will approach the Supreme Court to
seek additional funds for processing the refunds of other depositors with larger
amounts.
• Earlier, in its order on March 29, 2023, the Supreme Court had directed that Rs 5,000 crore
be transferred out of the “Sahara-SEBI Refund Account” to the Central Registrar of
Cooperative Societies (CRCS).
o The process of disbursement is being supervised and monitored by Justice R
Subhash Reddy, former judge of the Supreme Court.
Source: IE

56. Reserve Bank of India is planning to scale up the number of central bank digital currency
(CBDC) transactions to 1 million per day by the end of 2023.
• Currently, around 5,000-10,000 transactions are being done per day using retail CBDC.
• RBI is also planning to begin interoperability of CBDC with unified payments interface
(UPI).
• At present there are 1.3 million customers and 0.3 million merchants using retail digital
Rupee. There are 13 banks offering retail CBDC.
• The biggest advantage of CDBC is it can provide cross-border transactions and ensure
anonymity, which is the defining feature of the currency.
Source: IE
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57. India needs an average annual growth of 7.6% to become developed nation by 2047: RBI
bulletin
Sectoral growths-
• Agriculture would have to grow at 4.9% per annum, in the coming 25 years with their
sectoral shares in GDP at 5% in 2047-48.
• Services activity would have to grow at 13% per annum with their sectoral shares in GDP
at 60% in 2047-48.
• The industrial sector’s share in GDP should increase from the current level of 25.6% to
35% by 2047-48.
• To become a developed country by 2047, India's per capita GDP needs to rise by 8.8 times
from the current level.
o In other words, the current per capita GDP of USD 2,500 needs to rise to USD
22,000.
Knowledge Nuggets

Who is a developed country?

There is no unique criterion to define a country as a 'developed' one.

• The World Bank classifies countries as low-income, lower-middle-income, upper-middle
income and high-income based on Per Capita Income (PCI).
o As per their classification, a country with a per capita income of USD 13,205 or
more in 2022-23 is classified as a high-income country.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) classifies countries into two major groups:
Advanced Economies (AEs) and Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EMDEs).
o This is based on three criteria -- per capita gross domestic product, export
diversification and global financial integration.

Source: ET

58. IIFL Home Finance has raised a $50 million loan from US International Development
Finance Corp (DFC) to grow its affordable housing finance portfolio with a special focus on
sustainable housing.
• The fund was raised at a concessional 5.72% rate.
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Source: ET

59. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has retained forecast for India's economic growth at 6.4%
for FY24 and 6.7% for FY25.
• In an update in its Asian Development Outlook, the bank has forecasted 3.6% inflation
this year for developing economies in Asia, and 3.4% in 2024.
• The Indian economy grew at the rate of 7.2 % in the FY23.
Source: ET

60. GQG Partners invests Rs. 2400 crores and acquires 5.96% stake in Patanjali Foods.
Source: BS

61. RBI has cancelled licence of United India Co-operative Bank in Uttar Pradesh on account of
inadequate capital and earning prospects.
• The bank will cease to carry on its banking business with effect from the close of business
on July 19.
• On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim
amount of his or her deposits up to a ceiling of Rs 5 lakh, subject to the Deposit Insurance
and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) Act.
Source: BT

62. Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched 'Project PNB Palaash', for environmental
sustainability.
• This is an 8-month period campaign for cost savings and operational efficiencies through
energy and resource conservation, paper reduction, waste management and streamlined
digital processes.
Source: PTI

63. HDFC Bank becomes world's 7th largest bank as it crosses $100 billion valuation.
• The bank’s market capitalisation has crossed $150 billion, making it bigger than Morgan
Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Bank of China.
• Largest Banks-
o JP Morgan is the largest bank, with a market cap of $438 million.
o Bank of America ($232 billion)
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o China’s ICBC ($224 billion).

• In terms of market value on Bombay Stock Exchange, HDFC Bank remains the third-
largest Indian company behind only Reliance Industries (Rs 18.6 trillion) and TCS (Rs 12.9
trillion).
Source: BS

64. Stock exchanges (BSE, NSE), in consultation with markets regulator SEBI to allow micro-cap
stocks under Enhanced Surveillance Measures (ESM) to trade on all days.
• Earlier, the stocks under ESM Stage-II were allowed to trade only once a week.
• BSE and NSE had introduced ESM framework for stocks that have a market cap of less
than ₹500 crore from June 5 to curb excess volatility.
• The parameters for short-listing the securities under the ESM framework include high-low
price variation and close-to-close price variation.
Source: HBL

65. Saudi Aramco has completed its purchase of a 10% stake in a Chinese petrochemicals firm-
Rongsheng Petrochemical, part of an expansion into the world's top crude importer
• China is Saudi Arabia's top oil customer.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• According to the Forbes’ Global 2000 list, the top energy company in 2023 is Saudi
Aramco.
• The Global 2000 ranks the largest companies in the world using four metrics: sales,
profits, assets and market value
Source: The Hindu and Forbes

66. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed asset management
companies to launch funds under six new strategies for expanding the scope of the
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) thematic category.
• Currently, regulatory requirements permit mutual funds to launch only one scheme with
ESG investing under the thematic category for equity schemes.
• The schemes can be launched under the ESG category in one of the following strategies –
Exclusion, Integration, Best-in-class & Positive Screening, Impact investing, Sustainable
objectives, and Transition or transition-related investments.

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Source: MoneyControl

67. Indian Bank launched Resources Acquisition Centre (RAC) to strengthen its retail deposit
portfolio, which encompasses current deposit, savings bank and term deposit accounts.
• Purpose – the RAC team will work to improve relationship banking to deepen relationships
with the existing clients and it will also attract potential new High-Value clients
• The bank will focus on specific customer segments, including HNIs,
government/institutional clients, salaried class, corporates, business community, traders
and pensioners.
• The bank plans to open 20 RACs at ultra potential centres in phase-I to bolster its deposit
portfolio.
Source: TOI

68. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that a non-resident investor's income
from offshore investments that go through an Alternate Investment Fund set up in an
International Financial Services Centre will not be taxed.

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• With the latest amendment, the definition of the investment funds (mentioned in the box) has been
expanded to include AIFs registered in the IFSC located in GIFT city India.
• In 2019, the CBDT had notified that a non-resident investor’s income from investments
made outside India through a domestic investment fund will not be taxed.
• Legal provision for this has been made in the Income Tax Act of 1961 as -
o "non-resident or foreign companies generating income chargeable under this Act
through investments in IFSC-based investment funds, including Alternative
Investment Funds (AIFs) registered in GIFT City, are exempt from filing income tax
returns in India, provided that the income tax due on such earnings has been
deducted at the source and remitted to the Central Government by the respective
investment fund”.
Source: BS

69. The pension regulator PFRDA has proposed changes to the Points-of-Presence (POP)
regulations under the National Pension scheme, which were originally issued in 2018.
• Purpose - to promote the ease of doing business and bring down compliance costs leading
to increased returns for National Pension System (NPS) subscribers
• Proposed Changes -
o Registration time for POP registration – reduced from 60 days to 30 days
o Requirement of minimum number of branches – reduced from 15 to 10 for the
purpose of seeking registration
o The proposed changes also require POPs’ Audit committee/Board to appoint
external auditor to carry out Operational/Process and Financial audit of POPs
and submit the audit report to their Board and the PFRDA.
• Chairman of PFRDA - Deepak Mohanty
Knowledge Nuggets -
• POP is the first point of contact for NPS account holders in the NPS architecture.
• POP facilitates registration, contribution and other transactions for NPS account holders.
• POPs are entities that provide the services under NPS through their network of branches
called POP Service Providers (POP-SP).
Source: HBL

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70. According to an RTI reply given by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to The Indian Express, banks
wrote off bad loans worth over Rs 2.09 lakh crore (around US $ 25.50 billion) during 2022-
2023.
• Now, the total loan write-off by the banking sector stands at Rs 10.57 lakh crore (around $
129 billion) in the last five years.
• Because of this write off-
o Gross NPA reduced to 3.9% of advances in March 2023.
o Gross NPA amount reduced from Rs 10.21 lakh crore in FY2018 to Rs 5.55 lakh
crore by FY23.
• Total write-off of bad loans since 2012-13 till now - Rs 15 lakh crore approx.
• Recovery rate of banks - banks recovered only Rs 1 lakh crore approx. from over Rs 5
lakh crore loans written off in the last three years, revealing that they could only recover
18.6% of the write-offs during the three-year period.
• The total defaulted loans (including write-offs but excluding loans recovered from write-offs
in three years) amount to Rs 10.32 lakh crore.
• Including write-offs, the total NPA ratio would have become 7.47% of advances as against
3.9% reported by the banks.
Knowledge Nuggets -

How does writing off helps?

• When a loan is written off by a bank, it goes out from the asset book of the bank.
• The bank writes off a loan after the borrower has defaulted on the loan repayment and
there is a very low chance of recovery.
• The lender then moves the defaulted loan, or NPA, out of the assets side and reports the
amount as loss.
• After write-off, banks are supposed to continue their efforts to recover the loan using
various options. They have to make provisioning also.
• The tax liability will also come down as the written off amount is reduced from the profit.
• The writing off NPAs is a regular exercise carried by banks to clean up the balance sheet.

What is an NPA?
• A loan becomes an NPA when the principal or interest payment remains overdue for 90
days.

pg. 152
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Something to worry?
• According to the RBI’s Financial Stability Report (FSR) for June 2023, if the
macroeconomic environment worsens to a medium or severe stress scenario, the GNPA
ratio may rise to 4.1% and 5.1%, respectively.
Source: IE

71. Govt has approved 8.15% interest rate on Employees’ Provident Fund for FY23.
• In March 2022, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) reduced the interest
rate on EPF deposits for 2021-22 to a four-decade low of 8.10% from 8.5% in 2020-21.

• Retirement fund body EPFO added 16.30 lakh members on a net basis in May this year,
according to payroll data released last week.
o The data indicates that around 8.83 lakh new members enrolled during May, 2023
are highest during the last six months.
• Among the newly joined members, the age group of 18-25 years constitutes 56.42% of
total new members added during the month.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Employees Provident Fund is a mandated contribution for salaried employees.
• An employer is also obligated to make a matching contribution to the EPF account.
• On a monthly basis, an employee contributes 12% of his earnings to his EPF account. The
employee's whole contribution is placed into the EPF account.
• In the case of the employer, just 3.67% is deposited into the EPF account. The remaining
8.33% goes to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).
Source: ET, Livemint

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72. Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has partnered with Brookfield Infra and Digital Realty for
developing data centers in India.
• This three-way venture for setting up special purpose vehicles (SPVs) will be renamed
Digital Connexion. RIL will hold a 33.33% stake in the SPVs.
o Digital Realty is a cloud and data centre solutions provider.
• The joint venture will develop high-quality, highly connected, scalable data centres to meet
the critical infrastructure needs of enterprises and digital services companies in India.
• The venture is currently developing data centres in Chennai and Mumbai.
o Its first 20 megawatts (MW) greenfield data centre (MAA10), on a 100MW campus
in Chennai, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Source: Livemint

73. Indian Banks to get ₹5,729 crore from “Depositor Education and Awareness” (DEA) Fund
towards refund of settling unclaimed deposits.
• Depositor Education and Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014, was notified by Reserve
Bank of India (RBI).
• It covers norms related to unclaimed deposits and outlines details of utilisation of fund
including its role in promoting depositors’ interests and supporting specified purposes.
• Public sector banks have made contributions to the DEA Fund, transferring Rs. 36,185
crores of unclaimed deposits until March 31, 2023. Private banks have also transferred Rs.
6,087 crores to the DEA Fund during the same period.

• Other initiatives by RBI to settle unclaimed deposits-

o Centralised Web portal for public to search unclaimed deposits across multiple
banks.
o “100 Days 100 Pays” campaign for banks to trace and settle top 100 unclaimed
deposits of every bank in every district of the country within 100 days.
Source: PIB

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74. HDFC mutual fund has launched the HDFC Charity Fund for Cancer Cure, in collaboration
with Indian Cancer Society (ICS)
• This fixed maturity scheme has been launched to contribute to the treatment of
underprivileged cancer patients.
• The scheme will offer investors the flexibility to choose either a 50% or 75% contribution of
Income Distribution cum Capital Withdrawal (IDCW) to be donated to the ICS.
• HDFC Asset Management Company will match donations with an equal amount directly
contributed to ICS (subject to a limit of Rs 16 crore per financial year).
• The company has waived all investment management and advisory fees for this scheme.
• This NFO is the 4th edition of the cancer cure series. Since its initial launch in 2011, the
collective contribution from the series, including direct contribution from HDFC AMC, is
nearly Rs 190 crore.
Source: ET

75. Bajaj Finserv Asset Management has launched its first equity scheme in the flexi-cap
category
• In this scheme a fund manager can choose to invest in companies across the market
capitalisation spectrum.
• The flexicap fund will be managed through a 'megatrend' strategy and invest in opportunities
across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
Source: BT

76. L&T has approved Rs 10,000 crore share buyback programme through the tender offer
route.
• The buyback, to be done at a maximum price of Rs 3,000 per share, will involve 3.33 crore
shares or 2.4% of the fully paid-up equity share capital.
o The buyback price is at a premium of 17% from the current levels.
• What is share buyback?
o Under this, a company buys back its own shares from shareholders and it is seen as
a tax-efficient way to give cash back to investors.
o Share buyback reduces the number of shares available in the market and thereby
increases the real value of the stock.
Source: ET

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77. Canara Bank has topped the list of public sector banks with the highest lending to corporations
and PSUs of States and Union Territories for the fifth year in a row.
PSB 2022-23 2021-22
Canara Bank ₹187,813 crore (45%) ₹1,69,532 crore
Punjab National Bank ₹70,143 crore ₹96,396 crore
State Bank of India ₹66,523 crore ₹81,735 crore
Bank of Baroda ₹15,707 crore ₹42,015 crore
Total of 12 PSB ₹4.12-lakh crore ₹4.93-lakh crore
• Lowest Lending by - Punjab and Sind Bank ( ₹87.7 crore).
• The nationalised banks have not disbursed loans to State governments in the last five
years, according to the Union Finance Ministry.
Source: HBL

78. HDFC Bank has overtaken State Bank of India (SBI) to secure top spot in 2023 CRISIL’s
“Greenwich Market Share Leaders” rankings in “Large Corporate Banking” category.
• For middle market corporates, HDFC Bank has again topped the list of 2023 Leaders
among local banks,
• HDFC bank and ICICI bank have been recognised as the joint Greenwich Quality
Leaders for the year.

Source: BS

79. Federal Bank has launched an exclusive NR savings account scheme.

• The scheme, named NRE Eve+, will cater to the unique financial needs of NRI women,
offering a range of benefits tailored to enhance the financial journey of NRI women.
pg. 156
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Source: HBL

80. Dvara KGFS has entered into a co-lending partnership with HDFC Bank.
• Objective: To provide capital to micro business units operating primarily in the unorganised
sector.
• Dvara KGFS, Chennai based is a rural-focused non-banking lender. It launched an
enterprise loan vertical in 2020, focussing on grocery, dairy, and agri value chains.
Knowledge Nuggets-
What is Co-lending?
• In this, loan origination is done by one entity, but the risk is shared by two entities.
• An NBFC is the originator while a bank is where the major portion of the loan rests.
Source: HBL

81. India will become world's 3rd largest economy by FY28 according to SBI Ecowrap.
• SBI Ecowrap is a report released by State Bank of India’s Economic Research
Department.
Other findings –
• India’s global share in GDP will cross 4% by 2027.
• India might surpass both Japan and Germany in 2027 at the current rate of growth.
• At least two Indian states, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, will break the $500 billion
mark in 2027 (or FY28) when India achieves the 3rd place in global economy.
• At this current rate, India is likely to add $0.75 trillion in every 2 years, implying that India
will touch $20 trillion by 2047.
Source: BT

82. An amount of Rs 10.16 trillion has been recovered by Scheduled Commercial Banks
(SCBs) during the last 9 financial years ending 2022-23, according to finance ministry.
• Steps taken to recover bad loans
o Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC), which has taken away control of the
defaulting company from promoters/owners, and debarring wilful defaulters from the
resolution process.
o Creation of stressed asset management verticals for stringent recovery by SCBs.
o Debarring wilful defaulters and companies with wilful defaulters as
promoters/directors from accessing capital markets to raise funds.
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Knowledge Nuggets-
• Statutory provisions available to lenders for recovery and resolution-
o Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993
o Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security
Interest Act, 2002
o Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC)
Source: BS

83. Digital payments have registered a growth of 13.24% in FY23 according to RBI's Digital
Payments Index.
• RBI's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) has stood at 395.57 at end-March 2023 compared
to 377.46 in September 2022 and 349.30 in March 2022.
Knowledge Nuggets-
• Digital Payment Index
o For measurement of deepening and penetration of digital payments in the
country over different time periods.
o Base Period- March 2018
o Released biannually from March 2021 onwards with a lag of 4 months.
o Parameters- 5
▪ Payment Enablers (25%),
▪ Payment Infrastructure – Demand-side factors (10%),
▪ Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors (15%),
▪ Payment Performance (45%) and
▪ Consumer Centricity (5%).
Source: BS

84. RBI has included ‘NongHyup Bank’ in the list of Scheduled Banks under Schedule II of RBI
Act.
• NongHyup Bank (NH Bank) was established in 2012, is a commercial bank headquartered
in Seoul, South Korea.
What is a Scheduled Bank?
• Scheduled banks are those banks that are listed under Schedule II of the Reserve Bank of
India Act, 1934.

pg. 158
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• To qualify as a scheduled bank, the bank’s paid-up capital and collected funds must be at
least Rs. 5 lakhs.
• These banks are eligible for low interest loans from the RBI and also have membership in
clearing-houses.
Source: Livelaw

85. According to a report released by Standard Chartered Bank, India will become middle-income
country with GDP of $6 trillion by 2030.
Key Findings of the report
• India's per capita income is expected to grow around 70% to $4,000 by 2030 from $2,450
currently.
• Biggest growth driver- External trade which may double to $2.1 trillion by 2030 ($1.2
trillion in 2023)
• Second biggest growth driver- Household consumption which will rise to $3.4 trillion
by 2030 ($2.1 trillion in 2023)
Status of Indian States-
• 9 states would grow to the upper middle-income country status with a per capita income of
$4,000.
• Gujarat will lead the list by 2030, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka,
Haryana, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
• Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, will have per capita income below $2,000 even in fiscal 2030.
Source: BS

86. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched a new term assurance plan “Jeevan
Kiran”.
• It is a non-linked, non-participating, individual, savings, and life Insurance plan that offers a
combination of protection and savings.
• Eligibility & Restrictions:
o Age (Entry): Minimum 18 years to Maximum 65 years.
o Policy Term: 10 years to 40 years
o Minimum Basic Sum Assured: Rs 15 Lakhs.
o Maximum Basic Sum Assured: No Limit
o Minimum Premium: Rs 3000 for Regular Premium Policies & Rs 30000 for Single
Premium Policies
pg. 159
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Source: ET

87. Razorpay, a Fintech company has launched its ‘MoneySaver Export Account’, built
specifically for small and mid-size exporters to save 50% on international bank transfers
• The facility allows exporters to open an account in any country of their choice (over 160
countries).
• The exporters will receive international payments locally via the Razorpay platform such as
FedWire, Automated Clearing House (ACH) and more in order to save from high transfer
costs, chargebacks and payment failures.
Source: FE

88. Future Generali India Life Insurance has partnered with JM Financial Services.
• Purpose- The partnership will help the insurer expand its product portfolio and leverage the
distribution and financial advisory capabilities of JM Financial to offer innovative products.
Source: HBL

GDP FORECASTS
1. Asian Development Bank (ADB) has retained its GDP forecast for India for 2023-24 to 6.4%.
a. Forecast for 2024-25: 6.7%.
• Previously, Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee has projected GDP
growth of 2023-24 at 6.5%
o The real GDP growth for 2022-23 fiscal ended March 2023 was recorded at 7.2%.
• Recently, Fitch Ratings has raised its forecast for India's economic growth to 6.3% for
current fiscal year 2023-24 from 6% it had predicted previously.
• World Bank had also projected India's GDP growth forecast to 6.3% in FY24.
• ADB has projected a decline in inflation, approaching pre-pandemic levels as fuel and food
prices have declined.
o It has forecasted 3.6% inflation for Asia’s developing economies and 3.4% in 2024.
• Forecasts for other regions-
S.no. Region 2023-24 2024-25
1. China 5 4.5
2. Southeast Asia 4.6 4.9
Source: BT
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2. International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected GDP growth rate of 6.1% for India for 2023-
24 in its July edition of World economic outlook update.
o IMF forecast for India for the year 2024 is 6.3%.
• Global growth is projected to fall from an estimated 3.5% in 2022 to 3% in both 2023 and
2024.
• According to the IMF, most advanced economies are expected to see a growth slowdown,
from 2.7% in 2022 to 1.5% in 2023.

Source: IMF

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APPOINTMENTS
1. Central government extended the tenure of Brajendra Navnit as Ambassador and
Permanent Representative of India to the World Trade Organization (WTO) by nine months
till March 31, 2024.
Source: ET

2. Tushar Mehta has been reappointed as the Solicitor General of India for period of 3 years
by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC).
• This is the 2nd extension granted to Mehta by the government of India. He was appointed
as the Solicitor General in 2018. He got his first extension in 2020.
• ACC has also approved reappointment of 6 additional solicitors general (ASG) for
period of 3 years.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• The Attorney General for India is the highest law officer of the country. Senior
advocate R Venkataramani was appointed AG on October 1 last year and has a tenure
of three years till 2025.
Source: Hindustan Times

3. Rajib Kumar Mishra has been appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of
PTC India Ltd.
Source: India Times

4. Justice Sheo Kumar Singh has been appointed as the acting chairperson of National Green
Tribunal (NGT) by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• He was appointed as a judicial member of the NGT in 2020.
Knowledge Nuggets

About National Green Tribunal

• It was established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and
speedy disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests
and other natural resources.

pg. 162
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• It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental

disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.
Source: Indian Express and greentribunal.gov.in

5. Edgars Rinkevics has been appointed as the Latvia’s 7th President.

• Latvia is a member of both European Union and North Atlantic Treaty
Organization (NATO), and gained its independence in 1991.
Source: Indian Express

6. Telecom Secretary K Rajaraman has been appointed as the next Chairperson of the
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) for three years, or till attaining
the age of 65 years, or until further orders, whichever is the earliest.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• IFSCA was set up in April 2020 under the International Financial Services Centres
Authority Act, 2019, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
• IFSCA is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products,
financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre
(IFSC).
• IFSCA, RBI, SEBI, PFRDA and IRDAI are the five financial regulators in India.
Source: LiveMint

7. Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a 2-year extension of Centre for
Development of Telematics (C-DoT) CEO Rajkumar Upadhyay.
Source: ET

8. Irina Ghose has been appointed as the Managing Director of Microsoft India after President
Anant Maheshwari resigns.
• She was previously working as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) with Microsoft India.
• New COO: Navtej Bal
Source: The Hindu Business Line

9. Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been re-elected as Uzbekistan’s president.

Source: Euro News

pg. 163
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10. Abhijit Chakravorty has been appointed as the MD & CEO of SBI Card for 2 years.
• SBI Cards & Payment Services (SBI Card) is the country’s largest pure-play (specifically
focussing on one segment) credit card issuer.
Source: Business Line

11. Kuwait’s Sheikh Talal Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah has been elected as the new President of
the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) from 2023-2027 at the 42nd Olympic Council of Asia
(OCA) General Assembly.
Source: Official Website

12. Michele Bullock has been appointed as the first female head of Reserve Bank of Australia
(RBA) for the next seven years.
Source: Livemint

13. B Neeraja Prabhakar has been appointed as the chairperson of the Oil Palm Research
Advisory Committee (10 members) for a 3-year period.
• The Committee will guide the Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research (Andhra Pradesh) in
formulating its research plans.
Source: Business Line

14. Ajit Agarkar has been appointed as the chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee
by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
• He has played 26 Tests, 191 One day internationals, four T20s and was part of the 2007
ICC World T20-winning team.
• Previous Chairman - Chetan Sharma
Source: Indian Express

15. Jens Stoltenberg’s (former PM of Norway) term as NATO’s Secretary General has been
extended by 1 year.
• He has been holding this position since 2014. This is the 4th time his term has got
extended.
Source: The Times of India

16. B R Sharma has been appointed as the new J&K State Election Commissioner.
pg. 164
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• Appointed by- Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

• In Office- Till the age of 65 years.
Source: Greater Kashmir

17. DG Rakesh Pal has been appointed as the 25th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard
(ICG).
Source: PIB

18. Rajay Kumar Sinha has taken charge as managing director & chief executive officer of
SBI Capital Markets - a wholly owned subsidiary and investment banking arm of State Bank of
India (SBI).
Source: TOI

19. Ms. Nivruti Rai has been appointed as the Managing Director & CEO of Invest India.

Source: PIB

20. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has appointed Sat Pal Bhanoo as the managing director
of the company.
• The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), the organization responsible for
choosing directors of state-owned banks and financial institutions, had recommended the
name of Sat Pal Bhanoo for the post of managing director of LIC.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• The LIC has been established through the Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956, with an
initial capital contribution of Rs. 5 crores from the Government of India.

pg. 165
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Source: LIveMint and LIC

21. Commodore A Madhavarao has been appointed as the CMD of Bharat Dynamics Limited.
• Headquartered in Hyderabad, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), was incorporated on 16
July 1970 as a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence to manufacture the
guided missile systems and allied equipment for the Indian Armed Forces.
Source: BDL

22. Chief Justices to High Courts have been appointed across the country.
• Justice Alok Aradhe - Telangana HC
• Justice Ashish Jitendra Desai - Kerala HC
• Justice Subhasis Talapatra - Orissa HC
• Justice Sunita Agarwal- Gujarat HC, the only woman Chief Justice of a HC.
• Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya- Bombay HC

pg. 166
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• Justice Dhiraj Singh Thakur- Andhra Pradesh HC

Knowledge Nuggets
• Article 217 of Constitution confers power on the President of India to appoint the Chief
Justice.
Source: TH, IE

23. Government has extended the tenure of Amitava Mukherjee as CMD (additional charge) of
NMDC and NMDC Steel by 3 months.
• NMDC Ltd. is Hyderabad-based miner which contributes 17-20% to India's total iron ore
production.
Source: ET

24. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has appointed 4 women MPs to the panel of
vice-chairpersons in the Upper House.
• The MPs are PT Usha, Phangnon Konyak, Fauzia Khan and Sulata Deo, all first-time
members of the Rajya Sabha.
• This is the first time in the history of the Upper House that equal representation has been
given to women members in the panel of Vice-Chairpersons.
Source: IE

25. Jim Skea of the United Kingdom has been appointed as the new Chair of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
• IPCC is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change.
• It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988
Source: IPCC
26. India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj,
has been appointed as the chairman of the 62nd Session of the Commission for Social
Development (CSocD62).
• The central theme for the CSocD62 is “Fostering Social Development and Social
Justice through Social Policies to accelerate Progress on the Implementation of the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and to achieve the overarching goal of
poverty eradication”.
Source: ANI
pg. 167
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27. Indian-American policy expert Nisha Biswal has been appointed as the Deputy CEO of the
United States International Development Finance Corporation.
Source: NoA

IMPORTANT DAYS
1. June 24- International Day for Women in Diplomacy
• Theme- “Breaking Barriers, Shaping the Future: Women in Diplomacy for Sustainable
Development”
Source: News18

2. June 30 - International Day of Parliamentarism; Theme - Parliaments for the Planet

Source: LiveMint

3. June 30 – International Asteroid Day

Source: UN

4. July 1- GST Day (6th edition); Theme - ‘Celebrating Simplification and Economic Growth'
Source: PIB

5. July 1- National Chartered Accountant Day (75th Edition)

• Theme for 2023 - ‘Empowering Financial Excellence'
Source: PIB

6. July 1- National Doctor’s Day

• Theme for 2023 - ‘Celebrating Resilience and Healing hands'
Knowledge Nuggets
• National Doctor's Day in India was established in the year 1991 to honour Dr. Bidhan
Chandra Roy, a prominent physician, and educationist who served as the second Chief
Minister of West Bengal from 1948 to 1962.
• First CM of West Bengal - Dr. Prafulla Chandra Ghosh
Source: TOI

pg. 168
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7. July 2 - World Sports Journalist Day

Source: LiveMint

8. July 3 - International Plastic Bag Free Day

Source: LiveMint

9. 6 July- World Zoonoses Day

• French Chemist and Microbiologist Louis Pasteur successfully developed the first
vaccination against the Rabies virus on this day in 1885.
• Zoonotic diseases are those diseases which can be transmitted from animals or
insects to humans.
Source: The Quint

10. 7 July- World Kiswahili Language Day; Theme - Unleashing Kiswahili’s potential in the digital
era
Source: UNESCO

11. 10 July- National Fish Farmer's Day (65th edition)

• History of the day- The day is celebrated to commemorate the successful induced
breeding of Indian Major Carps on this day in 1957. The scientists who achieved this feat
were Professor Dr Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr Alikunhi.
Source: ANI

12. July 10 - National Fish Farmer’s Day (commemorate the contribution of Professor Dr. Hiralal
Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. K. H. Alikunhi in the Indian fisheries sector)
• They had guided the induced breeding and reproduction in Indian Major Carps by
Hypo-physation technique, on this day 1957, which eventually lead to a revolution in
Inland Aquaculture.
• Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying is organizing the 'Summer
Meet 2023' and the 'Start-up Conclave' in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, on 10th - 11th
July.
Knowledge Nuggets -
• Since 2015, the Government of India has announced cumulative investments to the tune
of Rs 38,572 crore in the fisheries sector.
pg. 169
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Schemes for Fisheries Sector -

A) Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries

• The Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries initiative under the Blue
Revolution Scheme, introduced in 2016, with an investment of Rs. 3,000 crores for
advancing the fisheries sector.

B) Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

• In the Union Budget 2018, Finance Minister announced regarding the setting up of a
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) with a corpus of
Rs. 7522.48 Crore for fisheries sector, for increasing the infrastructure development in
fisheries and Aquaculture sector (both in the marine and inland fisheries).
• Projects under the FIDF are eligible for loans up to 80% of the estimated or actual project
cost with an interest subvention.

C) Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• In 2020, the scheme was launched with a corpus of Rs. 20,050 crores over a period of 5
years.
• Finance Minister announced a Sub-scheme under PMMSY with an investment of Rs.
6,000 crores in the Union Budget 2023–24.
• The primary objective of PMMSY is to enhance fish production to an impressive 22 MMT
by 2024–25.
Source: PIB

13. 11 July- World Population Day (34th edition); Theme- Unleashing the power of gender equality:
Uplifting the voices of women and girls to unlock our world's infinite possibilities.
• History of the Day- It was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations
Development Programme in 1989 to mark the significant global population milestone of
reaching 5 billion people on July 11th, 1987.
Source: India Today

14. 12 July- International Malala Day (10th edition)

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• Objective: To honor the bravery and activism of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani advocate
for girls’ education and the youngest person to receive the Nobel Prize.
• Malala is the youngest recipient of Nobel Peace Prize.
Source: ET

15. July 15 - World Youth Skills Day

• Theme for 2023: Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• Adopted by: United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to celebrate the strategic
importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and
entrepreneurship.
Source: UNESCO

16. 16 July- World Snake Day

• Purpose- To protect snakes by raising awareness about snakes of India, and importance of
snakes in the ecosystem.
• National Zoological Park, Delhi celebrated the day this year.
Source: NewsonAir

17. 17th July- International Day of Justice

• Declared by- International Criminal Court (ICC)
• History- The day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute on 17 July
1998, the founding treaty of the ICC.
• Purpose- To unites all those who wish to support justice, promote victims' rights, and help
prevent crimes that threaten the peace, security and well-being of the world.
Source- ICC

18. July 18- Nelson Mandela International Day

• Declared by- United Nations in November 2009.
o It was first celebrated on July 18, 2010.
Knowledge Nuggets
Mandela’s History:
• He was born in Transkei, South Africa in 1918.

pg. 171
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• Mandela, served as the South Africa's first black president from 1994 to 1999.
• He was felicitated with the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
• He is known as the 'Gandhi of South Africa'.
• India conferred him with its highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna in 1990.
The Indian government also awarded him with the International Gandhi Peace Price in
2001 for his peace-making efforts.
Source: ET

19. July 20 – World Chess Day

Source: The Quint

20. July 22 - World Brain Day; Theme - Brain Health and Disability: Leave No One Behind
Source: HT

21. July 22 and March 14 – Pi Day / International Day of Mathematics; Theme - Mathematics for
Everyone
Source: Quint and ET

22. July 22 - National Flag Adoption Day (to commemorate the Constituent Assembly’s adoption of
the tricolour in its current form in 1947)
• India’s flag was first designed in 1923 by Pingali Venkayya.
• The Flag Code, 2002 gave permission to everyone to hoist the tricolour at their houses,
offices, or any other establishment throughout the year.
Source: CNBC

23. July 22- National Mango Day

• History- In 1987, the National Horticulture Board of India introduced the concept of the
International Mango Festival to pay tribute to the beloved mango.
Source: Livemint

24. July 23- National Broadcasting Day

• History- On this day in 1927, the first-ever radio broadcast in the country went on the air
from the Bombay Station under a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company.
o In June, 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio (AIR).
pg. 172
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• Purpose- To celebrate the journey of All India Radio and reflect on the influence it has on
social integration as well as social change.
• Motto of AIR- Bahujan Hitaya, Bahujana Sukhaya'.
Source: NoA

25. July 24- Income Tax Day (164th)

• Purpose- To spread awareness around the importance of taxes and encourage more and
more people to pay taxes for the development of the nation.
Source: Livemint

26. July 25- World Embryologist (IVF) Day

• History- To commemorate the birth of first baby born through the process of IVF in 1978.
Louise Joy Brown was the first baby to be born through In vitro fertilisation.
Source: HT

27. 25 July- World Drowning Prevention Day

• History- It was established through a UN General Assembly resolution in April 2021, aiming
to address global drowning prevention.
• In 2023, the 76th World Health Assembly has adopted its first ever resolution on drowning
prevention.

Source: WHO

28. July 26- International Day for conservation of Mangrove Ecosystem

• Adopted by- General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) in 2015.
• Purpose- To raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique,
special and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote solutions for their sustainable
management, conservation and uses.
Source: UNEP

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29. July 26- Kargil Vijay Diwas

• The day is celebrated to commemorate the valour and bravery of Indian soldiers who fought
the India- Pakistan war under Operation Vijay.
Source- ToI

30. 26 July- World Drowning Prevention Day

• History- It was established through a UN General Assembly resolution in April 2021, aiming
to address global drowning prevention.
• In 2023, the 76th World Health Assembly has adopted its first ever resolution on drowning
prevention.

Source: WHO

31. 27 July- 85th CRPF Raising Day

• Purpose- To commemorate the formation of the central force on this day in 1939.
• CRPF is an integral part of India’s internal security and one of the oldest Central Armed
Police Forces.
• It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Source: cnbc

32. 28 July- World Hepatitis Day; Theme: One life, one liver
• Purpose- To highlight the importance of protecting the liver against hepatitis for living a
long, healthy life.
• Hepatitis refers to an inflammatory condition of the liver.
Source: WHO

33. 28 July- World Nature Conservation Day

• Purpose- To create awareness about the importance of protecting the environment, about
the challenges of climate change and the necessity of conservation of natural resources.

pg. 174
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Source: cnbc

34. 29 July- International Tiger Day

• Purpose- To raise awareness about the urgent need for tiger conservation. The day aims to
highlight the critical plight of tigers, whose populations have drastically declined due to
factors like habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade.
India related numbers-
• India’s tiger population increased to 3,682 in 2022, up from 2,967 in 2018, which is an
annual rise of 6%.
• India is home to approximately 75% of the world’s tiger population.
• Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) has achieved a significant 50% increase in its tiger
population. With 785 tigers as per the latest tiger estimation exercise, Madhya Pradesh is
the leading Tiger State of India.
• India has 53 tiger reserves, with Madhya Pradesh accounting for 6 of them.

Source: cnbc, ToI

35. 22 July- 28 July- National Math Week

• Purpose- It encourages scientists and non-scientists to participate in surveys of moths.
Source: TH

AWARDS
1. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has honoured Rajindar Singh Dhatt, one of the last
surviving Sikh soldiers who fought in the Second World War, with a UK Points of Light
honour at a UK-India Week reception at 10 Downing Street in London.

pg. 175
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• UK Points of Light honour was conferred upon Rajindar Singh Dhatt during the India
Global Forum’s UK-India Week 2023.
Source: IE

2. Mary Kom has been honoured with the Global Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual
5th UK-India Awards in Windsor, south-eastern England.
• Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, behind Oscar-nominated 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age', received
a Lifetime Achievement Award.
• The awards are organised by India Global Forum (IGF) as part of UK-India Week.
• The Nehru Centre in London, the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission, won the UK-
India Award for Significant Contribution to UK-India Relations.
Source: The Week

3. Hurun Research Institute has released ASK Private Wealth Hurun India Future Unicorn
Index 2023.
• It is a ranking of India’s start-ups founded in the 2000s, worth at least $200 million, not yet
listed on a public exchange, and most likely to “go unicorn” within three years
(categorised as ‘gazelles’) or five years (cheetahs). The cut-off date was May 31, 2023.
• The rank has demoted eight gazelles — start-ups that were founded in 2000 and have the
potential to go to unicorn in three years — to cheetahs. It dropped 19 out of the unicorn list.
• EV start-up Ather Energy, quick commerce start-up Zepto and edtech start-up Leap
Scholar are the most valuable gazelles.
• Online furniture platform Pepperfry is the most valuable cheetah.
Source: BS

4. King Charles III and Queen Camilla presented the Elephant Family environmental award
to Indian conservationists: filmmaker Kartiki Gonsalves behind Oscar-winning documentary
‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and the Real Elephant Collective (TREC) of 70 Adivasi artists.
• ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ won the 2023 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short
Film earlier this year.
• The Real Elephant Collective was awarded the Mark Shand Award, named in honour of
the late founder of Elephant Family. It is an international NGO dedicated to protecting the
Asian elephant.
Source: HT
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5. British children’s writer and performance poet Michael Rosen has been awarded the
prestigious PEN Pinter Prize 2023.
• The award is given to a writer from the UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth.
Source: IE

6. ‘Kreta Vikreta Gaurav Sammaan Samaaroh 2023’ awards have been announced by the
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Union government awards companies that effectively utilize the ‘GeM’, a dedicated e-
market platform for buying and procuring goods and services, through this award.
Category Winner Specifics
"Highest Single Bid Ministry of Health and Family -
Procurements in FY22-23" Welfare
“Timely Payments (CPSEs) NLC India Limited -
in 2023”
Gold Award in “Kreta-Vikreta Food Corporation of India for its exemplary commitment
Gaurav Samman” for the in the sphere of Public
year 2022-23 Procurement through GeM
Portal
Best performing state Uttar Pradesh UP - Area of doing business
(followed by Gujarat at 2nd
and Maharashtra at 3rd)
Golden Award in ‘Highest REC Limited -
Single Bid Procurements in
FY22-23' category
“GeM Star Buyers” category Mangalore Refinery and -
Petrochemical Ltd
Source: ANI, NE India Broadcast , The Print, ET, Free Press Journal, TOI, Karnataka News

7. All India Football Federation (AIFF) has announced the winners for their yearly awards for
the 2022-23 season.
Category Winner
AIFF Men's Footballer of the Year Lallianzuala Chhangte

pg. 177
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AIFF Women’s Footballer of the Year Manisha Kalyan

Men's Coach of the Year Clifford Miranda
Women’s Coach of the Year Priya Parathi Valappil
Men’s Emerging Player of the Year Akash Mishra
Women’s Emerging Player of the Year Shilji Shaji
Source- Khel Now

8. International Astronomical Union (IAU) has honoured Aswin Sekhar by naming a minor
planet after him.
• The honour has been conferred on him at the 2023 edition of Asteroids Comets Meteors
Conference held in Arizona.
• Asteroids are small celestial bodies within the solar system that orbit the Sun. They are
rocky, airless remnants from the initial formation of our solar system.
Source: Deccan Chronicle

9. International Tennis Federation (ITF) has awarded Justine Henin with Philippe Chatrier
Award (highest honour of ITF).
• The award is named after the former ITF president (Philippe Chatrier) and was
introduced in 1996. It recognizes people who have made significant contributions to the
sport on and off the court.
• Henin has won the French Open four times, the U.S. Open twice and the Australian
Open once. She was a two-time runner-up at Wimbledon. She won Olympic gold at the
2004 Athens Games.
Source: Business Standard

10. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance won the Insurer Innovation Award 2023 for the APAC region at
The World's Digital Insurance Awards.
• Reason - Bajaj Allianz Life's ground-breaking WhatsApp Conversational Platform for
empowering customers to digitally services their policies seamlessly.
• The award is hosted by The Digital Insurer (TDI). It was the 8th edition of The World's
Digital Insurance Awards.
Source: ANI

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11. Coal India Limited won the Rising Star Award through the Government e-Marketplace
(GeM) portal in FY 2022–23.
Source: PSU Connect

12. 4 Indian-origin women have been named in the Forbes' list of America's 100 most
successful self-made women.
• Jayshree Ullal, president and CEO of computer networking firm Arista Networks has been
ranked 15th on the list, the highest among Indian-origin business leaders.
• Neerja Sethi, co-founder of IT consulting and outsourcing firm Syntel, has been ranked
25th on the list. She has a net worth of USD 990 million.
• Neha Narkehe, co-founder and former chief technology officer (CTO) of cloud company
Confluent, is ranked 50th on the list, with a net worth of USD 520 million.
• Indira Nooyi, the former chair and CEO of PepsiCo, is ranked 77th on the Forbes list. She
has a net worth of USD 350 million.
Source: Hindustan Times

13. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance has set a new Guinness World Records title for the
Largest Attendance for an Insurance Conference in the first-ever General Insurance
Festival of India (GIFI) hosted by it in Pune.
• The idea of GIFI is of creating a platform that brings together the best in the general
insurance industry.
• Bajaj Allianz General Insurance is India's leading private general insurance company.
• GIFI Awards received during the event-
S.No. Category Winner

1. Best Health Insurance Advisor in India Mayank Chander Kothari (Ahmedabad)

2. Best Motor Insurance Advisor in India- Shiv Kumar Gupta (Varanasi)
3. Best Property Insurance Advisor in India Priyadarshini Sheshadri (Bengaluru)
4. Best Multiline Insurance Advisor in India Prashant Shah (Mumbai)
5. Best Woman Insurance Advisor in India Priti Sameer Shah (Mumbai)

Knowledge Nuggets –
• MD & CEO of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance - Tapan Singhel

pg. 179
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• Bajaj Allianz is a joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Limited, India's most diversified
non-bank financial institution, and Allianz SE, the world's leading insurer and largest
asset manager.
• Allianz SE is headquartered in Munich, Germany.
Source: Business Standard

14. India has won 4 gold medals and topped the International Biology Olympiad medal tally for
the first time at the 34th edition of the competition held in Al Ain, UAE.
• A total of 293 students from 76 countries participated in the Olympiad.
• The winners from India are- Dhruv Advani from Bengaluru; Ishan Pednekar from Kota,
Rajasthan; Megh Chhabda from Jalna, Maharashtra; and Rohit Panda from Risali,
Chattisgarh.
• Singapore is the only other country that has won 4 gold medals in the Olympiad.
Source: IE

15. Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has been awarded with the best member federation award
by the Asian Athletics Association in Bangkok.
• AFI president Adille Sumariwalla received the award during a function hosted by Asian
Athletics Association.
Source: BS

16. International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month
awards for June 2023.
• ICC Men’s Player of the Month- Sri Lanka’s record-breaking spinner Wanindu
Hasaranga.
• ICC Women’s Player of the Month- Australia’s star all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner
Source: ICC Cricket

17. Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) has bagged the SKOCH Award
under the theme “State of Governance India 2047” in gold category for outstanding efforts in
creating marketing avenues for Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
About SKOCH Awards
• Launched- 2003
• Conferred by an independent organisation.
pg. 180
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• Aim- To acknowledge people, projects and institutions that go the extra mile to make India
a better nation. The SKOCH Award covers the best of efforts in digital, financial and social
inclusion.
Source: NewsonAIR and SKOCH

18. 64th International Math Olympiad being held in Chiba, Japan has concluded.
• India’s rank- 9th (2 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze)
o This is the 4th time that the Indian team has secured a position in the top 10.
o India had finished 7th in 1998 and in 2001, and 9th in 2002.
• Total Countries- 112
• Top rank- China (5th consecutive time)
• Winners from India
o Gold- Atul Shatavart Nadig and Arjun Gupta
o Silver- Ananda Bhaduri and Siddharth Choppara
o Bronze- Adhitya Mangudy, and Archit Manas
• The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) is the World Championship Mathematics
Competition for High School students and is held annually in a different country.
Source: ANI, imo2023

19. Union Minister of Tourism, Culture and Development of Northeast Region G Kishan
Reddy has been conferred with ‘Global Incredible Inc Leadership Award’ from ‘The US India
SME Council.
• The council promotes trade, commerce, and people-to-people exchange programmes
between the United States and India.
• He has been conferred the award in recognition of his endeavours towards promoting
tourism and the rich culture of India.
Source: The Hindu

20. T. Pradeep of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has been selected for the
International Eni Award.
• The award has been instituted by the Italian energy company Eni and comprises a gold
medal, a citation and cash.
• He has been awarded in recognition of his work on sustainable and affordable nanoscale
material for removing toxic contaminants from water.
pg. 181
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Source: The Hindu

21. Carnatic vocalist Aruna Sairam and flautist Shashank Subramanyam have been awarded
the Chevalier award by the French government.
• The award honours personalities for their creativity in cultural spheres.
• Ms. Sairam and Mr. Subramanyam were conferred the title of Chevalier De L’orde des
Arts Et Des Lettres.
• Earlier, Ms. Sairam has also received the Padma Shri and Sangita Kalanidhi from The
Music Academy.
• Mr. Subramanyam has also been awarded Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani for
his prowess in instrumental music.
Source: The Hindu

22. President Smt. Draupadi Murmu has presented 'Bhoomi Samman- 2023' awards.
“Bhoomi Samman”
• It is an award launched by the Union Ministry of Rural Development to recognize the
achievements of states and districts in the implementation of the Digital India Land
Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP).
• The award has been presented to 9 state secretaries and 68 district collectors along
with their teams who have excelled in achieving saturation of the core components of
DILRMP.
• DILRMP (previously National Land Record Modernization Programme) was revamped and
converted as a Central Sector Scheme with effect from 1st April, 2016 with 100% funding
by the Centre.
Source: PIB

23. Moksha Roy, a 7 yr old girl Indian-origin girl has been awarded the British Prime Minister’s
Points of Light award.
• She holds the distinction of being the world’s youngest sustainability advocate.
• She volunteered for a United Nations' sustainability initiative against microplastic pollution.
• Points of Light awards recognise outstanding people whose service is making a difference
in their communities and inspire others towards innovative solutions to social challenges.
Source: HT

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24. Ministry of Coal was awarded for its achievements on e- procurement through GeM by
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The Ministry of Coal has been awarded in the “Best Engagement” category, Coal India
Limited (CIL) has been awarded the “Rising Star” and NLC India Limited has been
awarded in the “TimelyPayments” category.
Source: PIB

25. Esther Vergeer (Dutch para-tennis player) and Rick Draney (US) have been added to the
International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• Both are wheelchair tennis players.
• They will be added to the Newport, Rhode Island, shrine.
Source: Sportstar

26. National Geoscience Awards 2022

• President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu has conferred the prestigious National Geoscience
Awards- 2022 (NGA) of the Ministry of Mines.
• 22 Geoscientists have received the awards under 3 categories.

o National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement - Dr. Om Narain Bhargava

for work his in the Himalayas.
o National Young Geoscientist Award - Dr. Amiya Kumar Samal, for understanding
the variation of sub-continental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) below different archean
cratons of the Indian shield.
o National Geoscience Awards in various fields of geosciences.
▪ Mineral Discovery and Exploration-
▪ Basic Geosciences,
▪ Applied Geosciences and Mining,
▪ Mineral Beneficiation and Sustainable Mineral Development.

pg. 183
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• The awards were instituted in 1966, and are a symbol of recognition and appreciation for
exceptional individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence, dedication
and innovation in the realm of Geosciences.
Source: PIB

27. 8th and 9th Community Radio Awards

• The awards were conferred during the 2-day Regional Community Radio Sammelan
(North) at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in New Delhi.
• The National Community Radio Awards carry 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize for Rs, 1 Lakh, Rs.
75,000 and Rs. 50,000respectively.
• A total of 12 awards in 4 categories have been given.
• Details of awardees are given below: -
• Thematic Awards
o 1st: Radio Mind Tree, Haryana
▪ Programme: Hope Jeene Ki Rah
o 2nd: Radio Hirakhand, Odisha
▪ Programme: Adhar O PoshanBigyan
o 3rd: Green Radio, Bihar
▪ Programme: PoshanShrinkhla
• Most Innovative Community Engagement Awards
o 1st: Radio SDUttar Pradesh
▪ Programme: Hizra in Between
o 2nd: Kabir Radio, Uttar Pradesh
▪ Program: Selfie Le Le Re
o 3rd: Radio Mind Tree, Haryana
▪ Programme: Book Bugs
• Promoting Local Culture Awards
o 1st: Voice of SOA, Odisha
▪ Programme: Asmita
o 2nd: Friends FM, Tripura
▪ Programme: Revived a dying art: MASK & POT
o 3rd: PantnagarJanvani, Uttarakhand
▪ Program: Dadi Ma Ka Batua
• Sustainability Model Awards
pg. 184
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o 1st: Radio Hirakhand, Odisha

o 2nd: VayalagaVanoli, Tamil Nadu
o 3rd: VAGAD Radio “90.8”, Rajasthan
Source: PIB

28. Jindal Aluminium Limited has received AS9100D Aerospace Certification.

• This certification is a benchmark to recognise the company as a qualified manufacturer for
the aviation, space, and defence industry.
• This certification was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers and the
European Association of Aerospace Industries.
Source: BS

29. India’s oldest Railway station (169 years) at Byculla, Central Mumbai has received Asia
Pacific Cultural heritage award from UNESCO.
Source: ANI

30. Max Life Insurance Company Ltd. has been appointed as the “Lead Insurer” for the State
of Uttar Pradesh by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• Under the State Insurance Plan, IRDAI has initiated a collaborative platform with insurers
by assigning two states to each insurer to enhance financial awareness and drive insurance
inclusion.
Source: ToI

31. Asian News International (ANI) Chairman Prem Prakash has been honoured with Global
Education Mentor (GEM) Award 2023 – Lifetime Achievement Award.
• GEM Award aims to celebrate the achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to
improve education or its associated social sector in India and promoting innovative
approaches to teaching and learning
Source: ANI

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SPORTS
1. Tamil Nadu won Senior Women's National Football Championship after defeating
Haryana.
• Tamil Nadu has won this championship for a second time.
Source: TOI

2. Steve Smith broke an Australian record for the fastest batter to score 9000 runs in Test
cricket.
Source: India Today

3. Neeraj Chopra has won gold medal at the Lausanne Diamond League 2023 with an 87.66m
throw.
• Chopra won his first Diamond League Trophy when he won the Lausanne leg in August
2022.
• This is Neeraj's second gold medal this year, he won first gold medal in the Doha
Diamond League in May.
• Julian Weber of Germany won silver medal.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Lausanne Diamond League 2023 is the 6th round of the 2023 Diamond League series.
• The Diamond League is an annual series of elite track and field athletic competitions,
held annually from 2010.
• 2023 Diamond League is the 14th edition being held from 5 May, 2023 to 7 Sept, 2023.
Source: The Times of India and IE

4. Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian) has won Austrian Grand Prix 2023 (Formula One).
• The previous year's winner, Charles Leclerc, finished second in the race.
Source: Sportstar

5. Nikhat Zareen & Lovlina Borgohain will lead the 13 members boxing team, which will
represent India at Asian Games 2023.
• Asian Games 2023 will be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
• The Indian boxing team for the Asian Games 2023 comprises seven men and six women.

pg. 186
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Knowledge Nuggets –
• Nikhat Zareen has won her second world title at the IBA Women’s World Boxing
Championships in March 2023 in 50kg light flyweight category.
o The Championship was held in KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi.
• Lovlina Borgohain has won her first ever Women’s World Boxing Championship
gold medal in the 75kg middle-weight category in 2023.

Boxing Federation of India (BFI) –

• President of BFI - Ajay Singh
Source: News on Air, Indian Express

6. India beats Iran to win at the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2023 at Busan, South Korea
• The last edition of this tournament was held in Gorgan, Iran in 2017.
Source: Olympics.com

7. India's squash players, Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Harinderpal Singh Sandhu won gold
medal at the Asian Squash Mixed Doubles Championships in Huangzhou, China.
• From India, Anahat Singh and Abhay Singh also won a bronze medal.
• Malaysia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Hong Kong and China participated in the six-nation
tournament which was held for the first time here to promote the sport in the region.
Source: TOI

8. FIFA has released the Men’s Football Team Rankings as of June 2023.
• 1st – Argentine
• India’s rank – 100th
Source: FIFA

9. India has won the SAFF Championship 2023 for a ninth consecutive time, after defeating
Kuwait at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Source: Sportstar

10. Christopher Eubanks (American tennis player) won his first title at the men’s singles at
Mallorca Championships in Spain.

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• Yuki Bhambri (Indian professional tennis) won his maiden title on the ATP World Tour,
winning the doubles trophy at the Mallorca Championships with South African partner
Lloyd Harris.
Source: Tribune India and Sportstar

11. The Trophy tour of the 132nd edition of Durand Cup (India’s domestic football cup)
commenced from the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.
• The tournament will be held at Kolkata from 3rd August to 3rd September 2023.
• In this edition, 24 teams will participate in the tournament.
• The teams of Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh are also taking part in the tournament after
a gap of 27 years.
• The tournament is conducted by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) under
the aegis of the All-India Football Federation (AIFF).
• Recently, former Indian goalkeeper Kalyan Chaubey was elected as the new president of
the All-India Football Federation (AIFF).
Source: News on Air and Olympics.com

12. Netherlands has won the FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League 2022-23 (4th edition) by defeating
Belgium in the finals held in Antwerp, Belgium.
• Netherlands becomes the first team in the men’s competition to win the title two times.
• India has finished 4th in the men’s tournament.
• In the women’s tournament, Netherlands has defeated Argentine.
Knowledge Nuggets –
• FIH Pro League was started in 2019 with a men’s and a women’s version.
o In the league, 9 of the best teams from around the world compete in hockey.
Source: FIH Pro league and Olympics.com
13. Indian archers Priyansh and Avneet Kaur have won gold by defeating Israel in the junior
mixed team compound event of World Archery Youth Championships.
• India's Manav Jadhav and Aishwarya Sharma also won a bronze medal defeating Mexico
in the cadet mixed compound event.
• The World Archery Youth Championships event is taking place at the University of Limerick
in the west of Ireland from July 3 to 9.
Source: News on Air

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14. Indian Badminton player Lakshya Sen has won the men's singles title at the Canada Open
2023 by defeating China's Li Shi Feng in the finals.
• This is Lakshya Sen’s second BWF Super 500 titles after the India Open in 2022. He also
became the Commonwealth Games champion in August 2022.
Source: The Hindu

15. GM Magnus Carlsen (Norwegian) won the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz (third tournament and
midway point of the Grand Chess Tour) in Zagreb, Croatia.
Source: FIDE and Chess Tour

16. Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian motorsports) has won British Grand Prix (F1 race).
Source: The Guardian

17. Lakshya Sen won the Canada Open Super 500 at Calgary after defeating Chinese Li
Shifeng.
• It is Sen's second Super 500 title of his career after the India Open.
Source: IE

18. Indian Archery team has won 11 medals (6 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze) and finished 2nd in the
recently concluded World Archery Youth Championships 2023 in Limerick, Ireland.
• India’s Under 21 category- 6 (4G, 2B)
• India’s Under 18 category- 5 (2G, 1S, 2B)
• At the last edition of the World Archery Youth Championships held in 2021 in Wroclaw,
Poland, India won 15 medals, including eight golds.
• India’s U21 archery squad was led by Priyansh.
• India’s U18 contingent was led by Aditi Gopichand Swami.

pg. 189
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Source: olympics.com

19. Indian players have won medals in the men’s high jump T47 and T64 event at the Para
Athletics World Championships 2023 being held in Paris.
• Nishad Kumar has won a silver medal in the men’s high Jump T47 event.
• Praveen Kumar has won a bronze medal in the men's high jump T64 event.
• With the win, both the players have also qualified for the 2024 Paralympic Games.
o The top-four ranked athletes at the 2023 World Para Athletics Championships in
each of the individual medal events qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games, also to
be held in Paris.
Source: NewsonAir and The Hindu

20. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports has unveiled the trophy for the Hero Asian
Champions Trophy 2023 at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium, New Delhi.
• ‘Pass the Ball Trophy Tour’ campaign which seeks to engage and inspire young athletes
to dream of representing Team India in the future was also launched.
• Hero Asian Champions Trophy, Chennai 2023 will begin from August 3rd, 2023
• The Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2023 will see participation of six teams- India, Korea,
Malaysia, Japan, Pakistan, and China.
Source: ANI

21. India’s athletes are showing their best performances at the 25th Asian Athletics
Championships 2023 being held in Thailand.
• Parul Chaudhary has won gold in the women's 3000m steeplechase.
• Tajinderpal Singh Toor has won gold in the men’s shot put.
• Jyothi Yarraji has won gold in women’s 100m hurdles.
pg. 190
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• Ajay Kumar Saroj has won gold medal in the men’s 1500m race.
• Abdulla Aboobacker has won gold in men's triple jump event.
• Shaili Singh has won a silver in the women's long jump.
• Aishwarya Kailash Mishra has won bronze in women’s 400m.
• Tejaswin Shankar has won bronze in men’s decathlon.
Source: HT and BS

22. BCCI has announced the India men’s and women’s cricket squads for the 19th Asian Games
to be held in China.
• Ruturaj Gaikwad will lead the men’s Indian squad in the Asian Games 2023.
• Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the women’s Indian squad in the Asian Games 2023.
• Cricket has been played only twice at the Asian Games. Both editions were not attended
by the Indian cricket team.
• The men’s and women’s cricket competition will take place in T20 format.
Source: Livemint

23. Indian men’s football team has won SAFF Championship 2023 after defeating Kuwait by 5-4
at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru.
• India has won the Championship for the 9th time.
• Awards-
o Fair Play Award- Nepal
o Golden Ball- Sunil Chhetri (India)
o Golden Boot- Sunil Chhetri (India)
o Best goalkeeper of the competition- Anisur Rehman (Bangladesh)
o Man of the Match (Final)- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (India)
Source: Sportstar

24. PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen have entered the pre-quarterfinals of the Canada Open
2023 BWF Super 500 event being held in Calgary.
• The 2023 Canada Open is the fourth Super 500 tournament of the 2023 BWF World Tour.
Source: Times of India and ANI

25. 25th Asian Athletics Championship 2023 has been concluded.

• India’s medal tally- 27 medals (6 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze).
pg. 191
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• In the overall medals table, India finished 3rd, behind Japan (37 medals,16 Gold) and
China (22 medals, 8 Gold).

Asian Athletics Championship 2023

• Mascot- Hanuman
• Venue- Supachalasai National Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand
• It is Asia’s biggest track and field meet.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian Athletics
Association, the governing body for the sport of athletics in Asia.
Source: Olympics.com, HT

26. Australia’s Victoria state has announced to not host the Commonwealth games 2026 due to
rising expenditures.
Source: NewsonAir

27. 136th edition of Wimbeldon 2023 has been concluded.

• Carlos Alcaraz has defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic to claim his first
Wimbledon title in men’s singles.
o Highlights
▪ Carlos has won his second grand slam after US Open title in 2022.
▪ He became Wimbledon’s 3rd youngest men’s champion.
• Other winners in different formats are-

Format Winner Runner-up

Men’s Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Singles

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Women’s Marketa Vondrousova (Czechia) Ons Jabeur (Tunisia)

singles - First unseeded women’s
singles champion in the
Open Era.
Source: TH , mykhel.com

28. Prithviraj Tondaiman has won the bronze medal in the men’s trap event at the ISSF
Shotgun World Cup Lonato 2023 in Italy.
• India has ranked ninth in the medals tally at Lonato, topped by the USA with two golds and
one silver.
• The ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Italy is a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Source: NewsonAir

29. Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2023

• Indian senior weightlifting contingent has won 20 medals in the Commonwealth
Weightlifting Championships 2023.
• India’s medals tally comprised 9 golds, 9 silvers and 2 bronze.
• The weightlifting competition was held at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida.
• The Gold medal winners in different category are-
o N Ajith - Men’s 73kg
o Ajay Singh - Men’s 81kg
o Shubham Todkar – Men’s 61kg
o Popy Hazarika – Women’s 59kg
o Komal Kohar – Women’s 45kg
o Gyaneshwari Yadav – Women’s 49kg
o Mukund Aher- Men’s 55kg
o S Nirupama Devi - Women's 64kg
o Vanshita Verma – Women’s 81kg
Source: Olympics.com
30. Indian shuttler Satwiksairaj Rankireddy has made the Guinness World Record by striking
the fastest smash in the ongoing Korea Open 2023.
• Satwiksairaj broke a decade-long record which was set in May 2013 by Malaysian Tan
Boon Heong, who had produced a speed of 493 km/h with his smash.

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• Satwiksairaj broke the record by surpassing his speed by 72 kmph and registered a record-
breaking speed of 565 kmph.
Source: IE
31. US Open 2023 Badminton
• List of winners
Format Winner
Men’s singles Li Shi Feng (China)
Women’s singles Supanida Katethong (Thailand)
Men’s doubles Goh Sze Fei/Nur Izzuddin (Malaysia)
Women’s doubles Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning China)
Mixed doubles Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin (Chinese Taipei)
Source: khelnow

32. Duleep Trophy 2023 (60th edition)

• South Zone has won the trophy after 13 years by defeating West zone at the final, being
played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
• Vidwath Kaverappa has been named as player of the match and the player of the series.
Source: Sportstar

33. Indian Surf Team has won the bronze medal at the Asian Surfing Championship, held at
Thulisdhoo Island in Maldives.
• The first-ever World Surfing League (WSL) event will be held in Mahabalipuram in Tamil
Nadu from August 14 to 20 this year.
Source: NoA

34. Indian men's football team has achieved a sub-100 FIFA ranking for the first time after 2018.
• India's best FIFA ranking was 94th, attained in 1996.
o The country had also reached 99th spot in 1993 and 96th in 2017 and 2018. It was
placed at 100th last month.
• Overall, world champions Argentina continued to be at the top, followed by France, Brazil,
England and Belgium.
Source: TH

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35. Young Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa won the V Geza Hetenyi Memorial Super
GM chess tournament 2023 in Hungary.
• He played final round against Polish GM Radoslaw Wojtaszek, and he secured a draw in
the match.
• In the points tally, he ended up a point ahead of M Amin Tabatabaei (Iran) and Russia’s
Sanan Sjugirov.
Source: IE

36. Star India batter Virat Kohli surpassed South Africa's Jacques Kallis to become the fifth-
highest run-scorer in international cricket history.
• Kohli achieved this feat in the batting charts during India's second Test against West Indies
at Port of Spain.
• It is Kohli’s 500th international game.
Source: ANI

37. Indian trio of Sameer, Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu and Mahesh Anandakumar won silver
medal in the men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol team event at the International Shooting Sport
Federation's (ISSF) World Junior Championship in Changwon, Korea.
• China won gold in the individual event as well.
Source: ET

38. Indian para-archers finished the World Archery Para Championships 2023 with three
medals in Pilsen, Czech Republic.
• The winners have secured a place in the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
• Medals - India's medal total included one gold, one silver, and one bronze
o Gold - Sarita and Rakesh Kumar in compound mixed team open event (India’s first-
ever gold medal in the world championship)
o Silver - Archer Sheetal Devi (aged 16) in women’s compound
o Bronze – Sarita and Jyoti in compound women’s team event
Source: ANI

39. Brian Harman (from US) has won the 2023 Open Championship (golf) held at Royal
Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, Merseyside, England.
Source: Golf Digest
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40. Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian motorsports racing driver) has won the Hungarian Grand
Prix 2023.
• It is the 12th consecutive F1 Grand Prix win of Verstappen from Red Bull (a racing team
in the Grand Prix).
Source: The Hindu

41. Leon Marchand (French 22-year-old) has broken Michael Phelps’ world record in the men’s
400-meter individual medley (in swimming) in a time of four minutes, 2.50 seconds.
• Marchand swims at Arizona State and is coached by Bob Bowman, the coach of the
American team at the world championships.
Source: IE

42. Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty has won men’s doubles title in Korea Open
2023 badminton tournament in Yeosu, South Korea.
• The duo has defeated Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto in the
final.
• It was Chirag-Satwik’s seventh BWF World Tour title.
• PV Sindhu is the only other Indian to win the Korea Open title in 2017.
Source: Olympics.com

43. Sri Lankan Cricketer Lahiru Thirimanne has announced retirement from international cricket.
• He has played 44 Tests, 127 ODIs and 26 T20Is after making his international debut in
2010.
• He was part of three T20 World Cup campaigns, including Sri Lanka's win in 2014, and
played two ODI World Cups. He also led Sri Lanka in five ODIs.
• His last international match was the Test against India in Bengaluru in March 2022
Source: ESPN

44. Danish rider Jonas Vingegaard has won Tour de France (110th edition) for 2nd consecutive
year by defeating Tadej Pogacar (Slovenian)
• The 2023 Tour de France is the second and most prestigious Grand Tour of the year in the
men’s road cycling season.
Source: Olympics.com
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45. Pakistan has emerged as the winner of ACC Men's Emerging Asia Cup 2023.
• Pakistan has won by 128-runs over India A.
• This is Pakistan’s 2nd consecutive title in the tournament.
Source: ToI

46. ISSF Junior World Championships 2023 (3rd edition)

• Venue- Republic of Korea
• India has finished 2nd in the championship with 17 medals.
• India’s medals tally comprised 6 golds, 6 silvers and 5 bronze.

• Over 550 shooters from 44 countries participated, with India fielding a strong contingent of
90 shooters.
• Indian Gold medal winners in different category are-

Source: Olympics.com

47. Tampere Open 2023 tennis in Finland -

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• Sumit Nagal has won the Tampere Open 2023 ATP Challenger men’s singles title in
Finland.
• This is his 4th ATP Challenger Tour title.
• He defeated Czech Republic’s Dalibor Svrcina in the final to win his 2nd ATP Challenger
event of the year.
o In April, he has won the Garden Open in Rome.
• He is the 1`st Indian tennis player to win two ATP Challenger titles on European soil.
• Previous ATP Challenger wins- Buenos Aires (2019) and Bengaluru Challengers (2017).
Source: olympics.com

48. Karman Kaur Thandi has won her second W60 ITF title after winning at the Evansville event
in USA.
• With this win, Karman has become the only Indian woman after Sania Mirza to win a pro
title in USA.
Source: Sportstar

49. Handball Association of India (HAI) has been recognized as a National Sports Federation
(NSF) for the promotion and regulation of the sport in the country.
• The list of office-bearers:
o President - Digvijay Singh Chautala
o Secretary-general - A. Jagan Mohan Rao
Source: Sportstar

50. Aryan Nehra has equalled the ‘best Indian time’ to finish 27th in the 800m freesyle event at
the swimming World Aquatic Championships in Japan.
• In swimming, timing is considered a national record when it has been achieved at the
National Aquatic Championships.
• Hence, the timings clocked in other meets are called the ‘best Indian time’.
Source: Sportstar

51. Aditya S Samant has become India’s 83rd chess Grandmaster.

• Criteria to become a GM - A player has to secure three GM norms and cross the live rating
of 2,500 Elo points.
Source: ToI
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52. Jake Dennis has won the all-electric Formula E world championship in London.
• He has become the first British to secure the title after his 10th podium of the season.
Source: Sportstar

53. Iga Swiatek (Poland) has defeated Laura Siegemund (Germany) to win 2023 Warsaw Open.
• The Warsaw Open is a women's tennis tournament played on outdoor hard courts.
Source: Sportstar

54. Formula One championship leader Max Verstappen (Dutch) has won the 2023 Belgian Grand
Prix making this as his 8th consecutive win and 10th overall this season.
• Verstappen is one win away from Sebastian Vettel’s F1 record of 9 consecutive victories.
• Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez stood 2nd and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc stood 3rd in the race.
Source: Sportstar

55. Indian women's hockey team has defeated Spain 3-0 to win the title of Torneo del Centernario
2023 in Terrassa, Barcelona.
• This was the 100th anniversary of Spanish Hockey Federation International
Tournament 2023.
Source: TH

56. BWF Japan Open 2023 finals

• Men’s singles- Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) has defeated Jonatan Christie (Indonesia)in the
finals.
• Women’s singles- An Se Young (Republic of Korea) has defeated He Bing Jiao (People's
Republic of China).
• The BWF Japan Open is a Super 750 event on the 2023 BWF World Tour, with players
earning ranking points which count towards Paris 2024 qualification.
Source: Sportstar

57. World University Games in Chengdu, China

• Aman Saini and Pragati have won a gold medal in compound mixed archery team.
• India is currently placed 4th in the medal standings with 10 medals including four gold, two
silver and four bronze.
pg. 199
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Source: Sportstar

MISCELLANEOUS
1. Oscar-winning US actor Alan Arkin has passed away.
• He was known for his roles in films like Catch-22 and Little Miss Sunshine.
Source: India Today

2. Prolific literary illustrator Karuvattu Mana Vasudevan Namboothiri, famously known as

Artist Namboothiri has passed away in Kerala
• Namboothiri also served as the chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi.
• In 2003, the Akademi honoured him with the Raja Ravi Varma Award.
Source: Indian Express

3. A case of Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare infection of the central

nervous system has been reported in Kerala.
• The infection is caused by Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as ‘brain-eating amoeba’.
• The amoeba is mostly found in stagnant freshwaters and enters the body through the
nose.
• PAM infections are not spread from one person to another.
Source: The Hindu

4. Phosphine gas has been discovered in the clouds of Venus planet.

• The discovery has been made by James Clark Maxwell Telescope (JCMT) at Mauna Kea
Observatory, Hawaii.
• Phosphine is developed by bacteria that live in very low-oxygen environments.
Source: Livemint

5. KM Vasudevan Namboothiri, a renowned artist known for his literary illustrations and
sculptures in Kerala, has passed away.
Source: HT

6. Luis Suarez, the legendary soccer player has passed away.

• He had played for top European football clubs Barcelona and Inter Milan.
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• He is the only Spanish-born men's footballer to have won the Ballon d'Or, soccer's most
prestigious individual trophy.
Source: Economic Times

7. India's drug regulatory authority will soon issue a warning regarding cautious use of
Pholcodine.
• Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant that helps mildly sedate a patient and suppress
dry coughs. It is found in cough medications.
• It has been found that they can trigger life threatening allergic reactions.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) had earlier issued a safety alert warning regulators
around the world about the potential dangers of pholcodine use.
Source: Economic Times

8. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has found a new variety of wheat PBW RS1 with high
amylose starch content.
• Benefits-
o RS stands for resistant starch. The high amylose and resistant starch ensure that
glucose is released slowly into the bloodstream.
o Reduce risks of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
o Slower to digest which increases a feeling of satiety.
o Lower glycemic index (a value used to measure how specific foods increase blood
sugar levels).
• Challenge-
o The average grain yield from the variety at PAU’s field trials has been recorded at
43.18 quintals per hectare which is below Punjab’s average yield of 48 quintals per
hectare.
• Earlier, PAU had released two varieties – PBW Zn1 with high zinc content, and PBW1
Chapati whose flour had premium chapati quality that remained fresh for long – on
nutritional lines but none had features as PBW RS1.
• PAU has been rated the country’s top state agricultural university in 2023 as per the
National Institute Ranking Framework.
Source: IE

9. Nikki McCray-Penson, a renowned basketball player and coach has passed away.
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• She was a member of the 1996 and 2000 US Olympic women’s basketball gold medal
teams.
Source: Sportstar

10. Elena Geo Systems has launched a handheld NavIC-based navigator for precise navigation.
• The company has developed the NavIC chip, that uses IRNSS or Navigation for Indian
Constellation (NavIC).
• The navigator can utilise data from any mapping application or satellite source (IRNSS,
GPS or GLONASS), unlike Google Maps, which entirely depends on GPS technology.
Knowledge Nuggets
• Elena Geo Systems is a research & development company, founded in 2012.
Source: Economic Times

11. A pictorial book titled ‘Biodiversity and Importance of Mangrove Ecosystem’ has been
released by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• The book is authored by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).
• The book contains descriptions of mangrove species across India, medicinal uses of
mangroves, and several wildlife creatures that thrive in the ecosystem.
Source: The Hindu

12. Andhra Pradesh Government has released Gambusia fish in state’s water bodies to combat
mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
• The fish is also known as mosquitofish and is used as a biological agent for controlling
mosquito larvae.
Source: Down to Earth

13. Chachin Grazing Festival is celebrated by the local graziers of Tawang region near Bumla
Pass, Arunachal Pradesh.
Source: ET

14. Through The Broken Glass: An Autobiography authored by T.N. Seshan, the former Chief
Election Commissioner (CEC) of India has been released.
Source: FE

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15. Harsh Chouhan has resigned as the chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled
Tribes (NCST), a constitutional body.
Source: PTI

16. Tony Bennett, an American singer and a Grammy award winner, has passed away.
Source: BBC

17. Batagaika crater lies in East Siberia (Russia). It is a thermokarst depression.

• Recently, it was in news because of climate change impacts.
Source: DTE

18. Milan Kundera, one of the famous figures in European literature has passed away.
• He was best known for his 1984 novel ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’.
Source: BBC

19. Open AI’s Sam Altman has launched eyeball scanning cryptocurrency project Worldcoin.
• Worldcoin aims at offering World ID, by authenticating a “digital passport” through iris
scanning with the help of a device called ‘orb’ to ensure that an individual is a human and
not an AI bot.
• Worldcoin is backed by Tools for Humans organisation, operating in San Francisco and
Berlin.
Source: HBL

20. Twitter has officially replaced the blue bird symbol with a simple white X on a black
background as its logo, as part of rebranding.

Source: IE

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21. The Bombay high court at Goa has directed the state government to notify Mhadei Wildlife
Sanctuary (Goa) and other areas as a tiger reserve under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Source: HT

22. "Son of Concorde," NASA's experimental X-59 to make its first test flights later this year.
• Formerly called the X-59 Quiet SuperSonic Technology (QueSST) plane, the aircraft
marks a new era of supersonic mass transportation.
Source: MA

23. Renowned Marathi writer Anant Yashwant Khare, known as Nanda Khare, has passed away.
• Some of his most noted works are ‘Antajichi Bakhar’, ‘Bakhar Antakalachi’ and ‘Udya’.
Source: NoA

24. Veteran journalist-author-columnist Shirish Kanekar has passed away.

• His notable works include: “Nut Bolt Bolpat,” “Kanekari,” and “Cricket Vedh”.
• His collection of stories titled ‘Lagaon Batti,’ was recognised and honoured with the
Maharashtra Literary Parishad Award for Best Comedy- Joshi Award.
Source: ToI

25. Union Home Minister and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has unveiled a book titled 'Dr APJ
Abdul Kalam: Memories Never Die' in Rameshwaram.
• The book is a tribute to the life and legacy of late former President.
• The book, is an English translation of the Tamil book 'Ninaivirukkum Maranamillai', written
by Dr. Nazeema Marakaiyar and Dr. YS Rajan.
Source: HT

26. A new study conducted by scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology,
Dehradun has revealed changes in the Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh, India.
Source: dst

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QUESTIONS
Q.1) Recently, the Ministry of Housing and Urban [C] NRF will replace the Science and Engineering
Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Field Assessment Research Board (SERB) and subsume the
for the 8th edition of the world’s largest urban organization within itself
swachhata survey, Swachh Survekshan 2023 – [D] NRF will work in collaboration with the Prime
Mera Shehar, Meri Pehchan. Which of the Minister’s Science, Technology & Innovation
following parameters will be used in the Swachh Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) on the nine
Survekshan 2023 for assessment in this survey? identified scientific missions of the latter
1) Localization of SDGs [E] NRF will be administered by a Governing
2) Divyang-friendly toilets Board and an Executive Council
3) Zero waste events
4) Plastic waste management Q.4) How much amount has been allocated for
5) Segregated door-to-door waste collection the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen
[A] Only 1, 2, and 3 Transition Programme (SIGHT)?
[B] Only 1, 2, 3, and 5 [A] ₹10,090 crore
[C] Only 2, 3, and 5 [B] ₹11890 crore
[D] Only 2, 3, 4, and 5 [C] ₹37,589 crore
[E] Only 1, 4, and 5 [D] ₹17,490 crore
[E] ₹55,987 crore
Q.2) Union Minister of Coal, Mines &
Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi has Q.5) In the month of June, the Report on
unveiled India's first ever report on “Critical Panchayat Development Index was released by
Minerals for India”, prepared by an expert team the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj
constituted by the Ministry of Mines. For the first Shri Kapil Moreshwar Patil at National Workshop
time, India has identified the comprehensive list of on Panchayat Development Index (PDI) in Delhi.
critical minerals taking into account the Considering this statement, identify the incorrect
requirements of sectors like defence, agriculture, statement from the options given below.
energy, pharmaceutical, telecom etc. How many 1) It is a composite index that measures
critical minerals have been identified in this performance of panchayats in achieving
report? Localization of Sustainable Development Goals
[A] 27 (SDGs), which summarises 17 SDGs into nine
[B] 58 themes
[C] 47 2) It categorizes panchayats into four grades: A+
[D] 30 (above 90%), A (75-90%), B (60-75%), C (40-
[E] 18 60%) and D (scores under 40%).
3) It was launched in Maharashtra on a pilot
Q.3) In the month of June, Union Cabinet basis, wherein, seven districts from the state were
approved the introduction of the National assessed
Research Foundation (NRF) Bill, 2023 in the 4) It provides holistic and evidence-based
Parliament. Considering this, identify the incorrect assessment of the development status of
statement with regards to the bill? panchayats, highlighting their strengths and
[A] NRF will be set up as an apex body to provide weaknesses.
high-level strategic direction of scientific research [A] Only 1
in the country as per recommendations of the [B] Only 2 and 3
National Education Policy (NEP) [C] Only 1, 3, and 4
[B] NRF will be set up with a total estimated cost [D] Only 4
of Rs. 50,000 crores during five years (2023-28) [E] Only 3
pg. 205
[Type here]

equitable, secure and sustainable dimensions,

Q.6) Twelve top start-ups from across 9 Indian each with its own unique transition journey.
states working in agriculture, ed-tech, women’s Identify these countries.
livelihood, circular economy, and biodiversity were [A] Japan and Philippines
announced as winners at the 5th edition of Youth [B] India and Singapore
Co: Lab National Innovation Dialogue India. How [C] Germany and Indonesia
much prize money did the winners of these [D] Saudi Arabia and UAE
awards win and how many categories are the [E] Canada and Oman
awards given in?
[A] $2,000 and 9 categories Q.11) Identify the correct statement with regards
[B] $5,000 and 6 categories to the recently released Global Peace Index
[C] $10,000 and 4 categories 2023.
[D] $1,000 and 2 categories 1) The average level of global peacefulness
[E] $4,000 and 10 categories deteriorated by 0.42% in the 2023 Global Peace
Index.
Q.7) The Springboard Programme empowers 2) In total, peacefulness improved in 84 countries
young social entrepreneurs to scale their and deteriorated in 79.
innovative businesses and achieve the 3) The global score in the safety and security
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) together. domain is 0.014.
It is a startup support program administered by 4) A total of 23 indicators were used in three
_____? domains for assessing the countries.
[A] Mission Innovation [A] Only 1 and 3
[B] Project Rosaind [B] Only 1, 2, and 3
[C] Youth Co:Lab [C] Only 1, 2, 3, and 4
[D] Green Climate Fund [D] Only 4
[E] Kemper Project [E] Only 2 and 3

Q.8) Which of the following cities’ police force has Q.12) Which bank has launched a ‘Centralized
established a ‘Drone Police Unit’ to assist cops in Pool Buy-Out and Co-Lending Cell’ to boost
aerial surveillance? priority sector lending?
[A] Mumbai [A] Bank of India
[B] Chennai [B] DBS India
[C] Bengaluru [C] HDFC Bank
[D] Hyderabad [D] SBI
[E] Surat [E] ICICI Bank

Q.9) How much Fair and Remunerative Price Q.13) Which bank has been chosen by the
(FRP) of sugarcane has been approved for one Ministry of Culture for the disbursal of financial
quintal for sugar season 2023-24 (October - assistance to veteran artists under the 'Scheme
September)? for Financial Assistance for Veteran Artists'?
[A] Rs 280 [A] ICICI Bank
[B] Rs 195 [B] Bank of India
[C] Rs 567 [C] SBI
[D] Rs 780 [D] Canara Bank
[E] Rs 315 [E] HDFC Bank

Q.10) Recently, the World Economic Forum has Q.14) Project Rosalind is an experiment in
released the “Energy Transition Index 2023”. Only application programming interface (API)
2 out of 120 countries are advancing across the prototypes for central bank digital currencies
pg. 1
[Type here]

(CBDC) from the Bank for International [C] Fifth

Settlements via the BIS Innovation Hub London [D] Eighth
Centre. Which of the following bank(s) is [E] Fourth
collaborating with the BIS for this project?
[A] Reserve Bank of India Q.20) How many countries are members of WTO
[B] Bank of England at present?
[C] Federal Reserve System [A] 178
[D] Reserve Bank of Australia [B] 164
[E] Central Bank of Brazil [C] 198
[D] 203
Q.15) Who is India's Ambassador and Permanent [E] 154
Representative to the World Trade Organization?
[A] Pankaj Choudhary Q.21) Recently, the Power Ministry has notified
[B] Kumar Ravikant Singh ‘Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023’ to create
[C] Alkesh Uttam India’s first domestic regulated carbon market.
[D] Brajendra Navnit Which of the following will be the carbon market
[E] Gaurav Shukla regulator?
[A] Central Electricity Regulatory Commission
Q.16) When is the International Day of [B] Bureau of Energy Efficiency
Parliamentarism observed? [C] PTC India
[A] June 30 [D] India Energy Exchange
[B] August 1 [E] Power System Operation Corporation
[C] May 17
[D] July 16 Q.22) Which company has received the contract
[E] April 15 for refitting of INS Shankush submarine?
[A] ABG Shipyard Limited
Q.17) Who has been conferred with the UK [B] Bharati Defence and Infrastructure Limited
Points of Light honour 2023? [C] Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited
[A] S.K Sharma [D] Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited
[B] Rajindar Singh Dhatt [E] Naval Dockyard
[C] Smarak Swain
[D] Vinod Kumar Q.23) Ministry of Rural Development has
[E] Shashank Misra launched eSARAS (e-commerce mobile app)
under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National
Q.18) Who has been honoured with the Global Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for
Indian Icon of the Year award at the annual 5th strengthening marketing support for products
UK-India Awards in Windsor, south-eastern made by women of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
England? The eSARAS fulfillment centre was also
[A] Suryakumar Yadav inaugurated at the Ministry’s Janakpuri office in
[B] Neeraj Chopra New Delhi on this occasion. The eSARAS
[C] Lakshya Sen fulfilment centre will be managed by the
[D] Mary Kom Foundation for Development of Rural Value
[E] Achanta Sharath Kamal Chains, which is a Not-for-Profit Company
constituted jointly by Ministry of Rural
Q.19) Tamil Nadu won Senior Women's National Development and ____.
Football Championship after defeating Haryana. [A] Smile Foundation
This is the ___ consecutive win of the state. [B] HelpAge India
[A] Third [C] Tata Trust
[B] Second [D] Care India
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[Type here]

[E] SaveLIFE Foundation [E] Gopal Krishna Gokhale

Q.24) Which of the following countries were Q.30) Which country does athlete Julian Weber
invited as guest of the Chair in the SCO Summit belong to?
2023? [A] Belgium
[A] Turkmenistan [B] Netherlands
[B] Kazakhstan [C] Sweden
[C] Kyrgyzstan [D] Germany
[D] Tajikistan [E] United Kingdom
[E] Uzbekistan
Q.31) Dark patterns, also known as deceptive
Q.25) Where was the 26th World Mining patterns, is the term used to describe the ways in
Congress organized? which websites or apps make their users do
[A] Sydney things that the users do not intend to do or would
[B] Brisbane not otherwise do, as well as to discourage user
[C] Wellington behaviour that is not beneficial for the companies.
[D] Perth Central government has taken a notice of it and
[E] Melbourne set up a 17-member task force to prepare
guidelines to protect consumers. Who coined this
Q.26) How many Transaction Banking Hubs have term?
been launched by SBI and in how many districts? [A] Elon Musk
[A] 34 hubs and 21 districts [B] Tim Cook
[B] 25 hubs and 18 districts [C] Harry Brignull
[C] 30 hubs and 39 districts [D] Mary Barra
[D] 12 hubs and 50 districts [E] Evan Spiegel
[E] 19 hubs and 10 districts
Q.32) In July 2023, ___ and ____ have embarked
Q.27) Project WAVE has been launched by which on board India’s ocean research vessel ____ to
bank? participate in a joint ocean expedition spanning
[A] Indian Bank nearly 35 days. This joint ocean expedition is
[B] Bank of India conducted by Indian National Centre for Ocean
[C] Bank of Baroda Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry
[D] HDFC Bank of Earth Sciences. The expedition is an outcome
[E] SBI of the maiden CSC Oceanographers and
Hydrographers conference held at Goa and
Q.28) Who has been appointed as Chairman and Hyderabad in November 2022.
Managing Director (CMD) of PTC India Ltd.? [A] Bangladesh and Mauritius; Sagar Nidhi
[A] Rajib Kumar Mishra [B] Sri Lanka and Myanmar; Sagar Manjusha
[B] Ram Rashik Mandal [C] Bangladesh and Bhutan; Sagar Kanya
[C] Neeraj Mishra [D] Nepal and Maldives; Sagar Sampada
[D] Gaurav Shukla [E] Maldives and Mauritius; Sagar Anveshika
[E] Dhruv Narayan Srivastav
Q.33) Union Minister for Home and Cooperation
Q.29) On whose birthday is National Doctor’s Day Amit Shah virtually launched the ____ River
celebrated in India? Cruise on _____ Riverfront. The cruise is the first
[A] Baba Dayal Das passenger catamaran built in the country under
[B] Bidhan Chandra Roy Make in India at a cost of Rs 15 crore with twin
[C] Keshub Chandra Sen engines where 165 passengers can travel safely
[D] Pandita Ramabai for one-and-a-half hours.
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[Type here]

[A] Empress River Cruise and Narmada Q.37) Sports play an essential role in the holistic
[B] Lakshmi River Cruise and Tapi development of a person as it can be a leisure
[C] Akshar River Cruise and Sabarmati activity for some people, while others may take it
[D] Pratapi River Cruise and Godavari up as a career option. Specific individuals have a
[E] Imperial River Cruise and Cauvery keen interest in sports as well as journalism,
hence, pursue their career as ‘Sports Journalists’.
Q.34) Department of Consumer Affairs, in Every year, World Sports Journalist Day is
collaboration with the Ministry of Education’s observed on ____ globally to create awareness
Innovation Cell, has announced a Tomato Grand about this profession.
Challenge (TGC) hackathon to invite innovative [A] August 16
ideas at various levels of the tomato value chain. [B] September 11
The challenge aims to ensure availability of [C] June 17
tomato to the consumers at affordable prices and [D] July 2
help tomato farmers get value for the produce. [E] May 23
How many categories of participants are there in
this challenge? Q.38) Every year, the International Plastic Bag
[A] Two Free Day is commemorated. The initiative was
[B] Six initiated by the Bag Free World campaign, a
[C] Five global movement focused on reducing the
[D] Seven consumption of single-use plastic bags, which
[E] Four inspired participation from various regions
worldwide. When is the day observed?
Q.35) Which of the following armed forces will [A] August 11
hold a major multilateral exercise codenamed [B] September 10
'Exercise Tarang Shakti'? [C] October 1
[A] Army [D] December 12
[B] Air Force [E] July 3
[C] Navy
[D] Coast Guard Q.39) British children’s writer and performance
[E] Both A and B poet Michael Rosen, aged 77, has been awarded
the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize 2023. Rosen will
Q.36) The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is receive the award on October 11 alongside
an autonomous international organization another ‘Writer of Courage’, whose work upholds
established under the 1982 United Nations freedom of expression, often at great personal
Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and risk, and who will be chosen by Rosen from “a
the 1994 Agreement relating to the shortlist of international cases supported by
Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations English PEN”. The award is given to a writer from
Convention on the Law of the Sea (1994 which of the following countries?
Agreement). ISA, based in ___, is the [A] Netherlands, Denmark, and Iceland
organization through which States Parties to [B] UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth
UNCLOS organize and control all mineral- [C] Spain, Portuguese, and Schengen Area
resources-related activities in the Area for the [D] Japan, Taiwan, and Philippines
benefit of humankind as a whole. [E] Vietnam, Taiwan and ASEAN
[A] Brasília
[B] Buenos Aires Q.40) General Manoj Pande, the Chief of the
[C] Kingston Army Staff, along with Air Chief Marshal VR
[D] Lima Chaudhari, Chief of Air Staff and Mr. Kalyan
[E] Quito Chaubey, President All India Football Federation
(AIFF) flagged off the “Trophy Tour” of the 132nd
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[Type here]

edition of Durand Cup, India's oldest football [A] Odisha

tournament at a ceremony organised at [B] Telangana
Manekshaw Centre. Where will the tournament [C] Maharashtra
take place in August-September? [D] Gujarat
[A] Chennai [E] Karnataka
[B] Ahmedabad
[C] Gandhinagar Q.43) The Government of India (GoI) in its Union
[D] Kolkata Budget 2022, announced the National Tele Mental
[E] Vishakhapatnam Health Programme of India, Tele Mental Health
Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele
Q.41) The two-day Urban 20 Mayoral Summit, MANAS) and entrusted the Ministry of Health and
hosted by the chair city _____, in ____ from 7-8 Family Welfare (MoHFW) to guide its overall
July, concluded with the handover of the implementation. Consequently, the MoHFW
Communiqué from the Mayors to G20 leaders. formed a National Technical Advisory Group
The Communique was officially endorsed by 105 (NTAG) and three technical advisory sub-
cities across the world, the highest ever number committees (Mental Health Service Delivery,
of endorsements received to date for any U20 Information Technology Architecture and Health
Communiqué, and more than twice the number of Systems) to achieve specific goals and objectives
endorsements for any previous communiqués. of Tele MANAS. Recently, a state/UT has
[A] Bengaluru, Chennai launched India’s first Tele-MANAS chatbot to
[B] Delhi, Mumbai ensure the availability of health counsellors,
[C] Gandhinagar, Indore clinical psychologists and consultants round-the-
[D] Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar clock. Identify the state/UT in question.
[E] Bhopal, Surat [A] Jammu and Kashmir
[B] Odisha
Q.42) The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 [C] Maharashtra
recognizes the rights of the forest dwelling tribal [D] Puducherry
communities and other traditional forest dwellers [E] Delhi
to forest resources, on which these communities
were dependent for a variety of needs, including Q.44) The Seventh edition of Indian Navy – US
livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural Navy (IN – USN) Salvage and Explosive
needs. Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, SALVEX was
The forest management policies, including the conducted from 26 Jun – 06 Jul 23 at Kochi. This
Acts, Rules and Forest Policies of Participatory exercise is being held since ___. The exercise
Forest Management policies in both colonial and saw participation from both the navies which
post-colonial India, did not, till the enactment of included the ships – INS Nireekshak and USNS
this Act, recognize the symbiotic relationship of Salvor in addition to Specialist Diving and EOD
the STs with the forests, reflected in their teams.
dependence on the forest as well as in their [A] 2005
traditional wisdom regarding conservation of the [B] 2010
forests. In this regard, which state government [C] 2016
has recently launched ‘My Forestland Scheme’ to [D] 2017
complete recognition of all rights under the [E] 2011
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights Act), 2006 Q.45) Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce
in the next two years? Forest Rights Cells will marketplace, has entered into a strategic
also be constituted at the tahsil and district level partnership with Axis Bank, one of the largest
by the state to assist in the effective private sector banks, to facilitate personal loans
implementation of FRA, 2006. for its valued customers, adding additional
pg. 5
[Type here]

convenience and enhanced benefits to its 450 Q.48) ____ was conferred with Golden Award by
million customers. Flipkart’s introduction to GeM (Government e-Marketplace) for ‘Highest
personal loans demonstrates its commitment to Single Bid Procurements in FY22-23' category in
addressing customers’ demands in today's ‘Kreta- Vikreta Gaurav Samman Samaaroh' held
financial environment and leveraging the potential at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi?
of digital lending. What is the maximum amount [A] Food Corporation of India
and repayment cycle of this product? [B] NLC India Limited
[A] ₹1 lakh and 10 months [C] REC Limited
[B] ₹5 lakhs and 36 months [D] Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Ltd
[C] ₹2 lakhs and 26 months [E] RITES Ltd
[D] ₹4 lakhs and 13 months
[E] ₹10 lakhs and 20 months Q.49) The All-India Football Federation (AIFF)
have announced the winners of their yearly
Q.46) World Zoonoses Day is celebrated every awards for the 2022-23 season. This comes after
year to observe the special day when the first the campaign officially ended across all levels in
vaccination was developed to fight Zoonoses. June, allowing them to crown the best players in
Zoonotic diseases can be transmitted from both the Men’s and Women’s category. Who has
animals or insects to humans. While some won the AIFF Men's Footballer of the Year 2022-
infections may not harm the animals but they can 23?
make humans sick. This day is observed on ____. [A] Sahal Samad
[A] July 6 [B] Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
[B] August 7 [C] Udanta Singh Kumam
[C] April 10 [D] Lallianzuala Chhangte
[D] May 11 [E] Anirudh Thapa
[E] October 13
Q.50) Which football team has won the FIH Men’s
Q.47) In the 1950s, the United Nations Hockey Pro League 2022-23 (4th edition) by
established the Kiswahili language unit of United defeating Belgium in the finals held in Antwerp,
Nations Radio, and today Kiswahili is the only Belgium? It has also become the first team in the
African language within the Directorate of the men’s competition to win the title two times.
Global Communications at the United Nations. [A] Denmark
The 41st session of the General Conference of [B] Netherlands
UNESCO adopted resolution 41 C/61 recognized [C] Chile
the role the Kiswahili language plays in promoting [D] Argentine
cultural diversity, creating awareness and [E] Peru
fostering dialogue among civilizations and noted
the need to promote multilingualism as a core Q.51) The 3rd edition of the National e-
value of the United Nations and an essential Governance Service Delivery Assessment
factor in harmonious communication between (NeSDA) portal has been launched. The
peoples, which promotes unity in diversity and Department of Administrative Reforms & Public
international understanding, tolerance and Grievances (DARPG) has developed NeSDA
dialogue. When is the day observed? framework based on the Online Service Index
[A] August 10 (OSI) of UN eGovernment Survey. The portal
[B] June 15 aims to measure the depth and effectiveness of
[C] July 7 existing e-Governance service delivery
[D] September 12 mechanisms from the citizen’s perspective. In
[E] October 5 what interval does the DARPG undertake the
NeSDA?
[A] Annual
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[Type here]

[B] Biennially [C] Eight; Five; FIDF; INR 1 lakh

[C] Bi-annually [D] Two; Fourteen; AIDF; INR 10 lakhs
[D] Quarterly [E] Five; Twenty; NBHM; INR 5 lakhs
[E] Triennially
Q.54) The Department of Administrative Reforms
Q.52) The SCO Heads of State Council is the and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of
supreme SCO body. It determines priorities and Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, and
define major areas of activities of the the Public Service Division, of the Republic of
Organisation, decide upon the fundamental ____ signed a protocol document for extending
issues of its internal arrangement and functioning the current memorandum of understanding (MoU)
and its interaction with other States and on cooperation in the field of personnel
international organisations, as well as consider management and public administration till ____.
the most topical international issues. The MoU aims at strengthening the partnership
The Council holds its regular meetings once a between the two countries through various forms
year. A meeting of the Heads of State Council is of cooperation between both countries’ public
chaired by the head of State organising this service.
regular meeting. The venue of a regular meeting [A] Mauritius and 2026
of the Council shall generally be determined in [B] Indonesia and 2025
the Russian alphabetic order of names of the [C] Singapore and 2028
SCO member states. In 2023, the summit was [D] Maldives and 2030
organized by India in a virtual mode. Identify the [E] Philippines and 2027
country which has been accepted as a
prospective member in the SCO (whose Q.55) WHO and UNICEF Joint Monitoring
membership will be confirmed by 2024)? Program (JMP) 2023 has launched a report
[A] Belarus ‘Progress on household drinking water, sanitation
[B] Bahrain and hygiene 2000-2022’ with special focus on
[C] Qatar gender. The report has compiled data on global
[D] Poland progress towards achieving universal access to
[E] Estonia safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene
(WASH). How many people are struggling with
Q.53) The Department of Fisheries launched the the lack of access to water in the world, according
Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge in partnership to this report?
with Startup India hub and DPIIT, to identify, [A] 2.2 billion
reward and recognize startups creating [B] 1.5 billion
exceptional impact in the fisheries ecosystem. [C] 0.7 billion
The Fisheries ecosystem in India has been [D] 3 billion
growing across the years, currently having [E] 5 billion
fisheries startups present in 21 states and union
territories. The Fisheries Startup Grand Challenge Q.56) The National Housing Bank (NHB) has
sought applications across _____ problem operationalized the ₹10,000-crore Urban
statements. The challenge received applications Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)
from 121 startups across the problem statements. announced in this year’s Budget for creation of
After a rigorous analysis, _____ startups have urban infrastructure in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
been selected as winners of the challenge. The Identify the correct statement with regards to the
selected startups under the _____ scheme will so above-mentioned Fund.
be provided with a cash grant of _____ to help 1) The current rate of UIDF loans’ bank rate is
them continue building their innovations. 5.25%
[A] Four; Twelve; PMMSY; INR 2 lakhs 2) The principal amount is to be repaid in 5 equal
[B] Seven; Three; MIHD; INR 5 lakhs annual instalments within 7 years from the date of
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[Type here]

withdrawal, including a moratorium period of 2

years while interest will be payable on quarterly Q.59) The International Astronomical Union (IAU)
basis was founded in 1919. Its mission is to promote
3) Minimum and maximum size of the project is and safeguard the science of astronomy in all its
₹5 crores (₹1 crore for northeast & hilly States) aspects, including research, communication,
and ₹100 crores respectively education and development, through international
[A] Only 1 cooperation. Recently, the IAU has honored
[B] Only 1, 2, and 3 Aswin Sekhar by naming a minor planet after him.
[C] Only 2 and 3 The honor has been conferred on him at the 2023
[D] Only 3 edition of Asteroids Comets Meteors Conference.
[E] Only 1 and 3 Where was the conference held?
[A] Texas
Q.57) The National Green Tribunal was [B] Arizona
established in 2010 under National Green [C] California
Tribunal Act 2010 for effective and speedy [D] Hawaii
disposal of cases relating to environmental [E] Virginia
protection and conservation of forests and other
natural resources. It is a specialized body Q.60) Scientists in 2020 detected the presence of
equipped with the necessary expertise to handle phosphine gas in the clouds of ____. That
environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary discovery led to much debate and excitement
issues. Who has been recently appointed as the about the presence of life on ____ given that
acting chairperson of National Green Tribunal phosphine is a molecule associated with
(NGT) by Ministry of Environment, Forest and biological activity on Earth. Phosphine on Earth is
Climate Change? developed by bacteria that live in very low-oxygen
[A] Anil Yadav environments.
[B] Sheo Kumar Singh [A] Mercury
[C] Alkesh Uttam [B] Venus
[D] Ashok Rawat [C] Saturn
[E] Neeraj Mishra [D] Neptune
[E] Jupiter
Q.58) The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
Husbandry and Dairying will celebrate National Q.61) In which year was the Global Crisis
Fish Farmers Day. The National Fisheries Response Group created to address urgent and
Development Board (NFDB), under the Ministry, critical global issues pertaining to interlinked
will virtually organize an event at NFDB crises in food security, energy, and finance and to
Hyderabad on July 10 to celebrate this day. The coordinate a global response? Recently, India has
day is observed to commemorate the joined the Champions Group of the Global Crisis
achievements of the successful induced breeding Response Group (GCRG).
of Indian Major Carps on this day in 1957 by ____ [A] 2022
and ____? [B] 2019
[A] C. V. Raman and Subrahmanyan [C] 2017
Chandrasekhar [D] 2014
[B] Jagadish Chandra Bose and Satyendra Nath [E] 2011
Bose
[C] Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and Q.62) India and the US have launched the _____,
Satyendra Nath Bose a special bilateral multi-agency enforcement
[D] Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr Alikunhi operation targeting illicit pharmaceuticals,
[E] Prafulla Chandra Ray and Gopalasamudram devices, or precursor chemicals shipped using
Narayanan Ramachandran the international mail system. US Food and Drug
pg. 8
[Type here]

Administration (FDA), US Customs and Border health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity,
Protection (CBP), Homeland Security sustainable infrastructure, and other global
Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement development priorities. At the summit, the first
Administration (DEA), and US Postal Inspection robot Innovation Ambassador for the United
Service (USPIS) in collaboration with Indian Nations Development Programme was unveiled.
Government's Directorate of Revenue Intelligence Name the robot.
(DRI) are participating in this operation. [A] Grace
[A] Operation Homeland [B] Sophia
[B] Operation Border Sword [C] Ameca
[C] Operation Eagle [D] Nadine
[D] Operation Blue Whale [E] Desdemona
[E] Operation White Swan
Q.66) Identify the correct statement with regards
Q.63) Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh to the Performance Grading Index 2021-22 (2nd
launched an NCC Integrated Software. The NCC edition).
Integrated Software, developed in partnership 1) The index has two categories, 6 domains, 73
with Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space indicators, and a total weight of 1000
Applications and Geo Informatics (BISAG), is a 2) Daksh is the topmost category with the highest-
single window interactive software for Cadets, grade score
designed on the ‘Entry to Exit Model’. The 3) There is only one state in the Daksh category
software will digitalize the entire process from the in the ‘Access’ Domain
stage of enrolment as a cadet in NCC till exit 4) Chandigarh and Punjab are at the top ranked
registration as alumni. Recently, the NCC has states/UTs in the index
also signed an MOU with a bank to open zero [A] Only 1
balance accounts of all NCC Cadets with debit [B] Only 2 and 3
card, cheque book & passbook facility. Which of [C] Only 1, 2, and 3
the following banks has signed this MOU? [D] Only 2, 3 and 4
[A] PNB [E] Only 1, 2, 3, and 4
[B] SBI
[C] ICICI Bank Q.67) The International Financial Services
[D] BOB Centres Authority (IFSCA) has been established
[E] BOI on April 27, 2020, under the International
Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019. It
Q.64) Recently, the Election Commission of India is headquartered at GIFT City, Gandhinagar in
and Electoral Tribunal of Panama signed an MOU Gujarat. The IFSCA is a unified authority for the
in Panama City to establish the institutional development and regulation of financial products,
framework for their ongoing cooperation in the financial services and financial institutions in the
field of election management and administration. International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in
This is the ____ MOU of India in the Latin India. At present, the GIFT IFSC is the maiden
America region in the field of election international financial services centre in India.
management and administration? Prior to the establishment of IFSCA, the domestic
[A] Fourth financial regulators, namely, RBI, SEBI, PFRDA
[B] Sixth and IRDAI regulated the business in IFSC. Who
[C] Third has been recently appointed as the next
[D] Fifth Chairperson of the International Financial
[E] Seventh Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)?
[A] Vivek Singh
Q.65) UN has organized the ‘AI for Good Global [B] K Rajaraman
Summit’ in Geneva, Switzerland to advance [C] Ankit Jalan
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[Type here]

[D] Anil Yadav to the UN for promoting the usage of Hindi

[E] Pankaj Choudhary language. Identify the amount of contribution and
the year of launch of the project.
Q.68) Which of the following schemes was [A] $1 Lac; 2018
launched in 2016 under the Blue Revolution [B] $2 Lac; 2019
Scheme? [C] $1.5 Lac; 2015
[A] Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure [D] $2 Lac; 2017
Development Fund [E] $1 Lac; 2020
[B] Integrated Development and Management of
Fisheries initiative Q.72) The Association of World Election Bodies
[C] National Scheme of Welfare of Fishermen (A-WEB) is an international organization
[D] Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana dedicated to promoting and enhancing the
[E] KCC for animal husbandry and fisheries integrity and professionalism of electoral
processes worldwide. With a membership that
Q.69) Which company won the Insurer Innovation includes election management bodies from
Award 2023 for the APAC region at The World's various countries, A-WEB facilitates the exchange
Digital Insurance Awards? of best practices, knowledge, and expertise in the
[A] HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd field of elections, fostering collaboration and
[B] Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd. cooperation among its members. Through its
[C] ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd initiatives, A-WEB contributes to the advancement
[D] Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance of democratic principles and the conduct of free
[E] Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Co. Ltd. and fair elections on a global scale. Identify the
correct statement(s) with regards to the A-WEB.
Q.70) Which company won the Rising Star Award 1) A-WEB was founded in October 2013 in Seoul,
through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Republic of Korea.
portal? 2) It is the largest association of Election
[A] NTPC Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide with 119
[B] Power Grid Corporation of India EMBs as Members & 20 Regional Organisations
[C] NLC India Ltd as Associate Members
[D] Coal India 3) In Cartagena, the 11th meeting of the
[E] Tata Steel Executive Board of this organization was held.
[A] Only 1
Q.71) The United Nations Department of Global [B] Only 2 and 3
Communications (DGC) serves as the primary [C] Only 1, 2, and 3
communications arm of the United Nations, [D] Only 2
promoting awareness, understanding, and [E] Only 3
support for the organization's mission and
activities worldwide. Through strategic Q.73) Credit Guarantee Scheme is a financial
communication campaigns, media engagement, mechanism wherein a government or an
and digital outreach, the DGC aims to foster authorized entity guarantees a portion of loans
global solidarity and mobilize individuals and provided by financial institutions to borrowers. It
communities to address pressing global aims to reduce the risk for lenders and encourage
challenges, such as poverty, climate change, and them to extend credit to SMEs and other
conflict. Some years back, India had launched the underserved sectors, promoting economic growth
Hindi@UN project, in collaboration with the UN and financial inclusion. In 2021, the Department
Department of Public Information of the UN to of Animal Husbandry & Dairying is implementing
promote the usage of the Hindi language at the the Credit Guarantee Scheme under Animal
global organization. In the month of July 2023, Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund
India has announced an amount for contribution (AHIDF). What is the corpus of the credit
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guarantee fund trust, which has been established

by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Q.76) Department of Consumer Affairs has
Dairying for operationalizing the scheme? started the procurement of tomatoes under the
[A] Rs 200 crore Price Stabilisation Fund and is making it available
[B] Rs 1000 crore at a highly subsidised rate to consumers. Identify
[C] Rs 500 crore the correct statement(s) with regards to the Price
[D] Rs 750 crore Stabilisation Fund.
[E] Rs 350 crore [A] The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up
in 2010-11 under the Department of Agriculture,
Q.74) One District One Product (ODOP) is an Cooperation & Famers Welfare and it was
economic development program that aims to transferred from DAC&FW to the Department of
identify and promote one unique and specialized Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April 2012
product from each district in a country. By [B] The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up
focusing on the strengths and resources of each in 2004-05 under the Department of Agriculture,
district, ODOP seeks to boost local economies, Cooperation & Famers Welfare and it was
create employment opportunities, and enhance transferred from DAC&FW to the Department of
the competitiveness of these products in national Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April 2006
and international markets. Recently, the One [C] The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up
District One Product (ODOP) program, an in 2011-12 under the Department of Agriculture,
initiative under the Department for Promotion of Cooperation & Famers Welfare and it was
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of transferred from DAC&FW to the Department of
Commerce & Industry, launched its first Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April 2013
collaboration with the Government of Gujarat in [D] The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up
New Delhi to promote the indigenous crafts and in 2014-15 under the Department of Agriculture,
artisans of the State. How many districts are there Cooperation & Famers Welfare and it was
in the state? transferred from DAC&FW to the Department of
[A] 45 Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April 2016
[B] 20 [E] The Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) was set up
[C] 33 in 2008-09 under the Department of Agriculture,
[D] 27 Cooperation & Famers Welfare and it was
[E] 18 transferred from DAC&FW to the Department of
Consumer Affairs (DOCA) w.e.f. 1st April 2010
Q.75) Surat Diamond Bourse is one of the world's
largest diamond trading centers located in Surat, Q.77) The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is
Gujarat, India. As a state-of-the-art diamond an intergovernmental organization established to
trading complex, it provides a secure and efficient combat money laundering, terrorist financing, and
platform for buying and selling diamonds, other threats to the integrity of the international
attracting traders and buyers from across the financial system. In addition to the FATF, there are
globe. It comprises over 7.1 million square feet of regional bodies known as FATF-style regional
floor space, which means that it has surpassed bodies (FSRBs), which work in collaboration with
the Pentagon as the world’s largest office the FATF to promote the adoption and
building. Which Indian architectural firm was given implementation of anti-money laundering and
the contract to develop the Surat Diamond counter-terrorism financing measures at the
Bourse? regional level. Which country will participate with
[A] Abin Design Studio an observer status in the plenary of the
[B] Cadence Architects Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG),
[C] Morphogenesis a Financial Action Task Force-Style regional body
[D] Design Plus Architects (FSRB), taking place this week in Vancouver,
[E] SPACEMATTERS Canada?
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[Type here]

[A] India [D] July 9

[B] Saudi Arabia [E] July 15
[C] UAE
[D] Israel Q.81) NITI Aayog, India's premier policy think
[E] Sri Lanka tank, has been at the forefront of driving energy
transition initiatives in the country. By promoting
Q.78) The European Council recently adopted an renewable energy sources such as solar, wind,
assistance measure, worth €20 million, under the and hydro power, NITI Aayog aims to reduce the
European Peace Facility to support the 31st dependency on fossil fuels and curb carbon
Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Armed Forces of emissions. Through strategic planning and policy
the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through formulation, it strives to foster sustainable
this assistance measure, the EU will provide development and create a greener, more resilient
basic, non-lethal individual equipment, such as energy landscape for India's future. To achieve
commando kits, first aid kits and clothing, and the objectives of energy security, NITI Aayog has
collective equipment, such as counter-IED kits, released the Revamped India Energy Security
vehicles and radios, for the 31st Rapid Reaction Scenarios (IESS) 2047 to assess the integrated
Brigade of the FARDC. When was this facility impact of various green energy policies of
created by the European Union? Government of India. It has developed this tool in
[A] 2019 collaboration with an Indian Institute of
[B] 2021 Technology. Identify where this developer is
[C] 2018 located, along with it identify the tenure of
[D] 2015 updation of IESS.
[E] 2014 [A] Guwahati; bi-annual
[B] Indore; half-yearly
Q.79) Which organization has appointed Sat Pal [C] Vadodara; biennially
Bhanoo as the managing director of the [D] Mumbai; Yearly
company? [E] Surat; triennially
[A] LIC
[B] NMDC Q.82) Unemployment compensation plays a
[C] Invest India crucial role in providing a financial safety net for
[D] IRENA individuals who have lost their jobs, helping them
[E] SEBI meet basic needs during challenging times. It
serves as a stabilizing force in the economy by
Q.80) World Chess Day is an annual celebration maintaining consumer spending, thus supporting
dedicated to the ancient game of chess. It aims to local businesses. Moreover, unemployment
promote chess as a universal sport that fosters compensation fosters social welfare, reducing
critical thinking, strategic planning, and poverty and preventing negative consequences
intellectual development among players of all on mental health and well-being for those facing
ages and backgrounds. On this day, chess job loss. To achieve this goal of providing
enthusiasts around the world come together to insurance against the risk of unemployment,
participate in tournaments, events, and Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
educational activities, highlighting the game's had launched the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan
cultural significance and its ability to build bridges Yojana. Some statements regarding the scheme
and promote friendship among people from have been mentioned below. Identify the correct
diverse cultures and nations. On which day is the one amongst them.
day observed? [A] Launched in 2015 on a pilot basis for a period
[A] July 11 of five years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan
[B] July 20 Yojana provides relief in the form of cash
[C] July 10 compensation up to 80 days to the insured
pg. 12
[Type here]

persons (IPs) under ESIC who have become 3) Tele MANAS initiative was announced by
unemployed. Union Ministry of Health in the Union budget
[B] Launched in 2018 on a pilot basis for a period 2022-23
of two years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan [A] Only 1
Yojana provides relief in the form of cash [B] Only 1, 2, and 3
compensation up to 90 days to the insured [C] Only 2
persons (IPs) under ESIC who have become [D] Only 3
unemployed. [E] Only 1 and 3
[C] Launched in 2016 on a pilot basis for a period
of five years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Q.84) AI in agriculture is crucial for increasing
Yojana provides relief in the form of cash efficiency and productivity in farming practices. By
compensation up to 100 days to the insured analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can offer
persons (IPs) under ESIC who have become valuable insights on optimal crop management,
unemployed. water usage, and pest control, leading to higher
[D] Launched in 2012 on a pilot basis for a period yields and reduced environmental impact. In
of four years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan recognition of this only, an international
Yojana provides relief in the form of cash organization has collaborated with a state in India
compensation up to 120 days to the insured to launch the Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture
persons (IPs) under ESIC who have become Innovation project. In the recent years, India has
unemployed. started focusing on harnessing emerging
[E] Launched in 2017 on a pilot basis for a period technologies in different sectors to obtain better
of six years, the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana results. Now, the authorities have realized that the
provides relief in the form of cash compensation AI-powered technologies like precision agriculture
up to 200 days to the insured persons (IPs) under and autonomous machinery have the potential to
ESIC who have become unemployed. revolutionize the industry, making farming more
sustainable and economically viable for farmers.
Q.83) Counselling for mental health problems is Identify the entities involved in the project.
vital as it offers a supportive and non-judgmental [A] IMF; Gujarat
environment for individuals to express their [B] WEF; Telangana
feelings and challenges. It helps in identifying and [C] WB; Assam
addressing underlying issues, promoting [D] ADB; Odisha
emotional well-being, and building coping [E] AIIB; Maharashtra
strategies. Identifying the importance of this,
Indian Government had launched Tele-Manas Q.85) Innovation in construction is essential for
initiative because seeking timely and appropriate driving advancements in the industry, leading to
counselling can significantly improve mental safer and more sustainable building practices.
health outcomes and enhance overall quality of Embracing new technologies and materials can
life. Considering this, identify the correct streamline construction processes, reducing costs
statement(s) from the options given below about and project timelines while maintaining high-
the initiative. quality standards. In the month of July 2023, a
1) Toll-free helpline numbers -- 14416 or 1-800- state in India got India's first Construction
891-4416 -- with multi-language provision allow Innovation Hub (CIH) that seeks to promote
callers to select the language of their choice for affordable and sustainable building facilities to
availing the services of Tele-MANAS. foster collaboration, innovation and knowledge-
2) With 42 functioning Tele Mental Health and sharing among the stakeholders because the
Normalcy Augmentation System (MANAS) cells in innovative construction practices play a vital role
31 states and Union Territories, the service is in addressing emerging challenges like housing
currently available in 20 languages. shortages and infrastructure development,

pg. 13
[Type here]

fostering economic growth and improving overall research and analysis on international issues and
urban living standards. Identify the state. foreign policy. It serves as an advisory body to the
[A] Telangana Indian government, providing valuable insights
[B] Odisha and recommendations on matters related to
[C] Kerala global affairs. With a rich history and a diverse
[D] Andhra Pradesh pool of experts, ICWA plays a crucial role in
[E] Tamil Nadu shaping India's diplomatic strategies and fostering
constructive engagement with the international
Q.86) The ___ government has implemented community. Under which act is the council
innovative measures to promote renewable registered?
energy adoption, such as the "Rooftop Solar [A] Companies Act
Project" incentivizing solar panel installations for [B] Registration of Societies Act
residential and commercial buildings. Additionally, [C] Limited Liability Partnership Act
they have pioneered the "Jyoti Gram Yojana," a [D] Cooperative Societies Act
rural electrification initiative, bringing electricity to [E] Indian Trust Act
remote villages, thus empowering local
communities. Furthermore, the government's Q.89) Bilateral defense exercises play a
"Start-Up Policy" fosters entrepreneurship and significant role in strengthening relations between
innovation by providing various incentives and countries by fostering military cooperation and
support to start-ups and encouraging economic mutual trust. These exercises enhance
growth in the state. Recently, this state has interoperability between armed forces, promoting
launched the first ever Semiconductor Policy in seamless coordination during joint operations and
India. disaster response scenarios. Moreover, they
[A] Gujarat serve as a platform for personnel exchange and
[B] Kerala cultural understanding, facilitating diplomatic
[C] Telangana dialogue and paving the way for deeper strategic
[D] Maharashtra partnerships. Which countries conduct the
[E] Madhya Pradesh bilateral exercise named Talisman Sabre?
[A] South Korea and US
Q.87) Recently, Home minister Amit Shah [B] Australia and US
inaugurated the Aviation Security Control Centre [C] Philippines and India
(ASCC) that will present a one-stop solution to all [D] Japan and US
aviation security needs including real-time [E] Vietnam and Australia
monitoring of bomb threat calls and VVIP
movement, maintenance of contingency plans Q.90) Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) refer to
and researching the latest technologies and loans and advances that have stopped generating
gadgets in the field. The ASCC, which will be part income for banks due to default or non-payment
of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) by borrowers. The high level of NPAs has been a
and cater to all airports protected by it, will be major concern for the Indian banking sector,
located at the force’s Mahipalpur campus. How leading to financial instability and constraints on
many divisions will be there in the centre? lending capabilities. The government and
[A] 1 regulatory authorities have been taking various
[B] 2 measures to address this issue and improve the
[C] 5 asset quality of banks to ensure a healthier and
[D] 4 more robust financial system. The NPA is
[E] 6 measured as a percentage of which of the
following components?
Q.88) The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) [A] Total Capital
is a premier think tank established to conduct [B] Total Borrowings
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[Type here]

[C] Net Interest Margins Awareness (PSA) films made by the Central
[D] Total Advances Government for a period of 15 days or as per the
[E] Total Provisions against the Bad Debts Ministry’s instructions during PST [Prime ______
Time] as per draft of comprehensive guidelines
Q.91) Atal Innovation Mission in collaboration with for exhibition such films. What does S stand for in
Bayer has recently launched ‘ATL Industry Visit’ PST?
under Atal Tinkering labs. As part of the initiative, [A] Shoot
the first visit has been conducted at Bayer’s [B] Stage
manufacturing facility in Vapi, Gujarat. The [C] Screen
mission has helped to promote a culture of [D] Service
innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. In [E] Serve
which year the government has launched the
mission? Q.95) Indian Defence ministry has signed a
[A] 2015 contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
[B] 2017 (HAL) for procurement of two Dornier Aircraft for
[C] 2016 Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an overall cost of Rs.
[D] 2014 458 crore. The Dornier aircraft is a highly versatile
[E] 2018 multi-purpose light transport aircraft which is
being developed specifically to meet the manifold
Q.92) Numaligarh Refinery Limited is the largest requirements of utility and commuter transport as
refinery in Northeast India with a capacity of 3 well as for maritime surveillance. HAL will
million metric tonnes per annum. There is a mega indigenously manufacture the aircraft at which of
refinery expansion plan to triple its capacity to 9 its facility?
million metric tonnes per annum. Recently, it has [A] Ahmedabad
also been upgraded from Schedule B to Schedule [B] Nagpur
A CPSE by the Government of India which will [C] Kanpur
make it eligible to achieve the status of Navratna. [D] Trivandrum
Where is the refinery located? [E] Chennai
[A] Assam
[B] Sikkim Q.96) A Deep Learning (DL)-based framework
[C] Tripura called OsteoHRNet which evaluates the severity
[D] Nagaland of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) by analysing X-ray
[E] Mizoram images has been developed by Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Guwahati. The model assists
Q.93) Bharat Internet Utsav is being organised to medical practitioners remotely for a more
assimilate and share empowering real-life stories accurate diagnosis ranges from grade 0 (low
on the transformation brought by the Internet in severity) to 4 (high severity) and is approved by
various aspects of life of the citizens. Department WHO. The scale is based on?
of Telecommunications (DoT) is organising the [A] Grey
event in collaboration with which of the following [B] Manchester
platforms? [C] Kellgren and Lawrence
[A] IRCTC Connect [D] Ahlback
[B] MyGov [E] Brandt
[C] MEAINdia
[D] Incredible India Q.97) Government Savings Promotion General
[E] Rakshak Rules, 2018 have been amended by the finance
ministry. Which of the following scheme does not
Q.94) Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has fall under Government Savings Promotion Act,
mandated the screening of Public Service 1873?
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[Type here]

[A] Public Provident Fund (PPF) Voyage repairs. The first ship under the
[B] Kisan Vikas Patra agreement to undergo steel repairs, USNS Salvor
[C] Sukanya Samriddhi was received at L&T’s Kattupalli Shipyard. The
[D] Jan Dhan Accounts shipyard is equipped with a heavy ship-lift,
[E] National Saving Certificate (NSC) multiple dry berths, and wet berths to concurrently
enable building of new ships and undertaking
Q.98) Indian Archery team has performed repairs and refits. Where is the shipyard located?
exceptionally well in the recently concluded World [A] Chennai
Archery Youth Championships 2023 held in [B] Kochi
Ireland. The country has won 11 medals and [C] Mumbai
finished 2nd in the overall medal tally. There were [D] Paradip
two categories in this tournament- U21 and U18. [E] Mangalore
Who led the Indian contingent in each of these
categories respectively? Q.102) An appearance-based detection system
[A] Parth and Avneet Kaur i.e., Grain-Ex through machine vision technology
[B] Priyansh and Avneet Kaur for pulses has been developed under ‘National
[C] Priyansh and Aditi Gopichand Swami programme on Electronics and ICT applications in
[D] Pradati and Riddhi Agriculture and Environment (AgriEnIcs)’. The
[E] Parth and Aditi Gopichand Swami appearance-based e-Quality detection system
would bring about a transformative change in the
Q.99) Currently, in India there is no option to e-NAM markets for quality-based pricing. How
choose the network provider when applying for a many grains will be covered by Grain-Ex?
debit or credit card. The Reserve Bank of India [A] 8
has now issued a new circular that will empower [B] 16
debit, credit, and prepaid card users to select [C] 12
their preferred card network. The card network [D] 14
portability will be effective from _____? [E] 10
[A] 1 October, 2023
[B] 1 April, 2024 Q.103) A new variety of wheat PBW RS1 with
[C] 31 July, 2023 high amylose starch content has been found by
[D] 1 January, 2024 an agricultural university. The same university has
[E] 30 November, 2023 earlier found PBW Zn1 with high zinc content,
and PBW1 Chapati whose flour has premium
Q.100) Every year, World Population Day which chapati quality that remains fresh for long. The
was established by Governing Council of the University has also been rated the country’s top
United Nations Development Programme in 1989 state agricultural university in 2023 as per the
is celebrated on 11th July. This year the theme of National Institute Ranking Framework. Identify the
the day is ‘Unleashing the power of gender institute.
equality: Uplifting the voices of women and girls [A] ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute
to unlock our world's infinite possibilities’. Which (NDRI)
edition of the day is being celebrated this year? [B] Allahabad Agricultural Institute
[A] 37 [C] Punjab Agricultural University
[B] 35 [D] GB Pant University of Agriculture &
[C] 34 Technology
[D] 38 [E] Chaudhary Charan Singh, Haryana Agriculture
[E] 32 University

Q.101) US Navy has recently signed a 5-year Q.104) India has won 4 gold medals and topped
master shipyard repair agreement with L&T for the International Biology Olympiad medal tally for
pg. 16
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the first time. This was the 34th edition of the trade partner of Bangladesh in Asia. This trade
Olympiad in which a total of 293 students from 76 settlement through Indian rupee however will only
countries participated. The winners from India apply to export amount from Bangladesh while
are- Dhruv Advani, Ishan Pednekar, Megh the rest of imports from India will be settled in US
Chhabda, Rohit Panda are the winners of the dollars. Bangladesh is not the first country with
Indian contingent. Singapore is the only other which India will trade in Indian rupees. How many
country besides India which has won 4 gold other countries does India trade with in Indian
medals in the Olympiad. Where was the Olympiad rupees except Bangladesh?
held? [A] 19
[A] Astana, Kazakhstan [B] 18
[B] Al Ain, United Arab Emirates [C] 20
[C] Quezon City, Philippines [D] 17
[D] Vilnius, Lithuania [E] 12
[E] Yerevan, Armenia
Q.108) Uttar Pradesh Government has recently
Q.105) Every Year 12th of July is celebrated as approved the construction of two 'Obra D' thermal
International Malala Day to honor the bravery and power projects which will be the first ever ultra-
activism of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani super critical unit in the state. The plants built at
advocate for girls’ education and the youngest the cost of Rs. 18,000 crores will be executed by
person ever to receive the Nobel Prize. Which the government with a 50:50 partnership with
edition of the day was celebrated this year? central government-owned power generator
[A] 12 NTPC. What is the capacity of each plant?
[B] 13 [A] 1000MW
[C] 9 [B] 700MW
[D] 10 [C] 800 MW
[E] 11 [D] 1600 MW
[E] 900MW
Q.106) The index of industrial production (IIP)
which tracks the manufacturing activity in different Q.109) The third Sherpas meeting under India’s
sectors of an economy namely mining, G20 Presidency is being chaired by India’s G20
manufacturing, and electricity has grown by 5.2% Sherpa, Amitabh Kant. The three days meeting on
in May 2023 from 4.2% in April 2023. The index is the banks of river Tungabhadra near UNESCO
compiled and published by the Central Statistical World Heritage site will deliberate and engage in
Organisation which operates under the Ministry of co-authoring the Leaders Declaration to be
Statistics and Programme Implementation. In adopted by the G20 leaders in New Delhi
May, India has also witnessed a remarkable Summit. Where is the meeting being held?
growth in its core sector output which contributes [A] Hampi
to more than 40% of the IIP. What is the base [B] Pattadakal
year for calculation of IIP? [C] Mysore
[A] 2011-12 [D] Badami
[B] 2015-16 [E] Srirangapatna
[C] 2005-06
[D] 2008-09 Q.110) Which of the following statements is/are
[E] 2012-13 correct regarding the Global Multidimensional
Poverty Index?
Q.107) India and Bangladesh have planned to [A] It is released by United Nations Development
trade in Indian Rupee to lower the dependency on Programme.
dollar. Bangladesh is India's biggest trade partner [B] It is a composite of Health, Education and
in South Asia and India is the second largest Basic needs.
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[C] It does not evaluate based on access to safe scheme plans to disburse Rs 1 lakh crore by the
drinking water. financial year_______ and the interest subvention
[D] It was first launched in the year 2011. and credit guarantee assistance will be given till
[E] It measures acute multidimensional poverty the year 2032-33.
across more than 100 developed countries [A] 2023-24
[B] 2024-25
Q.111) The GST Council is responsible for making [C] 2025-26
recommendations on issues related to the [D] 2026-27
implementation of the Goods and Services Tax [E] 2029-30
(GST) in India. Recently, the 50th meeting of the
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has been Q.114) Government’s portal for public
concluded in New Delhi where many decisions procurement, Government e-Marketplace (GeM)
regarding tax revision had been taken. One such has been a huge success. This one-stop-shop
is exemption of certain products from GST tax. platform for government ministries and agencies
What are they? looking to procure goods and services has gained
[A] Online Gaming, Casinos, and Horse Racing traction in the recent past. Tata Consultancy
[B] Imitation Zari Threads or Yarn Services has recently won a contract to maintain
[C] Uncooked or Unfried Snack pellets and run the portal. GeM is an initiative of which
[D] Cancer-related drugs, medicines for rare ministry?
diseases [A] Ministry of Corporate Affairs
[E] Food and Beverages Consumed Inside [B] Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Cinema Halls [C] Ministry of Agriculture
[D] Ministry of Finance
Q.112) Department for Promotion of Industry and [E] Ministry of Home Affairs
Internal Trade (DPIIT has notified two new Quality
Control Orders (QCOs) for 'Potable Water Bottles' Q.115) The Memorandum of Understanding
and 'Flame-Producing Lighters'. Bureau of Indian (MoU) between Ministry of Defence (MoD) and
Standards (BIS) play a crucial role in ensuring the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
compliance with the quality standards set forth in (FSSAI) aims to promote millet foods among
the QCOs. It is also responsible for certifying defence personnel and the introduction of millet-
products that meet the prescribed standards, both based menus in mess, canteens, and other food
for domestic and international manufacturers. outlets under the MoD. Training to food handlers
With the QCOs, the manufacturing, storing and & chefs of mess will also be given as part of the
sale of non-BIS certified products are prohibited MoU. A recipe book by FSSAI titled
as per which legislation? ____________ has also been released as part
[A] BIS Act, 2016. of it.
[B] Export (Quality Control and Inspection) Act, [A] Healthy food for Defence
1963 [B] Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy
[C] Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 [C] Healthy Recipes for the Nation
[D] Consumer Protection act, 2019 [D] Healthy Recipes for Defence
[E] The Agricultural and Processed Food Products [E] Millet Recipes for Defence
Export Development Authority Act, 1985
Q.116) China has successfully launched world’s
Q.113) A month-long campaign with a target to first methane-powered rocket going ahead of Elon
raise Rs. 7200 Crore for banks under Agri Infra Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin. The
Fund (AIF) has been launched. The AIF which is Beijing-based firm LandSpace has launched the
a financing facility was launched in July 2020 with carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch
the aim to create post-harvest management Centre in northwest China's Inner Mongolia. The
infrastructure and community farm assets. The methane-liquid oxygen rocket is less polluting,
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[Type here]

safer, and less expensive, as well as a suitable

propellant for a reusable rocket. The methane- Q.120) PM Narendra Modi has recently been
powered rocket is named as- conferred the ‘Grand Cross of the Legion of
[A] Zhuque-2 Honour’, France’s highest civilian and military
[B] Shenzhou 1 honour. The honour normally recognises the
[C] Tiangong 1 contribution of the French people in the “service
[D] Changzheng 5 of the nation” and foreigners who have rendered
[E] Jielong-3 services (e.g., cultural, or economic) to France or
supported causes defended by France, and
Q.117) Securities and Exchange Board of India sometimes high dignitaries on a state visit to
(SEBI) has mandated certification of ESG rating France. The Order was established by Napoleon
service provider within 6 months. The ESG rating Bonaparte in the year _____.
service provider will now have to be incorporated [A] 1821
as a company under the Companies Act, 2013, [B] 1812
and specify ESG rating activity, as the main object [C] 1810
in its Memorandum of Association. The certified [D] 1802
rating agency will have to disclose its rating [E] 1832
methodology for all ESG ratings on its website.
What does S stand for in ESG? Q.121) India is a technology-savvy country and
[A] Sector the success story of adoption of digital payments
[B] Social in India is a testimony of it. In continuance of this
[C] Shell success, Union Minister of Education and Skill
[D] Server Development and Entrepreneurship Shri
[E] Solar Dharmendra Pradhan has launched AI for India
2.0, a free online training programme on Artificial
Q.118) When Reserve Bank of India cancels the Intelligence. This is a joint initiative of Skill India
licence of banks due to inadequate capital and and______.
earning prospects, every depositor is entitled to ______, an IIT Madras incubated startup is a tech
receive the deposit insurance claim amount of platform that enables tech learning in vernacular
his/her deposits of up to ______ from Deposit languages. This program has been curated in 9
Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Indian languages.
(DICGC). [A] Intello Labs
[A] 10 lakhs [B] upGrad
[B] 7 lakhs [C] GUVI
[C] 5 lakhs [D] Zeta
[D] 2 lakhs [E] Udaan
[E] 4 lakhs
Q.122) India’s first PPP model-based Atal
Q.119) BCCI has announced the Indian men’s Tinkering Lab (ATL) in collaboration with OPPO
and women’s cricket squads for the 19th Asian India has been established in Kerala with an
Games to be held in China. The Indian cricket objective to create an empowered future-ready
teams are set to compete in the Asian Games for workforce and nurture entrepreneurship and
the first time. Who will lead the Indian men’s technological skills among the youth. The ATLs
squad at the Asian Games? are set up to empower school children in grades
[A] Ruturaj Gaikwad 6th to 12th to develop innovative solutions. Which
[B] Yashasvi Jaiswal of the following is the implementation partner of
[C] Mukesh Kumar this collaboration between the AIM and OPPO?
[D] Shivam Dube [A] Learning Links Foundation
[E] Shivam Mavi [B] Talent acquisition
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[Type here]

[C] Childhood first CPTPP. Few other member countries of CPTPP

[D] Central Square foundation are- Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Malaysia,
[E] Learning through creating Vietnam, Japan etc. What is the total number of
member nations except UK?
Q.123) Ministry of Road Transport & Highways [A] 13
(MoRTH), with the technical assistance of Japan [B] 10
International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has [C] 11
developed guidelines aimed at enhancing [D] 12
mountainous infrastructure in India. The [E] 9
guidelines designed to ensure high-quality and
sustainable road projects in hilly regions will Q.126) Google Pay has recently launched UPI
improve road networks and promote economic Lite to boost small value transactions and joins
growth. Various topics like Planning of hilly roads, Paytm, PhonePe, and BHIM payment apps to
Tunnel on arterial roads in hilly area, Mountain introduce UPI lite payments. Google Pay will now
bridge, Slope protection etc. have been covered. allow users to create a UPI Lite wallet within the
MoRTH and JICA have agreed to implement same app, which can be loaded up to Rs 2,000 at
"Capacity Development Project on Highways in a time and user can spend up to Rs. ____ per
Mountainous Regions" from 20__ to 20__. transaction without requiring a pin. Currently,
[A] 2018, 2023 users can only load up to Rs 2,000 twice a day,
[B] 2016, 2021 limit their spending on the app to Rs 4,000 per
[C] 2020, 2025 day.
[D] 2014, 2019 [A] 400
[E] 2022, 2027 [B] 100
[C] 200
Q.124) Recently RBI has signed MoU with [D] 500
Central Bank of UAE for establishing a framework [E] 300
to promote the use of local currencies i.e, the
Indian rupee (INR) and the UAE Dirham (AED) for Q.127) Insurance penetration is an issue in India.
cross-border transactions. A Local Currency To address this issue, Insurance Regulatory and
Settlement System (LCSS) will be created to Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has
promote the use of INR and AED bilaterally. Also, appointed Tata AIG General Insurance Co. as the
the two banks have agreed for interlinking India's lead non-life insurer for Maharashtra. It has
Fast Payment Systems (FPSs) – Unified identified key segments such as motor insurance,
Payments Interface (UPI) with UAE's health insurance, crop insurance, support of
______________ Platform. MSMEs and employment related insurance
[A] Instant Money solutions to drive overall insurance penetration in
[B] Instant Serve the state. IRDAI aims to increase insurance
[C] Instant Payment penetration in the state in line with its vision
[D] Cash Instant “Insurance for all by____”.
[E] Cash Serve [A] 2028
[B] 2030
Q.125) UK has formally signed the [C] 2035
Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for [D] 2047
Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) trade bloc. It [E] 2025
will be the first European member and first new
member to join since CPTPP is created. The Q.128) Ministry of Statistics and Programme
agreement for the UK’s membership is expected Implementation has replaced the Standing
to come into force by next year after all member Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) with
nations ratify the deal. India is not a member of Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS). SCES
pg. 20
[Type here]

was mandated to review the framework for Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) was held for
economic indicators pertaining to the industrial the first-time outside Rome, Italy. Various
sector, the services sector and the labour force initiatives highlighting food safety were launched
statistics such as Periodic Labour Force Survey, in the summit. A comprehensive collection of food
the Annual Survey of Industries, the Index of category-wise monographs, a platform comprising
Industrial Production and the Economic Census. comprehensive database of food regulatory
The chair of the newly formed SCoS is India’s first authorities and common digital dashboard are to
chief statistician and the former chairman of the name a few. What is the name of common
National Statistical Commission (NSC). Who is regulators platform?
he? [A] SaNGRAH
[A] Amartya Sen [B] Food-o-Copoeia
[B] Raghuram Rajan [C] Food Catalogue
[C] Pronab Sen [D] GYAN
[D] Arvind Panagariya [E] COLLATE
[E] Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Q.132) 9,000 'CM Rise' schools have been
Q.129) 15th edition of bilateral joint military established to provide quality education. The
exercise “NOMADIC ELEPHANT-23” is scheduled schools will have 'smart classes' through which
to be conducted from 17 to 31 July 2023. This is teachers from Delhi and Mumbai can teach
an annual training event with Mongolia which is students. Atal Tinkering Lab will also be set up in
conducted alternatively in Mongolia and India. these schools for promoting innovations and
Soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces Unit 084 creativity. The schools will have modern labs,
and Indian Army soldiers from the JAMMU AND sports grounds etc. Which state government has
KASHMIR LIGHT INFANTRY Regiment will be launched these schools?
participating in the exercise this year. Where is [A] Madhya Pradesh
the exercise being held? [B] Rajasthan
[A] Ulaanbaatar [C] Delhi
[B] Bakloh [D] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Altanbulah [E] Jharkhand
[D] Chaubatia
[E] Kharkhorin Q.133) 17th July is celebrated as International
Day of Justice to mark anniversary of the
Q.130) Chandrayaan-3 mission is to demonstrate adoption of the Rome Statute, the founding treaty
India’s growing technical capabilities in the field of the International Criminal Court. When was the
and conduct a successful soft landing on the Rome statue adopted?
moon. The payloads on the lander and rover are [A] 2001
the same as Chandrayaan-2. Although the lander [B] 2002
and rover of Chandrayaan-2 crashed on the [C] 1998
moon's surface, the Orbiter successfully collected [D] 2000
data and found signatures of water at all latitudes. [E] 1999
What was the launch vehicle for Chandrayaan-2?
[A] GSLV MkIII-M1 Q.134) India has won 27 medals in the recently
[B] PSLV – C11 concluded Asian Athletics Championship 2023
[C] PSLV-C14 winning 6 gold, 12 silver and 9 bronze. India is
[D] LVM3 M4 ranked third in the championship behind Japan
[E] PSLV- C55 and China. The championship is special this year
as Asian Athletics Association, the governing
Q.131) Global Food Regulators Summit 2023 body for the sport of athletics in Asia celebrates
organized as a G20 event by Food Safety and
pg. 21
[Type here]

its anniversary. Which anniversary is it celebrating [B] Maternal health

this year? [C] Sanitation
[A] 25 [D] Assets
[B] 50 [E] Nutrition
[C] 30
[D] 40 Q.138) India has won a record-breaking 27
[E] 75 medals in the recently concluded 25th Asian
Athletics Championship 2023 finishing 3rd in
Q.135) A pictorial book titled ‘Biodiversity and overall medal tally behind Japan and China. The
Importance of Mangrove Ecosystem’ has been mascot this year indicates the athletes
released by Union Minister for Environment, participating in the games, skills, teamwork of
Forest and Climate Change. The book contains athletes, showcase of athleticism, dedication, and
descriptions of mangrove species across India, sportsmanship. What was the official logo of this
medicinal uses of mangroves, and several wildlife year’s Championship?
creatures that thrive in the ecosystem. Who has [A] Chim Yen
authored the book? [B] Appu
[A] M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation [C] Hanuman
[B] CERE India [D] Jalak Bali
[C] FRI, Dehradun [E] Yaya
[D] Bombay Natural History Society
[E] Conservation Action Trust Q.139) 8 districts from a single state feature in the
top 25 export districts of the country in the
Q.136) Carlos Alcaraz has become man of the recently released Export Preparedness Index
hour by defeating seven-time champion Novak 2022 report by NITI Aayog. Tamil Nadu,
Djokovic to claim his first Wimbledon title in men’s Maharashtra and Karnataka are top performing
singles. This marks a new journey in the states when it comes to export value. Identify the
international tennis as he wins his second grand state with maximum export districts.
slam after US Open title in 2022. He is also [A] Gujarat
Wimbledon’s 3rd youngest men’s champion ever. [B] Karnataka
Another remarkable feat was achieved by [C] Andhra Pradesh
Marketa Vondrousova as she became first [D] Tamil Nadu
unseeded women’s singles champion in the Open [E] Maharashtra
Era by defeating Ons Jabeur from ____
[A] Tunisia Q.140) To make pulses available to consumers at
[B] Czechia affordable prices, the government has launched
[C] Belgium the sale of ‘subsidised’ chana dal. The milling and
[D] Croatia packaging of chana dal is undertaken by National
[E] China Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of
India (NAFED) for distribution through its retail
Q.137) The 2nd edition of National outlets. The dal is priced at Rs 60 per kg for one
Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress kg pack and Rs 55 per kg for 30 kg pack. Under
Review 2023 report has been released by NITI what brand name is this scheme launched?
Aayog. Like the global MPI, India’s national MPI [A] India Healthy
also has 3 equally weighted dimensions – Health, [B] Bharat Pulses
Education, and Standard of living, represented by [C] India Dal
12 indicators. Global MPI however covers only [D] Bharat Dal
has 10 indicators. Which of these are not included [E] Bharat Healthy
in Global MPI?
[A] Cooking fuel
pg. 22
[Type here]

Q.141) An NGO which promotes international Societies (CRCS) for disbursement against the
education and trade has been granted special legitimate dues of genuine depositors of the
consultative status by United Nations Economic Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies. Under
and Social Council (ECOSOC) recently. The whose supervision is the process of disbursement
status will allow NGO to actively interact with its taking place?
subsidiary bodies, the Human Rights Council, [A] Justice P. Sathasivam
other intergovernmental bodies, and the UN [B] Justice N. V. Ramana
Secretariat. The NGO with operations in over 12 [C] Justice Dipak Misra
countries was founded in the U.K. by British [D] Justice R Subhash Reddy
Indian global peace activist, Abdul Basit Syed. [E] Justice Altamas Kabir
Identify the NGO.
[A] Bill and Melinda Gates Q.145) The biggest advantage of CDBC is that it
[B] Accion International can provide cross-border transactions and ensure
[C] World Humanitarian Drive anonymity, which is the defining feature of the
[D] World Vision currency. Currently, around 5,000-10,000
[E] Hope International transactions are being done per day using retail
CBDC.
Q.142) National Immunization Coverage for the The Reserve Bank of India plans to scale up the
year 2022 have been released by WHO/UNICEF number of central bank digital currency (CBDC)
recently. The coverage rate for DPT3, the third transactions to 1 million per day by the end of
dose of diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus 2023. How many banks are currently offering
vaccines, have been at an all-time high of ___ in retail CBDC?
2022 for India. The levels have surpassed the [A] 13
previous pre-pandemic best recorded in 2019. [B] 14
What is the percentage of DPT3 coverage in [C] 10
2022 according to the released estimates? [D] 19
[A] 93 [E] 15
[B] 80
[C] 95 Q.146) Despite the global slowdown, India’s
[D] 70 economic growth rate is stronger than in many
[E] 90 peer economies and reflects relatively robust
domestic consumption and lesser dependence on
Q.143) Recently, Aapda Rahat Kosh-2023 global demand. The Reserve Bank of India’s
website, a digital platform aimed at aiding the Monetary Policy Committee has pegged GDP
disaster-affected people of the state has been growth at 6.5% for 2023-24. The growth is driven
launched. Which state is being talked about here? by private consumption and private investment on
[A] Uttarakhand the back of government policies to improve
[B] Himachal Pradesh transport infrastructure, logistics, and the
[C] Delhi business ecosystem. What has been the ADB’s
[D] Kerala GDP growth forecast for 2024-25?
[E] Orissa [A] 6.8%
[B] 6.7%
Q.144) Recently a 'CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal' [C] 6.4%
has been launched to facilitate over 10 crore [D] 6.5%
depositors of Sahara Group in claiming their [E] 6.2%
money back within a timeframe of 45 days. The
Supreme Court had directed that Rs 5,000 crore Q.147) The Indian senior weightlifting contingent
be transferred out of the “Sahara-SEBI Refund has ended the campaign at the Commonwealth
Account” to the Central Registrar of Cooperative Weightlifting Championships 2023 with a rich haul
pg. 23
[Type here]

of 20 medals. The weightlifting competition held at [C] 2

Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida saw [D] 3
many firsts in the gold category. India’s medals [E] 4
tally comprised _ golds, _ silvers and _bronze
[A] 8,3,9 Q.151) Punjab National Bank (PNB) has
[B] 9,2,9 launched 8-month period program for
[C] 2,9,9 environmental sustainability. This campaign will
[D] 9,9,2 focus on cost savings and operational efficiencies
[E] 9,3,8 through energy and resource conservation, paper
reduction, waste management and streamlined
Q.148) A decade-long record of smash speed of digital processes. What is the name of the
493 km/h, set in May 2013 was broken by this campaign?
player recently. He has made the Guinness World [A] Project PNB Green
Record by registering a record-breaking smash [B] Project PNB Prathvi
speed of 565 kmph in the ongoing Korea Open [C] Project PNB Sustainability
2023. Identify the player. [D] Project PNB Palaash
[A] Tony Gunawan [E] Project PNB Save Earth
[B] Tan Boon Heong
[C] Peter Hoeg Gade Q.152) HDFC Bank has become the world's 7th
[D] Satwiksairaj Rankireddy largest bank as it has crossed $100 billion
[E] Lin Dan valuation. The bank’s market capitalisation has
crossed $150 billion, making it bigger than
Q.149) The US India SME Council which Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and Bank of
promotes trade, commerce, and people-to-people China. In terms of market value on Bombay Stock
exchange programmes between the United Exchange, HDFC Bank is one among the largest
States and India. Indian companies along with Reliance Industries
The council has conferred the ‘Global Incredible and TCS. What is its rank?
Inc Leadership Award’ to ______ in recognition of [A] 3
his endeavours towards promoting tourism and [B] 2
the rich culture of India. [C] 1
[A] G Kishan Reddy [D] 4
[B] Raj Kumar Singh [E] 5
[C] Sarbananda Sonowal
[D] Virendra Kumar Q.153) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
[E] Hardeep Singh Puri cancelled the license of United India Co-operative
Bank Limited and asked the bank not to carry on
Q.150) International Energy Agency (IEA) in any banking business, with effect from the close
collaboration with Petroleum Planning and of business on July 19, 2023. The bank does not
Analysis Cell (PPAC) has launched the Oil 2023 have adequate capital and earning prospects. As
medium-term market report, which has recorded a such, it does not comply with the provisions of
growth of about 12% in FY 2022-23 on the overall Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) read with
consumption of petroleum products over the Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
previous year. Alternate clean fuels like biofuels Where is the bank located?
are expected to provide 10% of new liquid fuel [A] Maharashtra
supply growth to 2028. India too is playing its part [B] Andhra Pradesh
in biofuel production. It is ranked as ___ largest [C] Uttar Pradesh
biofuel producer. [D] Rajasthan
[A] 1 [E] Punjab
[B] 5
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Q.154) The Henley Passport Index is the original, [B] NASA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
authoritative ranking of all the world’s passports [C] NASA and ESA (European Space Agency).
according to the number of destinations their [D] NASA, ESA and the Canadian Space Agency.
holders can access without a prior visa. The index [E] NASA, ESA and the Japan Aerospace
is based on exclusive data from the International Exploration Agency.
Air Transport Association (IATA). It includes 199
different passports and 227 different travel Q.157) Ministry of Culture has signed a
destinations. Indian passport has secured the memorandum of understanding with a bank for
80th rank, giving its holders visa free access to 57 disbursal of financial assistance to the selected
countries. Singapore has the most powerful beneficiaries under the “Scheme for Financial
passport in the world, a position held by Japan for Assistance for Veteran Artists”. The scheme
last five years. What was India’s rank in 2022? earlier known as “Scheme for Pension and
[A] 86 Medical Aid to Artists” has been allocated Rs. 26
[B] 87 crores for the year 2023-24. An artist aged 60
[C] 85 years and above who have contributed in the field
[D] 88 of art and culture in their active age and whose
[E] 84 annual income is not more than Rs. 48,000/- is
eligible for the scheme? Name the bank.
Q.155) A new report from UNAIDS titled, ‘The [A] State Bank of India
Path that Ends AIDS’, is optimistic that AIDS can [B] Canara
be ended by 2030, provided necessary [C] Union Bank
interventions are taken. The number of people on [D] Bank of Baroda
antiretroviral treatment worldwide has rose almost [E] Punjab National Bank
fourfold, from 7.7 million in 2010 to 29.8 million in
2022, indicating a positive recovery. How many Q.158) A state government has signed a
AIDS-related deaths have been averted with HIV memorandum of understanding with London-
treatment in the past three decades (1996 to based company OneWeb and the Department of
2022)? Science and and Technology, Government of
[A] 16.9 million India to set up two 'Satellite Network Portal Sites'.
[B] 18.2 million The satellite network portal site with an
[C] 15 million investment of over Rs. 100 crores will possibly be
[D] 20.8 million commissioned in 2023. OneWeb is a Low Earth
[E] 22 million Orbit (LEO) satellite company. It uses LEO to
provide a broadband network instead of using the
Q.156) James Webb Space Telescope has traditional method of using geostationary
completed its first year of service on 12th July. To satellites located 36,000 km above the equator.
celebrate the completion of a successful first year, Name the state.
a Webb’s image of a small star-forming region in [A] Tamil Nadu
the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex has been [B] Maharashtra
released. [C] Gujarat
The James Webb Space Telescope is an [D] Karnataka
international endeavor with widespread global [E] Madhya Pradesh
contributions and experts in more than a dozen
countries dedicated to the build, launch, and Q.159) First ever “Credit Guarantee Scheme” for
future science of this flagship NASA space Livestock Sector has been recently launched by
observatory. It is an international collaboration Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying
between which space agencies? under Animal Husbandry Infrastructure
[A] NASA, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Development Fund (AHIDF). This scheme will
and the Canadian Space Agency. facilitate smooth flow of credit to Micro, Small &
pg. 25
[Type here]

Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the Q.162) XR Startup Programme is an initiative

Livestock sector and increase access to finance between Meta and the Ministry of Electronics and
for un-served and under-served livestock sector. Information Technology (MeitY) which aims to
AHIDF is a Central Sector Scheme under the discover, nurture, and accelerate extended reality
Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (XR) technology start-ups in India. A company
stimulus package of _____crores for incentivizing has recently joined the programme to provide
investments. one-on-one mentorship to start-ups, leading
[A] Rs. 15000 crores thought leadership sessions and provide valuable
[B] Rs. 20000 crores business and industry perspectives. Name the
[C] Rs. 10000 crores company.
[D] Rs. 30000 crores [A] HCL Technology
[E] Rs. 25000 crores [B] Wipro Ltd.
[C] Infosys Ltd.
Q.160) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural [D] Tata Consultancy services
Development (NABARD) celebrated its 42nd [E] Tech Mahindra
Foundation Day on July 12. It came into existence
with an aim of giving integral focus on debt- Q.163) A high-quality, highly connected, scalable
related issues pertaining to agricultural and rural data centre is essential critical infrastructure need
development. In which year it was formed? of enterprises and digital services companies.
[A] 1984 Which company has recently partnered with
[B] 1990 Brookfield Infra and Digital Realty for developing
[C] 1998 data centres in India?
[D] 1982 [A] Infosys
[E] 1985 [B] TCS
[C] Reliance Industries Ltd.
Q.161) Rajasthan Government has announced to [D] Bharti Airtel
introduce the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig [E] Axiata
Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill 2023.
With reference to this bill, consider the following Q.164) Authoor betel leaves have recently been
statements: issued Geographical Indication certificate. The
1.The bill has proposed to set up a Rajasthan betel leaves locally known as Vettrilai, are
Platform-Based Gig Workers Social Security and nurtured by Thamirabrani river water and also find
Welfare Fund. a mention in the 13th-Century book 'The Travels
2.Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board will of MARCO POLO (The Venetian)’. Which state do
be chaired by the state Labour minister, and will they belong to?
have representatives from gig workers’ unions, [A] Telangana
aggregators, and members of civil society. [B] Tamil Nadu
3.All platform-based workers in the state would be [C] Kerala
automatically registered with the Board [D] Andhra Pradesh
regardless of their employment period with the [E] Karnataka
respective platform.
Which of the statements given above are correct? Q.165) Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag
[A] 1 and 2 Shetty have recently won the men’s doubles title
[B] 2 and 3 in Korea Open 2023, a Super 500 badminton
[C] 1 and 3 tournament in Yeosu, South Korea. The duo
[D] 1, 2 and 3 defeated Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad
[E] 1 only Rian Ardianto in the final and bagged their
seventh BWF World Tour title. There is only one

pg. 26
[Type here]

other Indian player to have won Korea Open in [C] A217

the history of India. Identify the player. [D] A219
[A] Lakshya Sen [E] A216
[B] Srikanth Kadambi
[C] Jwala Dutt Q.169) NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) has
[D] P V Sindhu announced its 2nd consecutive commercial space
[E] Saina Nehwal mission, to take-off aboard ISRO’s rocket Polar
Satellite Launch Vehicle.
Q.166) Embryologists play an important role in The mission will deploy 1 primary and 6 additional
treating infertility and help couples have babies satellites as part of the mission’s entire payload.
through in vitro fertilisation or the IVF process. The primary payload DS-SAR satellite, belonging
Every year, World Embryologists Day is observed to Singapore government’s Defence Science and
on July 25 to recognise the work and the Technology Agency’s will be used for imaging
contributions of the embryologists worldwide. The purposes. Which variant of the PSLV rocket will
first IVF baby named________ was born on July carry the satellite?
25, 1978, in England and that’s why the day was [A] PSLV-C53
chosen as the World Embryologist Day, which is [B] PSLV-C56
also referred to as World IVF Day. [C] PSLV-C55
[A] Louise Joy Brown [D] PSLV- C52
[B] Alastair [E] PSLV-C54
[C] Shannon L. Adler
[D] Esperanza Q.170) Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) has
[E] Louis Pasteur adopted the Clean Energy Marine Hubs Initiative
(CEM-Hubs), focussing on scaling up low carbon
Q.167) On 23rd July 1927, the first-ever radio fuel production. The initiative was adopted at the
broadcast in the country went on air from the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM14) and 8th
Bombay Station under a private company, the Mission Innovation (MI8), held on the sidelines of
Indian Broadcasting Company. After few years, 4th G20 Energy Transition Ministerial Meeting in
the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India. Where was the meeting held?
India Radio (AIR). To celebrate the journey of All [A] Goa
India Radio and reflect on the influence it has on [B] Mumbai
social integration as well as social change, every [C] Ahmedabad
day 23rd July is celebrated as National [D] Bangalore
Broadcasting Day. In which year was AIR formed? [E] Delhi
[A] 1935
[B] 1936 Q.171) Indian Banks will get an amount from
[C] 1932 “Depositor Education and Awareness” (DEA)
[D] 1934 Fund towards refund of settling unclaimed
[E] 1930 deposits. The Depositor Education and
Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014 notified by
Q.168) Chief Justices to various high courts have Reserve Bank of India (RBI) covers norms related
been recently appointed across the country after to unclaimed deposits and outlines details of
the cabinet has given a go ahead to the names utilization of fund including its role in promoting
suggested by the collegium. The Chief Justices depositors’ interests and supporting specified
are appointed by the President in consultation purposes. How much amount is being transferred
with CJI and the Governor of a particular state. to the banks under the scheme?
Under which article is this mechanism available? [A] Rs. 6723 crores
[A] A220 [B] Rs. 5600 crores
[B] A218 [C] Rs. 5729 crores
pg. 27
[Type here]

[D] Rs 4567 crores The memorial is situated in Montone (Perugia,

[E] Rs 6000 crores Italy). What is the name of the memorial?
[A] Ram Swarup Singh Sundail Memorial
Q.172) India’s first Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) in [B] World War 2 Sundail Memorial
the field of fisheries is set to come up with a grant [C] VC Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial
of ₹10 crore from NITI Aayog. The AIC will aim to [D] Karamjit Singh Sundial Memorial
promote research, technological advancement, [E] Prakash Singh Chib Sundail Memorial
and entrepreneurship in fisheries and allied
sectors. Where will the center be located? Q.176) International Monetary Fund (IMF) has
[A] Andhra Pradesh projected GDP growth rate of 6.1% for India for
[B] Tamil Nadu 2023-24 in its July edition of World economic
[C] Kerala outlook update. The number is a revision from its
[D] Orissa previous projection of 5.9% growth rate as there
[E] Karnataka is stronger domestic investment in India. The
picture, however, is not the same for the world.
Q.173) 25 July is celebrated as World Drowning There is a decline in global growth for the year
Prevention Day. It was established through a UN 2023 and 2024 both from 3.5% in 2022.
General Assembly resolution in April 2021, aiming [A] 3.4%
to address global drowning prevention. In 2023, [B] 3.2%
World Health Assembly adopted its first ever [C] 3.3%
resolution on drowning prevention. In which [D] 3.1%
session was the resolution adopted? [E] 3.0%
[A] 76th
[B] 73rd Q.177) The 2023 Tour de France is the second
[C] 72nd and most prestigious Grand Tour of the year in
[D] 75th the men’s road cycling season. Danish rider
[E] 74th Jonas Vingegaard has won the 110th edition of
Tour de France for the 2nd consecutive year by
Q.174) National Geoscience awards instituted in defeating a Slovenian rider. Who was defeated by
1966 are a symbol of recognition and Vingegaard in the finals?
appreciation for exceptional individuals and [A] Tadej Pogacar
organizations that have demonstrated dedication [B] Primoz Roglic
and innovation in the realm of Geosciences. Who [C] Jumbo Visma
has recently won the National Geoscience Award [D] Matej Mohoric
for Lifetime Achievement at the National [E] Luka Mezgec
Geoscience Awards- 2022 (NGA) of the Ministry
of Mines? Q.178) A share buyback is a form of shareholder
[A] Dr. Om Narain Bhargava remuneration where companies buy back their
[B] Dr. Amiya Kumar Samal own shares to reduce their capital by cancelling
[C] Shri P. Rajesh Durai the repurchased stock. Recently, a major firm has
[D] Shri Sumit Jaiswal introduced Rs 10,000 crore share buyback
[E] Shri Bikash Kumar Acharya programme through the tender offer route. The
buyback, to be done at a maximum price of Rs
Q.175) A memorial has been unveiled in Italy to 3,000 per share, will involve 3.33 crore shares or
honour Indian Soldiers who fought during Italian 2.4% of the fully paid-up equity share capital.
Campaign, during the 2nd World War. The Name the company.
memorial is in the form of a live sundial containing [A] L&T
the motto "Omines Sub Eodem Sole" which [B] Bajaj Auto
translates to "We all live under the same sun". [C] IndiaMart
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[D] Wipro [E] Tanzania

[E] Hinduja
Q.182) There are 53 tiger reserves in India.
Q.179) Centre for Development of Telematics (C- Recently, the Bombay High Court has directed the
DoT) has been made as the nodal facilitation state government to notify a wildlife sanctuary
agency for telecom IPRs and patents. C-DoT, and nearby areas as a tiger reserve under Wild
which is the R&D wing of the Department of Life (Protection) Act, 1972. According to the
Telecommunications, will only act as the facilitator subsection (1) of section 38V of the Wild Life
for SEP negotiations and shall not have any Protection Act of 1972, “The state government
financial obligations towards any party. It will shall notify an area as a Tiger Reserve on the
provide handholding and all the necessary suggestion of the tiger conservation authority.”
support to start-ups, MSMEs and R&D entities for Identify the sanctuary being talked about from the
converting innovations into IPRs and translating options given below.
research into commercially deployable products. [A] Nagzira
What is the full form of SEP? [B] Koyna
[A] Standard Essential Product [C] Melghat
[B] Standard Essential Patent [D] Mhadei
[C] Significant Essential Patent [E] Sagareshwar
[D] Significant Essential Product
[E] Standard Economic Product Q.183) Every year, 26 July is celebrated as
International Day for Conservation of Mangrove
Q.180) SpaceX has launched 22 Starlink Ecosystem to raise awareness of the importance
satellites to low Earth orbit (LEO). Starlink is a of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special
'satellite constellation' in the Earth's lower orbit to and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote
deliver broadband internet. solutions for their sustainable management,
According to SpaceX's website, it has made a conservation and uses. The day was adopted in
total of 248 launches, 182 re-flights and 209 the General Conference of _______ in the year
landings, so far. Which rocket has launched the 2015.
Starlink spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral [A] UNESCO
Space Force Station in Florida? [B] UNEP
[A] Falcon 1 [C] ITF
[B] Falcon 2 [D] WWF
[C] Falcon 9 [E] WTO
[D] Falcon 6
[E] Falcon 7 Q.184) Kerala Startup Mission has signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with International
Q.181) Debt for nature swaps involve the Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to
purchase of developing country debt at a bolster fintech startups. With this, KSUM-
discounted value in the secondary debt market, registered fintechs will get access to IFSCA’s
and cancelling the debt in return for environment- Regulatory and Innovation Sandbox. IFSCA is a
related action on part of the debtor nation. Africa's unified authority for the development and
first debt-for-nature swap has been launched with regulation of financial products, financial services
a plan to buy up at least $450 million of its and financial institutions in the International
government debt and switch it to an eco-friendly Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India. In
blue bond. Which country has released it? which year was the authority formed?
[A] Gabon [A] 2015
[B] South Africa [B] 2020
[C] Sudan [C] 2012
[D] Congo [D] 2021
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[E] 2022 (IPRC). The test involved the Raman-II engine,

designed by Skyroot to generate 820 Newton
Q.185) Madhya Pradesh government has recently (Sea Level) and 1,460 Newton (Vacuum) thrust.
lowered the minimum age for Ladli Behna Yojana Skyroot intends to integrate this Raman-II engine
for women aged between 23-60 years. Now, into the fourth stage of its launch vehicle, Vikram-
women completing 21 years from January this I. Where is the ISRO Propulsion complex
year would also be included. They, however, located?
should be married and fulfil the other existing [A] Hyderabad
eligibility criteria. What is the financial assistance [B] Thiruvananthapuram
provided to underprivileged women under this [C] Mahendragiri
scheme? [D] Sriharikota
[A] Rs. 1000/month [E] Bangalore
[B] Rs. 6000/year
[C] Rs. 9000/year Q.189) Health Ministry has recently launched an
[D] Rs. 2000/month online portal to report violation of ban on e-
[E] Rs. 10,000/year cigarettes. Despite the ban imposed by the Union
government, e-cigarettes continue to be sold on
Q.186) Odisha’s CM Naveen Patnaik has become e-commerce sites. Prohibition of Electronic
the 2nd longest serving Chief Minister in India by Cigarettes (Production, Manufacture, Import,
holding the post for the last 23 years and 139 Export, Transport, Sale, Distribution, Storage and
days. He has achieved this feat by breaking Advertisement) Act regulates the ban on e-
record of second longest serving CM, who held cigarettes. When did this act came into force?
the office for 23 years 137 days. Who is the [A] 2019
longest serving CM of India? [B] 2020
[A] Jyoti Basu [C] 2018
[B] Pawan Kumar Chamling [D] 2021
[C] Gegong Apang [E] 2022
[D] Virbhadra Singh
[E] Lal Thanhawla Q.190) Ministry of Civil Aviation in association
with the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan
Q.187) Financial fraud transactions to the tune of Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian
Rs 570 crore have been prevented using the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has
cyber fraud reporting system. The Citizen organised Helicopter & Small Aircraft (Heli)
Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.
Management System, under Indian Cyber Crime Which edition of the summit was held?
Coordination Centre operationalised in April 2022 [A] 5
is responsible for immediate reporting of financial [B] 6
frauds and to stop siphoning off of funds by the [C] 7
fraudsters. The coordination centre falls under [D] 8
which ministry? [E] 4
[A] Ministry of Electronics & Information
Technology Q.191) Consider the following statements with
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs respect to the Digital Payments Index.
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry 1. ‘Payment Performance’ parameter holds the
[D] Ministry of Corporate Affairs highest weightage in the Digital Payments Index
[E] Ministry of Information and Broadcasting 2. It is published on RBI’s website on a semi-
annual basis from March 2021 onwards with a lag
Q.188) Skyroot has successfully conducted a of 4 months.
rocket-engine test at ISRO Propulsion Complex 3. The base year to calculate this index is 2017.
pg. 30
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Which of the following statements are true? [B] Bihar

[A] 1 only [C] Gujarat
[B] 1 and 2 [D] Uttar Pradesh
[C] 2 only [E] Rajasthan
[D] 3 only
[E] 1 and 3 Q.195) India will become world's 3rd largest
economy by FY28 according to SBI Ecowrap, a
Q.192) Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, has report released by State Bank of India’s Economic
recently become the first Indian city to be part of Research Department. The share of India in
the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF), a global global GDP will also cross 4% by 2027. The
network of cities that share research and report has also identified at least two Indian
intelligence to explore the role of culture in future states which will break the $500 billion mark in
prosperity. Bengaluru has become the 41st city to 2027 (or FY28) when India achieves the 3rd place
join the forum and the network currently includes in global economy.
40 cities across six continents which includes Name the states.
cities like New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and [A] Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh
Dubai. In which year was the forum formed? [B] Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat
[A] 2015 [C] Gujarat and Rajasthan
[B] 2010 [D] Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat
[C] 2012 [E] Maharashtra and Gujarat
[D] 2018
[E] 2022 Q.196) ITC in collaboration with the Department
of Post has released a special postal stamp to
Q.193) Recently 1st Anniversary of Rural WASH raise awareness on millets. The year is being
Partners Forum (RWPF) was celebrated with a celebrated as the International Year of Millets-
two-day National Conference at Vigyan Bhawan, 2023. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
New Delhi. The Theme of the conference was Welfare has taken several initiatives such as
“Accelerating Progress towards a Swachh Sujal holding of G20 Agriculture Ministerial Meeting
Bharat. “. The forum aims to supplement the (AMM) and designating ICAR-IIMR, Hyderabad
concerned departments in the implementation of as Global Centre of Excellence on Millets (Shree
the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen – Phase II) Anna).
and Jal Jeevan Mission. It is a platform set up by What is India’s ranking with respect to production
the_______ in collaboration with KPMG India for of millets in the world?
Development/ Sector Partners working in rural [A] 5th
WASH space of India. [B] 1st
[A] Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation [C] 2nd
[B] Ministry of Jal Shakti [D] 3rd
[C] Ministry of Rural Development [E] 4th
[D] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[E] Ministry of Health and family welfare Q.197) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare has launched several new technological
Q.194) Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima
Government of India have recently signed an Yojana. A news centralized platform that hosts,
agreement for $295 million loan to upgrade state manages, and processes hyper-local weather
highways. This will include upgradation of around data collected by Automatic Weather Stations and
265-kilometer state highways with climate and Rain Gauges at Taluk/Block and Gram Panchayat
disaster resilient design, and road safety levels has been launched. Name the platform.
elements. Identify the state. [A] AIDE
[A] Jharkhand [B] WINDS
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[C] Yes-TECH
[D] WEATHER Q.201) ULLAS initiative has been launched in the
[E] UPDATE Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2023
inaugurated at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati
Q.198) HDFC Bank has recently overtaken State Maidan, New Delhi. The initiative which aims to
Bank of India (SBI) to secure top spot in 2023 ignite the flame of curiosity and continuous
CRISIL’s Greenwich market share Leaders learning in each individual, fostering a culture of
ranking in Large Corporate Banking category. For knowledge-sharing in communities across India
middle market corporates also HDFC Bank has will benefit which age group?
topped the list of 2023 Leaders among local [A] 15 years and above
banks. It has also been recognised as the joint [B] 14 years and above
Greenwich Quality Leaders for the year along [C] 16 years and above
with _____ Bank. [D] 17 years and above
[A] PNB [E] 18 years and above
[B] SBI
[C] ICICI Q.202) Recently, the Union Ministry of Electronics
[D] IDBI and IT (MeitY) and Papua New Guinea have
[E] Federal Bank signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
for sharing India Stack. Earlier in June 2023, India
Q.199) A state government has signed a had already signed MoUs with some countries to
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with share India Stack, showcasing the growing
Walmart and Flipkart for capacity building of interest and acceptance of the initiative on a
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) global scale. Which of the following is incorrect
in the State. This is to ensure development of with respect to India Stack?
local MSMEs towards accessing a wider domestic [A] The principles, technologies, and functionality
marketspace, to leverage online retail and enable of India Stack can be applied in any country.
sustained growth and commercialisation. Identify [B] India stack is owned and maintained by
the state. Ministry of Communications and Information
[A] Telangana Technology.
[B] Uttar Pradesh [C] India Stack is a government-led initiative that
[C] Andhra Pradesh focuses on building a robust digital infrastructure
[D] Maharashtra to enable various digital services across different
[E] Jharkhand sectors.
[D] The key components of INDIA STACK include
Q.200) Industry led coalition on resource Aadhaar (unique biometric-based identification
efficiency and circular economy ‘Resource system), Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for
Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition instant digital payments, and Digital Locker for
(RECEIC)’ has been launched to foster secure storage of personal documents.
partnerships for impact, technology cooperation [E] It aims to solve India’s hard problems towards
and finance for scale. The coalition was launched presence-less, paperless, and cashless service
on the sidelines of the ___ G20 Environment and delivery.
Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG)
and Environment and Climate Ministers meeting Q.203) According to a report released by
in Chennai. Standard Chartered Bank, India will become
[A] 4th middle-income country with GDP of $6 trillion by
[B] 6th 2030. The numbers quoted by the report are
[C] 3rd promising and for achieving them India needs to
[D] 5th grow at 10% every year. The per capita income of
[E] 2nd Gujarat will be highest followed by Maharashtra,
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Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Haryana, Telangana and [D] 9th

Andhra Pradesh. However, two states will have [E] 7th
per capita income below $2,000 even in fiscal
2030. Identify the states. Q.207) GEM Award aims to celebrate the
[A] Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand achievements of those who have dedicated their
[B] Uttar Pradesh and Bihar lives to improve education or its associated social
[C] Jharkhand and Bihar sector in India and promoting innovative
[D] Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh approaches to teaching and learning. This year
[E] Bihar and Chhattisgarh Asian News International (ANI)
Chairman________ has been honoured with
Q.204) Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TMS), the Global Education Mentor (GEM) Award 2023 –
Germany-based leading naval company, has Lifetime Achievement Award.
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) [A] Achyuta Samanta
with Indian defence PSU Mazagon Dock [B] Prem Prakash
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for overhauling and [C] Parth Shah
modernisation of submarine INS_____ to extend [D] Jagdish Gandhi
its operational capability. This submarine is a [E] Azim Premji
Sub-Surface Killer (SSK) class. Identify the
submarine. Q.208) National Health Authority (NHA) has
[A] Shishumar launched 100 microsites project under Ayushman
[B] Shankush Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). The microsites
[C] Kalveri aim to establish a small ecosystem within a
[D] Karanj particular geographic area where there is
[E] Shalki complete ABDM adoption, and the entire patient
journey is digitised. Ayushman Bharat Digital
Q.205) Hyderabad-based International Crops Mission (ABDM) ensures to provide digital health
Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics IDs for all Indian citizens to help hospitals,
(ICRISAT) and Bangladesh Agricultural Research insurance firms, and citizens access health
Institute (BARI) have released BARI records electronically when required. When was
Chinabadam-12 (ICGV 07219). This improved this mission launched?
variety demonstrates greater resistance to foliar [A] 2022
fungal diseases and matures four days earlier [B] 2019
than its counterpart. Name the crop. [C] 2021
[A] Rice [D] 2018
[B] Groundnut [E] 2020
[C] Wheat
[D] Chick Pea Q.209) Around 20,000 Government teachers
[E] Maize have been trained under Naan Mudhalvan
Scheme under which 1000 civil services aspirants
Q.206) Formula One championship leader Max would be shortlisted every year through a test and
Verstappen has won the 2023 Belgian Grand each of them would be provided ₹7,500 a month
Prix. With this win he is one step away from for 10 months to prepare for the preliminary
Sebastian Vettel’s F1 record of maximum examination. The above scheme belongs to which
consecutive victories. This is Max Verstappen’s state?
____ consecutive win and 10th overall this [A] Tamil Nadu
season. [B] Kerala
[A] 5th [C] Andhra Pradesh
[B] 8th [D] Maharashtra
[C] 10th [E] Telangana
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2024. At what rate did Indian economy grew in

Q.210) With which international/regional bank has the FY23?
the central government partnered to sign an [A] 7%
agreement for an additional $200 million loan, [B] 7.1%
dedicated to the ongoing Rajasthan Secondary [C] 7.2%
Towns Development Sector Project which aims to [D] 7.3%
enhance access to better water supply services in [E] 6.9%
secondary towns?
[A] Asian Development Bank Q.214) A state government has recently
[B] European Bank revamped Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana-
[C] World Bank Mukhyamantri Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) scheme.
[D] New Development Bank While the Centre's PMJAY is popularly known as
[E] International Monetary Fund Ayushman Bharat, MA stands for the state
government's Mukhyamantri Amrutam scheme,
Q.211) Tata Sons has planned to build a 40- which was merged with the central health
gigawatt (GW) battery cell gigafactory outside scheme. Under the revamped scheme, people
India. This unit will be used to develop electric can avail free medical treatment up to Rs 10 lakh
mobility and renewable energy storage solutions instead of the previous limit of Rs 5 lakh. Identify
for the customers. Where will the gigafactory be the state.
located? [A] Rajasthan
[A] UK [B] Gujarat
[B] Germany [C] Madhya Pradesh
[C] France [D] Haryana
[D] South Korea [E] Karnataka
[E] USA
Q.215) In the year 2021, India has formalised the
Q.212) Tanzania and India have enjoyed acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace
traditionally close, friendly and co-operative the legacy Avro fleet of the IAF at a cost of Rs
relations. India is Tanzania's best trading partner. 21,935 crore. Under the deal, first few aircrafts
The two countries have agreed on a roadmap to will come from Airbus facility in Seville while the
further boost their time-tested ties by identifying remaining aircraft will be manufactured by the
new areas of cooperation in sectors like trade, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) in a factory in
investment, agriculture, defence and education. In Vadodara, India. How many aircraft will be built in
pursuance of this, 2nd edition of India- India?
TanzaniaJoint Defence Cooperation Committee [A] 40
was held in ________ [B] 42
[A] Arusha [C] 35
[B] Dar es Salaam [D] 45
[C] Dodoma [E] 47
[D] Tabora
[E] Tanga Q.216) Rajasthan assembly has passed the
‘Rajasthan Minimum Guaranteed Income Bill,
Q.213) In its recent update of Asian Development 2023’ which ensures that all families of the state
Outlook 2023, Asian Development Bank (ADB) will get guaranteed employment of 125 days
has retained its forecast for India's economic every year. The aged, disabled, widows, and
growth at 6.4% for FY24 and 6.7% for FY25. The single women will also get a minimum pension of
bank has also forecasted 3.6% inflation this year Rs 1,000 per month. There is a provision of
for developing economies in Asia, and 3.4% in increase in the pension at the rate of ___ each
year.
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[A] 15% Q.219) 'Bhoomi Samman' awards are given by

[B] 20% the President to recognize the achievements of
[C] 10% states and districts in the implementation of the
[D] 12% Digital India Land Records Modernization
[E] 5% Programme (DILRMP). This year, the award has
been presented to 9 state secretaries and 68
Q.217) Indian Surf Team has recently won the district collectors. DILRMP (previously National
bronze medal at the Asian Surfing Championship, Land Record Modernization Programme) was
held at Thulisdhoo Island in Maldives. The first- revamped and converted as a Central Sector
ever World Surfing League (WSL) is scheduled to Scheme with effect from 1st April, 2016 with
be held in India from August 14 to 20 this year. At 100% funding by the Centre. Which ministry has
which place the event will be held? launched these awards?
[A] Chennai, Tamil Nadu [A] Ministry of Rural Development
[B] Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu [B] Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
[C] Madurai, Tamil Nadu [C] Ministry of Panchayati Raj
[D] Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu [D] Ministry of Home Affairs
[E] Vellore, Tamil Nadu [E] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Q.218) A report titled “A World of Debt: A growing Q.220) In a recently released RBI bulletin, India’s
burden to global prosperity” has been released by average annual growth of 7.6% has been
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres which projected to become developed nation by 2047.
gives a grim picture of the world economy. Public The contribution of various sectors has also been
debt around the world has been on the rise over laid out to achieve this. Agriculture would have to
the last decades. Global public debt has grow at 4.9% per annum, in the coming 25 years
increased more than fivefold since the year 2000, with their sectoral shares in GDP at 5% in 2047-
surpassing global GDP, which tripled over the 48. The industrial sector’s share in GDP should
same time. What is the, global public debt – increase from the current level of 25.6% to 35%
comprising general government domestic and by 2047-48. At what rate should the services
external debt in 2022? sector grow annually?
[A] USD 100 trillion [A] 14%
[B] USD 92 trillion [B] 10%
[C] USD 90 trillion [C] 12%
[D] USD 95 trillion [D] 13%
[E] USD 98 trillion [E] 15%

1 D 51 B 101 A 151 D 201 A

2 D 52 A 102 D 152 A 202 B

3 D 53 A 103 C 153 C 203 B

4 D 54 C 104 B 154 B 204 B

5 E 55 A 105 D 155 D 205 B

6 B 56 B 106 A 156 D 206 B

7 C 57 B 107 B 157 B 207 B

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[Type here]

8 B 58 D 108 C 158 C 208 C

9 E 59 B 109 A 159 A 209 A

10 B 60 B 110 A 160 D 210 A

11 C 61 A 111 D 161 D 211 A

12 A 62 B 112 A 162 A 212 A

13 D 63 B 113 C 163 C 213 C

14 B 64 A 114 B 164 B 214 B

15 D 65 B 115 D 165 D 215 A

16 A 66 E 116 A 166 A 216 A

17 B 67 B 117 B 167 B 217 B

18 D 68 B 118 C 168 C 218 B

19 B 69 D 119 A 169 B 219 A

20 B 70 D 120 D 170 A 220 D

21 A 71 A 121 C 171 C

22 D 72 C 122 A 172 C

23 C 73 D 123 B 173 A

24 A 74 C 124 C 174 A

25 B 75 C 125 C 175 C

26 A 76 D 126 C 176 E

27 A 77 C 127 D 177 A

28 A 78 B 128 C 178 A

29 B 79 A 129 A 179 B

30 D 80 B 130 A 180 C

31 C 81 D 131 A 181 A

32 A 82 B 132 A 182 D

33 C 83 B 133 C 183 A

34 A 84 B 134 B 184 B

35 B 85 C 135 A 185 A

36 C 86 A 136 A 186 B

37 D 87 D 137 B 187 B

38 E 88 B 138 C 188 C

39 B 89 B 139 A 189 A

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40 D 90 D 140 D 190 A

41 D 91 C 141 C 191 B

42 A 92 A 142 A 192 C

43 A 93 B 143 B 193 B

44 A 94 C 144 D 194 B

45 B 95 C 145 A 195 A

46 A 96 C 146 B 196 B

47 C 97 D 147 D 197 B

48 C 98 C 148 D 198 C

49 D 99 A 149 A 199 A

50 B 100 C 150 D 200 A

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