May Octomber Guidely
May Octomber Guidely
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S. No Topics Page No
1. IMPORTANT DAYS 03
2. NATIONAL NEWS 09
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 23
4. STATE NEWS 32
5. BUSINESS NEWS 35
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                                                 IMPORTANT DAYS
International Labour Day: May 1
    •       International Labour Day is celebrated every year on May 1. International Labor Day 2024 is also
            known as May Day.
    •       International Labour Day originated in 1889 when a group of socialist parties in Europe decided to
            designate May 1 as a special day for workers, which they called International Labour Day or
            Workers Day.
Gujarat Day 2024: Observed on 1 May
        •     Gujarat Day or Gujarat Foundation Day or Gujarat Sthapana Divas is celebrated every year on 1
              May.
        •     Two states, Maharashtra and Gujarat, were formed after the partition of Bombay based on
              language in 1960.
        •     These two states were carved out of Bombay State by the Bombay Reorganization Act in 1960,
              due to the demands of the Gujarati and Marathi-speaking people.
Maharashtra Day 2024: May 1
        •     Maharashtra Day, celebrated on May 1st every year, marks the creation of the state of
              Maharashtra in 1960.
        •     Maharashtra Day celebrates the linguistic and cultural identity of the Marathi people.
        •     The Samyukta Maharashtra Samiti (United Maharashtra Committee) formed in 1956 became the
              driving force behind the movement.
        •     They advocated for a separate state encompassing Marathi-speaking regions that were then part
              of the Bombay State.
World Tuna Day 2024: May 2
        •     World Tuna Day, observed annually on May 2 is dedicated to raising awareness about the critical
              importance of tuna conservation.
        •     World Tuna Day was initially proposed by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) during a
              meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in 2011.
World Press Freedom Day 2024: May 3
        •     World Press Freedom Day is observed on 3 May every year.
        •     This day is dedicated to the fundamental principles of press freedom and to defending the media
              from attacks on their independence.
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        •     The Theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024 is "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face
              of the environmental crisis".
Coal Miners Day 2024 In India - May 4
    •       Every year, Coal Miners Day is celebrated on May 4.
    •       This day is celebrated for the miners who are working in the field.
    •       The history of Coal Miner's Day dates back to 1952, when the Mines Act, was passed. This
            legislation provided for the provision of medical facilities, safety and health measures, and rescue
            stations for coal miners.
    •       The first coal mine in India was opened in 1774 by John Summer and Suetonius Grant Heatly of
            the East India Company.
World Laughter Day 2024: May 5
    •       Every year World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May and this year(2024) World
            Laughter Day falls on the 5th of May.
    •       Every year on the first Sunday of May, World Laughter Day was observed to promote awareness
            about laughter and its health benefits.
    •       World Laughter Day was celebrated in 1998 when Dr. Madan Kataria announced the first
            celebration of this day on May 10.
World Asthma Day 2024 - May 7
    •       Every year World Asthma Day is celebrated on the First Tuesday of May.
    •       This year(2024), World Asthma Day was celebrated on May 7.
    •       In celebration of World Asthma Day 2024, the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) has selected the
            theme of “Asthma Education Empowers”.
    •       This day is celebrated to raise awareness among people about Asthma.
    •       The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) was established in 1993.
    •       The first World Asthma Day was observed in the year 1998.
World Red Cross And Red Crescent Day 2024 - May 8
    •       World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day are celebrated every year on May 8.
    •       This initiative was studied by an International Commission established at the 14th International
            Conference on the Red Cross.
    •       Immediately after World War I, the world needed peace and stability.
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    •       In 1948, the Board of Governors of the League of the Red Cross Societies proposed to celebrate
            the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the International
            Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
World Thalassaemia Day 2024 - May 8
    •       World Thalassaemia Day is celebrated every year on May 8.
    •       This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the struggles of patients suffering from genetic
            disorders and raise awareness about Thalassaemia.
    •       The Theme of World Thalassaemia Day 2024 is "Empowering Lives, Embracing Progress:
            Equitable and Accessible Thalassaemia Treatment for All".
    •       The history of World Thalassemia Day dates back to 1994 when the Thalassemia International
            Federation (TIF) first established the day.
National Technology Day 2024 - May 11
    •       National Technology Day is celebrated every year on May 11.
    •       This day is observed to commemorate the importance of Scientists, Research, etc.
    •       This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the Technology that is developed day by day.
    •       The history of National Technology Day in India dates back to 1998, when the Indian Army
            conducted five nuclear bomb tests (Pokhran- II) in Rajasthan under the surveillance of the then
            Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    •       The first National Technology Day was observed on 11 May 1999.
International Nurses Day 2024 - May 12
        •     International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12.
        •     The theme for International Nurses Day 2024 is Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of
              care.
        •     In 1953, US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare officer Dorothy Sutherland contacted
              US President Dwight.D.Elsenhower to celebrate “Nurses Day”.
        •     Since 1965, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) has celebrated this day.
        •     From January 1974, May 12 was officially declared “International Nurses Day”.
International Day Of Families 2024 - May 15
● International Day of Families is celebrated every year on May 15.
● This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of Family.
● The theme for International Day of Families 2024 is “Families and Climate Change.”
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● International Day Of Families was first observed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in
    the year 1994.
● International Day Of Families is celebrated as the 30th anniversary of International Day Of Families
    by the United Nations.
● In 1985, the Economic and Social Council invited the General Assembly to conduct the forty-first
    session named “Families in the Development Process”.
World Telecommunication And Information Society Day 2024 - May 17
● World Telecommunication And Information Society Day 2024 is celebrated on May 17.
● The United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) declared May 17 as World Telecommunication and
    Information Society Day.
● In the year 1865, the International Telecommunication Union was founded, when the first Indian
    Telegraph Convention was signed.
● In 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society asked the United Nations to declare May 17
    as World Telecommunication Day to be observed every year.
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    ● World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, is observed annually on
       May 18.
    ● The day is dedicated to recognising and promoting the need for AIDS vaccines.
What is AIDS?
    ● AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, caused by the human immunodeficiency
       virus (HIV).
    ● The disease was first reported in 1981 in the United States.
    ● If HIV is not treated on time, it can lead to AIDS, which occurs when the body's immune system is
       badly damaged and is not able to fight other diseases and infections.
    ● The day commemorates a speech by then-President Bill Clinton at Morgan State University on
       May 18, 1997, emphasizing the importance of creating a vaccine to stop the spread of the
       epidemic.
World Metrology Day 2024 - May 20
    ● World Metrology Day is celebrated on May 20 annually.
    ● This day is observed to raise the importance of Metrology. Metrology Day is prompted by the
       Measurements Standards Laboratory(MSL).
    ● The first World Metrology Day was held in 1961.
Anti-Terrorism Day 2024 - May 21
    ● Anti-Terrorism Day is celebrated every year on May 21.
    ● This day is to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
    ● This day is observed on the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
    ● He was the sixth Prime Minister of India in 1984.
World Day For Cultural Diversity For Dialogue And Development 2024 - May 21
    ● World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was observed on May 21.
    ● UNESCO has adopted this day since 2001.
    ● UNESCO adopted the World Day for Cultural Diversity in 2001.
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    ● In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 21 as World Day for Cultural
       Diversity for Dialogue and Development.
International Day For Biological Diversity 2024 - May 22
    ● International Day for Biological Diversity 2024 is celebrated on May 22.
    ● This year(2024), the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity is "Be Part of the
       Plan."
    ● This day is observed to raise awareness about Biological Diversity.
    ● The aim of International Day for Biological Diversity is to promote diversity issues.
    ● On December 20, 2000, the day was first observed on 22nd May.
    ● Bio means life; Diversity means a range of different things and Biodiversity means Diversity of
       life.
International Day Of Action For Women’s Health 2024 - May 28
    ● Every year, International Day of Action for Women's Health is observed on May 28.
    ● This year(2024), International Day of Action for Women's Health falls on Tuesday.
    ● THEME: The International Day of Action for Women’s Health 2024 is yet to be announced.
    ● HISTORY: In 1987, South Africa was first recognized this day as the International Day of Action
       for Women’s Health.
    ● In 1984, the Women’s Global Network for Reproductive Rights (WGNRR) was created to
       organize the International Day of Action for Women’s Health.
International Everest Day 2024 - May 29
    ● International Everest Day 2024 is observed on May 29.
    ● This day is in the memory of two persons who climbed Mt. Everest in 1953.
    ● The Theme allocated for International Everest Day 2024 is yet to be released.
    ● International Mount Everest Day was celebrated in 2008, and it was the day Edmund Hillary
       passed away that Nepal decided May 29 as International Everest Day.
International Day Of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024 - May 29
    ● The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed every year on May 29.
    ● The first United Nations Peacekeeping mission was first established in May 1948.
    ● This year(2024), the theme of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024 is “Fit for
       the future, building better together”.
    ● In the first UN Peacekeeping Mission in 1948, 3,800 military, police and other personnel lost their
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                                                NATIONAL NEWS
Government makes a push for e-commerce exports’
    •    The government has decided to extend benefits under the Remissions of Duties and Taxes on
         Export Products (RoDTEP) scheme for shipments sent abroad via courier or e-commerce channels
         from sectors like gems and jewellery, pharma, leather, textiles and handicrafts, Commerce and
         Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced.
    •    To enable the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises to get RoDTEP benefits, particularly for
         exports through courier and e-commerce route, the government will extend it to certain products,
         which could help exports from MSMEs of anywhere between one billion to two billion dollars a
         year.
Geneva-based UN-related body to review India’s human rights accreditation status:
    •    The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is preparing to defend the government’s human
         rights processes at a meeting in Geneva, where a decision on whether India’s human rights body
         will retain its “A status” is expected to be made.
    •    The NHRC’s ratings were put on hold in 2023 over concerns about its composition procedure, the
         presence of police personnel in human rights investigations, and the lack of gender and minority
         representation, and the decision over whether the NHRC is given an A rating or a B rating would
         affect its ability to vote at the UN Human Rights Council and some UNGA bodies.
Telecom operators group asks government to ban the sale of unlicensed WiFi 6E routers
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    •       A group representing telecom operators has sought a ban on the sale of WiFi 6E routers that use
            the 6 GHz spectrum band for data transmission, requesting as the government has not yet
            determined the utilisation of the frequencies.
    •       The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), whose members include Reliance Jio, Airtel,
            and Vodafone Idea, claimed that the routers are being sold on e-commerce platforms such as
            Amazon, Flipkart, and Moglix, as well as through offline retailers.
GCMMF’s ‘Manthan’ to be screened at Cannes Film Festival
    •       Shyam Benegal’s 1976 feature film “Manthan” has been selected for screening at the 77th Cannes
            Film Festival, which will be held from May 14
    •       The Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) and the producer of the film had
            joined hands with a not-for-profit organisation --- Film Heritage -- to restore the national award-
            winning film in 4K.
    •       India became the largest milk producer in 1998
    •       Made with a budget of ₹10 lakh, this is a crowd-funded film.
Government cancels FCRA licences of 6 NGOs over 'violations'
    •       The Union home ministry has cancelled the Foreign Contribution Registration Act (FCRA) licences
            of six non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for their alleged violation of the FCRA rules, misuse
            of foreign grants, and religious conversion, among others.
    •       The cancellation came following a scrutiny by the Centre in March-April this year(2024).
    •       The NGOs whose registrations have been cancelled are CNI Synodical Board of Social Service,
            Voluntary Health Association of India, Indo-Global Social Service Society, Church's Auxiliary for
            Social Action, and Evangelical Fellowship of India.
SCOPE’s Art Exhibition cum Painting Competition adds colour to Public Sector Day celebrations
        •     Encouraging creative minds, artists and upcoming talent, the Standing Conference of Public
              Enterprises (SCOPE) organised an Art Exhibition cum Painting Competition at SCOPE Social
              Interaction Centre (SSIC), SCOPE Complex, New Delhi, as part of Public Sector Day
              celebrations.
        •     Dr. Vasundhara Upmanyu, Joint Secretary, DPE, Ministry of Finance inaugurated the event in the
              presence of Shri Atul Sobti DG, SCOPE, senior officials of PSEs and participants.
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    •     The painting competition was held on the themes - ‘My Vision for India of tomorrow’, ‘Nation ‘Go
          Green’, ‘Nation Building by Public Sector’ and ‘Unleash your imagination through brushes and
          strokes.’
IFFCO gets the nod to launch two more nano-tech fertilisers
    •     Fertiliser major Iffco, which introduced nano liquid urea and nano liquid DAP, stated the central
          government has approved its two new products nano liquid zinc and nano liquid copper for the
          launch.
    •     These two products would help in mitigating deficiencies of zinc and copper in agriculture crops
          and boost productivity.
    •     FCO (Fertiliser Control Order) approval has been granted for both these products.
DGCA deregisters all 54 aircraft leased to Go First after Delhi HC order
    •     The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has deregistered all 54 aircraft leased to the
          now-bankrupt airline Go First, according to officials.
    •     This move comes in the wake of an order issued by the Delhi High Court on April 26.
    •     Go First filed for bankruptcy in May 2023.
    •     The Delhi High Court, on April 26, directed the DGCA to deregister planes leased to Go First
          within five working days, providing much-needed relief to the lessors.
India among top 5 developing countries in aviation emissions in 2019: Study
    •     In 2019, India was among the top five economically developing countries in terms of carbon
          dioxide (CO2) emissions from aviation, a new research has found.
    •     However, among the economically developing countries, India was found to be the third biggest
          contributor with close to 3 per cent share in global CO2 emissions from aviation, following China
          at 14 per cent and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at more than 3 per cent.
    •     The research team at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology also found that
          India's share in global CO2 emissions from domestic aviation was the third highest at 1.5 per
          cent.
PM Narendra Modi’s photo removed from Covid vaccine certificates
    •     The Union health ministry has made a notable change to the CoWIN certificates for COVID-19
          vaccinations by removing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
    •     Previously, these certificates prominently featured Modi's image along with a quote affirming
          India's collective resolve to conquer coronavirus.
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        •     While the quote – “Together, India will defeat COVID-19” – remains attributed to the prime
              minister, his name has been omitted from the certificates, The Hindu reported.
Indian Institute of Astrophysics releases video of moon occulting Antares
        •     The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has filmed the passing of the moon in
              front of Antares, a bright red star.
        •     The moon passed in front of Antares on April 27, hiding it for roughly 40 minutes.
        •     IIA stated that this event was visible only from southern India.
        •     IIA filmed the event from its Bengaluru campus using a camera on an 8-inch telescope.
        •     While moving in its orbit roughly once a month, the moon will occasionally occult, or hide, bright
              stars that are behind, and sometimes, even planets.
Free hospital care under PM-JAY touches Rs 86,000 crore
    •       Free hospitalisation benefits worth Rs 86,000 crore have been provided to beneficiaries of the
            Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) since the scheme was rolled out in September
            2018.
    •       More than 65 million people have so far benefited from the PMJAY scheme which offers Rs
            5,00,000-a-year free health cover.
    •       The scheme was made available for 107 million poor households in the country, roughly covering
            the bottom 40% of the population.
    •       The Centre launched the scheme on September 23, 2018, to alleviate the suffering of the people
            due to the rising cost of healthcare.
First constitution park was inaugurated in Pune
    •       Constitution Park, jointly developed by the Indian Army and Punit Balan Group, was inaugurated in
            Pune.
    •       The park was inaugurated by GOC-in-C, Southern Command, Lt Gen Ajai Kumar Singh.
    •       This Constitution Park is a tribute to the founding leaders of the Constitution.
    •       This park is a symbol of unity and commitment towards values in the Constitution of India.
Centre may push for 12% GST for health insurance; lower rate is seen to widen cover
    •       To make health insurance more affordable and attractive, the Centre may push for a lower GST
            tax rate to 12%, compared to 18% now, on health insurance premiums up to Rs 30,000.
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    •     Going by the current market rates, a premium up to Rs 30,000 could buy health insurance sum
          insured around Rs 10 lakh/annum for a family of four members, depending upon various factors
          such as type of coverage, age of insured, and so on.
    •     A reduction in the tax rate could lead to a lowering of premium rates or offering additional health
          cover options, depending on the requirements of people,
    •     After the GST rollout, a person must pay 18% GST when she buys a health insurance policy.
20 firms shortlisted under new EV subsidy scheme
    •     The Centre has given certification to over 20 vehicle OEMs to take part in the short-term e-mobility
          promotion scheme EMPS.
    •     The process for granting EMPS certificates has been completed.
    •     The scheme is now expected to fully pick up pace and support EV adoption in the country
    •     The EMPS, which is valid for only four months (April–July 2024) with an outlay of Rs 500 crore,
          aims to subsidise electric two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and e-rickshaw purchases by consumers.
Drone Destination signs pact with IFFCO for spraying agricultural products on 30 lakh acres of farmland
    •     Drone company Drone Destination has signed an agreement with cooperative major IFFCO for
          spraying agricultural products on up to 30 lakh acres of farmland.
    •     According to company officials, under the agreement Drone Destination could get paid in the range
          of Rs 400 to Rs 800 per acre at prevailing market rates, implying that the deal will fetch a revenue
          of Rs 120 crore in the lower price band and up to Rs 240 at upper price band.
    •     The prevailing market rate of such agri spray is Rs 400-800 per acre depending upon the region
          and the crop.
PM Vishwakarma: At 68%, women beneficiaries outshine men in skill training
    •     Under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, women surpassed men in participating in skills
          training, with over 95 per cent of them choosing tailoring as their preferred trade.
    •     Introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, the initiative has provided
          training to 350,000 individuals so far.
    •     The states with the most beneficiaries under the programme are Karnataka (83,067), Gujarat
          (56,221), Jammu and Kashmir (55,856), Andhra Pradesh (44,922), Assam (24,851), Maharashtra
          (17,557), Uttar Pradesh (13,026), Madhya Pradesh (10,692), Rajasthan (7,846), and Chhattisgarh
          (7,830).
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    •       Its goal is to transform the rapidly expanding MedTech industry in India by carefully examining the
            value chain of certain medical products.
    •       India is the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia and among the top 20 globally.
    •       India's MedTech industry holds immense potential, with projections estimating a growth rate of
            28% annually, reaching a size of USD 50 billion by 2030.
Kutch Ajrakh, a traditional textile craft, has recently earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
    •       The traditional artisans of ‘Kutch Ajrakh’ in Gujarat have been awarded the prestigious
            Geographical Indication (GI) certificate by the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and
            Trademarks (CGPDTM).
    •       This recognition celebrates the intricate textile craft that has been a part of Kutch's vibrant culture
            for centuries.
    •       Ajrakh, a textile craft that has been deeply rooted in Gujarat's cultural tapestry, holds a revered
            place in the regions of Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch, where its legacy spans millennia.
26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting Held In New Delhi
    •       The 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’ Meeting was held in New Delhi
    •       Shri Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), co-chaired the 26th ASEAN-India Senior Officials’
            Meeting (AISOM), with H.E. Mr. Albert Chua, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
            Singapore, in New Delhi.
    •       Singapore is the Country Coordinator of India for ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations.
    •       At the 26th AISOM, the gamut of ASEAN-India relations across the three pillars of engagement,
            namely, political-security, economic and socio-cultural, as reflected in the ASEAN-India Plan of
            Action (2021-2025), was reviewed.
India contributes $5,00,000 to U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund
        •     India has contributed $500,000 to the U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, underscoring its
              unwavering commitment to support multilateral efforts in the global fight against the scourge of
              terrorism.
        •     India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj on May 7
              handed over to Under Secretary General, United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)
              Vladimir Voronkov the country's voluntary financial contribution of half a million dollars towards
              the U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (CTTF).
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        •     United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund was established in 2009 and transferred to the UN
              Office of Counter- Terrorism (UNOCT) in 2017
Global biofuel alliance sets up the three-pronged work plan
        •     Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focused on assessing country
              landscapes, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting biofuel workshops.
        •     According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), biofuels have the potential to grow by 3.5-5-
              times by 2050 due to Net-Zero targets, creating a huge opportunity for India.
Indian AI platform Hanooman launches in 98 global languages
    •       3AI Holding Limited and SML India, announced the launch of ‘Hanooman’, India’s homegrown
            multilingual GenAI platform in 98 global languages, including 12 Indian languages, to build Gen AI
            ecosystem for India by leveraging the country’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
    •       The AI tool has been developed by generative AI business SML India in partnership with 3AI
            Holding, an Abu Dhabi-based investment company.
    •       The 12 Indian languages that the web version and app are currently available in include Hindi,
            Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada, Odia, Punjabi, Assamese, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and
            Sindhi.
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● The global crop is primarily driven by an increase in production in India, China, Bangladesh, and
    Indonesia.
● The global consumption is projected at a record 526.4 million tonnes, on the back of higher use in
    India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, offsetting a reduction for China.
Centre plans a unified portal for all digital public goods
● The government is planning a unified portal to list all its digital public goods (DPGs) such as
    Aadhaar, Unified Payments Interface and Open Network for Digital Commerce in one place to
    provide easy access to all the apps and services.
● The electronics and information technology is likely to be tasked with creating the portal and
    coordinating with all the ministries and their respective departments and agencies to detail the digital
    public infrastructure (DPI) created by them.
● The idea is to enable not just easy access for users but also promote ease of doing business as
    multinational companies have also been seeking the services of these DPIs.
● According to estimates, the global market size of DPGs is likely to be $100 billion in the next five-six
    years.
● As per EY estimates, the total cost per person for developing a DPG in countries with more than 50
    million people is as low as 74 cents.
NTPC Talcher launches 'Girl Empowerment Mission' to support girls' education & development
● NTPC Talcher Thermal inaugurates its flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the
    "Girl Empowerment Mission 2024".
● This one-month-long initiative aims to support 40 young girls from eight government schools
    covering four Gram Panchayats by providing them with access to quality education, health, life skills
    training, and mentorship.
14 People Given Citizenship Certificates For The First Time Under CAA
● The first set of citizenship certificates to 14 people was issued under the Citizenship (Amendment)
    Act or CAA, nearly two months after the Centre notified it, initiating the process of granting Indian
    nationality to persecuted non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
● Under the CAA, the qualification period for citizenship application has been reduced from 11 to 5
    years for undocumented non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who
    came to India before December 31, 2014.
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● The IndiaAI mission will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through
    strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
● The Mission will be implemented by ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division (IBD) under Digital India
    Corporation (DIC).
Pharma PLI scheme gathers steam with investments of Rs 33,000 crore
● In less than three years since its launch, the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for the
    pharmaceuticals sector seems to have taken off.
● The latest data by the department of pharmaceuticals (DoP) suggests that all three components of
    the scheme — pharmaceuticals, bulk drugs and medical devices — have received substantial
    interest from the industry.
● For instance, the pharmaceuticals category has seen investments of Rs 28,328 crore and generated
    cumulative production of Rs 1.43 trillion as of April 2024.
Mobile PLI may be extended beyond 2026
● Smartphone PLI (production-linked incentive), the most successful of all 14 such schemes, may be
    extended by a couple of years beyond 2025-26 when it officially ends
● The five-year PLI scheme, which started in 2020 ends in 2026, and each company has the flexibility
    to choose any five consecutive years.
● While Apple has chosen the period of 2021-2026, for Samsung it’s between 2020-2025.
● Therefore, the thinking in the government is that a component scheme should replace the PLI in the
    sector.
● The smartphone PLI has seen domestic production of phones rising to Rs 4.1 trillion in FY24 from
    Rs 2.14 trillion in FY20, the year before the scheme was announced.
● The government launched PLI schemes for 14 sectors in 2021, such as telecommunication, white
    goods, textiles, manufacturing of medical devices, speciality steel, high-efficiency solar PV modules,
    automobiles, food products, advanced chemistry cell batteries, drones, and pharma.
Government likely to launch portal to unify insurance claim process
● The government is likely to launch the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX) — a single portal to
    submit and process health insurance claims across hospitals in the country — in the next two-three
    months
● The platform is developed by the National Health Authority (NHA), in collaboration with the
    Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), to ensure interoperability and
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● Following Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar ranked next in the addition of
    transmission lines.
● The CEA, originally constituted under Section 3(1) of the repealed Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948,
    now functions under Section 70 of the Electricity Act, 2003, overseeing and coordinating the
    transmission infrastructure across the country.
New plant of Sun Pharma inaugurated in Bangladesh
● India has been a credible partner in the growth story of Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry.
● A new plant of a leading Indian pharmaceutical company was recently inaugurated in Bangladesh.
● The new plant of Sun Pharma was jointly inaugurated by Salman F Rahman, Private Industry and
    Investment Adviser to the Bangladesh Prime Minister, and Pranay Verma, Indian High
    Commissioner to Bangladesh.
● The plant is located at the Meghna Industrial Economic Zone in the Sonargaon upazila of
    Narayanganj district, near the river Meghna and adjacent to the Dhaka-Chittagong highway.
India Hosts 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
● India welcomes the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), dubbed the Antarctic
    Parliament, held in Kochi from May 20-30. Organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean
    Research
● Ministry of Earth Sciences-affiliated National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa,
    orchestrates the gathering, uniting representatives from the treaty's 56 member nations.
● India’s prior hosting of ATCM was in New Delhi in 2007. The historic Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959
    by 12 nations, laid the groundwork for international cooperation in Antarctica, with membership
    swelling to 56, including India, by 1983.
● Indian scientific forays into Antarctica trace back to 1981, culminating in the establishment of
    Dakshin Gangotri (1983), followed by Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012) research stations.
● The forthcoming Maitri II station, slated to commence operations by 2029, underscores India's
    commitment to Antarctic research.
India Extends financial Support to Papua New Guinea After Devastating Landslide
● India pledges a swift financial aid package of $1 million to assist the victims of a catastrophic
    landslide that struck the Enga province of Papua New Guinea, claiming the lives of over 2,000
    people and causing widespread devastation.
● This humanitarian gesture underscores the robust ties between India and Papua New Guinea,
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                                             INTERNATIONAL NEWS
United Kingdom’s new ‘world first’ laws crack down on smart gadget cyber attacks
    •     The United Kingdom (UK) government has introduced "world first" laws requiring all internet-
          connected smart devices to meet minimum security standards to protect consumers and
          businesses from hacking and cyber-attacks.
    •     Under the new regime, manufacturers are prohibited from using weak, easily guessable default
          passwords like "admin" or "12345".
    •     If a common password is used, users will be prompted to change it upon start-up to enhance
          security.
United Nations Conference on Trade and Development Rebrands as "UN Trade and Development" to
Commemorate Its Anniversary
    •     The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has been rebranded as
          "UN Trade and Development" to mark its 60th anniversary.
    •     This rebranding reflects the organization's commitment to enhancing its impact and amplifying its
          advocacy for developing countries.
    •     Significance of Rebranding:The rebranding initiative includes a new visual identity designed to
          better reflect the organization's work and values.
About UNCTAD :
    •     Established : December 30, 1964
    •     Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
    •     Secretary General : Rebeca Grynspan
    •     The UNCTAD is a permanent intergovernmental organization that promotes the interests of
          developing countries in world trade.
    •     UNCTAD’s work focuses on trade, development, finance, technology, investment, and sustainable
          development.
World Trade Organization Celebrates 30 Years Since the Historic Marrakesh Agreement
    •     The World Trade Organization (WTO) commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Marrakesh
          Agreement, a significant milestone in global trade history.
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    •     The Marrakesh Agreement establishing the WTO was signed by 123 countries on 15 April 1994,
          leading to the birth of the WTO on 1 January 1995.
    •     Impact on Global Trade:Over the past 30 years, the WTO has contributed to a significant
          expansion in global trade.
    •     The agreement aimed to raise living standards, increase employment, and promote sustainable
          development through trade.
About WTO :
    •     Founded: 1 January 1995
    •     Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
    •     Director General : Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
    •     Total members: 164 members (160 UN member states, the European Union, Hong Kong, Macao,
          and Taiwan)
    •     The WTO is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade.
Group of Seven Nations Agree to Phase Out Coal-Fired Power Plants by 2035
    •     Energy ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) wealthy countries reached a deal to shut down
          their coal-fired power plants by 2035 at the latest, in a significant step towards the transition away
          from fossil fuels.
    •     The accord will be included in the G7 energy ministers' final communique to be released at the end
          of a two-day meeting in Turin.
    •     Significance for Climate Transition:The agreement aligns with the objectives set out by the
          Conference of the Parties (COP28) United Nations climate summit, emphasizing a global transition
          away from fossil fuels, especially coal, which is the most polluting among them.
Dubai Plans World's Largest Airport Terminal at Al Maktoum International
    •     Dubai has announced plans to build the world's largest airport terminal at Al Maktoum International
          Airport, aiming to revolutionize the aviation industry and solidify Dubai's status as a major global
          transportation hub.
    •     The ambitious project has been approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
          President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
Nepal's Population Growth Rate Hits 80-Year Low at 0.92% Per Annum Over Past Decade
    •     Nepal's population growth rate has dropped to 0.92% per annum over the past decade, the lowest
          in the last 80 years.
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    •     The National Statistics Office (NSO) revealed this rate is less than 1% per year during the 10-year
          review period.
    •     Population Figures:As per the NSO report, Nepal's population is approximately 29.2 million.
    •     Between mid-April 2011 and mid-April 2021, Nepal's population increased by 2.7 million.
About Nepal :
    •     President : Ram Chandra Poudel
    •     Prime Minister : Pushpa Kamal Dahal
    •     Capital : Kathmandu
    •     Currency : Nepalese rupee
Thailand Extends Visa Waiver Program for Indian and Taiwanese Tourists for Another 6 Months
    •     Thailand's cabinet approved a 6-month extension of the visa exemption program for tourists from
          India and Taiwan to boost foreign tourist arrivals and support the country's economy.
    •     The extended visa waiver will run until November 11, 2024, after the existing program.
    •     Tourists from India and Taiwan can stay in Thailand without a visa for up to 30 days.
    •     Background and Impact of Visa Waiver: The extension follows the success of the initial waiver
          introduced in November 2023.
    •     The Thai government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin aims to attract 80 million tourists by
          2027.
About Thailand :
    •     Prime Minister : Srettha Thavisin
    •     Capital : Bangkok
    •     Currency : Thai baht
India Leads United Nation's Inaugural International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure in New
Delhi
    •     The United Nations (UN) First International Conference on Digital Public Infrastructure was held
          under India’s leadership to harness the technology to propel Sustainable Development Goals
          (SDGs) and foster inclusivity.
    •     The Conference introduced India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework as a global
          standard.
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    •     The session was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India and the Ministry of Electronics and
          Information Technology, in collaboration with the Indian Software Products Industry Round Table
          (iSPIRT).
Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahṛdayāloka-Locana Added to United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register
        ● The Ramcharitmanas, Sahrdayaloka-Locana, and Panchatantra have been included in the
            United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Memory of the
            World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, marking a significant achievement for India.
        ● UNESCO has recognised a total of 20 items from the Asia Pacific region in its Memory of the
            World Regional Register for the 2024 cycle.
        ● These included three each from China and Indonesia, and two each from Malaysia, Mongolia,
            the Philippines, and Uzbekistan.
        ● The decision on the same was taken on May 7-8 in the 10th General Meeting of the Memory of
            the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of
            Mongolia.
        ● Authors and Works:
               ➢ Ramcharitmanas: Written by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century, a retelling of the
                  Ramayana in the Awadhi dialect.
               ➢ Panchatantra: Attributed to Pt. Vishnu Sharma, penned around the 3rd century BCE,
                  known for its 'story within a story' structure.
               ➢ Sahrdayaloka-Locana: Written by            Acharya Anandvardhan, commented upon by
                  philosopher Abhinava Gupta, focusing on Indian poetics and aesthetic appreciation.
        ● Role of IGNCA:
               ➢ The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) played a crucial role in securing
                  the inclusion of these works during the 10th MOWCAP meeting.
        ● MOWCAP Overview:
               ➢ In the Asia Pacific region, a specific branch called the Memory of the World Committee for
                  Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) was established in 1998.
               ➢ MOWCAP covers 43 countries, representing one of UNESCO's five regional programs.
               ➢ There are 494 inscriptions on the International MoW Register, as of May 2023, according
                  to the UNESCO website. MOWCAP Regional Register has inscribed 65 items from Asia-
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               Pacific countries.
About UNESCO :
    ● Formation : 16 November 1945
    ● Headquarters : Paris, France
    ● Director General : Audrey Azoulay
    ● Members : 194 member states and 12 associate members
    ● UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world
        peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.
Venezuela Becomes 1st Country to Lose All Glaciers as Last One Downgraded to 'Ice Field'
    ● In a grim milestone, Venezuela has become the 1st country in modern history to lose all of its
        glaciers after the Latin American country lost its last remaining glacier on the Pico Humboldt peak
        which was downgraded by climate scientists as an ice field.
    ● New research shows that the Humboldt glacier in the Andes, which used to be very big, has
        shrunk to less than 2 hectares, which means it is no longer a glacier but an ice field.
    ● Venezuela had been home to six glaciers in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida mountain range, which
        lies at about 5,000m above sea level, but lost five of them by 2011.
About Venezuela :
    ● President : Nicolás Maduro
    ● Capital: Caracas
    ● Currency: Venezuelan bolívar.
    ● Venezuela is a country on the northern coast of South America with diverse natural attractions.
United Arab Emirates Cabinet Approves 10-Year Blue Visa for Exceptional Environmental Contributions
    ● The United Arab Emirates (UAE) Cabinet has approved a 10-year Blue Residence visa for
        individuals who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection, reflecting the
        country's commitment to sustainability.
    ● The introduction of the Blue Visa is in line with the UAE's year of sustainability (2023–2024) and
        its long-term objectives of promoting environmental protection and sustainable practices.
    ● Eligibility Criteria:The 10-year visa is specifically designed for individuals who have demonstrated
        exceptional contributions and efforts towards environmental protection.
About UAE :
    ● President : Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
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        and Institutional Issues’ also met physically in Putrajaya, Malaysia alongside the 4th AITIGA Joint
        Committee.
    ● ASEAN is one of the major trade partners of India with a share of 11% in India’s global trade.
    ● Both sides would next meet for the 5th Joint Committee meeting from 29-31 July 2024 in Jakarta,
        Indonesia.
    ● The 3rd meeting of AITIGA Joint Committee for undertaking the review of ASEAN-India Trade in
        Goods Agreement (AITIGA) was hosted by India in Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi from 16-19
        February 2024.
About ASEAN:
    ● Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a political and economic union of 10 states in
        Southeast Asia.
    ● Member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia,
        Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Spain Becomes 99th Member Of International Solar Alliance
    ● Spain has become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance.
    ● Spain handed over the International Solar Alliance Instrument of Ratification, during the meeting
        of Ambassador José María Ridao Domínguez of Spain with the Head of Depository, Joint
        Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry Abhishek Singh in New Delhi.
    ● India and France jointly launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) during COP21 in Paris.
About ISA
    ● The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilize efforts against climate
        change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
    ● 119 countries have till date signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
    ● 99 countries have ratified and submitted the necessary International Solar Alliance Instrument of
        Ratification to become a full member.
    ● Headquarters of ISA: Gurugram, Haryana.
About Spain :
    ● Prime Minister: Pedro Sánchez
    ● Capital : Madrid
    ● Currency : Euro
Severe cyclone Remal to hit Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and
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Khepupara
    ● The season's first severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, 'Remal,' reached Bangladesh and
        adjoining the West Bengal coasts.
    ● According to the IMD, the cyclone has reached a wind speed of 102 kilometres per hour.
    ● The Met office has warned of very heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal, north
        Odisha, Mizoram, Tripura, and south Manipur on May 26-27.
    ● This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season and will be named Remal,
        according to a system of naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region.
    ● This name is given by Oman
    ● A panel of the regional committee approved the list of names of cyclones formed in the Bay of
        Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
    ● Its name is WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones.
    ● The 2018 RMSC lists new cyclone names.
    ● At this time, 13 countries gave 13 names each.
Russia to Construct Central Asia's First Nuclear Power Plant in Uzbekistan
    ● Russia will build the first nuclear power plant in post-Soviet Central Asia, specifically in
        Uzbekistan.
    ● The announcement was made by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting with
        Russian President Vladimir Putin.
    ● Russia will contribute $400 million to a joint investment fund totaling $500 million to finance
        projects in Uzbekistan.
    ● None of the five ex-Soviet Central Asian republics (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
        Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) currently have nuclear power plants.
    ● Both Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are uranium producers and have expressed the need for
        nuclear power to support their growing economies.
About Russia :
    ● President : Vladimir Putin
    ● Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
    ● Capital : Moscow
    ● Currency : Ruble
About Uzbekistan :
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                                                    STATE NEWS
Uttarakhand authority informs apex court about suspension of licenses for 14 Patanjali products
    •        The Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority (SLA) for Ayurvedic and Unani Services informed the
             Supreme Court that it had "suspended with immediate effect" the manufacturing licenses for 14
             products of Patanjali Ayurved Limited and Divya Pharmacy due to repeated violations under the
             Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945.
List of 14 Suspended Products:
        1.    'Swasari Gold'
        2.    'Swasari Vati'
        3.    'Bronchom'
        4.    'Swasari Pravahi'
        5.    'Swasari Avaleh'
        6.    'Mukta Vati Extra Power'
        7.    'Lipidom'
        8.    'Bp Grit'
        9.    'Madhugrit'
        10.   'Madhunashini Vati Extra Power'
        11.   'Livamrit Advance'
        12.   'Livogrit'
        13.   'Eyegrit Gold'
        14.   'Patanjali Drishti Eye Drop'.
About Uttarakhand:
    •        Capital: Dehradun
    •        Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
    •        Governor: Gurmit Singh
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    •     National Parks: Govind National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Gangotri National Park, Rajaji
          National Park, Jim Corbett National Park
Ambaji Marble from Gujarat Receives Geographical Indication (GI) Tag from Central Government
        ● Marble mined in Gujarat's Ambaji has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the
            Central Government.
        ● Ambaji Marble is renowned for its stunning white appearance and unique natural patterns.
        ● Mined since the early medieval period from Ambaji in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, it is one of
            the most popular marbles in India.
        ● It’s to be noted that Ambaji is famous for its white marble as it has the maximum whiteness in the
            range of 95.80 - 96.30 percent.
About Marble :
        ● Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone under the heat and pressure of
            metamorphism.
        ● Primarily composed of the mineral calcite (CaCO3) and may contain other minerals like clay
            minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, iron oxides, and graphite.
About GI Tag :
        ● A GI, a kind of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), is primarily an agricultural, natural or
            manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical
            territory.
        ● A GI is a label that is applied to products that have a specific geographical origin and that have
            characteristics related to a particular location.
        ● The tag is valid for a period of 10 years after which it is renewed.
About Gujarat :
        ● Governor: Acharya Devvrat
        ● Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
        ● Capital: Gandhinagar
        ● National Park : Vansda National Park, Gir National Park, Marine National Park, Velavadar
            National Park
        ● Wildlife       Sanctuaries   :   Jambughoda      Wildlife   Sanctuary,   Barda   Wildlife   Sanctuary,
            Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
Uttarakhand Initiates ‘Pirul Lao-Paise Pao’ Scheme to Tackle Forest Fires
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    ● The Uttarakhand government has launched the ‘Pirul Lao-Paise Pao’ campaign to address the
        issue of forest fires.
    ● Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the campaign in Rudraprayag district.
    ● The campaign encourages active participation from cooperatives, Yuva Mangal Dal, and Van
        Panchayat.
    ● Oversight and Funding : The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board oversees the campaign,
        operating Pirul collection centers, and processing the collected material.
    ● The state government has allocated Rs 50 crore for the campaign, funding the payments to Pirul
        collectors.
    ● Forest Area Statistics : According to the Indian State of the Forest Report 2021, Uttarakhand's
        total recorded forest area is 24,305 square kilometres, covering 45.44% of the state’s
        geographical area.
    ● Pine Tree Abundance : Pine trees, introduced by the British, are abundant in Uttarakhand
        districts such as Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Champawat, Dehradun, Garhwal, Nainital,
        Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri, and Uttarkashi.
About Uttarakhand:
    ● Capital: Dehradun
    ● Chief Minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
    ● Governor: Gurmit Singh
    ● National Parks: Govind National Park, Nanda Devi National Park, Gangotri National Park, Rajaji
        National Park, Jim Corbett National Park
Telangana Government to Unveil State Emblem on June 2
    ● Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao opposed the Telangana
        government's decision to exclude images of Charminar and Kakatiya Arch from the new state
        emblem to be launched on June 2nd, the State formation day.
    ● The Congress government in Telangana plans to unveil a new state emblem on June 2nd,
        arguing that the present emblem featuring Kakatiya Arch and Charminar reflects feudalism and
        autocratic rule.
    ● The new emblem, designed by artist Rudra Rajesham, will reportedly include symbols of tribal
        goddesses Sammakka and Sarakka, and the Nagoba festival of the tribals.
About Telangana:
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        ● Capital: Hyderabad
        ● Governor: C.P. Radhakrishnan
        ● Chief minister: Revanth Reddy
        ● National Park : Mrugavani National Park, KBR National Park, Nehru Zoological Park
        ● Wildlife Sanctuary : Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary, Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary.
                                                 BUSINESS NEWS
NTPC Group installed capacity crosses 76GW mark; begins operation of 57-MW Rajasthan solar
project
    •     State-owned power giant NTPC Group's installed power generation capacity has crossed the 76
          GW mark with the commissioning of a 57-MW solar power energy capacity in Rajasthan.
    •     Consequent upon successful commissioning and due approvals, the first part capacity of 57 MW
          out of 90 MW Anta Solar PV Project at Anta, Rajasthan, is declared on commercial operation with
          effect from April 26, 2024.
    •     The total installed and commercial capacity of NTPC on a standalone and group basis has reached
          59,135 MW and 76,015 MW, respectively.
Kundan Green Energy gets approval for a 42 MW hydropower plant
    •     Kundan Green Energy has received approval for a 42 MW hydropower project in Okhali,
          Uttarakhand.
    •     This project is part of an agreement with the Uttarakhand government to develop a total of 80 MW
          greenfield hydropower capacity in the state, with an investment of ₹1,000 Crore.
    •     The project is scheduled for completion by 2028 and will increase the company's combined
          hydropower capacity to 270 MW from the current 104 MW.
    •     Kundan Green Energy, a subsidiary of Kundan Group, is dedicated to advancing sustainable
          energy solutions for India's energy security and transition to a greener future.
National Stock Exchange to Divest Digital Tech Business to Bahrain's Investcorp for Rs 1,000 Crore to
Focus on Core Operations
    •     The National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced its plan to sell its digital technology services
          business NSEIT to Bahrain's Investcorp for Rs. 1,000 crores.
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    •     NSEIT has clocked a compounded annual growth rate of over 50% in the US over the last 4 years
          by increasing the number of clients across the financial services sector and will focus on significant
          expansion in the country.
    •     Avendus Capital acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the NSE and NSEIT while Ernst &
          Young LLP served as the financial and tax advisor to Investcorp.
About NSE :
    •     Founded : 1992
    •     MD and CEO : Ashishkumar Chauhan.
Digital crop survey on cards to fine-tune farm statistics
    •     India plans to bolster its farm statistics system by undertaking regular digital crop surveys, backed
          by advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), throughout the country to assess the precise
          acreage.
    •     The move is expected to help the government firm up more realistic farm production forecasts,
          which will enable it to initiate appropriate trade policy measures on time, inaccurate data frequently
          prompts impulsive government responses aimed at curbing inflation and may result in trade
          disruptions.
India's fossil fuel capacity grows 2.44% in FY24; non-fossil-fuel rises 11%
    •     India’s fossil fuel-based power generation capacity has increased by 2.44% to 243.22 GW in FY24
          from 237.27 GW in March 2023.
    •     Non-fossil fuel-based capacity has increased by 10.79%.
    •     It has increased from 172.01 GW in 2022-23 to 190.57 gigawatt (GW) in 2023-24.
    •     The nuclear power capacity has risen to 8.18 GW from 6.78 GW in the last fiscal year.
    •     India's total power generation capacity increased by 6.22% to 441.97 GW over 416.06 GW.
Mineral Production in the Country Grows by 8 per cent in February, Compared to Last Year
    •     The index of mineral production of the mining and quarrying sector for February, 2024 (Base:
          2011-12=100) at 139.6 is 8.0% higher as compared to the level in February, 2023.
    •     As per the provisional statistics of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), the cumulative growth for the
          period April-February, 2023-24 over the corresponding period of previous year is 8.2%.
Adani Green Secures USD 400 Million From International Banks For 750 MW Power Projects
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    •     Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), India’s largest and one of the world’s leading renewable energy
          (RE) companies, announced USD 400 million in financing for its under-construction 750 MW solar
          projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat by a consortium of five leading international banks.
    •     It will provide financing for projects that are expected to come online from November 2024
          onwards.
Avaada Energy secures Rs 1,190 crore loan from SBI for solar project
    •     Avaada Energy has secured Rs 1,190 crore loan for a new solar project in Gujarat from the State
          Bank of India.
    •     The financing, sanctioned and disbursed as a 20-year project loan facility, will support the
          development of a 400 MWp utility-scale solar PV power project in the Surendra Nagar district of
          Gujarat
    •     Power generated from the project will be procured by Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL),
          an apex body of the government of Gujarat, engaged in the bulk purchase and sale of electricity.
BSNL should temporarily use Vodafone Idea’s 4G network for its subscribers
    •     BSNL Employees Union, wrote to the Minister of Communication, suggesting that the public sector
          telco must be allowed to use Vodafone Idea’s 4G network temporarily to provide its own 4G
          services.
    •     These statements come after BSNL’s 4G network rollout with Tata Consultancy Services as the
          network vendor became inordinately delayed.
    •     BSNL lost 18 million subscribers in the financial year 2024 ending in March, where 2.3 million
          subscribers left in March alone.
    •     The employees asked the government to consider allowing BSNL to use Vodafone Idea’s 4G
          network, especially as it is the largest shareholder in the operator.
Mahindra, Tata Motors receive record patent approvals in FY24
    •     Domestic automobile majors Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors have received a record
          number of patent approvals for a wide spectrum of product and process innovations in the last
          financial year.
    •     Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) received 674 approvals, its best-ever annual performance, while Tata
          Motors also witnessed the grant of 333 patents during the 2023-24 financial year.
    •     The auto major has so far been conferred 1,185 patents across multiple geographies.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited 's 4G Subscriber Base Reaches 800,000 in North India
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    •       Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-owned telecom service provider, has achieved a
            4G subscriber base of 800,000 in its initial launch phase across North Indian regions, including
            Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh.
    •       BSNL's 4G deployment is based on an indigenous network developed in collaboration with Tata
            Consultancy Services (TCS) and the government’s Centre for Development of Telematics (C-
            DOT).
About BSNL :
    •       Founded : 15 September 2000
    •       Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India.
    •       BSNL is a prominent telecommunications company based in India, owned by the Government of
            India.
    •       It operates as a central public sector undertaking.
    •       BSNL falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Telecommunications, which is part of the
            Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
BHEL Partners with HIMA West Asia FZE, Dubai, for Railway Signalling Business
    •       State-owned engineering firm Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) has entered into a strategic
            partnership agreement with HIMA West Asia FZE, Dubai (A wholly owned subsidiary of HIMA Paul
            Hildebrandt GmbH, Germany) for railway signalling business.
    •       HIMA West Asia FZE, Dubai, is a wholly owned subsidiary of HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH,
            Germany.
    •       HIMA specializes in safety-related automation solutions for railways and process industries.
About BHEL :
    •       Founded : 1956
    •       Headquarters: New Delhi
    •       Chairman & Managing Director : Koppu Sadashiv Murthy
    •       The Government of India owns 63.17% of BHEL.
    •       BHEL is an Indian central public sector undertaking and the largest government-owned power
            generation equipment manufacturer.
Fertilizer subsidy in FY24 exceeds Revised Estimates by over ₹6,500 crore
        •     The fertilizer subsidy in Fiscal Year 2023-24 (FY24) has exceeded Revised Estimates (RE) by
              over ₹6,500 crore, the latest government data show.
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    •     As many as 931,644 registered companies were closed, 2,470 were dormant entities, and 10,385
          were under liquidation.
Investments through P-note surge to near 6-yr high at Rs 1.5 trillion
    •     Investments through participatory notes in the Indian capital markets reached Rs 1.5 lakh crore at
          the end of February 2024, making it the highest level in nearly six years, driven by a strong
          performance of the domestic economy.
    •     The latest data includes the value of P-note investments in Indian equity, debt, and hybrid
          securities.
    •     Participatory notes (P-notes) are issued by registered foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to overseas
          investors who wish to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly.
TVS Capital's biggest fund yet could bet on ‘zero-stage’ startups
    •     TVS Capital has raised ₹1,700 crore in domestic money for its largest fund yet, its fourth, in a sign
          of growing interest among Indian investors for private equity as an asset class.
    •     The fourth fund will have a total corpus of ₹3,000 crore, surpassing the size of TVS Capital’s
          ₹1,600-crore third fund.
    •     The fund is expected to focus on financial services firms and B2B startups.
    •     TVS Capital has previously invested in fintech startups including Digit Insurance, Five Star
          Business Finance, and PhonePe.
    •     The firm plans to announce the first close of the fund next month.
Infosys Receives ISO 42001:2023 Certification for Artificial Intelligence Management System
    •     Infosys announced that it has been certified with ISO 42001:2023, the world’s first international
          standard on AI management systems, by TUV India (part of TUV Nord Group), a leading
          independent provider of technical quality and safety services.
    •     Infosys is among the first IT services companies globally to have earned the certification for
          implementing an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) framework that fosters
          responsible AI practices and adherence to regulatory requirements for enhanced efficiency and
          accountability in AI initiatives.
    •     This AIMS framework is a part of Infosys Topaz Responsible AI Suite, a set of 10+ offerings built
          around the Scan, Shield, and Steer framework.
About Infosys
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    •     Infosys Limited is an Indian multinational information technology company that provides business
          consulting, information technology and outsourcing services. The company was founded in Pune
          and is headquartered in Bangalore.
    •     CEO: Salil Parekh .
Amazon unveils first electric seaport trucks amid push to slash tailpipe emissions
    •     Amazon.com unveiled the first of a dozen Volvo electric big rigs it plans to deploy this year(2024)
          to pick up cargo from the nation's busiest container seaport in southern California.
    •     The e-commerce giant said it already has eight of those semi trucks in use at the Los
          Angeles/Long Beach port complex, where every so-called drayage truck must be zero-emissions
          by 2035.
    •     The effort is vital to the company's push to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Bajaj to launch the world’s first CNG motorcycle on June 18, 2024
    •     Bajaj Auto is gearing up for the much-anticipated launch of its CNG-powered motorcycle on June
          18, 2024.
    •     Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, confirmed the imminent arrival of the motorcycle
          during the launch event of the Pulsar NS400Z.
    •     With this upcoming model, Bajaj will be aiming to cater to cost-conscious customers amidst rising
          fuel prices by introducing a portfolio of CNG-powered motorcycles - the first of which will be
          debuting next month.
India's retail inflation eases marginally to an 11-month low of 4.83 per cent in April 2024
● India's retail inflation eased marginally to hit an 11-month low of 4.83 per cent on an annual basis in
        April 2024 as against 4.85 per cent in the previous month (March 2024).
● A Reuters poll of 44 economists had estimated the number to come down to 4.80 per cent.
● The number has remained within the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) tolerance band of 2-6 per cent.
● The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation was 4.85 per cent in March.
● It was 4.7 per cent in April 2023.
Pfizer, AstraZeneca to invest nearly $1 bn in France
● Pfizer and AstraZeneca announced new investments in France worth a total of nearly $1 billion,
        ahead of the start of this year(2024)’s annual ‘Choose France’ business summit.
● Pfizer would invest 500 million euros ($538.5 million) in France to build up its research and
        development work in the country, while AstraZeneca announced an investment of $388 million for its
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    site at Dunkirk.
● Their investment pledges came as President Emmanuel Macron prepared to kick off the annual
    ‘Choose France’ event aimed at wooing big overseas businesses and investors.
NFO launches set to hit a new record this year(2024)
● Mutual fund houses launched 10-12 equity new fund offers (NFOs) every month in the last three
    years.
● That the flood shows no signs of subsiding is evident from the number in 2024.
● Already, 67 new schemes have been launched so far this year(2024), indicating an increase in
    momentum.
● Almost half of these schemes are actively managed.
● For the first time in three decades, that is, ever since the private sector mutual funds started
    operations in November 1993, the number of equity and hybrid NFOs crossed the 100-mark every
    year between 2021 and 2023, according to data from Value Research.
Hindujas get IRDAI approval for RCap deal
● The Hinduja Group has received the insurance regulator’s approval to conclude the acquisition of
    Reliance Capital’s (RCap) three insurance companies, a move that will help it complete the
    resolution process of the debt-laden firm by the May 27 deadline.
● However, IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL), a group firm through which the Hinduja Group had
    placed bids for RCap, now requires regulatory approvals for a proposed change in holding structure.
    Sources said these approvals are expected “anytime now”.
● IRDAI has permitted transfer of RCap’s 26% stake in the insurance firms to Aasia Enterprises, a
    private family firm with 90% stake held by Ashok P Hinduja (Hinduja Group chairman), 5% each by
    Harsha A Hinduja (Hinduja Foundation trustee) and Shom A Hinduja (president, alternative energy
    and sustainability at Hinduja Group).
Nayara Energy to set up two ethanol plants for ₹600 crore
● Russian energy giant Rosneft-backed Nayara Energy is planning to invest ₹600 crore to set up two
    ethanol manufacturing plants in the country.
● Each plant will have a production capacity of 200 kilolitres of ethanol per day.
● These will be set up in Andhra Pradesh's Naidupeta and Madhya Pradesh's Balaghat, and are slated
    for commissioning by 2026.
● The company will use broken rice and maize for feedstock.
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● In the long run, the company plans to have five ethanol manufacturing plants.
● Nayara Energy, which runs a 20-million-metric-tonne capacity oil refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat, is set
    to open a polypropylene unit in the same facility.
● The company is investing ₹6,000 crore to set up a petrochemical unit with an annual capacity of
    450,000 tonnes.
● These investments will be made till 2026.
India's imports from FTA partners up 38% during 2019-24 fiscal years: GTRI
● India's imports of goods from countries with which it has a free trade agreement like the UAE, South
    Korea, and Australia grew about 38 per cent during the 2019-24 fiscal year to $187.92 billion.
● From FY'2019 to FY'2024, India's imports increased by 37.97 per cent, from $ 136.20 billion to $
    187.92 billion.
● On the other hand, the country's exports to the FTA (free trade agreement) partners rose 14.48 per
    cent to $ 122.72 billion in 2023-24 from $ 107.20 billion in 2018-19.
● According to the data, India's exports to the UAE increased by 18.25 per cent to $ 35.63 billion in
    2023-24 as against $ 30.13 billion in 2018-19, while imports surged 61.21 per cent, from $ 29.79
    billion in FY2019 to $ 48.02 billion in the last fiscal.
● The FTA between India and the UAE came into effect in May 2022.
● Overall, India ranked 17th globally in exports, with a 1.8 per cent share in world trade.
ReNew inks initial pact with Societe Generale for $1 billion debt financing
● Energy firm ReNew announced that it has signed an initial pact with European bank Societe
    Generale for up to $1 billion in financing as debt and advisory solutions over the next three years.
● ReNew has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Societe Generale, to support the
    financing and development of the company's various strategic energy transition projects both in India
    and globally.
● Both parties will leverage their respective expertise to strengthen the collaboration on utility-scale
    energy projects including solar, wind, complex renewables, green hydrogen, energy storage and
    solar modules manufacturing.
● ReNew has a clean energy portfolio of 15.6 GW on a gross basis as of May 9, 2024.
TVS Motor launches electric two-wheeler iQube in Bengaluru
● TVS Motor Company unveiled its new variant of the electric two-wheeler, TVS iQube with a 2.2 kWh
    battery in Bengaluru.
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● The company also said it is ready to deliver TVS iQube ST to customers in the city.
● According to Saurab Kapoor, vice-president of TVS Motor Company, the new variant launched in
    Bengaluru comes with a 950 Watt charger.
● The fastest charging time is two hours and its top speed is 75 km per hour.
● In one charge it can go up to at least 100 km.
● This is the introductory price inclusive of EMPS subsidy and cashback, which is valid up to June 30,
    2024.
TVS Motor Company begins operations in Italy
● TVS Motor Company (TVSM) unveiled operations in Italy via its branch office TVS Motor Italia
    headed by Giovanni Notarbartolo di Furnari.
● The company will introduce a selection of its advanced, high-quality thermic and electric scooters
    and motorcycles, the leading two and three wheeler manufacturer.
● TVS Motor Company is extending its operations in Italy through its branch office, TVS Motor Italia,
    headed by Giovanni Notarbartolo di Furnari.
● TVS says Furnari brings comprehensive experience from senior managerial roles in major
    automotive companies in Italy, Latin America, the UAE, and Europe.
Infosys Prize gets age limit, now only for researchers up to 40 years old
● The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) announced changes to the Infosys Prize, shifting it to an
    early-career focus.
● Economics is now a separate category, the upper age limit is set at 40, and laureates abroad are
    encouraged to spend at least 30 days in India.
● As part of the new structure, ISF has lowered the prize winner age limit to 40 from 50 to spur
    "transformative impact" and encourage early-career contributions.
● From 2024, the six categories are: Economics, Engineering & Computer Science, Humanities &
    Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
● Since its inception 15 years ago, ISF has recognised and awarded 92 brilliant minds across
    disciplines in a demanding global environment.
● The awards will be announced in November followed by a ceremony that is slated to take place in
    January 2025.
● N.R. Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys. Kris Gopalakrishnan, president of I
Thomas Cook India launched TCPay, shares rise 2.26%
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● Thomas Cook (India) Limited’s shares were up by 2.26 per cent after the company launched TCPay,
    it is a service aimed at simplifying international money transfers.
● TCPay aims to change this by offering a digital interface that allows for paperless transactions.
● The service is further enhanced by Thomas Cook’s recently launched Video KYC process, which
    enables customers to transfer funds conveniently from their homes.
● Thomas Cook reported that TCPay offers advantages, including 24x7 access, transfers, and a digital
    interface accessible through Thomas Cook’s digital tools such as FXNOW (B2C app), Portal, and
    Call Center for assistance.
IREDA incorporates a subsidiary in GIFT City, Gujarat
● The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA) has incorporated a wholly-owned
    subsidiary in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) located in GIFT City, Gujarat.
● The subsidiary, “IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited,” was officially incorporated on
    May 7, after receiving the No Objection letter from the Reserve Bank of India on February 8.
HP rebrands consumer, commercial PC portfolios, launches new AI logo
    ● Global personal computer (PC) manufacturer HP has announced the rebranding of its consumer
        and commercial PC portfolios to simplify and streamline its product offerings.
    ● The company has also introduced a new logo for its artificial intelligence (AI) computers.
    ● Henceforth, HP’s consumer PCs will come with a prefix of ‘Omni’, while its commercial PCs will
        be named ‘Elite’, followed by signifiers representing their respective product categories.
    ● HP has also unveiled a new Helix logo, which it said resembles the structure of deoxyribonucleic
        acid to show its commitment to advanced AI capabilities in next-gen AI PCs.
About HP
    ● HP Inc. is an American multinational information technology company headquartered in Palo
        Alto, California, that develops personal computers, printers and related supplies, as well as 3D
        printing services.
Market cap of BSE-listed companies hits $5 trillion first time ever
    ● The market capitalisation of companies listed on BSE crossed $5 trillion for the first time, turning
        the spotlight on valuations.
    ● This makes India the fifth country/region to join the exclusive $5-trillion m-cap club, alongside the
        US, China, Japan and Hong Kong.
    ● The Indian stock market is ranked at the fifth spot in terms of market cap in the world.
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Fintech Infrastructure Provider Decentro Launches fully RBI-Compliant Next-Gen Payment Aggregator
stack for India
● Decentro, a fintech infrastructure provider in India, has launched Flow 2.0, a           next-generation
    payment stack designed to address comprehensive payment needs for businesses.
● The stack currently powers payments for clients like Shiprocket, Kodo, and Volopay, offering minimal
    downtimes, disruptions and maximized business efficiency.
● Rohit Taneja, Co-founder and CEO of Decentro.f
UN upgrades India's expected economic growth rate to 6.9% for 2024 From 6.2%
● The United Nations has updated its growth rate forecast for the Indian economy in 2024 (January-
    December) to 6.9 percent.
● This new forecast was included in the World Economic Situation and Prospects mid-2024 report,
    released on May 16, 2024.
● This report is published by the United Nations Economic Analysis and Policy Division.
● In its January 2024 report, the UN had predicted a 6.2 percent growth rate for India in 2024.
● The primary reason for the improved outlook is attributed to strong public investment and resilient
    private consumption.
    ● The January 2024 UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) report had predicted a
        6.2 percent growth rate, now revised to 6.9 percent. However, the forecast for 2025 remains
        unchanged at 6.6 percent.
    ● The report anticipates inflation in India to decline from 5.6 percent in 2023 to 4.5 percent in 2024.
        The Reserve Bank of India's medium-term inflation target is between two and six percent.
    ● The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects report forecasts the global economy to grow by
        2.7 percent in 2024 and 2.8 percent in 2025.
    ● The United States, the world's largest economy, is expected to grow by 2.3 percent in 2024,
        while China, the second-largest economy, is projected to grow by 4.8 percent in 2024.
    ● The South Asia region is expected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2024, driven mainly by India's strong
        performance and a slight recovery in the Sri Lankan and Pakistani economies. In 2025, the South
        Asian economy as a whole is projected to grow by 5.7 percent.
Expected Growth Rate of the Indian Economy (2023-24, 2024-25, 2025-26)
Below are the GDP growth forecasts from various global and Indian financial agencies as of May 18,
2024:
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        Reserve     Bank    of 8%                       7%                      -
        India
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The GST portal has introduced machine registration for pan masala and tobacco manufacturers as a
measure to combat tax evasion.
● In a bid to counter tax evasion within the pan masala and tobacco industries, the GST portal has
    introduced new protocols and procedures for manufacturers to register their machinery and report
    their monthly inputs and outputs.
● This initiative, stemming from recommendations by the GST Council, seeks to bolster compliance
    efforts and curb illicit trade.
● To address evasion concerns, the GST portal has devised two forms specifically tailored for pan
    masala and tobacco product manufacturers:
● Form GST SRM-I: Facilitating the registration and disposal of manufacturing machinery.
● Form GST SRM-II: Enabling the monthly reporting of inputs and outputs.
● These forms were introduced via a notification in January, in alignment with GST Council directives.
● Originally slated for implementation on April 1, the launch of this system was postponed to May 15.
● The Finance Act 2024 has amended the GST law to incorporate penalties for manufacturers who
    neglect to register their packing machinery. Offenders may incur fines of up to ₹1 lakh, although the
    precise penalty provisions have yet to be notified.
India’s merchandise exports to reach US$ 500 billion by FY25: FIEO
● The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) anticipates that India's merchandise exports
    will rebound to $500-510 billion in FY 25, following a 3% decline in the preceding fiscal period.
● Services exports are projected to add $390-400 billion, resulting in a total export figure of around
    $890-910 billion.
● Notable sectors propelling this growth encompass engineering, advertising services, and the
    expansion of global capability centers.
Broadening Economic Horizons: DP World Launches Free Trade Warehouse Zone in Chennai
● DP World, a dominant force in global logistics, has unveiled its largest free trade warehouse zone in
    Chennai, India, cementing Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading center for economic advancement.
● The inauguration of the Chennai facility marks a significant milestone, demonstrating DP World’s
    dedication to India’s burgeoning economic landscape.
● Ranjit Ray highlights Chennai’s strategic importance, citing its strong connections to key global
    markets in South Asia, Africa, and Australia through maritime routes. With its proximity to major
    ports such as Kattupalli, Ennore, and Chennai, the city emerges as a hub for logistics, enabling
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In April 2024, the DPIIT reported over 7 million transactions on the ONDC platform.
● The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), initiated in 2021, has experienced significant
    growth, with transactions surpassing 70 lakh in April of 2024.
● Led by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), ONDC strives to
    democratize digital commerce and establish an equitable environment for businesses of all scales.
● The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) disclosed that over 5 lakh
    sellers have been integrated into the ONDC platform, with more than 70% representing small or
    medium-sized enterprises.
● The ONDC entity, constituted as a not-for-profit organization under Section 8 of the Companies Act
    2013, oversees the management and operation of the ONDC Network.
● Tasked with developing and upholding the foundational infrastructure, the entity delineates the
    regulations and ethical standards for network participants via the ONDC Network Policy and the
    ONDC Network Participant Agreement.
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Surge by $2.56 Billion to Reach $644.15 Billion
● According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange reserves witnessed a rise of
    $2.56 billion, reaching a total of $644.15 billion by the week ending on May 10.
● This uptick follows a previous increase of $3.668 billion following three consecutive weeks of
    decline.
● The reserves' foreign currency assets, which constitute a substantial portion, escalated by $1.488
    billion to $565.648 billion.
● There was a notable increase in gold reserves, surging by $1.072 billion to $55.952 billion during the
    mentioned week.
● India’s Special Drawing Rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rose by $5 million,
    reaching a total of $18.056 billion.
● India’s reserve position with the IMF experienced a slight decline of $4 million, totaling $4.495 billion
    for the reporting week.
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Ind-RA Projects GDP Growth Rate at 6.7% for Q4, Anticipates Around 7% in FY24
● The Indian economy demonstrated robust growth throughout the first three quarters of the 2023-24
    fiscal year, with GDP expanding by 8.2% in the June quarter, 8.1% in the September quarter, and
    8.4% in the December quarter.
● According to Sunil Kumar Sinha, principal economist at India Ratings and Research (Ind-RA), the
    GDP growth rate is expected to reach 6.7% for the March quarter and approximately 6.9-7% for the
    entire fiscal year.
● In its April monetary policy review, the Reserve Bank of India forecasted a GDP growth rate of 7%
    for 2023-24.
● Sinha anticipates GDP to expand by 7.1% in the current fiscal year, maintaining the momentum
    observed in the first half.
Fusion MicroFinance has successfully secured a $25 million loan from the US International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
● Fusion MicroFinance has secured a $25 million loan from the United States International
    Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to support its expansion initiatives, with a primary focus on
    empowering rural women entrepreneurs.
● The initial disbursement of $20 million, part of an eight-year loan, is intended to bolster business
    operations and advance efforts towards financial inclusion.
India in trade deficit with nine of top 10 trading partners in 2023-24
● China emerged as India's largest trading partner with $118.4 billion in two-way commerce in 2023-
    24, surpassing the USA.
● Bilateral trade between India and the US stood at $118.28 billion in 2023-24.
● The US had been India's top trading partner during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
● India has a free trade agreement with four of its top trading partners: Singapore, the UAE, Korea,
    and Indonesia (as part of the Asian bloc).
● India recorded a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the US in 2023-24.
● India's total trade deficit narrowed to $238.3 billion in the last fiscal year, compared to $264.9 billion
    in the previous fiscal year.
GAIL's 10 MW green hydrogen plant in Madhya Pradesh inaugurated
● GAIL (India) Ltd, the nation's leading natural gas transmission and distribution firm, has achieved a
    significant milestone with the commissioning of its first green hydrogen plant. Located in Vijaipur,
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    Madhya Pradesh, this marks the company's entry into the realm of new and alternative energy
    sources.
● This innovative Green Hydrogen plant boasts a capacity to produce 4.3 Tons Per Day (TPD) of
    hydrogen.
● It achieves this through 10 Megawatt (MW) PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Electrolyzer units,
    utilizing the process of electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy sources.
The income Tax department sets the Cost Inflation Index at 363 for the financial year 2024-25
● The income tax department has announced the Cost Inflation Index (CII) for the fiscal year beginning
    April 2024.
● This index is crucial for calculating long-term capital gains from the sale of immovable property,
    securities, and jewellery.
● Purpose of the Cost Inflation Index : Taxpayers use the CII to compute gains from the sale of capital
    assets, adjusting for inflation to reflect the true gain.
● The updated CII for 2024-25 shows an increase of 15 points from the previous year, indicating an
    annual inflation rate of approximately 4.3%.
● The CII is notified annually under the Income-tax Act, 1961.
Market capitalisation to GDP ratio scales a 15-year high of 140.2%
● The market capitalisation (mcap) of all listed companies on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has
    increased by 61 percent since the end of March 2023.
● This is in stark contrast to the estimated 10 percent growth in India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
    at current prices for FY24.
● India's mcap-to-GDP ratio has soared to a 15-year high of 140.2 percent, a significant rise from 95.8
    percent at the end of March 2023. As of May 21, the total valuation of all BSE-listed companies
    reached $5 trillion (over Rs 414.46 trillion), compared to India's GDP at current prices of Rs 296.6
    trillion for FY24.
● The current mcap-to-GDP ratio is just below the all-time high of 149.4 percent recorded at the end of
    December 2007.
Tata Communications, Cisco to tap ‘$400-mn calling market in India’
● Tata Communications and Cisco join forces to tap into India’s burgeoning calling market, valued
    between $300 to $400 million, with a yearly growth rate of 10 to 12%.
● Cisco and Tata Communications introduce Webex Calling solution in India, leveraging cloud-based
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    PSTN, facilitating the transition for businesses from on-premises phone systems to a global cloud
    calling infrastructure.
● Integrating Webex Calling with Tata Communications’ Cloud PSTN reach and local regulatory
    expertise in India promises enterprises an improved connectivity and collaboration experience,
    fostering seamless business operations.
Reliance Industries to begin construction on India’s first multimodal logistics park near Chennai
● India’s first Multimodal Logistics Park, conceptualized 12 years ago and located at Mappedu near
    Chennai, will finally see construction commence in June, led by Reliance Industries.
● In 2022, Reliance Industries won the bid for the Rs 1,424 crore project on 184.27 acres of land in
    Tiruvallur district, surpassing Adani Group.
● A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in October 2021 among Tamil Nadu Industrial
    Development Corporation, National Highways Logistics Management Limited, and Chennai Port
    Trust.
LIC reports 2.5% rise in Q4 net profit to ₹13,762 Crore, announces dividend
● The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has reported a 2.5% year-on-year increase in net profit
    for the March quarter of FY24, reaching ₹13,762 crore compared to ₹13,421 crore in the same
    period last year.
● LIC, the country’s largest insurer, also announced an interim dividend of ₹6 per share.
● LIC’s overall Profit After Tax (PAT) for FY24 stood at ₹40,676 crore, up from ₹36,397 crore in the
    previous fiscal year.
● LIC reported an improvement in its asset quality, with the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio
    decreasing to 2.01% in the final quarter of FY24, down from 2.56% in the corresponding period last
    year.
● LIC’s total premium income for FY24 was ₹4,75,070 crore, marginally higher than the ₹4,74,005
    crore recorded in FY23.
● LIC’s solvency ratio, a key measure of financial stability, improved to 1.98 as of March 31, 2024, up
    from 1.87 a year earlier.
TATA AIG General Insurance Introduces Surety Insurance Bonds for Infrastructure Development
● TATA AIG General Insurance, a leading private insurer, launches Surety Insurance Bonds to bolster
    infrastructure development, aligning with the government's allocation of 3.3% of GDP in FY 2024.
● These bonds, offered in conditional and unconditional formats, are tailored to streamline the
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    execution of infrastructure projects and commercial contracts in both government and private
    sectors, addressing various project requirements effectively.
● A surety bond is a legally binding agreement involving three parties: the obligee, the principal, and
    the surety.
Tata AIA Life Insurance introduces an instant Rs 1 lakh loan service, allowing policyholders to get funds
in just 1 minute
● Tata AIA Life Insurance introduces a pioneering service enabling policyholders to secure instant
    loans, up to Rs. 1 lakh, via the MyDigiAccount portal, ensuring a hassle-free digital process.
● This initiative aims to furnish swift financial assistance while safeguarding the policy's coverage,
    ensuring peace of mind for policyholders.
● Since its inception, the service has processed over 500 requests, disbursing approximately Rs. 5.5
    crores, reflecting its growing popularity and utility.
● The new service extends loans up to Rs. 1 lakh without necessitating collateral or credit
    assessments, offering competitive interest rates at 8.80% per annum, significantly lower than
    conventional personal loan rates.
Reliance to buy Russian oil from Rosneft in roubles
● Reliance Industries Limited enters a pivotal one-year agreement with Russia's Rosneft, committing
    to purchase a minimum of 3 million barrels of oil per month, denominated in roubles.
● This term deal empowers Reliance to acquire oil at discounted rates, providing a competitive edge
    amidst expectations of extended supply cuts by the OPEC+ consortium.
● Reliance pledges to settle payments for the oil using Russia's rouble currency, facilitated by HDFC
    Bank and Russia's Gazprombank.
Reliance-Backed Radisys Enters Telco Infra Business in Africa, Forms Consortium Including Nokia,
Tech Mahindra
● Radisys, backed by Reliance, leads a consortium named Next-Gen Infra Co (NGIC), partnering with
    Nokia, Mahindra Tech, Ascend Digital, K-NET, and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) AT Ghana
    and Telecel Ghana to establish a 4G and 5G network for the Government of Ghana.
● The formation of NGIC is pivotal for fostering affordable, high-speed data access, aligning with
    Ghana's vision of achieving 100% Digital Ghana by 2030.
● NGIC plans to collaborate with MNO partners to introduce affordable 4G/5G-enabled smartphones in
    Ghana by the end of the current year, aiming to democratize access to advanced technology.
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● The consortium's partnership aims to revolutionize various sectors such as education, healthcare,
        and payment transactions, enriching the lives of Ghanaians through digitalization initiatives.
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Securities and Exchange Board of India Mandates Portfolio Management Services Providers to
Register with Association of Portfolio Managers in India
    •     The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has made it compulsory for Portfolio
          Management Services (PMS) providers to register with the Association of Portfolio Managers in
          India (APMI).
    •     This requirement aims to enhance oversight and streamline operations in the financial sector.
    •     The new regulation aims to promote collective oversight of PMS distributors, fostering a more
          efficient and transparent business environment for portfolio managers.
About SEBI :
    •     Established: 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
          1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •     Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •     Chairman: Madhabi Puri Buch
    •     SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
          the Ministry of Finance, GoI.
Top 4 Credit Card Issuers in India Experience Market Share Decline in FY24: RBI Data
    •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that the market share of the top four credit card issuers
          in India declined during FY24 in terms of monthly card spends and total cards outstanding.
    •     The market share of the top 4 issuers-HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank dropped
          to 71.98% as of March 2024, from 74.79% a year earlier.
    •     Credit Card Spends and Growth:Credit card spends surged 27% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 18.26
          trillion in FY24, up from nearly Rs 14 trillion in the year-ago period.
    •     Total Number of Credit Cards:The total number of credit cards issued by banks in India increased
          to 101 million in March 2024, from 100.60 million at the end of February 2024.
RBI's Innovation Hub Collaborates with mysaltapp and FICCI Ladies Organisation to Release White
Paper on Women Entrepreneurs in Middle India
    •     The Reserve Bank of India’s Innovation Hub (RBIH) subsidiary collaborated with mysaltapp and
          the FICCI Ladies Organisation to release a white paper titled "At The Helm: Women Entrepreneurs
          Transforming Middle India."
    •     Main Findings on Funding for Women Entrepreneurs:The white paper revealed that only 3% of
          women entrepreneurs in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have access to external funding.
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    •     This indicates a significant gap in funding availability for women entrepreneurs in smaller cities
          compared to major urban areas.
About RBIH :
    •     The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
          set-up to promote and facilitate an environment that accelerates innovation across the financial
          sector.
Reserve Bank of India Issues Draft Framework for Lenders' Project Financing in Infrastructure and Real
Estate Sectors
    •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a draft harmonised prudential framework for lenders’
          financing of projects in infrastructure, non-infrastructure and commercial real estate sectors.
    •     It prescribed norms for restructuring of their exposure in projects under implementation on account
          of change in date of commencement of commercial operations (DCCO).
    •     Income Recognition, Asset Classification, and Provisioning:The draft framework is titled "Income
          Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning pertaining to Advances - Projects Under
          Implementation (IRACP-PUIMP)."
Reserve Bank of India Proposes Stricter Regulations for Lending to Projects Under Implementation
    •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed tighter rules to govern lending to projects under
          implementation.
    •     The RBI’s draft rules include a classification of the projects as per their phase and higher
          provisioning of up to 5% during the construction phase, even if the asset is standard.
    •     It can be noted that in the last credit cycle, project loans were seen to have led to a build-up of
          stress on bank books.
About RBI :
    •     Established : 1 April 1935
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •     Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    •     Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
Reserve Bank of India Permits Standalone Primary Dealers to Access Foreign Currency Borrowing
    •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed standalone primary dealers (SPDs) to borrow in
          foreign currency from their parent companies and entities it has authorised.
    •     They can also access overdraft facilities in their nostro accounts for operational purposes.
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    •     Definition of Nostro Account: A nostro account is a bank account held in a foreign country by a
          domestic bank, denominated in the currency of that foreign country.
Foreign portfolio investors Registered with SEBI at GIFT International Financial Services Centre
Permitted to Issue Participatory Notes (P-notes)
    •     Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) domiciled at the GIFT International Financial Services Centre
          (IFSC) and registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are now permitted
          to issue offshore derivative instruments (ODIs), commonly known as participatory notes (P-Notes).
    •     At present, the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), the unified regulator for
          GIFT City, allows banking units to issue pnotes.
    •     P-Notes, short for Participatory Notes, are financial instruments that enable foreign investors to
          invest indirectly in Indian securities without having to register with the SEBI.
About SEBI :
    •     Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
          1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •     Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    •     SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
          the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
About GIFT International Financial Services Centre :
    •     Founded : April 2015
    •     Headquarters : GIFT City, Gandhinagar in Gujarat
    •     GIFT IFSC is a financial centre and special economic zone in Gujarat International Finance Tec-
          City (GIFT City) covering 106 ha (261 acres).
    •     It is regulated by the International Financial Services Centres Authority, an independent regulator
          exclusive to the zone.
    •     GIFT City is a joint venture between the Government of Gujarat and IL&FS, a leading
          infrastructure development and finance company in India.
Bank Certificate of Deposit (CD) Fundraising Drops by 74% in April 2024 Amid Eased Liquidity and
Reduced Loan Demand
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    •       Fundraising by banks through Certificates of Deposit (CDs) declined by 74% in April 2024
            compared to March 2024, attributed to eased liquidity tightness in the banking system and
            moderated demand for loans.
    •       In April 2024, banks raised ₹32,860 crore through CDs, down from ₹1.27 trillion in March 2024.
    •       Nature of CDs: CDs are negotiable, unsecured money market instruments issued by banks as
            Usance Promissory Notes against funds deposited at the bank.
Reserve Bank of India Reduces Margin Funding Limits from 50% to 30%
    •       The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued directives to banks regarding their exposure to the
            capital markets, emphasizing compliance with prescribed guidelines.
    •       The directive, titled "Banks' Exposure to Capital Market - Issue of Irrevocable Payment
            Commitments (IPCs)", addresses the issuance of IPCs by custodian banks.
    •       Shift from T+2 to T+1: The RBI's directive is a response to changes in the stock exchange
            settlement cycle, transitioning from T+2 to T+1 for equities.
Reserve Bank of India Revokes Acemoney (India's) Non-Banking Financial Company License for
Breaching Guidelines
    •       The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the license of Acemoney (India), a Delhi-based
            non-banking financial company (NBFC), due to irregular lending practices and violation of RBI
            guidelines.
    •       Violation of RBI Guidelines:
        •     The cancellation was based on multiple factors, including:
                 •   Charging excessive interest rates.
                 •   Failing to ensure confidentiality of customer information.
        •     The RBI also cited non-compliance with regulations pertaining to managing risks and code of
              conduct in outsourcing financial services in digital lending operations through third-party apps.
About RBI :
    •       Established : 1 April 1935
    •       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •       Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    •       Deputy Governors : M.D.Patra; M Rajeshwar Rao; J Swaminathan and T Rabi Sankar
Reserve Bank of India Releases Draft Framework for Electronic Trading Platforms
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    •       The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a revised regulatory framework for Electronic
            Trading Platforms (ETPs) due to increased integration of the onshore forex market with offshore
            markets.
    •       Market makers too have been requesting the Reserve Bank to allow access to offshore ETPs
            offering Indian Rupee (INR) products.
    •       An Electronic Trading Platform (ETP) is any electronic system, other than a recognized stock
            exchange, on which transactions in eligible instruments are contracted.
    •       Eligible instruments include securities, money market instruments, foreign exchange instruments,
            derivatives, or other instruments of similar nature.
Reserve Bank of India Introduces Two Vital Surveys to Gather Insights for Upcoming Monetary Policy
    •       The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced two key surveys, the 'Inflation Expectations Survey of
            Households' and the 'Consumer Confidence Survey', to gather data for the upcoming bi-monthly
            monetary policy.
    •       The next bi-monthly monetary policy meeting is scheduled for June 5-7, 2024.
    •       This survey captures subjective assessments of price movements and inflation from households
            across 19 cities, including Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and
            Thiruvananthapuram.
About RBI :
    •       Established : 1 April 1935
    •       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •       Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    •       Deputy Governors : M.D.Patra; M Rajeshwar Rao; J Swaminathan and T Rabi Sankar
ICICI Bank's Market Cap Surpasses Rs 8 Trillion, Joins India's Top 5 Companies
    •       Shares of ICICI Bank surged over 5%, sending its market capitalisation past the `8-trillion mark
            and into the league of the top 5 companies by market value.
    •       The private lender has become the second bank to cross this milestone, after HDFC Bank.
    •       Top Companies by Market Capitalization:
        ➢    Reliance Industries leads with a market capitalization of Rs 19.8 trillion.
        ➢    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) is second with Rs 14 trillion.
        ➢    Among banks, HDFC Bank has a market capitalization of Rs 11.6 trillion, ICICI Bank Rs 8.14
             trillion, and State Bank of India Rs 7.4 trillion.
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Groww & Worldline Join India's Expanding Club of Online Payment Aggregators
        •     Financial services platform Groww and digital payment processing company Worldline
              ePayments have secured a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) licence to operate as online payment
              aggregators.
        •     An online payment aggregator licence allows companies to offer payment services for
              merchants, typically e-commerce firms, by accepting various payment instruments from
              customers.
        •     Groww has secured the licence for its UPI payments platform Groww Pay.
About Groww :
        •     Established : 2016 (Started Operations - 2017)
        •     Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
        •     CEO : Lalit Keshre
About Worldline :
        •     Established : 1972
        •     Headquarters : La Défense, France
        •     CEO : Gilles Grapinet
        •     Worldline SA is a French multinational payment and transactional services company.
NPCI International Payments Limited Signs Agreement with Bank of Namibia to Develop Instant
Payment System Similar to UPI
    •       NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has signed an agreement with the Bank of Namibia
            (BoN) to support them in developing an instant payment system like Unified Payment Interface
            (UPI) for Namibia.
    •       Aim : To enhance digital financial services and bolster real-time Person-to-Person (P2P) and
            Merchant payment transactions (P2M) in the African nation.
    •       By leveraging technology and experiences from India's UPI, the partnership seeks to help Namibia
            modernise its financial ecosystem.
About NIPL :
    •       Established : 2020
    •       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •       CEO : Ritesh Shukla
About Bank of Namibia :
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    •       The 2005 guidance on the issue, which will be repealed, was aimed only at commercial banks.
    •       The guidance note aims to promote and enhance the effectiveness of Operational Risk
            Management among regulated entities (REs).
Reserve Bank of India Sets 8% Interest Rate for Floating Rate Savings Bond 2034
    •       The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an 8% interest rate on the Floating Rate Savings
            Bond (FRSB) 2034.
    •       This is a variable rate bond, and the interest rate will be reset every six months.
    •       The Government of India is issuing a special type of bond called a Floating Rate Bond (FRB) that
            matures in 2034.
    •       A floating rate bond is a debt instrument that does not have a fixed coupon rate, but its interest rate
            fluctuates based on the benchmark the bond is drawn.
Scheduled Commercial Banks Record 16.3% Growth in Non-Food Bank Credit in FY24, Up from 15.4%
in FY23
    •       Scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) ended FY24 with a higher non-food bank credit growth of
            16.3% against 15.4% in FY23.
    •       Credit growth in the year gone by was propelled by demand from sectors such as agriculture and
            allied activities, industry and services.
    •       Influence of Risk Weight Changes on Personal Loans:The growth in personal loans moderated
            due to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increasing the risk weights for consumer credit exposure by
            25 percentage points in November 2023.
YES Bank Partners with ANQ to Launch Two Co-Branded Credit Cards, Pi and Phi
        •     YES Bank has partnered with Bengaluru-based financial services provider ANQ to launch two co-
              branded credit cards, Pi and Phi.
        •     The partnership focuses on bridging the gap between traditional banking and the fintech industry,
              offering innovative solutions to meet evolving consumer needs.
        •     It is a digital-only card designed to offer seamless credit on UPI for domestic transactions.
About Yes Bank :
        •     Established : 2004
        •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
        •     MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
        •     Tagline : Experience our expertise
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About ANQ:
        •     ANQ is a digital banking platform that uses decentralized finance (DeFi) to deliver next-
              generation financial services.
Non-banking financial companies reach a 4-year peak in commercial paper issuances
        •     Commercial Paper (CP) issuances by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) reached ₹1.2-
              lakh crore during January-March 2024, a four-and-a-half-year high since July-September 2019.
        •     However, this is still significantly lower than the record high of ₹3.1-lakh crore observed in July-
              September 2018.
        •     The increase in CP issuances is partially driven by the Reserve Bank of India's mandate to
              increase risk weights on bank loans given to higher-rated NBFCs, leading to more CP issuance
              as an alternative source of funding.
National Pension System (NPS) Assets Surge 27.85% Year-on-Year to Reach ₹11.73 Lakh Crore:
PFRDA Data
    •       As per the latest Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) data, National
            Pension System (NPS) assets under management (AUM) recorded a robust 27.85 per cent y-o-y
            growth as of April 20, 2024 at ₹ 11.73 lakh crore (₹ 9.17 lakh crore).
    •       The overall AUM, including that of Atal Pension Yojana (APY), was flat compared to the end of
            March 2024 level of ₹ 11.73 lakh crore.
About PFRDA :
    •       Established : 2003
    •       Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
    •       Chairman : Deepak Mohanty
    •       PFRDA is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
    •       It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Introduces Measures to Enhance Transparency
in Rule-Making Process
    •       The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has implemented a
            mechanism to make and review regulations, aimed at bringing more transparency and certainty to
            the rule-making process.
    •       This mechanism among other things provides that the regulator would be guided by an “economic
            analysis” of the proposed regulations before they are accepted and operationalised.
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    •     The “economic analysis” would include expected direct and indirect costs and benefits to
          subscribers, the economy, and society, due to the proposed regulation.
IIHL Requests Reserve Bank of India Approval to Pledge 100% of RCap's Shares
    •     IIHL BFSI (India), linked to the Hinduja Group, has sought approval from the banking regulator
          Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) to pledge 100% shares of Reliance Capital, which it acquired in a
          bankruptcy resolution, to raise ₹8,000 crore.
    •     IndusInd International Holdings (IIHL), a holding company of IIHL BFSI (India), received approval
          from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to acquire Reliance Capital for ₹9,661 crore.
    •     Purpose of Fund-Raise : The proposed ₹8,000 crore fund-raise will be used to pay lenders of Anil
          Ambani's erstwhile bankrupt financial services company, Reliance Capital.
State Bank of India's Fourth Quarter Net Profit Surges 24% to ₹20,698 Crore
    •     State Bank of India (SBI) has achieved its highest standalone quarterly net profit of ₹20,698 crore
          in the fourth quarter, driven by robust growth in non-interest income, including treasury income,
          along with effective cost management strategies and write-back in provisions for standard assets
          and other provisions.
    •     This quarterly net profit surpasses the previous year's figure of ₹16,695 crore, indicating a
          substantial growth trajectory for the bank.
    •     SBI's net profit for the fourth quarter of FY24 (Q4FY24) more than doubled sequentially, witnessing
          a remarkable 125% increase from ₹9,163.96 crore reported in the preceding December quarter.
About SBI :
    •     Established : 1 July 1955
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •     Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
    •     CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Introduces ICICI Pru Platinum, a ULIP Linked to Distributors'
Commission and Customers' Assets Under Management
    •     ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched ICICI Pru Platinum, the company’s first unit-linked
          product (ULIP) which aligns distributor payouts to their customers’ fund value.
    •     The distributor commissions are linked to their customers’ Assets under Management (AUM).
    •     Aim : To foster the sustained growth of assets under management while offering customers a cost-
          and tax-efficient means of wealth accumulation over extended periods.
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    •     India and Ghana have agreed to operationalize India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) of the
          National Payments Corporation (NPCI) on Ghana’s Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement
          Systems (GHIPSS) within 6 months.
    •     This was a key outcome from the fourth session of the India-Ghana Joint Trade Committee (JTC)
          held in Accra.
    •     Bilateral Trade and Collaboration: The meeting also discussed opportunities for a Memorandum of
          Understanding (MoU) on digital transformation solutions and Local Currency Settlement System.
About UPI :
    •     Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single
          mobile application.
    •     It is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
    •     It was introduced in April 2016.
About Ghana :
    •     President : Nana Akufo-Addo
    •     Capital : Accra
    •     Currency : Cedi
Indian Bank Q4FY24 Earnings: Net Profit Increases by 55% to Rs 2,247 Crore
    •     Indian Bank's net profit rose by 55% to Rs 2,247 crore in Q4FY24, compared to Rs 1,447 crore in
          the same period of FY23.
    •     For the entire fiscal year, the bank's net profit increased by 53% to Rs 8,063 crore in FY24, from
          Rs 5,282 crore in FY23.
    •     Growth in Total Income: Total income in Q4FY24 rose by 19% to Rs 16,887 crore, compared to Rs
          14,238 crore in Q4FY23.
About Indian Bank :
    •     Established : 15 August 1907
    •     Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
    •     MD & CEO : Shanti Lal Jain
    •     Tagline : Your Own Bank/ Apka Apna Bank
RBI Reports Housing Credit Surging by Rs 10 Trillion in the Past 2 Years
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    •     According to Reserve Bank of India’s ( RBI's) data on 'Sectoral Deployment of Bank Credit', Credit
          outstanding to the housing sector rose by nearly Rs 10 lakh crore in the last two fiscals to reach a
          record Rs 27.23 lakh crore in March 2024.
    •     This represents a significant rise from Rs 19.88 lakh crore in March 2023 and Rs 17.27 lakh crore
          in March 2022.
    •     According to the data of the RBI on sectoral deployment of bank credit for March 2024, the credit
          outstanding to the housing (including priority sector housing') stood at Rs 27,22,720 crore in March
          2024, up from Rs 19,88,532 crore in March 2023, and Rs 17,26,697 crore in March 2022.
CareEdge Predicts Bank Credit-to-Deposit Ratio to Exceed 81% in FY25
    •     The credit-to-deposit (CD) ratio of banks is expected to remain at over 81% in FY25 as credit
          growth continues to remain above the growth in deposits.
    •     Role of Deposit Growth in FY25:Deposit growth is anticipated to play a crucial role in FY25.
    •     Banks are expected to focus on strengthening their liability franchise to ensure that the slower
          growth in deposits does not limit credit expansion.
    •     Estimations for Deposit and Credit Growth in Current Financial Year:CareEdge Ratings estimates
          deposit growth to be in the range of 13-13.5% during the current financial year.
IDBI Bank Faces ₹2.9 Crore GST Order for Excess Input Tax Credit Claims
    •     IDBI Bank has received a Goods and Services Tax (GST) demand order of ₹2.97 crore along with
          interest and penalty for alleged excess availment of input tax credit (ITC).
    •     Components of the GST Demand:The total demand of ₹2.97 crore comprises:
    •     Tax demand of ₹1.42 crore.
    •     Interest amount of ₹1.41 crore.
    •     Penalty of ₹0.14 crore.
    •     The Dehradun state tax department has issued an order under the GST rules pertaining to 2018-
          19 fiscal for alleged excess availment and utilisation of ITC.
About IDBI Bank :
    •     Founded : 1 July 1964
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •     MD & CEO : Rakesh Sharma
Reserve Bank of India Accepts Only ₹10,513 Crore Worth of Offers for Government Securities Buyback
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    •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted offers to buy Government Securities (G-Secs) totalling
          ₹10,513 crore, even though the total bids received were 1.33 times the notified amount of ₹40,000
          crore.
    •     The RBI received bids worth Rs 53,333 crore at the auction. Market participants said that the RBI
          accepted bids only at Financial Benchmarks India Private Limited (FBIL) levels.
    •     FBIL is an organisation in India responsible for administering and publishing various financial
          benchmarks, including interest rate benchmarks.
About RBI :
    •     Established : 1 April 1935
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •     Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    •     Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
Small Finance Banks to Request Reserve Bank of India Guidance on Loan Book Diversification
    •     Small finance banks (SFBs) are likely to seek clarification from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on
          loan portfolio diversification, as the regulator has not specified the extent of diversification that
          should be seen as desirable.
    •     In the recent guidelines provided by the RBI for the voluntary transition of SFBs to universal banks,
          the regulator indicated a preference for eligible SFBs with diversified loan portfolios.
    •     Current Status of SFBs: Presently, there are 11 SFBs in operation, with AU and Fincare merging
          earlier in the year.
RBI Removes Restrictions on Bank of Baroda World App, Allowing Onboarding of New Customers
    •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed the Bank of Baroda (BoB) to onboard new customers
          through the 'Bob World' mobile application, lifting a restriction imposed in October 2023 due to
          material supervisory concerns.
    •     The restriction lasted over 6 months.
    •     The bank will now resume onboarding new customers on the Bob World application, adding that it
          remains committed to ensuring adherence and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
About BoB :
    •     Founded : 20 July 1908
    •     Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
    •     MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
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Ex-BharatPe COO Bahl's Eternal Capital unveils a Rs 120 crore venture capital fund
    •     Eternal Capital, founded by former BharatPe Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dhruv Dhanraj Bahl,
          has launched its maiden venture capital (VC) fund with a target corpus of Rs 120 crore.
    •     The fund has a greenshoe option to raise an additional Rs 120 crore, allowing a total capacity of
          Rs 240 crore.
    •     Regulatory Approval : Eternal Capital received approval from the SEBI for a Category-I Alternative
          Investment Fund (AIF) in November 2023.
Indian Overseas Bank to Sell Two NPA Portfolios Worth Rs 13,472 Crore
    •     Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has published sale notification pertains to the sale of 92 Non-
          Performing Assets (NPAs) loans, collectively amounting to an aggregate Book Outstanding of Rs
          13,471.68 crores, offered on portfolio basis in 2 lots through e-auction under the open auction
          method.
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    •     Aim : To enhance the bank's financial health, particularly as its Gross NPA levels have reduced
          significantly from 11.69% in March 2021 to 3.90% by December 2023.
    •     Composition of Portfolios:The first portfolio includes 46 accounts financed under consortium
          arrangements, three accounts under multiple banking arrangements, and two sole banking
          ventures.
About IOB :
    •     Founded : 10 February 1937
    •     Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
    •     MD & CEO : Ajay Kumar Srivastava
    •     Tagline : Good people to grow with
Green Finance: India Raised ₹20,000 Crore Through Sovereign Green Bonds in FY24 Auction
    •     India auctioned sovereign green bonds (SGrB) worth ₹20,000 crore in FY24, a significant increase
          from ₹16,000 crore in FY23.
    •     Purpose of these bonds : To mobilize resources for green infrastructure projects, primarily for
          expanding renewable energy capacity.
    •     Reserve Bank of India's Role in Green Bonds:The RBI conducted four sovereign green bond
          auctions worth ₹20,000 crore in FY24.
    •     The proceeds from these bonds may be used to finance or refinance eligible green projects.
ICICI Bank Facilitates Unified Payments Interface Payments for Non-Resident Indians in India Using
International Mobile Numbers
    •     ICICI Bank has enabled instant payment facility Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for its non-
          resident Indian (NRI) customers in India through their international mobile numbers.
    •     This feature aims to enhance convenience for NRIs in India, allowing them to make everyday
          payments with ease.
    •     Scope of Transactions:With this facility, NRIs can pay for utility bills, merchant transactions, and e-
          commerce purchases through their international mobile numbers linked to their Non-Resident
          External (NRE) or Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) bank accounts with ICICI Bank in India.
About ICICI Bank Ltd :
    •     Founded : 5 January 1994
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •     MD & CEO : Sandeep Bakhshi
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    •     The advisory refers to Section 269 SS of the Income Tax Act, 1961, which prohibits any individual
          from receiving more than Rs 20,000 as a loan amount in cash.
    •     Reason for Cap: This move by the RBI aims to discourage cash transactions, promoting
          transparency and traceability in financial transactions.
About RBI :
    •     Established : 1 April 1935
    •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •     Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    •     Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain, M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
PhonePe Holds Nearly Half of UPI Market Share in April with 49% Domination
    •     Digital payments platform PhonePe has continued to be the number one player in the unified
          payments interface (UPI) ecosystem with a market share of close to 49% in April 2024 across P2M
          (person to merchant) and P2P (person to person) transactions.
    •     PhonePe has maintained the top position in UPI transactions for over 40 months since November
          2020.
    •     UPI Transactions Data for April 2024:According to data issued by the National Payments
          Corporation of India (NPCI), PhonePe clocked 6.5 billion transactions through UPI out of the total
          13.3 billion transactions. In terms of value, the company clocked transactions worth Rs 10 trillion.
About PhonePe :
    •     Established : 2015
    •     Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    •     Co Founder & CEO : Sameer Nigam
Setu Launches Sesame, India's First Domain-Specific Large Language Model for the Banking, Financial
Services, and Insurance Sector
    •     Setu, an Indian fintech company part of the Pine Labs Group, unveiled Sesame, India's first Large
          Language Model (LLM) specifically designed for the banking, financial services, and insurance
          (BFSI) sector.
    •     Sesame was developed in collaboration with Sarvam AI, an Indian AI research firm.
    •     Setu claims that Sesame represents a "ChatGPT moment" for the financial services sector,
          indicating a breakthrough in AI technology for BFSI.
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    •     The unveiling took place at Adbhut India, an event organised by the non-profit People+ai, in the
          presence of Nandan Nilekani (co-founder and director of EkStep Foundation), Shankar Maruwada
          (co-founder and chief executive officer of EkStep Foundation), Tanuj Bhojwani (head of
          People+ai), and other prominent figures in fintech, AI, and digital public infrastructure.
About Setu :
    •     Founded : 2018
    •     Founderd : Sahil Kini and Nikhil Kumar.
    •     It operates in various fintech areas such as account aggregation, data gateway, identity
          verification, embedded finance, Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), WhatsApp
          Business, and Bharat Bill Payment Service (BBPS).
    •     Setu was acquired by Pine Labs for about $70-$75 million in 2022
About Sarvam AI :
    •     Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka
    •     Co Founders : Dr.Vivek Raghavan, Dr, Pratyush Kumar
Central Banks Make Significant Investments in Gold Amid Lingering Global Uncertainty
    •     According to the World Gold Council (WGC), central banks worldwide continued to increase their
          gold reserves in March 2024 with significant purchases led by emerging market banks.
    •     Central banks accounted for 23% of the overall gold demand, totalling 1,238 tonnes in the March
          quarter.
    •     Central banks collectively added 16 tonnes of gold to their reserves in March, matching the
          additions seen in February, 2024.
About WGC :
    •     Established : 1987
    •     Headquarters : London, United Kingdom
    •     CEO : David Tait
SoftBank Leads $1 Billion Funding Round for UK Self-Driving Startup Wayve
    •     Wayve, a British self-driving technology startup, has secured $1.05 billion in a funding round led by
          SoftBank Group.
    •     Nvidia, a new investor, and existing investor Microsoft also contributed to the Series C funding
          round.
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State Bank of India Becomes Inaugural Bank to Join International Bullion Exchange as Trading and
Clearing Member
    ● Public sector lender, State Bank of India (SBI), has become the first trading-cum-clearing
        member (TCM) at the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) – the country’s first bullion
        exchange in GIFT City Gandhinagar.
    ● This enables SBI’s IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) to trade on the IIBX platform.
    ● The Reserve Bank of India recently permitted IBUs to act as trading members and trading and
        clearing members at IIBX as special category clients (SCCs) to import gold through the bullion
        exchange.
    ● SBI's participation is expected to boost trading volumes in gold and silver at the IIBX.
About IIBX :
    ● IIBX is India’s first bullion exchange established in IFSC Gift City.
    ● IIBX is a platform that enables trading in bullion with adherence to OECD Due Diligence
        Guidance for Responsible Supply Chain of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas
        for establishing supply chain integrity.
    ● The following types of entities are eligible to become members of IIBX-
           ➢ Non-Resident Individual / Proprietorship Firm
           ➢ Registered Partnership Firm
           ➢ Private Limited Company and Public Limited Company
           ➢ Qualified Jewellers
           ➢ IBU Branches at GIFT City
           ➢ Foreign Bullion Suppliers who follow OECD guidelines
About SBI :
    ● Established : 1 July 1955
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
    ● CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
Piramal Group's Fund Management Arm Injects Rs 600 Crore into Annapurna Finance
    ● Piramal Alternatives, the fund management arm of the Piramal Group, invested Rs 600 crore in
        Annapurna Finance Private Limited.
    ● This investment comprised Rs 300 crore for acquiring a 9.85% stake in Annapurna Finance and
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         cards, credit cards, cardless EMIs, UPI, bank transfers, e-wallets, and e-mandates.
About RBI :
    ●    Established : 1 April 1935
    ●    Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ●    Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    ●    Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
About Zomato :
    ● Founded : July 2008
    ● Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
    ● MD & CEO : Deepinder Goyal
SEBI Mandates Mandatory Certification for Alternative Investment Fund Manager's Investment Team
    ● Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended rules to
         make it mandatory for at least one key personnel within an investment team of an Alternative
         Investment Fund (AIF) manager to obtain requisite certification.
    ● The new requirement aims to boost competency and professionalism in the AIF space.
About SEBI :
    ● Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    ● SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
South Indian Bank collaborates with Northern Arc Capital to establish new standards in the financial
sector
    ● South Indian Bank has formed an association with Northern Arc Capital aiming to explore and
         maximise commercial prospects by combining efforts in loan origination, underwriting,
         disbursement, collection, and reconciliation procedures.
    ● The collaboration will concentrate on co-lending and partnership lending activities, as well as
         facilitating smooth loan transfers between banks and originators.
    ● This collaboration has been formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
         (MOU), demonstrating both institutions’ commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.
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    ● Total gold reserves witnessed a 34% uptick during the same period.
    ● RBI's Gold Holdings: According to the "Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange
        Reserves" by RBI, the central bank's gold holding rose by 27.46 metric tonnes in FY24 to reach
        822.10 metric tonnes by the end of March 2024.
    ● In terms of USD value, the share of gold in total foreign exchange reserves increased to around
        8.15%, totalling US $ 54.88 billion by March 2024.
    ● Composition of Gold Reserves: Out of RBI's total gold holdings, 408.31 metric tonnes were held
        domestically, while 387.26 metric tonnes were kept in safe custody with the Bank of England and
        the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
    ● Report Structure: The report is divided into two parts: Part I contains the developments regarding
        movement of foreign exchange reserves, information on the external liabilities vis-à-vis the
        reserves, adequacy of reserves, etc., during the half-year under review.
    ● Objectives of reserve management, statutory provisions, risk management practices, information
        on transparency and disclosure practices followed by the RBI with regard to reserve
        management are covered in Part II.
    ● Reserve Increase: Reserves grew from USD 587.71 billion as of end-September 2023 to USD
        646.42 billion as of end-March 2024 during the reviewed half-year period.
    ● Composition of Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) : Foreign Currency Assets stands at USD
        570.95 billion are maintained as a multi-currency portfolio comprising major currencies, such as,
        US dollar, Euro, Pound sterling, Japanese yen, etc. and are valued in terms of US dollars.
    ● Special Drawing Rights (SDR) and Reserve Tranche Position (RTP):SDR stands at USD 18.13
        billion, with values in SDR million indicated in parentheses.
    ● RTP stands at USD 4.6 billion, representing the Reserve Tranche Position in the International
        Monetary Fund (IMF).
    ● Short-Term Debt Ratio:The ratio of short-term debt (original maturity) to reserves decreased from
        22% at end-September 2023 to 20.3% at end-December 2023.
    ● Investment and Deposit Breakdown:As of end-March 2024, out of the total FCA of USD 570.95
        billion:
            ➢ USD 468.99 billion was invested in securities.
            ➢ USD 62.17 billion was deposited with other central banks and the Bank for International
                   Settlements (BIS).
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           ➢ The balance of USD 39.79 billion comprised deposits with commercial banks overseas.
    ● Financial Transaction Plan of the IMF:During the reviewed half-year period, there was one
        purchase transaction totalling USD 152.71 million and 8 repurchase transactions totalling USD
        574.51 million under the Financial Transaction Plan of the IMF.
Paytm Shifts Focus to UPI Lite Wallet for Low-Value Payments
    ● One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, has launched the UPI Lite wallet to
        simplify payments, particularly for low-value transactions.
    ● Transaction Limits: Users can make instant transactions of up to Rs 500 each using the UPI Lite
        wallet.
    ● Additionally, they can add up to Rs 2,000 to their wallet twice a day, totalling Rs 4,000 daily.
    ● Leading banks such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, State Bank of India, and YES Bank are part of
        this collaboration.
    ● Collaboration: One97 Communications Limited collaborates with prominent Payment System
        Providers to establish a robust and reliable framework for the UPI Lite wallet.
    ● Transaction Limits According to NPCI: The UPI Lite wallet is designed for small transactions, with
        transaction limits set by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) at up to Rs 500 per
        transaction.
About Paytm :
    ● Founded : August 2010
    ● Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Mandates Insurers to Extend Coverage to
Identified Gram Panchayats
    ● In a move that can bring insurance down to the grassroots, the Insurance Regulatory and
        Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has mandated life and general insurers to extend cover
        to certain identified Gram Panchayats.
    ● Per the master circular issued by the regulator on rural, social and motor third-party obligations,
        the Life Insurance Council, in consultation with the Ministry of Panchayat Raj, will indicate the
        minimum number of Gram Panchayats to each life insurer on mutually agreed parameters such
        as market share, or any other parameter.
    ● A similar exercise will also be taken up by the General Insurance Council to identify the Gram
        Panchayats for extending the health cover, Motor Third Party (MTP) insurance and the dwelling
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        shops.
    ● The new norms will be applicable from the current financial year.
    ● The new norms will also augur well for the recently-announced objective of achieving ‘Insurance
        for All by 2047’ of IRDAI.
About IRDAI :
    ●   Established : 1999
    ●   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
    ●   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
    ●   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
        of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
        industries in India.
Public Sector Banks' Aggregate Profit Surges by 35%, Exceeds Rs 1.4 Trillion in FY24
    ● Public sector banks' cumulative profit crossed Rs 1.4 trillion in the financial year ended March
        2024, recording a growth of 35% over the previous year on a high base of Rs 1 trillion.
    ● The 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) together earned a net profit of Rs 1,04,649 crore in 2022-23.
    ● Out of the total profit of Rs 141,203 crore earned during the FY24, market leader State Bank of
        India (SBI) alone contributed over 40% of the total earnings.
    ● SBI earned a profit of Rs 61,077 crore 22% higher than the previous financial year (Rs 50,232
        crore).
    ● In percentage terms Delhi-based Punjab National Bank had the highest net profit growth with
        228% to Rs 8,245 crore, followed by Union Bank of India with a 62% rise to Rs 13,649 crore and
        Central Bank of India with a 61% increase to Rs 2,549 crore.
    ● Among the banks which recorded over 50% jump in net profit included Bank of India with a 57%
        growth to Rs 6,318 crore while Bank of Maharashtra with a 56% rise to Rs 4,055 crore and
        Chennai-based India Bank recorded a 53% improvement to Rs 8,063 crore.
    ● During the year, the only public sector bank out of 12 that reported a drop in profit was Punjab &
        Sind Bank.
    ● Punjab & Sind Bank, headquartered in Delhi, reported a 55% decline in annual net profit,
        dropping from Rs 1,313 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 595 crore in the fiscal year ending March 2024.
    ● The government has implemented a comprehensive 4R strategy: Recognising NPAs
        transparently, Resolution and recovery, Recapitalising PSBs, and Reforms in the financial
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        ecosystem.
State Bank of India Raises Short-Term Retail Fixed Deposit Rates by 25-75 Basis Points
    ● State Bank of India (SBI) has raised interest rates on retail domestic term deposits (below ₹2
        crore) by 25-75 basis points for deposits of less than 1-year tenor.
    ● SBI has also increased interest rates on domestic bulk term deposits (₹2 crore and above) by 10-
        50 basis points on five out of eight maturity buckets.
    ● The new interest rates are effective from May 15, 2024.
    ● Retail Term Deposit Rates: SBI has increased interest rates on retail domestic term deposits
        across various maturity buckets. For example:
           ➢ Deposits of 46 days to 179 days: Increased from 4.75% to 5.50% (75 bps hike)
           ➢ Deposits of 180 days to 210 days: Increased from 5.75% to 6.00% (25 bps hike)
           ➢ Deposits of 211 days to less than 1 year: Increased from 6.00% to 6.25% (25 bps hike)
    ● The bank’s highest interest rate is 7% on deposits of 2 years to less than 3 years.
    ● Bulk Deposit Rate Changes: The bank has also raised interest rates on domestic bulk term
        deposits for various durations. For example:
           ➢ Deposits of 7 days to 45 days: Increased from 5.00% to 5.25% (25 bps hike)
           ➢ Deposits of 46 days to 179 days: Increased from 5.75% to 6.25% (50 bps hike)
           ➢ Deposits of 180 days to 210 days: Increased from 6.50% to 6.60% (10 bps hike)
PhonePe Teams Up with LankaPay to Encourage Unified Payments Interface Payments in Sri Lanka
    ● PhonePe, a leading fintech company based in Bengaluru, has partnered with Sri Lanka-based
        LankaPay to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions for PhonePe users in Sri
        Lanka.
    ● PhonePe users travelling to Sri Lanka can now make payments using UPI's rails across
        LankaPay's merchants throughout the country.
    ● Transactions will be conducted in Indian Rupees (INR), with currency exchange rates applied to
        such transactions.
    ● Apart from the National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) UPI, these transactions will be
        facilitated by the LankaPay National Payment Network.
    ● LankaPay is owned by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
    ● The launch event of the payments service in Sri Lanka's capital saw the participation of notable
        figures such as Santosh Jha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Dr. Nandalal
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    ● Launched in April and continuing through May, the training program targets 150 homestay
        owners. It integrates classroom learning with practical sessions.
    ● Training sessions have been conducted in Joshimath (Badrinath), Guptkashi (Kedarnath), and
        Ukhimath (Kedarnath), with pending sessions scheduled in Gangotri (Uttarkashi) and Yamunotri
        (Uttarkashi).
    ● As of now, certificates have been awarded to 31 homestay owners in Joshimath, 25 in
        Guptkashi, and 39 in Ukhimath.
About EaseMyTrip :
    ● Founded : 2008
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
    ● Co-founder and CEO : Nishant Pitti
About Small Industries Development Bank of India :
    ●   Established : 2 April 1990
    ●   Headquarters : Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
    ●   Chairman & MD : Sivasubramanian Ramann
    ●   The SIDBI is the apex regulatory body for overall licensing and regulation of micro, small and
        medium enterprise finance companies in India.
    ●   It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance , Government of India (GoI).
Asian Development Bank Grants $148 Million Loan to Enhance Power Supply in Sikkim
    ● Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 148.5 million loan to help modernise and
        enhance the reliability, quality and resilience of electricity supply in Sikkim.
    ● This project fully supports Sikkim’s Power for All initiative, ensuring round-the-clock uninterrupted
        access to quality electricity for households, industries, businesses, and the public.
    ● The project will modernise Sikkim’s power distribution system by upgrading it with approximately
        770 kilometres of climate-resilient medium-voltage underground and/or covered conductors.
    ● Additionally, it will replace 580 kilometres of ageing and low-capacity bare conductors with new
        ones to increase distribution network capacity.
    ● It will upgrade 26 existing power substations, including the installation of a supervisory control
        and data acquisition system, install 15,000 units of public street lighting in remote areas, and
        conduct electricity conservation and safety awareness programmes in 28 villages.
About ADB :
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    ●   Established : 1966
    ●   Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
    ●   President : Masatsugu Asakawa
    ●   Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
        and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Tata AIG General Insurance Collaborates with Aurm for Vault Services
    ● Aurm, an asset protection firm, has announced a strategic partnership with Tata AIG General
        Insurance, to provide comprehensive insurance coverage to its customers for their valuables.
    ● Under this partnership, Aurm’s vaults will be fully insured for up to INR 25 lakh, courtesy of TATA
        AIG, India’s general insurance provider.
    ● Aurm partners with banks and real estate companies to offer state-of-the-art safe deposit storage
        facilities that are fully automated and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
About Tata AIG General Insurance :
    ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● CEO: Neelesh Garg.
    ● It is a joint venture company between TATA Group and American International Group (AIG).
TATA AIG Launches India’s First Satellite-based In-Orbit Third-Party Liability Insurance
    ● General insurance provider Tata AIG launched the ‘Satellite In-Orbit Third-Party Liability
        Insurance’ policy to provide critical financial support to satellite manufacturers and operators in
        the Indian space industry.
    ● The new insurance product, claimed to be India’s first, is designed to provide critical financial
        protection for satellite manufacturers and operators.
    ● It is designed to offer comprehensive coverage for third-party bodily injury and property damage
        in the event of an incident involving an orbiting satellite.
    ● With the privatisation of space launches, India aims to quintuple its share in the global launch
        market, which is expected to reach $47.3bn (Rs3.95trn) by 2032.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes Framework to Enable Domestic Mutual Funds to
Invest in Overseas Funds
    ● Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed to allow investment by
        domestic mutual funds in overseas funds that have limited exposure to Indian securities.
    ● Current Scenario : At present SEBI registered mutual funds are allowed to invest in overseas
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        securities, including American Depository Receipts (ADRs) / Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)
        issued by Indian or foreign companies, equity of overseas companies listed on recognized stock
        exchanges overseas.
    ● Proposed Guidelines:The Indian Mutual Fund schemes may invest in such overseas MF/Unit
        Trust (UTs) that have exposure to Indian securities, provided that the total exposure to Indian
        securities by such overseas MF/UTs shall not be more than 20% of their net assets.
    ● In case of a breach of the investment limit, the scheme will enter into an observance period of 6
        months to correct the portfolio and no fresh investment or subscription will be allowed during this
        period.
    ● Market Indices Exposure: As of April 30, 2024, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index (MEMI) has an
        18.08% weightage to Indian securities.
    ● JP Morgan's 'Emerging Markets Opportunities Fund' holds approximately 15% of Indian
        investments, according to its latest factsheet as of March 31, 2024.
    ● Current Restrictions:SEBI has imposed a ban on all overseas investments by mutual fund
        schemes due to breaching the $7-billion investment limit set by RBI.
    ● Additionally, mutual funds have exhausted an additional $1-billion cap for exchange-traded funds
        (ETFs).
Reserve Bank of India Plans Rs 1.25 Trillion 14-Day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRR) Auction
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will conduct a 14-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction for a
        notified amount of Rs 1.25 trillion.
    ● A repo auction is conducted by the central bank to inject liquidity into the banking system.
    ● Currently, liquidity in the banking system is estimated to be in deficit of around Rs 1.20 lakh
        crore, as per the RBI’s Money Market Operations as of May 15, 2024.
RuPay cardholders receive 25% cashback on in-store purchases in 7 countries until July 31
    ● National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) RuPay card network has announced a limited-
        time special cashback offer scheme for both RuPay credit and debit cardholders, from May 15 to
        July 31, 2024.
    ● During the offer period, customers will receive 25% cashback on in-store point-of-sale purchases
        made at merchants accepting cards on either ‘Discover’ network or ‘Diners Club International’
        within Canada, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Kingdom (UK)
        and United States (US).
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    ● The maximum cashback amount per transaction for a card during the offer period will be ₹2,500.
About NPCI :
    ●   Founded : 2008
    ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ●   MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
    ●   The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
        India.
    ●   It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
        provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, to create a robust Payment &
        Settlement Infrastructure in India.
YES BANK Introduces YES Grandeur for Premium Banking Services Catering to Elite and Emerging
Affluent Segments
    ● YES BANK has announced the launch of YES Grandeur, an exclusive banking programme
        designed to address the unique financial and lifestyle needs of India’s fast-growing Emerging
        Affluent segment.
    ● The Emerging Affluent segment is projected to grow by 2.3 times over the next decade,
        according to BCG CCI Proprietary Income Model, indicating a significant shift in consumer
        banking preferences driven by increased disposable income and refined consumer behaviours.
    ● The expansion of the Indian middle class, expected to nearly double to 61% by 2046-47 as per
        the PRICE Report, along with rising incomes, will further shape future consumption patterns.
    ● YES Grandeur is aimed at catering to the evolving market dynamics where the affluent are
        increasingly seeking personalised services that complement their lifestyle.
    ● With an eligibility threshold of Average Monthly Balance (AMB) of ₹5 Lakh or a Net Relationship
        Value (NRV) of ₹20 Lakh, with additional consideration given to loan relationships, YES
        Grandeur is positioned to enhance the banking experience for this discerning customer base.
About YES Bank :
    ●   Established : 2004
    ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ●   MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
    ●   Tagline : Experience our expertise
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India 'sees' its 3rd unicorn of 2024 in logistics services platform Porter
    ● Homegrown logistics services platform Porter has likely become the 3rd unicorn (with valuation of
        $1 billion and above) in India this year(2024) after a fresh internal round.
    ● The fresh round involved key individual investors who bought stock from the employee stock
        ownership plan (ESOP) pool of the logistics provider, taking its valuation at $1 billion.
    ● Before Porter, India saw the birth of two unicorns -Ola's Krutrim AI and fintech firm Perfios - this
        year(2024) amid global slowdown.
About Porter :
    ● Founded : 2014
    ● Founders : Pranav Goel, Uttam Digga and Vikas Choudhary
    ● The company launched an on-demand marketplace for various logistics services, including
        trucks, bikes, and packers & movers.
New Point of Sale Deployment Slows to Lowest Growth Rate Since Demonetisation: RBI Data
    ● The convenience of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platforms is increasingly favoured by
        merchants and consumers, reducing the reliance on debit cards for cashless transactions.
    ● New PoS Terminal Deployment:The deployment of new point-of-sale (PoS) terminals grew at the
        slowest pace in fiscal 2023-24 since demonetisation, according to RBI data.
    ● New PoS terminal deployment rose by 14% between March 2023 and 2024, compared to 28%
        and 29% in the preceding two years.
    ● The highest growth rate in recent years was 82% in 2016-2017, following demonetisation when
        the base was 1.38 million machines.
About UPI :
    ● Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single
        mobile application.
    ● It is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
    ● It was introduced in April 2016.
IFC Provides $500 Million Financing to HDFC Bank to Boost Microloans
    ● The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has extended $500 million in financing to HDFC
        Bank to expand microloans for underserved women borrowers in India.
    ● Women, particularly microloan borrowers in semi-urban and rural areas, will benefit from
        increased access to finance due to IFC's financing of up to $500 million to HDFC Bank.
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    ● HDFC Bank will utilize IFC's financing for on-lending as microloans to Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
        and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) enrolled in the Sustainable Livelihoods Initiative (SLI).
About IFC :
    ● The International Finance Corporation is an international financial institution that offers
        investment, advisory, and asset-management services to encourage private-sector development
        in less developed countries.
    ● The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the
        United States.
SBI General Insurance Partners with CAMS to Launch Bima Central, a Groundbreaking Policyholder
Servicing Platform
    ● SBI General Insurance Company Limited, one of India’s top general insurance carriers, has
        partnered with Bima Central, built by CAMS Insurance Repository, to launch the industry-first
        policyholder servicing platform, Bima Central.
    ● Functionality of Bima Central:The platform allows consumers to aggregate their insurance
        portfolios via an electronic Insurance Account (eIA).
    ● Users can manage their insurance policies effortlessly through a single digital portal, Bima
        Central.
    ● Unique Feature: For the first time in the market, SBI General Insurance customers with an eIA
        through CAMS Rep Bima Central will have immediate access to their insurance portfolio via the
        SBI General Insurance Mobile App.
About SBI General Insurance Company Limited :
    ● Founded : 2009 (started operations in 2010)
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO : Kishore Poludasu
    ● It is a joint venture between the State Bank of India (SBI) and the Insurance Australia Group
        (IAG).
Bank of Maharashtra Leads PSU Lenders in Business Growth for FY24
    ● State-owned Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) recorded the highest growth rate last fiscal in terms of
        total business and deposit mobilisation among public sector lenders at a time when most banks
        are facing difficulty in achieving double-digit growth.
    ● The Pune-headquartered lender has registered a 15.94% rise in the total business (domestic) in
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        FY24, followed by the country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) with 13.12% growth.
    ● However, SBI's total business (deposit and advances) was about 16.7 times higher at Rs
        79,52,784 crore compared to Rs 4,74,411 crore of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) in absolute terms.
    ● Similarly, BoM continued to maintain its top spot in terms of growth in deposit mobilisation, with a
        15.66% rise in FY24.
    ● It was followed by SBI (11.07%), Bank of India (11.05%) and Canara Bank (10.98%).
    ● Out of 12 public sector banks, only these four lenders could log a double-digit growth in deposits
        in the financial year 2023-24.
    ● In terms of low-cost CASA deposits, the Bank of Maharashtra continued to top the chart with
        52.73% growth, followed by the Central Bank of India with a 50.02% rise at the end of March
        2024.
    ● With regard to loan growth, the Kolkata-based UCO Bank was a tad higher at 16.38%, followed
        by BoM at 16.30%.
    ● SBI also reported 16.26% growth in advances in FY24.
    ● Loan growth of remaining public sector banks was lower than 16% during the fiscal.
    ● On the asset quality side, the Bank of Maharashtra and SBI reported the lowest gross non-
        performing assets with 1.88% and 2.24%, respectively, as of March 31, 2024.
    ● In terms of net NPAs, BoM and Indian Bank reported the lowest numbers, with 0.2% and 0.43%,
        respectively.
    ● In terms of capital adequacy ratio, the Bank of Maharashtra was leading PSBs at 17.38%,
        followed by Indian Overseas Bank at 17.28% and Punjab & Sind Bank at 17.16 at the end of
        FY24.
About BoM :
    ● Established : 16 September 1935
    ● Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra
    ● MD & CEO : Nidhu Saxena
    ● Tagline : One Family One Bank
Indian Banking Sector Surpasses IT with Net Profit Exceeding ₹3 Lakh Crore in FY24, Up 39% YoY
    ● India's banking sector achieved a milestone as its net profit surpassed Rs 3 lakh crore for the first
        time in FY24.
    ● The combined net profit of listed public and private sector banks surged by 39%, reaching Rs 3.1
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    ● Online insurance marketplace Policybazaar has introduced its 'Claim Assurance Program' to
        accelerate the motor insurance claims process.
    ● The program aims to provide swift and efficient claims support across more than 1000 PIN
        codes, targeting both metropolitan areas and tier 2 and 3 regions.
    ● The initiative is part of Policybazaar's broader strategy to enhance its claims assistance across
        all insurance verticals.
About Policybazaar :
    ● Founded : July 2008
    ● Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
    ● Founders : Yashish Dahiya, Alok Bansal, Avaneesh Nirjar
    ● Policybazaar is an Indian insurance aggregator and multinational financial technology company.
    ● Policybazaar is the flagship subsidiary of PB Fintech Limited., which also owns the credit product
        aggregator Paisabazaar.
HDFC Bank Offloads Entire 3.20% Stake in Protean eGov Technologies for Rs 150 Crore via Open
Market Transaction
    ● HDFC Bank, a private sector lender, sold its entire 3.20% stake in Protean eGov Technologies
        for Rs 150 crore through an open market transaction.
    ● This transaction involved the sale of 12,94,326 shares.
    ● Nippon India Mutual Fund purchased 12.78 lakh shares, equivalent to a 3.16% stake in Protean
        eGov Technologies, for Rs 148 crore.
    ● This acquisition indicates Nippon India Mutual Fund's interest in investing in the company.
About Protean eGov Technologies :
    ● Incorporated : December 1995
    ● Protean eGov Technologies, previously known as NSDL e-Governance Infra, is involved in
        developing citizen-centric and population-scale e-governance solutions.
    ● The company's focus on e-governance solutions indicates its involvement in technology-driven
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    ● Inflation Drivers: The prices of vegetables, cereals, pulses, meat, and fish are likely to keep
        headline inflation elevated and closer to 5% in the near term.
    ● Economic Outlook: According to the OECD's latest economic outlook, India is projected to remain
        the fastest growing major economy with a GDP growth of 6.6% in FY25.
    ● Economic Activity Index (EAI): The EAI indicated a rebound in economic activity in April 2024.
    ● Early estimates suggest that GDP growth for Q1 (April-June) 2024-25 is likely to be close to
        7.5%.
Maldives Plans Launch of RuPay to Enhance Bilateral Ties with India
    ● Maldives intends to launch India's RuPay service, reflecting the strengthening of ties between the
        two nations.
    ● The specific launch date for the RuPay service has not yet been disclosed.
    ● The upcoming launch of RuPay in Maldives is expected to enhance the value of the Maldivian
        currency, the rufiyaa (MVR).
    ● The move is likely to help Male save almost 50% of the annual $1.5 million import bill from the
        two countries.
    ● In July 2023, the Government of India declared that Maldives was among the 22 countries that
        were permitted by the Reserve Bank of India to open Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs)
        as part of efforts to promote bilateral trade in local currencies.
About RuPay :
    ● RuPay, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), is India's first domestic
        card payment network.
    ● It is widely accepted at ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) devices, and e-commerce platforms across
        India.
About Maldives :
    ● President : Mohamed Muizzu
    ● Capital : Malé
    ● Currency : Maldivian rufiyaa
SEBI Establishes Guidelines to Manage Pricing Impact Following Company Rumor Verifications
    ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued guidelines for calculating the
        "unaffected price" after a listed entity verifies market rumours.
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     ● Listed entities are required to verify market rumours upon observing material price movement in
        their equity shares.
     ● Definition of Unaffected Price:The unaffected price is determined by excluding the effect on the
        equity share price caused by the material price movement and the confirmation of the rumour.
     ● Applicability of Framework:The framework for considering the unaffected price will apply to the
        top 100 listed entities starting June 1 and to the top 250 listed entities starting December 1.
     ● Timing of Rumour Confirmation:The unaffected price will only apply if the listed entity confirms
        the rumour related to the transaction within 24 hours of the material price movement trigger.
     ● Validity Period of Unaffected Price:The unaffected price will be applicable for a period of either 60
        days or 180 days, depending on the stage of the transaction.
Reserve Bank of India Board Approves Record Rs 2.11 Lakh Crore Surplus Transfer to Government for
FY24
     ● The Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the highest-ever surplus
        transfer/dividend of Rs 2.11 lakh crore to the Central government for the accounting year 2023-
        24.
     ● The decision on the surplus transfer was made during the 608th meeting of the Central Board of
        Directors of the Reserve Bank of India, held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
     ● Economic Capital Framework (ECF):The transferable surplus for the year 2023-24 was
        determined based on the Economic Capital Framework (ECF).
     ● ECF provides a methodology for determining the appropriate level of risk provisions and profit
        distribution as per Section 47 of the RBI Act 1934.
     ● Expert Committee and Recommendations:The ECF was adopted by the Reserve Bank on
        August 26, 2019, based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee chaired by Dr. Bimal
        Jalan.
     ● Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB):The Committee recommended maintaining the CRB within a range
        of 6.5% to 5.5% of the RBI’s balance sheet to cover monetary, financial stability, credit, and
        operational risks.
     ● Purpose of Contingent Risk Buffer (CRB):The CRB serves as the country’s savings for a financial
        stability crisis, consciously maintained with the RBI due to its role as the Lender of Last Resort
        (LoLR).
     ● It is a component of the RBI’s economic capital required to cover monetary and financial stability,
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     ● RBI has also instructed banks to undertake regular reviews of large unclaimed amounts and
        reach out to such customers.
Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹3.1 Lakh Penalty on Hero FinCorp for Violating Fair Practices Code
Provisions
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a penalty of Rs 3.1 lakh on Hero FinCorp Limited for
        non-compliance with specific provisions concerning fair practices code.
     ● RBI clarified that the penalty is not a judgement on the validity of transactions or agreements
        made by the company with its customers.
     ● This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of
        section 58B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
National Payments Corporation of India Releases Guidelines for Merchant Acquisition on BHIM Aadhar
Pay
     ● The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has published guidelines for acquiring banks
        to validate merchant details for BHIM Aadhaar Pay.
     ● BHIM Aadhaar Pay Functionality:BHIM Aadhaar Pay allows merchants to receive digital
        payments from customers through Aadhaar Authentication over the counter.
     ● Merchant Monitoring:An Acquiring Member Bank must monitor its Merchant activity (viz., on-
        boarding criteria, transaction monitoring & control, training, assessment of the portfolio metrics,
        etc.) periodically.
What is meant by merchant acquirer?
     ● A merchant acquirer, also known as an acquirer or acquiring/merchant bank, is a financial
        institution authorized by major card networks such as Mastercard or Visa to process credit and
        debit card transactions for merchants.
     ● This bank plays a crucial role in the payment processing system, handling the acceptance and
        settlement of card transactions on behalf of the merchants.
About BHIM Aadhaar Pay :
     ● BHIM Aadhaar Pay was launched by the Government of India (GoI) on April 14, 2017, as a
        merchant-based mobile application for accepting payments from customers.
     ● Service Availability:The BHIM Aadhaar Pay service is currently available only in India and
        operates 24x7 through merchants.
     ● Transaction Fees:NPCI does not charge any fees to merchants or customers for transactions
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     ● BharatPe Group and PhonePe Group have amicably settled all long-standing legal disputes
        related to the use of the trademark with the suffix 'Pe'.
     ● The fintechs have been engaged in a legal dispute across multiple courts for the past 5 years.
     ● Further, both entities will undertake other necessary steps to comply with the obligations under
        the settlement agreement in respect of all cases before the Delhi and Bombay High Courts.
Background on BharatPe:
     ● BharatPe, a brand name of Resilient Innovations, was established in 2018.
     ● It introduced India’s first UPI interoperable QR code for zero MDR payment acceptance service.
     ● BharatPe also operates the card acceptance terminal called BharatPe Swipe and has 1.3 crore
        registered merchants across over 450 cities.
Background on PhonePe Group:
     ● PhonePe Group's digital payments app, PhonePe, was launched in August 2016.
     ● The platform boasts 53.5 crore registered users and a digital payments acceptance network of
        3.9 crore merchants..
About BharatPe :
     ● Founded : 2018
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
     ● Chairman : Rajnish Kumar
     ● CEO : Nalin Negi
     ● BharatPe is an Indian fintech company that sells digital payment and financial services to small
        merchants and Grocery stores.
About Phoepe :
     ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
     ● Founder and CEO : Sameer Nigam
Reserve Bank of India Scrutiny Raises Investor Caution in Fintech Sector
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is urging fintech firms towards calibrated growth, leading
        investors to adopt a cautious approach.
     ● In a recent meeting, the RBI instructed lending-focused fintechs to reduce their growth rates.
     ● Firms growing at over 30% have been advised to limit their growth to 15-20%, as per industry
        sources.
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     ● Investment Trends:Investment in the fintech segment decreased to $203 million in the first four
        months of 2024 from $1572 million a year ago, indicating a more selective investment approach.
     ● QED Investors' Involvement:QED Investors has invested approximately $150 million in Indian
        fintechs, including Jupiter (digital banking platform), FPL Technologies (OneCard credit card
        issuer), and OneScore (digital credit score platform).
South African Regulator Imposes Fine on SBI Branch
     ● The Prudential Authority of the South African Reserve Bank has imposed a financial penalty of
        10 million rand (₹4.5 crore) on the State Bank of India's South Africa branch.
     ● Payment Details:The penalty includes an immediately payable portion of 5.50 million rand, which
        has already been paid by the SBI branch in South Africa.
     ● The remaining 4.50 million rand is suspended for 36 months, conditional on compliance within
        this period.
     ● Reason for Penalty:The penalty was imposed under Section 45C of South Africa's Financial
        Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FIC Act).
     ● In 2018, another public sector lender, Bank of Baroda, had wound up its South Africa operations
        after being hauled up by authorities for transactions in accounts controlled by the Gupta Brothers.
About South African Reserve Bank (SARB) :
     ● Established : 30 June 1921
     ● Headquarters : Pretoria, South Africa
     ● Governor : Lesetja Kganyago
Burgan Bank Chooses TCS BaNCS for Core Banking Transformation
     ● Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has signed a deal to modernize the core banking technology of
        Burgan Bank, a leading commercial bank in Kuwait.
     ● The bank will deploy TCS BaNCS to consolidate multiple standalone legacy applications into a
        contemporary universal banking solution that drives innovation and strengthens customer
        relationships.
     ● The TCS BaNCS solution will enable the bank to manage higher transaction volumes, enhance
        automation, and improve staff productivity.
     ● With TCS BaNCS's rich set of APIs, Burgan Bank will provide an integrated solution to its
        diversified customer base across corporate, retail, and private banking segments.
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         engagement period of statutory auditors with insurance companies from 10 years to 4 years.
     ● Objective:The updated guidelines are designed to improve corporate governance in the
         insurance sector by ensuring regular rotation and independence of audit firms.
     ● After completing a four-year term, audit firms must observe a mandatory three-year cooling-off
         period.
     ● The new guidelines aim to enhance audit quality by ensuring a fresh review of financial
         statements every 4 years, reducing the potential for complacency.
About IRDAI :
     ●   Established : 1999
     ●   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
     ●   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
     ●   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
         of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
         industries in India.
SEBI fines IOC, GAIL, ONGC for fourth consecutive quarter over director appointment failures
     ● Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum
         Corporation Ltd (BPCL), Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Oil India Ltd (OIL), GAIL
         (India) Limited, and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) have been fined for the
         4th consecutive quarter for failing to meet listing requirements regarding the number of directors
         on their board.
     ● Stock exchanges imposed a cumulative fine of Rs 34 lakh on these companies for non-
         compliance in the March quarter, as per exchange filings.
     ● Reason for Fines:The fines were imposed because these companies did not have the requisite
         number of independent directors or the mandated women director, as required by listing norms.
     ● Fine Amounts:Each of the companies, except ONGC, faced a fine of Rs 536,900 for the fourth
         quarter.
     ● ONGC's fine amount was Rs 182,900.
SEBI Reduces Commodity Derivatives Delivery Period to 3 Days
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the deliverable period for
         commodity derivatives to 3 days from the previous 5 days.
     ● Objective: To improve liquidity in delivery-based commodity derivatives.
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     ● The new regulation will be effective from July 1, 2024, for contracts with staggered delivery
        scheduled after this date.
     ● Reason for Change: The decision was based on representations from market participants and
        recommendations from the Commodity Derivatives Advisory Committee.
What is the Staggered Delivery Period?
     ● Staggered delivery is the period before contract expiry when buyers and sellers with open
        positions can indicate their intent to give or take delivery.
     ● All compulsory delivery commodity futures contracts must include a staggered delivery period.
     ● The SEBI had fixed a minimum duration for the staggered delivery (now 3 days and earlier 5
        days) in 2019 after it noticed that different exchanges were following different delivery schedules.
Reserve Bank of India Launches PRAVAAH Portal, Retail Direct App, and FinTech Repository for G-
Secs
     ● The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Shaktikanta Das, introduced 3 significant
        initiatives, namely the PRAVAAH portal, the retail direct mobile app, and a fintech repository.
About PRAVAAH Portal :
     ● PRAVAAH (Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation and AutHorisation) is a secure and
        centralised web-based portal for any individual or entity to seek authorisation, license or
        regulatory approval on any reference made by it to the RBI.
     ● Currently, the portal offers access to 60 application forms across various regulatory and
        supervisory departments of the RBI.
About Retail Direct Mobile App :
     ● The Retail Direct Mobile App will provide retail investors seamless and convenient access to the
        retail direct platform and provide ease of transacting in government securities (G-Secs).
     ● The app will enable investors to buy and sell instruments/government securities (Government
        Dated Securities, State Development Loans, Treasury Bills and Sovereign Gold Bonds,) on the
        go, at their convenience.
About RBI Retail Direct Scheme :
     ● Launched in November 2021, the RBI Retail Direct Scheme allows individual investors to
        maintain gilt accounts with the RBI and invest in government securities.
     ● Investors can participate in primary auctions and buy/sell securities through the NDS-OM
        platform, ensuring direct access to the government securities market.
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     ● Convenience and Safety:The scheme aims to provide a safe, simple, and secure platform for
        investors to manage their investments conveniently.
     ● Payments for investments can be made conveniently using a savings bank account through
        internet banking or Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
     ● Non-resident retail investors are also eligible to invest in government securities under the Foreign
        Exchange Management Act, 1999.
     ● The scheme allows investors to start with a minimum investment of Rs. 10,000, with the flexibility
        to invest up to Rs. 2 crores per security.
     ● The scheme covers a broad range of tenures, from 1 year to 40 years, offering investors flexibility
        in aligning their investments with their financial objectives.
Launch of FinTech and EmTech Repositories :
     ● RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das inaugurated a fintech repository aimed at capturing essential
        information about FinTech entities, their activities, and technology uses.
     ● Simultaneously, a related repository focusing on RBI-regulated entities' adoption of emerging
        technologies, called EmTech Repository, was also launched.
     ● Objective of the Repositories:The FinTech Repository and EmTech Repository aim to gather
        crucial data about FinTech entities and regulated entities' adoption of emerging technologies.
     ● These repositories are secure web-based applications managed by the Reserve Bank Innovation
        Hub (RBIH), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the RBI.
Capital Market Regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India                Establishes Guidelines on
Subordinate Units within Infrastructure Investment Trusts
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced amendments to the
        Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) regulations to permit the issuance of subordinate units by
        privately placed InvITs.
     ● These subordinate units can only be issued to the sponsors, their associates, and the group
        upon acquiring an infrastructure project.
     ● However, the issuance cannot exceed 10% of the acquisition price of the infrastructure project.
     ● SEBI has designed a framework incorporating risk mitigation measures for subordinate units
        within InvITs.
     ● The total number of outstanding subordinate units within an InvIT cannot surpass a cap of 10%.
     ● According to SEBI, the minimum time period between the issuance of subordinate units and the
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        entitlement date for reclassification of the subordinate units to ordinary units would be 3 years.
What is Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT)?
     ● An Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvITs) is a Collective Investment Scheme similar to a mutual
        fund, which enables direct investment of money from individual and institutional investors in
        infrastructure projects to earn a small portion of the income as a return.
     ● The InvIT is designed as a tiered structure with Sponsor setting up the InvIT which in turn invests
        into the eligible infrastructure projects either directly or via special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
     ● The InvITs are regulated by the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
Reserve Bank of India Mandates Full-Fledged Money Changers to Maintain Foreign Currency Note
Value at a Minimum 75% of Purchased Value on a Quarterly Basis
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed full-fledged money changers to ensure that the
        value of foreign currency notes sold to the public is not less than 75% of the value of such notes
        bought from other money changers on a quarterly basis.
     ● These directions by the RBI are effective from July 1, 2024.
     ● Purpose of RBI's Directive:To ensure that foreign currency balances held by full-fledged money
        changers remain at reasonable levels and to prevent the accumulation of idle balances.
     ● The RBI's directions have been issued under Section 10(4) and Section 11(1) of the Foreign
        Exchange Management Act, 1999 (42 of 1999).
Poonawalla Fincorp Introduces Co-Branded 'IndusInd Bank Poonawalla Fincorp eLITE RuPay Platinum
Credit Card'
     ● Poonawalla Fincorp Limited, in collaboration with IndusInd Bank, has launched the co-branded
        'IndusInd Bank Poonawalla Fincorp eLITE RuPay Platinum Credit Card', a card designed to
        redefine and elevate the banking experience of customers.
     ● With this co-branded credit card launch, Poonawalla Fincorp marks a significant milestone in
        their ongoing commitment to providing tailored financial solutions to meet the evolving needs of
        their customers.
About Poonawalla Fincorp Limited :
     ● Founded : 1988
     ● Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra, India
     ● Chairman : Adar Poonawalla
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     ● Restrictions were also imposed on Bank of Baroda and Paytm Payments Bank.
What is a Security Receipt?
     ● Security receipts are instruments issued by asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) as
        consideration for their purchase of distressed assets from banks/Non-Banking Financial
        Companies (NBFCs).
About Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (EARC) :
     ● EARC is sponsored by Edelweiss, a leading diversified financial services conglomerate in India,
        and CDPQ Private Equity Asia Pte Limited (CDPQ).
     ● EARC specializes in acquiring Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) from banks and financial
        institutions.
     ● The company resolves NPAs through strategies outlined in the Securitization and Reconstruction
        of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interests Act, 2002 (SARFAESI).
     ● EARC operates two distinct business divisions: Wholesale Assets and Retail Assets.
HDFC Bank to Discontinue SMS Alerts for Unified Payments Interface Transactions Below ₹100
     ● HDFC Bank has informed the customers it will stop sending SMS alerts for any UPI (Unified
        Payments Interface) payment spent below Rs 100 or receipt of money less than Rs 500.
     ● As per the bank, this step will be effective from June 25, 2024.
     ● From this date, SMS notifications will be pushed only for transactions above Rs 100 (for money
        sent/paid) and above Rs 500 (for money received).
     ● Reason for Change: The decision is due to the high cost of sending bulk messages, which costs
        banks a few crores of rupees daily due to the large volume of UPI transactions, averaging around
        ₹40 crore per day.
What is UPI?
     ● UPI, or Unified Payments Interface, has become the backbone of digital transactions in India.
     ● The UPI was introduced in India on April 11, 2016, by Dr Raghuram G Rajan, Governor, RBI at
        Mumbai, Maharashtra and developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
     ● It allows you to instantly transfer money between any two parties’ bank accounts.
     ● UPI transactions require the authorisation of a Personal Identification Number (PIN), a 4-6 digit
        pass code set by the customers as a security measure to ensure safe and approved
        transactions.
     ● For normal UPI the transaction limit is up to Rs 1 Lakh per transaction.
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     ● 3 prominent UPI applications are the Walmart-owned PhonePe, Google Pay and Paytm.
     ● Besides India, the popular digital payment method has spread to seven countries.
     ● These include Bhutan, France (for e-commerce), Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and
        UAE.
     ● The share of UPI in digital payments in India has reached close to 80% in 2023.
     ● India accounts for nearly 46% of the world's digital transactions (as per 2022 data).
About HDFC Bank :
     ● Founded : 1st July 2023 (via the merger between HDFC-HDFC bank)
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Sashidhar Jagdishan
     ● Tagline : We Understand Your World
Reserve Bank of India Fines HSBC Rs 36.38 Lakh for Foreign Exchange Management Act Regulation
Violations
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a fine of Rs 36.38 lakh on foreign lender HSBC for
        Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) violations.
     ● The violations pertain to the reporting requirements under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of
        FEMA, 1999, which HSBC did not follow.
What is the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA)?
     ● The Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), is an Act of the Parliament of India "to
        consolidate and amend the law relating to foreign exchange with the objective of facilitating
        external trade and payments and for promoting the orderly development and maintenance of
        foreign exchange market in India"
     ● This new Act is in consonance with the frameworks of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
     ● It also paved the way for the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 which came into effect
        on July 1, 2005.
About HSBC :
     ● Headquarters : London, England, UK
     ● Group Chairman : Mark Tucker
     ● Group Chief Executive : Noel Quinn
Asian Development Bank Pledges $2.6 Billion in Sovereign Loans to India
     ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) committed $2.6 billion in sovereign lending to India in 2023
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        for projects that aim to strengthen urban development, support industrial corridor development,
        promote power sector reforms, build India’s climate resilience, support horticulture, and enhance
        connectivity.
     ● The loans aim to foster India's structural transformation, job creation, infrastructure
        enhancement, green growth, and socioeconomic inclusiveness, and integrate smart technologies
        and innovations.
     ● ADB also extended $23.53 million in technical assistance and $4.1 million in grants under the
        sovereign portfolio.
What is Sovereign Debt?
     ● Sovereign debt is the government debt of a country, a sovereign nation.
     ● It is also referred to as government debt, national debt, public debt, or country debt.
     ● The sovereign debt of a country consists of all its debt liabilities to both domestic and foreign
        creditors.
About ADB :
     ● Established : 1966
     ● Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
     ● President : Masatsugu Asakawa
     ● Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
        and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Axis Bank Collaborates with Mastercard to Introduce NFC Soundbox
     ● Axis Bank, in partnership with Mastercard, has introduced the NFC Soundbox, a new payment
        solution.
     ● The NFC Soundbox serves as an all-in-one payment solution, enabling users to accept Bharat
        QR, UPI, Tap & Pay, and Tap + Pin payments.
     ● Axis Bank claims to be the first bank in India to offer a Soundbox capable of accepting Tap + Pin
        payments, facilitating transactions exceeding Rs 5000 via card instruments.
About Axis Bank :
     ● Established : 3 December 1993
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
     ● Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
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About Mastercard :
        ● Founded : 1966
        ● Headquarters : New York, U.S
        ● CEO : Michael Miebach
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    •   However, due to his ill health, he could not be given the honour in person.
    •   Born on 19 May 1934 in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Bond has been actively writing for more than
        50 years and has written in various genres of literature, including short stories, children’s books,
        novels, autobiographical works and non-fiction.
Meryl Streep to receive Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes
    •   Veteran actor Meryl Streep will receive the honorary Palme d'Or at the opening ceremony of the
        77th Cannes Film Festival on 14th May.
    •   She will also be the guest of honour at the ceremony, which will take place on the stage of the
        Grand Theatre Lumiere on 14th May.
    •   The Hollywood icon, who won the best actress prize at Cannes in 1989, will join the kickoff of the
        77th edition at the Grand Theatre Lumiere.
    •   Meryl is one of the most-feted actors in Hollywood history, with a record 21 Oscar nominations and
        three wins.
Pulitzer 2024 winners announced
    •   The Pulitzer Prizes, administered by Columbia University in New York, garnered attention this
        year(2024) amid student demonstrations against the war in Gaza.
    •   The Pulitzer board conferred awards celebrating excellence in journalism and literary works.
    •   Among this year(2024)'s winners are publications like The New York Times and ProPublica, along
        with authors including Jayne Anne Phillips and Jonathan Eig.
Oxford Bookstore Honors Bhavi Mehta with 9th Book Cover Prize and Reveals Art Book Prize 2024
    •   Oxford Bookstores announced Bhavi Mehta as the winner of the 9th edition of the Oxford
        Bookstore Book Cover Prize at a celebratory event hosted at the India Habitat Centre.
    •   Mehta won the prize for the book jacket of “The Book Beautiful” published by Hachette India and
        authored by Pradeep Sebastian.
    •   The winner was felicitated with a trophy, certificate and 1 Lakh Indian Rupees cash prize by Dr.
        Alka Pande, Museum curator, art historian, author and jury chair; Dr. Shashi Tharoor, well-known
        author, politician and Member of Parliament; H.E Ms. May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to
        India, Ms. Anja Riedeberger, Director Information Services South Asia Goethe-Institut / Max
        Mueller Bhavan and Mr. Swagat Sengupta, CEO, Apeejay Oxford Bookstores, in the presence of
        designers, publishers, artists and literary enthusiasts from the industry.
Assam's Purnima Devi Barman Receives 'Green Oscar' Whitley Gold Award 2024
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    •       Dr Purnima Devi Barman won the GBP 1,00,000 Whitley Gold Award from the Whitley Fund for
            Nature (WFN), which supports grassroots conservation leaders from around the world, at a Royal
            Geographical Society awards ceremony in London
    •       A wildlife biologist from Assam has been honoured with a leading UK wildlife charity award for her
            conservation efforts of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork and its wetland habitat.
    •       The Whitley Awards also celebrated six other grassroots conservationists – from Guyana, Papua
            New Guinea, Bhutan, Cameroon, Nepal and Brazil – for their
            locally-led solutions to the global biodiversity and climate crises.
India to host 'Bharat Parv' at 77th Cannes Film Festival
        •     India is set to host a 'Bharat Parv' at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for eminent dignitaries and
              delegates from around the world to showcase the myriad creative opportunities in the country.
        •     It will be for the first time that the country will host a “Bharat Parv” at the Cannes Film Festival to
              engage with film celebrities, filmmakers, directors, producers, buyers and sales agents from
              across the world.
        •     The official poster and trailer of the 55th India International Film Festival , to be held in Goa on
              November 20 to 28, will also be unveiled at the Bharat Parv.
IN-SPACe honoured with Geospatial World Forum Leadership Award
● The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has been honoured with
        the Geospatial World Forum (GWF) Leadership Award for “Public Policy: Enabling Industry
        Development.”
● The award was presented at the 2024 Geospatial World Forum in Rotterdam in a special ceremony.
● The award recognizes IN-SPACe’s contributions to the global geospatial industry through its ground-
        breaking work in fostering the growth and development of India’s space sector and support to non-
        government entities working in the space economy.
● Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe.
● Since 2007, the awards have celebrated the achievements of over 200 organizations, highlighting
        their dedication to advancing geospatial technologies and applications
Pawan Sindhi Honoured With Global Pride Of Sindhi Award 2024
● Pawan Sindhi received the coveted Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 on an occasion attended by
        renowned saints, Mahatmas, and sadhus.
● The event commemorated Mr. Sindhi's outstanding achievements in society and commitment to
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     serve humanity.
● The Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 is a well-deserved distinction for Pawan Sindhi,
     acknowledging his remarkable efforts to positively impact society.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan to be awarded honourary doctorate by Canada’s McGill University
● Dr Soumya Swaminathan, most recently WHO’s Chief Scientist, has been named among the 10
     exceptional individuals who will receive honorary degrees from Canada's prestigious McGill
     University as part of the Spring 2024 Convocation ceremonies.
● In 2017, Swaminathan joined the World Health Organisation (WHO) as Deputy Director General
     (Programmes), and, in March 2019, was named its first Chief Scientist, a role she filled through the
     Covid-19 pandemic until late 2022.
Chandrakant Satija Honored with Global Excellence Award 2024 for Outstanding Contributions in
Education
● Chandrakant Satija, the Founder and CEO of Chandra Admission Consultants, wins the Global
     Excellence Award 2024 for being the “Most Trusted Admission Consultant in Vidarbha Region”.
● Chandrakant Satija, a renowned educationist and the Founder and CEO of Chandra Admission
     Consultants was honored with the Global Excellence Award 2024 at a grand event held at Sahara
     Star Hotel in Mumbai on May 12th.
● The award was presented to him by the famous Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra.
● He was adjudged as the Most Trusted Admissions Consultant in Vidarbha Region.
International Booker Prize 2024 goes to Kairos, a romance amid the fall of the Berlin Wall
     ● German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann won the International Booker
        Prize for fiction for “Kairos,” the story of a tangled love affair during the final years of East
        Germany’s existence.
     ● The International Booker Prize is awarded annually for the finest single work of fiction from
        around the world which has been translated into English.
     ● This prize began life in 2005 as the Man Booker International Prize.
     ● It was initially a biennial prize for a body of work and there was no stipulation that the work
        should be written in a language other than English.
POWERGRID gets global recognition for Learning & Development, receives ATD Best Awards for the
third time
● Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna Central Public Sector
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     Enterprise under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has been conferred the prestigious
     ATD BEST Awards 2024 for its strategic approach to talent development driving business results.
● The ATD BEST Awards, established by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, is one
     of the most esteemed international recognitions in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).
● It honors organizations that leverage talent development as a strategic business tool and
     demonstrate enterprise-wide success through effective employee development practices.
● This is the third time POWERGRID has been honoured with the ATD BEST Award, having
     previously received it in 2021 and 2023.
● Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the
     ownership of the Ministry of Power, Government of India. Sh. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi is the Chairman
     and Managing Director of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)
NTPC gets global recognition for Talent Development, secures 3rd rank at ATD BEST Awards 2024
● NTPC has achieved an impressive milestone by securing the 3rd rank globally at the ATD BEST
     Awards 2024, this being the highest ranking among all Indian companies.
● Notably, NTPC is the only PSU to have received this prestigious award seven times in the past eight
     years.
● The ATD BEST Awards, established by the Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA, is one
     of the most esteemed international recognitions in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).
About NTPC
● NTPC Limited, formerly known as National Thermal Power Corporation, is an Indian central Public
     Sector Undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of Power and the Government of India, who
     is engaged in the generation of electricity and other activities.
● CEO: Gurdeep Singh
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has been awarded the first stamp marking the 200-year anniversary of Indian
Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka.
● Renowned spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar received the inaugural stamp commemorating the
     200-year anniversary of Indian Origin Tamils (IOT) in Sri Lanka.
● This momentous event took place with the esteemed presence of Governor Senthil Thondaman of
     the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.
India’s Historic Show At Cannes- Payal Kapadia Wins Grand Prix Award For Her Film ‘All We Imagine
As Light’
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● India’s performance at the 77th Cannes Film Festival has been phenomenal with two filmmakers, an
     actress and a cinematographer winning top awards at the world’s leading film festival.
● Palme d'Or Nomination: "All We Imagine as Light" marks the first Indian film nominated in 30 years.
● Grand Prix Win: Kapadia's film secures second place, making history for Indian cinema.
● Alumni Achievement: Payal Kapadia becomes first Indian to win Grand Prix, representing FTII.
● La Cinef Triumph: FTII student Chidananda S Naik wins top prize for "Sunflowers Were the First
     Ones to Know."
● Prestigious Tribute: Santosh Sivan honored as first Asian with Pierre Angénieux Tribute award.
● Best Actress Awardee: Anasuya Sengupta makes history with "The Shameless" in 'Un Certain
     Regard' category.
● Independent Filmmaker Spotlight: Maisam Ali shines with "In Retreat" screened at ACID Cannes
     sidebar.
● Top Honors: Palme d'Or and Grand Prix remain the most coveted prizes at Cannes.
Indian Peacekeeper Major Radhika Sen was Honored with the Military Gender Advocate Award
● Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper, receives the prestigious Military Gender Advocate
     Award for her exceptional contributions during her deployment with the United Nations Mission in
     Congo (MONUSCO).
● UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announces the award, lauding Major Sen as "a true role
     model" for her outstanding dedication and service.
● Hailing from Himachal Pradesh, Major Radhika Sen served as the commander of the Indian battalion
     in the eastern part of the Republic of Congo from March 2023 to April 2024.
● India maintains a significant presence in UN peacekeeping efforts, ranking 11th in contributions of
     female military peacekeepers. Major Radhika Sen's recognition adds to India's legacy of
     peacekeeping excellence.
● The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, presented annually to a peacekeeper nominated
     by Force Commanders and Heads of Mission from all peacekeeping operations, highlights Major
     Sen's remarkable leadership.
● Major Suman Gawani from India also received this esteemed award in 2019, underscoring India's
     enduring commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and bringing honor to the nation.
NHPC receives 'The Economic Times HR World Future Ready Organization Award 2024-25', a
prestigious recognition.
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        ● NHPC, India’s premier hydropower company, has been honoured with the esteemed ‘The
           Economic Times HR World Future Ready Organization Award 2024-25’.
        ● This significant accolade underscores NHPC’s steadfast dedication to nurturing a workforce
           prepared for the future and its strategic approach to human resource management.
        ● The award recognizes NHPC’s holistic endeavours in enhancing employee skills, implementing
           Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures, advocating for Diversity, Equity &
           Inclusion (DE&I), and embracing continual technological advancements.
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    •   Mishra, 62, is from Odisha and served as a judge in the Uttarakhand High Court and hails from
        Odisha.
    •   He has held positions like District & Sessions Judge in Sundergarh and Dhenkanal, and Special
        Judge (CBI) in Bhubaneswar.
    •   He was also the Registrar General of the Orissa High Court.
    •   In February 2023, he became the 14th Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court.
Subodh Kumar (IAS) Appointed as Director in Ministry of Ayush
    •   Subodh Kumar (IAS) has been appointed as Director in the Ministry of Ayush.
    •   The order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
    •   The tenure will continue until October 8, 2024, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
    •   He is a 2010-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre.
    •   Prior to this appointment, he was on 'Compulsory wait' in the Ministry of Food Processing
        Industries.
About Ministry of Ayush :
    •   Cabinet Minister : Sarbananda Sonowal
    •   Minister of State : Mahendra Munjapara
    •   Secretary : Rajesh Kotecha
RBI Approves Appointment of Sanjeev Nautiyal as Managing Director of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment of Sanjeev Nautiyal as Managing
        Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.
    •   His term will be for three years, effective from 1 July 2024.
    •   Before taking charge as MD and CEO, Sanjeev Nautiyal will join the bank as President during the
        interim period.
    •   He will succeed Ittira Davis, the current Managing Director and CEO of Ujjivan Small Finance
        Bank.
    •   Sanjeev Nautiyal currently is the independent director of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and acts
        as an advisory in various organizations.
About Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited :
    •   Founded : 1 February 2017
    •   Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    •   Part time Chairman : Banavar Anantharamaiah Prabhakar
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    •       This formation led to the consolidation of the former Jute Manufactures Development Council and
            the National Centre for Jute Diversification into the National Jute Board (NJB).
Sushil Sharma Assigned Additional Role as Chairman & Managing Director of SJVN Limited
    •       Sushil Sharma has been given the additional charge as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of
            SJVN Limited for a period of 3 months or until further orders.
    •       Presently, he is serving as Director (Projects) in the organisation.
About SJVN Limited :
    •       Headquarters : Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
    •       SJVN, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, is an Indian public sector undertaking involved
            in hydroelectric power generation and transmission.
    •       It was incorporated in 1988 as Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation, a joint venture between the
            Government of India (59.92%) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh (26.85%).
Bharat Biotech Co-Founder Krishna Ella Appointed as President of Indian Vaccine Manufacturers
Association
    •       The Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) announced Dr. Krishna M Ella, Co-Founder
            and Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, as the association’s new president for two years from
            April 2024-2026.
    •       He takes over from Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), who served as
            IVMA president from 2019 to 2024.
    •       Leadership Transition:Under Dr Ella's leadership, the IVMA aims to fortify collaboration between
            vaccine manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers to accelerate the development of new
            vaccines and improve production processes.
About IVMA :
    •       IVMA is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led, and industry-managed organisation.
    •       It aims to promote and articulate the views and concerns of the vaccine industry, fostering an
            environment conducive to vaccine development and immunisation in India.
    •       The organisation plays a key role in driving collaboration, research, and public-private partnerships
            within the vaccine sector.
Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor Named Chief of Indian Air Force's Training Command
        •     Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor was appointed as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C)
              of the Training Command (TC) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
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        •     Kapoor was commissioned into the Fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on December 6, 1986.
        •     He is a Qualified Flying Instructor and a Fighter Combat Leader with over 3,400 hours of flying
              experience.
        •     He served as Defence Attaché in Pakistan, showcasing his diplomatic skills.
About Ministry of Defence :
        •     Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
        •     Minister of State : Ajay Bhatt
        •     Defence Secretary : Giridhar Aramane
Kotak Mahindra Bank's Joint Managing Director Manian Resigns After 29 Years with the Bank
        •     KVS Manian, joint Managing Director (MD) at Kotak Mahindra Bank, has stepped down from his
              position with immediate effect.
        •     He had joined Kotak Mahindra Bank in 1995 and had a 29-year-long career with the bank, during
              which he led various divisions, including Consumer, Commercial, Wholesale, and Private
              Banking businesses.
        •     Manian, a whole-time director at the bank, was promoted to the position of joint MD effective
              March 1, 2024, after the bank appointed new MD and CEO Ashok Vaswani.
About Kotak Mahindra Bank :
        •     Established : 1985
        •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Pro-China Leader Sogavare Withdraws from Solomon Islands' Prime Minister Race
    •       Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has withdrawn from consideration for
            another term as leader after his ruling party failed to win a majority in elections, in a potential blow
            to China’s growing ties with the Pacific nation.
    •       Sogavare was replaced by Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as the Ownership, Unity and
            Responsibility Party’s candidate for prime minister.
    •       Sogavare's ruling party won only 15 out of a possible 50 seats in the parliamentary elections held
            in April.
About Solomon Islands :
    •       Capital : Honiara
    •       Currency : Solomon Islands dollar
Justice Dinesh Kumar Assumes Role as Presiding Officer of Securities Appellate Tribunal
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    •       Justice (retired) Dinesh Kumar has been appointed as the Presiding Officer of the Securities
            Appellate Tribunal (SAT).
    •       He will serve a 4-year term after retiring as Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in February
            2024.
    •       His appointment fills a 4-month vacancy following the retirement of the previous presiding officer,
            Justice Tarun Aggarwal, in December 2023.
About SAT :
    •       SAT is a statutory and autonomous body created as per provisions of section 15K of the Securities
            and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, 1992
Jio Financial Appoints Standard Chartered's Head Kusal Roy as Unit Chief Executive Officer
    •       Mukesh Amabni’s new financial services company, Jio Finance Limited., is in talks to appoint Kusal
            Roy, the current country manager of Standard Chartered Plc India, as the Chief Executive Officer
            (CEO) of one of its units.
    •       KV Kamath was appointed as non-executive chairman before the firm separated from Reliance
            Industries, Ambani’s flagship company.
    •       Additionally, Charanjit Attra was hired from State Bank of India to serve as the chief operating
            officer.
About Jio Financial Services :
    •       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •       Jio Financial Services is an Indian financial services company that was originally a subsidiary of
            Reliance Industries (RIL).
    •       Its subsidiary Jio Finance holds an NBFC license from the RBI.
    •       Another subsidiary, Jio Payments Bank, is also a payments bank registered in India.
Reserve Bank of India Names R Lakshmi Kanth Rao as Executive Director
        •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed R Lakshmi Kanth Rao as executive director (ED).
        •     In his role as Executive Director, Shri Rao will oversee several key departments:
        •     Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation
        •     Right to Information Act (RTI)
        •     Department of Communication
Wipro Names Vinay Firake as Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific, India, Middle East & Africa
Strategic Market Unit
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        •     Wipro, an IT major, has named Vinay Firake as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Asia
              Pacific, India, Middle East, and Africa (APMEA) strategic market unit (SMU), effective
              immediately.
        •     Mr. Firake will report to Srini Pallia, Wipro's CEO and Managing Director, and will also join
              Wipro's executive board.
        •     Firake succeeds Anis Chenchah, who is stepping down from the role to explore opportunities
              outside the organization.
About Wipro :
        •     Founded : 29 December 1945
        •     Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
        •     Executive Chairman : Rishad Premji
Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla Assumes Role as Indian Navy's Chief of Personnel
        •     Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, assumes charge as the Chief of Personnel of the Indian Navy.
        •     He was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01 Jan 1989.
        •     In a career spanning 35 years, he has held a number of specialist, staff and operational
              appointments, both afloat and ashore.
        •     He specialised in Communication and Electronic Warfare.
About Ministry of Defence :
        •     Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
        •     Minister of State : Ajay Bhatt
        •     Defence Secretary : Giridhar Aramane
Visa Names Sujai Raina as the New Country Manager for India
    •       Digital payments platform Visa has appointed Sujai Raina as the country manager for India.
    •       In addition to his responsibilities as Country Manager, he will continue to lead business
            development for Visa in India.
    •       Raina joined Visa in 2020 and previously served as Vice President and Head of Business
            Development, India.
About Visa Inc :
    •       Founded : September 18, 1958
    •       Headquarters : San Francisco, California, United States
    •       CEO : Ryan McInerney
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    •   Her move comes within 10 days after being reportedly intercepted by the Directorate of Revenue
        Intelligence (DRI) at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai on the charge of
        smuggling 25 kgs of gold from Dubai.
    •   Under the Customs Act, 1962, individuals caught smuggling gold worth over ₹1 crore are subject to
        arrest and criminal prosecution.
    •   Gold worth ₹18.60 crore was recovered from Ms. Wardak.
About Afghanistan :
    •   Prime Minister : Hasan Akhund
    •   Capital : Kabul
    •   Currency : Afghani
Chinese President Xi Appoints Senior Diplomat Xu Feihong as New Ambassador to India
    •   Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed Xu Feihong as the new Ambassador to India after a
        delay of 18 months.
    •   Xu's appointment coincides with the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India.
    •   The appointment was confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, despite not being formally
        announced in Beijing.
    •   Xu, previously serving as Ambassador to Afghanistan and Romania, is slated to assume his
        responsibilities in New Delhi shortly.
About China:
    •   President: Xi Jinping
    •   Capital: Beijing
    •   Currency: Renminbi
Vijay Kumar Goel (IRSME) Appointed as Director at the Ministry of Development of Northeastern
Region
    •   Vijay Kumar Goel, an officer from the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME),
        has been selected for the position of Director in the Ministry of Development of Northeastern
        Region (MDoNER).
    •   The appointment was made under the Central Staffing Scheme by the Department of Personnel &
        Training (DoPT).
    •   The tenure for this position is 5 years from the date of taking over charge or until further orders,
        whichever is earlier.
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About MDoNER :
    •    Cabinet Minister : G. Kishan Reddy
    •    Minister of State : B. L. Verma
B Sudarshan Appointed as Executive Director (Refinery) of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals
Limited
    •    B Sudarshan has been appointed as the Executive Director (Refinery) of Mangalore Refinery and
         Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL).
    •    Sudarshan hails from Mysore.
    •    He joined MRPL on December 3, 1993, as a Senior Engineer (Instrumentation Maintenance).
    •    He has previously held the esteemed position of Group General Manager (Marketing Projects) and
         served as the head of MRPL’s Bengaluru office.
About MRPL :
    •    Founded : 7 March 1988
    •    Headquarters : Mangalore, India
    •    MRPL is a schedule ‘A’ Miniratna, Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of
         Petroleum & Natural Gas.
First Woman IPS Officer, R. Chandranathan Nongrang, Appointed as Meghalaya's Police Chief
        ● Idashisha Nongrang, a 1992 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been appointed as the
           Director General of Police (DGP) of Meghalaya, making history as the first woman to hold the
           position.
        ● Nongrang will assume office on May 20, 2024, following the retirement of the current DGP, L.R.
           Bishnoi, on May 19, 2024.
        ● Nongrang, a member of the Khasi tribe — one of Meghalaya’s three major tribal communities is
           currently serving as the Director General of Meghalaya Civil Defence and Home Guards.
        ● Appointment Process : The Meghalaya Security Commission, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad
           K. Sangma, oversaw the appointment and selected Nongrang from a list of three candidates
           approved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
        ● India witnessed its first female state DGP in 2004 when Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, a
           1973 batch IPS officer, was appointed as the DGP of Uttarakhand marking a significant
           milestone in the nation’s policing history.
About Meghalaya :
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     ● The foundation is one of the most powerful and influential forces in global public health, having
        spent more than $50 billion over the past two decades to bring a business approach to
        combating poverty and disease.
     ● Notably, it has played a pivotal role in initiatives to eradicate polio and malaria.
Kanimozhi Re-elected as President of The Hindu Office and National Press Employees' Union for 3rd
Term
     ● Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi has been unanimously elected as the president of The Hindu Office
        and National Press Employees’ Union for her 3rd consecutive term.
     ● 5 other office-bearers were also elected unopposed.
     ● M. Kamalanathan has been elected as the general secretary for the 6th consecutive time.
     ● Other newly elected office-bearers include R. Arun and S. Vadivel as vice-presidents, C.
        Chandran as joint secretary, and N. Balaji as treasurer.
     ● The following 12 members were unanimously elected executive committee members: B. Rajan
        Boopathy, K. Ramesh, J. Kathiresan, V. Aravind Kumar, B. Balavel, R. Girish, M. Sampath
        Kumar, K. Gopaal, G. Rajendran, P. Kumaravel, P.S. Venkoba Rao and S.A. Karthikeyan.
     ● All members will hold their respective offices for a period of 3 years, from 2024 to 2027.
Singapore's Lawrence Wong Takes Oath as New Prime Minister After 2 Decades
     ● Lawrence Wong has been sworn in as Singapore's new Prime Minister, succeeding Lee Hsien
        Loong after his two-decade tenure.
     ● Lawrence Wong took his oath of office at the Istana government office, officially assuming the
        role of Prime Minister.
     ● The transition of power marks a significant moment in Singapore's political landscape, with
        Lawrence Wong becoming only the second person outside of the Lee family to lead the nation.
     ● Alongside Wong, members of his cabinet were also sworn in, including his predecessor Lee
        Hsien Loong, who now serves in the advisory role of senior minister.
     ● Wong, the 4th prime minister in Singapore's history, must lead the PAP to the next general
        elections, which are not due until November 2025 but could be called as early as this year(2024).
About Singapore :
     ● President : Tharman Shanmugaratnam
     ● Prime Minister : Lawrence Wong
     ● Currency : Singapore dollar
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Corteva Agriscience Names Subroto Geed as New President for South Asia
     ● Corteva Agriscience, an agriculture solutions company, has appointed Subroto Geed as the
        President of South Asia.
     ● In his role, Geed will lead the South Asia business of Corteva Agriscience, focusing on driving
        growth for the company's Seed and Crop Protection businesses.
About Corteva, Inc. (also known as Corteva Agriscience) :
     ● Founded : 2019
     ● Headquarters : Indianapolis, Indiana United States
     ● CEO : Chuck Magro
     ● It is a major American agricultural chemical and seed company that was the agricultural unit of
        DowDuPont prior to being spun off as an independent public company.
Apurva Sahijwani Appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Avendus Wealth
Management
     ● Avendus Wealth Management announced Apurva Sahijwani as its new Managing Director (MD)
        and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
     ● Sahijwani brings over 25 years of extensive experience in private banking and wealth
        management to his new role.
     ● Prior to this, he led Burgundy Private, Axis Bank's private banking arm, in his previous position.
About Avendus Group :
     ● Avendus Group is a prominent financial services firm, focussed on Investment Banking,
        Institutional Equities, Wealth Management, Credit Solutions, and Asset Management.
     ● The company is an advisor to India's Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNIs) and family offices.
     ● Co-founder & CEO of Avendus : Gaurav Deepak
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal Elected as President of Supreme Court Bar Association
     ● Senior advocate Kapil Sibal was elected as a president of the Supreme Court Bar Association
        (SCBA).
     ● This is the 4th time Kapil Sibal will serve as the SCBA president.
     ● His previous terms were during 1995-96, 1997-98, and 2001.
     ● A total of 2,330 advocates voted out of 2,850 members in the voter list. Sibal received 1,066
        votes, Pradeep Rai got 689 votes, and the current president Adish Agarwala received 307 votes.
     ● Other candidates for the SCBA president post included Priya Hingorani, Tripurari Ray, and
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        Neeraj Srivastava.
     ● Kapil Sibal will take over from the incumbent president, senior advocate Adish C. Aggarwala.
     ● Senior advocate Pradeep Rai was the runner-up.
     ● Advocate Vikrant Yadav was elected SCBA secretary.
About SCBA :
     ● The SCBA is an Indian bar association, comprising the practising lawyers of the Supreme Court
        of India.
Justice Bidisha Banerjee was Designated as Head of Department of NCLT Kolkata Bench by President
Chief Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar
     ● Justice Bidisha Banerjee has been designated as the Head of the Department (HoD) of the
        National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Kolkata Bench by the President of NCLT, Chief Justice
        Ramalingam Sudhakar.
     ● Justice Banerjee took charge as HoD after Justice Rohit Kapoor demitted office on May 3, 2024.
     ● Justice Bidisha Banerjee is the first woman to be appointed as Head of the NCLT Kolkata Bench
        and the second woman Judicial Member after Ms. Manorama Kumari.
     ● She is the 5th HoD of the NCLT Kolkata Bench.
About NCLT :
     ● The NCLT is a quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates issues relating to Indian companies.
     ● The tribunal was established under the Companies Act 2013 and was constituted on 1 June 2016
        by the government of India and is based on the recommendation of the V. Balakrishna Eradi
        committee on law relating to the insolvency and the winding up of companies
Rushabh Gandhi Appointed as New MD & CEO of IndiaFirst Life Insurance
     ● IndiaFirst Life Insurance’s board has approved the appointment of Rushabh Gandhi as the
        managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) for 5 years effective July 1, 2024, or
        the date of regulatory approvals, whichever is earlier.
     ● The new appointment is subject to the approval of the Insurance Regulatory and Development
        Authority of India (IRDAI).
     ● R M Vishakha, the current MD and CEO of the life insurer, will retire on June 30, 2024.
     ● He is currently the deputy chief executive officer of the insurer.
About IndiaFirst Life Insurance :
     ● Headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra
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     ● The Commission comprises a Chairperson and three other Members, with the Chairperson of the
        Central Electricity Authority serving as an ex-officio Member.
Major Functions of CERC:
     ● CERC regulates the tariff of generating companies owned or controlled by the Central
        Government and other generating companies with composite schemes across multiple states.
     ● It also regulates inter-state transmission of electricity and determines tariffs for inter-state
        transmission.
     ● Additionally, CERC issues licenses for inter-state transmission and trading, adjudicates disputes,
        advises the Central Government on national electricity and tariff policies, promotes competition
        and efficiency in the electricity industry, and encourages investment in the sector.
To Lam Elected as the New President of Vietnam
     ● To Lam, the Minister of Public Security, has been approved by Vietnam’s National Assembly as
        the country's next President for the 2021-2026 tenure.
     ● His appointment follows the resignation of former President Vo Van Thuong amid a corruption
        crackdown.
     ● To Lam is the 3rd President of Vietnam in less than 18 months, indicating a period of political
        transition in a country known for its stable politics.
     ● He is considered the third most powerful figure in Vietnam, following the Party Chief and the
        Prime Minister.
     ● Other Key Appointments:Tran Thanh Man, 61, was nominated as the new Chairman of the
        National Assembly, succeeding Vuong Dinh Hue.
     ● The party also appointed four new politburo members.
     ● Vietnam's Leadership Structure:Consists of four key positions: the Communist Party General
        Secretary, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Head of the National Assembly.
About Vietnam :
     ● Prime Minister : Phạm Minh Chính
     ● Capital : Hanoi
     ● Currency : Vietnamese đồng
Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh was Appointed as Commandant of the National Defence Academy
     ● Vice Admiral Gurcharan Singh assumed the appointment of Commandant, National Defence
        Academy (NDA) from Vice Admiral Ajay Kocchar.
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     ● An alumnus of the National Defence Academy (Khadakwasla), he was commissioned into the
        Indian Navy on 01 July 1990.
     ● As a specialist in Gunnery and Missiles, he has served onboard Indian Naval Ships Ranjit and
        Prahar.
About NDA :
     ● Established : 7 December 1949
     ● Location : Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra, India
     ● The NDA is the joint defence service training institute of the Indian Armed Forces, where cadets
        of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force train together before they go on to their
        respective service academy for further pre-commission training.
Air India appoints Sanjay Sharma as chief financial officer
     ● Air India announced the appointment of Sanjay Sharma as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with
        effect from June 10, 2024.
     ● Sharma will succeed Vinod Hejmadi, who is retiring after more than three decades with Air India.
     ● Sanjay Sharma will report directly to Air India's CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson
About Air India :
     ● Founded : 15 October 1932 (Commenced operations-29 July 1946)
     ● Chairman : N. Chandrasekaran
     ● MD & CEO : Campbell Wilson
     ● Air India is the flag carrier airline of India.
     ● It is owned by Air India Limited, a Tata Group enterprise and operates a fleet of Airbus and
        Boeing aircraft serving 102 domestic and international destinations.
World Economic Forum Founder Klaus Schwab to Step Back from Executive Role
     ● Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), will step
        down from day-to-day management and take up the role of Chairman of the Board of Trustees by
        January 2025 after over 50 years of leadership.
     ● The leadership transition will be completed before the next Davos gathering in January 2025.
     ● Purpose of Transition: This move is part of a planned "governance evolution" aimed at
        transitioning the WEF from a founder-managed organization to one where the president and the
        managing board assume full executive responsibility.
About World Economic Forum :
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Saudi Arabia Appoints Faisal bin Saud Al-Mejfel as First Ambassador to Syria Since 2012
     ● Saudi Arabia appointed Faisal bin Saud Al-Mejfel as its ambassador to Syria, marking the
        kingdom's first envoy to Damascus since the closure of the Saudi embassy in 2012 during the
        Syrian civil war.
     ● Riyadh severed ties with Damascus in 2012 during the Syrian civil war.
     ● Faisal al-Mujfel's appointment comes over a year after Syria was readmitted to the 22-member
        Arab League.
About Saudi Arabia :
     ● Prime Minister : Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
     ● Capital : Riyadh
     ● Currency : Saudi riyal
About Syria :
     ● President : Bashar al-Assad
     ● Prime Minister : Hussein Arnous
     ● Capital : Damascus
     ● Currency : Syrian pound
Andhra Native Jaya Badiga Appointed as Judge in US County Superior Court
     ● Indian-American attorney Jaya Badiga, a certified family law specialist, has been appointed as a
        Judge in the Sacramento County Superior Court in the US state of California.
     ● Badiga, born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, is the first Telugu woman to be appointed as a
        judge in the United States.
     ● Governor Gavin Newsom of California made the appointment, filling the vacancy left by the
        retirement of Judge Robert S. Lapham.
Other Appointments :
     ● Raj Singh Badhesha of Fresno County was also appointed as a Judge in the Fresno County
        Superior Court by Governor Newsom.
     ● Badhesha, a Democrat, fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jon N. Kapetan.
     ● Badhesha is the 1st Sikh to be appointed to the Fresno County bench and the 1st Sikh judge in
        California who observes the practice of wearing the Sikh headdress known as the dastar or pagri.
About Sacramento County Superior Court :
     ● Established : 1850
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     ● Location : Sacramento
     ● The Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, alternatively called the Sacramento
        County Superior Court, is the California Superior Court located in Sacramento with jurisdiction
        over Sacramento County.
French Automaker Citroen Appoints MS Dhoni as Brand Ambassador in India
     ● French automaker Citroen has appointed former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as
        its brand ambassador in India.
     ● Dhoni will mark his debut innings with Citroen in a campaign that will soon go live.
About Citroën :
     ● Citroën is a French automobile brand.
     ● The "Automobiles Citroën" manufacturing company was founded in 4 June 1919 by André
        Citroën.
Reserve Bank of India Approves Appointment of PK Sinha as Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted its approval for the appointment of Pradeep Kumar
        Sinha as the Part-time Chairman of ICICI Bank. for a term of 3 years, starting from July 1, 2024.
     ● Pradeep Kumar Sinha will step into the position vacated by G. C. Chaturvedi, who is due to retire
        as Non-Executive Part-time Chairman on June 30, 2024, at the close of business hours.
About ICICI Bank :
     ● Founded : 5 January 1994
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Sandeep Bakhshi
Cabinet Committee Extends Tenure of DRDO Chief Dr Samir V. Kamat by One Year Until May 31, 2025
     ● The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-year extension in service for Dr.
        Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, extended
        his term to May 31, 2025, beyond his normal retirement date of May 31, 2024.
     ● Dr. Kamat has been in his current position since August 2022, succeeding Dr. G. Satheesh
        Reddy, who became the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister.
About ACC :
     ● Formed : January 26, 1950
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chairman : Narendra Modi
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About DRDO :
     ● Established : 1958
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
     ● The DRDO is an agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the
        Ministry of Defence of the Government of India (GoI).
P K Tripathi Appointed as Secretary of Lokpal & R K Goyal Named as Secretary of Department of
Justice
     ● Senior bureaucrat Pradip Kumar Tripathi has been appointed as the Lokpal Secretary as part of
        a secretary-level reshuffle effected by the Centre.
     ● Tripathi, a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service officer (IAS), is currently Secretary
        (Coordination) in the Cabinet Secretariat.
     ● Border Management Secretary Raj Kumar Goyal has been appointed as Secretary, Department
        of Justice under the Ministry of Law & Justice.
     ● Rajendra Kumar, Director General of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), will be the
        Border Management Secretary in place of Goyal.
Other Appointments:
     ● Amit Yadav: New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) chairperson Amit Yadav has been named as
        Officer on Special Duty in the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment.
     ● Rakesh Ranjan: Rakesh Ranjan, currently serving as Special Secretary in the Department of
        Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, has been appointed as Chairman of the Staff Selection
        Commission (SSC).
About Lokpal :
     ● Established : 19 March 2019
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     ● Chairperson : Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar
     ● Motto : Do not be greedy for anyone's wealth
     ● A Lokpal is an anti-corruption authority or body of ombudsman who represents the public interest
        in the Republic of India.
     ● The term "Lokpal" was coined by Dr. L.M.Singhvi in 1963.
Santosh Desai joins Nykaa's Board as Independent Director
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     ● FSN E-Commerce Ventures, known as Nykaa, has appointed Santosh Desai as an Independent
        Director on its board, effective from July 15, 2024.
     ● The appointment is for a period of 3 years, subject to shareholder approval.
     ● Currently, Desai serves on the boards of Think9 Consumer Technologies, Dainik Jagran Group,
        and Breakthrough.
About Nykaa :
     ● Founded : April 2012
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Executive chairperson, founder, and CEO : Falguni Nayar
     ● Nykaa is an Indian e-commerce company, sells beauty, wellness and fashion products through
        its website, mobile app, and over 100 physical stores.
     ● Nykaa’s current board of directors comprises 10 members.
National Asset Reconstruction Company Board Recommends P Santhosh for MD & CEO Role
     ● The board of the National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) has proposed P Santhosh
        for the position of managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of the state-owned
        bad bank.
     ● Santhosh's recommendation is for a 3-year term.
     ● Santhosh has been serving as NARCL's acting CEO since January, stepping into the position
        after N Sundar's unexpected departure before the end of his term.
     ● According to media reports, NARCL had acquired 18 accounts with outstanding loans totaling
        ₹92,500 crore as of March 31, 2024.
     ● Among the acquired assets is the ₹32,000-crore debt of bankrupt Srei Infrastructure Finance and
        Srei Equipment Finance, both acquired under the insolvency and bankruptcy process.
About NARCL :
     ● Chairman : Mr. Diwakar Gupta
     ● Formation: Incorporated in July 2021 as a 'bad bank' to address stressed assets of commercial
        banks.
     ● Regulatory Status: Registered with the Reserve Bank of India as an Asset Reconstruction
        Company under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of
        Security Interest Act, 2002.
     ● Scope: Initial focus on handling stressed assets worth Rs 2 lakh crore from commercial banks.
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     ● NARCL is the only ARC that makes offers under the 15:85 structure wherein 15% of the
        consideration is cash and the balance 85% is security receipts (SR).
     ● The government provides guarantees for any shortfall in recovery, with SRs worth ₹30,600 crore
        guaranteed, accessible if redemption falls short.
Procter & Gamble India Names Mrinalini Srinivasan as Chief Financial Officer
     ● Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care, one of P&G India’s listed entities that includes
        brands like Vicks and Whisper, announced the appointment of Mrinalini Srinivasan as the
        company’s chief financial officer (CFO) effective June 29, 2024.
     ● Srinivasan will succeed Prashant Bhatnagar, who is stepping down after nearly 28 years of
        service with the company.
About Procter & Gamble Hygiene :
     ● Procter & Gamble Hygiene is one of India’s fastest growing Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
        (FMCG) companies with a strong presence in the health and personal care sector.
Ministry of Home Affairs Grants 3-Month Extension to Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar's Tenure
     ● The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the extension of Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh
        Kumar's tenure by 3 months.
     ● Naresh Kumar's retirement, which was originally scheduled for the end of May 2024, has been
        postponed until August 31, 2024.
     ● The extension is granted by invoking Rule 3 of AIS(CS-RM) Rules, 1960, relaxing Rule 16(1) of
        AIS (DCRB) Rules, 1958.
About Ministry of Home Affairs :
     ● Cabinet Minister : Amit Shah
     ● Minister of State : Nityanand Rai, Nisith Pramanik, Ajay Kumar Mishra
Sony Pictures Networks India Appoints Disney’s Gaurav Banerjee as New Chief Executive Officer,
Succeeding NP Singh
     ● Sony Corporation appointed Gaurav Banerjee as the new CEO of its India unit, Sony Pictures
        Networks India (SPNI), replacing NP Singh, who resigned after 25 years with the company.
     ● Banerjee previously worked at Disney Star, where he oversaw content for Hindi entertainment
        and Disney+ Hotstar, and served as the business head for Star Bharat, as well as Hindi and
        English movies, kids & infotainment, and regional (east) channels.
     ● Sony operates 26 channels in India, covering general entertainment, sports, and movies, and
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Technology in India
    •       NHPC Limited, the largest organization for hydropower development in India, has signed a
            Memorandum of Understanding with M/s Ocean Sun, a Norwegian company operating as a
            technology provider to the floating solar industry.
    •       As per the MoU, NHPC and Ocean Sun will explore key areas of cooperation for the demonstration
            of Ocean Sun’s floating solar energy technology based on photovoltaic panels.
    •       The panels would be mounted on hydro-elastic membranes, at relevant sites to be identified by
            NHPC.
    •       The agreement is in continuation of efforts towards sustainable development and addition of
            renewable energy capacity by NHPC, which is engaged not only in hydropower development but
            also in various renewable energy projects such as solar, wind and green hydrogen projects.
Tata Motors ties up with South Indian Bank for commercial vehicle finance
    •       Tata Motors has tied up with South Indian Bank to offer financing solutions to its commercial
            vehicle customers and dealerships.
    •       As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), South Indian Bank will offer financing
            solutions across the auto major's entire commercial vehicle portfolio.
    •       For our customers, easy access to financing solutions for their commercial vehicles is one of the
            key priorities for their operations.
    •       Our alliance aims to empower fleet owners and dealerships to achieve their business goals.
RailTel signs MoU with tech firm for KAVACH implementation projects
        •     The railways inked an agreement with a tech firm for "exploring and delivering" train collision
              avoidance system KAVACH implementation projects in India as well as other countries,
              according to a statement.
        •     The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this purpose was signed between RailTel
              Corporation of India Limited and Quadrant Future Tek Limited.
India, New Zealand look to boost collaboration in pharma, digital trade, payment systems
    •       India and New Zealand are looking to increase collaboration in goods and services sectors like
            pharmaceuticals, digital trade, and cross-border payment systems to promote bilateral trade.
    •       Issues to promote trade through these collaborations were discussed during the recent visit of
            Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal to New Zealand from April 26-27.
    •       Deliberations also included increasing cooperation in kiwi fruit as well as the dairy sector.
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Tata Power Renewable Energy signs pact with SJVN for 460 MW clean energy project
    •   Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has signed an agreement with state-owned SJVN Ltd
        to set up a 460 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project.
    •   An FDRE plant enables round-the-clock power supply, assisting power distribution companies
        (discoms) in fulfilling their Renewable Purchase Obligations (RPOs) and Energy Storage
        Obligations (ESOs).
    •   The plant is expected to generate nearly 3,000 million units (MUs) of power and offset 2,200
        million kgs of CO2 emissions annually.
About SJVN
    •   SJVN, formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, is an Indian public sector undertaking involved
        in hydroelectric power generation and transmission.
    •   It was incorporated in 1988 as Nathpa Jhakri Power Corporation, a joint venture between the
        Government of India and the Government of Himachal Pradesh.
India, Nigeria to finalise Local Currency Settlement System Agreement
    •   India and Nigeria have agreed to an early conclusion of a local currency settlement system
        agreement to further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
    •   According to the Department of commerce, a seven-member delegation from India led by
        Additional Secretary in the Commerce Ministry Amardeep Singh Bhatia visited Abuja, Nigeria for
        the second session of India-Nigeria Joint Trade Committee (JTC) on April 29-30.
    •   It was held after a gap of five years.
    •   These countries include Belarus, Botswana, Fiji, Germany, Guyana, Israel, Kenya, Malaysia,
        Mauritius, Myanmar and the United Kingdom.
    •   Nigeria is India's 2nd largest trading partner in Africa.
India's first Astro Tourism Campaign: Uttarakhand Tourism announces 'Nakshatra Sabha'
    •   The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board has joined hands with Starscapes, a leading astro-
        tourism company, to introduce Nakshatra Sabha, a new initiative to provide a comprehensive Astro
        Tourism experience to people.
    •   The campaign will offer a range of activities, including stargazing, special solar observations,
        astrophotography contests, camping under the stars, and more.
    •   Scheduled to kick off in early June at George Everest in Mussoorie, Nakshatra Sabha will continue
        until mid-2025, featuring a series of immersive events at various locations across Uttarakhand.
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     •     The ICG fleet is presently operating 67 ships with aluminium hull with capability of operating in
           shallow waters.
About ICG
     •     The Indian Coast Guard is a coast guard of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters
           including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
     •     It was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament
           of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
     •     Rakesh Pal - Director General of the Indian Coast Guard.
About Hindalco
     •     Hindalco Industries Limited an Indian aluminium and copper manufacturing company, is a
           subsidiary of the Aditya Birla Group. Its headquarters are at Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Uttar Pradesh government plans to promote agri startups, introduce AI in farming
     •     The Uttar Pradesh government has partnered with the agriculture industry to bolster agri startups
           and introduce artificial intelligence (AI) in farming to boost the rural economy and ‘smart farming’
           practices.
     •     The Yogi Adityanath government is also planning to host a global farmers’ summit ‘Krishi Bharat’
           in November 2024 in association with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Krishikalpa in partnership with NABARD launches programme for farmers
     •     Krishikalpa, a not-for-profit organisation for farmer producer organisations (FPOs) has launched
           an accelerator program in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
           Development (Nabarad) with an aim to support 30 FPOs distributed across Karnataka.
     •     The program comprises two FPOs with revenue exceeding ₹1 crore, ten FPOs generating
           between ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, another ten FPOs with revenue ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh,
           and eight FPOs generating between up to ₹10 lakh, per Krishikalpa.
IFFCO ties up with Marut Drones for DaaS; to service five lakh acres in AP, Telangana
     •     The Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has signed an agreement with Marut
           Dronetech Private Limited to launch Drone-as-a- Service (DAAS) operations in Andhra Pradesh
           and Telangana.
     •     One of the key components of this tie-up is the creation of demand for rural entrepreneurs who
           have already invested in drone technology.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd partners with Google Wallet for ticketing ease
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     •     Google and Kochi Metro Rail Limited have announced their partnership between Google Wallet
           and KMRL in enhancing the digital ticketing options for metro users.
     •     The integration of services between Google Wallet and KMRL is powered by Prudent
           Technologies.
     •     The arrival of Google Wallet in India marks an important milestone in Android’s India journey,
           bringing innovative and convenient experiences to simplify peoples’ daily lives.
About Google
     •     Founders: Larry Page, Sergey Brin
     •     Parent organization: Alphabet Inc.
     •     CEO: Sundar Pichai (2 Oct 2015–)
     •     CMO: Lorraine Twohill
     •     Founded: 4 September 1998, Menlo Park, California, United States
Greenko firm inks deal with Norwegian co
● Hyderabad-based Greenko has entered into an agreement with Norway’s Yara Clean Ammonia for a
     10 year pact to supply renewable ammonia to the Norwegian firm, which is the world’s largest trader
     and distributor of ammonia.
● Greenko will supply green ammonia from Phase 1 of its ammonia production facility in Kakinada,
     India.
● The company signed the term sheet through its green ammonia production arm AM Green -- earlier
     Greenko ZeroC.
● This translates to a supply of 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia over a decade, beginning the fourth
     quarter of calendar year 2026.
● Yara Clean Ammonia is headquartered in Oslo, Norway.
● It operates the largest global ammonia network with 15 ships and has, through Yara, access to 18
     ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites across the world.
UAE-India CEPA Council and Indian Chamber of Commerce Forge Strategic Partnership
● To enhance economic and trade relations, the UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) and the Indian
     Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
● The main aim is to promote awareness of the UAE-India bilateral economic partnership and the
     benefits of the UAE-India CEPA.
● The MoU established a comprehensive collaboration between the UICC and the ICC, focusing on
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     banks in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region to deploy its payment solutions
     to the bank's business clients.
● Emirates NBD will offer Pine Labs' newly launched credit issuing platform to deliver merchant
     acquiring solutions for its corporate and institutional clients, initially in the United Arab Emirates, then
     across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
● These solutions will enable the bank’s clients to improve their digital payment solutions for both
     online and in-store payments.
About Pine Labs
● Pine Labs is an Indian company that provides point-of-sales systems and payment systems.
● Founded in 1998.
● B Amrish Rau, CEO, Pine Labs.
India and Zimbabwe agree to extend regulatory cooperation in digital transformation solutions
● The delegates of India and Zimbabwe held the third session of the India-Zimbabwe Joint Trade
     Committee (JTC) in Delhi.
● During the session, both sides reviewed the bilateral trade and noted the vast potential that exists
     between the two countries.
● India and Zimbabwe have agreed to explore an opportunity to ink a pact for regulatory cooperation in
     tele-medicines, rough diamonds, and fast payment systems.
About Zimbabwe
● Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in southern Africa known for its dramatic landscape and diverse
     wildlife,
● Capital: Harare,
● Currency: United States Dollar.
Indian Oil signs second long-term LNG deal with France's Total Energies
● Indian Oil Corporation Ltd signed a long-term contract with French energy giant TotalEnergies in
     France for supply of LNG (liquefied natural gas).
● Under the contract, TotalEnergies would supply 1 million metric tonne per annum (mmtpa) of LNG to
     IOCL for a period of around 10 years.
● This is the second long-term contract between the two companies in the past one year.
● Around the same period last year, the public sector refining and marketing major also signed an
     agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the supply of 1.2 mmtpa of LNG
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     starting 2026.
● Chairperson: Shrikant Madhav Vaidya, Headquarters: New Delhi.
DRDO to collaborate with IIT Bhubaneswar for AI-driven surveillance, other projects
● Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will collaborate with the Indian Institute
     of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar for artificial intelligence (AI) driven surveillance and other projects .
● A meeting was held between DRDO and IIT Bhubaneswar officials recently.
● During the meeting, nine sanctioned projects of the ECS Cluster of DRDO were handed over to IIT
     Bhubaneswar while another 7 projects are in the process to be sanctioned with Rs 18 crore funding.
India inks 10-year deal to operate Iran's Chabahar port
● India signed a 10-year contract with Iran to develop and operate the Iranian port of Chabahar, the
     Narendra Modi-led government said, strengthening relations with a strategic Middle Eastern nation.
● India has been developing the port in Chabahar on Iran's south-eastern coast along the Gulf of
     Oman as a way to transport goods to Iran, Afghanistan and central Asian countries, bypassing the
     port of Karachi and Gwadar in its rival Pakistan.
● U.S. sanctions on Iran, however, slowed the port's development.
● The long-term deal was signed between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and the Port & Maritime
     Organisation of Iran, authorities in both countries said.
● Under the agreement, IPGL will invest about $120 million while there will be an additional $250
     million in financing, bringing the contract's value to $370 million, said Iranian Minister of Roads and
     Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash.
● IPGL first took over operations of the port at the end of 2018 and has since handled container traffic
     of more than 90,000 TEUs and bulk and general cargo of more than 8.4 million tonnes
Amazon India to bring tribal artisans from Visakhapatnam on its e-commerce marketplace
     ● Amazon India announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Visakhapatnam
        Forest Tribals to help tribal artisans from Visakhapatnam sell authentic handcrafted products to a
        global audience via its e- commerce platform.
     ● The key focus of the tie-up is to offer visibility and enable revenue generation through the forest
        produce manufactured by the tribals through listing on Amazon, thereby generating job
        opportunities.
     ● Launched in 2017, the Amazon Karigar program enables small businesses and specialized
        micro-entrepreneurs like weavers, artisans, and artisans to benefit from e-commerce, grow their
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        businesses.
DAHD and UNDP signs MoU on Digitalization of Vaccine Cold Chain Management, Capacity Building,
and Communication Planning
     ● The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
        Husbandry & Dairying signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations
        Development Programme (UNDP) on digitalisation of vaccine cold chain management, capacity
        building, and communication planning.
     ● India is the most populous country in the world with 142.86 Crore people,53.57 Million farm
        animals and 85.18 Million poultry.
     ● The vaccine cold chain management process will be monitored with the help of new age
        technology and artificial intelligence through the Animal vaccine Intelligence Network (AVIN)
        developed by UNDP.
     ● Notably, UNDP and DAHD will jointly work on Strengthening Animal Health with One Health
        approach at centre.
     ● The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was set up by the United Nations in 1965
        by merging the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance with the United
        Nations Special Fund.
Tata Steel signs grid agreement to make its UK project green
     ● Tata Steel has signed an agreement with National Grid Plc's Electricity System Operator to build
        the power infrastructure required to switch its Port Talbot site to a green steel project.
     ● The deal will see the British grid operator build the new electrical framework capable of powering
        the Indian company's 3.2 million-ton electric arc furnace by the end of 2027.
     ● Last year, the UK agreed to pay up to £500 million ($635 million) to help Tata Steel overhaul the
        country's biggest steelworks and keep it running - one of several hefty subsidies to persuade
        companies to stay in Britain.
India, UK agree to deepen counter-terror cooperation
     ● India and the UK strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms including the cross-border
        movement of terrorists and emphasised the need for strengthening international cooperation to
        combat the menace comprehensively.
     ● The challenge of terrorism and ways to deal with it figured prominently at the 16th meeting of the
        India-UK joint working group on counter-terrorism that took place in Delhi
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     ● The Indian delegation at the talks was headed by KD Dewal, joint secretary for counter terrorism
        in the MEA.
     ● Chris Felton, the head of the counter terrorism network for Asia and Oceania of the UK, led the
        British delegation.
Reliance's agreement with Norway's Nel to speed up new energy investments
     ● Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has signed an agreement with Norway's Nel ASA to source
        technology for producing green hydrogen.
     ● This move is part of billionaire Mukesh Ambani's strategic shift toward green energy.
     ● RIL entered into a technology licensing agreement with Nel ASA.
     ● This agreement grants RIL an exclusive license to use Nel's alkaline electrolysers in India and
        permits RIL to manufacture these electrolysers for its own use globally.
     ● Nel ASA holds a 10-15 percent global market share in electrolysers, with deliveries of 350MW to
        400MW expected in 2023-2024.
New WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources Disclosure
     ● Members of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) have agreed that patent
        applicants must disclose the country of origin or source of genetic resources if their inventions
        are based on these materials or associated traditional knowledge.
     ● The treaty will provide additional protection for Indian genetic resources and traditional
        knowledge, which are currently vulnerable to misappropriation in countries without disclosure
        obligations.
     ● Presently, only 35 countries have some form of disclosure obligations, often non-mandatory.
     ● WIPO is a specialized United Nations agency based in Geneva, established in 1967.
NSDC and ILO sign MoU to advance skill development and lifelong learning
     ● The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the International Labour Organization
        (ILO) join forces under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to bolster
        skill development and lifelong learning initiatives in India and beyond.
     ● This partnership empowers individuals worldwide by providing them with essential competencies
        and qualifications, fostering employability and sustainable economic growth.
     ● The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was inked by Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO and MD of
        NSDC, and Mr. Sangheon Lee, Director of the Employment Policy, Job Creation, and Livelihoods
        Department at ILO.
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                                              PERSON IN NEWS
Gopi Thotakura Makes History as 1st Indian Space Tourist on Blue Origin’s Private Astronaut Launch
     ● Indian expatriate Gopi Thotakura made history as he became the first Indian space tourist and
        the second Indian to venture into space as part of the crew for Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue
        Origin's NS-25 mission.
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     ● The Blue Origin successfully completed its 7th human spaceflight and the 25th flight for the New
        Shepard program.
     ● Andhra-born Gopi Thotakura was a part of the crew among five other crew members.
List of other Crew Members :
     1. Ed Dwight: Former Air Force aviator, became the oldest person in space at 90 years old.
     2. Mason Angel: Founder of Industrious Ventures.
     3. Sylvain Chiron: Spearheaded Brasserie Mont Blanc, a craft brewery in France.
     4. Kenneth L. Hess: Software engineer and entrepreneur.
     5. Carol Schaller: Retired Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
     ● Note : Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, a former Indian Air Force pilot, was the first Indian
        citizen to fly to space in 1984.
     ● Blue Origin’s 7th human flight, NS-25, lifted off from Launch Site One in West Texas .
     ● To date, Blue Origin has facilitated the journey of 31 individuals aboard the New Shepard, a
        compact and fully reusable rocket system named in homage to Alan Shepard, the first American
        in space.
About New Shepard :
     ● New Shepard is a fully reusable sub-orbital launch vehicle developed for space tourism by Blue
        Origin.
     ● It is named in homage to Alan Shepard, the first American in space, and is designed to transport
        astronauts and research payloads beyond the Karman line.
America's First Black Astronaut Candidate, Ed Dwight, Becomes Oldest Person to Reach Space
     ● Ed Dwight, a 90-year-old artist and former Air Force test pilot who was denied a chance to
        become the first African American astronaut six decades ago, finally rocketed into space, fulfilling
        a cherished dream in a brief up-and-down flight out of the lower atmosphere.
     ● President John F. Kennedy initially chose Ed Dwight, an Air Force pilot, to be the candidate for
        NASA's inaugural Astronaut Corps.
     ● The Soviets launched the first black astronaut, Arnaldo Tamayo Mendez, a Cuban citizen of
        African descent, 3 years before NASA selected its first black astronaut.
     ● Prior to Ed Dwight, "Star Trek" actor William Shatner held the record as the oldest person to go
        into space in 2021.
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        ● Ed Dwight became the new record holder for the oldest person in space after his quick trip from
              West Texas.
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    •       Founded : 2004
    •       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •       MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
    •       Tagline : Experience Our Expertise
KKR to Acquire India's Healthium Medtech from Apax Partners for Rs 7,000 Crore ($838.60 Million)
    •       Global investment firm KKR announced acquiring Bengaluru-based medical devices company
            Healthium Medtech from an affiliate of funds advised by private equity firm Apax Partners.
    •       The acquisition is valued between Rs 6,500 crore and Rs 7,000 crore (around $839 million).
    •       A special-purpose vehicle owned by KKR-managed funds will acquire a controlling interest in
            Healthium Medtech.
    •       Regulatory Approvals and Timeline: The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is
            expected to close in the third quarter of the calendar year 2024.
About Healthium MedTech :
    •       Founded in India : 1992
    •       CEO : Anish Bafna
    •       Healthium is the 4th-largest surgical suture manufacturer in the world with a market share of about
            18% in India.
    •       It is present in more than 90 countries.
TVS Holdings to Purchase 80.74% Stake in Home Credit India for ₹554 Crore
        •     TVS Holdings Limited (TVSH), Premji Invest, and other associates will collectively acquire a
              100% equity stake in Home Credit India Finance Private Limited for a total consideration of ₹680
              crore.
        •     TVSH will purchase 80.74% stake from Netherlands-based Home Credit India B.V. and Czech
              Republic-based Home Credit International A.S. for ₹554 crore, while the remaining 19.26% stake
              will be acquired by Premji Invest and other associates.
        •     Upon signing a sale and purchase Agreement, TVS Holdings and Home Credit will seek
              approvals from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and the Reserve
              Bank of India (RBI), respectively.
About TVS Holdings Ltd :
        •     Founded : 1962
        •     Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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     •     MD : Sudarshan Venu
Vedanta to Complete Full Acquisition of Japanese Display Glass Major AvanStrate
     •     Billionaire Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Limited has acquired an additional 46.57% stake in
           Japanese display major AvanStrate Inc for $78.3 million through its wholly owned subsidiary,
           Cairn India Holdings Ltd.
     •     With this acquisition, Vedanta's total holding in AvanStrate has risen to 98.2%.
     •     The transaction is expected to be completed by June 2024.
     •     Vedanta had previously acquired a controlling stake in AvanStrate in 2017 for $158 million.
About AvanStrate Inc :
     •     Headquarters : Tokyo, Japan
     •     It is a leading manufacturer of glass substrates primarily used in the production of electronic
           devices such as televisions, laptops, smartphones, tablets, wearables, and other electronic
           displays.
     •     It has production facilities in Taiwan and Korea.
Reserve Bank of India Permits Quant Mutual Fund to Increase Stake in RBL Bank to 9.98%
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed Quant Mutual Fund to hike its stake in RBL Bank to
           9.98%.
     ● As of May 10,2024 Quant MF, through its various schemes, owned 4.68% equity share capital in
           the private sector lender.
     ● The approval granted on Monday is subject to certain conditions and provisions under the
           Banking Regulation Act, 1949, among others.
     ● The shareholding has to be increased by May 12, 2025.
About RBL Bank :
     ● Founded : 1943
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : R. Subramania kumar
     ● RBL Bank, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited, is an Indian private-sector bank.
India's Khanij Bidesh Set to Procure Lithium Asset in Australia in FY25
     ● Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) is in the process of acquiring a lithium block in Australia this
           year(2024).
     ● KABIL is owned by three public sector undertakings - National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco),
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        Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd (MECL).
     ● Recently, the Registered Office of KABIL has been inaugurated in New Delhi.
     ● Lithium is the most important mineral for the energy transition.
     ● It is a fundamental part of lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles and battery energy
        storage systems.
     ● Australia is one of the leading producers of Lithium and Cobalt.
About Australia :
     ● Prime Minister : Anthony Albanese
     ● Capital : Canberra
     ● Currency : Australian Dollar
Life Insurance Corporation of India Shares Jump 6% Following SEBI's Extension of Deadline to Meet
Minimum Public Holding Requirements Until May 2027
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted the State-owned Life Insurance
        Corporation of India (LIC) an additional 3 years until May 2027 to comply with minimum public
        shareholding norms.
     ● Following the announcement, LIC's shares witnessed a significant surge of more than 6%,
        reflecting investor optimism.
     ● The revised timeline for the Corporation to achieve 10% public shareholding is on or before May
        16, 2027.
     ● Post LIC’s May 2022 IPO, the government of India owns 96.50% of the insurer.
     ● The decision aligns with Rule 19(2)(b)(iv) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957,
        which mandates achieving 10% public shareholding within 5 years from the date of listing.
     ● As per SEBI norms, LIC was required to achieve 10% public shareholding within two years of
        listing in the capital market.
About LIC:
     ● Established: 1st September 1956
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Chairman : Siddhartha Mohanty
Reserve Bank of India Greenlights Appointment of Mr. Pradeep Natarajan as Whole Time Director of
IDFC FIRST Bank Limited
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for Pradeep Natarajan to assume the
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     ● ICICI Bank has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in relation to an investment
        in the equity shares of a company to be incorporated (Target Entity) as a subsidiary of The
        Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL) along with seven (7) other shareholders.
     ● Post investment, ICICI Bank will hold 6.125% shareholding in the Target Entity through the
        acquisition of 6,125,000 equity shares of face value Rs 10 each.
     ● The Target Entity, to be incorporated in GIFT-IFSC, will set up and operate the Foreign Currency
        Settlement System (FCSS) and act as a clearing house and system operator for the same.
About ICICI Bank :
     ● Founded : 5 January 1994
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Sandeep Bakhshi
Disney to Sell 30% Stake in Tata Play to Tata Group, Valuing Company at $1 Billion
     ● Walt Disney Co has sold its minority stake in Tata Play to Tata Group, indicating a strategic shift
        in its focus.
     ● Disney aims to concentrate on merging its Indian unit with Mukesh Ambani’s media arm,
        highlighting the importance of strategic alliances and mergers in the media industry.
     ● The transaction valued Tata Play Limited. at approximately $1 billion, showcasing the valuation
        process involved in corporate transactions.
     ● As per the deal, Tata Group takes full control of the TV platform after buying the 29.8% stake
        from Disney.
About Tata Play :
     ● Tata Play was incorporated in 2001- a joint venture between Tata Group and TFCF Corp.
     ● The company provides pay television via set-top boxes and over-the-top video streaming through
        its app, as per Tata Sons’s website.
     ● Tata Group raised its stake in Tata Play to over 70% after buying out Temasek Holding Pte’s
        stake earlier this year(2024). .
     ● Temasek first invested in Tata Sky, as it was known at the time, in 2007.
Google to Acquire Minority Stake in Flipkart in New Funding Round
     ● Internet major Google has proposed an investment of around $350 million (about Rs 2,900 crore)
        to buy a minority stake in e-commerce company Flipkart during a fresh funding round.
     ● Funding Round Details:Flipkart is raising $1 billion in its ongoing funding round.
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        ● Valuation:As of January 31, 2024, Flipkart was valued at $35 billion based on equity transactions
              conducted by its parent firm Walmart.
        ● Walmart's Shareholding:In FY24, Walmart increased its shareholding in Flipkart by 10% to
              approximately 85% by investing $3.5 billion.
About Google :
        ● Founded : September 4, 1998
        ● Headquarters : California, United States
        ● CEO : Sundar Pichai
About Flipkart :
        ● Founded : 2007
        ● Founders : Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal
        ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka
        ● CEO : Kalyan Krishnamurthi
                                                  DEFENCE NEWS
India to Collaborate with United Kingdom to Develop Electric Propulsion System for Domestic Warships
    •       India is planning to develop an electric propulsion system for its domestic warships in partnership
            with the United Kingdom (UK).
    •       Discussions are ongoing between the Indian and UK governments regarding the agreement.
    •       Letter of Intent and Government-to-Government Agreement:The UK sent a letter of intent last
            month for a government-to-government agreement, indicating its willingness to support India in
            developing this capability.
About UK :
    •       Prime Minister: Rishi Sunak
    •       Capital: London
    •       Currency: Pound sterling
Defence Research and Development Organisation Successfully Flight-Tests Supersonic Missile-
Assisted Torpedo Release System Off Odisha Coast
        •     The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful flight
              test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul
              Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
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    •    The Indian Army’s Kharga Corps, part of the Army’s Western Command, concluded a 3-day joint
         military exercise Gagan Strike-II with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Punjab.
    •    Aim : To validate various force multipliers supporting ground offensives by strike corps and
         integrated operations between the Army and Air Force.
    •    Lt-Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, and the
         General Officer Commanding, Kharga Corps, reviewed the exercise.
About Indian Army :
    •    Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
    •    Chief of the Army Staff : General Manoj Pande
Indian Army Set to Receive Inaugural Hermes-900 Drone, Enhancing Border Surveillance Along
Pakistan
        ● The Indian Army is set to receive the first Hermes-900 Starliner drone, also known as the Drishti-
           10 drone, on May 18, 2024, enhancing its surveillance capabilities along the Pakistan border.
        ● The Hermes-900 known as the Drishti-10 drone is being supplied to Indian forces including
           Indian Army and Navy by Adani Defence Systems.
        ● The first of the two drones to be acquired by the Indian Army would be handed over to the force
           on May 18, 2024 in Hyderabad.
        ● The supplies are part of the deal signed under the emergency powers given to forces by the
           Defence Ministry.
        ● The Indian Army has ordered two drones, with the first delivered to the Navy in January.
        ● The second drone will go to the Army, and the third and fourth will be supplied accordingly.
        ● The Indian Army is already operating the Heron Mark 1 and Mark 2 drones and has also placed
           orders for the Drishti-10 or the Hermes-900 drones under the last tranche of the emergency
           procurements approved by the government for the forces.
        ● Adani Defence had signed a deal with the Israeli firm Elbit for the transfer of technology for the
           drones and stated that it has indigenized 70% of the birds and will work to increase it further.
        ● The Indian Army has also inducted more satellite communication-enabled birds from Israel, as it
           has a few Heron Mark 2 birds in direct deals with Israeli Aircraft Industries.
About Indian Army :
        ● Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
        ● Chief of the Army Staff : General Manoj Pande
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     ● The previous edition of Tarkash - considered crucial in terms of security challenges being faced
         by both countries in the current global scenario - was conducted at Chennai in Jan 2023.
About NSG :
     ● The National Security Guard, commonly known as Black Cats, is a counter-terrorism unit of India
         under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
     ● It was established on October 16, 1984, following Operation Blue Star, to combat terrorist
         activities and protect states against internal disturbances.
     ● Director-General : Shri Nalin Prabhat
Indian Army Establishes One of the World's Highest Tank Repair Facilities at 14,500 Feet
     ● The Indian Army has established one of the world's highest tank repair facilities at an altitude of
         14,500 feet near the China border in Nyoma.
     ● Two armoured vehicle maintenance and repair facilities have been set up by the Indian Army in
         Nyoma to ensure operational readiness of the combat fleet, especially in rugged terrain and
         challenging weather conditions.
     ● These facilities are crucial for maintaining the combat fleet, which includes around 500 tanks and
         infantry combat vehicles in Eastern Ladakh, ensuring they remain operationally ready.
Indian Army to Receive Igla-S Air Defence Systems Partially Assembled in India
     ● The Indian Army is set to receive Russian Igla-S very short-range air defence systems
         (VSHORAD) under the fourth tranche of Emergency Procurements (EP).
     ● These systems were contracted in 2023, with deliveries beginning by the end of May 2024.
     ● The Army is also set to receive the first of two Israeli Hermes-900 Medium Altitude Long
         Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) assembled by Adani Defence Systems and
         Technologies Limited (ADSTL) in Hyderabad next month.
About Igla-S :
     ● The Igla-S systems are being assembled by ADSTL in India under technology transfer from
         Rosoboronexport, the Russian defense export agency.
     ● The Army contracted 48 Igla-S launchers, 100 missiles, 48 night sights, and one missile testing
         station under a ₹260 crore contract.
     ● Igla-S is a man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) developed by Russia.
About Indian Army :
     ●   Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
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     ● It emphasizes the sharing of best practices and collaboration among various military and national
        organizations.
About Ministry of Defence :
     ● Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
     ● Minister of State : Ajay Bhatt
     ● Defence Secretary : Giridhar Aramane
Indian and French Military Engage in Joint Exercise 'Shakti
     ● The Indian and French armies are actively participating in the 7th edition of the Joint Exercise
        Shakti.
     ● The exercise focuses on sharing critical skills in jungle survival and mountain operations.
     ● It is held biennially and takes place from May 13-26 in Umroi, Meghalaya.
     ● The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance the capabilities of both militaries for multi-
        domain operations in semi-conventional scenarios.
     ● It aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for
        conducting joint operations.
     ● Participant Details:The Indian contingent consists of 90 members, primarily from the Rajput
        Regiment, along with personnel from other military branches.
     ● The French side has deployed 90 soldiers, mainly from the 13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade.
     ● The last edition was conducted in France in November 2021.
About France :
     ● President : Emmanuel Macron
     ● Prime Minister : Gabriel Attal
     ● Capital : Paris
     ● Currency : Euro
Defence Research & Development Organisation Successfully Flight-Tests RudraM-II Air-to-Surface
Missile from Su-30 MK-I off Odisha Coast
     ● The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the
        RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the
        Odisha coast at approximately 1130 hours.
     ● The flight test met all trial objectives, validating the missile's propulsion system and control &
        guidance algorithm.
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About RudraM-II :
        ● RudraM-II is an indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system meant for
           Air-to-Surface role to neutralise many types of enemy assets.
        ● The RudraM-II missile possesses a range of 300 km and is equipped with precision target-
           seeking capabilities.
        ● It is adaptable for use on multiple platforms, including the Mirage 2000.
        ● Additionally, it can achieve speeds of up to Mach 5.5 and carry a payload of 200 kg.
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About NASA :
    •   Established : July 29, 1958
    •   Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States of America
    •   Administrator : Bill Nelson
China Launches First of Eight Hangor-Class Submarines Built for Pakistan
    •   China has launched the first of the eight Hangor-class submarines to be built for its all-weather ally
        Pakistan to provide it with state-of-the-art warships, adding a new dimension to their growing
        bilateral military cooperation.
    •   The development comes as part of the agreement between Islamabad and Beijing under which the
        latter had agreed to provide the former with 8 state-of-the-art advanced submarines.
    •   Of the 8 submarines, 4 are being built by WSIG (Wuhan Shipbuilding Industry Group) in China,
        and the other 4 at Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KS&EW) in Pakistan under a Transfer
        of Technology (ToT) agreement.
About China:
    •   President: Xi Jinping
    •   Capital: Beijing
    •   Currency: Renminbi
Indian-Origin Astronaut Sunita Williams Set to Pilot Boeing's Starliner on Her 3rd Space Mission
    •   The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Boeing Crew Flight Test will
        launch Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore on their third
        space mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
    •   The astronauts will launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft atop an Atlas V rocket from Cape
        Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex-41 on May 7, 2024.
    •   This mission marks the first crewed trip on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft and its third orbital flight
        test overall.
About NASA :
    •   Established : July 29, 1958
    •   Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States of America
    •   Administrator : Bill Nelson
China's 3rd Aircraft Carrier, Fujian, Concludes Inaugural 8-Day Sea Trial
    •   China’s 3rd aircraft carrier, Fujian, has successfully completed its 8-day maiden sea trials.
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    •   During the trial, the carrier tested its propulsion, electrical systems, and other equipment, achieving
        expected results.
    •   The carrier set sail from Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai on May 01, 2024.
    •   Fujian is an 80,000-tonne supercarrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults for launching
        aircraft, making China the 2nd country after the U.S. to deploy a supercarrier with this technology.
About China:
    •   President: Xi Jinping
    •   Capital: Beijing
    •   Currency: Renminbi
Indian Space Research Organisation Successfully Conducts Hot Testing of Liquid Rocket Engine
    •   Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has accomplished the significant achievement of
        conducting a successful hot test of a liquid rocket engine that was produced using additive
        manufacturing (AM) technology.
    •   The test lasted 665 seconds and involved the utilization of the PS4 engine, which is part of the
        PSLV upper stage.
    •   AM, also known as 3D printing, involves layer-by-layer material addition to create objects from
        digital models, allowing for complex designs and efficient material usage.
    •   PS4 Stage Details : The PS4 stage is the fourth, and topmost, stage of the PSLV rocket, featuring
        two liquid engines.
About ISRO :
    •   Established: 15 August 1969
    •   Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    •   Chairman: S. Somanath
Google introduces Google Wallet for Android users in India
    •   Google announced the launch of the Google Wallet app in India, providing users with a centralized
        platform to save travel tickets, gift cards, event passes, and other digital documents.
    •   It however does not support payment features such as saving credit cards or debit cards in the
        wallet for on-tap payments.
    •   This Wallet app offers fast and secure access to everyday essentials, enabling people to
        conveniently store and retrieve important digital documents like boarding passes, loyalty cards,
        movie tickets, and more.
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About Google :
    •       Founded : September 4, 1998
    •       Headquarters : California, United States
    •       CEO : Sundar Pichai
Japan Reveals World’s Inaugural 6G Device, Boasting 20 Times the Speed of 5G
        •     A Japanese consortium unveiled the world’s first high-speed 6G prototype device.
        •     The prototype device can transmit data at a remarkable speed of 100 gigabits per second
              (Gbps), covering a distance of more than 300 feet.
        •     This represents a significant advancement over current 5G technology, boasting a 20x
              improvement.
        •     The prototype device was a result of collaboration among Japan’s leading telecom companies,
              including DOCOMO, NTT Corporation, NEC Corporation, and Fujitsu.
About Japan :
        •     Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
        •     Capital: Tokyo
        •     Currency: Japanese yen
Boeing Starliner Launch, Carrying Astronaut Sunita Williams to Space, Postponed
    •       The launch of the Boeing Starliner, which was set to take astronaut Sunita Williams to space for a
            3rd time, has been postponed due to a technical glitch.
    •       The Boeing Starliner is a partially reusable crew capsule, officially known as CST-100 (Crew
            Space Transportation).
    •       On its first crewed test flight, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft would be carrying two NASA astronauts
            and will be launched on an Atlas V rocket from the Kennedy Space Center to the International
            Space Station (ISS).
    •       The two NASA astronauts are Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita William.
ISRO Completes First Ignition Test of Semi-Cryogenic Engine Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article at
Mahendragiri
    •       The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed the first ignition test on the Semi
            Cryogenic Pre-Burner Ignition Test Article (PITA) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) in
            Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
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     ● Inauguration is scheduled for June 2024, making it the 7th such facility in TCS' global Pace
        network, joining locations like Amsterdam, London, New York, Pittsburgh, Toronto, and Tokyo.
About TCS :
     ● Founded : 1968
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Chairman : Natarajan Chandrasekaran
     ● CEO : K. Krithivasan
Extreme Solar Storm Causes Spectacular Aurora Display in Remote Indian Village of Hanle, Ladakh
     ● An extremely strong solar storm that hit Earth prompted a stunning display of colours in various
        parts of the world, including one of the remotest villages in India, Hanle - located in Ladakh.
What are Auroras?
     ● Auroras are natural lights that appear as bright, swirling curtains in the night sky.
     ● They manifest in various colors such as blue, red, yellow, green, and orange.
     ● Geographical Distribution:Auroras primarily occur near the poles of both the northern and
        southern hemispheres throughout the year.
     ● At times, they can expand to lower latitudes, creating spectacular displays visible to more
        populated areas.
     ● Terminology:In the northern hemisphere, auroras are known as aurora borealis, while in the
        southern hemisphere, they are called aurora australis.
     ● Solar Storm Source:The solar storms or coronal mass ejections originated from the AR13664
        region of the sun.
     ● This region produced several high-energy solar flares, some of which are travelling towards Earth
        at a speed of 800 km/s.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Unveils Plans to Construct First Railway System on the
Moon
     ● The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is preparing to send astronauts back
        to the moon and has announced its plan to construct the first lunar railway system, known as
        FLOAT (Flexible Levitation on a Track).
     ● Engineers at Nasa 's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California are currently developing the
        FLOAT system.
     ● It will consist of magnetic robots levitating over a three-layer film track to reduce abrasion from
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     ● It received support from various organizations including the European and Developing Countries
        Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank
        (EIB).
About WHO :
     ● Established : 7 April 1948
     ● Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
     ● Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
     ● Parent Organisation : United Nations Economic and Social Council
     ● The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public
        health.
Astronomers Successfully Identify Rocky Planet with Atmospheric Composition
     ● Astronomers identified rocky planets beyond our solar system with an atmosphere.
     ● 55 Cancri e is classified as a super-Earth, meaning it is larger than Earth but smaller than
        Neptune.
     ● It is an exoplanet also known as Janssen and is a super-Earth.
     ● It is located in our Milky Way galaxy about 41 light-years from Earth, in the constellation Cancer.
     ● Orbit and Temperature: It orbits its star at one-25th the distance between our solar system's
        innermost planet Mercury and the sun. As a result, its surface temperature is about 3,140
        degrees Fahrenheit.
     ● Mass and Diameter : It completes a full orbit every 18 hours or so.55 Cancri e has a mass about
        8.8 times that of Earth and a diameter approximately twice the size of our planet.
     ● Discovery : 55 Cancri e was discovered in 2004.
     ● NASA’s James Webb Telescope : NASA’s James Webb Telescope: The telescope has been in
        the works for years. NASA led its development with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the
        Canadian Space Agency.
     ● It was launched aboard a rocket on December 25, 2021.
     ● Light-Year Conversion: One light-year equals approximately 9.5 trillion kilometres, serving as a
        significant unit of distance measurement in astronomy.
Japan and United States Ink Deal to Collaborate on Hypersonic Missile Interceptor Development
     ● Japan and the United States (US) are planning to develop interceptors to shoot down hypersonic
        missiles by the 2030s under a contract signed by the two countries.
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     ● The plan, which will reportedly cost more than $3 billion, was first announced in August when the
        nations' leaders met at a summit with South Korea in Camp David outside Washington.
     ● The Japanese government has already included 75 billion yen ($480 million) in its 2024 budget
        for development of the interceptors.
     ● Hypersonic missiles fly at more than five times the speed of sound and have irregular
        trajectories, making them difficult to intercept.
About Japan :
     ● Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
     ● Capital: Tokyo
     ● Currency: Japanese yen
About United States :
     ● President : Joe Biden
     ● Capital : Washington, D.C
     ● Currency : U.S. dollar
Spacetech Startup GalaxEye Conducts SAR Technology Test on National Aerospace Laboratories
Pseudo Satellite
     ● Bengaluru-based space technology startup GalaxEye has successfully tested its all-weather, all-
        time prolonged aerial surveillance technology, which could enhance India's defense capabilities.
     ● GalaxEye tested its synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology on a subscale high altitude
        pseudo-satellite (HAPS) developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
     ● HAPS functions as high-flying drones operating in the stratosphere, providing capabilities for
        prolonged aerial surveillance.
     ● HAPS can be stationed at approximately 18 km above Earth's surface, where the atmosphere
        transitions into space. They can be manoeuvred to hover over specific countries or regions.
     ● HAPS are typically solar-powered and capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 40 kg.
     ● Unlike conventional aircraft flying at altitudes of 3 to 8 km, electric HAPS platforms have an
        endurance of 2 to 3 hours and can remain stationary in one location for up to 7 days.
     ● Co-founder of Galaxeye : Suyash Singh
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Prepares to Launch PREFIRE Mission to Study Earth's
Polar Regions
     ● The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is gearing up to launch its latest
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About Indonesia :
     ● President : Joko Widodo
     ● Capital : Jakarta
     ● Currency : Indonesian rupiah (Rp)
Microsoft Unveils 'Copilot+' PCs with Unique 'Recall' AI Functionality
     ● Microsoft is innovating by introducing a new category of personal computers with AI features,
        emphasizing its efforts to integrate emerging technologies into its products.
     ● The move reflects Microsoft's strategy to compete with tech giants like Alphabet and Apple,
        highlighting the importance of innovation and competition in the technology sector.
     ● Chief Executive Satya Nadella unveiled the new "Copilot+" PCs, showcasing the leadership role
        in driving innovation and product development within Microsoft.
About Microsoft :
     ● Founded : April 4, 1975
     ● Headquarters : Washington, United States
     ● Chairman & CEO : Satya Nadella
Google Partners with Foxconn to Manufacture Pixel Smartphones in Tamil Nadu
     ● Internet major Google will partner with iPhone manufacturer Foxconn to produce its ultra-
        premium Pixel smartphones for the first time in Tamil Nadu (TN).
     ● The move aims to scale up Google's Pixel smartphone business in India to tap into the growing
        demand for premium smartphones in the world's second-largest smartphone market.
     ● Production Targets:Dixon aims to produce 1 lakh Pixel units monthly, intending to export 25-30%
        as it endeavors to expand its market presence in India, the second-largest smartphone market
        globally.
     ● Drone Assembly and Delivery:Google's subsidiary, Wing LLC, may commence drone assembly
        in Tamil Nadu.
     ● Wing LLC offers a drone delivery service in the US, Europe, and Australia with a fleet of
        lightweight, autonomous drones.
     ● Announcement and Production Start:In 2023, Google announced plans to start manufacturing
        Pixel 8 smartphones in India.
     ● Tamil Nadu's Electronics Export Leadership:Tamil Nadu leads India in electronics exports,
        contributing $9.56 billion, almost a third of the national exports.
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About Google :
     ● Founded : September 4, 1998
     ● Headquarters : California, United States
     ● CEO : Sundar Pichai
About Tamil Nadu :
     ● Governor : R. N. Ravi
     ● Chief Minister : M. K. Stalin
     ● Capital : Chennai
     ● National Parks : Mukurthi National Park, Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park
     ● Wildlife Sanctuaries : Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Sanctuary, Mundanthurai
         Sanctuary
SpaceX Deploys first batch of satellites for New US Spy Constellation
     ● SpaceX has launched the first batch of operational spy satellites as part of a new American
         intelligence network.
     ● The Falcon 9 rocket, operated by SpaceX, lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in
         Southern California for this launch.
     ● It marks the first deployment of the NRO's comprehensive system featuring responsive collection
         and rapid data delivery.
About SpaceX :
     ● Founded : March 14, 2002
     ● Headquarters : Hawthorne, California, United States
     ● CEO : Elon Musk
     ● SpaceX, is an American spacecraft manufacturer, launch service provider and satellite
         communications company.
Indian Army Collaborates with Indian Oil Corporation Limited for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Technology
Trials
     ● Indian Army has collaborated with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) for demonstration trials
         of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus technology.
     ● A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and the IOCL in
         the presence of General Manoj Pande, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) and Mr Shrikant Madhav
         Vaidya, Chairman of Indian Oil.
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     ● During the event, one Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus was received by the Indian Army.
     ● This marks the commencement of a mutually beneficial partnership between the Indian Army and
        IOCL.
     ● The Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus has a seating capacity of 37 passengers.
     ● It promises an impressive mileage of 250-300 km on a full 30 kg onboard tank of Hydrogen fuel.
What is a hydrogen fuel cell?
     ● A hydrogen fuel cell uses the chemical energy of hydrogen to produce electricity.
     ● It is a clean form of energy with electricity, heat and water being the only products and by-
        products.
     ● Fuel cells offer a variety of applications, from transportation to emergency back-up power, and
        can power systems as large as a power plant or as small as a laptop.
     ● Fuel cells provide advantages over traditional combustion-based technologies, including greater
        efficiencies and lower emissions.
About Indian Army :
     ● Founded : 26 January 1950
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
     ● Chief of the Army Staff : General Manoj Pande
About IOCL :
     ● Founded : 30 June 1959
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     ● Chairman : Shrikant Madhav Vaidya
     ● Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL or IOC), trading as IndianOil, is an Indian oil and gas
        company under the ownership of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of
        India.
Tata Consultancy Services and Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay Collaborate to Develop India's
First Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager
     ● Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has joined forces with the Indian Institute of Technology
        Bombay (IIT Bombay) to create India's inaugural Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager.
     ● This collaboration aims to develop a tool for assessing the quality of semiconductors.
     ● This collaboration is aligned with the government of India’s National Quantum Mission.
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        ● The imager capitalizes on defects within diamond structures, specifically Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV)
              centers, to achieve its functionality.
        ● Notably, IIT Bombay was TCS' inaugural academic partner for its Co-Innovation Network (COIN),
              aimed at promoting industry-academia collaboration to pioneer innovative solutions.
What is National Quantum Mission India?
        ● The National Quantum Mission India is an initiative led by the Department of Science and
              Technology, Government of India, aimed at advancing scientific and industrial research in
              quantum technologies.
        ● This mission aligns with the nation's goals under Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, and
              sustainable development.
        ● In a significant move, the Union Cabinet of the Government of India has approved the National
              Quantum Mission with a budget of INR 6003.65 crore (approximately $730.3 million) for the
              period from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
About TCS :
        ● Founded : 1968
        ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
        ● Chairman : Natarajan Chandrasekaran
        ● CEO : K. Krithivasan
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        •     According to the book, having a winner’s mindset means believing in yourself, setting goals, and
              never giving up, no matter how tough things get.
        •     Watson notes that in September 2015, he was planning to announce his retirement from cricket
              although he was in good shape.
        •     His form deteriorated following the bouncer incident which took Australian batter Philip Hughes’
              life the year before (2014).
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    •    Norway topped the ranking, while Denmark was on the second rank in World Press Freedom
         Index. Sweden ranked third on the list.
China largest trading partner of India in FY24 with $118.4 bn; the US second with $118.3 bn
    •    According to the data of economic think tank GTRI, China has emerged as the largest trading
         partner of India with $118.4 billion in two-way commerce in 2023-24, slightly edging past the US.
    •    The bilateral trade between India and the US stood at $118.3 billion in 2023-24. Washington was
         the top trading partner of New Delhi during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
    •    China was India's top trading partner from 2013-14 till 2017-18 and also in 2020-21.
    •    Before China, the UAE was the country's largest trading partner.
    •    The US was the largest partner in 2021-22 and 2022-23.
UAE tops global fibre connectivity with 99.3 pc penetration
● The UAE has once again been recognized as the global leader in Fibre to the Home (FTTH)
        penetration.
● This marks the eighth consecutive year the country has held this top position with a penetration rate
        of 99.3 percent, as reported by the FTTH Council in its latest annual report.
● The report analysed data from 20 countries that have exceeded 50 percent FTTH availability and
        compared global statistics on fiber optic network penetration.
● It placed the UAE above Singapore (97.1 percent), Hong Kong (95.3 percent), China (92.9 percent),
        and South Korea (91.5 percent).
India losing edge in higher education, 33 institutions' ranking dips: CWUR
● According to the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), as many as 65 Indian universities
        and institutes from India, led by the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, are among the top
        2000 globally but the country is losing its competitiveness in higher education on the international
        stage.
● In the 2024 edition of the Global 2000 list by the CWUR, 32 Indian institutions moved up the ladder,
        while 33 saw a fall.
● IIM-A, the country’s top institute stood at 410th rank globally, as compared to 419 last year.
● It was followed by the Indian Institute of Science (501) and the Indian Institute of Technology
        Bombay (568).
● The rankings are based on the analysis of 62 million outcome-based data points on four factors:
        Quality of education (25%), Employability (25%), Quality of faculty (10%), Research (40%).
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● In Asia, the University of Tokyo was the highest-ranked institution, at 13th spot globally.
● Globally, Harvard emerged as the top university for the thirteenth year in a row.
China remains leading import partner for India in FY24 at $101.74 billion
● China retained its spot as top import partner for India in 2023-24 with goods inflows increasing 3.29
     percent (year-on-year) to $101.74 billion, opposed to an overall 5.66 per cent decline in the country’s
     imports.
● High-tech items such as telecom and smartphone parts, laptop and PCs, as well as industrial inputs
     such as plastic, iron and steel and chemicals contributed substantially to the imports.
● Total goods imports by India in 2023-24 fell 5.66 per cent to $675.44 billion.
● Russia vaulted to the second spot amongst India’s top import sources, surpassing the UAE and the
     US, in 2023-24.
● India’s import from Russia rose 34 per cent to $61.44 billion during the fiscal comprising mostly oil.
● The UAE slipped one spot to the third place with imports from the country declining 9.8 per cent to
     $48.01 billion.
● The US, too, slid a rank to the fourth spot with imports from the country falling 19.83 per cent to
     $40.77 billion.
India participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests in New York
● The 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) was organized from May 6th to
     10th May 2024.
● In this session, India highlighted significant advancements in forest conservation and sustainable
     forest management.
● Between 2010 and 2020, India ranks third in the net gain in average annual forest area.
● The report on International Forest Governance was launched at the 19th Session of the United
     Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19),has revealed the rising trend of the ‘climatisation’ of forests.
● It is the first global synthesis report on international forest governance in the last 14 years.
● The report analyses developments in international forest governance since 2010, when the IUFRO-
     led Global Forest Expert Panel (GFEP) published its last global assessment.
● India also shared information about the ‘Green Credit Program’, which is designed to incentivize
     entities to take up tree plantation and restoration of degraded forest lands.
● The recent celebrations marking 50 years of Project Tiger and 30 years of Project Elephant
     underscore India’s commitment to species conservation and habitat protection.
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● India also highlighted the creation of the International Big Cat Alliance at this session.
Mumbai and Delhi feature among the World's Top 50 Wealthiest cities, surpassing Washington DC
● Henley and Partners, a leader in residence and citizenship planning, recently unveiled a list of the
     World's Wealthiest Top 10 cities and Rising Wealth Hubs, highlighting cities that attract high-net-
     worth individuals (HNWIs) with liquid investable wealth of USD 1 million or more.
● Mumbai and Delhi's inclusion in the top 50 wealthiest cities underscores India's economic progress
     and urban development.
● On the list they ranked above, Washington, DC the capital city of the World's richest country.
● Mumbai and Delhi join other global financial hubs, such as New York, London, and Tokyo, in the list
     of top 50 wealthiest cities.
● The Bay Area tech hub, Tokyo, Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Sydney, Hong Kong, and
     Beijing complete the top 10. These cities offer diverse opportunities and amenities, attracting affluent
     individuals and businesses.
India Climbs To 39th Position In World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index
     ● India has climbed to the 39th position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism
        Development Index 2024, while the US topped the list.
     ● India also ranks the highest in South Asia among the lower-middle-income economies.
     ● Earlier, India was ranked 54th in the 2021 published index.
     ● On an overall index score of 7, where 1 is the worst, and 7 the best, India scored 4.25.
     ● After the US, Spain, Japan, France and Australia figure among the top five in the 2024 list.
     ● The index, prepared in collaboration with the University of Surrey, showed India is highly price-
        competitive (18th) and boasts competitive Air Transport (26th) and Ground and Port (25th)
        infrastructure.
     ● The biennial index analysed the travel and tourism sectors of 119 countries around a range of
        factors and policies.
     ● The index is comprised of five dimensions, 17 pillars and 102 individual indicators, distributed
        among the 5 different pillars - Business Environment, Safety and Security, Health and
        Hygiene,Health and Hygiene, Human Resources and Labour Market, ICT Readiness.
     ● In 2024, Japan (3rd) is the top performer in the APAC region, with Australia (5th) and China (8th)
        ranking in the global top 10.
     ● China also has the region’s largest and the world’s second-largest T&T economy, while India
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        (39th) has the largest T&T sector in South Asia and scores as the TTDI’s top lower-middle-
        income economy.
Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index: At 350, Delhi highest ranked Indian city
● Delhi has scored the 350th rank in the Oxford Economics’ Global Cities Index, which has compared
     the world's 1000 largest cities on parameters ranging from economics to human capital.
● The list of 1000 largest cities, spread across 163 different countries, also feature several other Indian
     cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai and Chennai.
● However, no Indian city could make the Top 300.
● The national capital is the best performing Indian city on the list.
● The index contains 27 indicators across five categories
        ⮚ Economics(30%),
        ⮚ Human Capital(25%),
        ⮚ Quality of Life(25%),
        ⮚ Environment(10%),
        ⮚ and Governance (10%), which are aggregated to create an overall score for each city.
● New York ranks first on the index, followed by London, San Jose, Tokyo, Paris, Seattle, Los
     Angeles, San Francisco, Melbourne and Zurich.
● In India, Bengaluru is ranked 411, Mumbai 427, Chennai 472, Kochi 521, Kolkata 528, Pune 534,
     Thrissur 550, Hyderabad 564 and Kozhikode 580.
● Sultanpur, also in Uttar Pradesh, holds the lowest position among Indian cities, coming in at the
     1,000th spot.
● Ranked 578, Pakistan's Islamabad and Rawalpindi were the best performing cities of the country.
Over 50% of world’s mangroves at risk of collapse, climate change leading factor: IUCN
● More than half of the world's mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, with nearly one in five
     facing severe risk, according to the findings of the first global mangrove assessment.
● According to the study done using the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red
     List of Ecosystems -- a global standard for measuring the health of ecosystems, climate change
     threatens one-third (33 per cent) of the mangrove ecosystems.
About IUCN
● Founded in 1948, IUCN has become the global authority on the status of the natural world and the
     measures needed to safeguard it.
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                                                   SPORTS NEWS
Official Anthem for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, ‘Out of this World’, released by Sean Paul and Kes
    •    The International Cricket Council (ICC) released the official anthem for the Men’s T20 World Cup
         2024.
    •    The anthem titled ‘Out Of This World’ features Grammy award winning artist Sean Paul and Soca
         superstar Kes.
    •    The anthem, produced by Michael "Tano" Montano, was launched with a music video.
    •    It includes eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt, cricket stars Chris Gayle, Ali Khan,
         Shivnarine Chanderpaul and other Caribbean celebrities.
Iga Swiatek Beats Aryna Sabalenka to Win Madrid Open
    •    World number one Iga Swiatek edged Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) in a gripping and gruelling
         Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time
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    •       Top-ranked Iga Swiatek came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to
            avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid final with a gruelling three-hour 11-
            minute victory in the Spanish capital.
    •       Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at the WTA 1000 level, has now won
            her last eight consecutive finals and joins Elena Rybakina with a tour-leading 30 victories this
            season.
Max Verstappen Takes Pole For Miami GP After Sprint Race Win
    •       Red Bull's Max Verstappen continued his domination of Formula One, taking pole position for
            Miami Grand Prix after clinching the sprint race earlier.
    •       The reigning world champion and championship leader, who has won four out of five Grand Prix
            races this season, secured his seventh straight pole position with another dominant drive.
    •       Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, whose fastest lap was 0.141 seconds behind Verstappen, will start
            second with his teammate Carlos Sainz in third place and Verstappen's Red Bull partner Sergio
            Perez fourth.
India to Organize BWF World Junior Badminton Championships 2025 in Guwahati
    •       The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced that India will host the 2025 BWF World
            Junior Championships at the National Centre of Excellence in Guwahati.
    •       It will be the first time since 2008 that the prestigious Badminton World Federation (BWF) event will
            be held in India.
    •       India last hosted the event in Pune.
    •       The exact dates for the 2025 BWF World Junior Championships will be announced later.
About BWF :
    •       Established : 1934
    •       Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    •       President : Poul-Erik Høyer Larsen
    •       The BWF is the international governing body for the sport of badminton recognised by the
            International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Asian Carrom Championship: Indian Players Captured Both Men’s And Women’s Doubles Titles At
Male, Maldives
        •     Rashmi Kumari outplayed Shainy Sebastian to clinch the women's title in the 6th Asian carrom
              championship which concluded in Maldives.
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        •     It was the fourth Asian crown for the three-time World Champion Rashmi, who had recently won
              her 12th National title in Gwalior.
        •     Men Final: Mohd.Ghufran bt K. Srinivas
        •     Women Final: Rashmi Kumari bt Shainy Sebastian
Red Bull confirms design chief Adrian Newey to leave in 2025
        •     Adrian Newey, regarded as the greatest F1 designer and a chief architect of Red Bull’s
              dominance, is set to end his Red Bull stay in the “first quarter” of 2025.
        •     Red Bull confirmed that design chief Adrian Newey will leave the Formula 1 team in early 2025
              after 19 years.
        •     It was widely reported last week that the 65-year-old was set to quit following a controversy
              involving allegations about team principal Christian Horner.
        •     The announcement is expected to start a bidding war for Newey’s services, with Ferrari, soon to
              be joined by Lewis Hamilton, in pole position.
NADA India organizes #PlayTrue Campaign to create awareness about clean sports
    •       The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA), India concluded the #PlayTrue Campaign, with a
            turnout of more than 12,133 participants.
    •       The campaign commemorated WADA’s Play True Day and aimed at fostering awareness about
            the importance of clean sports and anti-doping practices in India, received overwhelming
            participation and support from athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts nationwide.
    •       The #PlayTrue Campaign highlights NADA India's commitment to equipping athletes, coaches,
            and the entire sporting community with a thorough understanding of anti-doping regulations,
            empowering them to champion clean play in India.
Manika Batra Stuns World No 2 at WTT Saudi Smash, Claims Career-Best Singles Win
    •       Top Indian woman paddler Manika Batra claimed the biggest scalp of her career as she accounted
            for World No. 2, Wang Manyu of China in four games in a Women's singles Round of 32 clash in
            WTT Saudi Smash.
    •       Manika came back after losing the first game to win the next three to stun the top Chinese player
            and win the match 6-11, 11-5, 11-7, 12-10 in the 38-minute encounter played at Infinity Arena in
            King Abdullah Sports City.
    •       The 28-year-old Indian had started her campaign in Saudi Smash with a 3-0 win over Andreea
            Dragoman of Spain in the first round.
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Doha Diamond League: Neeraj Chopra finishes second with a throw of 88.36m
    •   Olympic and world champion Neeraj Chopra finished second at the Doha Diamond League
        meeting javelin throw event as his big final effort of 88.36m fell short by two centimetres of Jakub
        Vadlejch's winning effort.
    •   The 26-year-old Chopra trailed Czech Republic veteran Vadlejch -- who won the title with his third
        round throw of 88.38m -- all through the competition.
    •   Two-time world champion Anderson Peters took the third sport with a best throw of 86.62m.
Indian Contingent Bags 43 Medals At ASBC Asian U-22 And Youth Boxing Championships In Astana,
Kazakhstan
    •   The Indian contingent won 43 medals in the ASBC Asian U22 and Youth Boxing Championship in
        Astana, Kazakhstan.
    •   In both categories, the Indian contingent won 12 gold, 14 silver and 17 bronze medals.
    •   The Indian under-22 team finished with 21 medals including 7 gold, 5 silver and 9 bronze medals.
    •   The youth category finished with 22 medals including 5 gold, 9 silver and 8 bronze medals.
UWW suspends Bajrang Punia for dope sample refusal to NADA
    •   The world wrestling governing body United World Wrestling (UWW) has provisionally suspended
        Tokyo bronze medallist Bajrang Punia till 31st December 2024.
    •   The UWW has cited the suspension of Bajrang Punia by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
        of India as the reason for the provisional suspension.
    •   It puts into jeopardy his participation in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
About UWW
    •   United World Wrestling is the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling; its
        duties include overseeing wrestling at the World Championships and Olympic.
    •   Headquarters: Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland,
    •   Founded: 1912.
Dominic Thiem, the winner of the US Open, announces his retirement from tennis
    •   Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem announced that he will retire at the end of this season.
    •   The 30-year-old, who won the US Open men’s singles title in 2020, said that recurring problems
        due to his wrist injury forced him to arrive at this decision.
    •   Thiem has won 17 career titles, the most recent being the US Open win in 2020.
    •   The Austrian achieved a career-highest ranking of 3 in March 2020.
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● The 74th FIFA congress, making its debut in Premier League-mad Thailand, made its choice by
     open vote for the first time as the organisation seeks to move on from the corruption and shady
     dealing that dogged it in the past.
● Brazil hosted the men’s football World Cups in 1950 and 2014; now it’s time for women.
● This will be the first Women's World Cup to be held in South America.
● The FIFA Women's World Cup has seen five nations crowned champions, with the 2023 title going
     to Spain.
● FIFA President: Gianni Infantino.
Coca-Cola India announces its first-ever partnership with Hockey India, for the National Women's
Hockey League
● The Coca-Cola India Foundation, announces its first-ever partnership with Hockey India, for the
     National Women's Hockey League 2024.
● The 1st Phase of the tournament commenced on 30thApril, and it will conclude on 9thMay 2024, in
     Ranchi, Jharkhand
● The National Women's Hockey League features teams that secured top-eight positions in Pune's
     recently concluded 14th Hockey India Senior Women National Championship 2024.
● The participating athletes represent various states, including Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand,
     Madhya Pradesh, Bengal, Mizoram, Manipur, and Odisha.
● In line with Coca-Cola India's commitment to sports, the three-year collaboration underscores its role
     in positively shaping the sports and gender equality landscape.
● The partnership also aligns with the company's #SheTheDifference campaign, an initiative to
     celebrate, uplift, and support women.
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● Para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji of India created a world record of 55.07 seconds in the category of
     women’s 400m T20 at the ongoing Para Athletics World Championship 2024 in Kobe, Japan.
● Jeevanji won the gold medal in the women's 400-meter T20 category with a timing of 55.06 seconds.
Jyoti Ratre, 55, becomes the oldest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest
● Jyoti Ratre, an entrepreneur and fitness enthusiast from Madhya Pradesh, has become the oldest
     Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest.
● Ratre's accomplishment comes precisely six years after Sangeeta Bahl, at 53, earned the title of
     ‘India’s oldest woman to climb Mount Everest' on May 19, 2018.
● This was Ratre's second attempt to summit the highest peak in the world.
Dipa Karmakar becomes the first ever Indian gymnast to win a gold medal at the Asian Championships
● Dipa Karmakar won the gold medal in the vault event, making her the first Indian gymnast to secure
     the continental title at the Asian Women's Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent.
● The 30-year-old Dipa, who placed eighth with a score of 12.650 in the qualification round, achieved
     an identical score of 13.566 in both of her attempts during the final, resulting in an overall score of
     13.566.
● Dipa was followed by North Koreans Kim Son Hyang, who scored 13.466 after a 0.100 penalty, and
     Jo Kyong Byol, who scored 12.966.
Indian mixed 4x400m team sets National record
● In a remarkable display of athleticism, the Indian mixed 4x400m relay team comprising Muhammed
     Ajmal, Jyothika Sri Dandi, Amoj Jacob, and Subha Venkatesan clinched the gold medal at the 2024
     Asian Relay Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand.
● The quartet achieved this feat by clocking an impressive time of 3:14.12, thereby surpassing the
     previous national record of 3:14.34.
● Notably, this record-breaking performance betters the mark set by Ajmal, Vithya Ramraj, Rajesh
     Ramesh, and Subha, who secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou the preceding
     year.
IOC launches ‘Let’s move India’ campaign with Reliance Foundation and Abhinav Bindra
● The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has teamed up with the Reliance Foundation and the
     Abhinav Bindra Foundation to introduce the "Let's Move India" campaign, encouraging everyone to
     rally behind the Olympians gearing up for the Paris Olympics.
● This initiative aims to inspire the public to show their support for the athletes competing in the
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Dipa Karmakar secured a historic gold medal at the Asian Gymnastics Championships.
● Historic Achievement: Dipa Karmakar secures India's first-ever gold at the Asian Championships.
● Dipa scored an average of 13.566 points, clinching gold in the women's vault.
● Silver and bronze medals claimed by North Korean athletes with impressive scores.
Hayley Matthews And Muhammad Waseem Named ICC Players Of The Month For April 2024
● Hayley Matthews, the captain of the West Indies team, has been awarded the ICC Women’s Player
     of the Month for her outstanding all-round performances that were instrumental in the West Indies’
     triumph in Pakistan across both the ODI and T20I series.
● Matthews clinched her third ICC Women’s Player of the Month title following a series of remarkable
     all-round performances in April, amassing 451 runs and claiming 12 wickets across ODIs and T20Is.
Muhammad Waseem: ICC Men’s Player of the Month
● Muhammad Waseem, the captain and opener for the UAE team, has been honoured as the ICC
     Men’s Player of the Month for his remarkable batting prowess that propelled the UAE to victory in the
     ACC Premier Cup.
● Waseem becomes the first UAE player to claim this accolade, courtesy of a series of powerful
     batting performances that led his team to clinch the ACC Premier Cup in Oman.
                                               OBITUARIES
Former Union Minister Sreenivasa Prasad Passes Away
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    •       V. Srinivas Prasad, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) and former Union
            Minister, passed away at the age of 76 in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
    •       Prasad was born on August 6, 1947, in Ashokapuram, Mysore, in the Kingdom of Mysore, India.
    •       He first contested Assembly elections as an independent in 1974.
    •       He joined the Janata Party in 1976, then switched to the Congress in 1979.
Renowned U.S. Author of 'The New York Trilogy', Paul Auster, Passed Away
        •     Paul Auster, the prolific American novelist behind the acclaimed “New York Trilogy," has passed
              away at the age of 77.
        •     Paul Auster was born in Newark, New Jersey.
        •     Auster wrote more than 30 books and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and voted into the
              American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Titanic' and 'Lord of the Rings' Actor Bernard Hill Passed away
    •       Bernard Hill, actor known for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings" and "Titanic," passed away at the
            age of 79.
    •       Hill was born in Blackley, Manchester, England.
    •       Hill portrayed Théoden, King of Rohan, in "The Lord of the Rings" film trilogy.
    •       He played Captain Edward Smith, the captain of the Titanic, in the 1997 film "Titanic."
    •       He also played Luther Plunkitt, Warden of San Quentin Prison, in Clint Eastwood's film "True
            Crime."
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    •    Roger Corman was born on April 5, 1926, in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
    •    He was an American film director, producer, and actor.
    •    Known by various monikers such as "The Pope of Pop Cinema," "The Spiritual Godfather of the
         New Hollywood," and "The King of Cult."
Former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi, Known as 'Bihar's Bhamashah', Passes
Away
        ● Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar
           Modi passed away in New Delhi at the age of 72.
        ● Sushil Kumar Modi was born on January 5, 1952, in Bihar.
        ● He served as the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar from 2005 to 2013 and again between 2017 and
           2020.
Former Gujarat Governor and Longtime Congress Leader Kamla Beniwal Passed away
        ● Veteran Congress leader and former governor of Gujarat Kamla Beniwal passed away at the age
           of 97.
        ● Kamla Beniwal was born on January 12, 1927, in Gorir, Jhunjhunu district, Rajputana Agency,
           British India.
        ● She joined the Indian National Congress at 15 and actively participated in the Quit India
           Movement.
        ● She became Rajasthan's first woman minister in 1954 at the age of 27.
        ● For a decade, from 1980 to 1990, she was a cabinet minister in the Rajasthan government.
        ● Beniwal served as a minister in various capacities, including Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan
           in 2003.
        ● Kamla Beniwal made history as the first woman governor of any northeastern state.
        ● Apart from Gujarat, she served as the governor of Tripura and Mizoram.
        ● Beniwal received the Tamra Patra Award from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in recognition
           of her significant contribution to the freedom struggle.
Former Indian Newspaper Society President Naresh Mohan passes away
        ● Distinguished media veteran and former President of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS),
           Naresh Mohan, passed away at the age of 82.
        ● Mohan served as the president of the INS during the term 1990-91.
        ● He also served as executive president at Hindustan Times, chairman at United News of India and
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S. No Topics Page No
1. IMPORTANT DAYS 03
2. NATIONAL NEWS 10
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 54
4. STATE NEWS 63
5. BUSINESS NEWS 75
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                                                   IMPORTANT DAYS
World Milk Day 2024: June 1
•       Every year on June 1, World Milk Day is commemorated.
•       This year’s theme will focus on celebrating the vital role dairy plays in delivering quality nutrition to
        nourish the world. Dairy is an accessible, affordable, and nutrient-dense food, and an essential part
        of balanced diets across the world.
•       In 2001, World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United
        Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food, and to celebrate the dairy sector.
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•   Every year on June 8th, World Ocean Day is commemorated to raise awareness of the ocean's vital
    role in human life and ways to conserve it across the world.
•   The theme for World Oceans Day 2024 is “Awaken New Depths”.
•   In 1992, during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the notion of World Ocean Day was introduced.
•   On June 8, 2009, The United Nations General Assembly formally designated the day with Resolution
    63/111.
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    •     In 1940, a scientist called Richard Lower performed a blood transfusion between two dogs
          without any ill effects.
    •     In 2005, The World Health Assembly announced June 14 to be observed as World Blood Donor
          Day every year.
    •     The theme of this year's World Blood Donor Day Is - 20 years of celebrating giving: thank you,
          blood donors.
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● The United Nations General Assembly declared World Sickle Cell Day in 2008 to promote
    awareness of sickle cell illness.
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● On June 21, 2015, the first International Yoga Day was observed all around the world.
●   Fête de la Musique was held in Paris in 1982 to commemorate World Music Day. This day was
    arranged by two members of the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, a French politician, and
    Maurice Fleuret, a composer, music journalist, radio producer, and arts administrator.
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International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking 2024: June 26
    ● Every year on June 26th, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2024 is
        commemorated to raise awareness about the impact and negative consequences that drugs
        have on society.
    ● 2024 THEME: “The evidence is clear: invest in prevention”
    ● On December 7, 1987, the United Nations General Assembly established June 26 as
        International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. During the early twentieth century,
        the global epidemic of drug usage was already recognized.
    ● World Asteroid Day, observed annually on June 30, is a global event aimed at raising awareness
        about asteroids and the potential hazards they pose to our planet.
    ● This day serves as a reminder of the importance of scientific research and international
        collaboration in detecting and mitigating asteroid impacts.
                                            NATIONAL NEWS
Global unemployment rate is expected to fall slightly to 4.9% in 2024: ILO
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•   According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global unemployment rate is expected
    to decrease slightly to 4.9% this year from 5.0% in 2023, despite persistent inequalities in labour
    markets.
•   In January, the ILO, a United Nations agency, forecasted unemployment to rise to 5.2% due to an
    anticipated increase in joblessness in advanced economies.
•   However, the latest revision attributes the adjustment to lower-than-expected unemployment rates in
    China, India, and high-income countries reported so far this year.
DoT allows separate numbering series exclusively for service and transactional voice calls
•   In its ongoing effort to combat Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC), the government has
    introduced a dedicated numbering series, 160, exclusively for service and transactional voice calls
    per the Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation (TCCCPR), 2018.
•   Entities such as government (Centre/State) and Regulators will be assigned numbers with a prefix of
    1600, while Financial Entities regulated by RBI, Sebi, PFRDA, and IRDA will have a prefix of 1601.
CDRI launches $8 million funding initiative for disaster resilient infrastructure in small island developing
states
•   During the UN 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua
    and Barbuda, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), headquartered in New Delhi,
    announced a Call for Proposals aimed at funding projects to enhance infrastructure resilience in
    SIDS.
•   The funding appeal, amounting to $8 million, was unveiled at the SIDS4 Conference in Antigua and
    Barbuda as part of CDRI's Infrastructure for Resilient Island States Programme (IRIS).
•   IRIS has been honoured with the 2024 UN SIDS Partnership Award, acknowledging its role in
    fostering sustainable development in SIDS through innovative and impactful partnerships.
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    •       The Government of India has launched BIMReN (BIMSTEC-India Marine Research Network), a
            joint initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Bay of Bengal Programme-Inter
            Governmental Organization (BOBP-IGO).
    •       The aim is to foster sustainable development of the blue economy by connecting researchers and
            research institutions in BIMSTEC countries.
    •       BIMReN seeks to promote collaborative research and development in the blue economy sector
            through the following initiatives:
    About BIMSTEC
    •       The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is
            an international organization consisting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka,
            and Thailand.
    •       Formed on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration,
    •       its headquarters is located in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
After Dearness Allowance, the government hikes the gratuity limit for central govt employees by 25%
    •       The government has decided to raise the gratuity limit for central government employees by 25%,
            effective January 1, 2024.
    •       The new limit has increased from ₹20 lakhs to ₹25 lakhs.
    •       Understanding Gratuity
    •       Gratuity refers to the amount paid by an employer to an employee in recognition of their long and
            meritorious service.
    •       It is provided under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, and is granted to employees who have
            completed at least five years of continuous service with the employer.
Centre Launches New Mobile Number Series For Service, Transactional Calls
        •     The Centre has launched a new numbering series, 160xxxxxxx, specifically for service or
              transactional calls.
        •     This initiative aims to help citizens easily identify legitimate calls and curb unsolicited voice calls
              from telemarketers using 10-digit mobile numbers.
        •     Currently, the 140xxxxxxx series is allocated to telemarketers for promotional, service, and
              transactional calls.
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Over 1 lakh farmers voluntarily gave up their PM-Kisan benefits last year(2023)
        •     According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare, 116,000 farmers have
              voluntarily surrendered their benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-
              Kisan) scheme from June 2023 to May 2024 period across the country.
        •     Of the 116,000 farmers who have voluntarily given up the scheme maximum are from Bihar
              followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
Following are the top states where farmers have surrendered their PM-Kisan benefit
        ➢     Bihar -.29176 farmer’s families
        ➢     Uttar Pradesh -26.593 farmer's families
        ➢     Rajasthan -10,343 farmer’s families
        ➢     Maharashtra-7,825 farmer's families
        ➢     Jharkhand- 6,215 farmer’s families
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    •     National Pension System’s (NPS) assets under management (AUM) have touched ₹12.16 lakh
          crore as of May 25, the latest data from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
          (PFRDA) showed.
    •     The AUM is up by 28 per cent from ₹9.52 lakh crore a year ago.
    •     The overall AUM, including Atal Pension Yojana (APY), was also higher than the March 2024
          level of ₹11.73 lakh crore.
    •     In August last year, the NPS assets had touched ₹10 lakh crore.
NOTA gets over 1.7 lakh votes in Indore LS seat, breaks previous record of Gopalganj
    •     Following the Congress' appeal to electors in Madhya Pradesh's Indore to select the 'None of the
          Above' option, it has so far got more than 1.7 lakh votes in the Lok Sabha seat, breaking the
          previous NOTA record of Gopalganj in Bihar.
    •     NOTA gives an option to voters to reject all candidates in a constituency.
    •     In the 2019 elections, the Gopalganj Lok Sabha seat in Bihar recorded the maximum NOTA
          votes at 51,660, about 5 per cent of the total votes polled in the constituency.
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•   This global focus aligns seamlessly with the Ministry of Coal’s newly released report, “Greening
    Initiative in Coal & Lignite PSUs,” which showcases the ambitious efforts of coal and lignite PSUs in
    transforming mined-out areas into vibrant green spaces.
ECI reports 65.79 per cent overall voter turnout: Lok Sabha elections 2024
● The Election Commission reported an overall voter turnout of 65.79 percent in the General Elections
    2024 at the polling stations.
● Seven Phases: The elections were conducted in seven phases from April 26 to June 1, with the
    counting of votes taking place on June 4.
● Total Voters: A total of 64.2 crore voters exercised their franchise in the 2024 elections.
● Highest Turnout: Lakshadweep recorded the highest voter turnout of 84.16 percent, followed by
    Assam with 81.56 percent and Tripura with 80.93 percent.
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About NHRC
•   Establishment: NHRC is a statutory body constituted on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of
    Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA).
•   Mandate: NHRC is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights, including rights relating to
    life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution and international covenants.
•   POCSO Act: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012, is a legislative measure
    aimed at safeguarding children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Shri Narendra Modi Takes Oath As Prime Minister For Record 3rd Time
•   Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi took the oath of office for an unprecedented third consecutive
    term as the head of a coalition government.
•   Ceremony Details: The swearing-in ceremony included the induction of several leaders from the
    National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners, showcasing the BJP’s commitment to its allies.
•   Age and Achievement: At the age of 73, Modi matched the record of India’s first Prime Minister,
    Jawaharlal Nehru, who won three consecutive general elections in 1952, 1957, and 1962.
Indian tripartite delegation at the 112th session of International Labour Conference (ILC)
•   The Indian tripartite delegation, led by Secretary (Labour & Employment), Ms. Sumita Dawra,
    actively participated in the 112th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) of the
    International Labour Organisation (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland.
•   Ms. Dawra, a 1991 Batch IAS officer from Andhra Pradesh Cadre, currently serves as Special
    Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
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•   She oversees the Logistics division of DPIIT and is responsible for implementing the Prime
    Minister’s flagship programme – PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
•   With a background in serving Andhra Pradesh at both district and state levels, she brings extensive
    experience in development and welfare programmes.
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Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh     Panchayati Raj; Fisheries; Animal Husbandry;
                                         Dairying
Hardeep Singh Puri                       Petroleum; Natural Gas
Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu                 Civil Aviation
C R Patil                                Jal Shakti
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat                 Culture; Tourism
Shivraj Singh Chouhan                    Agriculture; Farmers Welfare; Rural Development
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Sushri Sobha Karandlaje        Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Ministry of
                               Labour and Employment
Tokhan Sahu                    Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
V. Somanna                     Jal Shakti; Ministry of Railways
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India may sustain 6.5-7% GDP growth between FY26 & FY30, says UBS
    •     India is expected to sustain a potential growth rate of 6.5 percent -7 percent year-on-year (Y-o-Y)
          between 2025-26 and 2029-30, UBS Securities.
    •     During FY25, India is expected to grow at 7 percent as post-pandemic recovery in the capital
          expenditure (capex) cycle, driven by government spending and strong residential real estate
          demand is likely to continue, stated Tanvee Gupta Jain, chief India economist at UBS Securities.
MNRE and IREDA host a conference in Bhubaneswar highlighting Odisha's Green Energy Potential
    •     The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), in collaboration with the Indian Renewable
          Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), organized a pre-event conference for Global Wind
          Day at the Welcome Hotel in Bhubaneswar.
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    •     According to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE), India’s onshore wind potential is
          estimated at 1,164 GW at 150 meters above ground level, with Odisha’s potential of 12 GW.
    •     In his keynote address, Shri Pradip Kumar Das, CMD, IREDA highlighted Odisha’s significant
          green energy potential and the promising opportunities within the state.
India Needs Up to USD 215 Billion for 2030 Renewable Energy Goal
● India will need investments between USD 190 to 215 billion to achieve its goal of 500 gigawatts
    (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030, according to Moody's Ratings.
● This expenditure highlights the significant financial commitment necessary for the nation's
    infrastructure companies amid its energy transition driven by robust economic growth.
● Government Policies and Regulatory Stability: Moody's emphasizes that supportive government
    policies and a stable regulatory environment will be crucial in maintaining credit quality and
    bolstering investor confidence, facilitating the necessary capital influx.
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● Initially set to conclude on 30th June, the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) will now continue
    until 30th June 2025 or until funds are available unless discontinued earlier.
● Under DHIS, hospitals receive Rs. 20 per patient for digitizing their health records and linking them
    with ABHA IDs.
● Currently, approximately 633 million ABHA IDs have been generated nationwide. The objective is to
    expand this voluntary digital health ID initiative to cover every individual in the country.
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Project Background
●   Initiative by PFRDA: In February, PFRDA initiated the selection process for appointing an SI for
    PFRDA-TRACE under its Technology Architecture (TARCH) project.
●   Shortlisting Process: By April, PFRDA had shortlisted four bidders for technical evaluation, which
    included Bahwan Cybertek, Inspira Enterprise India, NEC Corporation India, and Trigyn
    Technologies.
PFRDA-TRACE Platform
● The TARCH project will adopt a modular approach with API-based platforms:
           o   PFRDA Repository and Information Systems Management: Data and Analytics Platform
               (PRISM)
● The Union Jal Shakti Ministry has introduced an innovative e-flow ecological monitoring system for
    real-time river quality monitoring of Ganga.
● This system is expected to significantly enhance the planning and oversight of various projects, river
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PM Modi to release Rs 20,000 crore of PM-Kisan Samman fund into 9.26 crore bank accounts of
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farmers
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to release the 17th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan
    Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in Uttar Pradesh.
● This instalment, amounting to over Rs 20,000 crores, will be distributed through Direct Benefit
    Transfer to approximately 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers.
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● The Government of India has disbursed over Rs 2.60 Lakhs Crores to more than 11 Cr farmers.
● The state of West Bengal joined the Scheme from the 8th instalment (April-July, 2021) as initially, the
    State desired that the funds under the PM-KISAN Scheme be transferred to the State Government
    for onward disbursement to the farmers through the State Government.
Expansion Plans
● The minister outlined plans to introduce approximately 250 Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2029,
    marking a significant expansion in India's rail network.
Railway officials inspect the world's highest bridge, Chenab Rail Bridge in J&K
● Indian Railway officials has conducted a comprehensive inspection of the newly constructed world's
    highest railway bridge over the Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir.
● This engineering marvel, linking Sangaldan in Ramban district to Reasi, is set to launch train
    services soon, according to Northern Railway officials.
● Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the successful trial, highlighting its importance for
    the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project.
Project Overview
● Currently, train services operate from Kanyakumari to Katra and from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the
    Kashmir Valley.
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● The USBRL project, including the crucial 48.1 km Banihal-Sangaldan section, is scheduled for
    completion by the end of this year.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the USBRL project on February 20, 2024, underscoring
    its strategic significance for regional connectivity and development.
Shivraj Singh Chouhan to boost Agri and Rural Development coordination, eyes 90,000 Krishi Sakhis
● Shivraj Singh Chouhan indicated his plan to build a synergy between the two ministries, which the
    previous ministers in the NDA government probably missed.
● The initiative involves creating a team of 90,000 Krishi Sakhis, women associates in the agricultural
    sector, who will guide farmers in adopting new technologies and modern farming practices.
● Currently, 34,000 Krishi Sakhis have already received training, to reach 90,000.
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● This initiative not only aims to empower women in agriculture but also promises to enhance
    agricultural productivity through the adoption of modern practices facilitated by trained Krishi Sakhis.
Key Points:
● Legislative Background: Passed by Parliament in December and granted presidential assent the
    same month, these laws were scheduled for implementation from February 25, following a deferred
    notification by the Centre.
● Training Initiatives: Preparations for the laws' implementation are underway, focusing on training
    stakeholders for effective enforcement.
● Objectives: The new laws aim to modernize criminal justice procedures and enhance citizen security
    under the framework of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and
    Bharatiya Sakshya Act.
● This transition marks a significant reform in India's legal framework, aiming to meet contemporary
    legal challenges effectively.
Key Proposals:
● Inclusion of Alternative Fuel Vehicles: One proposal seeks to incorporate vehicles powered by
    alternative sources such as hydrogen and biofuels, expanding the scope beyond conventional
    electric vehicles.
● Budget Allocation: The scheme is anticipated to be allocated a substantial budget, reflecting the
    government's commitment to promoting sustainable mobility solutions.
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● Strategic Objectives: FAME 3.0 aims to accelerate the adoption and manufacturing of EVs, fostering
    innovation and infrastructure development in the sector.
About FAME:
    ● FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in India.
    ● It's a government-backed scheme.
    ● It seeks to promote the use of electric vehicles in India.
    ● The scheme was introduced in 2015 and is divided into two phases: FAME India Phase I and
        FAME India Phase II.
Key Objectives:
● Reducing Import Dependency: The primary goal of the National Mission on Oilseeds is to lower
    India's dependency on imported edible oils.
● Production Enhancement: By boosting domestic production, the mission aims to enhance India's
    self-sufficiency in oilseed cultivation.
● Strategic Timeline: The target timeline for achieving the production increase is set for 2025-26,
    aligning with broader agricultural objectives.
●   Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone by entering the prestigious Limca Book of
    Records for organizing the largest public service event across multiple venues in India.
●   The event, orchestrated by the Ministry of Railways garnered participation from an impressive
    40,19,516 people spread across 2,140 venues nationwide.
● This recognition not only celebrates Indian Railways' organizational capabilities but also
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    commemorates its ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and public services across
    the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Event Details:
●   Purpose: The event was convened for the inauguration of road over/road under railway bridges and
    for laying the foundation stones of railway stations. It was graced by the presence of Prime Minister
    Shri Narendra Modi, underscoring its national importance and scale.
NHAI to Enhance Green Cover Along the National Highways with Miyawaki Plantations
●   The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has embarked on a pioneering initiative to establish
    Miyawaki plantations along various stretches of National Highways, aimed at enhancing ecological
    restoration and biodiversity.
    ●   Miyawaki Plantation Method: NHAI will implement the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique
        for creating dense, native forests in a short span of time. This approach is renowned for its ability
        to foster biodiversity, enhance groundwater recharge, and serve as effective barriers against
        sound and dust.
    ●   Benefits: By focusing on indigenous plant species adapted to local climate and soil conditions,
        NHAI aims to maximize the environmental benefits of these plantations. These forests are
        expected to grow ten times faster than traditional forests, thereby accelerating the restoration
        process.
    ●   Locations: NHAI has identified over 53 acres of land adjacent to National Highways in and
        around Delhi-NCR for Miyawaki plantations. Key sites include:
o 4.1 acres near Sohna on the Delhi – Vadodara section of Delhi-Mumbai Expressway
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o 9.2 acres at Duhai interchange on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway near Ghaziabad
Centre Approves ₹50 Lakh Grants Each For 7 Startups In Technical Textiles To Boost Innovation And
Sustainability
●   The Ministry of Textiles is advancing its agenda in Technical Textiles by endorsing startups to propel
    innovation and sustainability, emphasizing transformative developments for the sector's future.
●   Rachna Shah, Secretary of the Ministry of Textiles, articulated this during the 7th meeting of the
    Empowered Programme Committee of the National Technical Textiles Mission in New Delhi.
2. GREAT Scheme:
           o     The Empowered Programme Committee has approved 7 startup proposals under the
                 GREAT (Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in
                 Technical Textiles) scheme.
o Each startup can receive a maximum fund support of Rs 50 lakhs from the government.
           o     These startups are dedicated to various domains such as sustainability, composites, high-
                 performance textiles, Meditech (medical textiles), and smart textiles.
           o     The goal is to drive substantial advancements in these critical sectors through innovative
                 solutions and entrepreneurial initiatives.
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Union Cabinet Approves MSP Hike for Kharif Crops for 2024-25 Season
● The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an increase in the
    Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all 14 Kharif crops for the 2024-25 crop season, which spans
    from July to June.
● This decision aligns with PM Modi's vision of policy continuity to support farmers and boost their
    income during his third term in office.
● Financial Impact:
        o Farmers will receive around ₹2 trillion as MSP, which is ₹35,000 crore more than the previous
           season, as announced by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
● Significant Increases:
        o Oilseeds: Nigerseed and sesamum saw the highest MSP increase by ₹983 and ₹632, set at
           ₹8,717 and ₹9,267 per quintal, respectively.
o Pulses: Tur (arhar) received a substantial hike of ₹550, now standing at ₹7,550 per quintal.
        o Paddy: Raised by ₹117 to ₹2,300 per quintal for the common grade variety and to ₹2,320 for
           grade A.
        o Cereals: Jowar, bajra, ragi, and maize MSPs have been increased to ₹3,371-3,421, ₹2,625,
           ₹4,290, and ₹2,225 per quintal, respectively.
        o Pulses: Moong (green gram) and urad (black gram) MSPs are now ₹8,682 and ₹7,400 per
           quintal, increased by ₹124 and ₹450, respectively.
        o Oilseeds: Groundnut, sunflower seed, and yellow soybean MSPs are now ₹6,783, ₹7,280,
           and ₹4,882 per quintal, increased by ₹406, ₹520, and ₹292, respectively.
        o Cotton: MSP for medium staple and long staple varieties increased by ₹501 to ₹7,121 and
           ₹7,521 per quintal, respectively.
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    ● Kharif crops are sown in the rainy season. These include rice, sugarcane, cotton, etc.
    ● Zaid crops are the summer crops such as cucumber, watermelon, etc.
● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the new campus of Nalanda University near Rajgir,
    Bihar.
● The event was marked by significant dignitaries and symbolic actions, emphasizing the university's
    revival and its international significance.
● The inauguration of the new Nalanda University campus marks a significant milestone in India’s
    educational landscape, reaffirming its commitment to fostering global collaboration in academia,
    research, and cultural heritage.
● Location and Establishment: The modern Nalanda University (NU) is situated near the ancient ruins
    of Nalanda, Bihar. It was established by an Act of the Parliament of India with the aim to revive the
    historical glory of Nalanda as an international institution for intellectual, philosophical, historical, and
    spiritual studies.
● Historical Context: The foundation for NU was laid during the 2nd East Asia Summit (Philippines,
    2007) and furthered in the 4th East Asia Summit (Thailand, 2009). The Nalanda University Act was
    passed in 2010, with substantial construction efforts initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister
    Narendra Modi from 2017 onwards, aligning with India’s ‘Act East’ Policy.
● Participating Countries: Alongside India, 17 other countries are involved in this initiative: Australia,
    Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Mauritius, Myanmar,
    New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ambassadors
    from these nations attended the inaugural ceremony, underscoring the international cooperation and
    support for Nalanda University.
MeitY seeks inputs from industry, and think tanks on digital competition bill
●   The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently engaged with prominent
    think tanks to gather feedback on the draft Digital Competition Bill (DCB) and its potential
    implications for India's startup ecosystem.
●   Here are the key points from the meeting and the current perspectives on the bill:
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           o   The meeting included representatives from think tanks such as Chase India, CUTS
               Institute for Regulation and Competition, Centre for Competition and Law, Centre for
               Digital Future, and others.
           o   MeitY officials, along with members from the Competition Commission of India (CCI),
               solicited inputs on how the proposed Digital Competition Bill would impact domestic
               startups.
           o   The ministry sought insights on whether further consultations are necessary and how
               evidence selection should be approached under the bill.
India Approves Plan to Invest $9B to Build Mega Port Near Mumbai
●   The Indian government has approved the construction of Vadhavan Port, positioned north of
    Mumbai on the west coast, with aspirations for it to rank among the top 10 ports globally upon
    completion.
●   Vadhavan Port represents a major infrastructure initiative by the Indian government to bolster trade
    connectivity and operational efficiency on the west coast, thereby positioning itself as a key player in
    global maritime trade routes.
●   Vadhavan Port will be situated less than 100 miles north of Mumbai, strategically located to serve as
    a crucial trade gateway between India, the Middle East, and Europe.
●   Vadhavan Port is designed with a natural draft of up to 20 meters (65 feet), enabling it to
    accommodate the world's largest ships. This deep draft capability is a significant advantage over
    existing ports in the region.
●   The cabinet has approved a substantial investment exceeding $9.1 billion for the port's construction,
    which will be jointly owned by the port authority and the Maharashtra Maritime Board.
Government Monetises ₹1.56 Lakh Crore in 2023-24 under National Monetisation Pipeline
    ● In the fiscal year 2023-24, the government monetised assets worth ₹1.56 lakh crore under the
        National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), falling short of the target of ₹1.8 lakh crore.
    ● The NMP aims to monetise the central government's brownfield infrastructure assets with an
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        estimated potential of ₹6 lakh crore over four years from FY22 to FY25.
Performance Over the Years
    ● For the first two years, 2021-22 and 2022-23, the NMP had a combined target of around ₹2.5
        lakh crore, of which ₹2.30 lakh crore was achieved.
    ● The target for 2023-24 was the highest among the four years, and the achievement of ₹1.56 lakh
        crore represents about 159 per cent of the amount monetised in 2021-22.
Sector-wise Monetisation in FY24
    ●   Road Transport and Highways: ₹40,314 crore
    ●   Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs on 23 August 2021 launched the asset
        monetisation pipeline of Central ministries and public sector entities as 'National Monetisation
        Pipeline'.
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Government of India approves new transmission schemes worth ₹13,595 crore to evacuate 4.5 GW RE
power each from Rajasthan and Karnataka
    ● The Government of India has sanctioned new Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) schemes
        to evacuate 9 GW of renewable energy (RE) power from Rajasthan and Karnataka.
    ● These projects will be executed through the Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mode.
    ● These initiatives are part of India's plan to achieve 500 GW of RE capacity by 2030, with 200 GW
        already connected.
    ● These schemes aim to enhance the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy, facilitating
        India's goal of significantly expanding its renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Scheme Details
● Sources:
o Fatehgarh Complex: 1 GW
● Sources:
o Koppal Area
o Gadag Area
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A high-level committee led by former ISRO chief to work on reforms in examinations & NTA
    ● The Union Education Ministry has constituted a high-level committee of experts to ensure the
        transparent, smooth, and fair conduct of examinations.
    ● The committee, led by Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, former Chairman of ISRO, will provide
        recommendations on several key areas:
    ● Reform in Examination Mechanism: The committee will analyze the end-to-end examination
        process and suggest measures to improve efficiency and prevent breaches.
The committee comprises seven members, including:
● Pankaj Bansal, Co-Founder, People Strong, and Board Member, Karmayogi Bharat
2. Subscriber Expansion: In the upcoming fiscal year (FY25), PFRDA plans to onboard 11 lakh new
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        subscribers from the private sector under the NPS. This is an increase from 9.7 lakh private
        sector subscribers added in FY24.
    3. Current Subscriber Base: As of June 8, 2024, the NPS has approximately 1.5 crore subscribers.
        Out of these, 93 lakh are government employees, and 56.5 lakh are from the private sector,
        encompassing both corporate and individual subscribers.
The government enhances allocation for the Fertilizer Sector under the SIGHT Programme of the
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
    ● The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is spearheading the National Green Hydrogen
        Mission (NGHM), aiming to achieve a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum of Green
        Hydrogen by 2030.
    ● This initiative aligns with India's goal of becoming self-reliant through clean energy and serves as
        a significant step towards the global clean energy transition.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)
    ● Objective: To achieve a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum of Green Hydrogen by
        2030.
    ● Launch Date: January 4, 2023.
    ● Financial Outlay: ₹19,744 crores up to FY 2029-30.
    ● SIGHT Programme - Component II
    ● Component II: Incentive for Procurement of Green Ammonia Production (under Mode 2A):
    ● Focus: Primarily caters to the fertilizer sector.
    ● Initial Allocation: 5,50,000 tonnes per annum of Green Ammonia.
    ● Amended Allocation: Increased by 2 lakh tonnes per annum to a new total of 7,50,000 tonnes per
        annum.
Delhi’s IGI Airport launches fast-track immigration programme for Indian passport holders and OCI
cardholders
    ● Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller
        Programme (FTI-TTP)’ at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for
        Indian nationals and OCI cardholders.
Overview of FTI-TTP
● Objective: Provide faster, easier, and more secure travel experience for Indian passport holders
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About FTI-TTP
    ●   Fast Track Immigration - Trusted Travellers' Programme (FTI-TTP) has been initiated to speed
        up the Immigration clearance process for eligible persons from the following categories:
    ●   1. Indian Nationals
    ●   2. Foreign Nationals holding OCI Card
Less than 2% of taxpayers served CGST notices
    ● Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently addressed concerns regarding GST (Goods and
        Services Tax) assessments and issued updates following the GST Council meeting.
    ● Notice Statistics: Only 1.96% of active GST assessees (1,14,939 out of 58,62,882) received
        notices from the Central GST administration as of December 31, 2023.
    ● Interest and Penalty Waiver: Waiver proposed on interest and penalties for demand notices
        under Section 73 of the CGST Act for the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20, conditional upon full
        remittance by March 2025.
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        highlighted the need for corrective actions to ensure smooth implementation of the PLI schemes.
    ● Financial Allocation and Implementation Status : Three years ago, the government allocated Rs
        1.97 trillion across 14 PLI schemes targeting sectors such as mobiles, drones, solar, telecom,
        textile, and automobiles.
What is the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)?
    ● The PLI scheme was conceived to scale up domestic manufacturing capability, accompanied by
        higher import substitution and employment generation.
    ● Launched in March 2020, the scheme initially targeted three industries:
           ⮚ Mobile and allied Component Manufacturing
           ⮚ Electrical Component Manufacturing and
           ⮚ Medical Devices.
Informal entities in manufacturing lost 5.4 million jobs in 7 years
    ● According to an analysis of the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) by
        the National Statistical Office (NSO), unincorporated enterprises in the manufacturing sector
        experienced significant declines between July 2015-June 2016 and October 2022-September
        2023.
    ● During this period, the manufacturing sector witnessed a reduction of nearly 1.8 million
        unincorporated establishments, marking a decline from 19.7 million to 17.82 million enterprises.
    ● Correspondingly, the sector shed approximately 5.4 million jobs, with employment falling from
        36.04 million to 30.6 million workers.
Centre likely to issue green bonds worth over ₹25,000 crore in FY25
    ● The upcoming Union budget for FY25 is anticipated to include a proposal to issue sovereign
        green bonds amounting to approximately ₹25,000 crore to ₹30,000 crore.
    ● This issuance is planned as part of the government's borrowing schedule for the fiscal year, with
        a significant portion likely to be offered during the second half
    ● This move underscores the government's commitment to scaling up green finance initiatives,
        responding to market demand for sustainable investment opportunities.
    ● Green bonds serve as fixed-income investments aimed at financing projects with positive
        environmental impacts, aligning investor financial goals with environmental sustainability.
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    ● According to a senior official in the Ministry of Railways, the gross budgetary support (GBS) is
        likely to either maintain the same level as announced in the Interim Budget or potentially increase
        to Rs 2.6 trillion.
    ● In the Interim Budget for 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had already allocated Rs
        2,52,200 crore as GBS to the railways, supplemented by an additional Rs 10,000 crore from
        extra-budgetary resources (EBR).
What is GBS?
    ● The government’s support to the Central plan is called Gross Budgetary Support.
    ● The Central plan forms the annual expenditure of the government and is incurred keeping the
        objectives of 5-year plans in mind.
    ● Budgetary Support is earmarked for meeting the planned outlays of the Central government
        during the financial year.
What is EBR?
    ● Extra budgetary resources (EBRs) are those financial liabilities that are raised by Public Sector
        Undertakings for which repayment of entire principal and interest is done from Government
        budget. Such borrowings are made by state-owned firms to fund government schemes but are
        not part of the official budget calculations.
    ● India, as the Chair of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO), will host the global body's
        annual sugar meet in New Delhi from June 25 to June 27.
    ● The main inauguration event is scheduled for June 25 and will be officiated by Food Minister
        Pralhad Joshi.
    ● Internal meetings of the ISO will follow on June 26-27.
    ● The ISO serves as a crucial intergovernmental organization dedicated to enhancing the global
        sugar market. It represents:
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Ashwini Vaishnaw reviews the advanced version of Indian Railways’ Kavach, directs officials to ensure
installation in mission mode
    ● Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently reviewed the progress of the enhanced Automatic
        Train Protection System (ATP), Kavach 4.0, at Rail Bhawan.
    ● Kavach 3.2 is currently operational on high-density routes.
    ● Indian Railways initiated ATP technology adoption in 2016 with the Train Collision Avoidance
        System(TCAS).
About KAVACH:
    ● The KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system by the
       Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in collaboration with the Indian industry.
       Initial development of Kavach started in 2012 under the name Train Collision Avoidance System
       (TCAS) and completed development in 2022.
What is TCAS?
    ● The Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) being implemented on Indian Railways has been
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        designed in a manner to prevent Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) cases, unsafe situations
        arising due to overspeed and train collisions in station areas as well as block section.
What is ATS?
    ● Automatic train stop or ATS is a system on a train that automatically stops a train if certain
        situations occur (unresponsive train operator, earthquake, disconnected rail, train running over a
        stop signal, etc.) to prevent accidents. In some scenarios, it functions as a type of dead man's
        switch.
Centre imposes stock limit on Wheat until 31st March 2025 in all States and UTs
    ● The Government of India has implemented stock limits on wheat across various entities including
        Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers, and Processors in all States and Union
        Territories.
    ● Purpose : Aims to regulate and stabilise wheat availability and prices across the country.
    ● Implementation DetailsEffective Date: The Removal of Licensing Requirements, Stock Limits and
        Movement Restrictions on Specified Foodstuffs (Amendment) Order, 2024 is effective from June
        24, 2024.
    ● Duration: Applicable until March 31, 2025.
    ● Stock Limits : Traders/Wholesalers: Limited to 3000 MT.
    ● Retailers: 10 MT per retail outlet.
    ● Big Chain Retailers: 10 MT per outlet and 3000 MT at all depots.
    ● Processors: 70% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining FY 2024-25
        months.
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CAG inaugurates India's first 'Chadwick House: Navigating Audit Heritage' Museum at Shimla
    ● The Comptroller and Auditor General of India inaugurated the 'Chadwick House: Navigating Audit
        Heritage Museum’ in Shimla, marking a significant milestone in preserving and celebrating the
        institution's rich legacy and contributions to India's governance.
    ● Museum Location and Historical Significance : Location: Chadwick House, a historic landmark in
        Shimla.
    ● Historical Significance: Mahatma Gandhi stayed here in 1946 during his visit for the Cabinet
        Mission. In 1950, it became a training school for the Indian Audit and Accounts Service.
India is hosting the 64th ISO Council Meeting from 25th-27th June 2024
    ● India is hosting a significant global event in the sugar sector, the 'ISO Council Meeting,' in New
        Delhi from June 25th to 27th, 2024.
    ● Given its status as the world's largest consumer and the second-largest producer of sugar, India
        has been nominated as the Chair of the International Sugar Organization (ISO) for 2024.
    ● A workshop titled 'Sugar and Biofuels – Emerging Vistas' will be held on June 25, 2024, at Bharat
        Mandapam.
About the International Sugar Organization (ISO)
    ● The International Sugar Organization (ISO) is a UN-affiliated body headquartered in London, with
        about 85 member countries accounting for nearly 90% of the world's sugar production.
    ● The ISO aims to bring together major sugar-producing, consuming, and trading nations to foster
        mutual understanding and a progressive approach to sugar sector issues.
    ● The organization also focuses on biofuels, particularly ethanol, as sugarcane is the second major
        feedstock for ethanol production globally.
India Hosts 'India Africa Postal Leaders Meet' to Strengthen Postal Sector Ties
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    ● The ‘India Africa Postal Leaders Meet’ took place in India from June 21st to 25th, 2024.
    ● This event aimed to fortify relationships between postal administrations of African nations and
        India.
    ● Initiative Under Universal Postal Union: This meeting was part of the “South-South and
        Triangular Cooperation” program by the Universal Postal Union, supported by India Post and the
        United States Postal Service.
    ● Backdrop of Strategic Initiatives: This significant gathering comes on the heels of India’s strategic
        initiatives, such as the 'Voice of Global South Summit,' the India-Africa Forum, and the inclusion
        of the African Union in the G20 during India’s 2023 Presidency.
Dr. Jitendra Singh Launches "One Week One Theme" Campaign to Showcase India's Scientific
Achievements
    ● Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, holding multiple significant portfolios, launched the "One Week
        One Theme" (OWOT) campaign.
    ● This initiative highlights India's recent accomplishments across various scientific and
        technological domains.
    ● Campaign Objective: It aims to integrate the efforts of all CSIR labs working on similar projects to
        reduce overlap and optimize resources.
    ● The OWOT initiative under the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) aims to
        make innovation inclusive for all.
    ● Eight Key Themes: The campaign focuses on eight major themes:
    1. Energy and Energy Devices
6. Healthcare
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Launch of 4th Tranche Auction of Critical Minerals by Union Minister of Coal and Mines
    ● Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, along with Minister of State for Coal
        and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey, launched the 4th tranche of the auction of critical and
        strategic minerals at Scope Convention Centre, CGO Complex, New Delhi.
    ● The 4th tranche includes 21 blocks of critical minerals. This comprises 11 fresh blocks across
        Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh,
        featuring minerals like Graphite, Glauconite, Phosphorite, Potash, Nickel, PGE, Phosphate, and
        Rare Earth Elements (REE).
    ● The Ministry of Mines allocated funds for R&D projects in the mining and metallurgy sector,
        disbursing grants to 24 R&D institutes and 10 startups, totalling ₹12.37 Cr. and ₹11.26 Cr.,
        respectively.
Telecom Act gets partially notified, govt can now intercept, and stop messages
    ● Certain sections of the Telecommunications Act, of 2023 from 26th June 2024, will be enforced,
        focusing on public safety, emergency response, and regulatory enhancements.
    ● Message Interception: Section 20 (2) grants authority to the government to intercept messages
        during public safety emergencies, expanding interception capabilities across government
        agencies.
    ●   Telecom Infrastructure Rights: Authorities can install telecom infrastructure on private land under
        specific conditions, even if the landowner objects.
    ●   Advertisement Consent: Telecom companies must obtain user consent for receiving advertising
        messages, with penalties for unauthorized commercial messages potentially leading to telco
        suspensions.
● SIM Ownership: Possessing more than 9 SIM cards incurs fines up to Rs 2 lakh.
    ●   Digital Bharat Nidhi: The Universal Service Obligation Fund transitions to Digital Bharat Nidhi,
        emphasizing digital connectivity initiatives.
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    ● The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways aims to implement satellite-based toll collection
        across all national highways in India in the coming years.
    ● By December 2024 , the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) framework will be
        operational on 5,000 kilometres of national highways.
    ● The government plans to establish a case study with the initial 5,000-kilometer pilot by the end of
        FY25 to assess feasibility and effectiveness.
    ● Current Toll Revenue: Presently, 75% of the National Highways Authority of India’s (NHAI) toll
        revenue of Rs 54,000 crore is generated from commercial vehicles, with the remaining from
        personal vehicles.
What is GNSS?
    ● Global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is a general term describing any satellite constellation
        that provides positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services on a global or regional basis.
Expansion of PMAY:
    ●   Cabinet Approval: The Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, approved an
        additional three crore houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with one crore
        allocated for urban areas (PMAY-Urban).
    ●   PMAY-U 2.0: The new scheme, tentatively named PMAY-U 2.0, will build upon the experiences
        and outcomes of the current PMAY, operational since June 2015 and ending in December 2024.
    ●   The revamped scheme aims for improved targeting of beneficiaries to ensure all eligible
        individuals receive housing assistance promptly.
    ● India’s nuclear power generation capacity is poised to cross 13 GWe by 2029, according to Dr.
        Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Atomic Energy.
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    ● Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Department of Atomic Energy,
        revealed key developments and projections regarding India's nuclear power capacity during a
        recent high-level meeting on June 25, 2024.
    ● Current Capacity: India's installed nuclear power generation capacity stands at 7.48 GWe.
    ● Future Projection: Expected to increase to 13.08 GWe by 2029.
Trained cops, new apps: Centre readies for the rollout of three criminal laws
    ● Parliament passed three new laws in its winter session: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023,
        Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam 2023.
    ● These laws, replacing the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian
        Evidence Act respectively, are set to be implemented from July 1, 2024.
    ●   The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has developed three apps — eSakshya, NyayShruti, and
        eSummon — to facilitate electronic videography, photography of crime scenes, judicial hearings,
        and delivery of court summons.
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I&B Ministry looking to simplify the self-declaration certificate process for ads
    ● The Information & Broadcasting Ministry is addressing challenges raised by industry bodies
        regarding the mandatory self-declaration certificate (SDC) for advertisements.
    ● A meeting held recently with industry representatives highlighted difficulties in obtaining SDCs,
        including portal glitches and procedural complexities.
73rd meeting of Network Planning Group under PM GatiShakti evaluates eight key infrastructure
projects
    ● The 73rd meeting of the Network Planning Group (NPG), held in New Delhi and chaired by Shri
        Rajeev Singh Thakur, Additional Secretary of DPIIT, focused on evaluating eight significant
        infrastructure projects.
    ● These projects spanned across the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and the National Industrial
        Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC), aiming to bolster connectivity, enhance logistics,
        and promote industrial growth across various regions of India.
Projects Evaluated:
Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Additional Secretary, represents India at CLGF Annual Board Meeting in
Colombo
    ● Additional Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar represented India
        at the three-day meeting of CLGF Annual Board in Colombo, Sri Lanka during 25th – 27th June
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        2024.
    ● The conference facilitated regional exchange and priority setting for ongoing initiatives in
        Commonwealth Asia.
    ● Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Shri Dinesh Gunawardena inaugurated CLGF’s Commonwealth
        Women in Local Government Network South Asia Regional Meeting on “Reinforcing Social
        Resilience through Women’s Political Representation”.
DG, RPF launches Sangyaan App- A Comprehensive application for legal reference
    ● The Director General of Railway Protection Force (RPF) Shri Manoj Yadava launched the mobile
        application-Sangyaan App, designed and developed by the Tech Team of RPF to provide in-
        depth information on three new Criminal Acts: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, the
        Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA)
        2023.
    ● To provide detailed information to personnel, the Director General of the Railway Protection
        Force also released a 'Handbook on Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023' in both
        e-book and print formats. This handbook addresses the practical application of the Act in the
        Force's operations.
Curtain Raiser for Launch of geoportals Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0) & National Database for
Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0) by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
    ● Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology,
        Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic
        Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, will inaugurate two
        Geoportals in New Delhi.
    ● The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed these geospatial databases and
        geoportals to support governance, sustainable development, and disaster management across
        India.
    ● Bhuvan Panchayat (version 4.0): This portal is designed for decentralized planning under the
        Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
    ● National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM version 5.0): This portal supports
        disaster management efforts under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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    Seven CSIR labs inaugurated One Week One Theme Campaign on Energy and Energy Devices
    theme
    ●   The One Week One Theme (OWOT) Campaign was inaugurated by Hon’ble Union Minister of
        State for S&T Dr. Jitendra Singh, alongside DG CSIR Dr. N. Kalaiselvi at India Habitat Centre,
        Delhi.
    ●   Following the inauguration, all CSIR labs have begun organizing programs focusing on the
        OWOT theme of Energy and Energy Devices within their respective institutes.
    ●   7 CSIR labs initiated activities aligned with this theme.
    1. CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR), Dhanbad
    2. CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI), Hyderabad
    3. CSIR- Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, (CSIR-CSMCRI) Bhavnagar,
    4. CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, (CSIR-CECRI) Karaikudi,
    5. CSIR -Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute, (CSIR-CMERI) Durgapur,
    6. CSIR-Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute, (CSIR-CGCRI) Kolkata,
    7. CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, (CSIR-NCL) Pune.
    ●   The OWOT campaign spans 8 themes identified by CSIR, with all 37 CSIR labs scheduled to
        conduct specific programs corresponding to each theme.
Health Ministry launches dashboard to aid quick monitoring of public health standards compliance
    ● The Union Health Ministry launched a dashboard that will aid the national, state and district
        health facilities in quickly monitoring compliance concerning Indian Public Health Standards
        (IPHS) and taking action accordingly.
    ● It also rolled out a virtual National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) assessment for
        Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) and a spot food licence and registration initiative for food
        vendors.
    ● The launch of the spot food licence initiative is a ground-breaking new functionality for the instant
        issuance of licenses and registrations through the Food Safety and Compliance System
        (FoSCoS).
    ● FoSCoS is a state-of-the-art, pan-India IT platform designed to address all food safety regulatory
        needs.
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    ● The Central Railway has installed a floating solar plant of 10 MWp capacity in the Igatpuri Lake
        located in the Western Ghats, a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Indian Railways, senior officials
        stated.
    ● According to the Central Railway officials, the plant is committed to leveraging renewable energy
        sources, utilising solar power, installing wind-energy resources, providing adequate passenger
        amenities and contributing significantly towards the railways' goal of a "green Earth".
    ● Besides, the officials stated moving towards its ultimate goal of zero carbon emission by 2030,
        the Central Railway has commissioned 12.05-MWp solar plants by utilising the rooftop of railway
        stations and buildings, out of which, 4-MWp solar plants were provided last year.
Nearly 2 lakh women benefit from ITC’s ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’ programme
    ● ITC has extended its ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’ programme to nearly 2 lakh women in the
        country.
    ● The annual report of the company for 2023-24 stated it has launched a comprehensive ‘Climate
        Smart Agriculture’ programme across 19 States to enable a transformation journey from ‘low
        yield low resilient’ areas to ‘high yield and high resilient’ villages through a package of agronomy
        practices, climate resilient varieties, precision farming, water management and appropriate
        mechanisation.
    ● According to the report, 27.94 lakh acres and over 10.5 lakh farmers, including 1.95 lakh women
        farmers, have been covered under ITC’s ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’ programme till date.
    ● In addition to promotion of ‘Climate Smart Agriculture’ practices at scale in core agricultural
        catchments, ITC also has a ‘Climate Smart Village’ (CSV) programme.
Government amends the EPS rule to provide withdrawal benefits to members having less than 6
months of service
    ● The Centre tweaked the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, to ensure that members with
        less than 6 months of contributory service can also withdraw funds.
    ● Every year, lakhs of EPS members leave the scheme prior to rendering the requisite 10 years of
        contributory service for pension.
    ● These members are given withdrawal benefit as per the provisions of the scheme.
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        ● The new amendment will benefit more than 7 lakh EPS members every year who leave the
            scheme with less than 6 months of contributory service.
        ● The Employee's Pension Scheme (EPS) was introduced in the year 1995 with the main aim of
            helping employees in the organised sector.
        ● The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) administers the system, which assures
            that employees receive a pension after they reach the age of 58.
        ● The scheme's benefits are available to both existing and new EPF members.
        ● Both the employee and the employer contribute 12% of the employee's basic salary
            and Dearness Allowance (DA) to the EPF.
                                             INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India's 1st Woman United Nations Representative Ruchira Kamboj Retires After 35 Years of Service
    •     India's first woman Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj, retired after
          35 years of service.
    •     She served as an Indian envoy in Bhutan, South Africa, and the United Nations Educational,
          Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
    •     Kamboj was the All India women’s topper of the 1987 Civil Services batch and the topper of the
          1987 Foreign Service batch.
About United Nations :
    •     Headquarters : New York City, United States
    •     Membership : 193 member states, 2 observer states
    •     Secretary General : António Guterres
    •     The United Nations (UN) is a diplomatic and political international organization whose stated
          purposes are to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among
          nations, achieve international cooperation, and serve as a centre for harmonizing the actions of
          nations.
India,United States, Japan, South Korea, and European Union Unveil Biopharmaceutical Alliance
        ● South Korea, India, the United States, Japan, and the European Union (EU) have collaborated to
            establish an alliance aimed at creating a resilient supply chain in the biopharmaceutical sector.
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    ● The inaugural meeting of the Biopharmaceutical Alliance took place in San Diego during the Bio
          International Convention 2024.
    ● Representatives from government officials, as well as bio and pharmaceutical companies from
          the participating countries, attended the meeting.
About South Korea :
    ● President : Yoon Suk Yeol
    ● Prime Minister : Han Duck-soo
    ● Capital : Seoul
    ● Currency : Korean Republic won
About United States :
    ● President : Joe Biden
    ● Capital : Washington, D.C.
    ● Currency : U.S. dollar
About Japan :
    ●     Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
    ●     Capital: Tokyo
    ●     Currency: Japanese yen
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World Health Organization Unveils 1st Patient Safety Rights Charter at Global Ministerial Summit
    •     The World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled its inaugural Patient Safety Rights Charter at the
          Global Ministerial Summit on Patient Safety.
    •     Purpose : The Charter delineates patients' rights within the realm of safety, assisting
          stakeholders in crafting legislation, policies, and guidelines to bolster patient safety.
    •     The Charter emphasizes that every individual deserves safe healthcare, aligning with
          international human rights standards irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, or
          socioeconomic status.
About WHO :
    •     Established : 7 April 1948
    •     Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
    •     Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
    •     Parent organization : United Nations Economic and Social Council
    •     The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public
          health.
IUCN launches GSAP SKILLS - the Global Species Action Plan Online Knowledge Platform
    •     Recently, the GSAP SKILLS Platform was launched at the 4th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on
          Implementation, Convention on Biological Diversity.
    •     Global Species Action Plan(GSAP), the Species Conservation Knowledge, Information, Learning,
          Leverage and Sharing (SKILLS) platform brings the GSAP’s content online and allows the
          updating of technical tools and resources in real time.
    •     It aims to facilitate global collaboration and partnership, connecting decision-makers, species
          conservation practitioners and experts at all levels.
India to remain fastest-growing among largest economies, says World Bank
    •     The World Bank retained its growth forecast for India at 6.6 percent for FY25.
    •     “India will remain the fastest-growing of the world’s largest economies, although its pace of
          expansion is expected to moderate. After a high growth rate in FY 2023/24, steady growth of 6.7
          percent per year, on average, is projected for the three fiscal years beginning in FY 2024/25,” the
          multilateral bank stated in its latest biannual Global Economic Prospects.
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    •     For FY26 and FY27, the World Bank projected India’s economy to grow at 6.7 percent and 6.8
          percent, respectively.
India may sign FTA with Oman in the first 100 days of PM Modi's third term
    •     India may be finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman within the first 100 days of
          Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term, according to a report.
    •     The news comes after Modi announced that the strategic ties between the two nations are ‘set to
          reach new heights’, a sentiment echoed during a review meeting chaired by Commerce Minister
          Piyush Goyal.
    •     The Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik congratulated Modi on his third term.
    •     The FTA discussions between India and Oman gained momentum following a meeting between
          Modi and Sultan bin Tarik in New Delhi on December 16, 2023.
United Nations Lists Hamas and Israel for Violations of Children's Rights
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    ● The United Nations has added Israel's military, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad's armed
        wing for the first time to its list of offenders for violating children’s rights.
    ● These three entities, along with Sudan's warring parties, have been identified for the killing and
        maiming of children.
    ● Report on Children in Armed Conflict:The report titled "Children in Armed Conflict" highlighted
        that children were killed and maimed in unprecedented numbers.
    ● UN Secretary-General's Statement:UN Secretary General António Guterres noted that the
        conflict between Israel and Palestinian groups has led to grave violations of children's rights on
        an unprecedented scale and intensity, especially in Gaza.
    ● Increase in Violations:The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a 155% increase in "grave violations"
        against children.
    ● Verified Violations:In 2023, the UN verified more than 8,000 grave violations against 4,247
        Palestinian children and 113 Israeli children.
    ● This list includes entities from various conflicts, such as Myanmar's Kachin Independence Army
        and Russia during its war with Ukraine.
About United Nations (UN) :
    ● Established : 1945
    ● Headquarters : New York City, USA
    ● Membership : 193 member states, 2 observer states
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Alembic Pharmaceuticals Receives USFDA Approval for Generic Dabigatran Etexilate Capsules
● Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd has secured final approval from the US Food & Drug Administration
    (USFDA) for its generic Dabigatran Etexilate capsules in 75 mg and 150 mg dosages.
● The company also received tentative approval for the 110 mg dosage.
● These capsules are used to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in adults with specific medical
    conditions.
● Alembic Pharmaceuticals' approval from the USFDA marks a significant milestone, enhancing its
    product portfolio in the US market and providing a cost-effective alternative to the brand-name drug
    Pradaxa for patients requiring anticoagulant therapy.
● The approved Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Dabigatran Etexilate capsules is
    therapeutically equivalent to the Reference Listed Drug (RLD) product, Pradaxa Capsules by
    Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
● The approved dosages are 75 mg, 110 mg (tentative), and 150 mg.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar And Sri Lanka President Commission Maritime Rescue
Coordination Centre
    ● External Affairs Minister (EAM) Jaishankar met Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe and
        commissioned the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).
    ● Purpose : To enhance maritime security and coordination in Sri Lanka, funded by a USD 6 million
        grant from India.
    ● This was Jaishankar’s first bilateral visit overseas after being re-appointed in the Cabinet.
    ● Wickremesinghe was among seven world leaders who attended the swearing-in ceremony of
        Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 9, 2024.
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    ● Details of MRCC:The MRCC was commissioned with a $6 million grant from India.
    ● The MRCC includes a centre at Navy headquarters in Colombo and a sub-centre in Hambantota.
About Sri Lanka :
    ● President : Ranil Wickremesinghe
    ● Prime Minister : Dinesh Gunawardena
    ● Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (executive and judicial)
    ● Currency : Sri Lankan rupee
Srinagar Named 4th Indian 'World Craft City' by World Craft Council, Following UNESCO Creative City
Network Recognition
    ● Srinagar, a City in Jammu and Kashmir has become the 4th Indian city to be recognised as a
        ‘World Craft City’ by the World Craft Council (WCC), 3 years after it was designated as part of the
        UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts.
    ● The J&K administration applied for this recognition in 2021 alongside the UNESCO designation.
    ● The WCC tag for Srinagar will help artisans in the long term by enhancing global recognition and
        demand for our handicrafts.
Other Recognized Indian Cities :
    ● Jaipur (City in Rajasthan) Malappuram (City in Kerala) and Mysore (City in Karnataka) are the
        other Indian cities that have previously been recognised as World Craft Cities.
About WCC :
    ● Founded : June 1964.
    ● Founders : Aileen Osborn Vanderbilt Webb, Margaret M. Patch, and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
    ● Leadership: The presidency changes every four years, and the current headquarters (2021-2024)
        is in Kuwait.
    ● Current president is Saad al-Qaddumi.
    ● Mission: WCC is a non-governmental organization working to empower artisans and safeguard
        craft heritage globally.
Kerala's Kozhikode Named India's First UNESCO 'City of Literature'
    ● Kozhikode in north Kerala, known for its rich cultural heritage, was officially declared as India's
        first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 'City of
        Literature'.
    ● This prestigious recognition, part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), celebrates
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        cities worldwide for their commitment to creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban
        development.
    ● In October 2023, Kozhikode had earned a place in the 'Literature' category of the UCCN.
    ● The Kerala government also announced that from this coming year(2024), June 23 will be
        celebrated as the 'City of Literature' Day of Kozhikode, a place known for literary greats like the
        late S K Pottakkad and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer.
    ● On this day, special awards will be announced in 6 categories.
              1.       Comprehensive contribution.
              2.       Women writers.
              3.       Young writers.
              4.       Children’s literature.
              5.       Translations from Malayalam to other languages.
              6.       Translations from other languages to Malayalam.
Other Indian Cities in UCCN:
    ● Srinagar and Jaipur: Crafts and Folk Arts.
    ● Mumbai: Film category.
    ● Chennai and Varanasi: Music category.
    ● Hyderabad: Gastronomy category.
About UNESCO :
    ● Founded : 16 November 1945
    ● Headquarters : Paris, France
    ● Director General : Audrey Azoulay
    ● Members : 194 member states and 12 associate members
    ● UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world
        peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture.
About UCCN :
    ● UCCN is a flagship city programme of UNESCO launched in 2004 to promote cooperation
        among cities which have recognized culture and creativity as strategic drivers of sustainable
        urban development.
Finland to Launch World's First Bird Flu Vaccinations for Humans
    ● Finland is the first country to start offering preemptive bird flu vaccinations to certain workers
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        exposed to animals.
    ● Target Population: Vaccines will be administered to workers at fur and poultry farms, lab
        technicians handling bird flu samples, veterinarians working as animal control officers, and
        people working in sanctuaries for wild birds, livestock farms, and animal by-product processing
        plants.
    ● Age Group: The vaccine is available to those aged 18 and over who are at higher risk of
        contracting avian influenza.
    ● Number of Vaccines Secured: Finland has secured vaccines for 10,000 people through a joint
        EU procurement effort.
    ● Source of Vaccines: The joint EU procurement effort included up to 40 million doses for 15
        nations from CSL Seqirus.
About Finland :
    ● President : Alexander Stubb
    ● Prime Minister : Petteri Orpo
    ● Capital : Helsinki
    ● Currency : Euro
Apple Becomes 1st Company Charged With Violating EU's Digital Markets Act Rules
    ● The European Union (EU) has initiated a new investigation into Apple's support for alternative
        iOS marketplaces in Europe under the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
    ● The investigation focuses on Apple's App Store "steering" policies, which allegedly violate the
        DMA aimed at promoting competition.
    ● Apple is the first company to be charged with violating the DMA, a law enacted in 2022 to
        empower EU regulators to mandate changes in business practices of major online platforms.
About Apple Inc :
    ● Founded : April 1, 1976
    ● Headquarters : California, United States
    ● Chairman : Arthur Levinson
    ● CEO : Tim Cook
Paraguay Joins as the 100th Full Member of the International Solar Alliance
    ● Paraguay has become the 100th country to join as a full member of the International Solar
        Alliance (ISA).
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    ● Ambassador of Paraguay, H.E. Mr. Fleming Raul Duarte, handed over the Instrument of
        Ratification during a meeting with Shri Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary (ED & MER) and Head of
        Depository, in New Delhi.
    ● Spain became the 99th member of the ISA earlier this year, as it handed over the Instrument of
        Ratification on May 21, 2024.
About ISA :
    ● Launched on 30 November 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President of France,
        H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron during COP21 in Paris.
    ● Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana, India
    ● Director General : Dr. Ajay Mathur
    ● The ISA aims to accelerate the deployment of solar energy globally in support of Climate Action.
    ● 119 countries are now signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement.
    ● Out of these, 100 have finished the ratification process and become full members.
    ● One of the significant driving philosophies of ISA is "One Sun One World One Grid" (OSOWOG).
About Paraguay :
    ● President : Santiago Peña
    ● Capital : Asunción
    ● Currency : Guaraní
                                                STATE NEWS
Kerala Introduces Artificial Intelligence Learning in School Textbooks
    ● Kerala has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning in the Information & Communication
        Technology (ICT) textbook of Class 7.
    ● This initiative aims to familiarise over 4 lakh students with AI in the upcoming academic year.
    ● AI Program Activity:In the 'Computer Vision' chapter, students will create an AI program that can
        recognize up to seven human facial expressions.
About Kerala:
    ● Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
    ● Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
    ● Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
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    ● National Parks: Periyar National Park, Mathikettan National Park, Eravikulam National Park,
          Silent Valley National Park, Indira Gandhi National Park
Hyderabad No Longer Serves as Joint Capital for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
    •     Hyderabad, one of the bustling metropolitan cities of the country, ceased to be the common
          capital of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on June 2, 2024, as per the Andhra Pradesh
          Reorganisation Act, 2014.
    •     Starting from June 2, 2024, Hyderabad is the capital city of Telangana only.
    •     Hyderabad was made the capital city of both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for a period of 10
          years following the bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
Bihar's Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries Designated as Ramsar Wetlands
● Bihar's Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries have been added to the global list of wetlands of
    international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
● With the addition of Nagi and Nakti bird sanctuaries, the total number of Ramsar sites in India has
    increased to 82.
● These two wetlands are situated in Bihar's Jamui district, specifically in the Jhajha forest range.
● These two wetlands are man-made reservoirs situated in the Jhajha forest range of Jamui.
● Both sites were declared as Wetlands of International Importance on World Environment Day,
    celebrated on June 5, 2024.
About Bihar :
●         Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
●         Chief Minister : Nitish Kumar
●         Capital : Patna
●         National Park : Valmiki National Park
●         Wildlife Sanctuary : Bhimbandh Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary
Himachal Pradesh Government Raises Prize Money for Winners of International Sporting Events
    ● The Himachal Pradesh (HP) government, under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu,
          has significantly raised the prize money for medal winners in various international sporting
          events.
    ● The prize money for gold medal winners in the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics has
          been increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore.
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    ● Similarly, silver medalists will now receive Rs 3 crore instead of Rs 2 crore, and bronze medalists
        will be awarded Rs 2 crore instead of Rs 1 crore.
About Himachal Pradesh :
    ● Governor : Shiv Pratap Shukla
    ● Chief Minister : Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
    ● National Park : Great Himalayan National Park
    ● Wildlife Sanctuary : Kalatop Wildlife Sanctuary, Chail Wildlife Sanctuary, Manali Wildlife
        Sanctuary
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Announces ₹2,000 Increase in Kisan Samman Nidhi
Assistance to Farmers Following BJP’s Poor Performance in Lok Sabha Polls
    ● The Rajasthan State government, following the BJP's poor performance in the Lok Sabha
        election, announced a ₹2,000 increase in the annual honorarium paid to farmers under the Union
        government’s Kisan Samman Nidhi.
    ● With the state government's contribution, the amount given to each farm household has been
        raised from ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 per year.
    ● Government's Commitment to Farmers: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized the
        government's commitment to 'Annadata Utthan' (farmers' upliftment), indicating a proactive
        stance towards supporting agricultural communities.
About Rajasthan :
    ● Governor: Kalraj Mishra
    ● Capital: Jaipur
    ● National Park: Keoladeo National Park, Ranthambore National Park
    ● Wildlife Sanctuary: Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin Launches 'Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom' Scheme to
Enhance Soil Health in Tamil Nadu
    ● Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the ‘Chief Minister’s Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom’
        scheme to improve soil health across Tamil Nadu (TN).
    ● Financial Outlay: The scheme is implemented with an initial outlay of ₹206 crore.
    ● Allocation for Green Manure: ₹20 crore has been allotted specifically for the preservation of soil
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Assam Introduces Monthly Allowance to Prevent Child Marriage and Promote Education
    ● Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that his government will provide monthly
        stipend to all girl students from class 11 to post-graduation over the next 5 years.
    ● This move is aimed to prevent child marriages.
    ● The scheme, 'Nijut Moina', was approved by the cabinet, which estimated that Rs 1,500 crore
        would be required in 5 years to give the incentives to around 10 lakh girls.
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Madhya Pradesh Finalizes Preparations for Second Cheetah Habitat at Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary
    ● The Madhya Pradesh (MP) government has completed its preparations for the reintroduction of
        the cheetahs in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, which will be the second home for
        cheetahs in India, after the Kuno National Park (KNP).
    ● Under the ambitious cheetah reintroduction project, 8 Namibian cheetahs were released into
        enclosures at KNP in MP’s Sheopur district on September 17, 2022.
    ● Later (in February 2023), 12 more cheetahs were brought from South Africa.
Why is Gandhi Sagar an ideal habitat for cheetahs?
    ● According to MP’s wildlife officials, the sanctuary makes for perfect cheetah habitat, as it looks
        like Maasai Mara - a national reserve in Kenya known for its savanna wilderness and wildlife.
About the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary :
    ● The sanctuary (notified in 1974) is spread across (an area of 368.62 sq km) the districts of
        Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) in western MP, right on the border with
        Rajasthan.
    ● The Chambal River cuts the sanctuary into two almost equal halves and the Gandhi Sagar dam
        (constructed on the river in 1960) lies within the area of the sanctuary.
    ● Preparations for the Introduction of Cheetahs in Gandhi Sagar : A 64 sq km area has been
        developed for the cheetahs at a cost of Rs. 17.72 crores.
    ● A soft release enclosure (boma) of 1 sq km, with four equal partitions, has been constructed to
        provide a suitable and secure habitat.
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    ● The Chairperson of the Cheetah Steering Committee was tasked to oversee and evaluate the
        overall readiness of the WLS to “ensure that the sanctuary is adequately equipped and prepared
        to support the successful integration and conservation of cheetahs within its natural landscape”.
About MP :
    ●   Governor : Mangubhai C. Patel
    ●   Chief Minister : Mohan Yadav
    ●   Capital : Bhopal
    ●   National Park : Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
    ●   Wildlife Sanctuary : Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
Maharashtra Budget Announces Major Sops Ahead of Assembly Polls: ₹1,500 Monthly for Women, 3
Free LPG Cylinders Annually
    ● Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who holds the finance portfolio, presented a Rs
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        20,051 crore revenue deficit budget for the current fiscal even as he announced several sops for
        women, youths and farmers, among other sections, entailing an expenditure of more than Rs
        80,000 crore.
    ● An outlay of Rs 1.92 lakh crore was proposed under the scheme expenditure in the annual plan
        2024-25.
Schemes and Benefits
    ● Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana
           ➢ Target Group: Women aged 21 to 60 years.
           ➢ Benefit: Monthly allowance of Rs 1,500.
           ➢ Purpose: Ensuring overall development and empowerment of women, including economic
              independence, self-reliance, health, and nutrition.
           ➢ Annual Allocation: Rs 46,000 crore.
           ➢ Implementation: From July 2024.
    ● Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana
           ➢ Benefit: Three free LPG cylinders per household per year.
           ➢ Purpose: Improving women's health by ensuring access to clean cooking fuel.
           ➢ Beneficiaries: 52,16,412 families.
    ● Stipend for Youths
           ➢ Benefit: Rs 10,000 per month.
           ➢ Purpose: Skill training for youths to enhance employability.
    ● Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Mahila Startup Scheme
           ➢ Objective: Support small women entrepreneurs.
           ➢ Implementation: Launch scheduled for this year.
    ● Reimbursement of Tuition and Examination Fees for Professional Courses
           ➢ Beneficiaries: Girls from OBC communities and economically weaker sections (annual
              family income up to Rs 8 lakh).
           ➢ Courses Covered: Engineering, architecture, pharmacy, medicine, and agriculture.
           ➢ Benefit: Full reimbursement of fees.
           ➢ Impact: Benefits 2.05 lakh girls, starting from academic year 2024-25.
           ➢ Cost: Approximately Rs 2,000 crore from the state exchequer.
    ● Magel Tyala Scheme
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Jharkhand Cabinet Approves Financial Aid Scheme for 4.5 Million Women
    ● The Jharkhand Cabinet approved the 'Mukhya Mantri Bahan Beti Maiqui Swabalamban
        Protsahan Yojana,' a financial assistance scheme for 45 lakh women in the state.
    ● Under the scheme, each eligible woman will receive Rs 1,000 per month.
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    ● The state government will bear Rs 5,500 crore annually for this initiative.
    ● Eligibility Criteria: The scheme is applicable to women aged 21 to 50 years.
About Jharkhand :
    ●   Governor : C. P. Radhakrishnan
    ●   Chief Minister : Champai Soren
    ●   Capital : Ranchi
    ●   Tiger Reserve : Palamu Tiger Reserve
    ●   Wildlife Sanctuary : Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary, Udhwa Lake
        Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announces Rs 2 lakh loan waiver for state farmers
    ● The Telangana state cabinet has approved a proposal to waive up to 2 lakh rupees worth of crop
        loans for each farmer in the state by August 15, 2024.
    ● This fulfils a promise made by the Congress party before the Assembly elections last year.
    ● Eligibility and Timeline:Crop loans taken between December 12, 2018, and December 9, 2023,
        are eligible for the waiver.
    ● Financial Implications:The estimated cost for the crop loan waiver is Rs 31,000 crore.
    ● It is expected to benefit around 40 lakh farmers in Telangana.
    ● Comparison with Previous Schemes:The previous government's crop loan waiver scheme cost
        Rs 28,000 crore to the state treasury.
    ● Previous waivers by the BRS government:
           ➢ First term: Rs 16,000 crore (cut-off date: March 31, 2014).
           ➢ Second term: Rs 12,000 crore (cut-off date: December 11, 2018).
    ● Rythu Bharosa and Committee Formation : The Cabinet also approved setting up a Cabinet sub-
        committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister M. Bhatti Vikramarka to prepare guidelines for the
        implementation of Rythu Bharosa in place of Rythu Bandhu, with a deadline to submit its report
        by July 15.
About Telangana :
    ● Governor : C. P. Radhakrishnan
    ● Chief Minister : Anumula Revanth Reddy
    ● Capital : Hyderabad
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Patna High Court Overturns Bihar Government's Increase in Reservation for Backward Classes from
50% to 65%
    ● The Patna High Court set aside amendments passed by the Bihar legislature in 2023, which
        sought to increase reservation for Backward Classes (BC), Extremely Backward Classes (EBC),
        Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) from 50% to 65% in educational institutions
        and government jobs.
    ● A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the increase in reservation was filed on November
        27, 2023.
    ● After hearings, the court reserved its decision on March 11, 2024, and announced its decision on
        June 20, 2024, overturning the amendments.
What is meant by Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
    ● Public Interest Litigation (PIL) refers to legal action initiated in a court of law to safeguard the
        broader interests of the public.
    ● It addresses issues impacting the public at large, such as environmental pollution, terrorism, road
        safety, and construction hazards.
About Bihar :
    ● Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
    ● Chief Minister : Nitish Kumar
    ● Capital : Patna
    ● Wildlife Sanctuaries : Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife
        Sanctuary
    ● The Kerala Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on June 24 to change the
        name of the state from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'.
    ● The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, called for invoking Article 3 of the
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Telangana to Establish Integrated Gurukul Schools in Every Assembly Constituency for Modern
Education
    ● The Telangana government is planning to set up 'integrated residential campuses', comprising
        Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Class (BC), and minority residential
        schools, in all assembly constituencies.
    ● The decision to establish integrated campuses instead of separate SC, ST, BC, and minority
        residential schools.
    ● The integrated campuses would be set up as pilot projects in Kodangal (CM's assembly
        segment) and Madhira (represented by deputy CM).
About Telangana :
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        ● Governor : C. P. Radhakrishnan
        ● Chief Minister : Anumula Revanth Reddy
        ● Capital : Hyderabad
        ● National Park : Mrugavani National Park, KBR Park
        ● Wildlife Sanctuary : Pranahita wildlife sanctuary, Shivaram wildlife Sanctuary
                                                 BUSINESS NEWS
PwC to become OpenAI's largest enterprise customer amid genAI boom
•       PwC will become the largest customer and the first reseller of OpenAI's enterprise product as
        businesses accelerate their adoption of generative artificial intelligence.
•       PwC plans to roll out ChatGPT Enterprise, a version of the Microsoft-backed AI startup's chatbot
        designed for large companies.
•       The firm will provide ChatGPT Enterprise to its 75,000 U.S. employees and 26,000 UK employees,
        enhancing their capabilities with advanced AI tools.
•       OpenAI is led by CEO Sam Altman and is headquartered in San Francisco.
India's fiscal deficit improves to 5.6% of GDP in FY24, lower than target of 5.8%
    •     India's fiscal deficit stood at Rs 16.54 lakh crore in FY24, below the budgetary target of Rs 17.86
          lakh crore, achieving 95.3% of the target.
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    •     The central government's fiscal deficit was 5.6% of GDP in FY24, lower than the revised estimate
          of 5.8%.
    •     Total Expenditure: Total expenditure was Rs 44.43 lakh crore, or 99% of the targeted amount for
          the year.
    •     The fiscal deficit for April 2024 stood at Rs 2.1 lakh crore, or 12.5% of the full-year target.
India received the highest FDI from Singapore in 2023-24; Mauritius second biggest investor
    •     India received the highest foreign direct investment (FDI) from Singapore in 2023-24, even as
          overall overseas capital inflows into the country contracted by approximately 3.5% due to global
          economic uncertainties.
    •     Despite a 31.55% decrease in FDI from Singapore to $11.77 billion in 2023-24, India attracted the
          maximum inflows from that country, continuing the trend since 2018-19.
    •     While FDI from Mauritius decreased to $7.97 billion in the last fiscal year, the United States
          emerged as the third-largest investor in India in 2023-24 with $4.99 billion.
    •     Other significant investors include the Netherlands, Japan, the UAE, UK, Cyprus, Germany, and
          the Cayman Islands.
Russia Emerges as India's Top Oil Supplier for Second Consecutive Year
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    •       Russia has solidified its position as the leading oil supplier to India for the fiscal year 2023/24,
            marking the second consecutive year of dominance and reshaping market dynamics by reducing
            the market share of Middle Eastern and OPEC producers to historic lows.
    •       Russian oil constituted approximately 35% of India's total crude imports, amounting to 4.7 million
            barrels per day (bpd) during the fiscal year ending on March 31.
    •       Iraq maintained its position as the second-largest oil supplier to India, with Saudi Arabia, UAE,
            Qatar, and the US following suit in the fiscal year 2023/24 ranking.
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NSE creates a world record for handling 1,971 crore transactions in a single day
•   The National Stock Exchange of India, the country's largest stock exchange and the world's largest
    derivatives exchange, made history by registering the highest-ever transactions in a single day.
•   The exchange handled 1,971 crore orders and 28.55 crore trades, marking a significant milestone in
    its operational history.
•   Earlier, NSE Indices Ltd, a subsidiary of NSE, launched India's first thematic index to track the
    electric vehicle and new-age automobiles segment, showcasing the exchange's commitment to
    innovation and diversification.
About NSE
•   National Stock Exchange of India Limited is one of the leading stock exchanges in India, based in
    Mumbai.
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•   NSE is under the ownership of various financial institutions such as banks and insurance
    companies.
Adani Solar retains Top Performer ranking in Kiwa PVEL’s PV Module Reliability Scorecard for the
seventh year
● Adani Solar, the solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing arm of the Adani Group, has been
    recognized as a Top Performer in the 10th Edition of Kiwa PVEL's PV Module Reliability Scorecard.
● Independent Laboratory: Kiwa PVEL is an independent laboratory serving the downstream solar
    industry.
● Annual Scorecard: Their annual scorecard highlights manufacturers that have produced PV modules
    demonstrating noteworthy results in independent testing.
    •     Ola Electric has received approval from the markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of
          India (SEBI) for its initial public offering (IPO).
    •     The Bhavish Aggarwal-led electric vehicle (EV) company plans to raise Rs 5,500 crore through
          the IPO in a combination of a fresh issue of shares and an offer for sale, stated sources aware of
          the development.
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    •     Ola Electric had filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with the SEBI in December 2023.
    •     If things go as planned, the company will become the first one from the Indian two-wheeler EV
          industry to go public.
    •     India’s technology spending this year is estimated to grow by 8 percent – the highest in Asia
          Pacific (APAC), stated.
    •     India’s technology spending will reach around $54.5 billion (around Rs 4.49 trillion), according to
          Forrester’s ‘Asia Pacific Tech Market Forecast, 2023 to 2027’.
    •     Technology spending in APAC will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4
          percent to 7.4 percent per year from 2024 to 2027, reaching $876 billion in 2027.
    •     Insurtech startup Kenko Health is on the verge of shutting its operations due to an ongoing
          shareholder battle within the company, according to the public.
    •     Kenko Health, backed by Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia Capital India) and Orios Venture
          Partners, is in need of funds to meet requirements put forth by the insurance regulator.
    •     The startup was close to raising capital from the Hero Group, but a few existing investors who
          risked significant stake dilution at the proposed valuation could not agree on a deal, people close
          to the development stated.
Nabard may raise Rs 30,000 crore through bonds in FY25, says CRISIL
    •     National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) is planning to raise up to Rs
          30,000 crore through bonds in the current financial year (FY25) to support lending operations,
          according to rating agency CRISIL.
    •     The money raised through the market covering bonds and money market instruments had about
          51.5 percent share in total borrowings by Nabard at the end of March 2024.
    •     The government-owned development finance institution’s (DFI’s) total borrowings stood at Rs
          7.89 trillion as of March 2024, according to CRISIL analysis.
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          Information Technology (MeitY) within Digital India Corporation (DIC) to address the diverse
          linguistic landscape of India, the company stated.
    •     The MOU was signed between Bharat Venishetti of Snapdeal and Amitabh Nag, chief executive
          officer of Bhashini.
    •     The collaboration aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to develop products and services
          focusing on voice-first technology for nine vernacular languages to enhance language translation
          efforts to promote digital inclusion in India.
Adani group strengthens hold in defence sector, inks pact with UAE firm Edge Group
    •     The Gautam Adani-group stepped up its presence in the defence segment by joining hands with
          Edge Group, one of the world’s leading advanced technology and defence group. Group arm
          Adani Defence & Aerospace signed the milestone agreement with the UAE company.
    •     A press statement from the conglomerate stated the agreement aims
    •     to establish a global platform leveraging the defence and aerospace capabilities of both
          companies to bring together their respective product portfolios and cater to the requirements of
          global and local customers.
Amazon To Invest Billions In Taiwan Cloud Infrastructure, Expanding AWS Presence In Asia
    •     Amazon Web Services (AWS) announced it will launch an AWS infrastructure Region in Taiwan
          by early 2025.
    •     The new AWS Asia Pacific (Taipei) Region will give developers, startups, entrepreneurs, and
          enterprises, as well as education, entertainment, financial services, and nonprofit organizations,
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          greater choice for running their applications and serving end users from data centers located in
          Taiwan, ensuring that customers who want to keep their content in Taiwan can do so.
India's CPI inflation eases to a 12-month low of 4.75 per cent in May 2024
    •     India's consumer price inflation eased to a 12-month low of 4.75 per cent in May 2024, compared
          to the same month of the previous year as declining fuel and cooking oil prices helped to bring
          down the burden on household budgets, figures released by the Ministry of Statistics.
    •     CPI inflation had come down to 4.83 per cent in April, which was an 11-month low and the
          declining trend is continuing.
    •     "Spices has shown a considerable decline at sub-group level in year-on-year inflation as
          compared to April 2024. Among the groups, inflation corresponding to 'Clothing & Footwear',
          'Housing', and 'Miscellaneous' has decreased since last month,” the Ministry stated.
PLI Scheme To Attract Investment Of Rs 3-4 Lakh Crore In 4 Years; Private Sector Capital Expenditure
May Increase: ICRA
● The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is anticipated to attract investments worth Rs 3-4 lakh
    crore over the next four years and create 2 lakh jobs, according to a top executive at ICRA.
● The scheme is poised to launch large-scale projects in sectors such as semiconductor, solar
    modules, and pharmaceutical intermediaries.
● Investment Projections: The PLI scheme is expected to draw investments ranging from Rs 3-4 lakh
    crore.
● Job Creation: Approximately 2 lakh jobs are forecasted to be generated through upcoming projects.
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● Tax Breaks for Increased Capex: To stimulate private sector capex to record levels, the government
    may consider providing tax breaks to enhance disposable income among individuals.
● This strategy aims to bolster economic growth and industrial expansion across key sectors in India.
● Union Budget 2024 Feedback: Discussion and feedback from state finance ministers on the Union
    Budget of 2024.
● New Policy Initiatives: Deliberation on key policy initiatives anticipated under the new government's
    tenure.
● This session is crucial for shaping fiscal policies and addressing industry challenges as India
    navigates its economic landscape under renewed leadership.
Key Points:
● Revenue Projection: Dassault Systèmes anticipates reaching $1 billion in revenue from India by
    2027, leveraging the fast-growing demand for virtual twin solutions.
● Global Perspective: Globally, the company reported revenue close to 7 billion euros in 2023,
    highlighting its substantial presence and capabilities.
● Virtual Twin Technology: Dassault Systèmes offers virtual twin technology across industries such as
    aerospace, healthcare, automotive/EV manufacturing, and consumer goods.
● This technology enables iterative product development and evaluation in a simulated environment,
    minimizing costs and time.
● Post-Pandemic Insights: A joint study by Dassault Systèmes and Nasscom revealed a significant
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IFC Partners with Brookfield for 550 MW Solar Power Project in Rajasthan
● The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has committed to partially finance a 550 MW solar
    power project in Bikaner, Rajasthan, developed by Brookfield Asset Management.
● With an investment of $105 million through long-term non-convertible debentures allocated to the
    project’s special purpose vehicles, IFC aims to support India's renewable energy goals and facilitate
    competitive tariffs for commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers across the country.
● Project Scope: The solar power project will generate 550 MW and supply electricity to C&I
    consumers under long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) and through the merchant market
    via exchanges.
● Green Energy Corridor: The project will be integrated into India's inter-state transmission system,
    contributing to the nation's green energy corridor initiative.
● IFC's First Hybrid Offtake Structure in Asia-Pacific: This investment marks IFC's first in the region
    using a hybrid offtake structure, combining corporate PPAs with C&I consumers and merchant
    market sales.
● India's Renewable Energy Ambitions: India aims to scale up its non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by
    2030, fostering a conducive environment for significant investments in renewable energy.
Key Points:
● Export Growth: India's exports to the UK surged, reaching $1.37 billion in May 2024, marking a one-
    third increase.
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● Comparison with China: While exports to the UK grew significantly, exports to China also increased
    but at a slower rate of 3%, totaling $1.33 billion.
● Previous Ranking: The UK was previously ranked sixth in India's export markets, indicating a
    substantial rise in its position.
● The United States (US) continued to remain India's largest export destination, with 13 per cent
    growth, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which saw 19 per cent jump.
● Export to the Netherlands, which is also India’s third-largest export market, soared to $2.19 billion
    with nearly 44 per cent growth in May 2024.
1. Project Details:
           o   The project's special purpose vehicles, responsible for implementation, will receive funding
               through long-term non-convertible debentures from IFC.
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Indian Fintech and Digital Lending Firms See Significant Growth in FY23-24
● The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) reported substantial growth in the
    Indian fintech and digital lending sector for the fiscal year 2023-24.
● These firms processed and sanctioned over 10 crore loans, with disbursements amounting to
    ₹1,46,517 crore.
● This impressive growth underscores the expanding role of fintech and digital lending firms in
    providing accessible financial solutions across India.
● The increase in both the volume and value of loans indicates a robust demand for digital lending
    services, reflecting the sector's rising importance in the financial ecosystem
● Overall Growth:
● Year-on-Year Increase:
        o The average ticket size for loans in FY23-24 was ₹12,648, up from ₹11,094 in the previous
           fiscal year.
● Quarterly Performance:
o Q4 FY23-24: Member companies disbursed 2.69 crore loans worth ₹40,322 crore.
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    model.
● This decision stems from the recognition that these mines, though possessing good quality coal
    reserves, were deemed financially unviable for continued operation by the state-owned company
● This strategic move by CIL not only aims to optimize the utilization of coal reserves but also fosters
    private sector participation in the mining sector, leveraging their expertise and investment
    capabilities to enhance productivity and operational efficiency in the coal mining industry.
e-WAY Bill Generation Reaches 10.32 Crore in May 2024, Second Highest on Record
    ● In May 2024, e-WAY bill generation soared to 10.32 crore, marking the second-highest figure
        recorded since its introduction.
    ● This spike, unusual for May, likely stems from increased demand for electronic and cooling
        products.
    ● This surge underscores the evolving landscape of indirect taxation under GST, where digital
        integration and enforcement measures enhance transparency and regulatory oversight.
    ● Previous Peaks: March 2024 saw the highest e-WAY bill generation at 10.35 crore, with the
        second-highest recorded in October 2023 at 10.03 crore.
    ● An e-Way Bill is an electronic document required for the movement of goods worth more than
        INR 50,000 across state borders and within states in India. It is generated on the e-Way Bill
        portal and serves as a permit for transporting goods.
    ● The e-Way Bill system is a significant component of India's Goods and Services Tax (GST)
        framework, aimed at streamlining the movement of goods and reducing tax evasion.
    ● It is a critical initiative to modernise and digitise the transportation of goods under the GST
        regime, promoting ease of doing business and improving tax compliance in India.
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    ●   Overall Contribution: Together, these ports contributed significantly to India's marine products
        export sector, as reported by Marine Products Export Development Authority (Mpeda).
    ●   Record Volume: India achieved an all-time high in seafood exports, shipping 17,81,602 tonnes
        valued at ₹60,523.89 crore during FY24.
    ●   Major Export Destinations: The US and China were primary importers, with frozen shrimp being
        the top export item despite challenges in overseas demand.
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    ● The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced new safety guidelines to enhance the
        safety and performance of electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
    ● These guidelines apply to a range of vehicles, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, goods
        trucks, e-rickshaws, and e-karts.
Key Highlights of the New BIS Guidelines:
1. Categories Covered:
o L Category: Two-wheelers.
o M Category: Four-wheelers.
    ● A uniform rate of 5% IGST will apply to imports of ‘Parts, components, testing equipment, tools
        and tool-kits of aircrafts, irrespective of their HS classification to provide a fillip to MRO activities
        subject to specified conditions.
    ● All milk cans (of steel, iron and aluminium) irrespective of their use will attract 12% GST.
    ● GST rate on ‘carton, boxes and cases of both corrugated and non-corrugated paper or paper-
        board’ (HS 4819 10; 4819 20) to be reduced from 18% to 12%.
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    ● All solar cookers whether single or dual energy source, will attract 12% GST.
    ● To amend existing entry covering Poultry keeping Machinery attracting 12% GST to specifically
        incorporate “parts of Poultry keeping Machinery” and to regularise past practice on ‘as is where
        is’ basis in view of genuine interpretational issues.
    ● To clarify that all types of sprinklers including fire water sprinklers will attract 12% GST and to
        regularise the past practice on ‘as is where is’ basis in view of genuine interpretational issues.
    ● To extend IGST exemption on imports of specified items for defence forces for a further period of
        five years till 30th June, 2029.
    ● To extend IGST exemption on imports of research equipment/buoys imported under the
        Research Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA)
        programme subject to specified conditions.
    ● To exempt Compensation Cess on the imports in SEZ by SEZ Unit/developers for authorised
        operations w.e.f. 01.07.2017.
    ● GST is known as the Goods and Services Tax. It is an indirect tax which has replaced many
        indirect taxes in India such as the excise duty, VAT, services tax, etc. The Goods and Service
        Tax Act was passed in the Parliament on 29th March 2017 and came into effect on 1st July 2017.
Indian deep tech startups count surges in 2023, funding drops 77%: Nasscom
    ● In 2023, India experienced a remarkable surge in deep tech startups, solidifying its position as
        the third-largest hub globally for such ventures.
    ● Here are the key highlights and challenges outlined in the report by Nasscom and Zinnov:
    ● Funding Winter: Despite the growth in numbers, there's a concerning trend of reduced funding. In
        2023, Indian deep tech startups raised approximately $850 million, a steep decline of 77% from
        $3.7 billion raised in 2022.
India Inc cut back on dividends in FY24 despite record profit
    ● Despite a significant surge in corporate profitability, listed firms in FY24 experienced a decline in
        dividend payouts.
    ● The total dividend payout decreased by 4.7% year-on-year (Y-o-Y), amounting to Rs 4.03 trillion,
        down from the previous year's record high of Rs 4.23 trillion in FY23.
CBIC to issue detailed clarification on GST applicability for corporate guarantees, including distribution
of liability and valuation rules
    ● The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) is set to issue a comprehensive
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PLI projects: Steel Min fast-tracks visa approvals for Chinese experts
    ● India's Steel Ministry is streamlining visa procedures for Chinese technicians and experts
        involved in The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) projects for speciality steel.
    ● The Ministry plans to monitor and report progress on speciality steel-making schemes under the
        PLI initiative.
Investment Trends in FY24
           ➢ Platform tickets
           ➢ Retiring rooms
           ➢ Waiting rooms
           ➢ Cloakroom facilities
           ➢ Battery-operated car services
    ● Key DecisionsMeasures aimed at easing compliance and providing relief to taxpayers.
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India’s coal consumption surpasses North America & Europe combined in 2023
    ● India's coal consumption exceeds that of Europe and North America combined, marking a
        significant shift in global energy dynamics.
    ● Statistical Review of World Energy: Released by Energy Institute (EI), in collaboration with
        KPMG and Kearney, covering comprehensive global energy data for 2023.
    ● Global Energy Consumption: Reached a record high of 620 Exajoules (EJ), driven by increased
        use of coal and oil, pushing global fossil fuel consumption to 505 EJ.
    ●   Europe: Experienced a 7% decline in gas demand, with LNG imports surpassing piped gas for
        the second consecutive year.
● Russia: Reduced its share of EU gas imports from 45% in 2021 to 15% in 2023.
    ● The finance ministry is poised to revise upwards its nominal gross domestic product (GDP)
        growth forecast for 2024-25 in the upcoming Budget, indicating robust economic expansion.
    ● Originally set at 10.5 per cent in the interim budget, the revised projection may range from 10.5
        per cent to 11 per cent, driven by accelerated growth trends.
    ● Adani Green Energy, a prominent player in renewable power, has announced plans to invest Rs
        2 trillion by 2030 to expand its capacity significantly.
    ● Current Capacity: 10.9 GW
    ● Targeted Expansion: To increase capacity to 50 GW by 2030
    ● Funding Details:Equity Contribution: Already secured 25% equity contribution
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25% share by Indian liners could save $50 billion annually, says FIEO
    ● Exporters recently met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to present their key requests
         and priorities ahead of Budget 2024, Aim for a 25% share by an Indian shipping line to potentially
         save      $50   billion   annually   by   2030   reported   by   the    Federation   of   Indian   Export
         Organisations(FIEO)
    ● Creation of an Indian Shipping Line: Objective: Address the rising outward remittance on
         transport services due to increasing exports.
About FIEO:
    ● Founded: 1965
    ● President: Ashvini Kumar
    ● Vice President: Khalid M Khan
    ● Director General & CEO: Dr. Ajay Sahai
    ● Headquarters: New Delhi
Businesses in Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra lead in GST return filing
    ● According to the data from GSTN, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra are the top
         states in filing GST returns every month, showcasing robust economic activity and compliance
         levels:
    1.   Uttar Pradesh (UP):
2. Tamil Nadu:
3. Maharashtra:
            b.     Leads in filings during the last month of every quarter, including smaller businesses under
                   special schemes.
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced grant of 'Mini RATNA' status (Category-1) for Central
Electronics Limited (CEL)
    ● Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that Central Electronics Limited (CEL) has been
        granted "Mini RATNA" status (Category-1).
    ● The announcement was made during CEL's Golden Jubilee celebration at its Ghaziabad
        campus.
    ●   CEL celebrated its 50th year with a net profit of approximately Rs 58 crore, a significant
        achievement.
India's remittance growth may slow down 50% in 2024 on lower inflow from Gulf: World Bank
    ● The World Bank forecasts a significant slowdown in India-bound remittance growth, from 7.5%
        last year to 3.7% in 2024.
    ● This decline is attributed to reduced inflows from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries,
        impacted by declining oil prices and production.
    ● For 2024, the World Bank estimates $124 billion, with a slight increase to $129 billion in 2025.
    ● India remains the top global recipient of remittances, surpassing countries like Mexico, China, the
        Philippines, and Pakistan.
    ●   The country hosts 18.7 million emigrants, reflecting its significant diaspora worldwide.
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    ● The platform aims to capitalize on India's growing digital financial services sector.
    ●   Apart from Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments, super. money offers services such as
        credit, deposits, and credit cards.
    ●   Stake Acquisition: UltraTech Cement acquired 70.56 million shares of India Cements Ltd at an
        average price of Rs 268 per share in two block deals.
7 years of GST: Avg monthly mop up surged by 87% despite certain challenges
    ● The Goods and Services Tax (GST) system in India has shown signs of stability, as evidenced
        by consistent growth in tax collections over its seven-year history.
    ● Average monthly GST collection rose from ₹90,000 crore during the first year of its
        implementation-2017-18 to 1.68 trillion during 2023-24, representing an 87 per cent rise.
BHEL bags Rs 13,300 crore order to set up 1600 MW-thermal power project
    ● Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL), a state-owned engineering firm, has secured a significant
        contract worth Rs 13,300 crore from Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) to establish a 1600 MW
        thermal power plant in Koderma, Jharkhand.
    ● This project aligns with the central government's objective of bolstering the nation's energy
        security.
    ● Project Scope: BHEL will undertake the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for
        the Koderma Thermal Power Station (2X800MW) in Jharkhand.
    ● GAIL (India) Ltd has revised its target to achieve net zero carbon emissions to 2035, advancing it
        by five years from the initially set goal of 2040. The board of directors of GAIL approved this
        advancement.
    ● This decision follows an extensive study undertaken by GAIL to enhance its sustainability goals
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        and align with India’s broader Net Zero commitments, the Maharatna company stated.
    ● India’s largest gas utility plans to achieve this ambitious goal through a strategic approach
        involving electrification of NG-based equipment, renewable energy, battery energy storage
        systems (BESS), compressed biogas (CBG), green hydrogen, CO2 valorisation initiatives and
        afforestation.
About GAIL:
    ● The Gas Authority of India Ltd. was incorporated in August 1984 as a Public Sector Undertaking
        (PSU) of the Government of India under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) to
        build, operate and maintain HVJ gas pipeline.
    ● The eight key infrastructure sectors’ growth rose 6.3 per cent in May 2024 on healthy expansion
        in the production of coal, natural gas, and electricity, though the growth rate is lower than in April
        2024.
    ● The production of the eight sectors grew 6.7 per cent in April.
    ● The growth of these core sectors — coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertiliser, steel,
        cement and electricity — was 5.2 per cent in May 2023.
    ● The central government’s fiscal deficit was only at 3 per cent of the annual estimates at the end
        of May.
    ● In a significant development for domestic fixed-income markets, Indian government bonds are
        now included in JPMorgan Chase & Co’s emerging markets bond index as of June 28, 2024.
    ● This follows an announcement made in September 2023, paving the way for substantial inflows
        of foreign capital into the Indian economy.
    ● IGBs issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) will be
        included in the global indices.
    ● According to JPMorgan, the average maturity of the Indian bonds included is seven years, with a
        yield-to-maturity (YTM) of 7.09%.
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    ● The bonds with the highest weightage in the index (over 0.5%) include 7.18 GS 2033, 7.30 GS
        2053, and 7.18 GS 2037.
    ● India has become the 25th market to be included in the index since its launch in June 2005.
    ● The interest equalisation scheme for exporters, which allows access to bank credit at a
        subsidised rate, will be extended only for the MSME sector beyond June 30, 2024 for two months
        till August, as per a government notification.
    ● “Claims of non-MSME exporters are not to be entertained beyond June 30, 2024,” a trade notice
        issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade stated.
    ● The two-month continuation of the scheme for the MSME sector comes with an outlay cap of
        ₹750 crore, the notice added. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
Interest equalisation scheme:
    ● Interest Equalisation scheme was first implemented on 1st April 2015, to provide pre- and post-
        shipment export credit to exporters in rupees.
    ● It was initially valid for 5 years, up to 31.3.2020. The scheme has been continued thereafter,
        including a one-year extension during COVID and further extensions and fund allocations.
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Ministry of Finance Directs State Bank of India to Establish Committee to Address Co-Lending
Challenges
    ● The Finance Ministry has instructed the State Bank of India (SBI) to establish a six-member
        committee to address challenges associated with the co-lending business model.
    ● Objectives of the Committee : To tackle issues related to co-lending, enhance credit flow to
        Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and regulate the rapid growth in consumer
        loans.
About Ministry of Finance :
    ● Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
    ● Minister of State : Bhagwat Karad, Pankaj Choudhar
About SBI :
    ● Established : 1 July 1955
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
    ● CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
Securities and Exchange Board of India Reduces Approval Time for Brokers for Internet-Based Trading
to 7 Days
    ● Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) significantly reduced the time
        taken by stock exchanges to grant approval to stock brokers for internet-based trading to 7 days
        from the current 30 days.
    ● Aim : To enhance the ease of doing business in the securities market.
    ● The new guidelines will be applicable with immediate effect.
    ● Application Process:Brokers are required to apply to the respective stock exchange for formal
        permission to offer internet-based trading services.
About SEBI :
    ●   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
        1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
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Capital Small Finance Bank and ICICI Lombard Form Bancassurance Partnership to Offer General
Insurance Products
    ● Capital Small Finance Bank (CSFB), a small finance bank, has forged a bancassurance tie-up
        with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Ltd.(ICICI Lombard), a private general insurer.
    ● Through this collaboration, CSFB will leverage its network and customer base to distribute ICICI
        Lombard’s suite of general insurance products, including health, motor, home, travel and rural
        insurance.
    ● This partnership will empower the bank’s customers to be adequately risk covered and access
        our wide suite of innovative and tech-driven insurance solutions.
    ● Currently, CSFB has 177 branches spread over 5 States and 1 Union Territory.
About Capital Small Finance Bank :
    ● Founded : 2000; licensed in 2016
    ● Headquarters : Jalandhar, Punjab, India
    ● Chairman : Madan Gopal Sharma
    ● MD & CEO : Sarvjit Singh Samra
    ● Capital Small Finance Bank (formerly Capital Local Area Bank) is an Indian first small finance
        bank.
About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited :
    ● Founded : 2001
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● Chairman & Managing Director : Sanjeev Mantri
    ● It is a joint venture between ICICI Bank (64% stake)- India’s second-largest bank, and Fairfax
        Financial Holdings Limited (36%)- a financial services company based in Toronto.
4 European Union Banks-Credit Agricole, Societe Generale, Deutsche Bank, and BNP Paribas,
Request RBI Approval for Third-Party Transaction Model
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     ● Four prominent European banks, which also serve critical custodian roles in local sovereign debt
        trade, have approached the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeking approval for a third-party
        transaction model.
     ● The European banks involved in this initiative are Credit Agricole, Societe Generale, Deutsche
        Bank, and BNP Paribas.
     ● The banks seek RBI's approval due to the absence of established regulations governing such
        arrangements.
About Credit Agricole :
     ● Founded : 5 November 1894
     ● Headquarters : Montrouge, France
     ● CEO : Philippe Brassac
About Societe Generale :
     ● Founded : 4 May 1864
     ● Headquarters : Paris, France
     ● CEO : Slawomir Krupa
About Deutsche Bank :
     ● Founded : 10 March 1870
     ● Headquarters : Germany
     ● CEO : Christian Sewing
About BNP Paribas :
     ● Headquarters : Paris, France
     ● CEO : Jean-Laurent Bonnafé
JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Companies Capital Adequacy Drops Below Reserve Bank of India
Standards
     ● JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Companies (JMFARC’s) capital adequacy fell below
        regulatory requirements following a provision of Rs 846.86 crore for expected credit loss on
        distressed loans in FY24.
     ● The existing shareholders, including promoter JM Financial, will infuse up to Rs 1,000 crore in
        equity to shore up capital.
     ● This is to meet regulatory norms and support business growth.
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        ● The ARC’s capital adequacy ratio (CAR) fell to 2.91% in March 2024 from 24.67% in March
           2023.
Unified Payment Interface Network Sets New Record with 14.04 Billion Transactions Processed in May
2024 Up from 13.3 Billion in April
    •    The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network operated by the National Payments Corporation of
         India (NPCI) has set a new record by processing 14.04 billion transactions in May,2024 compared
         to 13.3 billion in April, 2024.
    •    By value, UPI transactions totalled ₹20.45 lakh crore in May, compared to ₹19.64 lakh crore in
         April.
    •    These figures represent a 49% increase in volume and a 39% increase in value compared to May
         2023.
About UPI :
    •    Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is an Indian instant payment that powers multiple bank accounts
         into a single mobile application.
    •    It was introduced in April 2016.
Reserve Bank of India Reports 15.3% Growth in Bank Credit for April 2024
    •    The banking sector observed a notable increase in credit growth during the first month of fiscal
         2024, primarily driven by advancements in the agriculture sector, as per the Reserve Bank of India
         (RBI).
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    •   Non-Food Bank Credit: On a year-on-year (y-o-y) basis, non-food bank credit expanded by 15.3%
        in April 2024, slightly lower than the growth rate of 16.2% recorded a year earlier.
Canara Bank to Divest 14.50% Stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance Through Initial Public Offering
    •   Canara Bank has approved the initiation of the process to dilute its 14.50% stake in its subsidiary,
        Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited., through an initial public offering (IPO).
    •   IPO Details:The bank intends to list Canara HSBC Life Insurance on stock exchanges
        (BSE/NSE) via an IPO.
    •   The exact size of the issue, timing, and other modalities will be determined later.
    •   Capital Raising Approval:Canara Bank's Board has also approved raising Rs 8,500 crore through
        debt instruments (Additional Tier I / Tier II Bonds) for the financial year 2024-25.
About Canara Bank :
    •   Established : 1906
    •   Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    •   MD & CEO : K. Satyanarayana Raju
    •   Tagline : Together We Can
About Canara HSBC Life Insurance :
    •   Founded : 2008
    •   Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
    •   MD & CEO : Anuj Mathur
    •   It was a joint venture between Canara Bank (51%), HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings
        Limited (26%) and Punjab National Bank (23%).
Reserve Bank of India Transfers 100 Tonnes of Gold from the United Kingdom to Indian Vaults, for 1st
Time Since 1991
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has transferred around 100 tonnes or 1 lakh kilograms of gold
        from the United Kingdom to its vaults in India.
    •   This is the largest gold transfer since early 1991, and the central bank plans to move more gold in
        the coming months.
    •   Domestic Vault Locations:Domestically, gold is stored in vaults located in the RBI’s old office
        building on Mumbai’s Mint Road and in Nagpur.
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Reserve Bank of India Establishes Framework for Self-Regulatory Organizations in Fintech Sector
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the final framework for recognising self-regulatory
        organisations (SROs) in the financial technology sector (SRO-FT), encouraging entities to have a
        representative membership from the fintech sector.
    •   Membership:SRO-FTs can include membership from fintech entities currently regulated by the
        RBI, such as non-banking financial companies-account aggregators (NBFC-AA) and NBFC-peer-
        to-peer (P2P) lending platforms, excluding banks.
Reserve Bank of India Annual Report Reveals 166% Surge in Bank Frauds to Over 36,000 Cases in
FY24
    •   In the financial year 2023-24 (FY24), there were 36,075 reported bank frauds, marking a significant
        increase of nearly 166% from the 13,564 cases reported in FY23.
    •   Despite the increase in the number of fraud cases, the amount involved decreased by 46.7% year-
        on-year (Y-o-Y) in FY24 to Rs 13,930 crore, compared to Rs 26,127 crore in FY23.
    •   Fraud Trends:Private sector banks reported more fraud cases overall, but public sector banks
        consistently accounted for the highest total fraud amount.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Supports 100% Cashless Claim Settlement in
Health Insurance
    •   The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued a new health
        insurance circular that seeks to improve services for policyholders by reducing settlement times
        and ensuring cashless claim processes.
    •   The regulator wants insurers to achieve 100% cashless claim settlement in a time-bound manner,
        minimising the need for reimbursement claims to exceptional
        circumstances.
    •   Master Circular on Health Insurance:IRDAI issued a comprehensive Master Circular on Health
        Insurance Products, consolidating 55 previous circulars.
About IRDAI :
    •   Established : 1999
    •   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
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Bank of India Introduces 666-Day Fixed Deposit Scheme Offering 7.80% Annual Returns for Senior
Citizens
        •     Bank of India (BoI) has launched a special fixed deposit plan called '666 Days - Fixed Deposit',
              offering attractive returns on deposits for a tenure of 666 days.
        •     The FD scheme offers very attractive returns on deposits as high as 7.95% per annum for super
              senior citizens for 666 days for a deposit amount of less than Rs 2 crore.
        •     Super senior citizens are those who are 80 years of age or above.
About Bank of India :
        •     Established : 7 September 1906
        •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
        •     MD & CEO : Rajneesh Karnatak
        •     Tagline : Relationship beyond Banking
Jio Financial Services Launches Beta Version of 'JioFinance' App Featuring UPI and Digital Banking
Services
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     •     Jio Financial Services, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), launched its application –
           “JioFinance” app (in beta mode), which will offer a range of financial services and will also offer
           loans against mutual funds among other services in the future.
     •     Key features of the application include instant digital account opening and streamlined bank
           management with the "Jio Payments Bank Account" feature.
     •     This app seamlessly integrates digital banking, UPI transactions, bill settlements, insurance
           advisory, and offers a consolidated view of accounts and savings, all in one user-friendly
           interface.
About Jio Financial Services Limited :
     •     Founded : 22 July 1999
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •     Independent Director and Non-executive chairman : Mr. Kundapur Vaman Kamath
     •     Jio Financial Services is an Indian financial services company that was originally a subsidiary of
           Reliance Industries.
     •     It is carved out from Reliance Industries Ltd, is engaged in the business of investing and
           financing, insurance broking, payment bank and payment aggregator and payment gateway
           services.
     •     The company is in the process of seeking shareholders' nod for raising the foreign direct
           investment limit in the company up to 49%.
     •     The company is a systemically important non-deposit-taking Non-Banking Financial Company
           (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
L&T Finance Limited Partners with PhonePe to Offer Secured Lending Products
     •     L&T Finance Limited. (LTF), one of the leading Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) of
           the country, has forged a strategic partnership with PhonePe, India’s leading fintech company
           offering a wide range of financial services and products.
     •     The collaboration amongst both the Companies is aimed at broadening the range of financial
           products and offering secured lending to customers across Housing and Two-wheeler Financing.
About L&T Finance :
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •     MD & CEO : Sudipta Roy
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About Phonepe :
        •     Established : 2015
        •     Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
        •     CEO : Sameer Nigam
Securities and Exchange Board of India Introduces 'Saarthi 2.0' Mobile App for Investor Education on
Personal Finance
    •       Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a mobile
            app, ‘Saarthi 2.0’, focused on personal finance for investors.
    •       The app provides comprehensive tools to simplify complex financial concepts and enhance
            investor education.
    •       User-Friendly Interface: The updated 'Saarthi' app introduces a user-friendly interface for investors.
    •       Financial Calculators: The app includes financial calculators to assist users in various financial
            calculations.
About SEBI :
    •       Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
            1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •       Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    •       SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
            the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
State Bank of India Becomes 1st Public Sector Bank and 7th Indian Company to Surpass Rs 8 Trillion
Market Capitalization
    •       The State Bank of India (SBI) became the 1st public sector bank and the 7th Indian company to
            cross the Rs 8 trillion market capitalization (m-cap).
    •       HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank are the only other lenders with m-cap of over Rs 8 trillion.
    •       Stock Performance and Rally:Share Surge: SBI's shares surged by 9.5% amid a broad-based rally
            in the equity market ahead of election results.
    •       Recent Growth: In the last year, SBI's stock has increased by nearly 55%, and the Nifty PSU Bank
            index has almost doubled.
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About SBI :
    •   Established : 1 July 1955
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
    •   CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
Alternative Investment Fund Welcome Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Proposed
Amendments to Valuation Norms
    •   The alternative investment fund (AIF) industry has welcomed recent suggestions by the Securities
        and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to change the valuation norms, aiming to resolve valuation
        issues and relax guidelines.
    •   SEBI proposed that the valuation of unlisted securities held by AIFs be carried out according to
        guidelines issued by the eligible industry association, rather than Mutual Fund (MF) Regulations.
    •   The proposal is open for public comment until June 13, 2024.
Over the Past 5 Years, Six PSU Banks Have Issued 1,071 Look-Out Circulars Targeting Defaulters
    •   In their bid to recover money stuck with absconding wilful defaulters, 6 public sector banks (PSUs)
        have issued 1,071 look-out circulars (LOCs) since 2018 to prevent them from fleeing to other
        countries.
    •   The State Bank of India (SBI), the largest commercial bank in India, has issued the highest number
        of LOCs among the PSU banks, totalling 583.
    •   RTI applications were filed with 11 PSU banks, but 3 banks-Canara Bank, UCO Bank, and Bank of
        Baroda (BoB)-refused to provide the data.
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Axis Bank and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Form Bancassurance Alliance to Enhance Insurance
Reach and Financial Inclusion
    •   Axis Bank, a private sector bank, and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, a private general insurer,
        have entered a strategic bancassurance partnership to boost insurance penetration and financial
        inclusion in the country.
    •   Under this Bancassurance tie-up, a comprehensive suite of Bajaj Allianz General Insurance
        products will be distributed through Axis Bank’s network of 5,250 plus branches.
    •   This collaboration will strengthen Bajaj Allianz General Insurance’s distribution reach, enabling it to
        cater to a broader customer base and offer varied insurance solutions to diverse demographics.
About Axis Bank :
    •   Established : 3 December 1993
    •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
    •   Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
About Bajaj Allianz General Insurance :
    •   Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra
    •   MD & CEO : Tapan Singhel
Reserve Bank of India Absorbs ₹44,430 Crore of Surplus Liquidity Through 2 variable rate reverse repo
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Auctions
     •     The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) absorbed surplus liquidity aggregating ₹44,430 crores through
           two variable rate reverse repo (VRRR) auctions of three days tenor.
     •     The aforementioned amount was deployed by banks even as the central bank was ready to
           absorb a total of ₹1-lakh crore (notified amount).
     •     First Auction:
              •   Notified amount: ₹50,000 crore.
              •   Funds deployed by banks: ₹41,730 crore.
              •   Weighted Average Rate (WAR): 6.48%.
     •     Second Auction:
              •   Notified amount: ₹50,000 crore.
              •   Funds deployed by banks: ₹2,700 crore.
              •   WAR: 6.49%.
Punjab National Bank Collaborates with IIFCL to Offer Financing for Infrastructure Projects
     •     Punjab National Bank (PNB), a public sector bank, and India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd
           (IIFCL), a state-owned entity, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide long-
           term financial support for viable infrastructure projects.
     •     The MoU represents a milestone in creating new lending opportunities for infrastructure projects
           in India.
     •     The MoU was exchanged between Atul Kumar Goel, MD & CEO of PNB, and Padmanabhan
           Raja Jaishankar, Managing Director of IIFCL.
SEBI Establishes Committee to Review Ownership and Economic Structure of Clearing Corporations
     •     The Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has set up a
           committee to review the ownership and economic structure of clearing corporations and suggest
           measures to ensure that clearing corporations function as resilient, independent, and neutral risk
           managers.
     •     The ad-hoc committee would be chaired by Usha Thorat, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve
           Bank of India (RBI).
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     •     The decision has been taken in the wake of the substantial growth of Indian securities markets in
           recent years and the importance of clearing corporations as central risk management institutions.
About SEBI :
     •     Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
           1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •     Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     •     SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
           the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Adani One and ICICI Bank Launched 2 Co-Branded Credit Card Variants
     •     Adani One,the digital platform of the Adani Group, and ICICI Bank have collaborated to introduce
           two new co-branded credit cards in association with Visa.
     •     This partnership signifies the Adani Group's entry into the retail financial sector.
     •     The newly launched credit cards come in two variants: Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit
           Card and Adani One ICICI Bank Platinum Credit Card.
     •     The Adani One ICICI Bank Signature Credit Card has an annual fee of Rs 5,000 and offers
           joining benefits worth Rs 9,000.
     •     Cardholders can earn up to 7% Adani reward points on purchases made within the Adani Group
           ecosystem.
About ICICI Bank Limited :
     •     Founded : 5 January 1994
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •     MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi.
Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Rumour Verification Rules Now Apply to Top 100 Listed
Companies
     •     Amid the mayhem over exit poll prediction, market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of
           India (SEBI) has implemented the much awaited market rumour verification regulation on top 100
           companies.
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     •     Rule Requirement: Under the SEBI’s rule, these companies will have to ‘confirm, deny, or clarify
           any reported event or information in the mainstream media that is not general in nature and that
           indicates that rumours of an impending specific material event’ are circulating among the
           investors in 24 hours from the reporting of the information.
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Highlights : RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 6.5% and Boosts FY25
GDP Growth Forecast to 7.2%
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor, Shaktikanta Das, announced the second bi-monthly
           monetary policy for 2024-25.
     ● This marks the first RBI policy announcement after the Lok Sabha election results of 2024.
     ● The RBI Governor-headed 6-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the
           benchmark repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the 8th consecutive time by a 4:2 majority.
     ● The repo rate, which is the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks to address shortfalls
           in funds, is a key tool the central bank uses to manage liquidity in the economy.
About RBI :
     ●     Established : 1 April 1935
     ●     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●     Governor : Shaktikanta Das
     ●     Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
Reserve Bank of India Penalties Increase by 88% Over Last 3 Years, Know Your Customer and Anti-
Money Laundering Violations Lead the List
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased the number of penalties on financial institutions
           by 88% over the past 3 years (from 2021 to January 2024).
     ● Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) violations are the most common
           infractions leading to penalties.
     ● The RBI has collected Rs 78.6 crore in penalties over 3 years, with 261 penalties imposed in
           2023 alone, according to Signzy, a fintech firm specializing in regulatory compliance.
Financial Intelligence Unit Imposes Rs 1.66 Crore Fine on Axis Bank for Failing to Detect Fraudulent
National Security Guard Account
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     •     The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) has imposed a fine of over Rs 1.66 crore on Axis Bank for
           its failure to detect and report suspicious transactions related to a fraudulent account created in
           the name of the National Security Guard (NSG).
     •     The penalty was issued under Section 13 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
     •     This section empowers the Director of FIU to impose monetary penalties on reporting entities,
           such as Axis Bank, for non-compliance with obligations under the PMLA.
About Axis Bank :
     •     Established : 1993
     •     Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •     MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
     •     Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi ("Progress is the Name of Life")
Securities and Exchange Board of India Imposes Fine on PTC India Financial Services Limited
Chairman & Managing Director, Arm PFS, and Former MD
     •     Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) restrained PTC India Financial Services Limited's
           (PFS) acting chairman Rajib Kumar Mishra from holding the director's post in any listed firm for 6
           months and imposed a penalty of Rs 10 lakh on him for corporate governance lapses.
     •     Mishra is also the chairman and managing director of PTC India Ltd, a promoter firm of PFS.
     •     SEBI imposed a fine of ₹25 lakh on Pawan Singh.
About SEBI :
     •     Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
           1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •     Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     •     SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
           the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Reserve Bank of India Grants Mobile Wallet License to Neobanking Startup Jupiter
     •     Tiger Global and Peak XV Partners-backed neobanking startup Jupiter has secured a prepaid
           payments instrument licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
     •     With the PPI licence, Jupiter can now offer digital wallets to users. These wallets enable:
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            •   UPI payments
            •   Fund transfers
            •   Bill payments
Reserve Bank of India May Permit Change in Trusteeship for Asset Reconstruction Companies
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may allow Security Receipts (SR) holders to change the
        trusteeship of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs).
     ● Aim : To enable ARCs to retain stressed assets without necessarily acting as trustees, which is
        expected to expedite the resolution process for distressed assets.
     ● Security Receipt (SR) is an instrument like a pass through certificate which is issued by ARCs to
        investors, which represent rights of the investors over realisations from underlying assets.
     ● Banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and foreign portfolio investors are the holders
        of SRs issued by ARCs.
Muthoot Microfin Forms Strategic Co-Lending Partnership with State Bank of India
     ● Muthoot Microfin Limited has entered into a partnership with State Bank of India (SBI) for co-
        lending to members of joint liability groups (JLGs) engaged in agricultural and allied activities as
        well as other income-generating enterprises.
     ● Under the agreement, Muthoot Microfin and SBI will co-lend to members of Joint Liability Groups
        (JLGs) who are engaged in agricultural and allied activities as well as other income-generating
        enterprises.
     ● The loan amounts will range from a minimum of ₹10,000 to a maximum of ₹3 lakh, aimed at
        boosting rural women entrepreneurs.
About Muthoot Microfin Limited :
     ● Founded : 2010
     ● Headquarters : Kochi, Kerala
     ● Managing Director : Thomas Muthoot
     ● CEO : Sadaf Sayeed
     ● Muthoot Microfin Limited is an Indian microfinance institution, & It is a part of Muthoot Pappachan
        Group.
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Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Releases New Guidelines for Appointing Insolvency
Professionals as Resolution Professionals
     ● The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has issued a new set of guidelines to
        streamline the process for appointing insolvency professionals (IPs) as interim resolution
        professionals, liquidators, and bankruptcy trustees.
     ● Under the new guidelines, issued on June 5, a panel of IPs will be set up, which will be effective
        from July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
     ● Aim : To enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the insolvency resolution process by
        ensuring a ready pool of qualified professionals available for immediate appointment.
About IBBI :
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chairperson : Ravi Mittal
     ● Parent Department : Ministry of Corporate Affairs
     ● IBBI) is the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings and entities like Insolvency
        Professional Agencies (IPA), Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information Utilities (IU) in India.
     ● It was established on 1 October 2016 and given statutory powers through the Insolvency and
        Bankruptcy Code, which was passed by Lok Sabha on 5 May 2016.
PhonePe Partners with Sri Lankan Ride-Hailing Service PickMe to Enable Unified Payments Interface
Payments
     ● Fintech firm PhonePe has partnered with ride-hailing platform PickMe to facilitate Unified
        Payments Interface (UPI)-based payments for Indian travellers in Sri Lanka.
     ● Enhancing Convenience for Indian Travellers:The partnership with PickMe reflects PhonePe's
        commitment to providing convenient and trusted payment solutions for Indian travellers visiting
        Sri Lanka.
     ● It eliminates the hassle of navigating payments in a new country by offering the ease and security
        of UPI payments for rides.
     ● Support for Digital Transformation:The collaboration aligns with PhonePe's mission to drive
        digital transformation in Sri Lanka's transportation sector by introducing modern payment
        methods.
About Phonepe :
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     ● Founded : 2015
     ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
     ● CEO : Sameer Nigam
About PickMe :
     ● Founded : March 2014
     ● Headquarters : Colombo, Sri Lanka
     ● CEO : Jiffry Zulfer
     ● Chairman : Ajith Gunewardene
     ● PickMe is a Sri Lankan taxi hailing and delivery app developed by Digital Mobility Solutions (Pvt)
        Ltd.
Reserve Bank of India Annual Report: Nearly 80% of Digital Transactions Conducted via UPI
     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) annual report, nearly four out of five digital
        payments in the country were conducted on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in the financial
        year 2024 (FY24).
     ● Growth of UPI:UPI's share of total digital payments increased from 73.4% in FY23 to 79.7% in
        FY24.
     ● In FY20, UPI's share was 36.8% compared to the total volume of digital payments.
     ● Volume of Digital Transactions:The volume of digital payments in FY24 reached 164.4 billion
        transactions, a 44% year-on-year increase from 113.9 billion transactions in FY23.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Honoured with 'Best Conduct of Business Regulator' Award by
The Asian Banker
● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has been awarded the 'Best Conduct of
     Business Regulator' in the Asia Pacific region by The Asian Banker.
● This recognition acknowledges SEBI's efforts in enhancing the regulatory framework for securities
     markets in India.
● The award was received by SEBI’s Whole Time Member Kamlesh Chandra Varshney in a ceremony
     held in Hong Kong.
● Introduction of T+1 Settlement:In 2021, India introduced T+1 settlement in a phased manner, which
     was fully implemented from January 2023.
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About SEBI :
●       Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
●       Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
●       Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
●       SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Introduces Penalty Framework for Surveillance Lapses
● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) came out with a framework on “financial
     disincentives” for market infrastructure institutions that would impose a penalty ranging from ₹1 lakh
     to ₹1 crore for each instance of surveillance lapse during the financial year.
● Penalty Structure:
● First Instance:Penalty ranges from ₹1 lakh (annual revenue < ₹300 crore) to ₹25 lakh (annual
     revenue > ₹1,000 crore).
● Second Instance:Penalty ranges from ₹2 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
● Third Instance Onwards:Penalty ranges from ₹4 lakh to ₹1 crore.
● The new framework will come into effect from July 1, 2024.
Reserve Bank of India Raises Limit for Bulk Fixed Deposits to Rs 3 Crore from Rs 2 Crore
●       The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) hiked the threshold for bulk fixed deposits to Rs 3 crore from
existing Rs 2 crore.
●       Bulk fixed deposits typically earn slightly higher interest rates compared to retail term deposits
due to banks offering different rates as part of their liquidity management.
●       Retail Fixed Deposits: Single rupee term deposits of up to Rs 2 crore with Scheduled
Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks) and Small Finance Banks will now be categorised
as retail fixed deposits.
●       The definition of bulk deposits has been revised to include 'Single Rupee term deposit of Rs 3
crore and above' for Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks) and Small
Finance Banks.
Reserve Bank of India Proposes Simplified Foreign Exchange Management Act Guidelines for Export
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About FEMA :
●       FEMA came into force on June 1, 2000, as a successor to the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act,
or FERA, of 1973, with changing economic conditions in a post-liberalisation India.
●       Objective : To facilitate external trade and payments and promote the orderly development and
maintenance of the foreign exchange market in India.
●       FEMA deals with provisions relating to procedures, formalities, dealings, etc. of foreign exchange
transactions in India.
●       FEMA's head office is known as the Enforcement Directorate and is located in Delhi.
●       FEMA is applicable throughout India and equally applicable to agencies and offices located
outside India, which are owned or managed by an Indian Citizen.
Securities and Exchange Board of India cautions ICICI Bank regarding its promotional activities for the
scheme of arrangement aimed at delisting I-Sec equity shares
● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an administrative warning to ICICI
     Bank regarding its outreach efforts related to the delisting of ICICI Securities (I-Sec) equity shares.
● SEBI received numerous complaints from I-Sec shareholders, claiming they received multiple calls
     and messages from bank officials urging them to vote in favour of the delisting scheme.
● The term "delisting" of securities means permanent removal of securities of a listed company from a
     stock exchange.
● As a consequence of delisting, the securities of that company would no longer be traded at that
     stock exchange.
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Ashv Finance Collaborates with HDFC Bank for Co-Lending Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Loans
● Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) focused non-banking financial company Ashv
     Finance, a part of the Aavishkaar Group, has entered into a co-lending agreement with HDFC Bank
     to offer unsecured business loans to micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
● The co-lending deal is part of Ashv Finance’s focus on growing co-lending partnerships for lending to
     MSMEs.
● This tie-up validates our data-led model to underwrite MSME businesses and is yet another bit of
     effort towards the country’s “Make in India” initiative, as it percolates more and more towards
     MSMEs in India.”
Reserve Bank of India Permits Investors and Companies to Invest in Overseas Funds
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     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has amended the Foreign Exchange Management (Overseas
         Investment) Directions, 2022, facilitating investments in overseas funds.
     ● The amendment lifts several restrictions, allowing Indian investors and companies to invest in
         overseas funds, including those in the United States and Singapore, without any limitations.
     ● The move follows an amendment by the RBI regarding Overseas Portfolio Investments (OPIs).
About RBI :
     ●   Established : 1 April 1935
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
     ●   Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
Punjab National Bank to Open Representative Office in Dubai, Expanding Overseas Footprint
     ● State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) plans to open a representative office in Dubai, as part
         of its plan to expand its global footprint.
     ● The board of directors of PNB has approved the decision to open a representative office in
         Dubai, and the bank is currently in the process of seeking regulatory clearance for this initiative.
     ● As of March 31, 2024, PNB already has a presence in 6 countries through various subsidiaries,
         joint ventures, and representative offices.
About PNB :
     ● Founded : 19 May 1894
     ● Headquarters : Dwarka, Delhi, India
     ● Managing Director : Atul Kumar Goel.
Reserve Bank of India Allows Automatic Replenishment of UPI Lite Wallets for Customers
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a facility to promote small-value digital payments
         by allowing customers to automatically replenish their UPI Lite wallets.
     ● Currently, the UPI Lite has a daily limit of Rs 2,000, while the upper limit for a single payment is
         Rs 500.
     ● UPI Lite is a simplified version of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
Reserve Bank of India to Establish Digital Payments Intelligence Platform to Combat Fraud
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     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced creating a dedicated platform to address digital
        payment frauds in India.
     ● There has been a significant increase in digital payment frauds in recent years, prompting the
        RBI to take proactive measures.
     ● Statistics on Fraud Cases : According to the annual report by the RBI, as many as 36,075 digital
        frauds were reported in banks, marking an increase of nearly 166% from the 13,564 cases
        reported in FY23.
Reserve Bank of India Announces Launch of 3rd Global Hackathon – HaRBInger 2024
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is organising its 3rd global hackathon – ‘HaRBInger 2024 –
        Innovation for Transformation’.
     ● Themes: The 3rd edition of the hackathon will focus on two themes: 'Zero Financial Frauds' and
        'Being Divyang Friendly'.
     ● The first two editions of the hackathon were completed in the year 2022 and 2023.
     ● The first edition, “HARBINGER 2021 - Innovation for Transformation”, centred on 'Smarter Digital
        Payments'.
     ● The second edition, “HARBINGER 2023 - Innovation for Transformation”, launched on February
        14, 2023, focused on 'Inclusive Digital Services'.
Securities and Exchange Board of India to Revise Selection Criteria for Futures and Options Stocks
     ● The market watchdog Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has come up with a
        consultation paper for reviewing the eligibility criteria of stocks that can be included in the futures
        and options (F&O) segment.
     ● SEBI had previously established a framework in 2018 for selecting stocks eligible for trading in
        the F&O segment.
     ● Proposed MWPL Increase: SEBI proposes to increase the Market Wide Position Limit (MWPL) to
        Rs 1,250 crore - Rs 1,750 crore, considering the significant rise in overall market capitalization
        since 2018.
State Bank of India Grants ₹2,030 Crore in Co-Lending Partnership with Non-Banking Finance
Companies
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     ● The State Bank of India (SBI) has established co-lending tie-ups with 23 non-banking finance
        companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies (HFCs) to expand its outreach to the
        unserved and under-served populations.
     ● SBI launched an end-to-end digital platform for credit underwriting, sanction, disbursement, and
        collections for NBFC co-lending.
     ● This platform enables digital processing and management of loans in partnership with NBFCs.
About SBI :
     ● Established : 1 July 1955
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
     ● CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
SBI Mutual Fund Surpasses Rs 10 Trillion in Assets, Becoming the First Fund House to Achieve This
Milestone
     ● SBI Mutual Fund, India's largest asset management company (AMC) based on assets under
        management (AUM), has become the 1st mutual fund house in the country to surpass Rs 10 lakh
        crore in Average Assets Under Management (AAUM).
     ● Overall Mutual Fund Industry AUM: According to data from the Association of Mutual Funds of
        India (AMFI), the total assets under management (AUM) of the mutual fund industry, including
        open-ended and closed-end funds, stood at Rs 58.91 lakh crore as of May end, compared to Rs
        57.26 lakh crore in April.
About SBI Mutual Fund :
     ● Founded: June 29, 1987
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO: Shamsher Singh
     ● Joint Venture: Between the State Bank of India (SBI) and Amundi, a European asset
        management company.
Mutual Fund Equity Inflows Reach Record High Amidst Investor Response to Market Volatility
     ● Inflows into equity schemes of mutual funds surged by 83% to ₹34,697 crore in the last month,
        up from ₹18,917 crore in April.
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     ● This marks a new high, surpassing the ₹30,000 crore mark for the first time.
     ● The thematic HDFC Manufacturing fund collected ₹9,563 crore through a New Fund Offer (NFO)
           in May 2024.
     ● Overall, thematic funds received investments totaling ₹19,213 crore, compared to ₹5,166 crore
           previously.
Dubai's Indian Business and Professional Council Partners with National Payments Corporation of India
and Reserve Bank of India to Highlight Advances in Digital Payments and Currency Settlement
Mechanisms
     ● The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) in Dubai, in collaboration with
           representatives from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Reserve Bank
           of India (RBI), held a conclave to showcase advancements in digital payments and currency
           settlement mechanisms.
     ● Objective of the Conclave : To enhance economic cooperation and facilitate seamless cross-
           border transactions between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
     ● The conclave was held at the Taj Dubai and highlighted the Local Currency Settlement (LCS)
           framework, a significant outcome of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE earlier in
           2024..
About NPCI :
     ●     Founded : 2008
     ●     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●     MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
     ●     The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
           India.
     ●     It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
           provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
           Settlement Infrastructure in India.
State Bank of India Introduces 'SME Digital Business Loans' with 45-Minute Sanction Time
     •     State Bank of India (SBI) has launched 'SME Digital Business Loans' to cater to small and
           medium enterprises (SMEs).
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Exim Bank Extends USD 23.37 Million Line of Credit to Government of Guyana
     •     The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has provided a Government of India-supported Line
           of Credit (LoC) of USD 23.37 million to the Government of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana
           (GO-GUY).
     •     Purpose of the LoC : To facilitate the procurement of two Hindustan 228-201 aircraft from
           Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
     •     Agreement Details:An agreement was signed on March 15, 2024, between Exim Bank and the
           GO-GUY for the implementation of the LoC.
About Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) :
     •     Founded : 1 January 1982 (under the Export-Import Bank of India Act, 1981)
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •     Chairman & MD : Ms. Harsha Bangari
     •     The Exim Bank is a specialized financial institution in India.
     •     The bank's primary function is to finance, facilitate and promote India's international trade.
     •     It is owned by the Government of India and operates as a statutory corporation.
Union Bank of India Board Approves Rs 10,000 Crore Capital Raise through Equity and Debt
Issuance
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     •     Union Bank of India's board of directors, in a meeting held on June 11, 2024, approved a
           proposal to raise funds amounting to Rs 10,000 crore.
     •     Modes of Fundraising:The board approved raising equity capital up to Rs 6,000 crore through
           public issue (further public offer), rights issue, private placements including qualified institutions
           placements, preferential allotment, or a combination thereof, subject to necessary approvals.
     •     Additionally, the approval includes raising Basel-III compliant Additional Tier-1 (AT-1) bonds up to
           Rs 2,000 crore and Tier-2 bonds up to Rs 2,000 crore, including foreign currency-denominated
           AT1/Tier-2 Bonds.
About Union Bank of India :
     •     Founded : 11 November 1919
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •     MD & CEO : A. Manimekhalai
     •     Tagline : Good People to Bank with
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Ministry of Finance Sets ₹10 Crore Cap on Dispute Value for Arbitration
     •     The Union Finance Ministry has recommended capping arbitration clauses in government
           contracts to disputes involving amounts less than ₹10 crore.
     •     Arbitration is a dispute resolution mechanism between investors and brokers, or between
           brokers.
     •     It is overseen by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), with decisions that are final
           and binding.
     •     Arbitration differs from mediation, where parties negotiate a voluntary, non-binding settlement
           unless agreed upon by all parties.
About Ministry of Finance :
     •     Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
     •     Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhary
Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) Opens East Africa Representative Office in Nairobi to
Boost India's Business Presence in Africa
     •     Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) has inaugurated its East Africa Representative
           Office in Nairobi.
     •     The objective is to expand India's business presence in Africa, particularly in resource-rich and
           demographically young regions.
     •     Apart from Nairobi, the Bank has offices in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, and Johannesburg, South
           Africa.
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     ● American card payment majors Visa and Mastercard dominate the domestic credit card market.
     ● NPCI announced interchange fees on credit cards for UPI transactions in October 2023, with
         exemptions for small merchants.
     ● Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) applies to UPI-linked RuPay credit card transactions above Rs
         2,000, while transactions below Rs 2,000 are exempt.
     ● Regulatory Impact: In March 2023 directive from RBI directed towards offering multiple network
         options to customers at the time of card issuance, benefiting the RuPay card network.
About UPI :
     ●   UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application.
     ●   It is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
     ●   It was introduced in April 2016.
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State Bank of India Plans to Raise Up to $3 Billion Through Debt in Fiscal Year 2025
     ● India's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI), announced that its board has approved a plan to
         raise to $3 billion through debt in the current financial year.
     ● The funds will be raised in single or multiple tranches via public offering and/or private placement
         of senior unsecured notes.
     ● These notes will be denominated in US dollars or any other major foreign currency.
     ● The purpose of the fund utilization was not disclosed in the announcement.
     ● The fundraising will be conducted under Regulation S (RegS) and Rule 144A, which are
         regulations governing securities offerings in international markets.
     ● Several other state-run banks including Canara Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, and Punjab
         National Bank also have plans to raise funds through debt this fiscal year.
About SBI :
     ●   Established : 1 July 1955
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
     ●   CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
Reserve Bank of India's Automated Sweep-In and Sweep-Out System Glitch Disrupts Lending and
Borrowing Operations
     ● The Automated Sweep-In and Sweep-Out System (ASISO), utilized by banks for managing daily
         liquidity requirements with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), experienced its first malfunction
         since its inception nearly four years ago.
     ● This system is crucial as it allows banks to borrow from RBI's Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)
         and deposit funds at its Standing Deposit Facility (SDF).
     ● The malfunction prompted the RBI to investigate the cause to ensure operational reliability.
     ● Regulatory Requirements for Banks:Indian banks are mandated to deposit 4.5% of their net
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Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹1.45 Crore Fine on Central Bank of India, ₹96.4 Lakh Fine on
Bangladesh's Sonali Bank for Violations
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1,45,50,000 (₹1.45 crore)
        on the Central Bank of India (CBI), citing deficiencies in regulatory compliance.
     ● The penalty follows the findings of the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2022)
        conducted by the RBI with reference to the bank’s financial position as of March 31, 2022.
     ● Legal Provisions Invoked:The penalty has been imposed under the provisions of Section
        47A(1)(c), read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
     ● Also RBI has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹96.40 Lakh on Sonali Bank PLC (Public Limited
        Company).
     ● Reason for Penalty: The penalty results from contraventions of regulatory requirements
     ● Legal Provisions Invoked:The penalty is imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section
        46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and Section 25(1)(iii) read with Section
        23(4) of the CIC (R) Act.
About CBI :
     ● Founded : 21 December 1911
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Matam Venkata Rao
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Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Issues Master Circular to Ease Compliance Burden
on Insurers
● Insurance regulator Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) has issued a
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         master circular on submission of returns for insurers, including foreign reinsurance branches
         (FRBs), on the 202 regulatory returns to be filed.
     ● Superseding 10 circulars issued since 2014, the master circular lists the operational guidelines
         on the regulations issued post a comprehensive review of regulatory framework for the insurance
         sector.
     ● It consolidates 37 regulations related to returns into 7 and introduces 2 new regulations, effective
         from April 1, 2024.
     ● The move towards principle-based regulations aims to facilitate a favourable environment for
         ease of doing business and reduce the compliance burden.
     ● The circular collates 60 regulatory returns required under the new regulations/operational
         guidelines.
     ● Additionally, 142 returns are required to be filed with IRDAI periodically (quarterly, half-yearly,
         and annual).
     ● The master circular is divided into 3 parts.
            1. Part 1: Deals with returns specified in the regulations and corresponding master circulars.
                   These returns monitor the fulfilment of regulatory objectives and the performance of
                   insurers.
            2. Part 2: Pertains to business statistics collected through a business analytics project or
                   email. This data helps understand business growth, distribution channels, demography,
                   product segments, persistence, and renewability.
            3. Part 3: Repeals various previous circulars, rendering them inapplicable subsequent to the
                   new master circular.
About IRDAI :
     ●   Established : 1999
     ●   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
     ●   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
     ●   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
         of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
         industries in India.
Reserve Bank of India Receives Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024 from London-based Central
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Banking
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been awarded the Risk Manager of the Year Award 2024
         by London-based Central Banking.
     ● RBI was recognized for improving its risk culture and awareness and for implementing a new
         enterprise-wide risk management (ERM) framework across the organisation.
     ● Executive Director Shri Manoranjan Mishra received the award on behalf of the RBI.
     ● Rolling out the new ERM framework was challenging due to RBI’s large size, with over 12,000
         staff members.
     ● The previous ERM framework dated back to 2012, making the update necessary.
What is ERM?
     ● Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) is the process of planning, organizing, directing, and
         controlling the activities of an organization to minimize the harmful effects of risk on its capital
         and earnings.
     ● ERM includes managing financial, strategic, and operational risks, as well as risks associated
         with accidental losses.
     ● ERM is designed to identify and manage risks across an entire organization and its extended
         networks, using a holistic, company-wide approach rather than individual business units
         managing risk separately.
About RBI :
     ●   Established : 1 April 1935
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
     ●   Deputy governors : Mahesh Kumar Jain,M. Rajeshwar Rao, Michael Patra and T. Rabi Shankar
Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund Introduces Baroda BNP Paribas Manufacturing Fund
     ● Baroda BNP Paribas Mutual Fund has launched the Baroda BNP Paribas Manufacturing Fund,
         which is an open-ended equity scheme predominantly investing in manufacturing themes.
     ● The NFO of the scheme is currently open for subscription and will close on June 24,2024.
     ● After the initial offer period, the scheme will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase within 5
         business days from the date of allotment.
     ● The scheme will be benchmarked against Nifty India Manufacturing TRI.
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Banks to Urge Reserve Bank of India to Offer Incentives for Green Financing
     ● Banks plan to request the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to incentivise green financing, including
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        considering this category of lending, irrespective of loan limit, as priority sector lending (PSL) or
        excluding infrastructure sector exposure from overall credit for the purpose of arriving at annual
        PSL target.
Definition of Green Finance:
     ● According to the G20 Green Finance Synthesis Report, Green finance is defined as financing of
        investments that deliver environmental benefits in the broader context of environmentally
        sustainable development.
     ● Current Cap on Renewable Energy Projects:Currently, there is a cap of ₹30 crore for the
        inclusion of renewable energy projects under PSL.
     ● Challenges for Bigger Banks:Smaller banks can achieve PSL targets more easily as they are
        less involved in infrastructure financing.
     ● Bigger banks, which finance large infrastructure projects, face challenges as their base for the
        annual PSL target increases each year.
     ● Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Guidelines : PSL guidelines specify 8 categories of priority sectors
        viz., (i) Agriculture; (ii) MSME; (iii) Export Credit; (iv) Education; (v) Housing; (vi) Social
        Infrastructure; (vii) Renewable Energy; and (viii) Others.
     ● Banks must achieve a PSL target of 40% of the previous year’s Adjusted Net Bank Credit or the
        credit equivalent amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure, whichever is higher as of the previous
        year-end.
CAMS Insurance Repository Services Introduces insurance portfolio management platform - Bima
Central
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     ● Features include simplified policy information, renewals & reminders, profile management
        (personal data and nominee information), policy calendar, and more.
     ● Access and Availability:Policyholders with an existing eInsurance Account (eIA) with CAMSRep
        can access Bima Central to manage their policies across various insurers.
     ● Insurance Partners:SBI General is the anchor insurer partnering with Bima Central.
     ● Other insurers like ICICI Prudential Life, Star Union Daichi, TATA AIA, and Aditya Birla Health
        are also in the process of integrating their services with the platform.
     ● CEO of CAMSRep : Vivek Bengani
Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance and Mahindra Finance Form Partnership to Provide Life Insurance
Products
     ● Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited (Kotak Life) has partnered with Mahindra &
        Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance) to offer life insurance solutions to
        customers.
     ● The agreement was signed by Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance
        Company, and Raul Rebello, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Finance.
     ● The partnership aims to benefit over 10 million customers of Mahindra Finance by providing a
        wide range of tailor-made life insurance solutions from Kotak Life.
     ● These life insurance offerings will be distributed by Mahindra Finance through its extensive
        network of more than 1,400 branches spread across all states and Union Territories (UTs).
About Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited :
     ● Founded : 2001
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Managing Director : Mahesh Balasubramanian
About Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) :
     ● Founded : 1991
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Vice Chairman & President : Ramesh Iyer
City Union Bank Launches Digital Lending Platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
● The City Union Bank (CUB) has introduced digital lending processes tailored for Micro, Small,
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     ● Digital lending in India refers to the provision of loans facilitated through online platforms and
        digital channels, bypassing traditional brick-and-mortar institutions.
     ● It involves the use of technology such as mobile apps, websites, and data analytics to streamline
        the lending process, from application to disbursal.
About CUB :
     ● Founded : 1904
     ● Headquarters : Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India
     ● MD & CEO : Dr. N. Kamakodi
Reserve Bank of India Revokes Purvanchal Co-operative Bank's License in Ghazipur
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of Purvanchal Co-operative Bank,
        Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh as it does not have adequate capital and earning prospects.
     ● The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Uttar Pradesh, has
        been instructed to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator.
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Mutual Fund Houses Introduce Thematic Funds Focused on Thriving Manufacturing Sector
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     ● The mutual fund industry is all set to ride the manufacturing wave as a theme for investment.
     ● The National Democratic Alliance government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is
        continuing incentive policies aimed at boosting corporate investments, particularly in
        manufacturing.
     ● New Fund Offers (NFOs):Motilal Oswal Asset Management and Invesco India MF have filed
        papers with SEBI to launch thematic funds focused on manufacturing.
     ● Mahindra Manulife AMC and Baroda BNP Paribas are also launching new fund offers on
        manufacturing by the end of the month.
     ● Fund Performance and Assets:HDFC AMC raised ₹9,563 crore through its manufacturing fund
        launched last month.
     ● Canara Robeco Manufacturing Fund, launched in March, already has an AUM (Assets Under
        Management) of ₹1,374 crore as of May-end.
     ● Number of Funds:Currently, there are 8 manufacturing funds, with 3 of them being passively
        managed.
     ● Returns:Over the last six months, manufacturing funds have provided an average return of 34%,
        with Quant Manufacturing Fund offering the highest return at 36%.
     ● Passive funds like Mirae Asset Nifty India Manufacturing ETF FoF and Navi Nifty India
        Manufacturing Index Fund delivered returns of 60% over the last year.
     ● Kotak Manufacture in India Fund recorded a 54% return in the same period.
     ● Government Initiatives:The government aims to increase the manufacturing sector's contribution
        to GDP from 17% to 25% through initiatives like 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.
RBI monitoring F&O frenzy in India along with Sebi: Shaktikanta Das
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are
        keeping a close watch on the surging volume in the equity derivatives segment whose volumes
        have even dwarfed the nominal GDP of the country.
     ● Options and futures volumes are larger than the nominal GDP of the country stated RBI
        Governor Shaktikanta Das.
     ● He further highlighted the fact that SEBI is actively addressing the issue and will take appropriate
        actions if needed. The discussions took place within the framework of the Financial Stability and
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     ● Futures and options are financial derivatives that allow traders to speculate on the price
        movements of an underlying asset without actually owning it.
     ● Futures contracts obligate the buyer to purchase an underlying asset, while the seller must
        deliver it at a predetermined price and date.
     ● In options contracts, the buyer has the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell the underlying
        asset at a predetermined price and date, while the seller must honour the contract if the buyer
        chooses to exercise their option.
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      ● The Central government is likely to announce India’s adoption of the “Pillar-2” tax regime
         anchored by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in the
         coming Budget, as part of the country’s efforts to support and benefit from the global system
         combating tax avoidance.
      ● The Finance Bill, 2024, passed after the interim Budget presentation, will be amended after the
         tabling of the full Budget in the second half of July to this effect, an official said, on condition of
         anonymity.
      ● The Pillar 2-GloBE Rules – which provides for a global minimum tax for “multinational
         enterprises” (MNEs), aims to deter profit shifting by ensuring that these firms maintain a minimum
         Effective Tax Rate (ETR) of 15% across all jurisdictions in which they operate.
      ● MNEs, as per the rules, are defined as those entities with a global turnover exceeding 750 million
         euros.
      ● To make Pillar 2 operational in India, the Centre would have to amend the tax laws to include the
         rules, namely Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT), Income Inclusion Rule (IIR),
         Undertaxed Profits Rule (UTPR), and Subject to Tax Rule (STTR).
    Pillar-2 regime:
      ● The pillar-2 regime, in simple words, aims to prevent MNEs from shifting profits to low-tax
         jurisdictions.
      ● Since January 1, 2024, over 27 countries (of 130 that signed the multilateral convention) have
         incorporated the pillar-2 rules in their domestic laws.
Shivalik Small Finance Bank raises Rs 100 Cr in equity investment
      ● Noida-based Shivalik Small Finance Bank has raised Rs 100 crore in equity co-led by global
         venture capital firm Lightspeed and Sanjay Nayar-founded Sorin Investments, with participation
         from existing investors Accel and Quona.
      ● The bank plans to use the funding to enhance its tech stack, strengthen its team, and further
         develop its product proposition to build a digital-first bank for small businesses and underserved
         segments.
      ● In 2022, the bank had raised Rs 111 crore in equity co-led by global venture capital firms Accel
         and Quona Capital.
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     ● The bank is the first Small Finance Bank in India to have transitioned from an Urban Cooperative
        Bank with over 25 years of experience in offering retail banking products and services.
     ● Shivalik became the first Small Finance Bank in India to transition from an Urban Co-operative
        bank namely Shivalik Mercantile Co-operative Bank (SMCB).
     ● Founded in 1998 by Mr. Yashvir Kumar Gupta, with Mr. Suveer Kumar Gupta serving as its MD &
        CEO, till transition into Shivalik Small Finance Bank (SSFB).
     ● Mr. Suveer Kumar Gupta, who played a crucial role in this transition, not only served as the first
        MD & CEO of SSFB but also continues to contribute as an Advisor to the Board.
     ● Headquartered in Noida.
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        the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) with targeted investments of $1.4 trillion, the National
        Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), and Performance-linked Schemes (PLI).
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and professionalism.
     ● The Reserve Bank cancelled the licence of The City Co-operative Bank, Maharashtra for lacking
        adequate capital and earning prospects.
     ● The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra has
        also been asked to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator, RBI stated.
     ● According to RBI, the cooperative bank ceases to carry on banking operations with effect from
        the close of business hours on June 19, 2024.
     ● On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim amount of
        his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs 5 lakh only from Deposit Insurance and Credit
        Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
     ● “As per the data submitted by the bank, about 87 per cent of the depositors are entitled to receive
        the full amount of their deposits from DICGC,” RBI stated.
     ● As of June 14, 2024, DICGC has already paid Rs 230.99 crore of the total insured deposits
        based on the willingness received from the depositors concerned of the bank.
     ● Zurich Insurance Company Ltd. (“Zurich”) announced the successful completion of acquiring a
        majority stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company Limited (“Kotak General
        Insurance”) from Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“Kotak”), following the receipt of all necessary
        regulatory approvals.
     ● Zurich has acquired a 70% stake in Kotak General Insurance for a total consideration of Rs.
        5,560 crores (i.e., USD 670 million), through a combination of fresh growth capital and share
        purchase.
     ● The transaction marks the largest foreign investment in India’s general insurance market and is
        the first by a foreign insurer since the foreign direct investment (FDI) limit was raised from 49% to
        74% in 2021.
     ● With this entry, Zurich is fully committed to fostering the development and expansion of India’s
        insurance sector in keeping with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s
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     ● Formation: 1872
     ● Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland
     ● Chairman: Michel Lies
     ● CEO: Mario Greco
     ● Multi-lateral development lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 170 million
        (over Rs 1,418 crore) policy-based loan to improve India's health system preparedness and
        capacity to respond to future pandemics.
     ● The Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative Health Systems will
        support the government's National Health Policy 2017, which aims to provide quality health care
        services to all, ADB stated in a statement.
     ● This policy-based loan will help fill the gaps in policy, legislative, and institutional governance and
        structures and contribute to India's goal of providing universal access to quality and affordable
        healthcare services to strengthen pandemic preparedness and response, it stated.
     ● The programme will strengthen disease surveillance systems to effectively respond to public
        health threats.
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     ● India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) announced a partnership with Ria Money Transfer to facilitate
        international remittances, particularly for rural customers. The service will include doorstep cash
        delivery.
     ● The collaboration with Ria Money, which is part of Euronet Worldwide Inc., will enable
        international inward money transfer services at over 25,000 post offices with immediate effect.
     ● IPPB plans to expand the services to over 100,000 locations owned by India Post.
     ● Around 50-60% of the new centres would be set up in top states.
     ● The move aims to expand IPPB's digital payment channels to serve its 90 million customers.
     ● Transactions by IPPB customers have increased tenfold to 10 million per day over the past three
        and a half years, with 80-90% of these transactions serving its rural customer base, and 5-10%
        catering to semi-urban areas.
     ● According to IPPB data, Singapore and Malaysia are the top countries for remittances to India.
     ● To ensure paperless doorstep delivery of remittances to customers, Ria Money Transfer and
        IPPB are training postmen using modules on biometric systems.
     ● Formation: 1987
     ● Headquarters: California, US
     ● CEO: Juan Bianchi
Securities and Exchange Board of India Strengthens Initial Public Offering Pricing Rules to Prevent
Manipulation
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed additional measures and
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         surveillance to curb manipulation in the process involved in computing the opening price for a
         stock on the day of its listing following an initial public offering (IPO).
     ● The measures aim to enhance the surveillance mechanism at stock exchanges and ensure fair
         and transparent trading practices during the pre-open call auction sessions for IPOs and relisted
         stocks.
What is an Initial Public Offering?
     ● Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which private companies sell their shares to the
         public intending to raise equity capital from public investors.
Key Highlights :
     ● Duration and Structure of New Session:The new pre-auction session lasts 60 minutes from 9 am
         to 10 am.
     ● The session is divided as follows:
            ➢ 45 minutes: Order entry, order modification, and order cancellation.
            ➢ 10 minutes: Order matching and trade confirmation.
            ➢ 5 minutes: Buffer period to transition from pre-open to normal trading session.
     ● Implementation Timeline:The new rules will take effect after 90 days from the issuance of the
         SEBI circular.
     ● Reason for Changes: Addressing issues related to the cancellation of large orders placed at
         higher prices just before the call auction session closes, which could create false demand and
         supply, potentially manipulating stock prices.
About SEBI :
     ●   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     ●   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     ●   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Tata Communications Secures $250 Million Sustainability Loan from DBS, ANZ, and EDC
● Tata Communications has secured a $250 million sustainability-linked loan (SLL) from ANZ, DBS
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Government Seeks Exemption for Sovereign Funds from Reserve Bank of India's Alternate Investment
Fund Regulations-Sources Report
     ● The Indian government has requested the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to exempt sovereign
        funds from the recent tightened rules on investments in alternate investment funds (AIFs).
     ● In December,2023 RBI mandated banks and non-banking financial companies to increase
        provisions for AIF investments, including those involving sovereign funds, particularly if they were
        lenders to the projects funded by these AIFs.
     ● These rules were aimed at preventing the evergreening of loans but were partially relaxed in
        March.
     ● The government has written to the RBI seeking special dispensation for sovereign-backed funds
        – including a fund called Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) set
        up to rescue stressed real estate projects, citing its “socio-economic purpose”.
About SWAMIH :
     ● SWAMIH, set up in 2019 to provide debt financing for stalled housing projects, is managed by
        SBICAP Ventures, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the government-owned State Bank of India
        (SBI).
What are the alternative investment funds?
     ● Alternative Investment Fund or AIF is a privately pooled investment vehicle that invests in
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         alternative asset classes such as private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, real estate,
         commodities, and derivatives.
About RBI :
     ●   Established : 1 April 1935
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
Indian Deposits in Swiss Banks Drop by 70% to Reach 4-Year Low of ₹9,771 Crore
     ● Funds parked by Indian individuals and firms in Swiss banks, including through local branches
         and other financial institutions, fell sharply by 70% in 2023 to a 4-year low of 1.04 billion Swiss
         Francs (₹9,771 crore), annual data from Switzerland's central bank showed .
     ● This decline marks the second consecutive year of reduction, following a peak of CHF 3.83 billion
         in 2021.
     ● It reflects a downward trend since its peak in 2006, except for intermittent increases in certain
         years.
     ● These are official figures reported by banks to the Swiss National Bank (SNB) and do not
         indicate the quantum of the much-debated alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland.
     ● Global Rankings and Assets:India ranked 67th in terms of funds held by foreign clients in Swiss
         banks, down from 46th place in 2022.
     ● Assets held by Indian clients in Swiss banks decreased by 63% in 2023, marking the lowest level
         in over two decades.
     ● Comparison with Other Countries:While the United Kingdom (UK) topped the charts for foreign
         clients' money in Swiss banks at CHF 254 billion, it was followed by the US (CHF 71 billion) at
         the second spot and France (CHF 64 billion) at the third place.
     ● These three were followed in the top 10 by West Indies, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore,
         Luxembourg and Guernsey.
     ● Pakistan also saw a dip to CHF 286 million (from CHF 388 million), while Bangladesh witnessed
         a sharp plunge from CHF 55 million to CHF 18 million.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to Launch New Life Cycle Fund Option by
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September
     ● Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) chairman Deepak Mohanty
         announced that the regulator would introduce new life cycle fund options with up to 50% equity
         by September for NPS (non-government) subscribers.
What Is a Life-Cycle Fund?
     ● Life-cycle funds are asset-allocation funds in which the share of each asset class is automatically
         adjusted to lower risk as the desired retirement date approaches.
     ● Changes to NPS : The tapering age will be increased to 45 years from the existing 35 years and
         some more changes will be adopted to provide greater exposure to equity markets.
     ● The new scheme will be effective in the next quarter, maybe in August or September.
     ● Current NPS Choices:Currently, the National Pension System (NPS) offers two choices-active
         and auto to subscribers for creating the pension portfolio.
            ➢ Active Choice: Subscribers decide allocation across equity, corporate bonds, and
                government securities.
            ➢ Auto Choice: Three options: Aggressive fund (75% equity), Moderate fund (50% equity),
                Conservative fund (25% equity).
     ● Equity allocation starts tapering off after age 35, with a maximum of 20% equity at age 50 and
         15% by age 55.
     ● Atal Pension Yojana (APY) Updates : APY saw 1.24 crore new subscribers in 2023-24, with 52%
         being women.
     ● Total APY subscribers now stand at 6.6 crore since inception, gaining popularity among women
         and the younger generation.
     ● It is the highest ever in a fiscal year since the scheme's inception.
About PFRDA :
     ●   Established : 2003
     ●   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ●   Chairman : Deepak Mohanty
     ●   PFRDA is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
     ●   It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
     ●   It was established based on the recommendations of the Indian government Old Age Social and
         Income Security (OASIS) report and was part of the establishment of the Indian National Pension
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Scheme.
State Bank of India reports Rs 26 trillion formalised into India's economy during FY16-FY23
     ● According to a report released by the State Bank of India (SBI), India has formalised Rs 26 trillion
        of its economy between FY16 and FY23, as the share of the informal economy fell to 23.7% from
        25.9% during the 7-year period.
     ● The report estimated the share of the informal economy by using the recently released Annual
        Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE).
     ● Assuming manufacturing as a proxy for industry gross value added (GVA) and trade and other
        services sector for services GVA, the size of the total informal economy has declined in these 7
        years.
     ● Growth in Informal GVA:Total informal Gross Value Added (GVA) increased significantly from Rs
        18.6 trillion in FY16 to Rs 58.4 trillion in FY23.
     ● Informal agriculture contributed the highest at Rs 43 trillion, followed by informal services (Rs
        11.8 trillion) and informal industry (Rs 3.6 trillion) in FY23.
     ● Share of Informal Sectors in GVA:Informal agriculture's share in total GVA rose to 95.9% in FY23
        from 94.8% in FY11.
     ● Approximately 44% of India's population spends less than $3.65 per day according to World
        Bank data.
About SBI :
     ● Established : 1 July 1955
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
     ● CFO : Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Directs Insurance Companies to Cease
Selling ULIPs as Investment Products
     ● The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has instructed life
        insurance companies not to market unit-linked Insurance plans (ULIPs) as investment products.
What is the meaning of Unit Linked Insurance Plan?
     ● A ULIP is an insurance plan that offers the dual benefit of investment to fulfil your long-term
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         goals, and a life cover` to financially protect your family in case of an unfortunate event.
     ● According to IRDAI, which has issued the Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders’
         Interests, Operations, and Allied Matters of Insurers Regulations, 2024, this data will be available
         in one portal along with the individual websites of the insurers.
     ● Grievance Redressal Mechanism :Insurers must establish a tech-based, robust mechanism for
         grievance redressal to achieve efficient and speedy resolutions, aiming for "zero grievances."
About IRDAI :
     ●   Established : 1999
     ●   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
     ●   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
     ●   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
         of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
         industries in India.
State Bank of India Distributes Rs 6,959 Crore Dividend to Government; Bank of Maharashtra Provides
Rs 857 Crore for FY24
     ● The country's biggest lender State Bank of India (SBI) paid a dividend of Rs 6,959 crore for the
         financial year 2023-24 to the government.
     ● The dividend cheque was presented to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman by SBI Chairman
         Dinesh Kumar Khara in the presence of Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi.
     ● SBI declared a dividend of Rs 13.70 per share for the financial year 2023-24, higher than Rs
         11.30 per equity distributed for the previous year.
     ● State-owned Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) presented Rs 857 crore dividend cheque to Finance
         Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
     ● The bank declared a dividend of Rs 1.40 per equity share (14 per cent) for FY24.
     ● The Government of India holds an 86.46 per cent stake in the Pune-based bank.
About BoM :
     ● Founded : 16 September 1935
     ● Headquarters : Pune, Maharashtra India
     ● MD & CEO : Nidhu Saxena
     ● Tagline : One Family One Bank
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SBI Mutual Fund to Launch Silver ETF and Fund-of-Fund; New Fund Offer Begins June 27, 2024
     ● SBI Mutual Fund announced the launch of the SBI Silver Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) and the
        fund of fund route to it- SBI Silver ETF Fund of Fund.
     ● The NFO for these funds opens on June 27,2024 with a minimum application amount of ₹5,000
        per application.
     ● Investment Strategy:SBI Silver ETF: This ETF will primarily invest between 95-100% in silver and
        silver-related instruments.
     ● SBI Silver ETF Fund of Fund: This fund will invest between 95-100% of its assets in units of SBI
        Silver ETF.
     ● The remaining assets will be invested in Government securities, tri party repo, and units of liquid
        mutual funds.
About SBI Mutual Fund :
     ● Founded : 29 June 1987
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Shamsher Singh
     ● It is a joint venture between the State Bank of India, an Indian public sector bank, and Amundi, a
        European asset management company.
India and Cambodia Discuss Investment Treaty and UPI Collaboration to Boost Trade and Tourism
     ● India and South East Asian nation Cambodia are negotiating collaboration in Unified Payment
        Interface-based (UPI) digital payment to promote trade and tourism.
     ● Both sides also deliberated upon diversification of the trade basket by identifying new products,
        bilateral investment treaty, recognition of Indian pharmacopoeia and collaboration in the pharma
        sector.
     ● These issues among others were discussed during the second meeting of the India-Cambodia
        Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment (JWGTI), in New Delhi on June 19, 2024.
     ● The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of
        Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Siddharth Mahajan and Director General for
        International Trade, Ministry of Commerce, Kingdom of Cambodia, Long Kemvichet.
     ● Pharmacopoeia is a set of standards and quality specifications for ingredients, preparation and
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Banks Bid Rs 1.6 Trillion in Variable Rate Repo Auction Amid Tightening Liquidity
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) received bids worth Rs 1.6 trillion from banks against the
        notified amount of Rs 1 trillion at the variable rate repo (VRR) auction, showing the high demand
        for cash from lenders due to tight liquidity.
     ● Banks borrowed the amount at a weighted average rate of 6.62%.
     ● This tightness in liquidity is temporary and the situation will improve in the next couple of weeks.
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised its priority sector guidelines to encourage banks to
        provide small loans in economically disadvantaged districts with low average loan sizes.
     ● The new norms discourage lending in districts with high average loan sizes.
     ● Weightage System Implementation:Effective from FY25, fresh priority sector loans in districts
        with low loan availability (less than Rs 9,000 per person) will receive a weightage of 125%.
     ● In districts with high loan availability (more than Rs 42,000 per person), the weightage for loans
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     ● China is pushing for Visa and Mastercard to lower their bank card transaction fees in the country
        to encourage spending by foreign visitors.
     ● The Payment & Clearing Association of China is proposing lowering the fees charged on foreign
        card transactions to 1.5% from between 2% and 3%.
     ● Currently, merchants bear the transaction fees imposed by Visa and Mastercard, often passing
        these costs to customers through higher prices.
     ● Financial Market Impact:Both Visa and Mastercard stocks have seen positive performance in the
        current year, with each gaining over 6%.
About Visa :
     ● Founded : September 18, 1958
     ● Headquarters : San Francisco, California, United States
     ● CEO : Ryan McInerney
About Mastercard :
     ● Founded : 1966
     ● Headquarters : New York, United States
     ● CEO : Michael Miebach
Reserve Bank of India Announces URL Update for 'Database on Indian Economy' Portal
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an update to its 'Database on Indian Economy'
        (DBIE) portal.
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     ● The domain address for accessing the portal will change to https://data.rbi.org.in, as per an RBI
        press release.
     ● The DBIE portal has been a cornerstone of public access to economic data since its launch on
        November 1, 2004.
     ● It now serves as an expansive repository for a wide range of economic and financial statistics,
        including regular and ad hoc statistical publications.
     ● The portal also hosts the ‘SAARC Finance Database’ and the ‘Banking Outlet Locator’.
     ● It is an integrated repository of current and historical data, and is frequently accessed by citizens
        as well as Indian and global analysts and researchers.
     ● The introduction of the Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) in June 2023
        marked an enhancement to the RBI's data management capabilities.
Government Considers Establishing New Bank to Address Credit Gap for Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises
     ● The government is considering a proposal to set up a separate bank for direct lending to the
        micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to deepen credit flows to the under-penetrated
        sector and thereby boost economic activity and job creation.
     ● Large banks don’t understand the requirements of the MSMEs.
     ● Current Credit Scenario:Currently, the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)
        largely provides refinancing to banks that lend to MSMEs, which helps reduce the cost of finance
        for these units.
SIDBI Background:
     ➢ Established under an Act of Parliament in 1990.
     ➢ Majority shareholders include the Government of India (20.85%), State Bank of India (15.65%),
        Life Insurance Corporation of India (13.33%), and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
        Development (9.36%).
     ➢ Accesses low-cost funds provided by banks against shortfalls in meeting their priority sector
        lending (PSL) targets.
     ➢ Micro and small enterprise (MSE) Refinance allocation for FY24 was Rs 84,000 crore.
What do you mean by MSME?
     ● MSME was introduced by the Government of India in agreement with the MSMED (Micro, Small,
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     ● This decision provides relief to insurance companies facing tax demands amounting to
        approximately Rs 12,000 crore.
What is coinsurance and reinsurance?
     ● Coinsurance, in this instance, refers to insurers sharing insurance-bearing liabilities.
     ● Reinsurance is the cover an insurer buys to insure itself through the payment of premiums.
     ● Background and Industry Concerns:The Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax
        Intelligence (DGGI) had issued notices to about 20 insurance companies for non-payment of
        GST on coinsurance and reinsurance premiums.
     ● The General Insurance Council had lobbied the government for clarity, arguing that GST should
        be levied only once in the insurance chain to avoid double taxation.
     ● GST Council's Decision:The GST Council clarified that coinsurance premiums apportioned by the
        lead insurer to the coinsurer for supplying insurance services are considered "no supply" under
        Schedule III of the CGST Act, 2017.
     ● Exemption of compensation cess on imports at special economic zones for authorized
        operations, effective from July 1, 2017.
SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara Announces Plan to Establish 400 New Branches Nationwide in
FY25
     ● As a part of the network expansion plan, State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to open 400
        branches across the country in the current financial year.
     ● The country's biggest lender opened 137 branches last fiscal.
     ● Of the total, 59 new rural branches were launched.
     ● SBI has a network of 22,542 branches across the country as of March 2024.
     ● SBI Payment Services Private Limited: SBI Payment Services Private Limited, which is in the
        merchant acquiring business, is 74% owned by SBI, while the remaining stake is with Hitachi
        Payment Services.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India to Strengthen Creditors' Rights over Personal Guarantors
     ● The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has proposed amendments to the
        Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Process regulations, to enhance efficiency and
        reduce costs, and sought stakeholder inputs by July 10, 2024.
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     ● These amendments are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the Corporate
        Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), and benefit creditors and other stakeholders involved in
        the CIRP.
     ● Valuation for Small Entities : For companies with an asset size of up to Rs 1,000 crore and micro,
        small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the board proposes to appoint only one registered
        valuer for providing the estimates of the fair value and the liquidation value.
About IBBI :
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chairman : Ravi Mittal
     ● Parent Department : Ministry of Corporate Affairs
     ● The IBBI is the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings and entities like Insolvency
        Professional Agencies (IPA), Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information Utilities (IU) in India.
     ● It was established on 1 October 2016 and given statutory powers through the Insolvency and
        Bankruptcy Code, which was passed by Lok Sabha on 5 May 2016.
Five Public Sector Banks Expected to Launch Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs) in FY25 to Meet
SEBI Requirements
     ● Five state-owned banks(UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Punjab & Sind Bank, Bank of
        Maharashtra, and Indian Overseas Bank) are planning qualified institutional placements or QIPs
        in the second half of FY25 to reduce the government's stake to comply with the Securities and
        Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) mandate of a maximum 75% government holding.
     ● The quantum of share sale is expected to be between 5% and 10% of the bank's paid-up equity
        capital initially, with further sales staggered over the next two years.
     ● Public Shareholding Compliance:PSBs have sought a two-year extension from SEBI to achieve
        the 25% minimum public shareholding requirement, similar to the extension granted to LIC to
        achieve 10% public shareholding by May 2027.
     ● Current Public Shareholding: Public shareholding in the five PSBs (UCO Bank, Central Bank of
        India, Punjab & Sind Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Indian Overseas Bank) ranges from 1.75%
        to 13.54%.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Considers Stricter Scrutiny for Stocks Entering Futures &
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Options Segment
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will consider a proposal to tighten rules on
        the inclusion of stocks in the derivatives segment at its board meeting on June 27, 2024.
     ● The focus is on addressing concerns about excessive and risky trading in illiquid equity
        derivatives.
     ● Background and Consultation:In the June 8, 2024 consultation paper, Sebi sought feedback on
        revising eligibility criteria for stocks in futures and options (F&O).
     ● Objective is to ensure stocks in derivatives are liquid and traded widely to mitigate manipulation
        risks.
What are F & O (futures and options)?
     ● Futures and options are the major types of stock derivatives trading in a share market.
     ● These are contracts signed by two parties for trading a stock asset at a predetermined price on a
        later date.
     ● Such contracts try to hedge market risks involved in stock market trading by locking in the price
        beforehand.
Insurer Niva Bupa Plans $360-million Initial Public Offering : Reuters Report
     ● Indian health insurer Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (Niva Bupa) plans to raise
        $360 million through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).
     ● The IPO could potentially value Niva Bupa at up to $2.5 billion.
What is an Initial Public Offering?
     ● Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which private companies sell their shares to the
        public intending to raise equity capital from public investors.
     ● Fund Allocation Use of Funds:
                 ➢      $96 million will be raised by issuing new shares.
                 ➢      $264 million worth of shares will be sold by existing investors.
About Niva Bupa :
     ● Founded : 2008
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
     ● It is a joint venture between Fettle Tone LLP (an affiliate of True North Fund VI LLP), an Indian
        private equity firm, and the UK-based healthcare services expert, Bupa Singapore Holdings Pte.
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Limited.
Paytm Expands Travel Reach, Forms Partnerships with Skyscanner and Google Flights
     ● One97 Communications (parent company of Paytm) has partnered with global travel aggregators
        including Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Wego to expand its presence in the travel segment.
     ● These partnerships aim to enhance Paytm's travel booking capabilities and offerings.
     ● Paytm has onboarded three new international carriers: Cambodia Angkor Air, SalamAir, and
        FlyDubai.
     ● This expansion is in response to a 19% year-on-year increase in flight bookings on Paytm Travel
        during Q4FY24.
     ● The initiative initially included Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways on the NDCx platform, and
        expanded with the recent onboarding of Eva Airways.
About Paytm :
     ● Founded : August 2010
     ● Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
     ● Founder & CEO : Vijay Shekhar Sharma
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     ● Canara Bank, one of the country’s prominent public sector banks, has issued a notice confirming
        the hacking of their official X handle.
     ● The concerned teams are investigating the matter and working closely with X to regain access to
        Canara Bank's X handle at the earliest.
     ● X will hand over control of the page to the bank only after completing Standard Operating
        Procedure (SOP).
About Canara Bank :
     ● Established : 1906
     ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
     ● MD & CEO : K. Satyanarayana Raju
     ● Tagline : Together We Can
Banks Request Clarity from Reserve Bank of India Regarding Credit Card Network Regulations
     ● Several banks have sought clarity from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regarding the
        implementation of guidelines issued on March 6,2024 which mandate offering customers the
        option to choose from multiple card networks for credit cards.
     ● The RBI's directive requires banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to provide this
        choice both at the time of issuance and renewal.
     ● Objective of the Guidelines: To promote customer choice and eliminate exclusive agreements
        between card issuers and networks.
     ● This directive will take effect from September 6, 2024.
     ● Applicability:The RBI guidelines will be applicable to only those credit card issuers with a number
        of active cards issued greater than 10 lakh and exempt card issuers who issue credit cards on
        their own authorised card network.
     ● Provisions of the Guidelines:Card issuers must allow eligible customers to choose from multiple
        card networks (e.g., Diners Club International, MasterCard, NPCI-Rupay, Visa) at the time of
        initial issuance.
     ● Major issuers like HDFC Bank, SBI Card, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank fall under this category.
ICICI Bank Market Cap Surpasses $100 Billion, Becomes 6th Indian Company to Achieve Milestone
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     ● ICICI Bank’s market capitalization crossed the $100 billion mark for the first time.
     ● It became the 6th Indian company to achieve this milestone.
     ● ICICI is the second-largest bank in India by market capitalization, after HDFC Bank.
     ● It is also the fifth-largest entity by market value.
     ● In December 2020, ICICI Bank's market capitalisation crossed $50 billion, and within 10 months,
        it exceeded $75 billion in October 2021.
     ● Currently, Reliance Industries is leading the list with a market capitalisation of $236 billion,
        followed by TCS with a market value of $166 billion.
Reserve Bank of India Reports 2.1 Percentage Point Decline in Short-Term Debt's Share of Total
External Debt
     ● At the end of March 2024, India’s external debt was US$ 663.8 billion, an increase of US$ 39.7
        billion over the end of March 2023.
     ● Excluding the valuation effect of US$ 8.7 billion due to the appreciation of the US dollar, the
        external debt increase would have been US$ 48.4 billion.
     ● Debt to GDP Ratio:The external debt to GDP ratio declined to 18.7% at the end of March 2024
        from 19.0% at the end of March 2023.
     ● Long-Term Debt:Long-term debt (original maturity above one year) was US$ 541.2 billion at the
        end of March 2024, an increase of US$ 45.6 billion over the end of March 2023.
     ● Short-Term Debt:The share of short-term debt (original maturity up to one year) in total external
        debt declined to 18.5% at end-March 2024 from 20.6% at end-March 2023.
     ● Short-term debt on a residual maturity basis constituted 42.9% of total external debt and 44.1%
        of foreign exchange reserves at the end of March 2024, down from 44.0% and 47.4%,
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Ixigo and PhonePe Expand Partnership to Include Flight and Bus Booking Services
     ● Travel booking platform ixigo has expanded its exclusive partnership with PhonePe to offer flight
        and bus bookings on the fintech platform's app.
     ● Previously, the partnership focused on providing booking services for trains.
     ● The expanded partnership aims to provide a more comprehensive travel booking experience for
        over 54 crore PhonePe users.
About ixigo :
     ● Founded : June 2007
     ● Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana, India
     ● Chairman, MD & Group CEO : Aloke Bajpai
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About Phonepe :
     ● Founded : 2015
     ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
     ● CEO : Sameer Nigam
Securities and Exchange Board of India Releases Guidelines on Structure and Responsibilities of
Market Infrastructure Institutions Committees
     ● Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) revised its oversight framework
        for stock exchanges and other market infrastructure institutions (MIIs), defining the structure and
        responsibilities of various statutory committees to enhance governance.
     ● These guidelines are on the recommendations of Sebi's Committee on Strengthening
        Governance of MIIs.
     ● Categories of Statutory Committees: Statutory committees of MIIs are categorized into functional,
        oversight, and investment committees.
     ● Functional committees include Member Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee,
        Oversight Committees, Standing Committee on Technology Regulatory Oversight Committee,
        Risk Management Committee, and Investment Committee.
     ● Composition Guidelines:Committees should include Key Management Personnel (KMP), Non-
        Independent Directors (NIDs), Independent External Professionals (IEPs), and Public Interest
        Directors (PIDs).
     ● Implementation Timeline:The new guidelines will be effective within 30 days of the issuance of
        the circular by Sebi.
Reserve Bank of India Reports Current Account Balance Records Surplus of 0.6% of GDP in Q4 FY24
     ● India's current account recorded a surplus of $5.7 billion, equivalent to 0.6% of gross domestic
        product (GDP), in the January-March 2024 quarter.
     ● This marks a significant improvement from a deficit of $1.3 billion (0.2% of GDP) in Q4 FY2023
        and a deficit of $8.7 billion (1% of GDP) in Q3 FY24.
What is the meaning of current account deficit?
     ● The current account deficit is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services.
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S&P Maintains India's FY25 GDP Growth Projection at 6.8%, Below RBI Forecast
     ● S&P Global Ratings retained India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast for the
        current financial year (FY 2024-25) at 6.8%.
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     ● High interest rates and lower fiscal spur are tempering demand in non-agricultural sectors,
        influencing the growth forecast.
     ● This forecast is lower than the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) projection of 7.2% growth for the
        same period.
     ● Previous Fiscal Year Performance:India's economy grew by 8.2% in the fiscal year 2023-24,
        exceeding expectations.
     ● Future Projections:For FY 2025-26 and FY 2026-27, S&P projected growth rates of 6.9% and
        7%, respectively.
     ● Comparison with Other Agencies:
            ➢ Fitch estimates India's growth at 7.2% for FY 2024-25.
            ➢ The Asian Development Bank (ADB) estimates a 7% growth rate.
            ➢ Moody's Ratings and Deloitte India project a 6.6% growth rate.
            ➢ Morgan Stanley forecasts a 6.8% growth rate.
About S&P Global Ratings :
     ● Headquarters : New York City, New York, United States.
     ● President : Martina Cheung
     ● S&P Global Ratings, previously known as Standard & Poor's, is an American credit rating agency
        (CRA) and a division of S&P Global.
     ● It publishes financial research and analysis on stocks, bonds, and commodities.
State Bank of India Secures ₹10,000 Crore Through 15-Year Infrastructure Bonds at 7.36% Interest
Rate
     ● The State Bank of India (SBI) has raised Rs 10,000 crore through 15-year infrastructure bonds to
        fund projects in sectors like power, roads etc.
     ● The coupon rate for bonds is 7.36%.
     ● With the current issuance, the total outstanding Long-Term Bonds issued by the country’s largest
        bank is at Rs 49,718 crore.
     ● The issuance will help in developing a long-term bond curve and encourage other banks to issue
        bonds of longer tenor.
     ● Regulatory Exemptions:The funds raised through infrastructure bonds are exempt from
        regulatory reserve requirements such as Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) and Cash Reserve Ratio
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(CRR).
Securities and Exchange Board of India Provides Flexibility, Eases 'Trading Plan' Regulations for
Insiders
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has made it significantly easier for insiders to
        trade in shares of their companies by amending the Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT)
        regulations.
     ● The amended norms provide flexibility in the ‘trading plan’ of a company’s key managerial
        personnel and will come into effect after 3 months.
Definition of Insiders:
     ● Insiders are individuals within a company who have access to Unpublished Price-Sensitive
        Information (UPSI), typically senior management and officials.
Key Amendments:
     ● Reduction in Cooling-Off Period: The time required for insiders to inform the board about their
        buy/sell decision has been reduced from six months to four months.
     ● Price Limits: Insiders can now set price limits within a range of 20% (both upper and lower) from
        the closing price on the day they submit the trading plan.
     ● Cancellation of Trading Plan: Insiders have the flexibility to cancel the trading plan.
     ● Execution Flexibility: They can choose not to execute trades if the execution price falls outside
        the predetermined limits set in the trading plan.
DBS Group Forecasts India's Gross Domestic Product Growth of 7.1% in 2024
     ● DBS Group expects India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth to be resilient at 7.4% for the
        April-June 2024 quarter.
     ● This forecast is higher than the RBI's projection of 7.3% for the same period.
     ● For the entire calendar year 2024, DBS Group forecasts India's GDP growth at 7.1%.
     ● Current Account Trends : Narrowing Deficit (FY23 vs. FY24): DBS Group notes India's current
        account deficit narrowed to -0.7% of GDP (approximately $23 billion) in FY24, an improvement
        from -2.0% of GDP (around $67 billion) in FY23.
About DBS Bank Limited :
     ● Founded : 16 July 1968
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     ● Headquarters : Singapore
     ● Chairman : Peter Seah
     ● CEO : Piyush Gupta
RBI Introduces 'Finquiry' Initiative for Direct Engagement of Fintechs with Regulator
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched an exclusive 2-hour window called 'Finquiry’ for
        fintechs to visit the FinTech department of the RBI in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
     ● Aim : To provide a platform for fintechs to seek clarity and discuss fintech-related queries directly
        with RBI officials.
     ● RBI has opened the window from 26th June and this will be available on the last working
        Wednesday of every month from 3 to 5 pm.
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        India.
     ● It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
        provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
        Settlement Infrastructure in India.
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has formed a working group to review
        derivatives trading norms with an aim of enhancing investor protection and risk management.
     ● The 15-member panel will be headed by G Padmanabhan, former executive director of Reserve
        Bank of India (RBI).
     ● Tasks Assigned : It will be tasked with market development and regulation to enhance risk
        architecture of exchange-traded derivatives and investor protection.
Reserve Bank of India Highlights Concerns Over Delinquencies in Non-Banking Finance Companies
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Consumer Credit
     ● While there has been an improvement in the overall credit quality of consumer credit, the
        Reserve Bank of India's Financial Stability Report highlighted 3 areas of concern regarding
        consumer loans from non-banking finance companies (NBFC).
     ● Delinquency Levels and Borrower Profiles:First, delinquency levels among borrowers with retail
        loans below Rs 50,000 remain high.
     ● The report particularly pointed to NBFC-fintech lenders, which have the highest share in
        sanctioned and outstanding amounts and also have the second highest delinquency levels, only
        below that of small finance banks.
     ● Vintage Delinquency in Personal Loans:Second, vintage delinquency, which is a measure of
        slippage, remains relatively high in personal loans at 8.2%.
     ● Borrower Behaviour and Loan Stacking:The third aspect, the report says, is that a little more than
        half of the borrowers in this segment have three live loans at the time of origination and more
        than one-third of the borrowers have availed more than three loans in the last six months.
What is delinquency in banking?
     ● If an account is delinquent, it means that payments have not been made on time.
     ● This can refer to things like credit card bills, loan payments, or utility bills.
AU Small Finance Bank Plans to Raise Rs 11,000 Crore Through Combination of Equity and Debt
     ● The board of directors of AU Small Finance Bank Limited. approved plans to raise Rs 11,000
        crore through equity and debt instruments.
     ● Rs 5,000 crore will be raised through qualified institutional placement (QIP) and other modes,
        subject to regulatory approvals.
     ● Another Rs 6,000 crore will be raised via debt instruments such as bonds and non-convertible
        debentures, approved by the RBI.
About AU Small Finance Bank Limited :
     ● Founded : 1996
     ● Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
     ● MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
     ● AU Small Finance Bank Limited is an Indian scheduled commercial small finance bank and
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Reserve Bank of India Introduces SAARC Currency Swap Framework for 2024-2027
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with the Government of India’s concurrence, has decided to put
        in place a revised framework on currency swap arrangement for SAARC (South Asian
        Association for Regional Cooperation) countries for the period 2024 to 2027.
     ● SAARC has 8 member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal,
        Pakistan and Sri-Lanka).
     ● INR Swap Window : Under the Framework for 2024-27, a separate INR Swap Window has been
        introduced with various concessions for swap support in Indian Rupee.
     ● The total corpus of the Rupee support is ₹250 billion.
     ● USD/Euro Swap Window : The RBI will continue to offer swap arrangements in US$ and Euro
        under a separate US Dollar/ Euro Swap Window with an overall corpus of US$ 2 billion.
     ● Currency Swap: A currency swap is an agreement in which two parties exchange the principal
        amount of a loan and the interest in one currency for the principal and interest in another
        currency.
About SAARC :
     ● Established : 8 December 1985
     ● Headquarters : Kathmandu, Nepal
     ● Secretary General : Golam Sarwar
Indian Banks' Non-Performing Loan Ratio Hits 12-Year Low: Reserve Bank of India Report
     ● According to the RBI's Financial Stability Report, the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio of
        Indian banks fell to a 12 year low of 2.8% in March 2024 and is expected to reduce further down
        to 2.5% by the end of the financial year 2024-25.
What is the gross non-performing asset ratio for banks?
     ● This ratio refers to the proportion of the total value of bad loans, which are bank loans that are
        unlikely to be repaid (also known as gross non-performing assets), to the total assets the bank
        has or the total loans it has given.
     ● A lower GNPA ratio means the number of loans that may go unpaid are less and can be a
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        positive indicator.
     ● In September, the ratio was 3.2%, highlighting a significant improvement now.
What is the net non-performing asset ratio for banks?
     ● The net non-performing asset (NNPA) ratio also declined to 0.6% this March, compared to 0.8%
        last September.
     ● The NNPA ratio is the proportion of bad loans which the bank has actually created a provision
        for, compared to the total assets of the bank.
     ● Stress Scenario:Under severe stress scenarios, GNPA ratios may increase:
            ➢ Public Sector Banks (PSBs): From 3.7% (March 2024) to 4.1% (March 2025).
            ➢ Private sector banks (PBs): From 1.8% to 2.8%.
            ➢ Foreign banks (FBs): From 1.2% to 1.3%.
About Financial Stability Report (FSR) :
     ● Published by RBI, the FSR assesses the resilience of the Indian financial system and identifies
        risks to financial stability.
     ● It reflects the collective assessment of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
        Sub-Committee.
RBL Bank Plans to Raise ₹6,500 Crore Through Qualified Institutional Placement and Debt Securities
     ● Indian private lender RBL Bank will raise up to Rs 6,500 crore ($779 million) through a
        combination of qualified institutional placement (QIP) of shares and debt sale.
     ● The bank will raise Rs 3,500 crore through QIP and Rs 3,000 crore through issue of debt
        securities via private placement.
     ● This will be RBL's first share issue via institutional placement since 2021 when the bank saw an
        abrupt management transition and the central bank increased scrutiny of the lender by
        temporarily appointing a director on its board amid reports of a large share of unsecured
        borrowing on its books.
Purpose of Fundraising:
     ● RBL Bank aims to bolster its capital base to support a targeted 20% growth in its loan book over
        the next two financial years.
About RBL Bank :
     ● Established : August 1943
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National Council of Applied Economic Research’s Monthly Economic Review Projects FY25 Gross
Domestic Product Growth Near 7.5%
     ● The National Council of Applied Economic Research’s (NCAER) Monthly Economic Review
        suggests that Gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2024-25 (FY25) could range between
        higher than 7% and close to 7.5%.
     ● This optimism is supported by strong economic activity in the first quarter, focused policy
        initiatives on investment and growth, and expectations of a normal monsoon.
About NCAER :
     ● Established : 1956
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi
     ● President : Nandan M. Nilekani
     ● Director General : Poonam Gupta
     ● NCAER is India’s oldest and largest independent, non-profit, economic policy research think
        tank.
Reserve Bank of India Increases Ways and Means Advances Limits for States/UTs by 28% to ₹60,118
Crore
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the Ways and Means Advances (WMAs) limits (or
        financial accommodation) of State governments and Union territories (UTs) by 28% to ₹60,118
        crore from ₹47,010 crore (fixed in April 2022).
     ● The revised WMA limit is effective from July 1, 2024.
     ● Reason for Revision:The limits have been revised based on the recommendations made by the
        group constituted by the RBI, consisting of select state finance secretaries to take account of the
        expenditure data of states for recent years.
     ● The last review of WMA, Special Drawing Facility (SDF), and Overdraft (OD) schemes for state
        governments/UTs was announced on April 1, 2022.
     ● SDF availed by state governments/UTs is linked to their investments in marketable securities
        issued by the government, including auction treasury bills (ATBs).
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     ● A State Government account can be in overdraft for a maximum of 14 consecutive working days
        with a limit of 36 days in a quarter.
About WMAs :
     ● Definition and Purpose : WMA is a mechanism used by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) under its
        credit policy to provide to States, banking with it, to help them tide over temporary mismatches in
        the cash flow of their receipts and payments.
     ● Introduction and Legal Framework:The WMA scheme was introduced in 1997.
     ● Guided by Section 17(5) of the RBI Act, 1934.
     ● Advances are repayable within three months from the date of making the advance.
     ● Interest Rates:Interest is charged at the existing repo rate.
     ● If the WMA exceeds 90 days, it is treated as an overdraft, with an interest rate 2 percentage
        points higher than the repo rate.
     ● Eligibility and Objective:Section 17(5) of the RBI Act allows the RBI to make WMA to both the
        Central and State Governments.
     ● The objective is to bridge the interval between expenditure and receipts.
     ● Types of WMA:
            ➢ Normal WMA: Clean advances without any collateral.
            ➢ Special WMA (Special Drawing Facility (SDF)): Secured advances provided against the
                pledge of Government of India dated securities.
Reserve Bank of India Reports Rs 3.4 Lakh Crore Increase in Home Loan Outstanding Over 12 Months
     ● Housing loan outstanding expanded at a faster pace even as the growth in the personal loan
        segment decelerated on a year-on-year basis in May 2024.
     ● Accelerated Growth in Housing Loans:Housing loan outstanding grew by 16.9% (Rs 3.40 lakh
        crore) to Rs 23.49 lakh crore in May 2024, compared to 13.8% (Rs 20.09 lakh crore) in May
        2023.
     ● Moderation in Personal Loans:Growth in personal loans slowed to 17.8% (y-o-y) in May 2024
        from 19.1% in May 2023, mainly due to decelerated growth in other personal loans.
     ● Sector-Specific Credit Growth:Agriculture and Allied Activities:Credit growth to agriculture and
        allied activities accelerated to 21.6% (y-o-y) to Rs 21.39 lakh crore in May 2024, from 16.0% in
        May 2023.
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Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹29.6 Lakh Fine on HSBC for Violating Credit Card Regulations
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹29.60 lakh on The Hongkong
        and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) for non-compliance with specific RBI
        directions.
     ● Non-Compliance Details:HSBC failed to comply with RBI directions on ‘Credit Card, Debit Card,
        and Rupee Denominated Co-branded Prepaid Card operations of Banks’, reiterated in the
        ‘Reserve Bank of India (Credit Card and Debit Card – Issuance and Conduct) Directions, 2022’.
     ● Specifically, HSBC did not ensure proper calculation methods to prevent negative amortisation
        while computing the Minimum Payment Due in certain credit card accounts.
     ● Regulatory Provisions:The penalty was imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section
        46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
What is Minimum Payment Due?
     ● The Minimum Payment Due (MPD) is the least amount that must be paid on a credit card bill
        each month to avoid late fees and penalties.
     ● Typically, it is a percentage of the total outstanding balance on the credit card.
About HSBC :
     ● Founded: 3 March 1865
     ● Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
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World Bank Sanctions $1.5 Billion Loan for India's Green Hydrogen Initiative
     ● The World Bank has approved a $1.5-billion loan to help India accelerate its low-carbon energy
        development.
     ● The funds will be used to promote a market for green hydrogen, electrolysers, and increased
        renewable energy penetration.
     ● This is the second round of funding from the World Bank towards India's green energy initiatives,
        following the $1.5 billion First Low-Carbon Energy Programmatic Development Policy Operation
        in June 2023.
     ● Alignment with Initiatives: This operation aligns with the Government of India’s energy security
        and the World Bank’s Hydrogen for Development (H4D) partnership.
     ● Partnership and Financing: The financing for this operation includes:
            ➢ $1.46 billion loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
            ➢ $31.5 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA).
About World Bank :
     ● Established : July 7, 1944
     ● Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
     ● President : Ajay Banga
     ● The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the
        governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
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     •     The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India’s
           premier mental health institution, has been honoured with the prestigious Nelson Mandela Award
           for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).
     •     This accolade acknowledges the remarkable contributions of individuals, institutions, and
           organizations to health promotion.
Indian-American Bruhat Soma from Florida wins Scripps National Spelling Bee
     •     Bruhat Soma, a 12-year-old Indian-American seventh-grader from Florida, emerged victorious at
           the prestigious Scripps National Spelling Bee.
     •     Continuing the tradition of excellence within the small ethnic community, Bruhat demonstrated
           exceptional spelling prowess by correctly spelling
     •     29 words in the tiebreaker round, earning him over $50,000 in cash and prizes.
     •     The 2024 Scripps National Spelling Bee witnessed a thrilling tiebreaker between Bruhat and
           Faizan Zaki.
Nar Singh, Rohini Lokhande win Dilip Bose lifetime achievement award
     •     The All India Tennis Association (AITA) has announced the Dilip Bose award for lifetime
           achievement to coach Nar Singh.
     •     The award along with a cash prize of Rs.50,000 will be presented during the 11th National
           coaches workshop to be held at the PYC Hindu Gymkhana in Pune on June 7 and 8.
     •     The secretary general of AITA, Anil Dhupar, announced a new lifetime achievement award for
           women coaches.
Vellayan Subbiah of TII was named EY World Entrepreneur of the year 2024
● Vellayan Subbiah, Executive Vice-Chairman of Tube Investments of India (TII) and Chairman of
     Cholamandalam (Chola) Investment and Finance Co. Ltd., was named the EY World Entrepreneur
     Of The Year 2024.
● Event: The award ceremony was held in Monaco’s Salle des Etoiles.
● Competition: Vellayan was selected from nearly 5,000 programme participants, including 51 winners
     from 47 countries and jurisdictions.
● Historical Win: He is the fourth winner from India in the award’s 24-year history, making India the
     only country among EY regions to win the global entrepreneurship award four times.
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●    Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has launched TCS WisdomNext, a platform that consolidates
     multiple generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) services into a single interface.
●    Objective: The platform allows organizations to adopt next-gen technologies at scale within
     regulatory frameworks and at lower costs.
●    AI.Cloud Integration: TCS WisdomNext will be part of the newly-formed AI.Cloud unit of TCS.
●    SaaS Features: The platform includes software-as-a-service (SaaS) capabilities, enabling customers
     to:
● Work-in-Progress (WIP) Lab: Featuring 6 projects in rough-cut stages, providing crucial feedback
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and mentorship.
     ●   Viewing Room: Exhibiting 106 completed documentaries, short films, and animations to curated
         delegates for distribution and funding opportunities.
● The Bazaar hosts stalls from diverse organizations such as Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural
     Development Corporation Ltd., and features international representation from countries like Sri
     Lanka, Belarus, Iran, and Argentina, facilitated by the Union Ministry of Tourism.
●    Vinod Ganatra, a distinguished children’s filmmaker from India, has been honoured with South
     Africa’s prestigious 'Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award' for his exceptional contributions
     to children’s cinema.
●    The award was bestowed upon him at the 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, making him
     the first Indian to receive this esteemed recognition.
●    Vinod Ganatra’s receipt of the Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award underscores his
     significant impact on children’s cinema and his dedication to storytelling that inspires and educates
     young audiences.
●    His contributions have not only enriched Indian cinema but also resonated globally, earning him
     acclaim and admiration across borders.
● Named in honor of Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), the first black President of South Africa.
     ●   Mandela was a pivotal figure in the fight against apartheid, dedicating his life to promoting peace,
         equality, and justice.
     ●   He spent 27 years in prison for his activism before becoming South Africa’s President in 1994,
         symbolizing the end of apartheid.
     ●   Mandela’s legacy includes his leadership in reconciliation and advocacy for human rights
         worldwide.
     ●   The award named after him recognizes individuals who have made profound contributions to
         their fields and society at large, embodying Mandela’s spirit of perseverance and dedication to
         positive change.
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     ● RailTel was honoured with the ET Government PSU Leadership & Excellence Award 2024 in the
        'Leadership in Digital Transformation' category.
     ● The award ceremony took place during the 5th ET Govt National PSU Summit 2024, where Dr.
        Jitendra Singh presented the prestigious accolade.
     ● Achievements Recognized: The award acknowledges RailTel's exceptional contributions in digital
        transformation within the public sector.
     ● RailTel was recognized for successfully implementing the Hospital Management Information
        System (HMIS) across 709 healthcare facilities of Indian Railways.
GRSE Ltd. Receives Sustainable Governance Champion Award
     ● Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) Ltd. was honoured with the "Sustainable
        Governance Champion Award" at the Outlook Planet Sustainability Summit & Awards 2024.
     ● Commitment to Sustainability: This accolade underscores GRSE's steadfast dedication to
        sustainable practices and governance excellence.
     ● The award recognizes GRSE's proactive efforts in embedding sustainability into its core
        operations, fostering innovation, and promoting environmental stewardship, particularly within the
        maritime and defence sectors.
Sanjana Thakur Wins 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize
     ● Sanjana Thakur has been named the overall winner of the 2024 Commonwealth Short Story
        Prize.
     ● The prize, valued at £5,000 (approx. $8,664.38 Cdn), recognises the best piece of unpublished
        short fiction from the Commonwealth's 56 member states.
     ● Thakur’s story, Aishwarya Rai, initially won the Asia category before being selected as the overall
        winner.
Dr Usha Thakur Awarded the 12th Vishwa Hindi Samman In the Hindi Samvad Event
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     ● Dr Usha Thakur was awarded the 12th Vishwa Hindi Samman in a Hindi Samvad event
           organised by the Embassy of India in Nepal recognising her contribution in development of Hindi
           literature.
     ● She has translated more than 40 literature in Hindi and Nepali and strengthened Hindi language.
     ● This award is given by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
     ● 12th World Hindi Conference was held in Fiji in 2023.
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     •     Football Club Internazionale Milano, commonly referred to as Internazionale or simply Inter, and
           colloquially known as Inter Milan in English-speaking countries,is an Italian professional football
           club based in Milan, Lombardy.
     •     Inter is the only Italian side to have always competed in the top flight of Italian football since its
           debut in 1909.
Businesswoman Halla Tomasdottir Elected as New President of Iceland
     •     Halla Tomasdottir, a businesswoman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of B Team, has been
           elected as the 7th President of Iceland.
     •     Tomasdottir will assume office on August 1, 2024, replacing the current President Gudni
           Johannesson, who did not seek re-election after two-four-year terms in office.
     •     She will be the 2nd woman to hold the office after Vigdis Finnbogadottir, who was the first woman
           in the world to be democratically elected as president in 1980.
About Iceland :
     •     Prime Minister : Bjarni Benediktsson
     •     Capital : Reykjavík
     •     Currency : Icelandic króna
     •     According to a World Economic Forum report in 2023, Iceland is the most gender-equal country
           in the world.
Dr. Helen Mary Roberts Becomes First minority community Woman to Achieve Brigadier Rank in
Pakistan Army
     •     Dr Helen Mary Roberts, serving in the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, has made history by
           becoming the first woman from the minority community to achieve the rank of brigadier in the
           Muslim-majority country.
     •     Before Brigadier Roberts, Major General Nigar Johar had broken gender barriers in June 2020 by
           becoming the country’s first female officer to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant general.
     •     Pakistan is a Muslim-majority country, with Muslims comprising 96.47% of the population,
           followed by Hindus (2.14%), Christians (1.27%), Ahmadi Muslims (0.09%), and others (0.02%),
           according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics in 2021.
Government Appoints Saurabh Garg as Full-Time Secretary of Ministry of Statistics and Programme
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Implementation
     ● Saurabh Garg, a 1991-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer, has been appointed as the full-time
        Secretary of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
     ● Prior to this, Garg was holding additional charge as Secretary, MoSPI.
     ● Before Garg, the MoSPI Secretary was GP Samanta, who held the position until April 15, 2024.
     ● Garg also currently serves as Secretary, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, and has
        been given charge of Secretary, National Statistical Commission (NSC).
Shah Rukh Khan Named New Brand Ambassador for Muthoot Pappachan Group
     ● Muthoot Pappachan Group (MPG), popularly known as Muthoot Blue, has roped in Shah Rukh
        Khan as its brand ambassador.
     ● This strategic collaboration represents a significant milestone for MPG, reinforcing its brand
        presence, and a new way of connecting with a diverse audience across the country.
About Muthoot Pappachan Group :
     ● Founded : 1887
     ● Headquarters : Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
     ● Chairman : Thomas John Muthoot
     ● Muthoot Pappachan Group is the promoter of leading Non-Banking Financial Companies
        (NBFCs) including Muthoot FinCorp Limited (flagship Company of the Group), Muthoot Microfin
        Limited, Muthoot Capital Services Limited and Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited.
     ● CEO of Muthoot FinCorp : Shaji Varghese
Airtel Names Sharat Sinha as New Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Business
     ● Telecommunications services provider Bharti Airtel has appointed Sharat Sinha as the Chief Executive
        Officer (CEO) of Airtel Business, effective June 3, 2024, who will be reporting to Gopal Vittal, CEO and
        Managing Director, Airtel.
     ● He will also be a part of the Airtel Management Board.
     ● Sinha joins Airtel Business from Checkpoint Software Technologies, where he served as President of
        Pacific.
About Bharti Airtel :
     ● Founded : 7 July 1995
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Claudia Sheinbaum Secures Landslide Victory to Become Mexico's 1st Female President
    •    A climate scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum secured a sweeping win
         to become Mexico's first female president.
    •    She succeeded her mentor and outgoing leader, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, whose strong
         support among the impoverished contributed to her victory
    •    Sheinbaum clinched the presidency with an estimated vote share ranging from 58.3% to 60.7%,
         according to a swift sample count by Mexico's electoral body.
    •    This marks a historic high in Mexico's democratic record for vote percentage.
    •    Sheinbaum is the first woman to win a general election in the United States, Mexico, or Canada.
About Mexico :
    •    Capital: Mexico City
    •    Currency: Mexican Peso
    •    Mexico, officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America.
Vijaya Bharathi Sayani Appointed as Acting Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission
    •    Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), has
         been authorized to act as the Chairperson of NHRC by the President, under Section 7(1) of the
         Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
    •    This appointment is effective from June 2, 2024, until the appointment of a new Chairperson to fill
         the vacancy.
    •    Sayani will replace Justice (Retd) Arun Kumar Mishra, who completed his three-year tenure as the
         eighth Chairperson of NHRC on June 1, 2024.
About NHRC :
    •    Establishment: NHRC is a statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of
         Human Rights Ordinance of September 28, 1993.
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Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering, Sushil Kumar Singh Appointed as Chairperson of
Deendayal Port Authority
    •       Appointment of Sushil Kumar Singh as Chairperson of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), Kandla
            approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
    •       Mr. Singh is from the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) with the batch of
            1992.
    •       The appointment falls under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
    •       Singh's tenure extends until January 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
    •       The appointment is significant for the management and development of the Deendayal Port
            Authority.
Mohan Charan Majhi Takes Oath as Odisha’s Chief Minister
        •     Mohan Charan Majhi, a four-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and tribal leader,
              was sworn in as the first Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief Minister of Odisha.
        •     Majhi is the third tribal Chief Minister of Odisha, following Hemanand Biswal and Giridhar
              Gamang, since the state was formed in 1936.
        •     K. V. Singh Deo, a six-time MLA from Patnagarh, and Prabhati Parida, a first-time MLA from
              Nimapara, were sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.
        •     The two leaders will serve as Deputy Chief Ministers in the State’s first BJP government.
About Odisha :
        •     Governor : Raghubar Das
        •     Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
        •     Capital : Bhubaneswar
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Pema Khandu Poised to Serve 3rd Term as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
     •     Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pema Khandu has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of
           Arunachal Pradesh for his 3rd consecutive term.
     •     Along with him, BJP's Chowna Mein was sworn in as the deputy chief minister for the second
           term.
     •     The swearing-in ceremony held at DK State Convention Centre in Itanagar was attended by
           Union Ministers Amit Shah, JP Nadda, Kiren Rijiju, and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa
           Sarma.
     •     Khandu, 44, became Chief Minister for the first time in 2016.
About Arunachal Pradesh :
     •     Governor : Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
     •     Chief Minister : Pema Khandu
     •     Capital : Itanagar
     •     National Parks : Mouling National Park, Namdapha National Park
     •     Wildlife Sanctuaries : Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandrababu Naidu Sworn in as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for 4th Term
     •     Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the chief of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), was sworn in as Chief
           Minister of Andhra Pradesh for the 4th time.
     •     The oath-taking ceremony took place at Kesarapalli IT Park near Vijayawada, in Krishna district,
           AP.
     •     While setting this record, he broke the one set by his father-in-law and party founder NT Rama
           Rao, a three-time chief minister of the state.
About AP :
     •     Capital : Amaravati
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     •     National Park : Papikonda National Park, Rajiv Gandhi (Rameshwaram) National Park, Sri
           Venkateswara National Park
     •     Wildlife Sanctuaries : Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna
           Wildlife Sanctuary, Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Prem Prabhakar Appointed as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SBICAP Ventures
Limited
     •     Prem Prabhakar has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
           of SBICAP Ventures Limited (SVL).
     •     In his new role, Prabhakar will be responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operational
           efficiency and overall growth of the company.
     •     Prabhakar brings over 24 years of extensive experience in the banking sector.
     •     Prior to this appointment, he served as General Manager at the State Bank of India (SBI).
Harsh Pati Singhania was Elected as 1st Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of Commerce.
     •     Harsh Pati Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of JK Paper Limited and Director
           of JK Organisation, has been elected as the First Vice-Chair of the International Chamber of
           Commerce (ICC), Paris.
     •     The election took place during the World Council meeting on June 11 in Paris, France.
About the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC):
     •     Headquarters: Paris, France
     •     Current Chair: María Fernanda Garza
     •     The ICC is the largest and most representative business organization in the world.
     •     Represents over 45 million businesses globally.
     •     Known as the "voice of world business."
PNB MetLife Names Sameer Bansal as New MD and CEO, Succeeding Ashish Srivastava
     ● PNB MetLife India Insurance has appointed Sameer Bansal as the Managing Director (MD) and
           Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from July 1, 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.
     ● He will succeed Ashish Srivastava, who will become the MD for MetLife Inc.’s Global Shared
           Services team in India.
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     ● Bansal has over 25 years of experience in financial services, including extensive and successful
        experience in leading Distribution through Bancassurance, Agency, Digital, Employee Benefits
        and Direct marketing business models.
About PNB MetLife Insurance :
     ● Founded: 2001
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO: Ashish Kumar Srivastava
     ● PNB MetLife Insurance is a joint venture between MetLife International Holdings LLC (46%
        stake) and Punjab National Bank (30% stake).
     ● Product Offerings:PNB MetLife offers various insurance products focusing on Child Education,
        Family Protection, Long-Term Saving, and Retirement.
     ● The company has a wide range of protection and retirement products available through its sales
        channel of over 19,500 financial advisors and multiple bank partners.
     ● Market Presence:PNB MetLife caters to over 590 group relationships in India, demonstrating a
        significant presence in the Indian insurance market.
N. Chandrababu Naidu Set to Swear In as Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on June 12
● N. Chandrababu Naidu, the national president of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), will take oath as
     the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on June 12, 2024, at Kesarapalli IT Park in Gannavaram,
     Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
● The oath-taking ceremony will be attended by National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Prime Ministerial
     candidate Narendra Modi, along with several senior NDA leaders and Chief Ministers from other
     states.
● The NDA secured victory in 164 out of the total 175 Assembly constituencies. The TDP won 135
     seats, the Jana Sena Party (JSP) secured 21 seats, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 8
     seats, while the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) secured 11 seats.
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     ● It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the
        Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable
        adverse effect on competition in India.
     ● Prem Singh Tamang, the leader of Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), has taken oath as Chief
        Minister of Sikkim for a second consecutive term.
     ● Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath of office and secrecy during a
        ceremony held at Paljor Stadium, where Tamang and his Council of Ministers were sworn in.
     ● SKM secured an overwhelming victory in the assembly polls, winning 31 out of 32 seats, while
        the opposition Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) managed only one seat.
Kamal Kishore Soan Assumes Role as Director General of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
     ● Kamal Kishore Soan, a senior IAS officer from the 1998 Jharkhand Cadre, has taken on the
        additional role of Director General of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) while
        continuing as Additional Secretary and Director General, Labour Welfare in the Ministry of Labour
        & Employment.
     ● He has extensive experience in governance and management across various departments in
        Jharkhand, including Land Revenue Management, District Administration, Agriculture, Health,
        Building Construction, Transport, Finance, Energy, Water Resources, and Social Justice &
        Empowerment.
About ESIC :
     ● Formed: 24 February 1952
     ● Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
     ● ESIC is a significant statutory social security body operating under the Ministry of Labour and
        Employment, Government of India, tasked with providing social security to workers.
Vice Chief of the Army Staff Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi Named the 30th Chief of Army
Staff
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     •     The Government has appointed Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, presently serving as Vice
           Chief of the Army Staff, as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff with effect from the afternoon of June
           30, 2024.
     •     The present Chief of the Army Staff Gen Manoj C Pande, demits office on June 30, 2024.
     •     The term of Chief Pande was extended in a rare move by a month due to ongoing Lok Sabha
           polls in the country.
     •     Gen Pande was to retire from service on May 31, 2024.
About Ministry of Defence :
     •     Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
     •     Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
Jyoti Vij was appointed as the new director general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
and Industry
     •     The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) announced the appointment of Jyoti
           Vij as FICCI's director general.
     •     Shailesh Pathak, Secretary General of FICCI, has resigned from his position citing personal
           reasons.
     •     Jyoti Vij is a seasoned industry professional with over 30 years of experience working with
           leading Indian industry chambers.
About FICCI :
     •     Founded : 1927
     •     Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     •     President : Dr Anish Shah
     •     The FICCI is a non-governmental trade association and advocacy group based in India
Ajit Doval Reappointed as National Security Advisor, PK Mishra to Remain Principal Secretary to Prime
Minister
     ● Ajit Doval has been reappointed as the National Security Advisor and PK Mishra as the Principal
           Secretary to the Prime Minister with effect from June 10,2024 in a resounding vote for continuity
           under Narendra Modi’s 3rd term as the Prime Minister.
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     ● Both Doval and Mishra will be assigned the rank of a cabinet minister in the table of precedence
        during their term in office.
     ● The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has also approved the reappointment of Amit
        Khare and Tarun Kapoor as advisors to the PM, in the Prime Minister's Office, for 2 years.
About ACC :
     ● Established : January 26, 1950
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi
     ● Chairperson : Narendra Modi (Prime Minister of India)
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Appoints Manuj Singhal as New Director of Infrastructure
     ● Manuj Singhal, an Indian Engineering Service (IES) officer of the 1994 batch, has been
        appointed as the new Director (Infrastructure) at Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
     ● He will oversee maintenance activities related to civil, electrical, signal, AFC (Automatic Fare
        Collection), telecom, rolling stock, and solar power systems at DMRC.
About DMRC :
     ● Founded : 3 May 1995
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chairman : Manoj Joshi
     ● The DMRC is a centre-state joint venture that operates the Delhi Metro and Noida Metro.
     ● The South African parliament re-elected Cyril Ramaphosa, the African National Congress’s
        (ANC) President, as the President of South Africa during the first sitting of the National Assembly
        of the 7th Parliament.
     ● ANC has reached a broad agreement with the main opposition and other parties to form a
        coalition government, aiming to end a political deadlock after the ANC lost its 30-year majority in
        an election two weeks ago.
     ● The election took place on May 29,2024 with 339 ballot papers issued and counted, including 12
        invalid ballots.
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     ● Ramaphosa secured 283 votes, while Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters
         (EFF), received 44 votes.
     ● This marks Ramaphosa’s second term as South Africa’s president, having first taken office on
         February 15, 2018, and re-elected on May 22, 2019, following the 2019 elections.
About South Africa :
     ● Capital : Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
     ● Currency : South African rand
BJP's Tesam Pongte Elected as the new Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly
     ● Tesam Pongte, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Changlang North, has been
         elected unanimously as the Speaker of the 8th Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly as there
         was no other nomination received for the post.
     ● The special session of the Assembly started with the election of the Speaker.
     ● BJP’s Kardo Nyigyor, who was elected from the Likabali Assembly constituency, was also
         elected uncontested as the Deputy Speaker of the House.
About Arunachal Pradesh :
     ●   Governor : Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
     ●   Chief Minister : Pema Khandu
     ●   Capital : Itanagar
     ●   National Parks : Mouling National Park, Namdapha National Park
     ●   Wildlife Sanctuaries : Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary, Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary
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Global Wind Energy Council India Appoints Girish Tanti from Suzlon Group as New Chairman
     ● Suzlon Vice Chairman Girish Tanti has been elected as the Chair of Global Wind Energy Council
        India (GWEC India).
     ● He was elected Vice-Chair of GWEC in April, 2024.
     ● Responsibilities: As Chair of GWEC India, Tanti will play a crucial role in collaborating with
        national and state governments to establish policy frameworks and drive momentum in India's
        wind energy sector, encompassing both onshore and offshore wind projects.
     ● India ranks as the world’s 4th-largest wind market with significant onshore wind capacity (46 GW)
        and a prominent manufacturing hub for wind energy components.
     ● Note : Global Wind Day or World Wind Day is a worldwide event that is held on June 15.
     ● GWEC India Chair : Girish Tanti
About GWEC :
     ● Established : 2005
     ● Headquarters : Brussels, Belgium
     ● CEO : Ben Backwell
     ● Membership: Represents over 1,500 companies, organizations, and institutions in more than 80
        countries, including manufacturers, developers, suppliers, research institutes, and renewable
        energy associations.
     ● GWEC is a member-based organisation that represents the entire wind energy sector.
     ● Sudhakararao Papa is set to be the next Director (Enterprise) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
        (BSNL).
     ● He has been recommended for the post by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) panel
        on June 15.
     ● Presently, he is serving as Chief General Manager (Chennai Telecom District Circle) in the same
        organisation.
     ● As Director (Enterprise) of BSNL, Papa will be a member of the Board of Directors and reports to
        the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD).
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     ● He will act as head of the Enterprise Business unit and will be responsible for business from big
        corporate customers and small & medium enterprises (SMEs).
     ● He will be responsible for all aspects of the business including product design, product pricing,
        sales, marketing, customer service etc.
President Appoints Bhartruhari Mahtab, 7-time Member of Parliment, as Pro-Tem Speaker of Lok
Sabha
     ● President Droupadi Murmu appointed Bhartruhari Mahtab, a 7-term Member of Parliament (MP)
        from Cuttack, as the pro-tem Speaker of the 18th Lok Sabha.
     ● This appointment was made under Article 95(1) of the Constitution to perform the duties of the
        Speaker until the election of a Speaker.
Role of Pro-tem Speaker:
     ● The Speaker is the Presiding Officer of Lok Sabha and thus have some key duties related to the
        day-to-day proceedings of the House.
     ● Since the Speaker has to be elected by a simple majority in the House, until then, a pro-tem
        Speaker is chosen to perform the Speaker’s duties, including the oath-taking of MPs.
     ● The word ‘pro-tem’ means ‘for the time being’ or ‘temporarily’.
Government Appoints Atul Kumar Chaudhary as Secretary of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
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     ● The government has appointed Atul Kumar Chaudhary as the new Secretary of the Telecom
        Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
     ● The position was vacant following the superannuation of V Raghunandan on May 31, 2024.
     ● As the new Secretary of the telecom regulator, Chaudhary would have major responsibilities to
        steer some of the guidelines and policies, along with the stakeholders in terms of quality of
        services, especially on pesky (unsolicted calls) and new Broadcasting Policy.
About TRAI :
     ● Established : 20 February 1997
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi
     ● Chairperson : Anil Kumar Lahoti
     ● The TRAI is a regulatory body set up by the Government of India under section 3 of the Telecom
        Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
     ● It is the regulator of the telecommunications sector in India.
Bharat Electronics Names Manoj Jain as New Managing Director and Chairman
     ● Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has appointed Manoj Jain as the new Chairman and Managing
        Director of the company.
About BEL :
     ● Founded: 1954
     ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     ● BEL is an Indian Government-owned aerospace and defence electronics company.
     ● It primarily manufactures advanced electronic products for ground and aerospace applications.
     ● BEL is one of sixteen PSUs under the Ministry of Defence of India.
     ● It has been granted Navratna status by the Government of India.
     ● As of 31 March 2024, the Government of India held a 51.14% stake in the company.
GST Rate Rationalisation Panel Reformed with Bihar Deputy CM Chaudhary as Convenor
     ● Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has been appointed as the convenor of the
        Group of Ministers (GoM) on Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation.
     ● Samrat Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna.
Composition of Reconstituted Panel:
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     ● Members include:
            ➢ Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna
            ➢ Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho
            ➢ Rajasthan Medical and Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh
            ➢ West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya
            ➢ Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda
            ➢ Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal
     ● Reason for Reconstitution:The reconstitution was necessary to include Samrat Chaudhary in the
        panel after the JD(U)-BJP alliance formed the government in Bihar, and Chaudhary was given
        the finance portfolio, replacing Vijay Kumar Chaudhary.
     ● The primary aim of this reconstituted GoM will be to streamline GST rates, review exemptions,
        and boost GST revenues.
     ● This is the second time that the GST rate rationalisation panel was reconstituted.
     ● The GoM was originally set up in September 2021, under the Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj
        Bommai.
     ● Rate rationalization entails the possibility of reassigning items across different tax slabs.
Bank of Baroda Names Tennis Star Sumit Nagal as Brand Ambassador
     ● Bank of Baroda (BoB) has appointed Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal as its brand endorser.
     ● The appointment reflects the bank’s strategy of supporting emerging Indian athletes, especially
        on the global stage.
     ● In January 2024, Nagal made history by becoming the first Indian in 35 years to defeat a seeded
        player in a Grand Slam men’s singles match at the Australian Open.
     ● Bank of Baroda's Other Brand Ambassadors:Sumit Nagal joins other esteemed brand
        ambassadors of Bank of Baroda, including PV Sindhu and Shafali Verma.
About Bank of Baroda :
     ● Founded : 20 July 1908
     ● Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
     ● MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
     ● Tagline : India’s International Bank
National Testing Agency Director General Subodh Kumar Singh Removed, Pradeep Singh Kharola
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        whichever is earlier.
About Bandhan Bank :
     ● Founded : 2015
     ● Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
     ● MD & CEO : Chandra Shekhar Ghosh
Sony Pictures Networks India Appoints Gaurav Banerjee from Disney Star as New Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer
     ● Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) announced the appointment of former Disney executive
        Gaurav Banerjee as its Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective on
        or before August 26,2024 pending regulatory approvals.
     ● Banerjee will succeed N. P. Singh, who will move into the role of Non-Executive Chairman after a
        25-year tenure.
     ● N. P. Singh will transition to his new role only after Banerjee takes charge, supporting the
        transition through the end of the fiscal year.
About Sony Pictures Networks India :
     ● Founded on September 18, 1995.
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
     ● Operates as Culver Max Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., trading as Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN
        or SPNI).
     ● Owned by Sony Pictures Television, part of the Indian media conglomerate.
J.P. Nadda Appointed as Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha
     ● Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP
        Nadda has been appointed as the Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha.
     ● Nadda replaces Union Minister Piyush Goyal, who recently won the Lok Sabha election and took
        oath on Monday as a member of the Lower House of Parliament.
     ● In the Cabinet, Mr. Nadda is also in charge of the Chemicals and Fertilizers portfolio.
     ● Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge is the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.
     ● Besides Mr. Nadda, 11 other members of the Upper House of Parliament are in the Union
        Council of Ministers.
About Rajya Sabha :
     ● The Rajya Sabha, also known as the Council of States, is the upper house of the bicameral
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        Parliament of India.
     ● The total allowed capacity is 250 (238 elected, 12 appointed) according to article 80 of the Indian
        Constitution.
     ● The current potential seating capacity of the Rajya Sabha is 245 (233 elected, 12 appointed),
        after the Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act.
     ● Article 84 of the Constitution provides the qualification to be elected as a member of Rajya
        Sabha:
                ➢       He must be a citizen of India.
                ➢       An individual needs to complete 30 years of age.
S N Subrahmanyan takes over as Chairman of LTIMindtree following A M Naik's resignation
     ● Global technology consulting and digital solutions company LTIMindtree has appointed veteran S
        N Subrahmanyan, (Vice-Chairman) as Chairman with effect from June 27,2024.
     ● He succeeds A M Naik, who announced his decision to step down at the company's 28th Annual
        General Meeting.
About LTIMindtree Limited :
     ● Founded : 23 December 1996
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Om Birla, National Democratic Alliance Candidate, Re-elected as Lok Sabha Speaker
     ● Om Birla, a member of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and MP from Kota, has been re-
        elected as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
     ● He previously served as the Speaker in the previous Lok Sabha term.
     ● Om Birla's re-election makes him the first person in 25 years to hold the position for a second
        term.
     ● The motion for his election, moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and seconded by Defence
        Minister Rajnath Singh, was adopted through voice votes.
About Lok Sabha :
     ● The Lok Sabha is the lower house of India's bicameral Parliament.
     ● It represents the people of India and has significant legislative and oversight functions.
     ● The upper house is known as the Rajya Sabha.
Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company Reappoints Balasubramanian as Managing Director
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     ● A Balasubramanian has been reappointed as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive
        Officer (CEO) of Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company (ABSL AMC) for three years,
        starting from 25th July, 2024.
About Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC :
     ● Founded : 1994
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Ownership: Co-owned by Aditya Birla Capital and Sun Life (India) AMC Investments Inc.
     ● Primary Role: ABSL AMC functions as the investment manager for Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual
        Fund.
Ministry of Home Affairs Appoints Manish Kumar Gupta as Principal Secretary (Home)
     ● Manish Kumar Gupta, a senior IAS officer of the 1991-batch AGMUT cadre, has been appointed
        as Principal Secretary (Home) by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
     ● He succeeds Ashwani Kumar, another AGMUT cadre officer, who has been appointed as the
        Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
     ● Principal Secretary (Home) is one of the two posts in addition to the Chief Secretary of Delhi
        reserved for Centre-appointed bureaucrats on the three-member National Capital Civil Services
        Authority that was created following the enactment of the Government of National Capital
        Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2023.
About MHA :
     ● Union Minister : Amit Shah
     ● Minister of State : Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte Named New North Atlantic Treaty Organization Leader
     ● Mark Rutte, currently the Dutch Prime Minister, will succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the Secretary
        General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
     ● He will assume office on October 1, 2024, succeeding Stoltenberg who served for 10 years.
     ● Rutte will be the 4th Dutchman to head the alliance since it was founded upon the ashes of World
        War II to face off against the Soviet Union.
About NATO :
     ● Established : 4 April 1949
     ● Headquarters : Brussels, Belgium
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     ● European Union leaders agreed to nominate Ursula von der Leyen of Germany for a second five-
        year term as president of the European Commission.
     ● At a summit in Brussels, the bloc's 27 national leaders also picked former Portuguese premier
        Antonio Costa as the future chair of their European Council meetings and selected Estonian
        Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the next EU foreign policy chief.
About European Commission :
     ● Established : 16 January 1958
     ● The European Commission (EC) is part of the executive of the European Union (EU).
     ● It operates as a cabinet government, with 27 members of the Commission (directorial system,
        informally known as "Commissioners").
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L&T Finance partners with PhonePe to offer home & mobility financing solutions
    •    Leading NBFC L&T Finance has forged a strategic partnership with FinTech major PhonePe to
         expand the range of financial products and offer secured lending options to customers.
    •    The partnership will introduce housing finance and two-wheeler finance solutions, empowering
         individuals seeking home and mobility financing options.
    •    Borrowers will now have the opportunity to explore and choose from a variety of offerings from L&T
         Finance, allowing them to optimize their financial strategies.
Armed Forces Medical Services & IIT Hyderabad ink MoU for Collaborative Research and Training
    •    The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
         with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad to collaborate on research and training.
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    •   The MoU aims to foster innovation and research in developing novel medical devices and
        addressing health issues specific to soldiers serving in varied terrains.
    •   This collaboration marks a significant milestone in leveraging advanced technology and research
        to enhance the health and well-being of military personnel.
Japan Airlines and IndiGo Agree on Codeshare Partnership; enables JAL to expand reach to 14 IndiGo
destinations in India
    •   IndiGo and Japan Airlines (JAL) have entered into a codeshare partnership to provide customers
        with increased travel options between Japan and India.
    •   This collaboration promises to significantly benefit customers by expanding travel options between
        the two countries.
    •   It will facilitate smoother connectivity and more seamless travel experiences.
    •   Initially, the partnership will focus on strengthening Japan Airlines' connectivity into India.
The Department of School Education signs MoU with the National Book Trust to develop an institutional
framework for Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya
    •   The Department of School Education, Ministry of Education, Government of India, has entered into
        a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Book Trust, operating under the
        Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, to establish a robust institutional
        framework for the Digital Library Platform, Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya.
    •   24/7 Accessibility: Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya will be accessible round-the-clock, transcending
        geographical barriers and ensuring wider access to books.
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Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Ministry of Defence sign MoU to set up dedicated Tele MANAS
cell for armed forces
•    A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Health and Family
     Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to collaborate on operating a special cell of
     Tele MANAS, the National Telemental Health Helpline, as a pilot project for two years at the Armed
     Forces Medical College in Pune.
•    The special Tele-MANAS Cell was inaugurated on December 1, 2023, at the Armed Forces Medical
     College in Pune by Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan.
•    The collaboration aims to address the mental health and well-being of Armed Forces personnel and
     their families.
•    The initiative provides a toll-free number, 14416, in each State and Union Territory (UT) for easy
     access to mental health support.
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HCLTech renews deal with German cooperative apoBank for $278 million
     •     HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has expanded its partnership with Deutsche Apotheker- und
           Ärztebank eG (apoBank), Germany's largest cooperative primary bank, in a deal valued at USD
           278 million over 7.5 years, as disclosed in a regulatory filing.
     •     With this agreement, HCLTech will implement an outcome-oriented managed services model
           aimed at delivering resilient, scalable, and high-quality digital foundation services.
     •     Thomas Runge, apoBank's COO, cited HCLTech's extensive Avaloq expertise and in-depth
           understanding of apoBank as key reasons for the partnership.
About ApoBank:
     • Industry: Cooperative Banking
     • Founded: 1902
     • Headquarters: Dusseldorf, Germany
Wadhwani Foundation partners with top institutes to boost innovation hubs in India
     •     New Delhi, Not-for-profit tech organisation Wadhwani Foundation stated it has signed
           agreements with technical education body AICTE as well as four IIT and other premier
           institutions to set up a network of innovation hubs across the the country.
     •     The agreements have been signed with AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), IIT
           Bombay, IIT Delhi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IISc Bangalore, and C-CAMP to establish
           Wadhwani Innovation Network Centers of Excellence (WIN-COEs) to accelerate the
           commercialisation of academic innovations.
Oracle partners with Tamil Nadu to empower youth with IT skills
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● Oracle has collaborated with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation to provide IT skills and
     capabilities to the youth in the state, aiming to improve their employment prospects.
● Oracle’s specialised skills development program will be integrated into the Naan Mudhalvan
     initiative, offering employment-linked skills training to over 200,000 students in Tamil Nadu.
● Tamil Nadu is one of India’s top 12 states with a rapidly growing youth population, making this
     initiative particularly impactful.
Samsung partners with Paytm to bring travel, entertainment services to Samsung Wallet
● Samsung has partnered with One 97 Communications Limited (OCL), the parent company of fintech
     firm Paytm, to introduce flight, bus, movie, and event ticket booking services on the Samsung Wallet.
Objective of Collaboration
● The partnership aims to enhance consumer convenience by directly offering a seamless booking
     experience through the Samsung Wallet app.
● Users can access these new booking services by updating their Samsung Wallet app via the Galaxy
     Store.
Transformational Impact
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● This collaboration is poised to revolutionize and rejuvenate the sheep and goat sectors in the Union
     Territory through extensive training programs and the adoption of innovative and sustainable farming
     practices.
MEA and SBI Join Forces to Enhance Digital Payments for Indian Migrant Workers
● The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the State Bank of India (SBI) have formalized a
     Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate SBI’s payment gateway, SBIePay, with the
     eMigrate portal.
● This collaboration aims to strengthen digital payment services for Indian migrant workers, recruiting
     agents, and portal users.
India and Gambia Extend MoU on Personnel Administration and Governance Reforms
●    The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), under the Ministry of
     Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of India, has extended its Memorandum of
     Understanding (MoU) with the Public Service Commission of the Republic of the Gambia.
●    The extension, effective from July 8, 2024, continues the collaboration for another five years.
●    This extended partnership aims to enhance governance and administrative efficiencies, drawing
     from India's policy initiatives and digital transformation strategies.
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●    MoU Extension: Originally signed on July 8, 2021, for three years, the MoU focuses on refurbishing
     personnel administration and governance reforms.
●    Signing Ceremony: The extension was signed by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary of DARPG, and H.E.
     Mr. Mustapha Jawara, High Commissioner of Gambia, in a ceremonial function held at CSoI, New
     Delhi.
         ⮚ Strengthen bilateral partnership through sharing best practices in administrative reforms and
              good governance.
● Location: A small West African country, bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline.
● Capital: Banjul.
● India and the U.S. are set to rapidly conclude a bilateral agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation
     on critical minerals.
● This collaboration involves the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Indian Ministry of Commerce
     and Industry, along with the Ministry of Mines, focusing on bolstering supply chains for essential
     minerals such as graphite, gallium, and germanium.
● This agreement underscores the growing importance of critical minerals in global supply chains and
     technological advancements, highlighting India and the U.S.'s commitment to working together
     towards a secure and sustainable future.
● The agreement will emphasize India's significant role in the mineral security partnership.
● The initiative, part of the India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) dialogue,
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     covers a wide range of technological fields including artificial intelligence, quantum computing,
     semiconductors, and wireless telecommunications.
● Launched in January 2023, iCET is designed to strengthen the strategic partnership between India
     and the U.S. in both technological and defense sectors.
● The initiative is led by the National Security Councils of both countries, with National Security
     Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and his U.S. counterpart Jake Sullivan co-chairing the recent review
     meeting.
Russia's Putin and North Korea's Kim sign mutual defence pact
●    In a significant development, North Korea and Russia have agreed to a mutual defence pact during
     Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to North Korea, marking his first in 24 years.
●    Overall, the pact between North Korea and Russia marks a significant development in regional and
     international geopolitics, with implications for security dynamics in Northeast Asia and broader global
     relations.
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     ● By pooling their expertise and resources, both entities aim to foster a secure digital environment,
         protect against evolving cyber threats, and promote confidence in financial transactions
         nationwide.
     ● CERT-In serves as the national agency for incident response under Section 70B of the
         Information Technology Act, 2000, operating a 24x7 incident response Help Desk.
Tata Steel, ICAR-NRRI join Odisha government to reclaim acidic soils in the state
     ● Tata Steel and the Odisha government have embarked on a sustainable agricultural initiative
         aimed at reclaiming acidic soils in the state using industrial waste as soil amendments.
     ● The collaboration between Tata Steel and the Odisha government under the SAFAR initiative
         signifies a significant step towards sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Project Name: SAFAR
     ●   Objective: "Economic and Environment-Friendly Utilisation of Basic Slag and Fly Ash as Soil
         Amendments to Reclaim Acid Soils of Odisha (SAFAR)."
MSDE partners with the Australian Government to energise the Agriculture Sector of India with
emerging skills
     ● The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with the
         Australian Government, recently hosted a productive roundtable focusing on the outcomes of the
         Australia-India Critical Agriculture Skills Pilot Project.
     ● Led by Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, and Mr. Mathew Johnston, Minister
         Counsellor of Education and Research at the Australian High Commission, the roundtable aimed
         to discuss the project's achievements and future prospects for scaling and replicating its success
         in other sectors.
Tata Electronics and Synopsys Collaborate on Semiconductor Technology
     ● Tata Electronics has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with US-based chip
         design leader Synopsys to enhance process technology and foundry design capabilities at
         India’s first semiconductor fab in Dholera.
Areas of Collaboration:
● Technology CAD Flow: Establishing a robust Technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) flow
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     ●   Process Design Kits (PDK) and Design Enablement: Developing essential kits and enabling
         designs for efficient semiconductor manufacturing.
● Tata Electronics plans India’s first fab in Dholera, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 91,000 crore.
     ● State-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has signed a memorandum of
         understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to establish a small-scale
         Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant near the Hatta Gas Field in the Vindhyan Basin.
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production.
About ONGC
     ●   Ownership: Central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas,
         Government of India.
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying signed an agreement with the National Dairy
Development Board for execution of works of Upgradation of Biocontainment Facility and associated
repair works
     ● The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal
         Husbandry, and Dairying has signed an agreement with the National Dairy Development Board
         (NDDB) for the upgradation of the Biocontainment Facility and associated repair works at the
         Chaudhary Charan Singh National Institute of Animal Health (CCSNAIH), Baghpat.
     ● Project Title: Upgradation of Biocontainment Facility and Associated Repair Works
     ● Location: CCSNAIH, Baghpat
     ● Estimated Budget: ₹160 Crores
     ● Execution Timeline: 20 months
     ● CCSNAIH, Baghpat, is an apex laboratory under DAHD, responsible for the quality assessment
         of veterinary vaccines and diagnostics in India.
Adani Defence, Thales Tie Up To Make Rockets In India
     ● Adani Defence & Aerospace has signed an agreement with Thales Group to manufacture rockets
         in India.
     ● This partnership supports the Indian government's "Make in India" initiative.
     ● Significance of the Partnership : Thales Group highlights the partnership's importance for their
         commitment to India and their global partner network.
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      ● Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nokia
            to pursue 5G and next-generation collaborative research with artificial intelligence (AI) and
            machine learning applications.
      ● Through this MoU, VIT and Nokia will focus on key areas like new study areas in 5G, AI-
            enhanced communication, digital twin, radio-based sensing, connected aerial vehicles, eHealth,
            cloud technologies and automation, zero-touch mobile networks, etc.
Market Values:
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●           Significance: Nvidia is the world's most valuable semiconductor company and the first computer
chip firm to reach a $3 trillion market capitalization.
Visakhapatnam Port breaks into top 20 rankings in World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index
•     Visakhapatnam Port has achieved a noteworthy feat by breaking into the top 20 rankings in the
      World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).
•     The terminal operator, M/s. Visakhapatnam Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL), deserves
      commendation for securing the 18th place in this prestigious index.
•     The CPPI places exclusive emphasis on quayside performance, assessing the operational efficiency
      of ports in receiving and handling container ships.
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     •     In the world, Sudan was ranked last on the index of 146 countries while Pakistan fell three places
           to 145th.
Mumbai, and Delhi record real estate price appreciation in double-digit, ranked 3rd and 5th globally
● According to Knight Frank's 'Prime Global Cities Index Q1 2024', Mumbai and New Delhi have
     experienced significant annual increases in real estate prices, driven by robust economic growth in
     India.
● Meanwhile, Bengaluru observed a slight decline in ranking despite recording a modest 4.8% yearly
     growth in residential prices.
● Mumbai's Rise: Mumbai saw a sharp increase in real estate prices due to strong demand across all
     segments, particularly higher-value properties.
● Delhi NCR's Growth: Delhi NCR climbed from 17th to 5th place in the global index with a 10.5%
     annual price growth.
● Bengaluru's Performance: Bengaluru, while showing growth, slipped slightly in rank from 16th to
     17th place.
● Economic Drivers: India's major cities benefited from GDP growth exceeding 8% in FY 2023-24,
     bolstering housing demand.
Global Rankings:
     ●     Manila Leads: Manila, Philippines, topped the index with a 26.2% annual price rise, driven by
           strong purchasing power and infrastructure investments.
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     ●   Tokyo's Surge: Tokyo, Japan, ranked 2nd with a 12.5% yearly price growth, attributed to
         sustained population growth fueled by internal migration.
Country Achievements
● United Kingdom: Holds the top position in five individual SDGs, surpassing all other countries.
● Australia: Dominates the top 10 with four universities in the overall category, showcasing strong
     performance.
● Canada and UK: Each has two universities in the top 10 overall rankings.
● United Kingdom: Leads globally with 25 universities in the top 100 overall rankings.
Indian Representation
●    Total Universities: India contributes the most universities to the rankings, with 10 5 institutions
     assessed.
●    Ranking Categories:
     ❖   Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham: Ranked 81st overall in THE University Impact Rankings 2024.
     ❖   Beyond Top 100: Several Indian institutions, including JSS Academy of Higher Education, Lovely
         Professional University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and Shoolini University of
         Biotechnology and Management Sciences, are placed in the 101-200 rank bracket.
     ❖   Lower Ranks: IIM Mumbai is in the 601-800 rank range, while Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
         secures a position in the 901-1000 rank segment.
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Virat Kohli is the most valued celebrity with a brand value of $227.9 million
●    Kroll, a leading global risk and financial advisory solutions firm, has unveiled the ninth edition of its
     Celebrity Brand Valuation Study, ‘Brands, Business, Bollywood.’
●    The study reveals significant shifts in the brand values of India's top celebrities for 2023.
1. Virat Kohli: The Indian cricketer has reclaimed the top spot with a brand value of $227.9 million.
     2. Ranveer Singh: Bollywood star Ranveer Singh takes second place with a brand value of $203.1
        million.
     3. Shah Rukh Khan: The iconic actor secures third place with a brand value of $120.7 million,
        boosted by three blockbuster hits in 2023.
     4. Akshay Kumar: Dropping to the fourth position, Akshay Kumar has a brand value of $111.7
        million.
5. Alia Bhatt: Rising to fifth place, Alia Bhatt's brand value stands at $101.1 million.
●    Overall Market Growth: The combined brand value of the top 25 Indian celebrities in 2023 is
     estimated at $1.9 billion, an 18% increase from the previous year.
●    Top Digital Platform Advertisements:
        ⮚   Pepsi: Endorsed by Ranveer Singh.
        ⮚   Livspace: Endorsed by Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli.
        ⮚   JioCinema: Endorsed by Alia Bhatt, MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar.
●    Notable Movements:
            ✔ Kiara Advani: Jumped from rank 16 to rank 12, showcasing a significant rise in brand
               value.
            ✔ Katrina Kaif: Re-entered the list of India’s most valued celebrity brands after a five-year
               hiatus.
Sweden leads, while India ranks 63rd on the Global Energy Transition Index according to the World
Economic Forum (WEF).
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     ● According to the Global Energy Transition Index 2024, released by the World Economic Forum
        (WEF) India has shown improvement by moving up to the 63rd position out of 120 countries
        surveyed.
     ● This marks an improvement of three ranks from its previous position of 67th in 2023.
     ● The Global Energy Transition Index provides insights into each country's progress towards
        sustainable and equitable energy systems.
     ● India's upward movement in the ranking reflects its ongoing efforts and initiatives to enhance
        energy security, sustainability, and equity.
Key Points from the Global Energy Transition Index 2024:
1. Rankings:
            o   Top Countries: Sweden has retained its top position in the Index, followed by Denmark,
                Finland, Switzerland, and France.
            o   India's Rank: India improved to 63rd place, reflecting progress in energy equity, security,
                and sustainability.
2. Global Trends:
            o   Progress: The report highlights that 107 out of 120 countries have made progress in their
                energy transition journeys over the past decade.
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     ● The Sustainable Development Report (SDR) provides an annual review of progress made by UN
         member states on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since their adoption in 2015.
     ● Global ProgressTarget Achievement: Only 16% of SDG targets are on track globally for
         achievement by 2030.
     ● Top Performers : European Leaders: Nordic countries dominate, with Finland leading, followed
         by Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and France.
     ●   Multilateral Commitment: Barbados tops the list for commitment to UN-based multilateralism. the
         United States ranks last.
     ●   India's Position : Ranking: India secures the 109th rank with an overall score of 64.0, indicating
         progress towards SDGs.
     ●   SDSN: The report is facilitated by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN),
         promoting practical solutions for SDG achievement globally.
SDSN Overview
     ●   Establishment: SDSN was founded in 2012 by the UN to foster practical solutions for SDG
         implementation.
     ●   Global Presence: Secretariats located in Paris, France; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and New York,
         US.
Tata, Infosys among most valuable Indian brands: Brand Finance 2024 report
     ● Tata Group and Infosys have topped Brand Finance's annual report on the most valuable Indian
         brands for 15 consecutive years.
     ● Its brand value increased by 9% over 2023, reaching $28.6 billion, nearing the $30-billion
         benchmark for the first time.
Overall Rankings
     ● The India 100 report by Brand Finance evaluated over 250 Indian brands across various sectors,
         including IT, hospitality, automotives, and retail.
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4. LIC Group
5. Reliance
7. Airtel
10. Mahindra
     ● Reserve Price and Outstanding Dues:The bank has set a reserve price of ₹3.48 crore for the
        sale, which is less than 1% of the ₹1,160 crore principal claim made by the bank on the personal
        guarantee.
     ● As of May 31, 2024, SBI reported principal outstanding dues of Rs 1,160 crore and total dues of
        Rs 3,512 crore.
About Reliance Naval and Engineering Limited (R-Naval) :
     ● Founded : 17 October 1997
     ● It is an Indian shipbuilding and heavy industry company.
     ● R-Naval is the first private sector company in India to obtain a license and contract to build
        warships.
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Punjab National Bank Board Approves Selling 10% Stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company
     •     Punjab National Bank’s (PNB) Board approved the initiation of process for divesting 10%
           shareholding in its associate company Canara HSBC Life Insurance through an initial public
           offering (IPO) route.
     •     Currently, PNB holds a 23% stake in Canara HSBC Life Insurance.
     •     This latest PNB move comes on the heels of the Board of Canara Bank giving its approval for
           initiating the process of diluting 14.50 per cent stake in its subsidiary Canara HSBC Life
           Insurance.
     •     Currently, Canara Bank has a 51 per cent stake in the life insurer, while HSBC has a 26 per cent
           stake in the joint venture.
About PNB :
     •     Founded : 19 May 1894
     •     Headquarters : New Delhi
     •     MD & CEO : Atul Kumar Goel
About Canara HSBC Life Insurance :
     •     Founded : 2008
     •     Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
     •     CEO : Anuj Mathur
CCI approves combination involving acquisition in IRB Infrastructure Trust and MMK Toll Road by
Cintra
     •     The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving
           acquisition in IRB Infrastructure Trust and MMK Toll Road Private Limited by Cintra.
     •     Cintra InvIT Investments B.V. (Cintra SPV 1) and Cintra IM Investments B.V. (Cintra SPV 2) are
           collectively referred to as “Acquirers” The Acquirers are SPVs (wholly-owned subsidiaries of
           Cintra Global S.E.) which have been incorporated in the Netherlands for the purpose of the
           Proposed Combination and belong to the Ferrovial group.
About Competition Commission of India:
     •     The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is the chief national competition regulator in India. It
           is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing
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           the Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable
           adverse effect on competition in India.
     •     Formed: 14 October 2003
     •     Jurisdiction: Republic of India
     •     Headquarters: New Delhi
     •     Chairperson: Ravneet Kaur IAS
National Company Law Tribunal Greenlights Merger of Full-Service Carriers Vistara with Competitor Air
India
● The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of Air India and Vistara.
● The merger has resulted in the creation of one of the world's largest airline conglomerates.
● Under the merger deal, Singapore Airlines will own 25.1 % stake in Air India.
● Vistara is a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines.
● Air India plans to finalize the merger by the end of the year, with the merger being announced in
     November 2022.
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● The Chandigarh branch of the NCLT has approved a composite scheme of arrangement, bringing
     Air India, Vistara, and Talace under the Tata Group umbrella.
Bank of India Acquires 6.125% Stake in Clearing Corporation of India Limited (IFSC) in GIFT SEZ,
Gujarat
     •     The Bank of India (BoI) has acquired a 6.125% stake in the incorporated Clearing Corporation of
           India Limited. (IFSC), listed in the GIFT SEZ (Special Economic Zone) in Gujarat.
     •     Promoted by Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL), CCIL IFSC is the proposed entity to
           build and operate a real-time foreign currency settlement system at GIFT City.
     •     The entity will act as a clearing house and system operator at GIFT City.
About Bank of India :
     •     Founded : 7 September 1906
     •     Headquarters : Mumbai,Maharashtra
     •     MD & CEO : Shri Rajneesh Karnatak
     •     Bank of India is an Indian public sector bank.
Adani Group's Ambuja Cements to Acquire Penna Cement for Rs 10,422 Crore
     ● Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Group, is acquiring Hyderabad-based Penna Cement
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Airtel Clears Spectrum Acquisition Dues Worth Rs 7,904 Crore from 2012 and 2015
     ● Bharti Airtel has prepaid ₹7,904 crore to the telecom department, clearing the remaining part of
        the payment relating to spectrum bought in 2012 and 2015 auctions, a move which will lead to
        interest cost savings.
     ● This will help Airtel to save interest costs annually and boost cash flows, as its nationwide 5G
        rollout nears completion.
     ● This comes after India's second largest telecom operator prepaid ₹8,325 crore in January 2024,
        clearing a sizable chunk of the deferred liabilities.
     ● With this, the company has fully prepaid all deferred liabilities pertaining to spectrum acquired in
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        auction of the year 2012 and 2015 which were at the highest interest cost of 9.75% and 10%
        respectively.
About Bharti Airtel :
     ● Founded : 7 July 1995
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
     ● Chairman : Sunil Mittal
     ● MD & CEO : Gopal Vittal
Paytm in Discussions with Zomato to Divest its Movie and Ticketing Business
     ● Food delivery major Zomato is in advanced talks to acquire fintech player Paytm’s movie and
        event ticketing business, a potential deal that is pegged in the range of Rs 1,600 crore-2,000
        crore.
     ● The talks are taking place at a time when Paytm is focusing on its payments and financial
        services business.
     ● Paytm is refocusing on its core payments and financial services, consolidating its movies
        business and insider vertical into a single team.
     ● Zomato's Investment Strategy:Zomato plans to invest Rs 100 crore in its entertainment business,
        particularly in live events and ticketing, signaling its commitment to expand in this segment.
     ● Financial Details:Paytm's broader marketing services segment, which includes ticketing and
        movies, recorded annual sales of approximately $208 million for the financial year ending March
        2024.
     ● Strategic Moves by Paytm:Paytm aims to reduce employee costs and anticipates annualized
        savings of Rs 400-500 crore, emphasizing profitability and scaling its larger business units.
     ● Comparative Acquisition:If finalized, this acquisition would be Zomato's second-largest after
        acquiring Blinkit in 2022 for $569 million in an all-stock deal.
     ● Investment Confirmation by Zomato:Zomato reiterated its investment commitment of Rs 100
        crore in Zomato Entertainment, underscoring its growth plans in the live events and ticketing
        domain.
About Paytm :
     ● Founded : August 2010
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Axis Bank to Invest Up to ₹336 Crore for Additional Stake in Max Life Insurance
     ● Axis Bank has decided to raise its shareholding in Max Life Insurance for an amount of up to
        ₹336 crore.
     ● This transaction would lead to the aggregate shareholding of the Axis Entities going up from
        19.02% to 19.99%.
     ● In 2023-24, Max Life Insurance recorded a Gross Written Premium of ₹29,529 crore.
     ● In April 2021, Axis Bank and its subsidiaries, Axis Securities and Axis Capital, collectively
        acquired a 12% stake in Max Life through a secondary transfer from Max Financial.
About Axis Bank :
     ● Established : 3 December 1993
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
     ● Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
About Max Life Insurance Company Limited :
     ● Founded : 2001
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
     ● MD & CEO : Prashant Tripathy
Vodafone Sells 18% Stake in Indus Towers for ₹15,300 Crore to Settle Bank Dues
     ● The British telecom operator Vodafone sold 48.47 crore shares or 18% stake in Indus Towers for
        1.7 billion euro (about Rs 15,300 crore) through an accelerated book building offering.
     ● SBI Mutual Fund and Bharti Airtel were two of the buyers of shares of Indus Towers that were
        offloaded by Vodafone Group Plc in bulk deals on the NSE.
     ● SBI Mutual Fund acquired 3.6 crore shares (1.3% stake) at ₹311.40 per share, totaling ₹1,121
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           crore.
     ● Bharti Airtel acquired 2.7 crore shares (1% stake) for ₹864 crore, increasing its stake in Indus
           Towers to nearly 49%.
     ● Post-Sale Holdings:After the stake sale, Vodafone holds 82.5 million shares, equivalent to a
           3.1% shareholding in Indus Towers.
About Vodafone Group :
     ● Founded : 16 September 1991
     ● Headquarters : England, United Kingdom
     ● CEO : Margherita Della Valle
Fairfax India Holdings subsidiary divests 9.7% stake in CSB Bank for $70 million
     ● Fairfax Group, led by Canadian billionaire Prem Watsa, sold a 9.7% stake in CSB Bank via its
           arm FIH Mauritius Investments.
     ● The transaction took place at an average price of Rs 352.75 per share, amounting to Rs 595.04
           crore ($70 million).
About Fairfax Group :
     ● Founded : 1951
     ● Headquarters : Ontario, Canada
     ● Chairman & CEO : V. Prem Watsa
About CSB Bank Limited (erstwhile Catholic Syrian Bank Limited) :
     ● Founded : 26 November 1920
     ● Headquarters : Thrissur, Kerala, India
     ● MD & CEO : Pralay Mondal
                                                DEFENCE NEWS
Indian Air Force Contingent Arrives in Alaska for Multinational Exercise Red Flag 24
     •     The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent, comprising eight Rafale fighter jets, one C-17 Globemaster
           transport aircraft, and one IL-78 air-refueler, has reached Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska,
           United States of America (USA), to participate in Red Flag 24.
     •     Red Flag 24 is scheduled from May 30 to June 14, 2024, covering an area of approximately
           77,000 square miles.
     •     This year's exercise involves air forces from four countries, including the United States and India.
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Indian Army Boosts Modernization with "Vidyut Rakshak" Innovation to Enhance Generator Efficiency
     •     The Indian Army has taken a significant step towards modernization with the launch of “Vidyut
           Rakshak,” an in-house innovation designed to enhance generator efficiency.
     •     This was developed by Maj Rajprasad R S and was recently displayed during “Exercise Bharat
           Shakti,” which was witnessed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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     •     The innovation showcases the Indian Army’s dedication to adopting advanced technologies for
           operational efficiency.
About Indian Army :
     •     Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
     •     Chief of the Army Staff : General Manoj Pande
Indian Army Introduces Indigenous Nagastra-1 Kamikaze Drones Manufactured by Solar Industries
     ● The Indian Army has inducted Nagastra-1, India's first indigenous loitering munition developed by
           Nagpur-based Solar Industries.
     ● Nagastra-1, operating in a "kamikaze mode," boasts the capability to neutralise hostile threats
           with GPS-enabled precision strikes, exhibiting an impressive accuracy of 2 metres.
Specifications:
     ● Weight: 9 kilograms
     ● Endurance: 30 minutes
     ● Man-in-loop range: 15 kilometres
     ● Autonomous mode range: 30 kilometres
     ● Electric propulsion system ensures low acoustic signature, undetectable by adversaries at
           heights over 200 metres.
     ● Order and Delivery:The Indian Army placed an order for 480 Loiter Munitions with Economics
           Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries, under an emergency purchase agreement.
     ● Economics Explosives Limited (EEL), in collaboration with Z-Motion Autonomous Systems
           Private Limited, Bangalore, has spearheaded the development of Nagastra-1, with over 75%
           indigenous content.
     ● This man-portable system, weighing 30 kilograms in two rucksacks, comprises essential
           components such as the Ground Control Station, Communication Control, Payload, and
           Pneumatic Launcher.
About Indian Army :
     ● Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
     ● Chief of the Army Staff : General Manoj Pande
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India to host its 1st multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti in August 2024
     ● The Indian Air Force (IAF) will host its first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, in
         August 2024.
Participating Countries:
     ● The exercise will likely see participation from 10 countries, including Australia, France, Germany,
         Japan, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
     ● Additional countries will participate as observers.
Purpose and Interoperability:
     ● To invite friendly foreign countries with which the IAF has regular interactions and a certain
         degree of interoperability.
Scheduling and Phases:
     ● Tarang Shakti-2024 was initially planned for the end of 2023 but got deferred.
     ● It will be conducted in two phases:
            1. The first phase will be in southern India in the first two weeks of August.
            2. The second phase will be in the western sector from the end of August to mid-September.
Specific Contributions:
     ● Germany will deploy fighter jets and an A-400M transport aircraft, which is a contender for the
         IAF's tender for medium transport aircraft.
About IAF :
     ●   Established : 1932
     ●   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ●   Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
     ●   Chief of the Air Staff : Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
Indian Air Force Contingent Participates In Exercise Red Flag 2024 Conducted At Eielson Air Force
Base, Alaska
     ● An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent participated in the Exercise Red Flag 2024 conducted at
         Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska of the United States Air Force, from 04 June to 14 June 2024.
     ● This was the 2nd edition of Red Flag 2024, an advanced aerial combat training exercise held 4
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Anil Chauhan releases India’s First Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations
     ● The Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan released India’s first joint doctrine for
         cyberspace operations, acknowledging that cyberspace has emerged as a crucial and
         challenging domain in modern warfare.
What is Cyber Warfare?
     ● Cyber warfare is actions taken in cyberspace (dynamic and virtual space that connects the
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Indian Army launches first skin bank for advanced care of personnel and families
     ● The Indian Army announced the opening of a state-of-the-art skin bank facility at the Army
        Hospital (Research & Referral).
     ● The facility offers the latest modern treatment for severe burn injuries received by armed forces
        personnel and their families.
     ● This will be the first of its kind to be established within the Armed Forces Medical Services to
        cater to the three kinds of patients the Army hospitals see: injuries from domestic fire accidents,
        electrical incidents, and kerosene warmers jawans and officers use to keep themselves warm at
        high altitudes.
     ● The MoD stated that the facility will adhere to the highest quality control and safety standards,
        ensuring the integrity and reliability of the skin grafts.
     ● The skin bank now completes the organ donation programme the Army is pushing to save the
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Mazagon Dockyard Limited in Advanced Negotiations with Defence Ministry for ₹35,000 Crore Kalvari
Submarine Agreement
     ● Talks on acquiring additional Kalvari-class (Scorpene) submarines for the Indian Navy have
        progressed, with state-owned Mazagaon Dockyard Limited (MDL) in advanced discussions for a
        potential ₹35,000-crore deal that will help boost India's underwater strength.
     ● The new submarines -3 additional Kalvari-class which are under negotiation -- will be larger than
        their predecessor and will be packed with modern electronics that will give them better strength
        and longer endurance.
     ● Indigenous Content: At least 60% of the new submarines' content will be indigenous, involving
        Indian sub-suppliers and the MSME sector, ensuring significant technology transfer and local job
        creation.
     ● Current Projects:MDL is Currently constructing the Kalvari-class submarines under Project 75
        with French assistance.
     ● The sixth and final submarine of the current batch is likely to be delivered by the end of this year
About Indian Navy :
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
     ● Chief of the Naval Staff : Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) :
     ● Founded : 1934
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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     ● Indian Army engineers constructed a 150-foot suspension bridge in north Sikkim in less than 48
        hours.
     ● The bridge was built over a river with water flowing at speeds exceeding 20 knots.
     ● The bridge re-established connectivity to border villages that were cut off due to heavy rains in
        parts of Sikkim.
     ● It provided crucial relief to the local population by restoring access to essential resources.
About Indian Army :
     ● Founded : 26 January 1950
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi
     ● Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) : General Anil Chauhan
     ● Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) : General Manoj Pande
Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Defence Services Command and Staff College, Dhaka
Partner in Strategic and Operational Studies
     ● Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington,Tamil Nadu (TN) and Defence Services
        Command and Staff College (DSCSC), Mirpur, Dhaka,Bangladesh have inked a Memorandum of
        Understanding (MoU) for cooperation concerning Military Education in the field of Strategic and
        Operational Studies.
     ● Aim : To enhance bilateral engagements and cooperation between the two military colleges.
     ● The MoU was signed during the official state visit of PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh to India on
        22nd June 2024, highlighting its significance in bilateral relations.
About DSSC :
     ● Established : 1905
     ● Location :Wellington Cantonment, Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu, India
     ● Commandant : Lieutenant General Virendra Vats
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About DSCSC :
     ● Established : 1977
     ● Location : Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
     ● Commandant : . Faizur Rahman
     ● The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Medium
        Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy at a ceremony held
        in New Delhi.
What is meant by Microwave Obscurant Chaff?
     ● MOC, a niche technology developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, obscures radar
        signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, thus reducing radar
        detection.
     ● Trials and Demonstrations : The Phase-I trials of MR-MOCR were successfully conducted on
        Indian Navy ships, demonstrating the MOC cloud blooming and being persistent in space.
     ● In Phase-II trials, the Radar Cross-Section (RCS) reduction of an aerial target to the extent of
        90% has been demonstrated and cleared by the Indian Navy.
About DRDO :
     ● Formed : 1958
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi,India
     ● Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
     ● The DRDO is an agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the
        Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.
About Indian Navy :
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     ● Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
     ● Chief of the Naval Staff : Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Granted "Navratna" Status by the Department of Public Enterprises
     ● Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders has been granted "Navratna" status by the Department of Public
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        Enterprises.
     ● It has become the country's 18th PSU to have been accorded this status.
     ● Investment Capacity: Authorized to undertake investments up to ₹1,000 crore without requiring
        approval from the central government.
     ● Investment Limitations: Allowed to invest up to 30% of their net worth within a year, provided it
        does not exceed ₹1,000 crore.
Criteria for Navratna Status :
     ● A Navratna company is also allowed to form Joint Ventures, alliances and establish subsidiaries
        abroad.
     ● In order to become a Navratna company, the PSU should first be a Miniratna company.
Performance Criteria:
     ● Rating Requirement: Must have consistently received an outstanding rating under the
        Memorandum of Understanding System for at least three out of the last five years.
     ● Composite Score: Needs to achieve a composite score of 60 or above across 6 key performance
        areas:
                 1.     PBDIT to Capital Employed (15%)
                 2.     Manpower Cost to Cost of Production or Services (15%)
                 3.     Earnings per Share (10%)
                 4.     Net Profit to Net Worth (25%)
                 5.     PBIT to Turnover (15%)
                 6.     Inter-Sectoral Performance (20%)
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) :
     ● Founded : 1934
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Chairman & MD : Sanjeev Singhal
     ● MDL is a public sector undertaking managed by the Ministry of Defence, with the Government of
        India holding an 84.83% stake.
● The 350th contract under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of
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        the Ministry of Defence (MoD) was signed with SpacePixxel Technologies Private Limited for the
        design and development of a ‘miniaturised satellite capable of carrying electro-optical, infrared,
        synthetic aperture radar, and hyperspectral payloads up to 150 kgs.
     ● Signatories: The contract was exchanged between Anurag Bajpai, Additional Secretary (Defence
        Production) & CEO, Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO), and Awais Ahmed Nadeem Alduri,
        Founder and CEO of SpacePixxel Technologies.
     ● This challenge is being led by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
     ● The 150th iDEX contract was signed in December 2022.
     ● iDEX is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, launched in 2018.
ABHYAS High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target Successfully Completes Developmental Trials with
Enhanced Booster Configuration
     ● The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully completed six
        consecutive developmental trials of High Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’
        with improved booster configuration from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
     ● With this, ABHYAS has successfully completed 10 developmental trials demonstrating the
        reliability of the system.
About ABHYAS :
     ● ABHYAS has been designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru,
        and developed through Production Agencies - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited & Larsen & Toubro
        (L&T).
     ● The booster has been designed by Advanced Systems Laboratory and the navigation system by
        Research Centre Imarat.
Indian Naval Ship Sunayana arrives at Port Victoria, Seychelles, as part of extended deployment in the
Indian Ocean Region
     ● Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sunayna entered Port Victoria, Seychelles, on 26 June 2024 as part of
        her long-range deployment in the South Western Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
     ● The ship's visit coincides with the celebration of 48th National Day of Seychelles on 29 June 24.
     ● The deployment of an Indian Naval ship marks sustained participation of an Indian military
        contingent since 1976 reaffirming bonhomie between the two nations.
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INS Shivalik Arrives at Pearl Harbour to Participate in RIM of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) – 24
        ● Indian multi-role stealth frigate Indian Navy Ship (INS) Shivalik, mission deployed in the South
           China Sea and North Pacific Ocean, has reached Pearl Harbour in Hawaii to take part in the Rim
           of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise, which is the world's largest naval exercise.
        ● INS Shivalik sailed into Pearl Harbour on completion of JIMEX 24, a bilateral exercise between
           India and Japan.
Exercise Phases :
        ● The harbour phase of the exercise from 27 June to 07 July 2024 will see participation in multiple
           symposiums, exercise planning discussions, sports competitions and reciprocal deck visits.
        ● The sea phase of RIMPAC – 24, divided into three sub-phases will witness ships undertaking
           basic and advanced level integration exercises during the first two sub-phases.
Participants :
        ● The exercise will witness the participation of an Aircraft Carrier Battle Group, submarines,
           maritime reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted surface ships and
           also an amphibious force landing operations including joint operations with special forces of
           multinational navies.
        ● INS Shivalik's participation in RIMPAC-24, 9000 Nautical Miles away from Indian coast Stands
           testimony to the Indian Navy's capability to operate in any part of the world.
        ● INS Shivalik is an indigenously designed and built 6000 tonnes guided missile stealth frigate.
        ● Note : The first RIMPAC, held in 1971, involved forces from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the
           United Kingdom (UK), and the United States (US).
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    •   Chang'e-6 was launched on May 3 using China's Long March 5 rocket from the Wenchang
        Satellite Launch Center in Hainan, China.
About China:
    •   President: Xi Jinping
    •   Capital: Beijing
    •   Currency: Renminbi
IIT Madras Startup Agnikul Cosmos Launches World's First Rocket Featuring Fully 3D-Printed Engine
    •   In a remarkable achievement, IIT Madras’ startup, Agnikul Cosmos, has launched the world’s first
        rocket with a single-piece three-dimensional (3D) printed engine.
    •   The rocket Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) is also India’s first semi-
        cryogenic engine-powered rocket launch that was completely designed and manufactured
        indigenously.
    •   It was launched from India’s first privately developed launchpad called ‘Dhanush’ established by
        Agnikul at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
About Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited :
    •   Established : 2017
    •   Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu
    •   CEO : Srinath Ravichandran
    •   It is an Indian aerospace manufacturer based in National Centre for Combustion R&D (NCCRD) of
        IIT Madras, Chennai
European Space Agency Launches EarthCARE Mission to Study Clouds and Aerosols in Earth's
Climate
    •   Earth Cloud Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE) satellite, a joint mission of ESA
        (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), has been
        successfully launched.
    •   It aims to examine the role clouds and aerosols play in reflecting incident solar radiation back to
        space while trapping the infrared radiation emitted from Earth’s surface.
    •   The satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force
        Base in California, United States of America (USA) on May 29, 2024.
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About ESA :
    •       Established : 30 May 1975
    •       Headquarters : Paris, France
    •       Director General : Josef Aschbacher
    •       The ESA is a 22-member intergovernmental body devoted to space exploration.
About JAXA :
    •       Established : 1 October 2003
    •       Headquarters : Chōfu, Tokyo, Japan
    •       Administrator : Hiroshi Yamakawa
Pakistan Launches Multi-Mission Communication Satellite - PAKSAT MM1 with China's Assistance
        •     Pakistan launched a multi-mission communication satellite named PAKSAT MM1 for faster
              internet connectivity with the help of its all-weather ally China, making it Islamabad’s second
              satellite to be sent into orbit within a month.
        •     The Multi-Mission Communication Satellite,, was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch
              Center in China’s southwestern province of Sichuan.
        •     The satellite would “provide the best internet facilities across Pakistan” and help improve
              television broadcasts, cellular phones and broadband services.
        •     Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) stated that the
              satellite’s launch was a part of the National Space Programme 2047.
About Pakistan:
        •     President: Asif Ali Zardari
        •     Prime Minister : Shehbaz Sharif
        •     Capital: Islamabad
        •     Currency: Pakistani Rupee
Google Terminates More Than 50 Workers Over Protests Against Israel Cloud Deal
        •     A significant cloud computing and artificial intelligence initiative undertaken by Google in
              collaboration with the Israeli government, aimed at enhancing the latter's technological
              capabilities, particularly amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.
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     •     Employees at Google's offices in New York and Sunnyvale, California, organized sit-in protests
           against the company's involvement in Project Nimbus.
     •     These protests were led by the group No Tech For Apartheid.
About Google :
     •     Founded : September 4, 1998
     •     Headquarters : Googleplex, Mountain View, California, United States
     •     CEO : Sundar Pichai
Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko Sets Record as First Person to Spend 1,000 Days in Space
     ● Oleg Kononenko, a 59-year-old Russian cosmonaut, has become the first person to spend 1,000
           days in space.
     ● Kononenko achieved this milestone through five journeys to the International Space Station (ISS)
           starting from 2008.
     ● His current trip to the ISS began on September 15, 2023, launching alongside NASA astronaut
           Loral O'Hara and compatriot Nikolai Chub.
About Roscosmos :
     ● Founded : 25 February 1992
     ● Headquarters : Moscow, Russia
     ● Administrator : Yury Borisov
     ● It is a state corporation of the Russian Federation responsible for space flights, cosmonautics
           programs, and aerospace research.
Indian-American Astronaut Sunita Williams Becomes First Woman to Pilot New Spacecraft on Its
Maiden Crewed Test Flight
     ● Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore became the first people to fly to space in a Boeing Starliner
           during its first-ever crewed flight.
     ● Indian-Origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams made history by being the first female pilot of a
           newly developed human-rated spaceship.
     ● On June 5, 2024, the crew was launched from Space Launch Complex-41 at the Cape Canaveral
           Space Force Station in Florida to board the Atlas V rocket of United Launch Alliance.
Indian Space Research Organisation Unveils Thermal Infra-Red Imaging Satellite for High-resolution
Natural Resource Assessment: Indo-French Infrared Earth Observation Mission for Global Surface
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Indian Space Research Organisation Unveils Aditya-L1 Images of the Sun Captured During May Solar
Storm
     ● The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released stunning images of the Sun
           captured by the Aditya L1 satellite during a major geomagnetic storm in May, 2024.
     ● The mission aims to study the Sun, marking India's first space-based solar observatory.
     ● The two remote sensing payloads, namely the Solar UltraViolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) and
           the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), along with other payloads, captured these
           images from the Lagrange point (L1)in space.
About ISRO :
     ● Established: 15 August 1969
     ● Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     ● Chairman: S. Somanath
IISc researchers develop sustainable methods to remove heavy metal contaminants from groundwater
     •     Researchers at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST), Indian Institute of Science (IISc),
           have developed a novel remediation process for removing heavy metal contaminants such as
           arsenic from groundwater.
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     •     The three-step method, which is patent-pending, also ensures that the removed heavy metals
           are disposed of in an environment-friendly and sustainable manner, instead of sending untreated
           heavy metal-rich sludge to landfills from where they can potentially re-enter groundwater,
           Bengaluru-based IISc stated in a release, stated a report.
Scientists Identify "super fluffy" exoplanet with Density Comparable to Cotton Candy
     ● Researchers have discovered a "super fluffy" exoplanet, 50% larger than Jupiter and weighing
           only a 7th of it, giving it a "cotton candy"-like density.
     ● The new, "fluffy" planet has been named 'WASP-193b' and was found to be located about 1,200
           light years away from Earth, roughly equivalent to 10,800 trillion kilometres.
     ● The planet is so light that it's difficult to think of an analogous, solid-state material.
     ● The reason why it's close to cotton candy is because both are pretty much air.
     ● WASP-193b is the 2nd-lightest planet discovered so far, after the smaller, Neptune-like world,
           Kepler 51d.
     ● The exoplanet was initially spotted by the Wide Angle Search for Planets (WASP), an
           international collaboration of academic institutions.
     ● Astronomers had determined that the star's periodic dips in brightness were consistent with a
           planet passing in front of it every 6.25 days.
     ● In this study, the researchers used data from observatories based in the Atacama Desert, Chile,
           to measure the planet's weight.
     ● Their calculations revealed an "extremely low density" for the planet - 0.059 grams per cubic
           centimetre
Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory Discover Three New Craters on Mars
     ● The scientists of Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have discovered three
           new craters on Mars.
     ● They have been discovered in the Tharsis volcanic region on Mars.
     ● On the recommendation of the PRL, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group
           for Planetary System Nomenclature approved naming the three craters on Mars.
Naming of Craters :
     ● One crater has been named “Lal crater” after Prof. Devendra Lal, a renowned Indian geophysicist
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Woman-Led Start-up Develops 'Divya Drishti', a Cutting-Edge AI Personal Identification Tool Under
Technology Development Fund
     ● A woman-led start-up, Ingenious Research Solutions Private Limited, developed 'Divya Drishti',
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        an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tool combining facial recognition with gait analysis.
     ● This innovative solution marks a “significant advancement” in biometric authentication
        technology, offering “enhanced accuracy and reliability” in identifying individuals.
     ● The start-up was established by woman entrepreneur Shivani Verma after winning the
        prestigious ‘Dare to Dream 2.0’, a pan India theme-based contest organised by the Defence
        Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
Key Highlights :
     ● Technical Features:'Divya Drishti' integrates face recognition with immutable physiological
        parameters like gait and skeleton analysis.
     ● This dual approach improves identification accuracy, suitable for sectors including defence, law
        enforcement, corporate security, and public infrastructure.
     ● Support and Mentoring : The tool has been developed under the technical guidance and
        mentoring of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR), a laboratory of the DRDO
        based in Bengaluru.
     ● The initiative is supported by the DRDO's Technology Development Fund (TDF), aimed at
        promoting start-ups in defence and aerospace sectors for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.
About DRDO :
     ● Formed : 1958
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi,India
     ● Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
     ● The DRDO is an agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the
        Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.
     ● A team of scientists from Assam, Odisha, China, and the United Kingdom have developed a
        water-repellent catalyst that can cut the cost of producing “environmentally benign” biodiesel
        substantially from the current levels.
     ● The process of arriving at the “spherical superhydrophobic activated carbon catalyst” to withstand
        water by-product during the production of biodiesel – pursued as a substitute for diesel, an
        exhaustible fossil fuel – has been published in the latest issue of the peer-reviewed Advanced
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        Functional Materials, a high impact journal of the international materials science community.
     ● The authors of the study are Arpita Das, Kangkana Saikia, and Samuel Lalthazuala Rokhum of
        Southern Assam’s Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Silchar,
        Chandrakanta Guchhait and Bimalendu Adhikari of NIT Rourkela in Odisha, Da Shi of the
        University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, and Hu Li of the Guizhou University in China.
Google brings Gemini mobile app to India with support for 9 Indian languages
     ● Google has launched the Gemini app in India, supporting 9 Indian languages.
     ● The AI chatbot, which was only available in English, now lets users type or talk in Hindi, Bengali,
        Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu.
     ● To get Gemini on Android, users can either download the app from the Play Store or opt-in
        using Google Assistant.
     ● As for iOS, Gemini will be accessible from the Google app in the coming weeks.
     ● Similar to Google’s previous voice assistant, which appears as an overlay, you can summon
        Gemini by saying ‘Hey Google’.
     ● Just like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, you can use the Gemini app can help you draft messages, help
        write emails, analyse images and upload files and ask questions about them.
     ● The chatbot can also search the internet for information on your behalf and is integrated with
        various Google services like Gmail and Maps.
     ● Powered by Gemini 1.0 Pro, the free-to-use AI chatbot also offers a paid option that gives access
        to Gemini Advanced based on Gemini 1.5 Pro, an advanced large language model with a 1
        million token context window.
Indian Space Research Organisation Successfully Completes 3rd and Final 'Pushpak' Reusable Launch
Vehicle Landing Test
     ● The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the third and final
        landing experiment of its Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) ‘Pushpak’ at the Aeronautical Test
        Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka.
     ● The RLV LEX-03 which stands for Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment 3,
        demonstrated the autonomous landing capability under more severe wind conditions.
     ● The Chinook helicopter released the Reusable Launch Vehicle Pushpak at an altitude of 4.5 kms
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Biocon Receives European Medicines Agency Approval to Manufacture Bevacizumab for European
Market
     ● Biocon Biologics Limited. (BBL), a global, integrated biosimilars company and a subsidiary of
        Biocon Limited., has received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to
        manufacture biosimilar Bevacizumab at its new, world-class, multi-product monoclonal antibodies
        (mAbs) drug substance facility at Bengaluru, Karnataka.
     ● This approval would provide significant additional capacity to address patients’ needs across
        markets in Europe.
     ● Bevacizumab Usage : Bevacizumab is used to treat various forms of cancer, including colon and
        rectal cancer (cancer that begins in the large intestine), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),
        glioblastoma (a type of cancerous brain tumour), and cervical cancer.
     ● The Bengaluru facility had previously been approved to manufacture biosimilar Trastuzumab in
        September 2022.
About Biocon Limited :
     ● Founded: 1978
     ● Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     ● Executive Chairman: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
     ● MD & CEO: Siddharth Mittal
     ● Subsidiaries: Syngene International Limited (Syngene) is a publicly listed subsidiary, operating in
        the contract research and development organization sector.
About European Medicines Agency (EMA) :
     ● Formed : 1 January 1995
     ● Headquarters : Amsterdam, Netherlands
     ● Executive Director : Emer Cooke
     ● Chairperson : Christa Wirthumer-Hoche
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     ● Function and History:EMA is an agency of the European Union (EU) responsible for the
        evaluation and supervision of pharmaceutical products.
     ● Prior to 2004, it was known as the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products or
        European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA).
SpaceX Falcon Heavy Successfully Deploys New Satellite to Track Solar Storms
     ● SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, one of the world’s most powerful operational rockets, blasted off
        carrying into orbit a new US satellite designed to help weather forecasters monitor massive solar
        storms.
     ● The rocket, consisting of 3 modified Falcon cores, launched from Florida’s Kennedy Space
        Center.
     ● GOES-U Satellite : GOES-U is the 4th and final satellite in a series from NOAA (National
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and NASA.
About SpaceX:
     ● Founded on March 14, 2002.
     ● Headquarters in Hawthorne, California, United States.
     ● CEO & Chairman: Elon Musk.
     ● Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) is a spacecraft manufacturer, launch
        service provider, and satellite communications company.
                                                  SPORTS NEWS
Praggnanandhaa secures the top spot in Norway Chess by defeating Carlsen.
•    Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa secured a historic victory by defeating world number one
     Magnus Carlsen in the Classical format, emerging as the sole leader in the Norway Chess
     tournament.
•    At the conclusion of the third round, Praggnanandhaa's tally stands at 5.5 out of nine points, while
     Carlsen has slipped to the fifth position.
•    Vaishali R secured her first classical win in the Norway Chess Women’s Tournament by defeating
     fellow Indian Koneru Humpy.
Indian Mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta Becomes First Person To Scale Mt. Everest And Mt. Lhotse
Twice In One Season
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•       Indian mountaineer Satyadeep Gupta has etched his name in history by achieving two remarkable
        feats: becoming the first person to scale Mt Everest and Mt Lhotse twice in a single season, and the
        first Indian to traverse both peaks within a span of 11 hours and 15 minutes.
•       Gupta commenced his extraordinary journey by conquering the 8,516-meter-high Mt Lhotse,
        followed by scaling the 8,849-meter-high Mt Everest at 12:45 am, midnight.
BFI joins World Boxing but claims it also remains affiliated to IBA
    •       The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has agreed to join World Boxing, the International Federation
            dedicated to safeguarding boxing within the Olympic Movement.
    •       The BFI's General Assembly has approved the membership application, which World Boxing's
            Executive Board will subsequently ratify.
    About World Boxing
    •       World Boxing, led by President Boris van der Vorst, was launched in April 2023 to preserve
            boxing's place within the Olympic movement.
    About the Boxing Federation of India
    •       The Boxing Federation of India serves as the Indian national governing body for amateur boxing
            for Olympic purposes and is affiliated with the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA).
    •       Headquartered in New Delhi.
    •       President Ajay Singh leads it.
Real Madrid Clinches 15th UEFA Champions League Title at Wembley Stadium
        •     At Wembley Stadium, Real Madrid added another chapter to their illustrious history by securing a
              record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title.
        •     The Spanish giants displayed their trademark resilience and clinical prowess, clinching a hard-
              fought 2-0 victory over a determined Borussia Dortmund side.
        •     Dortmund dominated proceedings for much of the match, particularly in a one-sided first half,
              creating numerous scoring opportunities.
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        •     Impressive International Career Karthik's international journey spanned 180 games across all
              three formats, where he amassed 3463 runs, including a solitary Test hundred and 17 half-
              centuries.
Devarakeshavi Prakasha Manu Secures Gold Medal in Javelin at Taiwan Athletics Open 2024
    •       Indian javelin thrower DP Manu secured the gold medal at the Taiwan Athletics Open 2024 with an
            impressive throw of 81.58 meters.
    •       Manu's journey to victory began with a strong throw of 78.32 meters.
    •       Silver Medal: Chao Tsun Cheng of Chinese Taipei with a throw of 76.21 meters.
    •       Bronze Medal: Chao-Hong Huang, also from Chinese Taipei, with a throw of 71.24 meters.
GM Erigaisi breaks into top-5 in FIDE rating list
        •     Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi’s strong showing in the French Team Chess Championship has
              helped him reach the fifth spot in the FIDE standings, making him the highest ranked Indian by
              live rating.
        •     Arjun, with a ELO rating of 2769.7, has so far added 8.7 points to his tally, behind Magnus
              Carlsen of Norway, USA’s Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana and Ian Nepomniachtchi of
              Russia.
French Open: Jannik Sinner becomes first Italian World No. 1 after Djokovic withdrawal
        •     Jannik Sinner became the first ever Italian player to be crowned the ATP World No. 1 in men's
              singles competition.
        •     Sinner achieved the feat after he beat Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-final of the competition.
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     •     Sinner was aided by the withdrawal of defending champion Novak Djokovic from the French
           Open, ahead of his quarter-final match against Casper Ruus.
     •     The withdrawal ended the Serb's quest for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam trophy and will
           result in him losing the world number one ranking to Italian Jannik Sinner later this month.
Seagram’s Royal Stag Renews Partnership with ICC as Official Supporter for Four Years
•    Seagram’s Royal Stag has extended its association with the International Cricket Council (ICC) for
     four more years, solidifying the brand’s commitment to cricket and the sport’s global community of
     fans.
•    The partnership, which will run until the end of 2027, extends Royal Stag’s status as an Official
     Supporter, kicking off with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA.
•    This extension follows the brand’s successful five-year partnership with the ICC between 2018 and
     2023.
ISSF World Cup 2024 Munich: India’s Sarabjot Singh wins gold medal in 10m air pistol
● Indian shooter Sarabjot Singh secured India’s first medal at the ISSF World Cup in Munich,
     Germany.
● Gold Medal: He claimed the gold medal in the men’s 10-meter air pistol event, scoring an impressive
     242.7 points in the final.
● Silver Medal: Shuaihang Bu of the People’s Republic of China.
● Bronze Medal: Robin Walter of Germany.
●          Prestigious Event: The ISSF World Cup is one of the most prestigious shooting tournaments
globally, second only to the Olympics.
●          Organizer: Hosted by the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF), the event attracts top
shooters from across the globe.
●          Annual Schedule: Since 1996, four ISSF World Cups are organized annually, except during
Olympic years when three are held.
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●       Event Categories: The ISSF World Cup comprises separate competitions for rifle, pistol, and
shotgun events.
Rohit Sharma Makes History in 9th ICC T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament
● The Indian cricket team, led by captain Rohit Sharma, commenced their journey at the 9th ICC T20
     World Cup with a convincing 8-wicket win against Ireland.
● Venue: The match took place at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York,
     USA.
● Bowling Excellence: Jasprit Bumrah showcased a remarkable bowling display, taking 2 wickets for
     just 6 runs, earning him the prestigious 'Man of the Match' award.
● Record-breaking Achievement: Rohit Sharma, renowned as the "Hitman" for his extraordinary six-
     hitting prowess, created history by becoming the first cricketer in the world to smash 600 sixes in
     international cricket.
Iga Swiatek eases past Jasmine Paolini to win third consecutive French Open
•    Iga Swiatek won her third consecutive French Open championship, defeating Jasmine Paolini of
     Italy 6-2, 6-1 in the final.
•    Grand Slam Titles: This victory marks her fourth French Open title in five years and her fifth Grand
     Slam title overall.
•    Consecutive Titles: Swiatek is the third woman to win three consecutive titles at the French Open,
     following Monica Seles (1990-1992) and Justine Henin (2005-2007).
•    Previous Achievements: Swiatek won her maiden Grand Slam at the French Open four years ago
     and claimed the US Open title in 2022.
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•    Team India's journey to the Paris Olympics has kicked off with a remarkable achievement in
     sponsorship.
•    The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has secured approximately Rs 50 crore in sponsorship
     revenue from renowned brands and establishments.
•    This amount is double the figure attained for the Tokyo Games in 2020 and a staggering 2,000%
     increase from the pre-Rio 2016 period.
•    Major sponsors and brands supporting the IOA include Reliance Foundation, JSW, Yes Bank, Ebco,
     Puma, Adani Sportsline, and Aditya Birla Capital.
Max Verstappen wins 3rd straight Canadian Grand Prix, completes 60 F1 wins
•    Max Verstappen secured victory at the Canadian Grand Prix for the third consecutive year, adding to
     his impressive tally of 60 Formula 1 wins and marking his sixth triumph in nine races this season.
•    Starting from second position in wet conditions alongside pole-sitter George Russell, Verstappen
     showcased his prowess at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Ile Notre-Dame, delivering a commanding
     performance in the latter stages of the race.
•    The 26-year-old Dutchman's victory underscores his remarkable consistency, with an astounding 50
     wins in the last 75 Formula 1 races, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the sport.
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•    Lahiri's round showcased a mix of skill and determination, featuring five birdies, an eagle, and three
     bogeys, building upon his earlier rounds of 69-69.
Jose Molina becomes new Mohun Bagan SG head coach, replaces Antonio Habas
     •     Mohun Bagan Super Giant have appointed former ATK boss Jose Molina as their head coach for
           the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The club announced the Spaniard’s
           appointment on their social media.
     •     Jose Francisco Molina, who also served as the Technical Director of the Spanish Football
           Federation (REEF), will replace compatriot Antonio Lopez Habas who took over duties midway
           last season and led the club to their maiden ISL League shield.
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● India will host the Junior Hockey World Cup for the fourth time.
● Previous editions were held in New Delhi in 2013, Lucknow in 2016, and Bhubaneswar in 2021.
Puja Tomar scripts history becomes first Indian to win a bout in the UFC
● Puja Tomar made history as the first mixed martial arts fighter from India to secure a victory at the
     Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
● In her debut bout in the straw-weight (52kg) category, Tomar clinched a split- decision win over
     Brazil's Rayanne dos Santos, with scores of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28.
● The 30-year-old, nicknamed "Cyclone," signed with the UFC in October last year, becoming India's
     first woman to compete in the prestigious MMA promotion.
About UFC
● Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is a prominent American mixed martial arts promotion
     company known worldwide.
Franchise Highlights
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Leading the league with a brand value of $231 million, CSK has been
     consistent, qualifying for playoffs in 12 out of 15 seasons and securing five titles, largely attributed to
     former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
2. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Following closely with a brand value of $227 million, RCB
     benefits significantly from star cricketer Virat Kohli's presence.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): After a successful season 17, KKR clinched the championship and
     holds a brand value of $216 million, securing the third position.
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4. Mumbai Indians (MI): Ranked fourth with a brand value of $204 million, MI remains a strong
     contender in the league.
Neeru Pathak Sets New U18 National Record in Women's 400m at National Youth Athletics
Championships
● Neeru Pathak delivered a stunning performance at the National Youth Athletics Championships in
     Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, setting a new U18 national record in women's 400m.
● Clocking an impressive 52.85 seconds, she not only secured the gold medal but also surpassed the
     qualification mark for the World U20 Championships.
● Her time marks the fourth-best U18 performance globally this year, highlighting her exceptional
     sprinting prowess throughout the competition.
● Performance Overview: Neeru Pathak showcased outstanding sprinting skills, dominating Heat 3
     with a timing of 54.93s and continuing her strong form in subsequent rounds.
● Men's 400m Champion: Bapi Handsa set a meet-record of 47.12s to clinch gold in the men's 400m,
     demonstrating his impressive form despite missing his personal best.
● Women's 100m Victory: Abhinaya Rajarajan claimed the gold in women's 100m with a time of
     12.09s, adding to her recent achievements in athletics.
● Olympic Qualification: With a commendable 777 ATP points, Nagal has secured his place as India's
     sole representative in men's singles at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
● 2024 Highlights: His year began with a notable run at the Australian Open, reaching the second
     round, and included victories at the Heilbronn Neckarcup in Germany and the Chennai Open.
● Upcoming Events: Nagal is set to compete in the main draw of Wimbledon followed by the
     prestigious Paris Olympics at Roland Garros, highlighting his packed schedule on the global stage.
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●    India's Olympic and world champion javelin thrower, Neeraj Chopra, claimed his maiden gold medal
     at the Paavo Nurmi Games, showcasing his dominance upon returning to competitive action after a
     month-long break.
●    Gold Medal Performance: Neeraj Chopra secured the gold with a throw of 85.97m in his third
     attempt, leading the field for most of the competition.
●    Silver and Bronze: Toni Keranen won the silver with a personal best of 84.19m, while 2022 gold-
     medallist Oliver Helander took bronze with 83.96m.
●    Previous Performances:
            ⮚ Doha Diamond League: Chopra began his season in May, finishing second with a throw of
               88.36m, the ninth-best mark of his career.
            ⮚ National Federation Cup: He also secured gold at the National Federation Cup Senior
               Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar with a throw of 82.27m.
●    Upcoming Events: Chopra will compete next at the Paris Diamond League on July 7.
●    Event Background: The Paavo Nurmi Games, held annually since 1957 at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium
     in Turku, Finland, became part of the IAAF World Challenge in 2017.
World Athletics Championships 2023: Neeraj Chopra becomes the first-ever Indian world champion to
win gold
     ● India’s Neeraj Chopra made history again by winning the gold medal in the men’s javelin throw at
        the World Athletics Championships 2023 held in Budapest, Hungary.
     ● With an outstanding throw of 88.17 meters, the Olympic champion became the first Indian athlete
        to clinch a gold medal at the senior world championships.
Verstappen wins third Spanish GP in a row
     ● Max Verstappen notched his third consecutive victory at the Spanish Grand Prix, kicking off the
        triple-header race weekends with a dominant performance in Barcelona.
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Smriti Mandhana becomes the first Indian woman cricketer to score consecutive centuries in ODIs.
     ● Smriti Mandhana, renowned for her aggressive batting style, created history in Indian cricket
         during the recent ODI series against South Africa.
     ● She became the first Indian woman cricketer to score consecutive centuries in ODIs.
Cummins creates history with second consecutive T20 World Cup hat-trick
     ● Australia's Pat Cummins has achieved a remarkable milestone in T20 World Cup history by
         becoming the first bowler to secure consecutive hat-tricks in the tournament.
Indian recurve mixed team wins bronze medal in Archery World Cup
     ● India's recurve mixed team of Dhiraj Bommadevara and Bhajan Kaur displayed exceptional skill
         to secure a bronze medal in the Archery World Cup Stage 3.
     ●   Medal Tally: This bronze marks India's third medal at the event, with prospects for more as Dhiraj
         Bommadevara and Ankita Bhakat advance to their individual semifinals.
     ●   Additional Achievements: Earlier, the Indian women's compound team comprising Jyothi Surekha
         Vennam, Aditi Swami, and Parneet Kaur secured a gold medal, while Priyansh claimed a silver in
         their respective events.
Jessica Pegula knocks out Coco Gauff in semis, beats Anna Kalinskaya to win Berlin Open
     ● Jessica Pegula emerged victorious at the Berlin Open after a series of compelling matches,
         including a rain-interrupted semi-final against top seed Coco Gauff and a final against Anna
         Kalinskaya.
     ● India concluded their campaign at the Under-17 Asian Wrestling Championships in Amman,
         Jordan, with an impressive tally of 11 medals: four gold, two silver, and five bronze.
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     ●   Gold Medalists: Dipanshi (46 kg), Muskan (53 kg), Rajnita (61 kg), and Mansi Lather (69 kg)
         showcased exceptional performances in their weight categories, securing gold medals.
     ●   Silver Medalist: Raja Bala displayed determination in the 40 kg category, earning a silver despite
         fierce competition.
Men's Achievements:
     ●   Silver Medal: Samarth Gajanan Mhakave demonstrated skill in the 55 kg category, claiming a
         silver medal.
     ●   Bronze Medalists: Akash (65 kg), Sachin Kumar (71 kg), Bikash Kacchap (48 kg), Tushar
         Tukaram Patil (60 kg), and Ronak (110 kg) exhibited their prowess with bronze medal victories.
     ● Anush Agarwalla, an Asian Games medallist, has been chosen by the Equestrian Federation of
         India (EFI) to represent the nation in the dressage event at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
     ● His selection came after edging out competitor Shruti Vora with superior average scores.
     ● Historic Milestone: This decision marks a historic moment for India, as it signifies the country's
         inaugural entry into the Olympic dressage competition.
IOA's Enhanced Cash Awards for Paris Olympic Games 2024
     ● The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has announced substantial cash awards for Indian athletes
         achieving medals at the Paris Olympic Games, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024.
     ● Silver Medalists: Rs 75 lakh
     ● Bronze Medalists: Rs 50 lakh
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Travis Head Becomes World No. 1 in ICC T20I Men’s Batting Rankings
     ● Travis Head, the Australian opener, has ascended to the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I Men’s
         Batting Rankings.
     ● Head moved up four places following his stellar T20 World Cup 2024 performance.
     ●   Head replaced India’s Suryakumar Yadav, who previously held the top position.
     ●   In June 2024, Carlos Alcaraz clinched his first French Open title, making him the youngest male
         tennis player to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces: hard, grass, and clay.
     ●   Alcaraz joins an elite group of six other male players who have achieved this feat: Mats Wilander,
         Jimmy Connors, Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.
Team India clinches its second ICC T20 World Cup title against South Africa
     ● India clinched its second T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa by seven runs in the final
         at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.
     ● The title triumph ended India's 11-year ICC trophy drought, dating back to the ICC Champions
         Trophy in 2013. This is India’s second T20 World Cup victory after they had won it in 2007 and
         first since winning the Champions Trophy in 2013.
     ● India's ICC trophy cabinet now contains six titles. It has won the ODI World Cup twice (1983,
         2011), the T20 World Cup in 2007 and 2024, and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002 and 2013.
     ● Virat Kohli was declared the Player of the Match award for his fabulous innings. Pacer Jaspreet
         Bumrah was awarded the Player of the Tournament.
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                                                 OBITUARIES
British TV Presenter Michael Mosley Discovered Dead on Greek Island
     ● British TV presenter and advocate for healthy living, Michael Hugh Mosley, has been discovered
           dead on the Greek island of Symi at the age of 67.
     ● Mosley was born in Calcutta, India, on 22 March 1957.
     ● He was a prominent British television journalist, producer, presenter, and writer, known for his
           work with the BBC starting from 1985, following his medical school education.
Mumbai Cricket Association Honorary President Amol Kale Passed Away in New York
     ● Amol Kale, aged 47, and the honorary president of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA),
           passed away due to a cardiac arrest in New York.
     ● Kale, along with MCA secretary Ajinkya Naik and apex council member Suraj Samat, had
           attended India’s thrilling victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup from the stadium on June
           9, 2024.
     ● Hailing from Nagpur, Kale was based in Mumbai for well over a decade, setting up a variety of
           businesses.
About Mumbai Cricket Association :
     ● Founded : 1930
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Malawi Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima Dies in Plane Crash Alongside 9 Others
     •     Malawi's Vice President Saulos Chilima and 9 others were killed in a plane crash.
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     ● In Calcutta in the 1950s, Nair’s first job was the role of a typist at a private firm.
     ● In 1976, he started living in the Kansaripara Road area and in 2018, after six decades, the 86-
        year-old eventually gave in to the requests of his family members in Kerala and bid farewell to
        Kolkata, a city he lovingly chronicled in more than 60 books.
Frank Duckworth, Co-Inventor of the DLS Method and Renowned English Statistician, Passed Away
     ● English statistician and one of the inventors of the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, Frank
        Duckworth passed away at the age of 84.
     ● Duckworth was born in 1939 in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, England.
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Former Foreign Secretary Muchkund Dubey, Who Led During Cold War's End, Passed Away
     ● Former Foreign Secretary Muchkund Dubey, who steered India’s foreign affairs establishment
        towards the end of the Cold War and the post-Cold War phase in the early 1990s, passed away.
     ● Dubey born in 1933 in Jasidih (then part of Santhal Pargana, Bihar, now Jharkhand), joined the
        Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1957.
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S. No Topics Page No
1. IMPORTANT DAYS 03
2. NATIONAL NEWS 08
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 40
4. STATE NEWS 47
5. BUSINESS NEWS 70
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                                              IMPORTANT DAYS
GST Day - July 1
     •   GST Day is observed on July 1st each year, commemorating the date when GST was officially
         launched in India.
     •   The first GST Day was observed on July 1, 2018, marking the first anniversary of the adoption of
         this transformative tax system.
     •   The parliament enacted the Constitution (101st Amendment) Act in August 2016 authorising the
         central government to charge and collect GST.
     •   Hence, GST came into effect on July 1, 2017, establishing a single market for easy interstate
         trade.
World UFO Day 2024: July 2
     •   Every year on July 2nd, World UFO Day is commemorated to raise awareness About
         Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) spotted in several parts of the world and alien life forms.
     •   July 2 is celebrated as World UFO Day to commemorate the supposed UFO crash incident in
         Roswell New Mexico in 1947.
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     •   Every year on July 6th, World Zoonoses Day is commemorated as the anniversary of the first-
         ever vaccine given for any zoonotic disease way back in 1885.
     •   In 2300 B.C., Rabies was first recorded and the Mosaic Esmuna Code of Babylon showed the
         first written account of rabies causing death in humans and dogs.
     •   On this day on 6th July 1885, a French biologist named Louise Pasteur who is also very known
         for his theory of pasteurization successfully administered the first-ever vaccination given for a
         zoonotic disease to a man named Joseph Meister who was bitten by a dog with rabies.
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     ● World Day for International Justice 2024 is celebrated and observed all over the world on July
        17th.
     ● Every year on July 17, the day of many names, also known as International Justice Day, World
        Day for International Justice, or Day of International Criminal Justice, is celebrated to
        acknowledge the system of international justice.
Nelson Mandela International Day 2024: July 18
     ● On July 18th, Nelson Mandela International Day 2024 is celebrated and observed worldwide as
        an honouring event.
     ● Nelson Mandela International Day (also known as Mandela Day) is a yearly international
        celebration honouring Mandela, which is observed on his birthday, July 18th.
     ● Theme for 2024: “It's still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”.
     ● On July 18, 2009, The first Nelson Mandela International Day was held in New York.
International Moon Day 2024: July 20
     ● International Moon Day is celebrated every year on July 20th to commemorate the anniversary of
        Neil Armstrong’s landing on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission and to promote
        international cooperation in space exploration
     ● The first global celebration of International Moon Day took place on July 20, 2022.
World Chess Day 2024: July 20
     ● World Chess Day is globally celebrated on July 20th every year to mark the date of the
        establishment of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in Paris in 1924.
     ● World Chess Day is celebrated on July 20th every year to commemorate the founding of the
        International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924.
     ● The purpose of World Chess Day 2024 is to promote chess as a game for everyone, regardless
        of age, gender, or background.
     ● The Global Chess Alliance (FIDE) was established in Paris, France in 1924 by the public chess
        organizations of Argentina, Czechoslovakia, France, Poland, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and
        Yugoslavia.
World Brain Day 2024: July 22
     ● Every year on July 22nd, World Brain Day is celebrated by people worldwide to prevent brain
        disabilities and treat and rehabilitate them.
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     ● The World Federation of Neurology was the first to establish World Brain Day as a worldwide
        commemoration.
     ● The theme of World Brain Day 2024 is "Brain Health and Prevention".
     ● World Brain Day 2024 was discovered by the World Federation of Neurology for the first time.
     ● The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) was founded on July 22, 1957 in Belgium.
National Broadcasting Day 2024: July 23
     ● Every year National Broadcasting Day is celebrated in India on July 23rd to commemorate the
        first-ever radio broadcast that took place in the country on this day in 1927.
     ● The Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established in 1927 after the success of BIBC. IBC
        had to shut down in 1930 due to financial problems.
     ● The Government of India took over the broadcasting service and created the Indian State
        Broadcasting Service (ISBS) in 1930.
National Flag Day 2024: JULY 22
     ● Every year, India observes National Flag Adoption Day on July 22 to honour the adoption of the
        tricolour flag and the Ashoka Chakra, symbols of the country's freedom, unity, and sovereignty.
     ● This observance commemorates the Constituent Assembly's 1947 adoption of India's tricolour
        flag, just weeks before the country's independence from British colonial authorities on August 15.
     ● Ashoka Chakra: The Ashoka Chakra, which replaced the spinning wheel or 'Charkha' on the flag,
        symbolized self-reliance and resistance during India's struggle for freedom. This modification was
        proposed by Badr-ud-Din Tyabji and supported by Mahatma Gandhi.
     ● Flag Code of India: In 2002, amendments to the Flag Code of India expanded citizens' rights
        regarding the national flag. Previously restricted to national days, the flag can now be displayed
        and used on any day of the year, subject to guidelines ensuring respect and dignity.
Income Tax Day 2024: July 24 Celebrated As Aaykar Diwas
     ● India’s National Income Tax Day or Rashtriya Aaykar Divas is a significant event in India,
        commemorated on July 24th each year.
     ● It marks the country's commitment to responsible financial citizenship and reflects the importance
        of taxation in nation-building.
     ● The Indian National Income Tax Day is an annual observance held on July 24th to commemorate
        the introduction of India's first Income Tax Act in 1860 by Sir James Wilson.
     ● This year we will witness the 164th National Income Tax Day.
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     ● National Income Tax is observed every year to spread the awareness and understanding of the
        Taxation System in India.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024: July 26
● Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 is observed on July 26 every year in memory of soldiers who sacrificed their
     lives in the Kargil War.
● Kargil Vijay Diwas 2024 celebrates the victory of the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan during the
     Kargil War, which took place between May and July 1999
● The Kargil War was an armed conflict between India and Pakistan in the Kargil district of Jammu and
     Kashmir.
World Nature Conservation Day 2024: July 28
● On July 28th, World Nature Conservation Day 2024 is celebrated and observed all over the world as
     an awareness program to conserve Nature.
● In 2018, The E.U. completely restricted the outdoor use of three neonicotinoids (a type of pesticide).
● On October 5, 1948, In Fontainebleau, a small town in France, the International Union for
     Conservation of Nature was established.
International Tiger Day 2024: July 29
● International Tiger Day is celebrated and observed worldwide as an awareness program on July
     29th.
● In 1973, India launched Project Tiger to revive the tiger population.
● In 2010, 13 tiger range countries committed to TX2 to double wild tiger numbers by 2024.
● In 2017, IUCN recognized the continental tiger and the Sunda island tiger as tiger subspecies.
● In 2024, The WWF aims to double the number of wild tigers in 2024.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024: July 30
● Every year, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024 is observed on 30th July to build
     awareness of the anxiety of human trafficking victims and to promote and protect their rights.
● The theme for the 2024 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is "Leave No Child Behind in the
     Fight Against Human Trafficking".
● In 2013, the UN General Assembly arranged a high-level meeting to work on the Global Plan of
     Action.
● The member states took on a resolution A/RES/68/192 and designated 30 July as the World Day
     against Trafficking in Persons.
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                                              NATIONAL NEWS
Union Minister G Kishan Reddy Launches NIRMAN Portal to Support UPSC Aspirants
•    Union Minister for Coal and Mines, Shri G Kishan Reddy, inaugurated the "Noble Initiative for
     Rewarding Mains Aspirants of National Civil Services Examination (NIRMAN)" portal in New Delhi, a
     CSR initiative by Coal India Limited (CIL) to aid meritorious youth from its operating districts who
     have qualified for the UPSC Preliminary exams in 2024.
•    The NIRMAN portal was launched in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Mission
     Karmayogi" vision.
•    The initiative aims to support candidates who have cleared the Preliminary round of the UPSC Civil
     Services & Forest Service exams in 2024.
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Air India to Establish South Asia's Largest Flight Training School in Maharashtra
     •   Air India has announced plans to establish South Asias largest flight training school in
         Maharashtras Amravati district, investing over ₹200 crore.
     •   The initiative is aimed at meeting the airline's demand for 500-700 pilots annually following a
         substantial order of 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in 2023.
     •   Located in Maharashtra’s Amravati district, the school will be established with an investment
         exceeding ₹200 crore.
     •   Scheduled to open in the first quarter of the next financial year.
June 2024, PMI signals manufacturing recovery, fresh hires at 19-year high
     •   In June 2024, India's manufacturing sector rebounded strongly from a slight slowdown in May
         2024.
     •   The HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rose to 58.3, up from 57.5
         in May 2024, indicating a sharper improvement in business conditions.
     •   New orders, output, and input purchases all showed an uptick, reflecting improved business
         activity.
     •   Producers raised prices of goods to the highest extent in over two years due to increased
         demand.
National Test House Set to Become Apex Certification Body for Indian Products
     •   The Indian government plans to elevate the National Test House (NTH), an industrial testing lab
         under the Consumer Affairs Ministry, as the apex certification body for all Indian products.
     •   This initiative aims to address recent export rejections and enhance global acceptance of Indian
         goods.
     •   The NTH will establish a network of labs nationwide to oversee the final certification of all
         products, including food, spices, and organic goods, ensuring they meet global standards.
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The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Launches eSankhyiki Portal for
Enhanced User Experience and Ease of Data Access
     •   The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is the leading body
         responsible for the integrated development of India's national statistical system, aligning it with
         global standards and practices.
     •   MoSPI aims to enhance user experience and data accessibility by leveraging advanced
         technologies and adopting international best practices.
     •   eSankhyiki Portal Overview
     •   Purpose: To provide real-time data for planners, policy-makers, researchers, and the public,
         facilitating a comprehensive data management and sharing system for official statistics.
FATF adopts Mutual Evaluation Report of India in its June 2024 Plenary held in Singapore
     •   India has achieved remarkable success in the Mutual Evaluation conducted by the Financial
         Action Task Force (FATF) during 2023-24.
     •   The Mutual Evaluation Report, adopted in the FATF plenary in Singapore categorizes India under
         the 'regular follow-up' categorya distinction shared by only four other G20 nations. This
         achievement marks a significant milestone in India's efforts to combat money laundering (ML)
         and terrorist financing (TF).
     •   FATF Mutual Evaluation: India placed in the 'regular follow-up' category during 2023-24
         evaluation.
     About FATF:
     •   Establishment: 1989
     •   Role: International watchdog against money laundering, terrorist financing, and related threats.
     •   Membership: India has been a member since 2010.
     •   Headquarters: Paris, France
Shri Bhupender Yadav urges the BRICS nations to promote the implementation of the Resolution on
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Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched a web portal for faster bank settlements of interest
subvention claims under Agriculture Infrastructure along with the Krishi Katha blog site to amplify the
voice of Indian farmers
     •   Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh
         Chouhan, has launched a web portal developed in collaboration with the Department of
         Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) and NABARD.
     •   This portal is designed to automate and expedite the settlement of interest subvention claims
         submitted by banks under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF).
     •   The event was also attended by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri
         Bhagirath Choudhary, the Chairman of NABARD, and senior officers from DA&FW and banks.
Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav and Smt.
Anupriya Singh Patel unveil three initiatives at the Ayushman Bharat Quality Health event
     •   Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav and
         Smt. Anupriya Singh Patel, unveiled three significant initiatives at the आयुष्मानभारत, गुणवत्तस्वास््य
         (Ayushman Bharat Quality Health) event.
     •   These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare service quality and ease of doing business in India.
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     •   The campaign operates under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and the Aspirational
         Blocks Programme (ABP).
TDF scheme playing a crucial role in promoting Aatmanirbharta in defence; Start-ups & MSMEs
being encouraged to enhance capabilities in cutting-edge technology
     •   The Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme is a significant initiative under the 'Make in
         India campaign, led by the Ministry of Defence and executed by the Defence Research and
         Development Organisation (DRDO).
     •   The scheme aims to promote ‘Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence by encouraging
         participation from public and private industries, especially start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small,
         and Medium Enterprises).
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     •   Sanctioned Projects: To date, 77 projects have been sanctioned, with a financial commitment
         exceeding ₹ 300 crore.
Ayushman Bharat Yojana may extend to cover senior citizens
     •   Budget 2024 may witness 'Modi 3.0' expanding the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
         Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to encompass senior citizens in India, fulfilling the NDA's pledge to
         extend healthcare support to those aged 70 and above.
     •   Expansion of AB PM-JAY: Proposal to include senior citizens in the upcoming Budget.
     •   Objective: Aligns with NDA's commitment to healthcare for the elderly under the scheme.
The government forms 8 Cabinet committees; security, and appointments panels remain unchanged
     •   The Union government reconstituted eight Cabinet committees.
     •   The eight key Cabinet Committees in India include the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
         (CCEA), Appointments Committee of the Cabinet(ACC), Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS),
         Cabinet Committee on Accommodation, Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs, Cabinet
         Committee on Political Affairs, Cabinet Committee on Investment and Growth, and Cabinet
         Committee on Skill, Employment, and Livelihood.
     •   Committee Leadership: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs six committees, excluding the
         Cabinet Committee on Accommodation and the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy issues scheme guidelines for implementation of Green
Hydrogen under SIGHT Scheme
     •   The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) notified the Scheme Guidelines for the
         "Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme  Component II:
         Incentive Scheme for Green Hydrogen Production (under Mode 1)- Tranche-II".
     •   The scheme will be implemented with a total budgetary outlay of ₹200 crore till FY26.
     •   The National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) will be the Scheme Implementation Agency (SIA).
50k villages in 310 districts: Government prepares plan for climate-resilient farming
     •   The Union government is set to unveil a framework to promote climate-resilient agriculture in
         50,000 villages located in climatically-vulnerable districts.
     •   Selection of Villages:
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     •   Officials will select the 50,000 villages from 310 districts already identified as climatically
         vulnerable.
     •   These districts are spread across 27 states, with Uttar Pradesh having the most (48 districts),
         followed by Rajasthan (27 districts).
National policy on farmer producer organisations for cheaper loans
     •   The government has introduced a draft national policy on Farmer Producer Organisations
         (FPOs), outlining several measures to aid and benefit millions of farmers across the country.
     •   Lending Norms: Advocates for a special subset within primary sector lending norms to make it
         easier for banks to lend to FPOs.
     •   Objective: To provide more accessible and affordable financial support for FPOs.
ASSOCHAM Announces Uttar Pradesh MSME Sammelan: MSME Vision for Viksit Bharat
     •   The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Indias premier
         chamber for commerce and industry, is pleased to announce the Uttar Pradesh MSME
         Sammelan: MSME Vision for Viksit Bharat, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
     •   Focus: To promote the growth and development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
         (MSMEs).
     •   Objective: Enhance awareness of policies supporting the MSME sector.
DPIIT Recommends Removal of Angel Tax for Startups Ahead of Union Budget
     •   With the Union Budget expected, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
         (DPIIT) has proposed the removal of the contentious angel tax for startups.
     •   Previous and Current Proposals: DPIIT has consistently recommended the removal of angel tax
         based on consultations with the startup ecosystem.
     •   Input Nature: Recommendations by DPIIT are advisory and not binding on the government.
NBCC Seeks Approval to Demolish Unsafe Towers in Green View Complex, Gurugram
     •   The National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) has requested permission from
         the Gurugram district administration to demolish seven towers at the Green View condominium
         complex in Sector 37 D, following their declaration as unsafe for habitation.
     •   Audit Reports: The IIT Roorkee and Central Building Research Institute conducted a structural
         audit, leading to the declaration of the towers as unsafe.
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     •    District Administration Action: The district magistrate and chairperson of the District Disaster
          Management Authority (DDMA) issued an order on February 17, 2022, highlighting imminent
          dangers to life and property due to structural issues.
SEHER Credit Education Program Launched to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
      •   SEHER, a credit education program launched by the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)
          and TransUnion CIBIL, aims to empower women entrepreneurs in India with essential financial
          literacy content and business skills.
      •   This initiative will facilitate their access to financial tools, driving growth and employment in the
          country.
      •   Organizers: Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL
      •   Objective: To provide financial literacy and business skills to women entrepreneurs in India.
      About Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP):
             o Established: 2018 by NITI Aayog
             o Transition: Became a public-private partnership in 2022
             o Purpose: To support women entrepreneurs across India by addressing information
                 asymmetry and providing continuous support across various pillars:
Union Budget to Propose 20 Million More Rural Houses Under PMAY Gramin
      •   The Union Budget is likely to propose the construction of an additional 20 million rural houses
          over the next five years under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Gramin.
      •   This initiative is in addition to the 10 June Cabinet decision to build 30 million homes for both
          urban and rural poor under PMAY.
      •   Target: 20 million new rural houses in the next five years.
      •   Context: Part of the Union Budget proposal.
Government Mandates BIS Standards for Stainless Steel and Aluminium Utensils
      •   To enhance kitchen safety, quality, and efficiency, the Government of India has mandated
          adherence to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for stainless steel and aluminium utensils.
      •   Order Issued by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
          Commerce and Industry.
      •   Order Date: March 14, 2024.
      •   Requirement: All stainless steel and aluminium utensils must have the ISI mark.
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     •   The central government has declared June 25 as “Samvidhaan Hatya Divas” (Constitution
         Murder Day) to remember the “inhuman pain” suffered by those jailed during the Emergency
         imposed on June 25, 1975.
     •   The day aims to honour the sacrifices of individuals who endured severe hardships during this
         period.
India to Host Inaugural World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES)
     •   India will host the first World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit alongside the International
         Film Festival of India in Goa, scheduled from November 20-24.
     •   Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized strengthening intellectual
         property (IP) rights protection in the media and entertainment sector.
     •   Venue: Goa, coinciding with the International Film Festival of India.
     •   Objective: Positioning India in the global media and entertainment landscape under Prime
         Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
     •   The inaugural WAVES summit aims to bolster India's presence in global M&E sectors, fostering
         innovation, and ensuring robust IP protection.
The government may hand over MTNL operations to BSNL and not merge them
     •   The Indian government is evaluating whether to transfer the operations of the public sector
         telecom operator MTNL to the larger BSNL instead of pursuing a full merger.
     •   Both MTNL and BSNL have faced significant financial challenges and have received bailouts,
         including one About two years ago.
     •   Increased Loss: ₹3,303 crore for FY 2023-24, up from ₹2,911 crore in the previous year.
     •   Revenue Decline: Revenue fell 15% to ₹728 crore from ₹862 crore.
     •   Debt Increase: Debt rose to ₹25,795 crore from ₹23,500 crore over the past year.
     •   Interest Payment Issues: Announced inability to make interest payments to bondholders due to
         insufficient funds.
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     •   PM Modi has been recognized globally throughout his ten years as Prime Minister, receiving
         numerous high-level awards from various countries.
Latest International Honour
     •   Award: Order of St Andrew the Apostle
     •   Country: Russia
     •   Significance: The Order of St Andrew the Apostle is Russia’s highest civilian honour. PM Modi
         received this award during a two-day visit to Russia.
Indian Delegation From DARPG Reached Colombo For Three-Day Visit To Sri Lanka
     •   A five-member Indian delegation from the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
         Grievances (DARPG) arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, for a three-day visit.
     •   The delegation, led by the Secretary and Director General of the National Centre for Good
         Governance, Mr. V. Srinivas, will engage in discussions on capacity-building programmes for Sri
         Lankan civil servants and the potential signing of a long-term Memorandum of Understanding for
         these initiatives.
     •   The agenda includes outlining a roadmap for future collaborations and exchanging insights on
         effective governance practices.
     •   The visit also includes an interactive session with NCGG alumni in the Sri Lankan Civil Service.
Government reopens application window for PLI Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights) for 90
days
     •   The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for White Goods (ACs and LED Lights)
         application window is being reopened due to increased industry interest and investment
         potential.
     •   The application window is open from 15th July 2024 to 12th October 2024 on the online portal:
         https://pliwhitegoods.ifciltd.com/.
     •   Applications will follow the terms and conditions of the PLIWG Scheme notified on 16.04.2021
         and amended guidelines issued on 04.06.2021.
     •   Eligibility for New and Existing Applicants:
Digital Bharat Nidhi, the government’s fresh attempt at improving rural telecom connectivity
     •   The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) released draft rules to operationalise the Digital
         Bharat Nidhi, in a fresh attempt by the central government to increase telecom connectivity in
         rural areas.
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     •   Digital Bharat Nidhi would replace the erstwhile Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), a
         pool of funds generated by a 5 per cent Universal Service Levy charged upon all the telecom
         fund operators on their Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR).
After Andhra and Telangana, Godrej Agrovet eyes Tamil Nadu to expand oil palm area
     •   Godrej Agrovet Ltd (GAVL) is aiming to revive oil palm cultivation in Tamil Nadu, where many
         farmers had switched to other crops like sugarcane or faced crop destruction due to cyclones
         over the past decade.
     •   The company has inaugurated "Samadhan", a one-stop solution centre, in Echankottai hamlet,
         Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur district, to support and empower oil palm farmers.
     •   Aims to triple area in TN to 6,000 hectares in three years; to attract farmers back to oil palm
         cultivation with improved variety, package of practices
First Mothership Arrives at Vizhinjam International Seaport
     •   The container ship 'San Fernando' from China berthed at Kerala's Vizhinjam International
         Seaport Limited (VISL), marking the first arrival of such a vessel at India's largest transshipment
         port.
     •   San Fernando, a 300-meter-long cargo ship, received a water salute by four tugs that piloted it to
         the dock.
     •   The ship will offload 1,900 containers on Friday.
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     •   NABARD stands for the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development.
     •   Established on July 12, 1982, following the recommendation of the B. Sivaraman Committee set
         up in 1979.
     •   Its mission is to promote sustainable agricultural and rural development through financial support
         and innovative solutions.
About NABARD
     •   Date: July 12, 2024
     •   Celebrating: 43rd Foundation Day of NABARD
     •   Established: July 12, 1982
     •   Full Form: National Bank For Agriculture And Rural Development
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   Chairman: Mr. Shaji K. V.
Union Minister to Inaugurate Over 125 Projects in Fisheries Sector at Madurai, Tamilnadu
     •   Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will inaugurate more than 125 projects at the Fisheries
         Summer Meet in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
     •   These initiatives, totaling an investment exceeding Rs 100 crore, are part of the Pradhan Mantri
         Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
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     •   Projects include fish retail kiosks, shrimp hatcheries, brood banks, ornamental fish units, biofloc
         units, fish feed mills, and fish value-added enterprises.
     •   PMMSY, a flagship programme, aims to promote sustainable development in the fisheries sector.
About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
     •   The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman during her speech in
         the parliament of India while presenting the Union budget for 2019–20 on 5 July 2019.
     •   The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.
     •   The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government
         of India is implementing Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana – A scheme to bring About
         Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector in India at
         an estimated investment of Rs. 20050 crores for holistic development of fisheries sector including
         welfare of fishers.
     •   PMMSY is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from
         FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
India and Russia Aim for $100 Billion Bilateral Trade by 2030
     •   India and Russia target increasing bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030.
     •   Efforts will focus on balancing the currently uneven trade relationship and removing non-tariff
         trade barriers.
     •   EAEU-India Free Trade Area:
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     •   Both nations are exploring the establishment of a Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)-India Free
         Trade Area to enhance economic cooperation.
     •   Bilateral Settlement System:
     •   Plans are underway to create a bilateral settlement system utilizing national currencies.
Digital IDs for Farmers: A New Initiative for Efficient Agricultural Support
     •   The Agriculture Ministry is implementing a new system to create unique digital IDs for farmers.
     •   This system aims to streamline the delivery of various government benefits and services.
     •   The unique IDs will include details on farmers’ land holdings, crops grown, and other relevant
         information.
     •   This system will facilitate:
                     ▪   Direct cash benefits (e.g., PM Kisan)
                     ▪   Sanctioning of credits
                     ▪   Crop insurance
                     ▪   Projecting crop yield in advance
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     •   Citizens have raised concerns over proposed road construction activities that might impact the
         wetland's catchment area.
     •   The Ramsar Convention Secretariat in Switzerland has requested clarification from India on this
         issue.
Indian Railways And DMRC Join Hands To Promote One India-One Ticket Initiative
     •   The Indian Railways, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and the Centre For Railway
         Information System (CRIS) have collaborated to launch the One India-One Ticket initiative aimed
         at simplifying travel for passengers.
     •   This initiative will benefit both main railway line passengers and commuters in the Delhi/NCR
         area by integrating train and metro ticketing systems.
     •   Travelers can now book metro tickets from the IRCTC website or app.
Paradip Port Authority Sets New Record with 41.12 Million Metric Tons of Cargo Handling in First 100
Days of FY 2024-25
     •   Paradip Port Authority (PPA) has achieved a historic milestone in its operational history, handling
         an unprecedented 41.12 Million Metric Tons (MMT) of cargo within the first 100 days of the fiscal
         year 2024-25.
     •   This remarkable performance marks a 4.78% growth compared to the 39.25 MMT achieved
         during the same period in the previous fiscal year 2023-24.
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     •   PPA has set a new record by handling 41.12 MMT of cargo in the initial 100 days of FY 2024-25.
     •   This achievement reflects a 4.78% growth from the 39.25 MMT handled in the same timeframe in
         FY 2023-24.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda Chairs the First Executive Committee Meeting of the National One
Health Mission
     •   Union Health Minister JP Nadda chaired the inaugural executive committee meeting of the
         National One Health Mission.
     •   The mission aims to achieve integrated disease control and pandemic preparedness by
         institutionalizing the 'One Health' approach.
     •   The One Health approach focuses on the health of humans, animals, plants, and the
         environment holistically and sustainably.
     •   Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog, and Principal Scientific Advisor Dr. Ajay Kumar
         Sood were also present at the meeting.
Indian Council of Social Science Research Invites Proposals to Assess Socioeconomic Impact of Jal
Jeevan Mission
     ●   The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) has called for study proposals to
         evaluate the socioeconomic impact of the central government's Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
     ●   The research aims to assess how effectively JJM is achieving its goal of providing tap water to all
         rural households, analyze implementation challenges, and explore the role of community
         involvement in the scheme's success.
India and South Korea to Hold 11th Round of CEPA Talks in Seoul
● India and South Korea are set to hold the 11th round of talks for reviewing and upgrading their
     Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) from July 17-19, 2024, in Seoul.
● This round of negotiations will focus on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation and addressing
     trade imbalances.
Key Details of the CEPA Review
     ●   Date and Location: July 17-19, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea.
     ●   Purpose: To review and upgrade the CEPA, which was signed in 2009 and came into force in
         2010.
     ●   Historical Context:
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         ●       Established: 1975
         ●       Initial Project: Bandra-Kurla Complex (now a major business hub).
         ●       Notable Achievements:
         o       2014: Initiated the first train services in Mumbai.
         o       Ongoing Projects: Mumbai Metro expansion, Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project.
         o       Upcoming: Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link to connect Mumbai with Navi Mumbai.
India Successfully Concludes Fourth Periodic Review by UN Human Rights Committee
● India has completed its fourth periodic review under the International Covenant on Civil and Political
     Rights (ICCPR) at the UN Human Rights Committee session in Geneva.
● This review marks a significant step in assessing the country’s adherence to international human
     rights standards.
The Indian delegation was led by:
     ●   Attorney General R. Venkataramani
     ●   Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
     ●   What is ICCPR?
             o   The ICCPR is an international treaty that aims to protect civil and political rights.
             o   It is monitored by the Human Rights Committee, which reviews country reports, addresses
                 concerns, and provides recommendations.
India’s Domestic Technology and Electronics Ecosystem Seeks Up to ₹50,000 Crore in Union Budget
2024
●    India’s technology and electronics sector is advocating for up to ₹50,000 crore in incentives in the
     upcoming Union Budget 2024.
●    This request aims to bolster the local supply chain for technology components and further the ‘Make
     in India’ initiative.
●    Objective: To create a robust local supply chain for components and support domestic value addition
     in the technology and electronics sectors.
Background of ‘Make in India’
     ●   Launched: September 25, 2014
     ●   Objective: To encourage national as well as multinational companies to manufacture their
         products in India.
     ●   Vision: To transform India into a global manufacturing hub.
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               o   Phase I: Launched on December 25, 2000, by then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA
                   government.
               o   Phase II: Launched in 2013.
               o   RCPLWEA: Launched in 2016 for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas.
               o   Phase III: Launched in 2019.
Next Phase of PM Awas Yojana (Urban) is to Revise the Income Threshold and Subsidy Disbursement
● The government is set to implement significant changes in the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri
        Awas Yojna (PMAY) for urban areas, aiming to better target middle-income group (MIG)
        beneficiaries and improve subsidy disbursement.
Key Highlights:
        1. Income Threshold Adjustment:
               o   Current Threshold: Rs 18 lakh.
               o   Proposed Threshold: Rs 10 lakh.
               o   Objective: To better target the scheme towards deserving beneficiaries.
        2. Subsidy Disbursement:
               o   Current Method: One-shot payment.
               o   Proposed Method: Spread over five years for better monitoring and control.
        3. MIG Categories:
               o   Previous Categories:
                      ▪   Annual income of Rs 6 lakh to Rs 12 lakh.
                      ▪   Annual income of Rs 12 lakh to Rs 18 lakh.
               o   Proposed Change: Merge into a single category with an annual income up to Rs 10 lakh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Meets Author Dr. R Balasubramaniam: A Convergence of Politics and
Literature
    ●    Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with renowned author and development activist Dr. R
         Balasubramaniam.
    ●    Modi signed a copy of Dr. Balasubramaniam’s latest book, “Power Within: The Leadership Legacy
         of Narendra Modi.”
    ●    The book provides a unique analytical framework, combining Western and Indic leadership
         perspectives.
India aims for $500 bn in electronics manufacturing by 2030: NITI Aayog
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     ● NITI Aayog aims to propel India’s domestic electronics manufacturing sector to a value of $500
        billion by 2030.
     ● This goal is expected to significantly boost employment and strengthen India’s position in global
        value chains (GVCs).
     ● Sector Growth: The Electronics sector reached $155 billion in FY23.
     ● Production Increase: Nearly doubled from $48 billion in FY17 to $101 billion in FY23.
     ● Mobile Phones: Account for 43% of total electronics production.
     ● Domestic Manufacturing: India now produces 99% of its smartphones domestically.
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Highlights Role of Women in MSME Growth
● Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi, emphasised
     the Prime Minister's vision of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
● He highlighted the crucial role of micro, small, and medium industries in this endeavour and
     underscored the importance of women's participation in these industries.
46th World Heritage Committee Meeting to be Hosted by India
● For the first time, India will host the 46th World Heritage Committee meeting, a UNESCO event, to
     examine proposals for new World Heritage sites and the conservation status of existing ones.
Event Details:
           o   Dates: July 21 to July 31, 2024.
           o   Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
           o   Inauguration: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UNESCO Director-General Audrey
               Azoulay.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to Attend BRICS Trade Ministers' Meeting in Moscow
● Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is set to participate in the BRICS trade ministers'
     meeting in Moscow on July 26, focusing on enhancing trade relations and resolving export issues.
● Meeting Details:
        o Date: July 26, 2024.
        o Location: Moscow, Russia.
        o Participants: Trade ministers from BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South
           Africa).
● Trade Issues and Focus:
        o Addressing challenges faced by Indian marine and pharma exporters in Russia.
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     ● The Economic Survey 2024 highlights this substantial progress, showcasing India's growing
         capabilities in defence production and exports.
     ● Substantial Increase: India's defence production has grown from Rs 74,054 crore in FY17 to Rs
         108,684 crore in FY23.
Lumbini and Stonehenge Under UNESCO Review for Heritage Conservation
     ● The 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) is currently being held in India for the
         first time, from July 21 to July 31 at Bharat Mandapam.
     ● During this session, the Committee will examine Nepal's Lumbini and the UK's Stonehenge, both
         UNESCO heritage properties, due to issues that could affect the values of these iconic
         landmarks.
     ● Current List: There are 56 properties currently on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Current WHC Members
     ●   The WHC comprises representatives from 21 State Parties elected by the General Assembly of
         UNESCO.
     ●   Current members include India, Argentina, Belgium, Italy, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
     ●   As of now, 1,199 properties from 168 State Parties are inscribed on the World Heritage List.
Economic Survey suggests use of digital system 'Agri Stack' for better targeting of fertiliser subsidy
     ● The Economic Survey has called for significant reforms in India's fertiliser administration system,
         pointing out that similar reforms have been successfully implemented in various countries.
India to seek licences to scout the Pacific Ocean for critical minerals
     ● India is preparing to apply for licenses to explore deep-sea minerals in the Pacific Ocean, aiming
         to secure critical resources for energy transition technologies.
     ● This move highlights India's strategic effort to diversify its mineral supply sources amid growing
         global competition.
     ● Current Status: The International Seabed Authority (ISA), a UN-backed body, has issued 31
         deep-sea exploration licenses, including two for India in the Indian Ocean. However, mining has
         not yet commenced as the ISA is finalizing regulations.
     ● Target Area: India will focus on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, a mineral-rich area in the Pacific
         Ocean between Hawaii and Mexico. This zone is known for its large volumes of polymetallic
         nodules containing manganese, nickel, copper, and cobalt.
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            o   Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Allowed 100% FDI in the telecom sector under specific
                safeguards.
Finance Minister Allocates ₹500 Crore for Namo Drone Didi Scheme and Announces Support for
Natural Farming
     ●   Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has introduced the Namo Drone Didi scheme and
         announced substantial support for natural farming in the Union Budget 2024.
     ●   Namo Drone Didi Scheme:
            o   Allocation: ₹500 crore
            o   Objective: To provide drones to 15,000 selected women self-help groups (SHGs)
            o   Duration: 2023-24 to 2025-2026
            o   Purpose: These drones will be used by SHGs to offer rental services to farmers, aiming to
                enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency.
Government Revives Interest Subsidy Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 2.0
     ●   The government has reinstated the interest subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana
         (Urban) 2.0 and allocated ₹4,000 crore for the Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS).
     ●   The Union Budget 2024-25 has earmarked ₹30,170 crore for PMAY-U, marking a 20.19%
         increase from the previous year's allocation.
Khelo India: Major Beneficiary in Union Budget Allocation for Sports Ministry
     ● Khelo India, the government’s flagship project aimed at promoting sports at the grassroots level,
         has once again emerged as the biggest beneficiary in the Union Budget allocation for the Sports
         Ministry.
     ● This project was allocated ₹900 crore from the overall budget of ₹3,442.32 crore announced on
         July 23 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Bhu-Aadhaar: Unique Identification for Land Parcels
     ● The Union Budget announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman includes plans to assign
         unique identification numbers for all land parcels in rural areas, termed "Bhu-Aadhaar," and to
         digitise urban land records by 2027.
     ● This initiative is aimed at streamlining land administration, improving property tax collection, and
         reducing fraud in land transactions.
Integrated tech platform for insolvency by 2025-end
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     ● The government of India is set to launch an "Integrated Technology Platform" under the
        Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) by the end of 2025.
     ● This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and outcomes of the insolvency resolution process.
     ● The portal aims to improve outcomes under the IBC by ensuring consistency, transparency,
        timely processing, and better oversight for all stakeholders.
Impact on Recovery Rates:
        o Within 330 Days: Recovery rate stands at 49.2%.
        o 330-599 Days: Recovery rate reduces to 36%.
        o Beyond 600 Days: Recovery rate drops further to 26.1%.
IndiaAI Mission: IT Ministry to Procure 300-500 GPUs to Enhance Domestic AI Capabilities
● The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT Ministry) is preparing to release a
     tender to procure between 300 to 500 graphics processing units (GPUs) as part of the Indian
     Mission.
● This initiative aims to bolster domestic computing capacity for developing and testing artificial
     intelligence (AI) systems in India.
● Budget Allocation:
        o In the Union Budget 2024, the IndiaAI Mission received an allocation of Rs 551.75 crore for
            the fiscal year 2024-25.
● IndiaAI Mission:
        o Total Funding: The mission has been allocated a total of Rs 10,372 crore.
        o Objective: To establish a computing capacity exceeding 10,000 GPUs and develop
            foundational AI models with over 100 billion parameters. These models will be trained on
            datasets covering major Indian languages and will focus on priority sectors such as
            healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
Sa-Dhan Implements Stricter Guidelines for Microfinance Institutions
● Sa-Dhan, a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) recognised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for
     microfinance institutions (MFIs), has introduced stricter guidelines for its over 220 members.
● The new rules prohibit extending new loans to households with MFI exposure exceeding Rs 2 lakhs.
MNRE to Raise Over ₹13,500 Crore via Green Bonds for Renewable Energy Projects
● The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) plans to raise over ₹13,500 crore through green
     bonds for renewable energy projects in the financial year ending March 2025.
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● The budget estimate for FY25 is ₹13,526.35 crore, an 80% increase from FY24's estimate of
     ₹7,507.46 crore.
● The revised estimate for the last fiscal year was ₹6,116.30 crore.
     1. Allocation of Funds:
            o   ₹10,000 crore for solar energy.
            o   ₹1,996 crore for PM KUSUM (rural solar scheme).
            o   ₹930 crore for wind energy.
            o   ₹600 crore for the national green hydrogen mission
     2. Other Ministry Plans:
            o   Railways: Plans to raise ₹15,000 crore, with ₹12,000 crore allocated for the production of
                energy-efficient three-phase electric locos.
            o   Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA): Plans to raise ₹3,364.51 crore for equity
                investments in metro projects.
            o   Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC): Plans to raise ₹170
                crore for the National Mission for a Green India.
Renaming Rashtrapati Bhavan's Grand Halls to Reflect Indian Culture
● Rashtrapati Bhavan’s grand Durbar Hall and Ashok Hall, traditionally used for ceremonies and
     celebrations, have been renamed Ganatantra Mandap and Ashok Mandap, respectively.
● This renaming is part of ongoing efforts to reflect Indian culture and ethos.
● Renaming of Halls:
        o Durbar Hall has been renamed Ganatantra Mandap.
        o Ashok Hall has been renamed Ashok Mandap.
PM Modi to Launch World’s Highest Shinku La Tunnel in Ladakh
     ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the first blast for the Shinku La tunnel.
     ● The tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity from Manali to Leh.
     ● The tunnel will be 4.1 km long and situated at an elevation of 15,800 feet, making it the world’s
        highest, surpassing China’s Mila tunnel.
Revamped Skill Loan Scheme Launched with Increased Loan Limits
● The Union Budget has increased the eligible loan amount for high-end skilling courses under the
     Model Skill Loan scheme from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh.
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● Skill Development Minister Jayant Chaudhary has launched the revamped scheme to address
     previous challenges.
● The earlier Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Skill Development, established in November 2015,
     faced issues due to its low loan limit and restricted lending network.
● By March 31, 2024, only ₹115.75 crore had been loaned to 10,077 borrowers.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
     ● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is in Kargil to mark the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas.
     ● During his visit, PM Modi paid tribute to the bravehearts who made the supreme sacrifice in the
        Kargil War.
India to Establish 12 New Industrial Cities to Boost Manufacturing
● India is set to establish 12 new industrial cities across various states to boost domestic
     manufacturing.
● DPIIT Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh announced that these cities will follow the model of Greater
     Noida and Dholera.
● Two cities will be developed in Andhra Pradesh and one in Bihar.
● Eight industrial cities are currently in various stages of implementation.
● Trunk infrastructure completed in four cities: Dholera (Gujarat), Auric (Maharashtra), Vikram
     Udyogpuri (Madhya Pradesh), and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
India's Anti-Dumping and Tariff Measures in 2023: WTO Report
● India ranked second after the US in initiating and imposing anti-dumping duties among WTO
     members in 2023.
● India initiated 45 anti-dumping investigations and imposed duties in 14 cases.
● The US initiated 64 anti-dumping investigations and imposed duties in 14 cases.
● In total, India has 133 anti-dumping measures impacting 418 products.
● In 2022, India was the top initiator with 29 anti-dumping investigations.
India Reports 350 Vape Violations Despite Ban on E-Cigarettes
● The Union Health and Family Ministry's tobacco cell reported 350 vape-related violations since
     2022.
● The violations persist despite the ban on e-cigarettes and vapes under the Prohibition of Electronic
     Cigarettes Act, 2019.
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● E-cigarettes, or Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), are battery-powered devices that
     vape a flavoured solution containing nicotine.
India Evaluates New B-READY Framework to Support World Bank's Business Ready Project
● The World Bank’s new B-READY project will replace the Doing Business survey, which was
     discontinued due to data irregularities in 2018 and 2020.
● The B-READY project aims to benchmark business environments and investment climates across
     various economies in a more balanced and transparent manner.
● Three B-READY pilot reports are scheduled for release from 2024 to 2026.
● The first pilot will cover 54 economies, eventually expanding to include 185 economies.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Mann Ki Baat: Highlights on Khadi Startups, Handloom Industry, and
Drug Rehabilitation Initiatives
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his latest "Mann ki Baat" radio address, commended the
     emergence of khadi startups and highlighted the vibrant handloom industry spread across India.
● The Khadi Village Industry has achieved a milestone with a turnover exceeding ₹1.5 lakh crore,
     marking a 400% increase in sales. This growth is creating numerous employment opportunities,
     particularly for women.
Ministry of Textiles Announces PM MITRA Parks: A Major Boost for India's Textile Sector
● The Ministry of Textiles has announced the establishment of seven Mega Integrated Textile Region
     and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks with a total outlay of Rs. 4,445 crore.
● This initiative aims to advance India's textile industry and achieve the United Nations Sustainable
     Development Goal 9, focusing on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable
     industrialisation, and fostering innovation.
Town Official Language Implementation Committee-TOLIC (PSU) Meeting in Visakhapatnam
● The Town Official Language Implementation Committee-TOLIC (PSU) meeting, hosted by NTPC,
     took place in Visakhapatnam.
● Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman for 2023-24 was awarded to PSUs in Visakhapatnam for excellence in
     Official Language implementation.
● Nagar Rajbhasha Samman was awarded to Hindi Officers and Coordinators.
● The 8th issue of the ‘Visakha Dhara’ TOLIC Hindi Magazine was released by prominent figures
     including Atul Bhatt, Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Anirban Kumar Biswas, Dr. Rita Trivedi, G Gandhi, and
     Dr. Lalan Kumar.
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● The museum’s design is inspired by the ancient ‘Baolis’ or step wells of Delhi, reflecting traditional
     architectural elements.
● The inauguration coincides with the 46th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee
     currently being held in New Delhi.
Government to Launch 12 New Airports Under UDAN Scheme This Year(2024)
     ● The government plans to operationalize 12 new airports across eight states and Union Territories
         this year under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme.
     ● Locations include Shibpur (Car Nicobar), Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), Rewa and Datia (Madhya
         Pradesh), Amravati and Solapur (Maharashtra), Daman (Daman & Diu), Ambala (Haryana),
         Moradabad and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), and Vellore and Neyveli (Tamil Nadu).
Financial Allocation:
            o   Phase I of the scheme allocated Rs 4,500 crore for the development of airports, heliports,
                and water aerodromes.
            o   Phase II has allocated an additional Rs 1,000 crore.
            o   As of June 30, 2024, Rs 4,073 crore has been spent under Phase I.
                                          INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India Chairs 'Colombo Process' Meeting at Permanent Representative Level in Geneva
     •   India presided over its first meeting as Chair of the Colombo Process at the Permanent
         Representative Level Meeting in Geneva at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
         Headquarters.
     •   The Colombo Process is a Regional Consultative Process comprising 12 Member States from
         Asia, which primarily serve as countries of origin for migrant workers.
     •   The forum facilitates the exchange of best practices on managing overseas employment.
     •   In May 2024, India assumed the chair of the Colombo Process for the first time since its
         inception.
About IOM :
     •   Established : 6 December 1951
     •   Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
     •   Director General : Amy Pope
     •   Membership (2023) : 175 member states and 8 observer states
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     •   The IOM is a United Nations related organisation working in the field of migration.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Announces Designation of 11 New
Biosphere Reserves
     •   The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has approved
         the designation of 11 new biosphere reserves in 11 countries.
     •   This includes the first-time designations in Belgium and Gambia.
     •   Two of the new reserves are transboundary biosphere reserves.
     •   Kempen-Broek Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Belgium, Kingdom of the Netherlands)
     •   Darién Norte Chocoano Biosphere Reserve (Colombia)
     •   Madre de las Aguas Biosphere Reserve (Dominican Republic)
     •   Niumi Biosphere Reserve (Gambia)
     •   Colli Euganei Biosphere Reserve (Italy)
     •   Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (Italy, Slovenia)
     •   Khar Us Lake Biosphere Reserve (Mongolia)
     •   Apayaos Biosphere Reserve (Philippines)
     •   Changnyeong Biosphere Reserve (Republic of Korea)
     •   Val d'Aran Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
     •   Irati Biosphere Reserve (Spain)
About UNESCO :
     •   Established : 16 November 1945
     •   Headquarters : Paris, France
     •   Director General : Audrey Azoulay
     •   The UNESCO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) with the aim of promoting world
         peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences and culture
UNESCO Chief Audrey Azoulay Calls on 194 Member States to Enhance Soil Protection as
Degradation Threatens Up to 90% of Earth's Soil by 2050
     ● United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General
         Audrey Azoulay urged its 194 Member States to improve soil protection and rehabilitation as the
         organisation warns that by 2050, up to 90% of the planet's soil could be degraded.
     ● Current Status of Soil Degradation:According to UNESCO and the World Atlas of Desertification,
         75% of soils are already degraded.
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     ● India has called on the 7-nation Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-sectoral Technical and
        Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) grouping to infuse new energies, resources, and a fresh
        commitment to bolster cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries.
     ● This call was made by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during a two-day retreat with his
        counterparts from the seven BIMSTEC nations: India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar,
        Thailand, Nepal, and Bhutan.
     ● Jaishankar highlighted that BIMSTEC aligns with India’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy, 'Act East
        Policy,' and 'SAGAR' vision, which focuses on the Bay of Bengal region.
     ● External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar hosted the 2nd BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat in
        New Delhi on 11-12 July 2024.
     ● The first edition of the BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' Retreat was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 17
        July 2023.
About BIMSTEC :
     ● Chairmanship : Thailand (since March 2022)
     ● The BIMSTEC is a regional organization founded in 1997 to promote economic cooperation and
        technical collaboration among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
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     ● The BIMSTEC region is home to more than 1.7 billion people which constitute around 23% of the
        global population.
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     ● The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) has announced a strategic
        investment in a 900 MegaWatt (MW) hydroelectric power project in Nepal.
     ● Investment Details:The investment amounts to approximately Rs 290 Crore.
     ● IREDA will secure up to a 10% shareholding in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Limited and
        Karnali Transmission Company Pvt. Ltd., both based in Nepal.
About IREDA :
     ● Founded : 1987
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi,India
     ● Chairman & MD : Pradip Kumar Das
     ● IREDA is a Navratna organisation owned by the Government of India and administratively
        controlled by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
About Nepal :
     ● President : Ram Chandra Poudel
     ● Prime Minister : KP Sharma Oli
     ● Capital : Kathmandu
     ● Currency : Nepalese rupee
Israel plans to launch an e-visa program for Indians by year's end, targeting 70,000 tourists by 2025
     ● Israel plans to introduce an e-visa program for Indian travellers, potentially starting later this year.
     ● This will be the first e-visa program offered by Israel, as currently, no country is eligible for an e-
        visa to Israel.
     ● Pilgrimage tourism constitutes about 48% of the Indian visitor mix to Israel.
     ● Leisure tourism accounts for around 30%, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and
        Exhibitions) for 12%, and other categories for 10%.
About Israel :
     ● President : Isaac Herzog
     ● Prime Minister : Benjamin Netanyahu
     ● Capital : Jerusalem
     ● Currency : New shekel
Ivory Coast Becomes 10th African Country to Join the United Nations Water Convention
     ● Ivory Coast joined the United Nations Water Convention, becoming the 53rd party to the 1992
        Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes.
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     ● Nepal is set to sign a tripartite power trading deal to export 40 MW of electricity to Bangladesh
        via India.
     ● This will be the first time in history that the Himalayan nation will sell electricity to a third country
        other than India.
     ● The Power Sales Agreement will be signed by officials from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA),
        the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) and the NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd
        (NVVN) of India at a function here on July 28,2024.
     ● As per the agreement, Nepal will get a tariff of USD 0.064 per unit for selling electricity to
        Bangladesh.
     ● In January,2024 Nepal signed a long-term agreement for the export of 10,000 MW of power to
        India, and jointly inaugurated three cross-border transmission lines during the two-day visit of
        External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to the Himalayan nation.
About Nepal :
     ● President : Ram Chandra Poudel
     ● Prime Minister : KP Sharma Oli
     ● Capital : Kathmandu
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     ● British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the new United Kingdom (UK)-India
        Technology Security Initiative.
     ● The announcement took place during Lammy's first visit to India, where he met with Prime
        Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders in New Delhi.
     ● The initiative aims to boost economic growth and deepen collaboration between the UK and
        India.
About UK :
     ● Prime Minister : Keir Starmer
     ● Capital : London
     ● Currency : Pound sterling
Azerbaijan to Host 29th UN Climate Change Conference and Launches 'Climate Finance Action Fund
     ● Azerbaijan will host the 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework
        Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
     ● Azerbaijan has announced the launch of the 'Climate Finance Action Fund'.
     ● The fund is part of a package of 14 initiatives introduced during COP29 thematic days.
     ● Funding Goals:The fund will become operational once it completes an initial fundraising round of
        $1 billion and secures commitments from 10 contributing countries as shareholders.
     ● Capital Allocation:50% of the capital will be directed towards climate projects in developing
        countries, covering mitigation, adaptation, and research and development.
     ● 50% will be used to help member countries meet the next generation of Nationally Determined
        Contributions (NDCs) to maintain the 1.5°C temperature target.
About UNFCCC :
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     ● Established : 1992
     ● Headquarters : Bonn, Germany
     ● Executive Secretary : Simon Stiell
     ● UNFCCC is the UN process for negotiating an agreement to limit dangerous climate change.
                                               STATE NEWS
Tamil Nadu Forms Committee to Propose State Amendments to Three New Criminal Laws
     •   Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin formed a one-man committee to study and
         recommend the amendments to be made at the state level in three criminal laws enacted by the
         Government of India.
     •   The Committee will be headed by Madras High Court judge M Satyanarayan (retired) to study
         and recommend the amendments, which will also include a change of the name of the laws in
         Hindi.
     •   The three new criminal laws – the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Sakshya
         Adhiniyam, 2023 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 – came into effect from July
         1.
About Tamil Nadu :
     •   Governor: R. N. Ravi
     •   Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
     •   Capital: Chennai
     •   Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
     •   National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of
         Mannar Marine National Park
     •   Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird
         Sanctuary
     •   Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
     •   Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Maharashtra Announces Free Higher Education for Girls from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS),
Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC)
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     •   In a significant move, the Maharashtra government announced that higher education for girls
         belonging to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward
         Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) will be made free.
     •   Aim of this initiative : To promote women's education in Maharashtra.
     •   Cabinet Decision: The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister
         Eknath Shinde.
     •   Additional Benefits : Additionally, tuition and exam fees for orphaned students of both genders
         will be waived, as per a government resolution (GR).
About Maharashtra :
     •   Governor: Ramesh Bais
     •   Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
     •   Capital: Mumbai
     •   National Park: Tadoba National Park, Navegaon National Park
     •   Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
         Sanctuary
     •   UNESCO Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian and Art Deco
         Ensemble of Mumbai, Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurates Uttar Pradesh mango festival
     •   Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath announced in Lucknow that the State
         would be exporting 40 tonnes of mangoes to Japan and Malaysia.
     •   For the first time in its 160-year history, Lucknow’s famous Dussehri is to be exported to the
         United States.
About Mango Festival 2024:
     •   The festival is held at Awadh Shilp Gram from July 12–14, 2024.
     •   Inaugurated by UP CM Yogi Adityanath.
     •   Features include:
     •   A mango exhibition with 120 varieties of special mangoes.
About UP :
     •   Governor : Anandiben Patel
     •   Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
     •   Capital : Lucknow
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Tamil Nadu Passes Bill to Increase Prison Terms and Fines for Illicit Liquor Offences
     •   The Tamil Nadu (TN) Legislative Assembly adopted a Bill that makes punishment more stringent
         for offences pertaining to prohibited liquor such as denatured spirits and methanol.
     •   The Bill aims to amend the Tamil Nadu Prohibition Act, 1937, to impose stricter punishments for
         offences related to prohibited liquor, particularly in cases where consumption results in death.
     •   Stringent Punishments:Death due to Consumption: Rigorous imprisonment for life and a fine of
         not less than ₹10 lakh for those involved in the sale or distribution of illicit liquor leading to death.
About Tamil Nadu :
     •   Governor: R. N. Ravi
     •   Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
     •   Capital: Chennai
     •   Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
     •   National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of
         Mannar Marine National Park
     •   Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird
         Sanctuary
     •   Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
     •   Biosphere Reserve :Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Tamil Nadu Passes Bill to Raise Age Limit for Chief of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Panel
     •   The Tamil Nadu (TN) Assembly approved an amendment to the State Commission for the
         Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 2021 enhancing the age limit for the Chief of the
         Commission from 70 to 75 years.
     •   Purpose: This change aims to utilize the expertise of experienced former judges of the High
         Court for the role.
     •   Land Reforms Amendment:The Assembly also passed a Bill to amend the Land Reforms
         (Fixation of Ceiling on Land) Act,1961.
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Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Draft of UP NIRMAN (Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing
(Construction) Area Bill) -2024 to Attract Investors
     •   The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government has approved the draft Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment
         Region for Manufacturing (Construction) Area Bill (NIRMAN)-2024, aiming to propel the state
         towards achieving a one trillion dollar economy.
     •   This draft of the Bill to make a Special Investment Region (SIR) was approved in the cabinet
         meeting held in Lok Bhavan under chairmanship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
     •   Special Investment Regions (SIRs):At least 4 SIRs to be created in four geographical areas of
         UP.
About UP :
     •   Governor : Anandiben Patel
     •   Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
     •   Capital : Lucknow
     •   National Park : Dudhwa National Park
     •   Wildlife Sanctuary : Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, National
         Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Ezhavas, Nairs Represent 41% of Kerala Government Workforce
     •   Ezhavas and Nairs, the two major Hindu communities in Kerala, account for About 41% of the
         government employees in the state.
     •   The caste data on employment, prepared by the Kerala State Commission for Backward
         Classes, reveal that 1,15,075 Ezhava and 1,08,012 Nair community members are employed in
         government service.
     •   Muslim and Christian Representation:Muslims and Christians have 73,774 and 73,713
         employees in government service, respectively.
About Kerala:
     •   Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
     •   Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
     •   Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
     •   National Parks: Periyar National Park, Mathikettan National Park, Eravikulam National Park,
         Silent Valley National Park, Indira Gandhi National Park
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav Unveils Lokpath App for Resolving Road Issues Within 7
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Days
      •   Madhya Pradesh (MP) Chief Minister (CM) Mohan Yadav introduced the Lokpath Mobile
          App in Bhopal, MP.
      •   This app aims to resolve road problems within 7 days, ensuring officer accountability.
      •   The app was developed by Madhya Pradesh State Electronic Development Corporation Limited.
      •   The app allows the public to report road issues by taking photos and submitting them directly to
          concerned officers.
About MP :
      •   Governor : Mangubhai C. Patel
      •   Chief Minister : Mohan Yadav
      •   Capital : Bhopal
      •   National Park : Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
      •   Wildlife Sanctuary : Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
Thazhakara Becomes the First Grama Panchayat in Alappuzha and One of the First in Kerala to
Publish a Comprehensive People’s Biodiversity Register
     ● Thazhakara has become the first grama panchayat in Alappuzha and one of the first in Kerala to
          update and publish a comprehensive People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) with the involvement
          of local communities.
     ● The updated PBR includes details on biodiversity, resource identification, discoveries, traditional
          knowledge, ongoing changes, and climate change impacts.
     ● Thazhakara has submitted the 261-page PBR document to the Kerala State Biodiversity Board
          (KSBB).
Kerala's PBR Initiative :
     ● Kerala was the first state to publish the first volume of the PBR across all local bodies.
     ● Updating Process: Other grama panchayats like Maruthonkara and Kadalundi in Kozhikode and
          Sreenarayanapuram in Thrissur have also updated their PBRs and submitted them to KSBB.
About People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) :
     ● PBR serves as a comprehensive record of biodiversity, including habitat conservation,
          preservation of land races, domesticated stocks, breeds of animals, micro-organisms, and
          associated traditional knowledge.
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     ● Legal Framework: The Biological Diversity Act (2002) mandates the development of PBRs at the
        local level to document and safeguard bioresources and traditional knowledge.
     ● Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs): Established by local bodies under the Biological
        Diversity Act, BMCs are responsible for preparing PBRs in consultation with local communities.
About Kerala:
     ● Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
     ● Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
     ● Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
     ● National Parks: Periyar National Park, Mathikettan National Park, Eravikulam National Park,
        Silent Valley National Park, Indira Gandhi National Park
Andhra Pradesh Government to Enact New Law to Combat Land-Grabbing: N Chandrababu Naidu
     ● The Andhra Pradesh (AP) Government, led by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, will
        introduce a new Act aimed at preventing illegal land-grabbing.
     ● This legislation will be modelled on the Gujarat Act.
     ● Under the new Act, the burden of establishing ownership will fall on the alleged land-grabbers,
        not the original landowners.
     ● Naidu presented a white paper detailing the state of natural resources and their misuse during
        the YSRCP rule.
     ● The white paper highlighted illegal financial gains amounting to ₹9,750 crore over the last 5
        years.
About AP :
     ● Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
     ● Chief minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
     ● National Park : Papikonda National Park, Rajiv Gandhi (Rameshwaram) National Park, Sri
        Venkateswara National Park
     ● Wildlife Sanctuaries : Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna
        Wildlife Sanctuary, Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Karnataka Cabinet clears draft bill reserving 50-75% private sector jobs for locals
     ● The Karnataka government cleared a bill that seeks to reserve 50 per cent of management jobs
        and 75 per cent of non-management jobs for locals, according to the report.
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     ● The bill is formally called the State Employment of Local Candidates in the Industries, Factories
         and Other Establishments Bill, 2024.
     ● The proposed law in Karnataka does not reserve private jobs for Karnataka residents but for
         Kannadigas along linguistic lines.
     ● The bill reserves private jobs only for those locals who speak Kannada, according to the report.
Criteria for Local Candidates
     ● The bill defines a local candidate eligible for the reserved jobs as someone who:
     ●   Has been born in Karnataka,
     ●   Has been domiciled in the state for 15 years,
     ●   Is fluent in Kannada,
     ●   Passes a required test by the nodal agency, according to the report.
About Karnataka:
     ● Capital: Bangalore
     ● Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot
     ● Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
     ● National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Dandeli
         Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Maharashtra Government Allocates Rs 5,500 Crore for Internship Scheme Providing Stipends to
Unemployed Youth
     ● The Maharashtra government will spend Rs 5,500 crore on the Mukhyamantri Yuva Karya
         Prashikshan Yojana internship scheme for unemployed youth.
     ● This scheme, which aims to enhance the employability and skill set of the youth and prepare
         them for a competitive job market, was announced in Budget 2024-25 presented by Deputy Chief
         Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar.
     ● The announcement was made on Ashadhi Ekadashi Day in Pandharpur.
Key Highlights :
     ● Stipend Details :
            ➢ Rs 6,000 for 12th pass candidates.
            ➢ Rs 8,000 for candidates with ITI and diploma.
            ➢ Rs 10,000 for candidates with degree and postgraduate.
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     ● More than 9.27 lakh applications have been received so far by authorities in Maharashtra’s
        Marathwada region for availing benefits under the state government’s flagship welfare scheme
        for underprivileged women ‘Ladki Bahin’.
     ● Under the Mukhya Mantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana announced in the state budget last month-
        married, divorced, and destitute women aged 21-60 will receive Rs 1,500 per month, with the
        annual family income of beneficiaries capped at Rs 2.5 lakh.
     ● In 8 districts of Marathwada in central Maharashtra, 9,27,280 women have applied for the
        scheme so far (till July 18,2024).
District-wise Breakdown:
        1.      Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: 2,54,489 applications
        2.      Dharashiv: 1,53,463 applications
        3.      Nanded: 1,30,310 applications
        4.      Beed: 1,28,070 applications
        5.      Latur: 1,08,656 applications (highest in urban areas)
        6.      Jalna: 66,835 applications
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     ● The Bihar government has introduced its first film promotion policy to support filmmakers and
        cinema enthusiasts.
     ● The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
     ● The proposal was initiated by the Art, Culture, and Youth Affairs department of the state
        government.
Policy Features:
     ● Single Window Clearance: The policy provides a single-window clearance for all government
        permissions.
     ● Financial grants up to ₹4 crore are provided for producing films, documentaries, and serials in
        regional languages.
     ● Film Facilitation Cell:A Film Facilitation Cell will be established to provide support for financial
        aid, shooting permissions, and other assistance.
About Bihar :
     ● Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
     ● Chief Minister : Nitish Kumar
     ● Capital : Patna
     ● National Parks : Valmiki National Park
     ● Wildlife Sanctuaries : Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife
        Sanctuary
Gujarat Government Introduces 'Shramik Basera' Scheme Offering Rented Accommodation to
Construction Workers for ₹5 Per Day
     ● Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched a scheme named 'Shramik Basera' to provide
        temporary accommodation to nearly 15,000 construction workers at a nominal rate of Rs 5 per
        day.
     ● The scheme aims to bring a "qualitative change" in the standard of living of workers from the
        unorganised sector and construction workers by providing food, health, housing, and financial
        support.
     ● The total cost of the project is ₹1,500 crore.
About Gujarat
     ● Capital: Gandhinagar
     ● Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
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     ● Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the "Rajiv Gandhi Civils Abhayahastam"
        scheme.
     ● The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹1 lakh to civil services aspirants who qualify for the
        UPSC Mains exam.
     ● This is the first time the Telangana government has offered financial support specifically for
        UPSC Mains preparation.
     ● Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) will provide the assistance as part of its 'Nirmaan'
        programme.
Eligibility Criteria :
     ● Beneficiary Categories:Candidates from SC, ST, OBC, women, and economically weaker
        sections (EWS) in the general category are eligible.
     ● Income Limit:The annual family income should not exceed ₹8 lakh.
     ● Residency Requirement:Applicants must be permanent residents of Telangana.
     ● Employment Status:Candidates employed in permanent positions in central, state, or government
        sector organizations are ineligible.
About Telangana :
     ● Governor : C. P. Radhakrishnan
     ● Chief Minister : Anumula Revanth Reddy
     ● Capital : Hyderabad
     ● National Park : Mrugavani National Park, KBR Park
     ● Wildlife Sanctuary : Pranahita wildlife sanctuary, Shivaram wildlife Sanctuary
Aizawl in Mizoram Set to Become 4th Northeastern State Capital with Rail Link by 2025
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     ● Mizoram's Aizawl would be the 4th capital city in the northeast region to come under railway
        connectivity by July 2025 as the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is laying the new Broad
        Gauge (BG) track up to Sairang, near Aizawl.
     ● Assam's main city of Guwahati (adjoining capital Dispur), Tripura's capital Agartala, and
        Arunachal Pradesh's Naharlagun (adjacent to capital city Itanagar) are already connected with
        the railway network.
     ● The new Broad Gauge line is being laid in the Bairabi (near Assam's Hailakandi District) -
        Sairang (52 km) section in Mizoram's Aizawl District.
     ● The Rs 8,213.72 crore Bairabi-Sairang railway project would be commissioned in July 2025.
     ● The 52 km new line between Bairabi and Sairang is divided into 4 sections -- Bairabi–Hortoki,
        Hortoki–Kawnpui, Kawnpui–Mualkhang, and Mualkhang–Sairang.
About Mizoram :
     ● Governor : Kambhampati Hari Babu
     ● Chief Minister : Lalduhoma
     ● Capital : Aizawl
Kerala to Implement QR Code Registration for Inland Water Vessels Starting August 1, 2024
     ● The Kerala government has introduced QR code registration for all inland vessels, including
        houseboats, operating in the state.
     ● An electronic portal has been established by the Kerala Maritime Board to facilitate the
        registration and survey of inland mechanised vessels.
     ● From August 1, 2024, registration and surveys of all mechanised inland water vessels in Kerala
        will only be possible through this portal.
     ● Aim : To ensure the safety of all vessels based on the new Inland Vessels Act, 2021, and to
        eliminate illegal activities in the sector.
About Kerala:
     ● Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
     ● Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
     ● Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan
     ● National Parks: Periyar National Park, Mathikettan National Park, Eravikulam National Park,
        Silent Valley National Park, Indira Gandhi National Park
Kerala Targets Boost in Foreign Student Enrolment in Higher Education Institutions
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     ● Kerala is launching the 'Study in Kerala' programme to attract international students to its higher
        education institutions.
     ● The initiative aims to enhance cultural diversity, bolster the higher education sector, and equip
        students to work in a global society.
     ● Government Approval: The Kerala government has granted in-principle sanction to the initiative
        proposed by the Kerala State Higher Education Council.
     ● Phased Rollout:
     ● First Phase:
           ➢ Focus on attracting international students for short-term programmes.
           ➢ Offer two-week to one-month academic courses with cultural immersion activities.
           ➢ These programmes may or may not include academic credits and will charge reasonable
                fees.
     ● Second Phase:
           ➢ Target international students for full-time programmes at select universities and colleges.
           ➢ Strategies tailored to attract self-funded students from regions like Africa and South Asia.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant Unveils 'Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan' Solar Energy Program
     ● In a significant move towards sustainable energy, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has launched
        the ‘Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan’ initiative in Goa.
     ● This scheme is aligned with the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and aims to boost
        solar energy adoption in Goa.
     ● The new scheme is designed to enhance solar rooftop capacity and empower residential
        households in Goa to generate their own electricity.
     ● The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to increase the share of solar rooftop capacity and
        empower residential households to generate their electricity.
     ● Financial Details: The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is to be implemented till FY
        2026-27.
     ● Initial Investment : The government of Goa, under the Goem Vinamulya Vij Yevjan, with an initial
        investment of 35 crore, in addition to the Central Financial Assistance, will bear the balance cost
        of the rooftop installation up to 5 kW for consumers consuming 400 or fewer units for the last
        year.
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About Goa :
     ● Governor : P. S. Sreedharan Pillai
     ● Chief Minister : Pramod Sawant
     ● Capital : Panaji
     ● Festivals : Shigmotsav/Gulalotsav Festival, Sao Joao, Goa Carnival
     ● Airport : Manohar International Airport (Goa Airport)
                                               BUSINESS NEWS
U.S. Awards $176 Million to Moderna for Bird Flu Vaccine Development
•    The U.S. government has allocated $176 million to Moderna to advance its development of a bird flu
     vaccine amid concerns over a multi-state outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cows and human
     infections.
•    Moderna received $176 million from the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development
     Authority to complete late-stage development and testing of an mRNA-based vaccine targeting
     H5N1 avian influenza.
•    The funding is intended to accelerate preparations for a potential pandemic.
IBM to set up AI cluster for BFSI units in GIFT City, Gujarat
     •   IBM is set to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) cluster for Banking, Financial Services, and
         Insurance (BFSI) units in GIFT City, Gujarat.
     •   This initiative aims to enable BFSI units to experiment with and scale AI capabilities.
GST collection at Rs 1.74 trillion in June 2024, but growth slows to 7.7%
     •   In June 2024, India's GST collection reached Rs 1.74 trillion, marking a 7.7% year-on-year
         growth, which is lower than previous months' increases (12.4% in April and 10% in May 2024).
     •   Cumulative collections for the fiscal year totalled Rs 5.57 trillion.
     •   This is the slowest rate of growth in GST collections in three years, with the previous slower pace
         of growth recorded in June 2021.
     •   The seventh anniversary of the GST rollout was celebrated under the theme
         "SashaktVyaparSamagra Vikas," highlighting reduced tax rates on household goods post-GST
         implementation.
Services Purchasing Managers' Index(PMI( rises in June 2024 after May 2024 break on new orders
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     •    In June 2024, the services sector in India showed improvement with the HSBC India Services
          Business Activity Index (services PMI) rising to 60.5, up from 60.2 in May.
     •    This increase was driven by a stronger uptick in new orders and an unprecedented expansion in
          international sales, according to S&P Global.
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      •   Current Shift: Transition from fixed-wing aircraft to helicopter production due to diminishing
          Sukhoi-30MKI assembly income.
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     •   In the previous year, the credit flows to the priority sector reached Rs 24.84 trillion, surpassing
         the target of Rs 20 trillion.
     •   The government aims to set an agricultural credit target of Rs 24 trillion for 2024-25.
     •   In 2023-24, credit flows to the priority sector were Rs 24.84 trillion, exceeding the target of Rs 20
         trillion.
CPI inflation likely rose to 4-month high of 4.9% in June
     •   India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), likely rose to a four-month
         high of 4.9% in June 2024 due to an increase in vegetable prices amidst a delayed monsoon,
         according to a median poll of 18 economists.
     •   The estimates ranged from 4.5% to 5.19%.
     •   June 2024 CPI inflation is projected at 4.9%, a rise from 4.75% in May and 4.87% in June 2023.
     •   The National Statistical Office (NSO) data indicates that at 4.9%, the overall index would see a
         1.2% month-on-month increase, the fastest pace in 11 months.
GST Application on Corporate Guarantee Fees
     •   Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be applied to 1% of corporate guarantee fees on an annual
         basis, starting from October 23, 2023.
     •   This decision was made by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) and notified
         following the GST Council meeting on June 22, 2023.
     •   The application of GST on corporate guarantee fees at 1% annually is intended to provide
         financial relief to companies.
     •   The provision is seen as beneficial for businesses that have been concerned About cash flows.
The budget may retain fiscal deficit target at 5.1%; job creation, social spending, and capex to be key
themes: Morgan Stanley
     •   US investment bank Morgan Stanley has projected that the Indian central government is likely to
         retain its fiscal deficit target at 5.1% of GDP for FY25, consistent with the interim budget.
     •   The Union Budget will be unveiled on July 23, 2024.
     •   FY24 Target: The fiscal deficit target was set at 5.6% of GDP.
     •   FY25 Projection: Morgan Stanley expects the fiscal deficit to remain at 5.1% of GDP.
     •   FY26 Goal: The target is to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP by FY26.
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     •   Apple notified some iPhone users in India About a potential attack by Pegasus-like “mercenary
         spyware” aiming for remote control of their devices.
     •   This marks the second notification sent to users in India and 98 other countries regarding similar
         threats.
     •   Since 2021, Apple has issued these warnings to users in over 150 countries worldwide.
     •   The latest threat notification from Apple highlighted that such attacks are expensive, costing
         millions of dollars.
     •   These sophisticated spyware attacks are targeted at a few individuals but are ongoing and have
         a global reach.
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CPI Inflation in June Rises To 4-Month High of 5.08%, IIP Growth Jumps To 5.9%
     •   Retail Inflation: India's Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation in June 2024 stood at 5.08%, the
         highest in four months.
     •   IIP Growth: India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth rose to 5.9% in May 2024 from 5%
         in April 2024.
     •   Inflation Details:
     •   Comparative Inflation Rates:
            o May 2024: 4.75%
            o February 2024: Last high at 5.09%
            o June 2023: 4.87%
     •   Food Basket Inflation:
            o June 2024: 9.36%
            o May 2024: 8.69%
            o June 2023: 4.55%
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            o 2027: India's $5 trillion GDP milestone translates to $16 trillion in PPP terms.
Forex reserves jump $5.16 billion to $657.16 billion
     •   India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $5.158 billion to reach $657.155 billion for the week
         ending July 5, 2024.
     •   Previous Decline: The reserves had decreased by $1.713 billion in the two weeks prior, falling to
         $651.997 billion for the week ending June 28, 2024.
     •   Total Forex Reserves: $657.155 billion (week ending July 5, 2024).
     •   Previous High: $655.817 billion (all-time high on June 7, 2024).
Spike in food prices pushes WPI inflation to a 16-month high in June 2024
     ● India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation climbed for the fourth consecutive month in
         June 2024, reaching a 16-month high of 3.36 per cent compared to 2.61 per cent in May 2024.
     ● This increase was primarily driven by adverse base effects and a significant rise in food prices,
         according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Key Points of June 2024 WPI Inflation:
     ● Overall Inflation: WPI inflation rose to 3.36 per cent in June 2024 from -4.18 percent in June
         2023.
     ● Food Prices: Food inflation surged to 10.87 per cent during the month.
Price Increases in Specific Categories:
     ● Vegetables: 38.76 percent increase.
     ● Onion: 93.35 percent increase.
     ● Potato: 66.37 percent increase.
     ● Cereals: 9.27 percent increase.
     ● Fruits: 10.14 percent increase.
     ● Wheat: 6.25 percent increase.
     ● Moderating Prices:
     ● Pulses: While prices decelerated to 21.64 percent, they remained high.
     ● Protein-Rich Items: Eggs & meat (-3.06 percent) and milk (3.37 percent) saw slight relief.
Cropin Technology Launches Sage: World's First Real-Time Agri-Intelligence Solution
● Agritech firm Cropin Technology has announced the launch of Sage, the planet’s first real-time agri-
     intelligence solution powered by Google Gemini.
● Grid-Based Mapping:
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     ● In the second quarter of 2024, India emerged as the second largest market for Netflix regarding
         new paid subscriber additions, according to the company’s shareholder letter.
Economic Survey 2023-24: Key Highlights and Analysis
● The Economic Survey 2023-24, presented by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt.
     Nirmala Sitharaman provides a detailed overview of India’s economic performance and future
     outlook.
● Here are the key highlights, organised by thematic chapters:
Chapter 1: State of the Economy – Steady as She Goes
     ●   GDP Growth Projection: The Economic Survey projects India's GDP growth at 6.5-7% for FY24.
         This conservative estimate accounts for balanced risks despite higher market expectations.
     ●   Real GDP Growth: India's economy saw a significant growth of 8.2% in FY24, maintaining
         momentum from FY23.
     ●   GVA Growth: Gross Value Added (GVA) grew by 7.2% in FY24, indicating strong economic
         activity.
     ●   Inflation Management: Effective policies reduced retail inflation from 6.7% in FY23 to 5.4% in
         FY24.
     ●   Current Account Deficit (CAD): The CAD improved to 0.7% of GDP in FY24 from 2.0% in FY23,
         showing better external balance.
     ●   Tax Collection: Direct taxes contributed 55% of total tax collection, while indirect taxes made up
         45%.
     ●   Welfare Programs: The government ensured the provision of free food grains to 81.4 crore
         people and progressively increased capital expenditure.
Chapter 2: Monetary Management and Financial Intermediation – Stability is the Watchword
     ●   Banking Sector Performance: India's banking sector performed exceptionally well, with stable
         growth and improved asset quality.
     ●   Policy Rate: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained a steady policy repo rate at 6.5%,
         ensuring monetary stability.
     ●   Credit Growth: Credit disbursal by Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) grew by 20.2% to
         ₹164.3 lakh crore by March 2024.
     ●   Non-Performing Assets (NPA): Gross and net NPAs were at multi-year lows, indicating better
         health of the banking sector.
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     ●   Capital Markets: Primary capital markets facilitated capital formation of ₹10.9 lakh crore,
         supporting economic growth.
     ●   Financial Inclusion: Digital Financial Inclusion (DFI) remains a key challenge for sustainable
         economic growth.
Chapter 3: Prices and Inflation – Under Control
     ●   Retail Inflation: Maintained at 5.4% in FY24, the lowest since the pandemic, due to timely policy
         interventions.
     ●   Fuel Prices: The government announced price cuts for LPG, petrol, and diesel to keep retail fuel
         inflation low.
     ●   Core and Food Inflation: Core services and goods inflation reached multi-year lows; food inflation
         increased due to extreme weather events affecting farm output.
Chapter 4: External Sector – Stability Amid Plenty
     ●   Current Account Deficit (CAD): Improved to 0.7% of GDP in FY24 due to moderated imports and
         rising services exports.
     ●   Global Export Share: India’s share in global goods exports was 1.8% in FY24.
     ●   Services Exports and Remittances: Services exports grew by 4.9% to USD 341.1 billion; India
         received USD 120 billion in remittances.
Chapter 5: Medium-Term Outlook – A Growth Strategy for New India
     ●   Policy Focus Areas: Job and skill creation, addressing MSME bottlenecks, facilitating green
         transition, and managing geopolitical relations.
     ●   Amrit Kaal Strategy: Focuses on private investment, MSMEs, agriculture, green transition,
         bridging education-employment gap, and building state capacity.
Chapter 6: Climate Change and Energy Transition: Dealing with Trade-Offs
     ●   Climate Action: India aligned with a 2-degree centigrade warming target.
     ●   Renewable Energy: 45.4% of installed capacity from non-fossil sources.
     ●   Emission Reduction and Energy Savings: Achieved significant emission reductions and annual
         energy savings of ₹1,94,320 Crore.
Chapter 7: Social Sector – Benefits that Empower
     ●   Welfare Impact: Digitization has increased the impact per rupee spent.
     ●   Welfare Expenditure Growth: Welfare expenditure grew at a 12.8% CAGR between FY18 and
         FY24.
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     ●   Ayushman Bharat: 34.7 crore cards generated, covering 7.37 crore hospital admissions.
     ●   Early Childhood Education: The ‘Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi’ program aims to develop a high-quality
         preschool network.
Chapter 8: Employment and Skill Development: Towards Quality
     ●   Labour Market Improvement: Unemployment rate declined to 3.2%.
     ●   Urban and Youth Unemployment: Significant declines observed.
     ●   EPFO Membership and Factories Growth: Steady growth in EPFO membership and number of
         factories employing over 100 workers.
Chapter 9: Agriculture and Food Management – Plenty of Upside Left If We Get It Right
     ●   Agriculture Growth: Averaged 4.18% annual growth over the last five years.
     ●   Agricultural Credit: Total credit disbursed to agriculture amounted to ₹22.84 lakh crore.
     ●   Micro Irrigation: 90.0 lakh hectares covered under the ‘Per drop more crop’ initiative.
Chapter 10: Industry – Small and Medium Matters
     ●   Industrial Growth: 9.5% growth rate, supporting overall economic growth.
     ●   Manufacturing Sector: Achieved an average annual growth rate of 5.2% over the last decade.
     ●   PLI Schemes: Attracted significant investment and generated employment.
Chapter 11: Services – Fuelling Growth Opportunities
     ●   Services Sector Contribution: 55% of overall GVA.
     ●   Global Services Exports: 4.4% of world’s commercial services exports.
     ●   Aviation Sector Growth: 15% YoY increase in air passengers.
Chapter 12: Infrastructure – Lifting Potential Growth
     ●   Public Sector Investment: Significant in funding large-scale infrastructure projects.
     ●   National Highway and Railway Development: Increased construction and capital expenditure.
     ●   Clean Energy Investment: ₹8.5 lakh crore invested between 2014 and 2023.
Chapter 13: Climate Change and India
     ●   Global Climate Strategies: Emphasizes India’s harmonious relationship with nature.
     ●   Mission LiFE: Focuses on mindful consumption to address global climate change.
Five-year action plan in the works to boost exports to $2 trillion by 2030
● The Department of Commerce is developing a comprehensive five-year action plan to achieve $2
     trillion in exports of goods and services by 2030. This plan will build on the current 100-day agenda
     and extend beyond it.
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● $2 Trillion Target: Achieve $1 trillion in goods exports and $1 trillion in services exports by 2030.
● Increase Global Share: Improve India’s current share in global trade (1.8% in goods and 2.8% in
     imports, as per WTO).
Exports to top-10 nations grow faster than overall figures in Q1 FY25
     ●   India's top-10 export destinations saw a growth rate of 16.5% during the April-June quarter,
         surpassing the overall merchandise export growth of 5.8%.
     ●   Top Export Destinations:
            o   United States: 10.4% growth
            o   United Arab Emirates (UAE): 17.6% growth
            o   Netherlands: 41.3% growth
            o   United Kingdom (UK): 21.9% growth
            o   Singapore: 26.55% growth
            o   Saudi Arabia: 4.9% growth
            o   Bangladesh: 10.5% growth
            o   Germany: 3.4% growth
            o   Malaysia: 81.8% growth
            o   China: 2.8% contraction
     ●   Contribution: The top 10 countries accounted for 52% of India’s total export value during the first
         quarter of this financial year.
     ●   Growth Rate: Imports from the top-10 partner countries grew by 12%, higher than the overall
         import growth of 7.6%.
     ●   Top Import Partners:
            o   United States: 5.4% growth
            o   UAE: 35.7% growth
            o   Iraq: 27.6% growth
            o   Indonesia: 17.9% growth
            o   South Korea: 7.2% growth
            o   Russia: 19.7% growth
            o   China: 8.3% growth
            o   Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland: Limited or negative growth
EPFO adds 19.5 lakh net members in May 2024, the highest since April 2018
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● In May 2024, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) scheme added 19.5 lakh net new members.
● This is the highest number of net new additions recorded in a single month since the introduction of
     the payroll data in April 2018.
● Compared to May 2023, the number of new EPF members grew by 19.62%. This growth suggests a
     positive trend in formal sector employment and increased participation in social security programs.
● The EPF is governed by the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
● Top States: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Haryana had the highest net
     additions, contributing to 58.24% of the total new members.
● Maharashtra: Led with a 18.87% share of the new net members.
Hindustan Zinc Launches EcoZen: Asia's First Low-Carbon 'Green' Zinc Brand
● Hindustan Zinc, the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer, has launched a new low-carbon
     zinc brand called EcoZen.
● This innovative product is primarily used for galvanising steel to prevent corrosion, with applications
     in sectors such as steel, infrastructure, automotive, renewable energy, electronics, high-tech
     manufacturing, energy storage, defence, and electric mobility.
LOHUM Announces ₹2,000 Crore Investment for New Battery Materials Plant in Tamil Nadu
     ● LOHUM will invest ₹2,000 crore over the next six years to build a new plant in Krishnagiri,
        western Tamil Nadu.
     ● The plant will focus on producing cathode active material (CAM) for battery manufacturing.
     ● The 20 GWh plant is set to begin production within eighteen months.
     ● The initial phase includes a ₹400 crore investment over the first two years.
     ● The plant will process 20,000 tons of batteries annually.
     ● It will recycle and produce cobalt, nickel, and lithium, each at a capacity of 1,000 tons.
     ● The pilot line for CAM production will start with a capacity of 750 MWh, scaling up to 20 GWh.
BSNL's Ambitious Targets Amid 4G Launch and Revival Efforts
● BSNL aims for a 25% subscriber market share by the end of 2025 as it launches 4G services.
● Current market share is 7.4% with 86.3 million mobile subscribers.
● The government has allocated Rs 3.2 trillion in revival packages to BSNL.
● Rs 83,416 crore is set aside in the 2024-25 Budget for BSNL’s technological upgrades and
     restructuring.
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● BSNL is expediting the rollout of 4G services with contracts worth Rs 19,000 crore awarded to Tata
     Consultancy Services (TCS), Tejas Networks, and ITI.
India’s Vision: Achieving a $30 Trillion Economy by 2047
● India aims to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, with a per capita income of $18,000 annually,
     according to the approach paper for the "Vision for Viksit Bharat in 2047".
Current Economic Status:
     ●   GDP: $3.3 trillion
     ●   Per Capita Income: $2,392 per annum
Key Points:
     1. Target: $30 trillion economy and $18,000 per capita income by 2047.
     2. Current GDP: $3.3 trillion; current per capita income: $2,392.
     3. Required Growth: Ninefold GDP increase; eightfold per capita income increase.
     4. Growth Rate: Sustained 7-10% annual growth for 20-30 years.
     5. Middle-Income Trap: Key challenge; needs strategic planning to overcome.
Gold Jewellery Industry Advocates for 'One Nation, One Rate' Policy
● The gold jewellery industry is pushing for a ‘One Nation, One Rate’ policy.
● The policy will start with a unified gold rate for Eastern India in August.
     1. Stakeholder Support:
              o     Samar Kr. De, President of the Swarna Silpa Bachao Committee, confirms widespread
                    interest among stakeholders.
              o     Saiyam Mehra, Chairman of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC),
                    supports the policy to create a level playing field and prevent undercutting.
Aditya Birla Group Launches Indriya to Enter Indian Jewellery Market
● Aditya Birla Group launched its in-house jewellery brand, Indriya.
● The group aims to become one of India's top three jewellery retailers within five years.
● Investment and Expansion:
          o       The venture is backed by a substantial investment of Rs 5,000 crore.
          o       Initial launch includes four stores in Delhi, Indore, and Jaipur, with plans to expand to over
                  10 cities within six months.
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         o       Stores will be large, measuring over 7000 sq ft, 30-35% larger than the average national
                 brand stores.
Insider Trading Regulations for Mutual Funds Set to Commence in November 2024
● Nearly two years after their initial notification, insider trading regulations for mutual funds (MFs) will
     finally come into force on November 1, 2024.
● Previously, such rules only applied to securities of listed companies or those proposed to be listed.
● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) initiated this process with a consultation paper
     in July 2022, followed by a formal notification in November of the same year.
Rapido Achieves Unicorn Status with $120 Million Funding Round
     ● Rapido has become the latest unicorn by raising $120 million (approximately Rs 1,000 crore) in
        primary capital from existing investor WestBridge Capital, achieving a post-money valuation of $1
        billion.
     ● The company's valuation increased from $825 million following a $180 million funding round in
        April 2022.
     ● Previous investors include Swiggy, Nexus Venture Partners, and Integrated Capital.
     ● Rapido is the fourth unicorn of the year, following Perfios, Ola’s Gen AI platform Krutrim, and
        Porter.
     ● In 2023, only Zepto and InCred Finance achieved unicorn status.
Indian Economy Expected to Grow Above 7% in FY24-25: NCAER
     ● The Indian economy is projected to grow above 7%, potentially closer to 7.5% in the current
        fiscal year, according to the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER).
     ● The growth outlook is supported by a normal monsoon, reduced electoral uncertainty, and stable
        global conditions.
     ● Real GDP grew by 8.2% in FY2023-24, driven by strong consumption demand and improving
        investment demand.
     Union Budget 2024-25:
             o     The fiscal deficit target is set at 4.9% of GDP.
             o     Capital expenditure is budgeted at 2.4% of GDP.
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Operations
      •   The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued new
          guidelines to streamline operations and enhance the ease of doing business for credit rating
          agencies (CRAs).
      •   The guidelines aim to promote ease of doing business, bring About uniformity in handling
          appeals, protect investors, and foster the development and regulation of the securities market.
      •   These modifications will be applicable, with effect from August 01, 2024.
About SEBI :
      •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
          1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
      •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
      •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
      •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership
          of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Life Insurance Corporation of India Unveils Agency Transformation Initiative 'Jeevan Samarth'
      •   The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched the 'Jeevan Samarth' agency
          transformation project to address the evolving needs of customers.
      •   LIC has partnered with consulting firm A T Kearney to review and transform its existing agency
          framework on an end-to-end basis.
      •   Aim : To future-proof LIC's 14 lakh agent workforce to meet the rapidly changing demands of
          customers.
      •   Project Goals:Transform LIC's agency ecosystem to align with the needs of millions of Indian
          families.
About LIC :
      •   Founded : 1 September 1956
      •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
      •   Chairman : Siddhartha Mohanty
Reserve Bank of India Introduces Quarterly Survey on Manufacturing Sector Order Books
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      •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a quarterly "order books, inventories and capacity
          utilisation" (OBICUS) survey of companies in the manufacturing sector.
      •   The survey provides key inputs used by the RBI to formulate monetary policy.
      •   The RBI has been conducting the OBICUS survey quarterly since 2008.
      •   New Orders: Quantitative data on new orders received during the reference quarter (e.g., April-
          June 2024).
      •   Order Backlog: Orders pending at the beginning and end of the quarter.
About RBI :
      •   Established : 1 April 1935
      •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
      •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
      •   Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
          Patra
Reserve Bank of India Imposes Rs 10,000 Fine on YES Bank for Failure in Mutilated Note Exchange;
Punjab National Bank Penalised Rs 1.32 Crore for Know Your Customer and Loan Compliance
Violations
Penalty on YES Bank :
      •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of ₹10,000 on YES Bank for not exchanging
          mutilated notes.
      •   Reason for Penalty:The penalty was imposed under the "Scheme of Penalties for bank
          branches including Currency Chests" based on the bank's performance in customer service,
          specifically regarding the exchange of mutilated notes.
      •   Master Circular on Penalties:According to the RBI's Master Circular, any violation of the
          agreement with RBI or deficiency in service, such as refusal to exchange soiled or mutilated
          notes, can attract penalties.
About Yes Bank :
      •   Established : 2004
      •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
      •   MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
      •   Tagline : Experience our expertise
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About PNB :
      •   Founded : 19 May 1894
      •   Headquarters : Dwarka, Delhi, India
      •   MD & CEO : Atul Kumar Goel
      •   Tagline : You Can Bank Upon
Bank of Baroda Plans to Raise Up to Rs 7,500 Crore through additional Tier-I (AT1) and Tier-II bonds
      •   Public sector lender Bank of Baroda (BoB) plans to raise up to Rs 7,500 crore through additional
          Tier-I (AT1) and Tier-II bonds to meet prudential regulator norms and support business growth,
          with the bank's board of directors approving the raising of this additional capital in suitable
          tranches by March 31, 2025, and beyond if needed.
      •   The capital can be raised by issuing debt instruments in the domestic or overseas market.
      •   Stock Performance: BoB's stock price rose 1.35% to Rs 273.7 per share following the
          announcement.
About BoB :
      •   Established : 20 July 1908
      •   Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
      •   MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
      •   Tagline : India's International Bank
Reserve Bank of India Proposes Rationalization of Regulations on Export and Import Transactions
     •    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed rationalisation of norms governing export and
          import transactions to promote ease of doing business and empower banks to deliver quicker
          and more efficient services to foreign exchange customers.
     •    Repatriation Timeline: The full export value of goods must be realised and repatriated to India
          within 9 months from the date of shipment for goods and the date of invoice for services.
     •    Draft Regulations under FEMA: The proposed changes were part of draft regulations released by
          the RBI under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA),1999.
Nine Non-Banking Financial Companies Surrender Registration Certificates to Reserve Bank of India
     •    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that 9 non-banking financial companies (NBFCs),
          including Ujjivan Financial Services, have surrendered their certificates of registration (CoR).
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     •   Exit from Business : 5 of these NBFCs exited the non-banking financial institution business,
         leading to the surrender of their CoR.
     •   These companies are:
     •   Vigfin Holdings
     •   Strip Commodeal
     •   Allium Finance
     •   Eternite Finvest
     •   Fino Finance
State Bank of India Introduces MSME-Sahaj: Web-Based Digital Business Loan Solution for Micro,
Small and Medium Enterprises Invoice Financing
     •   State Bank of India (SBI) has launched "MSME Sahaj," a web-based digital business loans
         solution focused on invoice financing for MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises) under
         the Goods and Service Tax (GST) regime.
     •   Purpose : To provide "on tap" short-term credit for working capital needs to GST-registered
         MSME units.
     •   MSME Sahaj is a data-driven invoice financing credit assessment engine which will provide an
         end-to-end solution from applying for the loan, documentation and disbursement of the
         sanctioned loan within 15 minutes, without any manual intervention.
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
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     •   Reason for Withdrawal: The decision to withdraw the application was voluntary and has no
         material impact on the revenue or operations of Zomato.
About Zomato :
     •   Founded : July 2008
     •   Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
     •   MD & CEO : Deepinder Goyal
Government Maintains Current Interest Rates for Small Savings Schemes unchanged for Q2 FY 2024-
25
     •   The government has decided to keep the current interest rates for small savings schemes the
         same, for the period of 01, July to 30th September 2024, i.e. the second quarter (Q2) for the
         financial year (FY) 2024-25.
     •   This means that the rates have remained unchanged from the first quarter of FY 2024-25.
     •   Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): A savings certificate scheme with a maturity period.
     •   Mahila Samman Savings Certificate: A savings scheme specifically for women.
     •   Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): A scheme for senior citizens with attractive interest
         rates.
     •   Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): A monthly income scheme offered by post offices.
Government of India and Asian Development Bank sign $170 Million Loan Deal to Enhance Pandemic
Preparedness and Response
     •   The Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $170
         million policy-based loan to consolidate and strengthen India's health system preparedness and
         response capacity to future pandemics.
     •   This loan is a part of the 'Strengthened and Measurable Actions for Resilient and Transformative
         Health Systems Programme (Subprogramme 1)'
     •   The proposed program will help India consolidate and develop its pandemic preparedness and
         response (PPR) capability through a multifaceted and cross-sectoral strategy involving both
         central and subnational governments.
About ADB :
     •   Established: 19 December 1966
     •   Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
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     •   Membership: 68 Countries
     •   President: Masatsugu Asakawa (from 17 January 2020)
Securities and Exchange Board of India Lowers Face Value of Debt Securities to ₹10,000 to Enhance
Retail Participation
     •   The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has reduced the face
         value of debt securities from Rs 100,000 to Rs 10,000 to encourage greater participation of retail
         investors in the corporate bond market.
     •   This move aims to enhance liquidity and broaden the investor base in corporate bonds.
About SEBI :
     •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Introduces New Mutual Fund Lite Regulations to Streamline
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New Banking Malware 'Snowblind' Targets Android Users for Banking Credential Theft
     •   A new banking malware called Snowblind is targeting Android users to steal banking
         credentials.
     •   Discovered by cybersecurity firm Promon, headquartered in Norway.
     •   Functionality : This malware can take your banking login details and perform unauthorised
         transactions.
     •   Exploitation of Security Features:Snowblind exploits a built-in Android security feature to bypass
         anti-tamper protections in apps that handle sensitive information.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Simplifies Process for Public Issuance of Debt Securities
     •   The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) decided to streamline the
         process for public issuance of debt securities to provide faster access to funds for such issuers.
     •   Under this, The period for seeking public comments on draft offer documents reduced:
     •   From 7 working days to 1 day for issuers with already listed specified securities.
     •   From 7 working days to 5 days for other issuers.
Hitachi Payment Services Granted Reserve Bank of Indias Final Authorization for Online Payment
Aggregator License
     •   Hitachi Payment Services, Indias end-to-end payments and commerce solutions provider, has
         announced that it has received the final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
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         operate as an Online Payment Aggregator, under the Payments and Settlement Systems Act,
         2007.
     •   This authorization allows Hitachi Payment Services to expand its digital solutions and services
         stack to include a comprehensive suite of payment options such as UPI, netbanking, cards,
         wallets, EMI, Paylater, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), Link Based payments, and loyalty solutions
         for merchants.
About Hitachi Payment Services:
     •   Founded: 2008 as Prizm Payment Services.
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
     •   MD & CEO: Sumil Vikamsey
Bandhan Bank Introduces New Service for Online Direct Tax Collection
     •   Bandhan Bank has launched a facility for online collection of direct taxes, enabling its customers
         and others to pay taxes seamlessly across India.
     •   As an RBI-appointed agency bank, it also accepts offline payments through its 1,700 branches.
     •   The service is available through internet banking, payment gateway, cash, cheque, or demand
         draft.
About Bandhan Bank :
     •   Founded : 2015
     •   Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
     •   CEO: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh.
Reserve Bank of India and 4 ASEAN Countries Collaborate on Cross-Border Payments Platform
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     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined hands with the Bank for International Settlements
         (BIS) and central banks of 4 Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries to
         collaborate on Project Nexus - a multilateral international initiative to enable retail cross-border
         payments.
     •   The platform, which is expected to go live by 2026, will interlink domestic fast payment systems
         (FPS) of countries namely Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and India.
About BIS :
     •   Established : 17 May 1930
     •   Location : Basel, Switzerland
     •   General Manager : Agustín Carstens
     •   The BIS is an international financial institution which is owned by member central banks.
     •   Its primary goal is to foster international monetary and financial cooperation while serving as a
         bank for central banks.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Directs Market Infrastructure Institutions to Implement Uniform
Charges Starting October 1, 2024
     •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has instructed market infrastructure
         institutions (MIIs), including stock exchanges, to charge all their members uniformly from October
         1, 2024 without any discounts based on trading volumes.
     •   MIIs are entities providing essential infrastructure and services for financial markets, including
         stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, registries, and payment systems.
     •   Members of MIIs typically include financial institutions, security issuers, investors, and regulatory
         authorities.
About SEBI :
     •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF),GoI.
HDFC Bank to Temporarily Limit Services on July 13, 2024 for System Upgrade
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     •   HDFC Bank has announced a scheduled system upgrade on July 13, 2024, to enhance its Core
         Banking System (CBS) and improve customer experience.
     •   The upgrade will migrate the CBS to a new platform.
     •   The system upgrade will start at 3 am on July 13, 2024 and conclude at 4:30 pm on the same
         day, spanning 13.5 hours.
About HDFC Bank :
     •   Founded : August 1994
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   CEO : Sashidhar Jagdishan
Union Bank of India Launches "Union Premier" Branches for High-Value Customers in Rural and Semi-
Urban Areas
     •   Union Bank of India launched Union Premier branches for high-value customers in rural and
         semi-urban (RUSU) markets.
     •   Aim : To provide personalized banking services for high-value customers in RUSU markets.
     •   Range of Services:Union Premier branches will offer a wide range of products and services
         under one roof.
     •   Personalized Banking:Each Union Premier customer will have access to a personal Relationship
         Manager to address all their banking needs.
About Union Bank of India :
     •   Founded : 11 November 1919
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO : A. Manimekhalai
     •   Tagline : 'Good People to Bank with'
Securities and Exchange Board of India Permits Up to 100% Non-Resident Indian Contribution for
Foreign Portfolio Investors in GIFT International Financial Services Centre
     •   Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed up to 100%
         aggregate contribution by non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs),
         Resident Indians (RI) in the corpus of Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) that are based out of
         International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
     •   The move is expected to enhance investment by FPIs in India.
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     •   Registration Requirement:At the time of registration, an FPI applicant must declare to their
         Designated Depository Participant (DDP) if they intend to have 50% or more of their corpus
         contributed by NRIs, OCIs, and RIs.
TATA AIG General Insurance Issues Record Rs 100 Crore Performance Surety Bond
     •   Tata AIG General Insurance has issued India's largest Performance Surety Bond, valued at over
         Rs 100 crores in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
     •   This issuance follows the company's introduction of Surety Insurance Bond offerings to the
         market two months ago.
     •   Facilitating Infrastructure Projects:TATA AIGs Surety Insurance Bonds aim to facilitate
         smoother execution of infrastructure projects and commercial contracts in both government and
         private sectors.
About TATA AIG General Insurance :
     •   Founded: 2001
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO: Neelesh Garg
     •   Ownership: Joint venture between the Tata Group and American International Group (AIG).
     •   Tata Group holds a 51% stake, while AIG holds the remaining 49%.
ICICI Lombard Introduces Surety Insurance for Infrastructure Sector
     •   ICICI Lombard has introduced Surety Insurance to offer risk mitigation solutions specifically for
         India's growing infrastructure sector.
     •   Purpose of Surety Insurance: Surety insurance serves as a guarantee to a beneficiary (typically a
         client or authority) that a principal debtor (usually a contractor) will fulfil their contractual
         obligations.
     •   Financial Compensation: If the contractor fails to meet their contractual commitments, the surety
         insurance provider will compensate the beneficiary financially.
About ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited :
     •   Founded: 2001
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman & Managing Director: Sanjeev Mantri
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     •   Ownership Structure: ICICI Lombard is a joint venture between ICICI Bank, Indias second-
         largest bank, and Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, a financial services company based in
         Toronto, Canada.
     •   ICICI Bank holds a 64% stake in the joint venture, while Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited holds
         the remaining 36%.
Reserve Bank of India Data Shows Private Corporate Sector Sales Growth Slows to 4.7% in FY24
     •   The Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) data showed the annual sales growth rate of listed private
         non-financial companies slowed to 4.7% in FY 2023-24 from 19.8% in FY2023.
     •   The analysis is based on the financial results of 3,281 listed non-government non-financial
         companies.
About RBI :
     •   Established : 1 April 1935
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Governor :Shaktikanta Das
     •   Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
         Patra
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Introduces Digital Forms for Monitoring Liquidation Processes
     •   The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has launched a set of electronic forms
         under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), to ease the compliance burden for insolvency
         professionals, and enhance the effectiveness of the liquidation process.
     •   These forms are crucial for the liquidation process under the IBC, as they facilitate systematic
         and transparent record-keeping and seamless reporting.
     •   The new circular, issued by the IBBI, introduces forms LIQ 1 to LIQ 4, covering different stages of
         the liquidation process.
About IBBI :
     •   Establishment: October 1, 2016.
     •   Statutory Powers: Granted through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, passed by Lok Sabha
         on May 5, 2016.
     •   Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
     •   Chairman: Ravi Mittal.
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Ministry of Finance Notifies 7.1% Interest Rate for Special Deposit Scheme in July-September
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     •   The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has announced that deposits made under the Special Deposit
         Scheme (SDS) for non-government provident, superannuation and gratuity funds would earn
         7.1% interest from July 1 to September 30, 2024.
     •   The rates remain unchanged from the April-June quarter.
     •   The interest rate on SDS significantly influences the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) interest
         rate declaration since nearly 80% of the EPF corpus is invested in SDS.
About Ministry of Finance :
     •   Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
     •   Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhary
State Bank of India Introduces 11 New Measures to Reduce Risks in Agricultural Loan Portfolio
     •   The country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) announced 11 new initiatives including
         enhancement of its digital banking features and opening of 35 new Agricultural Centralised
         Processing Cells to mitigate risks in its agricultural loan portfolio.
     •   On the occasion of the 69th Foundation Day (1st July 2024), SBI announced these initiatives to
         widen the bank's accessibility to address the banking needs of its potential customers
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
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DBS Bank India Introduces Pre-Shipment Financing Solution on Trade Receivables Discounting
System (TReDS), Empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
     •   DBS Bank India has partnered with Receivables Exchange of India Limited (RXIL), a Trade
         Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platform, to offer a pre-shipment financing solution.
     •   TReDS is an electronic platform for facilitating the financing/discounting of trade receivables of
         micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through multiple financiers.
     •   Significant Milestone: The first transaction on TReDS in India occurred on January 9, 2017,
         through RXIL.
About DBS Bank India:
     •   Established: 1994
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO: Surojit Shome
     •   Tagline: "Live more, Bank less"
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development and Online PSB Loans to Integrate Jan Suraksha
Schemes Across 43 Regional Rural Banks
     •   National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Online PSB Loans Limited.
         have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to smoothen the enrolment and claim
         settlement processes under the Jan Suraksha Schemes for all 43 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).
     •   Objective: To democratise access to financial protection schemes such as Pradhan Mantri
         Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) in
         remote areas of the country.
     •   Integration with Jan Suraksha Portal:NABARD's Role: NABARD will integrate all 43 RRBs onto
         the Jan Suraksha Portal.
About NABARD :
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman: Shri Shaji K V
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State Bank of India Secures Rs 10,000 Crore via Long-Term Infrastructure Bonds
     •   State Bank of India (SBI) has raised ₹10,000 crore via a 15-year infrastructure bond issue at a
         coupon rate of 7.36%.
     •   This is the bank's 2nd infrastructure bond issuance in About a fortnight, with the previous one
         also raising ₹10,000 crore at the same coupon rate.
     •   The latest bond issue, which is the bank’s 6th infrastructure bond issuance so far, received bids
         in excess of ₹18,145 crore and was oversubscribed by around 3.6 times against the base issue
         size of ₹5,000 crore.
     •   Purpose and Utilization:The proceeds from the bonds will be used to enhance long-term
         resources for funding infrastructure and the affordable housing segment.
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
Reserve Bank of India Allows Banks to Utilize Brickwork Ratings for Loans Up to ₹250 Crore
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     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed banks to use ratings by Brickwork Ratings India
         Private Limited for loans up to ₹250 crore.
     •   Brickwork Ratings assigns ratings for all limits sanctioned by all banks while undertaking a bank
         loan rating exercise.
     •   The information collected from the borrower includes details of all banking facilities availed and
         as such one rating assignment should suffice to meet the requirements.
4 Public Sector Banks Present Dividend Cheques Totalling Rs 6,481 Crore to Government
     •   4 public sector banks (PSBs) presented dividend cheques worth Rs 6,481 crore to Finance
         Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for the financial year 2023-24.
     •   Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman received dividend cheques from each bank’s managing
         directors (MDs) and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs).
     •   Bank of Baroda (BoB):
     •   Dividend cheque amount: Rs 2,514.22 crore
     •   Presented by: Shri Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO.
     •   Bank of India:
     •   Dividend cheque amount: Rs 935.44 crore
     •   Presented by: Rajneesh Karnatak, Managing Director & CEO.
     •   Indian Bank:
     •   Dividend cheque amount: Rs 1,193.45 crore
     •   Presented by: (Managing Director & CEO not specified).
     •   Canara Bank:
     •   Dividend cheque amount: Rs 1,838.15 crore
     •   Presented by: K Satyanarayana Raju, Managing Director & CEO.
     •   Additional Dividend Presentation:
     •   EXIM Bank:
     •   Dividend cheque amount: Rs 252 crore
     •   Location: Mumbai-based financial institution.
About BoB :
     •   Established : 20 July 1908
     •   Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
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Mutual Funds Garner Record Rs 14,370 Crore Through Equity New Fund Offers in June
     •   In June,2024 India's mutual fund industry achieved a record inflow of Rs 14,370 crore through 11
         new fund offers (NFOs), marking the highest ever inflow in new fund offerings.
     •   This surpassed the previous high recorded in July 2021, where 4 NFOs accumulated Rs 13,709
         crore, with ICICI Prudential MF’s flexicap NFO alone mobilising Rs 9,808 crore.
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     •   2024 vs. 2023 NFO Launches: In the first half of 2024, 30 active equity schemes were launched
         compared to 51 in the entire year of 2023.
     •   NFO collections by active equity schemes in 2024 reached Rs 37,885 crore by June, surpassing
         the Rs 36,657 crore collected in 2023.
     •   NFO Collections in 2022: In 2022, 27 equity NFO launches accumulated Rs 29,586 crore.
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Subsidiary Launches ₹750 Crore Agri Fund to
Support Startups and Rural Enterprises
     •   National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) informed its arm that it has
         launched a Rs 750-crore agri fund for startups and rural enterprises.
     •   The fund called 'Agri-SURE' is announced by NABVENTURES, a subsidiary of NABARD, with an
         initial corpus of Rs 750 crore with Rs 250 crore each from NABARD and the Ministry of
         Agriculture, and Rs 250 crore from other institutions.
     •   Aim of the fund : To promote investment in innovative, technology-driven, high-risk, and high-
         impact activities in agriculture and allied areas.
About NABARD :
     •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
     •   Chairman: Shri Shaji K V.
     •   Establishment:
     •   Recommendation: B. Sivaraman Committee.
     •   Act: Act 61, 1981 of Parliament.
     •   Date: 12 July 1982.
     •   Purpose: Implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act 1981.
     •   Role: Apex regulatory body for regional rural banks and apex cooperative banks in India.
     •   Jurisdiction: Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI).
Asian Development Bank Approves $100 Million Loan to Boost Financial Sustainability Reforms in Sri
Lanka's Power Sector
     •   The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $100 million policy-based loan to support and
         facilitate reforms aimed at enhancing the financial sustainability of the power sector in Sri Lanka.
     •   The loan is part of the "Power Sector Reforms and Financial Sustainability Program."
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     •   Support Reforms: To complement the International Monetary Fund’s Extended Fund Facility
         arrangement and bolster operational efficiency and competitiveness of the power sector.
About ADB :
     •   Formation: 19 December 1966
     •   Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
     •   Membership: 68 Countries
     •   President: Masatsugu Asakawa (from 17 January 2020)
Jio Financial Services Receives Reserve Bank of India Approval to Operate as a Core Investment
Company
     •   Jio Financial Services received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to become a Core
         Investment Company (CIC) from a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC).
     •   Jio Financial Services applied to the RBI for conversion on November 21, 2023.
     •   Definition : A Core Investment Company (CIC) is a specialised NBFC with an asset size greater
         than ₹100 crore.
     •   RBI Circular: Based on the RBI circular from December 20, 2016, the primary function of a CIC is
         the acquisition of shares and securities.
About Jio Financial Services Limited :
     •   Founded : 22 July 1999
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO : Hitesh Kumar Sethia
     •   It is an Indian financial services company that was originally a subsidiary of Reliance Industries
         (RIL).
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     •   Founded : 2009
     •   Location : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
     •   Chairman : Manoj Kumar Nambiar
     •   CEO : Alok Misra
India Generates 12.5 Crore Jobs in FY14-23, Compared to 2.9 Crore in FY 04-14: State Bank of India
Report
     •   According to the State Bank of India (SBI) study based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data,
         India has created 12.5 crore jobs during FY14-23, compared to only 2.9 crore during FY04-14.
     •   Employment in MSMEs : Total employment reported by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises
         (MSMEs) registered with the MSME Ministry has surpassed the 20-crore mark.
     •   Data from the Udyam registration portal as of July 4 indicates 4.68 crore Udyam-registered
         MSMEs reported 20.19 crore jobs.
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
ixigo and AU Small Finance Bank Unveil Travel Credit Card for RuPay Users
     •   ixigo, India's leading OTA for the next billion users and AU Small Finance Bank, the largest Small
         Finance Bank of India, announced the launch of the RuPay variant for its premium co-branded
         ixigo-AU Small Finance Bank travel credit card, enabling UPI-based payments and rewards.
About ixigo :
     •   Founded : June 2007
     •   Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana, India
     •   Chairman, MD & Group CEO : Aloke Bajpai
     •   Director & Group Co-CEO : Rajnish Kumar
About AU Small Finance Bank Limited :
     •   Founded : 1996
     •   Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
     •   MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
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Gold Comprises 69% of Reserve Bank of India's Reserves Increase in April-June Quarter, Boosted by
Purchases and Valuation Gains
     •   Gold accounted for 69% of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) reserves increase during the April-
         June quarter.
     •   The increase was due to both gold purchases and valuation gains from a rise in gold prices.
     •   Total Reserves Increase:RBI added $5.6 billion to its stock of reserves in the June quarter.
     •   Gold value in reserves rose by $3.8 billion.
     •   Foreign currency assets increased by $1.9 billion during the same period.
     •   Current Reserves Status:As of June 28,2024 India’s foreign currency reserves stand at $652
         billion.
About RBI :
     •   Established : 1 April 1935
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund Introduces Kotak BSE PSU Index Fund
     •   Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak BSE PSU Index Fund, an open-ended
         scheme that replicates or tracks the BSE PSU Index.
     •   The BSE PSU Index comprises 56 public sector undertaking (PSU) stocks from various sectors.
     •   This fund offers investors a chance to be part of that journey through a comparatively cost-
         effective and systematically managed investment vehicle.
     •   Investment Allocation:Equity Allocation: 95-100% of the fund is allocated to equity and equity-
         related securities covered by the index.
Equity Fund Inflows Surge 17% to Record Rs 40,608 Crore in June: Association of Mutual Funds of
India Data
     •   According to the latest data released by the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI), Inflows
         into equity mutual funds surged by 17% to Rs 40,608.19 crore (About $5 billion) in June,2024.
     •   This follows a record high inflow of Rs 34,697 crore in the previous month, marking an 83.42%
         increase.
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     •   Assets Under Management (AUM):Mutual fund industry AUM reached Rs 61.16 lakh crore in
         June,2024 surpassing the Rs 60 lakh crore mark for the first time.
     •   Debt Mutual Funds:Debt mutual funds witnessed net outflows of Rs 1,07,357.62 crore in June.
About AMFI :
     •   Established : 22 August 1995
     •   Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   CEO : Chalasani Venkat Nageswar
     •   Role: AMFI is an Indian trade association representing all SEBI-registered asset management
         companies (AMCs) managing mutual funds in India.
     •   Membership: Currently comprises 44 AMCs registered with SEBI.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Committee Increases Requirements for Retail Investors in
Futures and Options Segment
     •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI) expert working committee on derivatives
         trading has set the bar higher for retail investors.
     •   The proposals include increasing the lot sizes of futures and options (F&O) contracts, raising
         margins around expiry dates, and reducing the number of weekly options contracts.
     •   The recommendations will be discussed by Sebi’s Secondary Market Advisory Committee
         (SMAC) on July 15, 2024.
     •   SEBI's Expert Working Committee:The committee, led by former RBI executive director G
         Padmanabhan, has been deliberating on the mechanisms to protect retail investors in the futures
         and options segment.
About SEBI :
     •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
SBI Economic Research Urges Government to Address Fault Lines in Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016
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     •   According to State Bank of India’s (SBI's) economic research department (ERD), the government
         needs to address the fault lines in the IBC (Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016) set-up to
         reduce the time taken for the corporate insolvency resolution process.
     •   Recoveries through IBC in FY24 were only 32% of admitted claims, with financial creditors losing
         68% of their claims.
     •   The time taken to reach a resolution is 863 days, far exceeding the stated 330 days.
Paytm Receives Government Panel Approval to Invest in Its Payments Subsidiary
     •   Paytm has secured approval from a government panel that oversees investments linked to China
         to invest ₹500 million ($6 million) in a key subsidiary, Paytm Payment Services.
     •   The approval still needs to be vetted by the finance ministry.
     •   This approval will allow Paytm Payment Services to resume normal business operations, which
         had been hindered.
     •   Revenue Contribution:Paytm Payment Services accounted for a quarter of Paytm's consolidated
         revenue in the financial year ended March 2023.
About Paytm :
     •   Founded : August 2010
     •   Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
     •   CEO : Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Muthoot Finance Chosen for Financial Action Task Force Mutual Evaluation Report 2023-24
     •   Muthoot Finance is the only Indian Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) selected for the
         Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) Mutual Evaluation Report 2023-24.
     •   This selection highlights Muthoot Finance's global trustworthiness and compliance with stringent
         financial regulations.
     •   wszxThe Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is a global agency formed in 1989.
     •   It develops policies to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other significant threats
         to the financial system.
About Muthoot Finance :
     •   Founded : 1939
     •   Headquarters : Kochi, Kerala, India
     •   Managing Director : George Alexander Muthoot
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Asian Development Bank and ENGIE SA Collaborate to Construct 400 MegaWatt Solar Power Plant in
Gujarat, India
     •   The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the ENGIE group have signed a long-term local
         currency loan agreement to construct and operate a 400-megawatt solar photovoltaic power
         plant in Surendranagar District, Gujarat, India.
     •   The plant aims to generate an average of 805 gigawatt-hours annually over the next 25 years,
         contributing significantly to India's renewable energy goals.
     •   Environmental Impact:The project is expected to avoid nearly 662,441 tons of carbon dioxide
         emissions per year, supporting environmental sustainability efforts.
     •   Financing Arrangement:ADB acted as the mandated lead arranger for the loan, totaling 14.6
         billion Indian rupees (~$175.9 million).
About Engie SA :
     •   Founded : 22 July 2008
     •   Headquarters : La Défense, Courbevoie, France
     •   CEO : Catherine MacGregor
About ADB :
     •   Established : 1966
     •   Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
     •   President : Masatsugu Asakawa
     •   Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
         and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Greenko secures National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development approval for Rs 6,200
crore; plans early repayment of international bonds
     •   Greenko, a leading renewable energy company in India, is restructuring its overseas liabilities by
         prepaying over $1 billion of dollar bonds maturing next year through funds from National Bank for
         Financing Infrastructure and Development (NABFID).
     •   This move aims to reduce overseas debt amid higher interest rates abroad.
     •   NABFID has sanctioned Rs 6200 crore from which Greenko will use to pay back foreign bond
         investors for bonds maturing in January and July, 2025.
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     •   The funds will be used to repay foreign bond investors and finance up-and-running projects
         across India, aligning with Greenko's mandate.
Reserve Bank of India Revokes Licence of ShimshaSahakara Bank Niyamitha in Maddur, Mandya
District, Karnataka
     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of ShimshaSahakara Bank Niyamitha,
         Maddur, Mandya District, Karnataka, due to its worsening financial position.
     •   As a result, the bank ceased to carry on banking business from the close of business on July 05,
         2024.
     •   The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Karnataka, has been requested to issue an order for
         winding up the bank and to appoint a liquidator.
     •   Upon liquidation, each depositor is entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim amount of up to
         ₹5,00,000 (5 Lakhs) from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC),
         subject to the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961.
About RBI :
     •   Established : 1 April 1935
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
     •   Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
         Patra
Canara Bank Plans to Raise Rs 10,000 Crore via Infrastructure Bonds in FY25
     •   Public sector lender Canara Bank plans to raise up to Rs 10,000 crore through infrastructure
         bonds for lending to projects in areas like roads, power and ports, among others, this financial
         year (FY25).
     •   Comparison with Other Lenders:It is the 3rd state-owned lender after:
     •   State Bank of India (SBI) with Rs 20,000 crore planned and Rs 10,000 crore raised in June 2024.
     •   Bank of India (BoI) with Rs 10,000 crore planned.
About Canara Bank :
     •   Established : 1906
     •   Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     •   MD & CEO : K. Satyanarayana Raju
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Federal Bank Partners with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for Bancassurance Services
     •   Federal Bank, a private sector bank, has entered into a Bancassurance tie-up with Bajaj Allianz
         Life Insurance, a private life insurer.
     •   This partnership will enable Federal Bank’s customers to seamlessly access Bajaj Allianz Life
         Insurance’s products, across the Bank’s extensive network in India.
     •   It aligns with both the companies’ strategic goals and growth plans and will drive insurance
         penetration and market expansion.
About Federal Bank:
     •   Established: 23 April 1931 (as Travancore Federal Bank), 2 December 1949 (as Federal Bank)
     •   Headquarters: Aluva, Kochi, Kerala, India
     •   MD & CEO: Shyam Srinivasan
About Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance:
     •   Founded: 2001
     •   Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra
     •   MD & CEO: Tarun Chugh
     •   Ownership: Joint venture between Bajaj Finserv Limited and Allianz SE
Canara Robeco Mutual Fund Launches Balanced Advantage Fund
     •   Canara Robeco Mutual Fund has launched a Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF), which is an
         open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund.
     •   Aim : To increase upside participation and generate alpha during favourable market conditions
         while reducing downside risk during market downturns.
     •   The new fund offer (NFO) will open and close on July 26, 2024.
     •   The BAF is an asset allocation product which will dynamically allocate equity based on an in-
         house model, to eliminate investor biases.
Punjab National Bank Partners with Steel Authority of India Limited to Provide Loan Facilities
     •   Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a pact with Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) to provide
         home loans, car loans, and education loans to SAIL employees at concessional rates.
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     •   This strategic partnership aims to enhance the financial well-being of SAIL employees while
         expanding PNB's customer base within the steel sector.
     •   A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by PNB General Manager - Business
         Acquisition and Relationship Management Division Sudhir Dalal, SAIL General Manager -
         Finance Lavika Jain and SAIL General Manager - HR Bikram Uppal.
About PNB :
     •   Founded : 19 May 1894
     •   Headquarters : Delhi, India
     •   MD & CEO : Atul Kumar Goel
About SAIL :
     •   Founded : 19 January 1954
     •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
     •   Chairman : Amarendu Prakash
     •   SAIL is a central public sector undertaking (PSU) based in New Delhi, India. It is under the
         ownership of the Ministry of Steel, Government of India (GoI).
NPCI International Collaborates with Qatar National Bank to Enable Unified Payments Interface
Payments in Qatar
     •   NPCI International Payments (NIPL), the international arm of NPCI, signed an agreement with
         Qatar National Bank (QNB) to launch QR-code-based UPI payments in Qatar.
     •   The partnership will power UPI (Unified Payments Interface) payment acceptance in Qatar
         through the QNB merchant network, enabling Indian travellers to transact on the payments
         service.
     •   Indian tourists will have the option to transact using UPI across retail stores, tourist attractions,
         duty-free shops, and hotels.
     •   The announcement is significant as Indians are the second largest group of international visitors
         to Qatar.
About NPCI :
     •   Founded : 2008
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
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     •   The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
         India.
     •   It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
         provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
         Settlement Infrastructure in India.
About QNB :
     •   Established : June 6, 1964
     •   Headquarters : Doha, Qatar
About Qatar
     •   Prime Minister : Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani
     •   Capital : Doha
     •   Currency : Qatari riyal
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State Bank of India Launches Online Loan Facility Using Mutual Fund Units Through Internet Banking
and YONO App
     •   State Bank of India (SBI) launched an online loan facility against mutual fund (MF) units via
         Internet Banking (INB) and the YONO App.
     •   This digital solution allows consumers to apply for loans from the comfort of their own homes,
         with a completely paperless and digital process that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
     •   Eligibility : The new loan facility is extended at attractive interest rates to mutual fund schemes of
         all Asset Management Companies (AMCs) registered with CAMS.
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
REC Secures ₹1,670 Crore Green Loan from Deutsche Bank's GIFT City Branch
     •   State-run REC Limited has secured a green loan amounting to JPY 31.96 billion (equivalent to
         $200 million) from Deutsche Bank AG, GIFT City branch, marking a significant move towards
         financing sustainable development in India.
     •   Purpose of Loan : To finance projects that adhere to strict environmental standards, promote
         renewable energy, and reduce carbon emissions.
     •   This is the first green loan between an Indian government entity and Deutsche Bank.
     •   This initiative is also noted as one of the first JPY-denominated green loans executed by
         Deutsche Bank AG, GIFT City.
About REC Limited, formerly Rural Electrification Corporation Limited :
     •   Founded : 25 July 1969
     •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     •   Chairman & Managing Director : Vivek Kumar Dewanga
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     •   Status:
     •   REC is a 'Maharatna' company under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
     •   Registered with RBI as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), Public Financial Institution
         (PFI), and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).
About Deutsche Bank AG:
     •   Established: 10 March 1870
     •   Headquarters: Germany
     •   CEO: Christian Sewing
Reserve Bank of India's Financial Inclusion Index Shows Significant Growth in Q1 FY 2024
     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had constructed a composite Financial Inclusion Index (FI-
         Index) to capture the extent of financial inclusion across the country, which was first published in
         August 2021 for the Financial Year (FY) ending March 2021.
     •   The FI-Index for the year ending March 2024 has since been prepared.
     •   Index Value and Growth:FI-Index for March 2024 stands at 64.2, up from 60.1 in March 2023,
         indicating significant growth.
About RBI :
     •   Established : 1 April 1935
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
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Punjab National Bank Introduces 'Safety Ring' for Enhanced Internet and Mobile Banking Security
     •   State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) introduced a new security feature 'Safety Ring' within
         its internet banking system and mobile banking system in response to the increasing number of
         cyber frauds.
     •   This mechanism provides an additional safety layer to minimise potential losses in case of
         unauthorised access by fraudsters.
     •   Purpose: The feature adds an additional layer of security to mitigate potential losses from
         unauthorized access by fraudsters.
About PNB :
     •   Founded : 19 May 1894
     •   Headquarters : Delhi, India
     •   MD & CEO : Atul Kumar Goel
French Banking Giant BNP Paribas Commences Operations in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City
     •   BNP Paribas, the European Union’s leading bank and a key player in international banking, has
         launched operations at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City - International Financial
         Services Centre (GIFT-IFSC) through a new branch.
     •   The BNP Paribas GIFT City branch will facilitate a comprehensive product offering to attract new
         business opportunities with its onshore and offshore clients.
     •   Gift City branch will enable to serve global clientele with an expanded range of products and
         strategic solutions as cross-border momentum continues to increase.
About BNP Paribas :
     •   Headquarters : Paris, France
     •   BNP Paribas (sometimes referred to as BNPP or BNP) is a multinational universal bank and
         financial services holding company.
     •   It was founded in 2000 from the merger of two of France's foremost financial institutions, Banque
         Nationale de Paris (BNP) and Paribas.
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HDFC Ergo General Insurance Successfully Completes Its Inaugural Claim Processing on National
Health Claims Exchange Platform
     •   HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, one of India’s leading private sector general
         insurers, has successfully processed its first health claim through the National Health Claims
         Exchange (NHCX) platform.
     •   NHCX is a single-window interface developed by the National Health Authority (NHA).
     •   It provides a secure platform and efficient exchange of health insurance claims data.
     •   The platform will strengthen efficiency and transparency in claims processing.
About HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited :
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Managing Director : Anuj Tyagi
     •   Ownership: A joint venture (51:49) between HDFC and ERGO International AG, a subsidiary of
         Munich Re Group, Germany.
     •   Operates in the insurance sector under BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance).
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     •   MobiKwik has emerged as the largest digital financial services platform in terms of Prepaid
         Payment Instrument (PPI) Wallet transactions by value for April and May, 2024.
     •   The company saw its market share by value grow from 11% in March 2024 to 20% in April and
         further to 23% in May.
     •   Introduction of Pocket UPI:Pocket UPI, a new product by MobiKwik, facilitates instant payments
         through Wallets across the UPI network.
About MobiKwik :
     •   Founded : April 2009
     •   Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
     •   MD & CEO : Bipin Preet Singh
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Introduces India's First Oil & Gas Sector Exchange Traded Fund
     •   ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has launched the ICICI Prudential Nifty Oil & Gas ETF, India's first
         exchange traded fund (ETF) in the oil and gas sector.
     •   The scheme will track the Nifty Oil & Gas TRI, an index that reflects the performance of listed
         sector companies.
     •   The Nifty Oil & Gas Index comprises a maximum of 15 stocks listed on the National Stock
         Exchange.
     •   The selection ensures that no single company holds more than 33% of the weight and the
         combined weight of the top 3 companies does not surpass 62% of the index.
About ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund :
     •   Founded : 1993
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO : Nimesh Shah
     •   It is a joint venture between ICICI Bank and Prudential plc.
     •   It is the second-largest asset management company in India after the SBI Mutual Fund.
State Bank of India Calls for Expressions of Interest on Stressed Exposure in Amul Industries
     •   State Bank of India (SBI) has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) from various entities to
         acquire its stressed loan exposure of Rs 14.97 crore in Amul Industries through an e-auction
         scheduled for August 7, 2024.
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     •   Security Details:SBI holds primary security of Rs 43.49 crore and collateral security of Rs 55.78
         crore against its exposure.
     •   Additionally, there is a third-party guarantee of Rs 52.77 crore.
     •   Entities Eligible: Interested entities such as asset reconstruction companies (ARCs), eligible non-
         banking finance companies (NBFCs), banks, and Indian financial institutions can submit EoIs by
         July 16, 2024.
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
Reserve Bank of India Cancels Licence of Banaras Mercantile Co-operative Bank Limited, Varanasi,
Uttar Pradesh
     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cancelled the licence of Banaras Mercantile Co-operative Bank
         Limited, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh (UP), due to inadequate capital and earning prospects.
     •   The bank ceased to carry on banking business from the close of business on July 04, 2024.
     •   The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Uttar Pradesh, has
         been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator.
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     •   Ownership Structure:Joint venture between ICICI Bank (64% stake) and Fairfax Financial
         Holdings Limited, Financial services company based in Toronto (36% stake)
RBI KLEMS Data Shows Employment Growth Rate Rising to 6% in FY24
     •   According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) KLEMS [Capital (K), Labour (L), Energy (E),
         Material (M) and Services (S)] database, Employment growth rate rose to 6% in FY24 against
         3.2% in FY23.
     •   This increase coincided with India's real Gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate rising to
         8.2% in FY24, compared to 7% in the previous fiscal year.
     •   RBI's Data Release:RBI released an update on "Measuring Productivity at the Industry Level -
         The India KLEMS Database," including a Data Manual 2024 and time-series data on productivity
         for 27 industries from 1980-81 to 2022-23.
State Bank of India Research Urges Centre to Target 4.9% Fiscal Deficit in 2024, Advocate Continued
Consolidation
     •   State Bank of India (SBI) Research has urged the Government to strike the right balance
         between fiscal consolidation and promoting growth and recommended that fiscal deficit be
         brought down at the most to 4.9% for FY25.
     •   Fiscal deficit is the difference between the total revenue and total expenditure of the government.
     •   It indicates the total borrowing requirement of the government.
About SBI :
     •   Established : 1 July 1955
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   Chairman : Dinesh Kumar Khara
Export-Import Bank of India’s Government of India-supported Line of Credit of USD 2.50 Million to the
Government of Co-operative Republic of Guyana for Installation of Solar PhotoVoltaic Power Plant at
Cheddi Jagan International Airport
     •   Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has entered into an agreement with the Government of
         the Co-operative Republic of Guyana (GO-GUY), for making available to the latter, Government
         of India (GoI) supported Line of Credit (LoC) of USD 2.50 million for installation of Solar
         PhotoVoltaic Power Plant at Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana.
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     •   Export Eligibility:Eligible goods and services from India are defined under the agreement and
         must comply with the Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India.
About Exim Bank :
     •   Established : 1982 (under the Export-Import Bank of India Act, 1981)
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   Chairman & Managing Director : Ms. Harsha Bangari
About Guyana :
     •   President : Irfaan Ali
     •   Prime Minister : Mark Phillips
     •   Capital : Georgetown
     •   Currency : Guyanese dollar
Reserve Bank of India Cancels Registration of 2 Non Banking Finance Companies - Star Finserv India
and Polytex India, Over Irregular Lending Practices
     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certificates of registration (CoR) of 2 Non
         Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), Star Finserv India and Polytex India, due to irregular
         lending practices.
     •   Star Finserv India, based in Hyderabad, operated under 'Progcap' by Desiderata Impact
         Ventures Private Limited.
     •   Polytex India, headquartered in Mumbai, operated under the 'Z2P' mobile application by Zaitech
         Technologies Private Limited.
Ageas Federal Life Insurance Launches Golden Years Pension Plan with Bluechip Pension Fund
     •   Ageas Federal Life Insurance has launched a new pension plan named ‘Golden Years Pension
         Plan’ that aims to provide a comprehensive solution for securing the financial futures of
         policyholders during their retirement years.
     •   The plan is a Unit Linked, Non-Participating, Individual Pension Plan specifically designed to
         provide financial stability during retirement.
     •   Early Investment Booster: Additional allocations to encourage early retirement planning (ages 18-
         35).
About Ageas Federal Life Insurance :
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     •   Established : 2007
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   MD & CEO : Vignesh Shahane
Securities and Exchange Board of India Raises Investment Cap to 25%: Exchange-Traded Funds and
Index Funds Can Invest More in Group Companies
     •   Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has streamlined norms for
         passive funds, including index funds and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).
     •   Aim : To create a level playing field for mutual funds concerning their exposure to securities of
         group companies of the sponsor.
     •   Amended Investment Rules:SEBI has amended mutual fund rules to allow equity-oriented ETFs
         and index funds to invest in the listed securities of group companies of the sponsor beyond 25%
         of the net assets.
About SEBI :
     •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
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Tata Asset Management Introduces India's First Tourism Index Mutual Fund
     •   Tata Asset Management has launched India's first-ever tourism index fund – the Tata Nifty India
         Tourism Index Fund.
     •   The Tata Nifty India Tourism Index Fund will track the Nifty India Tourism Index (TRI, i.e., total
         returns index).
     •   Nifty India Tourism Index (TRI) is a stock market index that specifically focuses on companies in
         the Indian tourism sector.
Star Health Insurance collaborates with Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank to boost health
insurance coverage in HP
     •   Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited, India's largest retail health insurance
         company announced a strategic corporate agency agreement with Himachal Pradesh State
         Cooperative Bank (HPSCB), the leading bank of Himachal Pradesh.
     •   Through this partnership, Star Health Insurance aims to enhance access to health insurance
         across the region, particularly in rural areas where the bank holds a significant presence.
     •   The partnership seeks to increase insurance penetration in rural and Tier 3 regions, aligning with
         IRDAI's goal of 'Insurance for all by 2047'.
About HPSCB :
     •   Managing Director : Sharwan Manta
     •   The HPSCB is performing a dual function in the state, one of an Apex Co-operative Bank in
         Himachal Pradesh to play a leading role in the development of Co-operatives in the State and
         second of a Co-operative Bank in 6 districts viz. Bilaspur, Chamba, Kinnaur, Mandi, Shimla and
         Sirmour.
About Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited :
     •   Founded : 2006
     •   Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
     •   MD & CEO : Anand Roy
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     ● The Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recognized
         BSE Limited as a supervisory body for Research Analysts (RAs) and Investment Advisers (IAs)
         to oversee their management and administration.
     ● Regulatory Framework:This recognition is granted under Regulation 14 of the Research Analysts
         Regulations (RA Regulations) and Investment Advisers Regulations (IA Regulations).
     ● Duration of Recognition:The recognition is valid for a period of 5 years, starting from July 25,
         2024.
     ● Responsibilities of BSE:BSE will establish bye-laws, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and
         frequently asked questions (FAQs) to support and guide RAs and IAs in adopting the RAASB
         and IAASB frameworks.
What is BSE SENSEX?
     ● The BSE SENSEX is a free-float market-weighted stock market index comprising 30 well-
         established and financially sound companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
About SEBI :
     ●   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
         1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     ●   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
     ●   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
         the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Company Unveils Savings+ Product for Retail Investors
     ● Bajaj Finserv Asset Management has introduced a new financial product named Finserv
         Savings+ for retail investors.
     ● Objective : To bridge the gap between traditional savings accounts and investment options
         offering higher returns.
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     ● Investment Options: Savings+ allows investors to invest surplus cash from their savings accounts
        into:
            ➢ Bajaj Finserv AMC Liquid Fund
            ➢ Bajaj Finserv Overnight Fund
     ● Bajaj Finserv Liquid Fund:
            ➢ Type: Open-ended debt mutual fund.
            ➢ Investment: Primarily in money market and debt securities with maturities of up to 91 days.
            ➢ Suitability: For investors seeking regular short-term income.
     ● Bajaj Finserv Overnight Fund:
            ➢ Type: Open-ended debt scheme.
            ➢ Investment: In overnight securities with low interest rate and credit risk.
            ➢ Suitability: For investors seeking regular short-term income in line with overnight call rates.
Only 6% of ₹3.68 Lakh Crore Loans under the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme are
Classified as Bad Debts
     ● As per the government’s report, the Non-performing assets (NPA) have been around 6% under
        the Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).
     ● This means the cost to provide a full guarantee under the scheme will be much less than
        anticipated.
     ● Loan Amount: The total liquidity support provided under ECLGS is over ₹3.68 lakh crore.
     ● Bad Debts: NPAs reported under ECLGS amount to approximately ₹22,000 crore, which is 6% of
        the guaranteed loans.
     ● NPA Definition: The definition of NPA under ECLGS aligns with the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI)
        definition.
     ● As per RBI, an NPA is a loan where interest and/or instalment of principal remain overdue for
        more than 90 days in respect of a term loan.
     ● Cost of Guarantee: The cost to provide a full guarantee under ECLGS will be much less than
        anticipated due to the lower percentage of NPAs.
     ● Comparison with System Data: According to the latest Financial Stability Report by RBI, the
        gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio for scheduled commercial banks fell to a multi-year
        low of 2.8% at the end of March 2024.
About ECLGS :
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     ● Launch and Purpose: ECLGS was launched in May 2020 to provide liquidity support to
        businesses adversely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.
     ● Coverage:The scheme covers loans sanctioned under the 'Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line'
        up to March 31, 2023, or until guarantees for an amount of ₹5-lakh crore are issued, whichever is
        earlier.
     ● It provides 100% guarantee coverage to banks and NBFCs on credit extended to business
        enterprises/MSMEs based on their loan outstanding as of February 29, 2020.
     ● Eligibility: Initially targeted at MSMEs, the scheme was later expanded to include borrowers from
        26 stressed sectors identified by the Kamath Committee, as well as the healthcare and hospitality
        sectors.
Reserve Bank of India Urges Lenders to Listen to Borrowers Before Declaring Account Fraud
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has developed new standards for lenders to follow before
        categorising loan accounts as fraudulent.
     ● Aim of the New Norms : To ensure compliance with natural justice principles, which require that
        both parties in a dispute be heard before making a decision.
     ● The guidelines follow a Supreme Court judgement dated March 27, 2023, which mandates that
        borrowers must be given a hearing before their accounts are classified as fraud.
     ● Detailed Show-Cause Notice (SCN) : The RBI has updated its master direction on “Fraud Risk
        Management”, in which it has been mandated that lenders have to issue a detailed show-cause
        notice (SCN) to persons, entities, and promoters/whole-time and executive directors against
        whom there are allegations of fraud.
     ● Response Time: Borrowers must be given at least 21 days to respond to the SCN.
     ● Scope of Applicability: The master direction applies to commercial banks; upper-, middle-, and
        base-layer non-banking financial companies; all India financial institutions; and cooperative
        banks.
     ● Fraud Risk Management Policy: Lenders must have a board-approved Fraud Risk Management
        Policy stating the roles and responsibilities of the board, board committees, and senior
        management.
     ● Policy Review: The Fraud Risk Management Policy should be reviewed by the board at least
        once every three years.
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     ● Special Committee:A special committee of the board, known as the Special Committee for
        Monitoring and Follow-up of Fraud Cases (SCBMF), must be constituted.
     ● The SCBMF should consist of at least three board members, including a whole-time director and
        two independent/non-executive directors.
Bank of Baroda and Bank of Maharashtra Introduce Deposit Schemes to Support Credit Demand
     ● Bank of Baroda (BoB) and Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) have introduced special deposit schemes
        to address the increasing credit demand highlighted by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor
        Shaktikanta Das.
     ● These schemes are aimed at bridging the gap between deposit and credit growth in the banking
        sector.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) Scheme:
     ● Scheme Name: "Bob Monsoon Dhamaka Deposit Scheme."
     ● Tenor Buckets:
        ➢         399 days at an interest rate of 7.25% per annum.
        ➢         333 days at an interest rate of 7.15% per annum.
     ● Eligibility: Retail deposits below ₹3 crore.
     ● Additional Benefits:Senior citizens earn an extra 0.50% interest.
     ● Non-Callable Deposits receive an additional 0.15% interest.
Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) Scheme:
     ● Tenor Buckets:
        ➢         200 days at 6.90% interest.
        ➢         400 days at 7.10% interest.
        ➢         666 days at 7.15% interest.
        ➢         777 days at 7.25% interest.
     ● Eligibility: Deposits up to ₹10 crore.
SBI's New Scheme:
     ● SBI is set to launch a 444-day monsoon special retail deposit scheme with an interest rate of
        7.25%.
About BoB :
     ● Established : 20 July 1908
     ● Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
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     ● Bandhan Bank has introduced a payment solution using Bharat QR Code for Current and
         Savings account customers.
     ● This solution simplifies payments at merchant outlets and provides instant notifications through a
         small speaker for each transaction.
What is Bharat QR?
     ●   Bharat QR is a standardized QR code payment system that allows for seamless transactions
         across banks for both cardholders and UPI users.
     ●   It aims to promote digital payments and reduce cash transactions.
About Bandhan Bank :
     ● Founded : 2015
     ● Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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International Monetary Fund Increases India's FY25 Gross Domestic Product Growth Forecast to 7% by
20 Basis Points
     ● The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its projection of growth in India’s gross domestic
         product (GDP) for 2024-25 by 20 basis points to 7% amid a boost in private consumption,
         especially in rural areas.
     ● In April 2024, the IMF raised India's GDP forecast by 30 basis points to 6.8% in its World
         Economic Outlook.
     ● India's GDP expanded by 8.2% in 2023-24, higher than the 7% growth in 2022-23.
     ● The fourth quarter of 2023-24 saw a greater than expected expansion of 7.8%, as per the
         National Statistical Office (NSO).
     ● The IMF upgraded China's growth forecast for calendar year 2024 by 40 bps to 5%, citing a
         rebound in private consumption and strong exports in the first quarter.
About IMF :
     ●   Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
     ●   Managing Director : Kristalina Georgieva
     ●   Membership : 190 countries (189 UN countries and Kosovo)
Small Industries Development Bank of India Partners with India Post Payments Bank to Provide Rural
Micro-Entrepreneurs with Credit via Postmen Network
     ● The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with India Post Payments
         Bank (IPPB) to use the extensive network of postmen for providing credit to micro-entrepreneurs
         in rural areas.
     ● Aim : to enhance financial inclusion in underserved regions where traditional banking services
         are limited.
     ●   Sudatta Mandal, Deputy Managing Director of SIDBI, unveiled this innovative approach at the CII
         Growth Summit in New Delhi.
     ●   This new program will be launched next month, leveraging IPPB's infrastructure of 136,000 post
         offices, with over 120,000 in rural areas.
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Canara Bank raises Rs 10,000 crore through infra bonds at 7.40% coupon
     ● Canara Bank has successfully raised Rs 10,000 crore by issuing infrastructure bonds.
     ● This move comes amid a backdrop where bank credit growth is outpacing deposit growth,
         pressuring lenders to find alternative ways to mobilize funds.
Here are some key details About the issuance:
     ● Coupon Rate: The bonds were sold at an interest rate of 7.40%.
     ● Tenure: These are 10-year bonds with a maturity date of July 19, 2034.
     ● Issuance Size: The issuance had a base size of Rs 5,000 crore, with an additional Rs 5,000
         crore available through a greenshoe option.
     ● Regulatory Exemptions: Funds raised via these infrastructure bonds are exempt from the
         requirements to maintain the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR).
About Canara Bank:
     ● Founded: 1906; 118 years ago
     ● Founder: Ammembal Subba Rao Pai
     ● Headquarters: Bengaluru, India
     ● MD & CEO: K Satyanarayana Raju
Kotak Mahindra Bank integrates physical and digital branches in new distribution structure
     ● Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has unveiled a new distribution structure, integrating the physical
         branch network, digital branch channel (encompassing mobile banking and net banking
         platforms), and voice channel.
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     ● As part of the new distribution structure, the private sector lender appointed Pranav Mishra as the
         Head of Distribution.
     ● The new distribution structure is aimed at delivering an omnichannel seamless experience for
         customers across all group products and services.
     ● It added that the new structure will ensure a seamless experience for customers across all
         interaction channels by building synergy and improving service delivery.
About KMB:
     ● Founded: 1985
     ● Founders: Uday Kotak
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO: Ashok Vaswani
SBI launches Amrit Vrishti 444-day term deposit with 7.25% interest rate
     ●   The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a special deposit scheme called “Amrit Vrishti”
         offering a 7.25 per cent interest rate on deposits for 444 days. The scheme also offers an
         additional 0.50 per cent interest rate to senior citizens.
     ●   SBI’s special deposit scheme, “Amrit Vrishti,” is available for investment until March 31, 2025.
         The bank stated that this new variant of a term deposit scheme is designed to meet the
         requirements of a diverse range of customers.
About SBI:
     ●   Founded: 1 July 1955
     ●   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara
     ●   CFO (Chief Financial Officer): Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
Asian Development Bank Keeps India's FY25 Gross Domestic Product Growth Forecast Unchanged at
7%
     ● According to the Asian Development Outlook July, 2024 report, India’s Gross Domestic Product
         (GDP) growth is expected to be 7% this year with inflation averaging 4.6%.
     ● ADB Projections:ADB forecasts India's GDP to rise to 7.2% in 2025-26.
     ● Inflation in India is projected to average 4.5% in the next fiscal year
     ● China's Economic Outlook:ADB has maintained China's GDP growth projection at 4.5% for 2024.
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Country 2023 April 2024 July 2024 April 2025 July 2025
Indonesia 5 5 5 5 5
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     ● Objectives and Targets:India aims to achieve 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity
         from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
     ● This aligns with global commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
     ● Financial Allocation:State Bank of India (SBI) will receive $90.5 million from ADB's Clean
         Technology Fund (CTF).
     ● National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will receive $150 million,
         including $80 million from ADB's ordinary capital resources and $70 million from the CTF.
About ADB :
     ●   Established : 1966
     ●   Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
     ●   President : Masatsugu Asakawa
     ●   Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
         and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Penalizes Bajaj Finance with Rs 2 Crore and
Aegon Life with Rs 1 Crore for Norm Violations
     ● The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of
         Rs 2 crore on Bajaj Finance, citing violations of norms.
     ● The IRDAI has fined Bajaj Finance Rs 1 crore concerning the reconciliation of commission and
         professional fees received and reported to the authority.
     ● An additional penalty of Rs 1 crore was imposed concerning the maintenance of records of
         customer documentation.
     ● IRDAI has also issued additional directions to the company and advised it to comply with these
         directions in a time-bound manner.
     ● Bajaj Finance added that the decision does not have any material impact on its financial,
         operational, or other activities.
     ● Additionally, IRDAI has imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore on Aegon Life Insurance (now known as
         Bandhan Life) for violating certain provisions under the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Master
         Circular, which shall be remitted within 45 days from the date of the order.
About IRDAI :
     ●   Established : 1999
     ●   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
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     ● The new fund offer or NFO of the scheme will open for subscription on July 19 and close on
        August 2, 2024.
     ● Investment objective of the scheme : To achieve long term capital appreciation by predominantly
        investing in equity and equity related instruments of companies engaged in the manufacturing
        activity.
     ● The scheme is benchmarked against Nifty India Manufacturing Total Return Index.
     ● The scheme will be managed by Ajay Khandelwal, Niket Shah, Santosh Singh, Atul Mehra,
        Rakesh Shetty, and Sunil Sawant.
Reserve Bank of India Data Reveals $3 Billion Increase in Non-Resident Indian Deposits for April-May
FY25
     ● According to the data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Overseas Indians deposited
        close to $3 billion in non-resident Indian (NRI) deposit schemes in April-May FY25, which is over
        four times higher than the amount deposited in these schemes in the same period last year.
     ● In April-May FY25, inflows into the NRI schemes stood at $2.72 billion, compared to $623 million
        during the same period a year ago.
     ● With this, the total outstanding NRI deposits as of May stood at $154.72 billion.
FICCI Survey Projects CPI Inflation at 4.5% and GDP Growth at 7% for FY25
     ● The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) forecasts a median Gross
        Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 7.0% for the fiscal year 2024-25.
     ● The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is projected at a median of 4.5% for the same period.
     ● Growth Range:GDP:
        ➢       Expected Range: A minimum growth of 6.6% and a maximum growth of 7.5% are
        anticipated.
        ➢       Quarterly Estimates: Median GDP growth is estimated at 6.8% for Q1 and 7.2% for Q2 of
        FY25.
     ● Sectoral Growth Forecasts:
        ➢       Agriculture: Median growth forecast at 3.7%, up from 1.4% in 2023-24.
        ➢       Industry: Anticipated to grow by 6.7%.
        ➢       Services: Expected to grow by 7.4%.
        ➢       Previous Year Comparisons: The growth rates for the previous fiscal year were 9.5% for
        industry and 7.6% for services.
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     ● It includes representatives from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), leading
         banks, ATM manufacturers, and other stakeholders.
     ● This committee will evaluate current policies and practices, aiming to recommend a fair and
         sustainable model that balances the interests of all stakeholders.
     ●   As per industry estimates, India's ATM market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from
         2024 to 2032.
What is White Label ATM?
     ● White Label ATMs are the kinds of ATMs that are managed and operated by some non-banking
         entities as per the mandates generated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Securities and Exchange Board of India Approves Credit Rating Agencies and ERPs to Operate in
IFSCA
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has authorised Credit Rating Agencies
         (CRAs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Rating Providers (ERPs) to operate
         under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
     ● IFSCA has been added to the list of financial sector regulators to enable CRAs and ERPs to
         undertake rating and ESG rating activities, respectively, at IFSC-GIFT City, Gujarat.
     ● ESG ratings undertaken by an ERP under the guidelines of IFSCA shall be under the purview of
         IFSCA.
About ESG rating providers :
     ● ESG rating providers are regulated under the provisions of the CRA Regulations (as amended
         with effect from July 4, 2023) that, inter-alia, prescribe the guidelines for registration of ERPs,
         general obligations of ERPs, manner of inspection and code of conduct applicable to ERPs.
Reserve Bank of India Fines Muthoot Finance Limited. ₹1.9 Lakh for Know Your Customer Non-
Compliance
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has levied a penalty of ₹1,90,000 (1.9 lakh) on Muthoot Finance
         Limited for non-compliance with the 'Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2016'.
     ● Legal Basis:The penalty is imposed under:
            ➢ Clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 58G.
            ➢ Clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of Section 58B of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
About Muthoot Finance Limited :
     ● Founded : 1939
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     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a new asset class aimed at
        bridging the gap between mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS), targeting
        investors with investible funds ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
     ● This move is designed to provide a regulated product with greater flexibility, higher risk-taking
        capability, and higher ticket size to cater to an emerging category of investors.
     ● Minimum Investment Requirement : The minimum investment for this new asset class is Rs 10
        lakh per investor.
     ● The total invested amount should not drop below Rs 10 lakh due to withdrawals or systematic
        transactions.
     ● Investment Options:Investors can use Systematic Investment Plans (SIP), Systematic
        Withdrawal Plans (SWP), and Systematic Transfer Plans (STP) for investing in this new asset
        class.
     ● Eligibility Criteria for Mutual Funds:Mutual funds must have a strong track record, having been
        operational for at least three years with an average Asset Under Management (AUM) of at least
        Rs 10,000 crore in the preceding 3 years.
     ● No regulatory action against the sponsor or AMC in the last 3 years.
     ● Alternative Eligibility Criteria:Mutual funds not meeting the primary criteria can still launch the
        new asset class if they:
            ➢ Appoint a Chief Investment Officer (CIO) with at least 10 years of experience managing
                 AUM of Rs 5,000 crore.
            ➢ Have an additional fund manager with at least 7 years of experience managing AUM of Rs
                 3,000 crore.
India's Fintech Industry Expected to Reach $420 Billion by 2029 with a Cumulative Annual Growth Rate
of 31%
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     ● India's fintech industry is projected to grow at a cumulative annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31%,
        reaching approximately $420 billion by 2029.
     ● As of 2024, the fintech industry in India is estimated to be worth About $110 billion.
     ● The projection was informed by Ajay Kumar Choudhary, Non-Executive Chairman and
        Independent Director of NPCI, at the inaugural session of the 2nd India International Fintech
        Festival, organised by ASSOCHAM in the capital.
     ● India ranks 3rd globally in terms of the highest number of fintech entities.
     ● The fintech sector commands 14% of start-up funding in India.
     ● The adoption rate of fintech in India is 87%, significantly higher than the global average of 67%.
Reserve Bank of India Sells $406 Million in Indian Bonds Amid Index Inclusion-Driven Inflows:
Bloomberg Report
     ● According to a Bloomberg report, India’s central bank Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold ₹34
        billion ($406 million) of bonds in the secondary market, likely to absorb excess cash in the
        banking system resulting from inflows into the nation’s debt after being included in a global index.
     ● Foreign investments in local bonds surpassed $1 billion in July following the inclusion.
     ● The RBI absorbed the inflows to boost its reserves, adding $9.7 billion in a week.
     ● Liquidity in the Banking System:The banking system liquidity shifted to a surplus after being in
        deficit for most of the year.
     ● Government spending post-elections and the RBI's actions contributed to this shift.
     ● Excess liquidity deposited by banks with the RBI stood at 1.4 trillion rupees.
     ● Global Index Inclusion:India became the 25th market to be included in the index since June 2005.
     ● The inclusion is expected to attract global inflows of $20 billion to $25 billion into the Indian bond
        market.
     ● Government Borrowing:The Indian government plans to borrow 14.1 trillion rupees through
        bonds in the financial year starting April 1.
About RBI :
     ● Established : 1 April 1935
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Governor : Shaktikanta Das
Navi Mutual Fund Unveils Nifty 500 Multicap 50:25:25 Index Fund
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     ● Navi Mutual Fund has launched Navi Nifty 500 Multicap 50:25:25 Index Fund, the first-ever index
        fund to track the Nifty 500 Multicap 50:25:25 index.
     ● The new fund offer will close on July 30, 2024.
     ● Allocation:
            ➢ 50% in large-cap companies.
            ➢ 25% in mid-cap companies.
            ➢ 25% in small-cap companies.
     ● Comparison:Versus Nifty 500 Index: The Nifty 500 Multicap has a more balanced allocation
        compared to the Nifty 500 Index, which has about 72% allocation in large-cap stocks.
     ● Investment Details:Minimum Application Amount: ₹10, with subsequent investments in multiples
        of ₹1.
About Navi Mutual Fund :
     ● Established : 2018
     ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
     ● Founder : Sachin Bansal
Arka Fincap Enters Co-Lending Partnership with Central Bank of India to Offer MSME Loans
     ● Non-bank financial company Arka Fincap, a part of Kirloskar Group, announced that it had
        partnered with the Central Bank of India to offer Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
        loans.
     ● Under the co-lending arrangement, Arka will offer loans to MSMEs at competitive rates and
        further expand its reach across India.
     ● Arka operates in 4 main business segments:
            1. MSME & SME Lending
            2. Corporate Lending
            3. Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure Financing
            4. Syndication
What is meant by co-lending?
     ● Co-lending is an arrangement where multiple lenders partner to provide loans to borrowers.
     ● This helps increase lending capacity and reduces risk for individual lenders.
About Central Bank of India :
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     ● Fintech startup TechFini has received final certification from the National Payments Corporation
         of India (NPCI) to operate as a Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based payment infrastructure
         provider for banks and fintech companies.
     ● Additionally, the company has been certified for UPI Unified Dispute and Issue Resolution (UDIR),
         making it one of the few platforms capable of addressing the complexities involved in dispute
         resolution.
What is UDIR?
     ● The Unified Dispute and Issue Resolution (UDIR) is a comprehensive framework designed by the
         NPCI to tackle the complexities involved in resolving disputes within the realm of UPI payments
About TechFini:
     ● Founded : 2023.
     ● Provides payment infrastructure solutions to banks, fintechs, and other financial services
         companies.
     ● Aims to integrate and simplify payment systems.
About NPCI :
     ●   Founded : 2008
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
     ●   The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
         India.
     ●   It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
         provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
         Settlement Infrastructure in India.
Tata AIG Teams Up with Mahindra Finance to Expand Distribution of Non-Life Insurance Products
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     ● Tata AIG General Insurance tied up with Mahindra Finance to distribute non-life insurance
         products through Mahindra Finance's customer network.
     ● Under this partnership, Tata AIG, a joint venture company between Tata Group and American
         International Group (AIG) will offer a range of general insurance products, including motor, health,
         personal accident, and other non-life insurance solutions to over 10 million customers of
         Mahindra Finance.
About TATA AIG General Insurance :
     ● Founded : 2001
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Neelesh Garg
     ● It is a joint venture between the Tata Group and American International Group (AIG).
     ● Tata Group holds a 51% stake in the insurance venture with AIG holding the balance of 49%.
About Mahindra Finance :
     ● MD & CEO : Raul Rebello
Small Industries Development Bank of India to Establish $1 Billion Green Financing Fund with $215
Million Contribution from Green Climate Fund
     ● The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which received approval of funding of
         $ 215.6 m from the Green Climate Fund, will create a corpus of $1 billion for ‘financing mitigation
         and adaptation projects’ (FMAP) of Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs).
     ● The board of the Green Climate Fund, which is an entity set up by the United Nations Framework
         Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), approved a $200 million loan and $15.6 million grant
         for capacity building to SIDBI.
     ● The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), which received approval of funding of
         $ 215.6 m from the Green Climate Fund, will create a corpus of $1 billion for ‘financing mitigation
         and adaptation projects’ (FMAP) of Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs).
     ● The board of the Green Climate Fund, which is an entity set up by the United Nations Framework
         Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), approved a $200 million loan and $15.6 million grant
         for capacity building to SIDBI.
     ● GCF is described as “the world’s largest dedicated climate fund.”
About SIDBI :
     ●   Established : 2 April 1990
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     ● Cashfree Payments, a Bengaluru-based company, has received approval from the Reserve Bank
         of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB).
     ● The approval comes nearly a year after the RBI issued a circular on the regulation of PAs for
         cross-border transactions.
     ● Categories of PA-CBs:The RBI categorizes PA-CBs into three types:
            1. Export only PA-CB (PA-CB-E)
            2. Import only PA-CB (PA-CB-I)
            3. Export and Import PA-CB (PA-CB-E&I)
     ● Net Worth Requirements:As per the RBI’s circular issued in October 2023:
            ➢ Non-banks must have a minimum net worth of Rs 15 crore at the time of application.
            ➢ This must increase to Rs 25 crore by March 31, 2026.
            ➢ New non-banks must achieve a minimum net worth of Rs 25 crore by the end of the third
                 financial year after receiving authorization.
Fusion Microfinance Limited Rebranded as Fusion Finance Limited
     ● Fusion MicroFinance Limited, one of India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Companies -
         MicroFinance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs) in India, has announced the change of its name to Fusion
         Finance Limited.
     ● The company was originally incorporated as Ambience Fincap Pvt Ltd (AFPL) in September
         1994.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Engages Grant Thornton Bharat as External Auditor Following Reserve Bank of
India Directive
     ● Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has appointed Grant Thornton Bharat as an external auditor for its
         IT systems.
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     ● This appointment comes months after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred the bank from
        adding new clients digitally.
About KMB :
     ● Founded : 1985
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Ashok Vaswani
Bank of Baroda Introduces AI-Driven Virtual Relationship Manager and Credit Line via UPI
     ● Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched several new digital and technology-driven services aimed at
        enhancing the customer banking experience.
     ● First-of-Its-Kind: This VRM is the first initiative of its kind in the Indian banking sector.
     ● Foundation Day Launch:
               ➢       117th Foundation Day: BoB introduced 11 new products and services to mark its
               117th foundation day.
        ●      Integration with RBIH:
               ➢       Baroda Kisan Credit Card (BKCC): Integrated with the Reserve Bank Innovation
               Hub’s (RBIH) Public Tech Platform.
               ➢       Function: Facilitates frictionless credit by fetching digital land records and farm-
               related information.
               ➢       Digital Process: The BKCC process is fully digital, from customer onboarding to
               loan account opening and disbursement.
               ➢       Pilot Location: Initially implemented in Madhya Pradesh.
About BoB :
        ●      Established : 20 July 1908
        ●      Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
        ●      MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
        ●      Tagline : India's International Bank
Reserve Bank of India Implements Stricter Regulations for Cash Pay-Outs at Banks
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) tightened norms related to cash pay-out service at banks,
        making it mandatory for lenders to keep a record of recipients.
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     ● HDFC Bank has increased fixed deposit interest rates by up to 20 basis points (bps) for amounts
         below Rs 3 crore.
     ● The new rates are effective from July 24, 2024.
     ● The highest interest rate offered by the bank is 7.40% for general citizens and 7.90% for senior
         citizens on a tenure of 4 years and 7 months to 55 months.
About HDFC Bank :
     ●   Founded : 1st July 2023 (via the merger between HDFC-HDFC bank)
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   MD & CEO : Sashidhar Jagdishan
     ●   Tagline : We Understand Your World
TerraPay and Swift Collaborate to Facilitate Smooth Global Account-to-Wallet Payments
     ● TerraPay, a global money movement company, has announced that financial institutions can now
         send money directly to over 2.1 billion mobile wallets worldwide using existing Swift connectivity.
     ● It ensures end-to-end transparency from account to wallet, leveraging Swift's transaction tracking
         capabilities.
     ● TerraPay's Network: TerraPay's network supports payments to more than 2.1 billion mobile
         wallets and 7.5 billion bank accounts globally.
About TerraPay :
     ● Founded : 2014
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     ● Headquarters : London
     ● Co-Founder and CEO: Ambar Sur
Paytm Teams Up with Axis Bank to Provide POS Solutions and EDC Devices to Merchants
     ● One 97 Communications (OCL), the parent company of fintech firm Paytm, has partnered with
         Axis Bank to provide point-of-sale (PoS) solutions and Electronic Data Capture (EDC) devices to
         Axis Bank and its merchant network.
About Paytm :
     ●   Founded : August 2010
     ●   Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
     ●   Founder & CEO : Vijay Shekhar Sharma
About Axis Bank :
     ●   Established : 3 December 1993
     ●   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
     ●   Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
CRED Launches Unified Financial Data Platform for Comprehensive Finance Tracking
     ● Fintech app CRED has launched a unified money management dashboard called CRED Money.
     ● Platform Purpose: The platform aggregates all customer financial data, including payments, on a
         single platform.
     ● Similar apps providing unified platforms for multiple bank accounts and transactions include ICICI
         Bank, Axis Bank, and Fi Money.
     ● CRED Money is built on the Account Aggregator (AA) framework.
What is meant by Account Aggregators?
     ● Account Aggregators (AAs) act as intermediaries by collecting data from Financial Information
         Providers (FIPs) and sharing it with Financial Information Users (FIUs) such as lending banks
         and agencies.
     ● CRED is classified as a Financial Information User (FIU).
About CRED :
     ● Founded : 2018
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     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to release guidance notes on scenario analysis,
        stress testing, and effective management of climate-related financial risks.
     ● These notes will be based on the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) principles.
     ● Funding Requirements for EMDEs:Significant funding gaps exist, with financing requirements
        estimated at 2.5% of GDP annually for India and $2 trillion per year by 2030 for EMDEs.
AU Small Finance Bank Board Approves Proposal to Apply to Reserve Bank of India for Universal Bank
Transition
     ● The Board of Directors of AU Small Finance Bank(SFB) approved a proposal to apply to the
        Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for transitioning from a Small Finance Bank (SFB) to a universal
        bank.
     ● Committee of Directors:A Committee of Directors has been constituted to vet the bank’s
        application for submission to the RBI.
Committee members:
             ➢ HR Khan (Chairperson, Part-time Chairman, and Independent Director)
             ➢ Pushpinder Singh (Independent Director)
             ➢ MS Sriram (Independent Director)
             ➢ Sanjay Agarwal (Managing Director & CEO)
RBI Licensing Guidelines:
     ● RBI issued guidelines for licensing of SFBs in the private sector in November 2014.
     ● An SFB aiming to become a universal bank must meet the following criteria:
             ➢ Minimum net worth of Rs 1,000 crore at the end of the previous quarter (audited).
             ➢ Shares should be listed on a recognized stock exchange.
             ➢ Net profit in the last two financial years.
             ➢ Gross NPA (Non-Performing Assets) ≤ 3% and Net NPA ≤ 1% in the last two financial
                years.
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     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI's) index that measures the adoption of online
         transactions, Digital payments across the country registered a 12.6% on-year rise as of March 31,
         2024.
     ● RBI's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) stood at 445.5 at the end of March 2024 compared to
         418.77 in September 2023 and 395.57 in March 2023.
     ● The index series since its inception is as under:
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     ● The RBI announced the construction of a composite RBI-DPI in March 2018 as a base to capture
        the extent of digitisation of payments across the country.
     ● The index comprises 5 broad parameters that enable the measurement of the deepening and
        penetration of digital payments in the country over different periods.
     ● These parameters are
            1. Payment Enablers: 25% weightage
            2. Payment Infrastructure Demand-side Factors: 10% weightage
            3. Payment Infrastructure Supply-side Factors: 15% weightage
            4. Payment Performance: 45% weightage
            5. Consumer Centricity: 5% weightage
     ● The index was published on a semi-annual basis from March 2021 onwards with a lag of four
        months.
Canara Bank to Open 250 New Branches to Increase Current Account and Savings Account Deposits
     ● Canara Bank plans to open 250 new branches in the current financial year to mobilize low-cost
        deposits (Current Account and Savings Account - CASA).
     ● The bank opened 200 branches last year.
     ● Share of CASA deposits decreased from 33% in June 2022 to 30.98% in June 2023.
About Canara Bank :
     ● Established : 1906
     ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
     ● MD & CEO : K. Satyanarayana Raju
     ● Tagline : Together We Can
5 Entities Enter Test Phase in Reserve Bank of India's 5th Regulatory Sandbox Cohort
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that 5 entities were selected for the test phase of
        the regulatory sandbox’s theme-neutral fifth cohort that it had announced in October, 2023.
     ● The RBI received 22 applications for this cohort of the regulatory sandbox.
Selected 5 Entities:
     1. Connectingdot Consultancy
     2. Epifi Technologies
     3. Finagg Technologies
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     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines aimed at bolstering the liquidity
        resilience of banks amid the increased usage of technology.
     ● Run-Off Factor for Retail Deposits: Banks must assign an additional 5% run-off factor for retail
        deposits enabled with internet and mobile banking (IMB).
            ➢ Stable Retail Deposits with IMB: 10% run-off factor.
            ➢ Less Stable Deposits with IMB: 15% run-off factor.
     ● Valuation of High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA):Level-1 Haircuts on High Quality Liquid Assets
        (HQLA) in the form of Government securities shall be valued at an amount not greater than their
        current market value, adjusted for applicable haircuts in line with the margin requirements under
        the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF).
     ● Effective Date: These guidelines will come into effect on April 1, 2025.
About LCR :
     ● Definition : LCR is a liquidity requirement for banks to maintain at all times a certain proportion of
        high-quality liquid assets (HQLA), including cash, reserves with central banks, and federal
        government bonds, which can easily be converted into cash.
     ● Applicability: The circular applies to all Commercial Banks, excluding Payments Banks, Regional
        Rural Banks, and Local Area Banks.
     ● LCR Maintenance Requirement: Banks are required to maintain an LCR (HQLAs/ total cash
        outflows * 100) of at least 100%.
Reserve Bank of India Introduces Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework for Primary (Urban) Co-
operative Banks
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework to
        improve weak Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs), effective from April 1, 2025.
     ● The PCA framework will replace the existing Supervisory Action Framework (SAF), which was
        last revised on January 6, 2020.
Criteria for Invoking PCA:
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     ● Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) up to 250 basis points below the required CAR.
     ● Net Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) above 6.0% but below 9.0%.
     ● Incurring losses during two consecutive years.
     ● The breach of any risk threshold may result in invocation of PCA.
     ● Applicability: The PCA framework will apply to UCBs with deposits above Rs 100 crore.
     ● Urban Co-operative Banks have been categorised into four tiers.
Categorization of UCBs:
     1. Tier 1: UCBs with deposits up to Rs 100 crore.
     2. Tier 2: UCBs with deposits above Rs 100 crore and less than Rs 1,000 crore.
     3. Tier 3: UCBs with deposits above Rs 1,000 crore and less than Rs 10,000 crore.
     4. Tier 4: UCBs with deposits above Rs 10,000 crore.
Reserve Bank of India Imposes Monetary Penalty on 3 Payment System Operators - Visa Worldwide,
Ola Financial Services, Manappuram Finance
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on payment system operators Visa
        Worldwide, Ola Financial Services and Manappuram Finance for deficiencies in regulatory
        compliance.
Penalty Amounts:
     ● Visa Worldwide Private Limited: Rs 2.4 crore.
     ● Manappuram Finance Limited: Rs 41.5 lakh.
     ● Ola Financial Services: Rs 87.55 lakh in two cases.
PSU Banks Likely to Receive Additional 2-Year Extension to Meet SEBI's Minimum Public Shareholding
Norms
     ● Public sector banks (PSBs) are expected to receive another two-year extension to comply with
        the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s (SEBI's) minimum public shareholding (MPS)
        norms, requiring a minimum public shareholding of 25%.
     ● This extension follows a special forbearance that allowed state-owned banks until August 2024 to
        meet the requirement.
     ● Current Compliance Status:Out of 12 public sector banks, 5 have not yet complied with the MPS
        norms.
     ● The government’s holding in these banks exceeds 75%.
Banks with High Government Holdings:
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     ● Chennai-based conglomerate Shriram Group is set to enter the asset reconstruction (ARC)
        business during the current financial year and has received approval from the Reserve Bank of
        India (RBI).
     ● This move is part of their broader plan announced in November 2023 which includes entering
        both the asset reconstruction and wealth management sectors.
About Shriram Group :
     ● Founded : 5 April 1974
     ● Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
     ● Chairman : R. Thyagarajan
Securities and Exchange Board of India Imposes Three-Year Ban on Vijay Mallya from Indian Markets
     ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has barred Vijay Mallya from accessing the
        Indian securities market for 3 years.
     ● Reason for Ban: Mallya was found guilty of illegally routing funds into the Indian stock market
        through his UBS bank accounts in London between January 1, 2006, and March 31, 2008.
     ● Previous Sanctions:SEBI had previously barred Mallya from accessing the securities market for
        three years, starting June 1, 2018, due to manipulative activities and improper transactions
        related to the shares of USL.
Reserve Bank of India Revokes License of The Mahabhairab Cooperative Urban Bank Limited., Tezpur,
Assam
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the license of The Mahabhairab Cooperative
        Urban Bank Limited., Tezpur, Assam.
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     ● It failed to comply with Section 11(1) and Section 22(3)(d) read with Section 56 of the Banking
        Regulation Act, 1949.
     ● Deposit Insurance:Depositors are entitled to a deposit insurance claim up to ₹5,00,000 from the
        Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) under the provisions of the
        DICGC Act, 1961.
     ● Insurance Payment: As of June 13, 2024, DICGC has paid ₹20.03 crore of the total insured
        deposits based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors.
Karnataka Bank Partners with ICICI Lombard General Insurance to Offer Enhanced Insurance Solutions
and Benefits to Customers
     ● Karnataka Bank has partnered with ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited to offer
        enhanced insurance solutions and customer benefits to its patrons.
     ● Through this tie-up, Karnataka Bank customers will have access to a wide range of
        comprehensive insurance products and services provided by ICICI Lombard.
     ● These offerings include health insurance, motor insurance, travel insurance, home insurance,
        and more, catering to the diverse insurance needs of individuals and businesses alike.
About Karnataka Bank :
     ● Founded: February 18, 1924.
     ● Headquarters: Mangalore, Karnataka, India.
     ● MD & CEO: Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma.
     ● Tagline: "Your family bank across India."
About ICICI Lombard :
     ● Founded: 2001.
     ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
     ● Chairman & Managing Director: Sanjeev Mantri.
     ● Ownership Structure: A joint venture between ICICI Bank (holding a 64% stake) and Fairfax
        Financial Holdings Limited (holding a 36% stake).
     ● ICICI Bank is India's second-largest bank, and Fairfax Financial Holdings is based in Toronto.
Tata Power Solar Collaborates with Bank of India to Offer Affordable Financing for Rooftop Solar and
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installations
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     ● Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) has partnered with the Bank of India (BOI) to
        provide easy and affordable financing for rooftop solar installations and electric vehicle (EV)
        charging stations.
     ● The partnership is a significant milestone with Tata Power Solar becoming the 1st solar company
        to collaborate with BOI for both solar and EV Charging Station financing and strengthening its
        leadership as a green energy solutions provider.
     ● Targeted customers include residential users under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, housing
        societies, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
     ● Loan Details under PM Surya Ghar Yojana:Under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, Residential
        customers can avail up to Rs 2 lakh for solar systems up to 3 KW with a 5% margin money
        requirement.
     ● Loans are offered at an interest rate of 7.10% per annum, collateral-free, with a tenure of up to
        10 years.
About Bank of India :
     ● Established : 7 September 1906
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Rajneesh Karnatak
     ● Tagline : Relationship Beyond Banking
India to Top Global Labour Supply, Remittances Projected to Reach $160 Billion by 2029: Reserve
Bank of India
     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) latest Report on Currency and Finance (RCF),
        India is poised to be the world’s leading supplier of labour, which will propel remittances to
        around $160 billion in 2029 from $115 billion in 2023.
     ● India is already the country with the highest remittance recipients in the world, accounting for
        13.5% of the world total, with its share increasing over time.
     ● The theme of the Report is “India’s Digital Revolution”.
     ● The Report reflects the views of the contributors and not of the Reserve Bank.
     ● Remittances to GDP Ratio:The remittance to GDP ratio in India has increased from 2.8% in 2000
        to 3.2% in 2023.
     ● This ratio is higher than the gross FDI inflows to GDP ratio of 1.9% in 2023.
     ● Global Remittances:Global remittances in 2023 were estimated at $857.3 billion.
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     ● Leading countries in remittances: India ($115.3 billion), Mexico ($66.2 billion), China ($49.5
        billion), and the Philippines ($39.1 billion).
Reserve Bank of India Withdraws Unrestricted Access for Foreign Portfolio Investors to New 14-Year
and 30-Year Bonds
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revoked unrestricted access for Foreign Portfolio Investors
        (FPIs) to newly issued Indian government bonds with 14-year and 30-year tenors under the Fully
        Accessible Route (FAR), effective immediately.
     ● Current Holdings: Foreign investors currently hold approximately $1 billion worth of existing 30-
        year bonds.
     ● All FAR-designated central government bonds maturing after December 31, 2026, are eligible.
     ● Eligibility for Index: Only 29 out of 38 FAR-designated central government bonds meet the
        eligibility criteria for the JP Morgan bond index, which requires a face value of over $1 billion and
        a remaining maturity of more than 2.5 years.
     ● Future Inflows: Market participants anticipate that inflows into FAR securities may continue and
        could reach Rs 2.5 trillion in the next 5-6 months.
     ● Regulatory Basis: The directions have been issued under Section 45W of Chapter IIID of the
        Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, and are without prejudice to any other permissions or approvals
        required under other laws.
SBI Mutual Fund launches new scheme to invest in ‘innovation-driven’ companies
     ● SBI Mutual Fund Unveiled the “SBI Innovative New Opportunities Fund” to invest in equity and
        related instruments of companies that are expected to adopt innovation.
     ● The new fund offer (NFO) opened on July 29 and will remain open till August 12,2024.
     ● The investment objective of the scheme is to provide investors with opportunities for long term
        capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity related instruments of companies that seek
        to benefit from the adoption of innovative strategies & themes.
     ● SBI Mutual Fund Unveiled the “SBI Innovative New Opportunities Fund” to invest in equity and
        related instruments of companies that are expected to adopt innovation.
     ● The new fund offer (NFO) opened on July 29 and will remain open till August 12,2024.
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     ● The investment objective of the scheme is to provide investors with opportunities for long term
        capital appreciation by investing in equity and equity related instruments of companies that seek
        to benefit from the adoption of innovative strategies & themes.
About SBI Mutual Fund :
     ● Founded : 29 June 1987
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Shamsher Singh
     ● It is a joint venture between the State Bank of India, an Indian public sector bank, and Amundi, a
        European asset management company.
Reserve Bank of India report : Digital payments clock 50% volume growth between FY18 and FY24
     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) latest Report on Currency and Finance (RCF),
        digital payments have shown remarkable growth with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR)
        of 50% in terms of transaction volume and 10% in terms of transaction value over the past seven
        years (2017-18 to 2023-24).
     ● Transaction Volume and Value:Digital payments, including NEFT (National Electronic Funds
        Transfer), UPI (Unified Payments Interface), credit and debit cards, saw 164 billion transactions
        worth ₹2,428 lakh crore in 2023-24.
     ● Digital vs. Paper-based Transactions:Except for paper-based instruments, all other payment
        transactions are classified as digital.
     ● NEFT and UPI Shares:In value terms, NEFT transactions had the largest share at 49.4% of total
        retail payments in 2023-24.
     ● Currently, the UPI is recording nearly 14 billion transactions a month, buoyed by 424 million
        unique users in June 2024.
     ● Transaction Intensity:Transactions per lakh (₹) of GDP increased from 0.8 in 2005-06 to 56 in
        2023-24.
     ● Transactions per capita rose from 0.2 in 2005-06 to 114 in 2023-24.
     ● Average Value per Capita:The average value of transactions per capita for total digital payments
        increased from ₹0.4 lakh to ₹16.8 lakhs between 2005-06 and 2023-24.
Reserve Bank of India Report: Average Cost of Data Breaches in India Rose to $2.18 Million in 2023,
Up 28% Since 2020
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     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) Currency and Finance report for 2023-24,
        average cost of data breaches in India reached $2.18 million in 2023, marking a 28% increase
        since 2020.
     ● Global Cybercrime Costs:Global cybercrime costs are projected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028,
        up from $8.15 trillion in 2023.
     ● Average Global Data Breach Cost:The average cost of a data breach globally rose to $4.45
        million in 2023, a 15% increase over three years.
     ● Digital Economy and Real-Time Payments:India’s digital economy, which currently makes up
        about 10% of the country’s GDP, is expected to double to 20% by 2026.
     ● India leads the world in real-time payments, with a 48.5% share of the global market.
     ● Global Remittances:Global remittances through mobile money and digital platforms are
        estimated to have reached $857.3 billion in 2023, with India contributing $115.3 billion.
Reserve Bank of India Report: Central Bank Digital Currency Retail Pilot Users Reach 5 Million by June
2024
     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India’s currency and finance report, The number of customers
        using the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) retail pilot grew from 1.3 million to 5 million by
        June 2024.
     ● Global Cybercrime Costs:Global cybercrime costs are projected to reach $13.82 trillion by 2028,
        up from $8.15 trillion in 2023.
     ● Average Global Data Breach Cost:The average cost of a data breach globally rose to $4.45
        million in 2023, a 15% increase over three years.
     ● Digital Economy and Real-Time Payments:India’s digital economy, which currently makes up
        about 10% of the country’s GDP, is expected to double to 20% by 2026.
     ● India leads the world in real-time payments, with a 48.5% share of the global market.
     ● Global Remittances:Global remittances through mobile money and digital platforms are
        estimated to have reached $857.3 billion in 2023, with India contributing $115.3 billion.
Reserve Bank of India Report: Central Bank Digital Currency Retail Pilot Users Reach 5 Million by June
2024
     ● According to the Reserve Bank of India’s currency and finance report, The number of customers
        using the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) retail pilot grew from 1.3 million to 5 million by
        June 2024.
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     ● The number of merchants participating in the CBDC pilot rose from 0.3 million to 0.42 million.
What Is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
     ● A central bank digital currency (CBDC) is the digital form of a country's fiat currency.
     ● A nation's monetary authority, or central bank, issues a CBDC, which promotes financial
         inclusion and simplifies the implementation of monetary and fiscal policies.
     ● Types of CBDCs:
            ➢ CBDC-W (Wholesale): Targets institutional participants in financial markets.
            ➢ CBDC-R (Retail): Designed for retail consumers, with initial use cases including Person to
                Person (P2P) and Person to Merchant (P2M) transactions.
Reserve Bank of India to launch five-episode web series highlighting its 90-year history and functions
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning a five-episode web series to present its functions
         and 90-year journey.
     ● Each episode will be 25-30 minutes long, totaling nearly three hours for the entire series.
     ● Primary objective of this project : To create a comprehensive and engaging series that provides
         an in-depth exploration of the RBI functions and operations over its 90-year journey.
     ● The RBI, established in 1935, completed 90 years in April 2024.
National Payments Corporation of India Launches 'UPI One World' Wallet to Enhance Digital Payments
for International Visitors to India
     ● National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced the ‘UPI One World’ wallet, aimed
         at enhancing the digital payment experience for international visitors to India.
     ● This service simplifies transactions in real-time, empowering tourists to explore India without the
         need to carry cash or deal with foreign exchange complexities.
     ● It allows international visitors to use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system, known for its
         efficiency and security in digital transactions.
     ● Collaborative Efforts:The initiative has been made possible through the collaboration of NPCI,
         IDFC First Bank, and Transcorp International.
About NPCI :
     ●   Founded : 2008
     ●   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ●   MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
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     ●    The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
          India.
     ●    It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
          provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
          Settlement Infrastructure in India.
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HCLTech chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra was awarded France’s highest civilian honour
     •   HCLTech chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra has been awarded France's highest civilian
         honour, the Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour).
     •   This prestigious award, given for outstanding service to France, acknowledges her significant
         contributions to business and sustainability, as well as her efforts to enhance economic ties
         between France and India.
     •   Recognition: The Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur recognizes Roshni Nadar Malhotra's
         contributions to business, sustainability, and promoting France-India economic relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Awarded 'Order of St. Andrew the Apostle' by Russian President Vladimir
Putin
     •   Prime Minister Narendra Modi was officially awarded the ‘Order of St. Andrew the Apostle’ by
         Russian President Vladimir Putin.
     •   This award recognizes Modi’s exceptional contributions to strengthening the bilateral relations
         between India and Russia.
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     •   Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russian
         President Vladimir Putin.
     •   The Order of St. Andrew the Apostle is Russia’s highest order of chivalry.
     •   It was established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1698 to honour Saint Andrew, Russia’s patron saint
         and the first apostle of Jesus.
Odisha CM Honors Sudarshan Pattnaik for the Golden Sand Master Award
     •   Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi honoured sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik for winning
         the Golden Sand Master Award at the International Sand Sculpture Championship in Russia.
     •   Pattnaik's award-winning sand sculpture depicted Mahaprabhu Jagannath and the devotee
         Balaram Das.
     •   Golden Sand Master Award: Sudarshan Pattnaik received the prestigious Golden Sand Master
         Award and a gold medal at the International Sand Sculpture Championship.
     •   Event Location: St. Petersburg, Russia.
Prince Harry Receives Pat Tillman Honour at ESPY Awards
     ●   Prince Harry received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the Excellence in Sports Performance
         Yearly Awards (ESPY) in Los Angeles.
     ●   He was recognized for founding the Invictus Games, a Paralympic-style competition for wounded
         service members.
Invictus Games
     ●   Founding: Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games in 2014.
     ●   Purpose: The Games aim to inspire recovery and support rehabilitation for wounded service
         members through the power of sports.
APCNF Wins Prestigious Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024
● The Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program, led by the
     Government of Andhra Pradesh, received the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2024.
● Announcement made by Dr. Angela Merkel, former Federal Chancellor of Germany, in Lisbon,
     Portugal on July 11th.
● Event attended by dignitaries including the President of Portugal, government officials, and global
     experts.
Prize Sharing:
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       o    APCNF shares the €1 million prize with Dr. Rattan Lal (USA), a renowned soil scientist, and
            SEKEM (Egypt), a network promoting biodynamic farming.
About APCNF
●    Launched in 2016 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.
●    Aim: Transition smallholder farmers from chemically intensive agriculture to natural farming
     practices.
●    Key practices: Use of organic residues, minimal tillage, reintroduction of indigenous seeds, and crop
     diversification including trees.
●    Implemented by the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), also known as the Farmers Empowerment
     Corporation.
Honouring Indian Space Scientists: COSPAR Awards Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj
●    Two Indian space scientists, Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj, were honoured with
     prestigious awards by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR), the world’s first scientific body
     dedicated to space science research.
●    The event took place during the 45th COSPAR scientific assembly in Busan, South Korea.
About Committee on Space Research (COSPAR):
●    Established in 1958 after the launch of the first-ever satellite by the Soviet Union in 1957.
●    World's first scientific body dedicated to space science research.
●    Holds its scientific assembly every two years, attracting 2,000 to 3,000 scientists globally.
INS Delhi Wins Best Ship Of Eastern Fleet 2024
     ● INS Delhi was recognised as the Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet for its excellent performance and
           operational achievements.
     ● The Fleet Awards Function, held in Visakhapatnam, honoured the Eastern Fleet’s tactical
           successes over the past year.
     ● Best Ship of the Eastern Fleet: INS Delhi
     ● Best Ship in the Corvettes, OPVs, and LSTs Category: INS Kavaratti
Top Military and Naval Officers including the Army, and Navy chief, were Honoured with the Param
Vishisht Seva Medal
● President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) to Army Chief General
     Upendra Dwivedi and Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi for their exemplary service to the
     nation.
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● This was part of the second phase of a defence investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
● 94 distinguished service decorations were presented to armed forces and Indian Coast Guard
     personnel.
● PVSM Recipients:
        o Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi
        o Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi
        o Other PVSM Awardees:
                 ▪   Lt Gen M V Suchindra Kumar
                 ▪   Lt Gen N S Raja Subramani
                 ▪   Lt Gen Johnson P Mathew
                 ▪   Air Marshal Ravi Gopal Krishna Kapoor
                 ▪   Several retired officers from the Army and Indian Air Force
● Awards Conferred:
        o Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM): 31 awards
        o Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM): 4 awards
        o Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (Bar to AVSM): 2 awards
        o Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM): 57 awards
Abhinav Bindra awarded a prestigious Olympic Order by the IOC
     ● Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win individual gold at the Olympics, has been honoured with
        the Olympic Order for his outstanding contributions to the Olympic movement.
     ● The Olympic Order is the highest accolade bestowed by the International Olympic Committee
        (IOC) for exceptional service.
The Olympic Order Award
     ● The Olympic Order is the highest award presented by the International Olympic Committee
        (IOC).
     ● Established in 1975, it is awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the
        Olympic Movement.
HSBC awarded Best Int’l Bank in Sri Lanka by Euromoney
     ● HSBC has been named the World’s Best Bank in three categories – Sustainable Finance,
        Payments and Treasury, and Public-Sector Clients – in the Euromoney Awards for Excellence
        2024.
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     ● These awards recognize the strength of HSBC's international network and the breadth of its
         offerings.
     ● In total, HSBC topped 33 categories in this year’s awards. Notably, HSBC won the Best Bank
         award in its two home markets, Hong Kong and the UK. Other significant recognitions include:
     ●   Asia’s Best Bank
     ●   Middle East’s Best Investment Bank
     ●   Western Europe’s Best Bank for Transaction Services
World’s Best Bank in three categories:
            ● World’s Best Bank for Sustainable Finance
            ● World’s Best Bank for Payments and Treasury
            ● World’s Best Bank for Public-Sector Clients
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Former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa Elected as President of the European Council
     •   Antonio Costa, former Prime Minister of Portugal (2015-2024), has been elected as the new
         President of the European Council.
     •   He will replace Charles Michel of Belgium.
     •   The European Council also selected Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas as the next High
         Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
     •   The President of the European Council is elected by a secret ballot.
     •   The European Council consists of the Head of State or Government of the 27 EU members, the
         European Council President, and the European Commission President.
About European Union :
     •   The EU is an international organization created by the Maastricht Treaty, which came into force
         on 1 November 1993.
     •   Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
     •   Members: 27 countries.
     •   The European Council sets the political agenda of the EU and meets twice a year.
Reserve Bank of India Appoints Charulatha Kar and Arnab Chowdhury as New Executive Directors
     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the appointment of Arnab Kumar Chowdhury and
         Charulatha S. Kar as executive directors (EDs).
     •   Mr. Chowdhury's appointment is effective from June 3, 2024, while Ms. Kar's appointment is
         effective from July 1, 2024.
     •   Mr. Chowdhury will oversee the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC),
         foreign exchange department, and international department.
Justice Sheel Nagu appointed as Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court
     •   The President of India, in exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of India, appointed
         Shri Sheel Nagu, Judge of the High Court of Madhya Pradesh as the Chief Justice of the High
         Court of Punjab and Haryana with effect from the date he assumed charge of his office.
     •   Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva has been appointed as the new Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya
         Pradesh High Court, succeeding Justice Sheel Nagu.
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     •   This is the second high-profile judicial appointment cleared by the Centre within two days, after a
         prolonged pending period of over six months.
Indian Information Service Officer Dhirendra K Ojha Appointed as Government's New Principal
Spokesperson
     •   Dhirendra K Ojha, a senior Indian Information Service (IIS) officer of the 1990 batch, has been
         appointed as the principal spokesperson of the central government.
     •   He will also assume the role of Principal Director General (DG) of the Press Information Bureau
         (PIB).
     •   Ojha succeeds Sheyphali B Sharan, also a 1990-batch IIS officer, who was appointed as the
         Director General of the Publications Division.
Canada Appoints Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan as Chief of Defence Staff, Marking First Woman
in the Role
     •   The Canadian government has appointed Lieutenant-General Jennie Carignan chief of the
         defence staff - the highest position in the countrys armed forces.
     •   She will be the first woman to hold the post.
     •   Carignan was promoted to the rank of General and officially assumed office on July 18,2024
         succeeding General Wayne Eyre.
     •   She currently serving as chief, professional conduct and culture, National Defence, focusing on
         combatting sexual harassment and transforming military culture.
About Canada :
     •   Prime Minister : Justin Trudeau
     •   Capital : Ottawa
     •   Currency : Canadian dollar
Financial Services Institutions Bureau Nominates Challa Sreenivasulu Setty as Next State Bank of India
Chairman
     •   The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), has recommended Challa Sreenivasulu Setty,
         who is one of the managing directors of State Bank of India (SBI) as the next Chairman of State
     •   Bank of India (SBI).
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Life Insurance Corporation of India Chairman Siddhartha Mohanty Re-designated as Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer
     •   Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has re-designated its chairman Siddhartha Mohanty as
         managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO), with effect from June 30, 2024.
     •   Mohanty was appointed as the chairperson of LIC in April 2023 until June 29, 2024.
     •   Thereafter, he was scheduled to take over the role of MD & CEO of the corporation until June 7,
         2025.
About LIC :
     •   Founded : 1 September 1956
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
General Upendra Dwivedi Assumes Role as 30th Army Chief, Succeeds Manoj Pande
     •   General Upendra Dwivedi took over as the 30th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Indian
         Army on June 30, 2024.
     •   He succeeded General Manoj Pande, who retired after over four decades of service.
     •   Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani has assumed the appointment of the Vice Chief of Army
         Staff
     •   Lt. Gen. Dwivedi was commissioned into the Infantry (Jammu & Kashmir Rifles) of the Army on
         December 15, 1984.
About Ministry of Defence :
     •   Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
     •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
     •   Defence Secretary : Giridhar Aramane
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Indian Revenue Service Officer Ravi Agrawal Appointed as Chairman of the Central Board of Direct
Taxes
     •   Ravi Agrawal, a 1988-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as the
         new chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the administrative body for the
         Income Tax Department.
     •   Agrawal was appointed as the Chairman from July 1, 2024 till his superannuation on September
         30, 2024 and subsequently on contract basis till June 30, 2025.
     •   Effectively, he will remain the chairman of the body for one year.
     •   The new CBDT chief is currently working as member (administration) in the board.
     •   He takes over from Nitin Gupta, a 1986-batch IRS officer, whose extended tenure as the
         chairman ends on June 30,2024.
About CBDT :
     •   Established : 1963
     •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     •   It is a part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance (MoF).
     •   The CBDT is headed by a chairman and can have six members who are in the rank of special
         secretary.
     •   The other serving members in the board are Pragya Sahay Saksena, HBS Gill, Pravin Kumar,
         Sanjay Kumar and Sanjay Kumar Verma.
     •   Verma will retire from service, June 30, 2024.
IAS officer Sujata Saunik appointed as Maharashtra's 1st female Chief Secretary
     •   Senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sujata Saunik took over as Maharashtras
         Chief Secretary (CS), becoming the first woman to hold this position in the state's history.
     •   She will be the 45th CS of Maharashtra since 1960, when the state came into being.
     •   Saunik succeeds Nitin Kareer, who retired from the position.
Rajinder Khanna was Appointed as Additional National Security Adviser, and TV Ravichandran was
Named Deputy NSA
     •   National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval has appointed TV Ravichandran and Pawan Kapoor
         as the new deputy NSAs in the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) team.
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     •   Similarly, Rajendra Khanna, who served as the deputy NSA, has been appointed as the
         Additional NSA.
     •   TV Ravichandran is a 1990 batch IPS officer and is currently the special director in the
         Intelligence Bureau.
About National Security Council :
     •   Established : 19 November 1998
     •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     •   The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves
         as the apex body for all internal and external security-related matters in India.
SBI General Insurance Names Naveen Chandra Jha as New MD & CEO
     •   SBI General Insurance announced the appointment of Naveen Chandra Jha as its new Managing
         Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
     •   He was nominated by the parent company, State Bank of India (SBI).
     •   He succeeds Kishore Kumar Poludasu.
     •   Prior to his current role, Naveen Chandra Jha served as Deputy Managing Director of SBI.
About SBI General Insurance Company :
     •   Founded : 2009 (Started operations in 2010)
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   It is a joint venture between State Bank of India (SBI) and Insurance Australia Group (IAG).
Government Appoints Robert J Ravi as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Sanchar Nigam
Limited
     •   The government has appointed Robert Jerard Ravi as the new Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
         (BSNL) chairman and managing director (CMD) for a period of 6 months.
     •   This will be Ravi's second stint at BSNL.
     •   Earlier, he had served as an additional general manager at the state-run firm for About 6 years.
     •   Ravi will replace PK Purwar, whose tenure is expiring on July 14. Purwar assumed charge as
         BSNL CMD in July 2019.
     •   Ravi is currently appointed as deputy director general, standards, research and innovation at the
         department of telecommunications (DoT).
About BSNL :
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Professor Soumya Swaminathan appointed as the Principal Advisor at the Union Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare for the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme
     •    Professor (Dr.) Soumya Swaminathan has been appointed as the Principal Advisor at the Union
          Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for the National Tuberculosis Elimination
          Programme (NTEP) on a pro bono basis.
     •    She will provide technical advice on the overall strategy to achieve program goals, suggest policy
          directions and necessary course corrections for optimal outcomes, and advise on research
          strategy.
     •    She will also assist in the formation of expert groups with top talent globally. Additionally, she will
          support the Union Health Ministry, state officials, and development partners in assessing the
          impact of the programme.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare :
     •    Cabinet Minister : Jagat Prakash Nadda
     •    Minister of State : Anupriya Patel, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav
Paytm Payments Bank Names Former IDBI Bank Executive Arun Bansal as New Chief Executive
Officer
     •    Paytm Payments Bank, an associate entity of One97 Communications (OCL), which operates the
          Paytm brand, has appointed Arun Kumar Bansal as managing director (MD) and chief executive
          officer (CEO).
     •    Bansal is a former executive at IDBI Bank, where he served as Executive Director and Head of
          Treasury.
     •    Bansal resigned from IDBI Bank to join Paytm Payments Bank, effective before June 25.
     •    Surinder Chawla, the former MD and CEO of Paytm Payments Bank, resigned for personal
          reasons in April and was due to retire on June 26.
About Paytm Payments Bank :
     •    Established : 28 November 2017
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Supreme Court Appoints Former CJI Lalit to Lead Search Panels for West Bengal Vice-Chancellors
     •   The Supreme Court has appointed former Chief Justice of India Uday Umesh Lalit as the
         chairperson of the search-cum-selection committees for shortlisting names for Vice-Chancellor
         appointments in West Bengal.
     •   Authority Granted:The Supreme Court bench authorized the chairperson to constitute separate or
         joint Search-cum-Selection Committees for one or more universities.
     •   The chairperson can nominate four persons from the empanelled experts for shortlisting suitable
         names for appointment as Vice-Chancellors.
Lieutenant General Shankar Narayan Appointed as Commandant of Army Hospital (Research &
Referral)
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     •   Lieutenant General Shankar Narayan, an alumnus of the 1982 class of the Armed Forces
         Medical College, has assumed the position of Commandant of the Army Hospital (Research &
         Referral).
     •   Focusing on research and high-quality training.
     •   The Army Hospital (Research & Referral) is one of the most important healthcare facilities of the
         Armed Forces Medical Services.
Reformist Masoud Pezeshkian Secures Victory in Iran's Presidential Runoff Election
     •   Masoud Pezeshkian, a reformist and former Health Minister of Iran, won the 14th presidential
         election.
     •   He defeated his rival, hardliner Islamist ideology Saeed Jalili.
     •   Voting Details:Pezeshkian received 16.3 million votes, accounting for 53.6% of the total votes.
     •   Jalili received 13.5 million votes, accounting for 44.3% of the total votes.
     •   The total number of votes in the runoff was 30 million.
     •   Succession:Pezeshkian will succeed Mohammad Mokhber, who has been serving as the interim
         president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi.
About Iran :
     •   Capital : Tehran
     •   Currency : Iranian rial
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Bandhan Bank Appoints Ratan Kumar Kesh as Interim Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer for
3 Months
     •   Bandhan Bank's board of directors appointed Ratan Kumar Kesh as the interim Managing
         Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
     •   The appointment is effective from July 10, 2024.
     •   The appointment will last for 3 months or until a new MD & CEO assumes office.
     •   This decision follows the retirement of the current MD & CEO, Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, whose
         tenure ends on July 9, 2024.
     •   Kesh’s appointment has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
     •   He currently holds the position of executive director (ED) and chief operating officer (COO) at the
         bank.
About Bandhan Bank :
     •   Established : 2015
     •   Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Mahabaleshwara Appointed as Independent Director of Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited
     •   Mahabaleshwara MS, has been appointed as Independent Director of Tourism Finance
         Corporation of India (TFCI) Limited.
     •   His appointment is effective from July 6, 2024, for a term of 5 years, pending approval from
         shareholders.
     •   Mahabaleshwara was the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
         Karnataka Bank for two consecutive terms of total six years from April 15, 2017 to April 14, 2023.
Reserve Bank of India Approves Govind Singh's Re Appointment as Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
     •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Govind Singh as the
         Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Utkarsh Small Finance Bank
         (Utkarsh SFB).
     •   The re-appointment is effective from September 21, 2024, for a period of 3 years.
     •   Govind Singh's current term as MD and CEO ends on September 20, 2024.
     •   The re-appointment was approved by the board of Utkarsh SFB during a meeting on January 27,
         2024.
About Utkarsh Small Finance Bank :
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     •   Founded : 2016
     •   Headquarters : Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Labour Leader Keir Starmer appointed as 58th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
     •   Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has been appointed as the United Kingdom's 58th
         Prime Minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak.
     •   The appointment was made by King Charles III, the UK’s monarch.
     •   Labour secured a significant victory, winning 412 seats in Parliament, while the Conservatives
         garnered 121 seats, their lowest in history.
     •   The total number of seats in Parliament is 650.
About United Kingdom :
     •   Capital : London
     •   Currency : Pound sterling
K Keshava Rao appointed as Advisor to Telangana Government
     •   Senior politician K. Keshava Rao, who joined the Congress recently from the Bharat Rashtra
         Samiti (BRS), has been appointed as Adviser to the Telangana Government (Public Affairs) with
         Cabinet status.
     •   Keshava Rao previously served as a Minister in Congress governments and was the former
         president of the AP Congress Committee.
     •   He left Congress during the Telangana movement to join the BRS (formerly TRS) and served as
         its secretary-general.
South African Revenue Services Commissioner Edward Kieswetter Re-elected as World Customs
Organisation Chair for Second Term, 2024-2025
     •   South African Revenue Services (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has been re-elected
         as the chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) for a second one-year term (2024-
         2025).
     •   The re-election occurred during the 143rd/144th Sessions of the WCO Council.
     •   The sessions took place in Brussels, Belgium, with the participation of directors general of
         customs from the WCO’s 186 members.
     •   At the meeting, the WCO council examined the work carried out by the WCO Secretariat and
         working bodies throughout the year in line with the WCO Strategic Plan 2022-2025.
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About WCO :
     •   Establishment: January 26, 1953
     •   Location: Brussels, Belgium
     •   Secretary General: Ian Saunders
     •   Membership: 186 customs administrations
K P Sharma Oli Assumes Nepal's Prime Ministerial Role for a 3rd Term
     ● K P Sharma Oli,72 was appointed Nepal's Prime Minister for the 3rd time to lead the new
         coalition government that faces the daunting challenge of providing political stability in the
         country.
     ● He succeeds Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who lost a vote of confidence in the House of
         Representatives.
     ● The new government formation follows Article 76 (2) of the Nepalese Constitution.
     ● K P Sharma Oli previously served as Nepal's Prime Minister from October 11, 2015, to August 3,
         2016, and from February 5, 2018, to July 13, 2021.
About Nepal :
     ● Capital : Kathmandu
     ● Currency : Nepalese rupee
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda Takes Oath for 2nd Five-Year Term
     ● Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda was sworn in for his second five-year term at a
         ceremonial event held at the Lithuanian Parliament, the Seimas.
     ● He took the presidential oath with his hand on the Constitution.
     ● Nausėda, a 60-year-old economist, was re-elected in May, 2024.
     ● He won against Šimonytė in the second round of presidential elections.
About Lithuania :
     ● Prime Minister : Ingrida Šimonytė
     ● Capital : Vilnius
     ● Currency : Euro
SoftBank's Sumer Juneja to Join Board of OYO's Parent Company
     ● Sumer Juneja, Managing Partner and Head of EMEA & India Investing at SoftBank Vision Fund,
         is set to join the board of Oravel Stays Limited (OYO's parent firm) as a non-executive director.
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     ● Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajeev Kumar has been reinstated as the Director
         General of Police (DGP) of West Bengal by the state government.
     ● Rajeev Kumar replaces Sanjoy Mukherjee, who was appointed as DGP by the Election
         Commission of India during the Lok Sabha polls.
     ● Rajeev Kumar will continue to hold his current position as Additional Chief Secretary in the
         Department of Information Technology and Electronics.
     ● Sanjoy Mukherjee has been appointed as the new Director General of the State’s Fire and
         Emergency Services.
About West Bengal:
     ● Capital: Kolkata
     ● Chief Minister: Mamata Banerjee
     ● Governor: C V Anantha Bose
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     ● National Parks: Neora Valley National Park, Buxa Tiger Reserve, Jaldapara National Park,
        Gorumara National Park, Sunderbans National Park
Nallathamby Kalaiselvi's Extension as Director General of CSIR
     ● Nallathamby Kalaiselvi, the first woman Director General of the Council of Scientific and
        Industrial Research (CSIR), was granted a two-year extension in service.
     ● A government order stated the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet had approved the
        extension of tenure of Ms Kalaiselvi "for a period of two years beyond 07.08.2024, or until further
        orders, whichever is earlier."
     ● She will also hold the charge of Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research.
Wales' First Minister Vaughan Gething resigns
     ● Wales' First Minister Vaughan Gething has announced his resignation, only four months after
        taking the job.
     ● It comes after three of his Welsh government ministers and his top legal adviser dramatically
        released resignation statements calling for him to stand down.
     ● Cabinet members Mick Antoniw, Lesley Griffiths, Julie James, and Jeremy Miles all resigned
        from their positions and called on Mr Gething to quit.
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     ● Justice Aalia Neelum took oath as the Chief Justice of the Lahore High Court (LHC) of Pakistan
        (Lahore), making her the first woman to be elevated as the court’s top judge.
     ● Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan administered the oath of office to her.
     ● Punjab province’s first woman Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was also present in the oath-taking
        ceremony.
Deepa Malik Appointed as Asian Paralympic Committee Representative for South Asia
     ● Deepa Malik, India’s first woman Paralympic medallist, has been appointed as the sub-regional
        representative for South Asia by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).
     ● This appointment was confirmed during the 34th Executive Board meeting of the APC,
        highlighting gender diversity and athlete-centric leadership in para-sports.
     ● Role and Responsibilities: Malik will represent South Asian nations and advocate for the
        development and promotion of para-sports in the region.
About APC :
     ● Established : 30 October 2002
     ● Headquarters : Dubai, United Arab Emirates
     ● President : Majid Rashed
     ● CEO : Tarek Souei
     ● Membership : 45 Members
     ● It organizes the Asian Para Games and is affiliated to the International Paralympic Committee.
ESAF Small Finance Bank Receives Reserve Bank of India Approval for Kadambelil Paul Thomas's Re-
appointment as MD & CEO
     ● ESAF Small Finance Bank (SFB) has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for
        the re-appointment of K Paul Thomas as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer
        (CEO) for another 3 years.
     ● The re-appointment was granted under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
     ● Additionally, Paul Thomas is the Chairman of the Board of Sa-Dhan, the association of
        microfinance and impact finance institutions.
About ESAF Small Finance Bank (formerly known as ESAF Microfinance and Investments) :
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Before his appointment as CEO, Elhedery served as HSBC’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) from early
2023.
About HSBC Holdings Plc (The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) :
     ● Headquarters : London, England, UK
UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni Resigns, Citing 'Personal Reasons'
     ● Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) chairman Manoj Soni has tendered his resignation
        due to “personal reasons."
About UPSC :
     ● Established : 1 October 1926
     ● Headquarers : New Delhi, Delhi,IndiaThe UPSC is headed by a chairman and can have a
        maximum of 10 members.
     ● Currently, there are seven members, three short of its sanctioned strength.
Supreme Court at Full Strength with New Appointments: Justice N Kotiswar Singh, First from Manipur,
and Justice R Mahadevan Take Oath
     ● Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court, took oath of office
        and became the first judge from Manipur to be elevated to the Supreme Court.
     ● Acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court R Mahadevan was also sworn in as a Supreme Court
        judge.
     ● With the swearing-in, the number of judges in the apex court, including the Chief Justice of India,
        has increased to 34.
Rwanda's Kagame Secures Fourth Term with 99% of the Vote
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     ● Rwandan President Paul Kagame has secured a record fourth term in the election.
     ● Chrysologue Karangwa, President of the Electoral Commission of Rwanda, declared Kagame the
        winner after he received 7,099,810 votes, equating to 99.15% of the total 9,071,157 votes cast.
     ● Kagame, 66, representing the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), defeated his closest rival, Frank
        Habineza of the Democratic Green Party, who garnered 38,301 votes (0.53%), and Phillipe
        Mpayimana, who received 22,753 votes (0.32%).
     ● This election marks Rwanda's 4th since the 1994 genocide, with citizens voting for both the
        presidential and parliamentary seats.
About Rwanda :
     ● Prime Minister : Édouard Ngirente
     ● Capital: Kigali
     ● Currency: Rwandan franc.
Sanjeev Krishan Reappointed for Second Term as PwC India Chairperson
     ● PwC India announced that Sanjeev Krishan, 53, has been re-elected for a second term as
        Chairperson of PwC in India, for a four-year period beginning on April 1, 2025.
     ● As Chairperson, Krishan will continue to lead PwC in India, representing them externally and
        internally.
     ● He will also continue to serve on the PwC Global Strategy Council.
     ● Krishan's first term as chairperson started on January 1, 2021.
Krishnan Venkat Subramanian was Appointed as the New Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of the Federal Bank
     ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of Krishnan Venkat
        Subramanian (KVS Manian) as the next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD &
        CEO) of Federal Bank for three years.
     ● The appointment will be effective from September 23, 2024.
     ● KVS Manian will succeed Shyam Srinivasan, whose term expires on September 22, 2024.
About Federal Bank :
     ● Headquarters : Aluva, Kochi, Kerala, India
     ● Tagline : Your Perfect Banking Partner
Saloma Yomdo Appointed as Director (E&D) at Oil India Limited
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     ● Saloma Yomdo has assumed the position of Director (Exploration & Development) at Oil India
        Limited (OIL).
About Oil India Limited :
     ● Founded : 18 February 1959
     ● Headquarters : Duliajan, Assam
     ● Chairman & MD : Dr. Ranjit Rath
     ● It is the country's oldest oil and gas company and is recognized as the youngest Maharatna
        Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Government of India.
Kristen Michal Appointed as Estonia's New Prime Minister
     ● The Estonian parliament approved Climate Minister Kristen Michal as the Baltic country’s next
        prime minister (PM).
     ● Michal received 64 votes in favour and 27 against in the Estonian parliament.
     ● He succeeds Kaja Kallas, who resigned on July 15, 2024 to become the European Union's new
        chief diplomat.
     ● Kaja Kallas resigned as Prime Minister to take up a new role as the European Union’s chief
        diplomat.
     ● Political Party:Both Michal and Kallas are from Estonia’s centrist Reform Party.
About Estonia :
     ● President :Alar Karis
     ● Capital : Tallinn
     ● Currency : Euro
Nita Ambani was Unanimously Re-elected as an International Olympic Committee Member for the Paris
Olympics 2024
     ● Nita Ambani, Founder of Reliance Foundation, has been re-elected unanimously as a member of
        the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the 142nd IOC session in Paris, ahead of the Paris
        2024 Olympic Games.
     ● The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to
        August 11, 2024.
About IOC :
     ● Established : 23 June 1894
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     ● Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak has been elected as the 67th President of the Institute of Cost
        Accountants of India (ICMAI) for the year 2024-2025.
     ● Nayak is Odisha's 3rd Cost Accountant to be elected to this esteemed position.
     ● TCA Srinivasa Prasad has been elected as the vice president of the Institute of Cost Accountants
        of India for 2024-25
About ICMAI :
     ● Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal
     ● ICMAI was established as a statutory body on 28 May 1959 under the Cost and Works
        Accountants Act, 1959.
Affiliations:
     ● The Institute comes under the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
     ● It is a founding member of:
            ○ International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
            ○ Confederation of Asian & Pacific Accountants (CAPA)
            ○ South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA)
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur Appointed as Director of IFFI Festival
     ● Veteran filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, known for films such as "Mr India", "Bandit Queen" and
        "Elizabeth", has been appointed festival director for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).
     ● Mr. Kapur will head the festival, held annually in Goa, for the 55th and 56th editions, as
        announced by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
Festival Details :
     ● Establishment and History: The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was first organized by
        the Films Division of the Government of India.
     ● The inaugural edition took place in Mumbai from January 24 to February 1, 1952.
     ● The festival was held under the patronage of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
     ● IFFI 2023:In 2023, IFFI screened approximately 250 films from 78 countries.
     ● The festival hosted 23 masterclasses and in-conversation events.
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     ● Film Bazaar:The Film Bazaar, South Asia’s largest content market, runs alongside the festival,
        organized by India’s National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and will take place from
        November 20-24, 2024.
About IFFI :
     ● Founded : 24 January 1952
     ● Location : Goa, India
     ● The IFFI is one of the film festivals in Asia.
     ● Held annually, currently in the state of Goa, on the western coast of the country.
President Droupadi Murmu Appoints New Governors for 9 States
     ● President Droupadi Murmu has appointed new Governors in 9 states and a new Lieutenant
        Governor in Puducherry.
List of New Governors :
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Wales to Appoint Eluned Morgan as Its First Female First Minister Following Her Selection as Leader of
the Welsh Labour Party
     ● Wales is set to get its first female First Minister after Eluned Morgan was chosen to lead the
        governing Welsh Labour Party.
     ● Ms Morgan will take charge following a confirmation vote in Wales’ parliament, the Senedd.
     ● Ms Morgan succeeds First Minister Vaughan Gething, who stepped down last week as party
        leader amid acrimony and a campaign donation scandal.
About Wales :
     ● Capital : Cardiff
     ● Currency : Pound sterling
     ● Wales, which has a population of about three million, is one of four parts of the United Kingdom,
        along with England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Manoj Mittal Appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of Small Industries Development Bank of
India
     ● Manoj Mittal has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Small
        Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) by the Government of India.
     ● He succeeds S Ramann, who joined SIDBI in April 2021 for a three-year term.
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HS Dhaliwal Named New Director General of Police of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
     ● The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) appointed senior IPS officer Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal as
         the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
     ● Before his appointment, he served as the Special Commissioner of Police in New Delhi,
         overseeing traffic zone II.
About Ministry of Home Affairs :
     ● Cabinet Minister : Amit Shah
     ● Minister of State : Nityanand Rai, Bandi Sanjay Kumar,
About Andaman and Nicobar Islands :
     ● Lieutenant governor : Devendra Kumar Joshi
     ● Capital : Port Blair
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     •    TCS has signed a significant deal to become the title partner of the Sydney Marathon, Australia's
          largest and most prestigious race.
     •    The partnership aims to enhance the marathon's use of technology, sustainability, accessibility,
          and charitable impact. It also supports running and wellbeing initiatives across Indigenous
          Australia.
An MoU between Govt. of Haryana and NFSU, Gandhinagar was signed in Panchkula in the presence
of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah
     •    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Government of Haryana and
          the National Forensic Science University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, in Panchkula, Haryana.
     •    The signing ceremony was attended by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri
          Amit Shah, along with other dignitaries including Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal and Chief
          Minister of Haryana Shri Nayab Singh.
     •    This collaboration aims to enhance the criminal justice system in Haryana by leveraging the
          expertise of NFSU.
Bangladesh Navy inks deal with Indias GRSE for 800-tonne ocean-going tug
     •    The Bangladesh Navy has finalized a significant contract with Indias Garden Reach
          Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for an 800-tonne ocean-going tug, under a $500-million line
          of credit extended by India for defence equipment purchases.
     •    The deal, worth approximately $21 million, was signed in Dhaka, facilitated by GRSE and the
          Bangladesh Navys directorate general of defence purchases.
MoU Signed Between DPIIT and NCAER for Logistics Cost Assessment in India
      •   The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the Ministry of Commerce
          & Industry, and the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) signed a
          Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi.
      •   The agreement focuses on the Framework & Assessment of Logistics Costs in India, aiming to
          streamline logistics expenses across various sectors.
      •   Framework Development: Create a detailed framework for assessing logistics costs in
          India.Comprehensive Study: Conduct a thorough assessment of logistics costs for the year
          2023-24.
BPCL has partnered with the Indian Olympic Association as Principal Sponsor for four years
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      •   Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a Maharatna and Fortune Global 500 company,
          has proudly announced its role as the official Principal Partner of the Indian Olympic Association
          (IOA) for four years, from the Paris Olympics in 2024 to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
      •   Partnership Announcement: BPCL becomes the Principal Partner of the IOA for the Paris 2024
          and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
      •   Support for Athletes: The partnership aims to honor and support Indian athletes, particularly
          those from underprivileged backgrounds, underscoring BPCLs commitment to nurturing
          sporting talent and fostering national unity.
Puma India Partners with the Indian Olympic Association for Paris 2024
     •    Puma India has been announced as the Official Footwear Partner for the Indian contingent to the
          Paris Olympics.
     •    The partnership includes a large-scale outdoor campaign titled “See the Game Like We Do.”
     •    Over 100 Indian athletes will receive a range of Puma products, including podium and travel
          footwear, trolleys, backpacks, sippers, yoga mats, headbands, wristbands, socks, and towels.
     •    These items are designed to maximize the athletes' training and comfort during the 2024
          Summer Olympics.
AMD and IIT Bombay's SINE Collaborate to Develop Energy-Efficient Neural Network Chips
     ● AMD has announced a partnership with the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE)
          at IIT Bombay.
     ● The collaboration aims to provide grants to startups incubated at IIT Bombay, focusing on
          developing energy-efficient Spiking Neural Network (SNN) chips.
     ● Numelo Technologies has received the first grant to develop SNN chips using ultralow power
          quantum tunnelling on silicon on insulator (SOI) technology.
NLC India plans ₹12,000 crore investment in new coal mine, shares hit record high
●    NLC India has officially taken over the Machhakata coal mine in the Angul district of Odisha, a
     strategic move set to potentially double the company’s coal and lignite production and Rs. 12,000
     crore planned for the development of the coal mine.
●    The development was formalized with the signing of a Coal Mine Development and Production
     Agreement with the Ministry of Coal.
Financial Performance Overview
          ●     2023-24 Revenue:
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India’s Strategy to Boost Trade with Russia and Achieve $100 Billion Bilateral Trade Target by 2030
     ● India is focused on addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and enhancing market access to
        achieve a significant bilateral trade target with Russia, as outlined in recent high-level
        discussions.
●    Bilateral Trade Target:
        o   Goal: Achieve $100 billion in annual trade with Russia by 2030.
        o   Current Trade Volume: Approximately $65 billion in 2023-24.
        o   Focus: Increase Indian exports and address trade imbalances.
●    Trade Imbalance:
        o   Issue: India’s exports to Russia amounted to around $4 billion in 2023-24, while imports were
            about $61 billion.
NITI Aayog Unveils GearShift Challenge to Accelerate Zero-Emission Truck Adoption in India
     ● NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to
        Zero, and WRI India, has announced the launch of the NITI GearShift Challenge as part of the e-
        FAST India initiative.
     ● This innovative hackathon aims to develop creative business models for the adoption of zero-
        emission trucks (ZETs) in India, addressing both economic and environmental challenges.
Government Launches Skill India Digital To Revolutionize Skill Development For Indian Youth
     ● Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Skill India Digital (SID) platform, marking a
        significant advancement in India's approach to skill development, education, employment, and
        entrepreneurship.
     ● Overview of Skill India Digital (SID)
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AWS India Supports Tamil Nadu Technology Hub to Launch Generative AI Startup Program
● Amazon Web Services (AWS) India Private Limited announced its support for the Tamil Nadu
     Technology (iTNT) Hub to launch a new generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup hub program.
● This initiative focuses on accelerating the development of generative AI solutions for public-centric
     initiatives through the startup ecosystem in Tamil Nadu.
● The program aims to enable startups to collaborate with the industry to develop public sector-
     focused solutions using generative AI.
● It will specifically target sectors such as government, healthcare, education, and non-profit
     organizations operating in the AI, generative AI, and deep-tech spaces.
● The initiative was announced during the 'Generative AI Startup–Venture Capital' mixer event held by
     AWS and iTNT Hub in Chennai.
Tripartite Agreement on Cross-Border Electricity Trade Among Nepal, India and Bangladesh
     ● A long-anticipated agreement among Nepal, India, and Bangladesh for cross-border electricity
        trade is nearing completion.
     ● This agreement will facilitate the import of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh via India
        transmission lines.
CBDT Signs Multi-Year Contract with Bharti Airtel for Taxnet-2.0
     ● The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed a multi-year agreement with Bharti Airtel
        to provide network and connectivity solutions for its Taxnet-2.0 programme.
     ● This contract extends Bharti Airtel's role as the network partner for CBDT, continuing from its
        involvement in the previous Taxnet-1.0 programme, which began in 2008.
     ● Objective: The Taxnet-2.0 programme aims to modernize the system for collecting, processing,
        monitoring, and accounting direct taxes, enhancing efficiency and security.
Ukraine Signs Security Agreements With Slovenia, Czech Republic
     ● Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob signed a
        comprehensive agreement on security cooperation and support between their countries.
     ● The agreement is set for 10 years.
     ● Slovenia has already delivered 13 packages of military aid to Ukraine and plans to continue this
        level of support.
     ● Ukraine has signed a total of 25 bilateral security agreements with various countries.
MoU Between Rashtriya Raksha University and NSE International Exchange
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● The collaboration aims to develop 'Cell-Free' Massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output)
     technology to enable the upcoming 6G radio access networks.
Philippines and Singapore Sign Defence Pact to Enhance Military Cooperation
● The Philippines and Singapore are set to sign a Defence Cooperation Agreement.
● The agreement aims to broaden military engagement between the two nations.
● The pact includes provisions for joint military exercises.
● Focus areas include preparedness for humanitarian emergencies and other contingencies.
KisanKraft Expands Operations to Tanzania with ₹100 Crore Investment
● KisanKraft Limited, a Bengaluru-based farm equipment manufacturer, is expanding its operations to
     Tanzania in East Africa.
● The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Agriculture of the
     United Republic of Tanzania to support agricultural development.
India and U.S. Sign Cultural Property Agreement to Protect Heritage
● India and the U.S. signed a cultural property agreement that aims to enhance cooperation to protect
     the cultural heritage of both countries.
● The agreement aims to prevent the illegal trade of cultural property.
● It simplifies the process of returning looted and stolen antiquities to their country of origin.
Key Signatures:
            o   Signed by U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti and Union Culture Secretary Govind
                Mohan.
            o   The signing ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
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Mcap of 8 of top-10 most-valued firms jumps Rs 1.83 lakh crores; TCS, Infosys biggest gainers
     •   Eight of India's top-10 most valued companies saw a significant increase in their market
         valuations, collectively adding Rs 1,83,290.36 crore.
     •   This surge aligned with a notable rally in equities, where the BSE benchmark index climbed
         963.87 points or 1.21%.
     •   Biggest Gainers:
     •   Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
            o Added Rs 38,894.44 crore
            o New Valuation: Rs 14,51,739.53 crore
     •   Infosys
            o Added Rs 33,320.03 crore
            o New Valuation: Rs 6,83,922.13 crore
Current Top Valued Firms:
     •   Reliance Industries
     •   TCS
     •   HDFC Bank
     •   ICICI Bank
     •   Bharti Airtel
     •   State Bank of India
     •   Infosys
     •   LIC
     •   Hindustan Unilever
     •   ITC
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1              Google                    Technology
2              Tata Motors               Automotive
3              Amazon                    E-commerce
4              Jio                       Telecommunications
5              Apple                     Technology
     ●   Top Inclusive Brands Globally
Rank              Brand                          Category
1                 Google                         Technology
2                 Amazon                         E-commerce
3                 Nike                           Sportswear
4                 Dove                           Personal Care
5                 McDonald’s                     Fast Food
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     ● Parle continues to be the most chosen in-home brand according to Kantar's Brand Footprint
        Report.
     ● With a Consumer Reach Points (CRP) score of 7980 million, Parle holds the top spot for the 12th
        consecutive year.
1. Top Five In-Home Brands:
        o   Following Parle, the other top brands include:
               ▪   Britannia
               ▪   Amul
               ▪   Clinic Plus
               ▪   Tata Consumer Products
2. CRP Increase:
        o   Overall, Consumer Reach Points (CRPs) have increased by 33% in the last five years.
3. Rising Penetration:
        o   Seven brands in the top 25 in-home rankings have seen more than 20% penetration increase
            over the last decade. These brands are:
               ▪   Britannia
               ▪   Surf Excel
               ▪   Sunfeast
               ▪   Haldiram’s
               ▪   Patanjali
               ▪   Brooke Bond
               ▪   Vim
        o   Assessment Criteria: The Index evaluates the performance of states and UTs across 16
            SDGs using 113 indicators aligned with national priorities.
        o   Scoring:
               ▪   Range: Scores range from 0-100, with higher scores indicating greater progress.
               ▪   Categories:
                       1. Aspirant: 0–49
                       2. Performer: 50–64
                       3. Front-Runner: 65–99
                       4. Achiever: 100
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                 ▪     Top Performers:
                          1. Kerala and Uttarakhand emerged as the best-performing states, each scoring
                             79 points.
                 ▪     Lowest Performer:
                          1. Bihar scored the lowest with 57 points, followed by Jharkhand at 62 points.
                 ▪     Front-Runner States:
                          1. 32 states and UTs are in the front-runner category.
                          2. 10 new entrants include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar
                             Pradesh.
     •   The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) shareholding in IDFC First Bank increased after the
         insurer acquired 18,60,34,900 shares at ₹80.63 apiece in a private placement offer by the lender.
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     •   The shareholding increased from 0.20% of the pre-issue paid-up capital to 2.68% of the post-
         issue paid-up capital.
     •   LIC received the highest allocation of shares in this private placement.
About IDFC FIRST Bank :
     •   Founded : October 2015
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     •   MD & CEO : V. Vaidyanathan
     •   It is an Indian private sector bank formed by the merger of the banking arm of Infrastructure
         Development Finance Company and Capital First, an Indian non-bank financial institution.
About LIC :
     •   Founded : 1 September 1956
     •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
     •   MD & CEO : Siddhartha Mohanty
Life Insurance Corporation of India Partners with IDFC First Bank for Corporate Agency Arrangement
     ● Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has entered into a tie-up with IDFC First Bank Limited
         under a corporate agency arrangement.
     ● This arrangement will facilitate over 1 crore customers of IDFC First Bank to buy LIC policies
         online via the bank's website.
     ● Aim : To increase bancassurance contributions and provide life insurance coverage to all by
         2047.
     ● Corporate Agent (Life): A Corporate Agent registered as a Corporate Agent (Life) can have tie-
         ups with up to three life insurers.
About IDFC FIRST Bank :
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : Mr. V Vaidyanathan
     ● IDFC FIRST Bank is an Indian private sector bank formed by the merger of the banking arm of
         Infrastructure Development Finance Company and Capital First, an Indian non-bank financial
         institution.
     ● In 2014, the Reserve Bank of India granted in-principle approval to IDFC Limited to set up a new
         bank in the private sector.
About LIC :
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     ● ONGC Videsh Limited, the overseas investment arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas
        Corporation (ONGC), has signed a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA) to acquire:
            ➢ 0.615% Participating Interest (PI) in the Offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oil field in
               Azerbaijan from Equinor.
            ➢ 0.737% shares in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline company through its wholly-
               owned subsidiary, ONGC BTC.
     ● The total investment for these acquisitions is up to USD 60 million.
About ONGC :
     ● Founded : 14 August 1956
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     ● Chairman & CEO : Arun Kumar Singh
     ● The ONGC is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of
        Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
Competition Commission of India Approves Dixon Technologies' Acquisition of Up to 56% Stake in
Ismartu India Private Limited
     ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of up to 56%
        shareholding of Ismartu India Private Limited (Target) by Dixon Technologies (India) Limited
        (Acquirer).
About CCI :
     ● Established : 14 October 2003
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     ● Chairman : Ravneet Kaur
     ● The CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India.
     ● It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the
        Competition Act, 2002.
CCI Approves Platinum Poppy's Acquisition of Ordinary Shares in Berhyanda and Berhyanda MidCo
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     ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition, inter alia, of ordinary
        shares of Berhyanda Limited (Berhyanda) and Berhyanda MidCo Limited (Berhyanda MidCo) by
        Platinum Poppy C 2024 RSC Limited (Platinum Poppy).
     ● Proposed Combination:Involves acquisition of ordinary shares and extension of shareholder debt
        to Berhyanda and Berhyanda MidCo by Platinum Poppy.
     ● Platinum Poppy will gain an indirect non-voting economic interest in Suven Pharmaceuticals
        Limited (Suven) through this acquisition, as Berhyanda holds 50.1% of Suven's shareholding.
CCI Approves Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores and BAG Holdings' Indirect Controlling Acquisition of
Arjas Steel and Arjas Modern Steel
     ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the indirect controlling acquisition of
        Arjas Steel Private Limited (ASPL) and Arjas Modern Steel Private Limited (AMSPL) by The
        Sandur Manganese & Iron Ores Limited (SMIORE) and BAG Holdings Private Limited (BHPL).
EQT Private Capital Asia Sells Full Stake in RBL Bank for ₹1,091 Crore
     ● EQT Private Capital Asia, formerly known as Baring Private Equity Asia, exited RBL Bank by
        selling its entire 7.89% stake in the private sector lender for Rs 1,091 crore through an open
        market transaction.
     ● EQT Private Capital Asia through its vehicle Maple II BV sold shares of RBL Bank through a bulk
        deal on the BSE.
     ● A total of 4,78,40,700 shares were sold at an average price of Rs 228.08 per share, totalling Rs
        1,091.15 crore.
About EQT Private Capital Asia :
     ● Founded : 1997
     ● Headquarters : Hong Kong
     ● Founder : Jean Salata
About RBL Bank, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited :
     ● Founded : August 1943
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● MD & CEO : R Subramaniakumar
UltraTech to Acquire Additional 32.72% Stake in India Cements for ₹3,954 Crore
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     ● Aditya Birla group-owned UltraTech entered into a share purchase agreement with the promoters
         and their associates of India Cements Limited to purchase 10,13,91,231 equity shares or 32.72%
         stake for ₹390 apiece totalling to ₹3,954 crore, subject to regulatory approvals.
     ● In June,2024 UltraTech acquired 7,05,64,656 equity shares (22.77% stake) at ₹268 per share.
     ● Following this acquisition, UltraTech’s total stake in India Cements will increase to 55.49%.
About UltraTech Cement Limited :
     ● Founded : 1983
     ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
     ● Managing Director : K. C. Jhanwar
                                              DEFENCE NEWS
Indian Army Contingent Departs for Joint Military Exercise Maitree with Thailand
     •   The Indian Army contingent departed for the 13th edition of India- Thailand joint military Exercise
         MAITREE.
     •   The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 1st to 15th July 2024 at Fort Vachiraprakan in
         Tak Province of Thailand.
     •   Exercise MAITREE is an annual training event which has been conducted alternatively in
         Thailand and India since 2006.
     •   Last edition of the exercise was conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya in September 2019.
About Ministry of Defence :
     •   Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
     •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
     •   Defence Secretary : Giridhar Aramane
About Indian Army :
     •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
     •   Chief of Defence Staff : GeneralAnil Chauhan
     •   Chief of the Army Staff : GeneralUpendra Dwivedi
     •   Vice Chief of the Army Staff : Lieutenant GeneralN. S. Raja Subramani
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari Inaugurates Newly Established Weapon
Systems School in Hyderabad
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     •    Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari inaugurated the newly established
          Weapon Systems School (WSS) at Air Force Station Begumpet, Hyderabad.
     •    This follows the approval for the creation of a new Weapon System (WS) branch in 2022.
     •    The WS branch comprises 4 streams:
About IAF :
     •    Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     •    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) : General Anil Chauhan
     •    Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) : Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
Indo-Russian joint venture delivers 35,000 AK-203 assault rifles to Ministry of Defence: Rostec
      •   The Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture (JV) between India & Russia,
          has produced and transferred 35,000 Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles to the Indian Ministry of
          Defence, Rostec state corporation of Russia announced.
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      •   Of the delivered rifles, 10,000 have been handed over to units, and inspection of the remaining
          25,000 is complete, with delivery to troops imminent.
      •   Type: The AK-203 is a Russian gas-operated, magazine-fed, select-fire assault rifle.
      •   Cartridge: It is designed to chamber the 7.62×39mm cartridge.
About Ministry of Defence :
      •   Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
      •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
      •   Defence Secretary : Giridhar Aramane
About Russia :
      •   President : Vladimir Putin
      •   Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
      •   Capital : Moscow
      •   Currency : Ruble
Annual Defence Production Reaches Record High of Approximately Rs 1.27 Lakh Crore in FY 2023-24
      •   The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has achieved the highest-ever growth in indigenous defence
          production in value terms during Financial Year (FY) 2023-24, on the back of the successful
          implementation of the policies and initiatives of the Government, led by Prime Minister Shri
          Narendra Modi, focusing on achieving Atma Nirbharta Or self-reliance.
      •   Growth in Defence Production:As per the data received from all Defence Public Sector
          undertakings (DPSUs), other public sector units (PSUs) manufacturing defence items and
          private companies, the value of defence production in the country has gone up to a record-high
          figure i.e., Rs 1,26,887 crore, reflecting a growth of 16.7% over the defence production of the
          previous financial year.
      •   The value of defence production in FY 2022-23 was Rs 1,08,684 crore.
Defence Research and Development Organisation Introduces Indigenous Light Tank Named Zorawar
     •    The Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) unveiled the "Zorawar" Light Tank
          at its facility in Hazira, Gujarat to propel indigenization and modernization efforts of the Indian
          armed forces.
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     •   Collaboration and Development:The Light Tank was developed as a public-private venture with
         DRDO collaborating with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
     •   The 25-ton vehicle was designed and developed in a record time of 2 years.
     •   Strategic Need:The need for light tank platforms was identified during the Galwan Valley standoff
         with Chinese military forces.
About DRDO :
     •   Formed : 1958
     •   Headquarters : New Delhi,India
     •   Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
     •   The DRDO is an agency under the Department of Defence Research and Development in the
         Ministry of Defence of the Government of India.
Indian Air Force Participates in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 in Darwin, Australia
     •   An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent landed at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base
         Darwin, Australia for participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
     •   The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 12 July 24 to 02 August 24 (3 Week), and is a
         biennial, multi- national exercise hosted by the RAAF.
     •   Enhance force integration among participating nations.
     •   Exercise Pitch Black 2022 was hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and took place
         from August 19 to September 8, 2022, in Darwin, Australia.
About Ministry of Defence :
     •   Cabinet Minister : Rajnath Singh
     •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
India releases fresh ‘positive indigenisation list’ to boost domestic defence manufacturing
     ● India announced a fresh list of 346 military hardware items, including “strategically important”
         systems and weapons, that will only be procured from state-run domestic manufacturers after a
         ban on their import kicks in under a staggered timeline.
     ● The defence ministry stated that over 12,300 items have been indigenised in the last three years
         to boost domestic defence industries.
     ● The fifth positive indigenisation list comprising 346 items has been notified, and these items will
         be produced by the defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs).
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     ● Last edition of Exercise KHAAN QUEST was conducted in Mongolia from 19th June to 2nd July
         2023.
     ● The exercise first started as a bilateral event between USA and Mongolian Armed Forces in the
         year 2003.
About Mongolia :
     ● President : Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh
     ● Prime Minister : Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene
     ● Capital : Ulaanbaatar
     ● Currency : Tögrög
Goa Shipyard Unveils 1st Indigenous Advanced Frigate “Triput” For Indian Navy
     ● Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched the first indigenous P1135.6 Frigate named Triput.
     ● The launch signifies a step forward for India’s naval capabilities and the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
         (self-reliant India) strategy.
     ● The ship's name, Triput, symbolizes the Indian Navy's indomitable spirit and striking capability
     ● The contract for building two Triput class Advance Frigates was signed between the Ministry of
         Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited on 25 Jan 19.
     ● The ship’s construction phases include a plate-cutting ceremony on September 20, 2020, and
         keel laying on January 29, 2021.
About Goa Shipyard Limited :
     ● Established : 1957
     ● Headquarters : Vasco da Gama, Goa
     ● Chairman & MD : Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay
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About ISRO :
     •    Established: 15 August 1969
     •    Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     •    Chairman: S. Somanath
Indian Space Research Organisation Selects 2 Gaganyaan Astronauts for International Space Station
Mission Under Axiom-4
      •   As a part of the Axiom-4 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
          shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to travel to the International Space
          Station (ISS).
      •   Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the ISS.
      •   It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
      •   The flight is in collaboration with NASA and will be the 4th flight of Axiom Space after Axiom
          Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.
About International Space Station (ISS) :
      •   The ISS is a modular space station launched in 1998.
      •   The ISS is the largest space station ever built.
      •   Its primary purpose is to perform microgravity and space environment experiments.
      •   It is a collaborative project involving 5 space agencies:
      •   National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - USA
      •   Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities - Russia
      •   Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Japan
      •   European Space Agency (ESA) - Europe
      •   Canadian Space Agency (CSA) - Canada
Indian Space Research Organisation Selects 2 Gaganyaan Astronauts for International Space Station
Mission Under Axiom-4
      •   As a part of the Axiom-4 mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has
          shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts to travel to the International Space
          Station (ISS).
      •   Axiom Mission 4 (or Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the ISS.
      •   It is operated by Axiom Space and uses a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft.
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      •   The flight is in collaboration with NASA and will be the 4th flight of Axiom Space after Axiom
          Mission 1, Axiom Mission 2 and Axiom Mission 3.
About International Space Station (ISS) :
      •   The ISS is a modular space station launched in 1998.
      •   The ISS is the largest space station ever built.
      •   Its primary purpose is to perform microgravity and space environment experiments.
      •   It is a collaborative project involving 5 space agencies:
      •   National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - USA
      •   Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities - Russia
      •   Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) - Japan
      •   European Space Agency (ESA) - Europe
      •   Canadian Space Agency (CSA) - Canada
Chinese Geologists Discover Two New Niobium-Scandium Minerals, Oboniobite and Scandio-fluoro-
eckermannite, in Northern China
     •    Chinese geologists have discovered two new niobium-scandium minerals named Oboniobite and
          Scandio-fluoro-eckermannite.
     •    The discovery was made at the Bayan Obo deposit in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
     •    Institutions Involved:The discovery was announced by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
     •    It was a collaborative effort involving the CAS Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Inner
          Mongolia Baotou Steel Union Company., Limited., Baotou Research Institute of Rare Earths, and
          Central South University.
About Chinese Academy of Sciences :
     •    Established : 1 November 1949
     •    Location : Beijing, China
     •    President : Hou Jianguo
     •    The CAS is the national academy for natural sciences and the highest consultancy for science
          and technology of the People's Republic of China.
NASA's CHAPEA Mission Completes First Year-Long Mars Simulation with Crew Emerging from 3D-
Printed Habitat
     ● National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) ambitious Crew Health and
          Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) mission concluded its first year-long Mars
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         simulation, with four crew members emerging from their 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat at
         Johnson Space Center in Houston.
     ● Primary goal of CHAPEA : To assess human health and performance under conditions that
         closely mimic those on Mars.
Habitat Details:
     ● Size and Construction: The crew lived in a 1,700-square-foot 3D-printed habitat called "Mars
         Dune Alpha."
     ● Location: Situated at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
     ● Simulation Environment: Featured simulated Martian soil and a backdrop of red, rocky cliffs for
         an immersive experience.
     ● Crew Members:
            ➢ Kelly Haston: Team leader and research scientist.
            ➢ Anca Selariu: US Navy microbiologist.
            ➢ Ross Brockwell: Structural engineer.
            ➢ Nathan Jones: Emergency medicine physician.
            ➢ Future Missions : Two more CHAPEA missions are scheduled for 2025 and 2026.
            ➢ NASA aims to send astronauts to Mars by the 2030s.
About NASA :
     ●   Established : July 29, 1958
     ●   Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States of America
     ●   Administrator : Bill Nelson
Indian Scientists Develop Open-Source Tool for Generating Infrared Star Catalogue for Thirty Meter
Telescope
     ● Indian scientists have created an open-source tool designed to generate an infrared star
         catalogue for the Adaptive Optics System (AOS) of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).
     ● This advancement is crucial for the telescope’s ability to generate sharper astronomical images.
     ● The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a revolutionary class of extremely large telescopes that will
         enable us to explore deeper into space and observe cosmic objects with unparalleled sensitivity.
     ● This is an ambitious international project involving India, the United States, Canada, China, and
         Japan that aims to significantly advance our understanding of the universe.
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     ● The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has collaborated with OpenAI to develop
         the CAGPT, a fenced GPT that operates without external resources.
     ● This tool, after successful beta testing, is now officially launched and available to ICAI members.
     ●   To facilitate this, ICAI has launched an 18-hour, three-day certificate course to train members in
         using GPT and other AI tools.
     ● Future Developments : The institute is also in discussions with the Ministry of Electronics and
         Information Technology (MeitY) to develop an AI Audit tool aimed at monitoring corporate books
         and detecting potential fraud.
About ICAI :
     ● Established: July 1, 1949.
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     ● The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a mission to study the Apophis asteroid
        when it passes by Earth at a very close distance in 2029.
     ● ESA is the second major space agency, after National Aeronautics and Space Administration
        (NASA), to commit a space mission for Apophis that was once considered to be on a pathway to
        collide with the Earth.
     ● Apophis will come within 32,000 km of the Earth in 2029, offering space agencies a rare
        opportunity to study an asteroid from such close quarters.
     ● ESA stated that an asteroid of such a large size comes this close to the Earth only once in about
        5,000 to 10,000 years.
About European Space Agency :
     ● Established : 30 May 1975
     ● Headquarters : Paris, France
     ● Director General : Josef Aschbacher
     ● The ESA is a 22-member intergovernmental body devoted to space exploration.
Defence Research & Development Organisation Completes Successful Flight Test of Phase-II Ballistic
Missile Defense System
     ● The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight
        test of the Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence System.
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     ● The Target Missile was launched from LC-IV Dhamra at 1620 hrs mimicking adversary Ballistic
         Missile, which was detected by weapon system radars deployed on land and sea and activated
         the Air Defence (AD) Interceptor system.
     ● The Phase-II AD Endo-atmospheric missile was launched from LC-III at ITR, Chandipurat 1624
         hrs.
     ● The test demonstrated India’s indigenous capability to defend against ballistic missiles of up to
         5000 km range.
     ● Monitoring and Performance:The missile’s performance was monitored using flight data captured
         by Electro-Optical Systems, Radar, and Telemetry Stations deployed by ITR, Chandipur,
         including onboard ships.
About DRDO :
     ● Established : 1958
     ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
     ● Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Curiosity Rover Discovers Astonishing Yellow Sulphur
Crystals on Mars
     ● The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Curiosity rover has stumbled upon
         an extraordinary find on Mars: pure sulphur crystals.
     ● The discovery occurred when the 1-ton rover accidentally cracked open a rock, revealing
         yellowish-green sulphur crystals that had never been seen before on the red planet.
     ● The finding was made in the Gediz Vallis channel, a prominent geological feature on Mount
         Sharp.
About NASA :
     ●   Established : July 29, 1958
     ●   Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States of America
     ●   Administrator : Bill Nelson
Indian Space Research Organisation and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Partner to
Send Indian Astronaut to International Space Station After August 2024
     ● India is set to send an astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant
         milestone in its space exploration efforts.
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     ● Space Minister Jitendra Singh announced in Lok Sabha that an Indian astronaut, referred to as a
        "gaganyaatri," will soon travel to the ISS.
     ● This mission is a collaborative effort involving the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO),
        National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and private company Axiom Space.
What is ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission?
     ● The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capabilities by sending a crew of
        three into orbit for a three-day mission, scheduled for launch in 2025.
     ● Crew Return: The mission will see the crew safely return to Earth, landing in Indian waters.
     ● Orbital Module: The Gaganyaan spacecraft consists of a service module and a crew module,
        known together as the Orbital Module.
     ● Launch Vehicle: The mission will use the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk
        III, capable of carrying the required payload.
     ● Crew Module Specifications: The crew module measures 3.7 metres in diameter and 7 metres in
        height and will house three astronauts, including one woman.
About ISRO :
     ● Established: 15 August 1969
     ● Headquarters: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
     ● Chairman: S. Somanath
About NASA :
     ● Established : July 29, 1958
     ● Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States of America
     ● Administrator : Bill Nelson
International Team of Astronomers, Including IIT Kanpur Professor, Discovers Giant Exoplanet Orbiting
Sun-Like Star
     ● In a ground-breaking discovery, an international team of astronomers, including Dr. Prashant
        Pathak, Assistant Professor at the Department of Space, Planetary & Astronomical Sciences &
        Engineering (SPASE), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has
        discovered a giant planet orbiting a nearby star similar to the Sun.
     ● Exoplanet Details:The exoplanet, named Epsilon Indi Ab (or Eps Ind Ab), is classified as a
        'super-Jupiter'.
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     ● Instrumentation:The discovery was made using the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST)
        Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI).
     ● Host Star:The exoplanet orbits the K5V-type star Epsilon Indi A (also known as HD 209100 or
        HIP 108870).
     ● Distance and Temperature:Eps Ind Ab is located 12 light-years away from Earth.
     ● The planet has a temperature of about -1°C (30°F).
     ● Orbital Characteristics:The planet's orbit is 28 times greater than the distance between Earth and
        the Sun.
GROWTH-India telescope observes building-sized asteroid's nearest pass by Earth: Report
     ● The GROWTH-India Telescope captured a 116-metre asteroid, known as ‘2011 MW1’, during its
        closest approach to Earth.
     ● The asteroid, classified as a Near-Earth Asteroid, passed by at a speed of 28,946 kilometres per
        hour.
     ● Its closest approach was ten times the distance to the Moon.
     ● GROWTH-India Telescope is India's first fully robotic optical research telescope.
     ● Primary Mission: To observe explosive transients and variable sources, including near-Earth
        asteroids.
     ● Location: The telescope is located at the Indian Astronomical Observatory site at Hanle, Ladakh.
     ● Situated at 4500 metres above mean sea level, this is one of the highest observatory sites in the
        world and one of the best telescope locations in the country.
     ● Other Telescopes at the Site: Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), gamma-ray array telescope
        (HAGAR), and imaging Cherenkov telescope (MACE).
     ● Partnership and Support : It was constructed through a partnership between the Indian Institute
        of Astrophysics (IIA) and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB), with support from the
        Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the Indo-US Science and Technology Forum.
What is an Asteroid?:
     ● Definition: A small, rocky object orbiting the Sun in the solar system.
     ● Size: Varies from a few metres to hundreds of kilometres across.
     ● Location: Most asteroids are in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but they can be found
        throughout the solar system.
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                                               SPORTS NEWS
Rohit Sharma joins Kohli in retiring from T20Is after World Cup triumph
     •   Rohit Sharma has joined Virat Kohli in retiring from T20 internationals following India's victory
         over South Africa in the World Cup final in Barbados.
     •   Despite retiring from T20Is, Rohit confirmed his intention to continue playing ODIs and Tests.
     •   Highest Scorer: Rohit retires as the highest scorer in T20 internationals with 4231 runs in 159
         matches.
     •   Record Holder: Holds the record for the most centuries (five) in T20 internationals.
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     •   Max Verstappen of Red Bull secured victory in the Austrian Grand Prix sprint race, successfully
         defending against an early challenge from McLaren.
     •   This win, achieved from pole position, extends Verstappen's lead in the Formula One
         championship to 71 points.
     •   Winner: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
     •   Lead Extension: 71 points in the championship
     •   Second Place: Australian Oscar Piastri (McLaren), finished 4.616 seconds behind
     •   Third Place: Lando Norris (McLaren), Verstappens closest championship rival
BCCI Announces Record Cash Prize for T20 World Cup Champions
     •   BCCI offers Rs. 125 crore to Indian mens T20 World Cup-winning squad.
     •   Exceeds threefold the bonus given after Indias 2011 ODI World Cup victory.
     •   Inclusive Reward: Includes players, coaches, support staff, and selectors.
     •   Cash Prize Details: BCCI Secretary Jay Shah announced Rs. 125 crores for the T20 World Cup
         champions.
     •   Scope of Reward: Covers players, coaches, support staff, and selectors, recognizing their
         contributions.
     •   Financial Growth: BCCI's financial health significantly grew from Rs. 189.72 crore surplus in
         2010-11 to Rs. 5,197.71 crore in 2021-22.
George Russell Secures Victory at Austrian Grand Prix
     •   George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix 2024 for Mercedes after a collision between Red
         Bulls Max Verstappen and McLarens Lando Norris.
     •   The clash occurred late in the race while battling for the lead.
     •   George Russell's win marked Mercedes' first victory since November 2022, when Russell won in
         Brazil.
     •   This victory is the second of Russell's career.
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Pankaj Advani Beaten By Dhruv Sitwala To claim 2024 Asian Billiards Championship Title
      •   Ace Indian cueist Pankaj Advani fell short in his quest to secure a hat-trick of titles, losing 2-5 to
          compatriot Dhruv Sitwala in the final of the 2024 Asian Billiards Championship.
      •   Dhruv Sitwala: Strong start with 103 points, maintained lead with consistent 100-point scores.
      •   Pankaj Advani: Improved performance in the third frame with 101 points, scored a perfect 100 in
          the fourth frame.
      •   Overall Outcome: Dhruv Sitwala won the championship, denying Pankaj Advani a hat-trick of
          titles.
Laura Wolvaardt Makes History with Century in All International Formats
     •    During South Africa's one-off Test against India in Chennai, Laura Wolvaardt achieved a historic
          milestone by becoming the first South African woman to score centuries in all three formats of
          international cricket.
     •    Despite India's dominant first innings total of 603-6 declared, including significant contributions
          from multiple Indian players, South Africa faced challenges in their batting innings.
Singapore to Host 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship Match
     •    FIDE has announced that Singapore will host the 2024 World Championship match between
          India's D Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren from China.
     •    The event is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 15.
     •    Singapore won the bid to host the World Championship match, supported by the Singapore
          Chess Federation and the Government of Singapore.
     •    The decision follows a thorough review of bids and inspections of potential host cities, evaluating
          venues, amenities, event programs, and opportunities.
Dinesh Karthik named RCB mens team batting coach and mentor
     •    Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who recently retired from all forms of cricket,
          has been appointed as the batting coach and mentor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
     •    Dinesh Karthik appeared in 257 IPL matches, amassing 4,842 runs across his career with an
          average of 26.32.
     •    He represented various IPL teams including Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Delhi
          Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, and now Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Hardik Pandya becomes the first Indian to occupy the top spot in the ICC T20I all-rounders' rankings
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     •   Hardik Pandya climbed two places to become the first Indian cricketer to reach the number one
         spot in the ICC's T20I all-rounders' rankings, buoyed by India's recent World Cup victory.
     •   Achievement: Hardik Pandya achieves first-ever number-one ranking for an Indian in ICC's T20I
         all-rounders' list.
     •   Performance: Pandya was pivotal in the T20 World Cup final, taking 3/20 against South Africa.
     •   Ranking: Pandya shares the top spot with Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga.
Paris Olympics 2024: Yarraji set to be first Indian 100m hurdler to compete in Games
     •   Jyothi Yarraji is set to be the first Indian 100m hurdler to compete in the Olympics while shot
         putter Abha Khatua made a surprise cut through world rankings for the upcoming Paris Games.
     •   N. Ramesh, an athletics coach with the Sports Authority of India (SAI), experienced a significant
         moment when his trainee, 24-year-old Jyothi Yarraji, became the first Indian woman to qualify for
         the 100m hurdles at the Paris Olympics.
     •   Her achievement places her 34th in the world ranking quota list, with 40 athletes set to compete
         in the event in Paris.
Delhi State Kabaddi Association Launches Inaugural Delhi Kabaddi League
     •   The Delhi State Kabaddi Association has officially announced the launch of the inaugural Delhi
         Kabaddi League, aiming to captivate fans across the national capital.
     •   The announcement was made by the Honourable President of the Delhi State Kabaddi
         Association, Ramesh Bidhuri.
     •   Announcement Event: Ramesh Bidhuri announced the launch, joined by former India kabaddi
         player Manjeet Chhillar, Ravindra Bhati (founder and CEO of 100 Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.),
         and Rahul Sharma (director of 100 Sports Management Pvt. Ltd.).
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Dhruv Sitwala and Anupama Ramachandran win Asian billiards & snooker Championships
     •   Dhruv Sitwala and Anupama Ramachandran emerged victorious in the men’s billiards and
         women’s snooker categories respectively at the Asian championships held in Riyadh, Saudi
         Arabia.
     •   Men's Billiards:
           o Dhruv Sitwala defeated Pankaj Advani 5-2.
     •   Women's Snooker:
           o Anupama Ramachandran defeated PanchayaChannoi (Thailand) 3-1.
Lewis Hamilton Wins British Grand Prix for Record Ninth Time
     •   Lewis Hamilton secured his 104th career victory in an emotional and long-awaited triumph at the
         British Grand Prix.
     •   This victory marked his record ninth win at the event.
     •   Record Victory: Hamilton's win at the British Grand Prix is his 104th career victory and his ninth
         win at this particular event.
     •   Podium Finishers:
           o 1st Place: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
            o 2nd Place: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
            o 3rd Place: Lando Norris (McLaren)
     •   Top Ten Finishers:
            o 4th: Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
            o 5th: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
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Gagan Narang Replaces Mary Kom As India’s Chef-De-Mission; Pv Sindhu-Sharath Kamal To Be Flag-
Bearers
     •   Shooter Gagan Narang, the 2012 Olympic Games men’s 10m air rifle bronze medallist, has been
         chosen to replace M.C. Mary Kom as the chef-de-mission of the Indian contingent for the 2024
         Paris Olympic Games, beginning on July 26, 2024.
     •   Narang steps into this crucial administrative role following Mary Kom's decision to step down due
         to personal reasons.
Heimir Hallgrimsson Appointed as New Republic of Ireland Men's Manager
     •   Heimir Hallgrimsson, the Icelandic coach, is the new manager for the Republic of Ireland men's
         national football team.
     •   FAI Search: This appointment concludes the FAI's eight-month search for Stephen Kenny’s
         successor.
     •   Contenders: Other potential candidates included Lee Carsley, Neil Lennon, Slaven Bilic, Ole
         Gunnar Solskjaer, and Roy Keane.
     •   Hallgrimsson's Coaching Achievements:
     •   Euro 2016 Success: Hallgrimsson, alongside Lars Lagerbäck, led Iceland to the Euro 2016,
         where they famously defeated England.
Sourav Ganguly joins Indian Racing Festival as Kolkata Royal Tigers team owner
     •   Former India cricket captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has become an owner of the
         Kolkata Royal Tigers Racing team ahead of the 2024 season.
     •   Event Overview: The Indian Racing Festival, conceptualized by Racing Promotions Pvt. Ltd., is
         gearing up for its third season as a premier motorsport event in India.
     •   Main Championships:
            o Indian Racing League (IRL)
            o Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC)
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     ●   New Rule: Unlike previous tournaments where assists served as the tiebreaker, this year’s
         Golden Boot was decided solely on goals scored.
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 Indian Performances
Shooter                                  Position                Score
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● Marquez will be replacing Igor Stimac, who was dismissed following India's exit from the FIFA World
     Cup qualifiers.
Yuki Bhambri and Albano Olivetti Win ATP Swiss Open Men’s Doubles Title
● Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri and Frenchman Albano Olivetti secured the men’s doubles title at
     the ATP Swiss Open, held in Gstaad.
● The duo defeated the French pair Fabrice Martin and Ugo Humbert with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 10-6.
NBA superstar James named USA's Olympic flagbearer
     ● Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has been selected as the male flag bearer for
         Team USA at the Olympic Games opening ceremony.
     ● James, a 39-year-old two-time gold medalist, was nominated by his fellow American Olympians.
ICC forms a three-member committee to review the conduct of the T20 World Cup 2024
     ● The International Cricket Council (ICC) has established a three-member committee to "review the
         delivery" of the T20 World Cup 2024, which was co-hosted by the USA and the West Indies last
         month.
Committee Members
The review committee comprises:
     ●   Roger Twose: Former New Zealand batter
     ●   Lawson Naidoo: ICC director
     ●   Imran Khwaja: Deputy chair of the ICC
Nick Dunlap becomes the first player to win as an amateur and a professional in the same year on the
PGA tour
     ● Nick Dunlap made history for the second time in 2024 with his come-from-behind victory at the
         Barracuda Championship.
     ● The 20-year-old rookie demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, relying heavily on his
         Qi10 3-wood, P·7MC irons, and MG4 wedges to secure his win in the Modified Stableford format.
PR Sreejesh To Retire From International Hockey After Paris 2024 Olympics
     ● Indian hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has announced that the Paris 2024 Olympics will mark
         his final appearance with the senior national team.
     ● The 36-year-old veteran will become a four-time Olympian, closing a distinguished career that
         has spanned nearly two decades.
Harmanpreet Kaur Becomes Top Run-Scorer in Women's T20I Cricket for India
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     ● Harmanpreet Kaur surpassed Smriti Mandhana to become India's top run-scorer in Women's
        T20I cricket.
     ● Milestone achieved during India’s Women’s Asia Cup T20 match against the UAE on July 21 in
        Dambulla.
Iconic Chess Players Confirmed for Global Chess League Season Two
     ● Hikaru Nakamura and Anish Giri join former world champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan
        Anand, along with stars like Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and Ian Nepomniachtchi as “icon players”
        in the second season.
     ● The second season will run from October 3 to 12 at Friends House, London.
     ● Team Line-ups:
            o Hikaru Nakamura will represent the new team American Gambits.
            o Anish Giri will debut with PBG Alaskan Knights.
            o Magnus Carlsen continues with Alpine SG Pipers.
            o Viswanathan Anand returns with Ganges Grandmasters.
            o Maxime Vachier-Lagrave will again compete for the Mumba Masters.
            o Ian Nepomniachtchi will be the icon player for Triveni Continental Kings.
India Finishes Sixth and Seventh at World Junior Squash Championships in Houston
● At the World Junior Squash Championships held in Houston, USA, India finished sixth in the men’s
     category and seventh in the women’s category.
● Men's Section:
        o India finished sixth after a 1-2 loss to England in the match for fifth position.
        o Match Results:
               ▪   Shaurya Bawa won against Yusuf Sheikh (3-11, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7).
               ▪   Yuvraj Wadhwani lost to Bailey Malik (11-5, 9-11, 8-11, 14-16).
               ▪   Ayaan Vazilalli lost to Dylan Roberts (11-6, 9-11, 9-11, 7-11).
● Women's Section:
        o India secured seventh place with a 2-1 victory over New Zealand in the clash for seventh.
        o Match Results:
               ▪   Shameena Riaz lost to Ella Lash (7-11, 12-10, 13-11, 4-11, 4-11).
               ▪   Nirupama Dubey won against Anabel Gemmell (9-11, 11-6, 11-4, 8-11, 11-9).
               ▪   Unnati Tripathi won against Ella Hill (11-4, 11-3, 11-6).
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     ● The win came after his Mercedes team-mate George Russell was disqualified.
     ● George Russell, who initially finished first, was disqualified because his car was found
        underweight in the post-race inspection.
 2024 RACE RESULTS
GRAND PRIX                   WINNER              CAR
Bahrain                       Verstappen         Red Bull Racing Honda RBPT
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● Ban won the gold after a tense shoot-off against Huang Yuting of China, finishing with a score of
     251.8 points.
Sheng Lihao Sets New Olympic Record in Men's 10m Air Rifle at Paris 2024
● China's Sheng Lihao made a remarkable mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning his second gold
     medal in the men's 10m air rifle event with a new Olympic record.
● Sheng Lihao scored an impressive 252.2, surpassing the previous Olympic record held by American
     William Shaner by 0.6 points.
● Podium Finishers:
        o Gold: Sheng Lihao (China) - 252.2 points
        o Silver: Victor Lindgren (Sweden) - 251.4 points
        o Bronze: Miran Maricic (Croatia)
India to Host Men’s Asia Cup in 2025; Bangladesh to Follow in 2027
● India is expected to host the Men’s Asia Cup in 2025.
● Bangladesh is slated to host the tournament in 2027 with the 50-over format.
● The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) released a document for Sponsorship Rights from 2024 to 2027.
● Originally meant to be hosted by Pakistan, the 2023 Men’s Asia Cup was shared with Sri Lanka due
     to political tensions.
● India won the 2023 tournament, defeating Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the final. Mohammed Siraj’s
     six-wicket haul was instrumental in that victory.
Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh Secure Bronze in 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team at Paris Olympics
● Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh won the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event.
● They defeated the South Korean pair of Oh Ye Jin and Wonho Lee with a score of 16-10.
● Manu Bhaker scored 10.2 on her first shot and consistently scored at least 10 on her first seven
     shots.
● Sarabjot Singh initially struggled with an 8.6 but recovered with several 10-plus scores.
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     ● It provides valuable insights into the entrepreneurial spirit and vision of Jamsetji Tata, a
          pioneering industrialist and nationalist.
                                                      OBITUARIES
Senior Sri Lankan Tamil Leader Sampanthan Passed away
•    Rajavarothiam Sampanthan, a veteran Sri Lankan politician and a moderate Tamil leader, who
     relentlessly pursued a life of peace, justice and dignity for Tamil nationals in the island nation,
     passed away at the age of 91.
•    Sampanthan, of the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Katchi (ITAK), was a sitting Member of Parliament (MP)
     from the eastern Trincomalee district, and led the Tamil National Alliance, the main grouping
     representing Tamils of Sri Lankas war-hit north and east.
Former high jump world champion Jacques Freitag found dead in South Africa
     •    South African former high jump world champion Jacques Freitag found dead with gunshot
          wounds in South Africa at the age of 42.
     •    Birth: Born on 11 June 1982 in Warrenton, Cape Province, South Africa.
     •    One of only ten athletes to win world championships at youth, junior, and senior levels.
     •    2003: Won gold in the high jump at the World Championships in Paris.
Dal Khalsa founder Gajinder Singh Khalsa, hijacker of the 1981 Indian Airlines flight, Passed away in
Pakistan
      •   74-year-old Gajinder Singh, the wanted terrorist and hijacker of an Indian Airlines (IA) flight to
          Lahore in 1981, has died of a heart attack at a hospital in Pakistan.
      •   Singh was placed on the list of 20 most-wanted terrorists in 2002.
      •   On September 29, 1981, Singh, along with four others-Tajinderpal Singh, Satnam Singh, Jasbir
          Singh Cheema, and Karan Singhhijacked an Indian Airlines plane carrying 111 passengers
          and six crew members.
Veteran Actress Smriti Biswas, Known for Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi Cinema, Passed Away
     •    Smriti Biswas, a veteran actress known for her roles in Hindi, Bengali, and Marathi cinema,
          passed away at the age of 100 in Nashik, Maharashtra.
     •    Born on February 17, 1924, Biswas celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year before her
          passing.
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     •   She began her acting career at the age of 10 as a child actress in the Bengali film 'Sandhya.'
     •   Her last Hindi film was 'Model Girl' in 1960.
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     ● He was made a Chevalier in the Ordre des Palmes académiques, an honour bestowed by
        France, in 1999.
     ● He received the Dr. Samuel P. Asper International Award from the Johns Hopkins School of
        Medicine in 2009 for his contributions to international medical education.
Vietnam's Most Powerful Leader, Communist Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong, Passed Away
     ● Nguyen Phu Trong, general secretary of Vietnam's ruling Communist Party and the country's
        most powerful politician, passed away at the age of 80.
     ● He is the first party general secretary to die in office since the death of Le Duan in 1986.
Former Australian IOC Official and Olympian Kevan Gosper Passed away
     ● The Australian Olympic Committee announced that former high-ranking IOC member and
        Australian Olympian Kevan Gosper has passed away at the age of 90.
     ● Gosper born on 19 December 1933 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.
     ● He won an Olympic silver medal on Australia's 4-x-400-meter track relay team at the 1956
        Melbourne Games and also competed at the Rome Olympics in 1960 before becoming more
        well-known as one of the country's and world's top sports administrators.
Ex-PGA Tour champion and golf broadcaster Mark Carnevale Passed away
     ● Mark Carnevale, former PGA Tour winner and golf broadcaster, passed away at the age of 64.
     ● Carnevale was born in Annapolis, Maryland, United States (US).
Padma Shri Awardee and Noted Organic Farmer Kamala Pujari Passed Away
     ● Padma Shri awardee and noted organic farmer Kamala Pujari passed away at the age of 74 in
        cuttack, Odisha.
     ● Kamala Pujari born in Koraput District, Orissa, India
     ● Koraput Traditional Agriculture is one of the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems
        (GIAHS) since 2012 recognised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Awards & Honors :
     ● Padma Shri: Conferred with the Padma Shri in 2019 by President Ramnath Kovind.
     ● State Planning Board: Served as a member of the Odisha State Planning Board in 2018.
     ● Best Farmer Award: Received the best farmer award from the Odisha government in 2004.
     ● Equator Initiative Award: Won the award in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002.
Renowned British Blues Pioneer, John Mayall Passed Away
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     ● John Mayall, the British blues pioneer whose 1960s music collective the Bluesbreakers helped
        usher in a fertile period of rock and brought guitarists like Eric Clapton to prominence, passed
        away at the age of 90.
     ● Mayall was born on 29 November 1933 in Macclesfield in Cheshire.
Catholic Priest Father Francis D’Britto, Translator of the Bible into Marathi, Passed Away
     ● Vasai-based Catholic priest Father Francis D’Britto, writer and environmentalist, who translated
        the Bible into Marathi, passed away at the age of 81 in Vasai in Palghar district.
     ● D'Britto was awarded the Dnyanoba-Tukaram Puraskar for his literary work.
     ● The Catholic priest was the first to get the award that was constituted in 2007.
     ● His literary prowess was further recognised when he received the Maharashtra Government’s
        literary award for best translation in 2013, followed by the Sahitya Akademi award in April 2014.
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S. No Topics Page No
1. IMPORTANT DAYS 03
2. NATIONAL NEWS 07
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 34
4. STATE NEWS 37
5. BUSINESS NEWS 49
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                                           IMPORTANT DAYS
World Wide Web Day 2024: August 1
    •   World Wide Web Day is celebrated globally on August 1st each year.
    •   1989: Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, a revolutionary internet-based
        communication system.
    •   1991: The World Wide Web browser was made available on the public internet, marking its wider
        accessibility.
    •   1993: Launch of the graphical browser Mosaic, which significantly enhanced user interaction with
        the web.
    •   1994: Introduction of Internet Works, which allowed users to open multiple tabs in a browser
        window.
    •   1996: Integration of Internet Explorer into the Windows operating system, further popularizing
        web browsing.
World Breastfeeding Week 2024: August 1-7
    •   World Breastfeeding Week is an annual global healthcare event celebrated from August 1st to
        7th.
    •   "Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding Support for All"
    •   World Breastfeeding Week has been celebrated since 1990, following the Innocenti Declaration.
    •   Since 2016, the event has aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
        (SDGs).
    •   In 2018, a World Health Assembly resolution endorsed World Breastfeeding Week as a vital
        strategy for promoting breastfeeding globally.
Hiroshima Day 2024: August 6
    •   Every year August 6 is celebrated as Hiroshima Day.
    •   Hiroshima Day 2024 is observed all over the world to promote peace politics. This day is
        observed to raise awareness of the bomb attack on Hiroshima.
    •   In 1945, the United States (US) deployed a nuclear bomb in the city of Hiroshima which is
        located in the country of Japan.
National Handloom Day 2024 - August 7
    •   National Handloom Day is observed every year on August 7.
    •   On this day, the Government and other organizations raised awareness to honour the handloom
        weaving community.
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    •   In 2015, the first National Handloom Day was celebrated which was inaugurated by PM Narendra
        Modi
    •   On August 7, 1905, The Swadeshi movement was launched in Calcutta Town hall.
International Day of World’s Indigenous People - August 9
    •   International Day of World’s Indigenous People Day is observed annually on August 9.
    •   The theme for the 2024 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is "Protecting the
        Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact".
    •   This day was first observed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in December 1994.
Nagasaki Day 2024 - August 9
    •   Nagasaki Day is observed on August 9 every year.
    •   On August 9, 1945, during the Second World War, the US dropped a bomb on Nagasaki in the
        city of Japan.
    •   The nuclear bomb that was attacked by the US in Nagasaki called the ‘FAT MAN’.
    •   This bomb attack suddenly devastated Nagasaki and killed almost 70,000 people during the
        attack.
World Lion Day 2024: August 10
•   World Lion Day is an international annual event observed on the 10th of August.
•   World Lion Day 2024 is celebrated to raise awareness about the conservation and protection of
    Lions.
•   Lion's scientific name is ‘Panthera Leo’.
•   The Big Cat Initiative (BCI) was formed in 2009 and was initiated by Dereck and Beverly Joubert to
    protect the lions.
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    •   World Elephant Day is an international annual event on August 12, Conceived in 2011 by
        Canadian filmmakers Patrica Sims and Michael Clark of Canazwest Pictures and Sivaporn
        Dardarananda, Secretary General of Elephant Reintroduction Foundation in Thailand.
    •   The 2024 theme is "Personifying prehistoric beauty, theological relevance, and environmental
        importance".
    •   It was officially launched on August 12, 2012.
    •   The first World Elephant Day was held on 12 August 2012.
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                                            NATIONAL NEWS
Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar Seek Special Financial Packages from the Centre
    •   The states of Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar have requested special financial packages from
        the Central Government, as detailed by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a
        written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
    •   These requests span various sectors, including infrastructure development, irrigation projects,
        and social welfare.
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    •   Special Financial Package: Kerala has sought a ₹24,000 crore package from the Centre.
    •   Vizhinjam Port: The state also requested ₹5,000 crore in capital investment support for
        developing the Vizhinjam Port region.
    •   Viability Gap Funding (VGF): The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) has approved a VGF
        grant of ₹817.80 crore for the Vizhinjam International Multipurpose Seaport Terminal Project.
With more than 13.35 lakh Indian students pursuing higher studies abroad, Canada top destination
    •   The Ministry of External Affairs in response to questions regarding students who have embarked
        on their study abroad journey has revealed that more than 13.35 lakh students are pursuing
        higher studies in countries abroad.
    •   Key Statistics:
    •   Total Indian Students Abroad: Over 13.35 lakh (1.335 million) students.
    •   Top Study Destinations:
           o Canada: 427,000 students (slight decrease from 427,085 in 2023).
           o USA: 337,630 students.
           o UK: 18,500 students.
           o Australia: 122,202 students.
           o Germany: 42,997 students.
Namami Gange Mission 2.0: Major Projects Completed in Q1 FY 2024-25
    •   The Government of India has successfully operationalized four major projects under the Namami
        Gange Mission 2.0 in the first quarter of FY 2024-25.
    •   These projects, located in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, aim to reduce pollution and enhance the
        ecological health of the Ganga and its tributaries.
    •   Investment and Impact:
    •   Total Cost: ₹920 crore
    •   Sewage Treatment Capacity Added: 145 MLD
    •   Focus: Improve sewer networks, intercept numerous drains, and ensure better water quality in
        the Ganga.
IIT Mandi Establishes BioNEST-IIT Mandi Catalyst Centre for Biotechnology and Healthcare
    •   The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has announced the creation of the BioNEST-IIT
        Mandi Catalyst Centre, a Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)-
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               o   Withdrawal Option: The scheme includes a partial withdrawal option, adding flexibility for
                   the account holders.
               o   Launched on: Launched as a part of Budget 2023
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•       The projects are expected to generate approximately 4.42 crore man-days of direct and indirect
        employment.
        1. Details of Projects:
                 o   Agra-Gwalior Highway: 6-lane highway.
                 o   Kharagpur - Moregram: 4-lane highway.
                 o   Tharad - Deesa - Mehsana - Ahmedabad: 6-lane highway.
                 o   Pathalgaon to Gumla of Raipur-Ranchi: 4-lane section.
                 o   Kanpur Ring Road: 6-lane.
                 o   Northern Guwahati Bypass and Guwahati Bypass: 4-lane and improvement works.
                 o   Nashik Phata - Khed Corridor: 8-lane elevated.
                 o   Ayodhya Ring Road: 68 km, 4-lane, costing Rs 3,935 crore, aimed at reducing congestion
                     and improving connectivity for pilgrims and tourists.
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    •   The focus was on ensuring the scheme benefits reach the intended recipients effectively.
India Plans Mission CCUS to Advance Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies
    •   The Indian government is considering launching a new mission to promote Carbon Capture
        Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
    •   The initiative aims to collaborate with industry and academia to develop an India-specific CCUS
        ecosystem.
    •   The mission is expected to include subsidies, viability gap funding (VGF), tax rebates, and other
        incentives to encourage the development of India-specific technologies and infrastructure for
        CCUS.
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    •   This extension is facilitated by amendments to the LLP Rules through the Limited Liability
        Partnership (Amendment) Rules 2024.
    •   Implementation: The new amendments will come into effect from August 27, 2024, as per the
        MCA's notification.
    •   C-PACE Introduction: C-PACE was established in 2023 to streamline and centralize the process
        for the strike-off (or closure) of companies. The initiative aims to reduce the timeline for company
        exits and enhance entrepreneurial efficiency.
    •   Launch Date: The C-PACE system went live on May 1, 2023.
On average, the resolution of cases under IBC took 716 days at NCLT in 2023-24
    •   The average time for resolving insolvency cases at the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT)
        increased to 716 days.
    •   Previous Years:
           o FY 2022-23: 654 days
           o FY 2021-22: 557 days
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    •   As per the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the stipulated time for resolution is 330 days,
        which includes time spent on litigations. However, a significant number of cases are exceeding
        this timeline.
Launch of "Million Designers, Billion Dreams" Initiative to Empower Rural India
    •   The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) has
        launched the "Million Designers, Billion Dreams" initiative.
    •   This program aims to equip individuals across India with systems design knowledge to address
        complex societal challenges.
    •   The initiative is spearheaded by LEAP in collaboration with DAY-NRLM.
    •   LEAP emerged from multidisciplinary work developed in India by the Design Laboratory at
        Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (D-Lab) and the Transform Rural India Foundation
        (TRIF), with seed funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
Indian Railways to Roll Out Kavach 4.0: Enhancing Train Safety Across Key Routes
    •   Indian Railways is set to commence the rollout of Kavach 4.0, the latest version of its indigenous
        automated train protection system, starting in October.
    •   This initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing train safety across the country’s
        extensive railway network.
    •   Initial Rollout and Coverage: The first phase of Kavach 4.0 will involve deployment on 10,000
        locomotives (engines) and across 9,000 route kilometres (RKMs) over the next few years.
    •   By the end of this fiscal year, 3,000 RKMs are expected to be under Kavach coverage.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal Introduces Diamond Imprest Licence at IIJS 2024
    •   Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, announced the introduction of the
        Diamond Imprest Licence during an interactive session at the 40th edition of the India
        International Jewellery Show (IIJS) 2024.
    •   The event, organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), is being held
        at the Bombay Exhibition Centre (BEC), NESCO, Goregaon, from August 9 to 13, 2024.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Introduces Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024
    •   Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the
        Lok Sabha.
    •   This Bill aims to grant statutory powers to the Railway Board and enhance its functioning and
        independence.
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    •   The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 seeks to integrate provisions from the Indian Railway
        Board Act, 1905 into the Railways Act, 1989, providing statutory powers to the Railway Board.
    •   The goal is to streamline and enhance the functioning and independence of the Railway Board
        by simplifying the legal framework.
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    •   Jalna-Jalgaon Project in Maharashtra, which will enhance rail connectivity to the Ajanta Caves (a
        UNESCO World Heritage site)
BEML Aims for International Expansion with Vande Bharat and Metro Trains
    •   BEML, a leading Indian manufacturer of rail coaches and spare parts, aims to enter the
        international market with its high-speed Vande Bharat trains and Metro trains, according to
        Shantanu Roy, BEML's Chairman.
    •   This move is part of the company's strategy to diversify its business and enhance its global
        footprint.
    •   BEML has been instrumental in manufacturing Vande Bharat trains, India's first semi-high-speed,
        self-propelled trains, and has a significant role in producing Metro trains domestically.
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    •   The latest data for the first quarter of the financial year 2024-25 highlights significant progress
        towards this goal, underscoring India's growing presence in the global defence market.
    •   Exports Achieved: ₹6,915 crore during April-June 2024.
    •   Growth: This represents a 78% increase compared to ₹3,885 crore during the same period in the
        previous fiscal year (FY 2023-24).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches 109 New Crop Varieties at India Agricultural Research Institute
    •   Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109 new high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified
        crop varieties at the India Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.
    •   The event also featured an interaction between the Prime Minister, farmers, and scientists.
    •   The newly released varieties include 34 field crops and 27 horticultural crops, spanning cereals,
        millets, forage crops, oilseeds, pulses, sugarcane, cotton, fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and
        medicinal crops.
Union Cabinet Approves Modified Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana to Boost Biofuel Sector
    •   The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved significant
        modifications to the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana, extending its timeline for implementation by
        five years, until 2028-29.
    •   The modified scheme is designed to keep pace with the latest developments in the biofuel sector,
        attract more investment, and broaden the scope of eligible biofuels and technologies.
    •   The timeline for implementing the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana has been extended by five
        years, up to 2028-29.
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    •   On its 8th Foundation Day, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) celebrated remarkable
        milestones and growth in public procurement.
    •   GeM, launched on August 9, 2016, has significantly transformed the procurement landscape in
        India, leveraging digital public infrastructure to create a cashless, contactless, and paperless
        unified national procurement portal.
    •   As of August 8, 2024, procurement for FY2024-25 has reached ₹1,92,433 crore, marking a 136%
        increase compared to the same period last fiscal year.
    •   The Gross Value Merchandise (GMV) of services has reached ₹3.91 lakh crore since GeM's
        inception, with ₹80,493 crore procured in FY2024-25 alone.
Financial support for pregnant and lactating mothers through Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
    •   Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is a financial assistance scheme designed to
        provide support to pregnant and lactating mothers, implemented under Section 4 of the National
        Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
    •   The scheme aims to improve maternal and child health by offering cash incentives to women
        during pregnancy and childbirth.
    •   For First Child: ₹5,000 is provided directly to the beneficiary's Bank/Post Office account in Direct
        Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode.
Government of India issues Operational Guidelines for Implementation of 'Model Solar Village’ under
PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
    •   The Model Solar Village component of the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to promote
        solar energy adoption at the village level, enhance energy self-reliance and showcase successful
        solar integration.
    •   Financial Allocation:
            o Total Outlay: ₹800 crore.
            o Per Village Grant: ₹1 crore for selected Model Solar Villages.
    •   Eligibility Criteria:
            o Population Requirements: Villages must have a population of over 5,000 (or 2,000 in
                special category states).
PMJDY reaches 53 crore beneficiaries and ₹2.28 lakh crore in deposits
    •   The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is set to complete a decade on August 15, 2024.
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    •   The PMJDY has played a crucial role in expanding financial inclusion in India, focusing on
        women and rural areas, and making significant strides in integrating underserved populations into
        the banking system.
    •   Total Beneficiaries:
            o 52.99 crore account-holders
    •   Total Balance:
            o ₹2,28,362 crore as of July 31, 2024
Indian Railways and NCRTC Launch 'One India - One Ticket' Initiative for Seamless Travel
● The Indian Railways and the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) have
    launched the 'One India - One Ticket' initiative to enhance passenger travel experience using
    mainline railways and Namo Bharat trains.
● This collaboration aims to offer a unified and seamless travel solution for passengers across both
    services.
India is set to host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit 2024:
●   India is set to host the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on August 17, 2024.
●   This Summit is a continuation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "Sabka Saath, Sabka
    Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas" and is rooted in the philosophy of "Vasudhaiva
    Kutumbakam," which envisions the world as one family.
●   The initiative aims to bring together countries of the Global South to discuss and share their
    perspectives on various global issues.
●   The overarching theme is "An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future."
●   Ministerial Sessions and Themes:
        o   Foreign Ministers: "Charting a Unique Paradigm for Global South"
        o   Health Ministers: "One World-One Health"
        o   Youth Ministers: "Youth Engagement for a Better Future"
        o   Commerce/Trade Ministers: "Trade for Development- Perspectives from Global South"
        o   Information & Technology Ministers: "DPIs for Development- A Global South Approach"
        o   Finance Ministers: "People-Centric Approach to Global Finance"
        o   Second Foreign Ministers: "Global South and Global Governance"
        o   Energy Ministers: "Sustainable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future"
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    ● The Union Government unveiled the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS),
        designed to assist farmers by connecting them with agricultural scientists and experts for
        effective pest management using their phones.
    ● The NPSS is part of the government's initiative to integrate advanced technology in agriculture,
        aiming to make the latest innovations accessible to farmers.
Digital boost to revive solar power installation programme for farmers
    ● The ₹34,000-crore Pradhan Mantri-Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-
        KUSUM) program, aimed at enhancing solar energy infrastructure in agriculture, is facing delays.
    ● States are exploring alternative strategies to improve adoption rates amid setbacks.
Program Goals:
        ●     100 GW of Solar Power Plants: Establish solar power plants on farmer-owned land.
        ●     14 Lakh Solar Pumps: Install solar-powered water pumps for irrigation.
        ●     35 Lakh Solarised Grid-Connected Pumps: Solarize existing grid-connected agricultural
        pumps.
Current Status (as of June 2024):
        ●     Power Plants Installed: 256 MW
        ●     Solar Pumps Installed: 3.97 lakh
        ●     Solarised Grid-Connected Pumps: 13,500
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address mega community event in New York’s Long Island
    ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Indian-American community in Long Island, New
        York, on September 22, 2024.
    ●   Significance: Marks a decade since Modi's previous major address at Madison Square Garden in
        September 2014.
    ●   Previous U.S. Event: Modi participated in the 'Howdy Modi' event at NRG Stadium, Houston,
        Texas, in 2019.
Western Ghats ESA notification: Panel to finalise the draft soon for three states
        ●     The Centre's expert panel, led by Sanjay Kumar (former Director General of Forests), is
        considering the extent of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats.
        ●     Current Status: Discussions are advanced, and there may be separate notifications for
        Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa if an agreement is reached soon, rather than waiting for a
        consensus from all six states.
PM-JAY Provides Over Rs 90,204 Crore in Free Hospitalisation Benefits to 68.62 Million Beneficiaries
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    ●   The Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has provided free hospitalization benefits
    worth Rs 90,204 crore to beneficiaries since its launch.
    ●   This scheme aims to offer financial protection against healthcare costs to the bottom 40% of
    India's population.
●   Beneficiaries and Coverage:
        o   Over 68.62 million people have benefited from PM-JAY, which provides Rs 5,00,000 a year in
            free health coverage.
        o   The scheme covers approximately 107 million poor households, targeting the bottom 40% of
            the population.
        o   The top beneficiary states include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Kerala, Andhra
            Pradesh, and Gujarat.
Union Agriculture Minister Launches 'Kisan Ki Baat' Radio Program to Modernize Farming Practices
    ●   Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the start of 'Kisan Ki Baat,' a
    monthly radio program set to begin in September.
    ●   The program aims to deliver scientific knowledge to farmers, similar to Prime Minister Narendra
    Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat.'
    ●   Objective:
        o      The initiative is designed to modernize agricultural practices by providing farmers with the
        latest scientific information and best practices.
        o      The program will feature contributions from agricultural scientists, department officials, and
        the minister himself.
    o   Focus Areas:
                     ▪   The program will address gaps in farmers' knowledge, including the correct use of
                         pesticides, which can be misused due to a lack of information.
                     ▪   It seeks to quickly transfer scientific knowledge to farmers to prevent issues related
                         to pesticide misuse and other agricultural challenges.
Greening in India gets a boost with Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) SOP launched by Shri
Sarbananda Sonowal
● Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, officially launched the
    Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
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● This initiative is pivotal in transitioning from conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to more
        sustainable alternatives, marking a significant advancement in India’s maritime sector and
        environmental sustainability.
● The GTTP was initially announced on May 22, 2023, by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal during the
        ‘Chintan Shivir’ event.
● It aims to decarbonize maritime operations by replacing conventional tugs with green tugs using
        cleaner, sustainable fuels.
Government to Procure 1,000 GPUs to Boost India's AI Capabilities under IndiaAI Mission
●       The government has finalized a tender to procure 1,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) as part
        of the IndiaAI Mission.
●       The initiative aims to offer computing capacity to Indian start-ups, researchers, public sector
        agencies, and other approved entities.
●       Objective: The procurement of GPUs is part of the broader Rs 10,370 crore IndiaAI Mission, which
        aims to establish a computing infrastructure with more than 10,000 GPUs.
Government Launches Krishi-DSS: A Comprehensive Digital Geospatial Platform for Agricultural
Decision-Making
    ●    The Union government has introduced a digital platform called Krishi-Decision Support System
         (Krishi-DSS) to provide comprehensive geospatial data for agricultural decision-making.
    ●    Developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Space, Krishi-DSS offers seamless
         access to all-India data, including satellite images, weather information, water reservoir storage,
         groundwater levels, and soil health.
    ●    The platform includes a feature for drought monitoring, enabling the government to anticipate
         drought conditions by providing near real-time information on soil moisture, water storage, crop
         condition, and dry spells.
Union Cabinet Approves Major Infrastructure Projects Including Airport Expansions and Metro
Extensions
● The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved five infrastructure projects
        including the proposal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of a new Civil
        Enclave at Bagdogra Airport, Siliguri, West Bengal and Bihta, Patna, Bihar at an estimated cost of
        ₹1,549 crore and ₹1,413 crore, respectively.
● A new Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport has been approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,549 crore.
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● The new Terminal Building will cover 70,390 sqm, designed for 3,000 Peak Hour Passengers (PHP)
    with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers.
● Key components include an Apron with 10 parking bays, two link taxiways, and Multi-Level Car
    Parking.
New Parliamentary Committee Chairpersons Announced
● Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has announced the new chairpersons for six parliamentary
    committees, including the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Key Appointments:
    1. Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
           o   Chairperson: K.C. Venugopal (Congress MP)
           o   Role: Examines government expenditure, appropriation accounts for railways, defense
               services, P&T department, and reviews CAG reports.
    2. Committee on Public Undertakings:
           o   Chairperson: Baijyant Panda (BJP MP from Kendrapara, Odisha)
           o   Role: Reviews reports and accounts of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), assesses their
               performance and impact on the economy and citizens.
    3. Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes:
           o   Chairperson: Faggan Singh Kulaste (BJP MP from Mandla, Madhya Pradesh)
           o   Role: Focuses on welfare measures and reviews issues concerning Scheduled Castes
               and Scheduled Tribes.
    4. Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes:
           o   Chairperson: Ganesh Singh (BJP MP from Satna, Madhya Pradesh)
           o   Role: Considers reports from the National Commission for Backward Classes and reviews
               welfare measures for Other Backward Classes.
    5. Committee on Estimates:
           o   Chairperson: Dr. Sanjay Jaiswal (BJP MP)
           o   Role: Reviews budget estimates for administrative departments and suggests
               improvements for efficiency and administrative reform.
Delhi LG Directs the Development of a Mobile App for Traffic Management and Incentives for Parking
● Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has issued several directives to improve traffic management and
    encourage better parking practices in Delhi.
● The directions were part of his third meeting to review the traffic and parking situation in the city.
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India Set to Extend Key Export Promotion Schemes Amid Global Market Challenges
● To support exporters in maintaining their competitiveness in a challenging global market, the Indian
    government is likely to extend two critical export promotion measures: the Remission of Duties and
    Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme and the Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES).
● Both schemes have been instrumental in bolstering exports, particularly in the face of global
    economic uncertainties.
India's First Ready-to-Drink Fig Juice Exported to Poland, Marking a Global Milestone
● The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has
    successfully facilitated the export of India's first ready-to-drink fig juice, made from GI-tagged
    Purandar figs, to Poland.
● This milestone follows a previous export to Germany in 2022, showcasing the global appeal of this
    unique agro-product.
India's First Digital Court Inaugurated in Kerala to Handle Cheque Bounce Cases
● India's first fully digital court, named "24*7 ONCOURTS," dedicated to handling cheque bounce
    cases, was inaugurated in Kollam, Kerala, by Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai of the Supreme
    Court.
● This pioneering initiative marks a significant leap in the digitalization of India's judiciary, aiming to
    streamline court processes and reduce case backlogs.
● The digital court automates the entire lifecycle of a case—from filing, registration, and admission to
    appearances, hearings, and the final judgment. This seamless process is expected to significantly
    enhance judicial efficiency.
PM Modi's Historic Visit to Ukraine: Aiming for Peaceful Resolution
● In a significant diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Kyiv on August 23,
    marking the first official visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since establishing diplomatic ties
    over 30 years ago.
● This visit comes as India expresses its willingness to contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the
    ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Nepal to Export Nearly 1,000 MW of Electricity to India: A New Milestone in Bilateral Cooperation
●   Nepal is set to export close to 1,000 MW of electricity to India, marking a new milestone in the
    energy collaboration between the two nations.
●   This was confirmed by India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, following his meeting with
    Nepal's Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, in New Delhi.
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●   7th India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting: Earlier this year, Jaishankar visited Kathmandu to co-
    chair the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting, where discussions on trade, connectivity, and
    defence cooperation took place.
Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Pilot Project to Transform Fair Price Shops into ‘Jan
Poshan Kendras’
    ● Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi has introduced a pilot project aimed at transforming 60 Fair
       Price Shops (FPS), commonly known as ration shops, into ‘Jan Poshan Kendras’ across Uttar
       Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana.
    ● This initiative is designed to boost the viability of these shops and improve access to nutrition.
Clarification on Income Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) for Indian Nationals Traveling Overseas
    ● The Ministry of Finance has issued a clarification regarding the necessity of obtaining an Income
       Tax Clearance Certificate (ITCC) for Indian nationals travelling abroad.
    ● This response addresses misinformation circulating in the media, asserting that not all travellers
       are required to secure an ITCC before leaving India.
Government Plans to Expand Ayushman Bharat Beneficiaries and Increase Insurance Coverage to ₹10
Lakh
    ● The Indian government is considering a significant expansion of its flagship Ayushman Bharat
       health insurance scheme, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
    ● The proposed changes include doubling the number of beneficiaries and increasing the annual
       insurance coverage limit from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per family.
    ● The government aims to double the beneficiary base under the AB-PMJAY over the next three
       years. The initial focus will be on including all individuals aged above 70 years, potentially adding
       4-5 crore more beneficiaries.
    ● The current allocation for AB-PMJAY was increased to ₹7,200 crore in the interim Budget 2024.
       The scheme currently provides health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family per year to 12 crore families
       for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
India Permits Export of Non-Basmati White Rice to Malaysia
    ● The Indian government has authorized the export of 200,000 tonnes of non-basmati white rice to
       Malaysia through National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL).
    ● This decision comes despite a ban on such exports that has been in place since July 20, 2023,
       aimed at boosting domestic supply.
165th Anniversary of Income Tax Day Celebrated in New Delhi
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    ● The 165th anniversary of Income Tax Day was marked on August 21 by a special event presided
       over by the Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in New
       Delhi.
    ● The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Finance,
       Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, Shri Sanjay Malhotra, Secretary of Revenue, Shri Ravi Agrawal,
       Chairman of the CBDT, members of the CBDT, and other senior officials from the Income Tax
       Department.
    ● Release of "My Stamp": Smt. Sitharaman released a special My Stamp to commemorate the
       occasion.
Central Government Plans to Extend Udan Scheme for 10 More Years
    ● The Central Government is considering extending the Udan (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme
       for an additional 10 years.
    ● The extension aims to build confidence among private sector players to operate more regional
       flights across India.
    ● Udan Scheme Overview:
       o Launch Date: October 21, 2016
       o Objective: Enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for the general
           population.
Power Finance Corp Commits ₹21,000 Crore for India's Largest Container Port
    ● State-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has committed approximately ₹21,000 crore for
       the development of the Vadhavan Port.
    ● Vadhavan Port Project:
       o Location: Palghar district, Maharashtra, along India's western coast.
       o Total Project Cost: ₹76,220 crore.
       o Significance: Set to be India's largest container port once completed.
PSA Report Advocates for Electric Trucks in FAME-III Scheme
    ● Title: Bharat Zero Emission Trucking (ZET) Policy Advisory
    ● Author: Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India
    ● Recommendation: The report advocates for the inclusion of electric trucks in the third phase of
       the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME-III) scheme.
India’s Ambitious Space Economy Goals
    ● Current Status: India's space economy is valued at $8 billion.
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    ● Revised guidelines issued by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances
        (DARPG) suggest the appointment of dedicated nodal officers in ministries and departments with
        a high volume of grievances.
    ● The guidelines stress a "whole of the government approach," ensuring grievances are transferred
        to the correct authority instead of being closed with statements like “Does not pertain to this
        Ministry/Department/Office.”
Uttar Pradesh Targets Rs 50,000 Crore in Farm Exports with Cluster-Based Approach
    ● The Uttar Pradesh government aims to boost farm exports to Rs 50,000 crore in the next three to
        four years.
    ● Currently, the state's annual farm exports stand at around Rs 20,000 crore.
PMJDY Expansion: 3 Crore New Accounts to be Opened in 2024: Finance Minister
    o Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that nearly 3 crore new accounts will be opened
       under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in the current financial year, aiming to
       extend financial inclusion to remaining and newly adult populations.
1. Program Overview and Growth:
    o PMJDY, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014, has shown impressive
       growth in financial inclusion.
    o The number of bank accounts under PMJDY surged from 14.72 crore in March 2015 to 53.13
       crore as of August 16, 2024.
    o Total deposits in PMJDY accounts also witnessed significant growth, increasing from Rs 15,670
       crore in March 2015 to over Rs 2.31 lakh crore by August 2024.
PM Modi Reviews Progress of Key Projects Worth Rs 76,500 Crore in 44th PRAGATI Meeting
    o Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 44th edition of PRAGATI, a multi-modal platform for
       Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation involving Centre and state governments.
    o The meeting, the first in his third term, reviewed the progress of seven key projects across 11
       states and Union Territories with a combined worth of around Rs 76,500 crore.
    o The projects included two road connectivity projects, two rail projects, and one project each from
       the Coal, Power, and Water Resources sectors.
    o The projects span across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan,
       Gujarat, Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and Delhi.
CCEA Approves Major Infrastructure Projects Worth ₹35,000 Crore; Expands Support for Agriculture
and Hydro-Electric Projects
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    ● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved 12 new industrial nodes and
       three rail projects, focusing on connectivity between key industrial locations.
    ● The total investment for these projects is around ₹35,000 crore.
    ● The new industrial areas will be developed in states including Uttarakhand, Punjab, Maharashtra,
       Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Rajasthan, covering various
       sectors such as food processing, IT, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
PM Modi Celebrates 10 Years of Jan Dhan Yojana: A Milestone in Financial Inclusion
    ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Jan Dhan Yojana on
       August 28, highlighting its transformative impact on financial inclusion in India.
    ● PM Modi praised the initiative for empowering women, youth, and marginalized communities,
       enhancing their financial status.
Ministry of Women and Child Development Launches SHe-Box Portal for Workplace Safety
    o The Ministry of Women and Child Development, led by Union Minister Smt. Annapurna Devi has
        launched the new SHe-Box portal, a centralised platform for registering and monitoring
        complaints of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.
    o The launch event took place in New Delhi, with Minister of State Smt. Savitri Thakur, Secretary
        Shri Anil Malik, and other ministry officials in attendance.
    o The SHe-Box portal serves as a centralized repository of information related to Internal
        Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed across the country in both government
        and private sectors.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Launches "RESET" Programme to Empower Retired Sportspersons
    o Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the "Retired Sportsperson Empowerment
        Training" (RESET) Programme on National Sports Day in New Delhi.
    o The programme aims to empower retired athletes by providing them with the necessary
        knowledge, skills, and opportunities to enhance their employability and career development.
    o Retired sportspersons aged 20-50 years who have won international medals, participated in
        international events, or have been national/state medallists in competitions recognized by
        National Sports Federations, the Indian Olympic Association, or the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
        Sports are eligible to apply.
    o The programme will cater to two levels of educational qualifications: Class 12th and above and
        Class 11th and below.
DoPPW Launches New Single Simplified Pension Application Form 6-A to Streamline Pension Process
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    o The Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DoPPW) has introduced a New Single
       Simplified Pension Application Form 6-A, integrated with Bhavishya and e-HRMS platforms.
    o This new form is part of the department's efforts to enhance the Ease of Living for pensioners by
       simplifying the pension application process.
    o The new Form 6-A will be available to all Central Government Employees retiring from December
       2024 onwards.
Union Cabinet Approves Financial Assistance for Hydro Electric Projects in North Eastern Region
     o The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Ministry of
        Power's proposal to provide Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments in the
        North Eastern Region (NER) for their equity participation in developing Hydro Electric Projects.
     o This will be done through Joint Venture (JV) collaborations between State entities and Central
        Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs).
Scheme Outlay and Timeline:
     o The scheme has an outlay of Rs. 4136 crore and will be implemented from FY 2024-25 to FY
        2031-32.
     o It aims to support a cumulative hydro capacity of about 15,000 MW in the NER.
     o The scheme will be funded by 10% Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) for the NER from the total
        outlay of the Ministry of Power.
Cabinet Approves 12 New Projects Under National Industrial Corridor Development Programme
(NICDP)
    o The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has
       approved 12 new project proposals under the National Industrial Corridor Development Programme
       (NICDP).
    o The total estimated investment for these projects is Rs. 28,602 crore, which aims to reshape India's
       industrial landscape by creating a robust network of industrial smart cities.
    o The projects will span across 10 states, strategically planned along 6 major corridors to enhance
       India's manufacturing capabilities and economic growth.
    o The new industrial nodes will be located in Khurpia (Uttarakhand), Rajpura-Patiala (Punjab), Dighi
       (Maharashtra), Palakkad (Kerala), Agra and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Gaya (Bihar), Zaheerabad
       (Telangana), Orvakal and Kopparthy (Andhra Pradesh), and Jodhpur-Pali (Rajasthan).
Pakistan Invites PM Modi to Upcoming SCO Meeting in Istanbul
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    o Pakistan has officially invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the upcoming Shanghai
        Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting scheduled for October 15-16 in Islamabad.
    o The invitation was confirmed by Pakistan's Foreign Office Spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
    o The SCO is a major economic and security bloc comprising India, China, Russia, Pakistan,
        Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
    o Pakistan currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the SCO Council of Heads of Government
        and will host the two-day meeting for heads of state.
                                         INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India’s Act East Policy: Vietnam’s Strategic Role in the Indo-Pacific
    •   Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visit to India from July 30 to August 1, 2024,
        underscores Vietnam’s growing significance in the Indo-Pacific region.
    •   Accompanied by a high-level delegation, Chinh’s state visit, at the invitation of Indian Prime
        Minister Narendra Modi, aims to bolster bilateral ties, particularly in defence cooperation and
        economic collaboration.
    •   Additionally, Chinh is scheduled to meet with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President
        Jagdeep Dhankhar, and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, reflecting the high-level nature of
        this diplomatic engagement.
About Vietnam:
    •   Capital: Hanoi
    •   Currency: Vietnamese dong (VND)
    •   Prime Minister: Pham Minh Chinh
    •   President: To Lam
Zimbabwe Joins UN Water Convention, Signalling Commitment to Cross-Border Water Cooperation
    •   Zimbabwe, a landlocked country in drought-stricken Southern Africa, has joined the UN Water
        Convention in a clear demonstration of political will for water cooperation across borders.
    •   It is the 54th Party to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary
        Watercourses and International Lakes (UN Water Convention) and 11th African country to join
        this treaty, following closely the accession of Cote d’Ivoire announced.
    •   The Convention constitutes a unique global legal and intergovernmental framework for the
        sustainable management of transboundary water resources serviced by UNECE.
About Zimbabwe :
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India and Vietnam Collaborate on Developing National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal, Gujarat
    •   India and Vietnam, two nations with a rich and intertwined maritime history, are joining forces to
        develop the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) in Lothal, Gujarat.
    •   This partnership, rooted in centuries-old maritime connections, highlights the enduring bond
        between the two countries and their commitment to preserving and celebrating their shared
        heritage.
    •   An MoU was signed at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, in the presence of Prime Minister
        Narendra Modi and Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
    •   This MoU marks a significant step in advancing the NMHC project.
About Vietnam :
    •   President : Tô Lâm
    •   Prime Minister : Phạm Minh Chính
    •   Capital : Hanoi
    •   Currency : Vietnamese đồng
Curacao Joins CARICOM as Newest Associate Member
    •   Membership Announcement: The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao has officially become the
        newest associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
    •   Significant Event: The announcement was made during the 47th Regular Meeting of the
        Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Grenada.
    •   Contributions: Curacao aims to contribute to regional trade, climate resilience, and sustainable
        development within CARICOM.
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    •   Regional Representation: They represent the Asia-Pacific, Eastern European, and Latin America
        and Caribbean States, respectively.
Germany Joins United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea as 18th Member State
    •   New Membership: Germany officially joined the UNC, becoming the 18th member state.
    •   Historical Context: This is the first expansion of the UNC in over a decade; Italy was the last to
        join in 2013.
    •   Security Ties: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany's membership
        reflects growing security ties between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
    •   Commitment to Shared Security: Pistorius emphasized the importance of European and Indo-
        Pacific security being interconnected.
Elon Musk's Starlink wins satellite broadband services licence in Sri Lanka
    ●   Sri Lanka’s telecommunications regulator has granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink, the
        satellite unit of SpaceX, to provide satellite broadband services in the country.
    ●   Sri Lanka’s parliament recently passed a new telecommunications bill, the first amendment in 28
        years, enabling Starlink Lanka to enter the market.
    ●   The new legislation paves the way for modernized telecommunications services in the country.
    ●   SpaceX’s Starlink dominates the satellite internet industry, owning around 60% of the
        approximately 7,500 satellites orbiting Earth.
About Sri Lanka:
    ●   Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (Legislative)
    ●   President: Ranil Wickremesinghe
    ●   Prime Minister: Dinesh Gunawardena
    ●   Chief Justice: Jayantha Jayasuriya
About Starlink:
    ●   Operated by: Starlink Services, LLC (a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX)
    ●   Coverage: 102 countries
    ●   Objective: To provide global mobile broadband
    ●   Launch Initiation: SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites in 2019
UAE Joins BRICS Partners to Launch Centre for Industrial Competences
    ● The UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology joined its BRICS counterparts on the
        launch of a Centre for Industrial Competences in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial
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    ● Indonesia marked 79 years of independence on August 17, 2024 with a ceremony in the
        unfinished future capital of Nusantara, which was planned to relieve pressure on Jakarta but
        whose construction has lagged behind schedule.
    ● Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo and Cabinet Ministers attended the Independence Day
        ceremony at the new Presidential Palace, built in the shape of the mythical eagle-winged
        protector figure Garuda.
    ● The celebration was initially planned to inaugurate Nusantara as the country's new capital, but
        with construction behind schedule it's not clear when the transfer will take place.
About Indonesia :
    ● President : Joko Widodo
    ● Currency : Indonesian rupiah
                                                 STATE NEWS
Wayanad was among Kerala districts that ranked high on ISRO ‘Landslide Atlas’
    •   Wayanad, Kerala, recently experienced a devastating landslide on July 30, highlighting the
        district's vulnerability to such natural disasters.
    •   The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had identified Wayanad as a high-risk area for
        landslides based on various socio-economic parameters in a 2023 national-level database.
    •   The Landslide Atlas of India, prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO
        in February 2023, ranked Wayanad 13th among 147 districts in 17 States and two Union
        Territories based on landslide exposure. Other districts in Kerala also ranked high in this atlas:
    •   Thrissur: 3rd
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    •   Palakkad: 5th
    •   Malappuram: 7th
    •   Kozhikode: 10th
About Kerala
    •   Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
    •   Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
    •   Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
    •   National Parks in Kerala: Anamudi Shola National Park, Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettan
        National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park, Periyar National Park, Silent Valley National
        Park
Centre Approves Parandur Site for Chennai's Second Airport Development
    •   The Union government has granted its approval for the Parandur site to develop Chennai’s
        second airport.
    •   The approval was granted by the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports on July 9, 2024.
    •   The approval followed an application from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation
        Limited (TIDCO).
    •   The proposal has been examined in consultation with Airports Authority of India (AAI),
        Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Ministry of Defence/Indian Air Force as per
        GFA Policy.
About Tamil Nadu :
    •   Governor: R. N. Ravi
    •   Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
    •   Capital: Chennai
    •   Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
    •   National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of
        Mannar Marine National Park
    •   Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird
        Sanctuary
    •   Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
    •   Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
India's First 24/7 Grain ATM Unveiled in Mancheswar, Odisha
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    •   India's first round-the-clock, 24/7 grain ATM, named Annapurti, was inaugurated at Mancheswar
        in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
    •   Krushna Chandra Patra, Odisha Minister for Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare, unveiled the
        Grain ATM in the presence of Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director, of the World Food
        Programme in India.
    •   The initiative is a collaboration between the Odisha government and the World Food Programme.
    •   Its goal is to achieve nutritional security in the state of Odisha.
About Odisha :
    •   Governor : Raghubar Das
    •   Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
    •   Capital : Bhubaneswar
    •   National Parks : Bhitarkanika National Park, Nandankanan National Park,Simlipal National Park
    •   Wildlife Sanctuaries : Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Tikarpada
        Wildlife Sanctuary
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    •   Aim of the portal : To ensure the daily attendance of all doctors, para-medical workers, contract
        workers and other workers working under the Health Department.
    •   Through this portal, cross verification of biometric attendance being recorded by the employees
        of the Health Department will be done.
About Jharkhand :
    •   Governor : Santosh Kumar Gangwar
    •   Chief Minister : Hemant Soren
    •   Capital : Ranchi
    •   Tiger Reserve : Palamu Tiger Reserve
    •   Wildlife Sanctuary : Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary, Udhwa Lake
        Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
Nagaland Leads as 1st Indian State to Launch Disaster Management Insurance
    •   Nagaland became the first state in India to implement the disaster management insurance
    •   The state government of Nagaland and SBI General Insurance have signed a Memorandum of
        Understanding (MoU) for Disaster Risk Transfer Parametric Insurance Solution (DRTPS).
    •   The MoU will be effective for three years, from 2024 to 2027.
About Nagaland :
    •   Governor : La. Ganesan
    •   Chief Minister : Neiphiu Rio
    •   Capital : Kohima
    •   National Park : Ntanki National Park
First-ever Global Women’s Kabaddi League to kick off in Haryana
    •   Event Launch: Scheduled for September 2024.
    •   Objective: To promote kabaddi globally and support India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
    •   Organizer: Holistic International Pravasi Sports Association (HIPSA) in collaboration with World
        Kabaddi.
    •   Location: Haryana, India.
Karnataka government orders state departments to close accounts in SBI & PNB
    ●   The Karnataka government has directed all state departments to close their accounts in the State
        Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB).
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    ●    This directive includes the recovery of deposits and prohibits further deposits or investments in
         these banks.
Reason for Action
The action follows reports of two fraudulent transactions:
Fixed Deposit at PNB:
    ▪   A fixed deposit of ₹25 crore at PNB’s Rajajinagar branch, initiated by the Karnataka Industrial Area
        Development Board on September 14, 2011, was only partially released.
    ▪   Despite the term ending, PNB allegedly disbursed only ₹13 crore, with unresolved issues over the
        past decade.
Fixed Deposit at SBI:
    ▪   A ₹10 crore fixed deposit with the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, formerly with the State
        Bank of Mysore and now part of SBI, was misused to settle loans of a private company with forged
        documents.
    ▪   Efforts to recover this amount have also been unsuccessful.
About Karnataka:
    ●    Capital: Bangalore
    ●    Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot
    ●    Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
    ●    National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Bannerghatta National Park, Anshi National Park,
         Kudremukh National Park, Nagarhole National Park
Andhra Pradesh plans 100 industrial parks to promote aqua, food processing sector
    ●    Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to formulate an action
         plan for establishing 100 food processing, aqua, horticulture, and mineral-based industrial
         development parks.
    ●    He emphasized that Andhra Pradesh has the "most favourable atmosphere for establishing such
         units."
    ●    Naidu chaired a meeting to review the functioning of the Departments of Industries and Micro,
         Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
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Himachal Pradesh to launch ₹150 crore HIM-UNNATI scheme to boost natural farming
    ●   The Himachal Pradesh government has launched a new initiative, the HIM-UNNATI scheme,
        aimed at promoting natural farming across the state.
    ●   The scheme has an allocation of ₹150 crore and will support approximately 1.92 lakh farmers
        who are already practising chemical-free farming on over 32,149 hectares of land.
Objectives and Focus
    ●   HIM-UNNATI will focus on making the agriculture sector economically viable by promoting a
        cluster-based development model and natural farming practices.
    ●   The scheme will consolidate smallholding farmers to enable bulk production, ensuring a sufficient
        marketable surplus.
    ●   The initiative will integrate various ongoing agricultural schemes and coordinate with departments
        such as animal husbandry, horticulture, fisheries, and rural development to maximize the impact.
About Himachal Pradesh:
    ●   Capital: Shimla, Dharamshala (Winter)
    ●   Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla
    ●   Chief Minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (INC)
    ●   National Parks: Great Himalayan National Park, Pin Valley National Park, Simbalbara National
        Park, Khirganga National Park, Inderkilla National Park
Madhya Pradesh: 1st State to provide cash to girls student to buy sanitary napkins
    ●   Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to provide money directly to girl students for
        purchasing sanitary napkins.
    ●   Unlike states such as Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Delhi, which offer free sanitary napkins,
        Madhya Pradesh is implementing a cash transfer system.
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    ●   Under the Sanitation and Hygiene Scheme, an amount of ₹300 has been transferred to each
        eligible girl student’s account for one year.
    ●   The scheme benefits approximately 19 lakh students from classes seventh to twelfth.
About Madhya Pradesh:
    ● Capital: Bhopal
    ● Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
    ● Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
    ● National Park: Kanha National Park, Madhav National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench
        National Park, Van Vihar National Park, Satpura National Park, Panna National Park, Kuno
        National Park
Odisha becomes the 3rd state to implement a one-day menstrual leave policy for women in both public
and private sectors
    ● The Odisha government has introduced a one-day menstrual leave policy for working women in
        both the public and private sectors.
    ● The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida during Independence Day
        celebrations on August 15, 2024, in Cuttack.
    ● The one-day menstrual leave policy will be effective immediately for women employees eligible to
        take leave from work on the first or second day of their menstrual cycle.
    ● Odisha is the 3rd state after Kerala and Bihar to bring in a menstrual leave policy for working
        women amid a nationwide demand for such a paid leave for students and working women.
About Odisha :
        ●      Governor : Raghubar Das
        ●      Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
        ●      Capital : Bhubaneswar
        ●      National Parks : Bhitarkanika National Park, Simlipal National Park
        ●      Wildlife Sanctuaries : Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
Andhra Pradesh Sets Ambitious 15% GSDP Growth Target: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu
        ●      The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government aims to achieve a 15% annual growth rate in the
        State Gross Domestic Product (GSDP).
        ●      This target is part of the broader effort to revive the state's economy and restore "Brand
        Andhra Pradesh."
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Karnataka Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename Ramanagara District as Bengaluru South District
    ● Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hoisted the national flag at an event to mark the
        nation’s 78th Independence Day in front of Vidhan Bhavan in Lucknow, UP.
    ● During this, Mr. Adityanath announced the launch of a new initiative, the Mukhyamantri Yuva
        Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana, aimed at empowering youth.
    ● Under the scheme, financial support will be provided to young individuals interested in
        entrepreneurship, with a target of establishing one million micro, small, and medium enterprises
        (MSME) units across the state.
    ● Over 16.2 million young people have secured employment due to investments in the state.
Maharashtra Government Officially Launches 'Ladki Bahin' Scheme
    ● The Maharashtra government launched the "Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana," aimed at
        providing financial aid to women across the state.
    ● The scheme was inaugurated by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers at an event
        coinciding with Rakshabandhan festivities.
    ● The scheme offers a monthly stipend of ₹1,500 to over one crore women in Maharashtra.
Eligibility Criteria:
    ● Only women can apply.
    ● Applicants must be permanent residents of Maharashtra.
    ● Women must be between 21 and 65 years old.
    ● The family's annual income must be less than ₹2.5 lakh.
    ● Initial Payment: Eligible women will receive an initial instalment of ₹3,000 (for two months).
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    ● After this, the standard monthly amount of ₹1,500 will be deposited in their bank accounts.
    ● No Application Fee: There is no fee associated with applying for the scheme.
    ● Budget Allocation: The scheme was included in the Maharashtra government's supplementary
       budget and is expected to cost the state ₹46,000 crore annually.
57 Casual Employees Reinstated at Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve After 3-Month
Termination
    ● 57 casual employees of Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve (NNP&TR) have been
       reinstated three months after their services were terminated.
    ● Their reinstatement, effective August 13,2024 under Project Tiger, comes with certain conditions.
    ● Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve is located in the Changlang District of Arunachal
       Pradesh, surrounded by Myanmar in the Southeast.
    ● Namdapha, named after a river meandering through it, was declared Indias 15th Tiger Reserve
       in 1983, the very year it was elevated to a national park from a wildlife sanctuary.
    ● It is the only park in the World to have the four Feline species of big cat namely the Tiger,
       Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Clouded Leopard, and numbers of Lesser cats.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren Launches the Highly Anticipated Jharkhand Mukhyamantri
Maiyan Samman Yojna
    ● Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren launched the much-hyped Jharkhand Mukhyamantri
       Maiyan Samman Yojna (JMMSY).
    ● Mr. Soren transferred the amount to 81, 000, women with Rakshabandhan around the corner.
    ● Under this scheme, the state government will send ₹ 1,000 honorarium to the bank accounts of
       eligible women between the ages of 21 and 50 by the 15th of every month through DBT.
About Jharkhand :
    ● Governor :Santosh Kumar Gangwar
    ● Chief Minister : Hemant Soren
    ● Capital : Ranchi
    ● Tiger Reserve : Palamu Tiger Reserve
    ● Wildlife Sanctuary : Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary, Udhwa Lake
       Bird Wildlife Sanctuary
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Unveils Rs 100 Coin to Honor Birth Centenary of Former DMK
President M. Karunanidhi, Praises Him as a 'Titan' of Indian Politics
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    ● Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released a Rs 100 commemorative coin to mark the birth
       centenary of late DMK president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Singh
       praised Karunanidhi as a "titan" of Indian politics.
    ● The coin was released in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who is the son of
       M. Karunanidhi.
Coin Specifications:
    ● Weight: 35 grams.
    ● Diameter: 44 millimetres.
    ● Edge: 200 serrations.
    ● Composition: Made of an alloy with 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc.
    ● Historical Context: India’s first commemorative coin was issued in 1964 after the death of Prime
       Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
About Tamil Nadu :
    ● Governor: R. N. Ravi
    ● Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
    ● Capital: Chennai
    ● Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
    ● National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of
       Mannar Marine National Park
    ● Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird
       Sanctuary
    ● Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
    ● Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
Chhattisgarh Government Adopts Artificial Intelligence to Enhance School Education and Programs
    ● The Chhattisgarh government’s education department is using artificial intelligence (AI) to
       improve school education and programmes like midday meals.
    ● Vidya Samiksha Kendra: The state has established the Vidya Samiksha Kendra in Raipur to
       implement the AI system for online monitoring and data analysis of various beneficiary-oriented
       schemes run by the school education department.
    ● Toll-free Support: A toll-free phone number will be issued to address problems and provide
       support to students, parents, and teachers.
About Chhattisgarh :
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    ● The Maharashtra cabinet has decided to implement the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for state
       government employees, making it the first state to adopt the scheme announced by the Union
       government.
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    ● The decision was announced by the Maharashtra cabinet and will take effect from March 2024.
What is the Unified Pension Scheme?
    ● The Narendra Modi-led Centre approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central
       government employees who joined service after January 1, 2004.
    ● The UPS provides an assured pension of 50% of the average basic pay over the last 12 months
       before retirement for eligible employees.
About Maharashtra :
    ● Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
    ● Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
    ● Capital: Mumbai
    ● National Park: Tadoba National Park, Navegaon National Park
    ● Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
       Sanctuary
    ● UNESCO Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian and Art Deco
       Ensemble of Mumbai, Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves
Himachal Pradesh Increases Minimum Marriage Age for Women from 18 to 21 Years
    ● The Himachal Pradesh (HP) State Assembly passed a Bill increasing the minimum age of
       marriage for women from 18 to 21 years in order to support gender equality and higher
       education.
    ● The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced by
       Women Empowerment Minister Dhani Ram Shandil in the State Assembly during its ongoing
       monsoon session.
About HP :
    ● Governor : Shiv Pratap Shukla
    ● Chief Minister : Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Centre proposes ₹26,000 crore allocation for road infrastructure projects in Bihar
    ● The Centre proposed an outlay of ₹26,000 crore for various road projects in Bihar.
    ● Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the financial outlay in the Budget for 2024-25.
    ● The Centre will also formulate plan 'Purvodaya' for the all-round development of Bihar,
       Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
    ● The government will support the development of an industrial corridor in the eastern region.
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    ● Also, E-vouchers will be provided directly to 1 lakh students annually with an interest subvention
        of 3% on the loan amount.
About Bihar :
    ● Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
    ● Chief Minister : Nitish Kumar
    ● Capital : Patna
    ● National Parks : Valmiki National Park
    ● Wildlife Sanctuaries : Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife
        Sanctuary
                                             BUSINESS NEWS
Indian Oil Corporation's New Oil Jetty at Kamarajar Port
    •   Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is constructing an exclusive oil jetty at Kamarajar Port in
        Ennore, Tamil Nadu.
    •   The project, with an investment of ₹921 crore, is expected to be completed by December 2024.
    •   Currently, all oil companies, including IOCL, HPCL, BPCL, Reliance, Shell, and Nayara, use a
        common oil jetty.
    •   IOCL will move to its dedicated facility once the new jetty is operational.
Vodafone Idea clears Rs 1,500 crore DoT bill
    •   Vodafone Idea has paid dues worth Rs 1,500 crore, comprising revenue share licence fee and
        spectrum usage charges, to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
    •   Total Payment: ₹1,500 crore paid to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
    •   Breakdown:
           o ₹720 crore for January-March quarter dues.
           o Full payment for April-June period dues.
    Tata Electronics Assam chip plant to be operational in 2025:
    •   Tata Electronics is set to significantly impact the semiconductor industry in India with its new chip
        assembly and testing facility in Jagiroad, Assam.
    •   With an investment of ₹27,000 crore, the plant is expected to be operational by 2025, creating
        substantial employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
    •   This facility is part of a broader initiative supported by the Union Cabinet to strengthen India's
        semiconductor manufacturing capabilities.
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    •   Union Cabinet Approval: In February, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal for Tata’s
        semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam, along with:
           o A fab plant in Dholera by Tatas.
           o A CG Power facility in Sanand, Gujarat.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Announces New Manufacturing Plant in Maharashtra
    •   Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) will establish a new greenfield manufacturing facility in
        Maharashtra, with an investment of approximately Rs 20,000 crore.
    •   The plant will be located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
    •   TKM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to
        explore the establishment of this new facility.
    •   TKM is headquartered in Karnataka and already operates two manufacturing units in Bidadi, near
        Bengaluru.
    •   In Karnataka, TKM and its group companies have invested over Rs 16,000 crore and created
        approximately 86,000 jobs throughout the value chain.
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    •   India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a cornerstone of the country's digital payment
        landscape, has reported a significant year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth in July 2024.
    •   UPI's transaction volume reached an impressive 14.44 billion, reflecting a 45% Y-o-Y increase.
    •   The total value of these transactions also saw a substantial rise, increasing by 35% Y-o-Y to
        reach ₹20.64 trillion, according to data released by the National Payments Corporation of India
        (NPCI).
Government May Raise At Least ₹10,000 Crore In Next Phase Of Sovereign Green Bonds
•   In 2023-24, India issued ₹20,000 crore in sovereign green bonds to support clean energy projects.
•   For 2024-25, the government plans to raise ₹20,000-25,000 crore, with a first-half goal of ₹12,000
    crore and a second-half potential of up to ₹15,000 crore.
Issuance Details for 2023-24:
    •   Amount Issued: ₹20,000 crore in sovereign green bonds.
    •   Budget Mention: Not included in the budget.
    •   Purpose: Financing clean energy and sustainability projects.
BHEL secures order for demonstration of first of its kind methanol firing in gas turbine of kayamkulam
CCCP
•   Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has received the first ever order for the demonstration of
    methanol firing in a Gas Turbine at the 350 MW Kayamkulam Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP)
    of NTPC installed at Alappuzha district in Kerala.
•   This will be the first such demonstration project of its kind in India.
•   Project: First-ever methanol firing demonstration in a gas turbine
•   Location: 350 MW Kayamkulam Combined Cycle Power Plant (CCPP), Alappuzha district, Kerala
•   Client: NTPC
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Ministry issues new notification for GSTAT with provisions for ‘circuit’ and ‘sitting’
    •   The Finance Ministry's new notification regarding the constitution of the Principal and State
        Benches of the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) brings significant updates and additions.
    •   This notification, effective from September 1, 2023, supersedes two previous notifications from
        September 2023 and December 2024 and introduces new circuits and locations for the Tribunal.
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    •    The Indian government has proposed an amendment allowing taxpayers to choose between two
         methods of calculating long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on properties acquired before July 23,
         2024.
    •    Choice of Tax Calculation:
        o New Scheme: 12.5% LTCG tax without indexation.
        o Old Scheme: 20% LTCG tax with indexation.
        o Taxpayer Benefit: Taxpayers can choose the method that results in the lower tax liability.
Banks write off loans worth Rs 9.90 trillion in last 5 years:
    •    Banks have written off loans totalling ₹9.90 trillion over the past five financial years.
    •    Annual Write-Offs:
                   ▪   2023-24: ₹1.70 trillion (down from ₹2.08 trillion in 2022-23).
                   ▪   2019-20: Highest at ₹2.34 trillion.
                   ▪   2020-21: ₹2.02 trillion.
                   ▪   2021-22: ₹1.74 trillion.
NSE registered investor base crosses 10 crore unique investors'
    •    The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has announced a significant achievement: its
         unique registered investor base has crossed the 10 crore mark.
    •    This milestone reflects the growing participation of Indian citizens in the equity markets.
    •    Historical Growth: While it took over 25 years to reach 4 crore investors by March 2021, the next
         6 crore additions occurred at an accelerated pace, averaging around 6-7 months per crore.
Flipkart's quick commerce service 'Minutes' goes live in Bengaluru
    •    Walmart-owned Flipkart has launched its quick-commerce service, Flipkart Minutes, in select
         areas of Bengaluru.
    •    This new service is designed to deliver products quickly, with delivery times ranging from 8 to 16
         minutes for groceries, electronics, smartphones, and other items.
    •    Service Launch: Flipkart Minutes has gone live on the Flipkart app and is currently available in
         localities such as Belandur and HSR. Initially, it was offered only to employees at Flipkart’s
         headquarters but has now expanded to the public.
Despite PLI push, electronics imports top $20 bn for fifth quarter
    •    India’s import of electronic goods exceeded $20 billion for the fifth consecutive quarter.
    •    Q1 FY25: Electronic goods worth $22.8 billion were imported, slightly down from $23.4 billion in
         the previous quarter.
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    •    Electronic Components and Computer Hardware: Accounted for more than half of the electronic
         goods imported in the June quarter of FY25, up from 46% before the pandemic.
        o Crude Petroleum: Imports grew by 22.4% in the June quarter, driven by discounted Russian
           prices.
        o Pharmaceuticals: Imports increased by about 11%.
        o Engineering Products: Imports rose by 5.4%.
        o Gems and Jewellery: Imports contracted by 0.5%.
Svastha Ecoharvest Set to Export India's First Sona Masoori Brown Rice Consignment to Europe
    •    Agtech start-up Svastha Ecoharvest is preparing to export India's first Sona Masoori brown rice
         consignment to Europe.
    •    Traditionally, rice exports from India to Europe have been limited to Basmati.
    •    In response to farmers' prevalent and often unguided use of chemicals, Svastha Ecoharvest has
         implemented a technological action plan.
    •    This plan ensures that the rice meets the Maximum Residue Level (MRL) standards, even
         accounting for potential future revisions.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Announcement: Centre to treat capex loans to states as grants
•   The Centre may convert trillions of rupees given to states into grants, rather than loans. Grants do
    not need to be repaid.
•   Total Given: Rs 2.17 trillion released under the ‘Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital
    Expenditure’ since its launch.
•   Future Assistance: Estimated Rs 1.5 trillion more to be given in FY25, totaling Rs 3.7 trillion from
    FY21-FY25.
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    •     The Finance Ministry has allocated Rs 15,000 crore for FY25, reflecting the scheme's importance
          in safeguarding agricultural interests.
WPI Inflation for July 2024 Registers at 2.04%, Driven by Rising Food and Energy Prices
● The annual inflation rate based on the All India Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for July 2024 stands at
    2.04%, a decrease from 3.36% in June 2024.
● This positive inflation rate is primarily attributed to increases in prices of food articles, mineral oils,
    and crude petroleum & natural gas.
● Index Numbers and Inflation Rate:
          o All Commodities: Index at 155.2 with inflation at 2.04%.
          o Primary Articles: Index at 197.6 with inflation at 3.08%.
          o Fuel & Power: Index at 147.9 with inflation at 1.72%.
          o Manufactured Products: Index at 141.7 with inflation at 1.58%.
          o Food Index: Index at 195.4 with inflation at 3.55%
    ● Wholesale Price Index: Wholesale Price Index (WPI) represents the price of goods at a
          wholesale stage i.e. goods that are sold in bulk and traded between organizations instead of
          consumers.
India's Trade Performance in July 2024: Positive Growth in Exports and Imports Amid Widening Trade
Deficit
● India's total exports (merchandise and services combined) for July 2024 were estimated at USD
    62.42 billion, reflecting a growth of 2.81% compared to July 2023.
● Imports: Total imports for July 2024 were estimated at USD 72.03 billion, showing a more substantial
    growth of 7.14% over the same period in the previous year.
● Trade Deficit: The trade deficit widened to USD 9.61 billion in July 2024, compared to USD 6.52
    billion in July 2023.
BPCL Introduces India's First Biofuel Blend HFHSD Bunker at Mumbai Port
● Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has launched India's first biofuel blend High Flash
    High-Speed Diesel (HFHSD) bunker facility at Mumbai Port.
● This initiative represents a significant leap towards environmental sustainability in the maritime
    industry.
● This facility is part of BPCL’s "Project Aspire," which emphasises green energy. The company is
    expanding its portfolio of eco-friendly bunker fuels, including LNG, hydrogen, and methanol.
Tamil Nadu CM Inaugurates Rs 706-Crore Residential Facility for Foxconn's Female Workers
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● Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin inaugurated an industrial housing facility for Apple contract
    manufacturer Foxconn women employees at SIPCOT Industrial Park in Vallam Vadagal near
    Sriperumbudur.
Project Details:
    ●   Cost: Rs 706 crore
    ●   Area: 20 acres
    ●   Capacity: 18,720 workers
    ●   Structure: 13 blocks, each with 10 floors
FPIs Surge in Indian Debt Market, Cross ₹1 Lakh Crore Mark in 2024
● Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) have set a new milestone in the Indian debt market, with net
    investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore as of mid-August 2024.
● This significant achievement underscores the growing appeal of India's debt instruments, especially
    following the country's inclusion in JP Morgan’s Emerging Market government bond indices earlier
    this year.
● FPIs' net inflows into the Indian debt market have reached ₹1,00,100 crore by August 16, 2024, a
    substantial increase from ₹28,181 crore during the same period last year.
CSR Spending Falls Short of Mandates: Five-Year High of Unspent Funds in FY23
● In the fiscal year 2022-23 (FY23), listed companies in India have recorded a significant shortfall in
    their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending, with a five-year high of ₹1,475 crore
    remaining unspent.
● This amount represents the difference between the required and actual CSR expenditures.
● Total Required vs. Actual Spend: Listed companies were mandated to spend ₹15,787 crore on CSR
    activities for FY23, based on their net profits, turnover, and net worth. However, they spent only
    ₹15,602 crore, falling short by ₹185 crore.
● Unspent Amount: The unspent amount of ₹1,475 crore represents the aggregate CSR shortfall by
    companies that spent less than the mandated sum.
Granules India Receives U.S. FDA Approval for Glycopyrrolate Oral Solution
● Granules India has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for its
    abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) for Glycopyrrolate Oral Solution 1mg/5mL.
● This approval is for a product that is bioequivalent and therapeutically equivalent to Merz
    Pharmaceuticals LLC's Cuvposa Oral Solution 1 mg/5 mL.
Decathlon to Invest €100 Million in India Over the Next Five Years
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● French sports retailer Decathlon announced plans to invest €100 million (approximately ₹933 crore)
    in India over the next five years.
● This significant investment underscores the importance of India as one of Decathlon's fastest-
    growing markets.
GST Rate Rationalisation Panel Moves Towards 4-Tier Slab Structure
    ● The ministerial panel on GST rate rationalisation largely agreed to maintain the existing 4-tier
       slab structure.
    ● The panel has tasked the committee of tax officers with analysing the implications of adjusting
       rates for specific items and reporting back to the GST Council.
Finance Ministry’s Monthly Economic Report Highlights Resilient Growth and Inflation Outlook
    ● The finance ministry reaffirms the projection of real GDP growth at 6.5%-7% for FY25, as
       outlined in the 2023-24 economic survey.
    ● The projection remains appropriate due to the ongoing resilience of domestic economic activities.
Dabur to Invest ₹400 Crore in First Manufacturing Plant in South India
● Dabur, one of India’s leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) giants, will invest Rs 400 crore
    to set up a world-class manufacturing plant, its first ever in south India, at the Sipcot Food Park in
    Tindivanam in Villupuram district.
NSE to File Fresh Application with SEBI for IPO Approval
● The National Stock Exchange (NSE) board has approved a fresh application to the Securities and
    Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for a no-objection certificate (NOC) to launch its long-delayed initial
    public offering (IPO).
● The decision was announced during NSE’s Annual General Meeting.
● NSE first sought SEBI's approval for an IPO in 2016, but the application was returned in 2019 amid
    investigations into the co-location scam and significant reduction in offer size.
● NSE has since submitted at least three applications for SEBI’s NOC, with the most recent one in
    June 2022.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates GST Bhawan in Udaipur
    o Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the GST
       Bhawan, the official complex of the CGST Udaipur Commissionerate under the Central Board of
       Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
    o Key attendees included MPs Manna Lal Rawat and Chunnilal Garasiya, CBIC Chairman Sanjay
       Kumar Agarwal, and senior CBIC officials.
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Oyo Reports Q1 Profit of Rs 132 Crore, Eyes Rs 700 Crore PAT for FY25
    o Oyo, the hospitality major heading towards an IPO, reported a profit after tax (PAT) of Rs 132
        crore for the first quarter (Q1) of FY25, marking a significant turnaround from a loss of Rs 108
        crore in the same period last year.
    o The company anticipates its PAT to triple to Rs 700 crore for the full financial year FY25,
        reflecting strong growth and strategic management.
Madhya Pradesh Secures Rs 8,000 Crore Investment Proposals at Regional Industrial Conclave
    o Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced that the state received investment
        proposals worth Rs 8,000 crore during the Regional Industrial Conclave (RIC) in Gwalior.
    o These investments are expected to generate 35,000 jobs across the state, reflecting strong
        investor interest and economic potential.
    o Adani Port and SEZ Ltd Managing Director Karan Adani disclosed plans to set up a 2-million-
        tonne capacity cement grinding unit in Guna and a propellant production facility in Shivpuri.
    o These projects will involve a total investment of Rs 3,500 crore and are projected to create 3,500
        jobs.
Vedanta Ltd Forms ₹30,000 Crore War Chest for Growth and Deleveraging
     o Vedanta Ltd has assembled a war chest of ₹30,000 crore through recent financial manoeuvres,
         including:
           ▪ ₹8,500 crore raised via a Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP).
           ▪ ₹3,200 crore from the Offer for Sale (OFS) of Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL).
           ▪ ₹5,100 crore from a second interim dividend.
           ▪ Existing cash reserves of ₹13,000 crore
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    •   Authority and Rules:The extension is exercised under sub-rule (6) of Rule 19A of Securities
        Contract (Regulation) Rules, 1957 (SCRR).
Reserve Bank of India Revokes Licences of 78 Urban Cooperative Banks Since 2014, Maharashtra
Leads in Numbers
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licences of 78 Urban Cooperative Banks
        (UCBs) since 2014.
    •   Maharashtra has the highest number of cancellations, with 36 UCBs losing their licences.
    •   Reasons for Cancellation:Cancellations were due to inadequate capital, poor earning prospects,
        deteriorating financial position, and operations prejudicial to depositors' and the public's interests.
About RBI :
    •   Established : 1 April 1935
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
SBI General Insurance and HSBC India Form Bancassurance Partnership to Distribute Non-Life
Insurance Products
    •   SBI General Insurance Company Limited (SBI General Insurance) and Hongkong and Shanghai
        Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India) or HSBC Bank India have entered into a
        bancassurance partnership for the distribution of non-life insurance products through HSBC
        India's network.
    •   The partnership aims to enhance the accessibility and availability of comprehensive insurance
        solutions across India.
    •   It is expected to help increase insurance penetration in the country.
About SBI General Insurance :
    •   Founded : 2009
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO : Naveen Chandra Jha
    •   It is a joint venture between State Bank of India (SBI) and Insurance Australia Group (IAG).
About HSBC India :
    •   Founded : 1853
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   CEO : Hitendra Dave
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    •   It is a foreign bank under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and thus is regulated by the Reserve
        Bank of India (RBI).
New Insider Trading Rules for Mutual Funds Effective November 1, 2024 to Boost Asset Management
Companies Transparency
    •   The Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified
        November 1, 2024 as the effective date for the implementation of insider trading rules aimed at
        enhancing the integrity and transparency within asset management companies (AMCs).
    •   Insider trading, or insider dealing, is the unethical practice of buying or selling securities, such as
        stocks or bonds, by individuals with privileged access to confidential information about a
        company.
    •   This includes employees, directors, executives, and promoters of the company.
About SEBI :
    •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
        1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
        the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Controller General of Accounts Data Reveals Centre's Fiscal Deficit at 8.4% of FY25 Target for Q1,
Driven by Reduced Capital Expenditure and High RBI Dividends
    •   According to the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), a sharp reduction
        in capital expenditure (capex) during election months and record-high dividend from the Reserve
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        Bank of India (RBI) led to a decrease in the central government’s fiscal deficit to 8.41% of the full-
        year target for the April-June quarter (Q1) of 2024-25 (FY25).
    •   In absolute terms, the fiscal deficit was ₹1,35,712 crore as of June-end.
    •   In Q1 FY24, the fiscal deficit was 25.3% of the full-year target, whereas in Q1 FY25, it stood at
        8.1%
ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund Launches Nifty Metal ETF to Track Nifty Metal Index Performance
    •   ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has announced the launch of the ICICI Prudential Nifty Metal ETF,
        designed to track the performance of the Nifty Metal Index.
    •   The new fund offer (NFO) provides investors with an opportunity to gain exposure to a diverse
        range of companies in the metal sector.
    •   The ETF aims to provide returns that correspond to the Nifty Metal Index, subject to tracking
        errors.
    •   The index includes a maximum of 15 stocks from the metal sector, encompassing both ferrous
        and non-ferrous metals, selected from the Nifty 500 based on market value.
About ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund :
    •   Founded : 1993
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •   MD & CEO : Nimesh Shah
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    •    It is an Indian asset management company founded as a joint venture between ICICI Bank and
         Prudential plc.
Reserve Bank of India Reports 97.92% of ₹2,000 Banknotes in Circulation Returned by July 31, 2024
    •    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that 97.92% of ₹2,000 banknotes in circulation as of
         May 19, 2023, have been returned by July 31, 2024.
    •    The total value of ₹2,000 notes in circulation reduced from ₹3.56 lakh crore on May 19, 2023, to
         ₹7,409 crore by July 31, 2024.
    •    Legal Tender Status:Despite the withdrawal, ₹2,000 banknotes continue to be legal tender.
    •    Reason for Withdrawal:The withdrawal was due to the infrequent use of ₹2,000 notes for
         transactions.
RBL Bank introduces RuPay credit cards featuring Unified Payments Interface and National Common
Mobility Card functionalities
    •    RBL Bank has announced the integration of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and National
         Common Mobility Card (NCMC) services on RuPay Credit Cards it sells.
    •    The offering combines multiple payment capabilities into a single card.
    •    Features:UPI Payments: Users can make seamless and secure payments through UPI.
    •    NCMC: Facilitates hassle-free travel with the NCMC feature.
    •    Flexibility: The card combines multiple payment capabilities into one, offering flexibility for daily
         expenses and travel.
About RBL Bank (formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited) :
    •    Founded : August 1943
    •    Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •    MD & CEO : R Subramaniakumar
Asian Development Bank to Provide $200 Million Loan to India for Solid Waste Management in 100
Cities
    •    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed a $200 million
         (approximately ₹1,700 crore) loan for solid waste management and sanitation improvements in
         100 cities across 8 states in India.
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    •   Signatories:The loan agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Finance
        Ministry, and Mio Oka, Country Director for ADB’s India Resident Mission.
    •   Programme Name:The initiative is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0 - Comprehensive
        Municipal Waste Management in Indian Cities Program.
    •   Objectives:Enhancing sanitation and solid waste management infrastructure, including waste
        segregation, collection, and disposal.
About ADB :
    •   Established : 1966
    •   Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
    •   President : Masatsugu Asakawa
    •   Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
        and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Write-Offs in Scheduled Commercial Banks Drop by Over 27% to ₹1.70 Lakh Crore by FY 2023-24
    •   As per the data presented in the Lok Sabha showed, write-offs in scheduled commercial banks
        have decreased over the last five years to just over ₹1.70 lakh crore at the end of FY 2023-24
        from over ₹2.34 lakh crore in FY 2019-20, reflecting a decline of more than 27%.
    •   In December 2023 the government informed Parliament that, against an aggregate loan write-off
        of ₹10.42 lakh crore, PSBs recovered ₹1.61 lakh crore from written-off loans from financial year
        2014-15 till 2022-23.
    •   Figures for recovery under write-offs for FY24 have not been made available so far.
State Bank of India Q1FY25 Net Profit Up 0.9% to ₹17,035 Crore, Net Interest Income Increases by
5.7%
    •   State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, reported a muted growth in its net profit of
        0.89% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) for April-June 2024 due to erosion in net interest margins and a dip
        in other income and a sharp rise in loan loss provisions.
    •   The bank posted a net profit of Rs 17,035 crore during the Q1 of FY25 compared to Rs
        16,884.29 crore during the previous financial year.
    •   Sequentially, net profit decreased by 17.70% from ₹20,698 crore in Q4FY24.
    •   Loan Loss Provisions:Loan loss provisions increased significantly by 70.37% Y-o-Y to ₹4,518
        crore in Q1FY25.
About SBI :
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J&K Government Receives ₹7,900 Crore from Central Government to Settle Dues with J&K Bank
    •   The Union government has granted Rs 7,900 crore to the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and
        Kashmir to clear its outstanding dues with the J&K Bank.
    •   The allocated funds have been specifically included in the J&K budget to address and clear the
        dues of the J&K government with the J&K Bank.
    •   Overall Budget Allocation: For the financial year 2024-25, the Union government has allocated a
        total of Rs 42,277.74 crore for Jammu and Kashmir, which represents a 1.2% increase from the
        previous year’s allocation.
About J&K Bank :
    •   Founded : 1 October 1938
    •   Headquarters : Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
    •   MD & CEO : Baldev Prakash
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Fines HDFC Life Rs 2 Crore for Regulatory
Violations
    •   The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a penalty of
        ₹1 crore on HDFC Life Insurance Company for violation of various norms.
    •   Additionally, a penalty of Rs 1 crore was imposed for irregularities concerning the outsourcing of
        services by the company.
    •   The penalty was levied after an onsite inspection conducted by IRDAI in September 2020,
        covering the financial years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20.
About IRDAI :
    •   Established : 1999
    •   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
    •   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
    •   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
        of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
        industries in India.
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Public Sector Banks collected approximately ₹8,500 crore in penalties for minimum balance violations
between FY20 and FY24
    •   According to the Ministry of Finance, public sector banks (PSBs) have seen greater than a 34%
        increase in the amount collected for such penalties over the past five years.
    •   Total Amount Collected:From FY 2020 to FY 2024, PSBs collected approximately ₹8,500 crore in
        penalties for not maintaining minimum balance in accounts.
    •   Data Source:Information was provided by the Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, in
        a written response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha.
    •   Banks Imposing Penalties:11 PSBs levy penalties for not maintaining the minimum balance. Key
        banks include:
    •   Punjab National Bank (PNB): ₹633 crore in penalties.
    •   Bank of Baroda: ₹387 crore in penalties.
SWIFT and Axis Bank Launch AI-Driven Pilot to Combat Cross-Border Payments Fraud
    •   Belgium-headquartered Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT),
        the global specialist in financial transactions, is launching an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven pilot
        in partnership with Axis Bank to help combat payments fraud occurring in cross-border
        payments.
    •   Along with global banks, including BNY Mellon, Deutsche Bank, DNB, HSBC, Intesa Sanpaolo
        and Standard Bank, the duo will test the use of secure data collaboration and federated learning
        technologies.
    •   SWIFT is also working towards contributing to the cross-border interoperability of potential
        central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
About SWIFT :
    •   Founded : 3 May 1973
    •   Headquarters : La Hulpe, Belgium
    •   CEO : Javier Perez-Tasso
About Axis Bank :
    •   Established : 3 December 1993
    •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
    •   Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi
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Reserve Bank of India issues "Master Direction on Handling Wilful and Large Defaulters" to guide loan
default management
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the "Master Direction on the Treatment of Wilful
        Defaulters and Large Defaulters" to establish a framework for handling loan defaults.
    •   All Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, and Regional Rural
        Banks)
    •   All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, State Co-operative Banks, Central Co-operative Banks
    •   All India Financial Institutions (e.g., Exim Bank, NABARD, NHB, SIDBI, NaBFID)
Reserve Bank of India Issues Notification on Small Value Loans for Primary (Urban) Co-operative
Banks
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification specifically addressing Small Value Loans
        for Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
    •   The timeline to achieve specified targets has been extended by two years.
    •   Aim : To ensure a significant portion of UCBs' lending is directed towards smaller, more
        manageable loans, promoting financial inclusion and risk mitigation.
    •   Small Value Loans Definition:UCBs must have at least 50% of their aggregate loans and
        advances consisting of Small Value Loans.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Considers Measures to Curb Retail Trading Surge in Futures
and Options
    •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a series of near-term
        measures to prevent speculative trading, such as gambling in index derivatives, which include
        curbing multiple option contract expiries and increasing the size of options contracts.
    •   SEBI proposed that the minimum contract size for index derivative contracts must be revised in
        two phases:
    •   Phase 1: Minimum value of derivatives contract at the time of introduction to be between ₹15
        lakhs to ₹20 lakhs
    •   Phase 2: After six months, the minimum value of the derivatives contract will be between ₹20
        lakhs to ₹30 lakhs.
About SEBI :
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    •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
        1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
        the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
State Bank of India Secures $750 Million Through Offshore Term Loan Facility for Fund Deployment
    •   State Bank of India (SBI), the largest lender in the country, has raised $750 million through a
        Senior Unsecured Syndicated Term Loan Facility.
    •   The funds are intended for deployment in SBI's lending operations.
    •   The facility was initially launched for $350 million in May 2024.
    •   It was oversubscribed 2.2 times due to strong global demand, resulting in the deal being upsized.
About SBI :
    •   Established : 1 July 1955
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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Small Industries Development Bank of India Collaborates with C2treds and UGRO Capital to Boost
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Accessibility
    •   The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with C2treds and UGRO
        Capital to facilitate loans to the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
    •   C2treds offers liquidity to MSMEs within 24 hours via an online bidding process.
    •   C2treds operates under the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) initiative which
        enables the discounting of invoices and is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
        support the MSME sector in India.
About SIDBI:
    •   Established: April 2, 1990
    •   Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
    •   Chairman & MD: Manoj Mittal
    •   Role: Apex regulatory body for licensing and regulating micro, small, and medium enterprise
        finance companies in India.
    •   Jurisdiction: Under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
About UGRO Capital:
    •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   Founder and Managing Director: Shachindra Nath
    •   Specialization: Data-driven co-lending is used to provide customized finance solutions to over
        78,000 MSMEs in India.
Reserve Bank of India Updates Non-Performing Assets Provision Norms for Co-operative Banks to
Ensure Uniformity
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued revised instructions on Bad and Doubtful Debt Reserve
        (BDDR) for cooperative banks to ensure uniformity in the treatment of this reserve for prudential
        purposes.
    ● Reason for Revision: The current procedure of not recognizing the required provisions for Non-
        Performing Assets (NPAs) as an expense in the Profit and Loss (P&L) account is not in line with
        existing Accounting Standards (AS).
    ● The treatment of BDDR for regulatory capital and the calculation of net NPAs varies across
        banks and often deviates from regulatory norms.
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    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on 5 urban cooperative banks
        for failing to comply with various regulatory directions.
    ● The penalties were enforced under RBI's powers conferred by Section 47A(1)(c) of the Banking
        Regulation Act, 1949, alongside Sections 46(4)(i) and 56.
    ● Urban Co-operative Bank Limited., Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh: ₹5 lakh penalty for non-compliance
        with investment norms.
    ● Nagnath Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Hingoli, Maharashtra: ₹1 lakh penalty for failing to
        transfer eligible amounts to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund as per Section 26A.
    ● Shrikrishna Co-operative Bank Limited, Umrer, Maharashtra: ₹2.08 lakh penalty for non-
        compliance with loan and advance regulations related to directors and their relatives.
    ● Alibag Co-operative Urban Bank Limited, Alibag, Maharashtra: ₹2 lakh penalty for
        mismanagement of advances, including sanctioning gold loans beyond regulatory limits.
    ● The Hindustan Co-operative Bank Limited, Mumbai, Maharashtra: ₹4 lakh penalty for violations
        including exposure norms and KYC requirements.
Reserve Bank of India Grants Cross-Border Payment Aggregator License to BillDesk, Amazon Pay, and
Adyen
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a cross-border payment aggregator (PA-CB) licence
        to three companies: BillDesk, Amazon Pay, and Adyen.
    ● On July 22, 2024, Bengaluru-based Cashfree was the first to receive the PA-CB licence.
    ● Purpose of PA-CB Licence: The PA-CB licence allows payment companies to offer services
        related to cross-border payments for export-import transactions.
    ● Payment Aggregator Licence Holders: All five PA-CB licence holders are also payment
        aggregator licence holders, enabling them to provide domestic merchant payment services.
Reserve Bank of India Issues Directive Adjusting Loan Limits Against Shares and Debentures for Urban
Co-operative Banks
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a directive altering the ceiling on loans against shares
        and debentures for Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).
    ● Previous Regulation: The previous ceiling was set at 20% of owned funds.
    ● New Regulation: The new regulation links the ceiling to the Tier I capital of UCBs as of March 31
        of the preceding financial year.
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Reserve Bank of India Report: Informal Finance Remains Strong in Rural India
    ● As per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) Report on Currency and Finance (RCF), Informal
        finance is still thriving in rural India, despite the penetration of the formal financial sector.
    ● Among the total outstanding loans of rural households, 31% is sourced from informal lenders.
    ● The penetration of informal loans is particularly high among the lowest economic strata of
        households.
    ● Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs):As of end-March 2023, the number of operative KCCs stood at 7.4
        crore.
Securities & Exchange Board of India Launches Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Service 'Seva' for
Investors
    •   For investor protection, the Securities & Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has started its Virtual
        Assistant (SEVA) – an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based conversation platform for investors.
    •   The Beta version of the chatbot includes features like citations for generated responses, speech-
        to-text and text-to-speech functionality for accessibility and follow-up questions.
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    •   One 97 Communications (OCL), owner of the Paytm brand, has launched India's first Paytm NFC
        Card Soundbox.
    •   Combines NFC technology with mobile QR payments.
    •   Allows customers to tap a debit or credit card or scan a QR code to make payments.
    •   Equipped with a 10-day battery life, instant audio confirmation, and a display screen for
        transaction amounts.
    •   Paytm had previously pioneered the Soundbox, which provides audio payment notifications.
Retail credit growth moderates to 16.6% in June 2024, shows RBI data
    •   Overall Decline: Retail loan growth slowed to 16.6% YoY in June 2024 from 21.3% YoY in June
        2023.
    •   Personal Loans: Growth in unsecured personal loans dropped to 13.2% YoY from 28.4% YoY.
    •   Housing Loans: Growth in housing loans accelerated to 18.2% YoY from 14.8% YoY.
    •   Overall Growth: Increased by 13.9% YoY in June 2024, down from 16.3% YoY a year ago.
India Ratings raises India’s GDP growth outlook for FY25 to 7.5%
    •   India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has recently revised its GDP growth estimate for the fiscal
        year 2024-25 (FY25) to 7.5%, up from the previous estimate of 7.1%.
    •   This forecast surpasses the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) prediction of 7.2%.
    •   Government Capital Expenditure (Capex): Ongoing growth momentum is supported by
        government capital expenditure, deleveraged balance sheets of corporations and banks, and a
        nascent private corporate capex cycle.
    •   Union Government Budget: The budget includes measures to bolster agricultural and rural
        spending, enhance credit delivery to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and
        incentivize employment creation, which are expected to broaden consumption demand and
        sustain growth momentum.
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Ransomware attack cripples payment systems at nearly 300 small Indian banks
    •   Attack Impact: A ransomware attack on C-Edge Technologies, a major banking technology
        provider in India, has led to the temporary shutdown of payment systems at nearly 300 small
        local banks.
    •   Immediate Response: The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI) has temporarily
        isolated C-Edge Technologies from accessing the retail payments system to contain the attack.
        As a result, customers of affected banks are unable to complete online transactions, such as
        RTGS and UPI payments.
    •   Affected Banks: The ransomware attack primarily impacts small cooperative and regional banks,
        which make up about 0.5% of the country's payment system volumes.
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RBI says NBFC depositors can prematurely withdraw the entire amount within 3 months
    •   Full Withdrawal in Emergencies: NBFCs must pay 100% of the deposit amount within the first
        three months if the depositor cites an emergency.
    •   No Interest on Premature Withdrawals: No interest will be paid on these premature withdrawals.
    •   Effective Date: These changes will be effective from January 1, 2025.
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    •   Guidance on "Critical Illness": The definition of "critical illness" by Irdai will determine eligibility for
        emergency withdrawals.
India's retail inflation slows to 3.5% in July, falls below RBI's target for the first time in 5 years
    •   Inflation Rate: Retail inflation in July 2024 eased to 3.54%, a sharp decline after rising in the
        previous month.
    •   RBI Target: This marks the first time inflation has fallen below the RBI's medium-term target of
        4%.
    •   Historical Context: The inflation rate of 3.54% is the lowest in the last 59 months (nearly five
        years).
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Public Sector Banks' Non-Performing Assets on Mudra Loans Declined to 3.4% in 2023-24 - Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
    •   Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that Public-sector banks’ non-performing
        assets (NPA) associated with the Mudra loan category have declined to 3.4% in 2023-24.
    •   This marks an improvement from 4.77% in FY21, 4.89% in FY20, and 3.76% in FY19.
    •   Non-performing assets (NPAs) are loans or advances for which the principal or interest payment
        remains overdue for 90 days.
    •   NPAs are a critical indicator of the health of the banking sector, as high levels of bad loans
        indicate a higher risk of default, leading to financial instability.
About Mudra Loan Scheme :
    •   Launch: The scheme was launched in 2015 under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).
    •   Objective: To provide financial support to micro and small enterprises.
IDBI Bank stake sale: Fairfax, Emirates NBD, Kotak Mahindra Bank get RBI’s ‘fit and proper’ certificate
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted ‘Fit & Proper’ certificates to three potential suitors
        for IDBI Bank, paving the way for their possible acquisition of the bank.
    •   The candidates include Fairfax Financial Holding Limited (Toronto, Canada), Emirates NBD
        (Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Kotak Mahindra Bank (Mumbai, Maharashtra).
    •   Fairfax and Emirates NBD remain strong contenders in the race for IDBI Bank, as they prepare
        for the next steps in the acquisition process.
About IDBI Bank :
    •   Founded : 1 July 1964
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO : Rakesh Sharma
    •   Owner : Life Insurance Corporation of India (49.24%), Government of India (45.5%)
    •   It is a Scheduled Commercial Bank under the ownership of Life Insurance Corporation of India
        (LIC) and Government of India.
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Google Pay, PhonePe, and Amazon Pay Apply for Inclusion in Reserve Bank of India's Digital Rupee
Initiative
    •   GooglePay, Walmart-backed PhonePe and AmazonPay are among five payment firms seeking
        to join the Indian central bank's digital currency (CBDC) pilot by offering transactions via the e-
        rupee.
    •   Indian fintech firms Cred and Mobikwik are the other two that have applied to join the pilot.
    •   The five payment firms collectively account for over 85% of digital payments via the UPI, which
        processes about 13 billion transactions monthly.
Finance Ministry Directs State-Owned General Insurance Companies to Prioritize Profitable Business
Segments
    •   The finance ministry has asked state-owned general insurance companies to focus on profitable
        businesses and not to chase top-line but aim for improving profitability.
    •   The government has infused Rs 7,250 crore in instalments into three public sector general
        insurance companies:
    •   National Insurance Company Limited
    •   Oriental Insurance Company Limited
    •   United India Insurance Company
    •   These three general insurance companies have improved their financial performance
        significantly.
Ageas Federal Life Insurance Teams Up with PhonePe to Provide Instant Term Insurance
    •   Ageas Federal Life Insurance is joining forces with PhonePe to offer Instant Term insurance to
        their wide-ranging customers.
    •   Eligibility: Users aged 18 to 45 can apply for the 'Ageas Federal Life Insurance Group Term Plan'
        directly through the PhonePe app.
    •   Application Process:No medical tests or lengthy documentation required.
    •   Simplified application process through the PhonePe platform.
About Ageas Federal Life Insurance :
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO : Vignesh Shahane
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About PhonePe :
    •   Founded : 2015
    •   Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    •   CEO : Sameer Nigam
SEBI Introduces India's 1st Passive Funds Website at National Stock Exchange and Releases Capital
Markets Report
    •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched India’s first website for passive
        funds at the National Stock Exchange (NSE), along with unveiling a comprehensive report on the
        Indian Capital Markets.
    •   The website provides a comprehensive platform for retail investors and empowers them to easily
        access information and understand the Indian passive funds industry.
About SEBI :
    •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
        1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
        the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
India and World Bank Sign Agreement for $500 Million Loan to Construct 781 km of Green National
Highway Corridors in Four States
    •   The Government of India (GoI) and the World Bank have signed an agreement for the Green
        National Highway Corridors Project (GNHCP).
    •   The project covers a total length of 781 km across Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh,
        and Andhra Pradesh.
    •   The World Bank is providing loan assistance of USD 500 million, while the total project cost is
        USD 1288.24 million (Rs. 7,662.47 crore).
    •   The scheduled completion date for the last package of the GNHCP project is May 2026.
About World Bank :
    •   Established : July 7, 1944
    •   Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
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HDFC Securities Partners with Vested Finance to Provide Global Investment Opportunities for Indians
and Non-Resident Indians
    •   HDFC Securities, a leading stock broking company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of HDFC
        Bank, has announced a strategic tie-up with Vested Finance, a popular US-based investment
        platform, for democratising global investing for Indians and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).
    •   Global Investing 2.0:Features: This initiative will offer enhanced protection, innovative features,
        and deep portfolio diversification to investors.
About HDFC Securities :
    •   Founded : 2000
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO : Dhiraj Relli
Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Meeting: RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.5%
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das announced the third bi-monthly
        Monetary Policy for FY25, August 8, 2024.
    •   The RBI Governor-headed six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the
        benchmark repo rate unchanged at 6.5% and maintain the policy stance of ‘withdrawal of
        accommodation’.
    •   The MPC voted by a 4 to 2 majority to keep the policy rate unchanged. RBI retained real GDP
        growth estimates for FY25 at 7.2%, and CPI inflation projection at 4.5%.
About RBI :
    •   Founded : 1 April 1935
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    •   Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
        Patra
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Reserve Bank of India Extends Interest Subvention Scheme for Agricultural Loans Up to Rs 3 Lakhs via
Kisan Credit Card
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS)
        for short-term loans for agriculture and allied activities available through Kisan Credit Card (KCC)
        for the financial year 2024-25.
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    •   Loan Limit and Interest Rates:Farmers can avail of loans up to Rs 3 lakh at a concessional
        interest rate of 7%.
    •   An additional interest subvention of 3% per annum is provided to farmers who repay loans on
        time, reducing the effective interest rate to 4%.
Reserve Bank of India Increases Unified Payments Interface Transaction Limit for Tax Payments to Rs
5 Lakh
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the upper limit for tax payments through the Unified
        Payments Interface (UPI) from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per transaction.
    ● This move is aimed at boosting digital payments and facilitating larger transactions, particularly
        for tax payments.
    ● The decision was made during the 50th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
About RBI :
    ● Founded : 1 April 1935
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    ● Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
        Patra
Reserve Bank of India mandates Fortnightly Credit Information Reporting to Enhance Transparency
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to increase the frequency of reporting of credit
        information by lenders, including Banks and Non Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs), to Credit
        Information Companies (CICs) from monthly intervals to fortnightly basis or shorter intervals.
    ● This will be effective from January 1, 2025.
    ● This is aimed at providing a more up-to-date picture of a borrower’s indebtedness.
India's Forex Reserves Reach Record High of $675 Billion: Reserve Bank of India Governor
Shaktikanta Das
    ● India's foreign exchange reserves reached an all-time high of $675 billion as of August 2, 2024,
        indicating strong external sector performance.
    ● The previous all-time high was $670.86 billion as of July 19.
    ● Recent data showed that the reserves dipped by $3.47 billion to $667.39 billion for the week
        ending on July 26, 2024.
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Reserve Bank of India Introduces Continuous Cheque Clearing Under Cheque Truncation System
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed continuous clearing of cheques under the
        Cheque Truncation System (CTS) with 'on-realisation-settlement', replacing the current two-
        working-day clearing cycle.
    ● Presently, cheque clearing through CTS operates in a batch processing mode, taking up to T+1
        days for settlement.
Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and UCO Bank Increase Marginal Cost of Funds
Based Lending Rate by 5 Basis Points
    •   Bank of Baroda (BoB), Canara Bank, and UCO Bank have increased their Marginal Cost of
        Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) by 5 basis points across selected tenors following the
        Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) monetary policy statement.
    •   This hike reflects the increase in the cost of funds for these banks.
    •   UCO Bank, based in Kolkata, also reduced the Treasury bill benchmark-linked rates by 5-15
        basis points.
About Bank of Baroda (BoB) :
    •   Established : 20 July 1908
    •   Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
    •   MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
    •   Tagline : India's International Bank
About Canara Bank :
    •   Established : 1906
    •   Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    •   MD & CEO : K Satyanarayana Raju
    •   Tagline : Together We Can
About UCO Bank, formerly United Commercial Bank)
    •   Established : 6 January 1943
    •   Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    •   MD & CEO : Ashwani Kumar
Life Insurance Corporation of India to Invest Approximately ₹1.30 Lakh Crore in Stock Market in FY25
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    •   Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) plans to make fresh investments of approximately ₹1.30
        trillion in equities during FY25.
    •   In Q1 FY25 (April-June), LIC invested about ₹38,000 crore in shares, compared to ₹23,300 crore
        in the same period last year.
    •   LIC earned a profit of ₹15,500 crore from its equity investments in Q1 FY25, marking a 13.5%
        increase quarter-on-quarter.
About LIC :
    •   Founded : 1 September 1956
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Government Urges State-Run Banks to Help Regional Rural Banks Upgrade Technology and Join
National Payment Corporation of India's Direct Benefit Transfer Platform
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    •   The government has instructed state-run banks to assist regional rural banks (RRBs) in
        upgrading their technology and onboarding them to the National Payment Corporation of India's
        (NPCI) BASE platform, which facilitates the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) program.
    •   Several cooperative banks and RRBs were impacted by a ransomware attack on C-Edge
        Technologies, a technology service provider, in the previous week.
About NPCI :
    •   Founded : 2008
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
    •   The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
        India.
    •   It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
        provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
        Settlement Infrastructure in India.
National Payments Corporation of India Reports Monthly Unified Payments Interface Credit
Disbursements of Nearly ₹10,000 Crore
    •   The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is seeing significant growth in the use of its
        Unified Payments Interface (UPI) credit feature, with monthly transactions now reaching
        approximately Rs 10,000 crore.
    •   The increase is largely due to the integration of credit card features into UPI, allowing users to
        link credit cards to the app and consolidate payments into their monthly credit card bills.
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Reserve Bank of India Releases Draft Guidelines to Streamline Onboarding and Monitoring of Aadhaar
Enabled Payment System (AePS) Operators to Combat Fraud
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    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines for streamlining the onboarding and
        monitoring of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) operators to counter frauds perpetuated
        through the ecosystem.
    •   Compliance Timeline : Banks and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) are
        required to comply with these directions within three months from the date of issue of the
        guidelines.
    •   Due Diligence Requirements : Acquiring banks, which onboard AePS touchpoint operators, will
        be required to carry out due diligence in the form of Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines for all
        the operators they take onboard.
Reserve Bank of India Issues Master Directions on Cyber Resilience and Digital Payment Security
Controls for Non-Bank Payment System Operators
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released Master Directions on ‘Cyber Resilience and Digital
        Payment Security Controls’ for non-bank payment system operators (PSOs).
    •   These Directions aim to improve the safety and security of the payment systems operated by
        PSOs by providing a framework for overall information security preparedness with an emphasis
        on cyber resilience.
    •   The provisions of these Directions shall apply to all authorised non-bank PSOs.
Reserve Bank of India Proposes Alternative Authentication Methods for Digital Payments, Including
PIN, Biometrics, and Software Tokens
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed alternate methods of additional factor authentication
        (AFA) for digital payments including password, PIN, software tokens and biometrics like
        fingerprints.
    •   Traditionally, SMS-based OTP (One-Time Password) has been the primary method for AFA.
    •   However, advancements in technology now offer alternative methods.
Reserve Bank of India Proposes Guidelines for Managing Model Risks in Credit Regulation
    •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed to lay down principles for management of model risks
        in credit for banks and other regulated entities with a view to ensuring prudence and robustness.
    •   Regulated Entities (REs) generally use various models as part of their credit management,
        including for credit appraisal, borrower scoring, pricing, and risk management, among others.
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Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy Committee Proposes New Process to Accelerate Cheque
Clearance to a Few Hours
    •   The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed clearing
        cheques in just a few hours, broadening efforts to improve customer service at banks.
    •   Cheques will be scanned, presented, and passed in a few hours and on a continuous basis
        during business hours.
    •   Currently, Cheque Truncation System (CTS) processes cheques with a clearing cycle of up to
        two working days.
Bank Locker Rules: Allowed and Banned Items, Bank Responsibilities, and Locker Usage Guidelines
    •   Bank lockers provide a secure way to store valuable items, but there are specific guidelines on
        what can and cannot be kept inside them.
    •   The bank is responsible for losses due to its own negligence or fraudulent actions, with
        compensation up to one hundred times the annual locker rent in such cases.
    •   Permitted Items : Under the updated bank locker agreement, you are allowed to store valuable
        items such as jewellery, important documents, property papers, birth or marriage certificates,
        insurance policies, savings bonds, and other confidential materials in bank lockers.
PSU Banks' Fraud Compensation Surges More Than Threefold to Rs 140 Crore
    •   Public sector banks' compensation for frauds and electronic frauds increased over three-fold to
        Rs 140 crore in FY 2023-24, compared to Rs 42.70 crore in the previous fiscal year.
    •   Union Bank of India led with Rs 74.96 crore in compensation payments.
    •   Bank of India paid Rs 20.38 crore.
    •   Indian Bank paid Rs 16.16 crore.
DBS Bank India Launches 'DBS Golden Circle', a Premium Banking Program for Senior Citizens
    •   DBS Bank India has announced the launch of ‘DBS Golden Circle’, a comprehensive priority
        banking program meticulously designed to cater to the unique needs of senior citizens.
    •   Senior citizens can earn up to 7% per annum on savings account balances between INR 4 lakhs
        and INR 5 lakhs.
    •   Fixed Deposit Rates:Enhanced interest rates of 0.50% per annum are offered on fixed deposits
        with tenures ranging from 376 to 540 days.
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Axis Bank and Visa Launch Exclusive Credit Card 'PRIMUS' For India's Elite
    ●   Axis Bank has introduced the Primus Credit Card, a super premium offering designed for ultra-
        high-net-worth individuals (UHNW).
    ●   The Primus Credit Card is available by invitation only, and cannot be applied for.
    ●   It was launched at the ‘Axis Bank PRIMUS Soiree’ in New Delhi and Mumbai, attended by elite
        corporate leaders and celebrities.
Card Features:
    ●   Annual Fee: ₹1.80 lakh
    ●   Interest Rate: 1% per month (12.68% annually)
    ●   Zero Charges: No cash withdrawal charges, late payment fees, over-limit penalties, or forex
        charges.
    ●   Fuel Surcharge Waiver: 1% on transactions between ₹400 and ₹10,000 per statement cycle.
About Axis Bank:
    ● Founded: 3 December 1993 (originally as UTI Bank)
    ● Headquarters: Axis House, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
    ● Chairperson: Shri Rakesh Makhija
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    ●   NBSL will focus on promoting financial inclusion and enhancing India's digital payment
        ecosystem.
Objectives:
    ●   Strengthen the digital payment infrastructure in India.
    ●   Support innovation and adapt to rapidly changing customer preferences.
    ●   Reflect national pride and contribute to developing a sovereign digital payments framework.
IBBI Mandates Unique ID for Valuation Reports Under IBC
    ●   The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has introduced a new requirement for
        valuation reports under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016.
    ●   Effective from August 12, 2024, all valuation reports must include a unique Valuation Report
        Identification Number (VRIN).
Purpose and Benefits:
    ●   Integrity and Traceability: The VRIN will enhance the authenticity and traceability of valuation
        reports, improving the overall integrity of the insolvency resolution process.
    ●   Global Best Practices: This move aligns with international standards in the insolvency and
        bankruptcy domain.
VRIN Details:
    ●   A unique identifier is assigned to each valuation report to ensure it can be tracked and verified.
    ●   Generated through an online module on the IBBI's website, using existing credentials.
Mandatory Requirements:
    ●   RVs and RVEs must generate and display the VRIN on the front page of each valuation report.
    ●   The presence of VRIN is required for the report to be considered valid.
About IBBI:
    ●   Formed: 1 October 2016 (7 years ago)
    ●   Jurisdiction: Government of India
    ●   Headquarters: New Delhi
    ●   Chairperson: Ravi Mittal
    ●   Parent Department: Ministry of Corporate Affairs
RBL Bank Announces Vijay Fixed Deposits To Honour 78th Independence Day
    ●   RBL Bank has introduced the Special Edition of ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits,’ designed to honour the
        78th year of independence and appreciate service members.
    ●   The ‘Vijay Fixed Deposits’ feature a distinctive 500-day tenor for deposits under ₹3 crore.
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    ●   This special edition offers competitive interest rates tailored for different customer segments.
Interest Rates:
    ●   Super Senior Citizens: 8.85% p.a.
    ●   Senior Citizens: 8.60% p.a.
    ●   Regular Fixed Deposit: 8.1% p.a.
About RBL Bank:
    ●   Formerly Known: Ratnakar Bank Limited
    ●   Founded: August 1943
    ●   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ●   MD & CEO: R Subramaniakumar
Ather Energy turns unicorn after $71 million funding from NIIF
    ●   Ather Energy, an electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has secured $71 million in a new funding
        round led by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), taking its valuation to $1.3
        billion, making it a unicorn.
Funding Details:
    ●   The company has been actively raising funds since late 2023.
    ●   In May 2024, Ather raised ₹286 crore ($34 million) through a mix of debt and equity, with major
        contributions from Stride Ventures and the company’s co-founders.
    ●   In September 2023, Hero MotoCorp, an existing shareholder, announced a ₹550 crore
        investment in Ather.
    ●   In October 2022, Ather raised $50 million in equity funding led by Caladium Investment Pte Ltd
        and Herald Square Ventures.
About Unicorn:
    ●   Unicorn is the term used in the venture capital industry to describe a startup company valued at
        over $1 billion.
    ●   The term was first coined by venture capitalist Aileen Lee in 2013.
    ●   Some notable unicorns include Uber Technologies Inc. (UBER), Robinhood Markets Inc.
        (HOOD), and Maplebear Inc. (CART), better known as Instacart.
    ●   Investing in unicorns involves high risks and potentially high rewards.
    ●   The term is also used in human resources for seeking a person who is overqualified and
        underpaid for a position.
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Finance ministry exempts UIDAI from payment of income tax for 5 years
    ● The finance ministry has exempted the income of the Unique Identification Authority of India
        (UIDAI) from payment of income tax for five years, extending until the fiscal year 2027-28.
Details of the Exemption
The following sources of income for UIDAI are exempt from income tax:
    ●   Grants/subsidies received from the central government.
    ●   Fees/subscriptions, including RTI fee, tender fee, sale of scrap, and PVC card.
    ●   Authentication, enrolment, and updation service charges.
    ●   Term/fixed deposits and interest on bank deposits.
Notification Issued
    ● The exemption was formalized through a notification issued by the Central Board of Direct Taxes
        (CBDT) under the Ministry of Finance.
    ● The notification will apply for the assessment years 2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-
        2028, and 2028-2029.
About UIDAI
    ● UIDAI is a statutory authority established under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, tasked with ensuring
        compliance with the Act and making regulations and rules consistent with it.
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    ●   Rates for one-month, three-month, and six-month tenors range from 8.35% to 8.55%, and the
        MCLR on the overnight tenor is 8.30%.
    ●   The new PNB rates became effective from August 1, 2024.
What is MCLR:
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sets a fixed internal reference rate known as the Marginal Cost
        of Funds Based Lending Rate (MCLR) for banks.
    ● This rate serves as the minimum interest rate below which banks and lending institutions under
        RBI cannot lend money.
    ● The MCLR is used by banks to determine the minimum interest rate applicable to various loan
        types, ensuring that lending rates are aligned with the current economic conditions
Banks bat for frequent Lok Adalats to settle small-value loans
    ● Banks have urged the government to organize more frequent Lok Adalats through Debt
        Recovery Tribunals (DRTs) to address distressed loans outside of court.
    ● Public sector banks (PSBs) believe that increasing the frequency of these adalats will accelerate
        the process of loan recovery.
    ● Under existing laws, cases where the loan outstanding does not exceed ₹20 lakh can be taken to
        Lok Adalat for amicable resolution.
    ● In FY23, approximately 14.2 million cases involving ₹1.88 lakh crore were referred to Lok
        Adalats, recovering around ₹3,831 crore.
What is Lok Adalat:
    ● Lok Adalat is meant for conciliated settlement of disputes outside Courts. It is also called
        People's Court.
    ● It provides fair and uncomplicated justice.
    ● Family disputes like property requisition, financial disputes and matrimonial issues are widely and
        effectively solved by the Lok Adalats.
RBL and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Join Mid-Tier Banks in Competitive Race for New Fixed Deposit
Schemes
        ●     Several mid-tier banks, including RBL Bank, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM), Federal Bank,
        and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB), have introduced special fixed deposit (FD) schemes to
        increase deposit growth.
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Note: All interest rates mentioned are for a limited period only.
Reserve Bank of India Approves Tata Capital’s Transition to an NBFC Investment Credit Company
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    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Tata Capital Limited's (TCL) conversion from a
       Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC)–Core Investment Company (CIC) to an NBFC–
       Investment Credit Company (ICC).
    ● The conversion marks Tata Capital's transition from a holding company under the CIC structure
       to an operating company, potentially paving the way for its future public listing.
    ● Tata Capital Limited has merged Tata Cleantech Capital and Tata Capital Financial Services
       (TCFS) with itself, consolidating its operations under the new NBFC–ICC structure.
    ● Net Owned Fund (NOF) Requirements for NBFCs: General Requirement: RBI has specified a
       minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of ₹10 crores as required for certain categories of NBFCs to
       commence or continue business from October 1, 2022.
About Tata Capital Limited :
    ● Founded : 2007
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO : Rajiv Sabharwal
RBI Imposes Fines on 5 Entities, Including CSB Bank, Union Bank, and Muthoot Housing Finance for
Regulatory Breaches
       ●      The Reserve Bank of India imposed penalties on 5 entities, including CSB Bank, Union
       Bank of India and Muthoot Housing Finance for contravention of various regulatory norms.
Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited
       ●      Penalty: ₹5,00,000
       ●      Reason: Non-compliance with 'Governance' provisions of the 'Non-Banking Financial
       Company - Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021'.
       ●      Specific Issue: Failure to obtain RBI's prior written permission for a change in
       management, leading to a change of more than 30% of its directors (excluding independent
       directors).
       ●      Legal Basis: Section 52A of the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.
Union Bank of India
       ●      Penalty: ₹1,06,40,000
       ●      Reason: Non-compliance with RBI directions on 'Creation of a Central Repository of Large
       Common Exposures-Across Banks’ and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’.
       ●      Specific Issues:
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Reserve Bank of India Levies Fines on Bank of Maharashtra, Hinduja Leyland Finance, and Poonawalla
Fincorp for Compliance Violations
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on 3 financial institutions for
       various lapses.
    ● The three financial institutions include the Bank of Maharashtra, Hinduja Leyland Finance, and
       Poonawalla Fincorp.
Bank of Maharashtra:
    ● Penalty Amount: ₹1,27,20,000 (₹1.27 crore).
    ● Reasons: Non-compliance with RBI directions on:
           ➢ Loan System for Delivery of Bank Credit
           ➢ Cyber Security Framework in Banks
           ➢ Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines
    ● Regulatory Basis: Section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Banking
       Regulation Act, 1949.
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    ● Sanjay Vinayak Mudaliar, Executive Director of Bank of Baroda (BoB), inaugurated the ‘phygital’
       branch at ChandaNagar, Hyderabad.
    ● The branch integrates self-service and assisted service models to cater to the diverse
       requirements of customers.
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    ● The first phygital branch was launched on July 20 at Horniman Circle, Mumbai, Maharashtra
       coinciding with the bank's 117th foundation day.
    ● Another programme that was launched by Bank of Baroda is Baroda mDigiNext Mobile App for
       Corporate Banking customers, Bank of Baroda is launching an enhanced version of UPI
       Payments PSP app – bobइPay.
    ● Bank of Baroda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with EaseMyTrip to introduce a co-
       branded Travel Debit Card, Bank of Baroda is giving a renewed impetus to Baroda Sun
       Technologies, a fully-owned subsidiary of the Bank.
About BoB :
    ● Founded : 20 July 1908
    ● Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
    ● MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
    ● Tagline : India's International Bank
Reserve Bank of India Publishes July 2024 Bi-Monthly Consumer Confidence Survey Results
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the results of its bi-monthly Consumer Confidence
       Survey (CCS) for July 2024.
About the Survey :
    ● The survey collects current perceptions (vis-?-vis a year ago) and one year ahead expectations
       of households on general economic situation, employment scenario, overall price situation,
       income, and spending across 19 major cities.
    ● The latest round of the survey was conducted during July 2-11, 2024, covering 6,062
       respondents.
    ● Female respondents accounted for 54.4% of this sample.
    ● RBI noted that consumer confidence for current period declined for the second consecutive
       survey round after prolonged rising trend in the post-Covid period; their sentiments on major
       parameters, except spending, moderated and, as a result, the current situation index (CSI)
       declined to 93.9 in July 2024 from 97.1 two months earlier.
Top 10 Most Wealthy Central Banks Worldwide in 2024
    ● Central banks play a crucial role in maintaining economic stability and growth by implementing
       stable monetary policy and ensuring financial stability.
    ● Globally, they have specialised departments dedicated to regulation and supervision, staffed with
       experts who monitor compliance with established financial laws and regulations.
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        ● They are responsible for managing a country’s monetary policy, controlling inflation, regulating
           the financial system, and overseeing the stability of the currency.
        ● According to the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI),
           India’s central banking institution, ranks 12th among the world’s central banks by total assets.
        ● According to the SWFI report, the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America ranks
           as the world’s richest central bank, with assets worth $7.84 trillion.
        ● It is followed by the People's Bank of China, Bank of Japan, Deutsche Bundesbank and Bank of
           France.
        ● Notably, European central banks dominate the list of the world’s richest central banks, occupying
           seven of the top ten spots.
        ● Collectively, these European institutions have a combined worth of $11.09 trillion.
        ● In the list which comprises names of 100 central banks, the Bank of Ghana and Central Bank of
           Paraguay are ranked 99th and 100 respectively.
    Top 10 central banks of the world by total assets :
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    Reserve Bank of India Implements Stricter Regulations for Peer-to-Peer Lending Platforms to Enhance
    Transparency
        ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cautioned non-banking financial company – peer-to-peer
           (NBFC-P2P) lending platforms that they cannot promote P2P lending as an investment product
           with features such as tenure-linked assured minimum returns, and liquidity options.
        ● An NBFC-P2P cannot utilise funds of a lender for replacement of any other lender(s).
        ● Currently, there are 26 NBFC-P2P lending platforms in India.
        ● Lending Exposure Cap: The total exposure of a lender to all borrowers across P2P platforms is
           capped at ₹50 lakhs, and if a lender’s exposure exceeds ₹10 lakhs, a certificate of minimum ₹50
           lakhs net worth from a practising Chartered Accountant is required.
    Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes to Broaden Sustainable Finance Framework in
    Securities Market
        ● The Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the
           expansion of the sustainable finance framework in the securities market by introducing a new
           category of financial instruments.
        ● The new categories include Green Debt Securities, Social Bonds, Sustainable Bonds, and
           Sustainability-Linked Bonds, collectively referred to as ESG Debt Securities.
        ● The expansion aims to provide issuers with greater flexibility to raise funds for projects that align
           with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives.
    Top 3 Providers Handled 93% of Unified Payments Interface Transactions in July 2024: National
    Payments Corporation of India
        ● According to data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the top three players
           on India’s flagship payments platform, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), processed 93% of all
           such transactions in July 2024.
    UPI Transaction Data for July 2024 :
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      ● According to the latest “Men and Women” report released by the National Statistical Office
         (NSO), only 20.8% or around a fifth of the total amount of bank deposits in India belongs to
         women account holders.
      ● This is despite the fact that 36.4% of all bank accounts, adding up to 917.7 million accounts in
         India are owned by women.
      ● The total amount of money held by women account holders amounted to ₹39 trillion, out of the
         total ₹187 trillion.
      ● Deposits by Area : In urban areas, women hold 16.5% of total deposits, equivalent to ₹1.9 trillion.
Fintech Company Navi Partners with Karnataka Bank to Launch Credit Line via UPI
      ● Private sector lender Karnataka Bank has partnered with Sachin Bansal-founded Navi to launch
         credit lines on Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based transactions.
      ● Karnataka Bank will provide credit lines to Navi’s users.
      ● The product is currently offered to a closed group of pre-qualified users, and it will be rolled out to
         more users based on customer feedback.
      ● The announcement comes as credit transactions on India's flagship payments platform, Unified
         Payments Interface (UPI), are reaching Rs 10,000 crore each month, out of which about Rs 100
         to 200 crore come from the credit line on UPI products.
      ● The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched the credit line on UPI last year,
         targeting low-ticket, high-volume retail loans for individuals and businesses.
About Karnataka Bank :
      ● Founded : 18 February 1924
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    ● ICICI Bank has formulated a long-term vision for enhancing sustainability and becoming carbon
        neutral in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by financial year 2032.
    ● Emission Categories:
           ➢ Scope 1 Emissions: Direct emissions owned or controlled by the company.
           ➢ Scope 2 Emissions: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity.
           ➢ Scope 3 Emissions: Indirect emissions that result from the company’s activities but are not
               directly owned or controlled by it.
    ● Tree Plantation : According to the report titled "Being Responsible, Being Sustainable, ICICI
        Bank ESG Report 2023-24 ICICI Bank, through its philanthropic arm, the ICICI Foundation for
        Inclusive Growth, planted more than 1.1 million trees in the financial year 2024.
About ICICI Bank :
    ● Founded : 5 January 1994
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● Chairman : Girish Chandra Chaturvedi
    ● MD & CEO : Sandeep Bakhshi
Unified Payments Interface Transactions Exceed ₹20 Trillion for Third Consecutive Month in July 2024
    ● India’s flagship payments platform, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), reported a 45% year-on-
        year (Y-o-Y) growth in transaction volume to reach 14.44 billion in July, 2024.
    ● The value of UPI transactions increased by 35% Y-o-Y, totaling ₹20.64 trillion in July.
    ● This is the third consecutive month where UPI transaction values have exceeded ₹20 trillion.
    ● Previous values were ₹20.07 trillion in June and ₹20.44 trillion in May.
About UPI :
    ●   UPI is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application.
    ●   It is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
    ●   It was introduced in April 2016.
Outward remittances under Reserve Bank of India’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) declined by
24% to $6.9 billion in Q1 FY25
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    ● Outward remittances under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) Liberalised Remittance Scheme
       (LRS) dropped by 24.39% year-on-year to $6.9 billion in Q1 FY25, compared to $9.1 billion in the
       same period the previous year.
    ● June 2024 Remittances: Overall remittances in June 2024 fell by around 44% year-on-year to
       $2.18 billion, with declines observed across most categories.
    ● Surge in Q1 FY24: In Q1 FY24, there was a surge in outward remittances due to changes in tax
       collection at source (TCS) norms on LRS, which were set to take effect on July 1, 2023, but later
       deferred to October 1, 2023.
    ● About LRS scheme : The LRS scheme, introduced in 2004, allows resident individuals to remit
       up to $250,000 per financial year for permissible current or capital account transactions.
    ● Category-wise Remittance Declines:International Travel: Dropped by 6% to $3.8 billion in Q1
       FY25 from $4.07 billion in Q1 FY24.
    ● Maintenance of Relatives: Fell by 46% year-on-year to $983.2 million.
    ● Gifts: Decreased by nearly 41% to $811.9 million.
    ● Investments in Equity and Debt: Declined to $318.02 million from $503.73 million.
    ● Deposits: Dropped by 61% year-on-year to $164.7 million.
    ● Overseas Education: Decreased by nearly 14% to $596.08 million.
    ● Categories with Increases:Medical Treatment: Rose by 43.5% year-on-year to $24.46 million.
    ● Donations: Increased by 3.6% to $4.29 million.
Reserve Bank of India Study Forecasts Private Capex to Rise to ₹2.45 Trillion in FY25
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) study forecasts that private sector capital expenditure (capex)
       could rise to ₹2.45 trillion in FY25, up from ₹1.59 trillion in FY24.
    ● Record Sanctioned Projects:In FY24, banks and financial institutions sanctioned projects totaling
       a record ₹3.90 trillion.
           ➢ 54% of this amount was planned to be invested by the end of FY23.
           ➢ 30% is earmarked for FY25.
           ➢ The remaining 16% is projected for subsequent years.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Chairs Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) Review Meeting in
New Delhi
    ● Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a review
       meeting of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in New Delhi.
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    ● The meeting was also attended by the Secretary-Designate, Department of Financial Services
       (DFS), Additional Secretary, other senior officials from the DFS, representatives of RBI, SIDBI,
       NABARD, Chairpersons of RRBs and CEOs of sponsor banks.
Key Highlights :
    ● Meeting Focus:The review meeting included all 43 RRBs and concentrated on:
           ➢ Business performance
           ➢ Upgrading digital technology services
           ➢ Fostering business growth in MSME clusters
    ● Loan Sanctioning and Beneficiary Identification:The Finance Minister urged RRBs, with support
       from their sponsor banks, to focus on clear identification of beneficiaries for loans under schemes
       like PM Vishwakarma and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
    ● Financial Performance:43 regional rural banks (RRBs) posted a consolidated net profit of ₹7,796
       crore in FY24, up 26% from ₹6,178 crore in FY23, brightening prospects for some to tap the
       capital market, including through an initial public offering (IPO).
    ● RRBs Coverage : As of March-end 2024, there were 43 RRBs (sponsored by 12 scheduled
       commercial banks – 11 public sector banks and Jammu & Kashmir Bank) with 22,069 branches
       spread across 26 States and three Union Territories (Puducherry, Jammu & Kashmir, and
       Ladakh).
Fintechs urged to join financial cyber fraud reporting platform
    ● The Fintech Association of India (FACE) has asked its members to explore joining the Citizen
       Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) – part of the National
       Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
    ● CFCFRMS provides an integrated platform where all stakeholders, including states and union
       territories, major banks and financial intermediaries, payment wallets, crypto exchanges and e-
       commerce companies work in tandem for quick, decisive, and system-based effective action to
       prevent the flow of money from victims’ account to cyber fraudsters’ account.
ICICI Lombard Forms 7 New Bancassurance Partnerships with Banks and Non-banking Financial
Companies (NBFCs)
    ● ICICI Lombard General Insurance has teamed up with 7 different financial institutions for
       bancassurance partnerships.
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    ● The move is expected to expand its distribution network and make insurance more accessible to
        customers across the country.
    ● The 7 financial institutions are
           1. Aye Finance
           2. Bandhan Bank
           3. Karnataka Bank
           4. Muthoot Mini
           5. Nivara Home Finance Private Limited
           6. NSDL Payment Bank
           7. The Andhra Pradesh State Co-operative Bank.
           8. The regulator had paved the way for corporate agents (banks) to have distribution tie up
                 with a maximum of 9 life insurers, 9 general insurers and 9 health insurers.
           9. Also, insurance marketing firms (IMF) can now enter into tie up with as many as six life,
                 general and health insurers.
About ICICI Lombard General Insurance :
    ● Established : 2001
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● MD & CEO : Sanjeev Mantri
State Bank of India, ICICI Bank, and IDBI Bank Play Crucial Role in Jaiprakash Associates' Insolvency
Resolution with Over ₹51,000 Crore in Claims
    ● State Bank of India (SBI), ICICI Bank, and IDBI Bank are the primary creditors, holding significant
        claims in the Jaiprakash Associates (JAL) insolvency case.
    ● Total admitted claims amount to over ₹51,000 crore, making it one of the largest insolvency
        cases since the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was enacted in 2016.
    ● Breakdown of Claims:As of July, financial creditors, including homebuyers, are owed ₹51,510
        crore.
    ● SBI is the largest creditor with claims of approximately ₹15,500 crore, accounting for 30% of the
        total debt.
    ● ICICI Bank holds 18% of the debt, and IDBI Bank holds 11%.
    ● Together, these three banks hold nearly 60% of the debt.
National Payments Corporation of India Introduces 'UPI Circle' for Secure Payments Among Trusted
Users
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    ● The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched a new feature called 'UPI
       Circle-Delegate Payments' on its Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform.
    ● This feature allows primary UPI account holders to share their accounts with secondary users,
       enabling delegated transactions
    ● Transaction Limits:Full Delegation:Maximum monthly limit of approximately ₹15,000 per
       delegation.
    ● Maximum per transaction limit of approximately ₹5,000.
Bank Deposit and Locker Holders to be Allowed to Name Up to 4 Nominees Soon
    ● The Government introduced the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 which seeks to increase
       the option for nominees per bank account to four, from existing one, among others.
Amended Laws:
    ➢ Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934
    ➢ Banking Regulation Act, 1949
    ➢ State Bank of India (SBI) Act, 1955
    ➢ Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1970
    ➢ Banking Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of Undertakings) Act, 1980
    ➢ Tenure of Directors in Cooperative Banks : The bill proposes extending the tenure of directors
       (excluding the chairman and whole-time director) in cooperative banks from 8 years to 10 years,
       aligning with the Constitution (Ninety-Seventh Amendment) Act, 2011.
    ➢ Substantial Interest Definition : Under the Banking Regulation Act, substantial interest in a
       company refers to holding shares of over 5 lakh rupees or 10% of the paid-up capital of the
       company, whichever is less.
    ➢ This may be held by an individual, his spouse, or minor child, either individually or collectively.
    ➢ The Bill amends this to increase the threshold to 2 crore rupees.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das Named Top Central Banker for Second Consecutive
Year
    ● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been ranked the top central banker
       globally for the second consecutive year by US-based Global Finance magazine.
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    ● Das has been placed at the top of the list of three central bank governors, who have been rated
       A+.
    ● Grades are based on a scale from A to F for success in inflation control, economic growth goals,
       currency stability and interest rate management.
    ● An 'A' represents excellent performance, while an 'F' for outright failure.
    ● Denmark's Christian Kettel Thomsen, India's Shaktikanta Das and Switzerland's Thomas Jordan
       have been ranked under the 'A+' category of central bankers.
    ● The Central Banker Report Cards, published annually by Global Finance since 1994, grade
       central bank governors of nearly 100 countries, territories and districts, including the European
       Union, Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Bank of Central African States and Central Bank of
       West African States.
About RBI :
    ● Founded : 1 April 1935
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● Governor : Shaktikanta Das
    ● Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
       Patra
IDBI Bank Raises Fixed Deposit Interest Rate to 7.85% for 444-Day Term to Attract More Deposits
    ● IDBI Bank has increased its fixed deposit (FD) rate to 7.85% for a 444-day tenure, aiming to
       attract more deposits.
    ● Offer Validity: The promotional offer is valid until September 30, 2024.
About IDBI Bank :
    ● Founded : 1 July 1964
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO : Rakesh Sharma
Reserve Bank of India launches RBI90Quiz for undergraduate college students
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the launch of the RBI90Quiz for college students at
       the undergraduate level.
    ● The quiz is a nationwide competition being held as part of the events to commemorate 90 years
       of RBI’s functioning.
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    ● Eligibility : The RBI90Quiz is open to undergraduate students who are not more than 25 years of
        age on September 1, 2024 (i.e., those born on or after September 01, 1999) and pursuing
        bachelor’s degree across any stream of study through colleges located in India.
    ● RBI employees (including contractual employees) and their immediate family members are not
        eligible to participate.
    ● Employees and family members of the agencies associated directly or indirectly with RBI in
        organising the quiz are also not eligible to participate.
    ● The participating teams of this RBI90Quiz program stand to win attractive prizes at various levels,
        as detailed below:
Reserve Bank of India unveils framework for financial market self-regulatory organisations
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a framework for recognition of self-regulatory
        organisations (SROs) in the financial markets space to help strengthen compliance culture and
        provide a consultative platform for policy making.
    ● It follows the 'Omnibus Framework for recognition of SROs' issued in March 2024.
    ● The framework specifies the broad parameters, such as objectives, responsibilities, eligibility
        criteria, membership, governance standards and application process for the recognition of SROs
        in financial markets.
What is an SRO?
    ● A self-regulatory authority is an institution that can operate independently and with impartiality,
        and importantly free from the influence of any single member or group of members.
Key Points on Eligibility Criteria for SROs under RBI Framework:
    ● Not-for-Profit Status:The entity applying for recognition as an SRO must be a not-for-profit
        company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
    ● A minimum net worth of ₹10 crore is required.
    ● Voluntary: The applicant must ensure that the membership of the SRO is voluntary.
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    ● Fintech firm BharatPe announced its foray into facilitating secured loans for merchant partners on
       its platform.
    ● The company has launched the facilitation of two-wheeler loans and Loans Against Mutual Funds
       (LAMF) for its existing merchant partners in the first phase.
    ● BharatPe has partnered with OTO Capital, a digital commerce and lending platform, to enable
       two-wheeler loans.
    ● The loan application process is 100% digital and merchants have the option to choose the
       repayment period between 12- 48 months.
    ● With the launch of LAMF in partnership with Volt Money, BharatPe’s merchants can also avail
       loans of up to Rs 1 crore against Mutual Funds.
About BharatPe :
    ● Founded : 2018
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
    ● CEO : Nalin Negi
Bank of Baroda Secures ₹5,000 Crore Loan Agreement with Steel Authority of India Limited
    ● Bank of Baroda (BoB) secured a ₹5,000 crore loan deal with Steel Authority of India Limited
       (SAIL), a major state-owned steelmaker.
    ● BoB won the deal with a competitive bid of 7.49% for a five-year loan, linked to the 364-day
       treasury bill.
About BoB :
    ● Established : 20 July 1908
    ● Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
    ● MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
    ● Tagline : India's International Bank
About SAIL :
    ● Founded : 19 January 1954
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
    ● Chairman : Amarendu Prakash
    ● SAIL is a central public sector undertaking (PSU) based in New Delhi, India.
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    ● Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed amendments
       to ease the compliance requirements for entities with listed non-convertible securities.
    ● This move will ease the cost of compliance for participants in the financial sector, as announced
       by the government in the FY 2023-24 Budget.
    ● It will also streamline the timeline for notifying the stock exchanges of record date by entities with
       listed non-convertible securities may be reduced from 7 to 3 working days.
    ● The regulator's Corporate Bonds and Securitisation Advisory Committee also proposed
       mandating that all disclosures by listed entities with non-convertible securities be filed in the
       XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) format.
About SEBI :
    ● Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
    ● SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Total Project Costs Financed by Lenders Hit Record ₹3.91 Lakh Crore in FY24: RBI Bulletin
    ● According to an article in Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) latest monthly bulletin, the total
       envisaged cost of the projects financed by banks/financial Institutions (FIs) reached a new high of
       ₹3.91 lakh crore during 2023-24, with 54% planned to be invested by the year-end.
    ● Project Financing Growth:In FY 2023-24, 944 projects were financed with a total cost of
       ₹3,90,978 crore.
    ● This is a significant increase from FY 2022-23, where 547 projects were financed with a total cost
       of ₹2,66,546 crore per the article “Private Corporate Investment: Growth in 2023-24 and Outlook
       for 2024-25” authored by RBI officials Kamal Gupta, Rajesh B Kavediya, Sukti Khandekar and
       Snigdha Yogindran.
    ● Investment Outlook:The expected capital expenditure (capex) from these projects is set to
       increase to ₹2.45 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, up from ₹1.59 lakh crore in FY 2023-24.
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    ● The top 5 states-Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh,
       accounted for about 55% of the total project costs.
Non-banking finance companies Gross Bad Loans Expected to Increase by 30-50 Bps in FY25: ICRA
    ● According to the domestic rating agency ICRA report, Non-banking finance companies (NBFCs)
       will likely see their gross stage-3 asset ratio or gross bad loans rising by 30-50 basis points (bps)
       in the current financial year, from 2.8% in FY24.
    ● Unsecured Loans: The share of unsecured loans (personal and business) in NBFCs assets
       under management (AUM) increased to 11% in March 2024 from 7% in March 2021, raising
       concerns about loan quality risk.
    ● Infrastructure and Housing Loans: Shadow lenders in the infrastructure and housing loan
       segments are anticipated to see an improvement in their gross bad loans ratio by 10-20 bps in
       the current fiscal year.
    ● Funding Challenges:Growth: NBFCs are expected to experience slower AUM growth, easing to
       13-15% in FY25 compared to 18% in FY24.
    ● Debt Funding: Estimated incremental debt funding required for AUM expansion is ₹5.6-6 trillion
       for FY25.
About ICRA Limited :
    ● Founded : 1991
    ● Headquarters : Gurgaon,Haryana
    ● Managing Director & Group CEO : Ramnath Krishnan
Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes Amendments to Regulations for Debenture Trustees
    ● Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed changes to the
       regulations concerning debenture trustees (DTs).
    ● SEBI issued a consultation paper to clarify the term 'pecuniary relationship' between a Debenture
       Trustee and the issuer under existing norms.
    ● Stakeholders can submit comments on the paper until September 11, 2024.
    ● Pecuniary Relationship Restrictions:Currently, an entity cannot be appointed as a DT if its
       pecuniary relationship with the issuer equals or exceeds 2% of its gross turnover or total income,
       or ₹50 lakh, whichever is lower.
Nippon AMC Mutual Fund Introduces Nifty 500 Equal Weight Index Fund
    ● Nippon Life India Asset Management launched the Nifty 500 Equal Weight Index Fund, a unique
       open-ended scheme tracking the Nifty 500 Equal Weight Index.
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    ● The fund aims to capitalise on India's growth by providing exposure to a broad market, including
       various market capitalizations.
    ● The fund invests 0.20% across all 500 stocks in the Nifty 500 Equal Weight Index, providing a
       diversified portfolio across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies.
Centre Secures USD 500 Million Loan Package from Asian Development Bank for Health Infrastructure
in Maharashtra
    ● India has signed a USD 500 million loan package with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for
       the Maharashtra Tertiary Care and Medical Education Sector Development Program.
Signatories:
    ● Government of India: Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry
       of Finance.
    ● ADB: Mio Oka, Country Director of ADBs India Resident Mission.
    ● Government of Maharashtra: Dinesh Waghmare, Principal Secretary, Medical Education and
       Drugs Department.
Program Objectives:
    ● Health Care Improvement: Enhance access to quality and affordable tertiary health care and
       medical education in Maharashtra.
    ● Infrastructure Development:
           ➢ Establish four new medical colleges attached to tertiary care teaching hospitals in under-
               served districts.
           ➢ Incorporate climate-resilient, disaster-resilient, gender-responsive, and socially inclusive
               features in these facilities.
About ADB :
    ● Established : 1966
    ● Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
    ● President : Masatsugu Asakawa
    ● Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
       and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Department of Economic Affairs Revises Foreign Exchange Management Rules, 2019 Following Union
Budget 2024-25 Announcement
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    ● The Department of Economic Affairs has amended the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-
       debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to support the global expansion of Indian companies through
       cross-border share swaps, mergers, and acquisitions.
    ● These changes, following the Union Budget's focus on simplifying foreign investment rules, aim
       to help Indian companies grow internationally.
    ● The amendments aim to simplify cross-border share swaps and provide for the issue or transfer
       of Indian company equity instruments in exchange for foreign company equity instruments.
About FEMA:
    ● FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management Act) was introduced in 1999 to replace the Foreign
       Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973, in response to post-liberalization economic conditions.
About Ministry of Finance :
    ● Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
    ● Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhary
Reserve Bank of India Expands E-Mandate Framework to Cover Auto Replenishment of FASTag and
National Common Mobility Card
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has incorporated the auto replenishment of Fastags and
       national common mobility cards (NCMCs) into the e-mandate framework.
    ● This inclusion applies when the balance falls below a customer-defined threshold.
    ● Exemption from Pre-Debit Notification: Issuers of FASTags and NCMCs are exempt from the
       requirement to send a pre-debit notification 24 hours before a debit, due to the recurring nature
       and lack of fixed periodicity of auto-replenishment payments.
    ● Effective Date: This circular from the RBI is effective from August 22, 2024.
    ● E-Mandate Framework Requirements: Under the RBI’s e-mandate framework, issuers are
       typically required to send a pre-debit notification to customers at least 24 hours before a debit.
    ● Transaction Limit without AFA: For e-mandate-based recurring transactions, the limit without
       Additional Factor Authentication (AFA) is Rs 2,000 per transaction.
    ● Transactions exceeding this limit must include an AFA.
What is the e-mandate framework?
    ● Established in 2019, the e-mandate framework aims to safeguard customers by ensuring they
       are informed of upcoming debits to their accounts.
About NCMC :
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    ● The NCMC is an inter-operable transport card conceived by the Ministry of Housing and Urban
       Affairs of the Government of India.
    ● It was launched on 4 March 2019.
PGIM India Mutual Fund unveils a multicap fund; Axis Mutual Fund introduces a consumption-focused
fund
    ● PGIM India Mutual Fund has announced the launch of PGIM India Multi Cap Fund, an open-
       ended equity scheme investing across large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks.
    ● The fund is benchmarked against Nifty 500 Multicap 50:25:25 TRI.
    ● The New Fund Offer (NFO) opened for subscription on August 22, 2024, and will close on
       September 05, 2024.
LIC Housing Finance Secures ₹1,050 Crore via 5-Year Bond Issued at 7.75%
    ● LIC Housing Finance raised ₹1,050 crore through a bond issue with a 5-year maturity period at a
       coupon rate of 7.75%.
    ● The company aimed to raise up to ₹3,000 crore through the bond issue.
    ● The initial base size of the issue was ₹1,000 crore, with an additional greenshoe option of ₹2,000
       crore.
About LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL) :
    ● Founded : 19 June 1989
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● MD & CEO : Tribhuwan Adhikary
IndusInd Bank Receives Reserve Bank of India Approval for Asset Management Subsidiary
    ● IndusInd Bank has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to establish a wholly
       owned subsidiary focused on asset management in the mutual fund sector.
    ● The RBI's approval includes the provision for infusion of equity capital into the new subsidiary.
About IndusInd Bank :
    ● Established : April 1994
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO : Sumant Kathpalia
    ● Tagline : We Care Dil Se, We Make You Feel Richer
World Bank Issues 1st-Ever Carbon Removal Bond to Finance Amazon Reforestation
    ● The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) has issued a 9-
       year, $225 million principal-protected Amazon Reforestation-Linked Bond.
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    ● The bond features a fixed guaranteed coupon component and a variable component linked to the
       generation of Carbon Removal Units (CRUs) from reforestation projects in the Amazon rainforest
       regions of Brazil.
    ● This is the first bond that links investors’ financial returns to carbon removal from the atmosphere,
       as opposed to previous bonds tied to the sale of carbon credits from avoided emissions.
About World Bank :
    ● Established : July 7, 1944
    ● Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
    ● President : Ajay Banga
Reserve Bank of India to Begin Redemption of 30 Gold Bonds on October 11, 2024
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the calendar for the premature redemption of
       Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) issued between May 2017 and May 2020.
    ● The RBI plans to redeem 30 tranches of these bonds between October 11, 2024, and February 7,
       2025.
What are Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs)?
    ● SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold, and they are a substitute for
       holding physical gold.
    ● The bonds are issued in denominations of one gram of gold and in multiples thereof.
    ● Investment Limits: The minimum investment in SGBs is one gram of gold, with a maximum limit
       of 4 kg for individuals and 20 kg for trusts and similar entities per financial year.
    ● Interest Rate: Sovereign gold bonds currently offer an interest rate of 2.5%, payable semi-
       annually.
    ● Issuing Authority: These bonds are issued by the Government of India under the Government of
       India Stock, in accordance with Section 3 of the Government Securities Act, 2006 (GS Act 2006).
PhonePe Introduces Credit Line on UPI for Effortless Merchant Payments
    ● Walmart backed fintech firm PhonePe launched Credit Line on UPI on its platform to enable
       consumers availing credit lines from their banks to seamlessly link them to UPI on PhonePe for
       merchant payments.
    ● The feature will enable consumers to purchase with ease across millions of merchants and avail
       the flexibility of short-term credit that helps them manage their monthly expenses better.
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    ● This is the second major credit-related feature on UPI, following the success of Rupay Credit
       Cards being linked to UPI.
About PhonePe :
    ● Established : 2015
    ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
    ● CEO : Sameer Nigam
PayU Teams Up with Amazon Pay Later to Provide Instant Digital Credit for Indian Shoppers
    ● Naspers-backed fintech firm PayU has partnered with Amazon Pay Later to provide instant digital
       credit access to Indian shoppers.
    ● As part of this partnership, Amazon Pay Later will be integrated into PayU’s checkout
       infrastructure, allowing online merchants to offer an instant credit line to their customers, thereby
       boosting business revenues.
    ● PayU reported an 11% increase in its India revenue, reaching $444 million in fiscal year 2024, up
       from $399 million the previous year. Payment services contributed 46% to its core revenue from
       this segment, accounting for 60% of total payment volumes (TPV).
About PayU :
    ● Founded : 2002
    ● CEO : Anirban Mukherjee
    ● PayU is a Netherlands-based payment service provider to online merchants
About Amazon Pay :
    ● Founded : 2007
    ● Headquarters : Seattle, Washington, United States
Bandhan Bank Introduces 'Avni', an Exclusive Savings Account for Women
    ● Bandhan Bank has introduced 'Avni', a savings account exclusively designed for women.
    ● Debit Card Benefits: Includes free airport lounge access, personal accident insurance cover of
       ₹10 lakh, and lost card liability of ₹3.5 lakh.
    ● Loyalty Program: Bandhan Bank has also launched a loyalty program named Bandhan Bank
       Delights, which allows customers to earn reward points called Delight Points that can be
       redeemed for purchases.
About Bandhan Bank :
    ● Founded : 23 August 2015
    ● Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
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    ● Aditya Birla Finance Limited ("ABFL"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital, India's
       leading financial services conglomerate and AU Small Finance Bank Limited (SFB), India's
       largest small finance bank, has announced the launch of Aditya Birla Finance AU credit cards,
       powered by and available on Visa and RuPay payment networks.
    ● The feature-loaded co-branded credit cards are available in four variants and offer
       comprehensive reward benefits to serve the financial needs of different customer segments,
       covering both individual customers and business owners.
           ➢ ABC AU Flex: Affordable option for mass India.
           ➢ ABC AU Nxt: Millennial-friendly with specialised features.
           ➢ ABC AU Pro: High-end card for the affluent.
           ➢ ABC AU Biz: Tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners.
    ● MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Finance Limited : Rakesh Singh
About AU Small Finance Bank :
    ● Founded : 1996
    ● Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
    ● MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
Axis Bank Overtakes ICICI Bank to Become Top Player in Credit Card Terminals
    ● Axis Bank has become the leading player in credit card terminals in India, surpassing ICICI Bank.
    ● The bank achieved this position in just four years.
    ● The bank aims to further expand its credit card terminal business.
    ● It plans to use its leading position to increase deposit acquisitions and provide loans to small
       businesses.
About Axis Bank :
    ● Established : 3 December 1993
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO : Amitabh Chaudhry
Piramal Finance and Central Bank of India Announce Strategic Co-Lending Alliance
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    ● Piramal Capital and Housing Finance Limited (referred to as Piramal Finance), a wholly owned
       subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited (‘PEL’), and Central Bank of India, have announced a
       strategic partnership to expand their co-lending business.
    ● The collaboration will provide loans to middle and low-income borrowers, focusing on middle and
       low-income segment borrowers with focus on rural and semi-urban regions.
What is meant by Co-Lending Alliance?
    ● A co-lending alliance is a partnership between a bank and a non-banking financial company
       (NBFC) to jointly lend money to borrowers.
    ● This arrangement allows both parties to share risk and benefit, and improve credit flow to
       underserved sectors at affordable rates.
About Central Bank of India :
    ● Established : 21 December 1911
    ● Headquarters: Mumbai,Maharashtra
    ● MD & CEO : Matam Venkata Rao
    ● Tagline : Build a Better Life Around Us./ Central To You Since 1911
About Piramal Finance :
    ● Founded : 11 April 1984
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● Managing Director : Jairam Sridharan
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Requests Reserve Bank of India Assistance to Settle Regional
Rural Banks Dues with States
    ● Finance Minister (FM) Nirmala Sitharaman sought the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s)
       intervention for clearing the pending dues of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) with state
       governments.
    ● During a review meeting on the performance of 9 RRBs from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya
       Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, held in Udaipur, Sitharaman directed RRBs to leverage
       their healthy Current Account Savings Account (CASA) ratio to provide more credit.
    ● The FM also directed RRBs to become more customer-friendly and use their local connections to
       further improve performance.
    ● Capital Adequacy and Profitability:
           ➢ CRAR: The Consolidated Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) of RRBs
              increased from 7.8% in FY2021 to 13.7% in FY2024.
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           ➢ Profitability: RRBs moved from a loss of ₹41 crore in FY2021 to a net profit of ₹2,018
              crore in FY2024.
           ➢ GNPA: The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio is relatively low at 3.9%.
Reserve Bank of India Levies Financial Penalty on NDX P2P Private Limited ('LiquiLoans') & Innofin
Solutions Private Limited (“LenDen Club”)
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1,92,00,000 on NDX P2P
       Private Limited, also known as 'LiquiLoans'.
    ● Reason for Penalty: The penalty was imposed for non-compliance with the provisions of the
       'Non-Banking Financial Company - Peer to Peer Lending Platform (Reserve Bank) Directions,
       2017' and the "Guidelines on Digital Lending" issued by the RBI.
    ● Legal Basis: The penalty was imposed under the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section
       (1) of section 58G, read with clause (aa) of sub-section (5) of section 58B of the Reserve Bank of
       India Act, 1934.
    ● The RBI also imposed a penalty of ₹1,99,50,000 on Innofin Solutions Private Limited, also known
       as 'LenDen Club'.
Tata AIA Life Introduces 'Sampoorna Raksha Promise' Product with ₹3 Lakh Immediate Payout Feature
    ● Tata AIA Life Insurance has unveiled its latest term insurance product, Sampoorna Raksha
       Promise.
    ● This product is designed to enhance financial security.
    ● Instant payout: The plan provides an immediate payout of ₹3 lakh upon death claim intimation to
       cover urgent expenses.
    ● Premium deferral: Policyholders can defer their premium payments for up to 12 months once
       every five years.
About Tata AIA Life Insurance :
    ● Founded : 1 April 2001
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● MD & CEO : Venkatachalam Iyer
Securities and Exchange Board of India Grants In-Principle Approval to Capitalmind to Launch Mutual
Fund Business
    ● Bengaluru-based investment management firm Capitalmind Financial Services Private Limited
       has received in-principle approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to
       launch a new mutual fund.
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    ● Relation to JAM Trinity:The ULI is seen as part of India's broader digital infrastructure
       development, alongside JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile) and UPI (Unified Payments
       Interface).
    ● The 'new trinity' of JAM-UPI-ULI represents a significant advancement in India’s digital
       infrastructure journey.
About JAM Trinity :
    ● JAM Trinity- (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile) is a tool used by the government to transfer cash
       benefits directly to the bank account of the intended beneficiary.
    ● JAM Trinity is the key enabler of India's transformed and well-developed digital landscape.
Small Savings Schemes Grow 13.8% Driven by Sukanya Samriddhi and Senior Citizens Scheme
    ● According to the data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) indicate that people are continuing to
       repose faith in small savings schemes with the corpus clocking a decent annual growth of 13.8%
       up to February 2024 reaching ₹18.1 lakh crore.
About Small savings schemes :
    ● Small savings schemes are savings instruments floated by the Centre with the twin objective of
       helping finance its expenditure as well as to inculcate the habit of saving regularly among
       investors.
Historical Data:
    ● February 2015: Outstanding balance was ₹6.2 lakh crore.
    ● February 2019: Outstanding balance rose to ₹10.4 lakh crore.
    ● February 2023: Outstanding balance reached ₹15.9 lakh crore, showing a 12.1% year-on-year
       growth.
    ● February 2024: Outstanding balance achieved ₹18.1 lakh crore, reflecting a 13.8% growth.
    ● Performance of Individual Schemes:Seven of the 20 small savings schemes saw growth between
       9% and 11% over the past year. Notable examples include:
           ➢ Post Office Savings Bank Deposits: 9% growth.
           ➢ Post Office Recurring Deposits: 11% growth.
    ● Most schemes have interest rates ranging from 4% to 9%.
    ● Schemes with Highest Growth:Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana Account (SSA): Grew by 41% from
       ₹77,472 crore (Feb 2023) to ₹1 lakh crore (Feb 2024).
    ● Senior Citizens Scheme 2004: Saw a 28% growth from ₹1.3 lakh crore (Feb 2023) to ₹1.7 lakh
       crore (Feb 2024).
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Amazon Pay UPI reaches a significant milestone by surpassing 100 million customers
    ● Amazon Pay UPI has crossed 100 million customers, with the online platform used mainly for e-
       commerce transactions, utility bill payments and mobile recharges.
    ● The app has become a significant success, streamlining transactions both on Amazon.in
       shopping app and across a wide range of external platforms.
    ● Launch and Usage: Launched in 2019, Amazon Pay UPI is primarily used for e-commerce
       transactions, utility bill payments, and mobile recharges.
    ● It is widely adopted across major states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal,
       and Karnataka, with growing use in tier II and III cities.
    ● Primary Users: The app is particularly popular among youth aged 18 to 24 years, indicating
       strong adoption among the younger demographic.
Bank of Baroda Secures ₹5,000 Crore Through 10-Year Infrastructure Bonds at 7.3% Interest Rate
    ● State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) raised Rs 5,000 crore through 10-year infrastructure bonds at
       a coupon rate of 7.3%.
    ● The bond offering, rated AAA by CRISIL Ratings, had a base issue size of Rs 2,000 crore and a
       greenshoe option of Rs 3,000 crore and was fully subscribed.
About BoB :
    ● Established : 20 July 1908
    ● Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
    ● MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
    ● Tagline : India's International Bank
Securities and Exchange Board of India bars Anil Ambani and 24 others from securities market for five
years over RHFL loan scandal, imposes ₹25 crore fine
    ● India's market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has imposed a five-
       year ban on industrialist Anil Ambani and 24 others, including top executives of Reliance Home
       Finance Limited. (RHFL), from participating in the securities market.
    ● This action follows a probe into RHFL, where funds were allegedly diverted through questionable
       loans, leading to significant losses and raising concerns among investors.
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    ● SEBI has imposed a ₹25 crore penalty on Anil Ambani and has barred him from holding any
       directorial or key managerial positions in listed companies or intermediaries registered with SEBI
       for 5 years.
UBS AG Added to the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
    ● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that “UBS AG” has been included in the Second
       Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
    ● Categories of Scheduled Banks : Scheduled commercial banks in India are categorised into five
       different groups according to their ownership and/ or nature of operation.
           1. State Bank of India and its associates.
           2. Nationalised banks.
           3. Regional rural banks.
           4. Foreign banks.
           5. Other Indian scheduled commercial banks (private sector).
    ● In the RBI Act, 1934, schedule banks are the banks that are listened to in the second schedule.
    ● Requirements for Scheduled Banks:Banks listed in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act must
       have a minimum capital of Rs 5 lakhs.
About UBS Group AG :
    ● UBS Group AG is a multinational investment bank and financial services company.
    ● It is headquartered in Zürich and Basel, Switzerland.
    ● UBS AG is already involved in investment banking and other financial services in India.
Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited Removed from Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of
India Act, 1934
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advised that “Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited” has
       been excluded from the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 .
About Krungthai Bank :
    ● Krungthai Bank, officially Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited, and sometimes known by its
       initials KTB, is a state-owned bank under licence issued by the thailand government.
    ● Headquarters: Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand.
Credit Suisse AG Removed from the Second Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
    ● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) advised that “Credit Suisse AG” has been excluded from the Second
       Schedule of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
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    ● ESAF Small Finance Bank has introduced the Inori RuPay Platinum Credit Card, a premium
       financial product developed in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India
       (NPCI).
    ● Card Name Significance:The name “Inori” is derived from the Japanese word for “wish,” reflecting
       the bank's aspiration to meet the desires and expectations of its customers.
About ESAF Small Finance Bank (formerly known as ESAF Microfinance and Investments) :
    ● Founded : 10 March 2017
    ● Headquarters : Thrissur, Kerala
    ● MD & CEO : K Paul Thomas
Jio Financial Services Receives Approval to Raise Foreign Investment Limit to 49%
    ● Jio Financial Services Limited has received approval from the Department of Economic Affairs to
       raise the aggregate limit of foreign investment (including Foreign Portfolio Investors, FPIs) to 49%
       of the paid-up equity share capital on a fully diluted basis.
    ● The adjustment is aimed at enhancing participation from foreign investors and FPIs.
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    ● Current Foreign Investment:Foreign investors currently hold 17.55% of the company's stake,
       from a public float of approximately 53%.
About Jio Financial Services Limited :
    ● Founded : 22 July 1999
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● MD & CEO : Hitesh Kumar Sethia
Goods and Services Tax Department Imposes ₹24 Lakh Penalty on Yes Bank
    ● The Goods and Services Tax (GST) department in Maharashtra has imposed a penalty on Yes
       Bank amounting to ₹24,92,978.
    ● This penalty includes disallowance of input tax credit (ITC), interest, and the penalty amount itself.
Legal Basis:
    ● The penalty is based on:
           ○ Section 73 of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
           ○ Maharashtra Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017
About Yes Bank :
    ● Founded : 2004
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    ● MD & CEO : Prashant Kumar
Zeta Partners with HDFC Bank to Enhance Credit Line Offerings on UPI (CLOU) Platform
    ● Zeta, a provider of next-gen banking technology to financial institutions globally, has partnered
       with HDFC Bank to support the bank’s credit line offerings on the UPI (CLOU) platform.
    ● The partnership leverages Zeta’s Digital Credit as a Service (DCaaS) solution, which is designed
       for rapid deployment and includes capabilities across origination, processing, lifecycle
       management, digital experiences, and data analytics.
    ● Credit Line on UPI (CLOU):The Credit Line on UPI (CLOU) scheme was announced by NPCI
       and allows banks to connect pre-approved credit lines directly to the UPI user base.
    ● Growth Potential:Zeta’s estimates suggest that the CLOU scheme could grow to a $1 trillion
       opportunity for banks by 2030.
About Zeta :
    ● Founded : 2015
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
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    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.25 lakh on The Valsad
        Mahila Nagarik Sahakari Bank Ltd., Valsad, Gujarat.
Private Sector and Small Finance Banks Achieve Over 20% Growth in Deposits During FY24
    ● Analysis of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data on deposits of scheduled commercial banks
        (including regional rural) from FY19 to FY24 showed that deposits grew at 13.4% in FY24
        compared to the previous year.
    ● This is higher than the 10.2% growth in FY23, 10.1% in FY22, 12.3% in FY21 and 8.8% in FY20.
    ● Deposits as of March 2024 stood at ₹212.5 lakh crore compared to ₹187.4 lakh crore as of
        March 2023.
Finance Minister announces new pension scheme 'NPS Vatsalya' under the National Pension Scheme
(NPS)
    ● Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman made the
        announcement of a new pension scheme under the National Pension Scheme (NPS), called NPS
        Vatsalya.
About NPS Vatsalya Scheme :
    ● NPS Vatsalya is a new pension scheme under the National Pension Scheme (NPS).
    ● Objective: The scheme is designed to help parents and guardians plan for their children's future
        financial needs, specifically for their retirement savings.
    ● Account Opening: Parents or guardians can open an NPS Vatsalya account for their minor
        children and make contributions.
    ● Accumulation Period: The funds contributed will accumulate in the account until the child turns 18.
    ● Regulating Authority: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is the
        governing body overseeing the NPS Vatsalya scheme.
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    •   This award recognizes MRPL’s excellence in managing hazardous and various types of waste
        through environmentally sustainable practices and emphasizes its commitment to circular
        economy principles.
    •   Award Recognition: MRPL was awarded the prestigious Greentech Pollution Control Waste
        Management & Recycling Award in the Circular Economy Leadership category.
Vivek Verma of Spray Engineering Devices Limited Receives National Energy Efficiency Innovation
Award 2021
    •   Vivek Verma, Managing Director of Spray Engineering Devices Limited (SED), Mohali, Punjab,
        was awarded the first prize in the Industries Category for his innovation, "Low Temperature
        Evaporation Technology."
    •   The award was presented during the National Energy Efficiency Innovation Award 2021
        ceremony, part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
    •   The prestigious award ceremony took place on National Energy Conservation Day at Vigyan
        Bhawan, New Delhi.
Inaugural Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars Announced: Honoring Excellence in Science and Innovation
    •   In a landmark initiative to recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to science,
        technology, and innovation, the Indian government has introduced the Rashtriya Vigyan
        Puraskars.
    •   This new award system, which consolidates over 300 previous awards from various science
        departments, is designed to honour the achievements of academics, technologists, and inventors
        across the nation.
NI-MSME Awarded "UTKRISHT" Accreditation for Excellence in Civil Services Training and MSME
Development
● The National Institute for MSME (NI-MSME), under the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, has
    been awarded the Accreditation Certificate for successfully meeting the National Standards for Civil
    Services Training Institutions (NSCSTI).
● The institute received this prestigious recognition for its outstanding services in promoting and
    developing MSMEs.
● NI-MSME received the "UTKRISHT" (3 Star) Accreditation Certificate for excellence in civil services
    training.
Government Allocates 18 Coal Mining Projects to Private Firms Under MDO Model to Enhance
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Production
    ●   The government has identified 28 coal mining projects to be operated through mining
        developers-cum-operators (MDOs), with 18 mines already awarded to leading private
        companies.
    ●   The initiative aims to boost coal production by enhancing operational efficiency, streamlining
        processes, and reducing costs.
    ●   Coal India Limited (CIL) initially selected 15 projects with a capacity of 168 million tonnes (MT)
        for MDO implementation, which has now expanded to 28 projects with a total capacity of 257 MT.
WHO declares mpox a global public health emergency for second time in two years
    ●   The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global public health emergency for
        the second time in two years.
    ●   This follows an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has spread to neighbouring
        countries in Africa.
Definition and Impact of PHEIC
    ●   A “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC) is the WHO’s highest alert level.
    ●   This designation can accelerate research, funding, and international public health measures and
        cooperation to contain the disease.
About WHO:
    ●   Founders: United States, Brazil, France, Mexico, Türkiye, Australia, and more
    ●   Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
    ●   Founded: 7 April 1948
    ●   Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
    ●   Parent Organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council
President Droupadi Murmu Approves 103 Gallantry Awards:
●   President Droupadi Murmu approved 103 Gallantry awards for personnel from the Armed Forces
    and Central Armed Police Forces.
●   This prestigious recognition includes a variety of honours for bravery and distinguished service.
Key Points:
1. Gallantry Awards:
        o   Kirti Chakras: Four awards, including three posthumous.
        o   Shaurya Chakras: Eighteen awards, with four posthumous.
        o   Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry): One award.
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    ●   Best Female Playback Singer: Padma Shri Jayashri Ramnath for “Chaayum Veyil” from Saudi
        Vellaka CC 225/2009 (Malayalam).
    ●   Best Music Director (Background Music): A.R. Rahman for Ponniyin Selvan-Part 1 (Tamil).
    ●   Best Music Director (Songs): Pritam for Brahmastra-Part 1 (Hindi).
Special Mentions:
    ●   Fouja also won awards for Best Debut Film by a Director (Pramod Kumar) and Best Lyrics
        (Naushad Sadar Khan).
    ●   The awards were announced by the jury members to Union I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Kerala State Film Awards 2023 Highlights
● Blessy directorial Aadujeevitham-The Goat Life bagged nine awards, including that of best popular
    film, best director and best actor, at the Kerala State Film Awards 2023.
● Kathal The Core directed by Jeo Baby and produced by Mammootty Kampany, was adjudged the
    best film.
Major Winners:
    ●   Best Popular Film: Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life
    ●   Best Director: Blessy (Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life)
    ●   Best Actor: Prithviraj Sukumaran (Aadujeevitham - The Goat Life)
    ●   Best Actress:
           o     Urvashi (Ullozhukku)
           o     Beena R. Chandran (Thadav)
    ●   Best Film: Kathal The Core directed by Jeo Baby and produced by Mammootty Kampany
    ●   Second-Best Film: Iratta directed by Rohit M. G. Krishnan
    ●   Best Scriptwriter: Rohit M. G. Krishnan (Iratta)
    ●   Special Jury Mention for Film: Gaganachari
Best Character Roles:
    ●   Best Supporting Actor: Vijayaraghavan (Pookkalam)
    ●   Best Supporting Actress: Sreeshma Chandran (Pembilai Orumai)
Best Article:
    ●   Article Title: Deseeyathaye Azhichedukkunna Cinemakal
    ●   Author: Rajesh M. R.
    ●   Publication: Samakalika Malayalam Varika (a sister publication of TNIE).
Rajiv Gandhi International Airport Recognized as Best Airport in India for Third Consecutive Year
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● The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad has been honoured as the Best Airport
    at the prestigious India Travel Awards for the third consecutive year.
● This recognition reflects the airport's ongoing commitment to providing exceptional experiences for
    travellers.
● Previous Recognition: Last year, RGIA received the Skytrax Best Airport Staff in India & South Asia
    2024 award in Frankfurt, further cementing its reputation for delivering world-class service and
    customer-focused initiatives.
National Geoscience Awards 2023 Conferred by President Draupadi Murmu
● President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu was awarded the National Geoscience Awards (NGA) for
    2023 at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre in New Delhi.
● The event celebrated the contributions of 21 distinguished geoscientists from across India and
    highlighted the vital role of geosciences in sustainable development.
● Award Categories and Winners:
       o National Geoscience Award for Lifetime Achievement:
                  ▪ Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee, Emeritus Scientist at the Indian National Science
                     Academy (INSA), recognized for his pioneering work in phosphorites, isotope geology,
                     and organic geochemistry, which has significantly advanced global understanding of
                     the Himalayas and phosphorites.
       o National Young Geoscientist Award:
                  ▪ Dr. Ashutosh Pandey, Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education
                     and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram, honored for his innovative research on
                     the geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Dharwar Craton and his alternative model for
                     the origin of Paleoproterozoic Lesser Himalayan mafic rocks.
       o Other Awards:
                  ▪ A total of 12 awards were presented, including three to teams, recognizing excellence
                     in various aspects of geosciences.
President Murmu Confers Inaugural Vigyan Ratna Puraskar and Other Science Awards:
● President Droupadi Murmu conferred the first-ever Vigyan Ratna Puraskar -- India's top science
    award -- on noted biochemist and former director of the Bangalore-based Indian Institute of Science
    Govind Rajan Padmanabhan
● Inaugural Vigyan Ratna Puraskar:
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       o Recipient: Govindrajan Padmanabhan, noted biochemist and former director of the Indian
           Institute of Science, Bangalore.
       o Significance: India's highest science award.
       o Other Awards Conferred:
              1. Vigyan Shri Puraskar: 13 awards.
              2. Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes: 18 awards.
              3. Vigyan Team Award: Given to the Chandrayaan-3 mission team, received by Project
                  Director P Veeramuthuvel.
MAK Lubricants Wins ‘Brand of the Decade Award 2024’
● MAK Lubricants, a premium brand of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), has been
    honoured with the ‘Brand of the Decade Award 2024’.
● The award was presented by Herald Global and Brand Advertising Research & Consulting Pvt. Ltd.
    (BARC).
24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony Held in Dubai on Her 114th Birth Anniversary
    ● The 24th International Mother Teresa Awards Ceremony took place on August 26, 2024, at
       Millennium Plaza Dubai, celebrating the 114th birth anniversary of Mother Teresa.
    ● Organized by the All-India Minority and Weaker Sections Council, this prestigious event was held
       outside India for only the second time, with both international ceremonies occurring in Dubai.
    ● The awards, established posthumously after Mother Teresa died in 1997, honour individuals
       across various sectors including education, science, culture, sports, social work, medicine,
       industry, and politics.
Notable Awardees:
    ● João Bernardo Vieira II (Posthumously, Guinea-Bissau)
    ● Sidharth Srivastava and Namit Bajoria (Industry)
    ● Mohammed Mahtabur Rahman (Chairman, NRB Bank Limited)
    ● Irka Bochenko (Arts)
    ● MP Rozario (Education)
    ● Murli Panjabi and Sureandar Singh Khandari (Social Work, UAE)
    ● Ahmed al Hashemi (Young Musician and Child Prodigy)
Jana Small Finance Bank Recognized for Excellence at ICC Emerging Asia Banking Conclave &
Awards
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     o Jana Small Finance Bank secured four prestigious awards at the 2nd ICC Emerging Asia
        Banking Conclave & Awards:
                  ▪ Best Small Finance Bank, India
                  ▪ Best Performance on Profitability (Runners-up)
                  ▪ Best Performance on Asset Quality
                  ▪ Best Performance on Risk Management
     o The awards highlight the bank’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and its leading role in the
        Indian banking sector.
Highlights from the Goalfest Conclave 2024: Recognitions, Awards, and Visionary Leadership
     o The Goalfest Conclave 2024 took place at ITC Maratha, Mumbai, and was inaugurated with a
        recognition ceremony led by Mr. Saimik Sen, Editor-In-Chief of Herald Global.
     o The conclave featured prominent attendees, including Shri Arvind Sawant (MP for Mumbai
        South and Chief Spokesperson of Shiv Sena), Dr. Vijay Kalantri (President of All India
        Association of Industries), Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee (Metropolitan MMRDA Commissioner), Lalit
        Gandhi (President of MACCIA), and Nitin Thakker (President of the Bombay Bar Association).
     o These distinguished individuals were honored with the Pride of India Awards. Shri Arvind
        Sawant delivered an inspiring speech that resonated deeply with attendees.
Anubhav Awards 2024: Celebrating Contributions of Retiring Civil Servants
    o Launched in March 2015, the Anubhav portal serves as a platform for retiring government officials
       to document and share their experiences and insights.
    o The initiative aims to create a repository of knowledge that can guide future administrative reforms
       and governance practices.
    o The portal allows officials to detail their contributions to government policies, enhancing their
       effectiveness.
Launch of #एक_पेड़_म _ां के _न म #Plant4Mother Campaign: A National Tree Plantation Initiative
     o Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, planted saplings
        at the IARI Campus PUSA as part of the #एक_पेड़_म _ां के _न म #Plant4Mother campaign.
     o The Ministry will establish a Matri Van on approximately 1 acre of land.
     o Minister of State Shri Ramnath Thakur, Dr Himanshu Pathak (Secretary DARE & DG ICAR), and
        about 200 officers/staff from the Ministry, along with school students, participated in the event.
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Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan, to Assume Role as Union Public Service Commission
Chairman
    •   Former Union Health Secretary Preeti Sudan will take charge as the Chairperson of the Union
        Public Service Commission (UPSC) on August 1, 2024, under Article 316 A of the Constitution.
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    ● He is a fisheries researcher with over two decades of experience, specializing in fishery resource
       management, marine biodiversity, environment management, fisheries oceanography, remote
       sensing, and climate change.
About CMFRI :
    ● Established : 1947
    ● Headquarters : Kochi, Kerala
    ● The CMFRI was established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and later, in
       1967, it joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) family and emerged as a
       leading tropical marine fisheries research institute in the world.
RBI Approves Inderjit Camotra's Reappointment as Unity Small Finance Bank Chief Executive Officer
for Two More Years
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    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the re-appointment of Inderjit Camotra as
        Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unity Small Finance Bank (SFB)
        for two years.
    ● Under his leadership, the bank has built a deposit base of over ₹8,000 crore, a loan book of over
        ₹8,500 crore and a network of about 400 banking outlets and offices across 21 States and UTs in
        India.
    ● Prior to being appointed as head of Unity SFB, Camotra was Executive Director with Centrum
        Financial Services Limited/CFSL (Promoter Entity of Unity Bank).
About Unity SFB :
    ● Founded : 2021
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
Air France-KLM Appoints Stefan Gumuseli as General Manager for India and Middle East Markets
    •   European air carrier Air France-KLM has appointed Stefan Gumuseli as the new General
        Manager for the India-Middle East markets, effective August 1, 2024.
    •   Stefan Gumuseli, who is succeeding Simon Scholte, will be based at the airline’s regional office
        in Dubai, UAE.
    •   Overseeing the passenger business for India and the Middle East.
    •   Managing operations in diverse and multicultural countries such as India, UAE, Saudi Arabia,
        Lebanon, and Egypt, along with additional offline countries.
About Air France-KLM :
    •   Founded : 5 May 2004
    •   Headquarters : Paris, France
    •   Chairwoman : Anne-Marie Couderc
    •   CEO : Benjamin Smith
Anish Dayal Singh was Assigned an Additional Role as Director General of the Central Industrial
Security Force
    •   Anish Dayal Singh, the Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has
        been assigned the additional charge of Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force
        (CISF) effective the day before the retirement of Nina Singh.
    •   Anish Dayal Singh is a 1988 batch IPS officer of Manipur cadre.
    •   He had served as DG of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
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About CISF :
    •   Established: March 10, 1969.
    •   Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
    •   Role: A Central Armed Police Force under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
    •   Primary Mission: To provide security to large institutions, both governmental and private.
Boeing's new CEO is aerospace veteran Robert ‘Kelly’ Ortberg
    •   Boeing has named aerospace veteran Robert "Kelly" Ortberg as its next CEO.
    •   Ortberg, who previously led Rockwell Collins's integration into United Technologies (which later
        merged with Raytheon to form RTX), will officially take over on August 8.
    •   His appointment comes at a time when Boeing is grappling with significant operational problems
        and financial losses.
    •   Retirement from RTX: The 64-year-old retired from RTX in 2021.
Sanjay Shukla Takes Over as Managing Director of National Housing Bank
    •   Sanjay Shukla has officially assumed the role of Managing Director (MD) of the National Housing
        Bank (NHB) as of July 30, 2024.
    •   He Began his career in 1991 as an officer at LIC Housing Finance Limited.
    •   Previous Positions:Founding Managing Director and CEO of Centrum Housing Finance Limited
        (CHFL) from October 2016.
    •   Managing Director and CEO of Cent Bank Home Finance Ltd (CBHFL), where he improved
        assets under management and asset quality.
About National Housing Bank :
    •   Founded: July 9, 1988, under the National Housing Bank Act, 1987.
    •   Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
    •   Role: Apex regulatory body for the regulation and licensing of housing finance companies in
        India.
    •   Jurisdiction: Operates under the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Government Panel Approves CS Setty's Appointment as State Bank of India Chairman for 3-Year Term
    •   The government appointed Challa Sreenivasulu Setty as Chairman of the country's biggest
        lender State Bank of India (SBI) for a period of 3 years starting from August 28, 2024.
    •   He will replace Dinesh Kumar Khara, who is retiring on August 28, 2024, upon reaching the age
        of 63, which is the upper age limit for the SBI chairman position.
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    •   The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) based on
        the recommendation of the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB).
About SBI :
    •   Established : 1 July 1955
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Senior IAS Officer T.V. Somanathan Appointed as Cabinet Secretary for a Two-Year Term
    •   The Appointments Committee of the Union Cabinet appointed senior bureaucrat T V
        Somanathan as the cabinet secretary of India.
    •   He will remain in office for a tenure of two years, starting August 30, 2024.
    •   He will succeed Rajiv Gauba, who is completing his five-year term in the position.
    •   Somanathan is a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre.
    •   He is currently serving as the Finance Secretary of India.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin Appoints Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus as Head of
Bangladesh's Interim Government
    •   Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus was appointed as the head of Bangladesh's interim
        government by President Mohammed Shahabuddin.
    •   The appointment followed the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 05, 2024,
        amid deadly protests over a controversial job quota system.
    •   Sheikh Hasina Wazed was the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Bangladesh until
        her resignation.
DBS Appoints Tan Su Shan as First Female CEO to Succeed Piyush Gupta
    •   DBS Group announced that Tan Su Shan, its head of institutional banking, will succeed Piyush
        Gupta as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) when he retires in March 2025.
    •   Tan Su Shan will be the first woman to lead Singapore's and Southeast Asia's biggest bank.
    •   She is also the first internal candidate to be appointed as CEO.
    •   Tan will be the second female leader of a major Singaporean bank, following Helen Wong, who
        was appointed head of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp in 2021.
About DBS Bank Limited :
    •   Founded : 16 July 1968
    •   Headquarters : Singapore
    •   Chairman : Peter Seah
Swiggy Instamart Names Sairam Krishnamurthy as Chief Operating Officer
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    •   Swiggy Instamart, the quick commerce arm of IPO-bound food and grocery delivery firm Swiggy,
        has appointed Sairam Krishnamurthy as the firm’s senior vice president and chief operating
        officer (COO).
    •   Role and Responsibilities:
    •   Overseeing dark store operations.
    •   Managing infrastructure operations.
    •   Leading city growth and expansion.
Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur Takes Over as Director General of Hospital Services (Armed Forces)
    ● Surgeon Vice Admiral Anupam Kapur has assumed the role of Director General Hospital
        Services (Armed Forces) at the office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services.
    ● Vice Admiral Kapur was commissioned into the Indian Navy on June 27, 1987.
    ● Prior to taking over as the DGHS(Armed Forces), the Flag Officer served as the Command
        Medical Officer of the Western Naval Command.
About Ministry of Defence :
    ● Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
    ● Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
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Securities and Exchange Board of India Approves Praveena Rai as New MD & CEO of Multi
Commodity Exchange
    ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved Praveena Rai’s appointment
        as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Multi Commodity
        Exchange (MCX), India’s largest commodity exchange.
    ● The position had been vacant for three months following the conclusion of PS Reddy's five-year
        term as CEO on May 9, 2024.
About MCX :
    ● Founded : November 10, 2003
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Punjab & Sind Bank Appoints Rajeeva as Executive Director
    ●   Shri Rajeeva has been appointed as the Executive Director of Punjab & Sind Bank for a period of
        three years, effective immediately or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
    ●   Before his elevation to Executive Director, Shri Rajeeva served as the Chief General Manager of
        Punjab National Bank (PNB).
About PNB:
    ●   Founded: 24 June 1908 (116 years ago)
    ●   Headquarters: Rajendra Place, New Delhi, India
    ●   Charan Singh – Non-Executive Chairman
    ●   Swarup Kumar Saha – Managing Director & CEO
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Standard Chartered names Aditya Mandloi as Head, Wealth and Retail Banking, India and South Asia
    ● Standard Chartered Bank has announced the appointment of Aditya Mandloi as Head of Wealth
        and Retail Banking (WRB) for India and South Asia.
    ● His appointment is effective from August 1, 2024.
    ● Mandloi has been with Standard Chartered for 27 years, beginning as an international graduate
        in 1997.
    ● Mandloi will be responsible for driving the WRB business across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka,
        and Nepal.
Senior IAS officer Govind Mohan appointed as next Union Home Secretary
    ●   The Centre has appointed Govind Mohan, an Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, as the
        next Union Home Secretary.
    ●   Mohan, a Sikkim cadre officer of the 1989 batch, is currently serving as the Union Culture
        Secretary.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s new Ambassador to the US.
    ●   Vinay Mohan Kwatra, former Foreign Secretary, has assumed charge as the Ambassador of
        India to the United States.
    ●   He succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India's former envoy to the United States and a BJP leader.
Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida says he will step down in September
    ●   Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as the
        leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in next month’s party polls.
    ●   This decision means Japan will also have a new prime minister.
    Acting ED chief Rahul Navin appointed full-time director for two years
    ●   The Centre has appointed Rahul Navin as the full-time Director of the Enforcement Directorate
        (ED) for a two-year term, according to a government order.
    ●   Navin, a 1993-batch IRS officer, had previously been serving as the acting director of the ED
        since September last year.
Deepak Sood appointed as Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s Whole-Time
Member (Non-Life)
    ● Deepak Sood has been appointed as the Whole Time Member (Non-Life) of the Insurance
        Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) by the Central Government.
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    ● The position of Member (Non-Life) became vacant after Thomas Devasia retired on July 12,
       2024.
    ● Sood currently serves as Independent Director at Prudent Corporate Advisory Services Limited
       and Non-Executive Director at Gimar Insurance Brokers.
About IRDAI :
    ● Established : 1999
    ● Location : Hyderabad, Telangana
    ● Chairman : Debasish Panda
    ● The IRDAI is an autonomous and statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance ,
       Government of India.
Government Appoints Rajesh Kumar Singh as New Defence Secretary
    ● The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) announced that Rajesh Kumar Singh will
       become the new Defence Secretary succeeding Giridhar Aramane.
    ● Singh will first serve as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Defence before officially taking
       over on October 31, 2024.
    ● Singh’s tenure as Defence Secretary is extended until October 31, 2026, or until further notice.
    ● Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989-batch IAS officer from the Kerala cadre, is currently the Secretary
       at the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Other Appointments :
Sanjeev Kumar:
    ● New Role: Appointed as Secretary of the Department of Defence Production.
    ● Current Role: Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Punya Salila Srivastava:
    ● New Role: Appointed as the new Health Secretary.
Amardeep Bhati:
    ● New Role: Appointed as Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
       Trade (DPIIT).
Manoj Govil:
    ● New Role: Appointed as the new Expenditure Secretary in the Finance Ministry.
    ● Current Role: Corporate Affairs Secretary.
Katikithala Srinivas:
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    ● New Role: Appointed as Secretary at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    ● Current Role: Minority Affairs Secretary.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra Appointed as Thailand's Youngest Prime Minister
    ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Salee Sukumaran Nair as Managing Director
       (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank for a period of 3 years from
       the date of assuming charge, subject to shareholders approval.
    ● Prior to this appointment, Salee Sukumaran Nair served as Deputy Managing Director and Chief
       Credit Officer of State Bank of India (SBI) until May 2024.
    ● Tamilnad Mercantile Bank was managed by a three-member Committee of Executives (COEs)
       after the resignation of the previous MD and CEO, Krishnan Sankarasubramaniam, in
       September, 2023.
About TMB :
    ● Established : 11 May 1921
    ● Headquarters : Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
Boeing Appoints Industry Veteran Kelly Ortberg as New Chief Executive Officer
    ● Kelly Ortberg, an aerospace industry veteran, has been named as the new President and Chief
       Executive Officer (CEO) of Boeing.
    ● Boeing is facing significant financial difficulties, having reported a $1.4 billion loss.
About Boeing :
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    ● It is responsible for developing and implementing policies to promote and develop the industrial
       sector.
Ashok Kumar Singh Assumes Role as Director General of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation
    ● Ashok Kumar Singh has been appointed as the Director General of the Employees’ State
       Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which operates under the Ministry of Labour & Employment,
       Government of India.
About ESIC :
    ● Established : 24 February 1952
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
    ● ESIC is one of the two main statutory social security bodies under the administrative control of
       the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the other being the Employees' Provident Fund
       Organisation.
Central Government Approves Senior-Level Bureaucratic Reshuffle and New Appointments
    ● The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a series of postings and reshuffle
       at senior bureaucratic positions in various departments and ministries.
Appointments :
    ● Department of Personnel and Training: Vivek Joshi (IAS, Haryana cadre), Secretary of the
       Department of Financial Services under the Finance Ministry, is appointed as Secretary, the
       Department of Personnel and Training.
    ● Department of Defence: Rajesh Kumar Singh (IAS, Kerala cadre), currently Secretary,
       Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, appointed as Officer on Special Duty in
       the Department of Defence.
    ● He will assume the role of Secretary of, the Department of Defence, after the tenure of incumbent
       Aramane Giridhar ends on October 31, 2024. Singh's tenure has been extended until October 31,
       2026.
    ● Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Katikithala Srinivas (IAS, Gujarat cadre), Secretary
       (Minority Affairs), posted as Secretary.
    ● Department of Expenditure: Manoj Govil (IAS, Madhya Pradesh cadre), currently Secretary in the
       Corporate Affairs Ministry, appointed as Secretary.
    ● Cabinet Secretariat (Coordination): Vandana Gurnani (IAS, Karnataka cadre) appointed as
       Secretary (Coordination).
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    ● Ministry of Minority Affairs:Chandra Sekhar Kumar (IAS, Odisha cadre), Special Secretary in the
       Panchayati Raj Ministry, appointed as Secretary.
    ● Neelam Shammi Rao (IAS, Madhya Pradesh cadre), former Central Provident Fund
       Commissioner, appointed as Secretary, National Commission for Minorities.
    ● Department of Health and Family Welfare: Punya Salila Srivastava (IAS, AGMUT cadre), Special
       Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, appointed as Officer on Special Duty. She will take over
       as Secretary upon Apurva Chandra's superannuation.
    ● Corporate Affairs: Deepti Gaur Mukherjee (IAS, Madhya Pradesh cadre), CEO of the National
       Health Authority, appointed as Secretary.
    ● President's Secretariat: Deepti Umashankar (IAS, Haryana cadre), Establishment Officer and
       Additional Secretary, DoPT, appointed as Officer on Special Duty to the President of India. She
       will assume the role of Secretary to the President upon the superannuation of Rajesh Verma on
       August 31.
    ● National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention: Sukriti Likhi (IAS, Haryana cadre), Additional
       Secretary and Financial Adviser, Steel Ministry, appointed as Officer on Special Duty. She will
       become Chairman on Mukhmeet Singh Bhatia's retirement on September 30.
    ● Department of Defence Production: Sanjeev Kumar (IAS, Maharashtra cadre), former Chairman
       of Airports Authority of India, appointed as Secretary.
    ● Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade: Amardeep Singh Bhatia (IAS,
       Nagaland cadre), Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, appointed as Secretary.
    ● Ministry of New and Renewable Energy: Prashant Kumar Singh (IAS, Manipur cadre), CEO of
       Government e-Marketplace Special Purpose Vehicle, to take over as Secretary upon Bhupinder
       Singh Bhalla’s superannuation on September 30.
    ● Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation: Ashok Kumar Kaluram Meena (IAS, Odisha
       cadre), Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India, will become Secretary
       following Vini Mahajan’s superannuation on October 31.
    ● Department of Financial Services: Nagaraju Maddirala (IAS, Tripura cadre), Additional Secretary,
       Coal, appointed as Secretary.
    ● Atomic Energy Commission: Pankaj Kumar Mishra (IRS) appointed as Member-Finance.
    ● National Commission for Backward Classes: A. Neeraja (Indian Forest Service), Special
       Secretary, Department of Fertilisers, to take over as Secretary upon Ashish Upadhyaya's
       superannuation on September 30.
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    ● Shriram Capital Private Limited, the holding company of the Shriram Group, has announced the
        appointment of Subhasri as the company’s Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
        (CEO), effective September 1, 2024.
    ● She is currently serving as the Joint Managing Director (JMD) of Shriram Capital.
Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar Appointed as Director General of Project Seabird
    ● Vice Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, NM assumed the duties of Director General of Project Seabird,
        overseeing the largest defence infrastructure project at the Karwar Naval Base.
    ● He succeeded Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti at the Headquarters, of Project Seabird in New Delhi.
IRMS officer Satish Kumar Becomes 1st Dalit Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Railway
Board
    ● Satish Kumar, an officer from the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), has been
        appointed as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Railway Board.
    ● This appointment marks him as the first chairman and CEO from the Scheduled Castes in the
        board’s history.
    ● Jaya Varma Sinha, who is the current chairperson and CEO of the board, is superannuating on
        August 31,2024 and Kumar's appointment will be effective from September 1, 2024.
Senior IPS Officer B Srinivasan Appointed as Director General of National Security Guard
    ● B Srinivasan, a senior IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the
        National Security Guard (NSG).
    ● His appointment is effective from the date of joining the post and will continue until August 31,
        2027, which is his date of superannuation.
    ● Srinivasan will take over as DG of NSG following the departure of Nalin Prabhat, who is being
        deputed as Special Director General of Police in Jammu and Kashmir.
    ● Nalin Prabhat, a 1992 batch IPS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre, will assume the role of
        Special DG in Jammu and Kashmir after the retirement of RR Swain on September 30.
About NSG :
    ● Formed : 16 October 1984
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi,India
    ● The National Security Guard (NSG), commonly known as Black Cats, is a counter-terrorism unit
        of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Fatemeh Mohajerani Appointed as Iran's First Female Government Spokesperson
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    ● Fatemeh Mohajerani has been appointed as Iran's first female government spokesperson,
       marking a historic first for the country.
    ● The appointment was made at the suggestion of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and
       approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
Other Notable Appointments:
    ● Alongside Mohajerani's appointment, Farzaneh Sadeq Malvajard has been approved as the
       Minister of Roads and Urban Development, becoming the second woman minister in Iran post
       the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
    ● Elias Hazrati, a former member of the Iranian Parliament, has been appointed as the Chairman
       of the Government's Information Council.
About Iran :
    ● Capital : Tehran
    ● Currency : Iranian rial
Swiggy appoints ex-Flipkart executive Amitesh Jha as the CEO of Instamart
    ● Food delivery major Swiggy Announced the appointment of Amitesh Jha as the chief executive
       officer (CEO) of its quick commerce arm Swiggy Instamart, effective September 4, 2024.
    ● Jha replaces Phani Kishan as CEO of Instamart.
    ● Sairam Krishnamurthy has been appointed as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
       (COO) of Instamart.
About Swiggy :
    ● Founded : August 2014
    ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    ● CEO : Sriharsha Majety
Rajwinder Bhatti Appointed as Central Industrial Security Force Chief, Daljit Chaudhary Named New
Border Security Force Director General
    ● The Centre announced that IPS officer Rajwinder Singh Bhatti will be the new Director General of
       the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and IPS officer Daljit Singh Chaudhary will be the
       Chief of the Border Security Force (BSF).
About CISF :
    ● Formed : 10 March 1969
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
    ● The CISF is a Central Armed Police Force in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
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    ● Sindhu Gangadharan, Managing Director of SAP Labs India, has been appointed as the
       chairperson of Nasscom (National Association of Software and Service Companies), effective
       immediately.
    ● She succeeds Rajesh Nambiar, who has been named president-designate for Nasscom.
About NASSCOM :
    ● Established : 1 March 1988
    ● Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
    ● NASSCOM is an Indian non-governmental trade association and advocacy group that primarily
       serves the Indian technology industry.
Liu Jin Steps Down as President of Bank of China Due to Unspecified Personal Reasons
    ● Liu Jin has resigned from his roles as Vice Chairman and President of the Bank of China.
    ● His resignation was due to unspecified "personal reasons" and is unexpected given he has not
       yet reached the official retirement age of 60.
    ● Ge Haijiao, the Chairman and Party Secretary of the Bank of China, will serve as the acting
       President until a permanent successor is appointed.
Sanjeev Raina Named Additional Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police
    ● Sanjeev Raina, a 1987-batch ITBP officer, has been appointed as the Additional Director General
       (ADG) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
    ● This is only the second time in ITBP history that a cadre officer has been promoted to the ADG
       post, the second-highest rank in the force after the Director General (DG).
    ● Along with Raina, IG Jaspal Singh has also been elevated to the ADG rank for the panel year
       2024.
About ITBP :
    ● ITBP was established in response to Chinese aggression in 1962, initially with four battalions.
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Landmark Joint Venture Agreement for Coal to Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) Plant
    •   The Ministry of Coal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Power & Natural Gas, has facilitated a
        significant joint venture agreement between two leading Maharatna Central Public Sector
        Enterprises (CPSEs), Coal India Limited (CIL) and GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL).
    •   This agreement marks a major milestone in setting up a Coal to Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG)
        plant using Surface Coal Gasification (SCG) technology.
    •   Location: Raniganj area, Eastern Coalfields Limited, West Bengal
    •   Coal Requirement: 1.9 million tonnes (mts) per annum
    •   Coal Supplier: Coal India Limited (CIL)
NTPC-NPCI JV to start work on Rs 50,000-crore Rajasthan nuclear power plant this fiscal
•   NTPC Ltd, in collaboration with NPCIL, is set to develop the Mahi Banswara nuclear power plant
    with a capacity of 2.8 GW and is also exploring the development of Bharat Small Reactors.
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•       The company plans to significantly increase its green energy capacity and diversify into other energy
        and chemical sectors.
1. Mahi Banswara Nuclear Power Plant:
    o       Joint Venture: NTPC Ltd and Nuclear Power Corp of India (NPCIL) through Anushakti Vidhyut
            Nigam.
    o       Project Cost: ₹50,000 crore.
    o       Capacity: 2.8 GW.
    o       Timeline: Bids to be invited and construction to start before the end of the fiscal year 2024-25.
GAIL and RRVUNL Sign MoU to Explore Joint Venture for Gas-Based Power Plants and Renewable
Projects
        •     State-run GAIL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut
              Utpadan Nigam (RRVUNL) to explore the transfer of RRVUNL’s gas-based power plants into a
              proposed joint venture company (JVC).
        •     This development is crucial for enhancing power reliability during peak consumption periods.
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        •     Gas-Based Power Plants: The MoU aims to explore transferring RRVUNL’s gas-based power
              plants in Dholpur and Ramgarh to a JVC between GAIL and RRVUNL.
        •     Renewable Energy Projects: The partnership will also involve setting up approximately 1,000
              megawatts (MW) of solar and wind projects to provide round-the-clock (RTC) power.
MoU Between All India Institute of Ayurveda and Amity University to Boost Education, Research, and
Technology
        •     A significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the All India Institute of
              Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, and Amity University, Noida.
        •     The MoU aims to foster collaboration in education, research, and technology.
        •     The signing ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries and marked the extension of an
              ongoing five-year agreement between the two institutions.
        •     The MoU was signed by Prof. Tanuja Nesari, Director of AIIA, and Asha Premnath, Joint
              Registrar of Amity University.
SAMEER Transfers Microwave-Based BRIX Measurement Technology to Industry Partners for Large-
Scale Manufacturing
● The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER), an R&D
        institute under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India,
        has signed a significant Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement with Toshniwal Hyvac Pvt. Ltd.
        and Sir Automation Industries.
● This agreement focuses on producing the Microwave-based in-situ BRIX measurement system,
        known as the Sugar COntent MeasuREment (SCORE) system.
About SAMEER
● The Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) is a premier
        R&D institution under MeitY, specializing in the research, development, and commercialization of
        microwave electronics, electromagnetic technology, and related areas. SAMEER plays a crucial role
        in advancing indigenous technologies to support various industries and sectors in India.
India and U.S. Sign MoU to Enhance MSME Participation in Global Markets
    ●       India and the U.S. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enable Micro, Small, and
            Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from both countries to participate more effectively in global markets,
            drive innovation, and foster trade.
    ●       The MoU aims to support MSMEs, including women entrepreneurs, in accessing global markets
            and expanding their business opportunities.
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    ●    The MoU provides a platform for discussing issues related to MSMEs and exploring areas of
         mutual cooperation, including trade and export finance, technology, digital trade, green economy,
         and trade facilitation.
Assam Government Partners with Prasar Bharati for Documentary Series on Lachit Borphukan
● The Assam government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati to
        produce and broadcast a 52-episode documentary series on the legendary Ahom General Lachit
        Borphukan.
● This series will be available on Prasar Bharati's platforms, including Akashwani and Doordarshan, as
        well as its digital services, Prasar Bharati News Services (PBNS).
● The documentary series aims to explore the life and achievements of Lachit Borphukan, a general of
        the Royal Army of the Ahom Kingdom.
CITI and ILO Unite to Tackle Labor Issues in Indian Cotton Sector
● The Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO)
        have launched a joint project to address labor challenges in the Indian cotton industry, focusing on
        eliminating child and forced labor.
IIT Bhubaneswar and IG Drones Collaborate to Establish Advanced Drone Excellence Centre for
Disaster Management
● IIT Bhubaneswar has partnered with IG Drones, a leading drone-tech and AI company, to establish
        an Advanced Drone Excellence Centre at the IIT Bhubaneswar Research and Entrepreneurship
        Park.
● This collaboration aims to enhance research and development in drone technology, specifically for
        disaster management applications, marking a significant step forward in addressing the challenges
        faced by disaster-prone regions in India.
Objectives and Facilities:
           o The partnership aims to develop drone technologies and research methodologies tailored for
                disaster management.
           o The centre will occupy a 2000 sq ft space equipped with necessary facilities for R&D.
India and UK Initiate Talks to Enhance Critical Minerals Collaboration
● India and the United Kingdom have commenced negotiations to strengthen their partnership in the
        critical minerals sector under the newly established UK-India Technology Security Initiative (TSI).
India and the US Explore Collaborative Opportunities in Clean Energy and Manufacturing
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    ● The Indian Power Ministry engaged with a US delegation led by John Podesta, Senior Advisor to
       the President for International Climate Policy.
    ● Focus: Exploring technical exchanges and financial support for energy system upgrades.
India-Africa Bilateral Trade Targets and Collaboration Opportunities
    ● Bilateral trade between India and Africa reached $100 billion in 2022.
    ● Future Target: The aim is to double this figure to $200 billion by 2030.
    ● Identified Sectors: The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has highlighted four
       sectors for potential growth:
       o Automobiles
       o Agriculture and Agro-Processing
       o Pharmaceuticals
       o Transportation and Logistics
India and Australia Hold 10th Round of CECA Negotiations, Focus on Key Areas for Enhanced
Economic Partnership
    ● The 10th Round of India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)
       negotiations was held in Sydney from 19-22 August 2024.
    ● Discussions focused on five key areas: Goods, Services, Digital Trade, Government
       Procurement, Rules of Origin, and Agri-tech.
    ● India and Australia are key strategic partners, collaborating in regional initiatives like the Indo-
       Pacific Economic Forum for Prosperity (IPEF) and the Trilateral Supply Chain Resilience Initiative
       (SCRI).
India and Indonesia Reaffirm Commitment to Combat Terrorism at the 6th Joint Working Group Meeting
    ● India and Indonesia held the sixth meeting of the India-Indonesia Joint Working Group on
       Counter-Terrorism in Jakarta, reaffirming their commitment to combating terrorism.
    ● Both nations strongly condemned the use of terrorist proxies for cross-border terrorism, with
       particular emphasis on Pakistan’s support to terror groups targeting Jammu and Kashmir.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Advances Bilateral Ties with Singapore
      o Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with Singapore President Tharman
         Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to further strengthen the bilateral
         strategic partnership between India and Singapore.
Sri Lanka and India Collaborate on LNG Infrastructure Development for Power Generation
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● The Sri Lankan government and India's state-run firm, Petronet LNG Limited, have signed a
    Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop critical infrastructure for the storage,
    regasification, and supply of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to power plants in Sri Lanka.
● This significant agreement was formalized at a ceremony attended by Sri Lankan Minister of Power
    and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, and India's Deputy High Commissioner, Satyanjal Pandey.
India and Malaysia Elevate Strategic Partnership and Expand Cooperation
● During the recent state visit of Malaysia’s Prime Minister to India, the two countries announced an
    elevation of their bilateral ties from an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, which was established in
    2015.
● This move signifies a deeper and broader cooperation between the two nations.
Key Outcomes of the Visit:
    1. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
            o Malaysia's Participation: Malaysia has agreed to join IBCA as a founding member.
            o Purpose: IBCA, headquartered in India, aims to conserve seven big cat species globally,
               with 96 countries and organizations involved in the coalition.
GAIL and Petron Sign MoU to Explore Bio-Ethylene Plant Joint Venture
● GAIL (India) Limited and Petron Scientech Inc (Petron) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding
    (MoU) to jointly explore setting up of a 500 Kilo Tons per Annum (KTA) bio-ethylene plant along with
    its downstream unit(s) in India, based on bio-ethanol produced in the plant in a 50:50 Joint Venture
    (JV) mode.
Centre Partners with MicroSave to Optimize Community Investment Support Fund (CIF) Utilization
● The Centre has roped in private consulting firm MicroSave to optimize utilisation of the Community
    Investment Support Fund (CIF) a nd enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of organizations
    working under the Rural Livelihood Mission.
● Focus: Optimize CIF utilization and enhance effectiveness and sustainability of organizations under
    the Rural Livelihood Mission.
KVIC and Department of Posts Sign MoU to Enhance PMEGP Implementation
● Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
    (MSME) signed an important MoU with the Department of Posts working under the Ministry of
    Communications at KVIC
Signatories:
            o KVIC: Chairman Manoj Kumar, CEO Vatsalya Saxena, and Dy. CEO Rajan Babu.
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           o Department of Posts: General Manager Manisha Bansal Badal and Dy. General Manager
              Dr. Amanpreet Singh.
Eligibility and Financing:
    ● Beneficiaries: Individuals above 18 years of age; no income ceiling.
    ● Ineligible Costs: Land cost and projects without capital expenditure.
    ● Financial Institutions: Public Sector Banks, Regional Rural Banks, Co-operative Banks, Private
        Sector Banks, and SIDBI.
    ● Loan Terms:
           o Sanction: 90% for general category, 95% for special category.
           o Interest: Normal rate; repayment over 3 to 7 years with a moratorium as prescribed by the
              bank.
REC Ltd and JNPA Sign MoU for ₹45,000 Crore Financing of Infrastructure Projects
● REC Ltd and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) signed a memorandum of understanding
    (MoU).
● The agreement involves financing up to ₹45,000 crore for various upcoming infrastructure projects,
    including the development of a port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra.
● Rahul Dwivedi, Executive Director of REC, and Unmesh Sharad Wagh, Chairman of JNPA, signed
    the MoU in the presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and
    Waterways.
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    •   Italy is at the top of the UNESCO World Heritage list with 60 sites, the latest being the "Via Appia
        Regina Viarum" added during the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi.
    •   Newly Recognized Sites:
          o Italy: Via Appia Regina Viarum
           o Germany: Ensemble Schwerin residence
           o Malaysia: Niah National Park
           o Saudi Arabia: Archaeological area of Al-Faw
           o Romania: Constantin Brâncuși's sculptural ensemble in Târgu Jiu and the Frontiers of the
World Bank Study Highlights Challenges for Developing Countries to Escape the Middle-Income Trap
    •   A new World Bank study reveals that over 100 countries, including China, India, Brazil, and
        South Africa, face significant challenges in achieving high-income status in the coming decades.
    •   The World Development Report 2024: The Middle Income Trap provides a roadmap for
        developing countries to overcome these obstacles.
    •   The 3i Strategy:
           o 1i Phase (Investment): Low-income countries should focus on increasing investment.
           o 2i Phase (Investment and Infusion): Lower-middle-income countries should adopt foreign
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                  ▪   United States: Second-largest exporter with $198 billion, down from $222 billion in
                      2022.
                  ▪   Brazil: Third place with $157 billion, up from $148 billion in 2022.
                  ▪   China: Fourth place with $95 billion, slightly down from $96 billion in 2022.
           o Other Top Exporters: Canada, Mexico, Indonesia, and Australia also featured among the
               top ten.
IIT Madras Achievements and NIRF Rankings 2024
    •   IIT Madras has been ranked as India's number one educational institution for the sixth
        consecutive year by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) announced by the
        Ministry of Education.
    •   Top Engineering Institute: IIT Madras also secured the top position among engineering institutes,
        followed by IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur.
    •   Top 5 Overall Institutes:
           o IIT Madras
           o Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru
           o IIT Bombay
           o IIT Delhi
           o IIT Kanpur
Cancer death among men to increase 93% by 2050
    •   The study published in the journal Cancer presents alarming projections for cancer among men,
        indicating a substantial rise in both cases and deaths by 2050.:
    •   Projected Cancer Trends for Men
    •   Overall Increase in Cases:
           o 2022: 10.3 million cancer cases
           o 2050: Expected to rise to 19 million
           o Increase: 84%
Microsoft Named India's Most Attractive Employer Brand in 2024: Randstad Survey
    •   Microsoft has emerged as India's most attractive employer brand, securing the top position in the
        Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) 2024.
    •   The tech giant was highly rated for its financial health, good reputation, and career progression
        opportunities—the top three Employee Value Proposition (EVP) drivers identified by the survey.
    Top 10 Most Attractive Employer Brands in India:
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    •   Microsoft
    •   Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
    •   Amazon
    •   Tata Power Company
    •   Tata Motors
    •   Samsung India
    •   Infosys
    •   Larsen & Toubro
    •   Reliance Industries
    •   Mercedes-Benz
2024 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List:
•   The Ambani family business, led by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani — the richest
    man in Asia, has topped 'The 2024 Barclays Private Clients Hurun India Most Valuable Family
    Businesses List', as per a Business Standard report.
Top 5 Family Businesses:
1. Ambani Family (Reliance Industries)
    o   Valuation: ₹25.75 lakh crore
2. Bajaj Family (Bajaj Group)
    o   Valuation: ₹7.13 lakh crore
3. Birla Family (Aditya Birla Group)
    o   Valuation: ₹5.39 lakh crore
    o   Leader: Kumar Mangalam Birla
4. Jindal Family (JSW Group)
    o   Valuation: ₹4.71 lakh crore
    o   Leader: Sajjan Jindal
5. Nadar Family (HCL Technologies)
    o   Valuation: ₹4.30 lakh crore
    o   Leader: Roshni Nadar Malhotra
    o   Note: Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the only woman in the top 10.
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. and Six Other Stocks to Join MSCI India Index; Bandhan Bank Excluded
●   Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) Added to the MSCI India Index, part of the MSCI Global Standard
    Index.
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 ●   Other New Additions: Vodafone Idea, Dixon Technologies, Oil India, Prestige Estates, Oracle
     Financial, and Zydus Lifesciences.
 ●   Exclusions:
        o   Bandhan Bank: Removed from the MSCI India Index.
 ●   MSCI India Domestic Index:
        o   New Additions: Bosch, PB Fintech, alongside the aforementioned stocks.
        o   Other Inclusions: Inox Wind Energy, Inox Green Energy Services, Shakti Pumps, Aurionpro
            Solutions, Gulf Oil Lubricants.
        o   Exclusions: Cochin Shipyard, IREDA, JP Associates, PB Fintech, Phoenix Mills, and RVNL.
Stock                Action                Expected       Notes
                                           Inflows
Rail Vikas Nigam Added to MSCI $219 million               Shares    surged    11%    on
Ltd. (RVNL)          India Index                          Monday; 220% YTD gain
Vodafone Idea        Added to MSCI $278 million
                     India Index
Dixon                Added to MSCI $281 million
Technologies         India Index
Oil India            Added to MSCI $238 million
                     India Index
Prestige Estates     Added to MSCI $181 million
                     India Index
Oracle Financial     Added to MSCI $170 million
                     India Index
Zydus                Added to MSCI $230 million
Lifesciences         India Index
Bandhan Bank         Excluded      from -
                     MSCI          India
                     Index
HDFC Bank            Weightage             $1.8   billion Increase in two phases; first
                     Increase              (expected)     post-current review, second
                                                          post-November review
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Adani Surges to Richest Indian, Ambani's Net Worth Rises in 2024 Hurun India Rich List
    o Gautam Adani's net worth surged by 95% to Rs 11.6 lakh crore in the past year, making him the
        richest Indian, surpassing Mukesh Ambani.
    o This sharp rise in Adani's wealth contrasts with a 57% decline reported in 2023 due to allegations
        from Hindenburg Research, which Adani's conglomerate has denied.
    o Mukesh Ambani saw a 25% increase in his net worth, reaching Rs 10.14 lakh crore.
    o Shiv Nadar and family of HCL moved up to the third richest with a net worth of Rs 3.14 lakh crore.
    o Cyrus Poonawalla of Serum Institute slipped to the fourth position with Rs 2.89 lakh crore.
    o Dilip Shanghvi of Sun Pharmaceuticals secured the fifth position with a net worth of Rs 2.50 lakh
        crore.
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    ● Carlyle Group divested a 12.8% stake in PNB Housing Finance for ₹2,578 crore through open
       market transactions.
    ● The Singapore government and the Monetary Authority of Singapore acquired stakes in PNB
       Housing Finance.
    ● US-based global investment firm Carlyle group through its affiliate Quality Investment Holdings
       PCC offloaded 3,32,60,000 shares, amounting to a 12.8% stake in PNB Housing Finance.
    ● Carlyle's stake in PNB Housing Finance was reduced from 32.68% to 19.88%.
About PNB Housing Finance Limited :
    ● Founded : 11 November 1988
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
    ● Managing Director : Girish Kousgi
    ● PNB Housing Finance Limited is an Indian housing finance company registered with National
       Housing Bank.
    ● PNB Housing is promoted by Punjab National Bank.
About Carlyle Group :
    ● Founded : 1987
    ● Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
    ● CEO : Harvey Schwartz
Competition Commission of India approves the acquisition of 100% share capital of Viterra by Bunge
    ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% share capital
       of Viterra Limited by Bunge Global SA.
    ● Proposed Combination: Bunge Global SA (Acquirer) is set to acquire 100% of the issued and
       outstanding share capital of Viterra Limited (Target).
    ● Global Activities:Bunge: Mainly active in the sale of oilseed meals, vegetable oils, grains, milled
       products, and unprocessed oilseeds.
    ● Viterra: Focuses on the purchase and sale of unprocessed commodity crops, particularly grains.
    ● Viterra has limited origination activities in India for commodities such as channa, wheat, maize,
       lentils, and cotton.
About CCI :
    ● Established : 14 October 2003
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
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    ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of 100% of
        the share capital of ATC Telecom Infrastructure Private Limited (ATC India) by Data
        Infrastructure Trust (DIT) and certain inter-connected transactions.
    ● DIT is an infrastructure investment trust registered under the Securities and Exchange Board of
        India (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
    ● ATC India is an indirect subsidiary of American Tower International, Inc. It is engaged in the
        business of provision of passive telecom infrastructure services in India.
About CCI :
    ● Established : 14 October 2003
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
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Competition Commission of India Approves Highway Infrastructure Trust's Acquisition of 100% Equity
Stake and Control in 12 special purpose vehicles of PNC Infratech and PNC Infra Holdings
    ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of 100% equity stake,
       management and control in 12 special purpose vehicles of PNC Infratech Limited and PNC Infra
       Holdings (PNC SPVs/Targets) by Highway Infrastructure Trust (Acquirer Trust).
    ● Acquirer Trust:Highway Infrastructure Trust is an irrevocable trust under the Indian Trusts Act,
       1882, and registered as an infrastructure investment trust with the Securities and Exchange
       Board of India (SEBI) under the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
Competition Commission of India Approves 360 ONE Private Equity Fund's Acquisition of Stake in
Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited
    ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition by 360 ONE Private
       Equity Fund in Vastu Housing Finance Corporation Limited (VHFCL).
    ● 360 ONE Private Equity Fund (360 Fund) is registered with the Securities and Exchange Board
       of India (SEBI) as a Category II Alternativ e Investment Fund.
    ● The fund is established for investing in various sectors both in India and globally.
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    ● 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Limited (360 AAML) is the investment manager of the
       360 Fund.
Adani Group Pledges 51% Stake in Navi Mumbai Airport for ₹12,770 Crore Loan
    ● The Adani Group-controlled Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) has pledged a 51% stake in
       the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIAL) to the State Bank of India (SBI).
    ● This move is linked to a substantial loan facility amounting to Rs 12,770 crore, sanctioned by SBI
       for the greenfield airport project.
    ● Previous Financing Arrangement: A previous financing deal with Yes Bank worth ₹8,645 crore
       was cancelled, leading to the revised arrangement with SBI.
About MIAL :
    ● Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) is managed by Adani Airport Holding Limited
       (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the globally diversified Adani
       Group.
National Company Law Tribunal greenlights merger of Slice with North East Small Finance Bank
    ● Consumer payments and lending company Slice has received approval from the National
       Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for its merger with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB).
    ● The NCLT Guwahati bench has sanctioned a scheme involving multiple entities, including
       Garagepreneurs Internet Private Limited, Quadrillion Finance Pvt Ltd, Intergalactory Foundry Pvt
       Ltd, RGVN (North East) Microfinance Ltd, and NESFB.
About NCLT :
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi
    ● The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is a quasi-judicial body in India that adjudicates
       issues relating to Indian companies.
    ● The tribunal, established under the Companies Act 2013, was constituted on 1 June 2016 by the
       government of India and is based on the recommendation of the V. Balakrishna Eradi committee
       on the law relating to the insolvency and the winding up of companies.
Life Insurance Corporation of India Sells 2.09% Stake in Hindustan Copper for ₹447 Crore Through
Open Market
    ● Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) sold a 2.09% stake in state-owned Hindustan Copper
       Ltd (HCL) for ₹447 crore through an open market transaction.
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    ● LIC sold 2,01,62,682 shares at an average price of ₹221.64 per share, amounting to a total
       transaction value of ₹446.8 crore.
    ● Post-sale, LIC's ownership in Hindustan Copper decreased from 8.17% to 6.09%.
About HCL :
    ● Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines.
    ● It is the only company in the country engaged in the mining of copper ore and owns all the
       operating mining leases of Copper ore and also the only integrated producer of refined copper
       (vertically integrated company).
About LIC :
    ● Founded : 1 September 1956
    ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
    ● Chairman : Siddhartha Mohanty
Competition Commission of India approves IndusInd International Holdings Limited's stake acquisition
in Invesco Asset Management (India) and Invesco Trustee Private Limited
    ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of a 60% shareholding in
       Invesco Asset Management (India) Private Limited and Invesco Trustee Private Limited by
       IndusInd International Holdings Limited (IIHL).
About CCI :
    ● Established : 14 October 2003
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
    ● Chairman : Ravneet Kaur
    ● The CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India.
    ● It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the
       Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable
       adverse effect on competition in India.
Pine Labs Gets National Company Law Tribunal approval for Merging Its Domestic and Singapore
Operations
    ● Fintech major Pine Labs has received an initial approval from the National Company Law
       Tribunal (NCLT) to merge its entities in India and Singapore.
    ● The company will file a second motion with the NCLT for final approval after the initial motion has
       been approved.
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    ● It is sponsored by the State Bank of India (SBI) and became a joint venture with AMUNDI Asset
       Management in 2011.
    ● Ownership Structure:SBI holds a 63% majority stake in SBI Funds Management Pvt Ltd
       (SBIFMPL).
    ● AMUNDI Asset Management owns the remaining 37% stake.
Competition Commission of India Approves Merger Involving Reliance Industries, Viacom18, Digital18
Media, Star India, and Star Television Productions
    ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed combination involving
       Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), Viacom18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18), Digital18 Media
       Limited, Star India Private Limited (SIPL), and Star Television Productions Limited (STPL).
Zomato Finalizes Acquisition of Paytm’s Entertainment and Ticketing Business
    ● Food delivery major Zomato has completed the acquisition of Paytm’s event ticketing
       subsidiaries Wasteland Entertainment Private Limited (WEPL) and Orbgen Technologies Private
       Limited (OTPL).
    ● The acquisition deal was valued at ₹2,048 crore.
Platforms and Subsidiaries:
    ● OTPL operates the TicketNew platform.
    ● WEPL operates the Insider platform.
About Zomato :
    ● Founded : July 2008
    ● Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
    ● MD & CEO : Deepinder Goyal
Jio Financial Increases Stake in Jio Payments Bank to 82.17% with ₹68 Crore Investment
    ● Jio Financial Services Limited. (JFS) has raised its stake in Jio Payments Bank Limited. (JPBL)
       from 78.95% to 82.17%.
    ● JFS has invested ₹68 crore by subscribing to 6.8 crore shares of JPBL.
About Jio Payments Bank Limited :
    ● Founded : 3 April 2018
    ● Headquarters : Navi Mumbai, India
    ● Chairman : Vivek Bhandari
    ● MD & CEO : Vinod Easwaran
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    ● Jio Payments Bank Limited is an Indian payments bank, and is currently a subsidiary of Jio
        Financial Services, which was initially owned by Reliance Industries but was listed separately on
        stock exchanges in 2023.
                                              DEFENCE NEWS
India to host first multinational air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti 2024’ in two phases
    •   Indian Air Force vice chief Air Marshal AP Singh announced that the air exercise ‘Tarang Shakti’
        will be the largest international air exercise ever conducted in India, with invitations extended to
        51 countries.
    •   The exercise will be held in two phases and aims to boost military cooperation and highlight
        India’s defence industry, supporting the country’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
    •   The Indian Air Force has received confirmation from ten countries for participation with their
        assets and 18 countries as observers for the exercise.
About the Indian Armed Forces
    •   Headquarters: New Delhi, India
    •   Founded: 8 October 1932
    •   Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): General Anil Chauhan
    •   Commander-in-Chief: President Draupadi Murmu
Defence Acquisition Council Sanctions amendment to MQ-9B UAV deal with U.S
    ● The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed and
        approved amendments to the deal for 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE)
        Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from General Atomics of the US.
    ● The DAC also gave approval to a proposal regarding the scheduled refit of aircraft carrier INS
        Vikramaditya later this year.
    ● The amendments approved are within the scope of the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) that was
        granted for the MQ-9B deal.
About DAC :
    ● Established : 2001
    ● Chairman : Union Minister of Defence (Rajnath Singh)
    ● It is the highest decision-making body of the defence ministry on procurement.
    ● Its members include the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air
        Force.
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Indian Navy Submarine INS Shalki Docks in Colombo for Official Visit
    •   Indian Navy’s submarine INS Shalki is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, reflecting the growing
        maritime security cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
    •   The submarine was given a ceremonial reception by the Sri Lanka Navy on 2nd August 2024.
    •   Diplomatic Engagements:During the visit, the Commanding Officer of INS Shalki is scheduled to
        meet Rear Admiral WDCU Kumarasinghe, the Commander of the Western Naval Area.
    •   Sri Lanka Navy personnel will receive a briefing onboard INS Shalki.
About Ministry of Defence :
    •   Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
    •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
Indian Naval Ship Shivalik Clinches Naval Gunfire Support Competition at RIMPAC 2024
    •   Indian Naval Ship (INS) Shivalik of the Eastern Fleet emerged victorious in the Naval Gunfire
        Support Competition at the Rim of the Pacific Exercise- 2024 (RIMPAC-2024), held in Hawaii and
        won the coveted RODEO trophy.
    •   The event which featured 25 partner nations saw INS Shivalik demonstrate exceptional firepower
        and precision in delivering ordnance on target.
    •   This biennial event, known as the world’s largest international maritime exercise, saw
        participation from 29 nations.
    •   The Indian Navy’s participation in RIMPAC 2024 was marked by the advanced capabilities of the
        P-8I and INS Shivalik.
About Ministry of Defence :
    •   Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
    •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
Indian Air Force Team Returns After Successfully Participating in Exercise Udara Shakti 2024 in
Malaysia
    •   The Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has returned to India following a successful engagement in
        Exercise Udara Shakti 2024, a joint air exercise conducted in collaboration with the Royal
        Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
    •   The exercise took place from August 5th to 9th, 2024, at Kuantan, Malaysia.
    •   IAF's Participation:The IAF deployed its Su-30MKI fighter jets for the exercise.
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    •   These jets flew alongside RMAF's Su-30MKM fighters in various air combat missions.
Army conducts 'Parvat Prahaar' exercise in Ladakh, focuses on high-altitude ops
    •   Exercise Name: 'Parvat Prahaar' (Mountain Strike)
    •   Location: Ladakh, India
    •   Duration: Over a fortnight
    •   Focus: High-altitude warfare and operations in mountainous and rugged terrains.
    •   Purpose: To maintain Army readiness and effectiveness in the sensitive region near the India-
        China border.
DRDO carries out successful maiden flight test of Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I
platform off Odisha coast
    ● DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB),
        GAURAV, from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
    ● Test conducted off the coast of Odisha.
    ● Air-launched 1,000 kg class glide bomb.
    ● Capable of hitting targets at long distances.
    ● Uses a highly accurate hybrid navigation scheme with INS and GPS data.
    ● Designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
About DRDO:
    ●   Formed: 1958
    ●   Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi, India
    ●   Minister Responsible: Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence
    ●   Chairman: Sameer V. Kamat
    ●   Parent Agency: Ministry of Defence
‘Mitra Shakti’: India-Sri Lanka joint military exercise begins
    ●   The 10th edition of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise 'Mitra Shakti' commenced on
        August 12, 2024, at the Army Training School in Maduru Oya, Sri Lanka.
    ●   The exercise will continue until August 25, 2024.
    ●   The last edition of 'Mitra Shakti' was conducted in Pune, India, in November 2023.
Purpose and Objectives
    ●   The aim of 'Mitra Shakti 2024' is to enhance the joint military capability of both India and Sri
        Lanka to undertake counter-insurgency operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter
        VII of the United Nations Mandate.
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    ● United States (US) aerospace giant Boeing has partnered with India’s AI Engineering Services
        Limited (AIESL) to enhance local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the
        Indian Navy's fleet of 12 P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft.
    ● The partnership will provide in-country overhaul services for critical components of the P-8I
        Poseidon Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Anti-Submarine Warfare (LRMR ASW) aircraft.
    ● The first landing gear overhaul was recently completed at INS Rajali, marking a significant
        milestone in India’s MRO capabilities.
Indian Air Force and Army Successfully Execute First-Ever Precision Para-Drop of BHISHM Trauma
Care Cube from 15,000 Feet
    ● The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army have jointly carried out a first-of-its-kind precise para-
        drop operation of the Aarogya Maitri Health Cube at a high-altitude area close to 15,000 feet.
    ● These critical trauma care cubes have been indigenously developed under Project BHISHM
        (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita and Maitri).
    ● The operation was conducted in line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision of providing
        critical supplies to Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) affected areas.
About IAF :
    ● Founded : 26 January 1950
    ● Headquarters : New Delhi
    ● Chief of Defence Staff : General Anil Chauhan
    ● Chief of the Air Staff : Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
About Indian Army :
    ● Chief of the Army Staff : General Upendra Dwivedi
    ● Vice Chief of the Army Staff : Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani
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Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Inaugurates Advanced ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in
Chennai, and Virtually Launches Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre and Coast Guard Air
Enclave in Puducherry
    ● Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the newly-constructed state-of-the-art Indian
       Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
    ● He also virtually launched the Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre, located at the
       Chennai Port premises, and the Coast Guard Air Enclave in Puducherry.
    ● The buildings have been established to ensure robust maritime security and provide efficient
       responses to emergencies, reinforcing the country's commitment to maritime safety and
       environmental protection.
Indian naval ship INS Mumbai to make first visit to Sri Lanka
    ● The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai will make its maiden visit to Sri Lanka, arriving at the port of
       Colombo for a three-day stay.
    ● This is INS Mumbai’s first visit to a Sri Lankan port and the eighth visit by an Indian Navy ship to
       Sri Lanka in 2024.
Purpose of Visit:
    ● INS Mumbai will deliver essential spare parts for the Dornier maritime patrol aircraft operated by
       the Sri Lanka Air Force.
    ● The Indian Navy also supports the maintenance of these aircraft with technical teams and spare
       parts.
    ● The Dornier aircraft have provided critical surveillance capabilities over Sri Lanka's Sea Area of
       Responsibility (AOR) since their induction two years ago.
    ● INS Mumbai Specifications:INS Mumbai is the third of the Delhi-class destroyers and was
       commissioned into the Indian Navy on January 22, 2001.
India's First Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel, 'Samudra Pratap,' Launched by Indian Coast Guard in
Goa with Raksha Rajya Mantri Present
    ● The first indigenously designed and built Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) for the Indian Coast
       Guard (ICG) is named 'Samudra Pratap'.
    ● The vessel was designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), a defense Public Sector
       Undertaking (PSU).
    ● This is the first time such vessels are being designed and constructed indigenously by GSL.
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    ● The ship was launched in Goa and named 'Samudra Pratap' by Smt. Neeta Seth in the presence
        of Shri Sanjay Seth, the Raksha Rajya Mantri (Minister of State for Defence).
Indias second nuclear ballistic missile submarine, INS Arighaat commissioned into service
    ● INS Arighaat, Indias second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, was commissioned into
        service in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
    ● INS Arighaat joins INS Arihant, the first nuclear ballistic missile submarine, which was
        commissioned in 2016.
    ● It has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes and is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water
        reactor with enriched uranium.
India Secures Repeat Order for 73,000 SIG716 Assault Rifles, Delivery Expected by End of 2025
    ● India has placed a repeat order for 73,000 SIG716 assault rifles from the U.S. firm SiG Sauer Inc.
    ● This order adds to the earlier purchase of 72,400 SIG716 rifles, which were procured in February
        2019.
    ● These rifles were distributed among the Army (66,400), Air Force (4,000), and Navy (2,000).
    ● Purpose: The rifles are intended for infantry battalions deployed along the borders with China
        and Pakistan, amid ongoing military tensions, especially along the eastern Ladakh region.
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    •   It recently released an Expression of Interest (EoI) inviting proposals from Indian entities to build
        and manage a space-based Earth Observation (EO) system under a Public-Private Partnership
        (PPP) model to boost the Earth Observation-based space economy in India.
India Chooses 2 Crew Members for Axiom-4 Mission to the International Space Station
    •   India has shortlisted two astronaut-designates for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the
        International Space Station.
    •   Indian astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan
        Nair have been shortlisted to go to the U.S. to train for the upcoming Axiom-4 mission to the
        International Space Station (ISS).
    •   A National Mission Assignment Board has recommended two Gaganyatris (astronauts) as prime
        and backup Mission Pilot for this mission. Group Captain
    •   Shukla will be the prime mission pilot and Group Captain Nair will be the back up.
Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre Authorizes Azista BST Aerospace to
Establish and Operate Ground Station
    •   The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has granted
        authorisation to Azista BST Aerospace Private Limited, Hyderabad, for the establishment and
        operation of a ground station in UHF frequency bands.
    •   Functions and Services:The ground station will support Azista BST Aerospace's satellites and
        offer Ground Station as a Service (GSaaS) for Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C)
        operations.
    •   Frequency Bands:The ground stations will operate in the UHF frequency band (300 MHz to 3
        GHz), primarily used for satellite communications, including data relay for remote sensing,
        telemetry, and control of satellites.
NASA’s InSight Uncovers Vast Reservoir of Liquid Water
    ● Geophysicists using seismic data from NASA’s Insight lander have uncovered a large
        underground water reservoir on Mars.
    ● The reservoir is trapped within the mid-crust of Mars, located between 11.5 and 20 kilometres
        below the surface.
    ● This finding challenges previous theories that most of Mars’ water escaped into space.
    ● The discovery suggests that Mars’ water was absorbed into its crust, potentially altering the
        understanding of the planet's aridity.
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Indian Space Research Organisation Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-08
    ● Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the Earth Observation Satellite ‘EOS-08’
       using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
       Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
    ● The primary objectives of the EOS-08 mission include designing and developing a microsatellite,
       creating payload instruments compatible with the microsatellite bus, and incorporating new
       technologies required for future operational satellites.
    ● EOS-08 is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus, weighing approximately 175.5 kg, with a power
       generation of around 420 W. It is set to operate in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude
       of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4° and has a mission life of 1 year.
    ● Payloads: The satellite carries three payloads:
    1. Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Captures images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-
       Wave IR (LWIR) bands.
    2. Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry payload (GNSS-R): Demonstrates GNSS-R-
       based remote sensing for ocean surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, cryosphere
       studies, flood detection, and inland waterbody detection.
    3. SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitors UV irradiance in the Gaganyaan Mission’s Crew Module and serves
       as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma radiation.
About ISRO :
    ● Founded : 15 August 1969
    ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka
    ● Chairman : Sreedhara Somanath
Ola Electric Unveils Indigenous 'Bharat' Battery Cell
    ● Ola Electric, the winner of the Centre's flagship Rs 18,100 crore production-linked incentive (PLI)
       scheme for advanced chemical cells (ACC), unveiled the ‘Bharat’ battery cell — an indigenous
       4680 cell.
    ● At the Ola Electric Sankalp 2024 event, Aggarwal detailed the company’s plan to revolutionise
       energy in India.
    ● The phased approach begins with 5 GwH cell manufacturing in 2024, scaling up to 20 GwH by
       2026, and aiming for 100 GwH by 2030.
    ● PLI Scheme Allocation: Ola Electric was awarded 20 GWh of the 50 GWh allocated under the
       ACC PLI scheme.
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    ● Other recipients include ACC Energy Storage and Reliance New Energy Battery Storage.
    ● Pilot Production: Ola Electric has completed pilot production of approximately 10,000 cells and
       informed the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), the nodal ministry for the ACC PLI.
About Ola Electric :
    ● Founded : 2017
    ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
    ● CEO : Bhavish Aggarwal
Bhavish Aggarwal's Krutrim Set to Develop and Launch Its First AI Chip by 2026
    ● Krutrim, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) startup founded by Bhavish Aggarwal, plans to launch its
       first AI chip, Bodhi 1, by 2026, followed by a superior Bodhi 2 in 2028.
    ● Krutrim is developing a family of chips named “Bodhi” for AI, “Sarv” for general computing, and
       “Ojas” for Edge computing.
    ● Strategic Partnerships: The development of Bodhi-II involves strategic partnerships with global
       chip-makers Arm and Untether AI.
    ● Data Centre Expansion: Krutrim aims to scale up its data centre capacity to 1 GW by 2028, from
       the current 20 MW.
    ● Ola Coins Loyalty Program: A loyalty program called Ola Coins has been launched, applicable
       across several Ola services.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Greenhouse Gas-Tracking Instrument Successfully
Launched
    ● A satellite named Tanager-1, developed by a coalition of companies and organizations including
       National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA's) Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was
       launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
    ● Surface Coverage: The satellite can scan 130,000 square kilometers of Earth's surface per day.
    ● Comparison to MethaneSAT: The launch of Tanager-1 follows the earlier launch of MethaneSAT
       in March, which also tracks and measures methane emissions.
About Methane :
    ● Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, 80 times more effective at warming than carbon dioxide
       over a 20-year period, and it is responsible for 30% of global warming since the Industrial
       Revolution.
    ● Methane is the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, making the
       monitoring and reduction of its emissions crucial for combating climate change.
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About NASA :
    ● Established : July 29, 1958
    ● Headquarters : Washington, D.C, United States
    ● Administrator : Bill Nelson
Experian India Launches AI-Driven Tool AiDRIAN for Real-Time Fraud Detection
    ● Experian India, a leader in data and technology, has unveiled AiDRIAN, an advanced tool that
       detects potential fraud.
    ● AiDRIAN detects potential fraud at its source, preventing the possibility of financial loss in real
       time.
    ● The tool enhances customer experience while reducing the need for manual reviews and
       interventions.
Nokia Collaborates with Axiom Space for NASA's Moon Mission's Next-Gen Spacesuit Communication
    ● Nokia has joined hands with Axiom Space to integrate advanced 4G/LTE communication
       capabilities into the next-generation spacesuits that will be used for the Artemis III mission,
       NASA's ambitious plans to land humans at the south pole of the moon.
    ● The Artemis-III mission is likely to be launched in 2026 and Nokia plans to build the first cellular
       network on the moon, which would be in-built in the space suits used by astronauts.
    ● Nokia and Axiom Space will incorporate high-speed cellular-network capabilities in the Axiom
       Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU), supporting HD video, telemetry data and voice
       transmission over multiple kilometres on the Moon.
India's National Aerospace Laboratories Unveils 'Kamikaze' Drone with 1000 km Range
    ● India's National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) developed the 'Kamikaze' drone, featuring an
       indigenously built engine and a range of 1,000 kilometres.
    ● Drone Specifications: The drone measures approximately 2.8 metres in length with a 3.5-meter
       wingspan and weighs about 120 kilograms.
    ● Engine and Speed: It is powered by a 30-horsepower Wankel Engine, enabling speeds of up to
       180 kilometers per hour.
    ● Payload and Range: It is Capable of carrying a 25-kilogram explosive payload, the drone is
       designed for extended combat scenarios.
About National Aerospace Laboratories :
    ● Established : 1 June 1959
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    ● Current Market Share: India currently holds only 2% of the global space market, despite being a
       major spacefaring nation.
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● Alpana Killawala’s book, A Fly on the RBI Wall: An Insider’s View of the Central Bank , provides an
    in-depth look at her 25-year career with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the evolution of its
    communication strategies.
● The book offers a candid and insightful account of her journey and the transformation of the RBI
    over more than two decades.
● Publisher: Rupa Publications India
Dr. Kalpana Sankar's Autobiography "The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women"
Launched
● Dr. Kalpana Sankar's autobiography, “The Scientist Entrepreneur: Empowering Millions of Women,”
    was unveiled at Cathedral Road.
● The event celebrated women's empowerment and social entrepreneurship, bringing together
    influential figures from diverse fields
                                               SPORTS NEWS
National Basketball Academy in Collaboration with Corvuss American Academy
    •   The Basketball Federation of India (BFI) has partnered with Corvuss American Academy to set
        up the National Basketball Academy in Mumbai.
    •   The academy is located 95 km away from both Pune and Mumbai at Corvuss, India's first
        international residential school for student-athletes.
           o The academy will start with 30 boys and 30 girls.
           o A nationwide talent hunt will be conducted to select the students.
Indian Shooter Swapnil Kusale Wins Historic Bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions at Paris 2024
Olympics
    •   Indian shooter Swapnil Kusale achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the bronze medal in
        the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
    •   This victory marks India's first-ever Olympic medal in this event and the third overall in rifle
        shooting, following Abhinav Bindra's gold in men’s 10m air rifle at Beijing 2008 and Gagan
        Narang's bronze in the same event at London 2012.
    •   Medal Winners:
          o Gold: Liu Yukun (China) - 463.6 points
           o Silver: Serhiy Kulish (Ukraine) - 461.3 points
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Tatjana Smith Wins Gold Medal in Women's 100m Breaststroke at Paris Olympics
    •   South Africa's Tatjana Smith clinched gold in the women's 100m breaststroke at the Paris
        Olympics, making a stunning late surge to secure the victory.
    •   Smith, who previously won silver in the same event at the Tokyo Olympics, overtook China's
        Tang Qianting in the final 10 meters, finishing with a time of 1:05.28 at La Defense Arena.
    •   Gold Medal Performance: Tatjana Smith touched the wall in 1:05.28, claiming the gold medal.
    •   Silver and Bronze: China's Tang Qianting took the silver with a time of 1:05.54, while Ireland's
        Mona McSharry earned the bronze in 1:05.59.
Leon Marchand Secures Second Gold Medal at Paris Olympics, Eyes Historic Same-Day Double
    •   Leon Marchand from France won his second gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
    •   He set an Olympic record in the 200-metre butterfly event.
    •   Marchand is aiming for an unprecedented same-day double in the 200-metre butterfly and
        breaststroke events.
    •   Marchand triumphed in the 200-metre butterfly, setting an Olympic record.
    •   He defeated Hungary's world record holder and reigning champion Kristof Milak.
    •   Canada's Ilya Kharun secured the bronze medal.
63rd Subroto Cup Football Tournament Kicks Off with Junior Girls Event
    •   The 63rd Subroto Cup football tournament will commence with the Junior girls' event.
    •   The tournament will be held in the National Capital Region (NCR) from August 5 to 14.
    •   Four grounds, including the iconic Ambedkar Stadium, will host the matches.
    •   The sub-junior boys competition will take place in Bengaluru from August 19 to 28.
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Daniel Wiffen's Historic Win in the 800m Freestyle - Paris 2024 Olympics
    •   Wiffen became the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an Olympic gold medal in 36 years.
    •   He triumphed in the 800m freestyle final at 7:38.19, setting an Olympic record.
    •   His stunning finish over the last 50 meters allowed him to edge out American Bobby Finke by
        0.56 seconds.
    •   Finke, a formidable competitor, was narrowly defeated by Wiffen's remarkable final surge.
Cassandre Beaugrand's Triumphant Win in the Women's Triathlon - Paris 2024 Olympics
    •   Gold: Cassandre Beaugrand (France)
    •   Beaugrand claimed France's first individual Olympic medal in triathlon, delivering an impressive
        performance.
    •   She was among the leaders from the start and surged ahead in the final kilometre of the 10km
        run to secure the gold medal.
    •   Silver: Julie Derron (Switzerland)
    •   Bronze: Beth Potter (Great Britain)
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    •   Romania's David Popovici secured the gold medal in the men's 200m freestyle at the Paris
        Olympics, narrowly defeating Britain's Matt Richards by just 0.02 seconds.
    •   In a thrilling race at La Defense Arena, Popovici, the 2022 world champion, finished with a time of
        1:44.72.
    •   Gold Medal Victory: David Popovici won the gold with a time of 1:44.72, overtaking competitors in
        the final stretch.
    •   Close Finish: Britain's Matt Richards claimed silver, finishing only 0.02 seconds behind Popovici.
    •   Bronze Medal: Luke Hobson of the United States took bronze, just 0.07 seconds behind the
        winner.
Takanori Nagase Retains Olympic Judo Title, Andreja Leski Wins Slovenia's First Gold in Paris
    •   Japan's Takanori Nagase successfully defended his Olympic under 81kg judo title at the Paris
        Olympics, securing victory by ippon against Georgia's three-time world champion, Tato
        Grigalashvili.
    •   Meanwhile, Slovenia's Andreja Leski triumphed in the women's under 63kg final, earning her
        country its first gold medal of the Games.
    •   Leski secured Slovenia's first gold medal of the Paris Games in the women's under 63kg judo
        final.
China's Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin Win Mixed Doubles Table Tennis Gold at Paris Olympics
    •   China's top-ranked table tennis duo, Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin claimed the gold medal in
        the mixed doubles event at the Paris Olympics.
    •   The pair secured a 4-2 victory over Democratic People's Republic of Korea's Ri Jong-sik and Kim
        Kum-yong in a thrilling final at South Paris Arena 4.
    •   Sun Yingsha and Wang Chuqin, the world number one pair, won the mixed doubles gold with a
        4-2 scoreline.
    •   South Korea's Lim Jong-hoon and Shin Yu-bin dominated their match against Hong Kong's
        Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem, winning 4-0 to take the bronze medal.
France's Teddy Riner wins 100+kg judo for record fourth gold medal
•   French judoka Teddy Riner claimed his fourth Olympic gold medal in the 100+kg category at the
    Paris 2024 Olympics.
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•   Total Medals: Riner now holds six Olympic medals, surpassing Japanese judoka Ryoko Tani’s
    record of five Olympic judo medals.
•   Previous Titles: Riner won individual golds at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games and a team
    gold at Tokyo 2021.
•   Olympic Record: With four golds, Riner now holds the French Summer Olympics record for the most
    titles.
Toni Kroos is Germany’s player of the year, Xabi Alonso wins coaching accolade
    •   Toni Kroos capped his illustrious career by being named Germany’s Player of the Year for the
        2023-24 season.
    •   Xabi Alonso, having masterminded Bayer Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga campaign and
        German Cup victory, was honoured as Germany's Coach of the Year.
    •   Player of the Year: Toni Kroos
    •   Winner: Toni Kroos
    •   Recognition: Voted Germany’s Player of the Year for the second time (previously won in 2018).
    •   Coach of the Year: Xabi Alonso:
Kaylia Nemour Makes History with Olympic Gold in Gymnastics
    •   Kaylia Nemour, the 17-year-old Algerian gymnast, made history by becoming the first African to
        win an Olympic gymnastics medal, capturing gold on the uneven bars.
Competitors:
              o Silver: Shanieka Ricketts (Jamaica).
              o Bronze: Jasmine Moore (USA).
Katie Ledecky Triumphs Again in 800-Meter Freestyle at Paris Olympics
    •   Katie Ledecky showcased her legendary prowess by winning the gold medal in the grueling 800-
        meter freestyle final at the Paris Olympics, fending off a strong challenge from Australian star
        Ariarne Titmus, who secured the silver medal.
    •   Medalists:
    •   Gold: Katie Ledecky (USA) - 8:11.04
    •   Silver: Ariarne Titmus (Australia) - Close behind Ledecky
    •   Bronze: Paige Madden (USA) - Fought her way to third place
United States Sets World Record in Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay at Paris Olympics
    •   Caeleb Dressel made history from the sidelines as the United States shattered the world record
        in the mixed 4x100m medley relay, securing a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
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    •   Medalists:
            o Gold: United States
            o Silver: China
            o Bronze: Australia
Novak Djokovic Wins Olympic Gold, Completes Career Achievements
    •   Novak Djokovic defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (3) and 7-6 (2) in the Olympic men’s tennis singles
        final.
    •   Rankings Record: He has spent the most weeks at No. 1 in the ATP rankings, surpassing all
        male and female players.
    •   The podium is complete in men's singles tennis at the 2024 Paris Olympics
    •   GOLD: Novak Djokovic of Serbia
    •   SILVER: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain
    •   BRONZE: Lorenzo Musetti of Italy
Dinesh Karthik joins Paarl Royals, becomes first Indian player to sign up for SA20
    •   Former India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik is set to become the first Indian player to
        participate in SA20 league after signing with the Paarl Royals for the 2025 edition of the
        tournament.
    •   This move comes shortly after Karthik was appointed as the league ambassador alongside AB
        de Villiers.
    •   Team: Paarl Royals
    •   Other Overseas Signing: Joe Root
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Thomas Bach to Step Down as IOC President After Second Term Ends in 2025
    •   Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), announced he will not
        seek an extension after his second term ends in 2025.
    •   Bach, who has led the IOC since 2013, will conclude his presidency as per the Olympic charter's
        12-year term limit.
    •   The Olympic charter, which Bach helped draft, restricts the IOC president to a maximum of 12
        years: an eight-year first term followed by a four-year second term.
Arshad Nadeem to Receive Hilal-e-Imtiaz for Historic Olympic Gold in Javelin Throw
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    •   The Javelin Throw gold medallist in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, Pakistan's Arshad
        Nadeem, is set to be honoured with Hilal-e-Imtiaz by the country's government.
    •   Hilal-e-Imtiaz is the second-highest civilian award given by the Government of Pakistan and
        Nadeem will get this award following his brilliant performance in the final of the competition
    •   Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem won the gold medal in the Javelin Throw at the Paris 2024 Olympics,
        setting a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters.
Neeraj Chopra Claims Silver at Paris 2024 Olympics Javelin Event
•   Neeraj Chopra achieved his season-best throw of 89.45 meters on his second attempt at the Paris
    2024 Olympics held at the Stade de France.
•   After an initial foul, Neeraj's impressive second throw positioned him in second place behind
    Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem.
•   Arshad Nadeem set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters on his second attempt,
    leading the competition.
•   Following the first two throws, Neeraj was in second place with Nadeem leading.
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Karlos Nasar Sets New World Record in Men's 89kg Weightlifting at Paris Olympics
    •   Bulgaria’s Karlos Nasar electrified the Paris Expo with a world-record-breaking performance to
        claim the men's 89kg Olympic weightlifting title at the Paris Games.
    •   The 20-year-old lifter achieved a total lift of 404kg, surpassing his previous clean and jerk record
        with a final lift of 224kg, breaking the 223kg record set at the Qatar Grand Prix in Doha in 2023.
    •   Added to his best snatch result of 180kg, Nasar shattered China’s Li Dajin’s total record of
        396kg.
PR Sreejesh and Manu Bhaker Announced as Flag-Bearers for Closing Ceremony of Paris 2024
Olympics
    •   Hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh and pistol shooter Manu Bhaker have been named as the joint
        flag-bearers for the Indian contingent at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
    •   This announcement was confirmed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
    •   PR Sreejesh, the renowned hockey goalkeeper, will join Manu Bhaker, a star pistol shooter, as
        the flag-bearer for India at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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●   Following his historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has
    announced his retirement.
●   Hockey India's General Secretary, Bhola Nath Singh, declared that Sreejesh’s jersey number will be
    retired, and he will take on the role of coach for the Indian Junior Hockey team.
●   This marks a new chapter in Sreejesh's illustrious 18-year career, during which he has become an
    icon of Indian hockey.
VVS Laxman to Continue Leading the National Cricket Academy: A Key Role in Indian Cricket's Future
    ● VVS Laxman, the former Indian batting great, is set to extend his tenure as the head of the
        National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for at least another year, according to a report by
        ESPNcricinfo.
    ● His initial three-year contract, which began in December 2021, was due to end in September
        2023.
Kylian Mbappe Shines in Real Madrid Debut, Secures UEFA Super Cup Victory
    ● Kylian Mbappe made an impactful debut for Real Madrid, scoring a crucial goal to help his team
        win the UEFA Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in Warsaw.
    ● This victory marked a record sixth Super Cup win for Real Madrid.
    ● With this victory, Real Madrid's coach Carlo Ancelotti matched a club record by winning his 14th
        title as the team's coach, tying with former coach Miguel Munoz.
Niroshan Dickwella Suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket for Alleged Anti-Doping Violation
    ●   Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced the immediate suspension of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan
        Dickwella following allegations of an anti-doping violation.
    ●   The alleged incident took place during the recently concluded Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2024,
        where Dickwella captained the Galle Marvels.
Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav Named Joint Flag-Bearers for Paris 2024 Paralympics
    ●   Indian para-athletes Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav have been named joint flag-bearers for
        the Paris 2024 Paralympics Opening Ceremony, scheduled for August 28.
Ashutosh Singh to coach Indian Davis Cup team former national champion
●   Ashutosh Singh will serve as the new national coach for India’s Davis Cup team.
●   He replaces long-time coach Zeeshan Ali, who recently stepped down from the position.
●   Sumit Nagal is set to lead the five-member Indian tennis team for the Davis Cup 2024 World Group I
    tie against Sweden.
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●   The tie will be held on the indoor hard courts at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm on September 14
    and 15.
Lauren Coughlin Secures Victory at Women’s Scottish Open and Solheim Cup Spot
    ●   Event: Women’s Scottish Open
    ●   Location: Dundonald Links, Ayrshire Coast
Winner: Lauren Coughlin
    ●   Final Score: 15-under 273
Runner-Up: Esther Henseleit
    ●   Score: 11-under 277
    ●   Final Round: 2-under 70
Other Contenders:
    ●   Megan Khang (USA): Finished tied for third after a 74 in the final round.
    ●   Ayaka Furue (Japan): Also tied for third with a final round of 68.
    ●   Charley Hull (England): Finished fifth with a final round of 73.
Significance of the Win:
    ●   LPGA Titles: This is Coughlin’s second LPGA victory this summer, following her win at the CPKC
        Women’s Open in Canada.
    ●   Solheim Cup Qualification: With this win, Coughlin secured enough points to earn an automatic
        spot on the U.S. Solheim Cup team, marking her debut in the event.
Pankaj Advani Clinches Western India Billiards and Snooker Championship Title
    ●   Event: Western India Billiards and Snooker Championship
    ●   Location: Mumbai
Final Match:
    ●   Winner: Pankaj Advani (ONGC)
           o   Final Score: 822-520
           o   Opponent: S Shrikrishna (BPCL)
Money:
    ●   Winner: Pankaj Advani - ₹2 lakh
    ●   Runner-up: S Shrikrishna - ₹1.2 lakh
    ●   Semi-finalists: Dhvaj Haria and Shahyan Razmi - ₹60,000 each
    ●   Match Summary: Both Advani and Shrikrishna started the final match tentatively, struggling to put
        together big breaks initially. However, Advani's experience and skill allowed him to gradually pull
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        ahead, securing the title in a contest that saw only a handful of substantial breaks over its three-
        hour duration.
Francesco Bagnaia Secures Victory at Austrian MotoGP, Extends Championship Lead
    ●   Race Winner: Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati)
           o   Achievement: Bagnaia clinched the Austrian Grand Prix, completing a weekend double
               and extending his lead in the MotoGP World Championship.
           o   Championship Points: 275, 5 points ahead of rival Jorge Martin.
    ●   Second Place: Jorge Martin (Prima Pramac Racing)
           o   Qualifying: Martin started from pole position but was overtaken by Bagnaia on the second
               lap.
           o   Championship Points: 270
    ●   Third Place: Enea Bastianini (Ducati)
           o   Race Outcome: Bastianini completed a Ducati sweep of the podium.
Australia to Host Special Test Match Celebrating 150 Years of Test Cricket at MCG in 2027
Summary:
    ●   Event: Stand-alone celebratory Test match
    ●   Teams: Australia vs. England
    ●   Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
    ●   Date: 2027
    ●   Occasion: Celebrating 150 years of Test cricket since its inception in March 1877.
Brooks Koepka Wins LIV Golf Greenbrier Title in Playoff Against Jon Rahm
● Brooks Koepka secured his fifth career LIV Golf title, defeating Jon Rahm in a playoff at the LIV Golf
    Greenbrier.
● This win, which marked Koepka's first LIV victory since May, was achieved after a dramatic finish at
    the Old White course in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.
Ilkay Gündoğan Announces Retirement from International Football
● Ilkay Gündoğan, who captained Germany during Euro 2024 on home soil, officially retired from
    international football at 33.
Satya Prakash Sangwan Named Chef de Mission for India's Largest-Ever Contingent at Paris
Paralympics 2024
● Chef de Mission: Satya Prakash Sangwan, Vice-President of the Paralympic Committee of India
    (PCI), was appointed chef de mission for the Indian team.
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● Indian Contingent: 84 athletes to participate in the Paris Paralympics 2024, the largest-ever from
    India, surpassing the 54 athletes who competed in Tokyo.
● Flagbearers: Bhagyashree Jadhav and Sumit Antil have been named as India's flagbearers for the
    event.
ICC Confirms Venue Change for 2024 Women's T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to UAE
● The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed that the 2024 Women's T20 World
    Cup will be relocated from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
● The tournament will proceed as planned, starting on October 3, and will be hosted at two venues in
    Dubai and Sharjah, concluding on October 20.
Jay Shah Poised to Become ICC Chair, Succeeding Greg Barclay
● Jay Shah, the current secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is expected to
    succeed Greg Barclay as the next chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Manuel Neuer Retires from International Football After 15 Years
● Germany's legendary goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, announced his retirement from international
    football after an illustrious 15-year career and 124 caps for the national team.
● Although Neuer will continue playing club football with Bayern Munich, his decision marks the end of
    an era for Germany.
First Women’s Test Match at Lord's in 2026
    ● The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Lord's, often called the 'home of
       cricket,' will host its first-ever women’s Test match in 2026.
    ● The historic match will feature the national teams of India and England, marking a significant
       moment in women's cricket.
    ● Schedule: The Test match is scheduled to follow a three-match ODI series between India and
       England in July 2025, as per the ECB's official announcement.
ICC Undergoes Leadership Transition with Departure of Indra Nooyi and Search for New Chairman
    ● The International Cricket Council (ICC) is undergoing a significant leadership transition following
       the completion of Indra Nooyi's six-year term as the first female independent director and the
       upcoming election for a new chairman.
    ● Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, made history in 2018 as the first female independent
       director of the ICC, marking a pivotal moment for the organization in promoting diversity and
       inclusion at the leadership level.
Shikhar Dhawan Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket
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● Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.
● The 38-year-old shared this heartfelt decision on social media, marking the end of an illustrious
    career that spanned over 12 years.
India Wins Silver at Maruhaba Cup and Secures Asian Games Surfing Quota
● India won the silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup during the Asian Surfing Championships 2024, held
    in Thulusdhoo, Maldives.
● The Indian team comprised Kamali P, Ajeesh Ali, Srikanth D, and Sanjay Selvamani.
● Japan claimed the gold medal with a score of 58.40, while India scored 24.13 to secure second
    place.
● Taipei won the bronze with 23.93, and China finished fourth with 22.10.
Tanvi Patri Wins Under-15 Girls Singles Title at Badminton Asia Junior Championships
● Tanvi Patri won the under-15 girls singles title at the Badminton Asia U-17 & U-15 Junior
    Championships.
● The event was held in Chengdu, China.
● Patri, seeded No. 1, defeated Thi Thu Huyen Nguyen of Vietnam in straight games.
● The final score was 22-20, 21-11, with the match concluding in just 34 minutes.
Lando Norris Takes Pole Position at Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying
● Lando Norris secured pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix with a standout qualifying performance.
● Norris’ final lap was significantly faster, placing him 0.356 seconds ahead of second-place Max
    Verstappen.
India Secures Silver at Maruhaba Cup, Marks Milestone in Asian Surfing Championships 2024
    ● The Indian national surfing team clinched a silver medal at the Maruhaba Cup, a prestigious
       team event at the Asian Surfing Championships 2024.
    ● The competition took place in Thulusdhoo, Maldives, and concluded.
    ● Final Results:
             ○ Japan won the gold medal with a score of 58.40.
             ○ India secured the silver medal with a score of 24.13.
             ○ Taipei took the bronze medal with 23.93.
             ○ China finished in fourth place with 22.10.
14-Year-Old Tanvi Patri Makes History at Asian U-15 Badminton Championships 2024
    ● In a significant achievement for Indian badminton, Tanvi Patri, a 14-year-old from Odisha, India,
       won the women’s singles title at the Asian U-15 Junior Championships 2024 held in Chengdu,
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       China.
    ● This victory marks Patri as the third Indian to claim this prestigious title.
Championship Results
U-15 Competition
    ● Women’s Singles: India (Tanvi Patri)
    ● Men’s Singles: China
    ● Women’s Doubles: South Korea
    ● Men’s Doubles: Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)
    ● Mixed Doubles: South Korea
U-17 Tournament
    ● Men’s Singles: Indonesia
    ● Men’s Doubles: Indonesia
    ● Women’s Singles: China
    ● Women’s Doubles: China
    ● Mixed Doubles: Chinese Taipei
About Badminton Asia
    ● Role: Governing body for badminton in Asia, under the Badminton World Federation (BWF)
    ● Membership: 43 national badminton associations
    ● Headquarters: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
    ● Current President: Kim Jong Soo
Jay Shah Elected as ICC Chairman: Youngest Ever to Lead Global Cricket
    o Jay Shah was elected unopposed as the next ICC Chairman.
    o He is 35 and the youngest to lead global cricket administration.
    o Shah is set to take over from Greg Barclay on December 1, 2024.
ILT20 Organizers Consider New Schedule to Avoid Clashes with Global Tournaments
● The International League T20 (ILT20) organizers are considering a new window for future editions to
    avoid scheduling conflicts with other major leagues like the Big Bash League (BBL) and SA20.
● The third edition of ILT20 is scheduled from January 11 to February 9, 2024, but overlaps with other
    global leagues may prompt a reconsideration of the dates.
Dawid Malan Announces Retirement from International Cricket
    o Dawid Malan, the England star and former World No.1 T20I batter, has officially announced his
        retirement from international cricket.
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      o His last appearance for England was during the ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023.
Caroline Groot Wins First Gold Medal of the Paralympic Games
● Caroline Groot of the Netherlands claimed the first gold medal of the Paralympic Games by winning
      the 500-meter time trial in women's track cycling for the C4 and C5 classifications.
● Groot set a world record in the C5 classification with a time of 35.390 seconds.
Medalists in Women's 500m Time Trial:
    o Gold: Caroline Groot (Netherlands, C5)
    o Silver: Marie Patouillet (France, C5) France's first medal of the Games.
    o Bronze: Kate OBrien (Canada, C4)
                                                OBITUARIES
Legendary cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad dies at 71 after battling cancer
Early Career and Playing Achievements
      •   Former Indian cricketer Anshuman Gaekwad passed away at the age of 71 after a prolonged
          battle with blood cancer.
      •   In a career that spanned 12 years, Gaekwad played 40 Tests and 15 ODIs, scoring a total of
          2254 runs.
      •   He achieved two centuries, with his highest score being 201 against Pakistan in Jalandhar in
          1983.
Renowned Bharatanatyam Dancer Yamini Krishnamurthy Passed Away
      •   Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi veteran Yamini Krishnamurthy passed away in New Delhi at the
          age of 83.
      •   Born on December 20, 1940 in Madanapalli in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district to Sanskrit
          scholar M. Krishnamurti.
      •   She began dancing at the tender age of five at the Kalakshetra School of Dance in Chennai
          under the tutelage of legendary Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale.
Former Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL, CR Prasad passed away
      •   CR Prasad, former Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of GAIL (India) Limited, has passed
          away at the age of 83.
      •   Dr CR Prasad joined GAIL as Director (Planning) in 1994 and rose to the position of CMD in
          1996.
      •   He was chairman and managing director (CMD) of the company till his superannuation in 2001.
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Economist and Former Madras Christian College Professor C.T. Kurien Passed Away
    •   The world of economics lost a brilliant mind and compassionate soul. Christopher Thomas Kurien
        (C.T. Kurien), a distinguished economist and former professor of Madras Christian College,
        passed away at the age of 93 due to age-related ailments.
    •   Kurien received a Master’s degree in Economics from the Madras Christian College (MCC) in
        1953.
    •   He was a Visiting Fellow at Yale University in 1968-69.
Veteran Communist Leader and Former West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Passed
away
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    •   Former West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran Communist leader Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
        passed away at the age of 80 in Kolkata, West Bengal.
    •   Bhattacharya was born on 1 March 1944 in North Kolkata.
    •   He was an Indian communist politician and a former member of the Politburo of the Communist
        Party of India (Marxist), who served as the 7th Chief Minister of West Bengal from 2000 to 2011.
Former External Affairs Minister and Padma Vibhushan Honoree K Natwar Singh Passed Away
    •   Veteran Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh passed away at
        the age of 93 in Gurugram, near Delhi.
    •   Born in 1931 in Bharatpur district, Rajasthan.
    •   In 1953, he served as India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the UK (1973-77) and then became
        India’s High Commissioner to Zambia in 1977.
Renowned Indian Missile Scientist & Key Figure in Agni Missile Development RN Agarwal Passes Away
    ● Dr. RN Agarwal, an acclaimed aerospace scientist and a key figure in India's missile technology,
        passed away at the age of 84 in Hyderabad.
    ● He made significant contributions to the Agni missile program, launched in 1983, and served as
        its first program director.
    ● Known as the "Father of Agni Missiles," he was instrumental in the development of India's long-
        range Agni missile program.
    ● He led the first successful launch of the Agni missile on May 22, 1989, and was pivotal in
        developing various versions of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
    ● Agni V, developed under his guidance, has a range of over 5,000 km, placing India among the
        top nations in missile technology.
Awards and Recognition:
    ● Dr. Agarwal was awarded the Padma Shri in 1990 and the Padma Bhushan in 2000 for his
        contributions to missile technology.
    ● He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004 for his work in aerospace and the Agni
        program, as well as the DRDO Technology Leadership Award and Chandrasekhara Saraswati
        National Eminence Award.
IGMDP and India's Missile Development:
    ● The Agni missile was developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme
        (IGMDP), which was led by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
    ● IGMDP also developed four other missiles: Prithvi, Akash, Nag, and Trishul.
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    ● Dr. Sahni joined the Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), a CSIR laboratory in
       Chandigarh, in 1991.
    ● He became its director in 2005, a position he held until he was appointed the CSIR director-
       general in 2015.
General S. Padmanabhan, former Army Chief who led during Operation Parakram, passed away
    ● India’s 20th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Sundararajan Padmanabhan, a highly
       decorated officer under whose leadership the Indian Army made big gains over armed militants in
       Jammu and Kashmir in the early 1990s, passed away at the age of 83.
    ● Born on December 5, 1940, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Graham Thorpe, former England cricketer, dies after being hit by a train at Surrey railway station
    ● Graham Thorpe (England) passed away after being struck by a train at a railway station in
       Surrey.
Sara Abraham, a leading figure in contemporary Indian art passed away
    ● Sara Abraham, the doyenne of contemporary Indian Art in the early Seventies, passed away at
       Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
    ● Sara Abraham tooks art to greater heights by reaching out to the people through the ‘Kala Yatra’
       — a “travelling art gallery” that took the form of exhibitions in different cities.
World's Oldest Person, Maria Branyas Morera, Passed away in Spain
    ● The world's oldest person, Spain's Maria Branyas Morera, who was born in the United States,
       passed away at the age of 117.
    ● Branyas was officially recognized as the world's oldest person by Guinness World Records in
       January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon aged 118.
    ● Historical Ranking : Branyas was the 8th oldest verified person in history at the age of 117.
    ● Jeanne Calment, a Frenchwoman, was the oldest person ever recorded, living to 122 years and
       164 days.
    ● Current Oldest Living Person: Japan's Tomiko Itooka, born on May 23, 1908, currently holds the
       title of the oldest living person, according to the US Gerontology Research Group.
Former Player and Ex-Coach of Federer, Peter Lundgren, Passed Away
    ● Former Swedish tennis player Peter Lundgren, who also coached Roger Federer early in the
       Swiss player's career, has passed away at the age of 59.
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          Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
S. No Topics Page No
1. IMPORTANT DAYS 03
2. NATIONAL NEWS 10
3. INTERNATIONAL NEWS 42
4. STATE NEWS 50
5. BUSINESS NEWS 63
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
                                             IMPORTANT DAYS
National Nutrition Week: 1st to 7th September,2024
o   National Nutrition Week is observed annually in India from 1st to 7th September to highlight the
    importance of proper nutrition and its impact on a healthy lifestyle.
o   National Nutrition Week was first initiated in March 1973 by the American Dietetic Association (now
    the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) to promote nutrition education and the profession of
    dietitians.
World Coconut Day: September 2, 2024
•   Celebrated annually on September 2, World Coconut Day aims to highlight the benefits of coconuts
    and promote awareness about their importance.
•   Major coconut-producing states in India include Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, and
    Andhra Pradesh.
    o    Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), established in 1969 and headquartered in
         Jakarta, Indonesia, supports the growth, production, sale, and export of coconuts in Asian
         countries.
    o    In 2009, APCC initiated World Coconut Day to recognise and celebrate the fruit's significance.
Skyscraper Day 2024: September 3
    •     Date and Significance:
        o Skyscraper Day is celebrated on September 3 every year.
        o The day marks the birth anniversary of Louis H. Sullivan, known as the 'father of modern
           skyscrapers'.
        o The world's first skyscraper was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, completed in 1885.
National Teachers Day 2024: September 5
    •     In India, every year 5th of September is celebrated as National Teachers Day to contribute to our
          teachers.
    •     The theme for Teacher's Day 2024 is "Empowering Educators for a Sustainable Future,"
    •     Fifth September is the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarevepalli Radhakrishnan, the former president of
          India who was a well-known Teacher, Scholar, and Philosopher.
    •     Since 1962 every year 5th of September is celebrated as National Teachers Day in India.
International Day Of Charity 2024: September 5
    •     International Day of Charity is observed on September 5th to promote and encourage charitable
          activities around the globe.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Charity was
       observed on the 5th of September.
   •   They declared September 5 as an International Day of Charity in order to remember the death
       anniversary of Mother Theresa who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979.
International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) 2024:
   •   International Vulture Awareness Day (IVAD) is observed annually on the first Saturday of
       September to spotlight the world’s most endangered group of birds—vultures.
   •   Initiated in South Africa and the United Kingdom, IVAD has been commemorated since
       September 2009.
   •   Vultures, often misunderstood due to their association with death, play a crucial role in
       maintaining ecological balance.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The theme for World Physical Therapy Day 2024 is "Low back pain (LBP) and the role of
       physiotherapy in its management and prevention."
   •   In India, physiotherapy was first started in the year of 1952.
   •   The first physiotherapy centre was started in Mumbai with the support of the Government and the
       support of the World Health Organisation(WHO).
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Alzheimer's disease was first diagnosed in an old German lady in 1901 by Alois Alzheimer, a
       German Psychiatrist. This illness was named after the German Psychiatrist.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Recognize and honour the contributions of those in the maritime industry, including seafarers,
      marine officials, and service agents.
   ● Theme for 2024 “Navigating the Future: Safety First!”
World Tourism Day 2024: September 27
   ● World Tourism Day is celebrated annually on 27th September. For 2024, the host country is
      Tbilisi, Georgia, and the theme is "Tourism and Peace".
   ● First Observance: World Tourism Day was first celebrated as an international observance on
      27th September 1980 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
   ● World Tourism Day Symbolism : The colour associated with World Tourism Day is blue,
      symbolizing peace, the sea, and the sky, which are closely linked with travel and tourism.
World Rabies Day 2024: September 28
   ● World Rabies Day is celebrated on 28th September of every year.
   ● This year's World Rabies Day theme is: “Breaking Rabies Boundaries”
   ● The Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) established World Rabies Day in 2007.
   ● This day was recognized by the World Health Organization(WHO).
World Heart Day 2024: September 29
   ● Every year World Heart Day is celebrated on 29th September.
   ● The heart is the primary organ of the circulatory system. It is located between the lungs, in the
      middle compartment of the chest.
   ● The World Heart Federation (WHF) has announced a powerful theme for the years 2024 to
      2026: “Use Heart for Action.”
   ● In 1999, The World Heart Federation (WFH) along with the World Health Organization (WHO)
      established World Heart Day.
   ● The first celebration of this day took place on 24th September 2000.
International Translation Day 2024: September 30
   ● International Translation Day is celebrated on 30th September of every year.
   ● The theme for International Translation Day (ITD) in 2024 is "Translation, an art worth
      protecting".
   ● On 24 May 2017, the General Assembly approved resolution 71/288 and declared September 30
      as International Translation Day in order to identify the role of Translators in interconnecting
      nations.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The celebration has been promoted by the International Federation of Translators (FIT) which
       was started in the year of 1953.
                                             NATIONAL NEWS
Indian Government Launches 'AgriSure' Fund to Support Agritech Startups
The Indian government has introduced a ₹750 crore (approximately $90 million) fund named 'AgriSure'
to support agritech startups.
The fund aims to provide financial assistance in the form of both equity and debt capital to startups and
agripreneurs in the agriculture sector.
Union Government Sets Up the 23rd Law Commission (2024-2027)
o The Union government has established the 23rd Law Commission for a period of three years, from
   September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.
o The commission's main responsibilities include identifying obsolete laws for repeal, auditing laws
   that impact the poor, and providing recommendations on laws referred by the Law and Justice
   Ministry.
o The commission will have a full-time chairperson, four full-time members, Secretaries of the Legal
   Affairs and Legislative departments as ex-officio members, and up to five part-time members.
Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas: India's First Comprehensive Pandemic Preparedness Mock Drill
o Under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), a national mock drill named "Vishanu Yuddh
   Abhyas" (Virus War Exercise) was conducted from August 27 to August 31, 2024, in Ajmer district,
   Rajasthan.
o The exercise aimed to assess pandemic preparedness by evaluating the readiness and response of
   the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), which includes experts from human health,
   animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
o A mock zoonotic disease outbreak scenario was created to simulate a real-world outbreak, allowing
   stakeholders to test their response capabilities.
Government Extends Interest Equalisation Scheme for Exporters till September 30, 2024
   •   The government has extended the Interest Equalisation Scheme on pre- and post-shipment
       rupee export credit by one more month, now valid until September 30, 2024.
   •   This extension aims to support the country's outbound shipments.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The scheme, which offers interest benefits to exporters, was initially set to expire on August 31,
       2024.
   •   It had already been extended for two additional months in June.
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Government Launches Simplified Pension Application Form 'Bhavishya' for Central Government
Employees
•   The government introduced a new, simplified pension application form named ‘Bhavishya’ to
    streamline the retirement process for central government employees.
•   Launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh via video conference, the new form, Form 6A,
    consolidates nine separate forms into a single, unified document.
1. Availability and Applicability:
            o    The new form will be available on the Bhavishya and e-HRMS portals.
            o    It will be accessible to all central government employees retiring from December 2024
                 onwards.
HAL and SAFHAL to Develop 'Aravalli' Engine for India's Future Multi-Role Helicopters
•   Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, has signed a contract with SAFHAL
    Helicopter Engines to jointly design, develop, and produce a new engine named 'Aravalli'.
•   The engine will be used in the future 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its deck-
    based version, the 12.5-tonne Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
        o       SAFHAL is a joint venture between HAL and the French firm Safran Helicopter Engines.
        o       The partnership with SAFHAL marks a critical step towards technological self-reliance in India’s
                aerospace and defence sector, according to HAL chief C.B. Ananthakrishnan.
Labour Ministry to Launch Revamped Shram Suvidha Portal with AI and ML Integration
   o The Labour Ministry is set to launch a revamped, user-friendly version of the Shram Suvidha
            Portal by the end of the year.
    o The new portal aims to enhance the ease of doing business by simplifying processes for
            businesses.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
o The upgraded portal will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Union Cabinet Approves ₹13,966 Crore Schemes for Agriculture and Semiconductor Sector
   o The Union Cabinet approved seven schemes worth nearly ₹13,966 crore aimed at enhancing
       farmer incomes through technological advancements and modernising existing agricultural
       practices.
   •   Digital Agriculture Mission:
   o Outlay: ₹2,817 crore.
   o Purpose: To build Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for farmers, which includes:
   •   Other Approved Schemes:
   o Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security:
   ▪   Outlay: ₹3,979 crore.
   ▪   Focus: Research and development in plant genetics, improving food and fodder crops, pulses,
       oilseeds, and commercial crops.
Centre Plans to Increase Insurance Cover Under PMJJBY and PMSBY Schemes
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
o The central government is planning to increase the insurance coverage amount under its
       flagship schemes—Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri
       Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
    o The proposed increase will raise the coverage from the current ₹2 lakh to ₹5 lakh under both
       schemes.
    o The increase in coverage aligns with the government’s goal of achieving “insurance for all by
       2047.”
    o PMJJBY has over 200 million subscribers, while PMSBY enrolments stand at 453.6 million.
Government to Revise 2016 Guidelines on Dividend, Bonus Issues, and Share Buyback by CPSEs
   o The Indian government is working to amend its 2016 guidelines regarding dividend payments,
       bonus issues, and share buybacks by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).
    o The revised guidelines are expected to be issued by the finance ministry this month.
    o The existing guidelines, titled ‘Capital Restructuring of Central Public Sector Enterprises
       (CPSEs),’ were issued by the finance ministry in May 2016 to ensure efficient management of
       government investments in CPSEs.
Samunnati to Host 4th FPO Conclave on Sustainable Agriculture in Hyderabad
   o Samunnati, a prominent agri-value chain enabler, will host the 4th edition of the Farmer
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Approves Rs 1.44 Lakh Crore for Defence Proposals to Boost
Indigenous Manufacturing
   •   The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved
       the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs 1,44,716 crore.
   •   99% of the acquisitions will be sourced from indigenous origins under the Buy (Indian) and Buy
       (Indian-Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) categories.
   •   This decision aligns with the government’s vision of boosting local manufacturing and reducing
       dependency on foreign imports.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde Praises National e-Governance Award Winners
   •   Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde commended the winners of the National e-
       Governance Awards, referring to them as revolutionaries making lives easier for citizens across
       the country.
   •   He announced at the inauguration of the 27th National Conference on e-Governance in Mumbai.
   •   Conference Theme: The theme for the two-day event is "Viksit Bharat: Secure and Sustainable
       e-Service Delivery."
International Conference "Spectrum of Literacy" Chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar Ahead of International
Literacy Day 2024
   •   An international conference titled “Spectrum of Literacy” was chaired by Shri Sanjay Kumar,
       Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), at the CIET, NCERT,
       New Delhi.
   •   Organized by the Ministry of Education, this virtual event served as a prelude to International
       Literacy Day 2024, which will be celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
   •   The conference brought together global and national experts, educators, policymakers, and
       literacy advocates to discuss the evolving dimensions of literacy.
Extension of EV Subsidies and Upcoming FAME-III Program
   •   Union Heavy Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has announced that the third phase of the
       Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric (and Hybrid) Vehicles (FAME-III) will be introduced
       in approximately two months.
   •   Objective: The new phase aims to continue providing subsidies to support India's electric vehicle
       (EV) sector's growth.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Key Initiatives Launched on the Foundation Day of Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
   •   The first Foundation Day of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) was held at Vigyan
       Bhavan, New Delhi.
   •   Union Home Minister Amit Shah was the Chief Guest and launched several key initiatives for the
       prevention of cybercrime
   •   Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): Aimed at bringing banks, financial institutions, telecom
       companies, ISPs, and police on a single platform to prevent cyber fraud. It focuses on identifying
       the modus operandi of cybercriminals and preventing online financial crimes through cooperative
       federalism in law enforcement.
Cabinet Approves Rs 14,335-Crore Scheme to Boost Electric Mobility in India
   •   The Indian government has taken a significant step to promote green mobility with the approval
       of a new Rs 14,335-crore incentive scheme for the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
   •   The scheme aims to enhance electric mobility by subsidising electric two-wheelers, three-
       wheelers, ambulances, trucks, buses, and charging infrastructure.
   •   Replacement of FAME: The new PM E-DRIVE scheme replaces the previous FAME (Faster
       Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme.
   •   Budget Allocation: Rs 10,900 crore has been allocated for the PM E-DRIVE scheme, which will
       be in effect for two years.
(PMGSY).
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
o Budget Allocation: The estimated cost for these road projects in Maharashtra is Rs 655.66
              crore.
   •   Kerala:
          o Infrastructure Approved: 11 bridges.
          o Scheme: The construction of these bridges will also be under the Pradhan Mantri Gram
              Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
          o Budget Allocation: The project will be carried out at an estimated cost of Rs 55.28 crore.
Union Cabinet Approves Fourth Phase of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
   •   The Union Cabinet has approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
       (PMGSY), the flagship rural roads programme, with a significant outlay of Rs 70,125 crore over
       the next five years.
   •   This phase continues the government's commitment to enhancing rural connectivity across India.
   •   Total Length of Roads:62,500 kilometers of rural roads will be constructed.
   •   New Connectivity: This phase aims to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations.
Union Cabinet Approves Modified Scheme for Hydro Electric Projects (HEP) Infrastructure Development
   •   The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal by the
       Ministry of Power to modify the scheme for budgetary support for the Enabling Infrastructure for
       Hydro Electric Projects (HEP).
   •   This initiative aims to accelerate the development of hydropower projects across India,
       particularly in remote and hilly regions and is part of India's broader goal to achieve 500 GW of
       renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Union Cabinet Expands Ayushman Bharat Health Coverage to All Senior Citizens Aged 70 and Above
   •   In a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access for the elderly, the Union Cabinet has
       approved the expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-
       PMJAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years or above.
   •   This move is set to benefit approximately 45 million families, encompassing around 60 million
       senior citizens, providing them with free health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh on a family basis.
India's Push for Semiconductor Manufacturing Gains Momentum with Over $15 Billion in Investments
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   India is making significant strides in becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing,
       with the government approving investments exceeding $15 billion in the sector.
   •   This move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitious goal to expand the country's
       electronics sector to$500 billion by the end of the decade.
India Aims for Full Telecom Coverage by Mid-2025 with Expanded BSNL 4G Network Rollout
   •   Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that 25,000 villages currently lacking telecom
       and mobile internet connectivity will be connected by mid-2025 as part of India's efforts to
       achieve "full saturation" in telecom coverage.
   •   Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the state-run telecom operator, is set to roll out its 4G
       network across India with the installation of 100,000 telecom towers by mid-2025.
Union Cabinet Approves "Mission Mausam" to Enhance Weather and Climate Prediction
   •   The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved"Mission Mausam" with a
       significant budget of Rs 2,000 crore over the next two years.
   •   This ambitious initiative aims to strengthen India’s capabilities in predicting and responding to
       extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change.
   •   Enhance India's ability to predict and manage extreme weather events, including monsoon
       variability, cyclones, and other climate impacts.
India's ₹30 Trillion Renewable Energy Investment Strategy: Financial Institutions to Pledge Support
   •   The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is actively engaging with financial
       institutions, including public and private sector banks, to secure funding for India’s ambitious goal
       of installing 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
   •   To meet the substantial funding requirements estimated at ₹30 trillion, these institutions are
       being encouraged to commit a portion of their loans to renewable energy projects.
   •   Funding Goal:
          o Total Required: ₹30 trillion
          o Target Capacity: 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
o The Indian government is set to begin the registration of farmers across the country to provide them
   with a unique ID similar to Aadhaar.
o Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi announced the initiative at the Outlook Agri-Tech Summit
   and Swaraj Awards.
o Guidelines for the registration process will be issued soon.
o The registration is set to begin in the first week of October.
o The target is to register five crore farmers by March next year.
o The registration initiative is a part of the government's Rs 2,817-crore Digital
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   This novel treatment option is a significant advancement under the National TB Elimination
        Program (NTEP).
Amit Shah releases documentary on Mumbai Samachar’s 200-year journey
    •   Event: Release of the "200 Not Out" documentary celebrating 200 years of the newspaper
        Mumbai Samachar.
    •   Date: September 8, 2024
    •   Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •   Chief Guest: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah
    •   Other Dignitaries: Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde
Prime Minister Modi Chairs First Meeting of Governing Board of Anusandhan National Research
Foundation (ANRF)
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the Governing Board of the Anusandhan
    National Research Foundation (ANRF) at his residence.
•   The meeting focused on India's Science and Technology landscape and redesigning research and
    development (R&D) programmes.
•   The Governing Board decided to launch a hub and spoke programme, pairing universities with
    nascent research capabilities with top-tier institutions for mentorship.
First Foundation Day Celebration of Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) and Launch of Key
Initiatives by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
•   Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, will address the first foundation
    day celebration of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) on September 10, 2024, in New
    Delhi.
•   The event will focus on launching key initiatives for the prevention of cybercrime in India.
•   The Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC) will be dedicated to the nation by Shri Amit Shah.
Union Government's plans to unveil social security plan for gig workers
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   The Union government is poised to introduce a social safety net for India’s estimated 7.7 million gig
    economy workers.
•   This initiative may be unveiled on September 17, coinciding with the completion of 100 days of the
    Narendra Modi government’s third term and the Prime Minister’s 74th birthday.
•   Revenue Contribution: Aggregators might be required to contribute 1-2% of their revenue to a social
    security fund.
•   Benefits: The fund will likely provide health insurance and other benefits to gig workers.
Messe Muenchen India’s Major Electronics Event: electronica India & productronica India 2024
•   Messe Muenchen India (MMI) is hosting its largest-ever edition of Electronica India and
    Productronica India in 2024.
•   This event is pivotal for the Indian electronics sector, given the significance of global value chains
    (GVCs) in modern manufacturing.
•   Global Trade: GVCs account for 70% of global trade.
•   India’s Electronics Sector: 75% of India’s electronics exports are reliant on GVCs.
NaBFID Notified as a Public Financial Institution
    •   The government has designated the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development
        (NaBFID) as a "public financial institution" under the Companies Act, 2013.
    •   This move aims to strengthen the country's infrastructure finance framework and enhance
        NaBFID's role in funding large-scale projects.
    •   The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued a notification on September 10, 2024, in consultation
        with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), designating NaBFID as a public financial institution under
        Section 2 of the Companies Act, 2013.
    About NaBFID:
    •   Establishment: NaBFID is a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) set up in 2021
        under The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development Act, 2021.
    •   Objectives: Its key goals include bridging gaps in long-term non-recourse financing for
        infrastructure, fostering the development of bonds and derivatives markets, and driving
        sustainable economic growth.
ONDC Launches New App to Raise Awareness and Ease Shopping Experience
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has launched an app named ‘ONDC Network:
        How to Shop’ to raise awareness among consumers on utilising the network for shopping.
    •   Available on Playstore and iOS, this app is a gateway for consumers to discover and access
        various shopping applications, also known as ‘buyer apps’.
    •   The move aligns with ONDC’s goal to achieve 0-40 million monthly transactions by the end of
        FY25.
Government Aims to Boost Seafood Exports to ₹1 Trillion and Strengthen Fishery Sector
    •   Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced the goal to increase annual seafood exports from
        around ₹60,000 crore to ₹1 trillion.
    •   No specific timeline was provided for achieving this target.
    •   Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojna was launched.
    •   The sector supports over 30 million fishers and fish farmers.
    •   Fish production has risen to 17.545 million tonnes in 2023-24, up from 9.579 million tonnes in
        2013-14.
PM Modi to Distribute Financial Assistance for 20 Million Rural Homes Under PMAY-Grameen
    •   Prime Minister Narendra Modi will initiate the release of the first instalment of central financial
        assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Grameen (PMAY-G) over the coming days.
    •   The scheme aims to build 20 million new houses in rural areas over the next five years, in
        addition to the 26 million homes already constructed in the last decade.
    •   The events will commence in Jharkhand on September 15, where PM Modi will distribute
        approval letters to 20,000 beneficiaries.
    •   The functions will culminate on PM Modi's birthday, September 17, marking a significant event in
        his tenure.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Launches Two Portals to Enhance Digital Services and Export Credit
Insurance
•   Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal introduced two new online portals during the
    third Board of Trade meeting.
•   These portals aim to ensure timely and transparent service delivery and reduce the need for physical
    visits to Commerce Ministry offices.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   Jan Sunwai Portal: An online platform designed to provide information and services, including
    grievance redressal.
•   This portal features an on-demand videoconferencing facility for addressing trade and industry
    issues. Scheduled interactions will also be available, allowing stakeholders to connect with Ministry
    offices without physical visits.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   The Spices Board aims to empower farmers by leveraging technological advancements like
        ‘CardsApp’ to boost productivity and promote sustainable growth in India’s cardamom production
        industry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Six Vande Bharat Express Trains
    •   Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated six Vande Bharat Express trains via video conference
        from Ranchi.
    •   Bihar received four of these trains, enhancing connectivity within the state and beyond.
    •   Train Routes:
           o Tatanagar-Patna: Covers 451 km in 7 hours and 15 minutes, excluding Mondays. Stops at
               Chandil, Muri, Bokaro Steel City, Gomoh, Parasnath, Koderma, and Gaya.
           o Gaya-Howrah: Semi-high-speed service with stops at Koderma, Dhanbad, Asansol, and
               Durgapur.
           o Varanasi-Deoghar: Connects important pilgrimage sites.
           o Bhagalpur-Howrah: Provides Bhagalpur with its first direct link to Howrah, enhancing
               connectivity under the Malda division of Eastern Railway.
Launch of Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR): Commerce and Industry Minister
Piyush Goyal
•   Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the Bharat Startup Knowledge Access
    Registry (BHASKAR) in New Delhi.
•   This interactive online platform aims to centralize and enhance collaboration among key
    stakeholders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   Serve as a central hub for startups, investors, service providers, and government bodies to
    collaborate and exchange ideas.
•   Build the world's largest digital registry for stakeholders within the startup ecosystem.
Government to Cover MTNL’s Bond Interest Payment Due to Financial Shortfall
    •   The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has confirmed that the government will once
        again cover Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited’s (MTNL) upcoming interest payment on
        bonds
    •   The government will cover Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited's (MTNL) bond interest
        payment due to financial shortfalls.
    •   This marks the second consecutive instance of government support for MTNL's interest
        payments.
    •   The first occurred in July 2023.
Statistics Ministry to Leverage AI for the Eighth Economic Census in 2025
    •   The Statistics Ministry plans to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Eighth Economic Census
        (EC), scheduled from January to December 2025.
    •   AI will be used to pre-fill data in survey forms, reducing errors and the time required to complete
        the process.
    •   AI is expected to become a key tool in future government surveys, helping streamline data
        collection and analysis.
Indian Government's Rs 6,000-Crore Scheme to Promote Precision Farming
    •   The Indian government has proposed a Rs 6,000-crore initiative to promote precision farming
        through smart technologies like AI, IoT, and drones.
    •   The Smart Precision Horticulture Programme, under the Mission for Integrated Development of
        Horticulture (MIDH), aims to revolutionise Indian agriculture with technology-driven solutions.
    •   Precision farming, also known as precision agriculture, leverages modern technologies such as
        GPS, sensors, drones, AI, and IoT to monitor and optimize crop production.
8th India Water Week 2024: A Global Event for Inclusive Water Development and Management
    •   President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will inaugurate the 8th India Water Week (IWW) 2024
        on 17th September in New Delhi.
    •   Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Paatil, and Minister of State, Shri Raj Bhushan
        Choudhary, will also be present.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   The event will witness participation from international water experts, Central and State
        Government leaders, academics, NGOs, and civil society representatives.
    •   The theme of IWW 2024
        The theme is “Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclusive Water Development and
        Management”, emphasizing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve sustainable
        water management.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Amit Shah to Launch Key Dairy Sector Initiatives, Including White Revolution 2.0
    •   Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah is set to unveil three significant initiatives to transform the
        Indian dairy sector.
    •   These include White Revolution 2.0, and measures to improve financial access for dairy farmers
        through micro-ATMs and Rupay-Kisan Credit Cards.
    •   NDDB will initially fund the White Revolution 2.0, with further support expected from the National
        Programme for Dairy Development 2.0.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •    Additionally, the government has signed MoUs for related projects such as organic produce
        procurement and maize hybrid development for ethanol production.
Union Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan for Tribal Upliftment
   •    The Union Cabinet has given the green light to the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram
        Abhiyan, a scheme aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities in
        India.
   •    This initiative will cover approximately 63,000 villages across tribal-majority areas and aspirational
        districts, benefiting over 5 crore tribal people.
Total Outlay and Funding:
   •    Total Outlay: ₹79,156 crore.
   •    Central Share: ₹56,333 crore.
   •    State Share: ₹22,823 crore.
Union Cabinet approves Rs. 35,000 crore continuation of PM-AASHA schemes to support farmers and
control price volatility
   •    The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay
        Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme, with a financial allocation of ₹35,000 crore for the
        15th Finance Commission cycle, which extends until 2025-26.
   •    The scheme now consolidates the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and the Price Stabilization Fund
        (PSF), along with other components, to create a unified program for better price stabilization and
        farmer support.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a subsidy of ₹24,474.53
       crore on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the Rabi season 2024-25 (October 2024 to
       March 2025).
   •   This decision ensures the availability of fertilisers at affordable and subsidized prices to farmers.
   •   The subsidy falls under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) scheme, operational since April 1,
       2010.
Ministry of Labour & Employment Directs Registration of Gig Workers on e-Shram Portal
   •   In a significant step toward ensuring social security for gig and platform workers, the Ministry of
       Labour & Employment (MoLE) has directed platform aggregators to register their workers on the
       e-Shram portal.
   •   This initiative aims to provide essential social security protections tailored to the unique needs of
       this workforce.
   •   Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has set a target for onboarding workers on the e-
       Shram portal within the next three months. This registration is vital for accessing various
       government benefits.
First Anniversary of PM Vishwakarma Scheme:
   ● The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) will be celebrating the 1st
       Anniversary of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme on September 20, 2024.
   ● The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 17, 2023, focuses on
       enhancing traditional artisans' skills (Vishwakarmas) by providing them with modern tools,
       techniques, and credit support for expanding their businesses.
   ● The ultimate goal is to bring Samman (respect), Samarthya (capability), and Samriddhi
       (prosperity) to the Vishwakarmas.
   ● Objective: To instil a culture of disciplined saving and secure long-term financial stability for
       minors.
   ● Target Audience: Minors up to the age of 18.
   ● Administration: Regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
   ● Minimum Investment: ₹1,000 per month with no upper limit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Upcoming Visit for the Quad Summit:
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington,
      Delaware, from September 21 to 23, 2024.
   ● The visit underscores critical themes such as the development of the Indo-Pacific region and the
      pursuit of sustainable development goals, as stated by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
   ● India and the US will sign two agreements during the bilateral meeting between PM Modi and
      President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the summit.
   ● The agenda includes a review of the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and
      discussions on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) and the India-US Drug Framework.
   ● After the Quad Summit, PM Modi will attend the Summit of the Future at the United Nations,
      themed ‘Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow’. India will advocate for inclusive and
      equitable sustainable development, focusing on the Global South's aspirations.
Launch of Expanded Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY and U-Win Portal
   ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to officially launch the expanded Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan
      Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme and the vaccination tracking portal U-Win, as
      announced by Health Minister J.P. Nadda.
● AB-PMJAY Expansion:
      o The scheme will benefit approximately 60 million eligible citizens aged 70 and above across
         45 million families.
      o It has been expanded to cover all senior citizens aged 70 and above, with no income cap.
      o Provides a cashless and paperless benefit of Rs 5 lakh per annum per family for
         hospitalization in empanelled hospitals across India.
● Current Coverage:
      o Over 354 million citizens have been covered under the scheme, receiving PMJAY cards for
         health insurance.
● U-Win Portal:
      o The U-Win vaccination management portal is currently operational on a pilot basis, with 64.6
         million beneficiaries registered.
      o The expanded AB-PMJAY will be implemented in October 2024.
Government Advisory on Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions
   ● In a significant initiative to curb tobacco use among youth, the Secretaries of the Union Ministry
      of Education and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare have jointly issued an advisory to all
      States and Union Territories.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    ● This advisory calls for the rigorous implementation of the Tobacco-Free Educational Institution
       (ToFEI) manual, under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003.
    ● Focus on Youth: It highlights alarming statistics from the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS)
       2019, revealing that 8.5% of school students aged 13 to 15 in India consume tobacco. Notably,
       over 5,500 children start using tobacco daily, and 55% of lifelong users initiate the habit before
       the age of 20.
.
Integration of EPFO and e-Shram Databases to Track Workforce Formalisation
● The Union Labour Ministry is set to integrate the databases of the e-Shram portal and the
    Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to monitor better and understand the trends in
    workforce formalisation.
● This move is a crucial step in tracking the transition of workers from the unorganised sector to the
    formal sector and vice versa.
● By linking these databases, the government aims to collect real-time data that will assist in the
    design of more targeted welfare policies.
● Objective: To observe real-time movements between the unorganised and formal sectors and to
    shape welfare policies accordingly.
● The e-Shram database, which includes 300 million unorganised workers, is being integrated with
    various central and state welfare schemes.
● Ten central schemes have already been integrated, including:
       o PM Street Vendor's AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi)
       o Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
       o Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) Gramin and Urban
       o National Career Service portal
       o Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan
       o National Disability and Widow Pension Schemes
       o PM Matisya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)
       o Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)
Monthly Labour Force Surveys (PLFS) to be Launched by MoSPI from January
● In response to the increasing demand for more frequent labour market data, the Ministry of Statistics
    and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will introduce monthly Periodic Labour Force Surveys
    (PLFS) for both rural and urban areas starting January 2025.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● This development aims to provide more timely and frequent insights into the labour force across
   India.
● The PLFS was launched in April 2017 by the NSSO under MoSPI to provide details on labour force
   indicators such as Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and
   Unemployment Rate (UR).
● Currently, PLFS rural data is released annually, while urban PLFS data is released quarterly with an
   annual report
India Announces $7.5 Million Support Package for Cervical Cancer
● During the Quad Cancer Moonshot event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a $7.5 million
   support package for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines to aid countries in their fight against
   cervical cancer.
● This announcement was made at the Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by
   U.S. President Joe Biden.
Key Highlights:
   1. Support Package Details:
            o $7.5 million allocated for sampling kits, detection kits, and vaccines.
            o Emphasis on India’s experience and expertise in cancer care.
   2. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi facilitated the inaugural U.S.-India Cancer Moonshot Dialogue,
       focusing on enhancing biomedical research cooperation and developing global health solutions.
Mumbai's Road Network Transformation: A ₹58,000 Crore Ring Road Project
● The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated a transformative
   plan to enhance Mumbai's road network through a ₹58,000 crore project that aims to construct a
   series of ring roads.
● This initiative is designed to alleviate the city’s notorious traffic congestion and improve travel times,
   ultimately reshaping Mumbai's transport landscape over the next five years.
● Construction of over 90 kilometres of new roads, bridges, and tunnels to create a comprehensive
   network around Mumbai.
● The project involves collaboration between MMRDA, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC),
   Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), and National Highways Authority of
   India (NHAI).
● Key Projects Included:
       o Versova-Bandra Sea Link
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Summit Highlights:
   ● Theme: “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow”
   ● Key Attendees: World leaders such as Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, Ukraine’s Volodymyr
      Zelenskyy, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey
      Vershinin.
MGNREGS Allocation for FY25: Current Status and Future Outlook
● The national rural job guarantee scheme that gives millions of the poorest Indians employment is
   unlikely to see a higher allocation in FY25, citing government hopes of improving the rural economy
   this year on the back of better rains.
● Scheme: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
● Purpose: Provides guaranteed wage employment for the poorest households in rural India.
Key Points:
   ● Current Allocation: The budget for FY25 allocates ₹86,000 crore for MGNREGS.
Employment Trends:
   ● Current Data (April 1 - September 23, 2024):
          o Average days of employment per household: 33.93 days (compared to 52.08 days in
              FY24).
          o Total households employed under MGNREGS: 44.3 million (compared to 60 million in
              FY24).
India's 100-Day Power Plan: Thermal Capacity Expansion and Future Energy Goals
   ● A total of 12.8 GW of thermal power capacity has been awarded during the first 100 days of the
      new National Democratic Alliance (NDA), according to Pankaj Agarwal, secretary to the Union
      Ministry of power.
   ● Thermal Power Capacity Expansion:
          o A total of 12.8 GW of new thermal power capacity has been awarded for construction
              within the first 100 days of the new National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
          o 28.4 GW of the targeted 80 GW additional capacity by FY32 is already under construction.
   ● Future Targets:
          o The government is committed to adding 80,000 MW of power capacity, with 28,400 MW
              already under construction and 12,800 MW awarded recently.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
          o The plan, to be launched soon, will outline a strategy to meet a peak power demand of
             425 GW by 2030 and 458 GW by 2032.
          o The transmission network will need to expand from 4.85 lakh circuit kilometers (ckm) in
             2024 to 6.48 lakh ckm by 2032.
   ● Financial Commitment:
          o The cost of implementing the National Electricity Plan is estimated at Rs 9.15 lakh crore.
             This will help meet rising electricity demand and integrate renewable energy and green
             hydrogen into the grid.
President Droupadi Murmu to Inaugurate the 16th ASOSAI Assembly in New Delhi
● President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the 16th Assembly of the Asian Organization of Supreme
   Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) in New Delhi.
● The assembly will focus on the evolving role of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) in promoting
   transparency and accountability.
   1. Chairmanship of ASOSAI:
          o Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, will assume
             the ASOSAI chair for the term 2024-2027.
          o His leadership is expected to drive advancements in public auditing and strengthen
             governance frameworks across Asia.
          o The assembly, hosted by the CAG of India, will be held from September 24-27, 2024, with
             over 200 delegates from 42 countries and international organizations participating.
                 1. A one-day symposium will address the theme: “Digital Public Infrastructure and
                    Gender Divide – Issues of Inclusion and Accessibility”, exploring how technology
                    can reduce gender disparities in accessing public services.
          o Historical Significance of ASOSAI:
                 1. ASOSAI was founded in 1979 with 11 member institutions and has grown to include
                    48 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs).
                 2. ASOSAI is a regional group within the International Organization of Supreme Audit
                    Institutions (INTOSAI).
                 3. The first ASOSAI Assembly took place in New Delhi in May 1979; this year's event
                    continues the legacy.
FCRA Licence Cancellation of International Cooperative Alliance and Related NGOs
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● The Union Home Ministry has cancelled the FCRA licence of the International Cooperative Alliance
   (ICA) due to alleged violations of rules.
● ICA, established in 1895, represents over 1 billion members worldwide in the cooperative sector.
● 10 foreign donors from Australia, America, and Europe working in fields like climate change,
   environment, and child rights have been placed on the MHA's watchlist.
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) instructed banks to seek MHA permission before clearing funds
   from these donors.
FCRA Amendment Act, 2020
Key Amendments:
   1. Public Servants Restriction:
          o Public servants are prohibited from receiving foreign contributions.
   2. Designated Accounts:
          o All foreign contributions must be deposited in designated State Bank of India accounts in
             New Delhi.
   3. Administrative Expenses Cap:
          o NGOs' administrative expenses must not exceed 20% of total foreign funds (previously
             50%).
India Joins US-Led Minerals Security Finance Network to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains
● India has joined the Minerals Security Finance Network initiated by the United States.
● The network promotes cooperation, information exchange, and co-financing among participating
   institutions from the Indo-Pacific and Europe.
Objective of the Network:
    o It aims to advance secure, diverse, and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals essential
       to global industries.
    o The network is a part of the Minerals Security Partnership, which was established in 2022 with
       13 countries and the European Commission.
Delhi Government Plans to Extend EV Policy Till March 2025
● Delhi’s Electric Vehicle (EV) policy is set to be extended until March 2025 as directed by Transport
   Minister Kailash Gahlot.
● The proposal will be submitted for Cabinet approval, ensuring the continuation of subsidies and
   perks like road tax exemption for EV buyers.
● Development of EV Policy 2.0:
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
         o A new version, EV Policy 2.0, is currently being drafted and is expected to be finalized within
            2-3 months.
         o The existing policy, initially set to expire in August 2023, has already been extended and will
            remain active to avoid disruption for EV buyers.
Ship-Building and Repair Clusters in Five States, Major Maritime Developments Announced
   ● The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) announced the establishment of ship-
         building and repair clusters in five states: Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, and
         Odisha.
   ● These clusters aim to enhance the strategic importance of India's shipbuilding and ship repair
         industry.
Container Handling Projections:
     o Over the next five years, container handling capacity across Indian ports is expected to reach
           40 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units).
     o This expansion is projected to create 2 million job opportunities.
     o Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) will increase its capacity from 6.6 million TEUs to 10
           million TEUs, becoming the first Indian port to reach this milestone.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Visit to Pune, Maharashtra
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit Pune in Maharashtra.
● He will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone, and dedicate to the nation various projects worth over
   22 thousand 600 crore rupees
Ministry of Textiles introduces Quality Control Order for Medical Textiles to enhance Public Health and
Safety
● The Ministry of Textiles has announced the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, which will
   come into effect on October 1, 2024.
● This landmark initiative aims to establish stringent quality standards for critical medical textile
   products.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled three advanced supercomputers named Param Rudra
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled three advanced supercomputers named Param Rudra as
   part of India's National Supercomputing Mission.
Government to Launch Digital Portal for Unclaimed Shares and Dividends by 2025
● To expedite the refund process for unclaimed shares and dividends, the government is developing
   an integrated digital portal, expected to be operational by early 2025.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● This initiative aims to simplify searching for and claiming lost shares, improving efficiency and
   accessibility for rightful claimants.
Launch of India-Specific Fashion Initiatives: "Paridhi 24×25" and VisioNxt
● Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh, and Union Minister of State for External Affairs &
   Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, launched several significant initiatives to enhance India’s fashion and
   textile sectors, including:
       ● "Paridhi 24×25" Fashion Trend Book
       ● VisioNxt Bilingual Web Portal
       ● AI Taxonomy E-Book
       ● The event attracted over 150 industry leaders from fashion, textiles, and retail, along with
          prominent craftsmen and weavers.
Government’s Borrowing Plan for H2 FY 2024-25
● The central government has set a borrowing target of Rs 6.61 lakh crore for the second half (H2) of
   the financial year 2024-25.
● This borrowing strategy aims to address revenue gaps and stimulate economic growth.
Ministry of Tourism Announces Winners of the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024
   ● On 27th September 2024, in celebration of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism,
       Government of India revealed the Best Tourism Villages Competition 2024 winners.
   ● Launched in 2023, this competition highlights villages that exemplify cultural and natural
       preservation, community-based values, and sustainability.
Inauguration of Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari
   ● Union Minister for Road, Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, is set to inaugurate the
       Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) located on the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway 44
       in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
   ● Area: Total area of 8.23 hectares, with 2.5 hectares dedicated to social forestry.
   ● Initiative by: National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), situated at Jamtha Clover Leaf along the
       Nagpur-Hyderabad Highway.
Union Textiles Minister Shri Giriraj Singh says the roadmap set for the textiles industry to grow to
US$350 bn by 2030
   ● India aims to grow its textile industry to $350 billion by 2030, up from approximately $164 billion
       currently, with an expected creation of 4.5 to 6 crore jobs.
   ● Textile Minister Giriraj Singh made this announcement during the ministry’s 100-day program.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
57th Executive Committee Meeting of NMCG approves Projects worth ₹1,062 Crore
   ● The 57th Executive Committee (EC) meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG),
      chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, approved various projects totalling ₹1,062 crore aimed at
      conserving and cleaning the Ganga River, alongside initiatives for Mahakumbh 2025.
Key Approved Projects
      1.     Katihar, Bihar
             o      Project Cost: ₹350 crore
             o      Focus: Improvement of drainage and sewage management.
             o      Components:
                    ▪       35 MLD STP in Rojitpur with structures to tap four drains.
                    ▪       20.5 MLD STP in Sharifganj, tapping five drains.
             o      Model: DBOT (Design, Build, Operate, and Transfer) with a 15-year operation and
             maintenance commitment.
      2.     Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
             o      Project Cost: ₹488 crore
             o      Focus: Interception, diversion, and sewage treatment.
             o      Components:
                    ▪       Two STPs: 65 MLD and 48 MLD capacities.
                    ▪       30 KLD septage co-treatment facility.
                    ▪       Three interception and diversion structures.
             o      Timeline: Completion within 24 months, with 15 years of operation and
             maintenance.
      3.     Supaul, Bihar
             o      Project Cost: ₹76.69 crore
             o      Focus: Construction of STPs and diversion structures
Government's Initiative on PLI Scheme for Speciality Steel
   ● The Indian government is planning a second round of the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI)
      scheme for speciality steel, as the initial response to the first round did not meet expectations.
   ● This announcement was made by Steel Secretary Sandeep Poundrik during the CII Steel
      Summit 2024 in New Delhi.
Indian Economy To Grow At 6.5-7 Percent In FY 2024-25: CEA Nageswaran
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran estimates the Indian economy will grow
       at 6.5-7% in the current financial year on a steady-state basis.
   ● The nominal growth rate, which accounts for inflation, is expected to be around 11%.
   ● Real GDP Growth: Expected at 6.5-7% for the current financial year.
                                        INTERNATIONAL NEWS
2nd Joint Russian-Indian Commission Meeting on Emergency Management Held in Moscow
   •   The Second Meeting of the Joint Russian- Indian Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of
       Emergency Management was held in Moscow, Russia.
   •   Shri Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs, India is leading the Indian delegation.
   •   The working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of
       Emergency Management for 2025-2026 was signed by Mr. Rai and Minister of the Russian
       Federation for Civil Defence, Emergencies, and Elimination of Consequences of Natural
       Disasters, Kurenkov Aleksandr Vyacheslavovich.
About Russia :
   •   President : Vladimir Putin
   •   Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
   •   Capital : Moscow
   •   Currency : Ruble
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
India and Poland Elevate Bilateral Ties to 'Strategic Partnership' During PM Modi's Historic Visit,
Announce 5-Year Implementation Program
   •   During Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland, India and Poland elevated their
       bilateral relationship to a "strategic partnership" and announced a five-year Action Plan for 2024-
       2028.
   •   Both countries will maintain regular contacts between their foreign ministers, utilizing both
       bilateral and multilateral fora for interactions.
   •   Multilateral Cooperation: India and Poland will support each other's aspirations on a case-by-
       case basis to enhance multilateral cooperation, aligning with the spirit of the United Nations
       Charter.
About Poland :
   •   President : Andrzej Sebastian Duda
   •   Prime Minister : Donald Tusk
   •   Capital and largest city : Warsaw
   •   Currency : Zloty
United States, European Union, and United Kingdom to Sign 1st International Artificial Intelligence
Treaty with Legal Binding
   •   The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights,
       Democracy, and the Rule of Law is the first international treaty establishing legal rules for AI
       technology development and use.
   •   The treaty ensures that AI systems respect human rights and democratic values.
   •   The treaty was opened for signature at a Council of Europe justice ministers' conference in
       Vilnius, Lithuania.
   •   Initial signatories include major global players: the United States (US), European Union (EU),
       United Kingdom (UK), and other countries like Andorra, Georgia, Iceland, Norway, Moldova, San
       Marino, and Israel.
About US :
   •   President : Joe Biden
   •   Capital : Washington, D.C
   •   Currency : U.S. dollar
About EU :
   •   President of the European Council : Charles Michel
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Established in 1981, the GCC promotes economic, security, cultural and social cooperation
       between the six states.
   •   The GCC is an influential grouping comprising the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia,
       Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
   •   It holds a summit every year to discuss cooperation and regional affairs.
Mexico Becomes the 1st Country to Approve Popular Election of Judges
   •   Mexico became the first country to allow voters to elect judges at all levels.
   •   The reform was driven by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who criticised the
       judiciary for favouring political and economic elites.
   •   Constitutional Amendment: The reform was passed with 86 votes in favour and 41 against,
       surpassing the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution.
About Mexico :
   •   Capital : Mexico City
   •   Currency : Mexican peso
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference 2024
Set for November 25-30, 2024 in New Delhi
   •   The International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) General Assembly and the Global Cooperative
       Conference 2024 are scheduled to take place from November 25th to November 30th, 2024, at
       Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
   •   The theme for this year’s conference is “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” which is in line
       with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.
   •   The conference will mark the official launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives – 2025.
   •   A commemorative stamp celebrating the International Year of Cooperatives – 2025 will be
       unveiled during the event.
About ICA :
   •   Established: 1895
   •   Headquarters : Brussels, Belgium
   •   President : Ariel Guarco
   •   Director General : Jeroen Douglas
World Health Organisation approves first mpox vaccine to strengthen response efforts in Africa
   •   The World Health Organization (WHO) granted its first authorisation for a mpox vaccine for use in
       adults, marking a critical step in combating the disease, particularly in Africa.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The vaccine is produced by Bavarian Nordic A/S, and its pre-qualification allows global health
       agencies like GAVI and UNICEF to purchase it.
   •   Current Situation: The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported
       that nearly 70% of mpox cases in Congo, the country most affected, are among children under
       15 years old, who also account for 85% of deaths.
About WHO :
   •   Founded : 7 April 1948
   •   Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
   •   Director General : Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Former United States President Donald Trump Unveils Cryptocurrency Venture 'World Liberty Financial'
   ● Former President Donald Trump launched a new cryptocurrency venture called World Liberty
       Financial just 50 days before Election Day.
   ● World Liberty Financial is designed to be a crypto banking service that allows users to borrow,
       lend, and invest in digital currencies.
   ● World Liberty Financial is Donald Trump's new cryptocurrency venture, aiming to offer
       decentralized finance (DeFi) services.
55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 to Take Place in Goa from November 20-28, 2024
   ● The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024 is slated to be held in Goa from 20th to
       28th November 2024.
   ● The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has instituted a new section as part of IFFI, 2024
       for the Indian young filmmaker called "Best Debut Indian Film Section 2024".
   ● Best Debut Indian Film Section 2024 will focus on Indian debut films, which will showcase a
       diverse range of narratives and cinematic styles from across the country.
Ukraine, Gaza, key pacts on agenda during Indian Prime Minister’s US visit
Quad Initiatives
   •   Discussions on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
   •   Reform of global governance structures.
   •   Addressing pressing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
   •   September 21: Participation in the Quad Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, with President Biden,
       Australian PM Anthony Albanese, and Japan's PM Fumio Kishida.
   •   September 22: Interaction with the Indian diaspora at Long Island.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   September 23: Participation in the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly, along with
       bilateral meetings and a roundtable with CEOs of American firms.
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site in Asia
   •   Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet announced that Angkor Wat has been recognized as the
       most photogenic UNESCO World Heritage site in Asia by Times Travel.
Top Photogenic UNESCO Sites in Asia
   •   Angkor Wat (Cambodia)
   •   Taj Mahal (India)
   •   Great Wall (China)
   •   Bagan (Myanmar)
   •   Borobudur (Indonesia)
   •   Halong Bay (Vietnam)
   •   Kyoto’s Historical Monuments (Japan)
   •   Petra (Jordan)
   •   Rice Terraces of the Philippines Cordilleras
   •   Hampi (India)
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €35 billion loan to Ukraine,
      backed by profits from immobilized Russian central bank assets.
   ● The plan was revealed after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.
   ● Broader Financial Package:This loan is part of a larger $50 billion support package developed in
      coordination with the U.S. and G7 countries.
   ● Use of Russian Assets:The repayments for the loan will come from the profits of $280 billion in
      frozen Russian Central Bank funds, mostly held in Europe.
About European Commission :
   ● Established :16 January 1958
   ● Headquarters : Brussels, Belgium
   ● President : Ursula von der Leyen
   ● Member States : 27
About Ukraine :
   ● President : Volodymyr Zelenskyy
   ● Prime Minister : Denys Shmyhal
   ● Capital : Kyiv
   ● Currency : Hryvnia
France Commits Comprehensive Support for Nuclear Submarines, Jet Engines, and Underwater
Drones to India
   ● The India-France strategic defence partnership is poised for significant advancements,
      particularly in the construction of nuclear attack submarines and the transfer of technology for
      aircraft engines and underwater drones.
   ● Discussions between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and French diplomatic advisor
      Emmanuel Bonne will take place in Paris from September 30 to October 1, 2024.
   ● France is prepared to offer a 100% transfer of technology for 110 kilo-Newton thrust aircraft
      engines and advanced underwater drones to India.
   ● This meeting marks the first bilateral strategic engagement following French President
      Emmanuel Macron's visit to India in January 2024.
About France :
   ● President : Emmanuel Macron
   ● Prime Minister : Michel Barnier
   ● Capital : Paris
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Currency : Euro
India and South Korea Engage in Talks to Enhance Trade Agreement and Boost Investments
   ● India and South Korea discussed addressing non-tariff barriers affecting Indian exporters in the
      Korean market to promote more balanced trade.
   ● The meeting involved discussions on upgrading the existing Comprehensive Economic
      Partnership Agreement (CEPA), originally signed in 2009 and effective from 2010.
   ● The meeting was held at Vientiane in Laos on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Economic
      Ministers’ meeting and the East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting.
About South Korea :
   ● President : Yoon Suk Yeol
   ● Prime Minister : Han Duck-soo
   ● Capital : Seoul
   ● Currency : Korean Republic won
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Presents US President Mr. Joe Biden with Antique Silver Hand-
Engraved Train Model
   ● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presented gifts to United States (US) President Mr Joe Biden
      and First Lady Jill Biden, symbolizing India's rich cultural heritage.
   ● President Biden received an antique silver, hand-engraved train model with "Delhi-Delaware"
      inscribed on the main carriage, signifying strong India-US ties.
   ● First Lady Jill Biden was gifted a Pashmina shawl in an intricately designed Papier Mache box.
About Antique Silver Train Model:
   ● Crafted by artisans from Maharashtra, known for its heritage in silver craftsmanship.
   ● Made of 92.5% silver with intricate detailing achieved through techniques like engraving,
      repousse, and filigree work.
   ● Inscribed with "Delhi-Delaware" on the carriage and "Indian Railways" on the engine in both
      English and Hindi, reflecting standard passenger train formats in India.
About Pashmina Shawl:
   ● A Pashmina shawl, known for its high quality, was gifted to First Lady Jill Biden.
   ● The shawl is sourced from Jammu and Kashmir and features vibrant hues from natural dyes
      derived from plants and minerals.
About US :
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
                                              STATE NEWS
India Meteorological Department Warns Cyclone 'Asna' to Bring Heavy Rains in Gujarat as it Moves
West-Northwest Over Northeast Arabian Sea
   ● The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for Cyclone Asna, which is a deep
       depression over the Arabian Sea.
   ● The cyclone is expected to move West-Northwest over the Northeast Arabian Sea and away
       from the Indian coast within the next 24 hours.
   ● Current Position and Movement:As of the latest update, Cyclone Asna is moving at a speed of 14
       km per hour.
   ● Its coordinates are approximately 23.6° N latitude and 66.4° E longitude.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde Unveils Solar Village Scheme, With Manyachiwadi as the
First 100% Solar-Powered Village
   •   Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde launched the Solar Village Scheme, an initiative
       aimed at providing 100% solar-powered electricity to 100 villages, at a function held in Satara.
   •   Manyachiwadi, a village in Satara district, has become the 1st village in the state to be electrified
       100% by solar power.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The scheme aims to achieve zero electricity bills for households under the PM SuryagarhMuft
       Bijali Yojana.
   •   It also aims to provide free electricity to farmers.
About Maharashtra :
   •   Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
   •   Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
   •   Capital: Mumbai
   •   National Park: Tadoba National Park, Navegaon National Park
   •   Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
       Sanctuary
   •   UNESCO Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian and Art Deco
       Ensemble of Mumbai, Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves
Maharashtra Government Declares Ratnagiri Geoglyphs and Petroglyphs as Protected Monuments
Under 1960 Act
   •   The Maharashtra government has declared the geoglyphs and petroglyphs in Ratnagiri as
       'protected monuments' under the Maharashtra Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and
       Remains Act, 1960.
   •   According to a notification issued by the Culture Department, the group of petroglyphs at Deud in
       Ratnagiri dates back to the Mesolithic Age (about 20,000–10,000 years ago).
About Maharashtra :
   •   Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
   •   Chief Minister: Eknath Shinde
   •   Capital: Mumbai
   •   National Park: Tadoba National Park, Navegaon National Park
   •   Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
       Sanctuary
   •   UNESCO Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian and Art Deco
       Ensemble of Mumbai, Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves
TANGEDCO Launches ₹10,000 Crore Project to Upgrade Low Tension Lines to High Tension to
Reduce Transmission Losses
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government will build the Vedic-3D museum in Varanasi, Prime Minister
       Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency.
   •   The museum will be situated in the main building of Sampurnanand Sanskrit University.
   •   Museum Focus:The museum will be dedicated to Indian astrology, astronomy, and Vedic
       literature.
About UP :
   •   Governor : Anandiben Patel
   •   Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
   •   Capital : Lucknow
   •   National Park : Dudhwa National Park
   •   Wildlife Sanctuary : Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, National
       Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Unveils India's First Homegrown RT-PCR Kit for Monkeypox Detection
   •   Andhra Pradesh (AP) Chief Minister (CM), Nara Chandrababu Naidu launched India’s first
       indigenous Monkeypox RT-PCR Kit at the AP Medtech Zone (AMTZ) in Visakhapatnam.
   •   The kit was developed at AMTZ in collaboration with Transasia Diagnostics.
   •   It has been validated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs
       Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
About AP :
   •   Governor : Syed Abdul Nazeer
   •   Chief Minister : N. Chandrababu Naidu
   •   Capital : Amaravati
   •   Wildlife Sanctuaries : Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu
       Wildlife Sanctuary,Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary & Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary
West Bengal Assembly Unanimously Approves Landmark ‘Aparajita’ Anti-Rape Bill Amidst Political
Tensions
   •   The West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed the 'Aparajita Woman and Child Bill (West
       Bengal Criminal Laws and Amendment) Bill 2024'.
   •   The bill seeks capital punishment for rape convicts if their actions result in the victim’s death or
       leave her in a vegetative state.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   The bill proposes to amend the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha
        Sanhita 2023, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012 within the
        state.
    •   West Bengal becomes the first state to amend central laws relating to rape, gang-rape, and
        sexual crimes against children.
About West Bengal :
    •   Governor : C. V. Ananda Bose
    •   Chief Minister : Mamata Banerjee
    •   Capital : Kolkata
    •   Wildlife Sanctuaries : Ballabhpur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bethuadahari Wildlife Sanctuary,
        Bibhutibhushan Wildlife Sanctuary.
United Nations World Food Programme and Odisha Government Introduce India's
First 'Grain ATM' to Enhance Food Security
    •   The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Odisha launched
        India’s first around-the-clock grain dispensing machine, the 'Grain ATM,' also known as
        'Annapurti' (Hindi for fulfiller of food), in the state capital Bhubaneswar.
    •   The machine was inaugurated by Krushna Chandra Patra, Odisha Minister of Food Supplies,
        Consumer Welfare, Science and Technology, with Nozomi Hashimoto, Deputy Country Director
        for WFP in India, present.
    •   Odisha is the first state in India to provide round-the-clock access to the PDS, enhancing
        convenience and efficiency.
About World Food Programme :
    •   Established : 19 December 1961
    •   Headquarters : Rome, Italy
    •   Executive Director : Cindy McCain
    •   WFP is an international organisation within the United Nations that provides food assistance
        worldwide.
    •   It is the world's largest humanitarian organization and the leading provider of school meals.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Launches CM Kisan Yojana
•   Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the CM Kisan Yojana by releasing the first
    instalment of ₹925 crore to benefit nearly 46 lakh farmers.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   The program was launched at Gangadhar Meher University, Sambalpur, coinciding with Western
    Odisha's major agricultural festival, Nuakhai.
•   The BJP government implemented the CM Kisan Yojana, replacing the previous BJD government's
    Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme.
Madhya Pradesh Government Approves Transfer of State Cooperative Dairy Operations to National
Dairy Development Board for 5 Years
    •   The Madhya Pradesh government has approved the transfer of operations of the State
        Cooperative Dairy Federation and affiliated milk unions to the National Dairy Development Board
        (NDDB) for the next five years.
    •   The opposition Congress views this decision as a potential "backdoor" entry for Gujarat’s Amul to
        take over MP's state-run milk brand Sanchi since Amul is a major shareholder in NDDB.
About MP :
    •   Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
    •   Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
    •   Capital: Bhopal
    •   National Park: Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
    •   Wildlife Sanctuary: Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Bori Wildlife Sanctuary
Government to rename Andaman & Nicobar Islands' capital Port Blair as "Sri Vijaya Puram"
    •   Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the renaming of Port Blair, the capital of Andaman &
        Nicobar Islands to “Sri Vijaya Puram” as a move to “free the nation from colonial imprints.”
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The renaming is aimed at removing colonial legacies associated with the original name, Port
       Blair, which was named after British naval surveyor Archibald Blair.
   •   Previous Renaming Initiatives:In a move to honor Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, three islands in
       the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were renamed: Ross Island to Subhash Chandra Bose
       Dweep, Neil Island to Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island to Swaraj Dweep.
About Andaman & Nicobar Islands :
   •   Lieutenant governor : Devendra Kumar Joshi
Gujarat Government Establishes GRIT as Policy Think Tank Led by CM Bhupendra Patel
   •   The Gujarat government has set up the Gujarat State Institution for Transformation-GRIT under
       Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s chairmanship.
   •   The body will act as a policy think tank on the lines of NITI Ayog.
   •   A 10-member executive committee will be in place for the day-to-day operations of GRIT.
About Gujarat
   •   Capital: Gandhinagar
   •   Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
   •   Governor: Acharya Devvrat
   •   NP: Gir National Park, Marine National Park, Velavadar National Park, Jambughoda Wildlife
       Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gaga
       Wildlife Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh's First Semiconductor Park to be Established in Greater Noida, State Allocates 225 Acres
of Land for Three Companies
   ● The first semiconductor park in Uttar Pradesh will be established in Greater Noida, near the
       upcoming Noida International Airport.
   ● The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated 225 acres of land in Sector 10 and Sector 28 for
       semiconductor manufacturing projects by three companies.
   ● Companies and Land Allocation : Arun Vir Singh, chief executive officer, Yamuna Development
       Authority (YEIDA), stated that 50 acres of land in Sector-10 have been allocated to Kaynes
       Semicon Private Limited and Vama Sundari Investments for setting up semiconductor units.
About UP :
   ● Governor : Anandiben Patel
   ● Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
   ● Capital : Lucknow
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Assam government has launched Orunodoi 3.0, a women-centric financial assistance
       scheme aimed at providing monthly financial support to economically disadvantaged families in
       the state.
   •   This is part of the broader efforts by the Assam government to uplift marginalised communities
       and ensure financial stability for vulnerable households.
   •   Initially targets 12 lakh additional beneficiaries, aiming to cover a total of 37 lakh women by early
       2025.
About: Assam
   •   Capital: Dispur
   •   Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
   •   Governor: Lakshman Acharya
   •   National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park,
       Nameri National Park, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Beneficiaries will receive ₹10,000 annually in two equal installments, directly credited to their
      Aadhaar-enabled and DBT-enabled bank accounts.
   ● Eligibility:The scheme is targeted at women aged 21-60 years.
   ● PMAY-G Fund Release:The Prime Minister released the first instalment of assistance to nearly
      10 lakh beneficiaries under PMAY-G (Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin) across 14 states.
About Odisha :
   ● Governor : Raghubar Das
   ● Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
   ● Capital : Bhubaneswar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo
(RE-INVEST) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat
   ● The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors
      Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
   ● The 3-day summit honours the important contributors to India's remarkable achievement of over
      200 GW of installed non-fossil fuel capacity.
   ● The 4th Global Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) is poised to highlight
      India's impressive progress in renewable energy manufacturing and deployment.
   ● Germany, Australia, Denmark and Norway are taking part in the event as partner countries.
   ● Gujarat is the host state and Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
      Rajasthan, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh are participating as Partner States.
About Gujarat :
   ● Capital: Gandhinagar
   ● Chief Minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
   ● Governor: Acharya Devvrat
   ● National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck (Velavadar) National Park, Marine National Park
      (Gulf of Kachchh), Vansda (Bansda) National Park
   ● Wildlife Sanctuaries: Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife
      Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary
Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Virtually Inaugurates Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through
Technology (CREATE) in Leh
   ● Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the CREATE facility in Leh through
      virtual mode.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The Centre aims to enhance local productivity, improve product quality, boost economic
      potential, and improve livelihoods for local communities.
Odisha prepares to join the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme
   ● Odisha is set to join the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY),
      which offers health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary
      hospitalization.
   ● National Participation: Currently, 18 states have integrated their health schemes with AB PM-
      JAY. States like Punjab are being engaged for compliance, while Bihar has recently joined.
   ● Beneficiary Demographics: 49% of Ayushman cards are issued to women, and of the 7.79 crore
      hospital admissions, approximately 3.61 crore are utilized by women.
About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri - Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) :
   ● Established : 23 September 2018
   ● It is a national public health insurance scheme of the Government of India that aims to provide
      free access to health insurance coverage for low income earners in the country.
Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show-2024: Yogi Adityanath announces Uttar Pradesh as the state
with the largest Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises base in India
   ● Uttar Pradesh (U.P.) has the largest base of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in
      India, with 96 lakh MSME units spread across 75 districts.
   ● MSMEs are the second-largest job creators in the U.P. after agriculture, playing a major role in
      the state's industrial transformation
About UP :
   ● Governor : Anandiben Patel
   ● Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath
   ● Capital : Lucknow
   ● National Park : Dudhwa National ParkWildlife Sanctuary : Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary,
      Chandraprabha Wildlife Sanctuary, National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi Updates Minimum Monthly Salaries for Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, and Skilled
Laborers
   ● Atishi announced a revision in the minimum monthly wages for unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled
      workers in her first decision as Chief Minister.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● National Park : Bison (Rajbari) National Park, Clouded Leopard National Park
   ● Ramsar Site : Rudrasagar Lake
6th Session of the India-Egypt Joint Trade Committee (JTC) held successfully in New Delhi
   ● The 6th Session of the India-Egypt JTC was held in New Delhi on 16th-17th September 2024.
   ● The session Co-chaired by Ms. Priya P. Nair, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce,
      Government of India, and Mr. Yahya Elwathik Bellah, Deputy Minister of Investment & Foreign
      Trade of Egypt.
   ● The Egyptian delegation included the Ambassador to India, H.E. Mr. Wael Mohamed Awad
      Hamed, and eight delegates from relevant ministries.
   ● India secured necessary approvals to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the
      National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) of India and the MSME Development Agency
      (MSMEDA) of Egypt, aiming for early signing and operationalization.
Uttar Pradesh introduces Krishi Sakhi scheme to empower women in agriculture
   ● The "Krishi Sakhi" scheme was launched in Uttar Pradesh (UP) to empower women in
      agriculture.
   ● The scheme aims to promote self-reliance and improve economic status through modern
      agricultural practices.
About the Scheme :
   ● Training and Participation:A total of 7,634 women have been trained through 269 training
      programs under this initiative.
   ● Krishi Sakhis are selected from self-help groups (SHGs) established under the Uttar Pradesh
      State Rural Livelihood Mission.
   ● Coordination and Support:The state government coordinates efforts between Krishi Sakhis and
      various government departments to enhance financial stability.
   ● Training includes initiatives from the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture Department, Silk
      Directorate, and Ground Water Department.
   ● Selection Criteria:Women aged between 21 to 45 years with an interest and experience in
      agriculture are eligible for selection.
   ● Training Body:The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) is
      responsible for training Krishi Sakhis.
   ● Training focuses on natural, organic, and agroecology-based farming practices.
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                     Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    ● Role in Community:Krishi Sakhis are actively involved in the "Lakhpati Mahil Program,"
            organizing agricultural and animal husbandry schools for women farmers.
Karnataka Unveils Draft Policy for Global Capability Centres, Targeting 500 New Centres and 350,000
Jobs by 2029
    ● Karnataka is set to strengthen its position in the global outsourcing landscape by targeting a
            doubling of its Global Capability Centres (GCCs) to 1,000 and generating 350,000 new jobs by
            2029.
    ● Incentives Offered:The draft policy includes various incentives for attracting foreign firms, such
            as:
                     ➢      Reimbursement of rental costs.
                     ➢      Assistance with patent fees.
                     ➢      Exemptions from electricity duties, based on employee numbers at GCCs.
            ●        Additionally, the Karnataka government aims to achieve an economic output of $50 billion
            through these new offices by 2029.
                                                   BUSINESS NEWS
PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for Vadhvan Port, India's Largest Deep-Water Port
•   Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the Vadhvan Port project on August 30.
•   The Vadhvan Port is situated in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, approximately 150 km from
    Mumbai. It is set to be India's largest deep-water port with an investment of ₹76,220 crore.
        o       The port will have a capacity of 300 million tonnes annually (mta), featuring 9 container
                terminals and 4 multipurpose berths.
        o       The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and Maharashtra Maritime Board will share the
                construction costs in a 74:26 ratio.
Indian Economy Projected to Grow 7% in FY25 Despite Q1 Slowdown
    •       The Indian economy is forecasted to grow at 7% in FY25, according to HSBC Global Research,
            despite experiencing a slowdown to 6.7% in the first quarter of FY25.
    •       This marks the lowest growth rate in five quarters.
    •       The positive outlook is supported by robust underlying growth momentum and a reduction in key
            economic data gaps.
Finance Ministry Eases Cash Management Guidelines to Enhance Fiscal Spending
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   The Finance Ministry has relaxed cash management guidelines to boost spending in the
        remaining months of the current fiscal year.
    •   This change aims to address the impact of low government spending due to the general elections
        on economic growth during the April-June quarter.
    •   The government has set a target of exceeding ₹11 lakh crore in capital expenditure for the
        ongoing fiscal year.
    •   This target underscores the need for increased spending to drive economic growth.
World Bank and IMF Boost India's Growth Forecast for FY 2024-25
    •   The World Bank has increased India's GDP growth forecast for the Financial Year 2024-25 to
        7%, up from 6.6%.
    •   This change reflects strong economic momentum driven by private consumption and investment.
    •   IMF Projection: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has similarly revised its growth projection
        for India to 7%, an increase of 20 basis points. This adjustment aligns with the World Bank’s
        optimistic outlook.
India's Decision to Retain Current Tax Structure for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
o The Indian government has decided to retain the current tax structure for electric and hybrid vehicles
    for an extended period.
o Electric cars will continue to be taxed at a lower rate of 5%, whereas hybrid cars will face a higher
    tax rate of 48%.
o The decision comes amid growing pressure from major car manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki India
    and Toyota Kirloskar Motor to lower the tax burden on hybrid cars.
o Despite these demands, the government remains focused on promoting electric mobility and battery
    manufacturing in India.
BPCL to Invest ₹2,500 Crore in Expanding City Gas Distribution Network by March 2025
•   Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), India's second-largest state-controlled oil marketing
    company, announced plans to invest ₹2,500 crore in the financial year ending March 2025.
•   The investment aims to expand BPCL's city gas distribution (CGD) network, enhancing its presence
    in the natural gas sector.
•   BPCL holds authorization to establish CGD networks in 26 geographical areas (GAs), of which 25
    GAs have been commissioned.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   Including joint ventures, BPCL is authorized for 52 GAs covering 154 districts across India.
Top-10 Valued Indian Firms See Market Valuation Surge by ₹1.53 Lakh Crore
   o Eight of the top 10 most valued Indian companies saw their combined market valuation surge by
        ₹1,53,019.32 crore last week.
    o The biggest gainers were Bharti Airtel, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
    o The gains aligned with a record rally in the equity markets, with the BSE Sensex climbing
GST Collections Rise 10% in August 2024, Indicating Robust Economic Activity
   o The gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for August 2024 (reflecting transactions
        from July) rose 10% year-on-year (YoY) to ₹1.75 lakh crore, according to data from the finance
        ministry.
    o In contrast, GST collections for July 2024 (transactions from June) were ₹1.82 lakh crore, up
        10.3% YoY.
    o With refunds amounting to ₹24,460 crore issued during August, the net GST collections stood at
        ₹1.5 lakh crore, reflecting a 6% increase from the same period last year.
        August, though this was still lower than 59,151 units in July and 56,581 units in August 2023.
CoinSwitch Expands Services to Cater to High-Net-Worth Individuals and Institutional Investors
    •   India’s crypto exchange, CoinSwitch, has announced a strategic expansion of its services to
        focus on High Net Worth Individuals (HNIs) and institutional investors.
    •   Mumbai-based exchange introduced a new service to provide these clients with personalized
        investment advice, risk management solutions, and other financial services.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   This initiative comes at a time when crypto-related activities such as trading, investing, and
       holding are permitted in India under the government’s tax regime.
India Overtakes China in MSCI Emerging Markets IMI: Implications for Equity Inflows
   •   India has recently surpassed China in the MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index
       (MSCI EM IMI), according to an announcement by Morgan Stanley.
   •   This shift in weightage is expected to have significant impacts on the Indian equity market.
   •   New Weightage:
          o India: 22.27%
          o China: 21.58%
Swiggy partners with the Indian government to offer skilling and employment opportunities
   •   Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform, has partnered with the Ministry of Skill
       Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to launch "Swiggy Skills."
   •   The initiative aims to provide skilling and employment opportunities within Swiggy's expansive
       food delivery and quick commerce network.
   •   "Swiggy Skills" was formally launched by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon'ble Minister of State
       (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State
       for Education.
India's Global Capability Centres (GCCs) Poised for Significant Growth by 2030
   •   India's global capability centres (GCCs) have dramatically transformed the tech landscape over
       the past five years.
   •   According to a report, 70 per cent of Fortune 500 companies will expand their presence to India
       by 2030.
   •   According to a report by Nasscom and Zinnov, titled ‘India GCC Landscape Report: The 5-year
       Journey’, the expansion of GCCs in India is set to continue at a robust pace, driven by increasing
       global roles, advancements in AI, and a focus on engineering and R&D.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Offers access to critical trade-related data, including global demand, country-specific trade
       information, international standards, market access conditions, and compliance requirements.
IREDA's New Subsidiary Receives Provisional Registration
   •   IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indian
       Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), has secured provisional registration from the
       International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA) to operate as a finance company in
       GIFT City.
   •   IREDA Global Green Energy Finance IFSC Limited has been granted provisional registration to
       operate within the GIFT City, Gujarat.
   •   S&P Global Ratings recently assigned a ‘BBB-’ long-term and ‘A-3’ short-term issuer credit rating
       to IREDA with a ‘Stable’ outlook.
Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for July 2024
   •   The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for July 2024 shows a growth rate of 4.8%, a slight
       increase from 4.7% in June 2024.
   •   The sectoral growth rates for July are 3.7% for Mining, 4.6% for Manufacturing, and a strong
       7.9% for Electricity.
   •   The overall IIP for July 2024 stands at 149.6, up from 142.7 in July 2023.
   •   Sectoral Indices:
          o Mining: 116.0
          o Manufacturing: 148.6
          o Electricity: 220.2
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Retail Inflation in August 2024 Increases to 3.65% Amid Rising Food Prices
   •   Retail inflation for August 2024 inched up to 3.65%, slightly above the July figure of 3.6%, which
       was a five-year low.
   •   The inflation rate remains below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) median target of 4% for the
       second consecutive month.
   •   Year-on-Year Inflation in August 2023 was significantly higher at 6.83%.
   •   Vegetables saw inflation rise to 10.71%, while pulses and products surged by 13.6%.
Retail Food Inflation Marginally Rises to 5.66% in August 2024 Amid Elevated Prices of Pulses and
Vegetables
   •   Retail food inflation increased to 5.66% in August 2024 from 5.42% in July 2024 due to elevated
       prices of pulses, cereals, and vegetables.
   •   On a month-on-month basis, the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) decreased by 0.44% in
       August compared to July.
   •   In August 2023, food inflation was 9.94%, and in July 2023, it was 11.51%.
   •   Pulses had the highest inflation in the food basket, rising to 13.6% in August.
   •   Cereals, eggs, fruits, and vegetables all saw inflation above 6%.
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •       The company has already raised over Rs 530 crore across two funding rounds from Convergent
            Finance LLP, Nexus Venture Partners, and individual investors.
DGGI Detects Record GST Evasion in FY24, Focus on Online Gaming Industry
    •       The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) identified the highest-ever GST evasion in
            FY24, totalling Rs 81,875 crore across 78 cases in the online money gaming industry.
    •       Overall, DGGI uncovered 6,084 cases of tax evasion involving Rs 2.01 trillion in GST during
            2023-24, a significant increase from FY23’s Rs 1.01 trillion.
    •       46% of evasion cases were linked to non-payment of taxes, including clandestine supply and
            undervaluation.
Government increases PF withdrawal limit to ₹1 lakh, likely to hike salary ceiling
•   Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced significant updates regarding the
    Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a government-managed retirement savings fund,
    introducing enhanced flexibility for subscribers and changes to withdrawal limits and eligibility
    criteria.
    •       New Limit: Subscribers can now withdraw up to ₹1 lakh from their EPFO accounts for personal
            financial needs.
    •       Previous Limit: The withdrawal limit was ₹50,000, but it was deemed insufficient due to rising
            living and consumption costs.
India's Trade Deficit Surges to a 10-Month High in August 2024
•   India’s trade deficit soared to a 10-month high of $29.7 billion in August 2024, driven by record
    imports of $64.4 billion and a contraction in exports for the second consecutive month.
•   The widening gap between imports and exports is attributed to factors such as a doubling of gold
    imports, weakening global demand, and softening oil prices.
1. Merchandise Exports:
        o     Decline: Exports shrank 9.3%, amounting to $34.7 billion in August.
        o     Factors: The contraction was driven by:
India's Wholesale Price Index (WPI) Inflation Falls to Four-Month Low in August
•   India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation dropped to a four-month low of 1.31% in August
    2024, down from 2.04% in July 2024.
•   According to data from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, this decline is attributed to reduced
    prices in manufactured goods and food items.
•   Food Prices Inflation:
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    o   August: 3.11%
    o   July: 3.45%
India’s Exports Plunge and Trade Deficit Soars in August
•   India’s exports experienced their sharpest decline in 13 months, falling by 9.3% in August 2024 to
    ₹2.91 lakh crores ($34.71 billion).
•   This decline, coupled with a record high in imports, resulted in a substantial increase in the trade
    deficit, which soared to a 10-month high of $29.65 billion.
Government relief on PDS wheat quota, to launch Rs 1K crore credit guarantee fund
    •   The Centre has announced a partial restoration of wheat allocation for beneficiaries of the
        Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY), a major social welfare scheme providing
        free food grains to over 800 million poor individuals.
    •   This decision comes after a reduction in wheat quota due to lower crop yields.
    •   Starting next month, an additional 3.5 million tonnes of wheat will be allocated under PMGKAY,
        continuing until March 2025.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● According to the Controller General of Accounts, the Centre's IGST collections from April to July
      FY25 were Rs (-)10,659 crore, compared to Rs (-)9,144 crore in the same period last year. In
      FY24, the total IGST mop-up was Rs (-)5,026 crore.
   ● States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala have received lower IGST transfers than expected. The State
      Fiscal Review Committee of Kerala estimated a Rs 35,000 crore loss in IGST settlements since
      the GST regime began in 2017.
CARE Ratings Downgrades IIFL Finance Ltd’s Long-Term Instruments
   ● CARE Ratings has downgraded the long-term instruments rating of IIFL Finance Ltd (IFL) from
      “AA” to “AA-” due to a significant decline in the company's gold loan book, following restrictions
      imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
   ● This rating action occurred shortly after the RBI lifted these restrictions on March 4, 2024.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs to Launch Internship Scheme for Skill Development
   ● The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is preparing to release a list of 500 companies eligible to
      participate in the Centre's internship scheme, based on the average annual corporate social
      responsibility (CSR) expenditure over the past three years.
   ● Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this initiative during the Budget 2024-25.
      o The government aims to skill 10 million youths (aged 21-24) in India’s top companies over the
          next five years.
      o Internships will provide exposure to a real-life business environment for a duration of 12
          months.
● Financial Support:
      o The Centre will offer an internship allowance of Rs 5,000 per month and a one-time
          assistance of Rs 6,000.
      o Companies will be expected to cover training costs and 10% of the internship costs from their
          CSR funds.
      o Between FY19 and FY22, Reliance Industries was the top CSR spender, but in 2022-23, it
          ranked third with an expenditure of Rs 743.4 crore, following HDFC Bank and Tata
          Consultancy Services. Other notable CSR spenders include ICICI Bank and Tata Steel.
India's Economic Growth in FY25 Projected to Reach 7.2%: MoSPI
● India's economy is projected to achieve a growth rate of 7.2% in FY25, with potential to surpass this
   estimate, as reported by a senior official from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
   Implementation (MoSPI).
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● Although the Q1FY25 growth was recorded at 6.7%, it is expected that higher growth rates in the
   following quarters will compensate for the initial slowdown, possibly leading to upward revisions in
   Q1 data.
Unemployment and Labour Force Report: July 2023 - June 2024
● Unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above has remained unchanged at 3.2 per cent
   in July 2023 to June 2024, according to the labour force survey annual report released.
● Unemployment Rate (UR):
       o Remained unchanged at 3.2% for persons aged 15 and above.
       o Male UR: Slight decline from 3.3% (2022-23) to 3.2% (2023-24).
       o Female UR: Increased from 2.9% to 3.2% during the same period.
● Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
       o Overall LFPR for persons aged 15+ rose to 60.1% from 57.9% (2022-23).
       o Male LFPR: Increased slightly from 78.5% to 78.8%.
       o Female LFPR: Notable rise from 37.0% to 41.7%.
● Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
       o Overall WPR increased to 58.2% from 56.0%.
       o Male WPR: 76.3%.
       o Female WPR: Significant rise from 35.9% to 40.3%.
Definitions:
   ● Unemployment Rate (UR): Percentage of unemployed persons in the labour force.
   ● Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Percentage of people working or seeking work in the
       total population.
   ● Worker Population Ratio (WPR): Percentage of employed persons in the total population.
PLFS Overview:
   ● Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) was launched in April 2017 to provide regular updates on
       employment and unemployment.
NHPC Pays Final Dividend of Rs 338.51 Crore to Government of India for FY 2023-24
   ● State-owned hydro power giant NHPC has paid a final dividend of Rs 338.51 crore to the
       Government of India for 2023-24.
Key Points:
   1. Final Dividend Payment:
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
          o NHPC, a state-owned hydro power giant, has paid a final dividend of Rs 338.51 crore to
              the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24.
   2. Total Dividend for 2023-24:
          o In addition to the final dividend, an interim dividend of Rs 947.82 crore was paid on March
              5, 2024.
          o This brings the total dividend for FY 2023-24 to Rs 1,286.33 crore
SEBI Introduces UPI Rules for Public Issues of Debt Securities to Simplify Investment Process
● Effective from November 1, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will mandate
   the use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for individual investors applying for amounts up to
   ₹5 lakh through intermediaries.
● The new rule simplifies the application process for public issues of debt securities, aligning it with the
   process for public issues of equity shares and convertibles.
● Mandatory UPI for Retail Investors:
       o Retail investors applying through intermediaries like stock brokers, registrars, syndicate
          members, or depository participants must provide their UPI ID linked to their bank accounts in
          the bid-cum-application form.
● Reduced Time for Issuers to Access Funds:
       o SEBI has shortened the minimum subscription period for public issues of debt securities from
          three to two working days.
GoM Favours Reducing GST on Education Materials, Considers Raising Tax on Textiles
● The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation is leaning towards reducing the GST on
   education materials from 12% to 5%. This move is intended to provide relief to a large section of
   people.
● Increase in GST on Textiles and Apparel:
       o The GoM is also considering raising the GST rate on textiles and apparel priced above
          ₹1,000 from the current 5% to either 12% or 18%.
       o The goal is to achieve revenue neutrality, raising the weighted average GST rate closer to its
          original target of 15.5%, as it had fallen below 11% due to various rate reductions since the
          introduction of GST in July 2017.
Airtel Launches India’s First AI-Powered Spam Detection Solution
● In a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the growing issue of spam calls and messages in India, Bharti
   Airtel has launched the country’s first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● This pioneering tool aims to reduce spam communication for its customers significantly.
India's Foreign Direct Investment Inflows Surge 47.8% to $16.17 Billion in April-June FY25, Boosted by
Services, Telecom, and Pharma Sectors
   •   According to government data, Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India jumped 47.8% to $ 16.17
       billion in April-June this fiscal on healthy inflows in services, computer, telecom and pharma
       sectors.
   •   FDI inflows were at $ 10.94 billion in April-June 2023-24.
   •   Monthly FDI Data:May: Inflows rose to $5.85 billion (from $2.67 billion in May FY24).
Association of Mutual Funds in India Sets Out Plan to Address Front Running at Asset Management
Companies
   •   The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has established minimum standards to prevent
       front running and market abuse by Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
   •   In August 2024, SEBI issued a circular directing AMCs to implement an institutional mechanism
       to deter front running and market abuse.
   •   Implementation Timeline:Phase-wise Implementation:
About AMFI :
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Securities and Exchange Board of India Updates Rules to Regulate Unregistered Financial Influencers
Amid Growing Concerns
   •   Markets watchdog, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended norms in a bid
       to regulate unregistered financial influencers or finfluencers amid growing concerns about
       potential risk associated with such unregistered persons.
   •   The regulator has restricted associations between its regulated entities and unregistered
       individuals.
About SEBI :
   •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The tribunal, established under the Companies Act 2013, was constituted on 1 June 2016 by the
       government of India and is based on the recommendation of the V. Balakrishna Eradi committee
       on the law relating to the insolvency and the winding up of companies.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Issues Master Circular to Simplify
Policyholder Protection Norms
   •   The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued a Master
       Circular to streamline norms on policyholder protection.
   •   The Master Circular replaces 30 previous circulars and consolidates them into a comprehensive
       document.
   •   The Master Circular on Protection of Policyholders’ Interests under the IRDAI (protection of
       policyholders’ interests, operations, and allied matters of insurers) Regulations, combines
       policyholder entitlements into a comprehensive reference document.
About IRDAI :
   •   Established : 1999
   •   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
   •   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
   •   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
       of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
       industries in India.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Canara Bank Raises $300 Million by Issuing 5-Year Bonds via IFSC Banking Unit
   •   Canara Bank has issued $300 million in 5-year bonds.
   •   The bonds were issued under the bank's USD 3 billion Medium-Term Note (MTN) program
       through its IFSC Banking Unit.
   •   The 5-year bond is priced at T+125 basis points, with a semi-annual coupon rate of 4.896% and
       a maturity date of September 11, 2029.
   •   The proceeds from the bonds will be used by the issuer’s IFSC/GIFT banking unit for general
       corporate purposes.
About Canara Bank :
   •   Founded : 1906
   •   Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
   •   MD & CEO : K Satyanarayana Raju
   •   Tagline : Together We Can
Bandhan Bank Teams Up with Ashok Leyland to Offer Vehicle Finance Solutions
   •   Ashok Leyland, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of
       Understanding (MoU) with Bandhan Bank.
   •   The partnership aims to provide customized financial solutions to Ashok Leyland customers.
   •   Bandhan Bank will offer end-to-end financial solutions, including vehicle loans.
   •   The loans will feature convenient monthly repayment plans tailored to customer preferences.
About Ashok Leyland :
   •   Founded : 7 September 1948
   •   Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
About Bandhan Bank :
   •   Founded : 23 August 2015
   •   Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
   •   MD & CEO : Ratan Kumar Kesh
   •   Tagline : 'Aapka Bhala. Sabki Bhalai. ', (Your benefit. Everyone's welfare.)
Finance Ministry Eases Rules for Expenditures Over ₹500 Crore to Speed Up Capex
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Finance Ministry has relaxed norms for expenditures exceeding ₹500 crore to expedite
       capital expenditure (capex) for the current fiscal year.
   •   The capital expenditure target for the fiscal year is set at a record ₹11.11 lakh crore, reflecting an
       11.1% increase from the previous target.
   •   The relaxation aims to boost government spending, which had slowed down due to the general
       elections.
About Ministry of Finance :
   •   Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
   •   Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhary
Bank of India Introduces Special Fixed Deposit with Interest Rates Up to 7.9% for Limited Tenure
   •   Public sector lender Bank of India has launched a special tenure fixed deposit scheme Star Dhan
       Vriddhi, offering an interest rate of up to 7.9% to senior citizens.
   •   Bank of India has revised its FD interest rates for amounts less than Rs 3 crore and also
       introduced a new special FD tenure of 333 days with higher rates.
   •   These rates are effective from September 1, 2024.
   •   Following the revision, the bank will offer FD interest rates ranging from 3% to 7.25% for tenures
       between 7 days and 10 years for general customers.
About BoI :
   •   Founded : 7 September 1906
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   MD & CEO : Rajneesh Karnatak
   •   Tagline : Relationship beyond banking
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Securities and Exchange Board of India Revises Alternative Investment Funds Regulations to Set
Maximum Tenure Extension Limits for Large Value Funds
   •   Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended alternative
       investment funds (AIF) norms specifying maximum permissible limit for extension of tenure by
       'Large Value Funds'.
   •   Extension of Tenure for Large Value Funds:Large Value Funds for accredited investors can
       extend their tenure by up to 5 years.
   •   This extension is subject to the approval of two-thirds of the unit holders by the value of their
       investment in the fund.
   •   Purpose of the Amendment:The amendment aims to provide clarity to investors in Large Value
       Funds for Accredited Investors (LVFs) about their investment horizon.
About SEBI :
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Visa partners with Pine Labs to expand digital payment acceptance nationwide
   •   Visa, a global leader in digital payments, has partnered with fintech company Pine Labs to
       expand digital payment acceptance across India.
   •   The collaboration aims to improve the in-store payment experience for millions of merchants
       currently using printed QR codes or other low-tech solutions.
   •   The two companies have jointly unveiled Pine Labs Mini, a soundbox-enabled device for QR,
       near-field communication (NFC) and card payments.
About Pine Labs :
   •   Founded : 1998
   •   Headquarters : Noida, Uttar Pradesh
   •   CEO : B Amrish Rau
Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹2.68 Crore Penalty on UCO Bank and ₹2.1 Lakh Penalty on Cent
Bank Home Finance Limited
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.68 crore on UCO Bank.
   ● Contravention of provisions under Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act).
          ○ Non-compliance with RBI directions related to:
                 ■ Interest Rate on Advances
                 ■ Opening of Current Accounts by Banks (Need for Discipline)
                 ■ Interest Rate on Deposits
                 ■ Classification and Reporting of Frauds by Commercial Banks and Select Financial
                    Institutions (FIs).
About RBI :
   ● Founded : 1 April 1935
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   ● Governor : Shaktikanta Das
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
       Patra
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Grants 'Navratna' Status to 4 Central Public Sector Enterprises
   ● Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the upgradation of 4 Central Public Sector
       Enterprises (CPSEs) to Navratna status.
   ● These CPSEs are:
   1. Railtel Corporation of India (RCIL)
   2. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Limited
   3. Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) Limited
   4. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC)
   ● With this approval, the total number of Navratna CPSEs in India has increased to 25.
Reserve Bank of India Data Shows Increase in Private Sector Banks' Credit Share in June 2024, While
Public Sector Banks' Share Declines
   ● According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) quarterly BSR data, the share of public sector
       banks (PSBs) in total credit continued to decline and stood at 53.1% in June 2024 (55.8% a year
       ago) with concomitant rise for private sector banks (PvBs).
   ● The share of PvBs in total credit increased to 46.9% in June 2024, up from 36.5% in March 2021,
       highlighting their growing market share.
AU Small Finance Bank Seeks Reserve Bank of India Green Light for Transition to Universal Bank
   •   AU Small Finance Bank has formally applied to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for approval to
       transition from a small finance bank to a universal bank.
   •   The RBI's invitation for applications from small finance banks (SFBs) to become universal banks
       was issued on April 26, 2024.
   •   Net Worth: Minimum net worth of ₹1,000 crore at the end of the previous quarter.
   •   Listing: Shares of the bank should be listed on a recognized stock exchange.
   •   Profitability: Net profit in the last two financial years.
About AU Small Finance Bank :
   •   Founded : 1996
   •   Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
   •   MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
National Payments Corporation of India Unveils New ATM Products and Renames BBPS to Bharat
Connect
   •   The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) unveiled products aimed at transforming
       ATM infrastructure in the country.
   •   These new offerings include Bharat BillPay (BBPS) for Business, designed to streamline
       business-to-business (B2B) transactions across different ERPs and accounting platforms, and
       UPI Circle, which enables delegate payments to users.
   •   NPCI's launches at the Global Fintech Fest included UPI Interoperable Cash Deposit and banks
       showcasing digital banking units.
About NPCI :
   •   Founded : 2008
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
   •   The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
       India.
   •   It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
       provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
       Settlement Infrastructure in India.
Securities and Exchange Board of India seeks Reserve Bank of India's assistance to enhance
participation in the corporate bond repo market
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has requested the Reserve Bank of India
       (RBI) to provide certain approvals to AMC Repo Clearing (ARCL) to facilitate the participation
       from banks and primary dealers (PDs).
   •   ARCL Launch: ARCL was launched in July, 2023 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to
       enhance liquidity in the corporate bond repo market.
   •   Market Growth: The corporate bond repo market volume has surpassed ₹1 trillion within a year,
       with monthly transactions ranging between ₹10,000 crore and ₹15,000 crore.
About ARCL :
   •   Chairman & Public Interest Director : Mr. Srinivasan Varadarajan
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● With the final notification in place, the gates of IFSCA will be open for foreign entities and
       domestic unlisted companies, especially startups eyeing offshore investors, to explore listing on
       the two exchanges in the financial hub.
          ➢ Revenue: Minimum operating revenue of $20 million in the previous financial year.
          ➢ Profit: Minimum pre-tax profit of $1 million.
          ➢ Market Capitalisation: Post-issue market capitalisation must be at least $25 million.
Public Sector Banks Reduce Government Securities Holdings Under Held-to-Maturity by 50%
   •   Public sector banks have cut their holdings of government securities (G-Secs) under the Held-to-
       Maturity (HTM) category by over 50%.
   •   This reduction follows revised investment norms issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
   •   The new guidelines came into effect on April 1, 2024.
   •   New RBI Guidelines : Categories: Investments must now be classified into HTM, Available-for-
       Sale (AFS), and Fair Value through Profit and Loss.
Unified Payment Interface Transactions Reach New High in August; Volume Increases, Value Slightly
Decreases
   •   Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transactions saw a 3% rise in volume in August to 14.96 billion,
       compared to 14.44 billion in July, the highest ever since the digital payment platform turned
       operational in April 2016.
   •   The total value of UPI transactions slightly decreased to Rs 20.61 trillion in August, compared to
       Rs 20.64 trillion in July.
   •   According to the data shared by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in August,
       UPI volume posted a 41% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth and 31% Y-o-Y growth in value.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Suggests Comprehensive Revision of Merchant Bankers’
Regulations
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed an overhaul of merchant bankers’
       regulations amid a boom in the equity capital market.
   •   Merchant bankers play an imperative role in the primary market and have been entrusted with
       the responsibility to ensure appropriate due diligence, maintain integrity of the primary market
       and ensure compliance with the relevant laws on their own account and on behalf of the issuers.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Net Worth Requirements: The current net worth requirement for merchant bankers is ₹5 crore,
       which was last hiked in 1995 from ₹1 crore, said SEBI.
About SEBI :
   •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
BharatPe Collaborates with Unity Bank to Introduce Third-Party App for Simplified Payments
   •   BharatPe has partnered with Unity Bank to launch its UPI Third Party Application Provider
       (TPAP) service.
   •   The "postpe" app has been rebranded as "BharatPe," now available for UPI payments.
   •   UPI Features: Customers can create UPI IDs on the BharatPe app to make payments to
       individuals, merchants, and pay various bills directly through the app.
   •   Platform Availability: The BharatPe UPI app is currently available for Android users, with a launch
       on Apple's App Store planned in the coming months.
   •   App Variants: BharatPe now offers two apps - "BharatPe" for general users and "BharatPe for
       Business" for merchants.
About BharatPe :
   •   Founded : 2018
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   •   CEO : Nalin Negi
   •   BharatPe is an Indian fintech company that sells digital payment and financial services to small
       merchants and Grocery stores.
About Unity Bank :
   •   Founded : 2006
   •   Headquarters : Lagos, Nigeria
   •   Managing Director : Tomi Somefun
Reserve Bank of India Permits Foreign Investors in International Financial Services Centre to Invest in
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Karnataka Bank to Provide Personal Loans through Open Network for Digital Commerce
   •   Karnataka Bank will offer personal loans through the Open Network for Digital Commerce
       (ONDC), becoming the first bank to do so.
   •   The personal loans will be available through buyer apps on the ONDC network.
   •   Initially, this service will be available to the bank’s existing customers.
About Karnataka Bank :
   •   Founded : 18 February 1924
   •   Headquarters : Mangalore, Karnataka, India
   •   MD & CEO : Srikrishnan Hari Hara Sarma
   •   Executive Director : Sekhar Rao
Securities and Exchange Board of India Considers Broadening Informal Guidance Scheme Scope and
Increases Fees
   ● Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) proposed changes to
       the informal guidance scheme to expand the list of applicants who can seek guidance under the
       plan and enhance the fee for applying.
   ● New entities that will be allowed to seek IG mechanisms are stock exchanges, clearing
       corporations and depositories, managers of pooled investment vehicles such as alternative
       investment funds, Real Estate Investment Trust (ReiT), Infrastructure Investment Trust (InVIT)
       and Collective Investment Scheme (CIS).
   ● Fee Structure Changes : On rationalising fees, Sebi has proposed to raise the fees to Rs 75,000
       from the current Rs 25,000 from an applicant while making an application under the IG scheme.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Updates Criteria for Inclusion and Removal of Stocks in
Futures and Options (F&O) Segment
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revised the eligibility criteria for the entry
      and exit of stocks in the derivatives (F&O) segment to ensure only high-quality stocks with
      sufficient market liquidity are allowed to trade.
   ● Performance Criteria for Entry : To be eligible for entry into the derivatives segment, stocks must
      meet certain criteria based on their performance in the cash market over the previous six months
      on a rolling basis.
Aditya Birla and Policybazaar Introduce Lifetime Family Income Protection Plan
   ● Aditya Birla Sun Life Insurance (ABSLI) and Policybazaar have jointly launched a new term
      insurance plan called ‘Income Suraksha Plan’.
   ● The plan provides a guaranteed monthly income for life in the "unfortunate event" of the
      policyholder's death.
   ● Increasing Income Protection Option: Offers a 5% annual increment in the monthly income,
      capped at 1.5 times the initial amount.
   ● Premium Discount: Up to a 9% one-time discount on the first-year premium.
   ● Eligibility Criteria:
          ➢ Age at Entry: 21 to 55 years.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
HDFC Bank Introduces GIGA, Financial Product Tailored for India's Gig Workers
   ● HDFC Bank has introduced GIGA, a financial suite designed for gig workers and freelancers.
   ● The programme aims to address the financial needs of India's burgeoning gig economy.
   ● The gig economy is estimated to employ 30-50 million workers: Fom management consultants
       and software programmers to delivery partners.
   ● GIGA will cater to this diverse group's financial requirements.
Reserve Bank of India Initiates September 2024 Consumer Confidence Survey Round
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regularly conducts the Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) to
       gauge public sentiment on economic conditions.
   ● The September 2024 round of the CCS has been launched.
   ● Survey Objectives:The survey collects qualitative responses from households regarding:
          ➢ General economic situation
          ➢ Employment scenario
          ➢ Price levels
          ➢ Household income
          ➢ Spending patterns
Securities and Exchange Board of India to Revise Criteria for Stock Inclusion and Exclusion in Futures
and Options (F&O) Market
   •   The markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is revising the criteria for
       the entry and exit of stocks in the futures and options (F&O) market.
   •   This revision may impact 79 popular stocks, including Life Insurance Corporation of India, Paytm,
       DMart, Jio Financial Services, and Zomato.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Potential Exclusions:18 stocks could be dropped from the current F&O list of 182 if they do not
       meet the new criteria within the next three months.
About SEBI :
   •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Bank Credit to Commercial Real Estate Surges in July 2024 Due to Increased Office Space Demand
   •   Bank credit to the commercial real estate sector rose to ₹4.85 lakh crore outstanding as of July
       26, 2024, from ₹4.38 lakh crore on July 28, 2023.
   •   Growth Drivers:Office Leasing: Significant growth in office leasing activity, with expected leasing
       between 50 and 60 million square feet in 2024.
   •   The first half of 2024 saw office leasing surpass 29 million square feet, a 19% year-over-year
       increase.
   •   The June quarter saw a 50% rise in leasing across major office markets like Mumbai, Delhi-NCR,
       and Bengaluru.
Reserve Bank of India manages liquidity to align inflation with 4% target while supporting economic
growth
   •   With the July retail inflation easing to a five-year low of 3.54% and the first quarter GDP growth
       decelerating to a five-quarter low of 6.7%, the RBI is focusing on maintaining adequate liquidity in
       the banking system.
   •   This approach is aimed at balancing its dual objectives of steering inflation towards a sustainable
       4% and supporting economic growth, according to market experts.
   •   RBI's Monetary Policy Statement:Retail Inflation: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das indicated that
       the expected moderation in retail inflation during Q2 of 2024-25 might reverse in Q3 due to base
       effects.
Life Insurance Corporation of India Receives ₹606 Crore GST Demand and Penalty Notice
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) received a GST tax demand, interest, and penalty order
       amounting to ₹605.58 crore.
   •   The order was issued by the Deputy Commissioner of State Tax, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   •   Breakdown of the Demand:
   •   The total demand for the Financial Year 2020 is divided as follows:
   •   GST: ₹294.43 crore
   •   Interest: ₹281.70 crore
   •   Penalty: ₹29.44 crore
About LIC :
   •   Founded : 1 September 1956
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Chairman : Siddhartha Mohanty
State Bank of India Secures ₹7,500 Crore Through Tier 2 Bond Issuance
   •   State Bank of India (SBI) raised ₹7,500 crore through its first Basel III compliant Tier 2 bond
       issuance for the current financial year.
   •   The bonds were issued at a coupon rate of 7.42%.
   •   The bonds have a tenure of 15 years, with a call option after 10 years and on each anniversary
       date thereafter.
   •   SBI received 70 bids amounting to over ₹8,800 crore, against a base issue size of ₹5,000 crore,
       indicating oversubscription and strong investor interest.
About SBI :
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Chairman :Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
Union Bank of India freezes accounts of telecom firm MTNL over non-payment of dues
   •   Union Bank of India has frozen all accounts of the telecom company MTNL due to non-payment
       of dues.
   •   In Aug 2024, MTNL reported to stock exchanges that it defaulted on bank loan payments
       amounting to Rs 422.05 crore.
   Breakdown of Loan Defaults:
   •   Union Bank of India: Rs 155.76 crore
   •   State Bank of India (SBI): Rs 140.37 crore
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
IndiaFirst Life Becomes the First Indian Life Insurer to Launch Operations in GIFT City
   •   IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited (IndiaFirstLife ) has become the first Indian life insurer
       to commence operations in Gujarat International Finance Tec City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar,
       Gujarat.
   •   The company inaugurated its IFSC Insurance Office (IIO) at the country's international financial
       gateway.
   •   IndiaFirst Life's IIO will have a dedicated team involving specialists who will cater to the needs of
       GIFT City's global audience.
About IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Ltd :
   •   Established: 2009
   •   MD & CEO: Rushabh Gandhi
   •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Paid-Up Share Capital: ₹754 crore
   •   Shareholders: Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Carmel Point Investments India Pvt Ltd
Amazon Pay ICICI Bank Credit Card: India's Top Co-Branded Card with 5 Million Users
   •   The Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card, powered by VISA, has achieved a significant milestone
       becoming the first co-branded credit card in India to onboard over 5 million customers
       nationwide.
   •   Offers a straightforward rewards program with unlimited cashback.
   •   Lifetime free credit card.
   •   Instant issuance within 30 minutes through a digital process.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Plans to Collaborate with Global Agencies to
Establish Carbon Fund: Chairman Shaji K V
   •   The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is in discussions with
       international agencies to establish a carbon fund aimed at addressing challenges posed by
       climate risk, according to Chairman Shaji K V at the FIBAC conference in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
   •   NABARD's Climate Change Fund:NABARD has set up a Rs 100 crore Climate Change Fund to
       enhance the capacities of institutions working in rural areas.
   •   This fund will be utilized to develop innovative products that mitigate climate change challenges.
About NABARD :
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Chairman : Shri. Shaji K V
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   It was established on the recommendations of B. Sivaraman Committee (by Act 61, 1981 of
       Parliament) on 12 July 1982 to implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
       Development Act 1981.
   •   NABARD is an apex regulatory body for the overall regulation of regional rural banks and apex
       cooperative banks in India.
   •   It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI).
Chennai-Based Fintech Paysharp Gets Final Reserve Bank of India Authorization as Payment
Aggregator
   •   Chennai-based fintech startup, Paysharp has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank
       of India (RBI) to operate as an online payment aggregator (PA).
   •   It was granted an in-principle license in December 2022 and received final approval in 2023.
   •   Paysharp is now authorized to onboard merchants and process payments as part of India’s
       payment system.
   •   Paysharp is one of authorised Payment Aggregators from Tamil Nadu. As on date RBI has
       authorized 36 payment aggregators including Razorpay, Cashfree and Stripe.
About Paysharp :
   •   Founded : 2019
   •   Founder and CEO : Krishna Kumar Mani
   •   It caters to various sectors, including government, B2B, NBFC and SMBs and is now expanding
       into the ecommerce segment.
   •   The company focuses on non-card-based payments, including UPI and virtual account-based
       solutions for NEFT, IMPS, and RTGS collections.
   •   Its product portfolio includes Link Payment and Payment Pages powered by UPI.
International Solar Alliance and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency Launch Multi-Donor Trust
Fund to Promote Solar Projects
   •   The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), part of the World Bank Group, and the
       International Solar Alliance (ISA) have established the MIGA-ISA Solar Facility, a multi-donor
       trust fund.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   Aim : To accelerate global adoption of solar energy, offering concessional financing tools,
        including first-loss instruments and reinsurance capacity, to enhance project bankability and
        lower MIGA guarantee costs.
    •   Partnership Goal: The World Bank Group and the African Development Bank Group aim to
        provide at least 300 million people in Africa with electricity access by 2030.
About MIGA :
    •   Established : 12 April 1988
    •   Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
    •   MIGA is an international financial institution which offers political risk insurance and credit
        enhancement guarantees.
    •   It is a member of the World Bank Group .
About ISA :
    •   Founded : 30 November 2015
    •   Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana, India
    •   Director General : Dr. Ajay Mathur
RBI rejects Canara Bank's bid for credit card subsidiary amid concerns
    •   Current Operations: Canara Bank currently issues credit cards under its own name.
    •   Proposal: The bank approached the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up a non-banking
        financial company (NBFC) to manage its credit card business.
    •   Objective: Canara Bank aimed to bring more focus and specialization to its credit card offerings,
        enhancing its competitiveness in the market.
About Canara Bank:
    •   Founded: 1906
    •   Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
    •   MD & CEO: K. Satyanarayana Raju
    •   Tagline: "Together We Can"
The 54th meeting of the Goods and Services Tax Council chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman concluded in New Delhi
•   Key Decisions from the 54th GST Council Meeting:
•   Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) for Commercial Property:
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   Renting of commercial property by an unregistered person to a registered person will now fall under
    the Reverse Charge Mechanism (RCM) to prevent revenue leakage.
•   Under the RCM, the GST liability shifts from the supplier (landlord) to the recipient (tenant) of
    commercial rental services.
Bank of Baroda receives a 2.8X subscription for its ₹5,000 cr infra bond issuance
    •   Bond Issuance Details:
        o Date: September 9, 2024.
        o Amount Raised: Rs 5,000 crore.
        o Coupon Rate: 7.26% per annum.
        o Type: Long-term, 10-year infrastructure bonds.
    •   Investor Response:
        o Total Demand: Rs 14,215 crore from 105 bids.
        o Strong demand allowed pricing at a competitive rate of 7.26% per annum.
About Bank of Baroda:
    •   Founded: July 20, 1908
    •   Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat, India
    •   MD & CEO: Debadatta Chand
    •   Tagline: "India’s International Bank"
Union Bank of India becomes first major Indian Bank to sign Partnership for Carbon Accounting
Financials (PCAF)
    •   Union Bank of India has announced its decision to join the Partnership for Carbon Accounting
        Financials (PCAF), an international alliance of financial institutions dedicated to standardizing the
        measurement and disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions related to loans and investments.
    •   Commitment to Climate Risk Management: By joining PCAF, Union Bank of India aligns itself
        with global efforts to measure and manage financed emissions, which are crucial for
        understanding and mitigating climate risks in banking.
About Union Bank of India:
    •   Founded: November 11, 1919
    •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   MD & CEO: A. Manimekhalai
    •   Tagline: "Good People to Bank With"
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Securities and Exchange Board of India Forms 22-Member Expert Committee on Listing Obligations
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has set up a 22-member advisory committee
       to streamline the rules for listing obligations and disclosures.
   •   The committee is chaired by R Gandhi, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
       (RBI).
   •   It was formed on August 28, 2024.
About SEBI :
   •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
Airtel Payments Bank Teams Up with Noise and National Payments Corporation of India to Launch
National Common Mobility Card -Enabled Smartwatch
   •   Airtel Payments Bank has collaborated with wearables maker Noise and the National Payments
       Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-enabled
       smartwatch integrated with the RuPay chip.
   •   The smartwatch, developed by Noise, allows users to perform NCMC-enabled tap and pay
       transactions, bringing payment capabilities directly to the user's wrist.
About Airtel Payments Bank :
   •   Founded : 23 November 2016
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
   •   MD & CEO : Anubrata Biswas
   •   The company is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel.
   •   On 5 January 2022, it was granted the scheduled bank status by the Reserve Bank of India
       under the second schedule of RBI Act, 1934.
SBI Life Insurance Launches Digital Film to Support Indian Athletes for Paralympic Games Paris 2024
   •   SBI Life Insurance has unveiled a new digital film to support the Indian contingent for the
       Paralympic Games Paris 2024.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The film aims to highlight the inspiring stories of para athletes: Simran Sharma (runner), Ashok
       Malik (powerlifter), and Mona Agarwal (shooter), showcasing their indomitable resolve.
   •   The digital film embodies the theme of 'IRADDE', reflecting the athletes' determination and aligns
       with SBI Life’s philosophy, 'Apne Liye, Apno Ke Liye'.
About SBI Life Insurance :
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   MD & CEO : Mr. Amit Jhigran
   •   It was incorporated in October 2000 and was registered with the Insurance Regulatory and
       Development Authority of India (IRDAI) in March 2001.
   •   It is a joint venture between State Bank of India (SBI) and French financial institution BNP
       Paribas Cardif.
Federal Bank Unveils India's First Facial Recognition Payment System, SmilePay™
   •   India’s Federal Bank has launched SmilePay™, a facial authentication technology that will
       enable customers to complete transactions using only their faces.
   •   It is a first-of-its-kind payment solution in India, utilising advanced facial authentication technology
       and built on UIDAI’s BHIM Aadhaar Pay.
   •   The product eliminates the need for traditional payment methods, offering unmatched
       convenience for customers and enhanced efficiency for merchants.
About Federal Bank :
   •   Headquarters : Aluva, Kochi, Kerala, India
   •   MD & CEO : Shyam Srinivasan
Aditya Birla Capital Digital Unveils DigiGold Gifting, Family Health Scan, and SIMPLiNVEST at GFF
2024
   •   Aditya Birla Capital Digital Limited ("ABCDL"), the digital-first arm of India's leading financial
       services conglomerate, Aditya Birla Capital, announced the launch of a suite of three new
       product offerings - DigiGold Gifting, Family Health Scan and SIMPLiNVEST on ABCD,
       omnichannel D2C platform at the Global Fintech Festival.
   •   These new offerings are aimed at providing users with a more personalized and convenient
       digital financial experience, making "Everything Finance as Simple as ABCD".
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
HDB Financial Services Becomes First Non-Banking Financial Company to Integrate NPCI's e-KYC
Setu System
   •   HDB Financial Services (HDBFS), is the first non-banking financial company (NBFC) to integrate
       the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)'s e-KYC Setu System.
   •   This integration sets a new industry benchmark for the NBFC sector.
About HDBFS :
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   HDB Financial Services, a subsidiary company of HDFC Bank, is one of the biggest NBFC in the
       country who provides a variety of loans and finance to the people.
South Indian Bank Partners with Sohan Lal Commodity Management to Launch ‘Unified Collateral
Management Solutions
   •   South Indian Bank and Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) have announced a
       collaboration to deliver “Unified Collateral Management Solutions,” aimed at supporting farmers
       and other stakeholders within the agricultural ecosystem.
   •   This collaboration will facilitate access to post-harvest credit at competitive interest rates, while
       also providing scientific storage services and ensuring fair commodity pricing at marketplaces
       (mandis).
   •   The partnership is aimed to tackle key challenges in the agricultural sector, particularly in post-
       harvest storage and financing.
Indian Rupee Second-Worst Performing Asian Currency in August 2024 Due to High Dollar Demand
and Equity Outflows
   •   The Indian rupee was the second-worst-performing Asian currency in August 2024 after the
       Bangladeshi taka due to strong dollar demand and outflows from domestic equities.
   •   It depreciated by 0.2% during the month.
   •   The two were the only Asian currencies that experienced a decline against the US dollar over the
       month.
World Bank advises India to reassess RCEP decision to achieve $1 trillion export target
   •   The World Bank, urged India to re-evaluate its regional integration strategy, including its decision
       not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), as part of its plan to
       achieve the $1 trillion export target by 2030.
   •   India has opted out of major trade agreements like RCEP, while neighbouring countries like
       Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have shown interest in joining this East Asian trade and global value
       chain (GVC) hub
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Re-evaluating Trade Strategy: As other South Asian economies explore trade agreements
       outside the region, India may need to reassess its position on regional integration, particularly
       regarding RCEP.
About World Bank :
   •   Established : July 7, 1944
   •   Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
   •   President : Ajay Banga
UPI Sees 37% Surge in Transactions, Reaching ₹80.8 Lakh Crore ($964 Billion) from April-July 2024
   •   Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has emerged as the world's most popular alternative
       payments method (APM), processed transactions to the tune of ₹80.8 lakh crore ($964 billion) in
       April-July 2024, a sharp 37% year-on-year (y-o-y) surge compared to the same timeframe the
       previous year.
   •   Transactions on UPI totalled Rs 20.64 lakh crore in July this year or about $247 billion.
   •   Skrill has emerged as the second-most popular alternative payment method in the world.
About UPI :
   •   UPI, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and regulated by the
       Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has enhanced financial accessibility since its launch in 2016.
Tata AIA Life Insurance Launches USD Life Insurance Solutions for Non-Resident Indians
   •   Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited, one of India’s leading life insurance agencies, has
       launched its offshore branch at Gujarat International Finance Tech-City (GIFT City), India’s first
       International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).
   •   The branch aims to provide non-resident Indians (NRIs) with US dollar-denominated life
       insurance through its website.
About Tata AIA Life Insurance Company Limited :
   •   Founded : 1 April 2001
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   CEO : Venkatachalam Iyer
   •   Tata AIA is a joint venture by Tata Sons Pvt. Ltd. and AIA Group Ltd. (AIA).
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Mastercard Launches Global Payment Passkey Service to Enhance Security and Ease of Online
Shopping
   •   Mastercard has announced the worldwide launch of its new Payment Passkey Service to
       enhance the security and convenience of online shopping.
   •   The service has been introduced in India as a pilot program with major payment players,
       including payment aggregators Juspay, Razorpay, and PayU, as well as online merchants like
       Bigbasket and banks such as Axis Bank.
   •   Payment passkeys use device-based biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprints or
       facial scans, to streamline online shopping experiences.
About Mastercard :
   •   Founded : 1966
   •   Headquarters : New York, United States
   •   CEO : Michael Miebach
POP Introduces India’s First Multi-Brand Co-Branded Card in Collaboration with RuPay and Yes Bank
   •   POP, a fintech enabler for direct-to-consumer brands started by former Flipkart employees, has
       introduced India’s first multi-brand co-branded credit card developed in collaboration with RuPay
       and Yes Bank.
   •   This launch coincides with POP surpassing one million UPI transactions and aims to leverage the
       power of the RuPay network to make credit on UPI easier for its network of users.
   •   The credit card was launched at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) in the presence of Mr. Nalin
       Bansal- Chief of Corporate and Fintech Relationships at NPCI and Mr. Amit Sinha- Head of credit
       card sales and partnerships at Yes Bank.
RBL Bank Partners with Indian Oil Corporation Limited to Launch New Fuel Credit Card
   •   RBL Bank has launched the 'Xtra Credit Card' in partnership with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL),
       providing customers with fuel savings.
   •   The Card offers customers 8.5% savings on fuel purchases, the highest in the segment
       compared to other co-branded fuel credit cards.
   •   Earning Fuel Points: Customers can earn 15 fuel points for every ₹100 spent, with a cap of 2,000
       points per month.
   •   Expected Portfolio Growth: After partnering with IOCL, RBL Bank expects its credit card portfolio
       to grow by 12-15% in the current fiscal year, lower than the industry growth of 20-25%.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
State Bank of India Plans to Raise Up to ₹7,500 Crore Through Tier-2 Bonds
   •   State Bank of India (SBI) is expected to raise up to ₹7,500 crore through the issuance of tier-2
       bonds.
   •   The funds raised will be used to meet regulatory requirements and support business growth,
       addressing the gap between credit demand and deposit accretion.
   •   September 19.
   •   Base Size: The base size of the bond issuance is expected to be between ₹3,500 crore and
       ₹4,000 crore.
About SBI :
   •   Founded : 1 July 1955
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹1.91 Crore Fine on Axis Bank and ₹1 Crore Penalty on HDFC Bank
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.91 crore on Axis Bank
       Limited.
   •   The penalty is for contravention of provisions under Section 19 (1) (a) of the Banking Regulation
       Act, 1949 (BR Act), and non-compliance with RBI directions on:
   •   Interest Rate on Deposits
   •   Know Your Customer (KYC)
   •   Credit Flow to Agriculture - Collateral-Free Agricultural Loans
   •   The penalty is imposed under Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Section 46 (4) (i) of the BR Act.
Reserve Bank of India Announces Loan Eligibility for Resident Overseas Citizens of India Cardholders
for Overseas Education
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has clarified to banks that Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
       cardholders are eligible for education loans for studies abroad, provided they are residing in
       India.
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) defines an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) as a foreign national
       of Indian origin who is registered as an OCI cardholder under Section 7(A) of the Citizenship Act,
       1955.
   •   The OCI scheme was introduced in 2005 to address the demand for dual citizenship for
       individuals of Indian origin.
Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Introduces Daava Soochak Tool to Help
Depositors Monitor Claim Status
   •   The Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) has introduced an online tool
       named Daava Soochak, designed for depositors to track the status of their insurance claims.
   •   Since its inception, DICGC has been responsible for reimbursing insured amounts to depositors
       of banks that have failed.
   •   Daava Soochak, a user-friendly online tool, is part of DICGC's ongoing commitment to improving
       the services provided for depositors.
About DICGC :
   •   Formed : 1978
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   DICGC is a specialised division of the Reserve Bank of India which is under the jurisdiction of the
       Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
   •   It was established under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, 1961 for
       the purpose of providing insurance of deposits and guaranteeing of credit facilities.
RBI Fines 3 Housing Finance Companies ₹13.50 Lakh, Including Godrej Housing Finance, Aadhar
Housing Finance, and Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on three Non-Banking
       Financial Companies (NBFCs) for non-compliance with RBI directions related to housing finance
       companies.
   •   Godrej Housing Finance Limited: Penalized ₹5,00,000 for non-compliance with the ‘Non-Banking
       Financial Company - Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021’.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Aadhar Housing Finance Limited: Penalized ₹5,00,000 for non-compliance with the ‘Non-Banking
       Financial Company - Housing Finance Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2021’.
PayMate Teams Up with NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited to Introduce BBPS-B2B Platform for
Revolutionising Business Payments and Financing in Digital India
   •   PayMate, India's leading digital B2B payments company, has announced its partnership with
       NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited. (NBBL) to launch the innovative PayMate BBPS-B2B platform.
   •   The BBPS-B2B platform aims to standardise and digitize commercial processes related to
       invoicing, payments, and collections on a large scale across the nation.
About PayMate :
   •   Founded : May 2006
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Founder, MD & CEO : Ajay Adiseshann
AU Small Finance Bank and United India Insurance Sign Agreement to Offerr Insurance Products
   •   AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and state-owned United India Insurance Company (UIIC)
       announced a strategic partnership to distribute general insurance solutions to the bank's
       customers.
   •   Insurance Products Offered:The partnership will provide a range of insurance products including
       motor insurance, personal accident insurance, crop insurance, property insurance, shopkeeper
       insurance, and cyber incident insurance.
About AU Small Finance Bank :
   •   Established : 1996
   •   Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
   •   MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
About UIIC :
   •   Founded : 18 February 1938
   •   Headquarters : Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
   •   Chairman & MD : Bhupesh Sushil Rahul
Securities and Exchange Board of India Revises Margin Trading Framework to Ease Collateral
Requirements
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has revised the framework for margin trading
       facilities (MTF) to reduce the burden of additional collateral.
   •   Cash Collateral as Maintenance Margin:Securities funded through cash collateral can now be
       considered as maintenance margin for MTF.
   •   If a broker uses cash collateral received from a client to meet settlement obligations with the
       clearing corporation (CC), this collateral can be treated as a maintenance margin.
   •   Effective Date:The new rules will come into effect from October 1, 2024.
   •
About SEBI :
   •   Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
       1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   •   Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
       the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Reserve Bank of India to Maintain Higher Requirement for Digitally-Linked Deposit Buffer
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed that banks hold an additional 5% "run-off factor" on
       digitally accessible retail deposits to manage risks of mass withdrawals via digital platforms like
       internet or mobile banking.
   •   The new rules are scheduled to take effect in April 2025.
   •   Impact on Banks' Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR):The additional buffer is expected to impact
       banks' Liquidity Coverage Ratios (LCR), which represent the amount of highly liquid assets
       available to meet short-term obligations.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Sale Terms:The loan portfolio sale is planned to be executed through a pass-through certificate,
       a type of debt instrument. The final terms of the sale are yet to be decided.
About HDFC Bank :
   •   Founded : 1st July 2023 (via the merger between HDFC-HDFC bank)
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   MD & CEO : Sashidhar Jagdishan
   •   Tagline : We Understand Your World
Reserve Bank of India Cancels Treasury Bill Auction for the Remainder of September 2024
   •   According to the Calendar for Auction of Government of India Treasury Bills for the Quarter
       ending September 2024, the auctions were initially scheduled for September 18, 2024, and
       September 25, 2024.
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in consultation with the Government of India, has decided to
       cancel the T-bill auctions scheduled for September 18, 2024, and September 25, 2024.
   •   The Government of India has reduced its borrowings via Treasury Bills by approximately ₹50,000
       crore for the current fiscal year.
About RBI :
   •   Founded : 1 April 1935
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Governor : Shaktikanta Das
   •   Deputy Governors : Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao, Shri Swaminathan J, Shri T. Rabi Sankar, Dr. M.D.
       Patra
State Bank of India Approves ₹10,050 Crore Loan for Damodar Valley Corporation’s Proposed 1600
MW Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand
   •   State Bank of India (SBI) has sanctioned ₹10,050 crore to Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for
       its ultra-supercritical thermal power project.
   •   The project involves the construction of a 1600 MW (800 MW * 2) ultra-supercritical thermal
       power plant located at Koderma, Jharkhand.
   •   DVC is India's first multipurpose river valley project, established by the Damodar Valley
       Corporation Act, 1948.
About SBI :
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Fines SBI Life Insurance ₹1 Crore for
Breaching Regulations on Web Aggregators and Outsourcing Activities
   •   The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has fined SBI Life
       Insurance ₹1 crore for regulatory violations.
   •   The violations pertain to SBI Life Insurance's dealings with insurance web aggregators and its
       outsourcing activities.
   •   IRDAI has issued an advisory to SBI Life Insurance regarding the repudiation of multiple
       insurance claims.
About IRDAI :
   •   Established : 1999
   •   Headquarters : Hyderabad, Telangana
   •   Chairperson : Debasish Panda
   •   The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
       of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
       industries in India.
About SBI Life Insurance :
   •   Founded : March 2001
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   MD & CEO : Amit Jhigran
State Bank of India plans to raise up to ₹7,500 crore through second tranche of Tier-II bonds
   •   The State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise up to ₹7,500 crore through the issuance of a second
       tranche of Tier-II bonds.
   •   Bond Details: The bonds have a maturity period of 15 years.
   •   The issuance includes a base size of ₹4,000 crore with an additional greenshoe option of ₹3,500
       crore.
   •   Credit Rating: The bonds are rated "AAA" by ICRA and India Ratings and Research, indicating
       high credit quality.
About SBI :
   •   Founded : 1 July 1955
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
S&P Global Ratings predicts SBI's cost-to-income ratio will drop to 54-55% in the next two years
   •   State Bank of India’s (SBI’s) cost-to-income (C/I) ratio sharply increased to 60% in FY24 from
       56.2% in FY23 due to higher employee expenses.
   •   S&P Global Ratings forecasts that SBI’s C/I ratio will normalize to 54-55% over the next two
       years as the bank improves operating efficiency and leverages digital platforms.
   •   The risk-adjusted capital (RAC) ratio is expected to stay moderate at 5.5-6.0% over the next two
       years, compared to 5.9% as of March 31, 2024.
   •   SBI's credit cost is expected to remain under 1% due to low asset quality risks.
   •   Credit Rating:S&P Global has affirmed SBI’s issuer credit rating at “BBB-/Positive.”
Outward FDI Increases by $1 Billion in August, 2024: RBI Data
   •   According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, India's outward foreign direct investment (FDI)
       commitments rose by $1 billion to $3.21 billion in August 2024, up from $2.29 billion in August
       2023.
   •   Sequential Growth: Outbound FDI commitments increased from $3 billion in July 2024.
   •   Three Components: Outward FDI commitments are classified into three categories: equity, loans,
       and guarantees.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Life Insurance Corporation of India Increases Its Stake in Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation to Approximately 9.3%
   •   Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) increased its stake in Indian Railway Catering and
       Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to approximately 9.3%.
   •   LIC's stake in IRCTC grew by 2.02% between December 16, 2022, and September 11, 2024,
       through open market purchases.
About IRCTC :
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   •   Chairman & MD : Sanjay Kumar Jain
   •   IRCTC was established in 1999 by the Government of India and operates under the Ministry of
       Railways.
   •   IRCTC is a 'Miniratna' public sector undertaking (PSU) that provides services such as ticketing,
       catering, and tourism for Indian Railways.
Reserve Bank of India Fines BNP Paribas and Three Other Banks for Compliance Failures
   •   The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 31.8 lakh on BNP Paribas for non-
       compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Interest Rate on Advances’.
   •   This penalty has been imposed in the exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions
       of Section 47 A (1) (c) read with Sections 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
   Penalty on Hewlett Packard Financial Services (India) Private Limited:
   •   Amount: ₹10.4 lakh
   •   Reason: Non-compliance with RBI's 'Know Your Customer (KYC) Directions, 2016,' 'Non-
       Banking Financial Company - Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit
       taking Company (Reserve Bank) Directions, 2016,' and 'Master Direction - Information
       Technology Framework for the NBFC Sector.'
   Penalty on Muthoot Vehicle & Asset Finance Limited:
   •   Amount: ₹7.9 lakh
   •   Reason: Non-compliance with RBI's 'Liquidity Risk Management Framework for Non-Banking
       Financial Companies and Core Investment Companies' and 'Non-Banking Financial Company -
       Systemically Important Non-Deposit taking Company and Deposit taking Company (Reserve
       Bank) Directions, 2016.'
   Penalty on SMFG India Credit Company Limited (formerly Fullerton India Credit Company Limited):
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Reserve Bank of India to Overhaul Currency Management Infrastructure to Meet Future Cash Demands
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to comprehensively revamp its currency management
       infrastructure over the next 4-5 years to meet future cash demands of the growing economy.
   •   Project Timeline: The entire project is expected to be completed within 4-5 years, as per RBI's
       expression of interest (EoI) document.
   •   CIC Growth:Coins in Circulation (CIC) volume also increased to 132.35 bpcs by March 31, 2024,
       from 127.92 bpcs a year earlier.
National Payments Corporation of India Raises Unified Payments Interface Transaction Limit for Tax
Payments to ₹5 Lakh per Transaction
   •   The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has increased transaction limits for tax
       payments using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), allowing people to transfer Rs 5 lakh in a
       single transaction.
   •   This service is only applicable for tax payments only.
   •   The increase in the transaction limit aims to facilitate smoother and larger tax payments through
       UPI, addressing the growing use of UPI as a payment method.
   •   Applicability: The Rs 5 lakh limit applies exclusively to tax payments.
PhonePe and Liquid Group Partner to Expand UPI QR Payment Services in Singapore
   •   PhonePe, a Walmart group fintech firm, partnered with Liquid Group, a cross-border payment
       solutions provider, to expand its merchant acceptance network in Singapore.
   •   The partnership enables PhonePe users traveling to Singapore to scan and pay using the app at
       Liquid Group's merchants.
   •   QR codes will be available at tourist-centric locations, such as Changi Airport, duty-free shops,
       restaurants, bars, retailers (e.g., The Cocoa Trees, Hard Rock Cafe), sightseeing spots, and
       transportation services.
About Phonepe :
   •   Founded : 2015
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Money view Becomes 2024's Sixth Unicorn After Securing $4.6 Million in Funding
   •   Fintech start-up Moneyview became the sixth unicorn in 2024 after raising $4.6 million (INR 38.6
       Cr) from Accel India and Nexus Ventures.
   •   After approval from the company's board, 60.23 lakh equity shares were allotted to Accel India
       and Nexus Ventures.
   •   Compared to 2023, there has been an increase in the number of unicorns in 2024.
   •   In 2023, only two unicorns were created, which include quick commerce start-up Zepto and
       fintech start-up InCred Finance.
About Moneyview :
   •   Founded : 2014
   •   Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
   •   Founders : Puneet Agarwal and Sanjay Aggarwal.
Securities and Exchange Board of India fast-tracks credit, trading of bonus shares to T+2 days
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to shorten the time taken for
       credit of bonus shares and their subsequent trading to two days from the record date.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   This new rule will apply to all bonus issues announced from October 1.
    •   Timeline Details:Credit of Bonus Shares: Bonus shares will be credited to investor accounts one
        working day after the record date (T+1).
About SEBI :
    •   Established: 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
        1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
    •   Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
    •   Chairman: Madhabi Puri Buch
    •   SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
        the Ministry of Finance, GoI
HDFC Bank Aims to Increase Income for 5 Lakh Marginal Farmers by 2025 Through Parivartan CSR
Initiative
    •   The country's biggest private sector lender, HDFC Bank, looks to increase the income of 5 lakh
        marginal farmers earning less than Rs 60,000 annually by 2025 as part of its corporate social
        responsibility (CSR) initiative, Parivartan.
    •   Parivartan Overview: Launched in 2014, Parivartan is one of India's largest CSR programs,
        active in 28 states and 8 Union Territories, with a focus on rural development and sustainable
        livelihoods.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   CSR Expenditure: HDFC Bank has spent ₹5,100 crore on CSR activities over the last decade,
       and reported a CSR spend of ₹945.31 crore for FY 2023-24.
About HDFC Bank :
   •   Founded : 1st July 2023 (via the merger between HDFC-HDFC bank)
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   MD & CEO : Sashidhar Jagdishan
   •   Tagline : We Understand Your World
Life Insurance Corporation of India Chooses Infosys for Advanced Digital Insurance Platform
Development
   •   The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has selected IT major Infosys to develop its
       NextGen digital platform.
   •   This platform will be a comprehensive end-to-end digital insurance solution aimed at providing
       excellent customer services, sales lifecycle management, and operational support for employees
       and intermediaries.
   •   The NextGen Digital Platform will be modular, flexible, cloud-native, and have platform driven
       architecture which will be capable of quickly adopting innovative technologies, new products and
       features.
About LIC :
   •   Founded : 1 September 1956
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   CEO and MD : Siddhartha Mohanty
Securities and Exchange Board of India Approves Tenfold Increase in NSE's Share Capital
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved amendments to the National
       Stock Exchange (NSE) memorandum of association, allowing a 10-fold increase in authorised
       share capital to ₹500 crore.
   •   This move will pave the way for the bourse's proposed bonus issue.
   •   This increase also provides flexibility if the exchange decides to issue fresh shares during its
       public offering.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   On August 27, the NSE board also sought a no-objection certificate (NOC) from Sebi to move
       forward with its IPO, which has been delayed due to ongoing regulatory matters, including the co-
       location case.
About NSE :
   •   Founded : 1992
   •   Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Chairman : Girish Chandra Chaturvedi
   •   MD & CEO : Ashishkumar Chauhan
   •   NSE is under the ownership of various financial institutions such as banks and insurance
       companies.
Star Health and Policybazaar Introduce 'SUPER STAR': A Modular Long-Term Health Insurance Plan
   •   Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Limited (Star Health Insurance) and Policybazaar
       announced the launch of 'SUPER STAR', a personalised long-term health insurance plan which
       is customer-centric in nature with an objective of delivering greater customer value.
About Policybazaar :
   •   Founded : July 2008
   •   Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana
About Star Health and Allied Insurance Co Ltd :
   •   Founded : 2006
   •   MD & CEO : Mr. Anand Roy
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
AU Small Finance Bank and Kotak Life Partner to Provide Life Insurance and Financial Security
Solutions
   •   AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) and Kotak Life announced a partnership to offer life insurance
       and financial security solutions.
   •   This collaboration is a continuation of Kotak Life’s previous relationship with the former Fincare
       Small Finance Bank, which is now merged with AU SFB.
   •   This partnership enables AU SFB’s new and existing customers, including those from former
       Fincare SFB branches, to access Kotak Life’s full range of life insurance products, such as term,
       retirement, savings, and select investment plans.
About AU SFB :
   •   Founded : 1996
   •   Headquarters : Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
   •   MD & CEO : Sanjay Agarwal
   •   AU Small Finance Bank Limited (AU SFB) is a scheduled commercial bank and has established
       itself as the largest SFB in India since starting its banking journey in April 2017.
About Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited :
   •   Founded : 2001
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   •   Chairman : Uday Kotak
   •   MD : Mahesh Balasubramanian
   •   Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Limited (Kotak Life) is a 100% owned subsidiary of
       Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (Kotak). Kotak Life provides insurance products with high customer
       empathy.
Asian Development Bank Pledges $2 Billion in Annual Loans to Support Cash-Strapped Pakistan:
Report
   ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has assured Pakistan of providing $2 billion annually in new
       loans from 2024 to 2027, totalling $8 billion over four years.
   ● ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa gave the assurance during his visit and interaction with
       Pakistani authorities.
   ● Loan Terms:Out of the $2 billion annual loan, $1 billion will be provided at a fixed 2% interest rate
       under ADB’s concessional window.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
About ADB :
   ● Established: 1966
   ● Headquarters: Manila, Philippines
   ● President : Masatsugu Asakawa
   ● Membership: 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific) and
      19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
World Bank Commits Additional USD 2 Billion to Support Key Reforms in Bangladesh
   ● The World Bank pledged an additional $2 billion in financing to Bangladesh during this fiscal year
      to support critical reforms, flood response, air quality improvement, and healthcare.
   ● Abdoulaye Seck, World Bank Country Director, made the pledge during his meeting with Chief
      Adviser Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna in Dhaka.
   ● World Bank Commitment:The World Bank is committed to increasing lending to Bangladesh to
      support the reform agenda of the Interim Government.
About World Bank :
   ● Established : July 7, 1944
   ● Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
   ● President : Ajay Banga
State Bank of India secures ₹7,500 crore through Tier-2 bonds at a 7.33% interest rate
  •   The State Bank of India (SBI) raised ₹7,500 crore through its second Basel III-compliant Tier-2
      bond issuance of the current fiscal year.
  •   The bonds have a coupon rate of 7.33% and a 15-year maturity with a call option after 10 years
      and on each anniversary thereafter.
  •   It attracted bids more than three times the base issue size of ₹4,000 crore.
  •   This earlier issuance also carried a AAA rating with a stable outlook from CRISIL Ratings and
      CARE Ratings.
  •   Total Fundraising for FY:For the current financial year, SBI has raised a total of ₹15,000 crore
      through Basel III-compliant Tier-2 bonds.
About SBI :
  •   Founded : 1 July 1955
  •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
  •   Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Bank of Baroda Launches GenAI-Powered Virtual Relationship Manager for Conversational Banking
  •    Bank of Baroda (BoB) has introduced ‘Aditi’, a GenAI-powered virtual relationship manager, to
       enhance the digital customer service experience.
  •    Aditi offers conversational banking through digital avatars with human-like interfaces.
  •    Available on BoB’s web portal, Aditi supports audio, video, and chat-based assistance, providing
       24x7 banking services with multilingual support.
  •    'GyanSahay.AI' Knowledge Management Platform:BoB also launched a GenAI-enabled
       knowledge management platform called ‘GyanSahay.AI’ for its employees.
About BoB :
  •    Established : 20 July 1908
  •    Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
  •    MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand
  •    Tagline : India's International Bank
Finance ministry plans 'One State, One RRB' policy to boost efficiency
   •   The "One State, One RRB" policy, aimed at consolidating Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for
       operational efficiency, is in the drafting phase.
   •   As per the Department of Financial Services (DFS), draft rules for the policy will be completed by
       the end of September 2024.
   •   S. Venkateshwar Reddy, Secretary General of the AIRRBEA, stated that the policy may
       eventually lead to the creation of the National Rural Bank of India, reducing the number of
       sponsor banks.
Jana Small Finance Bank launches “Liquid Plus” FD at 6.75% interest rate
   •   Jana Small Finance Bank has launched a new "Liquid Plus" fixed deposit offering, providing an
       interest rate of 6.75% per annum for tenures ranging from 7 to 180 days.
   •   This rate applies to a minimum deposit of ₹10 lakhs for retail deposits up to ₹3 crores, and for
       bulk deposits between ₹3 crores and ₹200 crores per customer.
About Jana Small Finance Bank
   •   Founded: 2008, Bengaluru
   •   CEO: Ajay Kanwal (since August 1, 2017)
   •   President: Buvanesh Tharashankar
   •   Headquarters: India
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Reserve Bank of India Report: Credit and Deposit Growth Gap Narrowing, but Challenges Persist
   ● According to the latest State of the Economy report released by the Central Bank (RBI), the gap
      between credit and deposit growth in banks, which has been a major concern for the Reserve
      Bank of India (RBI) over the past two years, is finally narrowing.
   ● Narrowing Gap Between Credit and Deposit Growth:As of September 6, 2024, the gap between
      credit growth and deposit growth in banks has reduced to just over 200 basis points (bps), down
      from over 700 bps earlier in 2024.
   ● Loan growth has moderated to 13.3%, while deposit growth has risen to over 11%.
   ● Private Credit Market Concerns:Private credit assets under management are estimated to be
      around $15 billion.
   ● Fintech lenders now hold over 52% of the market share in personal loans and are increasingly
      turning to private credit for funding.
   ● Inflation Developments:Headline retail inflation remained below the RBI’s 4% target.
Deadline Approaches for Special Fixed Deposits at SBI, IDBI, and Indian Bank on September 30, 2024
   ● The deadline for special fixed deposits (FDs) by the State Bank of India (SBI), IDBI, and Indian
      Bank is nearing on September 30, 2024 .
   ● These FDs offer higher interest rates compared to regular FDs.
   ● Interest Rates:Special FDs are offering 7.05%-7.35% interest for 300-444-day tenures.
   ● Senior citizens get an additional 50 basis points over the standard interest rate.
   ● SBI’s Special FDs:Amrit Kalash offers 7.1% interest for a 400-day tenure, with senior citizens
      receiving 7.60%.
   ● Amrit Vrishti offers 7.25% for the general public and 7.75% for senior citizens for a 444-day
      tenure. The deadline for this scheme is March 31, 2025.
   ● IDBI Bank’s Special FDs:The UTSAV Special Deposits offer 7.2%-7.35% interest for 300-700-
      day tenures.
Central Board of Direct Taxes issues Rules and Forms for Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas (DTVSV)
Scheme, 2024
   ● In pursuance of the announcement in Union Budget 2024-25 by Union Minister for Finance and
      Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has
      notified the Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, 2024 (referred as DTVSV, 2024) to resolve
      pending appeals in the case of income tax disputes.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National
      Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya) scheme, ‘a pension scheme for minors’ at New Delhi.
   ● The NPS Vatsalya was announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2024-25
      on 23rd July, 2024.
   ● The launch of NPS Vatsalya was simultaneously organised at 75 locations throughout the
      country, with distribution of over 250 PRAN to minor subscribers.
   ● Eligibility Criteria:The scheme is available for all minor citizens (under 18 years).
   ● Both the child and the parent must be Indian citizens, and all parties must meet Know Your
      Customer (KYC) requirements.
   ● Opening Process:Accounts can be established through various Points of Presence regulated by
      the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA), including major banks, India Post,
      pension funds, and online platforms (e-NPS).
   ● Contribution Details:A minimum annual contribution of ₹1,000 is required, with no maximum
      contribution limit.
About Ministry of Finance :
   ● Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
   ● Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhar
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Asian Development Bank Recommends Pakistan Implement Indian ULLAS Scheme to Improve
Education System
   ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) advised Pakistan to adopt India's ULLAS (Understanding of
      Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme to address its dysfunctional education system and
      provide quality training to its citizens.
   ● Pakistan requested financial support from the ADB to improve its education system and address
      the issue of educating 26 million out-of-school children.
About India's ULLAS Scheme:
   ● ULLAS was launched by the Government of India in July 2023 to assist non-literates and adults
      who missed formal schooling.
   ● The scheme aims to provide foundational literacy and numeracy, along with critical life skills such
      as financial literacy, digital literacy, healthcare awareness, and family welfare.
About ADB :
   ● Established : 1966
   ● Headquarters : Manila, Philippines
   ● President : Masatsugu Asakawa
   ● Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
      and 19 non-regional members (countries outside the region)
Indian Overseas Bank Wins Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for Second Consecutive YearIndian Overseas
Bank Wins Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar for Second Consecutive Year
   ● Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) won the Rajbhasha Kirti Pratham Puraskar for the second
      consecutive year in the Official Language Implementation category for 2023-24.
   ● The award is presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs to recognize efforts in promoting the
      Hindi language and official language policies.
   ● The award was presented by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to IOB's Managing Director and
      CEO, Ajay Kumar Srivastava, in New Delhi.
   ● The recognition highlights IOB's commitment to enhancing the use of the Hindi language and
      improving the implementation of official language policies across its operations
   ● The Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to
      encourage the implementation of official language policies among various entities, including
      ministries, departments, public sector undertakings, and nationalized banks.
About IOB :
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The non-banking financial companies sector continues to demonstrate resilience within the
      Scale-Based Regulations framework.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● According to the RBI report ‘Peeling the Layers: A Review of the NBFC Sector in Recent Times’,
      The sector maintained double-digit credit growth, adequate capital levels and a low delinquency
      ratio by December, 2023.
   ● Improved Asset Quality : Since the introduction of SBR in October 2022, the gross non-
      performing asset (NPA) ratio has decreased markedly, falling from a range of 4.4% to 10.6% in
      December 2021 to 2.4% to 6.3% by December 2023.
   ● Extension of PCA Norms:The introduction of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) norms for
      government-owned NBFCs is expected to strengthen the sector further.
   ● Upper Layer NBFCs:The RBI has identified several major NBFCs as part of the Upper Layer
      under the SBR framework, including:
         ➢ LIC Housing Finance
         ➢ Bajaj Finance
         ➢ Shriram Finance
         ➢ Tata Sons
         ➢ L&T Finance
         ➢ Indiabulls Housing Finance
         ➢ Piramal Capital & Housing Finance
         ➢ Cholamandalam Investment and Finance
         ➢ Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services
         ➢ PNB Housing Finance
         ➢ Tata Capital Financial Services
         ➢ Aditya Birla Finance
         ➢ HDB Financial Services
         ➢ Muthoot Finance
         ➢ Bajaj Housing Finance
   ● Compliance with Listing Requirements:
   ● All companies in the Upper Layer List, except Tata Sons, have complied or are initiating steps to
      meet listing requirements.
Reserve Bank of India's Proposed Liquidity Coverage Ratio Norms to Further Restrict Bank Lending to
Non-Banking Financial Companies
   ● The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) proposed draft guidelines on the Liquidity Coverage Ratio
      (LCR) are under the Basel-III norms and are set to take effect in April 2025.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Bank Lending Bias:The draft guidelines are expected to skew bank lending towards higher-rated
       NBFCs, specifically those with AAA or AA ratings, making it harder for smaller or low-rated
       NBFCs to compete.
   ● Tighter Lending Norms:Due to existing tighter lending norms, bank credit to NBFCs has already
       fallen significantly, dropping from a year-on-year growth rate of 36% in October 2022 to just 8.5%
       as of June 2024.
   ● Increased Risk Weightage:Earlier in 2024, the RBI increased the risk weightage on loans to
       NBFCs by 25 basis points to 125%, further discouraging banks from lending to these institutions.
Finance Ministry establishes a ₹27.5 lakh crore target for agricultural credit in FY25
   ● The government has set an agriculture credit disbursement target of ₹27.5 lakh crore for the
       fiscal year 2024-25.
   ● This target represents an 11% increase compared to actual loans disbursed in FY24.
   ● Credit Approval Alignment:The finance ministry has instructed lenders to align credit approvals
       with the Gross Value Added (GVA) of crops for respective states to address regional imbalances
       in loan availability.
   ● Loan Distribution Plans
          ➢ ₹16 lakh crore is earmarked for short-term crop loans.
          ➢ ₹11.5 lakh crore is allocated for term loans for the fiscal year 2024-25.
          ➢ State-Specific Disbursal:
          ➢ The highest credit disbursal was to Tamil Nadu (₹4.39 trillion, 17.6% of total disbursal),
              followed by Andhra Pradesh (₹2.96 trillion, 12%).
          ➢ Over ₹12.5 trillion (50.5%) was disbursed to five southern states: Andhra Pradesh,
              Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
   ● RBI Initiatives:The RBI has ranked districts based on per capita credit flow and is developing an
       incentive framework for districts with lower credit flow.
   ● Interest Subvention Scheme : Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS):
          ➢ Farmers with Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) can borrow up to ₹3 lakh at 7% interest per
              annum for working capital.
          ➢ An additional 3% interest subvention is provided for prompt repayment, effectively
              lowering the interest rate to 4%.
About Ministry of Finance :
   ● Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
About ICRA :
    ● Founded : 1991
    ● Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
    ● Managing Director : Ramnath Krishnan
S&P maintains India's FY25 growth forecast at 6.8%, anticipates rate cut in October 2024
    ● The global credit ratings agency S&P Global, in its report, titled ‘Economic Outlook Asia-Pacific
         Q4 2024 retained India's growth forecast at 6.8% for the current financial year 2024-2025 and
         expressed optimism that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) would start cutting interest rates in its
         October, 2024 monetary policy review.
    ● The agency has projected growth at 6.9% for fiscal year 2025-26 and 7%for fiscal years 2026-27
         and 2027-28.
India's Growth Forecast by Other Agencies:
    ● Economic Context:India's post-pandemic economic recovery saw a 7.8% growth rate in 2023,
         driven by strong demand, which is expected to moderate in 2024 to 7.1%, according to Moody's
         Analytics.
    ● For the next few years, growth is expected to stabilize, with 6.5% growth in 2025 and 6.6% in
         2026.
UCO Bank unveils "Project Parivartan" to enhance the bank's digital banking services
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Ashwani Kumar, Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO),UCO Bank launched
      “Project Parivartan”, a major transformation initiative in the existing digital banking facilities
      offered by the Bank.
   ● Key points of Project Parivartan include close collaboration with Fintechs and technology
      providers, customer engagement through personalization, analytics-driven campaigns, and the
      enhancement of digital journeys for both asset as well as liability products.
About UCO Bank :
   ● Founded : 6 January 1943
   ● Headquarters : Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Piramal Finance Collaborates with Digital India's Common Service Centers to Improve Credit Access for
Budget Customers in Bharat
   ● Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Ltd (Piramal Finance), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Piramal
      Enterprises Ltd, has partnered with Digital India's Common Service Centers (CSCs) to meet the
      lending needs of Bharat by improving access to formal credit for underserved individuals and
      MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).
   ● Through this collaboration, over Rs 100 crore has been successfully disbursed in August 2024 to
      boost credit availability in semi-urban areas, providing essential financial products such as home
      and business loans.
About Piramal Capital & Housing Finance Limited :
   ● Founded : 11 April 1984
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   ● Managing Director : Jairam Sridharan
About Common Service Centers :
   ● Founded : 16 July 2009
   ● Headquarters : Delhi, India
   ● MD & CEO : Sanjay Rakesh
   ● CSCs are a key component of the Digital India initiative launched by the Government of India.
   ● These centers aim to provide essential government and non-government services to citizens,
      particularly in rural and remote areas, through digital means.
Financial Action Task Force Commends India's Initiatives to Combat Illicit Finance, Money Laundering,
and Terror Funding
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) released its mutual evaluation report on India,
      highlighting the country’s significant progress in tackling illicit finance.
   ● The report commended India for achieving a high level of technical compliance across FATF
      recommendations and for its substantial measures in addressing financial crime.
   ● India has been placed in the “regular follow-up” category by FATF, a distinction awarded to
      countries that demonstrate significant compliance with FATF standards.
   ● Compliance with FATF Recommendations : India achieved a high level of technical compliance,
      being compliant or largely compliant with 37 out of 40 FATF recommendations.
   ● The threshold to qualify for the "regular follow-up" category is compliance with at least 32 out of
      40 recommendations.
   ● India met this threshold, further receiving five 'substantially effective' or 'highly effective' ratings in
      Immediate Outcomes (IOs), with no low effectiveness ratings.
   ● Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Initiative:FATF praised India's Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM)
      initiative, which has significantly improved financial inclusion and reduced dependency on cash
      transactions.
About FATF :
   ● Established : 1989
   ● Headquarters : Paris
   ● President : Elisa de Anda Modrazo
   ● Membership : 40
OLX teams up with IDFC FIRST Bank to offer innovative financing solutions for used vehicles
   ● OLX has launched a comprehensive used-vehicle financing solution in collaboration with IDFC
      FIRST Bank.
   ● This new service simplifies the purchasing process for pre-owned cars and bikes by offering
      quick and easy financing directly through the OLX platform, eliminating the need for multiple site
      visits.
About IDFC FIRST Bank :
   ● Founded : October 2015
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   ● MD & CEO : V. Vaidyanathan
Reserve Bank of India Lifts Restrictions on IIFL Finance's Gold Loan Operations
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has removed restrictions on IIFL Finance's gold loan operations.
   ● Timeline of Restrictions: The restrictions were imposed on March 4, 2024, prohibiting IIFL
      Finance from sanctioning, disbursing, or selling any gold loans during this period.
About IIFL Finance Limited :
   ● Founded : 1995
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   ● Chairman : Nirmal Jain
Securities and Exchange Board of India Introduces New Rules: Unified Payments Interface Required for
Bids Up to ₹5 Lakh in Public Debt Issues Starting November 1, 2024
   ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced new guidelines to streamline
      the application process for public issues of debt securities.
   ● Retail investors applying for public issues of debt securities through stock brokers for amounts up
      to Rs 5 lakh should only use UPI to block funds.
   ● Individual investors would continue to have the choice of availing other modes through the stock
      exchange platform for making an application in the public issue.
   ● The new rules apply to:
          ➢ Public issues of debt securities
          ➢ Non-convertible redeemable preference shares
          ➢ Municipal debt securities
          ➢ Securitised debt instruments
   ● The new rules will come into effect on November 1, 2024.
   ● Shorter Review Periods: SEBI reduced the period for seeking public comments on the draft offer
      documents from 7 working days to 1 day for issuers whose specified securities are already listed
      and 5 days for other issuers.
About SEBI :
   ● Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
      1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   ● Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
   ● SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
      the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● India is in discussions with several countries in Africa and South America to help them build
      digital payment systems using the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a model.
   ● Two UPI-like systems are expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027.
   ● The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) oversees retail payment systems in India
      and operates UPI, the most popular digital payment method in the country.
   ● UPI's monthly transaction volume surged by 41% to nearly 15 billion in August, 2024.
   ● NIPL Team Expansion:NIPL plans to double its current 60-member team by March 2025,
      expanding its overseas operations beyond Singapore and the Middle East.
   ● CEO of NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) : Ritesh Shukla
About NPCI :
   ● Founded : 2008
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   ● MD & CEO : Dilip Asbe
   ● The NPCI is an umbrella organization that operates retail payments and settlement systems in
      India.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
      provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, to create a robust Payment &
      Settlement Infrastructure in India.
ICRA predicts organised gold loan market to surpass ₹10 lakh crore in FY25
   ● According to an assessment by ICRA, the organised gold loan market, comprising banks and
      non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), is set to cross the ₹10-lakh-crore mark in the current
      fiscal from ₹9.2 lakh crore in FY24 and touch ₹15 lakh crore by March 2027.
   ● Banks are the dominant players in the gold loan segment, primarily driven by gold jewellery-
      backed agricultural loans.
   ● NBFC Growth:Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are positioned to lead in retail gold
      loans, with an expected growth rate of 17-19% in FY25 and a compound annual growth rate
      (CAGR) of 14-15% during FY26-27.
Banks Shift Focus to Certificates of Deposit Issuances in September 2024 Due to Slow Deposit Growth
   ● According to data from the Clearing Corporation of India, Banks issued ₹1.35 trillion worth of
      Certificates of Deposit (CDs) in September 2024, a 65% increase compared to August.
   ● Highest Issuance in FY25: The issuance in September is the second-highest monthly CD
      issuance for FY25, after ₹1.45 trillion in June.
   ● Year-on-Year Growth: Banks issued ₹7.78 trillion in CDs between January and August 2024,
      compared to ₹4.9 trillion in the same period of 2023, reflecting a 59% growth.
   ● Significant Contributors: Canara Bank was the largest issuer with Rs 68,250 crore, followed by
      Bank of Baroda (Rs 63,325 crore) and HDFC Bank (Rs 60,230 crore).
   ● Dominance of State-Owned Banks: The top five issuers included four state-owned banks and
      HDFC Bank, which collectively accounted for 61% of total CD issuances, with state-owned banks
      making up 68% of the total amount raised.
Private Capex Set to Rise with ₹4 Lakh Crore Credit Demand Pipeline from Indian Corporates: SBI
Chairman
   ● State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman C. S. Setty announced that the bank has secured a strong
      credit pipeline of ₹4 lakh crore from Indian corporates.
   ● Key sectors for infrastructure financing include:
           ➢ Roads
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
          ➢ Renewable energy
          ➢ Refineries
   ● Government Capital Expenditure:Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed an 11.1%
      increase in capital expenditure to ₹11.11 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.
   ● This proposed expenditure represents 3.4% of India's GDP.
About SBI :
   ● Established : 1 July 1955
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   ● Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
Finance Ministry calls on Debt Recovery Tribunals and banks to accelerate loan recovery efforts
   ● The Finance Ministry has urged banks to establish a clearly defined policy for handling small and
      high-value cases pending in Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs).
   ● It has been emphasised that some of the best practices can be adopted across DRTs for better
      outcomes.
   ● SARFAESI Act: The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets & Enforcement of
      Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) allows banks and financial institutions to recover
      secured debts without court intervention at the initial stage.
   ● Current Infrastructure: There are currently 39 DRTs and 5 Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunals
      (DRATs) operating across India, each led by a Presiding Officer and a Chairperson, respectively.
   ● Debt Recovery Importance: The effectiveness of DRTs is crucial for maintaining creditor
      confidence and improving the overall financial health of banks and financial institutions in India.
Asian Development Bank maintains India's growth forecast at 7%
   ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) retained India's growth forecast for FY 2024-2025 at 7%,
      attributing this to improved agricultural output and increased government spending.
   ● Economic Drivers: Key drivers of economic activity identified include:
          ➢ Enhanced agricultural productivity.
          ➢ Increased government expenditure.
          ➢ Previous Fiscal Performance: India’s economy grew at an impressive 8.2% in the previous
              fiscal year (2023-24).
Government’s Borrowing Strategy for the Second Half of FY 2024-25
   ● The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has outlined its
      borrowing program for the second half (H2) of FY 2024-25.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Total Gross Market Borrowing: For FY 2024-25, the total gross market borrowing is set at ₹14.01
      lakh crore, of which ₹6.61 lakh crore (47.2%) will be raised in H2.
   ● Sovereign Green Bonds: This borrowing plan includes ₹20,000 crore specifically allocated for
      Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs).
   ● Maturities of Securities: The borrowing will be diversified across various maturities: The share of
      borrowing (including SGrBs) under different maturities will be: 3-year (5.3%), 5-year (10.6%), 7-
      year (7.6%), 10-year (24.8%), 15-year (13.2%), 30-year (12.1%), 40-year (15.9%) and 50-year
      (10.6%).
Axis Bank and Mastercard Partner to Introduce Credit Card for Small Business Owners
   ● Axis Bank, and Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, announced
      their collaboration to launch MyBiz, a business credit card designed exclusively for sole
      proprietors and small business owners.
   ● The new card, part of the World Mastercard category, combines a wide range of business and
      travel benefits to meet the diverse needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owners.
PayU Launches First-Ever Biometric Authentication Solution for Card Payments in the Industry
   ● PayU, one of India's leading digital financial services providers, has introduced an industry-first
      biometric authentication solution for card payments - Flash Pay.
   ● The solution aims to simplify the payment experience, improve transaction success rates, and
      significantly enhance security for users.
   ● Flash Pay was unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival (GFF) 2024, a prestigious event in the
      fintech sector.
About PayU :
   ● Established : 2002
   ● Headquarters : Hoofddorp, Netherlands
   ● CEO : Anirban Mukherjee
India's Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Increases to $5.5 Billion from $3.8 Billion in April-July FY24
- RBI Report
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● According to the latest report by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's net foreign direct
      investment (FDI) during the April-July period of the current financial year (FY25) rose to $5.5
      billion compared to $3.8 billion in the year-ago period.
   ● The increase was due to an improvement in gross inward FDI, which grew by 23.6 per cent year-
      on-year (Y-o-Y) to $27.7 billion during the four months of FY25.
   ● The major source countries were Singapore, Mauritius, the Netherlands, the US, Belgium, and
      Japan.
   ● FDI has three components: equity capital, reinvested earnings and other capital.
   ● Equity capital is the foreign direct investor's purchase of shares of an enterprise in a country
      other than its own.
   ● Reinvested earnings comprise the direct investor’s share (in proportion to direct equity
      participation) of earnings not distributed as dividends by affiliates, or earnings not remitted to
      the direct investor.
   ● Such retained profits by affiliates are reinvested.
HDFC Life forms a tri-party partnership with Metropolis and CallHealth
   ● HDFC Life, one of India's leading life insurers, has entered into a bespoke agreement with
      Metropolis Healthcare Limited, a leading Indian diagnostic company, and CallHealth, an
      integrated healthcare platform respectively.
About HDFC Life :
   ● Founded : 2000
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
   ● MD & CEO : Vibha Padalkar
   ● Non-Executive Director & Chairman : Mr. Keki M Mistry
   ● It is a joint venture between Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd (HDFC), one of
      India's leading housing finance institutions and Abrdn, a global investment company.
Mahindra Finance collaborates with UGRO Capital to offer affordable loans to Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises
   ● Mahindra Finance has entered into a co-origination partnership with UGRO Capital to provide
      affordable loans to MSMEs (Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises).
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The collaboration aims to provide secured business and affordable loans against properties (LAP)
      to the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector, supporting their business growth.
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation Enhances Efficiency: Claims Settlement Now 30% Faster
   ● The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), under the Ministry of Electronics
      and Information Technology (MeitY), developed new software for Employee Provident Fund
      Organisation (EPFO), reducing claim rejections and improving settlement efficiency.
   ● The new software has made claim settlements 30% faster.
   ● Rejection rates, which had increased from 13% in 2017-18 to 34% in 2022-23, have now
      decreased significantly after the upgrade.
About EPFO :
   ● Formed : 4 March 1952
   ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
   ● Central Provident Fund Commissioner : Neelam Shami Rao
Reserve Bank of India Greenlights Voluntary Amalgamation of Rajapur Sahakari Bank and Malad
Sahakari Bank in Mumbai, Maharashtra
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned the Scheme of Amalgamation of The Rajapur
      Sahakari Bank Limited., Mumbai, Maharashtra with The Malad Sahakari Bank Limited., Mumbai,
      Maharashtra.
   ● The sanction has been made under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the
      Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Reserve Bank of India Imposes ₹61.60 Lakh Penalty on Surat People’s Co-operative Bank and ₹1.50
Lakh on Bihar Awami Co-operative Bank for Regulatory Violations
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹61.60 lakh on The Surat
      People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Surat, for non-compliance with certain directions issued by
      RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters’,
      ‘Loans and advances to directors and their relatives, and firms/concerns in which they are
      interested’, ‘Maintenance of Deposit Accounts’ and ‘Customer Service’.
   ● This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of
      section 47A(1)(c) read with sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce
       upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers.
   ● The RBI also has, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 lakh on The Bihar Awami Co-operative
       Bank Ltd., Patna for contravention of the provisions of section 26A read with section 56 of the
       Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (BR Act) and for non-compliance with certain directions issued by
       RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’.
Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga was Awarded 2024 Millennium Technology Prize
   •   Recipient: Professor Bantval Jayant Baliga, a 76-year-old Indian-American electrical engineer
       born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
   •   Award: 2024 Millennium Technology Prize, given by Technology Academy Finland.
   •   Prize Value: €1 million (approximately $1.1 million).
   •   Recognition: Awarded for his invention of the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT).
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   On September 5, 2024, in New Delhi, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred the National
       Teachers’ Award 2024 to 82 exceptional educators across the country during the Teachers' Day
       celebration.
   •   About the National Teachers’ Award:
   •   Date of Ceremony: September 5, 2024
   •   Honoring: 82 teachers
   •   Purpose: To recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of teachers who have
       enhanced the quality of education and positively impacted their students’ lives.
   •   Award Details: Each recipient receives a certificate of merit, a cash award of ₹50,000, and a
       silver medal.
REC Ltd. Honored as “Nodal Agency of the Year” at Bharat Electricity – Powering India Awards 2024
   •   REC Ltd has been awarded the prestigious “Nodal Agency of the Year” title at the Bharat
       Electricity – Powering India Awards 2024.
   •   This accolade highlights REC’s significant contributions and leadership in the energy sector,
       particularly in advancing India’s power infrastructure.
   •   Award Presentation: The award was presented during the PowerGen India & Indian Utility Week
       2024, a premier event that gathers industry leaders, policymakers, and energy experts.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Bhajan Lal Sharma
presented the Swachh Vayu Survekshan Award, 2024
   •   The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies, also known as Swachh Vayu Diwas, was
       observed on September 7, 2024, in Jaipur.
   •   Host: Rajasthan State Pollution Control Boar
   •   Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav
   •   Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Bhajan Lal Sharma
   •   Minister of State for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Shri Sanjay Sharma
   •   Union Minister of State Urban Development and Local Self Government, Shri Jhabar Singh
       Kharra
Sanjukta Sethi Receives National Florence Nightingale Award-2024
   •   Sanjukta Sethi, a dedicated nursing officer at the Malkangiri district headquarters hospital (DHH),
       was honoured with the prestigious National Florence Nightingale Award-2024 by President
       Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   National Florence Nightingale Award-2024 is presented by the Ministry of Health and Family
        Welfare to recognize exemplary service by nurses.
    •   Sanjukta Sethi has served as a nurse for 30 years, currently holding the position of nursing
        officer and OT in-charge at Malkangiri DHH.
Dommaraju Gukesh Receives Young Changemaker Award
    •   Dommaraju Gukesh, an 18-year-old chess prodigy, was awarded Businessline’s Young
        Changemaker Award.
    •   The award was accepted by his grandparents, Usha and Shankar Raju, as Gukesh was
        participating in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
    •   Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest chess world championship challenger ever.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
L'Oreal Paris Appoints Actor Alia Bhatt as New Global Brand Ambassador
   •   Leading French cosmetic maker L'Oreal Paris has roped in Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt as its
       new global brand ambassador.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   With this, Bhatt joins the brand's diverse roster of L'Oreal brand ambassadors like Viola Davis,
       Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner, Elle Fanning, Camila Cabello, and many others.
   •   Bhatt will feature in the French beauty brand's campaigns starting in September 2024.
About L'Oreal Paris :
   •   Founded : 30 July 1909
   •   Headquarters : Clichy, France
   •   Chairman : Jean-Paul Agon
   •   CEO : Nicolas Hieronimus
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh Assumes Role as Deputy Chief of the Air Staff
   •   Air Marshal Tejinder Singh has taken over as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) of the
       Indian Air Force at Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan).
   •   After assuming his new role, he paid homage to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at the
       National War Memorial in New Delhi.
   •   He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the fighter
       stream of the IAF on 13 June 1987.
About Ministry of Defence :
   •   Cabinet Minister :Rajnath Singh
   •   Minister of State :Sanjay Seth
Philips Names Bharath Sesha as New Managing Director for India
   •   Dutch multinational conglomerate Philips has appointed Bharath Sesha as Managing Director for
       India, starting September 1, 2024.
   •   Responsibilities: He will lead Philips' growth strategy in India, oversee the healthcare business
       based in Gurugram, and manage operations across key locations in India.
   •   Sesha succeeds Daniel Mazon, who has transitioned to a global role at Philips' headquarters in
       the Netherlands.
About Philips :
   •   Founded : 15 May 1891
   •   Headquarters : Amsterdam, Netherlands
   •   CEO : Roy Jakobs
V Satish Kumar Assumes Additional Charge as Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation
   •   V. Satish Kumar, Director (Marketing) of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), has taken over as
       the interim Chairman after Shrikant Madhav Vaidya completed his tenure.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   V. Satish Kumar has been the Director (Marketing) since October 2021.
   •   He also held additional charge as Director (Finance) from October 2022 for one year.
About IOCL :
   •   Founded : 30 June 1959
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   •   IndianOil, is an Indian multinational oil and gas company under the ownership of the Ministry of
       Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
Financial Services Institutions Bureau Recommends Rama Mohan Rao Amara for State Bank of India
Managing Director
   •   The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), the headhunter for directors of state-owned
       banks and financial institutions, recommended Rama Mohan Rao Amara for the position of
       managing director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI).
   •   Amara is currently Deputy Managing Director of the bank.
   •   The vacancy arose following the elevation of C S Setty to the position of Chairman of SBI.
About FSIB :
   •   FSIB is headed by Bhanu Pratap Sharma, former Secretary, Department of Personnel and
       Training (DoPT).
   •   Other members include Animesh Chauhan (former Chairman and MD of Oriental Bank of
       Commerce), Deepak Singhal (former RBI Executive Director), and Shailendra Bhandari (former
       MD of ING Vysya Bank).
   •   The final decision on FSIB's recommendation would be taken by the Appointments Committee of
       the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meesho Appoints Mohit Rajani as Chief Product Officer
   •   E-commerce major Meesho has appointed Mohit Rajani as Chief Product Officer (CPO).
   •   In his role as CPO, Mohit will lead Meesho’s product organisation, overseeing the product
       management, design, and analytics teams.
   •   Rajani has previously been associated with Meta, Google, and Carta.
About Meesho :
   •   Founded : December 2015
   •   Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
   •   CEO : Vidit Aatrey
Government Appoints Deepti Gaur Mukherjee as SEBI Board Member
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Centre has appointed Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, Secretary of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs
       (MCA), as a Member of the SEBI Board.
   •   The Centre has nominated Deepti Gaur Mukherjee, Secretary of the Corporate Affairs Ministry
       (MCA), as a Member of the Board of market regulator SEBI.
   •   The Financial Markets division in the Department of Economic Affairs of the Finance Ministry
       issued the notification for this appointment.
   •   Deepti Gaur Mukherjee replaces Manoj Govil, the former MCA Secretary, who has been posted
       as Expenditure Secretary in the Finance Ministry.
Rajneesh Narang, HPCL Director (Finance), appointed as Chairman and Managing Director
   •   Rajneesh Narang, Director (Finance) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), will
       take on the roles of Chairman and Managing Director for a period of three months starting from
       September 1, 2024.
   •   He succeeds Pushp Kumar Joshi, who retired after reaching the age of 60 on August 31, 2024.
   •   HPCL is an Indian oil and gas company with corporate headquarters in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations Names C S Vigneshwar as New President for 2024-26
Term
   •   The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) appointed C S Vigneshwar as its
       37th President for the 2024-26 term.
   •   Vigneshwar succeeds Manish Raj Singhania.
   •   The decision was made at FADA's 315th governing council meeting, which followed its 60th
       Annual General Meeting.
   •   Vigneshwar is the Managing Director of Anaamalais Toyota in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
About FADA :
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Founded : 1964
   •   FADA, is the apex national body of Automobile Retail Industry in India engaged in the sale,
       service and spares of 2 & 3 Wheelers, Passenger Cars, UVs, Commercial Vehicles (including
       buses and trucks) and Tractors.
Suresh Prabhu nominated to World Agriculture Forum Board
   •   Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha member Suresh Prabhu has been nominated to the
       World Agriculture Forum (WAF) Board.
   •   Rudy Rabbinge, Chairman of the WAF Board, stated that Prabhu's expertise will be invaluable in
       shaping discussions about the future of the agricultural sector.
Y Haragopal appointed as Managing Director of NABCONS
   •   Y Haragopal has been appointed Managing Director of NABCONS (NABARD Consultancy
       Services), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
       Development.
   •   He was previously the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at NABCONS.
   •   NABCONS has four Zonal offices in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Guwahati.
Algerian President Tebboune Re-elected for Second Term with 95% of the Vote
   •   Algeria's incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been re-elected with almost 95% of
       the vote.
   •   More than 5.3 million people voted for Tebboune.
   •   Official preliminary results gave Tebboune 95% of the vote, enough to avoid a second round run-
       off, with Abdelaali Hassani Cherif getting 3% and Youcef Aouchiche 2%.
   •   Turnout was 48%.
   •   Tebboune, backed by the military, was facing only nominal opposition from Hassani Cherif, a
       moderate Islamist, and Aouchiche, a moderate secularist.
About Algeria :
   •   Prime Minister : Nadir Larbaoui
   •   Capital : Algiers
   •   Currency : Algerian dinar
   •   Algeria is Africa's largest country by area and, with almost 45 million people, it's the continent's
       second most populous after South Africa to hold presidential elections in 2024.
Former Election Commissioner,Arun Goel Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to Croatia
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Arun Goel has been appointed as India's next ambassador to Croatia, according to the Ministry
       of External Affairs.
   •   Arun Goel is a retired bureaucrat who previously served as the Election Commissioner of India.
   •   He was appointed as Election Commissioner in November 2022 and resigned in March 2024.
   •   Before his role as EC, he retired voluntarily from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as a
       1985-batch officer of the Punjab cadre.
   •   Diplomatic relations between India and Croatia were established on July 9, 1992, following
       Croatia’s independence from Yugoslavia.
About Croatia :
   •   President : Zoran Milanović
   •   Prime Minister : Andrej Plenković
   •   Capital : Zagreb
   •   Currency : Euro
DIPAM Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed as Finance Secretary
   •   Tuhin Kanta Pandey, a senior bureaucrat and 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
       officer of the Odisha cadre, has been designated as the new finance secretary, according to an
       official order issued by the personnel ministry.
   •   Pandey is presently serving as the Secretary of the Department of Investment and Public Asset
       Management (DIPAM).
   •   The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved Pandey's designation as finance
       secretary.
   •   The position became vacant following the appointment of TV Somanathan as the Cabinet
       Secretary last month.
Randhir Singh becomes Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) president
   •   Position: Randhir Singh, a five-time Olympian and sports administrator, has been elected as the
       President of the OCA.
   •   Event: 44th OCA General Assembly in New Delhi.
   •   Age: 77 years old.
   •   Previous Role: Acting President of the OCA since 2021, filling in for Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-
       Fahad Al-Sabah, who was banned from sports administration in May 2024.
Tata Motors Managing Director Shailesh Chandra was Appointed as the New President of the Society
of Indian Automobile Manufacturers
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), the apex body representing India’s leading
    automobile manufacturers, announced the election of Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata
    Motors Passenger Vehicles, as its new president for the term 2024-25.
•   Chandra succeeds Vinod Aggarwal, Managing Director & CEO of Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles
    (VECV).
Partha Sinha was Appointed as the New Chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India
•   Partha Sinha, President & Chief Brand Officer of BCCL, has been appointed as the Chairman of
    Advertising Standards Council of India’s (ASCI) Board of Governors for 2024-25, succeeding
    Saugata Gupta, MD & CEO of Marico Limited.
•   Partha Sinha has previously worked with prominent companies such as Ogilvy, Publicis, BBH, McCann, a
    Citibank.
•   Vice-Chairman: Sudhanshu Vats, Deputy Managing Director, Pidilite Industries.
•   Hon. Treasurer: S. Subramanyeswar, Group CEO & Chief Strategy Officer-APAC, Lintas India.
About ASCI :
•   Established : 1985
•   The ASCI is a voluntary self-regulatory organisation of the advertising industry in India.
•   ASCI is registered as a non-profit company under section 8 of the Company Act.
Nehal Vora reappointed as Managing Director and CEO of Central Depository Services India
    •   Nehal Vora has been reappointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
        (CEO) of Central Depository Services India (CDSL) for a second five-year term, from September
        18, 2024, to September 17, 2029.
    •   Nehal Vora has over 25 years of experience in the Indian capital markets, having held significant
        roles at organizations like BSE, DSP Merrill Lynch, and SEBI.
About CDSL :
    •   Founded : February 1999
    •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
    •   CDSL manages more than 130 million demat accounts, making it a leading player in India's
        depository system.
    •   CDSL is India’s only listed depository and aims to provide secure, reliable, and affordable
        depository services to market participants.
    •   It maintains and services over 11.56 crore demat accounts across India.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   In February,2024 CDSL became the first depository in India to open 60 million active demat
       accounts.
Government appoints Arunangshu Sarkar as Oil and Natural Gas Corporation’s 1st Director of Strategy
   •   Arunangshu Sarkar has been appointed as the Director (Strategy and Corporate Affairs) at Oil
       and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), making him the first to hold this position
   •   The appointment is part of the government’s efforts to revamp and innovate within ONGC, aiming
       to bring fresh perspectives to the public sector company.
   •   Role and Responsibilities: As Director (Strategy), Sarkar will be responsible for overseeing
       strategic and corporate affairs, contributing to the company's strategic direction and corporate
       planning.
About ONGC :
   •   Founded : 14 August 1956
   •   Headquarters : Delhi, India
   •   Chairman & CEO : Arun Kumar Singh
   •   ONGC is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the ownership of the Ministry of
       Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India.
World Trade Organization Chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to Pursue Second Term
   •   Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is seeking a
       second term.
   •   Her current term expires on August 31, 2024.
   •   Okonjo-Iweala made history in 2021 by becoming the first female and first African Director-
       General of the WTO.
   •   The WTO is facing rising protectionism from some of its founding members, impacting its role as
       a rule-setting body for international commerce.
About WTO :
   •   Established : 1 January 1995
   •   Headquarters : Geneva, Switzerland
   •   Membership : 166 members (162 UN member states, the European Union, Hong Kong, Macao,
       and Taiwan
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •    The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) announced the appointment of RS Sharma as
        the Non-Executive Chairperson of ONDC.
   •    In his career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), he has held many key positions, including
        Director General and Mission Director of UIDAI, Chairman of TRAI, and CEO of the National
        Health Authority.
   •    He has been a member of the ONDC Advisory Council and the ONDC Technology & Strategy
        Review Council.
About ONDC :
   •    Founded : 31 December 2021
   •    CEO: Thampy Koshy
   •    ONDC, is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of
        Industry and Internal Trade of Government of India to develop open e-commerce.
Arvind Kejriwal Steps Down as Delhi Chief Minister; Atishi Seeks to Form New Government
   ● Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor, resigned as the Delhi Chief Minister on
        17 September 2024.
   ● He submitted his resignation to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.
   ● Arvind Kejriwal proposed the name of Atishi Marlena, Delhi Minister, as his successor for the
        position of Chief Minister.
   ● Atishi will be the third woman Chief Minister of Delhi after Sheila Dikshit and Sushma Swaraj.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Appointment of Four New High Court Chief Justices
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended afresh to the Centre the appointment of Chief Justices of
the High Courts of Meghalaya, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal
Pradesh.
● The SC Collegium, headed by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Manu Bhaker appointed brand ambassador for the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
   •    India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) has appointed Manu Bhaker, the
        double Olympic medal-winning shooter, as its brand ambassador.
   •    This decision reflects the ministry's commitment to promoting the marine sector by associating it
        with a celebrated sports figure like Bhaker.
   •    Manu Bhaker: A renowned shooter who recently won medals at the Paris Summer Olympics.
        She is also the daughter of a marine engineer, making her an ideal candidate to promote India's
        maritime sector.
Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh named as the next Chief of the Air Staff
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh, currently Vice Chief of the Air Staff, appointed as the next Chief of
      the Air Staff (CAS).
   ● He will assume the position in the rank of Air Chief Marshal effective from September 30, 2024.
   ● He succeeds Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari, who retires on the same day.
Magnus Carlsen and Judit Polgar were Honoured at the FIDE 100 Awards
   ● At the FIDE 100 Awards ceremony in Hungary, Magnus Carlsen and Judit Polgar were
      recognized as the best male and female players, respectively.
   ● This event celebrated the centenary of the International Chess Federation, honouring exceptional
      contributions to the chess community over the past century.
FIDE 100 Event Overview
   ● The FIDE 100 event marked a significant milestone, celebrating the evolution and impact of
      chess while recognizing individuals, groups, and organizations that have made remarkable
      contributions to the game.
   ● The awards were given in 18 categories.
Marxist leader Anura Dissanayake elected as Sri Lanka's president
   ● Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and
      National People's Power (NPP), won the Sri Lankan presidential election.
   ● He was declared the winner after an unprecedented second round of counting by the Election
      Commission.
   ● He is Sri Lanka's 9th president and the first Marxist to hold the position.
   ● The NPP's popularity surged after securing only 3% of the vote in the 2019 presidential election.
   ● The party rebranded itself in 2019, distancing from its violent past and broadening its appeal.
About Sri Lanka :
   ● Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura KotteColombo
   ● Currency : Sri Lankan rupee
Centre Announces Appointments of Chief Justices in 8 High Courts
   ● The Centre notified the appointment of Chief Justices in eight High Courts.
   ● These include the High Courts of Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir,
      Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Madras (Tamil Nadu) and Jharkhand.
   ● The appointments came after the Supreme Court Collegium (September 17, 2024) amended
      some of its July 11, 2024 recommendations.
List of 8 New Appointments :
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Justice Nitin Madhukar        Judge, Bombay High           Chief Justice, Kerala High
Jamdar                        Court                        Court
Justice Manmohan              Acting Chief Justice, Delhi Chief Justice, Delhi High
                              High Court                   Court
Justice Rajiv Shakdher        Judge, Delhi High Court      Chief Justice, Himachal
                                                           Pradesh High Court
Justice Suresh Kumar          Judge, Delhi High Court      Chief Justice, Madhya
Kait                                                       Pradesh High Court
Justice Tashi Rabstan         Judge, Jammu and             Chief Justice, Jammu and
                              Kashmir and Ladakh High      Kashmir and Ladakh High
                              Court                        Court
Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik appointed as the new Director General of Pakistan's Inter-
Services Intelligence agency
   ● Lieutenant General Muhammad Asim Malik has been appointed as the new Director General of
        Pakistan’s spy agency – Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
   ● He will assume office on September 30, 2024, replacing the current DG, Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.
   ● The ISI chief is appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, but traditionally this is done in
        consultation with the Army Chief.
About Inter-Services Intelligence :
   ● Formed : 1 January 1948
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Alok Ranjan, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre, has
      been appointed as the Director, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for a tenure up to his
      superannuation on June 30, 2026.
   ● Ranjan succeeds his service and batchmate Vivek Gogia, who has been repatriated to AGMUT
      (Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory) cadre.
   ● Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director,
      Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA) for a term up to his retirement on
      October 31, 2027.
Other Appointments :
   ● The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointments of four
      senior IPS officers, all from 1993 batch - Rithwik Rudra (Himachal Pradesh cadre) , Mahesh Dixit
      (Andhra Pradesh cadre), Praveen Kumar (West Bengal cadre) and Arvind Kumar (Bihar cadre)
      as Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB).
   ● All these officers were working as the Additional Director in the IB.
   ● Besides them, Praveer Ranjan has been appointed as Special Director General in Central
      Industrial Security Force (CISF) for a tenure of two years.
   ● Praveer Ranjan, a 1993-batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre, is currently Additional Director
      General (ADG), CISF.
   ● Vitul Kumar, currently ADG in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been appointed as
      Special DG in the same force, till the date of his superannuation on August 31, 2028.
   ● R Prasad Meena, at present ADG in the Border Security Force (BSF), has been appointed as
      Special DG in the force, till the date of his retirement, that is July 31, 2025.
About NCRB :
   ● Formed : 11 March 1986
   ● Headquarters : Delhi, India
   ● Parent Department : Ministry of Home Affairs
   ● NCRB is an Indian government agency responsible for collecting and analyzing crime data as
      defined by the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special and Local Laws (SLL).
IndiGo Appoints Isidro Porqueras as Chief Operating Officer
   ● IndiGo has nominated Isidro Porqueras as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective from
      November 1, 2024 (subject to regulatory approvals).
   ● He will succeed Wolfgang Prock-Schauer, who is retiring after over seven years in the role.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
About IndiGo :
   ● Founded : 2006 (Commenced Operations - 4 August 2006)
   ● Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
   ● CEO : Pieter Elbers
Shigeru Ishiba Wins Ruling Party Leadership Election, Poised to Become Japan’s Next Prime Minister
   ● Shigeru Ishiba, a veteran lawmaker and former Defence Minister, won the ruling Liberal
      Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election to become Japan’s next Prime Minister.
   ● This marks his fifth and final attempt to lead the LDP, succeeding after a closely fought contest.
   ● Ishiba defeated Sanae Takaichi, the economic security minister, in a run-off election. Takaichi
      was aiming to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
   ● The election featured a crowded field of nine candidates, one of the most unpredictable
      leadership contests in decades.
   ● Ishiba won 215 votes in the run-off, while Takaichi garnered 194 votes.
   ● Ishiba is set to succeed Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who decided not to run for re-election in
      August, ending his three-year term.
About Japan :
   ● Capital : Tokyo
   ● Currency : Japanese yen (¥)
IndusInd Bank extends Sumant Kathpalia's term as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for
an additional 3 years
   ● The board of directors of private sector lender IndusInd Bank has approved the re-appointment of
      Sumant Kathpalia as the managing director and chief executive officer (MD & CEO) of the bank
      for a period of three years.
   ● The re-appointment will be effective March 24, 2025 upto March 23, 2028.
   ● The re-appointment of Kathpalia is, however, subject to Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval
      and shareholders approval.
About IndusInd Bank :
   ● Established : April 1994
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
   ● Tagline : We Care Dil Se, We Make You Feel Richer
M V Shreyams Kumar elected as Indian Newspaper Society president, taking over from Rakesh
Sharma
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● M V Shreyams Kumar was elected as the president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS)
      during the 85th annual general meeting held via video conferencing.
   ● He succeeds Rakesh Sharma from Aaj Samaj newspaper.
Other Appointments :
   ● Vivek Gupta from Sanmarg was elected as the deputy president.
   ● Karan Rajendra Darda from Lokmat became the vice president.
   ● Tanmay Maheshwari from Amar Ujala was elected as the honorary treasurer.
About Indian Newspaper Society :
   ● Established : 27 February 1939
   ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
   ● The INS acts as the central organization of the Press of India, an independent body
      authenticating circulation figures of newspapers and periodicals in India.
Tamil Nadu Cabinet Reshuffle: Udhayanidhi Stalin Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister, Senthil Balaji
Rejoins Cabinet
   ● Udhayanidhi Stalin, the 45-year-old son of Chief Minister M K Stalin, was elevated to the post of
      Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
   ● Udhayanidhi is a first-time MLA from Chepauk and previously served as the Minister for Youth
      Welfare and Sports Development.
   ● Dr. Govi Chezhiaan was appointed as the Higher Education Minister, making him the fourth Dalit
      minister in the Tamil Nadu cabinet.
About Tamil Nadu :
   ● Governor: R. N. Ravi
   ● Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
   ● Capital: Chennai
   ● Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
   ● National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of
      Mannar Marine National Park
   ● Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird
      Sanctuary
   ● Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
   ● Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Zomato Co-Founder and Chief People Officer Akriti Chopra Steps Down from Her Position
   ● Online food ordering and delivery platform Zomato announced its co-founder and Chief People
       Officer Akriti Chopra has resigned to pursue other interests.
   ● Designated as senior management personnel, Chopra has tendered her resignation, with effect
       from September 27, 2024.
   ● She has been with the company for 13 years and played a key role in setting up and scaling
       Zomato's legal and finance teams in her previous role as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
   ● Prior to joining Zomato, she worked at PwC for three years, focusing on tax and regulatory
       practice.
About Zomato :
   ● Founded : July 2008
   ● Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
   ● CEO : Deepinder Singh
Jitendra Jadhav named Director General of Aeronautical Development Agency
   ● Jitendra J. Jadhav was appointed as Director General (DG) of the Aeronautical Development
       Agency (ADA).
   ● He also holds additional charge as Programme Director (Combat Aircraft) and Director ADA.
About ADA :
   ● Headquarters : Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
   ● ADA is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Defence, established in 1984 to manage the
       LCA program.
   ● ADA has designed the Tejas and is now developing its advanced versions like Mark 2, AMCA,
       and TEDBF.
Kalikesh Singh was elected as the new president of National Rifle Association of India
   ● Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo was elected as the new president of the National Rifle Association
       of India (NRAI), defeating VK Dhall with a vote count of 36 to 21.
   ● Kalikesh will serve as president of the NRAI until 2025, when the next general body meeting is
       scheduled to take place.
About National Rifle Association of India :
   ● Founded : 1951
   ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
CAG of India Signs MoU with UAE Accountability Authority to Enhance Public Sector Audit Cooperation
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has signed a Memorandum of
       Understanding (MoU) with the Accountability Authority of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during
       a bilateral meeting in Abu Dhabi.
   •   The MoU aims to promote and develop cooperation between the two Supreme Audit Institutions
       (SAIs), enhancing their professional capacity and improving methodologies in public sector
       auditing.
   •   Areas of Cooperation:
          o The agreement encompasses various areas, including:
                   ▪   Exchange of Knowledge and Experiences: Facilitating the sharing of expertise in
                       public auditing.
                   ▪   Capacity Development Programmes: Conducting training programs at SAI India or
                       SAI UAE based on identified needs.
India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations Near Completion
   •   The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is in its final stages of negotiation.
   •   Statement: B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, indicated that both sides are very close
       to finalizing the agreement.
   •   Negotiation Timeline: FTA negotiations began in January 2022 but were temporarily stalled due
       to general elections in both countries.
   •   Objective: The agreement aims to significantly enhance the current GBP 38.1 billion annual
       bilateral trading partnership.
Historic Memorandum of Settlement Signed Between Government of India, Tripura, NLFT, and ATTF
   •   A significant Memorandum of Settlement was signed between the Government of India, the
       Government of Tripura, the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT), and All Tripura Tiger
       Force (ATTF) in the presence of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi.
   •   This agreement marks a critical step toward achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a
       peaceful, prosperous, and insurgency-free Northeast.
   •   Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha and senior officials from the Ministry of Home
       Affairs and the Government of Tripura were present at the signing.
India and Singapore Strengthen Ties with Four New Memorandums of Understanding
   •   India and Singapore have signed four significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed
       at enhancing cooperation in digital technologies, semiconductors, health, and skill development.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The agreements were finalized during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Singapore.
          o Signed by: India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Singapore's
               Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
          o Focus Areas: Cooperation in digital technologies, including DPI, cybersecurity, 5G, super-
               computing, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.
Meta Partners with Telangana Government to Drive AI Innovation in e-Governance
   •   Meta has announced a two-year strategic partnership with the Department of Information
       Technology, Electronics, and Communications (IT, E&C) of the Government of Telangana.
   •   This collaboration aims to leverage the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to
       enhance e-governance and citizen services in the state.
   •   Objective: The partnership focuses on empowering public officials and citizens with emerging AI
       technologies to transform public service delivery and improve e-governance.
India-Japan Finance Dialogue 2024: Enhancing Bilateral Financial Cooperation
   •   The second India-Japan Finance Dialogue was held in Tokyo on September 6, 2024.
   •   The primary aim was to enhance financial cooperation and strengthen bilateral relations between
       India and Japan.
   •   Indian Delegation: Led by Ajay Seth, Economic Affairs Secretary. Other participants included
       representatives from the Ministry of Finance, RBI, SEBI, PFRDA, IRDAI, and IFSCA.
   •   Japanese Delegation: Led by Atsushi Mimura, Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs.
       The team included Ministry of Finance and the Financial Services Agency (FSA) members.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The agreements were finalized during the three-day visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh
       Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India.
   •   Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Supply: An agreement between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company
       (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) for the long-term supply of LNG. ADNOC will deliver
       1 million tonnes of LNG annually for 15 years from its Ruwais natural gas project.
Government Approves Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd. (ASHVINI) for Nuclear Power Development
   •   The Indian government has approved Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Ltd. (ASHVINI), a joint venture
       between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) (51%) and NTPC Ltd (49%), to
       build, own, and operate nuclear power plants across India.
   •   This move is aimed at accelerating the country’s nuclear power capacity expansion to meet long-
       term energy goals, including the net zero target by 2070.
   •   The joint venture will focus on the rapid expansion of nuclear power in India, pooling resources
       from both NPCIL and NTPC, including finances, technology, and project management expertise.
MoU Signed Between the Cotton Association of India and the International Cotton Association
   •   The Cotton Association of India (CAI) and the Liverpool-based International Cotton Association
       Ltd (ICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and
       promote fair business practices in the cotton industry.
   •   The agreement aims to combine efforts for promoting contract sanctity and fair business
       practices in cotton trading.
Food Ministry and FCI Sign MoU for Enhanced Foodgrain Procurement and Distribution Efficiency
   •   The Food Ministry and the Food Corporation of India (FCI) signed a Memorandum of
       Understanding (MoU) for the 2024-25 fiscal year, focused on enhancing the efficiency and
       accountability of foodgrain procurement and distribution operations.
   •   The MoU outlines specific performance metrics for FCI depots, such as capacity utilization,
       operational losses, and security measures.
   •   It also emphasizes the modernisation of processes and better management of public funds in
       food security operations.
India and US Sign MoU to Boost Defence Innovation Cooperation at INDUS-X Summit
   •   A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the US Department of Defence’s
       Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) and India’s iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) of the
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
ISMA Signs MoUs with TERI and PRAJ Industries to Advance Sustainable Bioenergy Solutions
   •   Indian Sugar & Bio Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) has signed Memoranda of
       Understanding (MoUs) with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and PRAJ Industries.
   •   The focus is on advancing sustainable bioenergy solutions including Sustainable Aviation Fuel
       (SAF), bio-ethanol, bio-gas, green bio-hydrogen, and green methanol.
China and Maldives Sign Trade Agreement Amidst Maldives' Debt Concerns
   •   China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBoC), has signed a memorandum of
       understanding (MoU) with the Maldivian Ministry of Economic Development and Trade to
       strengthen trade and investment.
   •   The agreement aims to promote local currency settlement for current account transactions and
       direct investment, with no further details provided by PBoC.
   •   China, as the largest bilateral lender to the Maldives, has been in talks with the Maldivian
       government regarding its debt.
   •   The Maldives owes $1.37 billion to China and $124 million to India in loans, according to World
       Bank Data.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •     Zomato tracks train timings to adjust delivery schedules in case of delays, ensuring timely service
          even during schedule changes.
Bilateral Meetings of Indian Delegation Led by Minister of State for Agriculture, Shri Ram Nath Thakur
(Brazil, September 2024)
    •     Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Ram Nath Thakur led the Indian
          delegation and the Ambassador of India to Brazil Shri Suresh Reddy and Joint Secretary Shri
          Franklin L. Khobung, Department of Agriculture & Farmers during the bilateral meetings.
    •     Areas of Cooperation: Focus on technology, food processing, cold storage, sustainability, and
          agricultural productivity.
Metro Bank Partners with Infosys to Enhance Digital Capabilities and Business Operations
•   Metro Bank, the UK’s community-focused bank, has announced a long-term collaboration with
    Infosys, a global leader in digital services and consulting, to significantly improve its IT and support
    functions.
•   This partnership aligns with Metro Bank’s ongoing efforts to boost efficiency and cut costs while
    undergoing a digital transformation to optimize business operations.
•   Infosys will play a crucial role in enhancing Metro Bank’s digital capabilities, focusing on improving
    automation, refining data management, and embedding AI technologies to streamline processes and
    enhance customer experience.
REC Signs MoUs for Renewable Energy Projects Worth ₹1.12 Lakh Crore
    •    REC has signed non-binding memorandum of understandings (MoUs) with Renewable Energy
         (RE) developers aggregating about Rs 1.12 lakh crore, which will be implemented over a period
         of 5 years.
        o Total MoUs Signed: Approximately ₹1.12 lakh crore.
        o Duration: Over 5 years.
        o Types of Projects Covered: Solar and wind hybrid projects, solar and wind RTC projects, FDRE
           power, floating solar plants, ultra mega renewable energy parks, hydroelectric power projects,
           battery energy storage systems (BESS), pumped storage, hydropower, green
           ammonia/hydrogen, solar cell/module manufacturing, and other innovative technologies.
MoU Signed Between ARIES and BEL for Space Situational Awareness
    ● The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, has signed a
          Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Navaratna
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
      Defence PSU, to collaborate on space technologies with a specific focus on Space Situational
      Awareness (SSA).
   ● Objective: The collaboration aims to develop advanced technologies for tracking space objects,
      including near-Earth objects and artificial satellites, to enhance satellite safety and user
      protection.
   ● This MoU aligns with the Indian government's ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make-in-India’ initiatives,
      aiming to bolster India's technological capabilities in space.
   ● The MoU was signed at BEL's Ghaziabad Unit by Prof. Dipankar Banerjee, Director of ARIES,
      and Ms. Rashmi Kathuria, GM (SCCS) & Unit Head of BEL, with other senior officials from both
      organizations present.
India Signs Agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
● During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to the U.S. for the Quad Summit, India signed
   two significant agreements under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), focusing on clean
   energy, anti-corruption, and trade transparency.
● These agreements aim to foster a “clean” and “fair economy,” enhancing India's sustainability efforts
   and collaboration with IPEF member countries, including the U.S., Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji,
   Indonesia, Japan, and Korea.
● IPEF Structure:
      o Launched in Tokyo on 23 May 2022, comprising 14 partner countries.
      o Structured around four pillars: trade, supply-chain resilience, clean economy, and fair
          economy.
● A memorandum of understanding was signed between Indian, Singaporean, and Japanese
   companies for a green ammonia plant in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.
● Sembcorp will invest ₹36,238 crore in this project, marking a significant milestone in India’s green
   energy ambitions.
Zoho Joins ONDC With Seller App Vikra, Launches Low-Code Platform Zoho IoT
● Chennai-based global technology company Zoho has introduced two major offerings at its annual
   user conference, Zoholics India.
● These new products—Vikra and Zoho IoT—represent significant advancements in digital commerce
   and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.
Tata Electronics' Landmark Agreement with PSMC for India's First Semiconductor Fab
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● Tata Electronics has finalised a Rs 91,000 crore ($11 billion) Definitive Agreement with Powerchip
   Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) of Taiwan, marking a significant step toward
   building India's first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera, Gujarat.
Department of Space and Technology launched the Women in Space Leadership Programme in
Collaboration with the British Council
   ● The Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) was inaugurated by the Department of
       Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with the British Council, as part of the UK-India
       Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).
   ● Objective of the InitiativeFocus: To support institutions in enhancing gender-inclusive practices
       and fostering women’s leadership in space sciences.
India and Republic of Uzbekistan sign Bilateral Investment Treaty in Tashkent
   ● The Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between the Government of the Republic of India and the
       Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan was signed by Union Minister for Finance and
       Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and H.E. Mr. Khodjayev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich,
       Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
          o Shah Rukh Khan: Paid ₹92 crore in taxes, the highest among all Indian celebrities.
          o Vijay: Paid ₹80 crore, securing the second spot.
          o Salman Khan: Paid ₹75 crore in taxes.
Haryana Cities Feature Prominently Among India's Most Polluted: Urgent Need for Reform
   •   A recent analysis reveals that 15 out of 24 cities in Haryana ranked among India's 100 most
       polluted cities in the first half of 2024 based on PM2.5 levels.
   •   This data underscores the escalating issue of particulate pollution in the state.
   •   Cities Exceed National and Global Standards
   •   National Standards: India’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) set annual limits for
       PM2.5 and PM10 at 40 micrograms per cubic meter and 60 micrograms per cubic meter,
       respectively.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
From Anil Kapoor to Ashwini Vaishnaw: Indians shine in TIME100 most influential people in AI 2024
Featured Indians on the List
    •   TIME magazine’s prestigious list of the 100 "Most Influential People in AI 2024," released,
        includes 15 prominent Indian or Indian-origin individuals. Key names featured are:
    •   Ashwini Vaishnaw: Union Information Technology Minister of India.
    •   Nandan Nilekani: Co-founder of Infosys.
    •   Anil Kapoor: Renowned Indian actor.
    •   Sundar Pichai: CEO of Google.
    •   Satya Nadella: CEO of Microsoft.
South India secures 40% share in NIRF top 25 rankings for last 5 years
o South Indian institutions have consistently secured a significant portion of the top 25 spots in the
    National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) over the past five years.
o At least 40 percent of the top 25 spots have been occupied by institutions from South Indian states:
    Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
o Tamil Nadu has emerged as the leading state among South Indian states, frequently placing the
    highest number of institutes in the top 25.
IGI world’s 24th best-connected airport rises one spot
•   Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi has moved up to 24th position in the latest global
    rankings, improving from 25th in 2023, according to the Official Airline Guide (OAG).
•   Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai fell to 44th position, down from 34th last
    year.
•   NetZero Carbon Emission Compliance: IGIA has become the first airport in India to achieve this
    status.
•   Top Performer: London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) retained its position as the most internationally
    connected airport in the world.
India Retains Top Spot in Global Cryptocurrency Adoption Amid Regulatory Challenges
    •   India has maintained its leadership position in global cryptocurrency adoption for the second
        consecutive year, despite facing stringent regulations and high trading taxes.
    •   This insight comes from a recent report by blockchain analytics firmChainalysis.
    •   India ranks highly in the use of both centralized exchanges and decentralized finance (DeFi)
        assets from June 2023 to July 2024.
    Top 5 countries:
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   India
   •   Nigeria
   •   Indonesia
   •   United States
   •   Vietnam
India Overtakes China in MSCI Equities Index
   •   For the first time, India has surpassed China in a key MSCI equities index, signaling India's
       growing prominence in global markets.
   •   India’s weight in the MSCI investible large-, mid-, and small-cap index has risen to 2.35%,
       surpassing China’s 2.24%, as per a note by Morgan Stanley.
   •   India’s stock markets have been among the best performers globally this year, with NSE Nifty 50
       and S&P BSE Sensex rising by 17% and 15% respectively.
Economic Liberalisation and Its Impact on State GDP Shares (1990-2024)
   •   A working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) highlights
       the significant effects of economic liberalisation that began in the 1990s, particularly on certain
       states in India.
   •   States like Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi have notably increased their
       share of the national GDP from 1990-91 to 2023-24.
   •   Maharashtra's GDP share decreased from 14.6% in 1990-91 to 13.3% in 2023-24, although it
       remains the highest among all states.
Wayanad Ranks Fifth in Kerala for Landslide Susceptibility in ISRO's 2023 Landslide Atlas
● In the 2023 Landslide Atlas of India prepared by ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC),
   Wayanad ranks fifth in Kerala and 13th nationally out of 147 districts across 17 states and two Union
   Territories.
● Wayanad’s landslide risk was highlighted after the July 30, 2024 disaster, underscoring the district's
   vulnerability to such events.
   1. Other Highly Prone Districts in Kerala:
   ● Other districts in Kerala identified as highly susceptible to landslides include:
          o Thrissur (3rd nationally)
          o Palakkad (5th nationally)
          o Malappuram (7th nationally)
          o Kozhikode (10th nationally)
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
      4. United Kingdom
      5. Singapore
      6. Finland
      7. Netherlands
      8. Germany
      9. Denmark
      10. Republic of Korea
Central and Southern Asia Region Rankings:
GII Rank       Economy                         Income Group Rank            Region Rank
39             India                           1                            1
64             Iran (Islamic Republic of)      6                            2
78             Kazakhstan                      25                           3
83             Uzbekistan                      10                           4
88             Pakistan                        12                           5
90             Sri Lanka                       13                           6
105            Bangladesh                      22                           7
106            Kyrgyzstan                      23                           8
108            Nepal                           24                           9
111            Tajikistan                      27                           10
IMD World Talent Ranking 2024: Switzerland Retains Top Spot, India Declines in Global
Competitiveness
● The IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 has revealed significant insights into global talent hubs, with
      Switzerland maintaining its lead in investment, development, and appeal factors.
● The IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 shows the overall ranking for 67 economies.
● The economies are ranked from the most to the least competitive, and the change from the Previous
      year’s rankings is also shown.
● The ranking evaluates countries based on their ability to develop, retain, and attract highly qualified
      domestic and international talent.
Key Highlights:
      ● Top Talent Hubs:
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the $8.5 billion merger between
       Reliance Industries Limited and Disney’s Indian media assets.
   •   CCI has not yet specified any voluntary modifications for the original merger deal made by the
       two companies.
   •   The merger aims to create the largest entertainment player in India to compete with major
       players like Sony, Netflix, and Amazon.
About CCI :
   •   Established : 14 October 2003
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   •   Chairman : Ravneet Kaur
   •   The CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India.
   •   It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the
       Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable
       adverse effect on competition in India.
Rakesh Gangwal’s Family Trust Sells 5.83% Stake in IndiGo for ₹10,500 Crore
   ● InterGlobe Aviation promoter Rakesh Gangwal and his family trust have reduced their stakes in
       the airline by selling a combined 5.83% shareholding for about Rs 10,500 crore.
   ● A total of 2.25 crore shares or 5.83% holding in InterGlobe Aviation were sold by Gangwal and
       Chinkerpoo Family Trust, whose trustees are Shobha Gangwal and JP Morgan Trust Company
       of Delaware.
   ● In two separate regulatory filings, Rakesh Gangwal sold 22.50 lakh shares of InterGlobe Aviation
       and the Chinkerpoo Family Trust disposed of more than 2.02 crore script of the airline.
   ● After the share sale, Gangwal's stake in InterGlobe Aviation has come down to 5.31% from
       5.89%, while the Chinkerpoo Family Trust's stake has declined to 8.24% from 13.49%.
Finance Ministry to Divest 6.78% Stake in GIC Re for Rs 4,700 Crore
   •   The Union Ministry of Finance will dilute a 6.78% stake in General Insurance Corporation of India
       (GIC Re) to raise approximately Rs 4,700 crore.
   •   This is the first stake sale since GIC Re's listing in 2017.
   •   The sale will be through the OFS route, beginning with non-retail investors.
   •   3.39% equity stake will be divested.
About Ministry of Finance :
   •   Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Naspers Limited is a South African multinational internet, technology and multimedia holding
       company headquartered in Cape Town, with interests in online retail, publishing and venture
       capital investment.
                                           DEFENCE NEWS
Indian Army Launches Project NAMAN: SPARSH-Based Service Centres Established Nationwide
   ● The Indian Army launched the first phase of Project NAMAN in the presence of General Upendra
       Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, and Mrs. Sunita Dwivedi, President of the Army Wives Welfare
       Association (AWWA).
   ● Objective of Project NAMAN:Project NAMAN is designed to provide dedicated support and
       services to Defence Pensioners, Veterans, and their families.
   ● It is centred around the implementation of the SPARSH (System for Pension Administration
       Raksha) digital pension system to streamline pension-related processes.
About Ministry of Defence :
   ● Cabinet Minister : Rajnath Singh
   ● Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
Defence Research and Development Organisation Transfers Production Documentation for 30mm High
Explosive Preformed Fragmentation Shell to the Director General of Naval Armament Inspection
   •   The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the production
       document for the 30mm High Explosive Preformed Fragmentation (HEPF) Shell to the Director
       General of Naval Armament Inspection (DGNAI).
   •   The ceremony took place at the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in
       Pashan, Pune.
   •   This 30mm HEPF shell, developed by ARDE, the Pune-based laboratory of DRDO, will further
       enhance the combat capability of the Indian Navy against drones.
About DRDO :
   •   Established : 1958
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   •   Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
Indian Army Hands Over 'Xploder' and 'Agniastra' Technologies to Private Firms for Large-Scale
Production
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   In a major stride towards technological self-reliance, the Indian Army announced the successful
       transfer of technology (ToT) for its indigenously developed "Xploder" UGV and "Agniastra"
       detonation system to private Indian firms.
   •   This landmark development, part of the Army's "Year of Tech Absorption," underscores its
       unwavering commitment to modernization and operational excellence.
About Indian Army :
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
   •   Chief of the Army Staff : General Upendra Dwivedi
Department of Defence Production Becomes Licensing Authority for Ammunition Exports under Special
Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies
   •   The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has designated the Department of Defence
       Production (DDP) under the Ministry of Defence as the licensing authority for the export of
       ammunition items listed under Category 6 of the SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms,
       Materials, Equipment and Technologies) meant for military use.
   •   The DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has notified and updated the SCOMET
       list for 2024.
   •   The list is outlined in Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of the ITC (HS) Classification of Export and
       Import Items.
About Ministry of Defence (MoD) :
   •   Cabinet Minister : Rajnath Singh
   •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
India's First Indigenous Combat Drone FWD 200B Successfully Takes Flight
   •   In a historic leap for India's defence capabilities, Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA)
       has successfully launched India's first indigenously built combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV),
       the FWD 200B.
   •   This marks a significant milestone, as India joins the ranks of nations equipped with advanced
       unmanned combat aircraft.
   •   The bomber FWD 200B is classified as a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) unmanned
       combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) and represents India's increasing self-reliance in defence
       technology.
About FWDA :
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   FWDA was incorporated in 2022 and holds patents for killer drones and bomber UAVs.
   •   It is the first Indian company to receive Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) type
       certification for indigenous UAV technology.
   •   Founder and CEO : Suhas Tejaskanda
Indian Army Suspends Purchase of 200 Logistic Drones from Dhaksha Unmanned Systems Amid
Chinese Parts Allegations
   •   The Indian Army has put on hold the acquisition of 200 logistic drones from Dhaksha Unmanned
       Systems Private Limited, a Chennai-based subsidiary of Coromandel International.
   •   Reason for Suspension:The suspension follows allegations that Dhaksha Unmanned Systems is
       using Chinese parts in their unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
About Indian Army :
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
   •   Chief of the Army Staff : General Upendra Dwivedi
Indian Naval Ship Tabar Arrives in Malaga, Spain for a Two-Day Visit
   ● Indian Navy’s frontline stealth frigate, INS Tabar commanded by Captain MR Harish arrived at
       Malaga, Spain on 25 Aug 24 for a two day visit to enhance the existing bilateral relations
       between India and Spain.
   ● The visit aims to enhance the existing bilateral relations between India and Spain, which were
       established in 1956.
   ● Purpose of the Visit:The visit by INS Tabar seeks to strengthen diplomatic and defense ties
       between India and Spain.
Indian Naval Ship Tabar and P8I Aircraft Participate in 22nd India-France Naval Exercise VARUNA in
the Mediterranean sea
   •   Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar, an Indian Navy frontline stealth frigate, commanded by Captain
       MR Harish, visited Toulon, France from 29 August to 01 September 2024, and later participated
       in the 22nd edition of Exercise VARUNA from 02 to 04 September 2024 in the Mediterranean
       Sea.
   •   India was represented by INS Tabar, a shipborne helicopter, and LRMR Aircraft P8I.
   •   France was represented by FS Provence, Submarine Suffren, Aircraft F20, Atlantique2, fighters
       MB339, and helicopters NH90 and Dauphin.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The agreement, officially called the Implementing Agreement, was signed by the Indian Chief of
       Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, and the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice
       Admiral Monde Lobese.
About Indian Navy :
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India
   •   Chief of the Naval Staff : Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Indian Army Contingent Leaves for India-Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najah V
   •   The Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL
       NAJAH.
   •   The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 13th to 26th September 2024 at Rabkoot
       Training Area in Salalah, Oman.
   •   Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman.
   •   The 4th edition of the exercise was conducted at Mahajan in Rajasthan.
About Ministry of Defence :
   •   Cabinet Minister : Rajnath Singh
   •   Minister of State : Sanjay Seth
About Oman :
   •   Capital : Muscat
   •   Currency : Omani rial
Defence Research & Development Organisation and Indian Navy Conduct Successful Flight Test of
Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile off Odisha Coast
   •   The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy successfully
       conducted a flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM).
   •   The test was carried out from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, off the coast of
       Odisha, at approximately 1500 hours.
   •   The flight test was carried out from a land-based vertical launcher, targeting a high-speed aerial
       target flying at a low altitude.
About DRDO :
   •   Established : 1958
   •   Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   •   Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
About Indian Navy :
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Indian Air Force Successfully Concludes Eastern Bridge VII Exercise at RAFO Masirah
   ● The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully completed Exercise Eastern Bridge VII with the
      Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) at the RAFO airbase in Masirah.
   ● The main goal was to enhance military cooperation and interoperability between the IAF and
      RAFO.
   ● IAF Contingent: The IAF contingent returned to India after a series of training missions involving
      MiG-29 and Jaguar aircraft.
   ● Aircraft Participation: The exercise featured aircraft from both IAF (MiG-29, Jaguar) and RAFO
      (F-16, Hawk).
Defence Research and Development Organisation Hands Over High-Altitude Sustenance Technologies
to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited
   ● The Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), a leading laboratory under the
      Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over critical high-altitude
      sustenance technologies to the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) during an
      orientation workshop on September 21, 2024, at PGCIL’s regional headquarters in Jammu.
   ● This workshop was organised to prepare employees for high-altitude operations as part of the
      5000 MW Pang-Kaithal High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) Project in Ladakh.
   ● The Pang-Kaithal HVDC Project, located at an altitude of 15,760 feet, is a significant step
      towards energy security in the region of Ladakh and the wider integration of solar power into
      India’s national grid.
About DRDO :
   ● Established : 1958
   ● Headquarters : New Delhi, India
   ● Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat
Indian Navy Set to Host the 5th edition of Goa Maritime Symposium
   ● The 5th edition of Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024 was hosted by the Indian Navy from
      23-24 September 24 under the aegis of Naval War College, Goa.
   ● This edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium was conducted in the newly inaugurated, state-of-
      the-art Chola building of the Naval War College.
   ● Theme : The theme for GMS 2024 was "Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian
      Ocean Region (IOR) – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as IUU
      Fishing and Other Illegal Maritime Activities."
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The theme aligns with the Indian Government’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the
      Region (SAGAR).
   ● Participants: Representatives from 12 Indian Ocean Littoral countries: Bangladesh, Comoros,
      Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri
      Lanka, and Thailand.
   ● Observers from Kenya and Tanzania.
About Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) :
   ● It was conceptualised and instituted by the Indian Navy in 2016.
   ● The symposium is conducted biennially by the Naval War College (NWC), Goa.
   ● 4th edition of the biennial Goa Maritime Symposium was conducted successfully by the Indian
      Navy at Goa from 31 October to 01 November 2022.
About the Indian Ocean Rim Association :
   ● Established in 1997 as an intergovernmental organization of states on the rim of the Indian
      Ocean.
   ● The association has 23 member states and 11 dialogue partners from regions including Africa,
      West Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, and Oceania.
Defence Research & Development Organisation and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi Collaborate to
Create Lightweight Bulletproof Jackets Named Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat
   ● The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of Indian
      Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named
      ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).
   ● The jackets have been developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-
      CoE) at IIT, Delhi.
   ● Weight Specifications: The jackets weigh a minimum of 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different Bureau of
      Indian Standards (BIS) levels, providing modular design with front and rear armors for 360-
      degree protection.
Defence Research & Development Organisation and Indian National Academy of Engineering Host 11th
Engineers Conclave in Hyderabad to Explore Advancements in Indigenization and Emerging
Technologies
   ● The 11th Engineers Conclave, organized jointly by the Defence Research & Development
      Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE), commenced on
      September 26, 2024, in Hyderabad.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The aim of the two-day annual conclave is to deliberate on two strategic priorities i.e., ‘Additive
      Manufacturing for Defence Applications’ and ‘Defence Manufacturing Technologies’.
   ● The event, being held at Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL) of DRDO, brings
      together engineers, scientists, academicians and industry leaders to discuss emerging
      technologies & advancements in indigenisation.
Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of Naval Staff, Undertakes Official Visit to Greece
   ● Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), is on a four day official visit to Greece
      from 26 to 29 Sep 2024.
   ● The visit aims to consolidate bilateral defense relations between India and Greece, with a focus
      on enhancing naval cooperation.
   ● During the visit, the CNS will engage in bilateral discussions with senior Greek defence officials,
      including Mr Ioannis Kefalogiannis, Deputy Minister of Defence, Vice Admiral Dimitrios E
      Kataras, Chief of the Hellenic Navy General Staff (HGNS), Vice Admiral Christos Sasiakos,
      Deputy Chief of Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
Delivery of the 5th Missile Cum Ammunition Barge, LSAM 13 (Yard 81), for INS Tunir Completed
   ● The Missile Cum Ammunition Barge (MCA), LSAM 13 (Yard 81), was delivered on September
      25, 2024, at Naval Dockyards, Mumbai, for INS Tunir.
   ● The ceremony was presided over by Commodore C. Rami Reddy, Commanding Officer of INS
      Tunir.
   ● LSAM 13 is the fifth barge in the project to construct a total of eight Missile Cum Ammunition
      Barges, built by MSME Shipyard, M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited,
      Visakhapatnam.
Shankh Air, India's Latest Airline by Shankh Aviation Private Limited, Receives Union Civil Aviation
Ministry Approval to Commence Operations
   ● Shankh Air, India’s newest airline owned by Shankh Aviation Private Limited, has got approval
      from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to start operations.
   ● The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the airline is valid for 3 years.
   ● However, Shankh Air will also need clearance from the aviation regulator, Directorate General of
      Civil Aviation (DGCA), before starting flights.
   ● Shankh Air will be the first scheduled airline to launch from Uttar Pradesh.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Shankh Air is set to launch its flight services with a fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800NG
       narrow-body aircraft.
   ● With more than 60% of the Indian aviation market, IndiGo is the market leader.
   ● The second-biggest airline in the nation is called Air India.
India Hosts Second IORA Seminar on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing at Naval War
College, Goa
   ● The second edition of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) seminar on Illegal, Unreported
       and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing was conducted at Naval War College, Goa on 25 Sep 2024.
   ● The seminar focused on reviewing IUU fishing activities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR),
       highlighting their economic, environmental, and security implications, as well as the legal gaps in
       addressing these issues.
   ● The first edition of the seminar on IUU fishing under IORA was conducted by the Indian Navy at
       Goa on 2nd November 2022.
About IORA:
   ● Established: 1997.
   ● Headquarters: Ebene, Mauritius.
   ● Secretary General: Salman Al Farisi.
   ● Membership: IORA has 23 member countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, Southeast
       Asia, and Australia, including India, Australia, Indonesia, South Africa, Malaysia, UAE, and more.
   ● Governance: The Council of Foreign Ministers is IORA's apex body, meeting annually.
   ● The Chair rotates every 2 years among members.
   ● Sri Lanka is the current Chair, India is the Vice-Chair, and Bangladesh was the previous Chair.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
       Siruseri, will serve as one of Nokia's major research and development centres.
About Nokia :
   •   Founded : 12 May 1865
   •   Headquarters : Espoo, Finland
   •   Chairwoman : Sari Baldauf
   •   President & CEO : Pekka Lundmark
International Solar Alliance to Unveil $100 Million Solar Facility and Insurance Initiative to Enhance
Solar Projects Across Africa
   •   The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will launch a $100 million fund, Global Solar Facility, that
       will help catalysing up to $1.5 billion in funding to expand decentralised solar power capacities
       across the least developed countries in Africa, where more than 700 million people have no
       access to electricity.
   •   Insurance Mechanism:ISA is developing an insurance mechanism to accelerate investment in
       solar projects in impoverished nations.
About ISA :
   •   Founded : 30 November 2015
   •   Headquarters : Gurugram, Haryana, India
   •   Director General : Ajay Mathur
   •   Membership : 120+ members of UN, incl. the United States, Japan, France, Brazil, Argentina,
       Chile, Algeria and Australia etc.
   •   Purpose : Bring together a group of nations to endorse clean energy, sustainable environment,
       public transport and climate
   •   ISA was originally initiated by India and France to combat climate change through solar power.
Japan's Space Agency Halts Moon Lander Mission After Losing Contact with Uncrewed Spacecraft
   •   Japan's space agency ended its Moon lander operation after losing communication with the
       uncrewed spacecraft.
   •   The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM), dubbed the "Moon Sniper" for its landing
       precision, touched down eight months ago-making Japan only the 5th nation to achieve a soft
       lunar landing.
   •   The touchdown of the unmanned lander in January was a success, but it landed at a wonky
       angle that left its solar panels facing the wrong way.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
About Japan :
   •      Prime Minister : Fumio Kishida
   •      Capital : Tokyo
   •      Currency : Japanese yen
European Union and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, India Announce Co-Funding to Boost
EU-India Research Collaboration under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
   •      The European Union and India’s Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have
          launched a new co-funding initiative for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Staff
          Exchanges, part of the EU’s research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe.
   •      Through this scheme, CSIR will top up selected MSCA Staff Exchanges projects, enabling its
          institutes to engage in joint research projects with European and international partners and
          second their scientific and technical staff to European research organisations for knowledge
          sharing and research activities.
About CSIR :
   •      Founded in 1942
   •      Location : New Delhi, India
   •      CSIR is India’s premier research and development organisation, comprising 37 national
          laboratories and a dedicated team of over 8,000 scientific and technical staff.
IndiGo Airlines Becomes 1st Indian Carrier to Implement Required Navigation Performance
Authorisation Required Flight Procedure for Safer Landings at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International
Airport
   •      IndiGo Airlines has become the first Indian carrier to adopt the Required Navigation Performance
          Authorisation Required (RNP AR) flight procedure for operations in Kathmandu, which enables
          safer and more efficient landings at the Tribhuvan International Airport, which is nestled in a
          valley surrounded by the Himalayas.
   •      Purpose and Benefits:The RNP AR technology enhances safety and efficiency during landings at
          airports with challenging geographical conditions, such as Tribhuvan International Airport.
About Indigo :
   •      Founded : 2006
   •      Headquarters : Gurgaon, Haryana, India
   •      Managing Director: Rahul Bhatia
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Pixxel becomes the first Indian space startup to receive an order from the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
    •   Bengaluru-based space technology startup Pixxel, which specialises in cutting-edge
        hyperspectral earth-imaging technology, has won the largest supplier deal by an Indian company
        from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
    •   It has become part of NASA’s $476-million commercial smallsat data acquisition program.
    •   This contract period for the program runs through November 2028.
About Pixxel :
    •   Founded : February 2019
    •   Co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) : Awais Ahmed
NASA spacecraft approved for October launch to study underground ocean on Jupiter's moon Europa
    •   The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has approved the launch of the
        Europa Clipper spacecraft scheduled for October 2024, following a review of its capability to
        withstand Jupiter's intense radiation.
    •   The Europa Clipper will explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s largest moons, which is noted for its icy
        surface and potential subsurface ocean of saltwater. The mission aims to investigate Europa’s
        ice shell, geology, and potential habitability.
About NASA :
    •   Founded: July 29, 1958
    •   Headquarters: Washington, D.C, United States
    •   Administrator: Bill Nelson
International Solar Alliance Engages in Exclusive Talks with Africa50 to Oversee $200M Africa Solar
Fund
•   International Solar Alliance (ISA) has entered into exclusive discussions with Africa50 to serve as a
    potential investment manager for its proposed Africa Solar Facility (ASF).
•   The ASF is a $200 million initiative designed to unlock investment in distributed solar projects across
    Africa.
•   The ASF will play a vital role in expanding energy access, accelerating solar deployment, and driving
    sustainable development across the continent.
About ISA :
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Indian scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a groundbreaking “brain
       on a chip” technology.
   •   This technology can store and process data in 16,500 states within a molecular film.
   •   The advancement was made by a team from IISc’s Centre for Nano Science and Engineering,
       including Sreetosh Goswami, Navkanta Bhat, Deepak Sharma, Santi Prasad Rath, Bidyabhusan
       Kundu, and Sreebrata Goswami. They collaborated with Anil Korkmaz and R Stanley Williams
       from Texas A&M University, and Damien Thompson from the University of Limerick.
Indian Immunologicals Limited and Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture Collaborate to Create
Commercial Fish Vaccine
   •   Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (CIBA)
       have partnered to develop a commercial vaccine targeting Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN) in
       finfish.
   •   VNN is a disease that causes high mortality rates in young fish and can be transmitted from
       adults to offspring.
   •   India's Fish Production:India is the third-largest fish producer globally.
   •   Over 65% of India's fish production comes from inland fisheries and aquaculture.
About IIL:
   •   IIL was established by the National Dairy Development Board in 1982 and entered the aqua
       business in 2022.
   •   IIL has launched products for pond and gut management and has announced partnerships with
       ICAR institutes to develop fish vaccines.
   •   IIL’s Managing Director, K Anand Kumar, stated that IIL is the first company in India to develop
       fish vaccines and is working on solutions for various fish species and culture conditions.
SpaceX Mission Sends All-Civilian Crew on Historic First Private Spacewalk in Orbit
   •   SpaceX launched its daring Polaris Dawn mission, a multiday orbital expedition carrying a four-
       member civilian crew for the first spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.
   •   The Polaris Dawn crew consists of four members: Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman,
       and Sarah Gillis.
   •   The launch took place from Launch Complex-39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC).
About SpaceX :
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   The Allen Belt discovered in the 1950s is Located beyond low-Earth orbit, these radiation belts
       were discovered in 1958 by astrophysicist James Van Allen who helped uncover the key to
       enabling exploration of the outer solar system.
About SpaceX :
   •   Founded : March 14, 2002
   •   Headquarters : Texas, United States
   •   CEO : Elon Musk
Iran Successfully Launches Chamran-1 Research Satellite into Orbit Using Revolutionary Guard's
Qaem-100 Rocket
   ● Iran launched the Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit using the Qaem-100 rocket, developed
       by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
   ● The event marks a key advancement in Iran's aerospace program, despite scrutiny from Western
       nations due to concerns about ballistic missile development.
   ● Satellite Details:Chamran-1 weighs 60 kilograms and was placed into a 550-kilometer orbit.
   ● Rocket Specifications:The Qaem-100 rocket is a solid-fuel, three-stage vehicle and had been
       previously used for a satellite launch in January.
   ● Mission Objective:The primary mission of Chamran-1 is to test hardware and software systems
       for orbital maneuver technology validation.
About Iran :
   ● President : Masoud Pezeshkian
   ● Capital : Tehran
   ● Currency : Iranian rial
Newly Discovered Asteroid 2024 PT5 to Temporarily Orbit Earth from September 29 to November 25,
2024
   ● Newly discovered asteroid named 2024 PT5 will temporarily be captured by Earth's gravity and
       orbit the planet from September 29 to November 25, 2024.
   ● After this, it will return to a heliocentric orbit (orbit around the sun).
   ● Origin of Asteroid 2024 PT5:The asteroid originated from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which consists
       of small asteroids with orbits similar to Earth's orbit around the sun.
   ● Discovery & Observations:Astronomers first spotted the asteroid on August 7, 2024 using the
       NASA-funded ATLAS observatory in South Africa.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● The asteroid is estimated to be about 37 feet (11 metres) in diameter, but its size could range
       from 16 to 138 feet (5 to 42 metres).
   ● Long-capture mini-moon events are rare, occurring every 10 to 20 years.
   ● Asteroid Speed and Proximity:Mini-moons like 2024 PT5 approach Earth within 2.8 million miles
       (4.5 million kilometers) at speeds under 2,237 miles per hour (3,600 kilometers per hour).
Airtel collaborates with Italy's Sparkle for Blue-Raman subsea cable project
   ● Strengthening its global connectivity infrastructure, Bharti Airtel has partnered with Italy’s
       international service provider Sparkle to access capacity on Blue-Raman Submarine Cable
       Systems connecting India and Italy.
   ● The two companies will also work together on the development of new business opportunities
       and projects in the Indian sub-continent, leveraging their respective cable infrastructures.
   ● Sparkle is a major player in the telecommunication cable industry, which owns and manages a
       network of more than 600,000 km of fibre spanning from Europe to Africa and the Middle East,
       the Americas and Asia.
   ● The 2Africa is among the longest subsea cable systems in the world, spanning over 45,000 km.
   ● It will have a capacity of 180 terabits per second (tbps), connecting 33 countries, including Sunil
       Mittal-led Airtel’s landing station in Mumbai.
Bengaluru Startup Bellatrix Aerospace Launches Project 200: A New Satellite for Ultra-Low Earth Orbit
Operations at Bengaluru Space Expo 2024
   ● Bengaluru-based space startup Bellatrix Aerospace unveiled Project 200, an innovative satellite
       designed to operate at an Ultra-Low Earth Orbit (180 km-250 km) on the inaugural day of the
       Bengaluru Space Expo 2024.
About Project 200 :
   ●   “Project 200 is a technology demonstration mission to qualify a new unconventional satellite
       powered by an innovative propulsion system at around 200 km.
   ● Traditionally, satellites have been deployed in orbits at altitudes well above 450 km.
About Bellatrix Aerospace :
   ● Founded : 2015
   ● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka, India
   ● Founders : Rohan M Ganapathy, Yashas Karanam
Airtel Introduces India's First AI-Driven Spam Detection Solution Based on Network Technology
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   ● Bharti Airtel introduced India's first network-based, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered spam
       detection solution to combat spam calls and messages.
   ● This is a first-of-its-kind solution among telecom service providers in India, providing real-time
       alerts to customers about suspected spam calls and SMS messages.
About Bharti Airtel :
   ● Founded : 7 July 1995
   ● Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi
   ● Chairman : Sunil Mittal
   ● MD & CEO : Gopal Vittal
India Set to Launch Its First Venus Mission in 2028
   ● The Union Cabinet approved India's first mission to Venus, set to be launched by the Indian
       Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in March 2028.
   ● The total budget for the Venus Orbiter Mission is ₹1,236 crore, with ₹824 crore dedicated to
       spacecraft development.
   ● This will be India's second interplanetary mission, following the successful Mars Orbiter Mission
       launched in 2013.
Characteristics of Venus:
   ● Venus is similar to Earth in mass, density, and size, earning the nickname "Earth’s twin."
   ● However, it has extreme surface temperatures of around 462°C and much higher atmospheric
       pressure than Earth.
   ● The atmosphere of Venus consists of 96.5% carbon dioxide, with clouds of sulfuric acid.
PERSON IN NEWS
Two Women Officers from Indian Navy Set to Embark on Challenging Global Blue-Water Voyage
   •   Lt. Commanders A. Roopa and K. Dilna of the Indian Navy are set to embark on a blue-water
       voyage around the world onboard INSV Tarini.
   •   The voyage is part of the Sagar Parikrama expedition, which the officers have been preparing for
       over the last three years.
   •   Background of Officers:Lt. Commander K. Dilna hails from Kozhikode, Kerala, and was
       commissioned into the Navy in June 2014.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
                                             SPORTS NEWS
Aarti Wins Bronze in Women's 10,000m Race Walk at World U20 Athletics Championships
•   Aarti, a 17-year-old Indian athlete, secured a bronze medal in the Women’s 10,000m race walk
    event at the World U20 Athletics Championships held in Lima, Peru.
•   She clocked a time of 44 minutes 39.39 seconds, setting a new National U20 record for India and
    marking the country's first medal at the championship.
•   Aarti broke her own previous national record of 47 minutes 21.04 seconds, which she set earlier this
    year in the National Federation Cup U20 Championships in Lucknow.
Indian Shooters Shine at Paris Paralympics: Avani Lekhara Defends Gold, Mona Agarwal Secures
Bronze
•   Indian shooters Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, and Manish Narwal made a significant impact on the
    first day of shooting at the Paris Paralympics.
•   Avani Lekhara became the first Indian to win back-to-back Paralympic gold medals, successfully
    defending her title in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event.
•   Avani shot an impressive 249.7, breaking her own previous Paralympic record of 249.6, set during
    the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Rubina Francis Secures Bronze in Women's 10m Air Pistol at Paris Paralympics
   o Rubina Francis, a 25-year-old shooter from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, won a bronze medal in
         the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics.
    o Rubina scored an aggregate of 211.1 to finish third in the eight-woman final.
    o She was behind Sareh Javanmardi of Iran (gold with 236.8 points) and Aysel Ozgan of Turkey
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   Medal Count: India's medal tally stands at 21 medals: three gold, eight silver, and 10 bronze.
       This surpasses the previous best of 19 medals achieved in Tokyo.
   •   Track and Field Success: India’s track and field athletes have delivered outstanding
       performances, contributing significantly to the medal count with five medals on Day Six: two silver
       and three bronze.
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
          o Dhanush Srikanth and Mahit Sandhu secured the gold medal in the mixed air rifle event at
             the 2nd World Deaf Shooting Championship in Hannover, Germany.
          o The duo defeated fellow Indian competitors Mohammed Vania and Natasha Joshi with a
             score of 17-5 in the final.
          o Dhanush Srikanth and Mahit Sandhu set a world record in the qualification round with a
             score of 628.8, showcasing their exceptional shooting skills.
Dharambir and Pranav Soorma Shine in Men's F51 Club Throw at Paralympics
   •   Gold Medal:
          o Dharambir:
                 ▪     Performance: Won gold with a throw of 34.92m in his fifth attempt.
   •   Silver Medal:
          o Pranav Soorma:
                 ▪     Performance: Secured silver with a throw of 34.59m in his first attempt.
   •   Bronze Medal:
          o Filip Graovac (Serbia):
                 ▪     Performance: Achieved bronze with a throw of 34.18m in his second attempt.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
          o The match was held at the Stade Pierre de Coubertin, where Suhas faced world champion
              Lucas Mazur.
          o Despite a hard-fought battle, Suhas finished with a silver medal.
Indian Athletes Harvinder Singh and Preethi Pal to Lead as Flag-Bearers at Paris 2024 Paralympics
Closing Ceremony
   •   India will be represented by archer Harvinder Singh and sprinter Preethi Pal as the flag-bearers
       at the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Paralympics, scheduled.
   •   At 33, Harvinder Singh made history by becoming the first Indian archer to win a gold medal at
       the Paralympics. He secured this win by defeating Poland’s Lukasz Ciszek 6-0 in the men’s
       individual recurve final.
   •   At just 23, Preethi Pal achieved bronze medals in the women’s 100m and 200m races in the T35
       category at Paris 2024. She is the first Indian athlete to win a track medal at the Paralympics.
England all-rounder Moeen Ali retires from international cricket
   •   Moeen Ali, at 37 years old, decided to retire from international cricket after recognizing that he
       was no longer in consideration for England's future assignments.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   •   He felt it was time for the next generation to take over and acknowledged the team's need to
       rebuild ahead of upcoming tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ICC Men's
       T20 World Cup 2026.
   •   International Debut: Moeen Ali made his international debut in 2014 against the West Indies.
India Sets New Records at South Asian Junior Athletics Meet
   •   Siddharth Choudhary set a new meet record in the men’s shot put event.
   •   Pooja established a new record in the women’s high jump with a jump of 1.80m, surpassing the
       previous record of 1.75m.
   •   Abinaya Rajarajan won gold in the women’s 100m with a record-breaking time of 11.77 seconds.
   •   Pooja attempted to better her National U-20 high jump record of 1.83m, set at the 2024 World U-
       20 meet in Peru, but did not clear 1.84m.
ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 Delivers $1.39 Billion Economic Impact to India
   •   The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 generated a substantial $1.39 billion economic impact
       for India.
   •   International visitors contributed $861.4 million in revenue through accommodation, travel,
       transportation, and food and beverage.
   •   The tournament attracted 1.25 million spectators, with nearly 75% attending a 50-over match for
       the first time.
   •   Secondary and incremental spending by international fans amounted to $515.7 million, with
       $281.2 million spent on tourism.
Paris Paralympics 2024 takeaways: India’s historic run of 29 medals
Medal Haul and Key Takeaways
   •   India achieved its best-ever performance at the Paralympics, winning a total of 29 medals (7
       gold, 9 silver, and 13 bronze).
   •   The tally of 29 medals and 7 gold medals set new records for India, surpassing the previous best
       of 19 medals and 5 golds from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
   •   India finished 18th on the medal table, an improvement from 24th place in Tokyo.
   •   Indian women athletes made significant contributions, winning 11 medals (including one in mixed
       team events). This marked a substantial increase compared to previous Games.
Goa Challengers defends UTT title in styleHistoric Moment in Ultimate Table Tennis
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   Date and Venue: The final took place on September 7, 2024, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor
        Stadium.
    •   It was the first time in the league's history that a team was set to become a two-time champion,
        regardless of the final's outcome.
    •   Outcome: Goa Challengers defended their title with an emphatic 8-2 win over Dabang Delhi TTC
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
•   The 2024 US Open, held from August 19 to September 8 at Flushing Meadows, Queens, New York
    City, concluded with historic wins in both the men’s and women’s singles categories.
•   Italian Jannik Sinner and Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka each claimed their first US Open title, marking
    significant milestones in their careers.
Neeraj Chopra Concludes 2024 Season with Second-Place Finish at Diamond League Final
    •   Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic gold medalist in javelin, finished the 2024 season with a second-
        place result at the Diamond League final in Brussels.
    •   Grenada's Anderson Peters, a Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medallist, won his first Diamond
        League title with an effort of 87.87 m. The 2023 European Games champion Julian Weber of
        Germany was third with a distance of 85.97 m.
    •   Despite winning the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland earlier in the season, Chopra faced
        struggles at key events, including the Paris Olympics.
Detailed Overview of the 21st HCL International Bridge Championship
    •   The 21st HCL International Bridge Championship recently concluded in Delhi with a series of
        highly competitive events, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy in the game of bridge.
    •   The championship featured multiple categories, including the Mixed IMP Pairs event, where
        players competed for top honours and significant prizes.
    •   Mixed IMP Pairs Event
    •   Winning Pair: Arun Jain & Gopika Tandon
    •   Runners-up: Alka Kshirsagar & Joyrup Mullick
    •   Third Place: Marianne Karmarkar & Sandeep Karmarkar
    •   Mixed IMP Pairs Silver
    •   Winners: T.V. Ramani & Bindiya Kohli
        Runners-up: Dagmar Neumann & Maurits van der Vlugt
    •   Third Place: Timur Edis & Elvan Edis
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
Harmanpreet Singh and PR Sreejesh were Nominated for the FIH Hockey Stars Awards
•   India's hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh have been
    shortlisted for the prestigious FIH Hockey Stars Awards following their outstanding performances at
    the Paris Olympics.
•   The nominations were announced by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
Player of the Year Award - Nominees:
    •     Men's Category:
             o   Harmanpreet Singh (India)
             o   Thierry Brinkman (Netherlands)
             o   Joep de Mol (Netherlands)
             o   Hannes Müller (Germany)
             o   Zach Wallace (England)
Goalkeeper of the Year Award - Nominees:
    •     Men's Category:
             o   PR Sreejesh (India)
             o   Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands)
             o   Luis Calzado (Spain)
             o   Jean-Paul Danneberg (Germany)
             o   Tomas Santiago (Argentina)
India Clinches 5th Asian Champions Trophy Title with Narrow Win Over China
•   India won their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over China.
•   The decisive goal was scored by Jugraj Singh in the 51st minute, assisted by Harmanpreet Singh.
•   Despite China's resilient defence, India managed to secure the win and retain their crown.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
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             Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
● Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame Taylor Fritz 6-2, 7-5 as Team Europe
   rallied to beat Team World 13-11 and win the Laver Cup.
● Alcaraz broke the U.S. Open runner-up Fritz in the 11th game and then closed out victory on serve,
   sparking celebrations as the Europe team rejoiced with captain Bjrn Borg in Berlin.
   ● Event: Laver Cup 2024
   ● Date: September 23, 2024
   ● Location: Berlin
Match Summary:
   ● Final Score: Team Europe 13, Team World 11
   ● Decisive Match:
          o Player: Carlos Alcaraz (Europe)
          o Opponent: Taylor Fritz (World)
          o Score: 6-2, 7-5
Pratyasa Ray Wins 32nd Ekalabya Puraskar for 2024 for Swimming Achievements
● Pratyasa Ray, an emerging swimming talent from Odisha, has been selected for the prestigious
   32nd Ekalabya Puraskar 2024 for her outstanding achievements in swimming.
● Achievements:
      o 2024: Joint-Best Swimmer in Women’s Open category, winning 6 Gold medals at the 64th
          Odisha State Swimming Championship.
      o 2023: Won 6 Gold medals at the 63rd Odisha State Swimming Championship.
      o Pratyasa Ray will receive a cash prize of Rs 7 lakh (up from the previous Rs 5 lakh) along
          with a citation during the award ceremony.
● Ekalabya Puraskar:
      o Instituted by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT) in 1993, this award is managed
          by IMFA, a leading ferro alloys producer in India.
      o The award is considered Odisha’s most prestigious sports award and is given annually to
          young sportspersons for their achievements over the previous two years.
Indian Duo Wins Men's Doubles Title at 2024 Hangzhou Open
● Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan and Vijay Sundar Prashanth clinched the men’s doubles title at the 2024
   Hangzhou Open.
● They triumphed over Germany’s Constantin Frantzen and Hendrik Jebens with a final score of 4-6,
   7(7)-6(5), 10-7.
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
   1. Individual Achievements:
           o This victory marks Jeevan's second ATP title, his first being at the 2017 Chennai Open
              with Rohan Bopanna.
           o Vijay celebrated his first ATP title.
Shakib Al Hasan Announces Retirement from T20I and Future Plans in Cricket
● Former Bangladesh 37-year-old skipper and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has officially retired from
   T20I cricket after featuring in 129 matches.
● In addition, he has expressed his desire to retire from Test cricket following the home series against
   South Africa next month in Mirpur.
Lay’s Becomes Official Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027
   ● Lay’s has become the official sponsor for both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women’s
       World Cup 2027.
   ● This marks a significant global expansion of Frito-Lay’s successful involvement as a regional
       supporter during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and as a tournament supporter for the FIFA
       Women’s World Cup 2023.
New Book Titled : “From Oil to Lithium: Navigating the Future of Energy” by Kuldeep Gupta has been
released
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – September 2024
    •   In a world increasingly focused on sustainable energy solutions, Kuldeep Gupta’s new book,
        “From Oil to Lithium: Navigating the Future of Energy”, stands out as a transformative read.
    •   This compelling work combines personal narrative with a critical examination of global energy
        challenges.
                                               OBITUARIES
New Zealand’s Māori King Kiingi Tuheitia Passed away
    •   New Zealand’s Māori King, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, passed away at the age
        of 69.
    •   His death occurred shortly after celebrating his 18th year on the throne.
    •   Born Tuheitia Paki in 1955 in Huntly, North Island, New Zealand.
    •   He was crowned as Māori King on August 21, 2006, following the death of his mother, Te Arikinui
        Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
James Earl Jones, Iconic Darth Vader Voice and Legendary Actor Passed Away
•   James Earl Jones, the legendary American actor who appeared in films like Star Wars, Field of
    Dreams, and The Lion King, passed away at the age of 93.
•   James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, United States (US) on January 17, 1931.
Leading Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury Passed away
    •   Lebanese novelist Elias Khoury who dedicated much of his writings to the Palestinian cause and
        taught at universities around the world, making him one of Lebanon's most prominent
        intellectuals, has passed away at the age of 76.
    •   Elias Khoury was born and raised in Beirut on July 12, 1948.
    •   He was a Greek Orthodox Christian and had significant involvement in Lebanon's civil war (1975-
        1990), where he was wounded in battle.
Renowned poet and ex-intelligence officer Keki N. Daruwalla Passed away
    ● Renowned poet and former IPS officer Keki N Daruwalla, an inspiration to countless young
        writers and poets who looked at him as a mentor,passed away at the age of 87.
    ● He was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award, in 1984 for his poetry collection, The Keeper of the
        Dead, by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters.
    ● He was awarded Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2014.
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            Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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              Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
S. No Topics Page No
1. IMPORTANT DAYS 03
3. NATIONAL NEWS 89
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
                                           IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Older Persons 2024: October 1
● The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on 1st October
● The theme for the 2024 United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) is "Ageing with
   Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide".
● This day was first observed on October 1, 1991.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Since 1986, World Habitat Day has been celebrated on the First Monday of October of every year.
Indian Air Force Day 2024: October 8
• The Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on the 8th of October of every year in India.
• The Indian Air Force was first established on the 8th of October of 1932, so the Indian Air Force
• The first flight of the Indian Air Force came into being on 1 April 1933.
• the World Post Day theme for 2024 is: "150 years of enabling communication and empowering
• World Post Day was first declared by the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Congress in Tokyo,
• Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day is observed annually on October 9, commemorating the
• Purpose: To honor and recognize the contributions of Indian diplomats in safeguarding national
• The IFS was officially established on October 9, 1946, just before India gained independence.
• World Mental Health Day with the theme 'It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace'
• A non-governmental organization called the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) was
established in 1948.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   On October 10, 1992, Richard Hunter, who was the deputy secretary general of the WFMH at the
       time, declared the first World Mental Health Day.
• World Sight Day is an International Day of Awareness, held annually on the second Thursday of
October. This year, World Sight Day is observed on the 10th of October 2024.
• Lions Clubs International partnered with blindness presentation organizations worldwide for the
• National Postal Day is observed in India on October 10 each year, celebrating the establishment
of the Indian postal system and acknowledging the vital role it plays in connecting people across
the country.
• For 2024, the theme for National Postal Day is "Connecting India: The Role of Postal Services in
Nation Building".
• Establishment: The Indian Postal Service was initiated on October 10, 1854, when the East India
• The Committee of Ministers reaffirms its strong opposition to the death penalty, emphasizing the
• Aims to establish a death penalty-free zone in Europe and beyond, consistent with the Reykjavík
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Adopted on December 19, 2011, to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child.
   •   Aims to recognize girls’ rights and address the unique challenges they face globally.
• The theme for World Arthritis Day 2024 is "Informed Choices, Better Outcomes."
   •   The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2024 is observed on the 13th of October.
   •   The International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction was established by a resolution passed by
• Also, the day was renamed International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• The first World Standards Day was celebrated in 1946 in London, the same year that the
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day (PAILRD) is a memorial day that is annually
   honoured on October 15 in the United States and Canada.
● The month of October had previously been declared to be Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness
   Month by President Ronald Reagan.
Global Handwashing Day: October 15
● Global Handwashing Day 2024 is observed on the 15th of October 2024.
● The Global Handwashing Partnership established Global Handwashing Day as a chance to develop
   and put into practice original strategies for inspiring people to wash their hands with soap,
   particularly in times of need.
● In 2008, the first Global Handwashing Day was observed.
World Students Day: October 15
● World Students Day 2024 is observed on the 15th of October 2024, to honor the birthday of our
   former president, the late Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
● In 2010, World Students Day was established by the United Nations. In honour of former Indian
   president APJ Abdul Kalam, who was born on the same day in 1931, October 15 of each year is
   observed as World Students' Day.
● The purpose of the day is to honor Kalam's contributions to education and students. Early in his life,
   Kalam studied science and physics. He was born in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.
World Anaesthesia Day: October 16
● World Anaesthesia Day is observed on October 16 in remembrance of W.T.G. Morton, who made
   the first successful official demonstration of ether as an anaesthetic on this date 173 years ago.
● Since 1903, unique occasions have been planned to commemorate this momentous day.
World Food Day: October 16
● World Food Day 2024 is observed annually on the 16th of October 2024.
● The World Food Day 2024 theme is “Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future,”
● The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialised body of the United Nations, created
   World Food Day in 1945.
International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024
   ● The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024 will be observed on October 17th,
      focusing on global efforts to eliminate poverty and uphold human rights.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The day was first commemorated on October 17, 1987, at the Trocadéro in Paris, where more
      than 100,000 people gathered.
International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024
● International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024 is observed on the 22nd of October 2024.
● This year, the theme of International Stuttering Awareness Day 2024 is 'The Power of Listening.'
● International Stuttering Awareness Day was established in the year 1998 to bring attention to the
   millions of people across the world who are living with his specific Communication Disorder.
World Iodine Deficiency Day: 21st October
● World Iodine Deficiency Day, also known as Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders Prevention Day, is
   observed on 21st October every year.
● The day aims to spread awareness about iodine's vital role in maintaining health and preventing
   iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).
● Iodine is essential in thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are crucial for
   metabolism and fetal and infant development.
World Development Information Day: 24th October
● World Development Information Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
● The United Nations General Assembly conducted a conference on Trade and Development on 17th
   May 1972.
International Snow Leopard Day: October 23
● International Snow Leopard Day is celebrated on October 23 each year to raise awareness about
   the conservation of snow leopards and their endangered status.
● Theme for 2024:
      o The theme for International Snow Leopard Day 2024 is “Safeguarding Snow Leopard Habitats
          for Future Generations.”
      o This theme emphasizes the critical importance of protecting the natural habitats of snow
          leopards to ensure their survival and the health of mountain ecosystems.
      o International Snow Leopard Day was established following the adoption of the Bishkek
          Declaration by 12 countries, focusing on snow leopard conservation.
ITBP Raising Day 2024 : 24th October
● ITBP Raising Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The war took place between India and China in 1962 in the Himalayan region which is the highest
   altitude in the country.
● Since it is at the highest altitude the weather conditions are worse which will be around 25 degrees
   Celcius.
● Every Year the ITBP raising day is celebrated to honour the Police forces and to issue medals to the
   officers who showed bravery and courage in emergency situations.
World Polio Day : 24th October
● World Polio Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
● World Polio Day was first initiated and Celebrated by Rotary International for the birthday of Jonas
   Salk, the Medical Researcher who led the first team to develop a vaccine against polio.
● Rotary International and WHO established the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988.
United Nations Day: 24th October
● United Nations Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of October 2024.
● United Nations Day is celebrated annually on October 24, commemorating the entry into force of the
   UN Charter in 1945.
● The idea of forming an international body to prevent wars was proposed during World War II, with
   the first official proposal emerging in 1941 through the Atlantic Charter.
● The foundation of the UN was further developed through several conferences, notably the San
   Francisco Conference in 1945, where the UN Charter was drafted.
International Artist Day - October 25
● International Artist Day is celebrated annually on October 25 to honour and recognize artists from
   various fields, including visual arts, music, dance, literature, and performance.
● The day was initiated in 2004 by Chris MacClure, a Canadian artist known for his "Romantic
   Realism" style, to highlight the essential role that artists play in society and to encourage support for
   the arts.
National Lemur Day - October 25, 2024
● National Lemur Day is celebrated on October 25, 2024, under the theme "Lemurs, a National
   Treasure, a Global Pride."
● This day highlights the importance of lemurs, the iconic animals of Madagascar, and their critical role
   in maintaining the balance of ecosystems.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Origin: The celebration of lemurs started with the World Lemur Festival initiated by Professor Jonah
   Ratsimbazafy in 2014 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The aim was to raise awareness about the
   significance of lemurs in Madagascar, an island renowned for its unique biodiversity.
Disarmament Week: October 24 - 30
● Disarmament Week is observed annually from October 24 to 30,2024 starting on the United Nations
   (UN) Day.
● This week aims to raise awareness about the importance of disarmament and promote international
   dialogue to reduce the spread and impact of weapons.
● Established by the UN in 1978, it emphasizes reducing or eliminating weapons, including nuclear,
   chemical, biological arms, and conventional weapons.
Global Media and Information Literacy Week: October 24 - 31
● Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week is observed annually from October 24 to 31.
● It aims to raise awareness about the importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and
   celebrates the progress made towards ensuring that people around the world are equipped with the
   skills to critically navigate the information landscape.
● This year's theme is "The New Digital Frontiers of Information: Media and Information Literacy for
   Public Interest Information."
● Media and Information Literacy (MIL) involves competencies that enable individuals to effectively
   navigate the information and communication landscape.
World Stroke Day: 29th October
● World Stroke Day 2024 is observed on the 29th of October 2024.
● The theme for World Stroke Day 2024 is “#GreaterThanStroke Active Challenge.” The theme has
   been designated by the World Stroke Organization (WSO).
● The European Stroke Organization, which spearheaded the initiative, observes its awareness day on
   May 10.
● It wasn’t until October 29 that World Stroke Day was designated, an event that was initiated in 2004
   during the World Stroke Congress in Vancouver, Canada.
International Day of Care and Support: October 29, 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The International Day of Care and Support is observed annually on October 29 to honour caregivers'
   invaluable role in society.
● This day acknowledges the dedication of caregivers, promotes supportive policies, and emphasizes
   the importance of care work in building stronger, more inclusive communities.
● Theme for 2024“Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems
   for Older Persons Worldwide”
International Animation Day (IAD) - October 28, 2024
● International Animation Day (IAD) is celebrated annually on October 28 to honour the origins and
   impact of animation as a significant artistic and cultural medium.
● Established by the Association Internationale du Film d’Animation (ASIFA) in 2002, IAD
   commemorates the first public projection of animated images by Émile Reynaud at his Théâtre
   Optique in Paris in 1892.
National Unity Day 2024 Theme and History: 31st October
● National Unity Day 2024 is observed on the 31st of October 2024.
● The National Unity Day 2024 was first started in the year 2014 by our Honourable Prime Minister
   Narendra Modi to honour the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31st October 1875.
World Savings Day : 31st October
● World Savings Day 2024 is observed on the 31st of October 2024. (30th October in India)
● World Savings Day, also called World Thrift Day, was first established in the year 1924 during the
   first International Savings Bank Congress.
securities transaction tax (STT) levied on the sale of futures and options contracts will kick in
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Objective: The increased STT aims to curb excessive speculative trading in the F&O segment,
      particularly among retail investors.
➢ 93% of over 1 crore individual F&O traders experienced average losses of around ₹2 lakh.
➢ The top 3.5% of loss-makers (about 4 lakh traders) lost an average of ₹28 lakh each.
● Profit Rates: Only 7.2% of individual F&O traders made a profit over the three years, and just 1%
   ● Changes in Rules and Regulations: Aadhaar and PAN Allotment:From October 1, individuals will
      no longer need to mention their Aadhaar enrollment ID in PAN allotment documents or while
● Post Office Small Saving Schemes : New rules for the regularization of irregular Public Provident
Fund (PPF) accounts, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and other small saving schemes will be
● These rules will address issues related to accounts opened in the name of minors, multiple PPF
● ChangesTDS Updates: Changes related to TDS will come into effect from October 1, as
➢ A 10% TDS will be applicable on certain central and state government bonds.
➢ Changes in TDS payment for life insurance policies, house rent payments, etc., will also
● The reserves increased by $2.84 billion during the week ending September 20,2024 following a
Components of Reserves:
   ● Foreign Currency Assets: The largest component rose to $605.7 billion, up from $603.6 billion in
      the previous week.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Gold Reserves: The RBI data also showed a $726 million increase in Gold reserves to $63.613
        billion in the latest filing, compared to $62.887 billion in the September 13 data.
● Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): Increased to $18.5 billion, up from $18.4 billion.
● Reserve Tranche Position with International Monetary Fund (IMF) : Decreased slightly to $4.46
Top 10 Countries With Highest Foreign Exchange Reserves Including Gold as of May 2024:
Securities and Exchange Board of India launches new asset class and relaxes regulations for the
Mutual Funds Lite framework
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) paved the way for the introduction of a new
      asset class, which will add depth and variety to the investment landscape of the country.
● The SEBI, in its board meeting, announced the introduction of a liberalised Mutual Funds Lite
(MF Lite) framework for passively managed schemes of mutual funds schemes.
● The board meeting was the first since Hindenburg Research and Congress’ allegations of
‘conflict of interest’ against SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch.
● The board did not announce tighter norms to curb speculative trading in Futures & Options (F&O),
About SEBI :
   ● Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
      1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
● SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
Policyholders to benefit as new life insurance surrender value norms take effect from Oct 1, 2024
   ● The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) introduced new surrender
value norms to ensure "reasonableness and value for money" for both exiting and continuing
policyholders.
● Surrender Value:Surrender value is the amount an insurer pays if a policyholder terminates the
● Under the new norms, surrender value will be at least equal to the present value of the paid-up
● Formula Change:As per the new guidelines, the special surrender value will rise by over 20%
compared to the existing regulation, where insurers pay 50% of the total premium if surrendered
   ● Applicability:All existing policies must comply with the new norms by September 30, 2024, and
      new policies must offer the revised surrender values from October 1, 2024.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About IRDAI :
   ● Established : 1999
● The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
industries in India.
YES BANK and Paisabazaar Introduce 'PaisaSave' Cashback Credit Card with Advanced Features
   ● Paisabazaar, India's leading online marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score
platform, has partnered with YES BANK, India's sixth largest private sector bank, to unveil their
● The PaisaSave Credit Card is designed to reward frequent shoppers by offering substantial
cashback on everyday purchases, both online and offline, making it a must-have for the value-
conscious customers.
About Paisabazaar :
   ● Founded : 2014
● It has also become the first OTA (Online Travel Agency) to both offer and purchase travel
services through the ONDC Network. ScanMyTrip.com will serve as a platform where OTAs,
MSMEs, travel agents, and homestays can list services such as flights, hotels, and
accommodations on the ONDC Network, expanding their reach within the digital marketplace.
About ONDC :
   ● Established : 31 December 2021
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● ONDC is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of
      Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) of the Government of India to develop open e-commerce.
Asian Development Bank Approves $50 Million Loan to Strengthen Water Management and Climate
Resilience in Meghalaya, India
   ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $50 million loan to improve water resources
management, enhance access to water, and strengthen community resilience to climate change
● The project supports the 2019 Meghalaya State Water Policy, focusing on sustainable
● The project will involve the construction of 532 water storage facilities across 12 districts in
Meghalaya.
About ADB :
   ● Established : 1966
● Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
Jana Small Finance Bank introduces 'Liquid Plus Fixed Deposit' scheme for short-term investments
   ● Jana Small Finance Bank has introduced the 'Liquid Plus Fixed Deposit' scheme.
● Purpose: The scheme is designed for investors looking to park extra funds for short durations.
● Tenure: The tenure for the Liquid Plus Fixed Deposit ranges from 7 days to 180 days.
Minimum Deposit:
   ● Retail Deposits: Minimum deposit amount of ₹10 lakh for amounts up to ₹3 crore.
● Interest Rate: The interest rate for the Liquid Plus Fixed Deposit is 6.75% for all tenures.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● It registered a marginal increase of 0.5% in volume to 15.04 billion in September 2024 compared to
● The number remained almost static at Rs 20.64 trillion in September 2024, compared to Rs 20.61
● The number of daily transactions is higher than 483 million and Rs 66,475 crore in August 2024.
trillion in August.
● Year-on-Year Comparison:IMPS volume decreased by 9%, but the value increased by 11%
FASTag:
   ● Monthly Volume:FASTag transactions saw a 3% decline to 318 million in September, down from
● Year-on-Year Growth:FASTag volume grew by 7%, and the value increased by 10% compared
to September 2023.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
to September 2023.
About UPI :
   ● Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single
mobile application.
Star Health takes legal action against Telegram following data leak by hacker using app chatbots
● Insurer Star Health has filed a lawsuit against social media platform Telegram and a ‘hacker’
after it was discovered that the hacker was using the messaging application to leak company
data.
● Star Health and Allied Insurance, India’s largest standalone health insurer, is facing a crisis after
● The breach, one of the biggest in Indian history, reportedly involved 7.24 terabytes of data being
      leaked, including personal information such as names, phone numbers, addresses, tax details,
      medical records, and identification documents.
India's Current Account Deficit Increases to 1.1% of GDP for April-June 2024
   ● India's current account deficit (CAD) increased to 1.1% of GDP in Q1 FY25, amounting to $9.8
billion, up from 1% (or $8.9 billion) in the same period last year.
● The rise in merchandise trade deficit was a major factor behind this widening.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● CAD occurs when the value of goods and services that a country imports exceeds the value of
      the products it exports.
● The country had recorded a current account surplus of $4.6 billion (0.5 per cent of GDP) in the
● Merchandise Trade Deficit:The merchandise trade deficit increased to $65.1 billion in Q1 FY25,
State Bank of India files insolvency petition under Section 7 of IBC against Reliance Infra's toll road
subsidiary
   ● State Bank of India (SBI) has filed a petition under Section 7 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016, against KM Toll Road Private Limited (KMTRPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Reliance Infrastructure, before the National Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai, for a claim amount
● Section 7 of IBC:This section allows financial creditors to initiate the Corporate Insolvency
● Creditors may file the application individually or jointly before the National Company Law Tribunal
(NCLT).
About SBI :
   ● Established : 1 July 1955
IDFC FIRST Bank Unveils Ashva Credit Card, Catering to Modern and Discerning Customers
● IDFC FIRST Bank, a leader in innovative financial solutions, has announced the launch of the
Ashva Credit Card, its newest offering for the modern, discerning customer.
● The Ashva Credit Card, powered by Visa, is a celebration of the spirit and aspiration of the new
India.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● IDFC FIRST Bank is a new-age Universal Bank in India built on the foundations of Ethical
● The scheme is aimed at working and retired professors (including Assistant and Associate
● The primary objective of the scheme is to encourage and enrich Hindi literature in the fields of
Professor etc.) of Indian Universities (UGC recognized) are awarded three prizes of ₹1,25,000.00
(One lakh twenty-five thousand) each for writing books originally in Hindi on
Economics/Banking/Financial subjects.
Axis Bank Launches Corporate Credit Card Suite for Startups to Simplify Business Expenses under
New Economy Group
   ● Axis Bank introduced a Corporate Credit Card Suite specifically designed for start-ups under its
      New Economy Group (NEG).
● Purpose:The credit card suite aims to streamline travel, official expenses, and vendor payments
➢ Executive Corporate Credit Card: Tailored for founders with benefits like enhanced credit
limits, 4 complimentary golf rounds, reduced foreign exchange markup, and exclusive
insurance perks.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
          ➢ Purchase Reward Credit Card: Focused on expense management with features like zero
             joining fees, automated accounting, and expense tracking.
● Partnership with TEAM:Axis Bank partnered with the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai
Reserve Bank of India's Mibor panel supports transition to benchmark based on secured money market
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s Committee on MIBOR Benchmark was established to review
rupee interest rate benchmarks, specifically evaluating the Mumbai Interbank Outright Rate
● The Committee proposed that the Financial Benchmarks India Limited (FBIL) develop and
● SORR would be calculated from trades in the basket repo and Tri-Party Repo (TREP) segments
overnight money market trades (including both banks and non-banks), is seen as a more
      representative and robust measure compared to the call money market, making it a better
      benchmark for interest rate derivatives used for hedging.
● Access for Non-Residents: The Committee suggested that non-residents could be gradually
given access to onshore Interest Rate Derivatives (IRD) markets beyond MIBOR Overnight
Indexed Swaps (OIS), pending a review of market conditions and risk controls.
● Current Usage by Foreign Investors: Foreign investors currently utilize 96% of the Rs 3.5 billion
limit for OIS transactions, close to the threshold, prompting the RBI to review the investment limit.
Banks' issuance of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) rises by 66% in the first half of FY25
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● According to data from Prime Database, the issuance of certificates of deposit (CDs) by banks
       has surged by 66% in the first six months of the current fiscal as lenders struggle with sluggish
deposit growth. In the first half of FY25, banks raised Rs 5.59 lakh crore through CDs, compared
● Month-on-Month Increase in September 2024:Banks raised ₹1.45 lakh crore through CDs in
State Bank of India Chairman Setty announces plans to expand the network by adding 600 branches in
FY25
● State Bank of India (SBI) is planning to open 600 branches across the country in the current
financial year in a bid to tap business opportunities in emerging areas including large residential
townships.
About SBI :
   ● Established : 1 July 1955
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority permits subscribers to maintain 50% equity
investment until the age of 45
   ● The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is set to introduce a new
National Pension Scheme (NPS) that allows subscribers to maintain 50% of their investment in
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Presently, the NPS permits 50% investment in equity funds only until the age of 35, after which
      the allocation to debt funds increases
● The new NPS balance lifecycle scheme is designed to manage risks and returns effectively and
● Total NPS and APY Corpus: The combined total corpus of NPS and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
● Women Subscribers: A significant trend noted was that 52% of the 1.23 crore new enrolments in
      APY last fiscal year were women, indicating increased female participation.
   ● Total APY Enrolments: The total enrolments in APY have reached 6.6 crore, with PFRDA
About PFRDA :
   ● Established : 2003
● PFRDA is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
● It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
● This allows users to save in 24K digital gold through daily incremental contributions.
About PhonePe :
   ● Established : 2015
Securities and Exchange Board of India Bars Axis Capital from New Debt Assignments Over Alleged
Norm Violations
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) restrained Axis Capital (ACL) — a wholly
       owned subsidiary of Axis Bank from taking any new assignment as a merchant banker, arranger
● The market regulator alleged that ACL provided guarantee or indemnity towards redemption of
non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in the guise of underwriting, which it is not permitted under
the regulations.
National Payments Corporation of India to create UPI-style payment system for Trinidad and Tobago
   ● The overseas arm of India's National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will build a digital
payments system for Trinidad and Tobago, modelled after India's United Payments Interface
       (UPI).
   ● The NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) signed a deal with the Ministry of Digital
Transformation of Trinidad and Tobago to build a digital payments system modelled after India's
Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M)
transactions.
● Earlier in 2024, NIPL had agreed to develop digital payments systems for Peru and Namibia,
Axis Bank provides Rs 1 billion loan to Muthoot Capital to boost e-mobility initiatives in India
   ● Axis Bank has extended a Rs 1 billion loan guarantee to non-bank lender Muthoot Capital, aimed
● The loan will help Muthoot Capital offer financing to rural and non-metro customers for
● GuarantCo, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), is providing a 65% on-
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The loan is part of a broader $200 million electric vehicle (EV) framework agreement between
       GuarantCo and Axis Bank.
● This is the third transaction under the EV framework agreement, following a Rs 2.5 billion loan to
Google and Muthoot Finance Partner to Offer Gold-Backed Loans via Google Pay
   ● Global tech titan Google has tied up with Muthoot Finance to provide gold-backed loans through
● The collaboration offers loans with affordable interest rates and flexible usage options, providing
   ● These announcements were made by the company officials at the 10th edition of 'Google for
       India' event.
● Google is set to launch Gemini Flash 1.5 in India, enabling organizations to securely implement
● Google announced the launch of the Google Safety Engineering Center in India in 2025.
● Collaboration with Nandan Nilekani's EkStep Foundation to create 'DPI in a box', a plug-and-play
Mudra loans see slight decline to ₹1.86 lakh crore in first half of the year(2024)
   ● For the first time since COVID-19, PMMY loans showed a decline in disbursal, totaling ₹1,86,284
crore in the first half of the current financial year (as of September 27, 2024).
● This figure is a decrease from ₹1,91,863 crore during the same period last year.
● The decrease should not be considered a significant dip, as the previous fiscal year saw a record
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
          ➢ Sishu: Up to ₹50,000.
          ➢ Kishore: Above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh.
➢ According to data from the Ministry of Finance, there has been a steady decline in NPAs
of PMMY loans.
➢ There has been a steady decline in NPAs for PMMY loans, decreasing from 4.9% in 2019-
20 to 3.4% in 2023-24.
Bank of Baroda to Divest Oman Operations to Bank Dhofar as Part of Rationalization Plan
● State-owned Bank of Baroda (BoB) proposes to sell its Oman operation to Bank Dhofar as part of
About BoB :
   ● Founded : 20 July 1908
Asian Development Bank approves USD 162 million loan to boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh
   ● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 162 million loan for tourism
● Project Focus:The Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Project aims to enhance the
state's tourism potential by upgrading and preserving heritage and cultural sites.
● The project focuses on Mandi and Hamirpur districts and includes the restoration of Naggar
Castle in Kullu.
About ADB :
   ● Established : 1966
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority enhances NPS offering for the private sector by
introducing a balanced life cycle fund option
   ● The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has launched the Balanced
Life Cycle Fund (BLC) as an additional life cycle fund option for private sector subscribers under
● This new life cycle fund launched on the occasion of Pension Diwas focuses on growth assets,
particularly equity investments, providing more flexibility and potential for higher returns for NPS
subscribers.
● Equity Allocation Strategy:The BLC maintains an equity allocation of up to 50% until the age of
45.
● Equity allocation reduction starts at age 45 instead of 35, and by age 55, it is set at 35%.
● Growth of Private Sector in NPS:The private sector (non-government sector) is the fastest-
growing segment in the NPS ecosystem, with assets under management of approximately ₹2.6
● Variety of Life Cycle Funds:With the introduction of the BLC, there are now four life cycle funds
About PFRDA :
   ● Established : 2003
● PFRDA is the regulatory body for the overall supervision and regulation of pensions in India.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
Securities and Exchange Board of India levies ₹12 lakh penalty on NSE Data & Analytics for regulatory
breaches
● Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 12
lakh on NSE Data And Analytics Limited for its failure to segregate IT infrastructures and
manpower between itself and its parent firm National Stock Exchange (NSE).
● NSE Data and Analytics has been directed to pay the penalty within 45 days.
Life Insurance Corporation increases its stake in Pune-based Bank of Maharashtra from 4.05% to
7.10%
   •    State-owned Life Insurance Corporation’s (LIC) stake in Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) increased
• Share Allotment: LIC acquired 3.376% additional equity by being allotted 259.6 million shares at
• Total Funds Raised: Bank of Maharashtra raised ₹3,500 crore through the QIP process.
About LIC :
About BoM :
   •    Founded ; 16 September 1935
India and Maldives reach currency swap agreements and agree to discuss a Free Trade Agreement
   •    Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu thanked India for its financial assistance amid the
country’s debt crisis, which is estimated at 110% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Currency Swap Agreements: India extended two currency swap agreements to the Maldives:
   •   One worth $400 million.
About Maldives :
• Capital : Malé
Government Anticipates Increased ₹20,000 Crore Dividend from Public Sector Banks in FY25
   •   The government anticipates public sector banks to pay higher dividends in FY25, projecting a
       figure over ₹20,000 crore, up from ₹18,000 crore received in FY24.
• Improved interest margins and robust credit offtake, particularly in rural areas.
• Previous Performance: In FY24, the Centre received ₹18,000 crore in dividends from PSBs, a
30% increase from ₹13,800 crore in FY23, reflecting strong financial performance.
Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2028 Interest Rate Set at 7.30% for October 2024 to April
2025
   •   The interest rate for the Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2028 (GOI FRB 2028) is set at
7.30% per annum for the period from October 4, 2024, to April 3, 2025.
   •   The interest rate for the Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2033 (GOI FRB 2033) is set at
       7.93% per annum for the period from September 22, 2024, to March 21, 2025.
Reserve Bank of India advises banks to refrain from making aggressive positions against the rupee:
Report
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has asked state-run and private banks to refrain from making
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The instructions were communicated informally via phone calls as the rupee neared a record low
       of 83.9850 per US dollar.
Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India express caution as Russia pushes
for increased rupee-rouble trade
   •   The Indian government and financial regulators, including Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), are cautious about expanding rupee-rouble trade
• Proposals from Sberbank AG, Russia's largest bank, are under scrutiny, with several yet to be
approved.
State Bank of India classifies Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited as a non-performing asset over Rs
325.53 crore outstanding debt
   •   State Bank of India (SBI) has declared the loan accounts of Mahanagar Telephone Nigam
• Outstanding Debt:The total outstanding debt on the MTNL loan account was ₹325.52 crore as of
• Overdue Amount:SBI indicated that ₹281.62 crore is overdue, requiring immediate payment to
About MTNL :
• It has its name derived from Hindi: mahanagar meaning "metropolis" (maha "big", nagar "city")
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Reliance Nippon Life Insurance unveils 'Nishchit Pension' deferred annuity plan to provide guaranteed
lifelong income for retirement
   •   Reliance Nippon Life Insurance Company Limited has introduced a new deferred annuity plan
• The plan is designed to provide a guaranteed lifelong income, ensuring financial stability during
retirement.
• As per the Economic Survey, Govt of India, by 2041, 15.9% of India’s population is estimated to
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank secures Reserve Bank of India approval and AD 1 License to provide
comprehensive forex products and services
   •   Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, announced that it has received approval from The Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) and secured an AD 1 Licence from RBI to offer full-fledged bouquet of forex products
and services.
• Capital transactions like External Commercial Borrowing (ECB), Overseas Direct Investment
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
• It is licensed under Section 22 (1) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to carry out small finance
bank business and received Scheduled Bank status from the Reserve Bank of India in August
2017.
Asian Development Bank sanctions $162 million loan to enhance infrastructure and boost tourism in
Himachal Pradesh
   •   The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of $162 million to support tourism
• The loan will help unlock the state's tourism potential through the enhancement of cultural and
heritage sites and the creation of new infrastructure aimed at strengthening the tourism sector
• Targeted Districts: The Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Project focuses on
About ADB :
• Established : 1966
• Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
Reserve Bank of India Report Predicts End of Fossil Fuel Dominance in Power Generation by Decade's
End
   •   According to the latest report of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it has estimated that the
dominance of fossil fuels in power generation will end by the end of the decade.
• The central bank estimates that renewable energy will contribute more than 50% of global
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The report highlights the acceleration in the transition to clean energy, noting unprecedented
       levels of growth in the deployment of and capital investment in clean technologies.
Reserve Bank of India Issues White-Label ATM License to Mumbai's Electronic Payment and Services
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted a white-label ATM (WLA) license to Electronic Payment
• EPS is a privately owned ATM outsourcing company based in Mumbai, backed by investors
including Apis Partners (UK) and Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO).
• With this license, EPS becomes the 5th white-label ATM operator in India, joining Tata
Paytm Money introduces BSE Futures & Options trading to enhance wealth management services
   •   Paytm Money, a wholly-owned subsidiary of One97 Communications (OCL), launched BSE
Futures & Options (BSE F&O) trading service on its platform, as part of the Noida-based
company’s efforts to expand its wealth management and financial services segment.
• This would enable users to trade index derivative contracts offered by the Bombay Stock
• The platform would enable users to trade both NSE and BSE F&O contracts in one app.
• Services: SEBI-registered stock broker and depository participant offering equity & derivatives
State Bank of India-led Committee Recommends Eliminating 18% GST on Co-Lending Activities
   •   The State Bank of India (SBI) led a committee to encourage co-lending partnerships between
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The committee recommended eliminating the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 18% on co-
       lending-related activities to promote co-lending growth.
• The committee suggested restricting co-lending to Priority Sector Lending (PSL) to avoid higher
About SBI :
Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes New Regulations for Sharing Financial Market Data
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed a revised framework for
• Based on Sebi’s market data advisory committee (MDAC) suggestion, the regulator has
proposed that it can share data that is under its ownership, while market infrastructure institutions
(MIIs) should share their generated data through their own policies.
About SEBI :
• Established: 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
HDFC Bank Secures Largest Securitisation Pool of ₹9,063 Crore, Rated AAA by India Ratings
   •   India’s largest private sector lender HDFC Bank has originated the largest securitisation pool of
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The loan pool has been assigned to India Universal Trust for a purchase consideration equal to
       100% of the pool principal outstanding.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Secures Branding Rights for BKC Metro Station on Mumbai Metro 3 Route
Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
   •   Kotak Mahindra Bank has secured branding rights for the BKC metro station on the Mumbai
Metro 3 route.
• The BKC metro station will be named "Kotak BKC Metro Station," reflecting the bank's branding.
• The Mumbai Metro 3 route, which includes the BKC station, was inaugurated by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
• Established : 1985
Reserve Bank of India Forecasts 7.2% GDP Growth for FY25, Expects CPI Inflation to Ease to 4.5%
   •   During the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on October 9, 2024, the Reserve Bank of
       India (RBI) forecasted that India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for FY25 will reach
7.2%.
• The RBI also expects Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for the fiscal year to moderate to
4.5%.
Key Highlights :
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
• Q3: 7.4%
• Q4: 7.4%
About RBI :
Reserve Bank of India Introduces Increased Limits for UPI123 and UPI Lite Transactions
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enhanced transaction limits for UPI123Pay and UPI Lite to
• UPI123Pay:
• UPI Lite:
• These norms will provide UCBs with more flexibility to raise resources and support sector growth.
• Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are primary cooperative banks that are located in urban and
semi-urban areas.
ICICI Bank and PhonePe Collaborate to Offer UPI Credit Line to Customers
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   ICICI Bank and PhonePe have partnered to provide a credit line on UPI specifically for customers
       of PhonePe, a major fintech firm based in Bengaluru.
• Credit Line Details:Pre-Approved Customers: Customers approved through the PhonePe app
   •   Established : 1994
   •   Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
About Phonepe :
• Established : 2015
SLCM Collaborates with Punjab National Bank and Bandhan Bank to Provide Management Solutions
   •   Sohan Lal Commodity Management(SLCM) has partnered with Punjab National Bank (PNB) and
• The partnership aims to facilitate post-harvest credit for farmers and agricultural stakeholders at
About PNB :
• Founded : 2015
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Ministry of Finance Maintains GPF Interest Rate at 7.1% for 17th Consecutive Quarter, Effective from
October 1 to December 31, 2024
   •   The Union Ministry of Finance has kept the interest rate for the General Provident Fund (GPF)
unchanged for the 17th quarter in the row at 7.1% effective from October 1, 2024, to December
31, 2024..
• The government has kept interest rates unchanged for various small savings schemes for the
Unified Payment Interface Transaction Volume Increases by 52% and Value Rises by 40% in H1CY24:
Report
   •   The Unified Payment Interface (UPI) transaction volumes increased by 52% in the first six
• The volume rose from 51.9 billion transactions in H1CY23 to 78.97 billion transactions in
H1CY24.
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Growth in Transaction Value:The value of UPI transactions grew by 40%, increasing from Rs
       83.16 trillion in H1CY23 to Rs 116.63 trillion in H1CY24.
Reserve Bank of India directs Asset Reconstruction Companies to join all credit information companies
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) asked the asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) to become
members of all the credit information companies (CICs) and submit the required data to them as
• Currently, there are four CICs-TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark.
• Alignment with Reporting Standards:The updated guidelines aim to align Asset Reconstruction
       Companies (ARCs) with the same reporting standards used by banks and Non-Banking Financial
       Companies (NBFCs).
Non-Banking Financial Companies secured ₹3.23 trillion from the domestic debt capital market in
H1FY25
   •   Funds raised by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), including state-owned finance
companies and refinance institutions, from the domestic debt capital market exceeded Rs 3.2
   •   Out of the total funds, over Rs 74,507 crore were raised in September, 2024 alone, marking the
       highest amount in the current financial year and second highest in the calendar year.
Reserve Bank of India Approves Bond Buyback Bids Close to Rs 25,000 Crore
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) accepted bids worth ₹24,453.3 crore for government securities
• The bids offered by banks were more than double the notified amount, reflecting strong market
appetite.
• Significance of the Auction:This auction was one of the most successful buyback auctions
conducted by the RBI since resuming such operations in May 2024, after a six-year hiatus.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Securities and Exchange Board of India extends deadline for direct payout of securities to November
11, 2024
   •   The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) extended the deadline to implement direct
payout of securities to the Demat account from October 14 to November 11, 2024, to ensure a
hassle-free implementation.
• The decision follows representations from key market participants, including clearing
• A review meeting was conducted by SEBI with Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) and the
About SEBI :
• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
• Citigroup is the first global bank to implement the Mastercard Move service, allowing users to
make various transactions, including insurance payouts, airline refunds, and e-commerce
payments.
• The partnership aims to create a seamless payment experience, enabling clients to make cross-
About Mastercard :
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •    Founded : 1966
   •    Headquarters : New York, United States
About Citigroup :
Reserve Bank of India releases guidance note for regulated entities to address money laundering risks
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the "Guidance Note" aimed at regulated entities (REs),
including banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), authorized persons, and payment
system operators.
● To provide guidelines for conducting internal risk assessments (IRA) concerning ML and TF.
● The note is particularly directed at the dealing staff and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) /
within REs.
Securities and Exchange Board of India Panel Considers Introducing New Category of Commodity
Funds
   ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering allowing mutual funds (MFs)
to launch a new category of actively managed commodity funds that invest entirely in exchange-
● Existing ETCD Participation: In 2019, SEBI permitted mutual funds to invest in ETCDs, which are
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The cap for exposure to ETCDs in multi-asset schemes is set at 30% of the net asset value,
      while other hybrid schemes have a cap of 10%.
with investments currently allowed through gold and silver ETFs, backed by physical
➢ Calendar Spread: Involves buying a derivative for one month and selling the same asset's
About SEBI :
   ● Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
● SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
Indian Overseas Bank launches new loan centres across India, introduces heritage-themed ATM in
Chennai
● Public-sector lender Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has inaugurated 8 new Retail Loan Processing
● One physical RLPC is located in Chennai, while seven others were launched virtually in major
cities.
● The new RLPCs are situated in: Bangalore, Coimbatore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow,
Mumbai.
Objectives:
   ● The initiative aims to enhance customer experience and improve service delivery for retail
customers.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Designed to streamline loan approval processes and reduce turnaround time for loan
      disbursements.
● Heritage-themed ATM:IOB has also inaugurated a heritage-themed ATM at Puratchi Thalaivar Dr.
About IOB :
   ● Founded : 10 February 1937
Navi rises to 5th position in Unified Payments Interface rankings for the second straight month
   ● Navi, a fintech company founded by Sachin Bansal, has become India's 5th-largest player in the
● Comparison with Competitors: Navi surpassed Amazon Pay's UPI volumes in August and is
● Growth Rate: Navi experienced a 35.7% month-on-month growth in transaction volumes from
August to September, having processed 88.71 million transactions worth ₹4,651 crore in August.
● Market Share: Navi holds a 0.8% market share in the UPI ecosystem, while major competitors
like PhonePe, Google Pay, and Paytm control approximately 92.5% of the UPI transaction
volume.
➢ PhonePe remained the largest player with 7.22 billion transactions valued at ₹10.3 trillion.
➢ Google Pay followed with 5.62 billion transactions amounting to ₹7.46 trillion.
● Overall UPI Performance: In September, over 15 billion UPI transactions were processed,
Life Insurance Corporation of India reduces maximum age limit for new endowment plan to 50 years
from 55 years
   ● Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has reduced the maximum age limit for purchasing the
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Product Overview:The revised product is the 'LIC New Endowment Plan-914', a participating
      endowment plan that offers a dual benefit of protection and savings.
● Introduction of New Insurance Product:LIC has introduced a Single Premium Group Micro Term
Insurance Plan.
● It is a Non-Participating, Non-Linked, Group, Pure Risk life micro-insurance product designed for
   ● The plan aims to provide affordable life insurance coverage to members of unorganized groups
      and homogeneous affinity groups.
About LIC :
   ● Founded : 1 September 1956
Foreign Banks and Brokerages Anticipate Gradual Easing from RBI Starting in December 2024
   ● Foreign banks and brokerages anticipate that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will initiate a
"shallow rate-cutting cycle" starting in December 2024, with an aggregate reduction of 50 basis
points (bps).
● Most forecasts suggest a 25 bps cut in December, followed by another 25 bps cut in February
2025, bringing the policy rate down from the current 6.5% to 6%.
State Bank of India to increase limit for instant loan scheme benefiting MSME sector
● The State Bank of India (SBI) plans to increase the threshold for its instant loan scheme for the
MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) sector from the current limit of ₹5 crore to
● The scheme, named "MSME Sahaj - End to End Digital Invoice Financing," offers a streamlined
process for applying, documenting, and disbursing loans within 15 minutes without manual
intervention.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The bank emphasizes simplification of MSME credit by backing loans with cash flow and the
      CGTMSE (Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises) guarantee, which
Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy Projects FY25 GDP Growth at 6.95%
   ● India's Gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 6.95% in FY25, according to
forecasts by 28 agencies, which is 25 basis points lower than the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI)
forecast of 7.2%.
● According to a note by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), Forecasts were
revised from 7% to 6.95% due to recent macroeconomic data and the slowdown in high-
      frequency indicators.
   ● GST Collections:GST collections grew by 6.5% year-on-year in September 2024, the lowest in 39
months, amounting to ₹1.73 lakh crore, slightly lower than the previous month.
State Bank of India Extends Amrit Kalash and Amrit Vrishti Fixed Deposit Schemes to March 31, 2025
● The State Bank of India (SBI) has extended the Amrit Kalash and Amrit Vrishti fixed deposit
● Originally set to conclude on September 30, 2024, the extension provides higher interest rates for
depositors.
   ● In February 2023, SBI introduced the Amrit Kalash scheme with special benefit in terms of higher
      rate of interest.
   ● In July 2024, SBI launched a new special deposit called ‘Amrit Vrishti’.
Reserve Bank of India to Introduce Recipient Name Verification for Real-Time Gross Settlement and
National Electronic Funds Transfer Transactions
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is proposing a new feature for RTGS (Real-Time Gross
      Settlement) and NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) that allows remitters to verify the
      recipient's name before executing payments.
   ● The initiative aims to reduce instances of incorrect fund transfers and enhance customer
      confidence in electronic payment systems.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The proposal was announced by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das during the Monetary Policy
      Committee meeting on October 9, 2024.
Minority Shareholder Accuses Securities and Exchange Board of India of Collusion with ICICI Securities
in Delisting Process
   ● Quantum Mutual Fund and Manu Rishi Guptha, minority shareholders of ICICI Securities,
● ICICI Securities and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) are key respondents in
the case.
● The case is being heard by the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) after the
      Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved ICICI Securities'
      delisting plan.
● Shareholders approved the delisting in March 2024, with 72% of minority shareholders voting in
favor.
Reserve Bank of India plans to establish a data repository for integrating climate risk information
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed setting up a data repository to monitor climate-
related risks, known as the Reserve Bank - Climate Risk Information System (RB-CRIS).
● It will address issues like varied data sources, differing formats, and inconsistencies in frequency
and units.
● Data portal: Contains processed datasets in standardised formats, available to regulated entities
in a phased manner.
● Draft Guidelines for Climate Risk Disclosures: On February 28, 2024, RBI issued draft guidelines
Reserve Bank of India prohibits lenders from charging pre-payment penalties on loans to Micro and
Small Enterprises
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred banks and non-banking financial companies
      (NBFCs) from levying foreclosure charges or pre-payment penalties on floating rate term loans
● Scope of Guidelines: This extends the existing prohibition on pre-payment penalties, which was
previously applicable only to individual borrowers (except for business purposes), to include MSE
loans.
Jio Payments Bank Secures Mutual Fund Distribution License from Amfi
● Jio Payments Bank, a subsidiary of Jio Financial Services, has obtained a mutual fund
● The bank has secured a Category 1 Execution-only Platform (EOP) license, which allows it to
● New Company Formation: The joint venture, named Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers, aims to
NABARD Releases Results of Second National Rural Financial Inclusion Survey for 2021-22, Analyzing
1 Lakh Rural Households Post-COVID
   ● The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) conducted the second All
India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS) for the agricultural year 2021-22.
● The survey involved data collection from 100,000 rural households across all 28 states and
● The survey highlights the essential role of financial inclusion in economic development, following
an inaugural survey conducted for the agricultural year 2016-17 with results released in August
2018.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The survey included all 28 states and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
   ● For agricultural households, cultivation accounted for about one-third of monthly earnings,
followed by government/private services (25%), wage labor (16%), and other enterprises (15%).
● The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) has emerged as a key tool for promoting financial inclusion in the
rural agricultural sector, showing substantial growth in coverage over the past five years.
   ● In total, 44% of agricultural households were found to possess a valid Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
   ● Overall, 54% of households with at least one member over 60 years old reported receiving it,
About NABARD :
   ● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
● It was established on the recommendations of B. Sivaraman Committee (by Act 61, 1981 of
Parliament) on 12 July 1982 to implement the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
● NABARD is an apex regulatory body for the overall regulation of regional rural banks and apex
● It is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government of India (GoI).
Mastercard launches new Technology Hub in Pune to enhance growth and innovation
   ● Mastercard inaugurated a state-of-the-art Tech Hub in Pune,Maharashtra, India, aimed at
● The new campus covers nearly half a million square meters and is located at Bluegrass Business
● This facility is part of Mastercard's global Tech Hub ecosystem, which includes seven locations:
Arlington, Dublin, New York, Pune, St. Louis, Sydney, and Vancouver.
About Mastercard :
   ● Founded : 1966
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das warns that excessive dependence on Artificial
Intelligence may threaten financial stability
● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized that while Artificial
Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) offer opportunities for growth in the financial sector,
Reserve Bank of India Directs Credit Institutions to Submit Borrower Credit Information to Credit
Information Companies Before License Cancellation or Loan Cycle Completion
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated credit institutions (CIs) to provide credit
● Entities whose licenses or Certificates of Registration (CoR) have been canceled by the RBI are
not recognized as CIs under the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Act, 2005 (CICRA).
   ● CICs are required to classify these entities as "Licence Cancelled Entities" in their Credit
       Information Reports (CIR).
          ○ All Commercial Banks (including Small Finance Banks, Local Area Banks, and Regional
              Rural Banks, excluding Payments Banks).
○ All Primary (Urban) Co-operative Banks, State Co-operative Banks, and Central Co-
operative Banks.
International Finance Corporation grants $500 million loan to Axis Bank to support green projects in
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
India
● International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has partnered with Axis
● The purpose of the loan is to develop a blue finance market and scale up financing for green
projects in India.
● This is IFC's first blue investment in India and the first blue transaction by a financial institution in
the country.
● In 2016, Axis Bank issued the first green US dollar bond from India.
About IFC :
   ● Established : July 20, 1956
● Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched the 'bob Masterstroke Savings Account' tailored for high-end
customers.
● Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was appointed as BoB’s global brand ambassador.
About BoB :
   ● Founded: July 20, 1908, by Sir Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Reserve Bank of India Proposes Ban on Banks Using Group Entities to Evade Regulatory Compliance
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed that banks should not use group entities to
circumvent regulations applicable to them, as per a draft circular on 'forms of business and
● Investment Restrictions:
➢ Banks are prohibited from investing in Category III Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs).
● Limits on Sponsoring ARCs: Banks can sponsor only one Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC)
● Scope of Application: The circular applies to all non-banking financial companies (NBFCs),
including Housing Finance Companies, that are group entities of Scheduled Commercial Banks
Reserve Bank of India Considers Securities Risk on Bond Street as Rupee Declines
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring the slowing of foreign investment in fully
accessible government bonds (FAR) due to global market volatility impacting local debt markets.
   ● Officials from RBI’s Financial Markets Regulation Department (FMRD) have been informally
      engaging with banks, especially foreign lenders, to assess the unwinding of overseas trading
● Approximately 20-25% of the foreign investment flowing into Indian debt between September
● FAR Category Introduction:The FAR category of government securities was introduced in March
● Only bonds in the FAR category are eligible for inclusion in the JP Morgan bond index.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
50 new payment apps express interest in joining UPI despite zero merchant discount rate
● 50 new third-party application providers (TPAPs) are eager to join the Unified Payments Interface
● Definition of MDR : An MDR is a fee levied on a merchant by a fintech or any other payment
● MDR is usually a percentage of the transaction amount, typically between 1% and 3%.
● Transaction Costs: Currently, most debit UPI transactions are free, with payment-processing
● MDR Possibility: Asbe indicated that MDR might only be introduced for larger merchants, not
About NPCI :
   ● Founded : 2008
● The NPCI is an umbrella organization for operating retail payments and settlement systems in
India.
   ● It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under the
      provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust Payment &
Tata Digital partners with Tata AIA to introduce life insurance products on Tata Neu
● Tata Digital has collaborated with Tata AIA Life Insurance to offer life insurance products on the
● The launch follows the success of the co-branded credit card with HDFC Bank.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Tata AIA offers diverse solutions such as term cover, savings plans, investment plans, and
retirement solutions.
● The World Bank has projected India's economic expansion at 7% for FY25, driven by robust
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
RBI takes action against 4 NBFCs, ceases them from loan disbursal
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken significant action against four Non-Banking Financial
      Companies (NBFCs):
          o Asirvad Micro Finance Limited
          o Arohan Financial Services Limited
          o DMI Finance Private Limited
          o Navi Finserv Limited
   ● These NBFCs have been directed to halt loan sanction and disbursement activities from the
      close of business on October 21, 2024.
Reserve Bank of India Expands Access to Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching Electronic
Trading Platform
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) widened access to its Negotiated Dealing System-Order
      Matching (NDS-OM) electronic trading platform to more regulated entities (REs).
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Newly eligible entities include Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Local Area Banks, Non-Banking
      Financial Companies (NBFCs), Housing Finance Companies, provident funds, pension funds,
What is NDS-OM?
   ● The Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) is a screen-based electronic trading
● It is owned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and provides an anonymous order-matching
● Eligibility Criteria:Entities must be members of the securities settlement segment of the Clearing
Corporation of India Limited (CCIL) to obtain direct access to the NDS-OM platform.
India's Software Services Exports Rise to $205.2 Billion in 2023-24: RBI Survey
   ● According to a Reserve Bank of India (RBI) survey, India's total exports of software services,
including services delivered by foreign affiliates of Indian companies, increased to $ 205.2 billion
● Major Export Destinations:The United States was the largest software export destination,
● Europe accounted for 31%, with the United Kingdom being a key destination.
● The US dollar was the principal invoicing currency, with a 72% share, followed by the euro, rupee,
Reserve Bank of India removes lending restrictions imposed on JM Financial's non-banking subsidiary
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the ban on JM Financial Products, allowing it to
resume financing activities, including loans for shares, debentures, and initial public offering (IPO)
subscriptions.
● In March,2024 the RBI had imposed restrictions on JM Financial Products due to regulatory
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank, have waived processing fees on home loans to
attract demand during the festive season, ranging from December 2024 to March 2025.
home loan disbursals, reaching ₹1,849.67 crore in Q2 of the financial year after waiving
processing fees.
World Bank and Asian Development Bank pledged $1.6 billion for Amaravati capital project starting
January 2025
● The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have committed a total of $1.6 billion
(₹13,600 crore) for the Phase-I development of Amaravati, the capital city of Andhra Pradesh.
About ADB :
   ● Established : 19 December 1966
● Membership : 68 countries
Reserve Bank of India Imposes Penalties of Rs 28.30 Lakh on SG Finserve and Rs 14 Lakh on
Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a penalty of Rs 28.30 lakh on SG Finserve Limited
● The penalty is due to non-compliance with specific conditions under the Certificate of
Registration (CoR) issued by RBI under Section 45IA(5) of the RBI Act, 1934.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The action was taken under clause (a) of sub-section (1) of Section 58G read with sub-section (6)
      of Section 58B of the RBI Act.
● A penalty of Rs 14 lakh was imposed on Arunachal Pradesh Rural Bank for non-compliance with:
Exposure Limit).
● The penalty was imposed under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the
Reserve Bank of India to Extend Real-Time Gross Settlement System for US Dollar, Euro, and British
Pound Transactions via Agreements
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to expand the real-time gross settlement (RTGS) system
to facilitate transactions in the United States dollar, Euro, and British pound through bilateral or
multilateral agreements.
● RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das highlighted the potential of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)
New Development Bank Approves Tenders for ₹1,734 Crore Shimla Ropeway Projects
   ● The New Development Bank (NDB) has approved the Himachal Pradesh Ropeways Corporation
to float advance tenders for the construction of the Shimla ropeway project valued at ₹1,734
crore.
● The project aims to decongest the state capital, Shimla, by providing an efficient transportation
alternative.
● The policy is specifically aimed at protecting Diwali against accidents caused by firecrackers.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Neobank Freo receives corporate agent licence from the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority
➢ Freo, a digital banking startup backed by Peak XV, has secured a corporate agent license from
What is a Neobank?
   ● A neo bank is a digital bank that offers financial services online or through a mobile app, without
   ● Neo banks are also known as fintech banks, challenger banks, or digital banks.
   ● Business Verticals: Freo operates through three main verticals:
➢ Freo Pay: Offers UPI payments, bill payments, and co-branded credit cards with Yes Bank.
➢ Freo Save: Provides savings accounts in partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank.
➢ Freo Credit: Previously known as MoneyTap, this vertical offers loans in collaboration with
various financial institutions, including Incred Capital and Cholamandalam Investment and
Finance.
➢ Funding and Financial Performance: In February 2024 Freo received undisclosed debt
Reserve Bank of India Prohibits Four Finance Companies from Approving and Disbursing New Loans
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has banned four finance companies from sanctioning and
● The ban is effective from the close of business on October 21, 2024.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● RBI's Regulatory Powers:The RBI's actions were taken under Section 45L(1)(b) of the Reserve
      Bank of India Act, 1934, highlighting its authority to regulate and enforce compliance among Non-
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Extends IFRS 17 Implementation Deadline to
FY27, Allowing More Time for Companies
● The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has asked both bank-
FY27, a move that will give these companies sufficient time for implementation.
● Previously, Irdai had set a timeline of FY25 for the implementation of IFRS 17 in the insurance
sector.
● It provides guidelines for the classification of assets and liabilities in the insurance sector and
● The committee is headed by the Member (Finance and Investment) of IRDAI and will work on
effective implementation steps and provide phase-wise timelines for the new accounting
framework.
About IRDAI :
   ● Established : 1999
● The IRDAI is a statutory body under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), Government
of India (GoI) and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and reinsurance
industries in India.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited, the First Finance Company for Power and Infrastructure Lending in
IFSC, Begins Operations After Receiving Approval from IFSCA
   ● PFC Infra Finance IFSC Limited (PIFIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Power Finance
Corporation Limited (PFC), has received approval from the International Financial Services
● Significance:PIFIL is notable for being the first finance company in IFSC specifically focused on
● This establishment positions PFC as a global brand and strengthens India's status as a global
financial hub.
About IFSCA :
   ● Formed : April 27, 2020
● Headquarters : Gujarat
● In December 2015 the first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India was set up in
Indian Overseas Bank Introduces Mahila Shaksham Scheme to Empower Women Entrepreneurs
● Public sector Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched the 'Mahila Shaksham' scheme to
   ● The scheme aligns with the Centre's Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods
      Mission initiative.
● It is part of the Ministry of Rural Development's 'Lakhpati Didi Yojana', which focuses on
About IOB :
   ● Founded : 10 February 1937
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● HDFC Bank, India's leading private sector bank, has inaugurated its first branch in Singapore
after receiving a wholesale banking license from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)
● The new branch will enable HDFC Bank to offer a diverse range of financial products and
● With this addition, HDFC Bank's international presence now includes five branches located in
Hong Kong, Bahrain, Dubai, Singapore, and an IFSC Banking Unit in Gujarat, India.
Demat Accounts Reach 175 Million, Increasing by 4.4 Million in September 2024
● The total number of dematerialized (demat) accounts reached 175.4 million, with an increase of
   ● Since the beginning of 2024, there has been an average addition of 4 million accounts per month.
   ● Definition of Demat Account:A Demat account (Dematerialized account) is a type of savings
account specifically designed for holding and trading securities in an electronic format.
● It facilitates the buying, selling, and holding of shares and other financial instruments without the
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the establishment of Chief General
      Manager posts in 5 additional nationalized banks: Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India,
Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and UCO Bank.
● Role of CGM: The CGM position serves as an important administrative and functional layer
between the General Manager (GM) and the Executive Director (board level) in nationalized
banks
   ● Targeted Strategies: The additional CGMs will facilitate the development of more targeted
      strategies and enhance overall performance across various banking sub-domains like retail credit,
State Bank of India Set to Raise ₹5,000 Crore via AT-I Bonds
● State Bank of India (SBI) plans to raise ₹5,000 crore in the domestic debt capital market through
      bonds.
   ● Issue Size and Green Shoe Option: The base issue size is ₹2,000 crore, with a green shoe
option of ₹3,000 crore, allowing flexibility to raise the total amount up to ₹5,000 crore.
Bond Characteristics:
   ● These are perpetual bonds with equity-like characteristics.
● Call Option: The bonds come with a call option on October 24, 2034, which allows the bank to
● Bond Ratings: The AT-I bonds have been rated AA+ by domestic rating agencies CRISIL and
CARE.
● Previous Fundraising: In September 2024, SBI had raised ₹7,500 crore through Tier-II bonds to
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About SBI :
   ● Established : 1 July 1955
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu Launches UPI Payment Service to Enhance Economy
● Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has initiated steps to introduce India's Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) in the country, aiming to significantly benefit the Maldivian economy.
● UPI is developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and serves as an instant
● Tourism's Economic Role:Tourism is a crucial economic driver for the Maldives, contributing
nearly 30% to the GDP and accounting for over 60% of foreign exchange earnings.
About Maldives :
   ● President : Mohamed Muizzu
● Capital : Malé
PB Fintech Subsidiary Receives Reserve Bank of India Approval to Launch 'Account Aggregator'
Business
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a ‘Certificate of Registration’ (CoR) to PB Fintech's
without accepting public deposits, subject to conditions set by the RBI in the CoR.
● Previous Approvals:In January 2023, RBI granted in-principle approval for PB Financial Account
● PB Fintech established the subsidiary in February 2022 and applied for the CoR as an NBFC-AA.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
e-mandates.
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is conducting a pilot project for the Central Bank Digital
● The RBI is considering collaborating with the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) to
● It is also expanding its partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a cross-border CBDC
Reserve Bank of India Report Optimistic About Economic Boost from Upcoming Festive Season
Despite Current Slackness
● The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) report indicates a slowdown in certain high-frequency
indicators but maintains confidence in a recovery due to anticipated consumption demand during
● Indicators of Slackness:Notable slack in Goods & Services Tax (GST) collections, auto sales,
      bank credit growth, merchandise exports, and the manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index
      (PMI) was reported.
● The gap between credit growth (12.8% year-on-year) and deposit growth (11.8% year-on-year)
● Deposit rates are expected to remain high, even with a slowdown in credit demand.
India Grants INR 487.60 Crores Line of Credit to Mauritius for Water Pipeline Replacement Project
   ● India has provided a new Line of Credit of INR 487.60 Crores to the Government of Mauritius for
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● This is the first-ever ₹ denominated Line of Credit extended by India for project financing under
      the Indian Development and Economic Assistance Scheme (IDEAS).
About Mauritius :
   ● President : Prithvirajsing Roopun
● Non-bank players in the microfinance (MFI) sector may be required by the Reserve Bank of India
● This measure aims to prevent lenders from overcharging low-income borrowers, predominantly
women, after the RBI's inspection found instances of margins exceeding the 12% cap during
● The MFI industry's portfolio as of June 2024 was ₹4.2 lakh crore, with NBFC-MFIs contributing
40%, banks 33%, small finance banks 17%, and NBFCs 10%.
● Interest Rate Variability: According to Microfinance Industry Network (MFIN), the lowest and
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
academic institutions.
   ● Banking
   ● Real sector issues
Asian Development Bank sanctions $241 million loan to enhance power distribution in West Bengal
● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $241.3 million loan to enhance electricity
● The programme aims to provide a reliable and sustainable power supply, improving the quality of
      life for 8.96 million consumers across seven districts of the state.
   ● The initiative aligns with India's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme, which focuses on
About ADB :
   ➢ Established : 1966
➢ Membership : 68 members, including 49 regional members (countries in Asia and the Pacific)
Bima Sugam Digital Insurance Platform Set for Launch, Says IRDAI Chairperson Debasish Panda
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Bima Sugam, a digital insurance platform, is ready for launch as confirmed by Debasish Panda,
      the chairperson of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
● Health Insurance Summit: The announcement was made during the 17th Health Insurance
Union Bank's Credit Pipeline Reaches ₹75,000 Crore - MD and CEO A Manimekhalai
   ● Union Bank of India has a robust credit pipeline of ₹75,000 crore, with ₹39,000 crore pending
● Sector Focus: Loan sanctions are directed towards sectors like roads, power, real estate,
● Credit Growth Target: The bank maintains its credit growth target of 11%-13% for FY24, despite
a lower-than-expected growth in the second quarter. Advances grew by 9.63% YoY to ₹9.28 lakh
crore.
Insider trading regulations for mutual funds to take effect from November 1
● Nearly two years after issuing a notification, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
decided to implement amendments to insider trading norms for asset management companies
(AMCs), designated persons, trustees or their immediate relatives from November 1, 2024.
● The first disclosure, showing holdings as of October 31, 2024, must be reported on the stock
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● For subsequent quarters, the information must be provided within 10 calendar days from the end
      of the quarter.
● Transaction Reporting:Any transactions involving mutual fund units exceeding ₹15 lakh (either in
one transaction or over a series of transactions during a calendar quarter) must be reported by
the designated persons, trustees, and their immediate relatives to the AMC compliance officer
About SEBI :
   ● Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January
● SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of
Securities and Exchange Board of India to Strengthen small and medium enterprises initial public
offerings Guidelines and Migration Rules
   ● The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is preparing proposals to tighten the norms
around the listing of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) amidst a surge of investor interest
      and multiple instances of gross violations and fraudulent practices in the segment.
   ● A consultation paper on new proposals is expected to be released within a few months, as stated
Reserve Bank of India expands 'alert list' with 13 additional entities involved in unauthorized forex
trading
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) updated the 'Alert List' of unauthorised forex trading platforms
by adding 13 more entities, including TDFX and Inefex, taking the total to 88.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Alert List contains names of entities which are neither authorised to deal in forex under the
       Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) nor authorised to operate electronic trading
platforms (ETP) for forex transactions under the Electronic Trading Platforms (Reserve Bank)
Directions, 2018.
● Some entities in the list are Ranger Capital, TDFX, Inefex, YorkerFX, Growline, Think Markets,
Smart Prop Trader, FundedNext, Weltrade, FreshForex, FX Road, DBG Markets, and
Plusonetrade.
India expected to achieve 7.2% growth in FY25: RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra
   ● India's Gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 7.2% in the fiscal year 2024-25.
   ● Growth is expected to stabilize around 7% in the following fiscal year, with a potential return to an
       8% growth trend thereafter.
● Global Standing:India is currently recognized as the fastest-growing major economy globally and
● The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation rose to 5.5% in September 2024, following a
decline in July-August, driven by increased prices in certain food items and adverse base effects.
HDFC Bank Reaches 25% Gender Diversity Goal Ahead of Schedule, Enrolling Over 17,000 Women in
FY24
● HDFC Bank surpassed its gender diversity goal of 25% women in its workforce, achieving this
● Women now represent 26% of HDFC Bank's 2 lakh employees, with many in the workforce being
Federal Bank Partners with Bhashini to Introduce Vernacular Support for Chatbot Feddy
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Federal Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhashini, an AI-powered
      language translation platform, to add vernacular language support to its AI virtual assistant,
Feddy.
● Purpose: The collaboration aims to promote banking services in vernacular languages, in line
with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH)'s local language initiative.
● Supported Languages: With the integration of Bhashini's language translation capabilities, Feddy
is now able to respond to user queries in 14 different Indian languages, including Hindi, Bengali,
      Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Punjabi, Urdu, Manipuri,
      and Bodo.
Reserve Bank of India Study Shows Private Banks at the Forefront of Artificial Intelligence Adoption
   ● Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in India is gaining momentum, particularly among private
banks, with asset size and CRAR (Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio) being key factors
● The size and financial health of a bank, measured by CRAR, positively influence the bank's focus
on AI. Larger banks benefit from economies of scale and have more investment capacity for AI
technologies.
● For public sector banks (PSBs), the emphasis on AI increased more than three-fold during the
same period.
● Technologies Employed by Banks: Major technologies being employed include cloud computing,
big data, automation, and data analytics, with increasing focus on newer AI technologies like
Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Internet of Things (IoT), and Natural Language Processing
(NLP).
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The Department of Financial Services (DFS) in the Finance Ministry announced a major revamp
● This restructuring aims to significantly increase promotion opportunities for employees at the
● New Framework: The new framework introduces a substantial increase in the number of Chief
General Managers (CGMs), General Managers (GMs), Deputy General Managers (DGMs), and
● Categories Based on Business Mix: Nationalized banks are categorized based on their business
      mix:
   ● Category A: Business Mix of less than ₹10 lakh crore.
● CGM Distribution:
● Over ₹10 lakh crore: Minimum 10 CGMs, plus 1 additional CGM for each ₹1 lakh crore increase
in business mix.
● Review Timeline: The methodology for computing CGM positions may be reviewed by DFS in
About DFS :
   ● The Department of Financial Services (DFS) is a nodal department of the Ministry of Finance that
State Bank of India secures ₹5,000 crore by issuing Additional Tier-I bonds at an interest rate of 7.98%
● State Bank of India (SBI) raised ₹5,000 crore through the issuance of Additional Tier-I (AT-I)
bonds.
● The bonds were issued at a coupon rate of 7.98%, which is the interest rate paid to investors.
● Purpose: The funds raised are intended to bolster SBI's capital base.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About SBI :
   ➢ Established : 1 July 1955
Paytm Receives National Payments Corporation of India Approval to Enrol New UPI Users
   ● The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has approved Paytm to onboard new UPI
● This decision is a significant boost for Paytm, especially after setbacks earlier in the year when
the Reserve Bank of India restricted its associate company, Paytm Payments Bank Limited
● In March,2024 NPCI had previously granted Paytm permission to conduct UPI transactions as a
Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP), enabling it to process transactions through four banks:
About NPCI :
   ● Founded : 2008
   ● The NPCI is an umbrella organisation that operates retail payments and settlement systems in
      India.
● It is an initiative of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) under
      the provisions of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, to create a robust Payment &
      Settlement Infrastructure in India.
Financial Intelligence Unit Slaps Rs 54 Lakh Penalty on Union Bank of India for Violating Prevention of
Money Laundering Act Regulations
   ● The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) imposed a penalty of Rs 54 lakh on the Union Bank of India
for failing to report suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and lacking due diligence under the
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Reason for Penalty:The penalty was issued for violations observed during an investigation that
      found irregularities in compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money
● The penalty notice was issued under Section 13 of the PMLA on October 1, after the FIU
substantiated charges against the bank based on written and oral submissions.
About FIU :
   ● Formed : November 18, 2004
Muthoot Finance Secures $400 Million via External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
   ● Muthoot Finance raised $400 million through the issuance of Senior Secured Notes.
➢ The funds were raised under its Global Medium Term Note Program totalling $2 billion.
➢ Terms of the Notes:The coupon rate for the notes is set at 6.375% per annum.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Israel Joins Asian Development Bank as 69th Member and 20th Non-Regional Member
● Israel officially became the 69th member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the 20th
● Israel submitted its application for ADB membership in January 2022, and the ADB Board of
Governors approved the membership on 14 April 2022 through Resolution No. 414.
About Israel :
   1. President : Isaac Herzog
3. Capital : Jerusalem
Finance Ministry to Review Co-Lending and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Credit at Public
Sector Banks
   ● Department of Financial Services (DFS) Secretary M Nagaraju is likely to chair this meeting with
the managing directors (MDs) and chief executive officers (CEOs) of public sector banks (PSBs)
on November 5, 2024.
● A report on co-lending submitted by the State Bank of India (SBI) to the finance ministry has
       recommended eliminating the 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on co-lending activities.
   ● Recommendations:The committee's report suggests:
Religare States Reserve Bank of India Rejected Proposal to Appoint Former Central Bureau of
Investigation Official to Its Board
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) denied Religare Enterprises' application to appoint Rakesh
Aditya Birla Housing Finance teams up with BharatPe to transform secured lending
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Aditya Birla Housing Finance Ltd. (ABHFL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited., has
      partnered with BharatPe, a fintech company, to enhance access to home loans and loans against
● ABHFL is the first housing finance company to collaborate with BharatPe, aiming to streamline
● In August 2024, BharatPe expanded into secured loans by launching two-wheeler loans and
loans against mutual funds in partnership with established financial services firms.
About BharatPe :
   ● Founded : 2018
International Monetary Fund Maintains India's GDP Growth Rate at 7% for the Current Fiscal Year
   ● The International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained India's GDP growth rate at 7% for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2025, and projected 6.5% growth for FY2025-26 in its World Economic Outlook
(WEO).
   ● Deloitte India Projection: Deloitte India's Economic Outlook also forecasts India's GDP growth
      between 7% and 7.2% for the current fiscal year.
About IMF :
   ● Founded : 1 July 1944
● The International Monetary Fund is a major financial agency of the United Nations, and an
National Payments Corporation of India Teams Up with Al Etihad Payments to Launch Domestic Card
Scheme JAYWAN in the UAE
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), through its international subsidiary NPCI
      International Payments Limited (NIPL), is collaborating with Al Etihad Payments (AEP) to
establish a domestic card scheme called JAYWAN in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
● Al Etihad Payments (AEP):AEP, the national payments entity of the UAE, was established by the
Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) in 2023 as part of the UAE’s National Payments Strategy to
● JAYWAN Card Scheme:The JAYWAN card is based on India's RuPay card stack, developed by
      NPCI, which has been shared with AEP to enable the UAE's digital payment sovereignty.
   ● This makes the UAE the first country in the GCC region to adopt the RuPay stack for its domestic
payments.
State Bank of India Study Shows 74.2% Decline in Income Disparity Among Individuals Earning Up to
Rs 5 Lakh
   ● A report from the State Bank of India (SBI) indicates a cumulative 74.2% decline in income
disparity for individuals earning up to Rs 5 lakh annually between fiscal years 2013-14 and 2022-
23.
● The report analyzed income disparity curves for assessment years (AY) 2014-15 and 2023-24,
● Regional Tax Filing Trends:States like Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka are nearing
saturation in Income Tax Return (ITR) filings, leading to a decline in their share of the overall tax
file base.
● Uttar Pradesh has emerged as the leader in increasing its share of the income tax file base,
● Direct Tax Contribution: The contribution of direct taxes to total tax revenue reached 56.7% in
AY24, the highest in 14 years, reflecting improved tax compliance and a shift towards a
India’s forex reserves decline by $2.16 billion, reaching $688.26 billion: Government data
   ● According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India's foreign exchange reserves fell by $2.163
billion to $688.267 billion for the week ending October 18, 2024.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● In the prior week, reserves had dropped by $10.746 billion, marking one of the largest declines in
      recent history, which brought the total to $690.43 billion.
● Gold Reserves: India’s gold reserves increased by $1.786 million, bringing them to $67.444
● In 2023-24, Indian banks increased their overseas presence by expanding both their balance
● Increase in Overseas Staffing: Employee strength grew by 8.2% in overseas branches and 1.7%
in subsidiaries.
● For foreign banks in India, the number of branches and employees rose by 0.6% and 1.4%,
respectively.
● Foreign banks in India: 27.1% increase in interest income and 47.7% in expenses.
● Income Ratios: Total income to assets ratio for overseas branches of Indian banks rose to 6.2%
in 2023-24 (from 3.9% in 2022-23), though it was lower than the ratio for subsidiaries (7.3%) and
   ● Top Fee-Income Generating Locations: The highest fee income was from Indian bank branches
      in the UK, followed by the UAE, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
● Chennai-based public sector lender Indian Bank has raised Rs 5,000 crore through the issuance
● The bond issuance was highly successful, attracting bids amounting to ₹15,925 crore, which is
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
CRISIL Places Long-Term Ratings of Navi Finserv and Asirvad Under Rating Watch
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) took action against Navi Finserv and Asirvad Microfinance,
barring them from sanctioning and disbursing loans due to excessively high interest rates
charged to borrowers.
● Following the RBI's action, CRISIL placed Asirvad's long-term ratings on "rating watch with
About CRISIL :
   ● Founded : 1987
Asian Development Bank approves USD 434.25 million loan to support solar power project in Assam
● The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 434.25 million (about Rs 3,600 crore)
loan to increase renewable energy capacity and improve energy security in Assam.
● The project aims to increase renewable energy capacity, enhance energy security, and reduce
● Renewable Energy Capacity: The initiative will help Assam develop a renewable energy roadmap
● Project Details: The Assam Solar Project includes the construction of a 500 MW grid-connected
Reserve Bank of India Infuses Capital to Control Bank Funding Costs Amid Foreign Exchange Outflows
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected ₹25,000 crore into the banking system through a
● This was the first operation of its kind since September 24, aiming to stabilize funding costs for
banks amid increasing cash withdrawals related to festivals and foreign capital outflows.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Impact of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI):India experienced a record outflow of $9.6 billion
      (approximately ₹80,954 crore) from foreign equity markets in October.
● This outflow put pressure on the Indian rupee, which weakened past the 84/$1 mark.
● Interest Rates:Following the liquidity crunch, the weighted average call rate (WACR) rose to
6.75%, exceeding the repo rate of 6.50%, indicating tightening liquidity conditions.
   ● Current Liquidity Status:Surplus liquidity in the banking system decreased, dropping to a one-
      month low of ₹57,428.30 crore, highlighting the need for RBI’s intervention to maintain balance.
countries facing liquidity challenges by reducing debt servicing costs and redirecting funds
● World Bank’s Role: Unlike other banks, this marks the World Bank’s first foray into such swaps.
1. Target Countries: This program targets countries with liquidity not solvency issues, particularly
those actively working towards debt sustainability but still encountering financial constraints.
2. World Bank's Expanded Toolkit: Announced by World Bank President Ajay Banga, this initiative
is part of a broader strategy to help re-profile debt for select countries, allowing them to allocate
Ministry of Finance seeks appropriate revamp of Interest Equalisation Scheme before considering
further extension
   ● The Finance Ministry may extend the Interest Equalisation Scheme beyond December 31, 2024
if the Commerce Department revamps it to demonstrate that it benefits Micro, Small and Medium
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Initially implemented in April 2015 for five years, it has been extended several times post-2020,
      recently in August 2024 and September 2024 for MSME manufacturer exporters.
● Objective of the Scheme:Aimed to promote exports by providing bank credit to exporters of 410
● Banks are reimbursed by the government for the reduced interest income.
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das awarded A+ grade in Central Bank Report Cards
2024 in the United States of America
   ● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das received an A+ grade in the Central
● Denmark's Christian Kettel Thomsen, and Switzerland's Thomas Jordan have also been ranked
● Grades were assigned on an “A+” to “F” scale, evaluating success in key areas like inflation
control, economic growth targets, currency stability, and interest rate management.
Global Finance Magazine Recognizes State Bank of India as Best Bank in India for 2024
   ● The State Bank of India (SBI) was named the "Best Bank in India for 2024" by Global Finance
alongside the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in
      Washington, D.C.
   ● SBI Chairman CS Setty accepted the award, which acknowledges SBI’s commitment to
● These awards are recognized globally as a benchmark for evaluating top financial institutions
and serve as a reference for corporate decision-makers, especially during economic challenges.
About SBI :
   ● Established : 1 July 1955
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Pakistan has requested an additional loan of 10 billion yuan (approximately USD 1.4 billion) from
China, on top of the existing 30 billion yuan (USD 4.3 billion) trade facility.
● Pakistan has fully utilized the existing 30 billion yuan facility to repay its debts.
● Extension of Facility: This request comes shortly after China extended the existing USD 4.3
● Debt Repayment Extension: A currency swap agreement was signed during Chinese Premier Li
Qiang's recent visit to Pakistan, extending the debt repayment period to 2027.
● Historical Context: Premier Li Qiang's visit marks the first by a Chinese premier to Pakistan in 11
About Pakistan :
   ● President : Asif Ali Zardari
● Capital : Islamabad
About China :
   ● President : Xi Jinping
● Capital : Beijing
● Currency : Renminbi
Securities and Exchange Board of India Imposes ₹16 Lakh Penalty on Edelweiss Asset Management,
CEO Radhika Gupta, and Fund Manager for Mutual Fund Rule Breaches
● Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) imposed a penalty of
₹16 lakh on Edelweiss Asset Management Ltd, CEO Radhika Gupta, and fund manager Trideep
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Payment Deadline: The entities have been instructed to pay the penalty within 45 days.
BharatPe Rebrands 12% Club App to Invest BharatPe, Expands into Wealth Management Sector
   1. BharatPe has renamed its 12% Club app to Invest BharatPe, reflecting its new focus on
2. New Features: The platform is introducing new investment and wealth management features,
About BharatPe :
   ● Founded : 2018
European Investment Bank Approves €300 Million Funding for Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project
● The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has granted a €300 million (approximately ₹2,800
● The loan is designated for constructing a new suburban railway network, covering four dedicated
● Impact on Emissions:Once operational, the project will lead to an estimated 43% reduction in
● The estimated daily ridership is projected to be nearly 400,000 trips per day in 2029 (the first year
of full operation), with expectations to rise to about 1.4 million trips per day by 2040, aligning with
● EIB’s Contributions to India:Since 2016, the EIB has provided loans totaling €3.25 billion
● EIB's funding includes metro projects in cities such as Agra, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Kanpur,
About EIB :
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Founded: 1958
   ● Location: Kirchberg, Luxembourg
● The EIB is the European Union's investment bank, owned by the 27 member states, and is
CSB Bank Unveils 'SME Turbo Loan' Offering Instant Credit Approvals for Small and Medium
Enterprises
● CSB Bank, a leading private sector bank, has launched a new loan product, SME Turbo Loan, to
offer quick and seamless credit access to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
● The loan provides in-principle sanction for credit amounts up to Rs 5 crore, with facilities such as
● The bank aims to streamline the lending process by leveraging a scorecard-based approach for
faster underwriting.
Cashfree Payments Secures National Payments Corporation of India Certification for UPI Switch
Service
● Cashfree Payments has received certification from the National Payments Corporation of India
● This will allow Cashfree to directly integrate with any bank's core banking software and offer a
● Cashfree can offer settlement of around 12,000 transactions per second with this certification.
● With this integration, Cashfree expects a 5% increase in transaction success rates, aiding faster
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Cashfree received the Payment Aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank of India in
      December 2023, allowing it to operate as a regulated entity in the payments ecosystem.
Equitas Small Finance Bank Introduces 'Selfe Loans' to Support Small Businesses Ahead of Festive
Season
● Equitas Small Finance Bank has launched ‘Selfe Loans’ ahead of the festive season to support
● The initiative leverages internet-based financial services to streamline loan access and aims to
Solex Energy collaborates with State Bank of India to offer financing for solar projects
● Solex Energy has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to offer solar financing options for
● As part of the partnership, SBI will offer solar financing through loans up to Rs 10 crore for solar
projects under its Surya Shakti Solar Finance Scheme across India.
● In August,2024 Tata Power Solar Systems Ltd (TPSSL) signed an agreement with ICICI Bank to
capacity to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) from 700 megawatts (MW), at present, in Tadkeshwar, Gujarat.
About SBI :
   ● Established : 1 July 1955
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Establish Asset Management Companies to Enter Mutual Funds
Market
● Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Inc. announced the establishment of two joint venture
InCorp Global Becomes the First Company at GIFT IFSC to Obtain Bookkeeping and Accounting
License
● InCorp Global is the first firm at the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to
receive a Bookkeeping, Accounting, Taxation, and Financial Crime Compliance (BATF) license.
● The BATF license is granted under the IFSCA (BATF Services) Regulations, 2024, which classify
these services as ‘financial services’ under Section 3 of the IFSCA Act, 2019.
● Jio Financial Services, a non-banking financial company (NBFC), has introduced SmartGold,
● Investment Details:Customers can start investing in digital gold with a minimum amount of ₹10.
● Gold Storage and Transparency:The underlying asset is 24-karat physical gold equivalent to the
Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das Proposes RB-CRIS to Enhance Access to Quality
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das proposed the establishment of RB-
CRIS, a climate risk data repository aimed at improving the availability of high-quality climate-
related data.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● This initiative will support robust risk assessments for regulated entities and aid compliance with
      RBI's climate-related financial risk disclosure framework.
● Significance of Climate Risks: Climate change poses a significant risk to the global financial
system, prompting the RBI to address data gaps related to climate risks.
● Climate Vulnerability: India ranks among the top ten most climate-vulnerable countries,
specifically holding the seventh position in the 2021 Global Climate Risk Index (CRI).
● Four Main Areas of Focus: The draft framework focuses on the following areas for disclosure:
   ● Governance: How the board and management oversee and manage climate risks.
   ● Strategy: The institution's plans to address climate risks and opportunities over different time
● Risk Management: Processes for identifying, evaluating, and integrating climate risks into overall
● Metrics and Targets: Performance data on climate risks, including key risk indicators, established
Banks and Major Financial Institutions Required to Disclose Climate Change Risk Management
Frameworks by FY26
● Banks and large finance companies will have to disclose their governance, strategy, and risk
● The draft disclosure framework on climate-related financial risks was released by the central
bank.
● These guidelines shall be called the Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Financial Risks,
2024.
● The framework includes definitions for key terms related to climate-related financial risks and is
● The REs include commercial banks (excluding Local Area Banks, Payments Banks and Regional
Rural Banks), certain primary (Urban) cooperative banks, All All-India Financial Institutions (viz.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
      EXIM Bank, NABARD, NaBFID, NHB and SIDBI) and all large non-banking financial companies
      (NBFCs).
● ManipalCigna Health Insurance, a rapidly growing standalone health insurance company, has
offering affordable and inclusive coverage aimed at various customer segments, particularly
● ManipalCigna Health Insurance is a joint venture between the Manipal Group, known for its
contributions to healthcare and education in India, and Cigna Healthcare, a global health services
                                           NATIONAL NEWS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Dedicates Projects Worth ₹11,200 Crore in Maharashtra
   ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several significant projects in Maharashtra via video
      conferencing, including the first phase of the Pune Metro and the upgraded Solapur Airport.
   ● The total investment for these initiatives exceeds ₹11,200 crore, initially set for unveiling on
      September 26, but postponed due to heavy rains.
Government Plans Simultaneous Elections: Three Key Bills to be Introduced
   ● The government intends to introduce three bills aimed at facilitating simultaneous elections
      across the country.
   ● Two of these bills will propose amendments to the Constitution, specifically to align local body
      elections with those of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will commemorate the completion of 10 years since the launch of the
   Swachh Bharat Mission by participating in the Swachh Bharat Diwas programme on October 2.
● This event will take place at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
● The programme will highlight India's decade-long achievements in sanitation and cleanliness and
   showcase the outcomes of the recently concluded "Swachhata Hi Seva" campaign.
      o PM Modi will launch and lay foundation stones for several sanitation and cleanliness projects
          worth over Rs 9,600 crore.
● Project Breakdown:
      o Urban Water and Sewage Systems:
             ▪ Projects worth more than Rs 6,800 crore under the AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 schemes.
      o Ganga Basin Initiatives:
             ▪ 10 projects focused on improving water quality and waste management in Ganga basin
                 areas, valued at over Rs 1,550 crore under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
      o Compressed Biogas Plants:
             ▪ 15 projects worth more than Rs 1,332 crore under the GOBARdhan scheme.
● Theme of Swachhata Hi Seva 2024:
      o The theme, “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,” aims to unify the nation in its
          dedication to cleanliness, public health, and environmental sustainability.
Delhi Launches "Advanced Green War Room" to Combat Air Pollution
● Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai inaugurated an “Advanced Green War Room” at the Delhi
   Secretariat, aimed at monitoring and tackling air pollution in the capital, especially as winter
   approaches.
● This initiative is part of a broader 21-point winter action plan announced.
● The Green War Room will operate 24/7 to track updates related to air pollution and ensure effective
   implementation of government measures against pollution.
● The war room will be managed by an eight-member team of environmental engineers led by Nandita
   Moitra from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC).
Amitabh Kant on IBC Reforms and Economic Transformation
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Amitabh Kant, former NITI Aayog CEO and India's G20 Sherpa, highlighted the transformative
   impact of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) on India's economy during the 8th Annual Day
   Lecture of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) in New Delhi.
● Kant emphasized the need for second-generation reforms to address current challenges in the IBC’s
   functioning.
Launch of Centralised Portal for Prime Minister's Internship Scheme
● The Prime Minister's Internship Scheme, designed to skill 1 crore (10 million) youth at the top 500
   companies in India, is set to launch soon.
● Companies can start posting their internship requirements online from October 3, with the dedicated
   portal opening for candidates around October 12.
● Eligibility criteria include:
       o Candidates aged 21 to 24 years.
       o Must have completed Class 10 and not be engaged in full-time employment.
       o Ineligible candidates include those graduating from IITs, IIMs, IISER, or with professional
           degrees like chartered accountants or cost accountants.
       o Excludes individuals from families with government jobs or annual incomes exceeding Rs 8
           lakh.
Government launches PM E-DRIVE subsidy scheme for EVs with Rs 10,900 crores outlay
● The government launched the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, aimed at promoting the adoption of electric
   vehicles (EVs) in India.
● The initiative comes with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, focusing on setting up charging infrastructure
   and developing the EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
● The scheme will run until March 31, 2026.
Key Features of the PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
   ● Subsumption of EMPS-2024:
           o The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS-2024), which was to be implemented from
               April 1, 2024 to September 30, 2024, is now subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.
   ● Subsidy Structure:
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
          o The subsidy for electric two-wheelers (e-2Ws) is fixed at Rs 5,000 per kilowatt-hour of
              battery power, with a maximum incentive of Rs 10,000 in the first year.
          o In the second year, the subsidy will be reduced by Rs 2,500 per kWh, capping the overall
              benefit at Rs 5,000.
          o Popular electric scooter manufacturers like Ola, TVS, Ather Energy, Hero Vida, and
              Chetak Bajaj have battery capacities ranging from 2.88 kWh to 4 kWh with prices between
              Rs 90,000 to Rs 1.5 lakh
          o A total of Rs 3,679 crore has been allocated for subsidies to support various electric
              vehicles, including:
                 ▪ 24.79 lakh e-2Ws
                 ▪ 3.16 lakh e-3Ws
                 ▪ 14,028 e-buses
Government notifies new labelling rules for green products
● The Union Environment Ministry has officially notified the Ecomark Rules, 2024, recasting its
   flagship scheme for labelling eco-friendly products.
● This notification comes almost a year after the draft rules were issued, marking a significant step
   towards promoting sustainability in consumer goods.
India Among Top Global Performers in H1FY25 Market Performance
● India emerged as the second-best performing major global market during the first half of FY 2024-25
   (H1FY25), closely following Hong Kong.
● Despite a 17.5% surge in the Hang Seng index in September, India showed consistent growth
   across the first half, cementing its position as a leading global market.
Key Points:
   ● Top Performing Global Markets:
          o Hong Kong led with a late rally in September.
          o India, Singapore, the US, and China ranked in the top five best-performing global markets.
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Hazaribag: Inauguration of ₹83,300 Crore Projects for Tribal Upliftment
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Hazaribag, Jharkhand, where he will launch, inaugurate, and
   lay the foundation stones for projects worth over ₹83,300 crore.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● These initiatives are set to impact over 5 crore tribal individuals across 63,000 villages in 30 states
   and Union Territories
● Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: The flagship scheme, with an allocation of over
   ₹79,150 crore, aims to bridge gaps in social infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihoods. It
   will be implemented through 25 focused initiatives under the leadership of 17 ministries and
   departments of the Government of India.
● Education for Tribal Students: PM Modi will inaugurate 40 Eklavya Model Residential Schools
   (EMRS) and lay the foundation for 25 more, with an investment of ₹2,800 crore, ensuring quality
   education and residential facilities for tribal students.
● Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): Launch and dedication of
   initiatives worth over ₹1,360 crore, including:
       o 1,380 km of new roads.
       o Construction of 120 Anganwadi centers, 250 multipurpose centers, and 10 school hostels.
       o Electrification of 75,800 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) households across
          3,000 villages.
       o 275 mobile medical units and 250 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
       o Provision of clean drinking water to 5,550 PVTG villages under the ‘Nal se Jal’ program.
Launch of Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan (DAJGUA)
● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan
   (DAJGUA) on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.
● The scheme has a total outlay of ₹79,156 crores, with contributions of ₹56,333 crores from the
   Central government and ₹22,823 crores from the State government.
● The scheme will cover 63,843 villages and benefit over 5 crore tribal people across 549 districts and
   2,911 blocks in 30 States/UTs.
● The mission consists of 25 interventions aimed at achieving the following goals over the next 5 years:
● Supported Schemes: The Abhiyan includes innovative schemes to promote livelihood and income
   generation among tribal and forest-dwelling communities, such as:
   ● Tribal Home Stay
   ● Improving infrastructure of Government Residential Schools and Hostels
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
 ● Duration: The Cruise India Mission will be implemented in three phases from October 1, 2024, to
    March 31, 2029.
 ● Phase 1 (Oct 2024 - Sep 2025): Focus on studies, master planning, forming cruise alliances, and
    modernizing existing cruise terminals and marinas.
 ● Phase 2 (Oct 2025 - Mar 2027): Development of new cruise terminals, marinas, and activation of
    high-potential cruise locations.
 ● Phase 3 (Apr 2027 - Mar 2029): Integration of all cruise circuits across the Indian subcontinent and
    continued development of cruise infrastructure.
 Union Cabinet Approves Classical Language Status for Five Languages
 ● The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the conferment of
    Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali.
 ● This initiative aims to recognize these languages as custodians of India's profound cultural heritage.
 ● Expert Committee Formation: A Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) was established by the Ministry
    of Culture in November 2004 to examine languages for classical status.
 ● Revised Criteria (November 2005):
         o Increased antiquity of early texts to 1,500-2,000 years.
         o Inclusion of literary discontinuity between classical and modern forms.
 Previous Classical Language Declarations
 The following languages have been conferred Classical Language status:
Language                  Date of Notification
Tamil                     12/10/2004
Sanskrit                  25/11/2005
Telugu                    31/10/2008
Kannada                   31/10/2008
Malayalam                 08/08/2013
Odia                      01/03/2014
 Union Cabinet Approves Rationalization of Agricultural Schemes
 ● The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a proposal from
    the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) to rationalize all Centrally Sponsored
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   Schemes (CSS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers into two umbrella schemes: Pradhan
   Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY).
● PM-RKVY:
      o A cafeteria scheme aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture.
● Krishonnati Yojana (KY):
      o Focused on food security and achieving agricultural self-sufficiency.
● Total Expenditure:
      o The proposed total expenditure for both schemes is Rs. 1,01,321.61 crore.
      o The schemes will be implemented through State Governments.
Financial Breakdown
   ● Central Share: Rs. 69,088.98 crore
   ● State Share: Rs. 32,232.63 crore
   ● Breakdown: Includes Rs. 57,074.72 crore for PM-RKVY and Rs. 44,246.89 crore for KY.
Components Under PM-RKVY
The PM-RKVY will include the following schemes:
   3. Soil Health Management
   4. Rainfed Area Development
   5. AgroForestry
   6. Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
   7. Agricultural Mechanization (including Crop Residue Management)
   8. Per Drop More Crop
   9. Crop Diversification Programme
   10. RKVY DPR component
   11. Accelerator Fund for Agri Startups
Reserve Bank of India Publishes Research Study titled          “Status of Digital Financial Literacy in
Lakshadweep Islands: Bottlenecks and Way Forward”
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) placed on its website a research study titled “Status of Digital
Financial Literacy in Lakshadweep Islands: Bottlenecks and Way Forward” under the Project
Research Study.
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
    ● The study is based on the primary data collected from all the ten inhabited islands in
        Lakshadweep - Agatti, Amini, Andrott, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kavaratti, Kiltan and
Minicoy - to analyse the present status of digital financial literacy and digital financial inclusion.
● Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) were the most popularly used means of digital banking in the
islands.
● About 90% of the respondents in the islands had ATM cards, while 80% reported an actual
Government of India sets ₹50,000 crore limit for Ways and Means Advances (WMA) for H2 FY 2024-25
    ● The limit for Ways and Means Advances for October 2024 to March 2025 has been set at
● The RBI retains the flexibility to revise the WMA limit at any time based on the prevailing
circumstances.
Visa launches platform enabling global banks to issue stablecoins and digital tokens
● Visa has launched the Visa Tokenized Asset Platform (VTAP), a platform aimed at helping global
● VTAP is expected to go live in 2025 and aims to support banks in utilizing blockchain technology
Reserve Bank of India introduces draft guidelines for credit derivatives to boost corporate bond market
liquidity
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has come up with ‘RBI (Credit Derivatives) Directions, 2021 –
Draft’ as the development of the Credit Default Swap (CDS) market is sine qua non for the
development of a liquid market for corporate bonds, especially for the bonds of lower-rated
issuers.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
compensate the other counterparty (protection buyer) for the loss in the value of an underlying
debt instrument resulting from a credit event with respect to a reference entity.
● The protection buyer makes periodic payments (premium) to the protection seller until the
● CDS is a tool to transfer and manage credit risk in an effective manner through redistribution of
risk.
   ● Debt instruments which will be eligible to be a reference / deliverable obligation in a CDS contract
       include Commercial Papers, Certificates of Deposit and Non-Convertible Debentures of original
maturity up to one year; Rated Indian Rupee (INR) denominated corporate bonds (listed and
unlisted); and Unrated INR bonds issued by the Special Purpose Vehicles set up by
infrastructure companies.
• October 7, 2024 marks 23 years of Narendra Modi's public service, starting from his tenure as
the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 7, 2001, to his current role as Prime Minister of India.
• His governance has been characterised by implementing numerous welfare programs, both at
• Gujarat Model: Many of the NDA government’s welfare programs at the Centre draw inspiration
from Modi’s initiatives during his time as Gujarat's Chief Minister. Often referred to as the ‘Gujarat
o Water conservation
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
startups, as announced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
• This initiative is part of the first 100 days of the Modi 3.0 government, highlighting the
          o The space sector is identified as one of the top priorities of the government in its third term
              (3.0).
Union Health Ministry Doubles Nutrition Support for TB Patients Under Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana
• The Union Health Ministry announced a significant boost to its anti-tuberculosis (TB) efforts by
doubling the monthly nutrition support for TB patients from ₹500 to ₹1,000 under the Ni-kshay
• This move aims to enhance the well-being of TB patients by addressing their nutritional needs
during treatment.
• TB patients will now receive ₹1,000 per month, up from the previous ₹500, to aid in their
recovery.
• Additionally, patients will be eligible for ₹3,000 to ₹6,000 in total support under the enhanced
NPY.
• Union Minister Giriraj Singh announced the government’s ambitious target of achieving a cotton
yield of 1,000 kilograms per hectare across 11 top cotton-producing states in India.
• Akola Model: The High-Density Planting System (HDPS) model being utilized in Akola involves
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Current Yield: India's current cotton yield stands at approximately 450 kg per hectare,
       significantly lower than that of global competitors like China, Australia, and Brazil, which report
• Top Cotton-Producing States: The target will be implemented in states including Gujarat,
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that India has eliminated Trachoma as a
• The official certification was presented to Smt. Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and
Mission Director of the National Health Mission, by Ms. Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Lao PDR for ASEAN-India and East Asia Summits Amid Geopolitical
Challenges
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Lao PDR to participate in the 21st ASEAN-India
• This comes as ASEAN faces challenges from Myanmar's civil conflict and rising tensions in the
• The visit underscores India’s decade of engagement with ASEAN under the Act East Policy.
• Objective: Review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of 2,280
km of roads.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
overall connectivity.
Deal For 31 MQ-9B Drones Gets Final Nod, Indian Army And Air Force To Jointly Deploy 16 At Two
Bases In UP
• The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones from
• Delivery Timeline: The Indian defence forces are expected to start receiving the drones over a
Cabinet approves development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal, Gujarat
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of the
• The project will be completed in two phases and aims to showcase India's 4,500-year-old
maritime heritage.
• The Cabinet has given in-principle approval for Phase 1B and Phase 2 of the project.
Cabinet approves continuation of supply of free Fortified Rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan
Yojana
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the
universal supply of Fortified Rice under various government schemes, including the Pradhan
• The fortification of rice will be a central sector initiative, funded 100% by the Government of India.
PM’s address at the laying of the foundation stone of various development projects Worth Over ₹7,600
Crore in Maharashtra
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over
       ₹7,600 crore in Maharashtra via video conference.
• Laid the foundation stone for the New Integrated Terminal Building at Shirdi Airport, costing over
₹645 crore.
• 10 new Government Medical Colleges were launched in Mumbai, Nashik, Jalna, Amravati,
• This initiative aims to provide affordable and accessible healthcare across Maharashtra.
Key Decisions of the 194th ESI Corporation Meeting Chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
• Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports,
presided over the 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation, accompanied by Sushri Shobha
Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment and Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises.
• The meeting focused on pivotal decisions to enhance infrastructure and medical facilities under
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) Approves Phase III of Space-Based Surveillance Mission
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has
approved Phase III of the Space-Based Surveillance (SBS) mission for enhanced land and
• The project serves both civilian and military applications and is being managed by the National
Security Council Secretariat along with the Defence Space Agency under the Ministry of
Defence.
   •   The mission involves the launch of 52 surveillance satellites in low earth orbit and geostationary
       orbit over the next decade.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The total cost of the project is estimated to be ₹26,968 crore, with 21 satellites constructed by
       ISRO and the remaining 31 satellites by private companies.
• The central government has announced the release of over ₹1.78 lakh crore in tax devolution to
state governments.
• This advance instalment aims to support states during the festive season and facilitate increased
o Goa, Sikkim, and Mizoram received the least, with allocations of ₹688 crore, ₹691 crore,
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The integration enables citizens to access multiple government services seamlessly through the
   DigiLocker app, making interactions with the government more efficient.
India's Ship Recycling Industry Set for Major Growth in 2025
   ● India’s ship recycling industry is projected to grow significantly, reaching 3.8-4.2 million GT (gross
      tonnage) in 2025, up from an estimated 2.3-2.6 million GT in 2024, according to a CareEdge
      report.
   ● India currently accounts for 33% of global ship recycling, second only to Bangladesh, which leads
      with 46%.
   ● India’s ship recycling industry is expected to witness a growth spurt by 2025, with annual growth
      rates of around 10% forecasted for 2026-2028.
   ● India remains a key player in the global ship recycling industry, accounting for 33% of global
      dismantling activities in 2023, a rise from 27% in previous years.
   ● The top four countries in ship recycling—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Turkey—together
      handle 90% of global ship dismantling.
PM Modi Celebrates 3rd Anniversary of PM GatiShakti National Master Plan
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 3 years of the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan,
   highlighting its transformative impact on India's infrastructure development.
● PM Modi emphasized that the GatiShakti initiative is accelerating India's progress towards a "Viksit
   Bharat" (Developed India).
● The plan, announced on the 75th Independence Day in 2021, aims to enhance multimodal
   connectivity by integrating infrastructure projects across various ministries and states, making
   project execution faster and more efficient.
● The initiative has seen 44 central ministries and 36 states/UTs participate, leading to improved
   coordination and integration in infrastructure planning.
● Since its inception, the Network Planning Group (NPG) has recommended 208 major infrastructure
   projects worth ₹15.39 lakh crore for approval.
Australia's New Working Holiday Visa Program for Indian Youth:
● Australia has introduced a new First Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) for Indian citizens,
   enabling young Indians aged 18 to 30 to work and holiday in Australia for up to one year.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● This initiative, part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA),
   strengthens the economic and cultural ties between the two nations.
● Eligibility:
       o Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply.
       o A total of 1,000 visas will be allocated annually to successful applicants.
Government to Crack Down on False Air Purifier Claims Amid Rising Pollution Concerns
● As air pollution worsens, especially in the NCR region, and more people purchase air purifiers,
   Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi raised concerns about misleading claims made by some
   manufacturers.
● Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) will increase market surveillance on air purifiers to ensure the
   quality of these products.
● The BIS has already scaled up surveillance by 10 times in the last five years, from 15,000 to over
   1.5 lakh checks annually, and aims to intensify inspections on air purifiers.
● Currently, BIS has a standard for portable electric air purifiers (IS17531 of 2021), but compliance is
   not mandatory.
India's National Scheme for Power Distribution and Renewable Energy Expansion
● The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is developing a national scheme for power distribution as part
   of India’s push to meet rising electricity demand through renewable energy.
● Union Power Minister Manohar Lal announced this initiative, which aligns with India's broader goal of
   establishing 600 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.
● According to the National Electricity Plan (2023-2032), India’s peak demand is expected to be 458
   GW by 2032.
● The plan includes building a transmission network of 335 GW to handle 280 GW of variable
   renewable energy by 2030.
46th Foundation Day Celebration of Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL)
● Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) marked its 46th Foundation Day on 15th
   October 2024 at the SCOPE Convention Center, New Delhi.
● The event was attended by esteemed dignitaries, former CMDs/Directors of TCIL, and employees,
   celebrating the company’s achievements and growth.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
SECL Inaugurates 216th AMRIT Pharmacy in Bilaspur, Enhancing Affordable Healthcare Access
● South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India,
    inaugurated the 216th AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment) Pharmacy
    at the Health Centre in Indira Vihar Colony, Bilaspur.
● With this addition, SECL became India's first coal company to operate four AMRIT pharmacies.
● The AMRIT pharmacies are part of a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
    launched in 2015.
● These pharmacies offer a wide range of generic and life-saving branded drugs, implants, and
    surgical consumables at subsidized rates.
Cabinet Committee Approves Increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops for Marketing
Season 2025-26
● The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has
    approved increasing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for the 2025-26
    marketing season.
● This decision aims to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and promote crop diversification.
● Highest MSP Increase:
         o Rapeseed & Mustard: ₹300 per quintal (highest increase).
         o Lentil (Masur): ₹275 per quintal.
● Other Crops:
         o Gram: ₹210 per quintal.
         o Wheat: ₹150 per quintal.
         o Safflower: ₹140 per quintal.
         o Barley: ₹130 per quintal.
MSP and Production Cost for Rabi Crops (2025-26):
Crop            MSP 2025-26 Cost of               Margin      MSP 2024-25      Absolute
                (₹/quintal)     Production        Over Cost   (₹/quintal)      Increase (₹)
                                (₹/quintal)       (%)
Wheat           2425            1182              105         2275             150
Barley          1980            1239              60          1850             130
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The project underscores the government's focus on improving facilities in these strategically
   important regions.
● The project involves the construction of 2,280 km of roads in the border areas of Rajasthan and
   Punjab.
● Investment: The initiative is backed by a substantial investment of ₹4,406 crore.
Piyush Goyal Launches District Master Plan under PM GatiShakti for Infrastructure Planning
● Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched a district master plan under the PM
   GatiShakti initiative to enhance infrastructure planning in 27 aspirational districts across India.
● This marks a significant step toward improving infrastructure efficiency through data-backed
   decision-making.
● The initiative targets 27 districts initially, with plans to extend coverage to over 750 districts in the
   next 18 months.
● The plan is part of the broader PM GatiShakti initiative, which focuses on efficient planning and
   implementation of infrastructure projects.
● The National Master Plan Portal provides a platform for efficient infrastructure planning at the central
   and state levels.
CBDT Issues Guidance Note for Direct Tax Vivad Se Vishwas (DTVSV) Scheme, 2024
● The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a Guidance Note in the form of Frequently
   Asked Questions (FAQs) to address queries from stakeholders regarding the Direct Tax Vivad Se
   Vishwas (DTVSV) Scheme, 2024.
● This move aims to provide clarity and assist taxpayers in understanding the provisions of the
   scheme.
Government Announces AI Centres of Excellence in Healthcare, Agriculture, and Sustainable Cities
● The Government of India has announced the establishment of three Centres of Excellence (CoE) in
   Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and sustainable cities.
● These CoEs aim to drive innovation and collaboration with industries and start-ups to address key
   challenges in these sectors.
PM Suryaghar Yojana's Success in Rooftop Solar Installations and India's Solar Energy Growth
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The PM Suryaghar Yojana, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2024, is making
   significant strides in expanding rooftop solar power across India.
● Under this flagship programme, approximately 4 lakh rooftop solar installations have been
   completed so far, according to the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi.
● This initiative is a key part of India's ambitious target to install 10 million rooftop solar connections by
   2027, with an allocated budget of ₹75,021 crore.
Union Cabinet Approves 3% Increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief for Central
Government Employees and Pensioners
● The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved an additional 3%
   increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR)
   for pensioners.
● This increase, effective from July 1, 2024, is aimed at offsetting the impact of rising prices.
● Increase in DA and DR:
       o 3% hike, raising DA and DR from 50% to 53% of Basic Pay/Pension.
       o This increase is based on the recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission.
● Effective Date:
       o The new rate is applicable from July 1, 2024.
Union Cabinet Approves Continuation of PM-AASHA to Support Farmers and Stabilize Prices
● The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of
   the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) scheme.
● This initiative aims to provide remunerative prices to farmers and control the price volatility of
   essential commodities for consumers.
● The total financial outgo will amount to ₹35,000 crore during the 15th Finance Commission Cycle
   until 2025-26.
● Components of PM-AASHA:
       o The integrated scheme now includes:
              ▪ Price Support Scheme (PSS)
              ▪ Price Stabilization Fund (PSF)
              ▪ Price Deficit Payment Scheme (PDPS)
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The project spans 75.71 kms, with 54.21 kms in Delhi and 21.50 kms in Haryana, serving as the
   third Ring Road for Delhi, expanded into five packages.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Chairs NDA Chief Ministers' Meeting: Focus on Good Governance and
National Development
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting in Chandigarh with Chief Ministers and
   Deputy Chief Ministers from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
● The gathering was aimed at discussing national development and governance strategies.
● Agenda: Discussions included:
       o Observance of 'Sanvidhan Ka Amrut Mahotsav' (celebrating the Constitution),
       o The upcoming 50th anniversary of the "attempt to murder democracy."
Government Plans Social Security for Gig Workers: Focus on Unique Employment Status
● The Central Government, led by Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, is working on a framework to
   provide social security for gig and platform workers without placing them under the traditional
   employer-employee model.
● Instead, the focus is on defining their unique relationship with platforms, recognizing their distinct
   employment nature.
Government plans stricter import regulations for laptops, PCs, and tablets from January 1, 2025
   ● The government is evaluating ways to tighten the import authorisation and management system
for laptops, PCs and tablets to make imports more restricted through appropriate guidelines to be
   ● The tightened import regime aims to encourage domestic manufacturing and address security
       concerns, particularly related to China.
● The existing import regime for laptops and PCs, established in November, has minimally affected
● Imports now require authorization but are still perceived as too lenient.
● China's Share: China remains a major supplier, accounting for approximately 60% of imports,
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The decision is based on the shortening lifecycle of technology and the erosion of spectrum
value over longer periods, which prevents operators from realizing its full economic potential.
Prime Minister Modi Inaugurates Three New Airports under UDAN Scheme: Promoting Regional
Connectivity
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated three new airports in Rewa (Madhya Pradesh),
   Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) under the Regional Connectivity
   Scheme (RCS) - UDAN.
● This move, part of the government's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and air connectivity
   across India, especially in remote and underserved regions, was announced from Varanasi, Uttar
   Pradesh.
● The RCS-UDAN initiative was launched under India's National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016,
   with a 10-year vision aimed at enhancing air travel accessibility across the nation.
● Since its first flight in April 2017, the scheme has facilitated travel for over 144 lakh passengers,
   showcasing its success in achieving last-mile connectivity.
India's Solar Ambition Faces Challenges Due to Reliance on Imports
● According to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI), India's ambitious target of installing 500
   GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 could lead to annual solar equipment imports of around
   $30 billion, primarily due to a heavy reliance on Chinese goods.
● The think tank underscores the urgent need for India to develop a self-reliant solar manufacturing
   ecosystem, particularly in critical sectors like polysilicon and wafer production.
● Without this, India’s renewable energy goals may face significant hurdles, especially with rising
   import costs.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● China dominates the global solar manufacturing market, controlling 97% of polysilicon production
   and 80% of solar modules.
● In 2023-24, India imported $7 billion worth of solar equipment, with 62.6% of it coming from China.
UDAN Scheme Achievements: Enhancing Regional Air Connectivity
● The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced significant progress under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam
   Nagrik) scheme, which aims to boost regional air connectivity and make air travel more accessible
   and affordable.
● Operational Routes and Airports:
      o 601 routes have been operationalised under the UDAN scheme, including helicopter routes.
      o Approximately 28% of these routes cater to the most remote locations, enhancing
          accessibility.
● Aerodromes Operationalised:
      o A total of 86 aerodromes have been operationalised, comprising:
             ▪ 71 airports
             ▪ 13 heliports
             ▪ 2 water aerodromes
      o These developments have facilitated air travel for over 1.44 crore passengers across more
          than 2.8 lakh flights.
● Growth in Operational Airports:
      o The number of operational airports in India has doubled from 74 in 2014 to 157 in 2024.
      o The government aims to increase the count to 350-400 airports by 2047, further expanding
          regional connectivity.
● Scheme Launch:
      o The UDAN scheme was launched on October 21, 2016, marking a pivotal initiative to
          enhance air travel across the country.
UDAN Scheme Extended for 10 More Years: A Boost to Regional Air Connectivity
● Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced the extension of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka
   Aam Nagrik) scheme for another 10 years.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Originally launched on October 21, 2016, the scheme aims to improve regional air connectivity and
   make air travel affordable for common citizens.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches ‘eShram – One Stop Solution’ for the Welfare of Unorganised
Workers
● Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya,
   introduced the “eShram – One Stop Solution” in New Delhi.
● This event was attended by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha
   Karandlaje, and other senior officials from the Ministry.
● The initiative consolidates data from multiple Central Ministries/Departments into a single repository,
   as per the recent Budget announcement and the Ministry’s 100-day agenda.
● Key welfare schemes like One Nation One Ration Card, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
   Employment Guarantee Act, and others have been integrated with eShram, with ongoing onboarding
   of additional welfare programs.
India Pauses New Free Trade Agreements to Revamp Trade Strategy
● India has decided to pause all new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as part of an initiative to overhaul
   its strategy for maximizing trade and investment benefits.
● This significant move highlights the necessity for updated guidelines that better align with India's
   evolving economic landscape.
● New Guidelines for FTAs:
      o The Department of Commerce is developing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for
          FTA negotiations.
      o The Prime Minister’s Office has discussed SOPs addressing emerging issues, including
          labour, environment, digital trade, gender, and indigenous peoples.
2nd National Lighthouse Festival Observed Across Historic Lighthouses
● The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival was observed on October 19 and 20, 2024, across 75 historic
   lighthouses in India.
● The Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024 was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Ports,
   Shipping & Waterways, Shantanu Thakur, on October 19, 2024.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
      o The National Lighthouse Festival is organized by the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping &
          Waterways.
● Objectives of the Festival:
      o The main aims of the festival include:
             ▪ Transforming 75 historic lighthouses into tourist sites with modern amenities, such as
                 museums, amphitheatres, and children’s parks.
             ▪ Promoting the conservation and preservation of these historic maritime lighthouses.
             ▪ Generating local employment and boosting the local economy.
● Approximately Rs 65 crore has been invested in 75 iconic lighthouses across 9 coastal states and 1
   Union Territory, according to the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
Launch of International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System
● Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, launched the International Incoming
   Spoofed Calls Prevention System on October 22, 2024, at BSNL Bhawan, Delhi.
● The system is designed to detect and block spam international calls that appear to come from Indian
   numbers, helping to combat scammers impersonating police, courier company employees, or others.
● Funding Allocation:
      o The Finance Ministry allocated ₹38.76 crore to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
          for the establishment of this system, initially referred to as the Centralised International Out
          Roamer (CIOR).
      o Additionally, funding for the Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) was increased from ₹50 crore to
          ₹85 crore to enhance investigations into fraudulent telecom activities.
● Many of the flagged SIMs were reportedly sold in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala,
   Tamil Nadu, and Punjab, being used to scam individuals in India through various deceptive tactics.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s Visit to Australia Strengthens Educational Collaboration
● Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s visit to Australia emphasised the critical role of education in
   advancing the India-Australia partnership.
● He highlighted the significance of India's National Education Policy (NEP), highlighting skills-based
   education, digital literacy, and the potential for global collaborations.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Pradhan's engagements with Australian officials and university leaders aimed to deepen ties,
   explore joint initiatives, and ensure that the education systems of both nations align to prepare
   future-ready global citizens.
TRAI Releases Consultation Paper on Terms and Conditions of Network Authorisations Under
Telecommunications Act, 2023
● The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper on the ‘Terms
   and Conditions of Network Authorisations’ to be granted under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
● This paper is aimed at gathering input from stakeholders on the regulations governing the
   establishment, operation, maintenance, and expansion of telecommunication networks in India.
Celebration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th Birth Anniversary
● The Indian government is set to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai
   Patel with a nationwide program spanning two years, from 2024 to 2026.
● Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this initiative and aims to honour Patel's monumental
   contributions to India, especially his pivotal role in establishing a strong democracy and unifying the
   nation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Set to Launch Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for Senior Citizens
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
   Arogya Yojana (AB-PM-JAY) specifically for senior citizens.
● This announcement follows the recent approval by the Union Cabinet, which is chaired by the Prime
   Minister, for a significant expansion of the world’s largest public health insurance scheme.
● Cashless Coverage: The scheme offers a cashless hospitalization cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year for
   all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their socio-economic status.
● Funding: The central government will finance 60% of the scheme, while states have the flexibility to
   expand or modify the coverage to include additional age groups.
Central Government Approves Key Railway Projects and Launches VC Fund for Space Sector
● The Union Cabinet has approved two major railway projects worth Rs 6,798 crore for the states of
   Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
● Additionally, a Rs 1,000 crore Venture Capital (VC) fund dedicated to the space sector has been
   launched under IN-SPACe.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The National Highways and Logistics Management Limited (NHLML), a subsidiary of the National
   Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has formed a 60:40 joint venture with VSE for the ropeway
   project.
● NHLML will cover 60% of the estimated project cost of ₹807 crore, while VSE will manage the
   remaining 40%.
● The project was initially set to be completed by August 2025, but Executive Director Shivdutt Das
   mentioned that it might be finished ahead of schedule, with a new target of early next year.
IndiaAI and Meta Establish 'Srijan' Center for Generative AI at IIT Jodhpur
● IndiaAI and Meta have partnered to launch the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (सृजन) at IIT Jodhpur.
● Additionally, they have introduced the "YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building," in
   collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), to promote open-source AI
   development in India.
● This collaboration aims to advance research, skill development, and fostering innovation in AI to
   support India's vision of tech sovereignty.
● The partnership between Meta and IndiaAI reflects a commitment to nurturing open-source AI,
   supporting the development of indigenous solutions, and advancing India's position as a global
   leader in responsible AI technology.
● The Srijan Center and YuvAi Initiative will play a crucial role in equipping India's youth with the skills
   needed to lead in the AI revolution, ultimately driving inclusive growth and contributing to the nation's
   economic and technological advancement.
India May Miss $30 Trillion Economy Goal by 2047 Due to Female Workforce Shortfall
● India needs 400 million women in its workforce by 2047 to achieve a $30 trillion economy.
● A joint report by Magic Bus India Foundation and Bain & Company reveals that India needs to
   integrate 145 million women into the workforce by 2047 to meet its goal of becoming a $30 trillion
   economy.
● The country is projected to add only 110 million women, reaching 255 million female workers by
   2047, leaving a gap of 145 million women.
● Current Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) stands at 35-40%, but it must nearly
   double to 70% by 2047 to meet the economic goal.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Launch of 21st Livestock Census and Pandemic Fund Project for Animal Health Security
1. 21st Livestock Census: Launched by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the census will be
   conducted from October 2024 to February 2025 at a cost of Rs 200 crore, funded entirely by the
   central government.
2. The census will capture data on 219 indigenous breeds across 16 species, including cattle, buffalo,
   yak, sheep, goat, and poultry birds.
3. Over 1 lakh field officials, primarily veterinarians and para-veterinarians, will be involved, covering 30
   crore households across all states and Union Territories.
4. Mobile technology will be used for data collection to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Launch of Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting Initiative
● The Indian government has launched a Weather Forecasting initiative at the Gram Panchayat level
   in New Delhi, aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and empowering rural communities,
   particularly farmers.
● This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Earth
   Sciences, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
● The initiative aims to provide accurate weather updates to farmers and villagers, helping them plan
   agricultural activities and prepare for weather-related risks.
● Forecasts will be delivered through platforms such as e-GramSwaraj, the Meri Panchayat app, and
   Gram Manchitra.
Inauguration of India's First Private Sector-Led Military Aircraft Facility for C295 Production in Vadodara
● Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL)
   complex for C295 military aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking India's first private sector-led
   military aircraft manufacturing facility.
● The inauguration was led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro
   Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, signifying a robust partnership between India and Spain in defence
   manufacturing.
Rising Threat of "Digital Arrest" Frauds: Rs 120.3 Crore Lost in Q1 2023
● In the first quarter of 2024, Indian citizens lost Rs 120.30 crore to “digital arrest” frauds, according to
   government data.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised concerns about this issue, urging citizens to remain vigilant
   against cybercriminals.
● The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) revealed
   that many scams originate from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
● A staggering 46% of reported frauds, amounting to Rs 1,776 crore in losses, originated from these
   countries between January and April 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Launch Multiple Health Sector Initiatives on Dhanvantari Jayanti
● On the occasion of Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
   will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for various health sector projects worth approximately
   Rs 12,850 crore at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) in New Delhi.
● PM Modi will inaugurate Phase II of India’s first All India Institute of Ayurveda, featuring:
       o A Panchakarma hospital
       o An Ayurvedic pharmacy
       o A sports medicine unit
       o A central library
       o An IT and start-ups incubation centre
       o A 500-seat auditorium
● Three new medical colleges will be inaugurated in Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Seoni in Madhya
   Pradesh.
India and Spain Strengthen Ties with Defence Collaboration and Cultural Initiatives
● The Airbus C295 transport aircraft project was highlighted as a symbol of India-Spain defence ties.
● The project involves 40 aircraft manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in
   Vadodara, Gujarat, while 16 planes are delivered from Spain.
● Leaders Modi and Sánchez encouraged similar joint defence projects in line with the ‘Make in India’
   initiative.
● Another Spanish defence firm, Navantia, is vying with Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for
   India’s P75I submarine project, which will involve six submarines with advanced propulsion systems.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal's Visit to Saudi Arabia – Strengthening India-Saudi Strategic Ties and
Promoting Investment
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Saudi Arabia (October 29-30, 2024) aims to enhance India-
   Saudi Arabia strategic ties and foster trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
● He will also represent India at the 8th Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, a platform for
   global leaders, investors, and innovators.
FPO scheme to be extended by 4-5 years with financial aid
● The “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs” scheme, launched in 2020 with a budget of Rs
   6,865 crore, may be extended by 4-5 years beyond FY25 to solidify outcomes for farmers' collectives.
● Current Status: 9,200 FPOs have been formed out of a target of 10,000 by March 2025.
● Objectives of the Scheme:
       ○ Income Enhancement: Aims to improve farmers’ income through aggregation of produce and
          supply of inputs, thus reducing production costs.
Prime Minister Modi Launches Multiple Health Sector Projects on Dhanvantari Jayanti and Ayurveda
Day
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked Dhanvantari Jayanti and the 9th Ayurveda Day with the
   launch and foundation of multiple health projects worth ₹12,850 crore at the All India Institute of
   Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.
● He highlighted the historic lighting of Lord Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya, celebrating his return after
   a 500-year wait.
PM Internship Scheme Boosts Opportunities Across India’s Key Business Hubs
● Chennai and Bengaluru lead in offering internships under the PM Internship Scheme, with 7,875 and
   5,179 internships respectively, followed by Gurugram (4,576), Hyderabad (4,472), and Mumbai
   (4,288).
● Among states, Maharashtra has the highest internship offers, reflecting its robust economic and
   industrial base.
● The top 10 districts, with over 39,200 internship offers, account for nearly one-third of the 127,000
   internships currently available.
India’s Path to Establishing the Bharatiya Antriksh Station by 2035
● Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that India will establish its own space station, the
   Bharatiya Antriksh Station, by 2035.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● This ambitious project is set to bolster India’s presence in space technology and research on a
   global scale.
● An MoU between ISRO and the Department of Biotechnology was signed in New Delhi, focusing on
   merging biotechnology with space technology.
● This partnership introduces the ‘BioE3’ policy, targeting advancements in economy, environment,
   and employment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to launch projects worth Rs 280 crore at Ekta Nagar
● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a series of infrastructure and development
   projects in Ekta Nagar, aimed at boosting tourism, accessibility, and sustainability in the area
   surrounding the Statue of Unity.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin his two-day visit to Gujarat on Wednesday to inaugurate
   and lay the foundation stone of various infrastructural and development projects worth over Rs 280
   crore in Ekta Nagar in Narmada district.
NMDC Ltd Celebrates Vigilance Awareness Week 2024: Promoting Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity
➢ NMDC Ltd, India’s leading iron ore producer, commenced Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 with a
   pledge to uphold integrity, transparency, and ethical practices in alignment with the year’s theme:
   “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity.”
Key Highlights of Vigilance Awareness Week 2024 at NMDC
   ● Inauguration and Integrity Pledge
          ○ CMD (Addl. Charge) Shri Amitava Mukherjee administered the Integrity Pledge at NMDC
              Headquarters in Hyderabad, joined by Director (Technical) Shri Vinay Kumar and Chief
              Vigilance Officer Shri B. Vishwanath, along with senior management and employees.
          ○ The pledge was simultaneously taken at NMDC project locations across India, reinforcing
              a company-wide culture of accountability at sites such as Panna, Donimalai, Bacheli,
              Kirandul, Jagdalpur, and Nagarnar.
India Inaugurates First ‘Writer’s Village’ in Dehradun
➢ India’s first ‘Writer’s Village’ was inaugurated in Dehradun by former President Ram Nath Kovind,
   alongside Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh
   Dhami.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
➢ This unique initiative aims to foster creativity and provide a nurturing environment for writers across
   the country, establishing Dehradun as a new cultural hub for literary talent.
About Uttarakhand
   ● Uttarakhand – Dehradun (Capital)
   ● Chief Minister – Pushkar Singh Dhami
   ● Governor – Gurmit Singh
   ● State Bird – Himalayan Monal
Release of ₹100 Commemorative Coin Honoring HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Ji
➢ The Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, recently released a ₹100
   commemorative coin in honor of HH Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi Ji to celebrate her Birth Centenary.
➢ The event took place at the National Museum, serving as a heartfelt tribute to her significant
   contributions to spirituality, inner peace, and self-realization on a global scale.
Prime Minister Modi Launches Bharat Balvalli's Biography 'Bharatvakya'
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met classical musician Bharat Balvalli to launch his biography
   titled 'Bharatvakya.'
● The meeting took place and highlighted Balvalli’s deep passion for culture and spirituality.
About 'Bharatvakya'
   ● Author: The biography is written by Pravin Vitthal Tarde.
   ● Content: It aims to intertwine the themes of music, spirituality, and nation-building, reflecting
      Balvalli's journey and contributions to these areas.
                                         INTERNATIONAL NEWS
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation to Establish Northern Land Command in Eastern Finland
   ● The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) will set up a new land command in eastern
● This command will oversee land force operations in northern Europe during military conflicts.
● The decision comes after Finland joined NATO in 2023 in response to Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine in 2022.
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Unit Designation: The new unit will be known as the Multi Corps Land Component Command and
       will operate under NATO’s Norfolk Joint Force Command based in the United States.
About NATO :
   ● Formation : 4 April 1949
India and Brazil aim to finalize the Global Biofuel Alliance charter by the end of the year(2024)
   ● India and Brazil aim to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) headquarters and finalize its
● The delay in setting up the GBA was addressed during a meeting between India’s Petroleum
Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and his Brazilian counterpart in Brasilia last month.
● The GBA was launched on September 9, 2023, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
● Global Biofuel Market: The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that biofuels have the
potential to grow 3.5 to 5 times by 2050 due to net-zero targets, creating significant opportunities
for India.
● India's Biofuel Production: A record 171.2 billion litres of biofuels were procured globally in the
year 2022, with India contributing just 2.7 per cent or 4.6 billion litres.
● Despite this, India remains the third-largest producer of ethanol, after the United States (US) and
Brazil.
About Brazil :
   ● President : Lula da Silva
● Capital : Brasília
● Currency : Real
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launches Rs 23,300 Crore Initiatives in Agriculture and Animal
Husbandry in Maharashtra
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washim, Maharashtra, to inaugurate a series of agriculture
   and animal husbandry initiatives totalling Rs 23,300 crore.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● His visit included stops at important cultural landmarks and events benefiting millions of Indian
   farmers and rural communities.
Key Initiatives Launched:
   3. PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi (18th Instalment):
          o Rs 20,000 crore disbursed to approximately 9.4 crore farmers across India.
          o This brings the total disbursement under the scheme to around Rs 3.45 lakh crore.
   4. NaMo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana:
          o The 5th instalment of the scheme was launched, disbursing Rs 2,000 crore to
             beneficiaries.
   5. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF):
          o Over 7,500 projects worth more than Rs 1,920 crore were inaugurated.
          o These projects include custom hiring centres, warehouses, primary processing units, cold
             storage, and post-harvest management facilities.
   6. Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
          o The launch of 9,200 FPOs with a collective turnover of Rs 1,300 crore.
   7. Unified Genomic Chip for Cattle & Sex-Sorted Semen Technology:
          o Introduction of the GAUCHIP for indigenous cattle and MAHISHCHIP for buffaloes.
          o The technology will enable the identification of high-quality bulls early and provide sex-
             sorted semen at lower costs for farmers, reducing semen costs by around Rs 200 per
             dose.
   8. Solar Parks:
          o Five solar parks with a total capacity of 19 MW were inaugurated under the Mukhyamantri
             Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0.
Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Gets Approval from Petroleum Ministry
● The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has approved the fourth expansion of the Pradhan Mantri
   Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), addressing the increasing demand from economically disadvantaged
   households.
● This expansion is crucial as over 2.6 million pending applications are yet to be covered under the
   scheme.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● LPG Penetration Increase: Since the launch of PMUY in May 2016, LPG penetration has
   significantly increased from 62% in 2016 to near saturation levels.
● Pending Applications: Despite this growth, more than 2.6 million applications are pending, primarily
   from economically distressed backgrounds.
● Fourth Expansion: The government has approved this expansion to include more households still in
   need of clean cooking fuel.
About PMUY:
   ● Launch: May 2016 with the aim of providing free LPG connections to families below the poverty
      line (BPL).
   ● Objective: To promote clean energy adoption and reduce the dependence on traditional cooking
      methods like wood and coal, improving health outcomes and reducing environmental degradation.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Address at the Kautilya Economic Conclave:
   ● The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New
      Delhi.
   ● Organized by The Institute of Economic Growth in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, the
      Kautilya Economic Conclave will focus on themes such as financing the green transition, geo-
      economic fragmentation and the implications for growth, and principles for policy action to
      preserve resilience among others.
   ● Location: New Delhi
   ● Organizer: The Institute of Economic Growth in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance
   ● Themes: Financing the green transition, geo-economic fragmentation, and resilience principles.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to attend Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Pakistan,
marking first EAM visit since Sushma Swaraj 9 years ago
   ● External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will lead India's delegation to the Shanghai
● It will be the first visit to Pakistan by an Indian EAM in 9 years; the last visit was by Sushma
Swaraj in 2015 for the Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan that was held in
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About SCO :
   ● Formed: 15 June 2001.
● Member States: Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan,
Uzbekistan.
● India and Pakistan became full members of the SCO during the 2017 Astana Summit.
● India joined the SCO as an observer in 2005 and became a full member in 2017.
Indonesia holds global conference on Myanmar with UN and junta opponents, sources report
● Indonesia is hosting an international meeting with the United Nations and opponents of
● Participants include the United Nations (UN), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), the European Union (EU), and Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government (NUG).
● The meeting is set against the backdrop of a severe crisis in Myanmar, stemming from the
● The military is facing a nationwide rebellion supported by various ethnic minority armies.
   ● Aim of the Meeting:The meeting aims to address the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, which has not
      seen significant progress despite regional efforts for peace.
About Indonesia :
   ● President : Joko Widodo
● Capital : Jakarta
● India has been elected to the 15-member steering committee of the GlobE Network during a
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The election followed a multi-stage voting process, allowing India to actively contribute to global
       efforts in combating corruption and asset recovery.
was launched under the G20 framework to address international corruption and financial crimes.
● Officially launched on June 3, 2021, during the UN General Assembly Special Session against
Corruption.
● The network currently has 121 member countries and 219 member authorities, with India being a
member.
   ● India’s Participation in the Network:India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement
       Directorate (ED) are part of the GlobE Network.
● The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) acts as India's central authority for the network.
● Support and Governance:The GlobE Network is governed by its member countries and is
supported by the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which provides
secretariat support.
India extends $50 million financial aid to Maldives for an additional year
   ● India has extended budgetary support to the Maldives government in the form of a rollover of the
       USD 50 million Treasury Bill for another year at the Maldivian government’s request.
● This is the second rollover granted by the Indian government this year.
   ● Earlier in May 2024, SBI had similarly subscribed a USD 50 mn T-bills under the same
       mechanism, again on the request of the Government of Maldives.
● Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner under India’s
‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision SAGAR i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region.
About Maldives :
   ● President : Mohamed Muizzu
● Capital : Malé
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Mr.Joseph R.Biden Hosts Sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit with Prime Ministers of Australia, Japan, and
India in Wilmington
   •    President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. hosted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia, Prime
Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India in Wilmington,
Delaware, for the 6th Quad or Quadrilateral Security Dialogue Leaders’ Summit.
• The grouping of four democracies –India, Australia, US and Japan is known as the quadrilateral
• The aim of this grouping is to ensure a free and open international order based on the rule of law
in the Indo-Pacific.
Myanmar to Participate in Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit for the First Time in Three
Years
   •    Myanmar will send a representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
• The decision to participate comes as the junta struggles to address an ongoing civil war and
• Agenda Focus:The civil conflict in Myanmar is expected to be a significant topic during the
About ASEAN :
• Membership : 10 member states (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia,
Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) & 2 Observer States (East Timor, Papua
New Guinea)
About Myanmar :
• Capital : Naypyidaw
• Currency : Kyat
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The 12th Meeting of the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) High-Level Joint Task Force on
       Investments (HLJTFI) took place in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Co-Chaired by:
• His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment
Authority (ADIA).
President Droupadi Murmu Begins Three-Nation Visit of Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi
   ● President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Algeria, Mauritania, and Malawi was the first Indian
   ● This visit comes a year after the African Union became a permanent member of the G-20 group
       during India's presidency of the G-20 in 2023.
● Algeria (October 13-15, 2024): Bilateral meetings, ceremonial welcome by President Abdelmadjid
● Mauritania (October 16, 2024): Bilateral talks with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El
● Malawi (October 17-19, 2024): Bilateral talks with President Lazarus Chakwera, business events,
About Algeria :
   ● President : Abdelmadjid Tebboune
● Capital : Algiers
About Mauritania :
   ● President : Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
● Capital : Nouakchott
● Currency : Ouguiya
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About Malawi :
   ● President : Lazarus Chakwera
● Capital : Lilongwe
● The announcement occurs amidst increasing international scrutiny of Israel due to its military
About Israel :
   ● President : Isaac Herzog
● Capital : Jerusalem
World Health Organisation declares India free from Trachoma as a public health problem in 2024
   ● The World Health Organization (WHO) declared India free from Trachoma as a public health
problem in 2024.
● India is the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
What is Trachoma?:
   ● Trachoma is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia trachomatis that affects the eyes.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Calls for Peace, Stability, and an Inclusive Indo-Pacific at 19th East
Asia Summit
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the 19th East Asia Summit (EAS) on 11 October
      2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
● In his address, PM Modi emphasized ASEAN's central role in the Indo-Pacific regional
● The EAS was established in 2005 by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and is
held annually.
and Oceania.
● In 2011, membership expanded to 18 countries, including Russia and the United States.
● Currently, EAS is a forum of 18 countries that represent 54% of the world's population and 58%
of global GDP.
● Ten ASEAN member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
● Other members: Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Russia, and
● Leaders-Led Forum: The East Asia Summit (EAS) is the only leaders-led forum that brings
together major global powers including the US, China, Russia, India, Republic of Korea (RoK),
and Australia.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
future cooperation.
and neighbourly ties within the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), implicitly criticizing
   ● Jaishankar's visit marked the first time an Indian foreign minister visited Pakistan in nearly a
       decade, highlighting a significant diplomatic engagement.
● Pakistan will host the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2024.
About SCO :
   ● Established : 15 June 2001
● The SCO was established by founding members China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
● Objective : To enhance cooperation among its member states in various domains, including
politics, economy, and military initiatives, with a strong focus on combating separatism, terrorism,
and extremism.
Sri Lanka Plans to Seek Membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank, Says New Foreign
Minister Vijitha Herath
● Sri Lanka’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath announced Sri Lanka's intention to
Development Bank.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Objective of BRICS Membership: Herath emphasized that Sri Lanka views BRICS as an effective
      partnership to enhance cooperation, peace, and development through inclusive multilateralism in
● Current BRICS Membership: BRICS currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South
Africa, along with new members: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United
Arab Emirates.
● Russian Presidency: Russia holds the BRICS presidency in 2024, having taken over on January
1, 2024.
Saudi Arabia launches digital platform to ensure wage protection, human rights of expat workers
   ● The new labour rules in Saudi Arabia — under a digital platform called Musaned — will benefit at
      least 10 African countries and 9 Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Vietnam,
      Philippines and Sri Lanka.
Key Features
   ● Employment Contract Review: Workers can easily access and review their employment contracts.
   ● Financial Transaction Tracking: It allows workers to track financial transactions between
      themselves and their employers.
   ● Linking to Insurance and Benefits: The platform can be linked to contract insurance and health
      benefits to provide additional protection.
About Saudi Arabia:
   ● Capital: Riyadh
   ● King: Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
   ● Crown Prince: Mohammed bin Salman
   ● Official Language: Arabic
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The regional assembly of Portugal's Azores Islands approved the establishment of the largest
● This initiative aims to meet international conservation goals ahead of schedule, particularly the
United Nations goal of protecting 30% of the Earth’s land and sea by 2030 as part of a global
● The newly approved marine network will cover nearly 300,000 square kilometres (115,830
UN General Assembly Elects 18 New Members to Human Rights Council for 2025-2027 Term
   ● The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected 18 members to the 47-member Human
● The countries elected to the Council are Benin, Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Iceland, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North
● The newly elected members will serve three-year terms starting from January 1, 2025.
● The Human Rights Council consists of 47 members and is based in Geneva. It is responsible for
● The distribution of seats is in accordance with equitable geographical representation (13 from the
Group of African States; 13 from the Group of Asia-Pacific States; 6 from the Group of Eastern
European States; 8 from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States; and 7 from the
About UNGA :
   ● Formation : 1945
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Zydus Lifesciences Receives World Health Organisation Prequalification for Typhoid Vi Conjugate
Vaccine
   ● Indian pharmaceutical company Zydus Lifesciences Limited announced that its typhoid vaccine,
ZyVac TCV, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, making it eligible
● South Asia Impact: India accounts for 75% of typhoid cases and mortality in South Asia, a region
About WHO :
   ● Formation : 7 April 1948
World Health Organization Secures $1 Billion for 2025-28, Including $700 Million in New Funding
● The World Health Organization (WHO) has secured $1 billion in pledges for its budget covering
2025-28.
   ● Nearly $700 million of this total consists of new funding commitments from various European
      countries, foundations, and organizations.
   ● The funding was announced during the WHO Investment Round Signature Event at the World
      Health Summit in Berlin, co-hosted by Germany, France, and Norway.
● Germany pledged nearly $400 million over four years, with $260 million in new voluntary funding.
● Other contributors included:Institute for Philanthropy, Resolve to Save Lives, and World Diabetes
Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov Praises Meeting Between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
and Chinese President Xi Jinping
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the
● Modi and Xi endorsed the agreement on patrolling and disengagement along the Line of Actual
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Presents Jharkhand Artwork to President Putin at BRICS Summit
   ●   Putin during the BRICS summit held in Kazan.
Sohrai Painting:
   ● Origin: Hazaribagh district, Jharkhand.
● Characteristics: Utilizes natural pigments and simple tools; intricate designs created using
● Themes: Depicts animals, birds, and nature, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle and reverence for
Warli Painting:
   ● Origin: Tribal art form from the Warli tribe in Maharashtra, primarily in Dahanu, Talasari, and
Palghar regions.
● Historical Significance: One of the oldest art forms in India, dating back to around 3000 BCE.
● Commonwealth countries have adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One
Resilient Common Future, urging all 56 nations to take action in protecting and restoring ocean
health.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The declaration was agreed upon during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
      (CHOGM) held in Samoa.
                                              STATE NEWS
Telangana Government Introduces 'Telangana Darshini' Educational Tour Program for Students
   ● The Telangana government has set in motion ‘Telangana Darshini’, a scheme aimed at providing
● The programme, under the Youth Advancement, Tourism, and Culture (T&PMU) Department, is
designed to take school and college students on educational tours across the State.
● The initiative caters to school and college students, from Class 2 to graduation level, ensuring the
● A committee of nodal officers from relevant departments will develop detailed tour plans, with the
About Telangana :
   ● Governor : Jishnu Dev Varma
● Capital : Hyderabad
Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma engages with potential investors in Delhi to advocate for special
investment incentives in the state
   ● Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma met with prospective investors in Delhi to promote a
● The Chief Minister addressed a conclave of the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) and a
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The meetings were held ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit-2024,
      scheduled for December 9 to 11 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
About Rajasthan :
   ● Governor: Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
● Capital: Jaipur
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan launches India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing unit at Keltron
in Kannur
● Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated India’s first supercapacitor manufacturing
2024.
● Keltron has been highlighted as a model public sector undertaking (PSU) in the electronics and
● A ₹395 crore master plan for Keltron's modernization is in place, with several projects nearing
completion.
About Kerala:
   ● Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
● National Parks: Periyar National Park, Mathikettan National Park, Eravikulam National Park,
Jaipur, Rajasthan Becomes a Hub for Meeting Incentive Conference and Exhibition Tourism
   ● Jaipur is experiencing a significant rise in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions
(MICE) tourism, largely attributed to prominent events such as the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Rajasthan tourism, especially in Pink City, will now get a further boost by becoming the host of
      the IIFA25.
● The upcoming International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards in Jaipur (IIFA25) is expected to
further boost tourism in Rajasthan, as it will attract numerous visitors, including Bollywood stars
About Rajasthan :
   ● Governor : Haribhau Bagade
● Capital : Jaipur
Telangana Becomes the First State to Launch NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform Chapter
   ● Telangana is the first state in India to establish a chapter of NITI Aayog’s Women
● The WEP is aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among women by providing customized support.
About Telangana:
   ● Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
● The fire caused substantial disruption to the facility's operations, which are vital for assembling
● Fire-fighting teams were deployed to control the blaze, but the extent of damage and specific
● The Tata Electronics unit in Hosur is a critical supplier for Apple, specializing in precision
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma sets target to eliminate child marriage by 2026
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the government's target to
       eradicate child marriage in Assam by 2026.
• The announcement coincided with the disbursement of the first instalment under the Mukha
Mantri Nijut Moina scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to girls pursuing higher
education.
• Financial Outlay: The scheme has a projected outlay of ₹1,500 crore and aims to benefit 10 lakh
girl students.
About Assam :
   •   Governor : Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Guwahati
• National Park: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuary: Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Bornadi Wildlife
Sanctuary
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Unveils Logo and Mascot for Women's Asian Champions Trophy
2024 in Rajgir
   •   Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the logo and mascot for the Women's Asian
• The mascot, named 'Gudiya', is inspired by the state bird of Bihar, Sparrow.
• The Women's Asian Champions Trophy-2024 is a joint venture of Hockey India and the Bihar
government and will be held at the newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium.
• The state cabinet recently sanctioned Rs 10 crore to Hockey India for the purpose.
• Six countries, including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, are
About Bihar :
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Wildlife Sanctuaries : Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Nagi Dam Bird
       Sanctuary
• Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who is on an official visit to Wales, announced the signing of the
agreement with the Welsh Government, the British Council, and Wales Arts International
representatives in Cardiff.
About Nagaland :
   •   Governor : La. Ganesan
• Capital : Kohima
• Wildlife Sanctuaries : Fakim Wildlife Sanctuary, Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary, Singphan Wildlife
Sanctuary
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh collaborate to develop 8 GW solar power projects
   •   Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Uttar Pradesh (UP) governments have partnered to develop 8
• Power Sharing Agreement: The solar power generated will be shared between MP and UP,
• Madhya Pradesh: Peak demand from October to March (aligned with the rabi crop season).
About MP :
   •   Governor : Mangubhai C. Patel
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
• National Park : Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Pench National Park
   •   Capital : Lucknow
   •   National Park : Dudhwa National Park
Bihar Government to Establish Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the State's Second Tiger Reserve
   •   The Bihar government will establish the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as the state’s second
tiger reserve.
• Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), which is the state's first national park, has reached its capacity, and
now the state government is finalising modalities for translocating the big cats to KWLS.
About Bihar :
• Capital : Patna
• Wildlife Sanctuaries : Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Nagi Dam Bird
Sanctuary
Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary near Bhopal set to become Madhya Pradesh's eighth tiger reserve, the first
in India near a capital city
   •   Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, located near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP), will soon be declared
• This will be the first tiger reserve in India located near a capital city.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About MP :
   •   Capital: Bhopal
   •   National Park: Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
Maharashtra Cabinet passes resolution recommending Bharat Ratna for Ratan Tata
   •   The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, passed a resolution urging the
Central Government to confer the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, to Ratan Tata.
and philanthropist.
About Maharashtra
• Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Capital: Mumbai
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife
Sanctuary
• UNESCO Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian and Art Deco
Odisha introduces Gramodaya scheme for welfare initiatives in villages affected by Left-Wing
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Extremism
● The Odisha government has launched Gramodaya, a new scheme to ensure that welfare
programmes reach people living in the Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts.
● The scheme will encompass 583 villages across 10 LWE-affected districts in Odisha.
● The initiative will be implemented in the districts of Bargarh, Balangir, Boudh, Kalahandi,
● The primary aim of the Gramodaya scheme is to facilitate the convergence of various
About Odisha :
   ● Governor : Raghubar Das
● Capital : Bhubaneswar
Wildlife Sanctuary
● The Delhi government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, selling, and
bursting of all kinds of firecrackers, including online sales, effective until January 1, 2025.
   ● The Delhi police have been tasked with enforcing the ban strictly and are required to submit daily
       action-taken reports to a designated committee.
● On October 9, 2024, Delhi’s air quality was recorded in the "poor" category, with an AQI reading
of 220.
AQI Categories:
   ➢ 0-50: Good
➢ 51-100: Satisfactory
➢ 101-200: Moderate
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ➢ 201-300: Poor
   ➢ 301-400: Very Poor
➢ 401-500: Severe
About Delhi :
   ● Lt. Governor : Vinai Kumar Saxena
Gujarat's Jubilant Ingrevia becomes part of World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network
   ● Jubilant Ingrevia, based in Gujarat, has been recognized as the latest Indian company to join the
● The Global Lighthouse Network comprises industry leaders that are transforming manufacturing
● India-based units of ReNew, Cipla, Ceat, Dr Reddy's, Mondelez International, Unilever, ACG,
● The WEF announced that 22 new manufacturers have joined the network, bringing the total to
● The network now spans 10 countries, including: China, Czech Republic, Germany, India, Mexico,
● The Global Lighthouse Network is an initiative co-founded by the WEF and McKinsey &
Company, supported by an advisory board of industry leaders focused on shaping the future of
global manufacturing.
Gujarat Government Allocates ₹10 Crore for Caracal Breeding and Conservation Center in Kutch's
Chadva Rakhal Region
   ● The Gujarat government has announced the creation of a Caracal Breeding and Conservation
● A budget of ₹10 crore has been allocated for the establishment of this center.
● The center aims to protect and breed the rare and critically endangered Caracal species found in
About Gujarat :
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Capital: Gandhinagar
   ● Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
● NP: Gir National Park, Marine National Park, Velavadar National Park, Jambughoda Wildlife
Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gaga
Wildlife Sanctuary
Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology Priyank Kharge states Karnataka's goal to
become Asia's hub for gaming and animation
   ● Priyank Kharge, Minister of Information Technology and Biotechnology, announced that
Karnataka aims to become the gaming and animation capital of India and Asia during the Indian
● The state plans to establish a gaming accelerator by the end of the financial year to support the
Karnataka Government Unveils Cauvery Stage VI Project to Meet Bengaluru's Water Needs
   ● Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the implementation of the Cauvery Stage VI
● The announcement followed the launch of the Cauvery Stage V project, which supplies 2,225
million litres per day (MLD) of water to Bengaluru, at a cost of ₹4,600 crore.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Phase-2 development of the Netarhat tourism area has been approved, with a total budget of Rs
      43.08 crore, including Rs 2.49 crore for land acquisition compensation.
   ● Amendments to the Anganwadi Centre Building Construction Scheme under MNREGA
      convergence were approved to improve the implementation process.
About Jharkhand:
   ● Capital: Ranchi
   ● Chief Minister: Hemant Soren
   ● Governor: Santosh Gangwar
   ● National Park: Hazaribagh National Park, Betla National Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary,
      Palamau Tiger Reserve
Karnataka renames all residential schools as Maharishi Valmiki Schools; Raichur University gets a new
name too
   ● Valmiki Jayanti 2024: The Karnataka government, led by CM Siddaramaiah, has renamed all
      government residential schools in the state Maharishi Valmiki Residential Schools.
   ● In addition, Raichur University will be renamed Maharishi Valmiki University.
   ● The announcement made by the Chief Minister coincides with Valmiki Jayanti, a day on which
      the nation celebrates the birth anniversary of the legendary poet.
   ● It is observed on October 17.
   ● Valmiki Jayanti honours Maharishi Valmiki, the revered sage credited with composing the
      Ramayana, one of the most significant epics in Indian literature.
   ● The epic imparts lessons on ethics, morality, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.
Uttarakhand Madrasa Board to make Sanskrit mandatory in 416 institutions
   ● The Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Board (UMEB) has announced a plan to introduce Sanskrit
      as a compulsory subject in 416 registered madrassas across the state, benefiting over 70,000
      students.
   ● A formal proposal has been drafted, and discussions with the state's Sanskrit department are
      underway.
Karnataka Plans to Implement Fees for Gig Workers' Welfare
   ● Karnataka is set to introduce a 1-2% welfare fee on transactions conducted through aggregator
platforms (e.g., Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Amazon, Flipkart) to support gig workers.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Karnataka labour minister, Santosh Lad, stated that the state prefers to start with a lower fee
      of 1-2% instead of the proposed 5% under the Central Social Security Code.
● The welfare fee will be passed on to consumers, leading to a slight increase in transaction costs,
● The draft Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill 2024 was initially
introduced in June and has faced opposition from industry bodies, such as Nasscom, due to
● The Haryana Cabinet, led by Nayab Singh Saini, held its first meeting and announced the
● Significance of the Move: This decision is notable as it is the first of its kind in India following the
● It aims to strengthen the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) outreach to Dalits in the state.
About Haryana :
   ● Governor : Bandaru Dattatreya
● The cabinet unanimously adopted a resolution calling for the restoration of statehood to Jammu
and Kashmir.
● Background:Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status and was bifurcated into two Union
Territories (J&K and Ladakh) following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
About J&K :
   ● Lieutenant Governor : Manoj Sinha
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Uttar Pradesh Government Greenlights Development Master Plans for Noida Authority and YEIDA Over
Next 15 Years
   ● The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government approved two master plans for development projects by
the Noida Authority and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) over the
next 15 years.
○ Land acquisition will involve 80 villages in Gautam Budh Nagar and Bulandshahr districts.
● Financial Allocation:Approximately ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for land acquisition.
About UP :
   ● Governor : Anandiben Patel
   ● Capital : Lucknow
   ● National Park : Dudhwa National ParkWildlife Sanctuary : Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary,
More than 446 butterfly species were identified at Kaziranga National Park, ranking as the second
highest in India
   ● Over 446 butterfly species have been documented in Kaziranga National Park (KNP), making it
the second-highest concentration of butterfly species in India, following Namdapha National Park
in Arunachal Pradesh.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Kaziranga National Park is located in the northeastern part of India, specifically in the districts of
      Golaghat and Nagaon in Assam.
● Significance of the Park:KNP is recognized as the largest undisturbed area and a representative
● In 1985, Kaziranga was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its ecological
significance.
About Assam :
   ● Governor : Lakshman Acharya
   ● Capital : Dispur
   ● National Parks : Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru - Saikhowa National
Madhya Pradesh: 'Pink Alarms' Introduced at Datia District Hospital and Medical College to Enhance
Women's Safety
● In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind of initiative, `pink alarms’ have been installed at the
● The issue of safety of women staff at public hospitals came to the fore recently after the rape and
● Significance:State's First Facility: This is the first government hospital in Madhya Pradesh to
About MP :
   ● Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
● Capital: Bhopal
● National Park: Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Bhubaneswar, Odisha will host the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD), which marks the
      contribution of the overseas Indian community to the development of the country, in January
2025.
● The chief minister has approved the proposal sent by the Ministry of External Affairs for hosting
   3. Since 2003, it has been held annually, and since 2015, biennially, with 17 events held so far.
   4. The 17th edition took place in Indore of Madhya Pradesh in 2023
● Kerala's Minister for Transport, K.B. Ganesh Kumar, launched the Citizen Sentinel app, allowing
citizens to upload photos and videos of traffic violations via the NextGen Parivahan app.
● The app aims to reduce traffic violations by making enforcement unpredictable and less
   ● State-Wide Implementation: Kerala is the 3rd state in India to implement the mParivahan Citizen
      Sentinel app, following Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
About Kerala:
   ● Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
● National Parks: Periyar National Park, Mathikettan National Park, Eravikulam National Park,
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma unveils 'Mission Basundhara 3.0' to digitize land services
and secure land rights for indigenous communities
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launches Mission Basundhara 3.0 to digitise
      land services to grant land rights to indigenous people.
● The initiative aims to resolve land disputes and enhance governance transparency.
● Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must prove residency in Assam since 1951 or demonstrate that
three generations of their family have lived in the state for 75 years.
About Assam :
   ● Governor : Lakshman Acharya
● Capital: Guwahati
   ● National Park: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Nameri National Park
   ● Wildlife Sanctuary: Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary, Bornadi Wildlife
Sanctuary
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Launches Panchayat Development Projects Valued at ₹7,160 Crore
● Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for various projects
● The projects include the establishment of 2,615 panchayat government buildings across different
      blocks in Bihar.
   ● E-Governance Initiatives: The launch of the e-gram kachhari court management system and the
About Bihar :
   ● Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
● Capital : Patna
● Wildlife Sanctuary : Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird
Sanctuary
Ustad Allauddin Khan Festival Celebrates 50th Anniversary in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Ustad Allauddin Khan Festival is being held in Maihar, Madhya Pradesh, marking its golden
      jubilee year (50th anniversary).
● The festival will take place over three days, concluding on October 10.
● It is organized jointly by the Madhya Pradesh Culture Department, Ustad Allauddin Khan Music
         ○ ‘Devi’: This exhibition will showcase a collection of miniature paintings based on the 108
             names of Goddesses.
         ○ ‘Tantu’: This exhibition will focus on string instruments, highlighting their significance in
             music.
About MP :
   ● Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
● Capital: Bhopal
● National Park: Satpura National Park, Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Launches ‘Nijut Moina Scheme’ to Boost Girls’ Higher
Education Enrolment and Combat Child Marriage
● Assam Chief Minister (CM) Himanta Biswa Sarma launched the Nijut Moina Scheme to provide
monthly financial assistance, aiming to increase girls' enrolment in higher education and fight
child marriage.
● Target Group: The scheme targets girl students from Higher Secondary (HS) to Postgraduate
● Complementary to Free Admission Scheme: It complements the existing free admission scheme
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Duration of Support: Assistance will be provided for 10 months in each academic year.
Gujarat Government Approves New Regulations for Boating and Water Sports
   ● The Gujarat government approved the Gujarat Inland Vessel (Registration, Survey, Operation of
Category ‘C’ Inland Vessels) Rules 2024 to ensure safe boating and water sports activities in the
state.
● Scope of Rules: Applicable to Category ‘C’ inland vessels less than 10 meters in length;
individuals who wish to register these vessels must apply through the respective district
      magistrates.
   ● Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) Roles:
● The Vice Chairman and CEO of the GMB hold powers over the implementation.
● District Magistrates are designated as Registrars for water sports and boating.
● Marine Officers and Engineers are appointed as survey in-charges for vessel inspection and
management.
About Gujarat
   ● Capital: Gandhinagar
● NP: Gir National Park, Marine National Park, Velavadar National Park, Jambughoda Wildlife
Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Vansda National Park, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Gaga
Wildlife Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveils scholarship program for Sanskrit students
statewide
   ● Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath launched a scholarship scheme at
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● A total of ₹586 lakh (₹5.86 crore) will be distributed among 69,195 students pursuing Sanskrit
      studies.
About UP :
   ● Governor : Anandiben Patel
● Capital : Lucknow
Centre introduces mobile application to resolve issues faced by Punjab rice millers
● The Consumer Affairs Ministry launched the FCI Grievance Redressal System (FCI GRS) mobile
app to assist rice millers in Punjab with their grievances related to the procurement of paddy and
● The initiative follows the Union government's promise to ensure seamless procurement of paddy
About Punjab :
   ● Governor : Gulab Chand Kataria
● Capital : Chandigarh
Chhattisgarh Government Increases Other Backward Classes Reservation for Local Body Elections
   ● The Chhattisgarh government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has announced an
      increase in the reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in local body elections.
● The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and
● Reservation Conditions:OBC reservation will only apply in bodies where the total reservation for
About Chhattisgarh :
   ● Governor : Ramen Deka
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Karnataka Government Approves New Tourism Policy, Aiming for ₹1,500 Crore in Investments
● The Karnataka Cabinet approved the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024-29, with a target to attract
● Tourism Targets:Foreign Tourists: The state aims to attract 20 lakh foreign tourists annually to
rank among the top five states in foreign tourist arrivals (currently around 12-14 lakh).
● Domestic Tourists: Karnataka seeks to be in the top three states for domestic tourism with a
About Karnataka :
   ● Governor : Thawar Chand Gehlot
● Capital : Bangalore
● Wildlife Sanctuary : Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Jogimatti Wildlife
Sanctuary
Bihar's First Dry Port Inaugurated by Industry Minister Nitish Mishra in Bihta Near Patna
● Bihar's first dry port was inaugurated by Industry Minister Nitish Mishra in Bihta, a town near the
   ● Purpose: The dry port is part of Bihar’s initiative to enhance the export of goods produced in the
      state, developed in collaboration with a private company.
● Definition: A dry port, or inland container depot (ICD), serves as a logistics facility located away
About Bihar :
   ● Governor : Rajendra Arlekar
● Capital : Patna
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● A Delhi-based developer gained attention after revealing ownership of the domain name
jiohotstar.com.
● Purchase Rationale: The developer purchased the domain anticipating a potential merger
● Cybersquatting Definition: Cybersquatting refers to the act of registering a domain name with the
Rajasthan Government Launches Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme 2024 to Enhance Private
● The Rajasthan government has introduced the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS)
● Objectives: RIPS 2024 aims to provide enhanced financial incentives across a broader range of
● Global Investment Summit: The initiative was launched in anticipation of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’
Global Investment Summit 2024, scheduled to take place in Jaipur from December 9 to 11, which
● Rajasthan has signed investment Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) totaling ₹15 lakh
● Goal of RIPS 2024: The scheme aims to position Rajasthan as a prime investment destination
                                           BUSINESS NEWS
Statistics Ministry to Publish New GDP Growth Data with 2022-23 Base Year by February 2026
● The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will publish GDP growth data with
   a new base year of 2022-23 by February 2026.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● This base year revision aims to reflect the most up-to-date economic trends and will incorporate new
    data such as Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES 2023-24), Annual Survey of
    Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE 2022-23), and GST data.
● The base year for retail inflation (CPI) and factory output growth (IIP) will also be revised to 2022-23.
● The base year must be a 'normal' year, free from major global or domestic disruptions.
● Despite challenges in choosing a 'normal' year, 2022-23 has been proposed for approval by the
    Advisory Committee on National Account Statistics (ACNAS).
● MoSPI will release the first flash data on employment and unemployment from the Periodic Labour
    Force Survey (PLFS) by February 2025.
● The data will provide unemployment figures for both rural and urban areas, and back series data will
    be included for comparison.
● MoSPI has adopted e-Sigma, a cloud-based portal for data processing and E-Sankhyiki portal for
    public access to data.
Top 10 countries with the largest gold reserves in 2024
    ● In 2024, gold prices surged by nearly 20% due to significant purchases by central banks, rising
       consumer demand, and increased interest in safe-haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainties.
Top 10 Countries with the Largest Gold Reserves (Q2 2024):
    ● The United States holds the largest gold reserves, almost equal to the combined total of
       Germany, Italy, and France.
Rank     Country                     Gold Reserves (in Tonnes)             Holdings (%)
1        United States               8,133.46                              72.41%
2        Germany                     3,351.53                              71.46%
3        Italy                       2,451.84                              68.33%
4        France                      2,436.97                              69.99%
5        Russian Federation          2,335.85                              29.47%
6        China                       2,264.32                              4.91%
7        Japan                       845.97                                5.15%
8        India                       840.76                                9.57%
9        Netherlands                 612.45                                61.61%
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
10 Turkey 584.93 0%
India's Position:
     ● Managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India has been steadily increasing its gold
        reserves in 2024:
            o Year-to-date net purchases: 37 tonnes
            o Surpassing annual net purchases from 2022 (33 tonnes) and 2023 (16 tonnes)
     ● India ranks 8th globally with 840.76 metric tonnes of gold reserves, driven by its position as one
        of the largest gold markets and rising affluence.
Adani Airport Holdings Secures ₹19.5 Billion Through Major Bond Issuance
● Adani Airport Holdings has raised ₹19.5 billion (approximately $232.72 million) via a significant
     domestic bond issue.
● Coupon Rate:
        o 9.35% monthly payment.
● Bond Rating:
        o Rated A+
● This issuance marks the largest since the allegations made by Hindenburg Research regarding the
     improper use of offshore tax havens and stock manipulation in January 2023.
Industry Output Growth and Employment in India: 2022-23
● India's industrial sector achieved a 21.5% annual output growth in FY23, primarily driven by basic
     metal producers, refineries, chemical, food, and automobile companies, according to the Annual
     Survey of Industries (ASI) 2022-23 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
     Implementation.
● Economic Growth Projection:
        o According to NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, India’s fast-growing industrial sector,
            positions the country to aim for a 9%+ economic growth rate.
        o The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised GDP growth estimates for FY24 to 7.2%, citing
            increased private consumption and rural demand recovery.
● Wage Growth:
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
       o Average emoluments in the industrial sector increased by 14% annually to reach ₹6.4 trillion
          in FY23.
● Regional Leaders:
       o Tamil Nadu leads in the number of factories and persons engaged, followed by Maharashtra
          and Gujarat.
       o Maharashtra and Gujarat lead in gross value added in the industrial sector, followed by Tamil
          Nadu.
● GDP Growth:
       o India’s real GDP grew 6.7% in the June quarter of FY24, slightly below RBI’s forecast of 7.1%,
          but still showcasing significant recovery post-pandemic.
Bharti Airtel Clears Spectrum Dues with ₹8,465 Crore Prepayment
● Bharti Airtel, India's second-largest telecom service provider, announced that it has prepaid ₹8,465
   crore to the Department of Telecommunications, settling all outstanding dues related to the spectrum
   acquired in 2016.
● Spectrum Acquisition:
       o In 2016, Airtel purchased 173.8 MHz of spectrum across the 1800, 2100, and 2300 MHz
          bands for ₹14,244 crore through an auction.
       o Telecom operators who acquired Spectrum in 2016 were obligated to pay dues via annual
          installments over 12 years, including a 2-year moratorium after making an upfront payment.
● Interest Rates and Prepayments:
       o The liabilities carried an interest rate of 9.3%.
       o This is the third prepayment made by Airtel in 2024, following its strategy to clear older high-
          cost spectrum dues.
       o In June 2024, Airtel prepaid ₹7,904 crore to settle all deferred liabilities for spectrum acquired
          in 2012 and 2015, with interest rates of 9.75% and 10%, respectively.
Retail Inflation for Industrial Workers Edges Up to 2.44% in August 2024
● Retail inflation for industrial workers, measured by the Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers
   (CPI-IW), increased slightly to 2.44% in August 2024, up from 2.15% in July 2024.
● The marginal uptick reflects a mild rise in price levels for industrial workers.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The All-India CPI-IW for August 2024 decreased by 0.1 points, bringing the index to 142.6 points.
● In contrast, the index stood at 142.7 in July 2024.
● The Labour Bureau, under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, compiles the CPI-IW every month.
● The data is gathered from 317 markets across 88 industrially significant centres in the country.
September 2024 GST Collections Grow at Slowest Pace in FY25 Amid High Refunds
● India's net Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for September 2024 rose by 3.9% to ₹1.5
   trillion, marking the slowest pace of growth in the current financial year (FY25).
● This slowdown is attributed to an increase in refunds, reflecting a softer trend in tax receipts.
● Gross GST Collections:
       o Gross GST collections (before refunds) grew by 6.5%, reaching ₹1.7 trillion.
       o This was the second consecutive month of single-digit growth, and the slowest increase in 39
          months.
● Cumulative Growth:
       o From April to September 2024, gross GST collections saw 9.5% growth, a slight decline from
          the 10.1% recorded in the previous months (April-August).
● Quarterly Comparison:
       o The average monthly GST collections fell to ₹1.77 trillion in the second quarter (July-
          September), down from ₹1.86 trillion in the first quarter (April-June).
● State-Wise Performance:
       o States like Haryana (24%), Delhi (20%), and Uttarakhand (14%) showed double-digit growth
          in collections.
       o Karnataka (8%), Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu (5% each), and Uttar Pradesh (3%)
          experienced single-digit growth.
       o Gujarat saw 0% growth, while Andhra Pradesh witnessed a 4% contraction.
● GST Refunds:
       o Refunds surged by 31% year-on-year to ₹20,458 crore, with export-related refunds (39.2%)
          outpacing domestic ones (24.3%).
U.S. Commerce Department's $100 Million AI Initiative for Sustainable Semiconductor Development
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The U.S. Commerce Department has announced plans to allocate $100 million to promote the use
   of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing new, sustainable semiconductor materials.
● This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance semiconductor manufacturing while reducing
   environmental impact.
● AI-Powered Autonomous Experimentation: The funding will be directed to universities, national
   laboratories, and the private sector to develop AI-driven autonomous experimentation to reduce the
   time and resources required to develop new semiconductor materials.
Inauguration of India's First Compressed Biogas Facility in Ranchi
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first compressed biogas facility in Ranchi, Jharkhand,
   developed by GAIL (India) Limited in partnership with CEID Consultants and LSTK/EPC Contractor.
● This facility represents a significant step towards sustainable waste management and clean energy
   production.
● The biogas facility has a daily capacity of 12,500 m³, designed to process 150 tonnes of municipal
   solid waste each day. It is expected to produce 5,000 kg of bio-CNG and 25 tons of fermented bio-
   manure daily.
● Location: The facility is located at the Jhir Dumping Site Mouza Jhiri, occupying 7.86 acres in Ranchi.
Reliance Group Expands into Bhutan with Major Renewable Energy Projects
● The Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group has announced its entry into Bhutan, planning to establish
   1,270 megawatts of solar and hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan kingdom.
● This strategic move is marked by a partnership agreement with Druk Holding and Investments Ltd
   (DHI), the commercial and investment arm of the Royal Government of Bhutan, aimed at enhancing
   investment in Bhutan's renewable energy sector.
Maharashtra Cabinet Approves 255 Acres of Salt Pan Land for Slum Rehabilitation
● The Maharashtra cabinet approved the use of 255 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to develop
   housing for individuals affected by slum rehabilitation projects.
● The implementation of this plan has been assigned to the Adani Group under the Dharavi Slum
   Redevelopment Project.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Earlier this month, the Centre approved the transfer of 255.9 acres of salt pan land to the Dharavi
   Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture between the Adani Realty Group and the
   Maharashtra government, for constructing rental housing for slum dwellers.
● The land to be acquired includes:
       o 120.5 acres in Mauje Kanjur
       o 76.9 acres in Kanjur and Bhandup
       o 58.5 acres in Mauje Mulund
CareEdge Ratings Enters Global Scale Ratings Space
● CareEdge Ratings, a leading credit rating agency in India, has made history by becoming the first
   Indian credit rating agency to enter the Global Scale Ratings arena through its subsidiary, CareEdge
   Global IFSC Limited.
● This milestone marks a significant step in CareEdge's evolution into a global knowledge-based
   institution.
● The launch took place at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, India.
● CareEdge unveiled a comprehensive report on Sovereign Ratings of Global Economies, assigning
   ratings to 39 countries.
Assessment Methodology: The CareEdge Sovereign Ratings methodology evaluates creditworthiness
based on five pillars:
           1. Economic Structure & Resilience (25% weightage)
           2. Fiscal Strength (25% weightage)
           3. External Position & Linkages (16.67% weightage)
           4. Monetary & Financial Stability (16.67% weightage)
           5. Institutions & Quality of Governance (16.67% weightage)
About CareEdge Ratings
Established in 1993, CareEdge Ratings is India's second-largest credit rating agency, renowned for its
credibility in rating diverse sectors, particularly in BFSI and Infrastructure. The group includes various
subsidiaries, such as:
   ● CARE Analytics & Advisory Private Ltd.
   ● CARE ESG Ratings Ltd.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd. (and other international entities in Mauritius, South Africa, and Nepal).
Government of India Plans Bond Buyback Worth Rs 25,000 Crore
● The Government of India has announced a bond buyback worth Rs 25,000 crore through a bond
   auction scheduled.
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will oversee the auction process.
● The buyback will target specific bonds that are nearing maturity in 2025 and early 2026.
Bonds to be Bought Back:
   ● 7.72% bond maturing on May 25, 2025
   ● 5.22% bond maturing on June 15, 2025
   ● 8.20% bond maturing on September 24, 2025
   ● 5.15% bond maturing on November 9, 2025
   ● 7.59% bond maturing on January 11, 2026
Cabinet Approves National Mission on Edible Oils to Enhance Self-Sufficiency
● The Cabinet has approved a Rs 10,103 crore budget for the National Mission on Edible Oils.
● Target to boost oilseed production from 12.7 million tonnes (MT) to 20.2 MT by 2031.
● Increase domestic edible oil requirement coverage to 72% by 2031, up from 57%.
   5. Focus on Key Oilseeds: The mission emphasizes increasing production of:
          o Rapeseed-mustard
          o Groundnut
          o Soybean
          o Sunflower
          o Sesamum
   6. Area Expansion: Oilseed cultivation area will expand from 29 million hectares (MH) to 33 MH.
   7. Production Increase Targets:
          o Projected rise in oilseed production from 39 MT (2022-23) to 69.7 MT by 2030-31.
   8. High-Yielding Varieties: The mission promotes the adoption of:
          o High-yielding, high-oil-content seed varieties.
          o Cultivation in rice fallow areas and intercropping practices.
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Cross $700 Billion Milestone
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   India's foreign exchange reserves (forex) have surpassed the $700 billion mark for the first time,
       marking a significant achievement as the country becomes the fourth economy globally to reach
• The reserves climbed by $12.588 billion to a record $704.885 billion for the week ending
September 27, reflecting the largest weekly increase since mid-July 2023.
• Increase in Reserves:
          o Increase attributed to valuation gains and dollar purchases by the Reserve Bank of India
             (RBI).
• The Union government has officially initiated a comprehensive review of the Income-tax Act,
• This effort aims to simplify tax laws and enhance compliance for taxpayers.
• Key Objectives
• Simplification of Language: Make the Income-tax Act concise and clear for better understanding.
• Reduction of Litigations: Minimize disputes and legal challenges related to tax laws.
FDI policy: Instead of an overall review, government may continue with tweaks
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has put on hold its plan to
conduct a comprehensive review of the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy, particularly for
• Instead, the department will continue its strategy of making sector-specific adjustments and
• September 2025: India will officially join the FTSE Russell Emerging Markets Bond Index
(EMGBI) with a 9.35% weightage, becoming the second-largest player, following China.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The inclusion is expected to bring in billions of dollars in fresh foreign investment and signifies
       India’s growing prominence in the global debt market.
• Indian Oil organised the Indane XTRATEJ HORECA Harmony Meet at JW Marriott, Kolkata,
bringing together key players from the city's hospitality industry including hoteliers, restaurateurs,
and caterers.
• Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, brand ambassador for Indane XTRATEJ, was the chief guest at
       the event.
   •   The event featured the unveiling of the new Indane XTRATEJ Cylinder, specifically designed for
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) has updated its projections for global merchandise trade
growth, presenting both upward and downward adjustments for the coming years.
• The WTO has revised downwards its projection for world merchandise trade growth in 2025 to
• Conversely, the 2024 forecast for merchandise trade growth has been revised upwards to 2.7%,
Reliance Industries Reports 3% Drop in Q2 FY25 Profit Amid Weak Refining Margins
● Reliance Industries reported a 3% drop in net profit for Q2 FY25, reaching Rs 19,323 crore, which
   was in line with analysts' expectations.
● Revenue remained stable at approximately Rs 2.4 lakh crore, driven by strength in the oil-to-
   chemicals (O2C), oil & gas, and fast-growing digital services (Jio) businesses.
   1. Operating Profit Decline:
          o Operating profit fell by 3.1% to Rs 41,809 crore, reflecting underlying business
              performance.
          o Expenses increased slightly by 1.4% to nearly Rs 2.2 lakh crore.
BSNL to Roll Out Indigenous 4G by May 2024, 5G by June 2025: Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● BSNL, the state-run telecom company, will complete the rollout of its indigenously developed 4G
   technology by May 2024 using 1 lakh base stations.
● The technology is developed by a consortium of C-DOT (state-run) and TCS (domestic IT company).
● India has achieved the fastest 5G rollout globally, with 4.5 lakh towers installed in 22 months,
   providing 80% coverage to the population.
Adobe Expands AI Capabilities with Firefly Video Model in Limited Public Beta
● Adobe has introduced its first AI video generator, Firefly Video Model, expanding its family of
   creative generative AI models to include video production.
● Announced in a limited public beta, this model is designed to be commercially safe, addressing
   growing concerns about copyright compliance in AI-generated content.
India's Coal Import Increases by 11.4% in April-August FY25
● India's coal imports surged by 11.4% to 121.1 million tonnes (MT) during the April-August period of
   the current fiscal year compared to 108.7 MT in the same period last year, according to data from
   mjunction, a B2B e-commerce platform.
● Total coal and coke imports during April-August 2024 reached 121.18 MT, reflecting an increase of
   11.4% from 108.74 MT in the previous year.
● In August 2024, coal imports rose 5.4% to 20.70 MT, up from 19.63 MT in August 2023.
● In FY24, India's coal imports rose 7.7% to 268.24 MT.
● Domestic coal production also increased by 6.48% to 384.08 MT during the first five months of FY25,
   compared to 360.71 MT in the same period of FY24.
Increased Asset Monetisation Target Under the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP)
● The NITI Aayog has revised the asset monetisation target for FY25, increasing it by ₹23,000 crore to
   ₹1.9 trillion.
● This adjustment is part of efforts to reach the ₹6 trillion goal set under the National Monetisation
   Pipeline (NMP), which aims to recycle capital from public assets for infrastructure investment.
● National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) Overview:
       o Launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in August 2021, the NMP targets ₹6 trillion
           in asset monetisation over four years.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
      o In the first three years, ₹3.9 trillion was achieved, slightly short of the ₹4.3 trillion target. The
          revised target for FY25 is ₹1.9 trillion, meaning the government will miss the overall goal by
          around ₹20,000 crore.
● What is Asset Monetisation?
      o Asset monetisation involves engaging private operators to manage revenue-generating public
          assets, without transferring ownership.
      o The objective is to unlock the economic value of underutilised assets, creating new revenue
          streams while the government retains ownership.
Launch of BSE Premium Consumption Index by Asia Index:
● Asia Index, a subsidiary of BSE, has introduced a new thematic index called the BSE Premium
   Consumption Index, aimed at enabling investors to tap into the future of consumption in India.
● This index focuses on companies associated with premium consumer spending, reflecting a growing
   trend towards premiumisation in the Indian market.
● The index is reconstituted semi-annually and rebalanced quarterly.
● It serves as a benchmark for various investment strategies, including:
      o ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
      o Index Funds
      o PMS (Portfolio Management Services) strategies
      o Active Mutual Fund (MF) schemes
India's Capex Strategy Faces Challenges Amid Election Slowdown
● India's capital expenditure (capex) for the current fiscal year (FY25) may fall short by around
   ₹50,000 crore, compared to the target of ₹11.11 lakh crore, due to a slowdown in asset-creating
   spending prompted by general elections.
● This marks a significant challenge for the government's capex-led growth strategy, which has seen
   robust growth in recent years.
● During the first five months of FY25 (April-August), the Centre's capex was ₹3 lakh crore, a decline
   of 19.5% compared to ₹3.73 lakh crore in the same period last year.
● Railways and Roads, which account for 47% (₹5.24 lakh crore) of the capex budget, have seen
   reduced spending.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Railways Board: Investment of ₹1.16 lakh crore in H1FY25, down 19% from ₹1.43 lakh crore in
   H1FY24.
● National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): Investment of ₹82,034 crore, down 9% from ₹90,000
   crore in the same period last year.
● Defence capex may see a spike later in the fiscal year based on procurement obligations.
GoM bats for exemption of life insurance premium from GST
● The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on term life and health insurance premiums for senior citizens
   may soon be exempted.
● The Group of Ministers (GoM) convened to discuss the GST rates on life and health insurance
   recently and has made preliminary decisions regarding the tax structure.
● The GoM has proposed to exempt GST on health insurance premiums for coverage up to ₹5 lakh for
   individuals who are not senior citizens.
● Premiums for health insurance coverage exceeding ₹5 lakh will still be subject to 18% GST.
● Currently, 18% GST is levied on life insurance premiums for term policies and family floater policies.
Upstox Launches TBT Engine to Revolutionize Retail Trading
● Upstox, one of India's leading stockbroker fintech firms, has introduced the TBT Engine (Tick-by-Tick
   Engine), marking a significant advancement in retail trading.
● Following the success of TBT-powered charts in 2023, the TBT Engine aims to offer institutional-
   grade trading tools to retail investors, enhancing their market precision and decision-making.
India Poised to Become the World's Third-Largest Economy by 2027
   ● Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is likely to become the world's third-
      largest economy by 2027, currently standing as the fifth largest with a GDP of approximately $3.9
      trillion.
   ● Investment Opportunities: Speaking at the Roundtable on 'Investment Opportunities in India' at
      the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Sitharaman emphasized India's potential for sustained
      growth and its significant contribution to global economic recovery.
   ● Electronics and Semiconductor Initiatives: The $10 billion India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
      aims to boost India's position in global electronics value chains, with increased cooperation with
      the US Department of State.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Stable Regulatory Framework: The Finance Minister pointed to structural reforms that create a
      stable environment for investors, such as:
          ○ Simplification of the tax structure via the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
          ○ Streamlining the resolution of distressed assets through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
              Code (IBC).
          ○ Liberalization of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms.
   ● Digital Economy and Startups: India has become the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally, with
      over 100 unicorns innovating for public good, supported by a robust digital economy.
Centre's Dividend Receipts from CPSEs Expected to Exceed Targets for FY25
● The Indian government is projected to surpass its target of Rs 56,260 crore in dividend receipts from
   central public-sector enterprises (CPSEs) for the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), with expectations of
   receiving around Rs 65,000 crore.
● Current Dividend Collection: As of October 21, 2024, the Centre has already collected Rs 28,913
   crore from CPSEs, which accounts for over 50% of the budget estimate for FY25.
● Comparison with Previous Year: For FY24, the revised estimate for dividend receipts from CPSEs
   was Rs 50,000 crore, yet the actual receipts amounted to Rs 63,749 crore, marking it as the highest
   yield from CPSEs to date.
India’s Retail Inflation Rises to Nine-Month High in September 2024
➢ India's retail inflation saw a significant increase in September 2024, reaching a nine-month high due
   to rising food prices.
➢ Inflation Rate Trends:
      ○ Annual Retail Inflation (CPI): Rose to 5.49% in September, up from 3.65% in August, marking
          the highest level since December 2023 (5.69%).
      ○ Despite the rise, inflation remained within the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) medium-term
          target range of 2-6%.
➢ Food Inflation:
      ○ Food prices remain a persistent issue, with 9.24% inflation in September compared to 5.66%
          in August.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
➢ In October 2024, the RBI decided to keep the benchmark repo rate unchanged at 6.5%, indicating
   that any rate cuts may be delayed.
➢ The central bank has set a CPI inflation target of 4.5% for FY25 and projected real GDP growth at
   7.2%.
➢ The RBI's medium-term CPI target is 4%, within a range of plus or minus 2%.
➢ Interest rate regulation is a key measure used by the RBI to control inflation by influencing borrowing
   costs and consumer demand.
India’s Wholesale Price Inflation Rises to 1.84% in September 2024
● India's wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation increased to 1.84% in September 2024, driven
   primarily by rising food prices, according to recent government data
● September 2024: Wholesale inflation rose to 1.84%, up from 1.31% in August.
GoM Proposes GST Exemption on Life and Health Insurance Premiums for Senior Citizens
● The Group of Ministers (GoM) has proposed significant changes to the Goods and Services Tax
   (GST) on term life insurance and health insurance premiums.
● The proposal aims to alleviate the financial burden on senior citizens, especially those facing high
   insurance costs.
Key Proposals:
   ● GST Exemption on Health Insurance for Coverage up to ₹5 Lakh:
           ○ The GoM recommends exempting GST on health insurance premiums for policies with
              coverage up to ₹5 lakh, except for senior citizens.
           ○ Policies exceeding this coverage limit would continue to attract an 18% GST.
   ● Complete GST Waiver for Senior Citizens:
           ○ A potential complete waiver of GST is being discussed for all health insurance premiums
              paid by senior citizens, irrespective of the coverage amount.
   ● Term Life Insurance GST:
           ○ Currently, term life insurance premiums, including family floater policies, attract 18% GST.
              The GoM is exploring avenues to reduce these rates to provide relief, particularly to senior
              citizens.
Direct Tax to GDP Ratio in India Reaches Highest Level Since 2007-08
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Recent data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) indicates a notable improvement
   in India's direct tax to GDP ratio, which has risen to 6.11% in FY23, the highest level recorded since
   2007-08.
● An analysis of the top 15 States and Union Territories shows significant disparities in this ratio
   across different regions.
State Performance:
    ○ Delhi recorded the highest direct tax to GDP ratio at 21.22%.
    ○ Other leading states include Maharashtra at 16.6% and Karnataka at 9.29%. The high income
       levels in these regions contribute to their elevated direct tax payments.
    ○ Conversely, states with lower ratios include:
                 ■ Bihar: 0.91%
                 ■ Uttar Pradesh: 1.68%
                 ■ Madhya Pradesh: 1.47%
                 ■ Rajasthan: 2.17%
India's Export Performance in FY25: Positive Growth Amid Geopolitical Challenges
   ● Exports to eight out of India’s top 10 destinations, including the Netherlands, the United States
       (US), and the United Kingdom (UK), showed positive growth in the first half of FY25.
   ● Overall Export Growth: Despite geopolitical challenges and muted global demand, India’s overall
       exports increased marginally by 1%, reaching $213.2 billion during April-September.
   ● Decline in Exports to Specific Countries: Exports to China and South Africa contracted by 9.4%
       and 2.3%, respectively, highlighting challenges in these markets.
BSNL Prepares for 4G Rollout with C-DOT's Back-End Support; Focus on Indigenous Development and
5G Advancements
➢ State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) is gearing up to launch its long-awaited 4G services
   across India, with plans to eventually transition to 5G.
➢ To facilitate this rollout, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), in collaboration with
   Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Tejas Networks, is playing a pivotal role in establishing a
   robust 4G network for BSNL.
Revenue Growth of Indian Companies Slows to 5-7% in July-September Quarter
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The revenue growth of Indian companies in the July-September quarter is estimated to be 5-7%
   year-on-year (Y-o-Y), marking the slowest growth in the last 16 quarters, according to CRISIL.
● The analysis is based on 435 companies, representing almost half of the listed market capitalization.
Moody’s Upgrades Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL) Ratings Due to Funding Access
● Moody's Ratings has upgraded the ratings on bonds of Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL),
   acknowledging the company’s successful efforts to access funding.
● The rating agency raised Vedanta's corporate family rating to B3 from Caa1 and upgraded the rating
   on senior unsecured bonds issued by VRL and its subsidiary Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc to
   Caa1 from Caa2. A 'stable' outlook has been maintained.
NTPC Ltd Plans Significant Expansion in Thermal and Renewable Energy Capacity
● State-owned NTPC Ltd is set to enhance its thermal power generation capacity by an additional 13.6
   gigawatts (GW) by the financial year 2026-27, aligning with the government’s strategy to increase
   thermal power generation to meet rising energy demands.
● The company also has ambitious plans for its renewable energy segment.
● NTPC aims to commission 2.7 GW of thermal capacity by the end of the current financial year and
   an additional 1.46 GW in FY26.
Government Doubles Mudra Loan Limit to Boost Entrepreneurship under 'Tarun Plus'
● The government has raised the limit on Mudra loans under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
   (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh under a new category, ‘Tarun Plus’, to further support
   budding entrepreneurs and enhance the nation’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
● Objective of Expansion: The increase in loan limit aims to “fund the unfunded” by providing financial
   support to emerging entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid loans in the previous ‘Tarun’
   category. This aligns with the government's vision of building a robust entrepreneurial environment.
● Announcement and Implementation: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this in her
   July 2024 Union Budget. The new limit will be available specifically for those who have availed and
   repaid earlier loans under the ‘Tarun’ category.
● Scheme Overview: PMMY was launched on April 8, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
   provide collateral-free micro-credit to non-corporate, non-farm micro-entrepreneurs for income-
   generating activities. Loans under PMMY are distributed in three categories:
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
       ○ Shishu – Up to Rs 50,000
       ○ Kishore – Between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh
       ○ Tarun – Up to Rs 10 lakh
● Loan Disbursement: In 2023-24, 66.8 million loans were sanctioned, amounting to Rs 5.4 trillion.
   Since the scheme’s inception, over 487.8 million loans worth Rs 29.79 trillion have been issued.
FSSAI's Shift Towards Proactive Industry Regulation Praised by Nestle India Chairman
● Suresh Narayanan, Chairman and MD of Nestle India, highlighted a positive shift in FSSAI’s
   regulatory approach over the last decade.
● FSSAI has become more responsive, transparent, and industry-focused since its initial formation in
   2008.
Hindustan Zinc to Invest $2 Billion to Double Production Capacity to 2 Million Tonnes
● Hindustan Zinc, a Vedanta Group company, aims to double its production capacity to 2 million
   tonnes over the next few years, according to CEO Arun Misra.
● The company has engaged consultants and is seeking mining partners to achieve this goal.
● Production targets are set at 1.2 million tonnes by 2025, 1.35 million tonnes by 2026, and 1.8 million
   tonnes by 2027, with a final goal of reaching 2 million tonnes.
India's Growing Reliance on Crude Oil and Natural Gas Imports in H1 FY25
● India's reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas continued to rise in the first half of the financial
   year 2025 (H1 FY25).
● Crude oil import dependency increased to 88.2%, up from 87.6% in H1 FY24 and 87.8% for the
   entire FY24.
● Natural gas import dependency rose to 51.5% in H1 FY25, compared to 46.8% a year ago and 47.1%
   for the full FY24, per data from the Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC).
Geopolitical Conflicts and Trade Policy Uncertainty Pose Risks to India’s Economic Growth
● India’s monthly economic report identifies geopolitical conflicts and uncertain trade policies of major
   economies as major risks to its economy.
● Potential economic challenges include geoeconomic fragmentation and high valuations in financial
   markets, particularly in advanced economies.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The Indian government forecasts a growth rate of 6.5%-7% for the current fiscal year, down from 8.2%
   in the previous year due to escalating geopolitical risks.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Veteran Bollywood actor Mithun Chakraborty, aged 74, has been announced as the recipient of the
   prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his significant contributions to Indian cinema.
● The announcement was made by Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on social
   media platform X.
● Earlier this year, Mithun was also honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award, further recognizing his
   impact on the film industry.
Ashokan Charuvil Wins 48th Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award
• Ashokan Charuvil has been awarded the 48th Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award for
• This prestigious award, established by the Vayalar Ramavarma Trust, includes a cash prize of ₹1
• A judging committee comprising writers Benyamin, Gracy, and literary critic K.S. Ravikumar
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2024: Awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun
• The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their
• Their groundbreaking work has deepened our understanding of gene expression, revealing a
• Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to be the Chief Guest at the Financial Express
(FE) Best Banks Awards, celebrating outstanding performances by banks, non-banking finance
• The event will be attended by top bankers and corporate leaders, highlighting the robust growth
Nobel Prize in Physics 2024 Awarded to John J. Hopfield and Geoffrey E. Hinton
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
          o The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics recognizes the groundbreaking work of John J. Hopfield
              and Geoffrey E. Hinton in the field of machine learning.
o Both laureates have used principles from physics to develop techniques that form the
neural networks.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024: David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper awarded for protein
innovations
o Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper (Google DeepMind, London, UK), were awarded for
• The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Han Kang, a celebrated South Korean
author, recognized for her intense poetic prose that delves into historical traumas and the fragility
of human life.
• Her work profoundly explores the interplay between personal and societal histories, reflecting
• Birth and Background: Han Kang was born on November 27, 1970, in Gwangju, South Korea.
Nihon Hidankyo Awarded 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for Advocacy Against Nuclear Weapons
• The Norwegian Nobel Committee has awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize to Nihon Hidankyo,
a Japanese organization representing the survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki.
• The award recognizes the group’s significant efforts in advocating for a nuclear-free world and its
   •   Established in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo is the largest and most influential organization of atomic
       bomb survivors in Japan.
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
                  David
                                        “for computational protein
                     Baker(USA)
                                          design”
                                                                       The Royal         Moungi G.
Jumper(USA)
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
demonstrating through
                   Daron Acemoglu
                   (USA) ,          “for studies of how
James A.
Robinson(USA)
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that its Chairman S. Somanath has
received the International Astronautical Federation’s (IAF) prestigious World Space Award for
● Chandrayaan-3 mission by ISRO exemplifies the synergy of scientific curiosity and cost-effective
engineering, symbolising India’s commitment to excellence and the vast potential that space
● Chandrayaan-3 was launched July 6, 2023 from Sriharikota spaceport and it successfully made
● Achieving a historic milestone, Chandrayaan-3 becomes the first to touch down near the lunar
South Pole, showcasing both aspiration and technological prowess on an international scale.
About ISRO :
   ● Formed : 15 August 1969
● Chairman : S. Somanath
European Parliament Awards Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan Opposition Leaders María Corina
Machado and Edmundo González
● The European Parliament has awarded its prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to
   María Corina Machado and Edmundo González, leaders of Venezuela's democratic opposition.
● This recognition honors their efforts to restore democracy and freedom in Venezuela amid political
   repression.
● The Sakharov Prize, established in 1988, is named after Andrei Sakharov, a Soviet dissident and
   Nobel laureate. It is the highest tribute the European Union pays to individuals or groups defending
   human rights and fundamental freedoms.
● Past recipients include global figures like Nelson Mandela, Malala Yousafzai, and Denis Mukwege.
● The Sakharov Prize comes with an €50,000 ($54,000) endowment and will be formally presented in
   mid-December at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The award also highlights the international community's solidarity with those advocating for
   democracy and human rights.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Awarded Fiji's Highest Civilian Honour
● The Republic of Fiji awarded Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar the prestigious title of “Honourary Officer
   of the Order of Fiji,” its highest civilian recognition, in appreciation of his efforts to promote peace,
   unity, and community upliftment worldwide.
● Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, presented this honor, and Sri Sri expressed gratitude
   on social media, saying he was “Honoured to receive Fiji’s highest civilian award.”
Bibhab Kumar Talukdar Receives The Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership
● Bibhab Kumar Talukdar, a renowned conservation scientist from Assam, has been honored with The
   Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership by the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the
   International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
● The award ceremony took place during the 5th IUCN SSC Leaders’ Meeting in Abu Dhabi, which
   gathered over 300 conservation experts to discuss critical issues such as biodiversity loss and
   climate change.
● The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at the Raj Niwas, the
      LG's secretariat.
   ● He Succeeded Justice Satish Chandra Sharma.
● The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.
SDGP Nalin Prabhat Appointed as Acting Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir Police
Effective from October 1st, 2024
   ● The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) appointed IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as Special Director
● Nalin Prabhat will also assume the role of Director General of Police (DGP) for J&K effective
October 1, 2024.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● As DGP, he will be responsible for overseeing police operations and addressing security
      challenges in Jammu & Kashmir.
● He succeeds R.R. Swain (IPS), who is set to retire upon reaching superannuation on September
30, 2024.
Subrata Mondal named as the new Managing Director and CEO of IFFCO Tokio General Insurance
● IFFCO Tokio General Insurance Company Limited (IFFCO Tokio), a general insurer, has
appointed a new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in Subrata Mondal.
● IFFCO Tokio General Insurance is a joint venture between the Indian Farmers Fertilisers Co-
operative (IFFCO) and Japan's Tokio Marine Group, with a shareholding structure of 51:49.
IL&FS names Nand Kishore as Chairman and Managing Director, succeeding CS Rajan
   ● Nand Kishore has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of
Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), effective October 1, 2024.
● He succeeds CS Rajan, whose tenure as non-executive chairman ended on September 30, 2024.
● The appointment of Nand Kishore has been approved by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
About IL&FS :
   ● Established : 1987
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh assumes charge as Chief of the Air Staff
   ● Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Amar Preet Singh took over as the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) on October 1,
● The DGAFMS is responsible for overseeing medical policy matters related to the Indian Armed
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Prior to her current role, she served as the 46th DGAFMS, and held prestigious positions
      including:
Government Appoints 3 New External Members Before Crucial Reserve Bank of India Monetary Policy
Committee Meeting
● The government appointed three new external members to the Monetary Policy Committee
(MPC):
➢ Dr. Nagesh Kumar, Director and Chief Executive of the Institute for Studies in Industrial
Development
● The government has notified the reconstitution of the MPC under the Reserve Bank of India Act,
      1934.
   ● As per the provisions of the RBI Act, the MPC consists of six members: three members from RBI
● As per the powers conferred by Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, the government has reconstituted
● As per the provisions, the MPC consists of six members, and the government can nominate three
members.
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The other three members are the governor of the Reserve Bank of India — chairperson, ex
      officio; the deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, in charge of monetary policy —
member, ex officio; and one officer of the Reserve Bank of India to be nominated by the central
office.
● This marks a significant moment in Mexico’s history, occurring after over 200 years of
independence.
   ● Sheinbaum will serve a six-year term that will last until 2030.
   ● The swearing-in took place at the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro in Mexico City.
● During the ceremony, legislators shouted “Presidenta! Presidenta!” using the feminine form of
● As a member of the Morena party, Sheinbaum is anticipated to follow the policies of her mentor,
About Mexico :
   ● Capital : Mexico City
   ● He succeeded Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, who became the Chief of Air Staff on
      September 30, 2024.
● As the Director General of the DSA, Dharkar was responsible for establishing the new
organization, which oversees all aspects of space exploitation in the military domain for the
● Before his current appointment, he was serving as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) : Air Marshal Sujeet Pushpakar Dharkar
● Deputy Chief of the Air Staff (DCAS) : Air Marshal Tejinder Singh
Goods and Services Tax Council forms 10-member GoM, headed by MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary
● The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has established a 10-member Group of Ministers
(GoM), chaired by Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, to review and make
recommendations on the taxation of luxury, sin, and demerit goods after the compensation cess
● The GoM includes representatives from Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya
● The GoM is required to submit its report to the GST Council by December 31, 2024.
Government approves 1-year extension for RBI Deputy Governor Rajeshwar Rao
   ● The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra
Modi, approved a one-year extension for Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor
   ● This is Rao's second one-year extension, with the first being granted in October 2023.
   ● His original appointment as Deputy Governor was in October 2020 for a three-year term.
Sanjeev Sanyal was appointed as new Chancellor of Gokhale Institute, Pune, succeeding Bibek Debroy
   •   Sanjeev Sanyal, an economist and member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime
Minister (EAC-PM), has been appointed as the new chancellor of Pune's Gokhale Institute of
• His term will begin on October 7, 2024, and last for five years.
• Bibek Debroy, chairperson of the EAC-PM, resigned from the chancellorship of GIPE amid
controversy over the removal of the institute’s Vice-Chancellor (V-C), Ajit Ranade.
About GIPE :
• Established : 1930
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
of Germany.
• Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to France.
• Previous Role: Served as the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Denmark from November
• Previous Role: Appointed as India's Ambassador to Israel on July 19, 2019, succeeding Pavan
• Responsibilities: In his new role, Jain will oversee several crucial departments within the RBI,
including:
• Legal Department
• Premises Department
Zarin Daruwala, CEO of Standard Chartered India, is Set to Retire in April 2025
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   Zarin Daruwala, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Standard Chartered India and Southeast Asia,
       will retire on April 1, 2025, after serving more than 8 years in the role.
performance.
JP Nadda appointed as Chairperson for the 77th Session of the WHO Regional Committee
   •   Union Health Minister JP Nadda was elected as the Chairperson of the 77th session of the World
• Participating Countries: Delegates from countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea,
India, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste are
Indian Railway Finance Corporation Names Manoj Kumar Dubey as New Chairman and Managing
Director
   •   Manoj Kumar Dubey has been appointed as the Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) and Chief
       Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC).
   •   He succeeded an interim CMD role that had been in place for over two years.
   •   Dubey is a 1993-batch officer of the Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS).
• Prior to this role, he served as Director (Finance) at the Container Corporation of India
(CONCOR).
About IRFC :
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Ratan Tata's Half-Brother Noel Tata Appointed as Chairman of Tata Trusts, Succeeding Ratan Tata
   •   Noel Tata, the half-brother of Ratan Tata, has been appointed Chairman of Tata Trusts, following
• Ratan Tata's passing marks the end of an era in Indian business, where he significantly reshaped
India's industrial landscape and transformed the Tata Group into a global powerhouse.
Bandhan Bank Shares Jump 10% Following Reserve Bank of India Approval of Partha Sengupta as
Chief Executive Officer
   •   The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Partha Pratim Sengupta as the new Managing
Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Bandhan Bank for a three-year term starting
• Sengupta will replace Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, who retired in July 2024.
• He has previously held leadership positions at State Bank of India (SBI) and served as CEO and
• Founded : 2015
State Bank of India talent proves a valuable asset for private sector banks
   ● At least three former State Bank of India (SBI) executives have been appointed as managing
       directors and chief executive officers (MD and CEO) of different private sector banks in the past
six months.
● Partha Pratim Sengupta: Recently approved as MD and CEO of Bandhan Bank; he will assume
● Saleem Sulaiman Nair: Appointed as MD and CEO of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank in August 2024.
● Sanjeev Nautial: Took charge as MD and CEO of Ujivan Small Finance Bank (SFB) on July 1,
2024.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM Takes Over as Director General of Medical Services
   ● Surgeon Vice Admiral Kavita Sahai, SM, VSM assumed charge as Director General Medical
Services (Navy).
● In recognition for her distinguished Service, she has been awarded the Sena Medal in 2024 and
Vishisht Seva Medal in 2018 and has been Commended by the Chief of the Army Staff twice in
Srinivas gets additional charge as Chief Executive Officer of public procurement portal GeM
● L. Satya Srinivas, a 1991-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer (Customs & Indirect Taxes),
has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Government e-Marketplace
Current Roles:
   ● He is currently serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, Government
of India.
   ● Srinivas is India’s Chief Negotiator for the India-EU and India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
      negotiations.
● The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal was launched on August 9, 2016 by the Ministry of
      Commerce and Industry, Government of India, to facilitate online purchases of goods and
      services by all central government ministries and departments.
TV Narendran appointed as Chairman of worldsteel; becomes second Indian to lead the global
organisation
   ● Global body World Steel Association (worldsteel) has elected Tata Steel Managing Director (MD)
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Thachat Viswanath Narendran as its chairman.
● He is the second Indian to hold this position, following Sajjan Jindal of JSW Group, who served
as chairman in 2021.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Vice Chair Elections:Ugur Dalbeler (Colakoglu Metalurji AS) and Leon Topalian (President and
      CEO of Nucor Corporation) have been elected as Vice Chairs.
● The World Steel Association members represent approximately 85% of the world's steel
production, comprising over 160 steel producers, national and regional steel industry
Amit Kumar Appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of AI Assets Holding Limited
● Amit Kumar was selected by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) for the role of
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of AI Assets Holding Limited (AIAHL), a Schedule ‘B’
● Kumar is currently serving as the Executive Director Asset Manager at ONGC (Oil and Natural
Gas Corporation).
● AI Assets Holding Limited is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) established by the Government of
India to provide unified asset holding services, as outlined in its Memorandum of Association.
About AIAHL :
   ● Founded : January 22, 2018
● Ownership: AIAHL is a Public Sector Undertaking that is 100% owned by the Government of
India.
Omar Abdullah Takes Oath as Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir; Surinder Kumar Choudhary
Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister
   ● Omar Abdullah took oath as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir marking his second term
● National Conference’s Surinder Kumar Choudhary was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Nayab Singh Saini will be sworn in as the 20th Chief Minister of Haryana in Chandigarh.
● He was unanimously elected as the leader of the BJP legislature party in Haryana, paving the
● The oath of office and secrecy will be administered by Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.
About Haryana :
   ● Governor : Bandaru Dattatreya
● Capital : Chandigarh
● Senior diplomat Aishath Azeema is set to replace Ibrahim Shaheeb as the top Maldivian envoy to
India.
● The appointment comes after President Mohamed Muizzu's first state visit to India, indicating
efforts to reinforce ties with one of the Maldives' closest bilateral partners.
About Maldives :
   ● President : Mohamed Muizzu
● Capital : Malé
Director General Paramesh Sivamani is the 26th Director General of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
   ● Paramesh Sivamani, who specialises in navigation and direction, has taken over as the 26th
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● MS Dhoni, former Indian cricket captain, announced that his association with Garuda Aerospace,
          an IPO-bound drone company, continues to flourish.
   ● Dhoni, who is both a brand ambassador and stakeholder in the company, expressed his belief in
          Garuda’s vision to make India a drone hub by 2030.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Recommends Justice Sanjiv Khanna as His Successor
   ● Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has recommended Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his
successor.
● The recommendation was made in a letter to the Ministry of Law and Justice.
● His tenure is projected to last for six months, as he is set to retire on May 13, 2025.
Bima Sugam India Federation Names Prasun Sikdar as Its 1st Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer
● Prasun Sikdar has been appointed as the first Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD
& CEO) of the Bima Sugam India Federation for a three-year term.
● The appointment of the MD & CEO required approval from the Insurance Regulatory and
Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar was appointed as Chairperson of the National Commission for Women
● Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National
● The appointment made under Section 3 of the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, will
be for a period of three years or until she reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Establishment: Formed in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
   ● Headquarters: New Delhi, India.
● Mandate: Work towards the advancement of women's rights, review constitutional and legal
Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS Officer from the 1993 Batch (AGMUT Cadre), Takes Over as Coal Secretary
● Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Arunachal
Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, has assumed charge as the
● Previously, he served as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
● He succeeds Shri VL Kantha Rao, the current Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, who held
   ● S Gopalakrishnan, a 1991-batch IAS officer, has been appointed the new chairman of the Staff
      Selection Commission (SSC).
● Gopalakrishnan will assume the role on October 31, 2024, following the voluntary retirement of
● Manoj Soni, the chairperson of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), resigned in July
Key Appointments:
   ● V Umashankar (1993-batch) has been appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport
and Highways.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Vikram Dev Dutt, previously Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
      is now Coal Secretary.
● Tanmay Kumar, currently Special Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate
Change, will take over as Secretary in December 2024 after Leena Nandan's retirement.
● Subrata Gupta (1990-batch) will become Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries,
About SSC :
   ● Formation : 4 November 1975
● Gorman will succeed Mark Parker as chairman, who is leaving after nine years on Disney's board.
● Prabowo Subianto has assumed office as the President of Indonesia, marking his leadership of
● Prabowo Subianto, aged 73, won the presidential election held on February 14, securing nearly
● His campaign included popular policies, such as providing free meals for school children.
About Indonesia :
   ● Capital : Jakarta
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Pension regulator Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has appointed
Chitra Jayasimha as the Chairperson of the Board of National Pension System (NPS) Trust with
● She has been serving as a Trustee of the NPS Trust since December 2020.
● Jayasimha took over from Venkata Rao Yadagani, who was appointed as Chairman in December
2023.
➢ The NPS is a voluntary, market-linked retirement savings scheme. Combined assets under
management (AUM) of NPS and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) stand at ₹13.40 lakh crore as of
October 2024.
➢ The members of the NPS Trust are appointed by the PFRDA from time to time.
➢ The NPS Trust Board meets every quarter to review operations, with the PFRDA appointing the
   ● Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has appointed Barenya Senapati as the Finance Director.
   ● Senapati is a fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
● Prior to his appointment as Finance Director, Senapati served as Finance Executive Director at
About HAL :
   2. Founded : 22 December 1940
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Vietnam Names Army General Luong Cuong as New President Following Months of Turmoil
● Vietnam has elected Luong Cuong, a military general, as its new president, marking the fourth
● The presidency is the second highest role in Vietnam's political structure, although it is largely
ceremonial.
● He replaced To Lam, who remained president even after being appointed as the general
About Vietnam :
   ● Prime Minister : Phạm Minh Chính
● Capital : Hanoi
Reserve Bank of India Grants Approval for Pranav Chawda to Become Chief Executive Officer of JP
Morgan Chase Bank India
   ● JP Morgan Chase Bank India has announced the elevation of Pranav Chawda as its Chief
      Executive Officer (CEO).
   ● As CEO, Chawda's responsibilities will expand to include heading the corporate banking entity as
      well.
   ● The former CEO, Prabhdev Singh, resigned in June before completing his term.
Reserve Bank of India Approves Axis Bank MD and CEO Amitabh Chaudhry’s Re-appointment
   ● Axis Bank has confirmed the re-appointment of Amitabh Chaudhry as Managing Director (MD)
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the bank for another three years, starting from January 1,
● The re-appointment was approved by shareholders at Axis Bank's 30th Annual General Meeting
in July.
● Ganesh Sankaran, Axis Bank's Group Executive in charge of the Wholesale Banking division,
● His last working day with Axis Bank will be November 30, 2024.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Justice Sanjiv Khanna Set to Be Sworn in as Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024
   ● The Union government notified the appointment of Justice Sanjiv Khanna as the 51st Chief
● The appointment was made by the President of India under Clause (2) of Article 124 of the
Constitution.
● Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, scheduled to retire on November 10, 2024, recommended
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics Governing Board Appoints Himanshu
Pathak as Director-General Designate
   ● The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(Icrisat) has appointed Himanshu Pathak as the Director -General Designate of the institute.
● Pathak, who currently serves as Union Secretary of the Department of Agricultural Research and
Education (DARE) and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),
● Pathak will be the first Indian to head ICRISAT, a 52-year-old institute based in Patancheru near
Hyderabad.
● He will be the second Indian to head a Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres
(CGIAR) institute after M S Swaminathan, who led the Philippines-based International Rice
About ICRISAT :
   ➢ Formation : 1972
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ➢ The ICRISAT is an international organisation which conducts agricultural research for rural
      development, headquartered in Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Cabinet Committee Designates Permanent Managing Director for Agri Ministry's National Agriculture
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited After Recent Interim Transfer to Cooperation Ministry
   ● The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Deepak Agarwal as the regular
Managing Director (MD) of the National Agriculture Cooperative Marketing Federation of India
● Deepak Agarwal is a 2000-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Uttar
Pradesh cadre.
About NAFED :
   ● Founded : 2 October 1958
● Nick Fox will succeed Raghavan in his previous role, managing Google Search, Assistant, and
related products.
● Officers from various central services, including the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS),
Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE), Indian Audit and Accounts Service
(IA&AS) and Indian Revenue Service (IRS) among others have been appointed to these key joint
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Ministry of Home
Affairs
Economic         and
Cooperative
Sectors
Administrative and
Personnel
Management
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Petroleum,
Commerce,        and
Corporate Affairs
Environment and
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Agriculture
Development        of
North         Eastern
Region
Bharti Airtel Names Gopal Vittal as Executive Vice Chairman; Shashwat Sharma to Assume Role of
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer in January 2026
      ● Gopal Vittal has been promoted to Executive Vice-Chairman of Bharti Airtel, effective January 1,
2026.
● He will transition from his current role as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD &
CEO).
● Shashwat Sharma, the current Chief Operating Officer (COO), will be appointed as the MD and
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
of Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB).
● The current MD & CEO of PNB, Atul Kumar Goel, will complete his tenure on December 31,
2024.
● Chandra is currently executive director (ED) at Canara Bank since November 21, 2022.
About PNB :
   ● Founded : 19 May 1894
HSBC Appoints Pam Kaur, an Indian-Origin Banker, as Its First Female chief financial officer
● HSBC named Pam Kaur as its first female Chief Financial Officer (CFO), a landmark in the
● Kaur, an Indian-origin banker, will officially begin her role on January 1, 2025.
summit
   ● Ghana's Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been appointed as the new Secretary-
● The appointment occurred on the final day of the Commonwealth summit in Samoa.
decade-long journey.
● The merger date follows the Centre's approval of Singapore Airlines' (SIA) ₹2,058 crore
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● In November 2022, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines announced plans to integrate Vistara with
       Air India to enhance operational synergies and increase market share in the rapidly growing
● Stakeholder Information: Post-merger, SIA will retain a 25.1% stake in Air India as part of its
multi-hub strategy.
About Vistara :
   ● Founded : 2013 (Commenced Operations : 9 January 2015)
Competition Commission of India greenlights Mankind Pharma Limited’s acquisition of Bharat Serums
and Vaccines Limited
   ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding of
Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV) by Mankind Pharma Ltd (Mankind).
About CCI :
   ● Formed : 14 October 2003
• Automatic Integration: The integration of Amazon miniTV and MX Player will occur automatically
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Reserve Bank of India grants approval for merger of Tata Capital and Tata Motors Finance
   ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of Tata Capital, an unlisted entity,
with Tata Motors Finance (TMFL), paving the way for the formation of India’s 12th largest non-
● The RBI sent its “no-objection” to both companies in October 2024, as per their regulatory filings.
● As part of the merger consideration, Tata Capital will issue equity shares to TMFL shareholders,
Competition Commission of India Greenlights Central Bank of India's 24.91% Acquisition in Future
Generali India Insurance
   ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Central Bank of India's acquisition of
Acquisition Details:
   ● Central Bank of India will acquire:
➢ 24.91% equity stake in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL).
➢ 25.18% equity stake in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL).
● It provides personal insurance, commercial insurance, social & rural insurance etc.
● It provides savings insurance, investment plans (ULIP), term insurance plans, health insurance
plans, child plans, retirement plans, rural insurance plans and group insurance plans.
Kotak Mahindra Bank Agrees to Acquire ₹4,100-Crore Personal Loan Portfolio from Standard Chartered
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
₹4,100-crore personal loan book of Standard Chartered Bank, India, subject to regulatory
approval.
➢ The transaction consists of loans classified as ‘Standard Loans’ in line with the Reserve Bank of
➢ In 2022, Axis Bank acquired Citi India’s consumer and wealth management business.
Adar Poonawalla acquires 50% stake in Dharma Productions from Karan Johar for ₹1,000 crore
   ● Adar Poonawalla, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India, has announced a
₹1,000 crore investment in Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment
● The deal involves Poonawalla's Serene Production acquiring a 50% stake in Dharma Productions,
CCI Greenlights Aquilo House Private. Limited.'s Acquisition of Aavas Financiers Limited
   ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of Aavas
● Acquirer: Aquilo House Pte. Ltd., the acquiring entity, is wholly and indirectly held by Relevant
CVC Funds, which are investment vehicles managed or advised by the CVC Network (CVC
● CVC Group: The CVC Network is a global alternative investment manager with expertise in
private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure investments. CVC PLC is listed on the
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● It is a statutory body within the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and is responsible for enforcing the
Competition Act, 2002 to promote competition and prevent activities that have an appreciable
Manipal HealthMap completes full acquisition of iGenetic Diagnostics, aims for 200 centres by 2027
   ● Manipal HealthMap has acquired iGenetic Diagnostics, securing a 100% stake in the company.
● Regulatory Approval:The merger has received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal
Competition Commission of India Gives Nod to Fortis Healthcare's Acquisition of More Shares in Agilus
Diagnostics Limited
● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved Fortis Healthcare Limited’s (FHL)
● After the proposed acquisition, Fortis Healthcare’s shareholding in Agilus will increase from 57.68%
to 89.2%.
Competition Commission of India Greenlights Merger of Diliigent Power with DB Power and
● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has granted approval for a proposed combination
● Proposed Combination Details:The combination includes the merger of Diliigent Power Private
Limited (DPPL) into its wholly owned subsidiary, DB Power Limited (DBPL).
Competition Commission of India approves the proposed acquisition of additional stake in Thoughtworks
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition involving
       additional shareholding in Thoughtworks Holding, Inc.
● Tasmania Midco LLC (Acquirer) is a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that is indirectly wholly owned
by Apax Partners LLP (AP), which provides investment advisory services to private equity funds
Slice and North East Small Finance Bank Complete Merger One Year After Reserve Bank of India
Approval
● Slice has successfully completed its merger with North East Small Finance Bank, consolidating
● The merger was finalized over one year after receiving the RBI's NOC.
● The merged entity aims to enhance its presence in India's north-eastern region, focusing on local
● Established : 2015
● Participants: Two women officers, Lt Cdr Roopa A from Puducherry and Lt Cdr Dilna K from
● The officers will sail on the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini, a 55-foot indigenously built
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The expedition was introduced at a curtain raiser event held on September 23, 2024, presided
      over by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff.
● The expedition is conducted under the aegis of the Indian Naval Sailing Association at Naval
Headquarters, New Delhi, and the Ocean Sailing Node, Goa, coordinating with international
● The first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama occurred from September 2017 to May 2018, with six
women officers covering about 22,000 nautical miles and visiting five countries: Australia, New
completed the Golden Globe Race in 2022; he is also the official mentor for the current
expedition officers.
● About INSV Tarini : It is a 55-foot sailing vessel, which has been built indigenously, and was
Sunita Williams Assumes Command of the International Space Station for the 2nd Time
● National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut Sunita Williams has assumed
command of the International Space Station (ISS), marking her second stint as the station’s
      leader.
   ● She previously served as commander during Expedition 33 in 2012.
● Sunita Williams has logged over 322 days in space and holds the record for the most spacewalks
by a woman.
About NASA :
   ● Established : July 29, 1958
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Google Partners with Clean Max to Launch Hybrid Renewable Energy Project
● Google has announced a strategic partnership with Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions (CleanMax)
   to establish a 125.4 MW hybrid renewable energy project in India.
● This initiative aims to enhance Google’s efforts in decarbonising its cloud services and office
   operations in the country.
Key Details of the Partnership
   ● Project Components:
           o Solar Power: The project will include a 66 MW solar power plant located in Rajasthan.
           o Wind Energy: Additionally, a 59.4 MW wind generation plant will be established in
              Karnataka.
MoU Between Amazon and Department of Posts (DoP): Strengthening E-commerce and Logistics in
India
• Amazon and the Department of Posts (DoP) have been collaborating since 2013, utilizing DoP’s
• This partnership aims to empower India's growing e-commerce sector by enhancing logistical
• The MoU aims to explore opportunities in logistics and business expansion, allowing Amazon to
• The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has joined with Amazon to
distribution challenges and ensures that all students have easy access to authentic NCERT
materials.
• NCERT is developing interactive, AI-driven e-books as part of its move towards a digital learning
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The Bihar government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National
       Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) to promote the state's IT policy
• Bihar IT Minister Santosh Kumar Suman and NASSCOM Vice Presidents Srikanth Srinivasan
• The partnership aims to enhance IT infrastructure, attract investment, and promote skill
development in Bihar.
   •   NASSCOM will assist in organizing roadshows in major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai,
       Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune to link Bihar with potential investors and technology companies.
India and Maldives Strengthen Ties with Financial Support and New Initiatives
• India has committed over ₹6,300 crore to support the Maldives amid a foreign exchange crisis,
marking a significant step in bilateral relations as Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu engages
• Financial Support: The agreement includes a currency swap arrangement worth $400 million and
• Trade Agreement Talks: Discussions were initiated on a free trade agreement to enhance
Tata Technologies and BMW Group Launch BMW TechWorks India: A New Venture in Automotive
Software Innovation
• Tata Technologies and BMW Group have launched a joint venture named BMW TechWorks
India.
• The venture focuses on developing automotive software and digital transformation solutions for
business IT.
• BMW TechWorks will design software for software-defined vehicles (SDV) and enable the
India to Ink $3.3 Billion Contract with US for MQ-9B Predator Drones
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● India is set to sign a major $3.3 billion (Rs 28,000 crore) defence deal with the United States for 31
   MQ-9B Predator drones.
● This acquisition is part of India's growing defence partnership with the US, which has secured over
   $25 billion in Indian defence contracts in less than two decades.
● The MQ-9B Predator is a high-altitude, long-endurance drone designed for intelligence, surveillance,
   reconnaissance (ISR) missions and precision strikes.
Spices Board partners with Uttarakhand Govt to boost production of Indigenous spices
● The Spices Board of India, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has signed a Memorandum
   of Understanding (MoU) with the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of
   Uttarakhand, to promote sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
● The agreement was signed by Dr. A B Remashree, Director of Spices Board, during the Industry
   Interaction Meet held in Dehradun, in the presence of Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of
   Commerce.
India-Australia and ASEAN Trade Negotiations Intensify Towards Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation Agreement (CECA)
● India is ramping up its trade negotiations with Australia and ASEAN to finalize key trade agreements
   and address tariff asymmetries, aiming to strengthen its international economic ties before election
   cycles in partner countries potentially delay progress.
● The 9th round of negotiations on the India-European Union FTA has been completed, focusing on
   core trade issues such as goods, services, investment, government procurement, and rules of origin
   (ROO).
China-Pakistan Strengthen Ties with Gwadar Airport Inauguration
● Chinese Premier Li Qiang inaugurated the Gwadar International Airport in Pakistan's Balochistan
   province, marking a significant step in the ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
   project.
● The $200-million Beijing-funded airport was opened in a ceremony at Pakistan's Prime Minister's
   Office in Islamabad, emphasising its strategic importance.
India Strengthens Defence Capabilities with $4 Billion MQ-9B Predator Drone Deal
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● India has taken a major step in enhancing its military capabilities by signing a $4 billion deal with the
   United States to acquire 31 MQ-9B Predator drones.
● This landmark agreement, finalized on October 15, 2024, in New Delhi, marks a significant
   advancement in India’s defence preparedness, particularly in countering threats along its borders
   with China.
Renewal of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement Between India and Pakistan
● India and Pakistan have renewed their agreement to operate the Kartarpur Corridor for an additional
   five years, extending its validity until October 24, 2029.
● This follows the original agreement established in 2019, which was set to expire on October 24,
   2024.
● The corridor enables Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan without a visa,
   requiring only a nominal fee of $20 per person.
Delhi Signs MoU with Education Ministry to Implement PM-SHRI Scheme
● Delhi's State Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of
   Education to implement the PM-SHRI (Prime Minister’s Schools for Rising India) scheme.
● Launched two years ago, the PM-SHRI scheme aims to convert over 14,500 schools into exemplar
   institutions across India.
● The scheme spans five years with a budget of ₹27,360 crore, wherein the Centre provides 60% of
   the funding, and states contribute the remaining 40%.
● In northeastern states, the Centre will cover 90% of the costs.
Air India and Singapore Airlines Expand Codeshare Agreement
● Air India (AI) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have announced an expanded codeshare agreement,
   adding 11 Indian cities and 40 international destinations to their network.
● This marks their largest codeshare expansion since 2010, enhancing connectivity between India,
   Singapore, and other global destinations.
● Under this agreement, both airlines will codeshare on flights between Singapore and Bengaluru and
   Chennai, increasing weekly services from 14 to 56.
DroneAcharya Partners with Estonia's Krattworks to Boost Defence Drone Manufacturing in India
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● DroneAcharya Aerial Innovations Limited has entered into an exclusive partnership with Krattworks
   Ltd., an Estonian defence drone manufacturer, to produce and distribute defence drones in India.
● This collaboration aligns with the "Make in India" initiative and aims to cater to both Indian and global
   markets through local production.
● The collaboration will focus on manufacturing jamming-resistant tactical ISR drones with day and
   night vision capabilities, as well as fixed-wing aerial target drones for defence applications.
● Krattworks is known for its Project BadB, which develops navigation solutions for vehicles in GNSS-
   denied environments. The project recently received a $6 million investment from the European
   Defence Fund and the Defence Ministries of Estonia and Finland.
YouTube Expands Shopping Programme in India to Empower Creators
● YouTube has launched its Shopping Affiliate Programme in India, allowing content creators to
   monetize their videos by tagging products from major e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.
● This initiative is aimed at diversifying creators' revenue streams and enhancing the shopping
   experience for viewers.
Karnataka and University of South Wales Forge Partnership for Clean Energy Innovation
● Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL) has signed a Memorandum of
   Understanding (MoU) with the University of South Wales (UNSW) in Australia to promote innovation
   and support start-ups focusing on clean and renewable energy technologies.
● This partnership aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable energy and enhance collaboration
   between Karnataka and Australian institutions.
India and Germany Strengthen Bilateral Relations with Multiple MoUs
● India and Germany have signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements
   aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors, including green hydrogen, innovation, and
   technology.
● The agreements were formalized in New Delhi during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra
   Modi and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz following delegation-level talks.
● According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, bilateral trade between India and Germany reached
   $33 billion in 2023, with cumulative German investments in India totalling nearly $15 billion.
GAIL and VERBIO Collaborate to Advance Agricultural Residue-based Compressed Biogas (CBG)
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Projects in India
● GAIL (India) Limited and VERBIO India Private Limited have signed an MoU to explore the
   development of Compressed Biogas (CBG) plants using agricultural residue in India.
● The MoU was signed with the presence of Sandeep Kumar Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director
   of GAIL, and Claus Sauter, Founder and CEO of VERBIO Group.
● Sumit Kishore, Executive Director (Business Development and Exploration & Production), GAIL, and
   Ashish Kumar, Managing Director, VERBIO, signed the MoU.
● Goal: To combine expertise from both companies to promote sustainable energy solutions and
   efficiently use agricultural waste.
ISRO and DBT Collaborate on Experiments for India’s First Space Station: Bharatiya Antariksh Station
(BAS)
● The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have
   signed an agreement to develop and conduct biological and environmental experiments for the
   planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expected to be operational by 2028-2035.
● Focus is on exploring health and sustainability factors in space, which are crucial for future long-term
   missions.
India-Switzerland Railway Cooperation MoU: Strengthening Technical and Operational Capabilities
● Indian Railways has renewed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Switzerland’s Federal
   Department of the Environment, Transport, and Communications (DETEC) to enhance technical
   cooperation in railway technology and infrastructure.
● This partnership, approved by India’s Ministry of Railways and Ministry of External Affairs, aims to
   improve railway services in India through technology sharing and expertise from Switzerland.
Key Areas of Focus:
   ● Traction Rolling Stock and Electric Multiple Units (EMU)
   ● Train Sets and Propulsion Equipment
   ● Freight and Passenger Cars
   ● Tilting Trains and Railway Electrification Equipment
   ● Train Scheduling and Operational Improvements
   ● Railway Station Modernization
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
                                           DEFENCE NEWS
8th Edition of India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND 2024 Begins in Auli , Uttarakhand
   ● The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024 began on
September 30, 2024, at the Surya Foreign Training Node in Auli, Uttarakhand.
● The exercise is scheduled to take place from September 30 to October 13, 2024.
● KAZIND has been conducted annually since 2016, promoting military cooperation between India
and Kazakhstan.
● The last exercise was held in Otar, Kazakhstan, from October 30 to November 11, 2023.
Participants:
   ● Indian Armed Forces: Represented by 120 personnel from a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment,
along with additional arms, services, and Indian Air Force personnel.
● Kazakhstan Contingent: Mainly composed of personnel from the Land Forces and Airborne
Assault Troopers.
● Aim of the Joint Exercise : To enhance joint military capability of both sides to undertake counter
terrorism operations in a sub conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations
Charter.
Indian Army Hosts "Army Sports Conclave" to Showcase Its Role in Enhancing India's Sports for the
2036 Olympics
● The Indian Army hosted the "Army Sports Conclave" to highlight its contribution to India's sports
● Collaboration: The conclave stressed collaboration with key stakeholders like the Indian
Olympics Association, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and National Sports Federations to
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Indian Army's Role: The Indian Armed Forces have a tradition of contributing to India's
      international sports achievements (e.g., Asian Games and Olympics) and play a significant role in
● Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) : Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani
● The event will feature participation from leading Indian and foreign manufacturers and several
● Many fighter aircrafts and helicopters performed on air and a defence exhibition was inaugurated
by PM Narendra Modi.
● IAF's Tejas aircraft which is a lightweight, highly agile and multi-role supersonic fighter was a
● Aero India is organised by the Ministry of Defence which involves multiple agencies, including the
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Department of Space, and the Union Civil
Aviation Ministry.
● Aero India 2023 Statistics:The 14th edition was inaugurated by PM Modi and centered around
● A total of 809 exhibitors participated, including 110 foreign exhibitors and 699 Indian exhibitors.
Third 25T Bollard Pull Tug, Ashva, Launched by Commodore Ajay Yadav at Titagarh Rail Systems
Limited, Kolkata
   ● The third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Ashva (Yard 337), was launched by Commodore Ajay Yadav,
Naval Officer-in-Charge (West Bengal), at M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited, Kolkata.
● Ashva is a key product of the "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiatives.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Built under a contract with M/s Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL) for six 25T BP Tugs.
17th Meeting of India-Germany Military Cooperation Sub Group Conducted in Berlin
   ● The 17th edition of the India-Germany Military Cooperation Sub Group (MCSG) meeting took
● The MCSG is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between both nations through
regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between Headquarters, Integrated Defence
● Participants:The Indian side was co-chaired by the Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence
   ● The German side was represented by the Deputy Director of the Department of International
      Cooperation, Armed Forces Office.
Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully conducts flight test of 4th Generation
Very Short Range Air Defence System at Pokhran Firing Ranges, Rajasthan
   ● The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three
flight-tests of the 4th Generation, technically advanced miniaturised Very Short Range Air
Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on October 03 &
      04, 2024.
   ● The tests were carried out against high-speed target, demonstrating very critical parameters of
   ● VSHORADS is a Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPADS) designed and developed
      indigenously by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, Telangana in collaboration with other
About DRDO :
   ● Established : 1958
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Malabar Maritime Exercise 2024 to be held from October 8 to 18, starting with Harbour Phase in
Visakhapatnam, followed by Sea Phase
   •   Maritime Exercise Malabar 2024 is scheduled to take place from 08 to 18 October 2024,
beginning with the Harbour Phase in Visakhapatnam, followed by the Sea Phase.
• Hosted by India, this year’s exercise will see the participation of Australia, Japan, and the United
States of America.
• Exercise Malabar originated in 1992 as a bilateral naval drill between the United States and the
Indian Navy.
• The overhaul involved completely disassembling the tank and rebuilding it, with over 200
• The overhaul, part of the Army's "Decade of Transformation" initiative, was witnessed by General
• Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) : Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani
DefConnect 4.0: Defence Minister launches ADITI 2.0 challenges and DISC 12 to promote innovation,
entrepreneurship, and self-reliance in defence
   •   Union Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh launched the second edition of Acing Development of
Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI 2.0) challenges and the 12th edition of Defence India
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
       Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) during DefConnect 4.0 at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. on
       October 07, 2024.
• ADITI 2.0 features 19 challenges from the Armed Forces and allied agencies in the domains of
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers hands over the second Survey Vessel, INS Nirdeshak, to
the Indian Navy
   ● Nirdeshak, the second of four Survey Vessel (Large) ships, was delivered to the Indian Navy on
October 8, 2024.
● It was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, and designed by the
● The first ship of the SVL class, INS Sandhayak, was commissioned on February 3, 2024.
● INS Nirdeshak is the second in a series of four such vessels being constructed by GRSE, with
● These are the largest survey vessels for the Indian Navy to be built in the country.
About GRSE :
   ● Founded : 1884
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Achieves Maharatna Status, Becoming the 14th Central Public Sector
Enterprise Recognized by the Government of India
   ● Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been upgraded to Maharatna status, becoming the
14th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to receive this classification in India.
● This upgrade marks a significant achievement for HAL, enhancing its role in the Indian
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The upgrade was approved by the Finance Minister, following recommendations from:
   ➢ Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) led by the Finance Secretary.
➢ The Government of India introduced the ‘Navratna’ scheme in 1997 to identify and support
● Stock Market Listing: The company must be listed on the Indian stock exchange and comply with
SEBI regulations.
   ● Financial Performance:
          ○ Average annual turnover of over ₹25,000 crore in the last three years.
○ Average annual net worth exceeding ₹15,000 crore during the same period.
○ Average annual net profit after tax greater than ₹5,000 crore over the last three years.
Indian Navy's Largest Sailing Regatta, the Indian Navy Sailing Championship (INSC), Scheduled at
Ezhimala from October 16 to 19, 2024
   ● The Indian Navy Sailing Championship (INSC), the Navy's largest sailing regatta, will be held at
the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, from October 16 to 19, 2024.
   ● The event will take place at the Marakkar Watermanship Training Centre (MWTC) at INA, which
      is recognized as one of the finest sailing facilities in India.
Launch of 'Samarthak,' the First Ship of the Multi-Purpose Vessel Project by L&T, at Chennai
   ● The first ship of the two Multi-Purpose Vessel projects, being built by Larsen & Toubro Limited
(L&T), Shipyard for the Indian Navy, was launched on 14 Oct 24 at L&T, Kattupalli.
● The ship has been named ‘ Samarthak ’ which means ‘ Supporter’ and is synonymous with the
● The contract for two Multi-Purpose Vessels was signed between the Ministry of Defence and L&T
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The Sea Phase of Exercise MALABAR 2024 commenced on October 14, 2024, off the coast of
      Visakhapatnam.
● Participating Nations: The exercise involves naval forces from Australia, India, Japan, and the
USA.
INS Talwar Arrives in South Africa for Participation in IBSAMAR VIII Naval Exercise
● INS Talwar, a frontline stealth frigate of the Indian Navy, arrived at Simon's Town, South Africa,
● Purpose: IBSAMAR is a joint maritime exercise among India, Brazil, and South Africa, scheduled
● Objective: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and strengthen naval cohesion between
Indian Army plans month-long events to commemorate 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong
   ● The Indian Army is planning a month-long series of events from October 17 to November 14,
2024 to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Battle of Walong during the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
● Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VCOAS) : Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani
Indian Navy and Royal Navy of Oman Conduct Maritime Exercise (Naseem Al Bahr)
   ● The Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise, Naseem Al Bahr, took place off the coast of Goa from
● The Indian Navy participated with Indian Naval Ship (INS) Trikand and a Dornier Maritime Patrol
Aircraft, while the Royal Navy of Oman was represented by RNOV Al Seeb.
● Harbour Phase: Held from October 13 to 15, focused on professional interactions, including
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Sea Phase: Conducted from October 16 to 18, involving various naval drills and operational
      activities.
● Significance of the Partnership:Oman is the first Gulf country with which all three wings of India's
● Such exercises consolidate gains in naval cooperation and deepen the partnership between the
two navies.
Indian Coast Guard Performs 'Sagar Kavach' Exercise Along the Coasts of Maharashtra and Goa
   ● The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in co-ordination with other agencies has undertaken two-day
'Sagar Kavach' exercise along the coast of Goa and Maharashtra to protect the country's
      maritime interests and to test the agencies' collective response to security threats.
   ● The Coast Guard is conducting the exercise in co-ordination with the Indian Navy, Customs,
Coastal Police, Central Industrial Security Force, Mormugao Port Authority and the Goa
● Objective:The goal is to strengthen and enhance coastal and maritime security by engaging
About ICG :
   ● Founded: 1 February 1977.
● The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue agency
responsible for India’s territorial waters, including the contiguous zone and Exclusive Economic
Zone (EEZ).
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Launches Europa Clipper to Investigate Potential Signs
of Life on Jupiter's Moon
   ● The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA’s) Europa Clipper has embarked on
its long voyage to Jupiter, where it will investigate Europa, a moon with an enormous subsurface
● The spacecraft launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Pad 39A at
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Lays Foundation Stone for New Very Low Frequency Station of Indian
Navy in Vikarabad, Telangana
    ● The Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh laid the foundation stone for a new Very Low Frequency (VLF)
● The VLF station is located at the Damagundam Reserve Forest site, Pudur Mandal in Vikarabad,
Telangana.
● This VLF station will be India’s second such facility; the first, INS Kattabomman, has been
● Euronaval 2024 is the world's largest naval defence trade show, scheduled to take place in Paris,
o Protecting naval forces and maritime infrastructure against air and surface drones.
● Themes:The event will emphasize themes such as innovation, sovereignty, and international
Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrives for inauguration of India’s first private military aircraft
facility
    ● Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is on an official visit to India from October 28-30, 2024.
● Sanchez and Indian PM Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks at the Laxmi Vilas Palace in
● Inauguration of C295 Aircraft Facility: The leaders will inaugurate India’s first private military
transport aircraft production facility, the Final Assembly Line (FAL) for the C295 aircraft, in
Vadodara, Gujarat.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
About Spain :
   ● Prime Minister : Pedro Sánchez
● Capital : Madrid
● Currency : Euro
Ministry of Defence signs ₹387.44 crore deal with Chowgule & Company Private. Limited. for six Air
Cushion Vehicles for the Indian Coast Guard
   ● The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Chowgule & Company Private.
Limited., Goa, for the procurement of six Air Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for the Indian Coast Guard
● The ACVs, commonly known as 'Hovercrafts,' are amphibious vessels capable of operating on
About MoD :
   ● Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
● The Chinese Navy attempted to conceal the loss of the submarine, which was the first of its new
Zhou-class line.
● Despite retiring older submarines, China expects to have 65 submarines by 2025 and 80 by 2035,
About China :
   ● President : Xi Jinping
   ● Capital : Beijing
   ● Currency : Renminbi
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Indian Space Research Organisation Plans to Launch Venus Mission in March 2028 for a 112-Day
Journey to the Planet
   ● India’s maiden mission to Venus, which is scheduled for launch in March 2028, will embark on a
● The ₹1,236-crore Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet and
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on October 1, 2024 revealed the targeted
● According to the targeted launch window for VOM, the Earth departure date is scheduled on
March 29, 2028, and the arrival date on Venus is July 19, 2028. VOM will be launched by the
About ISRO :
   ● Established: 15 August 1969
● Chairman: S. Somanath
Bharat Electronics Limited and Israel Aerospace Industries Form Joint Venture - BEL IAI AeroSystems
Private Limited
● Navratna defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI),
Israel's leading aerospace and defence company, have announced the establishment of a joint
venture company (JVC), which has been incorporated in the name of BEL IAI AeroSystems
Private Limited.
● Purpose of JVC: The joint venture will act as the single point of contact (SPOC) for extending
long-term technical and maintenance support for the Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile
About MRSAM :
   ● MRSAM is an advanced, path-breaking air and missile defence system that provides protection
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● It was jointly developed by IAI and DRDO for India's defence forces and is currently used by the
      Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and also Israeli defence forces, it was noted.
● The system includes an Advanced Phased Array Radar, Command and Control shelter, mobile
● The formation of this JVC aligns with the Indian Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative,
promoting self-reliance in defense capabilities by leveraging the expertise of both BEL and IAI.
About BEL :
   ● Founded: 1954
● BEL is one of sixteen PSUs under the administration of the Ministry of Defence of India.
Google enhances its AI capabilities in India with the launch of Gemini AI mobile app in 9 regional
languages
   ● At the 10th edition of its Google for India event, Google unveiled several significant AI initiatives,
including the Gemini model, which enhances Google Search and Maps.
● The AI voice chat feature, Gemini Live, is being introduced in Hindi, with plans to add support for
      eight additional Indian languages: Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Telugu,
      Tamil, and Urdu.
India and U.S. Sign MoU to Strengthen Critical Minerals Supply Chains
● India and the United States have signed an MoU aimed at expanding and diversifying critical
   minerals supply chains.
● The agreement will leverage the complementary strengths of both nations in critical minerals
   exploration, extraction, processing, recycling, and related activities.
5. Signatories:
      o The MoU was signed by Piyush Goyal, India's Commerce and Industry Minister, and Gina
          Raimondo, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, during the 6th India-U.S. Commercial Dialogue
          held in Washington D.C.
6. Objectives of the Dialogue:
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
       o The dialogue focuses on enhancing the business and investment climate between India and
          the U.S., with an emphasis on new and emerging technologies.
       o Key priority areas include:
               ▪ Supply chain resilience
               ▪ Climate and clean technology cooperation
               ▪ Inclusive digital growth
               ▪ Standards and conformance cooperation
Indian Space Research Organisation’s Upper Stage Rocket Returns to Earth After 7-Year Journey
   •   The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the upper stage of Polar
       Satellite Launch Vehicle C-37 (PSLV C-37 mission), which launched a record number of 104
       satellites more than seven years ago, has re-entered the earth's atmosphere as predicted.
• The mission carried Cartosat-2D as the main payload, along with 103 co-passenger satellites,
making it the first mission to launch 104 satellites with a single rocket.
About ISRO :
• Chairman : S. Somanath
Bharti Airtel and Nokia Partner to Launch "Green 5G" Initiative to Cut Mobile Network Carbon Emissions
   •   Bharti Airtel and Nokia have announced a Green 5G initiative aimed at introducing energy-
       efficient solutions to Airtel's mobile network.
• The project focuses on improving energy efficiency across Airtel's 4G/5G Radio Access Network
(RAN) using advanced technologies such as AI/ML and innovative software features.
• The initiative is projected to reduce Airtel’s carbon emissions by an estimated 143,413 metric
• It targets energy efficiency improvements during both peak and off-peak hours
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
• Operations: Bharti Airtel operates in 18 countries across South Asia, Africa, and the Channel
Islands.
• Headquarters: Finland
IIT Madras and Hindustan Zinc collaborate to develop cutting-edge zinc-air battery technology
   •   Hindustan Zinc Limited and IIT Madras have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
• Research Leadership:The research team from IIT Madras is led by Aravind Kumar Chandiran,
• Founded : 1966
• HZL is an Indian integrated mining and resources producer of zinc, lead, silver and cadmium.
Meta Unveils New AI Model "Movie Gen" Capable of Creating Realistic Video and Audio Clips to
Compete with Industry Leaders
   •   Facebook owner Meta opens a new tab and announced that it had built a new AI model called
Movie Gen that can create realistic-seeming video and audio clips in response to user prompts,
claiming it can rival tools from leading media generation startups like OpenAI and ElevenLabs.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   •   The model can generate personalized videos using actual photos of individuals, placing them in
       various scenarios.
About Meta :
Anusandhan National Research Foundation Introduces Initial Initiatives: Prime Minister Early Career
Research Grant (PMECRG) and Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas -Electric Vehicle
(MAHA-EV) Mission
   ● The newly operationalised Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) announced the
launch of the first two of its initiatives-- the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant
(PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas -Electric Vehicle (MAHA- EV)
Mission.
● The first Governing Board (GB) meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
addressed the 11th India-Sweden Innovation Day (ISID), focusing on bilateral collaboration
● Theme for 2024: The theme for the 2024 ISID is "Accelerating Green Growth for Inclusive
Transition."
● India's Innovation Rank (GII 2024): India ranks 1st among the 10 economies in Central and
Southern Asia and 39th globally among 133 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024.
● Sweden's Innovation Rank (GII 2024): Sweden is a global leader in innovation, ranking 2nd
National Space Commission Approves India's Fifth Lunar Mission: Lunar Polar Exploration Mission
   ● The National Space Commission has cleared India's fifth lunar mission, named the Lunar Polar
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● LUPEX is a joint mission between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the
      Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
● It will also involve observation instruments from NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA).
● The mission aims to explore the Moon's southern polar region, focusing on investigating the
First Woman on Moon to Wear Prada-Designed Spacesuit for NASA's 2026 Mission
   ● The first woman to set foot on the Moon will be dressed in a designer spacesuit, thanks to a
collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Italian
   ● As part of Nasa’s historic Artemis III mission to the lunar South Pole, Prada has teamed up with
      Axiom Space to create a cutting-edge spacesuit for the astronauts heading to the Moon in 2026.
● Leading up to this milestone is Artemis II, scheduled for September 2025, which will be the first
● Christina Koch, the only woman in the Artemis II crew, could be the first woman to step onto the
About NASA :
   ● Formed : July 29, 1958
● India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was
● This submarine is bigger and more capable than the first, INS Arihant (S2), which is essentially a
● The S4* features significant indigenous content, showcasing extensive involvement from the
Indian industry.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
water reactor).
o INS Arighaat (S3) (commissioned in August 2024, similar specifications to INS Arihant).
● INS Aridhman (S4), is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned in 2025.
Cabinet Committee on Security approves procurement of two Indigenous nuclear attack submarines
and 31 MQ-9B drones from the United States
   ● The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved two significant defence deals involving the
purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs from the United States. and
● These deals are expected to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy
● In July,2024 the DAC approved amendments to the MQ-9B deal, focusing on indigenous content
ocean," located approximately 700 kilometers beneath the Earth's surface within the mantle.
   ● This hidden ocean is estimated to be three times larger than all of Earth's surface oceans
      combined.
● Currently, the world recognizes five major surface oceans — Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and
National Aeronautics and Space Administration Introduces New Telescope for Gravitational Wave
Research in Space
● The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled a newly developed
prototype of a telescope that can be used to study gravitational waves in outer space.
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● The telescope is part of a collaborative mission between NASA and the European Space Agency
      (ESA) known as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA).
● The primary goal of the LISA mission is to detect and study gravitational waves through the
● Triangular Configuration: Each side of the triangle will measure 1.6 million miles (approximately
2.57 million kilometres), with each spacecraft spaced about 2.5 million kilometres apart.
India Gets Cabinet Committee on Security Approval to Establish Missile Testing Range on East Coast
● The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the
● The missile testing range will be located in the Nagayalanka area of Andhra Pradesh.
● Purpose of the Range: The range is intended for test-firing tactical missile systems, including:
● Anti-tank missiles
GSL launches two indigenous fast patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard
● Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two indigenous fast patrol vessels (FPVs), named
● The launch ceremony was officiated by Priya Paramesh, wife of Indian Coast Guard Director
● Vessel Specifications:Design: In-house by GSL to meet specific operational needs of the Indian
Coast Guard.
● Purpose: Designed for protecting offshore assets, island territories, and conducting surveillance
operations.
● Founded : 1957
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Forbes Unveils 2024 'India’s 100 Richest' List, Wealth Crosses Trillion-Dollar Mark
• The combined wealth of India's richest individuals surpassed the trillion-dollar mark, reaching
$1.1 trillion. This marks a doubling in wealth since 2019, with an addition of $316 billion in the
• Gautam Adani and Family - $116 billion (Adani Group, diversified assets)
India Ranks 105th in 2024 Global Hunger Index, Faces "Serious" Hunger Crisis
● India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), placing it in the
   "serious" category.
● With a GHI score of 27.3, India shares the serious category alongside countries like Pakistan and
   Afghanistan.
1. Child Malnutrition Indicators:
       o 35.5% of children under five in India are stunted (low height for age, indicating chronic
          malnutrition).
       o 18.7% of children under five are wasted (low weight for height, indicating acute malnutrition).
       o 2.9% of children in India die before their fifth birthday.
2. Undernourishment in Population:
       o 13.7% of India’s population is undernourished, indicating insufficient caloric intake across
          significant sections of society.
3. Comparison with South Asian Neighbors:
       o Countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka have fared better, achieving "moderate" GHI
          scores, unlike India, which remains in the serious category.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● The report reveals significant changes in poverty rates but highlights challenges.
● In 2024, around 129 million Indians are living in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15
   (approximately Rs 181) per day. This marks a substantial decrease from 431 million in 1990.
● The report indicates a reduction of 38 million in the extreme poverty population from 2021, when
   there were 167.49 million people living in extreme poverty.
Russia Maintains Dominance as India's Top Oil Supplier
● India's imports of Russian crude rose by 2.5% from April to September compared to the same period
   last year, solidifying Russia's status as the largest seaborne crude export destination for India.
● Russia commands a 39% share of India’s crude supply, followed by Iraq at 18% and Saudi Arabia at
   13%.
● The United Arab Emirates (UAE) increased its share to 8% (up from 5%), and the United States
   raised its share to 5.5% during the same period.
● Total oil imports to India have grown by 4% this year, reflecting a broader increase in demand.
● As the world’s third-largest oil consumer, India relies on imports for over 85% of its oil needs,
   sourcing crude from more than 30 countries.
● Despite some fluctuations, the top three suppliers (Russia, Iraq, Saudi Arabia) have maintained their
   rankings but lost about 0.5% of their market share compared to last year.
2023 Breaks Climate Records with Surging Greenhouse Gas Concentrations – WMO Bulletin
● 2023 was the warmest year on record, marked by a historic rise in greenhouse gas (GHG)
   concentrations, as per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
● Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels have risen 11.4% in the past 20 years and are now at levels not seen in
   3-5 million years when temperatures were 2-3°C warmer and sea levels 10-20 meters higher.
● The globally averaged CO₂ concentration reached 420 parts per million (ppm), while methane (CH₄)
   and nitrous oxide (N₂O) concentrations also surged, reaching 1,934 parts per billion (ppb) and 336.9
   ppb respectively.
● These levels represent a 151% increase in CO₂, 265% in methane, and 125% in nitrous oxide
   compared to pre-industrial levels (before 1750).
                                             SPORTS NEWS
Indian Railways Triumphs Over IOC in 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Final
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Indian Railways emerged victorious with a 5-3 win over Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) in the final of
       the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold All-India Hockey Tournament.
   ● A large crowd applauded the defending champions, Railways, as they completed a lap of honour
       after the match.
   ● Railways dominated the tournament, and in the final, they prevented the IOC, which included
       former Olympians and international players, from gaining control.
Indian Shooters Shine at ISSF Junior World Championship, Winning Team Golds in 10m Air Pistol
Events
   ● India secured gold in both men's and women's team events in the 10m air pistol category at the
       ISSF Junior World Championship in Peru.
   ● The men's team, comprising Umesh Choudhary, Pradhyumn Singh, and Mukesh Nelavalli,
       scored 1726 points to finish 10 points ahead of Romania and secure the gold medal. Italy
       claimed the bronze with a score of 1707.
Individual Performances:
   ● Umesh Choudhary was penalized two points for reporting late, missing out on a potential
       individual gold. He finished sixth, while Pradhyumn Singh finished eighth in the individual finals.
   ● Luca Joldea of Romania won the men's individual gold, and Chinese Taipei's Hsieh Hsiang-Chen
       secured silver.
Women's Team Victory:
   ● The women's team, consisting of Kanishka Dagar, Lakshita, and Anjali Chaudhary, won the gold
       with a score of 1708, narrowly beating Azerbaijan by one point and Ukraine by four points.
Individual Finals:
   ● Kanak won a bronze medal in the individual finals, with a score of 217.6, while Kanishka Dagar
       finished eighth.
   ● Chinese Taipei's Chen Yu-Chun clinched the women's gold, and Slovakia's Manja Slak took
       silver.
Ishpreet Singh Chadha Makes History in Pro Snooker Circuit
● Ishpreet Singh Chadha, hailing from Mumbai, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by reaching
   the quarterfinals of the professional snooker circuit, defeating the legendary Mark Selby, a four-time
   World Snooker champion.
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                     Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● This victory marks a significant achievement for Chadha, as he becomes the first Indian in 10 years
   to advance to a pro semifinal at one of the four Home Nations majors.
Carlos Alcaraz Wins First China Open Title in a Thrilling Final Against Jannik Sinner
● Carlos Alcaraz secured his first China Open title after a hard-fought victory over world No. 1 Jannik
   Sinner.
● The match was an intense contest, with Alcaraz coming from a set down to win 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-6
   (7/3), marking his fourth ATP title of the year and 16th career title overall.
● Carlos Alcaraz defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in a gripping final lasting three hours and 21
   minutes.
● The match ended Sinner's impressive run of 14 consecutive victories.
India's Gold Rush at the ISSF Junior World Shooting Championship in Lima, Peru
● India's shooters shone brightly at the ISSF Junior World Championship, winning five more gold
   medals on Day four, taking the country's tally to 10 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze medals.
● Divanshi clinched gold in the 25-metre sports pistol event, shooting 35 points in the final to beat
   Italy’s Cristina Magnani by two points.
● She also won team gold alongside Tejaswani and Vibhuti Bhatia in the junior women’s 25m pistol
   event, outscoring teams from the Czech Republic and Germany.
● Mukesh Nelavalli claimed two gold medals, winning the junior men’s 25m pistol individual event with
   a score of 585 and also securing team gold with Suraj Sharma and Pradhyumn Singh. This brings
   Mukesh’s total to three golds in the competition.
● Suraj Sharma won silver in the individual event, finishing just two points behind Mukesh with 583.
● India secured the fifth gold in the junior men’s 50m rifle team event, with Shourya Saini, Vedant
   Waghmare, and Parikshit Singh Brar scoring a combined 1753 points, setting a new European
   World Record.
● India is leading the overall medal tally with 10 gold medals, followed by the USA in second place and
   Italy in third.
Indian Men’s Football U-17 Wins SAFF Championship 2024
   ● The Indian U-17 football team clinched the SAFF Men’s U-17 Championship 2024 by defeating
       Bangladesh in the final match.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
• Mumbai finally lifted the Irani Cup after 27 years by defeating the Rest of India (RoI) on a first-
• Dipa Karmakar, renowned for her groundbreaking performances in gymnastics, has announced
• Karmakar, who became a national icon after finishing 4th in the Rio 2016 Olympics, leaves
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                 Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
    •   Produnova Vault: Karmakar is famous for executing the extremely challenging "Produnova" vault,
        known as the "vault of death," which only a few gymnasts attempt due to its high difficulty and
risk.
• Veteran Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane emphasized the crucial role of granting players 'freedom'
    •   Key Achievements
    •   Rahane successfully led the Mumbai team to victory, ending a 27-year drought in the tournament
by defeating the Rest of India team based on the first-innings lead in Lucknow.
• Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team,
• The SLC Executive Committee made this decision after evaluating the team's recent
World Pickleball Championship Series event to be held in Mumbai from November 12-17
• Gyaneshwari Yadav won the elite women’s 49kg title at the National Weightlifting Championships by
• Sufna Jasmin P.S. set new national records in snatch (76kg) and total (169kg) to win the women’s
45kg category.
• The World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series will take place in Mumbai from November 12-17,
2024. This event will feature around 650 players from various countries. India had previously
performed well in this competition, securing several medals in past editions held in Vietnam and Bali.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Marco Curto Receives 10-Game Ban from FIFA for Discriminatory Remarks
   •   FIFA has suspended Marco Curto, an Italian soccer player, for 10 games due to a discriminatory
remark made against South Korean forward Hee Chan Hwang during a preseason match
• In addition to the suspension, Curto is required to perform community service and undergo
Mahmudullah Riyad Announces Retirement from T20 Cricket After Series in India
   •   Former Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad announced that his remaining two T20 matches
• The 38-year-old player is set to participate in his 140th T20 match for Bangladesh in the second
game on Wednesday in New Delhi. The final match of the series will take place in Hyderabad .
• Bangladesh needs to win in New Delhi to stay alive in the three-match series, having lost the
• From 2025, Wimbledon will remove line judges from all courts for the first time in its 147-year
history, opting for Live Electronic Line Calling (ELC) on all courts, including the qualifying
tournament at Roehampton.
• This change follows successful testing during the 2023 championships and reflects the broader
• Sally Bolton, Wimbledon’s chief executive, noted the decision was made after thorough
IPS Officer Anita Roy Makes History with Gold Medal at Commonwealth Bench Press Competition
• IPS Officer Anita Roy, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Puducherry, has become the first
IPS officer to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth International Classic Bench Press
Competition.
   •   The event was held in Sun City, South Africa, on October 4, 2024, where the 46-year-old lifted 70
       kg, outperforming competitors from 43 countries.
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
• Rafael Nadal, the tennis legend, has confirmed his retirement after a 23-year career, with plans
to conclude his professional journey following the upcoming Davis Cup final.
• The 38-year-old Spaniard announced his decision via a heartfelt video on social media platform
X, reflecting on the challenges he faced in recent years due to injuries and limitations.
• Nadal turned professional at 15 in 2001 and quickly became one of the sport’s foremost figures.
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
● Both Akhil and Sonam were among the four shooters who received direct entries into this prestigious
   event.
Thomas Tuchel Appointed Head Coach of England National Team
● German manager Thomas Tuchel has been named the head coach of the England national soccer
   team, marking him as the third non-Englishman to take on this prestigious role.
● The Football Association (FA) announced the appointment, confirming that Tuchel will officially start
   on January 1, alongside his English assistant, Anthony Barry.
DDA Hikes Membership Fees for Sports Complexes, Sparks Outcry Among Members
● The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has revised its membership fees for 17 sports complexes,
   including the popular Siri Fort complex, effective November 1.
● The move has triggered discontent among several members, who have labelled the fee hike "unfair"
   and "elitist".
Delhi Capitals Co-Owners Split Team Management in Strategic Move
● In a strategic decision, the co-owners of Delhi Capitals, the JSW Group and GMR Group, have
   implemented a two-year rotational management system for their men's and women's teams in the
   IPL and Women's Premier League (WPL).
Ashalata Devi poised to make history as the first Indian woman footballer to reach 100 international
appearances
   ● Captain Ashalata Devi will become the first Indian woman footballer to play 100 international
matches when she competes in the opening match of the SAFF Championship against Pakistan.
Arjun Kadhe and Rithvik Bollipalli Clinch Maiden ATP Title at Almaty Open 2024
● India's Arjun Kadhe and Rithvik Bollipalli achieved a remarkable victory by winning the men's
   doubles title at the Almaty Open 2024 ATP 250 tennis tournament in Kazakhstan.
● This triumph marked their first ATP Tour crown as a team and individually.
● Kadhe and Bollipalli defeated Colombia’s Nicolas Barrientos and Tunisia’s Skander Mansouri in a
   thrilling match, with a scoreline of 3-6, 7(7)-6(3), 14-12.
● Yuki Bhambri of India, paired with France's Albano Olivetti (third seeds), was eliminated in the
   opening round by Schnaitter and Wallner.
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                    Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
 ● The fourth-seeded team of India's N Sriram Balaji and Argentina’s Guido Andreozzi reached the
    semi-finals but were ousted by Barrientos and Mansouri.
 India Retains Top Spot in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 Despite Setback Against New
 Zealand In 1st Test
 ● The competition for the top two positions in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 has
    become fierce, with India and Australia aiming to secure their berths for the final at Lord’s in 2025.
 ● New Zealand’s recent victory over India in Bengaluru has also boosted their chances of reaching the
    WTC final.
 India's Position
    ● India currently leads the WTC points table with a points percentage of 68.06% after playing 12
        matches.
    ● They still have two home matches and five away matches in Australia left to play, and need to
        perform well to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final.
 Australia’s Stand
    ● Australia ranks second with a 62.50% points percentage.
    ● Sri Lanka is currently in third position with a 55.56% points percentage. They recently achieved a
        2-0 series win over New Zealand at home.
    ● New Zealand’s win over India has moved them to fourth place with a 44.44% points percentage,
        marking their first Test win in India in 36 years.
 Updated WTC Points Table
Position   Team             Matches     Won    Lost    Drawn   Points    PCT
                                                                         (%)
1          India            12          8      3       1       98        68.06
2          Australia        12          8      3       1       90        62.50
3          Sri Lanka        9           5      4       0       60        55.56
4          New Zealand      9           4      5       0       48        44.44
5          England          18          9      8       1       93        43.06
6          South Africa     6           2      3       1       28        38.89
7          Bangladesh       8           3      5       0       33        34.38
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                   Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
8          Pakistan            9         3   6       0        28      25.93
9          West Indies         9         1   6       2        20      18.52
Charles Leclerc Secures Ferrari's First U.S. Grand Prix Victory Since 2018
● Charles Leclerc delivered a stunning performance at the United States Grand Prix, marking Ferrari's
    first win at the event since 2018.
● Meanwhile, Max Verstappen of Red Bull solidified his position in the F1 season championship with a
    podium finish, benefiting from a late penalty handed to McLaren's Lando Norris.
Deepika Kumari Wins Silver at Archery World Cup Final 2024
● Deepika Kumari secured the silver medal in the women’s recurve event at the Archery World Cup
    Final 2024 held in Tlaxcala, Mexico.
● The accomplished Indian archer faced a challenging match against Li Jiaman of China, ultimately
    losing 6-0 in the final.
● Olympic Participation: Deepika represented India at the Paris 2024 Olympics, competing in both the
    women’s individual and team events, but was eliminated in the quarter-finals of both.
Indian Shuttlers Shine at Japan Para Badminton International 2024, Securing 24 Medals
● Indian para-badminton players showcased remarkable performances at the Japan Para Badminton
    International 2024, winning a total of 24 medals.
Key highlights :
Medal Tally
    ● 6 Gold
    ● 9 Silver
    ● 9 Bronze
                                                 OBITUARIES
Malayalam Actor Mohan Raj, Known for His Role as 'Keerikkadan Jose,' Passed Away
    •   Veteran actor Mohan Raj, popularly known by his stage name Keerikkadan Jose, passed away at
• Mohan gained fame for his iconic villainous role as "Keerikkadan Jose" in the film Kireedam,
starring Mohanlal.
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                  Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons and National Icon Passed away
   •   Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of one of India's biggest conglomerates, Tata Sons, has passed
• Family Background: Great grandson of Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group.
• Career Highlights
• Chairmanship: He served as chairman of the Tata Group from 1991 to 2012 and again from 2016
to 2017.
Indranand Singh Jha, Former Radio Presenter of Akashvani Darbhanga, Passed away
   ● Indranand Singh Jha, the famous former radio presenter and compere of Akashvani Darbhanga
passed away at his ancestral village Chanaur in Darbhanga at the age of 77.
● Jha was well-known for his rural radio talk programme called Gamghar, broadcast from
Akashvani Darbhanga.
● He was affectionately known by his pen name, Khur Khur Bhai (खुर खुर भाई).
   ● Israel’s Foreign Minister confirmed that Israeli troops in Gaza have killed Hamas’ top
       leader Yahya Sinwar, a chief architect of Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023 that
       sparked the Israel-Hamas war.
Renowned Sanskrit scholar Vasant Anant Gadgil passed away
   ● Sanskrit scholar and the founder of Sharda Gyan Peetham, Vasant Anant Gadgil, passed away
● He received the Mahakavi Kalidas Sanskrit-Vrati National Award for his efforts in Sanskrit
Tito Mboweni, South Africa’s First Black Central Bank Governor, Passed Away
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               Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
   ● Tito Mboweni, who was the first Black governor of the South African Reserve Bank was heralded
      by financial markets and business for keeping tight fiscal controls on the nation’s public spending,
Nobuyo Oyama, Iconic Voice Actor of Japanese Cartoon Doraemon, Passed Away
   ● Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice actor for Doraemon, passed away at the age of 90.
● Oyama began her career in the 1960s and became famous for her voice acting in anime and
children’s programs.
Renowned physicist and gender equity advocate Rohini Godbole passed away
   ● Professor Rohini Godbole, a well-known physicist and Padma Shri recipient, passed away in
● Awards and Honors:Padma Shri recipient (2019). (For her contribution to the field of science)
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                Important Monthly Current Affairs Capsule – October 2024
India finished fourth in the overall team rankings with 82 points, trailing behind:
   ● Iran: 158 points
   ● Japan: 102 points
   ● Azerbaijan: 100 points
Pro Kabaddi League Receives ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ Award
● The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Best Sports League of the
   Year’ award at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports Business Awards 2024.
● The award ceremony took place in New Delhi, coinciding with the launch of PKL’s 11th season.
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