Tamil Nadu Government Initiatives PDF

 1 TAMIL NADU 1. TAMIL NADU INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION FAIR (STARTUP FESTIVAL)  STARTUP TN is the nodal agency for startups in the state.  It is an initiative of the Ta...

 1 TAMIL NADU 1. TAMIL NADU INDUSTRY AND INNOVATION FAIR (STARTUP FESTIVAL)  STARTUP TN is the nodal agency for startups in the state.  It is an initiative of the Tamil Nadu government to help entrepreneurs.  Tamil Nadu Startup Policy 2018 was released. 2. GLOSSY IBIS’ ARRIVAL TO TANJORE  Due to the high-water levels in the delta districts, Glossy ibis from the northern states come in droves in search of the water levels in Thanjavur district. IMPORTANT NOTES:  The Northeast Monsoon season in Tamil Nadu is from October to December. Glossy ibis are present in Tamil Nadu from September to February. 3. NEW APP TO KNOW WEATHER FORECAST:  The government of Tamil Nadu will launch an app called TN ALERT to know the forecasts,including weather warnings.  People can know the amount of rainfall and water availability in lakes through this app. 4. DISCOVERY OF ANCIENT POTTERY:  Ancient potteries were found near Marandaalli, Dharmapuri district. IMPORTANT NOTES:  These pottery dates back to 3,500 years ago.  In the excavations being carried out in the areas of Pangunatham and Perum balai in Dharmapri district, evidence has been found that people have been living here for 3000 ye ars.  The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology has started excavation work at eight locations across Tamil Nadu, including the tenth phase of excavation at Keezhadi. In 2024, excavation will be done on behalf of the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Depar tment.  Keezhadi (Sivaganga) – 10th phase of excavation  Kontakhai (Sivaganga) – Phase V Excavation  2  Vembakkottai (Vridhunagar) – Phase III excavation  keezhnamandi (Thiruvannamalai) – Phase II Excavation  Porpanaikottai (Pudhukottai) – Phase II excavation  Thirumalpuram (Tenkasi) – First Phase of Excavation  Sennur (Krishnagiri) – First Phase Excavation  Konkalnagaram Tirupur) – First Phase Excavation  Marungur (Cuddalore) – First Phase Excavation 5. KALAICHEMMAL AWARDS  KALAICHEMMAL awards are conferred on the eminent artists of Tamil Nadu in recognition of meritorious service in the fields of Painting and Sculpture in Traditional and C ontemporary Arts.  A cash award of Rs.1,00,000/-each and a citation plaque are given to them. IMPORTANT NOTES  On behalf of Arts and Culture Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, the 'KALAICHEMMAL Award' is given to the artists who have achieved achievements in the field of traditional art, modern style art and fine arts from Tamil Nadu. AWARDS FOR THE YEARS 2024-2025  Category of Traditional Painting, Painter A. Manivelu,  Category of Traditional Sculpture L. Balachander and K. Kanniappan  Category of Modern Painting, K. Muralitharan and A. Selvaraj,  Category of Modern Art, Ra. Raghavan. 6. APPOINTMENT OF STATE SC &ST COMMISSION CHAIRMAN:  Retired Justice S. Tamilvanan has been appointed as the Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Affairs  It is reported that he will serve as president for 3 years. 7. STALIN PRESENTS KALAIGNAR NINAIVU KALAITHURAI VITHAGAR AWARD TO SUSHEELA, METHA:  3  On behalf of the Tamil Nadu government, in memory of former chief minister Karunanithi, the awards are presented to Ms. Susheela and Mr. Metha for 2023. The ‘Kalaignar Ninaivu Kalai Thurai Vithagar Award is conferred on a person with outstanding lifetime achievements in the Tamil film industry.  It has been that every year on June 3, Karunanithi’s birthday, the awardee would get a cash prize of ₹10 lakh and a certificate of appreciation. 8. MAGIZH MUTRAM SCHEME  Student groups are to be formed under the Rs 2 crore project 'Magizh Mutram' to inculcate leadership qualities in the students studying in government schools.  The headmasters should ensure that the induction ceremony for the student leaders, class leaders, head teacher, and group head teacher is held on 14th November in all the schools. IMPORTANT NOTES  In order to develop leadership qualities among students, groups named Kurinji, Mullai, Marudam, Neithal, and Palai will be formed, and student leaders and student ministers will be nominated.  Through this, a model legislative assembly and parliament will be held to improve political knowledge and leadership skills among students. OBJECTIVE:  Teamwork,  Social attitude,  Mutual support without differences. 9. TAMIL NADU RAMSAR SITES  Tamil Nadu Government attempts to get Ramsar status for two bird sanctuaries in Ramanathapuram. IMPORTANT NOTES  The number of Ramsar sites in Tamil Nadu has gone up to 18 with the addition of Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary in Tirupur District and Kaluveli Bird Sanctuary in Villupuram District.  With this, India has increased its number of Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance) from the existing 82 to 85.  4  World Wetlands Day is observed on 2nd February.  Wetlands of international importance are called Ramsar sites.  India is one of the contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention signed in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran.  This day is celebrated worldwide as International Wetlands Day to commemorate the adoption of this International Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971.  In August 2022, India reached a significant milestone of increasing the total number of Ramsar sites to 75 in the 75th year of independence.  The theme of this year's World Wetlands Day is 'Wetlands: Human Welfare'. 10. 4 NEW PROJECTS TO BRING MATERNAL AND CHILD MORTALITY TO ZERO IN TAMIL NADU  The Health Minister said that four new schemes have been launched in Tamil Nadu to bring maternal and child mortality to zero. IMPORTANT NOTES  All children born in Tamil Nadu will be screened for birth defects in 1,000 government hospitals.  Special centers have been started at 400 places to monitor the development and welfare of infants.  A pilot project for technology-assisted continuous monitoring of preterm and low-birth-weight infants at their homes has been launched in seven districts, namely Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Kallakurichi, Kanchipuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Villupuram.  Launched 'Parent App' for Early Child Development.  According to the Health Management Information System, the child mortality rate in Tamil Nadu has come down from 10.2 per 1,000 births to 8 in the last 3 years with the implementation of various child welfare programs. Maternal mortality in Tamil Nadu is 40.2 per 1 lakh births. 11. STALIN GETS LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD  5  Chief Minister MK Stalin has been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Asean Human Resource Development (Asean HRD).  Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation has provided skill training to lakhs of people. Employment opportunities have increased. The youth's quality of life has improved. The group believes that education and human resource development alone will eradicate poverty. For this, the award was presented to the Chief Minister. 12.UN AWARD FOR MAKKALAI THEDI MARUTHUVAM SCHEME  The United Nations Interagency Task Force Award for the year 2024 has been announced to the Tamil Nadu Health Department for planning and implementing outstanding programs in the control of noncommunicable diseases.  This award was announced in the 79th United Nations General Assembly held in New York, USA, for the implementation of the "Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam" Program for the health department of the Tamil Nadu government and the public welfare department. 13.SOLAR POWER PARK IN 6 DISTRICTS: POWER BOARD SETS  In 2021-22, the Power Board planned to set up solar power parks  Accordingly,3,300 acres of land was selected in the districts of Tiruvarur, Karu r, Nagai, Salem, Chengalpattu and Kanchipuram. As the first park, a 50MW sol ar power plant was planned at Tiruvarur.  A new company called Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation was started earl y this year to carr out these works. 14.AN INSCRIPTION OF MARAVARMAN SUNDARA PANDYAN WAS FOUND IN THE RANABALIMURUGAN TEMPLE AT PERUVAYAL NEAR DEVIPATTINAM  The 800-year-old Pandiya king inscription at the Renapali Murugan temple at Peruvayal near Devipattinam was brought to the notice of V Rajaguru, presiden t of the Ramanathapuram Archaeological Research Foundation, who found it a nd examined it.  The inscription dates back to the 800-year- old Maravarman Sundara Pandian (1216-1244 AD).  6 15.114-YEAR-OLD STEPWELL INSCRIPTION  A 114-year-old Stepwell inscription has been found at the Hanuman River in Tenkasi district. IMPORTANT NOTES  At the end of the inscription 'Dharmo Rakshakak Kapim' is written in Grantham script and Sanskrit language. This means that Hanuman will protect this, Dharma. 16.PINK AUTOS PROJECT: A CALL TO WOMEN  The Tamil Nadu government will introduce 'pink autos' as a new initiative to strengthen the safety of women in Tamil Nadu.  Only women can apply for this scheme. Similarly, female applicants should not exceed 25 years to 45 years. 10th pass, driving license required. Must be a resident of Chennai. 17.MARINA BEACH TO GET BLUE FLAG CERTIFICATION WITH WORLD- CLASS FACILITIES:  Marina beach is one of the most famous landmarks of Chennai.The famous blue flag has reached the qualifications for certification.  Chennai Marina Beach is the longest beach in India and the second longest in the world. Fort St. George in the north, about 12 km to Besant Nagar in the south.The beach was established by Governor Mount Stuart Elphinstone in the 1880s and Renovated for the first time.  This certification is awarded by the Environmental Education Foundation of Denmark to select the best beaches that maintain an excellent certificate and marine environment. The certification covers 33 aspects, including environmental management, water quality, blue color, safety and hygienic bathing water. IMPORTANT NOTES Blue Flag beaches of India  Golden Beach - Odisha  7  Shivrajpur beach - Gujarat.  Kappad Beach- Kerala  Ghogla Beach - Diu,  Radhanagar Beach - Andaman and Nicobar Islands  Kasarkod Beach - Karnataka  Padubidri Beach - Karnataka  Rushikonda Beach - Andhra Pradesh  Kovalam Beach - Tamil Nadu  Eden Beach - Pondicherry 18.SPECIAL WELFARE SCHEMES FOR WIDOWS IN TAMIL NADU  Tamil Nadu government has announced that Chief Minister is allocating necessary funds for the development and implementation of various welfare schemes for women in Tamil Nadu. SPECIAL WELFARE SCHEMES:  widows are receiving the increased monthly pension of Rs.1,200 under social security schemes.  Unmarried women, widows, transgenders are given Rs.1,000 Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai per month.  A 25 percent internal quota is given to women in Anganwadi and nutrition program posts, and 3 percent in posts filled by the Government Selection Board.  Under the Social Welfare Department's marriage grant scheme, 91 widows have remarried and received the grant in the last 3 years.  7,316 women have benefited from the Sathiyavanimuthu Ammaiyar memorial free sewing machine scheme.  A welfare board has been formed by the government for widows, women abandoned by their husbands, debilitated women, destitute women, etc.  To raise the livelihood of widows, pink autos are to be operated in Chennai.  Government is going to give Rs.50 thousand each to 200 widows and destitute women to start self-employment.  6 Government Service Homes, 48 Integrated Service Centers are functioning to provide medical and psychological assistance.  36 women's shelters are functioning for women victims of domestic violence. Thus, the Tamil Nadu government is providing various services for the benefit of widows and destitute women.  8 19.NEW STUDENTS WILL SOON JOIN THE “TAMIL NADU CHIEF MINISTER’S FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME (TNCMFP).”  The ViceChancellor informed that the new students will soon be admitted to th e “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme (TNCMFP)”. IMPORTANT NOTES  The “Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Fellowship Programme (TNCMFP),” was launched in 2022.  Objective: To improve the efficiency of administrative processes by harnessing the potential, talent of the youth.  Under the scheme, The training for the selected candidates is provided at Anna Administrative Staff College, Chennai in coordination with Bharathidasan Institute of Management, Trichy. 20.LESS AIR POLLUTION: 3 CITIES OF TAMIL NADU RECORD!  Palkalaiperur of Trichy has been ranked first among cities with least air pollution in the country. Ramanathapuram and Madurai are also featured in the top 10 cities. IMPORTANT NOTES  Trichy's Palkalaiperur has topped the clean air list in the recently released Air Quality Index (AQI) list by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).  Similarly, Delhi tops the list of cities with the highest air pollution. CATEGORIES:  Air pollution is measured under various categories in AQI.  0-50: Special-low vulnerability  51-100: Satisfactory- Slight difficulty in breathing for prone to inflammation.  101-200: Moderate- Causes breathing difficulties in people with lung, asthma and heart disease.  201-300: Aggravation- causes difficulty in breathing in excess of people.  301-400: Very severe- Prolonged exposure may cause lung damage.  401-500: Severe Affection- Healthy persons will severely affect persons already affected by various diseases. Cities with least air pollution - State - A.Q.I. 1. Palkalaiperur Trichy Tamil Nadu 20  9 2. Balasore Odisha 23 3. Aizawl Mizoram 25 4. Ramanathapuram Tamil Nadu 25 5. Chikkaballapur Karnataka 28 6. Mathikere Karnataka 29 7. Madurai Tamil Nadu 29 High Air Pollution Cities - State - A.Q.I 1. Delhi Union Territory of Delhi 306 2. Meerut Uttar Pradesh 293 3. Ghaziabad Uttar Pradesh 272 4. Bhiwani Haryana 266 5. Hapur Uttar Pradesh 261 21.PADHAM PADHUKAAPPOM THITTAM  On October 28, the Tamil Nadu government issued an order to start the ' Padham Padhukaappom Thittam’ scheme for Diabetic patients in all medical college hospitals and government hospitals in Tamil Nadu. IMPORTANT NOTES  This scheme aims to prevent foot injuries caused by Diabetes and prevent the loss of a foot.  Built upon the foundation of the State’s flagship ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ scheme, the new foot clinics will offer comprehensive services across 36 Medical College Hospitals in Tamil Nadu.  Government of Tamil Nadu making it the first-of-its-kind state-sponsored program in India.  The program is expected to screen over 80 lakh diabetic patients. 22.HEAT WAVE HAS BEEN DECLARED STATE-LEVEL DISASTER ₹4 LAKHS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED  The government has declared a state of heat wave in Tamil Nadu.  10  As a result, a relief of ₹4 lakhs will be provided to families who have suffered losses due to the heat wave, as announced in the government order. 23.PUBLICATION OF DRAFT ELECTORAL ROLLS  The draft electoral rolls across Tamil Nadu were released.  According to this list of Tamil Nadu Election Department, there are 6 crore 27 lakh 30 thousand 588 voters in the state. IMPORTANT NOTES TOTAL VOTER’S:  6 Crore 27 Lakh 30 thousand 588 (6,27,30,588).  Males: 3 Crore 7 Lakh 90 thousand 791 (3,07,90,791).  Females: 3 crore 19 lakh 30 thousand 833 (3,19,30,833). Third sex: 8,964.  Constituency with highest number of votes: Sholinganallur (6.76 lakhs).  Low Voter Constituency: Nagai District Kilvelur (1.73 Lakhs). 24.ENNUM EZHUTHUM SCHEME  Training for teachers under the Ennum Ezhuthum Scheme is being conducted by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department. IMPORTANT NOTES  Launch Date: June 13, 2022.  By 2025, the program aims to ensure that students in classes 1 to 3 acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills.  Training has been provided to teachers at state, district, and union levels to effectively implement the scheme.  In the 2023-2024 academic year, the scheme was extended to include 4th and 5th grades, with appropriate training provided to teachers.  Under the Ennum Ezhuthum scheme, daily activity-based learning is conducted for Tamil, English, and Mathematics.  The Department of School Education has been running this scheme for three years to address the loss of learning caused by the closure of schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The "Ennum Ezhuthum" scheme aims to teach children under 8 years old (up to 3rd grade) in government and government-aided schools to read, write, and understand Tamil and English letters, as well as numbers from 1 to 10 crores, through activity-based learning.  11  Thus, this scheme has been launched in order to help each child individually. For this purpose, a high-level committee has been formed. 25.Fellowship for Tribal Studies  The Tamil Nadu government has introduced a new scheme to encourage students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees in fields such as research and studies on Tribal called "Fellowship for Tribal Studies'.  The eligibility criteria for this scheme requires that the family annual income of students should be within ₹8.00 lakhs. Additionally, students should have research and study experience related to the Tribes of Tamil Nadu.  Under this scheme,undergraduate and postgraduate students will receive a monthly stipend of ₹10,000 for 6 months, while PhD scholars will receive a monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for 3 years. 26. INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO THE GLOBAL WATER CRISIS  Five teams, including startup teams from Vellore VIT and IIT Chennai, have been felicitated in Denmark for providing concrete innovative solutions to the global water crisis.  The Digital Tech Summit was held in Copenhagen, Denmark, where more than 140 next-generation startup teams from 10 countries participated. 27.KALAIGNAR SEMMOZHI TAMIL AWARD FOR THE YEAR 2024..!!  The Kalaignar Semmozhi Tamil Award 2024 to Dr. M. Selvarasan, Senior Tamil Professor, University of Madras, who was selected for the Kalaignar Semmozhi Tamil Award presented by the Central Institute for Classical Tamil Studies for the year 2024, along with a cheque of Rs.10 lakh, a certificate of appreciation and a bronze statue of Kalaignar. IMPORTANT POINTS  On 24.07.2008, considering the importance of Central Institute of Classical Tamil Studies, Muttamizharignar Kalaignar Semmozhi Tamil Research Foundation established the 'Kalaignar Central Institute of Tamil Studies' by depositing rupees Rs.1 crore from his own funds.  The Kalaignar Semmozhi Tamil Award is presented annually by the Kalaignar Semmozhi Tamil Research Foundation. The award is the highest in India and includes a prize money of Rs.10 lakh, a certificate of appreciation and a statue of Kalaignar.  12  This award is given to a scholar who has made outstanding contribution to classical Tamil studies in the fields of archaeology, epigraphy, numismatics, literature, linguistics, creative literature, literary criticism, translation and fine arts. 28.VEMBAKOTTAI EXCAVATION  The 3rd phase of excavation work is going on in Mettukkadu area of Vijayakarisalkulam panchayat near Vembakottai, Virudhunagar district.  In this, stones called jasper and sard have been found which are used to make jewellery dating back to 6 thousand years ago.  More than 2,800 antiques including gold coins, copper coins, broken clay figurines, chess pieces, glass beads, round chips have been recovered so far in this Phase 3 excavation were detected. IMPORTANT POINTS  Vembakottai is located on the left bank of Vaippar river , 15 km south of Sivakasi in Virudhunagar district.  This is the region ruled by the small land kings Sethupathi and Pandi Sethupathi. 29.SNAKEBITE  The Government of Tamil Nadu has declared snakebite as a 'notifiable disease' under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act 1939.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global strategy to control deaths and disabilities from snakebites.  The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also formulated a comprehensive action plan to halve snakebite deaths by 2030. Important Points:  It has been made mandatory for government hospitals and private hospitals to send information about snake bite incidents to the Tamil Nadu government.  Snake bite envenomation is a serious, life-threatening medical condition.  It is a preventable public health condition frequently faced by rural populations in tropical and subtropical countries.  13  India accounts for half of the world's snakebite deaths every year.  In 2017, the World Health Organization highlighted snakebite in its list of neglected tropical diseases.  The World Health Organization estimates that 5 million people suffer from snakebites worldwide every year, and nearly 2.7 million of them are bitten by venomous snakes. 30.APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER OF TAMIL NADU  Archana Patnaik appointed new Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer.  She is the first women to hold the post of the CEO in Tamil Nadu. IMPORTANT POINTS  The State Election Commission is a constitutional authority under Article 243- K and Article 243-ZA of the Constitution of India.  It is a body established under Section 239 of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994 and Section 5 of the Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998.  The Tamil Nadu State Election Commission is an independent, autonomous statutory body established under the 73rd and 74th Amendment Acts of the Constitution of India, 1992.  Tamil Nadu State Election Commission headed by the Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner.  Article 243-K and 243-ZA read with the Constitution of India require that all elections to rural and urban local bodies be conducted under the supervision, direction and control of the State Election Commission.  Tamil Nadu State Election Commission was established on July 15, 1994.  In Tamil nadu The post of Chief Electoral Officer was created in 1948. 31.LITERACY TEST IN NEW INDIA LITERACY PROGRAMME (NILP)  According to Central Government's New India Literacy Programme, the examination was held in Tamil Nadu on November 10. IMPORTANT NOTES  ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram/ NILP is a centrally sponsored initiative that is launched by the Ministry of Education and that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.  14  The central government launched the New India Literacy Programme in 2022 to teach literacy to uneducated people above the age of 15 across the country.  Objective: It aims to empower adults aged 15 and above from all backgrounds who missed formal schooling (non-literates), helping them integrate into society and contribute to the nation’s growth.  A target has been set under this program to educate 5 crore people by 2027.  In the last 2 years in Tamil Nadu, 10 lakh people have been imparted basic literacy education through the Directorate of Non-School and Adult Education.  The School Education Department of Tamil Nadu has planned steps to soon declare districts with more than 90 percent literacy as 100% literacy districts in Tamil Nadu. 32.REPOWERING, REFURBISHMENT & LIFE EXTENSION POLICY  In August 2024, the Tamil Nadu government introduced the “Repowering, Refurbishment, and Life Extension Policy” to replace old turbines and optimise wind energy use. IMPORTANT NOTES  Tamil Nadu becoming the first state in India to bring such a policy.  This policy aims to use wind energy resources better by supporting wind energy generators (WEGs).  The policy will be in effect from the date of issue until March 31, 2030, or until a new repowering policy is announced.  Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation was appointed as the state nodal agency (SNA) for the implementation of the policy. THE POLICY INCLUDES THREE MAJOR ASPECTS: Life Extension: Extending the operational life of windmills over 20 years old. Repowering: Replacing old windmills with new machines. Refurbishment: Upgrading or repairing old windmills. 33.SILVER JUBILEE FOR THE THIRUVALLUVAR STATUE IN KANYAKUMARI  15  The Chief Minister has announced that celebrations will be held on December 31 and January 1 in honor of the silver jubilee of the Thiruvalluvar Statue erected in Kanyakumari.  The Thiruvalluvar statue, which was inaugurated on the first day of January 2000, has completed 25 years and is now witnessing a silver jubilee. IMPORTANT NOTES: Thiruvalluvar statue:  A statue of Thiruvalluvar has been erected by the Tamil Nadu government in Kanyakumari, the southern border of India.  The work began in 1990.  This statue is built thirty feet above the water level in the middle of the sea, near the Vivekananda Rock.  The responsibility of making the statue was given to sculptor Ganapati Sthapati  In about four years, Ganapathy Sthapati gave shape to the idea of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi and built the statue.  It was opened to the public view on the first day of January in the year 2000.  This statute is built on a 38-foot-long pedestal representing the 38 Arathupal in the Tirukkural.  The statue of Thiruvalluvar is 133 feet tall, including the height of the pedestal.  The height of 133 feet is also a symbol of the 133 chapters in the Tirukkural.  The total weight of the Thiruvalluvar statue is 7000 tons. Thiruvalluvar:  Thiruvalluvar was a famous Tamil Poet.  Thiruvalluvar wrote Tirukkural.  Thiruvalluvar was born in the year 31 BC. The year of Thiruvalluvar is counted with the beginning of this.  The Thiruvalluvar year is calculated by adding 31 to the English year.  There is no information about his location or parents.  Thiruvalluvar is known by many names such as Chenjapodar, Deiva Pulavar, Nayanar, Prathapavalar, Nanmuganar, Madanubhangi, Perunavalar and Poyyil Pulavar.  Thiruvalluvar Day is celebrated on 15th January in Tamil Nadu. Tirukkural:  Tirukkural was written in two lines with Kural Venbas.  16  Tirukkural consists of three parts, namely Arathupal, porutpal and Inbathupal.  There are 38 chapters in Arathupal, 70 chapters in porutpal and 25 chapters in Inbathupal.  The Tirukkural consists of 133 chapters and 1330 Kuralas.  Thirukkural is one of the collections of "Eighteen Lesser Texts."  The Tirukkural was first printed and published in 1812.  Gnanaprakasaam was the first person to publish Tirukkural.  Tirukkural is referred to by many names, such as Ulaga podhumarai, Muppaal, Vayurai Vazhvuthu, Podhumarai, Poyyamozhi, Deivanul, Tamilmarai, Mudhumozhi, and Thiruvalluvam.  The first letter of Tirukkural is அ; the last letter is (the first and last letters of the Tamil language). 34.16th Finance Commission:  With the 16th Finance Commission team scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu for a 4-day trip, the Chief Minister held consultations with the Finance Minister and the Economic Advisory Council.  The 16th Finance Commission team will arrive in Tamil Nadu on November 17. Important Points: Finance Commission (FC):  Under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, the Finance Commission is constituted by the President of India.  The Finance Commission decides on the distribution of tax revenues between the central government, state governments, and among the states.  The first Finance Commission was constituted on April 6, 1952, under the leadership of K.C. Neogi  It is constituted once in every five years.  It is an organization consisting of 5 members, including a chairman and 4 other members. Important Articles:  Article 268: Taxes levied by the Union but collected and assigned to the States.  Article 269: Taxes levied and collected by the Union but assigned to the States.  Article 270: Taxes levied and distributed between the Union and the States.  17  Article 280: Finance Commission. 16th Finance Commission:  The 16th Finance Commission was constituted by the Central Government on December 31, 2023.  The commission consists of Chairman Dr. Arvind Panagariya and 4 other members.  The current 16th Finance Commission will recommend the guidelines for the distribution of tax revenues between the Central and State Governments for the next five-year period, from April 2026 onwards.  The Finance Commission has been asked to submit its report by October 31, 2025.  The 15th Finance Commission, chaired by N.K. Singh, recommended that 41% of the central government's tax revenue be allocated to the states for the five- year period from 2021-22 to 2025-26. Economic Advisory Council:  The Tamil Nadu government, on June 21, 2021, constituted a 5-member Economic Advisory Council to advise Chief Minister.  The Economic Advisory Council was constituted to revive the economy, which was severely impacted by the two consecutive waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. The members of the council include:  Raghuram Rajan (Chairperson), former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.  Esther Duflo, Nobel laureate and American economist.  Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India.  Jean Dreze, Professor at Delhi School of Economics, Ranchi University.  Narayanan, former Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India.  As far as the Tamil Nadu government is concerned, it expects common guidance from this council on shaping economic and social policies, social justice, and improving human capital.  It also expects recommendations for the development of the state's economy, employment, and production.  The Finance Department of the Tamil Nadu government will serve as the secretariat for this council.  It has also been stated that S. Krishnan, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department, will serve as the coordinator of this council.  18 35.CHIEF MINISTER LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE SIPCOT INDUSTRIAL PARK IN JAYANKONDAM  Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has approved the setting up of a footwear manufacturing plant by Taiwan-based DeanShoes at SIPCOT Industrial Park in Mahimaipuram near Jayankondam in Ariyalur district with an investment of Rs. 1,000 crore and employment to 15,000 persons. He laid the foundation stone on November 15.  The Government of Tamil Nadu is taking various special initiatives to attract investments to create large number of jobs for the youth of Tamil Nadu and to transform the economy of Tamil Nadu to US $1 trillion by 2030. The following are some agencies that have played a key role in industrialization in the state: SIPCOT  SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu) - was formed in the year 1971 to promote industrial growth in the state by setting up industrial estates. TANSIDCO  TANSIDCO (Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation) - is a state-agency of the state of Tamil Nadu established in the year 1970 to promote small-scale industries in the state. It gives subsidies and provides technical assistance for new firms in the small scale sector. TIDCO  TIDCO (Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation), 1965 - is another government agency to promote industries in the state and to establish industrial estates. TIIC  TIIC (Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation Ltd.), 1949- is intended to provide low-cost financial support for both setting up new units and also for expansion of existing units TANSI  19  TANSI (Tamil Nadu Small Industries Corporation Ltd.), 1965 - It is supposed to be the first industrial corporation operating in the domain for small enterprises. Initiatives for entrepreneurship at the national level: Startup India Scheme (Launched 16-Jan2016): Startup India Scheme is an initiative of the Indian government, the primary objective of which is the promotion of startups, generation of employment and wealth creation. Standup India Scheme (Launched 5-April-2016): Standup India Scheme is to facilitate bank loans between `10 lakh and `1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and one woman borrower per bank branch for setting up a greenfield enterprise. 36. TOLL-FREE HELPLINE NUMBER 1950 FOR OBTAINING VOTER LIST INFORMATION.  If there are any doubts regarding the inclusion, removal, or other matters related to the voter list, the Tamil Nadu Election Commission has made arrangements to provide clarifications.  To obtain information regarding voter list revision activities, you can use the toll-free number 1950. This announcement has been issued by the Tamil Nadu Election Commission.  You can obtain six types of information by contacting this number. Tamil Nadu State Election Commission:  It was established on 15th July 1994, in accordance with the provisions of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992.  All local body elections in Tamil Nadu are conducted by this Commission.  Currently, the Chief Electoral Officer of Tamil Nadu is Archana Patnaik.  Currently, the Tamil Nadu State Election Commissioner is Jothi Nirmalasamy. Sections:  Section 243A – Grama Sabha (In Tamil Nadu, the Grama Sabha is held six times a year, once every two months.)  Republic Day – January 26  Independence Day – August 15  20  Labour Day – May 1  World Water Day – March 22  Gandhi Jayanti – October 2  Local Bodies Day – November 1  Section 243K – Elections for Panchayats  Section 243B – Constitution of Panchayats  Section 243C – Structure of Panchayats  Section 243D – Reservation (Panchayats)  Section 243ZA – Elections for Municipalities  Section 243Q – Constitution of Municipalities  Section 243R – Structure of Municipalities  Section 243T – Reservation (Municipalities) Emergency Helplines:  Child Protection – 1098  Women Protection – 181 & 1091  Cyber Crime – 1930  Helpline for Senior Citizens – 14567  Disaster Relief Helpline – 1077  School Education Helpline – 14417  COVID-19 Helpline – 1075  Coast Guard Helpline – 1093  Earthquake Helpline – 1092  Police Helpline – 100  Fire & Rescue – 101  Ambulance – 102 & 108  Traffic Police – 103 37. ENROLMENT OF WOMEN IN HIGHER EDUCATION INCREASED BY THE PUDHUMAI PENN SCHEME  Minister for School Education of Tamil Nadu, has said that the number of women pursuing higher education has increased by 27 percent under the Pudhumai Penn Scheme introduced by the Chief Minister.  21 Pudhumai Penn Scheme  It is a scheme to provide monthly stipend of Rs. 1000 to girl students studied in classes 6 to 12 in Government schools and aided, Those who going for higher studies.  Under the Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar Higher Education Assurance Scheme, Pudhumai Penn Scheme is being implemented to provide monthly stipend of Rs.1000 to girl students studying in higher studies, after completing 6th to 12th standards in Government and aided schools. Objectives of the Pudhumai Penn Scheme  Providing higher education to women and promoting gender equality.  Prevention of Child Marriage  Providing financial assistance to girl students who are unable to pursue higher education due to family circumstances and poverty.  Reducing the dropout rate of girls.  Encouraging girls to pursue higher education as per their choice  Encouraging participation of women in all spheres of higher education.  Increasing career opportunities for women through Higher Education Assurance Scheme,  Ensuring Social and Economic Protection of Women. IMPORTANT NOTES Tamil Puthalvan scheme  The Tamil Puthalvan scheme provides a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 to boy students studying in higher education after studying from government schools and government-aided schools.  The Chief Minister launched the scheme on August 9, 2024.  The scheme aims to increase the enrollment of students in higher education and transform students studying in government-assisted schools into achievers. INDIA 38. ONE NATION ONE ELECTION SCHEME:  Opportunity to amend Constitution to hold simultaneous elections to Lok Sabh a and State Legislatures. IMPORTANT NOTES  22  “Part – XV”, Article 324 – 329 of the Constitution of India deals with Election s and Election Commission of India.  Article 327 of the Act is likely to be amended to include the words 'simultaneo us election' in the sections relating to the dissolution of the State Legislatures.  It is noteworthy that a highlevel committee was formed in September 2023 und er the chairmanship of Former President Shri. Ram Nath Kovind. 39.CENTRAL ELECTION COMMISSION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTI ONS:  The Central Government has decided to amend Article 324 of the Constitution and add a new Article 324A to hold elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislat ures and local bodies simultaneously. IMPORTANT NOTES  Article 243-K and 243- ZA of the Constitution of India deal with elections to local bodies.  As the above bill deals with state affairs, approval of 50% of the states is neces sary.  Article 368 of the Constitution of India deals with the majority for constitution al amendment. 40.AYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME:  Free health insurance to be provided to all senior citizens aged 70 years and ab ove irrespective of socio-economic status. IMPORTANT NOTES:  Launched in 2018, Ayushman Bharat is the national health care scheme of the Government of India. FEATURES OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT SCHEME  World's largest health insurance scheme.  Beneficiaries of this scheme are eligible to get cashless access to health care se rvices at various public and private hospitals in India. Benefits can be availed a cross the country.  23 41.SHREYAMS KUMAR WAS ELECTED AS THE NEW HEAD OF INS:  MV Shreyams Kumar of Mathrubhumi Daily has been elected president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS), the apex body of publishers of newspapers, magazines, and periodicals in the country. The Indian Newspaper Society (INS):  This association was established in 1939.  Its headquarters are at Rafi Mark, New Delhi. 42.SHAMIM AHMED SWORN IN AS HIGH COURT JUDGE:  Justice Shamim Ahmed, who served as a judge in the Allahabad High Court, to ok charge as a judge in the Madras High Court. Important notes related to High Court  Article 217 of the Constitution deals with appointment of High Court Judges.  High Court Judge appointee – President.  Retirement age of High Court Judges – 62.  Eligibility of appointees as High Court Judges - Must have served at least 10 years in the administration of justice in India.  Writ Jurisdiction of the High Court – Article 226.  India's first High Court - Calcutta High Court (1 July 1862).  High Court with Largest Jurisdiction – Guwahati High Court (covers 4 states Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram).  Only Union Territory with a separate Court - Delhi (1966).  Constitutional Amendment - 7th Amendment, 1956 empowered Parliament to c onstitute High Courts common to two or more States or Union Territories.  India's first woman Chief Justice of High Court- Leela Seth(1991,Himachal Pradesh High Court).  Total number of High courts in India – 25. 43.RS 2,000 NOTES RETURNED 98%:  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that 98 percent of the Rs. 2,000 notes have returned to the bank. IMPORTANT NOTES  24  Rs. 2,000 was introduced in November 2016 during demonetization.  It has been announced that the notes will be withdrawn from 19th May 2023.  In January 2023, the Supreme Court had ruled that demonetization was valid. PREVIOUS DEVALUATION MEASURES  1946: Demonetization of Rs 500, Rs 1,000, and Rs 10,000 notes— British Govt.  1978: Demonetization of Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000, and Rs 10,000 notes— Morarji Desai  2014: Withdrawal of all notes issued before 2005—RBI notification  2016: Demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes- Narendira Modi  Withdrawal of Rs 2,000 notes from May 2023 announced – RBI RBI: IMPORTANT NOTES  Year of Establishment: April 1, 1935 (as per Act of 1934)  Established on the recommendations of the Hilton Young Commission.  Year Head Office shifted from Calcutta to Mumbai, 1937.  Year of Nationalization: January 1, 1949.  Ambedkar's book, “Indian Rupee: Problems, Solutions” which was the main reason behind the formation of the Reserve Bank of India. 44.THE FIRST WOMAN DIRECTOR OF AN ARMY MEDICAL UNIT TAKES C HARGE:  Navy vice commander and doctor Arthi Sarin took charge as the first woman director of the Indian Army Medical Services.  Arthi Sarin took charge as the 46th Director of Army Medical Services. 45.AGRICULTURAL SCHEMES:  2 new schemes have been announced to merge all the centrally funded schemes under the Union Ministry of Agriculture.  The Union Cabinet approved two new schemes namely the Prime Minister's National Agricultural Development Scheme (PMRKVY - Rashtriya Krishi Vik as Yojana) to promote sustainable agriculture and the Krishonnathy Scheme (K Y) to achieve self-sufficiency in food security.  25 OBJECTIVE:  Increasing domestic oilseed production  Achieving the goal of self-sufficiency in cooking oil  With these increase farmers' income while saving foreign exchange FUNCTION:  A website (SATHI - Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) will be launched for timely availability of quality seeds to the states. MAJOR AGRICULTURAL SCHEMES:  Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) - 2019  Pradhan Mantri Fazal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY) – 2016  Pradhan Mantri Krishi Singhai Yojana (PMKSY) – 2015  Ayushman Sahakar Scheme – 2020  E-NAM (National Agricultural Market) – 2016  Pradhan Mantri Kisan Man-Than Yojana (PM-KMY) – 2019  Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan - 2018  Soil Health Cards (SHC) Scheme – 2015 46.VENUS’S SPACECRAFT WILL BE LAUNCHED IN 2028 TO EXPLORE VEN US:  The spacecraft is being developed and sent by the Venus Orbiter Mission progr am to explore the planet, Venus. The spacecraft will carry a total of 19 state-of- theart research instruments. Out of which 16 instruments are to be manufacture d with indigenous Technology,the remaining 3 devices are to be designed with contributions from India, Russia, Germany, and Sweden.  The spacecraft is scheduled to be launched on March 29, 2028, by an LVM- 3 rocket after completion of all preparations. It will reach Venus on July 19 afte r a journey of about 112 days. 47.CLASSICAL LANGUAGE STATUS FOR MARATHI, PALI, PRAKRIT, ASSAMESE, AND BENGALI:  On October 12, 2004, the central government decided to create a new category of languages called 'Classical language'.  26  Accordingly, in 2004, Tamil was first declared as the Classical language.  Since then, Sanskrit (2005), Telugu (2008), Kannada (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014) have been granted classical language status.  Now(2024)Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali languages have been accorded classical language status. 48.UTTARAKHAND TO BECOME THE FIRST STATE TO INTRODUCE A 'DAY-BY-HOUR' POWER TARIFF:  Uttarakhand is set to become the first state in India to introduce a daily hourly electricity tariff for its 15.87 lakh electricity consumers.  The action is expected to help work toward the goal of 65% energy efficiency from non-fossil fuels by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2070. 49.JAL HI AMRIT:  It has been said by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs that the Central Government has approved a new scheme, ‘Jal Hi AMRIT’. IMPORTANT NOTES  The ‘Jal Hi AMRIT’ program has been launched to encourage the promotion of efficient reuse of water by the states and union territories under the AMRUT ( Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) 2.0 Mission.  Related Ministry: Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. AMRUT 2.0 Scheme:  The scheme was launched on 1st October 2021 for the period of 5 years i.e. fro m the financial year (FY) 2021-22 to the FY 2025-26. AMRUT Scheme  Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launc hed in June 2015 by the Government of India.  The AMRUT scheme is an initiative to provide basic civic amenities to the urb an areas to improve the quality of life with a major focus on the poor and the di sadvantaged.  27 50.INDIA CHARTS COURSE TOWARD MARITIME DECARBONISATION AT HIGH-LEVEL CONFERENCE  The Conference on Maritime Decarbonization in India, co-hosted by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), concluded at Le Meridien, New Delhi. IMPORTANT NOTES: AIM:  Transform all vessels in Indian waters into green vessels by 2047.  Reduce carbon intensity by 45% by 2030.  India's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. 51.EXERCISE KAZIND 2024  The 8th edition of the India-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise KAZIND-2024, commenced in Uttarakhand and is being held from 30th September to 13th October 2024. IMPORTANT NOTES  The exercise between India and Kazakhstan was initiated as ‘Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK’ in 2016.  After the second edition, it was upgraded to a company-level exercise and renamed ‘Exercise KAZIND’. 52.BHARATGEN  Recently, the Ministry of Science & Technology launched BharatGen, a generative AI initiative designed to enhance public service delivery. IMPORTANT NOTES  AIM: Create foundational models in language, speech, and computer vision to address India's socio-cultural and linguistic diversity.  It is the world’s first government-funded Multimodal Large Language Model (LLM) project for Indian languages.  28  It is led by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber- Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). 53.NATIONAL AGRICULTURE CODE  The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC) on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code. IMPORTANT NOTES:  The BIS is the national body that sets standards for different products across various economic sectors.  NAC: It is a standard for agriculture practices like preparation of fields, micro irrigation, and water use. Objectives:  The NAC will serve as a guide for farmers, agriculture universities, and officials involved in the field. Two Parts of NAC:  The first will contain general principles for all crops.  The second will deal with crop-specific standards for the likes of paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses. 54.PM E-DRIVE  The government has launched the PM E-DRIVE Scheme, for faster adoption of electric vehicles by setting up of charging infrastructure and development of EV manufacturing ecosystem in India. IMPORTANT NOTES  The scheme shall be implemented from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.  29  Now, the EMPS-2024 (Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme) is being subsumed under the PM E-DRIVE scheme.  Subsidy: The subsidy under the scheme for electric two-wheelers has been fixed based on battery power at Rs 5,000 per kilowatt hour but the overall incentive will not exceed Rs 10,000 in the first year.  Three-wheelers, including e-rickshaws, will get a demand incentive of Rs 25,000 in the first year, which will be halved to Rs 12,500 in the second year.  For the L5 category (cargo three-wheelers), they will get a benefit of Rs 50,000 in the first year, and for the second year, it is Rs 25,000. INDIA’S ELECTRIC VEHICLE POLICY  Aim: To facilitate smooth growth in the sector and achieve the ambitious target of having EV sales penetration of 30% of private cars, 70% of commercial cars, 40% of buses and 80% of two and three-wheelers by 2030.  National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP): The NEMMP was launched in 2013 with the goal of achieving national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles.  FAME India Scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme was launched in 2015 to promote the manufacturing and adoption of EVs.  GST Reduction: The Indian government has reduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on electric vehicles from 12% to 5%, making EVs more affordable for consumers. 55.5-DAY JOINT MARITIME SECURITY EXERCISE WITH INDIAN NAVY, ROYAL NAVY OF OMAN  The Indian Navy has traveled to Oman for the first time for a long-range exercise. IMPORTANT NOTES  30  Indian Navy's first training squadron for long range training is Indian Navy's 'Thir'.  The ship 'Shadul' and Indian Coast Guard personnel in the ship 'Veera' went to Muscat Port Naval Area in Oman on October 5.The Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard will sail with the Royal Navy of Oman from October 5 to 9.  This training has been in contact for the last 10 years. However, the 1st Training Squadron has sailed for the third time to Muscat, Oman. 56.PIONEERING PLAN TO SEND HUMANS TO THE MOON: CHANDRAYAAN - 5.  The Indian Space Research Organization has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission. The project is being implemented jointly by India and Japan. Chandrayaan-1  Chandrayaan-1 was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on October 22, 2008.It orbited the moon for 312 days. Chandrayaan-1 has found evidence of water on the Moon. Mayilswamy Annadurai was the project director from Tamil Nadu. Chandrayaan-2  Chandrayaan-2 was launched on July 22, 2019.The spacecraft is expected to land on the moon on September 8, 2019. But, Chandrayaan-2 crashed into the moon, the lander and rover were damaged. However, the orbiter orbited around the moon. Muthayya Vanitha was the project director of Chandrayaan-2 from Chennai. Chandrayaan-3  Chandrayaan-3 launched on July 14, 2023. The spacecraft successfully landed on the Moon's South Pole on August 23, 2023. India became the first country to land on the moon's south pole. Veeramuthuvel from Tamil Nadu served as the project director of Chandrayaan-3. Chandrayaan-4  31  The Union Cabinet had approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission on September 18. The project is expected to be completed by 2027. It is planned to bring 3 kg of minerals from the moon to India. Chandrayaan-5  The Indian Space Research Organization has approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission. The project is being implemented jointly by India and Japan.  India and Japan are working together on the Chandrayaan-5 mission. The project is called the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX).  The rover is being built by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) as part of a joint project between the two countries. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is preparing the lander for the mission. We have been working on the design of the lander and rover for the last year.  We are going to use a high-powered lander and rover in the Chandrayaan-5 project. It is a pioneering project to send humans to the moon, ISRO chairman Somanath said. 57.A NEW LAUNCHER MODEL  A prototype for the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is important for building the space station, will soon be introduced.  This launch will help India set up a space station and land Indian astronauts on the moon by 2040.  Indian Space Policy released in 2023.  It aims to promote private participation in the space industry. 58.SECTION 498A INDIAN PENAL CODE AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 2005 SECTION 498A INDIAN PENAL CODE (NOW BHARTIYA NYAYA SANHITA):  Section 498A Indian Penal Code (now Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita) and Domestic Violence Act 2005 are among the most abused laws – Supreme Court  32  Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with the criminal offense of cruelty against a married woman by her husband or his relatives. The section was introduced in 1983.  Section 84 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS) deals with the same provision. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT 2005:  Objective: The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, was enacted to provide a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of women against domestic violence, recognizing violence in both physical and psychological forms within familial settings. 59.INDIA – MALDIVES RELATIONS  Currency Swap Agreement.  Inauguration of “RUPAY” card transaction service in Maldives, India- aided airstrip at Hanimaadhoo airport. 60.3RD LAUNCH PAD AT SRIHARIKOTA  ISRO Chairman Somnath said that the 3rd launch pad will be set up at Sriharikota. IMPORTANT NOTES  Satish Dhawan Space Research Center is located in SrihariKota, Andhra Prade sh.  Satellites are launched from here with the help of PSLV and GSLV rockets.  SrihariKota currently has 2 launch pads. PSLV rockets are launched from the fi rst launch pad.  GSLV rockets cannot be launched from this launch pad.  A second launch pad was developed for the PSLV rocket. GSLV rockets are la unched with various modifications on this launch pad.  Unexpected rocket explosion on the 2nd launch pad will damage the launch pa d. GSLV rockets will not be able to launch. All ISRO's space programs will be delayed.  As a precautionary measure, it has been decided to set up a 3rd launch pad at S rihariKota, capable of launching not only GSLV but also NGLV (New Generat ion Rocket) rockets.  33  NGLV Rocket Production Program Director Sivakumar says, “ISRO is actively involved in the development of a state-of-the- art NGLV rocket capable of carrying a weight of 20 tonnes. The Indra rocket w ill have 3 stages. in which the first position can be reused". 61.70TH NATIONAL FILM AWARD FESTIVAL:PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS NATIONAL AWARDS TO A.R.RAHMAN  The National Film Awards are presented annually by the Government of India to recognise excellence in Indian cinema. It is selected every year by a national selection committee appointed by the government.  The 70th National Film Awards 2022 held in New Delhi. The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Awards to the award- winning film artists at the function.  Mani Ratnam's' Ponniyin Selvan 'won four awards for Best Film, Best Cinematography (Ravi Varman), Best Background Score (A. R. Rahman), and Best Sound Design (Anand Krishnamoorthi).  At this festival, the President presented the National Award for Best Music Director to AR Rahman, the music director of 'Ponniyin Selvan' part 1. This is AR Rahman's seventh National Award. 62.ATAL PENSION YOJANA (APY)  The Total enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have crossed 7 crores, with an enrolment of over 56 lakhs in the current Financial Year 2024- 25. IMPORTANT NOTES  The APY is a flagship social security scheme of the Government of India.  Atal Pension Yojana is a pension scheme under the Government of India.  This scheme replaces the Swavalamban Yojana and was established to provide old age income security to the workers belonging to the unorganized sector.  The Atal Pension Yojana scheme was launched by the PM of India on 9th May 2015 in Kolkata.  The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) became operational from 1st June 2015.  34  The scheme provides the subscribers with a fixed pension ranging between Rs.1000 to Rs. 5000. 63. FIFTH AND SIXTH SCHEDULES OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA  The Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Constitution of India were drafted by cons titutional experts to protect the rights of tribals. IMPORTANT NOTES  Before independence the British did not recognize the traditional rights of the tribals. And the tribes were controlled.  Due to this, Cole Rebellion (1831-1832) Santal Revolt (1855-1856) Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) Bastar Mutiny (1910) Revolt of Ramos (1822-1829) Gond Rebellion (1837-1856)  After independence the Fifth and Sixth Schedules of the Indian Constitution were created to protect the rights of the tribals. FIFTH SCHEDULE  The Fifth Schedule applies to the lands declared by the President as “Schedule Areas”.  Certain areas of a state can be declared as Schedule Areas.  At present some lands in 10 states have been declared Scheduled Areas.  The Governor of a State may declare a law passed by the Parliament, State Legislature in Scheduled Areas to be invalid or applicable with specified modifications. SIXTH SCHEDULE  The Sixth Schedule applies to the land areas officially declared as “Tribal Areas” in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura.  These four states have a total of 10 tribal areas.  Autonomous District Committees have been formed in these areas.  These committees also have jurisdiction over primary schools, hospitals,  35 roads, waterways, etc. in these areas.  Now the demands for inclusion of Ladakh state in this sixth schedule are gaining strength. 64.NI-KSHAY POSHAN YOJANA  Union Health Minister unveils key initiatives to boost Nutrition Support for TB Patients and their Families.  Monthly support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana increased from the existing ₹500 per month to ₹1000 per month for all TB patients. ABOUT NI-KSHAY PORTAL:  Ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.  Origin: Launched in 2018 to digitally track and manage TB patients’ treatment , improve data collection, and facilitate targeted interventions.  Aim: To achieve a TBfree India by 2025 by providing comprehensive support t o patients, including nutritional and financial aid.  Targets: Focuses on tracking TB cases, ensuring compliance with treatment, a nd reducing transmission rates through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) and other support measures. SCHEMES TO COUNTER TB IN INDIA  Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (PMTB MBA)  Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY)  Energy dense nutritional supplementation (EDNS)  Direct benefit transfers (DBT) 65.TRACHOMA  Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that the Government of India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem becoming the third country in the South-East Asia Region to achieve this milestone. ABOUT TRACHOMA  36  It is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes.  It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis.  Spreading System: It is contagious; spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, nose or throat secretions of infected people, if left untreated it causes irreversible blindness.  It is found in communities who are living in poor environmental conditions.  WHO has termed Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease and its estimation suggest that 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma and 6 million of them are blind or at risk of visually disabling complications. Initiatives of Government of India  The Government of India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963 and later on Trachoma control efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).  As a result, in 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma. However, surveillance continued for trachoma cases in all the districts of India from 2019 onwards till 2024.  The National Trachomatous Trichiasis (TT only) Survey was also carried out in 200 endemic districts of the country under National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI) from 2021-24, which was a mandate set by WHO in order to declare that India has eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem. 66.KATKARI TRIBE  Over 550 people from the Katkari tribe were recently given caste certificates in a special ceremony held at Male village, Pune. IMPORTANT NOTES  It is a primitive tribe found in Maharashtra (Pune, Raigad, and Thane district) and parts of Gujarat. 67.UMANG – DIGI LOCKER  Full Form: Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance.  37  The National EGovernance Division has announced the integration of the UMANG app with DigiLocker, allowing citizens to access a wide range of gov ernment services through a single platform. 68.31ST FOUNDATION DAY OF THE NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC)  The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established in India on October 12, 1993, under the Human Rights Act, 1993.  The Commission shall be headed by a retired Chief Justice of India or a retired Judge of the Supreme Court.  The Chairperson of the Commission shall hold office for a term of three years or till the age of 70 years.  The National Human Rights Commission is headquartered in New Delhi.  Current Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission: Vijaya Bharathi Sayani  The State Human Rights Commission was established in Tamil Nadu on 17 Ap ril 1997. 69.TDP1  Recent research by scientists at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Sc ience (IACS), Kolkata, has identified a new approach for cancer treatment by targeting a DNA repair enzyme called TDP1. 70.PALAEOLITHIC SITE, KARNATAKA  Excavation has begun at the Palaeolithic burial ground at Totalathur in Hanur taluka of Samarajanagar district. Thodalathur village is situated in a small valley formed by the mountain Mahadeshwara ranges. On a small hill to the west of the village is a modern temple of Adi Parashakti.  38  On the slope of this hill and in the adjacent fields, there are hundreds of burials from the 'Megalithic' period, also known as the 'Iron Age'.  The burial mounds consist of large stone circles, hence the name 'megalithic'.  In South India, this period is between 1200 BC and 300 AD. IMPORTANT NOTES:  “The Thodalathur megalithic burial site was discovered in 1961 by C. Krishnamurthy of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).  There were more than a thousand burial sites in this place.  Many burial sites have disappeared in recent years due to cultivation, settlement expansion, and land development projects. Despite such disturbances, most burial sites are still intact. 71.'GATI SHAKTI' SCHEME TO HELP ACHIEVE DEVELOPED INDIA GOAL: PM  Prime Minister said that the country is gaining momentum to achieve our vision of 'Developed Bharat' with the help of 'Gati Shakti' National Programme. Gati Shakti Digital Platform  It involves the creation of a common umbrella platform through which infrastructure projects can be planned and implemented in an efficacious manner byway of coordination between various ministries/departments on a real-time basis. 72.INDIA’S FIRST DEMONSTRATION FACILITY FOR BIOPOLYMERS  The union minister inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune.  India now ranks 12th in the world in biotech and 3rd in Asia-pacific.  39 ABOUT BIOPOLYMERS  These are materials that have been manufactured from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins. 73.PRIME MINISTER'S CROP INSURANCE SCHEME  Through the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme last year 2023-24, 16,358 farmers who insured their paddy crop under the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme to compensate the damage caused by natural hazards to Trichy district will get Rs. 27.83 crore has been disbursed. IMPORTANT NOTES  The Indian Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme for the year 2024-25 is going to be implemented by Shema General Insurance Company.  To insure special season crops like paddy, maize, cotton and onion. The deadline has been fixed on Nov. 15th. Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme  It’s also known as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)  The third largest insurance scheme globally in terms of premium, the PM Fasal Bima Yojana launched in 2016.  It shields farmers from crop loss or damage arising out of unforeseen events.  It replaced the National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS). PREMIUM  There will be a uniform premium of only 2% to be paid by farmers for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops.  In the case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, the premium to be paid by farmers will be only 5%.  40 74.GOVERNOR BOUND BY CABINET DECISION - MADRAS HIGH COURT  The Governor is bound by the decision of the Cabinet; The Madras High Court said that the Governor cannot override that decision. IMPORTANT NOTES  Governor, like as President to the union, heads the state government.  Article 153-167 in the Indian Constitution deal with the provisions related to the state executive of the country.  Governor is the executive head of the state. He is the nominal head of the state  Part VI, Article 153 - 162 of the Constitution of India deals with the Governor of the State.  Article 153 - There shall be a Governor for each State  Article 154 - The executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officer’s subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution.  Article 155 - The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President  Article 161 - Power of the Governor to grant pardons and others.  Article 175 - Right of the Governor to address and send messages to the house or houses of the state legislature  Article 176 - Special address by the Governor.  Article 200 - Assent to Bills  Article 201 - Bills reserved by the Governor for consideration of the President  Article 213 - Power of Governor to promulgate ordinances. 75.PRIME MINISTER HOUSING SCHEME  The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme was launched by the Union Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 June 2015. Under this scheme the homeless people will get benefit to build or buy a house. Houses are provided to the poor in rural areas under the Prime Minister's Housing  41 Scheme implemented with the participation of the Central and State Governments.  Tamil Nadu has set a target of constructing 68,569 houses under this scheme in rural areas in the current financial year. The Tamil Nadu government has issued an ordinance to allocate Rs.209 crore as the first installment for this purpose. The central government's share is Rs.125 crore and the state government's share is Rs. 83 crore, making a total of Rs.209 crore has been allocated by the Rural Development Department.  Rs 209 crore has been allocated as the first installment on the basis of Rs 1.20 lakh per house. The Union Government provides 60% and the State Government provides 40% of the funds for the houses constructed under the Prime Minister's Housing Scheme. 76.INDIA'S BIOENERGY AGRICULTURE CONFERENCE IN BENGALURU ON OCTOBER 22 AND 23:  'BIODYNAMIC ASSOCIATION OF INDIA' (BDAI) has organized an India- wide conference on Biodynamic Agriculture in Bengaluru on October 22 and 23.  The conference, titled 'Shaping India's Future Bioenergy Agriculture', will bring together many international and Indian researchers, bioenergy farmers, thinkers and entrepreneurs to share their experiences and visionary insights. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of All India Bio-Shakti Agriculture Organization, said that it is close to organic farming.  Bioenergy agriculture is a holistic approach that includes not only crops but also human and animal welfare through natural almanacs guided by the seasons.  The 100th anniversary of Austrian philosopher Dr. Rudolf Steiner's speech that revolutionized organic farming will also be celebrated at this conference.  The aim is to create a food production system that is environmentally friendly. Creating a sustainable agricultural system by improving soil quality and promoting biodiversity cycle, thereby producing high quality nutritious food.  Indian Bio-Shakti Agriculture Association is promoting this transformative revolutionary farming system across the country. Avoiding dependence on chemicals and promoting a holistic approach to agriculture.  42 77.ESHRAM-ONE STOP SOLUTION  Union Minister of labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports to Launc h 'eShram One Stop Solution' for Unorganized Workers on October 21, 2024 ABOUT e-SHRAM  Origin: Launched on August 26, 2021, to provide a comprehensive database of unorganized workers and serve as a platform for accessing welfare schemes.  Aim: To act as a OneStop Solution for unorganized workers, integrating infor mation and facilitating easy access to social security and welfare schemes.  Nodal ministry: Ministry of Labour & Employment. 78.WORLD SPACE AWARD FOR ISRO CHIEF SOMNATH: RECOGNITION FOR CHANDRAYAAN 3 PROJECT WORK  ISRO Chairman S. Somnath has been awarded the IAF World Space Award for year 2024 by the International Space Federation. 79.8 YEARS OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY SCHEME (RCS)  The scheme was initiated on 21st October 2016 with the objective to fulfil the aspirations of the common citizen by following the vision of ‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’, with an enhanced aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities.  The UDAN scheme has completed 8 years of Implementation. IMPORTANT NOTES  The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) is a component of India’s National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in 2016, with a 10-year vision.  It aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions.  The first UDAN flight took off in 2017, connecting Shimla to New Delhi.  43  The number of operational airports in the country has doubled from 74 in 2014 to157 in 2024 and the aim is to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047. VARIOUS VERSIONS OF UDAN SCHEME WERE LAUNCHED, AS FOLLOWS  UDAN 1.0: 5 airlines companies were awarded 128 flight routes t o 70 airports (including 36 newly made operational airports)  UDAN 2.0: 73 underserved and unserved airports were announced and for the first time, helipads were also connected.  UDAN 3.0: In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Routes were included. In addition to Seaplanes for connectin Water Aerodromes, several routes in the North East Region came under the ambit of the scheme.  UDAN 4.0: Gave impetus to North - Eastern Regions, Hilly States, and Islands.  The operation of helicopters and seaplanes incorporated.  A total of 86 aerodromescomprising 71 airports, 13 heliports, and 2 water aerodrome— have been operationalized, facilitating the travel of over 1.44 crore passengers across more than 2.8 lakh flights. 80.LAUNCH OF UPI MONEY TRANSACTION IN MALDIVES WITH INDIA'S HELP  The UPI structure developed by India has been introduced in the Maldives by the help of the Central Government, the President of the country, Mohammed Muizzu.  So far, the central government has created a framework for transactions through UPI in countries including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal and Bhutan. In this case, a  44 Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India and the Maldives regarding UPI last August.  'Tradenet Maldives Corporation' is responsible for managing the UPI infrastructure in the Maldives. 81.PRADHAN MANTRI BHARTIYA JANAUSHADHI PARIYOJAA  Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has reached a remarkable milestone by achieving sales worth one thousand crore rupees. IMPORTANT NOTES  It was launched in 2008 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, U nion Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.  Aim: Provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to all, particularly the underprivileged.  Implementation: Dedicated outlets, known as Janaushadhi Kendr as, are established to offer these medicines.  These provide generic medicines at much lesser price.  The potency of these medicines is the same as compared to expens ive branded medicines available in the open market.  As of June 30, 2024, there are 12,616 operational Janaushadhi Kendras across India. INITIATIVES UNDER THE PM BHARTIYA JANAUSHADHI PARIYOJANA SCHEME :  Jan Aushadi Oxo Biodegradable Sanitary Napkins - Due to limited menstrual hygiene in India, sanitary napkins are provided at Rs 1 in Jan Aushadhi Kendras  Janaushadhi Diwas - The Diwas is celebrated every year to bring awareness about the use of generic medicines, it was celebrated fr om 1st March to 7th March.  Jana Aushadi Sugam Application - Also called the eaushadhi ap plication, it hasbeen developed by the Development of Pharmaceu  45 ticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, and was launched in August 2019. The application helps to locate nearby Janaushadi K endras and compares prices of generic and branded medicines. 82.SOCIALISM, SECULARISM ARE INTEGRAL PARTS OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION  Recently, the Supreme Court held that the words "socialist" and "s ecular" are integralto the basic structure of the Constitution, and re jected a petition to remove them from the Preamble. The Supreme Court thereby upheld the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976. IMPORTANT NOTES  42nd Amendment Act, 1976 is one of the most important amendm ents to the Indian Constitution.  Due to the large number of amendments this act has brought to the Indian Constitution, it is also known as ‘Mini-Constitution.’  For the words “Sovereign Democratic Republic”, the words “Sove reign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic” was substituted  For the words “unity of the Nation”, the words “unity and integrit y of the Nation” was substituted. Cases related to secularism Kesavananda Bharati Case 1973: The Supreme Court held that secularism was a part of the basic structure of the Constitution. The basic structure doctrine posits that certain core elements of the Indian Co nstitution have intrinsic value and cannot be altered or removed. SR Bommai Case, 1994: The Court stated that secularism signifies equal treatment of all religions and noted that the term secular, added to the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 emphasises the fundamental rights protected under Articles 25-28.  46 Ismail Faruqi Case, 1994: The Court held that any property belonging to a religious community could be acquired by the State if deemed necessary after paying fair compensation of the property. Aruna Roy Case, 2002: The Supreme Court of India held that the essence of secularism is non-discrimination of people by the State on the basis of religious differences. Abhiram Singh Case, 2017: The Court held that secularism does not re quire the State to be aloof from religion; rather, it mandates equal treatm ent for all religions. CASES RELATED TO SOCIALISM Kesavananda Bharati Case, 1973: The Supreme Court ruled that socialism is a fundamental aspect of the Constitution's basic structure, reinforcing its role in promoting social justice and equality. State of Karnataka vs Sri Ranganatha Reddy Case, 1977: The Court emphasised that socialism must focus on social good, arguing that nationalisation or acquisition should aim for the common good and equitable wealth distribution. Maneka Gandhi Case, 1978: The judgement emphasised that the right to life includes the right to live with dignity, which is essential to the socialist principle of ensuring a fair quality of life for all citizens. Minerva Mills Case, 1980: The Supreme Court emphasised the need to harmonise Fundamental Rights with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), stating that the DPSP should guide state policies to secure social and economic justice in line withsocialist principles. Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing Company vs Bharat Coking Coal Ltd Case 1982: The judgement framed nationalisation as a necessary step for reorganising the coal industry and safeguarding resources vital for public welfare.  47 83.AADHAAR CARD NOT AS A DATE OF BIRTH DOCUMENT - SUPREME COURT  'Aadhaar card should be used to identify one's identity, not as a date of birth document' IMPORTANT NOTES  Aadhaar is a 12-digit unique identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to every individual resident of India.  The Aadhaar programme was launched in 2009 by the UIDAI with the goal of providing a unique and verifiable identity for every resident of India. 84.NEW INDIA LITERACY PROGRAMME  The Government has launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “New India Literacy Programme” (NILP) for implementation during five years from the FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27 with financial outlay of Rs.1037.90 crore. Launched on April 01, 2022. TARGET  The scheme aims to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above. 85.SINGAPORE INDIA MARITIME BILATERAL EXERCISE (SIMBEX) 2024  The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) was held from 23 to 29 October 2024, in the Eastern Naval Command at Visakhapatnam. IMPORTANT NOTES  SIMBEX, which began as 'Exercise Lion King' in 1994, has since evolved into one of the most significant bilateral maritime collaborations between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). 86.SAMAGAM  Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) hosted the Grand Finale Event, ‘SAMAGAM’, on 25th October 2024 at Rang Bhawan Auditorium, Akashvani Complex, New Delhi.  48  In recognizing the contributions of senior citizens to society, ‘SAMAGAM’ aims to inspire greater societal responsibility towards creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and secure environment for the elderly. 87.GREAT NICOBAR ISLAND GAINS 13TH MAJOR PORT STATUS  The Galathea Bay port in Great Nicobar Island was designated as India’s 13th major port.  A quarter century after Kamarajar Port was named the country’s 12th major port, the mega International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) at Galathea Bay — in the Great Nicobar Island in the Bay of Bengal — has been notified as the 13th major port. IMPORTANT NOTES  The International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) has a natural draught of 20 metres.  The ICTP is situated in the rapidly evolving Indo-Pacific region.  This area is crucial for global trade and politics.  By this Indian ports expected to save between $200 million and $220 million annually in transshipment charges. 88.'MUDRA' LOAN LIMIT INCREASED TO 20LAKH  Under the Prime Minister's 'MUDRA' scheme to promote non- agricultural small businesses in the country, the loan limit has been increased from Rs.10 lakh to Rs.20 lakh. IMPORTANT NOTES  The MUDRA (Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency), under the scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), was established on April 8, 2015 to finance the setting up of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.  It is envisioned to encourage entrepreneurship among the underprivileged  sections of the society.  It has aim of offering loans of up to 20 lakhs to small and micro enterprises that are not part of the corporate or agricultural sectors.  These financial facilities are extended by various institutions such as Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks, Mico Finance Institutions (MFIs), and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs).  49 TYPES OF LOANS  Shishu (loans up to INR 50,000)  Kishore (loans above INR 50,000 and up to INR 5 lakhs)  Tarun (loans above INR 5 lakhs and up to INR 10 lakhs)  Tarun Plus (loans above INR 10 lakhs and up to INR 20 lakhs) 89.LAUNCH OF ‘ABHAY’, SEVENTH SHIP OF ASW SWC (GRSE) PROJECT  ‘Abhay’, the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy, was launched on 25 Oct 24 at M/s L&T, Kattupalli. IMPORTANT NOTES  The contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and GRSE, Kolkata, in April 2019.  The ASW SWC ships are designed with over 80% indigenous content.  The launch of Abhay highlights the nation’s resolve towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding. 90.Union Cabinet Approves Rs 1,000-Crore Fund to Boost Indian Space Start-Ups  The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,000-crore venture capital (VC) fund aimed at supporting about 40 space start-ups over the next five years.  This fund, launched under the aegis of IN-SPACe, is expected to attract private investment and drive innovation in India's growing space sector. IMPORTANT NOTES  The Gujarat International Finance Tech-city (GIFT) City in Gujarat is emerging as a global hub for space technology.  The government has introduced tax incentives such as GST exemptions for satellite launches and income tax breaks for R&D. 91.KARTARPUR CORRIDOR AGREEMENT RENEWED  Recently, India and Pakistan have extended the Kartarpur Corridor agreement until 2029, ensuring visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan for five more years. IMPORTANT NOTES  50  Kartarpur Corridor connects the Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in the Narowal district of Pakistan with the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in the Gurdaspur district in India’s Punjab province.  It is located on the east bank of the Ravi River in India, around 1 km from the Indo- Pakistan border.  It was built to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev on 12th November 2019. 92.INDIA RANKS 176TH IN THE GLOBAL NATURE CONSERVATION INDEX (NCI) 2024  India ranks 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, with a score of 45.5 out of 100.  This places India among the five worst performers globally, alongside Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia.  The NCI was released on October 24, 2024, and assesses conservation efforts across 180 countries. IMPORTANT NOTES India’s Conservation Challenges  The country has converted 53% of its land for urban, industrial, and agricultural use.  High Pesticide Use, contributes to soil pollution.  Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected.  There are no protected areas within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), despite 7.5% of terrestrial land being safeguarded. 93.ISRO-DBT AGREEMENT  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have joined forces to develop bio-experiments for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India’s planned indigenous space station. IMPORTANT NOTES  Purpose: To design biological experiments for BAS and the Gaganyaan mission.  51  BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) initiative: Aligns with DBT’s policy to promote bio-manufacturing in India, focusing on health, bio-pharma, regenerative medicine, and biotechnology for waste management.  About Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):  Orbit: Planned at 400 km above Earth.  Timeline: Initial module launches by 2028; complete expansion by 2035.  Capacity: Designed for 15–20-day missions in orbit.  Structure: Comprises a command module, habitat module, propulsion systems, and docking ports. 94.BHU-AADHAAR  Bhu-Aadhaar is also known as Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN). IMPORTANT NOTES  ULPIN was launched in 2021 as part of the Central government’s Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).  It contains State code, District code, Sub-district code, Village code and a Unique plot ID number. 95.21ST LIVESTOCK CENSUS  Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the 21st Livestock Census in New Delhi. IMPORTANT NOTES  The 21st Livestock Census will provide with updated data on the livestock population.  The 21st Livestock Census will allow the government to address key issues like disease control, breed improvement, and rural livelihoods.  The 21st Livestock Census will cover over 30 crore households across all States and Union Territories, including nomadic communities and pastoralists. ABOUT LIVESTOCK CENSUS  The Livestock Census is conducted once in every five years.  The census takes into account information about the species, breed, age, sex, and ownership status of the animals in question.  Background: Since 1919, a total of 20 livestock censuses have been carried out so far, with the last being conducted in 2019.  52  The enumeration process for the 21st census will take place between October 2024 to February 2025. 96.95% OF LAND RECORDS IN RURAL INDIA DIGITIZED  Nearly 95% of land records have been digitized in rural India since 2016. IMPORTANT NOTES  The Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP), previously known as the National Land Record Modernization Programme.  DILRMP was restructured as a Central Sector Scheme in April 2016, with full funding from the central government.  Its main goal is to establish a modern and transparent land records management system by developing an Integrated Land Information Management System. Key Initiatives under DILRMP  Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN)  National Generic Document Registration System (NGDRS)  e-Court Integration  Transliteration of Land Records  Bhoomi Samman 97. SBI SELECTED AS INDIA'S BEST BANK FOR 2024  'State Bank of India' (SBI) has been awarded as India's Best Bank for 2024.  The award was presented by the Global Finance magazine of America.  The award was presented to SBI Bank at the 31st Annual Best Bank Awards ceremony held at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meeting in Washington, USA. 98.AMRIT BHARAT STATIONS SCHEME  Amrit Bharat Station scheme envisages development of stations on a continuous basis with a long-term vision.  The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme has been launched on February 2023, for development of Railway stations on Indian Railways.  This scheme envisages to take-up 1275 stations for upgradation/modernisation over Indian Railway.  73 railway stations in Tamil Nadu including Chennai MGR Central, Chennai Egmore are to be upgraded.  53 99. INDIA'S AMBITIOUS SPACE VISION  ISRO chairman S Somanath said India was aiming to increase its contribution in the global space economy to at least 10 per cent in the next one decade, from the current 2 per cent. IMPORTANT NOTES  Gaganyaan, the manned space mission, likely in 2026; sample return mission Chandrayaan-4 in 2028; and the much-delayed India-US joint NISAR mission is finally slated for next year.  The ISRO chairman disclosed that a joint moon-landing mission with Japan space agency JAXA, originally named LUPEX, or Lunar Polar Exploration, would be the Chandrayaan-5 mission. 100. $25 MILLION PANDEMIC FUND PROJECT  Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project on "Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response", in New Delhi.  The Pandemic Fund Project is a $25 Million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund. 101. BENOG WILDLIFE SANCTUARY  Ninety-five bird species and 22 butterfly species were sighted during the 8th Uttarakhand Bird Festival at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. IMPORTANT NOTES  Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is situated about 11 kilometers from Mussoorie, a popular hill station in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.  It was established in the year 1993 and is named after the highest peak in the area, Benog Hill, which rises to a height of 2,250 meters above sea level.  It is a