General Knowledge 2025 PDF

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 2025 Manohar Pandey CONTENTS Current Affairs 5-32 INDIAN HISTORY 1-27 l Ancient India Pre-Historic Period (1), Indus Valley Civi...

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 2025 Manohar Pandey CONTENTS Current Affairs 5-32 INDIAN HISTORY 1-27 l Ancient India Pre-Historic Period (1), Indus Valley Civilisation (1), Vedic Period (3), Jainism and Buddhism (5), Dynasties of Ancient India (6) l Medieval India Provincial Kingdoms (11), Mughal Empire (12), Later Mughals and Marathas (14) l Modern India Advent of the Europeans (15), Governor-Generals of Bengal (15), Governor - Generals of India (16), Viceroys of India (17), The Revolt of 1857 (19), Chief National Activities (19) l Art and Culture Classical Dancers of India (26), Musical Instruments and Instrumentalists (27) GEOGRAPHY 28-50 l World Geography Universe (28), Solar System (28), Rocks (31), Landforms (31), Atmosphere (32), Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming (33), Important Canals and Lakes of the World (34), Major Islands and Minerals of the World (35) l Indian Geography India (37), Highest Peaks of India (37), Important Lakes and Rivers of India (39), Important River Projects and their Beneficiary States (40), Natural Vegetation of India (41), Soils in India (42), Forests of India (43), Climate (44), Agriculture (44), Mineral Resources (45), Transportation in India (46), Railways (46), Road Transport (46), Water Transport (47), Air Transport (47) l Environment and Ecology Important Sanctuaries and National Parks (49), Biosphere Reserves of India (50) INDIAN POLITY 51-64 Framing of the Indian Constitution (51), Enactment of the Constitution (51), Preamble (51), Important Articles (52), Directive Principles of State Policy (54), Fundamental Duties (54), The President (54), The Vice-President (56), Council of Ministers (56), Prime Minister (56), Union Legislature (56), Supreme Court (58), Comptroller and Auditor General (58) l The States The Governor (59), States Legislature (59), The Panchayats and the Municipalities (60), Committees to Study Panchayat System (61), Union and State Public Service Commission (61), Election and Planning Commission (62), National Development Council (63), Finance Commission (63), e-Governance and Its Impacts (63), Parliamentary Terms (64), Constitutional Amendments (64) INDIAN ECONOMY 65-74 Outline of Indian Economy (65), Broad Sectors of Indian Economy (65), Five Year Plans at a Glance (66), National Income in India (66), Poverty (67), Unemployment (68), Industries (68), Major Industries in India (69), Banking and Finance (70), Insurance (72), Census 2011 (73), Economic Terms (74) GENERAL SCIENCE 75-102 l Physics Newton’s Laws of Motion (75), Circular Motion (75), Gravitation (76), Satellites (76), General Properties of Matter (77), Archimedes’ Principle (77), Density (78), Heat and Thermodynamics (78), Waves (80), Light (80), Lens (81), Human Eye (82), Magnets (83), Atomic and Nuclear Physics (83), Laser Technology in India (84) l Chemistry Physical and Chemical Changes (86), Corrosion (87), Acids, Bases and Salts (89), Soaps and Pesticides (90) l Biology Living World (92), The Cell and Human Systems (92), Fat Soluble Vitamins (93), Blood (94), Central Nervous System (95), Some Human Diseases Caused by Viruses and Bacteria (96), Ecology (98), Biotechnology (98) l Computer Components of Computer (101), Memory (101), Some Commonly Used Terms (102) GENERAL KNOWLEDGE 103-128 First in the World (Male and Female) (103), Superlatives (104), Countries with Capitals and Currencies (105), Geographical Epithets (106), Major Newspapers of the World (109), Religions of the World (109), First in India (Male and Female) (111), Books and Authors (113), Important Dates and Days of the Year (114), Abbreviations (115), Awards and Honours (119), Indian Defence (122) Union Interim Budget 2024-25 funds extended till March 2025; Scope Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman of tax exemption extended for startups. presented the Union Interim Budget l The scope of Ayushman Bharat 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, scheme will be further expanded; Now 2024. It is her sixth budget presentation its benefits will also be given to Asha as Finance Minister, and the last Budget and Anganwadi workers. of the current Lok Sabha. Like the l Government to launch a scheme to previous three full Union Budgets, help deserving sections of the middle Interim Budget 2024 is also delivered in class “living in rented houses, or slums, paperless form. The full Union Budget or chawls and unauthorized colonies” will be presented once the new to buy or build their own houses. government is elected following l Laid down the strategy for ‘Amrit Kaal’. General Elections 2024. In line with ‘Panchamrit’ goals, Major Features government to facilitate high and l The capital expenditure outlay for the more resource-efficient economic next year is being increased by 11.1% growth; also work towards energy to ` 11,11,111 crore, which would be security. 3.4% of the GDP. l Promised for stepping-up value l The fiscal deficit in 2024-25 is addition in agricultural sector and estimated to be 5.1% of GDP. boosting farmers’ income. l A corpus of 1 lakh crore will be set-up l Strategy to be formulated to achieve with a 50-year interest-free loan for the ‘Atmanirbharta’ for oilseeds. youth for the upliftment of the ‘Garib’ l Application of Nano DAP on various (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), ‘Yuva’ crops to be expanded in all (Youth) and ‘Annadata’ (Farmer). agro-climatic zones. l Proposal to create a corpus of ` 1 lakh l Government to build two crore more crore to boost private investment in houses in next five years under PM sunrise technologies. Awas Yojana (Grameen). l No change was made in the tax slab. l Rooftop solarisation to enable one Tax rates for Direct and Indirect taxes crore households to obtain upto 300 to be retained. units of free electricity every month. l Corporate tax was reduced to 22%; Tax l A framework for rating iconic tourist exemption extended for sovereign centres based on quality of facilities funds; Tax exemption on sovereign and services to be established.  6 Current Affairs l Government to lay White Paper on ‘Indian Economy : A Review – Economy – Then and Now. January 2024’ Report l Target for Lakhpati Didi to be The Finance Ministry on January 29, enhanced from 2 crore to 3 crore. 2024 released ‘The Indian Economy : A l Five Integrated Aquaparks to be set-up. Review – January 2024’ instead of l PM Matsya Sampada Yojana being ‘Economic Survey 2023-24’. stepped-up to enhance aquaculture Here are some key highlights of the report : productivity, double exports to ` 1 l Economic Growth Projection : The lakh crore and generate 55 lakh Indian economy is expected to employment opportunities. achieve a growth rate of 7% or higher l New Climate Resilient Scheme for Blue for FY24, and there are predictions of Economy 2.0 to be launched. sustaining this growth in FY25. This l Comprehensive Programme for would mark four consecutive years of Supporting Dairy Farmers to be robust growth post-pandemic. formulated. l Global Challenges and Trends : The l More Medical Colleges to be set-up. global economy is facing challenges The new medical colleges will utilise such as supply chain disruptions, a the existing hospital infrastructure slowdown in trade, and the impact of under various departments. Artificial Intelligence. India is seen as l Three major economic railway corridor resilient, having overcome past programmes will be implemented shocks and is navigating these which include Energy, mineral and challenges effectively. cement corridors. l Shift in Global Manufacturing : The era l 40000 normal rail bogies will be of hyper-globalisation in global converted to the Vande Bharat manufacturing is ending. standards. Governments are focusing on l Announced vaccination to prevent onshoring and friend-shoring, cervical cancer. The vaccination impacting transportation, logistics programme will be for girls in the age costs, and final product prices. group of 9 to 14 years for prevention of l Artificial Intelligence and Energy cervical cancer. Transition : The emergence of Artificial l Anganwadi Centres to be upgraded Intelligence poses challenges to under Saksham Anganwadi and services trade and employment. Poshan 2.0 will be expedited. Additionally, there is a significant focus on the energy transition, with l Newly designed U-Win platform to international pressure on developing further strengthen Digital India nations to reduce carbon emissions. initiative. l Domestic Economic Strength : Over the l The scheme of a fifty-year interest-free last decade, India has invested loan for capital expenditure to states significantly in infrastructure, leading will be continued this year with total to a 3.3X increase in public sector outlay of ` 1.3 lakh crore. capital investment. The financial l Coal gasification and liquefaction sector is healthy, with strong capacity of 100 MT to be set-up by non-food credit growth. 2030. Current Affairs 7 The IAF contingent comprised of Su-30 NATIONAL MKI, MiG-29, Jaguar, AWACS, C-130-J 75th Republic Day Celebrated and Air to Air Refueller aircraft. The 75th Republic Day function was The French participation included the organised at the Kartavya Path in New Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Delhi on January 26, 2024. President Tanker Transport while the UAE Air Droupadi Murmu with Vice- President Force fielded the F-16. The main focus Jagdeep Dhankhar and PM Narendra of Exercise Desert Knight was on Modi were present at the function. enhancing synergy and interoperability between the three Air Forces. The celebration was graced by French President Emmanuel Macron as the Grand Pran Pratistha Ceremony of Chief Guest. The twin themes of ‘Viksit Shri Ram Lalla in Ayodhya Bharat’ and ‘Bharat - Loktantra Ki The Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Matruka’ reflected throughout in this Ramlalla was held on January 22, 2023 year’s parade which witnessed the in Ayodhya with PM Narendra Modi participation of 13000 special guests. leading the rituals in the newly constructed magnificent temple. All India Survey on Higher Education The PM also unveiled the Ramlalla idol 2021-22 Released in the sanctum sanctorum at the The Ministry of Education of temple designed by Arun Yogiraj. UP Government of India released All India Governor Ananadiben Patel, CM Yogi Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) Adityanath and RSS Chief Mohan 2021-22 on January 25, 2024. Bhagwat also offered prayers to Following are the key highlights of the Ramlalla during the ceremony. People survey : from all walks of life including l Enrolment in higher education industrialists Mukesh Ambani, Sunil increases to 4.33 crore in 2021-22 Mittal and Anil Ambani, movie actors from 4.14 crore in 2020-21 and 3.42 Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Ranbir crore in 2014-15. Kapoor, Chiranjeevi, Madhuri Dixit, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt and Kangana l Female enrolment in Higher Ranaut as well as sports personalities Education increases to 2.07 crore in Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and 2021-22 from 1.57 crore in 2014-15. Saina Nehwal were present at the Ram l Significant 44% increase in enrolment Janmabhoomi. of SC students since 2014-15. PM Suryodaya Yojana Announced l Female faculty/teachers have PM Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024 increased to 6.94 lakh in 2021-22 from announced ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya 5.69 lakh in 2014-15. Yojana’ under which one crore ‘Exercise Desert Knight’ Conducted households will get rooftop solar The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted system. PM Modi said that the people of Exercise Desert Knight along with the country should have their own solar French Air and Space Force (FASF) and roof top system. This will not only United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force reduce the electricity bill of the poor over the Arabian Sea on January 23, and middle class, but also make India 2024. self-reliant in energy sector.  8 Current Affairs Wings India 2024 Organised Boeing Sukanya programme will create The largest event in the Civil Aviation STEM Labs at 150 locations. The sector in Asia ‘Wings India 2024’ was programme will also provide held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad scholarships to women who are training between January 18-21, 2024. It was to be pilots. organised by the Ministry of Civil India, Cuba Signed MoU on Digital Aviation, Government of India and Public Infrastructure FICCI. The Ministry of Electronics and The theme for the show was Information Technology signed an MoU ‘Connecting India to the World in Amrit with the Ministry of Communications of Kaal : Setting the Stage for India Civil the Republic of Cuba on Cooperation in Aviation @2047’. the field of Sharing Successful Digital Several deliberations, panel discussion, Solutions Implemented at Population B2B meetings, exhibitions, static display Scale for Digital Transformation in New of flights and air shows marked the Delhi on January 19, 2024. The MoU event. intends to promote digital India International Science Festival transformation through 2023 Organised capacity-building programs, exchange of best practices, and other The 9th edition of the India collaborative activities to mutually International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 benefit the digital ecosystems of both was held in Faridabad (Haryana) from countries. January 17-20, 2024. The theme of the IISF 2023 was ‘Science and Technology Installment of Pradhan Mantri Awas Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal’. Yojana-Gramin Inaugurated The IISF 2023 aimed to inspire a wide PM Narendra Modi released the first range of people and provide a platform installment to one lakh beneficiaries of for individuals with diverse levels of PM Awas Yojana - Gramin under the interests such as students, teachers, PM-JANMAN via video conferencing on scientists, researchers, industry January 15, 2024. The PM-JANMAN, with professionals, entrepreneurs and a budget of around `24000 crore, science communicators. focuses on 11 critical interventions through 9 Ministries. The initiative aims Boeing India Engineering and to enhance socio-economic conditions Technology Center Inaugurated for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the (PVTGs) by providing essential facilities new ‘Boeing India Engineering and like housing, education, healthcare etc. Technology Center’ and launched the ‘Boeing Sukanya’ programme in India’s First Dark Sky Park Bengaluru on January 19, 2024. Announced The PM pointed out that the Boeing Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has facility in Bengaluru strengthens the made history on January 14, 2024 by ‘Make in India-Make for the World’ securing recognition as India’s inaugural resolution and reinforces the World’s Dark Sky Park, marking its position as trust in India’s talent. the fifth in Asia. The reserve is located in the Southern reaches of the Satpura Current Affairs 9 hills in the Seoni and Chhindwara the five-day trade show as visiting districts in Madhya Pradesh. The hills countries, while 33 countries were continue in Nagpur district in joined as partners. Trade show focused Maharashtra as a separate sanctuary. on emerging sectors such as electric Mumbai Trans Harbour Link vehicles, green hydrogen, renewable Inaugurated energy, semiconductors and cyber-security. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) on Indian Railways Construction January 12, 2024, also known as Atal Manual, 2023 Launched Setu, marking the opening of India’s Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw longest sea bridge to date. The 21.8 km unveiled the Indian Railways link built at a cost of over `17840 crore Construction Manual, 2023 in New Delhi aims to reduce travel time between on January 9, 2024. The construction South Mumbai and Navi Mumbai from manual will help in many activities 120 minutes to just 20 minutes. including Land acquisition, forest ‘Engendering Land Ports in India’ clearance, bridge design, contract Report Released management, construction of tunnels and under bridges. This manual will also The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) help in achieving the world’s fastest released a report titled ‘Engendering growing rail network. Land Ports in India’ in New Delhi on January 11, 2024. The primary goal of Country’s First Smart Lab Started the report is to create a framework for All India Institute of Medical Sciences promoting gender-inclusive (AIIMS) New Delhi has started the cross-border trade and tourism through country’s first smart lab in its OPD block land ports in the country. The report to provide test facilities under one roof aims to foster a gender-positive on January 5, 2024. This facility is environment. seamlessly integrated, offering a wide India will be a $ 30 Trillion Economy range of laboratory testing services by 2047 including hematology, biochemistry, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman serology, endocrinology and various has announced on January 11, 2024 immunoassays. The smart lab of AIIMS that India will become a $ 30 trillion gets the report of 90% on the same day economy by 2047. She said the country the sample is received. will become a $ 5 trillion economy by Ayodhya Airport Renamed 2028. India has received $ 919 billion in The Centre approved Ayodhya airport foreign direct investment in 23 years till of Uttar Pradesh will be named 2023. Total 65% of the investments ‘Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, came in the last 9 years. Ayodhyadham’ on January 5, 2024. It Vibrant Gujarat Trade Show reflecting the historical and cultural Organised significance of the region. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the The decision aligns with the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show at government’s vision to position Gandhinagar on January 9, 2024. A total Ayodhya as a key economic hub and a of 100 countries were participated in prominent pilgrimage destination.  10 Current Affairs Country's First All-Girl Sainik School available by October 31, 2025 covering in Mathura a period of five years commencing on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh the April 1, 2026. inaugurated the first all-girl Sainik Historic Tripartite Peace School in Vrindavan (Mathura), Uttar Accord Signed Pradesh on January 2, 2024. Its name is A Tripartite Peace Accord has been ‘Sanvid Gurukulam Girls Sainik School’ signed between the Centre, the Assam and capacity of nearly 870 students of Government, and the United Liberation this school. Affiliated with the Central Front of Assam (ULFA) in New Delhi on Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), December 30, 2023. The deal is the school will provide education and intended to bring lasting peace to the training under the guidance of North-East region. ex-servicemen. The session of this school will start from April 2024 and 100 According to Home Minister Amit Shah such schools will be opened in the that after the formation of the NDA country. Government in 2014, violent incidents in Assam have declined by 87%, deaths ISRO Launched Maiden X-ray by 90% and kidnappings by 84%. Polarimeter Satellite First Oral Leukemia Drug for Children Indian Space Research Organisation Introduced (ISRO) has successfully launched X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) aboard Doctors from Tata Memorial Hospital, Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C58 Mumbai, introduced the first and only on January 1, 2024. The satellite was oral suspension of 6-mercaptopurine launched from Satish Dhawan Space (6-MP) in India on December 29, 2023. Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This Hospital and the Advanced Centre Ten other scientific payloads were also for Training, Research and Education in launched along with XPoSat. Now, India Cancer (ACTREC), Navi Mumbai, has become the second country in the collaborated with IDRS Labs, Bangalore, world after the United States to send a to develop this drug. 6-MP is a specialised astronomy observatory to chemotherapy drug used in the study black holes and neutron stars in treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic our galaxy. Leukemia (ALL), the most common type of blood cancer afflicting children. 1 th Finance Commission Constituted India-Australia 2 Plus 2 Ministerial The Centre constituted 16th Finance Dialogue Held Commission with Dr Arvind Panagariya Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as its Chairman on December 31, 2023. co-chaired the 2nd India-Australia 2 plus IAS officer Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey will 2 Ministerial Dialogue with Australian be the secretary of the Commission. Deputy PM Richard Marles in New Delhi The Commission may review the on November 20, 2023. External Affairs present arrangements on financing Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister for Foreign Disaster Management initiatives and Affairs Ms Penny Wong were also make appropriate recommendations present in the meeting. During the thereon. The Finance Commission has meet, the two countries discussed been requested to make its report wide-ranging issues of mutual interest. Current Affairs 11 Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023 The event aims to showcase India as the Approved 'Food Hub of the World' and celebrate The Ministry of Information and 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Broadcasting has approved a The PM distributed seed capital path-breaking Digital Advertisement assistance to over one lakh Self Help Policy, 2023 on November 10, 2023. Groups (SHGs) members in this event. It aims to enable and empower the This support will help the SHGs to get Central Bureau of Communication (CBC) better value in the market through which is the advertising wing of the GoI better packaging and quality to undertake campaigns in the Digital manufacturing. Media Space. Indian Donors Report Released The Policy will enable CBC to empanel Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List agencies and organisations in the OTT 2023 was released on November 1, and Video on Demand Space. 2023. HCL Technologies founder and Gwalior and Kozhikode Joined chairman Shiv Nadar is India’s largest UNESCO Creative Cities Network philanthropist and he donates ` 5.6 Indian cities of Gwalior and Kozhikode (` 2042 crore) crore every day. are among the 55 new cities which Shiv Nadar is followed by Wipro chief have joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Azim Premji (donated `1774 crore), Network (UCCN) on November 9, 2023. Mukesh Ambani and Kumar Mangalam Kozhikode is the first city in India to Birla. receive the prestigious title of ‘City of ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ Platform Literature’ by UNESCO. Gwalior is the Launched second city in India to be designated as PM Narendra Modi launched ‘Mera Yuva the ‘City of Music’ by UNESCO, after Bharat (MY Bharat)’ platform for youth of Varanasi in 2015. the country on October 31, 2023 at Mahadev App Banned Kartavya Path on the National Unity Day. Ministry of Electronics and Information This momentous initiative aims is to Technology on November 5, 2023 empower and uplift the country’s blocked 22 illegal betting apps and youth. Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) websites including Mahadev Book and serves as a ‘Phygital Platform,’ Reddyannaprestopro. seamlessly blending physical and digital The Ministry took the step on the elements. recommendation of the Enforcement It includes physical activities Directorate (ED). complemented by digital connectivity, The ED recommended to the Centre for creating an engaging and restricting illegal betting app after comprehensive experience. investigation and subsequent raids on India’s First Home-produced Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh. Reference Fuel Launched World Food India 2023 Organised Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated the 2nd Hardeep Singh Puri launched India’s first edition of ‘World Food India 2023’ in home-produced Reference Fuel in New New Delhi on November 3, 2023. Delhi on October 26, 2023.  12 Current Affairs Reference Fuel is used for developing Gaganyaan TV-D1 Mission Launched engines and assessing their The Test Vehicle-D1 (TV-D1), designed performance. Earlier, India used to for the ISRO’s Gaganyaan programme, exclusively import it from other nations. successfully took flight from Sriharikota Island in Andhra Pradesh on October 21, Namo Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi 2023. Yojana Launched The TV-D1 launch aimed to achieve PM Narendra Modi launched the ‘Namo several critical mission objectives, Shetkari Mahasanman Nidhi Yojana’ at bringing India closer to realizing its Shirdi in Ahmednagar district of dream of sending humans into space. Maharashtra on October 26, 2023. This Test Vehicle uses existing liquid It will benefit over 86 lakh people propulsion technology and features registered under the Pradhan Mantri innovations, including a throttleable Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana in and restartable L110 Vikas engine. Maharashtra. This scheme will provide an additional amount of `6000 per year India’s First RRTS Launched to the beneficiaries. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the priority section of Delhi-Ghaziabad- Two Whole-Time Directors Mandated Meerut RRTS Corridor at Sahibabad for Indian Banks RapidX Station in Ghaziabad, Uttar The RBI on October 25, 2023 introduced Pradesh on October 20,2023. a crucial requirement for Indian banks, He also flagged off the Namo Bharat stating that they must now have a RapidX train connecting Sahibabad to minimum of 2 whole-time directors Duhai Depot, marking the launch of the (WTDs) on their boards. Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in This move aims to help banks navigate India. the growing complexity within the With a remarkable design speed of 180 banking sector and effectively tackle km/h, the RRTS aims to provide high- emerging challenges. speed trains for intercity commuting Replace ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in every 15 minutes. Upcoming NCERT Books Compensation Mandatory for The NCERT on October 24,2023 has Sewer Deaths and Disabilities given its approval to replace the term The Supreme Court of India on ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’ in all textbooks October 20, 2023 has taken a strong across the country. stance on the issue of sewer deaths in The idea behind this recommendation the country. is to emphasise the historical and The compensation amount has been cultural significance of the name set at ` 30 lakh for the kin of the ‘Bharat’ while acknowledging the deceased and ` 20 lakh for those who nation’s rich heritage. suffer permanent disabilities due to This change aims to provide a more sewer cleaning. nuanced and comprehensive Additionally, if a cleaner sustains other understanding of India’s historical disabilities, they will be entitled to evolution. receive up to ` 10 lakh in compensation. Current Affairs 13 ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ The collective wealth of India’s 100 Web Portal Launched Richest was flat at $799 billion this The Union Minister for Education and Skill year (2023). Development & Entrepreneurship Ambani is followed by Gautam Adani Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled a web ($68 billion), Shiv Nadar ($29.3b), portal named ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ on Savitri Jindal ($24b), Radhakishan October 17, 2023. Damani ($23b), Cyrus Poonawalla This web portal, developed by the NCERT ($20.7b) and Hinduja Family ($20b). under the Department of School India Re-elected as President Education & Literacy, Ministry of of AIBD Education. It aims to provide India has been elected as President of activity-based support materials (quizzes, Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting puzzles, coloring books, jigsaw puzzles) Development (AIBD) General related to Mission Chandrayaan-3. Conference (GC) for the 3rd Tradable Green Credit successive term to lead the Programme Launched prestigious international organisation The government on October 16, 2023 on October 6, 2023. launched a national Green Credit India had already served two terms as programme, incentivising eco-friendly President, AIBD GC from 2018-21 and actions through market-based 2021-23. mechanisms. AIBD, established in 1977 under the This programme aims to encourage auspices of UNESCO, is a unique positive environmental contributions regional intergovernmental through market-based incentives. organisation, currently has 92 The programme promotes a competitive member organisations from across 44 market-based approach for green credits countries. to incentivize environmental actions. Constitution of the ‘Navratna’ Status to ‘RITES Ltd.’ ‘National Turmeric Board’ RITES Ltd, a prominent Central Public The Government of India on October Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the 4, 2023 notified the constitution of Ministry of Railways, has achieved the the National Turmeric Board. prestigious ‘Navratna’ status on The National Turmeric Board will focus October 13, 2023. on the development and growth of RITES Ltd. ecame the 16th CPSE in India to turmeric and turmeric products in the be granted this distinction. The country. achievement of Navratna status The National Turmeric Board will acknowledges its contribution to the provide leadership on turmeric nation’s growth and development. related matters, augment the efforts, 2023 Forbes List of India’s 100 Richest and facilitate greater coordination with Spices Board and other Mukesh Ambani reclaimed the No. 1 Government agencies in position on the 2023 Forbes list of India’s development and growth of the 100 Richest on October 11, 2023. turmeric sector.  14 Current Affairs Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s INTERNATIONAL (JAXA’s) President confirmed that SLIM Israel to Allow Humanitarian Access successfully established signals after The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in landing, though its solar capabilities a landmark decision on January 26, malfunctioned. 2024, ordered Israel to allow 54th WEF Summit in Davos humanitarian access. The 54th annual meeting of the World The top UN court also ruled that Israel Economic Forum was held at Davos, must take all measures to ensure with Switzerland from January 15-19, 2024. immediate effect that its military does The theme was ‘Rebuilding Trust’, not commit any acts which could fall emphasising the focus on exploring the foul of the 1948 UN Genocide opportunities enabled by the new Convention. technologies and their implications on The court’s 17-judge panel issued such decision-making and global measures, ordering Israel to take steps partnership. to limit the death and destruction Issues related to climate change, threats caused by its military campaign, as well from artificial intelligence, cooperation as to prevent and punish incitement to amid geopolitical fragmentation and genocide. other problems across the globe were 19th NAM Summit Organised discussed. The 19th Summit of the NAM (Non- Ongoing conflicts like the Ukraine War, Aligned Movement) was held in Israel-Hamas war were also be part of Kampala (Uganda) from January 15-20, the agenda. 2024. The theme of the Summit was Crown Prince Frederik X became King “Deepening Cooperation for Shared of Denmark Global Affluence”. Crown Prince Frederik X became the The summit adopted the Kampala King of Denmark on January 15, 2024, Declaration, slamming Israeli military succeeding his mother, Queen aggression and calling for the Margrethe II, who formally abdicated implementation of the UN Security after 52 years as monarch. 83-year-old Council resolution to allow Margrethe is the first Danish monarch to humanitarian aid into the besieged voluntarily relinquish the throne in Gaza Strip. The External Affairs Minister nearly 900 years. She stunned the of India led the Indian delegation at the nation when she announced her plans Summit. to step down on television on New Japan’s First Moon Lander Year’s Eve. Australian-born wife of King, Japan’s robotic SLIM (Smart Lander for Mary is the first commoner to become Investigating Moon) spacecraft touched Queen of Denmark. down on the lunar surface on January ‘William Lai Ching-te’Elected as 19, 2024. Taiwanese President Now, Japan joined the elite group with Taiwanese voters have chosen William Russia (then the Soviet Union), the US, Lai Ching-te as their President on China and India in reaching the lunar January 14, 2024, marking a significant surface. departure from China. Current Affairs 15 He is a pro-sovereignty candidate from Gabriel Attal Appointed PM of France the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) President Emmanuel Macron appointed and the current Vice-President. Gabriel Attal as France’s new Prime Lai secured an unprecedented third Minister on January 9, 2024. At 34, Attal consecutive term for the DPP by is the youngest PM in French history defeating his conservative rival, Hou and the first openly gay official to hold Yu-ih of the Kuomintang (KMT), by over this prestigious position. Attal’s 900000 votes. appointment comes in the midst of a China, branding Lai as a ‘dangerous Cabinet reshuffle initiated by Macron to separatist,’ expressed anger over the breathe new life into his government. election results. Sheikh Hasina Became PM of Global Water Monitor Report 2023 Bangladesh Revealed Sheikh Hasina has been elected the PM The Global Water Monitor report 2023 of Bangladesh for the fifth time on revealed on January 13, 2024 over 77 January 9, 2024. Bangladesh's PM Sheikh countries endured their highest average Hasina has been in power since 2009 annual temperatures in the last 45 and she belong to Awami League party. years.The unprecedented heat Hasina’s party Awami League has manifested across all seasons, secured 223 seats in the 300-seat influencing precipitation patterns along Parliament. The opposition party, with water budgets. Bangladesh Nationalist Party has Study noted that global water cycle last boycotted the elections. year was affected by an emerging El Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2024 Nino phase shifting tropical rainfall Released zones. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index Despite hotter and drier air, annual soil released the list of the world's richest moisture levels increased by 3.5% above people on January 9, 2024. According to 1998-2005 averages due to multiple this list, Elon Musk is the richest person possible factors like evolving farm in the world and his total wealth is 219 practices. billion dollars. South Korea Banned Trade of Dog Meat In second place is Jeff Bezos with a net South Korea’s Parliament made history worth of $170 billion and Bernard by passing a ground-breaking bill that Arnold of France is the third richest bans the eating and selling of dog meat person in the world with a net worth of on January 11, 2024. $167 billion. Mukesh Ambani whose net worth is $97 billion, is the 12th richest This move marks the end of a person in the world and Gautam Adani centuries-old practice that has been is at 14th place in this list. increasingly criticised in the face of growing support for animal welfare. Leopard Became National Symbol Proposed by the ruling party and of Kyrgyzstan enjoying rare bipartisan support, the bill Central Asian country, Kyrgyzstan, has passed with an overwhelming majority declared the snow leopard as the of 208 votes and two abstentions in the national symbol on January 8, 2024. single-chamber Parliament. President Zhaparov’s order highlights  16 Current Affairs the important role of snow leopards in US Approved First Chikungunya maintaining ecological balance. The loss Vaccine of these magnificent creatures in the The US FDA has approved the world's wild poses a significant threat to the first Chikungunya vaccine, ‘Ixchiq’ delicate balance of mountain developed by Valneva on November 13, ecosystems. The Global Snow Leopard 2023. Ixchiq, administered in a single Forum was hosted by Kyrgyzstan in the dose, contains a live, weakened version year 2013. of the chikungunya virus, following the Javier Miley is the New President standard approach for vaccines. of Argentina The virus, causing fever and severe joint Javier Miley has been sworn as the new pain, is commonly found in tropical and President of Argentina on December 10, subtropical regions of Africa, Southeast 2023 in Buenos Aires.Ukrainian Asia, and parts of the Americas. President Vladimir Zelensky participated Portugal PM Resigned in his swearing-in ceremony. Javier Prime Minister of Portugal Antonio Miley has defeated Sergio Massa in the Costa has resigned from his post on presidential election. Javier Miley November 9, 2023. replaces President Alberto Fernandez. He has resigned after the allegations of China First Country to Accord corruption against him. This turn of Diplomatic Status to Taliban events happened after the arrest of his China has become the first country to Chief of Staff Victor Escaria. Antonio accord diplomatic status to a Taliban Costa became the Prime Minister of nominated official, Bilal Karimi, as Portugal in the year 2015. Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Beijing on December 6, 2023. In this manner, it has Oldest Black Hole Discovered formally recognised the legitimacy of In a groundbreaking discovery on the Taliban-run government in Kabul. November 7, 2023, researchers have No other country has formally identified the most ancient black hole recognised the Taliban government, ever detected. criticising it for human rights violations This celestial behemoth came into and oppression of women. existence a mere 470 million years after the birth of the universe during the Big Mohamed Muizzu sworn-in as 8th President of Maldives Bang. The discovery was made possible through the combined efforts of NASA’s Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has been sworn in James Webb Space Telescope and the as the eighth President of the Republic Chandra X-Ray Observatory. of Maldives on November 17, 2023. Vice President Hussain Mohamed Global TB Report 2023 Unveiled Latheef also took an oath of office. Their The World Health Organisation (WHO) oath was administered by Chief Justice released its Global TB Report 2023 on of the Maldives, Ahmed Muthasim November 7, 2023. Adnan. Dr. Muizzu had defeated The WHO has acknowledged India’s outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed success in declining TB incidence by 16 Solih in the runoff elections held in % and TB mortality reduction by 18 % in September 2023. the year 2022 since 2015. Current Affairs 17 India has made tremendous progress in Abdullah in this post, will be effective improving case detection and reversed from January 31, 2024. In Malaysia the the impact of COVID-19 on the TB king serves as the head of Islam and programme. commander-in-chief of its armed forces. Philippines Announced Exit from Death Penalty to 8 Indians in Qatar China’s Belt & Road Initiatives A lower court in Qatar has sentenced The Philippines has announced its exit former eight Indian marines to death from China’s Belt and Road Initiatives on penalty on October 27, 2023. November 4, 2023. These former Indian naval officer The full termination of major worked in ‘Dahra Global Technologies infrastructure projects has been and Consulting Services’ of Qatar. announced by the Philippine According to Al Jazeera's report, these Department of Transportation in favour eight former officers of the Indian Navy of competitors from the West and are accused of spying on the submarine Japan. program for Israel. This has led to a new low point in Sri Lanka Announced Free Visas Philippine-China relations, marking a drastic reversal from the six years of Sri Lanka has taken a significant step by warm engagement during the waiving visa fees for tourists from seven pro-Beijing Rodrigo Duterte presidency. countries, including India on October 24, 2023. This policy will be in Israel-Hamas Conflict effect until March 31, 2024. As on October 25, 2023 at least 6546 The other six countries are China, Russia, people have been killed in Israel-Hamas Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and war. The armed conflict between Japan. This move aims to attract more Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups visitors and help the country recover and Israel began on October 7, 2023. from recent economic challenges. The conflict began on the morning of South Korea, US and Japan Hold Joint the Shemini Atzeret Jewish holiday, Aerial Drills exactly 50 years after the start of the South Korea, the United States, and 1973 Yom Kippur War. Japan conducted their first-ever joint After the Arab- Israeli war which was aerial exercises on October 22, 2023. fought in 1948, this Israel Vs Palestine It aimed at bolstering defence Conflict is the first direct Israel Gaza cooperation and preparedness against Conflict which is being fought within the increasing missile and nuclear Israel’s boundaries. threats posed by North Korea. Sultan Ibrahim will be The drills included a US B-52 bomber 17th King of Malaysia capable of carrying nuclear weapons Malaysia has officially announced on and were held in the skies over the October 29, 2023 that its next and 17th waters south of the Korean Peninsula. king will be Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar from the southern state of Johor. Antarctica’s Melting Ice Shelves Raise Concern The appointment of Ibrahim Iskandar, A study published in the journal of who will replace King Al-Sultan Science Advances on October 15, 2023,  18 Current Affairs has shed light on the alarming state of EU Approved New Standard to Antarctica’s ice shelves. Fight Greenwashing The research reveals that 71 out of the Members of European Parliament 162 ice shelves surrounding Antarctica (MEPs) on October 7, 2023 adopted a have released staggering 7.5 trillion new voluntary standard for the use of a metric tonnes of meltwater into the “European Green Bond” label, the first of oceans from 1997 to 2021. its kind in the world. The study shows a clear divide between The regulation lays down uniform ice shelves on the western and eastern standards for issuers who wish to use sides of Antarctica. the designation ‘European Green Bond’ (EuGB) for the marketing of their bond. Global Hunger Index 2023 Released The standards will enable investors to India has been placed 111th out of 125 direct their money more confidently countries in the Global Hunger Index towards more sustainable technologies (GHI) 2023 on October 12, 2023, and businesses. marking a decline from its 107th position in 2022. THE World University Rankings 2024 According to the GHI 2023 report, Released Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Chile, The Times Higher Education (THE) China are among the top ranked released the 20th edition of the World countries (i.e., low level of hunger) and University Rankings on October 1, 2023. Yemen, Madagascar, Central African The University of Oxford tops the Republic are the bottom. ranking for the eighth year in a row. The Kuwait to Boost Fossil Fuel IISc Bangalore has been listed at the top Production among Indian universities, and is ranked between 201-250 in the overall list. Kuwait’s oil minister unveiled a bold strategy aimed at enhancing the country’s fossil fuel production capabilities on October 9, 2023. SPORTS AND GAMES This strategy also involves preparations Cricket for the Durra gas field, which is jointly India-Afghanistan T20 Series 2024 shared with Saudi Arabia, amidst a India hosted Afghanistan’s cricket team dispute with Iran over ownership claims. for a 3-match T20 series from January Largest Hindu Temple in New Jersey 11-17, 2024. This was the first The largest Hindu temple created by multi-match white-ball series between Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS these two nations. Swaminarayan Akshardham was India won the series by the score of 3-0. inaugurated on October 8, 2023, in India won the first two matches by a Robbinsville, New Jersey (USA). margin of 6-6 wickets, while the third The temple spans an impressive 255 match was a tie which India won after feet in length, 345 feet in width, and the super over. 191 feet in height, covering an Indian allrounder Shivam Dube was expansive 183 acres. adjudged as the ‘Player of the Series’. Current Affairs 19 ICC World Cup 2023 Services Sport Control Board stood at The 13th edition of ICC Men's Cricket second position in medal tally with a World Cup was hosted by India, from total of 126 medals including 66 Gold October 5 to November 19, 2023. medals. Australia defeated India by 6 wickets in While Haryana stood at third position the final to win the title. with a total of 192 medals including Australia have won this title for the sixth 62 gold medals. time. Indian cricketer Virat Kohli won Best Woman Athlete Trophy was given the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. to ‘Pranati Naik’ and ‘Sanyukta Kate’ It was the first men's Cricket World Cup while Best Man Athlete Trophy was which India hosted solely. given to ‘Shrihari Natraj’. Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2023 Asian Games 2023 Punjab clinch maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali The 19th Asian Games were held in Trophy title with 20-run win over Hangzhou (China) from September 23 Baroda on November 6, 2023. to October 8, 2023. Abhishek Sharma (Punjab) won Player India finished the Asian Games on a of the Series in this tournament. high note in the medal tally It was the sixteenth edition of the Syed (4th position), with an unprecedented Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a Twenty20 cricket overall of 107 medals (28 gold, 38 silver competition that was held in India. and 41 bronze). China has topped the medals tally with total 382 medals (200 Irani Cup 2023-24 gold, 111 silver and 71 bronze). The Rest of India beat Saurashtra to win Japan finished second (186 medals), the Irani Cup 2023-24 at the Saurashtra while Republic of Korea finished third Cricket Association (SCA) stadium in (190 medals). Rajkot (Gujarat) on October 3, 2023. Asian Para Games 2022 Rest of India defeated Saurashtra by 175 runs to win their 31st Irani Cup title. The Asian Para Games 2022 for Saurabh Kumar (Rest of India) was Asian athletes with disabilities was held named as the ‘Player of the Match’. in Hangzhou (China) from Oct 22-28, 2023. The Irani Cup 2023-24 was the 60th edition of the Irani Cup. The official emblem of the Asian Para Games 2022 was “Ever Forward”. Multi-sport Event While the official motto of Asian Para 37th National Games 2023 Games 2022 was “Hearts meet, Dreams The 37th National Games of India were shine”. held from October 25 to November 9, Top-10 in Medals Tally 2023 in the state of Goa. Country G S B Total Maharashtra has continued its China 214 167 140 521 dominance in National Games from its Iran 44 46 41 131 beginning and retained its first position. Japan 42 49 59 150 Maharashtra has bagged 228 medals South Korea 30 33 40 103 including 80 gold. India 29 31 51 111  20 Current Affairs Badminton Hockey India Open 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup 2023 The India Open badminton tournament The Indian junior men’s hockey team 2024 took place at the KD Jadhav secured the bronze medal at the Sultan Indoor Stadium (New Delhi) from of Johor Cup 2023, in Johor, Malaysia on January 16-21, 2024. November 6, 2023. The winners list is as follows Germany have lifted the Sultan of Johor l Men’s Singles : Shi Yu Qi (China) Cup title for a second time after an 11 year wait by beat Australia 3-1 in a l Women’s Singles : Tai Tzu Ying (Taipei) penalty shootout. l Men’s Doubles : Kang Min Hyuk/Seo The junior men’s hockey team of India Seung Jae (South Korea) had previously won the prestigious l Women’s Doubles : D. Puavaranukroh/ Johor Bahru Cup twice in 2013 and S. Taerattanachai (Thailand) 2014. l Mixed Doubles : Mayu Matsumoto/ Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Wakana Nagahara (Japan) 2023 The seventh edition of the Women’s Abu Dhabi Masters 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in hockey, was The Abu Dhabi Masters badminton held in Ranchi (Jharkhand) from tournament 2023 took place in Abu October 27 to November 5, 2023. Dhabi (UAE) from October 17 to 22, India beat Japan 4-0 in the final to win 2023. the title. China beat South Korea 2-1 to 16-year-old Unnati Hooda (India) secure the third place. defeated the 20-year-old Samiya Imad It was India’s second Asian Champions Farooqui (India) in Women's singles and Trophy title, with the first one coming in it is her 2nd BWF Super 100 World Tour 2016. title. Football Mads Christophersen of Denmark won Spanish Super Cup 2024 Men’s singles in Abu Dhabi Masters Real Madrid defeated by Barcelona by 2023. 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final that Athletics was played on January 14, 2024. Chicago Marathon 2023 It took place in Riyadh (Saudi Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum shattered the Arabia).Vinicius Junior was the hero of the game and he scored three goals (a men’s world record, clocking a time of hat-trick) for Real Madrid. two hours and 35 seconds, to claim victory at the Chicago Marathon on Barcelona scored one goal which was October 8, 2023. scored by Robert Lewandowski. The 30-year-old Ethiopian-born runner Table Tennis and Dutch sensation clinched the Paris Masters 2023 Chicago Marathon women’s title in an The Paris Masters tennis tournament unofficial time of two hours, 13 minutes 2023 was held in Paris (France) from and 44 seconds. October 30 to November 5, 2023.