September 2024 Monthly Current Affairs PDF

www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 1 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 2 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smartkeeda presents Full-Length Current Affairs MockDrill Series September 2024 Monthly CA PDF (PDF in English) Click Here to Attempt Mock Tests based on this PDF. ❖ Last Six Months’ Current Affairs PDFs & Mock Tests: August 2024 Download Monthly CA PDF Attempt CA Mock Tests July 2024 Download Monthly CA PDF Attempt CA Mock Tests June 2024 Download Monthly CA PDF Attempt CA Mock Tests May 2024 Download Monthly CA PDF Attempt CA Mock Tests April 2024 Download Monthly CA PDF Attempt CA Mock Tests March 2024 Download Monthly CA PDF Attempt CA Mock Tests www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# If you find any error in this PDF, kindly report it to us at [email protected] via email. Page | 3 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us INDEX National & States Affairs……..…………………………………………………………………………….….…5 International Affairs..………………………………………………………………………………………..…..34 Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs..………..………………………….……….……..41 Defence Affairs….…………………………………………….….……...………………………………………..72 Sports & Games..…………………………………………….….……...…….……………………….………....79 Persons in News…………………….……………………….….……...…………………………………..….….97 Arts & Cultural Affairs…..……….……………………….….……...…………………………………..……..98 Science & Technology………..…………………………………………………….…….…..………….…......99 Appointments & Resignations…………………………….……………………….……..……………......110 Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes ………………………….……………….…………..….…...125 Schemes & Initiatives…………………………….……………………….……..……………...................144 Meetings, Conferences and Summits…………………………….…………………….…..…….….…..161 Ranks, Reports & Surveys…………………………………………………………………..…….…….….…173 Amount & Agreements……………………………………….……………………………….…………..…..186 Ordinance, Bills & Acts….…………………………………………………………………..…….…….….…189 MoUs, Collaborations & Parterships….………………….…………………………..…………….…....191 ________ Join our official Telegram channels for regular updates: @SmartkeedaOfficial | @CAMockDrill | @PracticeWithSK Warning: Smartkeeda possesses all copyrights on its content. This doesn’t allow anyone to use its content for commercial purposes. If anywww.smartkeeda.com infringement is found, | legal action will be taken against the individual or entity. If testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# you Pagewant | 4 to use the SBI content for|RRB | RBI | IBPS commercial purposes, | SSC | NIACL kindly | EPFO | UGC NETwrite | LIC |to us at |[email protected]. Railways CLAT | RJS Join us National & States Affairs 1. The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi participated in ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ in Jalgaon, Maharashtra. During the event, he handed out certificates and felicitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis who recently became Lakhpati during the 3 rd term of the present government. He also released a ‘Revolving Fund’ of Rs 2,500 crore, benefiting about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He also disbursed bank loans of Rs 5,000 crore which will benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs. Since the inception of the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’, 1 crore women have already been made Lakhpati Didis and the government has set a target of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis. Under the ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year. {Read more} Smart Points: ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan’ – held in Jalgaon, Maharashtra PM Modi felicitated 11 lakh new Lakhpati Didis who became Lakhpati during 3rd term of present government PM released a ‘Revolving Fund’ of Rs 2,500 Cr, benefiting about 48 lakh members of 4.3 lakh SHGs PM disbursed bank loans of Rs 5,000 Cr to benefit 25.8 lakh members of 2.35 lakh SHGs Since inception of ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’, 1 Cr women have already been made Lakhpati Didis | Target – 3 crore Under ‘Lakhpati Didi Yojana’, women will be provided skill training so that they can earn over Rs 1 lakh per year Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Eknath Shinde | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan 2. NHPC Limited, Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI), Railtel Corporation of India (RCIL) and SJVN have been granted Navratna status, as per the order issued by the Department of Public Enterprise, Ministry of Finance. With the navratna status, the 4 Central Government Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) will enjoy greater operational and financial autonomy. With these 4 CPSEs attaining the Navratna status, the total number of Navratna CPSEs in the country becomes 25. A CPSE has to meet these conditions to be granted a Navratna status - (i) Miniratna - category 1 status; (ii) ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ Memorandum of Understanding rating in 3 of the last 5 years; & (iii) a composite score of 60 or above in the identified 6 performance indicators. After receiving Navratna status, a CPSE can invest up to Rs 1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth in a single project without needing prior approval of the central government. Also, it can now establish financial joint ventures and wholly owned subsidiaries in India or abroad with certain conditions. {Read more} Smart Points: NHPC Ltd, SECI, RCIL & SJVN – granted Navratna status, as per order issued by Department of Public Enterprise, MoF Now, the total number of Navratna CPSEs in the country – 25 Required conditions to be granted a Navratna status: - Miniratna - category 1 status | ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ MoU rating in 3 of last 5 years - A composite score of 60 or above in 6 identified performance indicators Navratna CPSE can invest up to Rs 1,000 Cr or 15% of net worth in a single project without prior approval of central govt HQs of NHPC – Faridabad, Haryana | MD & Chairman – Raj Kumar Chaudhary HQs of SECI – New Delhi | CMD – Rameshwar Prasad Gupta | Founded on – Sep 9, 2011 HQs of RCIL – New Delhi | CMD – Sanjai Kumar | Founded in – 2000 HQs of SJVN Ltd – Shimla, Himachal Pradesh | CMD – Sushil Kumar Sharma www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 5 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 3. PM Narendra Modi has addressed the “Global Fintech Fest (GFF)” at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, and launched developmental projects in Palghar, Maharashtra. PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the Vadhvan Port, a Rs 76,000 crore project designed to create a world- class maritime gateway that will enhance trade and economic growth by accommodating large container vessels and ultra-large cargo ships. Located near Dahanu in Palghar district, Vadhvan Port will be one of India’s largest deep-water ports, offering direct connectivity to international shipping routes. PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 218 fisheries projects worth around Rs 1,560 crore, aimed at bolstering the sector’s infrastructure and productivity across the nation. These initiatives are expected to generate more than 5 lakh employment opportunities in the fisheries sector. He also launched the “National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support System” at a cost of around Rs 360 crore. Under this project, 1 lakh transponders will be installed in a phased manner on mechanised and motorised fishing vessels in 13 coastal states and Union Territories. GFF is being jointly organised by the Payments Council of India, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Fintech Convergence Council. {Read more} Smart Points: “Global Fintech Fest (GFF)” – held at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai | Addressed by – PM Modi Organised by = NPCI & Fintech Convergence Council PM Modi – launched developmental projects in Palghar, Maharashtra Foundation stone laid for – Vadhvan Port | Outlay – Rs 76,000 Cr | To create a world-class maritime gateway Foundation stone laid for – 218 fisheries projects | Worth – Rs 1,560 Cr | To bolster infrastructure & productivity - Expected to generate 5+ lakh employment opportunities in fisheries sector “National Roll Out of Vessel Communication and Support System” | Worth – Rs 360 Cr - 1 lakh transponders will be installed on mechanised & motorised fishing vessels in 13 coastal states & UTs Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Eknath Shinde | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan 4. Union Women and Child Development Minister, Annapurna Devi, has launched a centralised platform, “SHe-Box” portal, designed to make workplaces safer for women by addressing and managing complaints of sexual harassment. The portal would function as a centralised repository for information related to internal committees and local committees across the country, covering both the government and private sectors. The portal will allow women to file complaints, track their status, and ensure that the grievances are processed in a timely manner. The launch event in Delhi also witnessed the introduction of a revamped ministry website. {Read more} Smart Points: Annapurna Devi (Union WCD Minister) – launched “SHe-Box” portal to make workplaces safer for women It will allow women to file complaints, track status & ensure that grievances are processed in a timely manner Minister of Women & Child Development: Annapurna Devi | Constituency – Kodarma, Jharkhand MoS in Ministry of Women and Child Development: Savitri Thakur www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 6 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 5. The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a “Digital Media Policy”, encouraging influencers to promote the State government’s initiatives, schemes, and achievements with prize payments. The policy also mentions of categorising influencers in 4 categories with payment limits for influencers based on subscribers and followers on their platforms. For X, Facebook, and Instagram, the maximum monthly payment limits are set at Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 4 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 2 lakh respectively, while on YouTube, the payment limits for videos, shorts, and podcasts are Rs. 8 lakh, Rs. 7 lakh, Rs. 6 lakh, and Rs. 4 lakh, respectively. Under the policy the government has been authorised to take legal action if such paid contents show any anti-national, anti-social, or derogatory contents. {Read more} Smart Points: UP – launched a “Digital Media Policy” Aim: To encourage influencers to promote State Govt’s initiatives, schemes, & achievements with prize payments The policy also mentions of categorising influencers in 4 categories: - For X, Facebook, & Instagram, the maximum monthly payment limits are – Rs. 5 lakh, Rs. 4 lakh, Rs. 3 lakh & Rs. 2 lakh - On YouTube, the payment limits for videos, shorts, & podcasts are – Rs. 8 lakh, Rs. 7 lakh, Rs. 6 lakh, & Rs. 4 lakh UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel 6. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced to set up a “Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT)” on the lines of the NITI Aayog, which serves as a public policy think-tank for the central government. The CM also introduced the ‘Gujarat@2047 Dynamic Document-Roadmap’ for realising the goal of ‘Viksit Gujarat’ for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. The roadmap is built on the two pillars of ‘Earning Well’ and ‘Living Well,’ and aims to enhance people’s quality of life and bring economic prosperity. The CM also affirmed Gujarat’s commitment to the development vision by adopting the Prime Minister’s ‘GYAN’ mantra, focusing on the advancement of the Garib (poor), Yuva (youths), Annadata (farmers), and Naari (women). {Read more} Smart Points: Gujarat – announced to set up a “Gujarat State Institution for Transformation (GRIT)” Guj. introduced ‘Gujarat@2047 Dynamic Document-Roadmap’ for realising the goal of ‘Viksit Gujarat’ for ‘Viksit Bharat’ Guj. CM – also affirmed Gujarat’s commitment to the development vision by adopting the PM’s ‘GYAN’ mantra - Garib (Poor), Yuva (Youths), Annadata (Farmers), & Naari (Women) Gujarat: Capital – Gandhinagar | CM – Bhupendra Patel | Governor – Acharya Dev Vrat 7. Under the Digital India initiative, the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has conducted a 6-day intensive workshop, called “Digital Government Senior Leaders’ Programme (DGSLP)”, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) to empower senior government officials with the knowledge necessary to spearhead digital transformation in the public sector. The DGSLP is a meticulously designed programme to provide participants with exposure to the benefits and potential impacts of digital government on public service delivery, citizen engagement, and organisational effectiveness. This initiative is part of the broader capacity-building scheme under the Digital India programme. {Read more} Smart Points: NeGD + IIM Bangalore = conducted a 6-day intensive workshop, “Digital Government Senior Leaders’ Programme” HQs of NeGD – New Delhi | President & CEO – Nand Kumarum | Founded in – 2009 | Works under – MeitY Director of IIM Bangalore – Rishikesha T Krishnan www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 7 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 8. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, has handed over the first payment for the hybrid power projects on 3 Sri Lankan islands - Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu. The payment was handed over to Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, Dr Sulakshana Jayawardena and Chairman, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), Ranjith Sepala. The projects to install a hybrid renewable energy system in these islands are being implemented under Indian grant assistance of $11 million. The three islets are located close to Tamil Nadu. The project is scheduled to be completed by early March 2025 and handed over by late April 2025. {Read more} Smart Points: Santosh Jha – handed over 1st payment for hybrid power projects on 3 Sri Lankan islands - Delft, Nainativu & Analaitivu The projects are being implemented under Indian grant assistance of $11 million (located close to Tamil Nadu) Sri Lanka – Colombo/Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte – Sri Lankan Rupee PM – Dinesh Gunawardena | President – Ranil Wickremesinghe 9. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), in partnership with Britannia Industries Limited, has unveiled the "Women Entrepreneurship Program" to empower women entrepreneurs and spurring economic growth. This program is designed to address the distinct challenges that women face when starting and growing businesses. The initiative will also offer financial grants and feature their products and services on the Skill India Digital Hub. The program has been launched with the introduction of complimentary self-learning basic entrepreneurship courses available in multiple languages on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Upon completion of these courses, participants will receive a co-branded certificate from NSDC, Britannia Industries and National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD). This initiative aims to empower approximately 25 lakh women across India, providing them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to start and grow successful businesses. The initiative will culminate in a grand finale where the top 50 contestants will present their business ideas to a distinguished jury. Britannia Industries will award financial grants of Rs 10 lakh each to 10 of the most successful contestants. {Read more} Smart Points: NSDC + Britannia Industries Ltd = unveiled “Women Entrepreneurship Program” to empower women entrepreneurs It includes complimentary self-learning basic entrepreneurship courses in multiple languages on Skill India Digital Hub Participants will receive a co-branded certificate from NSDC, Britannia Industries & NIESBUD Aim: To empower 25 lakh women with skills, knowledge & resources needed to start & grow successful businesses Britannia Industries – will award financial grants of Rs 10 lakh each to 10 of the most successful contestants HQs of NSDC – New Delhi | CEO – Ved Mani Tiwari | Chairman – A. M. Naik (works under MoSDE) HQs of Britannia Industries Ltd – New Delhi | CEO – Rajneet Singh Kohli 10. Himachal Pradesh, for the first time, has introduced “Zero Hour” in the Assembly in the ongoing monsoon session. The decision to include Zero Hour, which traditionally lasts for half an hour, was unanimously agreed and that it should be used exclusively for matters of urgent public importance. The term Zero Hour is nowhere mentioned in the rules of the Parliament and the State Assembly. It is a convention, not a rule. It was introduced during the 1960s in the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. The current Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly is the 14th legislative assembly. The assembly has 68 members and a term of 5 years. Kuldeep Singh Pathania is the speaker of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly. {Read more} www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 8 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smart Points: Himachal Pradesh – introduced “Zero Hour” in 14th Legislative Assembly in ongoing monsoon session, for the first time ‘Zero Hour’ – nowhere mentioned in rules of Parliament & State Assembly as it is a convention, not a rule ‘Zero Hour’ – introduced during 1960s in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly: Members – 68 | Term – 5 years | Speaker – Kuldeep Singh Pathania HP: Capital – Shimla & Dharamshala | CM – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu | Governor – Shiv Pratap Shukla 11. The Union Cabinet has approved a 309-km rail line project between Manmad (Maharashtra) and Indore (Madhya Pradesh) at a total cost of Rs. 18,036 crore. This project aims to improve connectivity in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, benefiting industrial zones, agricultural areas, religious sites, and tribal regions. The new line will be passing through two districts in Maharashtra - Nashik and Dhule, and 4 districts in Madhya Pradesh - Barwani, Khargone, Dhar and Indore. The approved project will not only connect the commercial hubs of Mumbai and Indore but will also provide the shortest rail route between them. The Indore-Manmad rail line project will see construction of 30 new stations while enhancing connectivity to the aspirational district of Barwani. The project will also include the construction of 21-km-long tunnel and 7 large bridges. The project is expected to be completed in 7 to 8 years. {Read more} Smart Points: Cabinet approved a 309-km rail line project between Manmad (Maharashtra) & Indore (MP) | Total cost – Rs. 18,036 Cr Aim: To improve connectivity in both states, benefiting industrial zones, agricultural areas, religious sites & tribal regions It will pass through districts: 2 in Maharashtra – Nashik & Dhule | 4 in MP – Barwani, Khargone, Dhar & Indore For this, 30 new stations will be constructed & enhanced connectivity will be provided to aspirational district of Barwani It will also include construction of 21-km-long tunnel & 7 large bridges | Expected to be completed in – 7-8 years Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Eknath Shinde | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan Madhya Pradesh: Capital – Bhopal | CM – Mohan Yadav | Governor – Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel 12. Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has launched the “AgriSURE” Fund (Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises). With a focus on technology- driven, high-risk, high-impact ventures, AgriSURE is designed to fuel growth and foster innovation in the agricultural and rural start-up ecosystem. A Blended capital fund amounts to Rs. 750 crore, where SEBI Registered Category II, Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), contributions from the Government of India is Rs. 250 crore, NABARD is Rs. 250 crore, and Rs. 250 crore is being mobilized from banks, insurance companies, and private investors. Moreover, the event preceded the conferring of the AgriSURE Greenathon Awards, to the most innovative start-ups developing tech-centric solutions to address challenges faced by farmers across various stages of the agri-value chain. The top three start-ups - Greensapio, Krushikanti, and Ambronics - were selected as the Winner, Runner-Up, and Second Runner-Up, respectively, from a total of 10 finalists, out of 2000 budding Agri Start-ups. {Read more} Smart Points: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister for A&FW – launched “AgriSURE” Fund (Agri Fund for Start-ups & Rural Enterprises) It is designed to fuel growth & foster innovation in agricultural & rural start-up ecosystem www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 9 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Blended capital fund (Rs. 750 Cr) is being mobilized from Government of India, NABARD & banks, insurance companies, & private investors (Rs. 250 Cr each) AgriSURE Greenathon Awards: 1st – Greensapio | 2nd – Krushikanti | 3rd – Ambronics Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Constituency – Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh MoS in Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Ram Nath Thakur & Bhagirath Choudhary 13. President Droupadi Murmu has sanctioned the constitution of the “23rd Law Commission of India”, which will serve from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027, with a provision to appoint serving Supreme Court and High Court judges as its chairperson and members. According to the notification, the commission will comprise a full-time Chairperson, 4 members, and additional ex- officio and part-time members. The secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs and the secretary of the Legislative Department will be its ex-officio members. There cannot be more than 5 part-time members. On August 31, the term of the “22nd Law Commission”, which was without a chairperson for the past few months, ended with its key report on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) still in the works. Justice (retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi, who headed the “22nd Law Commission”, was appointed a member of the anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal a few months ago. It works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice and advises the government on complex legal issues. The “1st Law Commission” of independent India was established in 1955 for a 3-year term. {Read more} Smart Points: President Murmu – sanctioned constitution of “23rd Law Commission of India” | Term – Sep 1, 2024-Aug 31, 2027 It will comprise a full-time Chairperson, 4 members & additional ex-officio & part-time members (not more than 5) Ex-officio members – Secretary of Department of Legal Affairs & Secretary of Legislative Department “22nd Law Commission” – ended on Aug 31, 2024 | Key report – on UCC | Head – Justice (retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi Justice (retd) Ritu Raj Awasthi – appointed as a member of anti-corruption watchdog Lokpal earlier - It works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law & Justice “1st Law Commission” of independent India – established in 1955 for 3 years 14. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to set up a new semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 3,300 crore. The proposed unit, under the ‘India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)’, will produce nearly 60 lakh chips per day to cater wide variety of applications such as industrial, automotive, electric vehicles, mobile phones, etc. In March 2024, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of 3 semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore. Tata Electronics is setting up a semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat and one semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam. CG Power is also setting up one semiconductor unit in Sanand. These 4 units will bring an investment of almost Rs 1.5 Lakh crore with a cumulative capacity of about 7 crore chips per day. The ‘Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India’ was notified in 2021 with a total outlay of Rs 76,000 crore. As per reports, India’s semiconductor-related market will reach $64 billion in 2026, nearly triple the size in 2019. {Read more} Smart Points: Cabinet approved proposal of Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to set up a new semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat - Investment – Rs 3,300 Cr | Chaired by – PM Narendra Modi It will produce nearly 60 lakh chips per day to cater wide variety of applications PM Modi laid foundation stone of 3 semiconductor projects in March 2024 | Worth – Rs 1.25 lakh Cr www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 10 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Tata Electronics – setting up a semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat & one in Morigaon, Assam CG Power – setting up one semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat Total investment of all 4 units – Rs 1.5 Lakh Cr | Cumulative capacity – about 7 crore chips per day ‘Programme for Development of Semiconductors & Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India’ – notified in 2021 - Total outlay – Rs 76,000 Cr India’s semiconductor-related market – to reach $64 billion in 2026 (nearly triple of 2019) 15. The Union government has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Southampton, UK, to establish their campus in India, making it the first university to get LoI under the “University Grants Commission (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023” for setting up foreign universities in India. UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar said the university is expected to start its academic programmes in July, 2025. The courses offered will be in subjects focusing on business and management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences, and life sciences. University of Southampton had submitted a proposal to open a branch campus in Gurugram, which was approved by the standing committee constituted by the UGC. {Read more} Smart Points: Union government – issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to University of Southampton, UK, to establish their campus in India It became 1st university to get LoI under “UGC (Setting up & Operation of Campuses of Foreign HEIs in India) Regulations, 2023” for setting up foreign universities in India University of Southampton – expected to start its academic programmes in July 2025 University of Southampton – submitted a proposal to open a branch campus in Gurugram HQs of UGC – New Delhi | Chairman – M. Jagadesh Kumar | Founded in – 1956 16. Ministry of Heavy Industries has awarded Reliance Industries Limited 10 GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery storage capacity under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost domestic manufacturing of ACC battery production. The Ministry received bids from 7 companies with a budgetary outlay of Rs 3,620 crore. The bidders included ACME Cleantech Solutions, Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies, Anvi Power Industries, JSW Neo Energy, Lucas TVS, Reliance Industries, and Waaree Energies. Of the 7 bids, 6 were shortlisted for ‘financial evaluation’, with Reliance Industries emerging as the top-ranked bidder based on a ‘Quality & Cost Based Selection (QCBS)’ mechanism. In May 2021, the Cabinet approved the PLI scheme on the ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage,’ aiming to achieve a manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh with an outlay of Rs 18,100 crore. {Read more} Smart Points: MoHI – awarded Reliance Ind. Ltd 10 GWh of Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) battery storage capacity under PLI scheme MoHI – received bids from 7 companies | Outlay – Rs 3,620 Cr - Bidders – ACME Cleantech Solutions, Amara Raja Advanced Cell Technologies, Anvi Power Industries, JSW Neo Energy, Lucas TVS, Reliance Industries & Waaree Energies 6 – shortlisted for ‘financial evaluation’ | Reliance Industries – top bidder in ‘Quality & Cost Based Selection’ mechanism Cabinet approved PLI scheme on ‘National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage’ in May 2021 - Aim: To achieve a manufacturing capacity of 50 GWh | Outlay – Rs 18,100 Cr www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 11 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us HQs of Reliance Industries Ltd – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Mukesh Ambani | Founded in – 1973 Minister of Heavy Industries: H. D. Kumaraswamy | Constituency – Mandaya, Karnataka MoS in Ministry of Heavy Industries: Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma 17. Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh launched the “VisioNxt”, a fashion forecasting initiative of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), a bilingual web portal, and the India-specific Fashion Trend Book - ‘Paridhi 24x25’ in the presence of the Union Minister of State for Textiles and External Affairs Pabitra Margherita. ‘VisioNxt’ - a Trend Insights and Forecasting Initiative - was conceived and established at NIFT Delhi (Creative Lab) and NIFT Chennai (Insights Lab), with the support of the Ministry of Textiles, in 2018. The initiative is now centralized in Chennai. ‘VisioNxt’ is India’s first-ever initiative that combines AI (Artificial Intelligence) and EI (Emotional Intelligence) to generate fashion trend insights and forecasts. The initiative empowers users to design, produce, and launch consumer-focused, targeted collections for this diverse nation ‘Paridhi’ will mark the launch of the first inclusive fashion trend forecast by ‘VisioNxt’, along with a web portal to disseminate India-specific fashion trends. ‘VisioNxt’ has achieved this through the development of a unique prediction model known as ‘DeepVision,’ designed to decode patterns and interpret fashion trends in India. {Read more} Smart Points: Giriraj Singh (Minister of Textiles) – launched “VisioNxt”, a fashion forecasting initiative of NIFT & ‘Paridhi 24x25’ Book Established at – NIFT Delhi (Creative Lab) & NIFT Chennai (Insights Lab) - Supported by – Ministry of Textiles | Established in – 2018 | Centralized in – Chennai VisioNxt – India’s first-ever initiative to combine AI & EI to generate fashion trend insights & forecasts DeepVision – a unique prediction model to decode patterns & interpret fashion trends in India Minister of Textiles: Giriraj Singh | Constituency – Begusarai, Bihar MoS in Ministry of Textiles: Pabitra Margherita 18. Bisam Pharmaceuticals launched the world’s 1st AI-powered health monitoring app, ‘Quick Vitals’ offering a groundbreaking way to monitor, check, and map vital health data through your smartphone or tablet. This app utilizes the Photoplethysmography (PPG) technique to analyze light absorption changes due to blood volume variations for assessing vital health indicators in just seconds. The app offers 2 modes of health assessment, contactless spot checks using camera-based devices and continuous monitoring with PPG sensors. Bisam Pharma also announced the upcoming release of ‘Doctors Plus,’ a part of their 10-step innovation strategy, further expanding their healthcare solutions. Harish Bisam is the Founder and Managing Director of Bisam Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. {Read more} Smart Points: Bisam Pharmaceuticals – launched world’s 1st AI-powered health monitoring app, ‘Quick Vitals’ To monitor, check & map vital health data through your smartphone or tablet It utilizes Photoplethysmography (PPG) technique to analyze light absorption changes due to blood volume variations Bisam Pharma – also announced upcoming release of ‘Doctors Plus,’ a part of their 10-step innovation strategy HQs of Bisam Pharma – Hyderabad, Telangana | Founder & MD – Harish Bisam www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 12 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 19. The Rajasthan State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, approved 33% reservation for women in the police force by deciding to amend the ‘State Police Subordinate Service Rules, 1989’. The Cabinet also deliberated on the paper leak in the 2021 recruitment exam for sub-inspectors. In other decisions, the State Cabinet approved the proposals to add the names of specially-abled children and siblings and the dependent parents in the pension payment order (PPO) of the government employees on their retirement and include 2 more services - language and library, and excise laboratory - in the provision for 2% reservation to the outstanding sportsperson in the government jobs. Prem Chand Bairwa and Diya Kumari are the Deputy Chief Ministers of Rajasthan. {Read more} Smart Points: Rajasthan State Cabinet – approved 33% reservation for women in the police force, by amending the ‘State Police Subordinate Service Rules, 1989’ Rajasthan: Capital – Jaipur | CM – Bhajan Lal Sharma | Governor – Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde 20. Union Health Secretary, Apurva Chandra, has released “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23”, an annual publication formerly known as “Rural Health Statistics”. The document, which has been published since 1992, is a valuable document furnishing much-needed information on manpower and infrastructure within the National Health Mission (NHM), helpful in policy-making, improving processes and problem-solving, with updates as of March 31 each year. He also pointed out the need to integrate the ‘Health Management Information System (HMIS) Portal’ with ‘Reproductive and Child Health (RCH)’ and other portals of the Ministry to reduce the burden of work of health functionaries and to ensure that the data are uploaded timely and analysed carefully. The publication is structured in two parts - Part 1 presents an overall view of India’s healthcare system with State and Union Territory profiles, using visual aids like maps and charts for clarity and Part 2 is divided into 9 sections, offering in-depth data on health facilities, manpower, and demographic indicators. {Read more} Smart Points: Apurva Chandra – released “Health Dynamics of India (Infrastructure and Human Resources) 2022-23” The document has been published since 1992 The publication is structured in two parts: - Part 1 presents an overall view of India’s healthcare system with State and Union Territory profiles - Part 2 is divided into 9 sections, offering in-depth data on health facilities, manpower, and demographic indicators 21. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has recently visited Sootea Police Station in Biswanath district and offered his rich tributes to the brave martyrs who hoisted the national flag in 1942. The CM remembered and the paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Assam who took part in the Quit India Movement. He also announced that, from 2025, 20th August of every year will be officially celebrated across as “Sootea Diwas” (Sootea Day). {Read more} Smart Points: Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam CM) – visited Sootea Police Station in Biswanath district to offer tributes to martyrs He offered tributes to brave martyrs who hoisted national flag in 1942 & participated in the Quit India Movement August 20 – to be celebrated across as “Sootea Diwas” (Sootea Day) from 2025 Assam: Capital – Dispur | CM – Himanta Biswa Sarma | Governor – Lakshman Prasad Acharya www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 13 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 22. The government has announced to launch the “Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR)” programme designed to elevate research capabilities in higher education institutions (HEIs) by linking top-tier research institutions with those where research capability is limited, creating a collaborative mentorship environment. The decision was taken during the inaugural Governing Board meeting of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Karandikar highlighted a crucial issue hindering India’s research potential that less than 1% of the nation’s 40,000 HEIs are currently engaged in research activities. The goal is to create a “Hub and Spoke” framework that will enable these institutions to systematically enhance their research excellence. Additionally, ANRF is set to launch the “Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA)” to focus on critical areas of research. The ANRF, established through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023, aims to propel India to the forefront of global scientific and technological advancement. Moreover, the ANRF Translational Research and Innovation (ATRI) initiative aims to foster collaboration between academia and industry to accelerate technological innovation. {Read more} Smart Points: “Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation & Research” programme – to launch to elevate research capabilities in HEIs Aim: To create a “Hub & Spoke” framework to enable these institutions to enhance their research excellence ANRF – to launch “Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA)” to focus on critical areas of research ANRF – established through Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023 ANRF Translational Research & Innovation initiative – aims to foster collaboration between academia & industry to accelerate technological innovation 23. The Quality Council of India (QCI) has given provisional approval to the National Test House (NTH), Ghaziabad, as a certification body for drones. This is part of the certification scheme for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and aligns with the Government of India’s push towards fostering a robust and globally competitive drone ecosystem under the Drone Rules 2021. The NTH is tasked with evaluating drone models to ensure compliance with applicable national and international standards. It is offering its drone certification services at a highly competitive fee of Rs 1.5 lakh for the certification process, which is the lowest in the industry. In line with this responsibility, a team of auditors from NTH will visit Vimaana Aerospace Technologies, Noida, to conduct a Stage-2 (onsite) assessment of their D1 application for ‘Krishiraj 1.0’, an agricultural drone model. NTH, a premier testing and quality assurance institution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, was established in 1912. {Read more} Smart Points: National Test House (Ghaziabad) – provisionally approved as a certification body for drones by QCI It offers its drone certification services at – Rs 1.5 lakh for certification process, lowest in the industry Auditors (NTH) will visit Vimaana Aerospace Technologies to conduct Stage-2 (onsite) assessment of D1 application for ‘Krishiraj 1.0’, an agricultural drone model HQs of NTH – Ghaziabad, UP | DG – Alok Kumar Srivastava | Established in – 1912 | Works under – MoCAF&PD HQs of QCI – New Delhi | Chairman – Jaxay Shah | Secretary General – Chakravarthy T Kannan | Established – 1997 24. As part of its ongoing commitment to the Digital India vision, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the third phase of its capacity-building initiatives. These initiatives focus on critical areas such as Digital Public Infrastructure, Contract and Procurement Management, the Application of AI & ML, Managing Large Digital Transformation Projects, Digital Governance, and Data Management. The second regional programme of this series focused on ‘Digital Public Infrastructure,’ was inaugurated on September 10, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi. This initiative is spearheaded by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY, in partnership with the National Institute for Smart Governance (NISG). {Read more} www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 14 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smart Points: MeitY – launched the 3rd phase of its capacity-building initiatives, as part of its Digital India vision 2nd regional programme of this series – inaugurated on Sep 10, 2024, at India Habitat Centre, Delhi Spearheaded by – National e-Governance Division + National Institute for Smart Governance Minister of Electronics & Information Technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw | Constituency – Odisha MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology: Jitin Prasada 25. Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has inaugurated 6 initiatives as part of 100 Days Achievements. The initiatives are - National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA 2.0), NeVA Mobile App version 2.0, NYPS Portal 2.0, NYPS for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS), and Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS). The upgraded version of NeVA 2.0, introduces several advanced features, including a more user-friendly interface and enhanced integration with the legislative processes of State Legislatures. The SLMS will provide a single window interface to bring various stakeholders on a single platform. The portal related to Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS) has been envisioned and designed to bring 3 stakeholders of the Consultative Committees (Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Administrative Ministries and Members of Parliament) on the same platform. The NYPS Portal 2.0 has been developed by the Ministry so that the number of participations in the portal can be increased exponentially by opening the Portal for all the citizens of the country irrespective of students of recognized educational institutions. {Read more} Smart Points: Kiren Rijiju (Minister for Parliamentary Affairs) – inaugurated 6 initiatives as part of 100 Days Achievements They are – National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA 2.0), NeVA Mobile App version 2.0, NYPS Portal 2.0 - NYPS for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs), Subordinate Legislation Management System (SLMS) - Consultative Committee Management System (CCMS) SLMS – will provide a single window interface to bring various stakeholders on a single platform CCMS portal will bring 3 stakeholders of Consultative Committees on same platform - Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Administrative Ministries & Members of Parliament NYPS Portal 2.0 – developed by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Minister of Parliamentary Affairs: Kiren Rijiju | Constituency – Arunachal (West), Arunachal Pradesh MoS in Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs: Arjun Ram Meghwal & Dr. L. Murugan 26. Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced plans to develop Mucherla as the 4th city in the capital region after Hyderabad, Secunderabad and Cyberabad. The ‘fourth city’ will be a destination for investment, health, education, skill training, international cricket tournaments, employment opportunities and golf clubs. The government will relocate the National Academy of Construction to Mucherla, while the administration would extend Metro Rail and MMTS connectivity to the ‘fourth city’. {Read more} Smart Points: A Revanth Reddy (Telangana CM) – announced to develop Mucherla as 4th city in capital region - 1st – Hyderabad | 2nd – Secunderabad | 3rd – Cyberabad National Academy of Construction – will be relocated to Mucherla Telangana: Capital – Hyderabad | CM – A. Revanth Reddy | Governor – Jishnu Dev Varma www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 15 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 27. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Port Blair will be renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram. Being a Union Territory, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands come under the direct administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. There are two main groups: ‘Nicobarese’ or ‘Nicobari’ living throughout many of the islands of Andaman and Nicobar; and ‘Shompen’, restricted to the interior of Great Nicobar. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an “unparalleled place” in the freedom struggle and history. It is also the place that hosted the first unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ji and also the cellular jail in which Veer Savarkar ji and other freedom fighters struggled for an independent nation. Earlier in January 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi named 21 large uninhabited islands in Andaman and Nicobar after Param Vir Chakra awardees. {Read more} Smart Points: Amit Shah (Home Min.) – announced to rename ‘Port Blair’ as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ Groups living on: A&N Islands – ‘Nicobarese’ or ‘Nicobari’ | Great Nicobar – ‘Shompen’ It is the place that hosted 1st unfurling of our Tiranga by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose ji & also cellular jail PM Modi – named 21 large uninhabited islands in A&N islands after Param Vir Chakra awardees in Jan 2023 Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Capital – Sri Vijaya Puram | Lt. Governor – Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi 28. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh, launched the “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar. Developed by ICAR-CIFA with support from the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the app is designed to meet the growing needs of the ornamental fisheries sector, providing crucial knowledge resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers. The app provides information on popular ornamental fish species in 8 Indian languages. One of its key features is the “Find Aquarium Shops” tool, which allows users to locate nearby aquarium shops through a dynamic directory updated by shop owners. The minister also launched “Amrit Catla,” a genetically improved variety of Catla (Labeo catla). The National Freshwater Fish Brood Bank (NFFBB) of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) received the “Amrit Catla”, ensuring its wider distribution and availability for farmers across the country. ICAR-CIFA began a selective breeding program in 2010 to improve the body weight of Catla at harvest, addressing the need for high-quality fish seed. The “Amrit Catla” project also received national recognition with the ‘Best Technology Award’ at the 96th ICAR Foundation and Technology Day on July 16, 2024, and was officially trademarked as “CIFA-Amrit Catla” on August 1, 2024. {Read more} Smart Points: Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying – launched “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app at ICAR-CIFA, Bhubaneswar Developed by – ICAR-CIFA with support from Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) To meet growing needs of ornamental fisheries sector | It provides information in 8 Indian languages “Find Aquarium Shops” tool – allows users to locate nearby aquarium shops He also launched “Amrit Catla” – a genetically improved variety of Catla (Labeo catla) | Received by – NFFBB of NFDB ICAR-CIFA – began a selective breeding program in 2010 to improve body weight of Catla at harvest “Amrit Catla” project – received ‘Best Technology Award’ at 96th ICAR Foundation & Technology Day on July 16, 2024 - Officially trademarked as – “CIFA-Amrit Catla” on August 1, 2024 www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 16 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us HQs of ICAR-CIFA – Bhubaneswar, Odisha | Director – Pramoda Kumar Sahoo | Founded – 1987 Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh) | Constituency – Munger, Bihar MoS in Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying: S. P. Singh Baghel & George Kurian 29. The National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI), under the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, launched a series of YouTube channels for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students to provide high-quality training videos in 9 languages - English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada. Each channel has tutorials, skill demonstrations, and theoretical lessons, all curated by industry experts to ensure relevance in today’s vocational training landscape in sectors like manufacturing, electronics, and IT. NIMI’s initiative aligns with India’s ‘National Skill Development Mission’ and the goals of the ‘New Education Policy (NEP)’, seeking to make the Indian workforce future-ready by offering training materials that support growing industries. {Read more} Smart Points: NIMI + MSDE = launched series of YouTube channels for ITI students to provide training videos in 9 languages - English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Telugu & Kannada MoS (I/C) in Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: Jayant Chaudhary | Constituency – Mathura, UP Location of NIMI – Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Director – Ravinder Pal Dhingra 30. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has released the documentary film “200 Not Out”, which chronicles the remarkable 200-year journey of Asia’s oldest newspaper, Mumbai Samachar. Entering its 203rd year of publication, Mumbai Samachar has become an integral part of Mumbai’s identity. The documentary was released simultaneously in 40 countries, offering a historical perspective not only for Mumbai Samachar but also for the entire newspaper industry. Founded in 1822 by Fardunjee Marzban, it is published in Gujarati and English. Hormusji N Cama is the present Managing Director of the Mumbai Samachar. {Read more} Smart Points: Amit Shah – released documentary film “200 Not Out”, which chronicles 200-year journey of Asia’s oldest newspaper, Mumbai Samachar It was released simultaneously in – 40 countries Mumbai Samachar: Founded in – 1822 | By – Fardunjee Marzban | Published in – Gujarati & English HQs of Mumbai Samachar – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD – Hormusji N Cama | Established in – 1822 31. The Union Health Ministry has approved the introduction of “BPaLM”, a new treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis in India. The BPaLM regimen consisting of 4 drugs - Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid & Moxifloxacin - has proven to be a safe, more effective and quicker treatment option than the previous Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR- TB) treatment procedure. India is working towards TB elimination by 2025, five years ahead of the global target for eliminating the disease under the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. BPaLM regimen is a novel treatment for MDR-TB under its National TB Elimination Programme. While traditional treatments can last up to 20 months with severe side effects, the BPaLM regimen can cure drug-resistant TB in just 6 months with high treatment success rate. India has the world’s largest TB laboratory network with 7,767 rapid molecular testing facilities and 87 culture and drug susceptibility testing laboratories. {Read more} www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 17 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smart Points: MH&FW – approved introduction of “BPaLM”, a new treatment regimen for drug-resistant tuberculosis in India BPaLM regimen consists 4 drugs – Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid & Moxifloxacin India – aims to eliminate TB by 2025 | This is 5 years ahead of global target for eliminating TB under SDG 3 It can cure drug-resistant TB in 6 months with high treatment success rate | Traditional treatments – up to 20 months India has world’s largest TB laboratory network with: - 7,767 rapid molecular testing facilities | 87 culture & drug susceptibility testing laboratories Minister of Health & Family Welfare: Jagat Prakash Nadda | Constituency – Gujarat MoS in Ministry of Health & Family Welfare: Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao & Anupriya Singh Patel 32. Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce and Industry, has launched two digital portals namely - “Jansunwai Portal” and “Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Portal” - to resolve issues faced by exporters, bring transparency, and make exports more convenient. The Jansunwai Portal provides exporters with necessary information, clarifications, concerns, find the status of complaints and a video-conferencing facility to directly speak to officials of the various departments concerned with exports. The ERP portal of the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India (ECGC) will make all services offered under ECGC online like filling forms, claims, reimbursements, grievance redressal, policy information, credit support. ECGC provides credit insurance to Indian exporters. To encourage exports from MSMEs, the government in July 2024, introduced a new programme under which all exporters except those from the gem and jewellery sector, with credit limit of up to Rs 80 crore will be eligible for credit insurance cover of 90% for any losses they suffer for non-fulfilment of the obligation against their credit. The government’s goal is to achieve $2 trillion exports by 2030. {Read more} Smart Points: Piyush Goyal (Minister for C&I) – launched 2 digital portals - “Jansunwai Portal” & “Enterprise Resource Planning Portal” To resolve issues faced by exporters, bring transparency & make exports more convenient ERP portal of ECGC – will make all services offered under ECGC online Government’s goal – to achieve $2 trillion exports by 2030 Minister of Commerce & Industry: Piyush Goyal | Constituency – Mumbai (North), Maharashtra MoS in Ministry of Commerce & Industry: Jitin Prasada 33. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects of railways, road, power, housing and finance sectors worth around Rs 8,500 crore in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. PM Modi inaugurated India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail between Ahmedabad and Bhuj. He also flagged off several Vande Bharat trains on routes - Nagpur to Secunderabad, Kolhapur to Pune, Agra Cantt to Banaras, Durg to Visakhapatnam, Pune to Hubballi, and the first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi. Further, he launched the Single Window IT System (SWITS) of International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), designed to streamline financial services. The Prime Minister mentioned the announcement of a special PM package worth Rs 2 lakh crore which will benefit more than 4 crore youth. He also mentioned increasing the limit of Mudra loan from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. Besides, the Prime Minister inaugurated a 35 MW BESS Solar PV Project at Kutch Lignite Thermal Power Station, Kutch, Gujarat. {Read more} Smart Points: PM Modi – inaugurated & laid foundation stone for multiple development projects in Ahmedabad, Gujarat - In railways, road, power, housing & finance sectors | Worth – Rs 8,500 Cr www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 18 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us India’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail – inaugurated between Ahmedabad & Bhuj He also flagged off first 20-coach Vande Bharat train from Varanasi to Delhi & several Vande Bharat trains on routes: - Nagpur to Secunderabad | Kolhapur to Pune | Agra Cantt to Banaras | Durg to Visakhapatnam | Pune to Hubballi Single Window IT System (SWITS) of IFSCA – also launched to streamline financial services A special PM package announced to benefit 4+ crore youth | Worth – Rs 2 lakh Cr Mudra loan limit – increased to Rs 20 lakh (from Rs 10 lakh) 35 MW BESS Solar PV Project – inaugurated at Kutch Lignite Thermal Power Station, Kutch, Gujarat Gujarat: Capital – Gandhinagar | CM – Bhupendra Patel | Governor – Acharya Dev Vrat 34. India has launched “Operation Sadbhav” to provide aid and urgent supplies to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar, which are grappling with the devastating effects of ‘Typhoon Yagi’, which originated from the South China Sea. ‘Typhoon Yagi,’ the most powerful tropical cyclone Asia has encountered this year and the 2nd strongest storm worldwide after ‘Hurricane Beryl’, has caused severe damage across Southeast Asia. “Operation Sadbhav” is part of India’s broader effort to contribute to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, in line with its longstanding ‘Act East Policy’. {Read more} Smart Points: “Operation Sadbhav” – launched by India to provide aid & urgent supplies to Vietnam, Laos & Myanmar - grappling with ‘Typhoon Yagi,’ originated from the South China Sea Typhoon Yagi – most powerful tropical cyclone Asia this year & 2nd strongest storm worldwide | 1st – ‘Hurricane Beryl’ Vietnam – Hanoi – Vietnamese dong | PM – Pham Minh Chinh | President – To Lam Laos – Vientiane – Laotian Kip | President – Thongloun Sisoulith Myanmar – Naypyitaw – Kyat | President (Int.) – Min Aung Hlaing 35. Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, inaugurated the ‘Digi Yatra’ facility for 9 airports at Visakhapatnam International Airport and virtually launched this facility for 8 other Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) airports, namely Coimbatore, Dabolim, Indore, Bagdogra, Ranchi, Patna, Raipur, and Bhubaneshwar airports. Since its launch of the 1st ‘Digi Yatra’ facility at 3 airports, New Delhi, Varanasi, and Bengaluru, on December 1, 2022, the total number of Digi Yatra-enabled airports will become 24, including the above-mentioned 9 airports. ‘Digi Yatra’ is a transformative digital initiative of the Government to enhance the passenger experience with seamless, contactless, and paperless boarding at airports based on Facial Recognition Technology (FRT). Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation and M. Suresh, Chairman, AAI also attended the event. {Read more} Smart Points: Minister for Civil Aviation – inaugurated ‘Digi Yatra’ facility for 9 airports at Visakhapatnam International Airport - Other 8 airports – Coimbatore, Dabolim, Indore, Bagdogra, Ranchi, Patna, Raipur & Bhubaneshwar Now, total number of Digi Yatra-enabled airports – 24 1st ‘Digi Yatra’ facility – launched on Dec 1, 2022 | At – New Delhi, Varanasi & Bengaluru Minister of Civil Aviation: Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu | Constituency – Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh MoS in Ministry of Civil Aviation: Murlidhar Mohol www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 19 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 36. The 54th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meeting constituted a 13-member Group of Ministers (GoM) to suggest the GST rate on premiums of various health and life insurance products and submit its report by October 30, 2024. A final call by the Council is likely to be taken in the next meeting in November 2024 based on the GoM report. Currently, 18% of GST is levied on insurance premiums. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is the convenor of the GoM. The members of the panel include members from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. In 2023-2024, the centre and states collected Rs 8,262.94 crore through GST on health insurance premiums, while Rs 1,484.36 crore was collected on account of GST on health reinsurance premiums. {Read more} Smart Points: 54th GST Council meeting – constituted a 13-member GoM to suggest GST rate on premiums of various health & life insurance products - Convenor – Samrat Choudhary, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister | Report to be submitted by – Oct 30, 2024 Current rate on insurance premiums – 18% Panel include members from – UP, Rajasthan, WB, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra, Goa, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Punjab, TN & Telangana GST collections in FY24 by centre & states through GST on: Health insurance premiums – Rs 8,262.94 Cr - Health reinsurance premiums – Rs 1,484.36 Cr 37. The ‘CCI (Combinations) Regulations, 2024’, which came into effect on September 10, states that deals exceeding a value of Rs 2,000 crore, where the target entity has ‘substantial business operations in India,’ will need regulatory clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). Mergers and acquisitions involving digital companies that account for at least one-tenth of their global user base, gross merchandise value (GMV) from the previous year, or annual revenue in India will now require CCI’s approval. The CCI regulations also provide a framework for defining substantial business operations. For non-digital firms, transactions with an annual GMV or turnover exceeding Rs 500 crore in India will also require mandatory regulatory approval under these new regulations. These rules will apply to transactions that have already been signed but are not yet officially concluded, clarifying their applicability, according to the CCI. The deal value threshold, which was introduced in the amended competition law of 2023, is designed to allow the CCI to review significant deals, particularly in the digital sector, that might otherwise escape scrutiny under traditional asset or turnover-based criteria. Additionally, the CCI has shortened the review period for mergers and acquisitions transactions from 210 days to 150 days. {Read more} Smart Points: “CCI (Combinations) Regulations, 2024” – came into effect on Sep 10, 2024 Deals exceeding Rs 2,000 Cr, where target entity has ‘substantial business operations in India,’ will need regulatory clearance from CCI Mergers & acquisitions involving digital companies that account for at least one-tenth of their global user base, GMV from the PY, or annual revenue in India will now require CCI’s approval For non-digital firms, transactions with an annual GMV exceeding Rs 500 Cr in India, will also require mandatory regulatory approval CCI shortened the review period for mergers & acquisitions transactions – to 150 days (from 210 days) HQs of CCI – New Delhi | Chairperson – Ravneet Kaur | DG – Ansuman Pattnaik | Established in – 2003 www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 20 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 38. Leading renewable energy (RE) project developers, manufacturing companies, banks, and financial institutions have committed around $386 billion or Rs 32.45 trillion to the development of RE projects by 2030. This commitment was made at the inaugural ceremony of the 4th “RE-Invest Summit” hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Public sector and private project developers have committed to building close to 570 GW of RE capacity. India aims to build 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Reliance Industries (RIL) led the pack with a commitment of 100 GW of capacity addition by 2030, followed by NTPC with 41.3 GW and ReNew with 40 GW. Additionally, ReNew will set up 6 GW of ingot-wafer, solar cell, and module manufacturing. The commitment for solar module manufacturing cumulatively stands at 338 GW and cell manufacturing at 239 GW. Wind turbine manufacturing received 22 GW of commitments. These commitments are part of a special investment drive by the Centre called ‘Shapath Patra’. Among the banks, SBI has made the largest announcement with Rs 5 trillion of investment undertakings, followed by PNB with Rs 79,000 crore. {Read more} Smart Points: Inaugural ceremony of 4th “RE-Invest Summit” – hosted by MNRE & CII RE developers, manufacturing companies, banks & financial institutions – committed Rs 32.45 tn to develop RE projects by 2030 Public sector & private project developers – committed to building close to 570 GW of RE capacity India – to build 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 | Commitments for wind turbine manufacturing – 22 GW Highest commitments (by 2030) made by: RIL – 100 GW | NTPC – 41.3 GW | ReNew – 40 GW ReNew – will also set up 6 GW of ingot-wafer, solar cell & module manufacturing Cumulative commitment for: Solar module manufacturing – 338 GW | Cell manufacturing – 239 GW Largest announcement of investment undertakings among banks: SBI – Rs 5 trillion | PNB – Rs 79,000 Cr 39. The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers for fixing the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for RABI Season, 2024 (from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025) on Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers. The tentative budgetary requirement for Rabi season 2024 would be approximately Rs 24,475.53 crore. The subsidy would be provided to the fertilizer companies as per approved and notified rates so that fertilizers are made available to farmers at affordable prices. Government is making available 28 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices through fertilizer manufacturers/importers. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f. 1 April, 2010. {Read more} Smart Points: Cabinet approved proposal of MoCF for fixing NBS rates for RABI Season, 2024 on Phosphatic & Potassic (P&K) fertilizers - RABI season – from Oct 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2025 | Outlay – Rs 24,475.53 Cr Govt is making available 28 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized prices through manufacturers/importers Subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f. 1 April, 2010 40. Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has dissolved the 14-member Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), led by former chief statistician of India Pronab Sen, amid concerns raised by some members of the panel over the delay in conducting census. Now, the new committee is headed by National Statistical Commission (NSC) Chairman Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar and at least four members of the SCoS have been included in it. The SCoS was set up to review the extant framework and to address the issues raised from time to time on the subject/ results/ methodology, etc. related to all surveys as brought before the SCoS by MoSPI. {Read more} www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 21 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smart Points: MoSPI dissolved 14-member SCoS amid concerns raised by some members of panel over delay in conducting census - Led by – Pronab Sen, former chief statistician of India New committee would have at least 4 members of SCoS | Headed by – Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, NSC Chairman SCoS – set up to review extant framework & to address issues raised from time to time on subject/ results/ methodology, etc. MoS I/C of Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation: Rao Inderjit Singh | Constituency – Gurgaon, Haryana 41. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, is organising “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign with the theme of “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata (4S)” from September 17 to October 2, 2024. Observed annually since 2017, Swachhata Hi Seva campaign has been a precursor to Swachh Bharat Diwas, which commemorates the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on October 2. The 4S campaign has been built around 3 key pillars - (i) Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari, (ii) Sampoorna Swachhata, and (iii) SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir. The campaign represents a shift towards fostering behavioural change. It emphasizes integrating cleanliness into daily habits and cultural practices, encouraging a modified attitude towards Swachhata as a core part of everyday life. {Read more} Smart Points: MoHUA + DDWS = organising “Swachhata Hi Seva” campaign from Sep 17-Oct 2, 2024 - Theme - “Swabhav Swachhata Sanskaar Swachhata (4S)” | It is being observed annually – since 2017 It is a precursor to Swachh Bharat Diwas, observed on Oct 2, birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi It has been built around 3 key pillars – ‘Swachhata Ki Bhaagidari’, ‘Sampoorna Swachhata’ & ‘SafaiMitra Suraksha Shivir’ Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs: Manohar Lal Khattar | Constituency – Karnal, Haryana MoS in Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs: Tokhan Sahu Minister of Jal Shakti: C R Patil | Constituency – Navsari, Gujarat MoS in Ministry of Jal Shakti – V. Somanna & Raj Bhushan Choudhary 42. IndiGo Airlines has become the first Indian carrier to adopt the Required Navigation Performance Authorisation Required (RNP AR) flight procedure for operations in Kathmandu, which enables safer and more efficient landings at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal. The RNP AR technology is specifically designed for airports in geographically challenging and high-altitude regions. The airport’s table-top runway and surrounding terrain require pilots to exercise extra caution during take-off and landing. The new system provides more assurance about safety than traditional approaches, which have been in practice for a long time. {Read more} Smart Points: IndiGo Airlines – became 1st Indian carrier to adopt ‘Required Navigation Performance Authorisation Required (RNP AR)’ flight procedure for operations in Kathmandu It enables safer & more efficient landings at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal RNP AR technology – specifically designed for airports in geographically challenging & high-altitude regions HQs of IndiGo – Gurugram, Haryana | CEO – Pieter Elbers | Chairman – Dr. Venkatramani Sumantran www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 22 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 43. Adani Airports Holdings Ltd. (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, launched the “Aviio” app (AOCC-on-the-go) to provide passengers with real-time data about airport access such as security checks, waiting time, gate change, and bags on the belts, among other information. AAHL’s vision for “aviio” encompasses the development of a cutting-edge ‘Smart Airport Operations System’, conceived as a replicable model of an ‘Airport-in-a-Box’. The “aviio” app is for all partners in the ecosystem, including AAHL employees, airlines, ground handlers, and retail, including the CISF personnel, manning the airports, to ensure collaboration with all entities. AAHL operates 7 airports and 1 more is expected to become operational during the middle of 2025. Arun Bansal is the CEO of AAHL. {Read more} Smart Points: AAHL – launched “Aviio” app (AOCC-on-the-go) to provide passengers with real-time data about airport access AAHL – operates 7 airports & 1 more is expected to become operational during mid-2025 HQs of AAHL – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | CEO – Arun Bansal HQs of Adani Enterprises – Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Chairman – Gautam Adani | MD – Rajesh Adani 44. The “Namami Gange Mission” is making significant strides in maintaining the purity and continuity of the Ganga River. In the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25, 4 major projects in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have been successfully completed and are now operational. The 4 projects include - a Rs 129.08 crore project in Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh; a Rs 152.83 crore project in Ghazipur, UP; a Rs 271.3 crore project in Bareilly, UP; and a Rs 366 crore project in Munger, Bihar. These projects built for Rs 920 crore, will add 145 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, provide better sewer networks, and intercept numerous drains. These large-scale initiatives aim to reduce pollution in critical areas along the Ganga and Ramganga rivers. These projects based on Hybrid Annuity PPP (HAM) model have been designed on the basis of Advanced Sequencing Batch Reactor technology. The Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) have been meticulously constructed in accordance with the strict standards and guidelines set by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). {Read more} Smart Points: In Q1 of FY25, 4 projects in UP & Bihar – successfully completed & are now operational, under “Namami Gange Mission” - Rs 129.08 Cr project – in Mirzapur, UP | Rs 152.83 Cr project – in Ghazipur, UP - Rs 271.3 Cr project – in Bareilly, UP | Rs 366 Cr project – in Munger, Bihar They will add 145 MLD of sewage treatment capacity, provide better sewer networks & intercept numerous drains Aim: To reduce pollution in critical areas along Ganga & Ramganga rivers | Total cost – Rs 920 Cr They are based on Hybrid Annuity PPP model & designed on basis of Advanced Sequencing Batch Reactor technology UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel Bihar: Capital – Patna | CM – Nitish Kumar | Governor – Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar 45. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced Rs 18,000 crore expenditure on setting up 100 export- oriented horticulture clusters in the next 5 years to boost farm income. In 2022-23, India harvested 355 million tonnes (mt) of horticulture crops whereas the export value of fresh fruits and vegetables reached Rs 15,000 crore in 2023-24. The Uttar Pradesh government is targeting farm exports of Rs 50,000 crore in the next 3-4 years with export-oriented agricultural and horticultural clusters. Currently, UP’s annual farm export is around Rs 20,000 crore. The minister also said the government will soon launch an oilseeds mission with an outlay of Rs 6,800 crore to boost domestic output and reduce imports of cooking oils. {Read more} www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 23 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smart Points: Rs 18,000 Cr expenditure – to set up 100 export-oriented horticulture clusters in next 5 years to boost farm income - Announced by – Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Agriculture Minister Horticulture crops harvested in India – 355 mt in FY23 | Export value of fresh fruits & vegetables – Rs 15,000 Cr in FY24 UP targeting farm exports of – Rs 50,000 Cr in next 3-4 years with export-oriented agricultural & horticultural clusters - Currently, UP’s annual farm export – Rs 20,000 Cr UP – to launch an oilseeds mission to boost domestic output & reduce imports of cooking oils | Outlay – Rs 6,800 Cr Minister of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Shivraj Singh Chouhan | Constituency – Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh MoS in Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare: Ram Nath Thakur & Bhagirath Choudhary 46. Indian online travel tech platform EaseMyTrip.com introduced “ScanMyTrip.com,” the country’s 1st travel marketplace of its kind. It has also become the 1st OTA (Online Travel Agency) to both offer and purchase travel services through the ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) Network. “ScanMyTrip.com” will serve as a platform where OTAs, MSMEs (Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), travel agents, and homestays can list services such as flights, hotels, and accommodations on the ONDC Network, expanding their reach within the digital marketplace. Earlier this year, EaseMyTrip entered into a Letter of Intent with ONDC at the “ONDC Startup Mahotsav” to promote inclusive development and deliver innovative digital solutions to the travel and tourism sector. Rikant Pittie is the co-founder of EaseMyTrip. Thampy Koshy is the managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of ONDC. {Read more} Smart Points: EaseMyTrip.com – introduced “ScanMyTrip.com,” India’s 1st travel marketplace of its kind EaseMyTrip.com became 1st OTA (Online Travel Agency) to both offer & purchase travel services through ONDC Network EaseMyTrip + ONDC = an LoI to promote inclusive development & deliver innovative digital solutions to travel & tourism sector HQs of EaseMyTrip – New Delhi | CEO – Nishant Pitti | Co-Founders – Rikant Pittie & Nishant Pitti HQs of ONDC – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Thampy Koshy 47. Union Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh flagged in a first-of-its-kind “Open Water Swimming Expedition” to the 21 islands of the Andaman & Nicobar archipelago named after the Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees, in New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi named the 21 largest unnamed islands of Andaman & Nicobar after the PVC awardees on January 23, 2023, on ‘Parakram Diwas’ commemorating the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. To commemorate the 1st anniversary of the renaming, the tri-service Andaman & Nicobar Command launched ‘Expedition Param Vir’, wherein a team of 11 personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and Indian Coast Guard undertook swimming to all the 21 islands, more than 300 km, over 5 months and unfurled the national flag at each island. The 11-member expedition team was led by the acclaimed open water swimmer and Tenzing Norway National Adventure Awardee, Wing Commander Paramvir Singh. The expedition was formally flagged off by CINCAN on the occasion of ‘World Water Day’ on March 22, 2024, from Shri Vijayapuram, with an inaugural swim to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep. The expedition culminated on the 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024, with the final swim from the Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep to the Shri Vijayapuram. All the swimmers undertook the expedition as per the International standards and regulations for the category of ‘Unassisted Open Water Swim’. {Read more} www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 24 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Smart Points: Rajnath Singh – flagged in first-of-its-kind “Open Water Swimming Expedition” to 21 islands of A&N islands in New Delhi They are named after Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees by PM Modi | On – Parakram Diwas (Jan 23, 2023) Tri-service A&N Command launched ‘Expedition Param Vir’ where a team of 11 personnel undertook swimming to all 21 islands & unfurled national flag at each island - 11 personnels are from – Indian Army, Indian Navy, IAF & ICG | Total distance – 300+ km | Time – 5+ months - Team was led by – Wing Commander Paramvir Singh - Formally flagged off by – CINCAN | On – ‘World Water Day’ (Mar 22, 2024) - From – Shri Vijayapuram | Inaugural swim to – Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep - Culminated on – Aug 15, 2024 | Final swim – from Netaji Subhas Chandra Dweep to Shri Vijayapuram Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Capital – Port Blair | Lt. Governor – Admiral Devendra Kumar Joshi 48. PM Narendra Modi launched the “Dekho Apna Desh, People’s Choice 2024”, the first-ever nationwide IP (Intellectual Property) destination poll of the Ministry of Tourism to understand the pulse of ‘Bharat ki Janta’ in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The nationwide poll aims to engage with citizens to identify the most preferred tourist attractions and understand tourist perceptions across 5 tourism categories - ‘Spiritual’, ‘Cultural & Heritage’, ‘Nature & Wildlife’, ‘Adventure’ and ‘others (open category)’. The ‘other’ category is where one can vote for their personal favourites and help uncover hidden tourism gems in the form of unexplored tourism attractions and destinations like ‘Vibrant Border Villages’, ‘Wellness Tourism’, ‘Wedding Tourism’ etc. In Srinagar, the Prime Minister also launched a “Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign” to involve overseas Indians in promoting tourism in the country. Additionally, he also launched ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ with an outlay of Rs 5,000 crore for the agri-economy in J&K and dedicated Rs 1,400 crore under ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive)’ scheme, including the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar. He also announced tourist destinations selected under the ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme’. {Read more} Smart Points: PM Modi – launched “Dekho Apna Desh, People’s Choice 2024”, in Srinagar, J&K It is 1st-ever nationwide IP destination poll of MoT to understand the pulse of ‘Bharat ki Janta’ Aim: To engage with citizens to identify most preferred tourist attractions & understand perceptions across 5 categories - Spiritual | Cultural & Heritage | Nature & Wildlife | Adventure | Others (open category) He also launched “Chalo India Global Diaspora Campaign” to involve overseas Indians in promoting tourism in India He also launched ‘Holistic Agriculture Development Programme’ for agri-economy in J&K | Outlay – Rs 5,000 Cr He dedicated Rs 1,400 Cr | Under – ‘Swadesh Darshan’ & ‘PRASHAD’ scheme - PRASHAD – Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive - Grant includes the project for ‘Integrated Development of Hazratbal Shrine’, Srinagar He also announced tourist destinations selected under ‘Challenge Based Destination Development (CBDD) Scheme’ J & K: Capital – Srinagar | Lt. Governor – Manoj Sinha www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 25 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 49. A curtain raiser event, presided by Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, was held in New Delhi for the 2nd edition of the “Navika Sagar Parikrama” expedition, a mission of circumnavigating the globe. Indian Naval Sailing Vessel ‘Tarini’ would sail with 2 women officers - Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A on 2 October 2024. The voyage will be flagged off from the Naval Ocean Sailing Node, ‘INS Mandovi’, Goa. Over a period of 8 months, the duo will navigate more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx. 40,000 km) without any external assistance, relying solely on wind power. The route will take them through some of the most treacherous waters including the perilous passage around the 3 great Capes - ‘Cape Leeuwin’, ‘Cape Horn’ and the ‘Cape of Good Hope’. The expedition is being conducted under the aegis of the ‘Indian Naval Sailing Association’ based at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi and ‘Ocean Sailing Node’, Goa under Southern Naval Command. Both the nodal centers will be coordinating the voyage in liaison with international maritime agencies and authorities. The expedition was conceived by the Indian Navy with the inaugural “Navika Sagar Parikrama", the first-ever Indian circumnavigation of the globe by an all-women crew of 6 officers in 2017. The 2nd edition of the expedition will be an exceptional one as they will become the 1st from India to accomplish such a feat in double-handed mode. Earlier, Captain Dilip Donde (Retd.) was the 1st Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009 - 2010. Subsequently, Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd.) was the 1st Asian skipper to participate in 2 circumnavigations and accomplished the rare feat of completing the ‘Golden Globe Race’ in 2022. {Read more} Smart Points: Curtain raiser event for 2nd edition of “Navika Sagar Parikrama” expedition – held in New Delhi - Presided by – VAdm Krishna Swaminathan, Vice Chief of Naval Staff - Conducted under aegis of – ‘Indian Naval Sailing Association’ (New Delhi) & ‘Ocean Sailing Node’ (Goa) INSV ‘Tarini’ would sail with – 2 women officers (Lt Cdr Dilna K & Lt Cdr Roopa A) on Oct 2, 2024 - Flagged off from – Naval Ocean Sailing Node, ‘INS Mandovi’, Goa - They will become 1st from India to accomplish such a feat in double-handed mode They will pass through 3 great Capes – ‘Cape Leeuwin’, ‘Cape Horn’ & ‘Cape of Good Hope’ Captain Dilip Donde (Retd.) – 1st Indian to circumnavigate the globe in 2009-2010 Cdr Abhilash Tomy (Retd.) – 1st Asian skipper to participate in 2 circumnavigations & completed ‘Golden Globe Race’ in 2022 HQs of Indian Navy – Delhi | Chief – Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi | Vice Chief – Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan 50. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, has officially announced the launch of the “India Graphene Engineering and Innovation Centre (IGEIC)”, a key initiative under the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’. IGEIC, first of its kind not for profit ‘Section 8’ company, is exclusively incorporated to create a hub of excellence in graphene technology commercialization. The IGEIC is strategically located with its R&D setup in Trivandrum, Kerala, and a Corporate & Business Development hub in Bangalore, Karnataka. The manufacturing unit, supported by the Government of Kerala, is situated in Palakkad, Kerala, creating a comprehensive ecosystem for the development and commercialization of graphene technology. {Read more} Smart Points: MeitY – launched “India Graphene Engineering & Innovation Centre (IGEIC)”, initiative under ‘Viksit Bharat@2047’ IGEIC, first of its kind not for profit ‘Section 8’ company – incorporated to create a hub of excellence in graphene technology commercialization Location of its: R&D setup – Trivandrum, Kerala | Corporate & Business Development hub – Bangalore, Karnataka - Manufacturing unit – in Palakkad, Kerala | Supported by – Government of Kerala www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 26 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us Minister of Electronics & Information Technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw | Constituency – Odisha MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology: Jitin Prasada 51. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), under Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has constituted a committee of experts under the chairmanship of its Additional Secretary, Mr Bharat Khera, to recommend a robust framework for a Repairability Index to empower consumers and to promote sustainable practices within the tech industry, particularly mobiles and electronic items. By developing the Repairability Index, the department seeks to provide consumers with greater transparency on repair information for their products. The committee will submit a comprehensive report, including a framework for the Repairability Index in the Indian context, by 15th November 2024. {Read more} Smart Points: DoCA constituted a committee of experts to recommend a robust framework for a ‘Repairability Index’ - Chaired by – Bharat Khera Aim: The department seeks to provide consumers with greater transparency on repair information for their products Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: Pralhad Joshi | Constituency – Dharwad MoS in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: B. L. Verma & Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya 52. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi announced that India’s installed renewable energy capacity has increased by 165% over the past decade, rising from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024. India has achieved 4 th position globally in RE Installed Capacity. Also, India stood 4th in Wind Power capacity and 5th in Solar PV capacity. For the first time, India has crossed 200 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, that include 85.47 GW of solar power and 46.93 GW of large hydro 46.66 GW of wind power, 10.95 GW of biopower, and 5.00 GW of small hydropower. Total RE generation in India has increased from 193.50 billion units (BU) in 2013-14 to 359.89 BU in 2023-24. Energy security is among the 9 key priority areas of Indian Government. For this, the budgetary allocation of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has almost doubled from Rs 10,000 Cr last year to more than Rs 20,000 Cr this year. {Read more} Smart Points: India’s installed RE capacity increased by 165% over the past decade – to 203.1 GW in 2024 (from 76.38 GW in 2014) India has achieved 4th position globally in RE Installed Capacity | 4th in Wind Power | 5th in Solar PV For the first time, India has crossed 200 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel sources Total RE generation in India has increased to 359.89 BU in 2023-24 Budgetary allocation of MNRE has almost doubled to more than Rs 20,000 Cr this year Minister of New & Renewable Energy: Pralhad Joshi | Constituency – Dharwad-Hubballi, Karnataka MoS in Ministry of New & Renewable Energy: Shripad Yesso Naik www.smartkeeda.com | testzone.smartkeeda.com https:// /# Page | 27 SBI | RBI | IBPS |RRB | SSC | NIACL | EPFO | UGC NET | LIC | Railways | CLAT | RJS Join us 53. Tata Steel commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at Kalinganagar, Odisha. With a total investment of Rs 27,000 crore, the Phase II expansion at Kalinganagar will take the total capacity at the site from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. This blast furnace will utilise 4 top combustion stoves, a first in India, along with 2 preheating stoves for optimum specific fuel consumption in hot metal production. The new facility was inaugurated by T. V. Narendran, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Steel. The new blast furnace will significantly boost the plant’s overall production capabilities, allowing Tata Steel to meet the growing demands of various industries, including automotive, infrastructure, power, shipbuilding, and defence. It will also provide advantages in specific areas like oil & gas, lifting & excavation, and construction. With the Phase II expansion, Odisha has emerged as the largest investment destination in India for Tata Steel, with a total cumulated investment of over Rs 100,000 crore in the last 10 years. Key facilities in Phase II expansion at Kalinganagar also include a ‘Pellet Plant’, ‘Coke Plant’, and ‘Cold Rolling Mill’, each incorporating advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Tata Steel Kalinganagar is the 1st Indian manufacturing plant to be named a ‘Global Lighthouse’ by the World Economic Forum (WEF). In 2024, the Kalinganagar plant also received the prestigious ‘ResponsibleSteelTM Certification’, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. {Read more} Smart Points: Tata Steel – commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at Kalinganagar, Odisha | Total investment – Rs 27,000 Cr Phase II – take total capacity to 8 MTPA from 3 MTPA | Inaugurated by – T. V. Narendran, MD & CEO of Tata Steel With this expansion, Odisha – to become largest investment destination in India for Tata Steel - Total cumulated investment – over Rs 100,000 Cr in last 10 years Tata Steel Kalinganagar – 1st Indian manufacturing plant to be named a ‘Global Lighthouse’ by WEF Kalinganagar plant – received ‘ResponsibleSteelTM Certification’ in 2024 HQs of Tata Steel Ltd – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – T. V. Narendran Odisha: Capital – Bhubaneswar | CM – Mohan Charan Majhi | Governor – Raghubar Das 54. The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, has launched “Shabd”, a unique website which provides technical terms in all 22 official Indian languages. The web portal ‘shabd.education.gov.in’ aims to be a central repository for all the terminologies prepared for Indian languages. Besides all the glossaries of CSTT, other institutions or agencies having such dictionaries are also able to host their work in digital form on this platform. As of now, a total of 322 glossaries with around 22,00,000 words are currently available on search in the portal. The eventual target is to make 450 glossaries available. CSTT, was set up in 1961, with the objective to evolve and define scientific and technical terms in Hindi and all Indian languages. It also routinely publishes a large number of Text-Books and Monographs besides publishing quarterly journals named ‘Vigyan Garima Sindh

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