Main Point :-   (i) The company is concentrating on building its EV portfolio in key regions such as Karnataka, Kerala, the National Capital Region (NCR), and Maharashtra.

      (ii) The initiative provides funding for various green projects, including EV 2- and 3-wheelers, battery charging stations, and energy-efficient machinery. Additionally, the company collaborates with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to facilitate seamless vehicle financing.

      - A former Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a retired judge of the top court is appointed as NHRC chairperson by the President, based on the recommendation of the selection committee.

Main Point :-   (i) Justice V. Ramasubramanian is a renowned Tamil scholar and a skilled judgment writer. He joined the Bar in 1983 and practiced for about 23 years in the High Court of Madras.

      (ii) He served in various courts, including as Chief Justice (CJ) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) High Court and a Supreme Court (SC) judge from 2019 to 2023. He delivered 102 key judgments on significant issues such as demonetization and bribery.

(iii) The NHRC, established in 1993 as a statutory body, is responsible for protecting and promoting human rights.

      - The only operational warship currently using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is the USS Gerald R. Ford, part of the United States Navy.

Main Point :-   (i) The Sichuan is the first ship of the Yulan-class landing helicopter assault (LHA), developed by Chinese researchers. It is equipped with "arrestor" technology, allowing fighter jets to land on its deck.

      (ii) Named after the Sichuan province in southwestern China, this dual-use assault ship is seen as a key asset for boosting the Navy's transformation and improving its ability to operate over long distances.

(iii) The Sichuan is over 850 feet long and 170 feet wide. It is designed to carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious equipment.

Main Point :-   (i) The ONDC network will now allow several live buyer applications (apps) to offer their customers Mutual Funds (MF), health insurance, and personal loans from ABCL.

      (ii) Aditya Birla Finance Limited (ABFL) was one of the first to integrate credit during the ONDC pilot phase, while Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL) and Aditya Birla Sun Life Asset Management Company (ABSLAMC) were among the pioneers in offering health insurance and Mutual Funds (MFs) on the platform.

Main Point :-   (i) This achievement marks a key step in enhancing South Korea's surveillance capabilities, with the satellite being the third launched within a year, following launches in December 2023 and April 2024.

      (ii) South Korea plans to launch two more satellites by 2025 to reduce its reliance on satellite imagery from the USA.

(iii) With three satellites now in orbit, South Korea can independently monitor North Korea, which continues to expand its weapons programs.

Main Point :-   (i) The 2025 edition will feature 14 countries, including India, China, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Poland, Argentina, South Africa, and South America.

      (ii) The tournament aims to promote kabaddi as a global sport and provide an international stage for women's teams to showcase their skills.

      - Justice G.S. Sandhawalia was a judge in the Punjab and Haryana HC. He replaced Justice Rajiv Shakdher, who retired on 18 October 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) Justice Guhanathan Narendar, previously a judge in the Andhra Pradesh (AP) High Court, has succeeded Justice Ritu Bahri as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, following Justice Bahri's retirement on 10 October 2024.

      (ii) Four additional judges of the Karnataka High Court were elevated to permanent judges: Justice Ramachandra Dattatray Huddar, Justice Venkatesh Naik Thavaryanaik, Justice Vijaykumar Adagouda Patil, and Justice Rajesh Rai Kallangala.

(iii) Additional judges typically serve a term of two years before being appointed as permanent judges.

Main Point :-   This award is presented annually by SIES to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.

Main Point :-   (i) Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee, an Indian-American economist, was awarded the 'Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences' in 2019, along with Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer, for their pioneering experimental approach to poverty alleviation and economic development.

      (ii) उनके द्वारा लिखी गई अन्य पुस्तकें: Cooking to Save Your Life (2021); What the Economy Needs Now (2019); Poverty and Income Distribution in India (2019) आदि।

Main Point :-   (i) The urban-rural gap in MPCE has decreased from 84% in 2011-12 to 71% in 2022-23 and further to 70% in 2023-24, showing that consumption growth in rural areas has been steadily increasing.

      (ii) Sikkim reported the highest MPCE among all states, with Rs 9,377 in rural areas and Rs 13,927 in urban areas for 2023-24.

(iii) Chhattisgarh recorded the lowest MPCE, with Rs 2,739 in rural areas and Rs 4,927 in urban areas for 2023-24.

      - In 2023-24, India consumed 88 lakh tons of fossil-based bitumen, with the consumption expected to rise to 100 lakh tons in 2024-25. Around 50% of this is imported, costing Rs. 25,000-30,000 crore every year.

Main Point :-   (i) The project aims to replace up to 15% of crude-derived bitumen with lignin bio-bitumen, which helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to traditional fossil-based bitumen. The remaining 85% of the material is still made from crude bitumen.

      (ii) Bio-bitumen is an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based bitumen, made from renewable sources like agricultural waste. It's used in roads, roofing, and waterproofing, offering durability while reducing environmental impact.

Main Point :-   (i) The Bald Eagle is native to North America, including Canada and the USA, and appears on many national symbols such as the presidential flag, US currency, and military insignia.

      (ii) The scientific name of the Bald Eagle is Haliaeetus leucocephalus, known for its distinctive white head and yellow beak on a brown body.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership strengthens the capabilities of prepaid payment systems, providing a more efficient alternative to traditional payment methods.

      (ii) This collaboration supports India's digital transformation in payment infrastructure, promoting financial inclusion and assisting the government's push for a cashless economy.

      - The greenshoe option, also known as the over-allotment option, allows underwriters in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to buy and sell up to 15% more shares than initially planned.

Main Point :-   (i) Enlighten Capital Micro VC (formerly Enlighten Angel Fund) has facilitated over 10 startup investments in the past two years, focusing on early-stage startups in emerging technologies, smart manufacturing, and the electric vehicle sector. The fund is led by Koushik Shekar and Arvind Subramaniam.

      (ii) Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) is a privately pooled investment vehicle designed to meet the needs of High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) and invest in alternative asset classes. AIFs comply with SEBI regulations and can be structured as companies, LLPs, trusts, or other forms.

(iii) AIFs are open to resident Indians, NRIs, and foreign nationals. The minimum investment is Rs. 1 crore, with a minimum lock-in period of three years. Each scheme can have up to 1,000 investors, with angel funds limited to 49 investors.

      - Despite the slowdown, the report suggests a positive outlook for the 3rd Quarter (Q3: October to December) of FY25, with urban demand picking up in the first two months of the quarter.

Main Point :-   (i) The report noted that several factors are supporting the sowing of rabi crops, including the increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for these crops, high reservoir levels, and the availability of sufficient fertilizers.

      (ii) The report showed that rural demand remains strong, with sales of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and domestic tractors increasing by 23.2% and 9.8% respectively.

(iii) Additionally, urban demand is also growing, with passenger vehicle sales showing a Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of 13.4% from October to November 2024. Domestic passenger traffic also registered strong growth.

Main Point :-   (i) Under the agreement, India will provide financial assistance of Rs 620 million for agriculture, Rs 780 million for health, and Rs 315 million for education, supporting comprehensive development across these critical sectors.

      (ii) These projects are focused on improving infrastructure, promoting growth, and empowering local communities.

      - He wrote 9 novels, 19 collections of short stories, and several essays and memoirs over a career that lasted seven decades.

Main Point :-   (i) MT Vasudevan Nair famous literary works include Naalukettu (The Ancestral Home), Randamoozham, Manju, Kaalam, Asuravithu, and Iruttinte Athmavu.

      (ii) He directed six films, including the acclaimed Malayalam film Nirmalyam, along with two documentaries. He also wrote around 54 screenplays, earning four National Awards and 11 State Awards for his work.

(iii) His novel Naalukettu (translated as The Legacy in English) won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. In 1995, he was honored with the Jnanpith Award, India's highest literary honor, for his lifetime contributions to Malayalam literature.

Main Point :-   (i) The MRF incorporates a comprehensive waste management system to segregate and process all wet and dry waste generated by both the airport and aircraft on-site.

      (ii) The facility can process approximately 750 kilograms of waste daily from airport operations and flights.

(iii) Alongside the MRF, a new air traffic control tower, constructed at a cost of Rs 55 crore, was also inaugurated.

Main Point :-   (i) IFC's investment will help NDR InvIT meet its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, including earning EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification for its warehouse properties.

      (ii) IFC will also support NDR InvIT in adopting gender-inclusive work practices through the India Gender Collaborative (IGC).

(iii) Industry experts predict that warehouse space in India will grow from 300 million square feet (sq. ft.) in FY23 to 500 million sq. ft. by 2030.

Main Point :-   (i) Punjab implemented 15 major canal water projects in 1,706 villages, benefiting 25 lakh people and 4 lakh families, and achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status with 5.64 lakh household toilets and 1,340 community toilets.

      (ii) Waste management facilities were set up in 3,366 villages for solid waste, 9,909 villages for grey water, along with 23 plastic waste management units and 20 district-level biogas plants.

(iii) Har Ghar Jal (HGJ) is a flagship scheme launched in 2019 under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aiming to provide 55 liters of tap water per person per day to every rural household in India.

      - The project, costing a total of ₹1.16 crore, was financed through a ₹59.81 lakh subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, ₹20.52 lakh from public contributions, and ₹35.67 lakh through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support.

Main Point :-   (i) Masali village, situated 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, consists of 119 houses and a population of 800 people. All households are equipped with rooftop solar panels, collectively generating 225.5 kilowatts (KW) of electricity.

      (ii) Beneficiaries can trade up to ₹1.5 crore at zero brokerage for 60 days through YES Securities.

(iii) Launched in February 2024, the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide 300 units of free electricity per month to one crore households in India that install rooftop solar units. The scheme has an outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27. It is being carried out by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

      - The Har Ghar Jal (HCJ) Scheme, launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in 2019, aims to provide 55 liters of tap water per person per day to every rural household.

Main Point :-   (i) To address water quality and scarcity issues, 15 major canal water projects are being implemented across 1,706 villages, with a total investment of Rs. 2,174 crore, benefiting approximately 25 lakh people and 4 lakh families.

      (ii) All villages in Punjab have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) - Rural.

(iii) Waste management facilities have been established in 3,366 villages for solid waste, 9,909 villages for grey water, 23 plastic waste units at the block level, and 20 biogas plants at the district level in partnership with PEDA for managing cow dung in shelters.

      - The project, with a total investment of Rs 1.16 crore, is financed through a Rs 59.81 lakh subsidy under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, supplemented by Rs 20.52 lakh in public contributions and Rs 35.67 lakh from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Main Point :-   (i) Masali village is located 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, with 119 houses and 800 residents. All houses are equipped with rooftop solar panels generating a total of 225.5 kilowatts (kW) of electricity.

      (ii) The scheme, introduced in February 2024, seeks to provide free electricity to one crore households in India by installing rooftop solar units, granting up to 300 units of free electricity per month.

(iii) The scheme, with a total outlay of Rs 75,021 crore, is set to be implemented until FY 2026-27. Its execution will be managed by the National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

Main Point :-   (i) The dam will be constructed at a dramatic gorge where the Brahmaputra River makes a sharp U-turn in the Himalayas.

      (ii) This section of the river has substantial hydropower potential due to a 2,000-meter (6,561 feet) drop over just 50 kilometers (31 miles).

(iii) India plans to build its second-largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance water security, flood control, and hydropower generation. The estimated project cost is Rs. 50,000 crore, and the dam will have a storage capacity of about 10 billion cubic meters of water.

Main Point :-   (i) The report highlighted that the contribution of public sector general insurers increased by 8.88%, rising from Rs 82,891 crore in FY23 to Rs 90,252 crore in FY24.

      (ii) Private sector insurers, including standalone health insurers, underwrote Rs 1.88 trillion in FY24, compared to Rs 1.58 trillion in FY23.

(iii) The report highlighted that life insurance companies paid a total of Rs 5.77 lakh crore in benefits in FY24, which accounted for 70.22% of the net premium.

Main Point :-   (i) The committee is tasked with identifying potential risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector and recommending frameworks for evaluation, mitigation, monitoring, and compliance for financial institutions (FIs) such as banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and FinTechs.

      (ii) It will propose a comprehensive framework, including governance mechanisms, for the responsible and ethical adoption of AI models in India's financial sector.

(iii) The committee members include Debjani Ghosh, an Independent Director of the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and former President of NASSCOM, along with Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India (GoI).

      - IFSCA is the unified regulator responsible for the development and regulation of financial products, services, and institutions like GIFT-IFSC in India. It was established under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Act of 2019.

Main Point :-   (i) The new framework introduces a procedure for provisional registration and outlines the steps for refusal, revocation, or surrender of registration. Registration for eligible entities can now be done on an "on-tap" basis, meaning it can be done anytime.

      (ii) The list of eligible participants has expanded. Previously, the list included financiers, exporters, importers, and insurance companies. Now, it also includes payment service providers, allowing them to offer currency exchange services and receive payments in local currencies in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Main Point :-   The penalty is related to non-compliance with the regulatory framework outlined in the FTRA and its associated rules and regulations. Indian Bank conducts its operations in Sri Lanka through two branches situated in Colombo and Jaffna.

Main Point :-   Cardholders earn 2.5% reward points on international purchases and 2% on domestic purchases, along with exclusive access to premium events hosted by 'The Times Group.'

Main Point :-   (i) This agreement is a major step in promoting innovation, upgrading agricultural infrastructure, and ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses have access to better storage and cold chain solutions.

      (ii) The development of modern storage facilities will transform Indian agriculture by improving cold storage, reducing post-harvest losses, and helping farmers get better prices for their produce. This will also contribute to the economic growth of rural areas.

(iii) FCAOI, founded in 1999, is a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) that offers cold storage consulting services and operates cold storage rooms. Its headquarters is located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Main Point :-   (i) For a solar power system up to 3 kW capacity, loans of up to Rs 2,00,000 will be available, with a 10% margin, 7% annual interest, no collateral, and a 10-year repayment period.

      (ii) For a solar power system between 3 kW and 10 kW, loans of up to Rs 6,00,000 will be available, with a 20% margin, 10% annual interest, no collateral, and a 10-year repayment period.

Main Point :-   (i) The number of new businesses in the unincorporated sector grew from 5.34 million in 2022-23 to 8.35 million in 2023-24.

      (ii) The total number of unincorporated establishments (businesses) increased significantly from 65 million in 2022-23 to 73.4 million in 2023-24, showing a growth of 12.48%.

(iii) The number of workers employed in the sector rose from 109.6 million between October 2022 and September 2023 to 120.6 million between October 2023 and September 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) Sachin Tendulkar is considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. He holds the record as the highest run-scorer in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket.

      (ii) In 2014, he was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the 'Bharat Ratna'.

Main Point :-   (i) The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 will feature 21 men's teams and 20 women's teams from 24 different countries.

      (ii) In October 2024, KKFI revealed the official logo and tagline of the World Cup: #TheWorldGoesKho.

      - The partnership includes programs to train Ghanaian space professionals, helping them gain the necessary skills for the growing space sector.

Main Point :-   (i) India and Ghana will collaborate on satellite projects, ground stations, and space-related technologies, creating new opportunities and promoting innovation.

      (ii) The MoU also encourages more Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) collaborations, opening up new opportunities for the private sectors of both countries.

(iii) India's support through programs like the Pan African eNetwork Project, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, and the India-Africa Partnership Fund will serve as the foundation for this initiative.

      - The project will create a carrier-grade 5G Standalone (SA) core network solution, in line with the latest 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standards.

Main Point :-   (i) The solution will include advanced features such as network slicing, Quality of Service (QoS), Voice over New Radio (VoNR), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC).

      (ii) An agreement for the project was signed at a ceremony in New Delhi, attended by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics), Dr. Parag Agarwal, Deputy Director General of TTDF at DoT, Anuradha Gupta, CEO of Amantya Technologies, and Dr. Pankaj Kumar Dalela, Director of C-DOT.

(iii) The project supports the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India) vision by advancing telecom technology in India, reducing deployment costs, and promoting self-reliance.

Main Point :-   (i) This will be the 11th edition of the Junior Shooting World Cup, and India will host it for the first time.

      (ii) This will be the third major ISSF event in India in three years. In 2024, New Delhi hosted the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final, and Bhopal hosted the senior ISSF World Cup in 2023.

(iii) India has previously hosted six ISSF competitions, including two World Cup Finals, four senior ISSF World Cups, and two continental championships.

      - The 4th Good Governance Week (Sushasan Saptah) is observed annually from December 19th to 25th.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2014, the Government of India (GOI) declared December 25th as Good Governance Day to honor Atal Bihari Vajpayee's legacy.

      (ii) The first Good Governance Day was observed on December 25, 2014.

(iii) Good Governance Day 2024 witnessed key initiatives, including the launch of the 'Prashasan Gaon ki Ore' campaign, 'Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi' for grassroots governance, the 'Rashtraparv Website & Mobile App,' and an MoU between Gujarat and SAC-ISRO for enhanced water resource management.

      - The first Veer Bal Diwas was observed on December 26, 2022.

Main Point :-   (i) The national event for Veer Bal Diwas 2024, held on December 26, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, was attended by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, along with Union Minister Annapurna Devi (Ministry of Women and Child Development, MoW&CD) and other dignitaries.

      (ii) On December 26, 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) 2024 awards to 17 children (7 boys and 10 girls) from 14 states/UTs who were selected for the honor. Each recipient received a medal, certificate, and citation booklet.

(iii) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan" during the Veer Bal Diwas 2024 event.

Main Point :-   (i) PM Modi laid the foundation stone for 1,153 Atal Gram Sushasan (good governance) buildings.

      (ii) To honor the 100th birth anniversary of former PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, PM Modi released a commemorative coin and stamp worth Rs 100.

      - In 2003, he became a member of the Lithuanian Social Democratic Party (LSDP), and his career began with a position as Chief Specialist at Lithuania's social insurance institution, Sodra, from 2003 to 2005. In 2005, he transitioned to serving as an assistant to Justas Paleckis, a Member of the European Parliament.

Main Points:-   (i) Gintautas Paluckas became the Director of Administration for the Vilnius City Municipality from 2007 to 2009.

      (ii) He took on the role of Executive Secretary of the LSDP in 2013 and became a member of both the LSDP Council and its Board.

(iii) He served as the Deputy Mayor of Vilnius from 2015 to 2019. He also served as LSDP leader between 2017 and 2021.

      - The policy change aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes improving learning outcomes while ensuring access to education. It focuses on providing special attention to students who are weak in studies, aiming to enhance their learning experience and academic performance.

Main Point :-   (i) The 'no-detention policy' was introduced in 2019 under Section 16 of the RTE Act, 2009, to ensure access to education without the fear of failure. Section 16 of the Act includes two key provisions: it prohibits the expulsion or retention of elementary students, ensuring continuous education, and guarantees education access up to Class 8, thereby reducing dropout rates.

      (ii) The new promotion criteria allow students failing in Classes 5 and 8 to retake exams within two months. If students fail the re-exam, they will be held back. Additionally, schools will provide remedial instruction and closely monitor the progress of struggling students to offer specialized support.

(iii) Education was originally a state subject in India under the GoI Act of 1935, but the 86th Amendment Constitution Act, 2002, made the Right to Education a fundamental right under Article 21A for children aged 6-14 years.

      - The cafe will offer a carefully selected menu at affordable prices, allowing passengers to enjoy quality food at reasonable rates and improving their travel experience.

Main Point :-   (i) The event was attended by Union Minister of State (MOS) Murlidhar Kisan Mohol, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), along with Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of MoCA, and Vipin Kumar, Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI). Other senior officials from the Department of Post (DoP), MoCA, and AAI were also present to mark the occasion.

      (ii) The Union Minister launched a coffee table book that highlights India's cultural heritage through the modern airport designs of AAI. He also opened a photo exhibition showing rare images of the journey of NSCBI Airport.

(iii) During the event, employees of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and key airport stakeholders, including airlines and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were honored for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport.

Main Point :-   (i) The event was attended by Dr. Angela Lusigi, the UNDP Resident Representative in India; Prateek Madhav, CEO & Co-Founder of ATF; senior leaders from AIM, UNDP India, Citi, and ATF, along with over 100 other stakeholders.

      (ii) Youth Co:Lab, launched in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation, aims to empower youth to drive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship. In India, the initiative began in 2019 in partnership with AIM, NITI Aayog, reaching 19,000 individuals and supporting 2,600 youth-led social innovation teams over six editions.

(iii) AIM has developed four key programs to support these efforts: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal New India Challenges, and Atal Grand Challenges.

      - Five district hospitals in West Bengal already have NCD clinics treating children with Type 1 diabetes, and the government has approved 10 more district hospitals to start similar clinics, with plans to expand the service across the state.

Main Point :-   (i) UNICEF is working with WB's Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research (IPGMER), and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital in Kolkata to establish a Primary Health Care (PHC) model for preventing and managing NCDs in children by improving community healthcare and primary health services.

      (ii) UNICEF has also partnered with the West Bengal Academy of Paediatrics to assist the health department and district health authorities in providing treatment across all districts in WB.

(iii) As per the data from the Young Diabetic Registry of India (YDR), juvenile diabetes affects five out of every 100,000 children in India.

      - PM Modi was awarded the Wisam Mubarak al-Kabeer (Order of Mubarak the Great), the highest national honor of Kuwait.

Main Point :-   (i) India and Kuwait signed four agreements (Memorandums of Understanding - MoUs) in areas like defence, sports, and cultural cooperation.

      (ii) Kuwait also became a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which promotes the use of solar energy and supports the development of low-carbon growth economies.

(iii) On December 21st, 2024, PM Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup in Kuwait. The event was organized by Kuwait and saw participation from eight countries, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Iraq, and Yemen. PM Modi also visited a labor camp in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait, where around 1,500 Indian nationals work. He interacted with Indian workers from different states of India.

Main Point :-   (i) The report shows that for the past 30 to 50 years, all the indicators studied show a decline in biodiversity by 2 to 6% every decade.

      (ii) According to the report, the funding gap to meet biodiversity goals is between USD 300 billion and USD 1 trillion per year. Additionally, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to water, food, health, and climate change, an extra USD 4 trillion is needed annually.

      - The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been suspended since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and China's failure to make the required arrangements.

Main Point :-   (i) The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, regarded as the abode of Lord Shiva, and Lake Mansarovar, both holding immense spiritual significance in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon.

      (ii) Mount Kailash, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, can be accessed through various routes, including Kathmandu (Nepal), Simikot (Nepal), and Lhasa (Tibet). On the Indian side, the routes go through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).

(iii) The Nathula border trade, following the ancient Silk Route connecting Sikkim (India) to China, was reopened in 2006 after being closed since the 1962 Sino-Indian War; it operates from May to November each year to promote economic development in the regions around Nathula Pass in both countries.

Main Point :-   (i) The financing will be used to offer loans to EWS, low-income groups, and women borrowers. At least 15% of the total funds will go to first-time borrowers.

      (ii) By focusing on low-income households and sustainable construction, ADB aims to tackle India's serious housing shortage while promoting environmentally friendly housing that enhances climate resilience for homeowners.

(iii) According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), 95% of India's housing deficit is due to a shortage of 45 million homes for economically weaker communities and 50 million homes for low-income groups.

Main Point :-   (i) The goal of the agreement is to finance 3,600 kilowatts (kW) of rooftop solar installations every year. This will help numerous MSMEs and reduce over 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, promoting sustainability and supporting green growth.

      (ii) The partnership focuses on financing solar installations in the 20-200 kW range, a segment that has traditionally been underserved by financial institutions.

(iii) Federal Bank is committed to supporting the growing MSME sector, with MSME loans making up over 20% of its total loan portfolio.

Main Point :-   (i) The HSBC Taj Credit Card offers a joining fee of Rs 1,10,000 (payable after activation) and an annual fee of Rs 1,10,000 (charged annually after 12 months).

      (ii) The HSBC Taj Credit Card offers a welcome offer of a voucher for a 1-night stay with breakfast at Taj Palace Hotels and 2 nights at any IHCL hotel, along with unlimited access to both domestic and international airport lounges.

(iii) Earn 8 NeuCoins for every Rs 100 spent at IHCL Hotels and 4 NeuCoins for every Rs 100 spent at Ginger Hotels (IHCL's brand).

Main Point :-   (i) Capital formation is expected to increase by 7.2% in FY26. Both the government and private sectors are expected to contribute to the Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) growth in FY26.

      (ii) Retail inflation is forecasted to average 4.4% in FY26, down from 4.9% in FY25. Decisions on policy rate cuts will depend on data from the FY26 Union Budget, inflation trends, and changing economic conditions.

(iii) Merchandise trade deficit is expected to be USD 308 billion (Rs. 26,15,536 crore) in FY26, compared to USD 277.4 billion (Rs. 23,55,681 crore) in FY25 and USD 244.9 billion (Rs. 20,79,691 crore) in FY24.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2008, Dr. Ravi Pillai was awarded the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)' by the Government of India (GoI).

      (ii) In 2010, he received the 'Padma Shri', which is India's 4th highest civilian honor, for his distinguished service.

(iii) In 2015, Arabian Business ranked him as the 4th most powerful Indian in the Middle East.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2019, he was awarded the 'Druk Thuksey' for establishing The Royal Academy School and for his role in developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate educational system.

      (ii) He led Vasant Valley School in New Delhi for 29 years, until April 2020.

Main Point :-   (i) Amitava Chatterjee career includes leading SBI's operations as Chief General Manager (CGM) in the New Delhi Circle, Delhi, and Jaipur Circle, Rajasthan.

      (ii) He has managed high-profile clients, including Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Distribution Companies (DISCOMs).

      - Kristrun Frostadottir, an Icelandic politician and economist, began her career as a journalist for the business newspaper Viðskiptablaðið, later working as an economist at Arion Bank in Iceland, and as a Specialist for Morgan Stanley in New York and London.

Main Point :-   (i) Kristrun Frostadottir served as the Chief Economist for the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce in 2017 and for Kvika Bank from 2018 to 2021, later becoming a member of the Budget Committee (2021–2024) and briefly serving on the Economic Affairs and Trade Committee.

      (ii) In the 2021 parliamentary election, she was elected to the Althing (Iceland’s Parliament) from the Reykjavík South constituency. In the 2024 snap election, she was elected to represent the Reykjavík North constituency.

(iii) In November 2024, her center-left Social Democratic Alliance became the largest party in the snap election. The party then agreed to form a coalition government with the centrist People's Party and the left-leaning, pro-European Reform Party.

Main Point :-   (i) The tool accurately locates a missing person or object using a model that accounts for uncertainties in the initial location and last known time of the object.

      (ii) The movement of lost objects is mostly influenced by winds and currents. SARAT uses model currents from the high-resolution Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS), which runs on High Performance Computers at INCOIS.

(iii) Based on the object's shape and buoyancy, the user can choose from up to 60 different types of missing objects to help with the search.

Main Point :-   (i) The BluJ REACH is an unmanned Hydrogen-Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (H2eVTOL) aircraft designed for mid-mile logistics. It has a target range of up to 300 kilometers (km), a payload capacity of 100 kilograms (kg), and can operate for 12-16 hours, enabling efficient same-day deliveries, especially in underserved regions.

      (ii) The BluJ HOP is a piloted Hydrogen-Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (H2eVTOL) aircraft designed for quiet, cost-effective, and safe regional passenger travel.

(iii) In September 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA), introduced a VTOL policy. BluJ Aerospace Private Limited contributed to this development as part of the DGCA's working group.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Singh served as the Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India (GoI) from 1972 to 1976. He was also the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance (MoF) from November 1976 to April 1980, and the Member Secretary of the Planning Commission from April 1980 to September 1982.

      (ii) Dr. Manmohan Singh also served as the 15th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 1982 to 1985. Later, he became the Union Minister of Finance during the government of Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1991, where he played a key role in shaping India's economic policy.

      - Team India/INA 'A', led by Sub Lieutenant (SLt) Japman Avtar and Cdt PK Reddy, finished in third place.

Main Point :-   (i) Lt. Gorkunov Petr Ilyich of Russia claimed first place, while Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Darius Lee Kheng Wee of Singapore and Ensign Pappas Vissarion HN of Greece won second and third places, respectively.

      (ii) Ensign Camilla Bernabei from Italy won first place, followed by Cdt Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna from Russia in second and SLt Isha Shah from India in third place.

(iii) The Admiral's Cup, established in 2010, is an annual event designed to foster friendship with foreign nations and enhance navy-to-navy cooperation.

Main Point :-   (i) The plan offers an instant payout of up to 100% of the insured amount when diagnosed with breast cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, or heart conditions.

      (ii) The product comes with a 30-year premium guarantee, ensuring that the premium amount remains fixed and won't increase during that period.

(iii) It also allows a premium vacation (a break from paying premiums) for up to 12 months during the policy period, offering financial flexibility in case of unexpected situations.

      - Tongatapu 5, the only constituency on Tongatapu (Tonga's main island) that was not won by the party, was the seat where he was re-elected in the 2021 election but lost again.

Main Point :-   (i) Aisake Valu Eke served as the Minister for Finance from 2014 to 2017.

      (ii) In 2008, he was honored with the "Order of Queen Sälote Tupou III" (a knighthood from the Kingdom of Tonga) by the King of Tonga for his personal services to the country.

(iii) Tonga, with its capital Nuku'alofa and currency Tongan pa'anga (TOP), has won the right to host the 2031 Pacific Games, and is currently ruled by King Tupou VI.

      - As an economic historian, he played a key role in preserving banking and finance records. He worked as the official historian of the State Bank of India from 1976 to 1978.

Main Point :-   (i) After leaving the Centre for Social Sciences, he became the founder director of Institute of Development Studies Kolkata (IDSK) in 2002.

      (ii) Bagchi was also the president of Friends of Latin America (FOLA), where he played an important role in strengthening India's relations with Latin American countries.

(iii) His first major work, inspired by his PhD, was Private Investment in India: 1900-1939 (1972). Over the years, he authored several other notable works, including The Political Economy of Underdevelopment, Perilous Passage: Mankind and the Global Ascending of Capital, Capital and Labor Redefined: India and the Third World, Colonialism and Indian Economy, Money and Credit in Indian History, and The Evolution of the State Bank of India: The Roots, 1806-1876.

      - Gwalior is recognized by UNESCO as a City of Music.

Main Point :-   (i) Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, born in 1945 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB), is a famous Indian tabla player.

      (ii) In 1996, he received the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, followed by the Padma Shri in 2019 in the field of Art-Music-Tabla, and has also been honored with the American Academy of Artists Award and nominated for the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.

(iii) The Rashtriya Tansen Samman, established in 1980 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, is the highest national award in Indian classical music, presented at the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh in Gwalior, along with a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.

      - Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, wearing second-generation "Feitian" spacesuits, successfully completed tasks such as installing debris protection on the Tiangong Space Station's (TSS) exterior, showcasing significant advancements over the first-generation suits used during China's first spacewalk in 2008.

Main Point :-   (i) With this spacewalk, Song Lingdong became the first Chinese astronaut born in the 1990s to complete an Extravehicular Activity (EVA).

      (ii) This was the second spacewalk for Mission Commander Cai Xuzhe, who had previously completed a 5.5-hour spacewalk during the Shenzhou-14 mission in November 2022.

(iii) In 1965, the former Soviet Union became the first country to carry out a spacewalk, which lasted about 12 minutes.

Main Point :-   (i) The World Athletics Continental Tour, established in 2020, consists of events at different levels: bronze, silver, and gold. These levels represent the standard of competition and the prize money offered at each event.

      (ii) World Athletics (formerly known as the International Association of Athletics Federations, IAAF) is the organizer of the event.

Main Point :-   (i) The Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism and Culture organized the signing ceremony in Lucknow, where Manipur artists performed Thougal Jagoi, a traditional Meitei folk dance, and Thang Ta, a traditional martial art.

      (ii) The MoU between the two states is effective for three years from the signing date and can be extended for another three years if both states agree.

Main Point :-   (i) The RBI conducted the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2023) of IndusInd Bank based on its financial position as of March 31, 2023, and issued a notice after finding non-compliance with its directions. Upon reviewing the bank's response, additional submissions, and oral statements during the hearing, the RBI concluded that the bank had opened savings accounts for ineligible entities, resulting in the imposition of a monetary penalty.

      (ii) The RBI conducted a statutory inspection of Manappuram Finance based on its financial position as of March 31, 2023, and issued a notice for failing to comply with its directions.

(iii) After reviewing the company's response and oral submissions during the hearing, the RBI found that the company had failed to verify customers' Permanent Account Numbers (PAN) using the issuing authority's facility and had assigned multiple identification codes to some customers instead of a Unique Customer Identification Code (UCIC), which warranted a monetary penalty.

Main Point :-   The platform was inaugurated by Kamlesh Chandra Varshney, Whole-Time Member of SEBI, and Jeevan Sonparote, CGM-in-charge of the Market Intermediaries Regulation and Supervision Department (MIRSD).

Main Point :-   (i) The company was prohibited from acquiring financial assets and restructuring existing Security Receipts (SRs) into senior and subordinate tranches.

      (ii) The RBI's decision to lift these restrictions signifies the resolution of operational concerns and compliance with regulatory requirements by both entities.

Main Point :-   (i) The HPCL API on ULIP provides real-time information on fuel station locations and prices across India. This helps logistics providers, traders, and transporters plan more efficiently, reduce costs, and support ULIP’s goal of simplifying and digitizing India’s supply chain.

      (ii) NLDS (Logistics Data Services Limited) is a joint venture between the Government of India (GoI), represented by NICDIT (National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust), and the Japanese IT company Nippon Electric Company Limited (NEC). Both partners have equal ownership, with a 50:50 equity share.

(iii) ULIP (Unified Logistics Interface Platform) is a digital platform that connects businesses to logistics data from 41 systems across 11 government ministries using 125 APIs. It covers more than 1,800 data fields.

      - In addition to individual awards, 22 Shields were presented to the best-performing Railway Zones for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the success of Indian Railways.

Main Point :-   (i) 15 railway employees and officers were recognized for driving innovation, improving productivity, and promoting indigenous technology.

      (ii) 16 employees were honored for their exceptional bravery in protecting lives and railway property, ensuring passenger and staff safety.

(iii) 17 officers and employees were acknowledged for boosting railway revenue by preventing ticketless travel and curbing revenue theft.

      - The vessel is powered by 750 kilowatts (kW) of propulsion power, with two 375 kW electric motors. It is also powered by three 416 kW diesel generators and can accommodate up to 7 people.

Main Point :-   (i) The launch highlights CSL's commitment to the Indian government's initiatives, such as 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', 'Make in India', and 'Make for the World'.

      (ii) Wilson ASA, based in Bergen, Norway, is a leading short-sea fleet operator in Europe, transporting around 15 million tonnes of dry cargo across Europe.

Main Point :-   (i) For the upcoming Axiom-4 mission, ISRO and ESA are collaborating on experiments selected by Indian Principal Investigators, with the mission featuring ISRO’s Gaganyatri astronaut and an ESA astronaut as part of the crew.

      (ii) Additionally, both agencies are collaborating on ESA's technology tests, human physiological studies, and educational outreach projects.

(iii) Leaders from ISRO and ESA have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and continuing joint efforts in human space exploration.

Main Point :-   (i) Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar was appointed as the new Governor of Kerala, replacing Arif Mohammed Khan.

      (ii) In Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati took over from Raghubar Das. Arif Mohammed Khan was moved to Bihar, replacing Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. General (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retired) was appointed as the new Governor of Mizoram, succeeding Hari Babu Kambhampati.

(iii) Additionally, Ajay Kumar Bhalla was appointed as the new Governor of Manipur, taking over from Lakshman Prasad Acharya. All the new appointments will be effective once the respective Governors assume charge of their offices.

Main Point :-   In the junior women's category, Simranpreet Kaur Brar won the title, defeating Payal of Haryana 5-2 in a shoot-off after both had 34 hits. Riya Shirish Thatte earned the bronze with a total of 30 hits.

      - India finished in first place, followed by China in second, South Korea in third, Japan in fourth, and Malaysia in fifth. Deepika Sehrawat from India was the tournament's top scorer with 12 goals.

Main Point :-   (i) India clinched their maiden Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup title in 2023 by defeating the Republic of Korea in the final.

      (ii) The India women's national under-21 field hockey team competes in various women's under-21 field hockey tournaments, including the Junior World Cup and Junior Asia Cup, representing India at the international level.

      - The first National Consumer Rights Day was observed on 24 December 1986.

Main Point :-   (i) The theme for National Consumer Day 2024 was "Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice."

      (ii) On the occasion of National Consumer Day 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MOCAF & PD) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, inaugurated and launched several pro-consumer initiatives at an event held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

      - It also focused on strengthening the security of coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, and single-point moorings and raising awareness among coastal communities about maritime security with the participation of fishing communities, National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets, and Bharat Scouts.

Main Points:-   (i) During the exercise, the IN also conducted Coastal Defence and Security Readiness evaluations at 51 locations and maritime awareness sessions at more than 60 sites.

      (ii) The exercise involved diverse stakeholders, including 6 ministries and 21 organizations, such as the Indian Navy (IN), Indian Army (IA), Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Coast Guard (ICG), State Marine Police, Customs, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Port Authorities, and Fisheries Department.

(iii) For the first time, officials from the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) participated in the CDSRE phase of the exercise in Gujarat and West Bengal (WB).

Main Point :-   (i) By expanding its POPSK network, India Post aims to provide citizen-centric services and establish itself as a logistics company offering postal and life insurance services, alongside Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) and parcel delivery.

      (ii) The POPSK service was launched in 2017. As of December 2024, 442 POPSKs are operational across India.

      - The decision aims to facilitate ease of compliance for listed companies and their value chain partners in meeting the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) framework requirements.

Main Point :-   (i) SEBI's board has decided to narrow the scope of value chain disclosures to include only the top upstream and downstream partners of a listed company contributing 2% or more to the company's purchases or sales (by value), allowing companies to limit these disclosures to 75% of their total purchases and sales by value.

      (ii) Under Principle 6 of the BRSR, listed companies and their top 10 value chain partners must disclose green credits created or procured, promoting sustainability practices.

(iii) SEBI will implement third-party assessments for BRSR Core disclosures starting FY25 for listed companies and FY27 for their value chain, following standards developed by the Industry Standards Forum (ISF).

Main Point :-   (i) The Council approved a complete GST exemption for gene therapy, aiming to enhance accessibility to advanced medical treatments.

      (ii) The Council resolved to lower the compensation cess rate on supplies to merchant exporters to 0.1%.

(iii) The GST Council approved a GST exemption on contributions made by general insurance companies from third-party motor vehicle premiums to the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund).

      - The ISFR report, which is published biennially, was first introduced in 1987 by the Forest Survey of India (FSI).

Main Point :-   (i) Total forest and tree cover in 2023 is 827,356.95 sq km (25.17% of India’s area), with forest cover at 715,342.61 sq km (21.76%) and tree cover at 112,014.34 sq km (3.41%).

      (ii) Madhya Pradesh (77,073 sq km) leads, followed by Arunachal Pradesh (65,882 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,812 sq km).

(iii) Established in 1981, headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, and led by Director General Anoop Singh.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU facilitates knowledge sharing in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and blockchain technology to improve logistics efficiency.

      (ii) The collaboration aligns with national initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) 2021 and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022.

(iii) Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) was established in 2022 as a central university under the Ministry of Railways (MoR).

      - The Ram Temple is being built in the traditional Nagar architectural style. It measures 380 feet in length (east-west) and 250 feet in width, with a height of 161 feet. The temple will have 392 pillars and 44 doors, with an impressive east-facing entrance featuring 32 steps.

Main Point :-   (i) The temple is being constructed using around 15 lakh cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan. The marble cladding adds to its beauty, making it a significant architectural marvel.

      (ii) The intricate designs are the work of artist Vasudev Kamath and architects Sompura and Jay Kaktikar. Additionally, organizations like the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) have contributed to ensuring the temple's structural strength and integrity.

(iii) The Ram Temple project, expected to be completed by June 2025, has been recognized for its outstanding safety measures, with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) receiving the 'Golden Trophy' from the National Safety Council (NSC) for their exemplary safety practices during its construction.

      - Chautala documented his experiences in Urdu diaries, which are being translated into Hindi for future publications. His autobiography and a travelogue titled "Meri Videsh Yatra", which covers his visits to 119 countries, are nearly ready for release.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1989, Om Prakash Chautala became the Chief Minister of Haryana for the first time, succeeding his father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, who had become India's Deputy Prime Minister (DYCM).

      (ii) He served briefly again as CM from 12 July 1990 to 17 July 1990 and then from 22 March 1991 to 6 April 1991.

(iii) In 1996, after the Haryana Vikas Party formed the government, Chautala became the Leader of the Opposition in Haryana.

      - The SSB, a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), established in 1963 and headquartered in New Delhi, safeguards 2,450 km borders with Nepal and Bhutan, curbs smuggling, secures borders, and plays a key role in making Bihar and Jharkhand Naxal-free, with the motto "Service, Security, and Brotherhood."

Main Point :-   (i) The event commenced with a grand parade, highlighting the discipline and dedication of the SSB personnel.

      (ii) The event featured displays of Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian acrobatic art, along with martial arts, sports demonstrations, and physical exercises. These performances showcased the fitness, training, and versatility of the SSB.

(iii) The SSB has achieved significant recognition, earning 4 Padma Shri awards, 1 Kirti Chakra, 6 Shaurya Chakra, 2 President's Gallantry Medals, 25 Police Gallantry Medals (PMG), and 35 Gallantry Medals (GM). Additionally, its personnel have showcased excellence in sports, winning 72 medals in national and international events.

Main Point :-   (i) The winners were selected by a jury chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, Chairman, Institute of Directors and the 25th Chief Justice of India, along with members including Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, and Prof. (Judge) Mervyn E. King SC, among others.

      (ii) The Golden Peacock Awards, established in 1991 by the Institute of Directors (IOD), is regarded as a benchmark of corporate excellence worldwide.

Main Point :-   (i) Preeti Lobana will lead Google's strategy in India, with a focus on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and digital transformation.

      (ii) She has been with Google for 8 years and has also held leadership roles at NatWest Group and American Express Company.

      - In 2017, L&T secured a Rs 4,500-crore contract under the 'Make in India' initiative to supply 100 K9 Vajra units, with the first 10 assembled from imported components and the remaining 90 mostly manufactured at L&T's Hazira facility in Gujarat, following a technology transfer agreement with South Korea's Hanwha Corporation.

Main Point :-   (i) The K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns, produced at L&T's Hazira plant in collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace, have a range of over 40 km and can launch projectiles at 65 km/h.

      (ii) The K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns have a range of over 40 km, can launch projectiles at a speed of 65 km/h, are operated by 5 personnel, carry up to 49 rounds, and are upgraded for high-altitude operations, especially in regions like Ladakh.

(iii) These guns will join the existing fleet of 100 Vajras, with upgrades including advanced fire-control systems, specially designed lubricants and batteries for sub-zero temperatures, and enhanced mobility across varied terrains, including deserts and high-altitude regions, improving long-range, high-accuracy firepower for the Army's operational capability. Initially, they were deployed in the Rajasthan desert.

Main Point :-   (i) A total of Rs. 704.01 crores have been allocated for NDUW from Fiscal Year 2019-20 (FY20) to FY25.

      (ii) Registration is free through the E-Shram portal, Common Services Centres (CSCs), and State Seva Kendras (SSKs).

Main Point :-   (i) The Gwalior Geoscience Museum features two galleries that explore Earth's secrets and the history of life's evolution.

      (ii) Gallery I: Planet Earth: Its Uniqueness in Diversity showcases volcanoes, meteorites, magnetic fields, and rare specimens like rocks, gemstones, fossils, and dinosaur eggs.

(iii) Gallery II: Evolution of Life on Earth presents the journey of life from its origin to humans, with fossils, ancient ecosystems, evolution, and mass extinction exhibits.

      - The rules for IPOs of small firms have been tightened, requiring an issuer to have an operating profit of at least Rs. 1 crore (earnings before interest, depreciation, and tax) from operations for any 2 out of the 3 previous financial years at the time of filing its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).

Main Point :-   (i) The SEBI Board has approved amendments for Securitized Debt Instruments (SDI), stating that the issuance and transfer of SDIs should be listed only in demat form.

      (ii) SEBI has introduced a new initiative called the "Past Risk and Return Verification Agency" (PaRRVA) to curb misleading claims regarding investment returns.

(iii) The SEBI Board has increased the threshold for identifying High Value Debt Listed Entities (HVDLES) from Rs. 500 crores to Rs. 1000 crores, aligning it with large corporates, and mandated that custodians maintain a net worth of Rs. 75 crores, to be achieved within 3 years.

Main Point :-   (i) The report appreciated state governments for their progress in fiscal consolidation, keeping the total Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) within 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for three consecutive years (2021-22 to 2023-24), and limiting the revenue deficit to 0.2% of GDP in FY23 and FY24.

      (ii) According to the report, states have estimated a GFD of 3.2% of GDP in FY25, compared to 2.8% of GDP in FY24.

      - The project aims to transform Amaravati into a well-managed, climate-resilient hub in Andhra Pradesh (AP), creating jobs and improving the lives of residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

Main Point :-   (i) The World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are supporting the first phase of Amaravati's development, which aligns with India's urban development goals. With the urban population projected to reach 950 million by 2050, Amaravati is set to serve as a model for sustainable cities.

      (ii) Currently, around 100,000 people live in Amaravati, with the population expected to grow significantly in the next decade. A master plan has been developed for a 217 square kilometer area, designed to accommodate 3.5 million people by 2050.

(iii) The Amaravati Masterplan allocates 22% of residential areas for affordable housing.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India (GoI) has granted an exemption, requiring the bank to lower its stake in both companies to 30% by October 31, 2029.

      (ii) Canara HSBC Life Insurance, a joint venture (JV) established in 2008, has Canara Bank holding a 51% stake, HSBC Insurance Holdings Limited holding 26%, and Punjab National Bank (PNB) owning 23%.

(iii) CRAMC, originally established in 1993 as Canbank Mutual Fund, became a joint venture with the Robeco Group in 2007. Canara Bank owns 51% of the stake in CRAMC, with Japan’s Orix Corporation holding the remaining 49%.

Main Point :-   (i) The joint venture will feature a 51:49 equity split, with Global Munition Ltd. holding the majority stake. This partnership is anticipated to strengthen Premier Explosives' market presence.

      (ii) PEL, India’s first private-sector explosives manufacturer, supplies solid propellants for key missile programs such as Akash, Astra, and the Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LRSAM).

(iii) The company also supports the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) by providing solid propellants for satellite launch vehicles.

      - The terminal facilitates cargo transport for North Bihar and provides a vital trade link to Nepal for imports and exports.

Main Point :-   (i) The award was received by Arvind Kumar, Director, JMVP, alongside Manish Tiwari, Specialist (Environment Impact Assessment), JMVP, and J J Patel, Project Manager, Sanjay Construction Company, the contractor agency.

      (ii) SVAGRIHA is a joint initiative by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It recognizes sustainable practices in creating environmentally friendly infrastructure like the IMT at Kalughat.

Main Point :-   (i) Theme for National Farmer's Day 2024: The theme for this year is "Empowering 'Annadatas' for a Prosperous Nation."

      (ii) This theme highlights India's commitment to supporting farmers, who are often called 'Annadatas' (providers of food).

(iii) 23rd December 2024 also marks the 122nd birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh.

Main Point :-   (i) India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements on double taxation, capacity building, and training in the presence of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

      (ii) Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Narendra Modi jointly issued a statement titled "Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future," outlining various collaborative initiatives, including energy partnerships and regional security cooperation.

Main Point :-   (i) The majority of routes in the Top 10 Busiest International Routes for 2024 are in Asia, with a total of seven routes (three from Japan, two from China, and one each from India, South Korea, Vietnam, Australia, and Saudi Arabia).

      (ii) The Jeju-Seoul Gimpo route in South Korea, with 14.18 million seats, remains the busiest domestic flight route both in the Asia Pacific and globally. In the Asia Pacific region, the Mumbai-Delhi route ranks as the 6th busiest.

(iii) The Jeddah to Riyadh route in Saudi Arabia has seen the highest growth among the Top 10 routes, with a 10% increase in capacity in 2024 compared to 2023, and the report projects that international passenger traffic will reach 4.1 billion by the end of 2024, based on its Global Airline Schedules data.

Main Point :-   (i) The R&D center will focus on software development, leveraging Vietnam's pool of skilled engineers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

      (ii) It aims to collaborate with industry leaders, startups, government agencies, universities, and students to advance AI adoption and innovation.

Main Point :-   (i) The acceptance documents for both 'Nilgiri' and 'Surat' were signed by MDL Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Sanjeev Singhal and Chief Security Officer (CSO) (Tech) R. Adhisrinivasan of the Indian Navy.

      (ii) These warships enhance India's maritime defense with advanced missile systems, stealth capabilities, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.

      - The tournament, which starts on December 28, 2024, will feature eight men's teams and four women's teams. Matches will take place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela (Odisha).

Main Point :-   (i) The Women's Hockey India League will conclude on January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, while the men's final is scheduled for February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.

      (ii) In addition, DD's partnership with HIL will cover all Hockey India National Championships and other events organized by Hockey India, ensuring the sport is accessible nationwide.

(iii) Doordarshan (DD) is run by Prasar Bharati, a board formed by the Government of India (GoI).

Main Point :-   (i) The app was launched after a successful pilot project in the Nagpur division (Maharashtra) and will be expanded to 16 divisions, including the Hyderabad South Central Railway (SCR) zone.

      (ii) The app provides instant assessments of learning progress and offers easy access to resources whenever needed.

(iii) It highlights Railways' commitment to developing more skilled and safety-aware employees, contributing to a safer transportation system.

Main Point :-   (i) The app offers a single view to manage both personal and business accounts, making it easier for business owners to track their financial health.

      (ii) The app offers in-app support for accounting, taxation, payroll, and global trade finance, helping users manage essential tasks without using multiple external platforms.

(iii) Features like Merchant EASY and Merchant PRIME offer services such as soundboxes for payment confirmations, same-day fund settlements, and higher cash deposit limits, making it easier for merchants and traders to manage their transactions efficiently.

Main Point :-   (i) The policy will be active for a period ranging from 8 to 15 years.

      (ii) After the policy matures, the payouts can be received over a period of 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.

(iii) Anyone between the ages of 3 and 60 can buy this policy.

      - DRDO has adopted a collaborative policy involving universities and industries in defence research to foster advancements in cutting-edge defence technologies and to support the "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence production.

Main Point :-   (i) DRDO partnered with MIDHANI (Rohtak), SMPP Private Limited (New Delhi), and AR Polymers (MKU, Kanpur) to produce modular-design bullet-resistant jackets weighing 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg, providing 360-degree protection.

      (ii) Agreements were signed with Reliance Industries Limited (Mumbai) for ballistic material development and with multiple industries for producing Extreme Cold and Extreme Heat Protective Clothing, including Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance and Arrow Garments.

(iii) Established in 2017 at IIT Delhi, the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) has launched 50 research projects worth ₹375 crore, focusing on soldier-centric innovations like lightweight body armour, smart soldier jackets, and extreme weather gear.

      - Pranav became a Grandmaster in 2022 after achieving his third GM norm at the Limpedea Cup 2022. He is the 75th Grandmaster in the history of India.

Main Point :-   (i) Pranav was the only Grandmaster (GM) participating in the entire event, which had six categories across both Rapid and Blitz formats.

      (ii) International Master (IM) Eline Roebers from the Netherlands was the only female player in the open events. She was also one of only two players to defeat Pranav in the Blitz format.

(iii) The FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess tournament, organized by FIDE (International Chess Federation) and the Slovenian Chess Federation, featured 340 players from 35 countries competing in U14, U16, and U18 categories across both open and girls' sections.

      - Tulsi Gowda, renowned for planting over 1,00,000 trees in Karnataka, annually nurtured 30,000 saplings, enhancing one community reserve, five tiger reserves, 15 conservation areas, and 30 wildlife sanctuaries, preserving diverse ecosystems.

Main Point :-   (i) The University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad (UASD), Karnataka, awarded her an honorary doctorate for her exceptional environmental knowledge and efforts.

      (ii) In 1986, she received the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (IPVM), which recognizes outstanding work in tree planting and the development of barren lands.

(iii) In 1999, she was honored with the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (also called the Kannada Rajyotsava Award), which is the second-highest civilian award in Karnataka, given annually to distinguished citizens over the age of sixty.

      - Families in specific areas of Jangalmahal and the Darjeeling hills will receive Rs. 1.30 lakh."

Main Point :-   (i) The beneficiaries will receive the money in two phases. Over 28 lakh eligible beneficiaries have been identified through a state-conducted survey for the scheme. The Chief Minister (CM) handed over funds to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts. More than 12 lakh beneficiaries in the state are eligible for the first installment.

      (ii) An additional 16 lakh beneficiaries will receive housing allowances before the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal."

(iii) Mamata Banerjee also announced the construction of a 5-kilometer-long bridge, "Gangasagar Sethu," to connect the mainland to Sagar Island. The project is estimated to cost Rs. 1,500 crore and will be fully funded by the state government, as the Centre has not responded to previous requests.

Main Point :-   (i) National Mathematics Day (NMD) was introduced by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 26, 2011, at Madras University, to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan, who was born on December 22, 1887.

      (ii) On this occasion, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also declared that 2012 would be celebrated as the National Mathematics Year.

(iii) The first National Mathematics Day (NMD) was celebrated on December 22, 2012.

Main Point :-   (i) As of December 9, 2024, over 6.79 lakh rooftop solar installations have been completed since the launch of the scheme in February 2024. This includes over 5.38 lakh individual residential units and around 1.41 lakh households through installations in residential welfare associations.

      (ii) So far, a total of 1.45 crore registrations and 26.38 lakh applications have been registered on the National Portal of the scheme, and subsidies have been disbursed to 3.66 lakh applicants within 15 to 21 days.

Main Points:-   (i) The agreement will facilitate access to both organizations' testing facilities, fostering mutual benefit to enhance academic collaboration between the IAF and IISc, particularly in relation to Post Graduate (PG) programs.

      (ii) Advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Digital Twin-based systems will also be explored to enhance lifecycle management, predictive maintenance, and resource optimization.

(iii) This partnership contributes to strengthening self-reliance under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, encouraging the participation of startups, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and other industrial entities in defense indigenization programs.

      - The scheme aims to provide energy security to farmers in India while helping the nation achieve its target of sourcing 40% of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, as part of the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs), and to add around 34,800 Mega Watt (MW) of solar power by March 2026, with a total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) Scheme Establishes 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land, with a capacity of 500 kW to 2 MW. Power will be purchased by local DISCOMs at a fixed tariff.

      (ii) PM-KUSUM Scheme Provides 17.50 lakh standalone solar agricultural pumps (up to 7.5 HP) to farmers in off-grid areas, with Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 30% (or 50% for specific regions).

(iii) Supports the solarization of 14 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps, allowing farmers to use solar power for irrigation and sell surplus to DISCOMs at a pre-fixed tariff. The scheme aims to solarize agriculture, enhance energy security, and reduce reliance on diesel for irrigation.

Main Point :-   (i) During the summit, the government launched the National Medical Device Policy and schemes aimed at strengthening infrastructure, promoting research, and developing skills in the MedTech sector.

      (ii) The government allocated Rs 400 crore for the establishment of medical device parks and Rs 500 crore to support the growth of the MedTech industry through research and innovation.

Main Point :-   (i) Kisan Kavach was developed by the Department of Biotechnology's BRIC-inStem and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., both based in Bangalore, Karnataka.

      (ii) The Kisan Kavach Protective Shield includes a full-body suit, mask, headshield, and gloves, providing complete protection. The suit costs Rs 4,000.

(iii) Other participants in the launch included Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (Secretary, Department of Biotechnology), Dr. Maneesha Inamdar (Director, BRIC-inStem), and Dr. Alka Sharma (Scientist 'H' and Senior Adviser, DBT).

Main Point :-   (i) Key people present at the event included Atul Kumar Tiwari (Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Chairman of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training - NCVET), Prof. TG Sitharam (Chairman of AICTE), Nicholas McCaffrey (Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India), and Aditya Ghosh (Chairman of the CII National Committee on Skill Development & Livelihood).

      (ii) The theme of the 11th CII Global Summit on Skill Development 2024 is "Building a Resilient Skilled Talent Pool: Driving Industry Growth."

Main Point :-   (i) Globally, remittance inflows have increased by 5.8% in 2024, compared to a modest growth of 1.2% in 2023.

      (ii) Officially recorded remittances to LMICs are projected to reach USD 685 billion in 2024.

(iii) The South Asia region is projected to register the highest increase in remittance flows at 11.8% in 2024, compared to a 5.1% increase in 2023. This growth is mainly driven by continued strong flows to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

      - Pushpa Bharathi was awarded the 33rd Vyas Samman for her book "Yaadein Yaadein Aur Yaadein".

Main Point :-   (i) Suryabala, born in 1943 in Varanasi, is a renowned Hindi writer with over 50 novels, biographies, and children's stories. She has received several accolades, including the Bharat Bharti in 2019 and the Priyadarshini Award in 2003, for her outstanding literary contributions.

      (ii) The Vyas Samman, presented annually by the K.K. Birla Foundation, honors exceptional Hindi literary works published in the last decade. The award includes a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. It was first awarded in 1991 to Dr. Ram Vilas Sharma.

(iii) Some of Suryabala's notable works include Dikshanta (1992), Mere sandi-patra (2003), and Dishaheen (2010). In addition to the Vyas Samman, she has been honored with the Maharashtra Hindi Academy Award, Ratni Devi Goenka Award, and 'Vyangya Sri' award by Hindi Bhavan Nyas.

Main Point :-   (i) Christopher Nolan, known for films like Oppenheimer, Inception, and Interstellar, has gained global recognition for his visionary filmmaking, while Emma Thomas has produced all of his films, including Memento and Batman Begins.

      (ii) Their collaboration on Oppenheimer (2023) received widespread acclaim, winning 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and grossing over USD 976 million. The film explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the development of nuclear weapons during WWII.

(iii) In March 2024, Christopher Nolan received his first Oscar for Best Director for Oppenheimer. Emma Thomas became the first British female producer to win the Oscar for Best Picture for the film.

Main Point :-   (i) Kolkata Airport celebrated its 100th anniversary on December 21, 2024, and a three-month-long celebration has been planned.

      (ii) A special UDAN Yatri Café will be opened at the airport for passengers traveling under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme. The café will offer quality, affordable meals to improve the travel experience.

(iii) The civil aviation sector in India is growing quickly and has become the third-largest domestic aviation hub in the world.

Main Point :-   (i) As per the new rules, fund managers of SIFs must hold relevant NISM certification, and the fees and expenses for SIF investment strategies will comply with Regulation 52 of the Mutual Fund (MF) regulations.

      (ii) Under SIF regulations, investments in non-investment-grade debt instruments are capped at 20% of NAV (extendable to 25% with approval), while G-secs, treasury bills, and triparty repos are exempt; fees follow MF Regulation 52.

(iii) Under the new SIF regulations, investment in non-investment-grade debt instruments is limited to 20% of the NAV (can be increased to 25% with prior approval), while government securities, treasury bills, and triparty repos are exempt from these restrictions.

Main Point :-   (i) Axis Bank's board of directors approved a plan to buy more shares in Max Life, increasing its total stake in the company from 19.02% to 19.99%. As a result, MFSL's stake in Max Life decreased from 87% to 81%.

      (ii) The visual merger of Axis and Max symbolizes stronger trust in the brand, which is highlighted through the 'Double Bharosa' campaign featuring Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, and his wife Ritika Sajdeh.

(iii) The partnership between two well-known financial service companies will help the business achieve its long-term growth goals. This will be done by expanding carefully into areas beyond major cities (metro and tier 1 cities).

Main Point :-   (i) Rob Davis, CEO of MSD (also known as Merck & Co., Inc.), has been appointed as the new Vice-President of IFPMA.

      (ii) In 2024, Pfizer Inc, based in the United States, is the leading pharmaceutical company in the world, followed by Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie.

      - The FSS will serve both military and humanitarian purposes. They can be used for emergency evacuations or to deliver relief supplies to areas affected by disasters during Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

Main Point :-   (i) The delivery of these ships is expected to begin by mid-2027, with the keel-laying ceremony for the first ship taking place in November 2024 at HSL in Visakhapatnam.

      (ii) These ships, weighing over 40,000 tonnes, will carry vital supplies such as fuel, water, and ammunition to warships, allowing them to operate far from ports.

(iii) The FSS will help the Navy stay operational for longer periods without needing to return to port.

Main Point :-   (i) Key People: Rajesh Kumar Pathak (Secretary, TDB), and Srinath Ravichandran and Syed Peer Mohamed Shah Khadri (Founders of Agnikul Cosmos).

      (ii) Agnikul Cosmos has achieved a historic milestone with the successful maiden launch of AgnibaanSOrTeD, the world’s first flight using a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine.

      - India claimed the championship title, with Bangladesh finishing as runners-up and Nepal securing the 3rd position.

Main Point :-   (i) Gongadi Trisha of India was named Player of the Match in the finals and also received the Player of the Series award. She emerged as the tournament's top scorer, amassing 159 runs across 5 innings.

      (ii) The U-19 Women's T20 Asia Cup was organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), featuring a total of 6 teams. These included four Asian full members—Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—along with the hosts, Malaysia, and Nepal, who qualified as the winners of the Women's U-19 Asia Qualifier 2025.

      - Highlighted success of BJP government in addressing Naxalite insurgency.

Main Point :-   (i) Increased anti-Left-Wing Extremism operations during Shah's visit.

      (ii) 207 Maoists killed in Chhattisgarh in 2024, up from 22 in 2023.

(iii) Bastar's IG emphasized impact of well-coordinated operations.

Main Point :-   (i) ACCA will provide digital content and train educators.

      (ii) ACCA to organize seminars, workshops, and roundtables on financial education.

      - The report calls for tailored, region-specific adaptation strategies.

Main Point :-   (i) Emphasis on collective efforts and innovative frameworks to address climate challenges.

      - 100% financial closure achieved for Bangalore Metro Phase 2.

Main Point :-   (i) Separate project agreement signed between BMRCL and KfW Germany.

      (ii) External funding for Phase 2 now complete.

      - Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw ranked 82nd, was the founder of Biocon.

      - Hussain won four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year.

      Developed by JAXA, NIES, and MOE of Japan.

Main Point :-   Enhanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in SWIR and TIR bands.

      Intelligent pointing mechanism to avoid cloud-covered areas.

Main Point :-   (i) Decision driven by strategic shift and reduced reliance on a single partner.

      (ii) RBL Bank will continue to service existing 3.4 million co-branded cards.

(iii) Cardholders can continue using their cards under existing terms.

      - Key Performances: Suryakumar Yadav scored 48 off 35 balls, Ajinkya Rahane contributed 37 off 30 balls, and Suryansh Shedge played a crucial role with his quickfire innings.

Main Point :-   (i) Mumbai chased down the target of 175 runs with 5 wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare.

      - Failure to provide loan agreements in vernacular languages.

Main Point :-   (i) Zavron Finance is prohibited from operating as an NBFI.

Main Point :-   (i) Amazon surpassed its previous pledges, enabling over 12 million small businesses and achieving nearly $13 billion in exports.

      (ii) Smbhav Venture Fund signed an agreement with DPIIT, earmarking $120 million for manufacturing startups.

Main Point :-   (i) Key highlights included an exhibition on shipbuilding techniques and a cultural program.

      - Aimed at enhancing urban mobility and sustainability.

Main Point :-  

Main Point :-   (i) An MoU signed for cooperation in polar and ocean research.

      - Nearly half of drowning deaths are among people below 29 years of age.

Main Point :-   (i) Low- and middle-income countries experience 90% of drowning deaths.

      (ii) WHO recommends community-based actions to prevent drowning.

      - Marks the 30th anniversary of UNCCD.

Main Point :-   (i) Largest UN land conference to date.

      (ii) Focus on accelerating land restoration and drought resilience.

      - PSBs paid ₹61,964 crore in dividends over the past three years.

Main Point :-   (i) Significant contributions to financial inclusion and government schemes.

      (ii) Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) improved to 15.43%.

      - Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa boost tourism and foreign exchange earnings. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh lead in infrastructure development. Rajasthan and Gujarat focus on renewable energy. Northeastern states improve connectivity, enhancing trade and tourism.

Main Point :-   (i) 25 states recorded over 7% GSDP growth in FY22 and FY23.

      (ii) 17 states achieved over 9% growth, including Gujarat and Kerala.

(iii) PHDCCI proposes a nine-pronged strategy for sustained growth.

Main Point :-   (i) Marks the first record of the Microleptinae subfamily in India.

      (ii) New species include Microleptes chiani, M. gowrishankari, M. sandeshkaduri, M. tehriensis, and M. depressus.

Main Point :-   (i) D Gukesh becomes youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18.

      - France's political instability raises doubts about Macron's term completion.

Main Point :-   (i) Channels will cover grades 1-12, including Indian Sign Language.

Main Point :-   (i) CE20 engine has been qualified for thrust levels of 19, 20, and 22 tonnes for various missions.

Main Point :-   (i) DRDO's Technology Development Fund supports research and development in defense technologies.

Main Point :-   (i) Launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot for Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) he taxonomy sets emission intensity thresholds for green-rated steel.

      (ii) National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) will oversee measurement, reporting, and certification.

Main Point :-   (i) Expansion plan includes an additional investment of Rs 10,000 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) Chaudhary serves as Chairman and Nominee Director on the Boards of NHDC Ltd. and Loktak Downstream Hydroelectric Corporation Ltd.

Main Point :-   (i) The airline received three APEX Awards at the FTE Awards in Singapore.

Main Point :-   (i) Purushottam Upadhyay, a legendary Gujarati singer, passed away at 90.

Main Point :-   (i) The program has awarded 290 winners from 27 Asia-Pacific countries since 2000.

Main Point :-   (i) The new law aims to eliminate redundancies in the aviation sector.

Main Point :-   (i) Aircraft to be manufactured at HAL's Nasik division

Main Point :-   (i) Dedicated camps will be organized to facilitate registration for schemes like NPS, Atal Pension Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri SVANidhi Scheme.

Main Point :-   (I) The act mandates proper utilization of government funds by Sports Associations.

Main Point :-   (i) SEBI reduces SIP cancellation processing time to 2 working days

Main Point :-   (i) Drones enhance surveillance with high-altitude performance and EO-IR cameras.

      (ii) Supports India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative for self-reliance.

Main Point :-   Initiatives like SVAMITVA Scheme and Meri Panchayat app enhance governance

Main Point :-   (i) The new system is expected to save the state over Rs 2,000 crore annually.

Main Point :-   (i) Report based on data from over 6.5 lakh candidates and insights from 1,000+ corporations.

      (ii) India's diverse talent pool contributes significantly to global sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare.

Main Point :-   (i) Features intensive combat manoeuvres with aircraft like Sukhoi-30MKIs, Rafales, and F-16s.

      (ii) The exercise is part of broader efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships.

Main Point :-   (i) Implementation will occur in Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

      (ii) Low-cost maker spaces will nurture curiosity, creativity, and innovation.

Main Point :-   (i) Finished 2024 as the World No. 1 player.

Main Point :-   (i) Burmans collectively own 25.12% stake as of September 30, 2024.

      (ii) Consolidation plan required by March 31, 2026.

Main Point :-   (i) Manchanda was the undisputed national champion from 1977 to 1982.

      (ii) He played a key role in India winning silver at the 1981 Asian Team Championships.

Main Point :-   (i) The project will be showcased at the National Chief Secretaries’ Conference in Delhi.

      (ii) The initiative will create job opportunities and serve as a technical skills learning hub.

Main Point :-   (i) The visit included the 21st IRIGC-M&MTC meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov.

Main Point :-   (i) The loan will be provided to India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL).

      (ii) IIFCL will integrate green practices and assess project sustainability.

      - 170 personnel received drone licenses.

Main Point :-   (i) RPTI established in 2023 under the Centre for Counter Terrorism

Main Point :-   (i) He is renowned for his work in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region.

      (ii) Gadgil's work has influenced environmental policy and conservation in India.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU seeks to leverage the strong bilateral relations and economic opportunities between India and Australia.

      (ii) The collaboration aims to strengthen cross-border payments with customer-centric solutions.

Main Point :-   (i) Qualified brokers will set up systems for seamless investor participation.

      (ii) Implementation starts on January 31, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) FIFA members voted via video link during the Extraordinary Congress meeting.

Main Point :-   (i) BEML recently signed an MoU with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd for marine R&D.

      - Regular scholars must have passed Class XII with at least 60% marks and an annual family income below ₹2,50,000.

(i) Regular scholars receive ₹20,000 per annum, and special girl scholars receive ₹10,000 per annum.   (ii) Scholarships are awarded based on merit and family income.

Main Point :-   (i) Computer software and hardware sector received $4.19 billion in FDI

      (ii) Singapore remained the top investor with $7.53 billion FDI in April-September

Main Point :-   (i) The URJAVEER programme aims to empower 1 lakh individuals as ambassadors for energy efficiency.

      (ii) Energy-efficient appliances to be distributed to economically vulnerable households under PMAY.

Main Point :-   Bashir is an engineering graduate and has studied Islamic and civil law.

      The appointment follows the rebels' successful offensive in Damascus

Main Point :-   (i) Trials and testing of IISR Surasa were conducted over six years.

      (ii) Farmers will have restricted access to the variety’s planting material starting in May–June.

Main Point :   (i) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) reduced India's GDP growth projection for this fiscal year to 6.5% from 7%.

      (ii) ADB also lowered its growth forecast for 2025-26 to 7% from 7.2%.

      - The initiative aims to achieve Minimum Government and Maximum Governance.

(i) Accreditation granted to 20 ministries and 140 training institutes.   (ii) Mission Karmayogi Bharat and National Capacity Building Commission integrated into governance.

      (iii) Launch of 13 Quality Improvement Plans (QIP) for continuous enhancement of training institutions.

(iv) Recognition of top-performing Civil Service Training Institutions (CSTIs)

      - The theme of the Investment Summit is 'Replete, Responsible, Ready'.

  (i) He launched the LIC's Bima Sakhi Yojana in Haryana on 9th Dec 2024

      - New Rates: From ₹5.45 to ₹6.19 for primary and Bal Vatika classes, and from ₹8.17 to ₹9.29 for upper primary classes.

(i) Effective Date: December 1, 2024.   (ii) Central Government Support: Additional cost of ₹425.62 crore for FY 2024-25.

      (iii) Central Government Support: Additional cost of ₹425.62 crore for FY 2024-25.

(i) Signatories: Indian Ambassador Sumit Seth and Nicaragua's Foreign Minister Valdrack Jaentschke   (ii) Focus Areas: Physical infrastructure (roads, community centers) and social infrastructure (education, healthcare, sanitation)

(i) NLFC provides live forecast reporting in Kalimpong, Darjeeling, and Nilgiri districts.   (ii) CNR-IRPI is a leading institution in developing regional LEWS models.

      - The MoU signing event symbolizes the beginning of a journey toward economic and social empowerment.

(i) DICCI is known for fostering entrepreneurship among marginalized groups.   (ii) The collaboration will provide concessional credit and support for self-employment ventures.

      (iii) The initiative aims to create awareness, provide credit support, advocate for policies, and inspire youth.

(iv) The partnership is expected to serve as a model for collaborative efforts in empowering marginalized communities.

Main Point :-   (i) The first-ever Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare was observed on November 30, 2016.

      (ii) The OPCW-The Hague Award 2024 ceremony honored two recipients: the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) and Algeria's National Institute of Criminalistics and Criminology of the National Gendarmerie (NICC/NG).

The Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the CWC (CSP-29) took place in The Hague, Netherlands, on November 25, 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) In August 1987, World AIDS Day was proposed by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers for the Global Programme on AIDS at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland.

      (ii) The first World AIDS Day was observed on December 1, 1988.

(iii) Since 1992, the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI), has been commemorating World AIDS Day every year on December 1.

Main Point :-   (i) The BSF Raising Day celebrations are held with great enthusiasm across all ranks at the Frontier Headquarters, BSF Kashmir.

      (ii) To celebrate this milestone, various events are organized across BSF stations in the Kashmir Valley. These include public outreach programs, medical camps, rallies, and cultural events.

      - It is monitored by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E).

Main Point :-   (i) To date, 1,671 government buildings have been audited for accessibility, with a target of auditing 25 to 50 buildings across 50 cities.

      (ii) A fund of Rs 562 crore has been allocated for the retrofitting of 1,314 buildings.

      - The SRDD will include key upgrades such as enhancing combat systems, overhauling operational equipment, and strengthening support mechanisms to improve overall functionality and operational readiness.

Main Point :-   (i) These upgrades will elevate INS Vikramaditya's ability to respond to evolving maritime challenges, ensuring it remains a cutting-edge asset in India's naval forces.

      (ii) The project will also establish CSL as a prominent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, contributing significantly to the growth of India's industrial ecosystem and boosting employment.

(iii) By involving around 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the project is expected to generate employment for over 3,500 individuals, further supporting the Indian economy.

Main Point :-   (i) The two organizations launched the first scientific "Continuing Medical Education" (CME) program under this MoU, focusing on 'High Altitude, Aerospace (Aviation), and Marine Medicine.' The event took place at the JLN Auditorium at AIIMS, New Delhi.

      (ii) This collaboration represents a key milestone in combining academic excellence with operational expertise, ensuring the development of innovative solutions to address healthcare challenges in extreme environments.

Main Point :-   (i) The underground shooting range features a 25-meter firing range, six firing lanes, bulletproof ceilings, and an electronic target control system, enabling 24/7 uninterrupted training with maximum safety.

      (ii) It includes advanced capabilities such as night firing with focused lighting, an automatic steel bullet trap system, and software for target control, supporting training with various small arms.

(iii) The facility complements the upcoming shooting range at a Government school in Kalkaji, highlighting efforts to provide accessible and high-quality training for young NCC cadets.

      - The agreement follows the visit of Catherine West, the British Minister for Indo-Pacific, to India in November 2024, which further reinforced the defence cooperation between the two countries.

Main Point :-   (i) The SoI will serve as a framework for cooperation in the co-design, co-creation, and co-production of electric propulsion systems for future naval ships, promoting joint technological advancements.

      (ii) The deal also opens the door for the use of Rolls-Royce MT-30 gas turbines in Indian warships. These turbines are already in use by the UK’s HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, known for their power and efficiency.

(iii) The first project under this collaboration will involve the construction of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs) with a Full Electric Propulsion System at an Indian shipyard. Currently, the Indian Navy uses propulsion systems from the USA, Russia, and Ukraine in many of its ships.

      - In 1991, Essar expanded into the power sector, becoming India's first Independent Power Producer (IPP). The company later ventured into shipping in 1992 and telecom in 1995.

Main Point :-   (i) Shashi Ruia was actively involved in various national and business organizations, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), where he served on the managing committee.

      (ii) In 2017, he joined an elite list of achievers. He and his brother were honored with the "Business India Businessman of the Year Award" in 2010.

(iii) EGFL is the fourth-largest business house in India by assets.

      - The One District, One Product (ODOP) Yojana, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has played a key role in expanding the reach of GI-tagged products, further strengthening Gujarat's status as a hub of exceptional craftsmanship.

Main Point :-   (i) The GI tag not only secures the continued growth of the Gharchola craft but also safeguards traditional skills, empowering local weavers and ensuring that the craftsmanship is passed down to future generations.

      (ii) Gharchola sarees are renowned for their bright colors, including red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold significant religious meaning in Hindu and Jain traditions, and are traditionally worn at weddings and important events.

(iii) The evolving designs of Gharchola sarees have made them popular among contemporary buyers, and they are now widely available at Garvi Gurjari sales centers across Gujarat, further expanding their market presence.

Main Point :-   (i) Amardeep Singh Bhatia presented the NCB Lifetime Achievement Award to Padma Shri awardee Dr. HC Visvesvaraya in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the cement and concrete sector.

      (ii) During the conference, NCB signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to promote decarbonization and technological innovation in the cement industry.

(iii) Arti Bhatnagar, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor of DPIIT, MoC&I, presented the National Awards for the Indian Cement Industry on the concluding day of the conference.

      - The main objective of Exercise CINBAX 2024 is to plan and conduct joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations, focusing on the creation of a Joint Training Task (JTT) Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, while also addressing operational planning, wargaming contingencies, and integrating force multipliers in sub-conventional operations.

Main Point :-   (i) The exercise is divided into three phases: Phase I involves orientation and preparation for Counter Terrorism (CT) operations during UN peacekeeping missions, Phase II focuses on conducting Table Top exercises, and Phase III is dedicated to finalizing plans and reviewing the exercise.

      (ii) Key areas of discussion include information operations, cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, logistics, casualty management, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

(iii) The exercise highlights India’s indigenous defense capabilities, promoting "Atmanirbharta" in defense production, while also reflecting the IA's commitment to enhancing international defense cooperation and ensuring regional security.

Main Point :-   The report estimates that approximately 7.7 million people, including women, were engaged in the gig economy in 2020-21, accounting for 2.6% of the non-agricultural workforce or 1.5% of the total workforce in India.

Main Point :-   (i) The Eklavya platform aims to enhance professional military education, reduce course congestion, and prepare officers for specialized roles, promoting continuous learning and specialization.

      (ii) This initiative is a major leap toward utilizing technology to advance the Indian Army’s training programs.

(iii) The platform hosts 96 courses from 17 Category 'A' Training Establishments of the Indian Army, offering officers the ability to register for multiple courses concurrently, ensuring flexibility in professional development throughout their careers.

      - During its tenure, Russia organised over 250 events aimed at strengthening cooperation within BRICS.

Main Point :-   (i) Under Russia's presidency, key agreements were signed, including the establishment of a BRICS grain exchange, formation of a contact group on climate and sustainable development, creation of a geological, technological, and investment platform, and initiation of a working group on nuclear medicine.

      (ii) The XVI BRICS Summit, held in Kazan from 22nd to 24th October 2024 under Russia's presidency, resulted in the adoption of the Kazan Declaration and marked BRICS' expansion with Egypt, Iran, the UAE, and Ethiopia joining as full members, while Belarus, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand became BRICS partners.

(iii) Brazil is expected to build on the solid groundwork laid during Russia’s presidency to further enhance collaboration among BRICS members and its new partners.

Main Point :-   (i) UPI Switch is a product that facilitates communication between core banking systems and UPI systems managed by NPCI to process UPI transactions.

      (ii) When a user initiates a UPI transaction, the UPI Switch communicates with the bank to ensure that the funds debited from the sender's account are seamlessly credited to the receiver’s account.

(iii) Earlier, Razorpay launched UPI Switch in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank. Additionally, NPST has its own UPI Switch, while Cashfree Payments recently launched its UPI Switch in partnership with National Securities Depository Limited Payments Bank.

Main Point :-   (i) Both Navi and Cred now account for approximately 1% of the UPI market share each.

      (ii) In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted the restrictions it had previously imposed on Navi, which were related to concerns over the loan pricing strategy.

Main Point :-   (i) Vijay Chandok began his career with ICICI Bank in 1993, advancing through various roles including General Manager, President (2010), and Executive Director (2016). He later moved to ICICI Securities in 2019, serving as MD for over five years.

      (ii) With over 30 years of experience, Vijay Chandok has demonstrated strong expertise in corporate governance, financial strategy, and played a key role in expanding ICICI's business and strengthening its position in capital markets.

(iii) Under Vijay Chandok's leadership, NSDL achieved significant milestones, including becoming India's first securities depository to reach Rs 500 lakh crore (USD 6 trillion) in assets under custody in September 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) The companies plan to get approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). TEPL already runs an iPhone assembly plant in Karnataka and is building another one in Hosur, Tamil Nadu.

      (ii) This deal strengthens Tata's position as an Apple supplier and aims to boost iPhone production in India, as Apple looks to diversify its supply chain.

(iii) iPhones are made in India by three manufacturers: Foxconn, Pegatron Corporation, and Tata Group (previously Wistron Corp).

Main Point :-   (i) The Cao Bang Crocodile Newt is entirely black, with bright orange markings on its fingertips and toes. It is about 5 inches long, has a stout body with rough skin, and its scales resemble knobs or warts. Its head is large.

      (ii) The underside of the newt has a dark gray belly, with an orange stripe running down the center of its tail.

(iii) The discovery of the Cao Bang Crocodile Newt (Tylototriton koliaensis) is a significant addition to Vietnam’s biodiversity.

      - He also secured 7 mixed doubles majors, including 3 French Open titles in 1961, 1962, and 1969, partnering with Lesley Turner Bowrey and Margaret Court.

Main Point :-   (i) He contributed to Australia's success in the Davis Cup by helping the team win 3 consecutive titles from 1964 to 1966.

      (ii) As a coach, he guided Vitas Gerulaitis to the 1977 Australian Open title and served as a broadcaster for over 50 years with Australia's Nine Network and U.S. broadcasters Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) and Fox Sports.

Main Point :-   (i) The main goal of this initiative is to speed up technological progress by giving researchers, startups, and developers access to high-quality, diverse data that is needed to build effective and inclusive AI solutions.

      (ii) The data bank will also help improve national security by providing real-time data analysis for areas like disaster management, cybersecurity, and defense.

      - These satellites are designed to change or maintain their flight paths on their own, without needing help from ground control. This innovation will revolutionize surveying and mapping in space.

Main Point :-   (i) The satellites, developed by SAST, feature advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology and high-precision radar tools, enabling 100-meter orbital accuracy and formation flying with precision better than 1 meter.

      (ii) The goal of this project is to build a network of at least 28 satellites to provide comprehensive Earth observation data for various industries and uses.

(iii) China's space advancements include the constellation set to be fully operational by 2025, the Ludi Tance 4-01 (world's first geosynchronous orbit SAR satellite) launched in August 2023, and plans to send a humanoid robot to the moon in 2028.

Main Point :-   (i) In January 2024, Hemant Soren resigned from the CM post after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

      (ii) On 4th July 2024, he was sworn in as CM of Jharkhand for the 3rd term.

(iii) Hemant Soren is an Indian politician and member of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), who has served as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand multiple times, first taking office in 2013 and re-elected in 2019.

      - Masato Kanda has held key leadership roles at Japan’s Ministry of Finance, including Vice-Minister of Finance for International Affairs, accumulating nearly four decades of experience.

Main Point :-   (i) During his tenure as Vice-Minister, Japan made a record contribution of over USD 1 billion to the Asian Development Fund’s 13th replenishment (ADF 13).

      (ii) Masato Kanda has held key roles in Japan's Ministry of Finance, including Deputy Commissioner at the Financial Services Agency and Deputy Director-General of the Budget Bureau, while actively engaging in international forums like G7 and G20 to address global policy challenges such as MDB evolution, pandemic prevention, and debt sustainability.

(iii) He served as Chair of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Corporate Governance Committee, overseeing the review of the G20 since 2016, including the review of the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance in 2023. He also served as the Alternate Executive Director for Japan at the World Bank (WB).

Main Point :-   (i) Prior to his appointment as MD & CEO, he served as Deputy Managing Director (Global Markets) at SBI's Corporate Centre, overseeing treasury operations.

      (ii) Nand Kishore began his career at SBI in 1990 as a probationary officer (PO) and advanced through the ranks, holding significant positions such as Chief Dealer at SBI New York, Deputy General Manager (Interest Rate Markets), and Chief General Manager at SBI Bengaluru.

(iii) His extensive experience has positioned him as a strategic leader at SBI Funds Management Limited.

Main Point :-   (i) Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom, popularly known as MC Mary Kom, is an Olympic Boxer and former Rajya Sabha member. She won a Bronze Medal in the 2012 London Olympics.

      (ii) She is the only female to have won the World Amateur Boxing Championship six times and the only boxer, regardless of gender, to secure eight World Championship medals (6 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze).

(iii) Her achievements, including her six world titles and her triumphs in Olympic and international competitions, have made her a symbol of perseverance and excellence in sports.

      - The submarine is equipped with 4 launch tubes capable of carrying 12 K-15 Sagarika Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 km or 4 K-4 SLBMs with a range of 3,500 km.

Main Point :-   (i) The commissioning strengthens India’s nuclear triad with land-based missiles like Prithvi-II (350 km), Agni-I (700 km), Agni-2 (2,000 km), Agni-3 (3,000 km), Agni-5 (over 5,000 km); air-based assets like Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, and Rafale fighter jets; and sea-based deterrence through INS Arihant and INS Arighaat.

      (ii) India’s sea-based nuclear deterrence is reinforced by INS Arihant and INS Arighaat, with the third submarine, INS Aridhaman, scheduled for commissioning in 2025.

(iii) Future missile developments include K-5 and K-6 SLBMs, with ranges of 5,000–6,000 km, further enhancing India’s strategic capabilities.

Main Point :-   (i) India has previously hosted the 8th Asian Air Gun Competition in 2015 and the Asian Olympic Qualifier in 2016.

      (ii) India has also hosted 6 major competitions organized by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), including two World Cup Finals.

(iii) In 2024, India hosted the ISSF World Cup Final for Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun events in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   The first-ever International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was observed on November 29, 1978.

      - Digital Piggery Insurance, developed with IRDAI and Tata AIG, is an app-based system simplifying registration and claims for piggery farmers, while entrepreneurs benefit from a 12% vehicle purchase discount and up to a 42% subsidy under the CM's Microfinance Initiative (CMMFI).

Main Point :-   (i) The Nagaland Logistics Connect initiative was launched to improve the state's transportation and logistics infrastructure.

      (ii) The CM's Universal Life (UL) Insurance Scheme was introduced to provide financial protection to families in case of unexpected events, reinforcing the government’s commitment to social and financial security.

(iii) The Hornbill Festival, known as the "Festival of Festivals," is a 10-day annual event organized by the Nagaland Government since 2000 to celebrate Naga cultural heritage, with the 2024 theme "Cultural Connect."

Main Point :-   (i) The event also featured the introduction of the 'Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal', an online platform that enables citizens to report child marriage cases, file complaints, and access details of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) across the country.

      (ii) The Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) at the national level improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.

Main Point :-   (i) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Industry of Academia-Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi achieved a significant milestone in secure communication through successful demonstrations of various quantum communication technologies in New Delhi, Delhi.

      (ii) These demonstrations primarily focused on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), an advanced method for encrypting information securely without detection.

      - The Agni Warrior exercise, conducted under the Army Bilateral Agreement between India and Singapore since 2004, involves extensive joint preparation and field training, where personnel from both armies collaborate on various operational tasks to enhance coordination and interoperability.

Main Point :-   (i) The 12th edition of the Agni Warrior exercise was held at the same Devlali Field Firing Ranges in 2022.

      (ii) The goal of XAW-2024 was to enhance mutual understanding of drills and procedures for greater cooperation as a multinational force under the UN Charter, showcasing joint firepower planning, execution, and the use of modern equipment by the artillery units of the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.

(iii) The exercise involved sharing best practices and advanced techniques, improving operational knowledge, and building mutual trust between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.

      - Introduced on 7th September 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission (NCDRC), e-Daakhil is an online platform designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process. It was developed as a quick, inexpensive, and hassle-free mechanism for filing complaints during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Main Point :-   (i) The platform provides an easy-to-use interface for consumers to file complaints, track their status, and make payments, all while eliminating the need for physical appearances at forums.

      (ii) e-Daakhil ensures a paperless, transparent process, allowing consumers or advocates to file complaints from anywhere.

(iii) Over 2.81 lakh users have registered on e-Daakhil, with 1,98,725 cases filed and 38,453 cases disposed of; additionally, the Government of India plans to introduce "e-Jagriti," a new initiative to automate the filing and management of consumer cases, ensuring a smoother experience for all stakeholders.

Main Point :-   (i) India accounts for 23% of the global pneumonia burden and faces challenges with drug-resistant bacteria. Nafithromycin addresses these issues with minimal side effects and no major drug interactions, making it an important step in the fight against AMR (which prolongs illnesses and increases healthcare costs).

      (ii) This milestone showcases India’s growing innovation in biotechnology, supported by a Rs 500 crore investment and 14 years of research. It positions India as a global leader in healthcare advancements.

Main Point :-   (i) India, with 65 universities, has the highest representation on the list. However, no Indian university made it to the top 10 or the top 20 in the rankings.

      (ii) According to the rankings, the top 100 universities are spread across all six continents. Asia leads with 47 universities from 15 countries, followed by Europe with 24 universities, North America with 17, Africa with 5, Oceania with 4, and South America with 3.

(iii) Times Higher Education (THE), formerly known as The Times Higher Education Supplement (The THES), is a British magazine that covers news and issues related to higher education.