- In June 1990, Rabiya launched an adult literacy campaign in Tirurangadi, Malappuram, becoming a prominent figure in Kerala’s literacy movement.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1994, she founded Chalanam, an organization that facilitated social transformation for thousands in her native Vellilakad village and surrounding areas.

      (ii) Rabiya was revered as Kerala's Aksharaputri (daughter of letters) for her critical role in the State’s total literacy movement and She played a pivotal role in making Malappuram the first e-literate district in India through the Akshaya project.

(iii) Rabiya received several prestigious awards, including the National Youth Award (1993), Kannagi Sthree Shakti Award (1999), UNDP Award (2000), Joseph Mundaserry Award (2010), and the Padma Shri (2022) for her exceptional contributions to social work and education.

Main Point :-   (i) On May 2, 2025, PM Narendra Modi dedicated the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport to the nation. This landmark project, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is worth Rs. 8,867 crore. Full-fledged operations at the port are expected to commence by the year 2028–29.

      (ii) Also on May 2, 2025, the PM inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple development projects in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, with a total value exceeding Rs. 58,000 crore.

(iii) As part of this, he laid the foundation stone for 74 projects worth Rs. 49,000 crore, signifying a major boost to the state's infrastructure and growth initiatives.

      - This is Kozhikode’s second international recognition, following the 2023 UNESCO City of Literature designation, further highlighting the city’s progressive approach to urban development and cultural inclusion.

Main Point :-   (i) Kozhikode Corporation earned WHO recognition through the implementation of several age-friendly policies. These include the establishment of daycare centres, creation of safe spaces for elderly engagement, and organization of seminars specifically designed for senior citizens. These initiatives have strengthened the city's support system for the aging population and enhanced their quality of life.

      (ii) With its inclusion in the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), Kozhikode Corporation will now have access to international best practices and guidance. This membership will help the city further develop elderly-friendly infrastructure and foster an inclusive urban environment that promotes healthy and active aging.

(iii) The WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), established in 2010, connects cities and organizations globally to foster age-friendly environments. It promotes change through shared practices, global knowledge exchange, and evidence-based solutions. Coordinated by WHO’s SDH department and supported by IFA Canada, the network spans 1,705 cities in 60 countries, covering over 330 million people.

      - He served as an English professor before retiring from academia in 1993 to focus on coaching and He was India's national shooting coach for 19 years, from 1993 to 2012.

Main Point :-   (i) Under his coaching, Indian shooters won 4 Olympic medals, including India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal by Abhinav Bindra (10m Air Rifle, Beijing 2008).

      (ii) Indian shooters also earned medals in 6 World Championships, 50+ World Cups, 6 Asian Games, and 5 Commonwealth Games during his tenure.

      - His 1994 film Swaham became the second Indian film ever to be selected for the competition section at the Cannes Film Festival. Another major directorial achievement, Vanaprastham (1999), premiered at Cannes and went on to win National Awards for Best Feature Film, Best Actor, and Best Editing.

Main Point :-   (i) Shaji N. Karun played a pioneering role in the development of India's film infrastructure by becoming the founding Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy—the first film and television academy in India. His leadership laid the foundation for many initiatives to support filmmakers.

      (ii) He also led the Kerala government's efforts to launch its OTT platform, C-Space, which aimed to protect, promote, and archive films of cultural and artistic importance. This was a landmark step in preserving India’s rich cinematic heritage.

(iii) Shaji N. Karun received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2011 for his contribution to the arts. In 2019, he was awarded the Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. In 2023, he was honored with the JC Daniel Award, Kerala's highest recognition for lifetime achievement in cinema.

Main Point :-   (i) This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in the advancement of space medicine. The collaboration will support India’s human space flight missions, particularly the Gaganyaan program, and enhance healthcare both in space and on Earth.

      (ii) The MoU aims to accelerate innovations in areas such as human physiological research, behavioral health studies, biomedical support systems, radiation biology, and medicine, among others.

(iii) The collaboration will also promote research opportunities in space medicine and lead to the development of new technologies that could benefit national priorities.

Main Point :-   (i) Labeo uru was discovered in the Chandragiri River (Karnataka). The species was named after a traditional wooden dhow ('uru'), due to its sail-like elongated dorsal fin.

      (ii) Labeo chekida, a small, dark-bodied fish, was identified in the Chalakudy River (Kerala) and is locally known as "kaka chekida".

(iii) Both species are endemic to their respective river systems, highlighting the unique aquatic biodiversity of the region.

Main Point :-   (i) For his immense contributions to the field of science and engineering, he was honoured with several of India’s highest civilian awards: Padma Shri in 1982 (India's fourth-highest civilian award), Padma Bhushan in 1992 (India's third-highest civilian award), and Padma Vibhushan in 2000 (India's second-highest civilian award).

      (ii) Dr. Kasturirangan's legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists and researchers, leaving an indelible mark on India's advancements in space exploration and technology.

      - He founded the National Angioplasty Registry of India (NARI) to promote standardization in cardiac procedures and foster innovation, and also served as the President of the Asian-Pacific Society of Interventional Cardiology from 1995 to 1997.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. Mathew Samuel Kalarickal received the prestigious Dr. B.C. Roy Award in 1996 for excellence in the field of medicine.

      (ii) In 2003, Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Chennai conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa).

(iii) He was also recognized with the "Rashtriya Samman" in 2000, awarded to top taxpayers in the country.

Main Point :-   The turmeric contains curcumin content in the range of 2% to 3%, on par with other light-coloured turmeric varieties.

      - The six newly discovered Sericinae beetle species are — Maladera champhaiensis, found in Mizoram; Neoserica churachandpurensis, identified from Manipur; Maladera barasingha, named in honor of the Indian swamp deer; Maladera lumlaensis, discovered in Arunachal Pradesh; Serica subansiriensis, also from Arunachal Pradesh; and Maladera onam, which was found in Kerala.

Main Point :-   (i) The study also led to new state records, including Maladera bengalensis in Goa and Maladera seriatoguttata in Maharashtra. In total, 28 additional beetle species were documented, enhancing the distribution data and understanding of beetle diversity across India.

      (ii) The discoveries emphasize the importance of India’s biodiversity hotspots. Five of the six species were found in Northeast India, a region that forms part of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, known for its high endemism and ecological sensitivity. Maladera onam, found in Kerala, highlights the richness and vulnerability of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site threatened by deforestation and human encroachment.

(iii) Sericinae beetles play dual roles in ecosystems. While some species are known agricultural pests impacting crops, others are beneficial to soil health, contributing to aeration and nutrient recycling, which is vital for maintaining ecological balance and agricultural productivity.

Main Point :-   (i) Under the MoU, KMBL, as a Scheduled Commercial Bank (SCB), will extend tailored banking solutions, including support for export documentation, fundraising workshops, and masterclasses on financial management for startups.

      (ii) The bank will also utilize its international branch network to help Kerala-based startups connect with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and explore global business opportunities.

(iii) On its part, KSUM will provide a robust framework comprising incubation support, mentorship programs, funding assistance, and access to startup infrastructure. It will further aid startups by facilitating connections with investors, industry experts, and government schemes to accelerate their growth journey.

      - He served as the Head of the Malayalam Department at Kannur University (Kerala) from 2003 to 2005 and retired in 2006.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2015, Venugopala Panikkar received the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Lifetime Achievement.

      (ii) He presented papers at over 100 national and international seminars and authored notable books such as Swanamandalam, Noam Chomsky, Bhashartham, and Bhashalokam.

      - Initially, the new species' features had been misidentified as Euphaea pseudodispar, a species described from Maharashtra. But later, the study found that the new species exhibits various morphological differences from Euphaea pseudodispar like: longer black hind wing patch, wider and uninterrupted humeral and antehumeral stripes in males, among others.

Main Point :-   (i) The new species is observed throughout the year, except during the months of March and April.

      (ii) In 2013, a group of researchers first observed the distinct morphotype of Euphaea wayanadensis at the Kalindi River, Thirunelli in Wayanad district (Kerala).

Main Point :-   (i) The card integrates directly with Overdraft (OD) or Cash Credit (CC) accounts, offering limits up to Rs. 50 lakh. It enables transactions up to Rs. 3 lakh per day or up to the available OD/CC limit, ensuring seamless financial management for businesses.

      (ii) Equipped with advanced security features, it utilizes tokenization and encryption technologies for safe digital transactions. All transactions are automatically recorded in the OD/CC account, eliminating the need for separate statements and simplifying financial tracking.

(iii) With a validity of five years, the card is globally accepted via Visa and RuPay networks, allowing business customers to make secure transactions across India and internationally.

Main Point :-   (i) The ‘Rainbow Diet’ programme, initiated in 2023 in Attappady, focuses on combating malnutrition through biofortified crops and was expanded under the ‘Punarjeevanam’ programme in 2024.

      (ii) The variety is currently cultivated across 10–15 acres, with expansion plans to reach 100 acres by December 2025.

(iii) A processing unit, funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) support, is being proposed to improve farmer incomes and ensure commercial viability of the crop.

Main Point :-   (i) Loans were transferred via the IBPC market, a short-term instrument (typically 6 months) allowing banks to borrow/lend against loan collateral.

      (ii) Acquired loans carry an interest rate of 7.5-8%.

(iii) IndusInd Bank aims to secure liquidity to offset risks from a ₹2,000 crore net worth erosion linked to accounting irregularities.

Main Point :-   (i) The acquisition is subject to signing a Share Purchase Agreement (SPA), fulfilling conditions outlined in the SPA, and obtaining necessary regulatory approvals.

      (ii) AFLIC is a joint venture between Ageas Insurance International NV and Federal Bank Limited, offering life insurance products and services across India.

Main Point :-   (i) This state-of-the-art vehicle aims to enhance the operational mobility of India's defence forces, aligning with India's vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

      (ii) The vehicle is equipped with a Bharat Stage III (BS III)-compliant engine and a 7-speed Allison Automatic Transmission, supporting a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 65 tons. Developed through BEML's Futuristic Product Innovation and Incubation Centre (FPIIC), it strengthens India's defense self-reliance.

(iii) Designed to operate effectively in extreme terrains and challenging climatic conditions, this vehicle serves as a vital asset for defence operations.

      - The Nila mission, developed by HEX20 India, was supported by IN-SPACe (Ahmedabad) and ISRO (Bengaluru), which assisted with testing and approved a tracking station at Marian Engineering College, Kerala. This collaboration strengthens India's small satellite ecosystem.

Main Point :-   (i) Developed in just four months, Nila was launched with support from Berlin-based Exolaunch GmbH. The satellite, weighing under 5 kg, includes an in-orbit demonstration payload from German company Dcubed GmbH, showcasing global collaboration in satellite technology.

      (ii) To support mission operations, HEX20 India established a ground station at Marian College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram. This facility trains students and faculty in satellite operations while receiving data from Nila and future missions, promoting hands-on learning and research.

(iii) HEX20 has signed MoUs with several academic institutions in Kerala, including Government Engineering College Barton Hill and Mar Baselios College of Engineering. The company is also preparing to launch a 50 kg satellite aboard ISRO’s PSLV by 2026, marking a significant step in India's space advancements.

Main Point :-   (i) The species Sheathia rosemalayensis was discovered in Rosemala, located in the Kollam district of Kerala. It is named after the region, as the Western Ghats, also known as Sahyadri.

      (ii) This finding is crucial, as Sheathia species are extremely rare in India. Prior to this, only one other Sheathia species had been reported from the Himalayan region.

(iii) Other species in the Sheathia genus, such as S. assamica, S. indonepalensis, and S. dispersa, have a broader distribution, including Assam, Nepal, Indonesia, Taiwan, and the Hawaiian Archipelago.

      - Additionally, the commission aims to utilize the skills and experiences of senior citizens for societal benefit, encouraging their active participation in the state's development.

Main Point :-   (i) The Kerala Senior Citizens Commission will have a Chairperson and at least four senior citizen members, including one woman and one person from SC/ST. Members will be appointed by the Kerala government through an official notification.

      (ii) The commission will be headquartered in Thiruvananthapuram and will receive administrative support from a government officer of Additional Secretary rank. The Registrar will be a Joint Secretary from the Law Department, while financial matters will be handled by a Deputy Secretary from the Finance Department.

(iii) According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)'s India's Ageing Report, 2023, by 2036, 22.8% of Kerala's total population will be aged 60 years and above.

Main Point :-   (i) Bain Capital will buy the stake through its affiliates, BC Asia Investments XXV Limited and BC Asia Investments XIV Limited, in partnership with existing promoters, who will remain fully invested.

      (ii) The transaction will trigger a mandatory open offer for the purchase of an additional 26% stake in the company on an expanded capital basis (excluding warrants) at ₹236 per share.

(iii) Following the completion of the acquisition, the existing promoters will hold 28.9%, while Bain Capital will hold up to 41.7% stake in the company.

      - The genus Uniyala is named after plant taxonomist B.P. Uniyal, comprising 11 species distributed across Southern India and Sri Lanka.

Main Point :-   (i) Uniyala keralensis is a shrub species that grows 1 to 3 meters in height, with light purple florets. It differs from related species by having larger leaves, longer petioles, and fewer lateral veins. The species flowers and fruits from August to April.

      (ii) The species is found in open areas on the western mountain slopes of the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve (ABR), at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 meters.

(iii) The current population of Uniyala keralensis consists of nearly 5,000 individuals across four subpopulations in a 250 square km area and is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN Red List.

      - The summit was organized by the Government of Kerala with support from the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and EMC.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU was exchanged by Saurabh Rastogi, Executive Director (ED), REC, and Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director (JD), EMC, in the presence of key officials.

      (ii) REC Limited, based in New Delhi, was incorporated in 1969 and is registered with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), Public Financial Institution (PFI), and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).

(iii) EMC, based in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was established in February 1996. EMC is an autonomous organization under the Department of Power, Government of Kerala. The Kerala Government became the first State Government in India to establish an EMC at the State level.

Main Point :-   (i) Muthoot Microfin received the "Best Customer Application on Digital Financial Inclusion" for its Muthoot Mahila Mitra App, which has reached 1.73 million downloads with a 4.2-star rating, offering secure digital financial services for women in rural India.

      (ii) The company was recognized for its Griha Raksha Insurance Scheme, which has provided insurance coverage to 2.66 million beneficiaries, offering financial security and social empowerment.

(iii) The SKOCH Award, established in 2003, is one of India’s highest civilian honors recognizing outstanding contributions to the nation’s development.

Main Point :-   (i) This partnership aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem by offering various financial services, including project financing, machinery and equipment financing, working capital support (such as letters of credit and bank guarantees), and loans against property.

      (ii) Under this agreement, both institutions will explore joint financing options to extend credit facilities to MSMEs.

Main Point :-   (i) Vidya Balan is a renowned actress known for her impactful performances in Indian cinema. She has received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Actress, for her roles in films such as Paa (2009), The Dirty Picture (2011), and Kahaani (2012).

      (ii) She was honored with India's fourth-highest civilian award in the field of Arts for her contributions to Indian cinema.

Main Point :-   (i) The product was recently launched by Shalini Warrier, Executive Director (ED), Federal Bank.

      (ii) To open an annuity deposit, the minimum investment required is Rs. 15 lakh, while the maximum investment limit is Rs. 2 crore.

(iii) The product is designed for customers seeking a reliable, pension-like income over an extended period, with the flexibility to prematurely close their accounts in case of emergencies.

Main Point :-   (i) The product was recently launched by Shalini Warrier, Executive Director (ED), Federal Bank.

      (ii) To open an annuity deposit, the minimum investment required is Rs. 15 lakh, while the maximum investment limit is Rs. 2 crore.

(iii) The product is designed for customers seeking a reliable, pension-like income over an extended period, with the flexibility to prematurely close their accounts in case of emergencies.

Main Point :-   (i) The conference was inaugurated by Krishna M. Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International Limited.

      (ii) During ISC 2025, AISEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) to strengthen international cooperation in the spice trade.

(iii) Paresh Shah, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), announced that a revised Maximum Residue Level (MRL) for spices and culinary herbs is under development, which is expected to enhance global market access for Indian spice exporters.

Main Point :-   (i) The conference was inaugurated by Krishna M. Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech International Limited.

      (ii) During ISC 2025, AISEF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) to strengthen international cooperation in the spice trade.

(iii) Paresh Shah, Chairman of the Sub-Committee, Scientific Panel on Pesticide Residues, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), announced that a revised Maximum Residue Level (MRL) for spices and culinary herbs is under development, which is expected to enhance global market access for Indian spice exporters.

Main Point :-   (i) SIB QUICKPL is integrated with the Account Aggregator (AA) framework and the Income Tax portal for instant verification.

      (ii) The platform eliminates the need for document uploads, ensuring that the approved loan amount is credited directly to the applicant’s savings account.

(iii) This platform offers a fast, transparent, and customer-centric financing solution, tailored to the evolving financial needs of modern Indians.

Main Point :-   (i) The insurance coverage is provided by Mumbai, Maharashtra-based TATA AIG General Insurance Company Limited.

      (ii) Customers of the Prospera NRE Savings Account must maintain an Average Monthly Balance (AMB) of Rs 25,000. This balance can be maintained in either the NRE Prospera Savings Account alone or in the NRE Prospera and Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts together (with a maximum of one NRO account permitted).

(iii) The account follows the Savings Bank (SB) interest rate slab of Federal Bank and comes with a Mastercard Prospera Debit Card. There are no Account Maintenance Charges (AMC) for Prospera NRE Savings Account holders.

      - Deposits made through the 'SIB Quick FD' service are insured under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), offering coverage up to Rs. 5 lakh per depositor, ensuring a secure and reliable investment experience for customers.

Main Point :-   (i) Individuals do not need a savings account with South Indian Bank to open a Fixed Deposit (FD), providing greater flexibility and accessibility for all customers. The entire process is digital and paperless, allowing customers to set up an FD in just 5 minutes.

      (ii) The UPI fund transfer feature streamlines the payment process, making it more convenient. Only two documents, PAN and Aadhaar, are required to open an FD, and the service is available 24/7, offering customers flexibility to manage their investments at any time.

(iii) The minimum investment amount to start an FD is just Rs. 1,000, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. South Indian Bank also offers competitive interest rates on its FDs, with the added benefit of flexibility for premature withdrawals, catering to various customer needs.

      - The total revenue receipts are expected to rise by Rs 19,421.87 crore over the revised estimates for 2024-25. The State's Own-Tax Revenue (SOTR) is expected to increase by Rs 9,888 crore and the non-tax revenue by Rs 1,240 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) Social Security Pensions (SSPs), currently at Rs 1,600 per month for around 60 lakh elderly beneficiaries, may see a minor hike. Kerala has the largest SSP in India, spending over Rs 11,000 crore annually to provide a pension of Rs 1,600 per month.

      (ii) A major focus on disaster response, with a Rs 750 crore project for the 1st phase of rehabilitating victims of the 2024 Wayanad landslides, which reportedly caused over 200 deaths and significant economic damage.

(iii) Rs 21 crore were allocated for Stroke Care Units (SCU) in Ernakulam, Thrissur, and other locations. With this, Kerala will become the first Indian state to achieve the status of having SCU facilities in all district-level hospitals.

      - The 64-bit IRIS chip was conceptualized by IISU, designed by IIT Madras, and manufactured at Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL) in Chandigarh. It was packaged by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Perjenahalli (Karnataka), with the motherboard PCB manufactured by PCB Power India Limited in Gandhinagar (Gujarat). The motherboard was assembled and mounted by Syrma SGS Technology Limited in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), while the software was developed and successfully booted at IIT Madras.

Main Point :-   (i) Designed for ISRO’s command and control systems, satellite navigation, and other critical space functions. It is also suitable for computing systems needed for national security and strategic purposes.

      (ii) Its versatility makes it useful in Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other advanced technological applications.

(iii) Supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) under the 'Digital India RISC-V Microprocessor (DIR-V)' program, this project promotes indigenous microprocessor development. It is led by Dr. Veezhinathan Kamakoti, a professor at IIT Madras.

      - The programme aims to build a robust health system to address emerging health challenges, including those linked to climate change. Additionally, a 24×7 emergency care network will be developed, featuring ambulances and a trauma registry to enhance trauma and emergency medical services.

Main Point :-   (i) Efforts will be made to strengthen elderly care by engaging local self-government institutions and improving the efficiency of healthcare professionals to ensure better service delivery.

      (ii) The initiative focuses on expanding the use of universal digital health applications while increasing healthcare investment to modernize and enhance Kerala’s medical infrastructure.

(iii) A comprehensive healthcare ecosystem will be developed to reduce the prevalence of NCDs, ensuring better long-term health outcomes. Kerala has already made significant progress in public health, surpassing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set for 2030.

Main Point :-   (i) Designed for larger business entities such as private limited companies, public limited companies, one-person companies, and limited liability partnerships (LLPs), addressing their complex financial needs.

      (ii) Businesses must be incorporated or registered within the last three years to qualify.

(iii) Zero minimum balance requirement for up to three years; unlimited free RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement) / NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer) transactions via digital channels; premium debit cards with exclusive benefits, including airport lounge access.

Main Point :-   (i) The iSNR initiative ensures that Indian rubber production complies with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards, promoting sustainability in rubber cultivation.

      (ii) INR Konnect is a web-based platform created to link owners of underutilized rubber plantations with potential adopters, thereby increasing plantation productivity.

      - Chal Beach also received the Blue Flag certification, further boosting Kerala's reputation as a sustainable tourism destination.

Main Point :-   (i) Kappad Beach holds historical significance as it is the site where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498.

      (ii) The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators meeting high environmental and safety standards. It started in Europe in 1987, and in 2024, over 5,000 sites across 51 countries received this certification.

(iii) India has become the 4th country in Asia, after South Korea, Japan, and the UAE, to have Blue Flag-certified beaches, marking a significant milestone in environmental excellence.

      - Over his 50-year career, he recorded more than 16,000 songs in various Indian languages and made his acting debut in the 1986 Malayalam film Nakhakshathangal.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1986, he won the 'National Film Award' for Best Male Playback Singer for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema.

      (ii) He was honored with the 'J C Daniel Award,' the highest recognition in Malayalam cinema, in 2020 for his contributions to the industry.

(iii) He also received 5 Kerala State Film Awards and 4 Tamil Nadu (TN) State Film Awards, including the TN State Film Award (1994) and the TN Kalaimamani Award (1997).

Main Point :-   (i) The portal, currently operating in Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep, connects farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and consumers for direct online sales of agricultural products, promoting transparency.

      (ii) The portal aims to create a Digital Vyapar Network (DIVYAN) to promote efficient agricultural marketing and is scalable to connect all KVKs across the 11 ICAR-ATARI centers in India.

(iii) ICAR-ATARI has registered the Kisan Samriddhi trademark for over 150 products across five categories. A mobile application (app) for easy access is also under pilot testing and will be launched soon.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. K.S. Manilal introduced 19 plant species to the scientific community, with four species named in his honor.

      (ii) He authored or co-authored 15 books and published over 200 research papers, showcasing his dedication to botanical science.

Main Point :-   (i) The Santosh Trophy is a National Football Championship organized by the All India Football Federation. A total of 31 teams participated in the 2024 edition, competing in the Group stage.

      (ii) The 2023 Santosh Trophy was won by Meghalaya, who defeated Karnataka in the final to claim the title.

      - 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.

      - 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 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) 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.

      - 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).

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

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

      - 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) Expansion plan includes an additional investment of Rs 10,000 crore.

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) Under the collaboration, SBI has approved a total loan limit of Rs 500 crore, which will be disbursed in installments of Rs 100 crore.

      (ii) Loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh will be provided to eligible customers, focusing primarily on members of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) involved in agricultural and allied activities, along with other income-generating initiatives.

(iii) By collaborating with SBI, MML can offer loans at lower interest rates, making them more accessible and affordable for borrowers, and plans to expand the co-lending initiative nationwide, as it currently operates in 20 states and 369 districts across India.

      - Loans ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 3 lakh will be provided to eligible customers, with a primary focus on members of Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) involved in agricultural and allied activities, as well as other income-generating initiatives.

Main Points:-   (i) By collaborating with SBI, MML aims to offer loans at lower interest rates, making them more accessible and affordable for borrowers, while planning to expand its co-lending initiative nationwide from its current operations in 20 states and 369 districts across India.

      (ii) In Q2 of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), MML's net profit (NP) dropped 44% to Rs 61.6 crore, down from Rs 110 crore in the same period last year, due to challenges in the microfinance sector and higher employee costs.

(iii) The gross non-performing assets (NPA) ratio increased to 2.7% at the end of September 2024, up from 2.3% during the same period last year.

Main Points:-   (i) TP Gopalan Nambiar was honored with the Electronics Man of the Year Award (1992), National Citizen's Award (2000), and Lifetime Achievement Award (2007).

      (ii) He was also recognized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) (2008) for his leadership in building a strong Indian brand in the global electronics market.

(iii) BPL was founded in 1963. Its first manufacturing facility was set up in Palakkad, Kerala.

Main Points:-   (i) The WB has approved a Rs 2,365.5 crore project submitted by Kerala's State Agriculture Department during a meeting of the WB executive directors held on 31 October 2024.

      (ii) The project has been sanctioned Rs 1,655.85 crore (USD 200 million) in assistance from the World Bank, with the Kerala state government contributing Rs 709.65 crore.

(iii) As a leading producer of spices like cardamom, vanilla, and nutmeg, Kerala accounts for approximately 20% of India's total agri-food exports.

Main Points:-   (i) This year, 5 global cities were selected for the award, including Agadir (Morocco), Melbourne (Australia), Doha (Qatar), and Iztapalapa (Mexico), alongside Thiruvananthapuram.

      (ii) The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, launched by UN Habitat and Shanghai Municipality, recognizes cities advancing sustainable practices aligned with the 2030 Agenda and New Urban Agenda, focusing on SDG 11 to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.