- The Haj Suvidha App 2.0, developed by BISAG-N under MOMA's guidance, enhances the Hajj experience with features like boarding passes, air travel details, Mina navigation, health advisories, and solutions for common pilgrim issues, benefiting especially first-time pilgrims.

Main Points:-   (i) The event was attended by key officials, including George Kurian, Minister of State (MoS) for MoMA, Α. Ρ. Abdullakutty, Chairman of the HCI, and Aseem R. Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

      (ii) Haj Guide -2024 was also released which has been prepared to make pilgrims aware of various aspects of the pilgrimage with special emphasis on the use of Haj Suvidha App 2.0 for the pilgrims.

(iii) The Guide was published in 10 languages and will be issued to all the Haj pilgrims.

      - Steel is essential for infrastructure and industry, making a stable coking coal supply vital for job creation and economic stability in India.

Main Points:-   (i) India imports about 85% of its coking coal, which is higher than that of the European Union (EU) (approximately 62%).India has 5.13 billion tonnes of prime coking coal and 16.5 billion tonnes of medium-quality coking coal, yet its production is underutilized.

      (ii) In the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), Integrated Steel Plants (ISPs) imported 58 million tonnes (MT) of coking coal, incurring a cost of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Despite this significant import, public sector washeries operated at less than 32% capacity, whereas private sector washeries operated at over 75% capacity, highlighting inefficiencies in the public sector.

(iii) The report calls for fully leveraging India's proven reserves to meet the growing demand from steel mills, which consume approximately 70 million metric tons annually.

Main Points:-   (i) These awards were introduced in 2023 by India Today Group in collaboration with the Jagriti Foundation as part of "Sahitya AajTak".

      (ii) The recipient of the prestigious AajTak Sahitya Jagriti Lifetime Achievement Award received a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a commemorative plaque, and a citation.

(iii) While, other winners received monetary prizes ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh alongside commemorative plaques and citations.

Main Points:-   (i) Participants, Central bank governors, deputy governors, and officials from 18 Global South countries attended, along with senior RBI officials, including Directors of the RBI Central Board and Deputy Governors.

      (ii) RBI@90 Initiative: This event was part of RBI's 90th-anniversary celebrations, under its flagship program, RBI@90, marking the third international conference in this series.

(iii) Global Conference on 'Digital Public Infrastructure and Emerging Technologies' held in Bengaluru, Karnataka in August 2024.

Main Points:-   (i) This announcement was made following extensive research led by wildlife biologist P. Gowri Shankar and his team, which identified the distinct genetic lineage of this snake, previously classified under a single species.

      (ii) Alongside Ophiophagus Kaalinga, the other identified species include Ophiophagus hannah (the northern king cobra), Ophiophagus bungarus (the unda king cobra), and Ophiophagus salvatana (the Luzon king cobra).

      - General Upendra Dwivedi interacted with Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and held discussions on mutual interests with Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Defence Minister Manbir Rai.

Main Points:-   (i) The central theme of the visit was "Strengthening India-Nepal ties." General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, called on General Ashok Raj Sigdel, COAS, Nepali Army, and discussed aspects of mutual interest and avenues to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.

      (ii) General Upendra Dwivedi visited the Muktinath Temple in Mustang District to pay tribute to General Bipin Rawat, India's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), where a memorial bell, 'Bipin Bell,' was installed in his honor in 2023.

(iii) During his visit, he dedicated new health centers and announced an increase in the number of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) empanelled hospitals, in addition to the addition of 2 ECHS polyclinics, one each at Butala and Dungadhi.

      - A delegation of Members of Parliament (MPs) from India, including Birendra Prasad Baishya, Pradan Baruah, Sushmita Dev, Akshay Yadav, Sandhya Ray, Tejasvi Surya, and Bansuri Swaraj, attended the event.

Main Points:-   (i) MP Birendra Prasad Baishya highlighted the inclusion of Hindi in the UN's Multilingualism Resolution, a significant achievement attained in September 2024.

      (ii) The PR of India, Ambassador to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, emphasized Hindi's role in national integration, with global representatives, including the PRs of Mauritius and Nepal, highlighting its cultural significance and shared heritage. The Deputy PR of the Republic of Suriname noted its presence in schools, and the Deputy PR of the Republic of Guyana praised its cultural impact.

(iii) The event also featured competitions in essay writing, poetry, and recitation in Hindi, with winners receiving certificates and cash prizes.

      - RBI aims to keep liquidity surplus at roughly 1% to 1.2% of Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL) to ensure that the call rates do not move away from the repo rate.

Main Points:-   (i) As of November 2024, RBI received bids worth Rs 35,420 crore from banks against the notified amount of Rs 25,000 crore, reflecting the need for funds, while the Indian Rupee (INR) depreciated by nearly 0.5% to Rs 84.45 against 1 USD, and foreign investors sold USD 4 billion from Indian stocks and bonds.

      (ii) VRR: It acts as a means to infuse short-term liquidity into the banking system. It is a process through which RBI allows banks to borrow at a rate determined by the market, generally lower than the Repo rate, for a maximum period of 14 days.

(iii) Repo rate: It is the rate at which RBI lends money to commercial banks in the event of any shortfall of funds. It is an important part of RBI's monetary policy to keep inflation under control.

      - PNB disclosed its financed emissions in the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) using the PCAF Standard.

Main Points:-   (i) The decision supports the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) draft framework on climate-related financial risk disclosures, effective from FY26 for all banks.

      (ii) As a PCAF signatory, PNB gains technical support, industry training, and India-specific emission data to improve its GHG management and reporting. It will also participate in international working groups and share knowledge through workshops and webinars on sustainable finance.

(iii) Union Bank of India was the first major Indian bank to sign the PCAF.

Main Points:-   (i) M.V. Rao, MD and CEO of Central Bank of India, mentioned in an investor call last month that the bank had received the CCI approval to acquire 25.18% of equity shares in the life insurance division of Future Generali and 24.91% in the non-life division.

      (ii) Upon completion of the process, the bank will have two more joint ventures in addition to the existing ones in home finance and financial services.

Main Points:-   (i) The ICICI Pru Guaranteed Pension Plan Flexi with this new feature provides retirees with both financial security and flexibility. The plan lets customers make affordable long-term contributions and build a sufficient retirement corpus while ensuring a consistent income that grows each year.

      (ii) With India progressing toward a developed economy and expected interest rate reductions, ICICI Prudential Life sees the current high-interest rate environment as an ideal opportunity for customers to lock in annuity rates and secure a permanent, guaranteed income for life.

      - The report has projected overall GDP growth for Asia-Pacific region (including China) in 2024 at 4.5%, from its previous estimate of 4.4%.

Main Points:-   (i) The report noted that Purchasing Manager Indices (PMI) remain strong, but other high-frequency indicators suggest temporary slowing of momentum, mainly due to a setback in the construction sector during the September quarter.

      (ii) The report underscored that climate change-related disruptions and supply shocks in the agriculture sector are the main contributors to rising food prices in the country, which is further delaying rate cuts by the RBI.

      - The award was presented on behalf of JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford, by Deepak Shetty, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of JCB India.

Main Points:-   (i) Upamanyu Chatterjee's novel emerged as the winner from a shortlist of six books, which included Sanatan by Sharankumar Limbale, translated by Paromita Sengupta; Chronicle of an Hour and a Half by Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari, The One Legged by Sakyajit Bhattacharya, translated by Rituparna Mukherjee; and Maria, Just Maria by Sandhya Mary, translated by Jayasree Kalathil.

      (ii) The jury included author-translator Jerry Pinto (Chair), art historian-curator Deepthi Sashidharan, scholar-writer-translator Tridip Suhrud, filmmaker-writer Shaunak Sen, and artist Aqui Thami.

(iii) The JCB Prize for Literature, established in 2018 by Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB), is awarded annually to celebrate Indian literature and its diverse storytelling styles. With a prize of Rs 25,00,000 (USD 30,000) and a unique sculpture, it is regarded as "India's most valuable literature prize."

Main Points:-   (i) The book was published by Navayana and it delivers a vivid account of Ambedkar's life journey from facing systemic oppression to shaping India's constitution as an advocate for marginalised communities.

      (ii) In 2023, Akshaya Mukul won the award for his biography of writer Agyeya, titled 'Writer, Rebel, Soldier, Lover: The Many Lives of Agyeya'.

      - The 8 dialogue partners include India, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America (USA).

Main Points:-   (i) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a series of important bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Laos and Malaysia on 20th November 2024, aiming to strengthen defence cooperation and address regional security concerns.

      (ii) In a meeting with Laos Defence Minister General Chansamone Chanyalath, both parties discussed ways to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation. He also invited the Laos minister to Aero India 2025, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru in February 2025, to boost Defence Industry Cooperation between India and Laos.

      - He won two Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger singles titles, 8 International Tennis Federation (ITF) titles in singles, and 1 ITF title in doubles.

Main Points:-   (i) He also won national titles in every age group from under-12 to under-18.

      (ii) Throughout his career, he participated in all four Grand Slam tournaments, though he was unable to advance past the first round.

(iii) His best performance came at the Australian Open, where he competed in 2019 and 2020.

Main Points:-   (i) Yamandú Orsi, a teacher and former mayor, was a member of the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP) and held significant roles within the Broad Front (left-wing political coalition) since 2005.

      (ii) He served as the Secretary General of the Municipality of Canelones during the term of Marcos Carámbula.

(iii) He served as the Intendant of the Canelones Department from 2015 to February 2020 and from November 2020 to 2024.

      - Dr. Hughes, a plant virologist, has led key agricultural organizations in Africa and Asia, specializing in modern technologies like remote sensing and plant quarantine systems, while advocating for gender equity and ethical use of intellectual property.

Main Points:-   (i) During her tenure as Director General of ICRISAT, Dr. Hughes navigated the organization through the global pandemic, achieving milestones such as winning the Africa Food Prize in 2021 and hosting Prime Minister Narendra Modi during ICRISAT's 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2022.

      (ii) She enhanced ICRISAT's reputation as a leader in dryland agriculture by participating in G20 agricultural meetings in 2023 and co-chairing the International Steering Committee for the United Nations' International Year of Millets.

(iii) The World Agricultural Forum (WAF) is a global, policy- neutral platform dedicated to addressing agricultural challenges. It connects governments, farmers, businesses, and experts to promote sustainable agriculture, support smallholder farmers, and strengthen value chains.

      - Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the opening session of the G20 Summit on "Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty".

Main Points:-   (i) PM Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni jointly unveiled the "Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29" during their bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the G20 summit. It is a 5-year strategic action plan that includes collaboration in a range of key sectors including defence, trade, energy, and space.

      (ii) The declaration acknowledged the successful New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) outcome at the Conference of Parties (COP29) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and extended support to the COP30 Presidency scheduled to be held in Belem, Brazil, in 2025.

(iii) The declaration launched the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty, endorsed the Rio G20 Ministerial Declaration on International Tax Cooperation for reducing inequalities and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and supported the G20 Roadmap for enhancing the effectiveness of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) in tackling global and regional challenges.

      - Goldman Sachs projects India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) to be 1.3% of GDP in CY25, driven by strong services exports. It also expects the USD/INR exchange rate to depreciate to 85.5%-86% in the next 3 to 6 months before stabilizing.

Main Points:-   (i) According to Goldman Sachs, RBI is most likely to use a cautious approach regarding monetary policy in 2025, given the need to balance domestic economic conditions with global factors like a strong US dollar and trade uncertainties.

      (ii) Goldman Sachs has projected that headline inflation will average 4.2% Y-o-Y in 2025, decreasing from over 7% in 2024.

(iii) Goldman Sachs reports that core inflation has steadily decreased from 5.0% Y-o-Y in CY23 to 3.5% Y-o-Y in CY24. It projects core inflation to reach around the RBI's target of 4% Y-o-Y in CY25, with potential downside risks if Chinese goods overcapacity is redirected to regional markets due to US tariffs.

Main Points:-   (i) George Russell made his F1 debut at the Australian Grand Prix 2019 and achieved his first win at the 2022 São Paulo Grand Prix.

      (ii) As of the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Russell has achieved 3 race wins, 4 pole positions, 8 fastest laps, and 15 podiums in F1 and will remain at Mercedes until at least the end of the 2025 season.

(iii) Verstappen has previously won the F1 World Drivers' Championship titles in 2021, 2022, and 2023 with Red Bull. He has also won 62 Grands Prix in 10 seasons.

Main Points:-   (i) Around 1 in 3 women globally have experienced either physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner, or sexual violence from a non-partner, at some point in their lives - 1 in 4 adolescent girls is abused by their partners.

      (ii) 16% to 58% of women worldwide experience technology-facilitated gender-based violence, with Generation Z and Millennials being the most impacted.

(iii) In conflict, war, and humanitarian crises, 70% of women experience gender-based violence.

      - A special exhibition on Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab's life, organized by Lalit Kala Akademi, and a short film showcasing his legacy were featured at the event.

Main Points:-   (i) Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoC; Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of Education (MoE); and Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha, were present during the event.

      (ii) President Droupadi Murmu released a commemorative stamp of Rs.5 and a commemorative coin of Rs.125 to mark Dr. Mahtab's 125th birth anniversary.

(iii) She also released three notable works: Harekrushna Mahtab: A Monograph in Odia by Baishnaba Charan Samal, published by Sahitya Akademi; Gaon Majlis, the English translation by Tarun Kumar Sahu of Dr. Mahtab's Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Odia essays; and Gaon Majlis, the Hindi translation of the same work by Sujata Shiven.

Main Points:-   (i) The NRI Index provides a framework for evaluating the effects of Information Communication & Technology (ICT) on society and the development of nations.

      (ii) The 2024 edition of the Network Readiness Index focuses on the theme "Building a Digital Tomorrow: Public-Private Investments and Global Collaboration for Digital Readiness." It highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in shaping our increasingly interconnected world.

(iii) The NRI was first published in 2002. Until 2016, it was part of the Global Information Technology Report (GITR) published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Cornell University, and INSEAD (Institut Europeen d'Administration des Affaires). However, in 2019 it was redesigned and started being published by PI.

      - Child survival and life expectancy: Globally, newborn survival rates increase by 4 percentage points from the 2000s to over 98%.

Main Points:-   (i) The chances of a child surviving to the age of 5 have risen to 99.5%, reflecting a 1 percentage point increase since the 2000s. Additionally, life expectancy has significantly improved, with girls' life expectancy increasing from 70 years in the 2000s to 81 years, and boys' life expectancy rising from 66 years to 76 years.

      (ii) The report has projected that children are expected to be exposed to extreme weather conditions at significantly higher rates by the 2050s compared with those in the 2000s:Nearly 8 times more children are estimated to be exposed to extreme heatwaves, 3.1 times more to river floods, 1.7 times more to wildfires, 1.3 times more to droughts, and 1.2 times more to tropical cyclones.

(iii) As per the report, 23% of global children are projected to live in 28 low-income countries in the 2050s compared to 11% in the 2000s.

      - He also launched his book titled "Why Bharat Matters" in English at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, UAE.

Main Points:-   (i) The book was published by Rupa Publications India Private Limited. It was originally published in Hindi in December 2023.

      (ii) The book touches upon global transformations, India's internal progress, and the importance of self-reliance in assessing global challenges.

      - Stock exchanges are now required to establish a joint Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the release of any 1% security deposits for processing pending refunds of deposits made under the previous framework.

Main Points:-   (i) SEBI has directed stock exchanges to notify all listed companies of the changes and publish the circular on their respective web portals.

      (ii) Additionally, the stock exchanges are required to amend bye-laws, rules, and regulations as necessary to align with the new framework.

Main Points:-   (i) The primary goal of the collaboration and development of the vATM facility is to create an accessible and customer-centric banking ecosystem.

      (ii) Through these vATMs, customers in ATM-deficient locations can have banking services delivered to their doorsteps. The services offered by these virtual ATMs are user-friendly, hassle-free, and secure.

(iii) The vATM facility enables customers to withdraw cash easily by generating digital tokens through the bank's mobile application, mPay Delight+, at enrolled merchants of Paymart India.

      - The NPCI has set a deadline of January 1, 2025, for banks, public sector banks (PSBs), and service providers to fully implement these changes.

Main Points:-   (i) The transaction limit for UPI 123Pay has been raised from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000, enabling higher-value transactions. Additionally, UPI Lite wallet limits have increased from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000, with the per transaction limit rising from ₹500 to ₹1,000.

      (ii) To bolster security, Aadhaar OTP authentication will be required for UPI 123Pay transactions.

(iii) A new transaction purpose code (86) has been introduced for UPI 123Pay, replacing code 31, to enhance tracking and reporting of transactions.

Main Points:-   (i) The report highlighted that structural improvements and positive economic prospects will bolster the resilience of India's financial institutions.

      (ii) Higher demand, along with stronger bank capitalization, is expected to drive bank loan growth, while the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s regulatory actions will strengthen the financial system in the medium term.

      - The event emphasized PM Modi's commitment to upholding India's secular constitution and promoting global recognition for the nation.

Main Points:-   (i) Members of India's minority communities voiced their support for the government's inclusive policies, condemning attempts to create communal divides and reaffirming their commitment to national unity and progress.

      (ii) Chairman of AIAM Jasdip Singh emphasized AIAM's role in advancing PM Modi's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047.

(iii) Satnam Singh Sandhu, convener of the Indian Minorities Federation, highlighted the transformation of India under PM Modi's leadership and applauded the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with all, Development for all) policy, noting that it has fostered communal harmony and created an atmosphere of equal opportunity for all.

Main Points:-   (i) During the event, FIH launched FIH Women in Hockey Empowerment Project, a transformative platform designed to uplift and engage female players, coaches, officials, and leaders in Hockey.

      (ii) As part of the inaugural Project, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has awarded FIH a grant to help change the future of sport for girls by leveraging Body Confident Sport.

(iii) This is a first-of-its-kind, evidence-based set of coaching tools co-created by Nike and Dove which provides coaches with the materials to increase body confidence, body image and self-esteem in girls.

Main Points:-   As the ambassador for MP Tourism, he will showcase the region's famous attractions, such as the historic Khajuraho temples, the majestic forts of Gwalior, and the vibrant wildlife of Kanha and Bandhavgarh, while encouraging adventurers to discover its cultural heritage and natural beauty.

      - Emily Dawn Calandrelli, known as 'TheSpaceGal', is an Emmy-nominated television host, a bestselling author, and content creator. She became the first American woman to be the sole host of a nationally broadcast science series.

Main Points:-   (i) Emily Calandrelli became the 100th woman space traveler.

      (ii) She was the 10th woman to fly on a suborbital spaceflight above the Kármán line and the 21st woman to reach space on a suborbital trajectory, including the astronauts who soared higher than the United Nations (UN) recognized altitude of 50 miles (80 kilometers, km) on Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo (SS2) rocket plane.

(iii) She was now among the 94 men and women who have seen Earth from above 50 miles high.

Main Points:-   The book chronicles the inspiring journey of how KP Singh rose to become one of India's leading business figures, highlighting the power of resilience, calculated risk-taking, and embracing opportunities while staying true to one's morals and ethics.

A) परणा जैन B) रतन टाटा C) किरण मजूमदार-शॉ D) नीता अंबानी

Main Points:-   (i) WHW began with a special event held at the Sitaram temple in Soronji, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

      (ii) WHW events are annually organised by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) under the Ministry of Culture (MOC), various Museums, and other heritage-conscious organisations across India.

(iii) In India, WHW is a part of the promotion activities by the Government of India (Gol) to promote India's unique heritage for the benefit of present an future generations.

      - Saudi Arabia hosted the first-ever International Conjoined Twins Conference on November 24-25, 2024, in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

Main Points:-   (i) The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed resolution A/RES/78/313 on 1st July 2024 to declare November 24th as WCTD.

      (ii) It was proposed by Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Bahrain, Morocco, Qatar, and Yemen.

(iii) Conjoined fetuses are a rare form of identical twins who share a placenta and amniotic sac, occurring when the embryo splits between 13 and 15 days after conception.

Main Points:-   (i) The J-35 is a twin-engine, single-seat supersonic stealth fighter developed by China for multirole missions.

      (ii) It represents the country's second fifth-generation fighter, following the J-20.

(iii) The J-35's design closely resembles the U.S. Lockheed Martin F-35, with the main difference being that the J-35 is equipped with two engines, while the F-35 has a single engine.

      - According to the survey, the overall prevalence of hypertension, general obesity, and abdominal obesity in Jammu was found to be 27.1%, 41.7%, and 62.7%, respectively.

Main Points:-   (i) The ICMR-INDIAB study indicates that 10.8% of the population in the Jammu region is affected by prediabetes, highlighting the urgent need for action against the rising burden of NCDs in the area.

      (ii) The overall disease burden in the Jammu region, covering its 10 districts, is 18.9%, with 26.5% in urban areas and 14.5% in rural areas—higher than the national average.

(iii) The Indian government plans to establish nearly 150,000 health and wellness centers across the country to prevent and control NCDs like diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.

      - Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar served as the chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women from 2016 to 2021.

Main Points:-   (i) Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar has spearheaded initiatives like Sakshama, which supports acid attack survivors; Prajwala, which connects self-help groups to government schemes; and Suhita, a 24/7 helpline dedicated to women.

      (ii) She held the position of national general secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) women's wing, known as Mahila Morcha, for two terms from 2010 to 2014, before being appointed as its National President in 2014.

(iii) Her achievements include receiving the National Law Award and the Savitribai Phule Award from the National Literary Council.

      - He was the standing counsel (legal representative) for the Central Government for six years, from 1990 to 1996. In 1997, he was designated as a senior advocate, and in 1998, he became the Additional Solicitor General (ASG) of India.

Main Point :-   (i) In October 2017, he, along with Justice Deepak Gupta, raised the legal age of consent for marriage to 18 years.

      (ii) Justice Lokur served as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in June 2010, and later became the Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh (AP) High Court in November 2011.

(iii) In 2019, Justice Madan Lokur was appointed as a judge on the non-resident panel of the Supreme Court of Fiji. He made history by becoming the first Indian judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court of another country.

      - CPSEs must pay a minimum annual dividend of 30% of Profit After Tax (PAT) or 4% of net worth, whichever is higher (previously 5% of net worth).

Main Points:-   (i) CPSEs with a net worth of ₹3,000 crore, cash reserves over ₹1,500 crore, and trading below book value for six months may consider share buybacks. Additionally, CPSEs should issue bonus shares to enhance liquidity if their reserves are 20 times their paid-up equity capital.

      (ii) Listed Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) with market prices exceeding 150 times the face value for 6 months may split shares, subject to a 3-year gap between splits, and can distribute interim dividends quarterly or biannually, ensuring 90% of the projected annual dividend is paid before the September AGM.

(iii) The Committee for Monitoring of Capital Management and Dividend by CPSEs (CMCDC), chaired by DIPAM Secretary, will oversee capital management and restructuring discussions.

      - The Union Minister emphasized how VISION will help students from remote areas participate in the growing startup ecosystem, ensuring equal opportunities for all. He highlighted India's rise as a global startup hub, with the number of startups increasing from 350 in 2014 to over 1.67 lakh in 2024, placing India as the 3rd-largest startup ecosystem globally.

Main Points:-   (i) Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for its flexibility, allowing students to explore a variety of subjects and unconventional career paths.

      (ii) He linked VISION to the broader goal of Vision India 2047, which aspires to position India as a leader in education, technology, and economic growth.

(iii) He introduced the Bio-E3 policy, focusing on using biotechnology to drive growth, generate employment, and protect the environment, while India's biotech startups grew rapidly from 50 in 2014 to nearly 9,000 in 2024.

      - With this ranking, Hindalco retains its membership in the S&P Global's Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

Main Points:-   (i) Hindalco became the only aluminium company to join the S&P Global's DJSI World Index. It first joined the index in 2021.

      (ii) It cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 19.54% from the Financial Year 2011-12 (FY12) baseline and is on course to run 30% of its operations on renewable energy by 2030. It recycled 85% of its operational waste in FY24, with three of its units achieving zero-waste-to-landfill certification.

(ii) DJSI World Index represents the top 10% of the largest 2,500 companies in the S&P Global Broad Market Index (GBMI), selected based on long-term economic performance and ESG criteria.

      - It has recommended integrating GRB considerations during the budget prioritization phase and promoting local governments to adopt GRB practices. These practices would help to achieve the ultimate goal of ensuring the participation of the most vulnerable groups of women in planning and budgeting processes.

Main Points:-   (i) During the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference, the GoI informed that there has been a 218% decadal increase in gender budgeting in the country.

      (ii) Preetam B. Yashwant, Joint Secretary, MoWCD, who represented India at the conference, highlighted that the GoI has allocated USD 37 million for gender budgeting for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).

(iii) India, at a separate side event at the conference, demonstrated that India's implementation of Beijing SDG is guided by the women-led development model by highlighting the leadership of women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) due to 33% reservation, as well as the collective efforts of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which have significantly contributed to their financial empowerment.

      - By 2030, ISA aims to mobilize 1000 billion investments for the massive deployment of solar energy as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization.

Main Points:-   (i) ISA was launched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and the former President of France, Francois Hollande, during the COP21 Paris Climate Conference held in November 2015.

      (ii) The main objective of ISA is to promote solar energy deployment and reduce dependence on fossil fuels among member countries situated between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.

(iii) ISA became the first international intergovernmental organization to be headquartered in India.

      - Candidates must be exclusively Gabonese, requiring at least one Gabon-born parent and a Gabonese spouse. This provision effectively disqualifies Ali Bongo Ondimba and his children from future candidacy due to his marriage to a French national.

Main Points:-   (i) The new constitution introduces a limit of two terms for the presidency, with each term extended from five to seven years.

      (ii) The role of prime minister has been abolished, centralizing executive power within the presidency.

(iii) The constitution prohibits family members from succeeding a president, aiming to prevent dynastic rule and ensure a more democratic transfer of power.

Main Points:-   (i) In addition to IndusInd Bank and UNICEF, the program involves key stakeholders such as the CSR Trust for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India, Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar, Gorakhpur Environment Action Group (CEAC), and Mission Samriddhi.

      (ii) Key initiatives within the program include the development of real-time monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and advisory services aimed at mitigating climate risks such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves.

(iii) These measures are designed to build long-term climate resilience and empower communities to adapt to environmental challenges.

Main Points:-   (i) TPREL will also develop, operate, and maintain a 13 MW onsite solar power capacity to contribute to the airport's overall energy needs.

      (ii) The 25-year partnership supports the development of Net Zero Airports.

Main Points:-   (i) The RBI has instructed the Commissioner for Cooperation and the Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Andhra Pradesh, to initiate a winding-up order and appoint a liquidator for the bank.

      (ii) Depositors are eligible for compensation up to Rs 5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

      - His research focuses on the history of science and medicine in modern South Asia. He is also the author of other notable works, including Nationalizing the Body (2009) and Doctoring Traditions (2016).

Main Points:-   (i) The Pfizer Award, established in 1958 by Pfizer, Inc., recognizes exceptional books on the history of science.

      (ii) The award consists of a medal and USD 2,500.

(iii) The award recognizes the book published in English during a period of three calendar years immediately preceding the year of competition.

      - CIL pioneered CSR in 2017 by funding Thalassemia treatments through BMT, offering up to Rs 10 lakh for patients across India.

Main Points:-   (i) The initiative partners with 17 leading hospitals nationwide.

      (ii) The award was presented by The Green Organization, an independent environmental group established in 1994 to promote global environmental and CSR best practices.

(iii) Coal India Limited (CIL), the state-owned coal mining corporate established in 1975, is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. CIL produces over 80% of India's coal and is responsible for 70% of coal-based power generation, meeting 40% of the nation's primary commercial energy needs.

Main Points:-   (i) ALT EFF has also appointed actress-producer Alia Bhatt as the goodwill ambassador for its 2024 edition.

      (ii) She first joined the ALT EFF in 2023, and her continued involvement highlights ALT EFF's dedication to raising awareness about critical environmental issues such as wildlife conservation and climate change.

(iii) Shriya's passion for environmental protection aligns with the festival's mission, showcasing the power of storytelling in inspiring action and change.

      - Regulations under Press Note 3 (PN3) of 2020 mandate government clearance for investments from entities or individuals connected to countries sharing a land border with India. This ensures compliance with security protocols for foreign investments.

Main Points:-   (i) PN3 of 2020 is a policy introduced by the Government of India (Gol) to oversee and regulate Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Indian businesses. With this approval, IIHL can proceed with the transaction under the extended deadline of January 31, 2025. Failing to close the deal within this timeframe would require the Hinduja Group to return Rs 3,000 crore raised from investors, including High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs).

      (ii) Reliance Capital Ltd (RCAP), a firm burdened with over Rs 40,000 crore in debt, faced governance concerns and payment defaults that led to intervention by the RBI in 2021.

(iii) The RBI dismissed the company's board and appointed Nageswara Rao Y as administrator to oversee the resolution process. Subsequently, bids for the company were invited in February 2022.

      - On 17th December 1996, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/51/205 and proclaimed November 21 of every year as World Television Day.

Main Points:-   (i) The first ever WTD was observed on 21st November 1997.

      (ii) The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) awarded the inaugural "Excellence in Production Technology" Emmy to The Santa Clauses Season Two.

(iii) This award was presented during the 75th Technology & Engineering Emmy Awards held at New York City in the United States of America on World Television Day, November 21, 2024.

      - During the meeting, representatives from 18 countries signed a declaration advocating for the global adoption of sustainable fishing practices and policies.

Main Points:-   (i) To commemorate WFD 2024, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and the Department of Fisheries (DoF) hosted events at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.

      (ii) The theme for this year is "India Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-scale and Sustainable Fisheries."

(ii) The first ever WFD was observed on 21st November 1998.

      - PBD Convention is a key event of the Government of India (GoI) to connect with the Indian Diaspora.

Main Points:-   (i) The theme of PBD Convention for 2025 is "Diaspora's contribution to a Viksit Bharat".

      (ii) PBD has been celebrated since 2003 to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa (SA) to India on 9 January 1915.

(iii) The 1st PBD Convention was organized on 9-11 January 2003 in New Delhi, and the 17th PBD Convention was held from 8-10 January 2023 in Indore (Madhya Pradesh, MP).

Main Points:-   (i) JSW plans to establish a facility in India for manufacturing, assembling, and testing V-BAT aircraft, enabling a local supply chain.

      (ii) The V-BAT is a VTOL platform with a patented ducted design, offering long-endurance ISR missions, rapid deployment, and minimal logistics.

      - The IA was signed by DK Singh, Director, Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) on ISRO's side at Bengaluru, India and Jarrod Powell, General Manager, Space Capability Branch, on ASA's side at Canberra, Australia.

Main Points:-   (i) The name Gaganyaan has its roots in Sanskrit, translating to 'sky and vehicle.' The primary objective of this mission is to launch a team of astronauts into space, where they will travel at an altitude of 400 km above Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for a three-day expedition before returning by landing in the Indian Ocean.

      (ii) The launch of the mission is expected to be in 2026. Under the Gaganyaan programme, ISRO will carry out four missions, which include three uncrewed space missions and one crewed mission.

(iii) The first uncrewed mission is scheduled to take place in 2024-25, and the first crewed mission is scheduled in 2025-27.

      - This revision will reduce the existing wide compensation disparity between senior executives of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) and private sector banks (PvSBs).

Main Points:-   (i) The PLI ceiling for MD & CEO and Executive Directors of nationalised banks and Chairman and Managing Directors (CMD) and Deputy Managing Directors (DMD) of State Bank of India (SBI) has been fixed at 100% of their annual basic pay.

      (ii) On the other hand, the PLI ceiling for senior executives in the rank of Chief General Manager (CCM) and General Manager (GM); and Deputy General Manager (DGM) and Assistant General Manager (AGM) has been fixed at 90% and 80%, respectively, of their annual basic pay.

(iii) For Chief Manager, this ceiling has been set at 70%.

      - He received many awards and prizes, including six Grammy awards, an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Main Points:-   (i) Ali Abu Awwad (52) is a prominent Palestinian peace activist who has worked in peace-building in Israel and Palestine for many years.

      (ii) He created the Palestinian non-violence movement Taghyeer, which envisions a democratic, independent Palestinian society based on freedom, dignity, and security.

Main Points:-   (i) The MMIC, capable of 40W for X-band frequencies, supports microwave communication and satellite systems.

      (ii) These technologies offer improved efficiency, reduced size, and enhanced performance, making them vital for military systems, 5G/satellite communications, and renewable energy applications.

(iii) Gallium Arsenide Technology Enabling Centre (GAETEC) facility in Hyderabad (Telangana) has successfully initiated limited production of GaN/SiC MMICS, contributing to India's self-reliance in semiconductor technology, aligning with the 'Atma Nirbhar' Bharat initiative.

      - The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is located across the Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.

Main Points:-   (i) The reserve spans a total area of 2,829.38 square kilometers (sq km), with 2,049.2 sq km designated as the core area. It is contiguous to the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh (MP).

      (ii) The reserve has a buffer zone of 780.15 sq km, which helps reduce human-animal conflicts and provides wildlife the space they need to thrive.

(iii) A total of 753 species, including 365 invertebrates and 388 vertebrates, have been documented in the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).

Main Points:-   (i) Bhu-Neer is an upgraded version of the previous NOC to Abstract Ground Water (NOCAP) system.

      (ii) The portal includes user-friendly features such as a Permanent Account Number (PAN)-based single ID system and Quick Response (QR)-coded No Objection Certificates (NOCs), making the process fully digital and faceless.

(iii) The portal is accessible to the public, enabling project proposers to use it for groundwater withdrawal-related queries, tracking application status, clarifications, and payment of statutory charges.

      - The Dialogue featured participants from 60 countries across the globe, with more than 1700 participants including ministers, former heads of state and government, journalists, and experts.

Main Points:-   (i) Sagarmanthan provides a global platform for leaders and policymakers to discuss critical maritime topics like the blue economy, global supply chains, maritime logistics, and sustainable growth, aiming to create a future-ready maritime ecosystem.

      (ii) The event focuses on four main themes: New Frontiers, Blue Growth, Green and Blue, and Coasts and Communities, addressing challenges and opportunities in ocean governance.

      - The latest edition of the CCPI has tracked the climate performance of 63 countries and the European Union (EU), which together generated over 90% of global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Main Points:-   (i) The UK and India are the only two Group-20 (G20) countries ranked among the high climate performers in the CCPI 2025.

      (ii) The UK and India are the only two Group-20 (G20) countries ranked among the high climate performers in the CCPI 2025. Among G20 countries, 14 received a low or very low rating. The CCPI 2025 showed that South Korea (63rd), Russia (64th), and Saudi Arabia (66th) remain in the G20's worst-performing countries with an overall very low rating.

(iii) The overall rank of the EU has dropped by 1 place, from 16th position in 2023 to 17th position in 2024 with an overall score of 63.76, maintaining an overall medium ranking.

Main Points:-   (i) As per the report, hunger affected 9.1% of the global population in 2023, which is more than the 7.5% estimated for 2019.

      (ii) Over the last two decades, global agricultural value has increased by 89% in real terms, reaching USD 3.8 trillion in 2022.

(iii) The global production of primary crops reached 9.6 billion tonnes in 2022, up by 56% compared to 2000. Staple crops like sugarcane, maize, wheat and rice together accounted for approximately 50% of global crop production.

Main Points:-   (i) The fund will invest in small and mid-sized companies focused on recycling waste, reducing emissions, and other related initiatives, and will also seek equity partnerships, the sources added.

      (ii) State Bank of India and SBI Ventures have not yet commented on the matter.

      - The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, as per Article 94 of the Constitution, approved the proposal for Abdulla Aripov's appointment. A presidential decree under Article 109 of the Constitution officially appointed him as Prime Minister.

Main Points:-   (i) Aripov (63) was born in Tashkent. He held significant positions as Deputy Director of the foreign trade company "Ozimpeksaloqa" and Head of the Construction and Supply Department at the Ministry of Communications.

      (ii) In 2002, Aripov was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister (DYPM) and Head of the Complex of Communication, Information, and Telecommunication Technologies.

(iii) He also led the Communications and Information Agency of Uzbekistan from 2005 to 2009. By 2012, he returned to his position as Deputy Prime Minister, overseeing the Information Systems and Telecommunications Complex.

      - She received a second nomination for her collaboration on British multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jacob Collier's song "A Rock Somewhere," which also includes vocalist Varijashree Venugopal, marking her first nomination.

Main Points:-   (i) Other nominees in the same category include "Warriors of Light" by Radhika Vekaria and "Triveni" by entrepreneur and musician Chandrika Tandon, created in collaboration with flautist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Eru Matsumoto.

      (ii) The 67th Grammy Awards are set to be held on 2nd February 2025, in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Main Points:-   (i) Rafael Nadal started his professional career in 2001 at just 15 years of age.

      (ii) In 2004, he claimed his first ATP Tour title and led Spain to win the Davis Cup over the USA.

(iii) Nadal surpassed his joint-record with Djokovic and Federer for the greatest number of Grand Slam men's singles titles at the 2022 Australian Open and became one of four men in history to complete the double Career Grand Slam in singles.

Main Points:-   (i) A special parliamentary session convened Monday to pick a new leader in a vote required within 30 days of a general election. In the past, these votes did not attract as much attention because an LDP leader was virtually assured to be prime minister.

      (ii) Mr. Ishiba beat top opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda 221-160 in the first runoff in 30 years.

(iii) Most of his previous Cabinet members will be reappointed, but Mr. Ishiba will have to replace three who lost their seats or were affected by the election results.

Main Points:-   (i) Deepika Kumari scored the winning goal for the Indian women's hockey team on home soil and finished as the tournament's top goal scorer with a tally of 11.

      (ii) This marks India's third ACT title, after victories in 2016 and 2023, making them the most successful team in the tournament's history.

(iii) With this title win, India has now equaled South Korea for the most Women's Asian Champions Trophy titles, with 3 titles each.

      - Rao also featured in numerous All India Radio national music programs and special broadcasts on Doordarshan, contributing significantly to Indian classical music on a global stage.

      - It was conceptualized and designed by the DARPG, GoI based on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee, MoPPG&P.

Main Points:-   (i) GRAI 2023 assessed 89 Central Ministries and Departments, ranking them based on a comprehensive index across four key dimensions: efficiency, feedback, domain expertise, and organizational commitment, evaluated through 11 indicators.

      (ii) While addressing the event, Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted a significant achievement in public grievance redressal, announcing that the average grievance resolution time has been reduced from 30 days to 13 days and is expected to decrease further.

Main Points:-   (i) The program includes a 1-year intensive training with mentorship on entrepreneurship, life skills, and UN SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals)-aligned solutions.

      (ii) Each Fellow receives a grant of Rs 1 lakh from Capgemini India to scale their innovative solutions.

(iii) AIM's broader mission is to foster innovation and entrepreneurship at the grassroots level, particularly in underserved regions, driving progress toward SDGs 2030.

Main Points:-   (i) The committee will discuss and formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two states.

      (ii) The primary focus will be on conserving these felines, creating appropriate habitats, and supporting the future relocation of cheetahs from MP's Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS).

Main Points:-   (i) To develop a matchmaking platform for industry-academia collaboration. Providing 50% reimbursement of domestic patent filing fees, up to Rs. 2 lakhs.

      (ii) A dedicated platform or operational help desk for GCCs to share their needs, requirements, pain points, or ask questions, etc., will be developed. 4.

(iii) Fund to set up 'GCC Immersive Hubs' to demonstrate innovation and Research and Development (R&D) conducted in the state, on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

      - He outlined his vision for transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.

Main Points:-   (i) The HTLS was launched in 2003 to enhance the level of discourse on critical issues and encourage interaction among leaders in important areas.

      (ii) The HTLS serves as a platform for leaders across various sectors to engage in meaningful discussions. It was launched in 2003.

(iii) Renowned artist Sankha Samanta designed a commemorative postage stamp encapsulating Hindustan Times' (HT) centenary journey from 1924 to 2024. The design prominently features HT's tagline, "First Voice, Last Word," symbolizing its unwavering commitment to truth and simplicity over the decades.

      - It displays the slogan "Sickle Cell Eradication - 2047", aligning with the mission's goal to eliminate this hereditary disease by the centenary year of India's independence.

Main Points:-   (i) Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin in red blood cells. The mutation produces abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S, causing red blood cells to become stiff and sticky, which can lead to various health complications.

      (ii) Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi in MP, the Sickle Cell Eradication Mission aims to tackle the widespread prevalence of sickle cell disease in tribal areas.

(iii) It is part of the National Health Mission (NHM), aims to eliminate sickle cell genetic transmission by the year 2047. It is supported by the National Sickle Cell Anemia Eradication Mission (NSCAEM).

      - Senior citizens from families already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up of Rs 5 lakh exclusively for themselves, separate from the rest of the family. Those who are not part of the existing scheme will receive Rs 5 lakh per annum on a family basis.

Main Points:-   (i) Senior citizens who are already enrolled in public health schemes such as Central Government Health Scheme (CCHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will have the option to either continue with their existing scheme or they can choose AB PM-JAY.

      (ii) Senior citizens aged 70 and above, who are enrolled under private health insurance policies or Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme, will be eligible to avail the benefits of AB PM-JAY.

(iii) Over 4 lakh women aged 70+ have enrolled in AB-VVC, with over ₹9 crore authorized for treatments benefiting 4,800 senior citizens. Procedures include coronary angioplasty, hip replacement, cataract surgery, and stroke care.

      - It became the first veterinary college in India to affiliate with a university, Madras University, in 1935. In 1989, it became a constituent unit of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), the first standalone veterinary university in India and Southeast Asia.

Main Points:-   The university ranked 12th among all institutions in the agriculture and allied sectors category and ranked 1st among all state veterinary universities in India in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2023.

Main Points:-   (i) The bank confirmed its commitment to support India's growth with a focus on sectors like digital transformation, sustainable finance, technology, and infrastructure development.

      (ii) The Bank invested Rs. 2,700 crores into its India operations in 2020 and Rs. 3,800 crores in 2019.

Main Points:-   (i) The Hub allows participants to leverage SBI's 250+ financial service Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to develop and customize solutions within a secure Sandbox environment.

      (ii) This platform will enable fintechs and startups to gain recognition, compete for official partnerships, and reach millions of users across India through structured challenges, hackathons, and partnership opportunities.

Main Points:-   (i) The GoI plans to issue Rs. 20,000 crore in green bonds in four tranches, consisting of two 10-year bonds and two 30-year bonds, each valued at Rs. 5,000 crore.

      (ii) The FAR, introduced in 2020, allows Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and other eligible investors to buy specified government securities without investment limits.

(iii) The RBI has issued a total of Rs. 36,000 crore in green bonds since 2022-23.

      - India was represented by Rhea Singha from Gujarat, who made it to the top 30 finalists.

Main Points:-   (i) The event was hosted by Mario Lopez, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, Zuri Hall, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.

      (ii) The pageant was opened with an energetic performance by mariachi musicians and Black Eyed Peas singer, Taboo, who performed "Mexicana," a special song created for the event by Emilio Estefan (Cuban-American musician).

(iii) Miss Malta Beatrice Njoya, at 40, became the oldest contestant in the pageant's history, and Miss Egypt Logina Salah made history as the first contestant with vitiligo.

      - The satellite launch cost between USD 60-70 million, with NSIL paying nearly Rs 500 crore for the launch.

Main Points:-   (i) GSAT-N2 or GSAT-20 is a 4,700 kilograms (kg) satellite, heavier than any other indigenous rockets of India. The satellite has a mission life of 14 years and will provide internet and communication services across India, including remote regions.

      (ii) The satellite features a Ka-Band high-throughput communication payload with a capacity of 48 Gbps (Gigabit per second), enhancing data transmission capabilities.

(iii) The satellite is equipped with 32 user beams, of which 8 narrow spot beams cover the Northeast region, while 24 wide spot beams cater to the rest of India.

      - There are two main types: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs), launched by rockets and gliding to the target, and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs), powered by air-breathing scramjet engines.

Main Points:-   (i) It has been developed through extensive research in various DRDO laboratories, particularly at the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Complex in Hyderabad, Telangana.

      (ii) While Russia and China are leading in hypersonic missile development, the U.S. is also making progress in this field. Other countries like France, Germany, Japan, and Israel are also involved in hypersonic weapon development.

Main Points:-   (i) The design of the 'Asmi' incorporates advanced materials and technologies, featuring an aircraft-grade aluminum upper receiver, a carbon fiber lower receiver, and 3D-printed components.

      (ii) Its lightweight design, 8-inch barrel, and high-capacity magazine enhance its modern capabilities for mission-specific needs.

(iii) With an estimated production cost of under Rs 50,000 per unit, the 'Asmi' is set to strengthen domestic security forces and has the potential to enter international markets.

      - Pragnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Wesley So (USA) scored 5.5 points each, securing 2nd and 3rd place according to tie-breaks.

Main Points:-   (i) In the women's category, GM Nana Dzagnidze (Georgia) secured 2nd place with 5.5 points while the Indian grandmaster Vantika Agrawal remained in 3rd with a total of 5 points.

      (ii) In the women's section, Valentina Gunina (Russia) finished second with 11 points. Aleksandra Goryachkina (Russia) and India's Vantika Agrawal secured 3rd place with 9.5 points each.

(iii) Magnus Carlsen has won the world title in 2013 and has successfully defended it four times (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2021). He also claimed the 2024 Champions Chess Tour Chessable Masters title in February 2024. As of November 2024, he is on the top of the FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings.

      - The event commenced on 18th November 2024 with a Tabletop Exercise (TTX) based on the theme 'Cyclone in the Coastal Region of Gujarat.'

Main Points:-   (i) IA, IN, and IAF carried out a 9-day joint military exercise, 'Poorvi Prahar,' at Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) from 10th to 18th November 2024, showcasing their advanced combat readiness.

      (ii) The exercise showcased advanced military hardware like the M-777 Howitzer and Prachand helicopters, emphasizing intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It focused on rapid force mobilisation, redeployment, efficient operational logistics, and precision strikes using advanced weaponry to enhance mission execution capabilities.

      - She was the 3rd woman PM after Sirimavo Bandaranaike and Chandrika Kumaratunga.

Main Points:-   (i) Harini Amarasuriya, a Sri Lankan politician and social activist, became MP in 2020 with NPP. She was appointed PM in 2024 after Anura Dissanayake’s win. She also contributed to constitutional reforms and served on boards like CENWOR and the Law and Society Trust.

      (ii) The new 22-member Sri Lankan Cabinet of the Janatha Vimukti Peramuna (JVP)-led National People's Power (NPP) coalition, and as part of the 4-member Cabinet, Harini Amarasuriya will also serve as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education.

Main Points:-   (i) Fireflies is built to capture the world and provide clarity and detail needed to make impactful decisions for a better future.

      (ii) Pixxel has also planned to expand the constellation to 24 satellites.

      - On 24 July 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution (A/RES/67/291) and declared 19th November of every year as "World Toilet Day."

Main Points:-   (i) The first ever UN-recognised WTD was observed on 19th November 2013.

      (ii) The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that unsafe water, sanitation, and hygiene are responsible for approximately 1,000 deaths of children under the age of 5 every day in 2023 and improved sanitation could save 1.4 million lives annually.

(iii) Around 2.2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, and 2 billion lack basic hygiene services, including 653 million with no facilities at all.

      - The Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), launched alongside Operation Dronagiri, plays a crucial role in supporting the initiative by enabling seamless data sharing, access, and analysis. It enhances applications in urban planning, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and other sectors, driving efficient decision-making and geospatial integration.

Main Points:-   (i) In Phase 1 of Operation Dronagiri, pilot projects will launch in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, showcasing geospatial data and technology integration in Agriculture, Livelihoods, Logistics, and Transport sectors.

      (ii) Several government departments, industries, corporates, and startups will collaborate in the first phase to implement it on a national level.

(iii) The activities under Operation Dronagiri will be overseen by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNIF).

Main Points:-   (i) According to the report, the sector shows strong growth, with 1,000+ aircraft and 100,000+ daily flights projected in 15 years.

      (ii) AAM technologies like air taxis or Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) and Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) are designed to provide on-demand transport services.

(iii) The report highlights that integrating AAM into India's transport infrastructure could drive significant economic benefits, including job creation and improved access to services like healthcare.

      - This recognition highlights the Ministry's commitment to Mission Karmayogi, a flagship program of the Government of India for the training of civil servants.

Main Points:-   (i) The Ministry of Mines has consistently been assessed among the top-performing ministries by CBC for its exceptional implementation of Mission Karmayogi.

      (ii) HCL, MECL, and JNARDDC each received an award, competing with all central government organizations across India in achieving the "Minimum 4-hour Learning Goal," a target set by CBC where each employee of an organization had to complete at least 4 hours of Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) courses during NLW.

Main Points:-   Of the three publications, one is a collection of essays which analyse the jurisprudence of the court since its foundation and the remaining two are studies which assess the functioning of legal-aid cells in universities and the state of prisons, respectively," said the CJI.

      - Around the world, approximately 120 million females below 20 years have experienced various forms of forced sexual contact.

Main Points:-   (i) On 7th November 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/77/8 and proclaimed the 18th November of every year as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.

      (ii) Sexual violence in high and middle income countries indicates that the prevalence ranges from 8% to 31% among girls and 3% to 17% among boys under the age of 18.

(iii) The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a violation of human rights and a public health problem with significant consequences for global health and development.

Main Points:-   (i) On 29th October 2024 (Ayurveda Day), PM Modi laid the foundation stone for CRIYNs in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, and Khorda, Odisha. Plans are underway for similar institutes in Assam, Andhra Pradesh(AP), and Kerala.

      (ii) During the event, the winners from the YOGATECH Challenge, which recognized innovative startups blending yoga with modern technology, were felicitated. 15 startups across categories such as devices, IT solutions, and props and accessories made it to the finals.

(iii) The International Conference on Naturopathy was organized by CCRYN from November 18-19, 2024, in Nagamangala. This acts as a platform to unite healthcare professionals, researchers, practitioners, students, and enthusiasts from diverse fields to discuss, share, and explore evidence-based practices in Naturopathy.

      - More than 250 participants from various Banks, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), PLIs and other financial institutions attended the workshop.

Main Points:-   (i) Union Minister highlighted the key features of PMAY-U 2.0 and the ISS vertical. He called upon all the financial institutions to become active partners of providing 'housing to all', a milestone of DEVELOPED INDIA by the year 2047.

      (ii) During the workshop, Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of MOHUA, delivered the inaugural address and shared about the progress of PMAY-U scheme, one of the world's largest affordable housing programmes.

(iii) The MOHUA launched a unified web portal at the PMAY-U 2.0 workshop to streamline the execution of the scheme. This portal simplifies the application process, allows beneficiaries to track their application status, and facilitates faster approval and subsidy release. Accessible to all stakeholders, it will also aid in monitoring and evaluating the progress of the PMAY-U 2.0 scheme.

Main Points:-   (i) Addressing the gathering, PM Modi extended his greetings on Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepavali, and the 555th Prakash Parva of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (first Sikh Guru). He also commemorated Janjatiya Gaurav Divas, which honors the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

      (ii) PM Modi referred to the North Eastern Region (NER), including Assam, as India's Ashtalakshmi (eight forms of prosperity) and emphasized the government's commitment to resolving border disputes and promoting peace in the region.

(iii) The Central Government (CG)'s special package of Rs 1,500 crore and the Assam Government's special package to boost Bodoland's growth.

      - The number of contributing establishments exceeded 7.8 lakh, with over 7.6 crore members.

Main Points:-   (i) The event was attended by key officials, including Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, MoL&E; Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC); and Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General (DG) of Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), among others.

      (ii) During the event, the Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2024 were also presented by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya to recognize exceptional contributions across various categories.

Main Points:-   Road safety remains a critical public health issue globally, with over 1.7 lakh fatalities in road accidents reported in India during 2023.

Main Points:-   (i) As per SEBI's directions, these QSBs are now required to offer one of these facilities, in addition to the current mode of trading.

      (ii) Trading Members (TMs) are classified as QSBs based on various parameters such as the size and scale of their operations, including the number of active clients, the total assets held by clients with the TM, the end-of-day margin of all clients, and the trading volume of the TM.

(iii) A UPI block mechanism will enable clients to trade in the secondary market based on blocked funds in their bank accounts instead of transferring the funds upfront to the trading member.

      - While MCs show surplus revenue accounts, they rely heavily on transfers from higher governments, limiting their financial autonomy.

Main Points:-   (i) MCs' revenue receipts rose by 20.1% YoY (Year-on-Year) to Rs 1.7 trillion in FY24, up from Rs 1.42 trillion in FY23 and Rs 1.37 trillion in FY22.

      (ii) The share of own resources in municipal revenue receipts increased to 61.9% in FY24 (Budget estimates), up from 59.7% in FY23 (Revised estimates).

(iii) Revenues, impacted during 2020-21, recovered in FY22-23, but remain concentrated, with the top 10 MCs accounting for 58% of total municipal revenue.

      - The report highlighted that India's real GDP grew by 6.7% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) in the 2nd Quarter (Q2: July to September) of CY24, which was mainly attributed to strong household consumption, robust investment, and strong manufacturing activity.

Main Points:-   (i) As per the report, India's retail inflation surged to a 14-month high of 6.21%, breaching the RBI's inflation tolerance range of 2% to 6%, amid a sharp increase in vegetable prices.

      (ii) The report highlighted that India's real GDP grew by 6.7% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) in the 2nd Quarter (Q2: July to September) of CY24, which was mainly attributed to strong household consumption, robust investment, and strong manufacturing activity.

(iii) Also, the high-frequency indicators including expanding manufacturing and services Purchasing Managers' Indexes (PMIs), robust credit growth, and consumer optimism, indicate steady economic momentum in Q2 of CY24.

Main Points:-   (i) The Government of Nepal formalized this initiative during the visit of former Prime Minister (PM) of Nepal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', to India from 31 May to 3 June 2023.

      (ii) During the visit, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced sub-regional cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, with the goal of fostering greater economic integration and benefiting all stakeholders.

(iii) India assured that it will import 10,000 MW from Nepal in the next 10 years. India currently imports about 450 MW from Nepal and there is a proposal to increase this by 1,200 MW.

Main Points:-   The Smart Shopping Trolley is designed to make airport navigation easier for travelers. Featuring interactive maps, real-time flight updates, and digital advertising displays, it provides a seamless wayfinding experience while promoting targeted advertisements. This innovative approach improves customer satisfaction and generates additional revenue for airport retailers.

Main Points:-   (i) The acquisition of the stake in E2E Networks is expected to be completed by December 31.

      (ii) L&T will not acquire control of E2E Networks and will remain a minority shareholder with certain protective rights.

      - Arshdeep Singh became India's second-highest wicket-taker in men's T20Is after India's win against South Africa.

Main Points:-   (i) India defeated South Africa by a record 135 runs in the 4th and final T20 International at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. With the win, India secured the four-match series 3-1.

      (ii) India scored a total of 283 runs for 1, due to centuries scored by Tilak Varma (120 not out off 47 balls) and Sanju Samson (109 not out off 56 balls), and then stopped South Africa at 148 in 18.2 overs.

(iii) Sanju Samson becomes the first cricketer to score three T20I centuries in a year.

      - They added, "This monumental opportunity could bring substantial benefits, fostering economic growth, social progress, and youth empowerment across the country."

Main Points:-   (i) India's top sports administrators, including IOA President PT Usha, were at the Paris Olympics earlier in the year to lobby for the country's selection. There have been reports that India would push for the inclusion of indigenous disciplines like yoga, kho kho, and kabaddi if the bid is successful.

      (ii) The Sports Authority of India's Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) has even presented a report on the measures needed for a successful bid to new sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

Main Points:-   (i) The biography is enriched with insights from over 130 interviews, capturing stories of individuals whose lives were touched by Tata’s leadership and legacy.

      (ii) It highlights Ratan Tata’s transformative influence on the Indian business landscape and beyond, making it a must-read for those inspired by his journey.

Main Points:-   (i) Mandeep Jangra has an impressive record, winning 11 out of 12 fights, including 7 victories by knockout.

      (ii) He previously secured a silver medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, Scotland.

      - Capacity Building: It will enable knowledge sharing through joint research, workshops, and training programs, improving technical expertise in mineral extraction, recycling, and technology.

Main Points:-   (i) Data and Analysis: India will gain advanced capabilities in data collection, modeling, and analysis, enhancing institutional capacity in the critical mineral sector.

      (ii) India is an active member of the United States of America (USA)-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), an initiative focused on securing adequate supplies of critical minerals essential for achieving global zero-carbon emission goals.

Main Points:-   (i) At present, India's total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with RE contributing a major portion of the overall power mix.

      (ii) Solar Power saw an increase of 27.9%, from 72.02 GW (in October 2023) to 92.12 GW (in October 2024) and has emerged as the largest contributor to RE-based power generation in 2024, followed by Wind power (47.72 GW) with a year-on-year increase of 7.7%.

(iii) According to the International Renewable Energy Agency's (IRENA) 2024 Annual Review, India's RE sector achieved a significant milestone with an estimated 1.02 million jobs generated in 2023.

      - The meet highlighted India's efforts towards sustainable energy innovations and the shift towards greener energy solutions.

Main Points:-   (i) ETM-2024 hosted 1,200 participants from academia, R&D, and the hydrocarbon sector, featuring 60 research papers and 23 exhibitors showcasing advanced technologies.

      (ii) Union Minister addressed the event at the inauguration, emphasizing that through biofuel blending, India saved Rs.91,000 crore on the import bill, which can be utilized for the agricultural sector's benefit.

(iii) He mentioned that India's current biofuel blending rate had reached 16.9% and is on track to exceed the 20% target set for 2030, five years ahead of schedule.

Main Points:-   (i) Industries categorized under the White Category, which are considered to have minimal or negligible pollution potential, will no longer need to secure permissions known as 'Consent To Establish' (CTE) and 'Consent To Operate' (CTO) from SPCBs. This change aims to streamline the process for businesses and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

      (ii) The permissions previously required from SPCBs have been merged with the environmental clearance granted by MoEFCC.

(iii) Plants that have already received environmental clearance under the 2006 notification issued by the former Ministry of Environment and Forests will also be exempt from needing a CTE for their ongoing operations.

      - The framework is based on four foundational principles: spatial equity, SDG localization, climate resilience, and an inclusive economy.

Main Points:-   (i) UN-Habitat and MoHUA will collaborate through knowledge sharing, policy guidance, technical expertise, and partnerships aimed at fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable development in India's urban areas and human settlements.

      (ii) As part of this collaboration, the two organizations launched the 'Urban RAASTA (Resilient and Accelerated Advancement with Sustainable and Transformative Actions)' framework.

Main Points:-   (i) The 16-minute short film is inspired by Indian folklore. The story chronicles a village where chaos unfolds after an elderly woman steals a rooster.

      (ii) It won the First Prize at the Cannes Film Festival's La Cinef Selection 2024, gaining worldwide recognition for the Kannada-language project inspired by Indian folk tales and traditions. It also won the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival.

(iii) The 97th Academy Awards will be held on 2nd March 2025, in Los Angeles, the United States of America (USA).

Main Points:-   (i) The mast was developed jointly by three Japanese companies: NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Company Limited. These antennas are currently fitted on Mogami-class frigates of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

      (ii) UNICORN's implementation would be the first case of co-development and co-production of defence equipment between India and Japan.

(iii) The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems, which will be co-developed by Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in collaboration with Japan.

      - HDFC Bank, the largest private lender, is classified in bucket 2, with a CET1 buffer requirement of 0.40%.

Main Points:-   (i) ICICI Bank is in bucket 1, needing an additional 0.20% CET1 buffer.

      (ii) The higher D-SIB surcharges for SBI (0.80%) and HDFC Bank (0.40%) will apply from April 1, 2025.

(iii) Until March 31, 2025, the surcharge for SBI is 0.60% and for HDFC Bank is 0.20%. The classifications are based on data collected from banks as of March 31, 2024.

      - The project is expected to create approximately 2.5 lakh jobs, both directly and indirectly.

Main Points:-   (i) The plants will be part of Reliance's national target of setting up 2,000 CBG units.

      (ii) This initiative aligns with AP's Integrated Clean Energy (ICE) Policy - 2024, which aims to attract investments worth Rs 10 lakh crore.

(iii) According to GOBARdhan (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) data, there are only 109 functional CBG/Bio CNG plants in India.

      - The JV Agreement was signed on 7th February 2024, during India Energy Week 2024. They have also received the required statutory approvals from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India).

Main Points:-   (i) The JVC will be involved in Renewable Energy (RE) and New Energy opportunities, including Solar, Wind (Onshore/Offshore), Energy Storage (Pump/Battery), Green Molecule (Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Green Methanol), E-mobility, Carbon Credits, Green Credits, etc.

      (ii) The JVC will also acquire RE assets and participate in offshore wind tenders in Tamil Nadu (TN) and Gujarat.

(iii) NTPC Limited is a Maharatna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power, and ONGC is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoP&NG).

      - Sale Period: The transactions were made between June 20, 2024, and November 11, 2024.

Main Points:-   (i) Tata Power, an Indian electric utility and generation company based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is part of the Tata Group.

      (ii) As of September 30, 2024, public shareholders own 53.1% of the company, while promoter entities hold 46.86%.

      - These tests involved 12 rockets from each production agency from two in-service Pinaka launchers upgraded by the launcher production agencies.

Main Points:-   (i) Guided Pinaka Weapon System is named after Lord Shiva's divine Bow "Pinak". It has replaced the Russian Grad BM-21 rocket launcher for the Indian Army (IA).

      (ii) It consists of two pods, each containing 6 rockets and is capable of firing 12 rockets in salvo mode within 44 seconds (s), covering a target area of 700×500 meters (m).

(iii) It is an indigenous weapon system designed and developed by DRDO's Pune (Maharashtra)-based laboratory, Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in partnership with various agencies such as: High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) and Proof & Experimental Establishment (P&EE).

      - Passing through radiation detection portals at airports is routine, but alarms can be triggered by individuals who have received medical treatments with radiopharmaceuticals. PAAT aims to reduce the time needed to assess these alarms, improving security efficiency.

Main Points:-   (i) PAAT users insert data obtained from a brief interview with the person involved plus a radiation measurement.

      (ii) The app includes a catalogue of 70 radiopharmaceuticals used in nuclear medicine, and the measurement plus the interview produces a quantitative assessment of the likely source of the radiation that has been detected.

      - In 1993 and 1994, the United Kingdom (UK) began church services commemorating road traffic victims, organized by RoadPeace, a charity established in 1992.

Main Points:-   (i) Starting in 1995, at the initiative of Brigitte Chaudry, the founder of RoadPeace, organizations within the European Federation of Road Traffic Victims (FEVR) united to honor road traffic victims in their respective countries on a common day and chose the 3rd Sunday of November each year.

      (ii) The UN Road Safety Collaboration Forum (UNRSC), established in 2004, deliberated on a global day to underscore road safety.

(iii) On 26 October 2005, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/60/5 on improving global road safety, by "designating the 3rd Sunday in November of every year as the WDOR for Road Traffic Victims."

      - During World War II, Nazi forces invaded Czechoslovakia and occupied Charles University in Prague in 1939.

Main Points:-   (i) To honor the courage and sacrifice of students who fought for academic freedom and human rights, this day was chosen to be International Students' Day.

      (ii) The first-ever International Students' Day was observed on 17th November 1941. It was observed by the International Students' Council in London, The United Kingdom (UK).

(iii) The Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) annually raises awareness for students' rights.

      - The General Body meeting of the Indian Epilepsy Association (IEA) on 17th December 1990 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, declared 17th November as National Epilepsy Day (NED). The observance of this day was proposed by Indian physicians Dr. Eddie Bharucha and Dr. Piloo Bharucha.

Main Points:-   (i) Around 50 million people across the globe have epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally.

      (ii) Nearly 80% of people with epilepsy live in low- and middle-income countries.

(iiI) It is estimated that up to 70% of people living with epilepsy could live seizure-free if properly diagnosed and treated.

      - The event was jointly organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Kalakshetra Foundation, and the CCRT.

Main Points:-   (i) The event showcased a variety of art forms, including Nagar Sankirtan and Govardhan Puja from Braj, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh (AP), Bharatanatyam by renowned artists, and folk traditions like Panchavadyam and Theyyam from Kerala.

      (ii) The Amrit Parampara series has been designed to promote the continuity of India's cultural legacy through 4 key pillars: the foundation of Bharatiya Sanskriti, a blend of cultural education and entertainment, the synthesis of diverse ideas, and a multi-sensory experience.

(iii) The festival series marks the start of a two-year celebration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel, honoring his achievements and his role in uniting India.

Main Points:-   (i) Among the 55 Best Tourism Villages for 2024, 7 villages were selected from the BTV Upgrade Programme, including Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), among others.

      (ii) Additionally, 20 villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme for 2024, including Dhudmaras village located in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, the only Indian village featured on the list.

      - India ranks 6th globally with 64,480 patent applications, with domestic applicants contributing 55.2%. Patent grants surged by 149.4% in 2023, reflecting rapid IP growth.

Main Points:-   (i) In the industrial design sector, applications in India rose by 36.4%, reflecting the increasing emphasis on product design, manufacturing, and the creative industries.

      (ii) Between 2018 and 2023, patent and industrial design applications more than doubled, while trademark filings increased by 60%. During this period, the country's patent-to-GDP ratio rose sharply from 144 in 2013 to 381 in 2023.

(iii) A total of 3.55 million patent applications were filed globally in 2023, marking a 2.7% increase from 2022.

      - A spot deal involves exchanging currencies at the current market rate, typically settled within two business days. Cash deals settle the same day, while TOM (tomorrow) deals settle the next working day.

Main Points:-   (i) With the expanded reporting framework, the RBI effectively tracks real-time forex market trends and can better assess liquidity and volatility, making authorized dealers more responsible for the accuracy of transactions.

      (ii) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 59.20 lakh on South Indian Bank (SIB) for non-compliance with certain directions on 'interest rate on deposits' and 'customer service' in banks. This penalty has been imposed under the provisions of Section 47 A (1) (c) with Section 46 (4) (i) of the Banking Regulation (BR) Act.

Main Points:-   (i) Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), who ranked at 12th spot, is the only Indian to be featured on the list.

      (ii) The list has featured 18 female CEOs and business leaders, including Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture (USA), and Emma Walmsley, CEO of the UK-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), ranked at 23rd and 25th positions, respectively.

      - PCI is a statutory quasi-judicial autonomous authority re-established in 1979 under an Act of Parliament, the Press Council Act, 1978.

Main Points:-   (i) The theme for National Press Day 2024 is "Changing Nature of the Press".

      (ii) According to Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières - RSF)'s 22nd World Press Freedom Index (WPFI 2024), India ranked 159th position out of 180 countries with a score of 31.28.

(iii) Justice Janardan Raghunath Mudholkar (JR Mudholkar) was appointed as the 1st chairman of PCI. He served as the Judge of the Supreme Court of India from 1960 to 1966.

Main Points:-   (i) The CISF headquarters has started preparations for the early recruitment, training, and selection of locations for the headquarters of the new battalion.

      (ii) The training is specially designed to create an elite battalion capable of performing multifarious roles such as commandos in Very Important Person (VIP) security and security at airports, Delhi metro rail, etc.

      - The MOU was inked between BDL's Chairman and Managing Director A Madhavarao (Retired) and Mr Kovalenko German, Deputy Director General of the Naval Department of Rosoboronexport (ROB).

Main Points:-   (i) The Pantsir air defence system is a highly versatile and mobile platform designed to protect military installations from aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

      (ii) The system combines short- to medium-range surface-to-air missiles with dual 30 mm automatic cannons, creating a multi-layered defence.

(iii) The Pantsir-S1, equipped with advanced radar and tracking systems, can detect and engage targets up to 36 km away and at altitudes of up to 15 km. It is deployed globally, including in Russia, China, and India, as part of a layered defense strategy alongside longer-range systems like the S-400.

Main Points:-   (i) NITI Aayog launched the Accelerating Sustainable Solutions for Energy Transition (ASSET) platform in partnership with the Ministry of Power (MoP) and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

      (ii) The symposium focused on helping states create energy transition blueprints, develop investible projects, and promote emerging technologies like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Green Hydrogen, e-mobility, and offshore wind energy.

(iii) The "Facilitating Energy Transition Across States (FETS)" initiative was launched, along with a panel discussion on enabling green transition in India and sessions showcasing best practices in e-mobility, waste-to-energy, and energy efficiency.

Main Points:-   (i) This partnership aims to strengthen India's titanium value chain by converting low-grade ilmenite (Titanium oxide) into high-grade feedstock, also generating local employment opportunities.

      (ii) UKTMP JSC will provide the technology of producing Ti Slag and will take the agreed quantities for an input in their Ti sponge plant.

(iii) IREL (India) Limited is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the DAE. It was incorporated on August 18, 1950, with its first unit Rare Earths Division (RED) in Aluva (Kerala).

Main Points:-   (i) PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth over Rs 6,640 crore in Jamui, Bihar.

      (ii) Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Cooperation, unveiled a grand statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Baansera Park in New Delhi, Delhi, on the occasion of his 150th birth anniversary year.

(iii) He also renamed the Sarai Kale Khan Chowk outside Sarai Kale Khan inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) in south-east Delhi as Birsa Munda Chowk.

      - The committee is responsible for reviewing the implementation of ISC recommendations and addressing issues referred by the Chairman or the Council.

Main Points:-   (i) The ISC is a key constitutional body (non-permanent) established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India.

      (ii) The Inter-State Council Secretariat (ISCS) was set up in 1991 in New Delhi (Delhi). The Secretariat is headed by a Secretary to the GoI, assisted by two Advisers.

      - In 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed banks to adopt the cassette swap mechanism in ATMs, aiming for phased implementation by covering at least one-third of ATMs annually, but due to slow progress, the deadline has been extended to March 31, 2025, following recommendations from the Committee on Currency Movement.

Main Points:-   (i) The cassette swap mechanism involves swapping lockable cassettes pre-filled with currency notes during ATM cash replenishment. Each ATM needs three sets of five cassettes, costing Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 each.

      (ii) The world's first ATM was introduced by Barclays Bank in 1967, while in India, HSBC Bank launched the first ATM in 1987. ICICI Bank became the first to introduce mobile ATMs in India. Additionally, ATMs in India are controlled by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

(iii) As of August 2024, there were 2.55 lakh ATMs in India. Of these, 2.20 lakh were bank-owned ATMs, and 35,000 were owned by White Label ATM Operators.

      - KBL Peak supports students pursuing higher education in India and abroad, covering tuition, accommodation, travel, books, and laptops. It offers a pre-admission sanction letter, credit life insurance for students and parents, and interest rate concessions for female STEM (Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics) students, promoting financial ease and gender inclusion in education.

Main Points:-   (i) KBL Genius savings account is a student-focused product available in two variants: 'KBL Genius Signature' and 'KBL Genius Advantage.'

      (ii) It comes with features like a minimum average balance requirement, seamless digital transactions, and exclusive benefits on debit cards. KBL Genius empowers students to manage their finances effectively.

Main Points:-   The facility will significantly reduce the turnaround time (TAT) and serve as a game changer in curbing frauds and eliminating the inconveniences associated with the physical movement of documents.

      - Cumulative imports during April-October 2024 are estimated at USD 531.51 billion, increasing by 7.05%.

Main Points:-   (i) Services exports in October 2024 are valued at USD 34.02 billion while imports are at USD 17 billion compared to October 2023.

      (ii) From April to October 2024, services exports are estimated at USD 215.98 billion and imports at USD 114.57 billion.

(iii) The services trade surplus for April to October 2024 is expected to be USD 101.41 billion, higher than USD 89.64 billion in 2023.

      - He was the Co-Chairman of FIH Development and Education Committee and the Chairman of FIH International and Olympic Relations.

Main Points:-   (i) He has served as Chief Executive/Secretary General of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and has been a key member of the Coordination and Evaluation Commission (CEC) for the Asian Games from 2010 to 2022, as well as the Asian Winter Games in Changchun 2009.

      (ii) He has been the Vice-Chair of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Athletes Commission and a member of the OCA Disciplinary Commission.

(iii) He was awarded the prestigious title of Dato' from Malaysia (2010), FIH President's Award (2002), Performance Medal by Governo de Macau (1998), and Macau Medalha de Merito Sportivo Nacional - Macau National Medal of Merit in Sports (1999).

      - The planet is located at the edge of the "Neptunian desert," a sub-Jovian desert defined as the region close to a star (period < 2-4 days) where no Neptune-sized (> 0.1 MJ) exoplanets are found.

Main Points:-   (i) The planet orbits TOI-6651 in a close, 5.06-day cycle.

      (ii) The planet's orbit is slightly oval in shape, or eccentric, further distinguishing it from typical gas giants like Saturn in our solar system.

(iii) The star, TOI-6651, is a G-type sub-giant that's slightly larger and hotter than our Sun, with a surface temperature of about 5940 Kelvin (K).

      - Sahney is a chemical engineer from Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur.

Main Points:-   (i) In August 2024, he was initially selected to be the company's Director for Business Development (DBD) but has now been elevated to the position of Chairman of IOC.

      (ii) He also chairs Terra Clean Ltd, a subsidiary of Indian Oil focused on sustainable solutions.

Main Points:-   (i) He has been a key player for Bengal in domestic cricket, especially in the Ranji Trophy. He played for 5 Indian IPL franchises: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Punjab Kings (PBKS), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), and Gujarat Titans (GT).

      (ii) Wriddhiman Saha won West Bengal's highest civilian award, the 'Banga Bibhushan' award.

Main Points:-   (i) In 1993, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/48/126 and proclaimed the year 1995 as the United Nations Year for Tolerance.

      (ii) In 1996, the UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/51/95 and declared November 16 each year as the International Day for Tolerance.

(iii) The first International Day for Tolerance was observed on 16 November 1996.

      - The main aim of the MSME Outreach program was to provide easy availability of financial services and promote the growth of MSMEs across the country.

Main Points:-   (i) The Union Finance Minister also virtually launched 6 new Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Branches in Karnataka, located at Tumakuru, Raichur, Shivamogga, Kalaburagi, Mangaluru and Vijayapura, thus expanding SIDBI's reach and financial assistance to MSMEs in these Clusters.

      (ii) All Scheduled Commercial Banks and NBFCs have been given a target of providing additional MSME credit of 1.54 lakh crore in the current financial year.

(iii) Sanction letters were issued to five Canara Bank borrowers under the newly introduced Tarun Plus category of the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY).

Main Points:-   (i) The exercise consisted of focused discussions on emerging space technologies, space situational awareness, and India's space program.

      (ii) The 3-day exercise engaged participants in scenario-based exercises conducted by subject experts from various Ministries and Departments of the Government of India, alongside military, scientific, and academic representatives.

(iii) The successful implementation of the exercise provided strategies for operational preparedness, a strong framework for future collaboration, and a clear roadmap for advancing India's space capabilities to meet national security objectives.

Main Points:-   (i) The meeting was attended by around 120 participants, including delegates from more than 10 countries and representatives from the telecom industry. Nine Heads of Regulators/Heads of Delegation from each of the SATRC Members participated.

      (ii) Union Minister emphasized India's achievements in digital infrastructure, with 1.2 billion telephones and 970 million internet subscribers. He mentioned that India's digital economy now accounts for 10% of the national economy, compared to just 3.5% a decade ago, and continues to grow at a rate 2.8 times faster than the national economy.

(iii) The Minister emphasized Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) like satellites and high-altitude platforms for improving connectivity in underserved areas, fostering innovation, and supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Main Points:-   (i) The High Commissioner of India in Mozambique Robert Shetkintong, Defence Adviser Colonel Puneet Attri, and Commander Rajan Chib of INS Gharial attended the handing over ceremony of FICs in Nacala, Mozambique. Ministry of National Defence representative Augusto Casimiro Mueio accepted the craft on behalf of the Mozambique Government.

      (ii) FIC has a reaching speed of up to 45 knots and is equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins.

      - The agreement was signed between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Secretary (East) Jaideep Mazumder, and BIMSTEC Secretary General, Indra Mani Pandey.

Main Points:-   (i) India hosted the first meeting of the Governing Board of BIMSTEC Energy Centre (BEC) on 27 February 2023 at Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru.

      (ii) Indra Mani Pandey participated in the Second Edition of Raisina Down Under 2024 in Canberra, Australia.

(iii) External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reiterated India's dedication to strengthening ties with BIMSTEC during a meeting of foreign ministers.

      - The reclassification procedure must occur within 5 trading days from the date of settlement of the trades causing the breach.

Main Points:-   (i) As per the new framework, the concerned FPI is now required to obtain necessary approvals from the government, including approvals required in case of investment from land bordering countries and the concurrence of the Indian investee company concerned when their equity holdings breach the prescribed limits.

      (ii) For reclassification, the entire investment held by such FPI should be reported within the timelines specified under FEM (Mode of Payment and Reporting of Non-Debt Instruments) Regulations, 2019.

(iii) After reporting this reclassification, the FPI is required to instruct its custodian to transfer the equity instruments from the demat account designated for portfolio investments to the FDI account.

      - Previously, only trading in equity, Futures and Options (F&O), commodities, and currencies was considered for allowing the account to be active.

Main Points:-   (i) The NSE has mandated that any account once marked inactive can be activated by the broker only after completing in-person verification either physically or in digital mode.

      (ii) Brokers are authorized to seek updated client details like address, email ID (electronic mail identification), bank account, and income details.

(iii) The inactive accounts identified based on the above-mentioned criteria may be termed as "Inactive" by the Trading Member in Unique Client Code (UCC) database of all the respective changes.

      - Samantha Harvey was awarded with 50,000 pounds (USD 64,000) and a trophy, which was presented to her by Paul Lynch, winner of the Booker Prize 2023.

Main Points:-   (i) Orbital is the 2nd-shortest novel ever to win the Booker Prize.

      (ii) This science fiction novel, published by Jonathan Cape (UK) and Grove Atlantic (USA), is the second-shortest book to win the prize, with 136 pages and covering a 24-hour timeframe.

(iii) This year's shortlist included five women out of six shortlistees, the largest number of women represented in the prize's 55-year history.

Main Points:-   (i) In addition to winning the main title, she also won the Grand Pageants Choice Award 2024. She will now serve as the global ambassador for MGI, promoting peace and stability worldwide.

      (ii) With this win, she shares the record for the most global pageant crowns won by an Indian, along with former Miss Universe Lara Dutta.

(iii) In 2022, she won the title of "Miss Super Talent of the World" at the 15th edition of the pageant held in Paris, France.

Main Points:-   (i) Navinchandra Ramgoolam is the son of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, the first PM of independent Mauritius, often referred to as the "Father of the Nation.

      (ii) Ramgoolam, a former doctor and lawyer, became the leader of the Mauritius Labour Party (MLP) in June 1991.

(iii) He was first selected as the PM in 1995 and served until 2000, and again he became the PM in 2005, serving until 2014.

Main Points:-   (i) She also held the position of banking professional as Regional Head of Payments for Asia Pacific at HSBC Holdings plc. Additionally, she led the cash management portfolio at Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (KMBL), the largest shareholder in MCX.

      (ii) MCX is one of India's largest commodity derivatives exchanges.

      - The idea of World Quality Week (WQW) was first proposed by the American Society for Quality (ASQ) in 2010.

Main Points:-   (i) The theme of WQW 2024, 'Quality: From Compliance to Performance,' emphasizes the shift from mere compliance in quality management to a focus on continuous improvement and excellence.

      (ii) The CQI is also in charge of the International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA).

Main Points:-   In August 2024, Asia Opportunities V (Mauritius) divested a 3% stake in PNB Housing Finance for over Rs 676 crore, while in May 2024, Asia Opportunities V (Mauritius) and General Atlantic liquidated a cumulative 4.46% stake in PNB Housing Finance for Rs 843 crore.

Main Points:-   (i) Indian goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh made three crucial saves, and strikers Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh, and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha scored in the shootout to secure the win.

      (ii) Great Britain's U21 Men's squad defeated Australia to win the Gold medal at the 12th Sultan of Johor Cup. This was GB's fourth title at the Sultan of Johor Cup.

(iii) India won the Gold Medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup Junior Under 21 Men's Hockey Tournament in 2013, 2014, and 2022. Germany won the previous edition in 2023.

Main Points:-   The theme of International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of TOC 2024 is "Organized crime steals, corrupts and kills. It's time we pull together to push back".

      - The scheme is expected to provide a boost to the entire medical device sector.

Main Points:-   (i) Anupriya Patel, Minister of State(MoS) for Chemicals and Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare, and Shri Arunish Chawla, Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, along with officials of the department and representatives of the industry, were also present during the event.

      (ii) India's medical device market was valued at approximately USD 14 billion in 2024, with projections to reach USD 30 billion by 2030.

(iii) The design was developed in collaboration with the Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) in Pune, Maharashtra, and the Indian Army.

Main Points:-   (i) These loans, contingent on the bank's credit approval, require a 20% margin and come with competitive interest rates, offering terms of up to 7 years.

      (ii) This partnership is in line with TPREL's vision of environmental responsibility and supports India's sustainability goals, including the net-zero target by 2070.

Main Points:-   (i) The PPI license will help the company build services that allow internet businesses to retain and expand their user base.

      (ii) Cashfree Payments also received the Payment Aggregator Cross-Border (PA - CB) license in July 2024, facilitating transactions for imports and exports.

(iii) Additionally, the company secured the payment aggregator license in December 2023, which enables it to process online merchant payments.

Main Points:-   (i) Alix Didier Fils-Aime is a businessman. He participated in the 2015 election for the Vérité party.

      (ii)Prior to the appointment, he served as Haiti's Minister of Planning and External Cooperation (MPEC) during the administration of President Jovenel Moïse, from 2017 to 2020.

(iii) During his time as MPEC, Fils-Aime worked on several key development initiatives to enhance Haiti's participation in global economic forums.

Main Points:-   (i) The Indian Army uses its M-777 ultra-lightweight howitzers, which are weapons designed for mountainous regions and have been recently introduced in the artillery units deployed in the eastern sector.

      (ii) The exercise, Poorvi Prahar, will involve innovative technological advancements such as First Person View (FPV) Drones, and Loiter Munitions. These technologies, including Swarm Drones, will transform modern warfare by providing situational awareness and accuracy in operations.

(iii) Joint control structures will be established during the exercise to maintain the efficiency of operations.

Main Points:-   (i) The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, which focuses on biotechnology for the economy, employment, and the environment, highlights the government's commitment to nurturing a science sector with significant impact.

      (ii) The Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNEST) BRIC-NABI Incubation Center aims to empower local youth, women, and agriculture, food, and bioprocessing, and to accelerate the commercialization of agri-food innovations.

Main Points:-   (i) The village hosted its first event, the three-day International Literature, Culture, and Art Festival, "Sparsh Himalaya Mahotsav," with writers from more than 40 countries participating in person, while those from around 25 nations joined virtually.

      (ii) During the event, Nishank unveiled his book "Ram in the Himalayas"

Main Points:-   (i) Matthew Wade played 97 ODIs, amassing 1,867 runs, and 92 T20Is with 1,202 runs.

      (ii) He played for Australia for 13 years and served as the T20 captain between December 2020 and February 2024.

      - PM laid the foundation stone of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Darbhanga, Bihar at a cost of Rs 1264 crore.

Main Points:-   (i) PM Modi inaugurated multiple initiatives in the petroleum and natural gas sector worth over Rs 4,020 crore.

      (ii) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 18 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras located at various railway stations across India through video conferencing from Darbhanga, Bihar.

(iii) These Kendras aim to provide passengers with high-quality medicines at affordable prices, enhancing healthcare accessibility at railway stations.

      - India's semiconductor market, valued at USD 15 billion in 2020, is projected to exceed USD 63 billion by 2026.

Main Points:-   (i) Investments by semiconductor units in Gujarat are expected to create a significant number of high-skilled job opportunities.

      (ii) These state-of-the-art facilities will play a vital role in reducing India's dependence on imported semiconductor chips while driving job creation in critical downstream sectors like automotive, electronics, medical equipment, and telecommunications.

(iii) Along with the capital expenditure support provided by the Government of India for semiconductor and display fabrication units, the Gujarat government has enhanced this assistance with an additional 40% financial support.

Main Points:-   (i) The report showed that policies designed for India's power, residential, and transport sectors have already saved 440 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) between 2015 and 2020.

      (ii) As per the report, the policies promoting renewable energy only in the power sector are projected to drive a 24% decline in coal-based power generation by 2030, relative to a no-policy scenario.

      - The last edition of this exercise was held in Perth, Australia, in December 2023.

Main Points:-   (i) This year's drill is set in a semi-urban, semi-desert environment, reflecting conditions under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) mandate on peacekeeping operations.

      (ii) During the AUSTRAHIND-24 exercise, soldiers from both India and Australia engaged in social and cultural activities.

(iii) The Indian contingent, comprising 140 personnel from the DOGRA Regiment of the Indian Army and 14 members of the Indian Air Force, joins the Australian contingent of 120 personnel from the 13th Light Horse Regiment, 10th Brigade, 2nd Division of the Australian Army.

      - Customers can also buy smart gold in denominations of rupees or grams (gms).

Main Points:-   (i) The underlying physical gold of the customer will be procured and stored in insured vaults. Customers can monitor the live market price of gold on the JioFinance app, promoting transparency in their investments.

      (ii) Jio Payment Solutions Limited (JPSL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jio Financial Services (JFS), has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an online Payment Aggregator (PA). The certificate of authorisation came into effect from 28th October 2024.

Main Points:-   (ii) Mahindra Finance aims to tap into the growth potential, aligning with the adoption of e-commerce and technological advancements seen even in non-metro locations.

      (ii) Mahindra group entity holds a 3.53% stake in RBL Bank, acquired for Rs.417 crore.

Main Points:-   (i) The award will be presented to Reddy in January 2025 during a ceremony at Jyoti Protap Bidyalay in Teok, Jorhat.

      (ii) The Jadav Payeng International Award includes a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation, and various other mementos.

(iii) The award is named after Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, known as the "Forest Man of India" for his continuous efforts in creating a 550-hectare forest in Assam's Jorhat district.

Main Points:-   (i) ZIMSAT-2, a low Earth observation satellite equipped with a high-resolution multispectral camera (8-meter spatial resolution), is designed to support agriculture by monitoring crop health and resource mapping, aid disaster response through early warning systems, enhance environmental surveillance for sustainable practices, and assist geographical research, including the identification of potential mineral resources.

      (ii) The satellite is equipped with a data transmission system that enables it to send collected information back to a ground control station and operates across multiple spectra, including visible and infrared, significantly enhancing its observation capabilities.

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.

      - India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, was awarded to him in 1955.

Main Points:-   (i) Before 1964, India celebrated Children's Day on November 20, which is the day the United Nations (UN) celebrated World Children's Day.

      (ii) In 1929, he was elected President of the Indian National Congress (INC) and was the PM of the interim Indian Government between 1946 and 1950.

Main Points:-   (i) The 2024 theme of World Usability Day (WUD) is, "Designing for a Better World".

      (ii) The first WUD was observed on 10 November 2005.

      - An allocation of Rs 4,285 crore is proposed for women, children, differently abled, and senior citizens' welfare.

Main Points:-   (i) The revenue deficit and fiscal deficit are at Rs 34,743 crore and Rs 68,742 crore respectively.

      (ii) The fiscal deficit will be around 4.19% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), and the revenue deficit will be around 2.12% of the GSDP.

Main Points:-   (i) She has held various positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Gumla and Lohardaga districts in Jharkhand.

      (ii) She was an advisor in Niti Aayog and served as Additional Secretary in the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F).

      - This development follows an agreement made during King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck of Bhutan's visit to India in November 2023, where both nations decided to designate Darranga (Assam) and Samdrup-Jongkhar (Bhutan) as official ICPs for third-country nationals.

Main Points:-   (i) The ICP was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister (PM) of Bhutan H.E. Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay.

      (ii) Minister of State (MoS) Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA); MoS, Pabitra Margherita, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA); Dasho Pema Chewang, the Leader of the Opposition of Bhutan, and other elected representatives and senior officials from both countries were present during the event.

(iii) ICP Darranga, covering 14.5 acres, enhances trade and cross-border transit with modern infrastructure, including an office complex, parking, loading zones, a weighbridge, a warehouse, and residential quarters for officials.

Main Points:-   (i) The DOA from the DGCA will enable the airline to independently make design changes in-house and implement modifications to its aircraft interiors more efficiently.

      (ii) This DOA is a transformative step towards enhancing Air India's in-house capabilities. It will strengthen decisions to set up its own engineering, maintenance, and training facilities, improving operational efficiency and making the airline more self-reliant.

      - Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as the highest-ranked city in the West Asia and Africa region for the 2nd consecutive year.

Main Points:-   (i) London has secured the 3rd rank in two key performance indicators of the index: familiarity and reputation.

      (ii) In contrast, its performance on the "consideration" indicator is less robust with an overall rank of 19th position, despite its strong performances in the consideration to visit (2nd) and consideration to study (6th).

(iii) Globally, London has been ranked at 2nd spot in the "Education & Science" pillar.

      - The main aim of the project was to create urban infrastructure that is strong enough to tackle climate and environmental risks such as floods and landslides, ensuring the safety and health of Uttarakhand's population.

Main Points:-   (i) The project will develop transportation, urban mobility, drainage, flood management, and overall public services in Haldwani.

      (ii) Climate-resilient roads of 16 kilometers (km) in length will be developed in Haldwani, along with an intelligent traffic management system, providing compressed natural gas buses, and pilot electric buses.

(iii) The project will construct 36 km of stormwater and roadside drains to improve flood management and implement an early warning system against disasters.

      - The percentage of bullish indicators declined to 69% in Q2FY25 from 80% in Q2FY24 and 78% in Q1FY25.

Main Points:-   (i) The report underscored the recent growth in rural demand, juxtaposed against the somewhat declining urban demand, with 85% of rural indicators showing acceleration compared to 73% of urban indicators (September 2024).

      (ii) However, the report has warned against any policy decisions that could create short-term fiscal pressures. It stated that initiatives like loan waivers and universal crop price guarantees are "unscientific" and could lead to long-term economic challenges.

Main Points:-   (i) The United Kingdom (UK) hosted the 92nd INTERPOL General Assembly, the world's largest gathering of senior law enforcement officials, from 4th to 7th November 2024 at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow. The General Assembly meeting was opened by Keir Starmer, Prime Minister (PM) of the UK.

      (ii) Around 1,000 delegates from member countries attended the event. The General Assembly elected 9 members of the INTERPOL Executive Committee.

(iii) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director, Praveen Sood, and Vijayendra Bidari, Joint Director in the federal anti-corruption agency, represented India at the event.

Main Points:-   (i)On 30th September 2024, Pankaj Kumar Bansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, was assigned as the MD of NAFED, initially for "a period of three months or till the appointment of a regular incumbent to the post."

      (ii) New Delhi (Delhi) based NAFED was established in 1958. It is registered under the Multi State Co-operative Societies Act.

Main Points:-   (i) Prior to the appointment, he served as Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education & Literacy (DSEL), Ministry of Education (MOE), Government of India (Gol).

      (ii) He was responsible for projects like Samagra Shiksha Scheme under National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, Prime Minister Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme.

Main Points:-   (i)On 11th November 2024, DRDO handed over the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) of P-7 Parachute System to the Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) by the Agra (Uttar Pradesh-UP) based Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), a DRDO laboratory.

Main Points:-   (i) As a part of the celebration, Hockey India relaunched the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) after a 7-year pause and also announced the launch of the Women's HIL.

      (ii) Over these 100 years, the Indian Men's hockey team has won 8 gold medals, one silver and 4 bronze medals in the Olympics. They have also won the 1975 Hockey World Cup trophy.

Main Points:-   (i) She was honored with Padma Shri for outstanding contribution to music in 1991 and Padma Bhushan in the Art-Music field in 2018.

      (ii) In 2000, she was conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

(iii) She has also received several awards including Rashtriya Devi Ahiliya Samman, Bihar Kala Puraskar, Bihar Ratna, Bhojpuri Ratna, Mithila Vibhuti Samman.

Main Points:-   (i) Each year, WDD highlights a specific theme that continues for one or more years. The UN theme for WDD 2024-26 is "Diabetes and well-being".

      (ii) The WHO theme for WDD 2024 is "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps".

(iii) WDD was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the growing concerns about the health threat posed by diabetes.

Main Points:-   (i) After taking charge as MD and CEO, Shashwat Sharma will oversee the entire end-to-end consumer business.

      (ii) Shashwat Sharma's leadership will guide Bharti Airtel's growth strategy and strengthen its consumer business operations.

Main Points:-   (i) NTPC's 50-year logo was also launched on the occasion reflecting NTPC's everlasting commitment to growth and excellence and a reminder of the 50 years of powering growth and creation of infinite possibilities.

      (ii) The celebration also honored outstanding achievements of NTPC employees' children.

(iii) Moreover, new Information Technology (IT) applications and a comic book on NTPC's Girl Empowerment Mission (GEM)-a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative that has empowered over 10,000 girls from rural areas were also launched during the celebrations.

      - For the initial phase, the platform will be deployed on a pilot mode and it will be improved based on the experiences of the usage. The complete roll-out of the platform will be notified thereafter.

Main Points:-   (i) PSB Alliance has developed a module within the eBKray platform to provide the listing and auction of assets under IBC 2016.

      (ii) The platform will act as a unified listing platform to host all assets being sold in liquidation cases. It will require all details such as the status of the attachment or lien, geographical coordinates, and the likely date of auction to be provided by the liquidators.

(iii) As per IBBI directions, it is mandatory for all the Insolvency Professionals (IPs) handling the liquidation processes to list the details of all the unsold assets in respect of the ongoing liquidation processes on the eBKray platform.

      - This marks the 23rd flight of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster.

Main Points:-   (i) This launch marks the 107th successful mission for SpaceX this year and the 364th successful booster landing across all Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions.

      (ii) The launch of the Koreasat-6A satellite is part of KT SAT's strategy to enhance its satellite infrastructure, including its shift towards multi-orbit satellite capabilities.

(iii) Koreasat 6A was developed by France-based Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture (JV) between French company Thales Group (67%) and the Italian defense company Leonardo (33%).

Main Points:-   (i) The Chennai Grand Masters is an 8-player single round-robin with a time control of 90 minutes for the game plus 30-second increments per move.

      (ii) The tournament is organised by MGD1 and sponsored by the Sports Development Authority of TN and features two categories - Masters & Challengers.

(iii) The rating average of this tournament is 2729 according to the October rating list.

Main Points:-   (i) To meet customers' growing expectations for transparency, IDFC First Bank's SWIFT Global Payments Innovation (CPI) integration allows users to monitor the status of their international transfers in real time.

      (ii) The bank offers this real-time tracking service for free under its "Pay Abroad" feature, with no extra processing fees.

(iii) IDFC First Bank enables remittances up to USD 250,000/year under RBI's LRS for purposes like supporting relatives, gifting, education, medical needs, and investing abroad, reflecting its commitment to customer satisfaction.

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.

      - The satellite was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) on a SpaceX mission and will be positioned approximately 400 kilometers (km) above Earth.

Main Points:-   (i) The mini-satellite was launched to test the viability of a renewable material in future space habitation and exploration.

      (ii) The Doi's team is planning an ambitious 50-year strategy to send timber structures to the Moon and Mars. The spacecraft is developed with NASA-certified wooden satellite, validating wood as a space-suited material.

(iii) Wooden satellites offer an environmental advantage as they produce minimal pollution and a low environmental footprint during re-entry, unlike metal satellites that release aluminum oxide; their success could potentially lead to a future ban on metal satellites.

      - Under the MoU, Cairn will set a 5-year target to reduce methane emissions & will transparently report progress.

Main Points:-   (i) The OGMP 2.0 initiative covers over 40% of global oil & gas production, providing a framework for MRV of methane emissions.

      (ii) This collaboration will contribute to the Global Methane Pledge's broader goal of a 30% reduction in global methane emissions by 2030.

      - During the mela, the 'Rang Paridhan' programme showcased uniforms made from the products of artisans. Under this initiative, the corporations under MoSJ&E will use uniforms crafted by local artisans for their personnel.

Main Points:-   (i) TULIP Digital Platform for e-commerce will provide a platform for economic self-reliance and global exposure to artisans via an e-marketplace.

      (ii) During the event, the Union Minister highlighted digital initiatives like 'PM-SURAKSHA Portal' and 'PM-DAKSH Portal', launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

(iii) Through initiatives like the 'Vishwas Yojana' and 'Namaste Yojana', financial assistance and protection are being extended to the SC, Backward Class (BC), and sanitation worker communities.

Main Points:-   (i) This digital portal will provide a platform to ensure participation of a larger segment of our population.

      (ii) In addition to paying tributes, the website invites users to subscribe the digital copy of the 'Compendium of Martyrs in RPF', which will be released on October 28, 2024. The Compendium will chronicle the stories of RPF personnel who laid down their lives in the service of the nation over the past years.

Main Points:-   (i) China leads Asian higher education with the most top-10 universities, having four institutions in the top 10, 10 in the top 50, and 22 in the top 100.

      (ii) Indonesia achieves the highest growth, adding 30 new universities.

(iii) Singapore has become Asia's most concentrated hub of higher education excellence, producing exceptional research with three universities among the top 10 in Citations per Paper.

      - The report showed that globally, the number of deaths caused by TB has declined in 2023, from 1.32 million (in 2022) to 1.25 million (in 2023).

Main Points:-   (i) As per the report, India is estimated to have had 27 lakh TB cases in 2023, of which 25.1 lakh were diagnosed and put on treatment. With this, India's treatment coverage has increased from 72% (in 2015) to 89% (in 2023).

      (ii) According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the leap in coverage has been due to the momentum India has created around TB case finding and reflects the efforts of decentralization of healthcare services through more than 1.7 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in the country.

(iii) The WHO has downsized its projection of TB mortality in India in 2023, as its latest report shows the deaths related to TB in India have declined by 21.4%, from 28 per lakh population to 22 per lakh population.

Main Points:-   Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI, accepted the award in recognition of the bank's dedication to providing exceptional services and advancing financial inclusion across the country by earning the trust of its customers.

      - He served as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Western Seaboard. Previously, he helmed the Western Region for about 18 months before being promoted.

Main Points:-   (i) ReCAAP ISC, established in 2006, is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and armed robbery at sea in Asia.

      (ii) It plays a vital role in fostering information exchange, capacity building, and joint efforts to tackle maritime security issues across the region.

Main Points:-   The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the merger after receiving clearances from the Competition Commission of India (CCI), the Registrar of Companies (RoC), and the Regional Director (RD), along with No Objection Certificates (NOC) from RBI and the Income Tax Department (ITD).

      - The rocket carried two Russian Ionosphere-M Earth observation satellites for monitoring Earth's ionosphere and space weather, along with the Kowsar satellite for land observation and the Hodhod satellite for communications, both designed and built by the Iranian private space company Omid Faza in Tehran, Iran.

Main Points:-   (i) Previously in 2022, a Russian rocket launched Khayyam, an Iranian Earth observation satellite built in Russia.

      (ii) Iran and Russia have strengthened their ties in various fields, including the economic and military sectors.

(iii) Iran has also sent Shahed drones to Russia under a USD 1.7 billion deal signed in late 2022. Western countries, including the United States, have accused Russia of using these drones in Ukraine.

      - It will enhance Japan's military operations by enabling high-speed data transfer across the Self Defense Forces' ground, maritime, and air units, as well as supporting international peacekeeping missions.

Main Points:-   (i) The H3 rocket, developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, is set to replace the aging H-2A series with a more cost-effective and versatile design for both civilian and military missions.

      (ii) This launch marks the H3's third consecutive successful flight after a problematic debut last year, which ended in mid-flight failure.

Main Points:-   The book also includes an analysis of a nationwide survey with responses from over 4,200 people, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive impact of Mann Ki Baat across diverse demographics.

Main Points:-   (i) The theme of World PneumoBreathy 2024 is "Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia in Its Track".

      (ii) The theme highlights the importance of every breath and emphasizes the urgent need for timely detection, and treatment to control pneumonia.

Main Points:-   (i) The idea of WKD was introduced in 1997 when the World Kindness Movement (WKM), a group of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) focused on kindness, hosted the first conference in Tokyo, Japan to unite like-minded organizations worldwide.

      (ii) After the formation of the WKM, WKD was established as an annual observance in 1998.

(iii) The World Kindness Movement includes representatives from over 27 countries and was registered as an NGO in Switzerland in 2019.

      - In 2001, November 12 every year was declared as Public Service Broadcasting Day. The event was conceptualised by Suhas Borkar, convener of Jan Prasaran.

Main Points:-   (i) AIR is a public service broadcaster of India and the radio vertical of Prasar Bharati.

      (ii) AIR's Home Service consists of 479 stations spread across India, reaching about 92% of the area and 99.19% of the total population.

(iii) AIR broadcasts programs in 23 languages and 179 dialects.

      - VINBAX is an annual training exercise instituted in 2018, with the first edition held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh (MP).

Main Points:-   (i) VINBAX-2024 is designed as an intense field training exercise, focusing on technical coordination and shared best practices.

      (ii) This year, VINBAX has expanded its scope, with participation from both the Army and Air Force of India and Vietnam for the first time, reflecting deeper commitment to bilateral cooperation.

(iii) It includes a 48-hour Validation Exercise, featuring a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstration and equipment exhibition.

      - The report cautioned that the rapid expansion of these GLOFs, attributed to increased melting of glaciers due to increasing temperatures in the region, could lead to severe consequences for downstream communities, infrastructure, and biodiversity.

Main Points :-   (i) The report emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of glacial lakes, even smaller lakes, due to their potential for sudden, catastrophic GLOFs.

      (ii) The CWC report highlighted the transboundary risks posed by expanding glacial lakes in neighbouring countries, including Bhutan, Nepal, and China.

      - This will promote growth in performance, durability, and dependency.

Main Points:-   DPIIT has been issuing QCOs since 1987, covering 81 QCOs for over 330 products under the BIS Act.

Main Points:-   (i) India will assume the Presidency of the network in 2026 and host its Annual General Meeting(AGM) in 2026.

      (ii) India can now contribute to ARIN-AP's decision-making and administrative responsibilities, advancing its mission to combat economic crimes and support asset recovery globally.

(iii) This alignment reflects India's commitment to international cooperation on financial crimes and supports its broader strategic goals under the G-20, especially the Nine Point Agenda on fugitive economic offenders and asset recovery.

Main Points:-   (i) Among the countries and sub-regions assessed by the report, losses are prominent in Bangladesh (30.5%), Vietnam (30.2%), Indonesia (26.8%), India (24.7), the rest of Southeast Asia (23.4%), higher-income Southeast Asia (22%), Pakistan (21.1%), the Pacific (18.6%), and the Philippines (18.1%).

      (ii) The report highlighted that Developing Asia has accounted for most of the increase in global GHG emissions since 2000.

(iii) As per the report, the share of global GHG emissions by the Asia-Pacific region has increased from 29.4% (in 2000) to 45.9% (in 2021).

      - Rohini Nilekani (69), co-founder and director of EkStep, was named India’s most generous woman with a donation of Rs 154 crore, leading the list of women philanthropists.

Main Points:-   (i) Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, was recognized as one of the youngest philanthropists at 38.

      (ii) This edition saw 96 new entrants, bringing the total to 203 philanthropists who donated Rs 8,783 crore in 2023-24. The top 10 contributed Rs 4,625 crore, 53% of the total donations on the list.

(iii) Donations by new entrants amounted to Rs 1,556 crore.

      - He won this title with 63.84% of the votes, while Joop de Mol (Netherlands) finished 2nd with 16.10% of the vote share.

Main Points:-   (i) PR Sreejesh, known as "The Wall of India," won his 3rd FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award. He had earlier won this title in 2021 and 2022.

      (ii) He secured over 62% of the votes, while Olympic Gold medallist Pimrin Blaak (Netherlands) finished 2nd with 22% of the votes.

      - The 2024 shortlisted words include Delulu (unrealistic expectations), Looksmaxxing (enhancing appearance), Brainrot (obsessive preoccupation), Era (life phases), Anti-tourism (authentic travel), and Romantasy (romantic fantasy escapism).

Main Points:-   (i) Collins Dictionary noted that "brat" has become more than a word. It's a cultural phenomenon with an impact that resonates across music, politics, and social identity.

      (ii) This transformation began with Charli XCX's hit sixth album Brat, which became a global sensation and inspired the phrase "brat summer", a style and lifestyle embraced by fans.

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.

Main Points:-   (i) Dhoni will work to increase awareness among voters under the SVEEP (Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation) program. The poll body is hoping to capitalize on Dhoni's appeal and popularity to increase enthusiasm, especially among voters to vote in greater numbers.

      (ii) A total of forty-three constituencies will go to polls in the first phase on November 13.

Main Points :-   - The study was led by geophysicist Steven Jacobsen, who contributed to identifying the unique characteristics of this underground ocean.

      - This reservoir's defining feature is water locked within the molecular structure of ringwoodite, differing from liquid water.

- The finding challenges existing theories about Earth's water reservoirs and offers new insights into the planet's water cycle and geological processes.

Main Points:-   (i) Ladakh was chosen for its environmental similarities to Mars and Moon, with extreme temp shifts (15°C to -10°C), high altitude (3,500 meters), and low oxygen (40% of sea level).

      (ii) Ideal for testing life support, thermal insulation, and rover mobility, with rocky, sandy soil resembling Martian and lunar regolith.

(iii) The mission includes a compact inflatable habitat, Hab-1, with facilities like a hydroponics farm, kitchen, and sanitation. It features airlocks, EVA zones, circadian lighting, and environment monitoring to simulate a self-sustaining habitat.