DEC

BA FA DeC :
· HDFC Securities – launched its mobile trading app “HDFC SKY” on Amazon Web Services (AWS)
cloud With AWS, HDFC Securities is expected to reduce its annual IT infrastructure and
management
SEBI extended the timeline for implementation of linking “SEBI Complaint Redressal (SCORES)”
with the Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform to April 1, 2024

NSO – released the estimates of GDP for Q2 of 2023-24 at Constant (2011-12) and Current
Prices· Real GDP or GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in Q2 FY24 – estimated to attain a level
of ₹41.74 lakh Cr · It shows a growth of 7.6% as compared to 6.2% in Q2 FY23· Nominal GDP or
GDP at Current Prices in Q2 FY24 – estimated at ₹71.66 lakh Cr · It shows a growth of 9.1% as
compared to 17.2% in Q2 FY23 · GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in April-September 2023-24
(H1 2023-24) shows a growth of 7.7% · GDP at Current Prices in H1 2023-24 shows a growth of
8.6%
RBI + Bank of England = an agreement on exchange of information for settlement of bond
trades through Clearing Corporation of India Ltd . BoE – will assess & recognize CCIL as a
counterparty to clear & settle bonds & overnight indexed swap trades done by England-based
banks & investors
FIHM (promoter of CSB Bank) – received RBI approval to retain 26% stake in the bank (instead
of 15%) · As per the amendment, FIHM should bring down its shareholding to 26% from 49.72%
at present
Narayan Seshadri – appointed as Chairman of the India Debt Resolution Co Ltd (IDRCL), the
‘Bad bank
Ujjivan SFB + Water.org = partnership to offer affordable financing solutions for safe water &
sanitation solutions. · Ujjivan SFB – will offer loans to existing as well as new customers starting
from ₹6,000 up to ₹1,00,000
Federal Bank + NeML = collaboration to fortify the integration of e-procurement and e-auction
systems· Farmers can list crop details on NeML’s platform. Farmers can list crop details on
NeML’s platform, & the govt will subsequently purchase them at approved MSP
Godrej Capital Nirmaan – partnership with DBS Bank India, Visa & Amazon to aid MSME
growth. It has expanded its collaborative model to include 13+ partners
Bank of Baroda – introduced the “BOB Parivar Account” for Savings and Current Accounts. Each
account will be operated independently by the Primary Account holder. ‘My Family, My Bank’
segment – launched as a part of the Bank’s “BOB Ke Sang Tyohaar Ki Umang.
Rajiv Anand – appointed as Chairman of Max Life Insurance (succeeding - Analjit Singh)
HDFC Bank + Tata Neu = launched ‘Tata Neu HDFC Bank Infinity Credit Card’ & ‘Tata Neu HDFC
Plus Credit Card’ · The card is available in two types: Visa and Rupay

· WiseX – launched Securitised Debt Instrument (SDI) through its debut opportunity - “Navratna
SDI”
· UBI + Accenture = collaborated to design and develop a scalable and secure enterprise data
lake platform. The platform would enable the bank to develop robust data visualisation and
reporting capabilities
“Global Credit Outlook 2024: New Risks, New Playbook” report – released by S&P Global· India
is set to become the 3rd largest economy in the world by 2030 · India – currently placed at the
5th place with the size of its economy at over $3.7 trillion (IMF data) · Top – US (around $27
trillion), followed by China ($17.7 trillion), Germany ($4.4 trillion)
· Federal Bank – recognised as “Bank of the Year (India)” by The Banker (owned by Financial
Times)· It is one of the only three global awards that considers the work of banks spanning 120
countries· Federal Bank – introduced “Feddy”, an artificial intelligence-powered chatbot
· iVIS (Magellanic Cloud) + ICICI Bank = partnered for the delivery of ‘e-surveillance services’
across branches
National Electricity Plan’ has estimated the fund requirement of Rs 20.67 lakh crore for solar &
wind generation projects during FY 2022-2032· ‘National Electricity Plan’ is prepared by –
Central Electricity Authority

BoI – launched “Nari Shakti Savings Account” for working women with an independent source
of income · For each New Nari Shakti account opened, the bank will make a contribution of ₹10
towards the CSR fund
Intellect Design Arena Ltd (Chennai) + Indian Bank = 5-year deal worth ₹80 crore to deploy
Intellect’s eMACH.ai powered Cash Management System
RBI – released its annual report, titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2023-24”·
Combined States’ GFD stood at 2.8% of GDP in 2022-23 (budget estimate - 3.2% & Central
Govt’s limit - 4%)· For FY 2023-24, states have projected their deficits at 3.1% of GDP

SGBS Unnati Foundation (Bengaluru) – became 1st entity to list on Social Stock Exchanges . ·
On listing, ZCZP instruments with a face value of ₹1 each will get credited into demat accounts
of respective donors
Canara HSBC Life Insurance – introduced “Alpha Wealth” · The program designed to empower
individuals to reach ambitious life goals
SEBI – allowed Stock Brokers & Clearing Members to park client funds in Mutual Fund
Overnight Schemes. MFOS – invest only in risk-free government securities
Reliance Industries + DBS Bank India = partnered to launch a financing program for Compressed
Biogas (CBG) plants l help aggregate agri-residue as inputs for the Reliance CBG production
plants across India · RIL has planned to set up around 100 CBG plants over the next 5 years
Bandhan Bank – authorised by RBI for disbursement of pensions through e-PPOs on behalf of
Ministry of Railways.. e-PPO – electronic Pension Payment Order

Federal Bank – recognised as top performer of “2023 Climate Assessment for Financial
Institutions (CAFI) Award” ... ederal Bank secured two positions on global stage:- Highest
Climate Loan Amount Reported | Most GHG Mitigated category
· Cashfree Payments – introduced ‘FlowWise’, innovative & industry-first self-hosted payments
orchestration concept... · FlowWise – uses a special ‘multi-armed bandit’ classifier to make
better decisions
RBI – revealed the issue price for SGB series III at Rs 6,199 per gram· GoI also provides Rs 50
per gram discount, less than nominal value who register online & pay using digital means· GoI
fixed interest rate of 2.5% per year on the investment

RBI – gave nod for regulated entities to adopt an ‘Offline Retail Payments’ product· It is made
by = HDFC Bank + Crunchfish AB (Sweden) | It functions in absence of a network connection
· Public Sector Banks were able to recover Rs 1.61 lakh Cr out of Rs 10.42 lakh Cr written off
during 2014-15 to 2022-23 (15.45%)

· IIT Kanpur + Kotak Mahindra Bank = partnered to launch “Kotak School of Sustainability” ...
Total project cost – around Rs 200 Cr· It is India’s first fully integrated school of sustainability
ADB – unveiled its “Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific” at COP28· It set an
ambitious goal of attracting a minimum of $2 billion in investments
· Net foreign direct investment (FDI) into India rose to a 21-month high at $5.9 billion in October
2023,... · Repatriation, money taken out from the direct investments made in India, declined
to $1.10 billion in October 2023
RBI – released its “Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS) 2022-23”... t has 14
Indian banks having overseas branch/subsidiaries & 44 foreign banks having
branches/subsidiaries in India....Their employee strength rose by 0.5% for foreign branches and
6.2% for subsidiaries... Branches of Indian banks in UAE generated the highest fee income |
2nd– UK | 3rd– Hong Kong
· It has 14 Indian banks having overseas branch/subsidiaries & 44 foreign banks having
branches/subsidiaries in India· Indian banks increased their overseas presence through the
subsidiaries route· Their employee strength rose by 0.5% for foreign branches and 6.2% for
subsidiaries
IndusInd Bank – launched “Indus Solitaire Program”, a community banking initiative designed
for diamond industry· The program will be offered through its flagship branches in Mumbai &
Surat
LIC – has increased gratuity limit to Rs 5 lakh from Rs 3 lakh for its agents... Aim – bringing
substantial improvements to the working conditions and benefits for them

Max Life Insurance Company introduced the “Smart Total Elite Protection (STEP) Plan
· CASHe – unveiled its super app with the tagline - “Bharat Ka Money App”
· Reliance General Insurance Company – introduced “Reliance Health Global”... Aim – providing
Indians with access to global healthcare

· Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance – launched a new term insurance policy, named “T.U.L.I.P”
(term & Ulip)... It offers life cover up to 100 times the annual premium, giving policy buyer an
opportunity to earn returns like a Ulip
· LIC – can now achieve a minimum public shareholding (MPS) of 25% by May 2032... GoI has
granted a one-time exemption to the LIC in this regard on December 21, 2023

“AIdea of India: Generative AI’s Potential to Accelerate India’s Digital Transformation” report
– released by EY India.. Gen AI has potential to add a cumulative $1.2 to 1.5 trillion to India’s
GDP over the next 7 years by FY 2029-30, with anadditional 0.9% to 1.1% annual CAGR · By fully
capitalising Gen AI, India can add $359-438 billion in FY2029-30

World Bank – set up a task force to study the recommendations for strengthening ‘Multilateral
Development Banks (MDBs)’ laid out by an Independent Experts’ Group
U GRO Capital – raised $30 million through NCDs from Dutch entrepreneurial development
bank, FMO · GRO X app – was launched for micro & small merchants to get collateral-free
working capital loans through UPI
· Bandhan Bank – secured mandate to collect revenue on ‘e-GRAS’ portal from Assam
government.. This will enable people of Assam to make their tax payments as well as non-tax
payments through ‘e-GRAS’ portal

· Share of agriculture in India’s GDP has declined to 15% in FY 2022-23 (from 35% in FY 1990-
91)... It declined due to rapid growth in the industrial and service sector
LEO1 + NSDL Payments Bank + MasterCard = launched a Prepaid ID card for students and
educational institutions · It is India’s first numberless Prepaid ID card.. Parents will be able to
send money digitally & monitor category-wise usage of the card
PayCraft + NSDL Payments Bank + NPCI = launched “One Nation Corporate Card” · The card
facilitates transactions seamlessly across 4 channels – ATM, POS, e-commerce websites &
metro stations

RBI approved re-appointment of Sandeep Batra as Executive Director of ICICI Bank for 2 years
(till Dec 22, 2025)
6th annual “Periodic Labour Force Survey (July 2022 to June 2023)” – conducted by NSSO under
MoSPI · Unemployment Rate among graduates in the age group of 15 years & above declined
to 13.4% in 2022-23
· HDFC Life + NKGSB Co-operative Bank Ltd = a Corporate Agency tie-up ... It has enabled NKGSB
Co-operative Bank customers to avail life insurance products of HDFC Life .. · Karur Vysya Bank
+ HDFC Life = a Corporate Agency Agreement to offer life insurance products to their customers

In December 2023, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and Asian
Development Bank (ADB) launched an initiative to facilitate climate action in India’s
agriculture, natural resources, and rural development sector
SBI + HDFC Bank + ICICI Bank + GoI = are drawing up a Financing Framework for Green Hydrogen
projects

World Bank + DEA (Ministry of Finance) = launched “Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

Beginner’s e-course” · Aim – to provide foundational knowledge & insights for understanding
IRDAI – announced that “Bima Vistaar” is set to be launched in Q1 of FY 2024-25 · Bima Vistaar
– first of its kind all-in-one affordable insurance product for life, health

atish Kumar Kalra – appointed as interim MD & CEO of North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB)
Latest Interest rates of Small Savings Schemes (SSS) for Jan-March 2024:- Sukanya Samriddhi
Account (SSA): 8.2% - 3-year Time Deposit – 7.1%- Savings Deposit: 4%- National Saving
Certificates (NSC): 7.7% - Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP): 7.5% (will mature in 115 months)- Public
Provident Fund (PPF): 7.1%- Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS): 8.2% - Monthly Income
Account: 7.4%
· 18th “Annual Information Security Summit (AISS)” –was held at Gurugram, Haryana · AISS was
organised by = NASSCOM + Data Security Council of India (DSCI)

SBI + World Bank = to sign a $165 million LoC to support grid-connected rooftop solar
photovoltaic projects in residential & institutional sectors · SBI – to make it mandatory for
builders to make rooftop solar installations if project is funded from its green funds
· RBI released the 2023 list of domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) · The latest list
includes 3 banks: SBI (bucket 4), HDFC Bank (bucket 2) & ICICI Bank (bucket 1)
· India (IOCL) paid in Rupees (first time) for crude oil to UAE (ADNOC) after signing agreement
in July 2023
IndusInd Bank – launched “eSvarna”, India’s first Corporate RuPay Credit Card · IndusInd Bank
– first bank in the country to integrate UPI functionality with a Corporate Credit Card
Bank of Maharashtra celebrated ‘Maha Parivartan Diwas’ on 19th December showcasing its
commitment to digital innovations to meet diverse needs of its customers.
World Bank – increased its annual spend on Climate-related projects to 45% over 2024 to 2025,
up from 35% now · World Bank – will now spend more than $40 billion per year
India + ADB = an agreement for a $200-million loan to improve power supply in Uttarakhand ·
Project name – ‘Uttarakhand Climate Resilient Power System Development Project’.. The
project will also empower women SHGs in rural

ADB – approved $98 million loan to improve India’s horticulture crop farmers’ access to
certified disease-free planting materials.. · The financing will support GoI’s Atmanirbhar CPP,
which was announced in February 2023
India – extended a $250 million Line of Credit for modernisation of agriculture in Kenya · India
+ Kenya = to strengthen bilateral ties in defence, trade, energy, digital public infrastructure &
healthcare
SBI + KfW = signed a 70 million euro (about Rs 630 crore) Line of Credit (LoC) · It was signed at
the bank’s IFSC Gift City Branch in Ahmedabad
GoI + ADB = signed a $175 million loan agreement to improve connectivity & resilience of roads
in Madhya Pradesh
KfW (Germany) – to provide €500 million in financial assistance for expansion of Bengaluru
Metro · Bengaluru Metro – also called Namma Metro. Germany – committed to providing at
least €10 billion to India for its green & sustainable development
DB – approved $200 million loan to support the ‘Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission-Urban
2.0’ · The initiative is committed to making all cities garbage-free by 2026
GoI + ADB = a loan agreement worth 37 billion Japanese Yen ($250 million) to continue
financing the construction of the 82-km Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor.. Delhi-Meerut RRTS is the
first of three priority rail corridors planned under the ‘NCR Regional Plan, 2021’
· GoI + ADB = signed a $250 million policy-based loan to support industrial corridor
development in India
World Bank – approved $300 million for ‘Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient Urban Development
Program’ · The program will target 21 Urban Local Bodies..
JICA + Indian Govt = a loan agreement worth Rs 22,627 Cr (400 billion Japanese Yen) as 5th
tranche for financing the construction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR)
Project.. The estimated cost of the 508-km MAHSR Project – Rs 1.25 Lakh Cr

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) approved a loan of approximately ₹932 Crore
to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives in India. This loan will fund
projects overseen by NITI Aayog
· GoI + ADB = an agreement to avail a $100 million loan to improve urban services and tourism
facilities in Tripura.. The project will improve the municipal infrastructure and public services
in ULBs along the main national highways
· Musical concerts will be held on every 24th in 2024 at Bharat Mandapam to mark centenary
year of Mohammed Rafi

World Bank – approved $100 million loan for Sikkim’s “INSPIRES Operation” · INSPIRES –
Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies.. m of INSPIRES Operation
– upskilling & providing job opportunities for 3,00,500 women & youth in Sikkim

DEC NATIONAL

DY Chandrachud – launched “FASTER 2.0” portal for technology adoption to streamline the
justice delivery system.. • He also unveiled a Hindi version of the “e-SCR” portal
Ministry of Education – preparing to restart 4th phase of the “Global Initiative of Academic
Networks (GIAN)” Coordinating body – IIT Kharagpur.. GoI has spent at least ₹126 Cr in
payment to support foreign faculty
Shaktikanta Das – unveiled a commemorative coin of Rs 100 to mark 100 years of
Kaivalyadhama at Marine Drive• Kaivalyadhama – dedicated to the mission of making yoga
relevant...
MoHUA – launched “Amplifi 2.0” portal • Amplifi 2.0” – Assessment and Monitoring Platform
for Liveable, Inclusive and Future-ready urban India • Aim – to make raw data from Indian
cities available on a single platform for academics..
Amrit Brikshya Andolan (Assam) – created 9 Guinness World Records in 9 different categories
• A total of 1,11,17,781 seedling of commercially valuable tree species were planted
V. K. Saxena – launched ‘Dilli Gramodaya Abhiyan’, an Rs 800 Crore campaign • Aim – to
develop urban villages in the national capital | funded & implemented by – Delhi Development
Authority
Indian Railways announced to install an AI-based surveillance system, called “Gajraj System”,
to prevent elephant deaths on railway tracks.. • It will be installed on 700 Kms of route passing
through forest areas at a cost of ₹181 Cr

A high-level committee, headed by Union Home Minister, approved a Recovery and

Reconstruction (R&R) plan of Rs1,658.17 Crore for Joshimath (affected by landslides & ground
subsidence)
Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) launched a revamped “DIGIPHARMed” application with 4
integrated services . • Aim – to regulate Pharmacy education in India.. • PCI will be moving
towards total digitization of registration/ enrollment services
33rd Assembly of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) held in London, UK.. • There are
43 initiatives identified as part of ‘Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 Action Plan’

Bengaluru International Airport – to become the 1st airport in India to initiate a trial run for
the Computer Tomography X-ray (CTX) machine... • It will be integrated with the Automatic
Tray Retrieval System (ATRS) and full-body scanners
NCMC – reviewed preparedness of State govts & Central Ministries/ Departments for
impending cyclone ‘Michaung’ in Bay of Bengal • NDRF – deployed 21 teams in TN Andhra
Pradesh & Puducherry and 8 additional teams have been kept in reserve • The name
‘Michaung’ was given by – Myanmar
Maruti Suzuki – to manufacture its first all-electric car, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) called ‘eVX’
from its Hansalpur factory in Gujarat in 2024-2025

Air India – introduced ‘Aerowash’, an environment-friendly, automated aircraft exterior

washing & cleaning system
Uttarakhand – became the first state in India to get the highest number of GI certificates in a
single day With the inclusion of 18 new products, total 27 products of the state have received
GI tags
‘Arogya Maitri Cube’ – world’s first portable hospital, was unveiled in Gurugram, Haryana • It
can treat up to 200 patients at any given point in time.. BHISHM – Bharat Health Initiative for
Sahyog Hita and Maitri

Ministry of Panchayati Raj – launched GIS app “Gram Manchitra” to encourage Spatial Planning
by Gram Panchayat.. MoPR also launched “mActionSoft”, a mobile based solution to help in
capturing photos with Geo-Tags
LIC – amended a framework to allow the induction of shareholders’ Director on its board for a
4 years tenure.. • The person holding the position would be eligible for an extension of his
tenure for 4 more years
India – became a member of the BESS Consortium, an initiative led by the Global Leadership
Council (GLC) of GEAPP • A total of 11 countries, including India, joined the BESS consortium
during the COP28.. • BESS project in India aims to achieve the target of 1 GW for discoms under
BESS by 2026
Battle of Minds - Indian Army Quiz 2023” – celebrated 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the
Kargil War • It was concluded with its final round at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi
18th UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
– held in Botswana • ‘Garba’ – included in UNESCO’s “Representative List of Intangible Cultural
Heritage
Meghalaya’s products that have been awarded the GI Tag: • Lakadong turmeric, Garo
dakmanda (traditional dress), Larnai pottery & Garo chubitchi (alcoholic beverage)

Shares worth Rs 2,709 Cr were sold via e-auction by GoI under its initiative to dispose of ‘enemy
properties’ in India • ‘Enemy Property’ – Assets left behind by people who have taken
citizenship of Pakistan & China
Sam Bahadur” – a biopic based on India’s first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw | Director –
Meghna Gulzar

Adani Green Energy – raised a funding of $1.36 billion from a consortium of 8 international
banksm • Adani Green Energy – is developing world’s largest Renewable Energy Park at
Khavda, Gujarat
Indian Army – deployed the rare Bacterian (Double Humped) camels in Ladakh for the first time
• Northern Command – guards LAC with China & LOC with Pakistan
DPIIT + World Bank = collaborated to elevate India’s logistics efficiency & bolster its standing
in World Bank LPI
India + South Korea = completed 50 years of diplomatic relations.. launched the“India-Korea
Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES)” in New Delhi.
DARPG – launched a web-portal for ‘National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2024’ • NAeG
Scheme – recognized amongst most competitive & prestigious digital governance awards
schemes

R. K. Singh – launched “4E Wave”, a student-led National Movement for Energy Conservation•
4E Wave encapsulates 4 key elements – Eco-friendliness, Economy, Education & Empowerment
PM Modi – approved 1st urban flood mitigation project of ₹561.29 Cr . Severe cyclonic storm
Michaung – has affected Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh..
Corning – to open a gorilla glass manufacturing facility at Pillaipakkam, Tamil Nadu, with an
investment of ₹1000 Cr.. Corning – an American gorilla glass maker & the official glass supplier
of iPhone maker Apple

CCEA – approved reservation norms for mandatory use of jute in packaging for the Jute Year
2023-24.. It was approved under the ‘Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987’
GoI approved to set up ‘Cheetah Conservation Breeding Centre’ in – Banni grassland of Kutch
district, Gujarat.. • Banni is among the finest and largest grasslands in India

Lara & Akamas (Siberian tigers) – were brought to the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological
Park, West Bengal exchange for the two red pandas from the Zoo
PM Modi – lauded Guinness World Record of the largest reading activity at Sir Parashurambhau
(SP) College, Pune.. • 3066 parents read to their children to promote reading culture in the
society through storytelling
Vladimir Putin – inaugurated “Krasnoyarsk” & “Emperor Alexander III” (nuclear-powered
submarines).. • Krasnoyarsk – belongs to the Yasen (Ash Tree) class of multi-purpose
submarines
• Dr Mohan Yadav (CM of MP) – announced to open “PM College of Excellence” in all 52
districts of the state.. Other initiatives announced by him:- Legal action for cancellation of bail
of ‘habitual criminals’
• Ajay Bhatt – flagged in a Himalayan Mountaineering Institute team that carried out ‘Mission
Antarctica’ in New Delhi... • It was recorded biggest Indian national flag hoisted atop a
mountain in Asia Book of Records & India Book of Records
• “Barracuda”, India’s fastest solar-electric boat, was launched off Aroor in Alappuzha, Kerala...
Barracuda’ was designed by Navalt & developed by Mazagon

• India – joined United Nations ‘Race to Resilience’ during COP28 • This initiative will be
implemented – by Climate Centre for Cities (C-Cube) at NIUA (MoHUA) • 40% of India’s
population will be residing in the urban areas by 2030
PM Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation multiple development projects worth over Rs
19,150 Cr in Varanasi, UP. Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express train
• Ministry of Mines – to launch the “National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal”.. •
NGDR initiative is spearheaded by = GSI + BISAG-N (Gandhinagar, Gujarat).. GSI has 6 regional
offices
IndiGo – became the first Indian airline to carry 100 million passengers in a single calendar year
(2023)..
The competent authorities of the member states of SCO – conducted a ‘Joint Anti-terrorist
Exercise’ in New Delhi
Sarbananda Sonowal – released a commemorative postal stamp to mark the first foundation
day of the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa
Deakin University (Australia) – the first foreign university to set up an international branch
campus in India.. • Deakin University will inaugurate its campus at GIFT City, Gujarat, on
January 10, 2024

Ministry of Textiles – launched “Paat-Mitro” app to provide important info about MSP &
agronomy to jute farmers.. • It is developed by the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) during
‘Jute Symposium’
SP Singh Baghel + Bharti Pravin Pawar = unveiled the ‘Strategic Framework for Drowning
Prevention
• Assam – initiated the implementation of the ‘Ten Cities Development Concept’ (Doh Shaher,
Ek Rupayan)
Meta Materials Circular Markets – launched “DigiELV”, an End of Life Vehicle Certificate of
Deposit (CD) Trading. platform & “Automotive Circularity Orchestrator” • The platform is
authorised by MoRTH & unveiled by Nitin Gadkari • The minister emphasized on moving ahead
with 3E concept - Ecology, Environment & Economics
Manipur – launched “Social Awareness & Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS)
Campaign 2023-24” • ‘State Newborn Resource Centre’ was also inaugurated at JNIMS in
Imphal, Manipur. • SAANS Initiative was launched on 16th Nov, 2019, to accelerate action to
reduce deaths due to Childhood Pneumonia
Telangana – launched a public grievance mobile app, “Janavani - Kalushya Nivarani” • It is
developed by the TSPCB for registering various types of complaints related to Environmental
pollution
CISF – will take over comprehensive security charge of the Parliament building complex
(replacing - Delhi Police)
DGCA – issued aerodrome license for the upcoming Ayodhya International Airport in UP •
Ayodhya International Airport’s officially named – Maharishi Valmiki International Airport a
cost of around Rs 350 Cr by AAI
ACG – joined the “Global Lighthouse Network”, after receiving the certification for its capsule
manufacturing facilityin Pithampur, Dhar, MP.. • Global Lighthouse Network is a collaboration
between = WEF + Mckinsey & Company
Parliament passed a bill to raise the age cap: • Age of President of the GST Appellate Tribunals
– capped at 70 years (current limit – 67 Years) • Age of members of the GST Appellate
Tribunals – capped at 67 years (current limit – 65 Years)

• Bhutan’s King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck – highlighted “Gelephu Mindfulness City”
on 116th National Day ... • 3 immediate priority areas to support the Gelephu project: Energy,
Connectivity & Skills
PM Modi – will inaugurate 22-km long ‘Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL)’ in January 2024 It
is touted as India’s longest & the world’s 12th longest sea bridge
As on date, 1467 projects of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) are brought under
‘Bhoomi Rashi’ portal ‘Bhoomi Rashi’ portal is developed by – Ministry of Road Transport &
Highways

Bihar Police – introduced “Mission Investigation@75 days” .. • It will make it binding on

investigators to complete investigation of cases within 75 days of registration of FIR
• Central Govt has reconstituted the ‘National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC)’ upon
completion of its 2-year term
UP – is ranked first for the 3rd consecutive year in recording the highest entry rate on ‘ICJS
Platform’ 2nd – Madhya Pradesh | 3rd – Bihar• ICJS platform is developed by – National
Innovation Foundation
Gujarat Govt – exempted GIFT City from liquor ban (only in the designated area in the city)
the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched “Project PRAYAS” to facilitate
safe, orderly and regular migration for Indian workers and students. The project, PRAYAS
(Promoting Regular & Assisted Migration for Youth and Skilled Professionals) was launched in
partnership with Ministry of External Affairs
‘World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in Cooperative Sector’ has been running in 24 states/ UTs
of India Aim – to create various agri infrastructures at Plan in Cooperative Sector
Yogi Adityanath – inaugurated UP’s 1st intra-district helicopter service from Bateshwar (Agra)
to Goverdhan • The helicopter service is to be run by a private player from Uttarakhand
UP – to build India’s first AI city in Lucknow to house and promote the AI ecosystem • Grand
View Research: global AI market size is pegged at $137 billion in 2022
India’s coking coal imports are at a 5-year high for April-November period (11 months) of FY24
at 38.14 MT • Australia – continues to be dominant supplier
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) notified rules for leasing the sea bed for offshore wind power
projects with the lease being valid for 3 years for resource measurement
. India and Russia signed some important agreements related to the construction of the future
power-generating units of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya – launched “MedTech Mitra” It is a collaborative initiative of = NITI
Aayog + ICMR + CDSCO
• MoHUA + SIIC (IIT Kanpur) = launched “Startup Gateway for Garbage Free Cities 2.0” ..
Swachhata Startup Challenge was launched in 2022 & 30 best ideas under 4 thematic areas
were shortlisted • 4 thematic areas:- (i) Social Inclusion- (ii) Zero dump (solid waste
management)- (iii) Plastic Waste Management(iv) Transparency (Digital Enablement)
• December 25 – celebrated as ‘National Consumer Day 2023’ by Department of Consumer
Affairs On this occasion, Piyush Goyal launched the following initiatives: - e-JAGRITI portal for
consumer commissions

25th December – Good Governance Day (since - 2014) He also launched a new blended learning
programme named “VIKAS” • VIKAS – Variable & Immersive Karmayogi Advanced Support
• Dr. Jitendra Singh – launched 3 new features on iGOT Karmayogi Platform • The features are:
My iGOT, Blended Programs, and Curated Programs • He also launched a new blended learning
programme named “VIKAS” • VIKAS – Variable & Immersive Karmayogi Advanced Support

GoI to introduce a new GPS-based toll collection systems to replace existing highway toll plazas
from March 2024 • Aim – at reducing traffic congestion and charging motorists for exact
distance travelled on the highways
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for the Minimum Support
Prices (MSPs) for copra for 2024 season.
• Dwarka – India’s first underwater submarine tourism venture to be introduced by Gujarat
govt.. The state partnered with the Mazgaon Dock Limited
• Eastern Ghats Nature Interpretation Centre – inaugurated at the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity
Centre
• R. K. Singh – laid foundation stone for “Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER)”
at IISc, Bengaluru
Two Amrit Bharat Express trains – inaugurated from Ayodhya, UP by PM of India • Amrit Bharat
Express train – superfast passenger train having “push-pull” technology, manufactured by ICF,
Chennai
Bhupender Yadav – launched “National Transit Pass System (NTPS)” to facilitate the seamless
transit of timber, bamboo, and other forest produce across India • Presently, 25 States
• Tribals & Dalits in Jharkhand will be eligible for pension benefits on reaching the age of 50
years
International
• UAE – announced a $30 billion commitment to a climate-focused investment fund called
“ALTÉRRA”

• Nepal – became the first South Asian nation to formally recognize and register same-sex
marriage
PM Modi + Ulf Kristersson (PM of Sweden) = co-launched Phase-II of “LeadIT 2.0” for 2024-26
at COP-28 in Dubai• LeadIT – Leadership Group for Industry Transition event on ‘Green Credits
Programme’ at COP-28 in Dubai
Loss & Damage Fund” was launched at CoP28 to help vulnerable countries cope with impact of
climate change • The initial funding is estimated to be $475 million • The fund will be managed
by – World Bank

46th meeting of Executive Committee of Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC)

– held at FAO Headquarters at Rome, Italy • India – elected as a member representing Asian
region
UNESCO's executive board held its 218th session in Paris, during which elections were
conducted • Pakistan – elected as Vice Chair of UNESCO Executive Board (term 2023-25) from
Asia Pacific Group, defeating India
• World Bank – to launch a minimum of 15 national programs within the next 18 months to
combat the rising threat of methane emission
“Rizz” – announced as ‘Word of the Year 2023’ by Oxford University Press • Rizz – popularly
used among the GenZ or Gen Alpha to describe style, charm, or attractiveness
• Hungary – became the 96th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA), led by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, was launched at COP28
118 countries – signed a “Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge” at COP28 • Aim –
to triple the world’s green energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030
Myanmar became the world’s biggest producer of opium in 2023
Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB), a joint initiative of the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),
launched a programme in Saint Lucia
• More than 60 nations signed “Global Cooling Pledge” at the COP28 in Dubai
iran – announced visa free travel for citizens of India as well as 32 other countries • At present,
27 countries provide visa-free entry to the citizens of India
• WHO – added “Noma” to its official list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) • Noma – also
known as ‘cancrum oris’ or ‘gangrenous stomatitis’ & mainly affects children aged 2-6 years old
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released its latest update to the IUCN
Red List, which includes the first global freshwater fish assessment.
• Argentina’s President Javier Milei – devalued the country’s currency, Peso, by 54% to 800 per
dollar (from 400)
United Nations – declared 2024 as the “International Year of Camelids” • Camelids – are a
source of milk and meat
Angola announced its decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
(OPEC), with effect from January 1, 2024
• Arrow 3 – Israeli exo-atmospheric anti-ballistic missile defence system, developed by Israel
& the US
• Sigrid Kaag (Netherlands) – appointed as UN Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid to Gaza
Appointments
Kanchan Devi – 1st woman officer appointed for as DG of the Indian Council of Forestry
Research Education (ICFRE)

Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi – appointed as Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of

Mizoram• She became India’s first female Indian Armed Forces officer to serve as ADC
• Suresh Raina – appointed as the youth voter awareness ambassador for Jammu and Kashmir
Dr Samir Shah, has been appointed as the new Chairman of British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC).
Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) leader Lalduhoma took oath as the new Chief Minister of
Mizoram.
Anumula Revanth Reddy – sworn in as 1st Congress Chief Minister of Telangana (replacing - K
Chandrashekar Rao) • Lal Bahadur Stadium – located in Hyderabad
Vice Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi – to be appointed as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff in early January
2024
Arjun Munda (Tribal Affairs Minister) – is assigned additional charge of Minister in
MoAFW(Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Mohan Yadav – sworn-in as 19th CM of Madhya Pradesh (succeeding - Shivraj Singh Chouhan)
Donald Tusk (Civic Platform party) – sworn in as new PM of Poland
Vishnu Deo Sai (BJP) – took oath as CM of Chhattisgarh (succeeding - Bhupesh Baghel• He is a
tribal leader from Jashpur
Bhajan Lal Sharma (BJP) – to be the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan (succeeding - Ashok
Gehlot) • He is an MLA from Jaipur district’s Sanganer seat
Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the senior-most judge of theSupreme Court, as the Executive
Chairperson of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
the Central government appointed Nina Singh as the first womanDirector General of the
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
SCHEMS AND MEETING
ONDC – launched an initiative called ‘Build for Bharat’ The initiative is launched in
collaboration with – Google Cloud India, Antler in India, Paytm, Protean & Startup India

a total of 1,132 projects for food processing have been approved in the 36 states/UTs with total
roject cost of Rs 23,071.29 crore, under the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)”
‘PM-DAKSH) Yojana’ is projected to train 1,69,300 trainees between the year 2023-24 to 2025-
26 (cost - 286.42 Cr)
Kozhikode district administration (Kerala) – launched ‘Suchitwa Theeram’ It is implemented
under aegis of Dept of Local Administration under ‘Malinya Muktha Navakeralam’
programme• This project will keep the coastal areas of the district free of plastic and garbage
S Krishnan (MeitY) – spoke at the ‘CII Electronic Summit 2023’ GoI – working on 2nd version of
“SPECS 2.0” SPECS – Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and
Semiconductors
• UP – launched the ‘Chief Minister Fellowship Program for Aspirational Cities’ UP – became
the first state in India to embark on a development venture
Arvind Kejriwal + Bhagwant Mann (Punjab CM) – launched “Bhagwant Mann Sarkar Tuhade
Dwar” scheme• Under the scheme, people will get 43 services at their doorstep
Telangana – launched “Maha Lakshmi Scheme” Girls, women & transgender persons (domicile
of Telangana) of all ages – can travel free of cost in TSRTC buse
Generation Unlimited (UNICEF) + MoEFCC = unveiled the “Green Rising” initiative at COP28 in
Dubai, UAE• “Green Rising” & “Green Rising India Alliance” – a collaborative effort involving
UNICEF, Generation Unlimited &public, private, and youth partners
MoEFCC – launched the “Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme”• The scheme offers
voluntary third-party certification to promote sustainable forest management & agroforestry•
Indian Institute of Forest Management (Bhopal) – will act as scheme operating agency
• Narayan Rane launched 3 sub-schemes under ‘Raising & Accelerating MSME Productivity
(RAMP)’ scheme:
HP – initiated “Rajiv Gandhi Swarozgaar Yojna 2023 (RGSY)” | Outlay – Rs 680 Crore• HP Govt
– will provide a subsidy of 50% on purchase of e-taxi under RGSY
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah – launched the 5th & last poll guarantee, ‘Yuva Nidhi’ scheme
• Uttarakhand – to launch India’s first-ever ‘Himalayan Air Safari’ using compact, agile aircraft
known as ‘Gyrocopters’

Ramalinga Reddy – launched KSRTC’s new venture “Namma Cargo Truck service” & flagged off
20 new cargo trucks• 100 trucks would be inducted in a month and 500 trucks in a year’s time
• The Centre has begun to identify eligible beneficiaries of ‘PMAY-G’ among 75 PVTGs across
18 states & UTs

• Goa – launched “Mukhyamantri Pashuseva Yojana” with 24x7 Animal Ambulance

Telangana – launched the “Praja Palana” programme to collect a comprehensive database of
people’s needs at the gassroot level
• Approximately 28.45 Cr Ayushman Cards have been created since inception of “AB PM-JAY”
(9.38 Cr in 2023)

• Approximately 28.45 Cr Ayushman Cards have been created since inception of “AB PM-JAY”
(9.38 Cr in 2023)
• GoI launched “Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure/Investment”
in FY2020-21

Andhra Pradesh – launched an enhanced “YSR Aarogyasri” to provide free healthcare to the
poor with additional bnefits and new features
• Narendra Modi proposed to host the 33rd Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (CoP33)
in India in 2028

• Ministry of Textiles – hosted 81st Plenary Meeting of the International Cotton Advisory
Committee (ICAC) in Mumbai
Jagdeep Dhankhar – inaugurated 5th ‘Global Ayurveda Festival’ at Greenfield International
Stadium in tiruvananthapuram, Kerala

3rd edition of the India Internet Governance Forum (IGF) – held in New Delhi
• 91st Interpol General Assembly – held in Vienna, Austria
• 23rd ‘World Congress on Safety and Health at Work’ – held in Sydney, Australia
• Ajay Bhatt – attended “United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting” in Accra,
Ghana
8th edition of “Global Technology Summit (GTS)” – held in New Delhi

Mohammed Al Ramsi – appointed as Chairman of “WRC23” held in Dubai, UAE• WRC23 –

World Radiocommunication Conference 2023
IFSCA + GIFT City = jointly organized “Infinity Forum” as a precursor event to ‘Vibrant Gujarat
Global Summit 2024’ Theme – “GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Centre for New Age Global Financial Services”

1st Asian Ranger Forum (ARF) – was held in Guwahati, Assam

1st Meeting of the National Traders’ Welfare Board (NTWB) – held at Vanijya Bhawan, New
Delhi
PM Modi – inaugurated “Uttarakhand Global Investors Summit 2023” held at Forest Research
Institute, Dehradun• Theme of Summit – “Peace to Prosperity”
PM Narendra Modi – inaugurated “Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) 2023
Summit” in New Delhi • The representatives from 28 countries & EU adopted the ‘New Delhi
Declaration’ of the GPAI ‘YUVAi’ (Youth for Unnati & Vikas with AI), an initiative of NeGD &
Intel – was featured at the 2023 GPAI Summit

27th “WAIPA World Investment Conference (WIC)” – held at ‘Yashobhoomi’ in New Delhi •
Theme – “Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth
• Sri Lanka – announced to host 37th Session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of
FAO in February 2024

Amit Shah – chaired the 26th Meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council in Patna, Bihar • Bihar,
Jharkhand, WB & Odisha – made impressive presentations regarding good practises
54th Annual Meeting of WEF “Davos 2024” – will be held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland in
January 2024 • Theme – “Building Trust”
20th edition of “Global Inclusive Finance Summit 2023” – held in New Delhi • Theme – “Future
of Finance - Inclusive and Equitable Growth for All”
Parshottam Rupala – inaugurated the “Animal Health Conclave 2023” in New Delhi
Dalai Lama – inaugurated the 3-day ‘International Sangha Forum (ISF) 2023’ at Bodha Gaya,
Bihar • Theme – “Bridging Traditions, Embracing Modernity: A Dialogue on the Buddha’s
Teaching in Today’s World”
Odisha Govt – to host the first-ever ‘Biswa Odia Bhasha Sammilani’ (World Odia Language
Conference) in Feb 2024 • Odia became the 6th Indian language
• Gujarat Urban Development Mission – organised Pre- Vibrant Gujarat Summit on “Liveable
Cities of Tomorrow”• It was organized in collaboration with – Ahmedabad Municipal
Corporation

8th edition of “Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC)” – conducted
in Bangkok, Thailand• Theme – “Blue Economy: Ways Forward for Sustainable Development
Goa – will host the 2nd edition of “India Energy Week (IEW) 2024” at IPSHEM-ONGC Training
Institute • It will be organized by – Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry

Rajnath Singh – inaugurated 40th “Coast Guard Commanders’ Conference 2023” in New Delhi•
Aim – addressing contemporary maritime challenges
• PM Modi – chaired 3rd “National Conference of Chief Secretaries” in Delhi • The key focus
was – ‘Ease of Living’.

Theme – “Technology Re-engineering for Innovation and Mitigating the risk for a Safe,
sustainable, Affordable and secure Food Ecosystem (TRIMSAFE)”
“World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC23)” – held in Dubai, UAE • It has opened
up 100 MHz spectrum in 6 GHz band for mobility services across the world
India + Bangladesh = held 3 high level meetings in Dhaka mentioned below:

- Shipping Secretary Level Talks- A meeting of the Standing Committee under protocol on Inland
Water Transit & Trade (PIWT&T)- A meeting of the IGC on the use of Chattogram and Mongla
Ports for to-and-fro movement of goods
1st “National Quantum Science & Technology Symposium (NQSTS)” – held at Scope Convention
Centre in New Delhi• Organized by = QETCI + MeitY
IIM Bangalore + IIM Ahmedabad + ISB Hyderabad + CII CSO Forum = hosted “India Strategy
Conference (ISC) 2023”• Theme – “Strategies for a Digital & Inclusive Future

RANKS
5 Indians included in Art Review’s “Power 100”, the list of world’s most influential personalities
in the field of art:
- Bose Krishnamachari (38th) – Artist, Curator & President of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (Kerala)-
Prateek Raja & Priyanka Raja (62nd) – Gallerists and Cofounders of Experimenter (West
Bengal)- Dayanita Singh (78th) – Photographer (Delhi)- Natasha Ginwala (94th) – Independent
curator
India ranked 49th in the “2023 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking (WDCR)” published by
IMD• 1st – US | 2nd – Netherlands | 3rd – Singapore
The report titled “Crime in India 2022” released by – National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)•
Safest city of India in 2022 – Kolkata
++SIPRI – released the list of the top 100 arms-producing companies in the world • Positions
secured & arms sales by Indian PSUs: • HAL – 41st ($3.4 billion) | BEL – 63rd ($1.9 billion) |
MDL – 89th ($1 billion)
The World’s Largest Life Insurers, 2023” ranking – released by S&P Global Market Intelligence
• LIC is the 4th largest insurer in the world with reserves worth $503.7 billion in FY 2023- 1st –
Germany’s Allianz SE ($750.2 billion)- 2nd – China Life Insurance Company ($616.90 billion)- 3rd
– Japan’s Nippon Life Insurance Company ($536.80 Billion)
2023 World Malaria Report” – published by WHO• India accounted for 66% of malaria cases in
the WHO South-East Asia Regio

Key highlights of Mercom Capital Group’s Annual Global Report 2023:• AGEL – declared 2nd
largest global solar PV developer in global solar energy sector (total solar capacity of 18.1 GW)•
AGEL is the only South Asian-based company to make the global list• Top – TotalEnergies
(France) with a total capacity of 41.3 GW
2nd edition of the “QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2024” – published by QS
Quacquarelli Symonds
• DU – claimed the top spot among the 56 Indian universities listed (220th position worldwide
& 30th in Asia)• IIT Madras – 344th | IIT Kharagpur – 349th| IIT Roorkee – 387th| IIT Delhi –
426th

“The World’s Most Powerful Women” List – released by Forbes• Top – Ursula von der Leyen
(President of the European Commission)
NITI Aayog released the 1st delta rankings of Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP):- 1st –
Tiriyani Block (Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Telangana) | 2nd – Kaushambi block (Kaushambi,
UP)
“Climate Mobility Impacts” dashboard – launched by Global Data Institute of IOM• It discusses
a high-warming (HW) scenario where global temperature rises by 3-4 degrees Celsius by 2100
“Quality of Living Index 2023” released – by Mercer• Most liveable city in India – Hyderabad
(Global rank - 153rd) | 2nd – Pune (154) | 3rd – Bengaluru (156)• Top city globally – Vienna
(Austria) | 2nd – Zurich (Switzerland)
“Climate Change Performance Index 2024” published by = Germanwatch + NewClimate
Institute + Climate ActionNetwork International• India – ranked 7th in the index & also
remained among the highest performers

Migration and Development Brief” report – released by World Bank

• Remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) grew by 3.8% in 2023, reaching a
total of $669 billion
• South Asia – witnessed a 7.2% increase in remittances in 2023• India – retained its position
as the largest recipient of remittances, with an estimated $125 billion in 2023• 2nd – Mexico
($67 billion)
DPIIT – launched a report titled “Logistics Cost in India: Assessment and Long-Term
Framework”• The Report is prepared by – NCAER + ADB experts & task force members

13 states & UTs have again been categorised as “Achievers” in 5th edition of “LEADS 2023”
report• LEADS – Logistics Ease Across Different State
Shah Rukh Khan – topped the list of the “Top 50 Asian Celebrities in the World” published by
Eastern Eye (UK)

• SRK is the first leading man from the modern era to have 3 huge Bollywood blockbuster hits
in a Calendar Year• 2nd – Alia Bhatt | 3rd – Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Key highlights of the report released by soic.in (based on Sensex and CSLA):
• Maharashtra economy leads with a GDP share of 15.7% of India total GDP | 2nd – UP (9.2%)•
3rd – Tamil Nadu (9.1%) |CLSA – Credit Lyonnais Securities Asia• UP – also jumped from the
14th to the 2nd position
Uttar Pradesh – has the highest number of electric vehicles in India (7.75 lakh vehicles)• 2nd –
Maharashtra (5.17 lakh vehicles) | 3rd – Karnataka (4 lakh vehicles)
Cumulative RTS installed capacity increased to 10.4 GW as of November 30, 2023, from 1.8 GW
as of March 31, 2019• CAGR of RTS installations during the period is about 46%
Affordability Index 2023” – released by Knight Frank India- Mumbai – most expensive
residential market | 2nd – Hyderabad | 3rd – New Delhi- Ahmedabad – most affordable
residential market | 2nd – Pune | 3rd – Kolkata
India’s Crypto Portfolio 2023” report – released by crypto trading platform CoinSwitch
• Delhi – maintained its lead in India’s crypto adoption with 8.8% of total crypto investment•
2nd – Bangalore (8.3%) | 3rd – Mumbai • Bitcoin – ended with more than 150% year-on-year
Amount

India – extended a $250 million Line of Credit for modernisation of agriculture in Kenya• India
+ Kenya = to strengthen bilateral ties in defence, trade, energy, digital public infrastructure &
healthcare
KfW (Germany) – to provide €500 million in financial assistance for expansion of Bengaluru
Metro• Bengaluru Metro – also called Namma Metro
ADB – approved $200 million loan to support the ‘Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission-Urban
2.0’• The initiative is committed to making all cities garbage-free by 2026
GoI + ADB = a loan agreement worth 37 billion Japanese Yen ($250 million) to continue
financing the construction of the 82-km Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor
• GoI + ADB = signed a $250 million policy-based loan to support industrial corridor
development in India
World Bank – approved $300 million for ‘Tamil Nadu Climate Resilient Urban Development
Program’• The program will target 21 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), upgrading their delivery
systems
JICA + Indian Govt = a loan agreement worth Rs 22,627 Cr (400 billion Japanese Yen) as 5th
tranche for financing theconstruction of Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR)
Project• It is the largest loan commitment ever by the Japanese government agency in its
history
World Bank – approved $100 million loan for Sikkim’s “INSPIRES Operation”• INSPIRES –
Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies
Parliament passed – “Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023” to amend the “Central
Universities Act, 2009”• It is for establishment Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University at
Mulugu in Telangana• The University will be established at a cost of Rs 889.07 Cr
Ashwini Vaishnaw – introduced the “Post Office Bill, 2023” in the Rajya Sabha• The bill seeks
to replace the colonial-era “Indian Post Office Act, 1898”

President Droupadi Murmu – approved “Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election
Commissioners(Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023”
GoI + Manipur + UNLF = signed a Peace Agreement• UNLF – one of 7 Meitei Extremist
Organisations banned by GoI under ‘Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967’
• EKI Energy Services + IOCL = an MoU to promote sustainable indoor solar cooking system,
called ‘Surya Nutan’
Ministry of Defence + ISB (Hyderabad) = a collaboration for scholarship to the Ex-military
personnel• ISB will offer 50% tuition fee waiver to the personnel

ReNew + ADB = signed a pact at CoP28for a funding of $5.3 billion between 2023 & 2028 • The
MoU is a first of its kind in the Indian Renewable Energy sector It will help ADB achieve its
funding ambition of $100 billion in green energy projects by 2030
Gujarat government signed an MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop 11
new Greenfield Airports and expand 9 existing ones
1st annual “Global Labor Market Conference (GLMC) 2023” – held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia•
NSDC + Saudi Arabia = an MoU to protect the rights of skilled labourers from India
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) and the International Food
PolicyResearch Institute (IFPRI) signed a 5-year Statement of Intent (SoI), aiming to fortify
policy and program frameworks contributing to India’s developmental objectives.
Rio Tinto + Dept of Posts = collaborated to launch a customised ‘My Stamp’ & special cover
called “Rio Tinto 150” • It is for marking the 150th anniversary of Rio Tinto

“Welcome to Paradise” Twinkle Khanna

Naye Bharat ka Samveda”(Launched by - Ram Nath Kovind)--Narendra Modi
“Why Bharat Matters” Dr S. Jaishankar