ca part 3 Flashcards
WWF EIACP PC-RP, under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change celebrated World Wildlife Day, 2024, on3rd march by
organising various activities at Okhla Bird Sanctuary [NOIDA, UP], one of the places blessed with a rich biodiversity focusing Mission LiFE
The theme for World wildlife dat this year is
Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.
The United Nations celebrated International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme
“Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”
After Prakash Padukone in 1983, WHO became the first male Indian shuttler in 36 years to earn a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships
B Sai Praneethhas announced his retirement from international badminton
championship in 2019
the 4th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023 concluded in Guwahati.
Chandigarh University won the KIUG crown for the first time with a total of 71 medals, including 32 gold, 18 silver, and 21 bronze
Lovely Professional University stood second
Guru nanak dev univ - third
Defending champion Punjab University finished fourth
In the grand finale of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024, Puneri Paltan became the seventh team in the history of the league to be crowned champions
as they beat Haryana Steelers 28-25 to lift the trophy at the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
Paltan also joined U Mumba and Dabang Delhi as two teams who went on to
win the very next season of the PKL after being defeated in the final of the previous season.
Best raider: PKL 2024
Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi)
Best defender: PKL 2024
Mohammadreza Chiyaneh Shadloui (Puneri Paltan)
Best NYP: PKL 2024
Yogesh Dahiya (Dabang Delhi)
Most Valuable Player: PKL 2024
Aslam Inamdar (Puneri Paltan)
Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen eased to victory in the season-opening
Bahrain Grand Prix
The 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship is a motor racing championship for Formula One cars and is the
75th running of the Formula One World Championship.
A record-breaking 24 Grands Prix are scheduled for the 2024 season,
making it the longest calendar in F1 history.
2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize - highest international award in the field
“Architecture Nobel”. $1,00,000/-
Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto declared winner
The Pritzker Architecture Prize has been awarded every year since its founding in 1979, and Yamamoto is the
ninth laureate from Japan.
The only Indian laureate is the late Balkrishna Doshi (2018).
Pankaj Kumar Chatterjee, the Bengali translator of Stalin’s Couch, a French novel about the Soviet ruler’s final years, has won
the 7th edition of the Romain Rolland Book Prize
Romain Rolland Book Prize
Instituted in 2017 by the French Institute in India, it recognises translations of French books into Indian languages, including English.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme
to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, during DefConnect 2024 in New Delh
Under ADITI scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to
Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology.
ADITI Scheme and youth
The scheme will nurture the innovation of youth, and help the country leap forward in the field of technology
The ADITI scheme worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under
the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
ADITI scheme aims to develop about 30 deep-tech
critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
ADITI Scheme to create a ‘Technology Watch Tool’
to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges are launched
Indian Army (3),
Indian Navy (5),
Indian Air Force (5) and
Defence Space Agency (4)
iDEX was expanded to iDEX Prime, with the assistance increasing from
Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 10 crore.
The event also witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC),
heralding a new chapter in the collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem.
The Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC) 11th edition introduces 22 problem statements
Indian Army (4),
Indian Navy (5),
Indian Air Force (5),
Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (7) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (1)
iDEX strategic partnerships have now taken the pledge to funds, from
Rs 200 crore to more than Rs 500 crore.
Swedish defence major Saab started construction on its new manufacturing facility in India for its
its iconic Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons
at MET City at Jhajjar in Haryana
The Carl-Gustof has a range of ammunition with varying ranges, with a maximum range of upto 1500m. The anti-tank ammunition has a range of 500m.
Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini embarked on an expedition from the INS Mandovi, Goa to Port Louis, Mauritius
This particular expedition conducted under the aegis of Indian Naval Sailing Association (INSA) marks a significant milestone in naval ocean Sailing history as it is the first-ever transoceanic sortie undertaken by Indian women in a double-handed mode
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry
The vessel, manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), will be deployed for service at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Built at a cost of Rs 18 crore, the ferry will be handed over to the Inland Waterways Authority of India
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways met 75 per cent of the project cost
of India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen fuel cell ferry
The hydrogen fuel cell system of varanasi’s ferry was developed by KPIT Technologies, Pune, in collaboration with the
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs, under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
In January 2024, the shipping ministry unveiled the Harit Nauka guidelines for inland vessels. As per the guidelines, all states have to make efforts to use
green fuels for 50 per cent of inland waterways-based passenger fleets in the next one decade, and 100 per cent by 2045
Russia launched Pars 1
an Iranian imaging satellite, into space.
Def Min Mou with M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for procurement of
RD 33 Aero-engines for MiG-29 aircraft - At a cost of Rs 5,249.72 crore
Def Min MoU with M/s Larsen & Toubro Limited for procurement of
Close-in Weapon System (CIWS) at Rs.7668.82 Crore and High-Power Radar (HPR) at Rs.5700.13 Crore
Def Min with M/s BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of
BrahMos missiles and procurement of Ship borne BrahMos system for the Indian Defence Forces at Rs.19518.65 crore
3rd edition - Exercise Samudra Laksamana
a joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and Royal Malaysian Navy - on and off coast of vishakaptnam
The DRDO conducted two successful flight tests of Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles
from a ground-based portable launcher off the coast of Odisha from integrated test range, Chandipur.
range of up to 6-km.
VSHORADS is a fourth generation man-portable air-defence system designed and developed indigenously
by Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratories and Indian industry partners
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of MoPSW & AYUSH inaugurated the 60T bollard pull tug named
‘Ocean Grace’ and the Medical Mobile Unit (MMU),
The Ocean Grace is the first make in India ASTDS Tug developed by
the Cochin Shipyard Limited under MoPSW.
The goal of the Green Tug Transition Programme (GTTP) is to convert
at least 50% of all tugs into Green Tugs by 2030 and to have Green Tugs operating at all major ports
Paradip Port tops the list of Major Ports in productivity; in the fiscal year 2022–2023,
it achieved 32,500 metric tons per ship berth day, enhancing its standing as a major participant in the Indian maritime sector
JNPA, DPA, PPA, and VoCPA will purchase two brand-new green tugs (battery-electric powered) from Cochin Shipyard
by 2027 as part of the first phase.
The Indian Navy will commission the newly inducted MH 60R Seahawk (a maritime variant of the Blackhawk helicopter) multi-role helicopter
at INS Garuda, Kochi marking a pivotal moment in India’s Defence modernisation journey.
The Seahawks squadron will be commissioned in the Indian Navy as
INAS 334.
Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy
as INS Jatayu, the second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
Ministry of Defence has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BEML Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI)
for indigenous development of Advanced Fuelling and Control System for Engines for heavy duty applications
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a new launch complex of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at Kulasekarapattinam
in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, which is, Rs 986 crore facility, set to accommodate 24 launches per year
While the space centre at Sriharikota will launch heavier satellites to predetermined orbits
the Kulasekarapattinam spaceport will launch smaller payloads like nano and micro satellites.
MethaneSAT satellite was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California.
track and measure methane emissions at a global scale. It will provide more details and have a much wider field of view than any of its predecessors
The entity behind MethaneSAT is the
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) — a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group.
MethaneSAT developed in collaboration with
Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency. It will orbit the Earth 15 times a day
What is the Ministry of Tribal Affairs collaborating with ISRO to improve in tribal villages?
• Internet connectivity
• Additional Information:
◦ The project will deploy V-SAT stations in 80 villages across Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra.
◦ Stations will have 100 Mbps Wi-Fi with potential for expansion.
VSAT.
• A satellite communication ground station
• Additional Information:
◦ Stands for Very Small Aperture Terminal
◦ Transmits and receives data from satellites
◦ Less than three meters tall
◦ Supports real-time broadband data
Besides ISRO, what other institutions is the Ministry of Tribal Affairs partnering with?
• AIIMS Delhi, IIT Delhi, IIM Kolkata, IISc
• Additional Information:
◦ AIIMS Delhi: Advanced tribal health research and healthcare worker training
◦ IIT Delhi & IIM Kolkata: Specialized department for technology and entrepreneurship
◦ IISc: Semiconductor education and training facility for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students
What type of medical condition will AIIMS Delhi focus its research efforts on with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs?
Sickle Cell Anemia
“Sea Defenders-2024
between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the United States Coast Guard
at Port Blair
Goa-based regional airline FLY91 has received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
from regulator DGCA. With this, the regional airline carrier aims to enhance connectivity across India’s tier 2 and tier 3 towns.
FLY91 will be the first Indian airline to use
Goa’s Manohar International Airport as its home base.
Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the INSPACe Technical Centre at
at the headquarters of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in Bopal area of Ahmedabad.
India target is to take the space economy from 2 per cent to
to 10 per cent by 2030, which will be a five-fold increase, and 15 per cent by 2047 as per vision document.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri
Amit Shah, inaugurated the National Cooperative
Database and released
the ‘National Cooperative Database
2023: A Report’ in New Delhi
There are more than 8 lakh registered primary cooperatives societies in the
country, with over
30 crore people connected with them*
75 per cent of Primary Agricultural
Credit Societies (PACS) are affiliated with
any district
cooperative bank while 25 per cent remaining are still to be
connected.
National Cooperative Database
web-based digital
dashboard wherein data of cooperative societies, including
national/state federations, have been captured.
by 2027, there will be a PACS
in every village in the country.
National Cooperative Database has been carried out in three phases
In the first phase, mapping of about 2.64 lakh societies in three sectors – Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, Dairy, and Fisheries, was
completed.
In the second phase, all the banks
In third phase, 8 lakh Primary cooperative socieities
What are the key changes to the threshold values of assets and turnovers as revised by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs of India?
• The asset threshold has been raised from INR 350 crore to INR 450 crore.
• The turnover threshold has been raised from INR 1000 crore to INR 1250 crore
This relief is valid for two years from the date of publication in the official gazette
Why did the Ministry of Corporate Affairs revise the threshold values for assets and turnover?
The revision was based on the wholesale price index (WPI) and the rupee’s exchange rate.
The change is in line with Section 54 of the Competition Act, 2002, to provide relief for two years via the de-minimis exemption.
When were the threshold limits for assets and turnover last revised before the latest changes?
The previous revisions were made in 2011 and 2016.
What is the legal basis for the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to make changes to asset and turnover thresholds?
Clause (a) of section 54 of the Competition Act, 2002 (12 of 2003) provides the legal basis for the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to make these changes.
What is a ‘Combination’ as defined in Section 5 of the Competition Act?
the acquisition of one or more enterprises or a merger or amalgamation of enterprises that exceeds the prescribed threshold for assets and turnover.
What did the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India do regarding thresholds for M&A deals and the Competition Commission of India (CCI)?
The Ministry increased the asset and turnover thresholds for mergers and acquisitions that require CCI approval, exempting smaller deals from scrutiny.
How do the new thresholds in India impact M&A deals between two domestic companies for CCI approval?
Previously, combined assets and turnover exceeding ₹2,000 crore and ₹6,000 crore needed approval. Now, the thresholds are ₹2,500 crore and ₹7,500 crore respectively.
How much have the global and Indian turnover thresholds for M&A deals with overseas operations increased for CCI approval?
Both the global turnover threshold ($3.75 billion) and Indian turnover threshold (₹3,750 crore) have increased by 25% from their previous limits.
What are the new thresholds for combined assets and turnover when two domestic groups are involved in an M&A deal requiring CCI approval in India?
The new thresholds are ₹10,000 crore for assets and ₹30,000 crore for turnover, compared to the previous ₹8,000 crore and ₹24,000 crore respectively.
How do the new thresholds impact M&A deals between two foreign groups with Indian operations for CCI approval?
The combined asset threshold has increased to $5 billion (with at least ₹1,250 crore in India) and the turnover threshold to $15 billion (₹3,750 crore in India), representing a 25% increase from both previous limits.
President Droupadi Murmu awarded the prestigious President’s Standard
to No. 45 Squadron and No. 221 Squadron of IAF
President’s
Colours
11 Base Repair Depot (BRD) and 509 Signal Unit (SU) of the IAF
The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Force to be awarded
the President Colour by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on May 27, 1951
What organization is exploring the possibility of transporting Green Hydrogen through existing Natural Gas pipelines in India?
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
How is PNGRB planning to incorporate Green Hydrogen into the natural gas network?
blending Green Hydrogen with natural gas for transportation through the extensive existing pipelines.
What is the current advantage India has for transporting Green Hydrogen?
India has a well-developed Natural Gas pipeline network with 24,000 km operational, connecting renewable energy sources to potential hydrogen مصرف (masraf - consumption) centers.
What is the ultimate goal of PNGRB’s initiative on Green Hydrogen transmission?
This initiative is a step towards achieving India’s target of producing 5 Million Metric Tons Per Annum (MMTPA) of Green Hydrogen by 2030.
What aspects are being studied by PNGRB to implement Green Hydrogen blending effectively?
PNGRB’s study includes mapping hydrogen demand and supply, pipeline suitability, commercial viability, regulatory hurdles, and a roadmap for large-scale implementation by 2040.
predicts a surge in Hydrogen demand from 6-7 MMTPA to 16-18.5 MMPTA by 2040
Who received the award for developing solar power projects in Maharashtra, and what is the total project capacity?
SJVN Limited was awarded contracts to develop a total of 1,352 MW of solar power projects. entailing an investment of about ₹7,436 crore.
How will the awarded solar power projects be developed?
SJVN Green Energy Limited (SGEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SJVN, will handle the development of the projects.
What scheme are the solar projects contributing to in Maharashtra?
The projects are aligned with the Mukhya Mantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0, aiming to solarize agricultural feeders for daytime electricity.
What is the funding structure of the awarded solar power projects?
The projects will be the first SGEL contribution to the PM-KUSUM Scheme, making them eligible for Central Financial Assistance of up to 30% of costs.
What are SJVN Limited’s broader renewable energy capacity goals?
SJVN aims to achieve an installed capacity of 25,000 MW by 2030 and 50,000 MW by 2040.
What is the significance of women in the Railway Protection Force (RPF)?
RPF has the highest percentage of women personnel (9%) among India’s Central Paramilitary Forces.
What is the Meri Saheli initiative?
designed to enhance safety and security for female passengers (especially those traveling alone or with children) on long-distance trains.
It currently has an average of 230 teams deployed, covering over 400 trains daily on the Indian Railways network.
What is the purpose of the agreement between NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) and HLL Life Care Ltd?
The agreement aims to improve incident management systems and provide better assistance to accident victims on National Highways in India.
How will the agreement help strengthen NHAI’s existing incident management system?
HLL will assist NHAI by:
Optimizing operations and management of trauma centers/emergency stabilization centers.
Providing comprehensive geo-tagging, mapping, and engagement of health facilities along National Highways.
Creating a blueprint for investing in trauma centers along National Highways.
What specific benefit is expected for accident victims during the “golden hour”? NHAI & HLL MoU
Optimizing trauma centers and improving linkages with ambulances will aim to maximize critical medical care during the crucial “golden hour” following an accident.
How will the pact between NHAI and HLL enhance the emergency medical response system on National Highways?
create a system for better geo-tagging and connecting health facilities with ambulances, allowing for a faster and more coordinated response.
What is the duration of the agreement between NHAI and HLL Life Care Ltd?
The agreement will be in effect for a period of five years.
What did the Union Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs announce on International Women’s Day?
The establishment of two National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs) dedicated exclusively to women athletes.
What are National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs)?
NCOEs are specialized training facilities for promising athletes in India, focusing on disciplines with potential for medal wins in competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics.
How many National Centres of Excellence currently exist in India?
There are currently 23 National Centres of Excellence across India.
What kind of support do NCOEs provide to athletes?
State-of-the-art infrastructure and playing facilities
Sports science support
Individualized diets
Top-level coaches and support staff
Supervision by High-Performance Directors
Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024’
to optimise rainwater harvesting and other sustainable
water management practices.
Theme of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain-2024
Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti’ - 5th edition
Since its inception in 2019, the Jal Shakti Abhiyan has witnessed
significant participation, covering 1,592 blocks in 256 water-stressed
districts.
Under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign, approximately 1.29 crore water-related works have been undertaken across the country,
with 661 Jal Shakti Kendras
established and 527 districts preparing District Water Conservation Plans.
What achievement earned India the Measles and Rubella Champion Award?
India’s tireless efforts to combat measles and rubella, leading to significant progress in reducing cases and outbreaks.
Who presented the Measles and Rubella Champion Award to India?
The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA on March 6th, 2024.
What does the Measles and Rubella Champion Award recognize?
The award recognizes India’s dedication, hard work, and success by frontline health workers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities in combating measles and rubella.
Name the organizations that comprise the Measles and Rubella Partnership.
American Red Cross, BMGF (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), GAVI (The Vaccine Alliance), US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), UNF (United Nations Foundation), UNICEF, and WHO (World Health Organization).
Describe India’s progress in reducing measles and rubella cases.
50 districts have consistently shown no measles cases, and 226 districts have reported no rubella cases in the past 12 months.
What are measles and rubella classified as, and how does India’s immunization program address them?
Measles and rubella are vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccine has been part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017
What is the key announcement made by India’s Union Minister of Commerce & Industry?
The extension of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme to support additional export sectors.
Which specific export sectors will now receive support under RoDTEP?
Advance Authorisation (AA) holders, Export Oriented Units (EOU), and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) export units.
Approximately what percentage of India’s exports do the newly included sectors represent?
Approximately 25% of India’s exports.
Explain the purpose of the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme.
The RoDTEP Scheme refunds embedded taxes and duties incurred during the manufacturing process of exported products, boosting their competitiveness.
Since its launch, how much support has the RoDTEP Scheme provided?
₹42,000 Crores to over 10,500 export items at the 8-digit ITC HS Code level since January 2021.
What is the RoDTEP scheme’s budget for the current fiscal year, and how does it change for FY 2024-25?
₹15,070 Crore for the current year, with a 10% increase for FY 2024-25.
Until what date is the RoDTEP extension for additional sectors currently valid?
The extension is presently valid until 30.09.2024.
Name some key sectors that will benefit from the RoDTEP scheme extension.
Engineering, Textiles, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Food Processing, and many others.
What significant infrastructure project did Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurate in Arunachal Pradesh?
The Sela Tunnel project, the world’s longest bi-lane tunnel.
Describe the Sela Tunnel’s location and strategic importance.
Built at 13,000 feet, it connects Tezpur, Assam to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. It offers all-weather connectivity across the Sela Pass, boosting India’s defense preparedness near the border region.
Which organization constructed the Sela Tunnel?
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
What was the construction cost of the Sela Tunnel project?
Rs 825 crore
What tunneling method was used to construct the Sela Tunnel?
The New Austrian Tunnelling Method, incorporating high safety standards.
When did Prime Minister Modi lay the foundation stone for the Sela Tunnel project?
February 2019.
What is the purpose of the agreement between NPCI International Payments (NIPL) and Fonepay Payment Service?
To enable cross-border UPI transactions between India and Nepal, facilitating QR-code-based payments.
Describe the type of UPI transactions that will be supported by this agreement between NPCI International Payments (NIPL) and Fonepay Payment Service?.
Person-to-merchant (P2M) UPI transactions, allowing Indian consumers to make payments to merchants in Nepal.
What is Fonepay Payment Service?
Payment System Operator (PSO) in Nepal, facilitating inter-bank person-to-person (P2P) and person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
Who regulates Fonepay?
Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), Nepal’s central bank.
What recent agreements did Coal India Limited (CIL) sign, indicating potential new ventures?
signed two Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) with entities in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
Beyond Australia, in which other areas is CIL exploring opportunities?
CIL is exploring mining opportunities for critical minerals on a global scale, with Argentina being one of the key countries under consideration.
How does CIL’s pursuit of critical minerals align with India’s goals?
It supports India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions via clean energy adoption, as outlined at COP28.
What are critical minerals, and why are they important?
Defined by the Ministry of Mines, critical minerals are essential for economic development and national security, used in energy, communication, space, and nuclear sectors
What is the name of India’s first AI teacher robot?
Iris
Where is Iris, the AI teacher robot, currently deployed?
KTCT Higher Secondary School, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Who collaborated to develop Iris, the AI teacher robot?
Makerlabs Edutech
What is the goal of using Iris in schools?
To revolutionize traditional teaching methods by offering personalized learning experiences for students.
From which initiative did the project to create Iris emerge?
The Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) project initiated by NITI Aayog
What grade levels can Iris potentially teach?
Nursery to Class 12
In which languages can Iris currently communicate?
English, Hindi, and Malayalam
Akira Toriyama, the creator of the widely popular
“Dragon Ball” comics
and anime, has died in Japan
What is the name of the new e-commerce portal launched by the Indian government for agriculture?
Kisankart.online
What is the purpose of the Kisankart.online portal?
To connect farmers and agri-entrepreneurs directly with consumers for selling their products, promoting digitalization in agri-marketing.
Who is developing the Kisankart.online portal?
The Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Bengaluru.
When is the Kisankart.online portal expected to be fully operational?
Around August 2024
Who can sell their products through the Kisankart.online portal?
Farmers, agri-entrepreneurs mentored by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), collectives like Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across India.
What will be the brand name for products sold on the Kisankart.online portal?
Kisan Samriddhi
How does the Kisankart.online portal compare to the e-NAM initiative?
Kisankart.online focuses on connecting farmers directly with consumers, while e-NAM facilitates trade between farmers and traders. Kisankart.online represents a new market linkage initiative for farmers after e-NAM.
Which two Indian states have taken the lead in auctioning Exploration Licences (EL) for critical and deep-seated minerals?
Karnataka and Rajasthan
What types of minerals are included in the auctions held by Karnataka and Rajasthan?
Karnataka: gold, copper, lithium.
Rajasthan: rare earth elements, rare metals, potash minerals.
What legislative change enabled the auction of Exploration Licences (EL) for critical and deep-seated minerals?
The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023 (MMDR Amendment Act, 2023), which came into effect on August 17, 2023.
What is the purpose of introducing exploration licences for critical and deep-seated minerals?
To enhance exploration and mining activities of these important minerals within India.
Which other states are expected to soon follow the example of Karnataka and Rajasthan in auctioning exploration licenses?
Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, philanthropist and former Infosys
Foundation chairperson Sudha Murty, 73,
, is the 12th nominated member in the Upper House of
Parliament.
A nominated member, however, is allowed to join a political party within the first six months of
taking a seat.
Under Article 80 (3) of the Constitution, out of the 245 members in the Rajya Sabha
12 are
nominated by the President on the recommendation of the government.
the nominated members should have special knowledge or
practical experience in areas such as literature, science, art, and social service
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution says, “A nominated member of a House shall be
disqualified
for being a member of the House if he joins any political party after the expiry of six months from the date on which he takes his seat after complying with the requirements of Article
99 or, as the case may be, Article 188.”
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)?
A flagship crop insurance scheme in India, launched in 2016.
Protects farmers from crop loss due to unforeseen events.
Provides financial support in the event of crop failure.
What are the key changes/improvements made to the PMFBY?
Voluntary for all farmers: Farmers can choose to opt in or out.
IEC activities: 0.5% of the gross premium is used for farmer education about the scheme
Alternative risk models: More flexible options for states, potentially saving on premiums.
How much do farmers pay for coverage under PMFBY?
Kharif season: 2% of the sum insured
Rabi season: 1.5% of the sum insured
Commercial/Horticultural crops: 5% of the sum insured
Remaining premium is shared equally by the Central and State governments
What are the recent statistics on PMFBY enrollment and claims?
27% increase in farmer enrollment in 2023-24.
42 % of enrolled farmers are non-loanee.
Over 56 crore farmer applications enrolled in the last 8 years.
Over Rs. 1,55,977 crore in claims disbursed to farmers.
Why has there been an increase in PMFBY enrollment in 2023-24?
Maharashtra and Odisha decided to completely cover the farmers’ share of premium costs.
Which states have recently rejoined the PMFBY scheme?
• Telangana
The Centre has introduced three alternative risk models under PMFBY
Profit and Loss Sharing,
Cup and Cap (60-130),
Cup and Cap (80-110) under which if no claim is made then a portion of the premium paid by the state will go into the state treasury itself
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was implemented by 18 insurance
companies that
became empanelled partners by successfully completing the L1
bidding process
How much has the enrollment under PMFBY increased in 2023-24?
By 27%, reaching a record 40 million farmers enrolled.
How much has the area coverage under PMFBY increased in 2023-24?
By around 21%, exceeding 60 million hectares.
What is the claim-to-premium ratio under PMFBY?
It has decreased from 99% in 2018-19 to 68.7% in 2021-22. Last fiscal, the ratio was 76.7%
How much has the government provided for PMFBY in FY25?
A provision of ₹15,000 crore has been made.
What is PMFBY’s ranking in terms of global premium?
It is the third largest crop insurance scheme globally.
What did the RBI issue in October 2021, affecting NBFCs?
The RBI issued scale-based regulations classifying NBFCs into: base layer, middle layer, upper layer, and top layer.
This classification is based on size, activity, and perceived risk.
What is a key requirement for Upper Layer NFBCs (NBFC-UL) ?
• NBFC-ULs must list on a stock exchange within 3 years of being classified as Upper Layer.
Why is the Tata Sons IPO in the news?
Tata Sons is likely included in the RBI’s list of Upper Layer NBFCs, making an IPO mandatory within a specific timeframe.
Along with Tata Sons, these companies must also launch IPOs soon:
Bajaj Housing Finance
Piramal Capital and Housing Finance
Tata Capital Financial Services
HDB Financial Services
Aditya Birla Finance
When did the RBI release its initial list of Upper Layer NBFCs, and has it been updated?
• The initial list of 16 Upper Layer NBFCs was released in September 2022.
• The list was updated in 2023, with Shanghvi Finance removed.
What are the criteria for an NBFC to be in the Base Layer?
Non-deposit taking NBFC with asset size below ₹1000 crore.
NBFC engaged in specific activities:
P2P Lending Platform (NBFC-P2P)
Account Aggregator (NBFC-AA)
Non-Operative Financial Holding Company (NOFHC)
No public funds and no customer interface
What are some of the NBFCs included in the Middle Layer?
• All deposit-taking NBFCs (NBFC-Ds)
• Non-deposit taking NBFCs with asset size ₹1000 crore and above
• Specific NBFC activities:
◦ Standalone Primary Dealers (SPDs)
◦ Infrastructure Debt Fund - NBFCs (IDF-NBFCs)
◦ Core Investment Companies (CICs)
◦ Housing Finance Companies (HFCs)
◦ Infrastructure Finance Companies (NBFC-IFCs)
How are NBFCs placed in the Upper Layer?
• Identified by RBI based on specific parameters and scoring methodology.
• Top 10 NBFCs by asset size are automatically in the Upper Layer.
• NBFCs in the Upper Layer showing a significant potential systemic risk can be moved to the Top Layer.
Government owned NBFCs shall be placed in the
Base Layer or Middle Layer, as the case may be. They will not be placed in the Upper
Layer till further notice
There shall be a ceiling of ₹1 crore per borrower for financing subscription
to Initial Public Offer (IPO). NBFCs can fix more conservative
limits
Net Owned Fund (NOF) for NBFC-ICC
Current NOF - Rs. 2 crore
by March 31, 2025 - Rs. 5 crore
by March 31, 2027 - Rs. 10 crore
Net Owned Fund (NOF) for NBFC-MFI
Current NOF - Rs. 5 Crore (2 crore in NE region)
by March 31, 2025 - Rs. 7 crore (Rs. 5 crore in NE region)
by March 31, 2027 - Rs. 10 crore
Net Owned Fund (NOF) for NBFC-Factors
Current NOF - Rs. 5 Crore
by March 31, 2025 - Rs. 7 crore
by March 31, 2027 - Rs. 10 crore
NOF of NBFC P2P, AA, and NBFCs with no customer interface and with no public funds
RS. 2 crore
NOF for - IDF and IFC
₹300 crore
NOF for HFC
Rs. 20 Crore
NOF for MGC
Rs. 100 Crore
NOF - SPD
SPDs which undertake only the core activities
- ₹150 crore,
SPDs which also undertake non-core activities -₹250 crore
In order to enhance the quality of regulatory capital, NBFC-UL shall maintain Common Equity Tier 1 capital
of at least 9 per cent of Risk
Weighted Assets.
The extant credit concentration limits prescribed for NBFCs separately for lending and investments shall be merged into a single exposure
limit of
25% for single borrower/ party and 40% for single group of borrowers/ parties.
NBFCs with 10 and more branches are mandated
to adopt Core Banking Solution. A glide path of 3 years with effect from October 01, 2022
is being provided
Once an NBFC is categorised as NBFC-UL, it shall be subject to enhanced regulatory requirement,
at least for a period of five years from its
classification in the layer, even in case it does not meet the parametric criteria in the subsequent year/
NPA norms for NBFCs in the base layer
> 150 days - by March 31, 2024
120 days - by March 31, 2025
90 days - by March 31, 2026
What is the purpose of the recent $600 million pledged by global health donors?
To support the elimination of cervical cancer worldwide, expanding access to vaccination, screening, and treatment
Which organizations are leading the funding effort to fight cervical cancer?
The World Bank
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
UNICEF (the U.N. children’s agency)
How often does a woman die from cervical cancer, and where do the majority of these deaths occur?
Approximately every two minutes.
Roughly 90% of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
How much funding is each lead organization contributing to the fight against cervical cancer?
World Bank: $400 million (over 3 years)
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: $180 million
UNICEF: $10 million
What is Amitav Ghosh recognized for in receiving the Erasmus Prize 2024?
His passionate writing about climate change, urging people to consider the unthinkable
Theme “Imagining the unthinkable”
