Daily Current Affairs 23 November, 2024 National Affairs 1. World Bank calls for reforming skills training in India World Bank PMKVY-AIET Program Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana (ABRY) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 2. 6th meeting of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement Joint Committee held in New Delhi The 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee met in New Delhi from November 15-22, 2024. The meeting, co-chaired by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Deputy Secretary General, Ministry of Investment, Trade & Industry, Malaysia, involved representatives from all 10 ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and VietNam. ASEAN: An International Organization 3. Commerce Secretary visits Norway for implementation of Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement(TEPA) Shri Sunil Barthwal Visits Norway to Promote Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) India Signs Trade Deal with EFTA Source: PIB 4. CULMINATION OF PAN-INDIA COASTAL DEFENCE EXERCISE – ‘SEA VIGIL 24’ India’s Recent Maritime Exercises Agri Business 1. Microfinance in farming sector: Unlocking new opportunities in rural economies Microfinance’s Upswing in Agricultural Sector Microfinance Microfinance is a financial services model that provides small loans and other services to people and businesses who are typically excluded from traditional banking. The goal of microfinance is to help people achieve economic independence and financial inclusion.  2. Nabard, Spices Board organise two day training programme for Rajasthan FPOs A two-day agri-export training and exposure visits were organized by Nabard funded AEFC, APEDA, Spices Board of India, FISS, and APMC Unjha in Jodhpur. Over 50 representatives from 12 Rajasthan-based FPOs participated, and agreements were concluded for pesticide residue-free IPM cumin, sustainably-produced isabgol, and on-farm sourcing of IPM spices and medicinal plants. The Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC) in India aims to boost agricultural exports, increase farmer income, and build capacity for agri-food exports. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in India 3. Fresh low-pressure area to develop over Bay by Saturday; may intensify into depression by Monday  Upper Air Cyclonic Circulation Forms Off Sumatra Coast Cyclones Overview Sumatra’s Geography and Wildlife 4. Indian Americans develop AI-based app launched for farmers in Caribbean AI-Driven Farming App Launched in Trinidad and Tobago 5. Soil degradation on 30 pc of India’s land poses threat to agriculture: Agri minister Agriculture Minister Chouhan Concerns Soil Degradation Soil Degradation Soil Degradation Reasons Soil Degradation Prevention and Solutions Banking/Finance 1. Delegates of 18 nations join RBI conference for Global South central banks High-Level Policy Conference of Central Banks from the Global South 2. UPI 123 Pay: RBI extends transaction limits- Here are key changes Unified Payments Interface (UPI) International Affairs 1. IMF approves third review of Sri Lanka’s $2.9 billion bailout IMF Approves Sri Lanka’s $2.9 Billion Bailout Review IMF Overview Facts to Remember 1. Kanhirapoil Megalithic Site Megalithic Carvings in Kanhirapoil, Kerala 2. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI): Navratna Status 3. VISION Portal VISION Portal Launch and Mission 4. International Criminal Court International Criminal Court Overview 5. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: Launch and Objectives

Daily Current Affairs Table of Content Banking/Finance Agri Business National Affairs Facts to Remember Banking/Finance Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das Highlights Macroeconomic Stability RBI’s 2024 Economic Reports 2. Govt looks to cut red tape and unmoor port infra delays India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways is expanding the autonomy of major ports in capital expenditure decisions. India’s Major Ports 3. The “State of the Economy” article in the latest Monthly Bulletin of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)  Economic Momentum Slowing in India 4. Private Banks seek reduction in Mudra target Private Banks Seek Reduction in Mudra Loan Targets Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) 5. RBI’s war against inflation is not yet over, says guv Das Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das Reiterates War Against Inflation 6. RBI, Maldives Monetary Authority sign pact to promote use of local currencies RBI and MVR Sign Agreement 7. India Unveils AI Data Bank to Propel Innovation and Strengthen National Security “AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance” 8. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das likely to get extension, announcement expected after Maharashtra Election India’s Central Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das Expected to Extend Second Term Every three years, a selection committee led by the Prime Minister picks the next RBI Governor. There’s no detailed rulebook for eligibility or any fixed checklist. Just that the folks on the committee are experts in economics, banking, finance or public administration 9. RBI’s FX interventions intended to ensure that the market is liquid and deep, and functioning in an orderly manner, say officials India’s Forex Market Interventions and Export Competitiveness Agri Business India’s Water Storage Levels Drop 2. SEA President favours adoption of genetically modified crops to improve oilseeds’ productivity India’s Solvent Extractors’ Association of India (SEA) advocates for the adoption of GMO crops to boost oilseed productivity. Solvent Extractors’ Association of India: 3. APEC Climate Center forecasts La Nina emerging during December-February APEC Climate Center’s La Nina Forecast Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Goals: APEC Member Economies: Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Overview Goals: APEC Structure: Membership: La Nina: A Phase of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Cycle National Affairs India-CARICOM Summit: 2nd Meeting Caribbean Community 2. Raksha Mantri meets his South Korean, Australian & New Zealand counterparts on the sidelines of 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in Lao PDR Raksha Mantri’s Meeting with US Secretary of Defense and Defence Ministers ASEAN 3. Ministry Directs EPFO to Ensure UAN Activation for Employees through Aadhaar-based OTP Central Government’s Aadhaar Payment Bridge and Employment Linked Incentive Scheme 4. Cabinet clears extension of fortified rice scheme until December 2028 to combat anaemia Union Cabinet Approves Extension of Free Fortified Rice Scheme Anemia Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) 5. US indicts Adani for bribing officials in India, misleading investors; issues arrest warrants US Prosecutors Indict Gautam and Sagar Adani for Bribery in India 6. In Ranthambore, tigers and humans struggle for space and survival Tiger Attacks in Rajasthan Ranthambore National Park Facts to Remember High Blood Pressure and Stroke Risk Factors

Daily Current Affairs Table of content National Affairs Banking/Finance Agriculture Facts to remember National Affairs Andhra Pradesh to Build Oil Refinery and Petrochemical Hub Ramayapatnam Port Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) 2. PM Modi, Albanese Reaffirm Focus on Defence Cooperation India-Australia Launch Renewable Energy Partnership and Strengthen Defence Partnership Banking/Finance RBI’s State of the Economy Report Highlights Inflation’s Impact on Real Economy 2. Festive spending to boost Q3 no.s after weak Q2: RBI RBI’s State of the Economy Report: Q2 FY25 Outlook 3. Norms to be eased to let more pvt banks collect PF money from companies Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to Relax Rules Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Overview 4. Festive spending to boost Q3 no.s after weak Q2: RBI Finance Ministry Directs Major Public Sector Banks to Complete pending Re-Know Your Customer (re-KYC/e-KYC) 5. Stable inflation in best interest of economy, Das says Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das’s Views on Price Stability 6. ULI will be for lending what UPI is for payments: RBI Dy Guv at BFSI Summit RBI Introduces Unified Lending Interface (ULI) Business Standard BFSI Insight Summit 2024: 7. No systemic risk in banking sector: Jio Financial Services’ KV Kamath Indian Banking Sector Health and Risks 8. Indian banks’ microfin loan stress to persist after new regulation: Bankers Indian Microfinance Lenders Prepare for Defaults Agriculture Sohan Lal Commodity Management (SLCM) Partners with Bank of Baroda for Credit Access 2. Paddy procurement in Punjab going on smoothly, says Centre Paddy Procurement in Punjab Amid Delays Facts to remember India’s Air Pollution Impact and Health Concerns

Daily Current Affairs Table of Content Banking and Finance Economy Agri Business National Affairs Banking and Finance Indian Inflation Targeting and Interest Rate Cuts RBI’s Role in India’s Financial System 2. SEBI proposes to overhaul norms for SME IPOs SEBI Proposal for SME IPOs SEBI Overview 3. SME IPOs: Sebi proposes 2x hike in application size Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) proposes stiffer listing regulations for SMEs. Economy Unemployment Rate in Urban Areas in FY24 National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) Overview Agri Business Crop Nutrient Importance in India Natural vs Organic Farming 2. No basis for claims of large-scale public distribution system leak: Govt Government Challenges Large-Scale Public Distribution System Leakage Public Distribution System (PDS) Overview Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) Overview 3. One tonne of burnt stubble causes 20 kg soil nitrogen loss, say scientists Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) warns against stubble burning due to soil nutrient loss. Stubble Burning: A Global Pollution Risk Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) 4. Reservoir water levels steady, except in North India, shows data Rabi Crop Sowing in India National Affairs India-UK Free Trade Agreement Relaunch 2. National-level roboscience competition ‘Sarvavidya Fest 2024’ concludes Sarvavidya Fest 2024: 4th Edition of i-Robochakra’s Roboscience Competition 3. Today’s children are confronting a more unpredictable, hazardous environment than any previous generation: UNICEF report UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2024 Report Global School Closures and Child Population Stabilization UNICEF: A Global Organization Mission: Work: History: Headquarters:

Daily Current Affairs Table of content Agri Business National Affairs Health Banking and Finance Union Minister Amit Shah’s Vision for Natural Farming in India Natural Farming Overview 2. Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan addresses the Global Soil Conference 2024 Union Agriculture Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Address at Global Soils Conference 2024 India’s Soil Health Crisis and Government Initiatives Soil Health Card Scheme in India Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) 3. Salam Kisan signs agreement with agriculture university Salam Kisan and Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth Partner for Agricultural Transformation 4. Mobile app for fishing community to counter climate change impact  University of Southampton Develops Mobile App for Kerala Fishing Communities 5. Sweet sorghum farmers waiting for Govt to announce separate ethanol pricing Sweet Sorghum Biofuel Project in India National Affairs 1. HON’ BLE RAKSHA MANTRI ADDRESSES AIR FORCE COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE Air Force Commanders’ Conference in New Delhi 2. Sagarmanthan 2024: India’s Maritime Vision India’s Rising Global Influence and Maritime Legacy India’s Maritime Sector Government Schemes in India’s Maritime Sector Sagarmala Programme: Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030: Inland Waterways Development: Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP): 3. Climate change impact harsher on poorer farmers in India: FAO report Climate Change Impacts on India’s Farming Population FAO: United Nations Agency for Food Security Health Child Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A New Series Paper Lancet Series on Early Childhood Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries Banking and Finance Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Calls for Affordable Bank Lending Rates 2. Three neighbouring countries show interest in Gati Shakti India’s PM Gati Shakti Technology to Globalize PM Gati Shakti: A National Master Plan for India’s Infrastructure 3. Centre pushes back on RBI’s proposed provisioning norms India’s Government Rejects Central Bank’s Infrastructure and Online Deposit Proposals 4. RBI action on personal loans, KYC takes toll on off-roll work RBI’s Stricter Compliance with Know-Your-Customer (KYC) Norms and Crackdown on Personal Loans

Daily Current Affairs 17 & 18 November 2024 Table of content Banking and Finance National Affairs Agri Business Environment Banking and Finance RBI Report on Municipal Finances Municipal Bonds Overview 2. Piyush Goyal says RBI should cut rates, look through food prices: Understanding Inflation 3. PDS leaks costing exchequer ₹69,000 crore a year: Report Economic Think Tank Reveals 28% of Grains Leaked by Food Corporation of India (FCI) Food Corporation of India (FCI) Overview National Affairs National Housing Bank Signs Memorandums of Understanding for Interest Subsidy Scheme Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) Mission Overview 2. Gujarat becomes India’s first state to implement a dedicated semiconductor policy: Gujarat’s Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027: A Step towards Viksit Bharat@2047 Facts about Gujarat Area 196,024 km² Population 72,653,000 Capital Gandhinagar Governor Acharya Devvrat 3. PM Modi arrives in Brazil to attend G20 Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Brazil for G20 Summit G20: Intergovernmental Forum Membership Agri Business 2. India to bridge link between farmers and industry via agri value chain development scheme: Union Agriculture Ministry Shifts PPPAVCD Implementation to Investment Division 3. Agri commodity prices rule firm despite suspension of futures trading: Suspension of Derivatives Trading in Key Agriculture Commodities in India 4. Odisha govt, ICRISAT launch compendium of regenerative agriculture: Odisha’s Government and ICRISAT Launch ‘Compendium of Regenerative Agriculture’ 5. Excess rains spurs use of more herbicides this kharif cropping season: Indian Herbicide Sales Rise Despite Excess Rains Environment “Fue Gas Desulphurisation Systems (FGD) could reduce annual SO2 emissions by 67% in coal-based thermal power plants near Delhi,” says Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).

Daily Current Affairs 12 November 2024 Table of Content National Affairs Defense Economy Agri Business Banking and Finance National Affairs International Solar Alliance’s ‘Towards 1000’ Strategy 2. Cabinet approves PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme to provide financial support to meritorious students: PM Vidyalaxmi: A Central Sector Scheme for Meritorious Students Defence IAF C-295 Full Motion Simulator inaugurated by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Economy Retail Inflation in India Understanding Inflation 2. COP29 Climate Summit Day 2 Highlights: UN Chief calls 2024 a ‘masterclass in climate destruction’: COP29 World Climate Action Summit Highlights 3. RBI, Sebi unveil rules for converting excess investment by FPIs into FDI: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Regulations in India 4. SBI looks to raise Rs 10,000 crore through 15-year infra bonds next week: State Bank of India (SBI) Plans to Raise Rs 10,000 Cr through 15-Year Infrastructure Bonds Agri Business ICAR’s Maize Research Institute Suggests Atoxin Level Reduction 2. Excess rains spurs use of more herbicides this kharif cropping season: Banking and Finance 1. ADB Issues its First Biodiversity and Nature Bond: 2. RBI releases 43rd half-yearly report on MFER: “Reserve Bank of India’s 43rd Half-Year Report on Foreign Exchange Reserves”

Daily Current Affairs 10 & 11 November 2024 Table of Content Science and Tech India’s Digital Transformation South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) Meeting Inaugurated 2. Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide Wafers and GaN HEMT based MMIC Technology up to X-band Applications: Indian DRDO Laboratory Develops GaN/SiC Technology Atmanirbhar Bharat: A Vision for Economic Strength and Resilience National Affairs 3. Indian & Sri Lankan Coast Guards hold 7th Annual High Level Meeting in Colombo to combat transnational maritime crime & promote regional cooperation: Indian and Sri Lanka Coast Guards Hold 7th Annual High Level Meeting Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards Strengthen Maritime Security 7th Annual High Level Meeting between Indian and Sri Lankan Coast Guards Science and Tech 4. Scientists discover a new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species of Dicliptera in the Northern Western Ghats of India: New Fire-Resilient Dual Blooming Species Discovered in Western Ghats 5. Nano material coating developed can increase efficiency of fertilisers by slowing down their release: Nanocoating for Chemical Fertilizers: A New Approach Defence 6. Russia to deliver first of two missile frigates by month-end: Russian Imported Weapons for India Agriculture 7. 15-20 tigers missing from T’gana since years: Activists Tiger Conservation in Telangana Tiger Population in India 2022 Tiger Reserves with High Populations Banking and Finance 8. Sebi looks to expand scope of info disclosed by listed cos: Sebi Expands UPSI List for Listed Companies 9. Deposit rates at peak, RBI cut likely in Feb: SBI chief SBI’s Chairman, C S Setty, anticipates a moderate 25 basis point cut in RBI interest rates in February 2025. 10. Bank of India reports 63% jump in Q2FY25 net profit at ₹2,374 crore “BoI: Indian Public Sector Bank” National Affairs 11. Govt plans to integrate Gati Shakti portal with e-Shram database: Government Plans to Integrate e-Shram and Gati Shakti Portals e-Shram Portal Overview Gati Shakti Portal Overview Miscellaneous 12. Sariska tiger that made Jhabua home back safely: Eighty-five days after Sariska tiger ST-2303 travelled 125km and settled in a patch of forest in Haryana’s Jhabua, a team of officials managed to tranquilise the big cat and take him back to the Rajasthan reserve on Sunday. Sariska Tiger Reserve Overview