Agriculture Current Affairs PDF January 2024

Key Agriculture Current Affairs for Competitive Exams
(IBPS AFO, UPSC, NABARD, State Agriculture Officer, State Horticulture Officer, State Forestry Officer, Regional Rural Bank (RRB), Food Corporation of India (FCI), IFFCO, ICAR JRF/SRF/NET, CCI, NSC, AAO, and other Agriculture Examinations)

Agriculture Current Affairs in Details

This agriculture current affairs section is divided into two parts: the first part provides detailed current affairs, while the second part includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) along with explanations related to agriculture current affairs.

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NITI Aayog, MoA&FW & FAO Jointly Launched Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems

The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’

Welfare (MoA&FW), and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly launched the Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India’.

The forum was launched during the Multi-stakeholder Meeting held on January 18-19, 2024, at the India International Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.

Aim:

The joint initiative aims to foster partnerships and investments among the government, private sectors,
farmers’ organizations, and financial institutions in India, to advance climate-resilient agrifood systems.

Key Points:

The investments includes equity, grants supported by bilateral and multilateral Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), green and social bonds, and other guarantee or output-based financing through corporations, blended finance, and venture capital firms, among others.
During the forum discussions were held on the six main areas viz. climate-resilient agriculture, digital infrastructure and solutions, financing for agrifood systems, Climate resilient value chains, production practices for climate resilience, and gender mainstreaming and social inclusion for climate resilience.

Key People:

The event was attended by Prof Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog; Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, MoA&FW; Shombi Sharp, UN Resident Coordinator in India; Takayuki Hagiwara, FAO Representative in India.

Participants:

Senior representatives from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), World Bank, and UN agencies, among others attended the meet.

About NITI Aayog(National Institution for Transforming India):

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – B. V. R. Subrahmanyam
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Establishment – 2015

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Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve Becomes India’s First Dark Sky Park.

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been designated as India’s first Dark Sky Park and Asia’s fifth park for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution, making the place ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.
The Dark Sky Place certification focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and monitoring the night sky.
A night observatory has also been inaugurated under the innovation scheme of the district planning committee (DPC) fund. It is noted that the area near Bagholi has been reserved for stargazing.
The Pench Tiger Reserve, named after the Pench River, is spread across the two states of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala Launched Project for Artificial Reefs in Kerala.
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and
Dairying (MoFAHD) virtually launched the project of depositing artificial reefs in the seabed in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The project aims to increase the income of fishermen by enhancing the fish population in the waters of Kerala.

About the project:

The project is a joint initiative of the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Kerala.
The project is implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) of MoFAHD by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC).

iii. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) provides technical assistance for the project.

The project is implemented with a budget of Rs 13.02 crore: 60% (Rs 7.812 crore) by GoI and 40% (Rs 5.208 crore) by the Government of Kerala.

Key Points:

Under phase 1 of the project, 6,300 artificial reefs will be laid in 42 fishing villages (150 reefs in each village) from Pozhiyur to Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district.
Under this project, Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) reefs in 3 distinct shapes – triangular (80 units), floral (35 units), and fused pipe type (35 units) were assigned for each 42 villages.

These modules will be installed on the seabed at a depth of 12 to 15 fathoms with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS).

These reefs create an artificial habitat thereby hosts favorable conditions for fish breeding.

Note: One fathom is equal to 6 feet (1.8288 meters), and it is mainly used to measure the depth of water.

Additional Info:

Under PMMSY, GoI has cleared Rs 302 crore for artificial reef installation and promotion of sustainable fisheries and livelihood in Kerala.
The Department of Fisheries under MoFAHD has suggested the implementation of artificial reefs in 3,477 fishing villages along India’s coastline.

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates “PRASADAM”, India’s 1st Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, at MP On 7th January 2024, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated “PRASADAM”, India’s 1st Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh(MP).

Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister(CM) of MP along with other dignitaries were present during the inauguration.

PRASADAM, with a total number of 17 shops spread across 939 square meters offers convenient and culturally rich dining options for devotees of Mahakaleshwar Temple.

Other noted Launches:

Union Minister also launched the official website for the Healthy & Hygienic Food Street initiative and the brochure outlining the Standard Operating Procedure for Healthy & Hygienic Food Streets.
They also launched the Mannhit app, an initiative facilitating screening for mental health.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released “The DART Book” to power consumers to tackle adulteration at home with simple tests.

A mobile food testing van called Food Safety on Wheels (FSW) was also launched to conduct training and awareness activities.

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Arunachal Pradesh Celebrated 9th Edition Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival

The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) was celebrated at Seijosa in the Pakke-Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh (AR) from January 18th to 20th, 2024.

It was held under the theme “Domutoh Domutoh, Paga hum Domutoh,” meaning ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’ in the Nyishi language.

Key People:

The inaugural ceremony was attended by AR’s Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Chowna Mein and President of Nyishi Elite Society Professor Tana Showren.

About PPHF:

PPHF festival was celebrated for the first time in 2015 to recognize the role played by the resident Nyishi tribe in conserving hornbills in the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR) of AR. It is the only wildlife conservation festival in AR.
In 2019, PPHF was declared as a state festival by CM Pema Khandu.

The festival also provides an alternate source of income to the native people of the region who mainly relies on hunting and logging.

The festival also aims raise awareness about PTR, and highlights the significance of hornbill preservation.
The festival created a positive impact over the years in uniting people from diverse backgrounds to combat pollution, protect wildlife, and address environmental degradation.

PPHF 2024:

PPHF 2024 aims to highlight the critical need for preserving these hornbills.
Activities like bird-watching, butterfly walks, bear walks, hornbill roost site visits, short film screenings, panel discussions, cultural programs, sightseeing tours, river and village walks, displays of local tribal sports and dances was carried out in the festival.

Additional Info:

Four species of the hornbill (namely Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied and the endangered Rufousnecked) are found in the PTR.

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Gujarat’s Kachchhi Kharek Fruit Gets Geographical Indication Tag.

Kachchhi Kharek or Kutchi dates, the indigenous dates variety of Kutch in Gujarat got a geographical indication (GI) tag from the Chennai (Tamil Nadu) based Geographical Indication Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Kachchhi Kharek is registered under the goods type of ‘Agriculture’.

About Kachchhi Kharek:

“Kachchhi Kharek” is the product of date palm harvested at Khalal (fresh stage), when the fruits are in their active colour (red, yellow, or its variants).
The fruits are rich in nutrients (particularly carbohydrates, fat, calcium, phosphorus, and iron) and high calorific value.

According to the Gujarat government, date palm cultivation is under taken in Kutch with the area of 19,251 ha (hectares), which is 94 per cent of the Gujarat’s total date palm cultivation area of 20,446 ha.

Key Points:

Kachchhi Kharek has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a GI tag after Gir Kesar Mango (2011) under the goods of Agriculture.
The GI tagged Kachchhi Kharek will boost the branding of Kutchi dates and benefit thousands of farmers who grow dates in arid and semi-arid Kutch region.

About GI Tags:

i.GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

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India Becomes 1st Vice Chair of FAO COFI Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management

India has been elected as the 1st Vice-Chair of Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management(SCFM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI).

Election:

Elections to the Bureau of the SCFM was held during the 1st session of the Sub-Committee held from 15^th to 18th January 2024 at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
The bureau includes Chairman of the Sub-Committee, the First Vice-Chairman and 5 other Vice Chairman, all elected for a 2-year term.

Indian delegation:

The Indian delegation was led by J. Balaji, former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Balaji was elected as the first vice chairperson of the incoming bureau of the SCFM.

Key Points:

As the representative of the Global South, India’s participation ensures a balanced and comprehensive. perspective in global discussions on fisheries governance and management. It particularly focuses on artisanal and small-scale fisheries.
India will serve as a member of the FAO Fisheries Bureau on Capture Fisheries for the first time in 57 years.

About Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management:

The SCFM was established during the 35th session of the FAO COFI in Rome, Italy, from September 5 to 9, 2022.
COFI is a subsidiary body of the FAO Council. The FAO Conference established COFI in 1965 at its 13^th

Membership: Sub-Committee is open to all Member Nations of the FAO. Non member states which are members of the United Nations(UN) or UN specialised agencies may seek admission to the sub-committee.

Functions:

The SCFM provides a forum for national, regional, and international discussion on fishery management issues. It deals with technical and policy matters aligned with FAO’s mission.
The primary functions of the sub-committee include providing essential technical and policy guidance on fisheries governance and management, to advance the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

It collaborates closely with the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade, enhancing its engagement in fisheries-related matters.

Note:

India is the third largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 8% of global production. It is recognised as one of the top fishing nations with over 28 million inland and marine fisheries.
China is the world’s largest fish producer followed by Indonesia.

About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

Director-General– Dr. Qu Dongyu

Headquarters– Rome, Italy

Established in– 1945

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GI tag for 7 Products from Odisha

The Geographical Indications Registry also awarded GI tags to 7 distinct products of Odisha.

These include two local foods, three agricultural products and one each for Textile and Handicraft products viz.

Lanjia Saura painting, Dungaria Kondh embroidered shawl, Gajapati Date Palm, Dhenkanal Magji, Mayurbhanj Kai Chutney, Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal and Koraput Kalajeera Rice.

With this, Odisha has received 25 GI tags to date.

About Products:

Lanjia Saura art form: It belongs to ‘Lanjia Saura’ tribe, a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha’s Rayagada district.

These are originally in the exterior murals of tribal homes with white paintings on crimson maroon background.

Dungaria Kondh Embroidered Shawl: The women of Dungaria Kondh, PVTG in Niyamgiri Hills of Rayagada, and Kalahandi districts craft embroidery shawls as a mark of respect and affection for guests.

Kalajeera Rice: Grown by tribal farmers in Koraput district it perceivs medicinal properties like memory improvement, diabetes control, and increased haemoglobin levels.

Kai Chutney: Consumed by tribals in Mayurbhanj district, it is made from red weaver ants.

It is rich in proteins, calcium, zinc, Vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, and 18 amino acids, boosting the immune system.

Kanteimundi Brinjals: Originated in Badabanapur and Ratnapur areas of Nayagarh district; these are known for unique taste, with seeds and prickly thorns.
Date Palm Jaggery ‘Khajuri Guda‘: Originated in Gajapati district it is a natural sweetener obtained from date palm trees.

Magji: It is a sweet item from Dhenkanal district made of buffalo milk cheese.

List of Products awarded with GI Tags

State GI Product Good

West Bengal – Tangail Sarees, Korial Sarees Textiles, Garad Silk Sarees

Odisha – Painting of Lanjia Saura (IDITAL) , Handi Crafts, Dungaria Kondh embroidered shawl Textiles, Dhenkanal Magji, Food Stuffs, Mayurbhanj Kai Chutney, Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal , Agriculture Gajapati Date Palm Jaggery (Khajudi Guda ), Koraput Kalajeera Rice.

About GI Tags:

GI is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country).
International agreements like the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Articles 1) (2and 10) and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement (Articles 22 to 24) recognize and govern geographical indications.

India, a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted GI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 15, 2003, and is aimed at registering and safeguarding geographical indications, preserving the heritage and uniqueness of products linked to specific geographic regions.

Note: Darjeeling Tea was the first Indian product to get a GI tag in the year 2004, the GI tag for Darjeeling Tea is valid until October 26, 2033.

Recent Related News:

Arunachal Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining GI tags for 3 distinct products: Khamti rice, Yak churpi from Tawang, and Tangsa textile.
Udangudi Panangkarupatti, a specific type of palm jaggery or “gur” originating from Tirunelveli District, Ta

About Odisha:

Chief Minister– Naveen Patnaik

Governor– Raghubar Das

Stadium– DRIEMS Ground, Kalinga Stadium, Barabati Stadium mil Nadu received GI tag.

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3 Products from Arunachal Pradesh gets GI tag: Adi Kekir, Handmade Carpets & Wancho Craft

Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN) based Geographical Indications Registry has awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to 3 indigenous products from Arunachal Pradesh (AR) namely Adi Kekir (ginger), Handmade Carpet (by Tibetan settlers), and Wancho Wooden Craft.

With the addition of 3 new GI products, Arunachal Pradesh now has a total of 8 GI products.
The other 5 products are: Arunachal (Wakro) Orange; Idu Mishmi Textile; Khaw Tai (Khamti Rice); Yak Churpi and Tangsa Textile About the 3 New GI products:

GI product Goods type

Arunachal Pradesh Adi Kiker (Ginger) Agriculture
Arunachal Pradesh Handmade Carpet Handi Crafts
Arunachal Pradesh Wancho Wooden Craft Handi Crafts

About:

Adi Kiker is a flavourful ginger variant produced in the East Siang, Siang, and Upper Siang districts of AR.
Handmade Carpet made by the Tibetan refugees across AR are known for their designs, motifs and texture.

Wancho Wooden Craft features tobacco pipes with head-shaped bowls and drinking mugs portraying warriors carrying heads.

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India Meteorological Department’s 150th Foundation Day – 15th January 2024

On January 15, 2024, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), celebrated its 150th Foundation Day commemorating 150 years of its establishment and service to the nation.

The inaugural ceremony celebration of 150th years of IMD’s establishment was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.

Key People: Jagdeep Dhankar, Vice President of India, graced the event as the Chief Guest and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, MoES was the Guest of Honour. Around 1,200 delegates from across India participated in the event.

Background:

IMD was established in 1875 as one of the 1st scientific departments of the Government of India.
To commemorate the 150 years of service, IMD has proposed to celebrate the event throughout India in all its sub-offices, over a year starting from 15th January 2024 to 15th January 2025.

Highlights of the event:

During the event, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar Released the theme song of IMD, highlighting its evolution and services provided for India and the international community in the principle of “Sarvajan

Hitay Sarvajan Sukhay” i.e. “Commitment to work for the Welfare of All”.

He also Launched the Souvenir on Evolution of IMD and its services since 1875.

VP also released and launched the following, Indigenously developed Decision Support System – WAFES:

IMD developed an in-house Web-Geographic Information System (GIS)-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS) called Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES), inspired by Pancha Mahabhuta i.e. Water, Air, Fire, Earth and Sky.

About WAFES:

It is a visualization platform, aiding decision-making for severe weather events and their socio-economic impact.
The system includes modules like Meteorological Information Communication System (MICS), Data Information Processing System (DIPS), Synthesized Integrated Visualization System (SIVS), and Public Weather Information System (PWIS).

It offering real-time information for sectors like Urban, Power, Hydrology, Health, Energy, Agriculture

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Transport, and Tourism under the “UPHHEATT” initiative. Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal for farmers:

The Panchayat Mausam Sewa Portal (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/greenalerts) was jointly developed by IMD, MoES, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), and Green Alert Mausam Sewa.

The portal offers weather forecasts in English, Hindi, and 12 regional languages to every panchayat head and secretary.

It aids farmers in planning agricultural activities, reducing input costs, minimizing crop loss, and boosting production and income.

IMD’s Mobile App and Mausam gram:

IMD launched MAUSAM, an integrated GIS based mobile app and released Mausam Gram in line with programme of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas” during the event.

Mausam Gram is available through the Mobile App “Mausam”.

About MAUSAM App:

It offers weather services in 12 Indian languages, covering current weather, hourly to 7-day forecasts, and various advisories.
It allows users to view observations, forecasts, and warnings for their location through a map or search function.

The forecasts are available on an hourly, 3-hourly, and 6-hourly basis upto next 10-days,

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National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS)

IMD launched National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS) to control losses due to climate hazards and extreme weather events.

Aim: To strengthen the production and delivery of science-based climate monitoring and prediction services for sectors such as agriculture, health, energy, and disaster management.

Key Points:

IMD plays a major role in providing Early warning to more than 90% population in India.
IMD also provides weather forecast services to foreign countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle east and many more.

IMD prepares the climatology of basic meteorological parameters like rainfall, temperature, wind & pressure and the climate extremes. It is updated once every 10 years.

Since 2021, IMD provides climate forecast for each month and season based on the dynamical multi model ensemble climate forecast system.
IMD is also providing services to Power & Renewable Energy Sector to minimze the losses and improves the economy, in line with the Government of India’s ‘Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE)’ Scheme.

Recent Related News:

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) launched 2 new initiatives, Green Credit Program (GCP) and the Ecomark Scheme to encourage sustainable practices rooted in tradition and conservation and promote the ideas of ‘LiFE’ – ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ movement.
On October 16, 2023, Union Minister Raj Kumar (RK) Singh for Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

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National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) supports and provides financial assistance to the initiatives of the AR government under ‘vocal for local’.

So far, 6 out of the 18 such products supported by NABARD have received GI registration.
MoHFW Notifies Revised Pharma Manufacturing Rules under Schedule M to Ensure Quality Control.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) notified the revised Pharma manufacturing rules under Schedule M guidelines of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, in the Gazette of India to ensure robust quality control for pharma and biopharmaceutical products.
Schedule M prescribes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical products.
The revised Schedule M will upgrade the GMP in India to global standards.
The revised Schedule M has been notified as rules to ensure ‘Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMP) and Requirements of Premises, Plant and Equipment for Pharmaceutical Products.’
Note: Schedule M part of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 deals with ‘GMP’ to be followed by pharmaceutical manufacturing units in India.

Objective: This aims to ensure compliance with the standards of drugs, promoting exports, and building trust in the quality of drugs manufactured and sold.

Revised Schedule M:

After consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the Central government notified the revised rules under the Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2023.
The revised Schedule M includes the following for the adoption of quality standards on par with the international standards:

Introduction of a Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS);
Retesting of expired Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs);
Annual Product Quality Review (PQR);
Quality Risk Management (QRM);
Guidelines for equipment qualification and validation;
A computerized storage system for all drug products.
The revised Schedule M has 13 parts that provide GMP guidelines for the specific requirements for manufacturing pharmaceutical drugs.

The revised guidelines require the applicability of World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on water and Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems.

The revised rules are to be implemented based on company turnovers:

The medium and small manufacturers including those with an annual turnover of less than Rs. 250 crores will have to implement the revised rules within 12 months from the date of publication.
Large manufacturers with an annual turnover of over Rs. 250 crores will be given 6 months to implement the changes.

New Categories:

The revised rules introduce 5 new categories of drugs including pharmaceutical products containing hazardous substances such as:

Sex hormones; Steroids (anabolic and androgenic); Cytotoxic substances; Biological products; Radiopharmaceuticals, Phytopharmaceuticals, and Investigational pharmaceutical products for human clinical trials.

GMP:

GMPs are mandatory standards that build and bring quality into products by controlling materials, methods, machines, processes, personnel, and facility/environment.

It was first incorporated under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in 1988, and the last amendment was done in June 2005.

Points to note:

India is a major exporter of medicines to low and middle-income countries which require WHO-GMP certification.
On August 2, 2023, the MoHFW set a 6-month deadline for small manufacturers and 12 months for large units to get their WHO-GMP certification.

DGCA has capped the maximum flight time for flights exceeding 14 hours at 17 hours and mandated airlines to provide a minimum rest period of 120 hours after each flight.
After 2 consecutive Ultra Long Range (ULR) flights, the mandated rest period increases by 24

hours.

Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS):

In addition, DGCA will soon transition towards the adoption of a new regime of fatigue management i.e.

Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS), which will be a data-driven approach to enhance monitoring of flight crew fatigue.

About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA):

DGCA is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Director General– Vikram Dev Dutt
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi

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Horticulture production in 2022-23 is estimated to be 2.32% higher to 355.25 Million Tonnes On January 18, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) released the Third Advance Estimate of Area and Production of Various Horticultural Crops for 2022–23.

As per it, the estimation of total horticulture production for 2022–23 is 355.25 million tonnes, which is about 8.07 million tonnes more (an increase of 2.32%) than 2021–22 (final).

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Indore, Bhopal, Udaipur nominated for International Wetland City Accreditation Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has nominated three Indian cities viz. Indore and Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh (MP) and Udaipur in Rajasthan for the Wetland City

Accreditation (WCA) scheme under the Ramsar Convention. These are the 1st three Indian cities to be nominated for WCA.

About WCA:

The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system established by the Ramsar Convention during the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) 12, 2015

Aim: To recognize cities that have taken exceptional steps to safeguard their urban wetlands. To promote conservation and wise use of urban and periurban wetlands as well as sustainable socio-economic Benef its for local populations.
Criteria: The get accreditation, the candidates must satisfy 6 international criteria which includes presence of Ramsar Sites or other significant wetlands in its territory or in its close vicinity.

Accredited cities: The convention has recognised 18 cities during COP13 and 25 cities during COP14.

These 43 cities includes 13 from China and 6 from France.

Key Points:

The wetlands situated in and around the nominated Indian cities are Indore – Sirpur Wetland (Ramsar site); Yashwant Sagar (Ramsar site) Bhopal- Bhoj Wetland (Ramsar site), Udaipur – surrounded by 5 major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and

Doodh Talai

Indore, founded by Holkar Dynasty, is the cleanest city in India and the recipient of India’s Smart City Award 2023. Bhopal is the 6th cleanest city in India.

About Ramsar Convention:

Ramsar Convention (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance) is an intergovernmental treaty adopted on February 2, 1971, in the city of Ramsar, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, in Iran.

It provides a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and their resources across its 172-member countries including India.
At present, 75 wetlands in India are protected under the treaty.

Secretary General– Dr Musonda Mumba

Headquarters– Gland, Switzerland.

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The total area of horticulture also increased marginally in 2022–23 (the third advance estimate) to 28.34 million hectares from 28.04 million hectares in the 2021–22 (final) estimates.

Highlights:

The production of fruits, vegetables, plantation crops, spices, flowers, and honey is also estimated to increase as per the third advance estimate for 2022–23.
Fruit production is projected to rise from 107.51 million tons (2021–22) to 109.53 million tons (2022–23).

Vegetable production is estimated to increase from 209.14 million tons (2021–22) to 213.88 million tons (2022–23).

Plantation crops are expected to grow from 15.76 million tons (2021-22) to 16.84 million tons (2022-23), indicating a 6.80% increase.
Potato production is set to reach 60.22 million tons, up from 56.18 million tons in 2021-22.
Tomato production is anticipated at 20.37 million tons for 2022–23, slightly down from 20.69. million tons in 2021–22.

Onion production is estimated to drop to 4.7% to 30.2 million tons in FY23.
Rabi onion sowing decreased by up to 20% in key Maharashtra and Karnataka regions due to erratic rainfall and reduced reservoir levels affecting irrigation.
Projected kharif and late kharif onion production for 2023–24 is 30.5 million tons, lower than the previous year’s estimate of 41.7 million tons.

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ONGC Gets MoPNG’s Approval to Form Green Energy Subsidiary

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has received the approval from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to establish a wholly owned subsidiary company for green energy and gas business. The approval was received on 5th December 2023.

The proposed name of the subsidiary is “ONGC Green Limited” subject to the approval of the

Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MoCA).

Note: ONGC is a Maharatna central public sector undertaking (CPSU) under MoPNG.

About the Green Energy subsidiary:

The wholly-owned subsidiary will focus on diverse energy value chains, including: Green Hydrogen production; Hydrogen blending; Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, and Hybrid); Bio-fuels/Bio-gas; and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) operations.

Formation of a JV by ONGC and NTPC Green Energy Limited During the ONGC Board Meeting held on 23rd January 2024, the board granted in-principle approval for formation of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) either directly by ONGC or through its Affiliate/Subsidiary with NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited.

The JVC will be engaged in the business of Offshore Wind Energy and other Renewal Energy.
The formation of the JVC is subject to necessary Government/ regulatory approvals including from NITI.

Aayog(National Institution for Transforming India), Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) (Ministry of Finance).

About Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC):

ONGC was established as the Oil & Natural Gas Commission on 14th August 1956 and is an Indian central public sector undertaking under the MoP&NG.

Chairman and CEO– Arun Kumar Singh
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi

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WB CM Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Yogyasree‘ for SC/ST students in West Bengal

On January 8, 2024, the Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal (WB) Mamata Banerjee launched a new social welfare scheme ‘Yogyasree‘ during a programme in Kolkata, WB. Yogyasree is a free training module for the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in WB for various entrance and competitive examinations.

She also introduced a toll free anti-ragging number for students, and rolled out a student internship programme.

Key Points:

Under Yogyasree scheme, 50 centres will be opened all across the state where the SC and ST students will be able to take training completely free of cost for competitive examinations.
Similarly, 46 centres will offer free training to the SC & ST students for students aspiring for government jobs, civil services etc.

iii. In August 2023, CM Mamata Banerjee launched a 24/7 anti-ragging helpline for students across WB.

The number for the helpline is 1800 345 5678.

About West Bengal (WB):

Chief Minister– Mamata Banerjee

Governor– C. V. Ananda Bose

National Parks– Singalila National Park, Neora Valley National Park

Wild Life Sanctuary– Jorpokhri Wildlife Sanctuary, Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary.

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Punjab Becomes 1st State to Map All Accident-Prone Sites in Mappls

Punjab has become the first state in India to map all 784 accident black spots on the mobile application “Mappls”, a navigation system developed by C. E. Info Systems Limited (Map my India).

Punjab Police collaborated with Map my India for real-time traffic updates and alerts on the Mappls App about Black and Blind spots.
The announcement was made by Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

Key Points:

Mappls mobile app will provide voice alerts (in Punjabi language) to the commuters about the upcoming black spots.
The initiative also aims to streamline traffic management across the Punjab roads.

This initiative is a part of the preparations for the launch of the flagship project the ‘Sadak Suraksha Force’ of the Government of Punjab.

Mappls:

Mappls offers detailed maps for the entire world, covering about 200 countries; It is fully developed in India.
Mappls also offers features like Real-Time Navigation, Global Positioning System (GPS) Tracking, and Live Traffic Updates.

Note:An accident blackspot is a place where road traffic accidents have historically been concentrated.

About C.E.Info Systems Limited:

Co-Founders– Rakesh Kumar Verma and Rashmi Verma

Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) – Rakesh Kumar Verma

Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi

Established in – 1995

About Punjab:

Chief Minister – Bhagwant Singh Mann

Governor – Banwarilal Purohit

Wildlife Sanctuary – Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary

Zoological Park – Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park; Tiger safari zoo.

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Assam CM unveils ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan’ scheme to assist women of SGH

The Chief Minister (CM) of Assam Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan’ scheme to develop 4 million Self-Help-Group (SHG) women as rural micro-entrepreneurs and help them become ‘lakhpati baidos (elder sister)’.

The outlay of the scheme is Rs 4,000 crore and will be offered to SHG members who are committed to personal business plan along with their group activity.

About Mukhya Mantri Mahila Udyamita Abhiyan:

Under the scheme, eligible women gets Rs 35,000 over three years.

Phase I – Each eligible woman will get Rs 10,000 in the first year (Entrepreneurship Fund).
Phase II – Loam amount of Rs 25,000 will be availed to the SHG Members from the bank over the next two years.
Rs 25,000 will be split into two halves for which Rs 12,500 is of government’s money (Capital Subsidy, non-refundable) and Rs 12,500 of the bank must be repaid.

To access the grant, beneficiaries need a government-supported business plan.

The beneficiaries of the scheme will have to fulfill certain socio-economic criteria.
These criteria include that women belonging to the general and OBC categories should not have more than three children, while those in the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes should not have more than four children.
SHG members with girl children must enroll them in school or provide an undertaking for

younger children.

Notably, Assam is following a policy to control the state’s population growth, and their welfare schemes will be linked to population control measures.

About Assam:

Governor– Gulab Chand Kataria

National Parks– Kaziranga National Park, Dibru – Saikhowa National Park

Wildlife Sanctuaries– Garampani Wildlife Sanctuary, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary

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India and Nepal co-chaired the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, India and Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Affairs Minister, Nepal cochaired the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

India-Nepal Joint Commission was established in 1987.

The main objective of the meeting was to review the overall bilateral relationship and trade and economic ties between two countries.

Key areas addressed during the meeting:

Comprehensive discussion on land, rail and air connectivity projects.
Cooperation in defense and security, agriculture, energy, power, water resources, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

NFWPIS, India AI & Wadhwani Foundation Signed Tripartite MoU to Leverage AI in Agri Sector.

A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society (NFWPIS), IndiaAI under Digital India orporation(DIC), and the Wadhwani Foundation to accelerate the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven transformation in the agriculture sector.

Points to note:

i.IndiaAI is the National AI Portal of India launched on 30th May 2020. It is dedicated to create and nurture a unified AI ecosystem in India. DIC is an not-for-profit company set up by Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

ii.NFWPIS is a society under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare(MoA&FW). It is the Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) for the implementation of Prime Minister (PM)-Kisan Yojana.

About the MoU:

As per the MoU, the Wadhwani Foundation will support the MoA&FW in formulating and executing an AI strategy and aims to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture aligning with the MeitY’s National Plan for AI.
The foundation will support India to become a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture transformation. This is in line in with MeitY’s National Plan for AI.

The MoA&FW has established a dedicated AI cell within its structure to institutionalize the use of AI in transforming digital agriculture.

Key People: The MoU was signed in the presence of Manoj Ahuja, Secretary, MoA&FW; Prakash Kumar, CEO, Wadhwani Institute of Technology and Policy along with senior officials of MoA&FW and MeitY National Pest Surveillance System:

The MoA&FW is developing the National Pest Surveillance System, , in collaboration with the private sector.
The system powered by AI and Machine Learning (ML) models will detect crop issues for timely farmer intervention and minimize potential losses.

MoA&FW’s AI Technologies:

MoA&FW is utilizing several AI technologies to beneift farmers and increase overall productivites. The ministry also aims to leverage the advanced technologies to address the difficulties faced by farmers in India.

MoA&FW promotes the India Digital Ecosystem Architecture (InDEA) 2.0, a network approach, designed by the MeitY. InDEA 2.0 is framework that allows governments and private sector businesses to design Information Technology(IT) architectures.
MoA&FW developed ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, to address farmer’s queries on the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

This offers comprehensive solution in Hindi, Tamil, Odia, Bangla, and English to support other government programs.

Odisha Govt Signs MoU with NDDB to Set up new GMP facility to Produce Anthrax & ENT Vaccines The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department of the Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) for establishing a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility.

The GMP facility is for the production of Anthrax and Enterotoxaemia (ENT) vaccines at the Satellite Unit of Odisha Biological Products Institute (OBPI) in Berhampur.

Project Estimation:

i.The project is estimated with an investment of Rs 52.20 crore for the production of these vaccines.

ii.The construction work of the laboratory will be completed within 36 months.

Current Production Status:

The existing Satellite unit of OBPI in Berhampur currently produces:

22 lakh doses of Anthrax Spore Vaccine (ASV); and 14 lakh doses of ENT Vaccine (ENTV) annually using conventional methods.

Upgrading Technology:

The establishment of a GMP laboratory will adhere to the World Health Organisation (WHO) norms and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 of India for superior vaccine quality.

Once operational, it will produce 2 crore doses of ENTV and 50 lakh of ASV vaccines respectively.

Role of NDDB:

i.NDDB will provide consultancy and supervisory services for GMP unit setup.

ii.NDDB’s involvement includes overseeing trial runs and final commissioning of the plant.

Key Points:

The project is initiated under the 5T initiative to transform healthcare and disease management for livestock and poultry in Odisha.

The 5T initiative is a governance model in Odisha that stands for Teamwork, Transparency, Technology, Time, and Transformation.

About Odisha:

Chief Minister– Naveen Patnaik
Governor– Raghubar Das
Tiger Reserve– Similipal Tiger Reserve and Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Wildlife Sanctuary– Satkosia Gorge sanctuary (Angul) and Nandankanan sanctuary (Bhubaneswar)

About National Dairy Development Board (NDDB):

Chairman– Dr. Meenesh C Shah
Headquarters– Anand, Gujarat
Established in– 1965

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Karnataka Bank & Digivriddhi Partners to offer Financial Services to Dairy Farmers.

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) has partnered with Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV) to offer financial services to support the requirements of dairy farmers and Dairy Societies.

The services will be offered to the Village Dairy Co-operative Societies, associated with Milk unions of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).

Key Points:

This partnership with DGV will enable the KBL to offer seamless and innovative end-to-end digital product for dairy farmers.
This partnership will also provide access to institutional credit, ease and digitise payment across the dairy value chain.

Initially, the services are now made available to milk societies associated with Chamarajnagar Milk Union and will be expanded to other milk unions in the near future.

Products of DGV:

DGV PAY – Simplify payments value chain for dairy farmers and micro-enterprises
DGV MONEY – Facilitate digital working capital and bovine loans to farmers using its unique underwriting mechanism.

DGV CONNECT – address the gaps in bovine discovery, pricing and productivity with embedded financing options.

About Karnataka Bank Limited(KBL):

Managing Director(MD) & Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Srikrishnan Harihara Sarma

Headquarters – Mangaluru, Karnataka
Established in – 1924
Tagline – Your Family Bank Across India

About Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV):

DGV is India’s first integrated dairy fintech and marketplace platform.
Founder and MD & CEO- Ragavan Venkatesan
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established in – 2019.

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Industry % change over previous year 2022-23 2023-24 Manufacturing 1.3 6.5B Construction 10 10.7 Mining & Quarrying 4.6 8.1 Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry & Fishing 4 1.8 Trade, Hotels, Transport, Communication & Services related to Broadcasting 14 6.3 Financial, Real Estate & Professional Services 7.1 8.9

Assessment:

The Advance Estimates of National Income are derived using data from the first seven-eight months of FY24, and FY23 data. This early release aids officials in the Union Ministry of Finance and other departments in shaping the key aspects of the upcoming Union Budget for FY2025, scheduled for presentation in Parliament on February 1, 2024.

Recent Related News:

On October 9, 2023, NSO released its 19th Quarterly Bulletin(QB) of Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for April-June 2023 (Q1FY24). As per it, India’s urban unemployment rate (UR) in Current Weekly Status (CWS) terms for persons aged 15 years and above declined to 6.6% during Q1FY24 from 6.8% during Q4FY23. It was 7.6% in April-June 2022 (Q1FY23).
According to the “International Migration Outlook: 2023” published by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), for the 2nd consecutive year, India has retained its position as the top country of origin for new migrants to the member countries of OECD in 2021.

About Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI):

Minister of State (Independent Charge)– Rao Inderjit Singh (Constituency- Gurugram, Haryana) Secretary– DR. G P Samanta.

CRA Projects GDP Growth to Moderate to Below 6% in Q3 FY 2023-24 ICRA Limited (formerly Investment Information and Credit Rating Agency of India Limited), predicts that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth may have slowed to under 6% in the third quarter (Q3) of FY 2024 (October to December 2023) from 7.6% in the second quarter (Q2) of FY 2024.

This downturn is primarily attributed to a significant decline in the output of kharif crops and weak progress in rabi sowing for some crops.

Factors Impacting GDP Growth:

Capital Expenditure Downturn: ICRA notes an -8.8% year-on-year (YoY) decline in the government’s capital expenditure (capex) in October-November 2023 (in Q3).

Agricultural GVA Projections: Anticipation of little-to-no growth in agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) due to the sharp decline in Kharif crop output and weak progress in rabi sowing. Economic Indicators Overview:

Average daily vehicle registrations from January 1-16, 2024 were 39.2% higher that the year ago period..
However, they were 1.8% lower than the registrations of 6,46,000 units/day in December 2023, attributed to the inauspicious Kharmas period and seasonality.

Y-o-Y growth in electricity demand increased modestly to 3.4% in January 2024 (up to January 15) from 1.6% in December 2023, remaining subdued due to an elevated base.

ICRA Business Activity Monitor Analysis:

Growth Decline: Y-o-Y growth in ICRA Business Activity Monitor reached a 6-month low of 8.1% in December 2023, down from 7.9% in December 2022 and 9.6% in November 2023.

Factors Contributing to Decline: Reduction in activity momentum post-festive period; decreased demand for electricity and petrol due to winter onset in North India; and unfavourable base effects for some indicators.

Sequential Increase in Business Activity:

Despite the moderation in Y-o-Y growth, the Business Activity Monitor experienced a sequential increase of 1.4% in December 2023, driven by 8 of the 14 non-financial indicators.
ICRA noted healthy economic activity in Q3 of the ongoing fiscal year, but acknowledges softness compared to the previous quarter, partly due to base normalization.

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QCI & KVIC Signed MoU to Enhance Quality of Khadi Products; Introduce Made-in-India Khadi

Labels The Quality Council of India (QCI) and the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Kochrab Ashram in Ahmedabad (Gujarat) to improve the quality of Khadi products, introduce Made-in-India label for khadi, and empower khadi artisans.

The MoU was exchanged in the presence of Manoj Kumar, Chairman of KVIC; and Jaxay Shah, Chairman of QCI.

As per the MoU, QCI will assist KVIC in various activities, including training for enhanced product quality, improving productivity, and marketability of Khadi and Village Industries products domestically and internationally.
This collaboration will give a new identity to Khadi as a ‘Made in India’ label, and aims to position Khadi products as a symbol of quality globally, fostering increased production and sales.
This will also provide new employment opportunities to Khadi artisans with greater productivity and efficiency by empowering them with enhanced skills and knowledge.

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Swedish Researchers Developed Electronic Soil for Hydroponics Researchers from Sweden’s Linköping University, have developed an electrically conductive growing medium called electronic soil (e-Soil) which finds its application in soil-less gardening or hydroponics.

The study on e-Soil was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a peer reviewed journal of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).

eSoil:

eSoil electrically stimulate the root system and growth environment of plants.
By using an organic mixed-ionic electronic conductor, e-soil surpasses the limitations of the commonly used mineral wool substrate in hydroponics.

This environmentally friendly substrate derived from cellulose and a conductive polymer called Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT).

Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah launched ‘e-samridhi portal’, a Tur Dal Procurement portal for Farmers On 4th January 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation, launched the ‘e-samridhi portal‘, a platform for registration, purchase, and payment of tur dal producing farmers across India. the portal was launched during the national symposium on ‘Self-reliance in Pulses’ held in New Delhi, Delhi.

The portal was developed by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF).

Key People: Arjun Munda, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Ashwini Choubey, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs , B. L. Verma, Minister of State for Cooperation and many other dignitaries were present during the event.

About e-samridhi portal:

The portal offers a unified platform in which farmers can register directly or through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
NAFED will ensure seamless fund transfers directly into farmers’ mapped bank accounts, eliminating intermediary agencies.

The multi-lingual portal will streamline the entire process for tur dal growers in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Points to note:

The portal will enable farmers to register themselves for selling the commodity to the NAFED and NCCF at the minimum support price (MSP) or market price, whichever is higher.
The initiative to procure pulses at market price will be supported by the existing schemes of Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF) and Price Support Scheme (PSS).

The portal aims to reduce dependence on imports by purchasing 80% of the buffer stock directly from farmers.

Key Points:

Union Minister also transferred about Rs 68 lakh, via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), to 25 farmers towards payment for sale of tur dal using the portal.

Note: India has set target to become self sufficient (Atmanirbhar) in the pulses sector by 2027.

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NSPAAD Launches ‘Report Fish Disease’ Mobile App to Monitor Disease Outbreaks

The National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) project has introduced a mobile app ‘Report Fish Disease’ (RFD) to track and monitor fish diseases across India.

Developers of the App:

The ‘Report Fish Disease’ app has been developed by ICAR(Indian Council of Agricultural Research)- NBFGR(National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources) in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD), funded under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana(PMMSY) by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India.
The Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) in Kochi (Kerala) is one of the collaborative partners of the NSPAAD project.

About Report Fish Disease app:

Fish farmers can report disease outbreaks by providing essential information such as location, species affected, symptoms observed, and images of species.
Geo-tagging technology in the app helps to identify a farm’s location, facilitates swift response from authorities and farmers get real-time updates on the status of their reported cases.

It also ensures transparency and accountability in the disease management process.

About the National Surveillance Programme on Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) Phase-II:

In February 2023, MoFAH&D launched NSPAAD Phase-II under PMMSY with a total cost of Rs.33.8 crores for implementation in all States and Union Territories for a period of 3 years.
It is launched to improve the collection of information on the distribution and occurrence of aquatic animal diseases.

About PMMSY:

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is being implemented by the Department of Fisheries at a total estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 Crore for a period of 5 years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.
The scheme aims to bring about the Blue Revolution (aquaculture production) through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.

PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain from fish production, productivity, and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing.

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New butterfly species ‘Cigaritis Conjuncta’ Discovered in Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, have discovered a new butterfly species Cigaritis conjuncta (also known as Conjoined Silverline butterfly) in Bramhagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu district (also known as Coorg), Karnataka.

The new species is named after its most “unique” feature: the “conjoined” bands on its wings.
The findings about the new species were published in ‘Zootaxa’, a peer-reviewed international journal on 10th January 2023.

Cigaritis Conjuncta:

The species ‘Cigaritis conjuncta’ belongs to the butterfly family ‘Lycaenidae’ in the order Lepidoptera.

features:

Males have “dark shining blue” wings with some black edges and the females have “dark brown” wings with some “orange-red” patches Both have a “pale yellow” coloring with “silver lines” and “conjoined” bands.
The species live in “mid-elevation evergreen forests” and are most active “on sunny days,”
The new species were distinguished from other congeners in India and Sri Lanka by its oloring, wing pattern and other physical features.

About the discovery:

The butterflies were first seen in the Iruppu Falls area of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Kodagu in 2008. The species was studied extensively when a large number of them were spotted in the Honey Valley in Kodagy in 2021.
The new species is described based on the five male and four female specimens from Honey Valley, Kodagu District(a part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot)

Note: The research team includes Krushnamegh Kunte, Ashok Sengupta, Ujwala Pawar, and Viraj Nawge.

Researchers from Mizoram University Discover New Coral Snake Species ‘Sinomicrurus Gorei’ The Indian Researchers from Mizoram University have discovered a new species of coral snake called ‘Sinomicrurus Gorei’ in Mizoram.
The discovery was published in the British science journal, Systematics & Biodiversity (Taylor
Francis Group) with the title ‘Reappraisal of the systematics of two sympatric coral snakes Reptilia: Elapidae)’.

About Sinomicrurus Gorei:

The newly discovered Sinomicrurus Gorei is one of the nine Sinomicrurus coral snake species found across the world.
This species is often confused with another species called ‘Sinomicrurus Macclellandi’ found in North East India belonging to the same genus.

Sinomicrurus Gorei with its unique patterns, scales, Deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA), and skull characteristics differ from Macclellandi.

It belongs to the family ‘Elapidae’ which contains venomous snakes.

The species is named after British Indian doctor ‘Gore’.
The species resembles a Mizo traditional amber necklace called ‘Ṭhi Hna’ thereby locally called ‘Rul Thi Hna’.
Sinomicrurus gorei is found in both low-lying and hilly areas in Mizoram.

Himalayan Wolf Classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on IUCN Red List.

The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus; Subspecies: chanco), a crucial lupine predator in the Himalayas, is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ under criteria C2a(ii) on the global International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The classification is based on a population size estimate of 2,275-3,792 mature individuals, with a continuous population decline suspected due to significant threats and a lack of conservation action.

All individuals belong to a single subpopulation that spans across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and extends across the Tibetan Plateau.

This is the 1st time the Himalayan wolf has been assessed by the IUCN and the assessment was done on 27 June 2023.

Agriculture Current Affairs January 2024 Question and answer

Q. Which state has recently (in Jan ‘24) recognized as the ‘petro capital’ of India?

1) Gujarat
2) Karnataka
3) Maharashtra
4) Odisha
5) West Bengal

Answer- 1) Gujarat

Explanation:

Gujarat has been recognised as the ‘petro capital’ of India, due to the presence of the Reliance Industry Limited’s Jamnagar refinery and ONGC Petro Additions Limited (OPaL)’s state-of-the-art petrochemical complex at Dahej in Bharuch district.

• RIL-Jamnagar refinery complex is the largest and most complex single-site refinery in the world.

• The refinery can process 1.4 million barrels of crude oil per day. The Refinery has a complexity index of 21.1 which is the highest in the world.

i. OPaL Refinery Complex is one of South Asia’s single largest petrochemical complexes.

• It is a joint venture (JV) between the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), the Gas Authority of India (GAIL) & Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited (GSPC).

Note- Dahej’s PCPIR is one of the four PCPIRs declared by the Government of India(GoI) under the PCPIR Policy 2007.

Q. In which state, did Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Mansukh Mandaviya has recently (in Jan ‘24) inaugurated “PRASADAM”, India’s 1st Healthy & Hygienic Food Street?

1) Bihar
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Maharashtra
4) Gujarat
5) Madhya Pradesh

Answer- 5) Madhya Pradesh

Explanation:

On 7th January 2024, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, inaugurated “PRASADAM”, India’s 1st Healthy & Hygienic Food Street, at Neelkanth Van, Mahakal Lok, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh (MP).

• Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister(CM) of MP along with other dignitaries were present during the inauguration.

• PRASADAM, with a total number of 17 shops spread across 939 square meters, offers convenient and culturally rich dining options for devotees of Mahakaleshwar Temple.

i. The Union Minister also launched the Mannhit app, an initiative facilitating screening for mental health.

ii. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) released “The DART Book” to empower consumers to tackle adulteration at home with simple tests.

Q. Which of the following points is “Incorrect” concerning the cabinet approval on 5th January 2024?

1) The union cabinet has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi Vigyan (PRITHVI)” of the Ministry of Earth Sciences with a total outlay of Rs 4,797 crore.

2) The Union Cabinet appraised the MoU signed between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) for cooperation on the development of a Joint Small Satellite.

3) Cabinet approved the MoU signed between Indian railways (IR), the Government of India and the United States for International Development / India (USAID/India) to support IR to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.

4) The proposal was approved to declare Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport and name it “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”.

5) The Cabinet approved the MoU signed between the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas(MoPNG),GoI and the Ministry of Natural Resources, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on cooperation in thehydrocarbon sector.

Answer- 5) The Cabinet approved the MoU signed between the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural. Gas(MoPNG), GoI and the Ministry of Natural Resources, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.

Explanation:

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals on 5th January 2024

• The union cabinet chaired by PM Modi has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi Vigyan (PRITHVI)” of MoES with a total outlay of Rs 4,797 crore. The scheme will be implemented during the period from 2021 to 2026.

• The Union Cabinet appraised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) for cooperation on the development of a Joint Small Satellite.

The Union Cabinet approved the MoU signed between Indian Railways(IR), the Government of India and the United States Agency for International Development / India (USAID/India) on 14th June 2023 to support IR to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission by 2030.

• The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi has approved the proposal to declare Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport and name it “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”.

• The Union Cabinet approved the MoU signed between the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas(MoPNG), Government of India and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Republic of Guyana on cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.

• The MoU is signed for 5 years and can be automatically renewed on a quinquennium basis.

Q. In January 2024, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) collaborated with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to launch the fifth training program under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme in Chilika Lake, a Ramsar Site in ________ state).

1) Karnataka
2) West Bengal
3) Assam
4) Odisha
5) Maharashtra

Answer- 4) Odisha

Explanation:

The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched the fifth training program under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme in Chilika Lake, a Ramsar Site in Odisha on 6th January 2024.

i. In the first phase of the Capacity Building Scheme, five priority Ramsar sites were identified namely Sultanpur National Park(Haryana), Sirpur Wetland (Madhya Pradesh), Yashwant Sagar(Madhya Pradesh), Bhitarkanika National Park(Odisha), and Chilika Lake( Odisha).

ii. Out of five sites, the training programmes for Sultanpur National Park, Sirpur Wetland, and Yashwant Sagar were completed in December 2023. The fourth was completed in Bhitarkanika National Park on January 5, 2024.

Q. In January 2024, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its 150th Foundation Day. IMD developed an in-house Web-Geographic Information System (GIS)-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS) called Weather Analysis and Forecast ________ System (WAFES).

1) Energy
2) Enabling
3) Equipment
4) Engine
5) Emulator

Answer- 2) Enabling

Explanation:

i. IMD developed an in-house Web-Geographic Information System (GIS)-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS) called Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES), inspired by Pancha Mahabhuta i.e. Water, Air, Fire, Earth and Sky.

ii. IMD launched MAUSAM, an integrated GIS based mobile app and released Mausam Gram in line with programme of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas” during the event.

Q. As per the 3rd Advance Estimate of Area and Production of Various Horticultural Crops for 2022–23 released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in January 2024, the estimation of total horticulture production for 2022–23 is __________ tonnes.

1) 502.15 million
2) 392.14 million
3) 355.25 million
4) 419.34 million
5) 302.12 million

Answer- 3) 355.25 million

Explanation:

On January 18, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) released the Third
Advance Estimate of Area and Production of Various Horticultural Crops for 2022–23.

i. As per it, the estimation of total horticulture production for 2022–23 is 355.25 million tonnes, which is about 8.07 million tonnes more (an increase of 2.32%) than 2021–22 (final).

Q. In January 2024, _____________ became the first state in India to launch a regenerative tourism model to redefine tourism.

1) Tamil Nadu
2) Karnataka
3) Maharashtra
4) Goa
5) Madhya Pradesh

Answer- 4) Goa

Explanation:

The Government of Goa has launched India’s first egenerative tourism model to redefine tourism by promoting environmental restoration, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

• The model aims to promote 11 spiritual sites under the kadasha Teertha campaign.

i. The model was launched to mark the 62nd anniversary of the Liberation of Goa (December 19, 2023).

Q. Which state’s Kachchhi Kharek has recently (in Jan ‘24) got a Geographical indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indication Registry?

1) Haryana
2) Jharkhand
3) Punjab
4) Rajasthan
5) Gujarat

Answer- 5) Gujarat

Explanation:

• Kachchhi Kharek has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a GI tag after Gir Kesar Mango (2011) under the goods of agriculture.

Q. In which company, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, has recently (in Jan ‘24) inaugurated the first pilot state-of-the-art technology project to make jet fuel from Alcohol?

1) Piramal Industries Limited
2) Triveni Engineering & Industries Limited
3) Praj Industries Limited
4) Suzlon Energy Limited
5) Thermax Limited

Answer- 3) Praj Industries Limited

Explanation:

Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Hardeep Singh Puri, has inaugurated the first pilot state-of-the-art technology project to make jet fuel from Alcohol in Praj Industries Limited Research and Development (R&D) unit in Pune, Maharashtra.

This project will produce sustainable biological aviation fuel (SAF).

Q. In which state, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala has recently (in Jan ‘24) launched the project of depositing artificial reefs in the seabed?

1) Odisha
2) West Bengal
3) Karnataka
4) Tamil Nadu
5) Kerala

Answer- 5) Kerala

Explanation:
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) virtually launched the project of depositing artificial reefs in the seabed in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

• The project aims to increase the income of fishermen by enhancing the fish population in the waters of Kerala.

i. The project is implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) ofMoFAHD by the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC).

Q. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘24) received the approval from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary company for green energy and gas business?

1) Bharat Petroleum
2) NTPC Limited
3) Hindustan Petroleum
4) Indian Oil Corporation
5) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

Answer- 5) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Explanation:

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has received the approval from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary company for green energy and gas business.

• The proposed name of the subsidiary is “ONGC Green Limited” subject to the approval of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MoCA).

Q. Which of the following organizations/Government agencies, along with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare have recently (in Jan ‘24) launched the Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India?

1) Food and Agriculture Organization
2) NITI Aayog
3) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3

Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2

Explanation:

The NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), and United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) jointly launched the ‘ Investment Forum for Advancing Climate Resilient Agrifood Systems in India’.

i. The joint initiative aims to foster partnerships and investments among the government, private sectors, farmers’ organizations, and financial institutions in India, to advance climate-resilient agrifood systems.

Q. As per the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)’s Food Price Index (FFPI) ecember 2023 stood at 118.5 points, _________ lower than December 2022 level.

1) 16.4%
2) 14.5%
3) 13.3%
4) 10.1%
5) 12.9%

Answer- 4) 10.1%

Explanation:

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Food Price Index (FFPI) December 2023 stood at 118.5 points, 1.8 points (1.5%) lower than November 2023 level(120.3) and 13.3 points (10.1%) lower than December 2022 level(130.4).

• For 2023 as a whole, FFPI stood at 124.0 points, 19.7 points (13.7%) lower than the average value in 2022.

• The FAO’s World Food Price Index tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities.

i. December 2023’s FAO Cereal Price Index increased by 1.8 points (1.5%) from November 2023 level but 24.2 points (16.6%) lower than December 2022 level(147.3).
• In December 2023, the FAO All Rice Price Index rose 1.6% above its November 2023 level.

Q. Which of the following points is/are “correct” concerning the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu, Lakshadweep and Kerala in January 2024?

A) PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 20,000 crores in the Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) district of Tamil Nadu.

B) During his visit to Lakshadweep, PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 1150 crore at Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep.

C) PM Modi held a mega roadshow in Thrissur during his visit to Kerala.

1) All A, B & C
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) Only A

Answer- 1) All A, B & C

Explanation:

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Tamil Nadu (TN), Lakshadweep and Kerala from 2nd to 3rd January 2024.

i. During his visit to Tamil Nadu on 2nd January 2024, PM Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than Rs 20,000 crores in the Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) district of Tamil Nadu.
• The projects were related to various sectors such as rail, road, oil and gas and shipping in TN.

• PM Modi dedicated to the nation rail sector projects, which includes, Doubling of 41.4 Km Salem–Magnesite Junction–Omalur–Mettur Dam section; doubling of rail line section of 160 Km from Madurai – Tuticorin; PM inaugurated General Cargo Berth-II (Automobile Export/Import Terminal-II and capital dredging Phase-V) of Kamarajur Port, on the Coromandel Coast, Chennai, TN.

ii. Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep: PM inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth Rs 1150 crore at Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep on 3rd January 2024.
The Project includes various sectors: technology, energy, water resources, healthcare and education.

• PM Modi initiated the Kochi –Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fibre Connection (KLISOFC) project which will help to address the challenge of slow internet speed on Lakshadweep Island.

• It will increase internet speed by more than 100 times i.e. from 1.7 Gbps to 200 Gbps.

• PM Modi dedicated to the nation the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat which will produce 1.5 lakh litres of clean drinking water every day.

Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Kerala: On 3rd January 2024, PM Modi held a mega roadshow in Thrissur during his visit to Kerala.

• He also addressed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s women’s conference “Sthree Shakti Modikkoppam” held at Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala.
• Women associated with ASHA, MGNREGA(Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Act), and Anganwadi participated in large numbers in the event.

Q. Name the Bank that has recently (in Jan ‘24) artnered with the Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV) to offer financial services to support the requirements of dairy farmers and Dairy Societies.

1) YES Bank
2) IndusInd Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) Karnataka Bank

Answer- 5) Karnataka Bank

Explanation:

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) has partnered with Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV) to offer financial services to support the requirements of dairy farmers and Dairy Societies.

i. The services will be offered to the Village Dairy Co-operative Societies, associated with Milk unions of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).

Q. Name the Bank that has recently (in Jan ‘24) launched a special Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme to mobilize funds for environment-friendly projects And initiatives.

1) Punjab National Bank
2) Bank of India
3) State Bank of India
4) Indian Bank
5) Bank of Maharashtra

Answer- 3) State Bank of India

Explanation:

The State Bank of India (SBI) launched a special Fixed Deposit (FD) scheme named SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD), to mobilise funds for environment-friendly projects and initiatives.

i. The SGRTD scheme is open to Resident individuals, Non-individuals, and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs).

Q. Which centre of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has recently (in Jan ‘24) signed an MoU with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to develop and report a “Green Cover Index” for National Highways in India?

1) North Eastern Space Applications Centre
2) Master Control Facility
3) National Remote Sensing Centre
4) ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network
5) ISRO Inertial Systems Unit

Answer- 3) National Remote Sensing Centre

Explanation:

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), one of the primary centres of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), for 3 years to develop and report a “Green Cover Index” for the vast National Highways network in India.

i. Green Highways Policy: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI has prioritised greening Highway Corridors since initiation of the Green Highways Policy in 2015.
• At present, the monitoring of plantations is based on site visits by field personnel.

ii. By using high-resolution satellite imagery, NRSC will undertake a comprehensive pan-India estimation of green cover referred to as the ‘Green Cover Index’ for National Highways.

• This approach not only enhances in-situ data collection but also supplements plantation management and monitoring, including performance audits conducted by NHAI.

iii. This innovative approach aims to streamline the assessment process and facilitate targeted interventions where green cover is insufficient.

Q. Which of the following portals/Foundation have recently (in Jan ‘24) signed a tripartite MoU with the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society (NFWPIS) to accelerate the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven transformation in the agriculture sector?

1) IndiaAI
2) Wadhwani Foundation
3) Mannat Foundation
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3

Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2

Explanation:

A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme mplementation Society (NFWPIS), IndiaAI under Digital India Corporation(DIC), and the Wadhwani Foundation to accelerate the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven transformation in the agriculture sector.

i. As per the MoU, the Wadhwani Foundation will support the MoA&FW in formulating and executing an AI strategy and aims to stablish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture aligning with the MeitY’s National Plan for AI.

Q. Name the schemes/ programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development that has recently (in Jan ‘24) renewed a 5- Year MoU with the Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi for ROSHNI – Centre of Women Collectives led Social Action (CWCSA).

1) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission
2) Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin
3) Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana
4) Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission
5) Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

Answer- 1) Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission

Explanation:

On 23rd January 2024, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY– NRLM), the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), and Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi in New Delhi, Delhi renewed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for ROSHNI – Centre of Women ollectives led Social Action (CWCSA).

i. During the 5-year term of this MoU, MoRD will collaborate with ROSHNI-CWCSA to enhance the results of Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW) for rural communities.
Q. In January 2024, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has set up a ___________ member Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to resolve “unforeseen disputes” between Renewable Energy Power developers, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors, and Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs).

1) 3
2) 6
3) 4
4) 5
5) 8

Answer- 1) 3

Explanation:
The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set up a 3-member Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to resolve“unforeseen disputes” between Renewable Energy (solar and wind).

Power developers, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractors, and Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs).

• Members of the committee: Rajesh Bhushan, Former Health Secretary; M F Farooqui, Former Telecom Secretary; and Kumar Alok, Former Chief Secretary of Tripura.

i. About the committee:

• The members of the committee will be chosen from eminent individuals with impeccable integrity in the National Capital Region (NCR) to avoid expenditure on air travel and accommodation travel expenses.

• The upper age limit for the members is 70 years.

Q. Who has been recently (in Jan ‘24) appointed as the Prime Minister (PM) of the Republic of Chad?

1) Moussa Faki
2) Saleh Kebzabo
3) Succes Masra
4) Albert Pahimi Padacké
5) Emmanuel Nadingar

Answer- 3) Succes Masra

Explanation:

Succes Masra, president of ‘The Transformers’ party and former opposition leader, was appointed as the Prime Minister (PM) of the Republic of Chad by the transitional government under the presidentship of General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno following a referendum.

• Succes Masra will replace Saleh Kebzabo who resigned from the post in December 2023.

i. Succes Masra is a former Senior Economist at the African Development Bank (AfDB), and a former Senior Consultant at Ernst & Young Global Limited and BNP Paribas Bank Group (Paris, France).

ii. He started the Les Transformateurs (“The Transformers” in English) party in 2018.

Q. Which country has recently (in Jan ‘24) elected as the 1st Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries management (SCFM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI)?

1) Bangladesh
2) Bhutan
3) India
4) Sri Lanka
5) Nepal

Answer- 3) India

Explanation:

India has been elected as the 1st Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management (SCFM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI).

• The Bureau of the SCFM includes the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, the First Vice-Chairman and 5 other Vice-Chairman, all elected for a 2-year term.

i. The Indian delegation was led by J. Balaji, former Joint Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Dr. Balaji was elected as the first vice chairperson of the incoming bureau of the SCFM.

Q. Which of the following points is/are “correct” concerning the visit of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi to Andhra Pradesh and Kerala on 16th-17th January 2024?

A) During PM visit to Kerala, the projects worth more than Rs 4000 crore in line with the Prime Minister’s vision were inaugurated to transform India’s ports, shipping, and waterways sector.
B) The projects include New Dry Dock (NDD) at Hindustan Shipyard Limited, International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of Cochin Shipyard Limited, and LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Kozhikode, Kochi.
C) PM inaugurated the new State-of-Art campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) at Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh.

1) Only A
2) Only A & B
3) Only B & C
4) Only A & C
5) All A, B & C

Answer- 4) Only A & C

Explanation:
The Prime Minister (PM) Shri Narendra Modi Visited Andhra Pradesh and Kerala on 16th-17th January 2024. During his visit to the state he also inaugurated few projects which are:

i. The PM inaugurated projects worth more than Rs 4000 crore in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to transform India’s ports, shipping, and waterways sector, and build capacity and sufficiency in it.

• The projects include New Dry Dock (NDD) at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), International Ship Repair Facility (ISRF) of CSL, and LPG Import Terminal of Indian Oil Corporation Limited at Puthuvypeen, Kochi.

ii. The PM inaugurated the new State-of-Art campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics (NACIN) at Palasamudram, Sri Sathya Sai District, Andhra Pradesh to improve governance through Civil Service Capacity Building.

Q. Name the Bank that has recently (in Jan ‘24) partnered with the Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV) to offer financial services to support the requirements of dairy farmers and Dairy Societies.

1) YES Bank
2) IndusInd Bank
3) ICICI Bank
4) HDFC Bank
5) Karnataka Bank

Answer- 5) Karnataka Bank
Explanation:

Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) has partnered with Digivriddhi Technologies Private Limited (DGV) to offer financial services to support the requirements of dairy farmers and Dairy Societies.

i. The services will be offered to the Village Dairy Co-operative Societies, associated with Milk unions of Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF).

Q. Name the company that has recently (in Jan ‘24) signed a Long Term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deal with Singapore-based Vitol Asia Pte Limited for the supply of approximately one million metric tons of LNG per nnum into India for a period of about 10 years, with effect from 2026.

1) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
2) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
3) GAIL (India) Limited
4) Oil India Limited
5) Coal India Limited

Answer- 3) GAIL (India) Limited
Explanation:

GAIL (India) Limited, a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), has signed a Long Term Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) deal with Singapore-based Vitol Asia Pte Limited for the supply of approximately one million metric tons of LNG per annum into India for a period of about 10 years, with effect from 2026.

• Under this deal, Vitol will deliver LNG from its global LNG portfolio to GAIL in India on a pan-India basis

Q. Which centre of the Indian Space Research organization (ISRO) has recently (in Jan ‘24) signed an MoU with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to develop and report a “Green Cover Index” for National Highways in India?

1) North Eastern Space Applications Centre
2) Master Control Facility
3) National Remote Sensing Centre
4) ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network
5) ISRO Inertial Systems Unit

Answer- 3) National Remote Sensing Centre

Explanation:
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), one of the primary centres of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), for 3 years to develop and report a “Green Cover Index” for the vast National Highways network in India.

i. Green Highways Policy: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and NHAI has prioritised greening Highway Corridors since initiation of the Green Highways Policy in 2015.

• At present, the monitoring of plantations is based on site visits by field personnel.

ii. By using high-resolution satellite imagery, NRSC will undertake a comprehensive pan-India estimation of green cover referred to as the ‘Green Cover Index’ for National Highways.

• This approach not only enhances in-situ data collection but also supplements plantation management and monitoring, including performance audits conducted by NHAI.

iii. This innovative approach aims to streamline the assessment process and facilitate targeted interventions where green cover is insufficient.

Q. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘24) signed an MoU with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to establish Multi Skill Development Institutes (MSDIs)?

1) Coal India Limited
2) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
3) GAIL India Limited
4) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
5) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited

Answer- 1) Coal India Limited

Explanation:
Coal India Limited (CIL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EdCIL (India) Limited to digitise education in 11 districts of Jharkhand. The MoU was signed as a part of CIL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

• The project will be implemented in the 11 districts of Jharkhand with mining areas of 3 subsidiaries of CIL namely Eastern coalfields Ltd (ECL), Bharat Coking Coal Ltd (BCCL), and Central Coalfields Ltd (CCL).

• The estimated cost of the project is Rs 27.08 crore and will be implemented over 3 years.

i. Objective: The initiative in line with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to empower students with rich educational content, improving learning outcomes in schools around the coal mining areas of CIL subsidiaries ECL, BCCL, and CCL in Jharkhand.

Q. Which state’s Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department has recently (in Jan ‘24) signed an MoU with the National Dairy development Board (NDDB) to establish a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility?

1) Gujarat
2) West Bengal
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Maharashtra
5) Odisha

Answer- 5) Odisha

Explanation:

The Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department of the Government of Odisha signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Dairy Development oard (NDDB) for establishing a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility.

i. The GMP facility is for the production of Anthrax and Enterotoxaemia (ENT) vaccines at the Satellite Unit of Odisha Biological Products Institute (OBPI) in Berhampur.
ii. The establishment of a GMP laboratory will adhere to the World Health Organisation (WHO) norms and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 of India for superior vaccine quality.

Q. Which Department of GoI has recently (in Jan ‘24) signed an MoU with the National Human Resources Development Network (NHRDN) to provide employment opportunities for Divyangjans ?

1) Department of Personnel and Training
2) Department of School Education & Literacy
3) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
4) Department of Home
5) Department of Higher Education

Answer- 3) Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

Explanation:

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPWD) under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJE) and the National Human Resources Development Network (NHRDN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjans).

• The employment opportunities will be offered through PM-DAKSH-DEPWD digital portal of DEPWD by connecting with Human Resources (HR) professionals across India.

Q. Which of the following portal/Foundation have recently (in Jan ‘24) signed a tripartite MoU with the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society (NFWPIS) to accelerate the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven transformation in the agriculture sector?
1) IndiaAI
2) Wadhwani Foundation
3) Mannat Foundation
4) Both 1 & 2
5) Both 1 & 3

Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2

Explanation:

A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Farmers’ Welfare Programme Implementation Society (NFWPIS), IndiaAI under Digital India Corporation(DIC), and the Wadhwani Foundation to accelerate the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven transformation in the agriculture sector.

i. As per the MoU, the Wadhwani Foundation will support the MoA&FW in formulating and executing an AI strategy and aims to establish India as a global leader in AI-driven digital agriculture aligning with the MeitY’s National Plan for AI.

Q. In January 2024, Sheikh Hasina, President of Awami League and incumbent Prime Minister (PM) of Bangladesh was re-elected as the PM for the __________term.

1) 7th
2) 5th
3) 4th
4) 6th
5) 3rd

Answer- 2) 5th

Explanation:
Sheikh Hasina (76) , President of Awami League and incumbent Prime Minister of Bangladesh has been re-elected as the PM for the 5th term. This also marks her 4th consecutive term as PM of Bangladesh.
• With this win, Sheikh Hasina retains her title as world’s longest-serving female head of state.

i. Awami League won the Bangladesh General Election 2024 held on 7th January 2024 securing 216 seats out of 224 seats. This marks Awami League’s 4th consecutive term.

ii. The 12th parliamentary election has recorded the 2nd lowest voter turnout since the reinstatement of democracy in 1991.

iii. Sheikh Hasina was elected as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for the first time in 1996. She was re-elected as PM of Bangladesh in 2008, 2014 and 2018.

iv. Awards and honours: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize in 1998

• Indira Gandhi Peace Prize in 2009 and United Nations (UN)’s Champions of the Earth award in 2015.

Q. Which country has recently (in Jan ‘24) elected as the 1st Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management(SCFM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations(FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI)?
1) Bangladesh
2) Bhutan
3) India
4) Sri Lanka
5) Nepal

Answer- 3) India
Explanation:
India has been elected as the 1st Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management (SCFM) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI).

• The Bureau of the SCFM includes the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, the First Vice-Chairman and 5 other Vice-Chairman, all elected for a 2-year term.

Q. In January 2024, President of India Droupadi Murmu Conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 award to ___________ Children.

1) 16
2) 19
3) 10
4) 12
5) 15

Answer- 2) 19

Explanation:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) announced the recipients of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) for the year 2024.

i. The 2024 awardees include 9 boys and 10 girls (Totally 19 children), from 18 States and Union Territories (UTs) including 2 Aspirational Districts, conferred by President of India Droupadi Murmu.

ii. The award is annually presented to children aged 5-18 from India for their exceptional abilities and outstanding achievements in 7 fields – Bravery; Sports; Social Service; Science & Technology; Environment; Arts & Culture; and Innovation.

Q. In January 2024, the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) project introduced a mobile app ‘Report Fish Disease’ (RFD) to track and monitor fish diseases across India. Which Institute/resource centre has developed the ‘Report Fish Disease’ app?

1) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute
2) National Bureau of Aquaculture Resources
3) Central Institute of Fisheries Technology
4) National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
5) Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture

Answer- 4) National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources
Explanation:

The National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD) project has introduced a mobile app ‘Report Fish Disease’ (RFD) to track and monitor fish diseases across India.

i. The ‘Report Fish Disease’ app has been developed by ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)-NBFGR (National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources) in Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) under the National Surveillance Programme for Aquatic Animal Diseases (NSPAAD).
ii.
• NSPAAD is funded under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Government of India.

Q. Which organization/company has recently (in Jan ‘24) developed ‘Distress Alert Transmitter – Second Generation’ (DAT-SG) for the fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from fishing boats?

1) Afcons Infrastructure Ltd
2) Marine craft Engineers Pvt
3) Praga Marine Pvt Ltd
4) Larsen and Toubro Ltd
5) Indian Space Research Organization

Answer- 5) Indian Space Research Organisation
Explanation:

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully developed ‘Distress Alert Transmitter – Second Generation’ (DAT-SG) for the fishermen at sea to send emergency messages from fishing boats.

i. DAT-SG was inaugurated by Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Secretary to the Department of Space (DOS) & Chairman of ISRO, in the presence of Rakesh Pal, Director General of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Q. In December 2023, Former Test captain of _________ (country) Dean Elgar announced his retirement from International Cricket.

1) South Africa
2) West Indies
3) Zimbabwe
4) New Zealand
5) Australia

Answer- 1) South Africa
Explanation:

South Africa’s former Test captain Dean Elgar has announced his retirement from International Cricket after the last test match against India in December 2023.

i. South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen has announced his retirement from Test cricket. He continues to play in One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches.

Q. In January 2024, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister (CM) MK Stalin released a Tamil book titled ‘Maha Kavithai’ written by poet ____________.

1) Pa. Vijay
2) Sirpi Balasubramaniam
3) Thamarai
4) Vairamuthu
5) Tamilanban

Answer- 4) Vairamuthu
Explanation:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin released a Tamil book titled ‘Maha Kavithai’(means ‘Great Poem’) written by poet Vairamuthu at the event held in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) on 1st January 2024.

• The event was attended by Former Union Minister of Finance and Home Affairs P Chidambaram.

• The book covers a wide range of subjects including the genesis of the universe, planet Earth, the functions of five elements, climate change, and its impact.
• The book also delves into the immediate need for checking the ever-increasing global temperature and the dangers being faced by humans because of the deteriorating environment.

Q. Name the Union Minister who has recently (in Jan ‘24) authored the book, ‘Fertilising the Future: Bharat’s March Towards Fertilizer Self-Sufficiency’.

1) Smriti Zubin Irani
2) Giriraj Singh
3) Mansukh Mandaviya
4) Virendra Kumar
5) Hardeep Singh Puri

Answer- 3) Mansukh Mandaviya
Explanation:

Jagdeep Dhankhar, Vice President (VP) of India, has released a new book titled ‘Fertilising the Future: Bharat’s March Towards Fertilizer Self-Sufficiency’ authored by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F).

i. The Hindi version of the book is titled ‘Urvarak-Atmanirbharta ki Raah’.
2. Padma Bhushan Awardee Professor Ved Prakash Nanda, an Indian American academic and an expert on international law, passed away in January 2024.

Q. Which of the following personalities did not edit the book, “Modi Energising A Green Future”, launched by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav in January 2024?

1) Deepak Prakash
2) RK Pachnanda
3) Bibek Debroy
4) Anirban Ganguly
5) Uttam Kumar Sinha

Answer-1) Deepak Prakash
Explanation:

The Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) unveiled a book titled “Modi Energising A Green Future”, published by Pentagon Press in association with Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.

i. The book was edited by RK Pachnanda, former chairman of the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission, Bibek Debroy, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister(PM), Anirban Ganguly, and Uttam Kumar Sinha.

Q. When was the Earth’s Rotation Day 2024 observed across the globe?

1) 5th January 2024
2) 8th January 2024
3) 6th January 2024
4) 9th January 2024
5) 7th January 2024

Answer- 2) 8th January 2024

Explanation:
Earth’s Rotation Day is annually observed across the globe on 8 January to highlight the significance of Earth’s rotational motion. It commemorates the anniversary of the scientific demonstration of Earth’s rotation by the French physicist Léon Foucault in 1851.
• Earth’s Rotation Day 2024 observed on 8th January 2024 commemorates the 173rd anniversary of Léon Foucault‘s demonstration.
i. Basics of Earth’s Rotation:
• The spinning of the Earth around its axis is called ‘rotation.’ Earth completes a full rotation on its axis every 23 hours and 56 minutes, which is rounded up to 24 hours.
• This rotation around its axis is known as one Earth Day and this rotation is responsible for day and night cycles.
• Earth rotates on its axis from West to East, and the Sun and Moon appear to move from East to West across the sky.

Q. When was the 1st ever United Nations (UN) International Day of Clean Energy observed across the globe?
1) 28th January 2024
2) 29th January 2024
3) 27th January 2024
4) 30th January 2024
5) 26th January 2024

Answer- 5) 26th January 2024
Explanation:
The first-ever United Nations (UN) International Day of Clean Energy was globally observed on 26th January 2024 to create awareness and mobilise action towards a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet.
• 26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), 26 January 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of IRENA.

Q. Name the animal that has recently (in Jan ‘24) classified as ‘Vulnerable’ under criteria C2a(ii) on the global International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

1) Nilgiri Marten
2) Asiatic Wild Dog
3) Himalayan Wolf
4) Kashmir Stag
5) Indian Blackbuck

Answer- 3) Himalayan Wolf
Explanation:

The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus; Subspecies: chanco), a crucial lupine predator in the Himalayas, is classified as ‘Vulnerable’under criteria C2a(ii) on the global International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
i. This is the 1st time the Himalayan wolf has been assessed by the IUCN and the assessment was done on 27 June 2023.

Q. In January 2024, Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah launched the ‘e-samridhi portal‘,a platform for registration, purchase, and payment of tur dal roducing farmers across India.Which of the following companies/ regulatory bodies have developed the e-samridhi portal?

1) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited
2) National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited
3) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
4) Both 1 & 2
5) All 1, 2 & 3

Answer- 4) Both 1 & 2
Explanation:
On 4th January 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Cooperation, launched the ‘e-samridhi portal‘, a platform for registration, purchase, and payment of tur dal producing farmers across India.
• The portal was launched during the national symposium on ‘Self-reliance in Pulses’ held in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The portal was developed by National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF).
i. The portal offers a unified platform in which farmers can register directly or through Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
ii. NAFED will ensure seamless fund transfers directly into farmers’ mapped bank accounts, eliminating intermediary agencies.
iii. The multi-lingual portal will streamline the entire process for tur dal growers in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Q. In which state Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) West Bengal
2) Punjab
3) Jharkhand
4) Madhya Pradesh
5) Odisha
Answer- 2) Punjab
Explanation:
About Punjab:
Chief Minister – Bhagwant Singh Mann
Governor – Banwarilal Purohit
Wildlife Sanctuary – Takhni-Rehmapur Wildlife Sanctuary, Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoological Park – Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Tiger safari zoo

Q. In which state/UT Hemis National Park is located?
1) Uttarakhand
2) Assam
3) Ladakh
4) Sikkim
5) Arunachal Pradesh

Answer- 3) Ladakh
Explanation:
About Ladakh:
Lieutenant Governor – B.D. Mishra
National Park – Hemis National Park
Wildlife Sanctuary – Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q. In which state Kalesar National Park is located?
1) Gujarat
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Rajasthan
4) Haryana
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer- 4) Haryana
Explanation:
About Haryana:
Governor – Bandaru Dattatreya
Zoological Park – Mini Zoo and Rohtak Zoo
National Park- Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park
Wildlife Sanctuary – Chhilchhila Wildlife Sanctuary, Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q. As of January 2024, the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector has been running in 24 states/ UTs of India to bolster the grain storage capacities. Who is the current (as of Jan ‘24) Union Minister of Cooperation?

1) Nirmala Sitharaman
2) Nitin Jairam Gadkari
3) Raj Nath Singh
4) Piyush Goyal
5) Amit Shah

Answer- 5) Amit Shah

Explanation:
Amit Shah is the current Minister of Cooperation and Home Affairs i. The World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the Cooperative Sector has been running in 24 states/ UTs of India to bolster the grain storage capacities.
• The marquee project aims to create various agri infrastructures at the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) level, which will include Warehouses, Custom Hiring Centers, PUs, and Fair Price Shops among others.
• Notably, the Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are grassroots-level institutions and their membership includes individual farmers, artisans, and members of other weaker sections of the society as shareholders.
• The project is being implemented by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) in collaboration with ABARD, Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), and Food Corporation of India (FCI) in 24 PACS of 24 different States/ UTs.
• The construction has already been started at five PACS, one each in the States of Tripura, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• India runs the world’s largest food programme under the National Food Security Act 2013, which covers around 81 crore people.

Q. In which state, ‘Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?
1) Uttar Pradesh
2) Gujarat
3) Bihar
4) Maharashtra
5) Karnataka
Answer- 4) Maharashtra
Explanation:
Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Thane District of Maharashtra, 90 km northeast of Mumbai in the foothills of the Western Ghats.
i. It is known to be a paradise for birdwatchers. It has two rivers, the Tansa and Vaitarna, and the sanctuary gets its name from the former, which divides the sanctuary into two parts.
ii. The sanctuary forms the catchment area of Tansa lake, along with the surrounding forests of Khardi, Vaitarna, Wada, and Shahapur ranges.

Q. Which wildlife sanctuary was recently (in Jan ‘24) included in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme?
1) Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary
2) Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
3) Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
4) Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
5) Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
Answer- 3) Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Explanation:

The tourism ministry has included Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha) in the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme.
i. Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country.
ii. It is a 100% centrally funded scheme. Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations or Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.

Q. Which company has recently (in Jan ‘24) commenced ‘First Oil’ production from flagshipdeep-water asset water project in the Krishna Godavari basin offshore India’s eastern coast?

1) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
2) Reliance Industries Limited
3) Indian Oil Corporation Limited
4) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
5) GAIL India Limited

Answer- 4) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Explanation:
India’s state-controlled Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) kicked off oil production from its flagship deep-water project in the Krishna Godavari basin offshore India’s eastern coast.
• Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said that it was the “First Oil” production commenced from the complex and difficult deepwater KG-DWN-98/2 Block, situated off the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
• The union minister further announced that the energy production of the country is also set to rise from the deepest frontiers of Krishna Godavari.
• This project is expected to add 7 per cent to current national oil production and 7 per cent to national Natural Gas production.

Q. Name the personality who has recently (in Jan ‘24) received the M.S. Swaminathan World Prize 2023.

1) Praveen Rao
2) Krishnan Suthanthiran
3) Surinder Sehgal
4) Shenggen Fan
5) Ashis K. Mukherjee

Answer- 2) Krishnan Suthanthiran
Explanation:
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, and G.S.A. Global Eye Magazine, U.S.A, presented the M.S. Swaminathan World Prize 2023 to Indian-Canadian businessman Krishnan Suthanthiran, founder of Team Best Global Companies, for his contributions towards cancer research.
• The award was presented by Selvi Apoorva, Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Tamil Nadu Government.
• He deserves this award not only for his contributions to the field of cancer research but also for his simplicity and contributions to society.

Q. In which state ‘Chail Wildlife Sanctuary’ is situated?
1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Himachal Pradesh
3) Uttarakhand
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Bihar

Answer- 2) Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
About Himachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister (CM)– Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Governor– Shiv Pratap Shukla
National Parks– Great Himalayan National Park; Pin Valley National Park Wildlife Sanctuaries– Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary; Chail Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q. In January 2024, Rhinos returned to Laokhowa and Burachapori wildlife sanctuaries of _________ (state) after 40 years.
1) Gujarat
2) Assam
3) West Bengal
4) Odisha
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 2) Assam
Explanation:
Rhinos have returned to Laokhowa and Burachapori wildlife sanctuaries of Assam, 40 years after the population of pachyderms in the area was wiped out due to poaching.
• The Laokhowa and Burhachapori Wildlife Sanctuaries are two highly significant ecosystems of the Nagaon district of Assam, India.

Q. In which state Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Karnataka
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Punjab
4) Odisha
5) Maharashtra
Answer-3) Punjab
Explanation:
About Punjab:
Chief Minister – Bhagwant Singh Mann
Governor – Banwarilal Purohit
Wildlife Sanctuary – Bir Moti Bagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bir Bhunerheri Wildlife Sanctuary
Zoological Park – Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park; Tiger safari zoo.

Q. In December 2023, a 73 feet high-mast national flag was hosted in Tawang district of _____________ (state).
1) Arunachal Pradesh
2) Assam
3) Sikkim
4) Mizoram
5) Tripura
Answer- 1) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
In December 2023, Indian Politician, Tsering Tashi hoisted a 73 feet high-mast Indian national flag in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh at a height of 15,200 feet above sea level.
• The event was witnessed by Flag Foundation of India CEO Maj Gen (Retd) Ashim Kohli, Tawang Brigade commander Brigadier Vipul Singh Rajput, officials of the district administration, troops of the Indian Army, ITBP, SSB, NCC cadets and others.

Q. In which state Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Mizoram
2) Sikkim
3) Odisha
4) West Bengal
5) Arunachal Pradesh
Answer- 5) Arunachal Pradesh
Explanation:
About Arunachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister – Pema Khandu
Governor- Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
Wild Life Sanctuary – Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Yordi-Rabe Supse Zoological Park – Itanagar Zoological Park, Roing Zoo.

Q. In which state Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is located?
1) Chhattisgarh
2) Arunachal Pradesh
3) Sikkim
4) West Bengal
5) Tripura
Answer- 1) Chhattisgarh
Explanation:
Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975 and was declared as a tiger reserve in 2009 located in Chhattisgarh. The legend has it that a British man was killed by a sudden (‘achanak’)attack (‘maar’) of a tiger at this forest.

Q. In which state Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Maharashtra
2) Jharkhand
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) West Bengal
5) Gujarat
Answer- 5) Gujarat
Explanation:
About Gujarat:
Chief Minister– Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel
Governor – Acharya Devvrat
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q. In which state ‘Kudremukh National Park’ is located?
1) Andhra Pradesh
2) Karnataka
3) Jharkhand
4) West Bengal
5) Odisha
Answer- 2) Karnataka
Explanation:
The Kudremukh National Park is located in Chikkamagaluru and Dakshina Kannada districts, Karnataka.
i. It is houses a variety of wildlife such as the leopard, Malabar giant squirrel, sloth bear, gaur, sambar, jackal, mongoose, tiger, wild dog, common langur, porcupine, spotted deer, barking deer and giant flying squirrel.

Q. In which state Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary is located?
1) Assam
2) Odisha
3) West Bengal
4) Karnataka
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 2) Odisha
Explanation:
Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary is located in Khurda district of Odisha represents the northeastern limits of Eastern Ghats.
• It is also a home to a number of threatened wild animals and birds. This landscape got sanctuary status in 1982.

Q. In which state ‘Lemru Elephant Reserve’ is located?
1) Karnataka
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Chhattisgarh
4) Assam
5) Kerala
Answer- 3) Chhattisgarh

Q. In January 2024, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has introduced an agri-export facilitation centre (AEFC) under its Farm Sector Promotion Fund to create an ecosystem and facilitate export of agri commodities in __________(state).
1) West Bengal
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Haryana
4) Rajasthan
5) Jharkhand
Answer- 4) Rajasthan
Explanation:
Agri Export Facilitation Centre (AEFC), Jodhpur supported by NABARD under the Farm Sector Promotion Fund, and managed by the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Jodhpur, has introduced a user-friendly web-based agri-business information system aimed at promoting agricultural and food product exports in Rajasthan.
i. The website will provide timely and accurate information on crop production, weather, market prices, and pest management and will enable online transactions, such as buying and selling inputs, products, and services.

Q. Where is the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) located?
1) London, United Kingdom
2) Rome, Italy
3) Paris, France
4) Vienna, Austria
5) Geneva, Switzerland
Answer- 2) Rome, Italy
Explanation:
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
Director-General– Dr. Qu Dongyu
Headquarters– Rome, Italy
Established in– 1945

Q. In which state ‘Srivilliputhur – Meghamalai Tiger Reserve’ is located?
1) Kerala
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Telangana
5) Karnataka
Answer- 2) Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
About Tamil Nadu:
Chief Minister- M.K. Stalin
Governor- R. N. Ravi
Wildlife Sanctuary- Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary; Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary , Tiger Reserve- Srivilliputhur – Meghamalai Tiger Reserve

Q. In which state Attiveri Bird Sanctuary is located?
1) Odisha
2) West Bengal
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Telangana
5) Karnataka
Answer- 5) Karnataka
Explanation:
About Karnataka:
Governor – Thawar Chand Gehlot
WildLife Sanctuary – Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary, Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary.
Bird Sanctuary-Adichunchanagiri Peacock Sanctuary, Attiveri Bird Sanctuary, Ghataprabha Bird Sanctuary.

Q. In which state Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Karnataka
2) Madhya Pradesh
3) Gujarat
4) West Bengal
5) Assam
Answer- 3) Gujarat
Explanation:
The Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Ahmedabad, Gujarat & it is the one of 4 more Indian sites that were recognised as Wetlands of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

Q. Which state Government has recently (in Jan ‘24) announced to establish a melanistic tiger safari?

1) Madhya Pradesh
2) Odisha
3) Maharashtra
4) West Bengal
5) Assam
Answer- 2) Odisha
Explanation:
The Odisha Government announced to establish a melanistic tiger safari — a first of its kind in the world.
• The safari will be established near Baripada, district headquarter town of Mayurbhanj,which also houses the famed Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR).
Note- The Similipal Tiger Reserve is the only home for melanistic tigers in the wild in the world.

Q. In January 2024, To Kill a Tiger, set in a small Indian village directed by Delhi born___________, was nominated for the best documentary feature at the 2024 Academy Awards.
1) Prakash Jha
2) Sudhir Mishra
3) Nisha Pahuja
4) Mira Nair
5) Jahnu Barua
Answer- 3) Nisha Pahuja
Explanation:
To Kill a Tiger, set in a small Indian village, was nominated for the best documentary feature at the 2024 Academy Awards. A Canadian production, To Kill a Tiger is directed by Delhi-born Nisha Pahuja, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker based in Toronto.
• The film is produced by Cornelia Principe and David ppenheim.
• Other four nominees in the best Oscar for documentary feature include Bobi Wine: The People’s President, The Eternal Memory, Four Daughters, and 20 Days in Mariupol. The 96th annual Academy Awards will be held on March 10 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Q. In which state Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Odisha
2) West Bengal
3) Andhra Pradesh
4) Telangana
5) Karnataka
Answer- 5) Karnataka
Explanation:
About Karnataka:
Governor – Thawar Chand Gehlot
Wildlife Sanctuary – Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Thimlapura Wildlife Sanctuary, Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary.

Q. In which state Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located?
1) Maharashtra
2) West Bengal
3) Odisha
4) Jharkhand
5) Madhya Pradesh
Answer– 4) Jharkhand
Explanation:
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is located 10 kilometers from the city of Jamshedpur in the state of Jharkhand.
• It is situated around the Dalma Hills on the Chottanagpur Plateau.

Q. In which state, ‘Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary’ is located?
1) Kerala
2) Tamil Nadu
3) Karnataka
4) Andhra Pradesh
5) Telangana

Answer- 1) Kerala
Explanation:
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary by spreading over 14 acres of land, is located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake, Kerala.

i. The sanctuary is a favorite haunt of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, egret, darter, heron and teal.

Q. In which state ‘Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary’ is located?
1) Rajasthan
2) Maharashtra
3) Madhya Pradesh
4) Uttar Pradesh
5) Jharkhand

Answer- 1) Rajasthan
Explanation:
The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is situated on the border of the Great Indian Thar Desert, Rajasthan. It is a distinctive shelter of the most graceful Antelope seen in India, “the Blackbuck”. • It was given the status of a sanctuary in 1966.

Q. Name the Union minister who has recently (in Jan ‘24) launched Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market in Agriculture Sector and Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries in Delhi.

1) Mansukh L. Mandaviya
2) Arjun Munda
3) Bhupender Yadav
4) Hardeep Singh Puri
5) Raj Kumar Singh

Answer- 2) Arjun Munda
Explanation:
Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda launched the Framework for Voluntary Carbon Market in Agriculture Sector and Accreditation Protocol of Agroforestry Nurseries in Delhi.