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Daily CA PDF (Mar 15, 2024)
NATIONAL NEWS
PM Modi Launches PM-SURAJ Portal To Empower Marginalized
Communities By Extending Credit Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan and
Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal during an event organized by the
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• The PM-SURAJ portal symbolizes the ministry’s dedication to placing the

underprivileged at the forefront of development initiatives.
• The portal signifies the government’s commitment to extending credit support and
empowering one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.
• While launching the portal, the Prime Minister also disbursed around ₹720 crore
worth of credit to 1 lakh beneficiaries from Scheduled Caste, Denotified, Nomadic
and Semi-Nomadic Tribes, and Other Backward Classes communities and Safai
Karamcharis, residing in over 500 districts across the country.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur launches Prasar Bharti - Shared Audio

Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD)
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur launched PB-
SHABD, a news sharing service from Prasar Bharati and websites of DD News and
Akashvani News as well as updated News on Air mobile app at an event in National Media
Centre, New Delhi.
• Anurag Thakur launches Prasar Bharti - Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and
Dissemination (PB-SHABD).
• This may include newspapers, periodicals, TV channels and even social media news
channels registered with the I&B Ministry, and the content provided will include
newsfeed, videos, audio, text and images, available on the websites of DD News and
Akashvani News as well as updated News on Air mobile app, as per officials.
However, the content won’t be available to end users.
• The minister said the SHABD service is being offered free of cost for the first year as
an introductory offer and will provide news stories in all major Indian languages
across 50 categories.
Nation-wide talent hunt scheme KIRTI launched

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated the unique
Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme amidst much enthusiasm at
the Sector 7 sports complex, in Chandigarh.
• Aimed at school children between nine and 18 years, the nation-wide scheme will
have two main objectives: to hunt talent from every nook and corner of the country
and to use sports as a tool to curb addiction towards drugs and other gadgetry
distractions.
• KIRTI made a solid launch across 50 centres in India. Fifty thousand applicants are
being assessed in the first phase across 10 sports, including athletics, boxing,
wrestling, hockey, football and wrestling. KIRTI aims to conduct 20 lakh assessments
across the country throughout the year to identify talent through notified Talent
Assessment Centres.
NITI Aayog Launches ‘Vocal for Local' Initiative Fostering Grassroots

Entrepreneurship and Self- reliance
In a move towards bolstering local economies and fostering grassroots entrepreneurship,
NITI Aayog launched the 'Vocal for Local' initiative under its Aspirational Blocks
Programme.
• This initiative aims to encourage a spirit of self-reliance among the populace of

Aspirational Blocks, propelling them towards sustainable growth and prosperity.
• The logo for ‘Aakanksha’ was also unveiled under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative by
Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog in presence of Shri. B.V.R.
Subrahmanyam, CEO, NITI Aayog. As a part of this initiative, indigenous local
products from 500 Aspirational Blocks have been mapped and consolidated under
Aakanksha.
Cabinet approves Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement India and

United Arab Emirates on cooperation for the empowerment and operation
of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its Ex-post facto
approval to the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) that was signed on
13th February, 2024 during the High Level visit between the Government of Republic of
India and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on Cooperation for the
empowerment and operation of the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• The aim of the IGFA is to enhance the bilateral relations and to further strengthen the
relations between the two countries in the Ports, Maritime and Logistics sectors.
• The IGFA includes areas of cooperation between the two countries with the objective
of exploring further potential of future joint investment and collaboration in respect of
development of the IMEC.
Ministry of Heavy Industries signs an MOU with Indian Institute of

Technology, Roorkee
Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee (IIT
Roorkee) signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together to encourage
innovation and advance the automotive and electric vehicle (EV) sector. The MoU was
3
signed by Prof. K.K Pant on behalf of IIT Roorkee & Shri Vijay Mittal JS MHI on behalf of
the Ministry.
• This MoU represents a joint effort to launch advanced initiatives for creating a Centre
of Excellence (CoE) and an Industry Accelerator at IIT Roorkee under the Scheme for
Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector Phase II of MHI.
• This collaboration seeks to utilize the combined knowledge and resources of both
organizations to support groundbreaking projects that will influence the future of
transportation.
Cabinet approves signing of 3 MoUs between India and Bhutan

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the signing of
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bhutan on extending cooperation
in the field of Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Measures.
• As part of this MoU, India aims to assist Bhutan to enhance energy efficiency in the
household sector by promoting star labeling programme developed by Bureau of
Energy Efficiency.
• Yhe Cabinet also approved the signing of an Agreement between Bhutan Food and
Drug Authority (BFDA), Ministry of Health, Royal Government of Bhutan and Food
Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) regarding cooperation in the areas
of food safety.
• The cabinet has also given its approval of signing of Memorandum of Understanding
between the Government of India and the Royal Government of Bhutan on General
Supply of Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants (POL) and related products from India to
4
Bhutan. It aims to benefit India and its citizens with improved economic and
commercial linkages with Bhutan irrespective of any gender, class or income bias,
particularly in the area of hydrocarbon sector.
RPF leads in female personnel among Central Paramilitary Forces

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has emerged as a frontrunner among central
paramilitary forces in terms of female representation(9%). This achievement marks a
notable departure from the traditional male-dominated landscape within such organizations.
• With women now constituting a remarkable 10 percent of its personnel, the RPF has
set a new benchmark in gender diversity within central paramilitary forces.
• According to RPF Director General Arun Kumar, this milestone reflects the result of
strategic recruitment drives and a concerted effort towards fostering inclusivity within
the force.
• Comparing the female representation across various central paramilitary forces sheds
light on the notable progress made by the RPF. As of March 2019, the Central
Industrial Security Force (CISF) boasted the highest percentage of women at 5.55
percent. However, with the recent surge in female recruits, the RPF has surpassed this
figure, signaling a transformative shift in the landscape of gender representation
within security forces.
Centre replaces FAME with EMPS to promote e2W, e3W, 4-wheelers kept
out
The Centre announced a new scheme, the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS),
2024, to promote the sale of electric two-wheelers (e2W) and three-wheelers (e3W) in the
country.
• Heavy Industries Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey said that the Centre has allocated
Rs 500 crore for the new scheme, which will be valid for four months from now.
• The upcoming scheme is set to debut on April 1, supplanting the current Faster
Adoption and Manufacturing Electric Vehicles- Phase-II initiative.
• To address the increasing demand and alleviate the burden on EV makers, the
government has lowered the maximum subsidy cap for e2W to Rs 10,000 per vehicle
from the previous Rs 22,500, and for e3W to Rs 50,000 from Rs 111,505. Both
categories of vehicles will receive an incentive of Rs 5,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
India jumps 14 ranks on Gender Inequality Index 2022, ranking 108 out of
193 countries
India stands at rank 108 out of 193 countries, with a score of 0.437, according to the Gender
Inequality Index 2022 released by the United Nations Development Programme.
• On the Gender Inequality Index (GII) 2022, India stands at rank 108 out of 193
countries with a score of 0.437. India stood at rank 122 out of 191 countries with a
score of 0.490 in the Gender Inequality Index 2021. This shows a significant jump of
14 ranks on GII 2022 vis-a-vis GII 2021.
• Over the last 10 years, India's rank in GII has become consistently better, indicating
progressive improvement in achieving gender equality in the country. In 2014, this
rank was 127, which has now become 108.
China, Iran, Russia launch joint drills near Gulf of Oman

The navies of China, Iran and Russia have begun joint drills in the Gulf of Oman, their fifth
common military exercise in recent years.
• The theme of “Security Belt-2024” exercise is “Jointly Building Peace and

Security”.
• The exercise is divided into three phases: harbor phase, sea phase, and summarize
phase. The main focus is on anti-piracy and search and rescue operations.
• Envoys from Azerbaijan, India, Kazakhstan, Oman, Pakistan, and South Africa are
attending the exercise as observers, signaling recognition of the drill’s objectives.
Indian Navy participates in Exercise Cutlass Express 24

The Indian Navy participated in the Exercise Cutlass Express - 24 (CE-24) which was held
at Port Victoria,Seychelles from 26 February -08 March 2024. The exercise aims to test the
participating countries Naval forces capabilities in maritime interdiction, information sharing
through a series of shore-based and at-sea training events.
• The Indian Navy was represented by INS Tir,the lead ship of the First Training
Squadron. INS Tir was led by Senior Officer, First Training Squadron, Capt Anshul
Kishore.
• Exercise Cutlass Express is a multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the U.S.
Africa Command (AFRICOM) and led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S.
Sixth Fleet.
• The exercise seeks to promote maritime security and cooperation in the strategic
waters of the East African coast and the Western Indian Ocean.
India, Singapore Sign MOU On Law And Dispute Resolution

India and Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation
between the two countries over law and dispute resolution.
• The MoU is aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries on issues,
including international commercial dispute resolution, a press release issued by the
Ministry of Law and Justice read.
• The agreement was signed in a virtual meeting, in which India was represented by
Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal while Singapore was represented by Edwin
Tong, the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law
for the Singaporean government.
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI asks Federal Bank, South Indian Bank to stop new co-branded credit
card issuances
The Reserve Bank of India has asked Federal Bank and South Indian Bank to stop
issuing new co-branded credit cards, marking a step towards increased regulatory scrutiny.
Both banks also clarified that they will continue to serve existing customers with co-branded
credit cards.
• Federal Bank said it is rectifying the deficiencies, and will await regulatory approval
before issuing new cards. Nevertheless, the bank will continue offering credit cards to
both new and existing customers in the non-co-branded segment.
• Likewise, South Indian Bank also informed the stock exchanges that it will not enroll
new customers for its co-branded products till regulatory requirements are complied
with.
RBI imposes penalty on Bank of India, Bandhan Bank

The Reserve Bank of India said it has imposed a penalty of Rs 1.4 crore on Bank of India
for non-compliance with certain regulatory norms.
• It has also imposed a penalty of Rs 29.55 lakh on private sector lender Bandhan Bank
for non-compliance with certain directions.
• The penalty on Bank of India has been imposed for non-compliance with the RBI's
directions related to 'interest rate on deposits', 'customer service in banks', 'interest
rate on advances', and contravention of provisions of Credit lnformation Companies
Rules, 2006.
Share of private sector banks in deposits rises to 34%

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, better customer relation management and
encouraging interest rate offerings have pushed up the share of private sector banks in total
deposits from 25 per cent at the end of fiscal year 2017-18 to 34 per cent as of December
2023.
• Conversely, share of public sector banks has decreased from 66 per cent at the end of
2017-18 to 59 per cent in December 2023. Some bankers believe that private banks
have been able to achieve this feat owing to their ability to rapidly raise interest rates
on fixed deposits.
• Deposits at private banks increased by an astounding 135% to Rs. 68.4 trillion by

December 2023, up from Rs. 29 trillion in March 2018. Public sector banks' deposits
increased by 40% to Rs. 116.5 trillion as of December 2023, up from Rs. 76.5 trillion
in March 2018.
India, ADB Sign $181 Million Deal to improve livability, mobility in

Ahmedabad
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $181 million
loan to build quality infrastructure and services toward improving urban livability and
mobility in the peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat.
• The project aims to make peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad livable, environmentally

sustainable, and efficient with robust physical and social infrastructure, a vibrant
economy, and a distinct identity as a preferred investment destination.
• The project will benefit urban poor, women, and migrant workers through improved
urban services and urban governance. It will construct 166 km of water distribution
network, 126 km of climate-resilient stormwater drainage, 300 km of sewerage
systems, and four sewage treatment plants.
• The project is also supporting 10 junction improvements along the existing Sardar
Patel Ring Road to improve connectivity of peri-urban areas to Ahmedabad city.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Numaligarh Refinery opens its first-ever overseas office in Bangladesh
India’s Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) opened its liaison office in Dhaka. This is
the first overseas office of NRL.The liaison office was formally inaugurated by the High
Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Pranay Verma in the presence of NRL managing
director Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan.
10
• The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project was jointly inaugurated by Indian

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Premier Sheikh Hasina virtually on
March 18, 2023. This project marks the first supply of petroleum products from a
cross-border pipeline to Bangladesh.
• The pipeline has a capacity to transport 1 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum
(MMTPA) of high-speed diesel and has been completed at a total estimated cost of
over Rs 375 crore. Over Rs 285 crore has been spent for the construction of the
Bangladesh portion of the pipeline under an Indian government grant.
APPOINTMENTS
President appoints former IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar, Sukhbir Singh
Sandhu as new Election Commissioners
President Droupadi Murmu appointed retired IAS officers Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir
Singh Sandhu as the new Election Commissioners. The two names were picked by a panel
chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The two vacancies in the Election Commission were created after the retirement of
Anup Chandra Pandey in February and the surprise resignation of Arun Goel
recently, days ahead of Lok Sabha polls 2024.
• Gyanesh Kumar will replace Rajiv Kumar as the next Chief Election Commissioner
(CEC) in February 2025.
• The new commissioners will join their offices to help the poll body conduct these
polls. The two appointments come day before the Supreme Court is slated to hear
petitions challenging the selection process.
11
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’ ships launched to augment Indian Navy’s anti-submarine
operations
To augment Indian Navy’s anti-submarine operations, two ships ‘Agray’ and ‘Akshay’
were launched nearly five years after the Ministry of Defence signed a contract with
Kolkata-based PSU GRSE for production of eight such ASW Shallow Water Crafts (SWCs).
• Agray and Akshay, named after erstwhile Abhay Class Corvettes Agray and Akshay
of Indian Navy are the 5th and 6th ships in the SWC project series.
• These Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of
Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal
waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.
• The ASW SWC ships are 77.6-metre- long and 105-metre wide with a displacement
of 900 tonnes and endurance of over 1800 NM.
OBITUARIES
Padma Shri Kapildev Prasad passes away
Kapildev Prasad, a renowned artisan and Padma awardee for his contributions to the
handloom industry and the revival of Bababuti sarees, passed away in Basavanbigha village,
Bihar Sharif.
12
• Kapildev Prasad dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the art of handloom
and Bababuti sarees, a traditional weaving craft passed down from his ancestors. He
played a vital role in distributing the skills and knowledge of this intricate art form,
transforming it into a sustainable means of employment for many.
• Bawan Booti, which literally translates to “52 motifs,” is a unique weaving technique
that involves intricate hand embroidery on cotton or tasar cloth. The sarees created
through this method are adorned with 52 similar motifs, each representing symbols
from Buddhist religion and culture.
Renowned singer Sadi Mohammad dies aged 70

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet singer Sadi Mohammad passed away in Dhakaat the age of
70.
• Sadi Mohammad served as the director of the cultural organisation Rabi Raag. He is
the son of Liberation War martyr Salimullah and Jebunnesa Salimullah.
Paul Alexander: 'Man in the iron lung' dies at the age of 78

Paul Alexander, who was diagnosed with polio at the age of 6 and lived most of his life in
an iron lung has passed away. He was 78.
13
• Alexander managed to train himself to breathe on his own for part of the day, earned a
law degree, wrote a book about his life, built a big following on social media and
inspired people around the globe with his positive outlook.
• Alexander contracted polio in 1952, when he was 6. He became paralysed from the
neck down and he began using an iron lung, a cylinder that encased his body as the air
pressure in the chamber forced air into and out of his lungs. A book Alexander wrote
about his life, “Three Minutes for a Dog: My Life in an Iron Lung,” was published
in 2020.
14

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REQUEST TO ALL STUDENTS

Loved this Material? Dive deeper on

Plus, don't forget to follow us on YouTube!

We daily share valuable materials, tips, and behind-the-

By supporting us, you help us create even better

Thanks & Keep Learning !

• The PM-SURAJ portal symbolizes the ministry’s dedication to placing the

Union Minister Anurag Thakur launches Prasar Bharti - Shared Audio

Nation-wide talent hunt scheme KIRTI launched

NITI Aayog Launches ‘Vocal for Local' Initiative Fostering Grassroots

• This initiative aims to encourage a spirit of self-reliance among the populace of

Cabinet approves Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement India and

Ministry of Heavy Industries signs an MOU with Indian Institute of

Cabinet approves signing of 3 MoUs between India and Bhutan

RPF leads in female personnel among Central Paramilitary Forces

China, Iran, Russia launch joint drills near Gulf of Oman

• The theme of “Security Belt-2024” exercise is “Jointly Building Peace and

Indian Navy participates in Exercise Cutlass Express 24

India, Singapore Sign MOU On Law And Dispute Resolution

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI imposes penalty on Bank of India, Bandhan Bank

Share of private sector banks in deposits rises to 34%

• Deposits at private banks increased by an astounding 135% to Rs. 68.4 trillion by

India, ADB Sign $181 Million Deal to improve livability, mobility in

• The project aims to make peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad livable, environmentally

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project was jointly inaugurated by Indian

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Renowned singer Sadi Mohammad dies aged 70

Paul Alexander: 'Man in the iron lung' dies at the age of 78

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