Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2024 – 1st Week

(1 – 9)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

PM Modi inaugurated ICA Global Bharat NCX 2024 inaugurated to strengthen

Cooperative Conference 2024 in New Delhi India's Cyber Defence
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the In November 2024, the Bharat National Cyber Security
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) Global Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), a landmark initiative to
Cooperative Conference 2024 at Bharat Mandapam fortify India’s cybersecurity resilience, was inaugurated
in New Delhi, Delhi. The theme of the conference at a ceremony organized by the National Security
“Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All” is in line with Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with
Indian Government’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi” Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in New Delhi(Delhi).
(Prosperity through Cooperation).
✓ PM Modi also launched the United Arjun Vajpai Became 1st Indian to Conquer
Nations(UN)’ International Year of
Mount Shishapangma in China
Cooperatives 2025 and released a
In November 2024, Arjun Vajpai, the youngest person
commemorative postal stamp. The stamp
to climb Mount (Mt.) Everest, achieved a historic
features a lotus, the symbol of peace,
milestone by summiting Mount Shishapangma in
strength, resilience, and growth, this reflects
China, his eighth peak above 8,000 meters(m).
the cooperative values of sustainability and
✓ This remarkable feat makes him the 1st Indian
community development.
to summit Mt. Shishapangma, the fastest to
ascend it (a Base Camp to summit and back in
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan under 72 hours), and the first Indian to climb
Unveils TeacherApp to Empower Educators eight 8,000m peak.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Ministry of
Education (MoE), launched “The TeacherApp”, an MoSPI Launches e-Sankhyiki Portal for
innovative digital platform aimed at transforming
Seamless Access to Official Statistics
education in India by equipping teachers with advanced
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme
skills for 21st-century classrooms. The launch event
Implementation (MoSPI) has launched the e-Sankhyiki
was held in New Delhi, Delhi.
portal to facilitate seamless access to official statistics
✓ The app is developed by the Bharti Airtel
in India. This portal is designed to enhance the
Foundation, the philanthropic arm of New
accessibility and dissemination of official statistics in
Delhi, Delhi, based Bharti Enterprises.
India, serving as a definitive source for reliable
statistical data.
1st BRIC Foundation Day Celebration ✓ The Microdata of Surveys and Census is
with launch of “One Day One Genome” disseminated through a dedicated portal:
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Microdata Portal.
Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council
(BRIC) under the Ministry of Science & Home Minister Amit Shah Participated in
Technology(MoS&T) introduced the 'One Day One
Diamond Jubilee of NAFSCOB & National
Genome' initiative to showcase the enormous
microbial potential of India. Meeting of Rural Cooperative Banks
Union Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Home Affairs
(MoHA) and the Ministry of Cooperation, attended the

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Diamond Jubilee(60 Years) celebrations of the set to be executed on a Build, Own, Operate,
National Federation of State Co-operative Banks and Transfer (BOOT) basis.
Limited (NAFSCOB) and the national meeting of Rural
Cooperative Banks at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, CCI Imposes ₹213 Crore Penalty on Meta
Delhi.
for Abusing Dominant Position
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has
11th edition of Indian Coast Guard’s imposed a penalty of Rs 213.14 crore on (most
“SAREX-24” Maritime Exercise Held in effective tactics available) Meta for abusing its
Kerala dominant position through WhatsApp's 2021 Privacy
The 11th edition of Indian Coast Guard (ICG)’s Policy. The policy made data sharing with Meta
National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise & companies mandatory, removing users opt-out option.
Workshop (SAREX-24) was held in Kochi, Kerala from CCI deemed this as an unfair condition under Section
28th November to 29th November. It is a biennial 4(2)(a)(i) of the Competition Act, undermining user
exercise, which was conducted under the aegis of New autonomy.
Delhi (Delhi)-based National Maritime Search and
Rescue Board (NMSARB). Union Minister Annapurna Devi Launched
✓ Theme of SAREX-24: “Enhancing Search and 'Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat' Campaign and
Rescue capabilities through Regional
‘Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal’
collaboration”.
On November 27 2024, Union Minister for Women and
Child Development, Annapurna Devi, launched the
Finance Minister unveils Rs 100 “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” campaign in Vigyan Bhawan,
commemorative coin to mark 100 years of New Delhi(Delhi) to eradicate child marriage and
SBI’s Horniman Circle Branch, Mumbai empower young girls across the nation. This national
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of initiative is a strategic effort to combat child marriage,
Finance (MoF) unveiled a specially minted Rs 100 ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to be
commemorative coin to mark the centenary of the educated, protected, and free to pursue her dreams.
State Bank of India (SBI)’s iconic Horniman Circle ✓ The event also marked the launch of ‘Child
Branch, Mumbai, Maharashtra. Marriage Free Bharat Portal’, a vital online
✓ She also unveiled the 5th edition of The platform that empowers citizens to report child
Evolution of the State Bank of India, marriage incidents, file complaints, and access
chronicling a transformative era of SBI’s details about Child Marriage Prohibition
journey between 1981 and 1996. Officers (CMPOs) nationwide.
✓ This initiative is a collaborative effort between
the Ministry of Women and Child
RECPDCL transferred Khavda HVDC
Development(MWCD) and various other
transmission project SPV to PGCIL Ministries.
REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited
(RECPDCL) has successfully transferred the Special
Dr. Jitendra Singh Announced Selection of 8
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Khavda V-A high-voltage
direct current (HVDC) Transmission Project to Power Pioneering Startups under NQM and
Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). NMICPS
✓ PGCIL will oversee the project developed In November 2024, Union Minister of State (MoS)
under the TBCB model. This initiative marks (Independent Charge, IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry
India's 1st HVDC transmission project for Science and Technology (MoS&T) announced the
awarded through such a bidding framework, selection of 8 StartUps for support under the

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Department of Science and Technology (DST)’s newly (BIRAC), a unit of the Department of Biotechnology, to
framed guidelines. combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
✓ These startups were selected under the
National Quantum Mission (NQM) and the Dr. Jitendra Singh Unveils AI Data Bank to
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-
Propel Innovation and Strengthen National
Physical Systems (NMICPS).
✓ The Defence Research and Development Security
Organisaton (DRDO) Industry of Academia- In November 2024, Union Minister of
Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) and IIT State(Independent Charge, IC) Dr.Jitendra Singh,
Delhi have achieved a significant milestone in Ministry of Science and Technology(MoS&T) launched
secure communication with the successful India’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) data bank at the
demonstration of various quantum 7th Edition of the ‘Associated Chambers of Commerce
communication technologies in New Delhi, and Industry of India(ASSOCHAM) AI Leadership
Delhi. Meet 2024’ in New Delhi(Delhi).

India-Singapore bilateral military exercise 18th NCB International Conference &

'Agni Warrior 2024' held in Maharashtra Exhibition on Cement, Concrete and
The India-Singapore bilateral military exercise ‘Agni Building Materials Held in Delhi
Warrior (XAW-2024)’ was held at the Devlali Field Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of Department for
Firing Ranges in Maharashtra from November 28 to Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT),
November 30. This annual exercise is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I),
ongoing defense collaboration between the two inaugurated the 18th NCB International Conference &
nations and aims to enhance cooperation and Exhibition on Cement, Concrete, and Building
interoperability between their artillery units. materials, held from 27th to 29th November, 2024 at
✓ The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise Yashobhoomi, India International Convention & Expo
intends to showcase joint firepower planning Centre (IIC) Dwarka in New Delhi, Delhi.
and execution, utilizing New Generation ✓ Theme of the conference was “Cement the
Equipment by the artillery arms of both armies. Net Zero Future” which signifies India’s
commitment to achieving net-zero emissions
by 2070.
DoCA Launched e-Daakhil Portal
✓ During the conference, the NCB signed two
Nationwide to Streamline Consumer
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to
Grievance Redressal Process promote decarbonization and technological
In November 2024, the Department of Consumer innovation in the cement industry.
Affairs (DoCA), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food &
Public Distribution(MoCAF&PD) announced that the
Indian Army and Cambodian Army
“e-Daakhil portal “has been launched successfully
across all States and Union Territories (UTs) of India. Collaborate in First Edition of Exercise
CINBAX
On December 1 2024, the inaugural edition of Exercise
India’s 1st Indigenous Antibiotic,
CINBAX, a Joint Table Top Exercise (TTX) between the
Nafithromycin, Launched to Combat AMR
Indian Army(IA) and Cambodian Army commenced at
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the soft
the Foreign Training Node in Pune, Maharashtra. The
launch of India’s first indigenous
exercise aims to enhance the operational efficiency
antibiotic Nafithromycin developed by Mumbai-based
and interoperability of both armies in peacekeeping
pharmaceutical company, Wolkardt with support from
missions under the United Nations Charter.
“Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council"

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Number of Gig and Platform Workers in ✓ The underground shooting range features a 25-
India Expected to Increase to 23.5 Million by meter(m) firing range, six firing lanes, and
bulletproof ceilings, ensuring maximum safety
2029-30: Government
for trainees.
On 28th November 2024, Union Minister of State
(MoS) Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Ministry of Labour &
Employment (MoL&E) has informed the Rajya Sabha Indian Army Launches 'Eklavya' Digital
(the Upper House of Parliament) that as per the Platform for Officer Training
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI On November 28 2024, Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
Aayog)’s report titled “India’s Booming Gig and General Upendra Dwivedi launched the ‘Eklavya’
Platform Economy: Perspectives and digital platform for officers’ training, marking a
Recommendations of the Future Work” published significant step towards modernization. It is aligned
in June 2022, the number of gig and platform workers is with the Indian Army’s(IA) "Decade of Transformation"
expected to increase to 23.5 million by 2029-30, initiative and IA's theme for 2024 as the"Year of
✓ The gig workers will constitute 6.7% of the Technology Absorption".
non-agricultural workforce or 4.1% of the total
livelihood in India by 2029-30. PM Narendra Modi dedicated the successful
execution of 3 new criminal laws to the
India Re-elected to UN Peacebuilding nation in Chandigarh
Commission for 2025-2026 Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi dedicated the
On 28th November 2024, India was re-elected to the successful implementation of three new Criminal
United Nations (UN) Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Laws to the nation during the program organised with
for the 2025-2026 term, consolidating its position in the theme “Secure Society, Developed India - From
global peace efforts. Currently, India is serving as the Punishment to Justice” in Chandigarh.
member of the commission and its tenure will expire ✓ Chandigarh has become the 1st Union
on 31st December, 2024. Territory (UT) in the country to fully implement
✓ At present, PBC has 31 member states which the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS2)
are elected from the UN General Assembly Act, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha
(UNGA) and UN Security Council (UNSC) and (Second) Sanhita (BNSS2) Act, 2023; and
UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Adhiniyam(BSA2)
It also includes the top financial contributing Act, 2023.
nations and the top troop-contributing nations ✓ These laws are available in all the languages in
to the UN as members. the 8th Schedule through the Bhashini
Application(app).
Delhi CM Inaugurates India’s First ✓ E-Vaarta facility has also been introduced in
Underground Shooting Range for NCC Chandigarh between the police, judiciary,
forensic, prosecution and jail through the Inter-
Cadets in New Delhi
Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS).
In November 2024, Atishi Marlena Sing , Chief
Minister (CM) of Delhi, inaugurated the first
underground shooting range for National Cadet Corps JGU and IITM collaborate to Inaugurate
(NCC) cadets at the NCC Bhawan in Rohini, New India’s First Constitution Museum
Delhi(Delhi). In November 2024, O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU)
✓ The inauguration of this facility marks a has inaugurated India’s first Constitution Museum in
significant milestone in the development of collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology
NCC cadets, providing them with world-class Madras (IITM), featuring the development of
resources to enhance their training and skills.

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S.A.M.V.I.D. (Smart Assistant for Museum Visitors and Gujarat's Traditional Gharchola Saree
Interactive Displays), at O.P JGU in Sonipat, Haryana. Receives GI Tag
In November 2024, Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN) based
Sugama Bharat Abhiyan Completed 9 Years Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, operating
of Advancing Accessibility for Persons with under the Department of Industry Promotion and
Disabilities Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and
Industry (MoCI), has granted the prestigious GI tag to
Sugama Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the
Gujarat’s “Gharchola”, a traditional sari worn during
Accessible India Campaign (AIC), a flagship initiative of
weddings. This is Gujarat’s 27the GI tags, with 23 of
Government of India (GoI) for persons with disabilities
them recognizing handicrafts.
(PwDs), has completed 9 years of successful
✓ The GI tag for Gharchola was presented during
implementation.
the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak”
✓ The primary objective of the campaign is to
program organized by the Ministry of Textiles
ensure universal accessibility for PwDs across
(MoT) in New Delhi, Delhi.
3 main domains: built infrastructure, transport
systems, and the Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem. AFMS & AIIMS, New Delhi signs MoU for
advancing research and education
MoD Signs Rs 1207.5 Crore Contract with In November 2024, the Armed Forces Medical Services
CSL for INS Vikramaditya Refit (AFMS) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS), New Delhi (Delhi) signed a Memorandum of
On 30 November 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
Understanding(MoU) marking a significant step
signed an agreement with Kochi(Kerala) based Cochin
towards advancing multidisciplinary research and
Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Short Refit and Dry
education.
Docking (SRDD) of Indian Naval Ship (INS)
✓ Under this MoU on ‘High Altitude, Aerospace
Vikramaditya, the flagship aircraft carrier of the Indian
(Aviation), and Marine Medicine,’ the two
Navy (IN).
✓ The contract, valued at Rs 1207.5 crore, is set organisations announced the first scientific
‘Continuing Medical Education’ (CME).
to last for 5 months and marks a significant
step in enhancing India’s naval capabilities.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Highlights of 2nd India-CARICOM Summit Understanding (MoU) to strengthen ties in

held in Georgetown, Guyana digital transformation in the presence of PM
Modi and Keith Rowley.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India and
✓ Two Dornier HAL-228 aircraft were officially
Dickon Mitchell, PM of Grenada and the current
commissioned into the Guyana Defence
chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)
Force (GDF) Air Corps at a ceremony held at
jointly chaired the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit in
Georgetown, Guyana. The CARICOM Summit was Air Station London, Timehri, Guyana.
✓ The 3rd India-CARICOM Summit is set to be
hosted by President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali.
hosted in India.
✓ During the 2nd India-CARICOM Summit, Union
Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External
Affairs(MEA) and Amery Browne, Minister of
Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and
Tobago signed the Memorandum of

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Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Nigeria, India and ISA Partner for Solar Energy
Brazil & Guyana from 16th to 21st Projects in four Indo-Pacific Countries
November 2024 On November 26, 2024 an agreement was signed
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India, was on a between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and
official visit to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana from 16th the International Solar Alliance (ISA), to implement
to 21st November 2024 with an aim to strengthen the solar energy projects in Fiji, Comoros, Madagascar, and
diplomatic and economic ties with key global partners. Seychelles.
✓ PM Modi visited Nigeria from 16th to 17th ✓ Under this partnership, the ISA will serve as
November 2024 at the invitation of Nigerian the Project Implementing Agency, with India
President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. PM Modi was contributing USD 2 million towards the
awarded with the Grand Commander of the project.
Order of Niger (GCON) on 17th November
2024 in a ceremony at the State House by the UNESCO's Roadmap for Global Tsunami
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Preparedness by 2030
H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The (United Nations Educational, Scientific and
✓ PM visited Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 18th
Cultural Organization) UNESCO unveiled a
November 2024 to participate in the
comprehensive roadmap marking the 20th
G20(Group of 20) Summit, hosted by Brazilian
anniversary of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean
President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva. PM Modi
tsunami to make all coastal community tsunami ready
presented India's perspective on pressing by 2030. This initiative was announced during an
global issues build on the outcomes from the
international conference in Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and
✓ Under the UNESCO Tsunami Ready
Voice of the Global South Summits, which Programme, over 30 countries have
were hosted by India in the past two years.
established critical early warning systems,
✓ PM Modi ended his tour with his visit
with 26 Indian and 12 Indonesian coastal
to Guyana from 19th to 21st November 2024
communities recognized as tsunami-ready.
at the invitation of President of Guyana,
Globally, 700 million people reside in tsunami-
Mohamed Irfaan Ali. India and Guyana signed
prone areas, a figure projected to reach 1
10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
billion by 2050.
during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to
Guyana that covered various sectors.
✓ PM Modi conferred with Guyana's highest THE’s inaugural “Interdisciplinary Science
civilian honor, 'The Order of Excellence', Rankings 2025”: Anna University Topped
Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados among all Indian Universities; MIT Ranked
Award and Dominica Award of Honour. 1st Globally
According to Times Higher Education (THE)’s inaugural
India signs Final Act of Riyadh Design Law “Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR)
Treaty 2025”, Anna University in Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India has signed the Final Act of the Riyadh Design (TN)has topped among all Indian universities featured
Law Treaty (DLT), marking a significant milestone after on the list and secured 42nd position globally with
nearly two decades of negotiations. This treaty, overall score 66.1. It is the only Indian university
adopted by the member states of the World which featured among the Top 50 universities of the
Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), aims to list.
harmonize and simplify the registration processes for
industrial designs across various jurisdictions.

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Top 5 Universities in ISR 2025: promote indigenous development of niche
Name of technologies.
Name of the the Overall
Rank
University Country Score 4th Indo-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise
or Region
‘Harimau Shakti’ Begins in Malaysia
the
Massachusetts On December 2, 2024, the 4th edition of India-
United
Institute of Malaysia Joint Military Exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’,
1 States of 92.4
Technology between the Indian Army (IA) and the Malaysian Army,
America
(MIT) commenced at Bentong Camp in Pahang district,
(USA)
Malaysia. The exercise is scheduled to continue until
Stanford December 15, 2024.
2 the USA 92.2
University ✓ The aim of Harimau Shakti 2024 is to enhance
National defence cooperation, further augmenting
3 University of Singapore 90.3 bilateral relations between the two nations.
Singapore
California
4 Institute of the USA 90.2
Technology
Duke
5 the USA 89.3
University

Russia hands over BRICS chairmanship to

Brazil at Sherpa meeting in Ekaterinburg
The final Sherpa and Sous-Sherpa meeting of
BRICS(Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
was held in Ekaterinburg, Russia, from 27th to 28th
November 2024. The meeting witnessed the
ceremonial handover of the BRICS chairmanship
from Russia to Brazil, marking the end of a pivotal
year for the bloc under Russia’s leadership.
✓ The summit also marked the expansion of ICRA ESG Ratings Report : India ranks 6th
BRICS. Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia,
with 127 companies committed to net-zero
and Ethiopia were welcomed as a full member
targets; UK topped
in 2024. Additionally, Belarus, Indonesia,
According to the report on ‘SBTi commitments by
Malaysia, and Thailand joined as BRICS
Indian companies’ released by the ICRA ESG Ratings
partners in 2024.
Limited (formerly known as Pragati Development
Consulting Services Limited), India has secured the 6th
India, UK signs SoI to develop electric spot globally in corporate climate action with 127
propulsion systems for naval ships companies committed to net-zero targets under
India and the United Kingdom (UK) signed a Statement the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi).
of Intent (SoI) to collaborate on Design & Development ✓ The United Kingdom (UK) topped the list with
of Electric Propulsion Systems for the Indian Navy(IN). 702 companies committed to SBTi targets,
The signing was part of the third Joint Working Group while China, the largest global emitter, has
on Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership (JWG less corporate adoption despite contributing
EPCP) meeting, symbolising the commitment to 27% of global emissions.

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SIPRI: Indian arms makers in Top 100 Northrop
recorded USD 6.7 bn 2023 revenue, up 6% 3 Grumman 35.57
According to the Report “SIPRI TOP 100 Corp, USA
ARMSPRODUCING AND MILITARY SERVICES
COMPANIES, 2023” released by the Stockholm 4 Boeing, USA 31.1
International Peace Research Institute
(SIPRI) on 2nd December 2024,The three companies General
are – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)(43rd), 5 Dynamics 30.2
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (67th), and Mazagon Corp, USA
Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) (94th) are placed among
the world’s 100 largest arms producers in 2023. 43 HAL, India 3.71
✓ The all three defence public sector
undertakings (DPSUs) combined revenues 67 BEL, India 1.94
from sales of arms and military services has
increased to USD 6.74 billion in 2023, growing 94 MDL, India 1.09
5.8% from USD 6.37 billion in 2022.
✓ Top arms-producing and military services
USA approves sale of USD 1.17 billion worth
companies in the world
helicopters to India Navy
Total On December 3 2024, the United States of America
Name of the (USA) approved a USD 1.17 billion deal under the
Rank revenues
Company Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to supply
USD billion
advanced communication systems, sensors, and
logistical support to enhance the capabilities of the
Lockheed
1 60.81 Indian Navy's (IN) Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role
Martin, USA helicopters.
✓ These USA made helicopters are replacing the
2 RTX, USA 40.66
ageing fleet of Sea King choppers, which
served the IN for over 3 decades.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI Buys net USD 8.52 billion in 1st half of ✓ The RBI in exercise of its powers conferred
FY25 under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read
with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation
In the first half of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 (April-
Act, 1949 has imposed a fine of Rs 61.40 lakh
September 2025/H1FY25), the Reserve Bank of India
on RBL Bank Limited for failing to comply with
(RBI) in its ‘RBI Bulletin – November 2024’ reported a
Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations.
net purchase of USD 8.52 Billion in foreign currency
assets as compared to USD 17.68 Billion in H1FY24.
✓ The RBI plans to launch its first local cloud MML Launches Loan Disbursement Program
storage service in 2025, aimed at providing in Partnership with SBI to Support Rural
affordable cloud solutions for financial Entrepreneurs
institutions and competing with global
Kochi (Kerala)-based Muthoot Microfin Limited (MML),
providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS),
a microfinance institution, has commenced disbursing
Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. loans through its co-lending partnership with the State

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Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest commercial bank, aims to improve operational efficiency and enhance
headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. customer experience in the insurance industry.
✓ Under the collaboration, the SBI has approved
a total loan limit of Rs 500 crore, which will be
disbursed in instalments of Rs 100 crore.

A Year after RBI Notified PA-CB Norms;

Only 4 Entities Received License
Since the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had notified
guidelines to regulate Payment Aggregator- Cross
Border (PA-CB) entities in 2023, only 4 companies:
Cashfree Payments, Amazon Pay, BillDesk, and
Adyen India have received the licence to operate
within this highly regulated sector.

HDFC Bank Launches Pragati Savings

Account for Semi-Urban and Rural India
India’s leading private sector (Housing Development ADB & Mastercard Signed MoU to Boost
Finance Corporation Limited) HDFC Bank, announced MSME Financing across Asia-Pacific Region
the launch of Pragati Savings Account which was On 28th November 2024, the Asian Development Bank
designed specifically to support farmers with a wide (ADB) and Mastercard Impact Fund, administered by
range of features and benefits in order to meet the the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth have
banking needs of rural and semi-urban (SURU) people signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
across India. launch a transformative partnership which aimed to
enhance Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
WB approves USD 225.5mn for ELEMENT (MSMEs) financing across the Asia-Pacific region.

Project in Tripura, Nagaland

The World Bank (WB) has approved USD 225.5 NPCI approves Phi Commerce’s UPI Switch
million funding for the Enhancing Landscape and Pune, Maharashtra-based Phi Commerce, a digital
Ecosystem Management (ELEMENT) Project, aimed at payments fintech has received National Payments
improving forest management and enhancing Corporation of India (NPCI) approval to offer (Unified
economic opportunities in Tripura and Nagaland. Payment Interface) UPI Switch service for its
✓ The funding comprises a loan from the enterprise customers to support high transaction
International Bank for Reconstruction and volumes.
Development (IBRD) with a maturity period of
12 years, including a grace period of 4.5 years. Navi Overtakes Cred to become 4th largest
UPI app
Canara HSBC Life Insurance launches Sachin Bansal’s app Navi overtakes Kunal Shah’s Cred
OmniGen AI app to become the 4th largest Unified Payment
Canara HSBC Life Insurance has Interface (UPI) app in India. National Payments
introduced OmniGen AI (Artificial Intelligence), a first- Corporation of India (NPCI) data shows that
of-its-kind generative AI solution to optimize risk Navi witnessed a 31 percent growth by registering
evaluation in underwriting. This tool, built on the 157.51 million transactions in October 2024 overtaking
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Bedrock platform, Bengaluru-based Cred, which recorded 152.28 million
transactions in the same month.

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Federal Bank Launched Esteem Savings dollar sales in the market to stabilize the
Account for Senior Citizens rupee.
Aluva(Kerala)-based Indian Private Sector Bank,
Federal Bank Limited has launched ‘Esteem Savings SBI Report reveals India’s GDP to Drop
Account’ to provide customized financial services for below 6.5% in FY25
customers aged 55 years and above that will cater the According to State Bank of India (SBI)’s Economic
diverse financial needs of them. Research Department (ERD) report released on 29th
November 2024, India’s Gross Domestic Product
India and ADB sign USD 98 million loan to (GDP) is most likely to drop below 6.5% for the current
boost horticulture productivity Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) as GDP growth in the
2nd Quarter (Q2: July-September) of FY25 slowed to
In November 2024, the Government of India(GoI) and
5.4%.
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD
✓ As per the report, India’s real GDP growth in
98 million loan agreement aimed at enhancing
horticulture crop farmers' access to certified disease- the 1st Half (H1FY25) was at 6.0%, so it has
projected that India’s GDP growth in H2FY25
free planting materials.
will be in the range of 6.5% to 6.8%.
✓ The loan agreement is part of the "Building
India's Clean Plant Programme" and was
signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Razorpay partners MHA and I4C to boost
Department of Economic Affairs(DEA), digital payments security
Ministry of Finance(MoF), and Kai Wei Yeo, Razorpay, India's first full-stack financial solutions
Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident company, has collaborated with the Ministry of Home
Mission. Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination
Centre (I4C) to enhance cyber security of the digital
RBI injects Rs 6,956 crore amid liquidity payments ecosystem in the country.
deficit
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) injected Rs 6,956 Paytm launches UPI Lite Auto Top-Up for
crore into the banking system to manage the increasing Payments without PIN
liquidity deficit, following a surplus liquidity of Rs 1.4 Paytm, operated by One97 Communications,
lakh crore that lasted more than two months. launched Unified Payment Interface(UPI) Lite Auto
✓ The liquidity deficit has arisen due to a negative Top-Up which was designed to streamline small,
balance of payments in Q3FY25, totaling USD frequent transactions for users, making everyday
23 billion, driven by continued outflows from payments quick and hassle free.
foreign portfolio investors (FPI) and the RBI's

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

ONGC and NTPC Forge 50:50 Renewable ✓ This 50:50 Joint Venture(JV) aims to accelerate
Energy Joint Venture the development of Renewable Energy (RE)
In November 2024, NTPC Green Energy Limited projects.
✓ ONGPL will focus on Greenfield RE projects,
(NGEL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited,
asset acquisitions, and feasibility studies for
has partnered with ONGC Green Limited (OGL), a
offshore wind energy.
subsidiary of Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
Limited(ONGC), to establish ONGC NTPC Green
Private Limited (ONGPL).

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NABL-QCI and CREDAI Join Hands to Boost has granted in-principle approval for the consolidation
Quality Assurance in Construction Projects of IFCI Group. Under the consolidation plan,
StockHolding Corporation of India Limited, IFCI Factors
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and
Calibration Laboratories (NABL), under the Quality Limited, IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd and IIDL
Realtors Limited will be consolidated
Council of India (QCI), signed a significant
(merged/amalgamated) with IFCI Limited.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
Confederation of Real Estate Developers Associations
of India (CREDAI) to enhance quality standards in OECD Raised India’s FY25 Growth Forecast
temporary site testing laboratories. by 20 bps to 6.8% in FY25
✓ This collaboration aims to recognize temporary According to the Organisation for Economic Co-
site testing laboratories for civil engineering operation and Development (OECD)’s “Economic
projects, ensuring accurate testing of Outlook December 2024” released on 4th December
construction materials like aggregates and 2024. It has raised India’s growth forecast by 20 basis
concrete cubes directly at project sites. points (bps) to 6.8% in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25),
from its previous estimate of 6.6% made in May 2024.
Tata Power and Bhutan’s DGPC to Develop
5,000 MW Clean Energy Projects in Bhutan Women-Centric Welfare Schemes Account
Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a for 0.5% of India’s GDP in FY25 : Goldman
subsidiary of Tata Power, has entered a strategic Sachs
partnership with Thimphu, Bhutan based Druk Green
According to the Goldman Sachs Global Research, 9
Power Corporation Limited (DGPC) to develop 5,000
Indian states which have ongoing or proposed cash
Megawatt (MW) of clean energy capacity, including
transfer schemes for women, have a combined
4,500 MW of hydropower and 500 MW of solar power
allocation of USD 18 billion in their budget estimates
in Bhutan.
for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), accounting for
0.5% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Morgan Stanley Lowered India’s GDP ✓ Maharashtra has topped among all the Indian
Growth to 6.3% from 6.7% for FY25 states in terms of the largest allocation in the
Morgan Stanley, an American multinational budget for the cash transfer to women, and
investment bank, has lowered its Gross Domestic has allocated total USD 5.4 billion,
Product (GDP) projection for India to 6.3% for the constituting 1.1% of the state’s GDP.
Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), down from its previous ✓ Among all the Indian states, Haryana has
estimate of 6.7%. proposed the highest monthly financial
support to women i.e. to offer Rs 2,100 per
month to women above the age of 18 years,
DFS Grants Approval for Consolidation of
with annual household income of less than Rs
IFCI Group 2 lakh.
In November 2024, the Department of Financial
Services (DFS), under the Ministry of Finance (MoF),

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

52nd International Emmy Awards 2024; Vir America (USA). The awards were presented by
Das became 1st Indian to Host Event presented by the International Academy of Television
On 25th November 2024, the 52nd International Emmy Arts and Sciences (IATAS).
✓ The International Emmy Directorate
Awards 2024 took place in New York, United States of
Award was presented Sidonie Dumas, Chief

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 Executive Officer (CEO) of Gaumont, the Paris
(France) based television & film production T-Hub associated Innovators Honored with
group, and International Emmy Founders
Karmaveer Chakra Awards for 2024-25 by
Award was presented to the American writer-
producer David E. Kelley. UN and iCongo
✓ France's Les Gouttes de Dieu (Drops of God) Rumana Sinha Sehgal, a mentor at Hyderabad
won the Best Drama Series award. (Telangana)-based T-Hub, Akshay Deshpande, the
✓ Best Performance by an Actor: British Actor associated startup founders of Switcheko and
Timothy Spall won the award for his role in Abhishek Agarwal, the founder of Goodeebag, have
The Sixth Commandment (United been honoured with the Karmaveer Chakra Awards for
Kingdom/UK). 2024-25.
✓ Best Performance by an Actress: Aokbab- ✓ Karmaveer Chakra awards were instituted by
Chutimon Chuengcharoensukying won the the Indian Confederation of NGOs (iCongo) in
awrd for her performance in Hunger (Thailand). collaboration with the United Nations (UN) in
✓ Best Comedy Series: Argentina's División 2008-09.
Palermo.
✓ Best Arts Programming: Poland's Pianoforte. IndiGo recognised as ‘2024 Airline of the
Year’ by CAPA
‘Manifest’ : Cambridge Dictionary Word of In November 2024, India’s preferred carrier IndiGo was
the Year 2024 named the ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by Centre for
In November 2024, The Cambridge Dictionary has Aviation (CAPA) at its 2024 Global Aviation Awards for
chosen ‘manifest’ as its Word of the Year 2024, Excellence in Belgrade, Serbia. CAPA is a trusted
reflecting a significant rise in its usage. With nearly source of aviation market intelligence and a part of the
1,30,000 lookups in their websites, the word gained Aviation Week Network.
popularity across mainstream media, self-help
communities, and social media platforms.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Harbhajan joins Sania Mirza, Evra, El Khatib Dr Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi appointed as
and Nurmagomedov as ambassadors of New Chief of BrahMos Aerospace
Dubai Sports Council Eminent scientist Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has
In November 2024, Harbhajan Singh, former Indian been appointed as the new chief of
cricketer, was appointed as Dubai Sports BrahMos Aerospace w.e.f. 1st
Council(DSC)’s Sports Ambassador to promote December 2024. He succeeds Atul
sports in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates(UAE). Dinkar Rane, who has held the
✓ Along with Harbhajan Singh, Khabib position since 2021.
Nurmagomedov(Russian Ultimate Fighting ✓ About BrahMos Aerospace: It is a Joint
Championship(UFC) Champion), Sania Venture (JV) between India's Defence
Mirza(former Indian Tennis player), and Patrice Research and Development Organisation
Evra (French Footballer) were appointed as (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya,
Sports Ambassadors of DSC. based in New Delhi. BrahMoS Aerospace
manufactures BrahMos missile which is
capable of Mach 2.8 speeds and a range of 800
km.

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ACC Approves One-Year Extension to PESB appointment of Nand Kishore as its new Managing
Chairperson ‘Mallika Srinivasan’ Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He
succeeds Shamsher Singh, who will return to SBI.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)
has approved one-year extension of tenure for Mallika
Srinivasan as Chairperson of the Public Enterprises MC Mary Kom Appointed Brand
Selection Board (PESB) beyond the age of 65, from Ambassador for Assam Rifles Half-
19th November 2024 to 18th November 2025 or until Marathon
further notice.
Olympic medalist Mary Kom has been appointed as
✓ Mallika Srinivasan, the Chairman and Managing
the brand ambassador for the “ Assam Rifles Half-
Director of Tractors and Farm Equipment
Marathon (ARHM) 2024” in Shillong. The event took
(TAFE) Limited was appointed as Chairperson
place on November 24, 2024 with a record
of PESB in April 2021 for 3 years, which was
participation from the Northeast and 30 other states.
later extended in March 2024 until November
2024, when she reached the age of 65.
Vijay Chandok Joins NSDL as MD & CEO
In November 2024, the National
Hemant Soren Sworn-in as CM of Jharkhand
Securities Depository Limited (NSDL)
for 4th term announced that Vijay
On 28th November 2024, Chandok assumed charge as its
Hemant Soren was sworn in as Managing Director and Chief
the 14th Chief Minister(CM) of Executive Officer (MD & CEO) for a
Jharkhand at Morabadi Ground in period of 5 years or until he attains the age of 65,
Ranchi, Jharkhand. This marks whichever is earlier.
Hemant Soren’s 4th term as CM ✓ He succeeds Padmaja Chunduru who was
of Jharkhand. Governor of Jharkhand, Santosh Kumar appointed as MD & CEO of NSDL in 2021.
Gangwar administered the oath of office and secrecy.

Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected as 1st Female

Masato Kanda Elected as ADB’s President of Namibia
11th President Namibian Vice President Ndemupelila Netumbo
On November 28 2024, the Asian Development Bank Nandi-Ndaitwah(NNN), a presidential election
(ADB) Board of Governors elected Masato Kanda as candidate of ruling SWAPO (South
11th President of ADB. He will West Africa People’s Organisation)
succeed incumbent political party, has been elected as
Masatsugu Asakawa, who will the 1st female President of Namibia
leave office on February 23 2025. for a period of 5 years. She will be
✓ He will assume office on sworn in on 21 March 2025 and
February 24 2025 and will succeed the interim President, Nangolo Mbumba.
also complete the
unexpired tenure of Masatsugu Asakawa that
WTO General Council Reappoints Ngozi
ends on November 23 2026.
Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General
In November 2024, the World
Nand Kishore Appointed MD & CEO of SBI
Trade Organization (WTO) General
Funds Management Council unanimously reappointed
SBI Funds Management Limited (SBIFM), a joint Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the
venture between State Bank of India (SBI) and Amundi, Director General(DG) for a
Europe's largest asset manager, has announced the

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consecutive 4 year term. Her second term is set to Chess Grandmaster D Gukesh appointed as
begin on September 1, 2025. new Brand Ambassador of RBL Bank
✓ Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first
In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based RBL
African to lead the WTO, first assumed office Bank Limited, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank
as 7th DG of WTO on March 1, 2021 and her
Limited, has appointed Indian Chess Prodigy D Gukesh
first term concludes on August 31 2025.
as its Brand Ambassador.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI approvals on November 26, 2024 Limited, and Fosroc Supply FZE, collectively
On 26th November 2024, the Competition known as the Target Companies.
Commission of India (CCI) has approved the following
proposals: Tata Electronics to acquire stake in
✓ CCI has approved acquisition of shares in Pegatron’s iPhone plant in TN
Rebel Foods Private Limited by Jongsong
Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) has acquired a
Investments Private Limited, involving the 60% stake in Pegatron's (a Tiawanese Contract
subscription to compulsorily convertible
Manufacturer) iPhone plant in Chennai (Tamil Nadu,
preference shares and the purchase of equity
TN), forming a Joint Venture (JV). The move resulted in
shares.
a JV, in which TEPL owns 60% and manages daily
✓ CCI has approved MUFG Bank, Ltd.'s
operations while Pegatron will have a 40% stake
acquisition of additional securities in DMI
and provide technical support.
Finance Private Limited, increasing its
shareholding to 20%.
✓ CCI has approved Kotak Mahindra Bank CCI Approvals on 3rd December 2024
Limited's acquisition of the unsecured On 3rd December 2024, the Competition Commission
personal loans portfolio worth Rs 4100 crore of India (CCI) has approved various proposals:
from Standard Chartered Bank, India Branch. ✓ It has approved the acquisition of certain
✓ CCI has approved Shoreline International shareholding of New Delhi(Delhi) based
Holdings LLC's investment in Flipkart Private Shiprocket Private Limited (Shiprocket) by
Limited through a share subscription, along Tokyo (Japan)-based MUFG Bank Limited,
with an arrangement for service provision which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
between an affiliate of Shoreline and Flipkart’s Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG).
subsidiary. ✓ Similarly, it has approved the acquisition of
✓ CCI has approved Starcin Holding France certain shareholding of Shiprocket Private
SAS's acquisition of 100% of the shares in Limited (Shiprocket) by United States of
Fosroc Top One Limited, Fosroc Top Two America (USA)-based early venture capital
firm, KDT Venture Holdings, LLC (KDT).

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Exports Pinaka Weapon Systems to Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRL) were
Armenia exported to Armenia.
✓ In 2022, Armenia and India signed a contract
On November 24 2024, the first batch of the Indian
worth Rs 2,000 crore for the supply of rocket
manufactured and the most indigenously developed
launchers. The Indian side confirmed that

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 Armenia had ordered 3 models of Pinaka in the country’s commercial space programme. It was
rocket systems, which were to be transported the 547th flight mission of the Long March series of
from the New Delhi (Capital of India) to rockets.
Yerevan (Capital of Armenia) by 2024. ✓ The two satellites, named Siwei Gaojing-2 03
and Gaojing-2 04, were launched aboard a
NASA partners with Microsoft For Earth Long March-2C carrier rocket from the Jiuquan
Satellite Launch Centre(JSLC) in northwest
Copilot AI to Simplify Access to Complex
China. The satellites will provide high-
Earth Data resolution, all-day, all-weather radar imagery.
In November 2024, National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) partnered with Microsoft to
NASA’s SWIM Robots to Explore Ocean
develop the Earth Copilot, a custom Artificial
intelligence (AI) chatbot designed to respond to users’ Worlds
queries related to Earth with easy-to-understand data. The National Aeronautics and Space
The collaboration aims to transform how users can Administration(NASA) announced the development of
search, discover, and analyse Nasa’s geospatial data. underwater robots capable of exploring the depths of
our solar system's ocean worlds. The mission called
‘Sensing With Independent Micro-swimmers(SWIM)’
IN tests 3,500-km K-4 nuclear missile from
is currently in the testing phase, with the latest
INS Arighaat Submarine prototype demonstrating autonomous control and
On 28th November 2024, the Indian Navy navigation in a swimming pool at Caltech in Pasadena,
(IN) successfully tested the K-4 nuclear-capable the United States of America(USA).
ballistic missile from its newly commissioned ✓ The test was conducted by NASA’s Jet
submarine, INS Arighaat. The K-4, with a range of 3,500 Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the testing
km, is an upgrade over the K-15 missiles used on INS showed the feasibility of a mission concept for
Arihant, which have a range of 750 km. a swarm of mini swimming robots.
✓ INS Arighaat, India's 2nd nuclear-powered
ballistic missile submarine, was
Two ISRO Astronauts Successfully
commissioned in August 2024 and is equipped
with advanced Defence Research and Completed Initial Training for Axiom-4
Development Organisation (DRDO)-developed Mission to ISS
technology. In November 2024, Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that
China launched world’s 1st ‘self-driving’ two Indian astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu
Shukla (prime) and Group Captain
satellites
Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (backup), referred to as
China successfully launched the world’s first ‘self-
the Gaganyatris, selected for the upcoming Axiom-4
driving’ satellites developed by the Shanghai
(Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS),
Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), a
have successfully completed the initial phase of their
subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and
training.
Technology Corporation (CASC), marking a milestone

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 ENVIRONMENT

Koima: A new genus of freshwater fish ✓ Dicliptera srisailamica: New flowering plant
discovered in Western Ghats species discovered in Eastern Ghats of AP,
Telangana.
In November 2024, A team of researchers have
discovered Koima, a new genus of freshwater fish
endemic to the Western Ghats. This genus includes 2 New species of crocodile ‘Cao Bang
known species - Mesonoemacheilus remadevii and Crocodile newt’ Discovered in Vietnam
Nemacheilus monilis, which were previously assigned A crocodile-like creature was discovered in Vietnam's
under the genus Nemacheilus. mountainous farm at elevations of 3,300 feet. The
✓ The fish named Mesonoemacheilus remadevii creature was spotted in a slow moving stream and
and Nemacheilus monilis are now renamed as after the analysis of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA),
Koima remadevii and Koima monilis researchers discovered it as a new species of
respectively. Both species are found in the crocodile Tylototriton Koliaensis or the Cao Bang
tributaries of the Cauvery river. Crocodile newt.

SPORTS

Australian Swimmer & 14-Time Olympic

Medalist Emma McKeon announces Double Olympic champ Alistair Brownlee
Retirement Announces Triathlon Retirement
On November 25 2024, Emma Jennifer McKeon, (30), In November 2024, Alistair Brownlee, the British
Australian swimmer and Olympic medalist, announced triathlete and double Olympic gold medallist, has
her retirement from competitive swimming. She won a announced his retirement from professional
gold medal in the 4 x 100 metre (m) freestyle relay in competition at the age of 36. Alistair Brownlee won
the 2024 Paris Games. It was her final Olympics. gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016
✓ Emma McKeon holds the Australian record of Olympics, leaving behind a legacy marked by his
14 Olympic medals across Rio 2016, the Tokyo dominance in the sport.
2020 and Paris 2024 Games, with six Olympic
gold medals, three silver medals and five Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix 2024
bronze medals.
On December 1 2024, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen
(Netherlands) won the Formula 1 (F1) Qatar Grand
India Gets Hosting Rights for 2026 Asian Prix 2024 which was held at the Lusail International
Rifle and Pistol Cup Circuit in Lusail, Qatar. This was his 9th win of the
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) season and 63rd of his career.
announced that the executive committee of the Asian ✓ Monégasque racing driver Charles Leclerc
Shooting Confederation (ASC) has awarded the (Ferrari) secured the 2nd spot (18 points) for
hosting rights for 2026 Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup to India. Ferrari and Australia’s Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
This competition is set to take place in New Delhi, (15 points) claimed the 3rd spot.
Delhi in 2026.

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 OBITUARY

Essar Group co-founder Shashi Ruia passed Thomas E Kurtz, co-creator of BASIC
away at 81 Computer Language passed away
In November 2024, Essar Global Fund Limited (EGFL) In November 2024, Thomas Eugene Kurtz the co-
co-founder and a business tycoon Shashi Ruia passed creator of the Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic
away at the age of 81 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was Instruction Code (BASIC) programming language and
born on December 23, 1943 in Rajasthan. the Dartmouth Time-Sharing System (DTSS) passed
✓ Shashi Ruia known for his humility and away at the age of 96 in Lebanon, New Hampshire
philanthropy,was a first-generation (NH), the United States of America (USA). He was born
entrepreneur and businessman who began his on February 22 1928 in Illinois, USA.
career in 1965 under the guidance of his father, ✓ Thomas E Kurtz, started his career as a
Nand Kishore Ruia. mathematician professor at Dartmouth
College, where he co-designed the Dartmouth
Renowned endocrine surgeon and Padma Time-Sharing System(DTSS) and the
simplified computer programming language
Shri Awardee Sivapatham Vittal passes
known as BASIC with his colleague John G.
away at 83 Kemeny.
In November 2024, Sivapatham Vittal, regarded as
"The Father of Endocrine Surgery” in India passed away
Renowned writer & Kendra Sahitya Akademi
at the age of 83. He was born on August 30, 1941 in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN). The Government of India awardee Omchery NN Pillai passed away
(GoI) honoured him with the ‘Padma Shri award’, third In November 2024, Renowned Malayalam playwright
highest civilian award in 2011 for his service in the field and writer Professor Omchery N.N. Pillai passed away
of Medicine. at the age of 100 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on
February 1, 1924 at Kottayam, Kerala. He has also
received the Sahitya Akademi award for his overall
contribution to Malayalam literature in 2010.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Himachal Pradesh CM releases Book on book titled 'Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's Life Ka Jeevanvrit', authored by Rakesh Kumar Sharma in
Shimla,HP. This book delves into the life of
In November 2024, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Chief
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India's history.
Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) released a

IMPORTANT DAYS

76th NCC Raising Day 2024 – November 24 ✓ The 24 November 2024 marks the observance
The National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest of the 76th NCC Raising Day.
uniformed youth organization in the world celebrates
its raising day on the 4th Sunday of November. The National Constitution Day “Samvidhan
day is to honor the contributions of the NCC towards Divas” 2024 – November 26
shaping the youth of the country and recognizing their
National Constitution Day also known as
contributions to national service. ‘Samvidhan Divas’, is annually observed across India

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on 26th November to commemorate the adoption of affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport for
the Indian Constitution in 1949 by the constituent economic growth, better well-being, and enhanced
Assembly of India.26 November 2024 marks the 75th international cooperation and trade. 26th November
Anniversary of adopting the Constitution of India. 2024 marks 2nd observance of WSTD.
✓ A commemorative coin and stamp were
released to mark the 75th anniversary of the AAI’s Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2024
adoption of the Constitution of India .
– November 25 -29
✓ Two books titled "Making of the Constitution
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) observes Aviation
of India: A Glimpse" and "Making of the
Safety Awareness Week (ASAW) at all airports and Air
Constitution of India & its Glorious Journey"
Navigation Services (ANS) locations managed by AAI
were launched.
across India to raise awareness of Aviation Safety.
✓ A booklet dedicated to the Art of the
Aviation Safety Awareness Week 2024 was held from
Constitution of India was also unveiled, along
25th to 29th November 2024.
with the Constitution of India in both
✓ Chairman of AAI Vipin Kumar inaugurated the
language of Sanskrit and Maithili.
event and emphasized AAI’s dedication to
✓ The theme of this year’s National Constitution
aviation safety, in line with the International
Day is "Humara Samvidhan, Humara
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global
Swabhimaan."
Aviation Safety Plan, through Safety
Awareness Week.
National Milk Day 2024 - November 26
National Milk Day is annually observed across India
International Day of Solidarity with the
on 26th November to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Dr Verghese Kurien, “Father of the Palestinian People 2024 - November 29
White Revolution in India”. The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of
✓ The annual observance is led by the Solidarity with the Palestinian People is annually
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, observed across the globe on 29th November to
under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal provide a platform for the global community to reaffirm
Husbandry and Dairying(MoFAH&D). its commitment to the Palestinian people's dignity,
✓ 26th November 2024 marks the observance rights, justice, and their right to self-determination.
of the 11th National Milk Day and 103rd Birth
anniversary of Verghese Kurein, fondly known Day of Remembrance for All Victims of
as “Milkman of India”. Chemical Warfare 2024 – November 30
✓ Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, MoFAH&D The United Nations (UN’s) Day of Remembrance for All
stated that the milk production has increased Victims of Chemical Warfare is annually observed
to around 239 MT in 2023-24 on the back of across the globe on 30th November to honor and
improvement in productivity. remember victims who lost their lives or endured
✓ Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh conferred suffering due to chemical warfare.
the National Gopal Ratna Awards, one of the ✓ OPCW-The Hague Award - OOPCW-The
highest National Awards in the livestock and Hague Award 2024 ceremony was held, and it
dairy sector. honored two recipients this year, and it
honored two recipients this year:
World Sustainable Transport Day 2024 – o Indian Chemical Council (ICC)
November 26 o Algeria’s National Institute of
The United Nations (UN’s) World Sustainable Criminalistics and Criminology of the
Transport Day (WSTD) was observed on 26 National Gendarmerie (NICC/NG)
November to highlight the importance of safe,

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World AIDS Day 2024 – December 1 intervening night of December 2 and 3 1984 in
The United Nations (UN’s) World Acquired Immune Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (MP).It is considered
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is annually observed as one of biggest industrial pollution disasters.
across the globe on 1st December to raise awareness
about Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV)/ AIDS International Day of Persons with
and foster unity in the fight against the pandemic. Disabilities 2024 – December 03
✓ The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of
and AIDS (UNAIDS) spearheaded the World Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) was annually
AIDS Day campaigns from its establishment
observed across the globe on 3rd December to raise
until 2004.
awareness about the rights and well-being of persons
✓ The theme of World AIDS Day 2024 is “Take
with disabilities in political, social, economic, and
the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!”
cultural spheres.
✓ The theme of IDPwD 2024 is “Amplifying the
60th Raising Day of the Border Security leadership of persons with disabilities for an
Force- December 01 2024 inclusive and sustainable future”
The Border Security Force (BSF) of India annually ✓ Events in India: President Droupadi Murmu
celebrates the “BSF Raising Day” on 1st December to confers National Awards for Empowerment
mark the establishment of BSF, a primary border of Persons with Disabilities: Marking the
guarding organisation of India that came into existence occasion of IDPD 2024, the President of India,
on 1st December 1965. 1st December 2024 marks the Droupadi Murmu, honoured 33 outstanding
observance of the 60th Raising Day of BSF. individuals and institutions with the National
Awards for the Empowerment of Persons
with Disabilities (Divyangjan) in New Delhi.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
2024 – December 2
International Day of Banks 2024- December
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the
Abolition of Slavery was annually observed across the 4
globe on 2nd December to about eradicating modern The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Banks
slavery, such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, is annually observed across the globe on December 4
severe child labour, forced marriages, and the to recognize crucial role of banking systems in
recruitment of children for armed conflicts. enhancing living standards and fostering sustainable
development across member nations.
✓ 4th December 2024 marks the observance of
National Pollution Control Day 2024-
the 4th International Day of Banks.
December 02
National Pollution Control Day or National Pollution
World Computer Literacy Day 2024 –
Prevention Day is annually observed across India on 2
December in the memory of those who lost their lives December 02
in the disastrous 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy. 2 The World Computer Literacy Day (WCLD) was
December 2024 marks the 40th Anniversary of the observed across the globe on 2nd December to raise
Bhopal Gas Tragedy. awareness about the importance of digital skills and
✓ The theme for 2024 is ‘Clean Air, Green Earth: computer literacy in the modern technological world,
A Step Towards Sustainable Living.’ especially for women and children. 2nd
✓ Bhopal Gas Tragedy was India's first major December 2024 marks the observance of the
industrial disaster that took place on the 24th WCLD

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 STATE NEWS

Chhattisgarh Launches 'Bijli Sakhi Yojana' to Justice Siddharth Mridul on 21st November
Empower Women in Jashpur District 2024.
The Chhattisgarh government launched the 'Bijli
Sakhi Yojana' to empower women in the tribal- MHA Appoints Khilli Ram Meena as
dominated Jashpur district and support the electricity Mizoram’s Chief Secretary
department in meter reading tasks in remote villages. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the
Under the scheme, 21 women were selected, trained, appointment of Khilli Ram Meena, a senior Indian
and appointed as 'Bijli Sakhis', with each woman Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the 1993
earning Rs 4,000-6,000 per month for their work. batch of the Arunachal Pradesh-Goa-Mizoram and
Union Territory (AGMUT) cadre, as the new Chief
Assam Cabinet Approves Renaming of Secretary of Mizoram. He took over from acting Chief
Karimganj as Sribhumi District Secretary H. Lalengmawia, a 2005-batch IAS officer.
✓ He replaced Renu Sharma, a 1988-batch
The Assam cabinet has approved the renaming of
officer from the AGMUT cadre, following her
Karimganj district in the Barak Valley as
Sribhumi district in response to a long-standing retirement on 31st October 2024.
demand. The decision was made during a cabinet
meeting led by Assam Chief Minister (CM) UP Declares Temporary 'Mahakumbh Mela
Himanta Biswa Sarma. District' for 2025 Maha Kumbh
✓ The name ‘Sribhumi’ - The land of Maa Uttar Pradesh (UP) declared a new temporary district
Lakshmi, was chosen in connotation to in preparation for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela (the
Rabindranath Togore’s description of the festival of the sacred pitcher) and the duration of the
modern-day karimganj District. event exists until March 31, 2025. The district will be
known as the “Maha Kumbh Mela District” that aims to
Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurated streamline the administration and management of the
Economic Empowerment Initiatives large scale religious gathering in Prayagraj(Previously
known as Allahabad),UP.
Nagaland’s Chief Minister (CM) Neiphiu Rio
✓ The Maha Kumbh was scheduled to begin on
inaugurated a series of landmark initiatives at the
January 13 2025 will coincide with Paush
Investment and Development Authority of
Poornima and continue until Maha Shivaratri
Nagaland(IDAN), Capital Convention Centre, Kohima
on February 26, 2025.
(Nagaland) to improve the state’s tourism, transport,
✓ The UP government notified the Kumbh Mela
agriculture and entrepreneurial sectors.
area as the 76th district of the state for a
duration of 4 months.
D Krishnakumar appointed as Chief Justice
of Manipur High Court
Karnataka Governor launches
In November 2024, the Ministry of Law and Justice
“Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan” to fight against
(MoL&J) notified the appointment of Justice D
Krishnakumar of Madras High Court as the Chief drug abuse
Justice of the High Court of Manipur. In November 2024, Karnataka Governor
✓ Under the Constitution of India, President Thaawarchand Gehlot launched the
Draupadi Murmu has appointed Justice D. “Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan,” an anti-narcotic campaign
Krishnakumar following the retirement of in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The campaign was organized
by the Bharatiya Nurses & Allied Sangh(BNAS).

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 Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2024 – 2nd Week
(10 – 16)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Visit of Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Foreign ✓ The 26.463 kilometer (km) long Rithala-
Minister of Kuwait to India From December Narela-Nathupur (Kundli) corridor of the Delhi
Metro’s Phase-IV project.
3-4, 2024
✓ Establishment of 28 new Navodaya
H.E. Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vidyalayas (NVs) in the uncovered districts of
of the State of Kuwait, arrived in New Delhi(Delhi) paid
the country under the Navodaya Vidyalaya
a visit to India from December 3 to December 4, 2024
Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme (CSS).
at the invitation of Union Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar,
✓ Setting up of 85 new Kendriya
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Vidyalayas (KVs) under the civil/defence
✓ One of the key outcomes of the visit was the
sector across the country and expansion of
signing of a Memorandum of Understanding
existing KV Shivamogga located at
(MoU) to establish a Joint Commission for
Shivamogga district in Karnataka.
Cooperation (JCC). Under the JCC framework,
✓ Release of Rs 944.80 crore to the state
New Joint Working Groups will be set up in
government of Tamil Nadu (TN) as share of
sectors like trade, investment, education,
central government from the State Disaster
technology, agriculture, security, and
Response Fund (SDRF) to help the people
culture.
affected by cyclone “Fengal”.

NITI Aayog Launched “Trade Watch

DAC Approves Capital Acquisitions Worth
Quarterly” for Q1FY25 in New Delhi
Rs 21,772 Cr to Enhance Capabilities of
On 4th December 2024, Suman Bery, the Vice
Indian Navy and ICG
Chairperson of National Institution for Transforming
On 3 December 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council
India (NITI Aayog) launched NITI Aayog’s latest report
(DAC), under the chairmanship of Union Minister
titled “Trade Watch Quarterly: April-June (Q1)
Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), has granted
Y25” in New Delhi, Delhi. The report provides a
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for five critical defence
comprehensive overview of the country’s trade for the
acquisition proposals worth over Rs 21,772 crore.
Q1 of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).
✓ These projects aim to enhance India’s
✓ As per the report, India’s total trade
performance for the 1st Half (H1) of 2024 maritime security, coastal defense, and
combat readiness through advanced
reached USD 576 billion with Year-on-Year
technological assets.
(Y-o-Y) growth of 5.45% compared to 2023.
The report highlighted that merchandise
exports showed consistent growth as exports Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched
has increased by 5.95% to USD 110 billion in ‘Anna Chakra’ & ‘SCAN’ Portal for
Q1FY25, while imports surged by 8.40% to revolutionizing PDS
USD 173 billion.
On December 5 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi,
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Cabinet Approvals on 6th December 2024 Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New and
On December 6 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired Renewable Energy(MNRE), launched 2 pivotal
by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India has initiatives ‘Anna Chakra’, a Public Distribution System
approved: (PDS) supply chain optimization tool and

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the ‘SCAN (Subsidy Claim Application for National Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Food Security Act (NFSA) portal’ in New Delhi(Delhi). launches Nayi Chetna 3.0:National Campaig
✓ ‘Anna Chakra’ was developed by the
n to combat Gender-Based Violence
MoCAF&PD in collaboration with the World
On November 25
Food Programme (WFP) and the Foundation
2024, Shivraj Singh Chouhan Minister of Rural
for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT),
Development (MoRD) and Minister of Agriculture &
Indian Institutes of
Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) launched the 3rd edition
Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi(Delhi)
of “Nayi Chetna-Pahal Badlaav Ki” , a nationwide
✓ The SCAN portal is a single window
campaign against gender based violence in New
platform that simplifies the process of subsidy
Delhi(Delhi). The campaign’s slogan,
claim submission, scrutiny and approval of
“Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf,” calls for
subsidy claims under the National Food
collective action against violence.
Security Act (NFSA) 2013.
✓ The Nayi Chetna-3 was organized by the
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural
Ministry of Textiles and HEPC Organised “GI Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the
& Beyond” Summit in New Delhi Ministry of Rural Development(MoRD). It will
On November 25 2024, the Office of the Development run until December 23, 2024 across all States
Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, in and Union Territories (UT).
partnership with the Handloom Export Promotion
Council (HEPC) has successfully organised the “GI & DPIIT Partners with WinZO to Foster 2,000+
Beyond 2024” Summit at The Oberoi, New Delhi
Startups
(Delhi), where Indian artisans showcased India’s
In November 2024, the Department for Promotion of
Geographical Indication (GI) tagged handloom and
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
handicraft products manufactured by them to the
Commerce and Industry(MoC&I) signed a two year
global stage.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New
✓ During the event, the Union Minister distributed
Delhi(Delhi) based WinZO Games Private
new GI certificates to 10 artisans from various
Limited(formerly Tictok Skill Games Private Limited),
parts of the country.
India’s largest social gaming platform to bolster the
country’s interactive entertainment sector.
5th Anniversary of National Youth
Parliament Scheme (NYPS) Portal General Upendra Dwivedi Presents
On November 26 2024, the 5th anniversary of
President’s Colours to 4 Battalions
National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) portal was
observed in New Delhi(Delhi). It was launched by of Mechanised Infantry
former President Ram Nath Kovind on November In November 2024, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief
26 2019 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of of Army Staff (COAS) awarded
India’s Constitution ‘Samvidhan Diwas’. the “President’s Colours” to 4 battalions of the
✓ The NYPS portal, developed by the Ministry of Mechanised Infantry at a ceremony held at the
Parliamentary Affairs(MoPA), serves as an Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MIC&S) in
important platform for raising awareness about Ahilyanagar((earlier known as Ahmednagar),
democratic processes, empowering youth and Maharashtra.
building a deeper connection to India’s ✓ The 26th and 27th Battalions of the
constitutional values, especially Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with
on Samvidhan Diwas. the 20th and
22nd Battalions of the Brigade of the Guards
received this honour in recognition of their

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 exemplary service and commitment to the Languag Prize
Award Winner
nation. e Money
✓ The President’s Colour Award, also known as Golden
the “Nishaan,” is the highest honor that can be Peacock
Rs.
conferred upon a military unit in India. Award for Lithuania
Toxic’ 40,00,000
Best n
/-
Highlights of International Film Festival of Feature
Film
India 2024 held in Goa
The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of
India (IFFI) was held from 20th November to Amara Raja Infra builds India’s first green
28th November 2024 at Dr. Shyama Prasad hydrogen fueling station in Leh
Mukherjee Stadium in Panaji, Goa. In November 2024, Union Minister Manohar Lal
✓ The theme of IFFI 2024, “Young Filmmakers – Khattar, Ministry of Power (MoP) and Ministry of
The Future is Now,” reflecting the importance Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) inaugurated
of youth in shaping the future of cinema. India’s first green hydrogen fueling station in Leh,
✓ The festival was organized by the Ministry of Ladakh. The station was developed
Information & Broadcasting (MIB), in by Hyderabad(Telangana) based Amara Raja Infra
collaboration with the National Film Private Limited for NTPC Limited(formerly known as
Development Corporation (NFDC) and National Thermal Power Corporation).
the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG).
✓ The 4th edition of Creative Minds of
Tomorrow (CMOT) initiative led by the MIB
under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav was
inaugurated and was expanded to
support 100 young talents, up from 75 in
previous editions.
List of Award Winners
Prize
Award Winner Country
Money
Indian Film
Vikrant Not India’s First Hyperloop Test Track for High
Personality India
Massey Applicable Speed Transportation
of the Year
Satyajit Ray On December 5 2024, India’s first Hyperloop test
Lifetime Phillip Not track measuring 410 meters(m) was successfully
Australia completed at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Achieveme Noyce Applicable
nt award Madras, Discovery Campus in Thaiyur, TamilNadu
ICFT- Sweden, (TN). The announcement was made by Union
Swedish Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of Railways
UNESCO Denmark
filmaker Not (MoR).
Gandhi , France,
Levan Akin’s Applicable ✓ The test track was developed through a
Medal Turkey,
CROSSING collaborative effort involving the Indian
Award Georgia
Best Debut Railways (IR), IIT Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop
Director of Navjyot team and the TuTr incubated startup at IIT
Not Madras.
Indian Bandiwadek India
Applicable
Feature ar
Film

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Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda Vienna( Austria) assumed the Chairmanship of
Launches Intensified 100-Day TB the CND.

Elimination Campaign in Haryana

On 7 December 2024, Union DPIIT Partners with Flipkart to Support
Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministry of Health and Indian Startups through USD 100 Million
Family Welfare (MoH&FW), launched the Fund
intensified 100-day Tuberculosis (TB) elimination On December 09 2024, the Department for Promotion
campaign to accelerate the fight against TB in of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign will culminate on Commerce and Industry (MOC&I) signed a
March 24, 2025. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi
✓ During the launch, Union Minister Jagat (Delhi) based Flipkart Private Limited, India’s
Prakash Nadda also introduced national homegrown e-commerce market, to enhance the
guidelines for the new drug-resistant TB growth of tech startups across India.
regimen called BPaLM. These guidelines aim ✓ This partnership is an extension of Flipkart’s
to streamline and standardize treatment. Leap and Ventures initiative, which includes a
USD 100 million venture fund.
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
launched the ‘Urjaveer’ scheme in Andhra PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Rajasthan and
Pradesh Haryana on 9th December 2024
On December 7 2024, Union Minister Manohar Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi
Lal Khattar, Ministry of Power (MoP) along with Chief visited Rajasthan and Haryana on 9th December 202
Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP), Nara 4.
Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated the ✓ During the visit, he inaugurated the Rising
‘Urjaveer’ scheme at Poranki in Krishna district Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024
of Andhra Pradesh (AP). in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The theme of the summit
✓ The Urjaveer Scheme, implemented by Energy is ‘Replete, Responsible, Ready’ and was
Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is designed held from 9th to 11th December 2024.
to promote the use of energy-efficient ✓ PM Modi inaugurated the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’,
appliances while offering economic benefits to an initiative of LIC in Panipat, Haryana with an
individuals. aim to empower women through financial
✓ This initiative aims to transform AP into a 100% literacy and insurance awareness.
green energy state, focusing on sustainable ✓ The scheme targets women of age 18 to
development and energy conservation. 70 years who have passed class 10 and want
to become volunteer insurance agents.
India Assumes 1st Time Chairmanship of ✓ PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the
main campus of Maharana Pratap
68th UN CND
Horticultural University (MHU) in Uchani,
On December 6 2024, India assumed the
Karnal, Haryana on 9th December 2024.
Chairmanship for the first time of 68th session of the
United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic
Drugs (CND). The announcement was made by the Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched
Indian Embassy of Austria marking a significant “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal to empower
milestone in the country’s global leadership. public administrators
✓ Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, India’s On December 9, 2024, Union Minister of
Permanent Representative to the UN in State(MoS), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P), launched

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the “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal in New Delhi (Delhi) to India, focusing on reducing risks in vulnerable
strengthen governance and empower public hilly regions.
administrators in India.
✓ He also inaugurated the “Advanced Case
Writing and Teaching Workshop” for 60
faculty members from Civil Services Training
Institutions (CSTI) nationwide.
✓ The portal, part of the Integrated Government
Online Training (iGOT) platform was
developed by the CBC and Karmayogi Bharat.

MoE Enhanced “Material Cost” under

the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman S
cheme
On December 9 2024, the Ministry of
Education (MoE) has enhanced the “Material Cost” of
pulses, vegetables and oil by 13.70% covered under
the Pradhan Mantri POshan SHakti Nirman (PM
NMDFC and DICCI signed
POSHAN) Scheme. The decision was taken on the
basis of an inflation index provided by the Chandigarh- an MoU to Promote Marginalized
based Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Communities
Employment (MoL&E). National Minorities Development and Finance
✓ As per the MoE directions, the material cost is Corporation (NMDFC) under the Ministry of Minority
increased from Rs 5.45 to Rs.6.19 for primary Affairs (MoMA) and Dalit Indian Chamber of
and Bal Vatika classes and for upper primary Commerce and Industry (DICCI) have signed a
classes, it is enhanced from Rs 8.17 to Rs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote
9.29, with effect from December 01, 2024. entrepreneurship among marginalized communities at
✓ The material cost could not be revised during the Nalanda Hall of the Dr. Ambedkar International
the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24). So, the Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
inflation rates of items under the PM POSHAN
basket for both FY23 (6.45%) and FY24 BEML Secures Rs 136 Crore Contract
(6.74%) has been considered while
from MoD for HMVs 8×8
determining the enhancement cost.
On December 11 2024, BEML Limited(formerly Bharat
Earth Movers Limited), a Public Sector
Union Cabinet Approves MoU between GSI Undertaking(PSU) company under Ministry of Defence
and CNR-IRPI for Landslide Forecasting and (MoD) secured a Rs 136 crore contract to supply
Early Warning System indigenously designed High Mobility
On December 6 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Vehicles (HMVs) 8×8 to enhance India’s defence
Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi approved a capabilities.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ✓ The vehicles will be deployed under the
Kolkata(West Bengal, WB) based Geological Survey of Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS) project
India (GSI) and Italy’s Research Institute for Geo- aimed at reinforcing India’s strategic defence
Hydrological Protection (CNR-IRPI). infrastructure.
✓ This collaboration aims to enhance landslide ✓ HMVs will be primarily manufactured at
forecasting and early warning capabilities in BEML’s Palakkad plant in Kerala with

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 additional production at other facilities based India’s 1st Integrated Waste Management
on operational requirements. City to setup in UP’s Gorakhpur by
September 2025
India’s first Integrated Waste Management City and
Learning Centre to be setup in Suthni village of
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP) by September 2025 to
promote innovative and sustainable waste
management solutions.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UNESCO Recognizes Traditional ✓ India focused on accountability, green credit,

Japanese Sake-Making as Intangible fair financing, and achievable climate
goals for its developing economy at CoP29.
Cultural Heritage
✓ COP29 adopts new operational standards
On December 4 204, the United Nations Educational,
for global carbon market under Paris
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has
Agreement Article 6 to enhance international
officially recognized the traditional Japanese Sake-
collaboration for reducing carbon emissions.
Making process as an Intangible Cultural
✓ The world’s largest multilateral development
Heritage (ICH) of Humanity, honoring a brewing
banks (MDBs) announced an ambitious new
practice that spans over a thousand years.
climate finance goal at COP29, pledging to
✓ The decision was made at a UNESCO meeting
increase funding for low- and middle-income
in Luque, Paraguay, where the organization
countries to USD 120 billion annually
also recognized 45 other cultural practices and
by 2030.
products from around the world, such as
✓ Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh delivers
Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava
India’s National Statement at the High-level
bread, and Palestinian olive oil soap.
Segment of the CoP29.India’s renewable
✓ So far, 788 elements corresponding to 5
energy capacity has almost tripled since 2014
regions and 150 countries have been listed as
and is set to achieve the 500 gigawatts target
Intangible Cultural Heritage. India
by 2030. Click here for complete Important
has 15 elements included in this list.
Events held at CoP29
Click here to read full News
UN Climate Change Conference,
COP29 conducted at Baku in Azerbaijan Finland Unveils World’s First National
The 29th Conference of the Parties to the United
Soundscape: Ääniä by Lauri Porra
Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate
On December 6, 2024, Finland launched its first
Change (UNFCCC COP29) took place in Baku,
ever national soundscape titled ‘Ääniä’ on the
Azerbaijan from 11th to 22nd November 2024.UN
occasion of the country’s 107th Independence Day.
Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell
✓ As the first country in the world to introduce a
inaugurated COP29.
national soundscape, Finland sets a new
✓ The COP29 Presidency of Azerbaijan
standard in cultural expression through music.
announced that the Baku Finance Goal
The title Ääniä, meaning “sounds” or “voices”
(BFG) to send USD 1.3 trillion in climate
in Finnish, offers a musical journey through the
finance every year to developing countries,
nation’s landscapes, seasons, and way of life.
much higher than the previous USD 100 billion
goal. This will help boost global investment.

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India at COP29: Key Initiatives and undertaking a review of its Common
Demands for Global Climate Finance Structural Rules (CSR) for bulk carriers and oil
tankers to analyze developments in data,
India participated COP29, the 29th Conference of the
Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate materials, technologies and calculation
methodologies.
Change (UNFCCC), was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from
✓ MSC 109 agreed to add “swappable
November 11 to 22, 2024.Through various side events,
traction lithium-ion battery containers” to the
in collaboration with international agencies, India
list of alternative fuels and new technologies.
underscored its commitment to addressing climate
✓ MSC 109 approved a revision of the “Criteria
challenges.
✓ Union Minister of State(MoS) for Environment,
for the provision of mobile satellite
communication systems in the Global
Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan
Maritime Distress and Safety
Singh and Swedish Minister for Climate and
Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, co- System (GMDSS)” on the basis of experience
gained when open for multiple recognized
chaired the Annual Summit of the Leadership
mobile satellite providers in the GMDSS.
Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), held on
the sidelines of COP29 to the UN Climate
Change Summit.
✓ Solarizing Communities through Women-led
Climate Action: The event was held on 21st
November 2024 and organized by MoEFCC
and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE), ISA and Natural Resources Defense
Council (NRDC).
✓ India has urged developed nations to provide at
least USD 1.3 trillion annually until 2030 as
grants, concessional finance, and non-debt
support for developing countries. India also
opposes making the COP29 climate finance
package an investment goal.

Maritime Safety Committee 109th session

from 2nd – 6th December 2024 QS World University Rankings Sustainability
The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) conducted 2025 : IIT Delhi Topped Among All Indian
its 109th session from 2nd December Universities; University of Toronto
to 6th December 2024 at the International Maritime According to the 3rd edition of the “QS World
Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London, United University Rankings: Sustainability 2025” released by
Kingdom (UK). the Quacquarelli Symonds(QS), global higher
✓ MSC 109 adopted amendments to
education experts, the Indian Institute of Technology-
the International Code of Safety for Ships Delhi (IIT-D) in New Delhi (Delhi) has topped among all
Using Gases or Other Low-flashpoint Fuels Indian universities featured on the list and has
(IGF Code), on the basis of experience with the secured 171st position globally with an overall score
code since it came into force in 2017. The
of 80.6. It has improved its ranking by 255 places
amendments will come into force compared to 426th spot in the last year.
on 1st January 2028. ✓ IIT-D is followed by IIT Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) in
✓ MSC 109 noted that International Association
Kharagpur, West Bengal (WB) and IIT
of Classification Societies (IACS) is currently Bombay (IIT-B) in Mumbai, Maharashtra

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 ranked at 202nd and 234th position, Top 5 Indian Universities/Institutes:
respectively.
✓ The University of Toronto, Canada has topped Name of Overal
Ran
the list as the world’s most sustainable the Location l
k
university, followed by the ETH Zurich in University Score
Zurich, Switzerland ranked at 2nd position.
✓ Lund University in Sweden and University of Indian
California, Berkeley (UCB), the United States Institute
of America (USA), jointly ranked at 3rd spot on of New Delhi,
171 80.6
the list. Technolog Delhi
Top 5 Universities in 2025: y – Delhi
(IIT-D)
Name of
Name of Overal
Ran the Indian
the Country l
k Universit Institute
or Region Score Kharagpur,
y of
West
202 Technolog 78.6
Bengal
Universit y–
Toronto, (WB)
1 y of 100 Kharagpur
Canada (IIT-KGP)
Toronto

ETH Zurich, Indian

2 99.6 Institute
Zurich Switzerland
of Mumbai,
Lund City of 234 Technolog Maharashtr 76.1
Universit Lund, y– a
y Sweden Bombay
(IIT-B)
Universit
3 California,th 98.8
y of Indian
e United
Californi Institute Kanpur,
States of
a, of Uttar
America 245 75.6
Berkeley Technolog Pradesh(U
(USA)
(UCB) y Kanpur P)
(IIT-K)
Universit
y of Indian
Vancouver,
British Institute
Canada
Columbi of Chennai,
a 277 Technolog Tamil 74
5 98.6
y– Nadu(TN)
Universit London, the Madras
y College United (IIT-M)
London Kingdom
(UCL) (UK)

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India and Nicaragua Sign MoU for QIPs to day visit to the Russian Federation from December 08
Boost Local Development to December 10, 2024. His visit came ahead of the
Russian President Vladmir Putin’s visit to India at the
On December 11 2024, the Government of
India (GoI) and the Government of invitation of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi in early
2025.
Nicaragua (GoN) signed a Memorandum of
✓ Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tushil (F70), the latest
Understanding (MoU) to implement Quick Impact
multi-role stealth guided missile frigate was
Projects (QIPs) aimed at enhancing the socio-
formally commissioned into the Indian Navy
economic infrastructure of Nicaragua.
(IN) in the presence of Union Defence Minister
✓ The MoU aims to provide immediate and
tangible benefits to local communities in Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard in
Kaliningrad, Russia.
Nicaragua by focusing on key areas such as
✓ On December 10 2024, Union Minister Rajnath
physical infrastructure, including roads and
community centers, as well as social Singh, MoD, India and Andrey Belousov,
Minister of Defence, Russia co-chaired the
infrastructure in education, healthcare and
21st session of the India-Russia Inter-
sanitation.
Governmental Commission on Military &
Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on a M&MTC) held in Moscow, the capital city of
3-day Visit to Russia Russia.
Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence
(MoD), Government of India (GoI) was on an official 3-

BANKING & FINANCE

World Bank Report: India’s External Debt India and ADB Sign USD 50 Million Loan for
Increases by USD 31 Billion to USD 647 Climate Resilient Water Harvesting in
Billion in 2023 Meghalaya
According to the World Bank’s latest International On December 5 2024, the Government of
Debt Report (IDR) 2024, India’s total external debt India (GoI) and the Asian Development
has increased by USD 31 billion to USD 646.79 Bank (ADB) signed a significant USD 50 million loan
billion in 2023.The report revealed that interest agreement to enhance water security and climate
payment increased from USD 15.08 billion (in 2022) to resilience in Meghalaya. The Climate-Adaptative
USD 22.54 billion (in 2023). Community-Based Water-Harvesting Project aims to
✓ As per the report, the total external debt owed address water scarcity, improve agricultural
by all Low-and-Middle-Income productivity and strengthen community resilience to
Countries (LMICs) reached record USD 8.8 climate change through advanced water harvesting
trillion, which marks an increase of 8% over systems.
2020.
✓ While, the debt for the International Axis Bank launches ‘ARISE Women’s
Development Association (IDA)-eligible
Savings Account’ to empower
nations touched to USD 1.1 trillion, an
increase of approximately 18%. women financially
On December 5 2024, Axis Bank Limited, one of
India’s leading private sector banks, has introduced
the ‘ARISE Women’s Savings Account’, a specialized
solution aimed at empowering women financially. This

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account provides an array of exclusive benefits, Highlights of RBI’s 5th Bi-monthly Monetary
including access to women specific financial experts, Policy of FY25
personalized investment options, healthcare
The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Monetary Policy
discounts, and much more. Committee (MPC) met from 4th December
to 6th December 2024 and released its 5th Bi-Monthly
SEBI Approves Angel One AMC for Mutual Monetary Policy of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). The
Fund Operations six-member rate-setting panel has revised India’s
In November 2024, the Security Exchange Board of FY25 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast
India (SEBI) has approved Angel One Asset down to 6.6% from the previous projection of 7.2% for
Management Company (AMC) Limited, a wholly FY25. The December FY25 meeting was
owned subsidiary of Angel One Limited, to act as the RBI’s 52nd MPC meeting.
AMC for Angel One Mutual Fund (MF) which will ✓ RBI has projected the real GDP
specialise exclusively in passive investment strategies. growth for 2024-
25 with Q3 at 6.8% and Q4 at 7.2%. Real
GDP growth for Q1:2025-26 is projected
SEBI Announced Interoperability for Stock
at 6.9%; and Q2 at 7.3%.
Exchanges from 1st April 2025 ✓ RBI raises FY25 inflation estimate to 4.8%, CPI
In November 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board to remain elevated in Q3
of India (SEBI) issued a circular under Section (11) of ✓ RBI allows SFBs to offer pre-sanctioned credit
the SEBI Act, 1992, which empowers the SEBI to lines on UPI
protect investor interests, regulate the securities ✓ RBI reduces CRR to 4% to ease anticipated
market, and promote its development. liquidity stress
✓ Through this circular, SEBI has outlined a ✓ RBI increases collateral free loan limit for
comprehensive Business Continuity farmers from Rs 1.6 lakh to Rs 2 lakh
Plan (BCP) for interoperability of stock ✓ RBI unveils MuleHunter to prevent digital
exchanges and clearing corporations to frauds
address the issue of trading outages or ✓ RBI to link FX-Retail platform to NPCI Bharat
glitches. Connect
✓ The interoperability for cash, derivatives, and ✓ RBI to introduce new benchmark SORR based
interest rate derivatives will come into effect on secured money markets
from April 1, 2025. RBI’s Policy Rates:

Category Rate
ADB approves USD 350 Million Loan to
Boost India’s Logistics Sector and Policy Repo Rate 6.50%
Export Competitiveness Fixed Reverse Repo Rate 3.35%
On December 6 2024, the Asian Development Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)Rate 6.25%
Bank (ADB) approved a USD 350 million Policy Based Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate 6.75%
Loan (PBL) to aid the Government of India (GoI) in Bank Rate 6.75%
strengthening and modernizing the country’s logistics Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00%
sector. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 18%
✓ This funding supports the 2nd subprogram of
the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Deutsche Bank AG, India Provides 91 Million
Logistics Ecosystem Program (SMILE) which Euros Sustainability-linked-Loan to SMFG
is aimed at enhancing India’s economic
India Credit
competitiveness.
On December 9 2024, Deutsche Bank AG, India, a
fully integrated financial services provider of Germany

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based Deutsche Bank AG, announced that it has credit card designed specifically for its Global Private
provided a loan of 91 million euros (about Rs 813 Banking clients.
crore) to SMFG India Credit Company ✓ The card aims at High-Net-Worth
Limited (SMICC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japan- Individuals (HNWI) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth
based Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG). Individuals (UHNWI) offering exclusive caters
✓ This is a sustainability-linked loan was to entrepreneurs, professionals and their
facilitated through the Deutsche families with investable assets exceeding USD
Bank’s Gujarat International Financial Tec-City 2 million.
(GIFT City) branch in Gandhinagar(Gujarat) for
a period of 3 years.

BoB Unveiled Two New MSME Offerings

: ‘Baroda Mahila Swavalamban’ and ‘Barod
a Smart OD’
On December 09 2024, Bank of Baroda (BOB), India’s
leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), unveiled two new
loans schemes targeting Micro, Small, and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs). The loan schemes are
‘Baroda Mahila Swavalamban’, a loan scheme
designed specifically to support women entrepreneurs
and ’ Baroda Smart OverDraft(OD)’, a digital OD
facility targeting Goods and Services Tax (GST)-
registered MSMEs.
✓ The borrowers can avail loans ranging from Rs
20 lakh to Rs 7.5 crore, with relaxed margin LIC launched Golden Jubilee Scholarship
requirements for capital expenditure(capex). Scheme 2024 for Economically Weaker
Students
IDFC FIRST Bank Launches India’s first AI- The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has
launched its Golden Jubilee (GJF) Scholarship
Powered Holographic Digital Avatar of
Scheme 2024 to assist students from economically
Amitabh Bachchan for Customer
weaker families in accessing higher education.
Engagement ✓ This scheme supports students enrolled in
On December 6 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based government or private universities and those
Infrastructure Development Finance Company pursuing technical, vocational, and integrated
Limited (IDFC) FIRST Bank Limited unveiled the first- courses. The scholarship amount
of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered has increased by up to 100% compared to
holographic digital avatar of its Brand the 2022 scheme.
ambassador Amitabh Bachchan.

ADB and NaBFID signed LoI to address

HSBC India Launches ‘HSBC Privé Credit India’s Infrastructure Funding Gap
Card’ for Global Private Banking Clients In December 2024, the Asian Development Bank
On December 5 2024, the Hongkong and Shanghai (ADB) and India’s National Bank for Financing
Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India) in Infrastructure Development (NaBFID) signed a Letter
collaboration of Intent (LOI) , to boost financing for the country’s
with Mastercard launched ‘HSBC Privé’, a premium infrastructure sector for sustainable development.

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 ✓ Under the agreement, ADB will give NaBFID a sector bank signed a Memorandum of
technical grant to improve its capacity and Understanding (MoU) with the Commonwealth Bank of
climate finance to address the funding gap in Australia (CBA) to enhance trade and business
India’s infrastructure sector. collaboration between Australia and India.
✓ The ADB has approved a USD 500
million loan, backed by a sovereign guarantee, SEBI Announced Expansion of T+0
to India Infrastructure Finance Company
Settlement Cycle for Top 500 Stocks
Limited (IIFCL) to support India’s infrastructure
On December 10 2024, the Securities and Exchange
projects in areas such as connectivity, energy
Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular in exercise of
transition, urban development, education, and
powers given under Section (11) of the SEBI Act,
healthcare.
1992, read with Regulation 51 of the Securities
✓ The ADB has approved a USD 788.8
Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing
million loan to Andhra Pradesh(AP) for
Corporations) Regulations, 2018, Section 26 (3) of the
developing Amaravati as a green, smart capital
Depositories Act, 1996 and Regulation 97 of SEBI
city with world-class infrastructure. The loan
(Depositories and Participants) Regulations,
will be provided in Japanese yen(JPY) with a
2018 which empowers the SEBI to protect investor
total value of 121.97 billion.
interests, regulate the securities market, and promote
its development.
ICICI Bank signs MoU with CBA to ✓ As per SEBI’s directions, optional T+0
Strengthen Australia-India Trade Relations settlement cycle will be made available to top
On December 11 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based 500 scrips in terms of market capitalization as
Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of on December 31, 2024.
India (ICICI) Bank Limited, India’s leading private

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

CRISIL: Asset Growth of NBFCs to Sharply GoI Removes Windfall Tax and Road
Decline to 15-17% in FY25 and FY26 Infrastructure Cess on ATF, Crude Oil,
According to Petrol, and Diesel Exports
the CRISIL Ratings Limited (formerly Credit Rating and On 2 December 2024, the Department of Revenue
Information Services of India Limited), India’s 1st credit (DoR), Ministry of Finance (MoF) has notified that the
rating agency, the growth in Assets Under Management Government of India (GoI) has withdrawn the Special
(AUM) of Non-Banking Financial Additional Excise Duty (SAED), commonly known as
Companies (NBFCs) is expected to moderate to 15- the Windfall tax, thereby eliminating levies on Aviation
17% in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) as well as in Turbine Fuel (ATF), crude oil, petrol, and diesel. This
FY26. move, effective immediately, aims to enhance
✓ This marks a sharp decline of 600-800 basis profitability in the oil sector, foster growth in the energy
points (bps) from a strong growth of 23% in industry, and boost exports.
FY24. ✓ Alongside, the Road and Infrastructure Cess
✓ It is estimated that the growth of AUM will be (RIC) on petrol and diesel exports has also
above the decadal average of been removed.
about 14% (FY14 to FY24).

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SBI Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.3% for DPIIT Data: FDI Equity Flows Increased by
FY25 45% at USD 29.8 Billion in H1FY25
On December 6 2024, the State Bank of According to the data of the Department for Promotion
India (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank (PSB) of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of
released its latest Economic Research Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), Foreign direct equity
Department (ERD) report. It has projected India’s investment has increased by 45% at USD 29.8
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 6.3%, lower billion in the 1st Half (H1:April-September) of Financial
than the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s projection of Year 2024-25(FY25).
6.6% for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). As per the ✓ Over the last decade (April 2014 to September
report, the average growth rate of 1st two quarters of 2024), total FDI inflows amounted to USD
FY25 is now at 6.05%. 709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69% of the
overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years.
ISA & USAID Join Forces to Boost ✓ The data showed that Singapore again
emerged as the top investing country in India,
Renewable Energy Connectivity
with USD 7.53 billion FDI during April-
On December 9 2024, Gurugram(Haryana) based
September, 2024. It was followed by
International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the United States
Mauritius, the Netherlands, the United Arab
Agency for International Development (USAID) signed
Emirates (UAE) and the United States of
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance
America (USA).
grid interconnections and promote sustainable energy
systems.
✓ The collaboration aims to expand the adoption EESL Collaborates with APSHCL and
of renewable energy, improve cross border APSEEDCO to Launch 3 Programmes for
energy connectivity and develop unified grids Enhancing Energy Efficiency
to facilitate large scale clean power transfer. New Delhi (Delhi) based Energy Efficiency Services
Limited (EESL) has collaborated with Andhra Pradesh
ADB lowers India’s GDP Forecast by 50 bps, State Housing Company Limited (APSHCL) and Andhra
to 6.5% for FY25 Pradesh State Energy Efficiency Development
Corporation Limited (APSEEDCO) to
On December 11 2024, Manila (The Philippines)-based
launch 3 transformative progrmmes for enhancing
multilateral bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
released its latest “Asian Development Outlook (ADO) energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and
economic empowerment across AP.
December 2024: Steady Growth Amid a Shifting Global
Policy Landscape”. It has lowered India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for S&P Global Retained India’s GDP Growth
Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) by 50 basis Forecast to 6.8% for FY25
points (bps), to 6.5% from its previous estimate of 7%. In December 2024, according to S&P Global Ratings
✓ The report has also revised India’s GDP (previously known as Standard & Poor’s) report
forecast for FY26 down to 7% from 7.2% titled ‘India Outlook for 2025’, India’s Gross Domestic
(estimated in its September edition of ADO), Product (GDP) rate will remain unchanged at 6.8% for
which is mainly attributed by the lower than Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), amid slow fiscal
expected growth in private investment and growth affecting urban demand. While, it has raised
housing demand due to tight monetary policy India’s GDP forecast to 6.9% for FY26. India‘s GDP
which aimed to combat inflation. grew 8.2% in FY24.

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 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

India Honored with the ISSA Good Practice the OPCW established the OPCW The Hague
Award for Asia and Pacific 2024 Award in 2014.
India was honored with the prestigious International
Social Security Association (ISSA) Good Practice Octanom Tech Recognized Among Forbes
Award for Asia and Pacific 2024. The award was India’s “Select 200 Companies with Global
presented by Dr. Mohammed Azman, President of Business Potential”
ISSA during the Regional Social Security Forum held
In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra)
from December 3 to 5, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
based Octanom Tech Private Limited, a leader in
✓ The Employees’ Provident Fund
financial technology innovation, has been named
Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of
to Forbes India’s “Select 200 Companies with Large
Labour and Employment (MoL&E) has
Global Business Potential” at the D Globalist
received 5 Certificates of Merit (CoM) for its Entrepreneur Mobility Summit (DGEMS) 2024 in New
innovative and inclusive social security
Delhi(Delhi).
initiatives, including: Communication
Channels: enhancing stakeholder engagement;
Prayaas-prioritizing pensioners, among others. US Awasthi, MD of IFFCO
wins Rochdale Pioneers Award 2024
Dr. Udai Shanker Awasthi, Managing Director (MD)
Indian-origin Jasleen Kaur Wins Turner Prize
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indian Farmers
2024 for Her Exhibition Alter Altar
Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), was honored
Indian-origin Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur has been
with the ‘Rochdale Pioneers Award 2024’ by the
awarded the prestigious Turner Prize 2024 for her
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) in recognition
thought-provoking exhibition, Alter Altar. Actor James of his significant contributions to advancing the
Norton presented the award along with a prize of Great
cooperative sector in India.
Britain Pound(GBP) 25,000 (approximately Rs 26.84
lakh) to Jasleen Kaur at the ceremony took place at
Tate Britain in London, United Kingdom (UK). 3 Indians on BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring
✓ Jasleen Kaur’s ‘Alter Altar Exhibition’ Women List 2024: Aruna Roy,
reflects themes of identity, migration, and Vinesh Phogat & Pooja Sharma
cultural inheritance, drawing inspiration from On December 03 2024, London (the United Kingdom
her family’s journey as migrants to Scotland. (UK))-based British Broadcasting
Corporation (BBC) released the 12th edition of BBC’s
ICC Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women List 2024.
In November 2024, the Indian Chemical This latest edition of the list has featured 3 Indian
Council (ICC) was honoured with the “2024 women. The theme of the 2024 list is “Resilience”.
Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical ✓ Former civil servant and renowned social
Weapons(OPCW)- The Hague Award” for its activist Aruna Roy; three-time Olympian-
contribution to Chemical Disarmament during the 29th turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, and
Session of the Conference of the States performer of funerary rites, Pooja Sharma, for
Parties (CSP) held in The Hague, the Netherlands. their exceptional contributions to social
✓ The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace activism, sports and breaking societal barriers.
Prize in 2013 for its efforts in chemical ✓ Apart from them, the list has included two
disarmament. To honor individuals and Indian-origin
organizations contributing to the CWC’s goals, women: Sunita Williams, National

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 Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Veteran Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil was awarded
Astronaut and Sneha Revanur, 20-year old with the Champions of Earth award by the United
Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert. Nations (UN). He is among the six awardees who have
been bestowed the honour for their respective
Former President of Chile contributions in the field of conservation and
environmental protection.
Michelle Bachelet to be Conferred
✓ The winners were announced at the 16th
the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024 Session of the Conference of the Parties
On December 6, 2024, the Indira Gandhi Memorial (COP16) to the UN Convention to Combat
Trust announced that Former President of Desertification (UNCCD), held in Riyadh, Saudi
Chile, Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria will be Arabia.
conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, 2024 Laureates:
Disarmament and Development for 2024 in
recognition of her exemplary contributions to human 2024
Category Country
rights, peace, and equality. Laureates
✓ Michelle Bachelet was selected by the
International Jury of the Indira Gandhi Lifetime Madhav
Memorial Trust, chaired India
Achievement Gadgil
by Shivshankar Menon, former Foreign
Secretary and National Security Policy Sonia
Brazil
Advisor (NSA). Leadership Guajajara

Science and
“Polarization” Named Merriam-Webster’s Lu Qi China
Innovation
2024 Word of the Year
On December 10 2024, the word “polarization” was Entrepreneurial Sekem
Egypt
announced as Merriam-Webster Word of the Year Vision organisation
2024. This term gained attraction in 2024, especially
during the United States of America(USA) presidential United
election, which underscored the growing divide in Inspiration and Amy Bowers States of
political opinions and beliefs. Action Cordalis America,
USA

UNEP Champions of the Earth Award 2024: Inspiration and Gabriel

Indian Ecologist Madhav Gadgil Honored for Romania
Action Paun
Lifetime Achievement
In December 2024, the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) has announced the winners of Karnataka Police Wins Inaugural FICCI
the ‘2024 Champions of the Earth Award’, the UN’s Drone Award 2024
highest environmental honor to recognize individuals In December 2024, the Karnataka State Police
and organizations making extraordinary contributions (KSP) was awarded the inaugural Federation of Indian
to environmental protection, focusing on combating Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Drone
land degradation, drought, and desertification. Award in the “Training and Capacity Building” category
in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

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 APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Devendra Fadnavis Sworn-in as 21st CM its ‘part-time Chairman’ (independent director)

of Maharashtra; Eknath Shinde & Ajit Pawar effective from 27 November 2024 to 7 February 2026.
✓ He succeeded Subhash Khuntia, whose term
as Deputy CM
ended on 24th October
On December 5
2024. Subhash Khuntia will continue to serve
2024, Devendra Fadnavis, leader of
on the bank’s Board as an Independent
the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
Director.
was sworn in as 21st Chief Minister
(CM) of Maharashtra, marking
his 3rd term following the Mahayuti John Dramani Mahama elected as
alliance’s victory. The BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP Mahayuti the President of Ghana
coalition has a majority of 230 seats in the 288- On December 9
members in the Maharashtra Assembly election held in 2024, John Dramani Mahama,
November 2024. political leader of National
✓ Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar of Democratic Congress (NDC) was
the Nationalist Congress elected as the President of Ghana
Party (NCP) also took their oaths as Deputy for the second time. He won the
CM of Maharashtra. Presidential election by succeeding Vice
President Mahamudu Bawumia, New Patriotic Party
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra (NPP) candidate, with 60.9% of votes tallied.
✓ John Dramani Mahama will assume office as
appointed as the new Governor of RBI
the 6th President of the fourth Republic and
On December 09 2024, the
the 14th President of the Republic of Ghana
Government of India (GoI)
on 7th January 2025 by replacing incumbent
appointed Sanjay
president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Malhotra, Revenue Secretary,
Ministry of Finance (MoF) as the new
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Shammi Silva Takes Over as 29th President
India (RBI). He replaced Shaktikanta Das (2nd longest of ACC
serving RBI Governor) and became the 26th On December 6 2024, Shammi
Governor of RBI. Silva, the head of Sri Lanka Cricket
✓ The appointment was approved by the (SLC), has taken over as the 29th
Appointments Committee of the President of the Asian Cricket
Cabinet (ACC) and was notified by the Council (ACC), He succeeded
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) India’s Jay Shah, who became the
,Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on
Pension (MoP). December 1 2024.
✓ His tenure starts on December 11, 2024 for a
period of 3 years. Pankaj Tripathi Appointed Festival
Ambassador for Arunachal Rang
JSFB Appoints R Ramaseshan as Part-time Mahostav 2024
Chairman In November 2024, Renowned Indian
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Jana Small Finance Actor, Pankaj Tripathi was appointed as the Festival
Bank (JSFB) Limited has appointed R Ramaseshan as Ambassador for the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav

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2024 (ARM2024), which is the largest international Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo Appointed as
theatre festival in Northeast India. the PM of Burkina Faso
• This was the 2nd edition of ARM which was
On 7 December 2024, Rimtalba Jean
held from 22nd November to 5th December, Emmanuel Ouedraogo, former
2024 at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar,
communications minister, was
Arunachal Pradesh (AR).
appointed as the new Prime
Minister (PM) of Burkina Faso
Vaibhav Chaturvedi Appointed as Ex-officio (West African Country) by the
Member of IBBI military junta. He
On December 7, 2024, the succeeds Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(MCA) Jayen Mehta’s Tenure extended as MD of
appointed Vaibhav Chaturvedi as GCMMF by 5 years
the ex-officio member of the Jayen Mehta, Managing Director (MD) of Gujarat
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board
Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF),
of India (IBBI).
which markets Anand Milk Union Limited (AMUL) dairy
✓ The appointment was made in accordance
products, received a 5 year extension, ensuring his
with the provisions of clause (c) of sub-section
leadership until 2029-2030. The decision was made at
(1) of section 189 of the Insolvency and
the board meeting of GCMMF held in November 2024.
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016). ✓ He temporarily took over as MD in January
✓ Currently, Vaibhav Chaturvedi is the Chief
2023, following the departure of R.S. Sodhi,
General Manager (CGM), Credit Risk
who had led the company since 2010.
Regulation at Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Mohamed al-Bashir appointed as new

Rajeev Mehta becomes 1st Indian elected
Caretaker PM of Syria
as Secretary General of FCA
On December 10 2024, Mohamed al-Bashir, head of
On December 01
the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or HTS rebels, was appointed
2024, Rajeev Mehta, former Indian
as the caretaker Prime Minister (PM) of the transitional
Olympic Association’s
Syrian Government after the fall of Syrian President
(IOA) Secretary General, was Bashar al-Assad’s government and will be serving
elected as the Secretary General of
until March 1, 2025. Previously, he served as the Prime
the Fencing Confederation of
PM of the Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib
Asia (FCA) for a period of four years during the 37th
Province.
FCA’s General Assembly held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
✓ He became the first administrator from India
to hold this position. He will replace Rusni Abu
Hassan(Malaysia).

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

SEBI Approves Roshni Nadar’s Majority shareholding in two promoter group companies of
Acquisition in HCL Tech and (Hindustan Computers Limited) HCL Group,
HCL Technologies Limited and HCL Infosystems
HCL Infosystems
Limited from her father, Shiv Nadar.HCL Corp is a non-
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
granted approval to Roshni Nadar to acquire a majority

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deposit taking systematically important non-banking company VVDN Technologies Private
finance company (NBFC). Limited.
✓ Roshni Nadar will acquire a 47% stake each in ✓ The proposal of Abu Dhabi National Oil
Vama Sundari Investments Private Limited Company (ADNOC), a state-owned oil
and HCL Corporation Private Limited, company of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to
increasing her stake in these companies acquire Leverkusen (Germany)-based
to 57%. petrochemical-producing company Covestro
AG (Covestro) for USD 16.4 billion.
CCI Approvals on December 10 2024 ✓ The acquisition of 100% share capital of

On December 10 2024, the Competition Commission Nashik (Maharashtra)-based Thyssenkrupp

Electrical Steel India Private
of India (CCI) has approved the following proposals:
Limited (Thyssenkrupp India) by Jsquare
✓ The combined acquisition of certain
shareholding in Bagmane Developers Private Electrical Steel Nashik Private
Limited (Jsquare), a wholly-owned subsidiary
Limited and Bagmane Rio Private Limited,
of JSW JFE Electrical Steel (J2ES).
are part of Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based
Bagmane Group by the BREP Asia III India
Holding Co VIII Pte. Ltd., arm of the United RBI approves Burman family to acquire
States of America (USA)-based Blackstone stake in REL
Inc. In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
✓ The acquisition of stake in India Business approved the Burman family’s open offer to acquire an
Excellence Fund-IV, a Category-II Alternative additional 26% stake in the Non-Banking Financial
Investment Fund (AIF) registered with the Company (NBFC) Religare Enterprises Limited (REL)
Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) by for Rs.2116 crore.
Gurugram (Haryana)-based product ✓ As of September 30, 2024, the Burman family
engineering and manufacturing owns a 25.12% stake in REL, which increased
above 51% after the RBI approval.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO launches ESA’s Proba-3 mission to Adani Defence Strengthens India’s Maritime
study sun’s corona Security with Drishti-10 Starliner Drone
On December 5 2024, the Indian Space Research Deliveries to Indian Navy
Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched Adani Aerospace and Defence Limited, defence
the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited(AEL), delivered
mission from the First Launch Pad (FLP), Satish its second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra the Indian Navy(IN) at the Porbandar base in Gujarat,
Pradesh(AP). using the highly reliable Polar Satellite marking a significant milestone in India’s defence
Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-XL rocket. This was the capabilities.
world’s first precision formation-flying mission. ✓ The Drishti-10, a variant of Israel’s Hermes 900
✓ The Proba-3 mission consists of two satellites medium altitude long endurance Unmanned
– Coronagraph (310 kilogram(kg)) Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enhances the country’s
and Occulter (240 kg) which are designed to maritime monitoring efforts especially in
study the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of combating piracy and safeguarding strategic
its atmosphere by creating artificial solar sea routes.
eclipses in space.

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Indian Army Receives ‘Sabal 20’ Logistics Iran Successfully Launches Saman-1 and
Drone from EndureAir Fakhr-1 Satellite into Orbit
Indian Army(IA) has received “Sabal 20” logistics On December 6 2024, Iran has successfully launched
drones from Noida (Uttar Pradesh (UP)) based its indigenously developed Saman-1 Orbital Transfer
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Unit(OTU) or space tug, the Fakhr-1 nanosatellite, and
manufacturer EndureAir systems Private Limited to an additional research payload into the Low Earth
improve aerial logistics and help transport supplies in Orbit (LEO) through its domestically developed two-
the Eastern sector. stage Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), Simorgh. This
✓ The Sabal 20 is an electric unmanned marked a significant milestone in Iran’s space program.
helicopter that can carry up to 20
kilograms (kg), which is about half of its ESA Launches 3rd Copernicus Sentinel-1C
weight.
Satellite for Advancing Earth Observation
and Maritime Monitoring
GRSE Signs Contract for MPVS and
In December 2024, the European Space
Delivers USV ‘Jaldoot’ to DRDO Agency (ESA) successfully launched its 3rd
On December 4 2024, Kolkata(West Bengal, WB) Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite (Sentinel-1C) into
based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) at an altitude of 700
(GRSE), a Central Public Sector Enterprise(CPSE) kilometre(km), aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s
signed a contract for the construction and delivery of Spaceport in French Guiana, France. This launch is
the second vessel in a series of four additional 7,500 the 6th Sentinel satellite in the Copernicus program
DWT Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) in Hamburg, launched by Arianespace SA, world’s leading
Germany. aerospace company.
✓ GRSE formally handed over the “Jaldoot,” an ✓ The launcher’s mission called ‘VV25’ is a
Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), to the Naval return-to-flight for Vega-C, which is Europe’s
Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) lightweight, high-performance rocket.
in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP). This ✓ The Sentinel-1C satellite strengthens the
marks a pivotal step in advancing autonomous Sentinel-1 constellation (1st Copernicus
vessel technology within India. family), which includes 2 identical
satellites in orbit of 180°apart to optimize
ISRO and ESA signs TIP to provide Ground global coverage and data delivery for the
Support for Gaganyaan Missions Copernicus programme.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the
European Space Agency (ESA) signed a crucial Karman Drones Partners with TCL for 5
Technical Implementation Plan (TIP) aimed at Years to Develop UAV Solutions
providing critical ground tracking support for India’s In December 2024, Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP) based
Gaganyaan missions (human spaceflight mission). Karman Drones Private Limited(KDPL) has signed a 5-
✓ This collaborative effort was set to enhance year strategic partnership with Kanpur (UP) based
the communication and monitoring of Troop Comforts Limited(TCL), Defence Public Sector
India’s 1st human spaceflight mission. Undertaking (DPSU) under the Ministry of
✓ This collaborative effort was set to enhance Defence (MoD), to develop Unmanned Aerial
the communication and monitoring of India’s Vehicle (UAV) solutions in various categories.
1st human spaceflight mission.

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 ENVIRONMENT

New frog species distinctive for its pointed snout and visible
“Raorchestes asakgrensis” discovered in tympanum.

Meghalaya
Meghalaya’s biodiversity has gained global recognition New ginger variety ‘IISR Surasa’ developed
with the discovery of a new frog by ICAR-IISR
species, Raorchestes asakgrensis, in the Eman On 10th December 2024, the Indian Council of
Asakgre Community Reserve. The species is named Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of
after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve, honoring Spices Research(IISR) introduced India’s first ginger
the local community’s support during the research in variety, “IISR Surasa,” which was developed to use as
biodiversity conservation. a vegetable.
✓ The Newly ✓ IISR Surasa was created by the IISR through a
Discovered Raorchestes asakgrensis was farmers’ participatory breeding initiative with
found at an elevation of 174 meters in the aim of helping ginger farmers.
Eman Asakgre, this small arboreal frog is

SPORTS

Syed Modi International 2024: PV Sindhu Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024: India defeats
and Lakshya Sen won singles titles Pakistan to win its fifth title
Indian shuttlers Pusarla The Indian hockey team defeated Pakistan by 5-3 in
Venkata (P.V) Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the final to win the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup
the women’s and men’s singles titles, respectively, at 2024 held from 26th November to 4th
the Syed Modi India International Super 300 December in Muscat, Oman. This victory marked
tournament held from 26th November 2024 to 1st India’s fifth title (2004, 2008, 2015 and 2023.) and
December 2024 at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor a 3rd in succession following the victories in 2015,
Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). 2023 and 2024
Results: ✓ Pakistan secured the 2nd spot in the
tournament while Japan defeated
Category Winner
Malaysia by 2-1 to claim the 3rd spot.
Men’s singles Lakshya Sen (India)
Women’s singles PV Sindhu (India)
Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 FIFA World Cup
Huang Di and Liu
Men’s doubles On December 12 2024, the International Federation of
Yang (China)
Association Football (FIFA) announced that Saudi
Gayatri Gopichand and
Women’s doubles Arabia as the host for the Men’s World
Treesa Jolly (India)
Cup 2034 during the Extraordinary FIFA Congress held
Dechapol Puavaranukroh
in Zurich Switzerland .This significant milestone marks
and
Mixed doubles the kingdom’s global sports ambitions under Crown
Supissara Paewsampran
Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030
(Thailand)
initiative.
✓ FIFA also announced that Spain,
Portugal and Morocco will co-host the 24th
men’s World Cup in 2030. The 2026 World

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 Cup will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada Indian and 16th player worldwide to reach the gold-
and Mexico. standard ELO rating of 2800, after
legendary Viswanathan Anand. Arjun now
Arjun Erigaisi becomes 2nd Indian to reach has 2801 rating points and is currently ranked No. 4 in
the world, just below Hikaru Nakamura (2802) of the
2800 ELO rating in chess
United State of America (USA)
Grandmaster (GM) Arjun Erigaisi became the second

OBITUARY

Indian Classical Musician ✓ In 2023, he was honoured with the Padma

and Sarod Player ‘Aashish Khan’ Passed Vibhushan, the 2nd highest civilian award of
India, in recognition of his contributions to
Away at 84
Indian politics.
In November 2024, Indian Classical Musician and
✓ He served as the 10th CM of Karnataka from
Sarod player ‘Ustad Aashish Khan’ has passed away
1999 to 2004 and led the state during which he
at the age of 84 in Los Angeles, the United States of
laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s emergence
America (USA). He was born in 1939 in Maihar, Madhya
as an Information Technology (IT) hub.
Pradesh(MP).
✓ He also served as the 19th Governor of
✓ In 2004, he was honoured with
Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008 and also the
the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi
Union Minister of External Affairs under the
Ratna), the highest recognition for performing
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government
arts.
from 2009–2012.

Former Karnataka CM & Padma Vibhushan

Indian Squash Player and Arjuna
Awardee Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna
Awardee Raj Manchanda Passed Away
passed away In December 2024, Indian Squash
On December 10 Player ‘Raj Manchanda’ also known as ‘the Old Fox’
2024, Somanahalli Mallaiah(SM) Krishna, former passed away at the age of 79 in New Delhi, Delhi. He
Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka and former Governor was born on 5th August 1945 in Abohar, Punjab. He
of Maharashtra passed away at the age of 92 in received the ‘Best Service Sportsman Award in 1981
Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was born on May 1 ,1932 in and was awarded India’s second-highest sports
Somanahalli, Mysore(Karnataka). honor Arjuna Award in 1983 for his contributions to the
sport.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Dr. Ashutosh Kotwal’s biography “Beyond biography was published by Harpercollins Publishers
The Higgs Boson : The W Boson and Dr India.
✓ It was authored by Dr. Ashutosh Kotwal’s
Ashutosh Kotwal’s Quest for the Unknown”
mother Manik Kotwal in Marathi as ‘Putra
released Vhava Aisa to critical acclaim’ and translated
In November 2024, the biography titled “Beyond the into English by Jerry Pinto.
Higgs Boson: The W Boson and Dr. Ashutosh Kotwal’s
Quest for the Unknown” has been released. The

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EAM Dr Jaishankar releases Vikram Sultan-The Saga of the Mysore Interregnum’ at the
Sampath’s book Tipu Sultan- The Saga of Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. He
described Tipu Sultan as a “complex figure” in Indian
the Mysore Interregnum
history who resisted the imposition of British colonial
In November 2024, External Affairs Minister Dr S
control over India.
Jaishankar released Vikram Sampath’s book ‘Tipu

IMPORTANT DAYS

Indian Navy Day 2024 – December 04 ✓ The 2024 Glinka Prize was given to the Land
Indian Navy Day is annually observed across India Development Department (LDD), Ministry of
on December 4th to recognise the role and Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand.
achievements of the Indian Navy in ensuring the safety
of the nation. The day also commemorates Operation International Civil Aviation Day 2024 –
Trident, Indian Navy’s offensive operation conducted December 7
during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971.
The United Nations (UN) International Civil Aviation
✓ The theme for 2024 is “Strength and Power
Day is observed annually on December 7 worldwide to
through Innovation and Indigenization”.
raise awareness about international civil aviation and
the role of aviation in the social and economic
International Volunteer Day for Economic development of the nation.
and Social Development – December 05 ✓ The day also highlights the role of the
United Nations (UN)’s International Volunteer Day for International Civil Aviation Organisation
Economic and Social Development commonly known (ICAO), a UN Specialised agency in helping
as International Volunteer Day (IVD) is annually countries to cooperate and realize a truly
observed across the globe on 5th December. It aims to global rapid transit network at the service of all
promote volunteerism, encourage governments to mankind.
support volunteer efforts and recognize their ✓ 7th December 2024 marks
contributions to achieve Sustainable Development the 80th anniversary of the signing of the
Goals (SDGs). Convention on International Civil Aviation in
Chicago, United States.
✓ The theme of International Civil Aviation Day
World Soil Day 2024 – December 05
2024 is “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future:
The United Nations (UN’s) World Soil Day (WSD) was
Together for the next 80 years”.
annually observed across the globe
✓ From 9 to 12 December 2024 in Muscat,
on 5th December to raise awareness about the critical
Oman, The ICAO Security Week 2024 will be
importance of healthy soil and promote the sustainable
held by the International Civil Aviation
management of soil resources.
Organization (ICAO). This event will be a
✓ 5th December 2024 marks the observance of
unique opportunity to cover all aspects of
the 11th WSD.
aviation security, including aviation
✓ The theme of WSD 2024 is “Caring for soils:
cybersecurity and other emerging issues.
measure, monitor, manage”.
o Theme -“Sustainable Future of
Awards and Prizes:
Aviation Through Security”.
✓ The 2024 King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award
was presented by FAO to the Water and Soil
Department of the Ministry of Armed Forces Flag Day 2024 – December 7
Agriculture Jahad of the Islamic Republic of Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) was annually
Iran. observed across India on 7th December to honour the

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bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 –
women serving in the Army, Navy, and Air Force. 7th December 9
December 2024 marks the 76th observance of the
The United Nations (UN)’s International Anti-
AFFD. Corruption Day (IACD) is annually observed across the
globe on 9th December to spread awareness about
SAARC Charter Day 2024 – December 8 the negative impacts of corruption and the role of the
The South Asian Association for Regional UN Convention on combating and preventing
Cooperation (SAARC) Charter Day is annually corruption.
observed on 8th December to commemorate the ✓ The day highlights the role of everyone
signing of the SAARC Charter in 1985 during the including, Individuals, non-governmental
inaugural SAARC Summit held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. organizations (NGO), law enforcement and
✓ 8th December 2024 marks media persons in tackling the issues of
the 40th observance of SAARC Charter Day. corruption.
8th December 2024 marks the 40th ✓ The theme of IACD 2024 is “Uniting with Youth
observance of SAARC Charter Day. Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s
Integrity”.
Indian Navy’s 57th Submarine
Day – December 08 2024 Human Rights Day 2024 – December 10
Indian Navy(IN) annually observes the Submarine Day The United Nations (UN)’s Human Rights Day (HRD),
on 8th December to commemorate the induction of also known as International or World Human Rights
(Indian Navy Ship) INS Kalvari, the first submarine of Day, is annually observed
the Indian Navy into service on 8th December 1967. on 10th December worldwide to raise awareness
8th December 2024 marks the observance of the 57th about human rights, transcending distinctions of race,
Submarine Day. colour, religion, gender, origin, or status.
✓ The day commemorates the adoption of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
International Day of Commemoration and
in 1948.
Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of ✓ 2024 celebrates the 76th anniversary of the
Genocide and of the Prevention of this UDHR, alongside the 31st anniversary of the
Crime 2024 – December 9 UN Office of the High Commissioner for
The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Human Rights (OHCHR).
Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the ✓ The theme of HRD 2024 is “Our Rights, Our
Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Future, Right Now”
Crime is annually observed across the globe
on 9th December to mark the adoption of the International Mountain Day 2024 –
“Genocide Convention” which focuses on the
December 11
Prevention and punishment of Genocide, and to honour
The United Nations (UN’s) International Mountain
the victims of Genocide.
Day (IMD) is annually observed on 11
✓ 9th December 2024 marks
December worldwide to raise awareness about the
the 76th anniversary of the “Genocide
importance of mountains to life and highlight the
Convention”, the first human rights treaty
importance of mountain development.
adopted by the United Nations General
✓ The Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO)
Assembly (UNGA).
coordinates the annual celebration of the Day
to foster greater awareness of mountain
issues.

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 ✓ The theme of IMD 2024 is “Mountain solutions Future”, highlights the importance of listening
for a sustainable future – innovation, to children’s voices to create a brighter
adaptation, and youth” tomorrow.
World’s Top 3 Highest Mountains:
1.Mount Everest (8,849 meters(m)), located between International Day of Neutrality 2024 –
the Nepal and China border.
December 12
2.K2 (8611 m), located between Pakistan and China
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of
border
Neutrality (IDN) is annually observed across the globe
3.Kangchenjunga (8586 m), located between Nepal
on 12th December to raise awareness about the value
and India border
of neutrality in relations between countries and to
promote global peace and security.
UNICEF Day 2024 – December 11
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Day is
International Universal Health Coverage
observed annually on December 11th to mark the
creation of UNICEF by the United Nations General Day 2024 – December 12
Assembly (UNGA) and Ludwik Rajchman on 11th The United Nations (UN) International Universal
December 1946. Health Coverage (UHC) Day is annually observed
✓ 11 December 2024 marks the 77th worldwide on 12 December to raise awareness of the
anniversary of the foundation of UNICEF. The need for strong and resilient health systems and
theme of UNICEF Day 2024 is “Listen to the universal health coverage. The International UHC 2024
theme is “Health: It’s on the government”.

STATE NEWS

Gujarat Launches logo of the 4th Edition of the Eaglenest Bird

‘Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana’ Festival which is scheduled to be held from the 17th to
19th January 2025 at Khellong and Thongre village in
scheme to Serve Nutritious Breakfast to
West Kameng District, AR.
Students
On December 2 2024, the Chief Minister (CM) of
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai launches
Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel launched “Mukhyamantri
Paushtik Alpahar Yojana(Chief Minister Nutritious “Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh Abhiyan”
Snack Scheme)” , aiming to improve students’ health, In December 2024, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister
nutrition and educational outcomes aligning with (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai launched the state-
Gujarat’s goal of fostering a healthy, educated future level “Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh Abhiyan”, a
generation. The scheme will officially begin 100 day health campaign at the All India Institute Of
on December 11, 2024. Medical Sciences (AIIMS) campus in Raipur,
Chhattisgarh.
✓ The initiative aims to eradicate diseases like
AR CM Pema Khandu unveils new logo of
leprosy, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria in the
4th Edition of Eaglenest Bird Festival state and will run for 100 days until March 24,
On 10th December 2024, Arunachal Pradesh (AR) 2025.
Chief Minister (CM) Pema Khandu unveiled the new

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 Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2024 – 3rd Week
(17 – 23)
NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Rajasthan Global Investment Summit was ISR 2025 : Employability among Indian
held from 9th to 11th December 2024 graduates improves to 54.81%; Maharashtra
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi inaugurated the 3 topped
days Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit According to the 12th edition of the India skills Report
2024 (RRGIS 2024) and the Rajasthan Global Business (ISR) titled “India Skills Report 2025:Global Talent
Expo on 9th December 2024 at the Jaipur Exhibition Mobility-India’s Decade” released on 12th December
and Convention Centre (JECC) in Rajasthan. 2024, 54.81% of Indian graduates are expected to be
✓ The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment globally employable by 2025, increase from 51.2% in
Summit 2024, is based on the theme- 2024, indicating a 7% rise.
‘Replete, Responsible, Ready’. ✓ Maharashtra(84%) has topped in the India
✓ The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Skills Report 2025 for employability, followed
has approved the development by Delhi (78%), Karnataka (75%), Andhra
of 2GW (gigawatt) Solar Park project of Pradesh, AP (72%), Kerala(71%) and Uttar
Rajasthan Solar Development Corporation in Pradesh, UP(70%). The list is topped
Rajasthan. by Gujarat in Men and AP in Women.
✓ The Adani Group has planned to invest Rs 7.5 ✓ The “ISR 2025” was published by talent
lakh crore in Rajasthan, focusing on green assessment agency Wheebox in collaboration
energy and infrastructure with over half of this with the All India Council for Technical
investment to be implemented in the next five Education (AICTE), Confederation of Indian
years. Industry (CII), Association of Indian
✓ Tata Power has announced an investment Universities (AIU) and Taggd (knowledge
of Rs 1.2 lakh crore in Rajasthan in various partner).
renewable energy related projects. Top 5 States for employability:
✓ Vedanta Group, which operates Hindustan
1 Maharashtra(84%)
Zinc and Cairn India, plans to invest Rs 1 lakh
crore in zinc and oil production, including the
2 Delhi (78%)
establishment of the world’s first industrial
Zinc Park in Rajasthan. 3 Karnataka (75%)

Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to fully 4 Andhra Pradesh, AP (72%)

adopt GeM 5 Kerala(71%)

In December 2024, Uttar Pradesh (UP) has became
the first Indian state to fully adopt the Government e-
Marketplace (GeM) platform with an aim to achieve Punjab:1st state to enact Development and
transparency and eliminate unethical practices in Promotion of Sports Act 2024
public procurement. On December 9 2024, Punjab Chief
✓ As per an official estimate, the state Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann has given
government is expected to save over Rs 2,000 approval to enact the ‘Punjab State (Development and
crore annually through GeM-based Promotion of Sports) Act 2024’, becoming the 1st
procurement of goods and services.

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state in India to promote the enhancement of sports (DoT) under the Ministry of
infrastructure and transparency in player selection. Communications(MoC) to the DGCA.
✓ As per the National State Policy (NSP) 2024, ✓ Penalties: The Bill outlines significant
the initiative aims to establish a legal penalties for violations such as illegal carriage
framework that of prohibited goods and failure to comply with
adopts National and International best aviation rules. Penalties include imprisonment
practices to drive the development of sports up to 2 years, a fine of up to 1 crore rupees or
within the state. both.

PM Narendra Modi’s visit to UP on 13th Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy

December 2024 Unveiled India’s Green Steel Taxonomy
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited In December 2024, Union
Mahakumbhnagar and Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh (UP) Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Ministry of
on 13th December 2024 to review the preparations Steel (MoS) and Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public
of Mahakumbh Mela 2025 festival. Enterprises (MoHI&PE) unveiled the ‘Taxonomy of
✓ During the visit, he inaugurated 167 multiple Green Steel for India during an event held at
development projects worth around Rs Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi. With this, India
5500 crore at Prayagraj, UP. becomes the 1st country in the world to launch a
✓ He also launched the Kumbh “Sah’AI’yak”, taxonomy for green steel.
Artificial Intelligence(AI)-powered chatbot ✓ This launch reaffirmed India’s commitment to
which provides details on guidance and decarbonize the steel sector which is also in
updates of the events to devotees of alignment with net-zero emission intensity
Mahakumbh Mela 2025. target by 2070.
✓ The newly released taxonomy has classified
President Droupadi Murmu granted assent green steel into 3 main star-rating
categories based on the greenness of the
to Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 to repl
steel:
ace Aircraft Act 1934 ✓ 5-star green-rated steel: steel with emission
In December 2024, the President of intensity less than 1.6 tCO2e/tfs.
India, Droupadi Murmu granted assent to ✓ 4-star green-rated steel: steel with emission
the Bharatiya Vayuyan intensity in the range between 1.6 and 2.0
Vidheyak (BVV) 2024, which replaced the colonial- tCO2e/tfs.
era (90-year-old) Aircraft Act of 1934. ✓ 3-star green-rated steel: steel with emission
✓ The notification was issued by the Ministry of intensity in the range between 2.0 and 2.2
Law and Justice (MoL&J) following the bill’s tCO2e/tfs.
passage in both Houses of Parliament, Rajya ✓ Steel with emission intensity exceeding the
Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok threshold of 2.2 tCO2e/tfs will be ineligible for
Sabha(House of the People). green rating.
✓ Authorities:The new Bill sets up 3 authorities
including Directorate General of Civil
MoD signs Rs 13,500 Crore Deal with
Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation
Security (BCAS), and Aircraft Accidents HAL for 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI Jets
Investigation Bureau (AAIB), with the central In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has
government of India (GoI) overseeing them. signed a contract worth Rs 13,500 crore with
✓ The bill transfer the responsibility for managing Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Hindustan Aeronautics
Radio Telephone Operator Restricted (RTR) Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12
certifications from the Department of Telecom

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indigenous Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian ✓ Theme of IMHC 2024: “Towards
Air Force(IAF). Understanding India’s Position in Global
✓ In December 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Maritime History”..
Security (CCS) has approved the acquisition ✓ The Government of India (GoI) plans to
of 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled invest Rs 4,000 crore in next 5 years, for the
howitzers to enhance India’s defence development of National Maritime Heritage
capabilities along the Line of Actual Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat. The
Control (LAC) with China. The estimated cost government aims to promote the city Lothal,
of the 100 artillery guns is Rs 7000 crore. home to the world’s 1st man-made dock, as
an international tourist destination.
MoHFW Announces Snake Bite a Notifiable
Disease India and UAE Signed MoU to Strengthen
In November 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Polar and Ocean Research Cooperation at
Welfare (MoHFW) announced snakebite cases as a the 15th India – UAE JCM
“Notifiable Disease” in India. It mandates all the In December 2024, India’s National Centre for Polar
government and public health facilities to report such and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the United Arab
cases and deaths. Emirates (UAE)’s Emirates Polar Mission Steering
✓ This aligns with the National Action Plan for Committee (EPMSC) signed a Memorandum of
Prevention and Control of Snakebite Understanding (MoU) during the 15th India-UAE Joint
Envenoming (NAPSE), launched by the Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi, Delhi
MoHFW in March 2024. The plan aims to to strengthen collaboration in polar and ocean
reduce snakebite fatalities by 50% by 2030. research, academic partnerships, operations, and
capacity development.
MEA and DoP Renew MoU for 5 Years to
Enhance POPSKs DGFT Extends IMS for IT Hardware Products
In December 2024, the Ministry of External Until December 2025
Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) have In December 2024, the Directorate General of Foreign
renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Trade (DGFT) operating under the Ministry of
for 5 years to ensure the continued accessibility of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) announced the
passport service through the Post Office Passport extension of the Import Management
Seva Kendras (POPSKs). System (IMS) for seven Information Technology (IT)
✓ The agreement ensures that Indian citizens will hardware products by one year, until December 31,
keep receiving high-quality passport services 2025. The system was previously set to expire on
at their nearest post offices through effective December 31, 2024.
management of POPSKs.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Unveils

MoPSW Organised Inaugural India Maritime SWITCH EiV12 and SWITCH E1 Buses
Heritage Conclave 2024 in New Delhi In December 2024, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari,
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH),
Waterways (MoPSW) organised the 1st India Maritime launched the ‘SWITCH EiV12’, India’s first low-floor
Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024) from December 11 to electric city bus, marking a significant leap in the
December 12, 2024 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Delhi, Delhi. The conclave was inaugurated by Vice ✓ Developed by SWITCH Mobility Limited , part
President Jagdeep Dhankhar. of the Hinduja Group and a subsidiary of
Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Ashok

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 Leyland under the Hinduja Group, ✓ During his visit, he presented the prestigious
headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. ‘President’s Colour‘ to the Chhattisgarh
Police for 25 years of dedicated service.
NLC India Partners UPRVUNL to Union Home Minister Facilitates 2 Landmark
Agreements to Boost Chhattisgarh’s Forest and
Launch its 1st Supercritical Power
Dairy Sector:
Plant named ‘1980 MW GTPP’ in UP ✓ The first agreement is between the
In December 2024, Neyveli (Tamil Nadu) based NLC Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce
India Limited (NLCIL) in partnership with Uttar Pradesh (Trading and Development) Cooperative
Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) has Federation Limited (CGMFPFED) and National
commenced commercial operations of its Cooperative Organic Limited (NCOL), aims to
1st supercritical power plant ‘1980 Mega Watt (MW) certify forest produce for better market prices.
Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant’ (GTPP) in Uttar ✓ The second agreement is between the
Pradesh(UP). Chhattisgarh Government, Chhattisgarh State
✓ It is the first fossil fuel-based thermal power Cooperative Dairy Federation, and National
plant commissioned in India during the Dairy Development Board (NDDB), focuses on
Financial Year 2024-25(FY25). It was expanding dairy cooperatives in every village of
developed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power the state.
Limited (NUPPL).

Moldovan Deputy PM Mihail Popsoi visited

Google Partners with NCERT to Launch
India from December 15-17, 2024
YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages Mihail Popsoi, Deputy Prime Minister(PM) and Minister
Google, the United States of America(USA) based of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, visited India for the first
technology company, has partnered with the National time for an official visit
Council for Educational Research and Training from 15th December to 16th December 2024 at the
(NCERT) to launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian invitation of External Affairs
languages, including sign language to ensure access to Minister(EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
quality digital education across India. ✓ Moldova has joined the International Solar
✓ The initiative opens up a route for individuals Alliance (ISA) by signing the ISA Framework
outside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Agreement in an effort to promote clean energy
system to access NPTEL courses on YouTube, and sustainability through the ISA platform.
complete the online certification through ✓ India and Moldova signed a Declaration of
the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal, and receive Intent to establish a Migration and Mobility
certificates from the IITs. Partnership between the two countries.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah Visited IEPFA and ACCA sign an MoU to boost
Chhattisgarh From December 13 to 15, financial literacy in India
2024 In December 2024, the Investor Education and
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of
Amit Shah embarked on a 3-day visit to Chhattisgarh Corporate Affairs (MCA) signed a Memorandum of
from December 13 to 15, 2024 to chair a security Understanding (MoU) with the Association of
review meeting on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) in Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in New
Raipur (Chhattisgarh), with likely focus on fine tuning Delhi(Delhi) to enhance financial education across the
strategies to achieve the target of eliminating the nation in urban and rural areas.
Maoist menace by March 31 2026. ✓ Focus on the ACCA’s Financial
Literacy Programme: The program also known

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 as ‘Financial Education for You(FEFY)”, is a the development of both Rajasthan
four-year course targeting school children in and Madhya Pradesh (MP).
grades 6 through 9 aiming to foster financial
decision-making among young minds.

IIT Guwahati in Collaboration with

IIT Mandi and CSTEP Bengaluru Released
District-level Climate Risk Assessment
Report for India
In December 2024, Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT)Guwahati (Assam) in partnership
with IIT Mandi (Himachal Pradesh, HP) and Bengaluru
(Karnataka)-based Centre for Study of Science, Union Cabinet Approved “One Nation, One
Technology, and Policy (CSTEP), developed Election” Bill
and released the report titled “District-Level Climate In December 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime
Risk Assessment for India: Mapping Flood and Drought Minister (PM) Narendra Modi approved two important
Risks Using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate constitution amendment bills regarding One Nation,
Change (IPCC) Framework” at IIT Delhi in New Delhi One Election (ONOE), which aimed to conduct
(Delhi). simultaneous Lok Sabha elections with state
legislative assemblies and local bodies across the
country in a phased manner.
Overview of PM Modi’s visit to Rajasthan
✓ The 1st bill named the Constitution
on December 17, 2024
(129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 will enable the
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Rajasthan
terms of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies
on December 17, 2024. He participated in the ‘Ek
to be synchronized.
Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh’ organised to mark the
o The bill has recommended to
completion of one year of State Government of
insert Article 82(A) which means to
Rajasthan.
conduct simultaneous elections to
✓ During his visit, he inaugurated and laid the
Lok Sabha and all state legislative
foundation stone for 24 projects related to
assemblies.
Energy, Road, Railways and Water worth over
o It further suggested to amend Article
Rs 46,300 crores at Jaipur, Rajasthan.
83 which deals with the duration of
✓ During the event, PM Modi laid the foundation
both Houses of the Parliament, and
stone for the Modified Parvati-Kalisindh-
to Article 172 and 327 which deals
Chambal Eastern Rajasthan Canal
with power of Parliament to make
Project (MPKC-ERCP). The MPKC-ERCP
provisions regarding elections to
project has been designated as a ‘national
legislatures.
project’ by the Government of India (GoI).
✓ The Second bill named The Union Territories
o The total cost of the project will be
Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to align
shared between the GoI and the state
elections in the Union Territories (UTs) of
governments of MP and Rajasthan in
Puducherry, Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir
the ratio of 90:10, respectively. The
(J&K) with Lok Sabha elections.
project will provide water for both
irrigation and drinking purposes to 21
districts of Rajasthan and will boost

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SLINEX 2024 : India, Sri Lanka joint naval commencement of a fixed scheduled service
exercise held in Visakhapatnam, AP of cargo vessel ships from Haldia,WB for
national waterways 1 and 2 (NW-1 and NW-
The 11th Edition of annual bilateral maritime Exercise
Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise(SLINEX-24) held 2).
between the Indian Navy(IN) and the Sri Lankan Navy
under the Eastern Naval Command of the IN from CSC e-Governance and IFFCO Sign MoU to
December 17-20, 2024 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Support 10,000 FPOs with Agricultural
Pradesh(AP). Inputs
✓ SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise)
In December 2024, New Delhi (Delhi)- based Common
is a bilateral naval exercise aimed at enhancing
Services Centres (CSC) e-Governance Services India
maritime cooperation between India and Sri
Limited, operating under the Ministry of Electronics
Lanka.
and Information Technology(MeitY), signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian
Vice President of India Jagdeep Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) based
Dhankar Attended 50th Foundation Day in New Delhi, to provide critical agricultural inputs to
Celebration of IP&TAFS in New Delhi Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
In December 2024, the Vice President (VP) of
India Jagdeep Dhankar attended the 50th Foundation India participated in the 2nd meeting of
Day celebration of the Indian Posts & the SCC
Telecommunications Accounts and Finance In December 2024, India, a key member of the 14-
Service (IP&TAFS) as the Chief Guest, in New Delhi member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for
(Delhi). Prosperity (IPEF), participated as vice-chair in the 2nd
✓ Note: The IP&TAFS is now known as the Indian meeting of the Supply Chain Council (SCC) which was
Communication Finance Service(ICFS). held virtually.
✓ India was represented by Rajesh Agrawal,
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Unveils Additional Secretary, Department of
‘Jalvahak’ Scheme to Boost Cargo Commerce (DoC), Ministry of Commerce and
Industry (MoC&I).
Movement on Inland Waterways
In December 2024, Union Minister Sarbananda
Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Centre for Joint Warfare Studies
(MoPSW), launched the ‘Jalvahak‘ scheme to induce and NDMA signed an MoU to strengthen
the cargo movement via inland waterways. disaster management
✓ The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme aims to revitalize India’s In December 2024, the Centre for Joint Warfare
inland waterways, reduce transport congestion Studies (CENJOWS), the only tri-services think tank
and make cargo movement more under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ
efficient. The scheme operates across 3 IDS),Ministry of Defence has signed a Memorandum of
national waterways: Understanding (MoU) with the National Disaster
o (i)National Waterway 1 (NW1): Ganga Management Authority (NDMA) to bolster India’s
River (ii)National Waterway 2 (NW2): disaster management capabilities.
Brahmaputra River (iii)National ✓ With the signing ceremony, a strategic
Waterway 16 (NW16): Barak River agreement was established to address critical
✓ He also flagged off Cargo ships “MV Aai, MV challenges in readiness, response, and
Homi Bhaba along with MV Trishul with 2 disaster mitigation in order to create a “whole
dumb barges Ajay and Dikhu” from the GR Jetty of the nation” approach.
in Kolkata,West Bengal (WB).This marks the

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Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launched ✓ The Nimiaghat police station in Giridih
Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based district, Jharkhand, was ranked third best in the
country.
Financing in New Delhi
On December 16 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi,
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New &
Renewable Energy (MoN&RE), launched the Credit
Guarantee Scheme(CGS) for electronic-Negotiable
Warehouse Receipts (e-NWR) based Pledge
Financing (CGS-NPF) in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The scheme aims to provide Rs 1,000
crore corpus to support post-harvest financing
for farmers. As per the scheme, farmers can
access credit by depositing their produce
stored in Warehousing Development and
Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited
warehouses, backed by e-NWRs.
✓ Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 75
lakh and Rs 200 lakhs (Rs 2 crore) will be Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
provided for agricultural and non-agricultural Customs launches new initiatives to
purposes, respectively. enhance taxpayer services
✓ The scheme provides guarantee coverage In December 2024, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal,
for: 85% of loans up to 3 lakh and 80% for Chairperson of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
loans between Rs 3 lakh to Rs 75 lakh for small Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance(MoF), in
and marginal farmers/women/ presence of all Board Members launched a series
SC/ST/PwD and 75% for other borrowers. of initiatives that aim to improve taxpayer experience
and enhance transparency.
Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates the ✓ i.Revised Citizen’s Charter
✓ ii.‘Ease of Doing Business(EoDB)’ tab for giving
59th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Odisha
suggestions
In November 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry
✓ iii.Revamped Citizen’s Corner: Knowledge at
of Home Affairs (MHA), inaugurated the 59th Directors
Your Fingertips
General of Police (DGsP) / Inspectors General of Police
✓ iv.CBIC Archives: A Digital Window to India’s
(IGsP) Conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The
Tax History
conference was held in a hybrid format from 29
November to 1 December 2024.
✓ During the conference, the President’s Police India Attains Growth in Production of Key
Medal for distinguished service was awarded, Minerals and Non-Ferrous Metals in FY
the ‘Ranking of Police Stations 2024’ book 2024-25
released and trophies presented to top police As per the data released by Ministry of Mines(MoM) at
stations. the end of 2024,India’s key mineral production such as
Additionally, trophies were awarded to the top three Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR)
police stations. Mineral and Non-Ferrous Metal Production recorded
✓ The Ichhapore police station in Surat, Gujarat, strong growth in the first seven months of FY 2024-25
secured the top position, (April-October), following record levels in FY 2023-24.
✓ Pattapur police station in Ganjam district,
Odisha secured the second position.

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 ✓ Iron ore contributed 69% of the total MCDR ✓ Meanwhile, refined copper
mineral production by value, with 274 million production increased by 6.0%, rising from
metric tonnes (MMT) produced in FY 2023-24. 2.83 LT to 3.00 LT.
✓ Manganese ore production grew by 11.1% to
2.0 MMT during April-October FY 2024-25 NCVET recognized IN-SPACe as an
from 1.8 MMT during the corresponding period
Awarding Body (Dual)
of FY 2023-24.
National Council for Vocational Education and Training
✓ Bauxite production rose by 11.3% to 13.8
(NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development &
MMT in April-October FY 2024-25 from 12.4
Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has
MMT in FY 2023-24 (April- October).
officially recognized Indian National Space Promotion
✓ Aluminium production in FY 2024-25 (April-
and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), under
October) grew by 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonnes
Department of Space (DOS) as an Awarding Body
(LT), up from 24.17 LT in FY 2023-24 (April-
(Dual) to strengthening the vocational education and
October).
training landscape in the space sector.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

World Malaria Report 2024: India achieves their defence cooperation. It was the 2nd trilateral
69% drop in Malaria Cases exercise of 2024.
In December 2024, the World Health
Organization (WHO) released its “World Malaria 16th UNCCD Conference of the Parties
Report 2024 : Addressing inequity in the global malaria (COP16) in Riyadh
response”, highlighting a concerning increase in the The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties
global malaria cases. This year’s report provides an up- (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat
to-date summary to control and eliminate the disease Desertification (UNCCD) was conducted from 2nd
in 83 countries worldwide. December to 13th December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi
✓ India has made notable development in Arabia. The conference was based on the theme – Our
combating malaria as revealed in the World Land. Our Future, saw the participation of nearly 200
Malaria Report 2023 by the WHO. countries.
✓ India had exited the High Burden to High ✓ This was the first UNCCD COP being held in
Impact (HBHI) group due to significant the Middle East and North Africa region and
progress in 2024. Between 2017 and 2023, the largest multilateral conference ever hosted
malaria cases in India decreased by 69%, from by Saudi Arabia. The event also coincided with
6.4 million to 2 million while deaths reduced the UNCCD’s 30th anniversary.
by 68% from 11,100 to 3,500. ✓ India presented the Aravalli Green Wall
Project (AGWP). The Aravali project aims to
India, France and UAE Conducted Trilateral revive over 1.1 million hectares of the hills
Air Exercise ‘Desert Knight 2024’ over across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi
by 2027.
Arabian Sea
✓ According to the Global Threat of Drying
The Indian Air Force (IAF), the France Air and Space
Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and
Force (FASF) and the United Arab Emirates Air Force
future projections launched by UNCCD
(UAEAF) have conducted their trilateral air combat
Science-Policy Interface (SPI), around 77.6%
exercise ‘Desert Knight 2024’ over the Arabian Sea for
of Earth’s land have become drier during the
three days from 11 to 13 December 2024 to enhance
three decades up to 2020 compared to the
previous 30-year period.

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 ✓ COP 16 Riyadh secures USD 12 Billion to burden of drowning, key statistics and strategies for
Combat Drought and Land Degradation. prevention.
✓ Saudi Arabia has launched the Young ✓ According to the report, the drowning death
Researchers Award at the COP16 for the rate has dropped by 38% worldwide since
students and young researchers from across 2000, marking a major health achievement.
the world.
✓ Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank
(IsDB) Group Muhammad Al Jasser highlighted
that since 2018, IsDB has provided over USD
4.4 billion in financing for projects aligned with
the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD).

1.4 Billion Hectares of Land Facing

Excessive Salinity Threatening Global Food
Security : FAO Report
In December 2024, the Food and Agriculture
Organization(FAO) of the United Nations (UN) released
its first major global assessment of salt-affected soils
in 50 years. The report, titled “The Global Status of
Bloomberg World’s Richest Families 2024:
Salt-Affected Soils” was launched during
the International Soil and Water Forum 2024 in
Waltons top with USD 432.4 bn, Ambani’s
Bangkok, Thailand. ranked 8th
✓ According to the report, nearly 1.4 According to the Bloomberg’s Richest Family 2024
billion hectares (ha) of land or 10.7% of the Index, the Walton family of Walmart (United States of
global land area was affected by salinity. America) have secured the top spot as the world’s
✓ As per the report India had wealthiest family with a net worth of USD 432.4
approximately 6.72 million hectares (mha) of billion. The Al Nahayan Family (United Arab Emirates)
salt-affected soils of which 2.95 mha were secured the 2nd spot followed by the Al-Thani
saline and the remaining 3.77 mha were sodic Family (Qatar) gained the 3rd spot on the list.
which constitute about 2.1% of the country’s ✓ Amongst the Indian families,
total geographical area. the Ambani family (USD 99.6 billion)
✓ The states of Gujarat (2.23 mha), Uttar and Mistrys of Shapoorji Pallonji (USD 41.4
Pradesh (UP) (1.37 mha), Maharashtra billion) family have secured spots in this global
(0.61mha), West Bengal(WB)(0.44 mha) and ranking at 8th and 23rd respectively.
Rajasthan (0.38 mha) account for Top 5 richest families and top Indian families:
about 75% of India’s salt-affected soils.
Rank Family Wealth

WHO Report 2024: 38% drop

USD
in the global drowning deaths The Waltons of
1 432.4
In December 2024, the World Health Walmart (US)
billion
Organization (WHO) published its first-ever “Global
Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024”, providing USD
The Al Nahayan Family
a comprehensive analysis of drowning deaths 2 323.9
(UAE)
worldwide. The report was released at an event billion
in Geneva, Switzerland and highlights the global

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 28th spot) has topped among the 3 Indian women
USD
The Al-Thani Family featured on the list.
3 172.9
(Qatar) ✓ She is followed by Roshni Nadar Malhotra,
billion
Chairperson of HCL Technologies;
USD and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder and
The Hermes Family Executive Chairperson of Biocon India Private
4 170.6
(France) Limited ranked at 81st and 82nd spot on the
billion
list respectively.
USD ✓ Ursula von der Leyen, President of the
5 The Koch Family (US) 148.5 European Commission(EC) has topped the list
billion for the 3rd consecutive year, followed by
Christine Lagarde, President of European
The Ambani USD 99.6 Central Bank (ECB); Georgia Meloni, President
8
family (India) billion of Italy ranked at 2nd and 3rd position
respectively.
The Mistrys of
USD 41.4
23 Shapoorji
billion UK Becomes the 1st European Country to
Pallonji (India)
Join CPTPP
In December 2024, the United Kingdom (UK) has
3 Indian Women on Forbes’ 2024 World’s officially became the 1st European country to join the
100 Most Powerful Women List; Topped by Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-
Ursula von der Leyen Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), an important trade bloc in
In December 2024, Forbes, an American global media the Indo-Pacific region.
company released the 21st annual ranking of ✓ With this, the UK has become
the World’s 100 Most Powerful the 12th member of the CPTPP as well as the
Women(MPW) list. Union 1st non-founding member to join this trade
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance, bloc.
MoF and Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA)(ranked at

BANKING & FINANCE

SEBI Mandated MF Companies to Process Edelweiss Mutual Fund Launches India’s 1st
Cancellations of SIP in 2 Days ETF for Capital Markets and Insurance
In December 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board Sectors
of India (SEBI) mandated all Mutual Fund (MF) In December 2024, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, a leading
companies to reduce the processing time for asset management company, introduced
cancelling their Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) to India’s first Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) focused on
2 working days from the previous 10 working days. This the capital markets and insurance sectors.
new timeline for cancellation of SIPs has come into ✓ The Edelweiss Financial Services Limited’s
effect from December 1, 2024. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Capital
Markets & Insurance ETF aims to replicate and
track the BSE Capital Markets & Insurance
Total Return Index (TRI), which includes top
companies in broking, life, general insurance
and financial product distribution.

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BOBCARD Launched ‘TIARA Credit Card’ for from Rs 8.5 lakh crore to Rs
Women 61 lakh crore during 2004-14, which further
surged to Rs 175 lakh crore in Mar-24.
In December 2024, BOBCARD Limited, a wholly
owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda (BOB), launched
the unique women-centric ‘TIARA credit
card’ designed to support, empower, and celebrate the
financial independence of women.
✓ It is a premium card powered by
the Rupay network. It provides rewards and
benefits in various categories, such as travel,
dining, lifestyle, entertainment, and health.

BharatPe Launches Fraud Protection Plan

‘Shield’ to Safeguard Users from Digital
Transaction
In December 2024, BharatPe, a financial Technology
Company for merchant payments, launched a fraud
protection plan “Shield” to safeguard users from
fraudulent Unified Payments Interface (UPI) GoI Signed Rs.3044 Crore Loan
transactions. Agreement with KFW Germany for Bengalur
✓ It offers users making their first UPI transaction u Metro Rail Phase 2
with the BharatPe application (app) 30 days of In December 2024, the Government of India (GoI)
complimentary fraud protection for amounts signed a Rs. 3044.54 Crore loan agreement with the
up to Rs.5,000. Germany-based investment and development
bank KFW (formerly Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau)
MoF: GNPA of PSBs Declined from 14.58% marking the 100% financial closure for Phase 2
of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project.
in Mar. 2018 to 3.12% in Sept. 24
✓ Phase 2, covering 75.06 kilometers (km), has
According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) official data
an approved senior debt of Rs 12,141.14 crore,
released in December 2024, Gross Non-Performing
of which the GoI has already secured Rs
Asset (GNPA) ratio of Public Sector
9,096.60 crore from Japan International
Banks (PSBs) have decreased to a decade low from a
Cooperation Agency (JICA), Agence Française
peak of 14.58% March 2018 to 3.12% in September
de Développement (AFD), Asian Infrastructure
2024.
Investment Bank (AIIB), and European
✓ It cited that this significant improvement in
Investment Bank (EIB).
GNPA ratio of PSBs is due to measures like
the 4Rs (Recognition, Recapitalisation,
Resolution, and Reform) undertaken by the AU SFB Partners with BALIC for
Government of India (GoI), since 2015. Bancassurance Solutions
✓ The data revealed that PSBs have reported the In November 2024, Jaipur(Rajasthan)-based AU Small
highest ever cumulative net profit of Rs Finance Bank Limited(AU SFB) , announced its
1.41 lakh crore during the Financial Year bancassurance partnership with
2023-24 (FY24) compared to the net profit of Mumbai(Maharashtra)-based Bharti AXA Life
Rs 1.05 lakh crore in FY23. Insurance Company Limited (BALIC), a subsidiary of
✓ The gross advances of Scheduled Commercial Bharti Life Ventures Private Limited (BLVPL) to offer AU
Banks (SCBs) have significantly increased

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SFB’s customers with a wide range of life insurance enhance crop productivity and farmers’ incomes in
products and financial security solutions. Uttar Pradesh (UP).
✓ The International Bank for Reconstruction and
RBI Cancels Registration of Zavron Finance Development (IBRD) provided the USD 325.10
million loan with a 33.5-year maturity and a 6-
Due to Non-Compliance
year grace period.
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in
✓ The project also seeks to attract USD 15
exercise of powers conferred by Section 45-IA (6) of
million in private finance to support this
the RBI Act, 1934, has cancelled the Certificate of
initiative.
Registration (CoR) of Zavron Finance Private Limited,
✓ In the past 10 years, Uttar Pradesh has
a non-banking financial institution (NBFI) based in
become a key player in Indian agriculture,
Nagpur, Maharashtra.
leading in wheat production, second in rice,
and third in agricultural exports. However,
RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance End Their Co- small farmers still face low productivity and
Branded Credit Card Partnership poor post-harvest infrastructure.
In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based RBL
Bank(formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited) and RBI Grants Full Authorisation to ISG as
Pune(Maharashtra) based Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL)
Payment Aggregator
have decided to end their eight-year partnership for
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
co-branded credit cards, due to changes in synergies.
granted full authorisation as a Payment Aggregator
(PA), under its regulatory framework to In-Solutions
World Bank Approves USD 325 million loan Global (ISG) Limited, a Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based
to boost agriculture in Uttar Pradesh fintech company backed by JP Morgan Chase & Co.
In December 2024, the World Bank (WB) approved ✓ This approval empowers ISG to enhance
a USD 325.10 million loan for the Uttar Pradesh digital payment experiences for merchants
Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem across diverse sectors, ensuring secure,
Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project, which aims to efficient, and reliable transactions while
promoting financial inclusion.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

BMW Group and UNICEF Partner to CSC e-Governance signs MOU with CAIT to
Enhance Education in India Enroll Traders and Citizens in Social
In December, 2024, Munich(Germany) based Security Schemes
Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) Group and New In December 2024, Common Services
York(the United States of America,USA) based United Centres(CSC) e-Governance Services India Limited,
Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have collaborated operating under the Ministry of Electronics and
in India to transform the educational landscape for Information Technology (MeitY), signed a
100,000 children across four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
states: Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu (TN), and West Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), a traders’
Bengal (WB). body based in New Delhi(Delhi) at the Constitution
Club of India (CCI), New Delhi.
✓ This partnership aims to enroll traders and
citizens into various government Social
Security Schemes(SSSs) by organizing
dedicated camps.

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Kerala and Adani Ports signed an agreement India’s GDP growth rate of 8.2% registered in
for the development of Vizhinjam Seaport FY24.
In November 2024, the Government of Kerala had
signed a supplementary concession agreement with TCS extends Partnership with TnDK for
Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) to another five years
enhance the development of the Vizhinjam deep-water In December 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Tata
international seaport. It is envisioned as a Consultancy Services Limited(TCS) has extended its
transformative step in Kerala’s maritime infrastructure. partnership with Telenor Denmark (TnDK), a leading
✓ As per the agreement, the first phase is mobile operator in Denmark, for another five years.
expected to be commissioned in December ✓ Under this renewed collaboration, TCS will
2024. The second and third phases of the continue to manage TnDK’s Information
project will be completed by 2028. Technology (IT) infrastructure from its
European delivery center.
PHDCCI Report On Post-Covid GSDP
Growth:17 States Achieved Over 9% and 25 Amazon & DPIIT signs MoU to Boost India’s
States Over 7% Global Manufacturing & Exports
On December 11, 2024, New Delhi-based National In December 2024, United States of
Apex Chamber, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and America (USA) based E-commerce multinational
Industry (PHDCCI) unveiled an analytical report technology company Amazon’s Smbhav Venture Fund
titled “States’ Performance Indicator Report: Paving signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
India’s Green Path for Sustainable and Inclusive the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Development”, during the States’ Policy Conclave held Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and
at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi. Industry during its 5th annual “Smbhav Summit” held
✓ The report highlighted that India’s states have at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi (Delhi).
shown strong economic recovery post-COVID- ✓ Smbhav Venture Fund will invest USD 120
19, with 25 states achieving more million in startups that digitize consumer
than 7% growth in Gross State Domestic goods manufacturing in India and cater to both
Product (GSDP) during FY22 and FY23, among domestic and global demand.
them 17 states achieved more
than 9% growth rate. LTF Partners with Amazon Finance India to
✓ Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Rajasthan, West
Enhance Credit Solutions for Customers
Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh,
Haryana, and Odisha have stood out for their and Merchants
strong economic performance during 2021-22 In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based
and 2022-23. L&T Finance Limited (LTF), formerly known as L&T
Finance Holdings Ltd., a Non-Banking Financial
Company (NBFC) collaborated with
Fitch Lowers India’s GDP Forecast to 6.4%
Bengaluru(Karnataka)-based Amazon Finance India
for FY25 Private Limited to create innovative credit solutions to
The United States of America (USA)-based credit rating improve affordability for Amazon’s eligible customers
agency, Fitch Ratings Inc has lowered India’s Gross and merchants by offering loan products through
Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 60 basis Amazon’s application (app) and website.
points (bps), to 6.4% for Fiscal year 2024-25(FY25)
from its previous estimate of 7%.
✓ It has also raised India’s GDP forecast for FY26
to 6.5%. Both these projections are lower than

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CareEdge Ratings Revised down India’s ✓ Mauritius topped FDI inflows at 25%,
GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% for FY25 followed by Singapore in second place with
24%. The US ranked third at 10%, while the
In December 2024, CareEdge Ratings, a subsidiary of
Care Ratings Limited, has revised down its Gross Netherlands (7%), Japan (6%), and the UK
(5%) also made significant contributions.
Domestic Product (GDP) projection for India
to 6.5% for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), from its
previous estimate of 6.8%. It has also projected that Pb Fintech Board Approves Incorporation Of
India’s GDP will grow at 6.7% in FY26. A Healthcare Subsidiary
✓ It has estimated that Inflation will be In December 2024, the Board of Directors of PB
moderate, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar,
inflation projected at 4.8% and 4.5% for FY25 approved the incorporation of a healthcare subsidiary
and FY26, respectively. that would provide healthcare and allied services. The
✓ It has projected that Wholesale Price entity will obtain the necessary approvals when
Index (WPI) inflation will be at average needed.
of 2.5% in FY25 and 3% in FY26. ✓ On December 3, 2024, a circular resolution
was passed proposing the formation of
India’s Foreign Direct Investment inflows hit a wholly owned subsidiary (“WOS”) to be
USD 1 Trillion named ‘PB Healthcare Private Limited,’
or ‘PB Healthcare Services Private Limited,‘
As per data released by Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in December or any other name approved by the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs, Government of India (GoI).
2024 ,India reached a significant economic milestone
with gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows
totaling USD 1 trillion since April 2000. TCS Partners with Landis+Gyr to Enhance
✓ In the first half of the current Financial Year Energy Efficiency for Utilities
2024-25 (FY25), FDI increased by about 26% In December 2024, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
to USD 42.1 billion. Limited, an Information Technology (IT) services
✓ FDI inflows totaled USD 709.84 billion over provider based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, collaborated
the last ten years (April 2014 to September with Landis+Gyr, an energy management company
2024), which represents 68.69% of all FDI based in Cham, Switzerland, to offer innovative
inflows over the past 24 years. solutions that help utilities improve energy efficiency.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

WTA Awards 2024: Aryna Sabalenka wins List of 2024 WTA Awards:
WTA Player of the Year 2024 for the 1st
Category Winner
time
In December 2024, Belarusian tennis
Player of the
player Aryna Sabalenka, currently ranked world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus)
Year
in singles, was honoured with the ‘2024 Women’s
Tennis Association (WTA) Player of the Year Award’, Doubles Team of Jasmine Paolini (Italy) &
taking the crown for the 1st time in her career. She has the Year Sara Errani(Italy)
won 23 career titles, 17 in singles and 6 in doubles.
✓ WTA has announced the 2024 WTA Player
Award winners including 5 Players Awards and
3 Player Service Awards.

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 Most Improved Profession
Emma Navarro (the United Athlete Caitli
Player of the The al
States of America (USA)) of the n
Year USA Basketball
Year Clark
Player
Newcomer of the
Lulu Sun (New Zealand)
Year
President of India Droupadi Murmu
Comeback Conferred National Panchayat Awards to 45
Player of the Paula Badosa (Spain)
Exemplary Panchayats & Institutes
Year
On December 11 2024, The Hon’ble President of India
Droupadi Murmu conferred National Panchayat
TIME Magazine Named US President-elect Awards 2024 upon 45 awardees including 42
Panchayats and 3 Capacity Building Institutes,
Donald Trump as ‘Person of the Year’ for
selected across different categories for their
2024
outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive
On December 12 2024, New York (the United States of
development.
America (USA))–based TIME magazine has named US
The winners are broadly classified into 5 main
President-elect Donald Trump as its Person of the
categories, with main focus on recognizing grassroots
Year for 2024, recognising his deep influence on
governance, social inclusion, and environmental
American politics and the country’s role in the world.
sustainability:
He was previously named TIME’s Person of the Year in
✓ Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vika
2016.
s Puraskar (DDUPSVP): This award
✓ The other world personalities short listed as
recognizes top 3 Gram Panchayats (GPs)
finalists, including: Elon Musk, Chief Executive
based on their performance across 9
Officer (CEO) of Tesla; Benjamin Netanyahu,
Localisation Sustainable Development Goals
Prime Minister (PM) of Israel; Kate Middleton,
(LSDGs) themes.
the Princess of Wales, US
✓ Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Sat
Vice President Kamala Harris, among others.
at Vikas Puraskar: This award recognizes the
Time Magazine’s Winners for 2024:
top 3 GPs, Block Panchayats (BPs), and
District Panchayats (DPs) with the highest
Award
Countr average score across all 9 LSDGs.
Categor Name Profession
y ✓ Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Purask
y
ar: This award is given to top 3 GPs,
recognizing their contributions for adopting and
The
utilizing Renewable Energy (RE) sources.
United
Donal ✓ Carbon
Person States
d President- Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar: This
of the of
Trum Elect of US award is given to top 3 GPs in recognition of
Year Americ
p their efforts in achieving net-zero carbon
a
emissions.
(USA)
✓ Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sa
Lisa nsthan Puraskar: This award is given to top 3
CEO of CEO and Indian institutions for rendering exemplary
Tzwu- The
the Chair of support to Panchayats in achieving the LSDGs.
Fang USA
Year AMD Click here to read full News
Su

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2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Oxford University Press Names ‘Brain rot’
Cultural Heritage Conservation: 2 as Word of the Year 2024
Conservation Projects from India in the List In December 2024, Oxford University Press (OUP)
On December 6 2024, United Nations Educational, selected ‘Brain rot,’ a noun (n), which refers to the
Scientific and Cultural deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state,
Organisation (UNESCO) announced the winners often attributed to the overconsumption of content that
of 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural is seen as trivial or intellectually unchallenging as the
Heritage Conservation also known as Heritage Oxford Word of the Year for 2024.
Awards at its regional office in Bangkok, Thailand
(UNESCO Bangkok). Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw awarded the
✓ This year total 8 projects from 5 different 2024 Jamsetji Tata Award
countries of Asia-Pacific region: India (2),
In December 2024, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw,
Thailand (1), China (3), New Zealand(1) and
Chairperson of Biocon Group, was conferred the 2024
Japan(1) were honored with the UNESCO’s Jamsetji Tata award by the Indian Society for Quality
prestigious Heritage awards.
(ISQ) at ISQ Annual Conference 2024 held in
✓ Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Project in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Tokyo Japan, has won the Award of Excellence,
✓ She received the award from Janak Kumar
the highest honour of UNESCO heritage
Mehta, President of ISQ and Chairman and
awards.
Managing Director (CMD), TQM International.
✓ Total 2 projects from India were honoured with She has been awarded with two of India’s
two different heritage
highest civilian honours, the Padma Shri in
awards: Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in
1989 and the Padma Bhushan in 2005.
Tamil Nadu (TN) received “Award of
Distinction” and Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy
Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI Winners of Sahitya Akademi 2024
Conservation Project) in Maharashtra Announced: Total of 21 Indian Languages
received “Award of Merit”. been Awarded
On December 18 2024, the Sahitya Akademi, under the
Air India wins Good Design Award Australia Ministry of Culture announced the winners of the
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024, the annual award that
2024 and FTE Awards
recognizes literary works in 24 Indian
In December 2024, Air India Limited, India’s leading
languages (including English). The award winners were
airline based in New Delhi (Delhi), has received two
selected based on recommendations made by a Jury of
distinguished global accolades, highlighting its ongoing
three members in the concerned languages.
transformation and dedication to service excellence.
✓ The winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards
✓ The airline’s Vista Verve in-flight product was
2024 include 8 books of Poetry, 3 Novels, 2
honoured with the Good Design Award
short stories, 3 Essays, 3 Literary Criticism, 1
Australia 2024, recognising its outstanding
Play and 1 Research.
innovation and design.
✓ The winners of the awards are recommended
✓ Air India also won three APEX Awards at the
by the jury members in 21 languages and were
Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards
approved by the Executive Board of the Sahitya
in Singapore, highlighting its leadership in
Akademi under the chairmanship of Madhav
global passenger experiences
Kaushik, President, Sahitya Akademi.
✓ The awards for Bengali, Dogri and Urdu
language will be announced at a later date. The
award consists of a casket with an

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 engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash consecutive year, with a valuation of Rs
prize of Rs. 1 lakh. 3.4 lakh crore, witnessing a growth of 44%.
✓ While, Deepinder Goyal, Chief Executive
IDFC First Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 Officer (CEO) of Zomato Media Private Limited
is ranked at 2nd position (up from 3rd spot in
Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millenia
2023) and his net worth has significantly
2024: DMart’s Radhakishan Damani tops increased by 190%, to over Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
the list for 2nd Consecutive Year ✓ He is followed
On December 18 2024, Hurun India in partnership with by Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy,
IDFC First Bank Limited released the 2nd edition founders of Swiggy Private Limited (India’s
of ‘India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of leading food delivery company) secured
the Millenia 2024’. As per the report, Radhakishan the 3rd spot on the list with net worth of Rs
Shivkishan Damani, the founder of Avenue 1.01 lakh crore.
Supermarts Limited (DMart) has topped the list for 2nd

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Francois Bayrou Appointed as PM of France Deepak Kumar Sharma, who retired on November 30,
In December 2024, the President of France Emmanuel 2024.
Macron appointed veteran
centrist Francois Bayrou, leader of Former football player Mikheil Kavelashvili
the MoDem group allied with appointed as 6th President of Georgia
Macron’s party, as the Prime
Former Manchester City
Minister (PM) of France, after
footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili was
former PM Michel Barnier was appointed as the 6th President of
overthrown by Parliament.
Georgia. He will assume office
on December 29 2024 and will
NHPC CMD Raj Kumar Chaudhary gets replace incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili.
additional charge of SJVN CMD ✓ Mikheil Kavelashvili was nominated by the
In November 2024, Raj Kumar Chaudhary, the Georgian Dream party and won the
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the state- presidential election with 224 votes out of 300
owned hydropower major NHPC Limited(formerly votes.
National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), has been
assigned the additional charge of CMD for the Rama Mohan Rao Amara appointed as the
government-owned hydropower company SJVN MD of SBI
Limited, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh(HP).
The Government of India (GoI)
appointed Rama Mohan Rao Amara,
Rupam Roy Elected as General Secretary of Deputy Managing Director (DMD) and
AISBOF Chief Risk Officer (CRO) of the State
Bengaluru(Karnataka) based All India State Bank Bank of India (SBI) as the new
Officers’ Federation (AISBOF) elected Rupam Roy as Managing Director (MD) of SBI for the three years with
its new General Secretary (GS) during its 6th Executive effect from 18 December 2024.
Committee Meeting, held in Chandigarh, Punjab. He ✓ The appointment was approved by the
assumed office on December 1, 2024. He succeeded Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
(ACC) headed by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra

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 Modi, followed by the Financial Services approved the appointment of Manish
Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommendation. Jain as Executive Director (ED) of Yes Bank for a
✓ He succeeds Challa Sreeivasulu Setty, who period of three years, effective from December 11,
has been appointed as the chairman of SBI in 2024, to December 10, 2027. RBI granted its approval
October 2024. Rama Mohan will serve as under Section 35B of The Banking Regulation Act,
the 4th MD of SBI, alongside Ashwini Kumar 1949.
Tewari, Vinay M Tonse, and Rana Ashutosh
Kumar Singh. Suman Berry Appointed Chairman of EAC-
PM with Additional
R Subramaniakumar reappointed as MD & Charge
CEO of RBL Bank The Vice Chairman (VC) of the
RBL Bank Limited’s board of National Institute for
directors has reappointed R Transforming India (NITI Aayog),
Subramaniakumar, the current Suman Berry was appointed as
Managing Director (MD) and Chief the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the
Executive Officer (CEO) of the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) with an additional charge. He
bank for a period of three succeeded Bibek Debroy, who passed away on 1st
years from 23rd June 2025 to 22nd June 2028. November 2024.
✓ However, the reappointment is subject to
approval by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Justice Manmohan sworn in as Supreme
Under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation
Act, 1935, the bank will apply to the RBI for the Court Judge
approval of reappointing Subramaniakumar as Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan
MD and CEO for an additional three years. appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court
under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of
India. Justice Manmohan was born on December 17,
RBI Approves Manish Jain as Executive
1962, in Delhi. The Supreme Court now has 33 working
Director of YES Bank judges, with a sanctioned strength of 34.
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Shriram Finance Sells Stake in SHFL to Shriram Group, completed the sale of its entire 84.44%
Warburg Pincus for Rs 3,929 Crore stake in its subsidiary, Shriram Housing Finance
Limited (SHFL) to the United States of America (USA)-
In December 2024, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based
based investment firm Warburg Pincus for Rs 3,929
Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), a Non-Banking Finance
crore.
Company (NBFC) and the flagship company of the

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Indian Army Receives AT-15 Drones from Indian Army (IA). It enhances India’s self-reliance in
Asteria Aerospace defence under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
✓ These drones are launched under the Ministry
In December 2024, Bengaluru(Karnataka)
of Defence (MoD), provide cutting-edge
based Asteria Aerospace Limited successfully
surveillance capabilities tailored for modern
delivered its largest ever batch of ArmaLite Rifle (AT)-
warfare.
15 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drones to the

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ISRO Successfully Tested CE20 Cryogenic China Launches 4 PIESAT-2 Remote-
Engine in Tamil Nadu Sensing Satellites to enhance Earth
In December 2024, the Indian Space Research Observation Capabilities
Organization (ISRO) announced that it has On December 17, 2024, China successfully
successfully conducted the sea level hot test of launched 4 Earth-observation radar satellites
its Cryogenic Engine CE20 with a nozzle area ratio of named ‘PIESAT-2’ aboard a Long March-2D rocket
100 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi
Tamil Nadu (TN). Province, China.
✓ This launch marked China’s 65th space launch
Manastu Space Technologies Delivers of 2024 and 553rd launch of the Long March
‘iBooster Green Propulsion System’ to rocket series.
✓ The goal of the PIESAT-2 mission is to enhance
DRDO
China’s satellite network for efficient Earth
In December 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based
monitoring.
deep-technology startup, Manastu Space
✓ PIESAT-2 satellites were developed
Technologies Private Limited successfully delivered
by GalaxySpace (China’s unicorn company in
the “iBooster Green Propulsion System” to the
the commercial aerospace sector) and were
Defence Research and Development
equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
Organisation (DRDO).
technology for high resolution, all-weather,
✓ This achievement follows 4 years of extensive
day-and-night Earth observation.
research and development supported by
DRDO’s Technology Development
Fund (TDF). The iBooster system was Survey Vessel INS Nirdeshak
designed for satellites weighing between 100 Commissioned into Indian Navy
to 500 kilogram (kg) and plays a vital role in On 18th December 2024, the Indian Navy (IN)
critical satellite operations, including orbit commissioned the Indian Naval Ship
raising, station-keeping and deorbiting. (INS) Nirdeshak (YARD 3026), the second of four
Survey Vessel (large) SVL project at the Naval
China’s Long March-2d Rocket Successfully Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), in a
ceremony led by the Union Minister of State Sanjay
Deployed 5 Experimental Satellites into
Seth, Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Space ✓ The SVL Project includes four
On December 12 2024, China launched Long March- ships, Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, Ikshak,
2D carrier rocket, which has successfully deployed 5 and Sanshodhak. It aims to upgrade the IN’s
experimental satellites into the planned orbit. These 5 hydrographic survey fleet by replacing the older
satellites were launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Sandhayak-class ships, which were inducted
Launch Center in Northwest China. into IN on 5th December 2021.
✓ This launch marks the 63rd space mission of ✓ Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag
China in 2024 and also marks the 551st flight Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern
of the Long March rocket series. Naval Command (FOC-in-C ENC), hosted the
✓ These satellites were developed by an ceremony to officially induct the second of the
organisation affiliated with the Harbin four SVL ships being built by Garden Reach
Institute of Technology in Heilongjiang Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata,
province, China. The primary objective of these West Bengal (WB).
satellites is to test advanced technologies.

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IA Receives 360 Nagastra-1 Loitering accuracy of just 2 meters(m) and can be used
Munitions from EEL for surgical strikes.
In December 2024, the Indian Army (IA) received the
second batch of 360 loitering munitions, known as Seventh MCA Barge ‘LSAM 14’ launched
‘Nagastra-1’, from Nagpur(Maharashtra)-based in Maharashtra
Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of In December 2024, the seventh Missile Cum
Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN), under a contract Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Landing Ship Ammunition
valued at Rs 2.12 billion (about USD 25 million) which 14 (LSAM 14) (Yard 82), was launched at the Mira
was signed in April 2023. Developed with over 75% Bhayandar site in Maharashtra by M/s SECON
indigenous content, were delivered after rigorous Engineering Projects Private Limited, a Micro, Small,
testing and inspection. and Medium Enterprises (MSME) shipyard based in
✓ Nagastra-1 is a lightweight, Unmanned Aerial Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
Vehicle (UAV)-based, man-portable ✓ The barges were indigenously designed in
weapondesigned for precision strikes, collaboration with an Indian ship design firm
especially in counter-insurgency and urban and underwent successful model testing at the
warfare. It features a Global Positioning Naval Science and Technological Laboratory
System (GPS)-guided system with a strike (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure
seaworthiness.

ENVIRONMENT

Researchers Discovered 5 New Species of

the Darwin Wasp in India and Thailand Researchers Discovered a new Antlion
In December 2024, a team of researchers from the Species ‘Palpares Contrarius’ in TN
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Ashoka Trust for In November 2024, researchers discovered a large
Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), antlion species, “Palpares Contrarius” from
along with their collaborators, discovered five new Myrmeleontidae (Antlion family) which resembles a
species of the Darwin wasp subfamily dragonfly, for the first time at the Madras Christian
Microleptinae from India and Thailand. The College (MCC) in Tamil Nadu (TN). The discovery in TN
species belongs to the family Hymenoptera, which contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity.
comprises 42 subfamilies, with the scientific name
‘Ichneumonidae’.

SPORTS

U-19 Men’s Asia Cup 2024 – Bangladesh ✓ The 11th edition of the tournament was held
beats India by 59 runs from 29th November to 8th December 2024
in Sharjah and Dubai, UAE.
Bangladesh defeated India in the finals by 59 runs to
✓ Bangladesh won their first U-19 Men’s Asia
win their 2nd consecutive Asian Cricket Council
(ACC) Under (U)-19 Men’s Asia Cup title. The Final Cup in 2023 by defeating UAE by 195 runs.
was held on 8th December 2024 at Dubai
International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Lando Norris wins F1 Abu Dhabi GP as
Emirates (UAE). McLaren secure constructors’ title
In December 2024, British racer Lando
Norris of McLaren (25 points) has won the season-

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ending Formula 1 (F1) Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (GP) final was held at the Mangalam Chinnaswamy Stadium
2024 which was held at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). ✓ This was Mumbai’s 2nd title at the Syed
✓ Carlos Sainz (Spain) (18 points) and Charles Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Its first title came
Leclerc (Monaco) (15 points) of Ferrari in 2022 when they defeated Himachal Pradesh
secured 2nd and 3rd spot , respectively, for by 3 wickets in the final.
Ferrari which was the only team that could ✓ The winning team Mumbai has been awarded
have beaten McLaren to the championship. with Rs 5 crore as prize money while the
runners up team Madhya Pradesh has
D Gukesh becomes youngest world received Rs 2.5 crore as prize money.

champion at 18, breaks Kasparov’s record

Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju (D. Gukesh) Union MoS Raksha Khadse Unveils Mascot,
from Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) defeated Logo, Anthem, Jersey, Torch & Tagline for
China’s Ding Liren in the 14th and final round to win 38th National Games in Uttarakhand
the World Chess Championship 2024 that was held In December 2024, Union Minister of
from 25th November to 12th December 2024 State(MoS) Raksha Khadse, Ministry of Youth Affairs
in Singapore. and Sports(MYAS), unveiled the Mascot, Logo,
✓ With this win, D.Gukesh has become Anthem, Jersey, Torch and Tagline for the 38th
the 18th and the youngest world champion at National Games at an event held at Maharana Pratap
the age of 18 years 8 months 14 days till Sports College in Dehradun(Uttarakhand). It aims to
date. promote sports culture, enhance infrastructure and
✓ Before Gukesh, Garry Kasparov (Russia) was motivate young athletes.
crowned as the world champion in 1985 when ✓ The 38th National Games is scheduled to take
he was 22 years, six months and 27 days old. place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
in Dehradun, Uttarakhand from January 28 to
KIWG 2025: 5th Edition to be Held February 14, 2025 with over 10,000 athletes
in Ladakh and J&K competing in 38 sports.
On 11 December 2024, Union Minister Mansukh ✓ Mascot :The mascot for the 38th National
Games is named ‘Mauli,’ inspired by the
Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Himalayan Monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird.
Sports (MYAS) announced that the 5th edition of
the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 will take ✓ Logo: The logo
featuring ‘the Monal’, symbolizes the state’s
place between January 23 and February 25, 2025, in
rich natural beauty and diversity.
Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and UT of Jammu &
Kashmir (J&K). ✓ Tagline: The official tagline of the 38thNational
Games, titled ‘Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak’ (From
✓ The KIWG will kick off the Khelo India season,
Resolve to Zenith), was launched at the event.
with the Youth and Para Games in Bihar in April
2025 and the University Games later in the ✓ Inclusion of Yoga and Mallakhamb: IOA
President PT Usha announced that ‘yoga’ and
year.
‘mallakhamb’ will be included as
demonstration sports in the National Games.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024: Mumbai
beat Madhya Pradesh to win 2nd title
Manika Batra’s Team Asia Wins the Waldner
Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh (MP) by 5 wickets
Cup 2024
to win the 17th edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali
Trophy (SMAT) 2024. The Cricket tournament was held On December 16 2024, Team Asia comprising
India’s Manika Batra, led by Ma Long won the 1st-
from 23rd November to 15th December 2024 and the

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ever inaugural edition of the ‘Waldner Cup 2024’ by Legendary Cricketer, India’s 2nd highest
defeating Team World 14-10 in Oslo, Norway. wicket-taker, Ravichandran Ashwin retires
✓ The tournament was held from December
from International cricket
13 to 15, 2024 and was organized by Jan Ove
On December 18 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s
Waldner, the famous Swedish table tennis
premier off-spinner announced his retirement from
player and 1992 Olympic gold medallist.
International cricket ending a
✓ Team World led Sweden’s Paris 2024 men’s
remarkable 14 year career at the top level across
singles silver medallist Truls Moregardh and 6
formats. He is India’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in
time Olympic medallist Dimitrij Ovtcharov of
Test cricket with 537 wickets in 106 matches.
Germany led 10-8 on the 2nd day, but Team
✓ After representing India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs
Asia made a strong comeback, winning the last
and 65 T20Is and picking up 765
3 matches to take the match 14-10.
wickets across formats.
✓ 537 Test Wickets: Ravichandran Ashwin
Imad Wasim and Mohammad retires as the 2nd highest wicket-taker for India
Amir announce retirement from in Test cricket, with 537 wickets. He was only
international cricket behind Anil Kumble (Indian former cricketer
Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir announced his and coach), who has 619 wickets from 132
retirement from international cricket on 14th matches.
December 2024 while Pakistan all-rounder Imad ✓ He was the 1st bowler to take 100 wickets in
Wasim announced his retirement from international the World Test Championship, achieving this
cricket on 13th December 2024. milestone in March 2022.
✓ Amir and Imad Wasim both last represented ✓ With 37 five-wicket hauls in Tests, he was 2nd
Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, held in only to Muttiah Muralitharan (67) in the all-time
the United States of America (USA) and the list for the most five-wicket hauls in Test
West Indies. cricket.
✓ Mohammad Amir had represented Pakistan ✓ ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year
in 36 Tests, 61 One-Day Internationals (ODI), (2016): Received the award, a testament to his
and 62 Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) in his consistency and brilliance on the field. Also
cricket career. He has also ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year (2016)
secured 271 international wickets and ✓ Arjuna Award (2015): One of India’s highest
scored 1,179 runs across the three formats. sports honours, for his exceptional
✓ Imad Wasim had played 55ODIs, contribution to cricket.
taking 44 wickets, while in 75 T20Is, he took a
total of 73. He also scored 986 in ODI FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup
and 554 runs in T20I. 2025 to be held in Chile
In December 2024, the International Hockey
Federation(FIH), headquartered in Lausanne,
Switzerland, announced that the 11th edition of the
FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup (WC) 2025 will
be held in Santiago, Chile.

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 OBITUARY

Renowned Gujarati Singer & Padma Shri Awards and Honors:

Awardee Purushottam Upadhyay passed ✓ Padma Shri (1988) – Received India’s 4th
highest civilian award for his exceptional
away
contributions to Indian music.
In December 2024, Renowned Gujarati Singer and
✓ Padma Bhushan (2002) – Received India’s 3rd
Padma Shri Awardee Purushottam Upadhyay passed
highest civilian award for his distinguished
away at the age of 90 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was
service in the field of art and culture.
born on August 15 1934 in Kheda, Gujarat.
✓ Padma Vibhushan (2023) – Received India’s
✓ In 2017, he was honoured with Padma Shri
2nd highest civilian award in recognizing his
Award, India’s 4th highest civilian honor, for
immense contribution to music.
his exceptional contribution in music.

Padma Shri Awardee Baiga Tribal

Renowned Indian tabla player & Padma
Artist Jodhaiya Bai Passed away
Awardee Zakir Hussain passed away
In December 2024, renowned Baiga Tribal
In December 2024, Renowned Indian tabla player &
Artist Jodhaiya Bai passed away at the age of 86 in the
Padma Awardee Zakir Hussain Allaraka
Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh (MP). She was born
Qureshi passed away at the age of 73 in California, the
in MP in 1938. In 2023, she was awarded the Padma
United States of America (USA). He was born on March
Shri Award, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, for
9, 1951 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
her contribution in the field of arts.
✓ Zakir Hussain, a 4 time Grammy award winner,
has received the Padma Vibhushan, the
Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Three Books on Sitaram Yechury’s ✓ The other two books are ‘The Fight for the
Writings on culture, media, and Republic’, which includes essays on Hindutva
and India @75, and ‘Reflections on Culture,
secularism Launched
Media, and Science’.
In December 2024, former CPI(M) General
Secretary Prakash Karat released the three books
based on late Communist Party of India (Marxist) Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury’s writings on culture, Launched “New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and
media, science and secularism at Jawahar Bhawan in Development 2019-2024”
New Delhi (Delhi). On 11 December 2024, Union Minister of Culture and
✓ These books, published posthumously by the Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, launched the book
Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (SAHMAT) titled New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development
based in New Delhi and Tulika Books. These 2019-2024 at the Constitution Club in New Delhi
books are available in both Hindi and English. (Delhi).The event was attended by Navneet Sehgal,
✓ One of the books, ‘Hindu Rashtra Hai Kya’, is Chairman of Prasar Bharati, along with other
a Hindi translation of Yechury’s influential distinguished dignitaries. The book is authored by Ravi
1993 work What is Hindu Rashtra, written Prashar and published by Hindustan Times
shortly after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.

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 IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day to End Violence Against ✓ The day commemorates the formal surrender
Sex Workers 2024 – December 17 of the Pakistani Armed Forces to the joint
Indian and Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh liberation
The International Day to End Violence Against Sex
forces) in Dhaka (Bangladesh) during the
Workers is observed annually across the world
Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
on December 17 to raise awareness about the
widespread violence, discrimination and abuse faced
by sex workers worldwide and to promote equality, International Migrants Day 2024 –
safety and respect for their human rights. December 18
✓ The 21st International Day to End Violence The United Nations (UN)’s International Migrants
Against Sex Workers serves as a reminder to Day is annually observed across the globe on 18th
advocate for the rights of sex workers and December focusing on the significant contributions
remember those who have lost their lives due migrants make to societies worldwide. It highlights the
to violence. challenges they face in achieving their full potential and
emphasizes the importance of ensuring their rights.
National Energy Conservation Day 2024 – ✓ 18th December 2024 marks the observance
December 14 of 24th International Migrants Day.
✓ The theme of International Migrants Day 2024
National Energy Conservation Day (NECD) is annually
is “Honouring the Contributions of Migrants
observed across India on 14th December to raise
and Respecting Their Rights”.
awareness about the importance of saving energy and
✓ The 12th edition of IOM’s flagship report
encourage individuals, industries, and institutions to
‘World Migration Report 2024’ released in May
adopt efficient and sustainable energy practices for a
2024 to increase understanding of global
better future.
migration. Around 281 million international
✓ NECD is promoted by the Bureau of Energy
migrants were recorded globally in 2020,
Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power
making up 3.6% of the global population.
(MoP).
✓ Global remittances grew from USD 128 billion
✓ BEE under MoP will observe National Energy
in 2000 to USD 831 billion in 2022. India,
Conservation Week from 14 to 20 December
2024 across India. Mexico, China, the Philippines, and Egypt are
the top 5 remittance recipient countries. India
✓ Maharashtra has secured the first prize in
surpassed USD 100 billion in remittances for
Group 1 of the State Performance Award under
the 1st time in 2022.
NECA 2024, while Karnataka has won the
second prize.
UN Arabic Language Day 2024 – December
53rd Vijay Diwas – 16 December 2024 18
Vijay Diwas, or Victory Day (Bijoy Dibos), is annually The United Nations (UN) observes Arabic Language
observed across India and Bangladesh on 16 Day on December 18th each year, celebrating the
December to celebrate the historic victory of Indian adoption of Arabic as one of the six official languages of
armed forces against Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak the UN in 1973. This observance celebrates
war (India Pakistan War of 1971). multilingualism and promotes equitable use of all six
✓ The day also pays tributes to the martyrs of official languages of the United Nations.
both India and Bangladesh, who lost their lives ✓ The 2024 celebration marks the 51st
on the line during the war. anniversary of Arabic’s official recognition at
the UN.

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 ✓ Theme of 2024 – “Arabic Language and ✓ 18th December 2024 marks the observance of
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Advancing Innovation the 12th Minority Rights Day.
while Preserving Cultural Heritage.”
✓ The 2024 UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab International Human Solidarity Day 2024 –
Culture was awarded to visual artist Aya
December 20
Tarek(Egypt) and filmmaker Alidji Alvin
The United Nations (UN)’s International Human
Touré(Mali).
Solidarity Day is annually observed across the globe
on 20th December to raise public awareness of the
National Minority Rights Day 2024 – importance of solidarity in addressing global
December 18 challenges such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.
National Minority Rights Day, also known as ✓ The first-ever International Human Solidarity
Minorities Day, is annually observed across India Day was observed on 20 December 2006. The
on 18th December to create awareness about the Independent Expert (IE) on Human Rights and
constitutionally assured rights of religious minorities. International Solidarity (HRIS) is an individual
The day aims to highlight the importance of freedom appointed by the United Nations Human Rights
and equal opportunities for minorities in India while Council (UNHRC) to address and promote
raising awareness about their rights. human rights and international solidarity.
✓ The theme for Minorities Rights Day 2024
is “Promoting Diversity and Protecting
Rights”.

STATE NEWS

TCGL signs MoU with BodhiGaya HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launched Si

Vijjalaya 980 Institute for Conservation x New Schemes
Promotion of Buddhist Heritage Sites in In December 2024, Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu,
Gujarat the Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh (HP),
launched six new initiatives and provided financial
In December 2024, the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat
Limited (TCGL) has signed a memorandum of assistance to beneficiaries during an event in Bilaspur,
HP.
understanding (MoU) with a Bihar-
✓ To promote natural farming, the CM introduced
based BodhiGaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute to conserve
“Him Bhog Atta” made from maize grown
and promote Buddhist heritage sites in the state.
using natural farming practices. The state
✓ The 4th Mekong Ganga Dhamma Yatra began
government procured 398 metric tonnes (MT)
in Bangkok, Thailand, and its delegation visited
from 1,506 farmers, and transferred Rs 1.20
different places in India from 2-10 December
crore directly to their bank accounts.
2024.
✓ In December 2024, the CM of
Gujarat Bhupendra Patel launched three Rajasthan to Celebrate “Pravasi Rajasthani
booklets titled ‘Seva Sankalp Nu Ek Varsh’, Divas” on December 10 Every Year
highlighting the state government’s In December 2024, Chief Minister (CM) of
achievements under the Department of Water Rajasthan, Bhajanlal Sharma announced that ‘Pravasi
Resources, Water Supply, and Food & Civil Rajasthani Divas’ will be celebrated every year
Supply (DoWR, WS & FCS). on December 10 to honor the contributions of the
global Rajasthani community.

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 ✓ It was announced at the ‘Pravasi Rajasthani’ Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launches
conclave held as part of the Rising Rajasthan ‘Prakrutik Krushi Portal’ to promote organic
Global Investment Summit (RRGIS) which was
farming
held in Jaipur, Rajasthan from December 9 to
In December 2024, Bhupendra Patel, the Chief
December 11, 2024.
Minister (CM) of Gujarat, launched the
‘Prakrutik Krushi Portal(Natural Agriculture Portal)’ to
promote organic farming. This initiative was introduced
to mark the occasion of “Seva,
Sushasan Ane Samarpan Na 2 Varsh” (Two Years of
Exceptional Service and Dedication) his role as the CM
of Gujarat.

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 Current Affairs Weekly PDF – December 2024 – 4th Week
(24 – 31)

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

DPIIT & HDFC Bank Sign MoU to Strengthen Product (GDP) from the current 17% to
India’s Startup Ecosystem 25% as part of its long term vision of achieving
‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and
Industry (MoC&I) entered into a Memorandum of AR Government and IA Signs MoA for
Understanding (MoU) with Mumbai(Maharashtra) Management of
based HDFC Bank Limited, India’s largest private ‘Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of
sector bank by assets, to provide startups with world-
Valor’
class banking and financial services.
In December 2024, the Arunachal
✓ The DPIIT also signed an MoU with Tally
Pradesh (AR) government signed a Memorandum of
Solutions Private Limited, a software
Agreement (MoA) with the Indian Army (IA) for the
company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to
management of the ‘Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing
digitally empower startups in the
Museum of Valor’ in Tawang, AR.
manufacturing sector.
✓ The MoA was formalized by Kangki Darang,
Tawang Deputy Commissioner and Brigadier V
NITI Aayog releases Report “S.A.F.E. S Rajput of the 190 Mountain Brigade in the
Accommodation: Worker Housing for presence of Chief Minister(CM) of
Manufacturing Growth” AR, Pema Khandu.
On December 19 2024, National Institution for
Transforming India (NITI) Aayog chaired by Prime DRDO, IIT Delhi and Industry Partners
Minister (PM) Narendra Modi released a report Signed 10 Tripartite Agreements in New
titled “Site Adjacent Factory Employee(SAFE)
Delhi
Accommodation: Worker Housing for Manufacturing
On 19th December 2024, the Defence Research and
Growth.” The report highlights the importance of
Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Institute of
secure, affordable, flexible, and efficient housing
Technology (IIT) Delhi and industry partners signed 10
solutions for industrial workers to support India’s
tripartite agreements during the event ‘DRDO-
manufacturing growth.
Industry-Academia – Global Approach to Readiness of
✓ The initiative was launched as part of
Indigenous Military Applications’ (DIA-GARIMA)
the Union Budget 2024-25, with the aim of
organised by DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of
addressing worker accommodation challenges
Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, Delhi.
in industrial zones across India.
✓ The agreement was signed in the presence
✓ It will be executed under a Public-Private
of Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department
Partnership (PPP) model, with Viability Gap
of Defence Research & Development (R&D),
Funding (VGF) support and contributions from
Ministry of Defence(MoD) and Chairman
anchor industries which will lead to enhanced
of DRDO,
productivity, lower attrition and increased
Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT
investment in the manufacturing sector.
Delhi, and industry representatives.
✓ India is aiming to elevate its manufacturing
sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic

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MNRE: Gujarat, Maharashtra and UP Lead in development in the MedTech sector were
Rooftop Solar Installations launched by the government.
✓ The government has allocated Rs 400
under PMSGMBY
crore for the establishment of medical device
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable
parks and Rs 500 crore for supporting
Energy (MNRE) data released in December
the MedTech industry’s growth through
2024, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar
research and innovation. The aim is to achieve
Pradesh (UP) are the top 3 states with the highest
‘‘Universal Health Coverage’’ and position
number of rooftop solar installations under ‘Prime
India as a global leader by 2047.
Minister -Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana(PMSGMBY)’.
✓ As per the data, Gujarat has topped among all
states in the country with 2,86,545 rooftop Union Minister Jitendra Singh launches
solar installations, followed by Maharashtra India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit “Kisan
(with 1,26,344 installations) and UP (with Kavach”
53,423 installations) ranked at 2nd and 3rd Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for
spot, respectively. Science and Technology; Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra
Singh unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first-of-its-kind
Govt Sanctioned Rs. 4388 Crore Under PM- anti-pesticide bodysuit. It is designed to protect
KUSUM Scheme to Solarize Agriculture farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.
✓ Kisan Kavach was developed by the
In December 2024, the Government of
Department of Biotechnology’s BRIC-inStem
India(GoI) sanctioned Rs. 4388 crore under the
and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., both based in
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha
Bangalore, Karnataka.
evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme to
solarize agriculture for states across India. The Nodal
Ministry for the scheme is the Ministry of New and CII, AICTE sign MoU to boost industry-
Renewable Energy (MNRE). oriented skill development
✓ It focuses on setting up 10,000 MW of The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the All
decentralized grid-connected renewable India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have
energy power plants on barren land, with each signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
plant having a capacity between 500 kilowatts enhance the skill development across AICTE-approved
(kW) and 2 MW. institutions. It was signed during the 11th CII Global
Summit on Skill Development 2024 in New
Union MoS Anupriya Patel highlights India’s Delhi, Delhi.
MedTech Vision at 21st CII Annual Health ✓ The theme of the 11th CII Global Summit on
Skill Development 2024 is “Building a
Summit in New Delhi
Resilient Skilled Talent Pool: Driving
On December 19 2024, the Confederation of Indian
Industry Growth.”
Industry (CII) hosted the 21st Annual Health
Summit with the theme “Transforming Healthcare for
Viksit Bharat 2047” in New Delhi (Delhi). The summit Indian Railways Launches ‘Sanraksha App’
featured an exhibition highlighting the latest medical for Enhanced Passenger Safety
innovations and technologies, paving the way for a In November 2024, Indian Railways(IR) introduced the
future-ready healthcare system. Pan-India ‘Sanraksha’ mobile application(app),
✓ During the summit, the National Medical which aims to boost passenger safety by improving the
Device Policy and schemes for strengthening training of frontline safety personnel. The app
infrastructure, promoting research and skill integrates advanced technologies, including data

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analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to provide Partnerships for a Shared Future” which
smart learning and real-time feedback. outlined a wide range of collaborative
initiatives, from energy partnerships to regional
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Unveils security cooperation.

100 Years Celebration Logo of

NSCBI Airport in Kolkata
On 13 December 2024, Union Minister Kinjarapu
Rammohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA),
unveiled the centenary celebrations logo of Netaji
Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
(NSCBI Airport) in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB),
commemorating 100 years of its service.
✓ A special commemorative stamp and coin
were also released to honor the airport’s 100-
year journey, along with the launch of an MoD and L&T Signs Contract for 100
exclusive art book showcasing India’s rich additional K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled
cultural heritage through modern airport
Artillery Guns
architecture.
On December 20 2024, the Ministry of
✓ A dedicated UDAN Yatri Café will be opened
Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs
at the airport, catering to passengers traveling
7,628.70 crore with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) to
under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN)
supply 100 additional K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled
scheme. The café will provide quality,
tracked artillery guns, each with a 155 millimetre
affordable meals to enhance the travel
(mm)/52 calibre for the Indian Army (IA). The contract
experience for passengers.
was signed by senior officials of the MoD and the
Representatives of L&T Limited in the presence of
Overview of Sri Lankan President Anura Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi
Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India from (Delhi).
December 15 to 17, 2024 ✓ This procurement come under the ‘Buy
President of Sri (Indian)’ initiative, aiming to bolster the Army’s
Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake(AKD), visited India firepower and operational capability.
from December 15 to 17,2024, marking his first ✓ The initiative also supports
bilateral trip to India after Sri Lanka’s presidential and India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the ‘Make
parliamentary elections. He was accompanied by in India’ mission by involving Indian industries,
Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath and Deputy including the Ministry of Micro, Small and
Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando. This visit Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
was undertaken at the invitation of the Indian Prime
Minister(PM) Narendra Modi. ‘E-Shram Portal’ Registers 30.48 Crore
✓ India and Sri Lanka sign two agreements Workers nationwide; UP Leads with 8.37
on Double taxation, capacity building and
Crore Registrations
training in the presence of Sri Lankan President
The E-Shram portal , the world’s largest database for
Anura Kumara Dissanayake and PM Narendra
unorganized workers, has
Modi in New Delhi(Delhi).
recorded 30,48,02,313 (30.48 crore) registrations till
✓ Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara
December 19 2024. The portal was launched by the
Dissanayake along with PM Narendra Modi
Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) on 26th
issued a joint statement titled “Fostering

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August 2021 which aims to support the unorganized ✓ It has decided to exempt gene therapy
workforce, vital to India’s economy. completely from GST. This move aims to make
✓ It creates a National Database of Unorganised advanced medical treatments more
Workers (NDUW), verified with Aadhaar, to accessible for people.
deliver targeted welfare schemes, social ✓ The Council has decided to extend the
security and job opportunities. A total of Rs. concessional 5% GST rate on food inputs of
704.01 crores were allocated for NDUW for food preparations under HSN 19 or 21 that are
the period Fiscal Year 2019-20(FY20) to FY25. supplied for food preparations used for free
distribution to economically weaker sections
Union Minister Amit Shah Attends SSB’s (EWS) under various Government of India
(GoI) led programs subject to the existing
61st Raising Day Event in West Bengal
conditions.
On 20th December, 2024, Union Minister Amit
✓ The Council has decided to raise the GST rate
Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of
from12% to 18% on sale of all old and used
Cooperation (MoC), attended the 61st Raising
vehicles, including Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in
List of Goods and Services with Revised GST Rates:
Siliguri, West Bengal(WB) as the Chief Guest.
✓ During the event, Union Minister Amit Shah Previous New
digitally inaugurated the Integrated Check Name of
S.NO. GST GST
Point (ICP) in Agartala, Tripura and the newly Items
Rate Rate
constructed residential complex of the Border
Guard Force (BGF) at Petrapole, WB.
Sale of all
old and used
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar vehicles,
Inaugurates GSI Geoscience Museum in 1. including 12% 18%
Gwalior Electric
In December 2024, the Vice President (VP) of Vehicles
(EVs)
India Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the state-of-the-
art Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience
Ready to Eat
Museum at the Victoria Market Building
popcorn
in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
mixed with
✓ The museum was developed in coordination
salt and
with the Gwalior Municipal Corporation(GMC)
2. spices, if 5% 12%
and the National Council of Science Museums
supplied as
(NCSM).
pre-
packaged
Highlights of the 55th GST Council Meeting and labelled
The 55th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council
meeting chaired by Union Ready to Eat
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance popcorn
3. 5% 18%
(MoF) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MoCA) was mixed with
held on December 21, 2024 at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. sugar
✓ Among several recommendations by the GST
Council, the most notable was the reduction of
GST rate on Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) to 5%.

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Union Minister Bhupender Yadav releases DoP and MEA signs agreement to establish
India State of Forest Report 2023 600 additional POPSKs
On December 21 2024, Union In December 2024, the Department of Posts (DoP),
Minister, Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Communications(MoC), signed an
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released the agreement with the Ministry of External
18th edition of ‘India State of Forest Report(ISFR Affairs (MEA) to establish 600 additional Passport
2023)’ on Volume I and Volume II at Forest Research Seva Kendras (POPSKs) at post offices nationally.The
Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. new POPSKs are expected to be operational by 2028-
✓ According to the report, India’s total forest and 29.
tree cover in 2023 stands at 827,357 square
kilometer(sq km), which is around 25% of the
geographical area of India .This marks an
overall increase of 1,445 sq km from 2021,
with forest cover alone rising by 156 sq km.
Top 3 states of Forest and Tree cover:

Geographical
Rank State
Area

Madhya Pradesh
1 85,724 sq km
(MP)

Arunachal
2 67,083 sq km
Pradesh (AR)

3 Maharashtra 65,383 sq km GoI abolishes ‘No-Detention Policy’ for

Top 3 states of Forest cover: Classes 5 and 8
In December 2024, the Government of India(GoI) has
Geographical abolished the ‘no-detention policy’ for Classes 5 and
Rank State
Area 8, allowing schools to fail students who do not clear
year-end exams. It will be applicable to over 3,000
Madhya Pradesh central schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas(KVs),
1 77,073 sq km
(MP) Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas(JNVs), Sainik
Schools(under the Ministry of Defence,MoD) and
Arunachal Eklavya Model Residential Schools(EMRS)(under the
2 65,882 sq km
Pradesh (AR) Ministry of Tribal Affairs, MoTA).
✓ The Ministry of Education(MoE) issued the
3 Chhattisgarh 55,812 sq km
notification on December 16 2024, has
amended “Right of Children to Free and
GSV and IN signed MoU to Enhance Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, as
revised by the RTE (Amendment) Act, 2019”,
Logistics Education and Research
outlining the changes to the promotion criteria.
In December 2024, Vadodara(Gujarat) based Gati
The amended rules, titled the RTE
Shakti Vishwavidyalaya(GSV) and Indian
(Amendment) Act, 2024.
Navy(IN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to enhance education, research, and training in
logistics-related fields for the IN.

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Union Civil Aviation Minister Launched prevent and manage NCDs in children by
‘UDAN Yatri Cafe’ and special centenary improving community healthcare and primary
health services.
tributes at Kolkata Airport Celebrations
In December 2024, Union
Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Team Russia won the 13th edition of
Aviation (MoCA) Admiral’s Cup 24 Sailing Regatta
launched ‘UDAN Yatri Cafe’ and ‘Centenary Postal The “13th edition of the Admiral’s Cup Sailing
Special Cover’ during the inauguration ceremony of Regatta” for the year 2024 was organised by the Indian
the Centenary celebrations of Netaji Subhas Chandra Navy (IN) featured 53 skilled sailors, including 14
Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata, West women, from 25 nations held at the Indian Naval
Bengal (WB). Academy (INA), Ezhimala, Kerala from 8th to 13th
✓ Union Minister also unveiled the Centenary December 2024.
Celebrations Logo of NSCBI Airport. Apart ✓ Team’s Category – The Admiral’s Cup 24 was
from them, he announced a series of initiatives won by Team Russia, which was represented
that include the release of a commemorative by Lieutenant (Lt) Gorkunov Petr llyich and
My Stamp, Souvenir coin and a coffee table Cadet (Cdt) Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna.
book. ✓ In the men’s individual category,
Lt. Gorkunov Petr Lyich of Russia
AIM and UNDP Launch 7th Edition of Youth won first place, followed by Second
Lieutenant (2Lt) Darius Lee Kheng Wee of
Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge 2024-
Singapore and Ensign Pappas Vissarion HN of
2025 Greece, won second and third places
In December 2024, the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) respectively.
under the National institution for Transforming India ✓ In the women’s individual category, Ensign
(NITI) Aayog and the United Nations Development Camilla Bernabei from Italy won first place,
Programme (UNDP) in partnership with Citi followed by Cdt Loshichinina Polina
Foundation have virtually launched the seventh Vladislavovna from Russia and SLt Isha Shah
edition of the ‘Youth Co:Lab National Innovation from India at second and third places
Challenge for 2024-2025’. respectively.
✓ The 2024-2025 edition will be implemented in
collaboration with Bengaluru(Karnataka) based
PM Modi Visited and Inaugurated Various
AssisTech Foundation(ATF).
Projects in Madhya Pradesh
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Madhya
UNICEF Partners with West Bengal Govt to
Pradesh (MP) on 25th December 2024 on the
Enhance Juvenile Diabetes Care occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of former PM
In December 2024, the United Nations Children’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee inagurated and laid foundation
Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the West stone of various projects including –
Bengal(WB) Government to enhance the treatment of ✓ Foundation stone of Ken-Betwa River Linking
children affected by Non-Communicable Diseases National Project
(NCD), including juvenile diabetes. ✓ Inauguration of Omkareshwar floating solar
✓ UNICEF collaborates with WB’s Department of project
Health and Family Welfare(DHFW) and ✓ Foundation stone of Atal Gram Sushasan
Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & buildings
Research (IPGMER) & Seth Sukhlal Karnani ✓ Release a commemorative stamp and coin
Memorial (SSKM) Hospital, Kolkata, WB to marking the 100th birth anniversary of former
create a Primary Health Care (PHC) model to PM Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

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Punjab becomes 5th state to provide 100% MoSPI: Monthly Per Capita Expenditure
piped water supply to rural household Increased by 9% in rural areas and around
In December 2024, Hardeep Singh Mundian, Minister 8% in urban areas in 2023-24
for Water Supply and Sanitation, Punjab, announced In December 2024, the Ministry of Statistics and
that Punjab has become the fifth state in India to Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the
provide 100% piped water supply to rural households results of Household Consumption Expenditure
under the “Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM) – Har Ghar Survey: 2023-24 (HCES: 2023-24). As per the latest
Jal(HGJ)” Scheme. survey, the average Monthly Per Capita Consumption
Expenditure (MPCE) in rural and urban India has been
Gujarat’s Masali becomes First Border Solar estimated to be Rs 4,122 and Rs 6,996, respectively in
Village in India 2023-24, without considering the values of items
received free of cost by the households through various
Masali village in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, has
social welfare programmes.
become India’s first border solar village, contributing
to the India’s solar energy program aimed at achieving ✓ While, the average MPCE (without imputation)
in nominal terms has increased by about
self-reliance in the energy sector and to fulfil the goal of
8% and 9% in urban and rural areas of the
a sustainable future by using renewable energy.
country, respectively in 2023-24 from the level
✓ The project, with a total cost of Rs 1.16 crore,
of 2022-23.
is funded by a Rs 59.81 lakh subsidy under
✓ States with highest average MPCE for urban
the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli
Yojana, along with Rs 20.52 lakh in public areas in 2023-24: Telangana (Rs 8,978); Tamil
Nadu (TN) (Rs 8,165); Karnataka (Rs 8,076);
contributions and Rs 35.67 lakh in Corporate
Maharashtra (Rs 7,363) and Andhra Pradesh
Social Responsibility (CSR) support.
(AP) (Rs 7,182).
✓ States with highest average MPCE for rural
Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport areas in 2023-24: Kerala (Rs 6,611); Punjab
Becomes India’s 1st Zero-Waste Airport (Rs 5,817);TN (Rs 5,701) and Telangana (Rs
Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore, Madhya 5,435).
Pradesh(MP),became India’s 1st zero-waste airport ✓ Sikkim reported the highest MPCE among all
with the inauguration of 3,000 square feet (sq.ft) the Indian states, with Rs 9,377 in rural areas
Material Recovery Facility(MRF) at the airport by Union and Rs 13,927 in urban areas for 2023-24.
Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil ✓ Chandigarh reported the highest MPCE among
Aviation(MoCA). all the UTs, with Rs 8,857 in rural areas and Rs
✓ The airport’s zero-waste achievement is based 13,425 in urban areas for 2023-24.
on the 4R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,
and Restore.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurated
✓ The Zero-Waste Airport Project is a joint
India’s First Bio-Bitumen National Highway
initiative between IndiGo’s corporate social
India’s first sustainable road using lignin-based bio
responsibility arm, IndiGoReach, the Airports
bitumen was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin
Authority of India (AAI), and the AAS
Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport and
Foundation (a non-governmental organization
Highways(MoRTH) at the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on
focused on sustainable development).
NH (National Highway)-44.The project has been
launched by the Pune (Maharashtra) based Praj
Industries, a leading company in industrial
biotechnology.
✓ Praj Industries developed this project in
collaboration with Council of Scientific and

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 Industrial Research – Central Road Research Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental
Institute (CSIR-CRRI) , the National Highways Structural Engineers(OSE).

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Zscaler ThreatLabz Report : India Tops Fukuoka –

11,335,5
Global List for Mobile Malware Attacks 3 Tokyo Japan
51
According to the “Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 Mobile, Haneda
IoT, and OT Threat Report” by Zscaler Inc.,
headquartered in United States America(USA), India Hanoi – Ho
Vietna 10,631,4
tops the list globally in mobile malware attacks, 4 Chi Minh
m 35
accounting for 28 % of worldwide attacks. This marks a City
significant jump from its previous 3rd place ranking in
2023. India surpasses the United States (US) at 27.3% Melbourne Australi 9,217,37
5
and Canada at 15.9%. – Sydney a 7

Mumbai – 7,963,68
OAG Data: Mumbai-Delhi Becomes World’s 8 India
Delhi 6
Eighth Busiest Domestic Flight Route in
2024
In December 2024, the United Kingdom (UK) based
global travel data provider Official Airline
Guide (OAG) released a report titled “Busiest Flight
Routes in the World 2024”. According to the report,
the Mumbai(BoM)-Delhi route in India ranked
the 8th busiest domestic route in the world in 2024,
with airlines operating 7.963 million seats. In 2023, it
was in 9th place with 7.276 million seats.
✓ The Busiest International Airline Route in 2024
is Hong Kong(HKG) to Taipei (TPE) with 6.8
million seats.
Top 5 Busiest Domestic Flight Routes of 2024:

Ran Route Countr

Seats
k Name y
Official visit of PM Modi to Kuwait from
Jeju 21st to 22nd December 2024
Internation South 14,183,7 Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi made an official 2-
1
al – Seoul korea 19 day visit to Kuwait from 21st December to
Gimpo 22nd December 2024 at the invitation
of Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the
Sapporo
Amir of the State of Kuwait.
New
11,931,5
2 Chitose – Japan
72
Tokyo
Haneda

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India, Kuwait sign four MoUs to strengthen
medicine,
cultural, defence cooperation:
management,
India and Kuwait signed four Memorandum of
media, and
Understandings (MoUs) in the areas of defence, sports
science.
and cultural cooperation. The MoUs are as follows –
To adopt solar
Sr.
MoU/Agreement Objective energy and
No.
addressing
Kuwait’s
common
To promote membership of
challenges to
bilateral 4 International
promote usage
cooperation in Solar Alliance
of solar energy,
defence in areas (ISA)
develop low-
including carbon growth
training, economies.
MoU between exchange of
India and Kuwait personnel and PM Modi gets Kuwait’s highest honour ‘The Order of
1 on Cooperation experts, joint Mubarak Al Kabeer’:
in the field exercises, PM Modi was awarded the Wisam Mubarak al-
of Defence defense industry Kabeer, or the Order of Mubarak the Great, by Sheikh
cooperation, Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on 22nd
supply of December 2024. This is the highest national award of
equipment, and Kuwait.
Research and
Development IPBES Nexus Report: Developing Countries
(R&D). Struggle to Take Action on Reducing
To promote
Pollution
cultural On December 17 2024, the Intergovernmental
exchanges in art, Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and
Cultural Ecosystem Services (IPBES) launched its assessment
music, dance,
Exchange report on the Interlinkages Among Biodiversity,
literature,
Programme Water, Food and Health known as the Nexus Report.
2 theatre,
(CEP) between ✓ As per the report, Pollution is a main driver
conserve
India and Kuwait responsible for degradation of biodiversity,
cultural heritage,
(2025-2029) water quality and human health. This latest
R&D in culture,
and organization report was approved by delegates of 147
of festivals. countries that are members of IPBES at the
11th IPBES Plenary session held in Windhoek,
To enhance Namibia.
Executive exchange of ✓ The report has identified 5 ‘nexus
Programme (EP) sports leaders, elements’ including: biodiversity, water, food,
for Cooperation participation in health and climate change, and found that all
3 these elements are interconnected, influence
in the Field of programs, and
Sports (2025- exchange of each other and have consequences when
2028) knowledge and combined.
skills in sports

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India & China signed Six Point Pact to kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, more
Resume Mansarovar Yatra, Nathula Border than three times the capacity of the ‘Three
Gorges Dam’, currently the world’s largest, in
Trade
central China.
On December 18, 2024, India and China have signed a
six-point agreement to resume the Kailash
Mansarovar Yatra and Nathula border trade during India to fund worth Rs 2,371 million in Sri
the 23rd meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) Lanka for development projects
on the China-India Boundary Question in Beijing, China. In December 2024, India will provide Rs 2,371
✓ The agreement also addresses key issues such million to Sri Lanka for 33 development projects in
as cross-border river cooperation, representing education, health and agriculture sectors in the eastern
a significant move toward rebuilding trust province. Nalinda Jayathissa, the cabinet spokesman
between the two nations. and the Health Minister of Srilanka informed that the Sri
Lanka Government has approved a proposal to sign a
China Approves Construction of World’s Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) to strengthen
bilateral ties and socio-economic growth between
Largest Hydropower Dam on Brahmaputra
India and Sri Lanka.
River
On December 25, 2024, China approved the
USA declares ‘Bald eagle’ as National Bird
construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam
on Yarlung Zangbo River, the 5th largest river of China after 240 years
in Tibet (China),a region where the Brahmaputra river In December 2024, President of the United States of
flows into India and Bangladesh. America (USA), Joseph Robinette Biden signed a
✓ With an estimated investment of USD 137 bipartisan bill that officially designates the “Bald
billion, the dam, situated near the India-Tibet Eagle” as the National bird of the USA. The significant
border, will be the largest infrastructure project recognition formalizes the bald eagle’s role as a
in the world. symbol of American strength and power, a position it
✓ The project, part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan has held informally for over 240 years.
(2021-2025), aims to generate 300 billion

BANKING & FINANCE

India and ADB signs USD 350 million loan ✓ The Maharashtra government signed a
agreement to expand manufacturing sector Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
In December 2024, the Government of India (GoI) and the ADB for financial assistance of Rs 1,527
crore(USD 200 million) for Phase II of
the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a USD 350
the Nagpur Metro project.
million policy-based loan agreement under the second
subprogramme of Strengthening Multimodal and
Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) programme to SEBI Notified New Asset Class “SIF” with
improve and modernize India’s logistics sector. Minimum Investment of Rs 10 Lakh
✓ The loan agreement was formalised with the In December 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board
involvement of the Department of Economic of India (SEBI) notified a new asset
Affairs (DEA),Ministry of Finance (MoF); class “Specialised Investment Fund (SIF)” between
Department for Promotion of Industry and Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Mutual
Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce Funds (MFs). As per the SEBI directions, the new asset
and Industry(MoC&I) and the ADB. class will accept investments of Rs 10 lakh or
above across all investment strategies. However,

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accredited investors are exempted from the policyholder receives guaranteed income benefits
requirement of minimum investment amount. along with 110% of the total premiums paid at the end
✓ As per the new rules, it is mandatory for the of the payout period.
fund manager of SIFs to have the relevant
National Institute of Securities
Market (NISM) certification.
✓ As per the new SIF regulations, an investment
strategy is not allowed to invest more than
20% of its Net Asset Value (NAV) in debt
instruments including money market
instruments as well as non-money market
instruments issued by a single issuer and are
not investment grade.
✓ For equity investments, the investment limit on
single-company exposure is set at 10% of the
total assets. But, the ownership limit for a
company has been increased to 15%.
✓ SIFs are allowed to allocate maximum 20% of
their assets to Real Estate Investment Max Life Insurance Rebrands to Axis Max
Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment
Life Insurance
Trusts (InvITs), but their investment should not
In December 2024, Max Life Insurance Company
exceed 10% in any single issuer.
Limited (MLICL) has officially rebranded as Axis Max
Life Insurance Company Limited (AMLICL) following
YES BANK Launches ‘YES corporate and regulatory approvals. The updated brand
Business’ Powered by IRIS Biz to Empower identity is represented by a new logo through the
MSMEs and Businesses inclusion of Axis’s ‘A’ and a burgundy colour.
In December 2024, India’s sixth-largest private sector ✓ Axis Max Life Insurance Limited is a joint
bank YES BANK Limited, has introduced ‘YES venture between Max Financial Services
Business’, a dedicated initiative to enhance its focus Limited (MFSL) and Axis Bank Limited. Axis
on the business segment and address their specific Bank’s board of directors approved the plan to
needs. The platform is designed to streamline banking buy more shares in Max Life, increasing its
and related services for Micro, Small, and Medium total stake in the company to 19.99% from
Enterprises (MSMEs), bringing them together under one 19.02%. As a result, MFSL’s stake in Max Life
unified solution. decreased from 87% to 81%.
✓ The launch of YES Business powered by IRIS
Biz application (app), the digital platform by Highlights of the 208th meeting of the SEBI
YES BANK combines core banking services Board
with additional tools to simplify business
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
operations and help entrepreneurs efficiently
Board conducted its 208th meeting
manage various aspects of their enterprise.
on 18th December 2024, in Mumbai to develop
significant measures to improve the business
SBI Life Insurance launches ‘Smart Platina environment in the capital markets.
Supreme’ plan ✓ SEBI has undertaken a comprehensive review
SBI Life Insurance, private life insurer, launched ‘SBI of the SEBI (Merchant Bankers) Regulations,
Life – Smart Platina Supreme’ a non-linked, non- 1992.The amendments made are –
participating life insurance savings plan. The

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 o Category 1 -Net worth not less assessment of the finances of State
than Rs. 50 crores and allowed to governments for Financial Year 2024-25(FY25)
undertake all permitted activities against the backdrop of actual and
o Category 2 -Net worth not less revised/provisional accounts for FY23 and
than Rs. 10 crores and allowed to FY24, respectively.
undertake all permitted activities ✓ The report has appreciated the state
except managing equity issues on the governments for the progress made towards
Main Board. fiscal consolidation by containing their total
✓ The SEBI Board has approved amendments Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) within 3% of Gross
to the SEBI Issue of Capital and Disclosure Domestic Product (GDP) for 3 consecutive
Requirements (ICDR) Regulations, years (2021-22 to 2023-24), while limiting their
2018 and SEBI Listing Obligations and revenue deficit to 0.2% of GDP in Financial
Disclosure Requirements Year 2022-23 (FY23) and FY24.
(LODR) Regulations, 2015 in order to make
efficient public issues which include following- World Bank Approves USD 800 million loan
o An issuer shall make an Initial Public
for development of Amaravati
Offer (IPO), only with an operating
On December 20, 2024, the World Bank’s (WB) Board
profit (earnings before interest,
of Executive Directors approved a USD 800
depreciation and tax) of Rs. 1
million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban
crore from operations for any 2 out
Development Project (AIUDP), which aims to
of 3 previous financial years at the
build Amaravati as a greenfield capital city of Andhra
time of filing of its draft red herring
Pradesh(AP).
prospectus (DRHP).
✓ The loan amount has a final maturity of 29
✓ An issuer shall make an Initial Public Offer
years including a grace period of 6 years. India
(IPO), only with an operating profit (earnings
has chosen to take the loan in Japanese
before interest, depreciation and tax) of Rs. 1
Yen(JPY).
crore from operations for any 2 out
✓ The Bank’s financing will also attract
of 3 previous financial years at the time of filing
over USD 600 million in private investment,
of its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).
helping the city become financially sustainable
✓ The SEBI board has increased the threshold for
and creating economic opportunities for its
identification of High Value Debt Listed
residents.
entities (HVDLEs) from Rs.500
crores to Rs. 1000 crores which is at par with
the large Corporates. RBI Approves Canara Bank’s Plan to Sell
Stake in Two Subsidiaries
RBI report: State’s Freebies Crowd out In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
approved Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Canara Bank
Resources Required for Development
Limited’s, a public sector bank (PSB), plan to sell part
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of
of its shares in Canara Robeco Asset Management
India (RBI) released a report titled “State Finances: A
Company (CRAMC) Limited headquartered in Mumbai,
Study of Budgets of 2024-25”. The report has
Maharashtra and Canara HSBC Life Insurance
cautioned about sops like farm loan waiver, free
Company Limited, based in Gurgaon, Haryana.
electricity and transport, by state governments could
✓ The bank will reduce its stake by 13% in
possibly crowd out their resources for social and
CRAMC and 5% in Canara HSBC Life
economic infrastructure development.
Insurance through an Initial Public Offer (IPO).
✓ The theme of the report is “Fiscal Reforms by
States”. It provides a comprehensive

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SEBI Deferred ESG Disclosure Deadline analysts, was established in March 2024 as a Section
under BRSR Framework by 1 Year to FY26 25 company.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has
decided to postpone the Environmental, Social and RBI Lifts Business Restrictions on ECL
Governance (ESG) disclosure deadline for value chain Finance and Edelweiss ARC
partners of listed companies by 1 year. i.e. shifting from In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
the current requirement of Financial Year 2024-25 lifted the business restrictions imposed on 2
(FY25) to Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26).This decision Edelweiss Group entities – Mumbai(Maharashtra)
was taken during the 208th meeting of SEBI Board held based ECL Finance Limited and Mumbai based
in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company(ARC)
✓ It has also decided that ESG disclosure for Limited. This move comes after both companies
“assessment or assurance” will be applicable successfully addressed the central bank’s concerns
from FY27 instead of the current requirement regarding their operations.
of FY26.

India and ADB signs USD 500 million loan to

RBI Imposed Rs.47.30 Lakh penalty support sustainable infrastructure projects
on IndusInd Bank and Manappuram Finance In December 2024, the Government of India (GoI) and
for Non-Compliance the Asian Development Bank(ADB) signed a USD 500
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) million loan to support green and sustainable
imposed a monetary penalty of Rs. 47.30 lakh infrastructure projects aligned with India’s climate
on IndusInd Bank Limited and Manappuram Finance commitments.
Limited for non-compliance with certain provisions ✓ The ADB loan will be given to the India
issued by RBI directions. Infrastructure Finance Company Limited
✓ The penalty of Rs. 27.3 (IIFCL) with a sovereign guarantee.
lakh on IndusInd Bank was imposed under the ✓ The ADB and Vastu Housing Finance
provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Corporation Limited (Vastu) have entered into
Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, a senior secured loan agreement of up to USD
1949, for non-compliance with specific 70 million to enhance access to affordable
provisions of the ‘RBI (Interest Rate on and sustainable housing loans in underserved
Deposits) Directions, 2016’. states of India.
✓ The penalty of Rs.
20 lakh on Manappuram Finance was Federal Bank Partners with Ecofy to Provide
imposed under clause (b) of sub-section (1) of
Solar Installations for MSMEs
Section 58G read with clause (aa) of sub-
Aluva(Kerala) basedFederal Bank Limited, the 6th
section (5) of Section 58B of the RBI Act, 1934,
largest private sector bank in India, has partnered
for non-compliance with certain provisions of
with Ecofy, India’s first green-focused Non-Banking
the “RBI (Know Your Customer, KYC)
Financial Company (NBFC) supported by Eversource
Direction, 2016.”
Capital Private Limited (ECPL), to provide innovative
financing options for Micro, Small, and Medium
SEBI unveils website for Association of Enterprises (MSME) investing in commercial rooftop
Registered Research Analysts of India solar installations.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
launched the website for the Association of Registered
Research Analysts of India (ARRAI)- http://arrai.org.in.
ARRAI, a trade body for SEBI-registered research

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ICICI Prudential Life Insurance launched ✓ The report showed that the combined net profit
ICICI Pru Wish for women specific illnesses of the non-life insurance sector was Rs 10,119
crore in FY24 as against a net loss of Rs 2,566
In December 2024, ICICI Prudential Life
Insurance launched ICICI Pru Wish, a critical illness crore in FY23.
✓ The report showed that the overall India’s
and surgery insurance product designed specifically for
insurance penetration (the ratio of annual
women. The product developed in partnership with the
premiums to Gross Domestic Product
Reinsurance Group of America (RGA) and provides a
(GDP))declined for the 2nd consecutive year
lump sum payout upon diagnosis of covered
i.e. to 3.7% during FY24 from 4% in FY23.
conditions.

HSBC India and IHCL launched India’s RBI Constituted 8-Member Committee to
1st first co-branded hospitality credit Develop Framework on Ethical Use of AI in
card ‘HSBC Taj Credit Card’ Financial Sector
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of
On December 17 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based
the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking India (RBI) announced that it has constituted
an 8 member committee to develop a framework for
Corporation(HSBC) India and Mumbai based Indian
responsible and ethical enablement of artificial
Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) have partnered to
introduce the HSBC Taj Credit Card, India’s 1st co- intelligence (FREE-AI) in the financial sector.
✓ The committee will be chaired
branded hospitality credit card designed for luxury
by Pushpak Bhattacharya, Professor from the
aiming to deliver bespoke experiences and exceptional
Department of Computer Science and
services for discerning customers.
Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
Bombay (IIT-B), Mumbai (Maharashtra).
IRDAI Report: Claims Ratio of Non-Life
Insurers Declines to 82.5% in FY24;
IFSCA Released Revised Framework for
Insurance penetration at 3.7%
ITFS Platforms in GIFT City
According to the Annual Report 2023-24 of the
In December 2024, the International Financial Services
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
Centres Authority (IFSCA) has released the revised
India (IRDAI), claims ratio(the net incurred claims to
framework for the setting up and operating of
net earned premium) of non-life insurance industry
International Trade Financing Services (ITFS) platforms
declined to 82.52% for the Financial Year 2023-
in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City- International
24(FY24), compared to 82.95% in FY23.
Financial Services Centre (GIFT-
✓ The report showed that the non-life insurance
IFSC), Gandhinagar (Gujarat).
sector underwrote a total direct premium of Rs
✓ This move of allowing ITFS to operate in IFSC
2.90 lakh crore in India during FY24,
will help in bridging the financing gap for
registering a growth of 12.76% from preceding
exporters and importers both in India and
year. This growth is mainly attributed by
globally.
increased health and motor insurance
✓ The new framework has rationalized the net
premiums from individuals.
worth requirements and allowed the overseas
✓ India’s insurance penetration was 3.7% in
companies to factor the receivables.
FY24 compared to 4% in 2022-23.
✓ The report highlighted that the contribution of
public sector general insurers have increased Central Bank of Sri Lanka Imposed Penalty
by 8.88%, from Rs 82,891 crore in FY23 to Rs on Indian Bank for Non-Compliance
90,252 crore in FY24. In December 2024, the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
of Central Bank of Sri Lanka has imposed monetary

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penalty of Rs 5.85 Lakhs (2 million Sri Lankan ✓ The bond was issued by NDR Infrastructure
rupees(LKR)) on Chennai (Tamil Nadu (TN))-based Investment Trust (InvIT), headquartered in
Public Sector Bank (PSB), Indian Bank Limited for not Mumbai, Maharashtra, and sponsored by NDR
complying with the provisions of Sri Lanka’s Financial Warehousing Private Limited.
Transactions Reporting Act No.6 of 2006 (FTRA). ✓ This marks the first time a warehousing InvIT
in India has issued an SLB.
ICICI Bank and Times Internet launched
‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’ TPREL Partners with Canara Bank for
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based ICICI Bank Rooftop Solar Solutions
Limited and Times Internet, the digital arm of the In December 2024, Tata Power Renewable Energy
Times of India (TOI) Group, jointly launched the “Times Limited (TPREL), headquartered in Mumbai,
Black ICICI Bank Credit Card,” a super-premium co- Maharashtra, collaborated with Canara Bank Limited,
branded metal card offering high-net-worth individuals a public sector bank (PSB), headquartered in
exclusive travel benefits, luxury lifestyle services, and Bengaluru, Karnataka, to promote the adoption of
curated privileges for exceptional experiences. rooftop solar systems under the Pradhan Mantri
✓ Powered by Visa Inc., the Credit Card stands (PM) – Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
out with its inaugural edition crafted from
metal infused with historic printing plates of SEBI approves Enlighten Angel Fund to
the TOI, symbolizing a seamless blend of
operate as AIF
legacy and innovation.
In December 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board
of India (SEBI) approved the Enlighten Angel Fund, a
PNB and FCAOI Sign MoU to Enhance platform supporting early-stage startups in India, to
Agricultural Infrastructure operate as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF).
Public sector lender Punjab National Bank (PNB), New ✓ It has introduced Rs. 200 crore Micro Venture
Delhi(Delhi) and Federation of Cold Storage Capital (VC) fund, with a Rs. 100
Associations of India (FCAOI) signed Memorandum of crore greenshoe option to enhance its support
Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural for India’s emerging entrepreneurs.
infrastructure and cold chain development across ✓ It allows underwriters to sell up to 15% more
India. shares than the original amount offered.
✓ The MoU was signed in the presence of Atul
Kumar Goel, Managing Director (MD) & Chief Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Launched
Executive Officer (CEO) of
Two Motor Insurance Add-ons
PNB; Kalyan Kumar, Executive Director (ED)
Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Limited, a leading
of PNB; senior officials from PNB and Mukesh
private general insurer in India launched two new
Aggarwal, President of the FCAOI in New
motor insurance add-on covers ‘Eco Assure – Repair
Delhi, Delhi.
Protection’ and ‘Named Driver Cover’, offering
personalised coverage, enhanced convenience and
IFC Invests Rs.630 crore in NDR InvIT’s promoting sustainability.
SLBs ✓ The unique offerings are the first of their kind in
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the insurance industry, launched as motor
headquartered in Washington, DC, United States of insurance continues to be one of the fastest-
America (USA), and a member of the World Bank (WB) growing segments in India’s general insurance
Group, has invested USD 75 million (approximately Rs market.
630 crore) in India’s first sustainability-linked bond
(SLB) issued in Indian rupees (INR).

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M2P Fintech partners with SBI to Shriram Finance Launches new vertical
Revolutionize Prepaid Payment Systems ‘Green Finance’ for Rs 5,000 Crore AUM
Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN) based M2P Fintech has Chennai(Tamil Nadu,TN) based Shriram Finance
partnered with Mumbai(Maharashtra) based State Limited, the flagship company of the Shriram Group,
Bank of India(SBI) to enhance the prepaid payment has launched a dedicated business
ecosystem in India. This strategic collaboration aims to unit, ‘Shriram Green Finance’, to consolidate its green
leverage M2P Fintech’s advanced technology platform financing efforts. Based in Bengaluru (Karnataka), this
and SBI’s extensive network to create a seamless and new vertical is focused on providing funding solutions
secure payment experience. for sustainable businesses across India.
✓ The primary goal of Shriram Green Finance is
to achieve an Asset Under
Management (AUM) of Rs 5,000 crore within
the next three to four years.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

Nasscom and DIFC Signed MoU to Enhance World Bank: India Emerged Topmost
Cross-Border Tech Innovation Recipient of Remittances among LMICs,
Noida(Uttar Pradesh) based National Association of with USD 129 billion Inflows in 2024
Software and Service According to the World Bank (WB)’s latest
Companies (NASSCOM) and Dubai International data, India has emerged as the topmost recipient
Financial Centre (DIFC) signed a Memorandum of of remittances among Low and Middle-Income
Understanding (MoU) to enhance cross-border Countries (LMICs) in 2024, with an estimated inflow
collaboration in fintech, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and of USD 129 billion, witnessed an increase
innovation. of 3.2% compared to USD 125 billion in 2023.
✓ The agreement was signed in the presence of ✓ India is followed by Mexico (USD 68
Rajesh Nambiar, President of NASSCOM, and billion), China (USD 48 billion), the
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Philippines (USD 40 billion),
DIFC Authority. and Pakistan (USD 33 billion). This surge is
mainly attributed to a recovery in the job
TCS Inks Deal with Bank of Bhutan to markets in High-Income Countries (HICs)
Modernize Digital Core within the Organisation for Economic Co-
operation and Development (OECD).
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) made a strategic
✓ As per the data, remittance inflows globally
partnership with the Bank of Bhutan, the largest
increased by 5.8% in 2024 compared to
commercial bank in Bhutan, to modernize the bank’s
modest growth of 1.2% registered in 2023.
digital core for enhanced customer service. TCS will
implement its TCS BaNCS Global Banking
Platform to help the bank optimize operations and Premier Explosives & Global Munition signs
provide various public services within the digital MoU to establish JV for Defence and
ecosystem of the country. Aerospace
In December 2024, Secunderabad(Telangana) based
Premier Explosives Limited(PEL) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Pune(Maharashtra) based Global Munition India
Limited(MIL), a unit of NIBE Ordnance and Maritime

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Ltd.(NIBEOM), to establish a joint venture (JV) focused
on the manufacturing of defence and aerospace ASUSE Results for 2023-24: Job Creation
products.
Slowed in Unincorporated non-
✓ The joint venture will be structured with
a 51:49 equity split, where Global Munition agricultural Sector
Ltd., will hold the majority stake. The move is In December 2024, the National Statistical
expected to bolster Premier Explosives’ Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme
position in the market. Implementation (MoSPI) released the results of
‘Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector
Enterprises (ASUSE) for 2023-24’. The report has
Nvidia Partners with Vietnam to Establish AI
covered the time period from October 2023 to
R&D and Data Centers September 2024.
In December 2024, California (the United States of ✓ As per the report, fresh new employment
America, USA)-based Nvidia Corporation, signed an creation in the unincorporated non-agricultural
agreement with the Government of Vietnam to jointly sector slowed in October 2023 to September
set up an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and 2024 period, with additional job generation
Development (R&D) center and an AI data center in declining to 10.97 million compared to 11.74
Vietnam. million in October 2022- September 2023.

HPCL Signed Agreement with MoF Report: Indian Economy Likely to

NLDS to Integrate its API with ULIP Grow at 6.5% in FY25
In December 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based In December 2024, Department of Economic
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited(HPCL) has Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF) released
signed an agreement with New Delhi(Delhi) based its Monthly Economic Review for November 2024. As
National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation per the report, the Indian economy is likely to grow
Limited (NICDC) Logistics Data Services at 6.5% in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) compared to
Limited(NLDS) to integrate its Application its previous projection of 6.5% to 7%, due to
Programming Interface (API) with Unified Logistics challenges posed by global uncertainties and triggers.
Interface Platform (ULIP). ✓ This projection came following India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) fell to 5.4% in the
Ind-Ra Projected Indian Economy to Grow at 2nd Quarter (Q2: July to September) of FY25.
6.6% in FY26
In December 2024, India Ratings and Research (Ind- Aditya Birla Capital becomes the first BFSI
Ra) released its ‘FY2026 Macro Economic Outlook’. It company to offer all financial services on
projected the Indian economy to grow at 6.6% in the ONDC Network
Financial Year 2025-26(FY26) from 6.4% in FY24.
Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Aditya Birla Capital
✓ Retail inflation is projected to average 4.4% in
Limited(ABCL) has become the first Banking, Financial
FY26, down from the anticipated 4.9% in Services, and Insurance(BFSI) company to offer all
FY25. Ind-Ra forecasts a merchandise trade
three core financial services lending, insurance, and
deficit of USD 308 billion(Rs. 26,15,536 crore)
Mutual Fund(MF) investments on the Open Network for
in FY26, compared to USD 277.4 billion (Rs.
Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.
23,55,681 crore) in FY25 and USD 244.9 billion
(Rs. 20,79,691 crore) in FY24.

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 AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

ESIC Bagged Four Awards at RSSF Asia- Noted Hindi Writer Suryabala wins 34th
Pacific in Saudi Arabia Vyas Samman
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Hindi writer Suryabala has been chosen for the 34th
statutory social security body under the Ministry of Vyas Samman 2024 in recognition of her
Labour and Employment, Government of India, has novel “Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary” which was
bagged four awards at the Regional Social Security published in 2018. This Hindi novel explores how
Forum for Asia and Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific) in Indian youth see America as a land of opportunity, the
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The RSSF Asia-Pacific was challenges they face when moving there, the
organized by the International Social Security temptations they encounter, and the cultural conflicts
Association (ISSA). they experience.
✓ Note: Pushpa Bharathi was honored with the
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 : 33rd Vyas Samman for the book
“Yaadein Yaadein Aur Yaadein”
Vinicius Junior and Aitana Bonmatí won The
Best Men’s and Women’s player Award
The Best FIFA(Fédération Internationale de Football
Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas
Association) Football Awards ceremony 2024 was Honored with Knighthood and Damehood
held in Doha, Qatar, on 17 December 2024. In December 2024, Oscar award winning
Vinicius Junior (Brazil) won the Best FIFA Men’s Player filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma
2024 Award, while Aitana Bonmati (Spain) won the Thomas were honored with royal
Best FIFA Women’s Player 2024 Award for the second honors ‘knighthood’ and ‘damehood’,
consecutive year. respectively, by King Charles III for their remarkable
Winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024: contributions to the film industry in a ceremony held at
Buckingham Palace in London, the United Kingdom
Category Winner (UK).

The Best Vinicius Junior (Brazil)-Real Ram Temple in Ayodhya Won ‘Sword of
Men’s Player Madrid Club de Fútbol (CF)
Honour’ Award for Safety Excellence
The Best The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya(Uttar Pradesh,
Aitana Bonmati(Spain)-Futbol UP), has recently been honoured with the ‘Sword of
Women’s
Club (FC) Barcelona Honour‘ award by the British Safety Council (BSC).
Player
This project is being designed and constructed by
The Best Larsen and Toubro Limited(L&T).
Emiliano Martinez(Argentina)- ✓ The Sword of Honour is awarded only to
Men’s
Aston Villa Football Club (FC) projects with a five-star safety rating, setting
Goalkeeper
a standard for excellence in safety
Alyssa Michele management within the construction industry.
The Best
Naeher(United States of
Women’s
America, USA)- Chicago Red IWAI’s Kalughat IMT gets recognition for
Goalkeeper
Stars FC
sustainable infrastructure project
The Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat in Bihar,
developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of
India (IWAI), has been awarded a five-
star SVAGRIHA (Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA)

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rating by the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat awards recognize their contributions to Indian
Assessment (GRIHA) Council for maintaining classical music and cultural preservation. The
environmental sustainability through the use of award comprises a cash prize
recyclable materials during the construction of the of Rs.5 lakh along with a citation plaque.
terminal.
✓ The terminal is made under World Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conferred
Bank funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for
‘69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2024’t
capacity expansion of National Waterway
1 (NW-1) – River Ganga. o 101 Railway officials
In December 2024, Union
Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Ministry of
Maharashtra’s ‘Government at Your
Railways(MoR), Ministry of Information and
Doorstep’ Initiative Wins SKOCH Award Broadcasting(MoI&B) and Ministry of Electronics and
Maharashtra government’s initiative ‘Shasan Aplya Information Technology(MeitY), conferred “69th
Dari’ (‘Government at Your Doorstep) has won Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar (AVRSP 2024) to 101
the SKOCH Award for its excellence in citizen- Railway officials and 22 shields to the best-
focused governance and commitment to deliver performing Railway Zones in Bharat Mandapam, New
efficient public services. Delhi (Delhi)
✓ The theme for this year’s ceremony
REC Ltd. wins Golden Peacock Award 2024 was “Mai Hoon Bhartiya Rail,” symbolizing
for Excellence in Corporate Governance pride and dedication to the Indian Railways.
REC Limited (Rural Electrification Corporation
Limited), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Dr. Ravi Pillai Honored with Bahrain’s
Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Power and a ‘Medal of Efficiency’ for Outstanding
leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has Contributions
been awarded with the prestigious Golden Peacock
In December 2024, Dr.Ravi Pillai, a prominent Indian
Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate
businessman, founder and the chairman of Dubai
Governance for maintaining transparency,
based RP Groups of Company, was awarded Bahrain’s
accountability, and ethical business practices.
‘Medal of Efficiency’(First Class) by the King of
Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at a ceremony held in
Tansen Samaroh 2024: Pt. Swapan Dubai,United Arab Emirates (UAE). He was the 1st
Chaudhuri honoured Rashtriya Tansen foreign national to receive this distinguished honor.
Samman; Sanand
Nyas with Mansingh Tomar Award Indian Educationist Arun Kapur
The 100th edition of the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, one honored with Royal Honor by Bhutan
of India’s most celebrated classical music festivals, In December 2024, Renowned Indian
was held from December 15 to 19, 2024 in Gwalior, educationist Arun Kapur, known for establishing
Madhya Pradesh (MP). The Department of Culture, MP schools across India, Bhutan and Oman has been
organizes the music festival, with Dharmendra Singh, honored with the ‘Bura Marp’ (red scarf)
the Culture Minister of MP, serving as the chief guest at and ‘Patang’ (ceremonial sword) by
the award function. Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel at the 117th
✓ The event honored tabla player Padma Bhutanese National Day celebrations at
Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri with the Changlimithang stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.
‘Rashtriya Tansen Samman 2023’ and
Indore’s Sanand Nyas Institution with the
‘Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman 2023’. The

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Union Minister S. Jaishankar Honoured with Indian Education Society (SIES), one of India’s oldest
Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National educational societies, headquartered in Mumbai,
Maharashtra.
Eminence Award
✓ The award is named
In December 2024, Union
after Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekarendra Sar
Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of
aswathi, also known as Maha Periyavar, a
External Affairs (MEA), was awarded
revered spiritual leader and the “Sage of
the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National
Kancheepuram.”
Eminence Award for Public Leadership from the South

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Eurogrip Tyres announces M S Dhoni as the Roche Group, as its new President,
Brand Ambassador to Empower Riders effective January 1, 2025.
✓ He will succeed the current President Dr.
In December 2024, Eurogrip Tyres, India’s leading
Albert Bourla and the Chairman and CEO of
brand for 2, 3-wheeler and off-highway tyres
Pfizer who completes his term.
announced legendary
cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its new Brand
Ambassador. Preeti Lobana Appointed as Google India’s
New Country Manager & VP
Pat Gelsinger Retired as CEO of Intel In December 2024, Google, Alphabet Inc’s largest
Corporation subsidiary , appointed Preeti Lobana as the new
Pat Gelsinger, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Country Manager and Vice President (VP) for India. She
replaced interim head Roma Datta Chobey and
Intel Corporation (INTC), headquartered in California,
succeeded Sanjay Gupta, who has moved to the role
United States of America (USA), retired after a
of President of Google for the Asia-Pacific region.
distinguished tenure spanning over four decades. His
retirement became effective on December 1, 2024, as
he stepped down from both his executive role and the Former SC Judge Madan Lokur Appointed
board of directors. as Chairperson of UN IJC
✓ He was replaced by David Zinsner, Executive The Former Supreme Court (SC)
Vice President (VP) and Chief Financial Officer Judge of India Justice Madan
(CFO), and Michelle Johnston (MJ) Holthaus, B Lokur has been appointed as
head of the newly created Intel Products the chairperson of the United
group, as interim Co-Chief Executive Officers Nations (UN) Internal Justice
(CEOs). Council (IJC) from 19th
✓ Additionally, Frank D. Yeary, the independent December 2024 to 12th November 2028 by the UN
chair of Intel’s board, will serve as interim Secretary-General António Guterres.
executive chair.

President Droupadi Murmu Appointed New

Dr. Thomas Schinecker appointed as Governors in 5 States: Kerala, Odisha, Bihar,
President of IFPMA Mizoram and Manipur
Geneva, Switzerland-based International Federation of On December 25 2024, President of
Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and
India, Droupadi Murmu, appointed new Governors
Associations (IFPMA) has appointed Dr.
for 5 states Kerala, Odisha, Bihar, Mizoram and
Thomas Schinecker, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Manipur at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi.

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All the appointments will be effective from the dates, Minister (PM) of Tonga. He
the Governors assume charge of their respective replaced former PM
offices. Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni,
✓ President Droupadi Murmu has accepted who resigned on December 9
the resignation of Raghubar Das as Governor 2024. He won the secret ballot of
of Odisha and Parliament by 16- 8 votes by
appointed Hari Babu Kambhampati as the defeating the only other candidate, Viliame Latu (Trade
new Governor of Odisha. Minister).
New Governors of the 5 States:
Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir appointed as new
Stat Previous
New Governor PM of Iceland
e Governor
In December 2024, Halla Tómasdóttir, President of
Iceland, appointed Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir, the
Kera Rajendra Vishwa Arif Mohammed
Leader of the Social Democratic Alliance (SDA) as the
la nath Arlekar Khan
new Prime Minister (PM) of Iceland. She officially
Hari assumed office by replacing former
Odis PM Bjarni Benediktsson.
Babu Kambham Raghubar Das
ha ✓ Kristrun Mjoll Frostadottir(36) became the
pati
youngest PM in Icelandic history.
Biha Arif Mohammed Rajendra Vishwa ✓ Note: For the first time, in
r Khan nath Arlekar Iceland that the leaders of all the
governing parties will be women,
General (Dr) Hari and the first time that the country
Mizo
Vijay Kumar Babu Kambham will have a femalePM and a
ram
Singh (Retired) pati female president.

Mani Ajay Kumar Lakshman

pur Bhalla Prasad Acharya Kissht Partners with Sachin Tendulkar to
enhance Digital Financial Growth
In December 2024, Kissht, India’s leading digital
J&K Bank Appoints Amitava Chatterjee as lending platform operated by OnEMI Technology
MD & CEO Solutions Private Limited, has announced a long-term
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) collaboration with Cricket legend Sachin
Bank Limited has Tendulkar as a strategic Investor and Brand
appointed Amitava Ambassador. This partnership aims to accelerate
Chatterjee as its new Managing Kissht’s growth and strengthen its offerings in speedy
Director (MD) and Chief and hassle-free credit financing services.
Executive Officer (CEO) for a
period of three years effective Salman Khan and Tiger Shroff named as
from 30th December 2024. He will replace Baldev
brand ambassador for Kho Kho World Cup
Prakash, whose term comes to an end on
29th December 2024. 2025
The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has announced
Indian actors Salman Khan and Tiger Shroff as the
Aisake Valu Eke Elected as PM of Tonga brand ambassadors for the inaugural edition of
In December 2024, Aisake Valu Eke, former Secretary the Kho Kho World Cup, which will be held from 13th
of the Ministry of Finance, was elected as the Prime to 19th January 2025 in New Delhi, Delhi at the Indira

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Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi and the Noida National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a
Indoor Stadium. three-year term ending in December 2027.
✓ The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 features 21 ✓ Justice Ramasubramanian succeeds Justice
men’s teams and 20 women’s teams from 24 (Retired) Arun Kumar Mishra, whose tenure
different countries. concluded on June 1, 2024. Since then, the
NHRC had been functioning under Acting
Former Justice V. Ramasubramanian Chairperson Vijaya Bharati Sayani.
✓ The President also appointed child rights
Appointed as NHRC Chairperson
activist Priyank Kanoongo and retired
In December 2024, President of India, Droupadi Murmu
Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi as NHRC
appointed former Supreme Court (SC) Justice
members.
V. Ramasubramanian as the 9th Chairperson of the

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approved Proposal of Temasek’s CCI Approved UltraTech Cement Limited’s

Ramon to Buy Stake in Speed JVco. Acquisition of the India Cements Limited
In December 2024, the Competition Commission of In December 2024, CCI has approved the proposal of
Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based UltraTech Cement
India (CCI) has approved the proposal of Ramon
Limited, a flagship company of Aditya Birla Group to
Investments Private Limited, an indirect wholly
acquire majority stake of Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-
owned subsidiary of Singapore based investment
based India Cements Limited (ICL), a public listed
company Temasek Holdings Private
company in India and operates both core and non-core
Limited (Temasek), to buy a certain stake
businesses.
of Speed JVco S.à r.l.
✓ CCI has also approved the proposal of
UltraTech to acquire another 26% of the paid-
up equity share capital of ICL from its
stakeholders through an open offer worth Rs
3,142.35 crore.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO Commences HLVM3-G1 Launch ✓ The launch campaign of the HLVM3-G1 also
Campaign for Gaganyaan- coincides with the 10th anniversary of the
Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-
G1 Uncrewed Mission
X/CARE) which took place on December 18,
On December 18 2024, Indian Space Research
2014.
Organisation (ISRO) commenced the launch campaign
✓ The Orbital Module (OM) level integration and
of Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3-
tests will take place subsequently at U R Rao
G1)/Orbital Module (OM-1) for the Gaganyaan-G1
Satellite Centre (URSC), formerly known as
uncrewed mission at the Satish Dhawan Space
ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC), Bengaluru,
Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra
Karnataka.
Pradesh (AP). The mission aims to achieve the
country’s 1st crewed spaceflight and the launch
began with the integration of the S200 motor
segments.

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EU Unveils Euro 10 Billion IRIS² Satellite 3261 b using the NASA’s space telescope Transiting
Network Exoplanet Survey Satellite(TESS).
✓ TOI-3261 b is a Neptune-like exoplanet
On December 19 2024, the European Union(EU)
introduced the Euro 10 billion (USD 11 orbiting a K-type star. With a mass of 30.3
Earths, it completes one orbit of its star in
billion) ‘Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity
just 0.9 days and is
and Security by Satellite(IRIS²) space
located 0.01714 Astronomical Unit (AU) away
program’ initiative, aimed at deploying a network
from the star.
of 290 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits. The
project was developed with the collaboration of Space
Consortium for a Resilient, Interconnected and Secure HSL Partners with Kongsberg Maritime for
Europe (SpaceRISE). Advanced RAS Equipment for FSS
✓ Under the agreement with SpaceRISE, the In December 2024, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL),
project will receive euro 6.5 billion in public headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
funding, which covers nearly 60% of the total (AP), entered into a strategic maritime partnership
costs. with Kongsberg Maritime, a leading provider of marine
✓ IRIS² represents the EU’s third major systems and solutions headquartered in Kongsberg,
satellite initiative, following Galileo and Norway, to supply advanced Replenishment-at-Sea
Copernicus. The program will not only bolster (RAS) equipment for the Indian Navy (IN)’s fleet of five
Europe’s security but will also serve as a Fleet Support Ships (FSS), enhancing operational
critical tool in the EU’s long-term strategy for capabilities and logistical efficiency.
digital autonomy.

TDB-DST Supports Agnikul Cosmos to

US Successfully Tested Long-Range Boost India’s Space Ecosystem
Hypersonic Weapon ‘Dark Eagle’ Ministry of Science & Technology extended its support
In December 2024, the United States (US) Army, in to the Chennai-based M/s Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd to
collaboration with the US Navy, successfully test-fired develop and commercialise “Agnibaan”, a
its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), also customisable two-stage launch vehicle capable of
known as ‘Dark Eagle’ at Cape Canaveral Space Force delivering payloads of upto 300 kg to orbits at 700 km
Station in Florida, United States of America (USA). The altitude.
launch was the 2nd successful end-to-end flight of the
weapon’s All Up Round (AUR) in 2024 using the
MDL Delivers two advanced Warships
LRHW’s trailer based launcher system.
✓ The Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) ‘Nilgiri’ and ‘Surat’ to IN
is a cutting-edge hypersonic missile developed On December 20 2024, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders
by Lockheed Martin Limited (MDL) delivered 2 advanced
Corporation and Northrop warships ‘Nilgiri(YARD 12651)’ and ‘Surat(YARD
Grumman Corporation. 12707)’ to the Indian Navy (IN) in Mumbai,
Maharashtra. The two warships were designed by the
IN’s Warship Design Bureau, constructed by MDL and
NASA Discovers Exoplanet TOI-3261 b
overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai.
Using TESS ✓ Nilgiri is the 1st stealth frigate of the Project
A team of scientists at the National Aeronautics and 17A class ship and Surat is the 4th
Space Administration (NASA), headquartered in stealth destroyer and final ship of the Project
Washington, D.C., the United States of America (USA), 15B class guided missile destroyer.
has discovered an intriguing exoplanet named TOI-

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ISRO & ESA signed agreement for Human vessel of the Series of Six 3800 TDW General Cargo
Space Exploration and Research Activities Vessels being built for M/s Wilson ASA, Norway.
In December 2024, the Indian Space Research
Organisation(ISRO) and the European Space INCOIS Unveils New SARAT Version for
Agency(ESA) signed an agreement to collaborate on Improved Sea Rescue Operations
activities related to astronaut training, mission In December 2024, the Indian National Centre for
implementation, and research experiments in space. Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the
✓ Both organisations are working together to Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) developed a newer
implement experiments shortlisted by Indian version of its own Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)
Principal Investigators on ISS for the to assist search and rescue operations in the seas to
next Axiom-4 mission, which will locate persons or vessels.
include ISRO’s Gaganyatri and ✓ Earth System Science Organization – Indian
ESA’s astronaut as crew members. National Center for Ocean Information
Services (ESSO-INCOIS) developed the
Two Chinese Astronauts Set New World Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) in 2016,
Record of Longest Spacewalk, Break USA based on the LEEWAY model, to support
Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in the
Record
Indian Ocean region.
According to China Manned Space
✓ SARAT enhances rescue efforts and is
Agency (CMSA), two Chinese astronauts of Shenzhou-
accessible online at SARAT Portal.
19 mission aboard the Tiangong Space
Station (TSS) have successfully completed the 1st
Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) of their mission in 9 BluJ Aerospace Signs MoU with Blade India
hours, setting a new world record for the longest for 60 VTOL Aircraft
duration of spacewalk. In December 2024, BluJ Aerospace Private Limited,
✓ Mission Hyderabad(Telangana) based advanced air mobility
Commander Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, c (AAM) startup, signed Memorandum of Understanding
arried out the historic spacewalk outside TSS (MoU) with Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Blade India,
in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). a joint venture (JV) of Blade Air Mobility Inc. and Hunch
✓ The duration of the spacewalk exceeded the Ventures, to deliver 60 Vertical Take-Off and Landing
previous record of 8 hours (hrs) and 56 (VTOL) aircraft, including 50 BluJ REACH cargo aircraft
minutes (min) set by National Aeronautics and and 10 BluJ HOP passenger aircraft.
Space Administration (NASA) astronauts ✓ The BluJ REACH, an unmanned Hydrogen-
James Voss and Susan Helms in 2001. Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing
✓ Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, wore second- (H2eVTOL) aircraft designed for mid-mile
generation “Feitian” spacesuits and had logistics, offers a target range of up to 300
successfully completed an array of tasks kilometers (km), a payload capacity of 100
including installing debris protection on the kilograms (kg), and an uptime of 12-16 hours,
station’s exterior. enabling efficient same-day deliveries,
particularly in underserved region.
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited launches
inaugural vessel of six 3800 TDW General Google unveils 2 AI models “Gemini-Exp-
Cargo Vessels built for Wilson ASA 1206 and Gemini 2.0 Flash”
Udupi Cochin Shipyard Limited (UCSL), a subsidiary of Google has introduced 2 experimental upgrades to its
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), launched the inaugural Gemini Artificial Intelligence (AI) suite “Gemini-Exp-
1206 and Gemini 2.0 Flash”. These models were

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designed to support and improve performance tasks Communications and Information Technology
such as coding challenges, mathematical problem- (MCIT) for its project titled “Development of ‘India
solving and creating detailed business plans. 5G Stack’ with the Next-Gen 3GPP Release 16/17
✓ The new Gemini-Exp-1206 model enhances Compliant ‘Made in India 5G SA Core’ for Public and
AI’s ability to handle complex queries, Enterprise Deployment.”
providing precise and actionable responses. ✓ TTDF Scheme is managed by the Universal
✓ The Gemini 2.0 Flash model further upgrades Service Obligation Fund (USOF) (recently
the user experience by unlocking advanced renamed as “Digital Bharat Nidhi”).
generative AI capabilities.
China Launches World’s
SIA-India signs MoU with Ghana’s GSSTI to Largest Amphibious Assault Ship ‘Sichuan’
Boost Space Sector Collaboration for Fighter Jets
In December 2024, the Satcom Industry Association In December 2024, China launched the World’s
India (SIA-India), New Delhi(Delhi) signed a Largest amphibious assault ship “Sichuan” at a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana shipyard in Shanghai, China. It is equipped with an
Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) to electromagnetic catapult for fighter jets to enhance
enhance cooperation in satellite communications and naval combat capabilities in distant seas.
the broader space industry. ✓ The Sichuan, the first ship of the Type
✓ This collaboration aims to leverage India’s 076 class with a displacement of 40,000 tons,
expertise in space technology and enable is designed to deploy ground troops in landing
Ghana to advance its space capabilities. crafts and offer them air support.
✓ India’s support through programs such as the ✓ China also launched its first icebreaker ship
Pan African eNetwork Project, the Indian ‘Tan Suo San Hao’ for scientific and
Technical and Economic archaeological research.
Cooperation (ITEC) Programme and the India-
Africa Partnership Fund serves as a foundation
South Korea Launches Third Spy Satellite
for this initiative.
into Orbit
In December 2024, South Korea successfully launched
Amantya Technologies Awarded Funding
its third surveillance satellite, equipped with
under TTDF Scheme for India 5G Stack Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, into space
On December 24, 2024, Bengaluru (Karnataka) using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took
based Amantya Technologies was awarded funding place at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in
under the Telecom Technology Development Fund California, the United States of America (USA).
(TTDF) scheme by the Department of
Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of

ENVIRONMENT
-----

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 SPORTS

U-19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024: India Riya Shirish Thatte clinches Gold medal in
defeated Bangladesh in the finals Women’s 25m Pistol at 67th National
India defeated Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final to Shooting Championship Competitions
win the 1st edition of Asian Cricket Council In December 2024, Riya Shirish Thatte from
(ACC) Under (U)-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup Aurangabad clinched the gold medal in her first senior
2024 being held at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala national title in the women’s 25m pistol event at the
Lumpur, Malaysia on 22nd December 2024. 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions
✓ The Indian team won the tournament title (NSCC) at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New
followed by Bangladesh on the 2nd spot Delhi, Delhi.
and Nepal on the 3rd position.

Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024:

Pranav Venkatesh wins FIDE World U-18 India won the trophy by defeating China
Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess titles India won the 2024 Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup
Indian grandmaster Pranav Venkatesh won gold (8th edition) by defeating China in a penalty shootout
medals on 17th December 2024 in the International in the final, securing the title for the second
Chess Federation (FIDE) World Youth Under (U)-18 consecutive time. The event was held from 7 to 15
Open Rapid and Blitz events held at December 2024 and the finals held at the Hockey
the Terme Catez Hotel in Brezice, Slovenia. Oman Stadium in Muscat, Oman.
✓ In the Rapid Category, he secured a total of 9.5
points to win a gold Rank Team
medal. Russia’s Alexander
Khripachenko won silver with 9 points, while 1 India (Winner)
Ukraine’s Roman Pyrih earned the bronze with
7.5 points. 2 China (Runner Up)

3 South Korea
DD Partners with HIL for Live broadcast;
Launch of Women’s Hockey India League 4 Japan
In December 2024, Doordarshan (DD), India’s national
television broadcaster, has partnered with the Hockey 5 Malaysia
India League (HIL) to provide live coverage of the 2024-
25 hockey season across the nation.
India to host first-ever World Athletics
✓ The tournament, starting on December 28,
2024, will feature eight men’s teams Continental Tour event in August 2025
and four women’s teams, with matches with The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) confirmed that
matches taking place at the India is set to host its first-ever World Athletics
Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Continental Tour, a bronze level global meet on
Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and the Birsa August 10, 2025 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha. World Athletics Championships 2025, to be held
from September 13 to 21,2025 in Tokyo, Japan.

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India to Host World Boxing Cup Final ✓ The upcoming edition, will be the 11th Junior
and World Boxing Congress in 2025 Shooting World Cup, and India will host the
competition for the first time.
In December 2024, the Boxing Federation of
India (BFI) headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi has
announced that India will host the World Boxing Cup Bihar to Host Women’s Kabaddi World Cup
Final 2025 and the 3rd edition of World Boxing 2025
Congress in November 2025 in New Delhi. The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will take place
✓ The 2025 World Boxing Cup series in March 2025 at the Rajgir Sports Academy in Bihar,
will begin in Brazil in March 2025, followed by India. The international event will be hosted for the 2nd
events in Germany and Kazakhstan, time in Bihar, after the state successfully organized
culminating with the finale in New Delhi, India. the inaugural edition in 2012 at the Patliputra Sports
Complex in Patna (Bihar).
India to host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 ✓ The Women’s Kabaddi World Cup is an
India will host the International Shooting Sport international competition for women’s kabaddi
Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup 2025, with the teams, organized by the International Kabaddi
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), which Federation (IKF).
regulates sports shooting in India, organizing the event. ✓ The 2025 edition will feature 14 countries,
✓ The ISSF Junior World Cup 2025 will feature including India, China, Japan, South Korea,
competitions in the rifle, pistol, and shotgun Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Indonesia, Sri Lanka,
categories. Junior World Cup competitions Thailand, Poland, Argentina, South Africa and
include both Olympic and non-Olympic events. South America.

OBITUARY

Renowned Folk Artist and Padma Shri ✓ K.V. Raman, was a distinguished archaeologist
awardee Darshanam Mogilaiah Passed known for his exceptional contributions to the
study of ancient Indian history,
Away
particularly Pandya history.
In December 2024, Renowned folk artist and Padma
✓ Awards: His scholarly work earned him
Shri awardee Darshanam Mogilaiah passed away at
numerous accolades, including the
the age of 73 in Warangal, Telangana. He was born in
prestigious United Nations Educational,
1951 in Ausalikunta, Andhra Pradesh,AP(now in
Scientific and Cultural
Telangana).
Organization (UNESCO) Regional
✓ He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s
Educational Award and recognition as a
fourth-highest civilian award, in 2022 for his
Senior Fellow of the Association of
contributions to traditional folk music.
Commonwealth Universities (ACU) in the
United Kingdom (U.K).
Eminent Archaeologist K.V. Raman
Passes Away at 90 Former World Snooker Champion Terry
In November 2024, renowned archaeologist and
Griffiths Passes Away
scholar K.V. Raman, known for his invaluable
In December 2024, Terry Griffiths, the British player
contributions to ancient history, archaeology, and
and former World Snooker Champion, passed away at
temple architecture, passed away at the age of 90 in
the age of 77 in Wales, the United Kingdom(UK). He
Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN). He was born in Chingleput,
was born in 1947 in Wales, the UK. He made history in
TN in 1934.
1979 by winning the Crucible World Championship

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(WC). He went on to achieve the “triple crown” in ✓ He has received the ‘Padma Vibhushan’ and
snooker, winning the Masters in 1981 and the UK ‘Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament
Championship in 1982. and Development’ award for his exceptional
contribution in the Indian Economy Reforms.
Environmentalist and Padma Shri Awardee ✓ He served as the 15th Governor of
the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) from 1982 to
Tulsi Gowda Passed Away
1985 and also served as the Union Minister of
In December 2024, an
Finance during the PV Narasimha Rao
environmentalist Tulsi Gowda also known
government in 1991 and played a crucial role in
as ‘Encyclopedia of Forest’, passed away at the age of
shaping India’s economic policy.
86 in Honnali, Karnataka. She was born in 1938 in
✓ Initiation of NSE: The National Stock
Honnali. In 2021, she was awarded the Padma Shri
Exchange (NSE), which was formally launched
Award, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, for her
in 1992, saw significant reforms and expansion
contribution to environmental conservation.
during his tenure as the Finance Minister of
India.
Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala ✓ NREGA 2005: National Rural Employment
passed away Guarantee Act 2005 (NREGA), later renamed
In December 2024, Om Prakash Chautala,a five-time the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Chief Minister (CM) of Haryana, passed away at the age Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was
of 89 in Gurugram,Haryana. He was born on January 1, launched during his time as PM.
1935, in Sirsa, Haryana. Om Prakash Chautala began Awards and Honors:
his political career by winning his first election to the ✓ Padma Vibhushan (1987): India’s second-
Haryana Legislative Assembly as a member of the highest civilian award, given for his exceptional
Janata Dal (People’s Party). and distinguished service in the field of public
affairs, particularly his contributions to India’s
economic reforms.
Economic historian Amiya Kumar Bagchi
✓ Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament
passes away
and Development (2009): Received
Former professor, an economic historian and founder
the award for his leadership and economic
director of Institute of Development Studies
policies that transformed India into one of the
Kolkata (IDSK) Amiya Kumar Bagchi passed away in
world’s fastest-growing economies.
Kolkata(West Bengal, WB). He was born in 1936 in
✓ Best Parliamentarian Award (2002):
Jadupur, WB. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2005 for
Awarded by the Lok Sabha (Indian Parliament)
his work in literature and education.
for his role as a distinguished parliamentarian.
✓ Asia’s Most Influential 100 (2010):He was
Former Indian PM & Padma Vibhushan included in this list by Time magazine, which
Awardee Dr Manmohan Singh passed away recognized his influence in shaping global
On December 26, 2024, Dr Manmohan Singh, former economic policies. He was named as ‘Finance
Indian Prime Minister(PM) and a key architect of India’s Minister of the Year’ by Asia Money in 1993
economic reforms passed away at the age of 92 in New and 1994.
Delhi (Delhi). He was born on 16 September 1932 in
Gah, West Punjab(British India). Renowned Indian film-maker & Padma
✓ Manmohan Singh served as India’s Awardee Shyam Benegal passed away
13th PM from 2004 to 2014 (2 consecutive
In December 2024, Renowned Indian film-maker &
terms), becoming India’s 4th longest-serving
Padma Awardee Shyam Benegal passed away at
PM.
the age of 90 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was born on

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14 December 1934 in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh ✓ He played a key role in transforming the
(AP) (now Telangana). Japanese mini-vehicle manufacturer into a
✓ Shyam Benegal won 18 National Awards and globally competitive company.
received the ‘Padma Shri’ and ✓ In 2007, Osamu Suzuki was honoured with the
‘Padma Bhushan’ awards for his contribution ‘Padma Bhushan’, India’s third-highest civilian
in the Indian film industry. award in field of 'Trade and Industry', for his
✓ In 1976, he received the ‘Padma Shri’, India’s contribution to the country’s economic
4th highest civilian award, and development through the automobile industry.
‘Padma Bhushan’, India’s 3rd highest civilian
award, in 1991 for his distinguished service in Former USA President & Nobel Laureate
the field of arts.
James Earl Carter Jr. passed away
✓ In 2007, he received
On December 29 2024, James Earl Carter Jr.(also
the ‘Dadasaheb Phalke Award’ , ‘Lifetime
known as Jimmy Carter), former President of the
Achievement Award’ in 2015 from the All
United States of America (USA) and the Nobel
Lights India International Film Festival
Laureate passed away at the age of 100 in Georgia, the
and ‘Shantaram Lifetime Achievement
USA. He was born on October 1, 1924 in Georgia.
Award’ in 2018.
✓ He served as the 39th President from 1977 to
1981 where he successfully negotiated the
Renowned Malayalam writer and Padma ‘Camp David Accords’ in 1978, leading to a
Bhushan Awardee MT Vasudevan Nair peace treaty between Egypt and Israel in
passed away Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Renowned Malayalam writer,filmmaker and Padma Awards and Recognition:
Bhushan Awardee MT Vasudevan Nair(known as ✓ Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament,
MT), passed away at the age of 91 in Kozhikode, Kerala. and Development (1997): He received the
He was born in 1933 at Kudallur, Kerala. award for his post-presidential humanitarian
✓ In 2005, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, work, including efforts in global health, human
India’s third-highest civilian honour for rights and conflict resolution.
literature and education. ✓ United Nations (UNs) Human Rights Award
✓ His novel Naalukettu (Ancestral Home- (1998): He was presented with this award in
translated to English as The Legacy) won the recognition of his work to advance the cause of
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. He human rights worldwide.
received the Jnanpith Award, India’s highest ✓ Presidential Medal of Freedom (1999): He
literary honour in 1995 for his overall was honored with the highest civilian award of
contribution to Malayalam literature. the USA for his meritorious contribution to the
security and world peace of the USA.
✓ Nobel Peace Prize (2002): He was awarded
Former Suzuki Motor Chairman and CEO
for recognizing his decades of work in
Osamu Suzuki Passed Away advocating for peace, democracy and human
In December 2024, the former President, Chairman rights.
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Japan based ✓ Grammy Award (2016) & (2019): He won the
Suzuki Motor awards for his spoken word album, further
Corporation (SMC), Osamu Suzuki passed away at demonstrating the breadth of his contributions
the age of 94 in Shizuoka, Japan. He was born in Gifu, in his audiobooks beyond politics.
Japan in 1930.

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 BOOKS & AUTHORS

HarperCollins India to Release Deepa Nobel Prize laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s

Malik’s ‘Bring It On: The Incredible Story of launched his new book “Chhaunk on Food,
My Life Economics, and Society”
In December 2024, HarperCollins Publishers India The book titled “Chhaunk On Food, Economics and
Private Limited, headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, a Society” was launched during the curtain raiser of
subsidiary of HarperCollins Publishers Limited (United Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), India’s only
Kingdom, UK), has announced the release of Bring It literary festival organised by a bookstore, at the Oxford
On: The Incredible Story of My Life, a memoir Bookstore in Kolkata, West Bengal(WB). The book was
by Deepa Malik, India’s first female Paralympic authored by Nobel Prize
medalist. laureate Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee and co-authored
✓ Deepa Malik is India’s leading para athlete, by Cheyenne Olivier. It was published by Juggernaut
having won 23 international medals. She made Publication.
history as India’s first female Paralympic ✓ Abhijit Vinayak Banerjee is an Indian-American
medalist with a silver at the Rio Paralympics economist who was awarded the ‘Nobel
2016. She has received the Padma Shri, Khel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences’ in
Ratna, Arjuna Award, and holds four 2019, alongside his co-recipients Esther Duflo
Limca Book of Records (LBR). and Michael Kremer for their experimental
approach to poverty alleviation and economic
development.

IMPORTANT DAYS

First-Ever UN World Meditation Day Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco,

– December 21 2024 Mongolia, Morocco, Portugal and Slovenia.
The United Nations(UN) observed the first
ever ‘World Meditation Day’ on December 21 2024 to UN World Basketball Day: 21 December
emphasize the profound mental, physical, and social 2024
benefits of meditation, while fostering peace and The 2nd Edition of United Nations (UN) World
unity worldwide. World Meditation Day is a powerful Basketball Day was observed annually on 21
reminder of the transformative potential of meditation December 2024 across the globe to celebrate the
in navigating the complexities of contemporary life. global significance of basketball recognized by the UN,
✓ On November 29 2024, the United Nations acknowledging basketball’s role in promoting gender
General equality, empowering women and girls, and fostering
Assembly (UNGA) declared December 21 as human rights.
‘World Meditation Day’ following the
unanimous adoption of a resolution co-
National Mathematics Day 2024 –
sponsored by 6 countries comprising India, Sri
Lanka, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Mexico and December 22
Nepal. National Mathematics Day(NMD), celebrated
✓ The resolution, introduced by Liechtenstein, annually on December 22 to mark the birth anniversary
was also cosponsored by Bangladesh, of the Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan. 22
Bulgaria, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, December 2024 marks the 137th birth anniversary of
Srinivasa Ramanujan.

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 ✓ The 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize was ✓ The theme of National Consumer Day
awarded to Dr. Alexander Dunn of the 2024 was “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia to Consumer Justice”.
Tech), the United States of America(USA). It ✓ The Department of Consumer Affairs, MOCAF
has been awarded annually since 2005. & PD launched a Safety Pledge, a voluntary
✓ Ruochuan Liu of Peking University, China, was commitment to enhance consumer safety in e-
awarded the 2024 DST-ICTP-IMU Ramanujan commerce. This initiative was aligned with
Prize “for his fundamental contributions to p- global best practices which was signed by top
adic Hodge theory. executives from 13 major e-commerce
platforms, including Reliance Retail, Tata
National Farmer’s Day 2024 – December 23 Sons, Zomato, Ola, and Swiggy.
✓ The Jago Grahak Jago App provides
National Farmer’s Day, also known as Kisan Diwas,
is annually observed across India on 23rd consumers with crucial information about e-
commerce Uniform Resource Locators (URLs),
December to honor the farmers’ contribution to the
alerting them to potential unsafe links and
overall social and economic development of India and
advising caution.
commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna
✓ The Jagriti App enables users to report URLs
Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister(PM)
suspected of containing illegal dark patterns.
of India.
These complaints are submitted to the Central
✓ The theme for National Farmers’ Day 2024 is
Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for
“Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous
investigation and action.
Nation. 23rd December 2024 marks
✓ The e-Mapp portal, a unified digital
the 122nd birth anniversary of Chaudhary
Charan Singh. platform to integrate State Legal Metrology
portals into a single national system.
✓ Chaudhary Charan Singh was posthumously
✓ The another initiative of Specific, Measurable,
honoured with the Bharat Ratna, India’s
highest civilian award, in 2024. Achievable, Relevant and Time-
bound (SMART) Standards from 2025 aims to
✓ The 1st edition of Chaudhary Charan Singh
simplify traditional standards, which are
Awards, instituted by the Kisan Trust, were
presented in New Delhi, Delhi honoring Bharat typically created as PDFs for humans but
difficult for computers to process.
Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh’s dedication to
rural development, farmers’ welfare, and
inclusive growth. Good Governance Day 2024- December 25
Good Governance Day, also known as
National Consumer Rights Day 2024 – 24 ‘Sushasan Diwas’ in Hindi, is annually observed across
India on 25th December to mark the birth anniversary
December
of the former (10th) Prime Minister (PM) Late Atal
National Consumer Rights Day, also known
Bihari Vajpayee. The day also aims to create
as Bharatiya Grahak Diwas or National Consumer
awareness of accountability and administration of
Day, is annually observed across India on 24
government among the people.
December to raise awareness of consumer rights and
✓ 25th December 2024 marks the 11th Good
responsibilities.
Governance Day and 100th birth
✓ The day also aims to educate people about
anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
their rights as consumers to avoid exploitation
✓ He received Bharat Ratna (Highest Civilian
like freedom of choice, access to information
Honour in India) in 2015, and Padma
and protection against dangerous products.
Vibhushan (2nd highest civilian award) in 1992
for his contributions to Public Affairs.

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 ✓ The Good Governance Week 2024 celebration the ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative.Thi
was inaugurated in New Delhi (Delhi) by Union s initiative aims to empower Panchayati Raj
Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Institutions (PRIs) by enhancing the capacity
Charge), Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science of elected representatives and officials through
and Technology(MOST), MoS in the PM’s effective governance and participatory
Office (PMO), Ministry of Personnel, Public planning.
Grievances & Pensions (MoPPG&P),
Department of Atomic Energy (DEA) and Veer Bal Diwas 2024 – December 26
Department of Space(DOS).
Veer Bal Diwas is annually observed across India
✓ The DARPG conducted the 4th on 26th December to mark the martyrdom of the
Sushasan Saptah (Good Governance Week)
Sahibzadas- Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s 4 sons of the 10th
from December 19-25, 2024, alongside the
Sikh guru- Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who sacrificed their
“Prashasan Gaon ki Ore Campaign”, India’s lives in the 17th century. 2024 marks the 3rd
largest people-centric campaign for citizen-
observance of Veer Bal Diwas
centric governance. The initiative aimed at
✓ The Government of India(GoI) confers
improving public grievance redressal,
the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal
enhancing service delivery and documenting
Puraskar (PMRBP) to children for outstanding
good governance practices.
achievements in seven areas include Art &
✓ Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar
Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science &
Singh launched the “Rashtraparv Website”
Technology, Social Service, Sports, and
and its “Mobile App” (application) which aims
Environment.
to provide public access to important
information about national events like Republic
Day, Independence Day, and the Beating International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
Retreat Ceremony. The platform was 2024 – December 27
developed by the Ministry of The United Nations (UN)’s marks the International Day
Defence (MoD) and was created after of Epidemic Preparedness on December 27th each
consultation with States and public feedback. year to stress the importance of preventing and
✓ Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for preparing for epidemics. It highlights the need for global
Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, cooperation and working together to protect
PMO, Atomic Energy, and Space, launched communities from health crises.

STATE NEWS

UP Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna West Bengal CM Mamata

Presented 2nd Supplementary Budget of Rs Banerjee Launched ‘Banglar Bari’ Housing
17,865.72 crore for FY25 Scheme
In December 2024, the Finance Minister of Uttar In December 2024, the Chief Minister (CM) of West
Pradesh (UP) Suresh Kumar Khanna presented a Bengal (WB), Mamata Banerjee, launched the
second supplementary budget of Rs ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme to provide houses for the rural
17,865.72 crore for the Financial Year 2024- poor across WB. The launch was held at the state
25 (FY25) in the winter session of the state legislative secretariat in Nabanna, WB. The scheme is completely
assembly in Lucknow, UP. This budget amount financed by the state government, with a budget of Rs.
is 2.42% of the original budget (Rs 7.36 lakh crore) 14,773 crore.
presented in February 2024.

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UP & Manipur Sign MoU for ‘Ek of English mathematician and Inventor of Digital
Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Program Computer Charles Babbage. It was observed by the
Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department
In December 2024, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
and Manipur governments signed a Memorandum of (RDPR), Karnataka.
✓ First-Ever Computer Operators’ Day was
Understanding (MoU) to implement the ‘Ek Bharat
observed on December 26 2024.
Shreshtha Bharat’ program in Lucknow, UP.
✓ Charles Babbage was born on December 26,
✓ The Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism and
1791, in London, United Kingdom (UK). He is
Culture organized the signing ceremony in
often called the “father of the computer” for
Lucknow. Manipur artists
performed Thougal Jagoi, a traditional Meitei his conceptual designs of a mechanical
computing device of modern computing.
folk dance, and Thang Ta, a traditional martial
art, during the event.
Govt of AP declares ‘Ratha Saptami’ as
UP signs MoU with Japan for Economic and State festival
Cultural Cooperation In December 2024, the government of Andhra
Pradesh(AP) declared ‘Ratha Saptami(also known as
In December 2024, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Sun God festival)’ as a State festival for 3 days at the
(CM) Yogi Adityanath signed a Memorandums of
Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Arasavalli, AP.
Understanding (MoU) with Japan’s Yamanashi
The festival is celebrated every year to mark the birth
Prefecture in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The
Japanese delegation was led by Yamanashi day of Sun God. Ratha Saptami 2025 will be celebrated
from February 4 -6, 2025.
Governor Kotaro Nagasaki.
✓ The MoUs aim to improve economic and
cultural cooperation between UP and Mizoram signs MoA with Partner Banks for
Yamanashi, representing a growing partnership Bana Kaih Scheme
between the two nations. In December 2024, the Mizoram government entered
into a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with its
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Launches AI partner banks – State Bank of India (SBI), Mizoram
Task Force to promote Technological Rural Bank (MRB), and Mizoram Co-operative Apex
Bank Limited (MCAB) for the disbursement of loans
Growth
under the Bana Kaih(handholding) Scheme. The
In December 2024, Gujarat Chief
agreement was signed at the Chief Minister’s
Minister(CM) Bhupendra Patel announced the
Conference Hall in Aizawl, Mizoram.
formation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Task
Force to position the state as a leader in technology-
driven governance and socio-economic growth during India’s First Sports Management Mobile App
the 11th Chintan Shibir in Somnath(Gujarat). Launched In AP
✓ The AI Task Force, is set for a 1-year term with On December 19, 2024, the Sports Authority of Andhra
annual progress reviews, was led by the Pradesh (SAAP) launched a ‘Kreeda App’, a first-of-
Principal Secretary of the Department of its-kind mobile app to improve sports management
Science and Technology, Gujarat. across the state. The app was officially launched by
Mandipalli Ramprasadh Reddy, Minister for Youth and
Karnataka Gov declared December 26 as Sports of Andhra Pradesh, at an event in Vijayawada,
AP.
Computer Operators’ Day
✓ The ‘Kreeda App’ is designed to be a one-stop
The Karnataka government issued an order to
solution for sports-related matters. It allows
celebrate Computer Operators’ Day every year
them to update their profiles, track their
on December 26 to mark the birth anniversary

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 performance, and access achievement judicial appointments based on recommendations
certificates through DigiLocker. from the Supreme Court (SC) Collegium.
✓ Justice Gurmeet Singh (G.S.) Sandhawalia h
President Droupadi Murmu Appointed CJs as been appointed as the Chief Justice (CJ) of
the Himachal Pradesh (HP) High Court
for Himachal, Uttarakhand High Courts
(HC). Justice Guhanathan Narendar has been
In December 2024, President of
appointed as the CJ of the Uttarakhand HC.
India, Droupadi Murmu approved several significant

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