07th-09th December, 2024
PM Narendra Modi, Chandigarh, JGU, IITM, India, Constitution Museum, Indo-Malaysia, Joint Military Exercise, Harimau Shakti, Malaysia, Federal Bank, Esteem Savings Account, Senior Citizens, SBI, India, GDP, FY25, Morgan Stanley, India, GDP Growth, FY25, DFS, IFCI Group, Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia, President, WTO, General Council, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, NASA, SWIM Robots, Ocean Worlds, Alistair Brownlee, Triathlon, Thomas E Kurtz, BASIC Computer Language, Omchery NN Pillai, writer, Kendra Sahitya Akademi, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, National Pollution Control Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, MoD, CSL, INS Vikramaditya, AFMS, AIIMS, New Delhi, research, education, ICRA ESG Ratings, India, net-zero targets, UK, SIPRI, Indian arms makers, USA, helicopters, India Navy, Razorpay, MHA, I4C, digital payments security, Paytm, UPI Lite, Auto Top-Up, OECD, India, FY25 Growth Forecast, T-Hub, Innovators, Karmaveer Chakra Awards, UN, iCongo, IndiGo, Airline of the Year, CAPA, Chess Grandmaster, D Gukesh, Brand Ambassador, RBL Bank, ISRO, Astronauts, Axiom-4 Mission, ISS, Max Verstappen, Qatar Grand Prix, Himachal Pradesh CM, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, International Day of Banks, World Computer Literacy Day, Karnataka Governor, Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan, drug abuse, Nebraska, Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Day, World’s Oldest Known Wild Bird, International Cheetah Day, UNGA, World Meditation Day, India, UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs, Adani Group, European Ports, International Civil Aviation Day, Armed Forces Flag Day, ISRO, PSLV Mission, European Satellites, India, ISSA Good Practice Award, Asia, Pacific, Eurogrip Tyres, M.S. Dhoni, Brand Ambassador, World Bank, Maharashtra, Backward Districts, Pralhad Joshi, Anna Chakra, SCAN Portal, OECD, India, FY25 Growth Forecast, MHA, FCRA Licenses, CNI, USIN Foundation
- PM Narendra Modi dedicated the successful execution of 3 new criminal laws to the nation in Chandigarh
- JGU and IITM collaborate to Inaugurate India’s First Constitution Museum
- 4th Indo-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ Begins in Malaysia
- Federal Bank Launched Esteem Savings Account for Senior Citizens
- SBI Report reveals India’s GDP to Drop below 6.5% in FY25
- Morgan Stanley Lowered India’s GDP Growth to 6.3% from 6.7% for FY25
- DFS Grants Approval for Consolidation of IFCI Group
- Nandi-Ndaitwah Elected as 1st Female President of Namibia
- WTO General Council Reappoints Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as 8th Director-General
- NASA’s SWIM Robots to Explore Ocean Worlds
- Double Olympic champ Alistair Brownlee Announces Triathlon Retirement
- Thomas E Kurtz, co-creator of BASIC Computer Language passed away
- Renowned writer & Kendra Sahitya Akademi awardee Omchery NN Pillai passed away
- International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024 – December 2
- National Pollution Control Day 2024 – December 02
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 – December 03
- MoD Signs Rs 1207.5 Crore Contract with CSL for INS Vikramaditya Refit
- AFMS & AIIMS, New Delhi signs MoU for advancing research and education
- ICRA ESG Ratings Report: India ranks 6th with 127 companies committed to net-zero targets; UK topped
- SIPRI: Indian arms makers in Top 100 recorded USD 6.7 bn 2023 revenue, up 6%
- USA approves sale of USD 1.17 billion worth helicopters to India Navy
- Razorpay partners MHA and I4C to boost digital payments security
- Paytm launches UPI Lite Auto Top-Up for Payments without PIN
- OECD Raised India’s FY25 Growth Forecast by 20 bps to 6.8% in FY25
- T-Hub associated Innovators Honored with Karmaveer Chakra Awards for 2024-25 by UN and iCongo
- IndiGo recognised as ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by CAPA
- Chess Grandmaster D Gukesh appointed as new Brand Ambassador of RBL Bank
- Two ISRO Astronauts Successfully Completed Initial Training for Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
- Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Himachal Pradesh CM releases Book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Life
- International Day of Banks 2024– December 4
- World Computer Literacy Day 2024 – December 02
- Karnataka Governor launches “Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan” to fight against drug abuse
- Nebraska Declares December 6 as Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Day
- World’s Oldest Known Wild Bird Lays First Egg at 74
- International Cheetah Day Celebrating the World’s Fastest Land Animal
- UNGA Declares December 21 as World Meditation Day
- India to Chair 68th Session of UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
- Adani Group to Invest $2 Billion in European Ports
- International Civil Aviation Day 2024,History, Significance, Theme of 2024
- Armed Forces Flag Day 2024: Date, History and Significance
- ISRO’s PSLV Mission Successfully Deploys European Satellites
- India Wins ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024
- Eurogrip Tyres Appoints M.S. Dhoni as Brand Ambassador
- World Bank Approves $188.28 Million Loan for Maharashtra’s Backward Districts
- Pralhad Joshi Launches ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN Portal
- OECD Raises India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.8%
- MHA Grants FCRA Licenses to CNI and USIN Foundation
Table of Content
National News
- New Criminal Laws Inaugurated in India
- What:
- Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Criminal Laws in Chandigarh.
- The laws are Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
- Tell me more:
- The laws will be effective from July 1, 2024, and are designed to ensure speedy justice.
- Chandigarh is the first Union Territory to fully implement these laws.
- The laws include provisions for E-FIR, Zero FIR, and E-Vaarta for better coordination among police and judiciary.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The criminal justice systems of 43 countries were studied during the formulation of these laws. o A conviction rate of over 85% has been reported within four months of implementation, compared to the previous rate of 58%. |
- JGU, IIT Madras Collaborate To Design Advanced Robot Tour Guide For India’s First Constitution Museum
- What:
- JGU and IIT Madras have signed a memorandum of understanding.
- They will develop SAMVID, a semi-humanoid guide robot for the Constitution Museum & The Rights and Freedoms Academy at JGU.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to enhance visitor engagement using advanced technology.
- Tell me more:
- The Constitution Museum will be inaugurated on November 26, marking the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution.
- SAMVID will utilize advanced language models to provide guided tours and detailed information about exhibits.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The museum will feature installations highlighting the significance of the Constitution and its historical debates. o The project is part of JGU's efforts to enrich understanding of the Constitution through technology. o Professor C. Raj Kumar is the Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, while Professor V Kamakoti is the Director of IIT Madras. |
Source: JGU
- India to Chair 68th Session of Commission on Narcotic Drugs
- What:
- India has been chosen to chair the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND).
- Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran has officially assumed the chairmanship of this important UN forum.
- Tell me more:
- The CND is the principal policy-making body of the United Nations on drug-related matters.
- The CND monitors global drug trends, supports member states in formulating balanced policies, and oversees international drug conventions.
- This is the first time India has chaired this UN body, which aims to foster dialogue on drug policy issues and integrate concerns of emerging economies.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The CND is part of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and is governed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), headquartered in Vienna. o Over the next year, the CND's agenda will focus on issues like illicit drug trafficking, substance abuse, and ensuring availability of controlled substances for medical purposes. |
- Union Minister Launches Anna Chakra and SCAN Portal
- What:
- The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched ‘Anna Chakra’ and the SCAN portal.
- These initiatives aim to modernize the Public Distribution System (PDS) and subsidy claim mechanisms.
- Why:
- The launch is intended to enhance the efficiency of the PDS logistics network across India.
- It aims to improve the management of food distribution and streamline subsidy claims for better governance.
- Tell me more:
- “Anna Chakra” is a supply chain optimization tool developed in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and IIT-Delhi’s Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT).
- The SCAN portal will facilitate a single-window submission for subsidy claims, ensuring faster processing and approval.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o Route optimization assessments have been conducted for 30 states, with estimated cost savings of about Rs. 250 crores per annum. o The integration of these tools with existing platforms like PM Gati Shakti enhances logistical efficiency across states. |
Source: PIB
State News
- Karnataka Launches Anti-Narcotic Campaign for Youth
- What:
- Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot launched the “Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan,” an anti-narcotic campaign targeting college campuses.
- Why:
- It seeks to foster a healthy and value-based environment to prevent drug addiction and promote a drug-free society.
- Tell me more:
- The campaign was organized by the Bharatiya Nurses & Allied Sangh to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among youth.
Source: ET
- The campaign was organized by the Bharatiya Nurses & Allied Sangh to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse among youth.
- What:
- World Bank Approves $188 Million Loan for Maharashtra
- What:
- The World Bank has approved a loan of $188.28 million to Maharashtra.
- Why:
- The funding is intended to address the economic disparity, as only seven out of 36 districts contribute to more than half of Maharashtra’s GDP.
- Tell me more:
- The loan is part of the “Maharashtra Strengthening Institutional Capabilities in Districts for Enabling Growth” program.
- It has a maturity period of 15 years, including a grace period of five years.
- The investment will help districts access necessary data and funds, enhancing their capacity for evidence-based planning and decision-making.
Source: ET
- What:
International News
- NASA Tests Robot for Exploring Icy Moons’ Oceans
- What:
- A prototype robot, 16.5 inches long, has been tested for exploring subsurface oceans of icy moons.
- The testing was part of a mission concept called SWIM (Sensing With Independent Micro-swimmers) conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
- Why:
- The mission aims to deploy a swarm of small robots to search for signs of life on ocean worlds.
- Tell me more:
- SWIM is funded by NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts program to evaluate transformative technologies for future space missions.
- The project is managed by Caltech, which oversees JPL for NASA.
- The SWIM project received Phase I and II funding from NASA’s NIAC program.
Source: NASA
- What:
- Mahatma Gandhi Bust Unveiled in Nebraska Capitol
- What:
- A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled in the State Capitol building in Nebraska, US State.
- December 6 has been proclaimed as a day of remembrance for Gandhi in Nebraska.
- Tell me more:
- The bust is the first of its kind installed in any State Capitol within the jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle.
- This event follows the earlier unveiling of another bust of Gandhi at the Space Needle in Seattle on October 2, 2023.
Source: BS
- What:
Banking and Economy
- Federal Bank Launches Special Savings Account for Seniors
- What:
- Federal Bank has introduced the Esteem Savings Account for senior citizens aged 55 and above.
- The account offers a comprehensive package of benefits tailored for this age group.
- Tell me more:
- The account includes complimentary insurance cover, which features a yearly health check-up and a hospital cash facility.
- Account holders receive two free airport lounge access passes every quarter.
- Family benefits allow zero-balance accounts for spouses and grandchildren, promoting family financial inclusivity.
- The account waives charges on ten commonly used banking services, such as debit card issuance and NEFT transactions.
- The Esteem Savings Account provides exclusive discounts on health services, utilities, and elder care.
Source: BS
- What:
- DFS Approves Consolidation of IFCI Group
- What:
- The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has given its in-principle approval for the consolidation of the IFCI Group.
- Why:
- The consolidation aims to streamline operations within the IFCI Group and enhance efficiency.
- Tell me more:
- The board of IFCI Limited has also approved the consolidation plan.
- This includes the merger of IFCI Limited with StockHolding Corporation of India Limited and other group companies.
- Under this plan, several entities, including IFCI Factors Limited and IFCI Infrastructure Development Ltd, will merge with IFCI Limited.
- Other group entities will become direct subsidiaries of the consolidated entity.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o In April 2024, the Centre injected ₹500 crore into IFCI Ltd, allotting shares at ₹40.33 per share. |
Source: HBL
- Razorpay Partners with MHA to Enhance Digital Payment Security
- What:
- Razorpay has partnered with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).
- Why:
- The goal is to strengthen digital payment security in India, which handles 46% of the global digital payment volume.
- Tell me more:
- Razorpay has implemented advanced security frameworks and connected with over 1,600 cybercrime stations across India.
- Razorpay’s new Authentication Control Server (ACS) uses real-time assessments to manage fraud risk.
Source: BS
- What:
- Paytm Launches UPI LITE Auto Top-up for Easy Payments
- What:
- Paytm has introduced UPI LITE Auto Top-up to simplify daily payments.
- This feature allows users to make small payments without needing a PIN for transactions under ₹500.
- Why:
- The purpose of this launch is to enhance the convenience of making frequent, low-value payments, such as for food and transportation.
- Tell me more:
- Users can set a limit for their Paytm UPI Lite balance, which will automatically recharge when it falls below this limit.
- The Paytm app provides a clear UPI statement to help users track their spending.
- Small payments made through UPI LITE do not clutter main bank statements, making it easier to review significant transactions.
Source: PAYTM
- What:
- Adani Group Plans $2 Billion Investment in Ports
- What:
- The Adani Group is planning to invest $2 billion for acquisitions in the ports sector.
- Why:
- The company seeks to acquire two or three terminals in Europe, which represents 40% of global sea trade.
- Tell me more:
- Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones Ltd. currently operates ports in Sri Lanka, Israel, Australia, Tanzania, and Greece.
- In India, the company has a cargo handling capacity of 633 million metric tonnes across 15 ports and holds a market share of 27%, which it aims to increase to 40% by 2030.
Source: TH
- What:
- Union Home Ministry Grants FCRA Licenses to NGOs
- What:
- The Union Home Ministry has granted FCRA licenses to the USIN Foundation and The Synodical Board of Social Services of the Church of North India (CNI).
- CNI’s license, which was revoked last year, has been reinstated, allowing it to receive foreign funds for social and religious activities.
- Tell me more:
- The USIN Foundation, backed by the US India Strategic Partnership Forum, includes notable founding members such as Ajay Banga and Indra Nooyi.
- The FCRA licenses are valid for five years and allow USIN to conduct economic activities while CNI can operate under six different categories, including religious and educational activities.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) requires NGOs to apply for renewal of their licenses, with recent extensions granted until December 31. o As of now, there are 16,037 NGOs with active FCRA licenses in India. |
Source: ET
Reports and Indices
- India Ranks Sixth in Corporate Climate Action
- What:
- India ranks sixth globally in corporate climate action, with 127 companies committed to science-based targets for net-zero emissions.
- Why:
- The commitment to science-based targets aims to address climate change and reduce emissions across various industries.
- This initiative highlights the importance of corporate responsibility in combating global warming.
- Tell me more:
- Approximately 7% of the companies with net-zero commitments are from high-emission sectors such as construction materials and mining.
- The report indicates a significant shift towards renewable energy, particularly in the power sector among companies with net-zero commitments.
- The United Kingdom leads globally in the number of companies committed to SBTi net-zero targets.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) is a voluntary initiative that helps companies set science-based emissions reduction targets. o Sheetal Sharad, Chief Ratings Officer at ICRA ESG Ratings, emphasized the need for innovation and regulatory support to enhance climate strategies. o Less than 10% of companies from high-emission sectors have committed to net-zero targets, indicating a gap in commitment among major contributors to emissions. |
- Sipri’s List of The World’s 100 Largest Arms Producers
- What:
- Combined revenues from arms sales by three Indian companies reached $6.74 billion in 2023, a 5.8% increase from $6.37 billion in 2022.
- The companies include Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
- Why:
- The increase in revenues is attributed to rising global demand for military goods and services due to ongoing conflicts and regional tensions.
- This growth reflects the broader trend of increased arms production among major global defense companies.
- Tell me more:
- HAL ranked 43rd globally with revenues of $3.71 billion, while BEL ranked 67th with $1.94 billion, and MDL ranked 94th with $1.09 billion.
- The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) reported that total arms revenues for the top 100 companies worldwide reached $632 billion in 2023, marking a real increase of 4.2% from the previous year.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The report highlights that the top five arms producers globally are all based in the United States. o Chinese arms manufacturers reported a slower revenue growth of only 0.7%, reaching total revenues of $103 billion in 2023. o Sipri noted that many arms producers increased production in response to surging demand linked to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. |
Source: BS
GDP Forecasts
- India’s GDP Growth Expected Below 6.5% in FY25: SBI Data
- What:
- India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to fall below 6.5% for the financial year 2025.
- GDP growth in the second quarter (Q2 FY25) has slowed to 5.4%, as reported by the State Bank of India (SBI).
- Why:
- The slowdown is attributed to a significant decline in the manufacturing sector, which has impacted overall economic performance.
- Tell me more:
- Real GDP growth for the first half (H1 FY25) was recorded at 6.0%.
- The industry sector’s growth dropped to a six-quarter low of 3.6% in Q2 FY25.
- The services sector grew by 7.1% in Q2 FY25, while the agriculture sector saw a growth of 3.5%.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o This is the first time in seven quarters that GDP growth has fallen below the 6.0% mark. o The Gross Value Added (GVA) growth for Q2 stood at 5.6%, with nominal GDP growing by 8%. |
- OECD Increases India’s Economic Growth Forecast
- What:
- The OECD has raised India’s economic growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.8% from 6.6% in May.
- Why:
- The increase reflects expectations of sustained real GDP growth driven by rising public infrastructure spending and robust private consumption.
- Tell me more:
- India’s GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in the second quarter of the current financial year, down from 6.7% in the first quarter.
- The OECD anticipates a general government deficit below 8% of GDP, projecting 8.2% in 2024-25 and 7.5% in 2025-26.
- Inflation forecast for India has been raised to 4.8% for 2024-25, up from 4.3%.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The OECD's global growth outlook has been revised to 3.2%, up from 3.1%. o China’s growth forecast remains at 4.9%, while the U.S. forecast has been revised to 2.8% from 2.6%. o India aims to achieve advanced economy status by 2047, addressing challenges like youth employment and low female labor participation. |
Source: ET
Defence News
- Ministry of Defence Signs Contract for INS Vikramaditya Refit
- What:
- The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited on November 30, 2024, for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya.
- The total cost of the project is Rs. 1207.5 crore.
- Why:
- The refit aims to upgrade the combat capabilities of INS Vikramaditya, which is an Indian Aircraft Carrier commissioned in November 2013.
- Tell me more:
- This project supports the development of Cochin Shipyard Limited as a Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) hub in India.
- The project will involve nearly 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and create employment for over 3,500 personnel.
- After the completion of the refit, INS Vikramaditya will rejoin the active fleet of the Indian Navy.
Source: PIB
- What:
Science and Technology
- Indian Astronauts Complete Initial Training for Axiom-4 Mission
- What:
- Two Indian astronauts have finished the first phase of training for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
- The astronauts, Prime-Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Backup-Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, are part of a joint ISRO-NASA initiative.
- Why:
- The training aims to prepare the astronauts for their upcoming mission to the ISS as part of collaborative efforts between ISRO and NASA.
- Tell me more:
- The training began in the USA in August 2024 and included various important activities such as mission-related orientations, SpaceX suit fittings, and familiarization with the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.
- The astronauts trained for emergency scenarios, including medical emergencies in space.
- Future training will focus on scientific research in a microgravity environment and additional mission scenarios.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled for April next year. o Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh announced that an Indian astronaut is expected to fly to the ISS as part of this initiative. o The training includes learning about daily operations and communication protocols on the ISS. |
- ISRO Successfully Launches PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission
- What:
- ISRO shared a video of the PSLV-C59/Proba-3 Mission, showcasing key events like liftoff, PSOM separation, stage ignition, and satellite separation.
- The mission successfully deployed ESA’s satellites into their designated orbit.
- Why:
- The PSLV-C59/Proba-3 mission aims to demonstrate India’s capabilities in launching satellites and reflects the collaboration between ISRO, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the European Space Agency (ESA).
- Tell me more:
- The PSLV-C59 mission was launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- The Proba-3 spacecraft was placed into a highly elliptical orbit as part of a dedicated commercial mission.
- ISRO is known for its successful satellite launches and has established itself as a key player in the global space industry.
- The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is one of ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicles.
- This mission marks another step in enhancing India’s capabilities in space technology and satellite deployment.
Source: ET
- What:
Awards
- T-Hub Mentors Win Karmaveer Chakra Awards
- What:
- Rumana Sinha Sehgal and founders of Goodeebag and Switcheko received the Karmaveer Chakra Awards.
- The awards were presented at the REX ConcLIVE in Noida.
- Why:
- The awards recognize individuals who promote positive societal change through innovative solutions and actions.
- Tell me more:
- Rumana Sinha Sehgal is the first entrepreneur from Telangana to receive the Karmaveer Chakra Platinum Medal for 2024-2025.
- Akshay Deshpande, founder of Switcheko, received the Karmaveer Chakra Bronze Medal for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Abhishek Agarwal, founder of Goodeebag, was awarded for initiatives in sustainable waste management.
Source: HBL
- What:
- IndiGo Named 2024 Airline of the Year
- What:
- IndiGo has been awarded the ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by CAPA – Centre for Aviation.
- The award was presented at the 2024 Global Aviation Awards for Excellence in Belgrade, Serbia.
- Tell me more:
- IndiGo has established the largest air travel network in India, making affordable flights available to underserved regions.
- IndiGo’s market share reached 63% in September, while Air India Group held 29.2%.
- What:
Knowledge Nuggets |
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o The CEO of IndiGo, Pieter Elbers, expressed pride in receiving this prestigious award. o Domestic air traffic in India grew by 15% year-on-year in FY24, reaching 376 million passengers. |
Source: ET
- India Wins Awards for Social Security Practices
- What:
- India has received awards for adopting good practices in social security at a regional forum in Saudi Arabia.
- The ‘Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024’ was presented by Mohammed Azman, President of ISSA (International Social Security Association).
- Why:
- They aim to promote awareness and encourage the implementation of best practices in social security systems.
- Tell me more:
- The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) received five certificates of merit for various initiatives, including communication channels and a district outreach program.
- Ashok Kumar Singh, DG of ESIC, accepted the awards on behalf of EPFO.
Source: ET
- What:
Important Days
- National Pollution Control Day – December 2
- Theme: Clean Air, Green Earth: A Step Towards Sustainable Living
- The day commemorates the victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy and raises awareness about pollution issues.
Source: BS
- World Computer Literacy Day – December 2
- What:
- World Computer Literacy Day is celebrated every year on December 2.
- The day aims to promote computer literacy and make computer use accessible to everyone.
- Why:
- The initiative was started by the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) to bridge the digital divide.
- Tell me more:
- The first World Computer Literacy Day was celebrated in 2001 to mark NIIT’s 20th anniversary.
- NIIT was founded in 1981 by Rajendra Singh Pawar and Vijay K. Thadani.
Source: ETV
- What:
- International Cheetah Day – December 4
- What:
- International Cheetah Day is observed annually on December 4 to raise awareness about the need to save cheetahs from extinction.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to educate people about the critical situation of cheetahs and promote conservation efforts.
- Tell me more:
- Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 70 mph in just three seconds and can cover up to 21 feet in a single stride.
- They are primarily found in the open grasslands of Sub-Saharan Africa, where they hunt smaller animals like antelopes and rabbits.
- The name ‘cheetah’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘chita,’ meaning ‘spotted one.’
- Cheetahs are solitary animals, with females living alone and males often forming small groups.
- Their low reproductive rates and habitat loss due to human activities pose major threats to their survival.
Source: IN
- What:
- World Meditation Day – December 21
- What:
- The UN General Assembly has unanimously adopted a resolution to proclaim December 21 as World Meditation Day.
- Tell me more:
- December 21 coincides with the winter solstice, an important astronomical event that symbolizes renewal and hope in various cultures, including India.
- The day is linked to agricultural traditions and celebrations like Makar Sankranti, which signifies the transition of the Sun into Capricorn.
Source: TOI
- What:
- International Civil Aviation Day – December 7
- It honors the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation promoting economic growth and global connectivity.
Source: UN
- It honors the 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation promoting economic growth and global connectivity.
- Armed Forces Flag Day – December 7
- The tradition of observing Armed Forces Flag Day dates back to 1949 when the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund was established.
Source: IN
- The tradition of observing Armed Forces Flag Day dates back to 1949 when the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund was established.
Memorandum of Understanding
- AIIMS and DGAFMS Sign MoU for Medical Collaboration
- What:
- The Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) and the Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
- Why:
- The MoU aims to enhance medical education and training while addressing multidisciplinary issues in High Altitude, Aerospace, and Marine Medicine through research and academic collaboration.
- Tell me more:
- The first scientific Continuing Medical Education (CME) under this MoU was held on November 24 at AIIMS.
- The CME covered topics such as physiological adaptations at high altitude, aerospace conditions, and patient management in remote environments.
Source: ANI
- What:
Appointments
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed as WTO Director-General
- What:
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been reappointed as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a second term.
- Her new term will begin on September 1, 2025, following a consensus decision by the WTO General Council.
- Tell me more:
- Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO.
- The reappointment process started on October 8, 2024, overseen by Ambassador Petter Olberg of Norway.
Source: BS
- What:
- RBL Bank Appoints Chess Star Gukesh as Ambassador
- What:
- RBL Bank has appointed D Gukesh as its brand ambassador.
- Tell me more:
- At just 18 years old, Gukesh is the youngest contender for the World Chess Championship.
- He is the third youngest grandmaster to achieve a rating of 2700.
- Gukesh will compete against reigning champion Ding Liren at the World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore from November 23 to December 13, 2024.
Source: RBL
- What:
- Mahendra Singh Dhoni Becomes Brand Ambassador for Eurogrip Tyres
- Eurogrip Tyres has appointed cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.
- Eurogrip Tyres is manufactured by TVS Srichakra Ltd, established in 1982, and is a key part of the USD 3 billion TVS Mobility group.
Source: ET
Miscellaneous
- Thomas Kurtz, Co-Creator of BASIC, Passes Away
- What:
- Thomas Eugene Kurtz, an American computer scientist, died on November 12, 2024, at the age of 96.
- He was known for co-developing the programming language BASIC and for his work on the time-sharing concept.
- Tell me more:
- BASIC was introduced in 1964 to simplify programming for beginners.
- The Dartmouth Time-Sharing System allowed multiple users to access a single computer simultaneously.
- Before BASIC, programming required knowledge of complex languages like FORTRAN and COBOL.
Source: NYT
- What:
- Veteran Writer Omchery N N Pillai Passes Away at 100
- What:
- Omchery N N Pillai, a renowned writer, passed away in Delhi at the age of 100.
- Tell me more:
- He was known for writing over 80 one-act plays and nine full-length plays.
- Pillai received several accolades, including the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for his play ‘Pralayam’ in 1972 and the national Sahitya Akademi Award for ‘Akasmikam’.
- Pillai worked at Akashvani from 1951 and held positions in various government organizations until his retirement in 1989.
Source: TOI
- What:
- Book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Released
- Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has released a book titled ‘Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ka Jeevanvrit’.
- The book is authored by Rakesh Kumar Sharma and provides insights into Sardar Patel’s life and contributions.
Source: TI
- World’s Oldest Wild Bird Lays 60th Egg
- Wisdom, a Laysan Cand the world’s oldest known wild bird, has laid her 60th egg at approximately 74 years old.
- This is her first egg in four years, and it was laid at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii.
- Wisdom was first tagged as an adult in 1956 and has returned to Midway Atoll annually since 2006 to nest.
Source: IE
About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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