11th December, 2024

1. Shaji N Karun Honored with JC Daniel Award 2023
2. Telugu Woman Banker Honored as Rising Star in Banking 2024
3. Kush Maini Makes History with F2 Constructors’ Championship Win
4. Payal Kapadia’s Landmark Golden Globe Nomination
5. Former Karnataka CM SM Krishna Dies at 92
6. Bihar’s Sex Ratio Drops to 882: Government Acts Against Female Foeticide
7. SC Grants Permanent Commission to Woman Army Officer
8. 9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Stuns Chess Grandmaster
9. Merriam-Webster Picks Polarization As Word of the Year 2024
10. India’s CPI Inflation Drops to 5.5% in November
11. INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy
12. Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards 2024 A Celebration of Excellence in Television
13. Dubai Breaks Record with World’s Largest Gold Bar, Weighing Over 300 KG
14. PM Modi Launches LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana for Women Empowerment
15. World Human Rights Day 2024: Date, History, Significance & Theme
16. Cabinet Approvals on 6th December 2024
17. DAC Approves Capital Acquisitions Worth Rs 21,772 Cr to Enhance Capabilities of Indian Navy and ICG
18. Ministry of Textiles and HEPC Organised “GI & Beyond” Summit in New Delhi
19. 5th Anniversary of National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) Portal
20. DPIIT Partners with WinZO to Foster 2,000+ Startups
21. General Upendra Dwivedi Presents President’s Colours to 4 Battalions of Mechanised Infantry
22. UNESCO Recognizes Traditional Japanese Sake-Making as Intangible Cultural Heritage
23. ADB approves USD 350 Million Loan to Boost India’s Logistics Sector and Export Competitiveness
24. CRISIL: Asset Growth of NBFCs to Sharply Decline to 15-17% in FY25 and FY26
25. JSFB Appoints R S Ramaseshan as Part-time Chairman
26. Adani Defence Strengthens India’s Maritime Security with Drishti-10 Starliner Drone Deliveries to Indian Navy
27. Indian Army Receives ‘Sabal 20’ Logistics Drone from EndureAir
28. Gujarat Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Pushpak Alaphar Yojana’ scheme to Serve Nutritious Breakfast to Students

National News

1. Supreme Court Grants Permanent Commission to Woman Officer
   • What:
     • The Supreme Court has granted a permanent commission to a woman Army officer who was previously denied this benefit.
   • Why:
     • The ruling emphasizes the need for fairness and equal treatment of soldiers, regardless of their legal actions.
   • Tell me more:
     • The officer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Dental Corps, had challenged a January 2022 order from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) that denied her relief.
     • She was commissioned in 2008 and was initially entitled to three chances for a departmental exam for permanent commission, but a policy amendment capped the age limit at 35 years, disqualifying her from her third chance.
     • The court used its powers under Article 142 to grant her permanent commission effective from the same date as her peers.
     • The Supreme Court directed that all related benefits, including seniority, promotion, and monetary arrears, be implemented within four weeks.

Source: ET

2. Promoting Indian GI Handloom Products Globally
   • What:
     • A one-day event titled “GI and Beyond-2024” is organized by the Office of Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC).
     • The event will take place on 25th November 2024 at The Oberoi, New Delhi, to showcase GI handloom and handicraft products from India.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the event is to promote brand awareness of GI handloom and handicraft products among various stakeholders, including overseas buyers, exporters, and multinational corporations (MNCs).
   • Tell me more:
     • During the inauguration, the Hon’ble Minister for Textiles will hand over 10 new GI certificates to applicants.
     • A thematic display will showcase GI-tagged products highlighting India’s unique artisanal techniques.
     • Technical sessions will cover product quality assurance, brand promotion initiatives, and linking GI products to export markets.
       Source: PIB
3. Launch of National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) 2.0 to Engage Citizens
   • What:
     • The NYPS 2.0 web portal was launched in September 2024 by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju.
     • This initiative aims to involve all citizens in the Youth Parliament program, expanding participation beyond educational institutions.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of launching NYPS 2.0 is to enhance outreach and engagement among citizens regarding democratic values and the functioning of Parliament.
   • Tell me more:
     • NYPS 2.0 allows for three types of participation: Institution Participation, Group Participation, and Individual Participation.
     • Educational institutions can participate through two categories: Kishore Sabha (for students from class VI to XII) and Tarun Sabha (for undergraduate/postgraduate students).
     • Participants can earn certificates for their involvement, and there is an option for multiple registrations within institutions.
     • Individual participants can engage in a quiz on “Bharatiya Democracy in Action” and receive a certificate based on their performance.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Gujarat Launches Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana
   • What:
     • The Gujarat government has launched the “Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana” to provide breakfast to around 41 lakh students in government schools.
     • This scheme will start on December 11, 2024, under the ‘Suposhit Gujarat Mission’.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to ensure that no child enters the classroom on an empty stomach, supporting the Prime Minister’s goal of ‘Padhai Bhi, Poshan Bhi’.
   • Tell me more:
     • The scheme covers 32,277 government primary schools in Gujarat.
     • The Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana is part of broader efforts to improve child nutrition through various initiatives like the ‘Dudh Sanjeevani Yojana’.
     • The program is expected to positively impact students’ education and physical well-being.
       Source: IE

International News

1. World’s Largest Gold Bar Unveiled in Dubai
   • What:
     • The world’s largest pure gold bar, weighing 300.12 kg and valued at around $25 million, was unveiled in Dubai.
   • Tell me more:
     • The gold bar is on display at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension, where visitors can view it outside the Emirates Minting Factory shop.
     • The previous record was held by a 250 kg gold bar displayed in Japan.
     • The Emirates Minting Factory LLC is responsible for creating the bar.
     • The bar is valued at approximately 93 million UAE Dirhams or Rs 211 crore.
     • The Guinness World Records certificate confirms the achievement was made in Dubai, UAE.
       Source: ETV
2. Japan’s Sake Added to UNESCO Heritage List
   • What:
     • Japan’s iconic rice wine, sake, has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
   • Why:
     • This recognition highlights the cultural significance of sake in Japan, from traditional ceremonies to modern gastronomy.
   • Tell me more:
     • The tradition of sake dates back nearly 1,000 years, with references found in the 11th-century literary classic The Tale of Genji.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. DPIIT Partners with WinZO to Boost Gaming Sector
   • What:
     • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WinZO, India’s largest social gaming platform.
   • Why:
     • It seeks to position India as a global leader in interactive entertainment, targeting a significant share of the $300 billion global gaming market.
   • Tell me more:
     • The MoU will last for two years and aims to bridge the talent gap in the gaming sector by providing skills training in coding, animation, and game design.
     • The partnership will include hackathons, workshops, and accelerator programs to nurture startups.
     • A Center of Excellence (CoE) will be established to focus on building a skilled workforce and developing ‘Made in India’ intellectual property.

2. ADB Approves $350 Million Loan for India’s Logistics
   • What:
     • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $350 million policy-based loan to support the Government of India in modernizing its logistics sector.
   • Why:
     • The aim is to enhance India’s economic competitiveness by creating a comprehensive policy and institutional framework for logistics at various government levels.
   • Tell me more:
     • This loan will finance the second subprogram of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem Program.
     • The reforms are expected to reduce logistics costs, create jobs, and promote gender inclusion in the logistics sector.
     • Key initiatives include the Prime Minister Gati Shakti-National Master Plan and the National Logistics Policy, which focus on improving infrastructure and digitization.
     • India’s goods exports increased from $48.5 billion in 2000 to $467.5 billion in 2022, with a target of reaching $2 trillion by 2030.

Source: ADB

3. NBFC Asset Growth Projected to Slow Down
   • What:
     • The growth of assets for non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) in India is expected to decline to 15-17% year-on-year in FY25 and FY26, down from 23% in FY24.
     • This forecast is provided by CRISIL Ratings.
   • Why:
     • The aim is to recalibrate strategies in response to these challenges while maintaining competitiveness.
   • Tell me more:
     • Despite the slowdown, the expected growth remains above the decadal average of about 14%.
     • Unsecured loans and microfinance segments, making up about 23% of overall NBFC AUM, are anticipated to be impacted the most.
     • Home loans are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13-14%, supported by initiatives like the Interest Subsidy Scheme.
     • Housing finance companies focusing on affordable housing (loans below ₹25 lakh) are likely to grow faster at a CAGR of 22-23%.
     • Unsecured lending has seen rapid growth in recent years but is expected to moderate to a CAGR of 15-16% in the upcoming fiscal years.
       Source: BS

Defence News

1. INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy in Russia
   • What:
     • The Indian Navy’s new stealth missile frigate, INS Tushil, was commissioned in Kaliningrad, Russia.
   • Why:
     • The commissioning of INS Tushil enhances the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities in the Indian Ocean, especially amid increasing activities by China’s PLA Navy.
   • Tell me more:
     • INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate, part of a $2.5 billion deal for four stealth frigates.
     • The ship has an indigenous content of around 26%, which includes contributions from various Indian firms.
     • It is equipped with advanced weapons like BrahMos missiles and Shtil surface-to-air missiles and can operate helicopters like Kamov-28 and Kamov-31.

2. Indian Army Receives Sabal 20 Logistics Drone
   • What:
     • The Indian Army has received the Sabal 20 Logistics Drone from EndureAir, marking a significant advancement in logistics capabilities.
     • This electric-unmanned helicopter is designed for aerial logistics and can carry payloads of up to 20 kg.
   • Why:
     • The introduction of the Sabal 20 aims to enhance the logistics support for defense forces operating in challenging terrains.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Sabal 20 helicopter features variable pitch technology, high rotor efficiency, and a tandem rotor configuration for exceptional load-carrying capability.
     • It is capable of long-range deliveries, high-altitude operations, and precision logistics while maintaining low noise levels for stealth.
     • The drone includes autonomous flight capabilities and user-friendly controls for reliable performance beyond the operator’s line of sight.

Source: IN

Awards

1. Shaji N Karun Receives 2023 J C Daniel Award
   • What:
     • Filmmaker Shaji N Karun has been selected for the 2023 J C Daniel Award for his lifetime contribution to the Malayalam film industry.
     • The award includes a cash prize of five lakh rupees, a citation, and a sculpture.
   • Why:
     • The award recognizes Shaji’s significant impact on Malayalam cinema at both national and international levels.
   • Tell me more:
     • Shaji’s notable films include ‘Piravi,’ ‘Swam,’ and ‘Vanaprastham,’ which have received numerous awards and international recognition.
     • Shaji received the French government’s international honor, ‘The Order of Arts and Letters,’ and the Padma Shri for his contributions to arts and culture.
       Source: TOI
2. Bharati Kolli Recognized as Rising Star Woman Leader
   • Bharati Kolli, a 43-year-old woman from Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, has been recognized as a Rising Star Woman leader by ‘Women We Admire.’
   • She works as the Director of the Data Management Office at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) in New York.
     Source: ETV
3. Payal Kapadia Nominated for Golden Globe Award
   • What:
     • Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has been nominated for the Best Director category at the 82nd Golden Globes awards 2025.
     • Her film, ‘All We Imagine As Light,’ has also been nominated for Best Motion Picture in a Non-English Language.
   • Why:
     • This nomination marks the first time an Indian director has received such recognition at the Golden Globes.
   • Tell me more:
     • Kapadia’s previous work includes the acclaimed documentary ‘A Night of Knowing Nothing,’ which won the Best Documentary Award at the 74th Cannes Film Festival.
     • ‘All We Imagine As Light’ explores the lives of three women in modern India, focusing on themes of friendship, resilience, and self-determination.
     • The film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ won the Grand Prix at Cannes 2024 and emphasizes female friendship against societal pressures.

Source: BS

Important Days

1. Human Rights Day – December 10
   • Theme: Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now
     Source: UN

Sports

1. Kush Maini Wins F2 Constructors’ Race in Dubai
   • Indian driver Kush Maini made history by winning the F2 Constructors’ race in Dubai.
   • He is the first Indian to win a FIA Constructors’ World Championship.
   • It adds to his accomplishments in a remarkable year, including being the first Indian to secure a pole position in F2.
     Source: ET
2. Nine-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Beats Chess Grandmaster
   • What:
     • Aarit Kapil, a nine-year-old boy from Delhi, has become the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster.
     • He won against Raset Ziatdinov of the United States in the KIIT International Open tournament.

Source: IE

Appointments

1. R Ramaseshan Appointed Part-Time Chairman of Jana Bank
   • What:
     • Jana Small Finance Bank Ltd has appointed R Ramaseshan as the Part-Time Chairman (Independent Director) effective.
     • The appointment was approved by the Reserve Bank of India.
   • Tell me more:
     • R Ramaseshan has been an Independent Director at the bank since February 8, 2018.
     • He is also a fellow member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India.
       Source: CNBC

Miscellaneous

1. Former Karnataka CM S M Krishna Passes Away at 92
   • What:
     • S M Krishna, the former Chief Minister of Karnataka, passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related issues.
   • Tell me more:
     • Krishna had a political career spanning nearly six decades, primarily with the Congress party.
     • He joined the BJP in 2017 and retired from politics in 2022.
     • He served in various capacities, including as Chief Minister, Governor of Maharashtra, and External Affairs Minister.

Source: IE

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