17th December, 2024

1. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Navy Sign MoU for Logistics Education
2. Wholesale Inflation Eases to 1.9% in November Amid Cooling Food Prices
3. INS Nirdeshak: Indian Navy’s New Survey Ship Commissioned
4. SLINEX 2024: Strengthening Sri Lanka-India Naval Ties
5. ISRO Successfully Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine
6. India’s Data Centre Industry Set to Surpass $100 Billion by 2027
7. India Clinches Women’s Junior Asia Cup Title
8. Gympie-Gympie: The World’s Most Toxic Plant
9. Pensioners Day in India: Honouring D.S. Nakara’s Fight for Pension Rights
10. Google Appoints Preeti Lobana as India Head
11. Mumbai Clinches Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
12. Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique
13. Nupi Lal Numit 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Manipuri Women
14. Rajasthan Global Investment Summit was held from 9th to 11th December 2024
15. Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to fully adopt GeM
16. ISR 2025 : Employability among Indian graduates improves to 54.81%; Maharashtra topped
17. Punjab: 1st state to enact Development and Promotion of Sports Act 2024
18. World Malaria Report 2024: India achieves 69% drop in Malaria Cases
19. Edelweiss Mutual Fund Launches India’s 1st ETF for Capital Markets and Insurance Sectors
20. BMW Group and UNICEF Partner to Enhance Education in India
21. CSC e-Governance signs MOU with CAIT to Enroll Traders and Citizens in Social Security Schemes
22. WTA Awards 2024: Aryna Sabalenka wins WTA Player of the Year 2024 for the 1st time
23. TIME Magazine Named US President-elect Donald Trump as ‘Person of the Year’ for 2024
24. Indian Army Receives AT-15 Drones from Asteria Aerospace
25. U-19 Men’s Asia Cup 2024 – Bangladesh beats India by 59 runs
26. Lando Norris wins F1 Abu Dhabi GP as McLaren secure constructors’ title
27. Three Books on Sitaram Yechury’s Writings on culture, media, and secularism Launched
28. TCGL signs MoU with BodhiGaya Vijayalap 980 Institute for Conservation Promotion of Buddhist Heritage Sites in Gujarat
29. HP CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Launched Six New Schemes
30. Rajasthan to Celebrate “Pravasi Rajasthani Divas” on December 10 Every Year
31. Crisil projects India’s GDP growth slowdown to 6.8%
32. Ministry of Defence signs contract with HAL
33. fourth edition of ‘SAMPARK’, an ECHS (Navy) outreach initiative,
34. The Prime Minister launched the Kumbh Sah’AI’yak chatbot that will provide details to give guidance and updates on the events to devotees on Mahakumbh Mela 2025.

National News

1. India’s Data Centre Investments to Exceed $100 Billion
   • What:
     • Investment commitments in India’s data centre industry are expected to surpass $100 billion by the end of 2027.
   • Why:
     • The surge in demand for digital infrastructure is driving significant investment in data centres across the country.
   • Tell me more:
     • Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are the most preferred states for data centre investments.
     • Nearly $60 billion has been invested in the data centre market between 2019 and 2024.
     • Mumbai holds 49% of India’s total data centre stock, followed by Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru.
     • As of September 2024, India’s data centre stock is approximately 1,255 MW and is projected to grow to around 1,600 MW by the end of the year.

Source: HBL

State News

1. Manipur Commemorates Nupi Lal Numit
   • What:
     • Manipur observed Nupi Lal Numit to honor women freedom fighters involved in the ‘Nupi Lal’ movements against British rule in 1904 and 1939.
   • Why:
     • The day recognizes the significant contributions of Manipuri women in fighting for justice and their roles in various historical events.
   • Tell me more:
     • Chief Minister N Biren Singh led the tributes at the Nupi Lal Memorial complex in Imphal.
     • He highlighted the courage of Manipuri women, not only during wartime but also in expelling the Burmese during the Seven Year Devastation (1819-1826).
     • The state government has implemented welfare schemes such as the Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme, providing financial assistance to unemployed women over 40 years old.
       Source: TOI
2. Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 Concludes
   • What:
     • The ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024 successfully concluded with a valedictory session and MSME conclave.
   • Why:
     • The summit aimed to promote investment in Rajasthan and highlight the government’s commitment to transparency and development.
   • Tell me more:
     • The next edition of the summit, RRGIS 2026, is scheduled for December 9-11, 2026.
     • The summit was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
     • A record Rs 35 lakh crore worth of investment proposals were signed during the event.
     • MSMEs contribute 25% to Rajasthan’s GDP, playing a vital role in its economic development.
     • Pravasi Rajasthani Divas’ will be celebrated every year on December 10.
       Source: ANI IE
3. Punjab Introduces New Sports Law for Transparency
   • What:
     • Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann approved the Punjab State (Development & Promotion of Sports) Act, 2024, to promote sports in the state.
   • Why:
     • The objective is to establish a transparent tendering process and ensure fair selection of players, enhancing the integrity of sports associations.
   • Tell me more:
     • Punjab will be the first state in India to implement this law.
     • The Act mandates that one district association for each sport will be registered in every district.
     • Maintenance of accounts by a chartered accountant will be required, and annual financial statements must be published by May 31 each year.
     • A five-member committee will select teams representing districts and the state, while a dispute resolution committee will address player appeals within seven days.
     • A five-member sexual harassment committee will be established at the district level, comprising three women and two men.
       Source: TOI
4. Gujarat Government Signs MoU for Buddhist Heritage
   • What:
     • The Gujarat government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a Bihar-based institute to conserve and promote Buddhist heritage in the state.
   • Tell me more:
     • The MoU was signed between the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) and BodhiGaya Vijjalaya 980 Institute in Gandhinagar.
     • The 4th Mekong Ganga Dhamma Yatra delegation visited India from December 2 to 10, exploring various Buddhist sites.
     • The Mekong Ganga Dhamma Yatra aims to strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between the Mekong and Ganga civilizations.
       Source: Print
5. Himachal Pradesh CM Launches Six New Schemes
   • What:
     • Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched six new schemes to mark two years of the Congress government.
   • Why:
     • The schemes aim to promote natural farming, support small farmers, enhance rural incomes, and improve healthcare access.
   • Tell me more:
     • The “Him Bhog Atta” scheme promotes maize flour made from naturally farmed maize, with the government procuring 398 metric tonnes from 1,506 farmers.
     • A scheme to purchase organic compost at Rs. 300 per quintal was introduced, with Rs. 1 lakh distributed to 100 farmers via direct benefit transfer.
     • The Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme provided keys to 16 electric taxi owners, offering a 50% subsidy for e-taxi purchases.
     • The Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana disbursed Rs. 1.38 crore to 5,145 beneficiaries for children’s education and support for vulnerable families.
     • The Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva) was launched with a budget of Rs. 1,292 crore to promote horticulture across seven districts.
     • The HP Shiva project aims to cultivate fruits over 6,000 hectares and benefit over 15,000 farming families.
       Source: BS
6. Launch of ‘SAMPARK’ Initiative for Naval Veterans in Maharashtra
   • What:
     • The fourth edition of ‘SAMPARK’, an outreach initiative by the Indian Navy, launched in Maharashtra.
   • Why:
     • This initiative aims to provide quality healthcare services to Naval Veterans, Veer Naris, and their families, ensuring their well-being and support.
   • Tell me more:
     • SAMPARK 4.0 will establish direct communication between veterans and ECHS (Navy) officials.
     • Interactive sessions will be held at ECHS Polyclinics in Thane, Nasik (Deolali), Aurangabad, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Kolhapur, and Pune.
     • The initiative focuses on building trust among veterans and educating them about healthcare services and entitlements.
     • Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS-Navy) officials will assist veterans in accessing medical facilities.
       Source: pib
7. PM Modi Inaugurates Projects Worth ₹5,500 Crore in Prayagraj
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated development projects worth ₹5,500 crore in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Mahakumbh is recognized as one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, symbolizing unity and India’s cultural identity.
     • Projects include the Hanuman Mandir Corridor and Akshayvat Corridor for better access to pilgrimage sites.
     • ‘Kumbh Sahayak’ chatbot was launched marking the first use of AI and chatbot technology for Kumbh.

Source: PIB

Banking and Economy

1. Edelweiss Launches India’s First Capital Markets ETF
   • What:
     • Edelweiss Mutual Fund has launched the Edelweiss BSE Capital Markets & Insurance ETF, the first ETF in India focused on the capital markets and insurance sectors.
   • Why:
     • The ETF aims to provide investors with a diversified portfolio of leading companies in capital markets and insurance, tapping into the growth potential of these sectors.
   • Tell me more:
     • The New Fund Offer (NFO) for the ETF is open for subscription from December 10 to December 24, 2024.
     • The ETF will track the BSE Capital Markets & Insurance Total Return Index.
     • The fund’s portfolio is divided between capital markets (47.21%) and insurance (52.79%).
     • Notable companies included in the ETF are HDFC AMC, SBI Life Insurance, and ICICI Lombard.
     • The ETF will be reconstituted semi-annually and rebalanced quarterly for optimal performance.
     • The minimum subscription amount during the NFO is Rs. 5,000.
       Source: BS

Report and Indices

1. World Malaria Report 2024
   • What:
     • India has successfully controlled malaria and reduced mortality, officially exiting the High-Burden-High-Impact (HBHI) group of endemic countries.
   • Why:
     • The reduction in malaria cases and deaths is attributed to India’s multi-sectoral approach and strong political commitment to combat the disease.
   • Tell me more:
     • Malaria cases in India decreased by 69%, from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2 million in 2023.
     • Malaria deaths also fell by 69%, from 11,100 in 2017 to 3,500 in 2023.
     • The World Malaria Report evaluates global progress against malaria and highlights efforts in 83 countries.
     • The decline in malaria was supported by Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN).
     • The WHO has certified 44 countries as malaria-free, with Egypt being the most recent.

Source: IE

GDP Forecasts

1. CRISIL India GDP Forecast
   • What:
     • Crisil has projected India’s GDP growth to decrease from 8.2% last year to 6.8% in the fiscal year 2024-2025.
   • Why:
     • The decline is attributed to rising interest rates and limited fiscal stimulus impacting economic activity.
   • Tell me more:
     • The economy grew by 6.7% in the April-June quarter, which was below the RBI’s forecast of 7.1%.
     • Policymakers aim to reduce retail inflation to a sustainable level of 4%.
       Source: TOI

Defence News

1. INS Nirdeshak to Be Commissioned by Indian Navy
   • What:
     • The Indian Navy will commission its latest survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
   • Why:
     • The commissioning emphasizes the Indian Navy’s commitment to Aatmanirbharta, showcasing over 80% indigenous content in the ship.
   • Tell me more:
     • The ship is powered by two diesel engines and equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic survey equipment.
     • The new vessel is a reincarnation of the previous INS Nirdeshak, which served for 32 years until decommissioning in 2014.
     • The ship will enhance India’s maritime capabilities and support strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
       Source: ET
2. SLINEX 2024 Naval Exercise to Begin in Visakhapatnam
   • What:
     • The bilateral naval exercise SLINEX 2024 will take place from December 17 to 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam.
   • Tell me more:
     • SLINEX is a series of naval exercises initiated in 2005.
     • The exercise will have two phases: Harbour Phase (December 17-18) and Sea Phase (December 19-20).
     • Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra and Sri Lankan Offshore Patrol Vessel SLNS Sayura will participate, each with a Special Forces team.
     • Activities during the Sea Phase will include joint exercises, navigation drills, and communication practices.
       Source: PIB
3. Asteria Aerospace Delivers Drones to Indian Army
   • What:
     • Asteria Aerospace has delivered its largest contract of AT-15 Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drones to the Indian Army.
   • Tell me more:
     • The AT-15 drones are equipped with advanced features, including high-altitude performance and integrated day-and-night cameras.
     • They can operate at altitudes of up to 6,000 meters and have a flight time of up to 120 minutes with a range of 20 kilometers.
     • Asteria Aerospace operates from a state-of-the-art facility in Bengaluru, which includes an R&D lab recognized by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
       Source: BW
4. Contract Signed for 12 Su-30MKI Aircraft
   • What:
     • A contract has been signed for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft and associated equipment by the Ministry of Defence with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
   • Tell me more:
     • The total cost of the contract is approximately ₹13,500 Crore, which includes taxes and duties.
     • The aircraft will have an indigenous content of 62.6%, as many components will be manufactured by the Indian defense industry.
     • The manufacturing will take place at HAL’s Nasik division, enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force.
       Source: PIB

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Successfully Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine
   • What:
     • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed a sea-level hot test of the CE20 Cryogenic Engine.
   • Why:
     • This achievement is a key milestone in ISRO’s space program, enhancing India’s capabilities in cryogenic technology for future missions.
   • Tell me more:
     • The test was conducted on November 29, 2023, in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
     • The CE20 engine powers the upper stage of the LVM3 launch vehicle, used in missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3.
     • The engine features restart enabling systems, which are crucial for upcoming missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
       Source: ET

Awards

1. 2024 WTA Awards
   • The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is the principal organizing body of women’s professional tennis. It governs the WTA Tour, a worldwide professional tennis tour for women, and was established to improve the future of women’s tennis.
     • Corporate Headquarters: St. Petersburg, Florida
     • European Headquarters: London
     • Asia-Pacific Headquarters: Beijing
     • Founded: June 1973 by Billie Jean King

Source: OC

Important Days

1. India Observes Pensioners Day on December 17
   • What:
     • Pensioners Day is celebrated annually on December 17 to honor D.S. Nakara, who fought for the rights of pensioners.
   • Why:
     • The day commemorates a landmark Supreme Court judgment from December 17, 1982, which ensured pension benefits for all retired officials.
   • Tell me more:
     • D.S. Nakara challenged the discriminatory pension scheme of 1979 that only applied to those retiring after March 31, 1979.
     • The pension system in India began during British rule with the Royal Commission on Civil Establishments in 1881.
     • The Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules were enacted in 1972 after protests by central employees.
     • The NDA government introduced a participatory pension scheme, affecting employees appointed before January 1, 2004.
     • In August 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
       Source: ETV

Sports

1. Indian Junior Women’s Hockey Team Defends Asia Cup Title
   • The Indian Junior Women’s hockey team has successfully defended their Women’s Junior Asia Cup title against China in Muscat, Oman.
   • Team Captain: Jyoti Singh
     Source: TOI
2. Mumbai Wins Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
   • Mumbai won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by defeating Madhya Pradesh by five wickets.
   • This is Mumbai’s second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title; they previously won in 2022.
     Source: HT
3. Bangladesh Retains ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup Title
   • Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs to win the ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup title.
   • The ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup is a significant event for young cricketers in Asia to showcase their talent.
     Source: ET

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Indian Navy and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya Sign MoU
   • What:
     • Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Vadodara has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Navy in New Delhi.
   • Why:
     • The MoU aims to enhance logistics-related education, research, and training for the Indian Navy.
   • Tell me more:
     • It focuses on improving supply chain management, multimodal transportation, and sustainability in logistics.
     • The collaboration aligns with national initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022.
     • Indian Navy officers will have opportunities to pursue academic degrees at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.

2. CSC and CAIT Sign Agreement for Social Security Enrollment
   • What:
     • CSC E-Governance Services and CAIT have signed an agreement to enroll traders and citizens in government social security schemes.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration aims to facilitate access to various social security schemes for the last-mile beneficiaries.
   • Tell me more:
     • The agreement includes registration under schemes like the National Pension System (NPS), Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana.
     • There are approximately 6 lakh common service centers operating under CSC across India.
       Source: ET

Appointments

1. Google Appoints Preeti Lobana as Country Manager for India
   • Google has appointed Preeti Lobana as the new country manager and vice president for India.
   • Lobana’s role is crucial in shaping Google’s strategy to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for customers in India.
     Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Gympie-Gympie: The World’s Most Poisonous Plant
   • The Gympie-Gympie plant, also known as Dendrocnide Moroides, is recognized as the most poisonous plant in the world.
   • Gympie-Gympie is found in rainforest areas of Australasia, the Moluccas, and Indonesia.
     Source: HT
2. Cyclone Chido in Mozambique
   • The names for tropical cyclones in the Southwest Indian Ocean are chosen from a list provided by member countries of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 1 In the case of Cyclone Chido, the name was provided by Zimbabwe.
     Source: WMO
3. Three Books on Sitaram Yechury Released
   • Three books based on the writings of late CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury were released.
   • The books include “Hindu Rashtra Hai Kya,” a Hindi translation of Yechury’s 1993 English book, “The Fight For The Republic,” and “Reflections on Culture, Media and Science.”
   • “What is Hindu Rashtra” was published by Yechury in March 1993 after the demolition of the Babri Masjid.
     Source: IE

Start Quiz of 17th December 2024 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 17th December 2024 on Desktop