18th December, 2024

1. MEA and DoP Renew MoU for 5 Years to Enhance POPSKs
2. BharatPe Launches Fraud Protection Plan ‘Shield’ to Safeguard Users from Digital Transaction
3. Kerala and Adani Ports signed an agreement for the development of Vizhinjam Seaport
4. Air India wins Good Design Award Australia 2024 and FTE Awards
5. Manastu Space Technologies Delivers ‘iBooster Green Propulsion System’ to DRDO
6. China’s Long March-2d Rocket Successfully Deployed 5 Experimental Satellites into Space
7. Renowned Gujarati Singer & Padma Shri Awardee Purushottam Upadhyay passed away
8. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launched “New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024”
9. The FIFA Best Awards 2024: Recognizing Excellence
10. International Migrants Day 2024
11. Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Test Century
12. Pandit Sanjay Marathe, Renowned Singer and Musician, Passes Away
13. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wins Jamsetji Tata Award for Biosciences Leadership
14. RBI Lifts Restrictions on Edelweiss Group’s ECL Finance and ARC
15. Bumrah Surpasses Kapil Dev to Become India’s Top Wicket-Taker in Australia
16. Tulsi Gowda, the ‘Encyclopedia of Forests,’ Passes Away
17. INCOIS Upgrades SARAT for Enhanced Sea Rescue Operations
18. Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance
19. Ashwin’s Retirement: A Historic Cricket Career Concludes
20. Kisan Kavach – Bharat’s Indigenous Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit
21. Ayodhya Ram Temple Wins Global Safety Excellence Award
22. Suryabala’s Novel Wins 34th Vyas Samman 2024
23. Vice President Dhankhar Inaugurates GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior

National News

1. India Launches Kisan Kavach Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit
   • What:
     • The Union Minister of State, Dr. Jitendra Singh, unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit designed to protect farmers from pesticide exposure.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to enhance farmer safety and health while promoting sustainable agricultural practices in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
   • Tell me more:
     • Kisan Kavach is developed by BRIC-inStem in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd. and protects against pesticide-induced toxicity.
     • The suit is washable, reusable, and priced at ₹4,000, with a lifespan of up to one year.
     • It features advanced fabric technology that deactivates harmful pesticides upon contact.
       Source: PIB

State News

1. Kerala Signs Agreement for Vizhinjam Port Development
   • What:
     • Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced a supplementary agreement with Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt Ltd to extend the development period of the Vizhinjam International Port.
   • Tell me more:
     • The first phase of the port will be commissioned next month, while the second and third phases are expected to be completed by 2028 with an additional investment of ₹10,000 crore.
     • The total cost of the project is ₹8,867 crore, with the state contributing ₹5,595 crore.
     • The project is expected to generate revenue for the government starting in 2034, earlier than initially planned for 2039.
       Source: BS
2. Inauguration of Gwalior Geoscience Museum
   • What:
     • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the Geological Survey of India’s (GSI) Geoscience Museum in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
   • Why:
     • The museum aims to showcase India’s geological heritage and scientific achievements.
   • Tell me more:
     • The museum features two galleries:
       • Gallery I focuses on Earth’s uniqueness, displaying natural phenomena and rare geological specimens.
       • Gallery II traces the evolution of life on Earth through fossils and immersive exhibits.
     • Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai Patel
       Source: ET

International News

1. Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance
   • What:
     • Moldova has officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), signing the ISA Framework Agreement.
   • Why:
     • The membership aims to promote clean energy and sustainability efforts globally, enhancing Moldova’s commitment to renewable energy.
   • Tell me more:
     • The agreement was signed between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popsoi.
     • The ISA aims to mobilize over USD 1000 billion of investment needed by 2030 for solar energy deployment.
     • Recently, Armenia also became a member of the ISA, bringing the total number of members to 104.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. BharatPe Launches Fraud Protection Plan ‘Shield’
   • What:
     • Fintech firm BharatPe announced a new fraud protection plan called ‘Shield’ to protect users against digital fraud, including fraudulent UPI transactions.
   • Why:
     • The plan aims to enhance security for users making digital transactions, addressing the rising incidents of UPI-related fraud.
   • Tell me more:
     • Users can avail protection for fraudulent transactions up to ₹5,000 by paying a monthly fee of ₹19.
     • New users making their first UPI transaction will receive 30 days of complimentary fraud protection.
     • BharatPe’s CEO, Nalin Negi, emphasized the Shield covers risks such as computer fraud, phishing attacks, and unauthorized transactions due to phone loss.
       Source: BS
2. RBI Lifts Restrictions on Edelweiss Group’s NBFCs
   • What:
     • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted business restrictions on Edelweiss Group’s non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), ECL Finance and Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC).
   • Tell me more:
     • The restrictions were initially imposed in May due to allegations of ‘evergreening of stressed assets.’
     • ECL Finance was directed to stop structured transactions, while Edelweiss ARC was prohibited from acquiring financial assets.
     • The RBI’s current action allows both companies to resume normal operations.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Manastu Space Delivers iBooster Propulsion System to DRDO
   • What:
     • Mumbai-based startup Manastu Space Technologies has delivered the iBooster Green Propulsion System to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
   • Tell me more:
     • The iBooster system is designed for satellites weighing between 100–500 kg and will be used for operations like orbit raising and deorbiting.
     • It features a proprietary hydrogen peroxide-based fuel that is safer and more environmentally friendly than traditional fuels.
     • The system will be tested on a future PSLV mission, showcasing India’s advancements in sustainable space technologies.
     • The project was funded by DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF).
       Source: IN
2. INCOIS Develops New SARAT Tool for Search and Rescue
   • What:
     • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched an updated version of its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to enhance the accuracy and utility for Indian Search and Rescue (SAR) agencies.
   • Why:
     • The new version aims to improve the effectiveness of SAR operations, particularly for the Indian Coast Guard, by providing better simulations of probable search areas for lost objects at sea.
   • Tell me more:
     • SARAT can simulate the drift of objects lost at sea, taking into account factors such as surface winds, currents, and waves.
     • The tool allows users to select from up to 60 types of missing objects based on their shape and buoyancy.
     • The updated version includes features like improved visualizations, color coding of search regions, and markers for identifying the last known position of objects.
     • SARAT was initially launched in 2016 and has been extensively used by the Coast Guard.
       Source: TH

Science and Technology

1. China Launches Long March 12 Rocket
   • What:
     • China successfully launched its first Long March 12 rocket on November 30, marking a significant advancement in its crewed moon plans and the opening of a new spaceport.
   • Why:
     • The launch aims to enhance China’s access to space and support the development of new rocket technologies for future lunar missions.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Long March 12 is a two-stage rocket, 62 meters tall, capable of carrying payloads of up to 12,000 kg to low Earth orbit (LEO).
     • The rocket was launched from the Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site at 9:25 a.m. Eastern time.
     • The Long March 12 uses four YF-100K engines, which are an upgraded version of the engines used in China’s newer rockets.
     • This launch is part of China’s goal to conduct around 70 Long March rocket launches and approximately 30 from commercial providers in 2024.
       Source: SN

Awards

1. Air India Wins Global Awards for Transformation
   • What:
     • Air India has received two prestigious global awards for its ongoing transformation, including the Good Design Award Australia 2024 and three APEX Awards at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards in Singapore.
   • Why:
     • The awards recognize Air India’s commitment to innovation, design excellence, and enhancing passenger experience as part of its transformation journey.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Vista Verve onboard product offering won the Good Design Award for its bespoke tableware, lead-free glassware, and plush linens.
     • The FTE Awards recognized Air India as a Four Star Global Airline for service quality, Best Cabin Service in Central/Southern Asia, and Best Food & Beverage in Central/Southern Asia.
     • The Vista Verve service is currently available on all UK routes and select US routes.
       Source: AAI
2. Best FIFA Football Awards 2024

Source: FIFA

3. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Receives Jamsetji Tata Award
   • What:
     • Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, was awarded the Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for her contributions to the biosciences movement in India.
   • Why:
     • The award recognizes business leaders who have made significant contributions to Indian society, highlighting excellence and innovation.
   • Tell me more:
     • The award was presented at the ISQ Annual Conference 2024 held in Bengaluru.
     • She has been a pioneer in the biosciences field since 1978 and established Biocon Limited.
     • The Jamsetji Tata Award was instituted in 2004 by ISQ.
       Source: BS
4. Ram Temple Project Wins British Safety Council Award
   • What:
     • The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has received the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ award from the British Safety Council for its safety management practices.
   • Why:
     • This award recognizes the project’s commitment to maintaining high safety standards during construction, ensuring the well-being of workers and adherence to safety protocols.
   • Tell me more:
     • The announcement was made by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Construction Committee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, on December 15, 2024.
     • The award is one of the highest accolades in safety management and is given to projects that meet rigorous safety standards.
     • The construction is nearing completion, with intricate marble statues and a stone structure being developed using approximately 15 lakh cubic feet of stone from Rajasthan.

5. Suryabala’s Novel Wins 34th Vyas Samman Award
   • What:
     • Noted Hindi writer Suryabala’s novel “Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary” has been selected for the 34th Vyas Samman, 2024.
   • Why:
     • The award recognizes outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last ten years, highlighting Suryabala’s contributions to literature.
   • Tell me more:
     • The announcement was made by the KK Birla Foundation, and the award includes a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque.
     • Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, has authored over 50 novels and books and has a deep connection with social issues.
     • “Kaun Des Ko Vasi” explores the challenges faced by Indian youth seeking a future in America.

Source: HT

Important Days

1. International Migrants Day – December 18
   • Theme: Honouring the Contributions of Migrants and Respecting Their Rights
     Source: who

Sports

1. Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Women’s Test Century
   • What:
     • Nat Sciver-Brunt scored the fastest century in Women’s Tests, reaching 100 runs in just 96 balls during a match against South Africa.
   • Tell me more:
     • Sciver-Brunt’s record-breaking century surpassed the previous record held by Chamani Seneviratna, who scored a hundred in 106 balls in 1998.
     • She was batting at No. 4 and finished her innings with a total of 128 runs off 145 balls.
     • Earlier in the same Test, Maia Bouchier set the record for the fastest century by an English woman, scoring off 124 balls.
       Source: IN
2. Jasprit Bumrah Becomes India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in Australia
   • What:
     • Jasprit Bumrah made history by becoming India’s leading Test wicket-taker in Australia, surpassing Kapil Dev’s record during the third Test at the Gabba.
   • Tell me more:
     • Bumrah took his 52nd wicket in Australia by clean bowling Usman Khawaja and later dismissing Marnus Labuschagne.
     • He now has 52 wickets from 10 Tests in Australia, while Kapil Dev had 51 wickets from 11 Tests.
     • Bumrah also became India’s most successful fast bowler in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) with a total of 133 wickets.
       Source: TOI
3. R Ashwin Announces Retirement from International Cricket
   • What:
     • R Ashwin has announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket at the age of 36.
   • Why:
     • The announcement came after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, marking the end of his illustrious career as an Indian cricketer.
   • Tell me more:
     • Ashwin made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly became a key player for India.
     • He was awarded the ICC Cricketer of the Year and ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2016.
     • Ashwin has held the No. 1 spot in ICC Test bowling rankings multiple times and is known for his strategic bowling techniques.
       Source: IN

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MoU Renewed for Passport Services via Post Offices
   • What:
     • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was renewed for five years between the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts to continue passport services through Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).
   • Why:
     • The MoU aims to ensure that citizens have continued access to efficient passport services at their nearest post offices.
   • Tell me more:
     • The POPSK service was launched in 2017 and has provided passport-related services to over 1.52 crore citizens, especially in rural areas.
     • Currently, there are 442 POPSKs operational across India, with plans to increase this number to 600 by 2028-29.
     • The initiative aims to expand the annual customer base from 35 lakh to 1 crore over the next five years.
       Source: pib

Miscellaneous

1. New Book on PM Modi
   • Prime Minister Modi’s Government of Bharat 2024: Change > Development > Future book has been authored by Karthik Thirunarayanan.
2. Noted Singer Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe Passes Away
   • What:
     • Renowned classical singer and harmonium artist Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe passed away at the age of 68 due to a severe heart attack.
   • Tell me more:
     • Pandit Marathe was the eldest son of legendary musician Pandit Ram Marathe.
     • Pandit Sanjay Marathe was respected for his skills in harmonium and singing.
       Source: TOI
3. Tulsi Gowda, Renowned Environmentalist, Passes Away
   • What:
     • Tulsi Gowda, an esteemed environmentalist known as the “Encyclopedia of Forests,” passed away at the age of 86 due to age-related ailments.
   • Tell me more:
     • She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 for her contributions to environmental conservation.
     • Throughout her life, she planted over 30,000 saplings and was honored with titles such as ‘Vriksha Maata’ (Mother of Trees).
     • She received the Indira Priyadarshini VrikshaMitra Award and was granted special status by the Karnataka Forest Department.
       Source: TOI

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