24th December, 2024

1. India Squad For Champions Trophy 2025
2. ICC Champions Trophy Schedule 2025- India vs Pakistan
3. Republic Day 2025: 15 States, 11 Ministries to Present Tableaux
4. Shyam Benegal, Renowned Filmmaker, Dies At 90
5. India Ranks 49th in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024
6. National Consumer Day 2024
7. Jaishankar Receives Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Award for Leadership
8. Madhya Pradesh Named “Go-To Global Destination for 2025” by WSJ
9. UDAAN Yatri Cafe: A Solution To Expensive Airport Food
10. Ramasubramanian Appointed NHRC Chairperson
11. “The Unyielding Judge: A Tribute to Justice A.N. Grover’s Legacy”
12. Adani Group Acquires 85.8% Stake in Air Works for Rs 400 Crore Enterprise Value
13. DPIIT & HDFC Bank Sign MoU to Strengthen India’s Startup Ecosystem
14. NITI Aayog releases Report “S.A.F.E. Accommodation: Worker Housing for Manufacturing Growth”
15. Nasscom and DIFC Signed MoU to Enhance Cross-Border Tech Innovation
16. TCS Inks Deal with Bank of Bhutan to Modernize Digital Core
17. ESIC Bagged Four Awards at RSSF Asia-Pacific in Saudi Arabia
18. Eurogrip Tyres announces M S Dhoni as Brand Ambassador to Empower Riders
19. Pat Gelsinger Retired as CEO of Intel Corporation
20. ISRO Commences HLVM3-G1 Launch Campaign for Gaganyaan-G1 Uncrewed Mission
21. EU Unveils Euro 10 Billion IRIS2 Satellite Network
22. US Successfully Tested Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon ‘Dark Eagle’
23. Renowned Folk Artist and Padma Shri awardee Darshanam Mogilaiah Passed Away
24. Eminent Archaeologist K.V. Raman Passes Away at 90
25. Former World Snooker Champion Terry Griffiths Passes Away

National News

1. Republic Day 2025 Tableaux Theme Announced
   • What:
     • The theme for the Republic Day 2025 tableaux has been announced as “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
   • Tell me more:
     • A total of 15 states and Union Territories will participate in the parade.
     • 11 Union ministries and departments will also present tableaux, including first-time participants like the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
     • Specific themes for tableaux include the “Lakhpati Didi” program by the Department of Rural Development and “Kamdhenu” by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
     • States not selected for the parade can present their tableaux at Bharat Parv at Red Fort from January 26 to 31, 2025.
       Source: IN ET IE

2. “Udaan Yatri Cafe”
   • What:
     • The Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the launch of “Udaan Yatri Cafe” at Kolkata airport on a pilot basis and if it turns successful, it will be replicated at other airports across the country, managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to provide affordable food and water for air passengers.
   • Tell me more:
     • The cafe will offer essential items like water bottles, tea, coffee, and snacks at reasonable prices.
       Source: ET

International News

1. IRIS² Constellation: Europe’s New Satellite Network
   • What:
     • The IRIS² constellation will consist of about 300 satellites in low and medium Earth orbits to provide secure communications for the EU.
   • Why:
     • The mission aims to enhance European autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness by delivering reliable connectivity services for governments, businesses, and citizens.
   • Tell me more:
     • The first satellite launch is expected in 2029, using European rockets.
     • IRIS² is the EU’s third flagship space program, following Copernicus and Galileo.
     • The project will be executed by a consortium called SpaceRISE, which includes SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat.

2. U.S. Army Tests New Hypersonic Missile ‘Dark Eagle’ Successfully
   • What:
     • The U.S. Army, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, completed a successful flight test of a conventional hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
   • Why:
     • The test aims to demonstrate the capabilities of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body and to advance the development of advanced weapon systems for military use.
   • Tell me more:
     • This was the second successful end-to-end flight test of the All Up Round (AUR) this year.
     • Hypersonic systems can fly at speeds greater than Mach 5, providing speed, range, and maneuverability.
     • The project is part of a partnership between the U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs.
       Source: US

Banking and Economy

1. Adani Group to Acquire Air Works for ₹400 Crore
   • What:
     • Adani Group announced it will acquire Air Works, an aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services firm, for an enterprise value of ₹400 crore.
   • Why:
     • The acquisition aims to strengthen Adani’s presence in the aviation sector by integrating MRO services into its operations.
   • Tell me more:
     • Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) has signed a share purchase agreement to acquire 85.8% of Air Works.
     • Air Works is India’s largest private sector MRO company, operating in 35 cities and employing over 1,300 personnel.
     • The company provides extensive expertise in servicing both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft.
       Source: BS
2. TCS Partners with Bank of Bhutan for Digital Upgrade
   • What:
     • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) signed a partnership with the Bank of Bhutan to modernize its digital core.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration aims to enhance customer service and optimize operations by implementing TCS BaNCS Global Banking Platform.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Bank of Bhutan, the largest commercial bank in Bhutan, serves over 400,000 customers through 45 branches.
     • TCS has been a technology partner for the bank since 2016 and will now deploy its banking platform to improve services.
     • The TCS BaNCS platform will provide components for customer deposits, loan management, retail services, and trade finance.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Advances Gaganyaan Mission for Human Spaceflight
   • What:
     • ISRO is progressing with India’s first crewed spaceflight under the Gaganyaan mission.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3) is designed to carry astronauts and is currently undergoing assembly.
     • The launch campaign for HLVM3-G1/OM-1 began on December 18, 2024, at the Satish Dhawan Space Center.
     • The LVM3 launch vehicle has been human-rated through extensive testing to ensure safety for human spaceflight.
       Source: TOI

Awards

1. S Jaishankar Receives National Eminence Award for Leadership
   • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was awarded the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES).
   • Jaishankar expressed gratitude to SIES for the honor and highlighted the teachings of Maha Periyavar, particularly his musical composition “Maithreem Bhajatham,” which promotes universal brotherhood.
     Source: BS
2. ESIC Wins Awards at Asia-Pacific Social Security Forum
   • What:
     • The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) received multiple awards at the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific (RSSF Asia-Pacific) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
   • Tell me more:
     • ESIC was awarded one certificate of merit with special mention for its mobile application “Ask An Appointment – AAA+” and three additional certificates for Occupational Accident and Disease, Sustainable Investment, and System Resilience.
     • The awards were presented to Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General of ESIC, during an event attended by global social security stakeholders.
     • The AAA+ app allows users to book appointments, check in without waiting, and access e-Health records in eight languages.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. National Consumer Day – December 24
   • It commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
     Source: IN

Sports

1. ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and UAE
   • What:
     • The ICC Champions Trophy will return in 2025, hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
   • Why:
     • The tournament aims to showcase the top eight ranked men’s national teams qualified from the 2023 Cricket World Cup.
   • Tell me more:
     • The 2025 edition will be the ninth of the ICC Champions Trophy, which has been held as a quadrennial tournament since 2009.
     • The tournament was initially established as the ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998 and was rebranded in 2002.
     • In 2016, the ICC canceled future editions after the 2017 tournament but announced its return in November 2021.

Source: ICC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. DPIIT Signs MOU with HDFC Bank to Support Startups
   • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HDFC Bank to empower startups with banking and financial services.
     Source: PIB
2. Nasscom Signs MoU with DIFC to Support Startups
   • What:
     • Nasscom has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to assist startups in engaging with Dubai’s fintech and innovation ecosystem.
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem by providing knowledge sharing, mentorship, and access to financial services.
   • Tell me more:
     • President of Nasscom: Rajesh Nambiar
     • Nasscom represents over 3,000 tech companies valued at over $250 billion.
     • DIFC is a financial hub serving West Asia, Africa, and South Asia, with over 6,150 active registered companies.
     • India has approximately 10,244 fintech entities, making it the third largest fintech market in the world.
       Source: BS

Appointments

1. V Ramasubramanian Appointed NHRC Chairperson
   • What:
     • Former Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
   • Tell me more:
     • The NHRC chairperson is appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of a selection committee, typically comprising a former chief justice of India or a retired judge of the Supreme Court.
     • Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra served as the eighth chairperson of the NHRC and was appointed in June 2021.
     • Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) were also appointed as members of the NHRC.
       Source: BS
2. Mahendra Singh Dhoni Becomes Brand Ambassador for Eurogrip Tyres
   • What:
     • Eurogrip Tyres has appointed cricket legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.
   • Tell me more:
     • Eurogrip Tyres specializes in two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and off-highway tyres.
     • The company is a part of TVS Srichakra Ltd, established in 1982, which operates under TVS Mobility, valued at USD 3 billion.
       Source: ET
3. Pat Gelsinger Retires as Intel CEO After 40 Years
   • What:
     • Pat Gelsinger has retired from his position as CEO of Intel Corporation, effective December 1, 2024.
     • Intel has appointed David Zinsner and Michelle (MJ) Johnston Holthaus as interim co-CEOs during the search for a new CEO.
   • Tell me more:
     • Intel Corporation is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and is incorporated in Delaware.
     • It is one of the largest semiconductor chip manufacturers globally by revenue.
     • Intel was ranked 45th in the Fortune 500 list in 2020 after being removed from it in 2018.
       Source: intel

Miscellaneous

1. Veteran Filmmaker Shyam Benegal Passes Away at 90
   • What:
     • Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away at the age of 90 on December 23 in Mumbai.
   • Why:
     • Benegal was a pioneer of parallel cinema in India, known for his significant contributions to both mainstream and art films.
   • Tell me more:
     • He received 18 national awards for his realistic storytelling and insightful social commentary.
     • The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991.
     • Some of his notable films include “Ankur” (1973), “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), and “Zubeidaa” (2001).
       Source: TOI

2. Padma Shri Folk Artist Darshanam Mogilaiah Passes Away
   • Renowned folk artist Darshanam Mogilaiah, who is known for his role in the Tollywood film ‘Balagam’, has passed away at the age of 73.
     Source: TOI
3. Eminent Archaeologist K.V. Raman Passes Away
   Source: TH
4. Former World Snooker Champion Terry Griffiths Passes Away
   • Former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths (Welsh professional snooker player) has died aged 77, after a long battle with dementia.
     Source: BBC

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