28th-29th December, 2024

1. UNICEF partners with West Bengal Government to enhance juvenile diabetes care.
2. Team Russia won the 18th edition of Admiral’s Cup 24 Sailing Regatta.
3. Official visit of PM Modi to Kuwait from 21st to 22nd December 2024.
4. India and China signed a six-point pact to resume Mansarovar Yatra and Nathula border trade.
5. China approves the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River.
6. Federal Bank partners with Ecofy to provide solar installations for MSMEs.
7. Ravi Pillai honored with Bahrain’s “Medal of Efficiency” for outstanding contributions.
8. Indian educationist Arun Kapur honored with Royal Honor by Bhutan.
9. BluJ Aerospace signs MoU with Blade India for 60 VTOL aircraft.
10. Google unveils two AI models: “Gemini-Exp-1206” and “Gemini 2.0 Flash.”
11. India to host the World Boxing Cup Final and World Boxing Congress in 2025.
12. UP signs MoU with Japan for economic and cultural cooperation.
13. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launches AI Task Force to promote technological growth.
14. Punjab becomes the 5th state to provide 100% piped water supply to rural households.
15. Indore’s Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport becomes India’s 1st zero-waste airport.
16. PNB and FCAOI sign MoU to enhance agricultural infrastructure.
17. IFC invests Rs. 630 crore in NDR InvIT’s SLBs.
18. TPREL partners with Canara Bank for rooftop solar solutions.
19. Kissht partners with Sachin Tendulkar to enhance digital financial growth.
20. Salman Khan and Tiger Shroff named brand ambassadors for Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
21. SIA-India signs MoU with Ghana’s GSSTI to boost space sector collaboration.
22. Amantya Technologies awarded funding under TDDF Scheme for India 5G Stack.
23. Karnataka Govt declared December 26 as “Computer Operators’ Day.”
24. Govt of AP declares “Ratha Saptami” as State Festival.
25. Mizoram signs MoA with Partner Banks for Bana Kahli Scheme.
26. India’s first sports management mobile app launched in Andhra Pradesh.
27. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen national highway.
28. India to fund worth Rs. 2,371 million in Sri Lanka for development projects.
29. USA declares the bald eagle as the national bird after 240 years.
30. SEBI approves Enlighten Angel Fund to operate as AIF.

National News

1. Indian Prime Minister Modi’s Historic Visit to Kuwait
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024, at the invitation of Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
   • Tell me more:
     • He attended the opening ceremony of the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup as the ‘Guest of Honour’.
     • During the visit, PM Modi was awarded the ‘Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer’, Kuwait’s highest honor.
     • Discussions included establishing a Joint Commission on Cooperation and new Joint Working Groups in several areas.
     • Agreements were signed on defense cooperation, a cultural exchange program for 2025-2029, and an executive program on sports cooperation.
     • Kuwait joined the International Solar Alliance during this visit.
       Source: MEA
2. India and China Agree on Measures to Repair Bilateral Relations
   • What:
     • India and China have agreed on six consensus measures to improve their bilateral relations, which were strained after the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
     • Key measures include resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, cross-border river cooperation, and Nathula border trade.
   • Why:
     • The agreement aims to restore peace and tranquility in border areas and enhance cooperation in various sectors.
   • Tell me more:
     • National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in Beijing, marking the first Special Representatives’ meeting since 2020.
     • The leaders discussed boundary resolution, border management, and the establishment of a Joint Commission on Cooperation (JCC).
     • China has also approved constructing the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River (Yarlung Zangbo) in Tibet, near the Indian border.
       • Estimated cost: $137 billion, surpassing the scale of China’s Three Gorges Dam.
       • Location: The dam will be built in the Himalayan gorge where the river makes a U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh and Bangladesh.
       • The Yarlung Tsangpo offers immense hydropower resources, capable of generating over 300 billion kWh annually—sufficient for 300 million people.
       • The project involves diverting the river’s flow through tunnels and could generate annual revenue of $3 billion for Tibet.

Source: IE TOI

State News

1. UNICEF and West Bengal Collaborate on Juvenile Diabetes Care
   • What:
     • UNICEF is partnering with the West Bengal government to address juvenile diabetes (Type 1 diabetes) and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in children.
   • Why:
     • It aims to train healthcare providers to better identify and treat symptoms of Type 1 diabetes at the village level.
   • Tell me more:
     • UNICEF is working with the state’s health department and hospitals to create a primary healthcare model.
     • Currently, five district hospitals operate NCD clinics, treating around 600 children annually, with plans to expand this service.
     • The Young Diabetic Registry of India reports that five out of one lakh children in India are affected by juvenile diabetes.
       Source: ET
2. Uttar Pradesh Signs MOUs with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture
   • What:
     • Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture.
   • Why:
     • The MOUs aim to strengthen economic and cultural cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Yamanashi.
   • Tell me more:
     • The ceremony took place in Lucknow and was attended by Kotaro Nagasaki, the governor of Yamanashi.
       Source: ET
3. Gujarat Establishes AI Task Force for Governance
   • What:
     • Gujarat’s Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the formation of an AI Task Force during the annual Chintan Shibir.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to leverage Artificial Intelligence to enhance technology-driven governance and socio-economic development in the state.
   • Tell me more:
     • An MoU has been signed with Microsoft to set up an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence at GIFT City.
     • The center will focus on machine learning, cognitive services, and Bot Services, facilitating pilot projects and training programs across various sectors.
     • The AI Task Force will be led by the Principal Secretary of the Science and Technology Department and includes members from various institutions and organizations.
     • The AI Task Force will have a one-year term with annual reviews to assess progress.
     • Responsibilities include strategic planning, policy advocacy, capacity building, and developing a state data center integrated with advanced AI technology.
       Source: ET
4. Punjab Achieves 100% Piped Water Supply in Villages
   • What:
     • The Punjab Water Supply and Sanitation Department has successfully provided 100% piped water supply to rural households under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ scheme.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to ensure access to clean drinking water and improve sanitation facilities for the rural population in Punjab.
   • Tell me more:
     • All villages in Punjab have achieved open defecation free (ODF) status under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural).
       Source: Tribune
5. Indore Airport Becomes India’s First Zero-Waste Airport
   • What:
     • Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport in Indore has officially become the first zero-waste airport in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • A material recovery facility covering 3,000 sq ft was inaugurated to manage waste effectively.
     • The airport’s capacity will be increased from 40 lakh to 90 lakh passengers annually within three years.
     • A new air traffic control tower was also inaugurated, built at a cost of Rs 55 crore.
       Source: etv
6. Karnataka Govt Declared December 26 as Computer Operators Day
   • From this year, December 26, the birth anniversary of Charles Babbage (an English mathematician and inventor who is credited with having conceived the first automatic digital computer) will be observed as Computer Data Entry Operators’ Day in Karnataka.
   • Charles Babbage (26 December 1791 – 18 October 1871) was an English polymath known for his contributions as a mathematician, philosopher, inventor, and mechanical engineer.
   • He invented the first mechanical computer, the Difference Engine, which paved the way for modern electronic computers.
     Source: TH
7. Andhra Pradesh Declares Ratha Saptami as State Festival
   • The Andhra Pradesh government has declared Ratha Saptami as a State festival for three days at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple in Arasavalli, Srikakulam district.
   • Ratha Saptami will be celebrated on February 4, 2025.
     Source: TH
8. Mizoram Government Launches ‘Bana Kaih’ Scheme
   • What:
     • A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the Mizoram government and partner banks for the ‘Bana Kaih’ scheme.
   • Why:
     • The scheme aims to promote self-reliance and inclusive economic development in Mizoram, contributing to the goal of a developed India and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
   • Tell me more:
     • One of the key components of the scheme is Handholding to Progress Partners, under which eligible partners are provided loans from the partner banks. The govt acts as a guarantor for these loans.
     • Furthermore, for partners who repay their loans regularly, the govt will provide interest subvention of up to 100%, thereby easing the financial burden on beneficiaries and encouraging timely repayment

Source: TOI

International News

1. Bald Eagle Officially Declared National Animal of the U.S.
   • What:
     • President Joe Biden signed legislation declaring the bald eagle as the national animal of the United States.
   • Tell me more:
     • The bald eagle has been an emblem of the U.S. since it was included in the Great Seal in 1782.
     • The seal features the eagle with an olive branch, arrows, a shield, and the motto “E Pluribus Unum.”
     • The bald eagle is native to North America and has appeared on U.S. monetary and military insignia.
       Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Federal Bank Partners with Ecofy for Solar Financing
   • What:
     • Federal Bank has partnered with Ecofy, India’s first green-only NBFC, to provide financing solutions for MSMEs investing in commercial rooftop solar installations.
   • Why:
     • It aims to promote sustainable growth and reduce carbon emissions by financing 3,600 kW of rooftop solar installations annually.
   • Tell me more:
     • The initiative is expected to cut over 2,500 tons of CO2 emissions each year.
     • Financial constraints have historically limited MSMEs from adopting solar energy solutions, as many lenders offer high-interest loans or are reluctant to lend.
     • Federal Bank provides MSME loans that account for over 20% of its total loan book and has a green loan scheme for funding solar initiatives.
       Source: ET
2. BluJ Aero and Blade India Partner for VTOL Aircraft
   • What:
     • BluJ Aero has partnered with Blade India to purchase 60 VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft.
     • The order includes 50 BluJ REACH cargo aircraft and 10 BluJ HOP passenger aircraft.
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to enhance regional mobility and logistics by providing innovative aerial solutions in underserved areas of India.
   • Tell me more:
     • The BluJ REACH is an unmanned hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft with a range of up to 300 kilometers and a payload capacity of 100 kilograms.
     • The BluJ HOP is designed for safe and economical regional passenger travel.
     • Blade India operates helicopter and private charter services across states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa.
       Source: ET
3. PNB Signs MoU to Enhance Agricultural Infrastructure
   • What:
     • Punjab National Bank (PNB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federation of Cold Storage Associations of India.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration aims to boost agricultural infrastructure and develop cold chain facilities across India.
   • Tell me more:
     • PNB’s MD & CEO, Atul Kumar Goel, emphasized the need for modern storage to support farmers and enhance economic growth in rural areas.
       Source: uni
4. IFC Invests in India’s First Sustainability Linked Bond
   • What:
     • The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has invested USD 75 million in a Sustainability Linked Bond issued by NDR InvIT.
   • Tell me more:
     • This bond is the first of its kind issued by a warehousing Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) in India.
     • The funds will facilitate EDGE Certification, which focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption.
     • The Indian warehousing sector is expected to grow significantly, with warehouse space projected to increase from 300 million square feet in FY23 to 500 million square feet by 2030.
       Source: BS
5. Kissht Partners with Sachin Tendulkar for Growth
   • What:
     • Kissht, an Indian digital lending platform, has partnered with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as a strategic investor and brand ambassador.
   • Tell Me More:
     • Ranvir Singh, founder and CEO of Kissht, stated that Tendulkar’s association would help position the brand as trustworthy and dependable.
       Source: ET
6. Enlighten Angel Fund Receives SEBI Approval as Alternate Investment Fund (AIF)
   • What:
     • Enlighten Angel Fund has received approval from SEBI to operate as an Alternate Investment Fund (AIF).
   • Why:
     • The fund aims to support emerging technologies and disruptive startups in India, aligning with the country’s vision for sustainable growth.
   • Tell me more:
     • The fund has launched its first fund of Rs 200 crore, which includes a Rs 100 crore greenshoe option.
     • The rebranding to Enlighten Capital Micro VC reflects its commitment to the expanding startup ecosystem.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. Amantya Technologies Receives Funding for 5G Development
   • What:
     • Amantya Technologies has been awarded funding under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for developing the “India 5G Stack.”
   • Why:
     • The project aims to create a domestic 5G Standalone (SA) Core compliant with the latest 3GPP standards, enhancing India’s telecom capabilities and promoting self-reliance in technology.
   • Tell me more:
     • The upgraded 5G SA Core will support advanced features like network slicing, improved security, and seamless integration with existing networks.
     • It will be cloud-agnostic, allowing deployment on various platforms such as Kubernetes and OpenStack.
     • The initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide by extending high-speed connectivity to rural and remote areas.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Dr. Ravi Pillai Receives Bahrain’s Medal of Efficiency
   • What:
     • Indian businessman Dr. Ravi Pillai has been awarded Bahrain’s Medal of Efficiency, the kingdom’s prestigious national honor.
   • Why:
     • He is recognized for his significant contributions to Bahrain’s progress and development, making him the only foreign national to receive this title.
   • Tell me more:
     • The award reflects King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s appreciation for Dr. Pillai’s outstanding work in refinery operations and community development in Bahrain.
     • Dr. Pillai is the chairman of RP Group, which has a turnover of USD 12 billion and employs 126,000 people, making it the largest employer of Indians outside India.
     • He has made substantial investments in India, including six five-star hotels, two hospitals, and three shopping malls, with plans to invest an additional USD 2 billion in the next two years.

Source: TW

Sports

1. Team Russia Wins Admiral’s Cup 2024 at Indian Naval Academy
   • What:
     • Team Russia won the Admiral’s Cup 2024 at the international sailing regatta held at Ettikulam Beach, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala.
   • Tell me more:
     • The competition featured participants from 25 nations, with Russia defeating teams from 24 other countries.
     • Lt Gorkunov Petr Ilyich of Russia was the top performer in the men’s individual category.
     • Ensign Camilla Bernabei of Italy won the women’s individual category.

2. New Delhi to Host World Boxing Cup Final in 2025
   • What:
     • New Delhi has been awarded the hosting rights for the World Boxing Cup Final and the World Boxing Congress, both scheduled for November 2025.
   • Tell me more:
     • The World Boxing Cup calendar begins in Brazil in March, followed by events in Germany and Kazakhstan before culminating in India.
     • The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) joined World Boxing in March 2024, aiming to keep boxing included in the Olympic Games.

Source: OC

3. Kreeda App Launched to Transform Sports Management in Andhra Pradesh
   • What:
     • The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) launched the ‘Kreeda App’, India’s first mobile application aimed at modernizing sports management in the state.
   • Why:
     • The app is designed to eliminate malpractices in issuing sports quota certificates and provide a unified platform for managing sports data, ensuring transparency in various processes.
   • Tell me more:
     • The app allows players to register independently, track performance, and access digitally signed achievement certificates via DigiLocker.
     • It features a centralized sports calendar for tournament applications and facilitates applications for incentives and job reservations for Andhra Pradesh natives.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. SIA-India Partners with Ghana for Space Collaboration
   • What:
     • The Satcom Industry Association India (SIA-India) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI).
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to enhance collaboration in satellite communications and promote the growth of space-based technologies and applications that benefit both India and Ghana.
   • Tell me more:
     • The MoU reflects the increasing trade between India and Africa, which reached $90.5 billion in 2022–23, with a target to reach $200 billion by 2030.

Source: TOI

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