30th-31st December, 2024

1. M2P Fintech partners with SBI to revolutionize prepaid payment systems.
2. Shriram Finance launches new vertical “Green Finance” for Rs. 5,000 crore AUM.
3. Aditya Birla Capital becomes the first BFSI company to offer all financial services on the ONDC network.
4. Union Minister S. Jaishankar honored with Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award.
5. Former Justice V. Ramasubramanian appointed as NHRC Chairperson.
6. China launches the world’s largest amphibious assault ship ‘Sichuan’ for fighter jets.
7. Bihar to host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025.
8. Former USA President and Nobel Laureate James Earl Carter Jr. passed away.
9. Nobel Prize laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s launched his new book “Chaunk on Food, Economics, and Society.”
10. South Korea Parliament Impeaches Acting President Han Duck-soo
11. Kaamya Karthikeyan: Youngest Female to Conquer Seven Summits
12. DPIIT Partners with boAt to Boost Startup Ecosystem in India
13. Bumrah Breaks Record for Fastest 200 Wickets by an Indian
14. Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President and Nobel Laureate, Dies at 100
15. Sauraha Hosts 18th Elephant Festival
16. Indian Army Unveils Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue at Pangong Tso
17. Gujarat CM Launches SWAR Platform to Bridge Language Barriers
18. Lakshya Sen Secures Third Place at King Cup
19. Sikkim’s Kagyed Dance Festival
20. Haryana Hikes DCRG Limit by 25%
21. BFI Chief Ajay Singh Joins Asian Body Board
22. India Launches UG Minor in Quantum Technologies
23. Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a)
24. Sachin Tendulkar Accepts Prestigious MCC’s Membership
25. Amit Shah Reviews BBSSL’s Role in Strengthening Cooperative Agriculture
26. Sandip Shah Appointed A Chairperson of NABL
27. Nvidia Unveils the Jetson Orin Nano Super Generative AI Supercomputer
28. Amitava Chatterjee Appointed as MD & CEO of J&K Bank
29. UK Universities Set to Establish Campuses at GIFT City, Gujarat
30. RINL Wins Gold at AP State Energy Conservation Awards 2024

National News

1. AICTE Launches Undergraduate Minor in Quantum Technologies
   • What:
     • The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has launched an Undergraduate minor program in Quantum Technologies.
   • Why:
     • This initiative aims to prepare India’s workforce for the quantum revolution and position the country as a leader in quantum innovation.
   • Tell me more:
     • The program will start in the next academic session and is open to engineering students from their third or fourth semester.
     • Students can select 18 credits from a pool of over 30 credits, allowing flexibility for institutions.
     • The curriculum covers four areas: quantum computation, quantum communication, quantum sensing, and quantum materials.
     • Faculty Development Programmes will be conducted to support teachers.

Source: HT

2. Foreign Universities Set to Open Campuses in India
   • What:
     • India is experiencing a rise in demand for quality higher education, leading to foreign universities establishing campuses in the country.
     • Recent regulatory changes now allow these universities to set up operations in India.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to meet the growing educational needs of Indian students who seek global exposure.
   • Tell me more:
     • Notable international universities planning to open campuses include:
       • University of Wollongong (UOW): Opened a campus in Gujarat’s GIFT City offering financial technology courses.
       • Deakin University: Establishing a campus to provide direct access to its degrees.
       • Lancaster University: Has been operating in India since 2009, focusing on business and management.
       • Queen’s University and Coventry University: Interested in setting up campuses at GIFT City.
       • University of Southampton: First international university licensed to open a full-scale campus in India, partnering with Oxford International Education Group.
       • Lincoln University College: Applied to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a campus in Telangana.

Source: IN

State News

1. Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Inaugurated in Ladakh
   • What:
     • A statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj has been inaugurated by the Indian Army at Pangong Tso in Eastern Ladakh.
   • Why:
     • The statue aims to celebrate the spirit and legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, inspiring generations and boosting the morale of troops stationed in the region.
   • Tell me more:
     • The statue was unveiled by Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, GOC Fire and Fury Corps, and is located at an altitude of 14,300 feet.
     • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is known for founding the Maratha Empire and is celebrated for his military strategies and governance.
       Source: NIE
2. Gujarat Launches SWAR Platform for Citizen Engagement
   • What:
     • Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform on Good Governance Day, December 25.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to improve citizen engagement and address language barriers, making it easier for residents to communicate with the government.
   • Tell me more:
     • The SWAR platform was developed by the Chief Minister’s Office in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Bhashini Team.
     • It includes a Speech-to-Text feature that allows citizens to dictate messages instead of typing. This technology will enhance grievance redressal and feedback mechanisms.

3. Sikkim Kagyed Dance Festival
   Source: GOV
4. Haryana Government Increases Gratuity for Employees
   • What:
     • The Haryana government has announced a 25% increase in the maximum limit of Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity for state government employees, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
   • Why:
     • This decision aims to enhance financial security for state government employees and their families, as well as for judicial officers.
   • Tell me more:
     • The increase will take effect from January 1, 2025, and was approved by the state cabinet under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
     • Additionally, the cabinet approved a revision of the Indexation Policy for calculating External Development Charges (EDC) and made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for candidates appearing in Haryana Public Service Commission (HPSC) exams.
     • The Indexation Policy had not been updated for eight years; the cabinet has now approved a 10% annual increase in EDC rates.
       Source: BS

International News

1. China Advances Military Capabilities with New Technologies
   • What:
     • China has conducted test flights of a new sixth-generation heavy stealth fighter jet and launched the Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan.
   • Tell me more:
     • The sixth-generation fighter jet features a tailless design for improved stealth and maneuverability.
     • The Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan, has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons and includes a full-length flight deck with an electromagnetic catapult system for launching larger aircraft.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. M2P Fintech Partners with SBI to Enhance Prepaid Payments
   • What:
     • M2P Fintech has partnered with the State Bank of India (SBI) to improve the prepaid payment ecosystem.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration aims to create innovative and user-friendly payment solutions, making prepaid payment systems more efficient.
   • Tell me more:
     • M2P Fintech will help SBI enhance its prepaid offerings with features like real-time tracking, instant card issuance, and better fraud prevention. These improvements will support various uses such as corporate disbursements, travel cards, and gift cards.
       Source: etv
2. Shriram Finance Launches Green Finance Initiative
   • What:
     • Shriram Finance has consolidated its green financing initiatives under a new vertical called Shriram Green Finance, targeting Rs 5000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM) over the next four years.
   • Tell me more:
     • The green finance vertical will initially focus on raising funds for green investments in states like Karnataka, Kerala, the National Capital Region (NCR), and Maharashtra.
     • Shriram Finance currently finances 7% of electric two-wheelers purchased on loans and aims to increase this to 20% in the coming years.

3. Aditya Birla Capital Integrates with ONDC for Financial Services
   • What:
     • Aditya Birla Capital has become the first BFSI company to offer lending, insurance, and mutual fund investments on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform.
   • Tell me more:
     • This partnership will allow users of various buyer apps to access personal loans, health insurance, and mutual funds from Aditya Birla Capital.
     • The ONDC network is designed to streamline customers’ financial experiences by enabling access to multiple financial products through a single app.
       Source: FE

Science and Technology

1. Nvidia Launches Affordable AI Supercomputer
   • What:
     • Nvidia has unveiled the Jetson Orin Nano Super Developer Kit, its most affordable generative AI supercomputer.
   • Why:
     • The launch aims to provide students, enthusiasts, and developers with access to powerful AI capabilities at a lower cost.
   • Tell me more:
     • Priced at $249 (approximately Rs 21,146), it offers up to 67 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI performance.
     • The price reduction from $499 to $249 makes advanced AI technology more accessible.
     • The Jetson Orin Nano Super was first announced in 2023 and has now received a software update that improved its performance from 40 TOPS to 67 TOPS.
     • It can run large language models and advanced robotics applications.
     • The device features 8 GB of system-on-module (SoM) memory and is compatible with various NVIDIA AI software.
     • It is currently out of stock in many regions, with shipping times estimated at four to five weeks.
       Source: IE

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Target for Seed Cooperatives Set by Union Minister
   • What:
     • Union Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah reviewed the performance of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL).
     • A target was set to include 20,000 more cooperatives under BBSSL by 2025-26.
   • Why:
     • It seeks to ensure that traditional seed varieties are collected and preserved for future generations.
   • Tell me more:
     • BBSSL was incorporated in 2024 as a multi-State cooperative society.
     • Currently, it operates across 5,596 hectares in six states, with an expected production of 164,804 quintals from various crops during the current Rabi season.
     • The cooperative has sold 41,773 quintals of seeds worth ₹41.5 crore since its inception.

Source: HBL

Awards

1. Kaamya Karthikeyan Becomes Youngest to Conquer Seven Summits
   • What:
     • Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old girl from Mumbai, has become the youngest person in the world to complete the Seven Summits Challenge.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Seven Summits Challenge involves climbing the highest mountains on each continent.
     • Kaamya completed her final climb of Mount Vinson in Antarctica on December 24, 2024.
     • Her journey began with Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa and included climbs of Mount Elbrus, Mount Kosciuszko, Mount Aconcagua, Mount Denali, and Mount Everest.

2. Sachin Tendulkar Honored with MCC Membership
   • What:
     • Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has been awarded honorary membership of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC).
   • Tell me more:
     • The MCC announced this honor during the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
     • Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs scored at the MCG, accumulating 449 runs in five Tests.
     • He has previously received the Order of Australia in 2012 for his achievements in cricket.

3. RINL Wins Gold Award for Energy Conservation
   • What:
     • Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) has received the Gold Award at the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Award 2024.
   • Tell me more:
     • RINL was honored for its continuous implementation of energy-saving strategies over the past three years.
     • The award was presented during the Energy Conservation Week celebrations in Vijayawada by K. Vijayanand, IAS, Special Chief Secretary (Energy) of Andhra Pradesh.
       Source: PIB

Sports

1. Bihar to Host Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in 2025
   • What:
     • Bihar will host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in March 2025, marking the second time the state has organized this international event.
   • Why:
     • The tournament aims to promote kabaddi and enhance sports culture in Bihar, following its successful debut as a host in 2012.
   • Tell me more:
     • The event will take place at the Rajgir Sports Academy, which has an indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000.
     • Fourteen nations are expected to participate, including eight Asian countries like India, China, and Japan, along with six countries from Europe, Africa, and South America.

2. Lakshya Sen Secures Third Place at King Cup 2024
   • What:
     • Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen has won third place at the King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 in Shenzhen, China.
   • Tell me more:
     • The King Cup is a newly introduced tournament initiated by two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan.
     • The tournament does not offer ranking points and is not part of the BWF calendar.

3. India Takes Key Role in New Asian Boxing Body
   • What:
     • India has been given a significant role in the newly formed Asian Boxing organization, with multiple officials from the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) taking key positions.
   • Tell me more:
     • The BFI will hold seven key positions, including Ajay Singh as a board member.
     • The newly formed Athlete Commission will include Olympic medalist Lovlina Borgohain, who will advocate for athletes’ needs and improvements in training infrastructure.

Source: ANI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. DPIIT Partners with boAt to Support Startups
   • What:
     • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has formed a strategic alliance with boAt to support startups in India.
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to foster innovation and provide tailored support to DPIIT-recognized startups, particularly in the D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) and manufacturing sectors.
   • Tell me more:
     • The collaboration will include dedicated programs for mentoring startups, offering resources and guidance for various milestones like prototype development, and providing insights for international expansion.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. New Chairperson Appointed for NABL
   • Dr. Sandip Shah has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
   • NABL provides accreditation to ensure laboratories meet specific quality standards.
     Source: TOI
2. J&K Bank Appoints New Managing Director
   • J&K Bank has appointed Amitava Chatterjee as its new Managing Director (MD) and CEO. Amitava Chatterjee is currently the Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI).
     Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Passes Away at 100
   • What:
     • Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, has died at the age of 100.
   • Tell me more:
     • He served as president from 1977 to 1981, during which he pardoned Vietnam draft evaders and brokered a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel. After leaving office, he focused on humanitarian efforts and received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.
     • Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Carter was a peanut farmer before entering politics.
     • He was the longest-lived president in U.S. history, celebrating his 100th birthday in October 2024.
       Source: BBC

      

   • Abhijit Banerjee Launches New Book “Chhaunk”
     • What:
       • Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee has launched a new book titled “Chhaunk” at the Bangalore Literature Fest.
     • Why:
       • The book aims to present food as a shared experience and celebrate its cultural richness, moving away from traditional food photography.
     • Knowledge Nuggets:
       • This book follows Banerjee’s previous work, “Cooking to Save Your Life,” which was more refined but had limited appeal due to its high cost.
       • Illustrator Cheyenne Oliver contributed to the book by focusing on the social aspects of food, such as cooking together and sharing meals.
       • The book also discusses the impact of globalization on food culture and the importance of cultural exchange in culinary traditions.
         Source: NIE

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