12th-13th December, 2024

1. India’s GDP Growth Projections for FY25 Revised Downward
2. Universal Health Coverage Day 2024: Ensuring Health for All
3. Elon Musk Reaches $400 Billion Milestone and Created History
4. Trump Named Time’s Person of the Year
5. UP Set to Lead India in Cow Milk Production
6. India to Launch Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035
7. 22nd Divya Kala Mela
8. ADB Grants $500 Million for Green Infrastructure and Solar Rooftops in India
9. “Dr. Dinesh Shahra Unveils Dalai Lama’s Secret to Happiness”
10. BMW and UNICEF Collaborate to Empower Rural India with STEM Education
11. Indian Film “The Kumbaya Story” Wins tve Global Sustainability Film Award
12. World Ayurveda Congress Kicks Off in Dehradun
13. Bhavesh Jain Appointed as MD & CEO of TransUnion CIBIL
14. International Day of Neutrality 2024: Promoting Peace and Stability
15. Gukesh Shatters Records to Become Youngest World Champion
16. Legendary Gujarati Singer Purushottam Upadhyay Dies at 90
17. OpenAI Launches Sora Turbo for AI Video Generation
18. Afridi Becomes Youngest to Achieve 100 Wickets in All Formats
19. Indian Heritage Conservation Projects Shine at UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards 2024
20. Nikki Giovanni, Black Arts Icon, Dies at 81
21. India to Triple Atomic Power Capacity by 2031
22. Ang Lee to Receive DGA Lifetime Achievement Award
23. FIFA World Cup Hosts Unveiled for 2030, 2034
24. Haris and Wyatt-Hodge Shine as ICC Players of the Month
25. Google’s Quantum Leap: Unveiling the Revolutionary ‘Willow’ Chip
26. Khelo India Winter Games 2025 Leh and Gulmarg Announced as Hosts
27. ADB Revises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% for FY25, 7% for FY26
28. National Panchayat Awards 2024: Celebrating Rural Governance and Sustainable Development
29. Arunachal CM Launches New Logo for Eaglenest Bird Festival
30. Over 77% of Earth’s Land Becomes Drier in Last 30 Years, Warns UN Report
31. Flipkart and DPIIT Collaborate to Boost India’s Startup Ecosystem
32. 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship – Japan Triumphs Over South Korea
33. IIT Madras Completes 410-Meter Hyperloop Test Track
34. QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 – IITs Lead the Charge in Sustainability
35. S&P Global Maintains 6.8% Growth Forecast for FY25
36. Trump Picks Harmeet Dhillon As An Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights
37. 2024 Champions of the Earth: Honoring Bold Environmental Leadership
38. Google Partners with NCERT to Launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages
39. 78th UNICEF Foundation Day: A Celebration of Children’s Rights and Well-being
40. Kerala Ranks Among Top States for Employability in India
41. India-Russia Defense Partnership Set to Sign $4B Radar System
42. Aditya L1 and Proba-3 to Unite for Solar Research in 2025
43. International Mountain Day 2024, Celebrating the Importance of Mountains on December 11
44. Policy targets ~1.5 trn goods exports by 2029 RAJASTHAN

National News

1. India’s Bharat Antariksha Station
   • What:
     • India is set to establish the Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035 and aims to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040.
   • Why:
     • The projects aim to enhance India’s capabilities in space exploration, biotechnology, and marine resource development.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Bharat Antariksha Station will position India among the few countries with its own space station.
     • The Gaganyaan mission is planned to send an Indian astronaut into space by late 2024 or early 2026.
     • The Deep Sea Mission will explore seabeds at depths of up to 6,000 meters, providing insights into marine resources.

2. 22nd Divya Kala Mela Celebrated at India Gate
   • What:
     • The 22nd Divya Kala Mela is being organized from 12th to 22nd December 2024 at India Gate, New Delhi.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to empower the Divyang community economically and socially.
     • It provides a platform for Divyangjan to showcase their talent and sell their products, promoting inclusivity.
   • Tell me more:
     • Products on display include handicrafts, handlooms, eco-friendly stationery, home decor, and packaged foods.
     • Cultural performances by Divyang artists will take place, culminating in a grand finale titled ‘Divya Kala Shakti’ on December 22, 2024.
       Source: PIB

3. 10th World Ayurveda Congress Inaugurated in Dehradun
   • What:
     • The 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) and Arogya Expo were inaugurated in Dehradun.
   • Why:
     • It seeks to evaluate the health of over 1 crore individuals through the “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan” initiative.
   • Tell me more:
     • The event has attracted over 5,500 Indian delegates and more than 350 international delegates from 54 countries.
     • The central theme is “Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective,” focusing on integrating modern technology with Ayurvedic practices.
     • The Ministry of Ayush is key in organizing the WAC, showcasing India’s commitment to promoting Ayurveda globally.
     • Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha is the Secretary of the Ministry of Ayush.
     • This biennial event is organized by the World Ayurveda Foundation (WAF), an initiative of Vijnana Bharati.
       Source: pib
4. India’s Atomic Power Capacity Set to Triple by 2031
   • What:
     • India’s atomic power capacity has increased from 4,780 megawatts to 8,081 megawatts in the past decade.
     • Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced plans to triple this capacity to 22,480 megawatts by 2031-32.
   • Why:
     • It emphasizes the government’s commitment to enhancing India’s energy infrastructure through atomic energy.
   • Tell me more:
     • He acknowledged ongoing projects such as Kundankulam and Kalpakkam while addressing project delays in Tamil Nadu.
     • India possesses 21% of the world’s thorium reserves, which is a key resource for atomic energy.
     • The Bhavini project is exploring thorium usage to reduce reliance on uranium.
       Source: ET

State News

1. Eaglenest Bird Festival 2025 Unveiled in Arunachal Pradesh
   • What:
     • Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled the new logo of the Eaglenest Bird Festival, officially marking it as a calendar event for Arunachal Pradesh.
   • Why:
     • The festival aims to celebrate Arunachal Pradesh’s biodiversity and promote community-led conservation and sustainable eco-tourism.
   • Tell me more:
     • The fourth edition of the festival is scheduled from January 17 to 19, 2025, in Khellong (Doimara) and Thongre village.
     • An Eco Bio-Diversity Park will be inaugurated at Atho-Nyo (Doimara Khellong), featuring a tree planted by His Holiness during his journey.
     • The festival will include birdathons and adventure trekking events, attracting nature enthusiasts to the Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary.

2. Rajasthan Aims to Boost Exports with New Policy
   • What:
     • The Rajasthan Export Promotion Policy aims to increase goods exports to Rs 1.5 trillion by 2029.
   • Why:
     • The policy is designed to boost exports by expanding and diversifying the export portfolio through various strategic initiatives.
   • Tell me more:
     • The policy includes administrative, institutional, fiscal, and infrastructural initiatives to support exporters.
     • As of FY24, goods exports from Rajasthan stood at over Rs 83,704 crore.
     • Key features of the policy include promoting sector-specific skill development and capacity building to increase the workforce.

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. ADB Approves $500 Million Loan for India’s Infrastructure
   • What:
     • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $500 million loan to support India’s economic growth.
   • Why:
     • The initiative is crucial for aligning infrastructure development with India’s climate commitments.
   • Tell me more:
     • It addresses the significant climate financing gap of $1 trillion that India faces, which cannot be met by the public sector alone.
     • The loan will be provided to India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to help fund long-term infrastructure projects.
     • Projects will focus on connectivity, energy transition, urban development, education, and healthcare.
     • A sustainability unit and an environmental sustainability framework will be established to assess project sustainability.

2. BMW and UNICEF Partner to Enhance Education in India
   • What:
     • BMW Group and UNICEF have partnered to improve education for 100,000 children in Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
     • The initiative focuses on foundational learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills for adolescent girls from marginalized communities.
   • Why:
     • The program aims to promote inclusive education and align with national goals for gender equality and education.
   • Tell me more:
     • This initiative is part of a global partnership between BMW and UNICEF, targeting over 10 million young people annually across five countries.
     • In India, the focus will be on foundational literacy and numeracy in rural primary schools, along with innovative STEM learning opportunities.
     • A specialized curriculum will be developed to train teachers in STEM instruction and combat gender stereotypes.

3. Google Announces New Quantum Computing Chip “Willow”
   • What:
     • Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced the launch of a new quantum computing chip named “Willow.”
   • Why:
     • To advance quantum computing capabilities by performing calculations significantly faster than classical computers.
   • Tell me more:
     • Willow uses qubits, the fundamental units of quantum computing. Unlike classical bits, which represent either 0 or 1, qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously through quantum superposition.
     • This enables quantum computers to process vast amounts of data and perform complex computations at unprecedented speeds.
     • Current quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking Bitcoin’s SHA-256 cryptographic algorithm, which secures Bitcoin transactions and wallets.
     • The University of Sussex estimates that breaking SHA-256 would require between 13 million to 317 million qubits, far exceeding the capabilities of Google’s Willow chip, which has only 105 qubits.

4. DPIIT Partners with Flipkart to Support Startups
   • What:
     • The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Flipkart to support India’s startup ecosystem.
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to empower tech startups by providing them with essential resources, opportunities, and networks to grow and thrive.
   • Tell me more:
     • The MoU is part of Flipkart’s Leap and Ventures initiative, which includes a USD 100 million venture fund.
     • The collaboration will also fast-track patent applications for startups, ensuring timely access to market opportunities.
       Source: ET
5. Repayment of 6.35% Oil MKTNCO GoI Bond 2024
   • What:
     • Recently, Government of India (GoI) announced a repayment of the ‘6.35% OIL MKTNCO GOI BOND 2024’
     • The repayment will be made at its face value on December 23, 2024, with no interest accruing after this date.
   • Why:
     • These bonds are commonly referred to as Government Securities (G-Secs) and are considered among the safest investment options available due to the sovereign guarantee provided by the Indian government.
   • Tell me more:
     • As per the Government Securities Regulations, 2007, repayment will be credited directly to the bondholder’s bank account.
     • In case, bank details are not provided, bondholders can submit the securities (duly signed) at Public Debt Offices, Treasuries, Sub-Treasuries, or designated State Bank of India branches 20 days before the repayment date to receive their payment.
       Source: PIB
6. Google Partners with NCERT to Enhance Education Access
   • What:
     • Google has entered a strategic partnership with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to improve access to quality education across India.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration aims to empower students, parents, and teachers by providing engaging and easily accessible educational resources.
   • Tell me more:
     • As part of this initiative, NCERT will launch multiple YouTube channels covering grades 1 to 12, offering educational content in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language.
     • Google has also partnered with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) to roll out credentialed courses on YouTube, allowing learners to complete courses on various subjects.
     • This initiative will enable participants to earn certificates from IITs after completing courses available on NPTEL’s YouTube channels and the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal.
     • Google plans to use AI to enhance learning by providing definitions and images related to concepts covered in educational videos.

Source: TOI

Report and Indices

1. UN Report Highlights Global Drying Trends and Aridity Crisis
   • What:
     • A UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) report reveals that 77.6% of Earth’s land experienced drier conditions in the 30 years leading to 2020 compared to the previous three decades.
   • Why:
     • The report aims to raise awareness about the severe consequences of expanding drylands on agriculture, ecosystems, and human populations, highlighting the need for action against climate change.
   • Tell me more:
     • Drylands expanded by 4.3 million km², now covering 40.6% of all land (excluding Antarctica).
     • If greenhouse gas emissions remain unchecked, another 3% of humid areas could become drylands by the end of the century.
     • Key regions projected to experience increased aridity include parts of the Midwestern United States, central Mexico, northeastern Brazil, and southern Africa.
     • The report emphasizes that aridification is a permanent transformation of land, posing an existential threat to billions of people.

2. QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
   • What:
     • The QS World University Rankings has released the sustainability rankings for 2025, showcasing top institutions excelling in social and environmental responsibility.
   • Why:
     • The rankings assess universities’ contributions to sustainability, focusing on three key pillars: Environmental Impact, Social Impact, and Governance.
   • Tell me more:
     • The University of Toronto secured the top position with a perfect score of 100, followed by ETH Zurich with a score of 99.6.
     • The QS Sustainability Rankings for 2025 show significant progress for many Indian institutions compared to the previous year.

3. India Skills Report 2025
   • What:
     • Nearly 55% of Indian graduates are expected to be globally employable in 2025, up from 51.2% in 2024, according to the latest India Skills Report 2025.
     • The report was prepared by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in collaboration with Wheebox and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).
   • Why:
     • The report highlights India’s emerging role in addressing global workforce demand and the need for skilled talent.
   • Tell me more:
     • Management graduates have the highest global employability rate at 78%, followed by engineering students at 71.5%, MCA students at 71%, and science graduates at 58%.
     • Key states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Delhi are emerging as major hubs for employable talent.
     • Cities such as Pune, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are leading in providing a skilled workforce.
     • The employability rate for men is projected to rise to 53.5% in 2025, while for women, it is expected to decline to 47.5%.
     • The report analyzed the employability of Indian graduates based on the Wheebox Global Employability Test taken by 650,000 candidates.
     • Approximately 93% of students expressed strong interest in internships.

Source: BS

GDP Forecasts

1. Fitch Lowers India’s Economic Growth Forecast
   • What:
     • Fitch Ratings has revised India’s economic growth forecast for FY25 to 6.4%, down from the previous estimate of 7.0%.
     • This adjustment follows the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) own downgrade of its growth projection to 6.6%.
   • Why:
     • The downward revision is attributed to a slowdown in GDP growth, which fell to 5.4% in the second quarter of FY25.
     • Weakened urban middle-class consumption, a key driver of economic growth, has contributed to this decline.
   • Tell me more:
     • Other financial institutions, such as Goldman Sachs and Barclays, have also lowered their growth estimates for India.
     • The Indian economy grew by 8.2% in FY24, but recent quarters have shown a decrease in growth rates.
     • The Economic Survey projected GDP growth for FY25 between 6.5% and 7%.
       Source: ET
2. ADB Lowers India’s Economic Growth Forecast
   • What:
     • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has reduced India’s economic growth forecast for the current financial year to 6.5% from the earlier estimate of 7%.
   • Why:
     • The downgrade is due to lower-than-expected growth in private investment and housing demand, which are crucial for economic expansion.
   • Tell me more:
     • ADB also lowered its growth forecast for the next financial year (2025-26) from 7.2% to 7%.
     • The report highlights that changes in US trade, fiscal, and immigration policies could negatively impact growth and increase inflation in developing Asia and the Pacific.
     • India’s GDP growth fell to a seven-quarter low of 5.4% in the July-September period of the current financial year.
     • The report projects that Asia and the Pacific’s economies will grow by 4.9% in 2024, slightly below ADB’s previous forecast of 5%.
       Source: BS
3. S&P Global Projects 6.8% Growth for Indian Economy
   • What:
     • S&P Global Ratings projected a growth rate of 6.8% for the Indian economy in FY25, followed by 6.9% growth in FY26.
   • Why:
     • The projection is based on strong urban consumption, steady service sector growth, and ongoing investment in infrastructure.
   • Tell me more:
     • S&P Global also anticipates a GDP growth of 7.0% for FY27, maintaining a positive outlook for India as the fastest-growing economy globally.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. IIT Madras Completes India’s First Hyperloop Test Track
   • What:
     • IIT Madras has completed a 410-meter Hyperloop test track, marking a significant milestone in India’s transportation technology.
   • Why:
     • The project aims to advance futuristic transportation systems in India and is part of the country’s efforts to adopt cutting-edge technology.
   • Tell me more:
     • The project is led by IIT Madras’s Avishkar Hyperloop team in partnership with TuTr, a startup incubated at the institute.
     • The Hyperloop concept, popularized by Elon Musk in 2012, is gaining traction globally.
     • The technology will be implemented in two phases: an initial 11.5-kilometer test track and a future expansion to nearly 100 kilometers.
     • Hyperloop trains are designed to reach speeds of up to 1,100 km/h, with an operational speed of around 360 km/h.

Source: IN

Awards

1. Elon Musk Becomes First to Exceed $400 Billion Net Worth
   • What:
     • Elon Musk has become the first person in history to achieve a net worth exceeding $400 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
     • His current net worth is estimated at $447 billion following a significant insider share sale at SpaceX.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Bloomberg Billionaires Index ranks Musk as the richest individual, followed by Jeff Bezos with $249 billion and Mark Zuckerberg with $224 billion.
     • The top five richest individuals as of December 2024 also include Larry Ellison ($198 billion) and Bernard Arnault ($181 billion).
       Source: BS
2. Donald Trump Named Time’s Person of the Year 2024
   • What:
     • Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year.
   • Tell me more:
     • Trump first appeared on Time’s cover in 1989 and was previously named Person of the Year in 2016.
     • Trump’s campaign, dubbed “72 Days of Fury,” highlighted national anger leading up to his election victory.
     • This is Trump’s first time ringing the NYSE opening bell, a ceremonial event often attended by public figures.
       Source: nie
3. Indian Film Wins Award at Global Sustainability Film Event
   • What:
     • The Indian film “The Kumbaya Story” won a trophy at the 13th tve Global Sustainability Film Awards held at BAFTA in London.
     • It received the award in the Transforming Society Short Film category.
   • Why:
     • The film highlights the inspiring journey of women who transformed their lives through weaving, showcasing social change and empowerment.
   • Tell me more:
     • “GOBUK- Harmony in the Highlands,” another Indian film, was shortlisted in the Young Filmmakers category.
     • “Laapataa Ladies,” India’s official entry for the Oscars 2025, was also shortlisted for the Founder’s Award.
     • The Founder’s Award in the Feature category went to the Kenyan film “NAWI,” which addresses the issue of child brides.

Source: HT

4. Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Wins UNESCO Award
   • What:
     • The Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Project in Tokyo, Japan, received the Award of Excellence at the 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
     • This project was selected from 52 entries across 14 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
   • Why:
     • It aims to encourage the preservation and transformation of heritage sites to foster community development.
   • Tell me more:
     • The awards have been held since 2000 and have received submissions from 906 projects in 27 countries.
     • This year, two projects received an Award of Distinction: Gunan Street Historic Block Conservation Project in China and Abathsahayeshwarar Temple Conservation Project in India.
     • Four projects received an Award of Merit, and the Rabindhorn Building in Thailand won the Award for New Design in Heritage Contexts.

5. Ang Lee to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at DGA
   • What:
     • Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards on February 8, 2025.
     • He is recognized for his exceptional contributions to cinema and will become the 37th filmmaker to receive this honor.
   • Why:
     • The award celebrates individuals who have made significant impacts in the film industry, recognizing their artistic achievements and influence.
   • Tell me more:
     • Ang Lee is known for directing acclaimed films such as “Brokeback Mountain” and “Life of Pi,” both of which earned him Academy Awards.
     • He has been a member of the DGA since 1996 and has won multiple nominations and awards from the guild.
     • The DGA Lifetime Achievement Award has been given since 1953, with past recipients including legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Steven Spielberg.

6. ICC Players of the Month for November 2024 Announced
   • What:
     • Haris Rauf from Pakistan and Danni Wyatt-Hodge from England have been awarded the ICC Players of the Month for November 2024.
   • Why:
     • The awards recognize their outstanding performances in international cricket during the month, highlighting their contributions to their respective teams.
   • Tell me more:
     • Haris Rauf excelled in six ODIs and three T20Is, becoming Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker with a total of 10 dismissals at an economy rate of five in the ODI series against Australia.
     • Danni Wyatt-Hodge played crucial roles in England’s T20I series victory over South Africa, scoring a remarkable 78 runs in one match and contributing to another win with a half-century.
       Source: TOI
7. National Panchayat Awards 2024
   • What:
     • The National Panchayat Awards 2024 recognized 45 exceptional Panchayats for their contributions to sustainable and inclusive rural development.
   • Why:
     • The awards aim to acknowledge the efforts of Panchayats in various areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water conservation, sanitation, and climate sustainability.
   • Tell me more:
     • The event took place on 11th December 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, presided over by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu and attended by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
     • Women led 42% of the winning Panchayats.
     • The awards included a booklet titled ‘Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats’ showcasing innovative practices, and award money was digitally transferred.
     • A total of Rs 46 crore in prize money was distributed to 45 awardees, with the amount directly transferred to their accounts.

8. Champions of the Earth Award 2024
   • What:
     • The Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s highest environmental honour, has been presented to individuals for their leadership and sustainable solutions to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification.
   • Why:
     • The award recognizes trailblazers from various sectors who are making significant contributions to protect both people and the planet.
   • Tell me more:

Source: UN

Important Days

1. International Universal Health Coverage Day – December 12
   Source: UN
2. International Day of Neutrality – December 12
   Source: un
3. 78th UNICEF Foundation Day – December 11
   • What:
     • UNICEF Foundation Day is commemorated annually to mark the founding of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 1946.
     • Theme: Listen to the future
   • Tell me more:
     • UNICEF was established on December 11, 1946, by the United Nations General Assembly and Ludwik Rajchman to address the needs of children affected by World War II.
     • Initially focused on providing food and healthcare in postwar Europe and China, UNICEF’s mandate was extended in 1950 to include long-term needs in developing nations.
     • In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent member of the United Nations system, continuing its mission to protect children’s rights and fulfill their basic needs.
       Source: IE UN
4. International Mountain Day – December 11
   • Theme: Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth
     Source: CBD

Sports

1. Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion
   • Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old Indian grandmaster, defeated China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion in history.
   • He surpassed the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who won the title at age 22 in 1985.
   • Gukesh is the second Indian grandmaster to hold the world title, following Viswanathan Anand, who was the undisputed champion from 2007.
     Source: IE
2. Shaheen Afridi Becomes First Pakistani Bowler with 100 Wickets in All Formats
   • What:
     • Shaheen Afridi has become the first bowler from Pakistan to achieve 100 wickets in all formats of international cricket.
     • He reached this milestone during the opening T20I against South Africa in Durban.
   • Tell me more:
     • Afridi took three wickets for 22 runs in the match, bringing his T20I total to 100, along with 112 wickets in ODIs and 116 in Test cricket.
     • He achieved this milestone in his 74th T20I match, making him the second-fastest Pakistani to reach this mark.
     • Afridi is now the youngest bowler globally to claim 100 wickets across all formats.
       Source: TOI
3. FIFA World Cup Hosts Announced for 2030 and 2034
   • What:
     • Morocco, Portugal, and Spain have been appointed as the hosts for the FIFA World Cup 2030.
     • Saudi Arabia has been selected to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.
     • Three centenary celebration matches will be held in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
   • Tell me more:
     • The announcement was made during an Extraordinary FIFA Congress attended by all 211 FIFA member associations.
     • FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of these tournaments in fostering social change and unity.
     • The last time the World Cup was held in South America was in 2014 in Brazil.
       Source: fifa
4. Khelo India Winter Games 2025
   • What:
     • The Khelo India Winter Games will take place in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in early 2025.
   • Why:
     • The event aims to promote winter sports in India and identify talented athletes for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics.
   • Tell me more:
     • Ice events will be hosted in Ladakh from January 23 to 27, 2025, while snow events will be held in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir from February 22 to 25, 2025.
     • The Khelo India Winter Games started in 2020.
     • The Khelo India initiative includes various games throughout the year, with Youth & Para Games scheduled for April 2025.
       Source: pib
5. India Secures Sixth Place at Asian Women’s Handball Championship
   • What:
     • India finished sixth at the Asian Women’s Handball Championship 2024 after losing 41-30 to China in the 5th/6th playoff held in New Delhi.
   • Tell me more:
     • This was the first time India hosted the Asian Women’s Handball Championship.
     • Japan won the championship by defeating South Korea 25-24 in the final, breaking South Korea’s seven-year winning streak.
     • India started strong against China but fell behind as the match progressed, with China leveraging their experience.
     • Menika, a player from the Indian team, expressed optimism about their performance despite falling short of their target for a medal.
     • Kazakhstan secured bronze by defeating Iran 28-22, while Hong Kong China finished seventh by beating Singapore 33-18.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Bhavesh Jain Appointed as New CEO of TransUnion CIBIL
   • What:
     • TransUnion CIBIL has appointed Bhavesh Jain as its new Managing Director and CEO.
   • Tell me more:
     • Bhavesh Jain was previously the Chief Revenue Officer at TransUnion CIBIL for five years.
     • The company serves various sectors, including banks, financial institutions, and MSMEs.
   • Knowledge Nuggets:
     • Todd Skinner is the President of TransUnion International.
     • TransUnion CIBIL focuses on providing solutions that strengthen trust between consumers and businesses.
       Source: ET
2. Harmeet K Dhillon Appointed as Assistant Attorney General
   • Indian-American lawyer Harmeet K Dhillon has been appointed as the assistant attorney general for civil rights at the US Department of Justice.
     Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Gujarati Singer Purushottam Upadhyay Passes Away
   • What:
     • Purushottam Upadhyay, a famous Gujarati singer and composer, passed away 11 in Mumbai.
   • Tell me more:
     • He was recognized with prestigious awards, including the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar and the Padma Shri.
     • He was known for timeless songs such as ‘He Ranglo Jamyo’ and ‘Divaso Judaina Jay Che’.
     • Upadhyay composed music for over 20 films and 30 plays throughout his career.
     • Born on August 15, 1934, in Kheda, Gujarat, he developed a love for music at a young age.
       Source: TOI
2. Sora Turbo: New AI Video Generator Launched
   • What:
     • OpenAI has officially released Sora Turbo, an AI video generator program that was previously in the research phase.
   • Why:
     • Sora Turbo aims to provide users with a powerful tool for creating high-quality videos from text prompts.
   • Tell me more:
     • Sora Turbo allows users to specify details such as camera type, lens selection, lighting setup, and composition for their videos.
     • It offers faster video creation, higher quality output, and advanced editing features compared to the original Sora program.
     • An example prompt could include detailed instructions for capturing a scene with specific visual elements.

3. Acclaimed Poet Nikki Giovanni Passes Away at 81
   • What:
     • Nikki Giovanni, a renowned poet and key figure in the Black Arts Movement, has died at the age of 81.
     • Giovanni was celebrated for her impactful writings on race, gender, sex, and love, making significant contributions to literature and social issues.
   • Tell me more:
     • Giovanni was born Yolanda Cornelia Giovanni, Jr. in 1943 and became a leading voice in the Black Arts Movement after self-publishing her first two books in 1968.
     • She taught English at Virginia Tech for 35 years before retiring in 2022.
     • She authored more than 30 books, including poetry and children’s literature.
     • Her last work, titled “The Last Book,” is scheduled to be published in 2025.
       Source: BBC

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