- National:
- On December 11, 2024, BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) secured a Rs 136 crore contract from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) 8x8. These HMVs will be deployed for the Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS) project, enhancing India's defence capabilities and supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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- On December 8, 2024, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Nikshay Niramay Chhattisgarh Abhiyan. This 100-day campaign aims to eradicate tuberculosis, malaria, and leprosy in the state, featuring mobile medical units and awareness vehicles.
- On December 17, 2024, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) established India's first diabetes biobank in Chennai. This biobank aims to facilitate advanced diabetes research by collecting, processing, storing, and distributing biological samples.
- On December 13, 2024, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) announced the introduction of advanced Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) called Rajmarg Saathi. Equipped with AI-powered dashboard cameras, these RPVs aim to enhance highway safety by detecting road hazards and improving emergency response.
- On December 16, 2024, C-DOT and Trois Infotech signed an agreement to develop "Face Recognition Using Drone" technology under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme. This innovation aims to enhance aerial surveillance for traffic management, emergency response, defense, and environmental monitoring.
- On December 15, 2024, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) launched the CHARAK initiative in Singrauli to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections. It covers diseases like malignancy, TB, HIV, and cardiovascular disorders for families with an annual income below Rs. 8 lakhs.
- On December 11, 2024, BMW Group and UNICEF partnered to empower 100,000 children in rural India through STEM education and gender equality initiatives in Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. This is part of a global effort to reach over 10 million children annually.
- International:
- On December 15, 2024, Britain joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as its 12th member. This is Britain's largest trade deal since Brexit, enhancing trade ties with nations like Japan, Australia, and Canada.
- On December 14, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached over his martial law order. The National Assembly passed the motion with 204 votes in favor and 85 against. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has taken over presidential duties.
- Banking:
- On December 15, 2024, the Centre disbursed ₹71,889 crore to states for FY 2024-25 under various heads. These allocations were based on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC). The funds were distributed for disaster relief, local body grants, health, and fire service modernization.
- On December 14, 2024, the Finance Ministry announced that nearly 48 crore people have enrolled in the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), securing ₹2 lakh accident insurance coverage.
- On December 15, 2024, the Department of Expenditure permitted states to borrow an additional ₹9.40 lakh crore for FY 2024-25, based on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC). This increase aims to support states in managing their fiscal requirements effectively.
- Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in India earned their highest-ever total net profit of ₹1.41 lakh crore in FY24. This record profit reflects improved asset quality, operational efficiency, and a stronger capital base. The achievement was announced on December 15, 2024.
- Economy:
- The cumulative overall exports during April-November 2024 are estimated at USD 536.25 billion, showing a growth of 7.61% compared to USD 498.33 billion in the same period in 2023. This increase indicates positive momentum in India's export sector.
- MoUs:
- On December 6, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection of the National Research Council (CNR-IRPI), Italy. The aim is to enhance landslide forecasting and early warning systems to international standards.
- On December 16, 2024, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya and the Indian Navy signed an MoU in Vadodara. The agreement focuses on logistics-related education, research, and training, aiming to strengthen the Navy's logistical framework and integrate advanced technologies like AI and blockchain.
- Science & Technology:
- On December 5, 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite from French Guiana using a Vega-C rocket. Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), it delivers high-resolution imagery day and night, supporting environmental monitoring and disaster response.
- Committees:
- On December 16, 2024, Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi chaired the meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Members of Parliament for the Ministry of Women & Child Development in New Delhi. The committee consists of various Members of Parliament, aiming to improve nutrition, health, and early childhood care under initiatives like Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0.
- Summits & Conferences:
- The 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries was held in New Delhi from December 13-15, 2024, and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference focused on "Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Skilling", discussing topics like good governance, simplification of compliance, e-waste recycling, support for start-ups, and Fit India Movement.
- The 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC) and Arogya Expo started in Dehradun on December 12, 2024. Organized by the World Ayurveda Foundation (WAF) under the aegis of Vijnana Bharati, the event is chaired by Union Minister of State for Ayush, Prataprao Jadhav, and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The theme is "Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective", aiming to integrate modern technology with Ayurveda for global healthcare improvement.
- Govt. Schemes:
- On December 15, 2024, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the Jalvahak scheme to boost cargo movement via inland waterways. This initiative incentivizes long-haul cargo transport on National Waterways 1 (Ganga), 2 (Brahmaputra), and 16 (Barak), aiming to reduce congestion on roads and railways.
- Sports:
- Mumbai won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 on December 15, 2024, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. They defeated Madhya Pradesh by five wickets to clinch the title in this T20 cricket tournament.
- On December 1, 2024, Arjun Erigaisi became the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to cross the 2800 Elo rating in classical chess, reaching a rating of 2801 and ranking 4th in the world. This milestone was achieved during the 2024 Chennai Grand Masters tournament.
- The Indian Junior Women's Hockey Team clinched the Asia Cup title on December 16, 2024, in Muscat, Oman. They beat China 3-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Goalkeeper Nidhi's three saves were crucial, with goals from Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo.
- Defence:
- On December 3, 2024, Karman Drones partnered with Troop Comforts Ltd (TCL) for five years to co-develop and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This collaboration aims to enhance India's defense manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative.
- Important Days:
- Vijay Diwas on December 16, 2024, commemorates India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. This year's theme, "Celebrating Courage and Valor," honors the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.
- On December 15, 2024, we remember Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for his pivotal role in unifying over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. Known as the Iron Man of India, his contributions to national integration are honored nationwide. The theme of "Unity and Integrity in Nation-Building" underlines his legacy.
- Appointments:
- On December 16, 2024, Google appointed Preeti Lobana as Country Manager and Vice President for India. Lobana, with eight years at Google, will lead sales and operations in India, succeeding Sanjay Gupta.
- On December 14, 2024, Deepak Sood stepped down as Secretary General of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). He decided to pursue other interests after his significant contributions to the chamber's growth during his tenure.
- Awards & Honours:
- On December 8, 2024, the Karnataka State Police won the inaugural FICCI Drone Award for their innovative use of drone technology in training and capacity building. This award recognized their Remote Pilot Training Institute (RPTI), which has trained 270 police personnel in various drone applications.
- Acclaimed filmmaker Ang Lee will receive the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Lifetime Achievement Award on February 8, 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes his exceptional contributions to cinema, including masterpieces like "Brokeback Mountain" and "Life of Pi."
- Books:
- On December 5, 2024, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar released Vikram Sampath's book "Tipu Sultan: The Saga of the Mysore Interregnum" at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The book explores Tipu Sultan's resistance to British colonial control and controversial aspects of his rule.
- Obituaries:
- On December 16, 2024, Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro and four-time Grammy Award winner, passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Questions:
1 Who is the author of the book Tipu Sultan: The Saga of the Mysore Interregnum?
- A) Sanjeev Sanyal
- B) William Dalrymple
- C) Ramachandra Guha
- D) Vikram Sampath
2 Which organization won the inaugural FICCI Drone Award on December 8, 2024, for its innovative use of drone technology?
- A) Karnataka State Police
- B) Indian Army
- C) National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
- D) Indian Air Force
