- National:
- On December 6, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) renewed their MoU in New Delhi. This aims to enhance the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) services, expanding the network to 600 centres by 2028-29 and increasing the annual customer base from 35 lakh to 1 crore.
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- On December 17, 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, launched Kisan Kavach, India's first anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., it protects farmers from harmful pesticide exposure using advanced fabric technology.
- On December 15, 2024, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated India's first Geo Science Museum in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Located in the Victoria Market Heritage Building, the museum showcases rare geological specimens and interactive exhibits, highlighting Earth's geological wonders and evolution.
- Banking:
- On December 13, 2024, BOBCARD launched the TIARA Credit Card, a women-centric card offering a range of rewards and benefits. Key features include complimentary vouchers, travel perks, lifestyle discounts, health packages, and financial incentives, aiming to empower women's financial autonomy.
- On December 6, 2024, BharatPe launched the Shield fraud protection plan to protect users from digital transaction frauds. It covers risks like computer fraud, phishing, and unauthorized transactions due to phone loss. The plan offers 30 days of free protection for the first UPI transaction, with subsequent coverage costing ₹19 per month.
- Science & Technology:
- On December 12, 2024, China's Long March-2D rocket successfully deployed five experimental satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellites are part of the Diamond Constellation for high-speed laser technology demonstration. This launch marked the 551st mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.
- Sports:
- On December 18, 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Ashwin, who played 106 Tests, 116 ODIs, and 65 T20Is for India.
- On December 18, 2024, Jasprit Bumrah surpassed Kapil Dev to become India's top wicket-taker in Test matches on Australian soil. Bumrah achieved this milestone by taking his 52nd wicket during the third Test against Australia at the Gabba.
- Defence:
- On December 18, 2024, the Indian Navy commissioned the new survey vessel INS Nirdeshak at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This advanced vessel enhances India's hydrographic and maritime capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- On December 12, 2024, Manastu Space Technologies delivered its iBooster Green Propulsion System to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This system, designed for satellites weighing between 100 and 500 kg, will be used for critical operations like orbit raising, station-keeping, and deorbiting.
- Important Days:
- Minorities Rights Day in India is observed on December 18. The theme for 2024 is "Embracing Diversity: Protecting Rights, Preserving Cultures". This theme highlights the importance of safeguarding minority rights and celebrating their cultural contributions, promoting inclusion and equality.
- Awards & Honours:
- On December 18, 2024, Suryabala won the 34th Vyas Samman for her novel. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to Hindi literature. It’s a significant achievement, celebrating her exceptional literary work.
- On December 15, 2024, the Ayodhya Ram Temple project was awarded the "Sword of Honour" by the British Safety Council. This prestigious award recognizes the project's exceptional safety standards during construction. It is one of the highest honors in safety management.
- On December 14, 2024, the Italian government awarded citizenship to Argentine President Javier Milei in recognition of his Italian ancestry. The decision sparked controversy in Italy, highlighting inconsistencies in the country’s citizenship laws.
- On December 14, 2024, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, was honored with the Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for her pioneering contributions to the biosciences sector and her unwavering commitment to quality.
- The FIFA Best Awards 2024 took place on December 17, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. Vinicius Jr won Men's Player of the Year, while Aitana Bonmati won Women's Player of the Year. Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes were named Men's and Women's Coaches of the Year, respectively. Alejandro Garnacho received the Puskas Award for Best Goal.
- On December 11, 2024, Air India won the Good Design Award Australia for its Vista Verve in-flight product. The airline also received three APEX Awards at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards in Singapore on November 19-20, 2024.
- Books:
- On December 17, 2024, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the book “New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024” in New Delhi. The book, authored by Ravi Parashar, highlights key initiatives and achievements of the Modi government over the past five years.
- Obituaries:
- On December 16, 2024, Tulsi Gowda, the "Encyclopedia of Forests", passed away at age 86 in Honnali, Karnataka. She was an environmentalist known for planting over 30,000 trees. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 2021 for her contributions to environmental conservation.
- On December 16, 2024, renowned classical singer and harmonium artist Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe passed away at age 68 in Thane, Maharashtra, due to a severe heart attack. He was celebrated for his contributions to Indian classical music and theatre, and he leaves behind a rich legacy.
Questions:
1 Which organizations developed the Kisan Kavach anti-pesticide bodysuit?
- A) DRDO and ISRO
- B) BRIC-inStem and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
- C) CSIR and ICMR
- D) IIT Bombay and ICAR
2 Who authored the book "New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024"?
- A) Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
- B) Nitin Gadkari
- C) Rajnath Singh
- D) Ravi Parashar
