- National:
- The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways (MoPSW) organized the inaugural India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 on December 11-12, 2024, at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, New Delhi. The event celebrated India's rich maritime legacy and its contributions to global trade and culture. Key participants included Union Ministers Sarbananda Sonowal, Mansukh Mandaviya, and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
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- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has extended the Import Management System (IMS) for IT hardware products until December 31, 2025. This extension aims to address the ongoing supply-demand imbalance in the IT hardware market, covering products like laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor computers, and servers.
- On December 11, 2024, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari unveiled the SWITCH EiV12 and SWITCH E1 electric buses. The EiV12 is designed for the Indian market, while the E1 targets the European market, both emphasizing sustainable urban mobility.
- NLC India Limited partnered with UPRVUNL to launch its first supercritical power plant, the 1980 MW Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant (GTPP), in Uttar Pradesh. The plant, developed through their joint venture Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL), began commercial operations on December 12, 2024.
- Google partnered with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to launch YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages on December 12, 2024. The launch took place in India, aiming to make quality educational content accessible to students, parents, and teachers across the nation.
- Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) extended its partnership with Telenor Denmark (TnDK) for another five years on December 12, 2024. TCS will continue to provide ITIS managed services, ensuring uninterrupted business continuity and enhancing digital assets through advanced automation solutions.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland on December 19, 2024. This decision, driven by security concerns over the influx of foreigners from neighboring countries, mandates that foreign nationals must obtain Protected Area Permits (PAP) to visit these states.
- The first-ever tagging of a Ganges river dolphin was conducted in Assam on December 18, 2024. This initiative, part of Project Dolphin, aims to study the dolphins' migratory patterns and habitat utilization. It was led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, funded by the National CAMPA Authority.
- International:
- On December 18, 2024, Russia announced the development of an mRNA-based cancer vaccine. This personalized vaccine, using genetic material from a patient's tumor, aims to treat cancer.
- Banking:
- The second edition of IDFC FIRST Private Banking and Hurun India’s ‘India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024’ was released on December 18, 2024. This report celebrates entrepreneurs who have significantly reshaped India's business landscape with their ventures launched after 2000.
- On December 17, 2024, it was announced that under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana scheme, the states with the most rooftop solar installations are Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. This scheme aims to promote the use of solar energy and provide free electricity to households through rooftop solar installations.
- On December 11, 2024, Shriram Finance sold an 84.44% stake in Shriram Housing Finance Limited (SHFL) to Warburg Pincus for Rs 3,929 crore. This move aligns with Shriram Finance's strategic focus on its core business segments and growth areas.
- Economy:
- On December 13, 2024, Fitch Ratings lowered India's GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.4%, down from the previous estimate of 7%. This revision aligns with the RBI's recent reduction from 7.2% to 6.6%. Despite the downgrade, Fitch remains optimistic about India's economic recovery, driven by strong domestic demand and policy support.
- On December 16, 2024, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that wholesale food inflation declined from a 25-month high of 11.6% in October to 8.9% in November 2024. This decrease was largely due to a significant drop in vegetable prices, although potato prices continued to rise sharply.
- In the fiscal year 2023-2024, India exported cotton textiles valued at $12,258 million. This represents a significant portion of India's textile exports, despite a decline in export values compared to previous years.
- Over the past decade, the annual funding for the agricultural sector has increased nearly sixfold, demonstrating the government's commitment to boosting productivity, supporting farmers, and ensuring food security.
- MoUs:
- India and UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in polar and ocean research during the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi on December 13, 2024. This MoU aims to enhance academic partnerships, operations, and capacity development in these fields.
- Science & Technology:
- On December 12, 2024, researchers from the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) discovered five new species of Darwin wasps in India and Thailand. These parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside host insects, showcasing India's rich biodiversity.
- On December 17, 2024, Japanese and Indian space startups agreed to study laser-equipped satellites to tackle space debris. Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity will explore business opportunities for in-space services like de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending spacecraft lifespans.
- Reports:
- On December 11, 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released a report during the International Soil and Water Forum 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The report, titled "The Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils", highlights that 1.4 billion hectares (10.7% of global land area) are affected by excessive salinity, posing a significant threat to global food security.
- The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) released a report on December 12, 2024, titled "States’ Performance Indicator Report: Paving India’s Green Path for Sustainable and Inclusive Development." The report highlights that 17 states achieved over 9% growth and 25 states achieved over 7% growth in their Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) during FY22 and FY23.
- On December 13, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a report titled "Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024". The report highlights a 38% drop in global drowning deaths since 2000, but stresses that drowning remains a major public health issue, with over 300,000 deaths recorded in 2021.
- Sports:
- On December 15, 2024, the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand unveiled its mascot, logo, anthem, and tagline. The mascot, named Mouli, is inspired by the state bird, the Monal. The tagline, "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (From Dedication to Pinnacle), reflects the spirit of the games.
- On December 18, 2024, Real Madrid secured the Intercontinental Cup 2024 by defeating Pachuca with a 3-0 victory at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior sealed the win, highlighting Real Madrid's dominance in the tournament.
- Apps & Portals:
- On December 12, 2024, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched the Prakrutik Krushi Portal to promote organic farming. This initiative aims to support sustainable agricultural practices and empower farmers by providing resources and information on natural farming techniques
- Committees:
- On December 19, 2024, Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, chaired the 9th meeting of the Central Monitoring Committee to review the implementation of the Manual Scavengers Act, 2013. The meeting included officials from various central ministries, state monitoring committees, and other relevant stakeholders.
- On December 17, 2024, India and Liberia held their first Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in Monrovia, co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude and Sara Beysolow Nyanti. Key participants included Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung and various Liberian ministers. The aim was to strengthen bilateral relations in sectors like trade, investment, mining, agriculture, health, and education.
- Military Exercises:
- The SLINEX 2024 naval exercise was held from December 17 to 20, 2024, off the coast of Visakhapatnam, India. Participants included INS Sumitra and a Special Forces team from India, and SLNS Sayura with a Special Forces team from Sri Lanka. The aim was to enhance maritime cooperation and promote a secure, rules-based maritime environment.
- Important Days:
- Goa Liberation Day is celebrated annually on December 19 to commemorate the liberation of Goa from Portuguese colonial rule in 1961. The theme for 2024 is "Celebrating Freedom, History, and Culture", honoring the sacrifices made during Operation Vijay.
- Appointments:
- Rama Mohan Rao Amara has been appointed as the Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), effective from December 18, 2024. He replaces CS Setty, who has been elevated to Chairman. Amara brings extensive experience in banking, credit, risk, and international banking.
- Awards & Honours:
- On December 17, 2024, Hollywood star Tom Cruise received the US Navy’s highest civilian honor, the Department of the Navy Distinguished Public Service (DPS) Award. The award was presented by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro at a ceremony in Longcross Film Studios, England.
Questions:
1 What is the tagline of the 38th National Games?
- A) "Unity in Diversity"
- B) "From Mountains to Glory"
- C) "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak"
- D) "Pride of the Himalayas"
2 Who has been appointed as the Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI) effective December 18, 2024?
- A) Rama Mohan Rao Amara
- B) CS Setty
- C) Rajnish Kumar
- D) Dinesh Khara
