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The document presents a compilation of current affairs for December 2024, including significant national and international events, economic policies, and technological advancements. Key highlights include Chandigarh's implementation of new criminal laws, the launch of Zomato's quick food delivery app 'Bistro', and India's introduction of a grading system for 'Green Steel'. Additionally, it discusses the government's measures for food security, the expansion of public charging stations for electric vehicles, and the launch of Uber's women-centric ride service in Bengaluru.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

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Dec 2 Week 2024

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December 2024
Weekly CA PDF 2
(PDF in English)

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(Note: December Weekly PDF 2 is a compilation of 9-16 Daily PDFs)

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November 2024 Monthly CA PDF

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INDEX
National & States Affairs ......................................................................................................5
International Affairs ……......................................................................................................8
Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs …..........................................................10
Defence Affairs ……………………………………….......................................................................19
Sports & Games ……………………………………….....................................................................22
Persons in News …..…………………………………......................................................................27
Science & Technology ……...................................................................................................27
Appointments & Resignations …........................................................................................30
Awards, Rewards, Recognitions & Prizes …….....................................................................35
Schemes & Initiatives ……...................................................................................................40
Meetings, Conferences and Summits ………….....................................................................44
Ranks, Reports & Surveys ………………………………..............................................................46
Amount & Agreements ……………..……………………..............................................................50
Ordinance, Bills & Acts ……………..……………………..............................................................52
MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships ...............................................................................53

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National & States Affairs
1. Chandigarh has become the first among all States and Union Territories to implement the 3
criminal laws in their entirety. To link key pillars of the criminal justice system namely - the
police, forensics and judiciary, the Chandigarh administration has ramped up Internet speed at
police stations, provided new tablets to investigators, and set up video conferencing facilities
for speedy trials. The police are also using ‘Chitra Khoji’, a facial recognition software developed
by the government, to match photos of suspects with a database of photos of 1 crore prisoners. S.S Yadav is Chandigarh
Director-General of Police (DGP). The ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’, and the ‘Bharatiya Nagarik
Suraksha Sanhita’ replaced the ‘Indian Penal Code of 1860’, the ‘Indian Evidence Act of 1872’, and the ‘Code of Criminal
Procedure of 1898’ respectively. As these laws require upgrading infrastructure and forensic capabilities, States have been
given 5 years to implement all aspects of the laws. Home Minister Amit Shah said on December 3 that the new laws had
improved conviction rate from the present 58% to around 85%. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Chandigarh – became 1st among all States & UTs to implement 3 criminal laws in their entirety
• ‘Chitra Khoji’ – a facial recognition software to match photos of suspects with a database of photos of 1 crore prisoners
• S.S Yadav – Chandigarh DGP
• Previous acts were replaced by:
- ‘Indian Penal Code of 1860’ – replaced by ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’
- ‘Indian Evidence Act of 1872’ – replaced by ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’
- ‘Code of Criminal Procedure of 1898’ – replaced by ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’
• New laws improved conviction rate – to around 85% (from present 58%)
• Chandigarh: Capital – Chandigarh | Administrator – Gulab Chand Kataria

2. The Mitali Express, an international train connecting Dhaka and New Jalpaiguri, India, was sent
back to India after being stranded in Dhaka for nearly 5 months due to the mass uprising against
the former Hasina government. Before the disruption, the Mitali Express operated twice a week,
facilitating travel for passengers holding valid passports and visas between the 2 countries.
Launched on June 1, 2022, it runs via the Chilahati-Haldibari route. Maitree Express and Bandhan Express are two other
passenger trains that run between India and Bangladesh, in addition to the Mitali Express. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Mitali Express – sent back to India after being stranded in Dhaka for 5 months due to mass uprising
- It is an international train connecting Dhaka & New Jalpaiguri, India | Before disruption, it operated twice a week
• Launched on – Jun 1, 2022 | Runs via – Chilahati-Haldibari route
• Other trains running between India & Bangladesh – Maitree Express & Bandhan Express
• Bangladesh – Dhaka – Taka | President – Mohammed Shahabuddin

3. Zomato-owned Blinkit has forayed into the quick food delivery segment with the launch of a new app, “Bistro”. The app
seems to be in pilot phase and is currently operational in some areas of Gurugram. Blinkit’s Bistro delivers meals, snacks,
and beverages like tea and coffee in up to 15 minutes. Blinkit will compete with Zepto Cafe and Swiggy’s Cafe. {Read more}

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4. In order to manage the overall food security and to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation, the Government of
India has imposed stock limits on Wheat applicable to Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers and Processors in
all States and Union Territories. As part of continuous efforts to moderate prices of wheat, Central Government has decided
to revise the Wheat Stock limit applicable until 31st March 2025. According to revised norms, retailers can hold a maximum
of 5 MT at its outlet, instead of 10 MT earlier. Traders or Wholesalers can hold up to 1000 MT, instead of 2000 MT earlier.
While, processors can hold 50% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months till April 2025. All wheat
stocking entities are required to register on the wheat stock limit portal and update the stock position on every Friday. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• GoI – imposed stock limits on Wheat applicable to Traders/Wholesalers, Retailers, Big Chain Retailers & Processors in
all States & UTs
• Center decided to revise Wheat Stock limit applicable until Mar 31, 2025
• Maximum wheat to be hold by: Retailers – 5 MT (from 10 MT) | Traders or Wholesalers – 1000 MT (from 2000 MT)
• Processors can hold 50% of Monthly Installed Capacity (MIC) multiplied by remaining months till Apr 2025

5. India has announced a star-rated grading system for ‘Green Steel’ or ‘Green Steel
Taxonomy’, becoming the 1st country in the world to define Green Steel. As per the steel
ministry, Green Steel has been defined as the percentage of the greenness of the steel, which
is produced from the plant with carbon dioxide equivalent emission intensity of fewer than
2.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission (CO2e) per tonne of finished steel (tfs). The newly
introduced star rating system is also based on this greenness. For instance, the best quality
steel which has a 5-star rating will have an emission intensity lower than 1.6t-CO2e/tfs; a 4-star rating will be for steel with
emission intensity between 1.6 and 2.0t-CO2e/tfs; while a 3-star rating will be for emission intensity between 2.0 and 2.2 t-
CO2e/tfs. Any steel having an emission higher than 2.2 t-COe2/tfs will not be considered as green steel. The average emission
for India’s steel industry at present stands at around 2.5-2.6 t-CO2e/tfs. The steel industry accounts for 7% of the global
carbon dioxide emissions. Further, the Green Steel Taxonomy observed that the threshold limit for defining the star rating
of Green Steel shall be reviewed every 3 years; the scope of emissions shall include Scope 1, Scope 2, and limited Scope 3,
up to finished steel production; and the National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) shall serve as the nodal
agency for measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) as well as for issuing the greenness certificates and star ratings
for the steel. The certificate shall be issued every year (financial year). The ministry is also working on a Rs 15,000 crore
‘National Mission on Green Steel (NMGS)’, which will include a ‘Green Steel Public Procurement Policy (GSPPP)’ for such
decarbonised offerings. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India – announced a star-rated grading system for ‘Green Steel’ or ‘Green Steel Taxonomy’
- becoming the 1st country in the world to define Green Steel
• Green Steel – percentage of greenness of steel, produced from plant with CO2 equivalent emission intensity of fewer
than 2.2 tonnes of CO2 emission (CO2e) per tonne of finished steel (tfs)

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• Any steel having an emission higher than 2.2 t-COe2/tfs will not be considered as green steel
• Average emission for India’s steel industry at present – around 2.5-2.6 t-CO2e/tfs
• Observations of Green Steel Taxonomy:
- Threshold limit for defining star rating of Green Steel – shall be reviewed every 3 years
- Scope of emissions shall include Scope 1, Scope 2 & limited Scope 3, up to finished steel production
- NISST shall serve as nodal agency for MRV & for issuing greenness certificates & star ratings for steel
- Certificate shall be issued every year (financial year)
• Ministry of Steel – also working on ‘National Mission on Green Steel (NMGS)’ | Outlay – Rs 15,000 Cr
• Minister of Steel & Heavy Industries: H. D. Kumaraswamy | Constituency – Mandaya, Karnataka
MoS in Ministry of Steel: Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma

6. The total number of public charging stations (PCS) installed by public and private entities across India has surpassed
25,000, with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh leading in installations to date. Among approximately 25,202 public
charging stations in total, Karnataka leads with 5,765 stations, followed by Maharashtra with 3,728 and Uttar Pradesh with
1,989. A key initiative supporting EV charging infrastructure expansion in the country is the PM e-DRIVE program, which
allocates ₹2,000 crore (18% of its total budget) to install 72,300 charging stations. The scheme will be executed through
collaboration among Central Ministries, State Governments, and CPSEs. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Total number of public charging stations (PCS) installed by public & private entities across India – surpassed 25,000
• Total PCS – 25,202 | Highest: 1st – Karnataka (5,765) | 2nd – Maharashtra (3,728) | 3rd – UP (1,989)
• PM e-DRIVE program allocates – ₹2,000 Cr (18% of its total budget) to install 72,300 charging stations

7. Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, has unveiled a
major policy for cargo promotion - “Jalvahak” - incentivising the movement of long-haul
cargo via National Waterways (NW) on rivers Ganga (NW1), Brahmaputra (NW2) and Barak
(NW16). The Jalvahak scheme offers reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating
expenditure incurred while transporting cargo via waterways on NW1, NW2 and NW16 via
the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR). The scheme encourages cargo owners to hire vessels owned or operated by
organisations other than the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) or Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCIL). The
scheme is ideal for major shipping companies, freight forwarders, trade bodies and associations that handle bulk and
containerised cargo. The minister also flagged off cargo ships - ‘MV AAI’, ‘MV Homi Bhaba’ along with ‘MV Trishul’ with 2
Dumb Barges ‘Ajay’& ‘Dikhu’ - from Garden Reach Jetty in Kolkata. This marked the beginning of a fixed scheduled service
of cargo vessels from Haldia in NW1 and NW2. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Sarbananda Sonowal – unveiled a policy for cargo promotion, “Jalvahak,” incentivising movement of long-haul cargo
- Via National Waterways (NW) on rivers Ganga (NW1), Brahmaputra (NW2) & Barak (NW16)
• It offers reimbursement of up to 35% of total operating expenditure incurred while transporting cargo via waterways
on NW1, NW2 & NW16 via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR)
• Sarbananda Sonowal – flagged off cargo ships, ‘MV AAI’, ‘MV Homi Bhaba’ & ‘MV Trishul’ with 2 Dumb Barges ‘Ajay’ &
‘Dikhu,’ from Garden Reach Jetty, Kolkata

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8. Uber has launched a pilot program called “Moto Women” in Bengaluru, exclusively for women
two-wheeler riders with female drivers. Under the initiative, around 300 women drivers will
operate. The riders can share their trip details with up to 5 trusted contacts for real-time tracking.
In addition to this, the ‘RideCheck’ feature proactively monitors irregularities such as long stops,
route deviations, or mid-way drops, offering timely support. Women riders and drivers also have access to Uber’s 24x7
Safety Helpline. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Uber – launched a pilot program, “Moto Women,” in Bengaluru, for women two-wheeler riders with female drivers
• Under this initiative, around 300 women drivers will operate
• Riders can share their trip details with up to 5 trusted contacts for real-time tracking
• HQs of Uber – San Franscisco, US | CEO – Dara Khosrowshahi | President (Uber India & South Asia) – Prabhjeet Singh

International Affairs
9. Armenia, a South Caucasian country, has become the 104th full member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). Armenia’s
membership was ratified by its President after the ISA agreement was signed in Yerevan on November 16, 2023. Armenia’s
membership in the ISA will give it access to resources and expertise in solar technology, which can enhance its energy
security. The announcement was made by the Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• Armenia – became 104th full member of ISA after signing agreement in Yerevan on Nov 16, 2023
• HQs of ISA – Gurugram | DG – Ashish Khanna | President – R. K. Singh | Members – 104 | Signatory Countries – 16

10. The African Penguin has been officially uplisted from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Critically Endangered’ on
the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, highlighting the species’ severe
risk of extinction. With a staggering 97% of its population already lost, the bird could vanish from
the wild in fewer than 4,000 days unless urgent conservation efforts are made. One of the most
pressing issues is the significant decline in food availability, primarily driven by competition with
commercial purse-seine fishing and the impacts of climate change on prey distribution. Diseases
like avian flu have also contributed to their declining numbers. The IUCN Red List is the foremost global resource for
assessing the risk of extinction among animals, fungi, and plant species. The list’s categories define the extinction risk of
species assessed. There are 9 categories (respectively): Not Evaluated (NE), Data Deficient (DD), Least Concern (LC), Near
Threatened (NT), Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), Critically Endangered (CR), Extinct in the Wild (EW), and Extinct (EX). It
is also a key indicator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Aichi Targets. The Aichi Targets were a set of 20
targets established by the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 2011 to address biodiversity loss. The
IUCN Red List also includes the ‘IUCN Green Status of Species’, which assesses the recovery of species’ populations and
measures their conservation success. There are 8 Green Status Categories: Extinct in the Wild, Critically Depleted, Largely
Depleted, Moderately Depleted, Slightly Depleted, Fully Recovered, Non-Depleted and Indeterminate. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• African Penguin – uplisted from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Critically Endangered’ on IUCN Red List
• Lost population – 97% | It could vanish from wild in – fewer than 4,000 days
• IUCN Red List has 9 categories (respectively): Not Evaluated, Data Deficient, Least Concern, Near Threatened,
Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, & Extinct
• Aichi Targets – set of 20 targets | Established by – UNCBD in 2011 to address biodiversity loss
• IUCN Red List – also includes ‘IUCN Green Status of Species’ assessing recovery of species’ populations & measures their
conservation success
• 8 Green Status Categories – Extinct in the Wild, Critically Depleted, Largely Depleted, Moderately Depleted, Slightly
Depleted, Fully Recovered, Non-Depleted & Indeterminate
• HQs of IUCN – Gland, Switzerland | President – Razan Al Mubarak | CEO – Bruno Oberle | Founded in – 1948

11. Britain has become the 1st European nation to join the “Comprehensive and Progressive
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)” as its 12th member. It is Britain’s biggest trade deal
since Brexit (2020). The accession means Britain will be able to apply CPTPP trade rules and lower
tariffs with 8 of the 11 existing members - Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru,
Singapore, and Vietnam. The agreement enters into force with Australia on December 24 and will
apply to the final 2 members - Canada and Mexico - 60 days after they ratify it. The pact represents Britain’s 1st free trade
deals with Malaysia and Brunei. The CPTPP does not have a single market for goods or services, and so regulatory
harmonisation is not required, unlike the European Union (EU). Britain estimates the pact may be worth £2 billion ($2.5
billion) a year in the long run - less than 0.1% of GDP. The CPTPP has its roots in the US-backed ‘Trans-Pacific Partnership’,
developed in part to counter China’s growing economic dominance. The CPTPP was signed by the 11 countries on 8 March
2018 in Santiago, Chile. Costa Rica is the next applicant country to go through the process of joining, while Indonesia also
aims to do so. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Britain (UK) – 12th member to join “Comprehensive & Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership”
- Britain is also the 1st European nation to join CPTPP
• Britain estimates the pact may be worth £2 billion ($2.5 billion) a year in the long run
• CPTPP was signed by 11 countries on 8 March 2018 in Santiago, Chile
- 11 countries: Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, Australia, Canada, & Mexico
• Next applicant country to join CPTPP – Costa Rica
• UK – London – Pound Sterling | PM – Keir Starmer | New King – King Charles lll

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Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs
12. Finance Ministry has unveiled a revised “Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme” to
lift the spirits of senior executives of public sector banks (PSBs). The revised PLI scheme,
drawn up by the ministry’s Department of Financial Services (DFS), seeks to suitably reward
and motivate employees for significant value creation for various stakeholders. The earlier
PLI scheme was restricted only to Whole-Time Directors (WTDs) - MD & CEOs and Executive
Directors. But the revised scheme is also applicable to senior executives in the rank of Chief Manager and above. The PLI
ceiling - for MD & CEOs and Executive Directors of Nationalised Banks and Chairman, MD and Deputy MDs of SBI - has been
pegged at 100% of their annual basic pay. The PLI ceiling for senior executives in the rank of Chief General Manager (GM)
and GM; and Deputy GM and Assistant GM is pegged at 90% and 80%, respectively, of their annual basic pay. For the Chief
Manager, this ceiling is at 70%. The PLI will be paid in cash in a single tranche. For any bank to be eligible to operate the PLI
Scheme, it has to meet at least 3 out of 4 criteria, including (i) positive return on assets (RoA), (ii) net non-performing asset
(NPA) at not more than 1.5%, (iii) capital to risk-weighted assets ratio as per the minimum regulatory requirement plus 200
basis points or more, and (iv) cost to income ratio (CIR) at not more than 50%. Banks’ performance will be evaluated based
on an evaluation matrix comprising 4 equally-weighted evaluation parameters - Efficiency, Business, Asset Quality and
Financial Inclusion. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• MoF – unveiled a revised “Performance-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme” to lift spirits of senior executives of PSBs
• Aim: To suitably reward & motivate employees for significant value creation for various stakeholders
• Earlier PLI scheme was restricted only to – Whole-Time Directors (MD & CEOs) & Executive Directors
- Revised scheme – also applicable to senior executives in rank of Chief Manager & above
• PLI ceiling for various ranked officers with respect to their annual basic pay:
- For MD&CEOs & EDs of Nationalised Banks & Chairman, MD & Deputy MDs of SBI – 100%
- For senior executives in rank of CGM & GM – 90% | Deputy GM & Assistant GM – 80% | For Chief Manager – 70%
• PLI – to be paid in cash in a single tranche
• For any bank to be eligible to operate PLI Scheme, it has to meet at least 3 out of 4 criteria, including:
- Positive return on assets (RoA) | Net NPA at – not more than 1.5% | CIR – not more than 50%
- Capital to risk-weighted assets ratio as per minimum regulatory requirement – plus 200 basis points or more
• Banks’ performance – to be evaluated based on an evaluation matrix comprising 4 equally-weighted parameters
- Efficiency, Business, Asset Quality & Financial Inclusion
• Minister of Finance: Nirmala Sitharaman | Constituency – Karnataka
MoS in Ministry of Finance: Pankaj Chaudhary

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13. According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) data, the net inflows through External Commercial
Borrowings (ECBs) rose to $7.9 billion in April-September 2024 (H1FY25), from $6.8 billion in H1FY24.
Nearly half of the new ECBs registered during H1FY25 were intended for capital expenditure including
on-lending and sub-lending for capex, as per the ‘State of Economy’ report in RBI’s November bulletin.
Further analysis of end-use of registrations showed that ECBs for import\local sourcing of capital
goods were pegged at $1.3 billion in H1FY25, sharply down from $9.4 billion in H1FY24. The
modernisation\new project and infrastructure development related ECB intents were $5.6 billion. The ECB’s for other
purposes including working capital and general corporate purpose saw a sharp rise to $10.2 billion in H1FY25 from 4.0 billion
in H1FY24. The report said New ECB loan registrations ($14.3 billion) and disbursements ($12.8 billion) were higher during
the previous quarter (Q1FY25) as well as in the corresponding period a year ago (Q2FY24). According to the RBl’s data,
outward remittances under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) declined by 14.88% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) during
the H1FY25, mainly attributed to a decrease across major segments. Gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India has
increased by 25.7% Y o-Y, from $33.5 billion (in H1FY24) to $42.1 billion (H1FY25). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per RBI’s data, net inflows through ECBs – rose to $7.9 billion in Apr-Sep 2024 (from $6.8 billion in H1FY24)
• ECBs for import\local sourcing of capital goods – pegged at $1.3 billion in H1FY25 (from $9.4 billion in H1FY24)
• Modernisation\new project & infrastructure development related ECB intents – $5.6 billion
• ECB’s for other purposes – rose to $10.2 billion in H1FY25 (from 4.0 billion in H1FY24)
• New ECB loan registrations – $14.3 billion | Disbursements – $12.8 billion
• Outward remittances under RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme – declined by 14.88% Y-o-Y during H1FY25
• Gross FDI in India – increased by 25.7% Y o-Y to $42.1 billion in H1FY25 (from $33.5 billion in H1FY24)
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor – Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao

14. Minister of State in the Finance Ministry, Pankaj Chaudhary, informed the Rajya Sabha that 12 Public Sector Banks (PSBs)
have written off around ₹7 lakh crore (over ₹6.98 lakh crore) between 2019-20 and 2024-25 (till September 2024). However,
these banks recovered over ₹5 lakh crore of their NPAs during the same period. Banks write off non-performing assets
(NPAs) that have had full provisioning made for 4 years, as part of their regular balance sheet cleaning exercise. In this case,
borrowers continue to be liable for repayment and banks continue to pursue recovery actions initiated in these accounts.
Various recovery mechanisms include (i) filing of a suit in civil courts or in Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRT), (ii) action under
the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002, (iii)
filing cases with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, through
negotiated settlement/compromise, and (iv) through sale of NPAs. Also, pecuniary jurisdiction of Debt Recovery Tribunal
(DRTs) was increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh to enable the DRTs to focus on high-value cases resulting in higher recovery
for banks and financial institutions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Pankaj Chaudhary – informed Rajya Sabha that 12 PSBs have written off around ₹7 lakh Cr between 2019-20 & 2024-25
• These banks recovered – over ₹5 lakh Cr of their NPAs during same period
• Banks write off NPAs that have had full provisioning made for – 4 years
• Various recovery mechanisms include:
- filing of a suit in civil courts or in Debts Recovery Tribunals (DRT)
- action under Securitisation & Reconstruction of Financial Assets & Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002

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15. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued a circular to widen the scope of optional T+0 rolling
settlement cycle in equity cash market. Optional T+0 settlement cycle will be made available to top 500 scrips in terms of
market cap as on December 31. The scrips shall be made available for trading and settlement starting with scrips at bottom
100 companies and include the next bottom 100 companies every month till top 500 companies are available for trading.
This is in addition to the 25 scrips already available for trading. The above measures will become applicable from January
31, 2025. A mechanism for Block Deal window will be put in place by the Stock Exchanges under the optional T+0 settlement
cycle, but it shall be available only for the morning session during 8:45 am to 9:00 am. In the T+0 settlement cycle, trades
are settled on the same day they occur. T+0 facilitates quicker receipt of funds and securities in investor accounts, reducing
the risks associated with the time lag. The move will make India as one of the fastest settlement markets in the world. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI – issued a circular to widen scope of optional T+0 rolling settlement cycle in equity cash market
• Optional T+0 settlement cycle – to be made available to top 500 scrips in terms of market cap as on Dec 31
- This is in addition to 25 scrips already available for trading | W.e.f. – Jan 31, 2025
• Scrips shall be made available for trading & settlement starting with scrips at bottom 100 companies & include next
bottom 100 companies every month till top 500 companies are available for trading
• A mechanism for Block Deal window shall be available only for morning session during – 8:45 am to 9:00 am
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Madhabi Puri Buch | Established in – 1992

16. HSBC India has launched “HSBC Privé”, an exclusive credit card designed for its Global Private
Banking clients. Targeted at high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (HNWI and UHNWI),
the card serves professionals, entrepreneurs, and families with investable assets exceeding $2
million. The launch is part of HSBC’s global initiative to offer premium travel and lifestyle experiences,
with India following the card’s debut in Hong Kong. In 2023, credit card spending among India’s HNWI
and UHNWI segments rose by 87%, driven by a 69% increase in overseas travel spending and a 56%
rise in luxury purchases. The new card, developed in collaboration with Mastercard, reflects these
trends by offering privileges specifically curated for globally connected and entrepreneurial clients. Sandeep Batra is the
head of wealth and personal banking at HSBC India, while Gautam Aggarwal is the division president of South Asia at
Mastercard. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HSBC India – launched “HSBC Privé”, an exclusive credit card designed for its Global Private Banking clients
• Developed by = Mastercard + HSBC India
• It serves professionals, entrepreneurs & families with investable assets exceeding – $2 million
• Credit card spending among India’s HNWI & UHNWI segments – rose by 87% in 2023
• Sandeep Batra – head of wealth & personal banking at HSBC India

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17. Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda have announced their respective MSME lending efforts, namely Bank of Baroda’s
‘Baroda Mahila Swavalamban’ for women entrepreneurs and ‘Baroda Smart OD’ for GST-registered MSMEs, and Canara
Bank’s two-day nationwide ‘Credit Outreach Programme’. The two-day campaign by Canara Bank witnessed spot loan
sanctions and mobilized leads of more than Rs. 6200 Crore. While, Baroda Smart OD is an overdraft facility designed for GST-
registered individual and proprietorship current account holders of Bank of Baroda, offering short-term working capital
finance. With overdraft amounts ranging from Rs 0.50 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, the facility features a competitive 10.00% p.a.
interest rate, a tenure of 12 months. Moreover, Baroda Mahila Swavalamban is a loan scheme for women-owned
enterprises, offering interest rates starting at 9.15%, financing options from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 7.5 crore, and a 50% rebate on
processing charges. It provides relaxed margin norms for Capex loans and requires no additional collateral for loans up to
Rs 5 crore if secured by CGTMSE. With a repayment period of up to 120 months, the scheme is available to UDYAM and GST-
registered businesses where women hold a minimum 51% stake, aligning with MSME guidelines under the MSMED Act.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• BoB – launched MSME lending efforts, ‘Baroda Mahila Swavalamban’ for women entrepreneurs & ‘Baroda Smart OD’
for GST-registered MSMEs
• Canara Bank – launched two-day nationwide ‘Credit Outreach Programme’
- It witnessed spot loan sanctions & mobilized leads of more than Rs. 6200 Cr
• Baroda Smart OD – an overdraft facility | Amount – Rs 0.50 lakh to Rs 25 lakh | Rate – 10% p.a. | Tenure – 12 months
• Baroda Mahila Swavalamban – a loan scheme | Rate – 9.15% | Amount – Rs 20 lakh to Rs 7.5 Cr | Rebate – 50%
- For Capex loans, no additional collateral for loans up to Rs 5 Cr is required, if secured by CGTMSE
- Repayment period – up to 120 months | Available to – registered businesses where women hold min 51% stake
• HQs of BoB – Vadodara, Gujarat | MD & CEO – Debadatta Chand | Tagline – “India’s International Bank”
• HQs of Canara Bank – Bengaluru | MD & CEO – K. Satyanarayana Raju | Non-Ex Chairman – Vijay Srirangam

18. ICICI Bank has signed an MoU with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) to support customers across the Australia-
India corridor. Under the MoU, both Banks will explore collaborations to facilitate the introduction of corporate and
institutional customers who are interested in investing or setting up businesses in the other bank’s home country. The Banks
will assist customers migrating to Australia and India with banking services. The partnership will also support cross-border
payments by collaborating on customer-centric solutions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ICICI Bank + Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) = an MoU to support customers across Australia-India corridor
• HQs of ICICI Bank – Mumbai, MH | MD & CEO – Sandeep Bakhshi | Taglines – “Hum Hain Na!” & “Khayal Apka”
• HQs of CBA – Sydney, Australia | MD & CEO – Matt Comyn | Founded in – 1911

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19. In a bid to tighten the noose on insider trading, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has decided to expand
the definition of “connected persons” who have access to unpublished price sensitive information (UPSI). A connected
person would now include a firm or its partner or its employee in which a connected person is also a partner, and a person
sharing a household or residence with a connected person. SEBI has also amended its ‘Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT)
Regulations of 2015’ to expand the ambit of relatives covered under the securities law, by replacing the word ‘immediate
relative’ with ‘relative’. As per the new norms, relatives will include a person’s spouse, their parents and in-laws, siblings of
the person and the spouse and those siblings’ spouses, child of the person and child of the spouse, and those children’s
spouses. In another set of regulatory changes, SEBI proposed that P-Notes (Participatory Notes) or Offshore Derivative
Instruments (ODIs) and segregated portfolios of Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) will be treated on par with FPIs in terms
of regulation. Apart from legal and regulatory changes, SEBI introduced the ‘MF Lite’ framework with more relaxed
regulations compared with regular mutual funds investments. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SEBI – to expand definition of “connected persons” who have access to Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI)
• A connected person would now include a firm or its partner or its employee in which a connected person is also a partner
• SEBI – amended ‘Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT) Regulations of 2015’ to expand ambit of relatives covered under
securities law, by replacing word ‘immediate relative’ with ‘relative’
• Now, relatives will include a person’s – spouse, parents & in-laws, siblings, spouse & those siblings’ spouses, child &
child of spouse & those children’s spouses
• SEBI proposed that Participatory Notes (P-Notes) or Offshore Derivative Instruments (ODIs) & segregated portfolios of
FPI will be treated on par with FPIs in terms of regulation
• HQs of SEBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Madhabi Puri Buch | Established in – 1992

20. Federal Bank has introduced “Esteem Savings Account”, to provide tailored financial services
for customers aged 55 and above, addressing their diverse needs. These include complementary
insurance cover, airport lounge access, debit card, special family benefits to name a few. This
innovative account offers a comprehensive suite of services and benefits, focusing on comfort,
health, and financial well-being. The account holders will receive various insurance benefits like, free yearly health check-
up, hospital cash facility and doctor on call facility. Also, the customers will get 25% discount on locker rent. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Federal Bank – introduced “Esteem Savings Account” to provide tailored financial services for customers aged 55&above
• HQs of Federal Bank – Aluva, Kerala | MD & CEO – Krishnan Venkat Subramanian | Tagline – “Your Perfect Banking
Partner”

21. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) in the Finance Ministry has decided to set up a Committee
under the Chairmanship of SBI Chairman C. S. Setty to submit a fresh list of accounts for transfer to the
National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL), colloquially known as ‘Bad Bank’. This decision
came after a review meeting chaired by DFS Secretary M Nagaraju. Till date, NARCL, which came into the
scene in mid-2021, has acquired 22 accounts with an exposure of Rs 95,711 crore. The Finance Ministry
is targeting the stressed assets transfer of Rs 1 lakh crore to the NARCL by March 2025. Essentially, a Bad Bank serves as an
entity that consolidates a bank’s bad loans or non-performing assets (NPAs) and works towards resolving or liquidating these
stressed assets to recover maximum value. The bad bank is not involved in lending and taking deposits. US-based Mellon
Bank created the 1st bad bank in 1988. In India, NARCL acquires these loans by paying 15% of the amount in cash and the
remainder in government-guaranteed security receipts (SRs). {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• DFS – to set up a committee to submit a fresh list of accounts for transfer to NARCL (Bad Bank)
- Under Chairmanship of – C. S. Setty, SBI Chairman
• NARCL – acquired 22 accounts with an exposure of Rs 95,711 Cr till now
• MoF – targeting stressed assets transfer of Rs 1 lakh Cr to NARCL by March 2025
• Bad Bank – an entity that consolidates a bank’s NPAs & works towards resolving them to recover maximum value
• Mellon Bank (US) – created 1st bad bank in 1988
• In India, NARCL acquires these loans by paying 15% of amount in cash & rest in govt-guaranteed security receipts (SRs)
• HQs of NARCL – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Diwakar Gupta | Established in – July 2021

22. Max Life Insurance has announced a change in its corporate name to Axis Max Life Insurance
after receiving the corporate and regulatory approval. Earlier this year, Axis Bank’s board of
directors approved the proposal to acquire Max Life shares, raising Axis entities’ total holding in
the insurance company to 19.99% from 19.02%. Following this stake acquisition by Axis Bank,
the stake of Max Financial Services Ltd (MFSL) in Max Life reduced to 81% from 87% earlier. The new brand identity is
reflected in a new logo through the inclusion of Axis’s ‘A’ and burgundy shade. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Max Life Insurance – changed its corporate name to “Axis Max Life Insurance” after receiving approvals
• Axis Bank – acquired Max Life shares in early 2024, holding 19.99% (from 19.02%)
• Stake of Max Financial Services Ltd (MFSL) in Max Life – reduced to 81% (from 87%)
• HQs of Axis Max Life Insurance – Gurugram, Haryana | MD & CEO – Prashant Tripathy | Chairman – Rajiv Anand

23. According to data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s outward foreign direct
investment (FDI) commitments almost halved to $2.28 billion in November 2024, from $4.17 billion
in November 2023. Sequentially, it also declined from $3.43 billion in October 2024. Outbound FDI
expressed as a financial commitment, comprises 3 components: equity, loans, and guarantees.
Equity commitments fell to $743.29 million in November 2024. Debt commitments rose sharply to $967.7 million in
November 2024. Guarantees for overseas units nosedived to $568.9 million in November 2024. Outward direct investment
is a business strategy where a company based in one country (home country) invests in a business entity (foreign affiliate)
located in another country (host country). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per RBI, India’s outward FDI commitments – halved to $2.28 billion in Nov 2024 (from $4.17 billion in Nov 2023)
• Outbound FDI expressed as a financial commitment, comprises 3 components – equity, loans & guarantees
• Commitments in Nov 2024: Equity – $743.29 million | Debt – $967.7 million | Guarantees – $568.9 million
• Outward direct investment – a business strategy where a company based in one country (home country) invests in a
business entity (foreign affiliate) located in another country (host country)
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor –Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao

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24. BOBCARD Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda, has launched the “TIARA Credit
Card” on the RuPay network at Pinkathon. Pinkathon is a platform celebrating women’s strength,
resilience, and spirit. Milind Soman is the creator of Pinkathon. TIARA - a first-of-its-kind, women-
centric credit card tailored to support, empower, and celebrate modern women’s financial
autonomy. The product offers complimentary vouchers and memberships worth up to Rs 31,000 from leading brands
including Myntra, Nykaa, etc. “Reimagine Credit for India” is the BOBCARD’s brand motto. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• BOBCARD Ltd – launched “TIARA Credit Card” on RuPay network at Pinkathon
• Pinkathon – a platform celebrating women’s strength, resilience & spirit
• Creator of Pinkathon – Milind Soman (an Actor)
• TIARA – first-of-its-kind, women-centric credit card to support, empower & celebrate women’s financial autonomy
- It offers complimentary vouchers & memberships worth up to Rs 31,000 from leading brands
• HQs of BOBCARD Limited – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Ravindra Rai

25. HSBC and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) will jointly provide funding
to trade transactions valued at up to $1 billion. Both organizations would equally share the risk on a
portfolio of trade-related assets held by emerging-market banks in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin
America, and the Middle East. The deal aims to support cross-border trade and bolster exports in
critical industries as economies face geopolitical tensions and trade barriers that could create uncertainty for supply chains
and threaten economic growth. The new facility is set up under IFC’s ‘Global Trade Liquidity Program’. Demand for trade
finance far outpaces supply with the global trade finance gap last estimated at $2.5 trillion, according to a report from the
Asian Development Bank. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HSBC + IFC = to provide funding to trade transactions valued at up to $1 billion
- This new facility is set up under – IFC’s ‘Global Trade Liquidity Program’
• Aim: To support cross-border trade & bolster exports in critical industries
• As per ADB, demand for trade finance – $2.5 trillion
• HQs of HSBC – Hong Kong | CEO – Georges Elhedery
• HQs of IFC – Washington, U.S. | MD – Makhtar Diop | IFC India’s Head – Wendy Werner (an arm of World Bank)

26. Standard Chartered Bank (SCB) India, has launched a “FEMA (Foreign Exchange Management
Act) Centre of Excellence” proposition to help clients navigate and comply with the dynamic
regulatory environment and enhance efficiencies. In addition to the FEMA Centre of Excellence,
the bank has also introduced the ‘Digital FEMA document repository’ to optimise the cross-border
payments journey for its clients where a document repository for initiating outward remittances from India is available on
‘Straight2Bank (S2B)’, which is the bank’s internet banking digital platform. The FEMA desk currently has team members
based out of the metros namely Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SCB India – launched “FEMA CoE” proposition to help clients navigate & comply with dynamic regulatory environment
• SCB India – also introduced ‘Digital FEMA document repository’ to optimise cross-border payments journey for its clients
• HQs of SCB India – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – Zarin Daruwala

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27. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an increase in the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans, including
loans for allied activities. The existing loan limit of Rs 1.6 lakh per borrower has been raised to Rs 2 lakh. This decision
acknowledges the impact of inflation and the increasing cost of agricultural inputs on farmers. The revised limit will be
effective from January 1, 2025. This policy strengthens financial inclusion, supports the agricultural sector, and fosters credit-
driven economic growth. This move aligns with the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), which offers loans of up
to Rs 3 lakh at a 4% effective interest rate. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• RBI – to increase limit for collateral-free agricultural loans w.e.f. Jan 1, 2025 to Rs 2 lakh per borrower (from Rs 1.6 lakh)
• This move aligns with Modified Interest Subvention Scheme, offering loans up to Rs 3 lakh at 4% effective interest rate
• HQs of RBI – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Governor –Sanjay Malhotra (26th) | Established on – 1st April, 1935
Total Deputy Governors (4) – S. Janakiraman | T. Rabi Sankar | Michael D. Patra | M. Rajeshwar Rao

28. In-Solutions Global (ISG), a fintech company backed by JP Morgan, has secured full authorisation
as a Payment Aggregator (PA) under the Reserve Bank of India’s regulatory framework. The approval
further empowers ISG to streamline digital payments for merchants across various sectors, ensuring
fast, secure, and reliable transactions while advancing financial inclusion. The company currently
processes over 28 billion transactions annually, serving more than 70% of banks in India. ISG offers cutting-edge solutions
across payment aggregation, prepaid instruments, NCMC, transit systems, and more. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• In-Solutions Global (backed by JP Morgan) – secured full authorisation as a Payment Aggregator (PA)
• ISG – currently processes over 28 billion transactions annually, serving more than 70% of banks in India
• HQs of ISG – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Director – Ivan Castelino | MD – Adelia Castelino

29. Canara HSBC Life Insurance has launched “OmniGen AI”, a first-of-its-kind Generative AI-driven
solution to optimize risk evaluation in the underwriting process, on Bedrock of Amazon Web Services
(AWS). This solution will be a co-pilot for underwriters and consume various dimensions and attributes
of bundled information like the underwriting guidelines, underwriting manual, risk profile attributes and
risk model output. OmniGen AI further provides a seamless policy buying, servicing and claims settlement experience for
the company’s diverse suite of customers. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Canara HSBC Life Ins. – launched “OmniGen AI”, a first-of-its-kind Generative AI-driven solution on Bedrock of AWS
- To optimize risk evaluation in underwriting process
• HQs of Canara HSBC Life Insurance – Gurugram, Haryana | MD & CEO – Anuj Mathur

30. Minister of State in the Finance Ministry, Pankaj Chaudhary, informed the Lok Sabha that Life
Insurance Corporation (LIC) has unclaimed maturity amounts of Rs 880.93 crore in 2023-24. As many
as 3,72,282 policyholders did not claim maturity benefits during FY2024. During the previous year, the
amount worth Rs 815.04 crore belonging to 3,73,329 policyholders remained unclaimed. As many as
10 death claims worth Rs 14 lakh remained unclaimed during 2023-24. Outstanding amounts lying in
unclaimed accounts are settled in favour of respective policyholders or claimants upon receipt of the
claim request. Further, the minister also informed that there are 5,728 Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) and Asset
Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) whose Certificate of Registration (CoR) has been cancelled by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI) as of June 30, 2024. As of June 30, 2024, as many as 25 deposits taking NBFCs are registered with RBI. {Read more}

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31. YES Bank has launched the “YES Business”, designed to bring banking and related
services for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under one roof. Central to
this launch is the ‘IRIS Biz’ by YES BANK, a digital interface that provides a wide range
of integrated solutions to both simplify and strengthen business operations. The IRIS
Biz app provides a fully digital current account setup with Video KYC; a unified view; in-app support; and offerings such as
Merchant EASY & Merchant PRIME. Moreover, YES BANK announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the
appointment of Manish Jain as an Executive Director (ED) of the bank for 3 years, effective December 11, 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• YES Bank – launched “YES Business” to bring banking & related services for MSMEs under one roof
• ‘IRIS Biz’ – digital interface providing various integrated solutions to both simplify & strengthen business operations
• Manish Jain – appointed as ED of YES Bank for 3 years w.e.f. Dec 11, 2024
• HQs of Yes Bank – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Prashant Kumar | Tagline – “Experience our Expertise”

32. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation hit a 3-month low of 1.89% in November 2024 from 2.4% recorded in
October 2024. This fall in WPI was largely due to the softening of primary food inflation, which moderated to 8.63% in
November 2024 compared to 13.54% in October 2024. For the April-November 2024 period, WPI inflation stood at 2.1% as
against a contraction of 1.29% in the same period last year. In November 2024, Food price inflation declined sharply.
Vegetable inflation mellowed the most at 28.6% in November 2024. Fuel & Power inflation decelerated at an unchanged
pace of (-) 5.8% in October 2024 as well as November 2024. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• WPI-based inflation – 3-month low of 1.89% in Nov 2024 (from 2.4% in Oct 2024)
• Due to softening of primary food inflation, which moderated to 8.63% in Nov 2024 (from 13.54% in Oct 2024)
• WPI inflation – 2.1% for Apr-Nov 2024 period (decreased 1.29% from same period in 2023)
• In Nov 2024: Vegetable inflation – 28.6% | Fuel & Power inflation – decelerated (-) 5.8% in Oct & Nov 2024

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Defence Affairs
33. JSW Defence Pvt Ltd and US defence technology company, Shield Ai Inc, have announced a tie
up to indigenize and manufacture Shield AI’s “V-BAT,” a Group 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS).
As part of the partnership, the JSW Group will invest around $90 million in the next two years.
This investment will enable JSW to establish a local supply chain and create an advanced facility
in India for manufacturing, assembling and testing V-BAT aircraft. The V-BAT is a fixed-wing,
vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), long endurance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) platform, currently
deployed by multiple armed forces around the world, including the United States’ Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs). Sarjan
Shah is Shield AI’s Managing Director for India. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• JSW Defence Pvt Ltd + Shield Ai Inc (US) = to indigenize & manufacture Shield AI’s “V-BAT,” a Group 3 UAS
• JSW Group – to invest around $90 million in next two years
• V-BAT – a fixed-wing, vertical take-off & landing, long endurance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance platform
- Currently deployed by multiple armed forces around world, including US’ Marine Expeditionary Units (MEUs)
• HQs of Shield Ai Inc – San Diago, US | CEO – Ryan Tseng | President – Brandon Tseng | MD (India) – Sarjan Shah
• HQs of JSW Defence – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CMD – Sajjan Jindal

34. The National Security Guard’s (NSG) 10th National Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise, “Exercise
Agnipariksha,” and the 8th National Joint Counter-IED Exercise, “Exercise Visfot Kawach,”
concluded at the NSG garrison in Gurugram. 31 teams from various States like Andhra Pradesh,
Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, etc., 3 teams from Union Territories
of Jammu & Kashmir, Puducherry & Chandigarh, and 10 teams from 5 Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs), comprising a total of 667 elite commandos, participated in the exercises. The exercises
honed counter-terrorist, bomb disposal, and K9 teams’ skills through demonstrations, displays, and case studies. This annual
exercise aligns with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ directives of ‘Duty to Share’ expertise by NSG in its niche competencies.
The closing ceremony was graced by DG NSG Brighu Srinivasan. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NSG’s 10th National Joint Counter-Terrorism Exercise, “Exercise Agnipariksha,” & 8th National Joint Counter-IED Exercise,
“Exercise Visfot Kawach” – concluded at NSG garrison in Gurugram
• Participants – 31 teams from states, 3 teams from UTs of J&K, Puducherry & Chandigarh, and 10 teams from 5 CAPFs

• HQs of NSG – New Delhi | DG – Brighu Srinivasan | Motto – ससर्त्र सससिोत्तम सरु क्षा

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35. “INS Tushil” (F70), the latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned
into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard
in Kaliningrad, Russia. The Commanding Officer designate of Tushil is Captain Peter Varghese.
INS Tushil is an upgraded Krivak III class frigate of Project 1135.6 of which, 6 are already in
service – 3 Talwar class ships, built at Baltiysky shipyard, St. Petersburg, and 3 follow-on Teg
class ships, built at Yantar shipyard, Kaliningrad. All Krivak frigates are powered by engines from Zorya Nashproekt of
Ukraine. INS Tushil, the 7th in the series, is the 1st of the 2 additional follow-on ships under construction in Russia. In October
2016, India and Russia signed a deal for 4 stealth frigates, 2 to be built in Russia and 2 to be constructed at Goa Shipyard
Limited under technology transfer. The 2nd frigate ‘Tamal’ is expected to be delivered to the Indian Navy in Russia in the first
quarter of 2025. INS Tushil is armed with a range of advanced weapons, including the jointly-developed Brahmos supersonic
cruise missiles, vertically-launched Shtil Surface-to-Air missiles with enhanced ranges, etc. The ship is also capable of
embarking the upgraded anti-submarine and airborne early warning helicopters, the Kamov 28 and Kamov 31. The ship is
capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “INS Tushil”, latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate – commissioned into Indian Navy at Yantar Shipyard in
Kaliningrad, Russia
• Captain Peter Varghese – Commanding Officer designate | It is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots
• INS Tushil – upgraded Krivak III class frigate of Project 1135.6
- 6 of this project are already in service – 3 Talwar class ships (built at Baltiysky shipyard, St. Petersburg) & 3 Teg class
ships (built at Yantar shipyard, Kaliningrad)
• All Krivak frigates are powered by engines from – Zorya Nashproekt of Ukraine
• INS Tushil, 7th in series – 1st of the 2 additional follow-on ships under construction in Russia
- 2nd frigate ‘Tamal’ – to be delivered to Indian Navy in Russia in Q1 of 2025
• India + Russia = deal for 4 stealth frigates, 2 to be built in Russia & 2 at Goa Shipyard Ltd, in Oct 2016

36. Defence Ministry has signed a Rs 13,500 crore deal with state-run aerospace major
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to procure 12 “Sukhoi (Su-30MKI)” jets for the Indian Air Force.
The Russian-origin aircraft will feature 62.6% domestic content. Su-30MKI is a two-seater multi-
role long-range fighter jet developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. It is now built
under licence by HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The jets would be manufactured at Nasik division of HAL, under an
intergovernmental framework. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Defence Ministry + HAL = a Rs 13,500 crore deal to procure 12 “Sukhoi (Su-30MKI)” jets for IAF
• Su-30MKI is a two-seater multi-role long-range fighter jet – originally developed by Sukhoi (Russia)
• The jets would be manufactured at Nasik division of HAL
• HQs of HAL – Bengaluru, Karnataka | CEO – Amitabh Bhatt | CMD – D. K. Sunil (addi. charge)

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37. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has cleared a proposal to buy 100 more “K-
9” self-propelled howitzer guns from the Larsen and Toubro (L&T). These K-9 Vajras are
155-mm, 52-calibre self-propelled howitzer guns. The value of the 100 guns would be more
than approx. Rs 4500 crore. These guns have already been deployed at high altitudes along
the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China and even in the desert, which is also spread
towards the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The K-9 Vajras are being manufactured at the Armoured Systems Complex
of L&T in Hazira, Gujarat. The L&T got a transfer of technology from South Korean defence major, Hanwha Defense, for
manufacturing of K-9 Vajras. A K-9 Vajra gun weighs 50 tonnes and can fire shells for over 50 kilometres. Meanwhile, another
product of L&T, the “Zorawar” light tank, has achieved a milestone in trial by firing a number of rounds at different ranges
at an altitude of more than 4200m. This light tank has been defined, designed and developed by Chennai-based Combat
Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE), a DRDO lab, in collaboration with L&T. The CCS is chaired by the
Prime Minister of India and comprises Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of
External Affairs. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• CCS – cleared a proposal to buy 100 more “K-9” self-propelled howitzer guns from L&T | Cost – Rs 4500 Cr
- K-9 Vajras are 155-mm, 52-calibre self-propelled howitzer guns
- A K-9 Vajra gun weighs 50 tonnes & can fire shells for over 50 kms
• Being manufactured at – Armoured Systems Complex of L&T in Hazira, Gujarat
• L&T – got a transfer of technology from Hanwha Defense (South Korea), for manufacturing of K-9 Vajras
• “Zorawar” light tank (by L&T) – can fire at an altitude of more than 4200m
- Defined, designed & developed by = CVRDE (DRDO lab in Chennai) + L&T
• CCS chaired by – PM Modi | Comprises – Ministers of Defence, Finance, Home Affairs & External Affairs

38. The bilateral naval exercise “SLINEX 2024” (Sri Lanka - India Exercise) is being conducted from 17
to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, under the aegis of the Eastern Naval
Command (ENC). The exercise will be held in two phases - the Harbour Phase from 17 to 18 December
and the Sea Phase from 19 to 20 December. Initiated in 2005, SLINEX is a significant series of bilateral
naval exercises that have strengthened maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka over the years. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Bilateral naval exercise “SLINEX 2024” (Sri Lanka - India Exercise) – being conducted from Dec 17-20, 2024
• At – Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Under – Eastern Naval Command (ENC)
• Sri Lanka – Colombo/Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte – Sri Lankan Rupee
PM – Harini Amarasuriya | President – Anura Kumar Dissanayake

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Sports & Games
39. Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has launched “Bihar Khel Pratibha Khoj Pratiyogita
- Bihar Sports Talent Search Competition”, the world’s largest talent search competition in
sports, lighting the torch at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna. During the opening
ceremony, the Bihar girls’ Wushu team gave a live demonstration of ‘Taolu’ and ‘Wall
Mounting’. The competition will have about 60 lakh children from 40,0000 government
secondary and higher secondary schools, with a prize pool of Rs 10 crore. This competition will be organised for both boys
and girls in the under-14 and under-16 age categories. It will also allow children from outside schools to compete at the
games. One of the long-term goals of the competition is to create potential medal prospects for the 2032 and 2036 Olympic
Games. It will see children compete at the block, district and finally, state levels. The cash prizes at the block level will be Rs
1000, Rs 600 and Rs 400, with the amount increasing at every higher level. The district-level winners will get Rs 2500, Rs
1500 and Rs 1000, while that at the state level will be Rs 5000, Rs 3000 and Rs 2000. Athletics, kabaddi, football and volleyball
will be the main disciplines in the competition and winners will be given sports kits and certificates as incentives. The Chief
Minister also awarded scholarships of Rs 20 lakh each per annum to 5 outstanding athletes for receiving better training
under the ‘Bihar Sports Scholarship Scheme’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Nitish Kumar – launched “Bihar Khel Pratibha Khoj Pratiyogita - Bihar Sports Talent Search Competition”
• It is world’s largest talent search competition in sports & lights torch at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna
• It will have ~60 lakh children from 40k govt secondary & higher secondary schools | Prize pool – ₹10 Cr
• It will be organised for both boys & girls in under-14 & under-16 age categories
• Cash prizes at different levels: Block level – Rs 1000, Rs 600 & Rs 400 | District level – Rs 2500, Rs 1500 & Rs 1000
- State level – Rs 5000, Rs 3000 & Rs 2000
• Main disciplines in competition – Athletics, kabaddi, football & volleyball
• CM awarded scholarships of Rs 20 lakh each p.a. to 5 athletes to get training under ‘Bihar Sports Scholarship Scheme’
• Bihar: Capital – Patna | CM – Nitish Kumar | Governor – Rajendra Vishwanath Arleka

40. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus has been voted as the “WTA (Women Tennis
Association) Player of the Year” after securing four titles in 2024. It is the 1st time Sabalenka has
been named Player of the Year, with Swiatek triumphing in 2022 and 2023. Sabalenka retained
the Australian Open in January before winning the US Open in September - her 3rd Grand Slam
singles triumph. She also secured victories at the Cincinnati Open in August and the Wuhan Open in October, becoming the
1st woman to win the event 3 times. In October 2024 she became world number one. Apart from Aryna Sabalenka, the Italian
doubles duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini were voted the ‘Doubles Team of the Year’, Emma Navarro is the ‘Most
Improved Player’, Paula Badosa is the ‘Comeback Player’, and Lulu Sun is the ‘Newcomer of the Year’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Aryna Sabalenka (World No. 1-Belarus) – became “Women Tennis Association Player of the Year” for 1st time
- She secured 4 titles in 2024 | Swiatek – won this title in 2022 & 2023
• Sabalenka – won Australian Open in Jan 2024 & US Open in Sep 2024 (her 3rd Grand Slam singles triumph)
• Sabalenka – won Cincinnati Open in Aug 2024 & Wuhan Open in Oct 2024 & became 1st woman to win event 3 times
• ‘Doubles Team of the Year’ – Sara Errani & Jasmine Paolini (Italy)
• ‘Most Improved Player’ – Emma Navarro | ‘Comeback Player’ – Paula Badosa | ‘Newcomer of the Year’ – Lulu Sun

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41. The “Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)” dates have been announced as the Union Territory (UT)
of Ladakh will host the ‘ice events’ from January 23 to 27, 2025, while the UT of Jammu & Kashmir
(J&K) will host the ‘snow events’ from February 22 to 25, 2025. The Winter Games will flag off the
Khelo India season with the Youth & Para Games scheduled in Bihar in April 2025. The Khelo India
Winter Games started in 2020. This will be the 2nd year running that UT Ladakh will host a portion of the KIWG. Before the
2024 edition, J&K used to host all the events. The 2024 iteration of KIWG was the 1 st time the Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports along with the Sports Authority of India managed the technical conduct of the Games in association with the National
Sports Federations and Indian Olympic Association (IOC). Italy’s 2 cities - Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo - will host the 2026
Olympic Winter Games. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG)” – dates have been announced | KIWG – started in 2020
- Ladakh – to host ‘ice events’ from Jan 23-27, 2025 | J&K – to host ‘snow events’ from Feb 22-25, 2025
• Winter Games will flag off Khelo India season with Youth & Para Games scheduled in Bihar in April 2025
• J&K – used to host all events, before 2024 edition
• To be managed by – MoYA&S (1st time) + SAI + NSF + IOC
• 2026 Olympic Winter Games – to be hosted by Italy in 2 cities, Milan & Cortina d'Ampezzo

42. Saudi Arabia has been designated as the host for the “2034 FIFA World Cup”, a landmark
decision fueled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s sports investments. Simultaneously,
the ‘2030 FIFA World Cup’ hosting rights were awarded to a tri-continental collaboration (Africa,
Europe and South America) among Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay will be centenary hosts to mark 100 years of the competition.
3 matches will be played in these countries. The opening match of the 2030 edition will be played in Uruguay with the next
2 games to be staged in Argentina and Paraguay, respectively. Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural FIFA World Cup in
1930 and Argentina were the beaten finalists, while the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) headquarters
are based in Paraguay. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Saudi Arabia – designated as host for “2034 FIFA World Cup”
• ‘2030 FIFA World Cup’ hosting rights – to tri-continental collaboration (Africa, Europe & South America)
- Among – Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay & Uruguay
• Argentina, Paraguay & Uruguay – centenary hosts to mark 100 years of competition
• Opening match of 2030 edition – to be played in Uruguay | Next 2 games – to be staged in Argentina & Paraguay
• Uruguay – hosted & won inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 | Defeated – Argentina
• 2026 FIFA World Cup – to be hosted by US, Canada & Mexico
• HQs of FIFA – Zurich, Switzerland | President – Gianni Infantino

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43. 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh claimed the “2024 World Chess Championship” title in
Singapore after defeating China’s Ding Liren in the 14th and final round of the tournament. Gukesh
secured the requisite 7.5 points against 6.5 of Liren after winning the final round. With this historic
victory, Gukesh has become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, surpassing the record previously
held by Garry Kasparov (22 years). Kasparov won the 1st World Championship in 1985 after dethroning
Anatoly Karpov. This triumph also made Gukesh the 18th world champion in the history of classical chess,
which dates back to 1886. As the title winner, Gukesh will get $1.35 million, while Ding will take home
$1.15 million, out of the total prize pool of $2.5 million. According to FIDE’s rules, players are awarded $2,00,000 (Rs 1.68
crore approximately) for each win, with the remaining prize money to be split equally between the 2 finalists. This was the
first-ever World Championship match contested by two Asian countries. Gukesh is only the 3rd Asian to win the World
championship. Viswanathan Anand was the 1st, and Ding was the 2nd. D. Gukesh is the 2nd Indian after the legendary
Viswanathan Anand to win the global title. Anand, a five-time world champion, won titles in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and
2012. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• D. Gukesh – claimed “2024 World Chess Championship” title in 14th round in Singapore | Defeated – Ding Liren (China)
• Final points secured after 14th round: Gukesh – 7.5 points | Liren – 6.5 points
• Gukesh – became youngest-ever World Chess Champion | Previous record – Garry Kasparov (22 yrs, 6 mn & 27 days)
- Kasparov – won 1st World Championship in 1985 | Dethroning – Anatoly Karpov
• Gukesh – also became 18th world champion in history of classical chess
• Gukesh – won ‘FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament 2024’ in Apr 2024
• Total prize pool of 2024 World Chess Championship – $2.5 million | Gukesh – $1.35 million, Ding – $1.15 million
• This was first-ever World Championship match contested by two Asian countries
• Gukesh – 3rd Asian & 2nd Indian to win World championship | 1st – Viswanathan Anand (Indian) | 2nd – Ding Liren
• Viswanathan Anand – won titles in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 & 2012

44. Sony Sports Network (SSN) has secured a 3-year deal to broadcast the Hockey India League (HIL),
starting with the 2024-25 season, which is being revived after 7 years. The HIL 2024-25 season is set to
begin on December 28 in Odisha’s Rourkela, and will feature live broadcasts on Sony Sports Ten 1
(English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu). Rajesh Kaul is the Head of
Sports Business at Sony Pictures Networks India. In a similar move, an MoU was signed between Hockey
India and India’s national broadcaster Prasar Bharti to broadcast HIL live across the nation through Doordarshan and Prasar
Bharti’s new OTT platform ‘Waves’. This 2024-25 edition of the HIL is path-breaking because it will feature the inaugural
season of the women’s league alongside the men’s competition. While the men’s competition will be played in Rourkela, a
4-team maiden tournament for the women will be hosted at Ranchi, Jharkhand. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• SSN – secured 3-year deal to broadcast Hockey India League (HIL), starting with 2024-25 season, reviving after 7 years
• HIL 2024-25 – to begin on Dec 28 in Odisha’s Rourkela & will feature live broadcasts on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony
Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) & Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu)
• Rajesh Kaul – Head of Sports Business at Sony Pictures Networks India
• Hockey India + Prasar Bharti = an MoU was signed to broadcast HIL live across through Doordarshan & ‘Waves’
• HQs of SSN – Mumbai, India | MD & CEO – Gaurav Banerjee

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45. Mumbai all-rounder Simran Shaikh became the costliest domestic player when she was acquired
for a record Rs 1.90 crore by Adani Sportsline-owned Gujarat Giants at the 2025 Women’s Premier
League (WPL) mini-auction in Bengaluru. Simran entered the auction at a base price of Rs 10 lakh.
Simran represented the UP Warriorz, owned by Capri Global, in WPL 2022-23. She went unsold in
the 2024 auction. Gujarat Giants also acquired a West Indian all-rounder Deandra Dottin with Rs 1.70
crore. Dottin was the costliest among overseas players. Tamil Nadu’s 16-year-old G Kamalini, also
secured her career’s biggest pay cheque of Rs 1.60 crore from Indiawin Sports-owned Mumbai
Indians at the auction. Roger Binny heads BCCI’s WPL committee. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL) mini-auction – Bengaluru
• Simran Shaikh – became costliest domestic player | Acquired for – Rs 1.90 Cr by Gujarat Giants (Adani)
- She entered the auction at a base price of – Rs 10 lakh
• Simran represented – UP Warriorz, owned by Capri Global, in WPL 2022-23
• Deandra Dottin (a West Indian all-rounder) – also acquired by Gujarat Giants for Rs 1.70 Cr (costliest overseas player)
• G Kamalini (Tamil Nadu) – acquired by Mumbai Indians, owned by Indiawin Sports, for Rs 1.60 Cr
• HQs of WPL – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairperson – Roger Binny

46. Ace seamer Shaheen Afridi has become Pakistan’s 1st bowler to take 100 wickets in each format
of international cricket. Apart from T20Is, the 24-year-old left-arm seamer boasts 112 wickets in
ODIs and 116 in Test cricket. He also became 3rd Pakistani bowler to achieve 100 T20I wickets,
behind Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan and the second-fastest to take 100 T20I wickets for Pakistan
in 74 T20I matches after Haris Rauf. Overall, Shaheen became the youngest to achieve the feat and joined the ranks of New
Zealand’s Tim Southee, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, and Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Shaheen Afridi – became Pakistan’s 1st bowler to take 100 wickets in each format of international cricket
• He also became 3rd Pakistani bowler to achieve 100 T20I wickets | 1st – Haris Rauf | 2nd – Shadab Khan
• He also became 2nd fastest to take 100 T20I wickets for Pakistan in 74 T20I matches | 1st – Haris Rauf

47. Russia won the 13th edition of the “Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2024”, organised by the
Indian Navy off the coast of Ezhimala in Kannur, Kerala. The winning team was represented by Lt
Gorkunov Petr llyich and Cdt Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna. Italy and India (represented by SLt
Japman Avtar and Cdt P K Reddy) were the runners-up. In the men’s individual category, Lt
Gorkunov Petr Ilyich from Russia claimed the top spot (gold). Singapore’s 2Lt Darius Lee Kheng
Wee and Greece’s Ensign Pappas Vissarion H N secured the 2nd (silver) and 3rd (bronze) places,
respectively. In the women’s individual category, Ensign Camilla Bernabei of Italy won the gold. Russia’s Cdt Loshichinina
Polina Vladislavovna grabbed silver, while India’s SLt Isha Shah clinched the bronze. The Indian contingent included teams
from the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, and the National Defence Academy (NDA) in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra.
The 2023 edition was won by Italy, and followed by India as 2nd and the UK and Germany as jointly 3rd. The 1st Admiral Cup
was organised by the Indian Navy in 2010. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 13th edition of “Admiral’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2024” – organised by Indian Navy off coast of Ezhimala in Kannur, Kerala
• Russia – won the cup | Represented by – Lt Gorkunov Petr llyich & Cdt Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna

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• Runners-up: 1st – Italy | 2nd – India (represented by SLt Japman Avtar & Cdt P K Reddy)
• In men’s individual category: Gold – Lt Gorkunov Petr Ilyich (Russia)
- Silver – 2Lt Darius Lee Kheng Wee (Singapore) | 3rd – Ensign Pappas Vissarion H N (Greece)
• In women’s individual category: Gold – Ensign Camilla Bernabei (Italy)
- Silver – Cdt Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna (Russia) | Bronze – SLt Isha Shah (India)
• Indian contingent included teams from – Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala & NDA in Khadakwasla, Maharashtra
• 2023 edition – won by Italy, followed by India (2nd) and UK & Germany (3rd)
• 1st Admiral Cup – organised by Indian Navy in 2010
• HQs of Indian Navy – Delhi | Chief – Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi | Vice Chief – Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan

48. Mumbai, led by Shreyas Iyer, defeated Madhya Pradesh, led by Rajat Patidar, in the
final of the “Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024” at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru
to win the 2nd title. Mumbai won its 1st title in 2022 after defeating Himachal Pradesh.
Suryansh Shedge of Mumbai won the ‘Player of the Match’ award, while Ajinkaya Rahane
of Mumbai secured the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award. Ajinkya Rahane was the ‘Top
Scorer’ at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 with 469 runs. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a domestic men’s senior
championship organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and is played in the T20 format. It was initially
started as the Inter-State T-20 Tournament, but it was renamed the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by the BCCI ahead of its second
edition in 2009. Tamil Nadu won the most Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 3 times (2006, 2020 & 2021). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Final of “Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024” – held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Winner – Mumbai (led by Shreyas Iyer-2nd title) | Defeated – Madhya Pradesh (led by Rajat Patidar)
- Mumbai ‘s 1st title – 2022, defeating Himachal Pradesh
• ‘Player of the Match’ – Suryansh Shedge (Mumbai) | ‘Player of the Tournament’ – Ajinkaya Rahane (Mumbai)
• ‘Top Scorer’ at Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 – Ajinkya Rahane with 469 runs
• Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – a domestic men’s senior championship played in T20 format | Organised by – BCCI
• It was started as Inter-State T-20 Tournament | Renamed – by BCCI ahead of 2nd edition in 2009
• Most Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy – Tamil Nadu (3 times, in 2006, 2020 & 2021)

49. Indian women’s hockey team defeated China in the penalty shootout in the final of the
10th “Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024” in Muscat, Oman, to successfully defend its title. China
was playing its 8th final, having won it 3 times, while India was playing its 3rd final. The top 5
finishers of the tournament - India, China, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia - qualified for
the ‘2025 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup’ to be held in Chile. Out of 24 teams, 5 places were
selected for Asia for the 2025 World Cup. Earlier this month, the Indian men’s hockey team also won the ‘2024 Hockey Junior
Asia Cup’ for the 5th time in Muscat, Oman, after beating Pakistan. Hockey India, announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh for each
player and Rs 1 lakh to each support staff for everyone’s effort and winning the championship. The Women Junior Asia Cup
for women players below 21 years of age is organised by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). The 1st Women Junior Asia Cup
was held in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and South Korea won it. South Korea is the most successful team in the
tournament, having won it 4 times, followed by China (3 times) and India (2 times - in 2023 & 2024). {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• 10th “Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024” – held in Muscat, Oman
• Winner – India (playing 3rd final) | Defeated – China (playing 8th final)
• Top 5 finishers of tournament qualified for ‘2025 FIH Women’s Junior World Cup’ to be held in Chile | Total teams – 24
- India, China, Japan, South Korea & Malaysia
• Earlier this month, Indian men’s hockey team won ‘2024 Hockey Junior Asia Cup’ for 5th time in Muscat, Oman
• Hockey India announced a reward of: Rs 2 lakh – for each player | Rs 1 lakh – to each support staff
• Women Junior Asia Cup for women players below 21 years of age – organised by Asian Hockey Federation (AHF)
• 1st Women Junior Asia Cup – held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 1992 | Winner – South Korea
• Most successful team – South Korea (4 times) | 2nd – China (3 times) | 3rd – India (2 times in 2023 & 2024)

Persons in News
50. Indian actress and director Shriya Pilgaonkar joined hands with the “All Living Things Environmental
Film Festival (ALT EFF)” as the goodwill ambassador for its 2024 edition. She is known for her performances
in film and web series, as well as her steadfast commitment to environmental protection. Moreover, Alia
Bhatt was also appointed as the goodwill ambassador of ALT EFF for the 2024 edition. ALT EFF 2024, that
took place from November 22 to December 8, hosted 110-plus screenings across 20 states, and 700
schools, alongside international events. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Shriya Pilgaonkar & Alia Bhatt – appointed as goodwill ambassador for 2024 edition of “All Living Things Environmental
Film Festival”
• ALT EFF 2024 – held from Nov 22-Dec 8 | It hosted 110+ screenings across 20 states & 700 schools

Science & Technology

51. Solid State Physics Laboratory, a DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) laboratory, has successfully
developed indigenous processes for growing and manufacturing 4-inch diameter Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers and fabricating
Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) up to 150W & Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits
(MMICs) up to 40W for applications up to X-band frequencies. Indigenous GaN on SiC-based MMICs with limited production
capability has been successfully established at GAETEC, Hyderabad. These state-of-the-art multifunctional MMICs cater to
wide applications in next-generation strategic systems, space, future combat systems, RADARS, electronic warfare systems,
aerospace and 5G/satellite communications. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Solid State Physics Laboratory (a DRDO lab) developed indigenous processes for:
- growing & manufacturing 4-inch diameter Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers
- fabricating Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors) up to 150W & Monolithic Microwave Integrated
Circuits (MMICs) up to 40W

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52. IIT Madras has become the first research organisation in the world to release the most detailed 3D
high-resolution images of the fetal brain. For the first time, in the world, 5,132 brain sections have been
captured digitally using the cutting-edge brain mapping technology developed by the Sudha
Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre in the Institute. This work will advance the field of neuroscience and
potentially lead to the development of treatment for health conditions affecting the brain. This is the first
time such advanced human neuroscience data has been produced from India. The project was done at less than 1/10 th of
the costs in western countries. Data generated by the institute has been validated by the a 130-year-old “Journal of
Comparative Neurology.” The work was supported by the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of
India, Kris Gopalakrishnan (IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus and Co-Founder of Infosys), Premji Invest, Fortis Healthcare,
and Agilus Diagnostics. NVIDIA, the leading AI company, partnered with the Centre to help process these petabytes of brain
data. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam is the Head of Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIT Madras – became 1st research organisation in world to release most detailed 3D high-resolution images of fetal brain
• For 1st time in world, 5,132 brain sections – captured digitally using cutting-edge brain mapping technology
- Developed by – Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre in he Institute
• Data generated by institute has been validated by a 130-year-old “Journal of Comparative Neurology”
• Work was supported by – Office of PSA to GoI, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Premji Invest, Fortis Healthcare & Agilus Diagnostics
• NVIDIA – partnered with Centre to help process these petabytes of brain data
• Location of Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre – Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Head – Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam

53. During the ‘Google Workspace Media Summit 2024’ themed “Bring AI to Work” in
Bengaluru, Google announced that India has surpassed the USA as the world’s biggest
Workspace user base with the highest monthly active Gmail users. Google also mentioned
that there are over 3 billion active Workspace users in the world, 10 million of them being
paid customers. Over 170 million students and teachers around the world actively use Google
Workspace. According to Google, Google Workspace, its cloud-first collaboration and productivity suite, helps users save
approximately 21 days per year, and it is also said to improve collaboration by 30%. It is also the only productivity suite that
allows up to 100 users to collaborate in real-time on a single document. Google also demonstrated some of the new
capabilities of Docs, NotebookLM, and Gemini, and how these new tools can help users improve their productivity and also
save time. The company also showcased a demo, enabling users to create a beautiful presentation on ‘Google Vids’ using a
simple text prompt. Sumedha Chakraborty is the country head of Google Workspace in India and South Asia. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ‘Google Workspace Media Summit 2024’ – held in Bengaluru | Theme – “Bring AI to Work”
• World’s biggest Workspace user base with highest monthly active Gmail users – India
• There are 3+ billion active Workspace users in world | 10 million – paid customers | 170 million – students & teachers
• Google Workspace – only productivity suite that allows up to 100 users to collaborate in real-time on a single document
• Sumedha Chakraborty – country head of Google Workspace in India & South Asia
• HQs of Google – California, US | CEO – Sundar Pichai | Founded in – 1998

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54. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has hosted the “Smart India Hackathon
(SIH) 2024” grand finale, held on December 11 and December 12. As a designated nodal
centre, IIT Guwahati facilitated the software edition of the hackathon, hosting student
teams from across the country. Participants from Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi, Tamil
Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh competed by addressing 186 problem
statements through innovative solutions. The hackathon featured 20 teams, each
comprising 6 students and two mentors. The winning teams received ₹1 lakh in prize money. A key highlight of the ‘Smart
India Hackathon 2024’ was the annual address by PM Narendra Modi, who virtually interacted with participants. Since its
launch in 2017, the Smart India Hackathon has been a key initiative by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell (MIC) and
AICTE, focused on addressing real-world challenges through technological innovation. The Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024
was hosted by multiple institutions, including IIT Guwahati, IIT Jammu, and IIT Roorkee. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024” grand finale – hosted by IIT Guwahati on Dec 11-12, 2024
• IIT Guwahati – facilitated software edition of hackathon, hosting student teams from across the country
• It featured 20 teams, each comprising 6 students & 2 mentors
- From – Maharashtra, Telangana, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka & Uttar Pradesh
• Winning teams received prize money – ₹1 lakh
• SIH – launched in 2017 | By – MoE’s Innovation Cell (MIC) & AICTE
• SIH 2024 – hosted by multiple institutions, including IIT Guwahati, IIT Jammu & IIT Roorkee

55. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the telecom R&D centre under the
Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed an agreement with Trois Infotech for its
“Face Recognition Using Drone” technology under the Telecom Technology Development Fund
(TTDF) programme of the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) of the DoT, with C-DOT as the
implementing agency. The scheme is designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, acting as a crucial
enabler for the design, development, and commercialisation of telecommunication products and solutions to facilitate
affordable broadband and mobile services. Designed for aerial surveillance, these drones will be utilised in various
applications across traffic management, emergency response, defence, environmental monitoring, and more, setting new
standards in drone technology for real-time intelligence and decision-making. Trois Infotech, incubated by Kerala Startup
Mission (KSUM), was founded in 2018 and headquartered in Technopark, Trivandrum. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• C-DOT + Trois Infotech = an agreement for its “Face Recognition Using Drone” technology
- Under TTDF programme of Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) of DoT | Implementing agency – C-DOT
• Aim: To fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions for design, development & commercialisation of
telecommunication products & solutions
• HQs of Trois Infotech – Trivandrum, Kerala | CEO – Jithesh T | Founded in – 2018
• HQs of C-DoT – New Delhi | CEO – Rajkumar Upadhyay | C-DoT works under – DoT (Ministry of Communications)

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Appointments & Resignations
56. Captain Ibrahim Traore, the head of Burkina Faso’s military junta, has appointed former
communications minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, as the Prime Minister. The appointment
comes one day after the country’s ruling military leader dismissed outgoing premier Apollinaire Joachim
Kyelem de Tambela and dissolved the government. No reason was given for his removal. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo – appointed as PM of Burkina Faso (replacing - Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de
Tambela)
• By – Captain Ibrahim Traore | Country’s military dissolved the previous government
• Burkina Faso – Ouagadougou – West African CFA franc | PM – Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo

57. Li Quanhai was re-elected as the President of World Sailing for a new 4-year term at the
organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), continuing as the only Chinese president of an Olympic
International Sports Federation. Founded in Paris in 1907, World Sailing is recognised by the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the global governing body for sailing, with 137 member
national associations. The organisation holds leadership elections every four years, and Li first assumed the presidency in
November 2020. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Li Quanhai – re-elected as President of World Sailing for 4 years
• He is the only Chinese president of an Olympic International Sports Federation
• HQs of World Sailing – London, UK | President – Li Quanhai | Founded in – 1907

58. Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, who has served as the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan since 2016, has been
appointed to this position for the third time through a decree issued by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to Article 94 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy
Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved the proposal for Aripov’s appointment. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov – appointed as PM of Uzbekistan for 3rd time
• Uzbekistan – Tashkent – Uzbekistani Som | PM – Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov | President – Shavkat Mirziyoyev

59. The government of India has appointed Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra as the 26th
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for 3 years, a day before incumbent Governor
Shaktikanta Das’s six-year term, the second-longest serving RBI Governor after Bengal Rama Rau
(July 1949 to January 1957), tenure came to an end on December 10, 2024. He will steer his 1 st
monetary policy review from February 5 to 7, 2025. The RBI’s affairs are governed by a central
board of directors (21 members). The board comprises Official Directors (the Governor and not
more than 4 Deputy Governors) and Non-Official Directors (10 Directors nominated by the
government of India from various fields, 2 government officials, and 4 Directors representing the
4 local boards of the RBI in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and Delhi. The RBI was established on April
1, 1935, in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. It was originally
set up as a private entity in 1935, but it was nationalized in 1949. The 1st Governor of the RBI was Sir Osborne Smith (1935-
37), while C.D. Deshmukh (1943-49) was the 1st Indian Governor of the RBI. Sir Benegal Rama Rau was the longest serving
Governor of RBI (7+ years), while Amitav Ghosh served the shortest tenure of just 20 days. {Read more}

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60. The incoming Donald Trump administration has appointed Harmeet K. Dhillon as the Assistant Attorney
General for civil rights. She is the fourth Indian-origin to be nominated in the Trump 2.0 cabinet. Dhillon, a
prominent election lawyer and defender of civil liberties, will focus on ensuring fair elections and upholding
constitutional rights in her new role at the Department of Justice. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Harmeet K. Dhillon – appointed as Assistant Attorney General for civil rights
• She is 4th Indian-origin to be nominated in the Trump 2.0 cabinet
• US – Washington, D.C. – US Dollar | 46th President – Joe Biden | 49th VP – Kamala Harris

61. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) MLA Rabindra Nath Mahato was elected as the Speaker of the
6th Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The Nala MLA is the first leader who has been elected as the
Speaker for the second consecutive term. Besides, BJP MLA Rahul Narwekar is elected unopposed
as the speaker of the 15th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, as the opposition alliance Maha Vikas
Aghadi (MVA) decided not to put up a contest. The BJP leader, who was the speaker in the 14th assembly for two and a half
years, was re-elected from the Colaba assembly seat in Mumbai. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Rabindra Nath Mahato (JMM MLA) – elected as the Speaker of the 6th Jharkhand Legislative Assembly
• Rahul Narwekar (BJP MLA) – elected as the Speaker of the 15th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
• Jharkhand: Capital – Ranchi | CM – Hemant Soren | Governor – Santosh Kumar Gangwar
• Maharashtra: Capital – Mumbai | CM – Eknath Shinde | Governor – CP Radhakrishnan

62. The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet, headed by PM Narendra Modi, assigned the additional
charge of the post of Revenue Secretary in the Finance Ministry to Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth.
Seth’s immediate appointment was necessitated by the vacancy in the post following the appointment
of outgoing revenue secretary Sanjay Malhotra as the 26th Governor of RBI. Seth is also tasked with
overseeing the ongoing review of the ‘Income-Tax Act’ as well as the customs duty rate structure. He
was honoured with the “Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration” in 2013, as part of the team that
helped transform the commercial tax administration in Karnataka. Seth is also credited with leading initiatives such as India’s
1st sovereign green bond issuance and the creation of the Infrastructure Finance Secretariat. {Read more}

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63. Ghana’s former leader John Dramani Mahama was declared the winner of the
Presidential election. Previously president of Ghana, a West African nation, between 2012
and 2017, the 65-year-old Mahama received 56.5% of votes to return as Ghana’s president 8
years after losing power. His main opponent from the current governing party, Vice President
Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat. The governing New Patriotic Party has struggled to
resolve the economic crisis under outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• John Dramani Mahama – winner of the Presidential election of Ghana (a West African nation)
• He will replace – Nana Akufo-Addo
• Ghana – Accra – Cedi | President – John Dramani Mahama

64. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has nominated Justice Surya Kant as the new Chairman of
the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). Justice Surya Kant was elevated as a judge of the
Supreme Court on May 24, 2019. He is due to retire on February 9, 2027. The post was previously held
by Justice BR Gavai, who will now head the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), which is
mandated to provide free legal services to the weaker sections of society. While the CJI is the patron-
in-chief of the NALSA, the senior-most judge after him is its executive chair. The 2nd senior-most judge heads the SCLSC,
which provides legal services to litigants in the top court. The SCLSC was constituted under Section 3A of the ‘Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987’, to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society, in cases falling under
the SC’s jurisdiction. Section 3A of the Act states that the NALSA shall constitute the SCLSC. The Chairman and other
members will be nominated by the CJI. Further, the CJI can appoint the Secretary to the Committee. As of date, the SCLSC
consists of chairperson Justice Surya Kant and 9 members nominated by the CJI. NALSA was constituted in 1995 to monitor
and evaluate the implementation of legal aid programmes. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Justice Surya Kant – nominated as new Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (replacing - Justice BR
Gavai)
• Justice BR Gavai – to head National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
• CJI – patron-in-chief of NALSA | Senior-most judge after him – executive chair | 2nd senior-most judge – heads SCLSC
• SCLSC – constituted under Section 3A of ‘Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987’
• Section 3A of Act – states that NALSA shall constitute SCLSC
- Chairman & other members – to be nominated by CJI | Secretary – to be appointed by CJI
• SCLSC – consists of chairperson Justice Surya Kant & 9 members nominated by CJI
• NALSA – constituted in 1995 to monitor & evaluate implementation of legal aid programmes
• Present CJI of Supreme Court – Justice Sanjiv Khanna (51st) | Established on – Jan 28, 1950
- Retirement age: Chief Justices & Judges of HC – 62 years | CJI & judges of the SC – 65 years
- Sanctioned strength of judges in the SC – 34 (including CJI)

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65. Mali’s ruling junta has appointed its spokesperson, Abdoulaye Maiga, as Prime Minister.
Abdoulaye succeeds Choguel Kokalla Maiga, who served as the PM of Mali since 2021. Mali has
been ruled by military leaders since the junta seized power in successive coups in 2020 and 2021.
Abdoulaye Maiga’s appointment effectively means that all 3 branches of the government - the
Malian presidency, the National Transitional Council, and the post of Prime Minister - are now in the hands of military
officers. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Abdoulaye Maiga – appointed as PM of Mali (succeeding - Choguel Kokalla Maiga)
• Mali – Bamako – West African CFA Franc | PM – Abdoulaye Maiga

66. TransUnion CIBIL has appointed Bhavesh Jain as Managing Director and CEO. He will replace
Rajesh Kumar, who recently resigned after 5 years. Earlier, Mr Jain was serving the position of Chief
Revenue Officer in the company. He had previously worked at Thomson Reuters, Citi and Kone.
Todd Skinner is the President of TransUnion International. TransUnion is one of four credit bureaus
operating in India and is part of TransUnion, an American multinational group. Other three credit bureaus in India are -
Experian, Equifax, and CRIF High Mark. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Bhavesh Jain – appointed as MD & CEO of TransUnion CIBIL (replacing - Rajesh Kumar)
• TransUnion – 1 of 4 credit bureaus operating in India | Other three – Experian, Equifax & CRIF High Mark
• Todd Skinner – President of TransUnion International
• HQs of TransUnion CIBIL – Mumbai, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Bhavesh Jain | Founded in – 2000

67. Mohamed al-Bashir has been appointed caretaker Prime Minister of the transitional Syrian
government until March 1, 2025. He succeeds outgoing prime minister Mohammed al-Jalali. Al-
Bashir headed the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib province. The “Salvation Government”,
with its own ministries, departments, judicial and security authorities, was set up in Idlib in 2017 to
assist people in the rebel-held area cut off from government services. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Mohamed al-Bashir – appointed caretaker PM of Syria until Mar 1, 2025 (succeeding - Mohammed al-Jalali)
• He headed Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib province
• “Salvation Government” – set up in Idlib in 2017 to assist people in rebel-held area cut off from government services
• Syria – Damascus – Syrian Pound | President – Bashar al-Assad | PM – Mohamed al-Bashir

68. Khilli Ram Meena formally assumed his role as the new Chief Secretary of Mizoram. He took charge
from acting Chief Secretary H. Lalengmawia and succeeded Renu Sharma, who retired on October 31.
Additionally, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma inaugurated 2 new digital dashboards, the ‘Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG) Dashboard’ and the ‘Mizoram State Project Monitoring Dashboard (MPLAN)’.
He also stated that the state government would establish a framework to prioritise these initiatives, with the SDG Dashboard
reflecting these priorities. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Khilli Ram Meena – appointed as Chief Secretary of Mizoram (took charge from - acting Chief Secretary H. Lalengmawia)
- Succeeding – Renu Sharma

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69. Centrist leader Francois Bayrou has become France’s new Prime Minister, chosen by President
Emmanuel Macron in a bid to end months of political turmoil. Francois will replace Michel Barnier
who was recently ousted by MPs. Macron is half-way through his second term as president and
Bayrou will be his fourth prime minister this year. Bayrou is the founder of the Democratic Movement
(MoDem) party which has been a part of Macron’s ruling alliance since 2017. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Francois Bayrou – appointed as new PM of France (replacing - Michel Barnier)
• France – Paris – Euro | President – Emmanuel Macron | PM – Francois Bayrou

70. Former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili, founder of the People’s Power Party, has become
President of Georgia, and will be sworn in on 29 December 2024. Mikheil Kavelashvili, pro-Russian
and anti-Western, will replace pro-Western Salome Zourabichvili. He was the only candidate on
the ballot and easily won the election. Irakli Kobakhidze is the Prime Minister of Georgia. The EU,
which granted Georgia candidate status in December 2023 on condition that the country meets the bloc’s
recommendations, has put its accession on hold till 2028 and cut financial support in June following approval of the “foreign
influence” law. Georgia was part of the Soviet Union and gained independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet
Union. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Mikheil Kavelashvili (former soccer player) – to sworn in as President of Georgia on Dec 29, 2024
- Replacing - Salome Zourabichvili | Founded – People’s Power Party
• EU – granted Georgia candidate status in Dec 2023 & now put its accession on hold till 2028
• Georgia was part of Soviet Union & gained independence in 1991 after dissolution of Soviet Union
• Georgia – Tbilisi – Georgian Lari | PM – Irakli Kobakhidze | President – Mikheil Kavelashvili

71. Google has appointed Preeti Lobana as its new Country Manager and Vice President for India. Lobana
succeeds Sanjay Gupta, who was recently transitioned to a bigger role as President of the Asia Pacific
region. Lobana, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, brings over 30 years of experience in senior leadership
roles across the technology and financial industries. In her new role, she will partner deeply with Roma
Datta Chobey, who led as the interim Country Manager and will continue her exceptional leadership as
Managing Director for Google India’s Digital Native Industries. Prior to Google, Lobana held leadership positions at NatWest
Group, American Express, Standard Chartered Bank and ANZ Grindlays Bank. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Preeti Lobana – appointed as new Country Manager & Vice President for India of Google (succeeding - Sanjay Gupta)
• Sanjay Gupta – recently appointed as President of Asia Pacific region
• Roma Datta Chobey – to led as interim Country Manager
• HQs of Google – California, US | CEO – Sundar Pichai | Founded in – 1998

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Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes
72. Professor Projit Bihari Mukharji, a historian and Head of the History Department which is part of the
Harish and Bina Shah School of Humanities (HBSS) at the University, has been honored with the “2024 Pfizer
Award” by the History of Science Society (HSS) for his acclaimed book, “Brown Skins, White Coats: Race
Science in India, 1920-66”. The book delves into the complex intersections of race, science, colonialism,
and nationalism in India. The work provides a meticulous analysis of how scientific practices were deeply intertwined with
racial ideologies during the colonial era. The Pfizer Award, presented annually by HSS, recognises the book that significantly
contributes to the understanding of the history of science. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Prof. Projit Bihari Mukharji – honored with “2024 Pfizer Award” by History of Science Society (HSS)
• For his book – “Brown Skins, White Coats: Race Science in India, 1920-66”

73. Director-writer Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ secured 2 Golden Globe
nominations in Best Motion Picture in a non-English language and Best Director
categories at the 82nd Golden Globe. Kapadia, who won the Grand Prix award at the
Cannes Film Festival in May this year, will compete with Brady Corbet (Director of ‘The
Brutalist’), Coralie Fargeat (‘The Substance’), Edward Berger (‘Conclave’), Jacques
Audiard (‘Emilia Perez’), and Sean Baker (‘Anora’) for the Best Director award. The 2025
Golden Globe Awards ceremony is expected to be held on January 5 in Los Angeles. For the Best Motion Picture in a non-
English language category, Kapadia’s debut feature film is nominated along with ‘Emilia Perez’, ‘The Girl With The Needle’,
‘I’m Still Here’, ‘The Seed of The Sacred Fig and Vermiglio’. ‘All We Imagine As Light’ earlier lost out to ‘Laapataa Ladies’ as
India’s official entry to the Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ‘All We Imagine As Light’ – secured 2 Golden Globe nominations at 82nd Golden Globe
- 1st – in Best Motion Picture in a non-English language | 2nd – Best Director (Director - Payal Kapadia)
• Other nominations in ‘Best Director Award’ – ‘The Brutalist’ by Brady Corbet, ‘The Substance’s by Coralie Fargeat,
‘Conclave’ by Edward Berger, ‘Emilia Perez’ by Jacques Audiard & ‘Anora’ by Sean Baker
• 2025 Golden Globe Awards ceremony – to be held on Jan 5, 2025 in Los Angeles
• Other nominations in ‘Best Motion Picture’ – ‘Emilia Perez’, ‘The Girl With The Needle’, ‘I’m Still Here’, ‘The Seed of The
Sacred Fig and Vermiglio’

74. Veteran ecologist, Madhav Gadgil has been named one of the six “Champions of the Earth for
2024” by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Gadgil, aged 82, has been
honoured in the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category. The annual award, the UN’s highest
environmental honour, recognizes trailblazers at the forefront of efforts to protect people and
planet. Since 2005, the award has recognized 122 laureates for outstanding and inspirational
environmental leadership. The other awardees are Sonia Guajajara (Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples) in the ‘Policy
Leadership’ category; Amy Bowers Cordalis (an indigenous people’s rights advocate from the US) in the ‘Inspiration and
Action’ category; Gabriel Paun (a Romanian environmental defender) also in the ‘Inspiration and Action’ category; Lu Qi (a
Chinese scientist) in the ‘Science and Innovation’ category; and Sekem (a sustainable agriculture initiative in Egypt) in the
‘Entrepreneurial Vision’ category. Gadgil has always considered himself a “People’s Scientist”. His research has helped to
protect marginalized people, promote the community-driven conservation of ecosystems, from forests to wetlands, and
influence policymaking at the highest level. Gadgil chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel in 2011. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Madhav Gadgil – named one of 6 “Champions of the Earth for 2024” by UNEP in ‘Lifetime Achievement’ category
• Other awardees:
- Sonia Guajajara (Brazil’s Minister of Indigenous Peoples) – in ‘Policy Leadership’ category
- Amy Bowers Cordalis (an indigenous people’s rights advocate from US) – in ‘Inspiration and Action’ category
- Gabriel Paun (a Romanian environmental defender) – in ‘Inspiration and Action’ category
- Lu Qi (a Chinese scientist) – in ‘Science and Innovation’ category
- Sekem (a sustainable agriculture initiative in Egypt) – in ‘Entrepreneurial Vision’ category
• Gadgil – chaired Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel in 2011

75. Veteran filmmaker Shaji N Karun has been chosen for the “JC Daniel Award 2023” for lifetime
contributions to Malayalam cinema. Shaji has been chosen for the award for his contributions that
made a mark for Malayalam cinema in the national and international spheres. JC Daniel Award, the
highest film award instituted by the Kerala government, carries a purse of Rs 5 lakh, a citation and
a statuette. Shaji was selected by a jury chaired by 2022 JC Daniel award winner TV Chandran. Shaji’s
movie ‘Piravi’ was screened at around 70 festivals across the globe. The founding Chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra
Academy, Shaji now serves as Chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Shaji N Karun – chosen for the “JC Daniel Award 2023” for lifetime contributions to Malayalam cinema
• JC Daniel Award is the highest film award instituted by – Kerala Govt (Prize - Rs 5 lakh)
• Jury was chaired by – TV Chandran (2022 JC Daniel award winner)
• Shaji now serves as Chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation
• Kerala: Capital – Thiruvananthapuram | CM – Pinarayi Vijayan | Governor – Arif Mohammad Khan

76. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) has been honoured with two prestigious awards at the 3 rd
“PSU Transformation Awards 2024” ceremony, held at Shangri-La, New Delhi. The awards
spotlight HSL’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the shipbuilding industry. HSL
received recognition in two key categories: (i) ‘Innovative Product Development Award’ - for its
pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines; and (ii) ‘Technology Adoption Award’ -
for implementing an innovative method of installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support Vessels. The PSU
Transformation Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in driving growth,
innovation, and efficiency. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HSL – is honoured with two prestigious awards at the 3rd “PSU Transformation Awards 2024”
- ‘Innovative Product Development Award’ - for its pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines
- ‘Technology Adoption Award’ - for implementing an innovative method of installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving
Support Vessels
• HQs of Hindustan Shipyard Ltd – Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | CMD – Hemant Khatri

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77. The “National Panchayat Awards 2024” honored 45 exceptional Panchayats for their
contributions to sustainable and inclusive development in rural India. Held on December 11,
2024, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the event was presided over by President of India, Smt.
Droupadi Murmu. 1.94 lakh Gram Panchayats participated in the competition this year, with
42% of the 45 award-winning Panchayats led by women. The awards recognized Panchayats’
efforts in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water conservation, sanitation, and climate
sustainability, celebrating their role in driving grassroots development. The National
Panchayat Awards 2024 are awarded under 5 categories including - Deen Dayal Upadhyay
Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (winners - 27 Gram Panchayats); Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar
(9 Gram Panchayats); Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar (3 winners - Gram Panchayats from Maharashtra,
Odisha, & Tripura); Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar (3 winners - Gram Panchayats from Maharashtra, Odisha, &
Uttar Pradesh); and Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar (3 winners - Institutions from Kerala,
Maharashtra, and Odisha). A booklet titled “Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats” was unveiled, documenting
the innovative and impactful practices implemented by the award-winning Panchayats. In 2022, the awards were revamped
to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through a focused approach called Localization of
SDGs (LSDGs). Under this updated framework, Panchayats were ranked and recognized based on their performance across
9 thematic areas of sustainable development. The National Panchayat Awards are usually celebrated on April 24 th every
year, in conjunction with National Panchayati Raj Day. Due to the General Elections to the Lok Sabha held earlier in 2024,
the award ceremony was rescheduled to 11th December this year. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “National Panchayat Awards 2024” – honored 45 exceptional Panchayats under 5 categories:
- Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar – 3 Gram Panchayats from Maharashtra, Odisha & Tripura
- Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar – 3 Gram Panchayats from Maharashtra, Odisha & UP
- Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar – 3 Institutions from Kerala, Maharashtra & Odisha
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar – 27 Gram Panchayats
- Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar – 9 Gram Panchayats
• 42% of 45 award-winning Panchayats – led by women
• Booklet titled “Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats” was unveiled
• National Panchayat Awards – celebrated on April 24th every year (in conjunction with National Panchayati Raj Day)

78. The Bulgarian film ‘Stadoto’ (Tarika), directed by Milko Lazarov, won the ‘Golden Royal
Bengal Tiger Award’ for ‘Best Film’ under the ‘International Competition in Innovation Moving
Images’ section, at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) 2024. ‘Stadoto’ also won
the ‘Fipresci Award’ for its impactful storytelling and innovation in cinema. In the same section,
the festival’s ‘Special Jury’ award was presented to Alejandro Gerber Bicecci’s ‘Arillo De Hombre
Muerto’, while Ana Endara from Panama was honoured with the ‘Best Director’ award for her film ‘Querido Tropico’. In the
Indian cinema section, Aaryan Chandra Prakash received the ‘Best Director’ award for his film ‘Aajoor’, while the award for
‘Best Film’ in this category went to ‘Lachhi’, directed by Krishnegowda. Tanmaya Shekhar’s ‘Nukkad Natak’ received the
‘Special Jury’ award. Under the Bengali Panorama section, Abhijit Chowdhury’s ‘Dhrubor Ashchorjo Jibon’ was awarded the
‘Best Film’ award, with a cash prize of Rs 7.5 lakh. In the Asian Select section, the ‘NETPAC Award’ for ‘Best Film’ was won
by ‘Putulnama’ by Ranajit Ray. Aron Mitr’s ‘Goolar Ke Phool’ was adjudged the ‘Best Short Film’, while Amrit Sarkar’s
‘Mozzat’ received the ‘Special Jury’ mention in the short film section. Dipanjan Choudhury’s ‘Bhabotosher Karkhana’ took
home the prize in the Indian documentary competition, with Hariprasad K N’s ‘Melvilasam’ receiving the ‘Special Jury’
mention in this category. France was the focus country of the 30th edition of the KIFF. The 30th edition of the KIFF has unveiled
‘Unheard India’, a non-competitive category that boasts of screenings of multiple films made in Indian languages like
Garhwali, Konkani and Tulu. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) 2024
• ‘Golden Royal Bengal Tiger Award’ for ‘Best Film’ – Bulgarian film ‘Stadoto’ (Tarika), directed by Milko Lazarov
- Under – ‘International Competition in Innovation Moving Images’ section
- ‘Stadoto’ – also won ‘Fipresci Award’ for its impactful storytelling & innovation in cinema
• In ‘International Competition in Innovation Moving Images’ section:
- ‘Special Jury’ award – Alejandro Gerber Bicecci’s ‘Arillo De Hombre Muerto’
- ‘Best Director’ award – Ana Endara (Panama) for her film ‘Querido Tropico’
• In Indian cinema section:
- ‘Best Director’ award – Aaryan Chandra Prakash for his film ‘Aajoor’
- ‘Best Film’ award – ‘Lachhi’, directed by Krishnegowda | ‘Special Jury’ award – Tanmaya Shekhar’s ‘Nukkad Natak’
• Under Bengali Panorama section:
- ‘Best Film’ award – Abhijit Chowdhury’s ‘Dhrubor Ashchorjo Jibon’ | Cash prize – Rs 7.5 lakh
• In Asian Select section:
- ‘NETPAC Award’ for ‘Best Film’ – ‘Putulnama’ by Ranajit Ray | ‘Best Short Film’ – Aron Mitr’s ‘Goolar Ke Phool’
- ‘Special Jury’ mention in short film section – Amrit Sarkar’s ‘Mozzat’
• In Indian documentary competition:
- Winner – Dipanjan Choudhury’s ‘Bhabotosher Karkhana’ | ‘Special Jury’ mention – Hariprasad K N’s ‘Melvilasam’
• Focus country of 30th KIFF – France
• 30th KIFF unveiled ‘Unheard India’, a non-competitive category boasting screenings of multiple films made in Indian
languages

79. Donald Trump has been named “Time’s Person of the Year 2024” for the second time, recognizing his
significant political impact and historic comeback following his election victory over Kamala Harris on
November 5. Trump was also Time’s Person of the Year in 2016, when he was first elected to the White
House. He was listed as a finalist for this year’s award alongside notables including Vice President Kamala
Harris, X owner Elon Musk, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kate, the Princess of Wales.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• Donald Trump – named “Time’s Person of the Year 2024” for 2nd time | 1st time – in 2016
• HQs of TIME – New York, US | Editor-in-chief – Sam Jacobs | 1st issue published – March 3, 1923

80. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honorary rank of ‘General of Indian Army’ on
Nepal’s Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel at a ceremony in New Delhi. The honour was given
to him for his commendable military prowess and immeasurable contribution to further
fostering Nepal’s long and friendly association with India. There has been a unique tradition of
conferring the title of Honorary General on the army chiefs of Nepal and India since 1950. Last
month, Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel conferred the honorary rank of the ‘General of Nepal Army’ on Indian Army
Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at a special ceremony in Kathmandu. {Read more}

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81. Manoj Bajpayee-starrer ‘The Fable’, a US-Indian co-production, has bagged the ‘Best Film’
award at the 38th “Leeds International Film Festival” in the UK. ‘The Fable’, directed by writer-
director Raam Reddy, won the award in the Constellation Feature Film Competition, which
honours the best new, trailblazing cinema from around the world. In November 2024, ‘The
Fable’ won the special jury prize at the ‘2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 38th “Leeds International Film Festival” – held in UK
• ‘Best Film’ award – ‘The Fable’, Manoj Bajpayee-starrer | Director – Raam Reddy
• ‘The Fable’ – won special jury prize at ‘2024 MAMI Mumbai Film Festival’ in Nov 2024

82. The “Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM)”, a newly formed non-governmental
organisation, was launched at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church, Maryland to unite and promote
the welfare of minority communities within the Indian American diaspora in the United States.
During the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured (in absentia) with the “Dr Martin
Luther King Jr Global Peace Award” for Minority Upliftment. The award was jointly presented by Washington Adventist
University and AIAM, recognising his efforts towards inclusive development and minority welfare. Renowned Sikh
philanthropist Jasdip Singh was appointed as the Founder and Chairman of AIAM, supported by a 7-member Board of
Directors representing diverse Indian minority communities. These members include Baljinder Singh and Dr Sukhpal Dhanoa
(Sikhs), Pawan Bezwada and Elisha Pulivarti (Christians), Dipak Thakker (Hindu), Juned Qazi (Muslim), and Nissim Reuben
(Indian Jewish). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM)” – launched at Sligo 7th-day Adventist Church, Maryland
• To unite & promote welfare of minority communities within Indian American diaspora in US
• PM Modi – honoured with “Dr Martin Luther King Jr Global Peace Award” for Minority Upliftment
- Jointly presented by = Washington Adventist University + AIAM
• Jasdip Singh – appointed as Founder & Chairman of AIAM

83. Biocon Group Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was conferred the “Jamsetji Tata Award 2024”
by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for pioneering the biosciences movement in India since 1978 at
the ‘ISQ Annual Conference 2024,’ held in Bengaluru. Mazumdar-Shaw received the award from Janak
Kumar Mehta, President of ISQ, and Chairman & Managing Director of TQM International. The Jamsetji
Tata Award, instituted in 2004 by ISQ, recognises business leaders who have made significant contributions to Indian society.
Jamsetji Tata is known as the ‘Father of Modern Indian Industry.’ {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Biocon Group Chairperson) – conferred “Jamsetji Tata Award 2024” by Indian Society for Quality
- For pioneering biosciences movement in India since 1978 | At ‘ISQ Annual Conference 2024’ – held in Bengaluru

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Schemes & Initiatives

84. During his travel to Panipat, Haryana, PM Narendra Modi launched the “Bima Sakhi Yojana” by the Life Insurance
Corporation of India (LIC), a scheme aimed at empowering women. The scheme has potential to help women earn up to
₹1.75 lakh a year as commission through selling insurance policies as an insurance agent gets on an average ₹15,000 a month
as commission. The initiative will provide training to women aged 18-70 years, who have passed Class 10, to become LIC
agents. The scheme aims to train 2 lakh women as insurance agents. They will receive a stipend for the first 3 years to
promote financial literacy and awareness. During the 3-year training period, a woman trainee will get ₹7,000, ₹6,000 and
₹5,000 per month in first, second and third year, respectively. In Panipat, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the
main campus of “Maharana Pratap Horticultural University” in Karnal. The campus, covering 495 acres, will cost over Rs 700
crore and will focus on crop diversification and research in horticultural technologies. PM Modi also inaugurated the ‘Rising
Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024’ in Rajasthan’s Jaipur. The event was organized at the Jaipur Exhibition and
Convention Centre (JECC). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• PM Modi – launched “Bima Sakhi Yojana” by LIC in Panipat, Haryana, to empower women
• It will provide training to women aged 18-70 years, who have passed Class 10, to become LIC agents
- Stipend to be given for first 3 years to promote financial literacy & awareness (₹7000, ₹6000 & ₹5000 per month)
• Scheme has potential to help women earn up to ₹1.75 lakh a year (insurance agent gets on an average ₹15,000 a month)
• PM Modi – laid foundation stone for main campus of “Maharana Pratap Horticultural University” in Karnal (Rs 700 Cr)
• PM Modi – also inaugurated ‘Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024’ in Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Event was organized at – Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC)
• HQs of LIC – Mumbai | Chairman – Siddhartha Mohanty | Founded in – 1956 | Tagline – ‘Yogakshemam Vahamyaham’

85. The Centre has announced that it will bear the additional cost of Rs 425.62 crore in FY
2024-2025 on account of inflation in food material cost under the centrally sponsored “PM
POSHAN (POshan SHAkti Nirman) Scheme”. Under the scheme, one hot cooked meal is
served to 11.70 crore students studying in Balvatika (3-5 year age group) and classes I to VIII
in 10.24 lakh government and government-aided schools. Based on the inflation index
provided by the Labour Bureau, the material cost is enhanced from Rs 5.45 to Rs 6.19 for primary (1-5 year age group) and
Balvatika classes and from Rs 8.17 to Rs 9.29 for upper primary (6-8 year age group) classes with effect from December 1.
The per meal cost after adding all components including foodgrains cost under the scheme comes to approximately Rs 11.54
for Balvatika and primary classes and Rs 16.74 for upper primary classes. The Centre also provides about 26 lakh MT
foodgrains through the Food Corporation of India (FCI) for which it bears 100% cost of foodgrains, including a subsidy of
approximately Rs 9,000 crore per annum and 100% transportation cost of foodgrains from FCI depots to schools. The PM
POSHAN Scheme was earlier known as ‘Mid-Day Meal Scheme’. In September 2021, the Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister approved the continuation of the national scheme of ‘PM POSHAN’ in Schools
for the 5 years 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 with a financial outlay of Rs 54,061.73 crores from the Central Government and Rs
31,733.17 crore from State Governments & UTs. Central Government will also bear additional cost of about Rs 45,000 crore
on food grains. Therefore, the total scheme budget will amount to Rs 1,30,794.90 crore. {Read more}

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Smart Points:
• Centre will bear additional cost of Rs 425.62 Cr in FY25 on account of inflation in food material cost under “PM POSHAN
(POshan SHAkti Nirman) Scheme”
• Under this, one hot cooked meal is served to 11.70 crore students studying in Balvatika (3-5 years) & classes I to VIII in
10.24 lakh government & government-aided schools
• Material cost enhanced for different age groups w.e.f. Dec 1, 2024:
- For primary (1-5 year) & Balvatika classes – to Rs 6.19 (from Rs 5.45)
- For upper primary (6-8 year) classes – to Rs 9.29 (from Rs 8.17)
• Per meal cost after adding all components – Rs 11.54 (for Balvatika & primary) & Rs 16.74 (for upper primary)
• Centre – provides 26 lakh MT foodgrains through FCI | Subsidy – Rs 9,000 Cr per annum
• PM POSHAN Scheme – earlier known as ‘Mid-Day Meal Scheme’
• Continuation of ‘PM POSHAN’ in Schools – approved in Sep 2021 for 5 years from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026
- Outlay – Rs 54,061.73 Cr (from Central Govt) | Rs 31,733.17 Cr (from State Govts & UTs)
• Central Government – to bear additional cost of about Rs 45,000 Cr on food grains
- Total scheme budget – Rs 1,30,794.90 Cr

86. The “Mission Vatsalya Scheme”, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, has supported 2450 Child Care Institutions (CCIs) during
FY 2023-2024 for providing institutional care services to children. Under the mission, the CCIs provide age-appropriate
education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, and counseling. A total of 1,21,861 children were supported
for non-institutional care, while 62,594 children were given institutional care. Further, according to the official data,
presently, there are 762 District Child Protection Units, 781 Child Welfare Committees and 774 Juvenile Justice Boards in
the States/ UTs. 3580 children were adopted In-country and 449 children were adopted Inter-country during FY 2023-2024.
The Scheme is being implemented by the States/ Union Territories (UTs) to support ‘Children in Need of Care and Protection
(CNCP)’ and ‘Children in Conflict with Law (CCL)’. Under this scheme, the funds are shared between the Centre and States
in the ratio of 60:40 for all States and UTs with legislature except the North-Eastern States and Hilly States - Himachal Pradesh
and Uttarakhand and UT of Jammu & Kashmir, where the cost-sharing is in the ratio of 90:10. In UTs without legislature,
100% cost is borne by the Central Government. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Mission Vatsalya Scheme” – supported 2450 CCIs during FY24 for providing institutional care services to children
• Total children supported: Non-institutional care – 1,21,861 | Institutional care – 62,594
• Presently in states/UTs: 762 – District Child Protection Units | 781 – Child Welfare Committees
- 774 – Juvenile Justice Boards
• Adopted children during FY24: 3580 – adopted In-country | 449 – adopted Inter-country
• This scheme is being implemented by States/UTs to support ‘Children in Need of Care & Protection (CNCP)’ & ‘Children
in Conflict with Law (CCL)’
• Sharing of fund between Centre & states, under this scheme:
- 60:40 – For all States & UTs with legislature except North-Eastern States & Hilly States
- 90:10 – North-Eastern States & Hilly States, i.e., Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand & J&K
- 100% by centre – In UTs without legislature

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87. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled 6 welfare
schemes and distributed financial assistance to beneficiaries during an event at Luhnu
Ground, Bilaspur, marking 2 years of his government. The newly launched schemes were (i)
e-taxi under the ‘Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Swarojgar Yojna’, (ii) ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha
Yojna’ - financial assistance worth Rs 1.38 crore was disbursed to 5,145 beneficiaries, with
plans to support 23,000 children of widows, destitute women, and others with Rs 1,000 monthly aid and higher education
assistance under this Rs 53.21-crore initiative, (iii) ‘Himachal Pradesh Shiva Project’ - a Rs 1,292-crore horticulture project
covering 6,000 hectares in 7 districts, (iv) ‘Him Bhog Atta and natural farming support’ - maize grown using natural farming
methods was procured, and Rs 1.20 crore was transferred directly to farmers. (v) ‘Cow dung purchase scheme’ - the state
will buy organic and vermicompost at Rs 300 per quintal, and (vi) ‘Mobile Ayush healthcare units’ - 5 mobile units were
flagged off to serve remote tribal regions like Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, and Chamba, offering traditional treatments tailored
to local needs. The CM also announced financial aid of Rs 1.90 crore under the ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana’ to 197
beneficiaries, including housing grants, marriage and education aid, and vocational training. The state also announced the
integration of 36,000 new farmers into its Rs 680-crore ‘Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme’. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu – unveiled 6 welfare schemes & distributed financial assistance to beneficiaries at an event at
Luhnu Ground, Bilaspur
• Newly launched schemes:
- E-taxi – under ‘Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Swarojgar Yojna’ | ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna’
- ‘Himachal Pradesh Shiva Project’ – horticulture project covering 6,000 hectares in 7 districts | Worth – Rs 1,292 Cr
- ‘Him Bhog Atta & natural farming support’ – maize grown using natural farming methods
- ‘Cow dung purchase scheme’ – govt will buy organic & vermicompost at Rs 300 per quintal
- ‘Mobile Ayush healthcare units’ – 5 mobile units were flagged off
• ‘Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna’ – financial assistance disbursed to 5,145 beneficiaries
- Worth – Rs 1.38 Cr | Higher education assistance – Rs 53.21 Cr
• ‘Him Bhog Atta & natural farming support’ – Rs 1.20 Cr transferred directly to farmers
• He announced financial aid of Rs 1.90 Cr under ‘Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana’ to 197 beneficiaries
• He announced integration of 36,000 new farmers into Rs 680 Cr ‘Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme’
• HP: Capital – Shimla & Dharamshala | CM – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu | Governor – Shiv Pratap Shukla

88. Singrauli-based Coal India arm, Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), has launched “CHARAK”
(Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal), an innovative health-centric CSR
Initiative. This project is aimed at providing free treatment for the patients suffering from
identified Life-Threatening diseases belonging to Economically Weaker Sections of Singrauli
region. Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts having annual family income below Rs 8
Lakhs from all sources will be eligible for benefit under this scheme. Under this scheme, Malignancy, TB, HIV, Cardiovascular
diseases, Organ Transplant, Neurological Disorders, Accidental trauma, etc. are covered. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• NCL (Singrauli) – launched “CHARAK” (Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal)
• Aim: To provide free treatment for EWS patients of identified Life-Threatening diseases in Singrauli region
• Eligible person –Residents of Singrauli & Sonbhadra districts having annual family income below Rs 8 Lakhs

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89. The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and New
& Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, has launched the “Credit Guarantee Scheme
for e-NWR-based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF)”. This scheme provides a corpus of
Rs 1,000 crore for post-harvest finance availed by farmers against electronic
negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs) after depositing commodities in
Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses. The scheme will boost the post-
harvest lending to Rs 5.5 lakh crore in the next 10 years. This scheme majorly focuses on Small and Marginal Farmers,
Women, SC, ST and Divyangjan (PwD) farmers with a minimal guarantee fee. Besides, small traders (MSMEs), FPOs are also
benefited from this scheme. Loans extended to small and marginal farmers up to Rs 75 Lakhs will have coverage of 80-85%
(85% for loans up to Rs 3 lakh, & 80% for loans between Rs 3 to Rs 75 lakhs), and loans extended to MSMEs/FPO’s /traders
up to Rs 200 Lakhs will have coverage up to 75% under the scheme. The guarantee fee will be 0.4% p.a. for farmers and 1%
p.a. for non-farmers. All scheduled banks and all cooperative banks are eligible institutions. The scheme also addresses the
default arising out of both Credit risk and Warehouseman risk and thereby, improves trust in the banks. Further, the ‘e-Kisan
Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) platform of WRA, launched in March 2024, would streamline lending from end to end for
farmers without approaching the bankers repeatedly. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Pralhad Joshi – launched “Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR-based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF)”
• It provides corpus of Rs 1,000 Cr for post-harvest finance availed by farmers against e-NWRs after depositing
commodities in WDRA accredited warehouses
• It will boost post-harvest lending to Rs 5.5 lakh Cr in next 10 years
• It focuses on – Small & Marginal Farmers, Women, SC, ST, Divyangjan farmers, small traders (MSMEs) & FPOs
• Under this scheme, coverage of loans extended to:
- Small & marginal farmers – 85% for loans up to Rs 3 lakh & 80% for loans between Rs 3-75 lakhs
- MSMEs/FPO’s /traders up to Rs 200 Lakhs – up to 75%
• Guarantee fee: 0.4% p.a. – for farmers | 1% p.a. – for non-farmers
• Eligible institutions – all scheduled banks & all cooperative banks
• ‘e-Kisan Upaj Nidhi’ (Digital Gateway) platform of WRA – launched in March 2024
• Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: Pralhad Joshi | Constituency – Dharwad
MoS in Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution: B. L. Verma & Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya

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Meetings, Conferences and Summits
90. Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Jitin Prasada, has
inaugurated the 4th edition of “India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF)” at Bharat Mandapam, New
Delhi. This year’s theme, “Innovating Internet Governance for India”, highlights the nation’s
commitment to leveraging the Internet for sustainable, inclusive, and equitable growth. The forum
focused on the five important topics - (i) Empowering Connections, (ii) Legal and Regulatory
Frameworks, (iii) Responsible AI, (iv) Building a Greener and Sustainable Internet, and (v) Trust and Safety. Established in
2021, IIGF is the Indian chapter of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF). Supported by a 14-member
multi-stakeholder committee, IIGF aims to maximize the opportunities of the Internet while addressing associated
challenges and risks. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Jitin Prasada (MoS for MeitY) – inaugurated 4th edition of “India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF)” at Bharat
Mandapam, New Delhi
- Theme – “Innovating Internet Governance for India”
• It focused on 5 important topics – Empowering Connections; Legal & Regulatory Frameworks; Responsible AI; Building
a Greener & Sustainable Internet; and Trust & Safety
• IIGF – Indian chapter of United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF) | Established in – 2021
• Minister of Electronics & Information Technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw | Constituency – Odisha
MoS in Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology: Jitin Prasada

91. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the “Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit
2024” and the “Rajasthan Global Business Expo” at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in
Jaipur, Rajasthan. The theme of the investment summit, held from December 9 to 11, is “Replete,
Responsible, Ready”. Over 5,000 eminent business leaders, investors, delegates and participants
attended the event. The summit hosted 12 sectoral sessions on the themes of water security, sustainable mining, sustainable
finance, inclusive tourism, agri-business innovations and women-led startups, among others. 8 country sessions were also
be held during the summit with participating countries on the themes like ‘Water Management for Liveable Cities’,
‘Versatility of Industries - Manufacturing and Beyond’ and ‘Trade and Tourism.’ ‘Pravasi Rajasthani Conclave’ and ‘MSME
Conclave’ were also held as part of the event. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• PM Modi – inaugurated “Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024” & “Rajasthan Global Business Expo” in Jaipur
• Theme – “Replete, Responsible, Ready”
• The summit hosted 12 sectoral sessions & 8 country sessions on various themes
• ‘Pravasi Rajasthani Conclave’ and ‘MSME Conclave’ were also held as part of the event
• Rajasthan: Capital – Jaipur | CM – Bhajan Lal Sharma | Governor – Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde

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92. India participated in the 2nd Meeting of the Supply Chain Council (SCC) as Vice-
Chair. India was represented by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of
Commerce. The Chair (United States) of SCC highlighted the significant progress made
since the last meeting in September 2024. In September 2024, the first SCC meeting in
Washington led to the formation of Action Plan Teams (APT) focusing on six key areas
such as Semiconductors (led by US), Critical Minerals (led by Australia), Chemicals (led
by US) and Pharma/Healthcare sector (led by India), two Sub-Committees focusing on Logistics and Movement of Goods
(led by New Zealand), and Data and Analytics (led by Singapore). India’s emergence as a hub for affordable, high-quality
medicines is truly commendable. India now ranks 3rd in pharmaceutical production by volume and 14th by value. The Supply
Chain Council (SCC) was formed under the Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience under IPEF. Under IPEF, India has
also been elected as the Chair for Action Plan Team on Pharma/Healthcare. Currently, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand
have joined the APT on Pharma/Healthcare led by India. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• India (Rajesh Agrawal) – participated in the 2nd Meeting of the Supply Chain Council (SCC) as Vice-Chair
• Chair of the SCC – US | 1st SCC Meeting was held in Sep’24 – Washington DC, US
• 1st SCC Metting led to the formation of Action Plan Teams (APT) focusing on six key areas:
- Semiconductors (led by US)
- Critical Minerals (led by Australia)
- Chemicals (led by US)
- Pharma/Healthcare sector (led by India)
- Two Sub-Committees focusing on Logistics & Movement of Goods (led by New Zealand)
- Data & Analytics (led by Singapore)
• India ranks 3rd in pharmaceutical production by volume & 14th by value
• Currently, Thailand, Singapore, & New Zealand have joined the ‘APT on Pharma/Healthcare’ led by India

93. The 10th “World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024” was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief
Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun under the theme “Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective”.
The biennial event is being organised by the Union Ministry of Ayush and the World Ayurveda
Foundation, an initiative of Vijnana Bharati. The 1st Ayurveda Conference was organised in Kochi, Kerala,
in 2002, while the 9th edition was held in Goa in 2022. The World Ayurveda Foundation established the
World Ayurveda Congress to promote Ayurveda as a healthcare system in India and abroad. Additionally, on the occasion
of 9th Ayurveda Day on 29 October 2024 at All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, a nationwide ‘Desh Ka Prakriti
Parikshan Abhiyan’ was launched to evaluate the Prakriti of over 1 crore individuals based on Ayurveda principles. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• 10th “World Ayurveda Congress & Arogya Expo 2024” – inaugurated in Dehradun by Pushkar S. Dhami, Uttarakhand CM
- Theme – “Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective”
• Organised by – Union Ministry of Ayush & World Ayurveda Foundation (an initiative of Vijnana Bharati)
• Ayurveda Conferences: 1st edition – Kochi, Kerala (2002) | 9th edition – Goa (2022)
• World Ayurveda Foundation – established World Ayurveda Congress to promote Ayurveda as a healthcare system
• ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan’ – launched on Oct 29, 2024 (9th Ayurveda Day)

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94. Qatar has signed a deal to supply India’s top natural gas distributor GAIL (India) Ltd with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for
5 years. QatarEnergy Trading will ship one cargo a month to GAIL starting in April 2025. India is boosting gas imports as PM
Narendra Modi aims to raise the share of gas in the country’s energy mix to 15% by 2030 from about 6.5% now. Qatar,
among the world’s top LNG exporters, is India’s biggest LNG supplier. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Qatar + GAIL (India) Ltd = deal to supply LNG to GAIL for 5 years
• India – to raise share of gas in country’s energy mix to 15% by 2030 (from 6.5% now)
• Qatar – India’s biggest LNG supplier & among world’s top LNG exporters
• HQs of GAIL – New Delhi | MD & Chairman – Sandeep Kumar Gupta | Founded in – 1984
• Qatar – Doha – Riyal | PM – Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani

Ranks, Reports & Surveys

95. Despite rising food production, global hunger continues to worsen, with
152 million more people facing hunger in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic
levels in 2019, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO)’s Statistical Yearbook. The alarming trend underscores
the challenge of achieving UN-mandated Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) 2 of ‘Zero Hunger by 2030’. The report observed that hunger affected
9.1% of the world population in 2023, which is far above the 7.5% estimated for 2019. The global level of the prevalence of
undernourishment (PoU), which had increased sharply in 2020 and more slowly in 2021, persisted at nearly the same level
from 2021 to 2023. The PoU was the highest in Africa, followed by Asia. Even though the number of people facing hunger in
Asia declined by 2 million between 2022 and 2023, it still went up 79 million between 2019 and 2023 to 385 million. Asia
was home to 52% of the world’s undernourished people. The global production of primary crops reached 9.6 billion tonnes
in 2022, an increase of 56% compared to 2000. At the same time, obesity rates were also rising, particularly in high-income
regions. Over 25% of adults in the Americas, Europe and Oceania were obese. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• As per the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Statistical Yearbook:
• 152 million more people – facing hunger in 2023 (compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019)
• Hunger affected – 9.1% of world population in 2023 (from 7.5% estimated for 2019)
• Global level of prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) – persisted at nearly same level from 2021 to 2023
- Highest PoU – in Africa (followed by – Asia)
• No. of people facing hunger in Asia – rose 79 million between 2019 & 2023 to 385 million
• Asia – home to 52% of world’s undernourished people
• Global production of primary crops – 9.6 billion tonnes in 2022, an increase of 56% compared to 2000
• 25+% of adults in Americas, Europe & Oceania were obese
• HQs of FAO – Rome, Italy | DG – Dr. Qu Dongyu | Founded in – 1945

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96. Singer Diljit Dosanjh, actor Alia Bhatt and cricketer Virat Kohli are among 10 celebrities
whose names generate the riskiest online results, according to McAfee’s annual report titled
“Celebrity Hacker Hot List 2024”. Cybercriminals exploit the names of the most popular people
to create malicious sites and scams. The scams often lead to data breaches, financial losses and
personal information theft. The top 10 on India’s McAfee “Hacker Celebrity Hot List 2024” are
Orry (Orhan Awatramani), Diljit Dosanjh, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Virat Kohli, Sachin
Tendulkar, Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Aamir Khan, and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Earlier this year, a McAfee survey
found that 80% of Indians are more concerned about deepfakes than a year ago, with 64% stating that AI has made it more
difficult to spot online scams. Almost 75% of Indians reported having seen deepfake content, 38% have encountered a
deepfake scam and 18% have been a victim. ‘Deepfake’ is a type of artificial intelligence used to create convincing fake
images, videos & audio recordings. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Celebrity Hacker Hot List 2024” – released by McAfee
• Top 10 on India’s McAfee list – Orry (Orhan Awatramani), Diljit Dosanjh, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh, Virat Kohli, Sachin
Tendulkar, Shahrukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Aamir Khan & Mahendra Singh Dhoni
• ‘Deepfake’ is a type of artificial intelligence used to create convincing fake images, videos & audio recordings
• HQs of McAfee – California, US | CEO – Greg Johnson

97. With an overall score of 24 out of 100, India, which is the 5th largest economy in the world,
ranked 23rd globally in the “Sustainable Trade Index (STI) 2024”. India has improved its ranking
by 1 place from the 24th spot in 2023. Sustainable trade is defined as a trade that provides
mutually beneficial outcomes for trading partners while effectively balancing economic,
social, and environmental considerations. STI 2024 by Hinrich Foundation and IMD World
Competitiveness Center highlights and ranks global economies in trade sustainability based
on 3 pillars: economic growth, societal advancement, and environmental resilience. New
Zealand has retained as the ‘most sustainable trade economy’ for the 3rd consecutive edition with an overall score of 100.
United Kingdom (UK) ranked 2nd with an overall score of 97.7, followed by Australia (87.4), Singapore (85.7) and Japan (81.5).
India’s overall score is 24, with 62.3 for economic factors, 13.3 for societal aspects, and 43.1 for environmental
considerations. This indicates India’s strong economic performance, while also highlighting significant challenges in societal
and environmental areas. India ranked 16th in the economic pillar (score of 62.3), 28th in the societal pillar (score of 13.3),
and 28th in the environmental pillar (score of 43.1). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Sustainable Trade Index (STI) 2024” – published by Hinrich Foundation & IMD World Competitiveness Center
• India (5th largest economy in world) – 23rd globally with an overall score of 24 out of 100 (from 24th in 2023)
• Sustainable trade – trade that provides mutual beneficial outcomes for trading partners & balances economic, social &
environmental considerations
• Most sustainable trade economy – New Zealand (for 3rd consecutive time with score 100) | 2nd – UK (97.7)
- 3rd – Australia (87.4) | 4th – Singapore (85.7) | 5th – Japan (81.5)
• India’s score in different pillars: 62.3 – economic factors | 13.3 – societal aspects | 43.1 – environmental considerations
• India’s rank in different pillars: 16th – economic pillar | 28th – societal pillar | 28th – environmental pillar

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98. According to a new working paper titled “Female Labour Force Participation Rate: An
Observational Analysis of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2017-18 to 2022-23,”
released by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), the female labour
force participation rate (LFPR) increased in almost all states in India during 2017-18 to 2022-
23, with rural areas seeing larger gains than urban areas. States such as Bihar, Punjab, and
Haryana have consistently reported very low levels of female LFPR. Rural female LFPR rose to 41.5% from 24.6% during
2017-18 to 2022-23 (~69% growth), while urban LFPR rose to 25.4% from 20.4%. In terms of age, female LFPR forms a ‘bell-
shaped’ curve, peaking at 30-40 years of age and declining sharply after. The male LFPR, on the other hand, remains high
(nearly 100%) from ages 30-50, declining gradually thereafter. Among the northern states, Punjab and Haryana have
recorded low female LFPR. Among the eastern states, rural Bihar had the lowest LFPR in the country. Among the
northeastern states, there has been improvement in female LFPR in rural areas with Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh
leading among the states of the region. The paper was co-authored by Shamika Ravi and Mudit Mapoor. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “Female Labour Force Participation Rate: An Observational Analysis of PLFS 2017-18 to 2022-23” – released by Economic
Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
- Co-authored by – Shamika Ravi & Mudit Mapoor
• Female labour force participation rate (LFPR) – increased in almost all states in India during 2017-18 to 2022-23
• Very low levels of female LFPR – consistently reported in states such as Bihar, Punjab & Haryana
• Rural female LFPR – rose to 41.5% during 2017-18 to 2022-23 (from 24.6%) | Urban LFPR – rose to 25.4% (from 20.4%)
• In terms of age, female LFPR forms a ‘bell-shaped’ curve, peaking at 30-40 years of age & declining sharply after
• Male LFPR – remains high (nearly 100%) from ages 30-50, declining gradually thereafter
• Lowest female LFPR among northern states – Punjab & Haryana | Among eastern states – Bihar
• Highest female LFPR among northeastern states – Nagaland & Arunachal Pradesh

99. IIT Delhi is at the top among universities in India for sustainability, jumping 255 places
to reach 171st globally in the “2025 QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Sustainability Rankings”,
followed by IIT Kharagpur at 202nd rank globally, and the 3rd rank in India has been taken
by IIT Bombay with global rank 234th. IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras bagged the 4th and 5th
ranks in India with global ranks of 245th and 277th respectively. Further, IIT Delhi (55th)
and IIT Kanpur (87th) have been ranked among the world’s top 100 for environmental
impact. IISc, Bengaluru has been ranked among the world’s top 50 for environmental
education. Globally, the University of Toronto in Canada is the top-ranked university this
year, ahead of Switzerland-based ETH Zurich which got 2nd place, and Lund University in
Sweden & the University of California, Berkeley (UCB) in joint 3rd. QS’ methodology for the 2025 Rankings is based on
university performance across 3 assessment categories - Environmental Impact, Social Impact and Governance. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIT Delhi – topped the “2025 QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) Sustainability Rankings” in India | Global Rank – 171st
• In India: 2nd – IIT Kharagpur (202nd) | 3rd – IIT Bombay (234th) | 4th – IIT Kanpur (245th) | 5th – IIT Madras (277th)
• Globally: 1st – University of Toronto (Canada) | 2nd – ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
- 3rd Lund University (Sweden) & University of California (US)
• Rankings is based on university performance across 3 categories – Environmental Impact, Social Impact & Governance
• HQs of QS – London, UK | CEO – Jessica Turner | Founded in – 1990

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100. India has finally managed to control malaria, reduce mortality and get out of the ‘High-
Burden-High-Impact (HBHI)’ group of endemic countries, according to the WHO’s “World
Malaria Report 2024”, which provides a snapshot of efforts to control and eliminate the
disease in 83 countries. Malaria cases in India declined by 69% from 6.4 million in 2017 to 2
million in 2023. Similarly, the estimated malaria deaths registered a 69% decrease from
11,100 to 3500 during the same period. This was possible due to the Artemisinin-based
combination therapy (ACT) and long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN). The report further observed that between 2000 and
2023, 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths were averted worldwide. Apart from India, countries like Liberia and Rwanda
have seen huge drops in cases. Also, more countries are introducing the recently approved malaria vaccines - ‘R21/Matrix-
M vaccine’ and ‘RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine.’ To date, the WHO has certified 44 countries and one territory as malaria-free
- including, most recently, Egypt. Certification of malaria elimination requires the elimination of the 4 main human parasite
species: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. Ovale and P. malariae. Certification is awarded when a country or territory can prove
beyond a reasonable doubt that the mosquito-borne transmission chain has been interrupted nationwide, resulting in zero
indigenous malaria cases for at least 3 consecutive years. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “World Malaria Report 2024” – published by WHO
• India – managed to control malaria, reduce mortality & get out of ‘High-Burden-High-Impact’ group of endemic countries
• Malaria cases in India – declined by 69% to 2 million in 2023 (from 6.4 million in 2017)
• Estimated malaria deaths – 69% decrease to 3500 in 2023 (from 11,100 in 2017)
• Due to – Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) & long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN)
• Between 2000 & 2023, 2.2 billion cases & 12.7 million deaths were averted worldwide
• To date, WHO certified 44 countries & one territory as malaria-free | Most recently – Egypt
• Certification of malaria elimination requires elimination of 4 main human parasite species – P. falciparum, P. vivax, P.
Ovale & P. malariae
• Certification is awarded when a country/territory prove zero indigenous malaria cases for at least 3 consecutive years
• HQs of WHO – Geneva, Switzerland | DG – Tedros Adhanom | Member Countries – 194 | Founded in – 1948

101. According to government data, the decline in the food and beverage group led to retail
inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) softened to 5.48% in November 2024
compared with 6.2% in October. Rural inflation quickened to 9.10%, compared to 6.68% in
October, while urban inflation rose to 8.74% from 5.62% in the previous month. The top 5
items showing the highest year on year Inflation at the All-India level in November 2024 are
garlic (85.14), potato (66.65), cauliflower (47.70), cabbage (43.58) and coconut oil (42.13).
The key items having the lowest year-on-year inflation in November are jeera (-35.04), ginger (-16.96), LPG-excluding
conveyance (-10.24) and dry chillies (-9.73). Further, industrial output as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
rose 3.5% in October. The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee recently raised inflation estimates to 4.8% from 4.5% for the
same period, highlighting concerns over food inflation. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Retail inflation (based on CPI) – decrease to 5.48% in Nov due to decline in food & beverage group (from 6.2% in Oct)
- Y-o-Y growth rate (based on All-India CFPI) – 9% (from 10.9% in Oct)
• Inflation in Nov compared to Oct: Rural – 9.10% (from 6.68%) | Urban – 8.74% (from 5.62%)
- Top 5 items showing highest y-o-y Inflation at All-India level in Nov – Garlic, Potato, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Coco oil
- Items having lowest y-o-y inflation in in Nov – Jeera, Ginger, LPG-excluding conveyance, Dry chillies

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102. The World Health Organization (WHO) has published its first-ever “Global Status Report on
Drowning Prevention 2024” at an event in Geneva, revealing that 3 lakh people died by drowning in
2021 around the world (an estimated 30 every hour). Close to 92% of such deaths took place in low-
and middle-income countries. The WHO’s South-East Asia Region (which includes India) saw 83,000
deaths or 28% of the global burden. However, the drowning deaths has declined 38% since 2000 in
this region. While, the WHO’s European Region saw a 68% drop, the South-East Asia Region saw a
decline of 48%. Children aged under 5 accounted for the single largest share of drowning deaths (24%), with a further 19%
of deaths among children aged 5 to 14, and 14% among young people aged 15 to 29. The report notes that globally, drowning
is the 4th leading cause of death for children in the age group of 1 to 4, and the 3rd leading cause of death for children aged
5 to 14. The report does not capture deaths by drowning owing to natural disasters such as flooding, and those that occur
on water transport, primarily due to a lack of accurate data. More than 7.2 million people, mainly children, could die due to
this silent killer by the year 2050 if current trends continue. The report was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• 1st “Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024” – published by WHO at an event in Geneva
- Funded by – Bloomberg Philanthropies
• 3 lakh people – died by drowning in 2021 around the world (an estimated 30 every hour)
- 92% of such deaths took place in low- and middle-income countries
• WHO’s South-East Asia Region (including India) – 83,000 deaths or 28% of global burden
- Drowning deaths – declined 38% since 2000 in this region
• Decline in WHO’s other regions: European Region – 68% | South-East Asia Region – 48%
• Largest share of drowning deaths: Children (under 5) – 24% | Children (5-14) – 19% | Young people (15-29) – 14%
• Globally, drowning is leading cause of death for children aged: 1 to 4 – 4th | 5 to 14 – 3rd
• 7.2+ million people (mainly children) – could die due to drowning by 2050 if current trends continue
• HQs of WHO – Geneva, Switzerland | DG – Tedros Adhanom | Member Countries – 194 | Founded in – 1948

Amount & Agreements

103. World Bank has approved a $200 million project for the “Kerala Climate Resilient
AgriValue Chain Modernization (KERA) Project.” The Project is expected to benefit around
4,00,000 farmers by promoting climate-smart practices. This includes replanting climate-
resilient varieties of coffee, cardamom, and rubber, and expanding food parks in rural areas.
These parks will provide essential infrastructure like water, power, and waste management
to support agri-businesses in food processing and value-added products. The project will also form alliances between farmer
groups and agribusinesses to strengthen the link between producers and buyers. At least $9 million in commercial finance
is to be leveraged to benefit small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), especially women who currently own only 23% of the
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the State. The KERA project aims to address 2 major challenges in the
agricultural sector - Climate Change and Farm Income. Funded by the World Bank, the total outlay of the project is Rs 2765
crore, and it is expected to kick-start in 2025. {Read more}

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104. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support India’s
economic growth through the development of environmentally sustainable infrastructure.
ADB also noted that India faces a significant $1 trillion climate financing gap, which the public
sector alone cannot bridge. The loan, backed by a sovereign guarantee, will be provided to
India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL). This funding will enable IIFCL to offer
long-term capital for infrastructure projects focusing on critical areas such as connectivity, energy transition, urban
development, education, and healthcare. Similarly, ADB and India’s National Bank for Financing Infrastructure Development
(NaBFID) signed a letter of intent (LOI) in Manila, to bolster infrastructure financing in India. Under the agreement, ADB will
provide NaBFID with a technical assistance grant to build its capacity and enhance its climate finance capabilities. The
collaboration also includes the provision of credit lines through ADB-facilitated private-sector investments. Ramesh
Subramaniam is the ADB Sector Group Director General. ADB was established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members out of
which 49 are from the region. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ADB – approved a $500 million loan to support India’s economic growth through development of environmentally
sustainable infrastructure
• India – faces a climate financing gap of $1 trillion
• This loan (backed by a sovereign guarantee) – to be provided to IIFCL
• ADB + India’s NaBFID = signed a letter of intent (LOI) in Manila, to bolster infrastructure financing in India
• HQs of ADB – Mandaluyong, Philippines | President – Masatsugu Asakawa | Members – 69

105. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a $788.8 million (over Rs 6,600 crore) loan to Andhra Pradesh for
the development of Amaravati as a green and smart capital city that offers world-class infrastructure. The loan will be
provided in Japanese yen, amounting to 121.97 billion yen. The ‘Amaravati Inclusive and Sustainable Capital City
Development Programme’ is designed to transform Amaravati into a growth hub for the region, enhancing economic
prospects, providing job opportunities, and improving living conditions of the residents. The World Bank and ADB together
have in principle committed to fund ~$1600 million for the development of Amaravati. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• ADB – sanctioned a $788.8 million loan to Andhra Pradesh for development of Amaravati as a green & smart capital city
- It will be provided in – Japanese yen | Amounting to – 121.97 billion yen
• World Bank + ADB = together committed to fund ~$1600 million for development of Amaravati
• HQs of ADB – Mandaluyong, Philippines | President – Masatsugu Asakawa | Members – 69
• Andhra Pradesh: Capital – Amaravati | CM – N Chandra Babu Naidu | Governor – Syed Abdul Nazeer

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106. The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a new $325.10 million project
aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh (UP). The $325.10 million loan from the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) comes with a final maturity of 33.5
years, including a 6-year grace period, to support long-term agricultural development in the
region. The ‘Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-
AGREES) Project’ will also leverage $15 million in private finance, benefiting 1 million farmers in the eastern and
Bundelkhand regions of the state. Over the past decade, UP has become a major agricultural producer in India, ranking 1st
in wheat production, 2nd in rice production, and 3rd in agricultural exports. The project will support the creation of agricultural
commodity clusters and fisheries networks, connecting producers, agribusinesses, and public institutions to enhance value
addition and market access. It will also provide assistance to the proposed ‘Integrated Agri-Export Hub’ near Jewar Airport
in Greater Noida. The initiative will also receive support from international partners, including the governments of France,
Israel, and the Gates Foundation. Auguste Tano Kouame is the World Bank’s Country Director for India. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• World Bank – approved a new $325.10 million project aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh
• The $325.10 million loan from IBRD (World Bank) has a final maturity of 33.5 years (grace period - 6 years)
• This Project will also leverage $15 million in private finance
• It will also provide assistance to the proposed ‘Integrated Agri-Export Hub’ near Jewar Airport in Greater Noida
• UP ranks 1st in wheat production, 2nd in rice production, and 3rd in agricultural exports
• World Bank’s Country Director for India – Auguste Tano Kouame
• HQs of World Bank – Washington D.C., US | President – Ajay Banga | MD/CFO – Anshula Kant | Members – 189

Ordinance, Bills & Acts

107. The Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared 2 Bills - a
‘Constitutional Amendment Bill’ to conduct elections for the Lok Sabha and all state
assemblies together, and another ‘Ordinary Bill’ to align elections for the Delhi, Puducherry,
and Jammu & Kashmir assemblies - linked to the “One Nation One Election (ONOE) Bill.” The
Cabinet clearance now paves the way for the introduction of the 2 Bills in the ongoing Winter
Session of Parliament. The Centre plans to roll out its ambitious project in 2029 or 2034. The Ramnath Kovind committee,
which has prepared the framework of the ONOE concept, recommended simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state
assemblies as the 1st step. These changes need to be carried out through 2 Constitution Amendment Bills. The 1st Bill will
deal with the transition to a simultaneous election system, and the procedure for fresh elections to Lok Sabha or a state
Assembly before the expiration of their stipulated five-year term. For this, no ratification by the states will be required for
the constitutional amendment. The 2nd Bill will then deal with municipal and panchayat elections, as well as the creation of
a Single Electoral Roll by the Election Commission of India (ECI), with details of every voter and the seat for which they are
eligible to vote. This will require ratification by not less than one-half of the states. The 1st Bill would begin by inserting a
new article, ‘Article 82A’, into the Constitution to establish the process by which the country will move to a system of
simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and state Assemblies. Simultaneous elections in India were practised during the initial
years after independence in 1952, 1957, and 1962. In 2024, only 4 States (Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and
Sikkim) had their assembly elections, along with the Lok Sabha. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Cabinet cleared 2 Bills linked to “One Nation One Election (ONOE) Bill” | Cabinet led by – PM Narendra Modi
- ‘Constitutional Amendment Bill’ – to conduct elections for Lok Sabha & all state assemblies together

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- ‘Ordinary Bill’ – to align elections for Delhi, Puducherry, and J&K assemblies
• Centre plans to roll out its ambitious project in – 2029 or 2034
• Ramnath Kovind committee – recommended simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha & state assemblies as 1st step
• 1st Bill deals with transition to a simultaneous election system & procedure for fresh elections to Lok Sabha or a state
Assembly before expiration of their 5-year term
- It would insert a new article, ‘Article 82A’, into Constitution to establish the process
• 2nd Bill deals with municipal & panchayat elections & creation of a Single Electoral Roll by ECI
• Simultaneous elections in India – practised during initial years after independence in 1952, 1957 & 1962
• In 2024, only 4 States (Andhra, Arunachal, Odisha & Sikkim) had their assembly elections, along with Lok Sabha

MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships

108. The Headquarter Maintenance Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement
(MoA) with Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), Bengaluru, and Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID),
Bengaluru. The MoA includes jointly identifying problem areas of IAF in maintenance and servicing of equipment related to
radar, aircraft, IT and communication platforms and developing a strategic road map for reliability-centered maintenance
through Research and Development. This will also include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Digital Twin
based technologies for lifecycle management, productive maintenance and asset planning. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• HQ Maintenance Command of IAF + IISc Bengaluru + FSID Bengaluru = entered a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA)
• It includes jointly identifying problem areas of IAF in maintenance & servicing of equipment & developing a strategic
road map for reliability-centered maintenance through R&D
• HQs of IAF – New Delhi | Chief – Air Marshal Amar Preet Singh | Vice Chief – Air Marshal SP Dharkar

109. The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK), and the Management Training Institute (MTI) of Steel Authority
of India Limited (SAIL), a Maharatna PSU and India’s largest government-owned steel producer, have signed a landmark
MoU to foster collaboration in academic activities and human resource development (HRD) interventions. The partnership
will enable both institutions to leverage their expertise for capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and skill enhancement.
{Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIMK + MTI (SAIL) = an MoU to foster collaboration in academic activities & human resource development interventions
• Director of IIM Kozhikode – Prof. Debashis Chatterjee
• HQs of SAIL – New Delhi | CMD – Amarendu Prakash | Founded – January 24, 1973

110. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with Flipkart, India’s homegrown
e-commerce market and signed an MoU with the former to support and empower tech start-ups across India. The
partnership further catapults on existing efforts under the Flipkart Leap and Ventures initiative with its $100 mn fund. To
date, the company has invested in 20 companies and continues to identify startups with high growth potential. The
collaboration will enable access for startups to industry reports, research papers, datasets and other studies published by
government authorities for market research and fast-track patent applications filed by startups for timely opportunities.
Rajneesh Kumar is the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Flipkart Group. {Read more}

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111. NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) has partnered with Urban Company to empower women salon
and beauty parlour owners. WEP, under its ‘Award-to-Reward’ initiative, launched the pilot to support women MSMEs to
scale up their businesses in the beauty and wellness sector. Women entrepreneurs will be offered training across six key
ecosystem needs, including skilling, legal and compliance, access to finance, market, and business development services,
along with mentorship and networking. A baseline study conducted by MicroSave Consulting identified 4 key sectors with
more than 1,00,000 women MSMEs - beauty & wellness, textile manufacturing, retail trade and food & beverages. WEP,
incubated in Niti Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform, transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• NITI Aayog’s WEP + Urban Company = partnered to empower women salon & beauty parlour owners
• WEP – launched pilot to support women MSMEs to scale up their businesses, under its ‘Award-to-Reward’ initiative
• Women entrepreneurs will be offered training across six key ecosystem needs
• As per a study by MicroSave Consulting, there are 4 key sectors with 1,00,000+ women MSMEs
- Beauty & wellness | Textile manufacturing | Retail trade | Food & beverages
• WEP – incubated in Niti Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform | It transitioned into a PPP model in 2022
• HQs of NITI Aayog – New Delhi | CEO – BVR Subrahmanyam | Chair – Narendra Modi | VC – Suman K. Bery

112. The BMW Group and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) have announced a partnership
in India to transform the educational landscape for 1 lakh children in 4 states - Assam, Jharkhand,
Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The partnership will provide access to quality STEM (science,
technology, engineering and maths) education to adolescent girls from ‘Kasturba Gandhi Balika
Vidyalayas’ and ‘Tribal Ashramshalas’, belonging to the most marginalised groups in hard-to-reach rural areas in these 4
states. The partnership will also focus on nurturing foundational literacy and numeracy skills in rural primary schools to build
a solid cognitive foundation for children. The partnership is part of a global long-term tie-up between the BMW Group and
UNICEF to reach more than 10 million children and young people each year through education and training. Cynthia
McCaffrey is the UNICEF India Representative, while Vikram Pawah is the President and CEO of BMW Group India. {Read
more}
Smart Points:
• BMW Group + UNICEF = partnered in India to transform educational landscape for 1 lakh children in 4 states
- Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu & West Bengal
• Cynthia McCaffrey – UNICEF India Representative
• HQs of BMW Group India – Gurgaon, Haryana | President & CEO – Vikram Pawah
• HQs of UNICEF – New York, US | Executive Director – Catherine Russell | Established in – 1946

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113. Universal Sompo General Insurance has collaborated with an Indian NGO, Child Rights
and You (CRY), to foster educational opportunities for children in marginalized communities
in Andhra Pradesh. The partnership comes on the eve of inauguration of Universal Sompo's
new corporate office in Mumbai. The initiative aims to address barriers to education and equip
students with the tools needed to pursue professional courses and brighter futures. This
program will directly benefit 114 students and 82 families, empowering communities by
facilitating access to professional courses and better career opportunities. The collaboration will initiate an educational
project aimed at establishing Remedial Tuition Centres specifically for 10th and 12th-grade students. Universal Sompo,
headquartered in Mumbai, is a JV of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investments, and a global
insurer, SOMPO. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Universal Sompo Gen Ins + CRY = to foster educational opportunities for children in marginalized communities in Andhra
• Universal Sompo – inaugurated its new corporate office in Mumbai
• Aim: To address barriers to education & equip students with tools to pursue professional courses & brighter futures
• Remedial Tuition Centres – to be established specifically for 10th & 12th-grade students
• Universal Sompo – JV of Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Karnataka Bank, Dabur Investments & SOMPO
• HQs of Universal Sompo – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – Sharad Mathur | Founded in – 2007

114. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has secured a 5-year deal to continue managing IT infrastructure
for Telenor Denmark, the country’s second-largest mobile operator. Under the new agreement, TCS will
leverage its Machine First Delivery Model and advanced automation technologies to support Telenor
Denmark’s IT infrastructure. The telecom operator, which serves over 1.6 million subscribers, will benefit from TCS’s
proximity delivery centre in Europe, ensuring operational continuity and cost reductions. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• TCS – secured a 5-year deal to continue managing IT infrastructure for Telenor Denmark
• TCS – will leverage its Machine First Delivery Model & advanced automation technologies
• HQs of TCS – Mumbai, Maharashtra | CEO – K. Krithivasan | Founded in – 1968
• Denmark – Copenhagen – Danish krone | PM – Mette Frederiksen

115. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd has signed a deal with Russia’s Rosneft to import crude
oil worth $12-13 billion a year for 10 years. Rosneft will supply up to 5,00,000 barrels per day (25 million
tonnes a year) of crude oil to Reliance. This agreement makes Russia India’s top crude supplier. The new
deal accounts for roughly half of Rosneft's seaborne oil exports from Russian ports, which leaves not much supply available
for other traders and middlemen. From January to October 2024, Reliance imported an average of 4,05,000 barrels per day
(bpd) of Russian oil. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Reliance + Rosneft (Russia) = deal to import crude oil worth $12-13 billion a year for 10 years
• Rosneft – will supply up to 5,00,000 barrels per day of crude oil to Reliance
• From Jan-Oct 2024, Reliance imported an average of 4,05,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil
• HQs of Reliance Industries Ltd – Mumbai, Maharashtra | Chairman – Mukesh Ambani | Founded in – 1973

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116. IIT Madras and O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU) have entered into an MoU to
collaborate on the development of “S.A.M.V.I.D. (Smart Assistant for Museum Visitors and
Interactive Displays)”, an innovative semi-humanoid guide robot designed for India’s 1st
Constitution Museum named “The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms
Museum” at JGU Campus in Sonipat, Haryana. The S.A.M.V.I.D. project will utilise advanced
language models making visitors’ experience interactive, providing guided tours and detailed information about the exhibits,
including profiles of every member of the Constituent Assembly and their pivotal contributions to the Constitution. The
museum will use various formats, including textual, audio-visual, and experiential, to engage visitors. IIT Madras oversees
the implementation of S.A.M.V.I.D. through its Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE). Anjchita B. Nair, CEO of
Culture and Head of the Centre for Museums, has curated the museum. Professor V Kamakoti is the Director of IIT Madras,
while Professor C Raj Kumar is the Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• IIT Madras + JGU = an MoU to collaborate on development of “S.A.M.V.I.D.” for India’s 1st Constitution Museum
- S.A.M.V.I.D. – Smart Assistant for Museum Visitors and Interactive Displays
- It is an innovative semi-humanoid guide robot
• “The Constitution Academy and The Rights & Freedoms Museum” – at JGU Campus in Sonipat, Haryana
• IIT Madras – oversees implementation of S.A.M.V.I.D. through its Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (OIE)
• Anjchita B. Nair, CEO of Culture & Head of Centre for Museums – curated museum
• Director of IIT Madras – Professor V Kamakoti
• Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU – Professor C Raj Kumar

❖ Important Obituaries in December 2024:

• SM Krishna – a Veteran Politician
(He was former CM of Karnataka, Governor of Maharashtra, & Minister of External Affairs.)
• Sivapatham Vittal (“The Father of Endocrine Surgery”) – Indian Surgical Endocrinologist
(His Awards: Padma Shri in 2011, Dr B C Roy National Award in 1995)
• Shashi Ruia – a Business Tycoon
(He co-founded Essar Group, along with his brother Ravi Ruia.)
(Awards: Business India Businessman of the Year Award in 2010)
• Omchery N. N. Pillai – a Renowned Malayalam Playwright
(Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award in 2010, Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2020 for his memoir ‘Akasmikam’,
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1972)
• Zakir Hussain — Tabla maestro
(Awards: Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2002, Padma Vibhushan in 2023, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award,
National Heritage Fellowship in 1999 by the National Endowment for the Arts, US, SFJazz’s Lifetime Achievement
Award in 2017, Aga Khan Award in 2022)
(He received 4 Grammy Awards in his career, including 3 at the 66th Grammy Awards this year.)

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❖ F1 Grand Prix (GP) winners in December 2024:

• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 — Lando Norris (British - McLaren)
• Qatar Grand Prix 2024 — Max Verstappen (Dutch-Belgian - Red Bull)

❖ Festivals / Dances in December 2024:

• Karthigai Deepam festivity (at Thiruvannamalai temple) – Tamil Nadu

❖ Important Acquisitions & Mergers in December 2024:

• DPIIT has given approval to the ₹10,000-crore acquisition of Reliance Capital by IndusInd International Holdings
(IIHL). IIHL had already secured approvals from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• RBI has approved the open offer of Burman family, the promoters of FMCG major Dabur, to acquire an additional
26% stake in NBFC firm Religare Enterprises Ltd (REL).

• Morgan Stanley Asia, Societe Generale and other entities acquired a 6.82% stake of PNB Housing Finance Limited (a
subsidiary of Punjab National Bank) through open market transactions for Rs 1,664 crore.

• Coca-Cola Company will sell 40% in its wholly-owned Indian bottling arm, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages (HCCB),
to Jubilant Bhartia Group for ₹12,500 crore ($1.47 billion).

• The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has reduced its shareholding in the State-owned iron ore miner NMDC
Ltd from 7.61% to 5.59% in a little over 14 months. The net decrease of 2.01% in the holding happened from
September 26, 2023 to December 12, 2024 through open market sale.

• The British government has approved Indian group Bharti Global’s purchase of a 24.5% stake in London-listed BT
Group for 3.2 billion pounds.

• Adani Group-owned Ambuja Cement has announced the merger of Sanghi Industries and Penna Cement Industries
with itself. Last year, the company completed the acquisition of Sanghi Industries for about of Rs 5,185 crore.
Ambuja Cements, the country’s second-largest producer of cement, has an annual production capacity of 89 million
tonnes, which it is planning to increase to 140 million tonnes by 2027-28.

❖ National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves in December 2024:

Blackbuck National Park Gujarat

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❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK in December 2024:
6,900 Cr Khorlochhu Hydropower Project (over Kholongchhu river)
Bhutan
(being developed by Tata Power & DGPC)
IAF’s C-295 Full Motion Simulator facility Agra, UP
Sribhumi district (renamed from Karimganj) Assam
Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
Symbiosis International University’s 1st overseas campus Dubai, UAE
Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan (anti-narcotic campaign) Bengaluru, Karnataka
India’s 1st Night Safari Lucknow, UP
Gangamma Jatara
Southern India
(including Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka)
Puvarti village (gets access to TV for first time) Sukma, Chhattisgarh
Geoscience Museum Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
India’s 1st Diabetes Biobank (by ICMR & MDRF) Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India’s 1st Yoga Policy Uttarakhand

Important Books & Authors

“The Art of Power” Nancy Pelosi
“Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ka Jeevanvrit” Rakesh Kumar Sharma
“Will India get Rich before it turns 100?” Prosenjit Datta
“Dalai Lama’s Secret to Happiness” Dinesh Shahra
Syed Kirmani, Dr Debashish
“Stumped”, autobiography
Sengupta, Dakshesh Pathak
“Vishwa Shastra India and the World” Dhruva Jaishankar
“Middle Class India: Driving Change in the 21st Century” Manisha Pande

Important Days
Bodhi Day
December 8 (It commemorates the day when Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained
enlightenment.)
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of
the Prevention of this Crime
December 9
International Anti-Corruption Day
(Theme - “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”)
Human Rights Day
(Theme - “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.”)
December 10 Death Anniversary of Alfred Nobel
(Every year, Nobel Prizes are handed over on this day.)
Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas
International Mountain Day
December 11 (Theme - “Mountain Solutions for A Sustainable Future – Innovation, Adaptation and Youth.”)
78th UNICEF Foundation Day
December 12 International Day of Neutrality

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➢ Latest GDP Predictions (updated till December 2024)

Organisations FY24 FY25 FY26
S&P Global Ratings 7.4% 6.5-7% 6.5-7%
Goldman Sachs - 6.3% (CY) -
ADB 6.7% 6.5% 7%
SBI 8% 6.3% -
RBI 7% 6.6% -
OECD 7.8% 6.8% 7%
Morgan Stanley 7.9% 6.7% 6.5%
Moody’s 7.2% (CY) 6.6% (CY) 6.5% (CY)
IMF 7.8% 7% 6.5%
World Bank 7.5% 7% 6.7%
Nomura - 6.7% -
Bloomberg Economic - 6.8% -
India Ratings & Research 6.7% 7.5% -
NCAER - 7.5% -
Fitch Ratings 7.8% 7.2% 6.5%
UN - 6.9% 6.6%
PHDCCI - 8-8.3% -
UNCTAD 6.3% 6.5% -
UBS Securities India 7.6% 7% 6.8%
CRISIL 7.6% 6.8% -
Bank of Baroda 6.8% 6.75-6.8% -
UN-DESA 6.2% 6.6% -
ICRA 6.5% - -
CII 6.8% 7% -

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Science & Technology

Schemes & Initiatives

Ranks, Reports & Surveys

Amount & Agreements

Ordinance, Bills & Acts

MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships

❖ Important Obituaries in December 2024:

❖ F1 Grand Prix (GP) winners in December 2024:

❖ Festivals / Dances in December 2024:

❖ Important Acquisitions & Mergers in December 2024:

❖ National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves in December 2024:

Important Books & Authors

➢ Latest GDP Predictions (updated till December 2024)

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