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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Rajasthan and Haryana on 9th December 2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Rajasthan and Haryana on 9th December 2024.
- During the visit, he inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- He also launched Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC’s) Bima Sakhi Yojana and laid the foundation stone of the Main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Haryana.
About Rajasthan:
Chief Minister(CM) – Bhajan Lal Sharma
Governor– Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde
Capital– Jaipur
National Parks – Mukundra Hills National Park, Ranthambore National Park, and Sariska National Park
>> Read Full News
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal to empower public administrators
On December 9, 2024, Union Minister of State(MoS), Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions(MoPP&P), launched the “Amrit Gyaan Kosh” Portal in New Delhi (Delhi) to strengthen governance and empower public administrators in India.
- He also inaugurated the “Advanced Case Writing and Teaching Workshop” for 60 faculty members from Civil Services Training Institutions (CSTI) nationwide.
- The event was attended by the leadership from the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), Karmayogi Bharat, Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and the Program Instructors from Stanford Leadership Academy for Development.
Note: This repository was initially launched in August 2024, curates best practices from across India.
About Amrit Gyaan Kosh portal:
i.The portal, part of the Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) platform was developed by the CBC and Karmayogi Bharat.
ii.It aims to build a comprehensive knowledge base by curating best practices from across India, with a focus on aligning these practices with 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
iii.The portal covers diverse themes like health, education, agriculture and digital governance.
About Advanced Case Writing and Teaching Workshop:
i.This workshop will take place in two cohorts, from December 9-13, 2024, and December 16-20, 2024, at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service(SSIFS), New Delhi.
ii.It was conducted by the CBC, in collaboration with the ADBI and the Stanford Leadership Academy for Development.
iii.The workshop is designed to foster case-based approaches in governance training, helping public administrators to develop structured case studies and improve teaching methods.
iv.The workshop also aims to produce publishable case studies that address real world administrative challenges, contributing to the Amrit Gyaan Kosh (a repository of learning resources for civil servants in India).
v.The goal is to empower educators, improve the quality of governance training and support the mission of creating an efficient and transparent public administration system aligned with Vikasit Bharat 2047.
MoE Enhanced “Material Cost” under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Scheme
On December 09 2024, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has enhanced the “Material Cost” of pulses, vegetables and oil by 13.70% covered under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme. The decision was taken on the basis of an inflation index provided by the Chandigarh-based Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E).
i.As per MoE directions, the material cost is increased from Rs 5.45 to Rs.6.19 for primary and Bal Vatika classes and for upper primary classes, it is enhanced from Rs 8.17 to Rs 9.29, with effect from December 01, 2024.
- These enhanced rates will be applicable to all states and Union Territories (UTs) of the country.
ii.The Labour Bureau provides data on inflation of items covered under PM POSHAN basket on the basis of Consumer Price Index-Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) which is in line with the CPI index for PM POSHAN and accordingly CPI index for PM POSHAN basket has been worked out.
About Ministry of Education (MoE):
Union Minister- Dharmendra Pradhan (Constituency- Sambalpur, Odisha)
Minister of State (MoS)– Jayant Chaudhary (Rajya Sabha- Uttar Pradesh (UP)); Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (Constituency- Balurghat, West Bengal (WB))
>> Read Full News
Union Cabinet Approves MoU between GSI and CNR-IRPI for Landslide Forecasting and Early Warning System
On December 6 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kolkata(West Bengal, WB) based Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Italy’s Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection (CNR-IRPI).
- This collaboration aims to enhance landslide forecasting and early warning capabilities in India, focusing on reducing risks in vulnerable hilly regions.
- The partnership will enhance and scale up India’s Landslide Early Warning Systems (LEWS) to international standards.
i.GSI has established the National Landslide Forecasting (NLFC) facility at GSI, Kolkata to develop and operationalize the regional LEWS in all the landslide prone States/ Union Territories(UTs) in India within a planned timeline to reduce landslide risks in India.
ii.NLFC provides live forecast reporting on a daily basis in Kalimpong & Darjeeling districts of WB and Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu(TN).
iii.This collaboration will help integrate GSI’s landslide inventory, susceptibility, and forecast maps with PM Gati Shakti, enhancing resilience and reducing vulnerability in fragile hilly terrains.
NMDFC and DICCI signed an MoU to Promote Marginalized Communities
National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) under the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote entrepreneurship among marginalized communities at the Nalanda Hall of the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Cabinet Minister, Kiren Rijiju, MoMA.
i.The partnership is an important step towards achieving an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ by encouraging entrepreneurship, empowering individuals to become job creators and role models, and driving inclusive growth and self-reliance across India.
ii.Both organizations aim to Create Awareness, Provide Credit Support, Provide Advocacy, and Inspire Youth.
Note:
i.NMDFC was established in 1994 and has helped over 24 lakh families from minority communities by offering low-interest loans for self-employment and income-generating activities, with total credit support surpassing Rs. 9,000 crores.
ii.DICCI was established in 2005, is known for promoting entrepreneurship among marginalized groups, and has played a key role in developing business leaders and creating opportunities for long-term growth.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2025 : IIT Delhi Topped Among All Indian Universities; University of Toronto
According to the 3rd edition of the “QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025” released by the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), global higher education experts on December 10 2024, the Indian Institute of Technology-Delhi (IIT-D) in New Delhi (Delhi) has topped among all Indian universities featured on the list and secured 171st position globally with overall score of 80.6. It has improved its ranking by 255 places compared to 426th spot in last year.
i.IIT-D is followed by IIT Kharagpur (IIT-KGP) in Kharagpur, West Bengal (WB) and IIT Bombay (IIT-B) in Mumbai, Maharashtra ranked at 202nd and 234th position, respectively.
ii.The University of Toronto, Canada has topped the list as the world’s most sustainable university, followed by the ETH Zurich in Zurich, Switzerland ranked at 2nd position.
- While, Lund University in Sweden and University of California, Berkeley (UCB), the United States of America (USA), jointly ranked at 3rd spot on the list.
About Quacquarelli Symonds (QS):
Founder and President- Nunzio Quacquarelli
Headquarters- London, the United Kingdom (UK)
>> Read Full News
India and Nicaragua Sign MoU for QIPs to Boost Local Development
On December 11 2024, the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of Nicaragua (GoN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) aimed at enhancing the socio-economic infrastructure of Nicaragua.
- The primary aim of this partnership is to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Nicaragua, which have been cooperative since the establishment of diplomatic ties in March 1983.
Signatories:
The agreement was inked between Sumit Seth, the Indian Ambassador to Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica and Valdrack Jaentschke, Nicaragua’s Foreign Minister in Managua, Nicaragua.
Key Points:
i.The MoU aims to provide immediate and tangible benefits to local communities in Nicaragua by focusing on key areas such as physical infrastructure, including roads and community centers, as well as social infrastructure in education, healthcare and sanitation.
ii.The GoI will extend grant assistance for each QIP ensuring that these projects deliver visible improvements on the ground.
iii.Through this initiative, India is actively contributing to global development by prioritizing impactful, time-sensitive projects that address the local needs of Nicaragua.
iv.This agreement is an important step in reinforcing India’s growing presence in Latin America and underlines the shared vision of both countries for sustainable development and mutual cooperation.
About Nicaragua:
President- José Daniel Ortega Saavedra
Capital- Managua
Currency- Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
BANKING & FINANCE
HSBC India Launches ‘HSBC Privé Credit Card’ for Global Private Banking Clients
On December 5 2024, the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India) in collaboration with Mastercard launched ‘HSBC Privé’, a premium credit card designed specifically for its Global Private Banking clients.
- The card aims at High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWI) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals (UHNWI) offering exclusive caters to entrepreneurs, professionals and their families with investable assets exceeding USD 2 million.
Note: HSBC Privé was first introduced in Hong Kong October 2024 and will be rolled out in other markets globally.
HSBC Privé Card Benefits:
i.Travel Privileges: Cardholders enjoy first-class travel perks.
ii.Airport Lounge Access: Exclusive access to premium airport lounges worldwide.
iii.Zero Forex Mark-Up: No forex mark-up (foreign transaction fee) on international transactions for cardholders.
iv.Bespoke travel: Cardholders experience unique travel like private jet trips to Antarctica.
vi.Golf Access: Cardholders get access to golf courses across the Asia Pacific region.
vii.Shopping: Special offers and discounts on luxury shopping.
viii.Wellness Programs: Tailored wellness initiatives for cardholders.
ix.Personal Concierge Services: Cardholders get 24/7 assistance for all lifestyle and travel needs.
x.Invitation-Only & Targeted Market: The card is available only by invitation and aims to cater to the growing demand from Indian entrepreneurs for luxury experiences and global networking.
About Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India):
HSBC opened its first Indian branch in Calcutta (Kolkata), West Bengal(WB) in 1867. The HSBC India’s first Automated Teller Machine (ATM) was introduced in 1987.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Hitendra Dave
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established-1853
Tagline- My Account Starts Today
LIC launched Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme 2024 for Economically Weaker Students
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched its Golden Jubilee (GJF) Scholarship Scheme 2024 to assist students from economically weaker families in accessing higher education. This scheme supports students enrolled in government or private universities and those pursuing technical, vocational, and integrated courses.
- The online application process for this scholarship scheme was started on December 8 2024 and will end on December 22 2024.
The LIC GJF Scholarship Scheme providing two types of Scholarship :
- General Scholarship: The scholarship will be provided for the entire duration of the course and
- Special Scholarship for Girl Child : The scholarship will be provided for 2 years under Special Girl Scholar, subject to the candidate fulfilling requisite eligibility conditions for renewal.
About Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC):
Managing Director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO)– Siddhartha Mohanty
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded-1956
>> Read Full News
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
ADB lowers India’s GDP Forecast by 50 bps, to 6.5% for FY25
On December 11 2024, Manila (The Philippines)-based multilateral bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its latest “Asian Development Outlook (ADO) December 2024: Steady Growth Amid a Shifting Global Policy Landscape”. It has lowered India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection for Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) by 50 basis points (bps), to 6.5% from its previous estimate of 7%.
- This downward projection for FY25 is due to India’s lower-than-expected growth in 2nd Quarter (Q2: July-September) of FY25, driven by dampened manufacturing performance and slow government spending.
i.The report has also revised India’s GDP forecast for FY26 down to 7% from 7.2% (estimated in its September edition of ADO), which is mainly attributed by the lower than expected growth in private investment and housing demand due to tight monetary policy which aimed to combat inflation.
ii.The report has retained India’s inflation forecast for FY25 at 4.7%. But, it has decreased India’s inflation projection for FY26 to 4.3% (from 4.5%) due to the expected decrease in the prices of Brent crude which will lead to lower energy inflation.
iii.As per the report, Developing Asia region is expected to grow at 4.9% in 2024 and 4.8% in 2025, slightly lower than from ADB’s previous estimate of 5.0% and 4.9% in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
About Asian Development Bank(ADB):
President– Masatsugu Asakawa(Japan)
Headquarters– Mandaluyong City, Manila, The Philippines
Members Nations- 69 (49 members nations are from Asia-Pacific region)
Established– 1966
>> Read Full News
DPIIT Data: FDI Equity Flows Increased by 45% at USD 29.8 Billion in H1FY25
According to the data of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), Foreign direct equity investment has increased by 45% at USD 29.8 billion in the 1st Half (H1:April-September) of Financial Year 2024-25(FY25).
- This increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows comes following a contraction in inflows for 3 consecutive FYs (FY22, FY23 and FY24). The gross FDI inflows reached USD 1 trillion since April 2000.
- Over the last decade (April 2014 to September 2024), total FDI inflows amounted to USD 709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69% of the overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years.
Key Findings:
i.As per the data, total FDI, which includes equity capital of unincorporated entities, reinvest earnings and other capital, witnessed 29% increase at USD 42.3 billion during H1FY25.
ii.The data showed that Singapore again emerged as the top investing country in India, with USD 7.53 billion FDI during April-September, 2024.
- It was followed by Mauritius, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA).
iii.The data revealed that the services sectors in India, including financial, banking, insurance, Research and Development (R&D), among others, has attracted the highest FDI equity inflows i.e. at USD 5.69 billion during H1FY25, followed by computer hardware and software that received USD 4.19 billion worth FDI.
iv.The data showed that the FDI equity inflow into the pharmaceutical sector has registered over 4-fold growth to USD 520 million during the H1FY25, as compared to USD 117 million during the same period of FY24.
About Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I):
Union Minister- Piyush Goyal (Constituency- Mumbai North, Maharashtra)
Minister of State (MoS)- Jitin Prasada (Constituency- Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
EESL Collaborates with APSHCL and APSEEDCO to Launch 3 Programmes for Enhancing Energy Efficiency
New Delhi (Delhi) based Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has collaborated with Andhra Pradesh State Housing Company Limited (APSHCL) and Andhra Pradesh State Energy Efficiency Development Corporation Limited (APSEEDCO) to launch 3 transformative progrmmes for enhancing energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment across AP.
- The initiatives were launched in Vijayawada, AP in the presence of AP Chief Minister (CM) N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Minister Manohar Lal, Ministry of Power (MoP).
i.The 1st programme, URJAVEER, launched by EESL, aims to train 1 lakh people in AP as “Urjaveers,” who will act as ambassadors for energy efficiency. They will promote energy-saving appliances available on EESLmart.in through affiliate marketing.
- Indians aged 18 or above can join by registering on the Urjaveer platform, completing a short training on energy efficiency.
ii.The 2nd programme aims to provide energy-efficient appliances to low-income households as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme.
- EESL along with the APSHCL will provide at least 6 lakh LED bulbs, 3 lakh LED battens, and 3 lakh energy-efficient BLDC fans.
iii.The 3rd programme, the National Efficiency Cooking Programme (NECP), launched by EESL, aims to encourage the use of electric cooking solutions across AP.
- CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, AP handed out EESL induction cooktops along with stainless steel utensils to selected Anganwadi Centers.
Note: To develop a sustainable Energy Service Company (ESCO) industry, the MoP established EESL, a joint venture of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC), Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), and Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), to support the implementation of energy efficiency projects.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Mohamed al-Bashir appointed as new Caretaker PM of Syria
On December 10 2024, Mohamed al-Bashir, head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham or HTS rebels, was appointed as the caretaker Prime Minister (PM) of the transitional Syrian Government after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government and will be serving until March 1, 2025.
- Previously, he served as the Prime PM of the Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib Province.
i.In 2022, he had emerged as minister of development in the administrative arm of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, which for years had held territory in Idlib.
ii.The Israeli military has recently begun controlling a demilitarized buffer zone in Syria, established by a 1974 ceasefire. The action, aimed at securing Israel’s border, has sparked condemnation from several nations.
ENVIRONMENT
New ginger variety ‘IISR Surasa’ developed by ICAR-IISR
On 10th December 2024, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Indian Institute of Spices Research(IISR) introduced India’s first ginger variety, “IISR Surasa,” which was developed to use as a vegetable.
- IISR Surasa was created by the IISR through a farmers’ participatory breeding initiative with the aim of helping ginger farmers.
i.The researchers discovered the original rhizome of this variety from a farmer, John Joseph, in Kodancherry, Kozhikode.
ii.The rhizomes of Surasa have a creamy golden center and are plump and robust. It is ideal for making dry ginger due to its low fiber content and about 21% dry recovery rate.
iii.Using scientific methods, IISR Surasa can produce up to 24.33 tons per hectare providing a consistent yield for the grower.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Mountain Day 2024 – December 11
The United Nations (UN) International Mountain Day (IMD) is annually observed on 11 December worldwide to raise awareness about the importance of mountains to life and highlight the importance of mountain development.
- The theme of IMD 2024 is “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation, and youth”
Background:
i.The origin of IMD can be traced back to Chapter 13 of Agenda 21, titled “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development,” adopted during the Earth Summit 1992.
ii.In 2002, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the year as the International Year of Mountains (IYM2002) led by the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to raise global awareness about the significance of mountain ecosystems.
iii.In 2003, UNGA adopted resolution A/RES/57/245, declaring December 11 of each year as International Mountain Day. The first observance of this day took place on December 11, 2003.
>> Read Full News
UNICEF Day 2024 – December 11
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Day is observed annually on December 11th to mark the creation of UNICEF by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Ludwik Rajchman on 11th December 1946.
- 11 December 2024 marks the 77th anniversary of the foundation of UNICEF.
- The theme of UNICEF Day 2024 is “Listen to the Future”, highlights the importance of listening to children’s voices to create a brighter tomorrow.
Background:
i.UNICEF, known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, was created by resolution 57(I) of the UNGA on 11 December 1946.
ii.UNICEF initially focused on providing food, clothing and healthcare to children affected by World War II.
iii.Over time, it became an integral part of the UN system, gaining permanent status in 1953 and the name was renamed as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
iv.UNICEF’s exceptional contributions to children’s welfare were recognized and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on October 26 1965.
About United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF):
Executive Director(ED)- Catherine M Russell
Headquarters- New York, United States of America (USA)
Established-1946
Member Countries- 190
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
AR CM Pema Khandu unveils new logo of 4th Edition of Eaglenest Bird Festival
On 10th December 2024, Arunachal Pradesh (AR) Chief Minister (CM) Pema Khandu unveiled the new logo of the 4th Edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival which is scheduled to be held from the 17th to 19th January 2025 at Khellong and Thongre village in West Kameng District, AR.
i.This festival will spotlight the region’s rich biodiversity while promoting sustainable eco-tourism and community-driven conservation efforts.
ii.Highlights of this year festival include the declaration of the “Trail of His Holiness the Dalai Lama,” a culturally significant route, and the opening of the Eco Bio-Diversity Park at Atho-Nyo (Doimara Khellong), which features a tree planted by His Holiness during his historic 1959 visit.
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