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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
DRDO, IIT Delhi and Industry Partners Signed 10 Tripartite Agreements in New Delhi
On 19th December 2024, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and industry partners signed 10 tripartite agreements during the event ‘DRDO-Industry-Academia – Global Approach to Readiness of Indigenous Military Applications’ (DIA-GARIMA) organised by DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi, Delhi.
- The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence Research & Development (R&D), Ministry of Defence(MoD) and Chairman of DRDO, Professor Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, and industry representatives.
- DRDO has implemented a policy to involve universities and industries in defence research, aiming to enhance advanced defence technologies and promote the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative for self-reliance in defence production.
Key Agreements:
i.Transfer of Technology for Light Weight Bullet Resistant Jacket (ABHED- Advanced Ballistic High Energy Defeat) partners with three industry partners:
- MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam), Rohtak, Haryana
- SMPP Private Limited, New Delhi, Delhi
- AR Polymers (MKU)- Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Note: These modular-design jackets, weighing just 8.2 kilogram(kg) and 9.5 kg for different Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) levels, provide 360-degree protection with armour at the front and back.
ii.A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed with Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for the development of indigenous ballistic materials.
iii.MoA has been signed with three industries for the limited series production of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing :
- Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance (AISA), New Delhi
- Arnaf Industries Limited, New Delhi
- Arrow Garments, Tirupur, Tamil Nadu(TN)
iv.MoA was signed for limited series production of Extreme Heat Protective Clothing with three industries:
- Arrow Garments, Tirupur
- Aeronav Industrial Safety Appliance, New Delhi
- Katalyst TECHTEX Limited, New Delhi
Key Role of DIA-CoE:
i.In 2017, the Joint Advanced Technology Centre of DRDO was set up at IIT Delhi, and was transformed into DIA-CoE to involve Indian industries in turning knowledge into high-technology solutions.
ii.In the last seven years, about 50 research projects have been launched across five technology areas, with DRDO providing Rs 375 crore in funding.
iii.The projects have focused on soldier-centric innovations, such as lightweight body armour, advanced aerostat materials, smart soldier jackets, terahertz technology for spectroscopy, firefighter heat protection gear, and extreme cold-weather jackets.
MNRE: Gujarat, Maharashtra and UP Lead in Rooftop Solar Installations under PMSGMBY
According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) data released in December 2024, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh (UP) are the top 3 states with the highest number of rooftop solar installations under ‘Prime Minister -Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana(PMSGMBY)’.
- As per the data, Gujarat has topped among all states in the country with 2,86,545 rooftop solar installations, followed by Maharashtra (with 1,26,344 installations) and UP (with 53,423 installations) ranked at 2nd and 3rd spot, respectively.
i.As of December 9, 2024, more than 6.79 lakh installations (total households covered) have been completed since the launch of scheme in February 2024.
- These include over 5.38 lakh individual residential units and around 1.41 lakh households through installations in residential welfare associations.
ii.So far, total 1.45 crore registrations and 26.38 lakh applications have been registered on the National Portal of the scheme and also subsidies have been disbursed to 3.66 lakh applicants, released within 15 to 21 days.
About Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE):
Union Minister- Pralhad Joshi (Constituency- Dharward, Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS)- Shripad Yesso Naik (Constituency- North Goa, Goa)
>> Read Full News
Govt Sanctioned Rs. 4388 Crore Under PM-KUSUM Scheme to Solarize Agriculture
In December 2024, the Government of India(GoI) sanctioned Rs. 4388 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme to solarize agriculture for states across India.
- The Nodal Ministry for the scheme is the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
About PM-KUSUM:
i.The GoI launched PM-KUSUM in March 2019 to boost farmers’ income, provide better irrigation options, and cut down on the use of diesel in agriculture.
ii.The scheme aims to provide energy security to farmers in India while helping the country meet its goal of sourcing 40% of its electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources by 2030, as part of Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
- It aims to add around 34,800 Mega Watt (MW) of solar power by March 2026, with a total central financial support of Rs 34,422 crore.
iii.The eligible categories for the scheme include individual farmers, groups of farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), panchayats, co-operatives, and Water User Associations(WUA).
Components of the PM-KUSUM :
The scheme consists of three components,
Component A:
i.It focuses on setting up 10,000 MW of decentralized grid-connected renewable energy power plants on barren land, with each plant having a capacity between 500 kilowatts (kW) and 2 MW.
ii.The power generated will be bought by the local Distribution Company (DISCOM) at a fixed tariff set by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC).
Component B:
i.Under this component, 17.50 lakh standalone solar agricultural pumps (up to 7.5 HP) will be provided to farmers to replace their existing diesel pumps or irrigation systems in areas without grid electricity.
ii.The GoI provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of 30% (or 50% for North Eastern, hilly regions, and islands) for standalone solar agricultural pumps.
Component C:
i.For the solarisation of 14 lakh grid-connected agriculture pumps, this component helps individual farmers solarize their existing grid-connected pumps.
ii.The solar power generated will be used for irrigation, and any surplus power will be sold to DISCOMs at a pre-fixed tariff.
Union MoS Anupriya Patel highlights India’s MedTech Vision at 21st CII Annual Health Summit in New Delhi
On December 19 2024, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) hosted the 21st Annual Health Summit with the theme “Transforming Healthcare for Viksit Bharat 2047” in New Delhi (Delhi).
- The summit featured an exhibition highlighting the latest medical innovations and technologies, paving the way for a future-ready healthcare system.
- Union Minister of State (MoS) Anupriya Patel, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Chemicals & Fertilizers highlighted the importance of MedTech (Medical Technology) vision at the Health Summit.
i.During the summit, the National Medical Device Policy and schemes for strengthening infrastructure, promoting research and skill development in the MedTech sector were launched by the government..
ii.The government has allocated Rs 400 crore for the establishment of medical device parks and Rs 500 crore for supporting the MedTech industry’s growth through research and innovation.
About Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) :
President – Sanjiv Puri
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – 1895
>> Read Full News
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launches India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit “Kisan Kavach”
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit. It is designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.
i.Dr. Jitendra is also a Minister of State for the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO); Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
ii.Kisan Kavach was developed by the Department of Biotechnology’s BRIC-inStem and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., both based in Bangalore, Karnataka.
iii.The Kisan Kavach Protective Shield includes a full-body suit, mask, headshield, and gloves, offering comprehensive protection. Priced at Rs 4,000.
iv.Other Participants- Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology; Dr. Maneesha Inamdar, Director, BRIC-inStem; and Dr. Alka Sharma, Scientist ‘H’ and Senior Adviser, DBT.
Other Facts-
- 1958: Methyl parathion poisoning in Kerala highlighted pesticide risks.
- 1968: Insecticides Act was enacted to regulate pesticide use.
- 1971: Insecticide Rules were introduced.
CII, AICTE sign MoU to boost industry-oriented skill development
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance the skill development across AICTE-approved institutions. It was signed during the 11th CII Global Summit on Skill Development 2024 in New Delhi, Delhi.
i.This MoU provides industry-based training programmes focused on current and future industry requirements under all AICTE-approved technical institutions.
ii.Key people – Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Chairman of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET);
- Prof TG Sitharam, Chairman of AICTE; Nicholas McCaffrey, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia to India; and Aditya Ghosh, Chairman of the CII National Committee on Skill Development & Livelihood.
iii.The theme of the 11th CII Global Summit on Skill Development 2024 is “Building a Resilient Skilled Talent Pool: Driving Industry Growth.”
Points to be noted
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), launched in 2015, aims to provide skill development training through Short-Term Training (STT) and upskilling programs to enhance the employability of individuals.
- It is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India.
Indian Railways Launches ‘Sanraksha App’ for Enhanced Passenger Safety
In November 2024, Indian Railways(IR) introduced the Pan-India ‘Sanraksha’ mobile application(app), which aims to boost passenger safety by improving the training of frontline safety personnel. The app integrates advanced technologies, including data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to provide smart learning and real-time feedback.
- Ravinder Goyal, Member of Operations and Business Development at the Railway Board, launched the Sanraksha app which was designed by Dilip Singh, an Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) officer who is currently serving as the Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (SDCM) in Nagpur SCR.
i.The app was launched following the success of a pilot project in the Nagpur division of Maharashtra and is set to be expanded across 16 divisions, including the Hyderabad South Central Railway (SCR) zone.
ii.It offers immediate assessments of learning progress and ensures on-demand access to resources.
iii.It reinforces the Railways’ commitment to developing more skilled and safety-conscious employees, contributing to a safer transportation system.
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Unveils 100 Years Celebration Logo of NSCBI Airport in Kolkata
On 13 December 2024, Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), unveiled the centenary celebrations logo of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (NSCBI Airport) in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB), commemorating 100 years of its service.
- A special commemorative stamp and coin were also released to honor the airport’s 100-year journey, along with the launch of an exclusive art book showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage through modern airport architecture.
- The event was attended Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of the MoCA, Vipin Kumar, Chairman of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), and other senior officials.
i.Kolkata Airport marked its 100th anniversary on December 21, 2024. A three-month-long celebration has been planned.
ii.A dedicated UDAN Yatri Café will be opened at the airport, catering to passengers traveling under the Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme. The café will provide quality, affordable meals to enhance the travel experience for passengers.
Note: The civil aviation sector in India is growing rapidly and has positioned itself as the third-largest domestic aviation hub globally.
BANKING & FINANCE
SEBI Notified New Asset Class “SIF” with Minimum Investment of Rs 10 Lakh
In December 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified a new asset class “Specialised Investment Fund (SIF)” between Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Mutual Funds (MFs). As per the SEBI directions, the new asset class will accept investments of Rs 10 lakh or above across all investment strategies. However, accredited investors are exempted from the requirement of minimum investment amount.
- The primary objective of introducing this new asset class is to bridge the gap between MFs and PMS, while ensuring robust risk management and investor protection.
- The notification came following the amendment made to the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996.
i.As per the new rules, it is mandatory for the fund manager of SIFs to have the relevant National Institute of Securities Market (NISM) certification.
- The fees and expenses for the investment strategies launched under the SIF will be issued in accordance with Regulation 52 of the MF regulations.
ii.As per the new SIF regulations, an investment strategy is not allowed to invest more than 20% of its Net Asset Value (NAV) in debt instruments including money market instruments as well as non-money market instruments issued by a single issuer and are not investment grade.
- However, it is possible to extend the investment limit up to 25% of the NAV of the investment strategy with prior approval of the Board Trustees and Board of Directors of the Asset Management Company (AMC).
- Government securities (G-secs) treasury bills and triparty repo on G-secs or treasury bills are exempted from any such investment restrictions.
YES BANK Launches ‘YES Business’ Powered by IRIS Biz to Empower MSMEs and Businesses
In December 2024, India’s sixth-largest private sector bank YES BANK Limited, has introduced ‘YES Business’, a dedicated initiative to enhance its focus on the business segment and address their specific needs. The platform is designed to streamline banking and related services for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), bringing them together under one unified solution.
- The launch of YES Business powered by IRIS Biz application (app), the digital platform by YES BANK combines core banking services with additional tools to simplify business operations and help entrepreneurs efficiently manage various aspects of their enterprise.
- IRIS Biz app offers a unified, technology-driven solution with over 100 features. It aims to meet all entrepreneurial needs, acting as a catalyst for success and contributing to India’s economic development.
Key Features of IRIS Biz application:
i.Simple, digital onboarding allows for a completely online current account setup with Video KYC, reducing paperwork and speeding up the process of getting started.
ii.Integrated account management provides business owners with a single view to manage both personal and business accounts, making it easier to track their financial health.
iii.Access to beyond-banking services offers in-app support for accounting, taxation, payroll, and global trade finance, making it simpler to manage essential tasks without needing multiple external platforms.
iv.Merchant solutions like Merchant EASY and Merchant PRIME offer features such as soundboxes for payment confirmations, same-day fund settlements, and higher cash deposit limits, helping merchants and traders manage transactions more efficiently.
v.Quick access to funds is provided through collateral-free overdrafts of up to Rs.25 lakhs via the app, ensuring prompt availability of working capital.
About YES BANK Limited:
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Prashant Kumar
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established – 2004
Tagline – ‘LIFE KO BANAO RICH’
SBI Life Insurance launches ‘Smart Platina Supreme’ plan
SBI Life Insurance, private life insurer, launched ‘SBI Life – Smart Platina Supreme’ a non-linked, non-participating life insurance savings plan. The policyholder receives guaranteed income benefits along with 110% of the total premiums paid at the end of the payout period.
About the Plan:-
i.Policy Terms: Policy will be active ranges from 8 to 15 years.
ii.Payout Period: After the policy matures, the period over which payouts will be made can be either 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.
iii.Eligibility to Buy the Policy: Anyone aged 3 to 60 can buy this policy.
iv.What is Non-linked?- The returns are pre-determined and not impacted by market fluctuations like stocks or mutual funds.
- What is Non-participating?- The policyholder does not receive profits, bonuses, or dividends from the insurer’s performance, unlike participating policies.
Max Life Insurance Rebrands to Axis Max Life Insurance
In December 2024, Max Life Insurance Company Limited (MLICL) has officially rebranded as Axis Max Life Insurance Company Limited (AMLICL) following corporate and regulatory approvals. The updated brand identity is represented by a new logo through the inclusion of Axis’s ‘A’ and a burgundy colour.
- Axis Max Life Insurance Limited is a joint venture between Max Financial Services Limited (MFSL) and Axis Bank Limited.
i.Axis Bank’s board of directors approved the plan to buy more shares in Max Life, increasing its total stake in the company to 19.99% from 19.02%. As a result, MFSL’s stake in Max Life decreased from 87% to 81%.
ii.The visual merger of Axis and Max represents stronger trust in the brand, captured through the ‘Double Bharosa‘ campaign, featuring brand ambassador Rohit Sharma, captain of the Indian cricket team, and his wife, Ritika Sajdeh.
iii.The combination of two trusted names in financial services will help the company reach its long-term growth goals by expanding strategically beyond metro and tier 1 cities.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
World Bank: India Emerged Topmost Recipient of Remittances among LMICs, with USD 129 billion Inflows in 2024
According to the World Bank (WB)’s latest data, India has emerged as the topmost recipient of remittances among Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) in 2024, with an estimated inflow of USD 129 billion, witnessed an increase of 3.2% compared to USD 125 billion in 2023.
- India is followed by Mexico (USD 68 billion), China (USD 48 billion), the Philippines (USD 40 billion), and Pakistan (USD 33 billion). This surge is mainly attributed by a recovery in the job markets in High-Income Countries (HICs) within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
i.As per the data, globally, remittance inflows have increased by an impressive 5.8% in 2024 compared to modest growth of 1.2% registered in 2023.
ii.The report highlighted that officially recorded remittances to LMICs are projected to reach USD 685 billion in 2024.
iii.South Asia region is projected to register the highest increase in terms of remittance flows i.e. at 11.8% in 2024 (compared to increase of 5.1% in 2023). This growth is driven mainly by continued strong flows to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
About World Bank (WB):
President- Ajay Banga
Headquarters- Washington, DC, the United States of America (USA)
Established- 1944
>> Read Full News
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 : Vinicius Junior and Aitana Bonmatí won The Best Men’s and Women’s player Award
The Best FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) Football Awards ceremony 2024 was held in Doha, Qatar, on 17 December 2024.
- Vinicius Junior (Brazil) won the Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 Award, while Aitana Bonmati (Spain) won the Best FIFA Women’s Player 2024 Award for the second consecutive year.
- This year, a new award has been introduced for Women’s football. The award has been named after Marta Vieira da Silva, who has retired from professional football after 20 years of excellent service for Women’s football.
i.Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina) won the Puskas Award for the best goal of 2024 for his breathtaking overhead kick for Manchester United FC against Everton (North Liverpool) in November 2023.
ii.Marta Vieira da Silva(Brazil) received the inaugural Marta Award, celebrating the best goal in women’s football.
About Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA):
President- Gianni Vincenzo Infantino
Headquarters- Zürich, Switzerland
Established- May 21,1904
Members– 211
>> Read Full News
Noted Hindi Writer Suryabala wins 34th Vyas Samman 
Hindi writer Suryabala has been chosen for the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 in recognition of her novel “Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary” which was published in 2018.
- This Hindi novel explores how Indian youth see America as a land of opportunity, the challenges they face when moving there, the temptations they encounter, and the cultural conflicts they experience.
- The selection was made by a committee chaired by Prof. Ramji Tiwari.
Note: Pushpa Bharathi was honored with the 33rd Vyas Samman for the book “Yaadein Yaadein Aur Yaadein”.
About Suryabala:
i.Suryabala, born in 1943 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh(UP). Throughout her extensive career, she has authored more than 50 novels, biographies, and children’s stories, many of which have been adapted into television serials.
ii.Noted works: Dikshanta (1992), Mere sandi-patra (2003) and Dishaheen (2010)
iii.Awards: In 2019, she was honored with the Bharat Bharti, the highest literary award from the UP Hindi Sansthan.
- In 2003, she received the Priyadarshini Award from Maharashtra state government in recognition of her outstanding contributions to literature.
- She has also been honored with the Maharashtra Hindi Academy Award, the Ratni Devi Goenka Award, and the ‘Vyangya Sri’ award by the Hindi Bhavan Nyas.
About Vyas Samman:
i.The Vyas Samman is a prestigious literary award presented annually by the K.K. Birla Foundation to honors outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years.
ii.The first Vyas Samman was awarded in 1991 to Dr. Ram Vilas Sharma for his work Bharat ke Pracheen Bhasha aur Hindi.
iii.The award includes a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh, along with a citation and a plaque.
iv.The K.K. Birla Foundation also presents the Saraswati Samman and the Bihari Puraskar.
Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas Honored with Knighthood and Damehood
In December 2024, Oscar award winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas were honored with royal honors ‘knighthood’ and ‘damehood’, respectively, by King Charles III for their remarkable contributions to the film industry in a ceremony held at Buckingham Palace in London, the United Kingdom (UK).
- The couple has worked together on numerous blockbuster films since 1997 through their Syncopy production company.
About the honor:
An honor knighthood is a title bestowed upon men and an honor damehood is a title bestowed upon women.
- These honors allow them to use the titles ‘Sir’ and ‘Dame’ before their names, recognizing their outstanding work in film production.
About Christopher Nolan & Emma Thomas:
i.Christopher Nolan, the director of Oppenheimer, Inception, and Interstellar has earned global recognition for his visionary film making.
- Emma Thomas has worked as a producer on all of his films, including Memento (2000), Batman Begins (2005) and The Prestige (2006).
ii.Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas are best known for their successful collaborations on films such as: Insomnia (2002), The Dark Knight Trilogy (2008-2012), Inception (2010), Interstellar (2014), Dunkirk (2017), Tenet (2020) and Oppenheimer (2023).
ii.Their work has received critical acclaim, with ‘Oppenheimer’ winning 7 Academy Awards, including ‘Best Picture’ and grossing over USD 976 million worldwide.
- The movie explores the life of J Robert Oppenheimer, the American physicist who played a pivotal role in developing nuclear weapons during World War II.
iii.In March 2024, Christopher Nolan received his 1st Oscar for “Best Director for the film” Oppenheimer, which stars Cillian Murphy at the 96th Academy Awards.
- He also received the British Film Institute (BFI)’s fellowship for his innovation and influence as a filmmaker.
iv.Emma Thomas is the first British female producer to win the Oscar for Best Picture for Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller Oppenheimer.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Dr. Thomas Schinecker appointed as President of IFPMA
Geneva, Switzerland-based International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) has appointed Dr. Thomas Schinecker, Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of the Roche Group, as its new President, effective January 1, 2025.
- He will succeed the current President Dr. Albert Bourla and the Chairman and CEO of Pfizer who completes his term.
i.Prior to this, Thomas Schinecker served as the Vice-President of the IFPMA for two years.
ii.Rob Davis, CEO of MSD(known as Merck & Co, Inc), has been appointed as the Vice-President of the IFPMA.
Note:In 2024, the United States of America(USA) based Pfizer Inc is the leading pharmaceutical company in the world, followed by Johnson & Johnson and AbbVie.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
HSL Partners with Kongsberg Maritime for Advanced RAS Equipment for FSS
In December 2024, Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), entered into a strategic maritime partnership with Kongsberg Maritime, a leading provider of marine systems and solutions headquartered in Kongsberg, Norway, to supply advanced Replenishment-at-Sea (RAS) equipment for the Indian Navy (IN)’s fleet of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS), enhancing operational capabilities and logistical efficiency.
Background:
In August 2023, Ministry of Defense (MoD) signed a contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam for the acquisition of five Fleet Support Ships (FSS) for the Indian Navy, at an estimated cost of Rs 19,000 crore.
Point to Note: The delivery of these ships is set to commence by mid-2027, with the first ship’s keel-laying ceremony conducted in November 2024 at HSL in Visakhapatnam
About the Fleet Support Ships (FSS):
The Fleet Support Ships (FSS) are large naval vessels built to provide critical support for the Indian Navy (IN) .Over 50% of the content in the FSS project will be sourced locally, aligning with India’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) vision.
Key Features:
i.These ships, weighing over 40,000 tonnes (tn), will carry essential supplies like fuel, water, and ammunition to warships, enabling them to operate far from ports.
ii.The FSS will improve the Navy’s ability to stay operational for longer periods without returning to port.
iii.The FSS will serve both military and humanitarian purposes, as they can be deployed for emergency evacuations or to deliver relief supplies to disaster-stricken areas during Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
About Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)- Commodore (Cmde)(Retired) Hemant Khatri
Headquarters– Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP)
Established-1941
TDB-DST Supports Agnikul Cosmos to Boost India’s Space Ecosystem
Ministry of Science & Technology extended its support to the Chennai-based M/s Agnikul Cosmos Pvt. Ltd to develop and commercialise “Agnibaan”, a customisable two-stage launch vehicle capable of delivering payloads of upto 300 kg to orbits at 700 km altitude.
- This initiative was supported by the Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body under the Department of Science & Technology (DST)
- TDB has sanctioned financial assistance for the “Development and Commercialization of Modular Configurable Launch Vehicle for 100 Kg Payload.”
- The company has achieved a historic milestone with the maiden launch of AgnibaanSOrTeD, the world’s first flight using a single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine.
Key people:- Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB; Srinath Ravichandran and Syed Peer Mohamed Shah Khadri, Founders of Agnikul Cosmos.
SPORTS
U-19 Women’s Asia Cup 2024: India defeated Bangladesh in the finals
India defeated Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final to win the 1st edition of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under (U)-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 being held at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 22nd December 2024.
- The tournament was held from 15th December to 22nd December 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- The Indian team was captained by Niki Prasad while the team of Bangladesh was captained by Sumaiya Akter.
- The Indian team won the tournament title followed by Bangladesh on the 2nd spot and Nepal on the 3rd position.
Key Highlights:
i.India’s Gongadi Trisha won the Player of the Match award in the finals. She was also the Player of the Series and the top scorer in the tournament with 159 runs in 5 innings.
Awards:
| Award | Player |
|---|---|
| Player of the Match | Gongadi Trisha (India) |
| Player of the Series | Gongadi Trisha |
| Most Runs | Gongadi Trisha (159 runs) |
| Most Wickets | Aayushi Shukla (10 wicktes) (India) |
About U-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup:
i.The tournament was conducted by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
ii.A total of 6 teams participated – four Asian full members (Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and with hosts Malaysia and Nepal, who qualified for the tournament as the winner of the Women’s U-19 Asia Qualifier 2025.
Pranav Venkatesh wins FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess titles
Indian grandmaster Pranav Venkatesh won gold medals on 17th December 2024 in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) World Youth Under (U)-18 Open Rapid and Blitz events held at the Terme Catez Hotel in Brezice, Slovenia.
- The tournament was held from 13th December to 17th December 2024.
- In the Rapid Category, he secured a total of 9.5 points to win a gold medal. Russia’s Alexander Khripachenko won silver with 9 points, while Ukraine’s Roman Pyrih earned the bronze with 7.5 points.
- In the Blitz Category, Pranav scored 19.5 points, finishing at the top. Russia’s Dmitry Mochalov secured silver with 15.5 points, while Khripachenko (Russia) won a bronze medal with 14.5 points.
Key Highlights:
i.Pranav was the only Grandmaster competing in the entire event, which included six categories across both Rapid and Blitz formats.
ii.International Master Eline Roebers (Netherlands) was the only female participant in the open events. She was also one of just two players to defeat Pranav in the blitz format.
About Pranav Venkatesh:
i.Pranav earned the Grandmaster title in 2022 after securing his third norm at the 2022 Limpedea Cup, becoming the 75th grandmaster in Indian history.
Results
| Rapid | Blitz | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | Winner | Rank | Winner |
| 1 | Pranav Venkatesh (India) (9.5 points) | 1 | Pranav Venkatesh (India) (19.5 points) |
| 2 | Alexander Khripachenko (Russia) (9 points) | 2 | Dmitry Mochalov (Russia) (15.5 points) |
| 3 | Roman Pyrih (Ukaraine) (7.5 points) | 3 | Khripachenko (Russia) (14.5 points) |
About FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess:
i.The tournament was organized by FIDE and the Slovenian Chess Federation.
ii.A total of 340 players from 35 countries, participated in U14, U16, and U18 categories across open and girls’ sections.
DD Partners with HIL for Live broadcast; Launch of Women’s Hockey India League
In December 2024, Doordarshan (DD), India’s national television broadcaster, has partnered with the Hockey India League (HIL) to provide live coverage of the 2024-25 hockey season across the nation.
- This season’s HIL is historic, marking the launch of the Women’s Hockey India League (Women’s HIL) alongside the men’s tournament.
- The introduction of the women’s league highlights Hockey India’s dedication to gender inclusivity and promoting women’s hockey at a national level.
i.The tournament, starting on December 28, 2024, will feature eight men’s teams and four women’s teams, with matches with matches taking place at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand, and the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, Odisha.
ii.The Women’s Hockey India League will wrap up on January 26, 2025, in Ranchi, while the men’s final is scheduled for February 1, 2025, in Rourkela.
iii.In addition, DD’s partnership with HIL will extend to all Hockey India National Championships and other events organized by Hockey India, ensuring nationwide access to the sport.
Note: Doordarshan (DD) channel is run by Prasar Bharati, a board formed by the Government of India (GoI).
OBITUARY
Environmentalist and Padma Shri Awardee Tulsi Gowda Passed Away
In December 2024, an environmentalist Tulsi Gowda also known as ‘Encyclopedia of Forest’, passed away at the age of 86 in Honnali, Karnataka. She was born in 1938 in Honnali.
- In 2021, she was awarded the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, for her contribution to environmental conservation.
About Tulsi Gowda:
i.Tulsi Gowda hails from the Halakki tribal family and is regarded as the “Vruksha Maate” (Mother of trees) by her tribe due to her deep knowledge of the forest.
ii.She is recognized for planting and taking care of over 1,00,000 trees across Karnataka. She plants more than 30,000 saplings every year, creating a lasting legacy of thousands of trees.
iii.Her efforts have helped improve one community reserve, five tiger reserves, 15 conservation areas, and 30 wildlife sanctuaries, protecting a variety of ecosystems.
Awards & Honours:
i.University of Agricultural Science, Dharwad (UASD), Karnataka awarded her a doctorate for her environmental knowledge and efforts.
ii.In 1986, She was honoured with the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra Award (IPVM), which recognizes outstanding efforts in tree planting and the development of barren lands.
iii.In 1999, she was awarded the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, (also known as the Kannada Rajyotsava Award), which is the second-highest civilian honour in Karnataka, given annually to distinguished citizens over sixty.
IMPORTANT DAYS
National Mathematics Day 2024 – December 22
National Mathematics Day(NMD), celebrated annually on December 22 to mark the birth anniversary of the Indian mathematician, Srinivasa Ramanujan.
- This day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of mathematics for the growth of humanity and to recognise the contributions made by Ramanujan, to mathematics.
- 22 December 2024 marks the 137th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Background :
National Mathematics Day(NMD) was introduced by former Prime Minister(PM) Manmohan Singh on 26 December 2011 at Madras University, to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan who was born on 22 December 1887.
- On this occasion former PM Manmohan Singh also announced that 2012 would be celebrated as the National Mathematics Year.
- The first NMD was celebrated on December 22, 2012.
STATE NEWS
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Launched ‘Banglar Bari’ Housing Scheme
In December 2024, the Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal (WB), Mamata Banerjee, launched the ‘Banglar Bari’ scheme to provide houses for the rural poor across WB. The launch was held at the state secretariat in Nabanna, WB.
- The scheme is completely financed by the state government, with a budget of Rs. 14,773 crore.
About the Banglar Bari Scheme:
i.Under the scheme, each family will receive a total of Rs.1.20 lakh for house construction, with Rs. 60,000 provided in the first instalment.
- Those in certain areas of Jangalmahal and the Darjeeling hills would get Rs.1.30 lakh.
ii.The beneficiaries would receive the money in two phases. Over 28 lakh genuine beneficiaries have been identified through a state-conducted survey for the scheme.
ii.The CM handed over the funds to 42 beneficiaries from 21 districts, over 12 lakh beneficiaries in the State are eligible for the first instalment.
iii.16 lakh more beneficiaries would receive housing allowances before the 2026 Assembly elections in WB.
Note: Mamata Banerjee announced the construction of a 5-kilometer(km)-long bridge, “Gangasagar Sethu,” to connect the mainland to Sagar Island at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,500 crore, will be entirely funded by the state government due to the Centre’s lack of response to previous requests.
About West Bengal:
Chief Minister (CM) – Mamata Banerjee
Governor – C.V. Ananda Bose
National Parks – Buxa National Park, Gorumara National Park
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