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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Cabinet Approvals on 6th December 2024
On December 6 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India has approved:
i.The 26.463 kilometer (km) long Rithala-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli) corridor of the Delhi Metro’s Phase-IV project.
ii.Establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in the uncovered districts of the country under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme (CSS).
iii.Setting up of 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the civil/defence sector across the country and expansion of existing KV Shivamogga located at Shivamogga district in Karnataka .
iv.Release of Rs 944.80 crore to the state government of Tamil Nadu (TN) as share of central government from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to help the people affected by cyclone “Fengal” .
>> Read Full News
DAC Approves Capital Acquisitions Worth Rs 21,772 Cr to Enhance Capabilities of Indian Navy and ICG
On 3 December 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD), has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for five critical defence acquisition proposals worth over Rs 21,772 crore.
- These projects aim to enhance India’s maritime security, coastal defense, and combat readiness through advanced technological assets.
Key Approvals:
i.The DAC approved the procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts (NWJFACs) for the Indian Navy (IN).
- These crafts are specifically designed to enhance coastal surveillance, conduct patrolling, carry out Search And Rescue (SAR) operations, and undertake anti-piracy missions around India’s island territories.
ii.The procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts (FIC-1) was also approved by the DAC to bolster coastal defense and provide escort services for high-value naval units, including aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines.
iii.AoN for procurement of the Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) comprising External Airborne Self Protection Jammer pods, Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver and associated equipment for Su-30 MKI Aircraft was accorded by the DAC.
- This system enhances survivability of SU-30 MKI by protecting the aircraft from enemy radars and weapons, ensuring mission success in hostile environments.
iv.The procurement of 6 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was also approved by the DAC to enhance coastal security and improve surveillance in maritime regions.
v.The modernization of T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP infantry combat vehicles, and Sukhoi fighter aircraft engines was also approved to extend their service life and improve the operational efficiency of these critical defense systems.
About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister- Rajnath Singh (Constituency- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
Minister of State (MoS)- Sanjay Seth (Constituency- Ranchi, Jharkhand)
About Defence Acquisition Council (DAC):
Chairman– Rajnath Singh (Union Minister of Defence)
Established– 2001
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched ‘Anna Chakra’ & ‘SCAN’ Portal for revolutionizing PDS
On December 5 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy(MNRE), launched 2 pivotal initiatives ‘Anna Chakra’, a Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain optimization tool and the ‘SCAN (Subsidy Claim Application for National Food Security Act (NFSA) portal’ in New Delhi(Delhi).
- These initiatives, led by the Department of Food Public Distribution(DFPD) under the MoCAF&PD, are set to modernize the PDS and streamline subsidy claims, marking a significant milestone in India’s food security framework.
About Anna Chakra portal :
i.‘Anna Chakra’ is designed to optimize the logistics network of the PDS, a system that serves as the backbone for providing food security to over 81 crore beneficiaries.
ii.It was developed by the MoCAF&PD in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Delhi, New Delhi(Delhi) in which the tool employs advanced algorithms to identify the most efficient routes for the movement of food grains across various supply chain nodes.
iii.QKM(quantity in quintal x distance in kilometers(KMs)) is the objective function of this entire exercise and has been reduced by 58 crores.
- This initiative covered 4.37 lakh Fair Price Shops and approximately 6,700 warehouses significantly reducing logistics costs, fuel consumption, and transportation time.
iv.The tool is integrated with the Prime Minister (PM) Gati Shakti platform and the Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) portal facilitating seamless interstate movement.
About SCAN portal :
i.The SCAN portal is a single window platform that simplifies the process of subsidy claim submission, scrutiny and approval of subsidy claims under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013.
- The subsidy amount to the state government is processed and paid by the DFPD.
ii.This portal automates the end-to-end workflow, ensuring timely disbursement and minimizing delays in subsidy release.
iii.These developments are crucial for enhancing the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of India’s PDS further strengthening the nation’s commitment to food security and transparency.
Ministry of Textiles and HEPC Organised “GI & Beyond” Summit in New Delhi
On November 25 2024, the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, in partnership with the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) has successfully organised the “GI & Beyond 2024” Summit at The Oberoi, New Delhi (Delhi), where Indian artisans showcased India’s Geographical Indication (GI) tagged handloom and handicraft products manufactured by them to the global stage.
- This one-day summit was inaugurated by the Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles (MoT) who was invited at the event as the Chief Guest.
i.During the event, the Union Minister distributed new GI certificates to 10 artisans from various parts of the country.
ii.On November 22 2024, Union MoS Pabitra Margherita, MoT inaugurated the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of World Crafts Forum held in New Delhi, Delhi. He paid tribute to the contributions of Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in the formation of World Crafts Council (WCC).
- The forum celebrated the Diamond Jubilee of the WCC at two different locations: from November 22-24, 2024 was held in New Delhi (Delhi) and from November 25-27, 2024 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
About the Ministry of Textiles (MoT):
Union Minister- Giriraj Singh (Constituency- Begusarai, Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS)- Pabitra Margherita (Rajya Sabha- Assam)
>> Read Full News
5th Anniversary of National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) Portal
On November 26 2024, the 5th anniversary of National Youth Parliament Scheme (NYPS) portal was observed in New Delhi(Delhi). It was launched by former President Ram Nath Kovind on November 26 2019 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of India’s Constitution ‘Samvidhan Diwas’.
- This initiative in alignment with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s vision aims to engage young citizens in understanding the workings of Parliament and strengthen democratic values.
i.The NYPS portal, developed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs(MoPA), serves as an important platform for raising awareness about democratic processes, empowering youth and building a deeper connection to India’s constitutional values, especially on Samvidhan Diwas.
ii.The portal facilitates Youth Parliament sittings under 2 categories: Kishore Sabha for younger students and Tarun Sabha for older ones.
iii.In September 2024, the NYPS 2.0 was launched by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, MoPA, expanding participation to all citizens through institution, group and individual categories.
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches Nayi Chetna 3.0:National Campaign to combat Gender-Based Violence
On November 25 2024, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister of Rural Development (MoRD) and Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) launched the 3rd edition of “Nayi Chetna-Pahal Badlaav Ki” , a nationwide campaign against gender based violence in New Delhi(Delhi). The campaign’s slogan, “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf,” calls for collective action against violence.
- He also inaugurated 227 new Gender Resource Centers across 13 states. These centres provide survivors of gender-based violence with safe spaces to access information, report incidents, and receive legal assistance.
About Nayi Chetna 3.0:
i.The Nayi Chetna-3 was organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development(MoRD). It will run until December 23, 2024 across all States and Union Territories (UT).
- The campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage community action, and provide support systems for survivors of gender based violence.
i.The objective is to empower communities to demand action and promote women’s equality, especially in rural India, where gender inequality remains prevalent.
ii.The campaign, a collaborative effort under the “whole of government” approach, is supported by 9 ministries, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development(MoWCD); Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoH&FW); Department of School Education and Literacy,Ministry of Education (MoE); Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA); Ministry of Panchayati Raj(MoPR); Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment(MoSJE), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports(MoYA&S); Ministry of Information and Broadcasting(MoI&B) and Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice(MoL&J).
iii. The first edition reached 3.5 crore people with support from multiple ministries, while the second edition engaged 5.5 crore participants across 31 states and union territories. It included over 9 lakh awareness activities addressing gender-based violence conducted nationwide.
DPIIT Partners with WinZO to Foster 2,000+ Startups
In November 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry(MoC&I) signed a two year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi(Delhi) based WinZO Games Private Limited(formerly Tictok Skill Games Private Limited), India’s largest social gaming platform to bolster the country’s interactive entertainment sector.
- This collaboration aims to support over 2,000 startups, innovators and students through mentorship, industry insights and global opportunities.
i.The initiative aligns with Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in technology and gaming.
- The key goals include creating a skilled workforce, fostering innovation and scaling startups to compete globally.
ii.Under this partnership, the Center of Excellence (CoE) will be established by WinZO, in collaboration with DPIIT.
- The CoE will focus on training a skilled workforce, developing monetization strategies for Indian gaming assets, creating high-quality “Made in India” intellectual property, and attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).
iii.The MoU will also expand WinZO’s flagship Tech Triumph Programme (Bharat Edition), a platform for identifying and mentoring top Indian game developers.
Note: As per United States-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Report, India’s interactive entertainment sector is poised to reach USD 60 billion by 2034.
General Upendra Dwivedi Presents President’s Colours to 4 Battalions of Mechanised Infantry
In November 2024, General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) awarded the “President’s Colours” to 4 battalions of the Mechanised Infantry at a ceremony held at the Mechanised Infantry Centre and School (MIC&S) in Ahilyanagar((earlier known as Ahmednagar), Maharashtra.
- The 26th and 27th Battalions of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment along with the 20th and 22nd Battalions of the Brigade of the Guards received this honour in recognition of their exemplary service and commitment to the nation.
i.The President’s Colours, a symbolic flag representing a unit’s achievements acknowledge the battalions’ distinguished performance in key operations such as Op Pawan, Op Vijay, Op Rakshak, Op Snow Leopard and UN (United Nations) peacekeeping missions.
ii.The President’s Colour Award, also known as the “Nishaan,” is the highest honor that can be conferred upon a military unit in India.
- It is a prestigious emblem worn by all unit officers on the left sleeve of their uniform symbolizing exceptional service and distinction.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
UNESCO Recognizes Traditional Japanese Sake-Making as Intangible Cultural Heritage
On December 4 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially recognized the traditional Japanese Sake-Making process as an Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity, honoring a brewing practice that spans over a thousand years.
- The decision was made at a UNESCO meeting in Luque, Paraguay, where the organization also recognized 45 other cultural practices and products from around the world, such as Brazilian white cheese, Caribbean cassava bread, and Palestinian olive oil soap.
- This recognition is seen as an important step in revitalizing Sake’s popularity, both in Japan and globally, while also strengthening Japan’s cultural identity and export economy.
About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH):
i.The Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) designation recognizes products and practices from various cultures that are deemed worthy of recognition. The list was established in 2008 by UNESCO.
ii.So far, 788 elements corresponding to 5 regions and 150 countries have been listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- India has 15 elements included in this list.
Click Here to view the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage List
About Japanese Sake :
Japanese officials are working to revitalize Sake’s reputation, aiming to position it as the country’s leading alcoholic beverage once again.
i.The Art of Sake Brewing: Sake brewing is a meticulous craft, brewed in centuries-old mountaintop warehouses through a simple yet intricate process. The primary ingredients, Japanese rice, water, yeast, and koji (a rice mold), are combined and transformed through a detailed, two-month-long process.
- Steaming, fermenting, stirring, and pressing all require precision and care to create the perfect drink. This labor-intensive process requires expertise, with each step contributing to the Sake’s smooth, refined taste.
ii.Cultural Significance: Sake is not just a beverage; it’s a deep-rooted part of Japanese heritage. This rice wine, featured in the 11th-century literary work The Tale of Genji, has been central to numerous cultural practices for centuries.
iii.To be classified as true Japanese Sake, the rice used must be grown in Japan. This requirement ensures the authenticity of the drink and highlights its deep connection to Japan’s agricultural traditions.
iv.The Sake exports, primarily to markets like the United States of America (USA) and China, have reached over USD 265 million annually, as reported by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association (JSS).
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Director General (DG)- Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established– 1945
About Japan:
Prime Minister (PM)- Shigeru Ishiba
Capital– Tokyo
Currency- Japanese Yen(JPY)
BANKING & FINANCE
SEBI Announced Interoperability for Stock Exchanges from 1st April 2025
In November 2024, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular under Section (11) of the SEBI Act, 1992, which empowers the SEBI to protect investor interests, regulate the securities market, and promote its development.
- Through this circular, SEBI has outlined a comprehensive Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for interoperability of stock exchanges and clearing corporations to address the issue of trading outages or glitches.
- The interoperability for cash, derivatives, and interest rate derivatives will come into effect from April 1, 2025.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
The SEBI was constituted as a non-statutory body on April 12, 1988 through a resolution of the Government of India(GoI). It was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992.
Chairperson– Madhabi Puri Buch(First woman)
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
>> Read Full News
ADB approves USD 350 Million Loan to Boost India’s Logistics Sector and Export Competitiveness
On December 6 2024, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 350 million Policy Based Loan (PBL) to aid the Government of India (GoI) in strengthening and modernizing the country’s logistics sector.
- This funding supports the 2nd subprogram of the Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem Program (SMILE) which is aimed at enhancing India’s economic competitiveness.
- It builds on the reforms of the first subprogram which focused on institutionalizing policies for better interagency coordination and standardizing processes to attract private sector investment.
Key Points:
i.The GoI has launched strategic policies including the Prime Minister Gati Shakti-National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) and the National Logistics Policy (NLP)
- This policies aims to address sector challenges and focuses on improving infrastructure, promoting digitization and reducing costs, which has already positively impacted India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI).
ii.This initiative focuses on creating a comprehensive policy, planning and institutional framework at the federal, state and city levels to improve logistics.
iii.The key actions under the program include the development of institutional frameworks for logistics planning, the implementation of a grain storage plan and the adoption of green transition guidelines for inland waterways.
iv.The transformation was expected to reduce logistics costs, increase efficiency, create job opportunities and promote gender inclusion, all of which will contribute to sustainable economic growth.
v.With India’s export growth increasing significantly from USD 48.5 billion in 2000 to USD 467.5 billion in 2022, the government’s aim is to reach USD 2 trillion in goods and services exports by 2030.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
Headquarters– Manila, Philippines
Established– 1966
Members- 69
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
CRISIL: Asset Growth of NBFCs to Sharply Decline to 15-17% in FY25 and FY26
According to the CRISIL Ratings Limited (formerly Credit Rating and Information Services of India Limited), India’s 1st credit rating agency, the growth in Assets Under Management (AUM) of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) is expected to moderate to 15-17% in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25) as well as in FY26.
- This marks a sharp decline of 600-800 basis points (bps) from a strong growth of 23% in FY24.
- It is estimated that the growth of AUM will be above the decadal average of about 14% (FY14 to FY24).
Key Factors for Moderate Growth of AUM:
i.As per the CRISIL Ratings, increasing concerns around household indebtedness and asset quality risks will have impact on growth strategies in specific retail asset segments such as microfinance and unsecured loans.
ii.Regulatory compliance requirements have intensified focusing mainly on customer protection, pricing disclosures and operational compliance which will necessitate process recalibration.
Key Points:
i.The AUM growth of NBFCs in the two largest contributors of home loans and vehicle loans, which together accounting nearly 45% of NBFC AUM, will have limited impact as it will be driven by fundamentals.
- While, the unsecured loans and microfinance segments, constituting for 23% of the overall NBFC AUM, are estimated to be impacted the most.
iii. It has estimated that the unsecured lending, which reported a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 45% in last three financial years, will witness an AUM growth of 15-16% in FY25 and FY26.
iv.Home Loans will maintain a stable CAGR of 13-14%, which will be mainly driven by policy initiatives such as the re-introduction of the Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS), will provide impetus.
- Housing Finance Companies (HFCs) which primarily focuses on the affordable segment (less than Rs 25 lakh loan ticket size) are expected to grow faster at a CAGR 22-23%. While growth in vehicle finance is most likely to moderate, but remain healthy at CAGR of about 15-16%.
About CRISIL Ratings Limited:
Managing Director (MD)– Subodh Rai
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 1987
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra appointed as the new Governor of RBI 
On December 09 2024, the Government of India (GoI) appointed Sanjay Malhotra, Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance (MoF) as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He replaced Shaktikanta Das (2nd longest serving RBI Governor) and became the 26th Governor of RBI.
- The appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and was notified by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) ,Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pension (MoP) .
- His tenure starts on December 11, 2024 for a period of 3 years.
Note: Sir Benegal Rama Rau was the longest serving Governor of the Bank.
About Sanjay Malhotra:
i.Sanjay Malhotra was a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Officer (IAS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre.
ii.Malhotra is a computer science graduate from (Indian Institute of Technology)IIT Kanpur and a master’s from Princeton University,United States(US)..
iii.He served as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rural Electrification and Corporation Limited (REC), a state-run company.
iv.He is a former Secretary in the Department of Financial Services (DFS), and was widely recognized for his leadership in steering the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)’s landmark Rs 21,000 crore Initial Public Offering (IPO) and advancing significant public sector banking reforms.
v.He also served as the ex- officio Secretary to the GST Council, navigating complex state-federal dynamics on Goods and Services Tax issues.
vi.His tenure as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power (MoP) led efforts on the Rs 3 lakh crore power distribution reforms.
Roles and Responsibilities of the RBI Governor:
Monetary Policy Formulation: The Governor is responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policies aimed at controlling inflation and promoting economic growth to ensure monetary stability.
Bank Licensing: The Governor manages the issuance of licenses for new foreign and private banks, thereby regulating the banking sector in India
Interest Rate Control: The Governor controls interest rates, focusing on minimum lending rates to maintain economic balance and stability.
Currency Management: The Governor is responsible for the circulation, issuance, and withdrawal of currency notes, ensuring a stable currency supply.
Regulation of Co-operative Banks: The Governor regulates co-operative banks, regional rural banks, and local area banks to maintain financial stability across sectors.
JSFB Appoints R Ramaseshan as Part-time Chairman
Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Jana Small Finance Bank (JSFB) Limited has appointed R Ramaseshan as its ‘part-time Chairman’ (independent director) effective from 27 November 2024 to 7 February 2026.
- He succeeded Subhash Khuntia, whose term ended on 24th October 2024. Subhash Khuntia will continue to serve on the bank’s Board as an Independent Director.
i.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved his appointment following the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC) and the Board of Directors.
ii.He had experience in both the government sector as an ISA officer and the private sector as Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of commodity markets. He has expertise in public finance, tax changes, stock and commodity markets, and agriculture.
iii.He is a fellow member of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India (ICMAI).
Note: As of 2024, there are 11 Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India, following the merger of Fincare SFB with AU SFB.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Adani Defence Strengthens India’s Maritime Security with Drishti-10 Starliner Drone Deliveries to Indian Navy
Adani Aerospace and Defence Limited, defence subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited(AEL), delivered its second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy(IN) at the Porbandar base in Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in India’s defense capabilities.
- The Drishti-10, a variant of Israel’s Hermes 900 medium altitude long endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) enhances the country’s maritime monitoring efforts especially in combating piracy and safeguarding strategic sea routes.
Points to Note:
i.In January 2024, the IN received the first Drishti-10 Starliner drone. These drones will monitor the western border marking progress in India’s unmanned defense technology.
ii.The Drishti-10 Starliner was also delivered to the Indian Army(IA) in June 2024, which was deployed at its Bhatinda base in Punjab.
About Drishti-10 Starliner:
i.The Drishti-10 Starliner, was manufactured at Adani Defence and Aerospace’s Hyderabad facility, is a cutting edge intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform.
ii.It is India’s only indigenous UAV that can operate reliably above 32,000 feet with a large payload carrying capacity and distinctively long endurance.
ii.The Features and Operational Significance of Drishti-10 Starliner are
- Endurance & Payload: 36-hour flight time with a 450 kilogram(kg) payload capacity.
- All Weather Operation: Certified to operate in all weather conditions with North Atlantic Treaty Organization Standardization Agreement (NATO STANAG) 4671 certification.
- Autonomy: Fully autonomous, capable of over-the-horizon, persistent multi payload operations.
- Satcom Based Operations: Ensures continuous communication and control.
iii.This sophisticated UAV serves as a force multiplier enhancing the IN’s maritime situational awareness and extending its surveillance reach over vast oceanic territories.
iv.The drone’s advanced capabilities include fully autonomous functions and satellite communication (Satcom) based operations which support the IN in monitoring and securing critical sea lanes.
v.The Drishti-10 also marks a historic first with India now possessing the capability to integrate advanced payloads on a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) platform.
About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established-1950
About Adani Aerospace and Defence Limited:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Ashish Rajvanshi
Headquarters– Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Established-2017
Indian Army Receives ‘Sabal 20’ Logistics Drone from EndureAir
Indian Army(IA) has received “Sabal 20” logistics drones from Noida (Uttar Pradesh (UP)) based Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) manufacturer EndureAir systems Private Limited to improve aerial logistics and help transport supplies in the Eastern sector.
- The Sabal 20 is an electric unmanned helicopter that can carry up to 20 kilograms (kg), which is about half of its weight.
i.It can carry various supplies such as medical kits, ammunition, batteries, and small arms over distances of more than 10 kilometres(km) or (6.2 miles).
- The drone also features variable pitch technology, providing better stability, load capacity, and performance at high altitudes.
ii.It has a design inspired by the United States of America (USA) based Boeing’s Chinook helicopter. It uses large rotors and a tandem rotor setup, like the Chinook, which helps it carry heavy loads efficiently.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Civil Aviation Day 2024 – December 7
The United Nations (UN) International Civil Aviation Day is observed annually on December 7 worldwide to raise awareness about international civil aviation and the role of aviation in the social and economic development of the nation.
- The day also highlights the role of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a UN Specialised agency in helping countries to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.
- 7th December 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation in Chicago, United States.
Theme:
The theme of International Civil Aviation Day 2024 is “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future: Together for the next 80 years”.
i.From 9 to 12 December 2024 in Muscat, Oman, The ICAO Security Week 2024 will be held by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This event will be a unique opportunity to cover all aspects of aviation security, including aviation cybersecurity and other emerging issues.
- Theme -“Sustainable Future of Aviation Through Security”.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2024 – December 7
Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD) was annually observed across India on 7th December to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women serving in the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
- 7th December 2024 marks the 76th observance of the AFFD.
- Kendriya Sainik Board(KSB)is the main government body that creates and runs welfare programs for ex-servicemen (ESM) and their families through Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs) in state capitals and Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs) in districts across India.
- In 1993, the Defence Ministry of India merged all related welfare funds, such as the Kendriya Sainik Board Fund and the funds for war victims, into a single fund, the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFDF).
Background:
i.On August 28, 1949, then Defence Minister of India Baldev Singh, established a committee to initiate the observance of AFFD.
ii.The first-ever AFFD was observed on 7th December 1949.
About the Indian Army:
Commander-in-Chief – President Droupadi Murmu
Chief of the Army Staff – General Upendra Dwivedi
Motto – ‘Seva Paramo Dharma’ (Service Before Self)
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
Gujarat Launches ‘Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana’ scheme to Serve Nutritious Breakfast to Students
On December 2 2024, the Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel launched “Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana(Chief Minister Nutritious Snack Scheme)” , aiming to improve students’ health, nutrition and educational outcomes aligning with Gujarat’s goal of fostering a healthy, educated future generation. The scheme will officially begin on December 11, 2024.
- The initiative was launched under the Suposhit Gujarat Mission, complements the ongoing Prime Minister (PM) Poshan Yojana (midday meal scheme).
- The scheme aimed at fulfilling PM Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Padhai Bhi, Poshan Bhi‘ will provide students with nutritious breakfasts daily before the start of school ensuring that no child enters the classroom on an empty stomach.
About Mukhyamantri Paushtik Alpahar Yojana:
i.As part of this scheme, students from Balvatika (pre-primary) to Grade 8 will be served nutritious snacks immediately after the morning prayer before educational activities commence.
ii.This program will incur an additional state government annual cost of Rs 617 crore, with Rs 493 crore allocated for material costs and Rs 124 crore for increasing staff honorariums.
- The honorarium for staff under the PM Poshan Yojana will also see a 50% increase, incentivizing additional work involved in the preparation and distribution of these nutritious snacks
iii.Students in tribal and developing areas will continue to receive 200 milliliter(ml) of flavoured milk through the Doodh Sanjeevani Yojana.
iv.The scheme also includes providing snacks during the afternoon recess to 15.05 lakh students in 81 talukas which will be coupled with the midday meal and flavoured milk.
v.A variety of food items will be served such as sukhdi with roasted peanuts, chana chaat and pulses made from Shri Anna (millet) ensuring nutritional balance.
vi.This initiative will contribute to the state’s leadership in building a Viksit Gujarat and ensuring a future generation that is both healthy and well-nourished.
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