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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to UP on 13th December 2024
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Uttar Pradesh (UP) on 13th December 2024 to review the preparations of Mahakumbh Mela 2025 festival.
i.During the visit, he inaugurated 167 multiple development projects worth around Rs 5500 crore at Prayagraj, UP.
- PM Modi inaugurated multiple development projects at Prayagraj,UP including 10 new Road Over Bridges (RoBs) and flyovers, permanent Ghats, and riverfront roads.
ii.He also launched the Kumbh “Sah’AI’yak” Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chatbot which provides details on guidance and updates of the events to devotees of Mahakumbh Mela 2025.
- Available 24/7, it provides real time, multilingual support in 11 Indian Languages (Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Malayalam, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada and Bengali).
PM Modi inaugurates Multiple Development Projects:
About Uttar Pradesh (UP):
Chief Minister (CM)-Yogi Adityanath
Governor- Anandiben Patel
Capital- Lucknow
National Park- Dudhwa National Park
>> Read Full News
President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024 to replace Aircraft Act 1934
In December 2024, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu granted assent to the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (BVV) 2024, which replaced the colonial-era (90-year-old) Aircraft Act of 1934.
- The notification was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) following the bill’s passage in both Houses of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha(House of the People).
i.The primary aim is to enhance safety, streamline regulatory processes and improve aviation security and infrastructure management in India.
ii.The BVV 2024, introduced in July 2024 and passed in August 2024 by Lok Sabha, aims to modernize India’s aviation regulatory framework, eliminate redundancies and enhance ease of doing business in the sector.
>> Read Full News
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy Unveiled India’s Green Steel Taxonomy
On December 12 2024, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, Ministry of Steel (MoS) and Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises (MoHI&PE) unveiled the ‘Taxonomy of Green Steel for India’ during an event held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi, Delhi. With this, India becomes the 1st country in the world to launch a taxonomy for green steel.
- The MoS has also organised stakeholder consultations on the draft National Mission on Green Steel (NMGS) and the Green Steel Public Procurement Policy (GSPPP) during the event. All the suggestions and inputs received from various stakeholders will be reviewed and integrated into the final draft of NMGS and GSPPP
i.As per the new framework, green steel will be defined in terms of its emission intensity. It has set a limit of 2.2 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emission per tonne of finished steel (tCO2e/tfs).
- The steel will be termed “green steel” if the percentage of the steel plant’s emission intensity is less than the 2.2 tCO2e/tfs.
ii.The upper limit for defining the star rating of green steel will be reviewed after every 3 years, to ensure that it remains in line with technological advancements and industry requirements.
About Ministry of Steel (MoS):
Union Minister- H.D. Kumarswamy (Constituency- Mandya, Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS)- Bhupathi Raju Srinivas Varma (Constituency- Narasapuram, Andhra Pradesh,AP)
>> Read Full News
MoD signs Rs 13,500 Crore Deal with HAL for 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI Jets
In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth Rs 13,500 crore with Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 indigenous Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force(IAF).
- The contract aligns with the ongoing “Super Sukhoi“ project which aims to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft with advanced weapon systems, radars and avionics.
i.In December 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the acquisition of 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers to enhance India’s defence capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The estimated cost of the 100 artillery guns is Rs 7000 crore.
ii.This will be the third such contract to Larsen & Toubro Limited(L&T) as the first contract of 100 artillery guns has already been delivered by 2021 and the second contract of 100 guns received in 2023.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
Chairman and Managing Director(CMD) – Dr. D. K. Sunil
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established – 1940
>> Read Full News
MoHFW Announces Snake Bite a Notifiable Disease
In November 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) announced snakebite cases as a “Notifiable Disease” in India. It mandates all the government and public health facilities to report such cases and deaths.
- This aligns with the National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), launched by the MoHFW in March 2024. The plan aims to reduce snakebite fatalities by 50% by 2030.
What is a Notifiable Disease?
i.A notifiable disease is any disease that must be reported to public health authorities by law. This reporting helps public health officials monitor the disease, track outbreaks, and provide timely actions to prevent and control them.
ii.Some of the notifiable diseases in India are Leprosy, Tuberculosis (TB), Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), Cholera, Hepatitis, etc.
Reason for Declaring Snake Bite as a “Notifiable Disease” :
i.Snakebites are life-threatening conditions that can lead to severe outcomes, including death, long-term health complications, and permanent disability in some cases.
ii.An effective surveillance system is essential for accurately monitoring snakebite cases and fatalities to access the accurate burden, high-risk areas, and factors contributing to snakebite-related deaths leading to better clinical management.
Snake bite in India:
i.In India, around 50,000 deaths occur annually from an estimated 3-4 million snake bites, accounting for about 50% of global snakebite fatalities. And only about 10% of snakebite cases are recorded.
ii.According to reports from the Central Bureau of Health Investigation (CBHI) for 2016-2020, India sees an average of 300,000 snakebite cases annually, with approximately 2,000 deaths resulting from snakebite each year.
iii.According to “The Million Death Study in India” report, around 1.2 million people lost their lives to snakebites between 2000 and 2019, with nearly 58,000 deaths occurring each year.
iv.India has more than 310 species of snakes, of which 66 are venomous or mildly venomous.
- In India, around 90% of snakebites are caused by the ‘big four’ among the crawlers – common krait, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper.
v.High-risk Snake bites states are Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.These states account for more than 70% of snakebite deaths in India.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW):
Union Minister – Jagat Prakash Nadda (Rajya Sabha – Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS) – Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav (Constituency – Buldhana, Maharashtra)
MEA and DoP Renew MoU for 5 Years to Enhance POPSKs
In December 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts (DoP) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 5 years to ensure the continued accessibility of passport service through the Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).
- The MoU was signed by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager of the Business Development Directorate, representing the DoP, and K.J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary of the Passport Seva Program & Central Passport Organization (PSP & CPO), MEA.
i.The agreement ensures that Indian citizens will keep receiving high-quality passport services at their nearest post offices through effective management of POPSKs.
ii.Under this plan, the number of Passport Seva Kendras will rise to 600 across India by 2028-29, improving access and convenience for citizens, and increasing the annual customer base from 35 lakh to 1 crore over the next five years.
Note: POPSK was launched in 2017 and has been instrumental in providing passport-related services , particularly in rural and underserved areas. Currently, 442 POPSKs operating across India.
BANKING & FINANCE
BOBCARD Launched ‘TIARA Credit Card’ for Women
In December 2024, BOBCARD Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Baroda (BOB), launched the unique women-centric ‘TIARA credit card’ designed to support, empower, and celebrate the financial independence of women.
- It was launched by Indian Model & Actor, Creator of Pinkathon Milind Soman, Yoga practitioner Ankita Konwar, and Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BOBCARD Limited, Ravindra Rai at Pinkathon, the largest women’s marathon in India.
TIARA Credit Card:
i.It is a premium card powered by the Rupay network. It provides rewards and benefits in various categories, such as travel, dining, lifestyle, entertainment, and health.
ii.Joining and annual fee is Rs 2,499 with Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the joining fee can be reversed by spending Rs.25,000 within the first 60 days, while the annual fee can be exempted by spending Rs. 2,50,000 within the year.
Key Benefits:
i.Lifestyle: It provides quarterly discount vouchers worth Rs 500 from Nykaa, Flipkart, and Myntra, along with Lakme Salon vouchers valued at Rs 1,500 per quarter.
ii.Entertainment: It offers memberships per annum for Amazon Prime, Disney Hotstar, and Gaana Plus etc. and a Rs. 250 discount on movie tickets through BookMyShow once every quarter.
iii.Dining and grocery: 3-month Swiggy One membership for unlimited free deliveries on Food and Instamart orders, available once per year, along with Big Basket vouchers worth Rs 250 every quarter.
iv.Health: Complementary health packages, including Pap Smear, Mammography, and blood tests, along with personal accident insurance and permanent disability coverage of up to Rs 10 Lakhs.
v.It also offers unlimited access to domestic airport lounges, a lower forex markup of 2%, Unified Payments Interface(UPI) payment options, and a range of special benefits to improve your shopping experience.
vi.Reward Points: Earn 15 points for every Rs 100 spent on travel, dining, and international purchases, and 3 points for every Rs 100 spent on other purchases. Reward points on Credit Card UPI are capped at Rs 500 per statement cycle. 1 Reward Point equals Rs. 0.25.
About BOBCARD Limited:
BOBCARD Limited, formerly BOB Financial Solutions Limited, established in 1994.
Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Ravindra Rai M
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
BharatPe Launches Fraud Protection Plan ‘Shield’ to Safeguard Users from Digital Transaction
In December 2024, BharatPe, a financial Technology Company for merchant payments, launched a fraud protection plan “Shield” to safeguard users from fraudulent Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions.
i.It offers users making their first UPI transaction with the BharatPe application (app) 30 days of complimentary fraud protection for amounts up to Rs.5,000.
- After this free period, users can continue the service for an affordable fee of Rs.19 per month.
ii.It covers risks such as computer fraud, phishing attacks, and unauthorized transactions resulting from phone loss. It also offers a pre-reporting period, allowing users to file claims for losses incurred up to 10 days before reporting.
iii.It provides round-the-clock support via app, chatbot, and toll-free helplines for reporting fraud and raising claims.
Note: BharatPe, founded in 2018, introduced India’s first UPI-compatible Quick-Response(QR) code and the first zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) payment service. In August 2024, it rebranded its Postpe app to BharatPe app and expanded into the consumer payments space by launching its UPI Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Kerala and Adani Ports signed an agreement for the development of Vizhinjam Seaport
In November 2024, the Government of Kerala had signed a supplementary concession agreement with Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited (AVPPL) to enhance the development of the Vizhinjam deep-water international seaport. It is envisioned as a transformative step in Kerala’s maritime infrastructure.
i.As per the agreement, the first phase is expected to be commissioned in December 2024. The second and third phases of the project will be completed by 2028.
- The Rs 7,700-crore port’s capacity would be increased to 30 lakh Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU) in these phases and require an additional expenditure of Rs 10,000 crore.
ii.The State started the arbitration process against the port concessionaire when the corporation missed the deadline of the project, which was originally scheduled for 2019, as per the initial agreement.
iii.A penalty of Rs 219 crore has been imposed for the delays. Rs 43.8 crore to be paid to the state and the remaining amount will not be paid until 2028.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation: 2 Conservation Projects from India in the List
On December 6 2024, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced the winners of 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation also known as Heritage Awards at its regional office in Bangkok, Thailand (UNESCO Bangkok).
- This year total 8 projects from 5 different countries of Asia-Pacific region: India(2), Thailand(1), China (3), New Zealand(1) and Japan(1) were honored with the UNESCO’s prestigious Heritage awards.
i.Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Project in Tokyo Japan, has won the Award of Excellence, the highest honour of UNESCO heritage awards.
ii.Total 2 projects from India were honoured with two different heritage awards: Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Tamil Nadu (TN) was honoured with “Award of Distinction” and Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI Conservation Project) in Maharashtra received “Award of Merit”.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO):
Director-General (DG)- Audrey Azoulay
Headquarters– Paris, France
Member Nations- 194
Established–1945
>> Read Full News
Air India wins Good Design Award Australia 2024 and FTE Awards
In December 2024, Air India Limited, India’s leading airline based in New Delhi (Delhi), has received two distinguished global accolades, highlighting its ongoing transformation and dedication to service excellence.
- The airline’s Vista Verve in-flight product was honoured with the Good Design Award Australia 2024, recognising its outstanding innovation and design.
- Air India also won three APEX Awards at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards in Singapore, highlighting its leadership in global passenger experiences
About Awards:
i.Good Design Award Australia 2024: This award recognizes the innovation and design excellence of the airline’s Vista Verve in-flight product, which features exclusive tableware, Slovakian lead-free glassware, and luxurious linens with premium mattress toppers.
- These elements highlight Air India’s dedication to sustainability, comfort, and luxury.
ii.Vista Verve is currently being introduced across the airline’s network, with availability on all the United Kingdom (UK) routes, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Birmingham, as well as selected United States of America (USA) routes such as New York, Newark, and Washington.
ii.Three APEX Awards at the FTE Awards in Singapore
At the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards in Singapore, Air India garnered three distinguished APEX Awards, further solidifying its reputation for exceptional global service. The awards include:
- Four Star Global Airline 2025: Recognising Air India’s consistently high standard of service across its global network.
- Best Cabin Service in Central/Southern Asia: Awarded for the airline’s warm, attentive, and personalized in-flight service.
- Best Food & Beverage in Central/Southern Asia: Celebrating Air India’s outstanding onboard culinary experience.
iii.These recognitions come as Air India advances towards the final phase of its transformation under the Vihaan.AI (Artificial Intelligence) initiative, reinforcing its position as a world-class airline.
About Air India Limited:
Chairman– Natarajan Chandrasekaran
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Founded– 1932
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
NHPC CMD Raj Kumar Chaudhary gets additional charge of SJVN CMD
In November 2024, Raj Kumar Chaudhary, the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the state-owned hydropower major NHPC Limited(formerly National Hydroelectric Power Corporation), has been assigned the additional charge of CMD for the government-owned hydropower company SJVN Limited, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh(HP).
i.He has over 35 years of rich and vast experience in the power sector and hydropower development.
ii.He joined NHPC in 1989 as a Probationary Executive (Civil) at Koel Karo HE Project, Jharkhand.
iii.He steadily held various positions in NHPC, including the post of Director (Technical), NHPC, before taking over as its CMD in August 2024.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISRO Successfully Tested CE20 Cryogenic Engine in Tamil Nadu
In December 2024, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced that it has successfully conducted the sea level hot test of its Cryogenic Engine CE20 with a nozzle area ratio of 100 at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
- The engine, equipped with systems enabling restart capability, marks a crucial advancement for ISRO’s upcoming missions.
About Cryogenic Engine:
i.Cryogenic technology utilizes rocket propellants stored at extremely low temperatures, such as Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2), which are mixed in specific proportions as fuel and oxidizer.
ii.Liquid oxygen remains in its liquid state at temperatures lower than -183°C, while liquid hydrogen remains liquid at temperatures below -253°C.
iii.The CE20 cryogenic engine, designed indigenously by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Bengaluru(Karnataka) , powers the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
Significance :
i.The engine has successfully operated the upper stage of six LVM3 missions and is certified to deliver a thrust of 19 tonnes.
ii.It has been certified for the Gaganyaan mission with a thrust capacity of 20 tonnes and is set to be upgraded to 22 tonnes for the upcoming C32 stage, aiming to boost the payload capacity of the LVM3.
iii.It’s restart capability after ignition involves a complex process, addressing challenges such as vacuum ignition without nozzle closure and utilizing a multi-element igniter.
Sea-Level Testing of CE20:
i.Testing the CE20 engine at sea level is difficult mainly due to its high-area ratio nozzle, which has an exit pressure of about 50 millibar (mbar).
ii.The flow separation inside the nozzle causes strong vibrations and thermal problems at the separation point, which could potentially damage the nozzle.
- To resolve the issue, the CE20 engine’s flight acceptance tests are being carried out at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility, which makes the testing process more complicated.
iii.To simplify testing at HAT, a sea-level test using a new Nozzle Protection System was developed, offering a more cost-effective and less complicated approach for acceptance testing of cryogenic engines.
About the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
Chairman – Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established – 1969
Manastu Space Technologies Delivers ‘iBooster Green Propulsion System’ to DRDO
In December 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based deep-technology startup, Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited successfully delivered the “iBooster Green Propulsion System” to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- This achievement follows 4 years of extensive research and development supported by DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF).
- Founders of the start-up Tushar Jadhav and Ashtesh Kumar handed over the iBooster Green Propulsion System to DRDO Chairman Satish Kamat.
Key Features:
i.The iBooster system was designed for satellites weighing between 100 to 500 kilogram (kg) and plays a vital role in critical satellite operations, including orbit raising, station-keeping and deorbiting.
ii.The system is powered by a proprietary hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based fuel, offering a safer, more eco-friendly alternative to conventional toxic fuels and is more cost effective compared to other high priced alternatives.
iii.Key innovations of the system:
- Optimized thruster design for improved efficiency
- High temperature catalyst for reliable ignition
- Precision in space operations
iv.The iBooster’s performance will also be tested aboard an upcoming Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), further showcasing India’s leadership in space innovation and sustainability.
- The initiative highlights India’s commitment to fostering innovation in aerospace technology as a global leader in space exploration and defence systems.
About Manastu Space Technologies:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Tushar Jadhav
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 2017
China’s Long March-2d Rocket Successfully Deployed 5 Experimental Satellites into Space
On December 12 2024, China launched Long March-2D carrier rocket, which has successfully deployed 5 experimental satellites into the planned orbit. These 5 satellites were launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China.
- This launch marks the 63rd space mission of China in 2024 and also marks the 551st flight of the Long March rocket series.
- These satellites were developed by an organisation affiliated with the Harbin Institute of Technology in Heilongjiang province, China. The primary objective of these satellites is to test advanced technologies.
About Long March-2D Rocket:
i.It is also known as Chang Zhen-2D (CZ-2D), is a 2-stage orbital launch vehicle propelled by liquid propellants and has a liftoff thrust of 300 Metric Tons (MTs).
ii.It is capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 1.3 tons into Sun Synchronous Orbits (SSOs) at nearly 700 kilometers (kms) altitude.
iii.It was designed and constructed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of state-owned contractor of aerospace products, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).
About China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC):
President- Zhang Zhongyang
Headquarters– Beijing, China
Established- 1999
About China:
Capital– Beijing
President– Xi Jinping
Currency– Chinese Yuan Renminbi
SPORTS
KIWG 2025: 5th Edition to be Held in Ladakh and J&K
On 11 December 2024, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) announced that the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 will take place between January 23 and February 25, 2025, in Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and UT of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
- The KIWG will kick off the Khelo India season, with the Youth and Para Games in Bihar in April 2025 and the University Games later in the year.
- In 2024, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) managed the technical conduct of the Games.
- They collaborated with National Sports Federations (NSFs) and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for the first time.
i.Ice Events such as ice hockey and ice skating will be hosted from January 23 to 27, 2025 in Leh, Ladakh for the second consecutive year.
ii.Snow Events, including alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding, will be hosted from February 22 to 25, 2025 in Gulmarg, J&K.
iii.The athletes identified through the KIWG will be integrated into the National Sports Repository System (NSRS).
iv.The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) started in 2020. It is an initiative under the Khelo India program, aimed at promoting winter sports in India.
OBITUARY
Renowned Gujarati Singer & Padma Shri Awardee Purushottam Upadhyay passed away
In December 2024, Renowned Gujarati Singer and Padma Shri Awardee Purushottam Upadhyay passed away at the age of 90 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was born on August 15 1934 in Kheda, Gujarat.
- In 2017, he was honoured with Padma Shri Award, India’s 4th highest civilian honor, for his exceptional contribution in music.
About Purushottam Upadhyay:
i.Purushottam Upadhyay, a celebrated figure in Gujarati music renowned for iconic songs like “He Ranglo Jamyo, Divaso Judaina Jay Che, Ae Jaashe Jarur Milan Sudhi and Kahu Chu Jawanine”.
ii.Over his illustrious career, he composed music for more than 20 films and 30 plays.
iii.He founded several key institutions including Shruti Sansatha (1961), Sangati (1978), Sharavanika Kalasantha (1981) and Kinnari, an organization dedicated to women singers fostering the growth of Gujarati music.
iv.His breakthrough came with a memorable performance of a song originally sung by Noor Jehan, leading to collaborations with top artists.
Awards and Honors:
i.He was also honoured with the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar award conferred by Gujarat Sahitya Akademi and the Government of Gujarat for his contributions in Gujarati Literature.
ii.He has also received the Vishwa Gujarat Award, the Nagar Ratna Award and the Nalanda University Award.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launched “New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024”
On 11 December 2024, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat,launched the book titled New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024 at the Constitution Club in New Delhi (Delhi).The event was attended by Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, along with other distinguished dignitaries.
- The book is authored by Ravi Prashar and published by Hindustan Times
- The book showcases the developmental initiatives and schemes implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi, reflecting his vision for India’s progress.
- Union Minister Shekhawat emphasized that the book symbolizes the nation’s development journey and the changing global perception of India under PM Modi’s leadership.
IMPORTANT DAYS
National Energy Conservation Day 2024 – December 14
National Energy Conservation Day (NECD) is annually observed across India on 14th December to raise awareness about the importance of saving energy and encourage individuals, industries, and institutions to adopt efficient and sustainable energy practices for a better future.
- NECD is promoted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP).
Background:
i.In 1991, NECD was declared and BEE introduced the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) to honour industries and establishments for reducing energy use while maintaining efficiency and productivity.
- The awards were presented for the first time on 14th December 1991.
ii.The first-ever NECD was observed on 14th December 1991.
Events 2024:
i.On National Energy Conservation Day 2024, Vice President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar presided over a significant event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on 14th December 2024.
- She felicitated the winners of the National Painting Competition on Energy Conservation (NPCEC) 2024.
ii.The Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik, Ministry of Power & New and Renewable Energy (MoP&NRE) presented appreciation awards to the winners of the NPCEC 2024, as well as the NECA 2024 for industries, transport, buildings, institutions, and appliances.
National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2024:
NECA and Innovation Awards comprising 23 first prizes, 19 second prizes, 25 certificates of merit, and 4 certificates of recognition for innovation.
i.Maharashtra has secured the first prize in Group 1 of the State Performance Award under NECA 2024, while Karnataka has won the second prize.
ii.Dalmia Cement Bharat Ltd. from Odisha won first prize in Cement sector under Industry Category….Click here to read the full list of winners of NECA 2024
About the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
The Government of India established the BEE on 1st March 2002, under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
Director General – Dr Srikant Nagulpalli
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
>> Read Full News
53rd Vijay Diwas – 16 December 2024
Vijay Diwas, or Victory Day (Bijoy Dibos), is annually observed across India and Bangladesh on 16 December to celebrate the historic victory of Indian armed forces against Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak war (India Pakistan War of 1971).
- The day also pays tributes to the martyrs of both India and Bangladesh, who lost their lives on the line during the war.
- The day commemorates the formal surrender of the Pakistani Armed Forces to the joint Indian and Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh liberation forces) in Dhaka (Bangladesh) during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.
16 December 2024 marks the celebration of the 53rd Vijay Diwas.
>> Read Full News
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