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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
MoPSW Organised Inaugural India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 in New Delhi
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) organised the 1st India Maritime Heritage Conclave (IMHC 2024) from December 11 to December 12, 2024 at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka in New Delhi, Delhi. The conclave was inaugurated by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.
- Theme of IMHC 2024: “Towards Understanding India’s Position in Global Maritime History”.
- The conclave celebrated India’s extensive maritime legacy and its significant contributions to global trade, culture, and innovation.
i.The Conclave witnessed the participation of global experts and academicians from 11 countries which highlighted the global significance of the event.
ii.The Government of India (GoI) plans to invest Rs 4,000 crore in next 5 years, for the development of National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat. The government aims to promote city Lothal, home to world’s 1st man-made dock, as an international tourist destination.
About Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW):
Union Minister- Sarbananda Sonowal (Constituency- Dibrugarh, Assam)
Minister of State (MoS)- Shantanu Thakur (Constituency- Bangaon, West Bengal, WB)
>> Read Full News
India and UAE Signed MoU to Strengthen Polar and Ocean Research Cooperation at the 15th India – UAE JCM
In December 2024, India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Emirates Polar Mission Steering Committee (EPMSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi, Delhi to strengthen collaboration in polar and ocean research, academic partnerships, operations, and capacity development.
i.The meeting was jointly chaired by Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister(DPM) and Foreign Minister(FM).
- The discussions covered several areas of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, such as trade and economy, energy security, defence cooperation, connections between our people, cultural ties, and working together to ensure both regions’ stability, security, and prosperity.
ii.India and the UAE also held the 4th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi. India and UAE discussed ways to strengthen their strategic partnership in areas like defence, emerging technologies, nuclear energy, polar research, critical minerals, and renewable energy, among others.
About the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
President – Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Prime Minister(PM) – Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Capital – Abu Dhabi
Currency – UAE Dirham (AED)
>> Read Full News
DGFT Extends IMS for IT Hardware Products Until December 2025
In December 2024, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) announced the extension of the Import Management System (IMS) for seven Information Technology (IT) hardware products by one year, until December 31, 2025. The system was previously set to expire on December 31, 2024.
- These include laptops, tablets, all-in-one Personal Computers (PCs), ultra-small form factor computers, and servers, categorized under Harmonized System of Nomenclature (HSN) code 8471.
i.Importers must obtain a fresh Import Authorization through the DGFT portal, with applications open from December 13, 2024, to December 15, 2025, and approvals valid until December 31, 2025, allowing for multiple applications and amendments during this period.
ii.This decision addresses the supply-demand gap in the IT hardware market and provides clarity for major companies like HP, Dell, Apple, and Lenovo.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Unveils SWITCH EiV12 and SWITCH E1 Buses
In December 2024, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), launched the ‘SWITCH EiV12’, India’s first low-floor electric city bus, marking a significant leap in the country’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.
- Developed by SWITCH Mobility Limited , part of the Hinduja Group and a subsidiary of Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Ashok Leyland under the Hinduja Group, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- In addition to the Indian launch, the SWITCH E1 for the European market was virtually flagged off in Spain.
i.The SWITCH EiV12 features a floor-mounted battery (up to 400 kilowatt-hour (kWh)) for better stability and comfort. Its modular design supports both drive configurations and flexible door placements.
It can accommodate up to 39 passengers and also includes a wheelchair ramp, Closed Circuit Television(CCTV) cameras, and real-time vehicle monitoring
ii.The SWITCH E1 has in-wheel motors, a flat gangway, and a triple-door layout for easy access. It can accommodate up to 93 passengers, offering a spacious and comfortable ride.
iii.Both buses are fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India.
Note: India’s electric city bus market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21% by 2030.
NLC India Partners UPRVUNL to Launch its 1st Supercritical Power Plant named ‘1980 MW GTPP’ in UP
In December 2024, Neyveli (Tamil Nadu) based NLC India Limited (NLCIL) in partnership with Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) has commenced commercial operations of its 1st supercritical power plant ‘1980 Mega Watt (MW) Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant’ (GTPP) in Uttar Pradesh(UP).
- It is the first fossil fuel-based thermal power plant commissioned in India during the Financial Year 2024-25(FY25). It was developed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL).
i.After the first 660 MW unit of the power plant began operating, the total capacity of NLC India Ltd and its group companies increased from 6,071 MW to 6,731 MW.
ii.The GTPP project is aimed to meet the increasing electricity demand in UP and Assam. With its supercritical technology, the plant provides better thermal efficiency, uses less fuel, and produces fewer emissions than regular thermal plants.
Note: NLCIL (formerly Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited) under the Ministry of Coal (MoC), was established in 1956.
Google Partners with NCERT to Launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages
Google, the United States of America(USA) based technology company, has partnered with the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian languages, including sign language to ensure access to quality digital education across India.
i.It aims to provide free education content to students between grades 1-12 and to empower teachers.
ii.Google has also partnered with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) to offer credentialed courses on YouTube.
- It provides learners with the chance to explore and complete 50 credential courses in various subjects, such as pure sciences, literature, sports psychology, and rocket propulsion.
- The initiative opens up a route for individuals outside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) system to access NPTEL courses on YouTube, complete the online certification through the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal, and receive certificates from the IITs.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
16th UNCCD Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Riyadh
The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was conducted from 2nd December to 13th December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.The conference was based on the theme – Our Land. Our Future ,saw the participation of nearly 200 countries.
- The conference aimed to renew global commitment to enhance investment and action to restore land and boost drought resilience for the benefit of people and planet.
- This was the first UNCCD COP being held in the Middle East and North Africa region and the largest multilateral conference ever hosted by Saudi Arabia.
- The event also coincided with the UNCCD’s 30th anniversary.
- The UNCCD estimates that USD 2.6 trillion in investments are needed by 2030 to restore over one billion hectares of degraded land and enhance drought resilience.
Key Points
i.Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav highlighted India’s efforts to address land degradation and desertification, in accordance to the objectives of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
- India presented the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP). The Aravali project aims to revive over 1.1 million hectares of the hills across Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi by 2027.
ii.According to a report titled Decent Work in Nature-based solutions(NbS) 2024, only 1.8% of global employment is contributed by NbS.India’s Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), established in 2005 plays a major role in contributing to this employment, especially in areas focused on environmental and land restoration work.
iii.According to the Global Threat of Drying Lands: Regional and global aridity trends and future projections launched by UNCCD Science-Policy Interface (SPI), around 77.6% of Earth’s land have become drier during the three decades up to 2020 compared to the previous 30-year period.
iv.Global Drought Resilience Partnership was launched on the opening day of COP16, under Saudi Arabia’s leadership to combat drought impacts globally. COP16 in Riyadh secured over USD12 billion in pledges, enhancing the role of financial institutions and the private sector in tackling land degradation, desertification, and drought.
V.Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group Muhammad Al Jasser highlighted that since 2018, IsDB has provided over USD 4.4 billion in financing for projects aligned with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
About United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):
Executive Secretary– Ibrahim Thiaw
Headquarters – Bonn, Germany
Founded– 1994
>> Read Full News
1.4 Billion Hectares of Land Facing Excessive Salinity Threatening Global Food Security : FAO Report
In December 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO) of the United Nations(UN) released its first major global assessment of salt-affected soils in 50 years. The report, titled “The Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils” was launched during the International Soil and Water Forum 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand and was co-organized by FAO and Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperatives.
- According to a new report by the FAO of the UN, nearly 1.4 billion hectares (ha) of land or 10.7% of the global land area was affected by salinity.
- As per the report India had approximately 6.72 million hectares (mha) of salt-affected soils of which 2.95 mha were saline and the remaining 3.77 mha were sodic which constitute about 2.1% of the country’s total geographical area.
- The report also highlights the increasing threat of soil salinity, urging global action to address soil degradation and water scarcity which pose serious risks to food security worldwide.
About the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO):
Director-General(DG)– Qu Dongyu
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Established – 1945
>> Read Full News
WHO Report 2024: 38% drop in the global drowning deaths
In December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) published its first-ever “Global Status Report on Drowning Prevention 2024”, providing a comprehensive analysis of drowning deaths worldwide. The report was released at an event in Geneva, Switzerland and highlights the global burden of drowning, key statistics and strategies for prevention.
- According to the report, the drowning death rate has dropped by 38% worldwide since 2000, marking a major health achievement.
- The report reveals that drowning remains a significant public health issue, with over 3 lakh drowning deaths recorded in 2021 alone. The WHO’s South-East Asia Region (includes India) saw 83,000 deaths of the global burden.
Key Points:
i.WHO reports that more than 30 people drown every hour, resulting in an estimated 300,000 deaths annually.
- More than 7.2 million people, mainly children, could die by drowning by the year 2050 if current trends continue.
ii.The report draws attention to its high mortality rate, particularly in low and middle income countries, which account for nearly 92% of all drowning deaths.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
Director General- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Established- April 7, 1948
>> Read Full News
BANKING & FINANCE
MoF: GNPA of PSBs Declined from 14.58% in Mar. 2018 to 3.12% in Sept. 24
According to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) official data released in December 2024, Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio of Public Sector Banks (PSBs) have decreased to a decade low from a peak of 14.58% March 2018 to 3.12% in September 2024.
- It cited that this significant improvement in GNPA ratio of PSBs is due to measures like the 4Rs (Recognition, Recapitalisation, Resolution, and Reform) undertaken by the Government of India (GoI), since 2015.
i.Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of PSBs have improved by 393 basis points (bps), from 11.45% (in March 2015) to 15.43% (in September 2024).
ii.The data revealed that PSBs have reported highest ever cumulative net profit of Rs 1.41 lakh crore during the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) compared to the net profit of Rs 1.05 lakh crore in FY23.
iii.The number of bank branches in India have increased from 1,17,990 (in Mar-14) to 1,60,501 (in Sep-24). Of 1, 60,501 branches, 1, 00, 686 are located in Rural and Semi-Urban (RUSU) areas of the country.
About Ministry of Finance (MoF):
Union Minister- Nirmala Sitharaman (Rajya Sabha- Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS)- Pankaj Chaudhary (Constituency- Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
>> Read Full News
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
PHDCCI Report On Post-Covid GSDP Growth:17 States Achieved Over 9% and 25 States Over 7%
On December 11, 2024, New Delhi-based National Apex Chamber, the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) unveiled an analytical report titled “States’ Performance Indicator Report: Paving India’s Green Path for Sustainable and Inclusive Development”, during the States’ Policy Conclave held at Hotel Le Meridian, New Delhi.
- The report highlighted that India’s states have shown strong economic recovery post-COVID-19, with 25 states achieving more than 7% growth in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) during FY22 and FY23, among them 17 states achieved more than 9% growth rate.
i.Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Odisha have stood out for their strong economic performance during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The top-performed states in GSDP growth during FY22 and FY23, based on key indicators.
i. Agriculture production: Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are top performers in agricultural production, significantly contributing to the nation’s food security.
ii.Mineral resources: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha are rich in mineral resources.
iii. Industrial and Technological advancements: Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Karnataka lead in industrial and technological advancements.
>> Read Full News
Fitch Lowers India’s GDP Forecast to 6.4% for FY25
The United States of America (USA)-based credit rating agency, Fitch Ratings Inc has lowered India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth forecast by 60 basis points (bps), to 6.4% for Fiscal year 2024-25(FY25) from its previous estimate of 7%.
- It has also raised India’s GDP forecast for FY26 to 6.5%. Both these projections are lower than India’s GDP growth rate of 8.2% registered in FY24.
- However, the ratings agency underscored that the economic growth of India will remain strong compared to other global economies.
Key Findings:
i.The agency highlighted that India’s GDP growth decreased to 7-quarters low i.e. to 5.4% in 2nd Quarter (Q2: July-September) of FY25. This slowdown was mainly driven by weakened urban middle-class consumption.
ii.Fitch maintains positive outlook about India’s economic resilience, due to the domestic demand which will give the required boost in the growth of Indian economy even amid global trade uncertainties.
iii.It has expected that continuity of policies like: infrastructure development, digitalization, and business reforms will support growth.
- Also, public infrastructure investments and enhanced corporate and bank balance sheets will contribute to capital spending and economic activity.
Key Projections by various agencies for FY25:
i.RBI has downgraded India’s real GDP growth projection for FY25 from 7.2% to 6.6% during the 5th bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
ii.S&P Global Ratings (previously known as Standard & Poor’s) has projected India’s GDP growth rate at 6.8% for FY25, amid slow fiscal growth affecting urban demand.
iii.The Economic Survey released in February 2024, had projected India’s GDP growth between 6.5% and 7% for FY25.
About Fitch Ratings Inc:
President- Ian Linnell
Headquarters- New York, the United States of America (USA)
TCS extends Partnership with TnDK for another five years
In December 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Tata Consultancy Services Limited(TCS) has extended its partnership with Telenor Denmark (TnDK), a leading mobile operator in Denmark, for another five years.
- Under this renewed collaboration, TCS will continue to manage TnDK’s Information Technology (IT) infrastructure from its European delivery center.
i.The renewed partnership will focus on leveraging advanced automation technologies to reduce operational costs and further enhance the IT systems.
ii.A key goal is to ensure smooth business continuity, guaranteeing no disruption to operations. TCS will also work to improve digital assets and optimize user experiences through its deep expertise in managing TnDK’s infrastructure.
iii.Over the past six years, TCS has used its advanced Machine First Delivery Model (MFDM) to modernize the infrastructure that supports over 1.6 million subscribers.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Francois Bayrou Appointed as PM of France
In December 2024, the President of France Emmanuel Macron appointed veteran centrist Francois Bayrou, leader of the MoDem group allied with Macron’s party, as the Prime Minister (PM) of France, after former PM Michel Barnier was overthrown by Parliament.
- His appointment comes as France faces significant political instability due to a fragmented National Assembly, with no single party holding a majority.
- On December 13 2024, Michel Barnier officially transferred his power to Francois Bayrou during a ceremony held in Paris, France.
About Francois Bayrou:
i.Francois Bayrou (73) has presided over the European Democratic Party (EDP) and the Democratic Movement (MoDem).
ii.He was a member of the National Assembly for a seat in Pyrénées-Atlantiques from 1986 to 2012.
- From 1993 to 1997, he was the Minister of National Education in 3 successive governments.
iii.He was a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 1999 to 2002 and has been the mayor of Pau (City in France) since 2014.
iv.He was also a 3-time presidential candidate in the 2002, 2007 and 2012 elections. He was appointed as the Minister of Justice in 2017.
vi.He is the author of a biography of the 16th- and 17th-century French king Henry IV.
About France:
President– Emmanuel Macron
Prime minister (PM)– François Bayrou
Capital- Paris
Currency– Euro (EUR)
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS
Shriram Finance Sells Stake in SHFL to Warburg Pincus for Rs 3,929 Crore
In December 2024, Chennai (Tamil Nadu)-based Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC) and the flagship company of the Shriram Group, completed the sale of its entire 84.44% stake in its subsidiary, Shriram Housing Finance Limited (SHFL) to the United States of America (USA)-based investment firm Warburg Pincus for Rs 3,929 crore.
- The deal was finalized with Warburg Pincus’s affiliate, Mango Crest Investment Ltd., after obtaining all necessary regulatory approvals.
i.This transaction, first announced in May 2024, also involves Valiant Capital Partners LP, based in San Francisco (USA). The private equity firm, which owned the remaining stake in SHFL, will also divest its entire equity stake to Warburg Pincus.
ii.The sale allows SFL to focus on its core operations and pursue growth opportunities.
ENVIRONMENT
Researchers Discovered 5 New Species of the Darwin Wasp in India and Thailand
In December 2024, a team of researchers from the Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), along with their collaborators, discovered five new species of the Darwin wasp subfamily Microleptinae from India and Thailand. The species belongs to the family Hymenoptera, which comprises 42 subfamilies, with the scientific name ‘Ichneumonidae’.
- These discoveries of the study were published in the Journal of Hymenoptera Research. The discovery represents the first documented presence of the Microleptinae subfamily in India.
- The research, led by Ranjith A.P. and Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan of ATREE, in collaboration with Buntika A. Butcher from Chulalongkorn University in Thailand and Andrei E. Humala from the Russian Academy of Sciences
About Darwin Wasp:
i.The species has a tiny, winged body with a slender waist, made up of a head, thorax, abdomen, and six legs, and is mainly dark in colour, featuring large compound eyes on the sides of the head and three ocelli (simple eyes) on top.
ii.Its uniqueness lies in having longer antennae with more segments. Its lifecycle consists of four stages: egg, larvae, pupa, and adult.
iii.It thrives in humid environments or dense forests and is found across Asia, Europe, America, and Africa.
iv.It feeds on the nectar and sap of flowers, shrubs, and trees, while the adult female lays her eggs inside a host through a process called ovipositing, using her stinger as an ovipositor.
About the five new species:
Out of the five species, four were found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu (TN), Siang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh (AR), Uttarakhand and the fifth species was found in Thailand.
i.Microleptes chiani: It was discovered in TN’s Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR), and is named after Tamilazhagan (commonly known as Chian), Senior Technical Assistant at ATREE. The holotype is a female, with a body length of 6.2 millimeters (mm) and a fore wing length of 3.7 mm.
ii.Microleptes Gowrishankari: It was discovered in Karnataka’s Biligiri Ranganathaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve, and named after Dr. P. Gowri Shankar of the Kalinga Foundation in recognition of his efforts in King Cobra conservation. The holotype is a female, with a body length of 5.6 millimeters mm and a fore wing length of 3.6 mm.
iii.Microleptes Sandeshkaduri: It was collected from the Siang Valley along the Kugging River of AR and named after Mr Sandesh Kadur of Felis Creations for his outstanding contributions to documenting and conserving biodiversity. The holotype is a male, with a body length of 3.8mm and a fore wing length of 2.9 mm.
iv.Microleptes Tehriensis: The name is derived from its collection site in Tehri, Uttarakhand. The holotype is a male, with a body length of 4.5 mm and a forewing length of 3.7 mm.
v.Microleptes depressus: It was discovered in Thailand. The holotype is a female, with a body length of 6.5 mm and a fore wing length of 4.0 mm.
Note: With a body length of 3.5 mm and a forewing length of 2.6 mm, the researchers also discovered the female Microleptes xinbinensis, a species that was previously known only from China.
About Kerala:
Chief Minister (CM) – Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor – Arif Mohammed Khan
National Parks – Silent Valley National Park, Pampadum Shola National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
About Arunachal Pradesh:
Chief Minister (CM) – Pema Khandu
Governor – Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
National Parks – Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park
Wildlife Sanctuaries – Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary
SPORTS
D Gukesh becomes youngest world champion at 18, breaks Kasparov’s record
Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju (D. Gukesh) from Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN) defeated China’s Ding Liren in the 14th and final round to win the World Chess Championship 2024 that was held from 25th November to 12th December 2024 in Singapore.
- With this win, D.Gukesh has become the 18th and the youngest world champion at the age of 18 years 8 months 14 days till date.
- Before Gukesh, Garry Kasparov (Russia) was crowned as the world champion in 1985 when he was 22 years, six months and 27 days old.
Note
i.D.Gukesh was awarded with a prize money Rs.11.45 crore(USD 1.35 million) by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
ii.He will also be awarded with Rs.5 crore by the TN government.
Key Points:
i.Gukesh is the 2nd grandmaster from India to hold the world title.
- Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand was the unbeaten world champion for 6 years starting in 2007.
ii.Now, his name has been removed from the Rapid & Blitz lists by the FIDE.
iii. Magnus Carlsen, was 22 years, 11 months and 24 days when he won his first championship in 2013.
About D.Gukesh:
i.Gukesh earned the grandmaster title at the age of 12 and remains the third-youngest grandmaster in chess history.
ii.He is the third-youngest player to have surpassed FIDE rating 2700 at the age of 16.
iii.Gukesh has become the only second Indian after his mentor Vishwanathan Anand to win the prestigious Candidate Chess Tournament who had won the title in 2014.
iv.He has won the team bronze and individual gold medal at the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022.
- In 2023, he also clinched a silver medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
v.In the 45thChess Olympiad held in Budapest in 2024, he won both the team and individual gold.
vi.As of December 2024, he has a global rank of 5 with a FIDE rating of 2783.
About World Chess Championship:
i.The World Chess Championship is played to determine the world champion in chess and has been conducted by International Chess Federation (FIDE) since 1948.
ii.The first event was held in 1886 match between Wilhelm Steinitz and Johannes Zukertort wherein Steinitz became the first world champion.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers 2024 – December 17 
The International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers is observed annually on December 17th aims to raise awareness about the widespread violence, discrimination and abuse faced by sex workers worldwide and promote equality, safety and respect for their human rights.
- The 21st International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers serves as a reminder to advocate for the rights of sex workers and remember those who have lost their lives due to violence.
- The global observance of International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers was organized by the Global Network of Sex Work Projects (NSWP).
Background:
The day was first observed in 2003, following the tragic deaths of 49 sex workers attributed to the “Green River Killer” in Seattle, Washington, United States of America (USA).
- The day was founded by Dr. Annie Sprinkle and the Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP)-USA founder Robin Few, the event began as a memorial and vigil for the victims.
- The memorial was held on the lawn of San Francisco City Hall on December 17th, 2003, the date of Ridgway’s conviction.
About NSWP- Global Network of Sex Work Projects:
President- Phelister Abdalla (Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA)),Kenya
Headquarters- Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launches ‘Prakrutik Krushi Portal’ to promote organic farming
In December 2024, Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister (CM) of Gujarat, launched the ‘Prakrutik Krushi Portal(Natural Agriculture Portal)’ to promote organic farming. This initiative was introduced to mark the occasion of “Seva, Sushasan Ane Samarpan Na 2 Varsh” (Two Years of Exceptional Service and Dedication) his role as the CM of Gujarat.
- The portal aims to further Gujarat’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and support the transition towards organic farming across the state.
- He directly engaged with representatives of Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and distributed financial assistance cheques to FPOs across the state.
i.During the event, Bachubhai Khabad, Minister of State (MoS) for Agriculture praised the farmer-focused policies implemented by the state government under the leadership of CM Patel, highlighting their significant impact in boosting farmers’ income.
ii.Gujarat is home to approximately 422 FPOs, 97 of which are specifically focused on natural farming.
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