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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launched Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Financing in New Delhi
On December 16 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MoN&RE), launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme(CGS) for electronic-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWR) based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The scheme aims to provide Rs 1,000 crore corpus to support post-harvest financing for farmers.
i.As per the scheme, farmers can access credit by depositing their produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses, backed by e-NWRs.
ii.Under this scheme, loans up to Rs 75 lakh and Rs 200 lakhs (Rs 2 crore) will be provided for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes, respectively.
- It offers a guarantee fee of 0.4% per annum (p.a.) for farmers and 1% for non-farmers.
About Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD):
Union Minister- Pralhad Joshi (Constituency- Dharwad, Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS)- Banwari Lal (BL) Verma (Rajya Sabha- Uttar Pradesh (UP)); Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya (Constituency-Bhavnagar, Gujarat)
>> Read Full News
Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates the 59th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Odisha
In November 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), inaugurated the 59th Directors General of Police (DGsP) / Inspectors General of Police (IGsP) Conference in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The conference was held in a hybrid format from 29 November to 1 December 2024.
- The conference was attended by Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi led the discussions on the second and third days of the conference.
- During the conference, the President’s Police Medal for distinguished service was awarded, the ‘Ranking of Police Stations 2024’ book released and trophies presented to top police stations.
Note: The 58th DGsP/IGsP Conference 2023 at Rajasthan International Centre held in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Key Attendees:
i.The conference was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and National Security Advisor Ajit Kumar Doval, Union Home Secretary, Govind Mohan, the Principal Secretary to the PM, P.K. Mishra, and the head of the Intelligence Bureau, Tapan Deka.
ii.The DGsP/IGsP from all states and union territories (UTs), along with the heads of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Central Police Organizations (CPOs), attended the conference in person, while officers from various ranks participated virtually.
Key Highlights:
i.The conference aims to address critical national security matters such as counter-terrorism, left-wing extremism (LWE), coastal security, new criminal laws, and the fight against narcotics.
- The conference provides a platform for senior officers to discuss national security, operational challenges, and welfare issues, while also sharing best practices in crime control, law and order management, and internal security (IS).
ii.Union Minister Amit Shah presented Police Medals for Meritorious Service to 13 senior police officials and launched the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)’ book on the ‘Ranking of Police Stations 2024.’
iii.Additionally, trophies were awarded to the top three police stations.
- The Ichhapore police station in Surat, Gujarat, secured the top position,
- Pattapur police station in Ganjam district, Odisha secured the second position.
- The Nimiaghat police station in Giridih district, Jharkhand, was ranked third best in the country.
About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):
Union Minister– Amit Shah (Constituency- Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Ministers of State (MoS)-Nityanand Rai (Constituency- Hajipur, Bihar),Bandi Sanjya Kumar (Constituency- Karimnagar, Telangana)
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs launches new initiatives to enhance taxpayer services
In December 2024, Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairperson of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance(MoF), in presence of all Board Members launched a series of initiatives that aim to improve taxpayer experience and enhance transparency.
- These initiatives reflect the CBIC’s commitment to digital transformation and taxpayer-centric governance. CBIC aims to create a more efficient and transparent tax administration system.
- As part of the Government’s continuous efforts to improve business conditions and improve tax administration, the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS) is leading the initiatives.
Key Initiatives:
i.Revised Citizen’s Charter: A Commitment to Better Service Standards: It provides updated timelines and service standards for taxpayer services like Drawback, Import and Export of Air Cargo.
- It also includes innovative platforms like Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) to ensure transparency and accountability.
ii.‘Ease of Doing Business(EoDB)’ tab for giving suggestions: A new platform has been introduced to enable taxpayers to contribute directly to improving the EoDB.
- Based on the observations from Chintan Shivir 2023, it allows individuals and businesses to suggest enhancements to tax policies and procedures, promoting a collaborative, taxpayer-friendly approach.
Note: The Chintan Shivir is a platform to foster dialogue and cooperation between different stakeholders. The 2023 session focused on enhancing taxpayer engagement in tax processes.
iii.Revamped Citizen’s Corner: Knowledge at Your Fingertips: This portal serves as a centralized hub for tax-related information, simplifying access and encouraging voluntary compliance with tax regulations.
- It empowers taxpayers with essential knowledge to ensure streamlined self-compliance.
iv.CBIC Archives: A Digital Window to India’s Tax History: This digital archive showcasing the evolution of indirect taxes in India. This platform includes six interactive tiles and about 82 submenus with videos, webinars, and updates on tax topics.
- It highlights the milestones in India’s economic journey, educating the public on the vital role of indirect taxes in nation-building while preserving the history of the CBIC’s contributions.
India Attains Growth in Production of Key Minerals and Non-Ferrous Metals in FY 2024-25
As per the data released by Ministry of Mines(MoM) at the end of 2024,India’s key mineral production such as Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) Mineral and Non-Ferrous Metal Production recorded strong growth in the first seven months of FY 2024-25 (April-October), following record levels in FY 2023-24.
Key MCDR Mineral Production in FY 2024-25
i.Iron ore contributed 69% of the total MCDR mineral production by value, with 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) produced in FY 2023-24.
- Iron ore production increased by 4.1% to 158.4 MMT during April-October FY 2024-25, compared to 152.1 MMT in the same period of FY 2023-24.
ii.Manganese ore production grew by 11.1% to 2.0 MMT during April-October FY 2024-25 from 1.8 MMT during the corresponding period of FY 2023-24.
iii.Bauxite production rose by 11.3% to 13.8 MMT in April-October FY 2024-25 from 12.4 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April- October).
Key Non-Ferrous Metal Production in FY 2024-25
i.Aluminium production in FY 2024-25 (April-October) grew by 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonnes (LT), up from 24.17 LT in FY 2023-24 (April-October).
ii.Meanwhile, refined copper production increased by 6.0%, rising from 2.83 LT to 3.00 LT.
India’s Position Among Global Top Producers
- India is the second-largest producer of aluminium globally, following China.
- India is ranked 4th among the top producers of refined copper, with Chile and Peru being the leading producers.
- India stands as the 4th largest producer of iron ore, behind Australia, Brazil, and China.
Note – India is the only major economy with strong steel consumption growth, showing a 13.5% increase in the first half of 2024-25, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Steel.
NCVET recognized IN-SPACe as an Awarding Body (Dual)
National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, has officially recognized Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), under Department of Space (DOS) as an Awarding Body (Dual) to strengthening the vocational education and training landscape in the space sector.
- This collaboration will help IN-SPACe offer advanced training in Satellite Manufacturing, Space Technology in Agriculture, Launch Vehicle Mission Design, Orbital Mechanics, and Space Propulsion Systems.
Approved Standards: Six National Occupational Standards (NoS) has already approved by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET):
- Essentials of Space Technology in Agriculture
- Fundamentals of Orbital Mechanics, Attitude Dynamics, and Space-Based Navigation
- Foundations of Mission Design and Avionics Development for Launch Vehicles
- Essentials of Satellite Manufacturing
- Essentials of Space Data Products and Services
- Introduction to Advances in Propulsion Systems for Launch Vehicles, Satellites, and Landing Missions
ISRO Training Initiative: Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MSDE and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the ISRO Technical Training Program was launched at National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Bengaluru (Karnataka), Mumbai(Maharashtra), and Thiruvananthapuram(Kerala). This initiative aims to upskill over 4,000 technical employees of the Department of Space.
Note –
- NCVET established in 2018 by the Indian Government, regulates vocational education, setting standards, creating regulations, and enhancing skilling quality nationwide. Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari is the Chairperson of NCVET and also a secretary of MSDE.
- IN-SPACe, was established in 2020, an autonomous agency under the Department of Space (DoS), promotes space activities, including the development of launch vehicles, satellites, and space-based services. Dr. Pawan Goenka is the chairman of IN-SPACe.
BANKING & FINANCE
World Bank Approves USD 325 million loan to boost agriculture in Uttar Pradesh
In December 2024, the World Bank (WB) approved a USD 325.10 million loan for the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project, which aims to enhance crop productivity and farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh (UP).
- The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) provided the USD 325.10 million loan with a 33.5-year maturity and a 6-year grace period.
- The project also seeks to attract USD 15 million in private finance to support this initiative.
- The loan was approved by the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors during a meeting in Washington, D.C., United States of America (USA).
About UP-AGREES Project:
i.In the past 10 years, Uttar Pradesh has become a key player in Indian agriculture, leading in wheat production, second in rice, and third in agricultural exports. However, small farmers still face low productivity and poor post-harvest infrastructure.
- The UP-AGREES Project aims to overcome these challenges and benefit one million producers in the Eastern UP and Bundelkhand regions of the state.
ii.The project focuses on strengthening agricultural value chains and improving access to credit through the eKisan Credit Card (eKCC) to enhance value-added opportunities.
iii.The project will promote sustainable practices like low-methane rice varieties, converting rice residue into biogas, and using fertilizers efficiently to reduce agriculture’s climate impact and increase productivity.
iv.The project will improve the agricultural digital and financial ecosystem, encouraging private sector involvement for market-driven solutions. It will connect producers, agribusinesses, and government agencies by creating clusters for key commodities and fisheries.
- The project will help establish an Integrated Agri-Export Hub near Jewar Airport in Greater Noida to boost connections with international markets.
v.The project will support its initiatives with resources from sources such as the governments of France, Israel, and the Gates Foundation.
About World Bank (WB):
President – Ajay Banga
India’s Director – Auguste Tano Kouame
Headquarters – Washington, DC, The United States of America (USA)
Established – 1944
RBI Grants Full Authorisation to ISG as Payment Aggregator
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted full authorisation as a Payment Aggregator (PA), under its regulatory framework to In-Solutions Global (ISG) Limited, a Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based fintech company backed by JP Morgan Chase & Co.
- This approval empowers ISG to enhance digital payment experiences for merchants across diverse sectors, ensuring secure, efficient, and reliable transactions while promoting financial inclusion.
i.The authorisation complements ISG’s existing capabilities, including a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) license.
ii.This enables ISG to offer a comprehensive suite of payment services covering online transactions, retail payments, transit systems, and more.
Note: PA is a third-party service provider that connects businesses, customers, and financial institutions to facilitate online payments, enabling customers to make payments and businesses to accept them seamlessly.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
TCS Partners with Landis+Gyr to Enhance Energy Efficiency for Utilities
In December 2024, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Limited, an Information Technology (IT) services provider based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, collaborated with Landis+Gyr, an energy management company based in Cham, Switzerland, to offer innovative solutions that help utilities improve energy efficiency.
- Landis+Gyr and TCS are teaming up to provide end-to-end solutions, including energy optimization, demand response, and smart Electric Vehicle (EV) charging, helping utilities reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and integrate renewable energy (RE).
i.The partnership will support utilities in meeting new Swiss regulations, which require large companies to report their climate impact, including Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions.
ii.In the coming three years, TCS will merge its advanced energy and emission management system, TCS Clever Energy™, with Landis+Gyr’s smart metering and grid management technologies. This collaboration will provide a complete solution for utilities to manage their clients’ complex energy demands.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Winners of Sahitya Akademi 2024 Announced: Total of 21 Indian Languages been Awarded
On December 18 2024, The Sahitya Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024, the annual award that recognizes literary works in 21 Indian languages (including English). The books were selected based on recommendations made by a Jury of three members in the concerned languages.
- The awards for Bengali, Dogri, and Urdu language will be announced at a later date.
- The award ceremony will be held on International Women’s Day, March 8 2025 at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi (Delhi).
i. The winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 include 8 books of poetry, 3 Novels, 2 short stories, 3 Essays, 3 Literary Criticism, 1 Play and 1 Research.
ii.The winners of the awards are recommended by the jury members in 21 languages and were approved by the executive board of the Sahitya Akademi under the chairmanship of Madhav Kaushik, President, Sahitya Akademi.
>> Read Full News
IDFC First Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millenia 2024: DMart’s Radhakishan Damani tops the list for 2nd Consecutive Year
On December 18 2024, Hurun India in partnership with IDFC First Bank Limited released the 2nd edition of ‘India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millenia 2024’. As per the report, Radhakishan Shivkishan Damani, the founder of Avenue Supermarts Limited (DMart) has topped the list for 2nd consecutive year, with a valuation of Rs 3.4 lakh crore, witnessing a growth of 44%.
i.Deepinder Goyal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zomato Media Private Limited is ranked at 2nd position (up from 3rd spot in 2023) and his net worth has significantly increased by 190%, to over Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
- He is followed by Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy, founders of Swiggy Private Limited (India’s leading food delivery company) secured the 3rd spot on the list with net worth of Rs 1.01 lakh crore.
ii.The combined value of all companies on this list totals Rs 36 lakh crore (US$431 billion), showing a significant 20% increase compared to last year.
About Hurun Report Inc. (Hurun Report):
It is a leading research, luxury publishing and events group established in 1998 in London, the United Kingdom (UK). Hurun India was launched in 2012.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Rupert Hoogewerf
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Researcher (Hurun India)- Anas Rahman Junaid
Headquarters (Hurun India)- Mumbai, Maharashtra
>> Read Full News
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Suman Berry Appointed Chairman of EAC-PM with Additional Charge
The Vice Chairman (VC) of the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), Suman Berry was appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) with an additional charge.
- He succeeded Bibek Debroy, who passed away on 1st November 2024.
Note: Debroy, a prominent economic adviser to the prime minister, was known for his extensive contributions to economic theory, income inequality, and infrastructure financing.
About Suman Berry:
i.Before being appointed as Vice-chairman of NITI Aayog, held roles as a Global Fellow at the Asia Programme of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (WWICS) in Washington D.C., the United States of America (USA).
ii.He was also on the board of the Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation (SSEF) in New Delhi, Delhi.Suman worked at the World Bank for 28 years, and later became the lead economist
iii.He had previously worked as the Director General (DG) of the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) in New Delhi, Delhi.
iv.Prior to his role at NCAER, he held positions as a part-time member of the PM-EAC and the National Statistical Commission (NSC), and also a member of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) on Monetary Policy (MP).
About EAC-PM:
i.EAC-PM is an independent body set up to provide advice on economic and related matters to the Government of India, especially to the Prime Minister.
ii.As of 2024, members of EAC-PM include:
- Chairman – Suman Berry
- Members – Sanjeev Sanyal, Shamika Ravi
- Part-Time Members – Rakesh Mohan, Dr Sajjid Chinoy, Dr Neelkanth Mishra, Nilesh Shah, Professor T.T. Ram Mohan and Dr Poonam Gupta
About the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – B.V.R. Subramanyam
Chairman – Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established – 2015
Justice Manmohan sworn in as Supreme Court Judge
Former Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India. Justice Manmohan was born on December 17, 1962, in Delhi.
- The Supreme Court now has 33 working judges, with a sanctioned strength of 34.
- Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna administered the oath of office. CJI Khanna was the only judge from the Delhi High Court in previous.
- The President of India appoints Supreme Court judges based on the recommendation of the Collegium (a group of senior Supreme Court judges led by the Chief Justice of India).
About Justice Manmohan
i.He became a permanent judge of the Delhi High Court on December 17, 2009 and served as acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court from November 9, 2023. Later became full time Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court from September 29, 2024.
Rules for Supreme Court Judge:
- Must have served as a high court judge for at least five years, or been a high court advocate for at least ten years to qualify for a Supreme Court judge position.
- Supreme Court judges retire at the age of 65.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Survey Vessel INS Nirdeshak Commissioned into Indian Navy 
On 18th December 2024, the Indian Navy (IN) commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nirdeshak (YARD 3026), the second of four Survey Vessel (large) SVL project at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), in a ceremony led by the Union Minister of State Sanjay Seth, Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- The SVL Project includes four ships, Sandhayak, Nirdeshak, Ikshak, and Sanshodhak. It aims to upgrade the IN’s hydrographic survey fleet by replacing the older Sandhayak-class ships, which were inducted into IN on 5th December 2021.
- Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command (FOC-in-C ENC), hosted the ceremony to officially induct the second of the four SVL ships being built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
About INS Nirdeshak:
i.Built with over 80% indigenous material, it has been inducted to enhance hydrographic surveys, navigation, and maritime safety using advanced technologies like Multi-Beam Echo Sounders (MBES), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV).
ii.The ship will strengthen security and environmental health in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- The ship will support the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative by facilitating the sharing of maritime data with friendly nations.
iii.The construction of the ship was a joint effort between the IN’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB), GRSE, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), and numerous Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), showcasing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing and maritime capabilities.
iv.Weighing approximately 3400 tons and measuring 110 meters in length, the ship is a significant addition to the fleet.
Note: The base structure of INS Nirdeshak was laid on 1st December 2020, and it was launched on 26th May 2022. It was handed over to the Indian Navy on 8th October 2024 and officially commissioned on 18th December 2024.
IA Receives 360 Nagastra-1 Loitering Munitions from EEL
In December 2024, the Indian Army (IA) received the second batch of 360 loitering munitions, known as ‘Nagastra-1’, from Nagpur(Maharashtra)-based Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN), under a contract valued at Rs 2.12 billion (about USD 25 million) which was signed in April 2023.
- Developed with over 75% indigenous content, were delivered after rigorous testing and inspection.
Background:
The IA placed an order for 480 loiter munitions under Emergency Procurement Powers (EEP) with EEL. The first batch of 120 munitions was delivered in June 2024, and the remaining 360 were delivered in December 2024.
About Nagastra-1:
i.Nagastra-1 is a lightweight, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based, man-portable weapondesigned for precision strikes, especially in counter-insurgency and urban warfare. It features a Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided system with a strike accuracy of just 2 meters(m) and can be used for surgical strikes.
ii.It weighs 30 kilogram(kg) and is equipped with a 1-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead, making it highly effective for neutralizing soft targets.
ii.The munition has a range of 15 kilometer(km) during remote control operations and 30 km during autonomous flight, with an endurance of 60 minutes. A day/night camera aids in reconnaissance, and a parachute recovery system ensures safety if the flight needs to be aborted.
Other points:
i.SLIN is exploring the development of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, which are expected to fulfill the IA’s surveillance needs at a lower cost.
- The forces are planning to acquire 97 MALE drones to meet their surveillance needs effectively.
ii.SLIN announced that it had secured export orders worth Rs 2,039 crore for the supply of advanced defence products. The orders, set to be delivered over the next four years.
About Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN):
Chairman– Satyanarayan Nuwal
Headquarters– Nagpur, Maharashtra
Established– 1995
Seventh MCA Barge ‘LSAM 14’ launched in Maharashtra
In December 2024, the seventh Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) Barge, Landing Ship Ammunition 14 (LSAM 14) (Yard 82), was launched at the Mira Bhayandar site in Maharashtra by M/s SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited, a Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) shipyard based in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
- The launch ceremony was presided over by Commodore (Cmde) AKK Reddy, Additional General (AGM) Manager (Public Relations, PR), Naval Dockyard (ND), Mumbai, Maharashtra.
i.In February 2021, the contract for building eight MCA Barges was signed with SECON Engineering Projects Private Limited.
ii.The barges were indigenously designed in collaboration with an Indian ship design firm and underwent successful model testing at the Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) in Visakhapatnam to ensure seaworthiness.
iii.These barges are built according to the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS) standards, the shipyard has already delivered six barges, which are now supporting the Indian Navy’s (IN’s) operations.
ENVIRONMENT
Researchers Discovered a new Antlion Species ‘Palpares Contrarius’ in TN
In November 2024, researchers discovered a large antlion species, “Palpares Contrarius” from Myrmeleontidae (Antlion family) which resembles a dragonfly, for the first time at the Madras Christian College (MCC) in Tamil Nadu (TN). The discovery in TN contributes to the state’s rich biodiversity.
- The study was published in the Journal of the Threatened Taxa and the discovery was documented by Anita Pearline Esther, an entomologist at MCC, TN.
- The specimen was deposited in the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Chennai.
About Antlions:
i.It is identifiable by its distinctive antennae and unique vertical wing-flapping flight, with adults being elusive and nocturnal. It belongs to the order Neuroptera.
- The bodies of antlions are long and slender and grayish in color.
ii.Antlion larvae make sand pits to catch prey, mainly feeding on ants. The larval stage can last more than a year, depending on the environment and food supply.
iii.Antlions are harmless and do not damage flowers, people, or structures. It is very difficult to spot them during the day and can be spotted at night near illuminated spots.
iv.Antlions are found in many countries, including Africa, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. In India, they live in states such as Odisha, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh(MP).
SPORTS
Legendary Cricketer, India’s 2nd highest wicket-taker,Ravichandran Ashwin retires from International cricket
On December 18 2024, Ravichandran Ashwin, India’s premier off-spinner announced his retirement from International cricket ending a remarkable 14 year career at the top level across formats. He is India’s 2nd-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket with 537 wickets in 106 matches.
- The announcement was made in the post match press conference following the third Test of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
- After representing India in 106 Tests, 116 ODIs and 65 T20Is and picking up 765 wickets across formats.
Career Achievements and Records:
i.537 Test Wickets: Ravichandran Ashwin retires as the 2nd highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket, with 537 wickets.
- He was only behind Anil Kumble (Indian former cricketer and coach), who has 619 wickets from 132 matches.
- His 537 wickets came in 106 Test matches, an incredible achievement that cements his legacy in Indian cricket.
ii.Ashwin Played for India in 116 ODIs, Ashwin took 156 wickets, while his T20I career saw him claim 72 wickets in 65 matches. Ashwin as a batter scored 3503 runs in test with (6 Hundreds and 14 Fifties), In ODI and T20 707 & 184 runs respectively.
iii.Record in World Test Championship: He was the 1st bowler to take 100 wickets in the World Test Championship, achieving this milestone in March 2022.
- He remains as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament’s history, with 195 wickets across 3 editions.
iv.Fastest to 500 Test Wickets: He became the 2nd-fastest bowler to reach 500 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in 98 games in February 2024.
He also holds the record for being the quickest to reach 250, 300, and 350 Test wickets.
>> Read Full News
FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2025 to be held in Chile
In December 2024, the International Hockey Federation(FIH), headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, announced that the 11th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup (WC) 2025 will be held in Santiago, Chile.
- This will be the fourth time the South American country has hosted the prestigious event.
i.The upcoming tournament will feature 24 teams competing for the first time in FIH history. This expansion is part of the FIH’s strategy to provide more opportunities for a diverse range of National Associations.
ii.So far, the following teams have secured their spots in the tournament:
Europe: Netherlands, Spain, England, Germany, Belgium, Ireland, Wales, Scotland
Pan America: Argentina, United States of America (USA), Uruguay, Canada
Teams from Africa, Asia, and Oceania will qualify at a later stage.
Note: The 10th edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup (WC), held in Santiago, Chile in 2023, was won by the Netherlands.
OBITUARY
Padma Shri Awardee Baiga Tribal Artist Jodhaiya Bai Passed away
In December 2024, renowned Baiga Tribal Artist Jodhaiya Bai passed away at the age of 86 in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh (MP). She was born in MP in 1938.
- In 2023, she was awarded the Padma Shri Award, India’s fourth highest civilian honour, for her contribution in the field of arts.
- She played a key role in bringing Baiga tribal art to global recognition.
- In 2022,she received the Nari Shakti Puraskar,an annual award given by the Ministry of Women and Child Development of the Government of India in recognition of her achievements.
About Baiga Tribe:
i.The name Baiga means ‘Sorcerer-medicine man’. They were primarily found in MP, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Odisha, West Bengal (WB), Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
ii.They traditionally led a semi-nomadic lifestyle, practising slash-and-burn farming. They primarily rely on minor forest products for their livelihood. Bamboo serves as their main resource.
iii.Tattooing is a vital part of Baiga culture.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Human Solidarity Day 2024 – December 20
The United Nations (UN)’s International Human Solidarity Day is annually observed across the globe on 20 December to raise public awareness of the importance of solidarity in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and injustice.
- International Solidarity Day reminds governments and non-state actors, including businesses, to uphold their commitments to international agreements and human rights.
- Solidarity refers to unity or mutual support within a group or among individuals, especially in times of difficulty or challenge and collective action to promote human rights and social justice worldwide.
i.On 22 December 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/60/209 and proclaimed 20 December each year as International Human Solidarity Day.
- The first-ever International Human Solidarity Day was observed on 20 December 2006.
ii.The Independent Expert (IE) on Human Rights and International Solidarity (HRIS) is an individual appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to address and promote human rights and international solidarity.The Current mandate holder is Cecilia M. Bailliet(Argentina).
About the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) :
President– Omar Zniber
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 2006
Members– 47 member states
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