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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Overview of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India from December 15 to 17, 2024
President of Sri Lanka, Anura Kumara Dissanayake(AKD), visited India from December 15 to 17,2024, marking his first bilateral trip to India after Sri Lanka’s presidential and parliamentary elections. He was accompanied by Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Vijitha Herath and Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando. This visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi.
- During the visit, President Dissanayake held discussions with Indian PM Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu on various bilateral issues of mutual interest.
- He also participated in a business event in New Delhi(Delhi) aimed at strengthening investment and commercial ties between India and Sri Lanka and also visited Bodh Gaya(Bihar).
i.India and Sri Lanka sign two agreements on Double taxation, capacity building and training in the presence of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi(Delhi).
ii.Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake along with PM Narendra Modi issued a joint statement titled “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” which outlined a wide range of collaborative initiatives, from energy partnerships to regional security cooperation.
About Sri Lanka:
President- Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Prime Minister (PM)-Harini Nireka Amarasuriya
Capital- Colombo
Currency- Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
>> Read Full News
MoD and L&T Signs Contract for 100 additional K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Artillery Guns 
On December 20 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract worth Rs 7,628.70 crore with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) to supply 100 additional K9 VAJRA-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns, each with a 155 millimetre (mm)/52 calibre for the Indian Army (IA). The contract was signed by senior officials of the MoD and the Representatives of L&T Limited in the presence of Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi (Delhi).
- This procurement come under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ initiative, aiming to bolster the Army’s firepower and operational capability.
- The initiative also supports India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and the ‘Make in India’ mission by involving Indian industries, including the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Background:
In 2017, L&T won the Rs 4,500-crore contract to supply 100 units of K9 Vajra under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for which it signed a transfer of technology contract with South Korean company Hanwha Corporation.
- The first 10 guns were assembled from imported components, the remaining 90 were largely manufactured in India at L&T’s Hazira facility in Gujarat.
About K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns :
i.The K9 VAJRA-T artillery guns are being built by L&T’s Hazira plant in partnership with Hanwha Aerospace Company Limited.
ii.The range of these artillery guns is over 40 kilometer(km) and they can launch projectiles at a speed of around 65 kilometres per hour(km/h).
- The artillery guns should be operated by 5 personnel and can carry upto 49 rounds onboard.
ii.These upgraded 155 millimeter(mm) artillery systems are designed for high-altitude operations in regions like Ladakh.
iii.These guns will join the existing fleet of 100 Vajras. These upgrades include advanced fire-control systems and specially designed lubricants and batteries for sub-zero temperatures.
- It was initially deployed in the Rajasthan desert.
iv.Key Features: Mobility across varied terrains, including deserts and high-altitude regions,long-range, high-accuracy firepower to enhance the Army’s operational capability.
‘E-Shram Portal’ Registers 30.48 Crore Workers nationwide; UP Leads with 8.37 Crore Registrations
The E-Shram portal , the world’s largest database for unorganized workers, has recorded 30,48,02,313 (30.48 crore) registrations till December 19 2024. The portal was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) on 26th August 2021 which aims to support the unorganized workforce, vital to India’s economy.
- It creates a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW), verified with Aadhaar, to deliver targeted welfare schemes, social security and job opportunities.
- A total of Rs. 704.01 crores were allocated for NDUW for the period Fiscal Year 2019-20(FY20) to FY25.
- Registration costs are free through the E-Shram portal, Common Services Centres (CSCs) and State Seva Kendras (SSKs).
Union Minister Amit Shah Attends SSB’s 61st Raising Day Event in West Bengal
On 20th December, 2024, Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Ministry of Cooperation (MoC), attended the 61st Raising Day function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Siliguri, West Bengal(WB) as the Chief Guest.
- During the event, Union Minister Amit Shah digitally inaugurated the Integrated Check Point (ICP) in Agartala, Tripura and the newly constructed residential complex of the Border Guard Force (BGF) at Petrapole, WB.
Key People:
The event was also attended by Amrit Mohan Prasad, Director General (DG) of SSB; Rajendra Kumar, Secretary of Border Management (BM), MHA; Tapan Kumar Deka, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB); and other distinguished dignitaries.
Highlights of Event:
i.The event commenced with a grand parade, showcasing the discipline and dedication of the SSB personnel.
ii.The event included displays of Mallakhamb, a traditional Indian acrobatic art, alongside martial arts, sports demonstrations, and physical exercises. These performances showcased the fitness, training, and versatility of the SSB.
About Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB):
The SSB, Central Armed Police Force, (CAPF), previously known as Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF), under the MHA, was established in 1963. It was headquartered in New Delhi(Delhi).
- The Motto of SSB is ‘Service, Security and Brotherhood’
i.The SSB is entrusted with guarding the 2,450 Kilometer (km)-long borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
ii.The SSB curbed smuggling, secured borders, made Bihar and Jharkhand Naxal-free.
Key Achievements: So for, the SSB has earned 4 Padma Shri, 1 Kirti Chakra, 6 Shaurya Chakra, 2 President’s Gallantry Medals, 25 Police Gallantry Medals (PMG) and 35 Gallantry Medals (GM), while its personnel won 72 medals in national and international sports events.
Points to Note:
A paramilitary force is a group that is organized and trained like the military but is not part of a country’s formal armed forces. India has seven paramilitary forces:
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Assam Rifles (AR)
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
- National Security Guard (NSG)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar Inaugurates GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior
In December 2024, the Vice President (VP) of India Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the state-of-the-art Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum at the Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP).
- The museum was developed in coordination with the Gwalior Municipal Corporation(GMC) and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM).
i.The Gwalior Geoscience Museum features two remarkable galleries, providing an insight into the secrets of our planet and the history of life’s evolution over time.
ii.Gallery I, titled Planet Earth: Its Uniqueness in Diversity, showcases Earth’s wonders through displays on volcanoes, meteorites, and magnetic fields, with interactive models and rare specimens like rocks, gemstones, fossils, and dinosaur eggs, providing an exciting experience for all.
iii.Gallery II, titled Evolution of Life on Earth, shows the history of life from its start to the rise of humans, with seven sections featuring fossils and exhibits about ancient ecosystems, evolution, and mass extinctions, helping visitors learn more about our past and future.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
OAG Data: Mumbai-Delhi Becomes World’s Eighth Busiest Domestic Flight Route in 2024
In December 2024, the United Kingdom (UK) based global travel data provider Official Airline Guide (OAG) released a report titled “Busiest Flight Routes in the World 2024”. According to the report, the Mumbai(BoM)-Delhi route in India ranked the 8th busiest domestic route in the world in 2024, with airlines operating 7.963 million seats. In 2023, it was in 9th place with 7.276 million seats.
- The Busiest International Airline Route in 2024 is Hong Kong(HKG) to Taipei (TPE) with 6.8 million seats.
- Cairo(CAI) to Jeddah(JED) with 5.5 million seats and Seoul Incheon(ICN) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) 5.4 million seats secured 2nd and 3rd position, respectively in the Busiest International Airline Route in 2024.
About Official Airline Guide (OAG) Company:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Phil Callow
Founded – 1929
Headquarters – Luton, England
>> Read Full News
BANKING & FINANCE
Highlights of the 208th meeting of the SEBI Board
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Board conducted its 208th meeting on 18th December 2024, in Mumbai to develop significant measures to improve the business environment in the capital markets.
Key Highlights:
i.Review of SEBI (Merchant Bankers) Regulations, 1992:
- Merchant Bankers (MBs), other than Banks, Public Financial Institution and their subsidiaries, shall undertake only permitted activities.
- There will be two categories of MBs based on net worth and activities.
- They should maintain a liquid net worth of at least 25% of the minimum net worth requirement, at all times.
- The underwriting limit for MBs has been prescribed as 20 times of liquid net worth.
ii.Tightening of rules for IPOs of small firms:
- An issuer shall make an Initial Public Offer (IPO), only with an operating profit (earnings before interest, depreciation and tax) of Rs. 1 crore from operations for any 2 out of 3 previous financial years at the time of filing of its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP).
iii. The SEBI Board has approved the following amendments for Securitized Debt Instruments (SDI)-
- The SDIs issuance and its transfer should be listed only in demat form.
iv.The SEBI has launched a new initiative, the “Past Risk and Return Verification Agency” (PaRRVA), to prevent misleading claims about investment returns.
v.The SEBI board has increased the threshold for identification of High Value Debt Listed entities (HVDLEs) from Rs.500 crores to Rs. 1000 crores which is at par with thelarge Corporates.
vi.The SEBI Board mandated Custodians to maintain a net worth of Rs. 75 crores and shall be achieved within 3 years.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):
SEBI is a statutory body and a market regulator, which controls the securities market in India. It was constituted as a non-statutory body on April 12, 1988 through a resolution of the Government of India and was established as a statutory body in the year 1992.
Chairperson– Madhabi Puri Buch
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
>> Read Full News
RBI report: State’s Freebies Crowd out Resources Required for Development
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a report titled “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2024-25”. The report has cautioned about sops like farm loan waiver, free electricity and transport, by state governments could possibly crowd out their resources for social and economic infrastructure development.
- The theme of the report is “Fiscal Reforms by States”. It provides a comprehensive assessment of the finances of State governments for Financial Year 2024-25(FY25) against the backdrop of actual and revised/provisional accounts for FY23 and FY24, respectively.
i.The report has appreciated the state governments for the progress made towards fiscal consolidation by containing their total Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD) within 3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 3 consecutive years (2021-22 to 2023-24), while limiting their revenue deficit to 0.2% of GDP in Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23) and FY24.
ii.As per the report, states have estimated a GFD of 3.2% of GDP in FY25 compared to 2.8% of GDP in FY24.
>> Read Full News
World Bank Approves USD 800 million loan for development of Amaravati
On December 20, 2024, the World Bank’s (WB) Board of Executive Directors approved a USD 800 million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Project (AIUDP), which aims to build Amaravati as a greenfield capital city of Andhra Pradesh(AP).
- The loan amount has a final maturity of 29 years including a grace period of 6 years. India has chosen to take the loan in Japanese Yen(JPY).
- The Bank’s financing will also attract over USD 600 million in private investment, helping the city become financially sustainable and creating economic opportunities for its residents.
About Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Project(AIUDP):
i.The project aims to develop the city into a well-managed, climate-resilient hub in AP that creates jobs and improves the lives of residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
- The WB and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are supporting the first phase of the city’s development.
The project supports India’s urban development goals. The urban population is projected to reach 950 million by 2050, Amaravati could become a model for sustainable cities.
- Currently, around 100,000 people live in Amaravati, with the population expected to grow significantly in the next decade.
- The government has developed a master plan for a 217 square kilometer (sq.km) area, which can house 3.5 million people by 2050.
iii.The Amaravati Masterplan designates 22% of residential areas for affordable housing.
About World Bank (WB):
The World Bank’s largest shareholders: The United States (17.25% of total subscribed capital), Japan (7.42%), China (4.78%), Germany (4.33%), and France and the United Kingdom (with 4.06% each)
President – Ajay Banga (14th President)
Country Director for India – Auguste Tano Kouame
Headquarters – Washington, DC, the United States of America (USA)
Established – 1944
Member countries – 189
RBI Approves Canara Bank’s Plan to Sell Stake in Two Subsidiaries
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Canara Bank Limited’s, a public sector bank (PSB), plan to sell part of its shares in Canara Robeco Asset Management Company (CRAMC) Limited headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra and Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited, based in Gurgaon, Haryana.
- In March 2024, Canara Bank’s board approved the sale of its stakes in two subsidiaries.
i. The bank will reduce its stake by 13% in CRAMC and 5% in Canara HSBC Life Insurance through an Initial Public Offer (IPO).
ii.Based on an exemption granted by the Government of India (GoI), the bank must lower its stake in both companies to 30% by October 31, 2029.
iii.Canara HSBC Life Insurance, set up in 2008, is a Joint Venture (JV) with Canara Bank owning 51%, HSBC Insurance Holdings Limited holding 26%, and Punjab National Bank (PNB) owns the remaining 23%.
iv.CRAMC was established in 1993, originally known as Canbank Mutual Fund. In 2007, Canara Bank entered a JV with the Robeco Group, and the mutual fund (MF) was renamed CRMAC.
- Canara Bank owns 51% of stake in CRMAC, with Japan’s Orix Corporation holding the remaining 49%.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Premier Explosives & Global Munition signs MoU to establish JV for Defence and Aerospace
In December 2024, Secunderabad(Telangana) based Premier Explosives Limited(PEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pune(Maharashtra) based Global Munition India Limited(MIL), a unit of NIBE Ordnance and Maritime Ltd.(NIBEOM), to establish a joint venture (JV) focused on the manufacturing of defence and aerospace products.
- The joint venture will be structured with a 51:49 equity split, where Global Munition Ltd., will hold the majority stake.The move is expected to bolster Premier Explosives’ position in the market.
i.This strategic collaboration aims to tap into the growing defence and aerospace sectors, positioning both companies to meet rising demand for advanced military and aerospace products.
ii.PEL is India’s first private-sector explosives manufacturer and supplies solid propellants for India’s missile programs like Akash, Astra, and Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile(LRSAM).
- The company also provides products for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), including solid propellants for satellite launch vehicles.
Nvidia Partners with Vietnam to Establish AI R&D and Data Centers
In December 2024, California (the United States of America, USA)-based Nvidia Corporation, signed an agreement with the Government of Vietnam to jointly set up an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Development (R&D) center and an AI data center in Vietnam.
- The agreement was signed in the presence of founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nvidia Corporation, Jensen Huang and Prime Minister (PM) of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, Vietnam.
i.The R&D center will focus on software development, taking advantage of the country’s skilled engineers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
ii.It will collaborate with industry leaders, startups, government agencies, universities, and students to promote the use of AI.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Ram Temple in Ayodhya Won ‘Sword of Honour’ Award for Safety Excellence
The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya(Uttar Pradesh, UP), has recently been honoured with the ‘Sword of Honour‘ award by the British Safety Council (BSC). This project is being designed and constructed by Larsen and Toubro Limited(L&T).
- The BSC conducts an audit of the processes and practices, followed by an on-site activity assessment to recognize the project’s commitment to safety management.
About Sword of Honour:
The Sword of Honour is awarded only to projects with a five-star safety rating, setting a standard for excellence in safety management within the construction industry.
- It demonstrates the project team’s commitment to upholding exceptional safety standards throughout the construction process.
Abou Ram Temple project :
i.The temple, built in the traditional Nagar style, spans 380 feet (east-west) by 250 feet and rises to a height of 161 feet. The structure includes 392 pillars and 44 doors, with an imposing east-facing entrance that features 32 steps.
ii.The temple is being constructed with approximately 15 lakh cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan, and its marble cladding enhances its visual appeal, making it a remarkable architectural achievement.
iii.The temple showcases intricate architectural designs by artist Vasudev Kamath and architects Sompura and Jay Kaktikar, with contributions from institutions like Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) enhancing the temple’s structural integrity.
iv.The construction of the Ram temple project scheduled to be finished by June 2025.
Note: L&T was previously awarded the ‘Golden Trophy’ by the National Safety Council (NSC) in recognition of their effective safety measures during construction.
IWAI’s Kalughat IMT gets recognition for sustainable infrastructure project
The Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat in Bihar, developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has been awarded a five-star SVAGRIHA (Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA) rating by the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Council for maintaining environmental sustainability through the use of recyclable materials during the construction of the terminal.
- The terminal is made under World Bank funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) for capacity expansion of National Waterway 1 (NW-1) – River Ganga.
- It has been built at a cost of Rs. 82.48 crore with a capacity of 77,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) per annum to transport cargo to and from North Bihar while also providing connectivity to Nepal for exporting and importing cargo.
Note
The award was received by Arvind Kumar, Director, JMVP along with Manish Tiwari, Specialist (Environment Impact Assessment), JMVP and J J Patel, Project Manager, Sanjay Construction Company – the contractor agency.
About SWAGRIHA Rating:
SVAGRIHA rating is a joint venture of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) which recognizes the environmentally sustainable practices of IWAI in making IWT infrastructure.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
Chairman– Vijay Kumar
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Founded– 1986
Maharashtra’s ‘Government at Your Doorstep’ Initiative Wins SKOCH Award
Maharashtra government’s initiative ‘Shasan Aplya Dari’ (‘Government at Your Doorstep) has won the SKOCH Award for its excellence in citizen-focused governance and commitment to deliver efficient public services.
- The programme was chosen from amongst 280 projects across various categories nationwide.
- Over 5 crore benefits were delivered to the doorsteps of the citizens in the initiative.
- The initiative was implemented by the Chief Minister’s Public Welfare Cell.
About Government at Your Doorstep Initiative:
i.The initiative was launched in May, 2023, at Patan in Satara district.
ii.Under this initiative, the benefits of various government schemes like subsidy on tractors, Gopinath Munde farmer accident insurance grant, allocation of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), Chief Minister’s Assistance Fund, subsidy for irrigation wells under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), assistance under Chief Minister’s Employment Generation Program, distribution of bicycles, and several other schemes, were provided to citizens under one roof.
About SKOCH Award: SKOCH Award was formed in 2003 to recognize the people, projects and institutions for their extraordinary achievements in contributing to the society.
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister (CM)- Devendra Fadnavis
Governor– C. P. Radhakrishnan
UNESCO Heritage Sites– Ajanta Cave; Ellora Caves
REC Ltd. wins Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate Governance
REC Limited (Rural Electrification Corporation Limited), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Power and a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has been awarded with the prestigious Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate Governance for maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.
- The award was presented by the Golden Peacock Awards Secretariat and Institute of Directors in a ceremony held in London, United Kingdom (UK).
- REC has won the award in Power (Financial Services) category.
i.The winners were selected by a jury chaired by Justice M.N Venkatachaliah, Chairman, Institute of Directors and the 25th Chief Justice of India, along with members including Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, and Prof. (Judge) Mervyn E. King SC, among others.
ii.Golden Peacock Awards has been formed by the Institute of Directors (IOD) in 1991 and is regarded as a benchmark of corporate excellence worldwide.
About REC Limited:
It is registered with RBI as Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC), Public Financial Institution (PFI) and Infrastructure Financing Company (IFC).
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) – Vivek Kumar Dewangan
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded -1969
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Preeti Lobana Appointed as Google India’s New Country Manager & VP
In December 2024, Google, Alphabet Inc’s largest subsidiary , appointed Preeti Lobana as the new Country Manager and Vice President (VP) for India. She replaced interim head Roma Datta Chobey and succeeded Sanjay Gupta, who has moved to the role of President of Google for the Asia-Pacific region.
- Prior to this appointment, she served as the VP of gTech (Google Technical Services) – Process, Partner, Publisher Operations, Ads (Advertisements) Content & Quality Operations.
i.Preeti Lobana will lead Google’s strategy in India, focusing on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive innovation and digital transformation.
ii.She has been working with Google for 8 years and also held leadership positions at NatWest (National Westminster Bank Plc) Group and American Express Company.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MDL Delivers two advanced Warships ‘Nilgiri’ and ‘Surat’ to IN
On December 20 2024, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered 2 advanced warships ‘Nilgiri(YARD 12651)’ and ‘Surat(YARD 12707)’ to the Indian Navy (IN) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The two warships were designed by the IN’s Warship Design Bureau, constructed by MDL and overseen by the Warship Overseeing Team in Mumbai.
- Nilgiri is the 1st stealth frigate of the Project 17A class ship and Surat is the 4th stealth destroyer and final ship of the Project 15B class guided missile destroyer.
i.The acceptance documents for ‘Nilgiri’ and ‘Surat’ were signed by MDL Chairman-Managing Director (CMD) Sanjeev Singhal and Chief Security Officer (CSO) (Tech) R. Adhisrinivasan of IN.
ii.These warships strengthen India’s maritime defence with advanced missile systems, stealth features and Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration.
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)– Sanjeev Singhal
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established- 1934
>> Read Full News
OBITUARY
Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala passed away 
In December 2024, Om Prakash Chautala,a five-time Chief Minister (CM) of Haryana, passed away at the age of 89 in Gurugram,Haryana. He was born on January 1, 1935, in Sirsa, Haryana.
About Om Prakash Chautala:
i.In 1970, Om Prakash Chautala began his political career by winning his first election to the Haryana Legislative Assembly as a member of the Janata Dal (People’s Party).
ii.From 1987-1990, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of the Indian Parliament) and served until 1990.
iii.In 1989, he became the CM of Haryana for the 1st time, succeeding his father, Chaudhary Devi Lal, who had taken up the position of Deputy Prime Minister (DYCM) of India.
- Again he served as the CM of Haryana on 12 July 1990 to 17 July 1990, again from 22 March 1991 to 6 April 1991.
iv.In 1996, he became the Leader of the Opposition in Haryana after the Haryana Vikas Party formed the government. In1999, he formed a coalition government, becoming the CM of Haryana for the 4th time.
v.In the Haryana Assembly elections 2000, he secured 47 seats in a 90-member assembly, and continued as CM(5th time) until 5 March 2005.
vi.He had documented his experiences in Urdu diaries, which are being translated into Hindi for upcoming books. His autobiography and a travelogue titled “Meri Videsh Yatra” covering his visits to 119 countries are almost ready for publication.
Economic historian Amiya Kumar Bagchi passes away
Former professor, an economic historian and founder director of Institute of Development Studies Kolkata (IDSK) Amiya Kumar Bagchi passed away in Kolkata(West Bengal, WB). He was born in 1936 in Jadupur, WB. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2005 for his work in literature and education.
About Amiya Bagchi:
i.Amiya Bagchi was the founder and director of the Centre for Studies in Social Science in 1974 in Kolkata.
ii.He also played an important role in preserving banking and finance records as an economic historian and worked from 1976 to 1978 as an official historian of the State Bank of India.
iii.After leaving the Centre for Social Sciences, he joined the IDSK as founder director in 2002.
iv. He was also the president of Friends of Latin America (FOLA) and played an important role in building Indian relations with the Latin American people.
Amiya Bagchi’s Works:
His first classic work came out in 1972 titled, Private Investment in India: 1900-1939 which was inspired by his PhD.
His famous works include- The Political Economy of Underdevelopment, Perilous Passage: Mankind and the Global Ascending of Capital, Capital and Labor Redefined: India and the Third World, Colonialism and Indian Economy, Money and Credit in Indian History as well as the Evolution of the State Bank of India: The Roots, 1806–1876.
IMPORTANT DAYS
National Farmer’s Day 2024 – December 23 
National Farmer’s Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is annually observed across India on 23rd December to honor the farmers’ contribution to the overall social and economic development of India and commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister(PM) of India.
i.The theme for National Farmers’ Day 2024 is “Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation.
- This theme underscores the nation’s commitment to supporting farmers, who are often referred to as ‘Annadatas’ or ‘providers of food,’ .
ii.23rd December 2024 marks the 122nd birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Background:
i.In 2001, the Government of India (GoI) declared 23 December, the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, as Kisan Diwas or National Farmer’s Day to recognize his contribution towards the agriculture sector and the welfare of the farmers.
ii.The 1st Kisan Diwas (National Farmer’s Day) was observed on 23 December 2001.
>> Read Full News
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