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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan Completed 9 Years of Advancing Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
On December 3 2024, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the Accessible India Campaign (AIC), a flagship initiative of Government of India (GoI) for persons with disabilities (PwDs), has completed 9 years of successful implementation.
- The primary objective of the campaign is to ensure universal accessibility for PwDs across 3 main domains: built infrastructure, transport systems, and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ecosystem.
i.It was launched by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on 3rd December, 2015, on the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
ii.It is being monitored by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E).
iii.So far, 1,671 government buildings were audited for accessibility under the target of auditing 25 to 50 buildings in 50 cities.
- A fund of Rs 562 crore was allocated for retrofitting of 1,314 buildings.
About Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJ&E):
Union Minister- Dr. Virendra Kumar Khatik (Constituency- Tikamgarh, Madhya Pradesh (MP))
Minister of State (MoS)- Ramdas Athawale (Rajya Sabha- Maharashtra); Banwari Lal Verma (Rajya Sabha- Uttar Pradesh, UP)
>> Read Full News
MoD Signs Rs 1207.5 Crore Contract with CSL for INS Vikramaditya Refit
On 30 November 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an agreement with Kochi(Kerala) based Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikramaditya, the flagship aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy (IN).
- The contract, valued at Rs 1207.5 crore, is set to last for 5 months and marks a significant step in enhancing India’s naval capabilities.
- This effort aligns with the Government of India (GoI)’s Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Make in India missions, significantly boosting domestic manufacturing capabilities and promoting self-reliance in the maritime sector.
About INS Vikramaditya:
INS Vikramadityaa, a 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier, is originally a Kiev-class aircraft carrier acquired from Russia. It is named after the legendary Indian emperor Vikramaditya.
- Since its commissioning in 2013, the carrier has been a pivotal element in safeguarding India’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Key Upgrades:
i.The SRDD will involve extensive enhancements, including:
- Upgrading combat systems to improve defense capabilities.
- Overhauling operational equipment to ensure high efficiency.
- Strengthening support mechanisms to enhance overall functionality.
ii.These upgrades will boost the carrier’s operational readiness and ability to respond to evolving maritime challenges.
iii. Once the refit is complete, INS Vikramaditya will return to active duty as a state-of-the-art asset in India’s naval arsenal.
Other Key Contributions:
i.This initiative plays a vital role in establishing CSL as a prominent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, contributing to the growth of India’s industrial ecosystem.
ii.By engaging approximately 50 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the project is expected to create employment opportunities for over 3,500 individuals.
About Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister – Rajnath Singh (Constituency- Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
Minister of State (MoS)- Sanjay Seth (Constituency- Ranchi, Jharkhand)
About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL):
Chairman & Managing Director (CMD)- Madhu S. Nair
Headquarters– Kochi, Kerala
Founded– 1972
Gujarat’s Traditional Gharchola Saree Receives GI Tag
In November 2024, Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN) based Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, operating under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), has granted the prestigious GI tag to Gujarat’s “Gharchola”, a traditional sari worn during weddings. This is Gujarat’s 27the GI tags, with 23 of them recognizing handicrafts.
- The GI tag for Gharchola was presented during the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program organized by the Ministry of Textiles (MoT) in New Delhi, Delhi.
Key Points:
i.The GI recognition highlights Gujarat’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural legacy. This GI tag not only certifies the authenticity of the Gharchola but also acts as an important marketing tool to elevate its global presence.
Note-Garvi Gurjari is a state-run initiative in Gujarat, designed to promote and showcase the state’s rich cultural heritage, especially its traditional handicrafts. It serves as a platform for local artisans to display and sell their handmade products, including textiles.
ii.The One District, One Product (ODOP) Yojana, under the leadership of CM Patel, has also played a key role in expanding the reach of GI-tagged products across the state.
iii.The tag also ensures that the craft continues to thrive, supporting local weavers and passing down their skills to future generations.
About Gharchola sarees:
i.Gharchola sarees are celebrated for their vibrant colors such as red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold deep religious significance in Hindu and Jain traditions.
ii.Traditionally worn at weddings and other important events, these sarees are crafted using time-honored techniques.
iii.However, with the integration of modern designs, they have evolved to appeal to contemporary tastes, leading to a surge in demand. These beautifully crafted sarees are now widely available at Garvi Gurjari sales centres across Gujarat, further enhancing their presence in the market.
Additional Info:
i.Several other traditional crafts from Gujarat have received GI recognition. These include Surat’s ‘Saadeli’ art, Banaskantha’s ‘Soof’ embroidery, Bharuch’s ‘Sujni’ craft, Ahmedabad’s ‘Saudagiri Print’, Kutch’s Ajrakh, and the colourful ‘Mata Ni Pachedi’ handicrafts, further enhancing the state’s position as a hub of exceptional craftsmanship.
ii.Under Articles 1(2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights.
About Gujarat:
Chief Minister (CM)- Bhupendra Patel
Governor– Acharya Devvrat
Capital– Gandhinagar
National Park (NP)- Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park
AFMS & AIIMS, New Delhi signs MoU for advancing research and education
In November 2024, the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi (Delhi) signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) marking a significant step towards advancing multidisciplinary research and education.
- The collaboration aims to address critical scientific and technological challenges in the fields of high-altitude, aerospace (aviation), and marine medicine.
i.Under this MoU on ‘High Altitude, Aerospace (Aviation), and Marine Medicine,’ the two organisations announced the first scientific ‘Continuing Medical Education’ (CME).
- This is the first scientific CME being held under the MoU on ‘High Altitude, Aerospace (Aviation), and Marine Medicine’ at JLN Auditorium AIIMS in New Delhi.
ii.This partnership marks a significant milestone in bridging academic excellence and operational expertise, ensuring the development of cutting edge solutions for healthcare challenges in extreme.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
ICRA ESG Ratings Report : India ranks 6th with 127 companies committed to net-zero targets; UK topped
According to the report on ‘SBTi commitments by Indian companies’ released by the ICRA ESG Ratings Limited (formerly known as Pragati Development Consulting Services Limited), India has secured the 6th spot globally in corporate climate action with 127 companies committed to net-zero targets under the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi).
- The United Kingdom (UK) topped the list with 702 companies committed to SBTi targets, followed by the United States of America (USA) with 425 companies in 2nd place. China ranked 3rd with 233 companies, while Germany secured 4th place with 203 companies. Sweden with 143 companies in 5th place.
- China, the largest global emitter, has less corporate adoption despite contributing 27% of global emissions.
i.The report stated that around 9,000 companies globally have committed to emission reduction targets, with around 3,500 specifically targeting net-zero emissions.
- Europe leads with 2,998 firms, followed by Asia at 1,846.
ii.The report shows that though India is contributing approximately 7% of global emissions, its corporate commitments reflect a growing awareness, though high-emission sectors like power, energy, and cement are still behind in adopting such goals.
About ICRA ESG Ratings Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Ramnath Krishnan
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – 1991
>> Read Full News
SIPRI: Indian arms makers in Top 100 recorded USD 6.7 bn 2023 revenue, up 6%
According to the Report “SIPRI TOP 100 ARMSPRODUCING AND MILITARY SERVICES COMPANIES, 2023” released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) on 2nd December 2024,The three companies are – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)(43rd), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) (67th), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) (94th) are placed among the world’s 100 largest arms producers in 2023.
- The all three defense public sector undertakings (DPSUs) combined revenues from sales of arms and military services has increased to USD 6.74 billion in 2023, growing 5.8% from USD 6.37 billion in 2022.
- The top 5 companies in the list belong to United States of America (USA) namely Lockheed Martin (USD 60.81 billion) on the top followed by Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX) (USD 40.66 billion) on 2nd spot, Northrop Grumman (USD 35.57 billion) on 3rd, Boeing (USD 31.1 billion) on 4th and General Dynamics (USD 30.2 billion) on 5th spot respectively.
Key Highlights
i.According to the SIPRI report, HAL increased its arms revenue to USD 3.71 billion in 2023, up 6.9% from USD 3.47 billion in 2022.
- BEL gained USD 1.94 billion in 2023, up 0.5% from USD 1.93 billion in 2022 but fell to 67th rank from 65 in 2022.
- MDL’s arms revenue grew 12.4% to USD 1.09 billion in 2023 from USD 0.97 billion in 2022. Its rank also went up to 94 from 96 in 2022.
About Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):
Director – Dan Smith
Headquarters – Solna, Sweden
Founded – 1966
>> Read Full News
USA approves sale of USD 1.17 billion worth helicopter equipment to Indian Navy
On December 3 2024, the United States of America (USA) approved a USD 1.17 billion deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme to supply advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s (IN) Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters.
- The proposed deal will improve India’s capability to deter current and future threats by upgrading its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- These USA made helicopters are replacing the ageing fleet of Sea King choppers, which served the IN for over 3 decades.
Background:
i.In February 2020, during Donald Trump’s presidency, India and the USA signed
defence deals worth over USD 3 billion for 24 MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Role Helicopters for the Indian Navy and six AH-64E attack helicopters for the Indian Army.
ii.Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems will be the principal contractor for the sale of MH-60R helicopter equipment to India
iii.The IN has already received 6 MH-60R helicopters which were commissioned in March 2024 at INS Garuda in Kochi(Kerala) with the same configuration used by the US Navy.
- The remaining 18 helicopters will include customised configurations to meet Indian requirements.
About MH-60R Seahawk:
i.The MH-60R is a 4th generation helicopter designed for anti-submarine and surface combat missions, featuring Mk 54 torpedoes for targeting hidden submarines, and Hellfire missiles for air-to-surface strikes.
ii.MH-60R Seahawk emerged as a major force multiplier for the Indian Navy amidst the growing challenges from China and Pakistan in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
iii.These USA made choppers are the most advanced maritime multi-mission helicopters in operation that are deployed globally.
iv.The advanced radar and sonar systems onboard MH-60R enabled it to carry out operations in challenging conditions.
About United States of America (USA):
President- Joe Biden
Capital- Washington,DC
Currency- US Dollar(USD)
BANKING & FINANCE
Razorpay partners MHA and I4C to boost digital payments security
On December 2 2024, Razorpay, India’s first full-stack financial solutions company, has collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to enhance cyber security of the digital payments ecosystem in the country.
- This collaboration aims to provide necessary knowledge to the businesses and end customers to protect themselves and promote awareness about cybersecurity across India.
- This initiative will integrate Razorpay’s technological expertise with the government’s cybersecurity strategies to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure.
Key Points
i.India now accounts for 46% of the world’s digital payment volume.
ii.According to the data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, India has witnessed over 7,000 daily cybercrime complaints, with 85% linked to financial fraud between January 2024 and April 2024.
- These crimes led to losses of more than USD 21.2 million during the same period.
iii.Razorpay has connected with over 1,600 cybercrime stations across 25 states and union territories, to boost collaboration in preventing cybercrime.
iv.Razorpay will also conduct an awareness campaign under its collaboration with the government.
- This will include awareness on safeguarding sensitive data, identifying cyber threats, detecting phishing scams, and adopting secure payment practices.
- These efforts also include incident response planning, secure mobile payments, identifying fake payment apps and understanding the dangers of public Wi-Fi for payment transactions.
Note: In 2024, Razorpay launched its Authentication Control Server (ACS) which includes a Fraud Risk Management (FRM) system, to analyze the risk of each transaction in real-time based on factors like transaction amount, user behavior, and device details, mitigating potential risks.
About Razorpay Software Private Limited (RSPL):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder– Harshil Mathur
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founded – 2014
About Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):
Union Minister – Amit Shah (Constituency – Gandhinagar, Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS) – Nityanand Rai (Constituency- Ujiarpur, Bihar); Bandi Sanjay Kumar (Constituency- Karimnagar, Telangana)
Paytm launches UPI Lite Auto Top-Up for Payments without PIN
Paytm, operated by One97 Communications, launched Unified Payment Interface(UPI) Lite Auto Top-Up which was designed to streamline small, frequent transactions for users, making everyday payments quick and hassle free.
- This feature is powered by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) It eliminates the need for One Time Password (OTP) or Personal Identification Number (PIN) for payments under Rs.500.
- This initiative aims to make micro transactions more efficient, offering users the convenience of instant payments without the need for PINs.
i.Users can set a minimum balance threshold for their UPI Lite wallet. When the balance falls below this limit, it is automatically topped up from the linked bank account, ensuring uninterrupted payments.
ii.Paytm UPI Lite is available for all Paytm users, and payments are processed via the Paytm app, enabling easy tracking of daily expenses. With a cap of Rs 2,000 per day, it empowers users to manage microtransactions effectively.
iii.It enhances the user experience by reducing clutter in bank statements and simplifies tracking of small-value transactions.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
OECD Raised India’s FY25 Growth Forecast by 20 bps to 6.8% in FY25
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s “Economic Outlook December 2024” released on 4th December 2024. It has raised India’s growth forecast by 20 basis points (bps) to 6.8% in Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), from its previous estimate of 6.6% made in May 2024.
- It has cited this projection is based on rapidly increasing public infrastructure spending and ongoing strong private consumption growth.
- It has also revised India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) projection from 6.8% (projected in September 2024 economic outlook) to 6.9% for FY26.
Key Projections:
i.OECD’s report has raised India’s headline inflation from 4.5% (predicted in September 2024) to 4.8% in FY25.
- It has further estimated that India’s inflation for FY26 and FY27 will be at 4.2% and 4%, respectively.
ii.The economic outlook has estimated that India’s general government deficit, including states, will fall below 8% of the GDP, supported by additional revenues from efforts to widen the tax base.
- It has projected India’s fiscal deficit will -8.2% in FY25 and -7.5% in FY26.
iii.The report underscored that India needs to address the challenges like: youth employment, low female labour participation, and the expansion of social safety net and pension coverage in order to reach the advanced economy status by 2047.
Global Growth:
i.It has retained Global GDP forecast to 3.2% in 2024 but has increased its global growth projection for both 2025 and 2026 by 10 bps, from 3.2% (in September 2024) to 3.3%.
ii.The report has projected that annual consumer price inflation in the Group-20 (G20) countries will moderate to 3.5% and 2.9% in 2025 and 2026 respectively, from 5.4% in 2024.
About the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD):
Secretary General- Mathias Hubert Paul Cormann
Headquarters- Paris, France
Established- 1961
Women-Centric Welfare Schemes Account for 0.5% of India’s GDP in FY25 : Goldman Sachs 
According to the Goldman Sachs Global Research, 9 Indian states which have ongoing or proposed cash transfer schemes for women, have a combined allocation of USD 18 billion in their budget estimates for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25), accounting for 0.5% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
i.Maharashtra has topped among all the Indian states in terms of the largest allocation in the budget for the cash transfer to women, and has allocated total USD 5.4 billion, constituting 1.1% of the state’s GDP.
ii.Among all the Indian states, Haryana has proposed the highest monthly financial support to women i.e. to offer Rs 2,100 per month to women above the age of 18 years, with annual household income of less than Rs 2 lakh.
- It is followed by Karnataka which offers monthly financial support of Rs 2,000.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
T-Hub associated Innovators Honored with Karmaveer Chakra Awards for 2024-25 by UN and iCongo
Rumana Sinha Sehgal, a mentor at Hyderabad (Telangana)-based T-Hub, Akshay Deshpande, the associated startup founders of Switcheko and Abhishek Agarwal, the founder of Goodeebag, have been honoured with the Karmaveer Chakra Awards for 2024-25.
- These awards were given during the 13th edition of REX ConcLIVE which held from 25th November-26th November, 2024 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
About Karmaveer Chakra Awards:
i.Karmaveer Chakra awards were instituted by the Indian Confederation of NGOs (iCongo) in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) in 2008-09.
- The award is a tribute to A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the 11th President of India.
ii.These awards recognise those individuals who have brought positive societal change through their work and innovative solutions.
Karmaveer Chakra Awardees 2024-25:
i.Rumana Sinha Sehgal who is also the founder of Serendipity, has become the 1st entrepreneur from Telangana to be honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Platinum Medal 2024-25.
- She also became the 1st women entrepreneur from the state who received this award for the 3rd time.
- This recognition reflects the outstanding work of T-Hub and its associated changemakers in areas of sustainability, entrepreneurship, and community development.
- Earlier, she was awarded with the Karmaveer Chakra Gold Medal in 2023 and the Karmaveer Chakra Silver Medal in 2019.
ii.Akshay Deshpande, the founder of Switcheko, a startup-based at T-Hub that offers eco-friendly packaging solutions and environment-related initiatives, honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Bronze Medal 2024-25.
iii.Abhishek Agarwal, the founder of Goodeebag, received the award for its transformative initiatives in sustainable waste management.
iv.Dr. V.V. Majula Kumari, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Varanaa’s Healthcare has been honoured with REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship and the Karmaveer Chakra Gold Medal Award for 2024-25. She received this award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to healthcare and social welfare.
- She received the award for the 3rd time, following a Bronze Medal (2019) and Silver Medal (2023).
v.Eminent entrepreneur, author and philanthropist, Indrani Mukerjee, has been conferred with the prestigious REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra Award for 2024-25. She received this honour in recognition of her exceptional contributions in the fields of arts, culture, and social empowerment.
- Along with her, Prachi Kaushik, founder and director of VYOMINI Social Enterprise, has been bestowed with REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship and Karmaveer Chakra Award for her work in promoting sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices.
IndiGo recognised as ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by CAPA
In November 2024, India’s preferred carrier IndiGo was named the ‘2024 Airline of the Year’ by Centre for Aviation (CAPA) at its 2024 Global Aviation Awards for Excellence in Belgrade, Serbia. CAPA is a trusted source of aviation market intelligence and a part of the Aviation Week Network.
- The award was presented to IndiGo and was received by Neha Narain, VP Strategy and Chief Executive Officer’s(CEO) Office, accepted the award on behalf of the airline.
i.CAPA awarded IndiGo for its excellence in aviation strategy and operations, highlighting airlines and airports that adapt effectively to changes in the industry.
iiWith its fleet of 380+ aircraft, IndiGo is operating around 2100 daily flights to connect 89 domestic destinations and 37 international destinations.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Chess Grandmaster D Gukesh appointed as new Brand Ambassador of RBL Bank
In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based RBL Bank Limited, formerly known as Ratnakar Bank Limited, has appointed Indian Chess Prodigy D Gukesh as its Brand Ambassador.
- Gukesh Dommaraju is the youngest-ever contender to compete for the World Chess Championship and the 3rd youngest grandmaster to achieve a rating of 2700.
i.He is the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to compete in a World Championship Match.
ii.His partnership with RBL Bank reflects the bank’s commitment to strategic thinking and foresight qualities that align perfectly with Gukesh’s journey.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Two ISRO Astronauts Successfully Completed Initial Training for Axiom-4 Mission to ISS
In November 2024, Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that two Indian astronauts, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (prime) and Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair (backup), referred to as the Gaganyatris, selected for the upcoming Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS), have successfully completed the initial phase of their training.
i.As part of the ongoing collaboration between the ISRO and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the two Gaganyatris began their training in the United States of America(USA) in August 2024.
ii.Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) is a private spaceflight to the International Space Station (ISS) operated by the USA-based Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX (an American space technology company)
About National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):
Administrator– Bill Nelson
Headquarter– Washington, D.C., United States of America, USA
Founded- 1958
>> Read Full News
SPORTS
Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix 2024
On December 1 2024, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands) won the Formula 1 (F1) Qatar Grand Prix 2024 which was held at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar.
- This was his 9th win of the season and 63rd of his career.
- Monégasque racing driver Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) secured the 2nd spot (18 points) for Ferrari and Australia’s Oscar Piastri (McLaren) (15 points) claimed the 3rd spot.
About Max Verstappen :
i.Max Verstappen won his first F1 World Championship title in 2021 after winning 10 Grands Prix (GP) during the 2021 season.
- He won the next two championships in 2022 and 2023 and secured his 4th consecutive title in 2024 after winning 9 Grand Prix.
- The 9 GP won during the 2024 season includes Las Vegas GP, Sao Paulo (Brazilian) Grand Prix, Bahrain GP, Saudi Arabia GP, Japanese GP, Chinese GP, Emilia-Romagna GP, Canadian GP and Spanish GP.
ii. As of the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen has achieved 63 race wins across 10 seasons, 40 pole positions, 33 fastest laps and 112 podiums in F1.
iii.In addition to being the youngest Grand Prix winner, he holds several F1 records, including the most wins in a season (19), the most podium finishes in a season (21), the most consecutive wins (10), and the most consecutive pole positions (8, shared with Ayrton Senna).
Result :
| Rank | Racer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen (Red Bull) | 25 |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) | 18 |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri (McLaren) | 15 |
| 4 | George Russell (Mercedes) | 12 |
| 5 | Pierre Gasly (Alpine) | 10 |
About Qatar Grand Prix:
i.The Qatar Grand Prix (officially known as the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix ) is a FI motor race event held in Lusail, Qatar.
ii.It was the 23rd and penultimate round of the 2024 F1 World Championship.
iii.It was held for the first time in 2021.
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Himachal Pradesh CM releases Book on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Life
In November 2024, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Chief Minister (CM) of Himachal Pradesh (HP) released a book titled ‘Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ka Jeevanvrit‘, authored by Rakesh Kumar Sharma in Shimla,HP.
- This book delves into the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in India’s history.
i.The book highlights detailed exploration of his personality, his pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle and his contributions to nation-building.
ii.Rakesh Sharma has penned several notable books including ‘Loh Purush Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Jeevan Darshan aur Rashtra Nirman ki Bhumika’ (2022) and ‘Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Role in Swaraj Struggle and National Integration’ (2023).
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Banks 2024- December 4
The United Nations (UN)’s International Day of Banks is annually observed across the globe on December 4 to recognize crucial role of banking systems in enhancing living standards and fostering sustainable development across member nations.
- 4th December 2024 marks the observance of the 4th International Day of Banks.
Background:
i.In 2019, United nations general Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/74/245 proclaimed December 4 of every year as International Day of Banks.
ii.The first ever International Day of Banks was observed on 4th December 2020.
Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA):
i.The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) is a comprehensive global framework aimed at financing sustainable development.
- It provides the foundation for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by laying out a series of commitments and actions for all stakeholders to mobilize and efficiently utilize financial resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
ii.The Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) was adopted on July 27, 2015,during the Third International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD3).
iii.In 2015, the UNGA endorsed the outcomes of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by adopting Resolution A/69/L.82, which incorporated the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA) as an annex.
Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB):
i.The UN Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB), introduced in 2019, work in partnership with the banking community to drive a positive global transformation for the benefit of people and the planet
- Additionally, more than 345 signatory banks, representing nearly half of the global banking industry, have committed to these principles.
Overview of the Indian Banking System and Its Evolution:
i.The economic growth and development of India have been significantly influenced by banks, particularly when the Government of India (GoI) nationalized around 20 major private banks between 1969 and 1991, in two phases—1969 and 1980—and introduced priority sector lending (PSL) in 1972.
- Following the Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization (LPG) reforms in 1991, the banking sector saw the rise of private and foreign banks.
ii. Since 2014, the banking sector has embraced the Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile (JAM) trinity, granted licenses to Payment Banks and Small Finance Banks (SFBs), and introduced digital payment systems.
About the United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General (SG)- Antonio Gutteres
Headquarters– New York, the United States of America (USA)
Establishment– 1945
World Computer Literacy Day 2024 – December 02
The World Computer Literacy Day (WCLD) was observed across the globe on 2nd December to raise awareness about the importance of digital skills and computer literacy in the modern technological world, especially for women and children.
- 2nd December 2024 marks the observance of the 24th WCLD.
Background:
i.WCLD was established to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) on 2nd December 2001, to bridge the global digital divide.
ii.The first-ever WCLD was observed on 2nd December 2001.
About the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT)
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Pankaj Jathar
Headquarters – Gurugram, Haryana
Established – 1981
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
UP Declares Temporary ‘Mahakumbh Mela District’ for 2025 Maha Kumbh
Uttar Pradesh (UP) declared a new temporary district in preparation for the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred pitcher) and the duration of the event exists until March 31, 2025. The district will be known as the “Maha Kumbh Mela District” that aims to streamline the administration and management of the large scale religious gathering in Prayagraj(Previously known as Allahabad),UP.
- The Maha Kumbh was scheduled to begin on January 13 2025 will coincide with Paush Poornima and continue until Maha Shivaratri on February 26, 2025.
- The UP government notified the Kumbh Mela area as the 76th district of the state for a duration of 4 months.
- A notification has been issued under the authority granted by Section 2 (th) of the Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj Mela Authority Act, 2017, to establish the Mahakumbh Mela District for the organization of Mahakumbh 2025.
- The district will function under the leadership of Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand who will also hold the role of District Magistrate and be responsible for the overall functioning of the district.
Points to Note:
i.The new district will encompass 66 villages from four tehsils: Sadar, Soraon, Phulpur and Karchana along with the entire parade area.
ii.The district administration will also include three Additional District Magistrates, 28 Sub-Divisional Magistrates, one Tehsildar and 24 Naib Tehsildars.
iii.Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi is also scheduled to visit Prayagraj on December 13 2024 to inaugurate key projects and review preparations for the event.
About Kumbh Mela:-The Maha Kumbh Mela (the festival of the sacred pitcher) is anchored in Hindu mythology. It is the world’s largest public gathering and collective act of faith.
i.Kumbh Mela, in Hinduism, is a religious pilgrimage that is celebrated four times over a course of 12 years. The geographical location of Kumbh Mela spans over four locations in India and the Mela site keeps rotating between one of the four pilgrimages on four sacred rivers as listed below:
- In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, on the banks of Ganges
- In Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh on the banks of Shipra
- In Nashik, Maharashtra on the banks of Godavari
- In Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Sarasvati
About Uttar Pradesh (UP):
Chief Minister (CM)-Yogi Adityanath
Governor- Anandiben Patel
Capital- Lucknow
Karnataka Governor launches “Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan” to fight against drug abuse
In November 2024, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot launched the “Yuva Shuddhi Abhiyan,” an anti-narcotic campaign in Bengaluru, Karnataka
i.The campaign was organized by the Bharatiya Nurses & Allied Sangh(BNAS)
ii.Thecampaign aimed to enlighten the youth about the threat associated with drug misuse and also to raise awareness among the youths.
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