IEM’s Academia of Success (I.A.

S)

PRESENTS

Monthly Current Affairs One Liner

January ‘2025

~Department of General Studies, UEM Kolkata~

 Banking & Financial Awareness
1. India’s GST revenue grew by 8.5% to ₹1.82 lakh crore in November
2024, driven by a 9.4% increase in domestic transactions. Key figures
include Central GST at ₹34,141 crore, State GST at ₹43,047 crore,
Integrated IGST at ₹91,828 crore, and Cess at ₹13,253 crore. This
follows a record ₹2.10 lakh crore collection in April 2024.

2. Morgan Stanley revised India's GDP growth projection for FY25 to

6.3% from 6.7%, following a 5.4% GDP growth in Q2 FY25, the lowest
since March 2023. The slowdown is attributed to weaker private
consumption and capital expenditure, though the services sector
remained resilient. Despite this, Morgan Stanley expects a recovery in
H2 FY25, driven by government spending, improved rural demand, and
easing financial conditions.

3. Retail inflation for agricultural and rural workers declined in October

2024, easing to 5.96% for farm workers and 6% for rural laborers,
down from 6.36% and 6.39% in September. This reflects an
improvement compared to October 2023 inflation rates. The Consumer
Price Index (CPI) for both groups rose slightly, indicating a small
increase in the cost of living. CPI-AL was 1,315 points and CPI-RL was
1,326 points, showing an uptick from September.

4. India's GDP growth projections for FY25 have been downgraded by

multiple agencies due to global and domestic challenges. CARE Ratings
lowered its estimate from 6.8% to 6.5%, citing corporate profitability
contraction, reduced public capex, and sluggish urban consumption.
Fitch Ratings revised its forecast to 6.4%, while the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) pegged it at 6.5%.

5. India’s economy is projected to grow at 6.6% in FY26, driven by

investments (7.2% growth) and consumption (6.9% growth), despite
fiscal and external challenges. Inflation is expected to ease to 4.3%,
with gradual monetary easing. The government’s fiscal target of
reducing the deficit to 4.5% by FY26 remains achievable, supported by
projected nominal growth of 10.2% and capex growth of 10%.

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6. The OECD has upgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 to 6.8%,
citing strong public infrastructure spending, private consumption, and
agricultural recovery. This growth momentum is expected to continue
through FY25 and FY26, driven by investment and rural income
growth. Despite global uncertainties and geopolitical risks, India’s
economic resilience points to a promising future.

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 MoU’s Signed

Country MoU’s With Field/Purpose

India and Kuwait marked a historic milestone in their
bilateral relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first
official visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024.
1. Formalizing Strategic Partnership
PM Modi and Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-
Jaber Al-Sabah agreed to deepen collaboration through the
establishment of new Joint Working Groups (JWGs) in trade,
technology, education, and defence. The leaders reiterated their
commitment to advancing people-to-people ties and sustaining
high-level ministerial interactions.
2. Defence and Security Cooperation
The signing of an MoU in defence marked a pivotal step in
enhancing bilateral ties. Both nations agreed to conduct joint
military exercises, bolster maritime safety, and facilitate co-
India Kuwait production of defence equipment. The leaders condemned
terrorism in all forms and called for disrupting terror-
financing networks and fostering cybersecurity collaboration.
3. Trade and Investment Opportunities
Kuwait lauded India’s efforts to create a conducive
environment for foreign investments and expressed interest in
Indian infrastructure, technology, and food security sectors.
Discussions focused on expediting the Bilateral Investment
Treaty and strengthening trade linkages by diversifying the
export-import portfolio.
4. Energy Partnership
Recognizing the potential for growth, both sides agreed to
expand their energy ties beyond the buyer- seller dynamic.
Kuwait expressed interest in India’s Strategic Petroleum
Reserve Program and committed to enhanced collaboration in
oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
5. Cultural and Educational Exchanges
The renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (2025-2029)
and Executive Programme on Sports
(2025-2028) aimed at fostering deeper cultural ties. Both
countries explored avenues for educational cooperation,
including digital libraries and EdTech platforms.
Nepal China Signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Cooperation
Framework to improve connectivity through infrastructure
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 projects like railways and telecommunications.

India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed

Asian
a $350 million loan under the
India Developmen
Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics
t Bank
Ecosystem (SMILE) program. The initiative aims
to improve logistics efficiency, infrastructure, and digital
integration, enhancing the manufacturing sector, supply
chain resilience, and promoting sustainable economic
growth.

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 Important Days & Themes
Date Day/Observance Theme/Description
Theme 2024: “Take the rights path: My health, my
December 1 World AIDS Day right!” Focuses on human rights in the fight against
HIV/AIDS and emphasizes achieving Universal Health
Coverage and the Right to Health.
Promotes action against modern slavery, including
International Day for
December 2 human trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation,
the Abolition of
while emphasizing human rights and the dignity of
Slavery
individuals.
Aims to promote understanding of disability issues and
International Day of
December 3 advocate for the rights and dignity of persons with
Persons with
disabilities. Encourages their integration into political,
Disabilities (IDPD)
social, economic, and cultural life for inclusive
development.
Theme 2024: “Strength and Capability through
Innovation and Indigenization” Celebrates the valor
December 4 Indian Navy Day
and dedication of the Indian Navy, marking the success
of Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak War
and highlights self-reliance in defense technologies.
Highlights the vital role of banks in promoting
December 4 International Day of sustainable growth, stabilizing economies, and
Banks improving living standards. Recognizes the resilience
of India's banking sector despite challenges like
geopolitical tensions.
Raises awareness about the conservation challenges
December 4 International Cheetah faced by cheetahs, now critically endangered with
Day fewer than 7,000 individuals remaining globally.
Honors the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s efforts in
protecting this species.
Recognized by the UN to honor the contributions of
International
December 5 volunteers in economic and social development
Volunteer Day (IVD)
worldwide. Provides a platform to showcase the impact
of volunteerism on communities.
Theme 2024: “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor,
December 5 World Soil Day Manage” Focuses on the importance of healthy soil
and sustainable management practices through
accurate data to ensure long-term ecological balance
and food security.
Marks the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar,
December 6 Mahaparinirvan Diwas the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Reflects
on his teachings and contributions to equality and
fighting caste-based discrimination for a just society.
All India Civil Commemorates the formation of the Home Guard force
December 6
Defence and in 1946, which aids the police and supports disaster
Home Guards Day response and crisis management in India.
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 Honors the sacrifices and dedication of the Indian
December 7 Armed Forces Flag Day
Armed Forces. Encourages
citizens to contribute to the welfare of personnel,
veterans, and their families.
Theme 2024: “Safe Skies. Sustainable Future” Celebrates
International Civil
December 7 80 years of the Chicago
Aviation Day (ICAD)
Convention and ICAO’s contributions to global
connectivity, sustainable air travel, and economic
progress.
Honors genocide victims and marks the adoption of the
International Day of
UN Genocide Convention (December 9, 1948), aimed at
Commemoration and
December 9 preventing genocide.
Dignity of the Victims
of the Crime of
Genocide and
Prevention of
Genocide
2024 Theme: “Uniting with Youth Against
International
December 9 Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s
Anti- Corruption
Integrity” — Highlights the critical role of youth in
Day
combating corruption and promoting transparency
and accountability.
December 10 2024 Theme: “Our rights, our future, right now” —
World Human Rights
Emphasizes the urgency of
Day
protecting and promoting human rights globally.
Established by the UN in 2003, this day raises
December 11 awareness about mountains’ vital
International roles in sustaining biodiversity, regulating the
Mountain Day climate, and supporting livelihoods, emphasizing
sustainable development.
December 11 Celebrates 78 years of UNICEF's global commitment
UNICEF Foundation
to protecting children’s
Day
rights and welfare, improving their lives worldwide.
December 12 Highlights the importance of neutrality in promoting
International Day
peace, security, and global
of
stability, fostering better intergovernmental
Neutrality relations.
December 12 Advocates for quality health services for all without
Universal Health
financial hardship,
Coverage
encouraging progress toward achieving universal
(UHC) Day health coverage.
December 14 Emphasizes energy efficiency as a key to sustainable
National Energy
development, organized by the Bureau of Energy
Conservation Day
Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power.
Vijay Diwas, observed on December 16,
December 16 commemorates India's decisive victory over Pakistan
Vijay Diwas in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the liberation
of
Bangladesh.

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 Pensioners Day, observed on 17th December in India,
17th honors D.S. Nakara, who
December Pensioners Day fought for pensioners' rights. The day marks the
1982 Supreme Court ruling that ensured equality and
justice for retired officials.
The 2024 theme is “Honouring the contributions of
December 18 migrants and respecting
International their rights,” focusing on the challenges migrants
Migrants Day face, such as rights, integration, and exploitation,
while advocating for fair and inclusive migration
policies.
On December 18, 2024, the National Commission for
December 18 Minorities (NCM) in India marked this day to raise
Minorities Rights Day awareness about minority rights, promoting
freedom,
equality, and inclusion.
December 19 It highlights the government’s commitment to better
Good Governance
to governance and outreach to citizens.
Week 2024
December 24
December International Human Solidarity Day is observed on
International Human
20th December 20th to
Solidarity Day
emphasize collective responsibility in creating a just
and equitable world.
Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 to
December 19 mark the end of 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule
Goa Liberation Day in 1961. The day honors the freedom struggle,
highlighting the sacrifices of Goan freedom fighters
and the role of the Indian
Army in Goa’s integration into India.
To honor the sport's global development and
December 21 significance. The day highlights
World Basketball Day basketball’s role in promoting athleticism, joy,
companionship, and peace, transcending boundaries
and cultures.
Marking its inaugural observance. Established by the
December 21 United Nations General Assembly on November 29,
World Meditation Day 2024, the day highlights the mental, physical, and
social benefits of meditation, promoting peace and
unity globally.
Honors Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of history's
December 22 greatest mathematicians. It was first announced in
National Mathematics 2012 by India's former Prime Minister, Dr.
Day Manmohan Singh,
to recognize Ramanujan's significant contributions
to mathematics.
Honor farmers and commemorate the birth
anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth
December 23 National Farmers' Day Prime Minister. Known for his focus on rural
or development and farmer welfare, Singh championed
land reforms and policies to improve the agrarian
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 economy. The day emphasizes empowering farmers
Kisan Diwas
for a sustainable
future.
The 2024 theme, “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access
to Consumer Justice,” highlights technology's role in
December 24 empowering consumers. This year, Union Minister
Pralhad Joshi will launch initiatives such as the Jago
National Consumer
Grahak Jago App, Jagriti App, and Jagriti Dashboard
Day to enhance consumer awareness and provide digital
redressal mechanisms.
The day marks the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari
December 25 Vajpayee, former Prime Minister and a revered
Good Governance Day leader. Established in 2014, it also commemorates
his receipt of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest
civilian award, on December 23, 2014.
Veer Bal Diwas, observed annually on December 26,
December 26 honors the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh
Veer Bal Diwas and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru
Gobind Singh. At ages nine and seven, they chose
death over compromising their faith, symbolizing
sacrifice, justice, and fortitude.
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness,
observed on December 27, emphasizes the
December 27 International importance of investing in public health systems to
Day of Epidemic prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease
Preparedness outbreaks. Established by the UN General Assembly
in 2020, the day raises awareness and strengthens
global partnerships for epidemic preparedness.

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 Appointments
Person Name Appointed As Entity / Key Notes
Place
Jay Shah, Secretary of BCCI, has begun his tenure
as ICC Chairman at 36, becoming the youngest to
hold the position. His leadership comes during a
pivotal time for global cricket, with key
Jay Shah Chairman ICC opportunities and challenges in expanding the
sport’s reach and inclusivity. Jay Shah, Secretary
of BCCI, has begun his tenure as ICC Chairman at
36, becoming the youngest to hold the position.
His leadership comes during a pivotal time for
global cricket, with key opportunities and
challenges in expanding the sport’s reach and
inclusivity.
Acting The Board of Control for Cricket in India
secretary of (BCCI), filling the vacancy left by Jay Shah, who
Devajit Saikia the Board ICC became ICC chairman. Saikia's appointment is
of Control temporary until a permanent secretary is chosen.
for Cricket During his tenure, Jay Shah implemented
in India significant reforms as BCCI secretary from
October 2019.
Rama Mohan Managing State Bank Appointed for three years; approved by ACC
Rao Director (MD) of India based on FSIB recommendation; succeeds CS
Amara (SBI) Setty.
Dr. Shankar Resident Reappointed by Nepal's President under Article
India
Prasad Ambassador 282 (1) of Nepal’s Constitution.
Sharma
United Appointment effective from December 19, 2024,
Justice Madan
Chairperson Nations till November 12, 2028. Ensures impartiality,
B Lokur
Internal professionalism, and independence of the UN's
Justice internal justice system.
Council (IJC)
National Appointed on December 23, 2024. Former Supreme
V.
Ramasubraman Chairperson Human Court Judge and Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh
Rights High Court. Replaces Justice Arun Kumar Mishra.
ian
Commission
(NHRC)
Revenue Senior IAS officer (1992 batch, Bihar cadre). Also
Arunish Ministry of
Secretary holds additional charge of the Ministry of Culture.
Chawla Finance
Replaces Sanjay Malhotra.
Amitava Jammu and Appointment approved by RBI for a three-year
MD and CEO
Chatterjee Kashmir term starting
Bank December 30, 2024. Replaces Baldev Prakash.

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 National
Accreditatio Gold Medalist in MD Pathology. Over three
Dr. Sandip Shah Chairperson n Board for Testing
decades of and experience in healthcare and
Calibration diagnostics. Supports NABL’s mission for quality
Laboratories and reliability.
(NABL)
Board
Played a key role in Asia joining World Boxing.
Ajay Singh Members and Boxing
Ajay Singh serves on the board, with officials in
and Others Commission Federation
commissions like Olympic, Finance, and Medical.
Members of India
(BFI)

National News
1. Mission Arun Himveer has been launched by the Arunachal Pradesh
Government to improve market access for local farmers, SHGs, FPOs,
and cooperatives. The Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board
(APAMB) signed an MoU with ITBP to purchase fruits, vegetables,
meat, and poultry directly from farmers. This initiative aims to boost
economic growth in rural areas, support the Vibrant Village
Programme, and promote reverse migration. A ₹4 crore revolving fund
will ensure farmers receive 100% payments.

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2. India has achieved a milestone in wildlife conservation with the first-
ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
in Assam. This initiative, part of Project Dolphin, was a collaboration
between the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Assam Forest
Department, and Aaranyak, funded by the National CAMPA Authority.
The tagging aims to enhance understanding of the species' migratory
patterns and habitat use.

3. Bihar’s sex ratio at birth has declined to 882 females per 1,000 males
in 2023-24, down from 894 in 2022-23, highlighting a severe gender
imbalance. In response, the state has committed to stricter
enforcement of the PC-PNDT Act and launched awareness campaigns
to combat female foeticide and improve gender parity, positioning
Bihar among India’s worst-performing states in terms of child gender
ratio.

4. On Gita Jayanti 2024, Bhopal set a Guinness World Record with over
5,000 Acharyas reciting ‘Karma Yog’ from the Bhagavad Gita, while
Kurukshetra saw 1.5 crore people globally joining via an online
platform. The event in Bhopal highlighted spiritual empowerment,
with funds transferred to the Ladli Behans welfare scheme. In
Kurukshetra, 18,000 children chanted the Gita's verses, and leaders
like Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini and Union Ministers emphasized
the Gita’s impact on personal and societal growth.

5. Devendra Fadnavis has been elected as the leader of the Maharashtra

BJP legislature party, paving the way for his third term as Chief
Minister. Alongside him, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar will serve as
deputy chief ministers. The BJP won a historic 132 seats in the 2024
Maharashtra elections, contributing to the Mahayuti coalition's total
of 230 seats, securing a commanding majority.

6. Madhya Pradesh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a

“Go-To Global Destination for 2025,” highlighting its heritage,
wildlife, and natural beauty. The state features iconic UNESCO World
Heritage Sites like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, along with
vibrant cultural experiences and nine Tiger Reserves. The Madhya
Pradesh Tourism Board is actively promoting these attractions to
enhance global travel interest.

7. Ratapani Tiger Reserve, located in Madhya Pradesh, has been officially

designated as India’s 57th Tiger Reserve. Spanning 1,271.4 sq km, it
includes a 763.8 sq km core area and a 507.6 sq km buffer area. This
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 move strengthens India’s commitment to tiger conservation and
reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s status as the "Tiger State of India".

8. Telangana has joined India’s mineral auction regime, auctioning two

limestone blocks in Sultanpur and Saidulnama to NCL Industries and
Deccan Cement. This makes Telangana the 14th state to participate,
responding to the Centre’s push for auctioning critical minerals. The
state’s move aims to boost mineral production for industries like
cement manufacturing, with more auctions expected.

9. West Bengal has gained international recognition with UNESCO

declaring it a top destination for heritage tourism. Chief Minister
Mamata Banerjee highlighted the state’s growth in religious, heritage,
and tea tourism, driving job creation for youth. The focus on
enhancing religious sites and heritage spots is elevating the state’s
position in India’s tourism sector.

International News
1. Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has appointed Kash Patel as the
next FBI Director, succeeding Christopher Wray. Patel, a Trump
loyalist known for his criticism of the “deep state” and federal
agencies, has a history of strong support for Trump’s policies.

2. Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city, has fallen from government

control for the first time since the conflict began, following a surprise
offensive by Islamist rebel groups supported by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham
and allies. This marks a key turning point, as Aleppo was recaptured

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 by government forces in 2016.

3. Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando was sworn in as the 48th

Chief Justice of Sri Lanka on December 2, 2024, marking a historic
moment as the second woman to hold the position, after Justice
Shirani Bandaranaike. She was appointed following the retirement of
Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya.

4. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Namibia’s first female president, made

history with her election at age 72, winning over 57% of the vote. A
key political figure, she rose from activism against South African
occupation to leadership in post-independence Namibia. Her victory
highlights the power of perseverance, activism, and a commitment to
economic and social progress.

5. Burkina Faso's ruling military junta appointed Rimtalba Jean

Emmanuel Ouedraogo as the new prime minister after dissolving the
national government. Ouedraogo, a former communications minister
and government spokesperson, was appointed by junta leader Ibrahim
Traore via decree and announced on state television. The country
continues to face significant security challenges and political
instability under military rule.

6. John Dramani Mahama, Ghana's former president, made a historic

return to power by defeating the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in
the presidential election. This marks his third attempt after previous
defeats in 2016 and 2020. The victory reflects voter frustration with
NPP's handling of the economic crisis under President Nana Akufo-
Addo and is seen as a significant political shift in Ghana, known for its
democratic stability.

7. Oxford Word of the Year 2024 is ‘brain rot’, reflecting concerns about
the negative impact of excessive low-quality online content, especially
on social media. Selected through a global vote and expert analysis,
the term highlights the growing debate around digital consumption.
Originally coined in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau, it has gained new
relevance, particularly among Gen Z and Gen Alpha on platforms like
TikTok.

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 Defence News
Defence exercises
VENUE /
EXERCISE PARTICIPATING KEY NOTES
NAME COUNTRIES
The Indian Army and Cambodian Army have begun their
Indian Army
first-ever Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, in Pune from
CINBAX and Cambodian
1st to 8th December 2024. The exercise, involving 20
Army
personnel from each army, focuses on counter-terrorism
operations under UN Charter Chapter VII to enhance
strategic cooperation, trust, and interoperability.
The 4th India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU
SHAKTI, began on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp,
HARIMAU India-Malaysia Malaysia. Running until December 15, the exercise aims to
SHAKTI
strengthen military cooperation, focusing on
counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain.
India, France, and the UAE have launched the trilateral air
combat exercise “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea to
India, France, strengthen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability,
Desert Knight and the UAE and prepare for complex combat scenarios. The exercise,
held in a strategically important region, highlights the
growing trilateral ties amidst evolving global security
challenges.
SriLanka-
Sri Lanka- The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) 2024 held
India Naval
India Naval from December 17 to 20 in Visakhapatnam, organized by the
Exercise
Exercise Eastern Naval Command.
(SLINEX)

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 Honours & Awards
1. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP):
This category recognized excellence across nine Localization of
Sustainable Development Goal (LSDG) thematic areas. 27 Gram
Panchayats from diverse states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam,
Bihar, and others were honored for their exceptional performance in:

• Poverty alleviation

• Health

• Education

• Water conservation

• Sanitation

• Infrastructure development

• Social justice

• Good governance

2. Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar: Nine

Panchayats were conferred with this prestigious award for their
holistic approach to implementing sustainable development goals
across all themes.
3. Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar: Recognizing
innovation in renewable energy, Panchayats from Maharashtra,
Odisha, and Tripura were awarded for their remarkable contributions
to sustainable energy practices.

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 Sports News
1. Bangladesh U-19 defended their Asia Cup title with a 59-run victory
over India in the final. Bangladesh set a target of 199 runs, and India
was bowled out for 139 in 35.2 overs. Key performances from
Mohammad Shihab James, Rizan Hossan, and Azizul Hakim helped
Bangladesh post a strong total, while Hakim, Iqbal Hossain Emon, and
Rizan Hossan took three wickets each to dismantle India's batting.
2. Pakistan's Haris Rauf and England's Danni Wyatt-Hodge were named
ICC Players of the Month for November 2024. Rauf's standout bowling
helped Pakistan secure their first ODI series win in Australia since
2002, while Wyatt-Hodge’s explosive batting led England to a T20I
series victory over South Africa.
3. Shaheen Shah Afridi has made history as the youngest bowler to take
100 wickets in all three formats of cricket. He achieved this milestone
during the first T20I against South Africa, becoming the first Pakistani
bowler to do so. Afridi claimed 3 wickets for 22 runs in the match,
joining a prestigious group of bowlers like Lasith Malinga, Shakib Al
Hasan, and Tim Southee.
4. Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh by five wickets to win the Syed
Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. Madhya Pradesh posted 174/8, with
Rajat Patidar scoring an unbeaten 81. Mumbai chased the target
comfortably, reaching 180/5 in 17.5 overs. This marks Mumbai's
second SMAT title, following their first in 2022.
5. Ravichandran Ashwin, India's premier spinner, announced his
retirement from international cricket after the third Border- Gavaskar
Trophy Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024. With a remarkable 14-
year career, Ashwin became India’s second- highest Test wicket-taker
with 537 wickets in 106 Test matches. He also excelled in ODIs and
T20Is, playing a total of 287 international matches. His legacy
includes 37 five-wicket hauls, ranking second behind Muttiah
Muralidaran.

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 HOTEL, TRAVEL AND AVIATION

HOTEL
INTERNATIONAL
1. Hyatt Hotels Corporation and City Hotel Limited announced the
transformation of Hyatt Place Kathmandu to Hyatt Centric Soalteemode
Kathmandu, which marks the opening of the first Hyatt Centric branded
hotel in Nepal.

NATIONAL
1. La Gioia - Italia Ristorante hosted the Cenone Di Capodanno 2024 on
December 31. Guests can embark on a culinary journey featuring
authentic Italian flavours in a stunning five-course dining experience,
specially curated to welcome new beginnings by Chef Vito. The carefully
crafted menu promises to transport guests to a part of Italy, enhancing
the dining experience.

2. Chowman is set to make its Mumbai debut later this January with two
new outlets. Known for delivering authentic pan-Asian cuisine at
accessible price points, Chowman continues its mission to democratise
fine dining experiences across India. The brand has grown from a single
outlet in Kolkata to over 45 locations nationwide, spanning Delhi-NCR,
Bangalore, Hyderabad, and now Mumbai.

3. Cosmo, the all-day dining haven at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, is

set to tantalise taste buds with a week-long Persian Food Festival from
10-19 January. This culinary event, featuring celebrated Chef Mona
Poordaryaeinezhad, promises to immerse diners in the rich and diverse
world of Persian cuisine.

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 TOURISM
NATIONAL
1. Goa has taken a stride into the future of tourism with the launch of
'LetsGoa', an innovative digital platform aimed at enhancing travel
experiences for both tourists and locals. The platform was unveiled at a
ceremony in Mantralaya, Porvorim, by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant
and Tourism Minister Rohan A Khaunte, alongside key officials, including
Chief Secretary Dr V Candavelou, IAS, and Director of Tourism Suneel
Anchipaka, IAS. The launch included additional initiatives, such as 75
public WiFi hotspots, 11 BSNL 4G towers, and the One Map Goa GIS
portal, bolstering connectivity and planning. LetsGoa promises to
preserve Goa’s charm while propelling its tourism into a digitally
connected future.

2. ixigo has launched its latest feature, Travel Guarantee, designed to

provide greater convenience and peace of mind to train travellers with
waitlisted tickets. This innovative feature, available on the ixigo Trains
app to begin with, ensures that passengers with unconfirmed waitlisted
tickets at the time of chart preparation receive a three times refund of
their fare, providing them the flexibility to make last-minute bookings
through alternative modes of transport such as flights and buses.

INTERNATIONAL
1. Vienna has become the epicenter of critical discussions on sustainable
tourism, with UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili lauding
Austria's exemplary efforts in advancing global tourism sustainability.
Austria’s achievements include six villages recognised in the UN Tourism
Best Tourism Village Programme and Tyrol's inclusion in the
International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).

AVIATION
INTERNATIONAL
1. Aeroprime Group has announced its appointment as the Exclusive
Passenger GSA for Air Cairo. This partnership underscores the trust that
leading airlines place in Aeroprime's capabilities and highlights the
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potential for expanding connectivity from India to Air Cairo's extensive
network.

2. Saudia celebrated Saudi Arabia’s historic victory in securing the bid to

host the 2034 FIFA World Cup with a series of unique in-flight
experiences across over 30 flights, creating an unforgettable atmosphere
for guests onboard. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Saudia captains took
to the skies to personally share the groundbreaking news with guests,
delivering the exciting announcement live from the cockpit and ensuring
a truly memorable and emotional moment.

NATIONAL
1. Air India has announced it will temporarily operate daily flights
between Delhi and Prayagraj during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the
world’s largest spiritual gathering.

Important one liner questions

1. What is the name of India's first vertical lift railway sea bridge that
replaced a 105-year-old bridge?
Answer: New Pamban Bridge

2. How many tiger reserves are there in India after the notification of
Ratapani Tiger Reserve?
Answer: 57 Tiger Reserves

3. What is the total number of tigers in India as of 2022?

Answer: 3,682 tigers

4. Which bill was passed to modernize aviation regulations in 2024?

Answer: Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024

5. What is the improved Sex Ratio at Birth reported in 2023- 24?

Answer: 930

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6. Who was appointed as the new FBI Director in 2024?
Answer: Kash Patel

7. What is the value of the US-India Defence Deal for Indian Navy's MH-
60R helicopters?
Answer: $1.17 billion

8. Who became Namibia's first female president?

Answer: Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

9. What is the name of the first water transport service launched in

Srinagar's Dal Lake?
Answer: Uber Shikara

10. Which military exercises began in Pune focusing on counter-terrorism

operations?
Answer: India-Cambodia joint exercise CINBAX

11. How much is the Adani Group planning to invest in European Ports?
Answer: $2 billion

12. What was the GST collection in November 2024?

Answer: ₹1.82 trillion

13. How much did FDI inflows increase in H1 FY25?

Answer: 45% (to USD 29.79 billion)

14. What is the total value of UPI transactions in October 2024?

Answer: ₹23.5 trillion

15. What is the unemployment rate reported in 2024?

Answer: 3.2%

16. How many tonnes of gold reserves does India have as of October
2024?
Answer: 882 tonnes

17. What is the new UPI Lite wallet limit set by RBI?
Answer: ₹5,000

18. What percentage of GDP do women-centric schemes account for?

Answer: 0.5%

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19. How many individuals have been trained under PMGDISHA?
Answer: 6.39 crore

20. What is the target for rooftop solar installations under Pradhan
Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?
Answer: 1 crore by 2027

21. Who won the 2024 Turner Prize?

Answer: Jasleen Kaur

22. What is the new Cash Transfer amount proposed by Haryana under
"Ladki Bahin Yojana"?
Answer: ₹2,100/month

23. Which world maritime conference was hosted in Chennai?

Answer: World Maritime Conference 2024

24. Who became the youngest ICC Chairman?

Answer: Jay Shah

25. How many MSSC scheme accounts were opened as of October 31,
2024?
Answer: Over 43 lakh

26. What is the per-transaction cap for UPI Lite raised to?
Answer: ₹1,000

27. Who passed away, known as the 'Old Fox' of Indian squash?
Answer: Brigadier Raj Manchanda

28. What is the GDP growth forecast for FY25 by Morgan Stanley?
Answer: 6.3%

29. Which state leads in women-centric scheme allocation?

Answer: Maharashtra

30. What was the fine imposed by SEBI on Reliance Securities?

Answer: ₹9 Lakh

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