December 2024 Monthly Compilation

2. NFRA Penalizes Deloitte and Auditors for Lapses

in Zee Entertainment Audit
● The National Financial Reporting Authority
(NFRA) has taken strict action against
Deloitte Haskins & Sells and two chartered
accountants for serious lapses in the audit
of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd
(ZEEL) for FY2018-19 and FY2019-20.
Banking & Finance ● Key Penalties and Bans
1. Indian economy to grow at around 6.5% in FY25: ● Deloitte Haskins & Sells:
Government ● Penalty: ₹2 crore.
● India's economy is projected to grow at ● CA A B Jani (Engagement Partner for ZEEL’s
6.5% in FY25. audit):
● Projected by: Finance Ministry’s Monthly ● Penalty: ₹10 lakh.
Economic Review ● Ban: Five years from acting as an auditor or
● Rebounding after a sluggish first half internal auditor for any company or
caused by weaker manufacturing, corporate entity.
consumption, and RBI's restrictive ● CA Rakesh Sharma (Engagement Quality
monetary policy. Control Reviewer for ZEEL’s audit):
● Rural demand remains resilient, urban ● Penalty: ₹5 lakh.
demand is recovering, and inflation is ● Ban: Three years from being appointed as
easing. an auditor.
● Note: 3. Monthly Per Capita Expenditure increases by 9%
● The RBI has kept key interest rates in rural areas
unchanged for 11 consecutive policy ● The Monthly Per Capita Expenditure
meetings, aiming to control inflation, (MPCE) has increased by 9 percent in rural
contributing to the slowdown. areas and around 8 percent in urban areas
● 5.4% growth in the July-September quarter. in 2023-24 from the level of 2022-23.
● CPI inflation projected at 4.8% for FY25, ● Data released by: Ministry of Statistics and
with a quarterly forecast of 5.7% (Q3) and Program Implementation
4.5% (Q4). ● Survey title: Household Consumption
● The RBI’s reduction of Cash Reserve Ratio Expenditure Survey 2023-24
(CRR) from 4.5% to 4%. ● The average MPCE in rural India has been
● ADB cuts India FY25 GDP growth forecast estimated to be 4,122 rupees.
to 6.5%, 7% in FY26 ● The average MPCE in urban India has been
● IMF retains India's GDP growth forecast at estimated to be 6,996 rupees.
7% for FY25, 6.5% for FY26 ● Data showed that rural consumption is
● HDFC Securities expects India GDP to growing faster than urban consumption,
moderate to 6.4% in 2024-25 with the urban-rural consumption gap
● Moody's kept India growth forecast for CY narrowing significantly.
2025 unchanged at 6.5%. ● The urban-rural gap in MPCE has declined
● S&P affirms India's FY25 GDP growth at to 71 percent in 2022-23 from 84 percent
6.8%. Growth forecasts for FY26 and FY27 in 2011-12.
are lowered to 6.7% and 6.8% ● Non-food items remain the major
● CARE Ratings pares down India's FY25 GDP contributor to the household’s average
growth forecast to 6.5% monthly expenditure, with about 53
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
percent in the MPCE of rural areas and 60 ● SBI-SG Global Securities Services Pvt Ltd
percent in the MPCE of urban areas. (applicant) is a Sebi-registered designated
4. World Bank approves project worth $325 Mn to depository participant (DDP).
boost agriculture in Uttar Pradesh ● The order came after SBI-SG Global
● Loan To: Uttar Pradesh Government Securities Services submitted a settlement
● Loan By: World Bank application, requesting for settlement of the
● Loan Amount: $325.10 million adjudication proceedings under the Sebi's
● Project title: Uttar Pradesh Agriculture settlement regulations.
Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem 7. World Bank okays $800 million loan to develop
Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project Amaravati
● Reason: increase farmers’ incomes through ● Loan to: Amaravati Integrated Urban
improved crop productivity, adoption of Development Program for building Andhra
digital technologies and climate-resilient Pradesh's greenfield capital city Amaravati.
practices, and strengthened market ● Loan by: World Bank:
linkages. ● Loan amount: $800 million
● Final maturity: 33.5 years, including a grace ● Final maturity period: 29 years (including a
period of 6 years grace period of six years)
5. HDFC Bank carries out first gold forward deal ● The government has decided to avail the
from GIFT City financing in Japanese Yen.
● HDFC Bank has become the first domestic ● President: Ajay Banga
bank to execute a gold forward deal from ● Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United
GIFT City. States
● Executed by: HDFC BANK GIFT City IBU in ● Parent organization: World Bank Group
collaboration with Hindustan Platinum Pvt. ● Founded: July 1944, Bretton Woods, New
Ltd Hampshire, United States
● Role of Bank’s IBU in GIFT City: It serves as ● CFO: Anshula Kant
a trading and clearing member on the 8. India to grow 6.6% in FY26
Indian International Bullion Exchange ● Rating agency: India Ratings and Research
(IIBX). ● Report title: FY2026 Macro Economic
● HDFC Bank, a nominated agency, is in the Outlook
process of becoming a special category ● Projection: 6.6 per cent (FY26), 6.4 per
client on IIBX and is now offering gold and cent for 2024-25
silver forwards from GIFT City. ● Capital formation is forecasted to increase
● Gold Forward deal: by 7.2 per cent in FY26.
● It is an agreement to buy or sell a specific 9. India and ADB sign $42 million loan to help
quantity of gold at a predetermined price fortify Maharashtra’s coastline
on a future date. ● Loan to: Central government
● This enables business which deal with gold ● Loan by: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
to hedge against price risks. ● Loan amount: $42 million loan
6. SBI-SG Global pays Rs 29.25 lakh, settles FPI ● Aim: To provide coastal and riverbank
violation case with Sebi protection to increase resilience of local
● SBI-SG Global Securities Services settled a communities and natural ecosystems in the
case related to an alleged violation of FPI state of Maharashtra.
(foreign portfolio investors) rules and other ● Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
regulatory norms with Sebi by paying Rs ● Founded: 19 December 1966
29.25 lakh towards settlement charges. ● President: Masatsugu Asakawa (until
February 23, 2025), Masato Kanda
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Membership: 69 countries ● State governments contained their
10. Mandatory masking of key identity proofs in consolidated gross fiscal deficit (GFD)
CKYC from Jan 20 to prevent fraud within 3 per cent of GDP during 2021-22 to
● The Central KYC Records Registry has 2023-24 and maintained the revenue
extended the deadline for masking (a deficit at 0.2 per cent of GDP.
security measure) Know Your Customer ● The quality of expenditure has broadly
(KYC) documents to January 20, 2025. improved over three years since FY22 for
● Registered reporting entities (REs) will States as a whole.
only be able to view the last four digits of ● But, capital expenditure also rising from
KYC identifiers 2.4% of GDP in 2021-22 to 2.8% in 2023-24
● Such as: Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, and driving and budgeted at 3.1% of GDP in 2024-25.
licence. ● States' total outstanding liabilities declined
● Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCRR): from 31% of GDP (March 2021) to 28.5% of
● It is a centralised repository of customer GDP (March 2024), but remain above the
KYC records of the Indian financial sector. pre-pandemic level (25.3 per cent at
● Aim: To reduce the burden on customers end-March 2019).
having to produce and verify documents ● State-specific Fiscal Responsibility
each time they open a new financial Legislations (FRLs) along with tax and
account. expenditure reforms have strengthened
11. IFC invests $75 mn in NDR InvIT's their finances.
sustainability-linked bonds 13. Sebi eases rules for AMCs' scheme documents
● International Finance Corporation (IFC) has Organization: SEBI
invested $75 million (about Rs 630 crore) ● Simplified the framework for asset
in sustainability linked bonds (SLB). management companies (AMCs).
● Issued by: NDR InvIT, an infrastructure ● Reduced the requirement to upload draft
investment trust (InvIT) Scheme Information Documents (SIDs) to 8
● Sponsored by: NDR Warehousing Pvt Ltd working days from 21 days earlier.
● The SLB, in domestic currency, is the first ● Reason: To streamline the process,
by a warehousing InvIT in India. reducing timelines, and enhancing investor
● Aim of Funding: To support expansion of protection while simplifying compliance for
NDR InvIT’s warehousing operations, AMCs.
enhance infrastructure quality, and ● Effective immediately.
promote sustainable practices. 14. Tata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans
● Note: NDR InvIT Trust is the first ‘perpetual for rooftop solar systems
warehousing and industrial parks’ InvIT to ● Sign between: Tata Power Renewable
be listed on an Indian stock exchange Energy Ltd (TPREL) and Canara Bank
(NSE). ● Aim: To promote the adoption of rooftop
12. State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2024-25: solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar
RBI Scheme.
● Report title: State Finances: A Study of ● For systems with a capacity of up to 3 kW:
Budgets of 2024-25 ● Loans of up to Rs 2 lakh with a 10% margin
● Released by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) money requirement, collateral-free
● Report covers: 2022-23 (actuals) to financing, a competitive interest rate of 7%
2024-25 (budget estimates) p.a., and a tenure of up to 10 years.
● Theme of the report: Fiscal Reforms by ● For systems between 3 kW and 10 kW:
States ● Loans of up to Rs 6 lakh with a 20% margin
● Findings: money requirement, collateral-free
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
financing, and interest rates at 10% per ● Know-your-customer (KYC) information,
annum, with a maximum tenure of 10 trade logs, and holding details of an entity
years. or individual, along with the identity of the
15. TCS expands five-year deal with Bank of Baroda entity or individual.
● Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has ● Any collateral or bank-wise collateral
expanded partnership with Bank of Baroda. information present with the clearing
● Aim: To continue implementing its financial corporations will also fall under the second
inclusion solution basket.
● Tenure: Next five years 18. ICAI launches residential programme and AI
● The deal aims to enhance banking services platform 'CA-GPT'
for unbanked populations across India. ● Launch of: AI Platform 'CA-GPT'
● Bank of Baroda: ● Launched by: Institute of Chartered
● Founded: 20 July 1908 Accountants of India (ICAI)
● Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujara ● Aim: To provide students and members
● Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia with access to ICAI's comprehensive
● MD & CEO: Debadatta Chand database.
16. RBI imposes Rs 27.30 lakh penalty on IndusInd ● Note:
Bank ● ICAI launched its first advanced flagship
● Penalty on: IndusInd Bank Ltd residential programme.
● Imposed by: RBI ● Title: Advanced Flagship Program:
● Amount: ₹27.30 lakh Empowering Trusted Advisors – Unlocking
● Reason: Non-compliance with certain the Potential of Family Enterprises
provisions of ‘Reserve Bank of India (Residential)
(Interest Rate on Deposits) Directions, ● Date: January 7 - January 11, 2025
2016’. ● ICAI is aiming to open a total of 11 Centre
● This penalty has been imposed in exercise of Excellence around the country.
of powers conferred on RBI under the ● The registration fee for the programme is
provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Rs 50,000 plus 18% GST
Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation 19. 1% rise in m-cap leads to 0.6% rise in GDP
Act, 1949. growth rate: SBI Eco Research
17. Sebi introduces uniform data sharing policy for ● Report by: SBI Eco Research
research purposes ● Highlights:
● Organization: SEBI ● Higher market capitalisation signals a
● Introduction: Uniform data sharing policy robust economy
for research purposes ● Reflection: Increased investor confidence
● Direction to: Market Infrastructure ● Result: Drives overall economic growth
Institutions (MIIs) (stock exchanges, ● A 1% rise in market capitalisation leads to a
clearing corporations, and depositories) 0.6% rise in gross domestic product (GDP)
● Introduction of: Two baskets: growth rate.
● (1) Can be shared with the public ● Funds mobilised by Indian companies from
● (2) Cannot be made public capital markets: Increased
● First basket: ● 2014: Rs 12,068 crore
● Only aggregate and analysed data, such as ● FY25 (till October): Rs 1.21 trillion crore
reporting and disclosure data mandated by ● Savings of households in “shares and
regulators. debentures”: Increased to 1% of GDP in
● Second basket: FY24, from 0.2%in FY14.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Share in household financial savings has ● The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to
increased from 1% to 5%. handle probes in cases where the lender,
● Total demat accounts in the country borrower, or property are spread over
crossed 150 million in FY24. multiple states or Union Territories (UTs),
● Female participation: or if the value of the transaction is large
● Participation: Increased enough to significantly impact public
● Delhi (29.8%), Maharashtra (27.7%) and interest.
Tamil Nadu exhibit higher female 21. India Secures $500 Million ADB Loan for Green
representation than the pan India average Infrastructure Projects
of 23.9 per cent in FY25 YTD (year-to-date) ● Loan to: India
● Bihar (15.4%), Uttar Pradesh (18.2%) and ● Loan by: Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Odisha (19.4%) had sub-20% female share ● Loan amount: 500 million dollar
in their respective registered investor ● Reason: To support green and sustainable
bases. infrastructure projects aligned with the
country’s climate commitments.
● The loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will
be extended to the India Infrastructure
Finance Company Limited (IIFCL)
● ADB:
● Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
● Founded: 19 December 1966
● President: Masatsugu Asakawa (until
February 23, 2025), Masato Kanda
● Membership: 69 countries
22. Recommendations of the 55th Meeting of the
GST Council
20. Draft Bill moots unregulated lending ban, up to ● Meeting: 55th GST Council
10-year imprisonment ● Chairperson: Union Minister for Finance &
● Proposal: To classify unregulated lending as Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman
a cognizable and non-bailable offence ● Date: 21st December 2024
● Draft by: Finance ministry in collaboration ● Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
with states ● Key Recommendations:
● Draft bill title: BULA (Banning of ● GST rate on Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK),
Unregulated Lending Activities) classifiable under 1904: 5%
● Aim: To address both traditional and digital ● Sale of all old and used vehicles: 18%
lending ● Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (ACC) blocks
● Highlights: containing more than 50% fly ash content:
● Illegal lending practices, whether digital or 12%
otherwise: ● GST on premiums paid for policies with
● Imprisonment for terms ranging from 2 to health insurance cover of over Rs 5 lakh:
7 years 18%
● Fines: Between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 crore ● Ready to eat popcorn Mixed with salt and
● Use of unlawful methods to harass spices: 5%
borrowers or recover loans: ● Ready to eat popcorn Pre-packaged and
● Imprisonment of 3 to 10 years and hefty labelled mixed with salt and spice: 12%
fines ● Ready to eat popcorn Caramelised popcorn:
18%
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Exemption of GST: 25. Nissan and Honda Announce Strategic Merger
● Gene therapy: Fully exempt Plans
● Contributions by general insurance ● Expected merger: Honda Motor Company
companies from third-party motor vehicle (Honda) and Nissan Motor (Nissan)
premiums for Motor Vehicle Accident Fund ● Merger completed by: August 2026
● No GST on transaction of vouchers as they (Expected)
are neither supply of goods nor supply of ● Reason: To co-develop future products and
services form a holding company that could
● No GST is payable on ‘penal charges’ levied potentially become third largest in the
and collected by banks and NBFCs from world.
borrowers for non-compliance with loan 26. Claims ratio of non-life insurers dips to 82.52%
terms in FY24: Irdai report
● Reduction of payment of pre-deposit for ● Name of Report: Annual Report 2023-24 of
filing an appeal before the Appellate the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority in respect of an order passed Authority of India (Irdai)
which involves only penalty amount ● Highlights:
23. DBS Bank launches overseas education ● Net incurred claims to net earned premium
solutions (claims ratio) of non-life insurance industry
● Name of program: DBS Study Abroad Total stood at 82.52% during 2023-24 as against
Assist 82.95% in the preceding fiscal year.
● Launched by: DBS Bank India ● The non-life insurance industry
● Beneficiary: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) underwrote a total direct premium of Rs
and high net-worth individuals (HNIs) 2.90 lakh crore in India registering a
● Aim: To navigate the challenges of overseas growth of 12.76 per cent from previous
education year.
● This programme is tailored to support DBS ● The contribution of public sector general
Treasures customers. insurers increased 8.88 per cent from Rs
● Chairperson: Ravindra Bahl 82,891 crore in 2022-23 to Rs 90,252 crore
● Managing Director & CEO: Surojit Shome in 2023-24.
● HQ: Mumbai ● Private sector insurers, including
24. RBI spent $44.5 billion to defend rupee in standalone health insurers, have
October underwritten Rs 1.88 lakh crore as against
● Report by: RBI monthly bulletin Rs 1.58 lakh crore in 2022-23.
● The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) ● The aggregate profit of the non-life
combined intervention in forward and spot insurance sector was Rs 10,119 crore as
currency markets was worth $44.5 billion against a net loss of Rs 2,566 crore in
in October 2024. 2022-23.
● Aim: To support the rupee from weakening ● During 2023-24, the aggregate net incurred
● Spot foreign exchange market: claims saw a 15.39 per cent increase to Rs
● Sold: $36.78 billion 1.72 lakh crore from Rs 1.49 lakh crore.
● Purchased: $27.5 billion ● The insurance penetration for life insurance
● It had bought a net of $9.64 billion in the industry marginally declined from 3 per
spot market in September. cent in the previous year to 2.8 per cent
● The local currency had depreciated by 0.3% during 2023-24.
against the U.S. dollar in October 2024 and ● The penetration with respect to non-life
traded in a broad range of 83.79 to insurance industry remained the same at 1
84.0950. per cent during 2023-24 as in 2022-23.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● There were 26 life insurers, 25 general ● No cap on ITC transfer.
insurers, eight standalone health insurers, ● Tier 3: Existing Businesses with Higher ITC
12 reinsurers and foreign reinsurance Needs:
branches, and two specialised insurers, ● For businesses seeking ITC beyond the
registered as on March 31, 2024. specified limit but not categorized as
27. NRI remittances surge to record 11.9 billion “trusted.”
dollars: RBI ● Tier 4: Change of Category for Higher ITC
● Data by: RBI Needs:
● Tenure: April-October 2024 ● Businesses seeking to upgrade their
● Inflows into Non-Resident Indian (NRI), category for increased ITC transfer will
deposit accounts surged 11.9 billion dollar follow this tier.
● This amount is nearly twice the 29. RBI sets up 8-member panel to develop
corresponding figure of 6.1 billion dollar framework for ethical use of AI
for the same period last year. ● Context: Formation of panel to develop a
● Total outstanding NRI deposits (as of FREE-AI in the Financial Sector.
October 2024): 162.7 billion dollar ● FREE-AI: Framework for Responsible and
● The NRI deposit schemes include foreign Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence
currency non-resident FCNR deposits, ● Formed by: The Reserve Bank of India
non-resident external, NRE, deposits, and (RBI)
non-resident ordinary, NRO, deposits. ● Total Members: 8
● These accounts are preferred by Indians ● Panel Chaired by: Dr. Pushpak
working overseas as they can maintain Bhattacharyya (Professor in the
fixed deposits from one to five years that Department of Computer Science and
enables them to earn higher interest. Engineering at IIT Bombay)
● Since these accounts are in foreign ● Role of Committee:
currency these deposits are safeguarded ● To assess the current level of adoption of AI
against fluctuations in the rupee. in financial services, both globally and in
28. Small, new businesses may get GST registration India.
within 3 working days ● The committee will also identify potential
● Context: Simplified GST registration risks associated with AI, if any, and
process for small and new businesses recommend an evaluation, mitigation, and
● Reason: To curb fraudulent registrations monitoring framework.
● Proposed Four-Tier Structure ● Secretarial Support : RBI’s Fintech
● Tier 1: New and Small Businesses: Department
● For businesses with limited or no ITC ● Agencies Covered : banks, non-banking
transfer, registration will be granted within financial companies (NBFCs), payment
3 days based on Aadhaar-based system operators (PSOs), and fintech
authentication. entities
● Cap on ITC transfer set at ₹5 lakh per 30. Banks' balance sheets stay robust, bad loans
month. decline more: RBI report
● Tier 2: Trusted Businesses: ● Name of report: Trend and Progress of
● Includes businesses with better compliance Banking' report
records such as: ● Released by: RBI
● Public sector companies, government ● HIghlights:
entities, and compliant private firms. ● Indian banks' financial position has stayed
● No biometric Aadhaar authentication or robust.
physical verification required.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Reason: Sustained expansion in loans and ● In FY24, the amount involved in frauds was
deposits the lowest in a decade, while the average
● Their gross bad loan ratio has dropped to value was the lowest in 16 years.
multi-year lows.
● Banks' gross non-performing assets ratio 1. Nuclear Power Corp raises Rs 4,600 cr at 7.14%
(NPA) slipped to an over-13-year low of ● Organization: Nuclear Power Corporation
2.5% at September 2024 from 2.7% at of India (NPCIL)
March 2024. ● Raised: Rs 4,600 crore
● Net bad loans of banks fell to 0.57% of total ● Via: 15–year bonds
loans at September-end, from 0.62% at ● Coupon rate: 7.14 per cent
end-March, driven by stronger loan-loss ● About Nuclear Power Corporation of India
buffers. (NPCIL):
● The asset quality of non-bank finance ● Headquarters: Mumbai
companies (NBFCs) also improved further ● Founder: Government of India
in 2023-24. ● Founded: 1 September 1987
31. Over 600k loans worth Rs 27,000 cr disbursed ● CMD: Bhuwan Chandra Pathak
on ULI platform: RBI report 2. State-owned REC raises Rs 2,195 crore via bonds
● Unified Lending Interface (ULI) has of different maturities
facilitated disbursal of over 600,000 loans ● Organization: Rural Electrification
amounting to Rs 27,000 crore. Corporation Ltd. (REC)
● What is ULI? ● Raised: Rs 2,195 crore
● It is Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) UPI-like ● Via: Bonds of different maturities
digital public infrastructure in lending ● Rs 575 crore via bonds maturing in 15
space. years at a coupon rate of 7.14%.
● Out of this, about 160,000 loans amounting ● Rs 1,620 crore at 7.10 per cent through
Rs 14,500 crore are to micro, small, and bonds maturing in 10 years and four
medium enterprises (MSMEs). months.
● Twelve loan journeys have been introduced ● REC is a ‘Maharatna’ company under the
on the ULI platform, including kisan credit administrative control of the Ministry of
card, digital cattle, MSME (unsecured), Power, Government of India.
housing, personal, tractor, micro business, 3. SEBI launches Association of Registered
vehicle, digital gold, e-Mudra, pension and Research Analysts of India (ARRAI)
dairy maintenance loans. ● Organization: SEBI
● The pilot for ULI (earlier known as Public ● Launch: Website for the Association of
Tech Platform for Frictionless Credit) Registered Research Analysts of India
started on August 17, 2023. (ARRAI).
32. Bank frauds jump to Rs 21,367 crore in first ● ARRAI: Represents the interests of
half of FY25 SEBI-registered research analysts (RAs).
● In H1FY25, the incidence of fraud and the ● Goal:
amount involved have increased ● It include fostering a strong, collaborative
substantially. community among RAs, actively
● Over 18,000 incidents occurred, involving participating in shaping effective industry
Rs 21,367 crore, with the majority of the policies alongside SEBI and other
frauds occurring in the advances. regulatory bodies,
● In H1FY24, there were 14,480 incidents of ● Promoting the adoption of best practices
fraud, with the amount involved being only and ethical standards
Rs 2,623 crore.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Elevating the role of RAs in promoting ● SIF bridges the gap between mutual funds
long-term investing and building and (MFs) and portfolio management services
enhancing investor trust. (PMS).
4. Sebi mulls service platform for tracking inactive, ● It requires a minimum investment of Rs 10
unclaimed mutual fund folios lakh.
● Organization: Securities and Exchange ● Asset Class : It is a group of investments
Board of India (Sebi) that share similar characteristics and are
● Proposed: New platform for investors to governed by the same regulations.
track inactive or unclaimed mutual fund ● Equities (stocks), fixed income (bonds),
folios. cash and cash equivalents, real estate,
● Name of Platform: Mutual Fund Investment commodities, and currencies.
Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA) ● MFs: These are investment vehicles that
● Aim: To enable investors to identify the pool money from multiple investors to
overlooked investments or any other purchase securities such as bonds, stocks,
investment made by someone else for or a combination of both.
which they are a rightful legal claimant. ● PMS: It provides personalized investment
● Developed by: RTAs Computer Age management, where a dedicated portfolio
Management Services (CAMS) and KFIN manager tailors strategies to an investor’s
Technologies specific needs, risk tolerance, and financial
● A folio is considered inactive when no goals.
investor has initiated any transaction in the ● Asset Class : It is a group of investments
last 10 years but the unit balance is that share similar characteristics and are
available. governed by the same regulations.
5. Reversal Trade Cancellation Mechanism (RTCM) ● Equities (stocks), fixed income (bonds),
in Equity Derivatives Segment cash and cash equivalents, real estate,
● Introduction of: Reversal Trade commodities, and currencies.
Cancellation Mechanism (RTCM) for its 7. Suspension of futures trading in key farm
equity derivatives segment commodities extended
● Organization: National Stock Exchange of ● Organization: Securities and Exchange
India (NSE) Board of India (SEBI)
● Design: To identify and cancel trades that ● Context: Extended the suspension of
exhibit characteristics of reversal derivatives trading in seven agricultural
transactions, whereby a pair of clients commodities.
engage in a series of trades with each other, ● Extended till: January 2025 (Suspended on:
potentially creating artificial volume. December 20, 2024)
● The mechanism will monitor trades on an ● 7 agriculture commodities: Paddy
intraday basis and trigger cancellations if (non-basmati), wheat, chana, mustard seed
certain thresholds are breached. and its derivatives, soyabean and its
● Founded: 27th November 1992 derivatives, crude palm oil and moong
● MD & CEO: Ashishkumar Chauhan ● Aim: To curb excessive speculation and
● HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra volatility in the commodity markets,
6. SEBI Introduced Specialised Investment Funds particularly in these essential agricultural
(SIFs) products, which have a significant impact
● It is designed for informed investors willing on food prices and inflation.
to take on riskier investments. 8. MFA required for E-Way Bill and E-Invoice
generation for all GST assesses
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Context: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) ● Disclose the extent of the use of artificial
for using the updated versions of the E-Way Intelligence tools in providing investment
Bill and E-Invoice Systems for all assesses advice to the clients.
will be made mandatory for all taxpayers ● Qualification of IA: Graduate (Minimum
● Effective from: April 1, 2025 Qualification)
● Also, there will be new provisions for ● Base certifications from NISM will be
restricting the generation of E-Way Bill. required initially for registration.
● MFA will become mandatory for taxpayers ● An investment adviser shall maintain a
with AATO (Aggregate Annual Turnover) deposit of such sum, as specified by the
exceeding ₹20 crore from January 1, 2025. Board from time to time.
● MFA will become mandatory for those with ● Individuals registered as investment
AATO exceeding ₹5 crore from February 1, advisers whose number of clients exceed
2025. 300 (earlier 150) at any point of time or the
● From April 1, 2025, it is mandatory for all fee collected during the financial year
other taxpayers and users exceeds 3 crore rupees, whichever is
● Note: MFA is mandatory for taxpayers with earlier.
an AATO exceeding ₹100 crore since August ● For part-time advisors, the limit has been
20, 2023 set at 75 clients.
● Registered Person – Eway bill must be ● The in-principle registration shall be valid
generated when there is a movement of for a period of three months to assist in the
goods of more than Rs 50,000 in value to or transition from registration as individual
from a registered person. investment adviser to non-individual
● A registered person or the transporter may investment adviser.
choose to generate and carry eway bill even 10. SEBI tightens norms for FPIs issuing
if the value of goods is less than Rs 50,000. offshore derivative instruments
9. SEBI tightens norms for investment advisors ● Context: Tightened rules on issuance of
● Context: Tightens norms for investment offshore derivative instruments (ODI) by
advisors foreign portfolio investors (FPI).
● Organization: SEBI ● New Rules:
● Changes: ● FPIs will not be able to issue ODIs with
● Mandate: Any person wishing to give derivatives as underlying.
investment advice must be qualified and ● The investors cannot hedge their ODIs with
registered under the Investment Advisor derivative positions on stock exchanges in
Regulations (IA Regulations), 2013. India.
● Investment adviser (IA) who uses Artificial ● Accordingly, ODIs will only have securities
Intelligence (AI) tools for servicing their other than derivatives as underlying and
clients be solely responsible for: will be fully hedged with the same
● (a) Security, confidentiality, and integrity of securities on a one-to-one basis,
the client data, throughout the tenure of the ODI.
● (b) Use of any other information or data to ● ODI subscribers having more than 50 per
arrive at investment advice cent of their equity ODI positions
● (c) Investment advice based on output of referenced to securities of a single Indian
Artificial Intelligence tools corporate group and subscribers having
● (d) Compliance with any law for the time equity positions worth more than ₹25,000
being in force crore in the Indian markets will be subject
to additional disclosures.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
11. SEBI Cracks Down On YouTuber Ravindra ● Reson: Due to concerns over regulatory
Balu Bharti compliance
● Ban on: YouTube finfluencer Ravindra Balu ● ECL Finance Ltd: Engaged in wholesale
Bharti and his company exposures, restricted from structured
● Banned by: Securities and Exchange Board transactions.
of India (SEBI) ● Edelweiss ARC: Restricted from acquiring
● Fine of: ₹9.49 crore financial assets and reorganizing security
● Reason: Unlawful gains receipts under the SARFAESI Act.
● Banned from: Dealing in or accessing the ● Current status: The RBI is satisfied with
securities markets until April 4, 2025. their adherence to regulatory norms and
12. Bajaj Allianz launches innovative motor has allowed their normal operations to
insurance add-ons resume.
● Organization: Bajaj Allianz General ● Edelweiss Group CEO: Radhika Gupta
Insurance 15. Life Insurance Corporation’s Unclaimed
● Introduce: Two motor insurance add-on Maturity Amounts Reach Rs 881 Crore in FY24
covers: ● In FY 2023-24, Life Insurance Corporation
● (1) Eco Assure—Repair Protection (LIC) had unclaimed maturity amounts
● (2) Named Driver Cover totaling Rs 880.93 crore, with 372,282
● Aim: To enhance value and customisation policyholders not claiming their maturity
for policyholders benefits.
● The Eco Assure - Repair Protection add-on ● 2022-23: Unclaimed amounts were Rs
is available for private cars up to 12 years 815.04 crore for 373,329 policyholders.
old under the Own Damage section of the ● 10 death claims worth Rs 14 lakh remained
policy. unclaimed during FY 2023-24.
● The Named Driver Cover is tailored for ● Founded: 1 September 1956
individuals owning one or multiple cars ● Headquarters: Mumbai
driven primarily by specific individuals. ● Siddharth Mohanty (Chairperson)
13. Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card ● Founded: 1 September 1956
launched ● Headquarters: Mumbai
● Collab: ICICI Bank, Times Internet and Visa ● Siddharth Mohanty (Chairperson)
● Launch: Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card ● Bima Sakhi Yojana
● A new offering aimed at high-net-worth ● Eligibility : women aged 18-70 years who
individuals. have completed Class 10.
● The card also provides an annual fee waiver ● The first year's commission for women will
on spending ₹25,00,000 within the year be Rs 48,000 (bonus excluded).
and continues to offer benefits upon 16. LazyPay Unveils ‘LazyPay EMI’ to Simplify
renewal. High-Value Purchases
14. RBI Lifts Restrictions on Edelweiss Group’s ECL ● LazyPay has launched ‘LazyPay EMI’ in
Finance and ARC partnership with its partner lender, PayU
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted Finance.
the supervisory restrictions on two entities ● It is a leading digital financial services
of the Edelweiss Group: provider by PayU.
● 1. ECL Finance Ltd ● This innovative solution is designed to
● 2. Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction make high-value online purchases more
Company Ltd (Edelweiss ARC). affordable and accessible for consumers
● Restrictions were imposed in May 2024 across India.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● By eliminating the need for a credit card, ● FEMA desk currently has team members
the feature offers a hassle-free way for based out of the metros namely Mumbai,
users to finance their purchases. Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai.
● Consumers can finance purchases between ● Standard Chartered Bank
Rs 5,000 to Rs 1 lakh with flexible ● 1853
repayment options ranging from 3 to 12 ● HQ : London
months. ● Chairperson : Jose Vinals
● Static GK Pro ● StanChart names ex-JPMorgan chief PD
● PayU Singh as India, South Asia CEO nominee
● Netherlands based Payments and Fintech ● Stanchart opens second International
Company Banking Centre in Chennai
● 2002 ● Standard Chartered India CEO Zarin
● Anirban Mukherjee (CEO) Daruwala to retire in April 2025
● PayU partners with Google Pay to facilitate ● Kotak Mahindra Bank to buy Standard
faster online transactions Chartered's Rs 4,100 crore personal loan
● PayU and AWS launches accelerator banking business.
programme to help early-stage Indian 19. India’s WPI inflation eases to 1.89% in
fintech startups November
● PayU and AWS unveil InFINity 2.0 – India’s ● India’s wholesale price index (WPI)-based
premier fintech accelerator. inflation for November eased to 1.89% on
17. HSBC India, Indian Hotels Company launch an annual basis.
India’s first co-branded hospitality credit card ● October 2024: 2.36 per cent
● HSBC India and Indian Hotels Company Ltd ● Data by: Ministry of Commerce and
(IHCL), in partnership with Visa, have Industry
introduced the HSBC Taj Credit Card. ● The annual inflation rate for Primary
● It is India’s first premium co-branded Articles in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
hospitality credit card. declined to 5.49 per cent in November
● The card targets affluent individuals 2024.
seeking luxury travel, lifestyle, and wellness ● Food inflation in food items fell to 8.92 per
experiences. cent in November.
● 25% discount on room rates at ● Meanwhile, in the manufactured products
participating Taj Palaces, Safaris, and category, inflation rose to 2 per cent, up
hotels. from 1.5 per cent in the previous month.
● Other Credit Cards ● Base year: 2011-12
● ICICI Bank and Times Internet launch ● The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) measures
Super-Premium Credit Card the average change in the price of
● Name : Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card commodities traded in the wholesale
● BOBCARD launches TIARA Credit Card for market.
women ● It covers 3 commodity groups: Primary
18. Standard Chartered Bank, India, launches Products, Fuel, and Power, Manufactured
“FEMA Centre of Excellence” Products
● Standard Chartered Bank, India, has ● It is compiled and released by the Office of
launched a “FEMA (Foreign Exchange Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce
Management Act) Centre of Excellence.” and Industry on a monthly basis..
● Aim: To help clients navigate and comply 20. CBIC chairman launches four new initiatives
with the dynamic regulatory environment ● Launch of: Four new initiatives
and enhance efficiencies.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Launched by: Central Board of Indirect September 2024 stood at 7.71 crore with a
Taxes and Customs (CBIC) chairman Sanjay total outstanding of Rs. 9.88 lakh crore.
Kumar Agarwal ● The gross advances of Scheduled
● Aim: To enhance taxpayer services Commercial Banks grew from Rs. 8.5 lakh
● These four citizen-centric initiatives crore to 61 lakh crore during 2004-2014,
include: which has significantly increased to Rs. 175
● A revised citizen’s charter, lakh crore in March 2024.
● A revamped citizen’s corner for complete
tax-related information,
● An ease of doing business tab for making
suggestions,
● CBIC archives for tax repository.
● These initiatives are a testament to CBIC’s
unwavering commitment to simplifying tax
processes and fostering a culture of
transparency and trust.
● Static GK Pro
● CBIC
● Central Board of Indirect Taxes and 22. Centre Earns ₹8,625 Crore via Disinvestment in
Customs 2024-25
● Chairman : Sanjay Kumar Agarwal ● The Indian government has collected
● 26 January 1944 ₹8,625 crore through various minority
● HQ : New Delhi stake sale disinvestment transactions
● CBIC Chairman inaugurates GST & Customs during the current financial year 2024-25.
Pavilion with the theme “Facilitating Trade, ● No specific target or estimate for FY25.
Fostering Economy” at the 43rd India 23. ISG gets RBI nod to operate as payment
International Trade Fair in New Delhi aggregator
21. Public Sector Banks Record Net Profit of Rs ● JP-Morgan-backed fintech company
85,520 Crore In First Half FY2024-25 In-Solutions Global (ISG) has secured full
● Duration: first half of FY 2024-25 authorisation as a payment aggregator
● Public Sector Banks (PSBs) reported a net under the Reserve Bank of India's
profit of ₹85,520 crore compared to regulatory framework.
₹67,850 crore during the same period in ● New PAs must have a minimum net worth
the previous year. of Rs 15 crore at the time of application and
● Growth%: 26% growth reach Rs 25 crore by the end of the third
● Aim: To strengthen governance practices financial year post-authorisation.
and a bolstered capital base ● Static GK Pro
● Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA): ● Payment Aggregator is also known as a
Decline to 3.12% in September 2024, down merchant aggregator.
from their peak of 14.58% in March 2018. ● It is a third-party service provider that
● Net NPAs (NNPA): Fallen to below 1%, enables customers to make payments and
showcasing significant progress in businesses to accept payments by
managing bad loans. integrating it into their website or apps.
● The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme aims ● Only four entities have received PA-CB
to provide short-term crop loans to licence to date
farmers. Total operative KCC accounts as of ● Names include Cashfree Payments, Amazon
Pay, Adyen, BillDesk
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● PAs-CB are entities that enable ● National Parks : Papikonda National Park,
cross-border payment transactions for Sri Venkateswara National Park
import and export ● Nuclear Power Plant : Kovvada Atomic
24. RBI increases collateral-free agricultural loan Power Project
limit ● Solar Power Plant : Kurnool Ultra Mega
● Announced by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Solar Park
● Increase in the limit for collateral-free ● GI Tags : Srikalahasti Kalamkari, Kondapalli
agricultural loans from 1.6 lakh to 2 lakh Bommalu, Budiiti Bell & Brass Craft,
rupees Tirupati Laddu
● Effective from: 1st January 2025 ● Ramsar Site : Kolleru Lake
● This decision acknowledges the impact of ●
inflation and the increasing cost of 26. HSBC, IFC launch $1 bn trade finance
agricultural inputs on farmers. programme for emerging markets
● It will enhance credit accessibility, ● HSBC and the World Bank’s International
particularly for small and marginal farmers, Finance Corporation (IFC) will jointly
who benefit from reduced borrowing costs provide funding to trade
and the removal of collateral requirements. ● Transactions valued at up to $1 billion
25. Asian Development Bank approves $788 ● Aim: To fill a gap in financing for emerging
million loan for Amaravati in AP market trade.
● Loan to: Andhra Pradesh government ● They would equally share the risk on a
● Loan by: Asian Development Bank (ADB portfolio of trade-related assets held by
● Loan amount: USD 788.8 million (over Rs emerging-market banks in 20 countries in
6,600 crore) Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle
● Reason: For the development of Amaravati East.
as a green and smart capital city that offers ● Static GK Pro
world-class infrastructure. ● HSBC Bank India
● The loan will be provided in Japanese yen, ● Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
amounting to 121.97 billion yen. Corporation Limited, India
● Static GK Pro ● HQ : Mumbai
● ADB ● M.D. & CEO : Hitendra Dave
● 19 December 1966 ● Pam Kaur : First Female CFO, HSBC Bank
● 69 countries ● HSBC India launches premium credit card
● President : Masato Kanda Prive for private banking clients
● ADB is funded by its member countries. 27. CARE Ratings pares down India's FY25 GDP
● Japan and the United States each holds the growth forecast to 6.5%
largest proportion of shares at 15.571%. ● CARE Ratings revised downwards its gross
China holds 6.429%, India holds 6.317%, domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for
and Australia holds 5.773% FY25 to 6.5 per cent from 6.8 per cent
● Static GK Pro estimated earlier.
● Andhra Pradesh ● The economy is projected to grow by 6.7
● Lakes : Kolleru Lake, Pulicat Lake per cent in FY26.
● Folk Dance : Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, ● The economy hit a seven-quarter low of 5.4
Andhra Natyam, Burrakatha, Veeranatyam, per cent in Q2FY25, down from 6.7 per cent
Butta bommalu in the preceding quarter.
● Ports : Visakhapatnam Port , ● Static GK Pro
Krishnapatnam Port ● Credit Rating Agencies in India
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● CRISIL; CARE; ICRA; SMREA; Brickwork (CAD), surged 30% to $ 45.54 billion in
Rating; India Rating and Research Pvt. Ltd 2023-24.
and Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. ● Switzerland is the largest source of gold
● Credit Information Companies imports, with about 40 per cent share,
● TransUnion CIBIL, Experian, Equifax, and followed by the UAE (over 16 per cent) and
CRIF High Mark South Africa (about 10 per cent).
● By January 1, 2025, RBI asks ARCs to 30. Sebi plans to introduce rules to streamline
become members of all 4 credit information algo-trading for amateurs
companies ● The SEBI has proposed Algorithmic Trading
● RBI has decided to increase the frequency (algotrading)through Direct Market Access
of reporting of credit information by (DMA)Facility
lenders, including Banks and NBFCs, to ● Famework for: Retail investors
Credit Information Companies (CICs) from ● In 2008, the SEBI had introduced
monthly intervals to fortnightly basis or algorithmic trading which provided
shorter intervals. facilities like faster order execution,
28. UPI achieves 15,547 crore transactions worth reduced transaction costs and greater
Rs 223 lakh crore from January to November transparency.
● The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has ● However, algo trading was permitted only
achieved 15,547 crore transactions worth for institutional investors.
Rs 223 lakh crore from January to ● Algos developed by “tech-savvy” retail
November this year. investors will need to be registered with
● Currently, UPI is operational in seven exchanges.
countries, including key markets like the ● Exchanges will be responsible for
UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, supervising algorithmic trading for retail
France, and Mauritius. investors, including defining the roles and
● UPI is a digital payment system that allows responsibilities of brokers.
users to make instant money transfers 31. YES BANK launches YES Business empower
between bank accounts. MSMEs
● Launched in 2016 by the National ● YES BANK has launched YES Business.
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). ● It is designed to bring banking and related
29. India's gold imports up 331% to record high of services for MSMEs under one roof.
$14.86 billion in Nov ● This business segment offers a single point
● India's gold imports in November 2024 has access to a wide range of tools and
reached a record high of $ 14.86 billion. resources that help MSMEs in managing
● Four-fold increase. their day-to-day operations and achieving
● Reason: Account of festival and wedding long-term growth.
demands ● Central to this launch is the IRIS Biz by YES
● Data by: commerce ministry BANK (IRIS Biz).
● Cumulatively, imports during ● It is a digital interface that provides a wide
April-November this fiscal year rose 49% to range of integrated solutions to both
$49 billion as against $32.93 billion in the simplify and strengthen business
same period last fiscal year. operations.
● In the Budget, the government slashed the ● YES Bank
duty from 15% to 6%. ● 2004
● India's gold imports, which have a bearing ● HQ : Mumbai
on the country's current account deficit ● M.D. & CEO : Prashant Kumar
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Yes Bank partners with Vegapay to provide ● The FDI inflows for the second quarter
credit line on UPI from July to September also surged by 43
32. CRISIL to acquire 4.08% stake in Online PSB per cent to 13.6 billion dollars during the
Loans current financial year compared to the
● CRISIL Ltd will acquire a 4.08% stake in same quarter last financial year.
Online PSB Loans Limited (OPL), a pioneer ● Singapore was the largest source of FDI for
in the digital MSME credit infrastructure India in the July-September 2024-25
ecosystem, for ₹33.25 crore. quarter, contributing 50% of the total FDI
● CRISIL inflows, which amounted to USD 13.6
● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra billion.
● MD & CEO: Amish Mehta 2. RBI lifts supervisory curbs on Navi Finserv
● CFO: Sanjay Chakravarti ● The Reserve Bank has decided to lift the
33. SBI chief to head panel to recommend fresh list afore-mentioned restrictions placed on
of accounts for NARCL: DFS Navi Finserv Limited, with immediate
● The Department of Financial Services (DFS) effect.
in the Finance Ministry has decided to set ● The ban, originally enforced on October 17,
up a Committee under the Chairmanship of 2024, was triggered by "material
SBI Chairman C S Setty. supervisory concerns" related to loan
● Reason: To submit a fresh list of accounts pricing practices. Navi Finserv, along with
for transfer to the National Asset three other NBFCs—DMI Finance, Asirvad
Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL), Micro Finance (backed by Manappuram
colloquially known as ‘Bad Bank’. Finance), and Arohan Financial
● Till date, NARCL, which came into the scene Services—was barred from sanctioning or
in mid-2021, has acquired 22 accounts with disbursing new loans.
an exposure of ₹95,711 crore. 3. Windfall tax on domestic oil, fuel exports
● The Finance Ministry was targeting scrapped
stressed assets transfer of ₹1 lakh crore to ● The Centre scrapped the windfall tax on
the National Asset Reconstruction domestically produced crude oil, and the
Company Ltd (NARCL) by March 2025. export of diesel, petrol, and aviation turbine
fuel, with immediate effect.
1. India records 45% surge in FDI to $29.79 billion ● The road and infrastructure cess (RIC) on
in April-Sept exporting petrol and diesel too has been
● The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has removed.
witnessed tremendous growth of 45% to ● Falling global crude oil prices, and the
over 29 billion dollars in April to subsequent shrinking of profits of domestic
September 2024. oil producers, has led to the tax being
● According to the Department for Promotion withdrawn.
of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the
main sectors of the economy that benefited
from the FDI include services, computer
software and hardware, telecom,
automobile, pharmaceuticals and
chemicals.
● The FDI inflows lead to higher investments
and job creation in the economy along with
better technology.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
6. Razorpay partners MHA, I4C for digital payments
security
● Fintech firm Razorpay has announced its
support for the Ministry of Home Affairs
(MHA) and the Indian Cyber Crime
Coordination Centre (I4C).
● India contributes to 46 per cent of the
world's digital payment volume.
● This collaboration aims to empower
businesses and end customers with critical
knowledge to protect themselves while
promoting widespread awareness about
cybersecurity across India.
● Recent data from the National Cybercrime
Reporting Portal reveals a sharp increase in
digital fraud incidents across India, with
over 7,000 complaints reported daily
between January and April 2024.
● Alarmingly, 85 per cent of these complaints
involved financial fraud, underscoring the
growing vulnerability of online
4. PMI slips to 56.5 in Nov 2024 transactions.
● The seasonally adjusted HSBC India ● This is not the first instance where the
Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index government has collaborated with a
(PMI) stood at 56.5, slipping from October’s financial technology company.
57.5 and matching an 11-month low. ● Note:
● However, the PMI remained well above the ● Globally, UK and US sanctions data has been
50-mark threshold, signaling continued incorporated into a newly launched
expansion in the sector. AI-driven fraud detection tool being used
5. GoM proposes fresh band: 35% GST slab likely by UK authorities to identify criminals.
for tobacco, aerated drinks ● the UK government revealed that its Single
● The Group of Ministers (GoM) on Goods Network Analytics Platform
and Services Tax (GST) rate rationalisation, (SNAP)—introduced by the Public Sector
led by Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Fraud Authority (PSFA) in collaboration
Samrat Chaudhary, recommended a new with fintech firm Quantexa—has been
slab of 35 per cent for tobacco, tobacco enhanced with thousands of additional
products and aerated drinks. sanctions and debarment records.
● At present, such products are taxed at 28 7. NBFC asset growth may decline to 15 17% in
per cent. FY25, FY26: CRISIL
● The upcoming GST Council meeting, to be ● The growth in assets of non-banking
chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala finance companies (NBFCs) in India is
Sitharaman, on December 21, is expected to expected to sharply decline to 15-17 per
take up this matter. cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) in the current
● The meeting, to be held in Jaisalmer, would (FY25) and next financial year (FY26) from
deliberate on a host of other issues that the 23 per cent in FY24.
GoM has recommended including an ● The factors that will weigh in growth
increase in GST include recalibration in strategies amid
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
rising delinquencies, funding and liquidity Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention)
conditions including slowing of bank Act 1972 and the United Nations (Privileges
funding and tight regulations, according to and Immunities) Act 1947, including:
CRISIL Ratings. ● Diplomatic Missions,
8. TCS to modernise Bank of Bhutan's digital ● Agencies of the United Nations,
system ● International Organisations,
● Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) signed a ● Consulates and Offices of Honorary Consuls
partnership with the Bank of Bhutan. ● According to section 194N of the Act, TDS
● Reason: To modernise the lender’s digital has to be deducted if a sum or aggregate of
system and improve customer service. the sum withdrawn in cash by a person in a
● Work: To implement TCS BaNCS Global particular, fiscal year exceeds ₹ 20 lakh (if
Banking Platform to optimise the bank’s no ITR has been filed for all the three
operations and integrate with various previous Assessment Years or AYs), or ₹ 1
public services within the digital ecosystem crore (if ITRs have been filed for all or any
of Bhutan. one of three previous AYs).
● Bank of Bhutan, the country's largest 11. Lok Sabha clears Banking Bill, to strengthen
commercial bank, has data of more than governance
400,000 customers who are served through ● The government passed an amendment bill
45 branches and a range of financial in the Lok Sabha that brings about changes
products and services. to five banking laws.
● TCS has been the bank's technology partner ● Reason: To improve bank governance and
since 2016. enhance investor protection
9. Federal Bank new savings account for seniors ● Changes in Banking Laws, RBI Act
with insurance, lounge access ● Allow for the nomination of up to four
● Name of Account: Esteem Savings Account persons, including provisions for
● Launched by: Federal Bank simultaneous and successive nominations
● Type: special savings account regarding deposits, articles in safe custody,
● Beneficiary: senior citizens (for people and safety lockers
aged 55 and above offers) ● Increasing the threshold for shareholding
● Feature: Complimentary insurance cover, of a beneficial interest by an individual, etc.,
Travel convenience, Family benefits, and to Rs 2 crore from Rs 5 lakhs
Cost-effective banking ● To revise the reporting dates for the
● Federal Bank: submission of statutory reports by banks to
● Headquarters: Aluva the Reserve Bank of India, so as to align
● CEO: Manian Kvs them to the last day of the fortnight or
● Founder: K. P. Hormis month or quarter
10. No TDS on cash withdrawal by foreign ● Increasing the tenure of directors
representations from Dec 1 (excluding the chairman and whole-time
● Cash withdrawal by foreign representations director) in co-operative banks to 10 years
will not attract tax Deducted at Source from 8 years
(TDS) from December 1, 2024. ● Allow a director of a central co-operative
● The provisions of section 194N of the said bank to serve on the board of a state
Act shall not apply to Foreign co-operative bank
Representations duly approved by the 12. UPI transactions on RuPay credit card doubled
Ministry of External Affairs of the in Apr Oct
Government of India which are exempt ● Transactions processed through the Unified
from paying taxes in India as per the Payments Interface (UPI) on RuPay credit
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
cards doubled in the first seven months of ● Necessity of regular transactions in the
financial year 2025 (FY25) compared to the account and preventing categorization into
same period of FY24, data from the in-operative was the key message.
Ministry of Finance shows. ● The need to drive Re-KYC exercise in letter
● Till October, over 750 million such and spirit, to maintain PMJDY accounts in
transactions amounting to ₹ 63,825.8 crore active status and enabling customers to
were processed. conduct transactions seamlessly.
● In FY24, UPI RuPay credit card transactions ● About State Bank of India (SBI)
were recorded at 362.8 million with a ○ Founded – 1 July 1955
cumulative value of ₹ 33,439.24 crore. ○ Headquarters – Mumbai,
● RuPay is India´s own payment network Maharashtra
system. ○ Chairman – Challa Sreenivasulu
● It was launched in 2012 by government Setty; 27th (replace Dinesh Kumar
backed National Payments Corp of India Khara)
(NPCI). 15. Finance Ministry Reports India’s $2 Billion
● While the RuPay credit card was started in Contribution to BRICS Bank
June 2017. ● India has contributed nearly $2 billion to
13. SEBI proposes online monitoring of system the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
audit of stock brokers ● The contribution was paid in seven
● SEBI has proposed a framework to help instalments from the fiscal year 2015-16 to
stock exchanges to do online monitoring of 2021-22.
system audit of stock brokers. ● 20 externally aided projects are currently
● This framework will make the auditor more underway in India, funded by the NDB, with
responsible for the system audit, ensure a total loan amount of $4,867 million.
that - ● These projects focus on sectors such as
● The auditor is physically visiting stock transportation, water conservation, food
broker’s premises to check IT systems management, and connectivity in rural
● Not outsourcing the audit activity areas.
● Enable auditors to submit audit evidences 16. Microfinance Industry Network Tightens Loan
and audit report through web portal for Underwriting Standards
speedy processing ● The Microfinance Industry Network
● Aim: To cover technical glitch related (MFIN), an RBI-recognized self-regulatory
aspects in system audit. organization (SRO), has further tightened
14. SBI Launches Nationwide Drive to Reactivate the loan underwriting standards due to
Inoperative Accounts rising stress in the microloan sector.
● State Bank of India (SBI) has launched a ● Microfinance clients can now take loans
nation-wide drive to raise awareness about from only three MFIs (Microfinance
the importance of inoperative account Institutions), reduced from the earlier limit
activation. of four.
● A savings or a current account is treated as ● The total indebtedness of a microfinance
inoperative if the customer has no borrower is capped at ₹2 lakh, which
transaction in the account for a period of includes both microfinance loans and
over two years. unsecured retail loans.
● Activation of these accounts requires ● MFIs cannot lend to borrowers who are
Re-KYC. NPAs (non-performing assets) with
overdue loans greater than ₹3,000 and a
default period of over 90 days.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● MFIN has mandated that MFI loan interest ● The total value of the order is ₹32.44 crore,
rates must be reviewed by the board of (includes 18% GST).
member organisations to ensure that any ● The order is to be executed over a period of
efficiency gains are passed on to the clients. seven years.
17. PhonePe Ends Partnership with Juspay, Opts for ● The order is subject to acceptance of all
Direct Integration with Merchants terms and conditions outlined in the
● PhonePe has ended its partnership with Request for Proposal (RFP) and the
Juspay, a payment orchestration platform, purchase order by Newgen Software
and decided to integrate with merchants Technologies.
directly. 20. World Bank approves $188 mn loan to boost
● RBI Payment Aggregator Licenses: growth in Maharashtra's districts
● BharatPe received the RBI payment ● The World Bank has approved a
aggregator license in January 2023. $188.28-million loan to stimulate economic
● Google Pay received the license in growth in Maharashtra, especially in the
December 2023. lagging districts.
● Amazon Pay received the license in 2024. ● Aim: To strengthen institutional capabilities
● RBI cancelled Paytm’s license in November in districts for enabling growth operation
2022, but Paytm plans to re-apply. will support district planning and growth
● PhonePe received the payment aggregator strategies
license in March 2023. ● Investments under the operation will equip
18. Muthoot Microfin Begins Co-Lending Loan districts with the necessary data, funds, and
Disbursals in Partnership with State Bank of India expertise to maximize the value of public
● Muthoot Microfin, a Kochi-based money employed for driving growth and
microfinance institution, has started loan job creation.
disbursements under its co-lending ● Loan from the International Bank for
partnership with the State Bank of India Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
(SBI). has a final maturity of 15 years, including a
● Loan Limit:SBI has sanctioned a total limit grace period of 5 years
of ₹500 crore for this partnership, to be 21. Airtel awards 'multi-year, multi-billion'
disbursed in tranches of ₹100 crore. extension deal to Ericsson
● Loan Amounts and Target Audience:Loans ● Ericsson (Sweden) has won a multi-year,
ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹3 lakh will be multi-billion USD extension deal from
provided to identified and eligible Bharti Airtel (India) for 4G and 5G RAN
customers. products and solutions.
● The focus is on members of Joint Liability ● Ericsson will deploy centralized RAN and
Groups (JLGs), primarily involved in Open RAN-ready solutions for network
agriculture, allied activities, and other transformation which will help customers
income-generating ventures. with wider coverage and the enhanced
19. Newgen Software Secures ₹32 Crore RBI capacity on the network.
Contract for Regulatory Application Management ● Ericsson has been a trusted connectivity
System Implementation partner for Airtel for over 25 years,
● Newgen Software Technologies Limited has supporting every generation of mobile
received a purchase order worth ₹32.44 communications.
crore from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) 22. India's external debt rises by $31 bn to $647 bn
for implementing and maintaining the in 2023: World Bank report
Regulatory Application Management ● Report by: World Bank
System (RAMS).
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Report title: World Bank International Debt ● Private consumption grew by 6%, capex
Report grew by 5.4%.
● Highlights: ● Services sector grew by 7.1%, industry
● India's total external debt has increased by sector grew by 3.9%.
$ 31 billion to $ 646.79 billion in 2023. ● Expected recovery in H2 FY25 with 6.6%
● Interest payment increased from $ 15.08 growth.
billion in 2022 to $ 22.54 billion in 2023. ● Driven by government spending, rural
● While the long-term debt stocks have risen demand, and easing financial conditions.
7% to $ 498 billion in 2023, short-term 25. SEBI Fines Reliance Securities ₹9 Lakh for Rule
debt stocks declined marginally to $ 126.32 Violations
billion in 2023. ● SEBI has fined Reliance Securities ₹9 lakh
● External debt stock as percentage of for failing to comply with stock broker
exports was 80%, while debt servicing was regulations during an inspection from April
10% of exports in 2023. 2022 to December 2023.
● Net debt inflows during the year worked ● Violations included poor record-keeping,
out to be $ 33.42 billion, while the net unauthorized use of trading terminals, and
equity inflows was higher at $ 46.94 billion inadequate office segregation.
in 2023. 26. NSIC Pays Record Dividend of Rs. 37.97 Crore
23. PhonePe introduces health insurance for for FY 2023-24
Dengue and Malaria ● The National Small Industries Corporation
● PhonePe has introduced a new health (NSIC) paid its highest-ever dividend of Rs
insurance plan that offers continuous 37.97 crore to the Government of India for
coverage for dengue, malaria, and other FY 2023-24, with revenue surging to Rs.
vector-borne diseases. 3,273 crore (18.16% growth) and Profit
● Starting price: Rs 59 per year (Premium) After Tax reaching Rs 126.56 crore (14.55%
● The plan provides up to Rs 1 lakh in growth).
coverage for medical expenses associated ● Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NSIC:
with more than 10 diseases. Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya
● Covered illnesses include malaria, dengue, ● NSIC is a Mini Ratna Enterprise under the
chikungunya, and swine flu, with benefits Ministry of MSME.
for hospitalization, diagnostics, and ICU 27. Bank of India to Issue Additional Rs 5,000 Crore
stays. in Infrastructure Bonds
● Focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where ● Bank of India (BoI) plans to raise an
access to affordable health insurance has additional Rs 5,000 crore through the
been limited. issuance of infrastructure bonds.
● CEO of PhonePe Insurance Broking ● The bond issuance is in line with the
Services: Vishal Gupta current soft interest rate trends.
24. Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY25 GDP Growth ● In November 2024, BoI raised Rs 5,000
to 6.3% crore through a 10-year infrastructure
● Morgan Stanley has revised India’s GDP bond with a coupon rate of 7.41%.
growth projection for FY25 down to 6.3%, ● Earlier in July 2024, the bank raised
from its previous estimate of 6.7%. another Rs 5,000 crore through a similar
● This downward revision comes after India’s bond offering, but at a slightly higher
GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in the coupon rate of 7.54%.
July-September 2024 quarter, marking its ● In total, BoI has raised Rs 10,000 crore in
lowest level since March 2023. two tranches of infrastructure bonds.
● Note:
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
28. All-India House Price Index (HPI) Sees 4.3% ● The SBI Quant Fund will predominantly
Annual Growth in Q2 of FY 2024-25 allocate:
● The All-India House Price Index (HPI) ● 80%-100% to equity and equity-related
increased by 4.3% annually in Q2 of FY instruments selected through the quant
2024-25, compared to 3.3% in the previous model.
quarter and 3.5% in the same quarter of the ● 0%-20% to other equity instruments and
previous year. debt instruments.
● The RBI released its HPI for the September ● 0%-10% to REITs and InvITs, in line with
quarter of 2024-25 based on SEBI limits.
transaction-level data received from ● Additionally, the scheme may invest up to
registration authorities in 10 major cities. 20% in mutual fund units and 35% in
● The cities included in the RBI’s HPI are: overseas securities, including ADRs, GDRs,
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, ETFs, and foreign equity.
Jaipur, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, 31. Axis Bank's new savings account for women
Mumbai. ● Axis Bank has launched the ARISE Women’s
● The annual growth in HPI varied Savings Account.
significantly across cities: ● It is a specialized solution designed to cater
● Bengaluru recorded the highest growth at to the financial needs of women.
8.8% ● The account was introduced by Arundhati
● Kanpur saw a decline of -2%. Bhattacharya, Chairperson of Salesforce
29. Sa-Dhan and Indian Institute of Banking & India.
Finance Collaborate to Launch Certification Course ● It offers a range of benefits, including
● Sa-Dhan has partnered with the Indian access to women financial experts,
Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF) to personalized investment options,
launch a new certification course for healthcare discounts, and more.
microfinance professionals. ● ARISE Debit Card: Higher transaction limits
● The course aims to train new employees of with Rs 5 Lakh on POS and Rs 1 Lakh at
microfinance institutions and offer career ATMs.
opportunities for those interested in joining ● According to the recent data from the
the microfinance industry. National Statistical Office (NSO), women
● Sa-Dhan is a Reserve Bank of India (RBI)- hold only 20.8% of India’s total bank
recognised Self-Regulatory Organization deposits, despite constituting 36.4% of all
(SRO) for microfinance and impact finance bank account holders.
institutions. ● In metropolitan areas, women’s deposits
● Indian Institute of Banking & Finance : are only 16.5%, compared to 30% in rural
● Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra areas.
● CEO : Shri. Biswa Ketan Das 32. GST collection rises by 8.5% to over Rs 1.82
30. SBI Mutual Fund Unveils SBI Quant Fund lakh crore in November
● SBI Mutual Fund has launched the SBI ● The total gross Goods and Services Tax
Quant Fund, an open-ended equity scheme (GST) collections grew 8.5% to over 1.82
designed around a quant-based investing lakh crore rupees in November 2024 as
approach. compared to the same month last year.
● The scheme aims to generate long-term ● The total gross GST revenue in November
capital appreciation through equity and last year was 1.68 lakh crore rupees.
equity-related instruments selected using ● Central GST: 34 thousand 141 crore rupees
an in-house quant model. ● State GST: 3 thousand 47 crore rupees
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Integrated IGST: 91 thousand 828 crore sharply to 6.4% in October 2024 compared
rupees to 18.3% in the year-ago period.
● Cess: 13 thousand 253 crores ● Data by: Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s)
● In October 2024, Gross GST collection had sectoral deployment of credit data
grown 9 percent to over 1.87 lakh crore ● Overall growth in credit offtake by the
rupees, the second-highest ever, mainly due services sector dropped to 14.1% Y-o-Y in
to rise in domestic sales and improved October 2024 compared to 20.4%, largely
compliance. due to reduced growth in credit to NBFCs
33. UPI sets new record in October with 16.58 and trade segment.
billion transactions ● The outstanding bank credit to NBFCs
● The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) stood at Rs 15.36 trillion in October 2024
achieved a milestone by processing nearly compared to Rs 14.44 trillion in the same
16.58 billion financial transactions in a month last year. It was Rs 15.29 trillion in
single month in October 2024. September 2024 and Rs 15.48 trillion in
● UPI processed around 23.49 lakh crore May this year.
rupees across 16.58 billion financial 36. RBI’s High-Level Policy Conference of Central
transactions in October 2024. Banks from Global South
● This marks 45% year-on-year growth as ● Name : “High-Level Policy Conference of
compared to October last year. Central Banks from the Global South”
● The UPI was launched in 2016 by the ● It is a part of RBI@90 programme.
National Payments Corporation of India. ● Third International conference under the
● UPI being operational in seven countries - RBI@90 programme.
UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, ● First Conference : “Global Conference on
France, and Mauritius. ‘Digital Public Infrastructure and Emerging
● NPCI Chairman: Ajay Kumar Choudhary Technologies’ in August 2024 in Bengaluru,
● NPCI CEO: Dilip Asbe Karnataka.
● The second international conference was
34. Bajaj Fin exits co-branded credit card biz, ends organised in New Delhi in October 2024
tieup with DBS India, RBL under the theme High-Level Conference on
● Bajaj Finance has decided to exit the ‘Central Banking at Crossroads.’
co-branded credit card space. ● Theme : “Building Synergies” across the
● It has ended its eight-year tie-up with RBL central banking fraternity of the Global
Bank and DBS Bank India South”.
● The move comes on the back of a Reserve ● Global South : Coined by Carl Oglesby in
Bank of India direction that restricted the 1969.
co-brand partners’ role to only sourcing ● 18 countries from Global South
cards, and providing access to the Participated.
cardholder for the goods/services offered. 37. Groww Mutual Fund Launches Multicap Fund:
● Collection of dues, an activity, which Bajaj NFO Monitor
Finance has built capabilities over the ● Name of Fund : Groww Multicap Fund,
years, was not allowed by a co-brand ● open-ended equity scheme
partner. ● NFO : New Fund Offer
35. Growth in bank credit to NBFCs declines ● Exit load: 1% for redemptions within a
sharply to 6.4%: RBI data year, and nil after one year.
● The growth in bank credit to non-banking ● Minimum investment: ₹100, and in
financial companies (NBFCs) declined multiples of ₹1 thereafter.
● Groww Mutual Fund
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Established : 2017 ● Reason: Robust public infrastructure
● Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka spending, strong private consumption, and
● CEO : Varun Gupta recovery in agricultural output.
38. Axis Bank’s Asset Book at GIFT City IFSC Unit ● This growth momentum is expected to be
Doubles to $4 Billion Since 2019 sustained through FY25 and FY26, with
● Name of Bank : Axis Bank investment and rural income growth being
● Branch : IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) central to the economy’s expansion.
● Location : Gujarat International Finance 41. RBI to allow small finance banks to extend
Tec-City (GIFT City) credit lines through UPI
● Asset Book : $2 billion in 2019 to $4 billion. ● RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das has
● Axis Bank announced that Small Finance Banks
● Established : 3 December 1993 (SFBs) will now be permitted to provide
● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India pre-sanctioned credit lines through the
● MD & CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
● Tagline : Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi ● Aim: To support underserved groups,
39. ADB report on India adopting policies that including small businesses,
reduce fossil fuel subsidies micro-entrepreneurs, and individuals in
● Focus : Create fiscal space for renewable rural and semi-urban regions.
energy initiatives and electric vehicles. ● This development follows an important
● India’s Approach : “remove, target, and update from September 2023, when the
shift” RBI allowed Scheduled Commercial Banks
● Reduction in Subsidies since 2010 : 85% to link pre-sanctioned credit lines to UPI
● Impact on Subsidies : Reduction in accounts.
subsidies from $25 billion in 2013 to $3.5 ● Previously, this feature was unavailable to
billion in 2023. SFBs, Regional Rural Banks, and Payments
● Banks.
● UPI and Rupay set to expand in 10 more 42. Irdai issues show cause notice to Star Health for
countries : NPCI violating norms
● UPI Countries : France, UAE, Singapore, ● The Insurance Regulatory and
Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and Nepal. Development Authority of India (Irdai) has
● In Process : Namibia, Trinidad and Tobago, issued a show cause notice to Star Health
and Peru. and Allied Insurance on December 4, 2024.
● UPI’s daily transactions crossed 500 million ● Reason: For violation of norms based on the
for the first time in September 2024. general inspection conducted by the
● According to the ACI Worldwide Report regulator for the period from January 31,
2024, India now accounts for around 49% 2022, to February 11, 2022.
of global real-time payment transactions as ● The notice has been issued for violation of
of 2023. the Irdai (Health Insurance) Regulations,
● First European Country with UPI : France 2016, Irdai (TPA – Health Service)
● First Latin American Country with UPI : Regulations, 2016, and Irdai (Protection of
Peru Policyholders’ Interest) Regulations, 2017,
40. OECD Raises India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to among others.
6.8% 43. Collateral-free agriculture loans limit upped
● The Organisation for Economic from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh
Co-operation and Development (OECD) has ● Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor
upgraded India’s GDP growth forecast for Shaktikanta Das has decided to increase the
FY25 to 6.8%, up from 6.7%. limit for collateral free agricultural loans
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
from Rs 1.6 lakh per borrower to Rs 2 lakh 46. Customers park more funds in term deposits:
per borrower. SBI report
● At present, banks are required to extend ● According to a research report released by
collateral-free agriculture loans up to Rs 1.6 SBI, the outstanding balance per deposit
lakh per borrower. account in India has risen by ₹7,014 a year
● This limit was enhanced from Rs 1 lakh, set to ₹91,472 in September 2024.
in the year 2010 to Rs 1.6 lakh in the year ● Reason: As customers invested more funds
2019. in higher yielding term deposits than
44. RBI to constitute a committee to develop ethical savings deposit accounts.
AI framework for financial services ● Term deposits also outpaced the growth in
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has CASA deposits, and their share in total
unveiled plans to develop a ‘Framework for deposits rose to 61.4 per cent in September
Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI 2024 from 59.8 per cent a year ago.
(FREE-AI)’ for the financial sector. ● Lower yielding savings account outstanding
● The central bank announced the formation deposits, meanwhile, remained almost flat,
of a specialised committee to offer at ₹32,485 each account in September 2024
recommendation for tackling AI-related from a year ago period.
challenges. ● Region wise credit-deposit (CD) ratio
● This initiative aims to address ethical indicates that except south and western
concerns and ensure the responsible region, CD ratio of all other regions is
integration of artificial intelligence within below the national level of 79.9%.
financial systems. ● Interestingly, some states like Andhra
● The RBI’s proactive approach reflects its Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and
commitment to balancing innovation with Maharashtra have crossed 100 percent CD
accountability in the evolving landscape of ratio.
AI-driven financial services. 47. RBI cuts CRR, keeps Repo rate unchanged
45. RuPay credit card UPI transactions double in ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) slashed
first seven months of FY25 the cash reserve ratio (CRR) by 50 basis
● According to the data from the Ministry of points (bps) to 4% from 4.5% in a bid to
Finance, transactions processed through boost liquidity in the financial system.
the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on ● CRR is the percentage of a bank’s total
RuPay credit cards doubled in the first deposits that it is required to maintain in
seven months of financial year 2025 (FY25) liquid cash with the RBI as a reserve.
compared to the same period of FY24. ● However, kept the Repo rate unchanged at
● Till October, over 750 million such 6.5% in a majority 4-2 decision.
transactions amounting to Rs 63,825.8 ● This is the eleventh consecutive monetary
crore were processed. policy, over 22 months, which has left the
● In FY24, UPI RuPay credit card transactions Repo rate unchanged.
were recorded at 362.8 million with a ● Significantly, the policy panel cut the GDP
cumulative value of Rs 33,439.24 crore. growth estimate to 6.6% in FY2025 from
● RuPay is India’s own payment network 7.2% projected earlier, and raised the retail
system. inflation forecast to 4.8% for the current
● It was launched in 2012 by fiscal from 4.5% projected earlier.
government-backed National Payments 48. UPI transactions see 6.6% decline in November
Corp of India (NPCI). ● UPI transactions in November 2024 stood
● While the RuPay credit card was started in at 15.48 billion.
June 2017.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● This marked a 38% year-on-year growth, 50. India’s Forex Reserves rise by 1.51 billion
according to the National Payments dollars to 658.09 billion dollars
Corporation of India (NPCI). ● India’s foreign exchange (FOREX) reserves
● The total transaction value was ₹21.55 lakh increased by 1.51 billion dollars to 658.09
crore, a 24% increase compared to billion dollars in the week ending
November 2023. November 29.
● Daily transactions averaged 516 million, ● This marks the first rise in nine weeks,
with a daily value of ₹71,840 crore. recovering from a five-month low.
● However, these figures were slightly lower ● The latest rise is mainly due to a 2.06
than October’s record. billion dollars increase in foreign currency
● In October, UPI transactions peaked at assets, which now stand at 568.85 billion
16.58 billion, worth ₹23.5 lakh crore. dollars.
● This remains the highest since UPI’s launch ● Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) increased by
in April 2016. 22 million dollars to 18.01 billion dollars.
1. BOBCARD unveils a women-centric credit card
● Name of Credit Card: TIARA Credit Card
● Launched by: BOBCARD LIMITED
● Type: Premium credit card
● Designed exclusively for women
● Complimentary vouchers and memberships
worth up to Rs 31,000 from leading brands.
● Joining and annual fee: Rs 2,499 + GST
● Joining Fee reversal on spending Rs 25,000
within the first 60 days.
● Annual Fee waiver for spending Rs
2,50,000 in a year.
● Static GK Pro
● BOB CARD
● Ravindra Rai, MD & CEO of BOBCARD
LIMITED.
● BOBCARD LIMITED, formerly known as
BOB Financial Solutions Limited, was
49. SEBI: SDP Recognition for Digital Platforms is established in the year 1994.
Voluntary ● It is a non-banking Financial Company,
● SEBI clarified that digital platforms are not wholly owned by Bank of Baroda
obligated to register as Specified Digital ● BOB
Platforms While SDP recognition simplifies ● 1908
compliance for regulated entities (REs), ● HQ : Vadodara, Gujarat
platforms can opt out of it. ● M.D. & CEO : Debadatta Chand
● Partnerships via non-SDP platforms require 2. Max Life rebrands to Axis Max Life Insurance
REs to ensure compliance with SEBI’s after regulatory approval
regulations. ● Context: Change in its corporate name
● SEBI introduced the SDP framework as part ● Old Name: Max Life Insurance
of its compliance strategy to prevent ● New Name: Axis Max Life Insurance
misuse of digital platforms in areas such as ● Approval: Received the corporate and
unauthorized investment advice and stock regulatory approval
market manipulation.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Axis Bank’s board of directors approved the ● Mauritius emerged as the top source of FDI,
proposal to acquire Max Life shares, raising contributing 25% of the total inflows,
Axis entities’ total holding in the insurance followed closely by Singapore at 24%.
company to 19.99 per cent from 19.02 per ● The United States ranked third with 10%
cent ● Netherlands (7%), Japan (6%), and the
● Following this stake acquisition by Axis United Kingdom (5%)
Bank, the stake of MFSL in Max Life reduced ● The services sector led the inflows
to 81 per cent from 87 per cent earlier. 5. GNPA of PSBs declines to 3.12% in Sep from
● Static GK Pro 14.58% in March 2018
● Max Life Now Axis Max Life ● Data by: Ministry of Finance
● Life Insurance Company ● Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) of
● Established : 2001 public sector banks (PSBs)
● HQ : New Delhi ● September 2024: 3.12%
● Prashant Tripathy (Managing Director and ● March 2018 (Comparing year): 14.98 per
CEO) cent
3. India’s Retail Inflation Eases to 5.48% in ● Status: Decline
November ● Since 2015, the government implemented a
● Index: CPI (retail inflation) comprehensive 4Rs (recognition,
● November 2024: 5.48% (Eased) recapitalisation, resolution, and reform)
● October 2024: 6.21% (14-month high) strategy of recognising NPAs transparently
● Food Inflation: Declined from 10.87% in to address the challenges faced by PSBs.
October to 9.04% in November 2024 ● Capital adequacy ratio of PSBs:
● CPI Weightage: Food accounts for 40% of ● September 2024: 15.43 per cent
the Consumer Price Index (CPI). ● March 2015: 11.45 per cent
● Vegetable Prices: Primary driver for the ● Status: Improve
easing of inflation in November 2024. ● During 2023-24, PSBs recorded the
● Static Gk Pro highest-ever aggregate net profit of Rs 1.41
● economic measure that tracks the average lakh crore against Rs 1.05 lakh crore in
change in the prices paid by consumers for 2022-23.
a basket of goods and services over time. ● Mudra scheme: 68% of beneficiaries are
● CPI in India is compiled by the National women
Statistical Office (NSO) and is categorized ● PM-SVANidhi scheme: 44% of beneficiaries
into CPI for urban and rural areas. are women
● Base Year For CPI is 2012. ● The number of bank branches has gone up
4. India’s FDI journey reaches $1 trillion milestone from 1,17,990 in March 2014 to 1,60,501 in
● India surpassed $1 trillion in FDI inflows September 2024.
since April 2000, with $709.84 billion ● Of 1,60,501 branches, 1,00,686 are in rural
received between 2014-2024. and semi-urban (RUSU) areas
● First half of FY 2024-25 saw a 26% ● KCC Accounts as on September 2024 stood
increase to $42.1 billion. at 7.71 crore with total outstanding of Rs.
● India improved to 40th in the World 9.88 lakh crore.
Competitiveness Index 2024 and ranked 6. Sebi issues warning letter to HDFC Bank for
3rd globally for greenfield investments in regulatory non-compliance
World Investment Report 2023. ● Warning letter to: HDFC Bank
● Data released by Department for Promotion ● Letter by: SEBI
of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) ● Reason: non-compliance with multiple
● Top Investors : Mauritius and Singapore regulations
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● 1. Sebi (Merchant Bankers) Regulations, ● Aim: To enhance support for customers
1992 engaged in the Australia-India business
● 2. Sebi (Issue of Capital and Disclosure corridor.
Requirements) Regulations, 2018 ● ICICI Bank Chairperson: Pradeep Kumar
● 3. Sebi (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Sinha
Regulations, 2015 9. Coca-Cola Sells 40% Stake in India Bottling
● HDFC Bank: Business to Jubilant Bhartia Group
● HQ: Mumbai ● Coca-Cola has sold a 40% stake in
● CEO: Sashidhar Jagdishan Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings (HCCH) to
● SEBI has recently proposed to widen the Jubilant Bhartia Group.
UPSI. ● Deal Value: ₹12,500 crore
● UPSI : Unpublished Price Sensitive ● Value of the company: ₹31,250 crore
Information. ● Advisors for the Deal: Morgan Stanley
● It is a critical information related to a (Jubilant Bhartia Group), Rothschild & Co
company's securities that has not yet been (Coca-Cola).
made public and could significantly affect 10. Sebi aims to ease the process on unclaimed
its share price if disclosed. assets through DigiLocker
● Additions ● Organization: Securities and Exchange
● Fundraising Decisions Board of India (Sebi)
● Corporate Insolvency and Loan ● Proposal:
Restructuring ● Leveraging the DigiLocker platform
● Management and Control Agreements ● Depositories and mutual funds be required
● Fraud and Forensic Audits to provide demat and mutual fund (MF)
● Regulatory and Legal Actions: holding statements, respectively, in
● Business Operations and Transactions DigiLocker.
● Licenses and Guarantees ● Automatic updating of a DigiLocker user's
● The SEBI governs UPSI under the status upon their demise, using data from
Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, the Registrar General of India
2015 (PIT Regulations). ● An automatic intimation to the DigiLocker
7. ADB approves $500 million loan to boost India’s nominee would be sent via SMS and email.
sustainable infrastructure ● The nominees could then access the digital
● Loan Amount: $500 million loan information in the account of the deceased
● Loan to: India user or investor and initiate the process of
● Loan by: ADB transmission of the financial asset.
● Reason: To support India’s economic ● Reason: To streamline the process of
growth by promoting environmentally claiming unclaimed assets of deceased
sustainable infrastructure. investors.
● The ADB loan, with a sovereign guarantee, 11. Gross NPAs of public sector banks at Rs 3.16 trn,
to India Infrastructure Finance Company 3.1% of outstanding loans
Limited (IIFCL) will advance sustainable ● Data shared in Rajya Sabha
infrastructure development. ● Data as of September 30, 2024
8. ICICI Bank Partners with Commonwealth Bank of ● Data shared by: Minister of State for
Australia Finance Pankaj Chaudhary
● ICICI Bank has signed an MoU with the ● Gross NPA of PSBs: Rs 3.16 trillion (3.09%
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) of the outstanding loans)
● Gross NPA of Private Bank: Rs 1,34,339
crore (1.86% of the outstanding loans)
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● 580 unique borrowers (excluding action if IT component utilization exceeds
individuals and overseas borrowers), each 75 per cent of installed capacity.
having loan outstanding of more than Rs 50 ● Depositories must act if utilization exceeds
crore, were classified as wilful defaulters by 75 per cent for 15 consecutive days.
Scheduled Commercial Banks. ● They have been directed to establish a
● Aggregate claim of creditors, including capacity planning and real-time
banks was Rs 11.45 trillion, whereas the performance monitoring policy, approved
aggregate liquidation value was Rs 2.21 by SCOT and the Sebi, to ensure smooth
trillion. operations and timely resource upgrades.
12 Sebi revises guidelines for real-time 13. Sebi widens scope of T+0 settlement to top 500
performance monitoring of MIIs stocks from Jan 31
● Organization: SEBI ● Organization: Securities and Exchange
● New guidelines for: Stock exchanges, Board of India (Sebi)
Clearing corporations and depositories ● Top 500 stocks will be eligible for the
● Reason: To ensure robust capacity planning same-day settlement cycle (T+0) in a
and real-time performance monitoring of phased manner.
their critical IT systems. ● Aim: To ready the market ecosystem to
● New Guidelines: speed up the settlement cycle, which
● Market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) currently stands at T+1.
have been directed to develop future-ready ● Effective on: January 31, 2025
frameworks to estimate capacity needs ● The same-day settlement cycle will
based on trends, historical data, transaction continue to be optional.
growth, and business changes. ● Present status: Only 25 stocks are available
● They have been asked to submit for the T+0 settlement.
methodology details to Sebi within three ● Beta version launched in March 2024
months after approval from the Standing ● The market capitalisation will be computed
Committee on Technology (SCOT) and the as of December 31.
Governing Board. ● Sebi announced a block deal window from
● MIIs have been asked to ensure adequate 8:45 am to 9:00 am for the T+0 settlement
system capacity in place to handle high cycle, in addition to the existing block deal
volumes to ensure high level of service windows for the T+1 settlement.
availability. 14. Sebi proposes simplification of NRI trading in
● The installed capacity should be at least 1.5 derivatives
times of the projected peak load. ● Proposal: Simplification of the process for
● The projected peak load should be based on non-resident Indians (NRIs) to trade in
trends from the past 180 days and other exchange-traded derivatives contracts.
relevant factors. ● Proposed by: Securities and Exchange
● They have been asked to conduct quarterly Board of India (Sebi)
stress tests to assess the impact on system ● Current status:
performance under heavy loads. ● NRIs are required to obtain a custodial
● They are required to implement automated participant (CP) code from the clearing
systems to monitor and generate alerts for corporation (CC) through a clearing
real-time performance issues, with defined member (CM).
thresholds to ensure early detection and ● Further, they are allowed to deal with one
resolution. CM at a time.
● Sebi has asked stock exchanges and ● However, with the introduction of the
clearing corporations to take immediate permanent account number (PAN) as a
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
unique identifier in the securities market, ● After training, they can serve as LIC agents
Sebi proposes to dispense with the and the graduate Bima Sakhis would have
requirement for a CP code. the opportunity to qualify for being
● Proposed changes: considered for Development Officer roles in
● NRIs can use their PAN to monitor position LIC.
limits, and can deal with multiple CMs. ● Prime Minister will also distribute
● This is expected to bring ease of investment appointment Certificates to prospective
for NRIs and simplify the procedure for Bima Sakhis.
monitoring NRI position limits. ● He will also lay the foundation stone of the
15. Retail Inflation Eases for Farm and Rural Main campus of Maharana Pratap
Workers in October 2024 Horticultural University, Karnal.
● Index: Consumer Price Index for ● Spread over: 495 acres
Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) ● Cost of: over Rs 700 crore
● Increased by: 11 points reaching 1,315 ● The University will have one College of
● Year-on-Year Inflation Trends: 5.96% in Horticulture for Graduate and
October 2024, compared to 7.08% in Post-Graduate studies and five schools
October 2023. covering 10 horticulture disciplines.
● Index: Consumer Price Index Rural ● It will work towards crop diversification
Labourers (CPI-RL) and world class research for development
● Increased by: 10 points, reaching 1,326 of horticulture technologies.
● Year-on-Year Inflation Trends: 6.00% in 18. HSBC India launches credit card for global
October 2024, compared to 6.92% in private banking
October 2023. ● HSBC India has launched the HSBC Privé.
● September 2024 Inflation Rates: CPI-AL at ● It is a premium credit card.
6.36% and CPI-RL at 6.39%. ● Designed exclusively for its high-net-worth
16. India’s CPI Inflation Drops to 5.5% in November and ultra-high-net-worth clients
● Index: Consumer Price Index (CPI) ● The card was developed in partnership
● November 2024: 5.53% with Mastercard.
● October 2024: 6.21% ● Note:
● Reason: Fall in vegetable prices, after a ● Recently, Axis Bank introduced its
sharp rise in October ultra-premium Primus credit card, which
● This moderation, along with stabilizing boasts a hefty joining fee of Rs 5 lakh.
edible oil prices, offers relief to households. ● HSBC India CEO: Hitendra Dave
● Core inflation remains steady at 3.7%. ● Headquarters: Mumbai
17. Prime Minister to launch ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ ● HSBC Bank has named Indian-origin Pam
● Launch of: ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana Kaur as its new Chief Financial Officer
● Launch in: Panipat, Haryana (CFO)
● Launch by: PM Narendra Modi ● IIT Bombay Partners With HSBC India To
● Aim: To women empowerment and Advance Green Hydrogen Solutions
financial inclusion ● Maruti Suzuki ties up with HSBC India for
● Initiative of: Life Insurance Corporation of inventory funding
India (LIC) ● HSBC launches ‘Helping hands mela’, an
● Age group: 18-70 years expo of products made by NGOs
● Eligibility: Class X pass 19. BharatPe UPI Launches ‘Shield’
● They will receive specialized training and a ● Name of Plan: Shield
stipend for the first three years to promote ● Launch by: BharatPe App
financial literacy and insurance awareness. ● Aim: Safeguarding digital UPI transactions
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● It is designed to provide users with a secure modernize infrastructure, streamline
and worry-free payment experience. processes, and integrate digital
● BharatPe Shield offers robust coverage and technologies.
seamless support against digital fraud. ● These improvements are expected to boost
● Users making their first UPI transaction manufacturing competitiveness, create
with the BharatPe App will receive 30 days jobs, and promote economic growth.
of complementary fraud protection for 22. Deutsche Bank AG, India, provides € 91 million
amounts up to ₹5,000. sustainability-linked-loan to SMFG India Credit
● Following this free period, users can ● Deutsche Bank AG, India has provided a
continue the service at an affordable fee of €91 million (about ₹814 crore)
₹19 per month. sustainability-linked-loan to SMFG India
● It also offers a pre-reporting period, Credit (SMICC).
enabling claims for losses incurred up to 10 ● The loan was facilitated via the Bank’s Gift
days prior to reporting. City Branch.
● Bharatpe CEO: Nalin Negi ● The loan will help to expand SMICC’s
20. UPI enabled significant expansion of credit portfolio and enable channeling funds
among underserved borrowers: Study toward MSMEs and also empower women
● Study by: Open Banking and Digital entrepreneurs in underserved segments
Payments: Implications for Credit Access across India.
● Highlights: ● Deutsche Bank
● UPI has enabled nearly three hundred ● German multinational investment bank
million individuals and around fifty million ● Established : 10 March 1870
merchants to perform seamless digital ● HQ : Frankfurt, Germany
transactions. ● SMFG India Credit
● 75% percent of all digital retail payments in ● SMFG India Credit Co. Ltd., also known as
India were done through UPI by October SMICC (formerly Fullerton India Credit Co.
2023. Ltd
● It has also enabled underserved groups, ● Indian non-banking financial company
including subprime and new-to-credit headquartered in Mumbai, India.
borrowers, to access formal credit for the ● Launched in 2007
first time. ● M.D. CEO : Shantanu Mitra
● The affordability of digital technology ● Part of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
played a critical role, enabling widespread Corporation
UPI adoption in rural and urban areas alike 23. Paytm to add Rs 2,364 crore to its kitty through
● Despite the credit surge, default rates did sale of PayPay shares
not rise, showing that UPI-enabled digital ● Paytm will sell its 5.4% shareholding in
transaction data helped lenders expand Japanese payment company PayPay for Rs
responsibly. 2,364 crore, or nearly $280 million, to
21. ADB approves $350 mn loan to enhance India's SoftBank.
logistics and exports ● The shares will be transferred to SoftBank
● Loan from: Asian Development Bank Vision Fund 2.
● Loan Amount: $350 million ● Through the deal, PayPay will be valued at
● Loan to: India 1.06 trillion Japanese yen ($7 billion
● Reason: To bolster India's logistics sector approximately).
● This funding supports government ● Softbank Group
initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti plan and ● Japanse Company
National Logistics Policy, aiming to ● HQ : Tokyo, Japan
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Chairman and CEO : Masayoshi Son ● The bank has an offer in hand to sell the
● Founded : September 1981 asset, which has been set as the anchor bid
24. Reserve Bank of India Increases India’s Gold or the base bid.
Reserves by 27 Tonnes in October 2024 ● The reserve price for the asset is set at Rs
● Data by: World Gold Council (WGC) 125 crore.
● Month: October 2024 ● About SBI:
● Central bank gold buying surged to 60 ● Founded: 1 July 1955
tonnes with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
leading the increase by adding 27 tonnes to ● Chairman: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
its reserves. ● CFO: Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti
● From January to October 2024, India 27. RBI Introduces Podcast Facility for Public
purchased a total of 77 tonnes of gold. Communication
● This is a five-fold increase compared to the ● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
same period in 2023. announced plans to launch a podcast series
● With the October purchase, India’s total aimed at enhancing public communication
gold reserves reached 882 tonnes, of which and financial literacy.
510 tonnes are held domestically in India. ● This initiative marks the RBI's continued
25. SBI Card Surpasses 20 Million Credit Cards efforts to expand its communication tools.
Milestone 28. India's GDP expected to fall below 6.5 pc in
● SBI Card has surpassed 20 million credit FY25 : SBI
cards in circulation, a significant ● GDP Forecast : FY25
achievement since its 1998 inception. ● RBI : 6.6%
● With a 25% CAGR in cards and 26% in ● JP Morgan : 6.4%
spending from FY19 to FY24, it remains the ● S&P : 6.8%, FY26 : 6.7%
second-largest issuer in India, following ● OECD : 6.8%
HDFC Bank. ● Morgan Stanley : 6.3%, 6.5% : FY26
● Total number of credit cards in circulation 29. CCI approves the acquisition of certain
in India rose by 12.85% YoY to 106.88 shareholding of Shiprocket Private Limited byc,
million. Ltd.
● MD & CEO of SBI Card: Abhijit Chakravorty ● Competition Commission of India (CCI) has
26. SBI looks to sell Rs 2,732 cr of bad loans in ARSS approved the acquisition of certain
Infrastructure Projects shareholding of Shiprocket Private Limited
● India's largest lender State Bank of India by MUFG Bank, Ltd.
(SBI) is looking to sell bad loans worth Rs ● The Proposed Combination envisages
2,732.5 crore. acquisition of certain shareholding of
● It is related to Odisha-based ARSS Shiprocket Private Limited (Target) by
Infrastructure Projects Ltd MUFG Bank, Ltd. (Acquirer).
● SBI will sell through a Swiss challenge ● The Acquirer is incorporated in Japan and
auction is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi
● It has invited expressions of interest (EoIs) UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG), being the
from entities interested in submitting ultimate parent company.
counter bids for the asset on a full cash ● It is engaged in banking services in India.
basis. 30. NPCI approves Phi Commerce’s UPI Switch
● SBI holds primary securities worth Rs ● Phi Commerce : a fintech digital payment
230.46 crore against the asset; collateral company
securities worth Rs 31.58 crore; and ● UPI Switch : UPI Switch is a software that
third-party guarantees of Rs 23.28 crore. enables communication between core
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
banking systems and NPCI's UPI systems to
process UPI transactions
31. Asian Development Bank approves grant of c to
Solomon Islands
● Laon to: Solomon Islands
● Loan by: Asian Development Bank
● Loan amount: Asian Development Bank
● Focus area: Sustainable, inclusive, and
climate-resilient water supply and
sanitation services in the greater Honiara
area and in five other towns
● Solomon Islands Capital: Honiara
● Solomon Islands Currency: Solomon
Islands Dollar 33. Edelweiss launches India's first ETF for capital
● About Asian Development Bank: markets, insurance Sectors
○ Formation: 19 December 1966 ● Context: India's first ETF for capital
○ Purpose: Social and Economic markets, insurance Sectors
Development ● Launched by: Edelweiss
○ Headquarters: Manila, Philippines ● Designed to: Replicate and track the BSE
○ Membership: 69 countries Capital Markets & Insurance Total Return
○ President: Masatsugu Asakawa Index
(until February 23, 2025), Masato ● Subscription from: December 10 to
Kanda December 24, 2024
32. Asian Development Bank lowers India's growth ● Aim: To benefit from the wealth creation
forecast to 6.5% for FY25 potential in capital markets and the
● Name of organization: Asian Development expanding insurance industry.
Bank ● The maximum constituents are capped at
● Context: Lowers India's growth forecast 30.
● Previous forecast: 7% for FY25 ● Minimum subscription amount of Rs. 5,000
● Current Forecast: 6.5% for FY25 and in multiples of Re. 1 thereafter.
● ADB kept the forecast unchanged at 4.7 per 34. FDI equity flows up 45% at $29.8 billion in
cent for FY25, but lowered the FY26 H1FY25
outlook to 4.3 per cent ● Foreign direct equity investment witnessed
● RBI lowered the growth estimate for FY25 a 45% jump at $29.8 billion in the first six
to 6.6 per cent from 7.2 per cent. months of the current financial year.
● Data by: Department for Promotion of
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)
● The rise in foreign direct investment (FDI)
equity inflows comes after a contraction in
inflows for three consecutive financial
years: FY22, FY23, FY24.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● After their confluence, the river takes on
the name Brahmaputra.
2. Bald eagle officially designated as the United
States National Bird
● National Bird of USA: Bald eagle
● Bald Eagle Scientific Name: Haliaeetus
leucocephalus
● It is a symbol of the power and strength of
the United States for more than 240 years.
● It officially became the country’s national
bird.
● The bald eagle has appeared on the Great
Seal of the United States, which is used in
official documents, since 1782, when the
design was finalized.
● The seal is made up of the eagle, an olive
branch, arrows, a flag-like shield, the motto
International News “E Pluribus Unum” and a constellation of
1. China Approves $137-Billion Mega Dam on stars.
Brahmaputra Near Indian Border 3. Russian cargo ship ‘Ursa Major’ sinks in
● China has approved the construction of the Mediterranean Sea after explosion
world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra in ● The largest cargo ship in the Russian
Tibet. military’s logistics fleet, the Ursa Major,
● Cost: $137-billion sank in the Mediterranean Sea after an
● Type: Hydropower project explosion in its engine room.
● Impact on India: Raises concerns in India ● The Ursa Major had a capacity of 1,200 tons
and Bangladesh over water control, and was capable of carrying 120 vehicles
potential flooding during conflicts, and on its deck.
ecological risks in a seismically active ● Russia:
region. ● Capital: Moscow
● India’s Response: India is constructing its ● Currency: Russian Ruble
own dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal 4. World's most active volcanoes Hawaii's Kilauea is
Pradesh. erupting again
● Brahmaputra River: Originates in Tibet, ● One of the world's most active volcanoes
flows into Arunachal Pradesh, India, and Hawaii's Kilauea is erupting again.
then into Bangladesh ● Location: Southern part of Hawaii's Big
● The Brahmaputra (meaning the Son of Island, within Hawai'i Volcanoes National
Brahma) rises in the Chemayungdung Park, U.S.A.
glacier in southwestern Tibet. ● Type: Youngest and most active Hawaiian
● The river, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in shield volcano, renowned for frequent
southern Tibet eruptions.
● It flows through dramatic gorges in the ● Eruption zones: Erupts from vents at its
Himalayas and enters Arunachal Pradesh, summit caldera or along rift zones.
where it is called the Dihang. 5. India registers ‘significant progress’ in reducing
● Dihang veers southwest and is joined by the malaria cases: WHO
Lohit and Dibang rivers. ● Name of report: World Malaria Report 2024
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Released by: World Health Organisation ● Currency: Ringgit
(WHO) 8. Sri Lanka lifts vehicles import ban for first time
● Highlights: in 4 years
● The number of estimated malaria cases in ● Context: Lifted the vehicles import ban to
India has reduced from 6.4 million in 2017 ease the pressure on foreign exchange
to around 2 million cases in 2023. reserves owing to the COVID-19 pandemic
● Similarly, the estimated malaria deaths in ● Country: Sri Lanka
India is decreased from 11,100 to 3,500 ● Initially ban: 2020
during the same period which is a 68 per ● The importing cars for private use will be
cent decrease. allowed from February 2025.
● High-Burden to High-Impact (HBHI) group ● All importers must sell their imports within
Initiative targets regions heavily impacted three months, if not a three per cent fee
by malaria, mainly in Africa and parts of would be charged.
Asia, as Africa accounts for 95% of global 9. PM Modi hails diaspora in Kuwait
malaria deaths, with children being the ● PM Narendra Modi undertook a two-day
most vulnerable. visit to Kuwait on 21st December 2024.
● Globally, almost one in 10 children die from ● Invited by: Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal
malaria each year. Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
● World Malaria Day is observed annually on ● Note: This will be the first visit of an Indian
April 25 Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
● The theme for World Malaria Day 2025 is ● He accorded a ceremonial guard of honour
"Invest in the future. Defeat malaria". at the Bayan Palace.
6. World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 ● Capital: Kuwait City
● World Economic Forum Annual Meeting ● Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar
2025 to be held in Davos, Switzerland from ● Official language: Arabic
January 20th to 24th, 2025. 10. At $129 bn, India top recipient of remittances
● 2025 theme: Collaboration for the this year
Intelligent Age ● The World Bank has released the data of
● World Economic Forum the top recipients of remittances among
● It was founded on 24 January 1971 by Low- and Middle-Income countries in 2024.
German engineer Klaus Schwab. ● Top five countries: India (estimated inflow
● It is an international advocacy of $129 billion), Mexico ($68 billion), China
non-governmental organization and think ($48 billion), the Philippines ($40 billion),
tank, based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, and Pakistan ($33 billion)
Switzerland.
7. Indians can travel to Malaysia without a visa for
30 days until Dec 2026
● Context: Free visa for Indians
● Country: Malaysia
● Extended till: December 31, 2026
● Allowing them to visit the country without
a visa for up to 30 days.
● The visa liberalization plan was initially
introduced in 2023 to enhance tourism and
stimulate economic growth.
● Capital: Kuala Lumpur
● Language: Malay
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Indonesia will host the 12th D-8 summit
meeting in 2025.
● D-8 is a group of eight Islamic countries
● Theme : “Investing in Youth and Supporting
Small and Medium Enterprises: Towards
Shaping the Economy of Tomorrow.”
● Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also
participated in the summit.
● The D-8 Organization for Economic
Cooperation is a multilateral forum of 8
Islamic countries - Egypt, Bangladesh,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Iran, Pakistan
and Turkiye.
● It was officially set up in June 1997
3. Sweden to significantly expand defense
capabilities by 2030
1. Nepal is all set for year-end festivities
● Sweden’s Parliament has approved a new
● Nepal is all set to attract tourists for the
defence plan.
year-end and New Year celebrations.
● New Defence plan: Increasing the military
● The 18th edition of the elephant festival is
budget from 125 billion Swedish Krona
scheduled from December 26 to December
(SEK) in 2024 to 186 billion SEK by 2030.
30 in Sauraha.
● Sweden’s defence force will grow to one
● Baghmara Ground in Sauraha is the venue
lakh 30 thousand personnel by 2035 from
for the festival
88,000.
● Targeting huge tourist inflow, the tourism
● Capital: Stockholm
capital of Nepal, Pokhara, is preparing itself
● Official language: Swedish
for the Balloon Festival starting from
● Prime Minister: Ulf Kristersson
December 24 till January 1, while the
● Currency: Swedish krona
International Street Festival on the lakeside
4. Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Access to Indians
is going to take place from December 28 to
● Indians will be among the nationals from
January 1.
39 countries – who will have free visas to
● Capital: Kathmandu
travel to Sri Lanka from January 2025.
● Currency: Nepalese Rupee
● This announcement was made by Sri
● President: Ram Chandra Poudel
Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath
● Prime Minister: K. P. Sharma Oli
during an event in New Delhi
2. 11th D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation
● Aim: To strengthen bilateral relations
meeting held in Egypt
between Sri Lanka and India.
● 11th summit meeting of the Developing
● President : Anura Kumara Dissanayake
Eight (D-8) Organization for Economic
● Prime Minister : Harini Amarasuriya
Cooperation was held in the New
● Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Administrative Capital of Egypt.
(legislative), Colombo (executive and
● The 10th summit meeting of D-8 countries
judicial)
was held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 8th April
● Currency : Sri Lankan rupee
2021.
5. Mount Semeru Erupts in Indonesia
● Egypt assumed the rotating presidency of
● Mount Semeru in East Java erupted,
the D-8 groups from Bangladesh.
releasing a 1,000-meter ash column and
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
triggering a second-highest aviation ● Fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global
warning within 5 km of the volcano. turnover will be imposed on companies
● A 3-km danger zone and extended failing to comply.
prohibitions near rivers due to risks of lava 9. Italy Grants Citizenship to Argentine President
flows and hot clouds were declared. Javier Milei
6. India, Sri Lanka to Fast-Track Economic and ● The Italian govt granted Javier Milei
Defence Cooperation Agreements citizenship based on his Italian heritage.
● Agreement : Economic and Technology ● Critics, like lawmaker Riccardo Magi,
Cooperation Agreement (ETCA). highlighted the inequity of granting
● A ferry service will be introduced between citizenship to descendants of Italians while
Rameswaram (India) and Talaimannar (Sri denying it to children born in Italy.
Lanka) to enhance connectivity. ● PM Giorgia Meloni met Milei to discuss
● First Overseas Visit of Sri Lankan President: bilateral cooperation, including a
This was the first overseas visit of 2025-2030 Action Plan focusing on
President Dissanayake after assuming office economic, judicial, and security
in September 2024. collaborations
● President : Anura Kumara Dissanayake 10. South Korea to Invest $1.9 Billion in Climate
● Prime Minister : Harini Amarasuriya Tech
● Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte ● The South Korean government plans to
(legislative), Colombo (executive and invest 2.7 trillion won ($1.9 billion) in
judicial) developing technologies to combat climate
● Currency : Sri Lankan rupee change next year.
● M-PINS : Mauritius, Pakistan, India, Nepal, ● This represents a 3.9 percent increase from
Sri Lanka, Seychelles. the 2.6 trillion won allocated for the
● Rufiyaa : Maldives, Rupiah : Indonesia. initiative in 2024.
7. Israel drops a bomb on Syria, creating a massive ● South Korea has committed to reducing
mushroom cloud greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent
● Israel launched a powerful airstrike on from 2018 levels by 2030 and achieving
northwestern Syria, near the city of Tartus. carbon neutrality by 2050.
● The bomb was reportedly so massive that it 11. Britain Becomes First European Nation to Join
measured 3.0 on the Richter scale. CPTPP
● The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ● Britain has officially become the 12th
described it as the heaviest strike in Syria's member of the Comprehensive and
coastal region since 2012. Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific
● The strikes reportedly targeted air defense Partnership.
units and surface-to-surface missile depots. ● The CPTPP is a trade bloc that includes
8. Britain Implements First Codes of Practice on Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand,
Online Safety Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru,
● Britain’s online safety regime came into Singapore, and Vietnam.
effect, requiring social media platforms like ● This move follows Brexit, as the UK seeks to
Meta's Facebook to address criminal establish new global trade relationships
activities and enhance safety features. outside the European Union.
● Ofcom published its first codes of practice 12. Britain Becomes First European Nation to Join
focused on combating illegal content, such CPTPP
as child sexual abuse and suicide. ● Britain became the first European nation to
join the Comprehensive and Progressive
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership 13. Switzerland Suspends ‘Most Favoured Nation’
(CPTPP). Status to India
● Member: 12th ● Switzerland has suspended the 'Most
● The bloc comprises Canada and Japan, Favoured Nation' clause in its tax treaty
Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Chile, with India.
Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, and ● Now, Swiss dividends to Indian entities will
Vietnam. be taxed at 10% from Jan 1, 2025, instead
● The UK is attempting to establish new trade of the previous 5%.
deals abroad after signing the accession ● India and Switzerland signed the DTAA on
treaty with most EU members. August 30, 2010.
● The UK is attempting to establish new trade
deals abroad after signing the accession
treaty with most EU members.
● Next members : Costa Rica is the next
applicant country to go through the process
of joining, while Indonesia also aims to do
so.
● Static GK Pro
● Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement
for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)
● CPTPP is a free trade bloc spanning five
14. Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique, Wrecks Havoc
continents, made up of Pacific rim countries
in Mayotte
of Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, New
● Cyclone Chido devastated Mayotte, France
Zealand, Australia, Brunei, Singapore,
● Category 4 storm
Malaysia, Vietnam, the UK and Japan.
● This is the strongest cyclone to hit Mayotte
● The pact requires countries to eliminate or
in over 90 years.
significantly reduce tariffs
● Capital : Maputo
● It was initially known as the Trans-Pacific
● Currency : Metical
Partnership (TPP) but was renamed after
● President : Filipe Nyusi
the United States withdrew from the
15. Mount Semeru Eruption in East Java
agreement in January 2017.
● Mount Semeru erupted on 15th December,
● India-UK
sending a thick ash column 1,000 meters
● 3rd India-UK Financial Markets Dialogue :
into the sky.
This dialogue involved key regulatory
● Indonesia's Center for Volcanology issued
bodies, including the Reserve Bank of India
an orange aviation warning and restricted
(RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of
flights within 5 kilometers of the volcano.
India (SEBI), and the Bank of England
● Located in East Java
(BoE).
● Semeru is 3,676 meters tall, one of
● Static GK Pro
Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes.
● Reserve Bank of India is India’s central
16. Moldova Joined International Solar Alliance
bank. It regulates the financial system and
(ISA)
manages monetary policy.
● Moldova has signed the ISA Framework
● The Securities and Exchange Board of India
Agreement, marking its commitment to
is the regulatory authority for securities
clean energy and sustainability.
markets. Established in 1992
● ​The ISA's framework agreement
● Sanjay Malhotra became the 26th RBI
emphasizes the need for cooperation
Governor.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
among member countries to achieve the ● Inaugurated in March 2022
common goal of increasing the use of solar ● Signatories : 175 countries
energy. ● Implementation in 2024
● Headquarters: National Institute of Solar ● Venue : Busan, South Korea
Energy, Gurugram, Haryana, India 4. World Maritime Conference 2024
● Founded at: Paris, France ● The World Maritime Conference 2024 is
● Formation: 30 November 2015 scheduled to be held in Chennai from 4th to
● Director General: Ashish Khanna (Replace: 6th December.
Ajay Mathur) ● The Director General of Shipping Shyam
● President: India Jagannathan will be the Guest of Honour.
● Co-President: France ● This conference will be conducted in India
● Armenia was the 104th member, joining in after 15 years, will discuss various
November 2024. futuristic developments and present
● Moldova Capital : Chisinau challenges in the Maritime World.
● Moldova Currency : Leu 5. World’s Largest UN Convention to Combat
● Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihail Popsoi Desertification begins in Riyadh
arrives in India for first official visit ● The world’s largest United Nations
● The second India-Moldova Foreign Office Convention to Combat Desertification
Consultations (FOC) was held in New Delhi. began in Riyadh.
● 2024 theme: Our Land. Our Future
1. Jaishankar Opens Indian Embassy’s New ● It bringing together an unprecedented
Chancery in Italy gathering of global leaders, policymakers,
● Jaishankar inaugurated the new Chancery and environmental experts.
of the Indian Embassy in Rome. ● This critical conference is running from
● Aim: To enhance Embassy services and December 2nd to 13th.
strengthens India-Italy ties. ● Aim: To accelerate action on land
● It aligns with Italy’s Indo-Mediterranean restoration and drought resilience
strategy and India’s growing global role. worldwide.
● Italy: 6. AOMSUC-14 Innovating Weather Monitoring
● Capital: Rome ● The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological
● Currency: Eero Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) is
● President: Sergio Mattarella scheduled to take place from December
● Prime minister: Giorgia Meloni 4–6, 2024, in New Delhi, India.
2. India Re-Elected to UN Peacebuilding ● Hosted by the India Meteorological
Commission for 2025-2026 Department (IMD) under the Ministry of
● India has been re-elected to the UNP Earth Sciences
Commission for the 2025-2026 term, ● This event will bring together
reaffirming its commitment to global peace. meteorologists, satellite operators,
● India has played a key role in shaping the scientists, and young researchers from
Commission’s strategies since its across the globe.
establishment in 2005. ● Aim: To foster collaboration and advancing
● UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) is an satellite meteorology, the conference will
intergovernmental advisory body designed include oral and poster presentations,
to support peace initiatives in panel discussions, and a training workshop.
conflict-affected regions. ● The first AOMSUC was held in Beijing,
3. The world’s first plastic pollution agreement in China, in 2010.
South Korea 7. Oxford Picks “Brain Rot” as 2024’s Top Word
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Oxford University Press (OUP) has 11. IndiGo Ranks Among Worst Airlines Globally in
announced ‘brain rot’ as the Oxford Word of AirHelp 2024 Report
the Year 2024. ● IndiGo Airlines ranks 103rd out of 109 in
● It is reflecting a defining cultural and the 2024 AirHelp Score report, marking it
societal theme of the year. as one of the worst performers globally.
● The term gained prominence due to ● Air India ranked 61st in the report.
concerns over the detrimental effects of ● Best airlines: Brussels Airlines (1st), Qatar
consuming excessive amounts of Airways (2nd), United Airlines (3rd)
low-quality online content. ● Worst airline: Tunisair (109th)
8. South Korea President declares martial law ● Other bottom performers include Ryanair
● South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (101st), Aer Lingus (102nd), and IndiGo
declared martial law. (103rd).
● Claim: To eradicate “proNorth Korean
antistate forces” 1. India Backs UNGA Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire
● South Korea: ● India joined 157 nations in voting for a UN
● Capital: Seoul General Assembly resolution calling for an
● Currency: South Korean won immediate, unconditional, and permanent
● President: Yoon Suk Yeol ceasefire in Gaza.
9. French govt collapses as PM Barnier loses ● The resolution also supported the UNRWA's
no-confidence vote in Parliament mandate despite Israeli opposition and
● France's far-right and left-wing lawmakers accusations linking the agency to Hamas.
joined together in a historic no-confidence ● India's stance emphasizes humanitarian
vote prompted by budget disputes that aid, ceasefire, dialogue, and adherence to
forces Prime Minister Michel Barnier and international law.
his Cabinet members to resign, a first since ● Static GK PRO
1962. ● UNRWA
● The National Assembly approved the ● United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
motion by 331 votes. Palestine Refugees in the Near East
● A minimum of 288 were needed. ● Established : 8 December 1949
● President Emmanuel Macron insisted he ● HQ : Amman, Jordan
will serve the rest of his term until 2027. ● direct relief and works programmes for
● However, he will need to appoint a new Palestinian refugees
prime minister for the second time after ● Static GK PRO
July's legislative elections led to a deeply ● Gaza Strip
divided parliament. ● Situated along the Mediterranean Sea, the
10. Philippines launches e-Visa for Indians, Gaza Strip is a Palestinian territory that
enabling faster travel processing shares borders with Israel and Egypt’s Sinai
● Indians can now apply for an e-visa, Peninsula.
following an announcement last week by ● It, along with the West Bank, comprises the
the Philippine Department of Foreign State of Palestine, with Israel acting as a
Affairs (DFA). dividing entity between these two regions.
● The rollout of the e-visa system has been in ● Static GK PRO
development since 2019, with collaboration ● Hamas
between the DFA, the Department of ● Hamas is a Palestinian group founded in
Information and Communications 1987.
Technology (DICT), and the Philippine ● It aims to establish an Islamic state within
Statistics Authority (PSA). Palestine.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Hamas is considered a terrorist Programme in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from
organization by Israel, the United States, 3-14 June 1992.
and the European Union ● The Convention entered into force on 26
2. World's Richest Families 2024 December 1996 and currently has 197
● Data by: Bloomberg parties.
● World Richest Family: Waltons ($432.4 ● Other Summits
billion) ● The 29th Conference of Parties (CoP) of the
● From India, the Ambanis secured the 8th United Nations Framework Convention on
position ($99.6 billion), while the Mistrys of Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in
Shapoorji Pallonji ($41.4 billion) landed at Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November
23rd on the list. 2024.
● Top 5 — World's Richest Families 2024 ● The Belem City of Brazil will host the 30th
● The Waltons of Walmart: Worth $432.4 CoP of the UNFCCC in November 2025.
billion ● Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
● The Al Nahyan family: Worth $323.9 billion ● The Convention on Biological
● The Al Thani family: Worth $172.9 billion Diversity(CBD) is a United Nations
● The Hermès family: Worth $170.6 billion agreement to protect the planet's
● The Koch family: Worth $148.5 billion biodiversity.
3. 16th COP of the UNCCD Commences in Riyadh, ● The 16th session of the Conference of
Saudi Arabia Parties (CoP) of the Convention on
● The 16th session of the Conference of the Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Cali,
Parties (COP) of the United Nations Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November
Convention to Combat Desertification 2024.
(UNCCD) commenced in Riyadh, Saudi ● The 16th COP of the Convention on
Arabia on 2 December 2024. Biological Diversity will resume in Rome,
● The COP to the UNFCCD is held every two Italy, from 25 to 27 February.
years, and the 15th COP was held in May 4. Poland President Andrzej Duda signs law to
2022 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. freeze electricity prices
● The theme of the 16th COP of the UNCCD is ● Signed law: Freeze electricity prices for
Our Land. Our Future. households at 500 Polish zlotys per
● The Indian delegation at the 16th CoP of megawatt-hour
the UNCCD is being jointly led by the Union ● Signed by: President of Poland Andrzej
Minister for Environment, Forest and Duda
Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav and the ● Untill: September 2025
chief minister of Haryana, Nayab Singh ● Benefit:
Saini. ● Local government units
● Bhupendra Yadav planted a tree sapling at ● Certain sensitive entities from a capped
the Indian Embassy in Riyadh as per the electricity price of 693 Polish zlotys per
government’s India’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke megawatt-hour until the end of March 2025
Naam” initiative. ● The law also requires electricity sellers to
● The United Nations Convention to Combat submit tariff adjustment applications to the
Desertification (UNCCD) is the outcome of president of the Energy Regulatory Office
the United Nations Conference on by the 30th of April 2025.
Environment and Development (UNCED), ● Poland Capital: Warsaw
also known as the Earth Summit, organised ● Poland Currency: Zolty
by the United Nations Environment 5. Elon Musk becomes first person to reach $400
billion in net worth
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Data by: Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
● Context: First person to reach $400 billion
in net worth
● Name of personality: Elon Musk
● Musk’s fortune has increased by 77% since
Trump’s victory
6. US-Bahrain geospatial partnership expands as
UK joins security pact
● Pact Between: US and Bahrain
● Joined by: UK (3rd nation)
● What is the pact?
● An expansion of their strategic partnership
through the Comprehensive Security
Integration and Prosperity Agreement
(C-SIPA).
● Central to this partnership is the newly
unveiled Geospatial Acceleration Initiative,
which leverages the expertise of the U.S.
National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
(NGA) to enhance regional maritime
security and navigation safety.
● This initiative will focus on developing and
sharing critical hydrographic, aeronautical,
and topographic data among partner
nations.
7. QS World University Rankings: Sustainability
2025
● Index: World University Rankings:
Sustainability 2025
● Released by: Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
● Top institute:

8. Over 77% of Earth’s land has become

significantly drier in past 30 years: UN
● Report by: The UN
● Highlights:
● Over 77% of the Earth’s land has become
significantly drier in the past 30 years.
● this alarming trend poses severe threats to
A total of 78 Indian universities feature in the 2025 QS global agriculture, water resources, and
Sustainability rankings, with nine of the top 10 biodiversity.
institutions in the country improving their ranking this ● The findings underscore the urgent need
year. for innovative water management and
A total of 21 varsities are new to the ranking this time. sustainable land-use practices.
● Scientists and environmentalists are calling
for immediate action to mitigate the
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
devastating impacts of desertification and 10. World’s Oldest Known Wild Bird Lays First Egg
climate change. at 74
● Africa lost about 12 percent of its GDP due ● The world's oldest known wild bird, a
to increasing aridity between 1990 and Laysan albatross named Wisdom, has
2015. astonished wildlife enthusiasts yet again.
● It also estimated that Africa will lose about ● Around 74 years old now, she has laid her
16% of its GDP, and Asia close to 7%, in the 60th egg—her first in four years—after
next half-decade. returning to Midway Atoll National Wildlife
● It noted that some crops will be particularly Refuge in the northwestern Hawaiian
at risk. Archipelago.
● Maize yields in Kenya are projected to halve ● Her remarkable achievement highlights her
by 2050 if current trends continue. survival instincts, longevity, and ongoing
● Drylands are areas where 90 percent of contribution to her species.
rainfall is lost to evaporation, leaving only 11. India to Chair 68th Session of UN Commission
10 percent for vegetation. on Narcotic Drugs
● Two-thirds of land globally will store less ● India has been selected to chair the 68th
water by mid-century. Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic
9. Nebraska Declares December 6 as Mahatma Drugs (CND), marking its first leadership
Gandhi Remembrance Day role in this global body.
● US State, Nebraska declared December 6 as ● Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran has
“A Day of Remembrance for Mahatma officially assumed the chairmanship.
Gandhi.” ● The CND, a key policy-making body of the
● A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at UN, focuses on addressing global
the Nebraska State Capital, Lincoln. drug-related issues and promoting
● Initiative: Collaboration between the Indian international collaboration on drug control
Consulate in Seattle and the Nebraska measures.
Governor’s Office. ● HQ: Vienna, Austria
● First Gandhi bust installation in the nine National News
states under Indian Consulate’s 1. UK Universities Set to Establish Campuses at
jurisdiction. GIFT City
● Related Info ● Context: Queen’s University Belfast and
● Karnataka has declared 2025 as 'Gandhi Coventry University have received approval
Bharat Year' to commemorate the to establish campuses at Gujarat’s GIFT
centenary of the 1924 Congress session in City.
Belagavi, led by Mahatma Gandhi. ● The move is made possible by the
● Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet International Financial Services Authority’s
to be conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace 2022 regulations.
prize ● Programmes to be studied:
● It consists of a monetary award of 25 lakh ● Queen’s University: Postgraduate programs,
rupees along with a citation. potential research and undergraduate
● Daniel Barenboim, Awwad conferred with courses
Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023 ● Coventry University with global campuses
● Daniel Barenboim is an Argentine-born already in Egypt, Poland, Morocco, and
distinguished classical pianist and Kazakhstan, will further expand its
conductor presence in India.
● Ali Abu Awwad is an eminent Palestinian
peace activist
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Campus Duration: Foreign universities in code-based tickets through the RRTS
GIFT City are granted a 5-year registration, Connect app.
which can be renewed for another 5 years. 6. PM Modi chairs 45th edition of PRAGATI
● Deakin University was the first foreign ● Name of meeting: PRAGATI ( Pro-Active
university to establish a campus in GIFT Governance and Timely Implementation)
City in January 2024 ● Edition: 45th
2. DGCA Fines Akasa Air ₹10 Lakh for Passenger ● Chaired by: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Boarding Denial Incident ● Reviewed: 8 projects
● The Directorate General of Civil Aviation ● Project cost: More than one lakh crore
(DGCA) has imposed a ₹10 lakh fine on rupees
Akasa Air ● Project Include:
● Reason: For failing to provide mandatory ● 6 Metro Projects of Urban Transport
compensation to seven passengers denied ● Project each relating to Road connectivity
boarding a Bengaluru-Pune flight on and Thermal power
September 6, 2024. ● PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
● The airline cited operational issues as the ● PRAGATI:
reason for the incident but failed to comply ○ Launched in 2015
with DGCA compensation regulations. ○ It is the multimodal platform for
● DGCA DG: Vikram Dev Dutt Pro-Active Governance and Timely
3. India Emerges as the 6th Largest Solar PV Implementation involving central
Exporter and state governments.
● India has achieved a significant ranking as ○ It has been designed by the Prime
the sixth largest exporter of solar Minister’s Office (PMO) team with
photovoltaic (PV) products globally. the help of the National Informatics
● Share: Global solar PV export market Center (NIC).
increasing from 0.4% in 2013 to 2.51% in 7. Govt imposes import restrictions on low ash
2023 metallurgical coke
● Solar PV exports rose from $200.8 million ● The government has imposed import
in 2013 to $1.83 billion in 2023—a restrictions on low ash metallurgical coke.
remarkable eightfold increase. ● Time period: Six months from January 1 to
4. Ministry of Ayush Launches Film Series on June 30, 2025
National Ayush Mission ● The government has also imposed
● The Ministry of Ayush has launched a film quantitative restrictions (QR) on the
series titled “Ayush for All: Holistic Health imports from certain countries, including
Care through National Ayush Mission". Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia,
● Launched by: Prataprao Jadhav, Union Japan, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Singapore,
Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Ayush Switzerland, and the UK.
5. Namo Bharat train commuters to get 10 per cent ● These imports are subject to certain
discount on tickets through RRTS app conditions.
● National Capital Region Transport ● Imports would be permitted through EDI
Corporation (NCRTC) has started a loyalty (electronic data interchange) ports only to
points programme for the convenience of facilitate electronic/real-time monitoring of
commuters, offering a 10% discount on the allocated quota.
fares. ● The QR will be monitored on a quarterly
● Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor basis so that total imports do not exceed
● Under this programme, commuters can the specified quantity.
earn loyalty points by purchasing QR 8. ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ Initiative
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Launch of: ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ ● Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
initiative ● The Prime Minister will launch Suposhit
● Launched on: Good Governance Day (25th Gram Panchayat Abhiyan.
December 2024) ● Aim: To improve nutritional outcomes and
● Reason: To commemorates the 100th birth well-being by strengthening the
anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal implementation of nutrition-related
Bihari Vajpayee services and by ensuring active community
● Phase 1 : Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and participation.
Andhra Pradesh. 10. No-Detention Policy Abolished for Classes 5 and
● The initiative aims to strengthen Panchayati 8 in Central Schools
Raj Institutions (PRIs) through enhanced ● Context: Eliminated the “no-detention
governance tools and knowledge. policy” for classes 5 and 8 in schools
● The initiative is part of the ‘Prashasan Gaon ● Decision of: Central Government
Ki Aur’ campaign, to empower elected ● Why? To allow failing students to be
representatives and officials in effective retained in the same grade if they do not
governance. pass their year-end tests.
● Other Initiatives : ● Applicability:
● New dashboard on the iGOT Karmayogi ● The notification applies to over 3,000
platform central government-run institutions,
● iGOT Karmayogi App was launched for including:
Android (in December, 2022), and iOS (in ● Kendriya Vidyalayas
January, 2023) ● Navodaya Vidyalayas
● Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ● Sainik Schools
to setup iGOT Lab to facilitate Online ● Students failing year-end tests will receive
Learning for Employees extra tutoring and can retake exams within
● Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi two months.
inaugurated the National Learning Week ● If they fail the re-exam, they will be
‘Karmayogi Saptah’ on October 19, 2024, retained in the same grade.
which runs until October 25, 2024. 11. India Ranks 49th in Network Readiness Index
● 13 employees were awarded the “Adarsh (NRI) 2024
Karmayogi Awards” for completing over ● 2024 Network Readiness Index
100 courses on the iGOT Karmayogi portal. ● India rank: 49th
● Status: Improved, climbing 11 positions
from the previous year.
● Published by: Portulans Institute in
Washington DC
● It evaluates how effectively countries utilize
technology for governance and citizen
engagement.
● India’s score improved from 49.93 in 2023
to 53.63 in 2024, reflecting the nation’s
9. PM Modi set to launch 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat
commitment to enhancing its digital
Abhiyan'
landscape.
● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
● Total Economies : 133
participate in the nationwide Veer Baal
● Theme : “Building a Digital Tomorrow:
Diwas celebrations
Public-Private Investments and Global
● Date: December 26, 2024
Collaboration for Digital Readiness."
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● It is co-published by Portulans Institute and network for buying and selling goods and
Saïd Business School,University of Oxford. services.
● TOP 5 ● It was launched in 2021 under the
● USA, Singapore, Finland, Sweden, Republic Department for Promotion of Industry and
of Korea Internal Trade (DPIIT) by the Ministry of
● Bottom 5 Commerce as part of the Digital India
● Yemen, Burundi, Democratic Republic of initiative.
Congo, Chad, Sierra Leone. ● CEO of Aditya Birla Capital – Vishakha
Mulye
● CEO of ONDC – T. Koshy

● FICCI & ONDC sign MoU to transform digital

experience in travel, tourism & hospitality
industry
● RS Sharma Resigns As ONDC Chairman
● ONDC partners with Nazara to launch
in-game shopping platform 'gCommerce'
● Open Network for Digital Commerce
(ONDC) has launched a subsidiary, Nirmit
Bharat and its buyer app, DigiHaat, aimed
12. Aditya Birla Capital Becomes First to Integrate at enhancing digital commerce accessibility.
Financial Services on ONDC ● DPIIT and HDFC Bank sign MOU to
● Context: First financial services company to strengthen India’s Startup Ecosystem.
integrate lending, insurance, and ● DPIIT also tied up with Tally Solutions for
investments on the Open Network for mentoring Manufacturing Startups.
Digital Commerce (ONDC). ● In November, 2024, DPIIT ammended the
● Name of the company: Aditya Birla Capital Bicycle Retro Reflective Devices Order 2020
● ONDC is a government initiative to create ● DPIIT Secretary : Amaedeep Singh Bhatia.
an open and interoperable e-commerce 13. Report on Domestic Migration released by
network. Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
● It allows buyers and sellers to transact (EAC-PM)
across platforms, supporting inclusivity and ● Report title: ‘400 Million Dreams’
competition in digital commerce. ● Released by: Economic Advisory Council to
● ONDC is a network of interconnected the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
e-marketplaces through which sellers, ● Highlight: The changing patterns of
including brands, can list and sell their migration in India since 2011 Census.
products directly to customers bypassing ● Key findings of report
any middlemen or intermediaries. ● Reduction in Domestic Migrant Numbers:
● It allows transitioning from a By about 12% from 45.57 crore to 40.20
platform-centric model to an open source
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
crore in 2023 with migration rate dropping ● Union Home Minister and Minister of
from ~38% to an estimated ~29% in 2023. Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated 10,000
● Migration originates primarily from areas newly established Multipurpose Primary
around major urban centers like Delhi, Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS), along
Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata with Dairy and Fisheries Cooperative
● Major Migration Routes: UP-Delhi, Societies.
Gujarat-Maharashtra, Telangana-AP, ● NABARD will establish 22,750 PACS in the
Bihar-Delhi (state level). first phase and 47,250 in the second.
● Increase in Migrant Share: West Bengal, ● The goal of creating 2 lakh new PACS in 5
Rajasthan, and Karnataka have seen an years will be completed ahead of schedule
increase in percentage of arriving migrants. 16. India's First Bio-Bitumen National Highway
● Decrease in Migrant Share: Maharashtra Inaugurated
and Andhra Pradesh experienced reduction ● Context: India’s First National Highway
in their share of total migrants. constructed using Bio- Bitumen material
14. Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector ● Name of project: Nagpur-Mansar Bypass
Enterprises project
● Released: The results of Annual Survey of ● Inaugurated by: Union Minister Nitin
Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) Gadkari.
for 2023-24 ● Location: Nagpur District, Maharashtra
● Released by: Ministry of Statistics and ● National Highway: 44
Programme Implementation (MoSPI) ● Bio-bitumen roads are 40% stronger than
● The total number of establishments in the asphalt
sector increased substantially from 6.50 ● Note: 1-km stretch was built using 15%
crore in 2022-23 to 7.34 crore in 2023-24, bio-bitumen
representing a healthy12.84% growth. ● Constructed by: Central Road Research
● Among the broad sectors covered, the Institute (CRRI) and Pune-based biotech
number of establishments in the "Other firm (Praj Industries)
Services" sector recorded a growth of 17. GOVT releases 15th FC grants for UP & Andhra
23.55% followed by a 13% increase Pradesh
witnessed by the manufacturing sector. ● Context: Released the 15th Finance
● During the same period, the Gross Value Commission (FC) grants for Uttar Pradesh
Added (GVA) which is a key indicator of and Andhra Pradesh for rural development.
economic performance rose by16.52% ● Released by: Central Government
driven by a 26.17% growth in other ● Uttar Pradesh Grants: 1,598 crore rupees
services sector. ● Andhra Pradesh Grants: 446 crore rupees
● The percentage of female-owned ● Used by: Panchayati Raj Institutions and
proprietary establishments has increased Rural Local Bodies for location-specific
from 22.9% in 2022-23 to 26.2% needs
● The average emolument per hired worker ● About 15th Finance Commission:
also increased by 13% in 2023-24 ● Chairman: N K Singh
compared to the previous year, 2022-23, ● Tenure: 2020–21 to 2025–26
signaling improvements in wage levels. ● Article 280 and Article 281 of the
● Percentage of establishments using internet Constitution of India deal with the
has also grown significantly from 21.1% in provisions related to the Finance
2022-23 to 26.7% in ASUSE 2023-24. Commission of India (FCI).
15. HM Amit Shah, inaugurates 10,000 newly
established M-PACS
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● It is not a permanent body and the ● Forbes has unveiled its 21st annual list of
President of India constitutes the Finance the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women.
Commission every fifth year. ● Nirmala Sitharaman (Rank 28 overall),
● The primary function of the Finance Finance Minister of India
Commission revolves around making ● Roshni Nadar Malhotra (Rank 81 overall),
recommendations on the distribution of Chairperson of HCL Technologies and CEO
financial resources between the Union of HCL Corporation
Government and the State Governments ● Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Rank 82 overall),
● The Finance Commission consists of a Founder and Chairperson of Biocon
Chairman and four other members to be ● Top 10 Women In That List (2024)
appointed by the President. ● 1. Claudia Sheinbaum – President of Mexico
● The Sixteenth Finance Commission was ● 2. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the
constituted on 31.12.2023 with Shri Arvind European Commission
Panagariya as its Chairman. ● 3. Christine Lagarde – President of the
● The Commission has been requested to European Central Bank
make its recommendations available by ● 4. Giorgia Meloni – Prime Minister of Italy
31.10.2025, covering an award period of 5 ● 5. Mary Barra – CEO of General Motors
years commencing from 1st April 2026. ● 6. Abigail Johnson – CEO of Fidelity
18. Inauguration of Climate Smart Agro-Textile Investments
Demonstration Center ● 7. Julie Sweet – CEO of Accenture
● Inauguration of: Climate Smart Agro-Textile ● 8. Melinda French Gates – Co-chair of the
Demonstration Center Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
● Inaugurated by: Union Jal Shakti Minister C. ● 9. MacKenzie Scott – Philanthropist
R. Paatil ● 10. Jane Fraser – CEO of Citigroup
● Location: Navsari, Gujarat 20. AIM & UNDP Launch Youth Co:Lab 2025 to
● Established by: The Ministry of Textiles in Empower Disability-Inclusive Innovation
collaboration with the Synthetic & Art Silk ● AIM, UNDP, and Citi Foundation have
Mills’ Research Association (SASMIRA) launched the 7th edition of the Youth
● This initiative aligns with the government’s Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for
vision of promoting technical textiles under 2024-2025.
the National Technical Textiles Mission ● Focus: On innovations that enhance
(NTTM) and advancing India’s agriculture opportunities and well-being for Persons
sector towards sustainable and innovative with Disabilities (PwDs)
solutions. ● Implementation Partner: AssisTech
● National Technical Textiles Mission Foundation (ATF)
(NTTM): ● Theme: “Enhance Access to Opportunities
● Launched in 2020, it aims to develop a and Well-Being for Persons with
strong ecosystem for technical textiles by Disabilities.”
supporting various activities such as setting ● It invites solutions in three categories:
up centers of excellence, conducting R&D, ● Inclusive and Accessible Assistive
and encouraging industry collaboration. Technology (AT)
● As per the Union Minister for Textiles, ● Inclusive Educational Technology and
Annual export of technical textiles will Skilling Solutions
cross $10 billion by 2030. ● Accessible and Inclusive Care Models
● Technical textile accounts for 21. PM Modi to lay foundation stone of country’s
approximately 13% of India’s total textile. first Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya
19. 3 Indians in Forbes’ 2024 Power Women List Pradesh
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of ● India’s total forest and tree cover: 827,357
Ken- Betwa river linking national project. square kilometres
● It is the country’s first interlinking of rivers ● 25.17% of the country’s geographical area
project under national perspective plan. ● Total forest cover: Increased by 1,445
● This project will provide irrigation facilities square kilometres
to various districts in Madhya Pradesh and ● Top four states showing maximum increase
Uttar Pradesh benefitting lakhs of farmer in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh
families. (684 sq km) followed by Uttar Pradesh
● The cost of this project is Rs 44,605 crores. (559 sq km), Odisha (559 sq km) and
● 90 percent of the project expenditure will Rajasthan (394 sq km).
be borne by the Central Government and 10 ● Top three states showing maximum
percent by the respective State increase in forest cover are Mizoram (242
Governments. sq km) followed by Gujarat (180 sq km)
● This project will generate 103 MW of and Odisha (152 sq km).
hydropower and 27 MW of solar power. ● Area wise top three states having largest
● The project involves constructing a forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh
77-meter-high Daudhan Dam on the Ken (85,724 sq km) followed by Arunachal
River within the Panna Tiger Reserve, Pradesh (67,083 sq km) and Maharashtra
transferring surplus water to the Betwa (65,383 sq km).
River via a 221-km canal.
● He will also release a commemorative
stamp and coin marking the 100th birth
anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
22. Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
● Event: Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
● Date: January 17-22, 2025
● Location: Delhi NCR
24. India's BPCL buys first Argentinian crude oil
● Venue: Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi,
cargo for Feb delivery
and India Expo Centre & Mart
● Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) has
● Theme 2025: Beyond Boundaries:
purchased its first crude oil cargo from
Co-Creating the Future of the Automotive
Argentina.
Value Chain
● Acquiring 1 million barrels of Medanito
crude from Mercuria.
● Time: February 2025 delivery
● This light-sweet crude will be
trial-processed at BPCL's refineries,
reflecting efforts to diversify its crude
sources.
● BPCL:
23. Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav ● Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
releases India State of Forest Report 2023 ● Chairman: G Krishnakumar
● Minister for Environment, Forest and 25. India Partners with France to develop Yuga
Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav released Yugeen Bharat
the ‘India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR ● Partnership: India and France Museums
2023) at Forest Research Institute. Développement
● Edition: 18th
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Reason: To establish Yuga Yugeen Bharat ● Founded: 26 August 1907, Jamshedpur
National Museum as a global cultural ● Headquarters: Mumbai
landmark 2. No more duty-free import of solar power items:
● This project is an integral part of the CBIC
Central Vista Redevelopment Project. ● Context: Withdrawn customs duty
● Area: one lakh 55 thousand square meters deferment for solar power companies using
● Location: North and South Blocks in New imported goods in bonded warehouses.
Delhi ● Announced by: Central Board of Indirect
● The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
was first introduced by PM Narendra Modi ● Effective from: December 17, 2024
during the International Museum Expo in ● The Manufacturing and Other Operations
May 2023. Warehousing Regulation (MOOWR) scheme
26. NITI Aayog Releases Report on “S.A.F.E. allowed solar power developers to declare
Accommodation: Worker Housing for their projects as bonded warehouses,
Manufacturing Growth” importing modules duty-free and
● Report title: Site Adjacent Factory depositing them in the warehouse or
Employee (S.A.F.E.) project area.
Accommodation—Worker Housing for
Manufacturing Growth
● Released by: National Institution for
Transforming India (NITI) Aayog
● Released in: New Delhi 3. Delhi and
● The report explores the crucial role of Bengaluru lead
secure, affordable, flexible, and efficient in India’s crypto
accommodations for industrial workers in investments
boosting India’s manufacturing sector. ● Report
● It identifies key challenges, offers title: ‘India’s Crypto Portfolio 2024: How
actionable solutions, and highlights the India Invests
pivotal interventions required to scale up ● Report by: CoinSwitch
such housing facilities across the country. ● Top three states in India’s crypto adoption:
Delhi NCR (20.9%), followed by Bengaluru
1. India’s First All-Women Shift at Tata Steel’s Iron (9.6%), and Mumbai (6.5%)
Ore Mine ● Tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Jaipur
● Context: Operationalised an all-women (Rajasthan), Lucknow (UP) and Botad
shift (Gujarat) also showed strong adoption.
● Done by: Tata Steel ● Age-wise: Under-35 age group dominated
● Location: Noamundi iron mine in West crypto adoption, comprising close to 75%
Singhbhum district, Jharkhand of investors, followed by 36–45 age group.
● This initiative introduced in the country for ● Indian investors also displayed a growing
the first time. interest in meme coins.
● Note: ● Bitcoin and Ethereum secured the second
● Tata Steel launched its flagship diversity and third spots.
initiative, "Women@Mines", in 2019. 4. Rashtrapati Nilayam to host 'Udyan Utsav' from
● Tata Steel: Dec 29
● Founder: Jamshedji Tata ● Rashtrapati Nilayam, Bolarum,
● Parent organization: Tata Group Secunderabad will host a 15-day Flower
● CEO: T. V. Narendran
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
and Horticulture Festival ‘Udyan Utsav’ ● The program the government in
from December 29, 2024. undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the
● The Udyan Utsav was organised in country’s logistics sector.
collaboration with the Department of ● It includes two subprograms aimed at
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the boosting manufacturing and improving
National Institute of Agricultural Extension supply chain resilience.
Management (MANAGE) Hyderabad and 7. India Ranks 39th in Travel and Tourism
the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Development Index 2024
5. Govt increases MSP of Copra for 2025 season ● World Economic Forum's Travel and
● National Agricultural Cooperative Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024
Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) ● India has climbed to 39th place, up from
and the National Cooperative Consumers’ 54th in 2021.
Federation (NCCF) will be the central nodal ● The Ministry of Tourism supports tourism
agencies for the procurement of copra infrastructure through schemes like
under the Price Support Scheme. Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and
● Karnataka has the highest share in the Assistance to Central Agencies.
production of Copra with 32.7 percent, ● India is emerging as a global center for
followed by Tamil Nadu with a 25.7 percent medical tourism with the launch of the
share in production. Advantage Healthcare India portal.
● The country has improved infrastructure
including 500 new air routes, 150 new
airports, and high-speed trains like Vande
Bharat.
8. India Conducts First-ever Ganges River Dolphin
Tagging in Assam
● First-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista
gangetica) has been tagged in Assam.
● Initiative by: Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
● Implemented by: Wildlife Institute of India
(WII)
● Collaboration with: Assam Forest
Department and Aaranyak, with funding
from the National CAMPA Authority
6. Centre, ADB sign $350 million loan ● Conservation Status of Gangetic Dolphin:
agreement ● Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection
● Loan to: Centre government (India) Act of 1972
● Loan by: Asian Development Bank (ADB) ● International Union for the Conservation of
● Loan amount: $350 million Nature (IUCN): Endangered
● Reason: To strengthen India’s logistics ● Appendix I of the Convention on
ecosystem International Trade in Endangered Species
● This loan is part of the second subprogram (CITES): Most endangered
of the Strengthening Multimodal and ● National Dolphin Day is celebrated in India
Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) on October 5th
program. ● World Dolphin Day is celebrated on
September 13
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● In India, dolphins are found in the states of ● New Top 10 Entrants:
Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya ● Deep Kalra and Rajesh Magow
Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and West (MakeMyTrip) – ranked 4, with a 168%
Bengal. increase in value.
● On October 5, 2009, Dolphin was declared ● Yashish Dahiya and Alok Bansal
as a National Aquatic Animal. (Policybazaar) – ranked 6, with a 128%
9. Sembcorp bags 150 MW solar project with 300 gain.
MWh energy storage ● Falguni Nayar (Nykaa) – ranked 10, with a
● Project awarded to: Sembcorp Industries 30% gain.
arm Sembcorp Green Infra ● Women Founders: 19 women are featured
● Project awarded by: Solar Energy on the list.
Corporation of India Ltd (SECI)
● Project: A 150 MW solar project coupled
with a 300 MWh Battery Energy Storage
System (BESS)
● The build-own-operate Project is part of a
bid for 2GW Inter-state Transmission
System (ISTS)-connected solar power
projects with 4GWh of BESS
11. One Nation, One Election
10. DMart’s Damani, Zomato’s Goyal top list of
● The Government has started steps to
self-made entrepreneurs
implement "One Nation, One Election" by
● Ranking: India’s Top 200 Self-made
introducing two Constitution Amendment
Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024
Bills
● Released by: IDFC First Private Banking and
● Bills : One Nation One Election–'The
Hurun India’
Constitution 129th Amendment Bill 2024'
● Edition: 2nd
and the 'The Union Territories Laws
● List of Top 5:
Amendment Bill 2024 in Lok Sabha.
● Radhakishan Damani (Avenue
● One Nation, One Election ‘The Constitution
Supermarkets Ltd. (DMart) promoter)
129th Amendment Bill 2024': Article
● Deepinder Goyal (Zomato founder)
82A(1-6) to the Constitution to align the
● Sriharsha Majety & Nandan Reddy (Swiggy)
terms of the Lok Sabha and State
● Deep Kalra & Rajesh Magow (Makemytrip)
Assemblies, as recommended by the
● Abhay Soi (Max Healthcare Institute)
committee headed by former President
● In terms of geographical distribution,
Ram Nath Kovind.
Bengaluru remains the leading hub for
12. India Promotes AYUSH Systems Globally with
these self-made entrepreneurs, with 66
New Chairs in Five Countries
companies headquartered there, followed
● India has launched a scheme to promote
by Mumbai (36) and Gurugram (31).
AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy,
● Among the top 200, 51% are engineering
Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and
graduates, with several others holding
Homoeopathy) globally.
qualifications in finance, commerce, and
● Establishing AYUSH Chairs at universities in
medicine
Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia,
● IIT Delhi emerges as the top educational
and Malaysia.
institution for these entrepreneurs, with 36
● The Ministry has signed 24 MoUs with
founders from the institution on the list.
foreign countries for cooperation in
● Founders: 388 founders from 200
traditional medicine, including 15 MoUs
companies are featured in the list.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
with international institutes for setting up Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam
AYUSH Chairs. Nagrik) from Varanasi: Rewa (MP),
● It has established 42 AYUSH Information Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh), and Saharanpur
Cells in 38 countries. (UP).
● It offers scholarships for foreign nationals ● In the 2024 AirHelp Score report, IndiGo
to study AYUSH in India was ranked 103rd out of 109 airlines,
13. INCOIS Upgrades SARAT for Enhanced Sea which some consider to be among the
Rescue Operations world's worst airlines.
● INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean ● Air India : Ranked 61st out of 109 airlines
Information Services) has upgraded its ● AirAsia : Ranked 94th out of 109 airlines
Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT). ● Brussels Airlines has been named the best
● Reason: To improve sea rescue operations airline, followed by Qatar Airways.
● Initially, it was launched in 2016 15. India’s EV Charging Infrastructure: Rs 16,000
● SARAT now offers advanced features to Crore CapEx Needed by 2030
predict the drift of missing objects or ● Roadmap: FICCI EV Public Charging
individuals, factoring in environmental Infrastructure Roadmap 2030
conditions like winds and currents. ● India must invest Rs 16,000 crore in capital
● SARAT Version 2 Features also includes expenditure by 2030.
improved visuals with colour-coded search ● Reason: To meet its public EV charging
regions. demand and achieve its 30–40%
● INCOIS comes under the Ministry of Earth electrification mission.
Sciences (MoES). ● The report outlines a clear strategy to scale
● Indian National Centre for Ocean up public EV charging infrastructure,
Information Services prioritize top cities, and enhance EV
● INCOIS was established as an autonomous adoption through policy support and
body in 1998 under the Ministry of Earth financial incentives.
Sciences ● Top 40 cities should be prioritized due to
● It proviades the best possible ocean their anticipated higher EV penetration
information and advisory services to within 3–5 years.
society, industry, government agencies ● Note:
14. Delhi airport becomes India’s first airport to ● PM E-DRIVE Scheme (2025-26)
connect 150 destinations ● E2W and E3W: Incentive of Rs 5,000/kWh,
● The New Delhi airport has become the first capped at 15% of ex-factory cost.
airport in India to connect 150 ● E-Buses: Incentive of Rs 10,000/kWh,
destinations. capped at 20% of ex-factory cost.
● Notably, DIAL, operates and manages the ● GST rates on EVs are applicable at 5%.
IGI Airport in New Delhi. ● The report also called for standardization
● As per DIAL, Thai AirAsia X launched direct of GST rates (from 18 per cent to 5 per
flights between Delhi and Bangkok-Don cent) for EV charging services in line with
Mueang (DMK), marking the 150th taxation across the EV value chain.
destination connected to Delhi Airport. 16. Airtel becomes first private telecom operator to
● The Maharashtra government approved connect Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipore
renaming Pune airport as Jagadguru Sant ● Bharti Airtel has become the first private
Tukaram Maharaj Pune International telecom operator to launch mobile services
Airport. in the Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore
● PM Narendra Modi inaugurated three districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
airports under the Regional Connectivity
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● The company has deployed 15 mobile ● Aim: To build a healthier and greener India
towers to provide connectivity to local by creating awareness towards improving
populations and soldiers stationed along the Air Quality Index (AQI).
the Line of Control. ● The Fit India Cycling Tuesdays’ is a key
● Collab with: Indian Army initiative under the Fit India movement,
● Indian Army launched the Indian Army AI launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru. in 2019.
● Indian army launched an online learning 20. Government Launches Credit Guarantee
platform for the Indian Army nicknamed as Scheme to Ease Loan Access for Farmers
“Eklavya”. ● Launch of: Credit Guarantee Scheme for
● Indian Army’s theme for 2024 as the “Year e-NWR-Based Pledge Financing
of Technology Absorption.” ● Launched by:Consumer Affairs, Food, and
17. India’s first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi
Kisan Kavach launched ● Launch in: New Delhi
● Launch of: Kisan Kavach (India’s ● Benefits:
first-of-its-kind anti-pesticide bodysuit) ● Farmers will now be able to get a loan
● Launch in: New Delhi through their produce.
● Launch by: Science and Technology ● After submitting their produce to
Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh warehouses registered with the
● this bodysuit is designed to protect farmers Warehousing Development and Regulatory
from the harmful effects of pesticide Authority (WDRA), they will be issued an
exposure. electronic negotiable warehouse receipt
● The washable suit offers protection against (e-NWR).
pesticide-induced toxicity, which often ● This receipt can be used as a guarantee
leads to severe health complications, against default to obtain low-interest loans
including breathing disorders, and vision from banks and other lending institutes.
loss. ● Farmers, farmers’ producer organisations,
18. India becomes 3rd largest exporter of farm cooperatives, and MSMEs will be
smartphones in world eligible under this scheme.
● India has become the 3rd largest exporter ● This scheme will prevent post-harvest
of smartphones in the world. distress sale that forces many farmers to
● It was on the 23rd rank in 2019. sell their produce at below market price.
● The country’s smartphone exports have ● This will also reduce risks for banks and
also breached the 20,000 crore rupees eligible lending institutes by providing a
mark in a single month, in November 2024. secure portfolio.
● This achievement outshines 21. Vice President Dhankhar Inaugurates GSI
production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme Geoscience Museum
commitment to export 70-75 per cent of ● Launch of: GSI Geoscience Museum
production value in the financial year ● Launched by: Vice President Jagdeep
2024-25. Dhankhar
● Led by: Apple's iphone ● Location: Gwalior
19. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya flags off ● The museum is located in the Victoria
‘Fit India Cycling Tuesdays’ initiative Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya
● Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Pradesh.
Mansukh Mandaviya flagged off the ‘Fit ● Reason: The museum serves as a tribute to
India Cycling Tuesdays’ initiative. Earth's geological wonders and highlights
● Location: New Delhi the Geological Survey of India's
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
contributions to exploring India's ● India has an extensive network of inland
resources. waterways comprising rivers, canals,
22. Viraasat Sari Festival 2024 backwaters, and creeks.
● Event: Viraasat Sari Festival 2024 ● Of the total navigable length of 20,236 km,
● Ministry: Ministry of Textiles 17,980 km consists of rivers, and 2,256 km
● Edition: Third is made up of canals, both suitable for the
● Date: December 15 to December 28, 2024 mechanised craft.
● Location: Janpath, New Delhi 25. Home Ministry approves new subsidized
● Aim: To celebrate and promote India’s rich helicopter route
handloom heritage, particularly focusing on ● Approval for: New subsidized helicopter
handwoven saris. route
23. India’s Data Centre Industry Set to Surpass ● Approved by: Home Ministry
$100 Billion by 2027 ● Route: Mendhar Jammu-Poonch-Mendhar
● India's data centre market is set to surpass with an additional option of
$100 billion in investments by 2027 Jammu-Mendhar-Jammu route
● Indian has already attracted $60 billion 26. NHAI to strengthen its Highway Patrol Services
from 2019 to 2024. with ‘Rajmarg Saathi’
● Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are key ● National Highways Authority of India
investment destinations. (NHAI) has planned to deploy new Route
● Mumbai holds 49% of India’s total data Patrolling Vehicles named ‘Rajmarg Saathi’
centre capacity. on the highways
● Generative AI is expected to grow at a CAGR ● Reason: To enhance road safety and
of 28% from 2023 to 2030. strengthen highway patrolling.
● Expected to contribute $400 billion to ● Vehicles are equipped with:
India’s economy by 2030. ● Advanced communication and safety tools
24. Govt Unveils ‘Jalvahak’ and will be useful in minimizing traffic
● Launch of: Jalvahak disruptions and improving road safety.
● Type: Cargo promotion scheme ● The onboard ‘AI video analytics’ equipped
● Launched by: Union Minister of Ports, camera will capture and identify cracks &
Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda potholes as well as other elements
Sonowal including vehicles, pedestrians, road signs,
● Flagged off: 3 cargo ships with two dumb and other infrastructure assets.
barges ● Static GK Pro
● Location: GR Jetty in Kolkata ● National Highways Authority of India
● Reason: For boosting cargo movement on ● 1995
three national waterways. ● HQ : New Delhi
● Features: ● Chairman : Santosh Kumar Yadav
● Jalvahak is aimed at incentivising the ● NHAI Introduces Performance Rating
movement of long-haul cargo via national System for Highways
waterways on the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and ● The Pavement Condition Index (PCI) holds
Barak rivers. 80% weightage and the NHAI One App
● It provides a direct incentive to the cargo compliance accounts for 20%.
owners to transport their goods via inland ● A score below 70 out of 100 designates a
waterways for a distance of more than 300 company as a “non-performer.”
km. 27. E-commerce companies set to sign safety
pledge
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Major e-commerce platforms would adopt a ● "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps"
Safety Pledge on National Consumer Day ● ICMR
2024, to be celebrated on December 24. ● 1911
● The Safety Pledge is a voluntary ● New Delhi
commitment by e-commerce platforms to ● DG : Rajiv Bahl
detect and prevent the sale of unsafe, 30. India Launches First Diabetes Biobank in
spurious and non-conforming products, Chennai
cooperating with statutory authorities ● India’s first diabetes biobank has been set
responsible for product safety, raising up in Chennai by ICMR in collaboration
consumer product safety awareness among with MDRF.
sellers, and empowering consumers on ● ICMR: Indian Council of Medical Research
product safety. ● MDRF: Madras Diabetes Research
● A committee chaired by consumer activist Foundation
Pushpa Girimaji developed the pledge after ● Aim: To collect, process, and store
extensive stakeholder consultations in biological samples for research on diabetes
November 2023. causes, variations, and related disorders.
● THEME 2023 : “Consumer Protection in the ● Biobank to support longitudinal studies on
era of E-Commerce and Digital Trade”. diabetes progression and complications.
● World Consumer Rights Day : 15th March 31. VIRAASAT Sari Festival 2024
● Theme 2024 : Fair and Responsible AI for ● The Ministry of Textiles is hosting the third
Consumers edition of the "Viraasat Sari Festival 2024"
28. Swiggy launches ‘Scenes’ app from December 15-28 at Handloom Haat,
● Swiggy has now launched 'Scenes' Janpath, New Delhi.
● It let their customers to book tickets for
shows, events, parties, among others. 1. Union Minister Giriraj Singh Inaugurates
● Scenes directly takes on Zomato's 'District', International Conference on NbS
a standalone app it launched recently to ● Event: International Conference on
book tickets for movies, concerts, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for
experiences and more. Sustainability & Climate Change
29. NCL Launches ‘CHARAK’ for Free Health ● Inaugurated by: Union Minister of Textiles,
Treatment in Singrauli Giriraj Singh
● Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has ● Organized by: NTTM (National Technical
launched the ‘CHARAK.’ Textiles Mission) and IJIRA (Indian Jute
● Initiative: To provide free treatment for Industries Research Association) under the
life-threatening diseases to economically Ministry of Textiles.
weaker residents of Singrauli and 2. PM Modi to inaugurate Asthalakshmi Mahotsav
Sonbhadra districts on Dec 6
● Family incomes: below Rs. 8 lakh ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi will
● Covered Diseases: Malignancy, TB, inaugurate the three-day Asthalakshmi
cardiovascular issues, HIV, organ Mahotsav 2024 on 6th December 2024 at
transplant, burns, neurological disorders, Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
and more. ● The festival will showcase the cultural,
● Free Treatment: Provided at NCL’s natural and artisanal wealth of all the eight
dedicated hospital or specialized North-East states – Arunachal Pradesh,
empanelled hospitals nationwide. Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,
● Diabetes Day Nagaland and Tripura, and Sikkim.
● 14th November
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● The festival’s mascot is Purvi, a young girl ● Other bottom performers include Ryanair
representing the North-East, with elements (101st), Aer Lingus (102nd), and IndiGo
from each state featured in her attire. (103rd).
3. France to Feature Prominently at 30th Kolkata 6. Govt launches 16 initiatives to empower
International Film Festival Divyangjans
● Event: 30th Kolkata International Film ● The government today launched sixteen
Festival initiatives in New Delhi to empower
● Dates: December 4-11, 2024 Divyangjans across the nation.
● Focus Country: France ● Launched on: 3rd December 2024
● Key Speakers: Vidya Balan (interaction with (International Day of Persons with
Sangeeta Dutta), R Balki (Satyajit Ray Disabilities )
Memorial Lecture) ● Aim: To ensure equal opportunities,
● Theme & Logo Unveiling: Unveiled by accessibility, and empowerment for every
Aroop Biswas, Indranil Sen, Goutam Ghosh Divyangjan.
4. ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Portal ● Some of the key initiatives that were
● Portal launched on July 16, 2024, in launched by the Minister include the launch
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh of the ‘Kadam Knee Joint, ‘Pathways to
● Aim: To raise awareness of constitutional Access: Part III, Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan,
rights and duties. and the Braille Book Portal.
● Regional Events 7. NCVET recognizes IN-SPACe as awarding body
● First event: Bikaner, Rajasthan, March 9, ● The National Council for Vocational
2024 Education and Training (NCVET) of the
● Second event: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, July Ministry of Skill Development and
16, 2024 Entrepreneurship has officially recognized
● Third event: Guwahati, Assam, November the Indian National Space Promotion and
19, 2024 Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) as an
● Campaign Sub-Campaigns: awarding body.
● Sabko Nyaya Har Ghar Nyaya: Ensures ● Aim: To strengthen the vocational
justice for all via Village Level education and training landscape in the
Entrepreneurs (VLEs). space sector.
● Nav Bharat Nav Sankalp ● The IN-SPACe operates as an autonomous
● Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyan: Promotes legal agency under the Department of Space.
literacy through grassroots initiatives, ● Recognizing the institution as an awarding
including Gram Vidhi Chetna and Vanchit body will help standardize and accredit
Varg Sammam. specialized training programs, aligning
● Ministry: Minister of State for Law & Justice them with national and global frameworks
5. IndiGo Ranks Among Worst Airlines Globally in and facilitating greater integration with key
AirHelp 2024 Report national initiatives like the Skill India
● IndiGo Airlines ranks 103rd out of 109 in Mission.
the 2024 AirHelp Score report, marking it 8. RS gives nod to Oilfield Amendment Bill 2024
as one of the worst performers globally. ● The Rajya Sabha gave its nod to the Oilfield
● Air India ranked 61st in the report. (Regulation and Development) Amendment
● Best airlines: Brussels Airlines (1st), Qatar Bill 2024.
Airways (2nd), United Airlines (3rd) ● The Bill amends the Oilfields (Regulation
● Worst airline: Tunisair (109th) and Development) Act, 1948.
● It expands the definition of Mineral oils,
which include naturally occurring
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
hydrocarbon, coal bed methane, and shale ● The rise reflects a significant annual
gas. increase of 6% in consistently monitored
● It clarifies that mineral oils will not include areas, with numbers rising from 2,967 in
coal, lignite or helium. 2018.
9. Kirti Vardhan Singh launches ‘Nano Bubble ● This achievement has been driven by
Technology’ for cleaning and purifying water focused conservation efforts under Project
● Union Minister of State for Forest, Tiger and measures implemented by the
Environment and Climate Change, Kirti National Tiger Conservation Authority
Vardhan Singh has launched ‘Nano Bubble (NTCA).
Technology’. ● Key Regions for Tiger Population Growth:
● Reason: For cleaning and purifying water of ● Central Indian Landscape and Eastern
the National Zoological Park in Delhi, and to Ghats: 1,033 to 1,439 (2018-2022).
promote the health of aquatic animals. ● Shivalik-Gangetic Plains: 646 to 819
● This technology can effectively clean dirty (2018-2022).
pond water by eliminating algae and ● Sundarbans: 88 to 101 (2018-2022).
similar growths. ● Key States
● It is being tested in the zoo for the first time ● Madhya Pradesh: 526 to 785 (2018-2022).
as a 15-day trial. If successful, it will be ● Maharashtra: 312 to 444 (2018-2022).
used in the zoo. ● Declines in Tiger Population
● The primary goal of this technology is to ● Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh,
keep water clean, ensuring the health and Jharkhand: Declines in tiger numbers
well-being of aquatic creatures. ● Arunachal Pradesh: 29 to 9 tigers
10. Atal Innovation Mission, Swedish Embassy (2018-2022)
celebrate SheSTEM 2024 12. FSSAI Classifies Packaged Drinking Water and
● SheSTEM 2024 was organized by Atal Mineral Water as ‘High-Risk Food Category’
Innovation Mission (AIM) and the Swedish ● The Food Safety and Standards Authority of
Embassy, in partnership with Nordic India (FSSAI) has officially classified
collaborators. packaged drinking water and mineral water
● It was concluded successfully with over as part of the ‘High-Risk Food Category’.
1,000 student submissions focused on ● This change follows the government’s
Battery Technology and Energy Storage decision to remove the Bureau of Indian
solutions (BEST). Standards (BIS) certification requirement
● The event was part of the India-Nordic for these products.
BEST project, designed to foster ● Mandatory Inspections and Audits:
sustainability through advancements in ● Packaged drinking water and mineral water
energy storage technologies. will now be subject to mandatory
● Key Objectives inspections and third-party audits by food
● 1. Foster innovation in STEM fields, safety agencies recognized by FSSAI.
particularly energy and sustainability. ● This applies before the grant of license or
● 2. Encourage youth engagement in solving registration for businesses involved in
global challenges through STEM. producing these products.
11. India’s Tiger Population Doubles Since 2006, 13. India, Kuwait to Launch Joint Commission for
Reaches 3,682 in 2022 Enhanced Cooperation
● India’s tiger population has grown ● India and Kuwait government have decided
remarkably, reaching 3,682 in 2022 from to establish a Joint Commission for
1,411 in 2006, doubling in just over 15 Cooperation (JCC) at the level of foreign
years. ministers. The JCC will serve as an umbrella
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
mechanism to comprehensively review and leading in installations, driven by strong
monitor all aspects of govt. infrastructure and collaborations.
● Aim: To strengthen bilateral relations 16. IIT Bombay, HSBC India launch green hydrogen
● The JCC will oversee the establishment of programme
new joint working groups focused on the ● The IIT Bombay and HSBC India Green
following areas, Hydrogen Programme has shortlisted six
● Trade and Investment innovative projects.
● Education and Technology ● Proposals submitted by six IITs, the
● Agriculture National Institute of Technology (NIT), and
● Security and Culture the Indian Institute of Science, Education
● About Kuwait: and Research (IISER).
● Capital: Kuwait City ● Aim: To advance green hydrogen
● Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar technologies, aligns with India’s National
14. Centre Launches eMaap Portal for Fair Trade Green Hydrogen Mission and seeks to
and Consumer Protection address critical challenges in hydrogen
● The Indian government is introducing the production, storage, transportation, and
National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap). utilization.
● Aim: To promote fair trade practices and ● These projects will be incubated at IIT
enhance consumer protection. Bombay and supported until they are
● This initiative is aimed at ensuring commercially ready.
transparency, accountability, and ● Green hydrogen is seen as a critical
compliance with legal metrology standards. component in diversifying energy sources,
● As part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ reducing emissions, and creating jobs in
effort, the portal will streamline services emerging green sectors.
for businesses and consumers, fostering a ● HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave
balanced marketplace. 17. Pralhad Joshi Launches ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN
● Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food, Portal
and Public Distribution: Piyush Goyal. ● The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs,
15. PMSGMBY: 10 Lakh Solar Installations by 2025, Food and Public Distribution and New &
1 Crore by 2027 Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, launched
● The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN (Subsidy Claim
Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest Application for NFSA) portal.
domestic rooftop solar scheme, is rapidly ● It is marking a significant step toward
transforming India’s solar energy modernizing India’s Public Distribution
landscape. System (PDS) and subsidy claim
● Launched in: February 2024 mechanisms.
● The scheme has already achieved ● Anna Chakra was created in collaboration
impressive milestones, with 6.3 lakh with the World Food Programme (WFP)
installations in just 9 months. and Foundation for Innovation and
● The scheme is on track to surpass 10 lakh Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT-Delhi.
installations by March 2025, with rapid ● SCAN portal was developed by the
expansion to 40 lakh by March 2026. Department of Food and Public Distribution
● The scheme aims for one crore installations (DFPD).
by March 2027. 18. MHA Grants FCRA Licenses to CNI and USIN
● State-Wise Success: States like Gujarat, Foundation
Maharashtra, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh are ● The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
has granted FCRA licenses to the USIN
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
Foundation (think tank) and The Synodical 24×7 channel for Indian Sign Language
Board of Social Services of the Church of (ISL) in New Delhi.
North India (CNI). ● The channel is devoted to the promotion of
● This approval allows CNI to resume Indian Sign Language and has been
receiving foreign funds for social and conceptualized to promote ISL as a
religious activities. language and a subject.
● The decision comes as the MHA continues ● The channel will disseminate learning
its scrutiny of NGOs, with recent content for schoolchildren, teachers,
revocations signaling increasing regulatory educators, and other stakeholders.
oversight. 21. Recognition of PRAGATI by Oxford University
● Foreign Contribution Regulation Act ● The Prime Minister also expressed
(FCRA): happiness that Oxford’s Said Business
● It is a law enacted by Parliament to regulate School and Gates Foundation have
foreign contributions (especially monetary recognised the effectiveness of PRAGATI in
donations) provided by certain individuals the study.
or associations to NGOs and others within ● Pro-Active Governance and Timely
India. Implementation (PRAGATI) represents
● The Act, in its consolidating form, was amalgamation of technology and
originally passed in 1976 and majorly governance.
modified in 2010. ● It ensures silos are removed and projects
● The Act falls under the purview of the are completed on time.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). ● A new case study by Oxford’s Said Business
19. 85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas, 28 Navodaya School released at IIM Bangalore today
Vidyalayas to be opened across the country revealed that since its launch in 2015,
● The Cabinet has approved the opening of PRAGATI has helped accelerate 340
85 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) across projects worth 205 billion dollars.
the country and the expansion of the ● The platform has supported unprecedented
existing Kendra Vidyalaya in Shivamogga, infrastructure development, including 50
Karnataka by adding two additional thousand kilometers of new National
sections in all the classes. Highways and a doubling of airports.
● The total estimated requirement of funds is ● For every rupee spent on infrastructure, the
5,872.08 crore rupees. studies show a 2.5 to 3.5-rupee gain in GDP.
● The Minister also announced that 28 new 22. Uber rolls out Asia´s first water transport
Navodaya Vidyalayas will be opened in the service with shikara bookings at Dal Lake
uncovered districts of the country under ● Uber has launched Asia’s first water
the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme. transport service, “Uber Shikara,” in the
● The total estimated requirement of funds picturesque Dal Lake of Jammu and
for establishment of the 28 NVs is 2359.82 Kashmir.
crore rupees. ● With this innovative initiative, tourists can
● There are 661 sanctioned NVs across the now enjoy hassle-free, pre-booked shikara
country out of which, 653 NVs are rides through Uber’s ride-hailing app,
functional. marking a significant milestone in the
20. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan company’s offerings.
launches PM e-Vidya DTH 24×7 channel ● The seven shikaras are stationed at Nehru
● Union Education Minister Dharmendra Park, an island park located in the heart of
Pradhan launched the PM e-Vidya DTH Dal Lake.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Uber will not charge any fees to its shikara ● Index: India's Index of Industrial
partners, ensuring that the full fare goes Production
directly to the boat operators. ● October 2024: 3.5%
● Each Uber Shikara ride can accommodate ● October 2023: 11.9%
up to four passengers and is available for ● Status ((Y-o-Y): Slow
onehour bookings daily between 10 am and ● Manufacturing Sector Growth: 4.1% in
5 pm. October 2024 (down from 10.6% in
● Rides can be scheduled from 12 hours up to October 2023)
15 days in advance. ● Mining Sector Growth: 0.9%
● Electricity Sector Growth: 2.0%
1. NCLAT appoints NBCC as consultant to complete ● Positive Growth in 18 of 23 Manufacturing
Supertech's 16 housing projects Groups
● Ruled by: National Company Law Appellate ● Official Data Released: Ministry of Statistics
Tribunal (NCLAT) ● IIP
● Context: Complete Supertech Ltd's 16 real ● It is a composite indicator that measures
estate projects the growth rate of industry groups
● Take over by: NBCC (as a project classified under:
management consultant) ● Broad sectors, namely, Mining,
● Value of 16 real estate projects: Rs 9,500 Manufacturing, and Electricity.
crore ● Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and
● NBCC will complete 16 projects, comprising Programme Implementation.
49,748 houses in Uttar Pradesh, ● Base year: 2011-2012
Uttarakhand, Haryana and Karnakata. ● These comprise 40.27% of the weight of
● Static GK Pro items included in the Index of Industrial
● NCLAT Production (IIP).
● National Company Law Appellate Tribunal ● The eight core sector industries in
● It is a tribunal which was formed by the decreasing order of their weightage:
Central Government of India under Section Refinery Products> Electricity> Steel>
410 of the Companies Act, 2013. Coal> Crude Oil> Natural Gas> Cement>
● Justice Ashok Bhushan is the current Fertilizers.
chairman of the National Company Law 4. World Ayurveda Congress 2024
Appellate Tribunal ● Event: World Ayurveda Congress (WAC
● National Company Law Appellate Tribunal 2024) and Arogya Expo
was formed on 1 June 2016 ● Edition: 10th
2. Uber launches women-only bike rides in ● Launched in: Dehradun,
Bengaluru ● Theme 2024: Digital Health: An Ayurveda
● Launch of: Uber Bike rides (Uber Moto Perspective
Women) ● Launched by: Uttarakhand Chief Minister
● Location: Bengaluru Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami
● Connects female riders with female drivers. ● The first Ayurveda Conference was
● It is designed to address women’s safety orgainsed in Kochi, Kerala, in 2002.
and mobility needs while "empowering ● It is organised every two years, and the 9th
female drivers with flexible earning edition of the World Ayurveda Congress
opportunities." and Arogya Expo was held in Goa from 8-11
3. Industrial Output Growth Slows to 3.5% in December 2022.
October 2024 ● Static GK Pro
● AYUSH Days
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Ayurveda Day : October 29, 2024, ● Status: Nearly Doubled
"Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health" ● By 2031-32, India’s atomic power capacity
● Yoga Day : 21st June, 'Humanity' is projected to triple to 22,480 MW, further
● Unani Day : 11th Feb, “Innovations in solidifying the nation’s leadership in
Unani Medicine for Innovative Health nuclear energy.
Solutions – A Way Forward” ● Kudankulam and Kalpakkam plants have
● Siddha Day : December 19, Siddha for gained momentum since 2014.
Public Health" ● Delays in Tamil Nadu, including the
● Homeopathy Day : 10th April, Tirunelveli project.
'Empowering Research, Enhancing 8. Bhopal and Kurukshetra Set Historic Records on
Proficiency: A Homeopathy Symposium Gita Jayanti 2024
5. Centre to Incubate 8 New Smart Cities Under New ● Bhopal set a Guinness World Record with
Cities Scheme 5,000 Acharyas reciting ‘Karma Yog’ from
● Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban the Bhagavad Gita.
Affairs (MoHUA) ● Event held at Lal Parade Ground, Bhopal,
● Scheme: An extension of the Smart Cities Madhya Pradesh
Mission ● In Kurukshetra, 1.5 crore people
● Allocation of: Rs 8,000 crore participated through an online platform.
● Aim: To develop 8 new smart cities. ● Tanzania was the partner country for the
● The scheme aims to address rapid International Gita Mahotsav.
urbanization pressures, with 23 states ● Gita Jayanti was celebrated on December
submitting 28 proposals. 11, 2024, the day after Dashami Tithi in
● The proposed cities include notable ones Margashirsha month.
like Kopparthay (Andhra Pradesh), Gumin 9. India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Surges to 203
Nagar (Arunachal Pradesh), New MOPA GW
Ayush City (Goa), Aerocity (Kerala), and ● Total installed capacity (renewable energy
Thirumazhisai (Tamil Nadu), among others. sector) In India: 203 gigawatts (GW)
6. Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants Released ● Installed capacity (renewable energy
for the Rural Local Bodies of Himachal Pradesh and sector) in India, 10 years ago: 76.38 GW
Goa ● Data by: Minister of State for New and
● Released the Fifteenth Finance Commission Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, in
(XV FC) Grants Lok Sabha
● FY: 2024-25 ● Non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity:
● For Rural Local Bodies in Himachal 46.5 percent in the total installed power
Pradesh, 2nd installment of Untied Grants generation capacity
amounting to Rs.70.40 crores along with ● Note:
the withheld amount of 1st installment of ● India has committed to the UNFCCC to
Untied Grants for Financial Year 2024–25 achieve 50 percent cumulative electric
amounting to Rs.11.4716 crores. power installed capacity from non-fossil
● For Rural Local Bodies in Goa, 2nd fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
installment of Untied Grants of the ● UNFCCC:
Financial Year 2022–23 amounting to ● United Nations Framework Convention on
Rs.9.69 crores have also been released. Climate Change
7. India to Triple Atomic Power Capacity by 2031 ● Location: Bonn, Germany
● India’s atomic power capacity: ● Signatories: 165
● 2014: 4,780 MW 10. Govt mandates use of locally-made solar cells
● 2024: 8,081 MW from 2026
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Indian clean energy firms will be required ● Launched by: Jal Shakti Ministry
to use solar photovoltaic (PV) modules ● Launched on: World Toilet Day (19th of
from cells made locally by a November)
government-approved list of companies ● Conclude on: Human Rights Day (10th
from June 2026. December)
● Aim: To curb imports from top supplier ● Duration of campaign: Three-week
China. ● Aim: To mobilise communities across India
● India already requires the use of and bring sanitation into the spotlight as a
locally-made PV modules in government matter of collective pride and
projects from an approved list of domestic responsibility.
manufacturers, and authorities have now ● Jammu and Kashmir : Mobile LED-equipped
extended this rule to solar cells as well. vehicles brought sanitation awareness
● The government plans to increase its ● Bihar : surveys by SHG groups
non-fossil fuel capacity to 500 GW by 2030 ● Uttar Pradesh : Bhadohi, integrated Google
from about 156 GW at present. Maps to track CSCs,Satari Gram Panchayat
● Currently, India has a solar PV of Mahoba District established a sanitary
module-making capacity of about 80 mart
gigawatts (GW), while its cell-making ● Chhattisgarh : Bastar, aecal Sludge
capacity is slightly more than 7 GW, with Treatment Plant (FSTP)
companies largely relying on Chinese cells ● Rajasthan : 750 pink toilets
to make modules. ● Gujarat : ‘Our toilet, Our Respect" campaign
11. Centre Releases Rs 1,869 Crore for Swachh ● World Toilet Day is celebrated annually on
Bharat Mission-Grameen in 2024 19 November.
● Informed by: Ministry of Rural ● Inspire action to tackle the global sanitation
Development crisis and help achieve SDG 6.
● Informed at: Lok Sabha ● Theme : "Toilets are a place for peace".
● Scheme: Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen ● Human Rights Day 2024
● Release amount: 1,869 crore rupees ● 10th December
● Aim of scheme: To sustain the open ● Theme : Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.
defecation free status of villages across the 13. Education Ministry enhances Material Cost
country. under PM POSHAN by 13.70 %
● Over 56 lakh individual toilets, around 1.4 ● Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti
lakh schools and Anganwadi toilets and Nirman (PM POSHAN)
64,000 community sanitary complexes are ● Ministry: Education Ministry
built till now under MGNREGS. ● Context: Enhanced the Material Cost under
● About Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen PM POSHAN by 13.70%
(SBM-G): ● New material cost:
○ Launched in: 2014 ● Enhanced from 5.45 rupees to 6.19 rupees
○ Implementing agency of SBM (G): for primary and Bal Vatika classes
Ministry of Jal Shakti ● Enhanced from 8.17 rupees to 9.29 rupees
○ Implementing agency of SBM (U): for upper primary classes.
Ministry of Housing and Urban ● Effective from: 1st December, 2024
Affairs. ● Additional cost (2024-25): Over 425 crore
12. “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman” rupees
campaign ● PM POSHAN Scheme:
● Name of Campaign: “Hamara Shauchalay: ○ Centrally sponsored scheme
Hamara Samman” campaign
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
○ One hot cooked meal is served to ● It would have a network of 50 fast charging
students studying in Balvatika and public stations by the end of this month.
classes 1 to 8th ● HMIL’s fast charging stations will be
○ The Scheme aims at providing accessible for users of all electric cars,
nutritional support and enhancing including those of other brands.
school participation of students. 17. Amit Shah Unveils Sardar Patel Statue in
14. 4th edition of India Internet Governance Forum Jodhpur
● Launch of: India Internet Governance ● Unveil: Statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Forum ● Unveiled by: HM Amit Shah
● Edition: 4th ● Height: 11-ft tall
● 2024 theme: “Innovating Internet ● Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Governance for India" ● Weight: 1,100 kg
● Location: New Delhi ● Material: Various metals
● Inaugurated by: Minister of State for ● Pedestal: 8 ft high
Electronics and Information Technology, ● Sardar Patel’s Contributions: Unified 556
Jitin Prasada princely states; integrated Jodhpur;
● The two-day event will focus on bridging ensured India’s unity and territorial
the digital divide, enhancing trust and integrity.
safety in the online environment, and 18. India Tops Global List for Mobile Malware
leveraging advanced technologies for Attacks
nation-building. ● Report by: Zscaler ThreatLabz 2024 report
15. Nationwide 100-day TB eradication campaign ● Global mobile malware attacks (Country):
launched India (28%), The US (27.3%) and Canada
● Launch of: 100-day TB eradication (15.9%)
campaign ● Malware Attack Trends: Nearly half of
● Launch by: Union Health and Family attacks are trojans, with a significant rise in
Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda banking malware (29%) and mobile
● Launched in: Panchkula, Haryana spyware (111%)
● Ni-kshay support worth Rs 3,338 crore has ● Over 200 malicious apps discovered on
been provided through direct benefit Google Play Store, with 45% rise in IoT
transfer to over 1.17 crore TB patients malware transactions.
● The government recently increased the ● India projected to face nearly 1 trillion
Ni-kshay poshan amount from Rs 500 to Rs cyberattacks annually by 2033.
1000 and added energy boosters for the 19. Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.2% in 7 Years
nourishment support for TB patients. ● India’s unemployment rate dropped from
● The rate of TB decline in India has doubled 6% to 3.2% between 2017 and 2024.
from 8.3% in 2015 to 17.7% till today, ● Data by: Annual Periodic Labour Force
much ahead of the global average. Survey (PLFS) data
● Deaths due to TB has also reduced in India ● The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) rose
by 21.4% in the last 10 years from 46.8% to 58.2% during this period,
16. Hyundai Motor India plans to set up 600 EV fast demonstrating strong job creation despite
charging stations in 7 years challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
● Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) plans ● Employment grew by 36% (170 million
to establish approximately 600 public EV jobs) from 2016-17 to 2022-23.
fast charging stations across India over the ● Economic growth (GDP) averaged 6.5%
next seven years. during this period.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Female labor force participation increasing 21. Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Passed
due to supportive policies. ● The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024 has
● Youth unemployment rate decreased from been Passed by both Houses of Parliament
17.8% (2017-18) to 10% (2022-23). to streamline aviation regulations, align
● India’s gig economy workforce expected to with international standards.
reach 23.5 million by 2029-30. ● It is marks a transformative step in India's
● Agriculture still employs 45% of the aviation sector by replacing the 90-year-old
workforce, but manufacturing and services Aircraft Act of 1934.
are growing. ● It addresses safety, affordability,
● Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS): governance, and consumer protection while
Conducted annually by the Ministry of fostering investment and self-reliance in
Statistics and Programme Implementation aircraft manufacturing.
(MoSPI) since 2017-18. ● Key Amendments: Removal of the 2010
● Worker Population Ratio (WPR): This DGCA clause; robust tariff monitoring
represents the proportion of the 22. Central ‘Smile Sub-Scheme’
working-age population that is currently ● The SMILE (Support for Marginalized
employed Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise)
● Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): sub-scheme is a central government
Measures the proportion of the initiative.
working-age population that is either ● Aim: At the comprehensive rehabilitation of
employed or actively seeking employment, individuals, including children, engaged in
reflecting overall workforce engagement. begging.
● Lakshadweep has the highest ● Implemented across 81 cities and towns in
unemployment rate in India, with a total 26 states and union territories.
unemployment rate of 12.3%, while ● Beneficiaries: 970 individuals rehabilitated,
Madhya Pradesh has the lowest 352 children rehabilitated
unemployment rate of 2.6% ● Union Minister for Social Justice and
Empowerment: Dr. Virendra Kumar
20. India 3rd in highest number of billionaires in 23. Sex Ratio and Girl Child Enrollment Show
'24, wealth up 42%: Report Positive Trends Under BBBP Scheme
● Report by: UBS' latest Billionaire Ambitions ● The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Report. scheme has improved the Sex Ratio at Birth
● India ranked third globally in billionaire (SRB) from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in
count in 2024, with 185 billionaires, 2023-24.
trailing only the US (835) and China (427) ● It also increased the Gross Enrollment Ratio
● The country saw the addition of 32 (GER) of girls in secondary education from
billionaires in the past year, reflecting a 75.51% to 79.4% during the same period.
21% increase, and a remarkable 123% ● Ministry: Ministry of Women & Child
growth since 2015. Development implements BBBP
● The combined wealth of Indian billionaires ● It was launched in Panipat, Haryana (2015).
surged by 42.1% over the year to $905.6 ● BBBP is a centrally sponsored scheme with
billion. 100% funding from the central government
● Globally, the billionaire population under the Sambal vertical of Mission Shakti
expanded from 1,757 in 2015 to 2,682 in ● Aim: Improve SRB, eliminate gender-biased
2024, with their cumulative wealth rising sex selection, and empower girls.
from $6.3 trillion to $14 trillion — an ● Monitoring Mechanism: Public Financial
increase of 121 per cent. Management System (PFMS)
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Three brackets for release of funds under the Indian Army under Buy (Indian)
the BBBP have been prescribed : category at a total cost of Rs 7,628.70 crore.
● Districts with SRB less than or equal to 918 ● Cochin Shipyard Limited
are allocated Rs. 40 lakh/year. ● A contract was inked in November 2024 for
● Districts with SRB from 919 to 952 are Short Refit and Dry Docking of INS
allocated Rs. 30 lakh/year. Vikramaditya at an overall cost of Rs
● Districts with SRB more than 952 are 1,207.5 crore.
allocated Rs. 20 lakh/year. ● Latest Inductions
● BBBP scheme is a part of Mission Shakti ● INS Tushil : latest multi-role stealth-guided
● "Sambal" for safety and security of women missile frigate, was commissioned into the
and "Samarthya" for empowerment of Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha
women. Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yantar
● The Mission Shakti guidelines have been Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on
active since 1 April 2022 December 09, 2024
Defence 2. Defence Secretary launches Rashtraparv website
1. India Approved Defence Purchases Worth Rs 4.2 & app
Lakh Crore In 2024 ● Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh
● India approved defence acquisitions launched the Rashtraparv website and app
amounting to Rs 4.22 lakh crore till ● Location: New Delhi
November 2024. ● Occasion: Good Governance Day 2024 (25th
● Major beneficiaries: Hindustan Aeronautics December)
Ltd., Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. and ● The website will provide information
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. related to National events like Republic Day,
● Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and Independence Day Celebrations, Beating
Defence Procurement Board (DPB), during Retreat and Tableaux to the general public.
2024 (upto November), accorded 3. Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ Announced
Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 40 as Theme for Republic Day 2025 Tableaux
Capital Acquisition proposals amounting to ● ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ will be
Rs 4,22,129.55 crore. the theme of tableaux for Republic Day
● Orders worth Rs 3.97 lakh crore or 94% of (RDC)-2025.
the total outlay have been accorded to be ● 15 states and Union Territories have been
procured from indigenous sources. selected to showcase their tableaux on the
● Recent Contracts : Kartavya Path during the parade.
● MoD inked a contract with the US ● 11 Ministries and the Department of Union
Government for Tri-Service procurement of government have also been selected for
31 MQ-9B Sky/Sea Guardian High Altitude RDC-2025.
Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft 4. CISF introduces new posting policy: First time
System (RPAS) in October 2024. choice-based posting
● HAL : A contract for procurement of 12 ● The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Su-30MKI aircraft along with associated unveiled a new posting policy.
equipment was inked in December 2024, at ● For the first time, choice-based posting has
an approximate cost of Rs 13,500 crore. been introduced
● Larsen & Toubro Limited : ● Each personnel will have the opportunity to
● A contract was inked with Larsen & Toubro list ten preferred posting locations.
Limited in December 2024 for procurement ● CISF personnel retiring within two years
of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T will be given a posting out of three choices
Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
of location, and they will be given 1st ● The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL)
priority. has delivered two Capital warships, Nilgiri
● In the case of women and couples, after six and Surat to the Indian Navy.
years of non-choice posting, they will have ● Nilgiri is the First Stealth Frigate of Project
the option of choice-based posting. 17A Class Ship while Surat is the Fourth
● Aim: To create a more resilient and satisfied Stealth Destroyer of Project 15B Class
force Guided Missile Destroyer.
● Constructed by MDL and overseen by the
Warship Overseeing Team, Mumbai.
3. Defence Ministry signs contract for procurement
of K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery
Guns
● The Ministry of Defence has signed a
contract worth 7,629 crore rupees.
● Reason: For the procurement of K9 VAJRA-T
Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for
the Indian Army.
● The procurement of K9 VAJRA-T will
catalyse the artillery modernisation and
enhance the overall operational readiness
5. Amit Shah lauds SSB on 61st Raising Day, praises of the Indian Army.
border security efforts 4. Cochin Shipyard holds Steel Cutting Ceremony
● The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) celebrated for first NGMV
its 61st Raising Day in Ranidanga, Siliguri ● The Steel Cutting ceremony of the first ship
on December 20, 2024. of the Next Generation Missile Vessel
● Formed: 20 December 1963 (NGMV) being built.
● Governing Body: Ministry of Home ● Built for: Indian Navy
● DG: Amrit Mohan Prasad ● Location: Cochin Shipyard
● Headquarters: Udaipur ● About Next Generation Missile Vessel
● Border: India-Nepal and India- Bhutan (NGMV):
● Motto: Service, Security and Brotherhood ● Built by: Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)
1. Pawan Hans secures Rs 2,000 cr contract for ● Construction of: 6 NGMVs
ONGC offshore helicopter ops ● Cost: Rs 9,805 crore
● Pawan Hans Ltd has secured a contract to ● It is equipped with Surface-to-Surface
supply four Dhruv NG helicopters to the Oil Missile systems, Anti-Missile Defence
and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). Systems, Air Surveillance and Fire Control
● Dhruv NG helicopters manufactured by Radar
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) 5. INS Nirdeshak Commissioned to Enhance
● Tenure of Contract: 10-year Maritime Capabilities
● Worth: Over Rs 2,000 crore ● Commissioning of INS Nirdeshak
● HAL’s Dhruv NG is the civilian variant of the ● It is a cutting-edge hydrographic survey
‘Advance Light Helicopter ALH Mk III’ vessel
helicopters used by the defence forces. ● Location: Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam
2. 2 indigenously-built warships Nilgiri & Surat ● Built by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders &
delivered to Indian Navy Engineers
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Designed for hydrographic surveys, 8. India, France, UAE strengthen defence ties with
navigation aid, and maritime operations, Desert Knight air combat exercise
the vessel has 80% indigenous content. ● India, France, and the UAE have launched
● With a 25-day endurance, 18+ knots speed, the trilateral air combat exercise "Desert
and advanced survey equipment, INS Knight" over the Arabian Sea.
Nirdeshak strengthens India's strategic role ● Aim: To boost defense cooperation,
in the Indian Ocean Region. improve interoperability between their air
6. INS Nirdeshak: Indian Navy’s New Survey Ship forces, and prepare for complex combat
Commissioned situations.
● The Indian Navy is set to commission its ● India
new survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, on ● Aircraft: Sukhoi-30MKI, Jaguars, IL-78
December 18, 2024. mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C (Airborne
● It will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Early Warning and Control) systems.
Visakhapatnam. ● Base: Operating from Jamnagar on India’s
● 110 metres in length west coast.
● Weighs approximately 3,800 tons ● French Assets: Rafale jets
● Powered by two diesel engines, ensuring ● UAE Assets: F-16 fighter jets
efficient performance at sea. 9. Vietnam Coast Guard Ship arrives in Kochi
● Equipped with advanced technology ● Vietnam Coast Guard Ship, CSB 8005
designed for hydrographic and arrived in Kochi.
oceanographic surveys. ● Aim: To enhance international cooperation
● Constructed by: Garden Reach Shipbuilders between India and Vietnam
and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata ● The two countries will take part in “Sahyog
● Over 80% of Nirdeshak’s components are — Hop Tac” to promote interoperability
made in India between the two forces.
● This achievement aligns with the Indian ● The crew will engage in professional
Navy’s objective of self-reliance in defence interaction, exercises and take part in
manufacturing. various other events.
● INS Nirdeshak is the second vessel in the ● Vietnam:
Survey Vessel (Large) Project. ● Capital: Hanoi
● This new vessel continues the legacy of the ● Currency: Vietnamese dong
original Nirdeshak, which served the Indian ● Prime minister: Pham Minh Chinh
Navy for 32 years before its 10. SLINEX 2024
decommissioning in 2014. ● Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX)
7. Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Tested by US ● Duration: December 17 to December 20,
Armed Forces 2024
● The U.S. military has successfully tested its ● Location: Visakhapatnam, under the
Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), Eastern Naval Command
known as "Dark Eagle." ● Note:It started in 2005, promotes maritime
● The test was held at Cape Canaveral Space cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
Force Station in Florida.
● It proved that the missile can travel faster 1. Indian arms makers in Top 100 log $6.7-bn 2023
than 3,800 miles per hour (Mach 5). revenue, up 6%: Sipri
● The missile reached speeds of over 3,800 ● Data by: Stockholm International Peace
miles per hour, more than five times the Research Institute (Sipri)
speed of sound. ● Combined revenues from sales of arms and
military services of the three Indian
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
companies increased to $6.74 billion in Top Exercise, CINBAX, at the Foreign
2023, growing 5.8 per cent compared to Training Node in Pune.
$6.37 billion in 2022. ● Scheduled from 1st to 8th December 2024
● Three companies are: ● The exercise aims to foster strategic
● Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), cooperation, trust, and interoperability
● Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), between the two nations.
● Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) ● Indian Army: 20 personnel from an Infantry
● Note: The three Indian companies on Sipri's Brigade.
list of the 100 largest companies in the ● Cambodian Army: 20 personnel.
industry 4. Raising Day of BSF
● Bengaluru-headquartered aerospace and ● Raising day of Border Security Force
defence company HAL, which ranked 43, ● Date: 1st December
saw its arms revenues rise to $3.71 billion ● The Raising Day commemorates the
in 2023, up 6.9 per cent from $3.47 billion a establishment of the force on Dec 1, 1965.
year ago ● BSF was created as a paramilitary force
● Bengaluru, aerospace and defence under the Ministry of Home Affairs to
electronics company BEL clocked $1.94 safeguard India's borders with Pakistan and
billion in 2023, up 0.5 per cent from $1.93 later with Bangladesh.
billion in 2022, rank fall to 67 from 65 a ● BSF Director General: Daljit Singh
year ago. Chaudhary
● Mumbai-headquartered shipbuilder MDL 5. Defence Ministry signs contract worth over Rs
saw its arms revenues grow 12.4 per cent 1,200 cr with Cochin Shipyard
to $1.09 billion in 2023 from $0.97 billion ● The Defence Ministry signed a contract
in 2022. Its rank also went up to 94 from 96 with Cochin Shipyard Limited
a year ago. ● Reason: For the short refit and dry docking
2. 4th India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise of INS Vikramaditya
‘Harimau Shakti’ begins ● Cost: More than 1,200 crore rupees
● The 4th edition of India- Malaysia Joint ● This project is an important step towards
Military Exercise Harimau Shakti the development of Cochin Shipyard
commenced, at Bentong camp in Malaysia. Limited as a Maintenance, Repair &
● Indian contingent comprising 78 personnel Overhaul Hub for supporting the industrial
is being represented by a Battalion of ecosystem of India.
Mahar Regiment. ● INS Vikramaditya is an Indian aircraft
● The Malaysian contingent is being carrier commissioned in the Indian Navy in
represented by 123 personnel from the November 2013.
Royal Malaysian Regiment. ● After the completion of the refit, the aircraft
● The exercise aims to enhance the joint carrier will join the active fleet of the Indian
military capability of both sides to Navy with upgraded combat capability.
undertake counter-insurgency operations 6. Indian Army, Singapore armed forces conclude
in jungle terrain. joint military exercise “Agni Warrior 2024”
● The Exercise will continue till the 15th of ● The Joint Military Exercise Agni Warrior
this month. 2024 between Indian Armed Forces and
3. India-Cambodia Joint Exercise CINBAX Begins in Singapore Armed Forces concluded in
Pune Devlali, Maharashtra.
● The Indian Army and the Cambodian Army ● Edition: 13th edition
have commenced their first-ever Joint Table ● The bilateral exercise witnessed
participation of 182 personnel from the
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
Singapore Artillery and 114 personnel from ● (1) 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets for the Indian
the Indian Army’s Regiment of Artillery. Air Force
● The aim of the exercise was to maximise ● (2) 100 K-9 Vajra Self-propelled howitzers
mutual understanding of drills and for the Indian Army.
procedures to achieve jointness as a ● Deal Value: Rs 20,000 crore (Around)
multinational force under the United ● 100 K-9 self-propelled howitzers to be
Nations Charter. made by Larsen and Toubro at Hazira in
7. Govt approves proposals worth over 21,000 Gujarat would be a repeat order as already
crore rupees for naval defence equippments 100 of them have been inducted into the
● Approved by: Defence Acquisition Council Army.
● Chaired by: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh 2. Defence ministry signs Rs 13,500 cr deal with
● Approval for: five capital acquisition HAL for 12 Sukhoi jets
proposals ● Signed deal: Defence Ministry + Hindustan
● Procurement of 31 New Water Jet Fast Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
Attack Crafts for the Indian Navy ● Deal Value: Rs 13,500 cr
● Procurement of 120 Fast Interceptor Crafts ● Agenda: To procure 12 Sukhoi jets for the
● Electronic warfare suite for Su-30 MKI Indian Air Force.
● Granted for the overhaul of the Indian ● Su-30MKI is a two-seater multi-role
Army's T-72 and T-90 tanks, BMP infantry long-range fighter jet developed by Russian
fighting vehicles, and engines of Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi.
fighter aircraft, which will enhance the ● It is now built under licence by HAL for the
service life of these assets. Indian Air Force (IAF).
● Procurement of six Advanced Light ● The jets would be manufactured at Nasik
Helicopter Mk-IIIs (Maritime Role) division of HAL.
● Budget: over 21 thousand 772 crore rupees 3. BEML wins Rs 136 cr defence ministry contract
8. US okays $1.2-bn MH-60R helicopter equipment for high mobility vehicles
sale to India ● New Defence contract to: BEML Ltd
● United States (US) President Joe Biden's ● Contract value: Rs 136-crore contract
administration notified the US Congress of ● Aim: Supply of indigenously designed High
its decision to approve the sale of MH-60R Mobility Vehicles (HMV) 8x8.
multi-mission helicopter equipment and ● Feature of vehicle:
related supplies at an estimated cost of ● Pivotal role in the Battle Field Surveillance
$1.17 billion to India. System (BFSS) project.
● The proposed sale will improve India's ● Reinforcing India's defence capabilities and
capability to deter current and future advancing the government's vision of
threats by upgrading its anti-submarine Atmanirbhar Bharat
warfare capabilities. ● Capable of operating in extreme climates,
● Note: from -20 degrees Celsius to +55 degrees
● President-elect Donald Trump slated to be Celsius, and at altitudes of up to 5,000
sworn in as the 47th US President on metres above sea level
January 20, 2025. 4. INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy
● INS Tushil, a Russian-built guided missile
1. Govt clears Rs 22,000 crore for Su-30 fighter jets, frigate, was commissioned into the Indian
100 K-9 howitzers Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia
● Cabinet Approval: Two major projects ● This advanced warship is a product of a
worth 2016 deal between India and Russia
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● It is Built as part of a USD 2.5-billion deal, ● Deal Value: 200 million euro (Rs 1,760
the ship is an upgraded version of the crore)
Krivak III-class frigate under Project ● Under this collaboration, Akums Group will
1135.6. produce and supply multiple Stock-keeping
● The 3,900-tonne frigate, measuring 125 units of oral liquid formulations, which the
meters in length, is designed to provide partner company will market across
enhanced stealth and stability various European countries.
● INS Tushil is the seventh multirole stealth 2. MoU Signed Between National e-Governance
frigate in Project 1135.6 series, first of the Division and Indian Ports Association
additional follow-on class ships. ● MoU Between: National e-Governance
● Built at Severnoye Design Bureau, Russia. Division (NeGD) and the Indian Ports
5. India Plans Anti-Drone Unit for Border Security Association (IPA)
● India will establish a comprehensive ● Reason: To drive digital transformation in
anti-drone unit. India’s maritime sector by integrating
● Reason: To protect the nation against NeGD’s technological expertise with IPA’s
drone-related threats in-depth insights into the maritime sector
● Informed by: Union Home Minister and (Ports, Shipping, etc.) and Logistics
Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah industries at national and international
● Informed at: 60th Raising Day Parade of the levels.
Border Security Force (BSF) 3. Jubilant FoodWorks inks pact to buy Coca-Cola
● Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan India products
6. India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue ● MoU Between: Jubilant FoodWorks +
● The second India and the United Kingdom Coca-Cola India
2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue was held ● Reason: It allow the Indian firm to serve
in New Delhi on 3 December 2024 Coca Cola and other products of the US
● The first was held in New Delhi in October giant at the outlets of its franchise
2023 restaurant chains such as Domino’s Pizza,
● The 2+2 Foreign and Defence dialogue is a Dunkin Donuts.
Senior official-level mechanism for ● MOU will be executed between the two
discussing and reviewing all aspects of the parties beginning April 1.
India-UK Comprehensive Strategic 4. Mankind Pharma inks pact with Innovent for
Partnership. immunotherapy drug in India
● The 2+2 Foreign and Defence Minister ● Pact between: Mankind Pharma (India) +
Dialogue is a ministerial-level discussion Innovent Biologics ( Chinese pharma)
just below in importance, the summit-level ● Reason: To sell its anti-cancer drug
meeting between the Prime Ministers of Sintilimab in India under a licence.
India and the United Kingdom. ● Sintilimab, an advanced PD-1
● India has held 2+2 meetings with ministers immunotherapy, will be available in the
from USA, Australia, Japan, the United country in three years.
Kingdom and Russia. 5. Gensol Engineering bags Rs 897 crore solar
MoUs project contract from NTPC REL
1. Akums Group inks pact worth 200 million euros ● Gensol Engineering has secured a Rs
for European market 897-core contract from NTPC Renewable
● MoU Between: Akums Group + Global Energy Limited (NTPC REL).
pharmaceutical major (undisclosed) ● Reason: For the development of 225 MW
● Reason: For manufacturing and supply of grid-connected solar projects.
formulations in the European market.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Location: EPC mode at GSECL Solar Park 9. Hyundai Motor and Kia Forge Strategic
(Stage-III), Khavda located in the Rann of Partnership with Exide Energy
Kutch, Gujarat ● Mou Between: Exide Energy Solutions
● This contract entails the development of (EESL) has signed an MoU with Hyundai
225MW-AC (alternate current), equivalent Motor and Kia Corporation
to 276 MW DC (direct current), grid ● Aim: To supply lithium-ion cells and battery
connected solar projects. packs for electric vehicles in India.
10. Government of Andhra Pradesh and PW partner
to establish deep-tech AI-focussed first Institute of
Eminence (IoE)
● MoU: Andhra Pradesh Government and
PhysicsWallah (PW)
● Reason: To establish the University of
Innovation (UoI)
● Aim: To become the state's first Institute of
Eminence
● The university will focus on AI, emerging
6. Adani to acquire 85.8% stake in Air Works for Rs technologies, and entrepreneurship, using a
400 cr enterprise value hub-and-spoke model for statewide access.
● Adani Group will acquire aviation 11. UP and Manipur Partner for Ek Bharat
maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) Shreshtha Bharat
services firm Air Works ● MoU between: Government of Manipur and
● Dela Value: Rs 400 crore Government of Uttar Pradesh
● Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd ● Reason: For implementation of Ek Bharat
(ADSTL) has signed a share purchase Shreshtha Bharat
agreement to acquire 85.8 percent ● Effective: Immediately
shareholding in Air Works ● The MoU contains various activities
7. TIL to invest ₹20,000 crore to develop Vadhvan including Cultural Exchange Programs.
Port ● Validity: Three years, may be renewed for
● MoU between: Terminal Investment Ltd another three years by mutual written
Sarl (TIL) and Jawaharlal Nehru Port consent of both sides.
Authority (JNPA) 12. Micromax and Phison partner to launch joint
● Reason: To invest Rs 20,000 crore for venture MiPhi
constructing the Vadhvan Port Project ● JV: Micromax Informatics and Phison
● Geneva based TIL will invests in, develops, ● Launch: MiPhi
and manages container terminals across ● Aim: To enhance GPU efficiency and deliver
the globe. advanced NAND storage solutions
● TIL’s majority owner and the main ● MiPhi will introduce the world’s lowest
customer is the Mediterranean Shipping per-token cost and energy consumption for
Company (MSC), the world’s largest AI use cases.
shipping line. 13. CCI approves acquisition of India Cement by
8. Bata India partners with Zepto for 10-minute UltraTech
footwear delivery ● Acquisition of: India Cements
● MoU Between: Footwear maker Bata India ● Acquired by: UltraTech Cement
and Zepto ● Approved by: Competition Commission of
● Reason: To provide swift delivery of their India (CCI)
fashion and festive footwear collections. ● Stakes: 32.72% stake
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Deal Value: Rs 3,954 crore 4. Wipro to acquire Applied Value Technologies for
14. DRDO, IIT Delhi & the industry sign 10 $40 mn
tripartite agreements ● Wipro has signed a definitive agreement to
● Sign between: DRDO, IIT Delhi and industry acquire a 100% shareholding in Applied
● Total agreement: 10 Value Technologies.
● Type of agreement: Tripartite agreements ● Deal value: $40 million
● Signed at: DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre ● In an all-cash transaction, Wipro is set to
of Excellence (DIA-CoE) organised at IIT also acquire its affiliates Applied Value
Delhi Technologies Pte Ltd and Applied Value
● Reason: For development and Technologies BV (AVT), which are part of
manufacturing among others of light the Applied Value Group.
weight bullet proof jacket ABHED, and 5. BEML partners with NHPC to develop solutions
indigenous polymeric ballistic material. for hydroelectric power
1. Bavarian Nordic signs mpox vaccine deal with SII ● MoUs Between: Bharat Earth Movers Ltd
● MoU between: Denmark based Bavarian (BEML) and National Hydroelectric Power
Nordic (biotechnology company) and the Corporation (NHPC)
world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, the ● Reason: To develop solutions for
Serum Institute of India Pvt hydroelectric power plants.
● Reason: To make the Danish biotech firm’s ● The partnership is expected to advance
mpox shot. desilting and dredging technologies
● The company will transfer technology to designed to prevent dam sedimentation
the Serum Institute so the vaccine producer and address urban waterlogging during the
can supply shots for the Indian market. monsoon season.
2. UK gov't clears Bharti's acquisition of 24.5% BT 6. GlobalLogic and Nokia join forces to accelerate
stake innovation in 5G
● Acquisition of: BT (Bharti Televentures UK) ● Sign between: Hitachi Group Company and
● Stakes: 24.5% stake Nokia
● Approved by: UK government ● Reason: To accelerate the adoption of
● Acquired by: Bharti Global advanced 5G and 4G enterprise solutions.
● The order noted that Bharti Televentures ● By leveraging Nokia’s Network as a Code
UK Limited acquired 24.5 per cent of the platform, GlobalLogic’s software developers
issued share capital of BT -- 9.99 per cent can tap into advanced network capabilities,
on August 12, 2024, and 14.51 per cent on creating new, network-aware applications
November 18, 2024. that function across diverse network
3. Daikin India and Rechi Precision Establish Joint architectures.
Venture 7. DPIIT and Tally Solutions Collaborate to Mentor
● Daikin India (Japan-based) has formed a JV Manufacturing Startups
with Taiwanese AC compressor maker ● MoU Between: DPIIT (Department for
Rechi Precision Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade)
● Reason: To manufacture, design and sale of and Tally Solutions
rotary compressors. ● Aim: To offer workshop-based training for
● A new manufacturing plant will be set up in manufacturing startups, focusing on
Sri City, Andhra Pradesh. financial management, compliance,
● Daikin will hold a majority stake in the joint marketing, and digitization.
venture ● Startups will receive free Tally Prime
● Note: The first facility, fully owned by licenses, expert sessions, and networking
Daikin, is located in Neemrana, Rajasthan.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
opportunities to streamline operations and ● This is the first supply agreement Tata Steel
build sustainable businesses. UK has made since announcing the £1.25
8. DPIIT and HDFC Bank Joined Hands to Empower billion joint investment with the UK
Startups Government to transition to high-quality,
● MoU: Department for Promotion of low-CO2 steel production in South Wales
Industry and Internal Trade signed an MoU ● Note:
with HDFC Bank ● India has launched the World’s first Green
● Aim: To boost India's startup ecosystem, Steel Taxonomy
focusing on financial access, mentorship, ○ Definition of Green Steel: Steel with
and innovation growth. CO2 equivalent emission intensity
● Startups will gain access to customized of less than 2.2 tonnes of CO2e per
banking products, HDFC’s vast network, tonne of finished steel.
and capacity-building programs to attract 1. Coal India, Bharat Petroleum sign MoU
investments. ● Coal India Limited (CIL) and Bharat
● This strategic partnership aims to tackle Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)
funding challenges. have signed a non-binding Memorandum of
9. Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Navy Sign MoU Understanding (MoU) to explore the
● MoU Between: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya feasibility of establishing a
(GSV) and the Indian Navy coal-to-synthetic natural gas (SNG) project.
● Aim: To boost education, research, and ● It is proposed at Western Coalfields Limited
training in logistics. (WCL).
● The partnership aims to enhance the Navy's ● The project will use surface coal
logistics capabilities in areas like supply gasification technology.
chain management, multimodal ● The collaboration represents a significant
transportation, and sustainability. step towards diversifying coal utilisation
10. AIIMS and Wipro to establish AI Health and enhancing energy security.
Innovation Hub ● Coal India:
● MoU Between: AIIMS and Wipro ● Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
● To establish an AI Health Innovations Hub ● Chairman & MD: PM Prasad
at the Centre. ● Bharat Petroleum:
● A joint working committee from both ● Headquarters: Mumbai
organisations will oversee the ● Chairman & MD: G Krishnakumar
collaboration, which will include clinical 2. GreenLine ties up with Flipkart to deploy LNG
research and academic engagement trucks
● As the technology partner, Wipro GE ● GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd., a part of
Healthcare will invest around $1 million the Essar Group, has tied up with Flipkart
over the next five years to co-develop, test, of the Walmart Group to deploy its fleet of
and deploy intelligent systems and liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks to enable
workflow solutions in cardiology, oncology, the e-commerce company to meet it’s
and neurology. decarbonizing goals.
11. Tata Steel and JCB sign green steel deal ● It will deploy its fleet of 25 LNG-powered
● Tata Steel UK has signed an agreement with trucks, each equipped with 46 ft containers
the British construction equipment offering a capacity of 110 cubic meters,
manufacturer JCB marking a key step in Flipkart’s broader
● Reason: To supply green steel from Port commitment to decarbonising its delivery
Talbot after completing its transformation operations.
plans 3. Nepal, China sign 9 agreements
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Nepal and China signed nine agreements in ● The primary objective of the Hyundai CoE
Beijing, China, during the Prime Minister K is to take the lead in driving advancements
P Sharma Oli’s four-day official visit to in batteries and electrification, specifically
China. designed to meet the unique requirements
● Nepal and China signed a "Framework for of the Indian market.
Belt and Road Cooperation" by replacing ● Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) plans to
'grant financing' with "aid financing." invest around $7 million over five years,
● While a grant refers to a subsidy, aid can from 2025 to 2029, to jointly conduct
encompass both grants and loans, offering battery and electrification-related research
more flexibility in the terms of assistance. with the three IIT universities.
● The Belt and Road Initiative is a massive ● The collaboration will expand into areas
China-led infrastructure project that aims like software and hydrogen fuel cells.
to stretch around the globe.
4. O2 Power signs 100 Mw energy PPA with East 1. BMW and UNICEF Collaborate
Central Railways ● Collab between: BMW and UNICEF
● O2 Power has signed a Power Purchase ● Reason: To provide STEM education to
Agreement (PPA) with East Central 100,000 marginalized children, especially
Railways to supply 100 MW of renewable girls, in rural areas of Assam, Jharkhand,
electricity. Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
● The power will be sourced from O2 Power's ● BMW Group India has manufacturing plant
facilities in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and in Chennai, headquartered in Gurgaon.
Karnataka, aiding ECR's decarbonization ● \Department of Posts and UNICEF issue
efforts and contributing to India's net-zero commemorative postage stamp on
carbon emissions goal by 2070. UNICEF@75 with India
5. Electric Propulsion Pact Signed by India, UK ● The special postage stamp valued at Rs 10
● India and the UK have sealed a framework ● Kerala introduces arts-based therapy for
agreement to co-design and co-produce traumatized children with Unicef's support
electric propulsion systems to be used in ● December 11, 1946 marks the founding of
futuristic warships UNICEF
● Aim: Co-design and co-produce electric ● HQ : New York
propulsion capabilities for futuristic ● Catherine M. Russell
warships 2. HPCL inks pact with Sea6 Energy to convert
● Technology Focus: Electric propulsion seaweed biomass into fuels
systems for future warships, including ● MoU Between: HPCL and Sea6 Energy
Landing Platform Docks Private Limited
6. Hyundai ties up with 3 IITs for battery, ● MoU For: R&D collaboration to take up joint
electrification research development and commercialisation of
● Hyundai Motor Group partnered with three technologies for valorising seaweed
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to biomass.
establish a collaborative research system in ● HPCL will develop and scale up
the fields of batteries and electrification. technologies jointly with Sea6 Energy for
● The institutes include IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay the conversion of seaweed biomass into
and IIT Madras. fuels and chemicals.
● The Hyundai Center of Excellence (CoE), ● While these technologies are being
which will be set up within IIT Delhi, will developed and piloted, Sea6 Energy will
operate through sponsorships from also work on the upstream portion of
Hyundai Motor Group.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
making seaweed farming and harvesting ● The 10-year agreement amounts to 0.5% of
more cost-effective. global oil supply and is valued at roughly
3. IEPFA and ACCA Sign MoU $13 billion per year at current prices.
● MoU Between: The Investor Education and 6. Karnataka signs MoU with Germany’s Krones
Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), and the ● MoU between: Karnataka Government +
Association of Chartered Certified Germany-based Krones
Accountants (ACCA) ● Reason: To set up a manufacturing facility
● Reason: To enhance financial literacy, at the Vemagal Industrial Park Phase 2, in
investor education, and protection in India, Kolar.
focusing on both urban and rural sectors. ● The MoU ensures expedited
● The collaboration will implement the operationalisation of Krones’ facility, with
“Financial Education for You” (FEFY) the Government of Karnataka assuring
program, a four-year initiative targeting support for the setup
students in grades 6 to 9 to build a strong 7. Google partners with NCERT
foundation for sound financial ● Partnership with: Google + National Council
decision-making. for Educational Research and Training
● IEPFA upgrades Call Centre and IVRS (NCERT)
support with new Toll-Free Number — ● Reason: To launch YouTube channels in 29
14453 Indian languages, including sign language
● This new toll-free number replaces the old ● Aim: To provide free educational content to
toll-free number 1800 114 667 the Indian students between grades 1-12
● Investor Education and Protection Fund and to empower teachers.
Authority (IEPFA) was established on 8. Flipkart and DPIIT Collaborate to Boost India’s
September 7, 2016, under the Ministry of Startup Ecosystem
Corporate Affairs, Government of India. ● Collab between: Flipkart and Department
● IEPFA is responsible for managing the for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Investor Education and Protection Fund, Trade (DPIIT)
which focuses on safeguarding investor ● Reason: To accelerate the growth of tech
interests by facilitating the refund of startups across India.
shares, unclaimed dividends, and matured 9. NMDFC, DICCI sign MoU
deposits/debentures. ● MoU Signed between: The National
4. MeitY & ThreeDis to establish Center of Minorities Development and Finance
Excellence for Airport Systems Corporation (NMDFC) and Dalit Indian
● The Ministry of Electronics and Information Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Technology (MeitY) and Three D Integrated (DICCI)
Solutions Ltd. (ThreeDis) have partnered. ● Reason: To empower marginalized
● Aim: To set up a Center of Excellence for communities through entrepreneurship
advanced airport navigation, ● The partnership between NMDFC and
communication, and security systems DICCI is expected to serve as a model for
under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. collaborative efforts in empowering the
5. Rosneft inks record oil supply deal with RIL marginalized sections of society.
● MoU Between: Russia’s state-owned oil 10. Google signs MoU with AP govt to accelerate AI
firm Rosneft and Indian upstream oil and adoption and innovation
gas major Reliance Industries (RIL) ● MoU Between: Google and Andhra Pradesh
● Agreement: To supply up to 500,000 government
barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to RIL ● Aim: To help the state in adoption of
artificial intelligence (AI) in various fields
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
including healthcare, and also give a fillip to ● 4R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and
the local startup ecosystem there. Recover
● The collaboration will also focus on ● Waste Processing Capacity: 750 kgs of
promoting skill development and bridging waste processed daily on-site.
the digital divide by providing citizens with 3. Losar Festivities
the necessary training and resources to ● State/UT: Ladakh
thrive in an AI-driven economy. ● It is a Tibetan New Year.
● Additionally, Google will support the state’s ● About Ladakh:
startup ecosystem, to fuel innovation and ● Capitals: Leh, Kargil
entrepreneurship in the field of AI. ● Districts: 7
11. Myntra Joins the Quick Commerce Trend with ● Governor: Brig. (Dr.) B. D. Mishra (Retd.)
M-Now for Faster Fashion Deliveries 4. Maharashtra Launches Solar Agriculture Feeder
● As the quick commerce trend continues to Project 2.0
surge, Myntra has entered the space with ● Launch of: Solar Agriculture Feeder Project
its M-Now offering, providing faster fashion 2.0
and beauty product deliveries. ● Launched by: CM Devendra Fadnavis
● This move comes as part of the broader ● State: Maharashtra
shift in e-commerce, with companies ● Aim: To enhance agricultural energy
aiming to meet the growing consumer through reliable solar power.
demand for instant shopping. ● Chief minister: Devendra Fadnavis
States ● Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
1. UP CM Inaugurates Atal Yuva Maha Kumbh ● Capital: Mumbai
● Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi ● Bird: Yellow-footed green pigeon
Adityanath and Defence Minister Rajnath ● Districts: 36 (6 divisions)
Singh inaugurated the ‘Atal Yuva Maha 5. Delhi Increases Income Threshold for EWS
Kumbh’ in Lucknow. Admissions in Private Schools
● Reason: To celebrate the 100th birth ● Context: Enhancement of the threshold
anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal limit of annual income for EWS
Bihari Vajpayee (economically weaker sections) and
● Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch) disadvantaged groups for admissions to
● Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath private schools
● Governor: Anandiben Patel ● Approved by: Lieutenant governor (LG) VK
● Bird: Sarus crane Saxena
● Flower: Palash ● Current structure: ₹2.5 lakh
● Mammal: Barasingha ● Enhanced to: ₹5 lakh
● Tree: Ashoka 6. Chhattisgarh's 136-year-old Bhilai railway
2. Indore Airport Launches Waste Processing Unit station renovated
In Green Initiative ● Context: 136-year-old historic Bhilai
● IndiGo's CSR initiative, IndiGoReach, has railway station undergoes renovation
introduced the Zero Waste Airport Project ● Project under: Amrit Bharat Station Yojna
at Indore Airport. ● Bhilai railway station was built in 1888 in
● Collab with: Airports Authority of India Durg district
(AAI) and AAS Foundation, Indore ● About Amrit Bharat Station Yojna:
● The project seeks to develop an ● Ministry: Ministry of Railways
eco-friendly and sustainable airport by ● Launched in: 2023
implementing the 4R strategy. ● Aim: To transform and revitalize 1309
railway stations across the nation
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● About Chhattisgrah: 1. Goa Liberation Day 2024
● Capital: Raipur (Executive Branch) ● Goa Liberation Day, celebrated annually on
● Governor: Ramen Deka December 19, marks the end of 451 years
● Founded: 1 November 2000 of Portuguese colonial rule in 1961.
● Before was: Part of Madhya Pradesh ● Chief minister: Pramod Sawant
● Bird: Common hill myna ● Capital: Panaji
7. Masli in Gujarat's Banaskantha becomes India's ● Governor: P. S. Sreedharan Pillai
first 'border solar village' ● Before was: Goa, Daman and Diu
● Context: India's first solar border village ● Bird: Flame-throated bulbul
● Name of village: Masali village ● Goa-Industrial Development Corporation
● Location: Banaskantha district, located in launched India's first Digital Public Good,
Gujarat OPEN platform, to simplify and standardize
● It is located 40 kilometers from the government-to-business transactions.
Pakistan border. ● The Goa ST Reservation Bill 2024 was
● Masali has emerged as 100 percent solar introduced to provide Scheduled Tribes
powered village in country. (STs) representation in the Goa Assembly.
● Capital: Gandhinagar ● CM Pramod Sawant launched 'Goem
● Governor: Acharya Devvrat Vinamulya Vij Yevjan' to boost solar rooftop
● Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel adoption in Goa, aligned with PM's Surya
● Before was: Bombay State Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
● Bird: Greater flamingo 2. Telangana govt. introduces new Telangana Bhu
● Districts: 33 Bharati (Record of Rights) Act
8. Bihar Business Connect 2024 - A Global Investors ● Telangana government has introduced the
Summit new Bhu Bharati (भू भारति) 2024 Bill in the
● Bihar Business Connect 2024 investor state Assembly.
summit ● Proposal: To reform the existing Revenue
● Date: 19th to 20th December 2024 system of Dharani for land records and land
● Location: Patna, Bihar rights.
● Important MoUs were signed: ● Capital: Hyderabad
● IOC to invest over Rs 21,000 cr in Bihar ● Districts: 33
refinery ● Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
● NHPC to invest Rs 5,500 cr in setting up ● Chief minister: Revanth Reddy
1,000 MW solar project ● Deputy chief minister: Mallu Bhatti
● Haldiram Snack will invest Rs 300 crore in Vikramarka
Bihar to set up a manufacturing unit. 3. CM Mamata Banerjee Launches Banglar Bari
● Capital: Patna Housing Initiative
● Chief minister: Nitish Kumar ● Launched the "Banglar Bari" housing
● Governor: Rajendra Arlekar scheme
● Bird: House sparrow ● Launched by: West Bengal
● Districts: 38 ● It is designed to provide affordable housing
9. Kejriwal Launches Dr Ambedkar Scholarship for to the people of West Bengal
Dalit Students Abroad ● The first installment of Rs 60,000 was
● Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP supremo, unveiled distributed to 42 beneficiaries from 21
the Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship, a districts.
scheme designed to fund Dalit students ● Additionally, CM Mamata Banerjee
from Delhi who wish to pursue higher announced plans for the construction of a
education in top foreign universities.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
5-km-long bridge, “Gangasagar Sethu,” to 6. Gujarat CM Unveiled Plans for Desert Tourism
connect the mainland with Sagar Island. Circuit in Kutch
● Capital: Kolkata ● Gujarat CM, Bhupendra Patel unveiled Plans
● Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee for Desert Tourism Circuit in Kutch
● Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose ● Gujarat CM announced plans to develop a
● The 30th Kolkata International Film desert tourism circuit in Kutch to enhance
Festival (KIFF) commenced on December 4, regional tourism.
2024, with France as the theme country, ● Aim: To attract more visitors while
highlighting its rich cultural and cinematic preserving the desert ecosystem.
heritage. ● The project is expected to create jobs and
● West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee promote local culture, benefiting the
announced UNESCO's recognition of the region's economy.
state as a premier destination for heritage 7. Nupi Lal Numit 2024
tourism, creating job opportunities for ● Manipur observed Nupi Lal Numit 2024.
millions. ● Aim: To honor the bravery and strength of
● West Bengal government will establish 5 women who fought for justice during the
new POCSO fast-track special courts, Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939.
increasing the total to 67, with 6 additional ● The event was led by Chief Minister N.
e-POCSO courts. Biren Singh.
4. Andhra Pradesh Unveils Tourism Policy 2024-29 ● Capital: Imphal
● Andhra Pradesh's new tourism policy ● Chief minister: N. Biren Singh
● Aim: To create ecotourism, temple tourism, ● Governor: Lakshman Acharya
Buddhist, beach, river, and cruise circuits, ● As state: 21 January 1972
supported by 7 anchor hubs and 25 ● Lake: Loktak Lake
thematic approaches. ● River: Barak
● Tourism is granted industry status to ● Festival: Yaosang, ‘Chavang-Kut
transform the state into a hub in five years. ● National Park: Keibul Lamjao National Park
● It will boost tourism's economic share, ● Folk Dance: Dhol Cholom
attract ₹25,000 crore investments, and 8. Uttarakhand Unveils India’s First Yoga Policy to
increase domestic tourist spending to Become Global Yoga Hub
₹25,000/year. ● Uttarakhand is set to become a global yoga
5. Andhra Pradesh approves Rs 24,276 crore for hub with India’s first dedicated Yoga Policy.
Amaravati infrastructure projects ● Spearheaded by Chief Minister Pushkar
● The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Singh Dhami
Development Authority (APCRDA), chaired ● Aim: To integrate Ayurveda and Yoga into
by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, healthcare, promote wellness tourism, and
has approved infrastructure projects worth generate employment.
Rs 24,276 crore ● Uttarakhand hosted the 10th World
● Aim: For the development of greenfield Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo.
capital Amaravati. ● Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Bhararisen
● Capital: Amaravati (Summer)
● Chief minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu ● Founded: 9 November 2000
● Governor: Syed Abdul Nazeer ● Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
● Founded: 1 November 1956 ● Governor: Gurmit Singh
● Bifurcation: 2 June 2014 (Bifurcation by ● Before was: Part of Uttar Pradesh
forming Telangana) ● Bird: Himalayan monal
● Districts: 26
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Uttarakhand to Build 16,000 Homes Under ● CM Yogi Adityanath launched Uttar
PM Housing Scheme Pradesh's first double-decker electric bus at
● Uttarakhand CM inaugurates Jauljibi Mela the Aakanksha Haat programme in
in Pithoragarh. Lucknow.
● ADB Approves $200 Million Loan to ● UP cabinet approves Vamasundari (HCL
Uttarakhand. Group) and Tarq (Hiranandani Group)
● PM Modi Launches India’s First Heli semiconductor units near Jewar airport,
Ambulance Service "Sanjeevani" Noida.
● India’s First Writers’ Village Opens Near ● The logo for the 2025 Maha Kumbh merges
Dehradun. elements like the Akshayvat tree and Lord
● Uttarakhand Madrasa Board to Introduce Hanuman.
Sanskrit as Mandatory Subject. ● motto: “Sarvasiddhipradah Kumbhah”
9. World Bank approves $325 Million Project to ● Amrit Kalash:Mouth: Lord Vishnu, Neck:
Boost Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh Rudra, Base: Brahma, Middle: all
● Loan to: Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth goddesses., Water: Symbolizes the entire
and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem ocean.
Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project 10. 100th Tansen Music Festival Sets Guinness
● Loan amount: $325.10 million World Record
● Loan by: World Bank ● Event: 100th Tansen Music Festival
● Reason: Enhance farmers’ incomes in Uttar ● Achievement: Guinness Book of World
Pradesh through improved crop Record was created by playing 9 musical
productivity, adoption of digital and instruments simultaneously for 9 minutes
climate-resilient practices, and better in the music city of Gwalior in MP.
market connections. ● 536 male and female artists from Madhya
● The project also seeks to attract $15 million Pradesh and the country participated in
in private investment to bolster these this presentation.
efforts. ● The presentation included three ragas
● Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch) composed by Tansen: Malhar, Miyan ki Todi
● Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath and Darbari Kanhra.
● Governor: Anandiben Patel ● Madhya Pradesh:
● Before was: United Provinces (1937–1950) ● Capital: Bhopal
● Bird: Sarus crane ● Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
● Districts: 76 (18 divisions) ● Bird: Indian paradise flycatcher
● Uttar Pradesh Set To Become India's Top ● Districts: 55 (10 divisions)
Cow Milk Producer. 11. Himachal Pradesh Govt launched Him Bhog Atta
● Gorakhpur is set to launch India's first ● Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister
Integrated Waste Management Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has launched six
City-cum-Learning Centre by September welfare schemes.
2025. ● Reason: To mark the two years of the
● Sangam, surrounding areas declared completion of his government.
‘Mahakumbh Mela dist’ ● 'Him Bhog Atta’:
● Uttar Pradesh will now have 76 districts ● Made from maize grown by farmers in
instead of 75. Uttarakhand through natural farming
● Uttar Pradesh will open the country’s first methods.
night safari in December 2026, located in ● Natural farming systems involve traditional
Lucknow, making it the world’s fifth such techniques
safari. ● Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojna:
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Aim: To prevent child exploitation and ● The initiative aims to address barriers to
support vulnerable children from widows, education and equip students with the tools
destitute women, divorced women, and needed to pursue professional courses and
disabled parents. brighter futures.
● The scheme targets 23,000 children and ● Andhra Pradesh:
provides monthly financial assistance of Rs ● Capital: Amaravati
1000 for children under 18 to cover ● Chief minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
educational costs. ● Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
● Founded: 1 November 1956
1. Bihar govt increases monetary reward for ● Bifurcation: 2 June 2014 (Bifurcation by
winners of gallantry awards forming Telangana)
● State: Bihar ● Districts: 26
● Increased the monetary reward for
gallantry award winners from Bihar. 4. New logo of 4th Edition of Eaglenest Bird Festival
● Param Vir Chakra: Rs 1 crore (previous Rs ● Event: Eaglenest Bird Festival 2024
10 lakh) ● Edition: 4th
● Ashok Chakra awardees: Rs 75 lakh ● State: Arunachal Pradesh
● Mahaveer Chakra: Rs 50 lakh ● Date: 17th to 19th January 2025
● Kirti Chakra: Rs 10 lakh ● Location: Khellong and Thongre village in
● Veera Chakra: Rs 9 lakh West Kameng District
● Shaurya Chakra: Rs 8 lakh ● Capital: Itanagar (Executive Branch)
● About Bihar: ● Chief minister: Pema Khandu
● Capital: Patna ● Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
● Area: 94,163 km² ● As union territory: 21 January 1972
● Chief minister: Nitish Kumar ● Bird: Hornbill
● Governor: Rajendra Arlekar ● Districts: 28
● Bird: House sparrow ● Rajya Sabha: 1 seat
● Districts: 38 ● Lok Sabha: 2 seats
2. Delhi Government Rolled Out Mukhya Mantri 5. ‘Nasha Mukat-Rangla Punjab’ campaign
Mahila Samman Yojana ● Name of campaign: Nasha Mukat-Rangla
● Name of Scheme: Mukhya Mantri Mahila Punjab
Samman Yojana ● Flagged off: Punjab Governor Gulab Chand
● Launched by: Delhi Kataria
● Increasing the monthly stipend for women ● Flagged off from: Village Beas in Jalandhar
aged 18+ from ₹1,000 to ₹2,100. district
● The scheme benefiting 45 lakh women has ● State: Punjab
an allocated budget of ₹2,000 crore, but the ● Drive aim: To promote Drug-Free Punjab
1st installment will be credited ● The village belongs to the world-renowned
post-assembly polls due to the election 113-year-old Indian Marathon runner Fauja
code. Singh who walked along with the Governor
3. Universal Sompo GI Collaborates with CRY for 8 kms in the first leg.
● Universal Sompo General Insurance has ● Capital: Chandigarh
collaborated with Child Rights and You ● Chief minister: Bhagwant Mann
(CRY) ● Governor: Gulab Chand Kataria
● Aim: To foster educational opportunities for ● Bird: Goshawk
children in marginalized communities in ● Districts: 23
Andhra Pradesh. ● Rajya Sabha: 7 seats
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Lok Sabha: 13 seats ● Note:
6. Jan Kalyan Parv to celebrate one year of ● 9 new policies have been recently released
governance in Madhya Pradesh including Energy, MSME, Tourism and
● Name of scheme: Jan Kalyan Parv Mining.
● Launched by: MP CM Dr. Mohan Yadav ● MoUs worth Rs 30 lakh Crores have been
● State: Madhya Pradesh signed for investment proposals prior to
● Completed: 1 year the summit.
● Celebration: Entire state from 11th ● The state government has set a target to
December to 26th of January double the economy of the state to 350
● Focus: The development and welfare of billion dollars in the next 5 years.
youth, women, farmers and the poor 9. ICAR approves establishment of two cotton
● Capital: Bhopal research centres in Telangana
● Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel ● The Indian Council of Agricultural Research
● Bird: Indian paradise flycatcher (ICAR) has approved the establishment of
● Districts: 55 (10 divisions) two All India Coordinated Research Project
● Rajya Sabha:11 seats (ACRIP) Centres on cotton in Telangana.
● Lok Sabha: 29 seats ● The two centres will be established at
7. Bihar’s Sex Ratio Drops to 882 Warangal (main centre) and Adilabad
● Bihar's sex ratio at birth has dropped to a (sub-centre).
concerning 882 females per 1,000 males. ● About Telangana :
● The government to take swift action against ● Governor : Jishnu Dev Varma
female foeticide. ● Chief Minister : Revanth Reddy (INC)
● The state is intensifying enforcement of the ● Capital : Hyderabad
PC-PNDT Act and launching awareness 1. Assam Bans Beef Consumption in Hotels and
campaigns to promote gender equality. Public Places
● Note: PC-PNDT Act refers to ● Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic imposed a complete ban on the serving and
Techniques Act consumption of beef in hotels, restaurants,
● Vaishali and Bhojpur districts show and public places across the state.
alarming decline in sex ratio,. ● This decision, which amends existing laws,
● Bhagalpur show improvement. aims to regulate beef consumption.
● Bihar’s Health Minister: Mangal Pandey ● Assam:
● Capital: Patna ● Capital: Dispur
● Chief minister: Nitish Kumar ● Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
● Governor: Rajendra Arlekar ● Governor: Lakshman Acharya
● Bird: House sparrow ● Bird: White-winged duck
● Districts: 38 ● Flower: Foxtail orchid
8. Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2. Ratapani Tiger Reserve notified as the 57th Tiger
● Name of event: Rising Rajasthan Global Reserve of the country
Investment Summit 2024 ● Union Minister for Environment, Forest and
● Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav,
● Date: 9-11 Dec, 2024 informed the Nation about the notification
● Inaugurate by: PM Narendra Modi of the Ratapani Tiger Reserve, Madhya
● Theme: Replete, Responsible, Ready Pradesh, as the 57th Tiger Reserve of the
● Objective: To promote investment and country.
industries in the state and create new
employment opportunities.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Ratapani Tiger Reserve has a core area of ● This initiative is part of HUDCO’s Corporate
​763.8 sq km, a buffer area of ​507.6 sq km Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts to
and a total area of ​1271.4 sq km. combat under-nutrition in children.
● It is the 8th tiger reserve of Madhya ● The program will supply 200 ml of fortified
Pradesh. flavored milk per child every school day
● This conservation initiative will strengthen (175 days), aiming to improve children’s
wildlife management in the forests of overall health and learning capacity.
Ratapani, Bhopal Sehore area. 5. Arunachal Pradesh launches 'Mission Himveer'
● About MP: to boost local economy
○ Capital – Bhopal ● The Government of Arunachal Pradesh has
○ Chief Minister – Dr Mohan Yadav launched Mission Arun Himveer.
(replace Shivraj Singh Chauhan) ● Aim: To enhance market linkages for local
○ Deputy CM – Jagdish Devda & agricultural and horticultural producers.
Rajendra Shukla ● In a significant move, the Arunachal
○ Speaker of Madhya Pradesh Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board
Assembly – Narendra Singh Tomar (APAMB) signed a Memorandum of
○ Governor – Mangubhai C. Patel Understanding (MoU) with the
3. Telangana launches Transgender Clinics in all 33 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), North
districts East Frontier.
● Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy ● ITBP will purchase fruits, vegetables, meat,
inaugurated 33 transgender clinics (Maitri and poultry directly from local farmers
Clinics), one in each district of Telangana on through APAMB.
December 2, 2024. ● Payments will be processed via a revolving
● Objective: To provide free health check-ups, fund of ₹4 crore, reimbursed after
diagnostic tests, and medicines for reconciliation by ITBP.
transgender individuals, ensuring inclusive ● Farmers receive 100% of the funds from
healthcare. this initiative.
● Each clinic is staffed by a medical doctor ● Capital: Itanagar (Executive Branch)
trained in transgender healthcare, a ● Chief minister: Pema Khandu
counsellor, and a transgender Community ● Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
Champion. 6. UP Declares Maha Kumbh Area a New District for
● Clinics operate every Tuesday and 2025 Mela
Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ● The Uttar Pradesh government has
● The initiative is India’s first comprehensive declared the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj
state-wide healthcare support system as a new district, named the Maha Kumbh
dedicated to transgender individuals. Mela district.
● About Telangana : ● Maha Kumbh Mela event scheduled for
● Governor : Jishnu Dev Varma January 2025.
● Chief Minister : Revanth Reddy ● Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)
● Capital : Hyderabad ● Land area: 243,286 km²
4. HUDCO Launches Gift Milk Programme to ● Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath
Combat Malnutrition in Chhattisgarh ● Governor: Anandiben Patel
● Housing and Urban Development ● Before was: United Provinces (1937–1950)
Corporation Limited (HUDCO), a Navratna ● Bird: Sarus crane
CPSE, launched the Gift Milk Programme in 7. Nagaland statehood day
the districts of Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, and ● Date: December 1
Mungeli in Chhattisgarh.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● The State of Nagaland Act, 1962, was Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in
enacted by the Parliament to give Nagaland Hyderabad.
statehood. ● This specialized international cybersecurity
● It was formally recognized as a separate hub will be Google's second such centre in
state on December 1, 1963, with Kohima the Asia Pacific, after Tokyo, & fifth globally,
being declared its capital joining Dublin, Munich, Malaga.
● Capital: Kohima ● Telangana:
● Chief minister: Neiphiu Rio ● Chief minister: Revanth Reddy
● Governor: La. Ganesan ● Capital: Hyderabad
● Before, it was a part of Assam ● Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
● Festival: Hornbill ● Founded: 2 June 2014
8. Andhra Pradesh raises retirement age of judicial ● Before was: Part of United Andhra Pradesh
officers from 60 to 61 years
● The Andhra Pradesh government has raised Schemes
the retirement age of judicial officers from 1. PM to distribute over 50 lakh property cards to
60 to 61 years. property owners under SVAMITVA Scheme
● The new rule will take effect from ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed
November 1, 2024. more than 50 lakh property cards to
● The decision aims to utilise the experience owners under Swamitva Yojana.
of judicial officers for an additional year. ● SVAMITVA:
● Capital: Amaravati ● Survey of Villages and Mapping with
● Chief minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu Improvised Technology in Village Areas
● Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer (SVAMITVA)
● Founded: 1 November 1956 ● Central sector scheme
● Bifurcation: 2 June 2014 (Bifurcation by ● Launched in 2020
forming Telangana) ● It was launched with a vision to enhance
● Districts: 26 the economic progress of rural India by
9. Gujarat’s Gharchola Handicraft Gets GI providing ‘Record of Rights’ to households
Recognition possessing houses in inhabited areas in
● Gujarat's iconic handicraft, 'Gharchola,' has villages through the latest surveying drone
been awarded the Geographical Indication technology.
(GI) tag by the Union government, taking ● The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is
the state's total GI tags to 27, with 23 the Nodal Ministry for implementation of
dedicated to handicrafts. the scheme.
● This recognition highlights the rich cultural 1. Mahila Samman Savings Certificate: Empowering
heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Women Financially
Gujarat's artisans. ● As of 31st October 2024, the Mahila
● Recent Additions Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) scheme
● Surat’s ‘Saadeli’ art has achieved a significant milestone with
● Banaskantha’s ‘Soof’ embroidery over 43 lakh accounts opened.
● Bharuch’s ‘Sujni’ craft ● Launched on: 31st March 2023
● Ahmedabad’s ‘Saudagiri Print ● Launched by: the Government of India
● ‘Mata Ni Pacchedi’ handicrafts ● The scheme aims to provide financial
10. Google to Launch Safety Engineering Centre in security to women and minor girls,
Hyderabad empowering them with a safe and
● Google and the Telangana government have attractive investment option.
signed an agreement to establish the
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Eligibility: Women or guardians of minor Important Dates
girls can open accounts. 1. International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
● Deposit Limits: A minimum of ₹1,000 and a ● Date: 27th December
maximum of ₹2 lakh. ● It emphasizes the importance of
● Interest Rate: 7.5% per annum, strengthening public health systems to
compounded quarterly. prevent, detect, and respond to infectious
● Tenure: Fixed for two years. disease outbreaks.
● Flexibility: Partial withdrawals (up to 40% 2. Veer Bal Diwas 2024
of the balance) and premature closure on ● Date: 26h December 2024
compassionate grounds. ● A special occasion to honor the courage and
2. Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan sacrifices of the Sahibzadas, the four brave
● Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, also known as the sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the 10th Sikh
Accessible India Campaign, is celebrating Guru.
its 9th anniversary 3rd December 2024 3. Good Governance Day 2024
● It is a transformative initiative aimed at ● Date: 25th December
creating an accessible and inclusive India ● Birth anniversary of former-Prime Minister
for persons with disabilities. Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
● This campaign focuses on improving 4. Farmers’ Day 2024
infrastructure, transportation, and public ● National Farmers’ Day is being observed
spaces to make them more accessible across nation on 23rd December 2024.
● All 35 international airports and 55 out of 5. National Consumer Day 2024
69 domestic airports are equipped with ● National Consumer Day is celebrated every
ramps, accessible toilets, helpdesks, lifts year on 24th December in India.
with Braille and auditory systems, along ● 2024 theme: Virtual Hearings & Digital
with aerobridges at international and Access to Consumer Justice
customs airports. ● 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' 'Jagriti App,' and
● Nearly 709 railway stations have been 'Jagriti Dashboard” to protect Consumers
made fully accessible, with over four from the Dark Patterns launched
thousand stations partially accessible. ● ‘e-Mapp’ portal for all services Legal
Metrology Services launched
6. Indian Missions worldwide celebrate first World
Meditation Day
● First-ever World Meditation Day is set to be
observed 21st December
● 2024 Theme: Meditation for Global Peace
and Harmony
1. National Pensioners Day
● Pensioners Day, observed annually on 17th
December in India, is a tribute to D.S.
Nakara, the pioneer who fought relentlessly
for the rights and dignity of pensioners.
2. International Human Solidarity Day 2024
● International Human Solidarity Day,
observed annually on December 20th,
highlights the collective responsibility of
individuals and governments in fostering a
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
just and equitable world. Established by the ● Supported by ₹115 crores in funding
UN General Assembly in 2005 ● AWaDH has developed over 70
3. International Migrants Day technologies, nurtured 100+ agri-tech
● Date: 18 December 2024 startups, and skilled 5000 youth in AI.
● 2024 theme: Honouring the contributions 5. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
of migrants and respecting their rights 2024
4. PM Modi pays tribute to legendary actor Raj ● The International Day for the Abolition of
Kapoor on his 100th birth anniversary Slavery, observed annually on December 2,
serves as a global call to action to combat
5. National Energy Conservation Day 2024 modern forms of slavery.
● The National Energy Conservation Awards 6. World AIDS Day 2024
(NECA) were first presented on December ● World AIDS Day, observed annually on
14, 1991, which was declared as 'National December 1 since its inception in 1988.
Energy Conservation Day.' ● Aim: To raise awareness about HIV/AIDS
6. Good Governance Week to Begin on December and demonstrate solidarity in the fight
19, 2024 against this epidemic
● Good Governance Week 2024 will be held ● 2024 Theme: “Take the rights path: My
from December 19 to December 24, 2024. health, my right!”
● The core objective of the Prashasan Gaon Ki 7. International Jaguar Day 2024
Ore campaign is to improve governance and ● Every year on November 29, the world
service delivery, particularly in rural areas. observes International Jaguar Day to raise
1. World Soil Day 2024 awareness about the significance of jaguars
● Date: 5th December and the urgent need for their conservation.
● Aim: To highlight the importance of healthy 8. International Day of Solidarity with the
soil and advocates for the sustainable Palestinian People 2024
management of soil resources. ● The International Day of Solidarity with the
● Theme 2024: Caring for Soils: Measure, Palestinian People is observed every year
Monitor, Manage on 29 November.
2. International Volunteer Day 2024 ● The day was established by the United
● The United Nations (UN) celebrates Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1977
International Volunteer Day for Economic to highlight the inalienable rights of the
and Social Development on December 5 Palestinian people and promote support for
annually. achieving peace in the region.
● 2024 Theme: Diverse Volunteers, Stronger 9. Indian Navy Day 2024
Communities ● Date: 4th December
3. World Wildlife Conservation Day ● 2024 theme: Strength and Power through
● World Wildlife Conservation Day is Innovation and Indigenisation
observed annually on December 4 to ● Indian Navy Day is observed on December
spread awareness about preserving Earth’s 4th in honor of the valiant Operation
endangered Flora and fauna. Trident during the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
4. IIT Ropar’s AWaDH Celebrates 4th Foundation 10. International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Day ● Date: 3rd December
● IIT Ropar’s Technology and Innovation ● 2024 theme: Enhancing the Leadership of
Foundation (iHub – AWaDH) celebrated its Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive
4th Foundation Day by hosting a Farmer and Sustainable Future
Engagement Session to connect innovation 11. Mahaparinirvan Diwas 2024
with ground-level agricultural needs.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Mahaparinirvan Diwas, observed annually ● Established by the Cheetah Conservation
on December 6, marks the death Fund (CCF), the day honors the memory of
anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao a cheetah cub named Khayam, rescued by
Ramji Ambedkar, fondly known as Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the CCF.
Babasaheb Ambedkar, the chief architect of 8. UNGA Declares December 21 as World
the Indian Constitution. Meditation Day
● The 69th death anniversary of Dr. ● The UN General Assembly unanimously
Ambedkar observed at Prerna Sthal, adopted a resolution co-sponsored by India
Parliament House Complex, under the aegis to declare December 21 as World
of the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation (DAF), on Meditation Day, emphasizing meditation’s
behalf of the Union Ministry of Social role in comprehensive well-being and inner
Justice and Empowerment. peace.
1. International Day of Neutrality 2024 ● December 21, marking the Winter Solstice,
● Date: 12 December is considered an auspicious time in Indian
● Aim: to raise public awareness about the tradition for reflection and spiritual growth.
importance of neutrality in ● It complements the International Day of
intergovernmental relations and its Yoga observed on June 21 (Summer
contribution to strengthening global Solstice), highlighting India’s decade-long
stability and harmony. leadership in promoting wellness practices
2. Universal Health Coverage Day 2024 globally.
● Date: 12th December ● UNGA:
● 2024 theme: Health: It's on the Government ● Headquarters: New York, USA;
3. International Mountain Day 2024 ● Established: 1945;
● Date: 11 December ● Members: 193
● Focus on (2024): Mountain solutions for a 9. International Civil Aviation Day 2024
sustainable future – innovation, adaptation, ● International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is
and youth observed every year on December 7 to
4. 78th UNICEF Foundation Day honor the transformative impact of civil
● The UNICEF Foundation Day marks the aviation on global development.
anniversary of the establishment of the ● 2024 Theme: “Safe Skies. Sustainable
United Nations International Children’s Future”
Emergency Fund (UNICEF). ● First celebrated in 1994 to mark the 50th
● Date: December 11 anniversary of the signing of the Chicago
5. International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 Convention.
● Date: 9th December, annually 10. Armed Forces Flag Day 2024
● 2024 theme: Uniting with Youth Against ● India celebrates Armed Forces Flag Day
Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity annually on December 7 to honor the valor,
6. International Day of Commemoration and sacrifices, and dedication of the Indian
Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide Armed Forces.
2024 Appointments
● Date: December 9 1. Amitava Chatterjee Appointed as MD & CEO of
7. International Cheetah Day J&K Bank
● International Cheetah Day, observed ● Amitava Chatterjee has been appointed as
annually on December 4, raises awareness the Managing Director and CEO of J&K
about the challenges faced by cheetahs and Bank, effective December 30, 2024.
promotes global conservation efforts. ● Succeeded: Baldev Prakash
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● The Reserve Bank of India has approved his ● Maia Sandu assumed office as president of
appointment, with a pay package of INR the Republic of Moldova for a second term.
1.40 crore per year. ● She won the Moldovan presidential
2. Fortis Healthcare appoints Leo Puri as new elections in 2020 and was re-elected in a
Chairman its Board of Directors runoff in November, this year.
● Fortis Healthcare Ltd has appointed Leo 8. Sriram Krishnan named by as AI advisor to next
Puri as the Chairman of its Board of US dispensation
Directors. ● Appointment of: Sriram Krishnan
● Puri, who is an independent and (Indian-American venture capitalist and
non-executive director assumes the role entrepreneur)
with effect from December 27, 2024. ● Post: Senior White House Policy Advisor on
3. J&K Bank appoints Amitava Chatterjee as its new Artificial Intelligence
MD ● Appointed by: US President-elect Donald
● J&K Bank has appointed Amitava Chatterjee Trump
as its new MD and CEO 9. Former SC judge V. Ramasubramanian appointed
● Effective from: December 30, 2024 as NHRC Chairperson
● Currently, he is serving as the Deputy ● Retired Supreme Court judge V
Managing Director at State Bank of India. Ramasubramanian has been appointed as
● Chatterjee will succeed Baldev Prakash, the new chairperson of the National Human
whose term ends on December 29. Rights Commission (NHRC).
4. Tonga elects ’Aisake Valu Eke’ as new Prime ● Replace: Arun Kumar Mishra
Minister ● Priyank Kanoongo and Dr Justice Bidyut
● Tonga has elected veteran politician Aisake Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) have also been
Valu Eke as its new Prime Minister. appointed as members of the commission.
● Capital: Nuku'alofa 10. Jio Star's Kevin Vaz elected president of IBDF
● Currency: Tongan Paʻanga ● Kevin Vaz, CEO of Jio Star's entertainment
5. Justice GS Sandhawalia as Chief Justice of division, has been elected president of the
Himachal Pradesh High Court Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation
● The Centre has appointed Justice Gurmeet (IBDF).
Singh Sandhawalia as the Chief Justice of ● Succeeded: K Madhavan
the Himachal Pradesh High Court. 11. Former Supreme Court judge Madan Lokur to
6. President Droupadi Murmu Appoints New chair UN Internal Justice Council
Governors in 5 States ● Former Supreme Court judge Madan B
Lokur has been appointed as chairperson of
the United Nations Internal Justice Council
for a term ending on November 12, 2028.
● Justice Lokur was appointed a judge of the
Supreme Court on June 4, 2012.
12. IAS officer Arunish Chawla appointed as
Revenue Secretary
● Revenue Secretary: Arunish Chawla
● Pharmaceuticals Secretary: Amit Agrawal
● Higher Education secretary: Vineet Joshi
● Director general of the National
7. Maia Sandu Sworn in for 2nd Term as President Productivity Council: Neerja Sekhar
of Moldova ● Secretary of Department of Personnel and
Training DoPT: Rachna Shah
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Textiles secretary: Neelam Shammi Rao to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
● National Commission for Minorities: Sanjay (Nigeria) as Director-General for a second
Sethi four-year term
13. G.S. Sandhawalia Becomes Chief Justice of the ● Tenure starts on: 1 September 2025
Himachal Pradesh High Court ● Note: She first assumed office as
● Justice G.S. Sandhawalia became the Chief Director-General on 1 March 2021,
Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. becoming the first woman and first African
● Justice Narender G. was appointed as the to lead the WTO.
Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. 5. Murdu Fernando Becomes Sri Lanka’s 2nd
Female Chief Justice
1. Eurogrip Tyres Appoints M.S. Dhoni as Brand ● Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando
Ambassador was ceremonially sworn in as the Chief
● Eurogrip Tyres has recently signed the Justice of Sri Lanka on December 2, 2024,
legendary cricketer, MS Dhoni as its brand before President Anura Kumara
ambassador. Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.
● The partnership aligns well with Eurogrip ● First Woman CJ of Sri Lanka: Shirani
Tyres’ core values of performance, Bandaranayake
reliability, and safety, and aims to enhance 6. BCCI secretary Jay Shah takes charge as
the brand’s visibility and trust among Chairman of ICC
consumers. ● The outgoing BCCI secretary Jay Shah took
2. Swapo's Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah elected first charge as the Chairman of the International
female president of Namibia Cricket Council (ICC), becoming the fifth
● Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, nicknamed Indian to head the global body.
"NNN," made history by becoming ● Succeed: New Zealand attorney Greg
Namibia's first female president. Barclay
● She started her journey as an activist 7. Donald Trump nominates Indian-American Kash
fighting against South African occupation. Patel to lead FBI
● Political Party: South West Africa People’s ● US President-elect Donald Trump has
Organization (SWAPO) nominated Indian-American Kash Patel to
● About Namibia: lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation
● Capital: Windhoek (FBI).
● Currency: Namibian Dollar ● With this appointment, he became the
3. Devendra Fadnavis to Become Maharashtra CM second Indian American to be picked in his
for the Third Term cabinet.
● Devendra Fadnavis will swron- in as the ● Earlier, Mr. Trump picked Indian-American
Maharashtra’s chief minister for a historic scientist Jay Bhattacharya as the director of
third term, following a critical consensus the National Institutes of Health, the
reached during the BJP core committee country’s top health research and funding
meeting. institutions.
● About Maharashtra: 1. Bhavesh Jain Appointed as MD & CEO of
● Capital: Mumbai TransUnion CIBIL
● Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan ● New MD & CEO of TransUnion CIBIL:
● Founded: 1 May 1960 Bhavesh Jain
4. WTO General Council reappoints Ngozi ● Replaced: Rajesh Kumar
Okonjo-Iweala for a second term
● The General Council of the World Trade 2. French President Emmanuel Macron named
Organization (WTO) agreed by consensus centrist ally Francois Bayrou as prime minister
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Dr. M. D. Patra
3. Ajay Seth gets additional charge of Revenue ● Shri M. Rajeshwar Rao
Secretary ● Shri T. Rabi Sankar
● New Revenue Secretary: Ajay Seth ● Shri Swaminathan J.
● Current Secretary: Economic Affairs ● KJ Udeshi was the first woman to hold the
● Status: Additional Charge position of Deputy Governor in the RB
● Replace: Sanjay Malhotra 29. Gautam Hari Singhania appointed as Executive
● Reason: Sanjay Malhotra promoted as the Chairman of Raymond Lifestyle
26th governor of RBI ● Raymond Lifestyle shareholders have
4. Mohamed al-Bashir appointed as caretaker appointed Gautam Hari Singhania as
Prime Minister of Syria Executive Chairman, approving his
● Caretaker Prime Minister of Syria: remuneration and confirming his
Mohamed al-Bashir leadership.
● He will lead the interim authority till 1st 10. Burkina Faso Junta Names New Prime Minister
March, 2025. ● New PM of Burkina Faso: Rimtalba Jean
● Capital: Damascus Emmanuel Ouedraogo
● Currency: Syrian Pound ● Previous PM: Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem
5. Amul Extends Jayen Mehta’s MD Tenure by 5 de Tambela
Years 11. John Dramani Mahama returning as Ghana
president
6. Trump nominates Indian-American Dhillon as ● Capital: Accra
assistant AG for civil rights ● Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
● Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights 12. Devajit Saikia Appointed Acting Secretary of
at the Department of Justice: Harmeet K BCCI
Dhillon ● Replace: Jay Shah, who recently assumed
● Nominated by: US President-elect Donald the role of International Cricket Council
Trump (ICC) chairman.
7. GRM's 10X Brand unveils featuring Salman Khan 13. Govt appoints Vaibhav Chaturvedi as RBI
● GRM Overseas signed Salman Khan as the representative on IBBI board
brand ambassador. ● Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Chief General Manager
● Unveiled its new domestic brand 10X of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been
appointed as an ex-officio member of the
8. Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra Appointed Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
New RBI Governor (IBBI).
● Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra has ● The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
been appointed Governor of the Reserve India was established on 1st October, 2016
Bank of India (RBI). under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
● 26th Governor 2016 (Code).
● Replace: Shaktikanta Das ● IBBI Chairman: Ravi Mital
● Tenure: Three years (Effective from 11th 14. Vijay Chandok appointed NSDL M.D. & CEO
December 2024) ● Chandok served as the MD and CEO of ICICI
● He is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Securities
Service (IAS) officer from the Rajasthan ● National Securities Depository Limited
cadre. ● 1996
● Related Info ● HQ : Mumbai, Maharashtra
● Tenure : 3 years, extension of 2 years
● 1 Governor, 4 Deputy Governor of RBI
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery has
been given additional charge as the
chairman of the Economic Advisory Council
to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) .
● He replaced Bibek Debroy.
● EAC-PM is an independent body constituted
to give advice on economic and related
issues to the Government of India,
specifically to the prime minister.
15 M.C. Mary Kom appointed as Brand Ambassador 6. Google appoints Preeti Lobana as new country
for Assam Rifles Half Marathon manager, VP for India
● Assam Rifles ● Google has appointed Preeti Lobana as the
● Formed : 1835 new country manager and vice president
● Northeast and Jammu & Kashmir India for India.
● Governing Body : Ministry of Home Affairs ● She succeeds Sanjay Gupta.
● HQ : Shillong, Meghalaya 7. Shankar Sharma reappointed as Nepal's
● Lt. Gen Vikas Lakhera ambassador to India
1. Former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili becomes ● President of Nepal Ramchandra Paudel has
Georgia’s President re-appointed Dr Shankar Prasad Sharma as
● President of Georgia: Mikheil Kavelashvili the Resident Ambassador of Nepal to the
(Footballer) Republic of India.
● Capital: Tbilisi
● Official language: Georgian 8. Indian REITs Association appoints Alok Aggarwal
● Currency: Georgian Lari as Chairman
2. Manish Jain Appointed Executive Director at YES ● The Indian REITs Association (IRA) has
Bank appointed Alok Aggarwal (MD and CEO of
● The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has Brookfield India Real Estate Trust), as its
approved the appointment of Manish Jain new Chairman.
as the Executive Director (Whole-Time 9s. SBI appoints Rama Mohan Rao Amara as MD
Director) of Yes Bank ● Rama Mohan Rao Amara has been
● Term: Three-year appointed as managing director (MD) of the
● Tenure: From December 11, 2024, to State Bank of India for a period of three
December 10, 2027. years with effect from 18 December 2024.
● Yes Bank Headquarters: Mumbai ● Note: As of 30 September 2024, the
● Yes Bank EO: Prashant Kumar Government of India held a 57.51% stake in
3. Mumbai Indians appoint Carl Hopkinson as new the State Bank of India.
fielding coach
● Hopkinson takes over the role from James Obituaries
Pamment, who has been with the Mumbai 1. Osamu Suzuki, Former Suzuki Chairman Passes
Indians for seven years. Away Aged 94
4. Mukesh Ambani appoints Ira Bindra as Group ● Osamu Suzuki, the long-serving chairman
President for HR at Reliance and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation,
passed away at the age of 94 on Christmas
5. Govt gives NITI V-C Suman Bery additional Day 2024.
charge as chairman of EAC-PM 2. Legendary writer MT Vasudevan Nair Passed
away
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● MT Vasudevan Nair, a legendary writer ● Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi, a
from the southern Indian state of Kerala, prominent economic historian and
has died at the age of 91. macroeconomist, passed away.
3. Former PM Manmohan Singh passes away ● Renowned for his revolutionary
● Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan contributions to economic history and his
Singh passed away at the age of 92. commitment to Left politics, Bagchi’s
● 13th Prime Minister of India scholarship bridged economic theory and
● He served as Prime Minister from May 22, historical data.
2004, to May 26, 2014 1. Legendary Gujarati Singer Purushottam
● Third longest-serving Prime Minister in Upadhyay Dies
Indian history, following Jawaharlal Nehru ● Purushottam Upadhyay, a renowned
and Indira Gandhi. Gujarati singer and composer, has passed
4. Acclaimed film director Shyam Benegal passes away at the age of 90.
away 2. Nikki Giovanni, Black Arts Icon, Dies at 81
● Acclaimed film director Shyam Benegal ● Nikki Giovanni, a celebrated poet and
passed away at 90 years old prominent figure of the Black Arts
● The legendary director won several movement, passed away at the age of 81.
National Awards for movies including, 3. Former Karnataka CM S. M. Krishna passes away
Manthan (1976), Bhumika: The Role ● Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, SM
(1977), Junoon (1978), Arohan (1982), Krishna, passed away at 92 due to
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten prolonged illness.
Hero (2004), and Well Done Abba (2010). ● He served as the 16th chief minister of
5. Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Karnataka from October 11, 1999 to May
Away 42 28, 2004
● Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of the ● He also served as the governor of
well-known brand Epigamia, has tragically Maharashtra.
passed away at the age of 42. 4. Former Puducherry CM Ramachandran passes
away
1. Australian Davis Cup Icon Neale Fraser Passes ● Former Puducherry Chief Minister and
Away at 91 veteran political leader M.D.R
● Neale Fraser, one of Australia’s most Ramachandran passed away at the age of
celebrated tennis players and captains, 90.
passed away at the age of 91. ● Mr Ramachasndran served as Chief
● A legend of the sport, Fraser's contributions Minister of Puducherry twice from 1980 to
as a player and as a Davis Cup captain 1983 and from 1990 to 1991.
marked a golden era for Australian tennis. ● He was also Speaker of the Puducherry
2. Brigadier Raj Manchanda, The ‘Old Fox’ of Indian Legislative Assembly from 2001 to 2006.
Squash Passes Away at 80 ● He began his political journey as a Dravida
● The Indian squash community mourns the Munnetra Kazhakam(DMK) MLA in 1969.
loss of Brigadier Raj Manchanda, a 1. Meena Ganesh, Iconic Malayalam Star, Dies
legendary figure affectionately known as ● Meena Ganesh, an iconic Malayalam actor
the ‘Old Fox,’ who passed away on and theatre artist, passed away at 81.
December 1, 2024, in Delhi. 2. Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala Passes
3. Amiya Kumar Bagchi, Renowned Economic Away at 89
Historian, Dies
3. Padma Awardee environmentalist Tulsi Gowda
passed away
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Padma Shri awardee Tulsi Gowda passed ● Awarded by: President Droupadi Murmu
away at the age of 86. ● Total awardees: 17
● Hailing from the Halakki tribal community, ● Categories: 7 (Art and culture, bravery,
she planted and nurtured lakhs of trees, innovation, science and technology, social
dedicating over 60 years to environmental service, sports, and the environment)
conservation. 4. Santosh Ajmera Receives International Electoral
Award for Citizens’ Engagement
4. Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes ● Santosh Ajmera, an Indian Information
Away at 73 Service (IIS) officer of the 2008 batch, has
● Zakir Hussain was the son of tabla legend won an international award for effectively
Ustad Allah Rakha. engaging citizens during the country’s
● Padma Bhushan (2002) and Padma Shri general elections.
(1988). ● Award: International Electoral Award for
● A Grammy Award for his project Planet Citizens’ Engagement 2024
Drum in 1991 ● Organized by: International Centre for
Parliamentary Studies (ICPS)
5. Singer, musician Pandit Sanjay Marathe passed ● Location: Dominican Republic
away 5. Madhya Pradesh Named “Go-To Global
● Noted classical singer and harmonium Destination for 2025” by WSJ
artist Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe died at ● Recognition to: Madhya Pradesh
68. ● Recognition: Go-To Global Destinations for
2025
Awards ● Recognition by: Wall Street Journal
1. RINL Wins Gold at AP State Energy Conservation ● This accolade highlights the state’s rich
Awards 2024 heritage, unparalleled wildlife, and
● Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the exceptional natural beauty.
corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel ● WSJ’s recognition specifically highlights
Plant (VSP), has won the prestigious Gold renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites i.e.
Award at the Andhra Pradesh State Energy Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh.
Conservation Award 2024. 6. SMFG India Credit and Grihashakti named among
● RINL: A.K. Saxena, CMD (additional charge) top 50 companies with Great Managers in 2024
2. NSDC Recognized as Best Brand in 2024 ● Name of award: 6th People Business' Great
● The National Skill Development Manager Awards 2024
Corporation (NSDC) was honored as one of ● Recognised: Top 50 companies
the Best Brands of 2024 at a prestigious ● SMFG India Credit and SMFG Grihashakti
event in Mumbai. were also recognized.
● The award celebrated NSDC’s 7. Jaishankar Receives Sri Chandrasekarendra
transformative role in strengthening India's Saraswathi Award for Leadership
skill ecosystem and its significant ● External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was
contributions to skill development. awarded the Sri Chandrasekarendra
● NSDC operates under a Public Private Saraswathi National Eminence Award for
Partnership (PPP) model, under Ministry of Public Leadership by South Indian
Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Education Society (SIES).
3. President Murmu to confer ‘Pradhan Mantri 8. PM Modi awarded Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer
Rashtriya Bal Puraskar’ ● Name of award: Wisam Mubarak al-Kabeer,
● Name of award: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya or the Order of Mubarak the Great
Bal Puraskar ● Awarded to: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Awarded by: Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad 36th Producers Guild of America Awards on
Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait February 8, 2025, in Los Angeles.
● Highest national award of Kuwait. ● Known for acclaimed works like Thor:
● Instituted in: 1974 Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit, and Hunt for the
● Instituted in a memory of: Mubarak Al Wilderpeople, Waititi's contribution to film
Sabah — also known as Mubarak al-Kabeer and storytelling is celebrated.
or Mubarak the Great — who ruled Kuwait 3. 2024 Prix Versailles International Architecture
from 1896 to 1915. Awards
9. Chennai-born crowned Miss India USA 2024 ● Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport
● Caitlin Sandra Neil (19), Indian-American has won Prix Versailles title in the most
from Chennai, won the Miss India USA 2024 beautiful airport category at the 2024 Prix
title. Versailles International Architecture
● Mrs. India USA 2024: Sanskriti Sharma Awards, held at UNESCO’s headquarters in
from Illinois. Paris.
● Miss Teen India USA 2024: Arshita ● Note:
Kathpalia from Washington. ● Simose Art Museum, located in Otake
10. Tansen Samaroh 2024 (Japan) won the Prix Versailles 2024 in
● The National Tansen Award and Raja Museum category.
Mansingh Tomar Award were given in the ● While, Smritivan Earthquake Museum,
world famous Tansen Festival organized in located in Bhuj (India) won the Special
Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. prize for an Interior 2024 category
● National Tansen Award 2023: ● Note: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated this
● Winner: Renowned tabla player of Indian museum on 28 August 2022.
classical music Pt. Swapan Choudhary of 4. Tom Cruise Receives US Navy’s Highest Civilian
Kolkata Honor
● An honorarium of five lakh rupees, citation ● Tom Cruise has been honored with the US
plaque and shawl-shriphal was presented. Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award
● Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman 2023: for his significant contributions to the
● Winner: Sanand Nyas, an institution of military, especially through his iconic roles
Indore in films like *Top Gun*.
5. The FIFA Best Awards 2024
1. Easterine Kire’s ‘Spirit Nights’ Wins the 2024 ● Best FIFA Men’s Player: Vinicius Jr (Brazil)
Sahitya Akademi Award in English Language ● Best FIFA Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmati
● Easterine Kire, a prominent writer from (Spain)
Nagaland, has been honored with the ● Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Emiliano
Sahitya Akademi Award for 2024. Martinez
● Kire received the award for her novel Spirit ● Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper: Alyssa
Nights, published by Simon and Schuster Naeher
India ● FIFA Fair Play Award: Thiago Maia
● Easterine Kire’s works often reflect the 6. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wins Jamsetji Tata Award
culture and traditions of her community. ● Award: Jamsetji Tata Award
● Chang Naga Tribe: The Chang Naga tribe ● Awarded to: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
resides in Nagaland. (Chairperson of Biocon)
2. Taika Waititi to receive Norman Lear ● Awarded by: Indian Society for Quality
Achievement Award (ISQ)
● Filmmaker Taika Waititi will receive the ● Reason: For her groundbreaking work in
Norman Lear Achievement Award at the the biosciences sector
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
7. Ayodhya Ram Temple Wins Global Safety ● West Bengal’s tourism sector has received
Excellence Award international recognition with UNESCO
● The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has declaring it a top destination for heritage
received the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ tourism.
from the British Safety Council. ● Focus Areas: Religious tourism, heritage
● Recognizing the exceptional safety tourism, tea tourism
protocols implemented during its ● Infrastructure: New bridge over Muriganga
construction River in Ganga Sagar Island
● Key Contributors: Artist Vasudev Kamath, ● Gangasagar Mela is the 2nd largest
architects Shri Sompura and Jay Kaktikar, pilgrimage after Kumbh Mela
and institutions like CBRI & TCE ● Religious Sites: Dakshineshwar, Kalighat
8. Suryabala’s Novel Wins 34th Vyas Samman 2024 temples
● Noted Hindi writer Suryabala’s 2018 novel ● Tourist Spots: Sunderbans, mountains,
Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary has been forests
awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 by ● West Bengal:
the KK Birla Foundation. ● Capital: Kolkata
● Vyas Samman: ● Chief minister: Mamata Banerjee
● Instituted in 1991 ● Governor: C. V. Ananda Bose
● Recognizes outstanding Hindi literary 4. Filmfare OTT Awards 2024
works published in the last 10 years. ● The 5th edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards
took place, celebrating excellence in digital
1. India Wins ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia entertainment.
and Pacific 2024 ● Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Heeramandi: The
● India has been awarded the prestigious Diamond Bazaar led the pack with 16
ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and nominations, followed by Guns & Gulaabs
Pacific 2024 at the Regional Social Security with 12 and Kaala Paani with 8.
Forum held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
● The Employees’ Provident Fund
Organization (EPFO) also received five
Certificates of Merit for its innovative
practices in social security delivery.
● These awards highlight EPFO’s initiatives in
enhancing service delivery, communication,
and inclusivity, benefiting its large and
diverse workforce.
2. Indian ship captain receives maritime bravery
award in UK
● Indian ship Captain Avhilash Rawat has
received the 2024 International Maritime
Organisation's (IMO) Award for Exceptional
Bravery at Sea for the "extraordinary
courage" shown in a Red Sea rescue
mission in 2024.
● HQ of IMO: London, United Kingdom
3. UNESCO Declares West Bengal a Top Heritage
Tourism Destination
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● About GAIL:
● Headquarters: New Delhi
● Founded: 1984
● Chairman & MD: Sandeep Kumar Gupta
1. Trump Named Time’s Person of the Year
● Time’s Person of the Year (2024): Trump
Named (US President-elect)
● Previous Recognition: Person of the Year in
2016
2. Indian Film “The Kumbaya Story” Wins tve
Global Sustainability Film Award
● Award: 13th tve Global Sustainability Film
Awards (GSFA)
● Catgory: Transforming Society Short Film
category
● Name of Indian Film: The Kumbaya Story
● The event was held at the iconic BAFTA
venue in London.
● This accolade underscores India’s growing
influence in the realm of
sustainability-focused storytelling.
● Produced by the Kumbaya Producer Co. Ltd.
● Note: India’s official Oscar 2025 entry in
the Best International Feature category.
3. President Murmu confers honorary rank of
General on Nepal's army chief
● Honorary rank of 'General of Indian Army'
5. Maria Victoria Juan Wins Aster Guardians Global
on Nepal's Army chief General Ashok Raj
Nursing Award 2024
Sigdel
● Nurse Maria Victoria Juan has been
● Honoured by: President Droupadi Murmu
honoured with the Aster Guardians Global
● Note: There has been a tradition of
Nursing Award 2024.
conferring the title of Honorary General on
● The award was presented by Dr. Azad
the Army chiefs of Nepal and India since
Moopen, founder chairman of Aster DM
1950.
Healthcare.
● Related news:
● Maria received a grant of over Dh900,000
● Last Month, Nepal's President Ramchandra
as part of the award.
Paudel had conferred the honorary rank of
6. GAIL Wins “Initiatives in Promoting Hydrogen
the General of Nepal Army on Indian Army
Company of the Year” Award
Chief General Upendra Dwivedi at a special
● GAIL (India) Limited has been honoured
ceremony in Kathmandu.
with the prestigious “Initiatives in
4. Ang Lee to Receive DGA Lifetime Achievement
Promoting Hydrogen Company of the Year”
Award
award at the FIPI Oil & Gas Awards 2023.
● Ang Lee has been named the recipient of
● The award was presented by Hardeep S
the Directors Guild of America (DGA) 2025
Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and
Lifetime Achievement Award.
Natural Gas, during a ceremony held in
● He is a Taiwanese American filmmaker.
New Delhi.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
5. Haris and Wyatt-Hodge Shine as ICC Players of ● Award to: Hindustan Shipyard Limited
the Month (HSL)
● ICC Players of the Month for November ● Award at: ‘3rd PSU Transformation Awards
2024: 2024
● Men’s Player of the Month : Haris Rauf ● Categories:
(Pakistan) ● Innovative Product Development Award for
● Women’s Player of the Month: Danni its pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs
Wyatt-Hodge (England) for Submarines.
6. President Murmu Confers National Panchayat ● Technology Adoption Award for
Awards 2024 implementing an innovative method of
● Name of awards: National Panchayat installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving
Awards 2024 Support Vessels.
● Date: 11th December 2024 8. Abathsahayeswarar Temple & BJPCI Project bag
● Location: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi UNESCO Heritage Award
● Total Awardee: 45 ● UNESCO Heritage Award 2024:
● Categories: ● Award of Distinction: Abathsahayeswarar
● Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Temple Conservation Project, in
Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) Thukkatchi, Tamil Nadu
● Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat ● Award of Merit: BJPCI Conservation Project,
Satat Vikas Puraskar of Mumbai, India
● Special categories of Awards: ● The 1,300-year-old Abathsahayeshwarar
● a) Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Temple in Thukkatchi was built by Kings
Puraskar Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola, was
● b) Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat originally designed with five prakarams
Puraskar (enclosures).
● c) Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam 9. 2024 Champions of the Earth
Sansthan Puraskari ● Award: 2024 Champions of the Earth
● Honoured by: United Nations’ highest
environmental honor, were
● Awardees: Six extraordinary individuals
and organizations
● Reason: For their outstanding leadership,
courageous actions, and sustainable
solutions to combat land degradation,
drought, and desertification.
● List of awardees:
● Sonia Guajajara (Brazil) – Policy Leadership
● Amy Bowers Cordalis (United States) –
Inspiration and Action
● Gabriel Paun (Romania) – Inspiration and
Action
● Lu Qi (China) – Science and Innovation
● Madhav Gadgil (India) – Lifetime
Achievement
● SEKEM Initiative (Egypt) – Entrepreneurial
7. HSL shines at 3rd PSU Transformation Awards Vision
2024
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
10. Vikas Khanna's NY restaurant Bungalow wins ● All We Imagine As Light is also nominated
Michelin 2024 Bib Gourmand award for Best Motion Picture (Non-English
Language).
11. Radhika, Anant Ambani feature on NYT's most 16. Merriam-Webster Picks Polarization As Word of
Stylish People of 2024' list the Year 2024
● List prepared by: New York Times ● It was chosen based on a rise in searches
● List title: Most Stylish People of 2024 and usage, the word encapsulates the
● Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani have societal, cultural, and political divides that
figured among the “most stylish people” of shaped 2024.
2024 17. HSL Triumphs at 3rd PSU Transformation
12. Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024 Awards 2024
● Award: Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024 ● Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)
● Winner: Former Chilean President Michelle garnered two prestigious awards at the 3rd
Bachele PSU Transformation Awards 2024.
● Reason: For her work to improve gender ● Awarded for:
equality, human rights and democracy. ● (1) Pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs
● This award also known as Disarmament for Submarines.
and Development Award. ● (2) Innovative method of installing
● Established in: 1986 Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support
13. Shaji N Karun Honored with JC Daniel Award Vessels.
2023 18. Donald Trump gets ‘Patriot of the Year’ award
● Name of award: JC Daniel Award ● US President-elect Donald Trump was
● Year: 2023 awarded the “Patriot of the Year” honour
● Winner: Shaji N Karun ● Location: Tilles Centre in New York
● Reason: for his lifetime contributions to ● Organized by: Fox Nation
Malayalam cinema 19. Amitav Ghosh wins Erasmus Prize
● The award includes a purse of Rs 5 lakh, a ● Eminent writer Amitav Ghosh has been
citation, and a statuette. awarded the prestigious Erasmus Prize
14. Telugu Woman Banker Honored as Rising Star 2024.
in Banking 2024 ● "He received the prize for his passionate
● Rising Star Women Leaders of Banking for contribution to the theme 'imagining the
2024 unthinkable.'
● Winner: 20. “Manifest” : Cambridge Word of the Year 2024
● Bharati Koll ( Vizianagaram district in ● Announced by Cambridge Dictionary.
Andhra Pradesh) ● Globally endorsed by Singers like Dua Lipa.
● Director of the Data Management Office at ● Manifest : "to imagine achieving something
the Industrial and Commercial Bank of you want, in the belief doing so will make it
China (ICBC) at its New York headquarters. more likely to happen".
15. Payal Kapadia’s Landmark Golden Globe ● 2023 Word of the Year : Hallucinate.
Nomination ● These awards highlight EPFO’s initiatives in
● Golden Globe Nomination enhancing service delivery, communication,
● Nomination of: Payal Kapadia and inclusivity, benefiting its large and
● Milestone: First Indian director to receive a diverse workforce.
Golden Globe nomination for Best Director Books & Author
(Motion Picture). 1. “The Unyielding Judge: A Tribute to Justice A.N.
● Film: All We Imagine As Light Grover’s Legacy”
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Name of Book: The Unyielding Judge: The ● Purpose: Significant advancement in
Life and Legacy of Justice A.N. Grover affordable AI solutions
● Launched by: Attorney General R. ● It brings a 1.7x leap in generative AI
Venkataramani inference performance.
● Justice A.N. Grover was known for his role ● CEO of Nvidia: Jensen Huan
in the Kesavananda Bharti case (1973). 2. ISRO to launch SPADEX Mission on Dec 30
1. Dr. Dinesh Shahra Unveils Dalai Lama’s Secret to ● Name of mission: SPADEX Mission
Happiness ● Launch by: ISRO
● Name of book: Dalai Lama's Secret to ● Launch date: December 30, 2024
Happiness ● Launch from: First launch pad at
● Launched by/ Authored by: Dr. Dinesh Sriharikota
Shahra, a well-known philanthropist and ● Launch vehicle: Polar Satellite Launch
author Vehicle (PSLV-C60)
● Launched at: Library of Tibetan Works & ● What is the mission?
Archives in Dharamshala ● The launch of two small satellites to
2. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat demonstrate docking in space (470 km
Launches Book on PM Modi’s Vision and circular orbit).
Development ● The Spadex mission consists of two
● Name of Book: New Bharat – Modi’s Vision satellites – SDX01 or Chaser and SDX02 or
and Development Target
● Launched by: Union Minister Gajendra ● Weight of satellite: 220 Kg
Singh Shekhawat ● The launch vehicle will providing a small
relative velocity between the two.
3. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan ● The two satellites will later separate to
Releases Vishnukant Shastri’s Rachana Sanchayan build-up a distance of around 10 to 20 km
● Release of: Vishnukant Shastri’s Rachana between themselves.
Sanchayan 3. IIT Madras launches AMOLED research centre
● Released by: Education Minister ● Launch of: AMOLED research centre
Dharmendra Pradhan ● AMOLED refers to Active-Matrix Organic
● Published by: Sahitya Akademi Light Emitting Diode.
1. EAM Dr Jaishankar releases Vikram Sampath’s ● Launched by: Indian Institute of Technology
book Madras
● Name of Book: Tipu Sultan-The Saga of the ● Aim: To develop next generation Amoled
Mysore Interregnum displays for smartphones, tablets, watches
● Authored by: Vikram Sampath and wearables.
● Released by: EAM Dr S Jaishankar ● Funded by:
● The book aptly captures not just the flavour ● Ministry of Electronics and Information
of a fast-moving and complicated era, but Technology (MeitY),
offers insights into politics, strategy, ● Defence Research and Development
administration, sociology and diplomacy. Organisation (DRDO)
Science & Tech ● Tata Sons
1. Nvidia Unveils the Jetson Orin Nano Super ● It will work on a novel patterning technique
Generative AI Supercomputer to lower the cost for display manufacture in
● Launch of: Jetson Orin Nano Super the country.
Generative AI supercomputer ● It has a state-of-the-art cleanroom to house
● Launched by: Nvidia fabrication and characterisation
equipment.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
4. China astronauts script history with world’s ● Launch in: February 2025
longest spacewalk ● SPHEREX: Short for Spectro-Photometer for
● Context: Set a new world record for the the History of the Universe, Epoch of
longest single spacewalk Reionization and Ices Explorer
● Record by: Chinese astronauts (Cai Xuzhe ● Launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
and Song Lingdong) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in
● Time: 9 hours California.
● Crew of: Shenzhou-19 ● SPHEREx will enter a polar orbit around
● Chinese space station: Tiangong Earth and create a map of the entire sky in
● Previous record set by: USA astronauts 3D, taking images in every direction, like
James Voss and Susan Helms in 2001 scanning the inside of a globe.
● Time: Eight hours and 56 minutes 4. TDB-DST supports Agnikul Cosmos to develop
and commercialise Agnibaan
1. ISRO Successfully Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine ● Development of: Agnibaan
● ISRO successfully conducting a sea-level hot ● Developed by: Chennai-based Agnikul
test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at Cosmos
Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. ● Agnibaan is a customisable two-stage
● The test was held on November 29, 2024. launch vehicle capable of delivering
● It demonstrated the engine’s restart payloads of upto 300 kg to orbits at 700 km
capabilities and the performance of its altitude.
multi-element igniter. ● Supported by: Technology Development
● Engine Thrust Levels: Board (TDB), under the Department of
● 19 tonnes for current missions, Science & Technology (DST)
● 20 tonnes for Gaganyaan mission, ● TDB has sanctioned financial assistance for
● 22 tonnes for future C32 stage the “Development and Commercialisation
● The engine operates using liquid oxygen of Modular Configurable Launch Vehicle for
(LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as 100 Kg Payload.”
propellants. ● Agnikul Cosmos is incubated at IIT-Madras.
● Liquid oxygen remains in liquid state below 5. Google unveils improved AI video generator Veo
-183°C; liquid hydrogen stays liquid below 2
-253°C. ● Google has unveiled its latest AI video
2. Japan-India Startups working on Laser Satellite generation model, Veo 2.
to tackle Space Debris ● It can generate realistic motion and
● Orbital Lasers (Japan) and InspeCity (India) high-quality videos of up to 4K resolution.
will study laser-equipped satellites to ● Note: Recently, OpenAI released its own
remove space debris and extend spacecraft model, Sora.
life, targeting orbital congestion. 6. European Commission Commission Takes Next
● The system uses laser energy to stop debris Step to Deploy the IRIS² Secure Satellite System
rotation, enabling safer removal; ● The European Union (EU) has signed the
demonstration planned post-2027. contract for the Infrastructure for
● This collaboration follows LUPEX 2026 and Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security
highlights global efforts to manage Low by Satellite (IRIS²)
Earth Orbit traffic. ● It is a multi-orbital constellation of 290
3. NASA to launch SPHEREx observatory satellites.
● NASA and SpaceX will launch of the ● It is developed in partnership with
agency’s next astrophysics observatory, SpaceRISE.
SPHEREx.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● IRIS² may pose a serious threat to SpaceX’s ● The Zhongshan National Atmospheric
Starlink internet service. Background Station will provide long-term
● IRIS² is designed to offer connectivity data with unique scientific value.
services to governmental users as well as ● This station supports China’s growing role
private companies and individuals. in Antarctic research, aligning with its
● IRIS² will also offer mobile and fixed broader goals as a ‘polar power.’
broadband satellite access, cloud-based 1. OpenAI Launches Sora Turbo for AI Video
services and can also be used in the Generation
transportation sector to navigate areas with ● Launch of: Sora Turbo
no or low connectivity. ● Launch by: OpenAI
7. Infosys Launches Google Cloud Centre of ● Model: AI video generation
Excellence in Bengaluru ● Subscribers: Paid
● Infosys has launched a Google Cloud center ● The model enables users to create videos
of excellence. up to 20 seconds long in 1080p resolution.
● Location: Bengaluru ● The model can generate AI videos up to 20
● Powered by Infosys Topaz seconds long in 1080p resolution.
● AIm: To foster enterprise AI innovation ● Video Generation Limits:
● The center will serve as a catalyst for ● ChatGPT Plus: 50 videos/month at 480p or
co-creation and help businesses harness fewer videos at 720p.
the power of generative AI to achieve ● ChatGPT Pro: Generate videos in various
transformative growth. aspect ratios (square, widescreen, vertical).
2. Google breaks quantum computing record with
1. Isro successfully launches Europe's Proba-3 Willow chip
mission for solar exploration ● Launch of: Willow
● The Indian Space Research Organisation's ● Launched by: Google
(Isro) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) ● It is a quantum chip that performed a
has successfully launched the European computation in 5 minutes.
Space Agency's (ESA) Proba-3 satellites ● It would take supercomputers 10 septillion
into their designated orbit. years.
● The launch took place from the Sriharikota ● It advances error correction and scalable
spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. quantum computing.
● In its 61st flight, the PSLV rocket undertook 3. IIT Madras Completes 410-Meter Hyperloop Test
a high-profile mission, tasked with Track
deploying a pair of satellites as part of ESA's ● Completion of: Hyperloop Test Track
groundbreaking Proba-3 project. ● Complete by: IIT Madras
● These satellites are designed to simulate a ● length: 410-Meter
total solar eclipse using precision formation ● Developed as part of a collaboration
flying in space, a technological first in space between the Indian Railways, IIT Madras’
exploration. Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr, an
2. China Opens First Atmospheric Monitoring innovative startup incubated at IIT Madras.
Station in Antarctica ● Hyperloop is an advanced transportation
● China has launched its first atmospheric system that was originally proposed by
monitoring station in East Antarctica. Elon Musk in 2012.
● Aim: Studying climate change and ● Aim: To combine high speed with low
atmospheric components. energy consumption, making it an
● Located in Larsmann Hills environmentally friendly alternative to
conventional transportation modes.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
4. New Damselfish Species Found in Maldives ● Jupiter: 95 moons
● Discovery of a New Damselfish Species ● Uranus: 28 moons
● Species Name: Chromis abadhah ● Neptune: 16 moons
● Discovery Location: Mesophotic zone, ● Pluto: 5 moons
deep-sea coral reefs, Maldives ● Earth: 1 moon
5. Wipro joins hands with SIAM.AI ● Mars: 2 moons
● Collab between: Wipro and SIAM.AI ● Venus: 0 moons
● Reason: For advancing Thailand's sovereign ● Mercury: 0 moon
AI objectives 8. India’s First Indigenous Antibiotic,
● Development of: AI-powered virtual Nafithromycin for AMR
assistant, Sukjai ● The Union Minister launched
● Powered by: NVIDIA AI Enterprise software Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenously
platform developed antibiotic, under the trade name
● Sukjai will provide 24/7 support and “Miqnaf”.
information on things such as ● Developed with support from the
transportation guidelines and schedules, Biotechnology Industry Research
destinations and lodging availability, etc Assistance Council (BIRAC).
6. Google’s AI Model Outperforms Top Weather ● Primarily designed to combat Antimicrobial
Forecast System Resistance (AMR) and treat
● Introduction of: GenCast Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
● Introduce by: Google DeepMind (CABP).
● Model: Artificial intelligence (AI) model ● Developed over 14 years with a ₹500 crore
● Aim: To provide highly accurate weather investment; trials held in India, the U.S., and
forecasts, surpassing the European Centre Europe.
for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ● Central Drugs Standard Control
(ECMWF) ENS, the leading operational Organisation (CDSCO)
weather forecast system. ● India’s National Regulatory Authority
● The AI model can predict day-to-day (NRA) under the Ministry of Health &
weather and also track extreme weather Family Welfare.
events like deadly storms. ● Headquarters: New Delhi; headed by the
7. NASA launches SWIM Robots Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
● Launched by NASA 9. India to Launch Bharat Antariksha Station by
● SWIM Robots will explore the underwater 2035
worlds of Jupiter's moons like Europa and ● Country: India
Saturn’s Enceladus. ● Launch of: Bharat Antariksha Station
● Name : SWIM : Sensing With Independent (India's own space station)
Micro-swimmers ● Expected year: 2035
● Dimensions : 16.5 inches and weighs a little ● Land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040
over two kilograms. ● Informed by: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
● Built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) ● Gaganyaan mission to send an astronaut to
● Location : Caltech in Pasadena, USA space by 2026
● Related News : Ocean Worlds Lander ● Satellite Launches: 432 foreign satellites
Autonomy Testbed (OWLAT) and Ocean with 90% in the past decade from
Worlds Autonomy Testbed for Exploration, Sriharikota.
Research, and Simulation (OceanWATERS). ● India to send a human to 6,000 meters deep
● Saturn has the most moons in our solar as part of the Deep Sea Mission.
system, with 146 Sports
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
1. Saudi Arabia officially announced as host for Fifa ● He emerged as the youngest world
World Cup 2034 champion in history.
● FIFA 2027 Women's World Cup: Brazil ● Age Gukesh D: 18
● Fifa World Cup 2030: Morocco, Spain and ● Viswanathan Anand won: 2007, 2008,
Portugal 2010, 2012
● Fifa World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia 7. Afridi Becomes Youngest to Achieve 100 Wickets
in All Formats
2.. 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship ● Pakistan pacer reached 100 T20I wickets,
● Winner: Japan scalping three in his four-over spell against
● Defeated: South Korea South Africa in the first T20I in Durban.
● Date: 10th December 2024 ● He became only the third Pakistan bowler
● Concluded at: Indira Gandhi Indoor after Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf to reach
Stadium, Delhi 100 wickets in the format, conceding only
● The 20th Asian Women’s Handball 22 runs as South Africa racked up 183/9 in
Championship also served as a qualifier for 20 overs on the back of David Miller’s
the 2025 World Women’s Handball 40-ball 82.
Championship in Germany and the 1. India Wins 5th Junior Hockey Asia Cup
Netherlands. ● The Indian men’s junior hockey team
3. Kush Maini Makes History with F2 Constructors’ defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to secure
Championship Win their fifth Junior Asia Cup title and their
● Name of Driver: Kush Maini (Indian driver) third consecutive championship.
● First Indian to win the FIA F2 Constructors' ● Venue: Muscat, Oman
World Championship. ● Hero of the Match: Araijeet Singh Hundal (4
● Team: Invicta Racing goals: 3 penalty corners, 1 field goal)
● He earlier achieved another milestone by ● Bronze Medal: Japan
becoming the first Indian to claim an F2 2. India’s Pavan Kampelli secures Bronze medal
pole position. ● India’s Pavan Kampelli has secured a
4. 9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Stuns Chess Grandmaster bronze medal in the e-football event at the
● Name of youngest Indian Chess player: 2024 Asian Esports Games in Bangkok,
Aarit Kapil Thailand.
● Age: 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old ● This is the first-ever medal for India at the
● Defeated: Raset Ziatdinov, a 66-year-old Asian Esports Games.
Grandmaster from the United States ● Pavan, who is popularly known as ‘Mr.
5. Bangladesh Triumphs in U-19 Asia Cup Final Tomboy’ had recently emerged as the
● Event: U-19 Asia Cup Final winner of the WAVES Esports
● Location: Dubai Championship 2025 for eFootball last
● Winner: Bangladesh month.
● Runner Up: India 3. Sports Ministry to provide essential support to
● Bangladesh U-19 Total Score: 198 all out 2781 athletes across 21 sports
(50 overs) ● Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports
● India U-19 Total Score: 139 all out (35.2 Mansukh Mandaviya has said the Khelo
overs) India Scheme has identified 2781 athletes
6. Gukesh becomes youngest world champion across 21 sports, as part of Khelo India
● Event: 2024 World Chess Championship Talent Development programme.
● Winner: Gukesh D. ● The support is provided in the form of
● Defeated: Ding Lire coaching, equipment, medical care, and a
monthly Out of Pocket Allowance (OPA).
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
4. Arjun Erigaisi becomes 2nd Indian to achieve ● He represented India in three ODIs and
2800 ELO rating in chess three T20Is, with his most notable
● Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has become the achievements including playing in India’s
second Indian in history to reach the 2008 Under-19 World Cup win and
prestigious 2800 Elo rating in classical excelling in the IPL.
chess.
● With the remarkable feat, he has joined the 1. Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Test
legendary Viswanathan Anand in this Century
exclusive club. ● Nat Sciver-Brunt (England) set a record for
● Erigaisi also currently holds the world the fastest Test century by a woman, while
number four ranking. Maia Bouchier (England) marked her Test
● Arjun Erigaisi has become the 16th player debut with a century.
in history to break the 2800 Elo barrier in ● Sciver-Brunt became the first and only
classical chess ratings. woman cricketer to score a Test century in
5. Syed Modi International Tournament: PV Sindhu less than 100 balls, reaching her hundred
and Lakshya Sen clinch singles titles off just 96 balls.
● Ace Indian Shuttlers PV Sindhu and 2. Bumrah Surpasses Kapil Dev to Become India’s
Lakshya Sen were crowned the Singles Top Wicket-Taker in Australia
champions at the Syed Modi International ● Jasprit Bumrah became India’s highest
Tournament in Lucknow. wicket-taker in Test cricket in Australia.
● Sindhu clinched Women’s Singles title, ● Wickets: 52
overpowering China’s Wu Luo Yu. ● Surpassed: Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets
● Lakshya Sen drubbed Singapore’s Jia Heng ● Location: Third Test at The Gabba
Jason Teh. 3. Spin Legend R Ashwin Announces Retirement
● Earlier, Indian pair of Treesa Jolly and From International Cricket
Gayatri Gopichand won the Women’s ● Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s
Doubles title. leading spinners, has announced his
6. Ladakh’s First Ice Hockey Tournament of the retirement from international cricket.
Season Kicks Off in Durbuk ● Location: Third Border-Gavaskar Trophy
● Ladakh’s first ice hockey tournament of the Test in Brisbane
season is being held as the 12th Late Lady ● First bowler to take 100 WTC wickets,
Stanzin Otzes Inter-Village Ice Hockey highest wicket-taker with 195 wickets in
Tournament in Durbuk village, located in WTC.
the Lalok region. 4. 38th National Games
● The tournament is organized with the aim ● Event: 38th National Games
of encouraging local youth to engage in ● Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami
winter sports. launches the logo, anthem, and mascot for
● The Lalok region has historically played a the 38th National Games in Dehradun.
key role in promoting ice hockey in Ladakh ● Theme of the National Games: “Green
since the sport was introduced to the area Games”
in the 1960s. ● Location: Uttarakhand (organised in
● A total of 8 teams from Lalok, along with Dehradun, Tehri, Haridwar, Rudrapur, and
two women’s teams, are participating in the Haldwani)
tournament. ● Date: January 28 to February 14, 2025
7. Siddarth Kaul Retires from Indian Cricket 5. Pakistani All-Rounder Imad Wasim Retires
● Fast bowler Siddarth Kaul (34) has retired
from Indian cricket after a 17-year career.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Pakistan’s star all-rounder Imad Wasim 11. Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
announced his retirement from Championships 2024
international cricket. ● The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting
● He was crucial in Pakistan's victory in the Championships 2024 will begin in Doha,
2017 Champions Trophy. Qatar on 19th December 2024.
6. Mumbai Clinches Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 ● Competitions will be held in 40 categories
● Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 (20 each at the junior and youth levels).
● Winner: Mumbai 12. GM Pranav Venkatesh wins FIDE World Youth
● Defeated: Madhya Pradesh U-18 Open Rapid & Blitz
● Winning Captain: Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai) ● India’s Pranav Venkatesh has created
● Most Titles: Tamil Nadu (3 titles) history by clinching both the FIDE World
● Mumbai is now the fourth team to get Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in
hands on the SMAT title two times Slovenia.
7. Riya Shirish Thatte clinches Gold medal in 13. BWF World Rankings: Treesa/Gayatri achieve
Women’s 25m Pistol Final career-best rankings
● Sports event: 67th National Shooting ● In Badminton, Indian women’s doubles
Championship Competitions pair, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand,
● Category: Women’s 25m pistol final achieved their career-best world ranking of
● Winner: Riya Shirish Thatte of Aurangabad 11 in the latest BWF World Rankings.
● Defeated: Punjab’s Simranpreet Kaur ● Other important ranking in badminton
8. India wins Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 title (India):
● India won the Women’s Junior Asia Cup ● Men’s doubles pair category: Satwiksairaj
2024 championship in Muscat, Oman Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty (9th rank)
● Sport: Hockey ● Men's single category: Lakshya Sen (12th
● The Indian team defeated China 3-2 in a rank)
penalty shootout to successfully defend its ● Women's single category: PV Sindhu (15th
title. rank)
● India won their maiden Women’s Hockey 14. Manika Batra’s Team Asia wins inaugural
Junior Asia Cup title last year by defeating Waldner Cup 2024
the Republic of Korea. ● Team Asia clinched the title at the inaugural
9. Lok Sabha Speaker XI wins TB Mukt Bharat Waldner Cup in Oslo, Norway.
Awareness Cricket Match ● Defeated: Team World
● The Lok Sabha Speaker XI won against the ● India's representation in Team Asia: Manika
Rajya Sabha Chairman XI in the TB Mukt Batra
Bharat Awareness Cricket Match at the ● Other countries: China, South Korea, and
Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Kazakhstan
New Delhi. 1. Hockey India League 2024-25
● The cricket match was aimed at raising ● Name of Events: Hockey India League (HIL)
awareness and advocating for a ● Edition: 2024-25
tuberculosis-free country. ● Venue: Rourkela, Odisha
10. Kiran Jadhav wins men’s 50m rifle 3P national ● Opening match at: Birsa Munda Hockey
crown Stadium
● Indian Navy’s Kiran Ankush Jadhav ● Four matches will be held in Ranchi, all
clinched the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions other games will occur in Rourkela.
(3P) title at the 67th National Shooting 2. Torch rally for 38th National Games begins in
Championship Competitions in Bhopal, Uttarakhand
Madhya Pradesh. ● Name of sports: 38th National Games
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● Event: Torch rally in Uttarakhand 8. Liron Jaden wins Novice Cup 2024
● Departing from Haldwani, this rally will ● Liron Jaden Samuels clinched the JK Tyre
cover an impressive distance of 3,823 Novice Cup title 2024 at the Kari Motor
kilometers over the next 35 days, visiting Speedway
99 locations across all 13 districts of the 9. India Men’s Hockey Team Moves to 5th in Latest
state. FIH Rankings for 2025
● The rally will culminate with the grand ● The Indian men’s hockey team has achieved
formal inauguration of the National Games 5th place in the latest FIH world rankings
on January 28. ● After their historic performance at the
3. Martina Devi Wins Silver in Asian Junior 2024 Paris Olympics.
Weightlifting Championship in Doha ● The Netherlands retains the top position
● Name of event: Asian Junior Weightlifting with 3,267 points, followed by England,
Championship Belgium, and Germany.
● Location: Doha 10. Salman Khan joins as brand ambassador to
● Silver: Martina Devi (India), +87kg category promote inaugural Kho Kho World Cup
4. India to take part in Physical Disabled Cricket ● Salman Khan has been appointed as the
Champions Trophy 2025 brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho
● India will participate in the Physical Kho World Cup, set to take place in New
Disabled Cricket Champions Trophy 2025 Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025.
● Announced by: Differently abled Cricket 11. Karnataka men claim the first National
Council of India (DCCI) badminton title
● Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka ● Karnataka and Haryana emerged the men’s
● Date: 12th to the 21st, January 2025 and women’s team winners at the 2024
5. India wins inaugural ACC Women's U19 Asia Cup Senior National Badminton Championship
2024 Title at the KBA courts.
● Winner: India 12. Nusrath Fatima Win Silver at Junior World
● Defeated: Bangladesh (by 41 runs) Pencak Silat Championship
● Location: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur ● Nusrath Fatima from Sankoo, Kargil,
6. Vijay Hazare Trophy: Anmolpreet Singh smashes representing India, clinched a silver medal
fastest List A ton by an Indian at the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat
● Fastest hundred by an Indian (List A): Championship, held in Abu Dhabi from
Anmolpreet Singh (Punjab) December 18 to 22.
● Scored a 35-ball hundred ● Category: 58 kg Junior category
● Record: Former India all-rounder Yusuf 13. New Delhi To Host Para Athletics World
Pathan, who had scored a hundred off 40 Championships 2025
balls for Baroda against Maharashtra in ● India will host the 2025 World Para
2009-10. Athletics Championships at Jawaharlal
7. Russian Tennis Star Deniil Savelev Banned For 2 Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.
Years Over Doping ● It will be the first time the event will be
● Russian tennis player Daniil Savelev has held in India.
been given a two-year suspension for ● The event will take place from September
testing positive for the banned substance 26 to October 5.
meldonium in July 2024. ● Edition: 12th
● The International Tennis Integrity Agency ● Note: This is the fourth time it has been
(ITIA) confirmed the doping was hosted in Asia, following Doha 2015, Dubai
unintentional, and Savelev accepted the 2019, and Kobe 2024.
suspension & will last until August 2026.
 December 2024 Monthly Compilation
● In addition, New Delhi will also host a
World Para Athletics Grand Prix for the first
time in 2025.
● It is scheduled to take place from March 11
to 13, also at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
14. Jasprit Bumrah Equals Record ICC Rating for
Indian Test Bowlers
● Jasprit Bumrah achieved 904 rating points
in ICC Men's Test Bowling Rankings.
● Surpassed: Ravichandran Ashwin's record
for the highest-ever rating by an Indian
bowler.
● Bumrah's stellar 9/94 haul in Brisbane
boosted his top-ranking position, with
Kagiso Rabada and Josh Hazlewood trailing
behind.
15. Vijayveer Sidhu Clinched First National Title in
Men's 25m RFP
● Punjab's Vijayveer Sidhu defeated Rio
Olympian Gurpreet Singh to win his first
national title at the 67th NSCC in the men's
25m rapid-fire pistol event.
● Shivam Shukla of the Air Force secured
third place.