1. Only four entities granted license a year after Reserve Bank of India issued payment aggregator cross-border norms


• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced guidelines over a year ago to regulate Payment Aggregator Cross-Border (PA-CB) entities.
• PA-CB licences are required for entities involved in cross-border online payment processing.
• Licenses Granted:Only four companies have received PA-CB licences
so far:
• Cashfree Payments
• Amazon Pay
• BillDesk
• Adyen India
• This contrasts with 41 companies licensed as domestic online payment aggregators (PAs).

 

 
2. Vice President Inaugurates GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior


• Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, marking the launch of a premier center dedicated to exploring and celebrating
Earth's geological treasures.
• The museum, situated in the historic Victoria Market Building, aims to blend tradition with modern innovation, offering visitors insights into India's rich geological heritage.
• Rare Geological Specimens: Showcasing unique artifacts, minerals, and rocks from India’s geological reserves.
• To serve as a knowledge hub for students, researchers, and the public, fostering awareness about geology and Earth sciences.

 

 
3. India, Sri Lanka to Fast-Track Economic and Defence Cooperation Agreements


• India and Sri Lanka adopted a 'futuristic vision' to expand their partnership, focusing on investment-led growth and connectivity.
Key Agreements:
• Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreement (ETCA): Both countries agreed to conclude the ETCA to promote bilateral trade.
• The agreement will cover areas such as trade in goods, services, technical barriers, customs procedures, and dispute settlement.
About Sri Lanka :
• President : Anura Kumara Dissanayake
• Prime Minister : Harini Amarasuriya
• Capital : Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative), Colombo (executive and judicial)
• Currency : Sri Lankan rupee (Rs)

 
4. Patricia Mukhim and Activists Honored for Peace-Building Efforts

 

• Women in Security, Conflict Management and Peace (WISCOMP) honored 10 peacebuilders for their exceptional work with women in areas of prolonged conflict across South Asia.
• The Saahas Awards Ceremony, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, marked a celebration of grassroots contributions to fostering peace and gender equality.
• Organizers: WISCOMP, an initiative of the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Major Awardees
Patricia Mukhim
• Award: Saahas Shrestha: Shero of Courage.
Laxmi Chetri (Action Northeast Trust)
• Award: Shakti Award.
Deepa Pawar (Anubhuti Charitable Trust)
• Award: Shakti Award.
Conflict Victim Women National Network, Nepal
• Award: Chetna Award.
Omar Hafiz
• Award: Chetna Award.
Google names Preeti Lobana as Country Manager and Vice President for India
• Preeti Lobana has been appointed as the new Country Manager and Vice President for Google India.
• She succeeds Sanjay Gupta, who transitioned to the role of President for the Asia Pacific region at Google.

 

 
5. International Migrants Day: 18th December

 

• International Migrants Day 2024 is observed on the 18th of December 2024.
Minorities Rights Day in India: 18th December
• Minorities Rights Day 2024 is observed on the 18th of December 2024.
• Minorities Rights Day was first observed on December 18th, 1992 by the United Nations.

 
6. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches 'Fit India' Cycling Movement

 

• Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, flagged off the 'Fit India' cycling movement at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi.
• The event marks a nationwide campaign with cycling events held at 1,000 locations nationwide.
• Objective:
• Aimed at promoting fitness, combating pollution, and building a healthier and developed nation.
• Encourages individuals to dedicate at least one hour a week to cycling.
The event was organized in collaboration with:
• Cycling Federation of India (CFI).
• MY Bharat initiative.
• Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional centres.
• Khelo India centres (KICs).
• District administrations across the nation.

 

 
7. 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) and Arogya Expo Inaugurated in Dehradun

 

• The 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) and the Arogya
Expo were inaugurated in Dehradun, marking a pivotal event for Ayurveda and digital health.
• Organizer: The event is organized by the World Ayurveda
Foundation (WAF), an initiative by Vijnana Bharati.
• Participants: Over 5500 Indian delegates and 350 international delegates from 54 countries have registered.
Duration: The event will span 4 days and will feature:
• 150+ scientific sessions
• 13 associate events
• Plenary sessions
• Technical sessions and panel discussions
Theme for WAC 2024:
"Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective"
Russia to Offer Visa-Free Entry for Indians Starting 2025, Joining 62 Countries
• By March 2025, Indian tourists may be able to enter Russia without requiring a visa.
• This follows discussions between Russia and India in June 2024 to relax visa requirements.
Key Highlights :
• Current Visa Requirements:Currently, Indian visitors need visas based on their travel purposes (tourist, business, humanitarian, private, work, or student categories).
• Tourism Growth in Moscow:Indian tourism to Moscow has been increasing. In the first half of 2024, 28,500 Indian tourists visited Moscow, a 1.5-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.
About Russia :
• President : Vladimir Putin
• Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
• Capital : Moscow
• Currency : Ruble

 

 
8. UN Desertification Talks Conclude Without Agreement on Drought Combat Measures

 

• The 16th Conference of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• The talks ended without a binding agreement on addressing droughts,
despite increasing global aridification trends.
About UNCCD :
• Headquarters : Bonn, Germany
• Executive Secretary : Ibrahim Thiaw

 
9. Mamata Banerjee Launches "Banglar Bari" Scheme to Provide Homes for Rural Poor in West Bengal

 

• West Bengal (WB) Chief Minister (CM) Mamata Banerjee launched the "Banglar Bari" scheme to provide houses for the rural poor in the state.
• The scheme was launched ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, as a response to the Centre's failure to release funds for PM Awas Yojana (PMAY).
• 42 beneficiaries across 21 districts received the first installment of funds as part of the launch event.
Key Highlights :
• Details of the Scheme:A total of ₹1.20 lakh will be given to each eligible family for constructing a house, with ₹60,000 released as the first installment.
• Beneficiaries in certain regions, including Jangalmahal and Darjeeling hills, will receive ₹1.30 lakh.
About West Bengal :
• Governor : C. V. Ananda Bose
• Chief Minister : Mamata Banerjee
• Capital : Kolkata

 
10. Vinícius Júnior Named The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024

 

• Vinícius Júnior, Brazilian and Real Madrid forward, has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player for the first time.
• He is the first Brazilian to win the award since 2007 and the first in its current format.
• Outstanding 2023/24 Season:
• Scored 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid.

 
11. Indian Naval Ship Nirdeshak Set to Be Commissioned at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam

 

• Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nirdeshak, a state-of-the-art survey vessel, will be commissioned on 18 December 2024 at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
• The ceremony will be presided over by Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth.
• It will be hosted by the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
• Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, INS Nirdeshak has over 80% indigenous content, showcasing India's capabilities in ship design and construction.

 

12. Scientists create 'Kisan Kavach' to protect farmers from pesticide exposure

 


• The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and BRIC-inStem Bangalore developed an 'anti-pesticide' suit named Kisan Kavach to protect farm laborers from harmful pesticide exposure during spraying activities.
Key Highlights :
• Suit Composition: The suit consists of a trouser, pullover, and facecover made from 'oxime fabric,' designed to chemically break down pesticides that come in contact with the fabric, preventing them from
being absorbed by the skin.

 

 

13. Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024: India beat China in the shootout to defend the title

 


• The Indian women's junior hockey team successfully defended their Women’s Junior Asia Cup title with a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout win over China in the final held in Muscat, Oman.
• The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, with India securing their second consecutive title after their victory in the 2023 edition.
• This win also guaranteed India a spot in the 2025 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Chile, alongside other top teams like China, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia.

 

14. Mumbai Clinches Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 with Five-Wicket Win Over Madhya Pradesh

 

• Mumbai won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024 with a commanding five-wicket victory over Madhya Pradesh in the final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Match Overview
• Madhya Pradesh's Innings:
• Total: 174/8 in 20 overs.
• Top scorer: Rajat Patidar – 81 off 40 balls (6 fours, 6 sixes).
Mumbai's Chase:
• Total: 180/5 in 17.5 overs.
• Top scorer: Suryakumar Yadav – 48 off 35 balls.
• This was Mumbai's second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title after their first win in 2022.

 

15. Pensioners Day: A Tribute to D.S. Nakara and the Struggle for Pension Rights


• Pensioners Day is observed annually on 17th December in India to honor the legacy of S. Nakara, a pioneering figure who fought for the rights and dignity of pensioners.

 

16. RBI discontinues specific Rs 5 coins from circulation


• The Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have
jointly made an important decision regarding the 5 rupee coin.
• A particular type of this coin is being withdrawn from circulation,
primarily due to specific challenges and concerns.
Decision to Withdraw Thicker 5 Rupee Coins
• The thicker 5 rupee coins have become scarce in circulation, and their production has been stopped, leaving only brass coins in circulation.
• The primary reason is their misuse.
• The material used in these coins is repurposed to make blades, leading to a significant illegal blade business worth crores.
• A single coin can produce 4–5 blades.

 

 

17. India Emerges As Top Global Recipient Of Remittances: World Bank


• India emerged as the largest recipient of remittances in 2024, with an estimated inflow of $129 billion, according to a blog post by World Bank economists.
• India was followed by Mexico, China, Philippines, and Pakistan.
• The surge was fueled by a recovery in job markets in high-income countries, particularly those in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
About World Bank:
• Established: July 7, 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S.
• Membership: 189 countries
• President: Ajay Banga

 

18. Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024


• The IDFC First Private Banking and Hurun India list for 2024 celebrates India’s top 200 self-made entrepreneurs, showcasing their transformative contributions to the nation’s economy.
Key Highlights
• Top Entrepreneurs:
Radhakishan Damani (DMart): Retained the top spot.
• DMart's market valuation surged 44% to ₹3.4 lakh crore.
Deepinder Goyal (Zomato): Ranked second.
• Zomato's valuation rose 190% to ₹2.51 lakh crore.
Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy (Swiggy): Ranked third.
• Swiggy's valuation scaled to ₹1.01 lakh crore.
Rising Stars:
Zepto: Achieved 14th place with a 259% surge in valuation to ₹41,800 crore.
• Founders Kaivalya Vohra (21) and Aadit Palicha (22) are the youngest entrepreneurs on the list.

 

19. Airtel Partners with the Indian Army to Expand Connectivity in North Kashmir


• Bharti Airtel has collaborated with the Indian Army to improve connectivity in Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipore districts near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir.
• The initiative is part of the PM Vibrant Village Programme and enhances network services in remote villages and military bases.
Key Highlights
Connectivity Expansion in Remote Villages
• Deployment of Mobile Towers:
Airtel has installed 15 mobile towers in regions like Keran, Machhal, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri, ensuring telecom access for locals and soldiers.
• Unique Position:
Airtel is the only private telecom operator serving these challenging terrains.

 

20. Arun Kapur Honored with Bhutan’s Prestigious ‘Dasho’ Title


• Arun Kapur, a renowned educationist with remarkable contributions to the education sector in India, Bhutan, and Oman, was honored by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
• At the 117th Bhutanese National Day celebrations in Thimphu, he was conferred the Red Scarf and the title of ‘Dasho’, signifying an extraordinary achievement.
Key Highlights
Recognition by Bhutan’s Monarch
• Award: Red Scarf (Bura Marp) and ceremonial sword (Patang).
• Significance: These honors, along with the title ‘Dasho’, are traditionally reserved for senior Bhutanese officials, making it a rare distinction for a non-resident.

 
21. Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024: Honoring Literary Excellence Across Languages


• The Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 celebrated the remarkable contributions of 21 writers and poets across various Indian languages.
• This prestigious honor recognizes outstanding works in novels, poetry, short stories, essays, plays, literary criticism, and research.
Notable Winners:
• Hindi: Gagan Gill for her poetry collection Main Jab Tak Aai Bahar.
• English: Easterine Kire for her novel Spirit Nights.
• Kashmiri: Sohan Kaul for her novel Psychiatric Ward.
• Punjabi: Paul Kaur for her poetry book Sun Gunvanta Sun Budhivanta: Itihaasnama Punjab.

 

22. R.Ashwin Becomes Leading Wicket-Taker in ICC World Test Championship (WTC)


• India's premier all-rounder, R. Ashwin, achieved a significant milestone during the second Test against New Zealand at the MCA Stadium in Pune.
• On Day 1, Ashwin claimed the wickets of Tom Latham and Will Young, surpassing Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon to become the highest wicket-taker in the history of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
Key Highlights of Ashwin's Achievement
WTC Wicket-Taker Standings
• R. Ashwin: 188 wickets in 39 matches.
• Nathan Lyon: 187 wickets in 43 matches.
• Pat Cummins: 175 wickets in 42 matches.
• Jasprit Bumrah: 124 wickets in 30 matches (seventh place).

 

23. International Human Solidarity Day: 20th December


• International Human Solidarity Day is observed on the 20th of December 2024.
• On December 22, 2005, the UN General Assembly recognizedsolidarity as one of the fundamental and enduring values of the twenty-first century by passing Revolution 60/209.

 

24. Centre Sets June 2026 Deadline for Mandatory Use of India-Made Solar Cells


• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced that from June 2026, solar companies will need to exclusively use India-made solar photovoltaic (PV) cells to participate in government procurement programmes.
Key Highlights
Objective:
• The move aims to reduce dependency on foreign imports for components used in solar panel manufacturing.
• Encourages the growth and utilization of domestic manufacturing capacities.
Current Capacity:
• India’s installed manufacturing capacity stands at:
• 63 GW for solar modules
• 8 GW for solar PV cells

 

25. China and Nepal Initiate Global Dialogue Series

 

• Nepal and China governments launched the "Phewa Dialogue" series in a collaborative effort to formulate regional prosperity and peace policies.
• The dialogue is named after the famous Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, where the two-day event is being held.
• The dialogue was inaugurated by former President Bidya Devi Bhandari of Nepal.
About China :
• President : Xi Jinping
• Capital : Beijing
• Currency : Renminbi
About Nepal :
• President : Ram Chandra Poudel
• Prime Minister : Ram Chandra Poudel
• Capital : Kathmandu
• Currency : Nepalese rupee

 

26. India and France Partner to Develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum

 

• The Ministry of Culture has announced a landmark partnership with France Museums Développement (FMD) to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a world-class cultural institution.
• This project is part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and will cover 1,55,000 square meters across the iconic North and South Blocks in New Delhi.
Key Highlights
• Vision and Announcement:
• The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum (YYBNM) will celebrate
India's unbroken civilizational history.
• The project was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and reiterated during
the Bharat Mandapam inauguration in July 2023.

 

27. Richa Ghosh Smashes Fastest Fifty in Women’s T20I History

 

• Indian wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh achieved a remarkable milestone on Thursday, equaling the record for the fastest half-century in women’s T20I history during the series decider against the West
Indies at the DY Patil Sports Academy.
Key Highlights
• Record-Breaking Feat:
• Richa scored an explosive 18-ball fifty, tying the world record with New Zealand’s Sophie Devine and Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield.
• It also set a new benchmark for the fastest fifty by an Indian women’s batter in T20Is.

 

28. Liam Lawson Replaces Sergio Perez at Red Bull for 2025 Season


• Red Bull has announced that Liam Lawson will replace Sergio
Perez as the team’s second driver alongside four-time World
Champion Max Verstappen in the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Key Highlights
• Sergio Perez Departure:
• Sergio Perez confirmed he would be leaving Red Bull with immediate
effect, despite having two years remaining on his contract.
• Perez's departure follows a series of underwhelming performances and
the team's decision to make a change.

 

29. Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Accelerating India's Role as a Global Mobility Hub


• The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 will take place from January 17 to 22 across Delhi NCR, showcasing India's growing prominence in the global mobility landscape.
• With over 1,500 exhibitors and an anticipated 500,000 visitors, the event is poised to become the world's second-largest auto show.
• It will feature leading automotive giants and focus on sustainable and electric mobility technologies.
Theme: “Beyond Boundaries: Co-Creating the Future of the Automotive Value Chain”.

 

30. European Union Approves Bulgaria and Romania for Full Membershipin Schengen Zone Starting Next Year After 13-Year Wait

 

• The European Union (EU) has approved Bulgaria and Romania as full members of the Schengen
zone, effective from the start of next year, ending a 13-year wait.
• Bulgaria and Romania, EU members since 2007, were partially integrated into the Schengen zone in March 2024, allowing air and sea travel without border checks.
About the Schengen Zone:
• Established in 1985, the Schengen zone currently has 29 members, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries:
Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
• It is the world's largest borderless area, allowing free travel for over 400 million people within the zone.

 

 

31. Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance (ISA) by Signing Framework Agreement to Boost Renewable Energy

 

• Moldova has officially signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework Agreement, reinforcing its commitment to promoting renewable energy.
About the ISA:
• The ISA was conceptualized during COP21 in Paris in 2015 as a collaborative initiative between India and France.
• Headquarters: The ISA is headquartered in Gurugram, India.
• ISA's Mission and Goals:The mission of the ISA is to unite global efforts in combating climate change through the implementation of solar energy solutions.
About Moldova :
• President : Maia Sandu
• Prime Minister : Dorin Recean
• Capital : Chișinău
• Currency : Moldovan leu (MDL)

 

32. Tanzania to Be Partner Country for International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra from November 28 to December 15

 

• Tanzania will be the partner country for the International Gita Mahotsav held from November 28 to December 15 in Kurukshetra.
• Tanzania also participated as a partner country in the International Surajkund Crafts Fair held in February.
• The International Gita Mahotsav will help enhance the partnership between India and Tanzania.
About Tanzania :
• President : Samia Suluhu Hassan
• Prime Minister : Kassim Majaliwa
• Capital : Dodoma
• Currency : Tanzanian shilling (TZS)

 

33. Kejriwal Launches Free Healthcare for Senior Citizens through Sanjeevani Yojna Ahead of Delhi Elections

 

• Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced the Sanjeevani Yojana for senior citizens (60+ years) in Delhi.
• Under the scheme, elderly citizens will receive free treatment at both government and private hospitals with no upper limit on the treatment costs.
• Registration will begin soon, and AAP workers will go to citizens' homes to facilitate the process and provide cards.
• The scheme is intended to be implemented if AAP retains power in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections in February 2024.
• This announcement follows a dispute between AAP and BJP regarding the Ayushman Bharat scheme's non-implementation in Delhi.

 

34. Caitlin Sandra Neil Crowned Miss India USA 2024

 

• Caitlin Sandra Neil, a 19-year-old Indian-American born in Chennai, India, has been crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey.
• Currently a second-year student at the University of California, Davis, Caitlin aspires to empower women and promote literacy while pursuing her dreams in web design, modeling, and acting.

 

35. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Makes History as Namibia's First Female President-Elect

 

• Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has been elected as Namibia’s first female president, securing 57% of the vote in the November 27, 2024 election.
• Nandi-Ndaitwah represents Namibia's ruling party, SWAPO (South West Africa People's Organization), which has been in power since Namibia's independence in 1990.
• She defeated Panduleni Itula of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), who garnered 26% of the vote.
About Namibia :
• Prime Minister : Saara Kuugongelwa
• Capital : Windhoek
• Currency : Namibian dollar (NAD)

 

36. Masato Kanda appointed as the 11th President of Asian Development Bank

 

• Masato Kanda has been elected as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• Kanda, aged 59, is currently serving as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.
• He will assume office as ADB President on February 24, 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa, whose term ends on February 23, 2025.

 

37. Pankaj Tripathi appointed as brand ambassador for Madhya Pradesh Tourism

 

• Actor Pankaj Tripathi has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Madhya Pradesh Tourism.
• The Madhya Pradesh government is planning to develop 50 offbeat destinations to attract more tourists.

 

38. Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected as Georgia's New President

 

• Former football player Mikheil Kavelashvili became the President of Georgia.
• Kavelashvili won the election with an easy victory, being the sole candidate on the ballot.
About Georgia :
• Prime Minister : Irakli Kobakhidze
• Capital : Tbilisi
• Currency : Georgian lari

 

 

39. Chinese astronauts set 9-hour spacewalk record, surpassing US milestone in space history

 

• Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong set a new world record for the longest single spacewalk on December 20, 2024.
• Their spacewalk lasted for 9 hours and 9 minutes, surpassing the previous record of 8 hours 56 minutes set by NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms in 2001 during a mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

 

40. India Develops Its First Indigenous Macrolide Antibiotic - Nafithromycin

 

• Nafithromycin is India’s first indigenous Macrolide antibiotic, developed by Wockhardt with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• The drug is marketed as "Miqnaf" and specifically targets Community Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) caused by drug-resistant bacteria, which significantly affects vulnerable groups, including children.

 

41. India to Host 2025 Para Athletics World Championships:

 

• India is set to host the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships for the first time, marking a historic milestone in its sporting journey.
• The event will be held from September 26 to October 5, 2025, at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi, further cementing India’s growing role in promoting inclusivity in sports.
Key Highlights
Event Overview
• Dates: September 26 – October 5, 2025.
• Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
• The stadium will also host the World Para Athletics Grand Prix from March 11-13, 2025.
• Participants: Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 nations.

 

42. National Mathematics Day: 22nd December

 

• National Mathematics Day 2024 is observed on the 22nd of December 2024.
• The theme for National Mathematics Day 2024 is "Mathematics: Bridge to innovation".
Kisan Diwas: 23rd December
• Kisan Diwas 2024 is observed on the 23rd of December 2024.
• Kisan Diwas 2024 is celebrated for the Birth Anniversary of Chaudhry Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.

 

43. Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Attend Christmas Celebrations at CBCI Centre

 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to participate in the Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises in New Delhi on December 23, 2024.
Key Highlights
Historic Participation
• This marks the first time a Prime Minister will attend a programme at the Headquarters of the Catholic Church in India.
About the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI)
• Established: 1944
• Role: Represents and coordinates the Catholic Church's activities across India.

 

44. First Ganges River Dolphin Tagged in Assam, Marking Historic Milestone for Project Dolphin

 

• The first-ever Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was tagged in Assam, marking a major milestone for Project Dolphin.
• The project aims to conserve India’s National Aquatic Animal, the Ganges river dolphin, which is an important species for aquatic biodiversity in India.
• The initiative was carried out under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), with collaboration between the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Assam Forest
Department.
• The project received funding from the National CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority).

 

45. GST at 18% on used EV car sale by business, jet fuel stays out of its ambit

 

• The 55th GST Council meeting, chaired by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, resulted in several important decisions regarding tax rates and clarifications on various goods and services.
Key Highlights:
• GST on Sale of Used Electric Vehicles
• 18% GST will be levied on the margin value (the difference between the purchase and sale price) for used electric vehicles (EVs) sold by businesses.
• Exemption: Sale and purchase of used EVs between individuals will continue to be GST-exempt.
• Tax Clarifications on Popcorn
• Caramelised Popcorn: 18% GST rate.
• Pre-packed and Spiced Popcorn: 12% GST.
• Unpacked and Unlabelled Popcorn: 5% GST.
• GST on Penal Charges by Banks & NBFCs
• No GST will be levied on penal charges imposed by banks and NBFCs for non-compliance with loan terms.
• Tax Rate on Fortified Rice Kernels
• GST Reduced: 5% tax on fortified rice kernels used for public distribution (down from 18%).

 

46. Kuwait Confers Its Highest Honour on Prime Minister Narendra Modi

 

• Kuwait has awarded its highest accolade, the Order of Mubarak AlKabeer, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership and dedication to strengthening relations between India and Kuwait.
Key Highlights
• Prestigious Recognition
• Award: The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer is a prestigious knighthood order instituted in 1974.
• Presented By: Kuwait’s Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah at the Bayan Palace in Kuwait.
Historic Visit and Global Context
• PM Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

 

47. Justice Madan Lokur, former Supreme Court judge, named chairperson of United Nations Internal Justice Council

 

• Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur was appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council.
• The term of his appointment is until November 12, 2028.
• The appointment was communicated by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres on December 19, 2024.
About Justice Lokur :
• Justice Lokur was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of India on June 4, 2012, and retired on December 30, 2018, upon reaching the age of superannuation.
• In 2019, Justice Lokur became a judge in the Supreme Court of Fiji as part of its non-resident panel, making him the first Indian judge to be appointed in a foreign country's Supreme Court.

 

48. Trump appoints Indian-origin entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan, Elon Musk's aide, as Artificial Intelligence policy advisor

 

• Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American venture capitalist, was appointed by US President-elect Donald Trump as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Krishnan will work alongside ex-PayPal Chief Operating Officer (COO) David O Sacks, who has been nominated as the "White House AI and crypto czar."

 

49. India Clinches Inaugural Women’s U-19 Asia Cup with a 41-Run Win Over Bangladesh

 

• India secured a commanding 41-run victory against Bangladesh to claim the inaugural Women’s U-19 Asia Cup title at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur.
• The historic win highlighted India's growing dominance in women’s cricket, with standout performances from Gongadi Trisha and Aayushi Shukla.

 

 

50. National Consumer Rights Day: 24th December

 

• National Consumer Rights Day 2024 is observed on the 24th of December 2024.
• When India's Consumer Protection Act of 1986 was passed, consumer rights were given serious consideration.