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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 22 and 23 December current affairs 2024, curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.
Our comprehensive Current Affairs December 2024 coverage aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your scores in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and all State Government Exams. Explore our Current Affairs tailored to simplify your exam preparation.
National news
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Rs 1,000 Crore Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing to Support Farmers
On December, 2024, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who holds the portfolios of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MON&RE), launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGS) for electronic-Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (e-NWR) based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) in New Delhi. The initiative is aimed at providing a Rs 1,000 crore corpus to support post-harvest financing for farmers in India.
Key Features of the Scheme: e-NWR Based Financing: The scheme enables farmers to access credit by depositing their agricultural produce in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses, with the produce backed by e-NWRs.
Loan Amounts:
- Rs 75 lakh for agricultural purposes.
- Rs 2 crore (Rs 200 lakh) for non-agricultural purposes.
Guarantee Fees:
- 0.4% per annum for farmers.
- 1% per annum for non-farmers.
- About Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD):
- Union Minister: Pralhad Joshi (Constituency: Dharwad, Karnataka).
Ministers of State (MOS):
- Banwari Lal (BL) Verma (Rajya Sabha, Uttar Pradesh).
- Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya (Constituency: Bhavnagar, Gujarat).
India’s Mineral and Non-Ferrous Metal Production Shows Strong Growth in FY 2024-25: Key Data from Ministry of Mines
As per the Ministry of Mines (MoM) data released at the end of 2024, India’s key mineral production, including Mineral Conservation and Development Rules (MCDR) and Non-Ferrous Metal Production, saw significant growth in the first seven months of FY 2024-25 (April-October), continuing the strong performance from FY 2023-24.
Key MCDR Mineral Production (FY 2024-25):
Iron Ore:
- Contribution: 69% of the total MCDR mineral production by value in FY 2023-24.
- Production: 274 million metric tonnes (MMT) in FY 2023-24.
Growth in FY 2024-25: Increased by 4.1% to 158.4 MMT during April-October FY 2024-25, compared to 152.1 MMT in the same period of FY 2023-24.
- Manganese Ore: Production Growth: Increased by 11.1% to 2.0 MMT in April-October FY 2024-25, compared to 1.8 MMT during the same period of FY 2023-24.
- Bauxite: Production Growth: Increased by 11.3% to 13.8 MMT during April-October FY 2024-25, compared to 12.4 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-October).
Key Non-Ferrous Metal Production (FY 2024-25):
Aluminium: Growth: Increased by 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonnes (LT) in April-October FY 2024-25, up from 24.17 LT in the same period of FY 2023-24.
Refined Copper: Growth: Increased by 6.0%, rising from 2.83 LT to 3.00 LT in April-October FY 2024-25.
India’s Global Position Among Top Producers:
- Aluminium: India is the second-largest producer globally, after China.
- Refined Copper: India ranks 4th among the top producers, following Chile and Peru.
- Iron Ore: India is the 4th largest producer, behind Australia, Brazil, and China.
HM Amit Shah chairs 72nd Plenary meeting of NEC at Agartala
The 72nd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) was chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on 21 December 2024, in Agartala, Tripura.
Key Highlights:
- Previous Plenary in Agartala: The last NEC plenary in Agartala was held in 2008.
- Meeting Frequency: As per the North Eastern Council Act, 1971 (amended in 2002), the Council meets at least twice a year.
- Pre-Plenary Technical Session: Held on 20 December 2024, where central ministries presented their developmental agendas for the northeastern region.
- Plenary Discussions: Focused on regional development agendas proposed in the pre-plenary session.
Attendees:
The session included:
Union Ministers:
- Amit Shah (Chairman)
- Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)
- Sukanta Majumder, Union Minister of State for DoNER
Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight northeastern states:
- Manik Saha (Tripura)
- Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam)
- Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh)
- N. Biren Singh (Manipur)
- Lalduhoma (Mizoram)
- Neiphiu Rio (Nagaland)
- Prem Singh Tamang (Sikkim)
About the North Eastern Council (NEC)
Establishment and Composition:
- Inception: Set up under the North Eastern Council Act, 1971, and inaugurated by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 7 November 1972 in Shillong, Meghalaya.
- Original Members: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram.
- Amendment (2002): Sikkim became the eighth member.
Composition: Governors and Chief Ministers of the eight northeastern states.
Three members nominated by the President of India.
Chairman: Union Home Minister (nominated by the President).
Functions of the NEC: Advisory Role: Provides recommendations that are not binding on the central or state governments.
Regional Planning:
- Develops regional plans benefiting at least two northeastern states.
- Reviews and recommends measures to enhance inter-state coordination for efficient implementation of development plans.
- The 72nd plenary session reaffirms the central government’s commitment to fostering regional development and cooperative governance in the northeastern states of India.
Tirupura:
- Capital: Agartala
- Chief minister: Manik Saha
- Governor: N. Indrasena Reddy
International news
24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
India participated in the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), hosted virtually by Thailand on December 20, 2024. Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), represented India during this important session. The meeting reviewed the progress made by BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) since the last SOM in March 2023 and discussed key areas of regional cooperation. Various documents and new mechanisms of cooperation were finalized, and preparations for the upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit were also discussed.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
1. Review of Progress
- The officials assessed progress since the previous SOM held in March 2023.
- Focus on regional initiatives and cooperation mechanisms.
2. Priority Areas Discussed
- Sustainable Development
- Regional Connectivity
- Security
- People-to-People Exchanges
3. Finalization of Documents
- Action Plans for regional cooperation.
- Mechanisms for collaboration with external partners.
4. Upcoming 6th BIMSTEC Summit
- Preparations for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit were deliberated.
- India’s Role and Vision
Reiteration of Commitment: Emphasis on a vibrant and prosperous BIMSTEC region.
Alignment with Policies:
Neighbourhood First Policy
- Vision SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
- Act East Policy
- Future Cooperation:
- Maritime and digital connectivity.
- Health, food security, and energy.
- Trade, investment, and skill development.
- People-to-people ties and development of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence.
Regional Significance
- Chair: Thailand’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Paisan Rupanichkij.
- Nepal’s Representation: Acting Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai.
Reinforced BIMSTEC’s role as a platform for regional development and collaboration among Bay of Bengal nations.
Banking news
RBI Grants Full Authorisation to ISG Limited as Payment Aggregator to Enhance Digital Payment Solutions
In December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted full authorisation to In-Solutions Global (ISG) Limited as a Payment Aggregator (PA). This Mumbai-based fintech company, supported by JP Morgan Chase & Co., can now enhance digital payment services for merchants across various sectors.
Key Highlights of the RBI’s Authorisation to ISG:
- Empowerment: ISG can now offer secure, efficient, and reliable digital payment solutions, benefiting businesses and promoting financial inclusion.
- Pre-existing Capabilities: In addition to the new authorisation, ISG already holds a Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) license, expanding its scope of services.
- Comprehensive Payment Services: ISG can now facilitate online transactions, retail payments, transit systems, and more, providing a wide array of payment solutions for its clients.
What is a Payment Aggregator (PA)?
A Payment Aggregator (PA) is a third-party service provider that connects businesses, customers, and financial institutions to enable online payments. It helps businesses accept payments from customers while ensuring seamless, secure transactions.
- This authorisation will significantly strengthen ISG’s ability to contribute to India’s growing digital payments ecosystem.
- World Bank Approves USD 325.10 Million Loan for Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project
RBI:
- Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata
- Governor: Incumbent Sanjay Malhotra
Tata Power and Canara Bank Partner for Rooftop Solar Loans
Tata Power Renewable Energy, in partnership with Canara Bank, has launched a financing initiative under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme to promote affordable rooftop solar installations in India. The collaboration aligns with the government’s renewable energy targets and aims to simplify access to clean energy for residential customers.
Key Features of the Partnership
Loan Offers
For Solar Systems Up to 3 kW
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹2 lakh
- Interest Rate: 7% per annum
- Margin: 10%
- Repayment Period: 10 years
- Collateral: Not required
For Solar Systems Between 3 kW and 10 kW
- Loan Amount: Up to ₹6 lakh
- Interest Rate: 10% per annum
- Margin: 20%
- Repayment Period: 10 years
- Collateral: Not required
Government Subsidy
- Up to 60% Subsidy: For systems with capacities up to 2 kW
- 40% Subsidy: For systems between 2 kW and 3 kW (subsidy capped at 3 kW)
Benefits of the Collaboration
- Affordable Solar Installations: Eliminates high upfront costs through accessible financing.
- Supports Renewable Energy Goals: Aligns with India’s target of achieving 500 GW of installed renewable capacity by 2030.
- Encourages Residential Adoption: Helps households transition to clean energy.
- Tata Power Renewable Energy: Capacity Snapshot
- Total Renewable Capacity: 10.9 GW
- Under Development: 5.5 GW
- Operational: 5.4 GW (4.4 GW solar, 1 GW wind)
India’s Renewable Energy Vision
- Focus on solar power as a key driver of renewable energy growth.
- Initiatives like the PM Surya Ghar Scheme encourage decentralized solar adoption, helping India transition toward a sustainable energy future.
- This collaboration underscores the commitment of both Tata Power and Canara Bank to advancing clean energy solutions, fostering economic and environmental sustainability.
Canara bank:
- Founder: Ammembal Subba Rao Pai
- Headquarters: Bengaluru
- CEO: K. Satyanarayana Raju (7 Feb 2023–)
- Founded: 1 July 1906
RBI Fines Manappuram Finance and IndusInd Bank for Non-Compliance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on IndusInd Bank and Manappuram Finance for failing to comply with regulatory norms. The penalties followed statutory inspections reviewing their financial positions as of March 31, 2023.
Key Details
Penalty on IndusInd Bank
- Amount: ₹27.3 lakh
- Violation: Opening savings deposit accounts for ineligible entities.
- Reason: Deficiencies in regulatory compliance, uncovered during inspections.
- Note: The penalty does not invalidate transactions or agreements between the bank and its customers.
Penalty on Manappuram Finance
Amount: ₹20 lakh
Violations:
- Failure to verify customers’ PAN during customer onboarding.
- Assigning multiple Identification Codes to some customers instead of adhering to the Unique Customer Identification Code (UCIC) requirement.
Significance
- The penalties reflect the RBI’s focus on maintaining strict compliance with regulatory norms to ensure customer protection and system integrity.
- Both institutions are expected to address the identified lapses to avoid further non-compliance.
- This enforcement action emphasizes the importance of adhering to regulatory frameworks in the banking and non-banking financial sectors.
Indusland bank:
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- Founder: S. P. Hinduja
- CEO: Sumant Kathpalia (24 Mar 2020–)
- Founded: April 1994, Mumbai
ICICI Bank and Times Internet Launch ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’
ICICI Bank, in collaboration with Times Internet, has launched the ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card,’ a super-premium co-branded credit card targeting high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) in India. The card aims to offer an exclusive, luxury experience, combining unique design elements and a host of premium benefits for the affluent customer segment. Powered by Visa, it provides a range of perks designed for sophisticated lifestyles.
Key Features and Benefits
Target Audience: High-net-worth individuals (HNIs), professionals, and affluent customers.
Card Design: Unique metallic design featuring historic printing plates from The Times of India, symbolizing a fusion of tradition and innovation.
Exclusive Benefits
- Unlimited access to over 1,300 global airport lounges.
- Visa services at home for added convenience.
- Access to ‘The Quorum Club’, an exclusive space for premium members.
Rewards Program
- International Transactions: 2.5% reward points on international purchases.
- Domestic Transactions: 2% reward points on domestic purchases.
Milestone Rewards
- Helicopter rides, airport transfers, and complimentary stays at luxury resorts.
- ₹10,000 e-commerce gift card.
Collaboration Highlights
- ICICI Bank: Rakesh Jha, Executive Director, emphasized the bank’s customer-centric approach in launching this premium product.
- Times Internet: Satyan Gajwani highlighted that the card aims to redefine luxury for India’s affluent customers.
- Visa: Sandeep Ghosh emphasized that the card leverages global payments expertise, targeting India’s influential customer base.
ICIC bank:
- Founded: 1994, Vadodara
- Headquarters: Mumbai
- CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi (15 Oct 2018–)
Appointment news
Suman Berry Appointed Chairman of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Succeeds Late Bibek Debroy
On December 2024, Suman Berry, the Vice Chairman (VC) of the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI Aayog), was appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) with additional charge. He succeeded Bibek Debroy, who passed away on November 1, 2024. Debroy was a prominent economic adviser to the Prime Minister and made significant contributions to economic theory, income inequality, and infrastructure financing.
About the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM):
EAC-PM is an independent body established to provide advice on economic and related matters to the Government of India, particularly to the Prime Minister.
Current Members (2024):
- Chairman: Suman Berry
- Members: Sanjeev Sanyal, Shamika Ravi
- Part-Time Members: Rakesh Mohan, Dr. Sajjid Chinoy, Dr. Neelkanth Mishra, Nilesh Shah, Professor T.T. Ram Mohan, Dr. Poonam Gupta
About NITI Aayog:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): B.V.R. Subramanyam
- Chairman: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 2015
Justice Manmohan Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge, Appointed by President Under Article 124(2)
Justice Manmohan was sworn in as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on December 2024. He was appointed under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India. Justice Manmohan, born on December 17, 1962, in Delhi, brings extensive legal experience to the Supreme Court.
Key Details:
- The Supreme Court now has 33 working judges, with a sanctioned strength of 34.
- Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna administered the oath of office.
- Justice Manmohan was appointed following the recommendation of the Collegium, a group of senior judges led by the CJI.
About Justice Manmohan:
- Permanent Judge of the Delhi High Court since December 17, 2009.
- Served as Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court from November 9, 2023.
- Became the full-time Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court from September 29, 2024.
Supreme Court Judge Appointment Process: Supreme Court Judges are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of the Collegium. The Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India and other senior judges from the Supreme Court.
Ranks and reports news
Radhakishan Damani Tops Hurun India’s 2024 List of Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs, with 44% Growth
On December , 2024, Hurun India, in partnership with IDFC First Bank Limited, released the 2nd edition of ‘India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024’. According to the report, Radhakishan Shivkishan Damani, the founder of Avenue Supermarkets Limited (DMart), has topped the list for the second consecutive year, with a valuation of Rs 3.4 lakh crore, reflecting a growth of 44%.
Key Highlights:
- Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato Media Private Limited, ranks second, moving up from third place in 2023. His net worth has surged by 190%, reaching over Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
- Sriharsha Majety and Nandan Reddy, founders of Swiggy Private Limited, hold the third position, with a combined net worth of Rs 1.01 lakh crore.
- The combined value of all companies on the list has risen to Rs 36 lakh crore (US$431 billion), marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
About Hurun Report Inc.:
Hurun Report is a renowned research, luxury publishing, and events group, founded in 1998 in London. Hurun India was established in 2012.
- CEO: Rupert Hoogewerf
- MD and Chief Researcher (Hurun India): Anas Rahman Junaid
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Defence news
Indian Army Receives Second Batch of Nagastra-1 Loitering Munitions Under Rs 2.12 Billion Contract
In December 2024, the Indian Army (IA) received the second batch of 360 loitering munitions, named ‘Nagastra-1’, from Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN), based in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The contract, signed in April 2023, was valued at Rs 2.12 billion (approximately USD 25 million).
Key Features of Nagastra-1:
- Type: It is a lightweight, UAV-based, man-portable weapon designed for precision strikes, particularly in counter-insurgency and urban warfare.
- Guidance System: It has a GPS-guided system with a strike accuracy of just 2 meters (ideal for surgical strikes).
- Weight: The munition weighs 30 kg.
- Warhead: Equipped with a 1-kg high-explosive fragmentation warhead for neutralizing soft targets.
Range and Endurance:
- 15 km during remote control operations.
- 30 km during autonomous flight.
- Endurance of 60 minutes.
- Reconnaissance: It features a day/night camera for surveillance and a parachute recovery system for safe recovery if the flight is aborted.
Indigenous Development:
- Over 75% of the Nagastra-1’s components are indigenous.
- The system underwent rigorous testing and inspection before being delivered to the Indian Army.
Other Key Developments:
SLIN’s Future Plans: Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones are under development, aimed at fulfilling the Indian Army’s surveillance needs at a lower cost.
The Indian Army is planning to acquire 97 MALE drones.
Export Orders: SLIN has secured export orders worth Rs 2,039 crore for advanced defense products, expected to be delivered over the next four years.
About Solar Industries India Limited (SLIN):
- Chairman: Satyanarayan Nuwal
- Headquarters: Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Established: 1995
MoD Sign Rs 7628.70 crore Deal to Buy K9 VAJRA Artillery Guns from L&T
The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Larsen and Toubro (L&T) for the procurement of 100 K9 Vajra-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for the Indian Army at a cost of ₹7,628.70 crore.
Key Highlights
- Second Deal: This is the second contract for K9 Vajra-T artillery guns with L&T. The first deal was signed in 2017 for ₹4,366 crore to procure 100 guns.
- Cabinet Approval: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the purchase of these additional guns during its meeting on 12 December 2024.
- Indigenization: The deal aligns with the Indian government’s focus on boosting the indigenous defence ecosystem under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
About the K9 Vajra-T Artillery Guns
Development and Production
- Origin: The K9 Vajra-T is an indigenous version of the South Korean K9 Thunder Mobile Howitzer, developed by Samsung Techwin (now known as Hanwha Defence).
- Modification: It has been modified to meet the specific operational requirements of the Indian Army.
Manufacturing:
- The guns are co-produced by Larsen and Toubro Heavy Engineering and Hanwha Defence.
- Production is carried out at L&T’s plant in Talegaon, Pune, Maharashtra.
Historical Significance: The K9 Vajra-T is the first artillery gun produced by an Indian private company for the Indian Army.
Note: Union Minister of Defence Mr. Rajnath Singh
State news
UP & Manipur sign MoU for implementation of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Manipur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) programme as paired states.
Key Details of the MoU
Signing Location: The agreement was signed in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in December 2024.
Duration:
- The MoU is valid for three years from the date of signing.
- It can be extended for another three years with the mutual consent of both states.
Previous Pairings:
- Uttar Pradesh: Manipur is the third state to sign an MoU with UP under the EBSB programme. Earlier partnerships included Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya.
- Manipur: This is Manipur’s second partnership under EBSB, the first being with Madhya Pradesh.
About the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Programme
Announcement and Vision
- Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31st October 2015 to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
- Objective: To promote unity in diversity and foster cultural exchange among states, enhancing national integration.
Programme Features
Pairing of States/Union Territories (UTs): States/UTs are paired for a specific duration, fostering engagement through:
- Cultural events and festivals
- Language and literature
- Cuisine and tourism
- Customs and traditions
Activities: Structured events aim to create mutual understanding and celebrate shared heritage.
Objectives of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
- Celebrate Unity in Diversity and strengthen emotional bonds.
- Promote national integration through sustained and structured engagements.
- Showcase the rich heritage and culture of the paired states, fostering a shared identity.
- Enable learning and sharing of best practices among states.
Nodal Ministry
The Union Ministry of Education is the nodal ministry responsible for coordinating the EBSB programme.
| State/UT | Paired States/UTs |
| Bihar | Tripura and Mizoram |
| Uttar Pradesh | Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Uttarakhand | Karnataka |
| Gujarat | Chhattisgarh |
| Tamil Nadu | Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh |
| Madhya Pradesh | Manipur and Nagaland |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kerala |
| Maharashtra | Odisha |
| Punjab | Andhra Pradesh |
| Goa | Jharkhand |
| Lakshadweep | Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
| Haryana | Telangana |
| Rajasthan | Assam |
| Delhi | Sikkim |
| Chandigarh and Puducherry | Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu |
Uttar Pradesh:
- Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath
- Governor: Anandiben Patel
World Bank ADB approve loans for the Amravati Project of Andhra Pradesh
The Amaravati Inclusive and Sustainable Capital City Development Program aims to transform Amaravati into a smart, green city with world-class infrastructure. The initiative is supported by financial loans from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), and Japan, which also offers technical assistance.
Loans Approved for Amaravati Development
World Bank Loan
- Amount: $800 million
- Currency: Japanese Yen
- Approval Date: December 19, 2024
- Duration: 29 years (including a 6-year grace period)
Approved by the World Bank Executive Board in Washington, D.C., USA.
ADB Loan
- Amount: $788.8 million (equivalent to 121.97 billion Japanese Yen)
- Approved to support the first phase of Amaravati’s development.
Role of Japan
- Financial Assistance: Japan contributes through the loans denominated in Japanese Yen.
- Technical Assistance: Provides expertise in modern infrastructure and smart city development.
About Amaravati
Background: After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in 2014, Hyderabad was designated as the joint capital for 10 years (until 2024).
Amaravati, located near Vijayawada, was selected as the new capital of Andhra Pradesh.
Development Framework: The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority Act, 2014, was enacted to oversee the capital’s planning and development.
The Andhra Pradesh Capital Region Development Authority (APCRDA) is responsible for implementing the development program.
Scope of the Project
Total Area: 217 sq. km
Focus: Establish a sustainable, modern city emphasizing inclusivity and eco-friendliness.
Significance of the Project
- Economic Growth: Establishes Amaravati as a hub for investment and innovation.
- Sustainability: Focus on green infrastructure and smart city technologies.
- Collaboration: Highlights international partnerships in infrastructure development.
Sports news
India to host 12th World Para Athletics Championships in 2025
India will host the World Para Athletics Championships for the first time in 2025, making it a significant milestone for the country in international para-sports.
Event Details
- Venue: Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi
- Dates: 26 September – 5 October 2025
Significance:
- Marks India’s capability to host major international sporting events.
- Strengthens India’s aspirations to bid for the 2036 Summer and Paralympics Games.
- Other Sporting Events in New Delhi (2025)
World Para Athletics Grand Prix:
- Venue: Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium
- Dates: 11–13 March 2025
2025 Boxing Cup Final & 3rd World Boxing Congress:
Also scheduled to be hosted in New Delhi, emphasizing the city’s emergence as a global sports destination.
New Delhi: Fourth Asian City to Host the Championships
New Delhi becomes the fourth Asian city to host the World Para Athletics Championships, following:
- Doha, Qatar (2015)
- Dubai, UAE (2019)
- Kobe, Japan (2024)
Improved Performance of Indian Para-Athletes
Indian para-athletes have shown remarkable improvement in recent years:
- Doha 2015: Two silver medals.
- Kobe 2024: 17 medals, including 6 gold, finishing sixth in the medal tally.
- Top Performer at Kobe 2024: China with 87 medals, including 33 gold.
About the World Para Athletics Championships
Organised by World Para Athletics, part of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).
- First Edition: Held in Berlin, Germany, in 1994.
- Frequency: Initially every four years, now every two years since 2011.
Key Facts about World Para Athletics
- Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
- Head: Paul Fitzgerald
- Parent Body: International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
Books and author news
A Book Titled ‘BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life’ By Dr. Deepa Malik
HarperCollins India has proudly announced the upcoming publication of ‘BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life’, a memoir by India’s most celebrated para-athlete, Dr. Deepa Malik. This remarkable autobiography promises to provide readers with an unfiltered view of her extraordinary life, her relentless pursuit of success, and her unyielding determination to overcome challenges.
- Publisher: HarperCollins India
- Author: Dr. Deepa Malik
About the Book:
- Offers an unfiltered account of Dr. Malik’s extraordinary journey.
- Chronicles her relentless pursuit of excellence and ability to overcome life’s challenges.
- A source of inspiration, highlighting the triumphs and struggles of one of India’s most celebrated para-athletes.
About Dr. Deepa Malik
- India’s First Female Paralympic Medalist
- Won a silver medal in the shot put at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
- Decorated with 23 international medals, showcasing her exceptional talent and perseverance.
Honors and Awards:
- Padma Shri – One of India’s highest civilian honors.
- Khel Ratna Award – India’s highest sporting honor.
- Arjuna Award – Recognizing her outstanding achievements in sports
Important days
World Basketball Day 2024: Date, Significance and History
World Basketball Day is celebrated annually on December 21 to honor the development and universal appeal of basketball, a sport that transcends borders and fosters values like athleticism, joy, and companionship.
Origins of Basketball: Dr. James Naismith’s Vision
Invention
- Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education teacher, invented basketball on December 21, 1891, at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA.
- The aim was to create an engaging indoor game to keep students active during winter.
Evolution
- Early basketball was played with a soccer ball and fruit baskets as goals, with referees retrieving the ball after every basket.
- In 1900, innovations such as backboards and string baskets were introduced, improving gameplay and preventing spectator interference.
- Global Recognition of Basketball
- The sport’s significance was officially acknowledged by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on August 25, 2023, through resolution A/RES/77/324.
- Declared December 21 as World Basketball Day.
Highlighted basketball’s ability to unite people and promote peace.
Key Objectives of the Resolution
- Showcase basketball’s role in fostering peace and development.
- Ensure global events like the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 leave a lasting legacy.
- Encourage communities to recognize the sport’s positive societal impact.
Obituary news
Padma Shri Awardee Baiga Tribal Artist Jodhaiya Bai Passes Away at 86
In December 2024, renowned Baiga Tribal Artist Jodhaiya Bai passed away at the age of 86 in the Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh (MP). She was born in 1938 in Madhya Pradesh.
Key Highlights:
- Padma Shri Award: In 2023, Jodhaiya Bai was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honor, for her outstanding contributions to the field of arts.
- Global Recognition: She played a significant role in bringing Baiga tribal art to global recognition, helping preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Baiga tribe.
- Nari Shakti Puraskar: In 2022, she received the Nari Shakti Puraskar, awarded by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for her exceptional achievements.
About the Baiga Tribe:
- The Baiga are primarily found in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
- The name “Baiga” translates to ‘Sorcerer-medicine man’.
- Historically, the Baiga led a semi-nomadic lifestyle, practicing slash-and-burn farming. They rely heavily on minor forest products for their livelihood, with bamboo being a key resource.
- Tattooing holds significant cultural value within the Baiga community.
