25th & 26th December 2024 current affairs

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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 25th & 26th 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

PM Modi to Distribute Over 58 Lakh Property Cards Under SVAMITVA Scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 58 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme in a nationwide event on Friday. During the program, he will also interact with beneficiaries of the scheme, which aims to provide rural property owners with proof of ownership for their properties in Village Abadi or inhabited areas.

Key Features of the SVAMITVA Scheme:

• Property Ownership: The scheme provides property owners with a record of rights for their properties, serving as official proof of ownership.
• Economic Empowerment: These ownership documents can be used for monetisation, allowing landowners to secure credit and loans.
• Dispute Resolution: It helps reduce property-related disputes in rural areas.
• Planning and Tax Collection: The scheme will improve comprehensive village-level planning and assist in boosting property tax collection.

Progress Under the Scheme:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj reports that:

• Around 3.17 lakh villages have been surveyed using drone technology.
• Over 1.37 crore square meters of residential land has been mapped.
• Nearly 2 crore property cards have been created, marking significant progress in the implementation of the scheme.

Significance:

• Economic Growth: By enabling property owners to access financial resources, the scheme fosters economic growth in rural areas.
• Strengthened Governance: The SVAMITVA scheme supports better management and planning at the village level.
• National Rollout: The event will see participation from various Union Ministers and Chief Ministers, joining online from different parts of the country.

Panchayati Raj Secretary’s Remarks: Speaking to the media, Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, highlighted the transformative potential of the scheme. He emphasized the milestone of creating 2 crore property cards and its impact on reducing disputes and enhancing planning in rural India.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to empowering rural communities, streamlining property rights, and fostering sustainable development.

About that scheme:

About the SVAMITVA Scheme

• Full Form: SVAMITVA stands for Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
• Launch Date: The scheme was launched on 24th April 2020, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Objective:

• To provide property ownership rights to rural household owners in abadi areas (inhabited lands).
• Facilitate the creation of accurate land records for rural planning.
• Minimise disputes related to property.
• Enhance financial inclusion by enabling property owners to use their land as a financial asset for loans.

PM Modi Lays Foundation for India’s 1st Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa National River Linking Project in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, marking the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The project is India’s first ambitious multipurpose national river linking initiative.

In addition to launching the river linking project, PM Modi inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project and performed the Bhoomi Pujan of 1,153 Atal Gram Sushasan Bhawans. He also released a stamp and coin in memory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Key Highlights:

Ken-Betwa National River Linking Project:

• The project is worth Rs 44,605 crore, with 90% of the funding provided by the Central Government and 10% by the respective State Governments.
• It will irrigate over 8 lakh hectares of land and benefit more than 7 lakh farmer families in 2,000 villages across 10 districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• The project will also provide drinking water to a population of 44 lakh in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh in Uttar Pradesh.
• It will generate 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power, supporting both energy and irrigation needs.
• It aims to address water disputes and improve water levels in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region, while promoting industrialization, tourism, and providing employment opportunities.

Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal (Executive Branch)
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• CM: Mohan Yadav

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in Veer Baal Diwas celebrations at Bharat Mandapam

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in Veer Baal Diwas today, a national celebration dedicated to honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Sahibzades, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh, who gave their lives for justice. The event will take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister will address the gathering. The day, observed annually on December 26, was first announced by Modi in 2022, with a focus on celebrating children as the future of India.

Key Highlights of the Event:

• Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan Launch: The Prime Minister will launch this initiative aimed at improving nutritional outcomes and overall well-being, strengthening the implementation of nutrition-related services, and ensuring community participation.
• Event Attendance: Around 3,500 children, including the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar awardees, along with dignitaries, will attend the event.

Engagement Activities:

• Nationwide Initiatives: The celebration will include online competitions, quizzes, and activities through platforms like MyGov and MyBharat.
• Creative and Educational Activities: Schools, Child Care Institutions, and Anganwadi centres will engage in storytelling, creative writing, poster-making, and other interactive events.

UDAAN Yatri Cafe: A Solution To Expensive Airport Food

To address growing concerns about overpriced food and beverages at airports, the Indian government has launched the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ initiative. This project aims to offer affordable refreshments to passengers, starting with a pilot at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The initiative was proposed after Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha raised the issue in Parliament, emphasizing the need to reduce the financial burden on air travelers.

Role of Raghav Chadha:

• Advocacy in Parliament: Highlighted overpriced food and beverages at airports.
• Examples: Water bottles priced at ₹100; tea at ₹200-250.
• Additional Concerns: Raised issues of overcrowding and mismanagement, comparing airports to bus stands.
• Public Impact: Praised widely for addressing concerns of ordinary citizens.

Public Support:

• Citizens and social media users welcomed the initiative.
• Ladakh Connection: Konchok Stanzin highlighted the relief for remote regions like Ladakh.

Republic Day 2025: 15 States, 11 Ministries to Present Tableaux

The Ministry of Defence announced the theme for the Republic Day 2025 tableaux as “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). This year’s tableaux will showcase the dynamic relationship between India’s rich heritage and its ongoing development. The display will take place on Kartavya Path and feature creative exhibits from various states, Union Territories, and central ministries. Aimed at highlighting India’s diversity, the Republic Day tableaux will offer a glimpse of the country’s cultural roots and modern progress.

Theme for 2025 Tableaux

• Title: “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development).
• Objective: To depict the harmonious relationship between India’s rich cultural heritage and its strides in development.

Event Overview

• Occasion: Annual Republic Day Parade.
• Location: Kartavya Path (formerly Rajpath), New Delhi.

Participants:

• States and Union Territories (15): Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• Union Ministries and Departments (11): Various central ministries and departments will also showcase their creative exhibits.

Key Features

Focus:

• India’s cultural diversity and modern development.
• Balance between tradition (Virasat) and progress (Vikas).

Alternative Showcase:

Bharat Parv: States and UTs not selected for the parade can display their tableaux at the Bharat Parv held at the Red Fort from January 26 to 31, 2025.

Selection Process

Submission of Proposals: States, UTs, and Union Ministries invited to present proposals.

Evaluation by Expert Committee: The committee included professionals from art, culture, music, architecture, and choreography.

Selection Criteria:

• Originality: Unique and fresh concepts.
• Creativity: Innovative and artistic presentation.
• Aesthetic Composition: Visually appealing designs.
• Representation of Heritage and Development: Effective portrayal of India’s rich traditions and developmental achievements.

Feedback and Enhancements: Recommendations from a senior-level meeting in April 2024 were incorporated to improve the quality and diversity of tableaux.

Avoidance of Repetition: Proposals with repetitive or redundant ideas were excluded to maintain variety.

Centre Ends No Detention Rules In Schools

The government of India abolished the ‘No-detention policy’ for students in class 5 and 8 who fail their year end exams. This significant amendment to the Right of children to free and compulsory education rules, 2010 is aimed at improving learning outcomes among students. The revised policy mandates that students who failed their annual exams will be required to retake within two months, failing which they will have to repeat the academic year.

Policy Amendment: The ‘No-Detention Policy’ ensured automatic promotion for students up to Class 8, regardless of their academic performance.

Abolition for Classes 5 and 8:

• Students failing their year-end exams must retake the exams within two months.
• If they fail the retake, they will repeat the academic year.

Objective:

• To improve learning outcomes among students.
• Encourage accountability in education by ensuring academic standards are met.

Applicability

Centrally Run Schools:

Over 3,000 schools under the central government are impacted, including:

• Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs).
• Sainik Schools.
• Navodaya Vidyalayas.

State-Specific Decisions: Education as a State Subject: Individual states retain the autonomy to implement or modify the policy.

Implementation Status:

• Implemented: 16 states and 2 Union Territories (UTs), including Delhi, have adopted the revised rule.
• Pending Decisions: Haryana and Puducherry are yet to finalize their stance.

State news

Madhya Pradesh Named “Go-To Global Destination for 2025” by WSJ

Madhya Pradesh has earned global recognition as one of the Wall Street Journal’s “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025,” showcasing its rich heritage, unique wildlife, and natural beauty. This prestigious acknowledgment builds upon the state’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a premier travel destination. With iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, as well as an array of vibrant cultural experiences, Madhya Pradesh is solidifying its position on the global tourism map.

International Recognition:

• Madhya Pradesh has earned a spot on the Wall Street Journal’s “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025” list.
• This recognition highlights the state’s growing appeal as a premier travel destination for history, culture, and nature enthusiasts.

Cultural and Natural Heritage:

The state is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:

• Khajuraho: Famous for its intricately carved temples and UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Panna: Known for its rich biodiversity and the Panna Tiger Reserve.
• Bandhavgarh: A popular wildlife destination, home to one of India’s richest tiger reserves.

Tourism Opportunities:

• Vibrant Cultural Experiences: Madhya Pradesh is celebrated for its traditional festivals, architecture, and cultural richness.
• Wildlife and Adventure: The state boasts nine Tiger Reserves and is home to diverse wildlife, attracting eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
• Stunning Landscapes: The state’s natural beauty, including forests, rivers, and mountain ranges, provides a variety of tourism experiences.

Significance of the Recognition

• International Appeal: Being named as a “Go-To Destination” enhances Madhya Pradesh’s visibility on the global tourism map, particularly among travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
• Cultural Pride: This acknowledgment reflects the state’s rich history and cultural significance, helping foster pride among residents and stakeholders.
• Economic Impact: Increased international tourism will contribute to the local economy, benefiting hospitality, transport, and local artisans.

Appointment news

Justice GS Sandhawalia as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Centre has officially notified the appointment of Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Justice Sandhawalia, the senior-most puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has been appointed following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. His appointment comes after a delay of more than three months and after the retirement of Justice Rajiv Shakdher in October 2024.

Appointment Notification:

• Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia has been officially appointed as the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court.
• This appointment follows the recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium and is effective from the date he assumes office.
• His appointment comes after a delay of over three months, following the retirement of Justice Rajiv Shakdher in October 2024.

Legal Background of Justice Sandhawalia:

Educational Qualifications:

• He graduated in BA (Hons) from DAV College, Chandigarh.
• He earned his law degree from Panjab University, Chandigarh.

Professional Experience: Justice Sandhawalia was enrolled as an advocate in August 1989 and began practicing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Himachal Pradesh:

• Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
• Chief minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
• Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla

V. Ramasubramanian Appointed NHRC Chairperson

The post of Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) remained vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure on June 1, 2024. The appointment of former Supreme Court judge, V. Ramasubramanian, was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu on December 23. Ramasubramanian’s appointment marks a new chapter in the NHRC, following Mishra’s tenure from June 2021 to June 2024.

Interim Leadership:

• After Justice Mishra’s tenure ended, the NHRC was led by acting Chairperson Vijaya Bharathi Sayani.
• A high-powered committee, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened on December 18, 2024, to select the new Chairperson.

Judicial Career of Justice V. Ramasubramanian: Supreme Court Appointment: Justice Ramasubramanian was appointed to the Supreme Court of India in 2019.

Career Milestones:

• He served as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court before his appointment to the Supreme Court.
• Over his judicial career, he authored 102 judgments, including landmark rulings on issues like demonetization and the application of circumstantial evidence in bribery cases.
• His vast legal expertise and experience will be instrumental in guiding the NHRC to ensure the protection of human rights across India.

Significance of the Appointment

• Guiding the NHRC: Justice Ramasubramanian’s experience will enhance the NHRC’s efforts in safeguarding human rights and upholding justice for all citizens.
• NHRC’s Mandate: His leadership will play a crucial role in steering the commission as it continues to address human rights violations and promote awareness about human rights protection.

About NHRC:

Key Facts About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Establishment: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India was established on 12th October 1993 under the provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993.

Purpose:

To protect and promote human rights (the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed under the Indian Constitution and international human rights covenants).

Headquarters: New Delhi, India.

Composition:

Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Members:

• One serving or retired judge of the Supreme Court.
• One serving or retired Chief Justice of a High Court.
• Two members having knowledge of, or practical experience in, human rights.

Ex-officio Members: Chairpersons of four national commissions:

• National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
• National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
• National Commission for Women (NCW)
• National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

Appointment:

Members are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendation of a six-member committee consisting of:

• Prime Minister (Chairperson)
• Speaker of the Lok Sabha
• Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
• Union Home Minister
• Leaders of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Tenure: The Chairperson and members serve for a term of 3 years or until they reach the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.

Rank and report news

3 Indians in Forbes’ 2024 Power Women List

Forbes’ prestigious annual ranking highlights influential women who have made significant strides across various sectors. This year, three Indian women earned their place in the top 100 for their remarkable achievements in business, finance, and philanthropy.

Key Achievements of Indian Women in the List 2024

Nirmala Sitharaman (Rank 28)

Position: Finance Minister of India

Achievements:

• Nirmala Sitharaman became the first woman to hold the role of Finance Minister in May 2019, a pivotal position in the Indian government.
• She has played a crucial role in managing India’s $4 trillion economy, with projections to make India the third-largest economy by 2027.
• Sitharaman is a staunch advocate for women’s financial empowerment, focusing on supporting entrepreneurship and enhancing financial literacy.
• Her previous roles include serving at the BBC World Service and as a member of the National Commission for Women.

Roshni Nadar Malhotra (Rank 81)

Position: Chairperson of HCL Technologies and CEO of HCL Corporation

Achievements:

• As the chairperson of HCL Technologies, a $12 billion global IT services company, Roshni Nadar Malhotra has overseen key strategic decisions since taking charge.
• She is the trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which focuses on transformative education and building a strong foundation for future generations.
• Roshni is also the founder of The Habitats Trust, an organization dedicated to conserving natural habitats and endangered species.
• She holds a background in journalism and an MBA from Kellogg School of Management.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Rank 82)

Position: Founder and Chairperson of Biocon

Achievements:

• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw transformed Biocon, India’s leading biopharmaceutical company, into a global powerhouse.
• Under her leadership, Biocon expanded internationally, including establishing one of Asia’s largest insulin manufacturing facilities in Malaysia.
• In 2022, she led Biocon Biologics to acquire Viatris’ biosimilars business for $3.3 billion.
• In 2024, she raised $362 million through Bicara Therapeutics’ IPO, a company backed by Biocon.
• Kiran is a notable philanthropist, having donated $7.5 million for cancer research in 2019.

Significance of the Recognition

• These three women’s inclusion on Forbes’ list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in the world emphasizes their influence and leadership across a range of sectors.
• Their achievements in business, finance, and philanthropy are a testament to their commitment to not only shaping industries but also driving positive change within their communities.

India Ranks 49th in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024

India has made significant strides in the 2024 Network Readiness Index (NRI), rising 11 places from 60th in 2023 to 49th in 2024. The country’s NRI score has also improved, reaching 53.63 in 2024, up from 49.93 in 2023. This achievement reflects India’s growing commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and technology adoption, positioning it as a global leader in technological advancements.

Ranking Improvement and Score Growth

• India’s Rank: 49th (up from 60th in 2023).
• India’s NRI Score: Increased from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024.
• This surge in rank and score signifies substantial progress in enhancing India’s digital landscape, reflecting effective governance, innovation, and technology adoption across various sectors.

Key Areas of Technological Advancement

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• India has made notable advancements in AI research and development, applying AI technologies to improve the quality of life for its citizens and contributing to global AI research.
• AI has been leveraged for various purposes, including healthcare, agriculture, and education, improving efficiency and accessibility.

Mobile Networks & Broadband Connectivity:

• Mobile network infrastructure and broadband connectivity have seen substantial improvements, thanks to government efforts to enhance connectivity across the country.
• The focus on expanding broadband networks and improving mobile services has played a pivotal role in boosting India’s digital readiness and supporting technological growth, particularly in rural areas.

Government Initiatives and Digital Transformation

India’s improvement in the NRI rankings is largely attributed to government initiatives aimed at enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure. Key actions include:

• Promoting research and development (R&D) in emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and 5G.
• Supporting innovation ecosystems that drive growth and provide better services to citizens.
• Expanding the Digital India initiative, which aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
• Focusing on improving e-governance and citizen engagement through digital platforms, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of public services.

AIM & UNDP Launch Youth Co:Lab 2025 to Empower Disability-Inclusive Innovation

The 7th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025 has been launched by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation. This initiative, which began globally in 2017 and was introduced in India in 2019, has already empowered over 2,600 youth-led social innovation teams and impacted more than 19,000 participants.

The primary goal for this year’s challenge is to foster social entrepreneurship and create opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), aiming to contribute to the advancement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Focus Areas and Objectives

• The 2024-2025 edition is specifically focused on inclusive innovation for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), under the theme: “Enhance Access to Opportunities and Well-Being for Persons with Disabilities”

The challenge invites startups and social innovation solutions in three key categories:

• Inclusive and Accessible Assistive Technology (AT) Solutions focused on making assistive technologies more inclusive and accessible for PwDs.
• Inclusive Educational Technology and Skilling Solutions
• Innovations aimed at improving access to education and skill development opportunities for PwDs.

Accessible and Inclusive Care Models

Creating solutions for accessible healthcare services and care models that cater to the needs of PwDs.

Springboard Program

This year, the Springboard Program will support 30-35 early-stage startups that focus on solutions for PwDs. Selected startups will benefit from:

• Mentorship from industry experts.
• Networking opportunities with key stakeholders.
• Seed grants to scale impactful ideas and innovations.

The program will be implemented in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF), a prominent organization dedicated to accelerating assistive technology innovations for PwDs.

Appointment news

Various IAS officer appointed

Here are the recent key appointments in the Indian administrative services:

• Arunish Chawla – Appointed as Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance. Chawla, a 1992 batch Bihar cadre IAS officer, was previously serving as the Secretary of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Amit Agrawal – Appointed as the new Secretary of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Agrawal is currently the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
• Vineet Joshi – Appointed as Secretary of Higher Education, Ministry of Education. Joshi was previously serving as the Chief Secretary of Manipur.
• Neerja Sekhar – Appointed as Director General of the National Productivity Council. Sekhar was serving as the Special Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Rachna Shah – Appointed as Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Shah was serving as the Secretary of Textiles.
• Neelam Shammi Rao – Appointed as the new Secretary of Textiles, Ministry of Textiles. Rao was previously the Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities.
• Sanjay Sethi – Appointed as the new Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities.

Award news

President Droupadi Murmu to confer ‘Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar’ on 17 children for their exceptional achievements

President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children today in New Delhi for their exceptional achievements across seven categories. These children, hailing from 14 States and Union Territories, will be recognized for their remarkable contributions in the following fields:

• Art and Culture
• Bravery
• Innovation
• Science and Technology
• Social Service
• Sports
• Environment

Each of the awardees will receive a medal, certificate, and a citation booklet as part of the recognition for their outstanding accomplishments. This award acknowledges the talent, resilience, and contributions of young individuals in various fields, inspiring others to follow suit.

Jaishankar Receives Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Award for Leadership

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar was conferred with the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES). The award was presented to Jaishankar in recognition of his exceptional contributions to India’s foreign policy and global leadership.

In his acceptance speech, Jaishankar reflected on India’s rising global assertiveness and stressed the significance of confidence in the nation’s capabilities. Drawing inspiration from Maha Periyavar’s teachings, Jaishankar reinforced India’s commitment to global cooperation while emphasizing that India’s independence should never be mistaken for neutrality.

Key Highlights from Jaishankar’s Address:

• Influence of Maha Periyavar: Jaishankar shared how Maha Periyavar’s teachings, particularly his musical composition Maithreem Bhajatham, which advocates for universal brotherhood and compassion, continue to inspire India’s approach to international relations. He also reflected on Periyavar’s global connections, which shaped India’s vision of universal cooperation and peace in diplomacy.
• India’s Global Significance: Jaishankar highlighted the rise of India as an independent global power, asserting that India’s leadership is now more confident in pursuing the global good, especially focusing on the well-being of the Global South. He also underscored India’s firm stance on important international issues, including its efforts to combat terrorism and its role in supporting the African Union during G20 discussions.
• India’s Independence vs Neutrality: Jaishankar clarified that India’s growing assertiveness does not mean that it is neutral. He reiterated that India would always act in its national interests while contributing to global good, refusing to conform to any external pressures. His comments underscored India’s commitment to diplomacy, dialogue, and global cooperation, while ensuring its sovereign rights are upheld.

Sports news

Martina Devi Wins Silver in Asian Junior Weightlifting Championship in Doha

Martina Devi from Manipur made India proud by winning multiple medals at the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Doha. The 18-year-old athlete competed in the women’s junior +87kg category and delivered an impressive performance.

Achievements:

• Silver Medal: Secured for her total lift of 225 kg.
• Silver in Clean-and-Jerk: Highlighting her strength in this lift.
• Bronze in Snatch: A commendable effort in this category.

Key Points:

Medals in weightlifting are awarded separately for:

• Snatch
• Clean and Jerk
• Total Lift

These distinctions apply in continental competitions, World Cups, and World Championships.

Book and author news

“The Unyielding Judge: A Tribute to Justice A.N. Grover’s Legacy”

At the launch of the book ‘The Unyielding Judge: The Life and Legacy of Justice A.N. Grover’, Attorney General R. Venkataramani underscored the critical importance of judicial integrity in maintaining the credibility of the legal system. Reflecting on Justice Grover’s contributions, particularly in the Kesavananda Bharti case of 1973, Venkataramani highlighted how a judge’s resistance to external pressures and temptations is key to upholding constitutional values and national liberty. This case, in which Justice Grover played a pivotal role, upheld the basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution, safeguarding its fundamental principles.

Judicial Integrity and Legacy

Venkataramani praised Justice A.N. Grover for his unyielding commitment to the law, noting that his ability to resist temptations places him among the highest ranks of humanity’s values. The Attorney General emphasized that this unwavering integrity is vital in protecting constitutional principles and ensuring the liberty of the nation. Venkataramani’s comments marked the first time he publicly spoke about a judge who significantly shaped India’s constitutional history.

Reflections on Justice Grover’s Contributions

The launch event also featured valuable insights from former cabinet minister Salman Khurshid and retired Justice S.K. Katriar, who discussed Justice Grover’s monumental contributions to constitutional law. Their reflections celebrated his legal legacy and his role in strengthening the democratic foundations of India.