National news:
1. “PM Modi Urges Religious Leaders for Mass Movement Against Drug Menace”
- Prime Minister emphasizes the need for a nationwide effort, “Sabka Prayas,” against the drug menace.
- Advises youth to prioritize health with ground rules, including physical exercise, digital detox, mental fitness, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet.
- India recognized as a powerhouse of youth, with upcoming 25 years offering new opportunities.
- Government’s clear roadmap across various sectors to fulfill the dreams of the youth.
- Veer Bal Diwas observed on 26th December symbolizes resolve to safeguard the country, celebrated globally.
- PM Modi highlights historical battles like Chamkaur and Sarhind, emphasizing the bravery of ancestors in the face of injustice.
- India’s rising global acknowledgment as a land of opportunities and a key player in global problem-solving.
- Women and Child Development Minister, Smriti Irani, emphasizes the intent of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.’
- Veer Bal Diwas commemorates the martyrdom of Sri Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, with government-organized programs and a digital exhibition.
- Various online competitions and a youth march-past flagged off by PM Modi to educate and engage the youth.
2. “Govt. to Introduce Panchayat-Level Weather Services for Public Awareness”
- Government plans to introduce weather services at the Panchayat level for enhanced awareness among the common people.
- Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju unveils the logo marking 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- IMD’s role deemed critical for the country’s future, aligning with PM Modi’s vision of development by 2047.
- Earth Sciences Ministry prepares vision documents to prioritize science for national development.
- Emphasis on disaster-resilient and climate-friendly initiatives in weather management.
- India positioned as a global leader in climate and weather-related studies, according to Mr. Rijiju.
- Director General of IMD, Mrityunjay Mohapatra, highlights IMD’s crucial role in providing standardized weather information for public benefit.
- Year-long celebration planned for the 150 years of IMD, starting on January 15, 2023, and concluding on January 15, 2025.
- Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Ravichandran underscores the importance of awareness programs to communicate forecasting possibilities and limitations to society.
3. “Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh Vows Strict Action Against Perpetrators of Drone Attacks on Merchant Vessels”
- Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh assures justice for attacks on Merchant Vessels ‘Chem Pluto’ and ‘Sai Baba.’
- Government takes a serious note of the attack on MV Chem Pluto; Navy increases surveillance.
- Singh addresses the commissioning of INS Imphal in Mumbai, emphasizes India’s maritime strength.
- INS Imphal symbolizes India’s growing maritime power, strengthening the principle of ‘Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya’ in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar praises INS Imphal as the first warship to successfully test fire the BrahMos Surface to Surface Missile.
- Expresses gratitude for the delivery of a hattrick of destroyers – Visakhapatnam (2021), Mormugao (2022), Imphal (2023).
- Confidence in the commissioning of the fourth Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyer ‘Surat’ in 2024.
- INS Imphal, named after a North East city, boasts 75% indigenous content, making it one of India’s most potent warships.
- Notable features include separate accommodation for female officers and sailors, maiden sea sortie in April 2023, and record time frame for construction and trials.
- Total complement of about 315 personnel, commanded by Captain KK Choudhury, a Gunnery and Missiles specialist.
4. “PMKVY Successfully Trains 1.4 Crore Candidates; India Skills 2023-24 Announced”
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) has trained nearly 1.4 crore candidates since its inception in 2015.
- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship highlights PMKVY’s goal to provide short-term skilling opportunities for Indian youth.
- India Skills 2023-24 competition announced to align training standards with global benchmarks.
- Over 2.14 crore candidates have received training in future skills, including Drones, Robotics, Electric Vehicles (EV), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and 5G technologies.
- PM Vishwakarma Yojana launched with a thirteen-thousand-crore rupee outlay to support artisans nationwide.
- The initiative aims to provide formal training, modernize traditional skills, and offer financial support to artisans.
- Emphasis on the importance of future skills training in emerging technologies to meet global industry demands.
5. “PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Discuss Future of Strategic Partnership and Regional Stability”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi engages in a telephonic conversation with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.
- Both leaders discuss the future of the Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.
- Exchange views on the West Asia situation, expressing shared concerns about terrorism, violence, and civilian casualties.
- PM Modi highlights the commitment to working together for peace, security, and stability in the region.
- Emphasis on collaborative efforts to address common challenges and enhance bilateral ties.
- Telephonic discussion underscores the importance of regional stability and global cooperation in addressing shared concerns.
6. “Dense Fog Blankets North India, Temperatures Drop; Cold Wave Yet to Arrive”
- North India experiences dense fog, causing a drop in temperatures, though a cold wave is yet to set in.
- IMD Senior Scientist Dr. R. K. Jenamani clarifies that Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are under a thick layer of fog, affecting visibility at several airports.
- IMD forecasts dense to very dense fog in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, and isolated places in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and north Madhya Pradesh over the next two days.
- Light to moderate rainfall expected in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep in the next four days.
- Isolated fog likely in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand.
- Delhi experiences dense fog, resulting in delays for trains and flights. Over 24 flights face delays, and 12 flights are diverted due to intense weather conditions.
- Delhi’s temperature recorded at 9.4 degrees Celsius; the overall Air Quality Index in the very poor category.
- Central Pollution Control Board records Delhi’s Air Quality Index at 375, emphasizing continued air quality challenges in the region.
- IMD – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological service of India, responsible for providing weather-related information and forecasts.
- Headquarter – New Delhi.
7. “Startups Generate Over 12 Lakh Jobs Across Various Sectors, States Indian Government”
- The Indian government reports that startups have contributed to the creation of over 12 lakh jobs across diverse sectors.
- These job opportunities have emerged from the activities of one lakh fourteen thousand startups operating in the country.
- The Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlights the streamlining of regulations, with over 3,600 compliances decriminalized and more than 41,000 compliances reduced to enhance the Ease of Doing Business.
- The unified logistics interface platform has successfully integrated with 35 systems of eight ministries to improve logistical efficiency.
- The Global Innovation Index reveals India’s progress, retaining the 40th rank in 2023 compared to 81st in 2015.
- The statement from the Ministry emphasizes Make in India 2.0, focusing on 27 sectors to transform India into a manufacturing hub.
- The government’s initiatives underscore its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, job creation, and enhancing the business environment in the country.
8. “President Assents to Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023”
- President Droupadi Murmu gives assent to three new criminal justice bills: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, introducing community service as a form of punishment.
- Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023 replaces the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 (CrPC), focusing on arrest, prosecution, and bail procedures.
- Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, governing the admissibility of evidence in Indian Courts.
- Provisions in the new legislation aim to digitize the entire legal process from FIR to judgment.
- Inclusion of death penalty for mob lynching and provisions for the safety of women and children.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita introduces life imprisonment and death penalty for the rape of a woman under 18 years, with provisions for gangrape.
- Definition of terrorism introduced for the first time in the criminal justice system.
- The legislation marks significant reforms in the legal framework, emphasizing safety, transparency, and accountability.
9. “Home Minister Amit Shah Pays Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh’s Sahibzade on Veer Baal Diwas”
- Home Minister Amit Shah honors Guru Gobind Singh’s four Sahibzade and Mata Gujri on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas.
- Shah acknowledges the supreme courage displayed by the Sahibzadas against the brutal Mughal rule, choosing martyrdom.
- He highlights the unmatched valor of the Sahibzadas, expressing confidence in their continued inspiration for future generations.
- Amit Shah praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi for proclaiming the Martyrdom Day of the Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas.
- The gesture is seen as a means to spread the saga of the Sahibzadas’ sacrifice across the country and the world.
- The occasion marks a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the young warriors against oppression and injustice.
- The acknowledgment emphasizes the historical significance of the Sahibzadas’ stand for principles and values.
International news:
10. “PPP Makes Historic Move, Nominates First Hindu Woman Candidate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for General Elections”
- Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) adheres to the Election Commission’s mandate, nominating Dr. Saveera Parkash, a Hindu woman, for General Elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- Dr. Saveera Parkash is the first woman from the Hindu minority community to contest general elections in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Buner district.
- Following the mandate, political parties are required to field at least five percent of women candidates on general seats.
- Dr. Saveera Parkash has filed her nomination for the PK-25 seat, marking a significant step in promoting gender diversity in politics.
- Saveera’s father, Oam Parkash, a retired doctor and longstanding PPP member, has been actively involved in the party for over three decades.
- Saveera previously served as the PPP women’s wing General Secretary in Buner, showcasing her commitment to political and social engagement.
- The General Elections in Pakistan are scheduled to take place on the 8th of February.
- Capital of Pakistan – Islamabad.
Currency – Pakistani rupee.
Language – Urdu; English.
Prime Minister – Shehbaz Sharif.
11. “Russian Warship Damaged in Ukrainian Air Strike at Crimea’s Feodosiya Port”
- Russia confirms damage to one of its warships in a Ukrainian air strike at Feodosiya, a Black Sea port in Russian-occupied Crimea.
- The large landing warship Novocherkassk was reportedly hit by guided missiles fired from Ukrainian aircraft.
- Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledges the attack, while the head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, confirms one fatality, several injuries, and damage to buildings.
- Six buildings were reportedly damaged, and some individuals had to be relocated to temporary accommodation centers.
- Despite the attack, the port is reported to be functioning normally.
- Ukrainian forces had previously attacked the Novocherkassk port in March 2022.
- Russia has maintained control over the Crimean peninsula since 2014, stationing its forces in the region.
- Capital of Russia – Moscow.
Currency – Ruble.
Language – Russian.
Prime Minister – Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin.
12. “Beijing Records Coldest December Since 1951, Experiencing Sub-Zero Temperatures”
- Beijing, the Chinese capital, witnesses its coldest December since record-keeping began in 1951.
- Temperatures in the city frequently drop below -10°C during this month.
- The year in Beijing has been marked by extremes, with the hottest-ever June day recorded just six months ago at over 40°C.
- China experiences multiple waves of extremely cold weather during the current winter.
- A Beijing weather observatory notes over 300 hours of below-freezing temperatures in less than two weeks.
- The extreme weather conditions raise concerns about the impact on daily life, infrastructure, and the well-being of the residents.
- This cold spell follows a pattern of climate extremes observed globally, emphasizing the need for adaptation and resilience measures.
- Capital of China – Beijing.
Currency – Chinese Yuan.
Language – Mandarin.
President – Xi Jinping.
13. “China Successfully Launches Long March-11 Carrier Rocket, Deploys Three Satellites into Orbit”
- China achieves a successful launch of a Long March-11 carrier rocket, deploying three satellites into planned orbit.
- The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center from waters off the coast of Yangjiang in Guangdong Province, south China.
- The three satellites are primarily intended for space science and technology experiments.
- This mission marks the 503rd launch of the Long March carrier rocket series.
- China continues to advance its space capabilities, contributing to its space science and exploration objectives.
- The successful launch adds to China’s growing portfolio of space missions and satellite deployments.
- Ongoing developments in China’s space program demonstrate the nation’s commitment to space exploration and technological advancements.
- Capital of China – Beijing.
Currency – Chinese Yuan.
Language – Mandarin.
President – Xi Jinping.
14. “Pakistan Election Commission Appoints 24 Judges for Election Tribunals to Handle Nomination Appeals”
- Pakistan’s Election Commission notifies the appointment of 24 judges to serve as appellate tribunals for handling appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers for upcoming elections.
- Nine judges assigned to tribunals in Punjab, six in Sindh, five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each in Balochistan and the federal capital.
- Election law in Pakistan allows any voter in a constituency to file objections to the candidacy of a nominated or party candidate.
- The development follows the conclusion of the five-day deadline for filing nominations for the general elections, which ended on Sunday.
- The appointment of judges to election tribunals is crucial for ensuring the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
- The tribunals will play a key role in addressing appeals and disputes related to the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers, contributing to the integrity of the electoral system.
- This step aims to facilitate a smooth and orderly resolution of election-related concerns ahead of the scheduled elections.
- Capital of Pakistan – Islamabad.
Currency – Pakistani rupee.
Language – Urdu; English.
Prime Minister – Shehbaz Sharif.
15. “Niger Suspends All Cooperation with International Organisation of Francophone Nations”
- Niger, a West African landlocked country, announces the suspension of all cooperation with the International Organisation of Francophone Nations (OIF).
- The decision is part of Niger’s move to progressively sever ties with its former colonial ruler, France.
- The military took control in a coup in July, a move strongly condemned by France and other Western allies.
- Following the coup, Niger expelled French troops that had been assisting in the fight against a decade-old armed rebellion in the country.
- The suspension of cooperation with OIF underscores Niger’s efforts to reevaluate its international relationships and assert its independence.
- The decision aligns with a broader trend of African nations reassessing their ties with former colonial powers and international organizations.
- Niger’s actions indicate a shift in diplomatic relations and a desire for greater autonomy in its foreign policy decisions
- Capital of Niger – Niamey.
Currency – CFA Franc.
Language – French.
Prime Minister – Ali Lamine Zeine.
16. “Home Minister Amit Shah Pays Tribute to Guru Gobind Singh’s Sahibzade on Veer Baal Diwas”
- Home Minister Amit Shah honors Guru Gobind Singh’s four Sahibzade and Mata Gujri on the occasion of Veer Baal Diwas.
- Shah acknowledges the supreme courage displayed by the Sahibzadas against the brutal Mughal rule, choosing martyrdom.
- He highlights the unmatched valor of the Sahibzadas, expressing confidence in their continued inspiration for future generations.
- Amit Shah praises Prime Minister Narendra Modi for proclaiming the Martyrdom Day of the Sahibzadas as Veer Bal Diwas.
- The gesture is seen as a means to spread the saga of the Sahibzadas’ sacrifice across the country and the world.
- The occasion marks a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the young warriors against oppression and injustice.
- The acknowledgment emphasizes the historical significance of the Sahibzadas’ stand for principles and values.
Sports
17. “Women’s National Boxing Championship: Manisha Moun Secures 5-0 Win in Quarterfinals, Advances to Semifinals”
- Manisha Moun, the 2022 World Championships bronze medallist, clinches a 5-0 victory over TC Lalremruati of Mizoram in the quarterfinals of the Women’s National Boxing Championship.
- In the lightweight semifinals, Manisha Moun is set to face Simranjeet Kaur of Punjab, the 2018 World Championship bronze medallist.
- Jaismine Lamboria, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, triumphs over Poonam Kaithwas of Maharashtra in the 60kg quarterfinals.
- Lamboria will face Menka Devi of Himachal Pradesh in the semifinals, who secured a 4-1 split verdict against PS Girja of Tamil Nadu.
- Reigning world champion Saweety Boora advances to the 81kg semifinals with a Referee Stops Contest (RSC) win.
- Arundhati Chaudhary of Services, the 2021 World Youth champion, secures a 5-0 unanimous verdict against Komalpreet Kaur of Punjab, progressing to the semis.
- The Women’s National Boxing Championship features over 300 boxers competing across 12 weight categories, with the finals scheduled for tomorrow.
