National news:
1) “PM Modi’s Gujarat Visit: Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 Agenda”
Important points:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to Gujarat, centered around the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024.
- Participation in bilateral meetings with world leaders and inauguration of events like the Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show.
- Inauguration of the summit with the theme ‘Gateway to the Future’ and engagement with CEOs at the Global FinTech Leadership Forum in GIFT City.
- Emphasis on enhancing Gujarat’s role as a global business hub and fostering international collaborations during the summit.
2) “PM Modi’s Address at Police Conference: Reforms in Criminal Laws & Community Engagement”
Important points:
- Paradigm shift in criminal justice system with new laws focused on ‘Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First,’ emphasized by PM Modi.
- Special emphasis on educating women and girls about their rights and protection under the new Criminal Laws.
- Urging police to enhance their positive image, advising the use of social media at the station level for citizen benefit.
- Emphasis on officials staying in border villages to establish better connections and understanding local needs as they represent the country’s forefront.
3) “India Tops Sri Lanka’s Tourism Source Markets in 2023: Impact on Economy & Connectivity”
Important points:
- India ranks as the primary source market for Sri Lanka’s tourism, contributing over 20% of arrivals, totaling over 3 lakh Indian tourists in 2023.
- Tourism significantly contributes to Sri Lanka’s economy, generating 2.1 billion US Dollars, a substantial increase from the previous year’s 1.1 billion Dollars.
- Improved connectivity between India and Sri Lanka, with resumed air travel between Jaffna-Chennai and enhanced flights between Colombo-Mumbai.
- Introduction of ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai further bolsters connectivity between the two nations.
4) “Amit Shah Highlights Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ Impact on Savings & Rural Access at National PACS Mega Conclave”
Important points:
- Jan Aushadhi Kendras saved around 26 thousand crore rupees for the poor in the last nine years, noted by Union Minister Amit Shah.
- Previously, these centers were mainly in urban areas, providing affordable medicines (ranging from 10 to 30 rupees) predominantly to urban beneficiaries.
- Expansion of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra through PACS extends accessibility to rural farmers and the underprivileged, ensuring affordable medication reach.
International news:
1) In a momentous turn of events, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been re-elected for a fifth term, marking a significant milestone in the country’s political landscape The ruling Awami League, under Hasina’s leadership, has triumphed once again, securing more than half of the parliamentary seats. This victory reaffirms Sheikh Hasina’s position as the world’s longest-serving female head of government
2) “Kyrgyzstan Designates Snow Leopard as National Symbol, Prioritizing Conservation Efforts”
Important points:
- President Zhaparov directs Cabinet to recognize snow leopard as a national symbol, highlighting commitment to conservation and ecological balance.
- Signed decree emphasizes snow leopard’s significance as a symbol of natural wealth, cultural prosperity, and indicator of mountain ecosystem health.
- Decision underscores the need to protect snow leopard populations and their habitats, crucial for global ecological stability.
3) “India-Nepal Ties Strengthen as EAM Jaishankar’s Visit Yields Key Agreements”
Important points:
- 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting results in a significant deal for India to import 10,000 MW of hydroelectricity from Nepal in the next decade, enhancing energy cooperation.
- India pledges a financial package of Nepali Rs 1,000 crore (USD 75 million) for post-2015 earthquake infrastructure reconstruction, reinforcing bilateral support and solidarity.
- EAM Jaishankar’s visit signifies the deepening of diplomatic relations and cooperation between India and Nepal through collaborative initiatives.
State news:
1) “Tamil Nadu’s Ambitious $1 Trillion Economy Vision by 2030 Unveiled by Chief Minister MK Stalin at Global Investors Meet”
Important points:
- Targeting $3.8-4.3 trillion investments for FDI and local expansion.
- Holistic growth strategy for prosperity across all regions.
- Emphasis on climate consciousness and sustainability in all initiatives.
- Priorities include human capital growth and industry-academia innovation.
- Focus on creating an industry-friendly climate and transparent governance.
- Development plans for sustainable infrastructure.
2) “West Bengal Secures GI Tags for Unique Products, Bolstering Local Heritage and Economy”
Important points:
- Sunderbans Honey, locally known as ‘Mouban,’ receives a coveted GI tag, benefiting the ‘Mouli’ community.
- Black Nunia Rice from Jalpaiguri district, known as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ obtains a GI tag, contributing to the state’s agricultural diversity.
- GI tags granted to distinctive sarees – Tangail, Gorod, and Kadiyal – by WBFDCL, highlighting the rich textile heritage of West Bengal.
- Mirzapur in Murshidabad district renowned for its exclusive Kadiyal sarees, furthering the region’s textile legacy.
Awards:
1) “‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ 2023 Winners Celebrate Sports Development Efforts”
- Important points:
- Awards honor contributions of corporate entities, Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies in sports promotion.
- Jain Deemed to be University recognized for nurturing young talent and commitment to athlete development.
- Odisha Mining Corporate Limited acknowledged for CSR-driven support in grassroots sports promotion.
- Highlighting the crucial role of corporations in fostering and backing sports at the foundational level
Banking news: “RBI’s Financial Stability Report 2023: Indian Financial System Analysis & Trends”
Important points:
- FSR evaluates Indian financial system’s resilience and risks, based on FSDC’s findings.
- Report addresses global and domestic economic conditions.
- SCBs exhibit strength: CRAR at 16.8%, CET1 ratio at 13.7% in September 2023.
- Significant decline in GNPA ratio to 3.2% and NNPA at 0.8% in September 2023, marking multi-year lows.
Sports: ICC Implements Modified DRS Rules for Stumping Incidents in Cricket
Key Points:
- DRS Restrictions: Effective December 12, 2023, ICC has limited DRS challenges for stumping incidents.
- Separate Challenge for Caught-Behind: Teams can now only challenge caught-behind decisions with a distinct DRS option.
- Prevention of Misuse: Aimed at preventing misuse, particularly observed in the 2020 series against India.
- Umpire Review Criteria: Umpires mandated to use side-on camera images exclusively for stumping reviews.
- Focus on Stumped Incidents: Elimination of examining potential snicks ensures a concentrated review on stumped scenarios.
- Elimination of Free Reviews: Teams no longer allowed a free review for other modes of dismissal.
The ICC’s amendment intends to streamline the DRS process, ensuring more accurate reviews specifically tailored to stumping incidents while curbing any potential misuse witnessed in past matches.
Books and author: General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the former Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) of the Indian Army, has penned his autobiography titled “Four Stars of Destiny: An Autobiography
Science and technology: Swedish Scientists Develop Electrically Conductive “Smart Soil” for Crop Growth
Key Points:
- Breakthrough Soil Innovation: Researchers at Linkoping University introduce electrically conductive “soil” for enhanced crop growth, especially barley seedlings.
- Impressive Growth Surge: Potential for a remarkable 50% growth increase observed within just 15 days of implementation.
- Hydroponics Method: Utilizes soilless cultivation techniques, specifically hydroponics, to nurture plants.
- Sophisticated Root System: Engineered cultivation substrate activates an advanced root network, optimizing plant growth.
- Urban Agriculture Potential: Enables the cultivation of food in urban areas with precise control over growing conditions.
- Controlled Environment: Hydroponics allows meticulous control over factors like nutrients, water, and lighting for optimized growth, fostering sustainable urban agriculture.
