Table of Contents
National News
India Intensifies Efforts to Reduce Snakebite Deaths by 2030
India, which accounts for nearly 50% of global snakebite deaths, has declared snakebite a notifiable disease at the national level. This initiative aims to reduce the high mortality and morbidity rates associated with snakebites, particularly in rural and tribal areas, and aligns with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) target of halving global snakebite deaths and injuries by 2030. By mandating reporting of all snakebite cases and deaths, the move enables better surveillance, treatment, and prevention strategies, offering hope to marginalized communities disproportionately affected by this neglected public health issue.
International News
US Approves $1.17 Billion Deal for Indian Navy Chopper Equipment
In a significant boost to India’s naval capabilities, the outgoing Biden administration has approved a $1.17 billion deal under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program to supply advanced communication systems, sensors, and logistical support for the Indian Navy’s Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters. The deal, part of a broader strategy to counter challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) from China and Pakistan, underscores the growing defense partnership between India and the United States.
Defence News
Adani Defence Delivers 2nd Drishti-10 Drone to Indian Navy for Maritime Security
Adani Defence has delivered the second Drishti-10 Starliner surveillance drone to the Indian Navy, enhancing the nation’s maritime capabilities. This marks a significant leap in India’s indigenous defence technology, underscoring the country’s focus on self-reliance. The Drishti-10 drone is a highly advanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform designed to monitor vast maritime territories, mitigate piracy, and provide over-the-horizon surveillance with unmatched endurance.
Economy News
Morgan Stanley Cuts India’s FY25 GDP Growth to 6.3%
Morgan Stanley has revised India’s GDP growth projection for FY25 down to 6.3%, from its previous estimate of 6.7%. This downward revision comes after India’s GDP growth slowed to 5.4% in the July-September 2024 quarter, marking its lowest level since March 2023. This reflects a broader economic slowdown, driven by weaker private consumption and capital expenditure (capex), though the services sector showed resilience. Despite this dip, Morgan Stanley maintains optimism for a recovery in the latter half of FY25, expecting growth to average 6.6%, fueled by government spending, improved rural demand, and easing financial conditions.
RBI Increases UPI Lite Wallet and Transaction Limits
In a bid to enhance digital payments, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has raised the UPI Lite wallet limit to Rs 5,000, with an increase in the per-transaction limit to Rs 1,000. This adjustment, announced after the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on October 9, 2024, aims to promote wider adoption of UPI Lite and ease offline transactions, providing a more seamless experience for users.
NSIC Pays Record Dividend of Rs. 37.97 Crore for FY 2023-24
The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC), a Mini Ratna enterprise under the Ministry of MSME, achieved a milestone by paying its highest-ever dividend of Rs. 37.97 crore to the Government of India for the financial year 2023-24. Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Dr. Subhransu Sekhar Acharya, presented the dividend cheque to Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, Hon’ble Union Minister, and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of MSME, in the presence of senior ministry officials, marking a significant achievement in the corporation’s history.
Banking News
SEBI Fines Reliance Securities ₹9 Lakh for Rule Violations
SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has imposed a ₹9 lakh penalty on Reliance Securities Ltd (RSL) for breaching stock broker norms and market regulations following an inspection. The action was triggered after a review of RSL’s records and documents by SEBI, NSE, and BSE from April 2022 to December 2023.
The inspection identified multiple violations including poor record-keeping, unauthorised terminal use, and lack of proper office segregation. Despite corrective steps taken by RSL, SEBI maintained that non-compliance during the inspection period warranted the penalty.
Schemes News
PMGDISHA Achieves 6.39 Crore Digital Literacy Milestone
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA), launched to bridge the digital literacy gap in rural India, has successfully trained 6.39 crore individuals, surpassing its target of 6 crore rural households as of March 31, 2024. This initiative, under the Digital India Programme, aimed to empower one member per rural household with essential digital skills. The scheme was implemented nationwide through training centers under the supervision of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in collaboration with State Implementing Agencies.
PMSGMBY: 10 Lakh Solar Installations by 2025, 1 Crore by 2027
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY), the world’s largest domestic rooftop solar scheme, is rapidly transforming India’s solar energy landscape. Launched in February 2024, the scheme has already achieved impressive milestones, with 6.3 lakh installations in just 9 months—averaging 70,000 per month, a sharp increase from the 7,000 per month prior to its launch. By March 2025, installations are projected to exceed 10 lakh, and the scheme aims for one crore installations by March 2027.
Centre Launches eMaap Portal for Fair Trade and Consumer Protection
The Indian government is introducing the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to promote fair trade practices and enhance consumer protection. This initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with legal metrology standards. As part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ effort, the portal will streamline services for businesses and consumers, fostering a balanced marketplace.
Important Days News
World Soil Day 2024: Understanding Its Importance and Combating Soil Degradation
World Soil Day, observed annually on 5th December, highlights the importance of healthy soil and advocates for the sustainable management of soil resources. This global event aims to raise awareness about soil conservation and its role in sustaining life on Earth.
International Volunteer Day 2024: Date, History and Theme
The United Nations (UN) celebrates International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development on December 5 annually. Commonly known as International Volunteer Day (IVD), this special occasion provides a platform for volunteers worldwide to come together and highlight their invaluable contributions to social and economic development. This day serves as a reminder of the transformative power of volunteerism in addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable progress at local, national, and international levels.
Science and Technology News
Amazon Boosts AI with Nova Foundation Models
Amazon has unveiled its latest innovation in generative AI with the introduction of Nova Foundation Models (FMs). These cutting-edge models, collectively branded as “Amazon Nova,” represent a significant leap in AI technology, designed to process diverse inputs like text, images, and videos. The Nova series is tailored to improve multimedia content creation, document analysis, and video understanding, catering to the diverse needs of developers and businesses. Amazon’s advancements aim to address challenges such as latency, cost-effectiveness, and customization, positioning the company as a strong contender in the AI space alongside industry leaders like OpenAI, Meta, and Adobe.
Sports News
India Wins 5th Junior Hockey Asia Cup, Beats Pakistan 5-3
In a thrilling showdown in Muscat, the Indian men’s junior hockey team defeated arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to secure their fifth Junior Asia Cup title and their third consecutive championship on December 4, 2024. This victory adds another feather to India’s illustrious hockey cap, with previous title wins in 2004, 2008, 2015, and 2023. The hero of the match was Araijeet Singh Hundal, who scored four remarkable goals, leading India to a historic triumph.
Obituaries News
Australian Davis Cup Icon Neale Fraser Passes Away at 91
Neale Fraser, one of Australia’s most celebrated tennis players and captains, passed away at the age of 91. A legend of the sport, Fraser’s contributions as a player and as a Davis Cup captain marked a golden era for Australian tennis. Renowned for his prowess in both singles and doubles, Fraser won a total of 19 Grand Slam titles and led Australia to eight Davis Cup victories, solidifying his legacy as a tennis icon.
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