Table of Contents
National News
India to Chair 68th Session of UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
India has achieved a significant milestone by being named to chair the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), marking the first time the country has been chosen for this prestigious role. Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, officially assumed the chairmanship of this crucial forum. The CND, a key policy-making body of the UN, focuses on addressing global drug-related issues and promoting international collaboration on drug control measures.
“Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Passed: Civil Aviation Minister Hails Milestone”
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, marks a transformative step in India’s aviation sector by replacing the 90-year-old Aircraft Act of 1934. Passed by both Houses of Parliament, the bill aims to streamline aviation regulations, align with international standards, and support the sector’s exponential growth. It addresses safety, affordability, governance, and consumer protection while fostering investment and self-reliance in aircraft manufacturing. The Hindi renaming of the bill, a move to honor India’s cultural heritage, sparked debates but aligns with the government’s broader objective of promoting indigenous identity.
Sex Ratio and Girl Child Enrollment Show Positive Trends Under BBBP Scheme
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched on January 22, 2015, under the Ministry of Women & Child Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has achieved notable progress in improving the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) and Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls.
Provisional data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) shows SRB improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24. GER at the secondary level has risen from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 79.4% in 2021-22, as per UDISE+ data. The scheme focuses on eliminating gender-biased practices, ensuring girl child protection, and promoting education.
International News
Nebraska Declares December 6 as Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Day
A bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the Nebraska State Capitol on December 6, 2024, marking the day as “A Day of Remembrance for Mahatma Gandhi.” Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen declared this special day to honor Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, tolerance, and justice, emphasizing their relevance in today’s world. The event was a collaboration between the Indian Consulate in Seattle and the Governor’s Office in Nebraska, reflecting cultural understanding and long-term partnership.
Banking News
RBI Introduces Podcast Facility for Public Communication
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), under the leadership of Governor Shaktikanta Das, has announced plans to launch a podcast series aimed at enhancing public communication and financial literacy. This initiative marks the RBI’s continued efforts to expand its communication tools, aiming to provide more transparent and accessible information to the public.
RBI Enables Small Finance Banks to Offer Pre-Sanctioned Credit via UPI
In a landmark move aimed at improving financial inclusion, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), after its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on December 6, 2024, announced that Small Finance Banks (SFBs) will now be permitted to offer pre-sanctioned credit lines through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI). This decision is expected to provide financial services to underserved groups, such as small businesses, micro-entrepreneurs, and individuals in rural and semi-urban regions.
SBI Card Surpasses 20 Million Credit Cards Milestone
SBI Card has reached a significant milestone by surpassing 20 million credit cards in circulation, a testament to its growth since entering the credit card market in 1998. This achievement comes after a consistent rise in its card numbers and customer spending, with the company maintaining an impressive CAGR of 25% in cards issued and 26% in spends from FY19 to FY24. The milestone reinforces SBI Card’s position as the second-largest card issuer in India, following HDFC Bank, which also reached the 20 million milestone in January 2024.
Economy News
RBI Leads Global Gold Purchases with Record Reserves Surge
India’s gold reserves surged to 882 tonnes in October 2024, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) adding 27 tonnes to its reserves, as per World Gold Council (WGC) data. This marks a five-fold increase in gold purchases compared to the same period in 2023, totaling 77 tonnes from January to October 2024. Central banks worldwide bought 60 tonnes in October, with RBI leading the surge, contributing significantly to global gold demand.
India’s Employment Growth: Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.2% in 7 Years
India’s employment landscape has seen significant improvement in recent years, with the unemployment rate dropping from 6% to 3.2% between 2017 and 2024, as per the latest Annual Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR), indicating the share of the working-age population employed, rose from 46.8% to 58.2% during this period, demonstrating strong job creation despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks a notable shift from earlier notions of “jobless growth” and highlights India’s progress in economic and employment expansion.
Schemes News
Central ‘Smile Sub-Scheme’: 970 lives rehabilitated, 169 families rehabilitated
The SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) sub-scheme is a central government initiative aimed at the comprehensive rehabilitation of individuals, including children, engaged in begging. Implemented across 81 cities and towns in 26 states and union territories, the scheme primarily focuses on areas of religious, historical, and tourist importance where begging is more prevalent. Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, shared the progress of the scheme in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting its achievements in reintegrating individuals into society.
Business News
Adani Group to Invest $2 Billion in European Ports
The Adani Group plans to invest $2 billion in acquiring ports in Europe as part of its strategy to strengthen its global presence and expand its market share in international sea trade. The company’s flagship entity, Adani Ports & Special Economic Zones Ltd. (APSEZ), is actively scouting for two or three terminals in Europe, which accounts for 40% of global sea trade. This move aligns with Adani’s broader ambitions in renewable energy and international maritime expansion.
Important Days News
Armed Forces Flag Day 2024: Date, History and Significance
India celebrates Armed Forces Flag Day annually on December 7 to honour the valor, sacrifices, and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces. This day serves as a reminder of the unwavering commitment of the Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel who safeguard the nation’s freedom and security. It is also a day for citizens to express their gratitude and contribute to the welfare of armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families.
UNGA Declares December 21 as World Meditation Day
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has unanimously adopted a resolution declaring December 21 as World Meditation Day, co-sponsored by India and supported by countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra. This resolution emphasizes meditation’s role in achieving comprehensive well-being, inner peace, and coping with modern challenges such as stress and anxiety.
International Cheetah Day Celebrating the World’s Fastest Land Animal
International Cheetah Day, observed annually on December 4, raises awareness about the challenges faced by cheetahs and promotes global conservation efforts. Established by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), the day honors the memory of a cheetah cub named Khayam, rescued by Dr. Laurie Marker, founder of the CCF. Cheetahs, once widespread across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, are now critically endangered, with fewer than 7,000 individuals left in the wild.
International Civil Aviation Day 2024,History, Significance, Theme of 2024
International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is observed every year on December 7 to honor the transformative impact of civil aviation on global development. First celebrated in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Chicago Convention, the day emphasizes the importance of international air travel in fostering global connectivity, economic progress, and cultural exchange.
Science and Technology News
World’s Oldest Known Wild Bird Lays First Egg at 74
Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, a Laysan albatross, has once again made history by laying her first egg in four years at the age of 74. Her remarkable achievement highlights her survival instincts, longevity, and ongoing contribution to her species. Wisdom’s story, spanning decades, has made her an iconic figure in wildlife conservation, symbolizing resilience and the delicate balance of nature.
08th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
07th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
Hindu Review December 2024, Download Mon...
