Table of Contents
National News
SC Grants Permanent Commission to Woman Army Officer
On December 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of India exercised its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to grant permanent commission to a woman Army officer, Lt. Col., who had been unfairly excluded from the same benefits extended to her counterparts. This ruling highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women in the armed forces, reflecting the Court’s commitment to addressing discrimination based on gender.
International News
Merriam-Webster Picks Polarization As Word of the Year 2024
Merriam-Webster’s announcement of “polarization” as the 2024 Word of the Year underscores a year marked by deep divisions. Chosen based on a rise in searches and usage, the word encapsulates the societal, cultural, and political divides that shaped 2024. From the contentious U.S. presidential election to ongoing ideological clashes, polarization was not only discussed but lived across different spheres. Its broader applications span politics, pop culture, and global events, reflecting the tension between extremes and the difficulty of finding middle ground.
Dubai Breaks Record with World’s Largest Gold Bar, Weighing Over 300 KG
Dubai has unveiled the world’s largest gold bar, setting a new Guinness World Record on December 7-8, 2024. Weighing 300.12 kg, the bar is valued at approximately $25 million (₹211 crore). Displayed at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension, this monumental gold bar is a symbol of Dubai’s commitment to excellence in the precious metals industry. The Emirates Minting Factory, which crafted the bar, spent 8 to 10 hours creating it, ensuring it met Guinness standards. Visitors were able to capture the historic moment with a photo beside the gold bar, further enhancing Dubai’s status as a global leader in gold and luxury trade.
State News
Bihar’s Sex Ratio Drops to 882: Government Acts Against Female Foeticide
Bihar’s alarming decline in its sex ratio at birth, now at 882 females per 1,000 males, has prompted urgent government action. The state has pledged to enforce the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act more strictly and launched multiple awareness campaigns to prevent female foeticide and improve gender parity. This decline, from 894 in 2022-23 to 882 in 2023-24, places Bihar among India’s worst-performing states in terms of child gender ratio.
Defence News
INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy
INS Tushil, a Russian-built guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officials. This event marks a significant milestone in India-Russia naval cooperation and highlights the growing maritime strength of India, especially in the face of increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. This advanced warship is a product of a 2016 deal between India and Russia, aimed at bolstering India’s naval capabilities with four stealth frigates.
Economy News
India’s CPI Inflation Drops to 5.5% in November
India’s retail inflation is projected to have fallen to 5.53% in November, down from a 14-month high of 6.21% in October, primarily driven by moderating vegetable prices. The decline reflects a slowdown in core inflation, providing much-needed relief to households impacted by soaring food costs in recent months. While food prices, particularly vegetables, remain a concern, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) steady interest rates suggest a cautious approach towards managing inflation amid economic slowdowns, according to a recent report by Morgan Stanley.
Retail Inflation Eases for Farm and Rural Workers in October 2024
Retail inflation for agricultural and rural workers showed a decline in October 2024, easing to 5.96% for farm workers and 6% for rural labourers, down from 6.36% and 6.39% in September 2024. This shift represents a positive trend from the inflation rates of October 2023, where CPI-AL and CPI-RL were significantly higher. The latest data also highlights an increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for both groups, signaling a slight rise in the overall cost of living for these workers, though inflation remains under control compared to last year.
Schemes News
PM Modi Launches LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana for Women Empowerment
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana, aiming to empower women by integrating them into the insurance sector. The initiative seeks to train and enroll 100,000 women in the first year and 200,000 women within three years as career agents. Targeting women aged 18-70 with a minimum education level of 10th grade, the scheme offers financial independence and contributes to societal welfare. PM Modi emphasized the transformative impact of women-led participation in the insurance sector, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat.
Awards News
Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards 2024 A Celebration of Excellence in Television
The Indian Television Academy Awards (ITA) 2024 was a grand celebration of the best in Indian television, showcasing exemplary talent and storytelling. Held with much fanfare, the event honored iconic shows, remarkable performances, and innovative narratives that have shaped Indian television over the past year. The ceremony was a testament to the dynamic evolution of television content in India, highlighting its ability to captivate audiences while pushing creative boundaries.
Payal Kapadia’s Landmark Golden Globe Nomination
Payal Kapadia has etched her name in the annals of Indian cinema by becoming the first Indian director to receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director (Motion Picture). Her film All We Imagine As Light not only earned her this historic recognition but also secured a nomination for Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language) at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. These nominations underscore the global impact of Indian cinema and Kapadia’s exceptional storytelling.
Telugu Woman Banker Honored as Rising Star in Banking 2024
Bharati Kolli, a 43-year-old woman from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, has been recognized as one of the Rising Star Women Leaders of Banking for 2024 by the renowned women’s group, Women We Admire. Bharati’s remarkable contribution to the banking sector, particularly in data management, has earned her this prestigious recognition. She is currently serving as the Director of the Data Management Office at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) at its New York headquarters.
Important Days News
World Human Rights Day 2024: Date, History, Significance & Theme
World Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10. It stands as a powerful reminder of the global commitment to uphold equality, freedom, and human dignity. Human rights are the cornerstone of a fair and just society, acting as a preventative, protective, and transformative force for good. On this day, individuals, communities, and nations across the world come together to reaffirm their dedication to building a better and more equitable future.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Our rights, our future, right now.”
Sports News
9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Stuns Chess Grandmaster
Nine-year-old Aarit Kapil, a budding chess prodigy from Delhi, made history by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster. In a thrilling encounter during the ninth round of the KIIT International Open Tournament, Aarit emerged victorious against Raset Ziatdinov, a 66-year-old Grandmaster from the United States. At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old, Aarit not only set a national record but also became the third-youngest player globally to achieve this feat under classical time control.
Kush Maini Makes History with F2 Constructors’ Championship Win
Indian driver Kush Maini made history by becoming the first Indian to win the FIA F2 Constructors’ World Championship, a monumental achievement in the world of motorsport. This victory, secured with Invicta Racing, caps off a landmark year for Maini, who earlier achieved another milestone by becoming the first Indian to claim an F2 pole position. Despite facing challenges throughout the season, Maini’s consistency and pivotal contributions helped Invicta Racing clinch the title, a testament to his talent and resilience.
Obituaries News
Former Karnataka CM SM Krishna Dies at 92
SM Krishna, former Karnataka Chief Minister and influential leader, passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related issues. Known for his significant contributions to the growth of Bengaluru, Krishna was often hailed as the “architect of Brand Bengaluru.” Over a career spanning nearly six decades, Krishna held several crucial positions, including those of Chief Minister of Karnataka, Union Minister for External Affairs, and Governor of Maharashtra.
10th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
09th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
08th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
