Recently, S&P Global retained its growth forecast for India's economy at 6.8% for FY25, despite a slowdown in GDP growth to 5.4% in Q2FY25. What is the key factor behind S&P Global's positive outlook for India’s economic growth in FY25?

S&P Global has retained its forecast for India's GDP growth at 6.8% for FY25, despite a weaker-than-expected 5.4% growth in the July-September quarter. Key Factors Driving Growth: The agency’s positive outlook is primarily supported by: Urban Consumption: Increased spending in urban areas, which drives overall demand for goods and services. Infrastructure Investment: Continued investment in infrastructure development, including transportation and urban projects, expected to boost economic activity. Service Sector Growth: A steady expansion in India's service sector, particularly in IT, finance, and other services, which continues to contribute positively to GDP growth.

11th December 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Table of Contents

International News

Trump Picks Harmeet Dhillon As An Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights

Harmeet Kaur Dhillon, a prominent Indian-American lawyer, has been nominated by US President-elect Donald Trump as the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the Department of Justice. Known for her advocacy of civil liberties and bold statements, Dhillon’s nomination has drawn both praise and controversy. Here’s a comprehensive look at her background and achievements.

Syrian Fighters Name Mohammed al-Bashir as Interim Prime Minister

The Syrian conflict has marked a new phase with the appointment of Mohammed al-Bashir as the caretaker prime minister of Syria. Al-Bashir, previously the head of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib province, has been tasked with leading the transitional government following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. His role is crucial as Syria navigates the aftermath of the 12-day lightning offensive that toppled the Assad regime, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule.

State News

Arunachal CM Launches New Logo for Eaglenest Bird Festival

The 4th edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival, a celebrated event in Arunachal Pradesh, is set to be held from January 17 to 19, 2025, at Khellong and Thongre village in West Kameng District. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, unveiled the new logo for the festival, marking its prominence on the state’s calendar of events. The festival celebrates the region’s unique biodiversity, and it also plays an essential role in promoting sustainable eco-tourism and community-driven conservation efforts.

Defence News

India-Russia Defense Partnership Set to Sign $4B Radar System

India is on the verge of finalizing a significant USD 4 billion defence agreement with Russia to acquire an advanced long-range early warning radar system. This cutting-edge system, part of Russia’s Voronezh radar series, promises to transform India’s missile detection and air defence capabilities, enhancing national security and fostering defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative.

International Mountain Day 2024, Celebrating the Importance of Mountains on December 11

Every year on December 11, the world comes together to observe International Mountain Day, an initiative established by the United Nations (UN) in 2003. This day aims to promote awareness about the critical role mountains play in our environment and to emphasize the importance of sustainable mountain development across the globe. Mountains are not just geological formations; they are lifelines that sustain biodiversity, regulate the climate, and serve as a source of livelihood and spiritual solace for millions.

Ranks & Reports News

Kerala Ranks Among Top States for Employability in India

Kerala continues to excel in employability, ranking fifth among Indian states in the India Skills Report 2025, published by Wheebox in collaboration with AICTE, CII, and the Association of Indian Universities. With a strong employability rate of 71%, Kerala demonstrates exceptional talent, workplace inclusivity, and a balanced approach to education and skill development. The report also underscores India’s global leadership in AI skill penetration and highlights transformative trends in the workforce shaped by AI adoption.

QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 – IITs Lead the Charge in Sustainability

In a groundbreaking update to the global higher education scene, QS Quacquarelli Symonds, renowned for its expertise in university rankings, has released the third edition of the ‘QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025’. This prestigious ranking evaluates universities based on their sustainability initiatives, considering factors like environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance. The 2025 edition has brought notable improvements for Indian institutions, especially the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with IIT Delhi securing a top spot.

Over 77% of Earth’s Land Becomes Drier in Last 30 Years, Warns UN Report

A recent report by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reveals a troubling shift in the global climate: over 77% of Earth’s land has experienced drier conditions over the past 30 years compared to the previous three decades. This has led to a dramatic expansion of global drylands by about 4.3 million square kilometers, covering more than 40% of Earth’s surface.

Economy News

S&P Global Maintains 6.8% Growth Forecast for FY25

S&P Global has maintained its projection for India’s GDP growth at 6.8% for FY25, despite a weaker-than-expected 5.4% growth in Q2FY25. This forecast comes in the wake of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lowering its own growth estimate to 6.6%. The credit rating agency anticipates a modest monetary policy easing by the RBI in 2025, with a 50 basis points reduction in the repo rate. S&P’s optimistic outlook is driven by strong urban consumption, steady service sector growth, and infrastructure investments.

Banking News

Ajay Seth Assumes Additional Charge as Revenue Secretary

The government has assigned Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth the additional charge of Revenue Secretary following the appointment of Sanjay Malhotra as the new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor. This transition reflects significant administrative shifts in India’s financial governance, effective immediately.

Business News

Amul Extends Jayen Mehta’s MD Tenure by 5 Years

Amul’s Managing Director, Jayen Mehta, has had his tenure extended until 2029-2030. Mehta, who has been with Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) since 1991, has played a key role in shaping the AMUL brand through various positions in the marketing department. His extended leadership marks a crucial phase for the dairy giant as it continues to thrive under his direction. This move follows his interim appointment as MD in January 2023, succeeding R.S. Sodhi, who had led AMUL for over a decade.

Flipkart and DPIIT Collaborate to Boost India’s Startup Ecosystem

Flipkart has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to accelerate the growth of tech startups across India. The collaboration builds on Flipkart’s existing initiatives, including the Flipkart Leap and Ventures program, supported by a $100 million fund aimed at empowering innovators and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, Flipkart has invested in over 20 startups, with a focus on nurturing early-stage ventures.

Science and Technology News

IIT Madras Completes 410-Meter Hyperloop Test Track

In a significant development for India’s transportation future, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has successfully completed a 410-meter-long Hyperloop test track. This groundbreaking achievement was officially announced by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and marks a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of high-speed transportation technology. The project, which represents the first of its kind in India, is being developed as part of a collaboration between the Indian Railways, IIT Madras’ Avishkar Hyperloop team, and TuTr, an innovative startup incubated at IIT Madras.

Google Partners with NCERT to Launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages

Google has expanded its educational initiatives in India through a strategic partnership with the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This collaboration aims to make quality education more accessible by launching YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, for students in grades 1-12. In addition, Google has partnered with NPTEL to offer credentialed courses on YouTube, providing certification opportunities for learners. This move builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to promoting accessible education through digital tools, AI, and partnerships with Indian organizations.

New Damselfish Species Found in Maldives

In December 2024, an extraordinary scientific milestone was achieved in the Maldives with the discovery of a new damselfish species named Chromis abadhah. This groundbreaking finding was the result of an international collaboration of marine scientists, who uncovered the species inhabiting the deep-sea coral reefs in the mesophotic zone of the Maldives. The discovery adds to the country’s rich marine biodiversity and highlights the importance of global scientific partnerships in exploring uncharted marine ecosystems.

Aditya L1 and Proba-3 to Unite for Solar Research in 2025

India’s Aditya L1 and the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 missions are set to revolutionize solar research with joint observations starting in 2025. Aditya L1, operational since January 2024 from the Lagrange point (L1) 1.5 million km from Earth, launched in September 2023. Meanwhile, Proba-3, launched on December 5, 2024, is the first mission involving two satellites flying in formation to simulate a solar eclipse, facilitating detailed studies of the Sun’s corona.

Important Days News

78th UNICEF Foundation Day: A Celebration of Children’s Rights and Well-being

The UNICEF Foundation Day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). This annual commemoration highlights UNICEF’s pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and welfare of children worldwide. In 2024, the day carries even greater significance as the world reflects on 78 years of dedication to improving the lives of children.

Sports News

20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship – Japan Triumphs Over South Korea

The 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship concluded in a spectacular fashion on December 10, 2024, with Japan clinching their second-ever championship title by defeating South Korea 25-24 in a thrilling final. Held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the match showcased exceptional skill, resilience, and determination from both teams. Japan’s victory marked a historic moment as they ended South Korea’s dominance in the competition, which had seen them win the title seven times in a row.

Awards News

2024 Champions of the Earth: Honoring Bold Environmental Leadership

The 2024 Champions of the Earth, the United Nations’ highest environmental honor, were awarded to six extraordinary individuals and organizations for their outstanding leadership, courageous actions, and sustainable solutions to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification. This prestigious accolade recognizes trailblazers from various sectors who are at the forefront of efforts to protect both people and the planet. Since its inception in 2005, the award has celebrated 122 laureates. This year’s focus was on champions restoring degraded land, increasing drought resilience, and preventing desertification.