Table of Contents
National News
INCOIS Upgrades SARAT for Enhanced Sea Rescue Operations
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has recently upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to improve the effectiveness of sea rescue operations. Originally introduced in 2016, SARAT has become a vital tool for the Indian Coast Guard and other agencies. The upgraded version, SARAT 2, comes with advanced features that provide more accurate predictions for missing objects and individuals at sea, optimizing rescue operations.
Kisan Kavach – Bharat’s Indigenous Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first indigenous anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit aims to safeguard farmers from pesticide-induced health risks. The launch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging science and technology to empower India’s agricultural community.
International News
Israel Expands Settlements in Golan Heights Amid Regional Shifts
Israel recently approved a settlement expansion plan in the Golan Heights, allocating over $11.13 million to boost population and infrastructure in the region. This decision comes amidst rising regional tensions following political changes in Syria, particularly the fall of the Assad regime. Israel aims to double the population in this strategically significant territory.
Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance
Moldova has officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), signaling its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The ISA Framework Agreement was signed in New Delhi by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi. Moldova’s inclusion comes after Armenia became the 104th full member last month, marking the continued global expansion of the ISA. Headquartered in India, ISA unites countries to overcome challenges in solar energy financing, technology, and scalability, aiming to mobilize over USD 1,000 billion in investments by 2030.
What Is the Gadhimai Festival and Why Is It Controversial?
The Gadhimai Festival, held every five years in southeastern Nepal, is one of the world’s most controversial religious observances, known for the mass slaughter of animals. This quinquennial event, rooted in centuries of tradition, draws hundreds of thousands of Hindus who believe the ritual will appease the Hindu goddess Gadhimai, bringing them prosperity. However, the festival’s massive scale and the cruelty involved have sparked fierce debates between animal rights activists and devotees. Despite legal challenges and public outcry, the festival’s bloodshed continues, raising important questions about the intersection of religion, tradition, and animal welfare.
State News
Uber Unveils ‘Moto Women’ Bike Taxis for Women in Bengaluru
In a move to enhance safety and inclusivity in urban mobility, Uber has launched a pilot program called ‘Moto Women’ in Bengaluru. This service is exclusively designed for female riders and drivers, offering an on-demand bike taxi option with an emphasis on safety and empowerment. With growing concerns over the uncertainty of bike taxi operations in Karnataka, this initiative aims to provide a safer, more flexible earning opportunity for women while addressing key issues like safety, privacy, and public transport integration.
Banking News
RBI Lifts Restrictions on Edelweiss Group’s ECL Finance and ARC
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the supervisory restrictions on two entities of the Edelweiss Group—ECL Finance Ltd and Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (Edelweiss ARC). These restrictions were imposed in May 2024 due to concerns over regulatory compliance. After significant engagement and corrective actions by the companies, the RBI is satisfied with their adherence to regulatory norms and has allowed their normal operations to resume.
Schemes News
India Promotes AYUSH Systems Globally with New Chairs in Five Countries
The Ministry of AYUSH has launched a scheme for the promotion of international cooperation to enhance awareness and recognition of AYUSH systems worldwide. As part of this initiative, India has established AYUSH Chairs at five foreign universities—Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia. This effort is aimed at advancing academic exchange, research, and public awareness of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, contributing to their global acceptance.
Important Days News
International Migrants Day 2024
International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18, serves as an important reminder to honor the contributions of migrants around the world and the role they play in shaping societies. In 2024, the day will be observed under the theme, “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.” This day also sheds light on the challenges migrants face, including their rights, integration, and exploitation, while emphasizing the need for fair and inclusive migration policies.
Sports News
Bumrah Surpasses Kapil Dev to Become India’s Top Wicket-Taker in Australia
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history by becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket on Australian soil, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets. This milestone was achieved on December 18, 2024, during the fifth day of the ongoing third Test between India and Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane. Bumrah now has 52 wickets in Australia, making him the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in the country, highlighting his crucial role in India’s pace attack.
Ashwin’s Retirement: A Historic Cricket Career Concludes
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spinners, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024. The announcement marked the conclusion of a remarkable 14-year international career. Known for his tactical brilliance and record-breaking achievements, Ashwin’s retirement follows a stellar career in which he became one of India’s greatest match-winners. He leaves behind a legacy as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket and one of the most versatile bowlers in the history of the game.
Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Test Century
On December 15, 2024, England made history at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Maia Bouchier setting remarkable records in women’s cricket. Sciver-Brunt smashed the fastest Test century by a woman, while Bouchier marked her Test debut with a century. Their aggressive performances placed England in a commanding position, but both were dismissed before converting their hundreds into bigger scores.
Awards News
Ayodhya Ram Temple Wins Global Safety Excellence Award
The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has achieved a significant milestone by being awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ from the British Safety Council. This accolade underscores the exceptional safety measures implemented during the temple’s construction. The announcement was made by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Construction Committee of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The award is a testament to the meticulous planning, execution, and adherence to global safety standards, making it a model for construction projects worldwide.
Suryabala’s Novel Wins 34th Vyas Samman 2024
Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary. Published in 2018, the novel delves into cultural conflicts and identity struggles faced by Indian youth in America. Instituted in 1991 by the KK Birla Foundation, the Vyas Samman honors outstanding Hindi literary works from the past decade, offering a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. The selection committee was chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wins Jamsetji Tata Award for Biosciences Leadership
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, was awarded the prestigious Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for her exceptional contributions to the biosciences sector in India. The award recognises her role in leading Biocon to a global position while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality. This recognition highlights her pioneering efforts since 1978 in establishing Biocon as a world leader in the biotechnology industry, and her impact on patients worldwide.
The FIFA Best Awards 2024: Recognizing Excellence
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 were held in Doha, Qatar, on December 17, where several individuals were honored for their exceptional performances throughout the year. The event recognized the best players, coaches, and goalkeepers in both men’s and women’s football, as well as other prestigious awards like the FIFA Puskás Award and FIFA Fan Award. The awards were determined by a voting system that included national team coaches, captains, media members, and fans, all of whom contributed to crowning the winners.
Obituaries News
Tulsi Gowda, the ‘Encyclopedia of Forests,’ Passes Away
Tulsi Gowda, affectionately known as the “Tree Goddess,” was an environmentalist from Karnataka celebrated for her exceptional dedication to afforestation and ecological preservation. Born in 1944 in Honnali village, Uttara Kannada district, she overcame personal and financial hardships to emerge as a symbol of environmental conservation. Her tireless efforts, including planting over 1 lakh trees, earned her the Padma Shri award in 2021. Her passing on December 16, 2024, marked the end of an era but left behind an inspiring legacy.
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