Table of Contents
National News
Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: India’s Automotive Milestone
The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 will take place from January 17-22 across Delhi NCR, marking India’s growing role as a global hub for mobility. With over 1,500 exhibitors and an expected 500,000 visitors, the event is set to become the world’s second-largest auto show. Key automotive giants such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and BYD will showcase new models, with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid technologies, and alternative fuels. In its second edition, the expo promises to build on the success of the inaugural 2024 event, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable mobility and engineering excellence.
International News
India and France Collaborate to Establish World’s Largest Museum
The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with France Museums Développement (FMD), has launched an ambitious project to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a global cultural landmark. Spanning approximately 1,55,000 square meters across the North and South Blocks in New Delhi, the museum will celebrate India’s civilizational history and serve as a cornerstone of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project.
State News
Masali: India’s First Border Solar Village
Masali, a village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, has become India’s first ‘solar village’ located near the border, marking a significant achievement in the country’s renewable energy initiatives. Situated 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, this milestone follows India’s broader efforts to make border areas more energy-efficient and self-sustaining. The project, with an investment of ₹1.16 crore, involves the installation of solar panels on 199 rooftops, ensuring 100% solar power generation for the village. The development highlights India’s commitment to renewable energy and rural electrification.
Banking News
Centre, ADB Sign $42 Million Loan for Coastal Protection in Maharashtra
The Central government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $42 million loan agreement to bolster coastal and riverbank protection in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to enhance the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems by employing hybrid approaches, such as offshore reefs, rock protection works, and nature-based solutions like beach and dune nourishment. Advanced technologies, including remote sensing and climate change impact predictions, will improve shoreline management while addressing issues in tourism and fisheries sectors.
Appointments News
Reappointment of Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma as Nepal’s Ambassador to India
Nepal’s President, Ram Chandra Paudel, has officially reappointed Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma as the Resident Ambassador of Nepal to India. Along with Sharma, the President also appointed Netra Prasad Timilsina as the Resident Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia. These high-profile diplomatic appointments, made under Article 282 (1) of Nepal’s Constitution, follow recommendations from the Council of Ministers.
Salman Khan Named Brand Ambassador for Kho Kho World Cup
The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially appointed Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, which will be held in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025. This event will see the participation of teams from 24 countries and is set to boost the global profile of Kho Kho. The tournament aims to showcase the sport’s widespread appeal, with an exciting lineup of men’s and women’s teams competing for the first time on the world stage.
Awards News
Chennai-Born Caitlin Sandra Neil Crowned Miss India USA 2024
Caitlin Sandra Neil, a 19-year-old Indian-American teenager born in Chennai, India, has been crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey. A second-year student at the University of California, Davis, Caitlin aspires to leave a positive impact on her community, with a focus on women’s empowerment and literacy. She aims to become a web designer while pursuing careers in modeling and acting.
Tansen Samaroh 2024: Swapan Chaudhuri, Sanand Nyas Honored
The 100th edition of the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, one of India’s most celebrated classical music festivals, concluded with grandeur in Gwalior (Dec 15-19, 2024). Organized by Madhya Pradesh’s Culture Department, the festival honored eminent tabla maestro Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri with the Rashtriya Tansen Samman 2023 and Indore-based Sanand Nyas Sanstha with the Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman 2023.
Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024 Announced
Sahitya Akademi announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Awards in 21 languages. Eight books of poetry, three novels, two short story collections, three essays, three literary criticism works, one play, and one research work won the Sahitya Akademi Awards 2024. Awards in Bengali, Dogri, and Urdu will be declared at a later stage.
Important Days News
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Raising Day and Amit Shah To Attend Event
The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is to celebrate its 61st Raising Day on December 20, 2024, in Ranidanga, Siliguri. This milestone event will showcase the force’s achievements, cultural heritage, and contributions to border security. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been invited to attend the celebrations. The event will feature a blend of cultural programs, sports demonstrations, and traditional performances, reflecting the vibrant diversity of the region.
International Human Solidarity Day 2024: UN Theme & Significance
International Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on December 20th and serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility that each individual and government has in building a just and equitable world. The day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2005, emphasizes the importance of solidarity in tackling global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. This observance urges nations and people to work together for peace, social justice, and sustainable development.
Goa Liberation Day 2024: Date, History, and Significance
Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19 every year to mark the freedom of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961. This event symbolizes the end of 451 years of colonial rule and commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of the freedom fighters. Goa became an integral part of India on this day, and the celebration continues to honor the historic struggle for independence.
Ranks & Reports News
India Ranks 39th in Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024
India has significantly improved its position in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, ranking 39th among 119 countries. This marks a sharp rise from its 54th place in the previous 2021 index, which was later adjusted to 38th after a revision in WEF’s methodology. The boost in India’s ranking reflects a strong recovery in global tourism, following the pandemic, and the country’s growing role as a hub for medical and cultural tourism.
Sports News
India Men’s Hockey Team Moves to 5th in Latest FIH Rankings for 2025
The Indian men’s hockey team has clinched the fifth spot in the latest FIH world rankings, following a stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where they secured back-to-back Olympic medals for the first time since 1972. This marks a significant achievement in Indian hockey, which has a rich history of success in the sport.
Obituaries News
Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala Passes Away at 89
Om Prakash Chautala, the veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Haryana, passed away at the age of 89 on December 20, 2024, in Gurugram after suffering a cardiac arrest. A stalwart of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and a key figure in Haryana’s political history, his death marks the end of an era. Chautala was known for his leadership, serving as Haryana’s CM for four terms, with his first tenure beginning in 1989 and his final term running from 1999 to 2005.
Meena Ganesh, Iconic Malayalam Star, Dies
Meena Ganesh, a legendary Malayalam cinema and serial actor, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the age of 81. She was a revered figure in Malayalam theatre and cinema, known for her versatile performances in over 100 films and numerous stage productions. Despite her absence from acting in recent years due to health issues, Meena’s legacy in the Malayalam entertainment industry continues to be celebrated.
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