Table of Contents
National News
Defence Ministry Launches Rashtraparv Website & App on Good Governance Day
On December 25, 2024, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh launched the Rashtraparv Website and Mobile App, commemorating the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and marking Good Governance Day. The platform, developed by the Ministry of Defence, aims to provide a transparent and citizen-centric approach to the organization of key national events such as Republic Day, Beating Retreat, and Independence Day. This initiative follows a consultative process, addressing feedback from both states and attendees, offering better accessibility and information sharing.
International News
Horror Unfolds Azerbaijan Airline Crashes in Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan Airlines plane, an Embraer 190 jet, crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan after being rerouted due to heavy fog. The plane, traveling from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, was carrying 62 passengers and five crew members. While the emergency landing was forced, the crash left several passengers injured. A passenger aboard the plane captured footage documenting the chaotic scenes before and after the mishap. The incident highlights the potential dangers of rerouting and the unpredictable nature of air travel emergencies.
Tonga Elects Aisake Valu Eke as New Prime Minister
Tonga’s parliament has elected veteran politician Aisake Valu Eke as its new Prime Minister after Siaosi Sovaleni’s abrupt resignation. The political transition comes at a time of significant challenges, including strained monarchy-government relations, economic hardships, and the aftermath of natural disasters.
State News
Losar Festivities Illuminate Ladakh with Culture and Unity
Ladakhi Losar, marking the New Year in the Tibetan calendar, is a vibrant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across Ladakh. Deeply rooted in the region’s culture and heritage, Losar is more than a festive occasion; it is a time for reflection, community bonding, and the preservation of Ladakhi traditions. This year’s celebrations are particularly notable as they coincide with Christmas and New Year, creating a grand and inclusive festive atmosphere.
Indore Airport Launches Waste Processing Unit In Green Initiative
IndiGo’s CSR initiative, IndiGoReach, has launched the Zero Waste Airport Project at Indore Airport, in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and AAS Foundation, Indore. This project aims to create a sustainable and eco-friendly airport by utilizing the 4R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. By reducing the environmental impact of airport operations, the initiative sets a new benchmark for waste management in aviation, focusing on behavioral change, stakeholder engagement, and training.
Economy News
ADB to Lend USD $500 Million to India for Sustainable Infrastructure
On December 20, 2024, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $500 million loan agreement to support sustainable infrastructure projects, aligned with India’s climate goals. The loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will be channeled through the India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to advance green projects in sectors like energy transition, urban development, education, and healthcare. This partnership emphasizes long-term investment in environmentally sustainable infrastructure, reinforcing India’s commitment to net-zero emissions.
Appointments News
Arunish Chawla Appointed as New Revenue Secretary in Finance Ministry
Arunish Chawla, a senior IAS officer of the 1992 batch from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. This follows the vacancy created after Sanjay Malhotra’s appointment as RBI Governor. Chawla will take charge from Ajay Seth, who had been handling the additional responsibility of Revenue Secretary since Malhotra’s appointment. The Cabinet’s appointments committee confirmed that Chawla will continue to hold the additional charge of the Ministry of Culture until a regular incumbent is appointed.
President Appoints New Governors For Five States
In a significant move aimed at reorganizing governance and addressing political and administrative challenges, President Droupadi Murmu announced the appointment of two new governors and reassigned three others across five states. The reshuffle reflects a strategic approach to strengthen leadership in regions grappling with political unrest, administrative challenges, and security concerns. The respective states are Kerala, Bihar, Odisha, Manipur and Mizoram.
Schemes News
PM Modi Launches Ken-Betwa River-Linking Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa river-linking project, aimed at addressing the severe water scarcity issues in the Bundelkhand region. The project, which will channel excess water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa, promises to improve water access for millions. It is expected to benefit around 4.4 million people in 12 districts of Madhya Pradesh and 2.1 million in 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh, providing drinking water and boosting agricultural irrigation. With an estimated cost of ₹44,605 crore, the project will also generate hydropower and solar energy, improving the region’s overall development.
Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has introduced the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana, aiming to support Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad. The announcement, made just before the Delhi Assembly elections, is seen as a strategic move to win over Dalit voters, linking the initiative with the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of educational empowerment for marginalized communities.
Important Days News
Tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya on his birth anniversary
On the occasion of the 162nd birth anniversary of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to the freedom fighter and educationist, recalling his invaluable contributions to India’s independence and the establishment of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The Prime Minister expressed his admiration for Malaviya’s lifelong commitment to education, calling him a constant source of inspiration for generations.
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, observed annually on December 27, serves as a global reminder of the critical importance of investing in public health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, this observance aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and strengthen partnerships for epidemic preparedness. Born out of the experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, the day highlights the urgent need for resilient healthcare systems and collaborative international efforts to address health threats effectively.
Celebrating Good Governance Day- Honouring Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Legacy
Good Governance Day, also known as Sushashan Diwas, is observed annually on December 25 in India. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of accountability in government. The occasion marks the birth anniversary of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India’s most revered leaders and former Prime Minister.
Science and Technology News
Glass Child Syndrome: The Silent Struggles of Siblings
Glass Child Syndrome, while not a medical diagnosis, refers to the emotional and psychological challenges faced by siblings of children with chronic illnesses or disabilities. This term highlights the often overlooked needs of these “healthy” siblings, who, despite their own struggles, are expected to quietly navigate the complexities of a family focused on the high-needs child. Alicia Maples, a speaker and advocate for these siblings, drew attention to this issue in her 2010 TEDx talk, describing how the “glass” metaphor symbolizes how these children can feel invisible in their families.
Obituaries News
MT Vasudevan Nair Creator of Timeless Classics Passed Away
Popularly known as MT, Vasudevan Nair was a celebrated writer, screenwriter, and filmmaker whose works explored human emotions and the intricacies of rural life. Born in 1933 in Kudallur, Kerala, he carved a unique niche in Malayalam literature and cinema, creating a legacy spanning over seven decades. MT’s contributions, which include novels, short stories, screenplays, and films, resonate deeply with both the common man and intellectuals. His passing at the age of 91 marks the end of an era, leaving behind a monumental legacy in Indian literature and cinema.
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