Table of Contents
National News
Kaamya Karthikeyan: Youngest Female to Conquer Seven Summits
Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old student from Navy Children School in Mumbai, has etched her name in history by becoming the youngest female in the world to conquer the Seven Summits. This remarkable achievement includes scaling the highest peaks across all seven continents. Kaamya, an avid adventurer since her childhood, completed this prestigious feat by summiting Mount Vinson in Antarctica on December 24, 2024. This accomplishment highlights her determination, resilience, and passion for mountaineering.
International News
813th Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Begins
The 813th Urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti has begun, marking an important religious and cultural event. This year, the customary flag ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, December 28th, 2024, at the Dargah Khwaja Saheb in Ajmer. The annual Urs, commemorating the death anniversary of the revered saint, is a significant occasion for devotees, with festivities and prayers held at the saint’s tomb.
Sauraha Hosts 18th Elephant Festival
Nestled in Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal, the 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival is captivating both local and international visitors. Hosted at the Baghmara Intermediate Community Forest near the renowned Chitwan National Park, this five-day event aligns with New Year and Christmas celebrations. The festival concludes on December 30, serving as a vital driver for tourism in the region with its diverse and unique attractions.
State News
Gujarat CM Launches SWAR Platform to Bridge Language Barriers
On December 25, marking Good Governance Day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform, aiming to enhance communication and accessibility for citizens by overcoming language barriers. This citizen-centric initiative aligns with the state’s continuous efforts to improve ease of living. The platform, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Bhashini Team, leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to make government services more inclusive.
Sikkim’s Kagyed Dance Festival
The Kagyed Chaam Dance Festival, one of Sikkim’s most revered Buddhist celebrations, is held annually at Tsuklakhang Palace in Gangtok. Marked by elaborate masked dances performed by Buddhist monks and lamas, the festival symbolizes the destruction of negative forces and the ushering in of peace and prosperity for the new year. Enacted on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan Lunar Calendar (early December), it is a vibrant cultural event drawing both locals and international tourists seeking spiritual blessings. The festival concludes with the ritualistic burning of effigies, representing the victory of good over evil.
Haryana Hikes DCRG Limit by 25%
The Haryana government, under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, has made several significant decisions to enhance employee benefits, improve governance, and address public concerns. The decisions were announced after a state cabinet meeting, including increases in gratuity limits, updates to development charges policies, and reforms in public service exams.
Defence News
Indian Army Unveils Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue at Pangong Tso
The Indian Army has unveiled a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Pangong Tso in Ladakh, marking a significant strategic and cultural assertion near the India-China border. Installed by the Fire and Fury Corps on December 26, 2024, the statue celebrates the Maratha king’s legacy of valor and foresight. While this move reinforces India’s position along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), it has also stirred local debates about cultural relevance, consultation, and ecological concerns.
Economy News
Deloitte Projects Indian Economy to Grow at 6.5-6.8% in FY25
The Indian economy is projected to grow at 6.5-6.8% in FY2025, driven by domestic consumption, infrastructure development, and digitisation, according to Deloitte India. Growth is expected to rise further to 6.7-7.3% in FY2026. However, challenges such as geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and global liquidity constraints may weigh on the long-term outlook. Deloitte highlighted India’s resilience in services, manufacturing exports, and stable capital markets, which could offset global uncertainties and support economic growth.
Business News
DPIIT Partners with boAt to Boost Startup Ecosystem in India
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered a strategic partnership with boAt, a prominent Indian audio and wearables brand, to foster innovation and support DPIIT-recognized startups, especially in the Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and manufacturing sectors. This collaboration aims to provide essential mentorship, resources, and guidance, helping startups scale both locally and internationally. With boAt’s industry expertise and the government’s backing, the initiative is poised to empower the Indian startup ecosystem.
Reliance Acquires Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 Crore
In a strategic move to bolster its healthcare portfolio, Reliance Industries, led by Mukesh Ambani, has acquired oncology-focused platform Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 crore. This acquisition, completed through Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL), is a significant step towards expanding the company’s reach in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sports News
Bumrah Breaks Record for Fastest 200 Wickets by an Indian
Jasprit Bumrah achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 wickets in Test cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG in Melbourne. Bumrah’s achievement is notable not just for its speed but also for the efficiency with which he has attained this milestone in just 44 Tests, surpassing the previous Indian record held by Mohammed Shami. His performance in the Boxing Day Test against Australia, including four wickets in the first innings and a key dismissal in the second, has cemented his place among the fastest bowlers to 200 Test wickets globally.
Lakshya Sen Secures Third Place at King Cup
India’s badminton star, Lakshya Sen, showcased his talent with an impressive third-place finish at the inaugural King Cup International Badminton Open held in Bangkok, Thailand. The 23-year-old from Almora defeated French rising star Alex Lanier in the bronze-medal playoff. Despite a narrow loss in the semifinals, Lakshya’s strong performance underlined his consistency and resilience on the international stage.
Koneru Humpy From Retirement Doubts to Rapid Glory
Koneru Humpy, the pioneering force in Indian women’s chess, scripted another chapter of glory by winning her second Women’s World Rapid Chess Championship title in New York at the age of 37. Her remarkable journey from contemplating retirement to reclaiming the world crown underscores her resilience and passion for the game. Humpy’s story is not just about victories on the chessboard but also about balancing motherhood, family support, and a challenging professional chess career.
Obituaries News
Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. President and Nobel Laureate, Dies at 100
Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100 in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Known for his strong moral values, humanitarian work, and pivotal role in the Camp David Accords, Carter’s presidency faced challenges, including an economic recession and the Iran hostage crisis. Despite his one-term presidency, Carter later gained respect for his global peace efforts, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
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