Table of Contents
National News
Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Inaugurate 21st Livestock Census
The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, is set to launch the 21st Livestock Census operation, a significant initiative aimed at gathering comprehensive data on India’s livestock sector. The launch event is scheduled for October 25, 2024 at Hotel Leela Ambience Convention in Shahdara, New Delhi.
State News
Bihar CM Unveils Rs 7,160 Cr for Panchayat Development
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for a range of development projects totaling Rs 7,160 crore. Among these initiatives are 2,615 panchayat government buildings spread across various blocks in the state and a new panchayat resource center in Sonepur, Saran district.
ADB Approves $434M Loan for 500 MW Solar Plant in Assam
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a USD 434.25 million loan to support Assam’s renewable energy ambitions by constructing a 500 MW grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in the Karbi Anglong district. The Assam Solar Project aims to significantly enhance the state’s renewable energy capacity, bolstering energy security and promoting sustainable energy development in the region.
International Gita Mahotsav 2024: A Celebration of Culture, Spirituality, and Global Unity
A Grand Cultural Event The International Gita Mahotsav will be celebrated from November 28 to December 15, 2024, in Kurukshetra, Haryana, promising a grand display of Indian heritage, spirituality, and culture. Since 2016, this event has expanded globally, spreading the message of the Bhagavad Gita and enhancing Haryana’s global presence.
Business News
Reliance and Nvidia Partner to Build AI Infrastructure in India
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries has teamed up with US chipmaker Nvidia to establish AI infrastructure in India, announced during the Nvidia AI Summit 2024 in Mumbai. This collaboration aims to position India as a leading intelligence market, with plans to deploy Nvidia’s GB 200 supercomputer technology for large-scale AI capabilities. The initiative emphasizes India’s vast IT talent, digital data, and a youthful population, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of self-sufficiency in AI development.
Hindalco Industries Ltd. Joins the International Copper Association (ICA) as Newest Member
The International Copper Association (ICA) is a prominent global industry body that brings together major copper producers worldwide. Representing 50% of the world’s copper production, ICA is a not-for-profit trade association comprising 33 member organizations spanning six continents. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the ICA has operational footprints across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, advocating sustainable and responsible copper production practices.
IIM Shillong and SIDBI Collaborate to Foster Northeast Entrepreneurship
In a significant step to bolster entrepreneurship in India’s Northeast, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Shillong has partnered with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). Through its IIM Shillong Foundation for Incubation and Enterprise (IIMSFIE), this collaboration introduces a structured entrepreneurship training and incubation programme.
Appointments News
Dr. Neena Malhotra Appointed Ambassador to Sweden
The Government of India has appointed Dr. Neena Malhotra as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Sweden. Currently serving as an Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of External Affairs, Dr. Malhotra is an esteemed Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1992 batch.
She has a distinguished career, having previously served as the Indian Ambassador to Italy, the Republic of San Marino, and the United Nations Organizations in Rome. Dr. Malhotra holds a PhD from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi and is expected to assume her new role shortly.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna Appointed as 51st Chief Justice of India
In a major judiciary update, Justice Sanjiv Khanna has been appointed as the 51st Chief Justice of India (CJI), with his oath-taking ceremony set for November 11, 2024. His appointment follows CJI DY Chandrachud’s recommendation and was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu. Justice Khanna will serve as CJI until his retirement on May 13, 2025, holding a tenure of approximately 183 days.
Defence News
India-Germany Maritime Partnership Exercise: Strengthening Naval Cooperation
The Indian Navy and German Navy recently completed their inaugural Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) in the Indian Ocean, marking a key milestone in naval collaboration. The exercise, held in the Bay of Bengal, included joint operations involving INS Delhi, a guided-missile destroyer from India, and Baden-Württemberg and Frankfurt Am Main, a frigate and replenishment tanker from Germany. This event highlights both nations’ commitment to enhancing maritime interoperability and regional stability.
SIMBEX 2024: Strengthening Maritime Partnership Between India and Singapore
The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is underway from October 23 to 29, 2024, at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) in Visakhapatnam. This annual exercise showcases the evolving maritime collaboration between the Indian Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), furthering the strategic partnership and shared objectives of maritime security and interoperability.
SIMBEX, which initially began as ‘Exercise Lion King’ in 1994, is now a key component in the longstanding relations between the two countries, facilitating joint efforts in addressing common maritime challenges, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and bolstering operational interoperability.
Important Days News
International Dwarfism Awareness Day 2024: A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusion
International Dwarfism Awareness Day, celebrated annually on October 25, highlights the lives and challenges faced by people with dwarfism, while also raising awareness about conditions like Achondroplasia. This day encourages understanding and inclusion of people with short stature, breaking stereotypes and misconceptions.
Sports News
Indian Football Team Climbs to 125th in FIFA Rankings
The Indian men’s football team has made a modest advancement in the FIFA rankings, moving up one spot to 125th, as per the latest update released on Thursday. This progress is attributed to their resilient performance in a recent international friendly against Vietnam, where they managed a 1-1 draw.
Under the guidance of new coach Manolo Marquez, the team is still in search of its first victory, having experienced one loss and two draws since his appointment. Despite this, India’s points tally has improved to 1133.78, contributing to their rise in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standings, where they are now ranked 22nd, just ahead of Vietnam.
Sharapova, Bryan Brothers Inducted into 2025 Tennis Hall of Fame Class
In a prestigious recognition, Maria Sharapova and twins Bob and Mike Bryan were named to the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. The induction ceremony will be held on August 23 in Newport, Rhode Island, where they will be celebrated for their trailblazing achievements and contributions to tennis.
Indian Women’s Hockey Legend, Rani Rampal Announces Retirement
Indian women’s hockey legend Rani Rampal officially announced her retirement from international hockey on Thursday, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over 15 years. Known as the “Queen of Indian Hockey,” Rani played 254 international matches and scored 120 goals, leading India to numerous milestones, including the famous fourth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Ashwin Surpasses Lyon: A Historic Day in the ICC World Test Championship
In a spectacular performance during the second Test against New Zealand in Pune, Ravichandran Ashwin set a new benchmark by becoming the highest wicket-taker in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). He started the match just one wicket behind Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, who held the top spot with 187 wickets. However, Ashwin’s brilliant bowling helped him overtake Lyon, ending the day with 189 WTC wickets.
Obituaries News
Ron Ely, TV’s Iconic ‘Tarzan,’ Passes Away at 86
Ron Ely, best known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1960s NBC series, has died at the age of 86. Ely passed away on September 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California. His daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, shared the news, describing her father as a “hero” and a “magical” influence on those around him. While Ely may not have achieved the fame of earlier Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller, he helped shape the modern image of the character, known for its shirtless and loincloth-wearing aesthetics. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of classic television.
21st December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
20th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
19th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
