National

India is now ranked 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Improvement in Rank: India’s rank improved from 54th in 2021 to 39th in 2024. Due to a revision in the WEF’s methodology, India’s 2021 rank was adjusted to 38th place.

Government Schemes: The Ministry of Tourism, through schemes like Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD, and Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development, provides financial assistance for developing tourism infrastructure.

Medical Value Travel (MVT) Portal: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Advantage Healthcare India portal, a one-stop portal for those seeking medical treatment in India from abroad.

Affordable Medical Tourism: President Droupadi Murmu highlighted that India is emerging as a major center for affordable medical tourism, with doctors playing a significant role.

Cultural Heritage: India boasts 5,000 years of civilizational history, 43 World Heritage Sites, 56 potential World Heritage Sites, and around 3,500 monuments of national importance, demonstrating its cultural strength.

Q.: What is India’s rank in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report?

a) 38th
b) 39th
c) 54th
d) 55th

Ans: b) 39th
India is now ranked 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

First diabetes biobank in Chennai: India has established its first diabetes biobank in Chennai on December 17, 2024.

Collaboration: The biobank is a joint effort between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF).

Purpose: The biobank aims to collect, store, and share biological samples to support advanced scientific research on diabetes.

Research Focus: It will facilitate research into the causes, variations, and complications of diabetes, particularly in the Indian population.

Significance: The biobank is expected to contribute to better prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies for diabetes.

Q. Where was India’s first diabetes biobank established?

a) Bengaluru
b) Mumbai
c) Chennai
d) Delhi

Ans: c) Chennai
India has established its first diabetes biobank in Chennai on December 17, 2024.

Starting in 2025, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will exclusively conduct entrance exams for higher education institutions and will no longer hold recruitment exams, as announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on December 17, 2024. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort to improve the NTA’s efficiency, credibility, and ability to conduct error-free, technology-driven exams.

The restructuring was guided by a high-level committee led by former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Radhakrishnan. Formed after the NEET-UG paper leak scandal in June 2024, the committee proposed 101 recommendations to enhance exam fairness and security, including establishing a Grievance Reporting and Redressal Cell (GRRC), strengthening cybersecurity, and using dynamic solutions to secure question papers.

Key reforms include conducting entrance exams like JEE and NEET earlier in the academic year (January/February instead of July), simplifying the admission process under CUET, addressing the commercialization of coaching centers, and focusing on students’ mental health and timely result declarations. The NTA will also leverage public testing infrastructure and integrate psychometric research for continuous improvement.

The committee’s recommendations come after incidents like the NEET paper leak, which prompted a CBI investigation and widespread criticism of the examination system. To oversee the reforms, Dr. Radhakrishnan will lead a high-power steering committee. These changes aim to create a robust, student-friendly, and secure exam process.

Nepal’s Chief of the Army Staff (CoAS), General Ashok Raj Sigdel was honored with the rank of Honorary General of the Indian Army by India’s President, Droupadi Murmu, on December 16, 2024.

General Sigdel served as the Reviewing Officer at the Indian Military Academy’s passing out parade in Dehradun, where Nepali Army Officer Cadet Prabin Pandey was awarded the “Best Foreign Officer Cadet Award”. Addressing the newly commissioned officers, General Sigdel encouraged them to uphold the Army’s values and be exemplary leaders. He also laid a wreath at the IMA War Memorial in honor of fallen soldiers.

During the visit, General Sigdel held courtesy meetings with key Indian leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, and Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, among others. The visit was at the invitation of General Upendra Dwivedi.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) plans to introduce advanced Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) named Rajmarg Saathi to improve highway safety. These RPVs will inspect National Highway stretches and respond to emergencies.

The vehicles will feature AI-enabled dashboard cameras and closed cabinets for efficient emergency response. They are equipped with advanced communication and safety tools to minimize traffic disruptions, enhance road safety, and improve the overall experience for highway users.

Vijay Diwas, celebrated annually on December 16th, marks a significant day in Indian history, commemorating the victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. This day is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces who played a pivotal role in the liberation of East Pakistan, leading to the creation of Bangladesh.

Historical Context

The Indo-Pak war of 1971 was a result of escalating tensions and humanitarian crises in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). The conflict culminated in a decisive victory for India, with the Pakistani military surrendering on December 16, 1971. This historic event saw the largest military surrender since World War II, with over 93,000 Pakistani troops laying down their arms.

Significance

• End of Atrocities: The victory brought an end to widespread atrocities committed in East Pakistan.
• Creation of Bangladesh: The war resulted in the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh, bringing freedom to millions of people.
• Strengthening National Pride: Vijay Diwas is a day of national pride, celebrating the valour and determination of the Indian Armed Forces.

The Indian Light Tank (ILT) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully firing rounds at various ranges at an altitude exceeding 4,200 meters. The Defence Ministry stated that the ILT, a 25-ton class armoured fighting vehicle, is designed for high-altitude operations to meet the Armed Forces’ needs. It has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research Development Establishment, a DRDO lab in Chennai, based on the Indian Army’s provisional requirements.

The ILT’s airlift capability was also demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, enabling its rapid deployment in remote and challenging areas inaccessible by road or rail. Following these internal performance trials, the ILT will undergo further evaluations before being presented for user trials.

On December 12, 2024, the Defence Ministry signed a contract worth ₹13,500 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft. This deal is a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities and supports the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with 62.6% of the aircraft’s components being domestically produced.

The aircraft will be manufactured at HAL’s Nashik division, enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force and strengthening the country’s defense preparedness. This contract is expected to stimulate the Indian economy by creating job opportunities and promoting technological advancements in the defense sector.

About Su-30MKI aircraft

The Su-30MKI (Sukhoi-30MKI) is a multirole combat fighter aircraft jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, tailored to meet the specific requirements of the IAF.

Key features of the Su-30MKI:

• Role: Multirole fighter aircraft, air superiority fighter, and fighter-bomber.
• Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• First Flight: July 1, 1997 (Su-30MK); November 2000 (Su-30MKI).
• Introduction Date: September 27, 2002.
• Primary User: Indian Air Force (IAF).
• Number Built: 272 as of March 2020.
• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.9.
• Range: 3,000 km (unrefueled); 8,000 km with in-flight refueling.
• Armament: Equipped with longer-range weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
• Avionics: State-of-the-art avionics developed by Russia, India, Israel, France, and South Africa.
• Indigenous Content: 62.6% of the aircraft’s components are domestically produced.

On December 11, 2024, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. This four-day event, running from December 11 to 14, showcases cutting-edge innovations in the construction and mining sectors, featuring over 1,000 brands from nearly 100 countries.

The event also includes the Demtech India 2024 as a collocated show, offering specialized insights and opportunities in demolition technology. The NASSCOM Pavilion will display advancements in construction technology and digital transformation, along with a dedicated Finance Zone to facilitate networking with key financial institutions and investors.

The expo is expected to draw around 75,000 visitors, further reinforcing its status as a premier destination for progress and collaboration in the construction industry.

From 2025, students will be allowed to appear for any subject in the Common University Entrance Test-UG (CUET-UG), regardless of their Class 12 subjects. The exam will only be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and will expand to cover 63 subjects (up from 37). Students can choose a maximum of five subjects, instead of six as earlier.

Key changes:

• Uniform duration: All exams will last 60 minutes.
• No optional questions: All questions will now be compulsory.
• Streamlined admissions: CUET promotes transparency and reduces dependence on varying cut-offs, making the process more technology-driven.

Introduced in 2022, CUET has evolved to eliminate rigid disciplinary boundaries in higher education, ensuring a fair and standardized admissions process.

The Noida International Airport in Greater Noida marked a significant milestone on 9 December 2024 as its first trial flight landed, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute. The flight, carrying AAI officials and technical experts, conducted a 15-minute trial before landing on the completed 3,900-metre runway and later took off after a brief stop. The data collected during this trial will be analyzed by the DGCA, with trials continuing until 15 December.

The airport, operated by Zurich International Airport AG, is 85% complete, with the terminal building and equipment installation nearing finalization. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower is fully operational, and advanced landing systems (CAT-1 and CAT-3 ILS) have been successfully tested.

The first commercial flight is scheduled for April 2025, with the airport expected to handle 65 daily flights (62 domestic, 2 international, and 1 cargo), serving 12 million passengers annually. Upon full completion, it will be the fourth largest airport in Asia, with a 40-year management contract by Zurich International Airport AG.

On December 9, 2024, INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Russia in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The commissioning was hailed as a symbol of India’s growing maritime strength and the deep friendship between India and Russia.

The ship, incorporating increasing Made-in-India content, represents a collaborative effort between Indian and Russian industries.

The event was also attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Governor of Kaliningrad Alexey Sergeyevich Besprozvannykh and other senior officials from the Indian and Russian Governments, Navies, and industries.

A recent study by Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the Gates Foundation has recognized the effectiveness of India’s PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform. Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PRAGATI has significantly transformed the delivery of infrastructure projects in India.

The study, titled “From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress,” highlights how PRAGATI has driven accountability, facilitated federal and regional collaboration, and accelerated the completion of long-delayed projects worth $205 billion. The platform features a digital dashboard for real-time project monitoring and supports video-conference review meetings chaired by PM Modi.

One of the key findings is that PRAGATI has reduced project delays from decades to mere months, thanks to the direct involvement of top leadership and the use of technology for cross-collaboration and regular accountability reviews. The study also emphasizes that PRAGATI’s success can serve as a model for other developing countries looking to revolutionize their infrastructure development approaches.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness over the recognition, stating that PRAGATI represents a wonderful amalgamation of technology and governance, ensuring projects are completed on time.

The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti began on 2 December 2024 at Bentong Camp, Malaysia. The exercise features 78 personnel from the Indian Army’s Mahar Regiment and 123 personnel from Malaysia’s Royal Malaysian Regiment. Running until 15 December, the exercise focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities, particularly in counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain. It aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations.