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National Current Affairs of India, Important for competitive Exams.

42nd Edition of Naval Exercise Varuna Strengthens Indo-French Ties

The French Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle, arrived in Goa on January 4, 2025, to participate in the 42nd annual bilateral naval exercise Varuna with the Indian Navy.

The French Carrier Strike Group, including Rafale Marine fighter aircraft, received a ceremonial welcome at Goa’s Mormugao port.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen Indo-French naval ties.

France and India regularly collaborate to ensure maritime safety in the Indian Ocean.

Since 2008, France has been a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a forum initiated by India to address issues like illegal trafficking, fishing violations, sea rescue, and pollution.

Indo-French Strategic Partnership

India and France have been strategic partners since 1998, with robust military cooperation reflected in bilateral exercises: Shakti (land), Varuna (sea), and Garuda (air).

Since 2022, French Navy vessels have made 16 port calls to India, showcasing operational collaboration.

India-Myanmar Border Fencing: 9 Km Completed, Work in Progress

Border Fencing with Myanmar:

  • Over 9 km of fencing has been completed at Moreh in Manipur as of January 2025.
  • The Border Road Organisation (BRO) is working on constructing 21 km of fence and road, a project awarded in February 2024.

India-Myanmar Border Details:

  • Total border length: 1,643 km.
  • States along the border: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram.
  • Border demarcation completed for 1,472 km out of 1,643 km.

Hybrid Surveillance Projects:

  • Two pilot projects of Hybrid surveillance systems are under construction in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Union Home Ministry Report: The fencing and surveillance initiatives were highlighted in a report published by the ministry recently.

World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 from February 5th to 9th, 2025

India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 from February 5th to 9th at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking its first-ever hosting of this global event. The summit aims to position India as a global hub for content creation and foster collaborations in the media and entertainment industry.

Key focus areas include AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), technological advancements, sustainable production, and global market strategies, attracting industry leaders and innovators worldwide.

India’s first glass bridge over sea in Kanyakumari

India’s first glass bridge over the sea was inaugurated in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on 30 December 2024 by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

The 77-meter-long bridge, built at a cost of ₹37 crores, connects the 133 ft tall Saint Tiruvalluvar statue (renamed as the “Statue of Wisdom”) with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Tiruvalluvar statue, the bridge offers tourists a breezy walk with a clear view of the sea below.

Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran Between Indian and Nepal Armies from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025

Exercise Surya Kiran is a significant joint military exercise between the armies of India and Nepal. The 18th edition of this annual training event is scheduled to be held in Saljhandi, Nepal from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025.

An Indian Army contingent of 334 personnel has departed to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion Level Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran.

Objectives: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in:

  • Jungle warfare
  • Counter-terrorism operations in mountains
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under the United Nations Charter

Focus Areas: Additional areas of focus include:

  • Enhancing operational preparedness
  • Aviation aspects
  • Medical training
  • Environment conservation

Significance: The Defense Ministry emphasized that the exercise signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, and common cultural linkages between India and Nepal.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, 17-year-old become the youngest female in the world to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old from Navy Children School in Mumbai, becomes the youngest female to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

Seven Summits Conquered: She has climbed Africa’s Mt Kilimanjaro, Europe’s Mt Elbrus, Australia’s Mt Kosciuszko, South America’s Mt Aconcagua, North America’s Mt Denali, Asia’s Mt Everest, and Antarctica’s Mt Vinson.

Antarctica Climb: On December 24, 2024, Kaamya and her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan, reached the summit of Mt Vinson in Antarctica at 17:20 hrs Chilean Standard Time, completing the Seven Summits Challenge.

Recognition: The Indian Navy has congratulated both Kaamya and her father for this significant achievement.

Early Trekking Experience: Kaamya began her trekking journey at the age of 7 in Uttarakhand.

Previous Achievements: She was sixteen years old when she scaled Mount Everest.

Awards and Honors: Kaamya has received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar in 2021.

Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passes away at 92

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on 26 December 2024 at the age of 92 in New Delhi. He had been in poor health for the last few months and was admitted to AIIMS in critical condition. He is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters.

Prime Minister: He served as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 in the Congress-led UPA government.

Finance Minister: Appointed Finance Minister in 1991, introduced reforms like rupee devaluation, tax restructuring, and removal of trade barriers.

RBI Governor: Served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from September 1982 to January 1985.

Economic Reforms: Dr. Singh is considered the architect of the 1991 economic reforms that ushered in economic liberalisation in India.

Early Life: Born on 26 September 1932 in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), he pursued economics at Punjab University, Cambridge University, and Oxford University.

Parliamentary Career: Elected to the Rajya Sabha from Assam in 1991, served as Leader of the Opposition from 1998 to 2004, and became the first Sikh Prime Minister of India in 2004.

Awards: Honored with several awards, including the Padma Vibhushan in 1987 and the Euro Money Award for Finance Minister in 1993.

PM Modi Lays Foundation for Ken-Betwa River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh

Foundation Stone Laid: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Ken-Betwa National River Linking Project on 25 December 2024 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh.

Inaugurations: Modi also inaugurated the Omkareshwar Floating Solar Project and performed Bhoomi Pujan of 1,153 Atal Gram Sushasan Bhawans.

Commemorations: A stamp and coin were released in memory of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his 100th birth anniversary.

Project Cost and Funding: The Ken-Betwa project costs Rs 44,605 crores, with 90% funded by the Central Government and 10% by State Governments.

Benefits:

  • Irrigation: Facilities for more than 8 lakh hectares in Madhya Pradesh and 2.51 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Drinking Water: Facilities for 44 lakh people in Madhya Pradesh and 21 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Power Generation: 103 MW of hydropower and 27 MW of solar power.
  • Economic Impact: Improvement in water levels in Bundelkhand, promotion of industrialization, increased investment, tourism, and employment opportunities.

India State of Forest Report 2023: Forest and Tree Cover at 25.17% of the Country’s Geographical Area

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, released the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) on 21st December 2024 at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun.

Total Forest and Tree Cover: The total forest and tree cover in India is 827,357 square kilometers, representing 25.17% of the country’s geographical area.

Forest Cover: 715,343 square kilometers

Tree Cover: 112,014 square kilometers

Growth in Cover: The forest and tree cover has increased by 1,445 square kilometers since the 2021 assessment, with 156 square kilometers added to forest cover and 1,289 square kilometers to tree cover.

Technology in Forest Management: The Forest Survey of India (FSI) uses advanced technology for real-time fire alerts and forest fire services to improve forest management.

Assessment Method: The report is published biennially, using satellite data and field-based surveys for a comprehensive assessment of forest and tree resources in India.

India 39th among 119 nations in WEF tourism development index, improves ranking

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).

India’s First Diabetes Biobank Established in Chennai

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.

National Testing Agency (NTA) to Focus Exclusively on Entrance Exams for Higher Education Institutions from 2025

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 honored with the rank of Honorary General of the Indian Army

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.

NHAI to introduce advanced Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) “Rajmarg Saathi” to improve highway safety

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: December 16th, Commemorating India’s Victory in the 1971 War

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.

Indian Light Tank (ILT) Successfully Fires at High Altitude

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.

Defence Ministry Signs ₹13,500 Crore Deal with HAL for 12 Su-30MKI Fighter Aircraft

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.

Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024

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.

Revised Structure of CUET-UG Examination (2025)

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.

Trial Flights Begin at Noida International Airport, Commercial Launch in April 2025

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.

INS Tushil, a multi role stealth guided missile frigate commissioned into Indian Navy in Russia

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.

Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the Gates Foundation have recognized India’s PRAGATI platform

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.

India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti from 2-15 December at Bentong Camp, Malaysia

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.

UGC Introduces Accelerated and Extended Degree Programmes for UG Students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved Standard Operating Procedures for introducing Accelerated Degree Programmes and Extended Degree Programmes for undergraduate students. The Accelerated Degree Programme allows students to complete three-year or four-year degrees in a shorter time by earning additional credits per semester. In contrast, the Extended Degree Programme provides flexibility to extend degree completion by up to two semesters with reduced credits per semester.

Students will still earn the same total credits as in the standard-duration programmes, ensuring their degrees are treated equally for employment and academic purposes. Higher Education Institutions will evaluate eligibility through dedicated committees and may allocate up to 10% of sanctioned seats for the Accelerated Programme. Degrees will be awarded based on the opted timeline rather than the standard duration.

India’s Mineral Production Shows Strong Growth in FY 2024-25

India’s mineral production showed strong growth in the first half of FY 2024-25 (April-October), continuing momentum from record levels in FY 2023-24.

  • Iron Ore: Accounting for 69% of total mineral production by value, iron ore output rose by 4.1% to 158.4 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April-October 2024, compared to 152.1 MMT in the same period last year.
  • Manganese Ore: Production increased by 11.1% to 2.0 MMT.
  • Bauxite: Output grew by 11.3%, reaching 13.8 MMT.
  • Primary Aluminium: Production rose modestly by 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonnes (LT).
  • Refined Copper: Output saw significant growth of 6%, climbing to 3.00 LT.

India remains a key player globally, ranking as the second-largest Aluminium producer, among the top ten in refined copper, and the fourth-largest iron ore producer. The growth reflects strong domestic demand from sectors such as steel, energy, infrastructure, and automotive, reinforcing India’s economic resilience and its role in the global minerals supply chain.

India climbs 11 places in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), securing the 49th rank globally

India has climbed 11 places in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), securing the 49th rank globally, as announced on 27 November 2024. Published by the Portulans Institute, the index evaluates 133 economies across four pillars—technology, people, governance, and impact—using 54 variables. India’s score improved significantly from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024.

India leads globally in several indicators:

  • 1st place: AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports.
  • 2nd place: FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions and mobile broadband internet traffic.
  • 3rd place: Domestic market scale.
  • 4th place: Annual investment in telecommunication services.

Key achievements include:

  • Rising teledensity from 75.2% to 84.69% over the past decade.
  • Increasing internet subscribers from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, largely driven by the Digital India initiative.
  • Boosting global mobile broadband speed rankings from 118th to 15th, following the launch of 5G in 2022.

India is now focusing on next-gen technologies with the Bharat 6G Vision, aiming to solidify its leadership in telecom innovation.

43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on 27 November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on 27 November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The theme for this year’s fair was “Viksit Bharat at 2047”. An award ceremony was held on the final day, recognizing achievements in various categories:

  • Partner States: Bihar and Uttar Pradesh won gold.
  • Focus State: Jharkhand secured gold.
  • Ministries and Departments: The Ministry of Mines received gold, while the Ayush Ministry earned silver.
  • States and UTs: Puducherry won gold, Meghalaya got silver, and Karnataka was awarded bronze.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director of ITPO, shared that over 10 lakh visitors attended the fair. Executive Director Premjit Lal highlighted the fair’s role as a global platform for traders to exchange ideas and grow their businesses. The event saw a significant response from visitors and exhibitors, showcasing diverse regional products.

Prasar Bharati launches its OTT platform- WAVES

On 20 November 2024, Prasar Bharati launched its OTT platform, WAVES, during the opening ceremony of the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. WAVES combines nostalgia with modern digital trends, featuring iconic shows like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Shaktimaan, and Hum Log.

It offers clean, family-oriented entertainment alongside news, documentaries, and diverse content in over 12 languages and 10+ genres, including regional, women-centric, and animation content. WAVES also streams live events like Prabhu Shriram Lalla Aarti from Ayodhya, Mann ki Baat, and sports events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament. With 65 live channels, video-on-demand, gaming, radio streaming, and e-commerce integration, WAVES aims to connect audiences with India’s cultural heritage while embracing inclusivity and innovation.

India’s domestic air traffic crosses 5 lakh passengers in a single day, marking aviation milestone

India’s aviation sector achieved a historic milestone on 17 November 2024 (Sunday), with over 505,412 domestic passengers flying in a single day, surpassing the 5 lakh mark for the first time. The Ministry of Civil Aviation celebrated the achievement, describing it as a reflection of India’s growing aviation potential.

Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu credited this success to key policies such as the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), which was launched in 2017 to improve connectivity to underserved regions, advancements in airport infrastructure, and the adoption of digital technologies. The number of operational airports in India has doubled over the past decade, supporting rapid growth in the sector.

K Sanjay Murthy appointed as Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India

President Droupadi Murmu has appointed K Sanjay Murthy, an IAS officer of the 1989 batch (Andhra Pradesh cadre), as the new Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. Murthy, currently the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, will assume the role once he takes charge, replacing Girish Chandra Murmu, who held office since August 8, 2020.

The CAG of India:

  • Audits all Union and State government departments, including railways, defense, India Post, and telecommunications.
  • Oversees over 1500 public enterprises, 400 non-commercial bodies, and other entities funded by the government.
  • Is empowered by Article 148 of the Constitution and governed by the CAG’s Duties, Powers and Conditions Act, 1971.

The office is supported by the Indian Audit and Accounts Department (IA&AD), comprising around 600 managerial officers and a subordinate cadre of approximately 47,000 personnel. The CAG’s mandate extends to inspecting records, transactions, and financial documents to ensure accountability and transparency in public spending.

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