Current Affairs

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  • Awards & Honours – National and international recognitions

  • Culture & Heritage – Festivals, traditions, and notable cultural events

  • Science & Technology – ISRO, DRDO, space missions, innovations, discoveries

  • Polity & Governance – Constitutional amendments, committees, judicial updates

  • Important Days & Themes – Monthly observances and exam-relevant themes

  • Government Schemes – New initiatives, updates, launches, and budgets

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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.

Hemanth Muddappa: The First to 15 National Titles in Indian Motorsports

Hemanth Muddappa secured his 15th National Title on December 29, 2024 at the fourth and final round of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2024 at the Madras International Circuit (MIC).

Triple Crown Victory: Muddappa triumphed in three different classes, winning two and securing second place in the third.

Unbeatable Lead: Before the final race, Muddappa had already secured his 13th title with an unbeatable lead of 29 points in the 4-stroke 1051 to 1650cc Super Sport class.

Career Milestone: With this win, Muddappa became the first athlete in Indian motorsports to achieve 15 National titles.

Nickname: He is nicknamed ‘LightningR1’ for his exceptional speed.

Team: Muddappa credited his success to his team at Mantra Racing and the dedicated mechanics.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia’s Victory in the Fourth Test

On 30 December 2024, In Border-Gavaskar Trophy Cricket, Australia registered a 184 run victory over India on the fifth and final day of the fourth test in Melbourne.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious Test cricket series played between India and Australia. Named after legendary cricketers Sunil Gavaskar of India and Allan Border of Australia, the series has been a thrilling showcase of cricketing prowess since its inception in 1996.

Key Highlights:

  1. Format: The series typically consists of a 5-match Test series.
  2. Historical Significance: India and Australia have faced off 28 times in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with India winning 10 series, Australia winning 8, and 10 ending in a draw.
  3. Notable Players: Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in the series, while Nathan Lyon leads in the number of wickets taken.
  4. Recent Matches: The latest series in 2024 saw Australia leading 2-1 after four matches, with the final match scheduled in Sydney.
  5. Memorable Moments: The series has witnessed numerous memorable performances, including epic battles between batsmen and bowlers, and dramatic finishes.

PSLV-C60: India’s Leap Forward in Space Docking Technology with SpaDeX

The PSLV-C60 mission was launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Mission Objective: The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in a low-Earth circular orbit.

SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment): SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission aimed at developing and demonstrating the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft.

Significance: This mission is historic as it aims to make India the fourth country globally to master space docking technology. This capability is crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, the Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.

Payloads: The PSLV-C60 carried 24 experimental payloads contributed by academia and startups. These payloads include high-resolution imaging, multi-spectral imaging for vegetation studies, and radiation monitoring.

Technological Milestones: The mission incorporates several cutting-edge technologies such as a compact docking mechanism, laser range finders, power transfer technology, and inter-satellite communication systems.

Future Operations: Docking operations are set to begin, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025. Post-docking, electrical power transfer will be tested before the satellites operate their individual payloads for up to two years.

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.

Bosnia’s “Balkan Blues” Earns UNESCO Recognition and Inclusion in National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Recognition: Bosnia’s traditional love song, Sevdalinka, often referred to as the Balkan Blues, was recognized by UNESCO and included in its National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 27, 2024.

Historical Significance: Sevdalinka dates back to the 16th century and is a blend of South Slavic oral poetry and Ottoman Empire music.

Cultural Preservation: Musicians like Enes Salman and Damir Imamovic have been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive and promoting it globally.

Modern Interpretations: Younger musicians have reinterpreted Sevdalinka, bringing it to global audiences and ensuring its continued relevance.

Custodians of Tradition: Ethnomusicologists like Zanin Berbic play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Sevdalinka through performances and education.

Koneru Humpy clinches women’s title at World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024

On December 29, 2024, the World Rapid and Blitz Championship was held in New York.

Winner in Women’s Category: India’s Koneru Humpy won her second women’s title by defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukander. Humpy finished the tournament with 8.5 points from 11 rounds.

Age and Achievement: At 37, she became the second player after China’s Ju Wenjun to win the title more than once. Humpy first won the championship in 2019 at Georgia.

Winner in Men’s Category: Russia’s Volodar Murzin, aged 18, won the men’s championship.

Record: Murzin became the second-youngest FIDE World Rapid Champion, following Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who won at age 17.

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.

Azerbaijan Airline Crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives and leaving 29 survivors. The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it encountered severe turbulence and loud bangs, leading to a catastrophic crash.

Key Details:

  • Flight Path: The plane was diverted from its original route due to heavy fog in Grozny and attempted an emergency landing in Aktau.
  • Survivor Accounts: Passengers reported hearing multiple loud bangs and experiencing a loss of cabin pressure before the crash.
  • Investigation: Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Initial speculations suggest possible external interference, with some sources indicating that Russian air defenses might have mistakenly shot down the aircraft.
  • Casualties: The crash claimed 38 lives, including both pilots, and left many survivors with serious injuries.

China Approves World’s Largest Dam on the Brahmaputra River

China has recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, located in Tibet near the Indian border. This ambitious project, estimated to cost around $137 billion, has raised significant concerns in India and Bangladesh.

Key Details:

  • Location: The dam will be built at a significant gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh and subsequently into Bangladesh.
  • Scale: The project is expected to exceed one trillion yuan ($137 billion), surpassing even China’s Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest.
  • Purpose: The primary aim is to develop clean energy and respond to climate change and extreme hydrological disasters. The hydropower facility is estimated to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, enough to supply energy to approximately 300 million people for a year.
  • Concerns: India and Bangladesh have expressed apprehensions about potential impacts on water flow and regional stability. There are fears that China could control the water flow and release large amounts of water during conflicts.
  • Safety Measures: China has assured that extensive geological studies and advanced technology have been employed to ensure the project’s safety and minimize ecological impact. The dam will also incorporate measures for disaster prevention and relief.

International Reactions:

  • India’s Response: India has raised concerns about the potential impact on water flow and the ability of China to control water during hostilities. India is also constructing its own dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • China’s Assurance: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has stated that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and that China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels.

Torch Rally for the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the torch procession of the 38th National Games from Haldwani in Nainital district on December 26, 2024.

Route and Duration: The torch will travel through 99 locations across 13 districts over 33 days, covering a distance of 3,823 kilometers.

Culmination: The relay will conclude in Dehradun on January 25, 2025, just before the National Games’ inauguration on January 28.

Purpose: The rally aims to raise awareness about the National Games and engage the public in sports activities.

Significance: Hosting the National Games is seen as a historic opportunity for Uttarakhand to foster a sports culture and contribute to the state’s development.

About the National Games

  1. History: The National Games are a multi-sport event held in India, showcasing the country’s athletic talent.
  2. Frequency: Held every four years, the event brings together athletes from across the nation to compete in various sports.
  3. Purpose: The Games aim to promote sportsmanship, unity, and excellence in sports among Indian athletes.
  4. Inclusion of Traditional Sports: For the first time, yoga and mallakhamb will be included as demonstration sports in the National Games.
  5. Infrastructure Development: Significant investments have been made in sports infrastructure, including new playgrounds, upgraded stadiums, and facilities for various sports.

President Murmu Awards Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17 Exceptional Children

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children in New Delhi on 26 December 2024.

Categories: The children were recognized for their achievements in Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, Sports, and Environment.

Awards: Each awardee received a medal, a certificate, and a citation booklet.

States and UTs: The awardees hailed from 14 states and union territories.

Veer Bal Diwas Tribute: President Murmu paid homage to the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzadas on Veer Bal Diwas, honoring the younger sons of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh.

Prime Minister’s Interaction: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the awardees.

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.

Veer Baal Diwas, December 26: Commemorating Sacrifice and Celebrating Youth Achievements

Veer Baal Diwas is observed annually on December 26.

Purpose: The day honors the bravery and sacrifice of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s younger sons, Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh.

Historical Significance: In 1704, the Sahibzadas were captured and pressured to renounce their Sikh faith. They refused and were martyred by being bricked alive at Sirhind, Punjab.

Declaration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared December 26 as Veer Baal Diwas in 2022 to commemorate their sacrifice.

2024 Celebrations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, and launch the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan to enhance nutritional outcomes across India.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar: President Droupadi Murmu will confer the award on 17 children for exceptional achievements in seven categories in New Delhi. The children hail from 14 states and UTs.

  • Categories: Art and culture, bravery, innovation, science and technology, social service, sports, and the environment.
  • Awards: Each awardee will receive a medal, certificate, and citation booklet.

Arunish Chawla Named New Revenue Secretary; Major Government Appointments Announced

Arunish Chawla: 1992 batch Bihar cadre IAS officer appointed as the Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. Previously Secretary of Pharmaceuticals in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Amit Agrawal: Chief executive officer of Unique Identification Authority of India, appointed as the new Pharmaceuticals Secretary.

Vineet Joshi: Manipur chief secretary, appointed as the Secretary of Higher Education.

Neerja Sekhar: Special Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, appointed as the Director General of the National Productivity Council.

Rachna Shah: Textiles Secretary, appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

Neelam Shammi Rao: Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities, appointed as the new Textiles Secretary.

Sanjay Sethi: Appointed as the Secretary of the National Commission for Minorities.

Bumrah Equals Ashwin’s Record with 904 Rating Points in ICC Men’s Test Bowling Ranking

Jasprit Bumrah has reached 904 rating points in the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings, equaling the highest rating ever achieved by an Indian bowler, previously held by Ravichandran Ashwin.

Upcoming Opportunity: Bumrah has the chance to surpass this record during the Melbourne Test beginning on 26 December 2024 between India and Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Outstanding Performance: Bumrah’s stellar performance in Brisbane, where he took 9 wickets for 94 runs, earned him 14 rating points and solidified his top position in the Test Bowling Rankings.

M Raghu & Devika Sihag Wins Senior National Badminton Titles 2024

86th Senior National Badminton Tournament held in Bengaluru from 18 to 24 December 2024.

  • Men’s Singles Champion: Karnataka’s M. Raghu defeated Mithun Manjunath (14-21, 21-14, 24-22), saving three match points in the decider.
  • Women’s Singles Champion: Haryana’s Devika Sihag secured a comfortable win over Shriyanshi Valishetty (21-15, 21-16).
  • Men’s Doubles Winners: Sanskar Saraswat and Arsh Mohammad.
  • Women’s Doubles Winners: Arathi Sara Sunil and Varshini VS.
  • Mixed Doubles Winners: Ayush Agarwal and Shruti Mishra.

President Appoints New Governors in 5 States

The President of India announced the appointment of Governors for five states on 24 December 2024.

New Appointments:

  • Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati: Appointed as the Governor of Odisha (previously Governor of Mizoram).
  • General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd.): Designated as the new Governor of Mizoram.
  • Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar: Currently Governor of Bihar, now appointed as the Governor of Kerala.
  • Arif Mohammed Khan: Previously Governor of Kerala, now assigned as the Governor of Bihar.
  • Ajay Kumar Bhalla: Former Union Home Secretary, appointed as the Governor of Manipur.

Effective Dates: The appointments will take effect from the dates the appointees assume charge of their respective offices.

Resignation Accepted: The resignation of Odisha’s outgoing Governor, Raghubar Das, has been accepted by the President.

Good Governance Day on December 25th

Good Governance Day is observed annually on December 25th in India to honor the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Instituted in 2014 by the Narendra Modi government, this day aims to promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration.

Significance

Good Governance Day highlights the importance of ethical leadership and responsible governance. It serves as a reminder for both leaders and citizens to uphold high standards of governance to ensure sustainable development and public welfare.

Celebrations

The day is marked by various initiatives and activities, including:

  • Awareness Campaigns: Programs focusing on digital transformation, participatory democracy, and responsive public services.
  • Educational Activities: Schools, colleges, and government organizations host debates, speeches, and workshops to encourage youth participation in nation-building.
  • Inspirational Messages: Quotes by Atal Bihari Vajpayee are shared to inspire ethical governance and public service.

Fixtures for ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 in Cricket will take place from 19th February to 9th March 2025.

Host: Pakistan will host its first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE as a neutral venue.

Group A Teams: India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Pakistan.

Group B Teams: Afghanistan, Australia, England, and South Africa.

Opening Match: The tournament begins with Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19th February in Karachi.

India’s Matches: India’s first match is against Bangladesh on 20th February in Dubai, followed by a match against Pakistan on 23rd February in Dubai.

Venues: Matches will be held in Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, and Dubai in the UAE.

Semi-finals and Final: The first semi-final will be on 4th March in Dubai, the second semi-final and final on 5th March and 9th March in Lahore. If India qualifies, these matches will be in Dubai.

V. Ramasubramanian appointed as NHRC Chairperson

Retired Supreme Court judge V. Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by President Droupadi Murmu on 23 December 2024.

Other Appointments: Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) have also been appointed as members of the NHRC.

Background: Justice Ramasubramanian served as a Supreme Court judge from September 23, 2019, to June 29, 2023.

Vacancy: This appointment fills the vacancy left by former NHRC chairperson Justice Arun Kumar Mishra, who concluded his tenure on June 1, 2024. Fllowing Mishra’s retirement, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani served as the acting chairperson.

National Consumer Day: December 24

National Consumer Day is observed annually on December 24. The day aims to raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities.

Historical Significance: The day commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986, which received presidential assent on December 24, 1986.

Consumer Rights: The act grants consumers the right to be protected, informed, heard, and to seek redressal against unfair trade practices.

2024 Theme: The theme for National Consumer Day 2024 is “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice”.

Key Initiatives: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launched several initiatives, including the Jago Grahak Jago App, Jagriti App, and Jagriti Dashboard to protect consumers from deceptive online practices.

Kristrun Frostadottir Becomes Iceland’s Youngest Prime Minister

Iceland’s new government, led by Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir of the Social Democratic Alliance (SDA), took office on 21 December 2024.

Youngest Prime Minister: Frostadottir, born in 1988, is Iceland’s youngest prime minister. She was elected to parliament in 2021 and became SDA leader in 2022.

Three-Party Coalition: The coalition includes the SDA, the Liberal Reform Party (LRP), and the People’s Party (PP). The SDA and LRP each hold four ministerial portfolios, while the PP has three.

First Meeting: The new cabinet held its first formal meeting at the presidential residence, Bessastadir, with President Halla Tomasdottir in attendance.

Cabinet Priorities: Frostadottir outlined priorities of stabilising Iceland’s economy by reducing interest rates, enforcing stricter public finance controls, and fostering value creation.

Election Victory: The SDA emerged as the biggest winner in Iceland’s parliamentary election held on November 30.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: India’s Matches to be Held in UAE, Confirms PCB

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has designated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for India’s matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

Reason: This decision follows India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

Confirmation: The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed on December 19 that all India’s matches, including potential semifinals and the final, will be played at a neutral venue under a hybrid hosting model.

Likely Location: While the PCB did not specify the exact location, Dubai is widely expected to host the matches.

Group Stage: India has three group-stage games, including a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan.

Further Matches: Should India advance, the UAE will also host one of the semifinals and the final.

Resolution: The decision resolves a standoff between the two cricketing rivals and clears the way for the ICC to announce the schedule for the eight-team, 50-over tournament.

Historical Context: India and Pakistan have not toured each other’s countries since 2012 due to ongoing political tensions, with their cricketing interactions limited to neutral venues and ICC events.

Indian-American Sriram Krishnan Appointed as Senior White House Policy Advisor on AI

President-elect Donald Trump appointed Indian-American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Collaboration: Krishnan will work closely with David Sacks, the White House AI and Crypto Czar, to shape AI policy across the federal government.

Background: Born in Chennai, Krishnan moved to the United States after graduation and began his career at Microsoft as a founding member of Windows Azure.

Career: Besides being a seasoned tech leader, Krishnan is also a venture capitalist, podcaster, and author.

Rastriya Kisan Diwas (National Farmers’ Day) on December 23rd

Rastriya Kisan Diwas (National Farmers’ Day) is celebrated annually on December 23rd in India.

Purpose: To honor farmers’ contributions, raise awareness about agriculture, and address farmers’ challenges.

Historical Significance: First observed in 2019 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India and a strong advocate for farmers’ rights.

Celebration Activities: Includes farmers’ fairs, seminars, and cultural programs across the country.

Q. Rastriya Kisan Diwas (National Farmers’ Day) marks the birth anniversary of which Indian Prime Minister?

a) Indira Gandhi
b) Lal Bahadur Shastri
c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
d) Rajiv Gandhi

c) Chaudhary Charan Singh
Rastriya Kisan Diwas (National Farmers’ Day) commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India and a strong advocate for farmers’ rights.

PM Modi Honoured with Kuwait’s Highest Civilian Award, “The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, during his state visit on 22nd December 2024.

Significance: The award symbolizes the enduring partnership between India and Kuwait.

Bilateral Talks: PM Modi held talks with the Amir, focusing on strengthening India-Kuwait relations, which have now been elevated to a Strategic Partnership.

Historical Context: This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.

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.

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