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Goa Liberation Day – 19 December 2024: Marking 63 Years of Liberation

Goa celebrated its 63rd Liberation Day on 19 December 2024, marking independence from Portuguese rule in 1961 after 451 years of colonial occupation.

Ceremony Honoring Martyrs:

  • Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led a ceremony to honor the families of freedom fighters.
  • Sawant emphasized remembering sacrifices and the harshness of nearly 450 years of Portuguese rule.

‘Operation Vijay’:

Goa’s liberation was achieved through Operation Vijay, a 36-hour military campaign by the Indian Armed Forces in December 1961, ending Portuguese control and integrating Goa into the Indian Union.

Historical Context:

  • While India gained independence in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese rule until 1961.
  • Inspired by India’s freedom movement, many Goans, including women, joined the fight against colonial rule.

Mohan Ranade’s Contributions:

  • Mohan Ranade, a prominent freedom fighter, led armed revolts, was imprisoned in 1955, and spent 14 years in prison (6 in solitary confinement).
  • He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 for his role in Goa’s freedom struggle.

Goa’s Unique Identity:

Liberation allowed Goa to reclaim its place in the Indian Union, while its Portuguese-influenced cultural and religious heritage continues to shape its identity.

MCQs on Goa Liberation Day

Q.: When does Goa celebrate its Liberation Day?
a) 15 August
b) 26 January
c) 19 December
d) 2 October

Answer: c) 19 December
Goa celebrated its 63rd Liberation Day on 19 December 2024

Q. How many years of Portuguese rule ended with Goa’s liberation in 1961?
a) 350 years
b) 451 years
c) 200 years
d) 500 years

Answer: b) 451 years
Goa liberate from Portuguese rule in 1961 after 451 years of colonial occupation.

Q. Which military operation led to Goa’s liberation?
a) Operation Blue Star
b) Operation Vijay
c) Operation Meghdoot
d) Operation Trident

Answer: b) Operation Vijay
Goa’s liberation was achieved through Operation Vijay, a 36-hour military campaign by the Indian Armed Forces in December 1961, ending Portuguese control and integrating Goa into the Indian Union.

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.

Pranav Venkatesh wins FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess titles

Pranav Venkatesh, an Indian Grandmaster, won both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in Slovenia on 17 December 2024.

  • In the Rapid category, Pranav scored 9.5 points to win the gold medal.
  • Silver in the Rapid category went to Russia’s Alexander Khripachenko with 9 points, and bronze to Ukraine’s Roman Pyrih with 7.5 points.
  • In the Blitz category, Pranav scored 19.5 points and finished with a round to spare.
  • Silver in the Blitz category was won by Russia’s Dmitry Mochalov with 15.5 points, and bronze went to Alexander Khripachenko.
  • Pranav was the only Grandmaster competing in the event, which included six categories across both Rapid and Blitz formats.

Q.: Who won both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in 2024?

a) Alexander Khripachenko
b) Dmitry Mochalov
c) Roman Pyrih
d) Pranav Venkatesh

Ans: d) Pranav Venkatesh
Pranav Venkatesh, an Indian Grandmaster, won both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in Slovenia on 17 December 2024.

R Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket

Retirement Announcement: Indian off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024.

Age: Ashwin is 38 years old.

Recent Match: He played one match in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, taking 1/53 in Adelaide.

Test Career Highlights:

  • Second-highest wicket-taker for India in Tests (537 wickets in 106 matches). Anil Kumble, with 619 wickets is highest wicket taker.
  • Only Anil Kumble has more Test wickets (619).
  • Scored six centuries and 14 fifties in Tests.

Debut: Made his Test debut against West Indies in Delhi on November 6, 2011.

Limited-Overs Career:

  • 116 ODIs: 156 wickets.
  • 65 T20Is: 72 wickets.

Future Plans: Will continue playing in T20 tournaments and represent Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025.

Q.: Who is the only Indian bowler with more Test wickets than Ravichandran Ashwin?
a) Kapil Dev
b) Harbhajan Singh
c) Anil Kumble
d) Zaheer Khan

Answer: c) Anil Kumble
Indian off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from international cricket on December 18, 2024. He took 537 wickets in 106 Tests. Only Anil Kumble, with 619 wickets, has dismissed more batters for India.

FIFA Best Awards 2024: Vinicius Jr. and Aitana Bonmati Crowned Players of the Year

Men’s Player of the Year: In Football Vinicius Jr. (Brazil and Real Madrid) won the FIFA Best Award 2024.

Previous Winner (Men): Lionel Messi held the title for the past two years.

Ballon d’Or 2024: Vinicius Jr. lost to Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (Manchester City and Spain).

Women’s Player of the Year: Aitana Bonmati (Spain and Barcelona) won for the second consecutive year.

Sri Lanka to offer visa-free travel to Indian nationals from Jan 2025

From January 2025, Indians will be among nationals from 39 countries eligible for free visas to travel to Sri Lanka, as announced by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath during an interaction organized by the India Foundation in New Delhi. A parliamentary gazette notification will formalize this policy in January. The minister expressed hope that India would reciprocate by offering free visas to Sri Lankan nationals.

Highlighting the strong bilateral ties, he noted that India is the largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka. The announcement came during a three-day state visit (15-17 December) by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his delegation.

India becomes 3rd largest exporter of smartphones globally

India has become the 3rd largest exporter of smartphones globally, climbing from the 23rd rank in 2019. In November 2024, the country’s smartphone exports surpassed ₹20,000 crore in a single month, representing a 92% increase compared to November 2023 (₹10,634 crore).

This milestone exceeds the expectations set under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which aimed to export 70-75% of production value in FY 2024-25. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw celebrated this achievement, calling it a “Making Bharat Story.”

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.

‘One Nation, One Election’ bills refers to Joint Parliamentary Committee for wider consultations

On December 17, 2024, the government referred the One Nation One Election (ONOE) bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for wider consultations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in the Lok Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommended detailed discussions at every level before proceeding with the bills. This followed the introduction of the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Law (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, which aim to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Opposition leaders objected to the bills, but Meghwal described the opposition as political and reiterated the government’s readiness to involve the JPC.

The JPC is a temporary parliamentary committee comprising members from both Houses and political parties. It examines specific bills or issues in detail, gathers evidence from experts, and consults stakeholders. Its recommendations are advisory, and the government is not obligated to implement them. The JPC is dissolved after completing its examination.

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.

Gadhimai Mahotsav: World’s Largest Animal Sacrifice Festival

The Gadhimai Mahotsav, held every five years at the Gadhimai Temple in Nepal’s Madhesh Province, is the world’s largest animal sacrifice festival. Gadhimai Mahotsav, started on December 2 and concluded on December 15, 2024. Despite decades of criticism from animal rights activists and court bans in India and Nepal, the 2023-24 festival saw a record footfall of 2.5 crore people. The festival’s central rituals involve sacrificing animals like buffaloes, goats, and birds, preceded by a shamanic offering of five forest animals. Devotees believe the sacrifices fulfill wishes, often related to patriarchal traditions, such as blessings for male offspring.

Efforts to curb the practice have included court rulings restricting animal transport and banning public sacrifices, but enforcement is weak, and sacrifices now occur behind closed doors. Meat from sacrificed animals is auctioned and often exported, adding economic value. The festival generates significant revenue through tourism and local commerce, creating a financial incentive for its continuation. Political reluctance to intervene stems from the fear of offending religious sentiments, leaving NGOs and civil society groups struggling to balance opposition with respect for cultural traditions.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Loses Vote of Confidence: Understanding Germany’s Federal Election System

On December 16, 2024, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz lost a vote of confidence, triggering a snap election set for February 23, 2025. Germany’s new hybrid electoral system combines single-member constituencies with proportional representation, fixing the Bundestag at 630 seats (down from 735). If a party wins more constituency seats than its proportional vote share, some seats will remain vacant, starting with the narrowest-margin victories.

The system retains the 5% national vote threshold for parliamentary entry, with a rule allowing parties to bypass this if they win at least three constituency seats. This mechanism has helped smaller parties like the Left in the past. Current polls predict a highly unpredictable election, with major parties like CDU/CSU leading (34%) but facing competition from the far-right AfD (17%), and smaller parties like the Free Democrats and Left struggling to meet thresholds.

Friedrich Merz of the CDU is a frontrunner to become chancellor, likely needing a coalition due to the fragmented political landscape. The far-right AfD is unlikely to form part of any coalition, as mainstream parties view it as undemocratic.

Britain Joins the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

On December 15, 2024, Britain officially became the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming the 12th member of this significant trade bloc. This move marks a major milestone in Britain’s post-Brexit trade strategy, aiming to strengthen its global trade links and deepen ties with the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Points

  • Strategic Expansion: By joining the CPTPP, Britain aims to expand its trade horizons and diversify its economic partnerships.
  • Economic Benefits: The UK government estimates that the pact could boost the economy by £2 billion ($2.5 billion) annually in the long run.
  • Trade Opportunities: Membership provides British businesses with lower tariffs and fewer barriers when trading with CPTPP member countries, including Japan, Australia, Canada, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
  • Influence and Growth: Britain’s accession allows it to influence the future development of the CPTPP, including decisions on potential new members like China and Taiwan.

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.

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in the United States

Legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in the United States on 15 December 2024 due to blood-pressure-related complications. Born on March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, he was the eldest son of tabla legend Allah Rakha.

With a career spanning six decades, Zakir Hussain won five Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards in 2024. He acted in films such as ‘Saaz’ and ‘Heat and Dust’, with his latest film ‘Monkey Man’ released in 2024. His groundbreaking 1973 collaboration with John McLaughlin, L Shankar, and T.H. ‘Vikku’ Vinayakram fused Indian classical music with jazz, creating a new genre.

Zakir Hussain received numerous prestigious honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023.

Mumbai wins Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, defeating Madhya Pradesh by five wickets

Mumbai won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, defeating Madhya Pradesh by five wickets in the final on 15 December 2024 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

After opting to bowl first, Mumbai restricted Madhya Pradesh to 174/8 in 20 overs and chased down the target in 17.5 overs. Suryakumar Yadav scored a crucial 48 runs off 35 balls for Mumbai, while Rajat Patidar was the top-scorer for Madhya Pradesh with 81 runs.

Suryansh Shedge was awarded the Player of the Match, and Ajinkya Rahane was named the Man of the Series. This marked Mumbai’s second title, having won their maiden trophy in 2022 against Himachal Pradesh.

India wins the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 Hockey Championship

India won the Women’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 Hockey Championship in Muscat, Oman on 15 December 2024, defeating China 3-2 in a penalty shootout to defend their title.

Indian goalkeeper Nidhi made three crucial saves, while Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo scored in the shootout. Earlier, Jinzhuang Tan scored for China, with Kanika Siwach equalizing for India, leading to a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Hockey India announced rewards of ₹2 lakh for each player and ₹1 lakh for each support staff. Deepika Sehrawat, with 12 goals, was the tournament’s top scorer. India had won their maiden title last year by defeating the Republic of Korea.

Bharatmala Project: A Roadmap to Efficient Connectivity

The Bharatmala Project (Pariyojana), launched in 2015, is a large-scale infrastructure initiative by the Indian government aiming to enhance the efficiency of freight and passenger movement. The project focuses on developing a comprehensive network of highways, aiming to connect 550 district headquarters with 4-lane highways and move 80% of freight traffic to National Highways.

Key components include the development of economic corridors, inter-corridors and feeder routes, and greenfield expressways. The project also emphasizes border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity, and national corridor efficiency improvement.

Implementation involves the creation of multimodal logistics parks, the use of technology and scientific planning, and a phased approach, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2022. The project aims to generate significant employment opportunities, improve regional connectivity, and boost economic growth, aligning with initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India.

Smart India Hackathon 2024: A Platform for Technological Innovation

The Smart India Hackathon 2024 concluded successfully with multiple teams from across India emerging as winners across various categories. The event was held at multiple nodal centres, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, and IIT Jammu, among others.

Key Highlights:

  1. Winners in Mumbai: Teams such as Team Terabyte (Girijananda Chaudhary University Guwahati), Team Shiledar (Datta Meghe College of Engineering Navi Mumbai), and others were recognized for their solutions in problem statements like ‘Conversational Image Recognition Chatbot’, ‘Women Safety Analytics’, and ‘AI-based solution for traffic management’.
  2. Participation: A total of 34 teams consisting of 204 students participated at Welingkar Institute in Mumbai, working on problem statements provided by various ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Science and Technology.
  3. NIT Srinagar: Hosted the Grand Finale for the first time, with six teams emerging as top performers from the 51 nodal centers across the country.
  4. Awards in Agriculture: Prizes for agriculture problem statements were bagged by institutions like Welingkar Institute of Management, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Yashwant Rao Chavan Engineering at IIT-Hyderabad.
  5. Other Winners: NIT Silchar and IIIT Nagpur won prizes for their solutions on oil spills and beach recreation suitability, respectively, at Vardhaman College of Engineering in Hyderabad. Datta Meghe College of Engineering, IIIT and Management Institute Gwalior, and others also received accolades for Earth Sciences problem statements.
  6. IIT Jammu: The Grand Finale saw 28 teams tackling critical cybersecurity challenges, with six teams receiving ₹ 1 lakh prizes.
  7. Notable Guests: The closing ceremonies were graced by dignitaries such as Professor Manoj Singh Gaur, Satish Kaul, Sunit Kumar, and Sandeep Sharma.

Conclusion:
The Smart India Hackathon 2024 fostered innovation among young minds, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. The event highlighted the importance of such initiatives in driving technological advancements and aligning with India’s vision of a technologically advanced future.

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.

Union Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills

On December 12, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills, a significant step towards implementing simultaneous elections across India. This initiative aims to synchronize the elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, reducing the frequency of elections and the associated costs and disruptions.

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been a long-standing agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The proposal received a major push with the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee suggested amendments to the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous elections in two phases: first, aligning the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, followed by synchronizing municipal and panchayat elections within 100 days of the national and state polls.

The approved bills include a constitutional amendment to enable simultaneous elections and another bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with Union Territories that have legislative assemblies, such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. The government plans to introduce these bills in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, with the expectation of referring them to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and consultations.

Supporters of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative argue that it will enhance governance efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and minimize the disruption caused by frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. However, the proposal has faced criticism from opposition parties, who claim it threatens regional representation and federalism.

Hindi writer Suryabala awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary

Noted Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary, published in 2018. The award, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, honors outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years. It includes a ₹4 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a plaque. The selection was made by a committee chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari.

Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, holds an MA and a PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya. Over her decades-long career, she has written over 50 books, including novels, biographies, and children’s literature, with many adapted into TV serials. Her works often focus on social issues.

Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary explores the struggles of Indian youth migrating to America, addressing cultural conflicts, spiritual alienation, and disconnection from their roots. The novel is an authentic reflection of the challenges faced by overseas Indians, blending personal experiences and cultural insights.

Romania and Bulgaria to join EU’s Schengen area on January 1, 2025

On December 12, 2024, EU interior ministers announced that Romania and Bulgaria will fully join the border-free Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. This decision marks the end of a long journey for both countries, which have been EU members since 2007.

The Schengen Area currently comprises 29 countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries. Joining the Schengen Area means that Romania and Bulgaria will no longer have border controls with other Schengen countries, allowing for free movement of people, goods, and services.

The decision to allow full membership came after Austria lifted its long-standing veto, which was based on concerns about migration and border management. Both Romania and Bulgaria have made significant progress in addressing these issues, leading to their acceptance into the Schengen Area.

D. Gukesh becomes youngest World chess champion

Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh made history on 12 December 2024 by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at the age of 18. Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in the 14th and final match of the 18th FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The decisive moment came in the fifth hour of the endgame when Ding blundered on the 55th move, securing Gukesh’s victory with a score of 7.5 to 6.5.

Gukesh won three matches, while Ding won two, and the remaining nine were draws. Gukesh’s achievement broke Garry Kasparov’s record of becoming World Chess Champion at 22 and made him the second Indian to win the title after Viswanathan Anand, a four-time champion.

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.

President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Panchayat Awards 2024

On December 11, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Panchayat Awards 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event honored 45 exceptional Panchayats for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development in rural India.

The awards recognized the efforts of these Panchayats in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water conservation, sanitation, and climate sustainability. The President emphasized the importance of village development and empowerment in making India a developed nation. She congratulated the winners and expressed confidence that this recognition would inspire other Panchayats to adopt best practices for inclusive growth.

The National Panchayat Awards, revamped in 2022 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), celebrated the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in driving grassroots development. The awards were presented across various categories, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.

The event was attended by Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and other dignitaries. A booklet titled “Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats” was also unveiled, documenting the innovative practices implemented by the award-winning Panchayats.

International Mountain Day observed annually on December 11th

International Mountain Day is observed annually on December 11th to raise awareness about the significance of mountains and the challenges they face. This year, the theme is “Mountain Solutions: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth for a Sustainable Future”, highlighting the crucial role of innovative solutions, adaptive practices, and youth involvement in ensuring a sustainable future for mountain environments and communities.

Mountains cover 27% of the Earth’s land surface and provide essential resources, such as fresh water, biodiversity, and climate regulation. However, they are threatened by climate change, deforestation, and overexploitation.

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.

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