NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. CM Dhami inaugurated 10th World Ayurveda Congress 2024 at Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 at Dehradun. The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 will be held in Dehradun from 12-15th December 2024.Theme 2024 – Digital Health- an Ayurveda Perspective
The first Ayurveda Conference was organised in Kochi, Kerala, in 2002.It is organised every two years, and the 9th edition of the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo was held in Goa from 8-11 December 2022.The World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 are being organised by the Union Ministry of Ayush and the World Ayurveda Foundation.About the World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo.
2. Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva): Total budget for the scheme -Rs1292 croreAim -to encourage horticulture development in nine districts. It will cover 6,000 hectares and promote the cultivation of fruits like oranges, guavas, litchi and plums, Expected to benefit 15,000 farming families directly. The target is to produce 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fruit annually by 2032 with a market value of Rs. 400 crore.
3. Prasar Bharati signs MoU with Hockey India to provide live broadcast of upcoming Hockey India League: Prasar Bharati has signed an MoU with Hockey India to provide a live broadcast of the upcoming Hockey India League. With this MoU, Doordarshan has become the official broadcast partner for Hockey India League 2024-25. On the occasion, Hockey India League (HIL) governing committee members Bhola Nath Singh and Prasar Bharti Chairman Navneet Sehgal exchanged the MoU.
4. TransUnion CIBIL appoints Bhavesh Jain as MD & CEO: TransUnion CIBIL has appointed Bhavesh Jain as its Managing Director and CEO. He replaces Rajesh Kumar, who stepped down after five years in the role. Rajesh has decided to move on after a continuous 32-year career in financial services. Jain, who served as chief revenue officer for five years, now assumes the top role.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Russia to Introduce Visa-Free Travel for Indian Tourists in 2025: In development for tourism, Indian tourists may soon travel to Russia without a visa, which could commence in spring 2025, following discussions between Russia and India aimed at facilitating easier travel for tourists. In June 2024, officials from Russia and India met to negotiate a visa-free travel deal. This initiative seeks to promote group tourist exchanges without the need for visas. The proposal follows the introduction of e-visas for Indian travelers in August 2023.
2. Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia: Georgia has recently witnessed a political shift with the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as the new president. His election comes amidst rising discontent regarding the government’s decision to postpone the country’s European Union accession until 2028. Kavelashvili, a former footballer and member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was the sole candidate for the presidency and received overwhelming support from parliament. The election was marred by controversy as the four principal opposition groups chose to boycott the parliamentary process. They alleged that the elections held in October were fraudulent, thus calling into question the legitimacy of Kavelashvili’s election. This boycott reflects deepening political divides within the country.
3. Britain Becomes First European Member of CPTPP: Britain has officially become the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), making the UK the 12th member of this influential trade group. The CPTPP includes various countries such as Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and several others, collectively representing a vast market. The CPTPP was established in 2018 to promote trade and economic integration among member nations and serves as a strategic counterbalance to China’s growing economic influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs, enhance trade relations, and encourage economic cooperation among its members.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India-Nepal Army Cooperation Strengthened: General Upendra Dwivedi, the Chief of the Indian Army, recently concluded a three-day visit to India by General Ashok, the Chief of the Nepali Army. This visit aimed to enhance military cooperation and strengthen the longstanding ties between the two nationsDuring the visit, senior leaders and officials from both armies engaged in comprehensive discussions. They focused on various aspects of military collaboration, including strategic partnerships and joint training initiatives. The dialogue aimed to address mutual concerns and enhance operational readiness.The Defence Ministry reported that the visit yielded important results. Both armies agreed to improve mechanisms for cooperation, which include regular exchanges and joint exercises. These initiatives are expected to encourage better understanding and interoperability between the two forces.
SPORTS
1. Mumbai Indians appoint Carl Hopkinson as new fielding coach: Mumbai Indians have appointed Carl Hopkinson as their new fielding coach ahead of IPL 2025.Hopkinson has replaced James Pamment, who was MI’s fielding coach for seven years.Hopkinson recently finished his stint as England’s long-standing fielding coach, a role which he took up in 2018.He was involved in England’s ODI World Cup win on home soil in 2019 and the T20 World Cup triumph in Australia in November 2022. Hopkinson was also the head fielding coach for the England U19 team in the 2022 ICC U19 World Cup.
2. India Wins Women’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024: In the shootout, India emerged victorious with a score of 3-2. Indian goalkeeper Nidhi played an important role, making three vital saves. Sakshi Rana, Ishika, and Sunelita Toppo successfully converted their shots to secure the win.The first quarter showcased intense play from both teams, but neither could score. India had two penalty corners but failed to penetrate China’s defence. In the second quarter, despite having the upper hand, India could not convert their chances. China capitalised on a penalty stroke just before halftime, taking a 1-0 lead.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India’s Data Centre set for $100 Billion Investment by 2027: India’s data centre industry is transforming, with investments projected to surpass $100 billion by 2027. The sector has attracted approximately $60 billion in investment from 2019 to 2024, reflecting its appeal to global and local investors. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have emerged as prime locations for data centres. Their robust infrastructure and supportive government policies have established them as leaders in the sector. Mumbai holds the largest share, contributing 49% of India’s total data centre capacity.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ADB approves $500 million loan to boost India’s sustainable infrastructure: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support India’s economic growth by promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure.The ADB loan, with a sovereign guarantee, to India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) will advance sustainable infrastructure development.This will help IIFCL provide long-term capital for infrastructure projects focusing on connectivity and energy transition as well as under-resourced sectors like urban projects, education, and health care.
2. HSBC, IFC launch $1 bn trade finance programme for emerging markets: HSBC and the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) will jointly provide funding to trade transactions valued at up to $1 billion, in a move to help fill a gap in financing for emerging market trade.They would equally share the risk on a portfolio of trade-related assets held by emerging-market banks in 20 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.The deal aims to support cross-border trade and bolster exports in critical industries as economies face geopolitical tensions and trade barriers that could create uncertainty for supply chains and threaten economic growth.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Nobel Prize 2024 winners Honoured in Stockholm and Oslo: The 2024 Nobel Prize winners were honored in ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo on 10 December 2024.The Nobel Prize was instituted by the Nobel Foundation in memory of Alfred Nobel, who passed away on 10 December 1896.The Nobel Prizes are conferred every year on 10th December, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.The Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, and Economic Science Nobel laureates are honored at a ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden. The Peace Prize is awarded to its recipient in Oslo, Norway.
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