NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NITI Aayog Releases Report on S.A.F.E. Accommodation: NITI Aayog released a report on “S.A.F.E. Accommodation – Worker Housing for manufacturing growth”. The report explores the crucial role of Secure, Affordable, Flexible, and Efficient (S.A.F.E.) accommodations for industrial workers in boosting India’s manufacturing sector. It identifies key challenges, offers actionable solutions, and highlights the pivotal interventions required to scale up such housing facilities across the country.In the Union Budget 2024-25, the FM emphasized the importance of rental housing for industrial workers. This initiative, to be executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with Viability Gap Funding (VGF).India is poised to elevate its manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from the current 17% to 25% as part of achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. This goal is aligned with the country’s objectives of becoming a global manufacturing hub.
2. Why S.A.F.E. Accommodation Matters?: The S.A.F.E. accommodation initiative offers a comprehensive framework by aligning regulatory and financial frameworks. The report identifies several benefits of S.A.F.E.:Enhancing Workforce Productivity and Retention: Proximate and well-designed housing improves workers’ quality of life, reduces commute times, and enhances overall productivity.Attracting Global Investments: High-quality accommodations demonstrate India’s commitment to international standards, thereby making the country a preferred destination for manufacturing investments.
3. Aligning with Global Labour Standards: Adherence to international labour standards enhances India’s reputation and competitiveness in the global market.Challenges in Scaling Up Worker Accommodation: Restrictive Zoning Laws: Residential developments are often prohibited in industrial zones, forcing workers to live far from their workplaces.Conservative Building Bye-Laws: Low Floor Area Ratios (FAR) and other inefficient land-use regulations limit the potential for high-capacity housing on available land.High Operating Costs: Hostel accommodations in industrial zones are classified as commercial establishments, leading to higher property taxes and utility rates. Financial Viability: High capital costs and low returns make large-scale worker accommodation projects unattractive to private developers.
4. 19 December – Goa Liberation Day: Goa Liberation Day is celebrated annually on December 19 to mark the liberation of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961.It commemorates the successful military operation, Operation Vijay, which ended 451 years of Portuguese colonial rule in Goa.This day is a tribute to the Indian Armed Forces and freedom fighters who played a crucial role in integrating Goa into the Indian Union.The Portuguese colonised several parts of India in 1510 but by the end of the 19th century Portuguese colonies in India were limited to Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli and Anjediva Island. The Goa liberation movement, which sought to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, started off with small-scale revolts.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India Partners with France Museums Development to Establish Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum: The Ministry of Culture has partnered with France Museums Development (FMD) to develop the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a world-class cultural institution.This ambitious project is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and is set to span approximately 1,55,000 square meters across the iconic North and South Blocks in New Delhi.The museum, envisioned as a celebration of India’s unbroken civilizational history, was first announced by the Prime Minister at the International Museum Expo in May 2023 and further highlighted during the inauguration of Bharat Mandapam in the following JulyAs part of this agreement, India and France will collaborate on a comprehensive feasibility study, encompassing museum case studies, interpretive planning, and building programming.
2. 20 December – International Human Solidarity Day: International Human Solidarity Day is celebrated annually on December 20 to promote the spirit of unity and cooperation among individuals, communities, and nations.Theme 2024 – Promote togetherness and collaborationEstablished by the United Nations in 2005, this day emphasises the interconnectedness of humanity and the collective responsibility we share in promoting social justice and equality.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. MoD inks Rs 7,629 crore contract with L&T for K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for Indian Army: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) for the procurement of additional 155 mm/52 calibre K9 Vajra-T self-propelled tracked artillery guns for the Indian Army.The procurement falls under the “Buy (Indian) category”, providing a further boost to the Centre’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.The procurement of the latest batch of K9 Vajra-T guns will “catalyse artillery modernisation” and “enhance the Indian Army’s overall operational readiness”. The guns will be manufactured under licence from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense, extending an initial contract for 100 guns that has already been completed.
SPORTS
1. Salman Khan joins hands as Brand Ambassador to promote inaugural Kho Kho World Cup: The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has officially appointed Bollywood superstar Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, which will be held in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025.This event will see the participation of teams from 24 countries and is set to boost the global profile of Kho Kho. The event will feature 21 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams, representing 24 countries.The tournament aims to showcase the sport’s widespread appeal, with an exciting lineup of men’s and women’s teams competing for the first time on the world stage.The Kho Kho World Cup will see 21 Men’s and 20 Women’s teams competing in the week-long tournament, seeing participation of 24 nations traveling for the tournament to India.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. China astronauts script history with world’s longest spacewalk, break US record: China’s space programme achieved a milestone as two of its astronauts completed a nine-hour spacewalk.The nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA) by Shenzhou-19 crew members Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong surpassed a 22-year-old record held by the US.The two astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have set the new world record for the longest spacewalk, as reported by the South China Morning Post.Cai and Song wrapped the nine-hour extravehicular activity, better known as a spacewalk.According to NASA, the previous record of eight hours and 56 minutes was set by US astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms on March 12, 2001.Both the astronauts were supported by crewmate Wang Haozhe, who remained inside the station. Tiangong’s robotic arms and ground control teams also contributed to the mission’s success.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India and ADB sign $42 million loan to help fortify Maharashtra’s coastline: The Centre and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $42 million loan to provide coastal and riverbank protection to increase the resilience of local communities and natural ecosystems in the state of Maharashtra.The project builds on ADB’s earlier investment by incorporating hybrid approaches to combat coastal erosion, such as offshore reefs, rock protection works, along with flexible nature-based solutions like beach and dune nourishment.It also uses advanced technologies to predict climate change impacts, like sea-level rise and extreme weather and enhances the coastal management information system with remote sensing satellite imagery, improving shoreline management.
2. Recent Loan approved by ADB: ADB approved a $500 million loan to support India’s economic growth by promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure.ADB and India sign USD 788.8 million (over Rs 6,600 crore) for the development of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh as a green and smart capital cityWorld Bank approves $325 Million Project to Boost Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh
World Bank approves $188 million loan to Maharashtra to stimulate growth in backward districts
India and ADB sign $50 million loan for climate-resilient water security in Meghalaya India and ADB sign $98 million loan agreement to boost horticulture productivity
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