NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Adani’s Mundra port welcomes its first-ever LNG-Powered Vessel: Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Mundra welcomed CMA CGM Fort Diamant, the first-ever Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered container vessel to dock at the port’s Container Terminal-CT4.This vessel, measuring 268 meters in length and 43 meters in beam, is the third in a series of LNG-powered ships with a capacity of 7,000 containers.Operating on the CIMEX2K/AS-1 service connects the Indian subcontinent with China, further enhancing global trade routes.Adani’s, Mundra port is India’s largest port and flagship of APSEZ, and is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to handle vessels of up to 21 meters in depth, supported by robust connectivity through highways, rail corridors, and, the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC).
2. Centre appoints Arunish Chawla as new Revenue Secretary in Finance Ministry : The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals Arunish Chawla as the next revenue secretary.A 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Bihar cadre, Chawla will take over from economic affairs secretary Ajay Seth.Seth is holding additional charge of revenue secretary following Sanjay Malhotra’s appointment as Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor.Chawla has been serving as secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals within the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers since November 1, 2023.Chawla has more than three years in service left with his tenure scheduled to end in July 2028.Neelam Shami Rao, currently secretary in the National Commission of Minorities, is the new textiles secretary.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Akums Group inks pact worth 200 million euros for European market: Contract development and manufacturing organisation, Akums Group has entered into a strategic long-term agreement at an estimated value of 200 million euros (Rs 1,760 crore) with an undisclosed global pharma firm for manufacturing and supply of formulations in the European market.Under this collaboration, Akums Group will produce and supply multiple Stock-keeping units of oral liquid formulations, which the partner company will market across various European countries.As part of the agreement, Akums Group will receive an upfront payment of 100 million euros (Rs 880 crore) for product development and site approval from European authorities.The commercial supply of these products is expected to begin in 2027 and will continue to be supplied till 2032.
2. Maia Sandu Sworn in as President of Moldova for 2nd Term: Ms Maia Sandu was sworn in as theMs Maia Sandu first became the President of Moldova in 2020. She was the first woman to become the President of the country after it gained Independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.According to the constitution of Moldova, a person can be the President of the country for two terms of four years each.During her rule, the country moved away from Russia and sought closer ties with the European Union. In 2022, Moldova applied for membership in the 27-nation European Union.
3. China to Build World’s Largest Dam on Brahmaputra Near India Border: China has recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, located in Tibet near the Indian border, which is poised to cost approximately $137 billion. The dam has sparked concerns among neighboring countries, particularly India and Bangladesh, regarding potential impacts on water flow and regional stability. Situated in a deep gorge of the Himalayas, the dam faces engineering challenges due to its location on a tectonic plate boundary. The area is prone to earthquakes, and the Brahmaputra creates the world’s deepest canyon with a vertical drop exceeding 25,000 feet. Heavy rainfall in the region contributes to a robust water flow.
4. UAE Emerges as Africa’s Top Investor: The UAE has solidified its position as Africa’s largest investor in new business projects, committing $110 billion (£88 billion) to various initiatives from 2019 to 2023, with $72 billion specifically allocated to renewable energy. This investment trend has outpaced traditional investors like the UK, France, and China, who are reducing their involvement in the continent. The UAE’s investments primarily target green energy and infrastructure. African leaders have expressed appreciation for this financial interest, recognizing the urgent need for investment in energy transitions. The UAE’s strategy aligns with its goal of
5. Bald Eagle Officially Recognised as America’s National Bird: The bald eagle, a powerful symbol of the United States, has received formal recognition as the national bird, conferred by President Joe Biden through legislation passed by Congress. The bald eagle is distinguished by its striking white head, yellow beak, and brown body, embodying the spirit of American strength.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Jet : Recent social media activity has showcased new Chinese combat aircraft, reflecting advancements in aerospace technology, coincide with notable anniversaries, including the J-20 stealth fighter’s rollout and Mao Zedong’s birthday. One of the newly revealed aircraft features a large, three-engine design. It has a unique cockpit and diamond-shaped wings without vertical tails. The aircraft employs split rudders for yaw control, reminiscent of the Northrop Grumman B-2. Its engines include a top inlet for enhanced stealth and two bottom inlets shaped like caret symbols, which are less stealthy. The aircraft’s size suggests the presence of an internal weapons bay.
2. Kaveri Engine Ready for Inflight Testing: India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has made advancements with the Kaveri engine, which is now ready for inflight testing, marking a very important moment in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace technology, particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Kaveri engine development began in the late 1980s to power the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. Initial designs faced technical challenges, leading to a shift in focus towards a modified “dry” version suitable for UAVs.
SPORTS
1. Martina Devi wins silver in women’s junior +87kg at Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships: Indian lifter Martina Devi clinched a silver medal in the women’s junior +87kg category at the Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships.The 18-year-old from Manipur lifted a total of 225kg (96kg+129kg) to finish second in the three-lifter field. She also won a silver medal for her clean and jerk effort and a bronze for her snatch.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Rwanda Declares End to Marburg Virus Outbreak: Rwanda has officially declared the end of its first Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak as of December 20, 2024, followed a 42-day monitoring period with no new cases reported. The outbreak, which began on September 27, 2024, resulted in 66 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities, primarily affecting health workers. Marburg Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness. It is caused by the Marburg virus, which is transmitted from fruit bats to humans. The disease is characterized by a high fatality rate, averaging around 50%. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or materials.
2. First Image of Active Hydrothermal Vent Discovered: In a groundbreaking achievement, Indian oceanographers have successfully captured the first images of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres beneath the Indian Ocean. This discovery is a milestone in India’s ₹4,000-crore Deep Ocean Mission, launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Hydrothermal vents have the potential to revolutionise mineral exploration and deepen our understanding of marine ecosystems. Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs situated near tectonic plate boundaries. They occur when cold seawater, typically around 2°C, infiltrates cracks in the ocean crust. This water interacts with magma, becoming superheated, and then emerges as mineral-rich plumes through vents and chimneys.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Amitava Chatterjee appointed new MD & CEO of J&K Bank: J&K Bank has appointed Amitava Chatterjee, currently Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), as its new managing director (MD) and CEO.Chatterjee will replace Baldev Prakash, whose term comes to an end on December 29.Chatterjee, in his banking career spanning over more than three decades in diverse geographical locations and strategic positions, also served as MD and CEO of SBI CAPS.His diverse experience includes heading the SBI’s operation as CGM New Delhi, circle and Jaipur Circle with high-end clientele like PSUs, NBFCs, and DISCOMs.
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