NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. NeGD and IPA Sign Landmark MoU to Drive Digital Transformation in India’s Maritime Sector: The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. This strategic partnership aims to drive digital transformation in India’s maritime sector by integrating NeGD’s technological expertise with IPA’s in-depth insights into the maritime sector. This initiative reflects a joint commitment to creating a smarter, technology-driven maritime digital ecosystem by fostering seamless integration and stakeholder collaboration. Through this partnership, both NeGD and IPA aim to address longstanding challenges such as fragmented logistics systems, outdated operational practices, and insufficient digital infrastructure.
2. India’s Record Coal Production in 2023-24: India’s coal production reached unprecedented levels in the fiscal year 2023-24, totalling 997.826 million tonnes. This marked an impressive increase of 11.71% from the previous year’s output of 893.191 million tonnes. By mid-December 2023, India had already supplied approximately 963.11 million tonnes of coal, reflecting robust demand and efficient supply chains. Looking ahead, the Ministry of Coal is optimistic about continued growth in coal production. The strategic initiatives under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme are expected to yield substantial increases in both coking and thermal coal output. Investments in new technologies and sustainable mining practices will play important role in achieving these targets.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Australia’s Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024: Australia’s House of Representatives has recently passed the “Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill, 2024”, which aims to protect children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. If approved by the Senate and granted Royal Assent, it will establish a legal framework for online safety. There is currently no minimum legal age for social media use in Australia. Most platforms, however, restrict accounts for children under 13, following U.S. guidelines. The new bill seeks to address the risks associated with social media for younger users.
2. UN Secretary General Pays Tribute to Brigadier General Amitabh Jha: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently honored Brigadier General Amitabh Jha of India, who served with the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights. Guterres praised Jha’s leadership and commitment to UN peacekeeping missions. Brigadier Jha was the Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF from April 2023. He acted as Force Commander during critical periods following the Assad Government’s fall in Syria. His leadership was vital in maintaining peace and stability in a turbulent region.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. China’s First Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship: China has revealed its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan. The launch occurred at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. This development marks step in China’s naval capabilities.The Sichuan boasts a displacement of over 40,000 tonnes, a dual-island design and a full-length flight deck. The ship is equipped with an advanced electromagnetic catapult and arresting system. This technology enables the launch and recovery of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and amphibious vehicles. The Sichuan’s launch technology mirrors that of the Fujian aircraft carrier, launched in 2022. This similarity indicates a strategic shift in China’s naval architecture. The Type 076 could potentially become the largest amphibious assault ship globally, as suggested by satellite imagery from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
2. Exercise SURYA KIRAN 2024: A contingent of 334 Indian Army personnel has departed for Nepal to participate in the 18th Battalion Level Joint Military Exercise, known as SURYA KIRAN. This exercise is scheduled to occur in Saljhandi, Nepal, from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025, a annual event that alternates between India and Nepal. The exercise follows successful visits by military leaders from both nations. General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Indian Army, visited Nepal, while General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Nepal’s Army, visited India. These interactions encourage mutual understanding and collaboration.
3. INS Sarvekshak Conducts Survey in Mauritius: INS Sarvekshak docked at Port Louis, Mauritius, marks a collaboration between India and Mauritius in the field of hydrography. The ship’s arrival was met with a warm welcome from Indian and Mauritian officials, underscoring the importance of this joint initiative. The primary aim of the survey is to enhance Mauritius’s maritime infrastructure. The collaboration will focus on resource management and coastal development planning. Improved hydrographic data will facilitate better navigation and safety at sea.
SPORTS
1. 33 medals for India at Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship 2024: The young Indian weightlifters finished their campaign at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 with a credible 33 medals – 7 gold,16 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Jyoshna Sabar of Uttar Pradesh stood out with three gold medals and a new Asian record.In the 2023 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the Indian weightlifting contingent finished with a total of 42 medals.The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 was organised by the Asian Weightlifting Federation in Doha, Qatar.The Youth Championship was open for weightlifters in the age category of 13-17 years while weightlifters between the ages of 15-20 years were eligible for the Asian Junior Championship.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. ISRO’s LVM3 Rocket Achieves Multi-Orbit Capability: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently marked milestone with its LVM3 rocket, which allows the rocket to place satellites in various orbits during a single mission. The development of a “multi-element ignitor” for the CE-20 Cryogenic engine was crucial for this capability. The CE-20 Cryogenic engine is integral to the LVM3’s final stage. It plays a very important role in accurately placing satellites into their designated orbits. The successful test confirmed that the engine functions as intended.
ISRO employed a “Sea Level test” for the Cryogenic engine. This method, while not typically ideal, was adapted to simulate full operational duration. The Nozzle Protection System further enhanced the testing’s effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. ICICI Pru Life, RGA launch product to cover women-specific ailments: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has launched a first-of-its-kind health product catering to women-specific critical illnesses and surgeries.ICICI Pru Wish has been developed in collaboration with Reinsurance Group of America Inc., a leading global life and health reinsurer.The product offers an instant payout of up to 100 per cent of the health cover amount on diagnosis of critical illnesses such as breast, cervical, uterine cancers and heart ailments to name a few.
2. SEBI fines Jaiprakash Power for misrepresenting co’s financial statements: Markets regulator SEBI imposed a penalty totalling Rs 54 lakh on Jaiprakash Power Ventures, its MD and CEO Suren Jain and other top officials for misrepresenting the company’s financial statements. Others who have been penalised by Sebi are the company’s chairperson Manoj Gaur, executive directors — Sunil Kumar Sharma and Praveen Kumar Singh — chief financial officer R K Porwal and former whole-time member M K V Rama Rao. They have been directed to pay the fine within 45 days. This came after the regulator conducted an investigation in the matter of Jaiprakash Power Ventures Ltd (JPVL), a part of the Jaypee Group of companies, to ascertain the possible violations of PFUTP (Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices) and LODR (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) rules.
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