National News
UK universities set to set up campus in Gujarat’s GIFT City
two universities of britainQueen’s University Belfast and Coventry University have filed applications to establish international campuses gift city of gujarat, Continuing the trend started by Australian institutions. This is an important step as India has opened its doors to foreign educational institutions by relaxing the rules.
International news
America declares Bald Eagle as national bird after 250 years
On Christmas Eve 2024, President Joe Biden signed a historic law officially designating The bald eagle was declared the national bird of the United States. Although the bald eagle has been an enduring symbol of the country, appearing on the Great Seal of the United States since 1782, it was never formally recognized as the national bird until this legislation. Led by Minnesota lawmakers, this decision honors the bald eagle’s symbolic representation of strength, courage and independence, while acknowledging its remarkable recovery from near extinction.
China approves $137 billion mega dam on Brahmaputra near Indian border
China has approved its construction World’s largest dam on Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) in Tibet, close to the Indian border. is estimated at $137 billion, The project raises strategic and environmental concerns for India and Bangladesh. The huge hydropower dam, located on an earthquake-prone tectonic boundary, has been rated as safe by Chinese authorities, who emphasize ecological conservation and advanced engineering techniques.
defense news
SLINEX 2024 India Sri Lanka Navy Drill in Visakhapatnam
bilateral naval exercises SLINEX 24 (Sri Lanka-India Exercise 2024) It was conducted from 17 to 20 December 2024 at Visakhapatnam under the Eastern Naval Command. This annual exercise is an important platform to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance interoperability and ensure a secure, rules-based maritime domain. Indian OceanSLINEX 24 was conducted in two phases – Harbor Phase and Sea Phase – and involved participation of special forces and major naval ships from both navies.
India’s defense exports amount to Rs. Reached Rs 21,083 crore in 2023-24
In the financial year 2023-24, India has made an important achievement in its defense sector. Country’s defense exports reach record-high value Rs 21,083 crore (about US$2.63 billion)Which shows an increase of 32.5% compared to the previous year. This growth is part of a broader trend in India’s defense sector, reflecting both increased domestic production and export capabilities. Parallel to this, India’s indigenous defense production also set a record with a value of Rs 1,26,887 crore, showing a growth of 16.7% over the previous financial year. joint efforts of Private Sector and Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).) have been critical in this success, contributing to a strong and self-reliant defense ecosystem.
state news
UP CM Inaugurates Atal Yuva Maha Kumbh
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated ‘Atal Yuva Maha Kumbh’ In Lucknow in honor of the birth centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The event aimed to celebrate Vajpayee’s legacy, including recognition of meritorious students, cultural tributes and a discussion on Vajpayee’s contributions. December 25 is Vajpayee’s 100th birth anniversary, which is also celebrated as ‘Good Governance Day’ across India.
banking news
Indian banks’ profitability rises with low NPAs and strong credit growth
Indian public sector banks (PSBs) have reported strong profitability 25% increase in net profit in H1 2024-25, total Rs 85,520 croreCompared to Rs 68,500 crore in the first half of 2023-24This upward trajectory is expected to continue, taking PSB profits from Rs 1.5 trillion figure for FY25Key factors contributing to this growth include low NPAs, strong loan growth and a solid capital adequacy ratio.
Amitav Chatterjee appointed as MD and CEO of J&K Bank
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Bank share price increased 7.4% on 26 December 2024After the announcement of Amitav Chatterjee’s appointment as new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)This significant development comes after the bank’s board appointed Chatterjee for a three-year tenure beginning December 30, 2024. With the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) having approved his appointment, Chatterjee is set to take over from Baldev Prakash, who retires on December 27. 2024.
RBI constitutes panel for ethical AI framework in financial sector
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted a eight member committee to develop Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (Free-AI) In the financial sector. Announced during the RBI’s December monetary policy meeting, the initiative focuses on guiding responsible adoption of AI technologies in financial services such as banks, NBFCs, fintechs and payment system operators.
economy news
India’s economic growth forecast for FY25: 6.5%
India’s economic growth is expected To reach 6.5% in FY25 Despite a weak performance in the first half, as mentioned in Monthly Economic Review of the Ministry of Finance. The report mainly attributed the slowdown to the restrictive monetary policy stance of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and weak demand. While global uncertainties are weighing on the economy, domestic factors such as agricultural activity and industrial gains are expected to boost growth in the second half of the fiscal year.
schemes news
‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ Initiative
On Good Governance Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated ‘Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi’ Initiative, aim of empowerment Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) And decentralize governance. This initiative is part of a broader ‘Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur’ campaign, Which strives to enhance governance at the grassroots level by providing modern tools and knowledge to elected representatives and officials for effective decision making and planning.
Summit and Conference News
PM Modi presides over the 45th Pragati meeting
Presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi 45th Pragati Meeting on December 26, 2024, Focusing on eight major projects and review of public complaints. An ICT-based multi-modal platform facilitates coordination between the Central and State Governments for progress, pro-active governance and timely implementation. The projects reviewed in this meeting included sectors such as urban transport, road connectivity, thermal power and renewable energy, with a total cost of more than Rs 1 lakh crore. The Prime Minister stressed the importance of timely execution, efficiently resolving public grievances and adopting innovative practices for project implementation.
awards news
RINL wins gold medal in AP State Energy Conservation Awards 2024
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP)has achieved a prestigious victory gold award Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Award in 2024. The award presented by the State Energy Conservation Mission of Andhra Pradesh recognizes RINL’s impressive initiatives in energy conservation in the iron and steel sector. This achievement highlights the company’s commitment towards sustainability and innovation in harnessing waste energy over the last three years.
President confers PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024
President Draupadi Murmu presented Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2024 On 26th December 2024 17 extraordinary children From all over India. These awards honor notable achievements Seven categories: Art and Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science and Technology, Social Service, Sports and EnvironmentDuring the ceremony, the President appreciated the award winners for their extraordinary contributions and stressed the importance of providing opportunities to children to hone their talents. He highlighted the courage and patriotism displayed by these young achievers, which inspires confidence in India’s future.
science and technology news
Nvidia unveils Jetson Orin Nano super generative AI supercomputer
Nvidia has recently announced the launch of its Jetson Orin Nano Super Generative AI SupercomputerMarks a significant advancement in affordable AI solutions. with Price-tag of $249This new model is significantly more affordable than its predecessor, which was priced at $499. The new Jetson Orin Nano promises to deliver exceptional AI performance, making it an ideal choice for a variety of users car enthusiast, developersAnd Student,
obituary news
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passes away
former prime minister Dr. Manmohan SinghA towering figure of Indian politics and economics passed away at the age of 92. Dr. Singh, the 13th Prime Minister of India, served the country from 2004 to 2014 and played a key role as Finance Minister during the economic liberalization of the 1990s. A distinguished economist, scholar and politician, his contributions have left an indelible mark on the economic and political landscape of India.
Former Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki dies at 94
Osamu Suzuki, long serving President and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Died on Christmas Day 2024 at the age of 94. Widely credited with transforming Suzuki into a global automotive powerhouse, he played a key role in revolutionizing the Indian car market. Known for his thrift and astute business acumen, Suzuki was a man with a deep personal commitment to the company he led for more than four decades. His death marks the end of an era for Suzuki, the company he carefully shaped into the global leader in small cars.
