National News

Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023: A Cultural Extravaganza

• The inaugural ceremony of the Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023, held at the historic Red Fort, marked a significant milestone in India's cultural landscape.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design' during the event, underlining the Red Fort's historical significance.
• This event also introduced the student Biennale, Samunnati, and emphasized the establishment of cultural spaces in major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Varanasi.
• The PM positioned IAADB as a crucial step in global cultural integration, hinting at upcoming events like the International Museum Expo and the Festival of Libraries in 2023.

Supreme Court's Landmark Decision on Article 370: Key Highlights

• On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment upholding the Union Government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status.
• Chief Justice DY Chandrachud led the Constitution bench, validating the government's move and clarifying that Article 370 was a temporary provision.
• The court emphasized that the state lacked internal sovereignty, making the concurrence of the State Government unnecessary. This decision marked a pivotal moment in India's constitutional history.

State News

Vishnu Deo Sai Takes Charge as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister

• In a strategic move ahead of the 2024 general elections, the BJP selected Vishnu Deo Sai as its candidate for the Chief Minister's position in Chhattisgarh.
• A tribal leader and former Union Minister, Sai brings a wealth of experience and organizational skills to the table.
• Having served as the president of the Chhattisgarh unit of the BJP and a four-term Member of Parliament, Sai's non-controversial image and party association make him a key player in Chhattisgarh's political landscape.

Uttar Pradesh Delegation at World Economic Forum in Davos

• A high-level delegation from the Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up for the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, from January 15 to 19.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's vision of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a trillion-dollar economy takes center stage.
• The delegation aims to showcase the state's progress and strategic development of metropolitan towns, emphasizing their role as hubs across diverse sectors. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of propelling Uttar Pradesh into the league of trillion-dollar economies within the next five years.

Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam Inaugurated in Vijayawada

• Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, inaugurated the Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam in Vijayawada, a three-day classical music extravaganza.
• The festival features renowned musicians and showcases regional cuisine, local handicrafts, and handlooms.
• Minister Sitharaman emphasized the rich legacy of Telugu culture and the festival's role in reviving traditions and introducing them to the younger generation.
• The event stands as a testament to the cultural vibrancy of Andhra Pradesh.

Defence News

Indian Naval Ship Sumedha's Historic Arrival in Port Lamu, Kenya

• Indian Naval Ship Sumedha made a historic arrival at Port Lamu, Kenya, as part of its long-range deployment to Africa.
• This visit signifies the growing maritime collaboration between India and Kenya, as it marks the first port call by any Indian Naval Ship at the recently developed port in Kenya.
• The engagement includes professional interactions, sporting exchanges, and aims to enhance cooperation between the Indian and Kenyan navies.

Indian Navy's 'Prasthan' Exercise Off Mumbai Coast

• The Indian Navy recently concluded the bi-annual 'Prasthan' exercise off the Mumbai coast, collaborating with defense, state, and civil agencies.
• The exercise, conducted every six months, validates and refines measures to address contingencies in oil production platforms.
• The first phase simulated security emergencies, including terrorist attacks, while the second focused on responding to contingencies like fires on oil platforms.
• 'Prasthan' plays a crucial role in maintaining preparedness and coordination among various agencies.

'Honour Run' in Delhi Commemorates Kargil War Victory

• The Indian Army organized the 'Honour Run – Indian Army Veteran’s Half Marathon' in Delhi on December 10, 2023, to pay tribute to the historic victory in the Kargil War.
• The event aimed to strengthen the connection between the Indian Army, veterans, and the public, especially the youth.
• Over 14,000 participants from diverse backgrounds actively took part, showcasing the nation's unity and energy.
• The 'Honour Run' stands as a testament to the valor and sacrifices made during the Kargil War, fostering a sense of pride and patriotism.

Important Days News

International Mountain Day 2023: Restoring Mountain Ecosystems

• International Mountain Day, celebrated on December 11 annually, highlights the vital role mountains play in our ecosystem.
• The theme for 2023 is "Restoring Mountain Ecosystems," a critical reminder of our responsibility to protect these natural wonders.
• Designated by the United Nations, this day urges global contemplation on preserving mountains, which cover 27% of the Earth's land.
• These majestic formations, home to 15% of the world's population, also host half of the world's biodiversity hotspots, making them essential havens for various plants and animals.

Ranks & Reports News

Startup Funding Challenges: India Slips to 4th Spot in Global Ranking

• India, once a dominant force in the global startup landscape, faces challenges as it slips to the fourth position in 2023's global funding ranking.
• This decline follows consecutive third-place standings in 2021 and 2022. By December 5, India received a modest $7 billion in total funding, trailing behind the US, the UK, and China.
• The third quarter of 2023 saw a substantial 30% drop from the previous quarter and a staggering 54% drop compared to the same period in 2022.
• These challenges necessitate strategic interventions to revitalize India's startup ecosystem.

NITI Aayog's Delta Rankings: Tiriyani Block Leads the Way

• In a significant achievement for the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), Tiriyani Block in Telangana secured the top spot in NITI Aayog's inaugural delta rankings.
• These rankings, based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), reflect the progress made by blocks during the month.
• Additionally, the Achievers of Development Programme (ADP) rankings for October 2023 recognized Rayagada in Odisha and Jamui in Bihar as the top performers. These initiatives underscore the importance of localized development efforts.

ITC Surpasses BAT to Become World's 3rd Most Valuable Tobacco Company

• ITC Ltd has emerged as the third most valuable tobacco company globally, surpassing British American Tobacco (BAT).
• This shift reflects ITC's dynamic business diversification, with a market capitalization of $68.6 billion, outperforming BAT's $64.9 billion.
• ITC's strategic move from tobacco to FMCG, hotels, papers, and agri-products has gained investor confidence.
• Despite constituting only 37% of ITC's gross revenue, the tobacco business remains a substantial contributor, constituting 78% of the company's profit before tax.

India's Rise in Global Climate Performance Index

• India's remarkable climb to the 7th position in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) highlights its commitment to sustainable practices.
• Achieving this ranking for the fifth consecutive year, India excels in renewable energy, showcasing low greenhouse gas emissions and minimal travel-related impact.
• The focus on the food sector significantly contributes to India's impressive standing within the CCPI, reflecting its dedication to environmental stewardship.

Agreements News

REC's Strategic Loan Agreement with German Bank KfW

• REC Limited, a leading Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise, achieved a significant milestone by signing a 200 million Euro loan agreement with German bank KfW.
• This agreement, the sixth under the Indo-German Development Cooperation, emphasizes REC's commitment to strengthening the distribution infrastructure of DISCOMs.
• Aligned with the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), this initiative aims to provide result-linked financial assistance to DISCOMs, promoting development and sustainability.

Awards News

Nikhil Dey Recognized as '2023 International Anti-Corruption Champion'

• Indian social activist Nikhil Dey has been honored as an 'International Anti-Corruption Champion' for 2023 by the US government.
• Co-founder of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), Dey has been a dedicated advocate for policy reforms empowering workers in India.
• Recognized for exposing official corruption, particularly in worker underpayment on official projects, Dey's work focuses on building empowerment campaigns for peasants and workers, targeting corruption in the delivery of essential government services.