National News

PM Modi Unveils 7th Edition Of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’

• The seventh edition of Pariksha Pe Charcha has been officially announced by the Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan.
• This unique initiative is designed to enhance student engagement and provide a platform for dialogue on various educational aspects.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to interact with participants, including parents and teachers, addressing topics from board exams to student aspirations.
• Participants, selected through MyGov competitions, will receive special Pariksha Pe Charcha Kits from the Ministry of Education, acknowledging their active participation in the educational discourse.

Defense Minister Flags In ‘Mission Antarctica’ By Himalayan Mountaineering Team

• On December 13, 2023, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt ceremoniously flagged in a team from the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, which successfully completed ‘Mission Antarctica.’
• The team, led by Group Captain Jai Kishan, achieved the pinnacle of their expedition by hoisting the National Flag atop Mt Rhenock in Sikkim Himalayas at an impressive altitude of 16,500 feet.
• This remarkable feat concluded the mega roadshow, ‘Mera Yuva Bharat Yatra,’ earning recognition from the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records.

State News

Pune Surpasses China, Clinches Guinness World Record For Largest Reading Activity

• In a historic moment for India, Pune secured a place in the prestigious ‘Guinness World Record‘ books by hosting the largest reading activity, surpassing China's previous record.
• On December 14th, 2023, at SP College, a total of 3,066 parents gathered to read aloud to their children, breaking the previous record of 2,884 simultaneous readers.
• The National Book Trust orchestrated this extraordinary feat as part of the Pune Book Festival, creating a magical atmosphere and leaving an indelible mark in history.

Defense News

Indian Navy To Recommission Maldives-Gifted, Decommissioned Ship

• The Indian Navy is set to re-induct a refurbished 22-year-old fast attack craft, INS Tarmugli, in a ceremonial commissioning ceremony at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam.
• This marks a significant milestone, as INS Tarmugli returns to active service more than seventeen years after being gifted to the Maldives.
• The ship, originally commissioned in the Indian Navy as INS Tillanchang, served actively until 2006, having the unique distinction of serving under the flag of two nations with three names.

Economy News

Robust Growth In Net Direct Tax Collection: At Rs 10.6 Trillion, Rises 23.4% In Apr-Nov

• In the first eight months of the current fiscal year, net direct tax collection witnessed a substantial surge, reaching Rs 10.64 trillion, a remarkable 23.4% increase compared to the corresponding period last year.
• The Ministry of Finance reported that this collection represents 58.34% of the Budget Estimates for the fiscal year.
• The government aims to collect Rs 18.23 trillion through direct taxes for the entire fiscal year, maintaining a total tax collection target of Rs 33.61 trillion.

ADB Revises India’s Growth Projection To 6.7% For FY24

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has adjusted India’s growth projection for the current financial year, FY24, from 6.3% to a more optimistic 6.7%.
• The second quarter's higher-than-anticipated GDP growth of 7.6% has propelled the overall growth for the first half (April-September) to an impressive 7.7%.
• ADB maintains its growth forecast for India at 6.7% for the next financial year, FY25. Inflation forecasts remain steady at 5.5% for the current financial year.

Summits Conferences News

Bihar Business Summit 2023: Massive Investment Inflows Of Rs 50,530 Crore Through MoUs

• The Bihar Business Summit 2023 witnessed the successful signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth an impressive Rs 50,530 crore with approximately 300 companies.
• Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the Bihar Logistics Policy 2023, aiming to establish world-class infrastructure for both industrial and social advancement.
• The Adani Group, a major contributor to the investment surge, declared an additional investment of Rs 8,700 crore in Bihar, spanning sectors like cement manufacturing, logistics, and agro-industry, further enhancing the state's economic landscape.

Ranks & Reports News

Shah Rukh Khan Tops UK's List Of World’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities Post Success Of Pathaan And Jawan

• As 2023 comes to a close, Shah Rukh Khan achieves a remarkable feat by becoming the first leading man from the modern era to deliver three massive Bollywood blockbuster hits in a single calendar year.
• Securing the top position in the UK's list of the World’s Top 50 Asian Celebrities, Shah Rukh Khan's success is truly noteworthy.
• Following closely in the second spot is the talented and popular actress Alia Bhatt, reaffirming her status as a powerhouse performer in Bollywood.
• Diljit Dosanjh, the biggest Punjabi star, secures the fourth place, adding a unique flavor to his illustrious career.

Zepto Founders Top Hurun India’s List Of ‘Top 100 Under 30’

• The recently unveiled Hurun India Top 100 Under 30 List 2023 showcases inspiring success stories of young entrepreneurs making waves in various industries.
• Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha, the founders of the Quick Commerce app Zepto, claim the top spots.
• Zepto, the first Indian unicorn of 2023 with a valuation of $1.4 billion, has garnered attention for its commitment to delivering a diverse array of products within minutes.
• Neelakantha Bhanu Prakash, founder of Bhanzu, secures a close second position, globally recognized as the world’s fastest human calculator.

Awards News

Antim Panghal Named UWW Rising Star Of The Year

• Indian wrestler Antim Panghal earns the title of Rising Star of the Year among women by the United World Wrestling (UWW).
• The 19-year-old dynamo, competing in the 53 kg category, has overshadowed senior stalwart Vinesh Phogat with a remarkable season.
• Hailing from Haryana, Antim Panghal is the only two-time junior world champion for India, laying a strong foundation for her rapid rise in the senior ranks.

Indira Gandhi Peace Prize Awarded To Daniel Barenboim And Ali Abu Awwad

• The prestigious Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development for 2023 is jointly conferred upon renowned classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad.
• Ali Abu Awwad's resilience represents dedication to transforming conflict into cooperation, while Daniel Barenboim stands as a beacon of hope in the pursuit of harmony in West Asia.
• The award, presented annually, recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion of international peace, disarmament, and development.

Vijay Amritraj And Leander Paes Inducted Into International Tennis Hall Of Fame

• In a historic moment for Indian tennis, legends Vijay Amritraj and Leander Paes become the first Asian men to be inducted into the esteemed International Tennis Hall of Fame.
• Leander Paes, an 18-time Grand Slam champion, secures his place in the Player category, while Vijay Amritraj, a tennis icon and successful broadcaster, is honored in the Contributor category.

Agreements News

DAE And IDRS Labs Collaborate On Aktocyte Tablets For Cancer

• In a landmark collaboration, scientists from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Bengaluru-based IDRS Labs join forces to develop Aktocyte tablets for the treatment of pelvic cancer.
• Designed as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, these tablets mark a significant advancement in cancer care.
• The collaborative effort aims to minimize the side effects of radiotherapy, enhancing treatment efficacy while reducing adverse effects.

Sports News

BCCI Decides To Retire MS Dhoni’s Iconic No.7 Jersey

• In a move honoring cricket legends, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decides to retire the iconic No.7 jersey worn by former captain MS Dhoni.
• This symbolic gesture follows the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar’s No.10 jersey in 2017. Dhoni’s last appearance in the No.7 jersey during the 2019 World Cup semi-final adds a poignant touch to his illustrious career.

Miscellaneous News

CEO Tavares Marks A New Era For Stellantis In India

• Stellantis N.V. CEO Carlos Tavares emphasizes the strategic importance of India in the company’s global operations.
• The Dare Forward 2030 global strategic plan aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” initiative.
• With over $1 billion invested since 2015, Stellantis operates crucial facilities in India, contributing to global software development and serving as a hub for vehicles, components, and mobility technologies.