National News

The Anand Marriage Act Implementation in Jammu and Kashmir

• The Sikh community's longstanding demand has been met with a significant development in Jammu and Kashmir as the administration implements the Anand Marriage Act.
• This act offers statutory recognition to Sikh marriage rituals, allowing couples to register their unions under specific regulations rather than the Hindu Marriage Act.
• The recently introduced 'Jammu and Kashmir Anand Marriage Registration Rules, 2023' delineate the procedures for registering these marriages.
• As of November 30, tehsildars within their territorial jurisdictions will serve as registrars for Anand marriages.

Overhaul of Indian Post Office Act with the Post Office Bill, 2023

• The Indian Parliament has approved the Post Office Bill, 2023, replacing the age-old Indian Post Office Act, 1898, in a move to modernize and consolidate the legal framework for post offices in India.
• This new legislation grants post office employees the authority to open, detain, or intercept items during transmission for national security or public safety.
• However, this power is subject to specific conditions. The Bill also provides immunity for post office employees from liability in service delivery, with exceptions for fraudulent or willful actions causing loss, delay, or misdelivery of services.

International News

President Sisi's Third Term Amid Economic Challenges in Egypt

• President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi secures a third term in Egypt's latest election, held from December 10-12, winning 89.6% of the vote.
• Despite economic hardships and regional tensions, the victory was expected due to limited opposition. Egypt grapples with a severe economic crisis, marked by a 36.4% annual inflation rate, impacting household budgets.
• Even before the crisis, two-thirds of the population lived at or below the poverty line. The win comes amid heightened regional tensions from the Israel-Hamas war in neighboring Gaza, adding to the challenges faced by Sisi's administration.

Defence News

India's Sustainable Maritime Technology with 'Barracuda'

• India takes a significant step towards sustainable maritime technology with the unveiling of 'Barracuda,' the nation's fastest solar electric boat, at the Navgathi Yard in Panavally, Alappuzha.
• Named 'Saur Shakthi,' this collaborative effort between Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd and eco-marine tech company Navalt symbolizes India's commitment to a greener maritime future.
• The 14-meter-long and 4.4-meter-wide Barracuda, designed by Navalt, features twin 50-kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6-kW solar power, reaching a top speed of 12 knots (23 kmph).
• With a range of seven hours on a single charge, it stands as a formidable addition to eco-friendly maritime transportation.

Banking News

RBI Central Board's Deliberations on Economic Landscape

• The 605th meeting of the Central Board of Directors of the Reserve Bank of India, led by Governor Shaktikanta Das, meticulously examined the prevailing economic and financial landscape.
• Against the backdrop of challenging global geopolitical developments, discussions aimed to dissect both domestic and international scenarios.
• The board scrutinized global and domestic economic and financial conditions, with special attention to intricate challenges arising from ongoing geopolitical shifts.
• A key highlight was the discussion on the draft report shedding light on the trends and progress of banking in India for the fiscal year 2022-23, providing insights into the trajectory and evolution of the banking sector.

Important Days News

Goa Liberation Day 2023: Commemorating Freedom from Portuguese Rule

• Goa Liberation Day, observed annually on December 19, holds immense significance, marking the 62nd anniversary of Goa's liberation from Portuguese colonial rule.
• This day pays tribute to the resilience and determination of the people of Goa in their pursuit of freedom.
• Despite India gaining independence from British rule in 1947, Goa remained under Portuguese control for 451 years.
• Diplomatic efforts by the Indian government failed, leading to the military intervention that ultimately liberated the region.

Awards News

Global Icon Award for Dr. Srinivas Naik Dharavath at G20 Summit

• Srinivas Naik Dharavath, Chairman and Managing Director of Real Vision Homes Pvt Ltd, received the prestigious Global Icon Award at the G20 Initiative Summit in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
• Hailing from Suryapet, Telangana, Dharavath's visionary leadership has established Real Vision Homes as a trusted name in the industry.
• The summit, commemorating the 200-year anniversary of Indians' arrival in Sri Lanka, received United Nations recognition for the community's contributions and efforts to address historical challenges.

Indian Armed Forces Officers Honored with 'Golden Owl' in Sri Lanka

• Three officers from the Indian Armed Forces, Wing Commander Sumeet Mahajan, Major Rohit, and Lieutenant Commander Sunny Sharma, were awarded the prestigious 'Golden Owl' at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Sri Lanka.
• Their exceptional performance in joint operations and higher command secured the top positions among foreign student officers, symbolizing the pinnacle of success at the DSCSC course.

Agreements News

India and ADB Collaborate with $250M Loan for Industrial Corridor Development

• The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) sealed their collaboration with a $250 million policy-based loan on December 15, 2023, as part of the Industrial Corridor Development Programme (Subprogramme 2).
• This financial support aims to enhance manufacturing competitiveness, strengthen national supply chains, and integrate with global value chains.
• Anticipated to impact various sectors, including agribusiness, automotives, electronics, food and beverages, heavy machinery, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, the program is expected to create jobs and contribute significantly to poverty alleviation in the corridor states.

IIT Kanpur's Collaboration with Indian Navy for Technology Development

• The Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK), and the Indian Navy have inked a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Naval Headquarters.
• This collaborative initiative seeks to advance technology development, promote innovative solutions, and engage in joint Research and Development (R&D)
• The comprehensive MoU establishes a framework for both entities to intensify capacity-building efforts, envisioning the exchange of faculty and guest lectures to address real-world challenges faced by the Indian Navy.

NSDC's Collaborative Effort with Saudi Arabia for Indian Laborers’ Rights

• The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the protection of rights for skilled Indian laborers.
• This collaborative initiative seeks to enhance transparency and ensure the well-being of Indian workers employed in Saudi Arabia.
• Ved Mani Tiwari, the CEO of NSDC, highlighted the organization's collaboration with 13 countries and outlined plans to establish 30 international skill centers in the near future, further expanding its global outreach.
• Established on July 31, 2008, NSDC operates as a not-for-profit public limited company under the Companies Act, 1956, with the primary objective of catalyzing the establishment of substantial, high-quality, and financially sustainable vocational institutions.

Appointments News

Reuven Azar's Appointment as Israel’s New Ambassador to India

• In a significant diplomatic development, the Israeli government approved the appointment of Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador to India on December 17.
• With graduate and post-graduate degrees in International Relations from the Hebrew University, Azar's academic prowess complements his extensive diplomatic experience.
• Currently serving as the Ambassador of Israel to Romania, Azar will also take on the role of non-resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Bhutan.
• This appointment is part of a broader initiative by the Israeli government to designate 21 new Heads of Missions, showcasing Azar's wealth of experience acquired over nearly three decades.

Sports News

Zinc Football Academy Attains AIFF’s Elite 3-Star Rating

• Zinc Football Academy, a CSR initiative of Hindustan Zinc, achieved the prestigious 'Elite 3-star' rating by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in just over six years since its inception.
• This recognition solidifies Zinc Football's position among the best youth development academies in India.
• Operating on a full-scholarship model, the academy demonstrates its commitment to fostering and nurturing young footballing talent.
• The Elite 3-star rating opens new opportunities for Zinc Football Academy, allowing participation in the prestigious AIFF Youth League alongside the youth teams of ISL and I-League clubs.

Mitchell Starc's Record-Breaking ₹24.75 Crore Bid by KKR in IPL Auction

• Mitchell Starc, the Australian pace bowler, made a remarkable return to the IPL as Kolkata Knight Riders secured him for the 2024 season with a record bid of ₹24.75 crore.
• The bidding war saw intense competition, with Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals initially vying for his services, reaching ₹9.6 crore.
• Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Titans further elevated the bidding, surpassing the ₹10 crore and eventually breaking the ₹20 crore thresholds.
• Starc, who played a crucial role in Australia’s ICC World Cup victory, is set to make a significant impact in the upcoming IPL season with Kolkata Knight Riders.

Haryana Dominates Medal Tally in Khelo India Para Games 2023

• The Khelo India Para Games 2023 concluded on December 17 in New Delhi, showcasing the extraordinary talents of para athletes nationwide.
• In the inaugural edition of the event, Haryana emerged as the overall winner, securing a total of 105 medals, including 40 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronze.
• The competition featured around 1,450 para athletes from 32 states and Union Territories. Notable among Haryana's outstanding performances was Pranav Soorma's record-setting achievement in the club throw event, winning gold and setting a new Asian record with an impressive throw of 33.54 meters.