National News

Landmark Approval for Three Criminal Code Bills

• On December 25, President Draupadi Murmu granted her assent to three groundbreaking criminal code bills, ushering in a new era for India's legal framework.
• The approved bills, namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Act, are set to replace the archaic Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872.
• These legislations aim to redefine various offenses and associated punishments. Notably, the bills introduce a clear definition of terrorism and a novel section titled "Offences Against the State."
• Additionally, the concept of sedition as a crime is abolished, making way for a more contemporary legal framework.

Milestone Celebration in Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight during the ongoing Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra (VBSY) as the issuance of one crore Ayushman cards marked a significant achievement.
• Under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (#PMJAY), these cards offer free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakh per annum per family at empanelled hospitals nationwide.
• Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed that India has achieved a commendable landmark, with 1,02,23,619 Ayushman cards created during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.
• This achievement not only highlights the strength of the country's health infrastructure but also propels healthcare excellence in India.

International News

Angola's Departure from OPEC

• Angola, a significant oil-producing nation, has announced its decision to exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) effective from January 1, 2024.
• Following the footsteps of Ecuador in 2020 and Qatar in 2019, this move reflects a trend of nations with relatively small oil output distancing themselves from the influential oil-exporting organization.
• Since joining OPEC in 2007, Angola actively participated in the organization's efforts to manage the oil market, collaborating with other member nations and non-members within the OPEC+ group.

India's Strategic Move in Argentina for Lithium Blocks

• In a significant development, India is set to acquire exploration and development rights for five lithium blocks in Argentina, marking its second international foray into critical minerals after a partnership with Australia in 2022.
• The Indian government plans to invest around Rs 200 crore over the next five years for exploration, signaling a strategic commitment to securing a domestic supply of critical minerals.
• Argentina, holding 21% of the world’s lithium reserves concentrated in the Lithium Triangle, is a key partner for India.
• The salt-lake lithium extraction method employed in Argentina proves economically favorable, contributing significantly to production.

State News

Uttar Pradesh's Vision: India’s First AI City in Lucknow

• Uttar Pradesh, India’s largest state, is making history by establishing the country’s first AI city in Lucknow.
• This visionary initiative aims to create a thriving hub for artificial intelligence, integrating cutting-edge technology, research centers, and educational institutions to foster innovation and nurture the workforce of the future.
• According to a report by Grand View Research, the global AI market size reached $137 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 37.3% from 2023 to 2030.
• Uttar Pradesh’s move to build an AI city aligns with the escalating global significance of artificial intelligence.

Bihar Police’s ‘Mission Investigation@75 Days’

• The Bihar Police has announced the implementation of ‘Mission Investigation@75 Days,’ aiming to streamline and expedite the criminal justice process in the state.
• Starting from January 1 next year, investigators will be mandated to complete the investigation of cases within 75 days of the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs).
• The initiative aims to ensure that investigations, including the filing of chargesheets, are concluded within 75 days of the registration of FIRs.

Khelo India Youth Games 2023: Tamil Nadu Takes the Stage

• The Khelo India Youth Games, a pinnacle in India’s sporting landscape, is set to kick off its 2023 edition on January 19, 2024, in Tamil Nadu.
• The southern state has proudly been chosen as the host, and the Games will unfold across four vibrant cities: Chennai, Madurai, Trichy, and
• Organized by the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India and various National Sports Federations (NSF), this event is a crucial platform for nurturing the nation’s young sports talent.
• In a historic move, Squash is being introduced in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time since its inception in 2018. This inclusion further diversifies the range of sports and provides a broader platform for athletes to showcase their prowess.

Important Days News

Veer Bal Diwas 2023: Honoring Sacrifice and Devotion

• Commencing on January 9, 2022, the announcement by the Hon. Prime Minister declared December 26 as 'Veer Bal Diwas,' commemorating the martyrdom of Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji, sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh.
• This day, initiated on the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, stands as a solemn remembrance, paying homage to the resilience and devotion to Sikhism exhibited by Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh.

Good Governance Day 2023: Celebrating Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Legacy

• Celebrated on December 25, 2023, Good Governance Day honors the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• This day acknowledges Vajpayee's leadership and contributions to society during his three terms as the Prime Minister of India.
• The genesis of Good Governance Day dates back to December 23, 2014, when Vajpayee was awarded the Bharat Ratna, alongside Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
• In recognition of this honor, December 25 was declared Good Governance Day, celebrating Vajpayee's enduring legacy.

Appointments News

Satish Kumar Kalra Appointed as MD & CEO of North East SFB

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted approval for the appointment of Satish Kumar Kalra as the interim Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bengaluru-based North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB), backed by fintech Slice.
• With a distinguished background in banking, Kalra, former MD and CEO of Andhra Bank, brings expertise in credit, treasury, and risk management.
• This appointment signifies a strategic move for NESFB, aligning with its growth objectives.

Pramod Agrawal Assumes Role as BSE Chairman

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the appointment of Pramod Agrawal, former Chief of Coal India, as the Chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE).
• Effective from January 17, 2024, Agrawal's tenure begins as the current Chairman, SS Mundra, concludes his term on January 16, 2024.
• Agrawal's academic foundation from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and expertise in engineering positions him well for this crucial role.

Sports News

Historic Test Victory for India Women Over Australia

• India Women achieved a historic milestone with their maiden Test victory over Australia in Mumbai on December 24.
• Culminating their first 'home season' of Test cricket in 28 years, India posted their highest total ever against Australia in Tests, securing an eight-wicket win.
• Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana's partnership played a pivotal role, exemplifying a season marked by exemplary performances with both bat and ball.

Books & Authors News

Raghuram Rajan’s 'Breaking The Mould': A Blueprint for India’s Economic Future

• Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan, in collaboration with economist Rohit Lamba, has released a groundbreaking book titled 'Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future.'
• This comprehensive exploration delves into strategies for accelerating India’s economic development.
• The authors advocate investing in human capital, expanding opportunities in high-skilled services and innovative manufacturing, and transforming India into a hub of ideas and creativity.

Science & Technology News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Unveils Collected Works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya

• On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the first series of 11 volumes comprising the collected works of Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya.
• This bilingual masterpiece, featuring content in both English and Hindi, spans approximately 4,000 pages and gathers the writings and speeches of the visionary founder of Banaras Hindu University.
• Published by the Publications Division under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, this collection is a testament to Malaviya’s profound influence.

Aditya-L1’s Arrival Confirmed: A Milestone in Solar Exploration

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman, S Somanath, announced the scheduled arrival of Aditya-L1, India’s first solar mission, at the Lagrangian point L1 on January 6.
• Launched on September 2, the mission aims to achieve a stable orbit 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth, facilitating continuous and in-depth studies of the Sun.
• This critical stage signifies a monumental achievement in India’s foray into solar exploration.