1 India launches UG Minor in Quantum Technologies
India’s first undergraduate (UG) minor programme in “ Quantum Technologies ”, jointly launched by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Quantum Mission (NQM) , is set to begin from the next academic session. Designed for engineering students of the third or fourth semester, the programme aims to prepare a skilled workforce in quantum computing and related fields , which aligns with the objectives of India’s National Quantum Mission. The UG minor programme offers engineering and technology students an opportunity to specialise in quantum technologies, covering key topics such as quantum mechanics, quantum computing, quantum cryptography and quantum algorithms. The initiative positions India as a key player in the global quantum landscape, fostering talent in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
2 Dr Jitendra Singh launches ‘Vikasit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative to strengthen grassroots governance
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ‘ Uttar Pradesh Panchayat Karmayogi ’ initiative on the occasion of Good Governance Day , observed to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee , as a significant step to strengthen governance at the grassroots level . The initiative, which is part of the broader ‘ Governance to Village ’ campaign, aims to enhance the capacity and capability of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) by equipping elected representatives and officials with the necessary tools and knowledge for effective governance and participatory planning. Through technology-based solutions, such as e-learning platforms, AI-enabled chatbots and mobile apps, the initiative will bridge the knowledge gap and improve public service delivery, while fostering sustainable development in rural India.
3 12th class student creates history, conquers the highest peak of seven continents
Kamya Karthikeyan, a Class 12 student of Navy Children School, Mumbai , has etched her name in history as she became the youngest girl to climb the seven highest peaks on seven continents . The 17-year-old mountaineer completed her extraordinary feat by reaching the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica on December 24. Accompanied by her father Commander S. Karthikeyan, she achieved the feat at 5:20 pm Chile Standard Time. Kamya’s record-breaking adventures include climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa , Mount Elbrus in Europe , Mount Kosciuszko in Australia , Mount Aconcagua in South America , Mount Denali in North America and Mount Everest in Asia , which she conquered at the age of just 16. Her victory in Antarctica has now completed the prestigious Seven Summit Challenge. She was awarded the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar in 2021. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also praised her in his Mann Ki Baat address.
4 Highest ever coal production in the country in 2023-24
India achieved its highest ever coal production of 997.826 million tonnes (MT) in the financial year 2023-24 . Its production has increased by 11.71% as compared to 893.191 MT in 2022-23. The Union Coal Ministry gave this information on 27 December. The ministry has supplied 963.11 metric tonnes of coal till December 15, 2024. This shows an increase of 6.47% compared to last year. In this, 792.958 metric tonnes of coal was received for power generation, which increased by 5.02% compared to last year. At the same time, non-regulatory sectors i.e. NRS saw an increase of 14.48%, in which 171.236 metric tonnes were supplied. Between January 1 and December 18, 2024, 16,838.34 acres of land was acquired for subsidiaries of Coal India Limited.
5 Russia declares federal state of emergency due to oil spill in Black Sea
Russian authorities have declared a federal state of emergency due to a catastrophic oil spill off the Black Sea coast . The environmental crisis, which occurred on December 15, has caused widespread pollution in the area, seriously impacting local communities, marine ecosystems and the coastal economy. On December 15, two Russian-flagged oil tankers suffered severe damage during a storm near the Kerch Strait, causing large amounts of fuel oil (mazut) to leak into the Black Sea. The spill polluted about 55 kilometers (34 miles) of coastline.
6 Bosnia’s “Balkan Blues” recognized by UNESCO
Sevdalinka, Bosnia ‘s traditional love song , often called the “ Balkan blues ,” is recognized by UNESCO on 27 December 2024 and added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage . Sevdalinka, often performed a cappella or accompanied by traditional instruments such as the harp, has been passed down from generation to generation through performances at family gatherings.
7 Nvidia launches its most affordable generative AI supercomputer
Nvidia has recently announced the launch of its Jetson Orin Nano Super Generative AI supercomputer , a significant advancement in affordable AI solutions . Priced at $249 , this new model is much cheaper than its predecessor, which was priced at $499. The new Jetson Orin Nano promises to deliver great AI performance, making it an ideal choice for a variety of users, including hobbyists, developers, and students.
8 Indian Grandmaster Koneru Humpy won the World Rapid and Blitz Championship title
India’s Grandmaster Koneru Humpy has won the World Rapid and Blitz Championship title by defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in New York . Humpy won the tournament by scoring 8.5 points in the 11th round. Koneru Humpy has become the second player to win this title more than once after China ‘s Ju Wenjun . Humpy had earlier won this competition in Georgia in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Koneru Humpy on winning the FIDE Women’s World Rapid Championship. In the men’s category , Russia’s Volodar Murzin has won this championship. Murzin’s victory has made him the second youngest FIDE World Rapid Champion after Nodirbek Abdusattorov.
9 Nitish Reddy became the youngest Indian to score a century in Australia
Nitish Reddy scored a century against Australia in Melbourne on 28 December . With this he became the youngest Indian to score a century in Australia . Earlier this record was in the name of Sachin Tendulkar . Reddy and Washington Sundar shared a 127-run partnership for the eighth wicket. This is the second-highest partnership for the eighth wicket in Australia. Sachin Tendulkar and Harbhajan Singh are at the top of the list.
10 Motorist Hemanth Mudappa created a record 15th national title by winning the India National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2024
Motorist Hemanth Muddappa won a record 15th national title by capturing the India National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2024 for the third time at the Chennai Madras International Circuit . Muddappa of Mantra Racing participated in three categories in the 2024 national competition. Muddappa later said that he is proud to be the first Indian motor sports player to win 15 national titles.
11 Haryana Steelers won the 11th Pro Kabaddi League Championship
Haryana Steelers have won the 11th Pro Kabaddi League Championship . They defeated Patna Pirates 32-23 in the final. The match was played at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune . Haryana has won the title in this prestigious tournament for the first time. Shivam Patare of Haryana Steelers scored nine points. The winning team got three crore rupees and the runners-up got one crore 80 lakh rupees. Devank Dalal of Patna Pirates scored the highest 301 points in 25 matches in Pro Kabaddi League 2024.
12 BFI chief Ajay Singh joins Asian body’s board
World Boxing has added Asia as its newest member, a significant step towards ensuring the sport’s presence at the Olympic Games, particularly at Los Angeles 2028 and beyond. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has emerged as a key contributor in the new structure, with seven influential positions secured. BFI president Ajay Singh will serve as a board member , while other Indian officials will play key roles on various commissions. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain has been appointed to the Athletes’ Commission to ensure athletes have a voice in shaping the future of the sport.
13 Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen performed brilliantly and secured third place in the King Cup International Badminton Open
Indian badminton player Lakshya Sen performed brilliantly and secured third place by defeating French player Alex Lanier in straight games in the King Cup International Badminton Open in Shenzhen, China . 23-year-old Lakshya Sen defeated Lanier 21-17, 21-11. He received about Rs 36 lakh as prize money in the first session of the tournament.
