1.NITI Aayog signs Statement with United Nations World Food Program
NITI Aayog has signed a Statement with the United Nations World Food Program to support India’s leading role in mainstreaming coarse cereals and knowledge sharing globally . Recognizing the importance of Bajra , India celebrated 2018 as the Year of Bajra to boost the production of Bajra . Taking these efforts forward, India led the UN resolution to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets . Several steps have been taken to promote millet including setting up of Center of Excellence, inclusion of nutritious cereals in the National Food Security Act and establishment of Millet Mission in several states.
2.Pradeep Kumar Rawat appointed as the new Ambassador of India to China
Pradeep Kumar Rawat has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to China . Presently Mr. Rawat is the Ambassador of India to the Netherlands . Mr. Rawat will succeed Vikram Misri . Mr. Misri returned to Delhi earlier this month after completing his three-year term. Mr. Rawat will soon take charge in Beijing.
3.Competition Commission of India approves acquisition of Air India by Tata Sons
Competition Commission of India has approved acquisition of shareholding in Air India Limited, Air India Express Limited and Air India Sats Airport Services Private Limited by Tales Private Limited . After this approval, Tales Private Limited will be able to acquire 100 percent shares of Air India Limited and Air India Express Limited and 50 percent shares of Air India Sats Airport Services Private Limited. Tales Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons. In October this year, the government approved the disinvestment of Air India. The government had announced that a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Sons has got the right to acquire debt-ridden Air India.
4.Prime Minister Narendra Modi transferred one thousand crore rupees to 16 lakh women of self-help groups in Prayagraj
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the state of Robert in a special program of empowerment of women attended. There are more than two million women took part. Many of these women are the beneficiaries of various schemes of the government. The Prime Minister also interacted with the beneficiary women on the occasion. Shri Modi laid the foundation stone of two hundred and two nutritional supplement manufacturing units to help women and sent an amount of one thousand crore rupees directly to the accounts of self-help groups . This self-help group of about 16 million women have benefited. This amount under Deendayal Antoday Yojanaunder the National Rural Livelihoods Mission . The Prime Minister should also be an eyewitness to send four thousand rupees as the first installment of the stipend to the accounts of twenty thousand women- sakhis working for the promotion of business . Every Sakhi is given a financial assistance of Rs.4000 for every six months so that they can do their business stably and start their income through commission by doing transactions. Chief Minister Kanya Sumangal Yojna by the Prime Minister during the programUnder this, an amount of more than Rs 20 crore was also sent to more than one lakh beneficiaries in their accounts. Under this scheme, cash amount is provided at every stage of life of the girl child. The supplementary nutrition scheme of about four thousand crore rupees for Uttar Pradesh is completely to empower women.
5.Agreement between Prasar Bharati and ICCR for promotion of Indian culture
Prasar Bharati and Indian Council for Cultural Relations , ICCRhas signed a MoU to promote Indian culture. The performances of distinguished artists associated with ICCR will be telecast on Doordarshan’s national and international channels. The dance and music programs will be performed on regional channels of DD National, DD India, Doordarshan and Prasar Bharati News Service (Prasar Bharati’s digital platform) through weekly programmes. The objective of the MoU is to present the best of Indian culture to national and international audiences and to provide television and digital platforms to artists. Doordarshan will make 52 episodes of half an hour on the programs organized by ICCR. The MoU was signed between Mayank Kumar Agarwal, Director General, Doordarshan and Dinesh Patnaik, Director General, Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
6.Chief Minister Vayu Swasthya Seva-Air Ambulance Scheme launched in Odisha, state’s longest bridge inaugurated on Mahanadi
Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik launched Mukhyamantri Vayu Swasthya Seva – Air Ambulance to provide health services in the inaccessible and backward areas of the state . In the first phase of this scheme, there will be free services for the people of four districts of the state- Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi and Nua Pada . Specialist doctors will reach the patients from the district headquarters hospitals. Inaugurating this, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said that this would benefit the weaker sections of the society. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Odisha’s largest bridge T-Setu on Mahanadi at Gopinath in Cuttack district .Also launched This bridge connects Gopinathpur in Badamba, Baideshwar in Banki with Singhanath Peeth. This bridge is made in the shape of the English letter ‘T’. The total cost of this bridge is Rs 111 crore.
7.First Agritech Challenge Cohort launched for agri-tech program
NITI Aayog ‘s Atal Innovation Mission and the United Nations Capital Development Fund to assist smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa have launched the first Agritech Challenge cohort for their innovative agri-tech programme . It has been launched on the South-South Innovation Platform. The cohort represents a diverse range of solutions across the value chain for small farmers, including a wide range of soil analysis, farm management, dairy ecosystems, carbon credits, solar-based storage, digital marketplaces, fintech and livestock insurance.
8.Punjab Forest and Wildlife Conservation Department in collaboration with WWF-India released 24 alligators in ‘Beas Conservation Reserve’
Recently, Punjab Forest and Wildlife Conservation Department in collaboration with ‘ World-Wide Fund for Nature-India ‘ ( WWF-India ) has released 24 gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) in ‘ Beas Conservation Reserve ‘ . Gharial reintroduction in the Beas Conservation Reserve is an ambitious program of the Government of Punjab. The gharial, sometimes called the gavial, is a type of Asian crocodile that is distinguished by its long, slender snout. Crocodiles are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, gharials, caimans, etc. There are three species of crocodiles in India namely:
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): IUCN Red List – Critically Endangered
- Crocodile (Crocodylus Palustris): IUCN-Vulnerable.
- Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus Porosus): IUCN – Least Concern.
9.Haryana launches new Integrated Command and Control Center at Karnal
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has opened a new Integrated Command and Control Center ( ICCC ) under the Karnal Smart City project . The new command and control center will enable the functioning of advanced systems such as adaptive traffic control, automatic number plate recognition, red light violation detection and speed violations. With the inauguration of ICCC, several smart traffic management systems became active in the city. More than 500 CCTV cameras at various locations now enable the functioning of advanced systems such as adaptive traffic control, automatic number plate recognition, red light violation detection and speed violations.
10.GACL and GAIL join hands to set up bioethanol plant in Gujarat
Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Limited (GACL) and GAIL (GAIL) (India) Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a bioethanol plant with a production capacity of 500 kilo liters per day (KLD) in Gujarat . The MoU was signed on the lines of the roadmap launched by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025 to reduce crude oil imports. Estimated project cost Rs. 1,000 crore and it is expected to generate an annual revenue of about Rs. 1500 crore. An estimated saving of USD 70 million per year is also expected in foreign exchange through this project.
11.India records highest ever annual FDI inflow of $81.97 billion in 2020-21
India ‘s US $ 81.97 billion in 2020-21 to far the highest annual FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) is entered. The FDI inflows in the last seven financial years are more than $440 billion, which is about 58 percent of the total FDI inflows in the last 21 financial years. The top five countries that received FDI equity inflows during 2014-2021 are Singapore, Mauritius, USA, Netherlands and Japan.
12.The book India’s Ancient Legacy of Wellness by Dr. Rekha Chaudhary
Dr. Line Chaudhry written by India’s Ancient Legacy of Wellness The book was released by Maharashtra ‘s Governor Bhagat Singh Koshiyari were in attendance. It was launched on the occasion of World Digital Day (WDD) celebrations. The book highlights how important it is for human beings to be close to nature which helps to regenerate and recharge to do productive work.
13.DPIIT launches LogiXtics Hackathon for Logistics
Industry and Internal Trade Promotion Department (DPIIT) the logistics industry to crowdsource ideas for the benefit of Hakathon Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) to ‘ LogiXticsLaunched under the name ‘ The Unified Logistics Interface Platform (ULIP) hackathon is designed to increase efficiency and reduce logistics cost across India. This objective will be mitigated by creating a transparent platform that will provide real-time information to all stakeholders. ULIP Hackathon LogiXtics is being organized by NITI Aayog and Atal Innovation Mission. It is also supported by NICDC Logistics Data Bank Services Limited (NLDSL) and National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC). ULIP was conceptualized as a technology platform in the logistics sector. ULIP is being developed as a technology platform to provide real time information to all stakeholders. This will converge the visibility of multi-modal transport in existing systems of multiple ministries or departments working in silos. ULIP reduce logistics cost and will transform the logistics sector by enhancing India’s competitiveness in international trade. ULIP is in line with the objective of PM GatiShakti, which aims to promote integration between multiple ministries or departments and promote a genuine single window.
14.International Arbitration and Arbitration Center inaugurated in Telangana
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice NV Ramana and Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao inaugurated India’s first International Arbitration and Mediation Center (IAMC) at Phoenix VK Tower in Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, Telangana. inaugurated. Those enlisting the center include internationally acclaimed arbitrators and arbitrators from countries such as Singapore and the UK. IAMC has been set up to expeditiously resolve the issues arising due to paucity of adequate judges. IAMC will settle commercial disputes and it will also look into the disputes of the general public.
15.Karl Nehmer sworn in as Chancellor of Austria
Austria ‘s Vienna (Vienna) in the Hofburg Palace in a ceremony in the Austrian President Alexander Van der Belen by Carl Nehmr (Karl Nehammer) new chancellor of Austria was sworn in as. He succeeds career diplomat Alexander Schallenberg who took over as chancellor in October 2021. He is the third person to take on the role of chancellor of Austria in the past two months. Nehmar, of the ruling conservative Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), was formerly the country’s interior minister.
16.WEF: Davos meeting postponed due to Omicron
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has decided to postpone its annual meeting in Davos , due to continued uncertainty over the Omicron version of the coronavirus . The meeting was scheduled for January 17-21, 2022. It is attended by dignitaries from the fields of business, politics and diplomacy. Now this meeting will be held in the summer. The 2021 edition of this meeting was also canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. WEF will hold online “State of the World” session to interact with global leaders. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organization. It is headquartered in Cologne, Switzerland. Klaus Schwab established the WEF on January 24, 1971.
17.Maharashtra: Dogs affected by ‘canine parvovirus’
In November 2021 , about 2,000 pet and stray dogs were affected by canine parvovirus in Amravati city . Veterinarians has also warned pet owners against a serious outbreak. Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can be fatal to dogs. This virus affects the intestinal tract of dogs. Small dogs are more vulnerable to this virus. Symptoms associated with the virus include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss and lethargy. In Amravati, around 2000 pet and stray dogs were affected by parvovirus in November 2021. According to the Amaravati-based WASA Conservation Organization, the government-run clinic is receiving reports that 20 dogs are being affected by the virus every day. Experts believe that the cases of parvovirus in pets are increasing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, many pet owners have not vaccinated their dogs on time. In addition, in the last three years, The animal birth control program has not been implemented. This has led to increasing cases of parvovirus in street dogs as birth control programs help control stray dog populations, dog vaccinations, and rabies.
18.Information and Broadcasting Ministry shuts down 20 YouTube channels and two websites for running anti-India news on the Internet
Information and Broadcasting are also running on the Internet twenty YouTube channel and two websites for anti-India and false reports due to be engaged in the promotion of stopped it. The ministry has asked the Telecom Ministry to shut down these news channels and portals. These channels and websites were operating networks from Pakistan to spread false and misleading news on various sensitive topics related to India. Most of these posts related to Kashmir, Indian Army, minority community of the country, Ram Mandir and General Bipin Rawat were being publicized.
19.Rishabh Pant appointed brand ambassador of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand ‘s Chief Pushkar Singh Dhami announced that Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant of the state brand ambassador has been appointed. The 24-year-old Pant, who was rested for the New Zealand Test, is currently in South Africa as the Indian team is all set to face the Proteas in the three-match Test series starting December 26. Rishabh Rajendra Pant is an Indian cricketer who plays as a middle-order wicket-keeper batsman for India, Delhi and Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League. In December 2015, he was named in India’s squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
20.Emma Radukanu wins BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2021 award
Tennis star Emma Radukanu (Emma Raducanu) 202l Sports Personality of the Year BBC ( BBC’s Sports Personality Of The Year are). They beat Tom Daly (diver) and Adam Peaty (swimmer) in second and third place, while England’s men’s footballers were named team of the year and Gareth Southgate as coach, British across the board. A celebration as the triumphant period for the game was celebrated in Salford. Tom Daly won the gold medal for the first time in his fourth Olympics in Tokyo.
21.winter solstice
December 21 is the shortest day in many countries including India . This happens only in the countries of the northern hemisphere of the earth . In contrast , the countries of the Southern Hemisphere have the longest day . Earth is twenty three and a half degrees on its axisIt is tilted, due to which the distance from the Sun becomes greater than the northern hemisphere of the Earth. Due to this, the spread of the sun’s rays on the earth for a short time. On December 21, the Sun enters Uttarayan from Dakshinayana. On this day the sun’s rays are perpendicular to the Tropic of Capricorn and touch the Tropic of Cancer obliquely. Because of this the sun sets early and the night comes early. That is, when the earth rotates on its axis, the rays of the sun falling at any one place affect the interval of the day, due to which the day becomes shorter and longer.
22.Former SC judge Justice GT Nanavati who led ‘2002 Godhra riots’ passes away
Justice Girish Thakorlal Nanavati , a former Supreme Court judge who headed two inquiry commissions set up to probe the 2002 Godhra riots and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots , passed away. Justice Girish Thakorlal Nanavati was 86 years old. He was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court of India in March 1995 and retired as a SC judge in February 2000 .
23.Former Union Minister RL Jalappa passes away
A veteran leader of the Indian National Congress (INC) and former Union Textiles Minister , RL Jalappa has passed away. RL Jalappa was the founder and president of Devaraj Urs Medical College in Kolar and RL Jalappa Institute of Technology, Doddaballapur. In 1979 he left Congress to form Karnataka Kranti Ranga along with former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs and in 1998 he joined Congress again.
