1 ISRO successfully launched SPADEX mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) mission . ISRO’s PSLV-C60 rocket was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota with two spacecraft . This will help in demonstrating docking in space. PSLV-C60 rocket successfully placed two satellites named SDX-01 i.e. Chaser and SDX-02 i.e. Target in the low orbit of the Earth. Both these satellites will be further launched in the next ten days to achieve the objective of docking in space. The aim of the SPADEX mission is to demonstrate advanced technology of docking capability in space which is extremely important for future programs like lunar mission and Indian Space Station. The SPADEX mission represents an important step towards advancing India’s capabilities of docking in orbit. Its successful completion will enhance ISRO’s ability to conduct complex space programs and prepare the ground for missions to other planets in future.
2 Former Supreme Court Judge Justice V Ramasubramanian becomes the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
Justice V Ramasubramanian , former Judge of the Supreme Court assumed charge as Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Justice (Dr) Vidyut Ranjan Sarangi as Member. The assumption of charge took place at a ceremony organized to welcome him and Shri Priyank Kanungo, who joined the Commission as Member last week . He was appointed by the Hon’ble President Smt. Draupadi Murmu on 21st December, 2024. Smt. Vijaya Bharti Sayani , Acting Chairperson of the Commission , Shri Bharat Lal, Secretary General and other senior officers and staff were present on the occasion .
3 Defense Ministry signed two contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore
The Ministry of Defense signed two contracts worth Rs 2,867 crore . These contracts have been made for the manufacture of Air Independent Propulsion-AIP plug of Defense Research and Development Organization-DRDO and connecting it to Indian submarines and connecting the Kalvari class submarines with Electronic Heavy Weight Torpedo-EHWT . Both the contracts were signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh . The Ministry of Defense said in its statement that the contract for the manufacture of AIP plug was signed with Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai for about Rs 1,990 crore , while the contract for connecting EHWT being developed by DRDO was signed with Naval Group of France at a cost of about Rs 877 crore . The ministry said that AIP technology is being developed indigenously. The manufacture of AIP plug and connecting it to submarines will increase the endurance of conventional submarines and will make a significant contribution to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The integration of EHWT will be a joint effort of the Indian Navy, DRDO and Naval Group of France. The ministry said that this will significantly enhance the strike capability of the Kalvari class submarines of the Indian Navy.
4 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveils classic glass bridge in Kanyakumari
Another jewel has been added to the crown of the iconic tourist destination Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu . India’s first glass bridge over the sea was inaugurated. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin unveiled the classic glass bridge . The bridge connects the 133 feet high saint Tiruvalluvar statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial . The bridge will let tourists enjoy a breezy walk among the historical sites while viewing the lapping sea below. Built at a cost of Rs 37 crore, the 77-metre long bridge was inaugurated as part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Tiruvalluvar statue , now renamed as the Statue of Wisdom by the state government.
5 India will host the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit for the first time
India will host the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit, ‘WAVES 2025’ for the first time in 2025. This summit will be held from 5 to 9 February 2025. It will be organized in the capital New Delhi . It will be attended by the giants of media and entertainment industry from all over the world. On the lines of Davos, ‘WAVES 2025’ will be organized for the first time in India. This summit is being organized to make India the center of global content creators.
6 RBI estimates GDP growth to be 6.6 percent in 2024-25
RBI has said in a report that the Indian economy is demonstrating strength and stability. The gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is estimated to be 6.6 per cent in the financial year 2024-25 . Releasing the December 2024 issue of the Financial Stability Report (FSR), RBI said that the economy has been supported by improved rural consumption, a boom in government consumption and investment, and strong service exports. According to the report, the gross non-performing asset ratio has reached its lowest level in many years. This report of the Reserve Bank reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on the resilience of the Indian financial system and risks to financial stability.
7 Central Board of Direct Taxes extended the deadline for ‘Vivaad se Vishwas’ scheme to 31 January 2025
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has extended the deadline for the Vivaad se Vishwas scheme from December 31, 2024 to January 31, 2025. This will give taxpayers additional time to determine the due amount specified in the scheme. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced the Vivaad se Vishwas scheme in her Budget speech for 2024 which aims to help taxpayers resolve disputes with the Income Tax Department . The scheme is helpful for taxpayers to settle their outstanding tax liabilities by paying the disputed amount with a specified percentage.
8 Kerala beat Chandigarh to win first title in Senior National Men’s Handball Championship
Kerala won its first title by defeating Chandigarh 34-31 in the Senior National Men’s Handball Championship . The final of the tournament was played in Changanassery, Kerala . Kerala reached the final for the first time. It defeated Army in the semi-finals, while Chandigarh secured its place by defeating Indian Railways. Devendra of Kerala was selected as the best player, while Rahul got the best goalkeeper award.
9 Australia defeated India in Melbourne after 13 years
On December 30, Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy . With this, Bumrah has become the bowler to take 5 wickets the most number of times in South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia. Yashasvi Jaiswal is the highest run-scorer Indian batsman in the year 2024, who has scored 1478 runs so far. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of the list, who scored 1562 runs in the year 2010.
10 Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at the age of 100
Former US President Jimmy Carter died at his residence in Plains, Georgia at the age of 100. He was suffering from melanoma skin cancer . Mr. Carter was the third US President to visit India . His tenure was from 1977 to 1981. Carter came to India with his wife during his visit in 1978. He met President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy and Prime Minister Morarji Desai and addressed the Parliament. A village in Gurugram , where he visited, was named “ Carterpuri ” in his honor, which still remains. During his time there were achievements like the Camp David Agreement between Israel and Egypt . After leaving the presidency, he did humanitarian work through his organization ‘ Carter Center ‘. Due to this, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 .
