1 Number of subscribers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s YouTube channel reaches 2 crore, becomes the only such leader in the world
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first leader in the world whose personal YouTube channel has crossed 2 crore subscribers . The number of views of the channel’s videos has also crossed 450 crores. Narendra Modi YouTube channel has overtaken Indian and global YouTube channels in the number of views and subscribers.
2 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the Chief Secretary National Conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over a three-day national conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi . This conference is being held for the third time . The first conference was held in Dharamshala in June 2022 , while the second was held in Delhi in January this year . In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of translating the principle of cooperative federalism into practice, the National Conference of Chief Secretaries is organized to promote participatory governance and partnership between the Center and the States. The conference will be attended by more than two hundred delegates, including Chief Secretaries and other senior officials of the Central Government, States and Union Territories.
3 Cabinet approves Migration and Movement Agreement between India and Italy
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the proposal of the Ministry of External Affairs regarding signing and ratifying the Migration and Movement Agreement between the Government of India and the Government of Italy . This agreement will enhance people-to-people contacts, promote movement of students, skilled workers, businesses and young professionals and strengthen cooperation between the two sides on issues related to irregular migration. This agreement complements the current Italian visa regime including mechanisms for post-study opportunities, internships, professional training that assure benefits to India under the existing labor mobility routes under the Flow Decree.
4 Cabinet approves opening of Consulate General of India in Auckland, New Zealand
The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to open the Consulate General of India in Auckland, New Zealand . The opening of the Consulate General of India in Auckland will help in expanding India’s diplomatic footprint and strengthen India’s diplomatic representation in view of India’s growing global involvement. This will also help in promoting India’s strategic and commercial interests and better welfare of the Indian community in Auckland. This Consulate is likely to be opened and fully operational within a time frame of 12 months.
5 Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Malaysia for cooperation in broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM), Malaysia
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was informed about the signing of the MoU/Agreement between Prasar Bharati and Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) , Malaysia on November 07, 2023, for cooperation in broadcasting, exchange of news and audio- There is immense potential to strengthen cooperation in the field of visual events, and this will significantly enhance India’s friendly relations with Malaysia. With this, the total number of MoUs signed by Prasar Bharati with various countries has increased to 46.
6 Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah released a postage stamp to mark 50 years of Pandit Jasraj Sangeet Samaroh – ‘Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh’ in New Delhi
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah released a commemorative postage stamp to mark 50 years of Pandit Jasraj Sangeet Samaroh – ‘ Pandit Motiram Pandit Maniram Sangeet Samaroh ‘ in New Delhi . This commemorative postage stamp is issued by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications , Government of India. This music festival was started by Pandit Jasraj Ji in 1972 to express his musical love for the memory of his father, Sangeet Ratna Pandit Motiram Ji and his elder brother and later his guru, Sangeet Mahamahopadhyay Pandit Maniram Ji , who passed away This happened when Pandit Jasraj was only 4 years old. Apart from being one of the greatest Indian classical singers of all time, Pandit Jasraj ji made unprecedented contributions to the field of culture and music in India by introducing Hyderabad audiences to young musicians who have now become legends in their own right. Every year for 47 years of his life , without a single gap, Pandit Jasraj ji himself hosted this annual music festival. It is the oldest music festival in Hyderabad and this legacy is carried forward by the Pandit Jasraj Cultural Foundation . For this unique contribution he was also called ” Son of Hyderabad “.
7 University Grants Commission directs universities to stop admission to M.Phil course for session 2023-24 as it is no longer a recognized degree
The University Grants Commission has issued a notification advising students not to take admission in MPhil degree course . Because it is no longer a recognized degree . The Commission has warned the universities not to give admission to the MPhil program as it is invalid for the academic year 2023-24. However, the MPhil degree awarded will remain valid till the date of notification of the new rules issued in 2022. The Commission has said that some universities are inviting fresh applications for MPhil (Master of Philosophy) programme. The Commission has said that the MPhil degree is no longer a recognized degree. By issuing the notification, the Commission has emphasized on Regulation No. 14 of the UGC Regulation 2022, which clearly prohibits running of MPhil program in higher educational institutions. The UGC had earlier declared the MPhil degree illegal and directed higher educational institutions not to offer the MPhil programme.
8 Santosh Jha appointed as the new Ambassador of India to Sri Lanka
India’s diplomatic relations with Sri Lanka have taken a new turn with the appointment of Santosh Jha as the country’s new High Commissioner . Jha officially assumed charge at an important ceremony held in Colombo and presented his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe .
9 Pakistan Muslim League declared former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as its Prime Ministerial candidate.
Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) unanimously declared former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif as its prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming general elections . To avoid punishment on corruption charges, Mr Sharif returned to Pakistan in October after four years of self-imposed exile in London. Nawaz Sharif’s sentence was stayed on appeal, making him eligible to run in the parliamentary elections to be held on 8 February. Sharif has filed his nomination against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) stalwart Dr Yasmin Rashid and 22 other candidates from National Assembly (NA)-130 Lahore. Sharif has also filed nomination papers for National Assembly-15 Mansehra.
10 Central government declared Muslim League Jammu-Kashmir-Masrat Alam faction as an illegal organization under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Muslim League Jammu and Kashmir-Masrat Alam faction MLJK-MA has been booked under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act-UAPA. It has been declared an illegal organization under . Home Minister Amit Shah said that this organization and its members are involved in anti-national and separatist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. They support terrorist activities and incite people to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
11 Government started training programs on iGOT Karmayogi platform to provide official online training to state government officials.
The Government has launched six competently curated training programs on the Integrated Government Online Training – iGOT Karmayogi platform for State Government officials. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions said in a press release that these programs are aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of government officials . This program will ensure that officers are well equipped to meet the evolving needs of governance. iGOT Karmayogi is a comprehensive online training platform to guide government officials in their capacity building journey. Currently more than 28 lakh learners from various government sectors are registered on this platform. The portal connects six functional centers for online learning, competency management, career management, discussions, events and networking.
12 Kudumbashree performed Chavittunatakam
A total of 504 members of Kudumbashree Mission participated in the Chavittunakam performance to set a world record . The performance of Chavittunakam told the story of Kudumbashree Mission, which was established in the year 1998 under the People’s Plan campaign . The mission was started as a poverty alleviation program aimed at ending inter-generational transmission of poverty and its evolution into a women’s empowerment movement was accompanied by Chavittunakam performances by women on stage with all the plays narrated. Chavittunatakam is a theater genre performed in the coastal districts of central Kerala . The Kudumbashree performance also won the World Talent Record . It was organized as part of the campaign to popularize National Saras Mela- 2023 .
13 Increase in the number of tigers in Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Recently the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) officially announced the increase in tiger population in Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) . It saw an increase in the number of big cats from 31 (year 2018) to 54 (year 2023) . The Bihar government is waiting for NTCA’s approval to declare Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s second tiger sanctuary after VTR. A complete ban on sand and stone mining inside the VTR and strict restrictions on mining in its eco-vulnerable zone helped the grassland to develop. Thus, increased grassland cover helps support predator populations, increasing the carnivores’ chances of survival. The reserve is dedicated to the management and maintenance of tigers by raising awareness among local residents and monitoring mining activities in and around the area to reduce human-wildlife conflict. NTCA has rated the reserve as ‘Very Good’.
14 Vita Dani becomes the first Indian on ITTF Governing Board
Sports entrepreneur Vita Dani has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to be appointed as the governing board member of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Foundation . Established in 2018, the ITTF Foundation aims to increase the appeal of table tennis and attract a more diverse audience to the sport.
15 Sony Sports appoints Kartik Aryan as football brand ambassador
Sony Sports Network (SSN) has ushered in a new era of football excitement in India by appointing Bollywood heartthrob and Gen Z icon Kartik Aryan as its official brand ambassador for the beautiful game. This strategic partnership aims to bring football closer to a wider Indian audience and ignite passion for the game across generations.
16 Coca-Cola signs 8-year partnership with ICC as global cricket partner
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Coca-Cola are thrilled to announce an eight-year global partnership covering ICC world events across all three formats until the end of 2031 . In 2019, Coca-Cola made a strategic move and replaced PepsiCo as the official non-alcohol beverage partner of the ICC. This new deal extends their commitment to the game for a total of 13 years between 2019 and 2031.
17 27 December: Epidemic Preparedness Day
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is celebrated on 27 December . Recently the United Nations General Assembly had approved the proposal to celebrate this day. The objective of the day is to facilitate exchange of information, dissemination of scientific knowledge and ensure exchange of best practices at the international level. This will help prevent situations like COVID-19 in the future.
