1 Time magazine names Lionel Messi ‘Athlete of the Year’ for 2023
Argentine football icon, Lionel Messi has been named Athlete of the Year for 2023 by Time magazine . The prestigious honor follows Messi’s historic eighth Ballon d’Or win, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
2 India to host 27th International Investment Conference of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies
India will host the 27th International Investment Conference of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies in New Delhi . The National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agency are organizing this conference at the India International Convention and Expo Centre-Yashobhoomi, New Delhi . This conference will be the biggest ever international investment conference under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal will deliver the keynote address on the role of trade and investment in the Decade of Action on 13 December. Shri Goyal will also inaugurate the Experience India Centre-EIC. The International Investment Conference is being organized for the first time in India. More than one thousand participants, 50 Investment Promotion Agencies-IPAs and various multilateral agencies will participate in this conference.
3. India jumps one place to 7th position in climate change index
India has jumped one place to seventh place in this year’s climate change index . India still remains in the list of countries making the most efforts towards climate change. According to the report released at the Global Climate Conference in Dubai , India has remained in the top ten countries for five consecutive years. The Climate Change Index assesses the efforts of 63 countries and the European Union to reduce carbon emissions. 90 percent of greenhouse gases are emitted from these countries. In this index, China is at 51st place and America is at 57th place.
4 Indonesia considering issuing free entry visa to tourists from 20 countries including India
The Indonesian government is considering issuing free entry visas to tourists from 20 countries, including India . This proposal has been made with the aim of increasing the number of tourists and accelerating the growth rate of the economy. The Indonesian government estimates that free entry visas will increase domestic consumption and boost the digital economy. At present, free entry visa is available to Indian tourists for Malaysia and Thailand also.
5 Iran warned of a dire situation in the Middle East after the US vetoed the UN Security Council ceasefire resolution in Gaza.
Iran has warned of an uncontrolled explosive situation in the Middle East after America vetoed the ceasefire proposal in the Gaza war in the United Nations Security Council . Iranian Foreign Minister Hussein Amir Abdullahian has praised the UN chief’s decision to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter . Article 99 states that the Secretary-General can draw the attention of the Security Council to any threat to international peace and security.
6 Nirmala Sitharaman and three other Indians included in “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women”
In the latest release of Forbes ‘ annual list of “ The World’s Most Powerful Women ”, four notable Indian celebrities have made it. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman , HCL Corporation Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra , Steel Authority of India Chairperson Soma Mandal and Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw have earned a place in this prestigious list. Nirmala Sitharaman, who served as India’s first full-time female Finance Minister, achieved her best ranking at number 32, her fifth consecutive appearance on the list. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, ranked 60, who took over as chairperson of HCL in July 2020, is an MBA from Kellogg School of Management. Steel Authority of India Chairperson Soma Mandal is at 70th position. She created history as the first woman to lead SAIL in January 2021. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of biopharmaceutical firm Biocon in 1978, is ranked 76th. The top positions on the list are dominated by politicians, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at No. 1. She is followed by European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde , US Vice President Kamala Harris and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni .
7 Progress in Tuberculosis Care
The Central World Conference on Lung Health in 2023 has launched four new, innovative therapies with the potential to shorten the treatment period for drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) by up to two-thirds , supporting global efforts against TB and It may prove to be an encouraging effort in the fight. Due to the long duration of treatment and subsequent drug toxicity, many patients become unable to tolerate its effects and properly comply with the treatment. This ultimately leads to drug-resistant TB. New, innovative therapies with the mission of providing more effective treatments demonstrate similar efficacy and safety to traditional treatments but significantly reduce treatment times. TB is an infectious disease that affects the lungs in most cases and is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This infection spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit. According to WHO, multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remains a public health crisis and a threat to health security. In the year 2022, only 2 out of 5 people suffering from drug-resistant TB could receive treatment.
8 Bihar gets international honor for afforestation efforts in COP-28
The work done by the Government of Bihar in the field of afforestation , especially through the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali Abhiyan (Rural Development Department) , received praise from the international community at the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-28) in Dubai . During a dedicated session on “ Building Climate Resilience ” in the India Pavilion , Ms. Preyashi and Mr. Singh gave a detailed presentation titled “ Afforestation Activities in Bihar to Combat Climate Change ”. Ms. Preyashi highlighted the larger policy framework and inter-departmental coordination under the Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign.
9 Unemployment trends in Indian states: July-September 2023
The recently conducted Periodic Labor Force Survey (PLFS) by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) has revealed data regarding unemployment rate in the age group of 15 to 29 years in urban areas during the July-September quarter of 2023. . The study covered 22 states, revealing significant variation in unemployment across regions. Himachal Pradesh stands out with the highest overall unemployment rate of 33.9% , making it the state with the most significant unemployment challenge in the 15-29 age group in urban areas during the specified quarter. Rajasthan is in second place with a rate of 30.2% . In Himachal Pradesh, data indicates a severe gender divide, where women experience a significantly higher unemployment rate of 49.2%, compared to 25.3% among men. Similarly, women in Rajasthan face an unemployment rate of 39.4%, while men experience 27.2%. The overall unemployment rate in the 15-29 age group in urban areas across the country is 17.3%, with the rate higher for women at 22.9% compared to 15.5% for men.
10 Ban on use of sugarcane juice for ethanol
The Centre’s recent ban on the use of sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production in the 2023-24 supply year is aimed at maintaining adequate sugar availability for domestic consumption and stabilizing prices. However, the government has allowed the use of B-Molasses for ethanol production . The Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) has estimated a 9% decline in gross sugar production for the 2023-24 marketing year , further complicating the situation. In the sugar season (October-September) 2021-22, India has emerged as the largest producer and consumer of sugar in the world as well as the world’s second largest exporter after Brazil.
11 Now courses like BBA-BCA will be under the scope of technical education, AICTE approved
Recently, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has announced new rules for undergraduate courses like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) starting from the year 2024-25. Has announced. To ensure coordinated development in technical and management education, Undergraduate (UG) courses in Computer Applications (BCA) and Management (BBA/BMS) will come under AICTE . Engineering colleges are now allowed to offer BBA and BCA programmes, expanding their scope beyond traditional engineering subjects.
12 Italy wins Admiral Cup 2023 held at Indian Naval Academy
The 12th edition of the ‘ Admiral’s Cup ‘ Sailing Regatta concluded with a grand felicitation ceremony at Ettikulam Beach, Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala on 08 December 2023 . The Italian team led by Midshipman Avalon Antonio and Midshipman Creati Carlo Leonardo captured the Admiral Cup 2023 . The Indian team was the runner-up of this competition . Team India, represented by Midshipman PPK Reddy and Cadet GY Reddy, performed brilliantly. The British team was commanded by British Naval Officer Cadet Lucy Bell and Midshipman Aaron Middleton and the German team was led by Cadet Beckman Karl and Cadet Heinz Anton of Germany. Both these teams jointly secured third place. Russia’s Seaman Gorkunov Petr won the first position in the men’s individual event, followed by Italy’s Midshipman Avalon Antonio at second and India’s Midshipman PPK Reddy at third. Officer Cadet Lucy Bell of Britain stood first in the women’s individual event, followed by Cadet Sangla Elma Salsdila of Indonesia at second position and Cadet Janhvi Singh of India at third position.
13 Taylor Swift was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year
Taylor Swift has been named Time magazine ‘s Person of the Year for 2023 . This recognition follows his title as the most played artist on Spotify, underscoring the widespread impact of his music and influence.
14 Prime Minister addressed Infinity Forum 2.0
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the second edition of Fintech-related Global Thought Leadership Platform-Infinity Forum through video conferencing. The second edition of Infinity Forum is being jointly organized by the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) and GIFT City under the aegis of the Government of India as a precursor event to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 . The theme of the second edition of Infinity Forum is ‘ GIFT-IFSC: Nerve Center for New Age Global Financial Services ‘. In his address, the Prime Minister recalled the pandemic-hit world that was surrounded by uncertainty about the global economic situation during the first edition of the Infinity Forum organized in December 2021.
15 NTPC wins two Silver Awards at Brandon Hall Group’s Technology Excellence Awards
NTPC (formerly National Thermal Power Corporation Limited), India’s largest integrated power company, has been declared the winner of the Brandon Hall Group (Group) Excellence in Technology Awards 2023 in an online broadcast held on December 7, 2023. NTPC is the only PSU in India to receive double commendation in the Technology Awards category. The company received the prestigious Silver Awards in two different categories – “ Best Advance in Corporate Wellbeing Technology” and “ Best Advance in Augmented & Virtual Reality” ” This recognition underlines NTPC’s commitment towards innovation and technological excellence, keeping it at the forefront of advancements in corporate wellness and broader technologies.
16 Indian-origin novelist Meera Chand gets Singapore’s highest art award
Singapore recently awarded its prestigious Cultural Medallion to three distinguished individuals in recognition of their artistic excellence and significant contribution to the country’s rich arts and culture . Among them, the eighty-one-year-old Indian-origin writer Meera Chand shares the esteemed honor with novelist Suchen Christine Lim and Malay dance legend Osman Abdul Hamid .
17 Akshata Krishnamurthy becomes the first Indian to operate a rover on Mars
Indian researcher Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy has become the first Indian citizen (woman) to operate a rover (Perseverance) on Mars and also the first Indian citizen to collect samples from Mars and return them to Earth.
18 IES officer Jitesh John becomes executive director of IDBI
Indian Economic Service officer Jitesh John has taken charge as the Executive Director of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) . Earlier, he had served as an economic advisor in the Energy Ministry.
19 115 million year old shark fossil discovered in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
A team of researchers has unearthed India’s first Early Cretaceous shark fossils in the Jaisalmer region of Rajasthan . The findings, detailed in a research paper titled “ First Early Cretaceous Sharks from India ”, published in Historical Biology , shed light on a previously unknown chapter of the country’s fossil history. The Early Cretaceous period, about 115 million years ago , was a transitional era for sharks, which saw the emergence of new species and the extinction of older species.
20 Huma Qureshi launches debut novel ‘Zeba: An Accidental Superhero’
Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi has stepped into a new field as a writer, making her debut with a novel titled ‘ Zeba: An Accidental Superhero ‘. The book was officially launched during the 12th edition of the Bangalore Literature Festival (BLF), marking a new chapter in the creative journey of Huma Qureshi.
21 Kolkata becomes the safest city for the third consecutive year: NCRB
In a recent report published by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) , Kolkata has emerged as the safest city in India for the third consecutive year . The city recorded the lowest number of cognizable crimes per lakh population among metros, marking a remarkable achievement in ensuring public safety. NCRB data showed that Kolkata recorded 86.5 cases of cognizable crime per lakh people in 2022. This is a significant decline from 103.4 cases last year, showing a steady decline. In 2020, this number was higher at 129.5, indicating a positive trend in crime reduction.
22 LIC ranked fourth globally in S&P Global’s 2022 Insurance Report
In a recent report by S&P Global Market Intelligence , Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has secured its position as the world’s fourth largest insurer . The ranking is based on the life and accident and health reserves of companies for the year 2022. Allianz SE (Germany) took the top spot with reserves of $750.20 billion. China Life Insurance Company (China) took the second position with total reserves of $616.90 billion. Nippon Life Insurance Company (Japan) is in third place with reserves of $536.80 billion.
23 State Bank will take another 20 percent of SBI pension fund
State Bank of India will acquire additional 20 per cent stake in SBI Pension Fund from SBI Caps for Rs 229.52 crore , taking its stake to 80 per cent. State Bank of India said in a communication sent to the exchanges, SBI has proposed to acquire 20 per cent stake in SBI Pension Funds Private Limited from SBI Caps.
24 Hanukkah
Hanukkah , also known as the Festival of Lights or Chanukah , was celebrated after sunset on December 7, 2023 . It is an eight-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem during the 2nd century BCE . The festival begins on the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev and usually runs from late November to late December according to the Gregorian calendar. The festival of Hanukkah marks the celebration of the miracle of a small amount of oil, which caused the Temple menorah (candelabra) to remain lit for eight days despite only having enough oil for one day during the Maccabean revolt. The Hanukkah menorah is a nine-branched candelabrum that is lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah.
25 Former Mr. Universe bodybuilder Shawn Davis dies at 57
Former Mr. Universe bodybuilder Shawn Davis has died at the age of 57. Davis, from Derbyshire in eastern England , had a stellar career , winning prestigious titles such as Mr. Britain and Mr. Europe before reaching the pinnacle of success by being crowned Mr. Universe in 1996 .
