1 Government of India and Asian Development Bank sign 37 billion JPY loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor
The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement on 15 December 2023 for a 37 billion Japanese Yen (US$250 million) loan for the construction of the 82 km long Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. Will continue funding. Signatories to the loan agreement included Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Mr. Ho Yun Jeong, Officer-in-Charge of the Resident Mission for ADB and Deputy Country Director for India. Earlier, ADB had committed a multimillion-dollar loan of $1,049 million to the project in 2020 to support the construction of the RRTS, the first of three priority rail corridors planned under the NCR Regional Plan 2021 to connect Delhi with other cities in the surrounding states. -The tranche (multi-tranche) financing facility (MFF) was approved.
2 India, ADB sign US$250 million deal for industrial corridor development
Recently, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a US$250 million policy-led loan to make manufacturing more competitive, strengthen national supply chains, and strengthen linkages with regional and global value chains. Will continue to ratify the development of the Industrial Corridor. This will help strengthen the policy framework for the National Industrial Corridor Development Program (NICDP) of the Government of India and develop 11 industrial corridors. NICDP is India’s most ambitious infrastructure program that aims to develop new industrial cities as “Smart Cities” and transition next generation technologies into infrastructure sectors. National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust (NICDIT) is the implementing agency under the administrative control of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
3 Parliament approves additional expenditure of Rs 58,378 crore in the current financial year ending March 2024
Parliament approved additional expenditure of Rs 58,378 crore in the current financial year ending March 2024 . a large part of the total amount has been allocated for MNREGA and fertilizer subsidy . This includes Rs 13,351 crore of fertilizer subsidy and about Rs 7,000 crore from the Department of Food and Public Distribution. Today, Rajya Sabha returned both the Appropriation Bills to the Lok Sabha after a brief discussion. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary explained the key aspects of the first part of the demands for grants. Lok Sabha has already passed these.
4 SATHEE portal provides quality education to students preparing for competitive exams.
Recently the Minister of State for Education announced in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education in collaboration with IIT Kanpur launched the SATHEE (Self-Assessment, Testing and Assistance for Entrance Examination) portalThe portal aims to provide quality education to every student who intends to participate in competitive education like JEE, NEET and various state level engineering and other examinations. JEE 45 Days Crash Course has been launched to support students preparing for JEE and other engineering exams. The curriculum has been designed by IIT toppers, academicians and subject experts. This crash course is available in 5 languages including English. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has developed artificial intelligence based translation tool. This tool has the ability to translate into 22 Indian languages.
5 Egypt’s President Sisi wins third term with 89.6% majority vote
Former military chief Abdel Fattah al-Sisi wins third term as Egypt’s president with 89.6% of the vote aThis election took place amid challenges such as the conflict in Gaza and economic struggles. Despite economic difficulties and regional tensions, Sisi’s victory was likely, given the limited opposition.
6 The Israeli government approved the appointment of Israel’s new ambassador to India, Reuven Azar.
Israel ‘s Foreign Ministry informed that the Israeli government has appointed Reuven Azar as the new Ambassador of Israel to India. has approved the appointment ofMr. Azar currently serves as Israel’s Ambassador to Romania. Shri Azar will also serve as Non-Resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Bhutan. His appointment is one of 21 new chiefs of mission to be appointed soon by the Israeli government.
7 According to the IMF annual report, India is on its way to becoming one of the fastest growing major economies in the world.
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called India a ‘ star performer ‘. India is growing strongly due to prudent macroeconomic policies and economic reforms in key sectors such as digitalization and infrastructure. India’s contribution to global growth is estimated to be more than 16 percent. According to IMF’s annual report India is on its way to becoming one of the fastest growing major economies in the world. The country’s digital public infrastructure and strong government infrastructure will sustain growth. The report said that India has bounced back strongly from the Covid pandemic and employment has crossed pre-pandemic levels. The IMF welcomed India’s fiscal policy which focuses on accelerating capital expenditure. The Government of India is committed to achieving the fiscal deficit target of 4.5 percent.
8 National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill 2023 passed in Parliament
Parliament has passed the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second (Amendment) Bill 2023 . The Bill protects unauthorized development and encroachment by specified persons in Delhi from punitive action . These include slum dwellers, hawkers, unauthorized colonies, schools, religious and cultural institutions and agricultural warehouses. The purpose of the bill is to extend the validity of the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Act for a period of three years from January 1 next year to December 31, 2026. The purpose of the bill is to extendThe Act was initially valid till 31 December 2014. With subsequent amendments it was extended till December 31, 2023.
9 Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav releases report on green and sustainable development agenda for the global economy
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupendra Yadav released the report on Green and Sustainable Development Agenda for the Global Economy in the presence of G-20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant and NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Berry in New Delhi . He said that this is a comprehensive report addressing the prospects and challenges of green and sustainable growth for the global economy. This report was prepared by NITI Aayog , International Development Research Centre, Ottawa and Global Development Network, New Delhi. This report has been prepared
10 Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches a road show on the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches National Geoscience Data Repository- NGDR Portal in New Delhi theThis portal integrates 35 map services with the NGDR portal. Which includes geological maps, geochemical, geophysical, airborne geophysical and mineralogical data in various scales. This portal can be accessed at geodataindia.gov.in.
11 Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala inaugurated the Animal Health Conference in New Delhi
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Parshottam Rupala addressed the Animal Health Conference in New Delhi. theDepartment of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) together organized the conference to reshape the animal health sector with innovative vaccination and better diagnostic systems.
12 Kakrapar Atomic Power Project Unit-4 achieves significant success by launching controlled fission reaction for the first time
Unit-4 of Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP 4-700 MW) achieved significant success by launching Controlled Fission Chain Reaction for the first time at 01:17 hrs on December 17, 2023 (Sunday). This achievement has been achieved after fulfilling all the conditions of the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) . KAPP-4 is the second in the series of 16 indigenous pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) of 700 MW each being set up in the country . It was approved after a rigorous review of the safety of plant systems. After the first controlled fission chain reaction, several experiments/tests will be conducted at KAPP-4 and the power level will be increased in a phased manner as per Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) approval. This will eventually make the unit operate at full power. KAPP-3 and 4 (2×700 MW) are located at Kakrapar in Surat district of Gujarat . These are existing reactors KAPS 1 and 2 (2×220 MW). These are adjacent toThese indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) are equipped with advanced safety features and are among the safest reactors in the world. These reactors have been designed, constructed and operated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The equipment has been supplied and contracts executed by Indian industries/companies. Thus, it is a true reflection of the spirit of self-reliant India. Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited currently operates 23 reactors with a total capacity of 7480 MW.
13 INS Shivaji receives the original ‘Vir Chakra’ of late Vice ADM Benoy Roy Chowdhury at a formal ceremony
INS Shivaji, the premier training establishment of the Indian Navy, was awarded the original ‘ Vir Chakra ‘ awarded to Late Vice Admiral Benoy Roy Chowdhury , AVSM, VRC (Retd) at a formal ceremony at Lonavala on 18 Dec 23 . ‘Vir Chakra’ is an Indian wartime military gallantry award awarded for acts of gallantry on the battlefield, on land, in the air or at sea. VADM Choudhary is the only technical officer of the Indian Navy to be decorated with this prestigious award. The gallantry of Vice Admiral Benoy Roy Chowdhury in the Indo-Pak war of 1971 stood out clearly during theDuring mid-war deployment, one of Vikrant’s boilers had become inoperative, while the performance of the other three boilers was found to be sub-standard. He along with his team carried out a number of innovative repair operations at sea away from the base port without any possible assistance from the British OEM.
14 Inauguration of BISAG-N office in New Delhi
Inauguration of the office-cum-training center of Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) for PM Gatishakti , Smt. Sumita Dawra, Special Secretary, Logistics Division, DPIIT and Shri T.P. , Director General, BISAG-N. Singh with Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), New Delhi , Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) inThe inauguration of the Institute is an important milestone, which will create new opportunities for regular and expanded interaction of BISAG-N with line Ministries and State/UTs.
15 new members included in National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC)
As the two-year term of the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) ends, the Central Government has nominated non-official members representing various stakeholders . According to the gazette notification, the move is an important step towards ensuring continued expertise and guidance in the startup ecosystem. NSAC, a leading example of stakeholder-driven public policy, has played a key role in shaping programs and measures to meet the emerging needs of the Indian startup landscape. The newly nominated non-official members bring rich experience from diverse fields, including founders of successful startups, industry veterans with a track record of scaling companies in India, representatives of investor interests and individuals capable of representing incubators, accelerators and the industry. Are.
16 Australia’s Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins break all records for the most expensive players during the 2024 IPL auction in Dubai
The auction for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 was held in Dubai . World Cup stars Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins became the most expensive players in the history of IPL . Starc has been bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 24 crore 75 lakh . Pat Cummins was bought for Sunrisers Hyderabad camp for Rs 20 crore 50 lakh . Each team can take a maximum of 8 players which will include 4 Indians and 4 foreigners. IPL allows a maximum squad of 25 players for any team, while there should be a minimum of 18 players.
17 Khelo India and Swayam sign agreement to improve facilities for para athletes at Khelo India Para Games 2023
Khelo India, the flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and Swayam , India’s leading facilitator organization , have signed an agreement to ensure that transport and infrastructure facilities are available in New Delhi during the Khelo India Para Games . Accessible transportation services were provided for over 1400 participating para-athletes.
18 75th Inter State-Inter Zonal Badminton Championship 2023 in women’s and men’s team events
Maharashtra and Airport Authority of India- AAI won the title of 75th Inter State-Inter Zonal Badminton Championship 2023 in women’s and men’s team events in Guwahati . The prestigious national championship organized by the Badminton Association of India is being held in Assam after four years. Both the men’s and women’s teams of the premier AAI reached the finals and managed to win the title in the men’s category by defeating Karnataka 3-0. In the final of the women’s team event, Maharashtra dominated AAI 3-0 following impressive performances from Shruti Mundada, Alisha Naik and the doubles pair of Simran Singhi and Ritika Thakar.
19 United Nations Convention against Corruption
The year 2023 marked the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) . The G20 also represents anti-corruption efforts globally through its Anti-Corruption Working Group and covers related topics in B20 and SAI20 discussions within the Social Track. UNCAC was signed in Mexico on 9 December 2003 and came into force on 14 December 2005 . International Anti-Corruption Day was established on 9 December as a result of proposals by the Brazilian delegation to the Convention. It is the only legally binding multilateral international anti-corruption treaty.
20 19 December: Goa Liberation Day
19 December is celebrated as Goa Liberation Day . Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule on December 19, 1961 . The Portuguese came to India in 1510 and established their dominance in many areas of the western coast. By the end of the 19th century the Portuguese had captured Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli and the island of Anjediva. After the independence of India, the then government chose the path of negotiations with the Portuguese to include Goa in India. But this medium could not be successful. Finally, the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru ordered the Indian Armed Forces to annex Goa into India by force. On 18–19 December, 1961, the Indian Army conducted a military operation and successfully annexed Goa into India.