1 National Sports Awards announced
Government announced National Sports Awards-2023 . Badminton players Satwik Sai Raj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be honored with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award . Arjuna Award given to 24 players including cricketer Mohammed Shami, who performed brilliantly in the ODI World Cup, and Para Asian Games champion archer Sheetal Devi . will be givenOjas Praveen Deotale and Aditi Gopichand Swamy in archery, athletes Srishankar M and Parul Choudhary, boxer Mohammed Hussamuddin, chess player R Vaishali, visually impaired cricketer Iluri Ajay Kumar Reddy, equestrian players Anush Agarwal and Divyakriti Singh, golfer Deeksha Dagar, Krishna Bahadur Pathak in hockey. And Sushila Chanu, Kabaddi players Pawan Kumar and Ritu Negi, Kho-Kho player Nasreen, lawn ball player Pinky, shooters Aishwarya Pratap Singh and Isha Singh, squash player Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu, table tennis player Ayhika Mukherjee, wrestler Sunil Kumar and last Panghal. Arjuna Award will be given to Wushu player N Roshibina Devi and Para canoeing player Prachi Yadav. Wrestling coach Lalit Kumar, chess coach R.B. Ramesh, para athletics coach Mahavir Prasad Saini, hockey coach Shivendra Singh and Mallakhamb coach Ganesh Prabhakar Devrukhkar will be honored with the Dronacharya Award in the regular category. Golf coach Jaskirat Singh Grewal, Kabaddi coach Bhaskaran E and table tennis player Jayant Kumar Pushilal will be honored with the Dronacharya Award in the lifetime category. Dhyanchand Award for Lifetime Achievement will be given to Manjusha Kanwar in badminton, Vineet Kumar Sharma in hockey and Kavita Selvaraj for Kabaddi. President Draupadi Murmu will present the awards to the winners at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan on January 9.
2 Prime Minister congratulated the new Emir of Kuwait
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi congratulated His Highness Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on taking over as the new Amir of Kuwait . He expressed confidence that India-Kuwait relations will strengthen in the future, which will enable the Indian community to flourish in the Middle East country.
3 Sahitya Akademi announces Sahitya Akademi Annual Awards-2023 in 24 languages
Sahitya Akademi has announced the Sahitya Akademi Annual Awards for 2023 in 24 languages . This year , nine poetry collections, six novels, five story collections, three essays and one literary study will be given the Sahitya Akademi Award. Tamil story writer Rajasekaran has been selected for the award for his novel Neeravazhi Padum , Telugu writer Patanjali Sastri for his story collection and Malayalam litterateur EV Ramakrishnan for his literary study Malayala Novelinte Deshakalangal . Poets honored for poetry collections include Vijay Verma in Dogri , Vinod Joshi in Gujarati and Ashutosh Parida in Odia . Pranavjyoti Deka in Assamese , Nandeshwar Dayamari in Bodo and Tarasin Baski in Santali language will be awarded for their stories. The award carries a copper citation plaque, shawl and an amount of Rs 1 lakh. These awards will be given in a ceremony on March 12 in the year 2024. Newly published works during the five years from January 2017 to December 31, 2021 have been selected for the award.
4 The Supreme Court of Colorado said that Donald Trump cannot contest elections for the post of President of America next year.
Republican Party candidate in America , Vivek Ramaswami, has said that if the country’s Supreme Court does not allow Donald Trump to contest elections on the Colorado ballot , he will withdraw his name from the Colorado region. Vivek Ramaswamy has made this comment after former President Donald Trump was declared ineligible for the presidential election for his role in the attack on the US Capitol . Ramaswamy has said that if the court does not reinstate Donald Trump on the ballot, other Republican Party candidates will withdraw their names from Colorado. Calling the court’s decision an illegal effort, the Indian American leader said it would have dangerous consequences for America.
5 Chandrayaan-3 mission honored with Leif Erikson Lunar Prize
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has been awarded the prestigious Leif Erikson Lunar Prize for its groundbreaking Chandrayaan-3 mission . The award, presented by the Exploration Museum in Húsavík , Iceland , recognizes ISRO ‘s extraordinary contributions to lunar exploration and understanding astronomical phenomena. Chandrayaan-3 mission executed by ISRO achieved a historic soft landing near the south pole of the Moon on August 23, 2023 . This remarkable achievement establishes India as the first country to successfully land in this area, highlighting the country’s progress in space exploration globally.
6 Defense Ministry signs agreement worth Rs 1,614.89 crore with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited for procurement of six next generation offshore patrol vessels for the Indian Coast Guard
The Defense Ministry signed an agreement with Mazagon Dockyard Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbai on December 20, 2023 for the procurement of six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard . This agreement was signed under the Procurement (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 1614.89 crore . Of the six ships being purchased, four will replace existing aging OPVs and the other two will augment the ICG fleet. The acquisition of these key ICG platforms aims to enhance the capabilities of ICG and reinforce the Government’s growing focus on maritime security.
7 Unnati becomes the first entity to be listed on the Social Stock Exchange
Recently SGBS Unnati Foundation (SUF) became the first entity to be listed on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) . The Unnati program of the said foundation provides vocational training to underprivileged and unemployed youth in the age group of 18 to 25 years. SUF, a non-profit organization (NPO), was established in the year 2011. A non-profit organization can raise funds on the SSE by issuing zero coupon zero principal instruments after registering with the Social Stock Exchange. Social Stock Exchange (SSE) was introduced in the Union Budget 2019-20 with the objective of listing social enterprises, voluntary and welfare organizations and providing a platform to raise capital. Social enterprise refers to an enterprise which is non-profitable in nature, does not pay dividends and is established with the aim of solving social issues. It functions under the market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The objective of this initiative is to help social and voluntary organizations working for social causes to raise capital in the form of equity or debt or a unit of mutual fund.
8 First World Odia Language Conference 2024 to be held in Bhubaneswar
The Odisha government has announced plans to organize the World Odia Language Conference for the first time in February 2024 . The Heritage Cabinet led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik approved the proposal to strengthen and popularize the Odia language. Along with researchers, national and international language experts will also be invited to this three-day program. The conference aims to address important issues such as educating youth about Odia language, integrating Odia into professional courses, role of language in the digital age and providing insights for formulating relevant policies.
9 Lithium reserves discovered in the Salton Sea
In an unprecedented study, scientists exploring Southern California ‘s Salton Sea , the state’s largest lake, have discovered a remarkable lithium reserve , estimated to be worth $540 billion . The discovery establishes the US as a potential leader in lithium production, an important development for the country. This lithium reserve has the capacity to supply batteries for more than 382 million electric vehicles. After this, America will play a major role in the global lithium market. This lake is emerging as the largest lithium source globally.
10 French Parliament tightens immigration laws, making it more difficult for migrants to bring family members to France
The French Parliament has passed a law tightening the immigration policy . The new law makes it more difficult for migrants to bring family members to France and delays their access to benefits from welfare schemes. It also bans the detention of minors in detention centres. Meanwhile, human rights groups have criticized the new law.
11 Lok Sabha passes three criminal law bills to replace the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act
Lok Sabha has passed the Indian Judicial (Second) Code 2023 , the Indian Civil Defense (Second) Code 2023 and the Indian Evidence (Second) Bill 2023 . The Indian Justice (Second) Code 2023 will replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 1860. This is the main law on criminal offense in the country. The new bill defines community service as a punishment. The Indian Civil Defense (Second) Code 2023 will replace the Criminal Procedure Code 1973 (CrPC). CrPC is for arrest, prosecution and bail. The Indian Evidence (Second) Bill 2023 (BSB2) will replace the Indian Evidence Act 1872. This Act deals with the admissibility of evidence in Indian courts. This applies to all civil and criminal proceedings. In these laws, a provision has been made to digitalize the entire process from FIR to case diary, from case diary to charge sheet and from charge sheet to decision.
12 Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal released commemorative ticket on the foundation day of AIIA, Goa.
Union AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal released a commemorative postage stamp on the occasion of the first Foundation Day of All India Institute of Ayurveda – AIIA , Goa in New Delhi . Minister of State for AYUSH Dr. Munjapara Mahendrabhai and AYUSH Ministry Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha were also present during this period. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had dedicated this center of AIIA to the nation in Goa. On this occasion, Shri Sonowal said that the release of commemorative postage stamp of AIIA Goa is a moment of pride for everyone. AIIA is a major center for Ayurvedic research and treatment and Goa is a global tourism hub, he said.
13 India’s Uma Shekhar selected for Governing Council of UNIDROIT
Ms. Uma Shekhar won a remarkable victory by securing 45 out of 59 votes in the preliminary round of elections for the Governing Council of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) in Rome, Italy . This historic win not only represents a personal achievement for Ms Shekhar, but also elevates India to prominence on the Governing Council for the term from 2024-28.
14 ICRA raises GDP growth forecast for FY2024 to 6.5%
Domestic rating agency ICRA increased India ‘s economic growth forecast for the current financial year from 6.2 percent to 6.5 percent . However, this is lower than the RBI’s revised growth rate estimate of seven percent. The agency said, due to the continuation of decline in commodity prices, the growth rate in the October-December quarter is expected to be better than the previous estimate. The impact of increase in electricity demand, increase in daily registration of vehicles and increase in other business activities will also be visible.
15 Afghan NGOs awarded international gender equality honor by Finland
Finland , a global champion of gender equality , recently honored the Afghan Women Skills Development Center with the International Gender Equality Award for 2023 in recognition of their unwavering commitment to promoting and protecting women’s rights in Afghanistan . The prestigious award, along with a prize of 300,000 euros, was presented by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo during a ceremony in Tampere.
16 Anand Marriage Act implemented in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken an important step towards fulfilling the long standing demand of the Sikh community by implementing the Anand Vivah Act . The Act provides statutory recognition to Sikh marriage rituals, allowing Sikh couples to register their marriage under specific rules rather than the Hindu Marriage Act.
17 President gives assurance to weavers to promote Pochampalli weaving
President Draupadi Murmu assured weavers in Bhoodan Pochampalli , Telangana , that efforts would be made to further promote Pochampalli weaving . The President visited Bhoodan Pochampalli village in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district. He appreciated the efforts made to pass on the unique Ikkat weaving art of Pochampalli silk and cotton to the next generations. The President expressed happiness over the grant of GI tag to Pochampalli weaving . He suggested to provide information about Pochampalli to weavers from other parts of the country also.
18 Djokovic and Sabalenka won the 2023 ITF World Champion title with brilliant performances
Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were awarded the International Tennis Federation (ITF) ‘s 2023 World Champion award for reaching at least the semi-finals in singles at all four Grand Slam tournaments this season . Djokovic finished the season ranked number one in the ATP rankings for a record eighth time. She won the Australian Open, French Open and US Open titles this season, taking her total number of Grand Slam titles to 24. He was the runner-up at Wimbledon. Sabalenka won this award for the first time. She won her first Grand Slam title this year in the form of Australian Open. She was the runner-up at the US Open and reached the semi-finals of the French Open and Wimbledon.
19 Haryana won the Vijay Hazare Trophy title for the first time by defeating Rajasthan.
Haryana men’s cricket team, captained by Ashok Menaria, won the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023-24 by defeating Deepak Hooda- led Rajasthan men’s cricket team in the final held at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot (Gujarat) .
20 Bangladesh won Under-19 Asia Cup for the first time
Bangladesh team won the Under-19 Asia Cup title for the first time. Bangladesh won the title by defeating host UAE by 195 runs in the final match played in Dubai . Bangladesh’s opening batsman Ashiqur Rahman Shibli was the player of the match, who played a brilliant inning of 129 runs in the final. At the same time, Rahman was awarded the Player of the Series. The UAE team’s dream was shattered with the defeat in the final match.