DECEMBER MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021

DECEMBER MONTHLY CURRENT AFFAIRS 2021: Current Affairs are very important for every competitive exam and as we all know, in the upcoming months, many government exams.

Centre extends ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ door-to-door vaccination campaign till December 31
Uttarakhand govt scraps Char Dham Devasthanam Management Board law; was aimed at bringing the Char Dham of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and 49 other temples under its purview Telugu lyricist Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry dies in Hyderabad at 66
GDP growth in July-September quarter of 2021-22 at 8.4%: Govt.
Eight core sectors’ output grows to 7.5% in October
S&P Global Ratings keeps India’s economic growth forecast in 2021-22 unchanged at 9.5% Central government debt is estimated at about 62% of GDP for 2021-22
G7 health ministers call for urgent action to combat spread of Omicron Covid-19 strain
Two minority members added to Sri Lanka’s Heritage Task Force for Eastern Province Renowned scholar of Bangladesh Professor Rafiqul Islam dies in Dhaka at 87
Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare observed on Nov 30 Indian-origin Parag Agrawal appointed new CEO of Twitter
Lionel Messi of Argentina and French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) wins men’s Ballon d’Or award Alexia Putellas, captaining Barcelona to a treble-winning season, won the women’s Ballon d’Or
19-year-old Pedri (Pedro Gonzalez Lopez) of Barcelona won the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged
Lok Sabha passes The Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020
Dinyar Patel wins Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay NIF Book Prize 2021 for his book “Naoroji: Pioneer of Indian Nationalism”
Arunachal Pradesh govt ropes in actor Sanjay Dutt as brand ambassador for 50th year celebrations Nagaland: Hornbill Festival beings in Naga Heritage village Kisama on statehood day–Dec 1 Parliamentary Delegation from Mongolia calls on the President
ADB providing USD 250 mn loan for National Industrial Corridor Development Program DGCA postpones resumption of scheduled international flights from Dec 15
Sambit Patra appointed chairman of India Tourism Development Corporation Serum Institute of India delivers first Novavax vaccine batch through COVAX WhatsApp banned 2 million accounts in India in October
Frequent suspension of internet on flimsy grounds uncalled for, says Parliamentary panel
Forum of Indian Professionals in South China (FIPSC) organized by India’s Consulate General in Guangzhou
India Foundation organising fifth Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi on Dec 4-5
Indian ambassador to Russia Pavan Kapoor presents credentials to President Vladimir Putin Harsh Vardhan Shringla meets EU special envoy for Afghanistan
Bangladesh-US holding CARAT (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) maritime exercise in Bay of Bengal
Paris-based OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) lowers global growth forecast for 2021 to 5.6% from 5.7% earlier
US singer Rihanna declared national hero by government of Barbados Honduras: Xiomara Castro elected first female President
Germany: 4 injured as World War-II bomb explodes near railway construction site in Munich Azerbaijan: 14 people killed in military helicopter crash during training
Cyclone Jawad: IMD issues red alert in 4 districts of Odisha; advises fishermen not to venture into sea from Dec 3 to 5
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates 5th International Ambedkar Conclave in New Delhi
The 1817 Paika rebellion of Odisha to be included as ‘case study’ in history textbook: Union Culture Minister G. Kishan Reddy
Dam Safety Bill, 2019 passed by Parliament; National Committee on Dam Safety will be set up
ADB approves Rs 3,752 cr loan for enhancing school education India, European Union decide to expand clean energy cooperation
46 lakh unorganised workers registered under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) pension scheme
Over 10 crore unorganised sector workers registered on e-Shram portal
Tourism Minister G. Kishan Reddy hands over cheques and sanction letters to first lot of stakeholders under LGSCATSS (Loan Guarantee Scheme for COVID-Affected Tourism Sector Services)
India hits target of 40% power generation capacity from non-fossil sources
IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) ranks first among top 300 cooperatives in the world, retains position
Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan releases commemorative postage stamp on the Mahindra group to mark 75 years of the company
Taliban, Myanmar Military junta fail to secure seats at United Nations
Richest 1% have 38% of wealth growth globally: World Inequality Report
Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) approves global prohibition on use of chemical weapons as tools of law enforcement
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery observed on Dec 2
Uttarakhand: PM inaugurates and lays foundation stone for multiple projects worth Rs 18,000 crore India on its way to achieve population stabilisation: MoS Health Bharati Pravin Pawar
Navy Day celebrated on Dec 4
Former CM of undivided Andhra Pradesh Konijeti Rosaiah of Congress dies at 88 Veteran journalist Vinod Dua dies at 67
President inaugurates centenary celebrations of Public Accounts Committee of Parliament India-Maldives joint military Exercise EKUVERIN being conducted in Maldives from Dec 6 to 19
Indian Navy’s 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron, that bombed the Karachi Port and sunk Pakistan Navy’s vessels in the 1971 war, to receive the President’s Standard on Dec 8
‘Public Service Ethics – A Quest for Naitik Bharat’, a book by former cabinet secretary and former Jharkhand governor Prabhat Kumar, released
Manipur: AYUSH Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates 50 Bed Integrated Ayush Hospital in Moreh
Nagaland: 11 civilians gunned down by security forces in Mon district Heavy rains lash Odisha as remnants of cyclone Jawad near coast TRS member Banda Prakash resigns from Rajya Sabha
Veteran Kannada actor Shivaram passes away in Bengaluru at 83
Defence Minister delivers inaugural address at MSME Conclave organised by Department of Defence Bureaucrat Alka Upadhyaya appointed Chairperson of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Sanjay Bandopadhyay appointed Chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India
Asok Kumar appointed Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga
Neelam Shammi Rao appointed as Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees’ Provident Fund Organization
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar addressed fifth Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi Indonesia: Eruption of Mount Semeru volcano kills 14 on Java island
International Volunteer Day observed by UN on Dec 5; theme: ‘Volunteer now for our common future’
Se-young (South Korea) win men’s women’s singles titles respectively
PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold 21st India Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi The 21st India Russia Annual Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin was held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on December 6, 2021.
First-ever India-Russia ‘2+2’ dialogue held in New Delhi; Participants: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu
India signs agreement for procurement of 6 lakh AK-203 rifles from Russia for Rs. 5000 crores Meeting of India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC- MTC) held in New Delhi
Rukmini Banerji, CEO of Pratham Education Foundation, awarded 2021 Yidan Prize for Education Development which is based in Hong Kong SAR
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr Virendra Kumar launches Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SRESHTA) for socio-economic upliftment and overall development of Scheduled Castes students dictionary.com picks ‘Allyship’ as Word of the Year 2021
World Petroleum Congress being organised in Houston (US) from Dec 5 to 9 Former US Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole dies at 98
Armed Forces Flag Day celebrated on Dec 7
RBI proposes to launch UPI-based payment products for feature phone users
UPI transaction limit to be hiked to Rs 5 lakh from current limit of Rs 2 UPI transaction limit hike only for retail direct scheme for investment of G-Secs and IPO offering applications
RBI retains three-member Advisory Committee of crisis-ridden Reliance Capital comprising Sanjeev Nautiyal, Srinivasan Varadarajan and Praveen P Kadle
Cabinet approves continuation of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) beyond March 2021 till March 2024
Cabinet approves 44,605 crores ‘Ken-Betwa Interlinking of Rivers Project’ to benefit Bundelkhand region of MP and UP
Suresh Jadhav, key executive of SII (Serum Institute of India) & doyen of vaccine industry, dies at 72 in Pune
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ranked 37th in list of ‘world’s 100 most powerful women’ by Forbes
IndiGo signs agreement with Dehradun-based Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) to manufacture and deploy sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) globally
Germany: Olaf Scholz replaces Angela Merkel as chancellor
Japan’s Yusaku Maezawa & Yozo Hirano take off for International Space Station on Russian Soyuz rocket; first self-paying space tourists since 2009
Lok Sabha passes two bills to extend the tenures of directors of CBI and ED up to a maximum of 5 years from the present 2 years
IMO (International Maritime Organization) Council awards Certificate of Commendation to Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and Master along with crew members of tugboat Ocean Bliss for ‘exceptional bravery at sea’
Parliament passed National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (Amendment) Bill,2021
MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) issues advisory for general public on rooftop solar scheme; no vendor authorized by the ministry for setting up rooftop solar plants
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman virtually participates in G20 International Seminar hosted in Bali by Indonesia
ADB approves Rs 2,645-crore loan to improve urban services in India
Commercial international flights to remain suspended till Jan 31, 2022
Jailed Chinese journalist Zhang Zhan wins Lin Zhao Freedom Award by US-based NGO ChinaAid
US: President Joe Biden opens first White House Summit for Democracy
Italy fines Amazon $1.3 billion, alleging harm to outside sellers
China is world’s biggest captor of journalists: RSF (Reporters Without Borders) report
UK, Canada and Australia announce diplomatic boycott of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics after US
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime observed on December 9
International Anti-Corruption Day observed on Dec 9; theme: ‘Your right, your role: say no to
PM Modi addresses the Summit for Democracy hosted by US President via video conferencing
NITI Aayog releases two comprehensive reports on emergency and injury care in India
India airlifts 110 stranded Indian citizens, Afghan nationals from Kabul in Operation Devi Shakti
Indian Mathematician Neena Gupta wins 2021 DST-ICTP-IMU Ramanujan Prize for Young Mathematicians from Developing Countries
Indian architect Balakrishna Doshi wins Royal Gold Medal 2022 given by Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Indian researcher Sonali Garg awarded Harvard University’s Edward Wilson Biodiversity Postdoctoral Fellowship for discovering 50 frog species
India’s foreign exchange reserves decline to USD 905 billion for the week ended December 3
RBI makes Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) mandatory for cross-border transactions of Rs 50 crore and above
Govt to distribute LED bulbs at highly subsidised rate at 10 in 5 states on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day (Dec 14)
Star Health and Allied Insurance Company (Star Health) lists at discount to its issue price after Rs 7,250-crore IPO
ISRO signs deal with smartphone maker OPPO for development of NavIC messaging service
India Mobile Congress organised by DoT (Department of Telecom) and COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India) from Dec 8 to 10
Google extends Play Store billing policy deadline in India to October 2022 giving developers 7 more months to integrate the company’s billing system in their apps
Pharma company Lupin launches diagnostics arm Lupin Diagnostics
Dec 10; theme: ‘EQUALITY – Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights’
IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species updated; number of species at risk of extinction exceeds 40,000
Nicaragua recognises China, breaks diplomatic ties with Taiwan
UNGA grants Observer Status to International Solar Alliance
Terrorist attack on convoy of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) kills seven UN peacekeepers
14 lakh hectares of land in 9 districts of eastern UP
Pinaka Extended Range (Pinaka-ER) Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) test-fired
DRDO, IAF test Helicopter launched Stand-off Anti-tank (SANT) Missile from Pokhran ranges
Seventh edition of India International Science festival being held in Panaji, Goa from Dec 11 to 14
‘Swarnim Vijay Parv’ to be celebrated at India Gate, New Delhi on December 12-13 to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory in 1971 war
Union Minister for Ports Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurates River Cruise Service at Mormugao Port Trust Goa
International Mountain Day celebrated on Dec 11, theme: ‘Sustainable mountain tourism’
India re-elected to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council
G7 Foreign Ministers present united front against Russia over Ukraine crisis
US, Canada and UK impose sanctions on people and entities tied to China, Myanmar and North Korea for human rights violations
International Day of Neutrality observed by UN on Dec 12
International Universal Health Coverage Day celebrated on Dec 12, theme: ‘Leave No One’s Health Behind: Invest in Health Systems for All’
Tornadoes hit six US states of Kentucky, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri and Mississippi; 80 dead
South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia chooses to stay with France; separatists boycott referendum
Naftali Bennett in UAE on historic first visit by an Israeli PM
G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Liverpool (UK) calls on Russia to de-escalate, warns against Ukraine incursion
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen wins season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and 2021 Formula One Drivers’ championship; Mercedes win Constructors’ championship
India returns from Asian Rowing Championship in Thailand with 6 medals (2 gold, 4 silver)
Parliament passes High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021
Lok Sabha passes Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2021
Chairperson of Lokpal Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose inaugurates digital Platform for Management of Complaints
India launches Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo System (SMAT) from Abdul Kalam island off the Odisha coast
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Defence inaugurates nation-wide events of Defence Production
Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Virendra Kumar launches National Helpline Against Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
CBSE drops controversial comprehension from class 10 English board exam paper
Alejandro Simancas Marin appointed new Ambassador of Cuba to India
to extend tenure of CBI Director to a maximum of five years
Parliament passes bill to extend the tenure of ED (Enforcement Directorate) Director to a maximum of five years
Supreme Court allows Centre to widen roads for Char Dham project in Uttarakhand from 5 metres to 10 metres
PM attends 98th anniversary celebrations of Sadguru Sadafaldeo Vihangam Yog Sansthan
UP: Special Investigation Team probing the Lakhimpur Kheri violence of Oct 3 describes the killing of fours farmers and a journalist as a “pre-planned conspiracy”
Defence hands over five DRDO developed products to Armed forces and other security agencies
Piyush Goyal calls for enhancing economic ties between India and Southern African Customs Union which consists of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho
Maharashtra tops list of states with maximum number of beneficiaries under ABRY (Atmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana)
Wholesale price-based inflation hits 12-year high of 2% in November on dearer fuel, food
Global Technology Summit organised by Carnegie India and Ministry of External Affairs
Kyhytysuka sachicarum is a new marine reptile species discovered by an international team of researchers. It is an extinct species. It was discovered from fossils found in central Columbia. Earlier scientists believed that it belonged to Platypterygius genus. Recently, it was discovered that it is a different species. And thus it is now named as Kyhytysuka sachicarum.
The quarterly bulletins of PLFS provides worker Population Ratio, Unemployment Rate, Labour Force
Participation Rate.
Labour Force Participation Rate: Percentage of persons working or seeking or available for work.
Worker Population Ratio: Percentage of employed persons in the population
Unemployment Rate: Percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in labour force.
Labour Force: The Labour force is the part of the population that supplies labour for the production of goods and services.
The Government of India recently formed an Economically Weaker Section (EWS) review panel. The panel will look in to the criteria of 10% reservation for the economically weaker section in government jobs and educational institutions.
Article 15 (4) says that nothing shall prevent the state from making special provisions for the advancement of the socially and educationally backward classes or scheduled tribes or scheduled caste.
Every year the World AIDS Day is celebrated on December 1. The day is being celebrated since 1988. It is celebrated to create awareness against the spread of HIV infection. It is one of the 11 official Global Public Health campaigns of World Health Organisation.
The Andhra Pradesh Government recently released Rs 686 crores for the Vidya Deevena Scheme. This is the third tranche of the scheme. It is an education assistance scheme.
It is a fee reimbursement scheme. That is, the students pay the educational institutes and the government pays the students. Here, full reimbursement is not done. Full reimbursement includes college fees, hostel fees, mess fees. The scheme reimburses college fees alone.
The scheme mainly focuses on students seeking higher education.
If the student has attendance is less than 75% then the fee disbursement is not done. Also, the scheme is not applicable for students in private or deemed universities.
The scheme is not applicable for distant learning and NRI quota.
The official website to apply for Vidya Deevena scheme is NAVASAKAM.ap.gov.in.
Scheduled Castes, Backward classes, scheduled tribes, minorities, economically backward classes, Kapus and Differently abled are also eligible. Also, students belonging to families with 25 acres of dry land and 10 acres of wetland are also eligible. The income tax payers are not eligible. The family should not own a four-wheeler. None of the family member should be a government official or pensioner.
The bill seeks to bring clarity whether the SC and HC judges are entitled to get additional pension on
attaining a certain age. Currently, every retired judge or his family (after his death) is entitled to get an additional quantum of pension. This is generally referred as family pension.
Currently, the retired High Court and Supreme Court judges are provided with additional quantum of pension
on completing 80 years or 85 years or 90 years or 95 years or 100 years which ever the case may be. These are the slabs of the pension. Now the confusion is should the pension be given from the first day of the month when he completes the age or the first day of the month when he enters the age. The bill inserts explanation about this issue.
The salaries of SC judges are fixed based on Article 125. The Article 125 says that the salaries of SC judges are determined by the parliament by law. Also, the parliament shall decide on the privileges and allowances provided to the judges in respect of leave of absence and pension.
The Uttarakhand Government recently withdrew the Char Dham Devasthanam Management Act. The act was withdrawn due to the protests from priests and other stakeholders of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the major shrines.
The Char Dham Shrine Management Act was legislated by the Uttarakhand State Assembly in 2019.
The act constituted a board called Uttarakhand Char Dham Devasthanam Board. The board brought the Char Dham of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri and 49 other temples under its purview.
The Chief Minister was the Chairman of the board and the Minister of Religious Affairs was the vice chairman. Two MLAs of Yamunotri and Gangotri were members of the board and a senior IAS officer was the Chief Executive Officer.
The board was responsible for management of temples. It had powers to frame policies, sanction expenditure, budget formulation. Also, the board had powers to give directions for the safe custody of temple jewellery and properties.
Before the act, the temples were managed under the Shri Badrinath – Shri Kedarnath Act, 1939. Under the act, Shri Badrinath – Shri Kedarnath Mandir Samiti was constituted. The Samiti was chaired by a person appointed by the Government. The committee was responsible for making decisions related to funds, donations and development works in and around the temples.
Most of the provisions of Shri Badrinath – Shri Kedarnath Act, 1939 were not relevant to the present context. Thus, the Char Dham Bill was proposed. It aimed to rejuvenate the temples.
According to the protestants, the Government wants to take control over the financial and policy decisions of the temple. In Gangotri and Yamunotri, the temples were earlier under the control of local trusts. The Government had no say and no share in the donations made by the devotees.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Department of Telecommunications operating
under the Ministry of Communications conducted a Joint Cyber Drill 2021.
The cyber drill was conducted for the Critical Network Infrastructure operators of India. The Critical Network Infrastructure are the systems, assets and networks that are essential to ensure the security of a country.
It aims to improve the cyber security readiness of India. Also, it aims to improve the protection and incident response capability of the country.
During the cyber drill, the cyber attacks and information security incidents were simulated. And the participants were trained to defend and respond against such incidents. Thus, the drill helped to test the cyber capabilities of an organisation.
The drill emphasized the role of Computer Security Incident Response Team and Computer Incident
and Response Team (CIRT). The CIRT is responsible for handling security breaches
It also strengthened India’s capability in protecting critical information infrastructure and building cyber resilience.
CIRT: Computer Incident Response Team: This team is responsible for handling the security breaches.
CSIRT: Computer Security Incident Response Team: The main responsibility of CSIRT is to expose the cyber-attacks targeting an organsiation.
CERT: Computer Emergency Response Team: It is an expert group that handles the cyber threats and cyber-attacks. It includes the computer emergency readiness team and the CSIRT.
SOC: Security Operation Centre: It is a centralized function that employs people, technologies and processes to continuously monitor and improve the security of the organisation. It prevents, detects, analyses and responds to the cybersecurity incidents.
The GST revenue for the month of November 2021 was Rs 1,31,526 crores. This is the second highest
collection since the introduction of GST in the country. The first highest collection was in April 2021.
The CGST was Rs 23,978 crores.
The IGST was Rs 66,815 crores. Of this Rs 32,165 crores was collected from the goods imported. The cess collected was Rs 9,606 crores. This includes Rs 653 crores from the imported goods.
The high GST collection shows that country is line with economic recovery.
The GST revenue collected for the month of November is 25% higher than the GST revenue of November 2020. And is 27% higher than GST revenue collected in November 2019.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship launched a pilot project to revive the Namda craft of Kashmir.
The project was launched under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0.
It is to be implemented in twenty five batches. These 25 batches are to be trained in three cycles.
Each training cycle will run for three and a half month. The project will benefit 2,250 people.
The project will enhance the learning of the people through Recognition of Prior Learning (a component of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana)
Every year, India marks the National Pollution Control Day on December 2. The day is observed in the memory of the people who lost their lives in the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. The National Pollution Control Day is celebrated in India to make the citizens aware of laws that exist in India that help to contain pollution.
The Bhopal gas tragedy occurred on December 2nd and 3rd, 1984. During the accident poisonous chemical methyl isocyanate leaked from a pesticide plant union carbide India Limited in Bhopal. This exposed more than 500 thousand people to the poisonous gas. Around 2259 people died immediately. Later the Government of India announced that the tragedy killed around 25,000 people. It was considered as the biggest industrial disaster in the world.
India is home to 21 out of 30 polluted cities in the world. According to World Health Organization, around 140 million people in the country breath air that is ten times above the safe limit set by WHO.
The Economic Intelligence Unit recently released Cost of Living Index 2021. According to the report, Tel Aviv of Israel is the most expensive city in the world.
Tel Aviv is the world’s most expensive cities. It was followed by Paris in second place and Singapore in third place.
In 2020, Paris was the most expensive city according to the index.
In 2021, Zurich and Hong Kong were at fourth and fifth places respectively.
Overall, the upper rankings were dominated by developed Asian cities and European cities.
The lowest rankings were occupied by cities in Africa, Middle East and less wealthier parts of Asia.
The bill aims to provide for regulation of ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology). ART is used to treat infertility. In ART, the eggs are removed from woman’s body, mixed with sperm to form embryos. The bill was recently passed in Lok Sabha.
ART includes all techniques that are used to get pregnancy. The techniques shall include handling oocyte (immature eggs) or sperms outside the human body.
It shall also include transferring the embryo in to the woman’s body. The ART services shall include the following: Donation of sperm or oocytes In – Vitro Fertilisation: Means fertilising an egg and a sperm in lab Gestational Surrogacy: child is carried by a non – biological mother or surrogate mother The bill says that every ART bank or clinic should be registered under the National Registry of Banks and Clinics of India. The bill will establish the National Registry. The registry will act as a central database holding details of the clinics and banks providing ART services.
The clinics and banks shall become eligible to get registered only if they attain to certain standards. These standards are related to physical infrastructure, specialised manpower, diagnostic facilities, etc.
The registration is valid for five years.
The bill constitutes National and State Boards for surrogacy. The powers and functions of the boards are as follows:
To advise the central government on ART related policies To review and monitor the implementation of the act To formulate code of conduct and standards for ART clinics and banks
India recently joined the G20 Troika. The G20 Troika is made of Indonesia, India and Italy. That is Troika is made of the current presidency, Indonesia; the previous presidency Italy and the incoming presidency which is India.
Troika means a group of three people working together. It is an English word. The Troika of G20 is made of the current, next and immediate past host countries. The Troika ensures continuity and provides presidency support.
The G20 operates without a permanent staff or secretariat. The chair of the group rotates annually among its members. The current chair establishes secretariat temporarily. This secretariat organises meetings and coordinates the working of the group. Thus, there is need for Troika to help with the secretariat so that there is continuity in the works of G20.
In 2019, the G20 was hosted by Japan. In 2020, Italy hosted G20. In 2021, it is Indonesia. In 2022, 2023 and
2024, it will be hosted by Indonesia, India and Brazil. Thus, the following countries formed the Troika in G20 2020: Japan, Italy and Indonesia
2021: Italy, Indonesia and India 2022: Indonesia, India and Brazil
Ministry of Rural Development of Government of India (MoRD) and Flipkart has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
MoU between ministry & Flipkart will help in empowering local businesses and self-help groups (SHGs) by bringing them into the e-commerce fold.
Partnership is in line with the DAY-NRLM’s objective of strengthening the capabilities of rural communities for self-employment and entrepreneurship.
Thus, it provides further momentum to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
Ministry of Rural Development had restructured the ‘Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) in 1999 and launched Swarnajayanti Grameen Swarojgar Yojana (SGSY) in order to promote self-employment among rural poor. SGSY has now been remodelled to NRLM. NRLM was launched in 2011 with a budget outlay of $5.1 billion.
Flipkart Samarth program was launched in the year 2019 as a sustainable and inclusive platform for
empowering underserved domestic communities & businesses by providing them opportunities and livelihoods. It is currently supporting the livelihoods of more than 950000 artisans, weavers and craftsmen in India.
The Dam Safety Bill was introduced in Rajya Sabha. The bill aims to inspect, survey, maintain and operate
dams in the country. Because mos t of the dams are more than 100 years old.
The bill constitutes two national bodies. They are National Committee on Dam Safety and National Dam Safety Authority.
The National Committee on Dam Safety will evolve policies and recommend regulations related to dam safety.
The National Dam Safety Authority implements the policies framed by the National committee. Also, it will provide technical assistance to the State Dam Safety Organisations.
The bill will also constitute two state bodies. They are State Committee on Dam Safety and State Dam Safety Authority. The functions of these committees and authorities are restricted at state level and are similar to that of the national committees and authorities.
The Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey recently replied to question in Lok Sabha that the Government of India has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. This was done to protect the interests of the consumers in the country.
The unit sale price of the commodity should compulsorily be displayed on the package. This allows the consumers to make informed decision irrespective of quantity and size of the commodity packed in the package. Also, this will remove the inexactness in declaration of quantity in pre packed commodities.
The number or pieces that represent the quantity in the package should be mentioned in the package. This will remove the confusion in items sold by number. Earlier such declarations were made as ‘N’ or ‘U’.
The provisions of Maximum Retail Price (MRP) should be simplified. The illustration and mandatory declaration of MRP in Indian currency including taxes has been removed.
Metrology means science of measurement and its application.
The Indian Athlete Anju Bobby George has won the Woman of the Year Award from World Athletics. She has won the award for grooming young girls to take up sports.
She is a gold medallist in 2005 IAAF World Athletics Finals.
She was the first Indian athlete to win bronze medal in long jump at the World Championships in Athletics held in 2013 in Paris.
In 2004 Olympics, she finished sixth.
Anju was awarded the Arjuna award in 2002, Padma Shri in 2004, Khel Ratna in 2003. In 2021, she won the BBC lifetime achievement award in the category of Best Athlete.
In 2016, she formed a sports academy for young girls. Through this she has helped India advance in sports and also inspire more women to follow her footsteps. She is also presented with the award for advocating gender equality.
Every year, International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on December 3 by the United Nations and several other organisations spread all over the world. This year the day is celebrated with the following theme
Theme: “Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world”.
The International Day of Persons with Disability was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992. It aims to promote well-being and rights of the persons with disabilities and increase the awareness of situation of persons with disabilities in social, political, economic and cultural life.
There are more than 1 billion persons with disabilities in the world. Of these 80% live in developing countries.
Of the disabled persons in the world, 46% are older than 60 years. The persons with disabilities are among the hardest hit by COVID-19.
In 2006, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted. The other major United Nations frameworks that included disabilities as a major part are as follows
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goal New Urban Agenda
Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing Development
Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities with Humanitarian Action Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The following goals include disabilities as a major part in their agenda
Goal 4: Inclusive and Equitable Quality of Education
Goal 8: To promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth. This is to be achieved by providing productive employment to all men, women and persons with disabilities.
Goal 10: To reduce inequality
Goal 11: To make human settlements, cities safe, inclusive and sustainable.
Goal 17: To strengthen and revitalise global partnership for sustainable development.
It aims to support implementation of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, SDGs, Agenda for Humanity and Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. It was launched in June 2019.
The UNESCO recently presented two Heritage Awards to the Nizamuddin Basti Project. The project was awarded for its conservation efforts. It was awarded with the Special Recognition for Sustainable Award and Award of Excellence.
The project restored more than 20 historic monuments located around 14th century Sufi Saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
The Nizamuddin area consists of Humayun Tomb and Batashewala Tomb and tomb of a 16th century poet Rahim (Khan I Khanan). These regions were segregated and damaged. They were also renewed by the Nizamuddin Basti Project.
The project was started in 2007 by the Aga Kahn Trust for Culture, Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation and the Delhi Municipal Corporation.
The Nizamuddin Basti Project is an Urban Renewal Project. It successfully unified the segregated zones of the seven-century old settlement of the Nizamuddin Basti and its surrounding 70 acres.
It integrated socio – economic development, conservation and environmental development objectives in these areas.
It unified three major sites namely Sundar Nursery, Nizamuddin Basti and Humayun Tomb.
Humayun Tomb was commissioned by his first wife Bega Begum. It was declared a World Heritage Site in 1993. Since then, it has undergone extensive restoration work. The tomb is placed in the centre of a thirty- acre garden called “Char Bagh”. The last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured by the British in Humayun Tomb in 1857.
The US Congress recently passed a stop gap bill to avert government shutdown. The bill extended the funding through mid – February. The bill is usually passed so that the US Government does not run out of money.
The bill was passed to overcome brinkmanship over vaccine mandates. Brinkmanship is the practice of pursuing dangerous policy limits of safety before stopping. In simple words, the US government was about to run out of money due to its extensive COVID-19 vaccine measures. Therefore, came in demand for additional money. And thus, the stopgap bill was passed. Stopgap means a temporary measure or short- term fix.
The Government Shutdown occurs in the United States when the US Parliament fails to enact a funding legislation. The funding may be for the next fiscal year or temporary. The current bill passed is for temporary funding.
Earlier, such shutdown occurred during President Obama period (for 16 days), President Bill Clinton period (21 days) and President Donald Trump period (35 days).
The shutdown disrupts government programmes and services. This includes closure of institutions and national parks. Also, the major loss occurs due to loss of labour. It also causes significant economic growth.
The Indian American, Gita Gopinath has become the first Deputy Managing Director of International Monetary Fund. She is the first Indian to take up the top role in the organisation. First Deputy Managing Director is the second top post in IMF next to the Managing Director.
Gita Gopinath was the first female Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund.
She was born in Kolkata in 1971. She completed her graduation in University of Delhi and her masters in Washington University and PhD in Princeton University.
In 2018, she was appointed the Chief Economist of the IMF.
She named the world wide recession of 2020 due to COVID-19 as “The Great Lockdown”.
In 2021, she was named the First Managing Director of IMF. It is number 2 position in the organisation.
She was awarded the Parvasi Bharatiya Samman in 2019 by the President of India. The Parvasi Bharatiya
Samman is presented on the Parvasi Bharatiya Divas. It is the highest award presented to the overseas Indians.
IMF is managed by the Managing Director, First Deputy Managing Director and deputy managing directors.
The First Deputy Managing Director in the IMF takes lead on conducting surveillance, flagship publications and oversee researches.
Under Ms Gopinath’s leadership, the IMF has contributed in multilateral surveillance through World
Economic Outlook. Her plan to end COVID-19 crisis by vaccinating the world at feasible cost was a huge success.
The Government of India is to launch SRESTHA Scheme for the Scheduled Caste students. The scheme will provide quality residential education to the students.
The scheme is to be implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It targets the meritorious students of Scheduled Caste. It will also help to control the drop out of students from courses 9 to 12.
The scheme will provide high quality residential schooling.
To implement the scheme, NITI Aayog has recognized reputed non – public residential facilities in aspirational districts.
The GoI has estimated that the scheme implementation will require Rs 300 crores. The scheme is expected to help more than 24,800 students in next five years.
The death anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar, the Father of Indian Constitution, is celebrated as Mahaparinirvan Divas in the country. It falls on December 6. The SRESHTA Scheme is to be launched on this day.
The scheme is to be launched as part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations. It is a GoI initiative to
celebrate 75 years of independence. The celebrations under the programme was started in March 2021 and it is to go on till 15th August 2022
The SpaceX recently launched fifty satellites. These satellites are to join the Starlink mega constellation. The satellites were launched on Falcon 9 rocket.
SpaceX launched 48 Starlink satellites and two Earth Observation satellites called Blacksky Global. The Blacksky Global is building a satellite constellation which is capable of providing images of any part of the earth. It is a constellation of 60 satellites.
The satellites were launched from Florida.
The Starlink constellation aims to provide internet access to the Earth on a large scale. It consists of 1600 satellites.
The SpaceX Starlink constellation is being built to provide high – speed internet coverage. As of December
2021, SpaceX has launched 1,900 broadband satellites. This is in 2021 alone. It has approval to launch 30,000 more satellites.
This launch carried upgraded version of the Starlink satellites. These satellites are equipped with laser –
based systems. These systems allow the satellites to communicate with each other in the orbit and also with the ground stations.
The SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shortly before the launch announced that the company may face
bankruptcy due to Raptor Engine Crisis. Raptor is a massive engine of SpaceX. It is to be used to propel the next generation launch system of SpaceX called “STARSHIP”. Starship is to take people to space.
Raptor engines have twice the power of the Merlin 1D engines. The Merlin 1D engines are used to power Flacon 9 rockets.
Propellant used in Raptor engine is liquid methane.
The Raptor Engine crisis is to affect the subsequent launches of SpaceX.
The astronomers recently found GJ 367b, a small planet that is circling a dim red dwarf star. The star is 31 light years away from the sun.
The GJ 367b is a rocky planet. It is 70% the size of the earth. And it is 55% the mass of the earth. This makes GJ 367b one of the lightest known exoplanets.
The planet completes its orbit in 7.7 hours. Thus, it is called the Ultra Short Period Planet.
The planet is dominated by an iron core. It is because of this reason the planet has high density.
The planet has a disproportionately large core. The core is made of iron and nickel. This particular property of the planet is similar to Mercury. Also, it is this property of Mercury that differentiates it from the rest of the planets in solar system.
TESS is Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The GJ 367b was identified using the data provided by TESS. TESS revealed the super short orbital period of GJ 367b.
Also, HARPS (High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher) helped the researchers to calculate the mass of the planet. HARPS is an instrument installed on a 3.6 metre telescope located in European Southern Observatory in Chile.
The INSACOG (Indian SARS CoV – 2 Genomics Consortium) recently suggested a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. The advice is for people above 40 years of age.
The advice comes to neutralize the Omicron risks in the country. The Omicron is a COVID-19 variant that
was recently identified in South Africa. It was declared as a “Variant of Concern” by the World Health Organisation. According to INSACOG, it is difficult to detect the presence of the variant in the earlier stages of its entry into the country.
The booster shots are additional dose of vaccine. They are given after the protection provided by the original shots begin to decrease. The booster shots help to maintain the immunity levels in people. All vaccines have booster shots.
The booster shots are given after a person has complete his vaccine series. It is provided to increase the
protection against the virus. This is because, the protection against the virus decreases over a period of time. On the other hand, the additional doses are given to people with severely compromised immune systems. It is given to improve the response of the people towards the vaccine. The additional doses are given to people who have received cancer treatment, stem cell transplant, people suffering from immunodeficiency diseases, people diagnosed with HIV.
ZyCov – D is the second indigenous vaccine next to COVAXIN. The unique feature of ZyCov – D is that it is needle – less vaccine. At first, the ZyCov – D vaccine is to be launched in seven states. They are Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Punjab, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
The vaccine is to be administered only persons in the age group of 12 to 19 years.
The ZyCov – D is administered using a needle – free applicator.
It is a three dose vaccine. It is taken at 28th day and 56th day of the first dose. The cost of ZyCov – D is Rs 376.
The ZyCov – D showed 66.6% efficiacy.
The vaccine was developed by the Indian Pharmaceutical company called Cadila Healthcare.
The ZyCov – D vaccine was developed on plasmid DNA. In simple terms, it was developed using a piece of DNA of the weakened or killed virus. When this DNA piece is injected into the body, the human immune systems learn to respond against the virus. The plasmid is produced using E Coli cells.
Because, ZyCov – D is injected using a jet injector. A jet injector is an injecting syringe. Here a narrow high-
pressure stream of liquid penetrates the outer most layer of the skin. With this, the medication reaches the underlying tissues of the epidermis. This is better than the conventional method of using needles. This is because in this method, the vaccines travel across cell plasma membrane and nuclear membrane. On the other hand, the conventional methods give low immunogenicity.
The Reserve Bank of India recently released its report on “State Finances: A Study of Budgets of 2021 – 22”. According to the report, the combined debt – to – GDP ratio of states is to remain at 31% till March 2022. This is worrying as the set target was 20%.
The report says that the finances of municipal corporations and urban local bodies have deteriorated.
There has been lack of funds from the state governments during the second wave of COVID-19. The revenue of 70% of municipal corporations declined.
43% of the participants of the survey said that they used grants from the state governments. Around 19% reported that they used reserve funds to meet the resource gap.
6% of the corporations borrowed from state government 2% of the corporations borrowed from banks
As the densely populated cities and districts emerged as hotspots, the local governments faced shortage in revenue. They were severely affected during the second wave of the pandemic.
RBI suggests that there is a need to increase financial autonomy of the civic bodies. It is essential to
strengthen the governance structure of the civic bodies.
The State Governments should set up the State Finance Commissions at regular intervals in order to prevent such losses in the future.
The air passengers can use a face scan as their boarding pass from 2022. The first airports to roll out the
facility are Kolkata, Pune, Varanasi and Vijayawada.
The NEC Corporation Private Limited has been chosen by the Airport Authority of India to implement the project.
The details of face recognition data are to be stored in Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem.
To avail the service, the passenger has to send PNR, pax details and facial biometrics to the Biometric Boarding System of the departing airport through a mobile application. The passenger can also choose not to opt for the service.
The Facial recognition is to be done using software designed by National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The project is to be implemented as part of Digi Yatra Policy. This policy is being implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Under this, the ministry aims to provide biometric based digital processing of
passengers at airports. This helps the passengers to walk through the security scanners swiftly. It removes redundancies and enhances resource utilization.
Every year the Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4. This year the Indian Navy Day is celebrated on the following theme
Theme: Indian Navy – Combat Ready, Credible and Cohesive.
The theme sends message that India is keenly watching the moves of the Chinese in the Indian Ocean Region and the Indian Navy is combat ready to encounter the Chinese forces anytime. The message includes Pakistani forces as well.
Every year the Indian Navy Day is celebrated to commemorate Operation Trident. The operation was launched by the Indian Navy during the India-Pakistan war of 1971 to attack Karachi Harbour.
The Operation Trident was launched in the night of December 4. During the attack Indian Navy ravaged the fuel Storage tankers at Pakistan Naval headquarters located in Karachi. The Indian Navy also sinked 4 of the Pakistani boats and killed 500 Pakistani Naval personal. This included minesweepers and destroy us as well.
For the first time India deployed and anti-ship missile during the India Pakistan war of 1971. The operation Trident was followed by operation Python.
After the first attack during operation Trident, the Pakistan Navy attempted to outsmart the Indian Navy by mingling with merchant ships. The operation Python was launched to counter this move of the Pakistan Navy.
Earlier during the British rule, Indian Navy Day was celebrated in the month of October coinciding with the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar Day. The Trafalgar Day falls on October 21.
The President of India is the supreme commander of Indian Navy. A four-star admiral is appointed as the
Chief of Indian Navy and he commands the navy. The Indian Navy was founded in 1612 in order to protect the British merchant ships.
In the evening of December 3, 1971, Pakistan attacked Indian Air bases. In response to the attack the Indian
Defence Force launched Operation Trident. Three high speed missile boats namely Nirghat, Nipat, Veer were dispatched towards the Karachi port.
Greater Tipraland is a region in Tripura. Several tribals are demanding to make the region as a separatestate.
There are 19 notified Scheduled Tribes in Tripura. Among these, 5.92 lakh are Tripuris, 1.88 lakh are Reangs. These three tribal groups are the major tribals in the state. Some of the minor tribal groups have joined hands and formed TIPRA Motha (Tirpaha Indigenous Regional Alliance) and IPFT (Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura) political parties. These parties are now arguing that they want a separate state for their “survival and existence”.
the country into agro – climatic zones for sustainable agricultural production.
There are 15 agro – climatic zones in India. They are western Himalayas, eastern Himalayas, lower gangetic

plains, middle gangetic plains, upper gangetic plains, trans gangetic plains, eastern plateau and hills, central plateau and hills, western plateau and hills, southern plateau and hills, east coast plains and hills, west coast plains and hills, Gujarat Plains and Hills, western dry region and islands.
An Agro – Ecological Zone is carved out from the Agro – Climatic Zone. It is the land unit that acts as a modifier to climate and length of growing period. There are 20 agro – ecological zones in India.
The Agro – Climatic Zone has two major variants. They are climate and growing period. The Agro – Ecological Zone has four major variables. They are climate, soil types, landforms and length of growing period.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research launched National Agricultural Research Project to set up zonal
research centres in each agro – climatic zone. These centres will analyse agro – ecological conditions and cropping patterns in the regions.
There are six agro – climatic zones in Punjab. They are Flood Plain Region (FPR), Western Region (WR),

Western Plain Region (WPR), Central Plain Region (CPR), Undulating Plain Region (UPR) and Sub – Mountain Undulating Region. In these zones, the rainfall pattern, soil texture, climatic conditions, humidity conditions and temperature are different from each other.
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to inaugurate Delhi – Dehradun corridor along with several other projects. The corridor will reduce the distance between the two cities from 248 – km to 180 – km.
120 MW Vyasi hydroelectricity project
38 – km long all weather Chardham road project between Shrikot and Devprayag 33 – km stretch between Kaudilya and Brahmapuri

State of perfumery and aroma laboratory in Dehradun: The centre will focus on developing high yielding advanced varieties of aromatic plants
The PM Modi will lay foundation stone for Delhi – Dehradun corridor. The corridor is to be built at a cost of Rs 8,300 crores. The project is to be executed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction
mode. In EPC mode, the government pays the private developer for constructing roads. And the toll revenue accrue to the government.
The highway is to be divided into four sections. Section 1 is to be developed as 6 lanes. Also, it is divided into two packages. The package 1 falls in Delhi portion and Package 2 falls in Uttar Pradesh portion.
The main aim of the corridor is to decongest North East Delhi

The corridor will enhance Mandola Vihar Yojana of Government of Uttar Pradesh and also the development potential of Tronica city.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed 14 billion Euros of agreement with France for 80 Rafale warplanes. This is the biggest international order ever made for the Rafale jets.
UAE and France recently inked a 17 billion Euros deal. Under the deal, UAE is to buy 80 Rafale jets and
12 Caracal military transport helicopters.
The deal will support 7,000 jobs in France. Also, it will guarantee the supply chain of Dassault Aviation – made aircraft till 2031.
For observation: The UAE rival Qatar had recently bought 36 Rafale jets from France.
The Rafale jets are to replace the Mirage 2000 fleet of UAE. However, the US F-35 jets are to remain deployed. France and USA are the two major defence suppliers of UAE.
UAE is one of the biggest customers of French defence industry. Between 2011 and 2020, UAE has
purchased 4.7 billion Euros worth military goods from France. This made UAE the fifth largest arms customer of France.

France was criticised when some of these weapons were used against Yemen. In Yemen, a Saudi – led coalition is fighting against the Iran backed rebels. And UAE is a part of the Saudi – led coalition.
The National Blockchain Strategy was recently proposed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The strategy has adopted multi – institutional approach. It involves NIC (National Informatics Centre), C – DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing) and NICSI (National Informatics Centre services Inc) for offering blockchain as service.
It aims to provide trusted digital platform for providing e – governance services using blockchain technology.
It involves human resource development, collaboration, regulatory framework, technology stack, standards development.

It seeks the union government to develop state – specific block chain applications.
The strategy will explore the possibility of use of technology for medical supplies and vaccines. It will improve transparency and efficiency in governance.

NITI Aayog has recognised Blockchain technology as a promising technology. According to NITI Aayog, the technology has notable features such as accountability and decentralisation.
The National Blockchain Strategy has kept crypto currency out of the ambit of its framework. However, the Government of India had listed a bill called “The Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021”. The bill provides a framework for the creation of official digital currency. Also, the RBI is to create digital money.

The Paika Rebellion was fought by the Paikas of Khudra in Odisha. It was led by Buxi Jagabandhu Bidyadhara. The rebellion was fought against the British in 1820s.

The Union Government of India has recently refused to accept Paika rebellion as the first war of independence. In 2017, the Odisha Government demanded that the Odisha rebellion be declared as the first war of independence. Currently, the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 is called the first war of independence.
Paika rebellion took place in 1817, which is 40 years before the first sepoy mutiny. The Paikas were the peasant militias. They offered military services to Gajapti rulers in Odisha. In 1803, the British East India Company dethroned King of Khurda, Raja Mukunda Deva. In 1804, the king planned a rebellion against the Britishers and involved the Paikas in to it.
However, the Britishers learnt about the plan and confiscated the entire territory. The Britishers suppressed the Paika farmers through their revenue systems.
This triggered the rebellion under Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar in 1817. During the rebellion, the government buildings were set on fire and policemen were killed and British treasury was looted. Bakshi died in 1825 in prison.

The Central Government consulted the Indian Council of Historical Research. The ICHR is not operating under Ministry of Education. According to ICHR, the rebellion cannot be called as the first war of independence. However, considering its significance the GoI has decided to include it in the curriculum of Class VIII history textbook of NCERT.

India and UAE launched the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in September 2021. The countries are to hold the third round of negotiations.
CEPA is an economic deal signed between India and UAE in 2017.
It is a free trade pact.
It covers negotiation on trade and services, investment and other economic partnerships. It also includes competition, cooperation and Intellectual Property Rights.

It also looks in to the regulatory aspects of trade between the countries.
As of March 2021, UAE is the third largest investor in India. The Indian companies have invested 85 billion USD in UAE. The major imports to India from UAE are petroleum products, stones, jewellery, gems. The major exports are minerals, precious metals, gems. With CEPA, the bilateral trade is to increase to 100 billion USD within 5 years.

PTA: Preferential Trade Agreement: This focuses on reducing the import or export duties of specific goods.
CECA: Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement: It covers negotiation on Tariff Rate Quotas and trade tariff.
BIT: Bilateral Investment Treaty: Under this agreement, the countries decide on the conditions for private investment

TIFA: Trade and Investment Framework Agreement: It establishes a framework to expand the trade.
The North Eastern States Roads Investment Programme was launched in 2011. It aims to build 433 km long

roads in six north eastern states. They were Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Sikkim. The project should be completed by August 2022. Around 36 lakh people are benefitted from the programme.
North East needs special attention as compared to the rest of India. For instance, Assam is the world largest tea producer. However, it lags in industrialisation.
The seven sister states of the North East are surrounded by 5,300 km. Thus, it is essential to provide border protection, especial along Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh.
People of North East feel alienated from the rest of the country because of lack of modern infrastructure, less exposure, poverty and unemployment.

For the above reasons, it is essential to improve the connectivity in the region. Also, the connectivity in the region is needed to control the insurgency.

Currently, the North – Eastern Council is focusing on building 10,500 km in the region. Under the NEC, a new scheme called North East Road Sector Development was launched. It mainly focuses on Arunachal Pradesh.
The Government of India recently celebrated the 136th birth anniversary of Dr Rajendra Prasad. His birth anniversary falls on December 3. Dr Rajendra Prasad was the first President of India. He served between 1950 and 1962. Till date, he is the longest serving president in the country.
Rajendra Prasad was taught by a Muslim scholar in his childhood. This was because his father wanted him
to learn Persian. Later he joined as an English professor in Bihar. He then pursued law degree in Kolkata and doctorate in law in Allahabad. He served as a member of High Court of Bihar and Odisha.
In 1920, Prasad left his law practice and joined the Non – Cooperation movement.
After Quit India Movement, Prasad spent three years in jail. He was highly inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
Rajendra Prasad served as the Congress President in 1934. He presided over the Bombay session held that

year. He was once again chosen as the President of the Congress in 1939.
The Constituent Assembly drafted the Indian Constitution. Prasad was the chairman of the assembly. Rajendra Prasad was the in charge of Food and Agriculture Department when Jawaharlal Nehru formed the interim government in 1946. The Interim Government was formed on September 2, 1946. This government took over the task of transiting British India to independent India. It was in place till India got its independence on August 15, 1947.
Atmakatha, Mahatma Gandhi and Bihar, Some Reminiscences, Satyagraha at Champaran, Since Independence and Division of India.

Every year, the World Soil Day is celebrated on December 5. The day is celebrated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) operating under the United Nations and also by several other international organizations. This year, the World Soil Day is celebrated under the theme
Theme: Halt soil salinization, enhance soil production
This signifies the fact that the food security depends on the health of the soil.
Soil is home to one-fourth of the biodiversity of the earth. It is important to control soil pollution as bad soil management will affect the micro organisms below the ground. These microorganisms are working continuously to preserve the eco system. They help in fixing nitrogen that is essential for plant growth. They also add nutrients to the soil by the process of decomposition.
The International Union of Soil Sciences recommended to celebrate World Soil Day on December 5. Under
the leadership of Thailand, the FAO supported the formal establishment of World Soil Day. The decision to celebrate the day was made under the Global Soil Partnership. The first World Soil Day was celebrated in 2014.
The day corresponds to the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. He was the main proponent of the initiative.

India focuses on regional soil conservation programmes. For instance, the Cherrapunjee Ecological Project was launched to enhance soil moisture in Sohra Plateau.

However, the Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana that focuses on development of ranfed farming systems in the country, focuses on soil quality all over India. Also, the Soil Health Card Scheme was launched.

The major soil conservation programmes are reduced tillage, crop rotation, cross-slope farming, cover cropping and mulching. The Government of India implements mixed cropping, mixed farming, controlled grazing, construction of check dams, etc. Also, the GoI has imposed ban on shifting cultivation.
The death anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, which falls on December 6, is dubbed as Mahaparinirvana Divas. On this day each year, millions of people throng to Dr Ambedkar’s Samadhi in Mumbai, which is called Chaitya bhoomi to pay respect to the father of Indian Constitution. This year, due to the on-going pandemic, the Maharashtra government has urged people to refrain from visiting this site and observe the day staying home.
The Davis Cup 2021 was won by Russian Tennis Federation. The Davis Cup finals was held between Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev of Russia. And Daniit Medvedev won the match bringing victory to the Russian Tennis Federation. Andrey Rublev was named the Most Valuable Player.

The Davis Cup is also called the World Cup of Tennis. It is an international team event in men’s tennis. The women’s equivalent of Davis Cup is Billie Jean King Cup.
It is conducted by the International Tennis Federation.
It was first held in 1900 as a challenge between US and Britain. By 2016, there were 135 countries participating in the competition.
The most successful countries of Davis cup are USA, Australia, New Zealand. USA has so far won the Davis Title 32 times, Australia has won for 28 times.
It Is a single elimination tournament. That is, the loser of each match is immediately eliminated from the

tournament. The other type of tournament held is called Playoff. In playoff, the top competitors determine the league champion. The most common type is the “regular season”. It is also called Group Tournament. Here, the teams are divided into groups and each group plays a specific number of games against their opponent.
The Davis Cup is conducted by the International Tennis Federation. The ITF is the governing body of beach tennis, wheel chair tennis and world tennis. It partners with the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to govern professional tennis.
The ITF organizes Davis cup (of men), Bill Jean King Cup (of women), Grand Slam, Hopman Cup.
The ITF also conducts the world tennis and wheel chair tennis at the Paralympic games and Summer Olympic games on behalf of the International Olympic Committee.
The Davis Cup is held in hard courts. The other types are grass courts, clay courts and artificial grass

courts. The Grass court is the signature court of Wimbledon. The grass surface is quick and the ball bounces in this court is low. The Clay courts are made of stone, crushed shale and brick. The clay surfaces slow down the ball. It produces a slow and high bounces. Hard courts are made of rigid materials with acrylic surface layer. This surface is very popular. The US Open is played in these courts. In artificial grass courts, the ball moves quickly.
The 22nd President’s Standard Award was presented to the 22nd Missile Vessel of the Indian Navy. During the 1971 India – Pakistan War, the vessel bombed the Karachi port and sunk Pakistani ships. It is being awarded in 2021 as this year marks the 50 years of successful deployment of the squadron.
The President’s Standard is the highest honour awarded in military. It has same honour as that of
President’s Colours awards. However, it is awarded to a smaller military formation or unit as compared to the President’s Colours. It is presented by the President of India.
The missile vessel participated in Operation Parakram and Operation Vijay. The Operation PArakaram was
launched in 2001. It was the first full – scale mobilization since 1971. It was launched in the wake of 2001 Indian Parliament attack. It was launched in Line of Control for four weeks. Under the operation, India

mobilized large number of troops in the international border of Kashmir and Punjab. Operation Vijay was the operation launched in Kashmir region to clear out Kargil sector during the Kargil war, 1999.
The 22nd Missile Vessel Squadron is also called “The Killer”. This is mainly for its brave actions during Operation Trident. The peration was launched on the night of December 4-5, 1971. During the operation, Pakistan lost destroyers, minesweepers and cargo vessels carrying ammunition and fuel storage tanks. India celebrates Navy Day on December 4 commemorating this operation. There were no damages to the Indian forces during the operation. The 22nd missile vessel squadron had a major role in the success and thus earned the name “KILLERS”.

2021 marks the 50th anniversary of India’s victory in 1971 India – Pakistan war. Thus, India is to celebrate the year as the Swarnim Vijay Varsh.
The Presidential Standard is also called the Presidential Flag. It is the flag that is used in several countries as a symbol of President. In India, the flag was used between 1950 and 1971. The presidents of India then started using the National Flag of India. The President’s Flag of India had four quarters. They are as follows:
First Quarter: The Lion Capital of Ashoka: Represents Unity
Second Quarter: Indian Elephant from Ajanta Caves: Represents patience and strength Third Quarter: Weighing Scale from Red Fort: Represents Justice and Economy

Fourth Quarter: Vase of Indian Lotus: Represents Prospertiy
The Missile Vessel Squadron was formally established in 1991. Around ten Veer class ships and three Prabal class missile boats were added to the squadron. However, its genesis dates back to 1969. It started with the induction of OSA I class USSR missile boats in the Indian Navy. These missile boats were transported to India and were deployed in 1971 war. These boats were baptized before that played a decisive role in 1971 war.

The Indian Navy Ships Nipat, Nirghat and Veer fired the Styx missile. The Pakistani ships sank during the operation were Muhafiz and Khyber.

The INS Vinash sank Tanker Dacca of Pakistan. Vinash launched four Styx missiles damaging the oil storage facility at Karachi.
The Exercise Ekuverin is a joint military exercise held between India and Maldives. It is held between the armies of India and Maldives.
Ekuverin means “Friends” in Dhivehi language. It is an Indo – Aryan language. It is spoken in India,
Lakshadweep and Maldives.
The Exercise is being conducted between India and Maldives since 2008.

In 2019, the exercise was held in Pune, Maharashtra and in 2018, it was held in Maldives.
The 2021 Exercise Ekuverin was held in Maldives.
The exercise focused on enhancing inter – operability between the armed forces of India and Maldives.
It also included counter – insurgency and counter – terrorism operations.
The joint exercise in 2021, also conducted sports and cultural activities to enhance the bilateral and defence relations.

India’s Policy of Indian Ocean is centred around providing security and political stability to Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles and Sri Lanka. With this India aims to counter the expanding face of China in the region.
India sees itself as a net provider of security in the Indian Ocean Region.
India is always the first responder in Human Availability Disaster Recovery Operations. The piracy in the Indian Ocean Region has increased.

The Exercise Ekuverin will aid in all the above issues. Therefore, it is essential to conduct Exercise Ekuverin.
The exercise helps the militaries to understand each other’s drills and procedures. It helps to overcome language barriers.

It aids in weapon familiarization which is essential in war or humanitarian aid such as disaster – relief. It is also essential in disaster relief operations.

Project RE – HAB is Reducing Elephant Human – Attacks using Bees. It was recently launched in Assam.
The Project RE – HAB creates “bee fences”. The honey bees in these fences’ thwart elephant attacks in human habitations. They dissuade the elephants without harming them. It is highly cost – effective as compared to erecting fences or digging trenches. Simultaneously, it increases honey production and increases farmer income. Also, the project helps to address climate change issues by regenerating forest cover.
Under the project, the bee boxes are placed in the premises of human habitation. They are placed as fences. Around 15 to 20 bee boxes are placed around the habitation that is to be protected. The buzz of the bees irritate the elephants the most. They fear that the honey bees might sting them in their trunks and eyes. And therefore, they do not walk ahead of the boxes. The boxes are connected with a string. When the elephants try to pass through the string, a pull or tug causes the bees to swarm towards the elephant.

The Project RE – HAB is implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC). The KVIC is a statutory body established under Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956. The main function of KVIC is to plan, promote, organize and implement programmes for the development of village industries in rural areas.

The Project RE – HAB is a sub mission to National Honey Mission of KVIC. It was launched to provide awareness and training in using bee boxes along the bee colonies. The mission was launched in 2017 and is in line with Sweet Revolution.
The Project was first launched in Karnataka. Upon its huge success in the state, it is to be launched in West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Between 2014 and 2019, around 403 deaths occurred due to elephant – human conflict. 397 deaths
occurred in Odisha, 349 in Jharkhand, 332 in Assam, 170 in Karnataka and 289 in Chhattisgarh. Also, around 500 elephants died in human – elephant conflict in the last five years alone.
The India – Russia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held in New Delhi in December 2021. It was held by the defence ministers and external affairs ministers of the two countries.
This is the first 2+2 Dialogue held between India and Russia.
During the dialogue the countries discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan.
The dialogue expanded military cooperation and joint development between the countries. It also focused on the production of military platforms in India.
The leaders also discussed the regional and global issues apart from the developments in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.
India’s focus in the dialogue or the reasons why India participated in the dialogue are as follows:
India aims at greater engagements in central Asia To achieve self-reliance Free and open Indo – Pacific region

During the dialogue India signed a contract with Russia to procure more than six lakh AK – 203 rifles. The agreement was signed under the Indo – Russia Rifles Private Limited Programme. Under the agreement, rifles are to be manufactured under a joint venture in Amethi. The rifles are to be manufactured at a cost of Rs 5,000 crores.
The countries signed a treaty to amend the agreement on Cooperation for Kalashnikov series small arms manufacturing. This treaty was signed in 2019. Under this, the countries are to extend the military technology cooperation for the next decade, that is, between 2021 and 2031.
The leaders signed more than ten agreements in the field of oil, space, helicopters and defence logistics.
The dialogue addressed the multipolarity and rebalancing. It also focuses on the newer challenges before the countries such as terrorism and violent extremism.
The agreements help India enhance its regional security.
It is a rifle manufacturing facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. It is a joint venture of Ordnance Factory Board and Kalashnikov concern of Russia. The Kalashnikov is one of the most widely used guns in the world. Around 72 million rifles of Kalashnikov class guns are in circulation. AK – 47 is also a Kalashnikov class gun. AK – 19 and AK – 204 are advanced versions of the gun.
The AK – 203 along with the SIG716 will replace the AK – 47 and INSAS rifles of India. The SIG716 is manufactured by US based SIG Sauer.
The BWF world Tour 2021 finals was held between PV Sindhu of India and Seyoung of Korea. Seyoung won the cup and Sindhu settled in for a silver medal. In Men’s Singles of the BWF World Tour 2021, Viktor Axelsen won the cup.
The BWF World Tour is a Grade 2 Badminton tournament series. It is held by the BWF, Badminton World
Federation. It is held among the top world ranked players in singles (men and women) and doubles (men, women and mixed).
Researchers from IIT Delhi’s Kusuma School of Biological Sciences have developed an RT-PCR based test, that can detect Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 in 90 minutes.
The test is based on detecting specific mutations, which are present in Omicron variant while absent
in other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2.
Primer sets that targeted these unique mutations in S gene were designed for specific amplification of either Omicron variant or other variants of SARS-CoV-2 and tested through real time PCR.

Newly developed test was optimised by using synthetic DNA fragments. Optimised test distinguishes the wild-type from Omicron variant in a dynamic range of 107 to less than 100 copies per reaction.

Presently, Omicron is being identified or screened using next-generation sequencing based methods across the world. This test requires over 3 days.
The RT-PCR based test developed by IIT-Delhi, it will be possible to screen the Omicron variant within 90 minutes. This can be used as a rapid screening assay to identify and isolate individuals with the Omicron variant.
IIT Delhi has filed an Indian patent application for the test. It is in the process of initiating talks with the

potential industry partners.
IIT Delhi had earlier obtained ICMR approval for RT-PCR test kit to diagnose the SARS-CoV-2. IIT Delhi became the first academic Institute in India to do so. This test kit was successfully launched in the market.

Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus was first detected to the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 24, 2021 from South Africa. WHO designated it as a variant of concern on November 26, 2021 and named it after omicron.
Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched a wearable payment solution called “bob World Wave”.
Bob World Wave was launched for digital banking payments.
This technology is witnessing the rise of tremendous interest worldwide and lenders are using this opportunity for adopting more convenient and cashless digital payments systems.
This innovative solution seeks to perfectly deliver preventive health actions and easier payment transactions.
To develop the “bob world wave”, Bank of Baroda partnered with NPCI. It was developed by leveraging the existing NFC based technology.
Bob world wave is a “Bank’s on the go” wearable payment solution.
It has been designed to ensure seamless and convenient digital payments for customers.
It is expected that 10% of the small ticket payments will be done using wearable devices in next two years.
This technology will empower customer for carrying their day-to-day transactions securely and seamlessly.
With the increasing acceptance infrastructure, demand for contactless payment mechanisms is also
increasing steadily. The overall consumer sentiment is supporting wearables’ permanence in payments industry.
bob World Wave wearable solution will allow customers to monitor their body temperature, heart rate, Sp02 and blood pressure.
Bank of Baroda is also providing an exclusive 3-months free wellness package with the bob World Wave solution. Wellness package will be provided along with a personal health coach, interactive video coaching and doctor teleconsultation
CDSO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) approves extension of Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin’s shelf
Wipro replaces Bajaj Auto in the 30-share BSE Sensex
Real estate developer Shriram Properties makes weak debut on stock markets; closes at ₹98.9 per share against issue price of ₹118
Adani Enterprises wins contract to build 464 km of the 594-km length Ganga Expressway connecting Meerut with Prayagraj in UP
ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) designs kit for omicron detection; invites EOI (Expression of Interest) from manufacturers
European aerospace major Airbus selects Tata Technologies as strategic supplier
Vedanta acquires Goa-based Nicomet; becomes only nickel producer in India
Lok Sabha passes electoral reforms bill that links Aadhaar to voter ID
‘Prashasan gaon ki aur’: Govt to celebrate Good Governance week from Dec 20 to 26
HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) Exercise – PANEX-21 – of BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries being conducted in Pune on Dec 20-22
UP to launch ‘happiness curriculum’ in 150 primary schools; 3rd after Chhattisgarh and Delhi
Delimitation Commission on J&K proposes 6 additional assembly seats for Jammu region and one for Kashmir, according to the census of 2011
Pradeep Kumar Rawat appointed as India’s next Ambassador to China
AICTE issues directive to colleges to avoid attending conferences organised by countries not recognised by IndiaWHO approves emergency use listing for Serum Institute of India manufactured Covovax
Australian actress Cate Blanchett (52) felicitated with French cinema’s top honour, the Cesar d’Honneur
International Migrants Day celebrated on Dec 18; theme: ‘Harnessing the Potential of Human Mobility’
World Arabic Language Day observed on Dec 18
China’s oldest person, Alimihan Seyiti, dies at 135
Hyderabad Strikers beat Mumbai Leon Army in final win Tennis Premier League tournament in MumbaiAsian Development Bank (ADB) to provide USD 350 million loan to improve access to urban
– ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ inscribed on ‘Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO

8th Indian Ocean Dialogue jointly hosted by External Affairs Ministry and Indian Council of World Affairs
Columbia Journalism School alumni award for The Hindu Group chairperson Malini Parthasarathy
Cabinet approves India-Poland treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters
Centre approves incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value (upto 2,000) BHIM-UPI transactions
Cabinet approves implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana for 2021-26
Cabinet approves Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India
WTO panel asks India to withdraw subsidies in sugar dispute
NTPC awards India’s first green hydrogen-based microgrid project at Simhadri (AP)
WhatsApp starts pilot to adopt 500 villages in India for access to digital payments
President Ram Nath Kovind holds delegation level talks with Bangladesh’s President Md Abdul Hamid in Dhaka; participates in 50th Victory Day celebrations of Bangladesh
India, Iran and Uzbekistan hold meet on joint use of Iran’s Chabahar PortNASA-launched spacecraft ‘Parker Solar Probe’ enters Sun’s corona for first time in history

50th Vijay Diwas: PM merges four flames of Swarnim Vijay Mashaal into Eternal Flame at National War Memorial in New Delhi

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issues commemorative stamp on 50th Vijay Diwas
Parliament pays homage to martyrs for their supreme sacrifice during 1971 Indo-Pakistan war on 50th Vijay Diwas
Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane takes charge as Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee
Supreme Court allows resumption of bullock cart race in Maharashtra
The ‘Index on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy’, an indicator of literacy among children below 10 years, released by Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) chairman Bibek Debroy on December 16, 2021
The Index prepared by ‘Institute for Competitiveness’
Four categories: large states, small states, Union Territories and North
West Bengal (58.95) topped the chart and Bihar languished at the bottom in the ‘large states’
In the ‘small states’ category, Kerala (67.95) grabbed the top spot and Jharkhand was adjudged the worst performer on the
Lakshadweep (52.69) and Mizoram (51.64) are top-scoring regions in the Union Territory and Northeast state category,

India’s nuclear power capacity of 6,780 MW planned to be hiked to 22,480 MW by 2031: Govt
National Conclave on Natural Farming organised by Gujarat from December 14 to 16
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gives Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence 2021 in New Delhi
DST-CII Technology Summit 2021 organised in New Delhi
Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi launches fourth tranche of auction of 99 coal mines including 24 new mines
IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath calls on Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Kumar Mangalam Birla receives Global Entrepreneur of the Year Award from The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE)
World Bank unveils $93 billion support aid for poorest nations to recover from Covid-19 crisis
IAEA, Iran agree to replace surveillance cameras at Karaj nuclear site
Typhoon Rai hits southern Philippines, thousands of people evacuated

Parliament passes Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019; only Indian couples legally married for at least five years can opt for surrogacy
All India Mayors’ Conference being held in Varanasi; theme: ‘New Urban India’
Indian Newspaper Society elects Mohit Jain of The Economic Times as President
Parliamentary delegation from Vietnam calls on VP & Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi.
India, US announce new program titled ‘Technology-based Energy Solutions: Innovations for Net Zero’ to support innovations to tackle climate and clean energy challenges
3rd Annual Defence Dialogue between India and France held in New Delhi; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and French Minister for Armed Forces Florence Parly participated
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates Sri Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka, 50 years after it was destroyed by Pakistani forces
Bhutan confers its highest civilian award Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo on PM Modi on its National Day
India and Vietnam sign MoU for cooperation in marine science and ecology
Tamil Nadu government announces ‘Tamil Thaai Vazhthu’ as the State Song
Competition Commission of India (CCI) suspends Amazon’s 2019 deal with Future, imposes Rs 202- cr penalty on the e-commerce major for certain contraventions
Union road transport ministry, IIT Madras and MapmyIndia collaborate for road safety technologies
HAL bags ADE-DRDO supply order for ‘ABHYAS’ target platform
FICCI Annual Convention & 94th AGM held in New Delhi on the theme ‘India Beyond 75’
8th CII Industrial Innovation Awards conferred
EU leaders unanimously vote for prolonging sanctions on Russia; were introduced over the 2014 crisis in Ukraine and Crimea’s decision to rejoin Russia
Japan: 27 people feared dead in building fire in Osaka
Miss World 2021 finale in Puerto Rico postponed after many contestants test positive for coronavirus
Asian Champions Trophy men’s hockey tournament in Dhaka: India defeat Pakistan 3-1, enter

New generation nuclear capable ballistic missile Agni-P tested from APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha; has a range of upto 2000 km
PM lays foundation stone of 594 Km long six-lane Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh; will pass through towns of Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, RaeBareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj
SC directs Madhya Pradesh govt to conduct municipal polls without OBC quota
3rd India-Central Asia Dialogue of foreign ministers being held in New Delhi on Dec 18-20
NCC, NHAI sign Memorandum of Understanding to reuse plastic wastes
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Defence Minister launches Rashtriya Ekta Geet composed by NCC Cadets in 22 languages
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates Rishihood University in Delhi
Gujarat: 7 die from blast inside Gujarat Fluorochemicals Limited (GFL) in Panchmahal district
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Girish Thakorlal Nanavati, who investigated the 1984 anti- Sikh and the 2002 Godhra riots, dies at 86
India, Germany Development Bank sign 26 mn loan pact for Surat Metro Rail Project
Assam inks loan agreement with Asian Development Bank for setting up Assam Skill University project
PM GatiShakti: Empowered Group of Secretaries holds its first meeting under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary
DRDE to set up advanced biological defence lab in Gwalior (MP) to research, fight dangerous viruses

12 killed in massive blast in Pakistan’s Karachi city
Chile: Leftist Gabriel Boric elected new President
Japanese space tourists Yusaku Maezawa and Yozo Hirano safely return to Earth after spending 12 days on the International Space Station
Pro-Beijing candidates sweep victories at Hong Kong polls; voter turnout (30.2%) lowest since the British handed the island to China in 1997
United Arab Emirates announces end of censorship in cinematic releases
Uzra Zeya appointed new US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues
UK: PM Boris Johnson appoints foreign secretary Liz Truss to be Brexit negotiatorUN observes International Human Solidarity Day on Dec 20
Cricketer Rishabh Pant appointed as Uttarakhand’s brand ambassador by CM Pushkar Singh
Parliament passes Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021; links electoral roll data with the Aadhaar ecosystem
PM Modi transfers ₹1,000 crore to bank accounts of SHGs (self-help groups) under DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission)
UP: PM releases over ₹20 crore to beneficiaries under ‘Mukhya Mantri Kanya Sumangala Scheme’ of providing conditional cash transfer to girl child at different stages of her life
I&B ministry orders blocking of 20 anti-India YouTube channels, two websites
Indigenously developed next generation Armoured Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle inducted into the Indian Army
Odisha: CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates state’s longest bridge of 4 kms length over Mahanadi River in Cuttack
DRDO conducts first flight test of indigenously developed surface-to-surface missile ‘Pralay’ of 150-500 km range, from Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha
MoS for Health & Family Welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar inaugurates National Oxygen Stewardship Program; initiative envisages identification and training of “Oxygen Steward” in each district across the country
NITI Aayog launches Vernacular Innovation Program for innovators, entrepreneurs to access innovative ecosystem in 22 languages
Winter session: Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die a day ahead of schedule
Education Ministry issues advisory on using services of online education companies for school education
DRDO conducts flight-test of indigenous aerial target ‘Abhyas’
Indian Army launches messaging application ASIGMA (Army Secure IndiGeneous Messaging Application) for its personnel
PM chairs first meeting of High-Level Committee constituted to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo
INS Khukri decommissioned at Visakhapatnam after 32 years of service
Karnataka Assembly passes Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, popularly known as Anti-conversion Bill
Birth anniversary of ex-PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee celebrated as Good Governance Day
Birth anniversary of freedom fighter Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya observed
Good Governance Index 2021 launched on Good Governance Day (Dec 25) by Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah; index topped by Gujarat
National Book Trust announces names of 75 selected authors under PM- YUVA Mentorship Scheme
Rajasthan: MiG-21 plane of IAF crashes in Jaisalmer during training; pilot killed
Trinamool leader Firhad Hakim back as Kolkata Mayor
Tamil Nadu: CM launches ‘Meendum Manjappai’ scheme to promote the usage of cloth bags
Punjab to waive farmers’ loans up to ₹2 lakh; farmers having land up to 5 acres covered
NASA’s James Webb telescope launched on quest to behold light from the first stars
Greece: 13 dead, others missing after a migrant boat capsizes in Aegean Sea
Bangladesh: 40 killed as fire rips through ferry ‘MV Abhijan-10’ on Sugandha river
EU initiates action after Poland violates bloc laws; Warsaw seeks judicial independence
announces Covid-19 vaccines for 15-18 group from Jan 3; booster doses for health workers and senior citizens from Jan. 10
Panel formed to decide withdrawal of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) as Home Minister as Amit Shah reviews situation
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lays foundation stone for Defence Technology & Test Centre and BRAHMOS Manufacturing Centre of DRDO in Lucknow
Telangana tops in Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRMNSE launches ‘NSE rime’ for companies willing to raise governance barSouth African anti-apartheid campaigner Archbishop Desmond Tutu dies aged 90; awarded Nobel Peace Prize in 1984
Greece: Former president Karolos Papoulias dies at 92
NCLAT (National Company Law Appellate Tribunal) stays CCI’s (Competition Commission of India) order imposing ₹873-cr. fine on beer companies for cartelisation
Bihar: Boiler blast kills six in Muzaffarpur
‘He-Man’ artist and toy designer Mark Taylor dies in US at 80
Kerala best state on health parameters, UP worst: NITI Aayog’s fourth Health Index
PM presides over 2nd ground breaking ceremony of Himachal Pradesh Global Investors’ Meet in Mandi
PM inaugurates and lays foundation stone of hydropower projects worth Rs 11,000 crore in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Janata Dal (United) Rajya Sabha MP and industrialist Mahendra Prasad dies at 81
Kanpur perfume industrialist Peeyush Jain arrested over tax evasion charges; cash worth over Rs 257 crore recovered
Adhesives and sealants company HP Adhesives debuts on stocks market at 16% premium over issue price
HDFC Bank ties up with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to offer its banking services to the unbanked and underserved segments in semi-urban and rural areas
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates to the Nation 24 bridges & three roads built by BRO in four States & two Union Territories
PM launches blockchain-based digital degrees at IIT Kanpur
PM inaugurates 356 Km long Bina-Panki Multiproduct Pipeline Project; connects Bina refinery in MP to Panki in Kanpur
PM inaugurates 9 kms completed section of Kanpur Metro Rail Project
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs 3rd meeting of Apex Level Committee of Narco Coordination Center in New Delhi
FCRA licence of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity not renewed following adverse inputs: Home Ministry
The Hindu’s Shiv Sahay Singh wins prize at Ramnath Goenka award for his 2019 story “Death by Digital Exclusion”
Vikram Misri, India’s former ambassador to China, appointed Deputy National Security Advisor
RBI releases report on “Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2020-21”; gross non-performing assets (GNPA) ratio of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) declined from 2% at end-March 2020 to 7.3% at end-March 2021
DRDO hands over technology of extreme cold weather clothing system (ECWCS) to five Indian companies; designed to provide thermal insulation between +15° to -50° Celsius
Supriya Lifescience makes strong market debut; lists at 55% premium over its issue price
Booker Prize-winning novelist Keri Hulme of New Zealand dies at 74
Pakistan: National Security Committee (NSC) approves ‘citizen-centric’ National Security Policy
AIM (Atal Innovation Mission) and NITI Aayog release 2nd edition of ‘Innovations for You’ and ‘The Ingenious Tinkerers’
Sikkim Governor Ganga inaugurates road named after Prime Minister Modi
Indian Army sets up Quantum Lab at Military College of Telecommunication Engineering in Mhow (MP)
Pension fund regulator PFRDA to soon allow subscribers of NPS (National Pension System) scheme
to change investment pattern as many as four times during a financial year
Govt begins inviting applications from investors under PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme for speciality steel
issues operational guidelines for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for textiles sector
Defence Ministry notifies list of 2500 subsystems barred from imports to promote indigenous manufacturing
Banks’ gross NPAs may rise to 5% in Sept 2022: RBI’s Financial Stability Report
NRIs, OCIs do not need RBI’s prior nod to buy immovable property in India
Textile and apparels firm Raymond incorporates new firm for real estate business
Indonesia to lift ban on Boeing 737 MAX, three years after fatal crash that killed 189 people
Mohammad Shami becomes fifth Indian pacer after Kapil Dev, Javagal Srinath, Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma to take 200 Test wickets
Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo’s statue installed in Panaji, Goa
Sahitya Akademi announces winners of its Sahitya Akademi Awards 2021 in 21 languages; Namita Gokhale won in English for her novel ‘Things to Leave Behind’
Sahitya Akademi announces winners of its Yuva Puraskar in 22 languages; Megha Majumdar wins in English for ‘A Burning’
Sahitya Akademi announces winners of its Bal Sahitya Puraskar 2021 in 22 languages; Anita Vachharajani won in English for her book ‘Amrita Shergil: Rebel With A Paintbrush’
Minister of State for Education Subhas Sarkar announces Atal Rankings of Institutions on Innovation Achievements (ARIIA), 2021; IIT-Madras got the first rank under the Central University and Institute of National Importance category
Danish Siddiqui posthumously gets Mumbai Press Club’s RedInk Award
PM inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of 23 projects worth over Rs 17500 crore in Uttarakhand
AFSPA extended in Nagaland for 6 months, declared ‘disturbed area’
UP: Jhansi Railway Station renamed as Veerangana Laxmibai Railway Station
Jharkhand to give concession of Rs 25 per litre on petrol to two-wheeler users
Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage decided, in its 16th session, to inscribed ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.16th session of UNESCO is being held, starting from December 13, 2021. It will conclude on December 18, 2021.Till now, Durga Puja was celebrated in many parts worldwide. But an official global recognition was pending.Durga Puja is a classic fusion of religion and culture. It is regarded with a lot of pride. This festival is performed and celebrated predominantly by the Bengali community.
Durga Puja is an annual Hindu festival. It is also known as Durgotsava or Sharodotsava. The festival
originates in the Indian subcontinent which reveres and pays homage to Hindu goddess Durga. It is celebrated to mark goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasur. This festival is particularly popular and traditionally celebrated in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Tripura, Assam, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttarakhand as well as in Bangladesh. Durga Puja is a ten-day festival. Out of this, last five are most significance.
IORA was formerly known as Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC) and Indian Ocean Rim Initiative. It is an international organisation comprising of 23 states which share borders with the Indian Ocean. It is a regional forum, tripartite in nature. It brings together representatives of Government, Academia and Business to promote co-operation and closer interaction between them.IORA is based on the principles of Open Regionalism to strengthen Economic Cooperation, especially on Trade Facilitation & Investment, Promotion and Social Development of the region.Coordinating Secretariat of IORA is situated at Ebene in Mauritius.IORA was first established in March 1995, as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative. It was formally launched in March 1997 with the conclusion of a multilateral treaty called “Charter of the Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Co-operation”.
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved India and Poland treaty on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters on December 15, 2021.This treaty is aimed at enhancing capability and effectiveness of India as well as Poland ininvestigation and prosecution of crimes through mutual legal assistance. It will also include crimes related to terrorism.It also seeks to enhance effectiveness in investigation and prosecution of crime, through mutual legal assistance.
With respect to transnational crime and its linkages to terrorism, the treaty will provide a legal framework for a bilateral cooperation with Poland in investigation and prosecution of crime.
It will also provide for bilateral cooperation in tracing, restrain and confiscation of proceeds & instruments of crime including funds meant to finance terrorist acts.
The treaty will also increase the effectiveness of India in tackling criminal activities by involving Poland.
On December 15, 2021, Union Cabinet approved a Rs 76,000-crore scheme for boosting semiconductor and
display manufacturing in India.
This scheme was approved in order to position India as a global hub for hi-tech production, as well as to attract large chip makers.
It would also strengthen India’s ambitions to be self-reliant in electronics manufacturing and bring huge investments.
This move will generate 35,000 specialised jobs and indirect employment for one lakh people.
This move is significant because, in the present geopolitical scenario, trusted sources of semiconductors and displays have strategic importance. These are key to the security of critical information infrastructure. Furthermore, this scheme has been approved at a time when the world is witnessing a severe crunch of semiconductors, which is an important component of cars and electronic devices. Supply of semiconductors have disrupted due to pandemic.
Under the scheme, government has lined up incentives for companies engaged in silicon semiconductor fabs, compound semiconductors, display fabs, sensors fabs, silicon photonics, semiconductor packaging and semiconductor design. With the launch of this scheme, government expects investments of about Rs
lakh crore and 35 lakh jobs in upcoming four years.
Under the semiconductor scheme, government is likely to establish at least two greenfield semiconductor fabs, two display fabs and 15 units of Compound Semiconductors & Semiconductor Packaging.
Under the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme, government will provide support to 100 domestic companies of semiconductor, systems & IP cores, design for Integrated Circuits (ICs), System on Chips (SoCs), Chipsets, and semiconductor linked design. This scheme will offer an incentive of up to 50 percent of eligible expenditure.
State-run NTPC Ltd has awarded India’s first green hydrogen microgrid project in Andhra Pradesh.The project has been awarded at the Simhadri plant of NTPC Ltd. in Andhra Pradesh.
NTPC will involve in “Standalone Fuel-cell based Microgrid along with hydrogen production using electrolyzer” project at NTPC Simhadri.
India has also planned to call bids to build 4 gigawatt (GW) of electrolyzer capacity under its energy security strategy.
For a green hydrogen mobility project, NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL) has also signed a
pact with Union territory of Ladakh.
This project will be executed by NTPC in association with the NVVN.
Green hydrogen is produced by separating water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer, which is powered by renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Green Hydrogen as fuel can be a game-changer for India’s energy security. India currently imports 85% of its oil and 53% of gas requirements.
This project will act as a precursor to large scale hydrogen energy storage projects. It will also be useful to study and deploy multiple microgrids in several off-grid and strategic locations in India.
This project has been designed in-house by NTPC.
It would open doors for decarbonising the far-off regions in India like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
Project has been implemented in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to become carbon neutral by 2070 and make Ladakh a carbon-neutral territory.
Across 70 power projects, NTPC has an installed capacity of around 67.907 GW. 18 GW projects are under
construction. NTPC has aimed to generate 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032 from the current capacity of 4.7 GW.
It is a coal-fired power plant, established in Visakhapatnam city of Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the coal
fired power plants of NTPC. Coal for this power plant is sourced from Kalinga Block of Talcher Coal fields in Odisha. It is a national asset, and power generated is shared between multiple states.
On December 15, 2021, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for 2021-26.
Scheme was implemented with an outlay of Rs.93,068 crore. CCEA approved central support of Rs.37,454 crore to States.
20,434.56 crore of debt servicing has been approved for loan availed by Government of India to develop irrigation during PMKSY 2016-21.
As a part of the scheme, Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP), Watershed Development and Har Khet ko Paani (HKKP) components have been extended for 2021-26.
AIBP is a flagship programme, launched by government of India with the aim of providing financial support to irrigation projects.
With the continuation of scheme during 2021-26, total target of additional irrigation potential creation is 13.88 lakh hectare.
Beside the focused completion of 60 ongoing projects, additional projects can also be taken up. Cabinet has relaxed the inclusion criteria for projects under tribal and drought prone areas.
Har Khet Ko Pani component of the scheme aims to enhance the physical access on farm & expansion of cultivable area under assured irrigation.
Under it, repair-renovation-restoration of water bodies and surface minor irrigation components is targeted to provide more of 4.5 lakh hectare irrigation.
This component of the scheme focuses on development of rainfed areas for soil & water conservation, arresting runoff, regeneration of ground water and promoting extension activities related to water harvesting & management.
The approved Watershed Development component will cover 49.5 lakh hectare rainfed or degraded lands for bringing additional 2.5 lakh hectare under protective irrigation during 2021-26.
A rare variety of Assam tea called Manohari Gold Tea set a record, as it was auctioned at a record price of
Rs 99,999 per kg.Manohari Gold Tea created history by breaking its own record.
Saurav Tea Traders bought the Gold Tea, with the highest bid of Rs 99,999 per kg. It is being considered as the highest price ever for tea in a public auction.
Manohari Gold Tea is produced by Manohari Tea Estate. It is produced in upper Dibrugarh district of Assam.
Earlier, in August 2019, Golden Butterfly Tea had fetched Rs 75000 per kg at Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GATC). Golden Butterfly Tea is a rare variety of handmade Assam tea, produced by Dikom Tea Estate of Rossell Tea Industries.
The Golden Butterfly Tea is produced by Dikom Tea Estate in the Dibrugarh town in Assam. It is a hand- crafted tea. It is made from tender leaves and buds which are available around June-July. The tea has been named so because only soft golden tops go into making this exceptionally rare and special tea. It has an extremely mellow and sweet caramel flavour.
Assam is world’s largest tea-growing regions. Industries in Assam continue to grow for 200 years now.
Assam tea is a black tea. It has been named after the region of its production, that is Assam. Assam tea is manufactured from Camellia sinensis var. assamica (Masters) plant. This tea is indigenous to Assam. Assam tea is mostly grown at or near sea level. It is known for its body, malty & briskness flavour and a strong & bright colour.
Recently, a scientific paper revealed that, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe successfully entered the Sun’s Corona on April 28, 2021.
Corona is the outermost layer of Sun’s atmosphere. Here, strong magnetic fields bind plasma as well prevent turbulent solar winds from escaping.
Prior to April 28, spacecraft had been flying just beyond the Alfven point.
The Alfven point is when solar winds become greater than critical speed and can break free of Sun’s corona and magnetic fields.
Parker Solar Probe is a NASA space probe. It was launched on August 12, 2018. It was launched with.
objective of making observations of outer corona of the Sun. It reached to within 9.86 solar radii from Sun’s centre. By 2025, it will travel at closest approach. It is the first spacecraft to fly into low solar corona.
This project was announced in 2009, at the cost of US$1.5 billion. The spacecraft was designed and built by
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. It is the first spacecraft by NASA, named after a living person. It has been named so to honour nonagenarian physicist Eugene Newman Parker.
Sun’s corona is an aura of plasma surrounding it. It extends for millions of kilometres into outer space.
Corona is easily visible during a total solar eclipse. It can also be observed with a coronagraph. As per spectroscopy measurements, there is a strong ionization in corona and the plasma temperature of 1000000 kelvin. It is much hotter as compared to surface of the Sun.
On December 15, 2021, Union Cabinet approved an incentive scheme of worth Rs 1,300 crore for promoting RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions.
Under the scheme, low value BHIM-UPI transactions of up to Rs 2,000 will be promoted in India. Under this scheme, government will incentivise the acquiring banks by paying a percentage of value of transactions (P2M) which are done through RuPay Debit cards and low-value BHIM-UPI payments modes.
Scheme will be implemented at an estimated financial outlay of Rs 1,300 crore for one-year.
It will facilitate acquiring banks to build a robust digital payment ecosystem as well to promote BHIM- UPI digital transactions and RuPay Debit card across all sectors and segments of population. It will further deepen digital payments in India.
Scheme will also help the unbanked and marginalised populations in accessing digital modes of payments, outside the formal banking and financial system.
This scheme has been formulated in line with the Budget 2021-22 by the Government for further boosting the digital transactions in India.
BHIM is an Indian mobile payment App. It has been developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It is based on Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The app was launched on December 30, 2016. The app seeks to facilitate direct e-payments through banks and encourage cashless transactions. It supports all Indian banks that use UPI. It allows the user to transfer money instantly between 170 member banks of any two parties.
UPI is an instant real-time payment system. It has been developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). It facilitates inter-bank person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions and peer-to-peer (P2P). It is regulated by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and works instantly by transferring funds between two bank accounts on a mobile platform.
AYUSH Ministry has released its fresh recommendations for ‘Holistic Health and Well Being’.
Ministry has highlighted that, recommendations for public on ‘holistic health and well-being’ focuses on preventive measures & care during ‘COVID-19 and Long COVID-19’.
Ministry has recommended:
General preventive measures
Methods of promoting systemic immunity
Ways of promoting local mucosal immunity along with other preventive courses like fumigation
Mental health and measures to increase mental
Ministry’s has also recommended recipes of some easily digestible food like Moong dal Khichdi and Mudga Yusha.
The document by AYUSH ministry also puts forth the concept of holistic health. It emphasizes on the self- care of individuals by addressing several dimensions of life and health. These recommendations have been formulated by emphasizing on the need of a healthy lifestyle with Ayush preventive measures and care.
Other recommendations by Ministry include:
Ministry recommends methods to promote systemic immunity and some ways to promote local mucosal immunity besides other preventive courses like fumigation (Dhupana).
It further recommends for pictographic presentation of Ayush practices and local or mucosal immune responses as well as relationship between good & weak digestive fire, immunity, nutrition &
It also illustrates Yoga asanas which can be practiced during Covid-19.
On December 15, 2021, seven times Formula One (F1) champion Lewis Hamilton has received “knighthood” for services to motorsport.
He received knighthood, days after he lost at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He lost out to Red Bull driver Max Verstappen on December 12, 2021.
Lewis Hamilton holds the record of most race wins with 103.
He is tied with Michael Schumacher from Germany, on seven drivers’ championships. Hamilton is the fourth F1 driver to be knighted.
Before him, late Australian Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss and triple champion Jackie Stewart have been knighted.
However, Lewis Hamilton is the only one to have received this award while still racing.
He is a British racing driver, currently competing in Formula One for Mercedes. He has previously driven for McLaren in between 2007 to 2012. He won a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles in F1 and holds the records for most wins (103), podium finishes (182) and pole positions (103). In 2020 issue of Time, he was listed as one of the 100 most influential people. He was recently knighted in 2021 New Year Honours.
On December 16, 2021, Union Minister for Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, launched MIS (Management Information System) portal to ranking of States/UTs in Land Acquisition Projects.
With the launch of this portal, states/UTs will be ranked in Land Acquisition Projects under RFCTLARR Act, 2013, which is dubbed as “Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013”.
Based on the ranking and performance, the top 3 States and top 3 districts will be awarded.
MIS portal is being dubbed as a ‘Vikas Portal’. Portal will not only show data and figures but also the speed of development in India. It is a result of the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide impetus to the Gati Shakti Mission.
Delayed implementation of the projects in India increases the project cost as well as disturb the pace of development. This portal will help in mitigating this concern. Because of ranking available to all the States, it will be easier to monitor the progress of developmental projects. This in turn will increase the speed of projects.
MIS portal was developed by the Department of Land Resources. It is a software-driven program for submitting information by respective State/UTs on land acquisition on developmental projects. It was developed in house by the NIC team of the land resource department with zero cost. Link to the portal is larr.dolr.gov.in.
MIS portal was launched to capture information on several parameters of land acquisition, which are necessary to rank the State/UTs.
Minister of Communication, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently highlighted that India has started work towardsdeveloping the next generation of communication technology, using indigenously developed 6G infrastructure. It is likely to be launch by 2023-end or early 2024.Though 5G is still in its nascent stage, 6G will build on top of6G will bring the human, physical environment and virtual environment together.
For example, Metaverse is one of the 5G use cases. It promises to disrupt traditional as well as digital spaces. With the launch of 6G, Metaverse would evolve into a final model, but it will also unify with physical world by using artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Most significant aspect of 6G will be its ability to sense the environment, people and objects.
6G is the sixth-generation standard in telecommunications. It is currently under development for wireless communications technologies that support cellular data networks. It is the planned successor to 5G network. This network will probably be broadband cellular networks. In it, the service area is divided into small geographical areas known as cells. Companies like Nokia, Ericsson, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG and Apple, as well as countries like China, Japan and Singapore have shown interest in developing 6G networks.
6G networks are likely to exhibit even more heterogeneity as compared to their predecessors. It is expectedly to support applications beyond current mobile use scenarios like virtual & augmented reality (VR/AR), pervasive intelligence, ubiquitous instant communications, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Scientists from Nanyang Technological University of Singapore and Osaka University of Japan jointly announced in 2020 that, they developed a chip for terahertz (THz) waves, which could be used in 6G technology.
China successfully launched an experimental test satellite, on November 6, 2020, with candidates for 6G technology into orbit by using Long March 6 vehicle rocket. The satellite was launched to “verify the terahertz (THz) communication technology in space”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to address and inaugurate an All-India Mayor’s Conference in Varanasi on December 17, 2021 via video conferencing.
The All-India Mayor’s Conference is being organised by the department of Urban Development of Uttar Pradesh.
Conference will witness the participation of mayor’s from more than 100 cities. Mayor’s conference will begin after the inauguration of a three-day exhibition.
The conference will be held in Deen Dayal Upadhyay-Business Facilitation Center (DDUTFC) in Bada Lalpur, Uttar Pradesh.
The conference marks the beginning of a month-long celebrations in Varanasi because of inauguration of Kashi Vishwanath Dham.
On the occasion, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister of Urban Development Hardeep Singh Puri will inaugurate a three-day exhibition.
Exhibition will be organised under the theme “Changing Urban Environment” in the TFC premises. It will be organized from December 17 to 19, 2021.
Exhibition will showcase the key achievements of Government of India as well as Government of Uttar Pradesh in urban development.
In the exhibition, works related to special & remarkable achievements made across urban areas in other districts of India as well as Uttar Pradesh will be displayed.
During the conference, groups of five mayors will be holding a discussion on urban development issues. They would also prepare a presentation on its results.
Telangana Government has issued a revised guidelines for curbing child labour menace, in line with the rules formulated by Centre.
State government seeks to take strict action against those who employ or force children below 14 years to work.
As per revised norms, if anyone attempts to employ children aged below 14 years, he or she will be punished with a jail term of six months to one year.
They would also be charged with a fine of Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000.
Labour Department will also constitute a task force committee headed by District Collector concerned, to effectively monitor and curb the child labour menace.
As per revised guidelines, film director will require to obtain permission from the Collector concerned in order to rope in children in movies or serials.
The children will be allowed to work only for five hours, with one break after three hours. Crew members are required to ensure child’s safety during the shooting.
Furthermore, child will be permitted to attend shooting up to 27 days only.
In case, more than five children are taking part in shooting, a person has to be appointed for supervision.
Twenty-five per cent of the remuneration of the child has to be fixed deposited in the bank. This amount will be given to the child after he or she becomes major.
If parents force children to work, they will also face action. Parents can take assistance from their
children, but it must not affect their education.
Guidelines further states that, children should not be used in dangerous works, retail chain and manufacturing sector.
If any child fails to attend school for 30 days, without permission, school principal will require to bring it to
the notice of concerned nodal officer.
On December 15, 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal of increasing marriage age for women
On December 16, 2021, the United Nations cultural agency, UNESCO placed a traditional Haitian soup called ‘Joumou Soup’ in the intangible cultural heritage list.
Haitian soup is widely considered as a symbol of India’s independence.
Joumou soup is much more than a dish. It tells the story of heroes & heroines of Haitian independence as well as their struggle for human rights and hard-won freedom.
It is a squash-based soup and it became a symbol of things long forbidden to slaves under the French domination until Haiti became independent on January 1, 1804.
Haitians celebrated their freedom by consuming the soup.
They traditionally serve the soup on New Year’s Day for commemorating the anniversary of liberation from slavery.
The Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee of UNESCO awarded Joumou soup a protected status on
The intangible heritage list is prepared with the aim of improving the visibility of traditions and know-how of communities worldwide. The list comprises of traditions ranging from Arabic calligraphy to Italian truffle hunting.
It is a mildly spicy soup from Haitian cuisine. It traditionally cooked with pumpkin winter squash.
It is a practice, expression, representation, knowledge, or skill, which UNESCO considers as a part of cultural heritage. Intangible heritage comprises of nonphysical intellectual wealth like customs, beliefs, folklore, knowledge, traditions, and language. ICH is considered by member states of UNESCO by focusing on intangible aspects of culture.
Ullal Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava committee recently decided to present “Veera Rani Abbakka award” during Veera Rani Abbakka festival in December 2021.
The award will be presented to a female achiever on December 21, 2021. The award and prizes comprise of cash and award panels.
December 21 also marks the silver jubilee of Veera Rani Abbakka Utsava.
The utsava will be celebrated on December 21, in the premises Ullal City Municipality.
Veerarani Abbakka award will be given to the lady who has made substantial achievement in research and culture. Committee would also take mother,and, language and tradition into consideration for presenting the award. Award will be presented to a lady with Tulu background who has made substantial achievement in sports, arts, social service and other such sectors.
Rani Abbaka Chowta was the first Tuluva Queen of Ullal. She fought the Portuguese in latter half of the 16th century. The queen belonged to the Chowta dynasty, who ruled over parts of coastal Karnataka (Tulu Nadu). Capital of the dynasty was Puttige. The port town of Ullal was their subsidiary capital. Ullal was strategically placed because of which, The Portuguese made several attempts to capture it. But the queen repulsed their attacks for over four decades. She came to be known as Abhaya Rani, because of her bravery.
On December 17, 2021, India and Vietnam signed agreement for cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT).
Ministers from both the countries exchanged views on several initiatives taken by their respective countries to boost digital economy.
Ministers also agreed to enhance ICT Trade & cooperation between two countries.
Ministers further noted that, though there has been an active engagement between both the countries over the last few years. However, there are vast possibilities of exploring further cooperation.
Ministers signed an agreement to extend India- Vietnam MoU on cooperation in Information Technology.
The MoU seeks to foster active cooperation and exchange between Governments, private entities & institutions involved in enhancing capacity building, and other public & private organizations from bot sides in the field of ICT.
Economic and cultural links between India and Vietnam date back to the 2nd century. The Indic Cham Pa kingdom had influenced Vietnamese music. Present-day relations between both countries have been governed by several areas of shared political interests. In 1992, both the countries established extensive economic ties, including agriculture, oil exploration, and manufacturing. Their relations, especially defense
According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is in process of developing a Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) with private participation. The satellite will be launched in first quarter of 2022.
SSLV will provide a payload capability of 500 kg to a planar orbit of 500 km. Development of SSLV is in final stages.
First developmental flight of SSLV is targeted to launch during the first quarter of 2022.
Government has sanctioned Rs 169 Crores to develop this project including the qualification and development of the vehicle systems as well as flight demonstration by three development flights namely, SSLV-D1, SSLV-D2 and SSLV-D3.
SSLV is a small-lift launch vehicle, having a payload capacity to deliver 600 kgs to low Earth Orbit (at 500 km) or 300 kgs to Sun-synchronous orbit (500 km). It is being developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The SSLV have the capability to support multiple orbital drop-offs. Design of the vehicle was completed at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thumba on December 21, 2018.
SSLV is being developed with the aim of launching small satellites commercially at a reduced price and higher launch rate as against the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).On December 17, 2021, World Health Organisation (WHO) gave approval for emergency use of Covovax vaccine for Children.
WHO listed the Covovax as ninth COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use. This move is aimed at increasing the access to vaccination across lower-income countries.
The Serum Institute of India (SII) produces Covovax, under the licence from Novavax.
Recently, CEO of SII, Adar Poonawalla, announced that SII has planned to launch a COVID-19 vaccine called Covovax for children in next six months. He noted that, this vaccine is under trial and it would offer protection to children aged three years and more.
WHO approved Covovax after it was assessed un.der its emergency use listing (EUL) procedure on the basis of review of data on quality, safety & efficacy, a programmatic suitability, risk management plan, and manufacturing site inspections which is carried by the Drugs Controller General of India.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is sold under the brand name Nuvaxovid and Covovax. This subunit COVID-19 vaccine has been developed by Novavax and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Vaccine is undergoing trials in India under the brand name Covovax. It is stable at 2 to 8 °C.
On December 17, 2021, India and Vietnam signed a letter of intent for enhanced cooperation in the postal sector. It was singed in line with the comprehensive strategic & economic ties between both the countries.
The letter of intent highlights the joint objectives of India and Vietnam:
To facilitate cooperation in the field of posts & telecom
To promote sharing of information & experience
To cooperate in implementing projects in HR development and
To promote enhanced cooperation of postal designated operators & service
Relations between India-Vietnam have been exceptionally friendly and cordial. Foundations for the relations were laid by Prime Minister Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh some 50 years ago. However, the cultural and economic links between both the countries date back to 2nd century. Bilateral ties have developed extensively since 1992, in fields like economic ties, agriculture and manufacturing. Relation is not only limited to economic reasons, but there has been extensive fostering of bilateral military cooperation which includes:
Sale of military equipment Sharing of intelligence Joint naval exercises and
Training in counterinsurgency & Jungle warfare.
Mekong-Ganga Cooperation: Both the countries are members of Mekong–Ganga It was created with the aim of developing and enhancing close ties between India and Southeast Asian nations.
Vietnam’s support to India’s permanent seat at UNSC– Vietnam has always supported India’s bid for permanent seat at United Nations Security Council (UNSC). It also supported India’s membership to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
In 2003, both the countries had collaborated on creating an “Arc of Advantage and Prosperity” in Southeast
Countries have also built strategic partnerships, including in extensive cooperation on developing nuclear power, transnational crime & drug trafficking, enhancing regional security and fighting
Vietnam is one of the pillars of India’s “Look East”
Russia released a draft agreement it proposed to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) on security measures for both the sides.
The document notes that, Russia and NATO shall not strengthen their security individually, including in the framework of military alliances of coalitions and international organisations at the expense of security of others.
Both the sides settle disputes by peaceful means and refrain themselves from use or threat of force. They should exercise restraint in military planning and conducting drills in order to avoid dangerous situations.
Russia and the NATO member states would also be banned from deploying military forces and weapons on the territory of any other countries in Europe.
They would be prohibited from deploying land-based intermediate- and short-range missiles in areas that allows them to reach each other’s territory.
Russia also asked NATO to stop further enlargement, including accession of Ukraine, as well as to cease any military activity in Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance of 1 Eurasian country, 2 North American countries and 28 European countries. It implements the North Atlantic Treaty, signed on April 4, 1949. NATO comprises a system of collective security, wherein its independent member states agree to mutual defense against the
The Tamil Nadu government declared Tamil Thai Vaazhthu, as the State Song on December 17, 2021.Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is a prayer song sung in praise of Mother Tamil.
It is a 55-second song and is sung at the beginning of functions across all government offices, educational institutions, public sector undertakings and similar public events, on the line of national anthem.
The observations on Tamil Thai Vaazhthu song were made by Justice G R Swaminathan in Kan. Ilango v.

State case, on December 6. State was represented by Inspector of Police & Another. HC quashed an FIR registered against a group of individuals headed by Kan. Ilango. The group had allegedly entered the Kanchi Mutt branch in Rameswaram in 2018 and raised slogans. They also criminally intimidated the manager of Kanchi mutt.
The group protesters belonged to the Naam Tamilar Katchi, which is a Tamil nationalist organisation led by Senthamizhan Seeman. They were protesting against the Pontiff of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam who had remained sitting during a function, while Tamil Thai Vaazhthu was played. This had triggered considerable outrage.
The court has ruled that Tamil Thai Vaazhthu is a prayer song and not an Anthem. Highest reverence and
respect should be shown to the prayer song but it is not necessary to stand for it.
Court made reference to a call by Government of Tamil Nadu on June 17, 1970. Then, the government had directed that a song from ‘Manonmaneeyam’, should be sung as prayer song at the beginning of all functions organised by government, local bodies and educational institutions. Manonmaneeyam is a famous Tamil drama written by P Sundaram Pillai.
On December 15, 2921, forest officials rescued a barn owl in Supaul district of Bihar, in a rate sighting.
The Barn owl is usually native to the US, the UK and other parts of Europe. It is rarely seen in the Indian subcontinent.
The Barn Owl is scientifically called as Tyto alba. It is the most widely distributed species of owl worldwide. The species is found almost everywhere in across the world, except for the polar and desert regions, Indonesia, Pacific Islands and Asia north of the Himalayas. It is also called as common barn owl.
The Barn owl is nocturnal for most of its range. However, in Great Britain and some Pacific Islands, the owl also hunts by day.
They are specialised in hunting animals on the ground. All of their food comprises of small mammals,
which they locate by sound.
They are a medium-sized, pale-coloured owl, having long wings and a short & squarish tail. They have a typical wingspan of 80 to 95 cm.
In the tropical regions, the Barn owls can breed at any time of year. However, some seasonality in nesting is
still evident. In the regions of distinct wet & dry seasons, egg-laying generally takes place during the dry season. In arid regions like Australia, breeding might be irregular and might happen in wet periods.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Bhutan’s highest civilian award called Ngadag Pel gi
Khorlo on December 17, 2021.
He was conferred with the award on the occasion of Bhutan’s National Day. National Day of Bhutan is observed on December 17.
It marks the crowning of Ugyen Wangchuck as first Druk Gyalpo of modern Bhutan. On the occasion, celebrations are held at Changlimithang Stadium.
Celebration includes a public address by the Druk Gyalpo as well as a procession including a statue of Ugyen Wangchuck, honouring the first Druk Gyalpo and independent Bhutanese nation.
The Druk Gyalpo is the head of state of Bhutan. Bhutan is also known as Drukyul, in the Dzongkha language. It translates to “The Land of Thunder Dragon”. Kings of Bhutan are called as Druk Gyalpo (Dragon King) while, Bhutanese people call themselves Drukpa (people of Druk).
Present Sovereign of Bhutan is Jigme Khesar Mangyel Wangchuck. He is the 5th Druk Gyalpo. He wears the Raven Crown, the official crown worn by the kings of Bhutan.
Order of the Dragon King is the highest decoration of Bhutan. It is awarded to recognise a lifetime of service to the people and Kingdom of Bhutan. This decoration exists in two categories. The highest decoration is the pinnacle of the honour system in Bhutan. It was founded on November 7, 2008, to honour those who have devoted lifetime of service for nation and people of Bhutan.
As per brokerage houses, proposal by SEBI to treat all orders emanating from application programming interface (API) as algorithmic or algo order might hamper the growth of such trading in India.
Algo trading refers to any order which is generated using automated execution logic.
The algo trading system monitors the live stock prices, automatically and initiates an order when all the criteria are met.
This system frees the trader from monitoring the live stock prices and initiate manual order placement.
Brokerage houses are of the view that, there is a need to regulate nascent algo market, especially in the
light of media reporting on a number of cases of retail clients who lost money based on false promises made by some vendors. However, to tackle the few bad cases, SEBI’s regulation is putting in hurdles which in turn can restrict the growth of algo trading in India. It would become difficult for brokers to provide APIs, if conditions mentioned in consultation paper are implemented.
Algorithmic Trading is a method to execute orders using automated pre-programmed trading instructions accounting for variables like price, time, and volume. Such trading leverages the speed and computational resources of computers relative to human traders. This trading has been gaining traction with retail as well as institutional traders. It is used by investment banks, mutual funds, pension funds and hedge funds. According to a 2019 study, around 92% of trading in Forex market was performed by trading algorithms.
SEBI is the regulatory body for securities & commodity market in India. it works under the ownership of
Ministry of Finance. SEBI was established as non-statutory body on April 12, 1988. It was given Statutory Powers & became autonomous body on January 30, 1992 by the SEBI Act, 1992.
On December 18, 2021 the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully tested the new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile ‘Agni P’.Agni P was launched from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam island off the coast of Odisha.Trajectory and parameters of the missile was tracked and monitored by several telemetry, electro- optical stations, radar, and down range ships positioned along eastern coast.
Agni P followed textbook trajectory and met all the objectives of mission with high level of accuracy.
Agni P is a two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile, having a dual redundant navigation and
guidance system. It is a medium-range ballistic missile, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as the successor of Agni-I and Agni-II missiles. It is the sixth missile in Agni (missile) series of ballistic missile. The missile can be either transported on train or stored in canister.
DRDO had successfully test fired the first Agni-P on June 28, 2021, from Abdul Kalam Island. The missile carried two multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV). It is a three-stage solid fuel missile, having the capability of manoeuvrable re-entry vehicle (MaRV).
Second successful test was conducted on December 18, 2021, from the coast of Odisha at Balasore. It is a two-stage Agni-P missile and has been developed with new propulsion systems. It is the smallest and lightest missile among entire Agni series of ballistic missiles.
On December 19, 2021, A leftist millennial Gabriel Boric was elected as next President of Chile.
He was elected as President, after a campaign against a free-market firebrand likened to former US President Donald Trump.
Gabriel won with 56 per cent of the votes.
Gabriel Boric Font is the president-elect of Chile. He was a member of the Chamber of Deputies since March 2014, and represented the Magallanes and Antarctic district. In 2013 general election, he was elected as an independent candidate. He was re-elected in 2017. In both the elections, he received the largest number of votes among all candidates in Magallanes Region. For 2021 general election, he won the Apruebo Dignidad Presidential primary, with 60% of the popular vote. Thus, he became a Presidential candidate for the leftist electoral coalition. He is all set to take charges as the first socialist President of Chile, after Salvador Allende.
Chile is officially called as Republic of Chile. It is a country in western part of South America. The country occupies a long, narrow strip of land between Andes and the Pacific Ocean. It is the southernmost country of the world. It is closest to Antarctica, and share borders with Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and the Drake Passage. It also controls the Pacific islands of Juan Fernandez, Desventuradas, Isla Salas y Gomez, and Easter Island in Oceania. Santiago is country’s capital as well as largest city. Spanish is the national language of Chile. The country is a founding member of United Nations, Pacific Alliance and Community of Latin American & Caribbean States (CELAC). It also joined the OECD in 2010.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) demonstrated the Controlled Aerial Delivery System on December 19, 2021.
Flight demonstration of Controlled Aerial Delivery System was demonstrated by Aerial Delivery
Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE). The System was of 500 kg capacity (CADS-500).
Demonstration of the flight was part of series of activities that were organised to celebrate ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
System performance was demonstrated at Drop Zone, Malpura from an altitude of 5000m.
This system was para-dropped from AN32 aircraft. After that, it was steered to the predesignated
landing point in autonomous mode.
Eleven paratroopers of Indian Army and Indian Air Force chased the system in air and landed simultaneously.
The CADS-500 is used to deliver payload precisely up to 500 kgs at predetermined location. It makes use of
manoeuvrable capabilities of Ram Air Parachute (RAP) to conduct such activities. It also uses Global Positioning System to get the coordinates and altitude & heading sensors to get heading information during its flight. The CADS, comprising of electronics unit, autonomously steers path of flight through waypoint navigation towards target location by operating controls.
ADRDE is dubbed as the “Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE)”. It is a laboratory of Indian DRDO, located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Research scope of ADRDE includes development of systems for dropping heavy loads, towed targets, brake parachutes, aerostats and aircraft arrester barriers. Important projects undertaken by ADRDE in recent times include: Armament delivery parachutes
Balloon barrage and surveillance systems Space recovery parachutes Airships and related
The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), under Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions is celebrating ‘Good Governance Week 2021’ on December 20-25.
The Good Governance Week is being organised in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Panchayati Raj & Rural Development.
It is being celebrated as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
On the occasion, Good Governance Week Portal will be launched and a booklet on 2-year achievements of DARPG will be released.
A film on “Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur” will also be screened.
The Good Governance Week is being organised under the theme- “Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur”.
During the celebration of Good Governance Week, Nation-wide campaign to Redress the Public Grievances and to improve Service Delivery will also be held across all the Districts, States, and Union Territories in India.
More than 700 Districts Collectors will take part in the campaign.
They will visit Tehsil or Panchayat Samiti Headquarters for providing timely grievance redressal and improve service delivery.
The Good Governance Week is being organised with the objective of translating the vision of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, for Next Generation Administrative Reforms during Amrit Kaal period in all the Districts and Tehsils across the country.
Progress of the Good Governance Week will be monitored through a portal “www.pgportal.gov.in/ggw”.
During the event, every District Collector will present one successful good governance practice from their respective district and one successfully redressed Public Grievance case on this portal.