(ii) The list includes 12 women, led by Reshma Kewalramani of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, followed by Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks, and Leena Nair, the global CEO of Chanel, who are recognized as the most influential women of Indian origin.
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- The Honorary Citizen Award was presented to Tarun Das by Singapore's President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, during a special ceremony held in New Delhi on 15th January 2025.
- Tarun Das is the second Indian recipient of this esteemed award, following Ratan Tata, the former chairman of the Tata Group, who was awarded the same honor in 2008.
- Tarun Das served as the Director General and Chief Mentor of CII for over 40 years, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s business landscape and fostering economic cooperation between India and Singapore.
Main Point :-
(i) In 1993, Tarun Das led the first delegation of Indian industrialists to Singapore under India’s “Look East” policy, paving the way for annual visits to enhance political and business ties between the two nations.
(ii) He was instrumental in establishing the India-Singapore Strategic Dialogue (ISSD), a crucial platform for business leaders, policymakers, and academia to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and more.
(iii) Beyond his work with CII, Tarun Das has held leadership roles in organizations like the Singapore-India Partnership Foundation (SIPF) and contributed to initiatives like the SIPF Students Immersion Programme to India, which aims to promote educational and cultural exchanges between India and Singapore. He was also honored with the Singapore Public Service Medal in 2004 for his exceptional service.
About Singapore
President : Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Currency - Singapore Dollar (SGD)
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Bihar Sports University has received recognition from the UGC and is set to offer academic courses in sports and physical education.
On January 11, 2025, Bihar Sports University, located in Rajgir (Bihar), was recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956. This recognition allows the university to offer academic courses in physical education and sports sciences, including undergraduate programs, diplomas, and Post Graduate (PG) diplomas.
- The Bihar government has appointed retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Shishir Sinha as the first Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university.
- The Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, inaugurated Bihar Sports University, the state’s first sports-focused educational institution, along with the State Sports Academy (SSA) on August 29, 2023, which is also National Sports Day.
- These projects are part of the International Sports Complex in Rajgir, aimed at promoting sports education and developing skilled sports professionals in the state.
Main Point :-
(i) The university will begin academic programs in 2025-2026, offering diplomas and PG diplomas in sports coaching and yoga, along with a four-year Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) program (pending NCTE approval).
(ii) An Ombudsperson must be appointed within two months of starting academic activities to ensure adherence to UGC grievance redressal regulations.
(iii) The academic programs aim to focus on specialized training in sports and physical education to meet national standards.
About Bihar
Chief Minister (CM) : Nitish Kumar
Governor : Arif Mohammad Khan
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Kerala's Kappad and Chal Beaches Receive 'Blue Flag' Certification.
On January 10, 2025, Kerala's famous Kappad beach in Kozhikode and Chal beach in Kannur both received the prestigious 'Blue Flag certification' from the Denmark-based non-profit organization, Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
- The Blue Flag certification is given to beaches and marinas that meet 33 criteria, focusing on areas like environmental education, water quality, safety, services, and waste management.
- Kappad Beach has earned the Blue Flag certification for the 4th consecutive year. The beach was upgraded in 2020 with solar-powered lights, bio-toilets, and accessible pathways for people with disabilities to meet the strict requirements for certification.
- Chal Beach also received the Blue Flag certification, further boosting Kerala's reputation as a sustainable tourism destination.
Main Point :-
(i) Kappad Beach holds historical significance as it is the site where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in 1498.
(ii) The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized eco-label awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators meeting high environmental and safety standards. It started in Europe in 1987, and in 2024, over 5,000 sites across 51 countries received this certification.
(iii) India has become the 4th country in Asia, after South Korea, Japan, and the UAE, to have Blue Flag-certified beaches, marking a significant milestone in environmental excellence.
About Kerala:
CM : Pinarayi Vijayan
Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
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"Anju Bobby George Named Chairperson of AFI Athletes Commission, Neeraj Chopra Joins as Member".
On 8 January 2025, legendary long-jumper Anju Bobby George was appointed as the Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)'s Athletes Commission. The commission also includes two-time Olympic medallist and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra as one of its members.
- The commission consists of nine athletes from India, including six women and three men.
- The commission comprises six women athletes: Anju Bobby George, a 2003 World Championships bronze medallist and senior vice president of the AFI; runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar; discus thrower Krishna Poonia; hurdler M.D. Valsamma; steeplechaser Sudha Singh; and runner Sunita Rani.
- The commission also includes three male athletes: javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, 3000m steeplechaser Avinash Sable, and newly-elected AFI President Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a shot put gold medallist at the 2002 Asian Games. Bahadur Singh Sagoo was the chairman of the previous Athletes Commission.
Main Point :-
(i) Former AFI President Adille Sumariwalla, who served three consecutive terms since 2012, will remain part of the executive council as an ex-officio member due to his position on the World Athletics Council.
(ii) The Athletes Commission represents the viewpoints and interests of athletes within the governing bodies of the Athletics Federation of India, with eligibility requiring athletes to be champions at the Asian or Commonwealth Games or participants in the Olympics or World Championships.
(iii) The commission's tenure is four years, with the current members serving the 2025-2029 cycle.
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MDL hands over the 6th Scorpene Submarine, 'INS Vagsheer,' to the Indian Navy.
On January 9, 2025, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the 6th and final Scorpene-class submarine, Indian Navy Ship (INS) Vaghsheer (S26), to the Indian Navy (IN) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, marking the successful completion of Project P-75.
- The Acceptance Document was signed by Sanjeev Singhal, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of MDL, and Rear Admiral (RAdm) R. Adhisrinivasan, Chief Staff Officer (CSO) (Technical), Western Naval Command.
- India aims to achieve full self-reliance in defence by 2047, with numerous ships and submarines currently under construction in domestic shipyards.
- The other five Scorpene-class submarines delivered under Project P-75 are INS Kalvari (2015), INS Khanderi (2017), INS Karanj (2018), INS Vela (2021), and INS Vagir (2020).
Main Point :-
(i) Launched on April 20, 2022, INS Vaghsheer (S26) underwent year-long trials to ensure combat readiness. Built under Project 75, it was constructed by MDL using technology transfer from France's Naval Group, supporting India's "Make in India" initiative.
(ii) INS Vaghsheer (S26) is armed with wire-guided torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, capable of being launched underwater or at the surface. It features high automation with an Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) and a Combat Management System (CMS).
(iii) The submarine is equipped with indigenously developed systems, such as the Air Conditioning Plant, Internal Communication & Broadcast System, Main Batteries, and Ku-Band SATCOM (Rukmini).
About Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)
CMD : Sanjeev Singhal
Headquarter : Mumbai
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Mumbai's CSMIA becomes the first airport in India to receive Level 5 accreditation from ACI.
In January 2025, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai (Maharashtra), which is operated by Adani Airports Holding Limited (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Group, became the first airport in India and the third in the world to receive the prestigious Level 5 Accreditation. This is the highest recognition given by the Airports Council International (ACI) for outstanding customer service standards.
- This recognition strengthens CSMIA's position as a leader in passenger service and operational excellence.
- ACI Level 5 Accreditation is the highest award in the Airport Customer Experience Accreditation Programme.
- The accreditation is given based on strict evaluation criteria, including customer feedback, service quality, and airport operations, creating a comprehensive framework for excellence in customer service.
Main Point :-
(i) CSMIA has set new standards of excellence with its innovative initiatives, such as the Aviio app launched in September 2024 by AAHL, which provides passengers with real-time information at seven airports in India, including CSMIA.
(ii) The Pawfect programme is another important initiative, featuring 9 comfort dogs stationed at Terminal 2 Departures to improve the passenger experience.
(iii) CSMIA has also expanded its digital gateway programme, increasing the number of e-gates from 24 to 68, making it the highest in India.
About Airports Council International (ACI)
DG : Justin Erbacci
Established: 1991
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The 82nd Golden Globe Awards 2025 saw Jacques Audiard's film Emilia Perez winning 4 awards.
The 82nd Golden Globe Awards 2025 were held on 5th January 2025 at the Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills, California, hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Emilia Perez, a French musical crime comedy, led with 10 nominations, including Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), Best Director (Jacques Audiard), and Best Actress (Karla Sofia Gascon), winning 4 awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Saldana), Best Non-English Feature, and Best Original Song.
- The 2025 awards recognized excellence in both American and international films, as well as American television (TV) for the year 2024.
- American comedian and actress Nikki Glaser made history by becoming the first woman to solo-host the Golden Globe Awards ceremony in 2025.
- The nominations for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, covering 27 categories, were announced by American comedian and actress Mindy Kaling, along with American actor Morris Chestnut.
Main Point :-
(i) The event marked the first time the organization hosted a special ceremony for recipients of two historic honors at the 2025 Golden Globes: 'The Cecil B. DeMille Award' and 'The Carol Burnett Award,' with American actor and three-time Golden Globe winner Ted Danson receiving the inaugural 'Carol Burnett Award 2025' for his role in Netflix's A Man on the Inside.
(ii) The Brutalist (an A24 film) secured 7 nominations and won 3 awards, including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best Director (Brady Corbet), and Best Movie (Drama), while Shogun swept all 4 of its categories, winning Best Series, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.
(iii) American actress and producer Viola Davis received the 'Cecil B. DeMille Award 2025' for her outstanding performances in Fences and The Woman King, while the film All We Imagine As Light, directed by Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia, earned double nominations for Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language) and Best Director (Motion Picture).
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"Haryana's Karnal Students Recognized by NASA for Asteroid Discovery".
Twelve students and two teachers from Dyal Singh Public School in Karnal, Haryana, have been recognized by NASA's International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) for their discovery of a Main-Belt Asteroid (MBA) TD40. The asteroid was identified using data from the pan-STARRS telescope, operated by the Institute for Astronomy at the University of Hawaii, USA.
- Diksha, a Class XI student, along with her team "Aryabhatta" consisting of 11 classmates, received IASC certificates for their discovery and registration of 11 near-Earth objects. The team worked under the guidance of Principal Sushma Devgun and Dr. Kaveri Chauhan.
Main Point :-
(i) The students dedicated two years to their work, receiving expert guidance and utilizing free online software. As a result, an asteroid will be named after Diksha, making it the first time a school in Haryana has had an asteroid named in honor of a student.
(ii) Among the 11 solar system objects discovered by the team, one has been classified by the IASC as a provisional Main-Belt Asteroid (MBA).
(iii) MBAs are asteroids that orbit the Sun within the asteroid belt, a region between Mars and Jupiter's orbits, located approximately 2.1 to 3.3 astronomical units (AU), or roughly 195 to 307 million miles, from the Sun.
About NASA
Founder: Dwight D. Eisenhower
Headquarters: Washington, D.C
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Union Minister S. Jaishankar Honoured with Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award.
In December 2024, Union Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, was conferred with the prestigious Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES), one of India's oldest educational societies based in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- The award is named in honour of Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, popularly known as Maha Periyavar, a revered spiritual leader and the "Sage of Kancheepuram."
Main Point :-
This award is presented annually by SIES to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
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Dr. Ravi Pillai has been awarded Bahrain's prestigious 'Medal of Efficiency' for his exceptional contributions.
In December 2024, Dr. Ravi Pillai, a well-known Indian businessman, founder, and chairman of the Dubai-based RP Group of Companies, was honored with Bahrain's 'Medal of Efficiency' (First Class) by the King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The award ceremony took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Dr. Pillai became the first foreign national to receive this prestigious honor.
- He was recognized for his significant contributions in areas such as refinery operations, local community development, and enhancing Bahrain's global reputation.
- The Medal of Efficiency is Bahrain's highest national award, given to individuals for their outstanding contributions to the country's progress and development.
Main Point :-
(i) In 2008, Dr. Ravi Pillai was awarded the 'Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA)' by the Government of India (GoI).
(ii) In 2010, he received the 'Padma Shri', which is India's 4th highest civilian honor, for his distinguished service.
(iii) In 2015, Arabian Business ranked him as the 4th most powerful Indian in the Middle East.
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Indian educationist Arun Kapur has been honored with a Royal Award by Bhutan.
In December 2024, Arun Kapur, a well-known Indian educationist recognized for founding schools in India, Bhutan, and Oman, was honored by Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel. He received the 'Bura Marp' (red scarf) and 'Patang' (ceremonial sword) during the 117th Bhutanese National Day celebrations at Changlimithang stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan.
- This rare honor is typically not given to non-Bhutanese residents, and it also granted Kapur the title of 'Dasho'.
- Arun Kapur currently serves as the Director at The Druk Gyalpo's Institute, Bhutan.
Main Point :-
(i) In 2019, he was awarded the 'Druk Thuksey' for establishing The Royal Academy School and for his role in developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate educational system.
(ii) He led Vasant Valley School in New Delhi for 29 years, until April 2020.
About Bhutan
King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Capital: Thimphu
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Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw awarded the '69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2024' to 101 Railway officials.
In December 2024, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversees the Ministry of Railways (MoR), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), presented the "69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar (AVRSP 2024)" to 101 Railway officials. Additionally, 22 shields were awarded to the best-performing Railway Zones at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
- The theme of this year's ceremony was "Mai Hoon Bhartiya Rail," which represents pride and commitment to Indian Railways.
- The event was attended by key figures, including Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board, Union Minister of State (MOS) V Somanna (Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Jal Shakti), Union MOS Ravneet Singh (Ministry of Railways and Ministry of Food Processing Industries), along with members of the Railway Board and General Managers (GM) from various Railway Zones and Production Units.
- In addition to individual awards, 22 Shields were presented to the best-performing Railway Zones for their exceptional achievements and contributions to the success of Indian Railways.
Main Point :-
(i) 15 railway employees and officers were recognized for driving innovation, improving productivity, and promoting indigenous technology.
(ii) 16 employees were honored for their exceptional bravery in protecting lives and railway property, ensuring passenger and staff safety.
(iii) 17 officers and employees were acknowledged for boosting railway revenue by preventing ticketless travel and curbing revenue theft.
About Indian Railways (IR)
Chairman & CEO: Satish Kumar
Headquarters : New Delhi
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At Tansen Samaroh 2024, Pt. Swapan Chaudhuri was honored with the Rashtriya Tansen Samman and Sanand Nyas received the Mansingh Tomar Award.
The 100th edition of the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, one of India’s most renowned classical music festivals, took place from December 15 to 19, 2024, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP). The festival was organized by the Department of Culture, MP, with Dharmendra Singh, the Culture Minister of MP, as the chief guest at the award ceremony.
- During the event, tabla maestro Padma Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri was honored with the Rashtriya Tansen Samman 2023, and the Sanand Nyas Institution from Indore received the Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman 2023. These awards recognized their significant contributions to Indian classical music and cultural preservation.
- Jayant Madhav Bhise, President of Sanand Nyas, and Sanjeev Babikar, the institution's Secretary, accepted the award on behalf of Sanand Nyas.
- Gwalior is recognized by UNESCO as a City of Music.
Main Point :-
(i) Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri, born in 1945 in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB), is a famous Indian tabla player.
(ii) In 1996, he received the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, followed by the Padma Shri in 2019 in the field of Art-Music-Tabla, and has also been honored with the American Academy of Artists Award and nominated for the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
(iii) The Rashtriya Tansen Samman, established in 1980 by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, is the highest national award in Indian classical music, presented at the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh in Gwalior, along with a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.
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IWAI's Kalughat IMT Recognized for Sustainable Infrastructure Project.
The Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat in Bihar, developed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has earned a prestigious five-star SVAGRIHA (Simple Versatile Affordable GRIHA) rating from the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Council. This recognition highlights its commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly through the use of recyclable materials during its construction.
- The terminal, part of the World Bank-funded Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP), is designed to enhance the capacity of National Waterway 1 (NW-1) on the River Ganga.
- It was built at a cost of Rs. 82.48 crore and boasts a capacity of 77,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) per annum.
- The terminal facilitates cargo transport for North Bihar and provides a vital trade link to Nepal for imports and exports.
Main Point :-
(i) The award was received by Arvind Kumar, Director, JMVP, alongside Manish Tiwari, Specialist (Environment Impact Assessment), JMVP, and J J Patel, Project Manager, Sanjay Construction Company, the contractor agency.
(ii) SVAGRIHA is a joint initiative by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Delhi-based The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). It recognizes sustainable practices in creating environmentally friendly infrastructure like the IMT at Kalughat.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
Chairman: Vijay Kumar
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
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REC Ltd. Wins Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate Governance.
REC Limited (Rural Electrification Corporation Limited), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) under the Ministry of Power and a leading non-banking financial company (NBFC), has been awarded the prestigious Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate Governance for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.
- The award was presented by the Golden Peacock Awards Secretariat and Institute of Directors in a ceremony held in London, United Kingdom (UK).
- REC won the award in the Power (Financial Services) category.
Main Point :-
(i) The winners were selected by a jury chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah, Chairman, Institute of Directors and the 25th Chief Justice of India, along with members including Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, former Chief Justice of India, and Prof. (Judge) Mervyn E. King SC, among others.
(ii) The Golden Peacock Awards, established in 1991 by the Institute of Directors (IOD), is regarded as a benchmark of corporate excellence worldwide.
About REC Limited
CMD : Vivek Kumar Dewangan
Headquarters : New Delhi
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The Ram Temple in Ayodhya has been honored with the 'Sword of Honour' award for its outstanding safety standards.
The Ram Temple project in Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) has recently been awarded the prestigious 'Sword of Honour' by the British Safety Council (BSC). This award recognizes the project's exceptional safety management practices. The construction is being carried out by Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T).
- The British Safety Council (BSC) conducts a thorough audit of the project's safety processes and practices. This includes an on-site assessment to evaluate how well safety is managed during construction.
- The Sword of Honour is only given to projects with a five-star safety rating, setting a high standard for safety management in the construction industry. It reflects the project's dedication to maintaining top-notch safety standards throughout its development.
- The Ram Temple is being built in the traditional Nagar architectural style. It measures 380 feet in length (east-west) and 250 feet in width, with a height of 161 feet. The temple will have 392 pillars and 44 doors, with an impressive east-facing entrance featuring 32 steps.
Main Point :-
(i) The temple is being constructed using around 15 lakh cubic feet of Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan. The marble cladding adds to its beauty, making it a significant architectural marvel.
(ii) The intricate designs are the work of artist Vasudev Kamath and architects Sompura and Jay Kaktikar. Additionally, organizations like the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) have contributed to ensuring the temple's structural strength and integrity.
(iii) The Ram Temple project, expected to be completed by June 2025, has been recognized for its outstanding safety measures, with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) receiving the 'Golden Trophy' from the National Safety Council (NSC) for their exemplary safety practices during its construction.
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Renowned Hindi writer Suryabala honored with the 34th Vyas Samman.
Hindi writer Suryabala has been selected for the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 in recognition of her novel "Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary", published in 2018.
- The novel delves into the perceptions of Indian youth regarding America as a land of opportunity, the challenges they face upon moving there, the temptations they encounter, and the cultural conflicts they experience.
- The selection was made by a committee chaired by Prof. Ramji Tiwari.
- Pushpa Bharathi was awarded the 33rd Vyas Samman for her book "Yaadein Yaadein Aur Yaadein".
Main Point :-
(i) Suryabala, born in 1943 in Varanasi, is a renowned Hindi writer with over 50 novels, biographies, and children's stories. She has received several accolades, including the Bharat Bharti in 2019 and the Priyadarshini Award in 2003, for her outstanding literary contributions.
(ii) The Vyas Samman, presented annually by the K.K. Birla Foundation, honors exceptional Hindi literary works published in the last decade. The award includes a cash prize of Rs 4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. It was first awarded in 1991 to Dr. Ram Vilas Sharma.
(iii) Some of Suryabala's notable works include Dikshanta (1992), Mere sandi-patra (2003), and Dishaheen (2010). In addition to the Vyas Samman, she has been honored with the Maharashtra Hindi Academy Award, Ratni Devi Goenka Award, and 'Vyangya Sri' award by Hindi Bhavan Nyas.
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Christopher Nolan and Emma Thomas Awarded Knighthood and Damehood.
In December 2024, Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma Thomas, were awarded royal honors of 'knighthood' and 'damehood,' respectively, by King Charles III in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to the film industry. The ceremony took place at Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom (UK).
- The couple has collaborated on numerous blockbuster films since 1997 through their production company, Syncopy.
- Knighthood is a title bestowed upon men and damehood upon women, allowing them to use the titles 'Sir' and 'Dame' before their names in recognition of their outstanding contributions to film production.
Main Point :-
(i) Christopher Nolan, known for films like Oppenheimer, Inception, and Interstellar, has gained global recognition for his visionary filmmaking, while Emma Thomas has produced all of his films, including Memento and Batman Begins.
(ii) Their collaboration on Oppenheimer (2023) received widespread acclaim, winning 7 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and grossing over USD 976 million. The film explores the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the development of nuclear weapons during WWII.
(iii) In March 2024, Christopher Nolan received his first Oscar for Best Director for Oppenheimer. Emma Thomas became the first British female producer to win the Oscar for Best Picture for the film.
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'Brain Rot' Named Oxford Word of the Year 2024.
The Oxford Word of the Year for 2024 has been announced as 'brain rot', following a public vote with over 37,000 participants. The term 'brain rot' is defined as the supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state due to overconsumption of trivial or unchallenging online content. The usage of 'brain rot' increased by 230% between 2023 and 2024, highlighting societal concerns about the impact of excessive consumption of low-quality online content, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok. Initially used in Henry David Thoreau's 1854 book "Walden," the term has found new relevance in the digital age, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities. It describes both the low-quality content and its perceived negative impact on mental health. The term has also been used humorously within online communities to describe nonsensical or embarrassing content. The selection of 'brain rot' reflects the growing awareness and discourse around the potential negative effects of digital content consumption on mental health, particularly among younger generations.
- Defined as the deterioration of mental state due to overconsumption of trivial online content.
- Term originally used in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau.
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UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation: 2024 Edition Details Announced
The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation honors individuals and organizations for outstanding efforts in restoring or conserving heritage structures, places, or properties. Since 2000, the program has recognized 290 winners from 27 countries, fostering best practices and inspiring similar projects across the region. The 2024 awards are open for submissions, with a deadline of 30 June 2024. Winners will be announced in November 2024 in various categories, highlighting significant achievements in cultural heritage conservation and sustainable development.
- 290 winners from 27 countries since 2000.
- Fosters best practices and inspires conservation projects.
Main Point :-
(i) The program has awarded 290 winners from 27 Asia-Pacific countries since 2000.
About UNESCO :
Establishment : November 16, 1945.
Headquarters: Paris, France.
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Air India Bags Global Awards for Excellence in Design and Passenger Experience
Air India has been recognized with the Good Design Award Australia 2024 for its Vista Verve inflight offering, lauded for its innovative design and exceptional quality. Additionally, the airline received three APEX Awards at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards in Singapore, highlighting its excellence in passenger experience, cabin service, and onboard culinary offerings.
- Vista Verve includes innovative tableware, lead-free glassware, and luxurious linens.
Main Point :-
(i) The airline received three APEX Awards at the FTE Awards in Singapore.
About Air India :
Founded : October 15, 1932
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President Droupadi Murmu Confers National Panchayat Awards to 45 Exemplary Panchayats and Institutes
President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2024 to 45 awardees, recognizing their exceptional contributions to sustainable and inclusive development. The event highlighted the government's commitment to empowering Panchayats, with increased funding and initiatives aimed at enhancing local governance and development.
Awards recognize contributions to sustainable and inclusive development.
Government emphasizes empowerment of Panchayats and increased funding.
Main Point :-
Initiatives like SVAMITVA Scheme and Meri Panchayat app enhance governance
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Aryna Sabalenka Wins WTA Player of the Year 2024
Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka has been named the WTA Player of the Year for 2024, marking her first time receiving this prestigious honor. The 26-year-old had an outstanding season, winning two Grand Slam titles—the Australian Open in January and the US Open in September—and finishing the year as the top-ranked player in the world. Sabalenka's season was highlighted by her consistency and dominance, particularly during a streak between August and October where she recorded 16 consecutive wins. She amassed an impressive 56-14 win-loss record for the year and earned nearly $10 million in prize money. Her achievements also included WTA 1000 titles in Cincinnati and Wuhan.
- Won Australian Open and US Open titles in 2024.
- Achieved a 56-14 win-loss record for the year.
Main Point :-
(i) Finished 2024 as the World No. 1 player.
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Ecologist Madhav Gadgil Named One of Six ‘Champions of the Earth’ by UNEP
Veteran Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil has been named one of six 'Champions of the Earth' for 2024 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Gadgil has been honored in the "lifetime achievement" category for his decades of work in protecting marginalized communities and promoting community-driven conservation efforts. His influential work has significantly impacted environmental policy and conservation, particularly in the Western Ghats region of India.
- He has been honored in the “lifetime achievement” category.
- His research focuses on protecting marginalized people and promoting community-driven conservation.
Main Point :-
(i) He is renowned for his work in the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region.
(ii) Gadgil's work has influenced environmental policy and conservation in India.
- About UNICEP :
- Established : 1972
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Karnataka Police Wins Inaugural FICCI Drone Award 2024
The Karnataka State Police has been recognized with the inaugural FICCI Drone Award for its innovative use of drone technology in training and capacity building, particularly through its Remote Pilot Training Institute (RPTI) in 2024.
- Award recognizes innovative drone technology applications
- Trained 270 police personnel in drone applications.
- 170 personnel received drone licenses.
Main Point :-
(i) RPTI established in 2023 under the Centre for Counter Terrorism
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'Manifest' has been chosen as Cambridge Dictionary's "Word of the Year" for 2024.
In November 2024, The Cambridge Dictionary selected 'manifest' as its Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a significant rise in its usage. With nearly 130,000 lookups on their websites, the word gained popularity across mainstream media, self-help communities, and social media platforms.
- The phrase 'to manifest' refers to the act of imagining one’s desired achievements, believing that doing so can increase the chances of success.
Main Point :-
(i) Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Gabby Thomas, and Ollie Watkins popularized the term by sharing how they "manifested" their success in 2024. Despite its widespread use, the concept of manifesting remains unproven, originating from a century-old spiritual philosophy.
(ii) In 2023, 'hallucinate' was the Cambridge Word of the Year, highlighting the evolving nature of language in our time.
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Upamanyu Chatterjee's "Lorenzo Searches for the Meaning of Life" Wins the 2024 JCB Prize for Literature.
On November 23, 2024, Upamanyu Chatterjee's book "Lorenzo Searches for the Meaning of Life" won the 7th Edition JCB (Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Limited) Prize for Literature. The book, published by Speaking Tiger Books, follows protagonist Lorenzo Senesi's journey of self-discovery and faith.
- The award ceremony was held at JCB India's headquarters in Ballabgarh, Faridabad, where Upamanyu Chatterjee received a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, along with a trophy titled "Mirror Melting," designed by Delhi artist duo Thukral and Tagra.
- In 2023, "Firebird" by Perumal Murugan, translated from the Malayalam by Janani Kannan, won the prestigious award.
- The award was presented on behalf of JCB Chairman, Lord Bamford, by Deepak Shetty, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of JCB India.
Main Points:-
(i) Upamanyu Chatterjee's novel emerged as the winner from a shortlist of six books, which included Sanatan by Sharankumar Limbale, translated by Paromita Sengupta; Chronicle of an Hour and a Half by Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari, The One Legged by Sakyajit Bhattacharya, translated by Rituparna Mukherjee; and Maria, Just Maria by Sandhya Mary, translated by Jayasree Kalathil.
(ii) The jury included author-translator Jerry Pinto (Chair), art historian-curator Deepthi Sashidharan, scholar-writer-translator Tridip Suhrud, filmmaker-writer Shaunak Sen, and artist Aqui Thami.
(iii) The JCB Prize for Literature, established in 2018 by Joseph Cyril Bamford Excavators Limited (JCB), is awarded annually to celebrate Indian literature and its diverse storytelling styles. With a prize of Rs 25,00,000 (USD 30,000) and a unique sculpture, it is regarded as "India's most valuable literature prize."
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Ashok Gopal Wins NIF Book Prize 2024 for "BR Ambedkar: A Biography".
In November 2024, the New India Foundation announced writer Ashok Gopal has won the Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay National Innovation Foundation (NIF) Book Prize 2024 for his biography "A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of BR Ambedkar".
- He will be honoured at the Bangalore Literature Festival in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a trophy, and a citation.
Main Points:-
(i) The book was published by Navayana and it delivers a vivid account of Ambedkar's life journey from facing systemic oppression to shaping India's constitution as an advocate for marginalised communities.
(ii) In 2023, Akshaya Mukul won the award for his biography of writer Agyeya, titled 'Writer, Rebel, Soldier, Lover: The Many Lives of Agyeya'.
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PM Modi Receives Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award at AIAM Launch in Maryland, USA.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister (PM) of India was honored (in absentia) with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment. The award was jointly presented by Washington Adventist University and Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM) to PM Modi.
- The award recognized PM Modi's efforts toward inclusive development and minority welfare.
- The award is named after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an American, known for his contributions to the American Civil Rights Movement, and it honors his lasting legacy in promoting equality, justice, and human rights.
- The event emphasized PM Modi's commitment to upholding India's secular constitution and promoting global recognition for the nation.
Main Points:-
(i) Members of India's minority communities voiced their support for the government's inclusive policies, condemning attempts to create communal divides and reaffirming their commitment to national unity and progress.
(ii) Chairman of AIAM Jasdip Singh emphasized AIAM's role in advancing PM Modi's vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047.
(iii) Satnam Singh Sandhu, convener of the Indian Minorities Federation, highlighted the transformation of India under PM Modi's leadership and applauded the "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas" (Together with all, Development for all) policy, noting that it has fostered communal harmony and created an atmosphere of equal opportunity for all.
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Marijke Fleuren Receives International Hockey Federation (FIH) Honorary Member Award.
Former Euro Hockey President and former Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH - International Hockey Federation) Executive Board (EB) Member Marijke Fleuren (Netherlands) was honoured with the FIH Honorary Member Award by FIH President Tayyab Ikram during the 49th FIH Statutory Congress held in Muscat, Oman.
- Marijke Fleuren, the Chair of the FIH Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, has been involved in FIH in different roles since 1999.
- She has served for 12 years as the President of the European Hockey Federation (EuroHockey) since 2011.
Main Points:-
(i) During the event, FIH launched FIH Women in Hockey Empowerment Project, a transformative platform designed to uplift and engage female players, coaches, officials, and leaders in Hockey.
(ii) As part of the inaugural Project, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation has awarded FIH a grant to help change the future of sport for girls by leveraging Body Confident Sport.
(iii) This is a first-of-its-kind, evidence-based set of coaching tools co-created by Nike and Dove which provides coaches with the materials to increase body confidence, body image and self-esteem in girls.
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Ashoka University's Professor Projit Bihari Mukharji Receives 2024 Pfizer Award.
Professor Projit Bihari Mukharji of Ashoka University, Sonipat, Haryana has received the 2024 Pfizer Award for his book "Brown Skins, White Coats: Race Science in India, 1920-66" published in 2023 by University of Chicago Press.
- The award, presented by the History of Science Society (HSS), recognizes his significant work exploring the intersection of race, science, colonialism, and nationalism in India.
- Professor Projit Bihari Mukharji's book sheds light on the entanglement of scientific practices with racial ideologies during the colonial era.
- His research focuses on the history of science and medicine in modern South Asia. He is also the author of other notable works, including Nationalizing the Body (2009) and Doctoring Traditions (2016).
Main Points:-
(i) The Pfizer Award, established in 1958 by Pfizer, Inc., recognizes exceptional books on the history of science.
(ii) The award consists of a medal and USD 2,500.
(iii) The award recognizes the book published in English during a period of three calendar years immediately preceding the year of competition.
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Coal India Limited Wins Green World Awards 2024.
Coal India Limited (CIL), a 'Maharatna' enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has been honored with the prestigious Green World Environment Award 2024 in the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) category and named Green World Ambassador.
- The award recognizes CIL's significant contributions through the Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, which provides permanent curative treatment for over 600 Thalassemia patients via stem cell (Bone Marrow) transplants/BMT.
- The award was received by Director (Personnel/IR), CIL, Vinay Ranjan at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, London, United Kingdom (UK).
- CIL pioneered CSR in 2017 by funding Thalassemia treatments through BMT, offering up to Rs 10 lakh for patients across India.
Main Points:-
(i) The initiative partners with 17 leading hospitals nationwide.
(ii) The award was presented by The Green Organization, an independent environmental group established in 1994 to promote global environmental and CSR best practices.
(iii) Coal India Limited (CIL), the state-owned coal mining corporate established in 1975, is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. CIL produces over 80% of India's coal and is responsible for 70% of coal-based power generation, meeting 40% of the nation's primary commercial energy needs.
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Indian Musicians Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar Nominated for 67th Grammy Awards 2025.
Indian music composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar, British-American sitarist and Indian musician, have been nominated at the 67th Grammy Awards. This was announced by the Recording Academy based in California, USA.
- A three-time Grammy winner, Ricky Kej has earned his 4th nomination for his album "Break of Dawn" in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category.
- Anoushka Shankar received a nomination in the same category for her album "Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn", marking her 11th Grammy nomination.
- She received a second nomination for her collaboration on British multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Jacob Collier's song "A Rock Somewhere," which also includes vocalist Varijashree Venugopal, marking her first nomination.
Main Points:-
(i) Other nominees in the same category include "Warriors of Light" by Radhika Vekaria and "Triveni" by entrepreneur and musician Chandrika Tandon, created in collaboration with flautist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Eru Matsumoto.
(ii) The 67th Grammy Awards are set to be held on 2nd February 2025, in Los Angeles, California, USA.
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Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad Awarded the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023.
Daniel Barenboim, a world-famous pianist and conductor, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist, were honored with the most prestigious "Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023" award on Indira Gandhi's 106th birth anniversary for their contribution towards peace and non-violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
- The awardees were selected by a jury headed by former Chief Justice of India (CJI) T S Thakur.
- The award was presented virtually on Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary (19th November) and was attended by Chairperson of Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust Sonia Gandhi, former Vice President of India M Hamid Ansari, current head of the jury and former National Security Advisor (NSA) Shivshankar Menon, Justice T S Thakur, and Mariam C.
- He received many awards and prizes, including six Grammy awards, an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, and the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Main Points:-
(i) Ali Abu Awwad (52) is a prominent Palestinian peace activist who has worked in peace-building in Israel and Palestine for many years.
(ii) He created the Palestinian non-violence movement Taghyeer, which envisions a democratic, independent Palestinian society based on freedom, dignity, and security.
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Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark Wins Miss Universe 2024 Title.
Maria Victoria Kjær Theilvig (21) from Denmark has been crowned Miss Universe 2024 at the 73rd edition of Miss Universe 2024 pageant held at the Arena in Mexico City, Mexico. This marks Denmark's first-ever victory in the global beauty pageant. The edition witnessed the participation of 125 contestants.
- She was crowned by Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios, Miss Universe 2023.
- Miss Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, secured the 2nd spot as 1st Runner-up, while Miss Mexico, Maria Fernanda Beltran, finished in 3rd place as 2nd Runner-up.
- India was represented by Rhea Singha from Gujarat, who made it to the top 30 finalists.
Main Points:-
(i) The event was hosted by Mario Lopez, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo, Zuri Hall, and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray.
(ii) The pageant was opened with an energetic performance by mariachi musicians and Black Eyed Peas singer, Taboo, who performed "Mexicana," a special song created for the event by Emilio Estefan (Cuban-American musician).
(iii) Miss Malta Beatrice Njoya, at 40, became the oldest contestant in the pageant's history, and Miss Egypt Logina Salah made history as the first contestant with vitiligo.
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CHIAL Honored for Aviation Innovations at Saudi Airport Excellence Awards 2024.
GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited (GHIAL) in Hyderabad, Telangana, achieved international recognition for its innovative advancements in aviation at the Airport Excellence Awards during the Saudi Airport Exhibition 2024.
- The awards ceremony, held on 12th November 2024, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, honored GHIAL for its exceptional digital solutions and passenger-centric technologies.
- GHIAL's Digital Twin secured top honors in the Innovation & Technology and Facility Management categories, while its Smart Shopping Trolley was recognized as the runner-up in the Airport Revenue Management category.
Main Points:-
The Smart Shopping Trolley is designed to make airport navigation easier for travelers. Featuring interactive maps, real-time flight updates, and digital advertising displays, it provides a seamless wayfinding experience while promoting targeted advertisements. This innovative approach improves customer satisfaction and generates additional revenue for airport retailers.
About Telangana
CM : Anumula Revanth Reddy
Governor : Jishnu Dev Varma
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HCL, MECL, and JNARDDC under Ministry of Mines recognized for performance during National Learning Week.
Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Limited (MECL), and Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), under the Ministry of Mines (MoM), were honoured for their exceptional performance during the National Learning Week (NLW), a nine-day nationwide initiative promoting learning and development, held from 19th to 27th October 2024.
- The awards were presented by Union Minister of State (MoS) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P).
- The award ceremony was organized by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.
- This recognition highlights the Ministry's commitment to Mission Karmayogi, a flagship program of the Government of India for the training of civil servants.
Main Points:-
(i) The Ministry of Mines has consistently been assessed among the top-performing ministries by CBC for its exceptional implementation of Mission Karmayogi.
(ii) HCL, MECL, and JNARDDC each received an award, competing with all central government organizations across India in achieving the "Minimum 4-hour Learning Goal," a target set by CBC where each employee of an organization had to complete at least 4 hours of Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) courses during NLW.
About Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL)
CMD : Ghanshyam Sharma
Headquarters : Kolkata
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UN Tourism Recognizes 55 Villages as the Best Tourism Villages for 2024.
On 15th November 2024, the United Nations (UN) World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) announced the names of 55 villages including Caviahue-Copahue (Argentina), Sibayo (Peru), Xito (China), Tra Que Vegetable Village (Vietnam), among others, which were recognised as Best Tourism Villages for 2024.
- This marks the 4th edition of the Best Tourism Villages initiative, highlighting the role of rural destinations in promoting sustainable tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and contributing to community development.
- These villages were selected from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member states.
Main Points:-
(i) Among the 55 Best Tourism Villages for 2024, 7 villages were selected from the BTV Upgrade Programme, including Ruboni (Uganda), Bo Suak (Thailand), among others.
(ii) Additionally, 20 villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme for 2024, including Dhudmaras village located in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, the only Indian village featured on the list.
About United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
Secretary-General : Zurab Pololikashvili
Headquarters : Madrid, Spain
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Elon Musk Tops Fortune's First-Ever List of 100 Most Powerful People in Business and Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Ranks 12th.
On 14th November 2024, Fortune, an American global business magazine, released the inaugural list of the "Fortune 100 Most Powerful People (MPP) in Business." Elon Musk, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla and Space Exploration Technologies Corporation, commonly referred to as SpaceX, secured the top position on the list.
- He is followed by Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia Corporation, and Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft Corporation, ranked 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively, showcasing their transformative influence in technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Main Points:-
(i) Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), who ranked at 12th spot, is the only Indian to be featured on the list.
(ii) The list has featured 18 female CEOs and business leaders, including Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO of Accenture (USA), and Emma Walmsley, CEO of the UK-based pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), ranked at 23rd and 25th positions, respectively.
About Fortune Magazine
CEO : Anastasia Nyrkovskaya
Headquarters : New York City
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Samantha Harvey Wins 2024 Booker Prize for "Orbital," First Space-Set Novel to Claim the Honor.
British author Samantha Harvey won the 2024 Booker Prize award for her fiction novel "Orbital," which has become the first book set in space to win the prize.
- The winner was announced by Chair of the 2024 judges, Edmund de Waal, at a ceremony held at Old Billingsgate in London, the United Kingdom (UK).
- Samantha Harvey becomes the 1st woman to win the award since 2019. Margaret Atwood and Bernardine Evaristo shared the award in 2019.
- Samantha Harvey was awarded with 50,000 pounds (USD 64,000) and a trophy, which was presented to her by Paul Lynch, winner of the Booker Prize 2023.
Main Points:-
(i) Orbital is the 2nd-shortest novel ever to win the Booker Prize.
(ii) This science fiction novel, published by Jonathan Cape (UK) and Grove Atlantic (USA), is the second-shortest book to win the prize, with 136 pages and covering a 24-hour timeframe.
(iii) This year's shortlist included five women out of six shortlistees, the largest number of women represented in the prize's 55-year history.
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India's Rachel Gupta Crowned Miss Grand International 2024.
Rachel Gupta from Jalandhar (Punjab) won the 12th edition of "Miss Grand International (MGI) 2024," standing out among contestants from more than 70 countries at the MGI hall in Bangkok (Thailand). She became the 1st Indian and 3rd Asian to be crowned MGI.
- Thae Su Nyein, Miss Grand Myanmar 2023, was crowned as the second runner-up at MGI 2024.
- She won the Miss Grand India title in August 2024, which paved the way for her to compete for the MGI title.
Main Points:-
(i) In addition to winning the main title, she also won the Grand Pageants Choice Award 2024. She will now serve as the global ambassador for MGI, promoting peace and stability worldwide.
(ii) With this win, she shares the record for the most global pageant crowns won by an Indian, along with former Miss Universe Lara Dutta.
(iii) In 2022, she won the title of "Miss Super Talent of the World" at the 15th edition of the pageant held in Paris, France.
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Telangana Environmentalist M Karunakar Reddy to Receive Inaugural Jadav Payeng International Award.
Telangana-based environmentalist M Karunakar Reddy has been selected to receive the first Jadav Payeng International Award, launched by the Jyoti-Protap Education Trust in Jorhat district, Assam.
- M Karunakar Reddy, known as the Water Man and Green Man of India, will be awarded for his extraordinary efforts in environmental conservation and climate action.
- He is also referred to as the Crisis Man of India due to his work in disaster relief and management in areas affected by climate change.
Main Points:-
(i) The award will be presented to Reddy in January 2025 during a ceremony at Jyoti Protap Bidyalay in Teok, Jorhat.
(ii) The Jadav Payeng International Award includes a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation, and various other mementos.
(iii) The award is named after Padma Shri awardee Jadav Payeng, known as the "Forest Man of India" for his continuous efforts in creating a 550-hectare forest in Assam's Jorhat district.
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SBI Recognized as the Best Bank in India for 2024 by Global Finance Magazine.
The Global Finance Magazine of the United States of America (USA) has recognized the State Bank of India (SBI) as the Best Bank in India for 2024 during its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards event, held alongside the Annual Meetings of the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and the World Bank in Washington, USA.
- Global Finance's Best Bank Awards set the standard for evaluating the world's financial institutions.
Main Points:-
Challa Sreenivasulu Setty, Chairman of SBI, accepted the award in recognition of the bank's dedication to providing exceptional services and advancing financial inclusion across the country by earning the trust of its customers.
About SBI
Chairman : Challa Sreenivasulu Setty
Headquarter : Mumbai
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Harmanpreet Singh named FIH Men's Player of the Year 2024 and PR Sreejesh wins Goalkeeper of the Year.
On 8th Nov 2024, Indian men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh won FIH Men's Player of the Year and Men's Goalkeeper of the Year, respectively, during the 49th FIH Statutory Congress held in Muscat, Oman.
- Winners were determined through a voting process involving an expert panel, national hockey associations, fans, and media.
- Harmanpreet Singh had previously won the FIH Men's Player of the Year award in 2020-21 and 2021-22.
- He won this title with 63.84% of the votes, while Joop de Mol (Netherlands) finished 2nd with 16.10% of the vote share.
Main Points:-
(i) PR Sreejesh, known as "The Wall of India," won his 3rd FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award. He had earlier won this title in 2021 and 2022.
(ii) He secured over 62% of the votes, while Olympic Gold medallist Pimrin Blaak (Netherlands) finished 2nd with 22% of the votes.
About International Hockey Federation (FIH)
President: Tayyab Ikram
Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland
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Collins Dictionary Named 'Brat' as 2024 Word of the Year.
Collins Dictionary, a printed and online dictionary published by HarperCollins in Glasgow (Scotland), has named "Brat", redefined by British singer Charli XCX, as the Collins Word of the Year for 2024.
- Originally known as a term for a misbehaving child, "brat" has transformed into a symbol of confidence, independence, and hedonism.
- Previous Collins' Word of the Year includes "AI" (2023); "Permacrisis" (2022); "NFT" (2021).
- The 2024 shortlisted words include Delulu (unrealistic expectations), Looksmaxxing (enhancing appearance), Brainrot (obsessive preoccupation), Era (life phases), Anti-tourism (authentic travel), and Romantasy (romantic fantasy escapism).
Main Points:-
(i) Collins Dictionary noted that "brat" has become more than a word. It's a cultural phenomenon with an impact that resonates across music, politics, and social identity.
(ii) This transformation began with Charli XCX's hit sixth album Brat, which became a global sensation and inspired the phrase "brat summer", a style and lifestyle embraced by fans.
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Thiruvananthapuram Becomes First Indian City to Win Global Award for Sustainable Urban Development.
The Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has become the 1st Indian city to win the Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, also known as the Shanghai Award.
- The award ceremony took place on 2nd Nov 2024, in Alexandria, Egypt, coinciding with World Cities Day 2024.
- The award was received by Thiruvananthapuram's Mayor, Arya Rajendran, along with the CEO of Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Ltd., Rahul Sharma.
Main Points:-
(i) This year, 5 global cities were selected for the award, including Agadir (Morocco), Melbourne (Australia), Doha (Qatar), and Iztapalapa (Mexico), alongside Thiruvananthapuram.
(ii) The Global Award for Sustainable Development in Cities, launched by UN Habitat and Shanghai Municipality, recognizes cities advancing sustainable practices aligned with the 2030 Agenda and New Urban Agenda, focusing on SDG 11 to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
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Shiv Nadar Tops the 11th Edelgive Hurun India Philanthropy List.
The 11th edition of the Hurun India Philanthropy list was released by the EdelGive Foundation in partnership with Hurun India on 7th Nov 2024, with Shiv Nadar (79) and his family retaining the title of India's Most Generous for the 3rd time in 5 years.
- Shiv Nadar donated Rs 2,153 crore during FY 2023-24.
- The 2nd spot was occupied by Mukesh Ambani, CMD of Reliance Industries Ltd, who donated Rs 407 crore. The 3rd spot went to the Bajaj family with a donation of Rs 352 crore.
- Rohini Nilekani (69), co-founder and director of EkStep, was named India’s most generous woman with a donation of Rs 154 crore, leading the list of women philanthropists.
Main Points:-
(i) Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, was recognized as one of the youngest philanthropists at 38.
(ii) This edition saw 96 new entrants, bringing the total to 203 philanthropists who donated Rs 8,783 crore in 2023-24. The top 10 contributed Rs 4,625 crore, 53% of the total donations on the list.
(iii) Donations by new entrants amounted to Rs 1,556 crore.
About Hurun India
Founder and Chief Researcher : Anas Rahman Junaid
Headquarter : Mumbai
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Indian actor Darasing Khurana honored with the Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award in the UK.
Indian actor and philanthropist Darasing Khurana honored with the "Mahatma Gandhi Leadership Award" for raising mental health awareness as 'Commonwealth Year of Youth Champion' at the University of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum in the UK.
- Darasing Khurana recognized for his significant contributions to the arts and unwavering commitment to social causes.
- He served as the keynote speaker at the Global Mental Health Summit 2024, held at the Oxford Union, University of Oxford, UK.
Main Points:-
(i) He attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia (Samoa), where he moderated a session on mental health.
(ii) In 2024, he was also honored with the "International Personality of the Year 2024" award by AsiaOne magazine.
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AFC Awards 2023: Son Heung-min and Ellie Carpenter Named Asia's Top International Players.
On 29th October 2024, Tottenham Hotspur and South Korea forward Son Heung-min (32 years old) was honored as Asia's International Player of the Year by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) during its annual award ceremony held at the iconic Grand Peace Palace at Kyung Hee University in Seoul, South Korea.
- Matildas fullback and Australian player, Ellie Carpenter, who plays for French club Lyon, won the inaugural Asian International Women's Player of the Year Award.
- Akram Afif, a 27-year-old player from Qatar, was conferred with the AFC Player of the Year award for 2023.
- Kiko Seike, a 28-year-old player from Japan, was named as the AFC Women's Player of the Year award for 2023.
Main Points:-
(i) Park Youn-Jeong, a former South Korean center-back player, was conferred with the AFC Coach of the Year (Women) award for 2023.
(ii) Japan's Go Oiwa won the AFC Coach of the Year (Men) award for 2023.
(iii) The All India Football Federation (AIFF) was honored with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President's Recognition Award for Grassroots Football (Silver) at the AFC Annual Awards 2023 in Seoul, South Korea.
About Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
President : Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa
Headquarters : Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Receives Fiji's Highest Civilian Honour.
The Republic of Fiji has conferred its highest civilian award, the 'Honorary Officer of the Order of Fiji', on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the renowned spiritual leader, humanitarian, and founder of The Art of Living Foundation.
- The award was presented by Fiji's President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, in recognition of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's dedication to promoting peace and unity globally.
- He becomes the sixth person to receive this prestigious award worldwide.
Main Points:-
(i) During his visit to Fiji, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar engaged with key Fijian leaders, including Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka and United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener.
(ii) Born on May 13, 1956, in Tamil Nadu, India, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar established The Art of Living Foundation in 1981. The foundation is a global non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to improving the quality of life for people worldwide.
About Fiji
Capital: Suva
Currency: Fijian Dollar
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Spain shines at the 68th Ballon d'Or as Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí secure the prestigious men's and women's awards.
The 68th Ballon d'Or (2024) award ceremony was held on 28th October 2024 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, France.
- Rodrigo Hernández Cascante (Rodri), a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, claimed the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or (Golden Ball Award).
- Aitana Bonmatí Conca, a midfielder for Barcelona FC and Spain, won the Women's Ballon d'Or (Ballon d'Or Féminin) for the second consecutive year, having also won it in 2023.
Main Points:-
(i) Rodri earned the prestigious award due to his pivotal role for both 'Manchester City' and 'Spain' during the '2023/24 season'.
(ii) Aitana Bonmatí retained her status as the "No. 1 women's player" after leading 'Barcelona" to victory in the "Spanish League, "Spanish Cup, and 'Champions League'.
(iii) The Ballon d'Or, established in 1956 and presented annually by the French magazine "France Football," is the most prestigious award in football, recognizing outstanding achievements and exceptional talent based on performance during the last season.
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Bibhab Talukdar Receives IUCN's Harry Messel Award for Leadership in Conservation in UAE.
Bibhab Talukdar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aranyak, has received the Harry Messel Award for Conservation Leadership from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- This award acknowledges his exceptional efforts in wildlife conservation and his leadership in initiatives focused on safeguarding biodiversity in India.
- Bibhab Talukdar, a distinguished conservationist from Assam, has led several conservation projects in Northeast India since 1991.
- Talukdar has been an active member of IUCN SSC since 1991 and became the Chair of the Asian Rhino Specialist Group in 2008.
Main Points:-
(i) The award ceremony took place at the 5th IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Leaders' Meeting in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
(ii) Established in 2004, the award recognizes exceptional service to the IUCN’s SSC. It honors individuals who have made significant contributions to conservation leadership.
About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
President : Razan Al Mubarak
Headquarters : Gland, Switzerland
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