National News

1.PM Modi inaugurates new terminal building at Tiruchirappalli airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a new terminal building at Tiruchirappalli International Airport in Tamil Nadu.
The new terminal building has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 1100 crore.
The airport’s design has been inspired by the cultural vibrancy of Tiruchirappalli. It would depict art forms from Kolam art to colours of Srirangam Temple and other theme artworks.
The two-level new international terminal building has the capacity to serve more than 44 lakh passengers annually and about 3500 passengers during peak hours.
Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the second largest airport in terms of international passenger traffic after Chennai in Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than ₹19,850 crore in Tamil Nadu.

2.J&K becomes first UT to implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Jammu and Kashmir has become the first Union Territory (UT) to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY).
It is an initiative that aims to empower and enhance the skills of the craftsman community.
The inauguration of the training programme for the first batch of 30 trainees (Viswakarmas) in ‘darzi craft’ was virtually conducted by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, and Secretary of the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Atul Kumar Tiwari, at ITI Shopian.
PMVY, an initiated launched by the Central government in September 2023, aims to recognize artisans and craftspeople through PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards.
The scheme includes basic training of five to seven days, advanced training of 15 days or more, a stipend of ₹500 per day, and a free modern toolkit worth ₹15,000 for trained Vishwakarmas.
Additionally, the yojana offers linkage with credit-based soft loans and marketing support to expand their businesses.

3.Flipkart co-founder launched e-commerce start-up ‘OppDoor’

Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal has launched a new e-commerce start-up ‘OppDoor’, business-to-business (B2B) platform.
The software services platform will help emerging e-commerce brands expand globally.
OppDoor is a ‘managed services platform for global expansion’. It will help e-commerce brands by offering them end-to-end services on global markets, customer behaviour, taxation and compliance, partnerships, and third-party vendors.
OppDoor delivers fully managed Amazon services aimed at expanding private label brands across multiple regions globally. About OppDoor
The startup is registered in Singapore and was established in May 2021.
The company is operating as a venture capital firm and was earlier known as ‘Three State Ventures Pte Ltd.’ The company is receiving investment from different startups across India (like Curefood, and Scapia).
The company’s main aim is to help firms achieve e-commerce excellence across the globe. Its main purpose is to support e-commerce companies to expand operations globally by providing them with end-to-end solutions OppDoor has presence in 8 countries OppDoor provides services primarily in eight countries – Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, the UK, and the US.
The company is currently not providing services in India as there was no mention of India on its website. The company website doesn’t provide details of Benny Bansal as its owner.

4.Roll-out schedule of 3 new criminal codes will be notified by January 26

The date of implementation of the three criminal codes that were passed by the Parliament in December 2023 will be notified before January 26, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
The official added that it will take nine months to a year for the three criminal laws to be implemented across the country, and a pilot project is all set to begin in Ahmedabad in the next two months. "Except some areas that have connectivity problems, in the next one year, 90% of the area will have the reach of the new laws," the official said.
The official added that 3,000 master trainers will train the police personnel who will work in a pyramid set-up percolating to each district in the next few months. A task force has been constituted under the Bureau of Police Research and Development to oversee the training. The National Crime Records Bureau will coordinate the integration of the other wings of the criminal justice system, including the Interoperable Criminal Justice System, the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System, the Adjournment Alert Module, and the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System.
The official said the integration would result in a faster justice system, in tune with the new laws. Chandigarh will be the first to see the integration and implementation of all plat- forms. "The data will be stored in the cloud. The thrust is on scientific investigation and to promote forensics-based investiga

5.'CAA rules may be notified 15 before Lok Sabha election

The rules of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) are likely to be notified before the announcement of the next Lok Sabha election, a senior government official said on Tuesday.
Members of the Pakistani Hindu community who entered India legally but their documents expired while awaiting citizenship will also be eligible to apply online under the CAA, the official added.
The CAA, which was passed by Parliament in December 2019, is yet to be implemented. It is only af- ter the rules are notified that the Act will come into force.
The Hindu had reported on December 29, 2023 that there was a one-month window for the CAA to be implemented before the next Budget Session, which is expected to start on February 1.
The legislation facilitates citizenship to undocumented people, who entered illegally without visas and passports, belonging to six non-Muslim communities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The CAA fast-tracks citizenship to people belong- ing to the Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Parsi, Christian, and Jain communities from the three neighboring countries who entered India on or before December 31, 2014. The Act reduces the requirement of aggregate stay in India for applicants from the six communities seeking citizenship from 11 years to six years. The official added that if the need arises, the 2014 cut-off can be extended by bringing in necessary legal changes. The total number of undocumented people, particularly in West Bengal and Assam, who will get citizenship under the CAA has not been specified by the Ministry.
Hindu Singh Sodha, president of Seemant Lok Sangathan, a group that advocates for the rights of Pakistani minority migrants in India, said around 80,000 applications of Hindus from Pakistan were pending with the authorities.
"In Rajasthan, there are 35,000 people whose citizenship applications are pending. All these people came on valid papers and visa post-2010. They have been waiting for citizenship for more than 10 years," Mr. Sodha told The Hindu.
The Union Home Ministry in 2018 made the citizenship process online for such applicants. Over the years, it has empowered and delegated powers to District Collectors of 31 districts and Home Secretaries to accept online applications to grant citizenship to applicants belonging to the six communities under Section 5 (registration) and Section 6 (naturalization) of the Citizenship Act, 1955. Despite an online process in place, the portal does not accept expired Pakistani passports, forcing people to apply to the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi to get their passports renewed for a hefty sum.
Most Pakistani Hindus and Sikhs came to the country either on long- term visas (LTV) or pilgrim visas.

6.SC to deliver verdict on plea for SIT probe in Adani case today

The Supreme Court will pronounce its judgment on Wednesday on a plea to form a separate Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate Hindenburg Research's allegations against the Adani Group.
A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had reserved the petition filed by Anamika Jaiswal, through advocate Prashant Bhushan, who had argued that the earlier committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice A.M. Sapre had a "conflict of interest" on the issue.
Mr. Bhushan had contended that one of the committee members, O.P. Bhatt, a former Chairman of the State Bank of India, is Chairman of Greenko, a leading renewable energy company. Since March 2022, Greenko and the Adani Group have worked in a close partnership to provide energy to Adani Group facilities in India, he submitted.
The senior lawyer had also trained his guns on advocate Somasekhar Sundaresan, another committee member who was recently appointed an Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court. Mr. Bhushan said that Mr. Sundaresan had appeared as a lawyer for the Adani Group in 2006 and had been on "several SEBI committees".
The Justice Sapre Committee was constituted by the Supreme Court on March 2 to investigate the causal factors and existence, if any, of regulatory failure which led to investors losing crores due to volatility in the securities market following Hindenburg Research's report against the Adani Group.

7.Historic cultural exchange and tourism agreement signed between Lam Dong of Vietnam and Leh Ladakh of India.

A pioneering cultural exchange and tourism cooperation initiative between Lam Dong Province, Vietnam and Leh Ladakh, India, themed “Ladakh Unveiled”, was officially inaugurated on 27 December 2023 in Da Lat, Vietnam.
Another historic achievement was the signing of three separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between stakeholders from the two regions i.e. Lam Dong Province, Vietnam and Leh Ladakh, India. The first MoU was related to cooperation in agriculture between Ladakh and Vietnam, which was signed by Counselor Khaltse, LAHDC Leh, Lobzang Sherap representing Ladakh.
The second MoU was signed between travel and tourism stakeholders from Vietnam and Ladakh and the third MoU focused on the hotel industry and was signed between relevant stakeholders and experts of the hotel industry.
This event marks an important milestone in strengthening the ties between these two prestigious regions. The ceremony was presided over by Pham S, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Lam Dong Province.
During this period, the rich tourism and cultural potential of Leh Ladakh has been showcased in Vietnam. Samten Hills Dalat, a majestic Buddhist heritage formation situated amidst the picturesque hills of Ladakh, which is a beacon not only for spiritual seekers but also for those seeking serene peace and rejuvenation, was highlighted.
This place, a spiritual and cultural place of Vajrayana Buddhism certified by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations, contains the world's largest prayer wheel as recognized by the Guinness World Records.

8.UP is the top state in the use of Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)

For the third year running, Uttar Pradesh has achieved the highest entry rate on the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform with 1.5 crore entries. Madhya Pradesh is at second place with 35 lakh entries and Bihar is at third place with 16 lakh entries.
It maintains records of FIR, case number, jail ID and details from registration of FIR against suspects till conviction of culprits. It also enables access to details of court cases, trials, judgments, prosecution and forensic information.
In these, data related to crime and criminals is exchanged between courts, police, prisons and forensic science laboratories through a single window system. Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) Platform Supreme Court Shri Justice R.C. Lahoti is a concept of e-Committee and is implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ICJS platform resulted from the formulation of a 'National Policy and Action Plan' for implementing ICT in the Indian Judiciary. The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) transfers data between police, prisons, courts and forensic science laboratories in the criminal justice system.
The Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) platform allows high courts and subordinate courts to access metadata of FIRs and charge sheets. Police uploads documents like FIR, case diary and charge sheet in PDF format for the use of courts.

International News

9.Monster quake in Japan leaves 48 dead; rescuers scramble in search of survivors

Japanese rescuers battled the clock and powerful aftershocks on Tuesday to find survivors of a New Year's Day earthquake that killed at least 48 people and caused widespread destruction.
The 7.5 magnitude quake that rattled Ishikawa prefecture on the main island of Honshu triggered tsunami waves more than a meter high which caused a major fire and tore apart roads.
On the Noto Peninsula, the destruction included buildings damaged by fire, houses flattened, fishing boats sunk or washed ashore, and highways hit by landslides.
Local authorities put the death toll at 48, but the number was expected to rise as rescuers comb through the rubble.
"Very extensive damage has been confirmed, including numerous casualties, building collapses and fires," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said after a disaster response meeting, "We have to race against time to search for and rescue victims of the disaster"
On Monday, waves at Warnings of much larger waves proved unfounded and on Tuesday, Japan ed all tamams warnings.
Ishikawa Gover roshi Hase wrote on social media that roads had been cut in widespread areas by landslides or cracking, while in the port of Suza "multiple vessels had capsized.
Japan's nuclear said there were no abnormalities reported at the Shika atomic power plane in Ishikawa or other plants after the latest quake.

10.World's largest lithium reserves discovered in Salton Sea, California

The US Department of Energy has discovered the world's largest lithium deposit beneath California's Salton Sea, containing an estimated 18 million tons of lithium. Total resources in the Salton Sea area could produce more than 3,400 kilotonnes of lithium, valued at up to $540 billion.
This is enough to produce more than 375 million batteries for electric vehicles (EVs).Typically the USA imports about half of its lithium from Chile and Argentina.
The Salton Sea is a shallow, brackish lake located in the lower Colorado Desert in southern California (USA). The present lake was formed in 1905 by the flow of water from the Colorado River.
The Salton Sea is an important stopover point for migratory waterbirds and serves as an important habitat for birds moving south to Mexico and Central America.

Lithium

It is a chemical element whose symbol is (Li). It is soft and white like silver. It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. It is alkaline and rare metal.
Lithium's atomic number is 3 and atomic weight is 6.941u. The countries with the largest lithium reserves are Chile, Australia and Argentina, while the largest lithium producing countries are Australia, Chile and China. The Lithium Triangle – made up of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia – contains about half of the world's known lithium.

11.Denmark's Queen Margrethe II announces her abdication after 52 years

Denmark's Queen Margrethe II, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, has announced that she plans to abdicate after 52 years on January 14, 2024, and hand the throne to her son, Crown Prince Frederick.
The Queen ascended the throne at the age of 31 following the death of her father, King Frederick. Queen Margrethe has been one of the most popular public figures in Denmark, where the monarch's role is largely ceremonial.
She often walked the streets of Copenhagen unescorted Android won the admiration of the Danes for her cordial behavior and her talents as a linguist and designer.
As a princess she was a member of the Danish Women's Air Force unit, taking part in judo courses and endurance tests in the snow. In 2011, at the age of 70, she visited Danish troops in southern Afghanistan wearing a military jumpsuit.
Denmark has the oldest ruling monarchy in Europe, with roots dating back to the Viking king Gorm the Old, who died in 958. New king frederick andre
Since his birth on May 26, 1968, Frederick Andre Henrik Christian has been the heir apparent to the Danish throne. He is the eldest son of Queen Margrethe and her late French-born husband, Prince Henrik, who died in February 2018. Frederick, 55, has a younger brother, Prince Joachim.

12.Beatrice Chebet of Kenya broke the world record of women's 5 km race.

Kenya's Beatrice Chebet breaks the women's 5km world record at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona. The 23-year-old's time of 14 minutes 13 seconds improved the previous women's world record of 14:29 set by Ethiopia's Senbere Tefari in September 2021.
Her performance also bettered the women's world record in the mixed race of 14:19, achieved by Ethiopia's Ezegehu Taye at the same Barcelona meet in 2021.
Tai finished second behind Chebet with a time of 14:21, while Kenya's Lillian Cassatt Rengeruk was third with a time of 14:26.
Chebet won the world crosscountry title at Bathurst in February before claiming the inaugural world 5 km title in Riga in October. She also won bronze in the 5,000 meters at the World Championships in Budapest in August.
The men's race was won by Swiss Dominique Lobalu in 13:12, six seconds ahead of runner-up Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto of Kenya.

13.Putin Kicks Off Russia’s 2024 BRICS Chairmanship

On January 1, Russian President Vladimir Putin officially marked the commencement of Russia’s 2024 BRICS Chairmanship. The overarching strategy will continue to promote BRICS partnerships in politics and security, economy and finance, as well as cultural and humanitarian contacts.
During this handover, President Putin emphasized the motto for the upcoming tenure, “Strengthening Multilateralism for Equitable Global Development and Security.” This signifies Russia’s commitment to fostering collaboration among the BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa
President Putin articulated Russia’s priorities, which encompass a wide array of sectors. These include cooperation in science, high technology, healthcare, environmental protection, culture, sports, youth exchanges, and civil society.

14.IMF To Release $700 Million Bailout Tranche To Pakistan In January

Cash-strapped Pakistan is poised to receive a crucial $700 million bailout tranche from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during the Executive Board meeting on January 11.
The disbursement, under the existing $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), is expected to provide much-needed financial support to Pakistan’s struggling economy.
The IMF Executive Board is scheduled to discuss Pakistan’s case on January 11, potentially granting final approval for the release of the $700 million tranche. The current SBA, initiated in 2019, is set to conclude in April 2024, with approximately $1.8 billion remaining undisbursed.

State News

15.CM Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates UP’s First Floating Restaurant In Prayagraj

In a groundbreaking move for the state of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the state’s first floating air-conditioned restaurant during his visit to Sangam City.
The restaurant, managed by the Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC), is set to redefine the dining experience for visitors on the picturesque Yamuna river.
The newly inaugurated floating restaurant is poised to become a unique attraction in Prayagraj. With a seating capacity for approximately 40 visitors at a time, it offers an exquisite choice of cuisine and beverages, including sizzler steaks and mocktails.

16.Jharkhand Reduces Age Limit For Old-Age Pensions To 50

In a significant move to enhance social security and address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, Chief Minister Hemant Soren of Jharkhand announced a reduction in the qualifying age for old-age pensions.
The decision primarily targets tribals and Dalits, lowering the age threshold from 60 to 50 years. This bold initiative aims to provide financial support to a broader segment of the population, acknowledging the specific challenges faced by these communities.
By extending pension benefits to tribals and Dalits at the age of 50, Chief Minister Soren acknowledged the challenges faced by these communities, including a higher death rate and limited employment opportunities after the age of 60

17.PM Modi Launches Projects Worth Rs 20,000 Crore In Tamil Nadu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a slew of development projects worth over Rs 20,000 crore in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu.
These projects includes a new terminal building at Tiruchirappalli International Airport, developed at a cost of over Rs 1100 crore. The state-of-the-art terminal aims to serve more than 4.4 million passengers annually, significantly enhancing the region’s air connectivity.
The projects encompass various sectors, including rail connectivity, roads, oil and gas, and shipping, and are poised to contribute significantly to the state’s progress. These projects are instrumental in fostering progress, creating employment opportunities for thousands, and enhancing travel facilities.

Business News

18.Ola Electric Becomes First Indian EV Company To Get PLI Nod

India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape is witnessing a groundbreaking development as Ola Electric, the IPO-bound electric scooter company, secures eligibility for the government’s Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
In a recent report by ET Auto, it has been disclosed that Ola Electric successfully met the stringent eligibility criteria outlined in the PLI scheme, including a minimum of 50% domestic value addition to its electric vehicles (e2W).
This accomplishment makes Ola Electric the first Indian e-scooter company to gain approval, paving the way for potential financial benefits ranging from INR 15,000 to 18,000 per unit.

19.India Unveils ‘National Single Window System’ By TCS To Simplify Medical Device Imports

India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has launched the ‘National Single Window System (NSWS),’ a unified portal designed by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to streamline the import of medical devices.
The initiative aims to create a centralized platform for investors, enhancing the ease of doing business. The NSWS, developed by TCS through Invest India, becomes operational from January 1.
The NSWS serves as a one-stop-shop for all approvals related to the import of medical devices. It facilitates applications for certificates of registration and licenses for manufacturing or importing medical devices for various purposes, such as clinical investigations, tests, evaluations, demonstrations, or training.

Appointment News

20.Kia India Appoints Gwanggu Lee As New MD And CEO

Kia India has appointed Gwanggu Lee as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This transition marks an important shift in the leadership of the company, with Gwanggu Lee taking the reins from the former MD and CEO, Tae Jin Park.
Gwanggu Lee is set to become the third MD and CEO of Kia India, succeeding Kook Hyun Shim and Tae Jin Park. Tae Jin Park, the former MD and CEO, is retiring after an illustrious 36-year journey with Kia Corporation, coupled with a commendable four-year stint with Kia India.

21.NIVEA India Appoints Geetika Mehta As New Managing Director

Nivea India, a leading personal care products company, has appointed Geetika Mehta as its new managing director. This significant announcement marked a strategic move for the renowned brand.
Mehta’s career boasts a proven track record of developing small businesses and successfully managing large-scale corporations.
Her journey includes a recent role as the managing director at Hershey India, a confectionery giant, where she took charge in July 2021.
Before her tenure at Hershey, Mehta dedicated nearly two decades to Hindustan Unilever Ltd, a major player in the consumer goods industry, holding various positions across different divisions.

22.Chadian Opposition Leader Succes Masra Appointed Transitional PM

Chad’s transitional government has taken a significant step towards establishing civilian rule by appointing former opposition leader Succes Masra as the prime minister of Chad.
This move comes after months of political unrest and opposition protests against the military rulers who assumed power in April 2021 after the death of longtime leader Idriss Deby Itno.
Succes Masra, the president of The Transformers party, emerged as a prominent figure in opposition to the military rulers who took control of Chad last year. His strong opposition to the regime, which came to power after Deby’s death, reflects the broader sentiment against the military’s involvement in governance.

Important Day News

23.2 January – World Introvert Day

World Introvert Day is observed on January 2 every year.
It is a day committed to understanding and valuing the exceptional characteristics of introverted people.
An introvert person is somebody who is shy, calm and likes to invest energy alone instead of frequently being with others.
World Introvert Day was started from a blog post by psychologist and author Felicitas Heyne named, “Here’s Why We Need a World Introvert Day” on her site “iPersonic”.
The date January 2 was picked in light of the fact that it denotes the end of the holiday season beginning from Christmas to New Year and permits introverts to take a collective full breath.

24.International Mind-Body Wellness Day 2024

International Mind-Body Wellness Day, observed annually on January 3, is a global celebration dedicated to fostering the harmonious coexistence of physical and mental health.
This occasion serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our mind, body, and spirit, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being.
International Mind-Body Wellness Day urges people worldwide to prioritize self-care, mindfulness practices, and healthy lifestyle choices. In the midst of our fast-paced modern lives, this observance serves as a call to pause and actively engage in behaviors that promote holistic well-being.

Science and technology News

25.SpaceX launches US military spacecraft ‘X-37B’ under ‘Mission USSF-52’ from Falcon Heavy rocket

SpaceX launched the 'X-37B' robotic spaceplane or space drone into orbit as part of the seventh mission of the US Space Force from the Falcon Heavy rocket. The triplebooster Falcon Heavy lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission, designated USSF-52, was SpaceX's 97th launch of the year 2023. The X-37B, also known as the Orbital Test Vehicle, was deployed at an altitude of 1,200 miles (2,000 km).
This is the first time that the X-37B has been launched from a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
In operation since 2010, the X-37B orbital test vehicle was designed for the Air Force by United Launch Alliance, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
It is 30 feet (nine meters) long, has a wingspan of 15 feet and is powered by solar panels. Requiring no astronauts, the X-37B has an autonomous landing system. Mission X-37B
It is highly dynamic, can change its orbit rapidly, making it difficult to track. This includes experimenting with future space domain awareness technologies and investigating radiation effects on NASA-provided materials.
This mission also includes NASA's SEEDS-2 mission, which will expose plant seeds to harsh radiation environments.
This will probably last until June 2026 or later. The previous X-37B mission, OTV-6, launched in May 2020 and landed in November 2022 after spending 908 days in orbit.
Earlier, China had launched its third robotic spaceplane, known as Shenlong or "Divine Dragon", on 14 December 2023 on a Long March 2F rocket

Ranks and Report News

26.Hyderabad, Bengaluru Airports Score High In Global On-Time Ranking

In a recent on-time performance review conducted by aviation analytics firm Cirium, Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports have emerged as global leaders in punctuality, securing the second and third ranks, respectively.
With over 84 per cent on-time departures, these airports have showcased their commitment to efficiency and reliability in air travel.
IndiGo, which stood fourth among Asia Pacific airlines with over 82 per cent on-time arrivals, plays a crucial role in contributing to the punctuality at these airports. Approximately half of all flights at Bengaluru and 65 per cent in Hyderabad are operated by IndiGo.

Agreement News

27.France And Germany To Provide 100 Million Euros For AMRUT Mission Financing

France’s development agency, AFD, and Germany’s KfW Bank are reportedly in talks with India to extend a €100 million loan to support the country’s urban infrastructure plan, specifically the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0.
This collaborative effort follows their recent partnership on the City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain (CITIIS) 2.0 program, demonstrating a continued commitment to sustainable urban development in India.
The CITIIS 2.0 program, a four-year initiative, focuses on urban renewal and sustainable waste management. Both France and Germany have contributed €100 million each to this program, highlighting their shared commitment to fostering sustainable urban development in India.

Obituary News

28.Padma Bhushan Awardee Prof Ved Prakash Nanda Passes Away

Professor Ved Prakash Nanda, a luminary in the Indian diaspora, recently passed away, leaving behind a legacy of profound contributions to literature, education, and international law.
Born in 1934 in Gujranwala, British India, his journey transcended borders as his family migrated to India after the partition in 1947.
Prof. Nanda’s remarkable career, including being awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2018, reflects his dedication to academia, international law, and fostering global understanding.

Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 3rd January 2024