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Current Affairs Update - Easterine Kire’s ‘Spirit Nights’ Wins 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award

Easterine Kire, a writer from Nagaland, has won the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel "Spirit Nights," which delves into a haunting tale from the Chang Naga tribe. The Sahitya Akademi Award recognizes literary excellence across 21 languages, with other notable winners including Sameer Tanti for his Assamese work "Pharingbore Bator Katha Jane," Haobam Satyabati Devi for her Manipuri poetry collection "Mainu Bora Nungshi Sheirol," and Aron Raja for his Bodo novel "Swrni Thakhai". Awardees receive a casket with an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of one lakh rupees. The award ceremony is scheduled for March 8, 2025, in Delhi. The Sahitya Akademi Award is a prestigious recognition in Indian literature, promoting and celebrating literary works in various languages and enhancing the visibility of regional literature on a national platform. Kire's works often reflect the culture and traditions of her community, capturing the essence of Naga life and folklore.

Current Affairs Update - E-Shram Portal: Empowering Unorganised Workers

The E-Shram Portal, launched on August 26, 2021, is a significant initiative for unorganised workers in India. It aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) verified through Aadhaar, enhancing access to social security and job opportunities. As of December 19, 2024, over 30 crore workers have registered. Key Features:   Registration Process: Workers can register online or visit Common Services Centres (CSCs) and State Seva Kendras (SSKs). Eligibility includes being aged 16-59, working in the unorganised sector, and having an Aadhaar card, a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and a bank account. Universal Account Number (UAN): Linked to Aadhaar, it simplifies registration and access to various schemes. Support Services: The portal supports multiple languages, has a grievance redressal system, and connects workers to employment opportunities, skill development, and social security schemes. Financial Inclusion: Facilitates direct payments to registered workers and collects family details for migrant workers to support educational and women’s schemes. Data Sharing: Enhances the implementation of welfare schemes by sharing data with state and union governments. The portal has seen a surge in registrations, with around 60,000 daily registrations in October 2024, indicating growing awareness and acceptance among unorganised workers. The E-Shram Portal is poised to transform the workforce landscape in India, empowering millions and contributing to a stronger economy.

The Early Update (Dec 20, 2024)

1. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has banned protests by MPs and political parties at Parliament gates after recent political protests turned ugly. 2. China has built significant military infrastructure since the 2020 standoff with India, according to a U.S. report. 3. Despite recent indictments, U.S. officials state that the U.S.-India relationship remains very strong. 4. The Delhi government has imposed a permanent ban on firecrackers. 5. Sixteen Indian workers are trapped in a cement factory in Libya and are seeking help from the Indian government. 6. K.T. Rama Rao defended the transfer of ₹55 crore for the Formula-E race, stating there was no corruption involved. 7. The U.S. House rejected President-elect Donald Trump's plan to fund federal operations and suspend the debt ceiling, leaving the next steps uncertain. 8. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of undermining Indian democracy and stated he is unfit to be the Leader of Opposition. 9. The Allahabad High Court stated that the Union government is the competent authority to decide on citizenship-related matters. 10. Mayawati criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating they have offended Ambedkar's followers.

Current Affairs Update - Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP Lead in Rooftop Solar under PM SuryaGhar

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched on February 15, 2024, aiming to provide rooftop solar power to one crore households by March 2027. Installation Targets: Over 10 lakh installations expected by March 2025, 20 lakh by October 2025, and 40 lakh by March 2026. Current Progress: As of December 9, 2024, over 6.79 lakh installations completed. Gujarat leads with more than 3.02 lakh installations, followed by Maharashtra with over 1.39 lakh, and Uttar Pradesh with over 56,000 installations. Financial Assistance: Households can receive up to 40% subsidy on installation costs. Low-interest loans are available at about 7% for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW capacity. Environmental Impact: The scheme aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity, save ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs, generate 1,000 billion units of electricity over 25 years, and reduce CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes.

Current Affairs Update - Indian Army Launches AI Incubation Centre

The Indian Army has recently inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to integrate advanced technologies into the Army's operations, enhance capabilities, and develop a skilled workforce in AI. Here are the main points:   Objectives: Innovate and improve operational efficiency, create AI solutions for modern security challenges, and encourage technological advancement within the Army. Collaboration: The centre is a collaborative effort with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which provides essential infrastructure and IT support. Focus Areas: Predictive maintenance, enhanced surveillance, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms. Technological Resources: Equipped with a 1-petaflop supercomputer from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) to facilitate advanced AI research and training. Strategic Importance: Positions the Indian Army at the forefront of defence technology and aligns with national goals of self-reliance and innovation in military AI. Commitment to Transformation: Part of the broader Decade of Transformation strategy aimed at strengthening India's security framework.

Current Affairs Update - Tom Cruise Receives US Navy’s Top Civilian Honour

Tom Cruise has been honored with the US Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award for his contributions to the military through his cinematic work. The award was presented at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey. The 1986 film Top Gun played a significant role in boosting military enlistment by inspiring many to join the armed forces. Cruise has maintained a strong relationship with the Navy and Marine Corps for nearly four decades, using his platform to raise awareness of military sacrifices. He has starred in several influential films like Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and the Mission: Impossible series, which have contributed to public understanding of military life and values. Currently, Cruise is working on Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, set for release in May 2025. The Distinguished Public Service Award has been awarded to other notable figures in the film industry, including Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

Current Affairs Update - India’s Mobile Subscriptions Stand at 115.12 Crore

Mobile Coverage: Approximately 6,23,622 out of 6,44,131 villages in India have mobile coverage, with nearly 97% of rural areas now connected. The government is committed to ensuring complete coverage for the remaining villages. Government Initiatives: The Government of India, in collaboration with telecom service providers, is actively working to extend mobile coverage through the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative, which aims to install mobile towers in underserved regions, focusing on rural, remote, and hilly areas. BharatNet Project: This project, funded by DBN, seeks to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats. The total investment for the BharatNet project is Rs 1,39,579 crore, covering both the installation of infrastructure and ten years of operation and maintenance. The goal is to extend coverage to nearly 42,000 additional Gram Panchayats. 5G Services Rollout: As of October 31, 2024, 5G services are available in 779 out of 783 districts, with over 4.6 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) installed nationwide. This expansion is crucial for enhancing digital services and connectivity. PM JANMAN Initiative: Under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN), 4,543 particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) habitations were identified as lacking mobile coverage. Of these, 1,136 habitations have been successfully connected, ensuring better communication access for tribal communities.

Current Affairs Update - Direct Tax Collection Surges in 2024-25

1. Direct Tax Collection Growth: The Income Tax Department reported a significant increase in direct tax collections for the financial year 2024-25, surpassing ₹19.21 lakh crore, which is a 20.32% increase compared to the previous year. This growth indicates a strong economic recovery and improved taxpayer compliance. 2. Breakdown of Tax Collections: The total direct tax collection includes corporate tax and non-corporate tax. Corporate tax contributed over ₹9.24 lakh crore, while non-corporate tax collections reached approximately ₹9.53 lakh crore, showing balanced growth in both sectors. 3. Refunds Issued: The department processed refunds amounting to over ₹3.38 lakh crore, demonstrating a commitment to taxpayer satisfaction and efficient processing. The net direct tax collection, after refunds, stands at more than ₹15.82 lakh crore, marking a growth of over 16%. 4. Implications of Increased Collections: The surge in direct tax collections has positive implications for the economy, including potential increases in government spending on infrastructure, healthcare, and education. It may also boost investor confidence and stimulate economic growth. 5. Future Goals: The Income Tax Department aims to maintain this growth trajectory by improving taxpayer services, enhancing digital infrastructure, and promoting compliance to further increase direct tax collections in the coming years.

Current Affairs Update - Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Access to Indians

Visa-Free Travel: Sri Lanka has announced a new visa policy effective from January 2025, allowing citizens from 39 countries, including India, to travel to Sri Lanka without a visa. Strengthening Relations: The policy aims to strengthen bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and India. Economic Impact: The new visa policy is expected to boost tourism in Sri Lanka, leading to higher revenue for local businesses and stimulating economic growth. Government Delegation Visit: The announcement coincides with a state visit by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to India from December 15-17, 2024. Cultural Ties: India and Sri Lanka share deep cultural ties and robust economic interactions, which underpin their growing bilateral relations.

Current Affairs Update - Suryabala's Novel Wins Vyas Samman for 'Kaun Des Ko Vasi

Suryabala's novel "Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary" won the 34th Vyas Samman 2024, awarded by the KK Birla Foundation. Novel's Theme: The novel explores cultural and ideological conflicts faced by Indian youth abroad, particularly in America. Author: Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, holds an MA and PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya. She has written over 50 novels, biographies, and children's stories. Vyas Samman: Instituted in 1991, the Vyas Samman honors outstanding Hindi literary works from the past decade. The award includes a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. Selection Committee: The selection committee for the award was chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari. KK Birla Foundation: Apart from the Vyas Samman, the foundation also offers the Saraswati Samman and Bihari Puraskar for exceptional literary works.

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