1. China to Build World’s Largest Dam on Brahmaputra: China has approved the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River near the Indian border, costing approximately $137 billion.
2. UAE Emerges as Africa’s Top Investor: The UAE has become Africa's largest investor in new business projects, committing $110 billion from 2019 to 2023, with $72 billion allocated to renewable energy.
3. China’s J-20 Stealth Fighter Jet: New Chinese combat aircraft, including the J-20 stealth fighter, have been showcased on social media, reflecting advancements in aerospace technology.
4. Bald Eagle Recognized as America’s National Bird: The bald eagle has been formally recognized as the national bird of the United States by President Joe Biden through legislation passed by Congress.
5. PM Modi Chairs 45th Meeting of PRAGATI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 45th meeting of PRAGATI, focusing on eight projects, including six metro initiatives and one each for road connectivity and thermal power.
6. Dr. Manmohan Singh Passes Away: Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 in New Delhi.
7. Rwanda Declares End to Marburg Virus Outbreak: Rwanda has officially declared the end of its first Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak as of December 20, 2024.
8. Kaveri Engine Ready for Inflight Testing: India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) has made advancements with the Kaveri engine, which is now ready for inflight testing.
9. Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a): Scientists have studied ancient rocks and fossils from Mount Ashibetsu in Japan, uncovering details about Ocean Anoxic Event 1a, which occurred approximately 119.5 million years ago.
10. First Image of Active Hydrothermal Vent Discovered: Indian oceanographers have captured the first images of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 meters beneath the Indian Ocean.
11. New Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (MPACS) Launched: The Government of India has inaugurated 10,000 new MPACS to enhance rural development and improve financial access for farmers.
12. Defence Ministry Launches 'Rashtraparv' Website and App: The Ministry of Defence has launched a new website and mobile app to facilitate public access to information regarding national festivals.
13. India Launches First UG Minor in Quantum Technologies: The AICTE and the National Quantum Mission have initiated India's first Undergraduate Minor Program in Quantum Technologies.
14. India Crosses 73,000 Startups with Women Leaders: India now boasts over 73,000 startups with at least one woman director, marking a significant role of women in innovation and economic growth.
15. Centre Allocates Funds to Rajasthan and Odisha for Rural Development: The Union Government has allocated funds for rural local bodies in Rajasthan and Odisha for the financial year 2024-25 to empower local governance and enhance community development.
16. China-U.S. Science Agreement Extended: China and the United States have extended their Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement until 2029, continuing a collaboration that began in 1979.
17. Rashtraparv Website and App: The Ministry of Defence has introduced the 'Rashtraparv' website and app to provide information about national festivals.
18. Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi Initiative: Launched on Good Governance Day, this initiative aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj Institutions through enhanced governance tools and knowledge.
19. SVAMITVA Scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will distribute over 58 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme, empowering rural property owners with legal records of their property.
20. Maia Sandu's Second Term: Maia Sandu has begun her second term as President of Moldova after being re-elected in a runoff election held in November.