LEGAL NEWS

Supreme Court has allowed LMV license holders to drive transport vehicles weighing up to 7,500 kg.

• The Supreme Court allowed LMV license holders to drive transport vehicles with a weight of up to 7,500 kg.

• A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, issued the ruling.

• The decision came after insurance companies denied claims related to accidents involving such transport vehicles.

• Drivers of these vehicles were not authorized under previous legal provisions, causing disputes over insurance claims.

• The ruling addresses the legal ambiguity regarding LMV license holders driving heavier vehicles.

• The judgment aims to resolve issues around claim rejections by insurance firms in accident cases.

• No evidence was presented linking LMV license holders to an increase in road accidents.

• The ruling provides clarity on the eligibility of LMV license holders to drive certain transport vehicles.

• The case highlighted the need for clearer regulations regarding driver qualifications and insurance claims.

APPOINTMENTS

Donald Trump won the 2024 US elections.

• Donald Trump won the 2024 US presidential election.

• Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.

• A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to secure the presidency.

• Trump has secured 277 votes, while Kamala Harris has 224.

• Trump is the first president in over a century to win a non-consecutive second term.

• According to the 20th Amendment of the US Constitution ,the presidential swearing-in occurs on January 20.

• Trump’s inauguration is set for January 20, 2025.

STATE NEWS

Madhya Pradesh-Rajasthan joint panel formed for coordination on cheetah project.

• A joint panel has been established between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to improve coordination on the cheetah conservation project.

• The committee will focus on managing corridors and addressing issues related to cheetah movement between the two states.

• The panel will evaluate and recommend suitable areas for future cheetah translocation from Kuno National Park (KNP) and Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary.

• The committee will also propose remedial measures to enhance cheetah conservation efforts.

• The chief wildlife conservators and principal chief forest conservators of both states will jointly chair the committee.

• As part of India’s cheetah reintroduction, eight Namibian cheetahs were released in Kuno National Park on September 17, 2022.

• Twelve additional cheetahs from South Africa were released into KNP in February 2023.

• Kuno National Park has seen the birth of 17 cheetah cubs in the last two years, with 24 cheetahs (including cubs) currently residing there.

INDEX AND RANKING

Singapore is ranked as the world’s most powerful passport on the Henley Passport Index.

• Singapore holds the top position on the Henley Passport Index, offering visa-free access to 195 countries.

• Italy, Japan, Germany, Spain, and France share the second spot with access to 193 countries.

• The Indian passport ranks 83rd, granting visa-free travel to 58 nations.

• The ranking is determined by the number of countries that can be visited without a visa.

• Austria, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden are tied for third place with access to 191 countries.

• The United States ranks 8th, with visa-free access to 186 countries.

• Countries with the least powerful passports include Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Pakistan.

• The Henley Passport Index evaluates global passport strength based on travel freedom.

India’s Services Index reached 58.5 in October.

• India's Services PMI rose to 58.5 in October, reflecting strong growth.

• The Services sector saw robust performance, marking an acceleration in business activity.

• The PMI climbed from 57.7 in September, indicating a significant rebound.

• Input costs grew at their fastest pace in three months during October.

• The sector experienced strong growth in both output and consumer demand.

• October PMI results highlight continued momentum in India's services sector.

• Employment in the sector hit a 26-month high, with 13% of firms reporting job creation.

• Job creation increased from 9% in September to 13% in October.

SPORTS

India formally bids to host the 2036 Olympics.

• India has officially submitted a bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

• The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sent a Letter of Intent to the IOC’s Future Host Commission.

• India is now a formal contender to host the 2036 Games.

• Ten countries, including India, have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics.

• Other interested nations include Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, Poland, Egypt, and South Korea.

• The 2028 Summer Olympics will be hosted by Los Angeles, USA.

• Brisbane, Australia, is set to host the 2032 Summer Olympics.

• India made a commitment to bid for the 2036 Olympics at the IOC's 141st session in Mumbai last year.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

Indian Navy hosted the 3rd MAHASAGAR summit on maritime security.

• Indian Navy hosted the 3rd edition of the MAHASAGAR summit on maritime security.

• MAHASAGAR is a biennial event aimed at enhancing cooperation among maritime leaders in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

• The summit focuses on the theme: “Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR.”

• It brings together senior officials from maritime agencies across IOR littoral states.

• Participating countries include Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and more.

• The summit is part of the "Active Security and Growth for All in the Region" framework.

• MAHASAGAR provides a platform for dialogue and collaboration on regional maritime security.

• The summit aims to strengthen partnerships to protect the shared maritime space of the Indian Ocean.