LEGAL NEWS
SC directed the central government to grant permanent commissions to woman army officers.
• The Supreme Court directed the central government to grant permanent commissions to women army officers.
• The ruling was made using Article 142 of the Constitution, exercising the court's powers to do complete justice.
• Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan were part of the bench delivering the verdict.
• The case involved an appeal by a woman officer, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Dental Corps in Agra.
• She challenged a January 2022 order from the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) Regional Bench in Lucknow.
• The officer was denied her third opportunity for an extension, as the cap was set at 35 years.
• The verdict overturned the limitation imposed on her career.
• The Supreme Court's decision emphasized the need for gender equality in the armed forces.
STATE NEWS
By September 2025, Gorakhpur will get India's first integrated waste management city.
• By September 2025, Gorakhpur will become home to India's first integrated waste management city.
• The city will feature a unique learning center focused on integrated waste management.
• The 40-acre complex will process 700 tonnes of dry and wet waste daily, converting it into Bio-CNG and charcoal.
• A hazardous waste plant will serve Gorakhpur and eight surrounding districts.
• Located in Sahjanwa’s Suthni village, the plant will cover 40 acres.
• The project is expected to boost income, generate jobs, and provide a hub for technical expertise.
• The center will manage a variety of waste, including biomedical, e-waste, plastic, tires, and organic waste.
• Three specialized plants are planned: a dry waste plant (500 tons/day), a wet waste plant (200 tons/day for Bio-CNG), and a hazardous waste plant using eco-friendly methods.
DEFENCE
India and Russia are likely to sign USD 4-billlion deal for advanced radar system.
• India and Russia are set to finalize a $4 billion deal for an advanced radar system.
• The deal involves an early warning radar capable of detecting threats over 6,000 kilometers.
• Negotiations for the agreement are in the final stages.
• This deal supports India's goal of strengthening its air defense and missile tracking capabilities.
• A delegation from Almaz-Antey recently visited India to advance the talks.
• Almaz-Antey is a top Russian manufacturer of air defense and radar systems.
• The radar under consideration belongs to Almaz-Antey’s Voronezh series.
• The radar system can detect ballistic missiles, aircraft, and other aerial threats within a range of 6,000 to 8,000 kilometers.
AWARDS
Shaji N Karun, an eminent filmmaker, has been chosen for the J C Daniel Award for 2023.
• Shaji N Karun has been awarded the prestigious J C Daniel Award for 2023.
• The J C Daniel Award is the highest recognition in Malayalam cinema.
• The award honors Shaji N Karun for his lifetime contributions to Malayalam cinema.
• The award includes a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, and a statuette.
• The jury for the award was chaired by T V Chandran, a former recipient.
• Shaji N Karun was selected for his significant impact on Malayalam cinema.
• His work has brought recognition to Malayalam cinema at both national and international levels.
• The jury praised his lasting influence on the industry and his artistic contributions.
National Panchayat Awards 2024 conferred by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
• The National Panchayat Awards 2024 were presented by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu on 11th December at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The event was organized by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj to honor outstanding Panchayats.
• 45 awardees were recognized for their exceptional contributions to sustainable and inclusive development.
• A booklet titled "Best Practices on the Works of Award-Winning Panchayats" was released by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
• The booklet highlights the innovative and impactful practices of the award-winning Panchayats.
• Categories of the awards include the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar, and more.
• The awards recognize efforts in areas like poverty alleviation, child welfare, health, water conservation, sanitation, and social justice.
• Panchayats are encouraged for their work in governance, infrastructure, women's empowerment, and overall community development.
MISCELLANEOUS
On Human Rights Day, the ‘Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman’ campaign concluded.
• The "Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman" campaign concluded on Human Rights Day, December 10, emphasizing sanitation as a matter of dignity and human rights.
• Launched on World Toilet Day (November 19), the campaign spanned three weeks, promoting collective responsibility for sanitation.
• The initiative led to the sanctioning of over 3.35 lakh new individual household toilets.
• More than 1.54 lakh community sanitation complexes were assessed and improved for better functionality.
• The campaign reached over 38 lakh participants through 50,500+ programs nationwide.
• It underscored the connection between clean, functional toilets and dignity, safety, and equality, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
• The campaign empowered communities by assigning responsibilities at all levels: Gram Panchayats, blocks, districts, and states.
• Organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, the initiative aimed to drive long-term improvements in sanitation.