AWARDS
The 'Jamsetji Tata Award' has been given to Kiran Mazumdar for the biosciences movement in India.
• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw received the Jamsetji Tata Award for her contribution to the biosciences sector in India.
• The award was presented by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) at their Annual Conference in Bengaluru, 2024.
• Mazumdar-Shaw is the chairperson of the Biocon Group.
• She was recognized for her leadership in advancing the biosciences movement in India.
• The award was presented by Janak Kumar Mehta, Chairman & Managing Director of TQM International and ISQ President.
• The Jamsetji Tata Award was established in 2004.
• It honors business leaders who have made significant contributions to Indian society.
• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's achievement highlights her influence in India's biosciences industry.
Bhutan’s royal honor conferred to Indian educationist Arun Kapur.
• Renowned Indian educationist Arun Kapur has been honored by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel.
• He received the ‘Bura Marp’ (red scarf) and ‘Patang’ (ceremonial sword) during Bhutan's 117th National Day celebrations in Thimphu.
• The rare honor, accompanied by the title ‘Dasho’, is typically reserved for senior officials and not non-Bhutanese residents.
• In 2019, Arun Kapur was awarded the ‘Druk Thuksey’ for his contributions to Bhutan’s education system, including founding The Royal Academy school.
• He also played a key role in developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate educational system.
• In October 2024, King Jigme Khesar appointed Kapur to the GMC to help train and upskill Bhutanese leaders for local institutions.
• Kapur is the founder of the Ritinjali NGO and Pallavan Schools Network in India.
• Earlier in 2024, PM Narendra Modi was awarded Bhutan’s ‘Order of Druk Gyalpo’ for India’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NATIONAL NEWS
The Protected Area Regime (PAR) has been reimposed in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland by Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
• The decision follows growing security concerns due to increased inflow from neighboring countries.
• Foreigners now need prior authorization and specific permissions to enter these three states.
• The relaxation of PAR, in place for 14 years, has been withdrawn.
• The PAR was initially relaxed in 2010 for a year and later extended for five more years.
• The latest PAR order was issued on December 16, 2022, and was valid until December 2027.
• Foreign visitors to Manipur will be closely monitored under the reimposed PAR.
• Foreigners must obtain Protected Area Permits (PAP) as per the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order 1958.
• Ethnic violence between the tribal Kuki-Zo people and the Meitei group erupted in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
• The reimposition of PAR aims to control foreign movements and enhance security in the region.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Foreign Office consultations held for the first time by India and Liberia agreed to strengthen bilateral relations.
• India and Liberia held their first-ever Foreign Office Consultations in Monrovia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties.
• The consultations were co-chaired by Sevala Naik Mude, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India, and Sarah Besolo Nyanti, Liberia's Foreign Minister.
• Both sides reviewed a broad spectrum of India-Liberia relations, covering trade, investment, agriculture, health, education, and more.
• Areas of future cooperation include mining, capacity building, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.
• The two countries aim to deepen collaboration in emerging sectors like digital infrastructure, energy, and development cooperation.
• India and Liberia pledged mutual support for India’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2028-29.
• Liberia has actively participated in India’s "Voices of the Global South Summit."
• The consultations marked a significant step in diversifying and expanding India-Liberia relations across various sectors.
STATE NEWS
‘Banglar Bari' housing scheme launched by the West Bengal Government.
• The West Bengal government launched the 'Banglar Bari' housing scheme, fully funded by the state.
• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Centre of withholding funds for the 'Awas Yojana' for the last three years.
• The state survey identified over 28 lakh genuine beneficiaries for the 'Banglar Bari' scheme.
• A total of Rs 1.2 lakh will be transferred to beneficiaries by December next year.
• As the first installment, Rs 60,000 has already been transferred to the bank accounts of 12 lakh beneficiaries.
• The total expenditure for the scheme will be Rs 14,773 crore, to be borne by the state.
• If the Centre fails to make payments, the state will pay for the remaining 16 lakh families.
• The state plans to pay 8 lakh people by May-June and the other 8 lakh by December in two installments.
SPORTS
Kiran Jadhav won the National 50m Rifle 3 Position title.
• Kiran Jadhav clinched the men's 50m Rifle 3 Positions title at the 2024 National Shooting Championships.
• He triumphed over Asian Games silver medallist Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medallist Swapnil Kusale.
• Kiran scored 465.8 points, with 155.8 in kneeling, 155.3 in prone, and 155.2 in standing positions.
• Aishwary Pratap Singh finished second with 463.1 points.
• Swapnil Kusale secured the bronze medal with a score of 451.8 points.
• In qualification, Swapnil Kusale matched the national record with 593/600 points.
• The National Shooting Championships in Bhopal will conclude on December 31, 2024.
MISCELLANEOUS
SEBI tightens norms for Investment advisors.
• SEBI has introduced stricter regulations for investment advisors, requiring them to be qualified and registered under the Investment Advisor Regulations (IA Regulations), 2013.
• The new rules emphasize the role of AI in providing investment advice, ensuring its proper use.
• Investment advisors are now accountable for safeguarding client data, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining the integrity of advice given.
• The amendment brings clarity to the definition of 'Investment Advice.'
• Key changes have been made to further define what constitutes investment advice.
• The updated regulations set clear qualification criteria for individuals to become investment advisors.
• SEBI aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of investment advice through these new amendments.