Business and Economy- Current Affairs
Union Cabinet Revised Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Guidelines to Sync Them with the Existing Foreign Direct Investment
The Union Cabinet has approved 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in direct-to-home (DTH) service, extension of the license period from 10 years to 20 and a reduced licence fee. Currently, India has 18 crore television sets, out of which more than 6 crore operate on DTH.
India’s First-Ever Driverless Train Service Beginning From 28 December
On December 28 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India’s first-ever fully automated driverless train service which will be on the Magenta Line of Delhi Metro. The 37 km-Magenta Line extends from Janakpuri West to Botanical Garden, apart from this the fully operational National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for travel on the 23-km Airport Express Line (New Delhi to Dwarka Sector 21) will also be launched on the same day. The driverless trains will be built using the hi-tech signalling technology which is known as the communication-based train control (CBTC).
Nation and Politics- Current Affairs
Amid Covid-19 Situation, Jallikattu Gets Nod in Tamil Nadu
The traditional bull-taming sport Jallikattu gets nod by the government in Tamil Nadu amid the ongoing pandemic. However, Covid-19 restrictions to be followed are also issued with the permission. Jallikattu was banned by the Supreme Court in 2014 however the ban was lifted in 2017 after much uproar and protest.
Science and Technology- Current Affairs
ISRO Releases Orbiter Data of Chandrayaan-2 Mission
Indian Space Research Organisation released orbiter data of India’s second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2. The orbiter was launched on July 22, 2019 and inserted into the lunar orbit on August 20, 2019. ISRO issued the first set of data for the public from the eight instruments of the mission. The data can be checked from the portal PRADAN.
Sports, Arts and Books- Current Affairs
IPL to Get Two New Teams from 2022, BCCI Backs ICC’s Bid for Cricket in Olympics
On Thursday, BCCI ended its 89th Annual General Meeting. The members approved for the introduction of two new franchises to the Indian Premier League (IPL). They also agreed to reduce the budget for the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) infrastructure. Moreover, they gave the Madan Lal-led Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) the go-ahead to interview candidates for the role of selectors. BCCI decided to give the International Cricket Council (ICC) a positive feedback on cricket’s chances at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The members also allowed the new appointments to take place as expected. So, the BCCI has authorized the sale of two new franchises to be launched to the IPL.
Nevertheless, the 2021 version of the IPL will probably be an eight-team affair. On the other hand, BCCI launches brand new franchises before 2022 version. Moreover, the IPL Governing Council will take a name on whether or not to introduce one franchise now or later.
Dhokra Art Added to the Tribes India collection
Dhokra decorative pieces added to the Tribes India collection. It is a non-ferrous metal casting style that uses the lost wax technique. For hundreds of years, this style of metal casting has been popular around the world including India. Simplicity of Dhokra products reflect the themes of tribal and folklife.
Dhokra artworks are basically metal figurines. They primarily made up of bronze and copper material. Although Dhokra art originated in West Bengal. But later the tribe moved to Jharkhand Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. This tribe also spread in the Indian states of Kerala and Rajasthan. Consequently, now art has spread all over India.
World- Current Affairs
Niger Votes on Sunday for 1st Democratic Power Transfer
Nigerian people will cast votes on coming Sunday for their new ruler. Amid a growing threat from jihadists in the region, Niger could see its first democratic transition of power since independence. President Mahamadou Issoufou has served two terms. Now, he is stepping down and paving the way for the first peaceful transfer of power. This transfer of power will be between two elected presidents.
Africa Found a New Virus Variant in Nigeria
On Thursday, another new strain of the coronavirus appears to have emerged in Nigeria. The country’s top public health official said that they required further investigation on this matter. This new variant could add tension in the world after a similar variant found in Britain and South Africa. This also leads to international travel restrictions and other measures just as the world enters a major holiday season.
The UK, EU at the End of Striking Brexit Trade Deal at Last
Britain and the European Union are at the endpoint to finish the deal on Brexit trade. Negotiators from both the nations work throughout the night to end this deal. After the struggling night right into Christmas Eve they put the finishing touches on this trade deal. This deal should avert a chaotic economic break between the two sides on New Year’s Day.
