Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Banglar Bari’: West Bengal’s Affordable Housing Revolution
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has unveiled the Banglar Bari housing scheme, a state-funded initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for the residents of West Bengal. Introduced on December 17, 2024, the scheme targets economically weaker sections, offering financial assistance of ₹1.2 lakh per family to construct permanent homes.
The Banglar Bari initiative addresses the lack of central funding for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana over the past three years. The state government has identified over 28 lakh beneficiaries through a comprehensive survey, with the first installment of ₹60,000 already transferred to the bank accounts of 12 lakh beneficiaries.
Real Madrid Triumphs in 2024 Intercontinental Cup with Dominant Display Over Pachuca
Real Madrid emerged victorious in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, delivering a dominant 3-0 performance against Mexico’s Pachuca at Lusail Stadium in Qatar on December 18, 2024. Goals from Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr. secured the win. Vinicius Jr. was also named the Player of the Tournament, capping off a stellar campaign.
Tom Cruise Awarded Highest Civilian Honor by US Navy
Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the highest civilian honor, for his exceptional contributions to the military through his iconic roles in movies like Top Gun. The award was presented by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro during a ceremony at Longcross Studios near London on December 17, 2024.
Cruise’s portrayal of naval aviators in Top Gun and its sequel Top Gun: Maverick has significantly increased public awareness and appreciation for the Navy’s highly trained personnel and their sacrifices. His dedication to authentically representing military roles has inspired generations to consider service in the Navy and Marine Corps.
Bhopal Hosts the 10th International Forest Fair: Fostering Sustainable Practices and Empowering Communities
The 10th International Forest Fair began in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, on December 17, 2024, and will run until December 23. This year’s event, themed “Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce,” focuses on promoting sustainable forest practices and empowering local communities. With around 300 stalls, the fair showcases a variety of forest products, government initiatives, and innovations aimed at sustainable development.
Sri Lanka Announces Visa-Free Travel for Indians Starting January 2025
Starting January 2025, Sri Lanka will implement a new visa policy that grants visa-free travel to citizens from 39 countries, including India. Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath made this announcement during an event in New Delhi. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations and boost tourism between Sri Lanka and these nations.
India’s Direct Tax Collections Soar by 20% in 2024-25
The Income Tax Department has reported impressive growth in direct tax collections for the financial year 2024-25, surpassing ₹19.21 lakh crore. This marks a substantial 20.32% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting a strong economic recovery and improved compliance among taxpayers. Additionally, net direct tax collections rose by 16.45%, reaching ₹15.82 lakh crore.
Indian Army Establishes AI Incubation Centre in Bengaluru to Enhance Technological Integration
The Indian Army has recently inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru, highlighting its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations. The centre, inaugurated virtually by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on December 18, 2024, aims to enhance the Army’s capabilities by developing advanced data-driven solutions.
The IAAIIC will serve as a hub for innovation and collaboration, bringing together academia, startups, industry leaders, and domain experts to develop indigenous AI solutions tailored to the Army’s unique needs. Focus areas include predictive maintenance, enhanced surveillance, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms.