Nitin Gadkari Unveils India’s Pioneering Bio-Bitumen Highway Stretch on NH-44
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, recently inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This landmark project, developed using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology, represents a significant advancement in India’s road infrastructure. The technology, created in collaboration with Praj Industries, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), offers a sustainable alternative to conventional bitumen.
Utilizing lignin, a natural binder, this innovation addresses bitumen scarcity and reduces India’s dependency on imports, which currently constitute 50% of the total supply. Furthermore, the project supports global sustainability goals by generating revenue for bio-refineries, mitigating stubble burning, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70% compared to fossil-based bitumen.
Anmolpreet Singh’s Record-Breaking Knock: The Fastest List A Century by an Indian
Punjab’s top-order batter, Anmolpreet Singh, made history on December 23, 2024, by scoring the fastest List A century by an Indian in just 35 balls during the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh. This incredible feat places him third on the all-time list for fastest List A centuries, following Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls).
Anmolpreet’s explosive innings, comprising 12 boundaries and nine towering sixes, powered Punjab to a dominant nine-wicket victory, with the team chasing down a target of 165 in only 12.5 overs. He remained unbeaten on 115 off 45 balls, displaying his remarkable ability to dominate both pace and spin.
India Claims Inaugural U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup Title with Victory Over Bangladesh
In a thrilling finale at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on December 22, 2024, India triumphed in the inaugural U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup, securing a dominant 41-run victory over Bangladesh. This monumental win highlights the exceptional talent and potential of India’s young women cricketers, marking a significant achievement in the history of women’s cricket in India.
Government Infuses ₹500 Crore into IFCI to Boost Financial Restructuring
The Indian government has decided to inject ₹500 crore into the state-owned Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) to bolster its financial health ahead of a significant restructuring. This capital infusion will increase the government’s stake in IFCI to over 71%, reflecting a strong commitment to stabilizing the corporation’s financial standing. The funds, allocated through the Supplementary Demand for Grants for 2024-25 approved by Lok Sabha, are expected to facilitate the merger of IFCI with StockHolding Corporation of India and other subsidiaries, consolidating the group’s operations and improving overall efficiency.
Kejriwal Launches Landmark Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship for Dalit Students
On December 23, 2024, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal unveiled the Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship, an ambitious initiative designed to support Dalit students from Delhi in pursuing higher education at top international universities. This scholarship aims to provide comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, travel, and living expenses, ensuring that talented students from marginalized communities have the opportunity to achieve their academic dreams without financial constraints.
GST Council Introduces Advanced Track and Trace System to Enhance Tax Compliance
The GST Council has recently updated its framework to improve tax compliance and clarity, aiming to reduce tax evasion and simplify tax processes for businesses and consumers. One of the key updates is the introduction of a Track and Trace Mechanism, which involves affixing a Unique Identification Marking (UIM) to specified goods or their packaging. This mechanism will enable authorities to trace the movement of these commodities throughout the supply chain, thereby improving accountability and efficiency in tax collection.
Modi Awarded Kuwait’s Highest National Honour: The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been conferred with Kuwait’s highest national honour, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. This prestigious accolade highlights the enduring friendship and goodwill between India and Kuwait, recognizing Modi’s significant contributions to strengthening bilateral relations.