INS Nirdeshak to be Commissioned: Enhancing India’s Maritime Capabilities
The Indian Navy will commission its new survey ship, INS Nirdeshak, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Sanjay Seth, will preside over the ceremony.
Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, INS Nirdeshak is part of the Survey Vessel (Large) project. The ship features over 80% indigenous content and is equipped with advanced hydrographic and oceanographic survey equipment. It will significantly enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities by accurately mapping India’s maritime zones, ports, and navigational channels.
Public Sector Banks Report Record-Breaking ₹85,520 Crore Profit in H1 FY2024-25
In the first half of FY2024-25, Public Sector Banks (PSBs), including the State Bank of India (SBI), achieved a record net profit of ₹85,520 crore, reflecting an impressive 26% growth compared to the same period last year. This remarkable performance highlights the operational and financial resilience of PSBs, driven by improved asset quality, enhanced credit monitoring, and increased efficiency.
ISRO’s Milestone: Successful Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a significant achievement with the successful sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test is a critical step for future missions, particularly the Gaganyaan mission.
Developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), the CE20 engine incorporates an innovative Nozzle Protection System and a multi-element igniter, which are essential for its restart capabilities. The test validated the engine’s performance under ambient conditions, highlighting its reliability for upcoming space endeavors.
Vice President Dhankhar Unveils State-of-the-Art Geoscience Museum in Gwalior
Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the GSI Geoscience Museum at the Victoria Market Building in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The event was graced by several distinguished dignitaries, including Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel and Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The museum, featuring two primary galleries—Planet Earth: Its Uniqueness in Diversity and Evolution of Life on Earth—showcases Earth’s geological marvels and the journey of life from its origins to the rise of Homo sapiens. It offers a blend of rare geological specimens and interactive exhibits, making it a key destination for geoscience enthusiasts and educational visits.
Ustad Zakir Hussain, Legendary Tabla Virtuoso, Passes Away at 73
Ustad Zakir Hussain, the iconic tabla maestro, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 73 in San Francisco due to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His passing has left a profound void in the world of music, with fans and fellow musicians mourning the loss of a true legend.
Beginning his musical journey at the age of seven, Hussain was celebrated for his technical mastery and creative expression. He collaborated with numerous international artists, bringing Indian classical music to global audiences. His illustrious career earned him several accolades, including four Grammy Awards and India’s highest civilian honors: the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
PM Modi’s Rajasthan Visit to Unveil ₹46,300 Crore Infrastructure Boost
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Rajasthan for the ‘Ek Varsh-Parinaam Utkarsh’ program, celebrating one year of the state government’s tenure. During this visit, he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for 24 major infrastructure projects worth over ₹46,300 crore.
Key projects include the Navnera Barrage, the Smart Electricity Transmission Network, and the electrification of the Bhildi-Samdari-Luni-Jodhpur-Merta Road-Degana-Ratangarh railway section. He will also lay the foundation for the Ramgarh and Mahalpur Barrages, along with several significant solar energy projects in Bikaner. These initiatives aim to enhance the state’s infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its residents.
Gadhimai Mahotsav: A Festival Under Scrutiny
The Gadhimai Mahotsav, held every five years in Nepal, continues to attract millions of attendees despite ongoing protests from animal rights activists. This year, over two crore people participated in the festival, which took place from December 2 to Shukla Purnima. The event is infamous for its mass animal sacrifices, drawing global attention and criticism.