Veteran Politician and Former Haryana CM Om Prakash Chautala Passes Away at 89
Om Prakash Chautala, a veteran politician and five-time Chief Minister of Haryana, has passed away at the age of 89 on December 20, 2024, in Gurugram following a cardiac arrest. The Haryana government has declared a three-day state mourning period from December 20-22, during which the national flag will be flown at half-mast and all state government functions will be canceled.
Easterine Kire’s ‘Spirit Nights’ Wins 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award for English Literature
Easterine Kire, a celebrated author from Nagaland, has been awarded the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel Spirit Nights. The prestigious award, announced recently, recognizes Kire’s exceptional contribution to literature. Spirit Nights, published by Simon and Schuster India, draws from the rich folklore of the Chang Naga tribe, weaving an evocative tale that explores themes of darkness and cultural heritage. The award ceremony is set to take place on March 8, 2025, in Delhi.
ADB Approves $42M Loan for Coastal Resilience in Maharashtra
The Central Government of India has partnered with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to bolster coastal protection in Maharashtra, securing a $42 million loan. This initiative, part of the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project, aims to enhance resilience against environmental challenges faced by coastal communities. The project will focus on restoring and stabilizing the coastline, protecting local livelihoods, and promoting sustainable practices.
New Delhi to Host 2025 Para Athletics World Championships: A Historic First for India
New Delhi will host the prestigious 2025 World Para Athletics Championships from September 26 to October 5, marking the first time India will hold this significant event. The championships will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, drawing over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries. This event serves as a crucial qualifier for the Los Angeles Paralympic Games 2028 and will significantly bolster India’s efforts in promoting the Paralympic movement.
Additionally, this championship is expected to enhance India’s bids to host future major sporting events, including the 2029 World Athletics Championships and the 2036 Olympic Games.
India’s Pharmaceutical Industry: A Global Powerhouse Worth $50 Billion
India’s pharmaceutical sector has ascended to a prominent position on the global stage, now ranking as the third-largest in the world by volume and valued at $50 billion for the 2023-24 financial year. Of this, $23.5 billion comes from domestic consumption, while $26.5 billion is driven by exports. The industry, which includes generic drugs, bulk drugs, over-the-counter medications, vaccines, biosimilars, and biologics, also ranks 14th in production value worldwide, reflecting its expansive and diversified capabilities.
India Rises to 39th in 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index by WEF
India has made a remarkable leap in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, securing the 39th position among 119 countries. This significant improvement highlights the country’s progress from its previous rankings of 54th in 2021, later adjusted to 38th due to changes in WEF’s methodology. The enhancement is driven by better infrastructure, supportive government policies, and a robust post-pandemic recovery in international travel.
China Breaks Spacewalk Duration Record with 9-Hour Extravehicular Mission
China has set a new milestone in space exploration, achieving a global record for the longest spacewalk. On December 20, 2024, two astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station, Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, successfully completed a nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA). This surpasses the previous record held by NASA astronauts in 2001, who conducted an eight-hour and 56-minute EVA.
The mission, which involved intricate repairs and installations outside the space station, underscores China’s rapid advancements in space technology and its ambitious future plans, including lunar exploration and potential human missions to Mars. This achievement highlights not only the technical prowess but also the growing capabilities of China’s space program.