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World Basketball Day | 21 December

Basketball was played for the first time on December 21, 1891 at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts, USA, after Dr. James Naismith, a Canadian physical education instructor, developed the game to keep his students active during the winter months.

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World Basketball Day | 21 December

In 2019, the ground-breaking Basketball Africa League (BAL), was established and is a now a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa. Women started playing basketball as early as 1892, or less than a year after the game was invented. Women’s basketball made its debut as a regular team sport for women in the Olympics at the 1976 Montreal Games.

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World Basketball Day | 21 December

On 25 August 2023, the General Assembly adopted resolution proclaiming 21 December as World Basketball Day. In the resolution, the General Assembly commends Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines for hosting the International Basketball Federation Basketball World Cup 2023 and encourages the relevant authorities to exert every effort to ensure that the Basketball Day.

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$350 Million Loan signing between Government of India and ADB

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a $350 million policy-based loan under the second subprogram of Strengthening Multimodal and Integrated Logistics Ecosystem (SMILE) program. The signatories to the loan agreement were Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, and the ADB.

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$350 Million Loan signing between Government of India and ADB

The SMILE program is a programmatic policy-based loan (PBL) to support the government in undertaking wide-ranging reforms in the logistics sector in India. The programmatic approach comprises two subprograms, which aim to expand India’s manufacturing sector and improve the resilience of its supply chains.

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$350 Million Loan signing between Government of India and ADB

The program establishes and operationalizes a comprehensive policy framework to enhance logistics efficiency through (i) strengthening the institutional bases for multimodal logistics infrastructure development at the national, state, and city levels; (ii) standardizing warehousing and other logistics assets to strengthen supply chains and incentivize greater private sector

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$350 Million Loan signing between Government of India and ADB

investment; (iii) improving efficiencies in external trade logistics; and (iv) adopting smart systems for efficient and low emission logistics. The collaboration between the Government of India and ADB reflects a shared commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the logistics sector, supporting India’s broader economic development goals.

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Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav releases India State of Forest Report 2023

Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupendra Yadav released the India State of Forest Report 2023 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Published biennially by the Forest Survey of India, the report offers a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s forest and tree resources. It covers critical topics such as forest cover, tree cover, carbon stock, forest fire.

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Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav releases India State of Forest Report 2023

According to the report, India’s total forest and tree cover spans 827,357 square kilometres, accounting for 25.17% of the country’s geographical area. Additionally, the total forest cover has increased by 1,445 square kilometres compared to the 2021 assessment.

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Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav releases India State of Forest Report 2023

According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI), forest cover refers to all land that has a tree canopy density of more than 10 per cent and spans over an area of one hectare or more, regardless of the type of ownership or legal status. Together, the forest and tree cover amount to 8,27,357 sq km or 25.17 per cent of India's geographical area.

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Sebi directs MIIs to adopt uniform policy on data sharing for research

The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) on Friday directed stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories to adopt a uniform policy for sharing data meant for research and research publications undertaken by accredited academic institutions.

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Sebi directs MIIs to adopt uniform policy on data sharing for research

These market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) have been asked to segregate such data into two baskets—one that can be shared with the public and the second that cannot be made public. The first basket will include only aggregate and analysed data, such as reporting and disclosure data mandated by regulators.

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Sebi directs MIIs to adopt uniform policy on data sharing for research

The second basket includes know-your-customer (KYC) information, trade logs, and holding details of an entity or individual, along with the identity of the entity or individual. Further, even anonymised data that could potentially identify the individual or entity will not be shared in the public domain.

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Tata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans for rooftop solar systems

Tata Power Renewable Energy, a unit of Tata Power, has partnered with state-run Canara Bank to drive the adoption of rooftop solar systems under the government-backed PM Surya Ghar Scheme, offering affordable financing options to Indian households.

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Tata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans for rooftop solar systems

According to a company statement, the initiative aims to simplify access to clean energy solutions by providing loans for residential solar installations. Loans of up to Rs 2 lakh are available for systems with a capacity of up to 3 kW (kilowatt), requiring a 10 per cent margin and no collateral, with an interest rate of 7 per cent per annum and a 10-year repayment period.

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Tata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans for rooftop solar systems

The partnership underscores the push for clean energy solutions in India, which aims to achieve 500 GW of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030. Tata Power’s total renewable capacity reached 10.9 GW, including 5.5 GW of projects under various stages of implementation. Its operational capacity is 5.4 GW, comprising 4.4 GW of solar and 1 GW of wind.

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Tata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans for rooftop solar systems

Under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme, applicants are eligible for a subsidy covering 60 per cent of the solar unit cost for systems with a capacity of up to 2 kW and 40 per cent of the additional system cost for capacities between 2 kW and 3 kW, with the subsidy capped at 3 kW.

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Supreme Court removes 30% interest cap on late credit card bill payments

In a relief to banks, the Supreme Court set aside an order of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that capped credit card interest rates at 30% per annum on late bill payments. In 2008, the NCDRC had ruled that charging credit-card holders interest rates in excess of 30% per annum for failing to make the full payment on time, or only paying the

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Supreme Court removes 30% interest cap on late credit card bill payments

The RBI cannot be directed to issue any further instruction as it is a discretionary power conferred under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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Rajasthan to spend Rs 100 cr annually on one-district-one-product policy

Rajasthan plans to spend Rs 100 crore annually on the one-district-one-product (ODOP) policy for local artisans, farmers, manufacturers and entrepreneurs, said sources in the government. The policy was launched some days ago and it is inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's “Vocal for Local” vision, said an official of the state industries department.

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Rajasthan to spend Rs 100 cr annually on one-district-one-product policy

The policy will in each district identify products and services with export potential; formulate and implement district export action plans (DEAPs) and set up district export promotion committees (DEPCs). It will also set up state level export promotion committees (SEPC).

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Rajasthan to spend Rs 100 cr annually on one-district-one-product policy

The government will form a Rajasthan Export Promotion Council (REPC) and conduct surveys to identify products and services in the 50 districts. An amount of Rs 20 lakh has been transferred to REPC for organizing buyer-seller meetings at divisional headquarters across the state. A catalogue of ODOP products, manufacturers and vendors has been prepared.

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World Meditation Day | 21 December

To raise awareness about meditation and its benefits, the General Assembly proclaimed 21 December as World Meditation Day, recalling the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Additionally, the General Assembly acknowledged the link between yoga and meditation as complementary approaches to health and well-being.

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This year 2024, the World Meditation Day Theme is “Inner Peace, Global Harmony!”.

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National Rifle Association Of India to host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025

India has been awarded the hosting rights for next year's Junior World Cup involving competitions in rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Before this, India had hosted two continental championships and six ISSF competitions, including two World Cup Final competitions and four senior ISSF World Cups.

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National Rifle Association Of India to host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025

This will be the country's third top International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) event in recent times after the senior World Cup in Bhopal in 2023 and the season-ending World Cup Final earlier this year, reinforcing India's stature as one of the sport's top destinations in the world.

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Former Supreme Court Judge Madan Lokur Appointed As United Nations IJC Chairperson

Former Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur has been appointed as chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC). Lokur has been appointed for a 4-year-tenure ending on 12th November 2028. In a communication to Justice Lokur, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, it’s a pleasure to appoint Lokur, with immediate effect, as the Chairperson of IJC.

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Former Supreme Court Judge Madan Lokur Appointed As United Nations IJC Chairperson

The General Assembly of the UN established the IJC as part of the new internal justice system to help ensure independence, professionalism and accountability in the administration of the UN’s justice system. Justice Madan Lokur retired as a judge of the Supreme Court on 31 December, 2018, after a tenure of more than 6 years.

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55th GST Council meeting concludes in Jaisalmer

The 55th meeting of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, held on December 21, 2024 in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, significant attention was given to addressing pressing economic issues such as food inflation, unemployment, rural job creation, and maintaining capital expenditure momentum.

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55th GST Council meeting concludes in Jaisalmer

The meeting resulted in several significant decisions impacting various sectors. Increase in GST for used electric vehicles (EVs): The Council approved raising the GST rate on old and used electric vehicles from 12 per cent to 18 per cent. This move aims to align the tax structure of used EVs with that of new EVs, which are currently taxed at 5 per cent.

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55th GST Council meeting concludes in Jaisalmer

Hike in GST for small petrol and diesel cars: A decision was made to increase the GST rate on small petrol and diesel cars from 12 per cent to 18 per cent. This adjustment is intended to standardise tax rates across different vehicle categories.

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55th GST Council meeting concludes in Jaisalmer

Tax relief on health and life insurance premiums: The Council granted full GST exemptions on term life insurance premiums and health insurance premiums for senior citizens. Additionally, health insurance policies with coverage up to Rs 5 lakh for other individuals will also enjoy tax relief. This measure is expected to make insurance more affordable and accessible.

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Namo Bharat train commuters to get 10 per cent discount on tickets through RRTS app

Namo Bharat train commuters can avail a 10 per cent discount on tickets purchased through the RRTS Connect mobile application as part of the "loyalty points program" launched by NCRTC, an official statement said. National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) Managing Director Shalabh Goel launched the initiative at the Sahibabad Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).

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Namo Bharat train commuters to get 10 per cent discount on tickets through RRTS app

Under the loyalty points program, passengers will earn one point for every rupee spent on Namo Bharat train tickets. Each loyalty point is valued at Rs 0.10 (10 paise) and will be credited to the passenger's account. These points can be redeemed for ticket purchases. Each loyalty point is valued at Rs 0.10 (10 paise) and will be credited to the passenger's account.

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