Bhutan has conferred renowned Indian educationist Arun Kapur, who set up schools in India, Bhutan and Oman, with the 'Bura Marp' (red scarf) and 'Patang' (ceremonial sword). 

• Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel conferred the Red Scarf and the title 'Dasho' upon Kapur.
• Kapur is currently the director at The Druk Gyalpo's Institute.
• Kapur was previously awarded the 'Druk Thuksey' in 2019 for his work in setting up The Royal Academy school, and in developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate educational system. He headed Delhi's renowned Vasant Valley School for 29 years until April 2020.

Japan and India have announced a collaboration to study the use of laser-equipped satellites to address the growing problem of space debris.

• This innovative approach aims to mitigate the increasing congestion in Earth’s orbit, which poses significant risks to both operational satellites and future space missions.
• Tokyo-based Orbital Lasers and Indian robotics company InspeCity have signed a preliminary agreement to explore business opportunities in in-space services, such as de-orbiting defunct satellites and extending the lifespan of spacecraft.
• Orbital Lasers, a spin-off from Japanese satellite giant SKY Perfect JSAT, is developing a system that uses laser energy to vaporize small parts of space debris, thereby stopping its rotation and making it easier for servicing spacecraft to capture and remove the debris.

Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighted Madhya Pradesh's abundant forest wealth and rich repository of medicinal herbs during the inauguration of the 10th International Forest Fair in Bhopal.

• He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed global interest in Ayurveda and praised the state government's distribution of Ayurvedic remedies during the crisis.
• Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the significance of forest-derived medicines, particularly during the pandemic, and acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts in promoting Indian medical systems.
• He also lauded the state's achievements in wildlife conservation, including the successful restoration of leopards and maintaining the state's status as the leading tiger habitat in the country.

State Bank of India (SBI) announced that the Centre has appointed Rama Mohan Rao Amara as its new Managing Director for a three-year term.

• The decision was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, .
• Amara was previously serving as the Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer.
• He was recommended for the role by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) in September this year.
• FSIB, the body responsible for selecting directors of state-owned banks, interviewed nine candidates for the position. Amara’s appointment fills the vacancy created by CS Setty, the current Chairman of SBI. 
• The FSIB, in its statement, noted that Amara was selected based on his performance during the interview, his extensive experience, and his alignment with key criteria for the role.
• SBI's board is led by the Chairman, assisted by four managing directors. With Amara’s appointment, the bank will now have its fourth managing director.

The central government’s net direct tax collection for 2024-25 has soared 16.5% to Rs 15.82 lakh crore till December 17, 2024, thanks to healthy personal income tax collections even as growth in corporate taxes remained moderate.

• During the same period previous year, the government had collected Rs 13.59 lakh crore.
• The gross collection during the period rose 20.32% to Rs 19.21 lakh crore.
• Net corporate tax collections grew by 8.5% to Rs 7.42 lakh crore.
• Net personal income tax collection surged by 22.5% to Rs 7.97 lakh crore in 2024-25 till December 17. 

Tom Cruise has been awarded the US Navy's highest civilian honour for "outstanding contributions" to the military with his screen roles.

• Cruise's lead role in the 1986 smash hit Top Gun shot him into celebrity status, and the film's record-breaking success spiked military enlistment.
• The Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to Cruise during a ceremony on Tuesday at the Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey.
• The 62-year-old star expressed his gratitude for the "extraordinary acknowledgement".

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi has virtually inaugurated the Indian Army AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru.

• The establishment of the IAAIIC reflects the Army’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies and empowering its personnel with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• It aligns with the Army’s vision of technological evolution, aimed at enhancing operational capabilities, building an AI-ready force, and ensuring preparedness for modern security challenges.
• The centre, established in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), is set to develop cutting-edge data-driven solutions, improving decision-making, operational efficiency, and readiness for AI-driven warfare within the Army.
• The infrastructure and IT support will be provided by the BEL while the centre will be manned by personnel of the Indian Army.

The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has earned the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ award from the British Safety Council, marking a significant milestone in safety management practices.

As reported by The Hindu, the announcement was made on December 15, 2024, by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Construction Committee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

The award recognises the Ram temple project’s commitment to maintaining stringent safety protocols during its construction, led by M/s Larsen & Toubro. The firm had earlier received the ‘Golden Trophy’ from the National Safety Council for its exemplary safety measures at the temple site.

The Sword of Honour award

The Sword of Honour award is one of the highest accolades in safety management, and is given to projects that meet the highest standards where safety is concerned. The British Safety Council conducts a comprehensive audit of processes and practices before performing an on-site assessment. Projects that have a five-star rating in safety assessments are then eligible to compete for the ‘Sword of Honour’ award.

International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18, recognises the significant contributions of migrants worldwide while advocating for their rights and dignity.

• Established by the United Nations in 2000, this day highlights the value of migration in fostering global development, enhancing cultural diversity and driving innovation.
• It also underscores the challenges migrants face, such as displacement, discrimination and lack of access to basic rights and services.
• The day also emphasises the power of migration to promote unity in diversity.
• Migrants bring with them unique perspectives, skills and cultures that enrich their new communities.
• This year's theme, "Harnessing the Potential of Human Mobility," calls on governments, organisations and individuals to recognise migration as a driver of resilience and prosperity.

The 38th National Games will be hosted in Uttarakhand from January 28 to February 14, 2025, with the event's mascot, logo, jersey, anthem, and tagline unveiled at Dehradun's Maharana Pratap Sports College.

• The mascot, logo, jersey, torch, and anthem of the 38th National Games were also officially unveiled.
• The launch event was broadcast live across four cities in the state.
• Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha, and Uttarakhand’s Sports Minister Rekha Arya were present at the grand ceremony. Over 2,000 athletes and young sports enthusiasts participated in the event.
• The mascot “Mouli,” inspired by the Monal bird, was introduced in a refreshed avatar.
• The symbols, including the logo, jersey, torch, and anthem, reflect Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage and identity.
• The games’ torch features symbols of the Ganga River and the state flower, Brahma Kamal.