SpiceJet has announced plans to bring three of its grounded Boeing 737 MAX aircraft back into service by April 2025. The airline has entered into an agreement with StandardAero, a US-based maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider, to restore its fleet of grounded Boeing 737 MAX planes. This collaboration is a key step toward expanding the airline's operations and fleet capacity. As part of the deal, StandardAero will provide the necessary services to restore the aircraft, including s

The Red Fort attack of 2000 remains a significant and tragic chapter in India's history. On December 22, 2000, six terrorists, belonging to the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, stormed the iconic Red Fort in Delhi and began firing indiscriminately. This attack left three people dead, including two army soldiers, and marked a violent chapter in India's ongoing battle against terrorism. Now, 24 years later, the terrorist responsible, Mohammad Arif alias Ashfaq, faces the death penalty after

The Vivo X200 Pro has entered the Indian flagship smartphone market with a bold focus on photography. Boasting a massive camera module that captures immediate attention, this device builds on the foundation of its predecessor, the Vivo X100 Pro. It combines cutting-edge camera technology, premium design, and top-tier performance, targeting content creators and photo enthusiasts alike. In a market dominated by heavyweights like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and Oppo Find X8 Pro

As we prepare to bid adieu to 2024, its time to honor the remarkable individuals who enriched our lives with their immense contributions to arts, culture, and entertainment. This year, we lost several iconic figures, each leaving an indelible mark on their respective fields. From legendary musicians to talented actors, we remember their legacies as we look back on their lives. Zakir Hussain: The Tabla Maestro On December 15 2024, the world lost a true musical genius, Ustad Zakir Hussain, at the

The results of the CAT 2024 - Common Admission Test, conducted by the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, were released on Thursday 19 December 2024. The examination, which took place on 24th November 2024, saw 2.93 lakh candidates participating across 389 test centres in 170 cities nationwide. Out of the top performers, 14 candidates achieved a perfect score of 100%, marking a major achievement in the competitive race for admission to India's top management verticals. Topper Details Ou

The Rann Mahotsav has begun from November 11, 2024 and will continue till March 15 th 2025. The great Rann of Kutch is deep into the western frontiers of the Indian subcontinent vividly spread across 7505 sq. km. Situated at the center of the vast Thar desert, Kutch is surrounded by Sindh province of Pakistan on one side. It is the largest salt marsh in the world. The Rann Mahotsavs concept was the vision of Narendra Modi, then Chief minister of Gujarat that began to be organized as a part of Vi

Goa marks its 63rd Liberation Day on Thursday, commemorating the end of Portuguese rule in 1961 after 451 years of colonial occupation. This significant day in the state's history celebrates Goa's integration into the Indian Union. Honoring the Freedom Fighters and Armed Forces President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute to the freedom fighters and armed forces who played crucial roles in Goas liberation. In a post on X, she expressed her admiration for the brave individuals who made selfless

The Uttar Pradesh government is ramping up preparations for the grand Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to begin on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj. Among the many initiatives, mounted police units featuring both foreign and Indian breed horses will be deployed to manage crowds and ensure the safety of millions of devotees. Foreign and Indian Breed Horses to Enhance Crowd Control Measures To enhance security and streamline crowd management, the state government is introducing American Balm Blood and Eng

On December 16, 2024, India observed Vijay Diwas, a day dedicated to remembering the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid heartfelt tributes to the soldiers who secured a historic victory, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. Remembering a Historic Victory Vijay Diwas, celebrated annually on December 16, marks the day when Pakistani forces formally surrendered to the combined might of India a

The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has reached a remarkable milestone in 2024 end, with over 7.15 crore subscribers joining the scheme as of December 2, 2024, a recent announcement by the Ministry of Finance reads. Celebrating this achievement at the end of 2024, the Ministry stated that the scheme provides secure retirement with guaranteed pension benefits, ensuring peace of mind for its beneficiaries post-retirement. A Lifeline for Post-Retirement Security The APY was launched with the goal of prov

In a move aimed at supporting farmers amid rising agricultural costs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced an increase in the collateral-free agricultural loan limit from Rs. 1.6 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh. Effective from January 1, 2025, this decision is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to millions of farmers across the country, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture. The hike comes in response to ongoing inflationary pressures that are severely affecting the

National Energy Conservation Day, celebrated annually on December 14, serves as a powerful reminder of the critical role energy efficiency plays in fostering sustainable development. In India, this day reflects a shared commitment to conserving energy and adopting eco-friendly practices, paving the way for a greener future. A History of Dedication to Energy Efficiency Introduced in 1991, National Energy Conservation Day is spearheaded by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry o

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated several transformative development projects in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, laying the groundwork for the grand Mahakumbh 2025. The initiatives focus on improving infrastructure, promoting spiritual tourism, and enhancing public amenities to accommodate millions of devotees. Boosting Connectivity and Infrastructure PM Modi launched multiple rail and road infrastructure projects, including 10 new Road Over Bridges (ROBs), flyovers, permanent ghats,

On the 23rd anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, President Droupadi Murmu paid heartfelt tributes to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives in defense of the nation's democracy. On this solemn occasion, President Droupadi Murmu shared a tribute on X, honoring the brave martyrs who gave their lives protecting the Indian Parliament on December 13, 2001. She expressed deep gratitude for their courage and sacrifice, emphasizing that their legacy continues to ins

Karthigai Deepam, also referred to as Karthika Deepam, is one of Tamil Nadu's oldest and most cherished festivals. The celebration, steeped in tradition and spirituality, emphasizes lighting lamps (diyas) in the evening, symbolizing the victory of knowledge over ignorance. This year, the vibrant festival will be celebrated on December 13, 2024, with grand festivities at the renowned Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple. Key Timings for Karthigai Deepam 2024 The auspicious Karthigai Naksha

Vivo has officially launched its highly anticipated X200 series in India, featuring two models namely, Vivo X200 and Vivo X200 Pro. With top-tier specs, these smartphones are geared up to compete with flagship models like the upcoming OnePlus 13. While Vivos mini variant wont be available in India, the country will receive the standard X200 and the Pro version. Both models are powered by a flagship MediaTek chipset and offer premium features to cater to the tech-savvy user. Below are the pricing

The Lok Sabha on Wednesday, December 11, passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, amid disruptions during the Winter Session of Parliament. Introduced on August 9 by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Bill aims to provide statutory powers to the Railway Board, enhancing its functioning and independence. Key Amendments and Objectives The Bill empowers the Central Government to determine the composition of the Railway Board, specifying the number of members, their qualifications, exp

In 2024, the Indian government continued its focus on social and economic reform, introducing several significant programs to ensure inclusive growth, better living standards, and sustainability. These initiatives were designed to tackle the country's challenges while promoting self-reliance, providing opportunities, and improving the quality of life for citizens across all sections of society. Below is a look back at some of the major government schemes that made a lasting impact this year.

New Delhi: India is all set to achieve major landmarks in space exploration with plans and focus to set up its own space station, Bharat Antariksha Station, by 2035, and to land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040, said Mr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Space, announced on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The station will be a significant milestone for India, positioning the country among the select few to have its own space station, after the United Sta

NEW DELHHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will connect with young innovators during the Grand Finale of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2024 today, December 11, 2024. The event is scheduled to take place at 4:30 PM via video conferencing. Over 1,300 student teams will participate, as per an official statement from the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). Modi is also expected to deliver an address during the occasion. A Massive Innovation Marathon Across the Nation The 7th edition of SIH is set to simu

The Union Government has announced the appointment of Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will succeed Shaktikanta Das, whose six-year term concludes on December 10, 2024. About Sanjay Malhotra Sanjay Malhotra is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre. He holds a degree in computer science engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur, and a Masters in Public Policy from Princet

Panchkula, Haryana Union Health Minister JP Nadda has officially launched the ambitious 100-day TB elimination campaign in Panchkula at the Indradhanush Auditorium. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini, Health Minister Arti Rao, and other state cabinet ministers were present to mark this historic occasion. During the program, JP Nadda visited a special exhibition and described the campaign as a milestone in the fight against tuberculosis. He said, Our goal is to make India TB-free by 2025. This d

The long-awaited visit of Pope Francis to India is expected to take place after 2025, the year designated as the Jubilee Year by the Catholic Church, said Union Minister George Kurian. He said that India had already extended an official invitation to the Pope, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally inviting him during the G7 Outreach session held in Italy earlier this year. The scheduling of the visit, Kurian noted, will depend on the convenience of Pope Francis and the Vatican's arran

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of 28 new Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVs) in uncovered districts across the country. These schools will be set up under the Navodaya Vidyalaya Scheme, a Central Sector initiative aimed at providing quality education to talented children from rural areas. Financial Commitment Over Five Years The project has an estimated budget of 2,359.82 crore spread over five years, from 2024-25 t

The National Young Authors Fair (NYAF), the largest book-writing competition for school students globally, has revealed the winners of the Pioneer League in India. This is the first of three prestigious leagues in the 2024-25 India edition, a key event for top schools across the nation. A Platform for Young Creatives and Future Writers NYAF 2024-25 celebrates young talent in India, aiming to nurture creativity, literacy, and innovation. With the book-writing and publishing deadline for the gener

RBI Holds Repo Rate Steady at 6.5%; Key Highlights from the MPC Meeting - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% during its bi-monthly meeting, which concluded on December 6. The decision was made with a 4-2 majority, maintaining the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rates at 6.25%. Focus Shifts Amid Economic Slowdown For the first time in over 30 months, the MPCs focus shifted more toward

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) joined hands to rescue 12 Indian crew members from the sunken vessel MSV Al Piranpir in the North Arabian Sea on December 4. This cross-border humanitarian mission highlighted seamless coordination between the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) of both countries. The rescue operation unfolded after the mechanized sailing vessel, which had departed Porbandar in Gujarat on December 2, sank due to rough seas and flo

Indias star badminton player and double Olympic medallist P.V. Sindhu is set to marry Hyderabad-based Venkata Datta Sai on December 22. The wedding will take place in Udaipur, with pre-wedding celebrations starting on December 20. Sindhus father, P.V. Ramana, shared that the two families have known each other for some time, but the marriage was finalized only about a month ago. This was the only available time as her schedule will get busy from January, he said. The celebrations will culminate w

On December 4, 2024, the Indian Navy will host a spectacular operational demonstration at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha, to celebrate Navy Day. The event will be attended by President Droupadi Murmu, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, along with Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, and key government officials, including the Governor and Chief Minister of Odisha. The occasion is expected to draw thousands of spectators from the local community. This event

The Navy Week celebrations of 2024 are underway with grand events captivating audiences across the country. The festivities, leading up to Navy Day on December 4, are designed to highlight the Indian Navy's capabilities, dedication, and rich legacy. Spectacular Displays at Mumbai's Gateway of India In Mumbai, the iconic Gateway of India has become the focal point of thrilling celebrations. On Sunday, elite marine commandos, known as MARCOS, left the audience awestruck with precision demo

New Delhi: The Indian Alert proudly presents its list of the Top 10 Influential Women of the Year 2024, recognizing the outstanding achievements of women across diverse fields. This prestigious list highlights the contributions of women who have made a significant impact in society, showcasing their leadership, vision, and dedication to innovation. These women have broken barriers and inspired others with their relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in business, technology, education, healthc

Prayagraj-Uttar Pradesh: The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the creation of a new district in Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in 2025. The decision, made on Sunday, aims to enhance the management and administration of the grand religious event, which will commence on January 13, 2025. The new district, named Maha Kumbh Mela, will exist for four months, from December 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025. With this addition, Uttar Pradesh now has 76 districts. To accommodate the expected

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin for a visit to India, which is expected to take place in early 2025. The dates for this visit are yet to be finalized, according to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. This visit will mark Putins first trip to India since the Russia-Ukraine war began in February 2022. The visit is part of an established framework between India and Russia, where the leaders exchange visits annually. The announcement of Putin's

India is nearing the completion of a key agreement to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France. Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Indian Navy, shared the update during the annual Navy Day press conference. He said that the negotiations for the deal are almost finalized, with only one step remaining before it goes to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since this is a government-to-government agreement, we expect it to be finalized soon, he added. This acquisition will significa

Cyclone Fengal has severely impacted air travel in southern India, causing numerous flight cancellations and delays. Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) reported the cancellation of 20 flights and the diversion of two others on Saturday, November 30, 2024, as unfavorable weather conditions persisted in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Airport authorities confirmed that the cancelled flights included 10 outbound and 10 inbound services. These included three flights between Hyd

VARANASI: A major religious event is taking place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, this weekend, bringing together priests, saints, and spiritual leaders from across India and beyond. The grand conclave, which will run from December 1 to 2, will unite representatives from 51 Shaktipeeths and 12 Jyotirlingas, as well as spiritual leaders from countries such as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, and various Indian states. Organised by the Centre for Sanatan Research and the Trident Seva Samiti Tru

Kohima: The 25th edition of the renowned Hornbill Festival is set to begin on Sunday at the picturesque Kisama Heritage Village in Nagaland, offering a glimpse into the vibrant culture and rich traditions of the region. The festival, which spans over 10 days, celebrates the diverse culture of Nagaland and is named after the majestic hornbill bird, a symbol deeply embedded in the folklore of the Naga tribes. This year, Japan will join as the country partner for the event, bringing a unique intern

A fatal bus accident in Maharashtra's Gondia district on Friday, November 29, 2024, resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and left 25 others injured. The incident occurred when a Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) bus overturned while trying to overtake another vehicle. The MSRTC bus, named 'Shiv Shahi,' was traveling from Bhandara to Gondia with 36 passengers on board. The accident took place around 12:30 PM near Khajri village, in the Sadakarjuni taluka o

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Indias leading IT company, has been awarded the title of Best Employer Brand in the Corporate Sector at the LinkedIn Talent Awards 2024. This recognition highlights the companys dedication to creating a workplace that fosters innovation, engagement, and readiness for the future, supporting its workforce of over 600,000 employees in 55 countries. The award, in the large enterprise category, underscores TCS success in connecting with top talent and promoting its em

NEW DELHI: The Central government has approved a significant investment of Rs 3,296 crore to develop 40 tourism projects in 23 states. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and upgrade popular tourist destinations to meet international standards. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his excitement about the potential of tourism to drive economic growth. Tourism has the potential to bring prosperity to the lives of many. Our Government will keep focusing on enhancing Indias tourism inf

Hyderabad and Bengaluru Lead Indias Urban Growth: A Look at Indias Booming Real Estate and Infrastructure -A recent report by Knight Frank India has shed light on the impressive growth of six major cities in India, with Hyderabad emerging as the fastest-growing city. Bengaluru follows closely behind, showcasing strong performances in both real estate and infrastructure. These cities are contributing significantly to India's urban transformation. The report evaluated the cities of Hyderabad,

NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, in the Lok Sabha on Friday for consideration and approval. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha is expected to introduce 44 private member bills, with five bills lined up for discussion and passage. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 1, 2024. It aims to revise the Disaster Management Act, 2005, which was originally implemented to create a structu

India has made a significant leap in the latest Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, moving up 11 places to secure the 49th spot globally. This marks an improvement from its 60th position in the NRI 2023 report, released on November 21, 2024. The NRI 2024 report evaluates the network-based readiness of 133 economies across four key pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 54 variables to assess performance. India not only improved its rank but also saw an increase in its score,

NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, announced that approximately 2 lakh child marriages have been prevented over the past year. Speaking at the launch of a national campaign aimed at ending child marriages, the Minister highlighted improvements in gender equality, including an increase in the sex ratio from 918 to 930 over the last decade. Devi emphasized that womens empowerment has been a central focus of the government, with self-help groups (SHGs) helpin

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha was adjourned on Wednesday until November 28 due to disruptions caused by opposition demands to address urgent issues. These included the indictment of the Adani Group, the ongoing crisis in Manipur, and violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. A similar situation occurred in the Rajya Sabha, where proceedings were also suspended for the day. Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha was briefly adjourned until noon before further disruptions occurred following a motion by Union Mini

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is working on creating standards for 214 vital medical devices in line with the National Medical Device Policy, 2023. This initiative aims to address the rising demand for safe and affordable medical assistive technology in India. The BIS plans to have these standards ready by December 2025, as announced by the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution. Among the devices to be standardized are innovative products such as therapeutic footw

On the night of November 26, 2008, Mumbai was thrust into chaos as a well-coordinated and brutal attack by terrorists affiliated with Pakistans Lashkar-e-Taiba unfolded across the city. Sixteen years later, the memory of that horrific night still resonates deeply with the people of Mumbai and the nation. The 26/11 attacks left an indelible scar on India's collective consciousness, highlighting the resilience of the people and the unwavering bravery of the security forces. The attackers, arme

Pune, a city with a rich military heritage, is set to host the Army Day parade for the first time on January 15, 2025. This historic event was highlighted with the release of a promotional video at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, which received a warm reception from an audience that included film enthusiasts, international delegates, and industry leaders. Bollywood stars like R Madhavan and Rakul Preet Singh featured in the video, expressing their excitement and praising

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 today, November 25, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This event will also include the official launch of the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025. The conference will gather representatives from over 100 countries, making it a significant international event for the cooperative movement. For the first time in its 130-year history, the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is hosting both the ICA

Heavy Rains in Tamil Nadu Lead to School Closures in 5 Districts - Safety Guidelines Issued Heavy rains have hit Tamil Nadu as the northeast monsoon intensifies, leading to school closures in five districts. Authorities are on high alert as the state faces continuous downpours, disrupting daily activities. Schools in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, and Tiruvarur districts have been closed today due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Additionally, the Kanyakumari district, includin