Forbes unveiled its 21st annual list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women, a prestigious ranking that celebrates influential figures across business, entertainment, politics, philanthropy, and policymaking. This year (2024), three Indian women made their mark on the global stage with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. They include Nirmala Sitharaman, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, whose contributions to their industries have earned them prominent spots on the list.
The top 10 Women in the list (2024) are: 1. Claudia Sheinbaum – President of Mexico, 2. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission, 3. Christine Lagarde – President of the European Central Bank, 4. Giorgia Meloni – Prime Minister of Italy, 5. Mary Barra – CEO of General Motors, 6. Abigail Johnson – CEO of Fidelity Investments, 7. Julie Sweet – CEO of Accenture, 8. Melinda French Gates – Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, 9. MacKenzie Scott – Philanthropist and 10. Jane Fraser – CEO of Citigroup.
Bald Eagle Officially Becomes National Bird of US
The bald eagle, a symbol of the power and strength of the United States for more than 240 years, earned an overdue honour as it officially became the country's national bird.
President Joe Biden signed into law legislation sent to him by Congress that amends the United States Code to correct what had long gone unnoticed and designated the bald eagle, familiar to many because of its white head, yellow beak and brown body, as the national bird.
New Consumer Protection Apps Launches on National Consumer Day 2024
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi presided over the celebrations of National Consumer Day 2024, in Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi with the launch of several pro-Consumer initiatives.
On this occasion, Pralhad Joshi launched the 'Jago Grahak Jago App,' 'Jagriti App,' and 'Jagriti Dashboard' to protect Consumers from Dark Patterns. The Apps would equip the Department of Consumer Affairs with means and resources to identify dark patterns on e-commerce platforms and is soon going to empower consumers with these tools. He also launched National Legal Metrology e-Mapp, which enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability in governance and operations.
The Jago Grahak Jago App provides consumers with crucial information about e-commerce platforms, helping them identify potentially unsafe websites. The app alerts users to online shopping risks, aiming to raise awareness and empower consumers to make informed decisions when shopping online.
Designed to encourage proactive consumer engagement, the Jagriti App allows users to report websites suspected of using deceptive online practices, such as dark patterns. These reports are sent to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for further investigation, making it easier for consumers to voice their concerns and take action against unfair practices.
The Jagriti Dashboard aggregates data from the complaints submitted through the Jagriti App, offering a comprehensive view of consumer trends. It helps authorities track the prevalence of dark patterns across different platforms, enabling more effective regulation and intervention.
NASA's Parker Solar Probe Makes Closest Ever Pass By the Sun
NASA's pioneering Parker Solar Probe made history, flying closer to the Sun than any other spacecraft with its heat shield exposed to scorching temperatures of more than 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (930 degrees Celsius).
Launched in August 2018, the spaceship is on a seven-year mission to deepen scientific understanding of our star and help forecast space-weather events that can affect life on Earth.
Russian Tennis Star Deniil Savelev Banned For 2 Years over Doping
Russian tennis player, Daniil Savelev was handed a two-year suspension for violating doping regulations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Savelev tested positive for the prohibited substance meldonium in July 2024. Although ITIA acknowledged that the doping was unintentional, Savelev accepted the suspension, which will be effective until August 2026.
Devika Sihag is National Women's Singles Champion; M. Raghu Wins Men's Title
Devika Sihag emerged as the National Champion in women's singles at the Bangalore Senior Nationals, in its 86th edition, after defeating upcoming talent Shriyanshi Valishetty 21-15, 21-16 at Karnataka Badminton Association courts.
Also winning his first title was Karnataka's M Raghu who had to stave off former National champ, Mithun Manjunath, rallying to a 14-21, 21-14, 24-22 victory. Raghu had to save three match points to deny his senior, and was aided greatly by the fast conditions in Bangalore.
PCB Appoints Razzaq to Lead Nationwide T20 Talent Scouting Program
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) picked former Test all-rounder Abdul Razzaq to head a country-wide scouting program to find new talent for the national T20 squad.
The program titled "Strike Force" aims to unearth hidden talent from all corners of Pakistan where T20 remains a popular format.
An official of the PCB said that Razzaq has been given the task of initially spotting 50 players and shortlisting them so that some of them can go on to play for Pakistan.
Republic Day 2025: Tableaux Theme 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas'
The theme for showcasing tableaux at the 2025 Republic Day Parade is 'Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas', and 15 states and UTs have been selected for presenting them on the Kartavya Path on January 26, the defence ministry said. These states and UTs are -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
President Announces Governors for 5 States
In a significant reshuffle, President Droupadi Murmu appointed two new Governors and reassigned three others, reorganising the leadership in five states.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a seasoned administrator, was appointed as the new Governor of Manipur, replacing Anusuiya Uikey.
Another key appointment is Arif Mohammed Khan, the Governor of Kerala, who was reassigned to Bihar.
Other key appointments include Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Mizoram, who was transferred to Odisha, and General (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh, a decorated retired officer, who will now serve as the Governor of Mizoram. Meanwhile, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the Governor of Bihar, was reassigned to Kerala.
HFCL Inaugurates Defence Manufacturing Unit in Hosur
Domestic telecom gear maker HFCL inaugurated its advanced defence equipment manufacturing facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The new facility will produce defence technologies, including HFCL's indigenously developed thermal weapon sights, electronic fuzes, high-capacity radio relay (HCRR) systems and surveillance radars.
The facility has the capacity to manufacture up to 5,000 thermal weapon sights, 250,000 electronic fuzes, 1,000 units each of high-capacity radio relays and ground surveillance radars annually.
December 25, the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, is observed as Good Governance Day. The country honours Vajpayee's leadership and services to society on this day.
The Narendra Modi government in 2014 announced that December 25 would be observed as Good Governance Day in honour of Vajpayee's legacy.
Since 2014, the government has observed Good Governance Day annually.
Jaishankar Receives Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Award for Leadership
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was honored with the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to India's foreign policy and leadership on the global stage. In his acceptance speech, Jaishankar emphasised India's growing assertiveness on the international platform, underlining the importance of confidence in the nation's capabilities.
Tamil Nadu to Retain No-detention Policy for Students up to Class 8
Tamil Nadu will continue its 'no-detention policy' for students up to Class 8, as confirmed by School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.
Criticising the Centre's decision to permit schools to detain students in Class 5 or 8 if they fail to pass exams, he called the move a significant obstacle for children from economically disadvantaged families, hindering their uninterrupted education up to Class 8.
Tamil Nadu school Education Minister clarified that Tamil Nadu does not implement the National Education Policy, and the Centre's decision will not impact schools in the state, except those under the jurisdiction of the Union government.
IIT-Delhi Launches Executive Programme in Virtual and Augmented Reality
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi unveiled a six-month executive programme in virtual and augmented reality as part of its Continuing Education Programme (CEP). Designed for professionals, this blended learning course focusses on equipping participants with practical skills and expertise to foster innovation in the rapidly evolving AR and VR domains.
The programme covers a wide range of topics, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques in creating immersive experiences. Participants will learn essential skills such as animation design and the development of interactive AR and VR environments. A one-day campus immersion experience is also included as part of the course.
Madhya Pradesh Named "Go-To Global Destination for 2025" by WSJ
Madhya Pradesh earned global recognition as one of the Wall Street Journal's "Go-To Global Destinations for 2025," showcasing its rich heritage, unique wildlife, and natural beauty. This prestigious acknowledgment builds upon the state's ongoing efforts to establish itself as a premier travel destination. With iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, as well as an array of vibrant cultural experiences, Madhya Pradesh is solidifying its position on the global tourism map.
The inclusion in the Wall Street Journal's list highlights Madhya Pradesh's appeal as a world-class destination, attracting global travelers seeking history, adventure, and stunning landscapes. Principal Secretary of Tourism, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, emphasized that this recognition further establishes the state's global tourism status.