The full list of recipients of the Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards: The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award for 2024 will go to four athletes: Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. Additionally, 32 athletes—including 17 para-athletes—were selected by the sports ministry for the Arjuna award.

The nominees for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award are Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Praveen Kumar. in the age of 18, Gukesh won the title of youngest global chess champion last month, while Bhaker won two medals in the Olympics in Paris. Praveen won gold in the men’s high jump at the Paralympics with a record-breaking leap of 2.08 meters, while Harmanpreet Singh guided the Indian men’s hockey team to their second straight bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Additionally, 32 athletes—including 17 para-athletes—were selected by the sports ministry for the Arjuna Awards. At a particularly planned event at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Friday, January 17, at 11 AM, the President of India will present each of the winners with their respective honors.

The 22-year-old Bhaker became the first Indian to win two medals at an Olympics after independence with two bronze (10m air pistol and 10m air pistol mixed team). She was also the first female shooter from India to win an Olympic medal.

Sarabjot Singh, her mixed teammate, is one among the people nominated for the Arjuna Awards. The declaration follows a TOI report stating that Bhaker is not one of the Khel Ratna nominees.

Hamranpreet guided the Indian hockey team to their second straight bronze medal at the same Olympics in Paris. The Men in Blue, who had taken home a bronze medal from Tokyo three years prior, battled valiantly to defeat Spain and secure third place. Additionally, it was the ideal send-off for PR Sreejesh, who declared his retirement from the game.

It reminded Gukesh of a dream he had six years prior. The Tamil Nadu kid defeated the Chinese Liren for the top honors in an exciting 14-game match in Singapore. Gukesh became the 18th overall and the second Indian chess champion in the process.

For their achievements to the sports industry, the sports ministry also honored Sucha Singh (athletics) and Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (para-swimming) with lifetime Arjuna Awards.

Sandeep Sangwan (hockey) in the regular category, Subhash Rana (para-shooting), Deepali Deshpande (shooting), and Muralidharan (badminton) and Armando Agnelo Colaco (football) in the lifetime category are among the Dronacharya awards.

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna awards 2024

S. No.        Name of the Sportsperson                                          Sports
1.                  D Gukesh                                                            Chess
2.                 Harmanpreet Singh                                          Hockey
3.                 Praveen Kumar                                                  Para-Athletics
4.                 Manu Bhakar                                                     Shooting

Full list of Arjuna Awardees for 2024

S. No.                     Name of the Sportsperson                      Sports
1                                              Ms. Jyothi Yarraji                    Athletics
2                                             Ms. Annu Rani                          Athletics
3                                             Ms. Nitu                                     Boxing
4                                             Ms. Saweety                              Boxing
5                                             Ms. Vantika Agrawal               Chess
6                                             Ms. Salima Tete                       Hockey
7                                             Shri Abhishek                           Hockey
8                                             Shri Sanjay                                Hockey
9                                             Shri Jarmanpreet Singh         Hockey
10                                           Shri Sukhjeet Singh                 Hockey
11                                           Shri Rakesh Kumar                  Para-Archery
12                                           Ms. Preeti Pal                            Para-Athletics
13                                           Ms. Jeevanji Deepthi               Para-Athletics
14                                           Shri Ajeet Singh                        Para-Athletics
15                                           Shri Sachin Sarjerao Khilari   Para-Athletics
16                                           Shri Dharambir                         Para-Athletics
17                                           Shri Pranav Soorma                  Para-Athletics
18                                          Shri H Hokato Sema                 Para-Athletics
19                                          Ms. Simran                                  Para-Athletics
20                                         Shri Navdeep                               Para-Athletics
21                                          Shri Nitesh Kumar                     Para-Badminton
22                                         Ms. Thulasimathi Murugesan  Para-Badminton
23                                         Ms. Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan  Para-Badminton
24                                         Ms. Manisha Ramadass             Para-Badminton
25                                         Shri Kapil Parmar                        Para-Judo
26                                         Ms. Mona Agarwal                      Para-Shooting
27                                          Ms. Rubina Francis                    Para-Shooting
28                                         Shri Swapnil Suresh Kusale      Shooting
29                                         Shri Sarabjot Singh                     Shooting
30                                         Shri Abhay Singh                         Squash
31                                          Shri Sajan Prakash                      Swimming
32                                         Shri Aman                                     Wrestling

According to a year-end evaluation published on Wednesday, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) of the Finance Ministry led effective efforts to improve India’s economic resilience and international integration in 2024. Notably, the revised Framework on Currency Swap Arrangements for SAARC Countries (2024–27) was agreed by the Union Cabinet, promoting regional integration and financial cooperation.

In order to encourage the internationalization of the Indian Rupee, this framework added an INR Swap Window valued at Rs 25,000 crore to the USD/Euro Swap Window.

These actions demonstrate India’s dedication to fostering closer relations with SAARC countries and ensuring regional financial stability.

While the India-Uzbekistan Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) focused on investor protection and dispute resolution procedures, the signing and implementation of the India-UAE BIT signaled a new chapter in promoting investor confidence and economic cooperation, further solidifying India’s international partnerships.

Deeper cooperation was also made possible by the establishment of the Joint Task Force on Investment between Qatar and India, and India’s initiative in stabilizing Sri Lanka’s economy demonstrated its leadership in tackling the region’s financial issues. These programs demonstrate India’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and international economic alliances.

To improve infrastructure and streamline investment procedures, the DEA implemented numerous Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) changes. By assessing and promoting infrastructure development across states and central ministries, the National Infrastructure Readiness Index (NIRI) was introduced, fostering cooperative and competitive federalism.

Concurrently, cross-border investments were made easier and procedures were streamlined by changes to foreign investment regulations, such as the Foreign Exchange Management Rules and the Overseas Direct Investment Regulation. Together, these programs improved India’s investment climate, allowing Indian businesses to expand internationally and increasing financial inclusion across the country.

Due to India’s tireless efforts as co-chair, the third IMF disbursement was approved, guaranteeing Sri Lanka’s return to a sustained economic recovery. By taking the initiative to help with debt resolution, India has demonstrated their continued commitment to the stabilization, recovery, and expansion of the Sri Lankan economy.

The National Infrastructure Readiness Index (NIRI), which was introduced in September 2024, aims to promote competitive and cooperative federalism. In order to improve their individual performance and further strengthen the climate for infrastructure development, this was done to promote competition among states/UTs and central infrastructure ministries/departments.

This paved the way for the development of infrastructure and the conditions that made it possible.

The famous economist and mastermind behind India’s economic reforms, former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, died Thursday at the age of 92. After his condition deteriorated, he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here.

Singh was born in Punjab on September 26, 1932, and graduated from Punjab University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics in 1952 and 1954, respectively. In 1957, Manmohan Singh graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in economics. In 1962, he earned a D.Phil. in Economics from Oxford University.

He was a member of the Rajya Sabha till the beginning of this year and was the UPA’s two-term prime minister from 2004 to 2014. Singh began his political career in 1991 and served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004.

Gursharan Kaur, his wife, and their three daughters survive him. The nation’s leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are anticipated to take part in honoring his memory when the funeral plans are announced. With Dr. Singh’s passing, a chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. Future generations will continue to be inspired by his leadership and legacy.

After serving five terms as an Assamese representative in the Upper House, he moved to Rajasthan in 2019. He opposed demonetisation in his most recent parliamentary intervention, calling it a “organised loot and legalised plunder.”

In a statement, the AIIMS acknowledged the news of Dr. Singh’s passing that “With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh aged 92. He was being treated for age related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 p.m.”

As the nation’s prime minister from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Singh was renowned for his pivotal role in guiding India’s economy through a period of substantial liberalization. When he served as finance minister in 1991, he is frequently credited with starting significant economic changes that modernized and integrated India’s economy with the world economy.

Dr. Singh was a well-respected individual in India and around the world for his intelligence and humility. India saw steady economic progress under his direction, which decreased poverty and improved the nation’s standing internationally. His administration was renowned for enacting important laws in fields including information, food security, and education.

In April this year, Manmohan Singh retired from Rajya Sabha, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praising his long parliamentary career. Manmohan Singh shot to prominence as the country’s Finance Minister in the government headed by PV Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, having brought in sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.

Taking to X, the President Droupadi Murmu wrote: “Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the death of former PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away here in the AIIMS at the age of 92.

Taking to X, PM Modi wrote: “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, renowned economist and architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here following a deterioration in his health.

To commemorate National Consumers Day, the Department of Consumer Affairs will make available to the public the ‘Jago Grahak Jago App,’ ‘Jagriti App,’ and ‘Jagriti Dashboard“.

According to an official statement issued on Sunday, the Department’s activities aim to create a transparent and fair digital economy in which customers may make informed decisions without being misled or pressured. Consumers will also learn about their rights.

“The Apps would considerably enhance the capability of the CCPA in taking suo motu action to protect consumers against dark patterns,” according to the release.

The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ delivers critical e-commerce information about all URLs seen during a consumer’s online activity, informing them if any URL is potentially hazardous and should be avoided. Meanwhile, the ‘Jagriti App’ allows users to report URLs that they believe include one or more prohibited dark patterns. These reports are then filed as complaints with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for possible redress and further action.

Furthermore, the CCPA is being enhanced with the ‘Jagriti Dashboard’, which generates real-time information on e-commerce URLs for the existence of black patterns, improving the ability to efficiently monitor and control online consumer interactions.

The ‘Jago Grahak Jago App’ delivers critical e-commerce information about all URLs seen during a consumer’s online activity, informing them if any URL is potentially hazardous and should be avoided. Meanwhile, the ‘Jagriti App’ allows users to report URLs that they believe include one or more prohibited dark patterns. These reports are then filed as complaints with the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for possible redress and further action.

Furthermore, the CCPA is being enhanced with the ‘Jagriti Dashboard’, which generates real-time information on e-commerce URLs for the existence of black patterns, improving the ability to efficiently monitor and control online consumer interactions.

The three apps are part of an intelligent cyber-physical system that runs in real time on the Airawat AI Supercomputer, which is part of the National Supercomputing Mission for AI and Data Analysis. According to the statement, this unique approach analyzes existing text and design elements on e-commerce platforms to see if they are being utilized to impact customer psychology.

CCPA had previously issued notices to IndiGo Airlines and BookMyShow under the Consumer Protection Act of 2019 for alleged misleading advertisements/unfair trade practices in the form of deceptive design patterns. Following the CCPA intervention, both companies implemented corrective procedures to ensure that consumers were treated fairly.

Filmmaker Anil Sharma’s new film “Vanvaas” released on 20th December this year, and its star, Nana Patekar, stated that the film talks to the spirit.

Nana stated, “Vanvaas is more than just a story; it is a representation of the feelings we frequently suppress deep within ourselves. Playing this role was like peeling back the layers of my own concept of family, honor, and belonging. It’s a film that appeals to the spirit, and I believe spectators will recognize aspects of their own journey in it.”

“Vanvaas” is an emotional rollercoaster that dives into the complexity of interpersonal relationships. The film redefines the concept of family, emphasizing that meaningful relationships are often formed through love and acceptance rather than blood. The film also features Utkarsh Sharma and Simrat Kaur. The nearly three-minute clip provides a glimpse into a story packed with vulnerability, perseverance, and the desire for belonging.

Anil, who has made films like “Apne,” “Gadar: Ek Prem Katha,” and “Gadar 2,” stated that the film is “deeply personal” to him.

He went on to say that it “explores themes of love, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be a family.” Nana Patekar, Utkarsh, Simrat, Rajpal Yadav, and others have contributed unparalleled depth and realism to their portrayals. I can’t wait for audiences to see their adventure on the big screen.

The makers of the touching song “Bandhan” wrote, “A harmony of hearts, a connection through music. #Bandhan SONG OUT NOW!” The soulful music is a heartfelt melody that highlights the lead actors’ connection. Utkarsh Sharma and Simrat Kaur have delicate love moments, and Nana Patekar adds old-school charm as he romances his on-screen wife.

The song is performed by Vishal Mishra, Palak Muchhal, and Mithoon. Mithoon composed the song, and Sayeed Quadri wrote the lyrics.

A video of legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam singing his song ‘Yaadon Ke Jharokhon Se‘ for the film ‘Vanvaas’ has leaked on social media. The video shows the singer performing with the composer and other artists in the studio. The video depicts Nigam’s emotional performance in the recording studio, where his deep voice flawlessly compliments the song’s nostalgic tone.

The ‘Vanvaas’ film team organized a special screening for Indian businessman Vijaypat Singhania in downtown Mumbai’s Nariman Point. The film struck a strong chord with the businessman, who was evicted from his Mumbai house by his son Gautam Singhania.

Vijaypat Singhania transferred his whole 37% ownership in Raymond Group to his younger son, Raymond’s chairman at the time, in 2015. This was the beginning of a publicly publicized and long-running quarrel within Singhania’s family over a variety of issues arising from the transfer. Vijaypat Singhania (84), a former top business magnate at one of India’s largest and most iconic textile firms, rarely attends events. Anil Sharma, who previously directed ‘Gadar 2’, directs ‘Vanvaas’.

Tabu has been cast in the streaming series ‘Dune: Prophecy’. She plays a recurring part in the series that acts as a prequel to filmmaker Denis Villeneuve’s ‘Dune’, which will be released in 2021. According to ‘Variety’, the series was commissioned in 2019 under the title ‘Dune: The Sisterhood’.

It was inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s novel ‘Sisterhood of Dune’. The official description is this: “Set within the expansive universe of ‘Dune’, created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, ‘Dune: Prophecy’ follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind, and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.”

The series has had a long journey to the screen, with many showrunner changes and a creative reset in 2023. Alison Schapker serves as showrunner and executive producer. The actress stated that working on “Dune: Prophecy,” which is inspired by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s “Sisterhood of Dune” and is set 10,000 years before the events of “Dune,” provided many firsts, including working with people she had never met before.

“I just got an email one day from my agents and my managers telling me that Alison and Anna were the showrunners and the directors on the show wanted to cast me for this particular role,” Tab,whose international credits include Mira Nair’s “The Namesake”, “A Suitable Boy” and Ang Lee’s “Life of Pi”, said.

The actress first reviewed two scenes from the script and then got to a Zoom meeting the following day where the creative team detailed her character’s involvement in the final two episodes. “I just loved the character and the potential of this character. I knew that this is my world, and this I would enjoy doing.”

Tabu discussed the project’s many firsts, which were shot in Budapest, saying: “I think it’s the first time ever in my career, or at least in the past 20 years or so, that I was working with people I’d never met before, who I’d never worked with before, (in) a place I’d never been to before.”

“I was bringing Indian food on set to feed Josh and everyone else. I had a restaurant in Budapest that would send me lunch, dinner, and everything to set up. “And we’d eat outside our trailers,” Tabu explained. “And aside from that… I have myself, and when I arrive, India, my home, and my job in India accompany me.”

“I was aware of the world that Francesca belongs to. I wanted her to feel like she belonged in the world of the Bene Gesserit, but because she has such a strong personality and tale of her own that is unrelated to the others and the other characters, it was intriguing to straddle both,” Tabu said.

The actress stated that she enjoyed playing every scene in which she appeared. “I had some lovely lines to say. Tabu remarked, “My interaction with the Emperor, as well as with Constantine, my son, was something I will cherish.”

“It’s a really strong basis for me to base a character on, but the interesting thing was that I was supposed to have a love relationship with the Emperor. It gave this figure its own area and the ability to roam.” “Also, wearing that outfit, wearing that veil, simply being different and appearing different than I have before – I have never had this. “It’s such a distinct look,” she said.

The Atal Bhujal Yojana is installing QR codes in the villages to raise awareness of the declining groundwater level in Gurugram. Information about the village’s population, Sarpanch, groundwater level, and other details will be displayed upon scanning the QR code.

Government schools, Panchayat Bhawans, and Anganwadi centers in 153 of the district’s villages are getting QR codes placed. The Haryana Irrigation Department is in charge of the Atal Bhujal scheme. This campaign was launched by the central government on December 25, 2019. Rainwater collection, groundwater level raising, and water conservation are the goals of this initiative.

In the chosen villages, a number of actions are being conducted in this regard. This comprises, among other things, pond rehabilitation and canal connection, as well as groundwater monitoring. in order to improve the water level and lessen groundwater exploitation. People are also being reminded to conserve water at the same time.

The Farrukhnagar block has a groundwater level of 74.54 feet, Pataudi has a level of 110.82 feet, and Sohna has a level of 66.84 feet.

It should be mentioned that the city was designated as a dark zone by the Central Ground Water Board in 2013. A groundwater report states that the city’s average groundwater level was 6.64 meters in 1974, 19.85 meters in 2006, and 26.3 meters in 2014. In 2021, it went down to 36.99 meters.

The district name, block name, village population, Gram Panchayat area, cultivable land, irrigable land, Sarpanch and Bhujal Saheli names, water availability, and other details are among the information that QR codes will convey.

“Water conservation in villages is emphasized under the Atal Bhujal Yojana. Groundwater, tube wells, rainwater collection, pond upkeep, and other projects are being carried out for this. In many areas, QR codes are being put to provide information about the groundwater level. “On a mobile device, people can obtain comprehensive information, including groundwater,” stated Manish Chitkara, Executive Engineer, Haryana’s Irrigation Department.

AI-enabled talent evaluation and hiring platform HireMee on Wednesday unveiled a new tool to help students make well-informed decisions about their academic and professional futures as India prepares to produce a workforce prepared for the future in different occupations and emerging technology.

A scientifically developed tool called the Career Navigation Assessment was introduced by the Bengaluru-based organization to help students in Classes X, XI, and XII (14–18 years old) map their individual personality traits, aptitudes, and interests to possible career choices.

Venkatraman Umakanth, SVP and Head of HireMee, said, “This innovative psychometric assessment meets the growing need for individualized career guidance, offering students a dependable, engaging, and actionable solution to navigate this formative phase of their lives.”

According to the organization, students can take the online test whenever it is convenient for them at home, and they will receive a complete result via email shortly after. In order to engage students and lessen social desirability bias, the evaluation employs realistic, immersive scenarios that promote candid and deliberate answers.

These situations guarantee accurate insights into students’ innate inclinations and skills while encouraging critical thinking. These components work together to create customized career recommendations that are in line with each student’s motivations, goals, and strengths.

Chocko Valliappa, Vice Chairman of the Sona Group of Institutions and CEO of Vee Technologies, stated, “The panel was selected to ensure diversity in expertise, capturing varied perspectives on content relevance and cultural appropriateness, guided by the principle that Indian youth deserve to follow a career aligned with their aspirations.”

More than 700,000 students have benefited from the free self-assessment provided by the HireMee platform since its launch in 2017, and more than 270,000 students have had the chance to interview with different businesses.

The “Draft Guidelines for Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education,” published last week by the University Grants Commission (UGC), will grant access to higher education and make it possible for people who have gained competencies through informal and non-formal learning methods to enroll in higher education programs.

According to the UGC, the recommendations establish flexible and varied pathways that enable people with different learning experiences and educational backgrounds to pursue higher education in accordance with their proven competencies.