PM Modi has launched 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' scheme

• Life Insurance Corporation of India launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana, providing training and stipends to women aged 18-70 on  December 9, 2024.
• This scheme offers women training to become LIC agents and develop their knowledge about insurance products and services.
• Bima Sakhi Yojana and Maharana Pratap Horticultural University are expected to boost job creation and agricultural growth in Haryana.
• Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, set to open in Panipat, will offer graduate and post-graduate studies in horticulture.
• The university is promoting crop diversification to enhance sustainability in agriculture, reducing market vulnerability.
• It aims to enhance personal lives in Haryana, particularly for women, by promoting education and innovative for agriculture.

According to a UN report, more than 77 % of the Earth’s land has become dry  

• UN report reveals that desertification and climate change have led to over 77% of Earth's land becoming drier declared on December 9, 2024.
• Earth's land has become drier in the past three decades, posing threats to wildlife, agriculture, and water supplies.
• Africa's GDP decreased by 12% between 1990 and 2015 due to aridity, with projections for further 16% loss over the next five years.
• Asia is expected to experience a 7% GDP loss due to the drying of land and agricultural challenges.
• Drylands experience rapid rainfall evaporation, leading to severe water shortages and limited plant life, negatively impacting biodiversity and agriculture.
• Kenya's maize output could potentially decrease by 50% by 2050, posing a significant threat to regional food security.
• UN estimates that by mid-century, two-thirds of the world's land will have less water storage.

India successfully attracted over $1 trillion in foreign direct investment (FDI)

• As announced on December 9, 2024, India attracted over $1 trillion investement in FDI inflows from April, 2000 to September, 2024.
• India's top FDI contributors are the United States (10%), the Netherlands (7%), Japan (6%), Singapore (24%), and Mauritius (25%).
• FDI is primarily drawn to services, computer hardware and software, telecommunications, commerce, construction, and car manufacturing.
• Between 2014 and 2024, India attracted $667.4 billion in foreign direct investment, a 119% increase from the previous ten years.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is an Indian government agency that promotes foreign direct investment.
• FDI regulations permit most industries to automatically invest, but media, insurance, telecom, and pharmaceuticals require government clearance.

Google unveiled its revolutionary quantum chip 'Willow'

• Google unveiled Willow quantum chip, capable of solving complex problems on December 9, 2024.
• It solves complex problems in 5 minutes while even the most powerful supercomputer would require 10 septillion years for the same task.
• Quantum computers use qubits, which can describe states as both 0 and 1 simultaneously unlike regular computers which use bits (0 or 1).
• Willow demonstrated its effectiveness by solving the Random Circuit Sampling problem faster than conventional supercomputers.
• Google is improving error correction techniques to address flaw rates in quantum computing design implementations.
• Google's Santa Barbara research centre developed the Willow chip, featuring 105 qubits, which enhances qubit quality.
• Willow, a quantum computing technology, has potential applications in artificial intelligence, medicine, and energy.

Voronezh Radar: India-Russia Radar Deal (Defense)

• Valued at approximately US$ 4 billion, Voronezh is a ballistic missile warning system developed by Almaz-Antey deal was finalized on  December 9, 2024.
• It employs phased array technique to provide coverage against ballistic missiles, stealth aircraft and space end items.
• The radar will be set up in Chitradurga, Karnataka and will act as warning system against missile threats from China and Pakistan.
• Over 50 Indian partners including startups are involved in fabricating 60 percent of the radar system.
• It is going to be developed under the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment with defense lab of DRDO.
• It will act as early warning system to India’s national security needs from ballistic missile threats and counter stealth missions.

SMILE Scheme extended to the cities of Odisha

• Launched in February, 2022, the SMILE (Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise) scheme is a central government scheme.
• It is under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and helps marginalized individuals by providing livelihood opportunities.
• Bhubaneswar, Puri, and Jajpur are participating in the second phase of the SMILE scheme, with Puri and Jajpur yet to confirm on  December 8, 2024.
• Nodal officers and bank accounts for cash disbursements are crucial for the smooth implementation of the scheme.
• Puri, Jajpur, and Bhubaneswar selected for the scheme due to their importance as tourist destinations.
• Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is implementing it by identifying and rehoming beggars aiming to make it beggar-free city.
• The SMILE Scheme, when successfully implemented, can significantly improve the lives of marginalized individuals.

AP Urjaveer Energy Scheme 2024

• AP government launched AP Urjaveer Scheme on  December 9, 2024, aiming to train 112000 private electricians to promote energy-efficient equipment.
• Scheme aims to promote sustainable development by promoting energy conservation, economic growth, and environmental preservation.
• Program offer six energy-efficient appliances like 6W LED bulbs, 20W LED tube lights, 30W BLDC ceiling fans, 5-star air conditioners and 10W LED inverter lamps.
• The AP Urjaveer Scheme trains Urjaveers to promote energy-saving technology and educate communities about its benefits.
• National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP) is a government initiative aimed at improving cooking techniques and reducing energy consumption.