The Economic Advisory Council to Prime Minister recently released a report on the ‘Index on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy’. The report on the literacy rate in India is an indicator of literacy among children below the age of 10 years in Indian states that are further divided into different categories. On one hand, in the 'large states category', West Bengal has topped the charts while Bihar is on the bottom, Kerala can be seen on a top spot in the ‘small states category’.

Bihar is ranked at the bottom of the Foundational Literacy Index 2021 in the larger states category with a score of 37. It is preceded by Uttar Pradesh. Jharkhand is ranked at the bottom of the index in the smaller states category.

The Government of India has granted ‘In-Principle’ approval to set up six Nuclear Power Reactors of 1,650 MW each in technical cooperation with France. The approval to the nuclear power reactors has been accorded to a site in Maharashtra’s Jaitapur which will make it the largest nuclear power generating site in India with a total capacity of 9,900 MW. 

Bhutan has honored Prime Minister Modi with the country's highest civilian award- Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo. It is an acknowledgment of unconditional friendship between India and Bhutan which has further strengthened under PM Modi's leadership.

North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing, shopping and drinking from December 17, 2021 as a part of 11-day mourning on the 10th anniversary of former leader Kim Jong-il.

Durga Puja in Kolkata has been included by UNESCO in its representative list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is now among the 14 Indian elements on the ICH list.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a supply order from the Aeronautical Development Establishment, DRDO for manufacturing, assembly, integration, testing and supply of a High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) system known as ABHYAS.