Notes:
12% of worldwide trade passes through the Suez Canal, which handles ship passages between Asia and Europe. The canal has faced disruptions after recent attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group on ships in the Red Sea. This has choked trade and prompted the establishment of a naval task force for safe passage. The hostilities impact the movement of global goods, causing supply chain backups and shortages. The attacks are part of the ongoing conflict between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen. The location of the Suez Canal makes the disruptions strategically important.

Notes:
Researchers from Visva-Bharati University discovered a new plant growth-promoting bacteria species which they named Pantoea Tagorei, in homage to Rabindranath Tagore’s agricultural promotion efforts. The bacteria has unique properties that enhance soil nutrients.

Notes:
Recently, 1467 projects of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have been brought under the Bhoomi Rashi Portal. The objective of Bhoomi Rashi portal is to provide a single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development projects in India and payment of compensation for land acquisition.

Notes:
On December 17, 2023, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the International Gita Seminar and Geeta Mahotsav at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, Haryana.
The theme of this year is – “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Srimad Bhagavad Gita and Universal Unity.” The International Geeta Mahotsav programs are scheduled from December 7 to December 24, with the main event taking place from December 17 to December 24. Assam plays a pivotal role as the main state partner for this program. The event is organized collaboratively by the Kurukshetra Development Board, Haryana Tourism, District Administration, North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala, and the Information and Public Relations Department of Haryana.

Notes:
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar won the 2023 Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy for the 25th time. The trophy is awarded annually by the President of India to the university with the best overall performance in sports at national, international, and inter-university competitions.