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Which District of Gujarat is Known as the Oil City?

Gujarat is a state located in the western part of India. Known for its rich culture, history and diverse landscapes, it is also a hub for industries like petrochemicals, textiles and diamond processing. Gujarat plays a key role in India’s economic growth and development. In this article, we will know about the district of Gujarat which is known as the “Oil City.”

An Overview of Gujarat

Gujarat is a state located on the western coast of India, with the longest coastline of about 1,600 km. It is the fifth-largest state in terms of area and has a population of around 60 million. Gujarat is bordered by Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and the Arabian Sea. Gandhinagar is the capital and Ahmedabad is the largest city. The official language is Gujarati.

Number of Districts of Gujarat

Gujarat has 33 districts, which were formed in 1960 with just 17 districts. Over time, the state has been divided into more districts, which are further split into 252 talukas. Notable districts include Kutch, the largest, Dang, the smallest one and Ahmedabad is the most populated district.

Oil City in Gujarat

Jamnagar, located in the state of Gujarat, is famously known as the Oil City. It holds a significant place in the country’s industrial landscape, particularly due to its role in the oil refining sector.

Why is Jamnagar Known as the Oil City of Gujarat?

Jamnagar is called the Oil City of Gujarat because it is home to the world’s largest oil refinery, the Jamnagar Refinery. Owned by Reliance Industries, this refinery has a capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. The city plays a key role in India’s oil processing industry, making it a major center for refining and energy production.

World’s Largest Oil Refinery

Jamnagar is home to the world’s largest oil refinery, the Jamnagar Refinery. Owned by Reliance Industries Limited, this refinery has an impressive capacity of 1.4 million barrels per day. It is one of the largest refining units globally, making Jamnagar a major hub for oil production and processing.

A Center of Culture and Craftsmanship

Apart from being an oil hub, Jamnagar is also known for its traditional craftsmanship. The city is famous for bandhani (tie-dyeing), a technique used to create colorful fabrics. The gold embroidery and metalware from Jamnagar are also highly regarded, adding to its cultural richess.

The Seat of Gujarat Ayurved University

Jamnagar is also an important center for Ayurveda education. The Gujarat Ayurved University, located in the city, is one of the leading institutions in the study and research of traditional Indian medicine.

The FIFA Best Awards 2024: Recognizing Excellence

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 were held in Doha, Qatar, on December 17, where several individuals were honored for their exceptional performances throughout the year. The event recognized the best players, coaches, and goalkeepers in both men’s and women’s football, as well as other prestigious awards like the FIFA Puskás Award and FIFA Fan Award. The awards were determined by a voting system that included national team coaches, captains, media members, and fans, all of whom contributed to crowning the winners.

FIFA The Best Award 2024 Highlights

The Best FIFA Men’s Player

  • Winner: Vinicius Jr (48 points)
  • Second: Rodri (43 points)
  • Third: Jude Bellingham (37 points)
  • Vinicius Jr claimed his first Best Men’s Player award, topping the voting with strong support from fans, coaches, and players.

The Best FIFA Women’s Player

  • Winner: Aitana Bonmati (52 points)
  • Second: Barbra Banda (39 points)
  • Third: Caroline Graham Hansen (37 points)
  • Bonmati retained her title, earning overwhelming support across all categories.

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper

  • Winner: Emiliano Martinez (26 points)
  • Second: Ederson (16 points)
  • Third: Unai Simon (13 points)
  • Martinez regained the title with strong backing from Argentine figures.

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper

  • Winner: Alyssa Naeher (26 points)
  • Second: Cata Coll (22 points)
  • Third: Mary Earps (11 points)
  • Naeher’s excellent performances were recognized with the highest voting support.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach

  • Winner: Carlo Ancelotti (26 points)
  • Second: Xabi Alonso (22 points)
  • Third: Luis de la Fuente (11 points)
  • Ancelotti earned his first Best Men’s Coach award for his successful career, including Real Madrid’s triumphs.

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach

  • Winner: Emma Hayes (23 points)
  • Second: Jonatan Giraldez (20 points)
  • Third: Arthur Elias (13 points)
  • Hayes was honored for her leadership and achievements with Chelsea FC.

The FIFA Puskás Award

  • Winner: Alejandro Garnacho (26 points)
  • Second: Yassine Benzia (22 points)
  • Third: Denis Omedi (16 points)
  • Garnacho’s stunning goal won him the prestigious award for the best goal of the year.

The FIFA Marta Award

  • Winner: Marta (22 points)
  • Second: Asisat Oshoala (20 points)
  • Third: Sakina Karchaoui (16 points)
  • The award celebrated the iconic Brazilian player’s remarkable contribution to football.

The FIFA Fan Award

  • Winner: Guilherme Gandra Moura

The FIFA Fair Play Award

  • Winner: Thiago Maia

The Best FIFA Men’s 11 

  • Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez 
  • Defenders: Ruben Dias, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, William Saliba 
  • Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Toni Kroos 
  • Forwards: Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Vinicius Junior 

The Best FIFA Women’s 11 

  • Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher 
  • Defenders: Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, Lucy Bronze, Naomi Girma 
  • Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati, Lindsey Horan, Gabi Portilho, Patri Guijarro 
  • Forwards: Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo 
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? FIFA The Best Awards 2024 Announced
The Best FIFA Men’s Player Winner: Vinicius Jr (48 points), 

Second: Rodri (43), 

Third: Bellingham (37)
The Best FIFA Women’s Player Winner: Aitana Bonmati (52 points), 

Second: Barbra Banda (39), 

Third: Hansen (37)
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Winner: Emiliano Martinez (26 points), Second: Ederson (16), 

Third: Simon (13)
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Winner: Alyssa Naeher (26 points), 

Second: Cata Coll (22), 

Third: Earps (11)
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Winner: Carlo Ancelotti (26 points), 

Second: Xabi Alonso (22), 

Third: de la Fuente (11)
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Winner: Emma Hayes (23 points), 

Second: Jonatan Giraldez (20), 

Third: Elias (13)
The FIFA Puskás Award Winner: Alejandro Garnacho (26 points), 

Second: Benzia (22), 

Third: Omedi (16)
The FIFA Marta Award Winner: Marta (22 points), 

Second: Oshoala (20), 

Third: Karchaoui (16)
The FIFA Fan Award Guilherme Gandra Moura
The FIFA Fair Play Award Thiago Maia
The Best FIFA Men’s 11, 2024 Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez, 

Defenders: Dias, Carvajal, Rudiger, Saliba, Midfielders: Bellingham, Rodri, Kroos, Forwards: Haaland, Yamal, Vinicius Jr
The Best FIFA Women’s 11, 2024 Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher, 

Defenders: Paredes, Batlle, Bronze, Girma, Midfielders: Bonmati, Horan, Portilho, Guijarro, 

Forwards: Hansen, Paralluelo

International Migrants Day 2024

International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18, serves as an important reminder to honor the contributions of migrants around the world and the role they play in shaping societies. In 2024, the day will be observed under the theme, “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.” This day also sheds light on the challenges migrants face, including their rights, integration, and exploitation, while emphasizing the need for fair and inclusive migration policies.

Key Points

  • Date of Observation: December 18, annually.
  • Theme for 2024: “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights” (European Parliament).

Purpose

  • Celebrate the invaluable contributions of migrants to host societies and their home countries.
  • Raise awareness about the challenges migrants face, including exploitation, rights violations, and integration difficulties.
  • Advocate for fair and inclusive migration policies that protect migrants’ dignity and human rights.

Contributions of Migrants

  • Labour Market: Migrants play a crucial role in filling skills gaps, addressing demographic challenges in aging societies, and driving innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Economic Growth: They contribute significantly to economic growth and development by providing a lifeline to families back home and boosting productivity in host countries.
  • Cultural and Social Impact: Migrants enrich cultural diversity and foster global connections that enhance social cohesion.

Migration Challenges

  • Displacement: Conflicts, climate change, and economic pressures drive millions of people to migrate in search of safety and opportunities.
  • Humanitarian Needs: The past year saw rising displacement, increasing humanitarian needs, and tragic migrant deaths during transit.
  • Exploitation: Migrants often face exploitation, discrimination, and violations of their rights, both during migration and in their host countries.

History and Significance

  • Establishment: International Migrants Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 to raise awareness about migrants and their rights.
  • International Convention: The United Nations adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families in 1990, which came into force in 2003. 
  • This convention aims to protect migrant workers and their families, ensuring their rights are upheld, regardless of status or location.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? International Migrants Day 2024
Date December 18, annually
Theme for 2024 “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights” (European Parliament)
Purpose – Celebrate migrants’ contributions to societies and economies.

– Raise awareness of migrants’ challenges, rights, and exploitation.

– Advocate for fair, inclusive migration policies.
Contributions of Migrants – Labour Market: Filling skill gaps, addressing demographic challenges, driving innovation.

– Economic Growth: Boosting productivity, providing financial support to families back home.

– Cultural Impact: Enriching cultural diversity, fostering global connections.
Migration Challenges – Humanitarian Needs: Rising displacement and increasing migrant deaths in transit.

– Exploitation: Migrants face discrimination, rights violations, and unsafe working conditions.
History & Significance – Establishment: Created by the UN in 2000 to raise awareness about migrant rights.

– International Convention: UN’s 1990 convention on migrant worker rights came into force in 2003.
Conclusion Advocates for a safe, orderly, and inclusive migration system that supports migrant rights and benefits society.

Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Test Century

On December 15, 2024, England made history at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa, with Nat Sciver-Brunt and Maia Bouchier setting remarkable records in women’s cricket. Sciver-Brunt smashed the fastest Test century by a woman, while Bouchier marked her Test debut with a century. Their aggressive performances placed England in a commanding position, but both were dismissed before converting their hundreds into bigger scores.

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Historic Fastest Test Century

  • Sciver-Brunt became the first and only woman cricketer to score a Test century in less than 100 balls, reaching her hundred off just 96 balls.
  • This feat broke the previous record held by Sri Lanka’s Chamani Seneviratna, who had scored a century off 106 balls in 1998.
  • Sciver-Brunt’s record-setting knock ended at 128 runs when she was run out, but her performance set a new benchmark in women’s Test cricket.

Historic Context

  • The match marked the first women’s Test in South Africa in 22 years.
  • England’s performance was notable on a flat pitch, with the bowlers from South Africa struggling to maintain control.

England’s Test Match History

  • England has not won a women’s Test in a decade, with their last victory coming in 2014 against India in Scarborough.
  • The rarity of women’s Tests, often limited to four-day matches, has resulted in many games ending in draws rather than outright victories.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Test Century
Record Set by Nat Sciver-Brunt Scored the fastest Test century by a woman, reaching 100 runs off just 96 balls.
Previous Record Holder Chamani Seneviratna (Sri Lanka) with 106 balls in 1998.
Sciver-Brunt’s Final Score She was dismissed for 128 runs after being run out, setting a new benchmark for women’s Test cricket.
Historic Context The match was the first women’s Test in South Africa in 22 years.

Pandit Sanjay Marathe, Renowned Singer and Musician, Passes Away

Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe, a distinguished classical singer and harmonium artist, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 68 due to a severe heart attack. His death occurred at a private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra. He was the eldest son of the legendary musician Pandit Ram Marathe and leaves behind a profound legacy in Indian classical music and theatre.

Key Points

  • Date of Passing: December 15, 2024 (Sunday night)
  • Age: 68
  • Cause of Death: Severe heart attack
  • Location: Private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra
  • Family: Survived by his wife, son, and granddaughter
  • Legacy: Renowned for his expertise in classical singing and harmonium.
  • Father: Eldest son of Pandit Ram Marathe, a celebrated musician

Contribution to Music

  • Highly respected in Indian classical music and theatre
  • Known for melodious singing and harmonium performances
  • Actively participated in the centenary celebrations of his father’s birth

Revival of Marathi Musical Theatre

  • Collaborated with his younger brother, Mukund Marathe, to revive and stage the famous Marathi musical play ‘Sangeet Mandarmala’ for their father’s centenary commemoration.
  • The production was praised for blending innovative experiments with traditional Marathi musical theatre.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Pandit Sanjay Marathe, Renowned Singer and Musician, Passes Away
Specialization Classical singing and harmonium
Contributions to Music – Highly respected in Indian classical music and theatre

– Known for melodious singing and expertise in harmonium

– Actively participated in centenary celebrations of his father
Theatre Contribution – Revived and staged ‘Sangeet Mandarmala’ with his brother Mukund Marathe in their father’s centenary

– Production received acclaim for blending innovation with traditional Marathi theatre
Legacy Leaves behind a legacy in classical music and theatre that continues to inspire future generations.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wins Jamsetji Tata Award for Biosciences Leadership

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, was awarded the prestigious Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for her exceptional contributions to the biosciences sector in India. The award recognises her role in leading Biocon to a global position while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality. This recognition highlights her pioneering efforts since 1978 in establishing Biocon as a world leader in the biotechnology industry, and her impact on patients worldwide.

Award Significance and Legacy

The Jamsetji Tata Award, instituted by ISQ in 2004, is named after Jamsetji Tata, the founder of the Tata Group, and celebrates business leaders who have demonstrated exceptional quality, innovation, and commitment to society. Mazumdar-Shaw’s dedication to these values mirrors Jamsetji Tata’s own legacy, making this award particularly meaningful to her.

Award Ceremony and Key Figures

The award was presented during the ISQ Annual Conference 2024, held in Bengaluru. Key dignitaries present at the event included Janak Kumar Mehta, President of ISQ; B. Muthuraman, former Vice Chairman of Tata Steel; and Dr. K. N. Subramanya, Principal of R.V. College of Engineering and President of ISQ’s Bengaluru Chapter. Mazumdar-Shaw expressed gratitude, stating that the award is a recognition of her journey and the collective effort of her exceptional team at Biocon.

Mazumdar-Shaw’s Statement

Mazumdar-Shaw shared her deep connection to the award, noting that Jamsetji Tata’s vision of excellence and nation-building strongly resonates with her own commitment to transforming India’s biosciences landscape. She emphasized Biocon’s ongoing pursuit of the highest quality in its products and services, underscoring the shared passion for excellence within her team.

Summary of the news

Why in News Key Points
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw awarded Jamsetji Tata Award – Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon, awarded the Jamsetji Tata Award by ISQ for pioneering the biosciences movement in India.
– Awarded for significant contributions to quality and commitment in business and society.
Jamsetji Tata Award – Instituted by ISQ in 2004.
– Recognizes business leaders for outstanding contributions to Indian society and a focus on quality.
– Named after Jamsetji Tata, founder of the Tata Group.
Event Details – Award announced at ISQ Annual Conference 2024, Bengaluru.
– Presented by Janak Kumar Mehta (President, ISQ), B. Muthuraman (Former Vice Chairman, Tata Steel), and Dr. K. N. Subramanya (Principal, R V College of Engineering).
Mazumdar-Shaw’s Statement – Mazumdar-Shaw highlighted Jamsetji Tata’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and nation-building.
– Stressed Biocon’s continuous pursuit of quality and excellence.
Biocon’s Role – Biocon Group established in 1978 by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.
– Major contributor to the global biotechnology sector, with a focus on healthcare and biosciences.

RBI Lifts Restrictions on Edelweiss Group’s ECL Finance and ARC

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the supervisory restrictions on two entities of the Edelweiss Group—ECL Finance Ltd and Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd (Edelweiss ARC). These restrictions were imposed in May 2024 due to concerns over regulatory compliance. After significant engagement and corrective actions by the companies, the RBI is satisfied with their adherence to regulatory norms and has allowed their normal operations to resume.

Overview of Restrictions and Post-Restriction Status

ECL Finance Ltd: In May 2024, ECL Finance was prohibited from conducting structured transactions involving wholesale exposures, except for closures or repayments. This restriction has now been lifted, allowing ECL Finance to resume its normal operations.

Edelweiss ARC: Edelweiss ARC faced a halt in acquiring financial assets and reorganizing security receipts under the SARFAESI Act. With the implementation of corrective measures, these restrictions have been removed, and Edelweiss ARC can now resume its business operations.

Compliance Measures and Market Reaction

Both entities worked closely with the RBI to address regulatory concerns by streamlining processes and committing to sustained compliance. As a result, market sentiment turned positive, with Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd’s share price rising by 7.76% to ₹138.80 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), signaling increased investor confidence.

Background on the Restrictions

The initial restrictions in May 2024 were linked to concerns over “structured transactions” aimed at evergreening distressed loans—practices that masked the true extent of stressed assets. The RBI had flagged such actions, emphasizing the need for transparency in financial practices.

Summary of the news

Why in News Key Points
RBI lifts restrictions on Edelweiss Group entities (ECL Finance Ltd and Edelweiss ARC) – Restrictions lifted due to compliance with regulatory norms.
– Previous restrictions due to “structured transactions” aimed at evergreening distressed loans.
– Entities worked with RBI to implement corrective measures.
– Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd share price rose by 7.76% post-announcement.
Entities Involved – ECL Finance Ltd: Engaged in wholesale exposures, restricted from structured transactions.
– Edelweiss ARC: Restricted from acquiring financial assets and reorganizing security receipts under the SARFAESI Act.
RBI Actions – Imposed restrictions in May 2024 due to regulatory concerns over masked stressed assets.
– Restrictions removed after remedial actions and sustained compliance.
Related Acts – RBI Act, 1934: Governs the RBI’s powers in regulating financial institutions.
– SARFAESI Act, 2002: Allows financial institutions to auction properties to recover loans.
Market Reaction – Edelweiss Financial Services Ltd stock price increased by 7.76% post-restriction removal.
Evergreening – Practice of extending new loans to stressed borrowers to repay old loans, masking distressed assets.
Corrective Measures – Entities streamlined processes and committed to sustained compliance with regulatory guidelines.

India Promotes AYUSH Systems Globally with New Chairs in Five Countries

The Ministry of AYUSH has launched a scheme for the promotion of international cooperation to enhance awareness and recognition of AYUSH systems worldwide. As part of this initiative, India has established AYUSH Chairs at five foreign universities—Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia. This effort is aimed at advancing academic exchange, research, and public awareness of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy, contributing to their global acceptance.

Key Objectives and Scope of the Scheme

The scheme’s objectives are to promote international awareness of AYUSH, facilitate its development and recognition abroad, foster interaction among stakeholders, and support the market development of AYUSH products, services, education, and research globally. In addition, the Ministry supports the establishment of AYUSH academic chairs in foreign countries to boost academic collaboration and research.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

The Ministry has signed 24 MoUs with foreign countries for cooperation in traditional medicine, including 15 MoUs with international institutes for setting up AYUSH Chairs. This is part of a broader effort to strengthen the global presence of AYUSH. The Ministry also offers scholarships for foreign nationals to study AYUSH in India and has established 42 AYUSH Information Cells in 38 countries.

AYUSH Chairs’ Role and Function

The AYUSH Chairs are part of India’s ongoing efforts to integrate AYUSH into global health systems. These Chairs promote research and education on AYUSH systems, advancing their recognition in the host countries. Under this initiative, Indian experts are deployed at foreign institutions, and the Ministry provides financial support, including salaries and travel expenses, while the host university offers accommodation and local hospitality.

Summary of the news

Why in News Key Points
India opens AYUSH Chairs in five countries 1. Ministry of AYUSH launched a scheme to promote global recognition of AYUSH systems (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, Homoeopathy).
2. AYUSH Chairs established in Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia.
3. The aim is to advance academic exchange, research, and awareness of AYUSH globally.
4. The Ministry of AYUSH has signed 15 MoUs with international institutes for setting up AYUSH Chairs.
5. AYUSH Chairs are supported by the Ministry with salary and travel costs; host universities provide accommodation and local hospitality.
6. The Ministry has signed 24 MoUs with foreign countries for cooperation in traditional medicine and homoeopathy.
Ministry of AYUSH 1. The Ministry promotes AYUSH systems globally through collaborations, international scholarships, and research programs.
Key Initiatives 1. AYUSH Export Promotion Council (AYUSHEXCIL).
2. Celebrates Yoga Day and Ayurveda Day worldwide.
AYUSH Academic Chairs 1. Chairs aim to foster collaboration, research, and recognition of AYUSH systems.
2. Experts are deputed to foreign universities, with tenure of 1 year, extendable up to 3 years.
International Cooperation 1. Signed 24 MoUs with countries for traditional medicine and homoeopathy.
2. Supports the establishment of AYUSH Information Cells in 38 countries.
Scholarships 1. Offers scholarships for foreign nationals to study AYUSH courses in India.

Top-10 Best Selling Books of All Time, Check the Name and Details

Some books become more than just stories; they become timeless treasures loved by readers worldwide. These best-selling books have sold millions of copies, capturing hearts with their unforgettable characters and powerful messages. From epic adventures to heartfelt tales, here are the top-10 best-selling books of all time that continue to inspire and entertain.

Top-10 Best Selling Books of All Time

Some books have changed the world by selling millions to billions of copies. These best-sellers include religious texts and literacy masterpieces that have influenced cultures and inspired readers worldwide.

Here is the list of top-10 best selling books of all time:

Rank Book Title  Estimated Copies Sold 
1. The Bible 5 to 7 billion
2. Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung 900 million
3. The Quran 800 million -3 billion
4. Don Quixote 500 million
5. A Tale of Two Cities 200 million
6. The Lord of the Rings 150 million
7. The Little Prince 140 million
8. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone 120 million
9. And Then There Were None 100 million
10. Dream of the Red Chamber 100 million

The Bible, Best Selling Book

No. of Copies Sold: 5 to 7 billion

The Bible is a sacred collection of texts for Christianity, Judaism, Islam and other Abrahamic faiths. Originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, it includes stories, instructions, poetry and prophecies. Different religions groups have varying versions of the Bible, interpreting it as divinely inspired in unique ways.

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung

No. of Copies Sold: 900 million

Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse-Tung, or the Little Red Book, is a collection of Mao Zedong’s statements from his speeches and writings. Published between 1964 to 1979, it gained prominence during China’s Cultural Revolution, often printed in small, portable red-bound editions that symbolized Maoist ideology.

The Quran

No. of Copies Sold: 800 million to 3 billion

The Quran, Islam’s central religious text, is believed by Muslims to be a divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad over 23 years. Comprising 114 chapters, it is revered as a masterpiece of Arabic literature and a comprehensive guide for life. Compiled after Muhammad’s death, forms the foundation of Islamic teachings, law and spirituality.

Don Quixote

No. of Copies Sold: 500 million

Don Quixote, a novel by Miguel de Cervantes, follows Alonso Quijano, an elderly man who becomes delusional after reading chivalric tales. He adopts the name Don Quixote and sets out to revive knighthood with his squire, Sancho Panza. Published in two parts (1605, 1615), it is considered one of the first modern novels and a major influence on Western literature.

A Tale of Two Cities

No. of Copies Sold: 200 million

“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, published in 1859, is set during the French Revolution. It follows Dr. Manette, who is released after 18 years in the Bastille, and his reunion with his daughter Lucie in London. The novel explores themes of revolution, sacrifice, and resurrection and is one of the best-selling books of all time.

The Lord of the Rings

No. of Copies sold: 150 million

“The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien is an epic fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. It follows hobbit Frodo and his companions as they embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. First published in three volumes from 1954 to 1955, it is one of the best-selling books ever, shaping modern fantasy.

The Little Prince

No. of Copies Sold: 140 million

“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is a novella about a young prince who travels to different planets, including Earth, exploring themes like loneliness, love and human nature. First published in 1943, it became Saint-Exupery’s most famous work, selling over 140 million copies and being translated into more than 505 languages.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

No. of Copies Sold: 120 million

“Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling is the first book in the Harry Potter series. It follows Harry, a young wizard who learns about his magical heritage and attends Hogwarts School. With his friends, Harry faces the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. The book, published in 1997, has sold over 120 million copies worldwide and inspired films and operations.

And Then There Were None

No. of Copies Sold: 100 million

“And Then There Were None” is a mystery novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1939. The story follows ten strangers who are invited to an isolated island, where they are killed one by one. It is the best-selling mystery novel in the world, with over 100 million copies sold, making it one of the best-selling books ever.

Dream of the Red Chamber

No. of Copies Sold: 100 million

“Dream of the Red Chamber” is an 18th century Chinese novel by Cao Xueqin. It explores the rise and fall of a wealthy family, reflecting the social and cultural life of High Qing China. The novel also delves into philosophical and religious themes and honors the women in Cao’s life. It is considered one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels.

 

Uber Unveils ‘Moto Women’ Bike Taxis for Women in Bengaluru

In a move to enhance safety and inclusivity in urban mobility, Uber has launched a pilot program called ‘Moto Women’ in Bengaluru. This service is exclusively designed for female riders and drivers, offering an on-demand bike taxi option with an emphasis on safety and empowerment. With growing concerns over the uncertainty of bike taxi operations in Karnataka, this initiative aims to provide a safer, more flexible earning opportunity for women while addressing key issues like safety, privacy, and public transport integration.

Exclusive Service for Women

  • The ‘Moto Women’ service connects female riders with female drivers, providing a more secure and comfortable transportation option.
  • The initiative currently employs around 300 women drivers.

Empowerment of Female Drivers

  • Uber emphasizes not just the safety of riders, but also the empowerment of women drivers, allowing them to earn flexibly in a fast-growing segment of India’s mobility sector.
  • Abhishek Padhye, Uber’s Head of Regional Business Operations for India and South Asia, stated that Bengaluru is a pioneering city for innovation in urban mobility.

Significance in Urban Mobility

  • The rise of bike taxis in urban India, particularly in Bengaluru, which records over 1 million rides per month, highlights the growing demand for such services.
  • A KPMG report found that in 2022, over 280 million bike taxi rides were completed across platforms in India, with 65%-70% of trips focusing on first-and-last-mile connectivity, showing the importance of bike taxis in supplementing public transport.

Safety Features of Uber Moto Women

Trip Tracking and Privacy

  • Riders can share their trip details with up to five trusted contacts for real-time tracking, ensuring their safety.
  • The app anonymizes phone numbers and drop-off addresses to protect user privacy.

RideCheck and 24×7 Safety Helpline

  • The RideCheck feature proactively monitors irregularities such as long stops, route deviations, or mid-way drops, providing timely assistance.
  • Both riders and drivers have access to Uber’s 24×7 Safety Helpline for priority support when needed.

Challenges Faced by Women Drivers

Regulatory and Commission Concerns

  • Women bike taxi drivers have expressed concerns over high commission rates and called for reduced charges, especially since this is a women-centric initiative.
  • Some drivers, like Shilpa Vishwanath, also highlighted challenges from other transport sectors, such as auto drivers who claim bike taxis are illegal, leading to conflicts.

Support and Positive Impact

  • Despite the challenges, women drivers have reported positive experiences, citing the financial benefits of the job. 
  • Drivers like Geetha P. have found the service beneficial for supplementing their income, with the added comfort of serving women-only passengers.

Future Outlook

Pilot Program Expansion

  • The service is currently available in select locations, with plans to expand based on the success of the pilot, feedback from riders, and demand patterns.
  • Uber aims to set a benchmark for inclusive urban mobility, particularly for women, with plans for scalability and wider access.
Summary/Static Details
Why in the news? Uber Unveils ‘Moto Women’ Bike Taxis for Women in Bengaluru
Service Name Moto Women
Target Audience Women riders and women drivers
Development Uber, in collaboration with female drivers, launched the service in Bengaluru as a pilot program.
Key Features – Female riders paired with female drivers.

– 300 women drivers involved in the service.

– Service includes trip tracking, privacy features, and safety helpline.
Safety Features – Riders can share trip details with trusted contacts.

– RideCheck feature monitors irregularities like route deviations or long stops.

– 24×7 Safety Helpline for both drivers and riders.
Significance – Provides a safer transport option for women.

– Empowerment of female drivers, offering flexible earning opportunities.

– Part of the growing demand for bike taxis in Bengaluru, with over 1 million monthly rides.
Challenges Faced by Drivers – High commission charges, with a call for lower fees for women-centric initiatives.

– Conflicts with auto drivers over the legality of bike taxis.
Feedback from Drivers – Positive impact for women drivers supplementing income, but concerns over regulatory issues.
Expansion Plans – Pilot program in selected locations, with plans for future expansion based on feedback and demand.
Future Outlook – Potential for scalability to enhance accessibility and strengthen inclusive urban mobility.

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Welcome to the Current Affairs Section of Adda247. If you are preparing for Government Job Exams, then it is very important for you to read the Daily Current Affairs. All the important updates based on current affairs are included in this Daily Current Affairs 2024 article.

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