Curtain Raiser for Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024: A Celebration of Northeast India’s Cultural and Economic Potential
• The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, a grand festival celebrating the rich cultural and economic heritage of Northeast India, will commence on December 6, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
• Chaired by Union Minister of Communications and Development of the Northeastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, the curtain raiser event emphasised the festival's goal of showcasing the Northeast's vibrant culture and economic potential.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the festival on December 6, 2024.
• Shri Scindia underlined that the Northeast symbolizes the essence of "Ashtalakshmi" — Prosperity, Opulence, Purity, Wealth, Knowledge, Duty, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry.
• The mascot ‘Purvi’, representing all eight Northeastern states, was unveiled.
• Purvi symbolizes the diverse culture and aspirations of the region and will continue to serve as a cultural ambassador beyond the festival.

 

India Re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (2025-2026)
• India has secured its re-election to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC)for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its active commitment to promoting global peace and stability.
• The announcement was made by the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nationsvia social media platform X.
Key Highlights
India’s Role and Commitment
• Founding Member: India has been an active participant since the PBC's establishment in 2005.
About the UN Peacebuilding Commission
• Establishment: December 2005.
• Mandate: Acts as an intergovernmental advisory body to:
o Support peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected regions.

 

Australia Implements World-First Social Media Ban for Under-16s
• The Australian Parliament passed a law banning children under 16 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Instagram.
• The law imposes fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for platforms failing to prevent children younger than 16 from holding accounts.
• The law was passed in the Senate with 34 votes to 19 and in the House of Representatives with 102 votes to 13.
About Australia :
• Prime Minister : Anthony Albanese
• Capital : Canberra
• Currency : Australian dollar

 

Kolkata International Film Festival Designates France as a Focus Country

• The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) will begin on December 4, 2024 and run until December 11, 2024.

• The festival will feature 175 films from 29 countries, showcasing a diverse range of cinematic works.

• The festival will include special screenings of classic Indian and international films.

• Focus Country: France is the focus country of this year's festival, with a selection of 21 French films.

 

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Developmentfor 2023 was awarded to Daniel Barenboim, a world-renowned pianist and conductor, and Ali Abu Awwad, a Palestinian peace activist.
• This prestigious honour highlights their exceptional efforts in fostering peace and non-violence across cultural and political divides.
About the Indira Gandhi Prize
• Established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, the prize honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Recognizes contributions to peace, disarmament, and development that align with her vision of a just and sustainable world.
• Monetary Prize: ₹25 lakh

 

Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi Appointed as the New Head of BrahMos Aerospace
• Dr. Jaiteerth Raghavendra Joshi has been appointed as the new Chief of BrahMos Aerospace, the organization responsible for the development of the world's most powerful supersonic cruise missile system, BrahMos.
About BrahMos Missile :
• BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia, developed the BRAHMOS missile, a supersonic cruise missile known for its precision and speed.
• The BrahMos missile can strike sea and land-based targets beyond radar horizons with pinpoint accuracy.

 

Ministry of Defence Signs ₹1207.5 Crore Contract with Cochin Shipyard for INS Vikramaditya’s Short Refit and Dry Docking
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) on 30th November 2024 for the Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at a cost of ₹1207.5 crore.
Background on INS Vikramaditya:
• INS Vikramaditya is a 45,000-tonne aircraft carrier, originally built by Admiral Gorshkov in Russia.
• It was commissioned into the Indian Navy in November 2013.
• After the refit, INS Vikramaditya will rejoin the Indian Navy with upgraded combat capability.
• Importance of the Refit:The refit is crucial for ensuring the aircraft carrier remains seaworthy and operational for further years of service.
• It is part of the Indian Navy's maintenance cycle, with major maintenance tasks conducted at regular
intervals:
o Assisted Maintenance Period (AMP): Conducted annually to maintain the carrier.
o Short Refit: A 6-8 month maintenance period every 5 years.
o Medium Refit: A 15-18 month dry-docking refit every 10 years.

 

Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces Successfully Complete Joint Military Exercise "Agni Warrior 2024"
• The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30th
November 2024.
• The exercise was conducted from 28th to 30th November 2024.

 

India's Rise in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024
• India’s 49th positionin the NRI 2024, a leap from 60th in 2023, highlights its significant progress in network infrastructure, digital capabilities, and technological innovation.
• The report evaluates 133 economies on their readiness to harness digital networks for economic growth and technological advancement.
• The Network Readiness Index (NRI) is published by the Portulans Institute and Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.
Top 10 Countries in NRI 2024
1. United States
2. Singapore
3. Finland
4. Sweden
5. Republic of Korea
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. United Kingdom
9. Germany
10. Denmark

 

World AIDS Day: 1st December

• World AIDS Day 2024 is observed on the 1st of December 2024. 

• The theme for World AIDS Day 2024, 'Take the Rights Path: My health, my right!'

• World AIDS Day was first initiated in 1998 and observed on December 1.

• World AIDS Day was the first day celebrated for health awareness.

National Pollution Control Day: 2nd December

• National Pollution Control Day 2024 is observed on the 2nd of December 2024.

• National Pollution Control Day is observed to create awareness about pollution which is causing harm to our environment and to living beings.

 

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: 2nd December
• International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024 is observed on the 2nd of December 2024.
• The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery focuses on eradicating modern forms of slavery like trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage, and forced recruitment of children into armed conflict.
• The International Labor Organization puts the number of victims of modern slavery at 40 million worldwide.
World Computer Literacy Day: 2nd December
• World Computer Literacy Day 2024 is observed on the 2nd of December.
• World Computer Literacy Day was launched in 2001 by an Indian company called N.I.I.T. to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

 

Centre Delays PM Internship Scheme Launch; New Date To Be Announced
• The central government’s PM Internship Scheme ( (PMIS), a youth-focused initiative, has been delayed.
• Originally scheduled for December 12, 2024, the first batch's launch has been deferred, with a new date yet to be announced.
• Interns will receive a stipend of ₹5,000 per month.
o Government Contribution: ₹4,500.
o Company CSR Contribution: ₹500.
• The scheme seeks collaboration with 500 companies in India.
• Companies can directly provide internships or collaborate with supply chain partners to meet internship commitments.
• Participation by companies is voluntary, not mandatory.
• Launched under the 2024-25 Union Budget, applications began on October 3,2024.

 

Bihar to Hold Food Processing Investors' Meet
• The Bihar government will host the Food Processing Investors' Meet at Hotel Taj City Centre, Patna, as part of the Bihar Business Connect 2024 – Global Investors’ Summit.
• Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, will be the chief guest at the event.
• Purpose: The meeting aims to showcase Bihar's potential as a growing hub for the food processing industry, focusing on:
o Bihar’s agricultural resources
o Evolving infrastructure and investor-friendly policies. Telangana Set to Follow Andhra Pradesh in Scrapping Two-Child Policy
• Telangana is considering scrapping its “two-child policy,” which prohibits individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections.
• This move is part of a larger trend, as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh already did away with the policy.
• Telangana will need to amend its Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, for the policy to be reversed.

 

India Leads the World with the Highest Number of Polluted Cities
• India has emerged as the global leader in terms of the number of cities ranked among the most polluted in the world.
• A recent study revealed that 39 out of the top 100 most polluted cities globallyare in India, far surpassing China, which has 30 cities on the list.
1. Most Polluted Cities in India:
• Begusarai ranked first in 2023 for pollution, followed by:
o Guwahati (2nd)
o Delhi (3rd)
o Mullanpur (4th)
• Other heavily polluted cities include Patna, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
• India has 39 cities in the top 100, more than any other country.
• China follows with 30 cities, while Pakistan ranks third with 7 cities and Bangladesh has 5.

 

Jay Shah assumes the role of the new International Cricket Council chairman
• Jay Shah officially took over as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024, at the age of 36, making him the youngest-ever ICC chairman.
• Shah replaces Greg Barclay, the outgoing New Zealand lawyer, who did not seek a third consecutive term.
• Shah is the 5th Indian to hold the position, following prominent figures like Jagmohan Dalmiya, Sharad Pawar, Shashank Manohar, and N Srinivasan.
About ICC :
• Formation : 15 June 1909
• Headquarters : Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 

4th Edition of India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI Begins on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp, Malaysia
• The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI commenced on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.
• The exercise will be conducted from 2nd to 15th December 2024.
• This year, the bilateral military exercise is themed around the motto, *"Two nations, one mission: Ensuring global peace."*

 

India and Cambodia Launch Inaugural Joint Table Top Exercise CINBAX in Pune
• The 1st edition of Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at Foreign Training Node, Pune.
• The exercise will be conducted from 1st to 8th December 2024.
• The Cambodian Army contingent will comprise 20 personnel and the Indian Army contingent is also comprising 20 personnel from an Infantry Brigade.
About Cambodia :
• Prime Minister : Hun Manet
• Capital : Phnom Penh
• Currency : Riel

 

Max Verstappen Wins Qatar Grand Prix as Lando Norris Penalized
• Max Verstappenclinched a dramatic victory in the Qatar Grand Prix, following a series of penalties and incidents that turned the race on its head.
• The race, marked by a controversial 10-second stop-and-go penalty for Lando Norris, saw Verstappen dominate after the McLaren driver dropped to the back of the field.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities: 3rd December
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 is observed on the 3rd of December 2024.
• In 1976, the UN General Assembly made a decision that from 1981 International Day of Persons with Disabilities will be celebrated globally.

 

Oxford Word of the Year 2024: Brain Rot

• The Oxford University Press (OUP)has declared 'brain rot' as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a societal focus on the consequences of excessive consumption of lowquality online content, particularly through social media.

• This decision followed a global public vote involving over 37,000 participants, underscoring the phrase’s resonance in contemporary discourse.

 

FSSAI Classifies Packaged Drinking Water and Mineral Water as 'High-Risk Food Category'
• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)has officially classified packaged drinking water and mineral water as part of the 'HighRisk Food Category'.
• This change follows the government's decision to remove the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certificationrequirement for these products.
• Packaged drinking water and mineral water will now be subject to mandatory inspections and third-party audits by food safety agencies recognized by FSSAI.
• This applies before the grant of license or registration for businesses involved in producing these products.
• FSSAI will now treat these products as high-risk foods, which includes requiring annual audits by FSSAI-recognized third-party auditing agencies.

 

Telangana launches Transgender Clinics in all 33 districts; CM flags off 213 ambulances during 'Health Festival' celebrations
• Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated 33 transgender clinics (Maitri Clinics), one in each district of Telangana on December 2, 2024.
• Objective: To provide free health check-ups, diagnostic tests, and medicines for transgender individuals, ensuring inclusive healthcare.
• Each clinic is staffed by a medical doctor trained in transgender healthcare, a counsellor, and a transgender Community Champion.
About Telangana :
• Governor : Jishnu Dev Varma
• Chief Minister : Revanth Reddy
• Capital : Hyderabad

 

Uttar Pradesh designates Maha Kumbh area as a new district
• The Uttar Pradesh government declared the Maha Kumbh Mela area as a new district ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.
• The district will officially be known as the Maha Kumbh Mela District.
• The notification was issued on December 1, 2024, under Section 2(th) of the Uttar Pradesh Prayagraj Mela Authority, Prayagraj Act, 2017.
• The notification covers 67 villages from four tehsils of Prayagraj district:
o Sadar tehsil: 25 villages
o Sorav tehsil: 3 villages
o Phulpur tehsil: 20 villages
o Karchana tehsil: 19 villages

 

GST on cigarettes, tobacco, and aerated beverages likely to be hiked, new 35% slab proposed
• The Group of Ministers (GoM), headed by Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, proposed significant changes to the Goods and Services Tax (GST)structure.
• These recommendations will be presented to the GST Council on December 21, 2024, for final approval.
• GST rate on aerated beverages, cigarettes, tobacco, and related products will increase from 28% to 35%.
• This introduces a new tax slab while retaining the existing four-tier GST structure of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%.

 

Uber Shikara: Asia's First Water Transport Service Launched in Srinagar

• Uber has officially launched Asia’s first water transport service, Uber Shikara, in Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

• This innovative service combines technology with the traditional shikara ride, a centuries-old cultural experience, offering a modern, hassle-free way for tourists to explore the picturesque lake.

GAIL Wins "Initiatives in Promoting Hydrogen Company of the Year" Award at FIPI Oil & Gas Awards 2023

• GAIL (India) Limitedhas been honoured with the prestigious "Initiatives in Promoting Hydrogen Company of the Year" award at the FIPI Oil & Gas Awards 2023.

• The award was presented by Hardeep S Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, during a ceremony held in New Delhi.

 

HUDCO Launches Gift Milk Programme to Combat Malnutrition in Chhattisgarh
• In a significant move to address malnutrition among schoolchildren, Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited (HUDCO), a Navratna CPSE, launched the Gift Milk Programmein the districts of Rajnandgaon, Bilaspur, and Mungeli in Chhattisgarh.
• This initiative is part of HUDCO's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)efforts to combat under-nutrition in children.
Program Overview:
• Objective: The Gift Milk Programme aims to provide fortified flavored milk to school children to help combat malnutrition and support their physical and cognitive development.
• Beneficiaries: The initiative will benefit 8,000 children across 83 government primary and middle schools (Classes 1 to 8), with special focus on girls' schools and tribal areas.
• Implementation: The program will supply 200ml of fortified flavored milk per child every school day (175 days), aiming to improve children's overall health and learning capacity.

 

Kumar Nitesh Nominated for BWF Men’s Para-Badminton Player of the Year
• India's Paralympic champion, Kumar Nitesh, has been nominated for the prestigious Men’s Para-Badminton Player of the Yearaward by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
• This recognition comes after his remarkable achievement of winning a gold medal in the SL3 categoryat the Paris Paralympics.
Indian Navy Day: 4th December
• Indian Navy Day 2024 is observed on the 4th of December
• The Indian Navy Day 2024 theme set for this year is "Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation."
• The Indian Navy was established by the East India Company in 1612.

 

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) celebrate its 67th Foundation Day on 4th December 2024
• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) celebrate its 67th Foundation Day on 4th December 2024 in New Delhi.
Key Highlights of the Celebration
• Release of Smuggling in India Report 2023-24:
o Highlights DRI’s performance and experiences over the last financial year.
o Focuses on trends in anti-smuggling and commercial fraud detection.
About DRI
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is India’s premier intelligence and enforcement agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC),Government of India.
• Established: 4th December 1957.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Structure:
o 12 Zonal Units, 35 Regional Units, and 15 Sub-Regional Units.
o Staffed by over 900 officials.

 

United States President-elect Donald Trump Warns of 100% Tariffs on Nine Nations Over Plans to Rival US Dollar
• United States (US) President-elect Donald Trump warned of imposing 100% tariffs on a group of nine nations if they attempt to create a currency rivalling the US dollar.
Key Highlights :
• BRICS Bloc's Role in Financial Reshaping:The BRICS bloc, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is actively working to reshape the global financial order and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
• BRICS aims to create a financial system distinct from the Bretton Woods institutions (International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank)

 

Justice Manmohan Appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court
• Justice Manmohan, the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India, effective from the date he assumes charge of his office.
• The appointment was made under Article 124(2) of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to appoint Supreme Court judges.

Tanker and tugboat crews receive the 2024 IMO BraveryAward Highlights
• Presented to:
1. Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of oil tanker Marlin Luanda.
2. Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of tugboat Pemex Maya.
• Occasion: Annual IMO Awards Ceremony on 2 December 2024 in London.
• Ceremony Context: Held after the first day of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 109) session (2–6 December 2024).

 

BHEL wins CII-EXIM Bank Award for Business Excellence – 2024 Award Highlights
• Recipient: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL).
• Achievement: Won the prestigious CII-EXIM Bank Award for Business Excellence for the second consecutive year.
• Recognition Basis:
o The award is modeled on the internationally recognized EFQM
(European Foundation for Quality Management) excellence framework.
o Highlights BHEL’s commitment to resilience, adaptability, and continuous improvement in a dynamic business environment.

 

World Wildlife Conservation Day is on December 4, 2024
• World Wildlife Conservation Day is observed annually on December 4 to spread awareness about preserving Earth’s endangered Flora and fauna.
World Soil Day, celebrated annually on December 5
Date and Significance
• Observed on: December 5 annually.
• Objective: To highlight the vital role of soil in sustaining life and address the challenges of soil degradation.

 

Reserve Bank of India Raises UPI Lite Wallet Limit to ₹5,000, Sets Transaction Cap at ₹1,000
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) enhanced the per-transaction and wallet limits for transactions made on UPI Lite to Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000,
• Earlier, the per-transaction limit and wallet limit for transactions made through Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Lite were set at Rs 500 and Rs 2,000,
• Objective: The increase in limits aims to encourage the wider adoption of UPI Lite and facilitate more small-value digital payments in offline mode.
About UPI Lite:
• The UPI Lite feature was launched by the RBI in September 2022 to make small-value transactions faster and easier without the need for entering a PIN, and it is enabled by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

 

Successful Completion of the Natural Rubber (NR) plantation in the North East, part of the INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project for FY2024-25
• The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project has achieved remarkable success in the development of Natural Rubber (NR) plantations in the North Eastern states and West Bengal.
Project Overview and Achievements
• The INROAD project aims to develop 200,000 hectares of rubber plantation in the North Eastern states and West Bengal.
• As of FY2024-25, the project has successfully completed the plantation of 125,272 hectares across 94 districts in these regions.
• This accomplishment is one of the highest NR plantation achievements in the country within a four-year
Key Participants and Support
• The initiative is financially supported by four key members of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA): Apollo, Ceat, JK, MRF The project’s implementation is overseen by the Rubber Board of India, ensuring proper guidance and development.

 

25th Hornbill Festival kickstarts in Nagaland
• The Hornbill Festival continued its 25th anniversary celebrations on Day 4 under the theme "Cultural Connect", showcasing an impressive array of traditional performances from various tribes of Nagaland.
• The Hornbill Festival is an annual event celebrated from 1st to 10th December in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland.
• Known as the Festival of Festivals, it brings together the ethnic diversity of Nagaland, showcasing the culture, traditions, and rituals of the various tribes that call the state home.

 

Government Launches Unified Legal Metrology Portal eMaap

• The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, is leading the development of the National Legal Metrology Portal (eMaap) to strengthen fair trade practices, ensure consumer protection, and establish a centralized database for stakeholders within the legal metrology ecosystem.

• This platform will streamline the regulatory process by integrating various state-level metrology systems into a unified national framework, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency.

• The eMaap portal will significantly benefit businesses and industries by enabling online applications for legal metrology approvals, licenses, and registration certificates. Key benefits include:

• Simplified Compliance: Businesses will no longer need to register on multiple state portals, eliminating redundancies and improving efficiency.

• Ease of Doing Business: The centralized system will ensure a more seamless process for obtaining approvals, thereby fostering a favorable environment for growth and reducing paperwork.

 

Assam Government Prohibits Public Consumption of Beef

• The Assam Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, banned public consumption of beef effective from December 4, 2024.

• The ban covers beef consumption in hotels, restaurants, festivals, community events, and religious, social, and other public functions.

• Reason for the Decision:The decision followed concerns raised by State Congress president Bhupen Kumar Borah and Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain, who criticized the distribution of beef during election campaigns in Samaguri Assembly constituency, where byelections were held.

• The Assam government added this provision to the Assam Cattle Preservation Act of 2021, which previously focused on cattle slaughter and beef sale restrictions.

 

Devendra Fadnavis to Take Oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde Keeps His Role in Suspense
• Devendra Fadnavis is set to take oath as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time.
• Eknath Shinde (Shiv Sena) and Ajit Pawar (NCP) will take oath as Deputy Chief Ministers.
• The event follows intense political discussions, with Fadnavis, Shinde, and Pawar staking their claim to form the Mahayuti government.
• The alliance presented letters of support to Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan.
• Devendra Fadnavis was unanimously elected as the Leader of the Maharashtra BJP Legislative Party.
About Maharashtra
• Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Park: Tadoba National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary
• UNESCO Heritage Sites: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, The Victorian and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai, Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves, Ellora Caves.

 

ixigo Appoints Indian Cricketer Rohit Sharma as Brand Ambassador for Trains App
• Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma has been onboarded as the brand ambassador for ixigo's Trains app.
• This partnership is set to elevate ixigo’s reach across the nation, solidifying its position as the ultimate app for seamless, innovative, and reliable train travel experiences. Indian-origin artist wins Turner Prize: ‘Weaves personal, political, spiritual’
• Jasleen Kaur has won the 2024 Turner Prize for her work animating everyday objects to reflect the pluralities of identity and community.
• Kaur, 38, the youngest artist on this year’s shortlist, was nominated for her exhibition Alter Altar, at Tramway in Glasgow, which featured a range of sculptures and soundscapes.

 

IndiGo named one of the worst airlines as global rankings are unveiled
• The 2024 AirHelp survey ranked IndiGo, a leading budget carrier in India, as the 103rd out of 109 airlines globally, with a low score of 4.80.
• Data was collected from January to October 2024 across 54 countries, with feedback from a diverse pool of passengers.
• The rankings were based on three key performance areas:
• On-time performance: IndiGo scored 6.6.
• Customer opinion: IndiGo received a score of 7.5.
• Claim processing: IndiGo scored a mere 0.3, significantly lowering its overall rank.
Top 10 Airlines
1. Brussels Airlines: Scored 8.12 for on-time performance, 7.9 for customer opinion, and 8.7 for claim
processing.
2. Qatar Airways
3. United Airlines
4. American Airlines
5. Play (Iceland)
6. Austrian Airlines
7. LOT Polish Airlines
8. Air Arabia
9. Widerøe
10. Air Serbia

 

Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024: India defeats Pakistan 5-3 in finals to win its fifth title
• The Indian junior men’s hockey team clinched its fifth Men’s Junior Asia Cup title by defeating Pakistan 5-3 in the final held in Muscat, Oman on December 4th
• India has now won the Junior Asia Cup a record five times: 2004, 2008, 2015, 2023, and 2024. December 4 Observed As International Day Of Banks
• International Day of Banks is observed every year on December 4 to highlight the essential role that banks and financial institutions play in the sustainable development of countries and the world as a whole.
• The theme for 2024 is "Empowering Sustainable Development Through Finance."

 

December 4th is International Cheetah Day
• International Cheetah Day is observed every year on December 4 to raise awareness about the plight of cheetahs, the fastest land animals on Earth. ‘Anna Chakra’ and SCAN Portal: Transforming India's Public Distribution System
• Pralhad Joshi, Minister of Food and Consumer Affairs, introduced ‘Anna Chakra’, a cutting-edge supply chain optimisation tool, and the SCAN Portal, aimed at revolutionising India’s Public Distribution System (PDS).
• These initiatives enhance logistical efficiency, reduce costs, and integrate technology into food security programs.
Key Features of ‘Anna Chakra’
• Objective: Optimize foodgrain movement within India's logistics network, targeting efficiency and sustainability.
• Development: A collaborative effort between the World Food Programme and IIT-Delhi, employing advanced algorithms for supply chain management.
SCAN Portal: A Streamlined Solution
• Purpose: A single-window system for states to submit and process food
subsidy claims, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

 

Indian Council of Agricultural Research approves establishment of two cotton research centres in Telangana
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has approved the establishment of two All India Coordinated Research Project (ACRIP) Centres on cotton in Telangana.
• The two centres will be established at Warangal (main centre) and Adilabad (sub-centre).
• Reason for the Centres: After the bifurcation of Telangana, the state lost its representation in national-level cotton research coordination centres. As a result, Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) could not participate in the national cotton research system for the past decade.
About Telangana :
• Governor : Jishnu Dev Varma
• Chief Minister : Revanth Reddy (INC)
• Capital : Hyderabad

 

Employment in India Rises to 64.33 Crore in 2023-24, Up from 47.5 Crore in 2017-18: KLEMS Data
• The KLEMS (K: Capital, L: Labour, E: Energy, M: Materials and S: Services) database published by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), provides employment estimates for both the public and private sectors at the national level.
• Employment Growth (2017-18 to 2023-24): Employment in India increased from 47.5 crore in 2017-18 to 64.33 crore in 2023-24, marking an increase of 16.83 crore during this period.

 

India Launches First TV Channel in Indian Sign Language (ISL) under PM-eVidya Initiative
• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled Channel 31, India’s first television channel in Indian Sign Language (ISL).
• This significant step is part of the PM-eVidya initiative to create an inclusive educational environment for individuals with hearing disabilities.
• Operated by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
• Offers news, entertainment, and educational resources for the hearingimpaired.

 

India to Chair the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
• In a historic milestone, India has been elected to chair the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) for the first time.
• Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, assumed this esteemed role, marking a significant step in India’s leadership on global drug policy issues.
About the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)
• The CND is a key policy-making body of the UN that focuses on addressing global drug challenges and fostering international collaboration. It operates under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna and is a functional commission of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

 

Donald Trump Honored as "Patriot of the Year" in New York
• US President-elect Donald Trump was awarded the "Patriot of the Year" honour at the Tilles Centre in New York.
• The event, organized by Fox Nation, celebrated America's patriots, including military veterans, first responders, and inspirational figures.
International Anti Corruption Day: 9th December
• International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 is observed on the 9th of December 2024.
• Corruption has existed from time immemorial. Some of the earliest records of anti-corruptions texts can be found in the Code of Hammurabi of Babylonia, the Great Edict of Horemheb in Egypt, and Arthashastra in India.