03rd December, 2024

1. UNESCO Declares West Bengal a Top Heritage Tourism Destination
2. Rajendra Prasad Jayanti 2024: Celebrating the Legacy of India’s First President
3. Chennai to Host World Maritime Conference 2024
4. Arjun Erigaisi Joins Elite 2800 ELO Club, Second Indian After Anand
5. Ayush Ministry’s Decadal Milestones Unveiled by Shri Shripad Naik
6. December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
7. India Highlights Green Initiatives at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh
8. India’s First Vertical Lift Rail Bridge: The New Pamban Bridge
9. UP Declares Maha Kumbh Area a New District for 2025 Mela
10. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024
11. World AIDS Day 2024: Union Health Minister inaugurates World AIDS Day 2024 event
12. Independent Director Databank (IDDB)
13. 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise Agni Warrior (XAW-2024) concluded in Maharashtra
14. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has unveiled an Air Quality Dashboard.
15. India- Malaysia Joint Military Exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ commenced in Malaysia.
16. International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated annually on 3rd December.
17. India has contributed nearly $2 billion to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) as per Ministry of Finance.

National News

1. India Celebrates Birth Anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad
   • What:
     • India celebrates the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad on December 3.
     • He was the first President of India and a key figure in the country’s freedom struggle.
   • Tell me more:
     • Dr. Rajendra Prasad was born in 1884 in Ziradei, Bihar, and was an outstanding student who earned degrees in law and literature.
     • As President of the Constituent Assembly, he played a vital role in framing the Indian Constitution, which was adopted on January 26, 1950.
     • Dr. Prasad served as President from 1950 to 1962, making him the longest-serving president in Indian history.
     • He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in 1962.
     • His writings include an autobiography titled “Atmakatha” and other influential books reflecting on his experiences during India’s transformative years.
       Source: IN

2. World Maritime Technology Conference to Be Held in Chennai
   • What:
     • The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) will take place in The Leela Palace, Chennai from December 4 to 6, 2024.
     • This is the first time the conference returns to India after 15 years, with the last event held in Mumbai.
   • Why:
     • The conference aims to bring together industry leaders and experts to discuss important topics affecting the maritime industry.
   • Tell me more:
     • The previous WMTC was held in Copenhagen in April 2022.
     • The event will feature an exclusive session with author and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik on the first day.
     • The following days will cover a variety of technical, commercial, and market issues relevant to attendees.

3. India Highlights Efforts on Land Degradation at UNCCD CoP16
   • What:
     • Union Minister Bhupender Yadav delivered India’s statement at the Ministerial Dialogue on Migration during the CoP16 of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
     • Theme: Impacts of Land Degradation and Drought on Forced Migration, Security, and Prosperity
   • Tell me more:
     • Minister Yadav highlighted that land degradation reduces soil productivity, leading to loss of livelihood and social issues like malnutrition and gender inequality.
     • India is committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
     • The Minister mentioned initiatives like the Amrit Sarovars for water conservation and microfinance support for farmers.

Source: PIB

State News

1. UNESCO Declares West Bengal a Top Heritage Tourism Destination
   • What:
     • UNESCO has declared West Bengal as a top destination for heritage tourism.
   • Tell me more:
     • The state is focusing on developing iconic places of worship, such as the Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples.
     • A new Jagannath temple is under construction in Digha and will soon open for devotees.
     • The tourism sector has created jobs for lakhs of youths and thousands of hotels have been established in tourist areas.

2. Pamban bridge: India’s First Vertical Lift Bridge Over Sea in Rameswaram 
   • What:
     • The Pamban Bridge, also known as the Pamban Rail Bridge, is a historic railway bridge connecting Rameswaram Island to the mainland of India.
     • Opened on February 24, 1914, it was India’s first sea bridge and has served as a vital transportation link for over a century.
   • Why:
     • The bridge plays a crucial role in providing rail connectivity to Rameswaram, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.
   • Tell Me More:
     • The Pamban Bridge features a unique double-leaf bascule section that can be lifted to allow ships to pass through, showcasing innovative engineering.
     • The bridge was constructed during British rule as part of efforts to enhance trade connectivity with Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).
     • A new Pamban Bridge is being constructed parallel to the old one, featuring modern technology such as an automated vertical lift span for improved functionality and safety.
       Source: IE

3. Uttar Pradesh Declares Maha Kumbh Area as New District
   • What:
     • The Uttar Pradesh government has declared the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj as a new district.
     • This decision was made to facilitate the management of the upcoming Kumbh Mela scheduled for January 2025.
   • Tell me more:
     • The newly formed district will be known as Maha Kumbh Mela district and will include four tehsils: Sadar, Soraon, Phulpur, and Karchana.

4. New Air Quality Dashboard Launched for South Asia
   • What:
     • The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has launched an Air Quality Dashboard to provide real-time and forecasted data on air pollution in the Indo-Gangetic plain and Himalayan foothills.
   • Why:
     • The dashboard aims to address the public health crisis caused by hazardous air quality, with PM2.5 levels reported as high as 20 times the WHO’s recommended limit.
     • It seeks to foster regional cooperation to tackle transboundary pollution affecting millions of people.
   • Tell me more:
     • The dashboard combines ground sensor data with satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution.
     • It features a dynamic timelapse model that shows the spread of PM2.5 plumes in hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
     • Between November 1-21, 2024, PM2.5 concentrations peaked at 300 µg/m³ in some areas, posing severe health risks.
     • The WRF-Chem model on the dashboard helps users understand the relationship between weather patterns and air pollution sources.
       Source: DTE

Banking and Economy

1. India Contributes Nearly $2 Billion to BRICS Bank
   • What:
     • India has contributed nearly $2 billion to the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB).
     • The country is currently involved in 20 projects funded by the NDB, with loans totaling $4,867 million.
   • Tell me more:
     • Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary provided this information in response to a Lok Sabha question about India’s stance on a joint currency for BRICS nations.
     • The NDB’s funding supports various development projects across India, emphasizing sustainable growth.
     • The report prepared during Russia’s BRICS chairmanship indicates that BRICS does not seek to replace the US dollar but aims to offer alternatives for efficiency in international trade.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. India Hosts Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR 2024
   • What:
     • The 13th edition of the Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024) concluded on November 30, 2024. This bilateral exercise took place at the Field Firing Ranges in Devlali, Maharashtra.
   • Why:
     • The exercise aimed to enhance mutual understanding of drills and procedures between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces.
   • Tell me more:
     • It focused on achieving jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter.
     • The exercise was conducted from November 28 to 30, 2024, with participation from 182 personnel of the Singapore Armed Forces and 114 personnel from the Indian Army.
       Source: PIB
2. India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI Begins
   • What:
     • 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 run until December 15, 2024.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Indian contingent includes 78 personnel from the MAHAR Regiment, while the Malaysian contingent consists of 123 personnel from The Royal Malaysian Regiment.
     • The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the first phase focuses on cross-training, and the second phase involves a simulated exercise with various drills.
     • Drills include Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Recce Patrol, Ambush, and an Attack on a terrorist-held area.

Source: PIB

Important Days

1. International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3
   • Theme: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future
     Source: UN

2. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery – December 2
   Source: UN
3. World AIDS Day – December 1
   • What:
     • Union Health Minister Shri JP Nadda inaugurated the World AIDS Day 2024 event in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
     • Theme: Take the rights path: My health, my right!
   • Tell me more:
     • The National AIDS and STD Control Program’s Phase V has led to a 44% reduction in new infections since 2010 and a 79% decline in AIDS-related deaths.
     • India has adopted the 95-95-95 target for AIDS control, achieving significant milestones in detection, treatment, and viral load suppression.

Source: WHO PIB

Sports

1. Arjun Erigaisi Becomes Second Indian to Reach 2800 Elo
   • What:
     • Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has achieved a historic milestone by reaching an Elo rating of 2801 in classical chess.
     • He is the second Indian ever to cross the prestigious 2800 rating, joining Viswanathan Anand.
   • Tell me more:
     • Erigaisi secured both individual and team gold medals at the recent Chess Olympiad, contributing significantly to India’s victory.
     • He is currently ranked fourth in the world, just behind Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and Magnus Carlsen (2831).
     • The International Chess Federation (FIDE) recognized him as the 16th player in history to break the 2800 barrier.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IICA Signs MoUs to Enhance Corporate Governance
   • What:
     • The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) hosted a signing ceremony for Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with six executive search firms.
     • The event took place at the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Headquarters in New Delhi.
   • Why:
     • The partnerships aim to improve the selection and appointment of Independent Directors in Indian companies.
   • Tell me more:
     • The firms involved include Korn Ferry, ABC Consultants, EMA Partners Limited, DHR Global, Sheffield Haworth, and Vahura.
     • The Independent Director Databank (IDDB) will facilitate appointments of qualified Independent Directors.
     • IICA launched two new resources: the ‘IICA Note on Board Evaluation’ and the Board Evaluation Services Deck to support governance practices.

Source: PIB

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