01st-02nd December, 2024

1. AOMSUC-14 Conference to Focus on Satellite Meteorology
2. ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Portal
3. India Opens New Embassy Chancery in Italy
4. India Re-elected to UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025-2026
5. Indian Railways Launches Safety Training App ‘Sanraksha’
6. Mission Arun Himveer Launched to Boost Agri-Horti Market
7. PM Modi to Launch Pradhan Mantri Bima Sakhi Yojana in Haryana
8. Gujarat’s Gharchola Receives Geographical Indication Tag
9. Nine States Allocate $18 Billion for Women-Centric Schemes
10. Government Signs $98 Million Loan for Horticulture Improvement
11. Piyush Goyal Launches CII Ease of Doing Business Portal
12. Joint Table Top Exercise CINBAX Begins in Pune
13. Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 Celebrates Digital Entertainment
14. Kolkata International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Edition
15. International Jaguar Day – November 29
16. International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People – November 29
17. Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare – November 30
18. Former Cricketer Siddarth Kaul Joins SBI After Retirement
19. India and UK Sign Agreement for Electric Propulsion Systems
20. Kash Patel Nominated as FBI Director by Trump
21. Jay Shah Becomes ICC Chairman at Age 36
22. Justice Manmohan Recommended for Supreme Court Appointment
23. Renowned Economist Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi Passes Away

National News

1. AOMSUC-14 Conference to Focus on Satellite Meteorology
   • What:
     • The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) is taking place from December 4 to 6, 2024, in New Delhi, India.
     • The conference is hosted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and aims to highlight the importance of satellite observations in meteorology.
   • Why:
     • The conference seeks to promote advancements in satellite remote sensing technology and provide a platform for collaboration between satellite operators and users.
   • Tell me more:
     • The first AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China, in 2010 and has since become an annual event across different Asia-Oceania locations.
     • The conference will also include an international coordination meeting on December 7, focusing on enhancing cooperation among member countries in meteorology.
     • The IMD has been instrumental in weather forecasting and climate monitoring in India since its establishment in 1875.
       Source: PIB
2. ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Portal
   • What:
     • The “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” campaign was launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice President of India at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi.
   • Why:
     • This year-long campaign aims to deepen citizens’ understanding of the Indian Constitution and promote awareness of legal rights.
   • Tell me more:
     • The campaign will include regional events, workshops, seminars, and discussions to simplify and popularize the Constitution’s core principles.
     • It promotes three key goals: building constitutional awareness, promoting legal rights and responsibilities, and ensuring justice for all through the “Sabko Nyay, Har Ghar Nyay” initiative.
     • The “Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan” focuses on educating people in rural and underserved areas about their legal rights.
     • The campaign is part of a broader initiative commemorating India’s 75th year as a Republic.

3. India Opens New Embassy Chancery in Italy
   • What:
     • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome, Italy.
   • Why:
     • The new Chancery aims to enhance diplomatic relations and better serve the Indian community in Italy.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Chancery will facilitate improved services and support for Indians living in Italy.
     • A chancery is part of an embassy but specifically refers to the office where diplomatic staff work, while the embassy encompasses the entire diplomatic mission, including the ambassador’s residence and other facilities.
     • Jaishankar will also participate in the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and the MED Mediterranean Dialogue during his visit.
     • India and Italy have maintained diplomatic relations since 1947, with a history of cultural and commercial exchanges dating back over 2,000 years.
       Source: ANI

4. India Re-elected to UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025-2026
   • What:
     • India has been re-elected to the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the term 2025-2026.
     • The current term of India on the Commission was set to expire on December 31.
   • Why:
     • As a founding member and significant contributor to UN Peacekeeping, India aims to enhance its engagement with the PBC.
   • Tell me more:
     • The PBC is an intergovernmental advisory body that supports peace efforts in conflict-affected countries.
     • It consists of 31 Member States elected from the General Assembly, Security Council, and Economic and Social Council.
     • The Commission focuses on post-conflict recovery, reconstruction, and institution-building efforts.

5. Indian Railways Launches Safety Training App ‘Sanraksha’
   • What:
     • The Indian Railways has launched a mobile application called ‘Sanraksha’.
     • This app is designed for safety training and capacity building for frontline employees.
   • Why:
     • The purpose of the app is to provide critical operational training to thousands of railway employees.
   • Tell me more:
     • ‘Sanraksha’ was introduced by the South East Central Railway (SECR) under the guidance of the senior divisional commercial manager in Nagpur.
     • The application incorporates information technology, data analytics, and artificial intelligence for effective training.
     • It features smart learning techniques along with real-time feedback and monitoring systems to enhance employee performance.
       Source: FE

State News

1. Mission Arun Himveer Launched to Boost Agri-Horticulture Market
   • What:
     • The Arunachal Pradesh government launched ‘Mission Arun Himveer’ to enhance market linkages for agricultural and horticultural producers.
   • Why:
     • The mission aims to provide a ready market for local farmers, helping them sell their produce directly to the ITBP.
   • Tell me more:
     • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
     • Under this initiative, the state government will supply fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry products sourced from local farmers and cooperatives.
     • This follows a previous agreement with the Indian Army in August 2022, which also aimed at supporting local agriculture.
     • The initiative is expected to generate over Rs 10 crore in business annually for farmers.
       Source: BS

2. PM Modi to Launch Pradhan Mantri Bima Sakhi Yojana in Haryana
   • What:
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Haryana on December 9 to launch the Pradhan Mantri Bima Sakhi Yojana.
     • Haryana Chief Minister: Nayab Singh Saini
   • Why:
     • The visit aims to promote the new insurance scheme designed to provide financial security and support to women in the state.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Pradhan Mantri Bima Sakhi Yojana is part of a broader initiative to empower women through financial inclusion and support.
     • Haryana has been focusing on various welfare schemes aimed at improving the socio-economic status of women.
       Source: ET

3. Gujarat’s Gharchola Receives Geographical Indication Tag
   • What:
     • The Gharchola, a traditional wedding sari from Gujarat, has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Government of India.
     • The GI tag was presented during the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi.
   • Tell me more:
     • Gharchola sarees are traditionally worn during weddings in Hindu and Jain communities and are known for their vibrant colors such as red, maroon, green, and yellow.
     • The award marks the 27th GI tag received by Gujarat, with 23 of these tags belonging to the handicraft sector.

Source: HBL

Banking and Economy

1. Nine States Allocate $18 Billion for Women-Centric Schemes
   • What:
     • Nine states in India have a collective budget allocation of $18 billion for cash transfer schemes aimed at women for the financial year 2024-25.
     • This allocation accounts for 0.5% of India’s GDP.
   • Why:
     • The cash transfer schemes are designed to attract women voters and enhance their economic empowerment.
   • Tell me more:
     • The “Ladki Bahin Yojana” in Maharashtra provides Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women and has been credited with contributing to the BJP’s electoral success in the state.
     • Maharashtra has the largest allocation of $5.4 billion, followed by Karnataka with $3.6 billion, and Haryana with $2.5 billion.
     • The schemes target women aged 18 and above from low-income households, with varying monthly benefits across states.

2. Government Signs $98 Million ADB Loan for Horticulture Improvement
   • What:
     • The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to enhance horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials.
     • This initiative aims to improve crop yield, quality, and resilience to climate impacts.
   • Why:
     • The funding supports the Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), which focuses on plant health management and aims to boost productivity for horticulture farmers.
     • It seeks to develop regulatory frameworks and institutional systems for effective implementation of the CPP.
   • Tell me more:
     • The project will establish clean plant centers dedicated to maintaining disease-free foundation materials and will include laboratories with advanced diagnostic testing methods.
     • It will roll out a clean plant certification scheme to accredit private nurseries and ensure the quality of planting materials.
     • Close consultations will be held with private nurseries, researchers, state governments, and growers’ associations for successful implementation.

3. Piyush Goyal Launches CII Ease of Doing Business Portal
   • What:
     • Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched the CII Ease of Doing Business and Regulatory Affairs portal.
     • The launch took place during the 2nd DPIIT-CII National Conference on Ease of Doing Business.
   • Why:
     • The portal aims to provide insights into India’s business environment and track suggestions for improvement.
   • Tell me more:
     • The portal includes a dedicated member dashboard for users to monitor progress and submissions in real-time.
     • It is designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and timely resolution of business concerns.
     • He highlighted the need for industry engagement with the National Single Window System (NSWS) to streamline approvals.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Joint Table Top Exercise CINBAX Begins in Pune
   • What:
     • The first Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian and Cambodian armies started on December 1, 2024, at the Foreign Training Node in Pune.
   • Why:
     • CINBAX aims to plan and simulate joint Counter Terrorism (CT) operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
   • Tell me more:
     • The exercise will focus on establishing a Joint Training Task Force for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
     • The exercise will be conducted in three phases: preparation and orientation, table-top exercises, and finalization of plans.
     • This is the first time India and Cambodia are conducting a joint military exercise of this nature.
       Source: ANI

   
   

Awards

1. Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 Celebrates Digital Entertainment
   • What:
     • The 5th edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards was held on December 1, 2024, in Mumbai, honoring the best in web series and films across 39 categories.
   • Why:
     • The awards aim to celebrate excellence in digital entertainment and acknowledge the contributions of artists, directors, and technicians in the OTT industry.
   • Tell me more:
     • Major winners included Diljit Dosanjh for Best Actor (Male) in a Web Original Film for “Amar Singh Chamkila” and Kareena Kapoor for Best Actress (Female) for “Jaane Jaan.”
     • The Best Series award went to “The Railway Men,” while “Guns & Gulaabs” won Best Series (Critics).
     • “Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar” received the highest number of nominations with 16.
       Source: ANI

2. Kolkata International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Edition
   • What:
     • The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is scheduled from December 4 to 11, 2024.
     • The festival will showcase 175 films from 41 countries, with a special focus on French cinema.
   • Why:
     • The festival aims to celebrate international cinema and promote cultural exchange through film.
   • Tell me more:
     • Notable directors like Caroline Vignal, Celine Rouzet, and Elise Otzenberger will present their works during the festival.
     • The event will feature various activities, including seminars, symposiums, and discussions with prominent figures like Vidya Balan and R Balki.
     • The festival will be held across 20 venues in Kolkata, with a total of 290 shows planned.

Source: IE

Important Days

1. International Jaguar Day – November 29
   • What:
     • November 29 is celebrated as International Jaguar Day.
   • Tell me more:
     • International Jaguar Day was established in 2018, led by Panthera and various conservation groups.
     • The date commemorates the Jaguar Corridor Initiative, which protects jaguar habitats across 18 countries from Mexico to Argentina.
     • Deforestation has led to a loss of over 40% of jaguar habitats.
       Source: IN
2. International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People – November 29
   Source: UN
3. Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare – November 30
   Source: UN

Sports

1. Former Cricketer Siddarth Kaul Joins SBI After Retirement
   • What:
     • Former Indian pacer Siddarth Kaul has joined the State Bank of India (SBI) following his retirement from all forms of cricket.
   • Tell me more:
     • Kaul, aged 34, had a notable cricket career, representing India in three ODIs and three T20Is, with significant contributions to Punjab’s domestic team.
     • His retirement came after he went unsold in the IPL auction, prompting him to explore new opportunities outside of cricket.
     • Kaul has been associated with SBI since 2017 and previously earned a promotion within the bank.
       Source: IN

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and UK Sign Agreement for Electric Propulsion Systems
   • What:
     • India and the UK signed a framework agreement to co-design and co-produce electric propulsion systems for future naval ships.
     • The agreement was signed during the third Joint Working Group meeting on electric propulsion capability in Portsmouth.
   • Why:
     • The collaboration aims to enhance India’s self-reliance in naval technology and improve operational capabilities of the Indian Navy.
   • Tell me more:
     • Electric propulsion systems are designed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of naval operations.
     • The UK has a long history of expertise in electric propulsion technology, making it a valuable partner for India.
       Source: BS

Appointments

1. Kash Patel Nominated as FBI Director by Trump
   • What:
     • President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Kash Patel as the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
     • This nomination comes as Trump seeks to replace current FBI Director Christopher Wray.
   • Tell me more:
     • Kash Patel is a former national security aide and has previously served as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense.
   • Knowledge Nuggets:
     • The FBI director is appointed for a ten-year term to insulate them from political pressures, a practice established after the Watergate scandal.
       Source: TOI
2. Jay Shah Becomes ICC Chairman at Age 36
   • Jay Shah has officially taken over as the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024.
   • At 36 years old, he becomes the youngest and fifth Indian to hold this position.
     Source: HT

3. Justice Manmohan Recommended for Supreme Court Appointment
   • What:
     • The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has recommended the appointment of Justice Manmohan, the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, as a judge of the Supreme Court.
   • Why:
     • The recommendation aims to increase representation from the Delhi High Court in the Supreme Court, which currently has only one judge from Delhi.
   • Tell me more:
     • Justice Manmohan is second in seniority among judges in India and has been acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court since November 9, 2023.
     • The Supreme Court currently has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges but is functioning with only 32 judges due to recent retirements.
       Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Renowned Economist Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi Passes Away
   • Professor Amiya Kumar Bagchi passed away. He was a prominent Indian academic, teacher, and institution builder in economics.
   • His notable works include “Private Investment in India, 1900-1939” (1972) and “The Political Economy of Underdevelopment” (1982).
   • Bagchi founded the Institute of Development Studies Kolkata in 2002 and served as its director.
   • Bagchi was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2005.
     Source: IE

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