IMPORTANT DAYS

World AIDS Day 2024 observed on December 1.

• World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st.

• The day aims to raise awareness and acknowledge progress in the fight against AIDS.

• The 2024 theme is “Take the Right Path: My Health, My Right!”

• The theme emphasizes the importance of accessible, rights-based healthcare.

• It advocates for empowering individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to live fulfilling lives.

• World AIDS Day was first celebrated in 1988.

• HIV weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections and certain cancers.

• AIDS is the final, most severe stage of an HIV infection.

STATE NEWS

Maha Kumbh area of Prayagraj declared a new district by the UP government.

• The UP government has declared the Maha Kumbh area of Prayagraj a new district, named "Maha Kumbh Mela."

• This decision aims to improve the management and administration of the Kumbh Mela event.

• The move was supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during Magh Mela 2024.

• With this addition, Uttar Pradesh now has a total of 76 districts.

• The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, will take place from January 13 to February 26, 2025.

• The new district is expected to facilitate better coordination for the large-scale event.

• This step reflects the government's focus on efficient administrative handling of significant events like the Kumbh Mela.

Gujarat's handicraft 'Gharchola' has received a 'Geographical Indication' tag.

• Gujarat's 'Gharchola' has been awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• Gharchola is a traditional saaree worn during weddings in Gujarat.

• The GI tag was granted at the "GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak" event in New Delhi.

• Over the years, 27 Gujarat products have received GI tags, with 23 in handicrafts.

• The recognition honors the efforts of Garvi Gurjari emporium in preserving Gujarat's cultural heritage.

• The GI tag highlights Gujarat's commitment to protecting its artistic traditions.

• The Gharchola GI tag ensures the authenticity and uniqueness of the product.

• This recognition will help promote Gharchola handicrafts on a global scale.

‘Mission Arun Himveer' has been launched by the Arunachal Pradesh government to support agri-horti producers.

• The Arunachal Pradesh government launched 'Mission Arun Himveer' to support agri-horti producers.

• The mission aims to enhance market linkages for agricultural and horticultural products.

• An MoU was signed between the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), North East Frontier.

• The state government will supply local produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry, to ITBP from farmers and cooperatives.

• About 400 tons of produce worth Rs 72 lakhs were supplied to the Indian Army through local farmers.

• The initiative aims to provide markets for remote villages with low surplus production.

• It is designed to boost the local economy and create employment opportunities across the state.

• The mission helps build a vibrant agricultural sector in Arunachal Pradesh.

Insurance scheme to be launched by Kerala to cover the entire cattle population.

• Kerala is set to launch a comprehensive insurance scheme covering the entire cattle population in the state.

• The state government is working on multiple initiatives to support the dairy sector.

• The veterinary ambulance service will be extended to all block panchayats in Kerala.

• Rs 22 crore has been allocated for the maintenance of calves.

• Climate change has led to severe impacts, with 550 cows dying due to heat this year.

• The government is compensating Rs 37,500 for each cow lost.

• Rising fodder costs are causing challenges for Milma, Kerala Feeds Ltd., and farmers.

• Two new schemes have been launched: 'Arunodayam' to improve heifer milk yield, and 'Snehamitram,' a life insurance plan for dairy farmers with a premium of Rs 10.

APPOINTMENTS

Jay Shah became the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

• Jay Shah has been appointed as the new Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

• He is the fifth Indian to hold the position of ICC Chairman.

• Shah has served as the Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the past five years.

• He succeeds New Zealand's Greg Barclay, selected by the ICC's Board of Directors.

• Jay Shah is committed to advancing cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

• His leadership marks a significant milestone for Indian cricket at the global level.

• Shah’s appointment strengthens India's influence in international cricket governance.

BANKING NEWS

A new record of 16.58 billion financial transactions created by UPI in October.

• Unified Payments Interface (UPI) set a new record in October with 16.58 billion financial transactions processed.

• The total transaction value in October amounted to Rs 23.49 lakh crore.

• This represents a 45% year-on-year growth compared to October last year.

• UPI, launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India, has transformed the payment landscape.

• The platform integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile app for seamless transactions.

• UPI facilitates faster, safer, and simpler fund transfers, merchant payments, and peer-to-peer transactions.

• The system also offers scheduled payment requests, enhancing user flexibility.

• UPI’s success is spreading internationally, with operations in seven countries, including UAE, Singapore, and France.

NATIONAL NEWS

India’s First Vertical Lift Rail Bridge, Pamban 2.0, Set to Operate Soon in Rameswaram.

• India’s first vertical lift rail bridge, Pamban 2.0, is set to be operational soon, likely within two weeks.

• Southern Circle Railway Safety Commissioner A M Chaudhari inspected the bridge on November 13-14.

• The bridge is inspired by similar structures in Germany and Spain, designed to lift vertically.

• Experts from Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd visited ports in Valencia, Barcelona, and Hamburg to study comparable bridges.

• The bridge’s speed limit has been set at 50 km per hour after approval following necessary improvements.

• Pamban 2.0 will replace the 110-year-old cantilever bridge with 100 spans, 99 of which are 18.3 meters long.

• The bridge features a 72.5-meter-long navigational span, allowing large ships to pass through.

• The construction of the bridge, costing Rs 280 crore, will facilitate smoother rail and marine traffic on the Rameswaram coast.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s sixteenth Conference of Parties (COP16) began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) began on December 2 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• This is the first time West Asia is hosting the UNCCD conference.

• The event marks the 30th anniversary of the UNCCD, with participation from 197 countries.

• India's delegation, led by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, joined key discussions at the IUCN Pavilion.

• India presented the Aravalli Green Wall Project (AGWP), focused on restoring 1.15 million hectares of degraded land in northwestern India.

• COP16, running until December 13, is Saudi Arabia's largest-ever multilateral event.

• The conference offers a platform for global cooperation on sustainable land management solutions.

• The AGWP is highlighted as a potential global model for similar environmental initiatives.

Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference will be held in New Delhi.

• The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi.

• The event is organized by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

• The primary goal is to highlight the importance of satellite-based observations in meteorology.

• Around 150 participants from various countries are expected to attend the conference.

• The first AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China, in 2010.

• The conference has been held annually across different locations in the Asia-Oceania region.

• The event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among meteorological experts.

DEFENCE

India and Cambodia inaugurated the Joint tabletop exercise CINBAX in Pune.

• The inaugural CINBAX Joint Tabletop Exercise between the Indian and Cambodian armies began in Pune.

• The exercise, running from December 1-8, 2024, takes place at the Foreign Training Node, Pune.

• A Cambodian contingent of 20 personnel is participating alongside an Indian Army Infantry Brigade.

• The exercise will focus on Joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations.

• Key discussions will include setting up a Joint Training Task Force for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance.

• Topics covered will include cyber warfare, hybrid warfare, logistics, casualty management, and HADR operations.

• The exercise will be conducted in three phases: preparation, tabletop exercises, and final plan review.