IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 observed annually on December 3
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3 to honour the resilience, contributions, and leadership of persons with disabilities (PwDs) worldwide.
• This year's theme is “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
• The UN General Assembly declared the day in 1992 to raise awareness and support for the rights and well-being of PwDs.
• The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was adopted by the UN in 2006 to protect the rights of PwDs.
• The Department of Disability Affairs was established under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on May 12, 2012.
• It was later renamed the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities on December 8, 2014.
• The Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan), launched on December 3, 2015, aims to make India universally accessible for PwDs.
• The day emphasizes promoting inclusion and ensuring full participation of PwDs in all spheres of society.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
South Korean Parliament voted to reject martial law.
• South Korea's Parliament voted to reject the imposition of martial law.
• The National Assembly declared martial law invalid after a vote by lawmakers.
• The resolution passed with 190 out of 300 members present, from both ruling and opposition parties.
• This marks the first time martial law was declared in South Korea since 1980.
• South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol imposed martial law on December 3.
• Martial law allows for “special measures” to restrict freedoms such as the press and assembly.
• The vote in Parliament effectively nullified the President's decision.
• The move has sparked significant political debate in the country.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to reopen on December 7.
• Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen on December 7, after five years of restoration.
• The reopening integrates modern safety measures while preserving its historic character.
• The 2019 fire severely damaged the roof and spire of the cathedral.
• Notre Dame is a renowned medieval Gothic architectural masterpiece.
• Construction of the cathedral began in 1163 and lasted for over a century.
• The cathedral attracts around 14 to 15 million visitors annually.
STATE NEWS
West Bengal declared top destination for heritage tourism by UNESCO.
• UNESCO has recognized West Bengal as a top destination for heritage tourism.
• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted the tourism sector's role in generating employment for lakhs of youth.
• Minister Indranil Sen announced that 2,489 homestays have been opened across the state, with 65% in North Bengal.
• The Chief Minister revealed that the under-construction Jagannath temple in Digha will soon be open to devotees.
• A tender has been issued for building a bridge over the Muriganga River at Ganga Sagar Island.
• The bridge is part of infrastructure plans to enhance access to the annual Gangasagar Mela.
• The development of tourism and infrastructure is aimed at boosting the state's economy.
• The recognition by UNESCO highlights West Bengal's growing prominence in global heritage tourism.
RANKING AND INDEX
In November 2024, Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) declined to 56.5.
• The Manufacturing PMI dropped to 56.5 in November 2024, its lowest in 11 months.
• PMI stood at 57.5 in October 2024, showing a decline in November.
• Inflation affected the manufacturing sector in November, but job creation remained strong.
• The PMI Manufacturing index is based on a survey of purchasing managers from 400 companies.
• The survey revealed intensified input cost inflation in the third fiscal quarter.
• Factory employment in India increased for the ninth consecutive month in November.
• Output charges saw their largest increase since October 2013.
• Despite inflationary pressures, job growth continued to be a positive trend in the sector.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
India’s organic food product export reached $448 Mn.
• India’s organic food exports reached $448 million in the first eight months of this fiscal year.
• A total of 263,050 metric tonnes of organic food products have been exported as of November 25.
• Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provides financial support to exporters of organic food products.
• APEDA is implementing the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) to promote organic farming and standards.
• Under NPOP, India has 1,016 certified organic processing units.
• APEDA has partnered with LuLu Group International to showcase Indian organic products in the UAE.
• APEDA organizes B2B exhibitions to boost exports of Indian agro and processed foods globally.
• The National Programme for Organic Production ensures accreditation of certification bodies and sets organic production standards.
By 2030, the Indian pharmaceutical sector is expected to have grown 58% to $130 billion.
• India's pharmaceutical sector, valued at $55 billion, is expected to grow by 58% to $130 billion by 2030.
• India has earned the title "Pharmacy of the World," with export revenue of $27.85 billion.
• By 2047, the Indian pharmaceutical industry is projected to reach $450 billion and a $1 trillion market.
• The pharmaceutical industry contributes around 2% to India's GDP, ranking third globally in output volume and 14th in value.
• India is a top player in biotechnology, ranking third in Asia-Pacific and among the top 12 worldwide.
• India’s pharmaceutical growth is driven by low manufacturing costs, efficient R&D, and a large skilled labor force.
• The country’s pharmaceutical exports of $27.85 billion reinforce its global position as a leader in the sector.
DEFENCE
4th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti commenced between India and Malaysia
• The 4th edition of Exercise Harimau Shakti between India and Malaysia began at Bentong camp, Malaysia.
• The Indian contingent consists of 78 personnel from the Mahar Regiment.
• The Malaysian contingent is represented by 123 personnel from the Royal Malaysian Regiment.
• The exercise aims to improve joint military capabilities for counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain.
• The event will take place from December 2 to December 15, 2024.
• Both nations will share best practices for conducting joint military operations.
• The focus will be on exchanging tactics, techniques, and procedures for effective collaboration.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit held in New Delhi.
• The 29th CII Partnership Summit 2024 was held in New Delhi on December 2-3.
• Organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the summit has been an annual event since 1995.
• The event is supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• 61 countries participated in the summit, with 30 global speakers and 11 international ministers.
• The summit focuses on fostering global cooperation and productive partnerships.
• It aims to create a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.
• Discussions revolved around India’s growth and potential global partnerships.
• International leaders engaged in talks about enhancing India’s role on the global stage.
World Maritime Conference 2024 will be held in Chennai from December 4-6.
• The World Maritime Conference 2024 is scheduled in Chennai from December 4-6.
• Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, will be the Guest of Honour.
• The conference will focus on the future of the global maritime sector.
• Participants include representatives from the US, UK, Germany, Spain, and Asia-Pacific countries.
• This event marks India's first hosting of the conference in 15 years.
• Discussions will cover futuristic developments and current challenges in the maritime industry.
• Over 300 delegates from across the globe will attend the conference.
• The event provides a platform for international collaboration and maritime policy discussions.