CURRENT AFFAIRS 05-12-2024

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Volunteer Day 2024 celebrated on December 5.

• International Volunteer Day is celebrated annually on December 5th.

• It recognizes the dedication of individuals who contribute their time, skills, and energy to improve the world.

• United Nations Volunteers promote peace, justice, and equality in 169 countries worldwide.

• The day was established by the UN in 1985 to honor volunteers' efforts.

• Volunteers help foster a culture of service in their communities.

• They play a vital role in connecting generations and supporting sustainable development.

• Their work creates a more peaceful, healthier, and compassionate world for all.

World Soil Day 2024 observed on December 5.

• World Soil Day is observed annually on 5 December to raise awareness about the importance of soil.

• The theme for World Soil Day 2024 is “Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage”.

• The first official World Soil Day took place in 2014, following a UN resolution.

• In 2013, the UN General Assembly declared 5 December as World Soil Day.

• The day highlights the critical need for sustainable soil management to support ecosystems.

• Soil plays a vital role in providing nutrients for plants and supports all life on Earth.

• Healthy soil reduces climate change by increasing soil organic carbon.

• Over 95% of food production relies on soil and water, crucial for plant nutrient absorption.

APPOINTMENTS

Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time

• Devendra Fadnavis took oath as Maharashtra's Chief Minister for the third time on December 5.

• The oath was administered by Governor C P Radhakrishnan at Azad Maidan, Mumbai.

• Fadnavis was unanimously elected as the BJP legislature party leader on December 4.

• Along with Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde and NCP's Ajit Pawar, Fadnavis met the Governor to form a new government.

• The Mahayuti alliance won 232 seats in the recent elections.

• BJP secured 132 seats, Shiv Sena (Shinde) won 57, and NCP (Ajit Pawar) got 41 seats.

• This marks Fadnavis' third term as Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

• He previously served as Chief Minister in 2014 for the first time.

Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando became the 48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

• Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando is the 48th Chief Justice of Sri Lanka.

• She is the second woman to hold the position of Chief Justice in Sri Lanka.

• Her appointment was approved by the Constitutional Council.

• She succeeded Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, following his retirement.

• In 1997, she was appointed Deputy Solicitor General.

• She became Additional Solicitor General in 2014.

• She also served as the Senior Additional Solicitor General.

LEGAL NEWS

Indian Airforce Bill 2024 has been approved by the Parliament.

• The Indian Airforce Bill 2024 was approved by Parliament on December 5, after it was passed by the Rajya Sabha.

• Earlier, the Lok Sabha passed the bill during the monsoon session this year.

• The Bill gives the Central Government the authority to regulate aircraft design, manufacture, maintenance, sale, export, and import.

• It ensures the safety of aircraft operations through effective rule-making.

• The Bill also allows the Government to set rules for investigating air accidents and incidents.

• The government aims to elevate India’s aviation sector and transform the country into an aviation hub.

• The bill supports expanding air travel networks by bringing more people into the system.

• It focuses on creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the aviation industry.

• Government initiatives have boosted aviation, with the number of airports growing from 74 in 2014 to 157 by 2024.

BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE

India’s external debt reached $646.79 billion in 2023, increasing by $31 billion.

• According to the World Bank International Debt Report 2024, India's total external debt climbed by $31 billion to $646.79 billion in 2023.

• Interest payments on external debt rose from $15.08 billion in 2022 to $22.54 billion in 2023.

• Short-term debt stocks slightly declined to $126.32 billion in 2023.

• Long-term debt stocks saw a 7% rise, totaling $498 billion in 2023.

• External debt as a percentage of exports was 80% in 2023.

• Debt servicing accounted for 10% of India’s exports in 2023.

• Net stock inflows increased to $46.94 billion in 2023.

• Net debt inflows for 2023 totaled $33.42 billion.

AWARDS

Jasleen Kaur won Turner Prize for ‘Alter-Altar’ Exhibition.

• Jasleen Kaur, a Scottish artist, won the Turner Prize for her exhibition Alter-Altar.

• Her installation featured a Ford Escort car adorned with a large doily.

• Kaur triumphed over finalists Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas.

• The Turner Prize is a prestigious UK award for contemporary art, established in 1984.

• It is awarded annually to a British artist for outstanding exhibitions or projects.

• Previous winners include renowned artists like Anish Kapoor, Damien Hirst, and Steve McQueen.

• Last year’s winner was Jesse Darling, recognized for sculptures addressing societal breakdown.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE

CII organized 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth.

• CII hosted the 9th International Conference on Waste to Worth, focusing on technology, innovation, and global collaboration to tackle waste issues.

• The second edition of the National Circular Economy Framework (NCEF) was launched at the conference.

• NCEF, developed by CII, helps industries design sustainable business strategies.

• The NCEF was unveiled by Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, and Masood Mallick, Chairman of CII’s National Committee on Waste to Worth Technologies.

• The framework offers a roadmap to transform cities into sustainable urban centers.

• NCEF encourages innovation by supporting lifecycle assessments and circular economy principles.

• The conference highlighted the importance of using technology and creativity to solve waste management challenges.

• The NCEF aims to foster collaboration and sustainable practices across industries.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved record-breaking spending on the military.

• Vladimir Putin has approved a record defense budget for 2025.

• The Russian government has allocated $126 billion for national defense.

• Military spending now accounts for 32.5% of the total government budget.

• This year's defense budget is $28 billion higher than last year’s.

• The extended war in Ukraine is a key driver behind increased military spending.

• The Ukraine conflict is Europe's largest military war since World War II.

• Ukraine continues to depend on substantial military aid from Western allies, including the U.S.

SPORTS

India hockey team won the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2024.

• India clinched their fifth Men's Junior Asia Cup title on December 4, 2024, defeating Pakistan 5-3 in the final in Muscat, Oman.

• This victory marks India's fifth title in the tournament, with previous wins in 2023, 2015, 2008, and 2004.

• Hockey India announced cash rewards for the team: Rs 2 lakh for each player and Rs 1 lakh for each support staff member.

• India first won the Men's Junior Asia Cup in 2004, and they have since dominated the tournament.

• The Indian junior men's hockey team's stellar performance secured a historic title defense in the 2024 edition.

• The 2024 final saw India defeat arch-rivals Pakistan 5-3 to claim the top spot.

• The team's consistent excellence has made them a dominant force in junior hockey in Asia.

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