IMPORTANT DAYS
Vijay Diwas 2024 observed on December 16.
• Vijay Diwas is observed on December 16 each year to honor India's victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
• The year 2024 marks the 53rd anniversary of the 1971 war and celebrates the Indo-Bangladesh friendship.
• On December 16, 1971, East Pakistan's independence was declared, leading to the formation of Bangladesh.
• The conflict began on December 3, 1971, when Pakistan launched airstrikes on 11 Indian airbases.
• India achieved victory after 13 days of intense fighting, culminating in Pakistan's surrender.
• General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi, the Pakistani Army Chief, surrendered to Indian forces along with his soldiers.
• At the time of the war, Indira Gandhi served as India's Prime Minister.
• Vijay Diwas is also observed as 'Bijoy Dibos' or Bangladesh Liberation Day in Bangladesh.
• In 2024, a Bangladesh delegation, including freedom fighters, is expected to join Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been impeached over his martial law order.
• On December 14, South Korea's parliament impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over a controversial martial law order.
• The impeachment vote passed with 204 in favor and 85 against, ending days of political paralysis.
• The decision sparked intense debates but was celebrated by crowds as a victory for South Korea's democracy.
• As a result, President Yoon's powers were suspended, and Prime Minister Han Duk-soo temporarily assumed presidential duties.
• The Constitutional Court now has 180 days to decide on Yoon's removal or reinstatement.
• If Yoon is removed, a national election will be held within 60 days to choose a new president.
• This is the second impeachment attempt after ruling party lawmakers boycotted the first vote.
• Yoon is currently prohibited from leaving South Korea.
• Yoon is the third South Korean president to be impeached during their term.
• Previously, President Park Geun-hye was impeached in 2016 over a corruption scandal, and President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 over election law violations.
Britain became the 12th member of the trans-Pacific trade pact.
• The UK joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as its 12th member.
• The British government announced its decision to join the CPTPP in 2023.
• The UK's membership is expected to boost its economy by $2.5 billion (€2.4 billion) annually.
• Over time, the UK estimates the pact could generate £2 billion ($2.5 billion) annually.
• Member countries of the CPTPP include Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
• Japan, Australia, and Canada are also part of the CPTPP.
• The UK will benefit from enhanced free trade opportunities with Malaysia and Brunei.
• The agreement is seen as a boost for Britain's post-Brexit economy.
AWARDS
Satin Creditcare Network has won ‘Microfinance Organization of the Year Award’.
• Satin Creditcare Network won the ‘Microfinance Organization of the Year Award’ at the Global Inclusive Finance Summit.
• The company was recognized for making microfinance more inclusive.
• It was lauded for its lasting impact on numerous households.
• Satin Creditcare Network empowers people to create sustainable livelihoods.
• The award acknowledges the company's role in promoting financial stability.
• Satin Creditcare Network is a prominent player in the microfinance sector.
• The Global Inclusive Finance Summit took place on 11-12 December 2024 in New Delhi.
• The recognition highlights the company's contribution to financial inclusion and stability.
DEFENCE
India, France and UAE participated in the “Desert Knight” exercise.
• India, France, and the UAE conducted a trilateral air combat exercise named "Desert Knight" in the Arabian Sea.
• The exercise aims to boost defense cooperation and improve interoperability among the three nations' air forces.
• India participated with Sukhoi-30MKIs, Jaguars, and IL-78 mid-air refuellers.
• French Rafale jets and UAE's F-16 fighters were also part of the exercise.
• The drill focuses on enhancing defense ties in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.
• "Desert Knight" is part of a strategic framework established in 2022 by the foreign ministers of India, France, and the UAE.
• It aims to strengthen trilateral defense collaboration and air combat capabilities.
• The exercise reflects growing military partnerships between the three countries.
SPORTS
Mumbai won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024.
• Mumbai won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024, defeating Madhya Pradesh in the final.
• Mumbai triumphed with a five-wicket win at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
• Madhya Pradesh posted 174/8 in their 20 overs, with Mumbai chasing down the target in 17.5 overs.
• Suryakumar Yadav contributed a brisk 48 off 35 balls in Mumbai's chase.
• Suryansh Shedge was named Player of the Match for his performance in the final.
• Ajinkya Rahane was awarded the Player of the Series.
• This marks Mumbai's second Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title.
• Mumbai's first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy win was in 2022.
MISCELLANEOUS
A partnership to empower children in rural India formed between BMW and UNICEF.
• BMW Group and UNICEF have formed a partnership to enhance education for children in rural India.
• Announced on December 11, the collaboration aims to impact 100,000 children across four states.
• Focus will be on foundational education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills.
• The initiative targets adolescent girls from marginalized communities in Assam, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
• This partnership is part of a broader global alliance between BMW and UNICEF.
• The long-term goal is to provide education and training to over 10 million children and young people annually.
• The partnership also includes STEM education efforts in countries like South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and Thailand.
• BMW's global operations support this initiative to empower children through quality education and skill-building opportunities.