IMPORTANT DAYS
World Meditation Day 2024 celebrated on 21 December
• First World Meditation Day celebrated on December 21, 2024, as declared by the United Nations General Assembly.
• UN Resolution: The UNGA adopted the resolution on December 6, 2024, with support from countries like Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra.
• Global Participation: The resolution was passed unanimously by all 193 UN member states.
• Theme 2024: "Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony" is the theme of the inaugural World Meditation Day.
• A special event was organized by India's Permanent Mission to the UN on December 20, 2024, to mark the occasion.
• Meditation has a history that spans over 5,000 years, with origins in ancient Egypt, China, and various spiritual traditions.
• Meditation helps reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure, while improving emotional health and self-awareness.
• Regular practice can improve sleep quality, promote positive thinking, and boost overall mental well-being.
• The day highlights meditation's potential to foster peace, harmony, and better mental health across the world.
STATE NEWS
Uttar Pradesh saw 476.1 million visitors, setting new tourism records.
• Uttar Pradesh set new tourism records with 476.1 million visitors between January and September 2024.
• Ayodhya has become the state's most popular tourist destination, surpassing Agra's Taj Mahal.
• Ayodhya welcomed 3,153 foreign tourists and 135.5 million domestic visitors during this period.
• Agra attracted 125.1 million visitors, including 924,000 foreign tourists and 115.9 million domestic ones.
• Varanasi received 184,000 foreign tourists and 62 million domestic visitors.
• Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, saw 68 million visitors, including 87,229 foreigners.
• Prayagraj welcomed 48 million visitors in 2024.
• Agra's international tourist arrivals surged from 2.684 million in 2022–2023 to 27.7 million in 2023–2024, while the Buddhist circuit in Kushinagar saw growth as well.
Bhu Bharati (Right of Records) Bill 2024 passed by Telangana state assembly.
• The Telangana State Assembly has passed the Bhu Bharati (Right of Records) Bill 2024.
• This bill aims to reform the state's land records, revenue system, and registration process.
• It replaces the Dharani Portal, which was previously used for land registrations by the BRS government.
• The bill introduces a unique identification number for each land parcel, called Bhu Aadhar.
• Similar to the Aadhaar system, Bhu Aadhar will provide a distinct ID for every piece of land.
• This initiative aims to streamline land record management and enhance land identification.
• It aligns with the Centre's plan for land titling based on precise longitudes and latitudes.
• The Bhu Aadhar system is expected to improve transparency and efficiency in land-related processes.
DEFENCE
Warships Nilgiri and Surat were delivered to Indian navy.
• The Indian Navy has received the warships Nilgiri and Surat.
• Nilgiri and Surat are both indigenously constructed warships.
• The ships were delivered by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd to the Indian Navy.
• Nilgiri is the first stealth frigate of the Project 17A class.
• Surat is the fourth stealth destroyer of the Project 15B class.
• The warships are now set to undergo sea trials.
• Designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau, the ships were built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
• Surat, a versatile vessel, is capable of performing a wide range of maritime warfare missions, with 72% of the P15B class being indigenous.
MISCELLANEOUS
Former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala passed away on 20 December 2024.
• Om Prakash Chautala, former Haryana CM, passed away on December 20, 2024.
• He served as Haryana's Chief Minister five times.
• Chautala was elected as a seven-time Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
• He was the leader of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).
• Chautala was the son of Devi Lal, former Deputy Prime Minister of India.
• He became the 7th Chief Minister of Haryana representing INLD.
• He holds the record as the oldest prisoner in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
• Chautala was convicted for illegally recruiting unqualified teachers during his tenure.
Salman Khan has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the first Kho-Kho World Cup.
• Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been made the brand ambassador of the first Kho-Kho World Cup.
• The Kho-Kho Federation of India (KKFI) announced Salman Khan's appointment.
• The announcement was made at the National Players Training Camp in Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
• The inaugural Kho-Kho World Cup will take place from January 13 to 19, 2025, in New Delhi.
• The tournament will feature 20 women's teams and 21 men's teams.
• A total of 24 nations will participate in the competition.
• Players from across the world will travel to India for the event.
• The week-long tournament will showcase international Kho-Kho talent.