NATIONAL NEWS

Winter Session of the Parliament started on 25 November.

• The Winter Session of Parliament began on November 25 and will run until December 20, 2024.

• The session includes 19 sittings over 26 days.

• The government has listed 15 bills for introduction, including five new ones.

• A bill to amend the Waqf Act is among the key legislative proposals for this session.

• The Merchant Shipping Bill will address India’s commitments under international maritime treaties.

• The Coastal Shipping Bill and the Indian Ports Bill are also set to be introduced.

• Additional bills include the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill and the Railways (Amendment) Bill.

• The Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill and the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill will also be tabled.

• The legislative agenda focuses on reforms in shipping, ports, banking, and oilfields regulation.

Shivangi Desai received the title of Miss Charm India 2024

• Shivangi Desai, a 22-year-old law student from ILS Pune, won the Miss Charm India 2024 title.

• She is in her final year at the prestigious Indian Law School (ILS), Pune.

• The Miss Charm India title is organized by the Glamananda Group, led by founder Nikhil Anand.

• This achievement positions Shivangi to represent India at Miss Charm 2024.

• The international pageant will be held in Vietnam this December.

• Winning this title highlights her remarkable talent and dedication.

• Shivangi’s victory brings pride and recognition to India on the global stage.

Global Cooperative Conference inaugurated by PM Modi in New Delhi.

• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the ICA Global Cooperative Summit 2024 in New Delhi on November 25.

• The United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 was also launched during the event, with the theme “Cooperatives Build a Better World.”

• This marks the first time in ICA's 130-year history that its Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly are being held in India.

• The summit is jointly organized by IFFCO, ICA, the Government of India, AMUL, and KRIBHCO, running from November 25-30.

• The conference theme, “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All,” aligns with India’s vision of “Sahkar se Samriddhi.”

• PM Modi released a commemorative postage stamp to honor the International Year of Cooperatives 2025.

• The ICA, founded in 1895, represents over three million cooperative enterprises and more than one billion members globally.

• The year 2025 will focus on showcasing the role of cooperatives in addressing global challenges and building a better world.

APPOINTMENTS

Dinesh Bhatia has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Brazil.

• Dinesh Bhatia has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Brazil.

• The Ministry of External Affairs announced his appointment on 25 November 2024.

• Bhatia, an IFS officer from the 1992 batch, currently serves as India’s Ambassador to Argentina.

• He has previously served as Consul General in Toronto and Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Liberia.

• His earlier roles include working with the Department of Atomic Energy and as Private Secretary to India’s Tourism Minister.

• Bhatia is also an author, having written Devi Purana (2023) and Physics for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination (1994).

• He assumed his current post in Argentina on 21 August 2019.

• His diverse experience reflects a strong diplomatic and literary background.

RANKING AND INDEX

India is among the top 10 countries in terms of AI readiness.

• India ranks among the top 10 countries in AI readiness, as per a study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG).

• AI is transforming industries and reshaping economies, with significant impacts on future economic growth.

• The study revealed that over 70% of 73 economies scored below average in areas like skills, R&D, and ecosystem participation.

• BCG’s AI Maturity Matrix evaluates economies on vulnerability to AI-driven changes and preparedness for associated risks.

• Sectors most affected by AI include IT, high-tech goods, retail, financial services, public services, and automotive manufacturing.

• Readiness for AI is defined as an economy’s capacity to implement and integrate AI effectively.

• The study assesses AI readiness using BCG’s ASPIRE Index, focusing on ambition, skills, policy, investment, research, and ecosystems.

• The findings emphasize the need for economies to boost AI-related skills and innovation to leverage its potential.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

UN General Assembly committee adopted a resolution on the first-ever treaty on crimes against humanity.

• The UN General Assembly committee adopted a resolution to negotiate the first treaty on crimes against humanity.

• The resolution, approved by consensus in the legal committee, aims to prevent and punish such crimes.

• Preparatory sessions are planned for 2026 and 2027, with negotiations scheduled for 2028 and 2029.

• The treaty seeks to address impunity for atrocities committed in places like Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, and Myanmar.

• It emphasizes accountability for crimes inflicted on civilians during large-scale attacks.

• The International Criminal Court (ICC) handles major cases of war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity.

• Crimes against humanity involve systematic attacks on civilians and include 15 listed forms by the ICC.

• The treaty process sends a strong message against impunity for such violations globally.

• This marks a significant step in strengthening international justice and protecting human rights.

COP 29 fixed a target to raise $300 billion annually by 2035.

• COP29 in Baku set a target to raise $300 billion annually by 2035 to help developing countries combat climate change.

• India and other developing nations criticized the target, calling it insufficient and opposing the adoption process.

• The agreement aims to triple the initial $100 billion annual funding target to $300 billion for poorer nations by 2035.

• Efforts will also focus on increasing total public and private funding to $1.5 trillion annually by 2035.

• Progress will be reviewed regularly, with a key decision review in 2030 and reports in 2026 and 2027.

• National climate plans, due in 2025, will be a crucial measure of success.

• The UK has committed to reducing emissions by 81% from 1990 levels by 2035.

• A government-to-government carbon markets deal was also finalized at COP29.

• COP30 will be hosted in Belem, Brazil, in November 2025.

SPORTS

Anders Antonsen defeated Jonatan Christie to win China Masters 2024.

• Anders Antonsen from Denmark won the men’s singles title at the China Masters 2024, defeating Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie in straight sets.

• South Korea’s Se Young An claimed the women’s singles title by beating China’s Fang Jie Gao in the final.

• The men’s doubles title was secured by South Korean duo Yong Jin and Seung Jae Seo, who triumphed over Indonesia’s Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Muhammad Reza Pahlevi Isfahani.

• Sheng Shu Liu and Ning Tan clinched the women’s doubles title, defeating their Chinese compatriots Xu Min Luo and Yi Jing Li.

• In mixed doubles, China’s Yan Zhe Feng and Dong Ping Huang defeated Malaysia’s Su Yin Cheng and Pang Ron Hoo to win the title.

• The tournament was held in Shenzhen, China, showcasing exceptional performances across singles and doubles events.

• Antonsen’s victory added to Denmark’s dominance in international badminton.

• South Korea and China displayed strong performances, securing multiple titles across different categories.

Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in the history of IPL auction.

• Rishabh Pant became the costliest player in IPL auction history, bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.

• After years with Delhi Capitals, Pant will now join the Lucknow team.

• Shreyas Iyer was acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore.

• Ravichandran Ashwin returned to Chennai Super Kings for ₹9.75 crore.

• Yuzvendra Chahal was purchased by Punjab Kings for ₹18 crore.

• KL Rahul joined Delhi Capitals with a bid of ₹14 crore.

• The auction witnessed record-breaking bids for top players.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Government launched National Campaign “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” in New Delhi

• The government launched the “Ab Koi Bahana Nahi” campaign on November 25, 2024, in New Delhi to combat gender-based violence.

• The campaign calls for collective action from the public, government, and stakeholders to eradicate gender-based violence.

• It is a collaborative initiative of the Ministries of Rural Development and Women and Child Development, supported by UN Women.

• A film highlighting accountability and commitment to preventing gender-based violence was unveiled during the campaign.

• The campaign aligns with Nayi Chetna 3.0 to ensure widespread dissemination of its message.

• It emphasizes the shared responsibility of individuals and organizations in addressing and eliminating gender-based violence.

• November 25 is observed globally as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

• The campaign aims to inspire action and accountability to create a safer and more equitable society.