NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. MoD inks contract worth ₹1207 Cr with Cochin Shipyard Limited for Short Refit and Dry Docking of INS Vikramaditya: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited for Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at an overall cost of Rs. 1207.5 Cr.INS Vikramaditya is an Indian Aircraft Carrier commissioned in the Indian Navy in November 2013. After completion of the Refit, INS Vikramaditya will join the active fleet of the Indian Navy with upgraded combat capability.This project is an important step towards development of Cochin Shipyard Limited as Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Hub for supporting the industrial ecosystem of India.The project envisages the involvement of nearly 50 MSMEs and would lead to employment generation for more than 3500 personnel.
2. ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Portal: The Department of Justice is implementing a pan-India, year-long nationwide campaign titled ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ to celebrate the 75th year of India as a Republic and the adoption of India’s Constitution.The campaign was launched on January 24, 2024, by the Hon’ble Vice-President of India. Following this, three regional events have also been organized in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on March 9, 2024, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on July 16, 2024, and in Guwahati, Assam on November 19, 2024 respectively to ensure decentralized outreach of the campaign.The campaign aims to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and to celebrate the shared values that bind our nation.
3. Gujarat’s ‘Gharcholas’ receive GI tag: Gujarati “Gharcholas” traditionally worn at weddings within Hindu and Jain communities has received a Geographical Indication or GI tag from the Government of India.The coveted GI tag for Gharchola handicrafts was presented to Gujarat at the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi, hosted by the Handlooms Development Commissioner of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.This is the 27th GI tag that Gujarat has received. The GI recognition for Gharchola demonstrates Gujarat’s commitment to guarding its rich artistic heritage. These Gharchola sarees are traditionally crafted in auspicious colours such as red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold special significance in Hindu customs. Along with the Gharchola saree, several other remarkable handicrafts have also earned GI tags under the Hastakala Setu Yojana.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Kolkata International Film Festival announces France as focus country: The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), slated to kick off on December 4, announced its lineup of 175 films from 29 countries, and revealed France as the focus country of this year’s film festival.The lineup includes 42 feature-length films, and 30 shorts and documentaries in competitive categories, and 103 films in non-competitive categories.Screenings will take place in 20 venues in different parts of the city between December 5 and 11.Chairperson of the 30th KIFF Goutam Ghose highlighted that the festival this year will also screen certain films with projections from their original celluloid, like Chokh and Debsishu by reputed director from the 1980s, Utpalendu Chakraborty.Like other years, the 30th edition of the KIFF has unveiled ‘Unheard India’, a non-competitive category that boasts of screenings of multiple films made in Indian languages like Garhwali, Konkani and Tulu.
2. India to host Asia-Oceania satellite users’ conference: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, will host the 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) in New Delhi between 4 and 6 December.The conference will bring together approximately 150 participants from various countries to discuss the latest advancements in satellite remote sensing and their application in meteorology and climatology.The AOMSUC-14 aims to highlight the significance of satellite observations, promote advancements in satellite technology, and foster collaboration between satellite operators and users.The conference will feature oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, and a training workshop on applying satellite data to meteorology and climatology.
3. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala reappointed as DG of WTO: The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.According to the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes on August 31, 2025.
4. 1 December – World AIDS Day: World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1.Objective- To raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and showing solidarity with those affected by the disease.Theme 2024 – Take the Rights PathThe day serves as a platform for organisations worldwide to unite, remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, and advocate for continued progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.World AIDS Day, established by the WHO and the United Nations, was first observed in 1988 in response to the global effect of the HIV epidemic. In 1981, the first case of AIDS was reported in the United States and two years later, researchers could have identified the virus that causes the disease.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Coast Guard conducts maritime search and rescue exercises off Kochi coast: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast.The exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and showcased the expertise of coast guards in maritime safety and search-and-rescue operations.Theme 2024 – Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration
2. 1st Indo-Cambodian ‘CINBAX” Exercise commences in Pune, Maharashtra: India-Cambodia’s first Joint Tabletop Exercise, codenamed ‘CINBAX,’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra.The first CINBAX exercise between the Armies of both countries will be held in Pune from 1 to 18 December 2024.The exercise is part of the military diplomacy of both countries to strengthen friendly ties between the two countries, especially military-to-military ties.During the CINBAX exercise, Indian-made weapons systems and equipment will be displayed to the Cambodians to promote the Indigenous defence capabilities of India.
3. 1 December 2024 – 60th Raising Day of BSF: The Border Security Force (BSF) has celebrated its 60th Raising Day on December 1.The BSF was formed on December 1 1965 to ensure the security of India’s borders and for matters connected therewith. Senior IPS officer Khusro Faramurz Rustamji was tasked with the formation of the BSF at the time. He was posted as IGP of Madhya Pradesh back then.In January 1965, India witnessed the nefarious act of Pakistan in the Kanjarkot area of Gujarat. The then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri immediately decided to form a single force to protect the international borders and that eventually led to the formation of BSF. In 1966, 15 other battalions posted in Jammu and Kashmir were also merged with the BSF
SPORTS
1. Jay Shah assumes charge as ICC chairperson: Jay Shah has taken over as the chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s global governing body.The former BCCI secretary succeeds Greg Barclay, who has held the position since November 2020.Shah’s elevation to the top post makes him the third Indian among the last four ICC chairmen. However, unlike the last two Indians – N Srinivasan (2014-15) and Shashank Manohar (2015-20) – Shah enjoys complete support within the all-powerful BCCI, which counts a lot when it comes to decision making in the ICC boardroom.The ICC chairman’s term now is three years. The post being an independent one, Shah will also step away from the Asian Cricket Council presidency.
2. Pacer Siddharth Kaul announces retirement from all forms of cricket: Former Indian international Siddarth Kaul has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 34, following an unsold bid in the IPL Auction 2025.The right-arm fast bowler’s journey in Indian cricket spans nearly two decades, commencing in 2007 with a first-class debut for Punjab against Odisha in Mohali.Kaul played a pivotal role in the Indian U19 team that clinched the World Cup in 2008, led by none other than Virat Kohli. His international career took flight in 2018, featuring in three ODIs and as many T20IsOver his career, he has donned the whites in 88 first-class matches, securing a remarkable 297 wickets, which includes 17 instances of five-wicket hauls. His white-ball record boasts 199 wickets in 111 List A matches and 182 wickets across 145 T20 encounters.
3. Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix: Max Verstappen claimed his ninth win of the season and 63rd of his career with a stunning victory for Red Bull at the crash-hit and controversial Qatar Grand Prix.In a race shaped by a litany of stewards’ decisions and penalties, including a harsh late 10-second ‘stop-go’ for Lando Norris of McLaren, the newly-crowned four-time world champion was flawless as he came home six seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.That result meant McLaren, even with Oscar Piastri finishing third, were unable to clinch a first constructor’s title since 1998 and have to try again in the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBL Bank and Bajaj Finance end co-branded credit cards partnership: Private sector lender RBL Bank and consumer financier Bajaj Finance have mutually decided to cease the issuance of co-branded credit cards under their partnership, as the synergies initially envisioned have undergone significant changes.RBL Bank partnered with Bajaj Finance in 2016 to issue co-branded credit cards for a period of five years. The partnership was renewed for another five years in 2021.
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