Table of Contents
National News
India’s First Vertical Lift Rail Bridge: The New Pamban Bridge
The New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, is replacing the 105-year-old Pamban Bridge to enhance connectivity between the Indian mainland and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. This state-of-the-art bridge is a leap in railway infrastructure, designed for speed, safety, and modern train compatibility.
Ayush Ministry’s Decadal Milestones Unveiled by Shri Shripad Naik
The Ministry of Ayush has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, emerging as a global leader in traditional medicine. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since its inception in 2014, the Ministry has achieved significant milestones in public health, education, research, and economic growth. Aligning its initiatives with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC), the Ministry has effectively integrated traditional Indian medicine into mainstream healthcare, enhanced global outreach, and promoted economic sustainability.
“Oxford & Gates Foundation Highlight PRAGATI’s Role in Infrastructure Growth”
India’s digital governance platform, PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), has revolutionized the nation’s infrastructure development landscape. Launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PRAGATI has become a game-changer in driving accountability, fostering collaboration between federal and regional authorities, and expediting the completion of long-delayed infrastructure projects. A study by Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and the Gates Foundation has highlighted the transformative impact of PRAGATI on the nation’s infrastructure, overseeing $205 billion worth of projects.
UNESCO Declares West Bengal a Top Heritage Tourism Destination
West Bengal’s tourism sector has received international recognition with UNESCO declaring it a top destination for heritage tourism. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the state’s significant progress in religious, heritage, and tea tourism. This development has not only boosted tourism but also generated employment for thousands of youth. West Bengal’s focus on enhancing iconic religious sites and heritage spots is driving its tourism to new heights, fostering job creation, and making it a key player in India’s tourism landscape.
International News
India Highlights Green Initiatives at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh
India joins 197 nations at the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which commenced on December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the convention’s first-ever session in West Asia. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini lead India’s delegation, presenting the ambitious Aravalli Green Wall Project and showcasing India’s commitment to combating desertification.
Murdu Fernando Becomes Sri Lanka’s 2nd Female Chief Justice
Justice Murdu Nirupa Bindushini Fernando was ceremonially sworn in as the Chief Justice of Sri Lanka on December 2, 2024, before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat. This landmark event marks a significant milestone in Sri Lankan judicial history as Justice Fernando becomes the second woman to hold the esteemed position of Chief Justice, following the trailblazing Justice Shirani Bandaranaike.
State News
Telangana’s Rythu Bharosa: Boosting Farmer Welfare
The Telangana government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, is set to roll out the Rythu Bharosa Scheme after Sankranti, aiming to provide annual subsidies of ₹15,000 per farmer as part of Congress’ six guarantees. Agriculture Minister T. Nageshwara Rao emphasized that implementation will follow the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s report. The scheme replaces the previous Rythu Bandhu and seeks to bolster farmers’ welfare amid criticism over its discontinuation. The government has cleared ₹7,625 crore in crop loan arrears for Kharif 2023, affirming its commitment to farmers’ welfare.
India Launches First ‘Uber Shikara’ Service in Srinagar
In a landmark move, Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, Uber Shikara, in the scenic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This innovative initiative aims to offer a seamless and modern way for tourists to experience the traditional shikara ride, a popular attraction in the region, combining technology with Kashmir’s cultural heritage. With this new service, Uber seeks to uplift tourism and provide greater accessibility, making the shikara experience more convenient and hassle-free for visitors.
Defence News
Harimau Shakti 2024: India-Malaysia Military Drill Begins
The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, commenced on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia. This exercise, scheduled to run until December 15, 2024, is an annual event designed to enhance the military cooperation between the two nations. The exercise will focus on improving the ability of both forces to undertake joint counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain, aligned with the United Nations Chapter VII Mandate.
Economy News
UPI Breaks Record in October with 16.58 Billion Transactions Worth Rs 23.5 Trillion
In October 2024, India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) set a new record, processing 16.58 billion transactions valued at Rs 23.5 trillion (approximately US$ 279.4 billion), the highest since UPI’s inception in April 2016. This achievement marked a significant 10% increase in transaction volume and 14% in value compared to September 2024.
The surge was primarily driven by a boom in person-to-merchant transactions during the festive season. The daily average of UPI transactions surpassed 535 million in volume and Rs 75,801 crore in value. Year-on-year, UPI transactions saw a 45% rise in volume and 37% in value.
Banking News
RBI Lifts Supervisory Restrictions on Navi Finserv
On December 2, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted the supervisory restrictions imposed on Navi Finserv, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) led by Sachin Bansal. This decision comes after the company took significant corrective measures to address the regulatory concerns that had led to the imposition of restrictions on October 17, 2024, primarily related to loan pricing practices and non-compliance with lending norms.
Summits and Conferences News
Chennai to Host World Maritime Conference 2024
The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) is a premier global event held every three years under the auspices of the World Maritime Technology Congress. This prestigious gathering brings together industry leaders, professionals, and experts in maritime technology and allied sectors from across the globe. The 2024 edition of WMTC will be hosted in Chennai, India, from December 4-6, by the Institute of Marine Engineers (India) Chennai Branch.
Important Days News
December 3 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a global observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992, it is observed annually on December 3rd. This day aims to enhance understanding of disability issues, advocate for the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, and mobilize support for their well-being. It highlights the need to integrate persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life to achieve inclusive development.
Rajendra Prasad Jayanti 2024: Celebrating the Legacy of India’s First President
Rajendra Prasad Jayanti is celebrated on December 3 every year to honor the birth anniversary of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. A distinguished leader, lawyer, scholar, and freedom fighter, Dr. Prasad played a crucial role in shaping India’s independence and democracy. The 2024 celebration is an opportunity to reflect on his legacy and contribution to the nation.
Sports News
Syed Modi 2024: Sindhu, Lakshya End Drought; Treesa-Gayatri Make History
The Syed Modi India International Super 300 tournament in Lucknow marked a significant achievement for Indian badminton, as PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen ended their respective title droughts. Sindhu claimed her third title at the event, while Lakshya secured his first, and the women’s doubles duo, Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand, made history by becoming the first Indian women’s pair to win the title since 2009.
Pavan Kampelli Wins Bronze in eFootball at Asian Esports Games
India’s Pavan Kampelli has made history by securing a bronze medal in eFootball at the 2024 Asian Esports Games held in Bangkok. This marks India’s first-ever podium finish in the eFootball category, a monumental achievement in the country’s esports journey. Known as ‘Mr Tomboy’, Pavan showcased his exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, battling some of the best eFootball players in Asia.
Arjun Erigaisi Joins Elite 2800 ELO Club, Second Indian After Anand
Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has made history by becoming only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to breach the prestigious 2800 ELO rating barrier in classical chess. This remarkable achievement places the 21-year-old from Warangal, Telangana, in the global spotlight as he ranks 4th in the world with a rating of 2801, just below Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana. Erigaisi’s achievement is part of his sensational form in 2024, which included an individual gold and a team title at the 45th Chess Olympiad.
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