The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, a three-day cultural festival, will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from December 6th to 8th, 2024. Which organization is responsible for managing this event on behalf of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)?

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024 is managed by the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), which operates under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER). NEHHDC is a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) tasked with promoting the handicrafts and handlooms of Northeast India. The event is designed to showcase the region's cultural and economic potential, highlighting key aspects such as traditional arts, crafts, and indigenous products. Key Details: Organizer: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) Management Entity: NEHHDC (responsible for the execution and management of the event) Role of NEHHDC: Promotes Northeast India's handicrafts and handlooms, ensuring regional artisans and entrepreneurs have a platform to showcase their products. The event is a part of the initiative to bring visibility to Northeast India's heritage and boost its cultural and economic engagement at a national level.

30th November 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Table of Contents

National News

India Re-Elected to UN Peacebuilding Commission for 2025-2026

India has been re-elected to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) for the 2025-2026 term, reaffirming its pivotal role in international peace efforts. The announcement was made by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, highlighting the country’s unwavering dedication to promoting global stability as a founding member and major contributor to UN peacekeeping. This accomplishment underscores India’s ongoing engagement with the PBC since its establishment in 2005.

SC Collegium Recommends Justice Manmohan for Apex Court

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, has proposed the elevation of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan to the apex court. Justice Manmohan’s recommendation comes at a time when the Supreme Court operates with 32 judges, two short of its sanctioned strength of 34, following the retirements of Justices DY Chandrachud and Hima Kohli. The five-member Collegium, which includes Justices BR Gavai, Surya Kant, Hrishikesh Roy, and AS Oka, recently convened to finalize the decision.

Ashtalakshmi Festival Starts December 6

The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav 2024, a grand three-day cultural festival, will be held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from December 6th to 8th, 2024. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and managed by its CPSE, the North Eastern Handicrafts & Handlooms Development Corporation Limited (NEHHDC), the Mahotsav aims to showcase the vibrant cultural and economic potential of Northeast India. The mascot, Purvi, a young girl symbolizing all eight northeastern states, was introduced during the curtain-raiser event.

International News

Australia Bars Under-16s from Social Media

Australia has enacted a world-first legislation to ban children under 16 from social media platforms, such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, as part of its effort to protect minors from online harm. The law imposes hefty fines of up to AUD 50 million for non-compliance, with social media companies given a year to implement the changes. While proponents laud the move as essential for child safety, critics argue the legislation is rushed, may pose privacy risks, and could unintentionally harm vulnerable youth.

Jaishankar Opens Indian Embassy’s New Chancery in Italy

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar inaugurated the new Chancery of the Indian Embassy in Rome, emphasizing the deep historical ties between India and Italy. He highlighted the maritime connections and the shared commitments to global issues such as freedom of navigation and maritime security. The inauguration reflects the expanding partnership between the two nations and aims to strengthen services for the Indian diaspora.

India-Sri Lanka Joint Operation Seizes 500 kg Crystal Meth

The Indian and Sri Lankan Navies successfully conducted a joint anti-narcotics operation in the Arabian Sea, intercepting two Sri Lankan-flagged fishing vessels and seizing approximately 500 kg of crystal methamphetamine on November 24-25, 2024. The operation was launched based on inputs from the Sri Lankan Navy, showcasing the growing synergy between the two nations in combating transnational crimes.

State News

France to Feature Prominently at 30th Kolkata International Film Festival

The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is set to showcase a diverse range of films from 41 countries, with a special emphasis on French cinema. Scheduled from December 4 to 11, 2024, the festival will feature 175 films, including contemporary works by French women filmmakers, classic French films, and a variety of international and Indian cinema. This year’s festival promises a rich mix of screenings, interactive sessions, and seminars, including appearances from prominent figures like Vidya Balan and R Balki.

ICG Hosts 11th SAREX-2024 Off Kochi Coast

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th edition of the National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast, showcasing India’s maritime safety capabilities. Inaugurated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, the two-day event featured sea drills, workshops, and discussions aimed at enhancing regional search-and-rescue collaboration. The exercise aligns with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, highlighting its role as a proactive maritime partner. It brought together key Indian agencies and 38 international observers, signaling India’s growing global maritime cooperation.

Gujarat’s Gharchola Handicraft Gets GI Recognition

Gujarat’s iconic handicraft, ‘Gharchola,’ has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Union government, taking the state’s total GI tags to 27, with 23 dedicated to handicrafts. This recognition highlights the rich cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship of Gujarat’s artisans. Presented during the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi, the accolade underscores the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its artistic traditions.

Economy News

India’s Core Sector Growth Picks Up with 3.1% Growth in October

India’s core sector growth improved to 3.1% in October, marking the second consecutive month of recovery. This growth comes after a revised 2.4% growth in September and follows a 22-month low contraction of 0.1% in August. The core sector, which includes coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement, and electricity, accounts for 40% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

India Secures $98 Million ADB Loan to Enhance Horticulture Health

India has secured a $98 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance horticulture productivity by promoting plant health management. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP) and aims to increase crop yields, improve quality, and build resilience against climate change.

Schemes News

PM Modi to Launch ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in Haryana on 9th December

On 9th December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in Panipat, Haryana, aimed at empowering women by creating job opportunities in the insurance sector. Under this scheme, women will become agents of the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), enabling them to sell insurance and earn an income. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to promote women’s empowerment and economic independence.

‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Portal

The Department of Justice launched the ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ campaign to celebrate 75 years of India as a Republic and the adoption of its Constitution. Launched on January 24, 2024, by the Vice-President of India, the campaign aims to reaffirm the commitment to the Constitution and raise public awareness on legal rights and duties. A series of regional events are being held to decentralize the outreach of the campaign.

Govt Issues 1.4 Million Ayushman Cards to Citizens Aged 70+

The government has made significant progress in ensuring the health and welfare of senior citizens through the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). As of November 25, 2024, approximately 14 lakh Ayushmann Vay Vandana cards have been issued to senior citizens aged 70 and above under the scheme. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to vulnerable populations.

Agreements News

Electric Propulsion Pact Signed by India, UK

India and the United Kingdom have finalized a framework agreement to co-design and co-produce electric propulsion systems for future warships, advancing their strategic defense collaboration. Signed in Portsmouth during the third joint working group meeting on electric propulsion capability partnership, this initiative underscores the commitment to indigenous development of advanced naval technologies.

Important Days News

Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare 2024

The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed annually on November 30. Established during the 20th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, this memorial day honors the memory of victims and strengthens the commitment of the international community to the complete eradication of chemical weapons.

This observance not only pays tribute to the victims but also reinforces the principles of peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.

International Jaguar Day 2024, Date, History and Significance

Every year on November 29, the world observes International Jaguar Day to raise awareness about the significance of jaguars and the urgent need for their conservation. As apex predators in the Americas, jaguars (scientifically known as Panthera onca) are vital to maintaining ecological balance. However, their survival is increasingly threatened, making this day an important occasion for action and advocacy.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People 2024, 29 November

The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is observed every year on 29 November. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1977 to highlight the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and promote support for achieving peace in the region.

Sports News

Siddarth Kaul Retires from Indian Cricket

Siddarth Kaul, a 34-year-old fast bowler, announced his retirement from Indian cricket, marking the end of a 17-year-long career that began with a first-class debut in Mohali. Kaul, who represented India in six international matches (three ODIs and three T20Is), shared the news on Instagram, reflecting on fulfilling his childhood dream of representing India and expressing his intent to explore opportunities overseas. He was instrumental in domestic circuits and achieved notable success in both white-ball and red-ball cricket.