Current Affairs - December 2, 2024 Current Affairs

Telangana has become the 14th state to participate in India’s mineral auction regime, with the auction of two limestone blocks at Sultanpur and Saidulnama in November. These limestone blocks were auctioned to NCL Industries and Deccan Cement, marking the state’s entry into the Centre’s auction system. This initiative is aimed at boosting mineral production, particularly to meet the growing demands of industries like cement manufacturing. Telangana’s involvement in this regime highlights its commitment to enhancing its mining sector.

'Mission Arun Himveer' was launched by the Government of Arunachal Pradesh to strengthen market linkages for agricultural and horticultural producers. The initiative involves a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Aimed at fostering rural economic growth and supporting the Vibrant Village Programme, it ensures direct market access for farmers, self-help groups, and cooperatives while addressing employment challenges in border regions.

The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) under the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2 to 13, 2024. This marks the first time a West Asian nation is hosting the event, coinciding with the UNCCD’s 30th anniversary. Representatives from 197 nations, including India, are participating to address global desertification and land degradation under the theme "Our Land. Our Future."

Singapore emerged as the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to India in the July-September 2024 quarter, contributing 50% of the total USD 13.6 billion inflows, which marked a 43% increase compared to the previous year. Over the years, Singapore has played a vital role in India’s economic growth, with its cumulative FDI from April 2000 to March 2024 reaching approximately USD 159.94 billion. This strong partnership highlights Singapore's importance as India's key economic partner.

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed annually on December 2. This day serves as a global call to action to combat modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. It marks the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Prostitution on December 2, 1949, by the United Nations. The observance aims to promote the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals while raising awareness about the ongoing issue of modern slavery.

The India-Cambodia Joint Exercise CINBAX is taking place at the Foreign Training Node in Pune from 1st to 8th December 2024. This exercise marks the first-ever joint tabletop exercise between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army. It focuses on enhancing strategic cooperation, trust, and interoperability, particularly in counter-terrorism operations under the United Nations Charter. The event highlights the growing defence cooperation between the two nations.

In FY25, Maharashtra led the allocation for women-centric welfare schemes, dedicating $5.4 billion, which is 1.1% of its GDP. These schemes, which include cash transfers and empowerment programs, have become significant political tools. Maharashtra's schemes, such as the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," have played a crucial role in attracting women voters and contributing to the success of the BJP-led coalition. Maharashtra's focus on women-centric welfare is reflected in its substantial financial commitment to these initiatives, setting it apart from other states in terms of allocation.

Donald Trump, the US President-elect, has nominated Kash Patel, an Indian-American lawyer and investigator, as the next FBI director. Known for his dedication to exposing corruption and safeguarding justice, Patel is the second Indian-American to be nominated to Trump's cabinet, after Jay Bhattacharya, who was chosen to lead the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This reflects the growing representation of Indian-Americans in high-profile US government roles.

In October 2024, UPI achieved a record high with 16.58 billion transactions worth ₹23.49 lakh crore, reflecting a 45% year-on-year growth. This significant increase underscores UPI's role in driving the shift toward a cashless economy by offering secure, fast, and seamless payment solutions. Operational in 7 countries, UPI, launched by NPCI in 2016, continues to enhance global digital payment adoption.

Telangana has announced the implementation of the Rythu Bharosa scheme, offering farmers an annual aid of ₹15,000 per acre, exceeding the ₹10,000 provided under the earlier Rythu Bandhu scheme. Alongside this, the state government has waived crop loans amounting to ₹20,616 crore, benefiting 25.35 lakh farmers. These initiatives, coupled with free electricity, fertiliser subsidies, and minimum support price (MSP) policies, underscore Telangana's commitment to supporting agricultural development and farmer welfare.

Arjun Erigaisi has become the second Indian to reach the prestigious 2800 Elo rating in classical chess, joining Viswanathan Anand in this elite category. Ranked world number four, Arjun is the 16th player in history to achieve this milestone, as recognized by FIDE. Hailing from Warangal, Telangana, the 21-year-old made remarkable contributions at the Chess Olympiad, winning both individual and team gold medals for India.

GAIL has entered into its first long-term time charter agreement with Singapore-based "K" LINE for a new LNG ship, featuring a tank capacity of 1,74,000 cubic meters. Scheduled to be operational by 2027 and built by Samsung Heavy Industries, this agreement enhances GAIL's LNG transport capabilities. The partnership also benefits from "K" LINE's extensive 40-year expertise in LNG shipping, marking a significant step in strengthening India's energy infrastructure.

World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1, a date chosen since its inception in 1988. The day serves to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, reflect on the progress made, and highlight the ongoing challenges in combating the epidemic. The theme for World AIDS Day 2024, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” emphasizes the importance of human rights in addressing HIV/AIDS. It focuses on ensuring equitable access to healthcare services, reducing stigma, and promoting inclusivity and global cooperation in the fight against HIV/AIDS.