Current Affairs - December 3, 2024 Current Affairs

The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, is being conducted with Malaysia. The exercise, which began on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp in the Pahang district of Malaysia, aims to improve joint military capabilities, particularly in counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain. This annual event enhances defence cooperation between the two nations and fosters stronger bilateral relations.

UNESCO has recognized West Bengal as a leading destination for heritage tourism due to the state's significant growth in religious, heritage, and tea tourism. The state has worked on enhancing iconic religious sites like the Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples, along with developing infrastructure such as homestays and tourist facilities, which have boosted employment opportunities for local youth. These efforts have made West Bengal an important player in India's tourism industry while fostering local economic growth and cultural preservation.

The World Maritime Conference 2024 will take place in Chennai, marking its return to the city after 15 years. Scheduled from December 4 to 6, the event will feature over 300 global delegates and high-profile discussions on futuristic developments and challenges in the maritime sector. Nations like the US, UK, Germany, Spain, and various Asia-Pacific countries will participate, showcasing the event's global significance.

Uber Shikara, Asia’s first water transport service, was launched in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Dal Lake. This service modernizes the traditional Shikara ride, allowing tourists to book rides through the Uber app. The initiative combines technology with Kashmir’s cultural heritage, enhancing the tourism experience by making it more convenient and accessible. Uber has partnered with local shikari owners to offer this service at government-regulated fares, making it a fair and innovative way to experience the region’s popular water transport.

The Red Sea Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Saudi Arabia. This year, the festival's fourth edition will take place in Jeddah, featuring Bollywood celebrities Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, as well as director Reema Kagti's film "Superboys of Malegaon" competing in the Red Sea Competition section. The 11-day event will run from December 5 to 14, 2024.

IIT Ropar's Technology and Innovation Foundation (AWaDH) celebrated its 4th Foundation Day, emphasizing advancements in agriculture through technology. Supported by the Department of Science & Technology and Startup India, AWaDH has significantly contributed to environmental sustainability by developing over 70 technologies and supporting more than 100 startups in agri-tech and water tech. This initiative highlights the institution's commitment to fostering innovation in critical areas.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3rd, as promoted by the United Nations since 1992. This day aims to increase awareness of disability issues, uphold the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities, and promote their inclusion in all aspects of life. It also focuses on fostering equal opportunities and advocating for leadership and representation in decision-making processes, aligning with the global slogan, "Nothing About Us Without Us."

The 2024 Asian Esports Games were held in Bangkok, where Pavan Kampelli made history by winning India’s first-ever bronze medal in eFootball. Known as 'Mr Tomboy,' he secured a 2-1 victory against Indonesia's Asgard Azizi, a previous eFootball World Finals Winner. Kampelli demonstrated exceptional resilience and skill, overcoming initial challenges to claim this significant achievement for India.

Srinagar has been recognized as a "World Craft City" by the World Crafts Council (WCC) for its rich 4,000-year-old heritage in craftsmanship, including shawls, carpets, and papier mache. The city's craft traditions were significantly influenced by Persian and Central Asian artisans who arrived in the 14th century, introducing intricate designs inspired by cities like Kashan and Tabriz. This title highlights Srinagar's global importance in preserving and promoting traditional arts and crafts.

Justice Murdu Fernando was sworn in as Sri Lanka's 48th Chief Justice on December 2, 2024, becoming the second woman to hold this esteemed position. Her career spans over 30 years, including roles as Deputy Solicitor General, Additional Solicitor General, and Supreme Court Justice since 2018. Her appointment, approved by the Constitutional Council and formalized by President Anura Dissanayake, marks a significant milestone in the nation’s judiciary.

The West Bengal cabinet has approved the appointment of at least one legal advisor for each subdivision to enhance the legal support system. These advisors will provide crucial assistance to the police in legal matters, aiming to improve the overall effectiveness of law enforcement in the state. This initiative underscores West Bengal’s commitment to strengthening governance and law enforcement frameworks across its subdivisions.