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Indian-Origin Kash Patel Announced Next Director of FBI
US President-elect Donald Trump announced Kash Patel as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), succeeding Christopher Wray. Patel, a long-time Trump loyalist known for his confrontational stance against the "deep state" and criticism of federal agencies, brings a history of staunch support for Trump's policies.
Patel in 2018 served as an aide to Representative Devin Nunes who headed the House Intelligence Committee at the time.
Trump Names Billionaire Warren Stephens as US Envoy to UK
US President-elect Donald Trump appointed billionaire investment banker Warren Stephens as the next United States ambassador to the United Kingdom, a prestigious role often reserved for close allies and major donors.
Stephens, a prominent Republican donor, contributed $2 million to a pro-Trump super PAC during the 2024 campaign. He is the chairman, president, and CEO of Stephens Inc., a financial services firm based in Little Rock, Arkansas, which he inherited from his father.
Bhupender Yadav Delivers India's Statement during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience, at CoP16 of UN Convention to Combat Desertification
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, delivered India's statement during the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience, at CoP16 of UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Minister described the extraordinary journey of India in combating land degradation and desertification, which are aligned with the overall objectives of the UNCCD. He said, "Our journey represents a transformative narration of commitment, innovation and sustainable development. From global recognition of land degradation as a critical environmental challenge at CoP 5, to emphasizing community driven land restoration at CoP 10, and thereafter the recognition of land restoration as a critical climate change strategy at CoP 14, to the global commitment to restore degraded lands at CoP 15, we have all been equal partners in this journey."
China's First Atmospheric Monitoring Station in Antarctica Begins Operations
China's first atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica started operations, a move aimed at helping observe changes on the southern continent and supporting the global response to climate change.
Like the United States, China has been expanding its presence in Antarctica and in the Arctic to explore polar resources.
The Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station will conduct continuous and long-term operational observations of concentration changes in Antarctic atmospheric components.
The station is located in Larsmann Hills in East Antarctica.
Telangana Joins Mineral Auction Regime, Auctions Limestone Blocks
Telangana joined India's mineral auction regime, with the auction of two limestone blocks at Sultanpur and Saidulnama. These blocks, essential for cement manufacturing, were auctioned to NCL Industries and Deccan Cement. This marks the state's entry into the Centre's mineral auction system, making it the 14th state to participate. The Centre had earlier urged Telangana to auction 11 limestone blocks, with a deadline set for the first phase; failure to comply would have led the Centre to conduct the auction itself.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Steps Down
Intel Chief Executive Pat Gelsinger was forced out less than four years after taking the helm of the company, handing control to two lieutenants as the faltering American chipmaking icon searches for a permanent replacement.
Gelsinger, who resigned, left after a board meeting during which directors felt Gelsinger's costly and ambitious plan to turn Intel around was not working and the progress of change was not fast enough. The board told Gelsinger he could retire or be removed, and he chose to step down.
West Indies pacer Jayden Seales created history during the ongoing second Test against Bangladesh by registering the lowest economy rate in a Test innings since 1978. Seales also took four wickets in addition to setting the record.
The WI pacer bowled 15.5 overs with 10 maidens and gave away just five runs and took four wickets. He gave away those runs at an economy rate of 0.31 - the best in last 46 years.
Prior to Seales, India's Umesh Yadav held the same record when he gave away just nine runs in 21 overs at an economy of 0.42 against South Africa in 2015. Yadav also picked three wickets to return with figures of 3/9 in the Test held in Delhi.
Treesa-Gayatri Pair Shines in Doubles
The women's doubles pair of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand clinched their maiden Super 300 title with a convincing 21-18, 21-11 win over China's Bao Li Jing and Li Qian at the Syed Modi International Badminton tournament.
The result made Treesa and Gayatri the first Indian women's doubles team to win the title at this tournament. The Commonwealth Games bronze medallists, who had finished runners-up in 2022, went one step further this year with their solid performance.
The Government of Arunachal Pradesh launched Mission Arun Himveer to enhance market linkages for local agricultural and horticultural producers. In a significant move, the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), North East Frontier, in the presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Objectives
Provide direct market access for local farmers, SHGs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives.
Foster economic growth in rural and border regions.
Solve employment challenges by promoting reverse migration to villages.
Support the Vibrant Village Programme by addressing the demand for agricultural and horticultural products in border areas.
ITBP will purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, and poultry directly from local farmers through APAMB.
Payments will be processed via a revolving fund of Rs. 4 crore, reimbursed after reconciliation by ITBP.
Farmers receive 100% of the funds from this initiative.
BJP Appoints Vijay Rupani, Nirmala Sitharaman as Central Observers for Maharashtra
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) appointed former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as the party's Central Observers for Maharashtra.
Despite the Mahayuti alliance's landslide victory in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, over a week has passed without the announcement of the next Chief Minister.
Caretaker Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde stated that the decision on the Chief Minister's post rests with the BJP, adding that he would fully support the chosen candidate.
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.
Goals of the Conference
Facilitate knowledge sharing among global maritime professionals.
Showcase advancements in shipbuilding, port operations, and logistics.
Discuss challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector.
Strengthen international cooperation in maritime technology and sustainability.
Former CBI director Vijay Shankar passed away. He was 76.
A 1969-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Shankar headed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) from December 12, 2005 to July 31, 2008.
During his tenure as CBI director, the agency took over the infamous Aarushi-Hemraj double murder case.
As additional director of CBI, he supervised the extradition of gangster Abu Salem and actor Monika Bedi from Portugal. He also supervised the investigation into the Telgi scam.
Before being appointed CBI director, Shankar headed National Disaster Response Force, and Civil Defence and Home Guards.
He served as inspector general in the BSF and was posted in Jammu and Kashmir at the peak of militancy in the 1990s.
He is a recipient of the coveted President's police medals for distinguished and meritorious service.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3.
Established in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. Over the years, it has evolved into a global observance that emphasises the importance of inclusivity, equality, and accessibility.
The theme for International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 is 'Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.'
Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 Celebrating Digital Excellence
The 5th edition of the Filmfare OTT Awards 2024 held in Mumbai was a grand celebration of the best in digital entertainment. Numerous celebrities, including actors, directors, showrunners, and technical crew, attended the awards ceremony. The event highlighted the outstanding contributions from both films and series in the OTT space, with notable achievements in various categories.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar led the charge with 16 nominations, followed by Guns & Gulaabs and Kaala Paani. The Railway Men clinched the coveted Best Series award, while Amar Singh Chamkila, directed by Imtiaz Ali, dominated the film category, sweeping multiple accolades. Notable stars like Diljit Dosanjh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Ananya Panday received recognition for their exceptional performances.
The award for Best Actor (Male), Web Original Film: Diljit Dosanjh for Amar Singh Chamkila
The award for Best Actress, Web Original Film: Kareena Kapoor Khan for Jaane Jaan
Symbiosis, Aston University To Launch Dual Degree Programme in Dubai and UK
Symbiosis International University (SIU) is set to introduce a unique undergraduate dual degree programme in collaboration with Aston University, UK. This initiative offers students the opportunity to study in both Dubai and Birmingham, earning dual qualifications from both institutions.
Launching in September 2025, the programme allows students to spend two years at SIU's newly established Dubai campus, followed by two years at Aston University in Birmingham. Upon completion, students will receive a BBA degree from SIU and a BSc in Business and Management from Aston University.
The four-year course marks SIU's first international dual-degree venture in Dubai, with the inaugural batch beginning in June 2025.
Dilli Haat to Host 'Master Creation' Handicraft Event by Ministry of Textiles
The Ministry of Textiles' acclaimed event showcasing the finest handlooms & handicrafts, "Master Creation" is taking place from December 1 to 15, 2024, at Dilli Haat, INA Market, New Delhi. The event aims to promote and support the artisans by providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and sell their products directly to consumers. It also seeks to raise awareness about the importance of preserving India's handicraft & handloom traditions.
The Master Creation is a celebration of India's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of handcrafted products, including textiles, pottery, jewellery, woodwork, and more.
India Gets First Water Transport Service 'Uber Shikara' In Srinagar
Asia's first water transport service, 'Uber Shikara', is now available in J&K's picturesque Dal Lake.
Uber rolled out Asia's first water transport service with shikara bookings on its app.
Tourists visiting the Dal Lake will now enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with the launch of Uber's first water transport service 'Uber Shikara'.
This innovative initiative aims to combine technology with tradition allowing travellers to pre-book shikara rides through the popular ride-hailing app.
The service was launched by Uber India and South Asia President Prabhjeet Singh.
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