Namibia Elects First Female President in Disputed Poll
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, from the governing South West Africa People's Organisation (Swapo), was voted in as Namibia's first female President after disputed election.
The electoral commission said that she had won more than 57% of the votes cast, with her closest rival Panduleni Itula getting 26%.
Madhya Pradesh Gets Its Eighth Tiger Reserve in Ratapani
The Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was declared a tiger reserve following in-principle approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change through the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
The tiger reserve designation enables the state to receive funding from the NTCA, which will ensure better management and conservation efforts for wildlife.
Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh Launches 'Nano Bubble Technology' for Cleaning and Purifying Water
Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh launched 'Nano Bubble Technology' for cleaning and purifying water of National Zoological Park, Delhi to promote the health of aquatic animals.
This technology can clean dirty pond water by removing algae and similar growths. It is being tested in the zoo for the first time as a 15-day trial.
The Central Government scrapped the windfall profit tax on domestically produced crude oil, diesel, petrol, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF), following a decline in international oil prices.
A windfall tax is levied by governments against certain industries when economic conditions allow those industries to experience significantly above-average profits.
The tax was introduced in July 2022 to tax supernormal profits of oil-producing companies, which they were earning because of rising global crude prices. Now, since the average prices are coming down, the government was not earning much in revenue, so it decided to withdraw the tax.
Pavan Kampelli Wins Bronze in eFootball at Asian Esports Games
India's Pavan Kampelli made history by securing a bronze medal in eFootball at the 2024 Asian Esports Games held in Bangkok, Thailand. This marks India's first-ever podium finish in the eFootball category, a monumental achievement in the country's esports journey. Pavan showcased his exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition, battling some of the best eFootball players in Asia.
Todd Greenberg is Cricket Australia Boss
Cricket Australia named seasoned sports administrator Todd Greenberg as its new chief executive, replacing Nick Hockley after a five-year stint.
Greenberg was the boss of the Australian Cricketers' Association, representing players in negotiations with the national governing body. He is also a former chief executive of Australia's National Rugby League.
Harbhajan Singh Launches World Tennis Cricket League
Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, alongside league director Shivain Sharma, unveiled the WTCL T10 concept at a press conference.
Cricketing legend Harbhajan Singh emphasised the league's potential to create a new category of sports entertainment by blending the precision of tennis with the strategy and excitement of cricket.
"As the Brand Ambassador for WTCL T10, I am proud to be associated with a project that has the potential to redefine sports on a global scale", said Harbhajan.
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.
The 2.05 km long bridge, being built at a cost of Rs. 535 crore by RVNL, features a fully automated vertical lift span that provides 22 metres of air clearance for ships. It's designed to handle double tracks and supports high-speed trains. The original Pamban Bridge, constructed in 1914, was decommissioned in December 2022 due to corrosion, and the new bridge is set to replace it after several years of development.
CII Partnership Summit 2024
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, during the 29th CII Partnership Summit in New Delhi, met with many international ministers and leaders and engaged in talks about India's growth and potential partnerships on the global stage. Jaishankar also interacted with his cabinet colleague and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal.
The 29th CII Partnership Summit brought together 61 participating countries, 30 global speakers, and 11 international ministers. The summit aimed at fostering productive partnerships and global cooperation, ensuring a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future.
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) organised 29th CII Partnership Summit 2024. The CII Partnership Summit, held annually since 1995, has been regularly partnered by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
India, UK Convene Second 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue in New Delhi
The second India-UK 2+2 Foreign and Defence Dialogue convened in New Delhi, underscoring the growing strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Europe West, Ministry of External Affairs, and Vishwesh Negi, Joint Secretary, International Cooperation, Ministry of Defence.
Representing the UK were Ben Mellor, India Director, Indian Ocean Directorate, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and Shimon Fhima, Director Strategic Programmes, Ministry of Defence.
Both delegations reviewed progress under the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and emphasised revitalising the partnership by identifying new areas of collaboration.
Joint Exercise Between Indian, Cambodian Armies
The inaugural edition of the joint table top exercise CINBAX between the Indian Army and Cambodian Army, which comprises the conduct of wargame on joint counterterrorism operations, is being conducted at a foreign training node in Pune. The exercise includes discussions on information operations, cyber warfare and hybrid warfare among other facets of modern warfare.
The exercise, being conducted from December 1 to 8, comprises 20 personnel each from an Infantry Brigade, from Cambodian Army contingent and Indian Army contingent.
Indian Defence Companies Showcase Indigenous Capabilities to Saudi Military
In a strategic move to strengthen defence ties and expand exports, leading Indian private sector defence companies presented their products and weapon systems to the Saudi military in a special program organised by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. The event highlighted India's growing defence manufacturing capabilities and its commitment to fostering international defence collaborations under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative.
The program, facilitated by the Indian Embassy, is part of a broader initiative to bolster defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia. It reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, which extends beyond trade and energy into defence and security.
Saudi Arabia, one of the world's largest defence markets, has been keen on diversifying its suppliers and fostering industrial collaborations as part of its Vision 2030 initiative. The presentation by Indian companies aligns with Saudi Arabia's goals of strengthening local defence manufacturing while exploring advanced, cost-effective, and reliable solutions from global partners.
Indian Navy Day, observed annually on December 4, commemorates the valour and commitment of India's naval forces. The day commemorates the success of Operation Trident, a naval operation during the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War that highlighted the might and precision of the Indian Navy.
In 2024, the Navy Day celebrations took place in Puri, Odisha, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest. Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, the Chief of Naval Staff, hosted the event. The ceremony featured a grand display of the Indian Navy's technological advancements and operational capabilities, reaffirming its critical role in safeguarding India's maritime borders.
Each year, the Navy selects a theme to highlight its priorities. The 2024 theme is 'Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation.'
International Day of Banks
International Day of Banks is observed every year on December 4. The day draws attention to the key functions which the banking system performs for the sustainable development of the countries and the globe as a whole.
On December 19, 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted resolution 74/245, which designated December 4 as the International Day of Banks in recognition of the significant potential of multilateral development banks and other international development banks in financing sustainable development and providing know-how; and also in recognition of the vital role of the banking systems in Member States in contributing to the improvement of the standard of living.
The theme for International Day of Banks 2024 is 'Empowering Sustainable Development through Finance.' This theme focuses on the role of financial institutions in supporting the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It aims to eradicate poverty, tackle climate change and reduce inequality.
Three BHU Professors Win CNR Rao Award for Excellence in Scientific Research
Three distinguished faculty members from the Institute of Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) were selected for the esteemed Professor CNR Rao Education Foundation Award for Excellence in Research for the academic years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25. This prestigious award honours scientists for their outstanding contributions to Pure and Applied Sciences, encompassing disciplines like Basic Sciences, Agriculture, Engineering, and Technology.
According to BHU, Professor Bhabani Prasad Mandal, a senior professor in the Department of Physics, was chosen for the 2022-23 session. Professor Krishna Nand Singh, head of the Department of Chemistry, was chosen as the recipient for 2023-24.
The award for 2024-25 will go to Professor Pratyoosh Shukla, professor and coordinator of the School of Biotechnology. Recipients of the award are presented with a citation and a cash prize.
Maria Victoria Juan Wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024
Nurse Maria Victoria Juan has been honoured with the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024, a prestigious recognition that celebrates exceptional contributions to the nursing profession worldwide.
Maria, whose career has been a testament to dedication and resilience, was chosen for this award for her outstanding efforts in transforming the healthcare landscape, particularly in the Philippine Army Health Services and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Rajya Sabha Passes Bill to Streamline Oil and Gas Exploration
The Rajya Sabha passed through voice vote the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, to streamline oil and gas exploration business in India and delinked petroleum operations from mining operations. It also broadens the scope of mineral oils expanding it to include naturally occurring hydrocarbon, coal bed methane and shale gas/oil.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Puri moved the motion for the Bill and it was debated before its passage in the Upper House.
According to Puri, this Bill seeks to eliminate punishments in the form of imprisonment and enhances penalties for compliance and expeditious mechanism for levying penalties and handling appeals.
Opposition parties questioned the motive of the Bill and sought that it should be sent to a standing committee for scrutiny.
Lok Sabha Passes Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill Allowing 4 Account Nominees
The Lok Sabha passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which allows bank account holders to have up to four nominees in their accounts.
Another proposed change relates to redefining 'substantial interest' for directorships, which could increase to Rs. 2 crore instead of the current limit of Rs. 5 lakh, which was fixed almost six decades ago.
The Bill piloted by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was approved by a voice vote.
Oxford University Press (OUP) announced 'brain rot' as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a defining cultural and societal theme of the year. The term gained prominence due to concerns over the detrimental effects of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially via social media. Selected through a global public vote involving over 37,000 participants and expert analysis of language trends, 'brain rot' captures the zeitgeist of 2024, where digital consumption and its consequences have been central topics of discussion.
First recorded in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau in Walden, the phrase has evolved to gain renewed relevance in the digital age. Initially popularised by Gen Z and Gen Alpha communities on platforms like TikTok, the term is now being used more broadly, including in mainstream journalism, to articulate concerns about the societal and individual impacts of online habits.
Oxford and CEEW Collaborate on India Focused Net-zero Certificate Programme
The University of Oxford, in collaboration with the Smith School of Enterprise and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW), launched a unique online course aimed at helping India achieve its Net Zero goals. The self-paced certificate course, set to begin in early 2025, will be available through the global platform Apolitical.
It is tailored for Indian policymakers, business leaders, executives in banks and financial institutions, as well as members of civil society who are committed to reaching India's 2070 Net Zero target.
Education Ministry Restructures JoSAA which Conducts Seat Allocation for IITs, NITs
The Ministry of Education announced the reconstitution of the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) for the 2025–26 academic session. JoSAA conducts joint counselling every year for admissions to undergraduate programmes at Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs), including IITs, NITs, IIITs, SPAs, and other GFTIs. The restructured JoSAA will have the following members:
Professor Manindra Agarwal, Director of IIT Kanpur, as Co-chairman and Convener
Professor K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director of NIT Rourkela, as Co-chairman,
Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, representing the Joint Admission Board (IITs),
Professor B. Ravi, Director of NITK Surathkal, representing the Central Seat Allocation Board (NITs),
Professor Amit Mishra, IIT Kanpur, representing the Joint Implementation Committee (IITs) 2025.
JoSAA has been pivotal in conducting joint counselling for IITs, NITs, and other CFTIs since its introduction in 2015. This joint seat allocation process was recommended by a technical committee led by a former IIT Kharagpur director to harmonise counselling processes for IITs and NITs.
UNESCO Declares West Bengal a Top Heritage Tourism Destination
West Bengal's tourism sector received international recognition with UNESCO declaring it a top destination for heritage tourism. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasised 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.
West Bengal's emphasis on heritage tourism has yielded notable results. The state's concerted efforts to develop religious sites like the Dakshineshwar and Kalighat temples are transforming it into a hub for pilgrims and heritage tourists. Additionally, the under-construction Jagannath temple at Digha is expected to attract even more devotees upon completion.
Centre Clears Appointment of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan as Supreme Court Judge
The Central Government notified the appointment of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Manmohan as a judge of the Supreme Court.
Justice Manmohan has been serving as Chief Justice of Delhi High Court since September 2024. Before that, he served as its Acting Chief Justice since September 2023.
In 1987, he enrolled as a lawyer with the Bar Council of Delhi that same year and practiced law before the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court.