Mohammed al-Bashir Interim Prime Minister of Syria
The Syrian conflict marked a new phase with the appointment of Mohammed al-Bashir as the caretaker Prime Minister of Syria. Al-Bashir, previously the head of the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) in Idlib province, has been tasked with leading the transitional government following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. His role is crucial as Syria navigates the aftermath of the 12-day lightning offensive that toppled the Assad regime, ending more than five decades of Assad family rule.
IPBES UN Biodiversity Conference
The 11th meeting of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is being held in Namibia from December 10 to 16, 2024. Over 850 scientists and representatives from more than 150 countries are in attendance, aiming to address the global biodiversity crisis.
Delegates will discuss the next Global Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. This assessment follows a 2019 report that indicated a million species face extinction risk. Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia's Minister of Environment, calls for increased international cooperation. He emphasises the importance of involving local communities in conservation. Recent discussions suggested five new topics for future IPBES assessments.
Scientists achieved an extraordinary scientific milestone in the Maldives with the discovery of a new damselfish species named Chromis abadhah. This groundbreaking finding was the result of an international collaboration of marine scientists, who uncovered the species inhabiting the deep-sea coral reefs in the mesophotic zone of the Maldives. The discovery adds to the country's rich marine biodiversity and highlights the importance of global scientific partnerships in exploring uncharted marine ecosystems.
Named by the Marine Research Institute as Chromis abadhah, the term "abadhah" signifies "perpetual" in Dhivehi, symbolising the enduring nature of the ocean.
The naming honours the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative, which supported the expedition.
Amul extended Managing Director, Jayen Mehta's tenure until 2029-2030. Mehta. Mehta who has been with Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) since 1991, has played a key role in shaping the AMUL brand through various positions in the marketing department. His extended leadership marks a crucial phase for the dairy giant as it continues to thrive under his direction.
Flipkart and DPIIT Collaborate to Boost India's Start-up Ecosystem
Flipkart signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to accelerate the growth of tech start-ups across India. The collaboration builds on Flipkart's existing initiatives, including the Flipkart Leap and Ventures program, supported by a $100 million fund aimed at empowering innovators and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, Flipkart has invested in over 20 start-ups, with a focus on nurturing early-stage ventures.
The partnership will enable start-ups to access government market research reports, datasets, and studies, alongside fast-tracked patent applications.
The 20th Asian Women's Handball Championship concluded, with Japan clinching its second-ever championship title by defeating South Korea 25-24 in a thrilling final. Japan's victory marked a historic moment as they ended South Korea's dominance in the competition, which had seen them win the title seven times in a row.
India matched their best-ever finish at the Asian Women's Handball Championship 2024 securing sixth place after a 41-30 loss to the People's Republic of China
India was the host country and the tournament was held in New Delhi.
Saudi Arabia Set to Host FIFA World Cup 2034
Saudi Arabia was officially announced as the host of the FIFA World Cup 2034, while the 2030 edition will take place in Morocco, Spain and Portugal. Also, the 2030 World Cup, which will also be the 100th anniversary of the showpiece will be hosted in six different countries, on 3 different continents.
This is the latest caveat that Saudi Arabia received after being named as hosts for the 2034 Asian Games as well as the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
BEML Bags Defence Ministry Contract for High Mobility Vehicles
State-owned BEML Ltd secured a Rs. 136-crore contract for the supply of indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMV) 8x8. These vehicles will play a pivotal role in the Battle Field Surveillance System (BFSS) project, reinforcing India's defence capabilities and advancing the government's vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The PSU has been at the forefront of India's defence manufacturing sector, delivering advanced solutions such as rocket and missile launchers, Armoured Recovery and Repair Vehicles (ARRV), High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicles for radar and communication systems and tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
Renowned Gujarati Singer Purushottam Upadhyay Dies
Renowned Gujarati singer and composer Purushottam Upadhyay passed away at the age of 90. He left a legacy cherished by millions of music lovers. His demise marks the end of an era in Gujarati music.
Recipient of prestigious honours like the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar and the Padma Shri, Upadhyay made an indelible mark on the world of music. He captivated audiences with timeless hits such as He Ranglo Jamyo, Divaso Judaina Jay Che, Ae Jaashe Jarur Milan Sudhi, and Kahu Chu Jawanine. With compositions spanning over 20 films and 30 plays, Upadhyay's work extended beyond Gujarat, resonating deeply with the Gujarati diaspora worldwide.
Universal Health Coverage Day celebrated annually on December 12 aims to raise awareness of the need for strong and resilient health systems and universal health coverage (UHC) with multi-stakeholder partners.
On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) endorsed a resolution urging countries to accelerate progress towards UHC – the idea that everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care – as an essential priority for international development. On December 12, 2017, the UN proclaimed December 12 as Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC Day), by resolution 72/138.
The theme of UHC Day 2024 is 'Health: It's on the Government!' This theme pinpoints the fact that it is about time that governments develop policies and systems that ensure accessibility, affordability and equity in healthcare access.
International Day of Neutrality
International Day of Neutrality is observed on December 12 each year. This date was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Neutrality by Turkmenistan in 1995, recognising the country's status as a permanently neutral state.
The United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Neutrality on February 2, 2017, through a resolution. This observance aims to promote the principles of neutrality, encourage peaceful resolutions to conflicts, and celebrate countries that have declared their permanent neutrality.
Veteran filmmaker Shaji N. Karun was selected for the prestigious JC Daniel Award 2023 for his lifetime contributions to Malayalam cinema. The JC Daniel Award is the highest honour for a filmmaker in Kerala and is presented by the state government to recognise excellence and long-lasting contributions to the film industry. This recognition is a testament to Shaji N. Karun's immense influence on Malayalam cinema, both in India and internationally.
The award includes a purse of Rs. 5 lakh, a citation, and a statuette.
Shaji has won seven National Film Awards, a testament to his consistent excellence in filmmaking. He has also been honoured with seven State Film Awards for his contributions to Malayalam cinema.
In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the arts, Shaji N. Karun was awarded the Padma Shri by the Union Government.
He was also honoured with 'The Order of Arts and Letters', a prestigious French distinction, for his work in cinema.
Abathsahayeshwarar Temple Wins UNESCO Award for Heritage Restoration
The Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, a 1,300-year-old Chola dynasty structure in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district, gained international recognition by UNESCO's 2023 Award of Distinction for its exceptional conservation efforts.
The temple was constructed by Kings Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola and featured five prakarams or enclosures.
India's First National Law University Ventures into Liberal Arts with BA (Hons)
The National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru, India's first National Law University established in 1986, is all set to launch a three-year BA (Hons) programme in 2025, marking its expansion into liberal arts.
Known for revolutionising legal education with its integrated five-year BA LLB (Hons) course in 1987, the institution is now taking a bold step towards becoming a multidisciplinary university.
The new BA (Hons) programme builds on NLSIU's 35 years of expertise in the social sciences and humanities.
IIM Kozhikode, SAIL Sign MoU for HR Development and Research
The Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) entered into a partnership with the Management Training Institute (MTI) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to enhance academic collaboration and human resource development. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalised with signatures from Sanjay Dhar, Chief General Manager of MTI-SAIL, and Lt Col Julius George (Retd.).
This partnership seeks to combine IIM Kozhikode's academic insights with SAIL's industrial expertise to develop leadership and capacity-building strategies. Prof Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, described the partnership as an effort to prepare professionals to address evolving business challenges and promote sustainable growth.
Arunachal CM Launches New Logo for Eaglenest Bird Festival
The 4th edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival, a celebrated event in Arunachal Pradesh, is set to be held from January 17 to 19, 2025, at Khellong and Thongre village in West Kameng District. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, unveiled the new logo for the festival, marking its prominence on the state's calendar of events. The festival celebrates the region's unique biodiversity, and it also plays an essential role in promoting sustainable eco-tourism and community-driven conservation efforts.
The festival will include the inauguration of the Eco Bio-Diversity Park, which will become home to a tree planted by His Holiness the Dalai Lama during his visit in 1959.
This marks a significant milestone in preserving the region's natural and spiritual heritage.
The Eaglenest Bird Festival has grown in importance over the years and has become a significant event for both local communities and tourists.
It fosters tourism that benefits the local economy while promoting eco-friendly practices and awareness about the environment.
By focusing on sustainable tourism, the festival helps in enhancing the state's visibility on the national and international tourism maps.
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