Current Affairs

Bharatmala Project: A Roadmap to Efficient Connectivity

The Bharatmala Project (Pariyojana), launched in 2015, is a large-scale infrastructure initiative by the Indian government aiming to enhance the efficiency of freight and passenger movement. The project focuses on developing a comprehensive network of highways, aiming to connect 550 district headquarters with 4-lane highways and move 80% of freight traffic to National Highways.

Key components include the development of economic corridors, inter-corridors and feeder routes, and greenfield expressways. The project also emphasizes border and international connectivity roads, coastal and port connectivity, and national corridor efficiency improvement.

Implementation involves the creation of multimodal logistics parks, the use of technology and scientific planning, and a phased approach, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2022. The project aims to generate significant employment opportunities, improve regional connectivity, and boost economic growth, aligning with initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India.

Smart India Hackathon 2024: A Platform for Technological Innovation

The Smart India Hackathon 2024 concluded successfully with multiple teams from across India emerging as winners across various categories. The event was held at multiple nodal centres, including the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, G. H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur, and IIT Jammu, among others.

Key Highlights:

  1. Winners in Mumbai: Teams such as Team Terabyte (Girijananda Chaudhary University Guwahati), Team Shiledar (Datta Meghe College of Engineering Navi Mumbai), and others were recognized for their solutions in problem statements like ‘Conversational Image Recognition Chatbot’, ‘Women Safety Analytics’, and ‘AI-based solution for traffic management’.
  2. Participation: A total of 34 teams consisting of 204 students participated at Welingkar Institute in Mumbai, working on problem statements provided by various ministries, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Science and Technology.
  3. NIT Srinagar: Hosted the Grand Finale for the first time, with six teams emerging as top performers from the 51 nodal centers across the country.
  4. Awards in Agriculture: Prizes for agriculture problem statements were bagged by institutions like Welingkar Institute of Management, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Yashwant Rao Chavan Engineering at IIT-Hyderabad.
  5. Other Winners: NIT Silchar and IIIT Nagpur won prizes for their solutions on oil spills and beach recreation suitability, respectively, at Vardhaman College of Engineering in Hyderabad. Datta Meghe College of Engineering, IIIT and Management Institute Gwalior, and others also received accolades for Earth Sciences problem statements.
  6. IIT Jammu: The Grand Finale saw 28 teams tackling critical cybersecurity challenges, with six teams receiving ₹ 1 lakh prizes.
  7. Notable Guests: The closing ceremonies were graced by dignitaries such as Professor Manoj Singh Gaur, Satish Kaul, Sunit Kumar, and Sandeep Sharma.

Conclusion:
The Smart India Hackathon 2024 fostered innovation among young minds, addressing real-world challenges across various sectors. The event highlighted the importance of such initiatives in driving technological advancements and aligning with India’s vision of a technologically advanced future.

Indian Light Tank (ILT) Successfully Fires at High Altitude

The Indian Light Tank (ILT) has achieved a significant milestone by successfully firing rounds at various ranges at an altitude exceeding 4,200 meters. The Defence Ministry stated that the ILT, a 25-ton class armoured fighting vehicle, is designed for high-altitude operations to meet the Armed Forces’ needs. It has been developed by the Combat Vehicles Research Development Establishment, a DRDO lab in Chennai, based on the Indian Army’s provisional requirements.

The ILT’s airlift capability was also demonstrated by the Indian Air Force, enabling its rapid deployment in remote and challenging areas inaccessible by road or rail. Following these internal performance trials, the ILT will undergo further evaluations before being presented for user trials.

Defence Ministry Signs ₹13,500 Crore Deal with HAL for 12 Su-30MKI Fighter Aircraft

On December 12, 2024, the Defence Ministry signed a contract worth ₹13,500 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft. This deal is a significant boost to India’s defense capabilities and supports the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, with 62.6% of the aircraft’s components being domestically produced.

The aircraft will be manufactured at HAL’s Nashik division, enhancing the operational capability of the Indian Air Force and strengthening the country’s defense preparedness. This contract is expected to stimulate the Indian economy by creating job opportunities and promoting technological advancements in the defense sector.

About Su-30MKI aircraft

The Su-30MKI (Sukhoi-30MKI) is a multirole combat fighter aircraft jointly developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, tailored to meet the specific requirements of the IAF.

Key features of the Su-30MKI:

  • Role: Multirole fighter aircraft, air superiority fighter, and fighter-bomber.
  • Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • First Flight: July 1, 1997 (Su-30MK); November 2000 (Su-30MKI).
  • Introduction Date: September 27, 2002.
  • Primary User: Indian Air Force (IAF).
  • Number Built: 272 as of March 2020.
  • Maximum Speed: Mach 1.9.
  • Range: 3,000 km (unrefueled); 8,000 km with in-flight refueling.
  • Armament: Equipped with longer-range weapons, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
  • Avionics: State-of-the-art avionics developed by Russia, India, Israel, France, and South Africa.
  • Indigenous Content: 62.6% of the aircraft’s components are domestically produced.

Union Cabinet Approves ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills

On December 12, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills, a significant step towards implementing simultaneous elections across India. This initiative aims to synchronize the elections for the Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies, reducing the frequency of elections and the associated costs and disruptions.

The concept of ‘One Nation, One Election’ has been a long-standing agenda of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The proposal received a major push with the recommendations of a high-level committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind. The committee suggested amendments to the Constitution to facilitate simultaneous elections in two phases: first, aligning the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections, followed by synchronizing municipal and panchayat elections within 100 days of the national and state polls.

The approved bills include a constitutional amendment to enable simultaneous elections and another bill to amend provisions in laws dealing with Union Territories that have legislative assemblies, such as Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu & Kashmir. The government plans to introduce these bills in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, with the expectation of referring them to a parliamentary committee for further scrutiny and consultations.

Supporters of the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative argue that it will enhance governance efficiency, reduce election-related expenditures, and minimize the disruption caused by frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct. However, the proposal has faced criticism from opposition parties, who claim it threatens regional representation and federalism.

Hindi writer Suryabala awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary

Noted Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary, published in 2018. The award, instituted by the KK Birla Foundation in 1991, honors outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years. It includes a ₹4 lakh cash prize, a citation, and a plaque. The selection was made by a committee chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari.

Suryabala, born in Varanasi in 1943, holds an MA and a PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya. Over her decades-long career, she has written over 50 books, including novels, biographies, and children’s literature, with many adapted into TV serials. Her works often focus on social issues.

Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary explores the struggles of Indian youth migrating to America, addressing cultural conflicts, spiritual alienation, and disconnection from their roots. The novel is an authentic reflection of the challenges faced by overseas Indians, blending personal experiences and cultural insights.

Romania and Bulgaria to join EU’s Schengen area on January 1, 2025

On December 12, 2024, EU interior ministers announced that Romania and Bulgaria will fully join the border-free Schengen Area starting January 1, 2025. This decision marks the end of a long journey for both countries, which have been EU members since 2007.

The Schengen Area currently comprises 29 countries, including 25 EU member states and four non-EU countries. Joining the Schengen Area means that Romania and Bulgaria will no longer have border controls with other Schengen countries, allowing for free movement of people, goods, and services.

The decision to allow full membership came after Austria lifted its long-standing veto, which was based on concerns about migration and border management. Both Romania and Bulgaria have made significant progress in addressing these issues, leading to their acceptance into the Schengen Area.

D. Gukesh becomes youngest World chess champion

Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh made history on 12 December 2024 by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at the age of 18. Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in the 14th and final match of the 18th FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The decisive moment came in the fifth hour of the endgame when Ding blundered on the 55th move, securing Gukesh’s victory with a score of 7.5 to 6.5.

Gukesh won three matches, while Ding won two, and the remaining nine were draws. Gukesh’s achievement broke Garry Kasparov’s record of becoming World Chess Champion at 22 and made him the second Indian to win the title after Viswanathan Anand, a four-time champion.

Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024

On December 11, 2024, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida. This four-day event, running from December 11 to 14, showcases cutting-edge innovations in the construction and mining sectors, featuring over 1,000 brands from nearly 100 countries.

The event also includes the Demtech India 2024 as a collocated show, offering specialized insights and opportunities in demolition technology. The NASSCOM Pavilion will display advancements in construction technology and digital transformation, along with a dedicated Finance Zone to facilitate networking with key financial institutions and investors.

The expo is expected to draw around 75,000 visitors, further reinforcing its status as a premier destination for progress and collaboration in the construction industry.

President Droupadi Murmu Presents National Panchayat Awards 2024

On December 11, 2024, the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Panchayat Awards 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The event honored 45 exceptional Panchayats for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development in rural India.

The awards recognized the efforts of these Panchayats in areas such as poverty alleviation, health, water conservation, sanitation, and climate sustainability. The President emphasized the importance of village development and empowerment in making India a developed nation. She congratulated the winners and expressed confidence that this recognition would inspire other Panchayats to adopt best practices for inclusive growth.

The National Panchayat Awards, revamped in 2022 to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), celebrated the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in driving grassroots development. The awards were presented across various categories, including the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar and the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar.

The event was attended by Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and other dignitaries. A booklet titled “Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats” was also unveiled, documenting the innovative practices implemented by the award-winning Panchayats.

International Mountain Day observed annually on December 11th

International Mountain Day is observed annually on December 11th to raise awareness about the significance of mountains and the challenges they face. This year, the theme is “Mountain Solutions: Innovation, Adaptation, and Youth for a Sustainable Future”, highlighting the crucial role of innovative solutions, adaptive practices, and youth involvement in ensuring a sustainable future for mountain environments and communities.

Mountains cover 27% of the Earth’s land surface and provide essential resources, such as fresh water, biodiversity, and climate regulation. However, they are threatened by climate change, deforestation, and overexploitation.

Revised Structure of CUET-UG Examination (2025)

From 2025, students will be allowed to appear for any subject in the Common University Entrance Test-UG (CUET-UG), regardless of their Class 12 subjects. The exam will only be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and will expand to cover 63 subjects (up from 37). Students can choose a maximum of five subjects, instead of six as earlier.

Key changes:

  • Uniform duration: All exams will last 60 minutes.
  • No optional questions: All questions will now be compulsory.
  • Streamlined admissions: CUET promotes transparency and reduces dependence on varying cut-offs, making the process more technology-driven.

Introduced in 2022, CUET has evolved to eliminate rigid disciplinary boundaries in higher education, ensuring a fair and standardized admissions process.

Mohamed al-Bashir appointed as caretaker Prime Minister of Syria

Mohamed al-Bashir has been appointed as the caretaker Prime Minister of Syria on 10 December 2024. This appointment, effective until March 1, 2025, marks a significant step in Syria’s transition. Al-Bashir, a prominent rebel leader and former head of the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham-led Syrian Salvation Government in Idlib, played a crucial role in the recent offensive that led to President Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

Born in 1986 in the Jabal Zawiya region of Idlib, al-Bashir holds a degree in electrical and electronic engineering from the University of Aleppo and has studied Sharia and law. He joined the revolutionaries in 2021 and has held various key positions, including the Minister of Development and Humanitarian Affairs.

As caretaker Prime Minister, al-Bashir has pledged to ensure a smooth transition of power and work towards Syria’s stability and reconstruction. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful and stable future for the country.

Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th

Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10th to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This day serves as a reminder of the fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to, regardless of nationality, race, gender, religion, or any other status.

The UDHR, a landmark document in human rights history, outlines a broad range of rights and freedoms that form the foundation of international human rights standards. It includes rights such as the right to life, liberty, and security of person; freedom from torture and slavery; the right to a fair trial; freedom of thought, conscience, and religion; and the right to education, among others.

Human Rights Day is a day to reflect on the progress made in upholding these rights and to recognize the ongoing challenges that still exist.

Trial Flights Begin at Noida International Airport, Commercial Launch in April 2025

The Noida International Airport in Greater Noida marked a significant milestone on 9 December 2024 as its first trial flight landed, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute. The flight, carrying AAI officials and technical experts, conducted a 15-minute trial before landing on the completed 3,900-metre runway and later took off after a brief stop. The data collected during this trial will be analyzed by the DGCA, with trials continuing until 15 December.

The airport, operated by Zurich International Airport AG, is 85% complete, with the terminal building and equipment installation nearing finalization. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower is fully operational, and advanced landing systems (CAT-1 and CAT-3 ILS) have been successfully tested.

The first commercial flight is scheduled for April 2025, with the airport expected to handle 65 daily flights (62 domestic, 2 international, and 1 cargo), serving 12 million passengers annually. Upon full completion, it will be the fourth largest airport in Asia, with a 40-year management contract by Zurich International Airport AG.

Payal Kapadia: First Indian Nominee for Best Director at Golden Globes Awards

Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has made history as the first Indian director nominated for Best Director (Motion Picture) at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards for her film All We Imagine As Light. The film has also been nominated for Best Motion Picture – (Non-English Language).

An Indo-French co-production, the film stars Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon, portraying the struggles of two women during a transformative trip to a beach town. It previously won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Indian film in the competition section in 30 years.

The film has also earned accolades like Best International Film at the New York Film Critics Circle and Best International Feature at the Gotham Awards 2024.

The Golden Globe nominees for Best Director include renowned filmmakers like Jacques Audiard (Emilia Perez) and Sean Baker (Anora). The 82nd Golden Globe Awards will be held on January 6, 2025.

INS Tushil, a multi role stealth guided missile frigate commissioned into Indian Navy in Russia

On December 9, 2024, INS Tushil, a multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in Russia in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The commissioning was hailed as a symbol of India’s growing maritime strength and the deep friendship between India and Russia.

The ship, incorporating increasing Made-in-India content, represents a collaborative effort between Indian and Russian industries.

The event was also attended by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Alexander Vasilyevich Fomin, Governor of Kaliningrad Alexey Sergeyevich Besprozvannykh and other senior officials from the Indian and Russian Governments, Navies, and industries.

Sanjay Malhotra appointed new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Sanjay Malhotra, the current Revenue Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). His tenure will begin on December 11, 2024, and last for three years.

A 1990-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, Malhotra is an Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Princeton University. He has held various key positions across sectors such as finance, taxation, power, information technology, and mines. As Revenue Secretary, he has been pivotal in formulating tax policies.

Malhotra succeeds Shaktikanta Das, who has completed a successful six-year term as the RBI Governor. Das, recognized for his leadership during critical times, will conclude his term on December 10, 2024.

FIDE World Chess Championship: India’s D Gukesh has taken 6-5 lead after 11th game

In the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, India’s 18-year-old D Gukesh leads defending champion Ding Liren 6-5 after their 11th game on December 8, 2024, at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. Gukesh secured a decisive victory in just 29 moves after Ding blundered under time pressure on his 28th move.

The championship, a best-of-14 games format, requires 7.5 points to win. If tied after 14 games, a tie-break will occur on December 13, 2024. Gukesh, on the verge of becoming the youngest classical chess champion, is poised to break Garry Kasparov’s record. The chess world is closely following this historic moment.

Bangladesh Men’s Asia Cup Under-19 Cricket final

In the Men’s Asia Cup Under-19 Cricket final on December 8, 2024, Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to win the title. Bangladesh, batting first, were bowled out for 198 in 49.1 overs, with Mohammad Rizan Hossan top-scoring with 47 runs. Indian bowlers Yudhjit Guha, Chetan Sharma, and Hardik Raj each took two wickets.

In response, India were all out for 139 in 35.2 overs while chasing a target of 199 runs. Indian captain Mohammad Amaan scored the highest with 26 runs, followed by Hardik Raj’s quick 24 off 21 balls. Bangladesh emerged victorious to lift the cup.

Syrian Rebel Forces Claim Control of Damascus, President Assad Flees

On December 8, 2024, Syrian rebel forces claimed control of Damascus after a week-long offensive that faced no resistance from government troops, signaling a dramatic shift in Syria’s political landscape. President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled for 24 years, reportedly fled the country to an undisclosed location. Syrian Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi al-Jalali expressed willingness to ensure a peaceful transition of power to the rebels.

The opposition, led by Hadi al-Bahra, announced plans to collaborate with international partners, including Arab and European countries and the UN, to shape Syria’s future. Key developments included the rebels’ capture of Homs, the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Damascus International Airport, and the release of prisoners from Saydnaya military prison. Clashes between rebel and regime forces had escalated since November 27, 2024.

India to Chair 68th Session of UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs for the first time

India has been appointed to chair the 68th Session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), with Shambhu Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, assuming the chairmanship on December 6, 2024. This marks the first time India has chaired this UN body, which is responsible for monitoring global drug trends, supporting balanced policies, and overseeing international drug conventions.

India’s leadership reflects its growing global influence and commitment to addressing international challenges through multilateral platforms. As Chair, India will prioritize representing the Global South’s interests and fostering dialogue on drug policy issues while continuing the CND’s ongoing work.

RBI keeps repo rate unchanged; Cuts Cash Reserve Ratio by 50 basis points to 4%;

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in its December monetary policy meeting, decided by a 4:2 majority to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.50% for the 11th consecutive time since February 2023. The SDF rate remains at 6.25%, and the MSF rate and Bank Rate at 6.75%. The RBI also reduced the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4%, releasing ₹1.16 lakh crore to ease liquidity stress.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das emphasized the commitment to price stability amid inflationary pressures and revised the FY25 inflation forecast to 4.8% from 4.5%. The MPC retained its neutral stance, focusing on aligning inflation with the target while supporting growth. The policy meeting was held on December 4-6, 2024.

U-19 Asia Cup ODI Cricket: India and Bangladesh in the Final

In the Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup ODI Cricket, India advanced to the final by defeating Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the semi-final on December 6, 2024. Chasing a target of 174, India achieved it in just 21.4 overs, with Vaibhav Suryavanshi top-scoring 67 runs off 36 balls. Sri Lanka had elected to bat first after winning the toss.

In the other semi-final, Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Bangladesh chose to field first after winning the toss.

India will now face Bangladesh in the final, scheduled to be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 8, 2024.

RBI Raises UPI Lite Wallet Limit to ₹5,000 and Offline Transaction Limit to ₹1,000

On 4 December 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the UPI Lite wallet limit from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 and raised the offline transaction limit from ₹500 to ₹1,000 per transaction. These changes are effective immediately, aiming to enhance convenience and security for digital payments.

Under the new guidelines, UPI Lite allows transactions of up to ₹1,000 per payment, with a total wallet cap of ₹5,000. Previously, the offline framework permitted a maximum of ₹500 per transaction and a wallet limit of ₹2,000. This update aligns with the RBI’s efforts to promote digital transactions and provide a more inclusive payment experience.

The changes are implemented under Sections 18 and 10(2) of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. The announcement builds on an earlier update by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das in October 2024, highlighting the growing significance of UPI in India’s economy.

In October 2024, UPI achieved a record-breaking 16.58 billion financial transactions in a single month, reflecting its pivotal role in revolutionizing India’s payment ecosystem since its launch in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Hornbill Festival in Kisama Heritage Village, Nagaland from December 1 to December 10.

The Hornbill Festival, also known as the Festival of Festivals, is an annual celebration held in the northeastern Indian state of Nagaland from December 1 to December 10. Organized by the Government of Nagaland, the festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Naga tribes and aims to promote inter-ethnic interaction and unity.

The festival takes place at the Kisama Heritage Village, located about 12 km from Kohima. It features a vibrant array of cultural displays, including traditional Naga dances, music, crafts, sports, food fairs, and religious ceremonies. Visitors can experience the unique customs, folklore, and traditions of the Naga people, making it a truly immersive cultural experience.

Key highlights of the Hornbill Festival include:

  • Traditional Naga Morungs: Exhibitions showcasing the traditional houses and cultural artifacts of the Naga tribes.
  • Cultural Performances: Colorful dances, songs, and music performances by various Naga tribes.
  • Crafts and Art: Display and sale of traditional Naga crafts, wood carvings, paintings, and sculptures.
  • Food Fairs: A variety of Naga cuisine, including traditional dishes and delicacies.
  • Sports and Games: Traditional Naga sports such as archery, wrestling, and indigenous games.
  • Music Festival: The Hornbill Music Festival, featuring performances by renowned artists from across India and abroad.

The Hornbill Festival is a celebration of Naga culture and heritage, providing a platform for the diverse ethnic groups of Nagaland to come together and share their traditions with visitors from around the world.

Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from 6 to 8 December 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 6 December 2024. The three-day festival celebrates the culture, crafts, and tourism of the eight North Eastern states—Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura—collectively known as Ashtalakshmi.

The event will feature:

  • 250+ artisans showcasing handicrafts, handlooms, and agri-horti products, including 34 GI-tagged items.
  • A Fashion Show, Design Conclave, and Buyer-Seller Meet to promote collaborations and economic growth.
  • A Rural Haat Bazaar with products from 320 farmers and artisans.

The Mahotsav aims to boost economic development in the North East, creating opportunities for artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs.

ISRO launches PSLV C-59 carrying ESA’s PROBA-3 from Sriharikota

On 5 December 2024, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV C-59 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 16:04 IST, carrying the PROBA-3 spacecraft into a highly elliptical orbit. The mission, a collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), is managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm.

The PROBA-3 mission, an in-orbit demonstration, involves two satellites launched in a stacked configuration to showcase advanced technologies such as precise satellite positioning, formation flying, and proximity operations. These satellites, weighing a combined 545 kg, were placed in orbit 18 minutes after launch and will fly in close formation to study the Sun’s corona (outer atmosphere).

This launch underscores ISRO’s expertise in commercial satellite missions, with PSLV C-59 marking the second ESA satellite launch using an Indian rocket.

Devendra Fadnavis becomes Maharashtra Chief Minister for the Third Time

Devendra Fadnavis becomes the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for the third time on 5 December 2024. He leads the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to a landslide victory in the recent assembly elections.

There are two deputy chief ministers: Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Eknath Shinde of the Shiv Sena. The swearing-in ceremony to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other prominent leaders.

Fadnavis, who has previously served as Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 and briefly in 2019, was unanimously chosen as the Leader of the BJP Legislative Party.

In the recent Assembly Election Mahayuti alliance secured 235 seats in the 288-member House. The BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 132 seats, followed by Shiv Sena with 57 and NCP with 41 seats.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah becomes Namibia’s first female President

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of the ruling SWAPO party has won Namibia’s eighth presidential election, becoming the country’s first female president with over 57% of the votes. Her closest rival, Panduleni Itula, received 26%.

At 72, Nandi-Ndaitwah, currently vice president, is a seasoned leader in Namibian politics since independence in 1990, with significant domestic and international recognition. SWAPO also secured a majority in the National Assembly, winning 51 out of 96 seats.

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