Current Affairs

Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025

The Maha Kumbh 2025 is set to be a grand and spiritually significant event, taking place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh from January 13 to February 26, 2025. This festival, held once every 12 years, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, attracting millions of devotees and tourists from across the globe.

The Maha Kumbh is rooted in Hindu mythology and is celebrated at four sacred locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The event commemorates the mythological churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and the subsequent quest for the nectar of immortality. Pilgrims believe that taking a dip in the holy waters during the Kumbh Mela cleanses them of their sins and brings them closer to salvation.

Key highlights of the Maha Kumbh 2025 include:

  • Royal Baths (Shahi Snan): These are special bathing dates when religious leaders and devotees take a dip in the holy waters. Important dates include Makar Sankranti (January 14), Mauni Amavasya (January 29), Basant Panchami (February 3), Maghi Purnima (February 12), and Mahashivratri (February 26).
  • Cultural Events: The festival features vibrant cultural activities such as traditional processions (Peshwai), spiritual discourses, yoga sessions, and devotional music performances.
  • Infrastructure and Facilities: The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive preparations, including the creation of a new district for the duration of the Maha Kumbh, improved infrastructure, and world-class accommodation facilities.

Navy Day 2024: December 4th

Navy Day 2024 is celebrated on December 4th to honor the bravery and commitment of naval forces. This year, the event will be held in Puri, Odisha, with President Droupadi Murmu as the chief guest.

The theme for Navy Day 2024 is “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenisation”, highlighting the Indian Navy’s focus on self-reliance and cutting-edge technology.

The day commemorates the success of Operation Trident, a significant naval mission during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. On December 4, 1971, the Indian Navy launched a surprise attack on Karachi, crippling Pakistan’s key port and asserting India’s naval prowess.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD): December 3rd

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is observed annually on December 3rd to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. This day aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and to advocate for their full and equal participation in social, economic, political, and cultural life.

Established by the United Nations in 1992, IDPD focuses on various themes each year, addressing different aspects of disability inclusion. The themes often highlight issues such as accessibility, inclusion, employment, education, and empowerment of people with disabilities.

Key objectives of IDPD include:

  • Raising Awareness: Highlighting the barriers that people with disabilities face and promoting solutions to overcome them.
  • Promoting Rights: Advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities as enshrined in international law, such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
  • Encouraging Inclusion: Promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of life, including education, employment, and community activities.
  • Celebrating Achievements: Recognizing the contributions and achievements of people with disabilities in various fields.

Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the Gates Foundation have recognized India’s PRAGATI platform

A recent study by Oxford’s Saïd Business School and the Gates Foundation has recognized the effectiveness of India’s PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform. Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PRAGATI has significantly transformed the delivery of infrastructure projects in India.

The study, titled “From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India’s PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress,” highlights how PRAGATI has driven accountability, facilitated federal and regional collaboration, and accelerated the completion of long-delayed projects worth $205 billion. The platform features a digital dashboard for real-time project monitoring and supports video-conference review meetings chaired by PM Modi.

One of the key findings is that PRAGATI has reduced project delays from decades to mere months, thanks to the direct involvement of top leadership and the use of technology for cross-collaboration and regular accountability reviews. The study also emphasizes that PRAGATI’s success can serve as a model for other developing countries looking to revolutionize their infrastructure development approaches.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his happiness over the recognition, stating that PRAGATI represents a wonderful amalgamation of technology and governance, ensuring projects are completed on time.

World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) 2024 from December 4 to 6, 2024, in Chennai

The World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) 2024 will be held from December 4 to 6, 2024, at The Leela Palace, Chennai, India. Organized by the Institute of Marine Engineers (India), Chennai Branch, this prestigious event occurs every three years and is returning to India after 15 years. It will bring together over 300 delegates from 21 member organizations across 17 countries, including participants from the US, UK, Germany, Spain, and Asia-Pacific countries.

The conference will focus on futuristic developments and current challenges in the maritime industry, featuring renowned speakers and panelists discussing the future of the global maritime sector. Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, will be the Guest of Honour. The event underscores Chennai’s prominence as a major maritime hub and promises to foster international collaboration and innovation.

India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti from 2-15 December at Bentong Camp, Malaysia

The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti began on 2 December 2024 at Bentong Camp, Malaysia. The exercise features 78 personnel from the Indian Army’s Mahar Regiment and 123 personnel from Malaysia’s Royal Malaysian Regiment. Running until 15 December, the exercise focuses on enhancing joint military capabilities, particularly in counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain. It aims to facilitate the exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations.

Border Security Force (BSF) Raising Day: December 1

The Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 60th Raising Day on December 1, 2024. This day marks the anniversary of the force’s formation in 1965.

History and Facts about the BSF

  • Formation: The BSF was established on December 1, 1965, in the wake of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The need for a specialized force to guard India’s borders became evident after Pakistan attacked Sardar Post, Char Bet, and Beria Bet in Kutch.
  • First Director General: K F Rustamji, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, was the first Director General and founding father of the BSF.
  • Motto: The BSF’s motto is “Jeevan Paryant Kartavya”, which translates to “Duty Unto Death”.
  • Role: The BSF is responsible for guarding India’s land borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It is the world’s largest border security force, with a sanctioned strength of 270,000 personnel.
  • Capabilities: The BSF has grown from 25 battalions in 1965 to 193 battalions today, including an air wing, water wing, artillery regiment, and specialized units.
  • Operations: Apart from border guarding, the BSF also engages in counter-insurgency operations, anti-Naxal operations, and internal security duties. They have been involved in various operations, including the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 and the Kargil War.

Q,: When was the Border Security Force (BSF) established?

a) March 1, 1962
b) April 1. 1963
c) December 1, 1965
d) January 1, 1969

Ans : c) December 1, 1965
The Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated its 60th Raising Day on December 1, 2024. This day marks the anniversary of the force’s formation in 1965.

Kash Patel Nominated as next Director of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, a seasoned lawyer and investigator, played key roles during Trump’s first term, serving as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense and in other senior positions. If confirmed by the Senate, Patel will become the first Indian-American and South Asian to lead the FBI.

Trump praised Patel’s dedication to justice, his efforts to combat crime and trafficking, and his pivotal role in exposing the “Russia Hoax.” Patel’s nomination highlights the growing influence of the Indian-American community in US politics, following figures like Nikki Haley, who served as Trump’s UN Ambassador, and Kamala Harris, the current Vice President.

Q.: Who has been nominated as the next Director of the FBI by US President-elect Donald Trump?

(A) Pam Bondi
(B) Nikki Haley
(C) Kash Patel
(D) Kamala Harris

Answer: (C) Kash Patel
US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Jay Shah takes charge as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC)

Jay Shah became the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC) on December 1, 2024, marking him as the fifth Indian to head the global cricket body. Shah, was unanimously elected by the ICC Board of Directors, succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay. 36-year-old Jay Shah, has been the secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the last five years

In his inaugural statement, Shah highlighted his vision to use cricket’s inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as a transformative opportunity and emphasized the growth of women’s cricket as a key priority.

Syed Modi International Tournament 2024: PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen emerged as Singles champions

At the Syed Modi International Tournament 2024 in Lucknow, PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen emerged as Singles champions. Sindhu, a two-time Olympic medallist, won the Women’s Singles title by defeating China’s Wu Luo Yu 21-14, 21-16. Lakshya Sen claimed the Men’s Singles title with a commanding victory over Singapore’s Jia Heng Jason Teh 21-6, 21-7.

In Women’s Doubles, the Indian duo Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won the title, beating China’s Bao Li Jing and Li Qian 21-18, 21-11. However, Indian teams in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles finished as runner-ups. Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Sai Pratheek K lost a close Men’s Doubles final to China’s Huang Di and Liu Yang (14-21, 21-19, 17-21), while Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto were defeated by Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran (21-18, 14-21, 8-21) in the Mixed Doubles final.

Cyclonic Storm Fengal Makes Landfall Between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram

Cyclonic storm Fengal, made landfall between Karaikal and Mahabalipuram near Puducherry on 30 November 2024, bring heavy rainfall and strong winds gusting up to 90 km/h. The Puducherry administration and Tamil Nadu authorities are on high alert, implementing extensive disaster management measures.

Emergency Preparations: The Disaster Management Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the situation. Officials, including District Collector A. Kulothungan, inspected low-lying areas and issued instructions to address challenges swiftly. NDRF trained personnel on portable lighting systems for power outages, while awareness campaigns urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

UGC Introduces Accelerated and Extended Degree Programmes for UG Students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved Standard Operating Procedures for introducing Accelerated Degree Programmes and Extended Degree Programmes for undergraduate students. The Accelerated Degree Programme allows students to complete three-year or four-year degrees in a shorter time by earning additional credits per semester. In contrast, the Extended Degree Programme provides flexibility to extend degree completion by up to two semesters with reduced credits per semester.

Students will still earn the same total credits as in the standard-duration programmes, ensuring their degrees are treated equally for employment and academic purposes. Higher Education Institutions will evaluate eligibility through dedicated committees and may allocate up to 10% of sanctioned seats for the Accelerated Programme. Degrees will be awarded based on the opted timeline rather than the standard duration.

World Chess Championship: Gukesh and Liren Tie in 4th Game

The fourth game of the FIDE Chess World Championship between D. Gukesh and defending champion Ding Liren ended in a draw on 29 November 2024 in Singapore, leaving both players with 2 points each. Gukesh had leveled the score in Game 3 by defeating Liren.

The championship consists of 14 games, with the first player to reach 7.5 points being crowned champion. This historic tournament, featuring two Asian players for the first time in 138 years, has a prize pool of $2.5 million. A win earns 1 point, a draw 0.5 points, and a loss 0 points.

India’s Mineral Production Shows Strong Growth in FY 2024-25

India’s mineral production showed strong growth in the first half of FY 2024-25 (April-October), continuing momentum from record levels in FY 2023-24.

  • Iron Ore: Accounting for 69% of total mineral production by value, iron ore output rose by 4.1% to 158.4 million metric tonnes (MMT) in April-October 2024, compared to 152.1 MMT in the same period last year.
  • Manganese Ore: Production increased by 11.1% to 2.0 MMT.
  • Bauxite: Output grew by 11.3%, reaching 13.8 MMT.
  • Primary Aluminium: Production rose modestly by 1.2% to 24.46 lakh tonnes (LT).
  • Refined Copper: Output saw significant growth of 6%, climbing to 3.00 LT.

India remains a key player globally, ranking as the second-largest Aluminium producer, among the top ten in refined copper, and the fourth-largest iron ore producer. The growth reflects strong domestic demand from sectors such as steel, energy, infrastructure, and automotive, reinforcing India’s economic resilience and its role in the global minerals supply chain.

Saule Biluvaite’s Film ‘Toxic’ Wins Golden Peacock Award at 55th IFFI 2024

The  closing ceremony of 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2024, was held on 28 November in Panaji, Goa. Saule Biluvaite’s Toxic won the prestigious Golden Peacock Award, receiving a ₹40 lakh cash prize, a trophy, and a certificate.

Clement Faveau won Best Actor Male, while Vesta Matulyte and Leva Repuikaite shared the Best Actor Female award for their performances in Toxic.

In the Indian section, Navjot Bandiwadekar was honored as Best Debut Director for Gharat Ganpati, and Lampan received the Best Web Series OTT award. Vikrant Massey was celebrated as the Indian Film Personality of the Year.

The ceremony featured cultural performances by Mame Khan and Amaal Malik and was attended by dignitaries like Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant, I&B Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and Bollywood icons such as Madhur Bhandarkar, Rashmika Mandanna, and Jayaprada.

Masato Kanda elected as President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Masato Kanda has been unanimously elected as the 11th President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) by its Board of Governors. Currently serving as Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Kanda will assume office in February 2025, succeeding Masatsugu Asakawa. His term will conclude on 23 November 2026.

ADB, founded in 1966 and headquartered in Manila, Philippines, focuses on social and economic development in Asia. It started with 31 members and now has 68, including members of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and non-regional developed countries.

India climbs 11 places in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), securing the 49th rank globally

India has climbed 11 places in the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024), securing the 49th rank globally, as announced on 27 November 2024. Published by the Portulans Institute, the index evaluates 133 economies across four pillars—technology, people, governance, and impact—using 54 variables. India’s score improved significantly from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024.

India leads globally in several indicators:

  • 1st place: AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, and ICT services exports.
  • 2nd place: FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions and mobile broadband internet traffic.
  • 3rd place: Domestic market scale.
  • 4th place: Annual investment in telecommunication services.

Key achievements include:

  • Rising teledensity from 75.2% to 84.69% over the past decade.
  • Increasing internet subscribers from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, largely driven by the Digital India initiative.
  • Boosting global mobile broadband speed rankings from 118th to 15th, following the launch of 5G in 2022.

India is now focusing on next-gen technologies with the Bharat 6G Vision, aiming to solidify its leadership in telecom innovation.

JMM Leader Hemant Soren Becomes Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the Fourth Time

Hemant Soren, the leader of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), is set to take the oath as the Chief Minister of Jharkhand for the fourth time on 28 November 2024. This follows the recent state elections where his JMM-led coalition secured a decisive victory, winning 56 out of the 81 Assembly seats. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 4 pm at the Morabadi Ground in Ranchi, with Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar administering the oath.

Soren’s victory marks a significant moment in Jharkhand’s political history, as it is the first time an incumbent government has returned to power after completing a full five-year term. The JMM achieved its highest-ever tally, winning 34 of the 43 seats it contested, while its allies, the Congress and RJD, secured 16 and four seats respectively.

The ceremony is expected to be attended by several prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In his victory speech, Soren expressed gratitude to the people of Jharkhand for their continued trust and emphasized the importance of unity and social justice.

43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on 27 November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi

The 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) concluded on 27 November 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The theme for this year’s fair was “Viksit Bharat at 2047”. An award ceremony was held on the final day, recognizing achievements in various categories:

  • Partner States: Bihar and Uttar Pradesh won gold.
  • Focus State: Jharkhand secured gold.
  • Ministries and Departments: The Ministry of Mines received gold, while the Ayush Ministry earned silver.
  • States and UTs: Puducherry won gold, Meghalaya got silver, and Karnataka was awarded bronze.

Pradeep Singh Kharola, Managing Director of ITPO, shared that over 10 lakh visitors attended the fair. Executive Director Premjit Lal highlighted the fair’s role as a global platform for traders to exchange ideas and grow their businesses. The event saw a significant response from visitors and exhibitors, showcasing diverse regional products.

National Milk Day (26 November): Honoring Dr. Verghese Kurien, the Father of the White Revolution in India

National Milk Day was celebrated on 26 November 2024 to honor the 103rd birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, known as the Father of the White Revolution in India. This day highlights the remarkable growth in milk production, especially in Gujarat, the heart of India’s White Revolution.

Over the past 22 years, Gujarat’s milk production has increased by 119.63 lakh metric tons, with an average growth rate of 10.23%—outpacing the national growth rate. The state now contributes 7.49% of India’s total milk production. There has also been an unprecedented rise in the per capita availability of milk in Gujarat during this period.

The Amul Federation, which started with 6 member unions and a turnover of Rs. 49 crore, now includes 18 member unions. It collects over 3 crore liters of milk daily, producing and distributing dairy products not only across India but also in about 50 countries. The Amul model has become a globally recognized example of a self-reliant dairy development model, benefiting livestock farmers’ socio-economic growth.

Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah

The Israeli government has approved a US- and France-brokered ceasefire deal with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on 26 November 2024.

The ceasefire aims to end the year-long conflict that has killed 3,800 people and injured 16,000 in Lebanon. Under the agreement, both Israeli forces and Hezbollah will withdraw from south Lebanon within 60 days, with Hezbollah repositioning north of the Litani River. The Lebanese national army and UN peacekeeping forces will secure the vacated areas.

While Lebanon’s foreign minister supports the agreement, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s “full freedom of military action” and warned of immediate responses to violations. He also cited three strategic reasons for the ceasefire:

  1. Countering Iranian threats,
  2. Resupplying Israeli forces amid delays in advanced weaponry deliveries, and
  3. Isolating Hamas by preventing a multi-front conflict.

The deal has received international backing, with French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden committing to its enforcement.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 13, Becomes Youngest Cricket Player to Secure IPL Contract

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, at just 13 years old, made history as the youngest cricket player to secure an IPL contract during the IPL 2025 Auction. He was signed by the Rajasthan Royals, led by Rahul Dravid, for ₹1.10 crore. Bihar Cricket Association President Rakesh Tiwari praised Vaibhav’s achievement and expressed confidence in his potential.

Vaibhav gained attention by becoming the youngest batter to score an international century, hitting a 104 off 62 balls in a Youth Test for India Under-19 against Australia Under-19 in Chennai. His 58-ball century was the fastest by an Indian in Youth Tests and the second-fastest globally. Earlier this year, Vaibhav debuted in the Ranji Trophy for Bihar at the age of 12, becoming the youngest player in India’s premier First-Class tournament.

Divith Reddy won the gold medal at the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship

Eight-year-old Divith Reddy from Telangana won the gold medal at the Under-8 World Cadets Chess Championship in Montesilvano, Italy, on 26 November 2024.

Divith scored 9 points out of 11, tying with fellow Indian Sattwik Swain but securing gold due to a superior tiebreak score. Sattwik earned the silver medal, while Ziming Guo of China claimed bronze.

With a FIDE rating of 1784, Divith started strong with four consecutive wins, faced setbacks with two losses, but made a remarkable comeback by winning the final five rounds to clinch the title.

Shukrayaan Mission: ISRO’s Venus Orbiting Satellite Scheduled for Launch in 2028

ISRO has received approval from the Indian government for the Shukrayaan mission, a Venus Orbiting Satellite set to launch in 2028. Announced by ISRO Director Nilesh Desai, the mission will enhance India’s planetary exploration capabilities.

Desai also revealed plans for Chandrayaan 4, a collaborative mission with Japan, aiming for a precise landing at the Moon’s south pole by 2030, pending approval. This mission will feature a heavier rover weighing 350 kg, significantly larger than Chandrayaan 3’s.

ISRO is advancing its INSAT 4 series for improved weather forecasting and communication, incorporating advanced sensors and satellites to match global technological standards in meteorology and oceanography.

Future plans include a Mars mission with both orbital and surface exploration goals, and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, with an unmanned flight expected in two years, followed by a manned mission.

The Indian government has also approved the construction of a space station, with the first module set for 2028 and full completion by 2035. The space station will serve as a transit hub for future lunar missions, aligning with India’s goal to land on the Moon by 2040.

Yamandú Orsi wins Presidential Election in Uruguay

Yamandú Orsi of the Broad Front alliance has emerged victorious as Uruguay’s next president. Orsi, a former history teacher and mayor, secured 49.8% of the votes in a closely contested run-off election held on November 24, 2024. He defeated Álvaro Delgado of the center-right National Party, who garnered 45.9% support.

Orsi’s victory marks the return of a center-left government to Uruguay after five years of conservative administration. He is considered the political heir of former President José Mujica, who supported him throughout his campaign. Orsi has pledged to promote a “modern left” approach, focusing on tackling homelessness, poverty, and crime.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction : Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, witnessed record-breaking bids and intense team strategies over two days.

Day 1 Highlights (24th November 2024):

  • Record Bids:
    • Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, sold to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.
    • Punjab Kings secured Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore and Yuzvendra Chahal for ₹18 crore, setting a record for an Indian spinner.
    • Venkatesh Iyer went to Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹23.75 crore.
    • Punjab also acquired Arshdeep Singh for ₹18 crore.

Day 2 Highlights (25th November 2024):

  • The day began with 33 capped players going under the hammer, followed by an accelerated auction for capped and uncapped players.
  • Notable Buys:
    • Mumbai Indians: Secured Will Jacks for ₹5.25 crore and Deepak Chahar for ₹9.25 crore.
    • RCB: Acquired Bhuvneshwar Kumar for ₹10.75 crore and Tim David for ₹3 crore.
    • Lucknow Super Giants: Bought Akash Deep for ₹8 crore.
    • Rajasthan Royals: Signed Tushar Deshpande for ₹6.5 crore.
  • Uncapped Players:
    • CSK signed Anshul Kamboj for ₹3.4 crore and Mukesh Choudhary for ₹30 lakh.
    • Gujarat Titans brought back Gurnoor Singh Brar for ₹1.3 crore.
    • Punjab Kings added Azmatullah Omarzai for ₹2.4 crore.

The auction showcased fierce competition as teams strengthened their squads with both marquee and emerging players, setting the stage for an exciting IPL 2025 season.

75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Indian Constitution: Campaign Tagline ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan’

The Government of India has announced year-long celebrations, beginning November 26, 2024, to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution. These celebrations, under the campaign tagline “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” (Our Constitution, Our Pride), will run until November 26, 2025, honoring the Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.

A grand event will be held at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, where President Droupadi Murmu will address both Houses of Parliament. Activities will be organized nationwide, including at village and district levels, focusing on the core values of the Constitution and the contributions of its makers. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju emphasized the celebration as a collective national effort, while Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s significant role and the contributions of 15 women in the Drafting Committee.

Winter session of Parliament commence on 25 November 2024

The Winter session of Parliament will commence on 25 November 2024, featuring 19 sittings over 26 days. There will be no session on 26 November to commemorate Constitution Day, with the main celebration at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

The session will continue until 20 December 2024, with 16 bills listed for legislative business, including the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, the Railways (Amendment) Bill, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and the Indian Ports Bill, 2024. Additionally, discussions and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2024-25 will be addressed.

An all-party meeting was held to ensure smooth functioning, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju urging cooperation from opposition parties. 42 leaders from 30 political parties participated, providing suggestions to be discussed in the business advisory committee.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari highlighted issues for discussion, including an alleged bribery scam, the Manipur situation, unemployment, and pollution in North India. The meeting was presided over by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with attendance from various Union Ministers and MPs.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla urged members to follow parliamentary decorum, inspired by the Constituent Assembly debates and discussions.

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli won the Men’s Doubles Tennis title at the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy

N Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli won the Men’s Doubles title at the ATP Challenger Tour in Italy. They defeated the second-seeded duo of French tennis player Theo Arribage and his Portuguese partner Francisco Cabral in the final held on November 23, 2024.

This victory marked Rithvik Bollipalli’s second ATP Challenger Tour title, having previously won the Almaty Open in Kazakhstan with Arjun Kadhe last month. For the 34-year-old Balaji, it was his first title on the ATP Challenger Tour.

North East United Football Club Becomes Champion of the 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024

North East United Football Club emerged as the champion of the 40th All India Governor’s Gold Cup International Football Tournament 2024, held at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok on 24 November 2024. In a thrilling final match, they defeated the home team, Gangtok Himalayan Sporting Club, in a tie-breaker.

The match, attended by Governor Om Prakash Mathur and Chief Minister PS Tamang, ended goalless in regular time and proceeded to a penalty shoot-out. North East United FC successfully converted all four of their penalty shots, while Gangtok Himalayan SC managed to score only three out of five.

The tournament, organized by the Sikkim Football Association, featured 16 teams and included four international clubs from Nepal, Bhutan, Dubai, and Malaysia. This prestigious event returned after a five-year hiatus, with the last edition held in 2019.

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