Daily Content PDF

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 1

 Daily Content PDF

This PAID PDF is provided by AffairsCloud’s dedicated team that works

diligently to provide aspirants with high-quality content. We recommend
you to purchase this PDF subscription and seize the opportunity to learn
efficiently.
Help Us to Grow & Provide Quality Service

Click here to Download the CareersCloud APP

Click here to Join the Telegram Channel
Current Affairs Channel
AffairsCloud Hindu Vocabs

Suggestions & Feedback are welcomed

Support@affairscloud.com

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 2

 Daily Content PDF

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 3

 Daily Content PDF

AFFAIRSCLOUD TODAY

Table of Contents
Hand Written Notes ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
Detailed Content............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 4

 Daily Content PDF

Hand Written Notes

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
1)

JCC - Joint Commission for Cooperation

2)

NITI - National Institution for Transforming India

BANKING & FINANCE

1)

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 5

 Daily Content PDF

ii)

IBRD of World bank 15 years

IDA - International Development Association

LMIC - Low-and-Middle-Income Country
IBRD - International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

2)

ADB - Asian Development Bank

3)

4)

SEBI - Security Exchange Board of India

AMC - Asset Management Company

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

1)

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 6

 Daily Content PDF

2)

ISSA - International Social Security Association

EPFO - Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
CoM - Certificates of Merit

3)

OPCW - Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

4)

DGEMS - D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

1)

SEBI - Securities and Exchange Board of India

VSIPL - Vama Sundari Investments Private Limited

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 7

 Daily Content PDF

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

CM - Chief Minister
BJP - Bharatiya Janata Party
NCP - Nationalist Congress Party

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

1)

ISRO - Indian Space Research Orgaisation

ESA - European Space Agency
PSLV - Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
AP - Andhra Pradesh
DARA - Digital Absolute Radiometer

OBITUARY
1)

MP USA
MP - Madhya Pradesh
USA - United States of America

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 8

 Daily Content PDF

ENVIRONMENT
1)

Eman Asakgre Herpetozoa Pointed snout & visible tympanum

Community Reserve

SPORTS
1)

Category Winner
Men’s singles Lakshya Sen (India)
Women’s singles PV Sindhu (India)
Men’s doubles Huang Di and Liu Yang (China)
Women’s doubles Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly (India)
Mixed doubles Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran
(Thailand)
UP - Uttar Pradesh
BWF - Badminton World Federation
2)

Player of the Tournament Araijeet Singh Hundal (India)

Goalkeeper of the Tournament Rafaizul Saini (Malaysia)
Leading Goal scorer Sufyan Khan (Pakistan)
Rising Player of the Tournament Yamato Kawahara (Japan)

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 9

 Daily Content PDF

IMPORTANT DAYS

2)

IVD - International Volunteer Day

SDGs - Sustainable Development Goals
UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 10

 Daily Content PDF

3)

Please Let us Know your Feedback – Handwritten Notes

Click here to give Rating

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 11

 Daily Content PDF

Disclaimer
Aim
We Try to Cover 15+ Current Affairs Questions in Upcoming Bank Exams from Hand
written Notes

Ultimate Tool for Beginners

Hand Written Notes, meticulously designed to guide beginners in capturing important
points from news and to enlighten the note-taking process

Mind Mapping
It helps to understand the news easily and We map the news in a way that boosts your
memory power, ensuring you remember important information.

Note: In future, Homework Notes can be read only in our mobile App/Website and will
no longer be available for download.

GroupM's Prasanth Kumar re-elected president of AAAI for 2024-25

RBI releases report calling for changing MIBOR methodology, launch of new benchmark

Delhi govt starts trial run of e-Abkari portal to replace existing excise supply information system

ISSF Junior World shooting championship, India finishes at top in overall medal tally with 13 gold

BHP and SAIL sign MOU to accelerate potential pathways to steel decarbonisation

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 12

 Daily Content PDF

Detailed Content
Current Affairs 10 December 2024 : Headlines

Visit of Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait to India From December 3-4,
2024
NITI Aayog Launched “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Q1FY25 in New Delhi
World Bank Report: India’s External Debt Increases by USD 31 Billion to USD 647 Billion
in 2023
India and ADB Sign USD 50 Million Loan for Climate Resilient Water Harvesting in
Meghalaya
Axis Bank launches ‘ARISE Women’s Savings Account’ to empower women financially
SEBI Approves Angel One AMC for Mutual Fund Operations
India Honored with the ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024
Indian-origin Jasleen Kaur Wins Turner Prize 2024 for Her Exhibition Alter Altar
ICC Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award
Octanom Tech Recognized Among Forbes India’s “Select 200 Companies with Global
Business Potential”
Devendra Fadnavis Sworn-in as 21st CM of Maharashtra; Eknath Shinde & Ajit Pawar as
Deputy CM
SEBI Approves Roshni Nadar’s Majority Acquisition in HCL Tech and HCL Infosystems
ISRO launches ESA’s Proba-3 mission to study sun’s corona
New frog species “Raorchestes asakgrensis” discovered in Meghalaya
Syed Modi International 2024: PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won singles titles
Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024: India defeats Pakistan to win its fifth title
Indian Classical Musician and Sarod Player ‘Aashish Khan’ Passed Away at 84
Indian Navy Day 2024 – December 04
International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development – December 05
World Soil Day 2024 – December 05

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 13

 Daily Content PDF

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Visit of Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait to India From December 3-4, 2024
H.E. Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, arrived in New Delhi(Delhi)
paid a visit to India from December 3 to December 4, 2024 at the invitation of Union Minister Dr. S.
Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

• This marked his first official trip to India in this capacity, highlighting the strong and evolving
ties between the two nations.
Highlights of the Visit:
i.A key highlight of H.E. Abdullah Ali Al Yahya’s visit to India was the bilateral meeting with External Affairs
Minister (EAM) Dr. S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House, New Delhi (Delhi). During the meeting, the leaders
conducted a comprehensive review of India-Kuwait relations, focusing on several critical areas:
• Political and trade ties
• Investment and energy cooperation
• Food security
• Cultural and people-to-people exchanges
ii.The leaders also exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues, further strengthening
their shared understanding and cooperation.
iii.Foreign Minister (FM) of the State of Kuwait, Abdullah Ali Al Yahya also met Prime Minister (PM) of India
Narendra Modi, who highlighted the enduring historical bonds between the two nations.
India & Kuwait sign MoU to establish JCC:
i.One of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to
establish a Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC).
• The MoU was signed by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Kuwait’s Foreign
Minister Abdullah Ali Al Yahya in New Delhi.
ii.The JCC aims to streamline collaboration and ensure regular monitoring of bilateral engagements across
diverse fields.
iii.This commission, led by the foreign ministers of both countries, will serve as a comprehensive platform
to evaluate and enhance bilateral relations.
iv.Under the JCC framework, New Joint Working Groups will be set up in sectors like trade, investment,
education, technology, agriculture, security, and culture.
• Existing groups in areas such as hydrocarbons, health, and consular matters will continue to
function under this umbrella mechanism.
About Kuwait:
Emir– Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Prime Minister (PM)- Sheikh Ahmad Al Abdullah Al Sabah

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 14

 Daily Content PDF

Capital– Kuwait City

Currency– Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

NITI Aayog Launched “Trade Watch Quarterly” for Q1FY25 in New Delhi
On 4th December 2024, Suman Bery, the Vice Chairperson of National Institution for Transforming
India (NITI Aayog) launched NITI Aayog’s latest report titled “Trade Watch Quarterly: April-June (Q1)
Y25” in New Delhi, Delhi. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s trade for the Q1
(April to June) of Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).

• The report provides a holistic snapshot of India’s trade position, combining global demand-
supply perspectives, sector-wise performance, and insights into emerging trade opportunities.
Key People: BVR Subrahmanyan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NITI Aayog; Dr. V.K. Saraswat and Dr.
Arvind Virmani, members of NITI Aayog and other senior officials were present at the event.
Note: Over the decades, the contribution of trade to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased
massively, from just 15% (in 1980) to 48% (in 2023).
Key Findings of the Report:
i.As per the report, India’s total trade performance for the 1st Half (H1) of 2024 reached USD 576
billion with Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth of 5.45% compared to 2023.
ii.The report highlighted that merchandise exports showed consistent growth as exports has increased
by 5.95% to USD 110 billion in Q1FY25.In Q1 FY25, the leading
sectors were mineral fuels (19.96%), electrical machinery and
equipment (8.68%), and nuclear reactors (7.30%).
• Imports increasing by 8.40% to USD 173 billion in
Q1FY25. This significant growth in imports were
mainly attributed by high-value commodities,
including aircraft, spacecraft, mineral fuels, and
vegetable oils.
iii.The report outlined that India’s Current Account Deficit
(CAD) reached to USD 9.7 billion in Q1FY25, representing 1.1% of country’s GDP, from USD 8.9 billion (1%
of GDP) in same quarter of FY24.
• This increase in CAD is mainly driven by a widening merchandise trade deficit.
iv.India’s export of iron and steel saw a massive decline of 33% in Q1FY25 mainly due to weak domestic
demand and excess capacity in China which resulted in an oversupply of steel in global markets.
India’s Trade with other countries:
i.The report showed that India’s Trade Intensity Index (TII) score was greater than 1 with 84 countries,
which represented 38.82% of global GDP and 67% of its total exports in 2023.
ii.As per the report, India showed a comparative advantage (RCA >1) in 43 commodities which represented
40% of global imports and constituted 68.2% of merchandise exports.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 15

 Daily Content PDF

iii.The report revealed that North America accounted for 21% of India’s exports in Q1FY25, followed by the
European Union (EU) (18.61%).
• While, Imports were largely from Northeast Asia, West Asia and Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) countries which together accounted 51% of total imports.
vi.The report highlighted that various labour-intensive sectors like: natural and cultural pearls, lac, gums
and resins, among others have witness a decline in India’s share in global exports in the recent years as
compared to 2015.
v.The report showed that total share of India in global services exports has reached to nearly 4.6% (in 2023)
compared to 2% (2005).
• While, India accounted 10.20% of the global services exports in Information Technology (IT)
services and 7.16% in other business services.
About National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog):
It is India’s premier policy think tank, which came into existence on 1st January, 2015 by replacing Planning
Commission. It plays a crucial role in framing long-term policies and programs for the country.
Chairman- Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi

BANKING & FINANCE

World Bank Report: India’s External Debt Increases by USD 31 Billion to USD 647 Billion in 2023
According to the World Bank’s latest International Debt Report (IDR) 2024, India’s total external debt has
increased by USD 31 billion to USD 646.79 billion in 2023.The report revealed that interest payment
increased from USD 15.08 billion (in 2022) to USD 22.54 billion (in 2023).

• As per the report, the total external debt owed by all Low-and-Middle-Income
Countries (LMICs) reached record USD 8.8 trillion, which marks an increase of 8% over 2020.
• While, the debt for the International Development Association (IDA)-eligible nations touched
to USD 1.1 trillion, an increase of approximately 18%.
About IDR 2024:
i.The report is published annually by the World Bank Group (WB), which provides comprehensive
information about external debt statistics and analysis for the LMICs that report to the World Bank Debtor
Reporting System (DRS).
ii.This latest edition of the report provides in-depth analysis of end-2023 external debt flows and debt stock
positions as well as the macroeconomic and debt outlook for 2024 and beyond.
India-Specific:
i.As per the report, the long-term debt stocks have increased by 7% to USD 498 billion in 2023, while short-
term debt stocks decreased marginally to USD 126.32 billion in 2023.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 16

 Daily Content PDF

ii.The report showed that external debt stock as percentage of exports was 80%, while debt servicing 10%
exports in 2023.
iii.The report further revealed that net debt inflows was USD 33.42 billion, while the net equity inflows
was higher at USD 46.94 billion in 2023.
World Bank Approved USD 188.28 Million Loan to Boost Growth in Maharashtra’s Districts
On 3rd December 2024, the World Bank has approved a USD 188.28 million loan to Maharashtra in order
to boost its economy, particularly in underdeveloped districts of the state.
• The loan will be provided by the WB’s International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) and will have a maturity period of 15 years, including a 5 year grace period.
• The loan is granted under the WB’s program “Maharashtra Strengthening Institutional
Capabilities in Districts for Enabling Growth” which will enhance district planning and growth
strategies.
Note: At present, out of 36 districts of Maharashtra, only 7 contribute to over half of the USD 500 billion
state Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Key Points:
i.As per this loan arrangement, Maha Databank, a data governance framework will be created to address
development challenges, including gender disparities.
• Also, districts will receive fiscal incentives on achieving annual performance targets.
ii.The initiative will enhance Maharashtra’s online service portals, MAITRI 2.0 for business services and the
RTS portal for government services, improving seamless access to resources for the private sector.
About World Bank (WB):
President– Ajay Banga
India’s Director – Auguste Tano Kouamé
Headquarters– Washington, DC, the United States of America (USA)
Established– 1944

India and ADB Sign USD 50 Million Loan for Climate Resilient Water Harvesting in Meghalaya
On December 5 2024, the Government of India (GoI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a
significant USD 50 million loan agreement to enhance water security and climate resilience in Meghalaya.
• The Climate-Adaptative Community-Based Water-Harvesting Project aims to address water
scarcity, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen community resilience to climate
change through advanced water harvesting systems.

• The project aligned with the Meghalaya State Water Policy (MSWP) 2019 will integrate climate
adaptation strategies into water resource management.
Signatories:
The loan agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Finance(MoF) and Mio
Oka, ADB’s India Resident Mission Country Director.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 17

 Daily Content PDF

Key Points:
i.The project will create 3,000 hectares of reliable irrigation areas benefiting local farmers and enhancing
agricultural productivity.
ii.The initiative will focus on the construction of 532 small water storage facilities across 12 districts in
Meghalaya.
iii.The project includes the establishment of 50 weather stations for climate data collection and
monitoring along with the introduction of micro irrigation
systems in the Garo, Jaintia and Khasi regions of Meghalaya.
iv.The project will pilot renewable energy micro hydropower
systems in 3 water harvesting facilities offering sustainable
energy solutions to local communities.
v.ADB will assist the state in implementing the MSWP and
provide guidance on developing water security plans at the
village level with active involvement from local committees
and water user associations.
vi.The project also focuses on capacity building for local
institutions including the Meghalaya State Watershed and
Wasteland Development Agency (MSWWDA) and the Soil &
Water Conservation Department (SWCD).
About Meghalaya:
Chief Minister (CM)– Conrad K Sangma
Governor- C. H. Vijayashankar
Capital– Shillong
National Park– Balphakram National Park & Nokrek Ridge National Park
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President – Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters– Manila, Philippines
Established– 1966
Members- 69

Axis Bank launches ‘ARISE Women’s Savings Account’ to empower women financially
On December 5 2024, Axis Bank Limited, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has introduced
the ‘ARISE Women’s Savings Account’, a specialized solution aimed at empowering women financially.
• It was launched by Arundhati Bhattacharya, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Salesforce India Private Limited in the presence of Amitabh Chaudhry, Managing Director (MD) &
CEO, Axis Bank and Munish Sharda, Executive Director of Axis Bank.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 18

 Daily Content PDF

About ARISE Women’s Savings Account:

This account provides an array of exclusive benefits, including access to women specific financial experts,
personalized investment options, healthcare discounts, and much more.
Key features:
i.Family Banking Program: Extend benefits to family members, with the option to link children’s accounts
without initial funding.
ii.Exclusive Banking Perks: Enjoy zero locker fees for the first year, higher transaction limits, and
quarterly airport lounge access.
iii.Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Avail discounts
on women specific diagnostic tests, unlimited consultations
with doctors and access to wellness sessions.
iv.Lifestyle Benefits: Discounts on beauty products,
childcare benefits, and a complimentary Swiggy One
membership.
Key Points:
i.Account holders also receive the ARISE Debit
Card offering higher transaction limits with Rs.5 lakhs on
Point of sale (POS) and Rs.1 lakh at Automated Teller
Machine (ATM). It also provides rewards as well as a
Complimentary Non Equity Option (NEO) Credit Card with
discounts on services like BookMyShow and Zomato.
ii.The account also includes several financial solutions such
as guidance from women experts, discounted stock
recommendations and a waiver of (Annual Maintenance Charge) AMC on Demat accounts for the first year.
iii.Healthcare benefits are comprehensive with discounts of up to 70% on diagnostic tests, unlimited
consultations with top hospital experts and access to wellness programs.
iv.The account comes with different balance maintenance criteria based on location starting at Rs 3,000 in
rural areas to Rs 16,000 in metro areas.
v.By offering a robust suite of features tailored to women’s needs the ARISE Women’s Savings Account aims
to create an equitable banking ecosystem empowering women to reach their financial potential.
Note: According to the National Statistical Office (NSO) data, which reveals that women hold just 20.8% of
India’s total bank deposits, despite constituting 36.4% of all bank account holders.
About Axis Bank Limited:
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Amitabh Chaudhry
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established– 1993
Tagline- Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi

SEBI Approves Angel One AMC for Mutual Fund Operations

In November 2024, the Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved Angel One Asset
Management Company (AMC) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Angel One Limited, to act as the
AMC for Angel One Mutual Fund (MF) which will specialise exclusively in passive investment strategies.
i.Angel One AMC aims to deliver user-friendly investment products to retail investors across the country,
leveraging its digital infrastructure and distribution network.
ii.According to fintech firm Angel One, Angel One Mutual Fund will offer passive investment products like
index funds and Exchange-Traded Funds(ETFs), providing clients with a low-cost, transparent, and
convenient way to build wealth.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 19

 Daily Content PDF

Note: Angel One Limited, founded in 1996, is an Indian stockbroking firm affiliated with the Bombay Stock
Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE), National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), and
Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX).

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

India Honored with the ISSA Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024
On December 3 2024, India was honored with the prestigious International Social Security
Association (ISSA) Good Practice Award for Asia and Pacific 2024. The award was presented by Dr.
Mohammed Azman, President of ISSA during the Regional Social Security Forum held from December 3 to
5, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and
Employment (MoL&E) has received 5 Certificates of Merit (CoM) for its innovative and inclusive
social security initiatives and Special Mention for its Digital Life Certificate
(Jeevan Pramaan Patra).
• Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General (DG) of ESIC, on behalf of EPFO received these awards at
the event.
Key Initiatives of EPFO:
i.Communication Channels: Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement: EPFO has adopted the ISSA Guidelines
on Communication by Social Security Administrations by developing a comprehensive Communication
Framework Document (CFD).
• This framework uses digital and non-digital platforms, including webinars, Short Messages
Services (SMS), Electronic mail(emails), social media, and Information Education
Communication (IEC) videos, camps under Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, to effectively communicate
with stakeholders and educate them about social security schemes.
ii.E-proceedings – A case on use of information and communication technology in justice
delivery: EPFO has introduced E-proceedings to digitize judicial inquiries to ensure regular compliance,
which is a crucial aspect of a contributory social security system.
• It is an end-to-end online inquiry process which ensures fairness, and improves transparency, in
addition to reducing the average inquiry time.
iii.Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0 – Bringing Services Closer: EPFO started the Nidhi Apke Nikat 2.0 to ensure
last-mile delivery of services for members, pensioners and employers, in remote districts of the country.
• It is held across the country on 27th of every month where grievances are resolved on the spot.
Thus, ensuring the Government of India (GoI)’s policy of ease of doing business and ease of living.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 20

 Daily Content PDF

iv.Multilingual Call Centres – Effort towards an inclusive grievance redressal: EPFO launched
multilingual call centres which provides information accessible and free of charge in 12 regional languages.
This initiative is in line with the ISSA Guidelines on Service Quality.
v.Prayaas-Prioritizing Pensioners: It is an EPFO led initiative which aims to handle Pension Payment
Orders (PPO) of retiring members of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 on the day of retirement itself.
vi.Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan Patra): EPFO received a Special Mention for Digital Life
Certificate or Jeevan Pramaan Patra, is an additional facility which enables the pensioners to file their Life
Certificates through a biometric authentication system that is Aadhaar-based.
Recent Related News:
In November 2024, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, MoL&E inaugurated an event to commemorate
the 72nd Foundation Day of EPFO at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
• During the event, Union Minister presented Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2024, to recognize
exceptional contributions across various categories.
About International Social Security Association (ISSA):
President – Dr. Mohammed Azman
Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
Founded – 1927
About Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):
Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC)-Ramesh Krishnamurthi
Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi
Established- 1952

Indian-origin Jasleen Kaur Wins Turner Prize 2024 for Her Exhibition Alter Altar
Indian-origin Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur has been awarded the prestigious Turner Prize 2024 for her
thought-provoking exhibition, Alter Altar. Actor James Norton presented the award along with a prize of
Great Britain Pound(GBP) 25,000 (approximately Rs 26.84 lakh) to Jasleen Kaur at the ceremony took place
at Tate Britain in London, United Kingdom (UK).

• The other artists who were shortlisted alongside Jasleen Kaur includes Pio Abad, Claudette
Johnson, and Delaine Le Bas.
• Jasleen Kaur’s exhibition is on display at Tate Britain until February 2025, alongside other
shortlisted artists.
About The Turner Prize:
i.The Turner Prize, named after the artist J.M.W. Turner, has celebrated innovative British artists since 1984.
ii.This year marks its 40th anniversary and a return to Tate Britain after six years. Previous winners include
Indian-origin British artist Anish Kapoor, who won in 1991.
About Jasleen Kaur:
i.Born in Glasgow, Jasleen Kaur comes from a family with deep-rooted migrant history. Her great-
grandfather is believed to have moved from Punjab in the 1950s.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 21

 Daily Content PDF

ii.A graduate of the Royal College of Art, London, She has consistently blended personal and political themes
in her work.
iii.She is also a signatory of a letter urging Tate to sever ties with organizations associated with the Israeli
regime, further emphasizing her commitment to social justice.
About the Exhibition: Alter Altar :
i.Jasleen Kaur’s ‘Alter Altar Exhibition’ reflects themes of identity, migration, and cultural inheritance,
drawing inspiration from her family’s journey as migrants to Scotland.
ii.The exhibition, which debuted at the Tramway in Glasgow, Scotland was restaged at Tate Britain in
London for the Turner Prize showcase.
iii.Key highlights of the exhibition include a striking 1980s bright red Ford Escort, draped with a giant
crocheted doily. This centerpiece plays a fragmented soundtrack of Yearnings 2023, with Kaur’s voice
singing to a mechanical harmonium, blending music and memory.
iv.Other notable elements include:
• Salvaged Family Photographs: Enlarged images, printed in vibrant Irn-Bru orange, capture
moments from Kaur’s childhood alongside political flyers, linking personal and political
narratives, while items like an Axminster carpet, family photographs, and kinetic worship bells
evoke her upbringing.
• Synthetic Rug and Kinetic Sculptures: A large patterned rug serves as the base for musical
sculptures adorned with golden worship bells, symbolizing cultural and spiritual links.
• Cultural Connections: Materials such as Irn-Bru (a Scottish soft drink) and soundtracks ranging
from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan (Pakistani Singer) to Bob Marley (Jamaican Singer) blend personal
and communal memories.
• Sculptures and Sound: Remade objects paired with immersive music and soundscapes highlight
the strength and resilience of communities.

ICC Wins 2024 OPCW-The Hague Award

In November 2024, the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was honoured with the “2024 Organisation for the
Prohibition of Chemical Weapons(OPCW)- The Hague Award” for its contribution to Chemical
Disarmament during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) held in The Hague, the
Netherlands.
• The award was presented by Ambassador Fernando Arias, Director-General of the OPCW, and Jan
van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, presented the award to ICC Director General, D. Sothi Selvam,
who received the award on behalf of the Council.
i.This award recognises the ICC’s underscores the Council’s role in promoting chemical safety, industry-wide
security, and compliance with international norms.
ii.The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which came into force in 1997, is an international treaty with
193 States Parties, aiming for the total elimination of chemical weapons.
Note:
The OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts in chemical disarmament. To honor
individuals and organizations contributing to the CWC’s goals, the OPCW established the OPCW The Hague
Award in 2014.
• Hubert Foy, Director of the African Center for Science and International Security received the
2023 OPCW-The Hague Award

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 22

 Daily Content PDF

Octanom Tech Recognized Among Forbes India’s “Select 200 Companies with Global Business
Potential”
In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Octanom Tech Private Limited, a leader in financial
technology innovation, has been named to Forbes India’s “Select 200 Companies with Large Global
Business Potential” at the D Globalist Entrepreneur Mobility Summit (DGEMS) 2024 in New Delhi(Delhi).
i.This accolade is expected to accelerate Octanom Tech’s global growth, paving the way for new
partnerships and reinforcing its leadership in financial technology innovation.
ii..Octanom Tech’s flagship platform, Hedged.in, is India’s first “Hedged Style” trading solution, empowering
traders with low-risk, structured products designed to safeguard against market downturns and volatility.
Note: The company was founded by financial expert Rahul Ghose and aims to reduce global investment
losses by USD 100 billion, focusing on risk mitigation rather than profit maximization.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Devendra Fadnavis Sworn-in as 21st CM of Maharashtra; Eknath Shinde & Ajit Pawar as Deputy
CM
On December 5
2024, Devendra Fadnavis, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was sworn in as 21st Chief Minister
(CM) of Maharashtra, marking his 3rd term following the Mahayuti alliance’s victory. The BJP-Shiv Sena-
NCP Mahayuti coalition has a majority of 230 seats in the 288-members in the Maharashtra Assembly
election held in November 2024.

• Maharashtra’s Governor CP Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office at a grand ceremony

held at Azad Maidan in Mumbai,Maharashtra.
• The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi, Union Ministers
Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence(MoD), Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and Nitin
Gadkari, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways(MoRTH) along with Bollywood stars and
industrialists like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Mukesh Ambani and Kumar Mangalam Birla.
Other Appointments:
Eknath Shinde of Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) also took their oaths as
Deputy CM of Maharashtra.
About Devendra Fadnavis:
i.Devendra Fadnavis, member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh
(RSS), became the youngest mayor of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation and the second-youngest mayor in
the country at the age of 22 in 1997 after Arya Rajendra(21).
ii.He was the President of BJP’s Maharashtra state unit from 2013 to 2015.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 23

 Daily Content PDF

iii.He was first elected to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 1999. He was selected as the CM of
Maharashtra for the first time in 2014 and remained till 2019.
• He became the second youngest Chief Minister (CM) of Maharashtra at the age of 44, after
Sharad Pawar who became the CM at 38 in 1988.
iv.He was sworn in for the second time on 22 November 2019 but resigned on 26 November 2019.
v.From 2019 to 2022, he served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly.
vi.He served as the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, alongside Ajit Pawar in the Eknath Shinde government.
About Maharashtra:
Chief Minister (CM)– Devendra Fadnavis
Governor– CP Radhakrishnan
Capital– Mumbai
Airports- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport & Pune International Airport

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

SEBI Approves Roshni Nadar’s Majority Acquisition in HCL Tech and HCL Infosystems
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval to Roshni Nadar to acquire a
majority shareholding in two promoter group companies of (Hindustan Computers
Limited) HCL Group,HCL Techologies Limited and HCL Infosystems Limited from her father, Shiv
Nadar.HCL Corp is a non-deposit taking systematically important non-banking finance company (NBFC).
• Roshni Nadar will acquire a 47% stake each in Vama Sundari Investments Private
Limited (VSIPL) and HCL Corporation Private Limited, increasing her stake in these companies
to 57%.
• Currently, In HCL Infosystems, HCL Corp holds 49.95 per cent of the equity share capital, while
VSIPL has a 12.94 per cent holding.
• HCLTech Ownership: VSIPL holds 44.17%, and HCL Corp holds 0.17%.
Current Shareholding:
• VSIPL: Roshni Nadar holds 10.33%, Shiv Nadar holds 51%.
• HCL Corp: Roshni Nadar holds 10.33%, Shiv Nadar holds 51%.
SEBI has set certain conditions for the exemption, with the acquisition needing to be completed within 1
year.Roshni Nadar is required to file a report with SEBI within 21 days of the acquisition’s completion.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO launches ESA’s Proba-3 mission to study sun’s corona
On December 5 2024, the Indian Space Research Orgaisation(ISRO) has successfully launched the European
Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission from the First Launch Pad (FLP), Satish Dhawan Space Centre,
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh(AP). using the highly reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-
XL rocket. This was the world’s first precision formation-flying mission.
• This is the 61st flight of the 44.5-meter(m) tall PSLV-C59 rocket and 26th with the PSLV-XL
variant.
• This mission aims to enhance our understanding of the Sun’s corona, the outer layer of its
atmosphere, and marks a significant collaboration between the ISRO and the ESA.
• Proba-3’s launch marks the first ESA mission to fly with an ISRO launcher since the Proba-1
mission in 2001 and is expected to operate for two years.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 24

 Daily Content PDF

Key Highlights:
i.Proba-3 is a technology demonstration mission funded under ESA’s General Support Technology
Programme. It is designed to show precise formation flying, and its launch was facilitated
by NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.
ii.The Proba-3 mission consists of two satellites – Coronagraph (310 kilogram(kg)) and Occulter (240 kg)
which are designed to study the Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere by creating artificial
solar eclipses in space.
• The two satellites will create an approximately 150-metre-long solar coronagraph to study the
Sun’s faint corona closer to the solar rim.
iii.These twin satellites will function in a precise formation, maintaining a distance of 150m apart while
flying together.
iv.This unique arrangement allows the Occulter to block out the Sun’s bright disk, which will enable the
Coronagraph to observe the faint corona in more detail.
• This artificial eclipse will provide scientists with up to six hours of continuous observation
during each 19-hour orbit, equivalent to approximately 50 natural solar eclipses each year.
v.During active formation flying, the Coronagraph will act as the leader, equipped with a hydrazine
propulsion system while the Occulter spacecraft will follow, using cold gas thrusters to maintain its
position.
• This coordination will help in implementing complex maneuvers such as resizing their separation
distance and retargeting their orientation and copying the functionality of a single large
spacecraft.
vi.The mission consists of various advanced systems to enable precise formation flying. These include star
trackers, GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers, inter-satellite radio links, optical cameras, LEDs (Light-
emitting diode), and laser-based sensors.
vii.The mission is also equipped with additional scientific payloads, including the Digital Absolute
Radiometer (DARA), which will measure the Sun’s total energy output, known as total solar irradiance
which will help in understanding the energy input driving Earth’s climate.
About Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
i.The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), India’s third-generation launch vehicle, is an expendable
medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by the ISRO.
• The first PSLV was successfully launched in October 1994.
• It was developed with an aim to launch Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into Sun-
synchronous orbits.
ii.PSLV-XL is the upgraded version of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in its standard layout boosted by more
powerful, stretched strap-on boosters with 12 tons of propellant load.
iii.PSLV-C59 involves four stages and carries a total payload mass of approximately 320 tonnes.
iv.The first use of PSLV-XL was the launch of Chandrayaan-1 by PSLV-C11.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 25

 Daily Content PDF

About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):

Chairman – Sreedhara Panicker Somanath
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founded– 1969
Founder -Vikram Sarabhai
About European Space Agency (ESA):
Director General(DG) – Josef Aschbacher
Headquarters – Paris, France
Founded – 1975

ENVIRONMENT
New frog species “Raorchestes asakgrensis” discovered in Meghalaya
Meghalaya’s biodiversity has gained global recognition with the discovery of a new frog
species, Raorchestes asakgrensis, in the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve. The species is named after
the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve, honoring the local community’s support during the research in
biodiversity conservation.
• The Newly Discovered Raorchestes asakgrensis was found at an elevation of 174 meters in
Eman Asakgre, this small arboreal frog is distinctive for its pointed snout and visible tympanum.
• The discovery was published in Herpetozoa, the international Journal.
• Males measure about 20.49 mm in snout-vent length, with females slightly larger at 22.8 mm.
Males call from shrubs at dusk, perched 1.5 meters or higher, with calling activity peaking after
the first monsoon rains.
i.This study, supported by the National Mission on Himalayan Studies and the Stiftung Artenschutz
Amphibian Conservation Fund, highlights the crucial role of community reserves in safeguarding
biodiversity.
ii.The team of scientists RS Naveen, SR Chandramouli, S Babu, AM Ryndongsngi, PV Karunakaran, and
Honnavalli N Kumara conducted extensive field surveys in the Garo and Khasi Hills between 2020 and 2022
and they rediscovered two frog species, Raorchestes garo and Raorchestes kempiae last described over a
century ago in 1919 by George Boulenger.

SPORTS
Syed Modi International 2024: PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won singles titles
Indian shuttlers Pusarla Venkata (P.V) Sindhu and Lakshya Sen won the women’s and men’s
singles titles, respectively, at the Syed Modi India International Super 300 tournament held from 26th
November 2024 to 1st December 2024 at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
(UP).
• P.V Sindhu defeated the world number 119 Wu Luo Yu of the People’s Republic of China to win
the Women’s Singles finals 21-14, 21-16.
• Lakshya Sen defeated Jia Heng Jason Teh of Singapore to win the Men’s Singles finals 21-6, 21-7.
Note: It was the 37th tournament of the 2024 BWF World Tour.
Key Highlights :
i.P.V Sindhu won the title for the 3rd time, having previously won in 2017 and 2022.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 26

 Daily Content PDF

• This was her first Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title since Singapore Open
2022.

ii.This was Lakshya Sen’s5th BWF World Tour title and the first since Canada Open
iii.Commonwealth Games bronze medal-winners Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly defeated China’s
Bao Li Jing and Li Qian in the women’s double final to secure their 2nd BWF World Tour title.
• The Indian duo’s first win came at the Odisha Open in 2022.
• They also became the first ever Indian women’s pair to win the title since its inception in 2009.
iv.Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crastosecured the 2nd spot in the mixed doubles title after losing to
Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Supissara Paewsampran in the finals.
v.Pruthvi Krishnamurthy Roy and Krishnaprasad Sai Pratheek also secured the 2nd spot in the men’s
doubles after getting defeated in the finals against Chinese duo Huang Di and Liu Yang.
Results:

Category Winner

Men’s singles Lakshya Sen (India)

Women’s singles PV Sindhu (India)

Men’s doubles Huang Di and Liu Yang (China)

Women’s doubles Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly (India)

Dechapol Puavaranukroh and

Mixed doubles
Supissara Paewsampran (Thailand)
Note: The prize money of the Syed Modi India International 2024 tournament was USD 210,000 (Rs.1.8
crore).
About P.V Sindhu :
i.P.V Sindhu has won a total of 5 medals at the BWF World Championships (2013, 2014, 2017.2018 and
2019) in which she has won a gold medal at 2019 BWF World Championship at Basel, Switzerland.
• She is only the 2nd woman after China’s Zhang Ning ever to win five or more singles medals in
the competition.
ii.She has won 3 consecutive singles medals at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) – including a bronze
medal in 2014 CWG in Scotland, a gold medal in 2018 CWG in Australia and a first CWG gold medal in
England in 2022.
iii.She also won a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.
iv.In Olympic Games, P.V Sindhu has clinched 2 medals – a silver in 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics and a
bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 27

 Daily Content PDF

v.In 2024 she secured a gold medal in the 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championship in Malaysia and also
won a silver medal in the Malaysia Masters 2024.
• This was India’s first-ever gold medal at the Badminton Asia Team Championships.
About Lakshya Sen
i.Lakshya Sen is a former World Junior No. 1 badminton player.
ii.He has won a gold medal in the 2022 CWG in Birmingham,
England and in 2018 Asia Junior Championships in Jakarta,
Indonesia.
iii.He has won 5 titles in the BWF World Tour – 2019 Dutch Open,
2019 Hylo Open, 2022 India Open, 2023 Canada Open and 2024
Syed Modi International.
iv.Moreover, he has also secured 7 titles in the BWF International
Challenges – 2016 India International Series, 2017 India
International Series, 2017 Bulgarian Open, 2018 India
International Challenge, 2019 Belgian
International, 2019 Scottish Open and 2019 Bangladesh
International.
v.He also secured a gold medal at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games mixed team’s event in Buenos Aires,
Argentina.
vi.At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Lakshya Sen became the first Indian to reach the men’s singles semi-finals
at the Summer Games.
About Syed Modi India International tournament:
i.It was inaugurated by UP Badminton Association in 1991 as the Syed Modi Memorial Badminton
Tournament in memory of Commonwealth Games champion Syed Modi.
ii.It was later introduced to the badminton circuit as a BWF Grand Prix event in 2009.
iii.In 2011, it was upgraded to the Grand Prix Gold event and was then announced as a World Tour Super
300 event ever since 2018.

Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024: India defeats Pakistan to win its fifth title
The Indian hockey team defeated Pakistan by 5-3 in the final to win the Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup
2024 held from 26th November to 4th December in Muscat, Oman.

• This victory marked India’s fifth title (2004, 2008, 2015 and 2023.) and a 3rd in succession
following the victories in 2015, 2023 and 2024
• Pakistan secured the 2nd spot in the tournament while Japan defeated Malaysia by 2-1 to claim
the 3rd spot.
Key Points
i.Hockey Indiaannounced a cash reward of 2 lakhs to each player and 1 lakh to each support staff member
on the title win.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 28

 Daily Content PDF

Note: Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team currently coached by two-time Olympic
medallist Parattu Raveendran (PR) Sreejesh and lead by Amir Ali
Awards

Award Player

Player of the Tournament Araijeet Singh Hundal (India)

Goalkeeper of the Tournament Rafaizul Saini (Malaysia)

Leading Goal scorer Sufyan Khan (Pakistan)

Rising Player of the Tournament Yamato Kawahara (Japan)

Achievements of Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team
The team has won the Junior World Cup twice – 2001 World Cup in Hobart, Australia and in 2016 in
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP). They have also won Sultan of Johor Cup in 2013, 2014 and 2022.
About Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup:
i.The Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup is a men’s international under-21 field hockey tournament organized by
the Asian Hockey Federation.
ii.The tournament was first held in 1988 and serves as a qualification tournament for the Men’s FIH
(International Hockey Federation) Hockey Junior World Cup.
iii.The tournament has been won by four different teams: India has the most titles with five and Pakistan
follows with three. Malaysia and South Korea have both won the tournament once.

OBITUARY
Indian Classical Musician and Sarod Player ‘Aashish Khan’ Passed Away at 84
In November 2024, Indian Classical Musician and Sarod player ‘Ustad Aashish Khan’ has passed away at
the age of 84 in Los Angeles, the United States of America (USA). He was born in 1939 in Maihar, Madhya
Pradesh(MP).
• In 2004, he was honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Ratna), the
highest recognition for performing arts.
i.In 2006, Ustad Aashish Khan received a Grammy nomination in the ‘Best Traditional World Music Album’
category for his album “Golden Strings of the Sarode”.
ii.He formed his own Indo-jazz band “Shanti” with tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain in 1969. He also
established the Aashish Khan School of World Music in Kolkata, West Bengal(WB).
iii.He made countless contributions to Indian music, with some of his most famous works including scores
for films such as Gandhi and A Passage to India.

IMPORTANT DAYS
Indian Navy Day 2024 – December 04
Indian Navy Day is annually observed across India on December 4th to recognise the role and
achievements of the Indian Navy in ensuring the safety of the nation.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 29

 Daily Content PDF

• The day also commemorates Operation Trident, Indian Navy’s offensive operation conducted
during the Indo-Pakistan war in 1971.
• The theme for 2024 is “Strength and Power through Innovation and Indigenization”.

History:
i.On May 1, 1830, the East India Company came under British control and was granted combatant status,
becoming the Indian Navy. In 1858, it was renamed “Her Majesty’s Indian Navy.”
• Navy Day was first celebrated on October 21, 1944.
ii.Since 1972, it has been observed on December 4 to commemorate the successful naval operations during
the 1971 war, including the missile attack on Karachi harbor, as well as to honor the sacrifices of war
martyrs.
• Initially, Navy Day was celebrated on 15 December, with Navy Week observed in the same week.
In 1972, it was decided to celebrate Navy Day on 4 December, marking the Navy’s role in the
1971 Indo-Pakistan War, with Navy Week observed from 1 to 7 December.
About Operation Trident:
i.During the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, the Indian Navy launched a counter-attack on Karachi Harbour.
ii.This operation marked the first use of anti-ship missiles by India, resulting in the destruction of the
Pakistani destroyer, PNS Khaibar.
iii.The attack involved three Indian Navy warships: INS Nipat, INS Nirghat, and INS Veer, which played a key
role in the operation.
iv.The operation earned several gallantry awards, including the Maha Vir Chakra, India’s second-highest
gallantry award for the operation’s commandant, Commander (and later Commodore) BB Yadav.
2024 Events:
On December 4, 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.
Note: Maratha Emperor (17th century) Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle known as the ‘Father of the Indian
Navy’ is commonly credited for laying the foundations of the Indian Navy.
About Indian Navy:
i.The Indian Navy is led by the President of India, who serves as its Supreme Commander.
• The motto is “Sam no Varunah” (शं नो वरूण‌:) meaning that the God of water, Varuna, should bless
and protect us.
ii.One of the Navy’s earliest significant operations was its role in liberating Goa from Portuguese rule in
1961. Over the years, the Navy has grown into a formidable force with the development of the nuclear-
powered ballistic missile submarine Indian Naval Ship (INS) Arihant, along with several other advanced
ships.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 30

 Daily Content PDF

iii.The Indian Navy operates one aircraft carrier, INS Vikramaditya, a former Russian vessel commissioned
in 2013. It also operates three classes of submarines: Chakra (which includes the nuclear-powered INS
Chakra), Sindhughosh, and Shishumar.
iv.In 2021, the Indian Navy began sea trials for its Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) 1, INS Vikrant, marking
an important milestone in its development.
v.The Indian Navy’s Marine Commandos (MARCOS) are its elite special forces.They were among the first
responders during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
About Indian Navy (Nautical Army of Volunteer Yeomen):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
Headquarters– New Delhi
Established-1950

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development – December 05

United Nations (UN)’s International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development commonly
known as International Volunteer Day (IVD) is annually observed across the globe on 5th December.
• It aims to promote volunteerism, encourage governments to support volunteer efforts and
recognize their contributions to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• This year, there is not a single theme, but the emphasis is on how volunteers contribute to
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDG).
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/40/212 on 17th December
1985 and proclaimed the 5th December of every year as International Volunteer Day for Economic and
Social Development.
ii.In November 1997, UNGA passed a resolution A/RES/52/17 and proclaimed 2001 the International Year
of Volunteers (IYV).
iii.The first ever International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was observed
on 5th December 1985.
IVD 2024 campaign:
United Nations Volunteers demonstrates its commitment to communities and the well-being of UN
Volunteers across the globe through a social media campaign using the hashtag #IVD2024.
UN Volunteers Program 2024:
i.UN Volunteers programme hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) achieved more
than 13,000 on-site UN volunteers with over 70 UN entities and missions.
ii.A record of 10,000 online volunteers between 18 to 88 years served from 180 countries.
State of the World’s Volunteerism Report (SWVR):
i.SWVR is a flagship UN publication that strengthens understanding of volunteerism for peace and
development.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 31

 Daily Content PDF

ii.It is published every 3 years since 2011, the latest (4th edition) (SWVR 2022), titled Building Equal and
Inclusive Societies shows how volunteers and state authorities interact for the achievement of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development.
iii.The 5th report will focus on the measurement of volunteering and will include the development of a
Volunteer Index to be published in 2025.
Key Facts:
i.The monthly number of volunteers aged 15 years and over amounts to 862.4 million worldwide.
ii.Formal volunteers are mostly men, informal volunteers are more likely to be women.
About the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme
The UNV (United Nations Volunteers) programme is an initiative by the United Nations that promotes peace
and development across the globe by engaging volunteers in various activities
Executive Coordinator – Toily Kurbanov (Russian Federation)
Headquarters – Bonn, Germany

World Soil Day 2024 – December 05

The United Nations (UN’s) World Soil Day (WSD) is observed annually across the globe
on 5th December to raise awareness about the critical importance of healthy soil and promote the
sustainable management of soil resources.

• 5th December 2024 marks the observance of the 11th WSD.

Theme:
The theme of WSD 2024 is “Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage”.
• The theme highlights the significance of precise soil data and information in comprehending soil
properties and aiding informed decisions on sustainable soil management to ensure food
security.
Background:
i.In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) suggested creating an international day to
celebrate soil.
ii.Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership
(GSP), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has supported the official
establishment of WSD as a global platform for raising awareness
• In June 2013, the FAO Conference unanimously approved WSD and called for its official adoption
at the 68th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
iii.On 20th December 2013, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/68/232 and agreed to mark the
5th December of every year as the WSD and declared the year 2015 as the International Year of Soils.
• The first ever WSD was observed on 5th December 2014.
Why 5th December?
The date of 5th December for WSD was selected as it coincides with the official birthday of H.M.
King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, who formally approved the event.

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 32

 Daily Content PDF

Event 2024:
i.In 2024, WSD marked its 10th anniversary, with the Kingdom of Thailand hosting the first celebration held
outside the FAO headquarters.
ii.It coincides with the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which is taking place from 2 to 16 December 2024 in
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Awards and Prizes:
On the occasion of WSD 2024, FAO announced the winners of the King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award
2024 and the Glinka World Soil Prize 2024.
King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award 2024 :
i.The 6th GSP Plenary Assembly approved the creation of the annual King Bhumibol WSD Award (WSDA) to
honour individuals or institutions that have worked to organize successful celebrations as part of the WSD
campaign in the previous year.
ii.The 2024 King Bhumibol World Soil Day Award was presented by the FAO to the Water and Soil
Department of the Ministry of Agriculture Jahad of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
iii.The award includes a medal, USD 15,000 cheque and a trip to Thailand to receive the prize.
iv.The award was sponsored by the Kingdom of Thailand.
Glinka World Soil Prize 2024:
i.The Glinka World Soil Prize seeks to maintain the momentum created by the International Year of Soils in
2015.
ii.The 2024 Glinka Prize was given to the Land Development Department (LDD), Ministry of Agriculture
and Cooperatives of Thailand.
iii.The award includes a cheque for USD 15,000 and a gold-plated Glinka medal.
iv.The award was sponsored by the Russian Federation.
Note: India has the second-largest arable land resources in the world. With 20 agri-climatic regions, all the
15 major climates in the world exist in India. The country also has 46 of the 60 soil types in the world.
About Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO):
Director General(DG) – QU Dongyu
Headquarters – Rome, Italy
Founded – 1945

Aspirant Queries

Aspirant: Does Affairscloud covers all the Current affairs topics

related to examinations?
Affairscloud: We Guaranteed All the Important topics related to
examination are covered in Our Daily CA content and Daily CA
Quizzes.
Aspirant: Why is there a delayal in news?
Affairscloud: As some of the major news sites doesn't provide the
required data on the exact day, we take extra time for important data

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 33

 Daily Content PDF

to be presented to the aspirants on the examination basis to ensure

nothing is missed.
Example: In 'Important Days' topics the International Organisations
publish their reports and Rankings in the evenings, to make sure
every data is covered, we delay the topics to the next day
Candidates appearing for Competitive Exams. Kindly Share the
General Awareness questions, which asked in their respective exams
to “gaanalysis.ac@gmail.com”

GA Questions Asked in Exams

• Affairscloud’s Self Analysis for General Awareness Section

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 34

 Daily Content PDF

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 35

 Daily Content PDF

Most Trusted Source!!!!! Since 2014, nearly 85% of the questions in the General
Awareness section on Bank Exams have been covered by Affairscloud@Careerscloud.

Detailed Analysis of GA Questions asked in IBPS Clerk Mains Exam 2024:

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 36

 Daily Content PDF

Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 37