International News

1. Conclusion of UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali

• The United Nations has officially concluded its decade-long peacekeeping mission in Mali after 10 years, responding to the government's claim that the force was inadequate in addressing the escalating threat of violent extremism.
• This move signifies the end of the deadliest peacekeeping mission globally, with over 300 personnel casualties. The withdrawal comes amid Mali's persistent challenges from an Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012.
• The UN mission in Mali has incurred a heavy toll, with more than 300 personnel losing their lives during the peacekeeping operation.
• The challenging terrain and persistent threat of violent extremism have contributed to the mission's high casualty rate, making it the deadliest peacekeeping mission globally.

2. China's Achievement: World’s First 4th-Generation Nuclear Reactor

• China has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to shift away from traditional coal-fired power plants and decrease its reliance on foreign technologies.
• The Shidao Bay nuclear power plant in eastern Shandong province has commenced commercial operations, marking the era of next-generation gas-cooled nuclear reactors.
• This plant distinguishes itself by utilizing two high-temperature reactors cooled by gas, a departure from conventional pressurized water cooling systems.
• A noteworthy aspect of the Shidao Bay project is its emphasis on domestically developed technology, with over 90 percent of the plant’s equipment being of Chinese design, showcasing the nation’s capability to innovate and implement advanced nuclear solutions independently.

3. Donald Tusk Returns as Prime Minister in Poland

• In a historic vote on December 11, former EU leader Donald Tusk returned as Poland’s Prime Minister after nearly a decade, marking a significant shift from eight years of stormy national conservative rule.
• Tusk leadership is expected to usher in a new pro-European era, with promises to restore democratic standards and improve ties with European allies.
• The parliamentary vote in support of Tusk was 248-201 in the 460-seat lower house of parliament. Tusk’s leadership is anticipated to usher in a new era, with a focus on restoring democratic values and improving Poland’s relations with the EU.

State News

4. Bhajan Lal Sharma: New Chief Minister of Rajasthan

• Bhajan Lal Sharma, a prominent figure in Rajasthan’s political landscape, is set to become the state’s next Chief Minister.
• At 56 years old, he brings a wealth of political experience and accomplishments to the position. Sharma’s electoral triumph, coupled with his extensive political background, reflects the BJP’s strategic choice for leadership.
• As he takes on the responsibilities of the state’s top office, all eyes will be on the new leadership to address the challenges and contribute to the development of Rajasthan.
• In addition to Bhajan Lal Sharma’s appointment, Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa have been named as his two deputies. The role of Speaker will be held by MLA Vasudev Devnani, who comes with prior experience as the state Education Minister.

5. Mohan Yadav: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced Mohan Yadav as the chief minister-elect for Madhya Pradesh, solidifying its victory in the November 17 polls.
• The BJP appointed Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda as deputy chief ministers for Madhya Pradesh.
• Rajendra Shukla, hailing from the Rewa constituency, and Jagdish Devda, representing Mandsaur, bring diverse perspectives and experiences to support Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in his leadership.
• Adding another significant development, Narendra Tomar has been elected as the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker.
• His role as Speaker will be instrumental in maintaining parliamentary decorum and facilitating smooth legislative proceedings.

Important Days News

6. Universal Health Coverage Day 2023

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12, serves as a global reminder of the essential need for a healthcare system that provides equitable and comprehensive health care with financial protection for all.
• The theme for UHC Day 2023, “Health For All: Time for Action,” underscores the urgency for leaders to implement policies ensuring equitable access to essential health services without financial hardship.
• Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012, the day emphasizes the importance of progressing towards universal health coverage as a vital international development priority.

7. International Day Of Neutrality 2023

• The International Day of Neutrality, observed annually on December 12, holds paramount significance in promoting global peace, sovereignty, and the resolution of conflicts through diplomatic means.
• Recognized by the United Nations, this day sheds light on the importance of countries adopting a neutral stance in international affairs to maintain impartiality and contribute to global security.
• Neutrality, as defined by the United Nations, is a legal status resulting from a nation’s decision to abstain from participating in wars between other states.
• It involves maintaining an impartial attitude towards belligerent parties, aiming to foster peace and avoid taking sides in conflicts.

Schemes News

8. NAMO Drone Didi Scheme: Empowering Women's Self-Help Groups

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi's innovative initiative, NAMO Drone Didi, unveiled on November 30, aims to empower 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural purposes.
• This groundbreaking approach utilizes technology to position rural women at the forefront of the agricultural revolution, addressing the need for modernizing agricultural practices and boosting productivity.
• By placing cutting-edge drone technology in the hands of rural women, the scheme transforms them into key players in the rural economy, opening doors for young start-ups to explore the untapped potential of drone aeronautics.

9. PM SVANidhi Scheme: Boosting Urban Street Vendors

• The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, launched during the COVID-19 outbreak, has become a crucial initiative in supporting urban street vendors.
• Functioning as a micro-credit program, it has disbursed an impressive total of Rs 9,790 crore in loans to beneficiaries, as disclosed by the government in the Rajya Sabha.
• The primary objective is to provide collateral-free working capital loans to urban street vendors, with amounts reaching up to Rs 50,000.
• The scheme's success is evident in the steady increase of street vendor beneficiaries, reaching 56,58,744 as of December 5, 2023, showcasing its ongoing impact on supporting a growing number of urban street vendors.

Agreements News

10. Tata Power and Indian Oil: Strategic Deal for EV Charging Points

• In a significant move towards bolstering the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in India, Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd (TPEVCSL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
• This collaboration aims to set up more than 500 EV charging points across the country, with a focus on creating a robust intercity charging network.
• By establishing EV charging points in major cities and along crucial highways, the partnership seeks to enhance the convenience and accessibility of charging infrastructure.
• The EV charging points will be strategically placed in key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Kochi.

Awards News

11. Golden Globe Awards Nominations 2024: Glitz and Glamour

• The nominees for the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards were revealed, setting the tone for the much-anticipated 2024 awards season.
• “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” emerged as frontrunners with 10 and 8 nominations, respectively. In the television categories, HBO’s “Succession” led with nine nominations.
• Netflix emerged as the leading media company with 28 nominations, showcasing its diverse lineup of series and movies, including “Maestro,” “The Crown,” and “The Diplomat.”
• Warner Bros. Discovery closely trailed with 27 nominations, buoyed by recognition for “Barbie,” “Succession,” and “Barry.”

12. Kabir Bedi: Italy’s Civilian Honour ‘Order Of Merit’

• Veteran actor Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic,” the country’s highest civilian honor.
• This prestigious award recognizes his unconditional feeling and passionate dedication to Italy.
• Established in 1951, the order is bestowed upon individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including arts, literature, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities.

13. Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar: Karmaveer Chakra Medal-2023

• In a momentous ceremony on Nov 27, 2023, in New Delhi, Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar was honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Medal and Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship by ICONGO in collaboration with the United Nations.
• This recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to R&D in Physical & Bio-Science and Microbiological Studies.
• The Rex Karmaveer Chakra Medal is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions on a global scale towards the well-being of humanity, cementing Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar’s legacy in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the understanding of Biological Sciences.

Sports News

14. Travis Head: ICC Men’s Player Of Month Award

• Australian batter Travis Head was awarded the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November 2023.
• His outstanding performances, including an explosive century in the ICC Cricket World Cup, played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph.
• His leadership on the field and crucial contributions in high-stakes matches solidified his claim to the award.

15. Asad Shafiq: Retirement from Cricket

• Pakistan cricket fraternity bids farewell to Asad Shafiq, the middle-order batter, as he announces his retirement from all forms of the game at the age of 37.
• Representing Pakistan in 77 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 10 T20Is, Shafiq emerged as a shining star in the Test arena, showcasing his skills as one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters.
• Known for his composure and ability to navigate challenging situations, his departure marks the end of an era for a batter who served as a reliable backbone for the team in the longest format.