Stay updated with the latest current affairs from December’s first week, covering significant developments in governance, international relations, defence, arts, science, and technology. Key topics include the elimination of windfall tax, updates on India’s Gaganyaan mission, international treaties, bilateral military exercises, cultural recognitions, and global trade achievements. This concise summary is essential for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like CDSE & OTA.
DECEMBER 1ST WEEK CURRENT AFFAIRS (CDSE & OTA)
Windfall Tax Eliminated on Domestic Crude Oil Export
Government scrops windfall tax on domestic crude oil export of fuel.
Windfall tax – It is a higher tax imposed on specific industries when they make unusual and above average profits. The term windfall refers to unexpected rise in profits and the tax on windfall gain is known as windfall tax.
Objective
I. The primary objective of windfall taxes is to appropriate a portion of these unordinary profits.
II. It is also used as supplementary revenue system for the government.
5th Global Plastic Treaty in Busan, South Korea
Recently global plait ice treaty – 5th edition took place in Busan South Korea, it was an attempt to create a global standards to regulate the use of single use plastic. The governing body inter – governmental Negotiation committee (INC) proposed plans and was setup in 2022.
170 delegates who gathered in Busan, south Korea, failed to agree on a framework assignment and the treaty was in conclusive.
‘Palna Scheme’ for Creches at Anganwadi Centres
The union women and child development ministry plan to set up 17,000 creches within Anganwadi centres areas India under ‘Palna scheme’.
This initiative aims to provide safe day care facility, enhancing cognitive, nutritional, and health development of children.
❖ It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
❖ Ministry of women and child development is the nodal ministry.
❖ The scheme is implemented under mission shakti.
India-Singapore Military Exercise ‘Agni Warrior 2024’
Recently a Bilateral Miliary exercise “Agni Warrior 2024” between India Singapore was held in “Maharashtra.”
The 13th edition of joint military excursive “Agni warrior” concluded successfully in Devkali this exercise is a testament to the strong and enduring defense relationship between India and Singapore.
Hornbill Festival in Nagaland
“Hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland every year on 1st December for 10 days this is the 26th edition and was started in year 2000. Hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and Korea. Wales and Japan were the partner countries in this year hornbill festival.”
₹944 Crore Relief Fund for Tamil Nadu
Ministry of Home affairs – Has approved the release of ₹ 944 crore to Tamil Nadu from the state disaster response fund for providing relief to the people affected by cyclone Fengal.
DM act 2005 was passed by the government of India in 2005 for efficient management of disaster NDMA – National disaster management authority is tasked with laying down disaster management policies and ensuring timely and effective response.
National Executive Committee, is constituted under section and of the DM act to assist NDMA.
It also resulted into formation of (NDMF) national disaster management fund and (SDMF) state duster management fund.
‘Dhimsa’ Tribal Dance of Andhra Pradesh
Arts and Culture – “Dhimsa” is a tribal dance form that is performed primarily by porja caste women in Andra Pradesh.
It originated in Koraput district in the Odisha. This expressive dance is dominated by the movements of feet and hands of the group performing the dance a circle.
ISRO and ESA Collaboration for Gaganyaan Mission
Science and Technology – ISRO and European space agency (ESA) has signed a (technical implementing plan) for ground tracking support for Indian’s Gagan Yaan missions.
It will ensure continuity in data flow and communication with the orbital module for monitoring and orbital operators.
Recently ministry of science and technology informed, that the human space flight module of Gagan Yaan will be launched after the second unmanned mission planned in 2022 – 23.
OSCE’s Role in Regional Security
(OSCE) is a regional security oriented intergovernmental organization comprising member states in Europe North America and Asia. It mandates includes issues such as arm contract, promotion of human rights freedom of press, and free and fair elections, it employs around 3,460 people mostly in the field operations but also in its secretariat in Vienna Austria and its institutions. It has observer states at the United Nations.
OSCE had its origins in 1975 its predecessors came together during the era of cold war.
ISRO Sets PROBA-3 Launches
ISRO Sets PROBA – 3 LAUNCHES. The PSLV – 59/pro BA – 3 missions, this propulsion system is a part of bit control subsystem and is used for maintaining orientation and pointing is space.
Trump’s Proposal on Trade Tariffs
Donald’s Trump’s proposal to impose high tariff on three of its trading partners and this would open up “high opportunities for India.”
“Trade watch quarterly report” – By NITI AYOG 25% of tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and additional 10% on those from China.
Myanmar’s Ethnic Conflict and Mediation Talks
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army which rebelled against military JUNTA (ARMED) forces of Myanmar, has said it is ready for mediation talks with (JUNTA).
They are fighting for a decade of Kon Kang ethnic minority in northern sham state.
Nepal-China BRI Cooperation Framework
Nepal and China (International Relations) – Signed BRI initiative (BRI) cooperation frame works an agreement which is expected to pave the way for implementation of BRI project.
BRI is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by Chinese government in 2013. The initiative is known as OBOR. Is plans to create two new trade routes that connect China with Rest of the world.
It is having a deep geopolitical implication for India. The continued border dispute which started with 2020 GALWAN CLASH the areas were:
- Deep sang plans
- Demchok Vally
The dispute was resolved in following area: - Gogra hot spring
- Pangong TSO lake
Recently there ware negotiations between India and China in the recently conducted BRICS Sommet in KAZAN, Russia.
India’s MH-60R Helicopter Deal with the US
UNITIED STATES – Has approved a possible 1.17 billion deal to sell India support equipment for MH 60 R multi roll Helicopter under its foreign military sales program.
Recently Government if India and USA signed a deal related to MQRB Reaper drones. Which was concluded in the month of November.
Martial Law Declared in South Korea
South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law – and accused opposition of being against state.
National assembly of South Korea. It is south Korea’s first declaration of martial law in 40 years.
INS Arighaat Successfully Tests SLBM
Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi acknowledged that the country’s second nuclear Ballistic Missile submarine INS “ARIGHAAT” sees fully fired a submarine launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
First of two nuclear at talk “Submarine” (SSN) to be indigenously designed and manufactured is expected to be ready 2036 – 37.
PRAGATI Infrastructure Monitoring System
PRAGATI SYSTEM – Oxford university said Business School has landed prime minister ‘Narendra Modi’s’ PRAGATI INFRASTRUCTER monitory system. For accelerating and develop 340 projects work 200 billion across the country and bringing about economic transformation.
(PRAGATI) – (Proactive governance and timely implements).
Weekly One-Liners
➢ Jal Ethias Utsav is organized by ministry of Jal shakti in Delhi.
➢ Union ministry of urban and Housing affairs launched Amplify 2.0 mortal.
➢ Cyclone Michaung is going to land fall on coast of Andhra.
➢ ‘Garba’ of Gujrat is recently included in UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage list.
➢ World’s first portable hospital Arogya Maitri Aid cube unveiled in ‘Gurugram’.
Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024
Parakh stands for performance, Assessment, Review and analysis knowledge for holistic development.
Its objective includes:
❖ Competency based assessment.
❖ Data driven policy making.
❖ Alignment with NEP – 2020.
❖ Empowerments of educators.
WTO Reappoints Director-General
The WTO general council has reappointed Dr Ngozi Okongo Iweala as Director general for Second four-year term starting 1st September 2025.
Ngozi Okongo Iweala became the first women and first African to lead the WTO when the assumed office on March 1, 2021.
About WTO:
Founded – 1 January 1995
Headquarters – Genera, Switzerland
Member Countries – 164
India-Cambodia Joint Tabletop Exercise
India – Cambodia’s first joint Tabletop Exercise code named “CIN BAX” began on 1 December 2024 at the foreign training Node, Pune Maharashtra.
Table top military exercise is a discussion – based event where personal with specific roles and responsibility meet in a classroom setting or small group.
Oxford Word of the Year: “Brain Rot”
The term “Brain rot” has been announced as the oxford word of the year 2024.
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign)
The aim of campaign is to make a barrier free and conducive environment for Divyangjans (PWD’s) all over the country.
About: It was launched by the prime minister of India on International Day of Persons with Disability.
Indian Navy’s Operational Demonstration
Indian Navy conduct an Impressive Operational Demonstration at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha on December 4, 2024 as a part of Navy Day celebration.
The theme for Indian Navy Day 2024 strength and power through Innovation and Indigenization reflects the Navy’s ongoing focus on enhancing its defense capabilities, through cutting edge technology and self-reliance.
India Among Top 10 Global Suppliers in 2023
India among the top 10 global suppliers in 2023, win all sectors achieving export conceding & billion.
Ministry of commerce and Industry highlights robust government initiatives driving export growth.
Significant progress seen in sectors like:
❖ Petroleum oils.
❖ Agrochemicals.
❖ Semiconductors.
❖ Precious stones.
Export achievements reflect:
❖ Evolving manufacturing capabilities.
❖ Strategic policies.
❖ Commitment to innovation.
PRAGATI Platform and Infrastructure Projects
PRAGATI PLATFORM – Launched by P.M. Narendra Modi has greatly transformed the country’s infra-structure development.
It focuses on improving accountability and collaboration between federal and regional authorities.
It has played a key role in speeding up infrastructure projects.
It has overseen infrastructure projects worth 205$ billion showing its significant impart of India’s development.
India at UNCCD Conference
India is participating in the 16th conference of parties of United Nations convention to combat diversification (UNCCD) which began on December 2, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This is the first conference is being held in west Asia.
Uber Launches Water Transport Service in Srinagar
In a groundbreaking development, Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, Uber Shikhara on picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
West Bengal Tourism Recognized by UNESCO
West Bengal tourism sector has gained international recognition with UNESCO declaring it a top destination for heritage tourism.
C.M. Mamta Banerjee highlighted the State’s significant progress in areas like religion, heritage and tea tourism.
Pamban Bridge Details
Pamban Bridge connects Rameshwaram on Pamban Island to Mandapam on main land Tamil Nadu.
Total length of 2.078 km with 99 spans featuring 18.3-meter girders and 63-meter navigational span.
