Stay updated with the latest developments from December’s first week, covering key topics like government policies, international relations, defence exercises, scientific advancements, cultural events, and economic updates. Important highlights such as the removal of the windfall tax, India’s defence collaborations, the announcement of Oxford’s Word of the Year 2024, and groundbreaking developments like Uber’s Shikhara launch on Dal Lake. Dive into these insights to boost your preparation for NDA exams.
DECEMBER 1ST WEEK CURRENT AFFAIRS (NDA)
Windfall Tax
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 an unexpected rise in profits, and the tax on windfall gain is known as windfall tax.
Objective:
- The primary objective of windfall taxes is to appropriate a portion of these unordinary profits.
- It is also used as a supplementary revenue system for the government.
Global Plastic Treaty – 5th Edition
Recently global plait ice treaty – 5th edition took place in Busan, South Korea. It was an attempt to create 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 inconclusive.
Palna Scheme
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 a safe daycare 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.
Agni Warrior 2024
Recently a Bilateral Military exercise “Agni Warrior 2024” between India Singapore was held in “Maharashtra.”
Hornbill Festival
“Hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland every year on 1st December for 10 days. This is the 26th edition and was started in the year 2000. Hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh, and Korea, Wales, and Japan were the partner countries in this year’s Hornbill festival.
Cyclone Fengal Relief
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.
Dhimsa Dance
“Dhimsa” is a tribal dance form that is performed primarily by Porja caste women in Andhra Pradesh. It originated in Koraput district in Odisha. This expressive dance is dominated by the movements of feet and hands of the group performing the dance in a circle.
ISRO and ESA Collaboration
ISRO and European Space Agency (ESA) have 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 operations.
OSCE Overview
(OSCE) is a regional security-oriented intergovernmental organization comprising member states in Europe, North America, and Asia. Its mandates include issues such as arm contracts, promotion of human rights freedom of the press, and free and fair elections. It employs around 3,460 people mostly in 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 the Cold War.
ISRO PROBA-3 Launch
The PSLV – 59/PROBA – 3 missions, this propulsion system is a part of bit control subsystem and is used for maintaining orientation and pointing in space.
Donald Trump’s Proposal
Donald Trump’s proposal to impose high tariffs on three of its trading partners, and this would open up “high opportunities for India.”
Trade Watch Quarterly Report – By NITI Aayog 25% of the tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10% on those from China.
Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army
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 and China – BRI Initiative
Signed BRI initiative (BRI) cooperation frameworks, an agreement which is expected to pave the way for the implementation of BRI project. BRI is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013. The initiative is known as OBOR. It plans to create two new trade routes that connect China with the rest of the world.
India-USA Military Deal
The United States has approved a possible $1.17 billion deal to sell India support equipment for MH 60 R multi-role helicopters under its foreign military sales program. Recently Government of India and USA signed a deal related to MQRB Reaper drones, which was concluded in the month of November.
South Korea Declares Martial Law
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 Milestone
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).
Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024
Parakh stands for performance, Assessment, Review, and Analysis Knowledge for Holistic Development.
Its objectives include:
- Competency-based assessment
- Data-driven policymaking
- Alignment with NEP – 2020
- Empowerment of educators
WTO Reappointment
The WTO general council has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okongo Iweala as Director General for a second four-year term starting September 1, 2025. Ngozi Okongo Iweala became the first woman and first African to lead the WTO when she assumed office on March 1, 2021.
CIN BAX Military Exercise
India – Cambodia’s first joint Tabletop Exercise code named “CIN BAX” began on 1 December 2024 at the foreign training Node, Pune Maharashtra. Tabletop military exercise – A discussion-based event where personnel with specific roles and responsibilities meet in a classroom setting or small group.
Oxford Word of the Year
The term “Brain Rot” has been announced as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024.
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
The aim of the campaign is to make a barrier-free and conducive environment for Divyangjans (PWDs) all over the country. About: It was launched by the Prime Minister of India on International Day of Persons with Disability.
Navy Day Celebration
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’s Export Growth
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.
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.
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 Shikhara Service
In a groundbreaking development, Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, Uber shikhara on picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
UNESCO Recognition for West Bengal
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
Pamban Bridge connects Rameshwaram on Pamban Island to Mandapam on mainland Tamil Nadu. Total length of 2.078 km with 99 span featuring 18.3 meter girders and 63 meter navigational span.
