Current Affairs Quiz 3rd December 2024 Quiz

Exp. MoD inks contract worth ₹1207 Cr with Cochin Shipyard Limited for Short Refit and Dry Docking of INS Vikramaditya

The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited for Short Refit and Dry Docking (SRDD) of INS Vikramaditya at an overall cost of Rs. 1207.5 Cr.

INS Vikramaditya is an Indian Aircraft Carrier commissioned in the Indian Navy in November 2013. After completion of the Refit, INS Vikramaditya will join the active fleet of the Indian Navy with upgraded combat capability.

This project is an important step towards development of Cochin Shipyard Limited as Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Hub for supporting the industrial ecosystem of India.

The project envisages the involvement of nearly 50 MSMEs and  

Exp. ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman’ Portal

The Department of Justice is implementing a pan-India, year-long nationwide campaign titled ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ to celebrate the 75th year of India as a Republic and the adoption of India’s Constitution.

The campaign was launched on January 24, 2024, by the Hon’ble Vice-President of India. Following this, three regional events have also been organized in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on March 9, 2024, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on July 16, 2024, and in Guwahati, Assam on November 19, 2024 respectively to ensure decentralized outreach of the campaign.

 The campaign aims to reaffirm our collective commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India and to celebrate the shared values that bind our nation.

The ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman Portal’ which was launched during the 2nd regional event at Prayagraj on 16th July 2024 serves as a knowledge repository to enhance public awareness about the Constitution and their legal rights. It’s available on the web portal https://www.hamarasamvidhan.gov.in/.

The primary objective of the “Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman Portal” is to enhance citizens’ awareness of their fundamental rights and duties and legal protections under the Constitution.  

Exp. Indian Coast Guard conducts maritime search and rescue exercises off Kochi coast

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the 11th National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX-2024) off the Kochi coast.

The exercise was inaugurated by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and showcased the expertise of coast guards in maritime safety and search-and-rescue operations.

Theme  2024 – Enhancing Search and Rescue Capabilities Through Regional Collaboration

Recent Exercise

• 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024) between India and Singapore – Field Firing Ranges, Devlali, Maharashtra
• Multilateral Annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ by Indian Army – Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.
• Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Indian Navy jointly commence a command-level tri-service theatre exercise code-named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ along the India-China border.
• 5th Edition of Exercise “VINBAX 2024” between Vietnam and India- Ambala and Chandimandir
• 9th edition of Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 2024 between India and Indonesia – Jakarta

Exp. Kolkata International Film Festival announces France as focus country

The 30th edition of the Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), slated to kick off on December 4, announced its lineup of 175 films from 29 countries, and revealed France as the focus country of this year’s film festival.

The lineup includes 42 feature-length films, and 30 shorts and documentaries in competitive categories, and 103 films in non-competitive categories.

Screenings will take place in 20 venues in different parts of the city between December 5 and 11.

Chairperson of the 30th KIFF Goutam Ghose highlighted that the festival this year will also screen certain films with projections from their original celluloid, like Chokh and Debsishu by reputed director from the 1980s, Utpalendu Chakraborty.

Like other years, the 30th edition of the KIFF has unveiled ‘Unheard India’, a non-competitive category that boasts of screenings of multiple films made in Indian languages like Garhwali, Konkani and Tulu.

Exp. Gujarat’s ‘Gharcholas’ receive GI tag

Gujarati “Gharcholas” traditionally worn at weddings within Hindu and Jain communities has received a Geographical Indication or GI tag from the Government of India.

The coveted GI tag for Gharchola handicrafts was presented to Gujarat at the “GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak” program in New Delhi, hosted by the Handlooms Development Commissioner of the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.

 This is the 27th GI tag that Gujarat has received. The GI recognition for Gharchola demonstrates Gujarat’s commitment to guarding its rich artistic heritage.

These Gharchola sarees are traditionally crafted in auspicious colours such as red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold special significance in Hindu customs. Along with the Gharchola saree, several other remarkable handicrafts have also earned GI tags under the Hastakala Setu Yojana.

These include Surat’s vanishing ‘Saadeli’ art, Banaskantha’s intricate ‘Soof’ embroidery, Bharuch’s ‘Sujni’ craft, Ahmedabad’s distinctive ‘Saudagiri Print,’ and the vibrant ‘Maata Ni Pacchedi’ handicrafts, all of which were honoured last year.

Exp. Pacer Siddharth Kaul announces retirement from all forms of cricket

Former Indian international Siddarth Kaul has announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 34, following an unsold bid in the IPL Auction 2025.

The right-arm fast bowler’s journey in Indian cricket spans nearly two decades, commencing in 2007 with a first-class debut for Punjab against Odisha in Mohali.

Kaul played a pivotal role in the Indian U19 team that clinched the World Cup in 2008, led by none other than Virat Kohli. His international career took flight in 2018, featuring in three ODIs and as many T20Is

Over his career, he has donned the whites in 88 first-class matches, securing a remarkable 297 wickets, which includes 17 instances of five-wicket hauls. His white-ball record boasts 199 wickets in 111 List A matches and 182 wickets across 145 T20 encounters.

Recently Retired Players

• Prajnesh Gunneswaran (India) – Professional tennis
• Wriddhiman Saha (india) – Cricket
• Matthew Wade (Australia) – International Cricket
• Rani Rampal (India) – Hockey
• Rafael Nadal (Spain) – Professional Tennis 🎾
• Dipa Karmakar (Tripura, India) – Gymnastic
• Dwayne Bravo (West Indies) – All forms of Cricket

Exp. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala reappointed as DG of WTO

The General Council of the World Trade Organization (WTO) agreed  by consensus to reappoint Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General for a second four-year term, set to begin on 1 September 2025.

This decision reflects broad recognition of her exceptional leadership and strategic vision for the future of the WTO.

According to the WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala first assumed office as Director-General on March 1, 2021, becoming the first woman and first African to lead the WTO. Her first term concludes on August 31, 2025.

About World Trade Organization (WTO)

• Founded – 1 January 1995
• Headquarters – Geneva Switzerland
• 1st Director General – Peter Sutherland
• Director General – Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria)
• Member Countries – 164

Exp. Jay Shah assumes charge as ICC chairperson

Jay Shah has taken over as the chairperson of the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s global governing body.

The former BCCI secretary succeeds Greg Barclay, who has held the position since November 2020.

Shah’s elevation to the top post makes him the third Indian among the last four ICC chairmen. However, unlike the last two Indians – N Srinivasan (2014-15) and Shashank Manohar (2015-20) – Shah enjoys complete support within the all-powerful BCCI, which counts a lot when it comes to decision making in the ICC boardroom.

The ICC chairman’s term now is three years. The post being an independent one, Shah will also step away from the Asian Cricket Council presidency.

About International Cricket Council (ICC)

• The International Cricket Council is the global governing body of cricket.
• Formation – 15 June 1909
• Headquarters – Dubai, UAE
• Chairman – Jay Shah (replace Greg Barclay)
• Deputy Chairman – Imran Khwaja (Singapore)
• CEO – Geoff Allardice (Australia)
• General Manager – Wasim Khan
• Membership – 108 members

Exp. lender RBL Bank and consumer financier Bajaj Finance have mutually decided to cease the issuance of co-branded credit cards under their partnership, as the synergies initially envisioned have undergone significant changes.

RBL Bank partnered with Bajaj Finance in 2016 to issue co-branded credit cards for a period of five years. The partnership was renewed for another five years in 2021.

Exp. India to host Asia-Oceania satellite users’ conference

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences, will host the 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) in New Delhi between 4 and 6 December.

The conference will bring together approximately 150 participants from various countries to discuss the latest advancements in satellite remote sensing and their application in meteorology and climatology.

The AOMSUC-14 aims to highlight the significance of satellite observations, promote advancements in satellite technology, and foster collaboration between satellite operators and users.

The conference will feature oral and poster presentations, panel discussions, and a training workshop on applying satellite data to meteorology and climatology.

Exp. 1 December – World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1.

Objective- To raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and showing solidarity with those affected by the disease.

Theme 2024 – Take the Rights Path

The day serves as a platform for organisations worldwide to unite, remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses, and advocate for continued progress in HIV prevention, treatment, and care.

World AIDS Day, established by the WHO and the United Nations, was first observed in 1988 in response to the global effect of the HIV epidemic. In 1981, the first case of AIDS was reported in the United States and two years later, researchers could have identified the virus that causes the disease.

Exp. 1 December – 60th Raising Day of BSF

The Border Security Force (BSF) has celebrated its 60th Raising Day on December 1.

The BSF was formed on December 1 1965 to ensure the security of India’s borders and for matters connected therewith. Senior IPS officer Khusro Faramurz Rustamji was tasked with the formation of the BSF at the time. He was posted as IGP of Madhya Pradesh back then.

In January 1965, India witnessed the nefarious act of Pakistan in the Kanjarkot area of Gujarat. The then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri immediately decided to form a single force to protect the international borders and that eventually led to the formation of BSF.

In 1966, 15 other battalions posted in Jammu and Kashmir were also merged with the BSF

Exp. Max Verstappen wins Qatar Grand Prix

Max Verstappen claimed his ninth win of the season and 63rd of his career with a stunning victory for Red Bull at the crash-hit and controversial Qatar Grand Prix.

 In a race shaped by a litany of stewards’ decisions and penalties, including a harsh late 10-second ‘stop-go’ for Lando Norris of McLaren, the newly-crowned four-time world champion was flawless as he came home six seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

That result meant McLaren, even with Oscar Piastri finishing third, were unable to clinch a first constructors title since 1998 and have to try again in the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend.

Recent 2024 F1 Grand Prix Winner

• Qatar Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• US Grand Prix – Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc (Monaco)
• Singapore Grand Prix – McLaren’s Lando Norris (British)
• Azerbaijan Grand Prix – McLaren’s Oscar Piastri (Australia)
• Italian Grand Prix – Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc (Monaco)
• Dutch Grand Prix – McLaren’s Lando Norris (British)
• Hungarian Grand Prix F2 – Kush Maini (India)
• Belgian Grand Prix – Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton (UK)
• Hungarian Grand Prix – McLaren’s Oscar Piastri (Australia)
• British Grand Prix – Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton (UK)
• Austrian Grand Prix – Mercedes’s George Russell (UK)
• Spanish Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Canadian Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Monaco Grand Prix – Ferrari‘s Charles Leclerc (Monaco)
• Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Miami Grand Prix – McLaren’s Lando Norris (British)
• Chinese Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Japanese Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Australian Grand Prix – Ferrari‘s Carlos Saina (Spain)
• Saudi Arabian Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)
• Bahrain Grand Prix – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (Netherlands)

Exp. Former Australia Test opener Ian Redpath passes away

Former Australia Test opener Ian Redpath has passed away at the age of 83.

 Redpath was a regular fixture in the Australian team in the 1960s and 1970s, and served as a member of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

Hailing from Geelong, Redpath played 66 Tests and made 4737 runs at an average of 43.45, including eight centuries and 31 half centuries with a top score of 171. He took 83 catches mostly in the slips where he excelled.

In 1975, Redpath, who also played five ODIs for Australia, was made a Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to cricket.

He once emerged from international retirement to join World Series Cricket where injury restricted his on-field contributions, and returned to retirement.

Exp. 1st Indo-Cambodian ‘CINBAX” Exercise commences in Pune, Maharashtra

India-Cambodia’s first Joint Tabletop Exercise, codenamed ‘CINBAX,’ commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra.

 The first CINBAX exercise between the Armies of both countries will be held in Pune from 1 to 18 December 2024.

The exercise is part of the military diplomacy of both countries to strengthen friendly ties between the two countries, especially military-to-military ties.

During the CINBAX exercise, Indian-made weapons systems and equipment will be displayed to the Cambodians to promote the Indigenous defence capabilities of India.