Current Affairs Today 1st and 2nd December 2024 Daily GK Update

Daily Current Affairs 1st and 2nd December 2024 Daily GK Update

Current Affairs Quiz 2024, Daily gk updates and Current affairs play a major role in any competitive exam. so here we are providing the current affairs quiz on a daily basis for Bank, SSC, Railway and Other Government Competitive Examinations.

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 National News

Cabinet approved National Mission on Natural Farming

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the launching of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• The scheme has a total outlay of Rs.2481 crore (Government of India share – Rs.1584 crore; State share – Rs.897 crore) till the 15th Finance Commission (2025-26).
• Objective – To promote natural farming in mission mode across the country as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• Rooted in the traditional knowledge inherited from their forefathers, farmers will practise Natural Farming (NF) as a chemical free farming which involves local livestock integrated natural farming methods, diversified crop systems, etc. NF follows local agro-ecological principles rooted in local knowledge, location specific technologies and is evolved as per the local agro-ecology.
• In the next two years, NMNF will be implemented in 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats, which are willing, & reach 1 crore farmers and initiate Natural Farming (NF) in 7.5 lakh Ha area. Preference will be given to areas having prevalence of practising NF farmers, SRLM / PACS / FPOs, etc. Further, need-based 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) will be set-up to provide easy availability and accessibility to ready-to-use NF inputs for farmers.
• Under NMNF, around 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms shall be established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs) and farmers’ fields, and shall be supported by experienced and trained Farmer Master Trainers.
• The willing farmers will be trained in Model Demonstration Farms on the NF package of practices, preparation of NF inputs, etc. near their villages in KVKs, AUs and practising NF farmers’ fields. 18.75 lakh trained willing farmers will prepare inputs like Jeevamrit, Beejamrit, etc. by using their livestock or procure from BRCs.
• 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/ CRPs will be deployed for awareness generation, mobilisation and handholding of willing farmers in the clusters.
• Farmers will be provided with an easy simple certification system and dedicated common branding to provide access to market their natural farming produce. Real-time geo-tagged & referenced monitoring of NMNF implementation shall be done through an online portal.

Cabinet approves ₹7,927 crore multitracking projects to boost rail connectivity

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved three major multitracking projects for Indian Railways at a cost of approximately ₹7,927 crore.
• The initiative aims to enhance rail connectivity, reduce congestion, and contribute to economic growth.
• The projects are:

Jalgaon – Manmad 4th line (160 km)

Bhusawal – Khandwa 3rd & 4th line (131 km).

Prayagraj (Iradatganj) – Manikpur 3rd Line (84 km)

• These tracks are part of the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, designed to integrate multi-modal connectivity and ensure the seamless movement of people and goods.
• The projects span seven districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, impacting around 1,319 villages and benefiting a population of approximately 38 lakh. Notably, the improved connectivity will serve two aspirational districts, Khandwa and Chitrakoot, and enhance the Mumbai-Prayagraj-Varanasi route, a key rail corridor.
• The enhanced rail infrastructure is expected to accommodate more passenger trains, making it easier for pilgrims to access religious sites such as Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Omkareshwar in Khandwa, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, and other locations in Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Shirdi. Tourists will also benefit from improved access to heritage sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves and Khajuraho.
• On the freight front, the projects are poised to add an estimated 51 million tonnes of annual freight capacity, facilitating the transport of agricultural produce, coal, steel, and cement. This is expected to lower logistics costs and stimulate economic growth.
• The environmentally friendly rail infrastructure will contribute to India’s climate goals, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 271 crore kilograms annually—equivalent to planting 11 crore trees.

Centre approves ₹3,689 crore investment for two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved an investment of ₹3,689 crore for the construction of two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi district. Both projects are expected to be completed within 50 months.
• An outlay of ₹1,939 crore has been sanctioned for the Heo Hydroelectric Project (HEP), while ₹1,750 crore has been approved for the Tato-I Hydroelectric Project (HEP), according to an official statement issued after the CCEA meeting.
• The Heo Hydroelectric Project (HEP), with an installed capacity of 240 MW (3 x 80 MW), is expected to generate 1,000 Million Units (MU) of energy annually. The power produced will enhance the electricity supply in Arunachal Pradesh and contribute to balancing the national grid.
• The Tato-I Hydroelectric Project (HEP), with an installed capacity of 186 MW (3 x 62 MW), will generate 802 MU of energy annually, further strengthening the state’s power infrastructure and the national grid.
• Both projects will be implemented through a joint venture between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO) and the government of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Government of India will extend budgetary support of ₹127.28 crore and ₹77.37 crore for the Heo and Tato-I projects, respectively, to facilitate the construction of roads, bridges, and associated transmission lines under enabling infrastructure. Additionally, Central Financial Assistance of ₹130.43 crore and ₹120.43 crore has been approved for the equity share of the state in the respective projects.
• The projects will offer Arunachal Pradesh 12% free power and an additional 1% for the Local Area Development Fund (LADF). These measures aim to drive significant socio-economic development and infrastructure improvements in the region

Cabinet approves the PAN 2.0 Project

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has given its approval for the PAN 2.0 Project of the Income Tax Department with a financial outlay of ₹1,435 crore.
• Currently, about 78 crore PANs have been issued, of which 98% are to individuals.

What is PAN 2.0?

• PAN 2.0 Project is an e-Governance project for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services through technology-driven transformation of PAN/TAN services for enhanced digital experience of the taxpayers.
• This will be an upgrade of the current PAN/TAN 1.0 eco-system consolidating the core and non-core PAN/TAN activities as well as PAN validation service.

Benefits

• Applications and updates will be processed more quickly, limiting waiting time.
• A unified database promotes consistency and prevents errors in taxpayer information.
• Current PAN holders are eligible to upgrade their cards for free of charge.
• Paperwork is eliminated via digital procedures, which encourage sustainability.
• The platform protects critical taxpayer data using reliable technology

Do we need to apply for a new card?

• No, the existing PAN cards remain valid.
• Taxpayers do not need to apply for a new PAN number, according to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• As part of the project, new PAN cards with upgraded features, such as a QR code for increased security, will be issued at no additional cost.

GoI to host 1st Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav in New Delhi

• As part of the central government’s vision to make the North Eastern region the development engine of the country, the government of India has decided to hold an Asthalakshmi Mahotsav in New Delhi from 6-8 December 2024.
• This was announced by the Union Minister for Development of the North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in New Delhi.
• The Mahotsav will focus on the eight North-Eastern States of India. The eight state governments of North Eastern States will support and participate in the inaugural Asthalakshmi
• The Union Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, also released the mascot for the upcoming Asthalakshmi Mahotsav- Purvi. The mascot is a girl, and she is wearing attire that represents the elements of the eight states of the North East.

About the Asthalakshmi Mahotsav

• The name Asthalakshmi is named after the eight avatars of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising prosperity, wealth, knowledge, dharma, agriculture, and other features.
• The Mahotsav aims to bridge the cultural and economic gap between Northeast India and the rest of the nation. The Mahotsav will showcase the cultural richness and diversity of the region.

Amit Shah inaugurated 59th All India Conference of DGP/IG in Odisha

• The Union Minister for Home Affairs, Amit Shah, has inaugurated the 59th All India Conference of Director Generals (DGP)/ Inspector General (IG) of Police in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• For the first time, the state of Odisha hosted the All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police.
• The 58th All-India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on January 6 and 7, 2024.
• The 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police brings together the central government and the state government apparatus responsible for the country’s internal security.

India UK sign agreement on Electric Propulsion System for Indian Navy

• India and the U.K. signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on cooperation on the design & development of Electric Propulsion Systems for the Indian Navy.
• The signing was part of the third joint working group meeting of electric propulsion capability partnership as part of efforts by both sides to promote the indigenous development of niche technologies.
• The SoI would serve as a broader framework intended for cooperation in the co-design, co-creation and co-production of electric propulsion capability for future naval ships.
• The development of Electric Propulsion Systems for the Indian Navy will be done through a collaboration between the United Kingdom’s GE Power Conversion and Indian government-owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL).
• During the visit of the United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson to India in April 2022, both countries announced the establishment of a Joint Working Group on the India -United Kingdom Electric Propulsion Capability Partnership.
• Subsequently, in April 2022, Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the British firm GE Power Conversion for the development of an Integrated Full Electric Propulsion System in India.
• The electric propulsion system will power indigenously manufactured Indian Navy’s warships with a displacement of over 6000 tonnes.

Banking and Financial

Nirmala Sitharaman Reviews Performance of 4 states RRB in Bihar

• A meeting of the eight Regional Rural Banks (RRB) operating in four states of the Eastern Region- Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal was held in Patna, Bihar.
• The Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the meeting.
• The Union Ministry of Finance periodically holds meetings with the heads of the RRBs to review banks’ performance.
• In addition to the Union Finance Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Choudhary, and the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, M. Nagaraju, were present.
• Representatives of the Reserve Bank of India, National Bank for Agricultural and Rural Development (NABARD), and Small Industrial Development Bank of India( SIDBI), the Chairperson of these eight RRBs, and the senior officers of these four states attended the meeting.

About Regional Rural Bank

• On the recommendation of the Working Group on Rural Banks, headed by M . Narasimham, Regional Rural Banks (RRB) were established in India in 1975.
• These niche banks were to provide banking facilities and cheap credit to people in rural areas.
• The Reserve Bank of India regulates the RRBs.
• The first RRB, Prathama Bank, was established in Moradabad (U.P.) and sponsored by Syndicate Bank.
• The Regional Rural Banks are owned by the central government, the state government and the sponsoring banks.
• There are 43 Regional Rural Banks in the country, sponsored by 12 commercial banks operating in 26 states and 3 Union Territories.
• The Regional Rural Banks are sponsored by 11 Public sector banks and one private sector bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
• Punjab and Sindh Bank is the only public sector bank that has never sponsored any RRB.
• Only two states -Sikkim and Goa- have no Regional Rural Bank.

Economy growth rate dips to 5.4 % during July-September Quarter 2024

• The Indian real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate dipped to 4 % in the July-September quarter of 2024 compared to the 2023 July-September quarter growth rate of 8.1 %, according to National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• The Indian economy’s second-quarter growth rate was lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s forecast of 7 per cent.
• The mining and quarrying sector was the only sector which recorded a negative growth of 0.1 %.
• India’s real GDP growth rate was estimated at 6.0% in the first six months (April-September) of 2024, compared to 8.2 % in the first six months of the previous 2023-24 financial year.
• released the latest data on 29 November 2024.

India signs $98 million loan agreement with ADB to boost horticulture productivity

• India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $98 million loan agreement to enhance horticulture crop productivity in the country.
• The funding will support the establishment of disease-free planting material systems, boosting crop yields, quality, and resilience to climate change.
• The loan amount will be used to target crops like almonds, apples, avocados, berries, citrus, grapes, guava, litchi, mango, pomegranate, and walnuts.
• The government will establish dedicated clean plant centres to maintain disease-free foundation materials that accredited nurseries will later propagate.
• The government will provide licences to private and public nurseries to whom the dedicated clean plant centres will supply the disease-free foundation materials. These nurseries will further propagate these disease-free plants and distribute them to the horticulture farmers.

Recent Loan approved by ADB

• India and ADB sign $98 million loan agreement to boost horticulture productivity
• Tata Power ties up with ADB for $4.25 bn to finance clean energy projects
• India and ADB signed a $200 million loan to help upgrade water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and other urban services in the state of
• India and ADB sign $434.25 million for solar facility in Assam
• India and ADB sign $50 million to improve water resources management, access to water, and community resilience to the effects of climate change in Meghalaya.
• India and ADB sign 530 crore to boost drinking water supply in 12 cities of Tripura state
• India and ADB sign $500 million to improve healthcare in Maharashtra

Awards

Lithuanian drama ‘Toxic’ wins Golden Peacock Award for Best Film at the 55th IFFI

• The 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was concluded in Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji, Goa.
• The 55th International Film Festival of India was organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and Entertainment Society of Goa, Government of Goa.
• This year, the festival received 1,676 submissions from 101 countries. The nine-day festival presented over 180 international titles from 81 countries, which include 16 premieres in World, three in International, 43 in Asian, and 109 in Indian categories.
• The Director of the 55th IFFI was noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.
• The theme of the 55th IFFI was ‘Young Filmmakers: The Future is Now.
• Opening Film

Film Name – Better Man

Country – Australia

Directed by – Michael Gracey

• Closing Film

Film Name – Dry Season

Country — Czech Republic

Directed by – Bohdan Sláma

Award Winners of the 55th IFFI

Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award

• Australian director Phillip Noyce for his contributions to the cinema. Noyce is known for his suspenseful and culturally resonant films, such as Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and Salt.

Indian Film Personality of the Year

• Actor Vikrant Massey in recognition of Massey’s extraordinary contributions to Indian cinema.

Golden Peacock for Best Feature Film

• Toxic (Lithuania)- directed by Saulė Bliuvaitė. She was honoured with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs.

Silver Peacock for Best Feature Film

• The New Year That Never Came (Romania) -Directed by Bogdan Muresanu. He was honoured with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs.

Silver Peacock Award for Best Actor (Male)

• Clément Faveau (France) for his performance in the French Film Holy Cow. He was honoured with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs.

Silver Peacock for Best Actor (Female)

• Two actresses, Vesta Matulytė and Ieva Rupeikaitė (both of Lithuania), received the award for the film Toxic. They received a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs, which was split between them.

Special Jury Award

• Louise Courvoisier (France) for the film ‘Holy Cow.’ She was honoured with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs.

Best Debut Feature Film of a Director

• Sarah Friedland (United States)-Film, Familiar Touch. She was honoured with a certificate and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakhs prize

First Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film

• This award was introduced for the first time at the 55th IFFI. Navjyot Bandiwadekar- Director of the Marathi Film Gharat Ganpati.

ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal

• The award is given to a film which promotes peace, tolerance, and dialogue. Crossing- Directed by Levan Akin of Sweden.

Best Web Series (OTT) Award

• ‘Lampan’ (on Sony Liv)-Directed by Nipun Dharmadhikari.

Defence

13th edition of India -Singapore Agni Warrior Military Exercise concluded

• The 13th edition of Joint Military Exercise AGNI WARRIOR (XAW-2024), a bilateral exercise between the Indian Army and Singapore Armed Forces, concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra).
• The three-day exercise conducted witnessed participation by the Singapore Armed Forces contingent comprising 182 personnel from the Singapore Artillery and the Indian Army contingent comprising 114 personnel from the Regiment of Artillery.
• The aim of XAW-2024 was to maximise mutual understanding of drills and procedures to achieve jointness as a multinational force under the United Nations Charter.
• The exercise showcased joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery of both Armies.

Recent Exercise

• 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
• 15th edition of Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR between India and USA – Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US.

Important day

29 November – International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

• Every year since 1977, the United Nations calls for the observance of November 29 as the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
• The General Assembly passed a resolution to that effect in 1977, selecting this particular day as this was when, in 1947, the Assembly adopted a resolution partitioning the Palestinian territory into an Arab State and a Jewish one.

30 November – Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare

• The Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare is observed annually on November 30.
• Established during the 20th Session of the Conference of the States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention, this memorial day honors the memory of victims and strengthens the commitment of the international community to the complete eradication of chemical weapons.
• This observance not only pays tribute to the victims but also reinforces the principles of peace, security, and multilateral cooperation.

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