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The 29th Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit 2024 took place in New Delhi, focusing on critical global issues like inclusive growth, economic resilience, and geoeconomic shifts. It brought together international leaders, policymakers, business executives, and experts to explore pathways for sustainable development and collaboration.

Key highlights included discussions on building resilient supply chains, fostering gender equality, and the role of advanced technology in global competitiveness. Over 60 countries participated, with sessions aimed at addressing economic challenges post-pandemic and amid geopolitical tensions.

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Neale Fraser, an Australian tennis legend and former world No. 1, passed away at the age of 91 on December 3, 2024. Fraser had a remarkable career, winning 19 Grand Slam titles, including three singles crowns, and playing a pivotal role in Australia's Davis Cup victories. Known for his powerful left-handed serve, he won singles titles at Wimbledon and the US Open and was instrumental in securing four consecutive Davis Cup wins from 1959 to 1962.

Fraser later served as Australia's Davis Cup captain from 1970 to 1993, leading the team to four more titles during his tenure. His leadership and contributions to tennis earned him induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984 and numerous accolades throughout his life. Fraser is remembered as one of the greats of Australian tennis, inspiring generations of players.

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The World Drought Atlas provides a comprehensive report on global drought trends, projecting a significant increase in drought severity due to climate change. According to the report, droughts have already increased by 29% since 2000 and are expected to intensify. Vulnerable regions such as parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Mediterranean are at the greatest risk. The 2024 Atlas highlights alarming projections: over 2.3 billion people live under conditions of severe water stress, and if current trends continue, these numbers will rise dramatically by 2050. The report also points to reduced agricultural yields, as crop productivity will decline significantly due to ongoing droughts, threatening food security and livelihoods globally.

Key insights include:

1. Rising risks to agriculture: Climate models predict crop failures and reduced harvests, especially in water-scarce regions.

2. Impact on ecosystems: Droughts are harming biodiversity and depleting groundwater sources, which affects ecosystem services and food security.

3. Urban vulnerabilities: Droughts in urban areas exacerbate water quality issues and public health risks, with rising cases of waterborne diseases like cholera.

4. Solutions and recommendations: The report calls for transformative action including enhanced drought risk assessments, improved water management, and the implementation of early warning systems.

This report urges immediate, large-scale action to mitigate the escalating crisis, with recommendations tailored to local and regional contexts, aiming for resilience across communities and sectors.

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The SheSTEM 2024 program in India, organized by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, is focused on fostering innovation in energy storage and sustainability. This year's challenge invited students from grades 6 to 12 to present their ideas on Battery Technology and Energy Storage Systems. Over 1,000 students participated, showcasing prototypes and concepts aimed at addressing global challenges related to sustainability and energy. The event highlights the potential of young minds in STEM fields, inspiring future innovators and empowering students to play an active role in shaping a sustainable, technology-driven world.

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The 25th edition of Nagaland's iconic Hornbill Festival is in full swing from December 1-10, 2024. Held at the Kisama Heritage Village, this year's festivities are a grand celebration of Naga culture and heritage. Visitors can experience vibrant performances by various Naga tribes, featuring traditional dances, music, and unique games. With a special focus on international cultural exchanges, partner countries like Japan, Wales, and Peru will showcase their traditions alongside Naga heritage.

Notable highlights include the Hornbill International Rock Contest, local crafts and handloom fairs, Naga wrestling, and delicious traditional cuisine. This 25th anniversary marks a significant milestone for the festival, bringing together thousands of visitors to celebrate the rich diversity of Nagaland.

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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on December 4, 2024. Established in 1957, DRI is India's premier intelligence and enforcement agency under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC). It plays a crucial role in combating smuggling, customs duty evasion, and related economic offenses.

To mark the occasion, the agency hosted the 9th Regional Customs Enforcement Meeting (RCEM), bringing together representatives from international organizations like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Narcotics Control Bureau (INCB). DRI also released its annual "Smuggling in India Report 2023-24," highlighting its achievements, including seizures and enforcement trends.

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The brand ambassador for the Assam Rifles Half Marathon (ARHM) 2024 was legendary boxer MC Mary Kom. She represented the event, which took place on November 24, 2024, in Shillong, Meghalaya. The marathon, one of Northeast India's largest, aimed to promote fitness, camaraderie, and eco-consciousness under the theme “Chase the Clouds and Conquer the Hills.” It included a 21 km half marathon, a 10 km race, and a 5 km fun run, with over 1,900 participants from across India.

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The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen "manifest" as its Word of the Year for 2024. This selection reflects a surge in the term's popularity, driven by its modern association with the practice of "manifesting" — visualizing and believing in one's goals as a step toward achieving them. The word was searched nearly 130,000 times on Cambridge's website, highlighting its relevance in contemporary culture.

Originally meaning "easily noticeable or obvious," the term has evolved to embody a mindset associated with personal growth and goal-setting, amplified through social media trends and endorsements by celebrities like Dua Lipa and Simone Biles. Its usage surged during events like the Olympics and viral discussions on platforms like TikTok.

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Anna University ranks 42nd globally in the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, making it the highest-ranked institution in India for interdisciplinary research.

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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier resigned after his government lost a no-confidence vote in parliament on December 4, 2024. The vote was triggered following his controversial use of Article 49.3 to bypass parliamentary approval for the 2025 budget. This decision drew widespread criticism from both left-wing and far-right parties, including Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National, who opposed measures like pension reforms and other economic policies. The collapse reflects deep political divisions, with opposition parties leveraging public dissatisfaction over rising living costs and government policies.

Barnier will serve as a caretaker prime minister until President Macron appoints a successor, a step crucial to avoid further governmental paralysis amidst a looming financial crisis.