Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Correct Answer :   Italy

---

* Italy has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), more than 4 years after becoming the only Group of Seven (G7) nation to sign up.

* After months of uncertainty regarding Italy’s involvement in the ambitious project, Rome conveyed its decision in a recent letter to Beijing, news agencies Reuters and AFP reported on Wednesday (6th Dec 2023).

* The Belt and Road plan proposes massive investments in infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade routes linking Europe and Asia.

* Critics have cast the scheme as a vehicle for Beijing to expand its geopolitical influence, including by saddling poorer countries with unsustainable debts.

* “We have every intention of maintaining excellent relations with China even if we are no longer part of the Belt and Road Initiative,” an Italian government source said.

* “Other G7 nations have closer relations with China than we do, despite the fact they were never in [the BRI],” he added.

* The long-anticipated decision was communicated to Beijing three days ago, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, which first reported the withdrawal.

* In 2019, Italy became the first major Western nation to participate in the programme, despite US concerns about China gaining control over crucial technologies and infrastructure.

* Nevertheless, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who took office last year, expressed a desire to withdraw, citing the lack of substantial benefits for Italy.

* The 2019 agreement is set to expire in March 2024, with automatic renewal unless Rome provides three months’ written notice of withdrawal.

* However, Rome has been wary of provoking Beijing and risking retaliation against Italian companies..

Source : Aljazeera

Correct Answer :   Saudi Arabia

---

Saudi Arabia has introduced a 96-hour stopover visa for Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East. This initiative, part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to streamline Umrah visits, was announced by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan.

During a joint press briefing with India's Minister of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan, Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan emphasized the nation's commitment to facilitating the religious pilgrimage of Muslims globally. He stated, "Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East can obtain a stopover visa, that is, for 96 hours, and get a visa within the ticket issuance process, which allows them to perform Umrah and visit any city in the Kingdom."

The Umrah Visa, valid for 90 days, enables holders to reside and travel within Saudi Arabia, ensuring an efficient and convenient pilgrimage experience. Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan highlighted the Kingdom's efforts to transform Umrah into a rewarding religious expedition by utilizing technological advancements and upgrading infrastructure.

Individuals looking to perform Umrah can now obtain a Kingdom entry visa within 48 hours. Indian travelers can perform Umrah in Saudi Arabia using their work, tourism, or Umrah visas. The streamlined visa acquisition process aims to enhance accessibility for Umrah pilgrims.

The collaborative efforts between India and Saudi Arabia have yielded significant results, with the number of Umrah pilgrims from India surpassing 1.2 million in 2023, reflecting a 74% increase from the previous year. Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan expressed a commitment to discussions to enhance the range of direct flight options and focus on increasing capacity to accommodate the growing number of Indians looking to perform Umrah.

As part of these efforts, three new visa centers will be established in India, streamlining the visa issuance procedures. An upcoming exhibition in Mumbai will serve as an opportunity for collaboration between Umrah and tourism companies from Saudi Arabia and India, introducing initiatives to enhance the Umrah journey.

India and Saudi Arabia's close and friendly relationship, fostered under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has reached new heights. Muraleedharan emphasized the mutual recognition of the partnership's benefits to both countries, communities, and the broader region. He reiterated the Ministry of External Affairs' commitment to working closely to ensure the success of the pilgrimage..


Source : India Times

Correct Answer :   Taylor Swift

---

Taylor Swift notched yet another accolade on Wednesday (6th Dec 2023) when Time magazine named the mega pop star as its "Person of the Year (2023)."

Swift took the award in a year when her nearly two decades of fame and influence came to a peak, the magazine said in announcing the title. She was the first person from the arts to be honored for her success as an entertainer, it said.

The 33-year-old artist spent the year traveling the world on her "Eras Tour," showcasing music from her entire career, smashing records for ticket sales, and boosting the economies of every city she visited.

"This is the proudest and happiest I’ve ever felt, and the most creatively fulfilled and free I’ve ever been," Swift told Time, which has bestowed the award on almost every U.S. president since its inception in 1927.

The "Eras Tour," which will continue in 2024 across Asia, Australia, Europe and the U.S., is on track to become the highest-grossing tour in world history, according to Billboard. It made about $900 million of revenue in 2023, and pulls in about $14 million per show, Billboard reported.

Demand for the U.S. stadium tour surged so much last year that resale prices reached as high as $28,000 per ticket, prompting lawsuits and a federal investigation into how online sales were conducted. The tour also spawned a movie "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour" that provided a welcome jolt to cinemas facing a lackluster autumn slate. There's even a comic book devoted to Swift.

She's also inspired newfound interest among her fans in NFL games by attending Kansas City Chief games to support her new boyfriend, tight end Travis Kelce.

Time magazine named Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy "Person of the Year" in 2022. Past winners have also included Tesla (TSLA.O) CEO Elon Musk, climate activist Greta Thunberg, former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Forbes Magazine this week also named Swift the world's fifth most powerful woman, behind top political power brokers such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. The magazine reported that Swift's tour made her a billionaire in October.

Outside the arenas where she performs, Swift was the most-streamed artist in the world in 2023, according to Spotify. Her music was streamed more than 26.1 billion times between Jan. 1 and Nov. 29..

Source : Reuters

Correct Answer :   Ministry of Culture

---

Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, overseeing culture, tourism, and development of north Eastern Region, announced a new project in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday (7th Dec 2023) aimed at highlighting the cultural richness of villages across the nation.

Developed in partnership with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture, the initiative, known as "Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar", seeks to explore the life, history, and ethos of Indian villages. As a crucial component of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, the project reflects the central government's commitment to document and map the cultural diversity inherent in villages across the country.

Reddy underscored the significance of the MGMD programme in the preservation and promotion of India's cultural heritage. He said, "This initiative aligns with our commitment to safeguarding and celebrating the rich tapestry of Indian heritage. The documentation and mapping of villages under MGMD will serve as a testament to the unique cultural identity that each village contributes to our nation."

The primary objective of the programme is to make this wealth of information accessible to both virtual and real-time visitors, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of India's diverse cultural roots. On July 27, the MGMD programme launched a new web portal for easy access to information by researchers, enthusiasts, and the public.


The collected information is categorized into seven broad categories:

* Arts and Crafts Village
* Ecologically Oriented Village
* Scholastic Village Linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
* Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata, or Puranic legends and oral epics
* Historical Village linked with Local and National History
* Architectural Heritage Village
* Any other characteristic that may need highlighting such as fishing village, horticulture village, shepherding village, etc.

This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough exploration of the cultural nuances that define each village, presenting a holistic picture of India's diverse heritage..


Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   Anumula Revanth Reddy

---

Anumula Revanth Reddy took the oath as the chief minister of Telangana post-1.04pm (7th Dec 2023) at LB Stadium in Hyderabad, three days after the Congress won a huge mandate to form the government in the newest state of the country.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi, and other leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi were present at the swearing-in ceremony.

It was also a show of strength for the opposition bloc INDIA which encountered some hiccups as the Congress witnessed a massive drubbing in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Revanth Reddy became the first Congress chief minister of Telangana and the second chief minister of the state created in 2014 following the bifurcation of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh. Out of 119 assembly seats, the Congress won 64 in a single majority.

PM Modi congratulated Revanth on his swearing-in and assured all possible support for the development of the state. "Congratulations to Shri Revanth Reddy Garu on taking oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana. I assure all possible support to further the progress of the state and the welfare of its citizens. @revanth_anumula," PM Modi tweeted.

Here is a list of MLAs who took oath as ministers on Thursday (7th Dec 2023) as Revanth Reddy became the chief minister of Telangana

* Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu - deputy chief minister

* Nalamada Uttam Kumar Reddy

* C Damodar Rajanarasimha

* Komatireddy Venkat Reddy

* Duddila Sridhar Babu

* Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy

* Poonam Prabhakar

* Konda Surekha

* D Anasuya Seethakka

* Tummala Nageswara Rao

* Jupally Krishna Rao

* Gaddam Prasad Kumar

As Revanth Reddy took the oath only three days after the results were announced, the Congress asked why nobody was questioning the delay in BJP announcing the names of the chief ministers in the three states they have won -- Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.

Revanth Reddy has been credited for the Congress's massive victory in Telangana. Now the new CM has the mountainous task of fulfilling the six promises of the party, one of them being free travel for women in Telangana State Road Transport Corporation buses like in Karnataka..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   Mumbai

---

Mahaparinirvan Diwas pays tribute to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on his death anniversary. This day has been declared as a public holiday in Mumbai and its suburbs as per official notification which states that government and non-government institutions will remain closed on account of Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

* Mumbai traffic police made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth movement of vehicles during ‘Mahaparinirvan Din’ that is 67th death anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar.

* Visitors in large numbers visited Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar from Monday to Thursday to pay homage to Dr Ambedkar. of Mahaparinirvan Diwas. Traffic restrictions were imposed from 6 am on Tuesday and will be in place till 12 am 6th Dec 2023.

* The Swatantryaveer Savarkar Road will remain closed from Siddhivinayak Temple junction to Hinduja Hospital. Moreover, the northbound of S K Bole Road will function as a one-way road from Siddhivinayak Temple junction to Portuguese Church junction, reported PTI. Other roads including Ranade Road, will be closed for vehicles. Restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles on the SV Road-Mahim junction to Hardikar junction are also in place, as informed by officials.

* President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid their respects to Dr BR Ambedkar today. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other parliamentarians also paid homage to the architect of the Constitution at his statue in the Parliament premises today (6th Dec 2023).

परम श्रद्धेय बाबा साहेब डॉ. भीम राव अम्बेडकर जी के महापरिनिर्वाण दिवस पर संसद भवन परिसर में उन्हें भावभीनी पुष्पांजली अर्पित की।#BabaSahebAmbedkar pic.twitter.com/PHOPXh9CjZ

— Om Birla (@ombirlakota) December 6, 2023

Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   1 December 2023

---

* Mr Universe bodybuilder Shaun Davis has died aged just 57 - leaving his family friends “absolutely devastated”.

* Davis, nicknamed “Dinosaur”, won the Mr Universe title in 1996 before kidney problems forced him to retire.

* He received dialysis three times a week before receiving a kidney transplant in 2009 after a three-year wait.

* Davis, from Derbyshire, in east England, weighed a whopping 334lbs at the height of his Mr Universe success.

* He is survived by his partner Helen Burrows and their daughter.

* Tributes poured in for the champion bodybuilder, with Helen sharing a snap of the couple on Facebook.

* Local councillor Richard McRae said: “RIP Shaun Davis, a very well-known and respected gentleman who most definitely put Long Eaton on the map.

* “Shaun was Mr Universe in 1996. He was also Mr. UK, Mr. Britain, Mr. Europe and Mr. Pro Universe.”

* Close friend Kuldeep Bhardwaj said: “Just received terrible news from Helen Burrows the passing of my friend Shaun Davis.

* “I’m absolutely devastated. Rest in Peace my friend.

* “You were a true inspiration right from the day I met you at school, through your amazing bodybuilding years and after.

* “Your smile and laughter will be missed.”

* Davis urged people to sign up to the transplant donor register after his kidney failure ordeal.

* In a 2009 interview, he said: “It really hammers it home, since the transplant, that more and more people are desperate for kidneys.

* “There are people out there who are dying waiting for kidneys.”

* The bodybuilder recounted how his daughter wrote a letter thanking Father Christmas for his new kidney.

* He said: “That broke me to tears because she’s been praying for a kidney for her daddy.

* “She asked for one last Christmas and it didn’t come.”

Born: 15 April 1966
Died: 1 December 2023.



Source : Foxsports

Correct Answer :   Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

---

“It is imperative that patient is administered treatment immediately on suffering a cardiac arrest hence awareness and adequate training for CPR is paramount.” This was stated by Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare as he launched the nation-wide public awareness program organized by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training, here 6th Dec 2023, in the presence of Prof SP Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State and Family Welfare and Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

More than 20 lakh people have participated in this nation-wide campaign 6th Dec 2023. The Union Ministers also participated in the training session at the launch event, following the prescribed guidelines demonstrating the ease and underscoring the importance of the training.

Commending the initiative for providing training to the public regarding cardiac arrest, Dr Mandaviya stated “it is vital that we maintain good heart health and adopt a holistic approach towards health incorporating balanced diet and exercise however, in proximity of someone suffering from cardiac arrest, if one is trained in CPR technique, it will enable us to save lives. This is a very commendable effort and I congratulate it.”

Lauding the initiative and efforts of NBEMS, the Union Health Minister stated “it is of critical importance as the victim of cardiac arrest needs help administered urgently. In light of this, it is crucial that there is heightened awareness amongst the public with adequate knowledge and training, so that we are able to save someone’s life.” He further added, “today NBEMS has conducted this awareness program on a national level which will serve to magnify awareness and enhance the reach of this initiative to the farthest corners of the nation.”

This is the first CPR awareness program in the country that has been conducted on a national level. During this campaign, participants including students, professionals and paramedical staff were given training in a single sitting through an online medium. Praising the public involvement and participation for the training, Dr. Mandaviya encouraged all for undertaking the training citing that “anyone can suffer from cardiac arrest at any given point in time and enhanced knowledge and training will aid in administering the right procedures and save a life.”

Trained doctor present at venues explained the technique of CPR and answered the queries of the participants. NBEMS also issued a certificate of participation to the participants. A video demonstrating the CPR training technique is provided at the following link.

The conference was attended by Dr. Abhijat Sheth, President, NBEMS, Dr Nikhil Tandon, Vice- President, NBEMS, Dr. S N Basu, Member, Governing, Body, NBEMS, Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Member, Governing Body, NBEMS, senior government officials were also present.

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   December 6

---

India observes Mahaparinirvan Divas on December 6 in memory of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar or Dr BR Ambedkar. On April 14, 1891, BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, was born. Dr BR Ambedkar, fondly known as Baba Saheb was a jurist, economist, politician and social reformer who inspired several social movements later.

* Dr BR Ambedkar, who campaigned against social discrimination against Untouchables (Dalits), was the first law minister of independent India.

* In 1990, Dr Ambedkar was conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

* Baba Saheb died on December 6, 1956, after he had converted to Buddhism fulfilling his declaration of "I will not die a Hindu".

Mahaparinirvan Din :

* Mahaparinirvan Din, also known as the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, is observed on December 6th each year. This day marks the death anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar. "Mahaparinirvan" is a Sanskrit term that means the ultimate nirvana or liberation.

* On Mahaparinirvan Din, people pay homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar by organizing various events, including memorial services, discussions, seminars, and cultural programs. Followers and admirers of Ambedkar gather at his memorial sites, such as Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai, to offer floral tributes and remember his contributions to Indian society.

* B.R. Ambedkar was a visionary leader, social reformer, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He played a pivotal role in the upliftment of the oppressed and marginalized sections of society, particularly the Dalits. Ambedkar's efforts to eradicate social inequalities and discrimination are widely recognized, and his teachings inspire movements for social justice and equality.

* Mahaparinirvan Din is a day of remembrance and a time for reflection on the progress made in pursuing Ambedkar's ideals and the challenges that persist in achieving a more just and equitable society. People must renew their commitment to the principles of equality, social justice, and human rights that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated throughout his life.

* Meanwhile,  President Droupadi Murmu recently unveiled a statue of Dr B R Ambedkar in the Supreme Court premises on Constitution Day..

Source : NDTV

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

---

The Indian Army today (5th Dec 2023) held 'Idea and Innovation Competition and Seminar -Inno Yodha 2023' in New Delhi.

* The event aimed at signifying the importance accorded by the Indian Army in embracing modernisation and pursuing technological advancement through indigenization.

* Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande appreciated the creativity and ingenuity of the innovators.

* He encouraged the 'Thinking Warriors' in the Indian Army to continue conceptualising practical and innovative solutions for the nation and Indian Army.

* General Manoj Pande also felicitated twenty-two innovations displayed at the event. .

Source : AIR