CURRENT AFFAIRS 04 December, 2024
- INDIAN NAVY DAY 2024 –
- Indian Navy Day, observed annually on December 4, celebrates the valor, accomplishments, and unwavering dedication of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the nation’s maritime borders. It also commemorates the success of Operation Trident during the 1971 Indo-Pak War, a pivotal moment in India’s military history.
- Indian Navy Day is not merely a ceremonial observance; it is a tribute to the brave personnel of the Indian Navy who tirelessly defend the nation’s maritime sovereignty. The day acknowledges their sacrifices and celebrates their unparalleled skill in maintaining security across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- India’s coastline stretches over 7,500 kilometers, and its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spans more than 2 million square kilometers. The Indian Navy ensures the protection of these vast maritime assets, fortifying India’s position as a major regional power.
- MAJOR DHYAN CHAND’S DEATH ANNIVERSARY –
- The death anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, India’s legendary hockey player, is observed on December 3. Known as the “Hockey Wizard,” he won three Olympic gold medals and left an unforgettable legacy in sports.
- His remarkable skills and dedication continue to inspire hockey players and sports enthusiasts worldwide.
- Dhyan Chand was born on August 29, 1905, in Allahabad, India. His talent for hockey was noticed early in his life, and he joined the Indian Army in 1922. His career took off after a successful tour with the army hockey team in New Zealand in 1926, where he impressed everyone with his skills.
- HARIMAU SHAKTI 2024: INDIA-MALAYSIA MILITARY DRILL –
- The 4th edition of the India-Malaysia Joint Military Exercise, HARIMAU SHAKTI, commenced on December 2, 2024, at Bentong Camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.
- This exercise, scheduled to run until December 15, 2024, is an annual event designed to enhance the military cooperation between the two nations.
- The exercise will focus on improving the ability of both forces to undertake joint counterinsurgency operations in jungle terrain, aligned with the United Nations Chapter VII Mandate.
- UNESCO DECLARES WEST BENGAL A TOP HERITAGE TOURISM DESTINATION –
- West Bengal’s tourism sector has received international recognition with UNESCO declaring it a top destination for heritage tourism.
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the state’s significant progress in religious, heritage, and tea tourism.
- This development has not only boosted tourism but also generated employment for thousands of youth.
- West Bengal’s focus on enhancing iconic religious sites and heritage spots is driving its tourism to new heights, fostering job creation, and making it a key player in India’s tourism landscape.
- INDIA’S FIRST VERTICAL LIFT RAIL BRIDGE: THE NEW PAMBAN BRIDGE –
- The New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, is replacing the 105-year-old Pamban Bridge to enhance connectivity between the Indian mainland and Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu.
- This state-of-the-art bridge is a leap in railway infrastructure, designed for speed, safety, and modern train compatibility.
- The 2.05 km long bridge, built at a cost of Rs 535 crore by RVNL, features a fully automated vertical lift span that provides 22 meters of air clearance for ships. It’s designed to handle double tracks and supports high-speed trains.
- The original Pamban Bridge, constructed in 1914, was decommissioned in December 2022 due to corrosion, and the new bridge is set to replace it after several years of development. Construction began in February 2020, and the project faced delays due to the pandemic, with completion expected by June 30, 2024.