India, France, and the UAE conducted a major air combat exercise, “Desert Knight,” in December 2024 over the Arabian Sea. Key Highlights
Category: International
Neanderthals
According to a recent report, Neanderthals went extinct roughly 39,000 years ago, but their legacy lives on in the genomes of most people on Earth, thanks to interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals. Key points
Kanlaon volcano
In the Philippines, around 87,000 people were evacuated after Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island erupted, sending an ash plume and hot gas down its slopes. The Kanlaon volcano is one of two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines and is Read More …
Romania, Bulgaria to join Schengen area on January 1, 2025
Romania and Bulgaria are set to fully join the European Union border-free Schengen Area on January 1, 2025. Key points The Schengen Area was founded on 26 March 1995. The border-free Schengen Area guarantees free movement to more than 425 Read More …
D. Gukesh becomes youngest World chess champion
Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh on December 12 became the youngest chess champion in the world. Key points Process of World Chess Championship
ILO releases Social Dialogue Report
The Social Dialogue Report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was released in Geneva on December 11, 2024. The report is focused on ‘peak-level social dialogue’ (PLSD). The report is prepared based on case studies, industrial relations data, a global Read More …
Jubaland region
Somali troops have retreated from positions in the semi-autonomous southern Jubaland region following clashes with regional forces.
FAO’s Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils report 2024
The FAO’s Global Status of Salt-Affected Soils report, released on December 11, 2024, sheds light on the critical issue of soil salinity and its impact on global land use, agriculture, and food security. Definitions Key Findings: Causes of Soil Salinisation: Read More …
Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA)
The United Kingdom (UK) has joined the US-Bahrain Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) which aims to build long-term security and stability across the Middle East. About C-SIPA
Cité Soleil and Voodoo
At least 110 people were massacred in a slum in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The incident came after a gang leader appeared to have targeted people he suspected of causing his child’s illness through witchcraft. Key points
Madhav Gadgil gets 2024 U.N. Champions of the Earth award
The United Nations (un) has recognized Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil with the 2024 Champions of the Earth award, the UN’s most prestigious environmental honor. Key Contributions: About Champions of the Earth Award:
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS)
The long-standing Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has undergone a dramatic shift in recent days. After years of stalemate, the situation has culminated in the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Timeline of Recent Events Hayat Tahrir al-Sham Read More …
Stealth frigate INS Tushil commissioned into Indian Navy in Russia
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on December 9 commissioned the Indian Navy’s latest multi-role stealth guided missile frigate, the INS Tushil, at Yantar Shipyard in Russia’s Kaliningrad. The ship is a big proof of the collaborative prowess of Russian and Indian Read More …
Archbishop George Jacob Koovakkad
Kerala-born Archbishop George Jacob Koovakkad from Changanassery Archdiocese was elevated to the rank of Cardinal of the Catholic Church along with 20 others from across the world by Pope Francis on 7th December 2024.
Payal Kapadia gets Golden Globe Nominations for All We Imagine As Light
Filmmaker Payal Kapadia has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian director to be nominated for the Best Director (Motion Picture) category at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards for her film All We Imagine As Light.