Environment
94 out of 100 most polluted cities in India, China and Pakistan
According to air quality tracker ‘IQAir’, air pollution is estimated to cost the global economy upwards of USD 2.9 trillion each year because of fossil fuel emissions alone.
According to IQAir data, India has 46 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities in 2020 followed by China with 42 cities and Pakistan with 6 cities.
IQAir is a Swiss air quality technology company that specializes in protection against airborne pollutants, air cleaning products, and developing air quality monitoring.
Quick Facts: In 2020, Hotan city in China’s Xinjiang province had the worst average air quality with 110.2.
Defense
Sagar Shakti Exercise conducted in Kutch Peninsula
The Sagar Shakti Exercise was held recently in the creek sector of the Kutch peninsula for four days.
The exercise witnessed participation of the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, Gujarat Police, Border Security Force, and the Marine Police.
During the exercise, capability and readiness of India to confront any multidimensional security threat were elaborately tested.
Quick Facts: Sir Creek was originally called Ban Ganga.
International Affairs
US invites Taiwan to its Summit for Democracy
US President Joe Biden has invited Taiwan along with more than 100 countries for a virtual summit.
The first-ever “Summit for Democracy” is scheduled to take place online on December 9 and 10, 2021 is being organized because democracy has suffered setbacks across different countries.
The US did not invite China and Russia into this meeting.
Quick Facts: Taipei is the capital of Taiwan.
Government Schemes
Bharat Gaurav scheme launched by Indian Railways
The Indian Railways has launched a new scheme called ‘Bharat Gaurav Scheme’ allowing private tour operators to take trains on lease from railways.
Private operators would also get the freedom to decide routes, fares, and quality of services on the trains.
Anyone including trusts, societies, consortia, and even state government can apply to lease these trains and run them on special theme-based tourism circuits.
Quick Facts: Indian Railways was founded on 16 April 1853.
Sports
Tamil Nadu defeats Karnataka to win Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
In cricket, Tamil Nadu has lifted the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy defeating Karnataka after chasing a target of 152.
The match was held in the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
Tamil Nadu has won the trophy for the third time having previously won in 2006-07 and 2020-21.
Quick Facts: The Madras High Court building is the second biggest judicial structure in the world.
Person in News
Abdalla Hamdok reappointed as Sudan’s PM
Sudan’s removed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok who was reappointed after signing a political declaration to end the current political crisis by Hamdok and Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan.
Hamdok and Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan are the general commanders of the Sudanese Armed Force.
Before becoming the PM, Hamdok worked for the UN Economic Commission for Africa and the African Development Bank.
Quick Facts: Khartoum is the capital of Sudan.
Miscellaneous
International Emmy Awards 2021 announced
The 2021 International Emmy Awards was the 49th edition of the annual ceremony held in New York City.
The award recognizes excellence in television programs produced and aired originally outside the US and non-English language US primetime programs.
The Best Actor and Actress have been awarded to David Tennant for Des (UK) and Hayley Squires for Adult Material (UK) respectively.
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