National

PMGKAY

• Government has extended the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another five years from 1st of January 2024.
• Under the scheme, 5 kg of free food grains are being provided per month to over 81 crore poor in the country and  Antyodaya households get 35 kg of free food grains per month.

Fast-track Special Courts

• Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Fast Track Special Court (FTSCs) for a further three years.
• It has been extended till 31st March 2026 with financial implications of over 1952 crore rupees.
• The scheme was launched in 2019.

Record-breaking visas to Indian students

• US Embassy and its consulates in India issued a record breaking one lakh forty thousand student visas between October 2022 and September this year.

India Global Forum

• Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed Climate Action Measures at India Global Forum in Dubai on Eve of COP28.

International

'Jaywun'

• In the eco-conscious lead-up to COP28, the UAE proudly showcases 'Jaywun,' its eco-friendly marine research vessel.
• 'Jaywun' actively contributes to the 'Ocean World Discovery' project, emphasizing sustainable practices and ecological awareness.

Economy

Sixteenth Finance Commission

• Union Cabinet chaired by PM, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Terms of Reference for the Sixteenth Finance Commission.
• It will recommend the formula for sharing revenues between the Centre and the States for the five-year period beginning on April 1, 2026.

Defence

AustraHind 2023

• Indian and Australian armed forces conducted Joint Military Exercise AustraHind 2023 in Australia.

Sports

Indian Cricket Team Coach

• BCCI has announced the extension of the contract for head coach Rahul Dravid, along with Paras Mhambrey (Bowling coach), Vikram Rathore (Batting coach) and T. Dilip (Fielding coach).

National Shotgun Championship

• Anantjeet Singh Naruka beat Munek Battula 58-55 to clinch the skeet gold in the 66th National Shotgun Championship.
• Ganemat Sekhon defeated Zahra Mufaddal Deesawala 56-55 for the women’s gold.

 Awards & Honours

IFFI 54

• Indian filmmaker, actor, and writer Rishab Shetty received the special jury award for his groundbreaking  work on 'Kantara' at the prestigious 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Person in News

Henry Kissinger

• Henry Kissinger, former United States Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize winner, passed away.

Miscellaneous

PM JANMAN

• Union Cabinet chaired by PM, Shri Narendra Modi has approved Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) with total outlay of Rs.24,104 crore.
• Prime Minister announced the Abhiyan on Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas from Khunti, Jharkhand.