1 ‘Brain rot’ becomes the word of the year for 2024
Oxford University has chosen the word describing the habit of mindlessly scrolling for hours on social media platforms as the ‘ Word of the Year ‘ for 2024. It is called ‘ Brain Rot ‘. This word reflects the negative effect on the brain due to constant viewing of content on social media. Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl said that this word reveals the dangers of virtual life. Accepting it as the Word of the Year presents a true picture of the present times. Brain rot was used by Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden in 1854 , before the advent of the Internet . He questioned the habit of society that gives less importance to complex thoughts. He wrote, ‘England is trying to save potatoes from rotting, but why is no effort being made to cure brain rot?’ This word first became popular on social media among Jane G (born 1997-2012) and Jane Alpha (born after 2013) .
2 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurated the Centenary Pillar at ICAR, Mumbai
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated the Centenary Pillar at ICAR in Mumbai . ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology is celebrating its Centenary Day. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice President said that India has become the fifth largest economy in the world and is on its way to becoming the third largest economy. He emphasized that farmers will play an important role in this progress. Established in 1924, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology is one of the initial institutes of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. The Institute provides vital technical support to the cotton breeding programme of the country for improved productivity and development of quality varieties to suit the needs of the industry along with basic and strategic research in cotton quality assessment, agro-residue processing and development of value-added products.
3 Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the new criminal laws to the nation in Chandigarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the successful implementation of three transformative new criminal laws – Indian Justice Code, Indian Civil Protection Code and Indian Evidence Act in Chandigarh . The three laws were conceptualised by the Prime Minister’s vision to do away with colonial-era laws that continued to exist even after Independence and to transform the judicial system by shifting the focus from punishment to justice. With this in mind, the core theme of the programme is ” Safe Society, Developed India – From Dand Se Nyay Tak “. The new criminal laws, which will be implemented across the country on July 1, 2024, aim to make India’s justice system more transparent, efficient and adaptable to the needs of contemporary society. These landmark reforms mark a historic shift in India’s criminal justice system, introducing new structures to deal with modern challenges such as cybercrime, organised crime and to ensure justice for victims of various crimes.
4 Under the Supply Chain Strengthening Agreement, a Supply Chain Council was formed, with the US as the Chairperson and India as the Vice-Chairperson
India signed the Supply Chain Resilience Agreement (Pillar-II) in November 2023 under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) , a 14-member multilateral grouping in the region . The agreement aims to strengthen supply chains critical to national security and economic stability. The agreement came into force on February 24, 2024. Under the agreement, a Supply Chain Council (SCC) has been established, with the US as its chair and India as its vice chair. IPEF participants represent about 40 per cent of global GDP and 28 per cent of global goods and services trade, making it crucial for international trade engagement. The agreement seeks to strengthen economic, commercial and trade ties between enterprises in the parties’ economies and improve supply chain resilience in critical sectors.
5 On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 , the President of India presented National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to 33 exemplary individuals and institutions in New Delhi
On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024 , President of India Smt. Draupadi Murmu presented National Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to 33 exemplary individuals and institutions in New Delhi . The ceremony celebrated the resolve, dedication and empowerment of persons with disabilities and honoured their courage and achievements. The event was attended by students with disabilities, family members of the awardees, senior diplomats, industry partners, other dignitaries and officials of the Department.
6 Belgium became the first country to provide maternity leave, pension, health insurance to sex workers
Belgium has become the first country in the world where sex workers will now be able to take maternity leave . A new law has come into force in the country from December 1, under which sex workers will have the right to get sick leave, health insurance and pension . Belgian MPs voted for these rights of sex workers in the month of May itself. This includes giving them protection like other employed people. In the new law, sex workers have been given legal protection in many cases. They will be officially given employment contracts. This is being seen as an attempt to prevent abuse and exploitation against sex workers. Under the new law, sex workers will have the right to refuse a sexual partner or do sexual activity in a limited way. Also, during intercourse, they will be able to stop the sexual act at any time. They will not be fired from work for these reasons.
7 Accessible India campaign completes 9 years
The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan is also known as the Sulabh Bharat Abhiyan . This campaign is celebrating its ninth anniversary . The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, or Accessible India Campaign, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 December 2015, the International Day of Disabled Persons. . This transformative initiative aims to build an accessible and inclusive India for persons with disabilities. The Abhiyan focuses on improving infrastructure, transport and making public spaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. The Abhiyan also focuses on raising awareness about the rights and needs of persons with disabilities. From providing accessible public transport to inclusive educational initiatives, the Abhiyan has enabled crores of persons with disabilities to live with dignity and respect.
8 European Space Agency’s PROBA-3 mission will be launched from Sriharikota Space Center
The European Space Agency ‘s Proba-3 mission will be launched from the Sriharikota Space Center at around 4 pm on Wednesday . In this regard, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) announced this in a post on the social media platform X. ISRO said that the launch of PSLV-C59 / Proba-3 mission satellites will take place on December 4 at 4:06 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh . In this mission, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C59 will carry satellites weighing about 550 kg into a highly elliptical orbit. The Proba-3 mission is an ” In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD) Mission ” by the European Space Agency (ESA). ESA said that ‘Proba-3’ will study the outermost and hottest layer of the Sun’s corona. ISRO’s commercial arm New Space India Limited has received this order from the European Space Agency. The Proba-3 satellites will split into two after reaching orbit.
9 Atal Innovation Mission and Swedish Embassy celebrate SISTAM 2024
Atal Innovation Mission and the Science and Innovation Office at the Embassy of Sweden , in partnership with Nordic partners – Innovation Norway, Innovation Centre Denmark and Business Finland, concluded SheSTEM 2024 successfully. This annual initiative celebrates the contribution of women in STEM and acts as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of innovators while encouraging young minds to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. SheSTEM 2024 was not just a competition but also a platform for students to engage with important STEM topics and contribute to global sustainability efforts. The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration and teamwork and highlighted the power of collective innovation in solving today’s challenges.
10 Emergency martial law declared in South Korea, soldiers entered the National Assembly complex under martial law
South Korea ‘s President Yoon Suk-yol has declared emergency martial law in the country . Following the decision, soldiers were seen in several parts of the country scuffling with large numbers of people who were trying to prevent their entry, while more people, including civilians and journalists, gathered outside the complex in a standoff with parliamentary guards and police. President Yoon Suk-yol announced martial law in an unscheduled late-night address, accusing the opposition of ” anti-state activities and plotting rebellion “. His announcement marks a dramatic escalation in the country’s political turmoil. The move comes at a time when disagreements remain between the president’s People’s Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party over next year’s budget bill. A few months ago, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung warned that it could lead the country to dictatorship, pointing to historical examples of abuse of martial law.
11 India’s Pawan Kampeli won the first medal in the e-football event of the Asian E-Sports Games
India’s Pawan Kampeli has won the bronze medal in the e-football event at the 2024 Asian Esports Games in Bangkok, Thailand . This is India’s first medal in the Asian Esports Games . Pawan defeated Indonesia’s Asgard Azizi 2-1. Pawan is also known as ‘ Mr. Tomboy ‘. Pawan won the Waves Esports Championship 2025 for efootball last month.
12 40 years of Bhopal Gas Tragedy
Bhopal gas tragedy happened on 3rd December 1984. On 2nd December at 8:30 pm, the air of Bhopal , the capital of Madhya Pradesh, was turning poisonous. As night fell and the 3rd date arrived, the air became deadly. The reason was the leakage of methyl isocyanate gas from the Union Carbide factory . The reason for the gas leak was the mixing of poisonous methyl isocyanate gas with water in tank number 610. This created pressure in the tank and it opened. The gas released from this killed thousands. It disabled lakhs of people, the effects of which can be seen even today. The main accused of this accident was Warren Anderson , who was the CEO of this company. Anderson was also arrested on 6th December 1984, but the very next day on 7th December, he was sent to Delhi by a government plane and from there he went to America. After this Anderson never returned to India. The court had declared him absconding. Anderson died on 29th September 2014 at the age of 93 in Vero Beach, Florida.
13 International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024
International Day of Disabled Persons (IDPD) is celebrated every year on 3 December . This day reminds of the global commitment to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and create equal opportunities for all. This year’s theme is ” Promoting leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future “. In India, the word Divyaang is used instead of Viklang. Let us tell you that 16% of the global population is of persons with disabilities, yet they generally face many obstacles.