Current affairs 02 December 2024

Sangam, surrounding areas declared "Mahakumbh Mela dist".

• Ahead of the Mahakumbh-2025, the Sangam and its surrounding areas have been officially designated as the Mahakumbh Mela district.
• Uttar Pradesh will now have 76 districts instead of 75.
• Bew district includes Sangam, four surrounding tehsils, and 67 designated areas.
• With this, now there are 5 districts in Prayagraj division: Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Mahakumbh Mela.

Coal Production Achieves Milestone in November 2024.

• Overall coal production in November 2024 reached 90.62 MT, marking a 7.20% growth from 84.52 MT in November 2023.
• Cumulative production for 2024-25 up to November stands at 628.03 MT, reflecting a 6.21% growth compared to 591.32 MT in 2023-24.
• The Coal Ministry remains focused on boosting production, dispatch efficiency, and ensuring seamless availability to meet energy demands.

India to join 197 nations at UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh.

• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) will begin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• This is the first time West Asia is hosting this crucial environmental conference.
• India will join representatives from 197 nations at this milestone event, which coincides with UNCCD’s 30th anniversary.
• Theme: Our Land. Our Future.

UPI Hits Record High in October 2024.

• UPI processed 16.58 billion transactions, amounting to ₹23.49 lakh crore in October 2024, marking a 45% YoY growth.
• UPI is operational in 7 countries, including UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, and Mauritius.
• The UPI was launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India.
• It fosters a shift towards a cashless economy, ensuring fast, secure, and seamless payments.

Telangana to Implement Rythu Bharosa Scheme.

• Telangana CM announced Rythu Bharosa scheme to start, promising ₹15,000/acre yearly aid, surpassing ₹10,000 under Rythu Bandhu.
• Congress government waived crop loans of ₹20,616 crore, benefiting 25.35 lakh farmers.
• State also supports farmers with free electricity, fertiliser subsidies, and MSP policies.