Current affairs 04 December 2024

Asia’s 1st water transport service "Uber Shikara" launched on Dal Lake.

• Uber Shikara: Asia’s first water transport service, launched on Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, offering tourists pre-booked shikara rides through the Uber app.
• The service partners with seven local shikara operators and ensures fair pricing, without charging any fees from the operators.
• Each shikara accommodates up to four passengers, with rides available between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

India to Host First Women's T20 World Cup for Blind.

• India awarded hosting rights for the first Women's T20 World Cup for Blind Cricket in 2025, confirmed at the World Blind Cricket Council's (WBCC) Annual General Meeting in Multan.
• Pakistan's matches will be played in Nepal or Sri Lanka due to a hybrid model.
• India's withdrawal from the Men's T20 World Cup in Pakistan due to security issues highlighted in the development.

Luxury Tent City for Mahakumbh 2025 to come up in UP.

• Uttar Pradesh government plans a luxury tent city in Prayagraj for Mahakumbh 2025, featuring over 2,000 Swiss cottage-style tents to accommodate the expected 45 crore devotees.
• The project, led by UPSTDC, will offer world-class accommodations in 4 categories, ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 35000 per day.
• The tent city will include modern amenities, yoga sessions, cultural events, & river views.

Govt Withdraws Windfall Tax on Oil Products, Easing Burden.

• The government has withdrawn the windfall tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), crude oil, petrol, and diesel, providing relief to oil companies like Reliance Industries and ONGC.
• The move eliminated the Special Additional Excise Duty.
• Windfall tax is a tax levied by governments against certain industries when economic conditions allow those industries to experience above-average profits.

Maria Victoria Juan Wins Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024.

• Nurse Maria Victoria Juan from the Philippines wins the Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award 2024, receiving INR 2 Crore.
• She was chosen from a pool of 78,000 nurses across 202 countries.
• The award was presented in Bengaluru by notable figures including Dr. Azad Moopen, Health Minister Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao, and actress Sonali Bendre.