The Information & Broadcasting Ministry, in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI), has officially launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest. 

• It aims to nurture local talent and tap into the growing interest in Japanese manga and anime among Indian audiences.
• I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the Create in India Challenge - Season One in Delhi on August 22. 

WAM! Objective

WAM! aims to tap into the burgeoning consumption of manga and anime in India by organizing state-level competitions in 11 cities, culminating in a grand national finale in Delhi.

The event seeks to establish a strong platform for creative expression, offering substantial marketing support and opportunities for international recognition.

The Border Security Force is celebrating its 60th Raising Day after it came into being in 1965. The BSF raising day is celebrated on 1 December every year.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his warm wishes to the Border Security Force (BSF) on their Raising Day.
• He described the BSF as a vital part of India’s defence system, showcasing unmatched bravery, dedication, and commitment to service.  
• The BSF while marking its day has stated that the force remains committed to their moto. “As #BSFturns60 today, we, the Seema Prahari, proudly rededicate ourselves to the service of our Nation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold our motto.” 
• The BSF is the world’s largest border-guarding force securing the 6,386.36 km long International Borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. 
• On the occasion of its Raising Day, the Border Security Force reiterated its commitment to the nation and its motto ‘lifelong duty’.

Amara Raja Infra has completed construction of India's first green hydrogen fuelling station in Leh, Ladakh, for NTPC Ltd. 

• Union Minister for Power and Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal inaugurated the facility.
• The fuelling station project with a capacity of producing GH2 of 80kg per day was completed in two years, at extreme conditions at a height of 3,400 meters above sea level with temperatures varying between -25°Celsius to 30°Celsius.
• The landmark project will enable emission-free transport in and around Leh - making India among the few countries to take the lead in the green mobility space, 

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi launched an online learning platform for the Indian Army nicknamed as "Eklavya".

• This initiative aligns with the Indian Army propelling itself into the "Decade of Transformation" as envisioned by the COAS and also with Indian Army's theme for 2024 as the "Year of Technology Absorption," a release said.
• The Eklavya software platform has been developed under the aegis of Headquarters Army Training Command with Army War College as the sponsor agency.
• The platform has been developed at zero cost through "Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics" (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar, along with support from Directorate General of Information Systems.

Ian Redpath, one of Australia's most respected opening batters, has passed away at the age of 83, having represented Australia in 66 Test matches and five ODIs between 1964 and 1976.

• Born in Geelong, Victoria, Redpath made an immediate impact on the international stage on his Test debut against South Africa in 1964, dismissed for 97 at the MCG.
• Redpath was celebrated for his technical skill, particularly his precise judgment of the off-stump and his ability to navigate short-pitched bowling in an era before helmets.
• His contributions extended beyond individual performances; he served as vice-captain to both Ian and Greg Chappell and played a pivotal mentoring role in Greg's debut century in the 1970-71 Ashes series.

Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi has become the second Indian after legendary Viswanathan Anand to cross the gold-standard 2800 ELO ratings.

• Arjun achieved the elusive feat after beating Russia’s Dmitry Andreikin in the fifth round of the European Chess Club Cup 2024 while playing for the Alkaloid team.
• He achieved the win with White Pieces and has also become the World No.3 in the live rating list.
• Arjun has become the second Indian and 16th overall to touch the elusive feat.
• He is the youngest Indian to cross the barrier. 

Sri Lanka's consumer prices fell by 2.1 percent in November, the highest deflation rate recorded by the economically fragile island nation since 1961, official data showed Saturday( 01 December 2024)

• An unprecedented financial crash in 2022 brought months of consumer goods shortages, with inflation peaking at nearly 70 percent that year.
• Since then, a $2.9 billion bailout loan from the International Monetary Fund, tax hikes and other austerity measures have slowly made headway in repairing the island's economy.
• The bank said inflation was likely to return to its target level of five percent in the coming months.
• Sri Lanka had already seen deflation of 0.8 percent in October and 0.5 percent in September.

Arunachal Pradesh celebrated a transformative milestone with the launch of Mission Arun Himveer and a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB).

• This initiative aims to empower local farmers by establishing direct market linkages, allowing ITBP to procure fresh produce directly from them.
• Officials highlighted that this collaboration will benefit farmers, enhance food security, and reduce wastage, marking a significant step towards self-sufficiency in the region.
• The primary stakeholders in this initiative include the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB), and local farmers.
• The collaboration was initiated by proposals made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team, reflecting a commitment to agricultural development in the state.

Mission Overview

Mission Arun Himveer is designed to create sustainable market linkages for farmers in Arunachal Pradesh. The MoU signed between ITBP and APAMB facilitates the procurement of fresh, locally-grown produce directly from farmers, addressing previous challenges related to market access and produce wastage.

The inaugural edition of the Joint Tabletop Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army officially began today at the Foreign Training Node in Pune. The exercise will run from December 1st to 8th, 2024.

• The Cambodian Army delegation consists of 20 personnel, while the Indian Army is represented by 20 soldiers from an Infantry Brigade.
• The exercise aims to foster enhanced cooperation and mutual understanding between the two armed forces through simulated scenarios, focusing on operational coordination, crisis management, and strategic decision-making.
• The event marks a significant milestone in strengthening defense ties between India and Cambodia.
• Exercise CINBAX is a specialized planning exercise designed to simulate the conduct of joint Counter-Terrorism (CT) operations in accordance with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• The primary objective of the exercise is to enhance coordination between the Indian and Cambodian armies in addressing common security challenges.

Jay Shah, the outgoing secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), officially assumed the role of International Cricket Council (ICC) Chair on December 1, succeeding Greg Barclay, who vacated the position on Saturday ( 1 December 2024).

• In his inaugural statement, Shah expressed gratitude to the ICC Directors and Member Boards, while laying out his vision for his tenure.
• He emphasised making cricket more popular worldwide and preparing for the sport’s inclusion in the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
• Shah also highlighted the need to accelerate the growth of the women’s game. 
• Shah’s first and perhaps biggest challenge as ICC Chair will be finding an amicable solution for the ongoing Champions Trophy issue between BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board.

Known for acclaimed performances in '12th Fail', Actor Vikrant Massey has announced his decision to retire from acting post next year. 

His note read, "Hello, The last few years and beyond have been phenomenal. I thank each and every one of you for your indelible support. But as I move forward, I realise it's time to recalibrate and go back home. As a Husband, Father & a Son. And also as an Actor.”

• 'The Sabarmati Report', and 'Sector 36', the 37-year-old actor shared the news through an emotional Instagram post on Monday ( 2 December).,
• Vikrant, who will be seen in 'Zero Se Restart' took everyone by surprise when he released a statement sharing that he planned to step back from acting after 2025.
• According to reports, Vikrant is currently busy with 'Yaar Jigri' and 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'.

Nagaland commemorated its 62nd Statehood Day at the civil secretariat plaza in Kohima Sunday( 1 December) with chief minister Neiphiu Rio reflecting on the enduring sentiment of peace for development.

• The northeastern state of Nagaland was formed on this day in 1963.
• Extending the statehood day greetings to the people of the state, Rio appealed to every citizen to strive together to take the state to greater heights.
• President Droupadi Murmu, PM Narendra Modi greeted the people of Nagaland on their statehood day.

US President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Indian-American Pentagon official Kashyap "Kash" Patel as FBI director.

• Mr Patel, a Trump loyalist, has been a vocal advocate of dismantling what he refers to as the "deep state" within the US government. 
• "Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People" said Trump.
• Mr Patel rose to prominence during Mr Trump's first term and was part of the House Republicans' investigation into the FBI's handling of the Russia probe.

About Kash Patel

Mr Patel was born in Queens, New York, to parents of Gujarati descent who emigrated from East Africa. After earning his law degree, Mr Patel worked as a public defender in Florida, representing clients in state and federal courts. He later joined the Department of Justice as a prosecutor, handling high-profile international terrorism cases across East Africa and the United States.