Current Affairs - December 4, 2024 Current Affairs

Ratapani Tiger Reserve, located near Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, has been designated as India's 57th tiger reserve. Spanning 1,271.4 sq. km, it includes a core zone and buffer zone to support wildlife conservation. This marks Madhya Pradesh’s 8th tiger reserve, home to over 70 tigers. The initiative enhances conservation efforts, promotes tourism, and creates local employment opportunities. Although approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority 17 years ago, its formal notification is a significant step in protecting India's tiger population.

The Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (HEP), with an investment of Rs 17.5 billion, is planned to be built in Shi Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative is a significant step towards enhancing the state's energy infrastructure and aligning with India’s renewable energy objectives. The strategic location and investment underline its importance in bolstering the region's power capacity and contribution to sustainable development.

The eMaap portal, launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs, is designed to focus on Trade & Consumer Protection. It centralizes legal metrology processes and integrates state departments into a unified system, allowing businesses to apply for licenses, approvals, and registrations online. This initiative enhances transparency, compliance, and efficiency, facilitating ease of doing business in India.

China opened its first atmospheric monitoring station in Antarctica, the Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station, located in East Antarctica’s Larsmann Hills. The station will monitor climate changes and support global climate action by observing atmospheric component concentration changes. This marks a significant step in China’s scientific research and environmental monitoring efforts in the region. India also has stations in Antarctica, including Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati, which contribute to climate-related research.

South Korea recently witnessed a significant political event when President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, citing “anti-state behaviour” and “pro-North” sympathies within the opposition Democratic Party. The decree faced strong opposition, with 190 out of 300 lawmakers voting to overturn it. This led to the president’s cabinet reversing the decree within hours, showcasing the robust democratic framework and the role of parliamentary oversight in South Korea.

The term 'Brain Rot' was chosen as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, reflecting a 230% surge in its usage between 2023 and 2024. Defined as "mental deterioration caused by overconsumption of trivial or low-quality online content," the phrase highlights rising concerns about the intellectual impact of digital overindulgence. Its first recorded use dates back to 1854 in Thoreau's Walden, emphasizing its enduring relevance amidst evolving societal challenges.

Indian Navy Day is observed annually on December 4 to commemorate the decisive naval operations during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War, particularly the successful attack on Karachi. This day celebrates the Indian Navy's role in ensuring maritime security and its dedication to upholding regional peace and stability. It serves as a tribute to the Navy's valour and strategic contributions to India's defence.

The Indian Navy showcased its operational capabilities at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha, during the Navy Day event on December 4, 2024. The demonstration highlighted the Navy's ability to neutralize threats across air, surface, and subsurface within a 300 km radius, with over 3,500 personnel and 90,000 tons of naval assets involved. This event emphasized the Navy’s strength and its commitment to safeguarding national maritime security.

The 'Nano Bubble Technology' was launched in New Delhi’s National Zoological Park by Union Minister of State for Forest, Environment, and Climate, Sh. Kirti Vardhan Singh. This innovative technology aims to clean and purify water, ensuring the health of aquatic animals by preventing issues such as foul smells, algae buildup, and discolouration. Currently, it is being tested on a 15-day trial basis, marking a step forward in improving zoo water ecosystems.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a veteran leader of the ruling SWAPO party, became Namibia’s first female president after securing 57% of the votes in the eighth presidential election. At 72, she has had a long and impactful political career since Namibia's independence in 1990, having served in key roles such as Vice President and foreign minister. Her leadership marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s political history and gender representation.

The International Day of Banks is celebrated annually on December 4 to recognize the vital role that banks play in driving sustainable growth, improving living standards, and stabilizing economies. This day also highlights the contributions of multilateral development banks and international institutions in financing sustainable development. The United Nations General Assembly officially designated this day through resolution 74/245 in 2019. It underscores the indispensable role of banking systems in ensuring access to financial resources and fostering economic opportunities.