Current Affairs - December 7, 2024 Current Affairs

The Copernicus Sentinel-1C satellite, part of a mission to provide high-resolution radar images for monitoring Earth’s environment, was launched aboard the Vega-C rocket. The launch took place from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This satellite enhances the Sentinel-1 series' capabilities, supporting scientific research, environmental monitoring, and maritime traffic tracking. The choice of Vega-C reflects its reliability and suitability for deploying advanced Earth observation satellites.

The Himachal Pradesh government is introducing 'Himbhog', a maize flour brand produced through natural farming. This initiative involves the procurement of over 4,000 quintals of maize from 1,506 farmer families practicing natural farming. Major contributions come from Solan, Chamba, and Mandi districts. This initiative aims to promote sustainable farming practices and enhance the income of local farmers while also emphasizing natural, eco-friendly production methods.

International Cheetah Day is observed every year on December 4 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by cheetahs, including habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Established by the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), the day honours Khayam, a cheetah cub rescued by Dr. Laurie Marker. It highlights the importance of cheetah conservation efforts and encourages global participation in protecting this critically endangered species. With fewer than 7,000 cheetahs remaining in the wild, the day aims to inspire actions such as habitat restoration and breeding programs.

India has been selected to chair the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) for the first time. Shambhu Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna, has assumed this significant role. The CND is a crucial policy-making body tasked with monitoring global drug trends and assisting Member States in formulating balanced and effective drug-related policies, highlighting India's leadership in international policymaking on critical issues.

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually on December 7 in India to honour the sacrifices and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Established on December 7, 1949, by the Defence Ministry, this day is significant for collecting funds through the distribution of symbolic flags to support the welfare of armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families. It serves as a reminder of their valour and fosters unity, patriotism, and gratitude among civilians toward those who safeguard the nation's security.

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) received the 3rd PSU Transformation Award for "Innovative Product Development" for its Firm, Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) supply model designed for DISCOMs. This model ensures tailored renewable energy solutions to meet the specific demands of states and DISCOMs. The award, presented in New Delhi on December 5, 2024, recognizes SECI's innovative approach to advancing sustainable energy and addressing challenges in the renewable energy sector.

Nafithromycin is India’s first homegrown macrolide antibiotic, marking a significant milestone in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR poses a severe global health threat, contributing to 6 lakh deaths annually in India alone. Developed after 30 years of research, Nafithromycin received ₹8 crore funding from BIRAC under the Biotech Industry Program for Phase 3 trials. This innovation highlights India's progress in antibiotic development and its commitment to addressing the AMR crisis.

Shammi Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket, has been appointed as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). He brings a wealth of experience, having previously chaired the ACC Finance & Marketing Committee. Silva acknowledged the significant achievements of outgoing President Jay Shah, including securing record commercial rights for the ACC Asia Cup 2024–31 and introducing new event structures, signalling a promising tenure ahead for the ACC.

International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is celebrated annually on December 7 to honour the significant role of civil aviation in fostering global development. The day was first celebrated in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Chicago Convention, which established international regulations for civil aviation. In 1996, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed December 7 as International Civil Aviation Day, highlighting aviation's crucial impact on economic progress, global connectivity, and cultural exchange.

The OECD has revised its GDP growth forecast for India in FY25 to 6.8%, up from an earlier projection of 6.6%. This positive outlook is attributed to strong investments, credit growth, and improved agricultural output. While export growth remains subdued, public infrastructure spending and private investment are expected to sustain growth at 6.9% in subsequent years. Notably, the business sector's profits have reached a 15-year high relative to GDP, reflecting robust economic momentum.

The UN General Assembly has declared December 21 as World Meditation Day, a resolution co-sponsored by India. This day emphasizes the importance of meditation in fostering inner peace, reducing stress, and achieving overall well-being. The date, which coincides with the Winter Solstice, is considered significant in Indian tradition for reflection and spiritual growth. The initiative complements the International Day of Yoga, observed on June 21, showcasing India's leadership in promoting wellness practices globally. Meditation's benefits are scientifically backed, and this resolution aims to encourage its global adoption for holistic health.

The sex ratio at birth (SRB) in India has improved significantly, rising from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24, as per provisional data from the Health Management Information System. This improvement reflects ongoing efforts to address gender disparity through social and policy initiatives. Additionally, the national gross enrollment ratio of girls in secondary education has also seen an increase, highlighting progress in education access and gender equality across rural and urban areas.

SBI Card has surpassed 20 million credit cards in circulation, marking a significant achievement in its growth since its inception in 1998. The company maintained an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% in card issuance and 26% in spending from FY19 to FY24. Despite being the second-largest issuer in India, following HDFC Bank, SBI Card continues to show strong growth, supported by innovations, customer-centric services, and expanding market reach across urban and rural areas. This milestone solidifies SBI Card's leadership in the competitive credit card industry.