Current Affairs - December 10, 2024 Current Affairs

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with Flipkart to support Indian startups. This partnership will provide startups with access to government reports, datasets, and fast-track patent applications, as well as support for prototype development and international expansion. Flipkart will leverage its $100 million venture fund under the Leap and Ventures initiative to mentor and invest in these startups.

Dubai unveiled the world’s largest gold bar, weighing 300.12 kg and valued at ₹211 crore ($25 million), at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension. Crafted by the Emirates Minting Factory, the bar took 8-10 hours to create, adhering to Guinness World Records standards. This record-breaking achievement showcases Dubai’s innovation and leadership in the global gold and luxury trade, solidifying its status as a hub of excellence in the precious metals industry.

Kush Maini made history by becoming the first Indian to win the FIA Formula 2 Constructors' World Championship in Abu Dhabi. His exceptional season included five podium finishes, a race victory in Hungary, and India’s first-ever F2 pole position. Maini’s consistent performance was instrumental in securing the championship for Invicta Racing in the 2024 season.

Bihar’s sex ratio at birth has dropped to 882 females per 1,000 males, which is a significant decline from 894 in 2022-23. This alarming drop has led the government to take urgent action, including stricter enforcement of the PC-PNDT Act and launching awareness campaigns to curb female foeticide and improve gender parity. The government's initiative focuses on community engagement and promoting the value of the girl child, with particular emphasis on districts like Vaishali, Bhojpur, and Saran, where the decline is most pronounced.

The Adani Krishnapatnam Port, located in Andhra Pradesh, has been granted approval to import petroleum by sea from August 28, 2024, to March 1, 2026. Operated by Adani Ports Limited, it is a deep-water, all-weather port on India’s East Coast. This decision aligns with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways notification and is intended to serve the public interest.

India’s retail inflation rate dropped to 5.53% in November, a significant decline from 6.21% in October. This reduction was largely driven by a fall in vegetable prices, especially tomatoes, which had spiked in October, along with stabilizing edible oil prices. This moderation in inflation provided relief to households that had been affected by rising food prices. Core inflation, however, remained steady at 3.7%. The decline reflects the impact of lower food prices and effective inflation management strategies.

INS Tushil, a stealth-guided missile frigate of the Krivak-III class, was developed under Project 1135.6. This project focuses on advanced frigates with state-of-the-art stealth designs, multi-role capabilities, and cutting-edge weapon systems. The ship is the 7th in the series and was built under a 2016 agreement between India and Russia, bolstering the operational strength of the Indian Navy.

Aarit Kapil, a 9-year-old chess prodigy, hails from New Delhi. He made history by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster, Raset Ziatdinov, during the ninth round of the KIIT International Open Tournament. This achievement not only set a national record but also made Aarit the third-youngest player globally to defeat a Grandmaster under classical time control, showcasing his extraordinary chess talent at such a young age.

John Mahama, who previously served as Ghana's President from 2012 to 2017, has been declared President-elect after the recent election. His victory follows Vice President Bawumia's concession, which signals public dissatisfaction with the economic policies of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Ghana, officially known as the Republic of Ghana, is a West African country with its capital in Accra and its currency in Ghanaian cedi.

World Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations General Assembly on the same date in 1948. This historic milestone marked the establishment of fundamental rights and freedoms for all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality. The day emphasizes the global commitment to equality, freedom, and dignity, serving as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold human rights.

Joakim Alexandersson, a 48-year-old Swedish coach, has been appointed as the chief coach for India's women's U-20 and U-17 national football teams. His appointment is part of a collaboration between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Swedish Football Association. Alexandersson’s first assignment is to oversee a two-month-long U-20 national camp starting on December 10, 2024, in Bengaluru.