Current Affairs - December 11, 2024 Current Affairs

IIT Ropar's iHub AWaDH launched a cost-effective BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) Gateway, aimed at supporting real-time monitoring and IoT scalability across various sectors such as agriculture and logistics. The gateway features long-range communication of up to 1 km (line-of-sight), low power consumption, and FOTA (Firmware Over The Air) capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with cloud platforms and mobile apps, playing a crucial role in enhancing technology for agriculture and water-related projects under the AWaDH initiative.

Devajit Saikia, a former cricketer from Assam and the current joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), has been appointed as the Acting Secretary of the BCCI. He replaces Jay Shah, who assumed the role of ICC Chair on December 1. Saikia will serve in this capacity under a stop-gap arrangement until September 2025.

International Mountain Day is observed every year on December 11. It was established by the United Nations in 2003 to raise awareness about the vital role mountains play in the environment, including their impact on biodiversity, climate regulation, and livelihoods. The day also emphasizes the importance of sustainable mountain development. The UN adopted this day following the Earth Summit in 1992, and since then, it has aimed to inspire global action to protect mountain ecosystems and improve the lives of people living in these regions.

IIT Madras, in collaboration with the startup TuTr, completed India's first 410-meter Hyperloop test track, marking a significant step forward in vacuum-based train technology. The project, led by the Avishkar Hyperloop team consisting of 76 students, is part of a broader plan involving two phases: an 11.5 km test track for certification, followed by a 100 km track. This achievement is inspired by Elon Musk's Hyperloop concept and represents a major milestone in the development of futuristic transport solutions in India.

Google has partnered with NCERT to launch YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, to provide free educational content for students in grades 1-12. This initiative aims to make learning more accessible across diverse linguistic backgrounds, helping bridge language barriers in India’s education system. Google’s collaboration extends beyond just content delivery, as the use of AI in the platform further enriches the learning experience. Additionally, Google has partnered with NPTEL to offer credentialed courses on YouTube, making world-class education accessible to all.

UNICEF Foundation Day is celebrated on December 11, marking the anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in 1946. The day honours UNICEF’s crucial role in advocating for the rights and well-being of children worldwide. Initially focused on emergency aid for children affected by World War II, UNICEF's mission has evolved to address long-term issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare, ensuring that children everywhere have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Ajay Seth, the Economic Affairs Secretary, has been given the additional charge of Revenue Secretary following the appointment of Sanjay Malhotra as the new RBI Governor. Seth, a 1987-batch IAS officer, brings over three decades of experience in public finance, taxation, and international financial institutions. He will handle both roles until a permanent replacement is appointed. His extensive background, including transforming Karnataka's commercial tax administration, positions him to effectively manage these key responsibilities in India's financial governance.

India is preparing to sign a $4 billion deal with Russia for an advanced long-range radar system, which is part of Russia's Voronezh series. This radar system offers surveillance capabilities over 8,000 km, aligning with India's "Make in India" initiative, as 60% of its components are planned to be produced domestically. The system will be installed in Karnataka, strengthening India's strategic monitoring infrastructure.

Kerala ranks fifth in employability in India, with an impressive employability rate of 71%, as reported in the India Skills Report 2025. The state stands out for its balanced approach to education and skill development through initiatives like the Additional Skill Acquisition Program (ASAP). Kerala excels particularly in computer and English skills, and its cities, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi, are highly favoured for work opportunities. Additionally, the state ranks second in employability among youth aged 18-21, reflecting its strong workforce development programs and educational standards.

Jayen Mehta’s tenure as Managing Director of Amul has been extended until 2029-2030. He joined the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF) in 1991 and has held several key marketing roles within the organization. Mehta became the interim MD in January 2023 after R.S. Sodhi's departure. His tenure extension ensures continued leadership and stability at Amul, a major player in the dairy industry, as the company looks to maintain its growth and success under his direction.

The 4th edition of the Eaglenest Bird Festival will be held in Arunachal Pradesh, specifically at Khellong and Thongre village in West Kameng District from January 17 to 19, 2025. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu unveiled the new logo for the festival, which highlights the state’s unique biodiversity and the importance of sustainable eco-tourism. The festival also features conservation efforts, a Birdathon, and adventure trekking, making it a key event in the state’s calendar. This festival underscores the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Arunachal Pradesh.

Proba-3, a mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), is equipped with the ASPIICS coronagraph, which provides an unprecedented view of the Sun's corona. This coronagraph, along with the occulting disk, enables Proba-3 to simulate eclipse conditions and observe the Sun's outer regions, ranging from 1.08 to 3 solar radii. This unique capability, combined with its collaboration with India’s Aditya L1, marks a significant advancement in solar research, set to begin detailed studies of the Sun's corona in 2025.

Reliance Industries is in talks with multiple banks to secure a $3 billion offshore loan, which marks the largest Indian deal. This loan is part of the company's efforts to refinance $2.9 billion of debt due next year, including interest. The loan is set to be syndicated in Q1 2025. Despite challenges such as rupee depreciation and ongoing outflows from Indian equities, the deal demonstrates strong investor interest in Reliance Industries and its financial strength following the $8 billion it raised in 2023.

Japan won the 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship on December 10, 2024, by defeating South Korea 25-24 in a thrilling final. This victory marked Japan's second-ever championship title, with their first win dating back to 2004. The match, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, was significant as Japan broke South Korea’s seven-year winning streak in the tournament. Key players like Miyuki Nakayama and Yuki Tanaka played pivotal roles in Japan’s victory, ensuring their triumph in this historic final.