Current Affairs - Current Affairs

Exercise : Daily Current Affairs
  • December 16, 2024 Current Affairs
1.
In which city has India’s first diabetes biobank been established?
Chennai
Mumbai
Hyderabad
Bengaluru
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India’s first diabetes biobank has been set up in Chennai through a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). The facility is designed to collect, process, and store biological samples, aiding advanced research on diabetes causes, variations, and related disorders. The biobank will support critical studies like the ICMR-INDIAB study and the Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes. It aims to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis and develop personalized treatment strategies, fostering long-term research on diabetes progression, management, and prevention, while also contributing to global health research efforts.

2.
What is the name of the cyclone that caused devastation in Mayotte and made landfall in Mozambique?
Idai
Kenneth
Freddy
Chido
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, caused severe destruction in Mayotte with winds exceeding 220 km/h before making landfall in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province on December 15, 2024. The cyclone flattened entire neighbourhoods in Mayotte, marking it as the strongest cyclone to hit the region in over 90 years. After crossing the Mozambique Channel, Chido intensified and brought winds over 200 km/h along with heavy rainfall, severely affecting northern Mozambique. Around 1.7 million people were impacted, with significant risks of flash floods, heavy rains, and further destruction in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa.

3.
Which country became the first to define ‘green steel’ standards and launch a star-rating system?
China
India
Germany
Japan
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India has become the first country to define standards for ‘green steel,’ setting an emissions cap of 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of steel produced. Along with this, a star-rating system was introduced to classify steel producers based on their emissions performance. The ₹15,000 crore Green Steel Mission aims to promote sustainable steel production, with 37% of public procurement reserved for top-rated steel. To achieve this, the industry plans a significant ₹260,000 crore transition toward adopting green technologies, underscoring India’s commitment to reducing industrial carbon emissions.

4.
Which company partnered with AIIMS to establish an AI Health Innovation Hub?
Infosys
TCS
Wipro
HCL
Answer: Option
Explanation:
AIIMS and Wipro GE Healthcare have signed an MoU to establish an AI Health Innovations Hub aimed at advancing healthcare delivery. Wipro GE Healthcare will invest $1 million over five years to develop AI-enabled solutions targeting key areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. AIIMS will play a crucial role as the clinical partner, providing multi-modal inputs and a testing environment for these solutions. This partnership is expected to leverage AI technology to enhance diagnostics and treatment, improving healthcare outcomes and paving the way for innovative medical advancements.

5.
Which country announced a $1.9 billion investment in climate technology for next year?
Japan
Germany
China
South Korea
Answer: Option
Explanation:
South Korea has announced an investment of $1.9 billion (2.7 trillion won) to develop technologies aimed at combating climate change. This marks a 3.9 percent increase from the previous allocation of 2.6 trillion won. The investment is part of South Korea’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This initiative highlights South Korea’s proactive approach toward sustainable development and its focus on meeting global climate goals through technological innovation and green investments.

6.
Which countries participated in the "Desert Knight" air combat exercise?
India, USA, and France
France, UAE, and Germany
India, France, and UAE
India, UAE, and Saudi Arabia
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The "Desert Knight" air combat exercise was a trilateral drill conducted by India, France, and the UAE over the Arabian Sea. The focus of the exercise was on interoperability and enhancing advanced combat skills, featuring aircraft like the Sukhoi-30MKIs and Rafales. This three-day exercise builds on the 2022 trilateral roadmap aimed at fostering collaboration between the three nations in the defence, technology, and energy sectors. It also highlights their growing defence ties and commitment to strengthening security in the Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.

7.
What is the primary objective of the recently launched ‘Jalvahak’ scheme?
Improve port infrastructure
Boost Inland Waterways Cargo
Promote coastal tourism
Enhance the fishing industry
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The ‘Jalvahak’ scheme was launched to promote long-haul cargo transportation on major rivers like the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak. The scheme specifically targets cargo owners who transport goods over 300 km using inland waterways, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. As part of the launch, Minister Sonowal flagged off three cargo ships and two barges from Kolkata's GR Jetty, signalling the commencement of regular cargo services on National Waterways 1 and 2. This initiative is expected to reduce road congestion and promote the efficient use of inland water transport in India.

8.
What is the name of the initiative launched by Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases?
AYUSHMAN
SANJEEVANI
CHARAK
AROGYA
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal, launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative—Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal—to provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases. This initiative targets economically weaker residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with annual family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh. CHARAK covers treatment for conditions like malignancy, TB, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, neurological disorders, and more. Free treatment is provided at NCL’s hospital or specialized empanelled hospitals nationwide. This project highlights NCL’s continued focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), particularly in healthcare, aiming to improve the well-being of vulnerable communities.

9.
Which country became the first European nation to join the CPTPP trade bloc?
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Italy
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The United Kingdom has officially become the 12th member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), making it the first European nation to join the trade bloc. The CPTPP includes key countries like Canada, Japan, Australia, and Mexico, among others. This milestone follows Britain’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) as it seeks to build new global trade partnerships and expand its economic influence beyond Europe. By joining the CPTPP, Britain aims to strengthen its trade relationships with the Asia-Pacific region, signalling a strategic shift in its economic priorities.

10.
On which date is Vijay Diwas observed annually to commemorate India’s 1971 war victory?
January 26
December 15
January 2
December 16
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Vijay Diwas is observed annually on December 16 to honour the Indian armed forces' victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. The 13-day intense battle resulted in India’s decisive win, leading to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This day also pays tribute to the sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the conflict. In Bangladesh, this day is celebrated as ‘Bijoy Dibos’ or Victory Day, marking their independence from Pakistan. Vijay Diwas serves as a reminder of India’s military strength and the successful culmination of the war.

11.
Which country successfully tested the "Dark Eagle" Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW)?
Russia
United States
China
United Kingdom
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The United States military successfully tested its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known as "Dark Eagle," at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This test demonstrated the missile’s ability to travel faster than 3,800 miles per hour (Mach 5), which is over five times the speed of sound. The "Dark Eagle" is designed to strike distant and well-defended targets with precision, marking a major milestone in hypersonic weapons development. The successful trial included the complete LRHW system, including the ground-based launcher and operations centre, moving the U.S. closer to operational deployment by 2025.

12.
Who clinched their first BWF Super 100 title at the Odisha Masters?
Rithvik Sanjeevi
Tharun Mannepalli
Tanvi Lad
Kiran George
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Rithvik Sanjeevi secured his maiden BWF Super 100 title by defeating Tharun Mannepalli in the men’s singles final at the Odisha Masters with a score of 21-18, 21-16. This win marks a significant achievement for Rithvik, as it is his first major title at this level. He has previously demonstrated his talent by winning the Telangana International Challenge and finishing as a runner-up at the Sri Lanka International Challenge.