Current Affairs - December 19, 2024 Current Affairs

Japan is partnering with India to address the challenge of space debris through advanced laser-equipped satellites. This collaboration involves Japan's Orbital Lasers and India's InspeCity, focusing on using lasers to vaporize debris and manage space clutter. The partnership extends to other space initiatives like the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) mission and satellite data applications for disaster management and agriculture in India. Japan’s active engagement in space debris removal, supported by its regulatory framework and private sector innovation, underscores its role in promoting sustainable space exploration.

Uttarakhand is poised to be the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), marking a significant step towards legal uniformity in personal laws. A five-member expert committee, chaired by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, played a crucial role in drafting the UCC Bill 2024. The bill was passed by the State Legislative Assembly on February 7, 2024, and later received Presidential assent, with its notification issued on March 12, 2024. This move highlights Uttarakhand's pioneering efforts in reforming legal frameworks for societal harmony and equality.

Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma has been reappointed as Nepal's ambassador to India by President Ramchandra Paudel, based on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. This marks his second term in this critical diplomatic position, with his previous tenure running from March 2022 to July 2024. His reappointment reflects confidence in his expertise and experience in fostering Nepal-India relations. Concurrently, Dr Netra Prasad Timsina was appointed as Nepal's Resident Ambassador to Malaysia, indicating Nepal’s focus on strengthening its diplomatic engagements in the region.

Bhutan conferred the rare 'Dasho' title and Red Scarf on Indian educationist Arun Kapur at the 117th National Day celebrations. The honour, usually reserved for senior Bhutanese officials, acknowledges Kapur's significant contributions to education in both India and Bhutan. This recognition highlights his long-standing role in shaping education, including his work in establishing the Royal Academy school in Bhutan and his leadership at Vasant Valley School in Delhi. Arun Kapur's achievements in educational development have earned him this prestigious award from Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel.

The 10th International Forest Fair is taking place in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, from December 17 to December 23, 2024. The fair focuses on promoting sustainable forest practices, empowering local communities, and fostering collaboration within the forestry sector. It features around 300 stalls showcasing forest-related products and services and highlights the theme "Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce." The event provides a platform for government officials, scientists, and international representatives to exchange knowledge and collaborate on best practices in forest management and conservation.

The gross direct tax collection in India recorded a 20.32% year-on-year increase, reaching ₹19.21 lakh crore. This reflects a strong fiscal performance driven by enhanced tax compliance and growing economic activities. The percentage signifies the overall improvement in tax revenues, underscoring the efficiency of tax collection mechanisms. While corporate tax collection also grew significantly, the gross figure's rise to 20.32% highlights the broader contribution of various sectors to the revenue base, even as increased refunds impacted net collections. Understanding such key metrics is essential for assessing a country's economic health and fiscal policy effectiveness.

Kiran Ankush Jadhav, representing the Indian Navy, emerged victorious in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event at the 67th National Shooting Championship held in Bhopal. He scored an impressive 465.8 in the final, surpassing Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar and Swapnil Kusale, who finished second and third, respectively. Kusale, a Paris Olympic bronze medallist representing Railways, had led until the 40th shot but ultimately secured the bronze medal. Jadhav’s remarkable performance highlights his excellence in precision shooting and his growing prominence in the sport.

Russia is set to launch a groundbreaking mRNA cancer vaccine in 2025, offering it free of charge. This innovative vaccine leverages AI technology to create personalized treatments within an hour, significantly advancing traditional vaccine development processes. Pre-clinical trials have demonstrated the vaccine's effectiveness in suppressing tumours and reducing metastases, representing a milestone in cancer treatment. This initiative underscores Russia's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge science for public health advancements and making transformative medical treatments accessible to all.

Uttarakhand will host the 38th National Games from January 28 to February 14, 2025. The state unveiled key elements such as the mascot, logo, anthem, and tagline for the event. The mascot "Mauli," inspired by the Monal, symbolizes Uttarakhand’s uniqueness, while the tagline "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak" (From Resolve to Zenith) reflects the spirit of determination and ambition. The Games will feature traditional sports like yoga and mallakhamb, representing a fusion of athleticism and cultural heritage. The event marks a major milestone in the state’s sports history.

India marked a significant achievement in wildlife conservation with the first-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin in Assam. This effort, conducted by the MoEFCC, Wildlife Institute of India, Assam Forest Department, and Aaranyak, aims to study the dolphin's habitat and migration patterns. Recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal, the Ganges River Dolphin is a key apex predator, playing a vital role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems. This initiative highlights Assam's contribution to the conservation of this endangered species and the broader riverine biodiversity.

Rama Mohan Rao Amara has been appointed as the Managing Director of the State Bank of India (SBI) for a three-year term. Previously serving as Deputy Managing Director, Amara is set to take charge and lead the bank in its strategic initiatives and operations. He succeeded CS Setty, who was elevated to the role of SBI Chairman. This appointment is part of a broader effort to ensure effective leadership and continuity within the institution, highlighting the importance of experienced management in India's largest public sector bank.

Pranav Venkatesh, a Grandmaster from Chennai, achieved a historic double victory by winning the FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess titles in Slovenia. He secured gold with 9.5 points in the Rapid category, outperforming competitors like Alexander Khripachenko and Roman Pyrih. In the Blitz category, he dominated with an impressive 19.5 points, leaving Russia's Dmitry Mochalov behind. This landmark achievement underscores Pranav's exceptional talent and marks a significant moment in Indian chess history.