Current Affairs - December 24, 2024 Current Affairs

Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by President Droupadi Murmu. His tenure as a Supreme Court judge spanned from September 23, 2019, to June 29, 2023. Along with his appointment, Priyank Kanoongo and Dr Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) were also named as NHRC members, reinforcing the leadership of this key human rights body.

PM Modi will inaugurate the Ken-Betwa river linking project in Madhya Pradesh, coinciding with the 100th birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. This project, the first under India's national perspective plan, aims to provide irrigation and drinking water facilities, benefiting farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation for 1,153 Atal Gram Sushasan buildings to enhance local governance in the state.

The Philippines plans to acquire the US Typhon missile system to strengthen its defence capabilities and protect its sovereignty. This decision has drawn criticism from China, which considers the move provocative and potentially destabilizing to regional security. The acquisition process is expected to take at least two years. The development highlights growing defence dynamics and tensions in the Asia-Pacific region.

A well-preserved juvenile mammoth, estimated to have died 50,000 years ago, was discovered in the Batagaika crater in Siberia. The find is notable for retaining its head and trunk, which are rare in such discoveries. Siberia has been a significant site for prehistoric finds, including a 32,000-year-old sabre-toothed cat cub and a 44,000-year-old wolf carcass. These discoveries contribute valuable insights into prehistoric life and climate conditions in the region.

The TTDF-funded project awarded to Amantya Technologies focuses on developing a carrier-grade 5G SA Core compliant with 3GPP Release 16/17 standards. It supports features like network slicing, Quality of Service (QoS), Voice over New Radio (VoNR), and massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC). This initiative is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat mission to enhance India's telecom infrastructure and foster self-reliance in cutting-edge technologies.

Nepal is preparing to launch an HPV vaccination drive on February 5, 2025, aiming to reduce cervical cancer risks. Supported by GAVI, Nepal’s Ministry of Health has procured 1.77 million HPV vaccine doses, with 460,940 currently stored in Kathmandu for distribution. The campaign targets 1.68 million girls aged 10-14, including those not attending school, highlighting the nation's commitment to enhancing public health and cancer prevention.

National Consumer Day is observed every year on December 24 to promote consumer awareness and emphasize the importance of consumer rights and responsibilities. This date commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act, of 1986, which provides safeguards against defective goods, service deficiencies, and unfair trade practices. The day underscores the significance of the consumer movement and ethical practices in the marketplace.

The National Science Drama Festival 2024 will be hosted at the National Science Centre in New Delhi on 27th-28th December. This event will feature science-themed dramas performed by over 40,000 students from across India. Topics such as AI, climate change, water conservation, and medical breakthroughs will be highlighted. The festival will be inaugurated by Prof. Ashok Chakradhar and conclude with Shri Robin Kumar Das as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the integration of science with creative expression.

The 'Sushasan Padyatra' was organized in Vadnagar, Gujarat, the hometown of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event, led by Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, commemorated Atal Bihari Vajpayee's 100th birth anniversary. It featured cultural programs, educational exhibitions, and discussions promoting constitutional values while paying tribute to Vajpayee's legacy and vision of a developed India by 2047.

India rose to the 49th rank in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, a significant improvement from its 60th position in 2023. This leap was highlighted in the report published by the Portulans Institute, which evaluates the role of technology in governance, citizen engagement, and innovation. India's improved score of 53.63 reflects advancements in AI, mobile networks, and broadband, showcasing its growing digital and technological capabilities.

Adani Group has acquired an 85.8% stake in Air Works, India's largest private-sector Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company, for Rs 400 crore. This acquisition strengthens Adani’s presence in India’s civil and defence aviation services sectors, contributing to the country’s growing aviation market and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The move also expands Adani’s capabilities in the defence and civil MRO sectors, enhancing its service offerings and footprint across India and internationally.

Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court by the Centre. He was formerly the senior-most puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His appointment, recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, came after a delay of more than three months following the retirement of Justice Rajiv Shakdher in October 2024. Justice Sandhawalia's legal career includes a law degree from Panjab University and a practice at the Punjab and Haryana High Court.