Current Affairs - December 25, 2024 Current Affairs

Good Governance Day is observed on December 25 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Established in 2014, the day aims to promote awareness about government accountability and effective administration. The 2024 theme, “India’s Path to a Viksit Bharat: Empowering Citizens through Good Governance and Digitalisation,” reflects the focus on leveraging governance and technology for national progress. Additionally, the birth anniversary of Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya is also observed on this day, making it significant for its dual recognition of leaders who contributed to India's development.

The dodo, a flightless bird native to Mauritius, became extinct in 1681 due to overhunting and habitat destruction. It stands as a poignant reminder of human-induced extinction and environmental negligence. Today, the bird’s image is being revived through Kashmiri papier mâché art, symbolizing deforestation and ecological awareness. These crafted dodo models have gained global popularity, especially in Mauritius, where the bird is a national emblem. This cultural and artistic endeavour not only promotes environmental sustainability but also strengthens international ties through cultural exchange and handicrafts.

The Sri Lankan President made their first official visit to India, focusing on strengthening trade, energy, and maritime cooperation. Discussions included Tamil aspirations, economic recovery, and countering Chinese influence, aligning with India’s Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR Vision. Key outcomes included proposed Economic and Technology Cooperation Agreements, promotion of INR-LKR trade settlements, renewable energy projects, and enhanced regional connectivity. India also extended financial aid, including USD 4 billion, to stabilize Sri Lanka's economy during its crisis. The visit highlighted commitments to regional security, infrastructure development, and cooperation in global forums like BRICS and the UN.

The Right to Education (RTE) Act, enacted in 2009, ensures free and compulsory education for children aged 6 to 14 years. Section 16 of the Act initially introduced a no-detention policy, prohibiting the retention of students up to Class 8 to reduce dropout rates and encourage learning without fear of failure. However, the policy was later amended in 2019 to allow student retention based on performance. The implementation of the amended rules in 2024 aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and introduces revised promotion criteria, remedial instruction, and a focus on holistic development to address learning gaps effectively.

Odisha has demonstrated a remarkable fiscal transformation over the past two decades. From having a debt-to-GSDP ratio of 57.3% in 2002-03, the highest among Indian states at the time, it has reduced this ratio to 16.0% in 2023-24, the lowest in the country. Key reforms such as the Odisha Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act (OFRBMA), tax system modernization, and revenue generation from mining leases were instrumental in this turnaround. Odisha also maintained a revenue surplus even during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing effective fiscal management and resilience. This success highlights the state's disciplined approach to economic governance.

In the 55th GST Council meeting, a decision was made to raise the GST rate on used Electric Vehicles (EVs) from 12% to 18%. This aligns the tax rate on used EVs with that of non-electric vehicles, ensuring uniformity. However, the GST will apply only to the margin value, which is the difference between the purchase and selling price of the used EV, adjusted for depreciation if claimed. Importantly, no GST will apply to individual-to-individual sales, focusing the tax on business transactions.

The Forest Survey of India (FSI) was officially formed on June 1, 1981, succeeding the Pre-Investment Survey of Forest Resources. This organization operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change, with its headquarters located in Dehradun. Its main objective is the regular assessment and monitoring of India's forest resources, contributing to sustainable forest management. Additionally, the FSI is involved in training, research, and providing extension services, further strengthening its role in conserving India's environmental and ecological heritage.

Rwanda successfully declared its first-ever Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak officially over after a 42-day period with no new cases. MVD is a severe hemorrhagic fever caused by the Marburg virus, with no approved treatments currently available. It spreads from fruit bats to humans and through direct contact with bodily fluids. Rwanda's efforts in controlling the outbreak included community engagement, contact tracing, and infection control, marking a significant achievement in public health management for the country, known for its landscapes and proximity to major rivers like the Nile and Congo.

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has been reassigned as the Governor of Kerala, succeeding Arif Mohammed Khan, who was transferred to Bihar. This reshuffle, announced by President Droupadi Murmu, also included Ajay Kumar Bhalla being appointed as the Governor of Manipur, replacing Anusuiya Uikey. Hari Babu Kambhampati was moved to Odisha to replace Raghubar Das, while General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh was appointed as the Governor of Mizoram to replace Kambhampati. These strategic appointments aim to address political, administrative, and security challenges in the respective states, reflecting the significance of robust leadership in strengthening regional governance.

India is making significant strides in the field of quantum communications through its National Quantum Mission (NQM). As part of this mission, India aims to launch a quantum satellite in the next 2-3 years, which will use quantum physics to secure communication signals, making them resistant to interception. This initiative will position India at the forefront of next-generation technology in secure communication. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), an essential component of this satellite, ensures "unconditional security" by detecting any eavesdropping attempts. India’s advancements in quantum research are paving the way for the future of secure global communication.