Current Affairs - December 28, 2024 Current Affairs

India’s Deep Ocean Mission captured the first-ever image of an active hydrothermal vent at a depth of 4,500 meters in the Indian Ocean. These vents are significant as they support unique ecosystems and contain valuable minerals such as nickel and cobalt. This achievement is a significant step towards understanding extreme underwater environments and the origins of life.

Manohar International Airport (GOX) in Goa, operated by GMR Goa International Airport, received the "Best Domestic Airport" award at the Travel Leisure India's Best Awards 2024. This recognition was based on ratings from over 1,86,000 participants who evaluated the airport on various criteria, including access, security, dining, shopping, and design, highlighting its exceptional facilities and services.

Rwanda declared the end of its first-ever Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak after no new cases were reported during a 42-day observation period. The outbreak, which began on September 27, 2024, resulted in 66 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities. Marburg virus, previously known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often fatal illness, and Rwanda's successful containment marks a significant achievement in public health management.

Dr. Sandip Shah, a highly experienced professional with over 35 years of expertise in healthcare and diagnostics, was appointed as the Chairperson of NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories). He succeeded Prof. Subbanna Ayyappan. NABL is responsible for accrediting testing and calibration laboratories to ensure global competitiveness and consumer safety. Additionally, QCI (Quality Council of India), under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), works towards promoting quality across various products and services in India.

The 18th edition of Exercise SURYA KIRAN, a joint military exercise between India and Nepal, took place in Saljhandi, Nepal. The exercise involved 334 personnel from the Indian Army, led by the 11th Gorkha Rifles, and the Nepal Army's Srijung Battalion. It emphasized key areas such as jungle warfare, counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and enhancing operational preparedness, strengthening military collaboration between the two nations.

Terminal Investment Limited (TIL), a Switzerland-based company, has announced its plans to invest Rs 20,000 crore in the development of Vadhvan Port near Dahanu, Maharashtra. The project is managed by Vadhvan Port Project Ltd (VPPL), a joint venture between JNPA and the Maharashtra Maritime Board. This investment is part of a larger Rs 76,200 crore initiative to establish a world-class port facility in India.

China has introduced the J-36, a next-generation stealth fighter jet characterized by a tailless design and superior stealth features, making it harder to detect by radar systems. This aircraft is part of China’s broader military modernization strategy aimed at enhancing its aerial combat capabilities. The J-36 could significantly alter the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region, raising concerns among neighbouring countries and global powers like the United States. Its advancements are seen as a direct effort to challenge the dominance of U.S. and allied forces in strategically important regions.

The UAE has emerged as the largest investor in new business projects in Africa, with $110 billion pledged between 2019 and 2023. This includes $72 billion dedicated to renewable energy initiatives. The UAE's investment surpasses the contributions of other major players like the UK, France, and China, showcasing its significant role in Africa's economic and sustainable development landscape.

INS Sarvekshak conducted a joint hydrographic survey in Mauritius, arriving at Port Louis to foster technical exchanges and training. This survey is aimed at assisting Mauritius with maritime infrastructure, resource management, and coastal planning. The visit highlights India's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision and strengthens the maritime cooperation between India and Mauritius, promoting closer ties and collaboration in regional security and development.

The GST Council has approved the implementation of a 'Track and Trace Mechanism' to curb tax evasion for certain commodities. To facilitate this, Section 148A is to be added to the CGST Act, 2017, which provides the government with the necessary authority to enforce this mechanism. This system involves affixing unique marks on goods/packages to enable tracking throughout the supply chain.

BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) launched the BD475-2, India's largest and most advanced crawler dozer. This 100-ton machine is powered by a 950 HP Cummins QST30 engine and was designed in-house at the Kolar Gold Fields facility. Combining cutting-edge technology with durability, the dozer is aimed at enhancing efficiency in mining operations, showcasing BEML's leadership in manufacturing heavy machinery for industrial applications in India.

Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi have initiated discussions to merge by 2026, potentially creating a $50 billion company with 8 million annual sales. This collaboration could position the merged entity as the third-largest automaker globally, following Toyota and the VW Group. A final agreement is targeted for June 2025.

India has launched an anti-dumping investigation into LNG fuel tanks imported from China. The investigation, led by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), follows a complaint from Inox India Ltd, which cited significant material injury to the domestic industry due to cheap imports. This is part of India's broader strategy to counteract the negative effects of inexpensive imports from China by imposing anti-dumping duties.