Current Affairs - December 29, 2024 Current Affairs

NASA's Parker Solar Probe set a historic record by flying closer to the Sun than any other man-made object, withstanding temperatures up to 982°C. This is a remarkable achievement, demonstrating the probe's advanced heat shield technology. The Parker Solar Probe's mission aims to explore the Sun's corona, investigate solar winds, and understand the Sun's energy flow.

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 focuses on localizing 50% of its defence spending to reduce reliance on imports and bolster its indigenous defence industry. This aligns with India's Make in India initiative, promoting joint ventures and technological collaborations in areas such as shipbuilding, AI, and cybersecurity. The growing defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia highlights the mutual goal of self-reliance and technology sharing, strengthening their bilateral ties.

Article 153 of the Indian Constitution mandates that there shall be a Governor for each State. It also allows one person to serve as Governor for multiple States if required. The Governor acts as the constitutional head of the State, exercising executive powers as prescribed in the Constitution. Their role is vital in maintaining the federal structure, ensuring the State's administration aligns with constitutional provisions. This makes Article 153 fundamental to the governance framework in India.

The 1924 Belgaum Congress session, chaired by Mahatma Gandhi, was held in Belgaum, located in present-day Karnataka. This was the only session presided over by Gandhi, where he emphasized combating untouchability, promoting khadi, and fostering Hindu-Muslim unity. The event is celebrated for its focus on both political independence and social reform, leaving a lasting legacy, including infrastructure like the Pampa Sarovara well. The centenary celebration highlights its historical and cultural significance in India's freedom movement.

A study highlighted that emissions from private aviation increased by 46% between 2019 and 2023. This rapid growth underscores the environmental challenges posed by the aviation sector, which is already a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Private jets have a disproportionately high carbon footprint per passenger compared to commercial flights and trains, exacerbating their environmental impact through CO2 emissions and additional greenhouse gases like nitrogen oxides and vapour trails.

The liberalization reforms of 1991, spearheaded by Dr. Manmohan Singh as Finance Minister, marked a turning point in India's economic history. These measures, including deregulation of industries and FDI liberalization, addressed the Balance of Payments crisis and transitioned India towards a market-driven economy. The reforms laid the groundwork for sustained GDP growth, global economic integration, and current policies like GST and digital infrastructure initiatives, making 1991 a landmark year in India's economic development.

The carcass of Yana, a 50,000-year-old baby mammoth, was discovered in Russia's Batagaika crater in Siberia. This area, known as the "gateway to the underworld," has been exposed due to melting permafrost caused by global warming. Such discoveries are rare, with only seven mammoth carcasses recovered worldwide, making Yana's find an exceptional contribution to understanding Pleistocene-era fauna and climate conditions. The permafrost also preserves other ancient animal remains, highlighting its significance in studying Earth's prehistoric life and climate change.

The New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules (NDCTR) were introduced in 2019, enabling the Central Licensing Authority (CLA) to waive local clinical trials for drugs approved in specific regions like the US, UK, and EU. This regulation aimed to expedite access to critical medications, including orphan drugs and pandemic-related treatments. However, the move has raised safety concerns given India’s diverse genetic makeup, emphasizing the importance of localized trials for efficacy validation and patient safety. The rule highlights a significant shift in India's approach to drug approvals and regulatory frameworks.

The Ken-Betwa link national project involves the construction of the Daudhan dam, which is a crucial component of the project. The dam will help in water transfer from the Ken River to the Betwa River, providing irrigation, drinking water, and industrial water to regions in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The project aims to boost agriculture, provide drinking water to 44 lakh people, and promote tourism in the region.

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SMY) is a central pension scheme launched in 2019 to benefit workers in the unorganised sector, such as street vendors, domestic workers, and agricultural labourers. These workers, with a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000, contribute a small premium with the government matching their contribution. Despite its ambitious goals, the scheme has faced challenges, including low enrollment, reduced government funding, and minimal coverage relative to the vast unorganised workforce, highlighting the need for revisions to enhance its effectiveness.