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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 19th December current affairs 2024, curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.
Our comprehensive Current Affairs December 2024 coverage aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your scores in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and all State Government Exams. Explore our Current Affairs tailored to simplify your exam preparation.
National news
Uber Unveils ‘Moto Women’ Bike Taxis for Women in Bengaluru
Uber has launched a pilot program called ‘Moto Women’ in Bengaluru to enhance safety and inclusivity in urban mobility. This bike taxi service is exclusively designed for female riders and drivers, aiming to empower women while addressing concerns over safety and operational uncertainty in the bike taxi sector in Karnataka.
Key Features of the Initiative
1. Exclusive Service for Women
- Connects female riders with female drivers to ensure a secure and comfortable transportation experience.
- Addresses the unique safety and privacy needs of women in urban mobility.
- Currently, the program employs approximately 300 women drivers.
2. Empowerment of Female Drivers
- Provides women drivers with flexible earning opportunities in a rapidly growing segment of India’s mobility sector.
- Supports their empowerment by enabling a safer work environment.
- Abhishek Padhye, Uber’s Head of Regional Business Operations for India and South Asia, highlighted Bengaluru’s role as a leader in urban mobility innovation.
3. Significance in Urban Mobility
- Bengaluru is a key market, with over 1 million bike taxi rides per month, indicating high demand.
- A KPMG report in 2022 noted 280 million bike taxi rides completed across platforms in India, with 65%-70% trips supporting first-and-last-mile connectivity.
- Bike taxis play a crucial role in supplementing public transport by addressing gaps in connectivity.
UBER:
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States
- Founders: Travis Kalanick, Garrett Camp
- CEO: Dara Khosrowshahi (30 Aug 2017–)
India Promotes AYUSH Systems Globally with New Chairs in Five Countries
The Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy) has launched a scheme to promote international cooperation. This initiative aims to enhance global awareness, acceptance, and recognition of AYUSH systems by fostering academic exchange, research, and market development.
Key Objectives and Scope of the Scheme
1. Promotion of International Awareness and Development of AYUSH
- Spread global awareness about AYUSH systems.
- Develop and gain international recognition for AYUSH practices, products, and services.
2. Academic and Research Collaboration
- Foster interaction among stakeholders through academic and research collaborations.
- Support the establishment of AYUSH academic chairs at foreign universities.
3. Market Development
- Facilitate the market development of AYUSH products, services, education, and research on a global scale.
- Support the integration of AYUSH systems into international healthcare and wellness frameworks.
Establishment of AYUSH Chairs
Countries Hosting AYUSH Chairs:
- Bangladesh
- Australia
- Mauritius
- Latvia
- Malaysia
Purpose of AYUSH Chairs:
- Strengthen academic collaboration with foreign institutions.
- Advance research and public awareness of AYUSH systems globally.
- Promote the acceptance of AYUSH in international healthcare and education sectors.
Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives
1. MoUs for Global Cooperation
- The Ministry has signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with foreign countries to foster cooperation in traditional medicine.
- Among these, 15 MoUs are specifically aimed at establishing AYUSH Chairs at international institutions.
2. Scholarships for Foreign Nationals: Scholarships are offered to foreign students to pursue AYUSH education in India, encouraging cross-border knowledge sharing and skill development.
3. AYUSH Information Cells
- 42 AYUSH Information Cells have been set up in 38 countries to promote awareness and provide resources about AYUSH systems.
- These cells act as focal points for disseminating information and supporting local adoption of AYUSH practices.
International news
Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance
Moldova has officially joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), signaling its commitment to renewable energy and sustainability. The ISA Framework Agreement was signed in New Delhi by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi. Moldova’s inclusion comes after Armenia became the 104th full member last month, marking the continued global expansion of the ISA. Headquartered in India, ISA unites countries to overcome challenges in solar energy financing, technology, and scalability, aiming to mobilize over USD 1,000 billion in investments by 2030.
About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
1. Founding and Headquarters
- Founded: During COP21 in Paris in 2015 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande.
- Headquarters: India.
2. Framework Agreement and Membership: Became operational in December 2017, following the ratification by 15 countries.
Membership:
120 signatories.
100 full members, including the latest additions, Armenia and Moldova.
3. Objectives and Vision
- Mobilize USD 1,000 billion for solar energy projects by 2030.
- Reduce financing costs for solar energy projects through innovative financial mechanisms.
- Scale up solar technologies and overcome barriers related to technology and funding.
- Promote collaborative research and development (R&D) and technical training among member nations.
Key Goals of ISA
- Global Solar Energy Adoption: Promote the widespread adoption of solar technologies globally.
- Financial Accessibility: Address high costs of financing solar projects.
- Collaboration: Facilitate joint R&D and capacity building for member countries.
- Scalability: Focus on developing scalable and innovative solar solutions.
Economy news
Fitch Ratings Lowers India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY25
In December 2024, Fitch Ratings Inc., a USA-based credit rating agency, has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for Fiscal Year 2024-25 (FY25), lowering it by 60 basis points (bps), from its previous estimate of 7% to 6.4%.
Key Highlights:
Lowered GDP Forecast for FY25: Fitch Ratings has revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY25 down to 6.4%, marking a reduction from its previous estimate of 7%.
Forecast for FY26: The agency has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, signaling a slight recovery in the subsequent fiscal year.
Comparison to FY24 Growth: Both projections for FY25 and FY26 are lower than India’s robust GDP growth rate of 8.2% achieved in FY24.
India’s Economic Outlook: Despite the downward revision, Fitch emphasized that India’s economic growth remains strong when compared to other global economies, underscoring India’s resilience in the global economic landscape.
About Fitch Ratings Inc:
- President: Ian Linnell
- Headquarters: New York, United States of America (USA)
State news
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Launches ‘Prakrutik Krushi Portal’ to Promote Organic Farming
In December 2024, Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, launched the Prakrutik Krushi Portal (Natural Agriculture Portal) to encourage the adoption of organic farming in the state. The launch took place as part of the celebration of his two years in office, under the theme “Seva, Sushasan Ane Samarpan Na 2 Varsh” (Two Years of Exceptional Service and Dedication).
Key Highlights:
- Objective: The portal aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and facilitate the transition towards organic farming in Gujarat.
- Support for Farmers: During the event, CM Patel interacted directly with representatives of Farmers Producers Organizations (FPOs) and distributed financial assistance cheques to FPOs across the state.
- Impact on Farmers: Bachubhai Khabad, the Minister of State for Agriculture, praised the farmer-centric policies of the Gujarat government, highlighting their role in significantly boosting farmers’ income.
- FPOs in Gujarat: Gujarat currently has 422 FPOs, with 97 dedicated specifically to natural farming.
Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel
Appointment news
Francois Bayrou Appointed Prime Minister of France
In December 2024, Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, appointed Francois Bayrou, the leader of the centrist MoDem group, as the new Prime Minister of France. This appointment followed the overthrow of former Prime Minister Michel Barnier by the French Parliament.
Key Highlights:
Political Instability: The appointment comes amid significant political instability in France, where the National Assembly is fragmented, with no single party holding a clear majority.
Power Transition: On December 13, 2024, Michel Barnier officially handed over his position to Francois Bayrou in a ceremony in Paris.
Francois Bayrou’s Role: Bayrou’s appointment is seen as an attempt to stabilize the government and navigate the fragmented political landscape in France.
About France:
- President: Emmanuel Macron
- Prime Minister: François Bayrou
- Capital: Paris
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
Science and tech news
Kisan Kavach – Bharat’s Indigenous Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first indigenous anti-pesticide bodysuit. Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in collaboration with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit aims to safeguard farmers from pesticide-induced health risks. The launch aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of leveraging science and technology to empower India’s agricultural community.
Key Objectives
Farmer Safety: Shield farmers from health hazards caused by pesticide exposure, such as breathing issues, vision loss, and fatalities.
Agricultural Empowerment: Enhance safety and promote sustainable farming practices through technological innovation.
Development Highlights
- Created by BRIC-inStem (a research institute) and Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
- Backed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Scientific research related to the fabric is published in Nature Communications under DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49167-3.
Features of Kisan Kavach
Washable and Reusable: Durable for up to a year, ensuring cost-efficiency.
Advanced Fabric Technology:
- The fabric neutralizes pesticides through nucleophilic hydrolysis.
- Involves covalent attachment of nucleophiles to cotton fibers, enabling pesticide deactivation upon contact.
Affordability: Initially priced at ₹4,000, with plans for cost reduction as production scales up.
Significance
Fills a Critical Safety Gap:
- Pesticide-induced health risks are a major concern for Indian farmers, who form 65% of the workforce.
- Provides a protective solution for individuals directly exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Sustainable Agriculture:
- Encourages climate-resilient farming by integrating innovative technologies.
- Contributes to farmer well-being while fostering environmental safety.
National Impact: Aligns with India’s goal of strengthening agricultural productivity while addressing safety and health challenges.
Sports news
Bumrah Surpasses Kapil Dev to Become India’s Top Wicket-Taker in Australia
Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history by becoming India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket on Australian soil, surpassing the legendary Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets. This milestone was achieved on December 18, 2024, during the fifth day of the ongoing third Test between India and Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane. Bumrah now has 52 wickets in Australia, making him the Indian bowler with the most Test wickets in the country, highlighting his crucial role in India’s pace attack.
Performance in the Brisbane Test and Series
Dominance in the Series:
- Total wickets: 21 wickets in 6 innings.
- Average: 10.71.
- Two five-wicket hauls, including one in the first innings of the Brisbane Test.
Gabba Test Impact: Critical in securing breakthroughs, showcasing his versatility and dominance on Australian pitches.
Bumrah’s Growing Legacy
Career Milestone:
- Currently at 193 Test wickets.
- Seven wickets away from joining the elite group of 200 Test wicket-takers, becoming the sixth pacer and 12th Indian to achieve this milestone.
Key Contributor:
- Bumrah’s remarkable performance in Australia underscores his pivotal role in India’s pace attack.
- Solidifies his status as one of the finest pacers in Indian cricket history.
Ashwin’s Retirement: A Historic Cricket Career Concludes
Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spinners, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024. The announcement marked the conclusion of a remarkable 14-year international career. Known for his tactical brilliance and record-breaking achievements, Ashwin’s retirement follows a stellar career in which he became one of India’s greatest match-winners. He leaves behind a legacy as the second-highest wicket-taker for India in Test cricket and one of the most versatile bowlers in the history of the game.
Notable Records and Achievements
Second-Highest Test Wicket-Taker for India:
- 537 wickets, behind only Anil Kumble.
- Ranked 7th all-time in Test wickets globally.
Most Left-Handed Batsmen Dismissed in Tests: 268 dismissals.
World Test Championship (WTC) Milestones:
- First bowler to take 100 WTC wickets.
- Highest WTC wicket-taker with 195 scalps.
Century & Five-Wicket Haul Record: Achieved the feat 4 times in Tests—the most by an Indian.
Final Test Appearance: Played his last match in Brisbane during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Agreement news
India-UAE Collaboration in Polar and Ocean Research (December 2024)
In December 2024, India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Emirates Polar Mission Steering Committee (EPMSC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the 15th India-UAE Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New Delhi, India. This MOU aims to strengthen collaboration in polar and ocean research, academic partnerships, operations, and capacity development between the two nations.
Key Highlights:
Joint Commission Meeting (JCM):
The meeting was co-chaired by:
- S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs (MEA), India.
- Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM).
The discussions centered around areas of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including trade, economy, energy security, defense cooperation, cultural exchanges, and ensuring the stability, security, and prosperity of both regions.
4th India-UAE Strategic Dialogue:
India and the UAE also held the 4th Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, where they discussed ways to further strengthen their strategic partnership in several key areas, including:
- Defense Cooperation
- Emerging Technologies
- Nuclear Energy
- Polar Research
- Critical Minerals
- Renewable Energy
About the United Arab Emirates (UAE):
- President: Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
- Prime Minister (PM): Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Award news
Ayodhya Ram Temple Wins Global Safety Excellence Award
The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has achieved a significant milestone by being awarded the ‘Sword of Honour’ from the British Safety Council. This accolade underscores the exceptional safety measures implemented during the temple’s construction. The announcement was made by Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Construction Committee of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The award is a testament to the meticulous planning, execution, and adherence to global safety standards, making it a model for construction projects worldwide.
About the ‘Sword of Honour’
- One of the highest recognitions for safety management.
- Requires a five-star safety rating in an exhaustive audit, followed by rigorous on-site evaluations.
- Highlights meticulous planning and execution by the construction team.
Additional Recognition
Golden Trophy by the National Safety Council: Awarded to Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for exemplary safety measures in the project. Construction Progress
Statue Carvings: Marble statues of Shri Ram Darbar, Maharishi Valmiki, Ahilya Devi, Nishad Raaj, and others will be ready by January 2025.
Architectural and Structural Details
Material Used:
- Constructed entirely with Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan (15 lakh cubic feet).
- Features marble cladding for both aesthetic appeal and structural stability.
Contributors:
- Artists: Vasudev Kamath.
- Architects: Shri Sompura, Shri Jay Kaktikar.
- Institutions: Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) and M/s TCE.
Suryabala’s Novel Wins 34th Vyas Samman 2024
Hindi writer Suryabala has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman 2024 for her novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary. Published in 2018, the novel delves into cultural conflicts and identity struggles faced by Indian youth in America. Instituted in 1991 by the KK Birla Foundation, the Vyas Samman honors outstanding Hindi literary works from the past decade, offering a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque. The selection committee was chaired by eminent litterateur Prof. Ramji Tiwari
About the Novel “Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary”
- Explores the allure of America as a land of opportunity for Indian youth.
- Depicts cultural dilemmas and ideological conflicts faced abroad.
- Highlights the alienation and identity crisis of the Indian diaspora.
- Presents a realistic portrayal of struggles to reconnect with roots while adapting to new environments.
KK Birla Foundation Literary Awards
Vyas Samman:
- Recognizes outstanding Hindi literary works from the last decade.
- Prize: ₹4 lakh, citation, and plaque.
Saraswati Samman:
- Awarded for exceptional literary works in any language listed in Schedule VIII of the Indian Constitution.
- Prize: ₹15 lakh.
Bihari Puraskar: Honors significant literary contributions by Indian authors.
The FIFA Best Awards 2024: Recognizing Excellence
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 were held in Doha, Qatar, on December 17, where several individuals were honored for their exceptional performances throughout the year. The event recognized the best players, coaches, and goalkeepers in both men’s and women’s football, as well as other prestigious awards like the FIFA Puskás Award and FIFA Fan Award. The awards were determined by a voting system that included national team coaches, captains, media members, and fans, all of whom contributed to crowning the winners.
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 – Winners
Key Winners
- The Best FIFA Men’s Player: Vinicius Jr
- The Best FIFA Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmati
- The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
- The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
- The Best FIFA Men’s Coach: Carlo Ancelotti
- The Best FIFA Women’s Coach: Emma Hayes
- The FIFA Puskás Award (Best Goal): Alejandro Garnacho
- The FIFA Marta Award: Marta
- The FIFA Fan Award: Guilherme Gandra Moura
- The FIFA Fair Play Award: Thiago Maia
The Best FIFA Men’s 11
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
- Defenders: Ruben Dias, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, William Saliba
- Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Toni Kroos
- Forwards: Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Vinicius Jr
The Best FIFA Women’s 11
- Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher
- Defenders: Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, Lucy Bronze, Naomi Girma
- Midfielders: Aitana Bonmati, Lindsey Horan, Gabi Portilho, Patri Guijarro
- Forwards: Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo
Science and tech news
INCOIS Upgrades SARAT for Enhanced Sea Rescue Operations
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has recently upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to improve the effectiveness of sea rescue operations. Originally introduced in 2016, SARAT has become a vital tool for the Indian Coast Guard and other agencies. The upgraded version, SARAT 2, comes with advanced features that provide more accurate predictions for missing objects and individuals at sea, optimizing rescue operations.
NLC India and UPRVUNL Launch ‘1980 MW GTPP’ in Uttar Pradesh
In December 2024, NLC India Limited (NLCIL), based in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, partnered with Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) to commence commercial operations of its first supercritical power plant, the 1980 Mega Watt (MW) Ghatampur Thermal Power Plant (GTPP), located in Uttar Pradesh.
Key Highlights:
First Fossil Fuel-Based Thermal Plant in FY25:
- The 1980 MW GTPP is the first fossil fuel-based thermal power plant to be commissioned in India during the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).
- The plant was developed by Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL), a subsidiary of NLC India Limited.
Capacity Expansion: Following the commissioning of the first 660 MW unit of the GTPP, the total generation capacity of NLC India Ltd and its group companies increased from 6,071 MW to 6,731 MW.
Efficiency and Environmental Benefits:
- The GTPP employs supercritical technology, which offers better thermal efficiency compared to conventional thermal plants.
- The use of supercritical technology leads to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and contributes to a more sustainable energy generation process.
Power Supply to UP and Assam: The GTPP is expected to meet the growing electricity demand in Uttar Pradesh and Assam, helping to address the power needs of these regions.
About NLC India Limited (NLCIL):
- Established: 1956
- Ministry: Ministry of Coal (MOC)
- Previous Name: Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited (NLCIL)
Important days
International Migrants Day 2024
International Migrants Day, observed annually on December 18, serves as an important reminder to honor the contributions of migrants around the world and the role they play in shaping societies. In 2024, the day will be observed under the theme, “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights.” This day also sheds light on the challenges migrants face, including their rights, integration, and exploitation, while emphasizing the need for fair and inclusive migration policies.
Purpose of the Day:
- Celebrate Contributions: To acknowledge the valuable contributions migrants make to both their host and home countries.
- Raise Awareness: Highlight the challenges migrants face, including exploitation, rights violations, and difficulties integrating into new societies.
- Advocate for Fair Policies: Encourage the development of migration policies that respect the dignity and rights of migrants, ensuring they are treated fairly and with respect.
Contributions of Migrants:
- Labour Market: Migrants play an essential role in filling skill gaps, supporting aging populations in many countries, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Economic Growth: Migrants contribute significantly to both their host country’s economy and their families’ livelihoods back home, boosting productivity and enhancing global economies.
- Cultural and Social Impact: Migrants enrich cultural diversity, foster global connections, and promote social cohesion by bringing new perspectives and ideas to their communities.
Obituary news
Tulsi Gowda, the ‘Encyclopedia of Forests,’ Passes Away
Tulsi Gowda, affectionately known as the “Tree Goddess,” was an environmentalist from Karnataka celebrated for her exceptional dedication to afforestation and ecological preservation. Born in 1944 in Honnali village, Uttara Kannada district, she overcame personal and financial hardships to emerge as a symbol of environmental conservation. Her tireless efforts, including planting over 1 lakh trees, earned her the Padma Shri award in 2021. Her passing on December 16, 2024, marked the end of an era but left behind an inspiring legacy.
Career and Contributions
- Early Work: Began working in a forest nursery under the Karnataka Forest Department’s Agasur project, where she nurtured seeds.
- Employment: Spent 35 years as a daily wage worker before securing a permanent position at the forest department, where she continued her work in forest conservation.
Forest Conservation
- Tree Planting: Over her lifetime, Tulsi Gowda planted and nurtured over 1 lakh trees across Karnataka.
- Reserve Contributions: Played a crucial role in strengthening one community reserve, five tiger reserves, 15 conservation reserves, and 30 wildlife sanctuaries.
- Protection Efforts: Helped prevent poaching and reduce forest fires, contributing significantly to the preservation of Karnataka’s natural heritage.
Legacy and Recognition
- Padma Shri Award: In recognition of her exceptional dedication to environmental conservation, Tulsi Gowda was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021.
- Passing: Tulsi Gowda passed away on December 16, 2024, leaving behind a remarkable legacy as a pioneer in afforestation and a symbol of ecological preservation.
