20th December 2024 current affairs

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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 20th 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

Masali Village in Gujarat Becomes India’s First Solar Border Village

Masali, a small village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, has become India’s first fully solar-powered border village. Located just 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, Masali has transformed into a 100% solar-powered community, demonstrating sustainable development in a remote region.

Key Features

Population and Location:

• Masali has a total population of 800 people.
• It is situated in the Vav taluka of Banaskantha district, a region near the Indo-Pak border.

Solar Energy Implementation:

• Under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, solar rooftops have been installed on 119 houses in the village.
• These installations collectively generate over 225 kilowatts (KW) of electricity, making the village self-sufficient in energy.

Administration’s Role:

• Banaskantha Collector Mihir Patel played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this initiative.
• The project aligns with the Border Development Project, which focuses on enhancing infrastructure and resources in border areas.

Expansion Plans: Inspired by Masali, the administration has targeted making 11 villages in Vav taluka and 6 villages in Suigam taluka fully solar-powered in the near future

PM Suryaghar Yojana: Key Facts for GK

The PM Suryaghar Yojana is an initiative by the Government of India to promote the adoption of solar energy, particularly in rural and remote areas, by providing financial and infrastructural support. This scheme is part of India’s broader renewable energy mission to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources and achieve sustainability goals.

• Launch Year: The PM Suryaghar Yojana was launched in 2023 as part of India’s ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy and achieve sustainable development goals.
• Ministry: The scheme comes under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), which is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies related to renewable energy in India

Gujarat:

• Capital: Gandhinagar
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel

State news

Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code from January 2025

Uttarakhand will make history as the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 2025, fulfilling a key promise made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the 2022 assembly elections. The UCC aims to establish uniform personal laws across marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of religion or caste, while excluding tribal communities.

Formation of UCC: Past and Present

• Genesis in 2022: Following the BJP’s victory in the 2022 Uttarakhand assembly elections, the first cabinet meeting of the new government approved the formation of a five-member expert committee led by retired Supreme Court Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to draft the UCC.
• Legislative Milestone: The Uniform Civil Code, Uttarakhand 2024 Bill was passed in the state assembly on February 7, 2024, and received presidential assent on March 12, 2024.

Implementation Roadmap

• Final Preparations: A nine-member sub-committee, led by former chief secretary Shatrughna Singh, drafted the rules after 43 meetings. The training of officials and infrastructure setup are in the final stages.
• Digital Initiatives: A portal and mobile app have been developed to facilitate online registration, appeals, and other UCC-related services for public convenience.
• Execution Framework: Three sub-committees framed the implementation rules under Singh’s guidance, ensuring adequate training and resources for personnel.

Significance of the UCC in Uttarakhand

The Uniform Civil Code seeks to make Uttarakhand legally just and equitable by eliminating disparities in personal laws. CM Dhami emphasized that this initiative is a transformational move, aimed at achieving uniformity in personal laws, with an exception for the tribal communities, who are excluded from the Act.

Uttarakhand:

• Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Bhararisen (Summer)
• Founded: 9 November 2000
• Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
• Governor: Gurmit Singh

Madhya Pradesh Welcomes 10th International Forest Fair

The 10th International Forest Fair in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh commenced on December 17, 2024, and will run until December 23, 2024. The fair aims to promote sustainable forest practices, empower local communities, and foster collaboration across the forestry sector.

Key Highlights:

Event Duration: The fair will be held from December 17 to December 23, 2024 in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Theme: “Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce”.

The fair focuses on empowering women in the forestry sector, where 50% of the workforce is engaged in managing minor forest produce.

Key Attendees:

• Governor Mangubhai Patel
• Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav
• Representatives from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Australia participate, enriching the fair’s international outreach.

Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal (Executive Branch)
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav

Banking news

India Signs $42 Million Loan Agreement with ADB to Strengthen Coastal Resilience in Maharashtra

On December, 2024, the Central Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement worth $42 million to support coastal protection efforts in Maharashtra. This initiative aims to strengthen the resilience of coastal communities and safeguard their livelihoods.

Objective of the Loan:

• The loan will focus on strengthening coastal protection to boost the community resilience in Maharashtra.
• It will help restore and stabilize the coastline, which has been vulnerable to erosion and climate change impacts.

Stakeholder Involvement:

• The project will primarily involve the Maharashtra Maritime Board, which will receive support in terms of shore management planning.
• A new Coastal Infrastructure Management Unit will be established under the project to improve management and implementation.

Capacity Building Focus:

• The loan agreement includes provisions for capacity building for various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and institutions.
• Gender equality and social inclusion will be prioritized in coastal management and livelihood activities, ensuring equal access and opportunities for all members of coastal communities.

Maharashtra:

• Chief minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Capital: Mumbai

Appointment news

Rama Mohan Rao Amara Appointed as SBI’s New Managing Director

The Indian government has appointed Rama Mohan Rao Amara as the new Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI) for a tenure of three years. His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), follows a recommendation by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB). Amara takes over from CS Setty, who became the Chairman of SBI in August 2024.

Selection Process and Recommendation: The FSIB reviewed nine candidates for the MD position, ultimately selecting Amara based on his performance in interviews, qualifications, and extensive experience within the banking sector.

SBI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Founded: 1 July 1955
• Key people: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty (Chairman)

Defence news

Indian Army Unveils AI Incubation Centre for Future Warfare

The Indian Army AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) has been launched in Bengaluru, marking a major step in modernizing its operational capabilities and advancing its technological prowess. The virtual inauguration was led by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi. This initiative aims to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the Army’s capabilities, aligning with India’s vision for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign.

Key Objectives and Features:

AI Innovation Hub:

The IAAIIC will function as a collaborative platform, bringing together academia, startups, and industry experts to develop AI-driven solutions tailored to the needs of the Indian Army.

Focus Areas in Research and Development:

The centre will concentrate on developing solutions in critical areas such as:

• Predictive maintenance for military equipment.
• Advanced surveillance technologies.
• Decision support systems to enhance operational efficiency.
• Development of autonomous platforms for combat and logistical purposes.

Building Indigenous Talent: One of the key goals of the IAAIIC is to foster local AI expertise, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and creating a skilled workforce in the domain of defence technology.

Technological Support: The centre will be equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and supported by a supercomputer from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), facilitating AI training and development.

Award news

Easterine Kire Wins Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 for ‘Spirit Nights’ in English Category

The Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2024 have been announced, recognizing literary excellence in 21 languages. These prestigious awards are given annually to honor outstanding works of literature across various genres, including poetry and novels. This year, several authors from the North East have been recognized for their contributions to literature.

Key Awardees and Their Works

English Language Category:

• Kire’s novel, Spirit Nights, published by Simon and Schuster India, won the award in the English language category.
• Spirit Nights is inspired by the folklore of the Chang Naga tribe of Nagaland, weaving a tale of darkness and mystery from their narratives.

Assamese Language Category (Poetry): Sameer Tanti won the award for his work Pharingbore Bator Katha Jane in the Poetry category.

Manipuri Language Category (Poetry): Haobam Satyabati Devi was awarded for her poetry collection Mainu Bora Nungshi Sheirol.

Bodo Language Category (Novel): Aron Raja was recognized for his novel Swrni Thakhai, which won the award in the Novel category for the Bodo language.

Bhutan Confers Royal Honour on Indian Educationist Arun Kapur

Indian educationist Arun Kapur has been honoured by Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel for his significant contributions to education in India, Bhutan, and Oman. This recognition took place during the 117th Bhutanese National Day celebrations at the Changlimithang stadium in Thimphu, where Kapur was conferred the prestigious Red Scarf and the title ‘Dasho’.

Key Recognition: Red Scarf and ‘Dasho’ Title

• Award Conferred: Bhutan’s King presented Arun Kapur with the ‘Bura Marp’ (red scarf) and ‘Patang’ (ceremonial sword) in recognition of his exceptional contributions to education.
• Dasho Title: The title ‘Dasho’ is a rare honour traditionally reserved for senior Bhutanese officials, and it is usually not granted to non-residents, making this recognition especially significant.

Past Contributions and Achievements

• Previous Honour: In 2019, Arun Kapur was awarded the ‘Druk Thuksey’ for his pivotal role in establishing The Royal Academy school and developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate educational system.
• Leadership at Vasant Valley School: Kapur served as the head of Vasant Valley School in Delhi for 29 years, where he made substantial contributions to shaping the educational landscape before retiring in April 2020.

Arun Kapur’s work in the field of education has had a lasting impact, particularly in Bhutan, where his initiatives in educational development have been widely recognized and celebrated.

Bhutan:

• Capital: Thimphu
• Currencies: Bhutanese Ngultrum, Indian Rupee
• Official language: Dzongkha
• King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck

Sports news

New Delhi to host 2025 World Para Athletics C’ships at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

In a significant development for sports in India, New Delhi is set to host the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This will be the first time that India will host this prestigious event. The championships are scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 5, 2025.

Event Overview:

• The 2025 World Para Athletics Championships will be the 12th edition of the event.
• This will also be the fourth time the championships are being held in Asia, following previous editions in Doha (2015), Dubai (2019), and Kobe (2024).

Significance:

• Hosting the World Para Athletics Championships is a major milestone for India’s sporting landscape, highlighting the nation’s commitment to promoting inclusive sports.
• The event will bring together elite para-athletes from around the world, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for adaptive sports.

Additional Event:

• In addition to the championships, New Delhi will also host a World Para Athletics Grand Prix for the first time.
• The Grand Prix will take place from March 11 to 13, 2025, also at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi – one of the most prominent stadiums in India, known for hosting significant national and international events.

Award news

President Murmu to award President’s Colours to College of Defence Management

The College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad, will be awarded the prestigious President’s Colours today, recognizing its outstanding contributions to military education and training. The award will be presented by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremonial event held at the CDM.

Key Highlights

Establishment and Evolution: Founded in 1970, the CDM initially focused on administrative training for military officers. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the most respected institutions in India, offering advanced training in strategic planning, resource management, and leadership.

Training Programs:

• The CDM conducts a range of training programs, including the Higher Defence Management Course and the Senior Defence Management Course.
• These programs attract military personnel not only from India but also from across the world, emphasizing the college’s international recognition.

Emphasis on Multi-Domain Warfare:

• With a growing focus on multi-domain warfare, the CDM has adapted its curriculum to address the evolving challenges faced by modern military forces.
• The college now stands at the forefront of professional military education, equipping officers with the necessary skills to manage complex and dynamic defence environments.

Role of CDM in Professional Military Education: CDM plays a crucial role in shaping the future of military leadership in India and beyond, contributing to the nation’s defence preparedness and strategic capabilities.

Renowned Tabla Maestro Pt. Swapan Choudhary Awarded 2023 National Tansen Samman

The prestigious National Tansen Award and Raja Mansingh Tomar Award were conferred at the Tansen Festival held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the renowned music capital of India.

• National Tansen Award and Raja Mansingh Tomar Award Presented at Tansen Festival in Gwalior
• The prestigious National Tansen Award and Raja Mansingh Tomar Award were conferred at the Tansen Festival held in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, the renowned music capital of India.

National Tansen Award 2023:

• Recipient: Pt. Swapan Choudhary, a distinguished tabla player from Kolkata.
• Award Details: Pt. Choudhary was honoured with the National Tansen Samman for 2023, one of the highest recognitions in the field of Indian classical music.
• The award included an honorarium of five lakh rupees, a citation plaque, and a shawl-shriphal.

About the Award: The National Tansen Samman, established by the Madhya Pradesh government, is named after the legendary Tansen, one of the greatest musicians of the Mughal era. It recognizes exceptional contributions to Indian classical music.

Pt. Swapan Choudhary’s Reaction: He expressed his gratitude and honor in receiving the award, highlighting the significance of this recognition in his long-standing career as a tabla maestro.

Raja Mansingh Tomar Award 2023:

• Recipient: Sanand Nyas, an institution based in Indore.
• About the Institution: Sanand Nyas has been actively promoting classical music, drama, and cultural festivals in Indore for over 35 years.
• Award Details: Sanand Nyas was conferred with the Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman for its significant contributions to the cultural and artistic landscape of Madhya Pradesh.

Tansen Festival: The Tansen Festival in Gwalior is a celebration of Indian classical music and has been an important cultural event for years. The awards presented during the festival recognize outstanding contributions to the Indian classical music tradition, further elevating the importance of Gwalior as a historic center for classical music and culture.

Science and tech news

Historic Dolphin Tagging Initiative in Assam

India has achieved a significant milestone in wildlife conservation with the first-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), a key initiative under Project Dolphin led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This project, conducted in Assam, marks a global first for the species and serves as a major step in protecting India’s National Aquatic Animal.

Key Highlights of the Ganges River Dolphin Tagging Initiative

First-Ever Tagging of the Species

• Global First: This is the first-ever satellite tagging of the Ganges River Dolphin, not just in India but globally.
• The tagging was performed on a healthy male dolphin in Assam, which was carefully released back into the river under veterinary supervision.

Collaborative Effort

• The initiative was conducted by MoEFCC in partnership with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Assam Forest Department, and Aaranyak.
• It is funded by the National CAMPA Authority as part of the larger Project Dolphin.

Objectives of the Tagging

• The primary goals of tagging include gathering critical data about the dolphin’s habitat needs, seasonal migratory patterns, and range.
• This effort addresses gaps in knowledge regarding the conservation strategies for this elusive aquatic mammal.

Advanced Technology in Tagging

Satellite Tags: Lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos systems were used, designed to function efficiently despite the dolphin’s limited surfacing time (5-30 seconds).

Ecological Importance of Ganges River Dolphins

National Aquatic Animal: The Ganges River Dolphin is declared as India’s National Aquatic Animal.

As apex predators, they play a crucial role in the health of river ecosystems and act as umbrella species for the environment.

The dolphins are nearly blind, relying on echolocation for navigation and feeding in murky river waters.

Challenges in Conservation

• Population Decline: The species faces significant threats due to habitat fragmentation, pollution, and human activities in their river ecosystems.
• Behavioral Challenges: Dolphins surface briefly, making tracking and observation difficult, and complicating conservation efforts.

Statements from Key Leaders

• Union Minister Bhupender Yadav described this initiative as a “historic achievement”, highlighting its importance for the conservation of India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• Project investigator Dr. Vishnupriya Kolipakam pointed out the broader ecological benefits of protecting river dolphins, which contributes to aquatic biodiversity and supports human livelihoods.

Assam:

• Capital: Dispur
• Chief minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Acharya

Ranks and report news

India Emerges as 3rd Largest Exporter in Smartphone Market

India’s remarkable rise in global smartphone exports, from the 23rd position in 2019 to the 3rd spot in 2024, is a testament to the country’s growing prowess in manufacturing and export sectors. This achievement, marked by smartphone exports crossing ₹20,000 crore in November 2024, underscores the positive impact of government initiatives and the strengthening of the domestic production ecosystem.

Key Highlights

Growth in Smartphone Exports

• 92% Growth: India’s smartphone exports grew by 92% in November 2024 compared to the same month in the previous year.
• Exports in November 2024: The export value reached ₹20,395 crore, a significant increase from ₹10,634 crore in November 2023, showcasing the country’s growing presence in global markets.

Government Initiatives Driving Growth

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The scheme was designed to boost local manufacturing and reduce dependency on imports, fostering self-sufficiency in the sector.
• Export Targets for 2024-25: India aims to export 70-75% of the total production value, a clear indication of the government’s commitment to making India a global manufacturing hub.

The scheme supports both domestic and international companies in establishing manufacturing units within India, thereby fostering a conducive ecosystem for growth.

Sports news

Pranav Venkatesh wins FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess titles

India’s Pranav Venkatesh has made history by winning both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in Slovenia, marking an outstanding achievement in the chess world. Pranav, the top-seeded Grandmaster from Chennai, triumphed in both categories, showcasing exceptional skill and composure.

Rapid Category (Gold Medal)

• Pranav Venkatesh clinched the gold medal in the Rapid category with a stellar score of 9.5 points.
• Alexander Khripachenko from Russia secured the silver medal with 9 points.
• Roman Pyrih from Ukraine took the bronze with 7.5 points.

Blitz Category (Gold Medal)

• In the Blitz category, Pranav scored an impressive 19.5 points, finishing with a round to spare, ensuring his victory.
• Dmitry Mochalov from Russia claimed silver with 15.5 points.
• Alexander Khripachenko, who also competed in the Blitz, earned the bronze.

Significance of the Achievement: Pranav Venkatesh was the only Grandmaster competing in the event, which had six categories across both Rapid and Blitz formats. This highlights his exceptional performance, as he triumphed over a highly competitive field.

His success in both formats—Rapid and Blitz—adds to his growing reputation as one of India’s top young chess talents.

Kiran Ankush Jadhav clinches Men’s 50m Rifle 3P title at 67th National Shooting Championship

Indian Navy’s Kiran Ankush Jadhav made a remarkable performance at the 67th National Shooting Championship in Bhopal, claiming the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions (3P) title. He triumphed over Paris Olympic bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale and Olympian Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, securing the gold medal with a score of 465.8 in the final.

Key Highlights of the Event:

Kiran Ankush Jadhav’s Victory:

• Jadhav was in third place until the 40th shot of the final but made a strong comeback in the closing stages, shooting a series of 10.6, 10.4, 10.6, 10.0, and 10.8 to clinch the gold.
• His final score of 465.8 was enough to outpace Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, who finished second with 463.1 points.

Competition Overview: Swapnil Kusale, the Olympic bronze medalist, led the final till the 40th shot but finished in third place with 451.8 points after struggling in the final stages.

Venue: The event took place at the M.P. State Academy Shooting Range in Bhopal, where the shooters competed in a 45-shot final.

38th National Games Uttarakhand Unveils Mascot, Logo, Anthem, and Tagline

Uttarakhand unveiled the mascot, logo, jersey, anthem, and tagline for the 38th National Games 2025 in a ceremony held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun. Scheduled from January 28 to February 14, 2025, the event reflects a mix of tradition, athleticism, and Uttarakhand’s rich heritage. The unveiling was led by Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, marking a significant step for the state’s sports community.

Key Highlights of the 38th National Games 2025 Launch:

• Mascot “Mauli”:
• Inspired by Monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird.
• Symbolizes the region’s uniqueness and motivates young athletes to aim high.

Logo: Reflects the state’s beauty and biodiversity, incorporating vibrant imagery of the Monal.

Tagline: “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolve to Zenith) — representing determination and ambition.

Event Details:

• Dates: January 28 to February 14, 2025.
• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches from across India, including teams from institutions like the Services.
• Sports: Competitions will take place in 38 sports, including traditional sports like yoga and mallakhamb.

Ceremonial Torch: The National Games torch was lit during the ceremony.

The torch will travel across Uttarakhand to promote sports culture and inspire youth sportsmanship.

Important days

Minorities Rights Day Celebrated Nationwide

Minorities Rights Day is observed every year on December 18 to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations’ Statement on the Rights of Individuals belonging to Religious or Linguistic National or Ethnic Minorities in 1992. The National Commission for Minorities (NCM) in India celebrated this significant day on December 18, 2024, to raise awareness about the rights of minorities and promote their freedom, equality, and inclusion in society.

Key Highlights of the Minorities Rights Day 2024 Celebrations:

Date of Celebration: December 18, 2024

Significance of the Day:

• Commemorates the adoption of the UN Statement on the Rights of Minorities (1992).
• Focuses on promoting freedom, equality, and opportunities for minorities in India.
• Highlights efforts to create awareness about the rights of minorities and the welfare and empowerment of minority communities in India.
• The observance of this day underlines the importance of upholding the rights of minorities and ensuring their equal participation in the socio-economic and cultural fabric of society.