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Dec 21, 2024 Current Affairs

The Early Update (Dec 21, 2024)

1. German Christmas market attack: A car drove into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least two people and injuring 60 others. The driver was arrested. 2. Congress demands CCTV footage: The Congress party in India has asked for the release of CCTV footage from a recent Parliament protest. 3. BJP shortlists candidates: The BJP has shortlisted candidates for all 70 Assembly constituencies for the upcoming elections in February. 4. U.S. House approves funding bill: The U.S. House of Representatives approved a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, dropping President-elect Donald Trump's demands for a debt limit increase. 5. Jiribam killings in Manipur: The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the recent killings in Jiribam, Manipur, fall under the State government's jurisdiction. 6. Interim protection for Mohammed Zubair: The Allahabad High Court granted interim protection from arrest to fact-checker Mohammed Zubair. 7. India protests Bangladesh aide's post: India has strongly protested a social media post by a Bangladesh interim government aide that claimed Indian territory. 8. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY update: Approximately 36 crore beneficiaries have been verified under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, with 8.39 crore hospital admissions authorized. 9. FSSAI seeks data on expired food items: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed food manufacturers and importers to submit quarterly data on expired and rejected food items. 10. Decline in bird species in Assam: A study revealed a 72% decline in bird species at a major wetland in Assam over the past 27 years.

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Masali: India’s First Border Solar Village Established

Masali Village: Located in Suigam taluka of Banaskantha, Masali is India's first solar-powered border village, situated about 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border. It has around 800 residents. Project Overview: The solar project in Masali is valued at Rs 1.16 crore and was executed with support from the Revenue Department, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), local banks, and solar energy companies. Funding Sources: The project received a subsidy of Rs 59.81 lakh under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, public contributions of Rs 20.52 lakh, and CSR funds of Rs 35.67 lakh. Energy Capacity and Impact: The village now has 225.5 kilowatts of electricity distributed across 119 homes, exceeding the energy requirements of all households and resolving longstanding electricity issues. Significance: This project is a source of pride for the local administration and highlights the potential for renewable energy solutions in remote and border communities. Masali is the second solar village in Gujarat, following Modhera.

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Airtel - First Private Telecom to Serve J&K Border Villages.

Bharti Airtel has become the first private telecom company to provide mobile services in seven border villages of Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative is part of the Vibrant Village Programme, which aims to improve infrastructure in border regions. The villages benefiting from this service include Kachhal, Balbir, Razdan Pass, Taya Top, Ustad, Kathi, and Cheema. To facilitate this connectivity, Airtel has established 15 mobile towers across these regions. This deployment is crucial for improving communication for both local residents and soldiers stationed along the Line of Control. Airtel has also partnered with the Indian Army to enhance network services in remote areas and military bases. In addition to the border villages, Airtel has successfully provided connectivity in challenging terrains, including the Galwan River region and Daulat Beg Oldie. Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced plans for comprehensive telecom connectivity across the country by June 2025.

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Indian Pharma Sector Becomes 3rd Largest Globally, Valued at $50B

Global Ranking: India's pharmaceutical industry is the third-largest globally by volume and valued at $50 billion for the 2023-24 financial year. Product Range: The industry produces a variety of products, including generic drugs, bulk drugs, over-the-counter medications, vaccines, biosimilars, and biologics. Economic Contribution: In FY 2022-23, the sector produced ₹4,56,246 crores, with a value addition of ₹1,75,583 crores, and employed approximately 9,25,811 individuals. Educational Initiatives: The Department of Pharmaceuticals established seven National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs), which are recognized as institutions of national importance. Research and Development: A national policy has been introduced to promote research, development, and innovation in the pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. The industry aims to enhance its global presence by encouraging innovation and improving the quality of healthcare products.

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - New Delhi to Host 2025 Para Athletics World Championship

Event Announcement: New Delhi will host the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships from September 26 to October 5, marking the first time India will host this event. Venue: The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi will be the main venue, known for its capacity and facilities. Additional Event: New Delhi will also host a World Para Athletics Grand Prix from March 11 to 13, 2025, at the same stadium. Significance: Hosting these events highlights India's commitment to promoting para sports and offers a platform for athletes to gain international exposure. Participation: Athletes from various countries are expected to participate, encouraging international camaraderie and competition. These events are set to inspire many and raise awareness about para athletics. Exciting times ahead for sports in India!

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Easterine Kire’s ‘Spirit Nights’ Wins 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award

Easterine Kire, a writer from Nagaland, has won the 2024 Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel "Spirit Nights," which delves into a haunting tale from the Chang Naga tribe. The Sahitya Akademi Award recognizes literary excellence across 21 languages, with other notable winners including Sameer Tanti for his Assamese work "Pharingbore Bator Katha Jane," Haobam Satyabati Devi for her Manipuri poetry collection "Mainu Bora Nungshi Sheirol," and Aron Raja for his Bodo novel "Swrni Thakhai". Awardees receive a casket with an engraved copper plaque, a shawl, and a cash prize of one lakh rupees. The award ceremony is scheduled for March 8, 2025, in Delhi. The Sahitya Akademi Award is a prestigious recognition in Indian literature, promoting and celebrating literary works in various languages and enhancing the visibility of regional literature on a national platform. Kire's works often reflect the culture and traditions of her community, capturing the essence of Naga life and folklore.

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - E-Shram Portal: Empowering Unorganised Workers

The E-Shram Portal, launched on August 26, 2021, is a significant initiative for unorganised workers in India. It aims to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) verified through Aadhaar, enhancing access to social security and job opportunities. As of December 19, 2024, over 30 crore workers have registered. Key Features: Registration Process: Workers can register online or visit Common Services Centres (CSCs) and State Seva Kendras (SSKs). Eligibility includes being aged 16-59, working in the unorganised sector, and having an Aadhaar card, a mobile number linked to Aadhaar, and a bank account. Universal Account Number (UAN): Linked to Aadhaar, it simplifies registration and access to various schemes. Support Services: The portal supports multiple languages, has a grievance redressal system, and connects workers to employment opportunities, skill development, and social security schemes. Financial Inclusion: Facilitates direct payments to registered workers and collects family details for migrant workers to support educational and women’s schemes. Data Sharing: Enhances the implementation of welfare schemes by sharing data with state and union governments. The portal has seen a surge in registrations, with around 60,000 daily registrations in October 2024, indicating growing awareness and acceptance among unorganised workers. The E-Shram Portal is poised to transform the workforce landscape in India, empowering millions and contributing to a stronger economy.

Dec 20, 2024 Current Affairs

The Early Update (Dec 20, 2024)

1. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has banned protests by MPs and political parties at Parliament gates after recent political protests turned ugly. 2. China has built significant military infrastructure since the 2020 standoff with India, according to a U.S. report. 3. Despite recent indictments, U.S. officials state that the U.S.-India relationship remains very strong. 4. The Delhi government has imposed a permanent ban on firecrackers. 5. Sixteen Indian workers are trapped in a cement factory in Libya and are seeking help from the Indian government. 6. K.T. Rama Rao defended the transfer of ₹55 crore for the Formula-E race, stating there was no corruption involved. 7. The U.S. House rejected President-elect Donald Trump's plan to fund federal operations and suspend the debt ceiling, leaving the next steps uncertain. 8. The BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of undermining Indian democracy and stated he is unfit to be the Leader of Opposition. 9. The Allahabad High Court stated that the Union government is the competent authority to decide on citizenship-related matters. 10. Mayawati criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent remarks on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, stating they have offended Ambedkar's followers.

Dec 19, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP Lead in Rooftop Solar under PM SuryaGhar

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Launched on February 15, 2024, aiming to provide rooftop solar power to one crore households by March 2027. Installation Targets: Over 10 lakh installations expected by March 2025, 20 lakh by October 2025, and 40 lakh by March 2026. Current Progress: As of December 9, 2024, over 6.79 lakh installations completed. Gujarat leads with more than 3.02 lakh installations, followed by Maharashtra with over 1.39 lakh, and Uttar Pradesh with over 56,000 installations. Financial Assistance: Households can receive up to 40% subsidy on installation costs. Low-interest loans are available at about 7% for rooftop solar systems up to 3 kW capacity. Environmental Impact: The scheme aims to add 30 GW of solar capacity, save ₹75,000 crore annually in electricity costs, generate 1,000 billion units of electricity over 25 years, and reduce CO2 emissions by 720 million tonnes.

Dec 19, 2024 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Indian Army Launches AI Incubation Centre

The Indian Army has recently inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru. This initiative aims to integrate advanced technologies into the Army's operations, enhance capabilities, and develop a skilled workforce in AI. Here are the main points: Objectives: Innovate and improve operational efficiency, create AI solutions for modern security challenges, and encourage technological advancement within the Army. Collaboration: The centre is a collaborative effort with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), which provides essential infrastructure and IT support. Focus Areas: Predictive maintenance, enhanced surveillance, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms. Technological Resources: Equipped with a 1-petaflop supercomputer from the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) to facilitate advanced AI research and training. Strategic Importance: Positions the Indian Army at the forefront of defence technology and aligns with national goals of self-reliance and innovation in military AI. Commitment to Transformation: Part of the broader Decade of Transformation strategy aimed at strengthening India's security framework.

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