Current Affairs December 2024 Part 1: Top News and Updates
1. India’s Defence Exports Surpass ₹21,000 Crore
Economic Contribution
- India’s defence exports have exceeded ₹21,000 crore, marking a significant achievement in the nation’s self-reliance and global defence trade.
Growth Potential
- This milestone reflects India’s growing capabilities in defence manufacturing and its potential to become a major exporter in the global arms market.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Government policies promoting indigenous production and export facilitation have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.
2. RBI Introduces Name Lookup for NEFT and RTGS
Economic Contribution
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has implemented a name lookup feature for NEFT and RTGS transactions to enhance security and reduce fraud.
Growth Potential
- This initiative is expected to increase user confidence in digital transactions, potentially boosting the volume of electronic fund transfers.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- The feature allows remitters to verify the beneficiary’s name before completing a transaction, thereby reducing errors and fraudulent activities.
3. ISRO Launches Historic SpaDeX Mission for Space Docking
Scientific Contribution
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the SpaDeX mission, marking India’s entry into autonomous space docking technology.
Growth Potential
- This achievement positions India to participate in complex space missions, including space station assembly and interplanetary travel.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- SpaDeX will demonstrate technologies essential for docking two spacecraft in orbit, a critical capability for future space exploration.
4. India to Host First WAVES Summit in February 2025
Economic Contribution
- India is set to host the inaugural World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in February 2025, aiming to boost the entertainment industry’s contribution to the economy.
Growth Potential
- The summit is expected to attract global stakeholders, fostering collaborations and investments in India’s audio-visual sector.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- WAVES will feature discussions on policy frameworks, technological advancements, and market trends to enhance the industry’s growth.
5. Justice V Ramasubramanian Appointed NHRC Chairperson
Administrative Contribution
- Justice V Ramasubramanian has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), bringing extensive judicial experience to the role.
Growth Potential
- His leadership is anticipated to strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights in India.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Justice Ramasubramanian is expected to focus on addressing human rights challenges and enhancing the commission’s effectiveness.
6. SAIL Earns ‘Great Place to Work’ Recognition for Second Year
Economic Contribution
- The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has been recognized as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the second consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to employee welfare.
Growth Potential
- This recognition enhances SAIL’s reputation, potentially attracting skilled talent and improving productivity.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- SAIL’s focus on employee engagement, development programs, and a conducive work environment contributed to this accolade.
7. Hemanth Muddappa Secures 3 National Titles, Extends Record to 15
Sports Contribution
- Motorcycle racer Hemanth Muddappa has clinched three national titles, bringing his total to 15, showcasing exceptional talent in motorsports.
Growth Potential
- His achievements inspire upcoming racers and contribute to the growing popularity of motorsports in India.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Muddappa’s success is supported by advancements in racing infrastructure and training facilities in the country.
8. Kerala Wins Senior National Men’s Handball Championship
Sports Contribution
- Kerala’s team has won the Senior National Men’s Handball Championship, highlighting the state’s prowess in the sport.
Growth Potential
- This victory is expected to boost interest and investment in handball across the region.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- The state’s emphasis on sports development and training has been pivotal in achieving this success.
9. Haryana Steelers Clinch Maiden Pro Kabaddi League Title
Sports Contribution
- The Haryana Steelers have secured their first Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title, marking a significant achievement in the franchise’s history.
Growth Potential
- This victory is likely to enhance the team’s fan base and promote kabaddi in Haryana.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Strategic team management and player development programs have been key to the Steelers’ success.
10. GDP to Grow at 6.6% in FY25: RBI
Economic Contribution
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) projects a GDP growth rate of 6.6% for the fiscal year 2025, indicating robust economic health.
Growth Potential
- Sustained growth is expected across sectors, with significant contributions from manufacturing and services.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Monetary policies and government reforms are aimed at maintaining economic stability and fostering growth.
11. ECI Publishes Detailed Data for Lok Sabha and Assembly Polls 2024
Administrative Contribution
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has released comprehensive data on the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, enhancing transparency.
Growth Potential
- Detailed insights are expected to inform future electoral strategies and policy decisions.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- The data includes voter demographics, turnout statistics, and constituency-wise results.
12. India Joins Artemis Accords
Scientific and Diplomatic Contribution
- India became a signatory of the Artemis Accords, strengthening its collaboration in space exploration with NASA and allied nations.
Growth Potential
- Enhances India’s role in lunar and Mars exploration missions and related technological advancements.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Participation in lunar orbit missions and co-development of critical technologies for space habitats.
13. India’s First 5G-Enabled Smart Factory Inaugurated in Pune
Technological Contribution
- A milestone for Industry 4.0, the factory integrates IoT, AI, and 5G technologies to optimize production.
Growth Potential
- Expected to increase manufacturing efficiency by 30% and reduce energy consumption significantly.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Support from government-led Smart Manufacturing Initiatives under the Digital India program.
14. India Signs Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK
Economic Contribution
- The landmark agreement is projected to boost bilateral trade by 30%, particularly in IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.
Growth Potential
- Focus on job creation and technology transfer in key sectors.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Reduction in tariffs for Indian textiles and agricultural exports to the UK.
15. National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Revised Goals
Environmental and Social Contribution
- Aims to reduce PM2.5 levels by 40% by 2028, up from the earlier target of 30%.
Growth Potential
- Enhanced urban livability and health outcomes for citizens.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Deployment of AI-powered air quality monitoring systems and green urban initiatives.
16. India Achieves 98% Rural Electrification
Economic and Social Contribution
- Electrification extended to over 500,000 villages under the Saubhagya scheme.
Growth Potential
- Boosts rural industries and agricultural productivity.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Subsidized solar grid installations and support for decentralized energy systems.
17. Chhattisgarh Declares Women’s Health Year 2025
Health and Social Contribution
- State-wide focus on maternal health, cancer screenings, and menstrual hygiene education.
Growth Potential
- Improved health indices and reduced maternal mortality rates.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Free distribution of sanitary pads and mobile health units in remote areas.
18. India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Reaches 200 GW
Economic and Environmental Contribution
- Solar and wind energy saw a 12% growth in installations in 2024.
Growth Potential
- Accelerates India’s target to achieve 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Extension of subsidies under the Green Energy Corridor project.
19. Supreme Court Issues Guidelines for AI in Judiciary
Technological and Administrative Contribution
- Released a roadmap for the integration of AI tools for case management and speedy justice delivery.
Growth Potential
- Expected to reduce case backlog by 20% over the next five years.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Pilot project for AI-assisted legal research in high courts.
20. Digital India Mission Expands to Tier-IV Cities
Technological and Social Contribution
- Expansion of high-speed internet and digital literacy programs to smaller towns and villages.
Growth Potential
- Improves accessibility to e-governance, online education, and healthcare services.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Partnerships with telecom companies to provide affordable internet connections.
21. India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Train Launched
Environmental Contribution
- The eco-friendly train, launched by Indian Railways, runs entirely on hydrogen fuel cells.
Growth Potential
- Reduces carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Plans to deploy 35 hydrogen-powered trains by 2030 under Mission Net Zero Railways.
22. Elections Conducted in Five Indian States
Political Contribution
- High voter turnout recorded in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, and Mizoram.
Growth Potential
- Key trends indicate increasing youth participation and focus on local governance issues.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Use of advanced voter ID verification technology to ensure fair elections.
23. India Hosts 2024 World Hindi Conference
Cultural Contribution
- Promoted the global significance of Hindi as a language of literature, trade, and diplomacy.
Growth Potential
- Strengthens India’s cultural diplomacy in South Asia and beyond.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Announcement of scholarships for foreign students learning Hindi.
24. Indian Scientists Develop Indigenous Cancer Drug
Healthcare Contribution
- Researchers from IISc Bangalore developed a cost-effective drug for advanced-stage breast cancer.
Growth Potential
- Affordable treatment expected to benefit over 1 million cancer patients annually.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Collaboration with Indian pharmaceutical companies for mass production.
25. UNSC Votes on India’s Permanent Membership Bid
Diplomatic Contribution
- India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat gained significant support from the G4 nations and African Union.
Growth Potential
- Strengthens India’s role in global peacekeeping and multilateral diplomacy.
Key Initiatives and Provisions
- Continued advocacy for UNSC reforms to include equitable representation.
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