Daily Current Affairs 16th Dec, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
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This post contains important current affairs of 16th Dec, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 16th Dec, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 16th Dec, 2024 Current affairs test.
International News
Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a 53-year-old former footballer, was elected Georgia’s president on December 16, 2024. His victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape amid concerns over Georgia’s alignment with Russia. Critics argue that this election, conducted via a 300-seat electoral college, could hinder Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.
UK Joins CPTPP: A Post-Brexit Economic Strategy
The United Kingdom has become the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a pivotal step in its post-Brexit trade strategy. The formal accession, completed on December 15, 2024, opens new economic opportunities across the Indo-Pacific region, boosting UK businesses with expanded trade benefits.
U.S. Tests ‘Dark Eagle’ Hypersonic Missile
The U.S. military successfully tested its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known as “Dark Eagle,” at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. The missile, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (3,800 mph), demonstrated precision strikes on distant, well-defended targets. This marks significant progress in hypersonic technology, with operational deployment expected by 2025.
Mount Semeru Erupts in Indonesia
Mount Semeru in East Java, Indonesia, erupted on December 15, 2024, releasing a column of white-to-grey ash up to 1,000 meters high. The eruption prompted Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology to issue an orange aviation warning, restricting flights within a 5-kilometer radius of the volcano.
National News
Uttarakhand Introduces India’s First Yoga Policy
Uttarakhand, known as “Devbhoomi,” has become the first state to implement a dedicated Yoga Policy. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, this initiative seeks to transform the state into a global hub for yoga, Ayurveda, and wellness. Building on Rishikesh’s reputation as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” the policy integrates tourism, health, and employment for holistic development.
Manipur Commemorates Nupi Lal Numit 2024
Manipur celebrated Nupi Lal Numit 2024 to honor the brave women who fought for justice during the Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939. Led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, the event highlighted the historical significance of Manipuri women and emphasized ongoing efforts to empower them.
India Establishes First Diabetes Biobank in Chennai
India’s first-ever diabetes biobank has been inaugurated in Chennai through a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). This biobank is set to advance scientific research by collecting, processing, storing, and distributing biological samples. It will facilitate in-depth studies on diabetes, its causes, variations, and related disorders, thereby contributing significantly to global health research.
Viraasat Sari Festival 2024: Honoring India’s Handwoven Legacy
The Ministry of Textiles is gearing up to host the third edition of the “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024” from December 15–28 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. After attracting over 20,000 visitors in previous editions, this year’s festival will focus on India’s diverse sari weaving traditions. Bringing together artisans, designers, and sari enthusiasts, the event aims to emphasize the cultural and economic importance of handloom while providing weavers a platform to showcase and sell their creations.
India Pioneers Green Steel with New Framework
India has taken a monumental step toward reducing carbon emissions in the steel industry and shifting to a low-carbon economy. Union Minister for Steel & Heavy Industries, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, unveiled India’s inaugural Taxonomy of Green Steel at an event held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. This groundbreaking initiative positions India at the forefront of global efforts to define and promote green steel production, an essential sector for meeting environmental and sustainability objectives.
Schemes News
‘Jalvahak’ Scheme to Boost Waterway Transport
The Indian government has introduced the Jalvahak scheme to promote cargo transportation through inland waterways. By offering incentives for transporting goods over distances of 300 km or more, the scheme aims to ease congestion on road and rail networks while supporting sustainable transportation.
NCL Launches Free Health Initiative ‘CHARAK’
Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) has launched the ‘CHARAK’ project to provide free treatment for economically disadvantaged families in Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts. Covering illnesses such as cancer, TB, and cardiovascular diseases, this initiative supports families earning less than Rs. 8 lakh annually and aligns with NCL’s social responsibility efforts.
Defence News
Desert Knight: India-France-UAE Air Combat Exercise
The trilateral air combat exercise “Desert Knight” involving India, France, and the UAE has commenced over the Arabian Sea. The exercise aims to strengthen defense ties, enhance interoperability among the three nations, and prepare for complex combat scenarios, reflecting their commitment to regional security.
Appointments News
Google Names Preeti Lobana as India Head
Google has appointed Preeti Lobana as its new Country Manager and Vice President for India. With over three decades of professional experience, Lobana succeeds Sanjay Gupta, who now oversees the Asia Pacific region. Her appointment reinforces Google’s commitment to India’s evolving digital economy.
Obituaries News
Legendary Tabla Maestro Zakir Hussain Passes Away
Padma Bhushan awardee Ustad Zakir Hussain, renowned for his contributions to Indian classical music, passed away at 73 in the United States due to heart-related complications. His unparalleled legacy as a tabla virtuoso continues to inspire musicians worldwide.
Sports News
Mumbai Wins Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Mumbai clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 by defeating Madhya Pradesh by five wickets. Chasing a target of 175 in just 17.5 overs, Mumbai’s batting depth and resilience secured their second SMAT title, following their first victory in 2022.
Important Days
Vijay Diwas 2024: Remembering India’s 1971 Victory
India observed Vijay Diwas on December 16 to commemorate its victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak War, which led to the liberation of Bangladesh. The war culminated in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani troops, marking a historic achievement in Indian military history.
