Daily Current Affairs 18th Dec, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 18th Dec, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 18th 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 18th Dec, 2024 Current affairs test.
International News
Moldova Joins International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Moldova has become a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighting its dedication to renewable energy. The agreement was formalized in New Delhi by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, and Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister, Mihai Popșoi. Moldova’s membership follows Armenia’s recent inclusion as the 104th full member, emphasizing the growing global influence of ISA, headquartered in India, which aims to mobilize $1,000 billion in investments by 2030.
The Gadhimai Festival: Tradition and Controversy
The Gadhimai Festival in southeastern Nepal is one of the most debated religious events globally, known for the large-scale slaughter of animals. Held every five years, it attracts thousands of devotees who believe the ritual appeases the goddess Gadhimai and brings prosperity. Despite criticism from animal rights groups and legal challenges, the festival continues, raising questions about the balance between tradition and animal welfare.
Israel Expands Settlements in Golan Heights Amid Regional Tensions
Israel has approved a plan to expand settlements in the Golan Heights, allocating over $11.13 million for infrastructure and population growth. This move is set against the backdrop of increasing regional tensions and political changes in Syria, especially after the collapse of the Assad regime. The expansion aims to double the population in this strategically important area.
Schemes News
India Promotes AYUSH Systems Internationally with Academic Chairs
The Ministry of AYUSH has launched a global initiative to increase awareness of traditional Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homoeopathy. As part of the plan, AYUSH Chairs have been established at universities in Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia to promote academic exchange and research, enhancing the global acceptance of these systems.
National News
Uber Introduces ‘Moto Women’ Bike Taxi Service in Bengaluru
Uber has launched a pilot service called ‘Moto Women’ in Bengaluru to enhance safety and inclusivity in urban transport. This bike taxi service caters exclusively to female riders and drivers, offering a secure and flexible option for women. The initiative addresses safety concerns while providing women with better earning opportunities and supporting integration into public transportation.
Kisan Kavach – India’s Indigenous Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the Kisan Kavach, India’s first locally developed anti-pesticide bodysuit. Created by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in partnership with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd., the suit is designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticides. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of empowering the agricultural sector through science and technology.
INCOIS Upgrades SARAT for Enhanced Sea Rescue Operations
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has enhanced its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to boost the efficiency of rescue missions at sea. Initially launched in 2016, SARAT has been a key resource for the Indian Coast Guard and other agencies. The upgraded version, SARAT 2, incorporates advanced features for more precise tracking of missing objects and individuals, thus improving rescue efforts.
Banking News
RBI Lifts Restrictions on Edelweiss Group Entities
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted restrictions on ECL Finance Ltd and Edelweiss Asset Reconstruction Company Ltd, both part of the Edelweiss Group. Imposed in May 2024 due to regulatory non-compliance concerns, the restrictions were removed after the entities took corrective measures and complied with regulatory standards, allowing them to resume normal operations.
Awards News
Suryabala Wins 34th Vyas Samman 2024
Suryabala’s novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary has been awarded the 34th Vyas Samman for exploring cultural conflicts faced by Indian youth abroad. Instituted by the KK Birla Foundation, the award includes a cash prize of ₹4 lakh and a citation.
Ayodhya Ram Temple Project Wins Safety Award
The Ram temple project in Ayodhya has won the British Safety Council’s ‘Sword of Honour,’ recognizing exceptional safety standards in construction. The accolade highlights the project’s global significance in adhering to meticulous planning and safety protocols.
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024
The FIFA Best Awards were held in Doha, Qatar, celebrating top football players, coaches, and goalkeepers. The prestigious event also recognized achievements like the FIFA Puskás Award, with winners chosen by players, coaches, media, and fans.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wins Jamsetji Tata Award
Biocon Group’s Chairperson, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, has received the Jamsetji Tata Award for her leadership in the biotechnology sector. This honor highlights her pioneering work in biosciences and her role in making Biocon a global leader.
Sports News
Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Fastest Test Century Record
England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt set a new record for the fastest century in women’s Test cricket during a match against South Africa at Mangaung Oval. Teammate Maia Bouchier also made her debut century in the same match, contributing to England’s commanding position.
Ravichandran Ashwin Announces Retirement
Ravichandran Ashwin has announced his retirement from international cricket following the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Brisbane. Concluding a remarkable 14-year career, Ashwin leaves as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests and one of the most innovative spinners in the game’s history.
Bumrah Becomes India’s Top Wicket-Taker in Australia
Jasprit Bumrah achieved a historic milestone, surpassing Kapil Dev’s record of 51 wickets to become India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket on Australian soil. Bumrah now holds 52 wickets after his performance during the third Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, underscoring his importance to India’s pace attack.
Obituaries News
Tulsi Gowda, ‘Tree Goddess,’ Passes Away
Tulsi Gowda, an environmentalist known for her contributions to afforestation and biodiversity, passed away on December 16, 2024. Honored with the Padma Shri in 2021, she planted over 1 lakh trees during her lifetime, leaving a legacy of environmental preservation.
Important Days
International Migrants Day 2024
December 18 marks International Migrants Day, an occasion to honor the contributions of migrants and advocate for their rights. The 2024 theme, “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights,” highlights the challenges migrants face, including integration and exploitation, while calling for fair migration policies.
