Daily Current Affairs 21st Dec, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 21st Dec, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 21st 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 21st Dec, 2024 Current affairs test.
Agreements News
- Aatmanirbhar Bharat Boost: MoD Signs Contract with L&T for K9 VAJRA-T Guns
- Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹7,628.70 crore contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) on December 20, 2024.
- The contract involves the procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns.
- Signing took place in South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
- The deal supports indigenous defence manufacturing and modernization under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- $350M Loan Agreement Finalized Between India and ADB
- Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $350 million loan under the SMILE program.
- Aims to enhance logistics through reforms, infrastructure development, and digital integration.
- Seeks to improve logistics efficiency, support manufacturing, and drive sustainable economic growth.
Banking News
- ICICI Bank and Times Internet Launch Premium Credit Card
- Launched the ‘Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card’ for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).
- Offers exclusive benefits, luxury services, and a premium design.
- Powered by Visa, the card caters to affluent customers’ sophisticated lifestyles.
- RBI Penalizes IndusInd Bank and Manappuram Finance
- RBI fined IndusInd Bank ₹27.3 lakh and Manappuram Finance ₹20 lakh for regulatory non-compliance.
- Penalties were based on statutory inspections as of March 31, 2023.
- Highlights the need for strict adherence to regulatory norms.
Business News
- Tata Power Partners with Canara Bank for Rooftop Solar Loans
- Collaboration aims to provide affordable financing for rooftop solar installations.
- Aligns with the PM Surya Ghar Scheme to promote clean energy adoption in India.
- Supports India’s renewable energy targets and cost-effective energy solutions.
- CCI Approves UltraTech Cement’s ₹3,954 Crore Acquisition of India Cements
- Approval granted for UltraTech’s acquisition of a major stake in India Cements Ltd (ICL).
- Strengthens UltraTech’s presence in Tamil Nadu and the southern Indian cement market.
- Aligns with UltraTech’s strategy to enhance production capacity and global leadership.
- NTPC to Establish Nuclear Power Facility in Bihar
- NTPC announced plans to set up a nuclear power plant in Bihar.
- Part of its strategy to diversify its energy portfolio with non-fossil sources.
- Aims to meet growing energy demands and support Bihar’s development.
Summits and Conferences News
- 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)
- India participated in the meeting hosted virtually by Thailand on December 20, 2024.
- Represented by Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
- Reviewed progress since March 2023 SOM and finalized key cooperation documents.
- Preparations for the 6th BIMSTEC Summit were discussed.
Books and Authors News
- Dr. Deepa Malik’s Memoir: BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life
- Memoir by India’s renowned para-athlete Dr. Deepa Malik announced by HarperCollins India.
- Highlights her resilience, determination, and achievements despite challenges.
- Offers an inspiring and unfiltered view of her extraordinary life.
Sports News
- Richa Ghosh Hits Record-Breaking Fifty in Women’s T20Is
- Scored the joint-fastest fifty in women’s T20Is during a match against West Indies Women.
- Achieved the milestone in 18 balls, equaling records of Sophie Devine and Phoebe Litchfield.
- Demonstrated aggressive power-hitting at DY Patil Stadium.
- Delhi to Host 2025 Para Athletics World Championships
- India will host the event for the first time from September 26 to October 5, 2025.
- Venue: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi.
- Over 1,000 athletes from 100+ countries expected to participate.
- Serves as a key qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Important Days
- World Basketball Day 2024
- Celebrated on December 21 annually to honor basketball’s global impact.
- Marks the invention of basketball by Dr. James Naismith on December 21, 1891.
- Promotes values like teamwork, athleticism, and unity among players and fans.
- First World Meditation Day: December 21, 2024
- Established by a UN General Assembly resolution on November 29, 2024.
- Theme: “Meditation for Global Peace and Harmony.”
- Emphasizes meditation’s mental, physical, and social benefits.
- Aims to inspire individuals to use meditation for fostering global unity and inner peace.
