In Current Affairs for 12 December 2024, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 12 December 2024
Abathsahayeshwarar Temple Wins UNESCO Award
- Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, a 1,300-year-old Chola dynasty structure in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, has gained international recognition by UNESCO’s 2023 Award of Distinction for its exceptional conservation efforts.
- The temple was constructed by Kings Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola and featured five prakarams or enclosures. The village was known as Vikrama Chozheeswaram and Kulothunga Chola Nallur.
- Kulothunga Chola established the idol for Aadhi Sarabeshwarar. The temple houses many deities, including Soundaryanayaki Ambal and Ashtabhuja Durga Parameshwari.
- Before restoration, the temple was in poor condition. The restoration involved repairing two prakarams. Overgrown plants and trees were removed. The structures were reinforced and the gopurams were repainted. The last consecration ceremony occurred in September 2023, following the restoration.
- UNESCO praised the restoration for revitalising the temple, combined modern conservation techniques with traditional methods.
- Local craftsmen, known as sthapathis, ensured the integrity and aesthetics were preserved and this project sets a precedent for restoring other historic temples in Tamil Nadu.
- The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department announced the recognition. Minister P.K. Sekarbabu brought into light government efforts. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has allocated ₹100 crore annually for temple restorations. More temples have been identified for similar renovations, ensuring their heritage is maintained.
CONEXPO INDIA 2024
- Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that the Central government is dedicated to building a self-reliant India with a 5-trillion-dollar economy, equipped with world-class highway networks that drive growth and development.
- Inaugurating the 7th Edition of bauma CONEXPO INDIA 2024 at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, in Gautam Buddh Nagar, he said exports have witnessed significant growth over the last decade, and the country is steadily advancing toward realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- The Union Minister said that currently, our logistics cost is 14-16 percent, and it will be reduced to nine percent within two years. Mr. Gadkari said this will make us more competitive in the international market. This exhibition features over 1,000 exhibitors, over 20,000 products, and live machinery demonstrations.
Adani Ports To Self-Fund Colombo Terminal Project
- Adani Ports has said that it will use its own resources to fund a Sri Lankan port project and not seek US funding. It has added the Colombo West International Terminal project is progressing well and is on track for commissioning by early next year.
- Last year, the US International Development Finance Corporation had said that it would provide 553 million dollars in financing for the port terminal project, in which the Indian conglomerate has a majority stake.
- The Colombo West International Terminal is being developed by a consortium of Adani Ports, Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
- Last month, SLPA reaffirmed their commitment towards the port development project, maintaining that there is no immediate plan to reassess or terminate the agreement.
- The US Department of Justice and SEC had accused officials of the Adani Group of bribery, which has been firmly denied, deeming them baseless by the Gautam Adani-led group. The terminal will be Sri Lanka’s largest and deepest container terminal. When complete, the terminal will be able to handle Ultra Large Container Vessels with capacities of 24,000 TEUs and is expected to have an annual handling capacity of over 3.2 million TEUs.
Syrian Capital Damascus
- Signs of normalcy are returning as shops reopen and people resume their daily routines in the Syrian capital, Damascus. New transitional Prime Minister Mohammed al-Bashir has said that one of his priorities is to bring back the millions of Syrian refugees who are abroad.
- Mr. Al-Bashir emphasised the need for stability and calm and announced collaborative efforts with officials from Bashar al-Assad’s regime to restore public services and institutions. Syrian opposition fighters said they have taken over the northeastern city of Deir Az Zor from Kurdish-led forces.
- Meanwhile, Israel’s military has launched attacks on Syrian targets over the past 48 hours, striking naval vessels, anti-aircraft batteries, and weapons production facilities as part of its efforts to neutralise military assets in the country.
- Meanwhile, Greece suspended all decisions on asylum applications by Syrians after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the migration minister announced. Greece, the entry point for many of the hundreds of thousands of Syrians in Europe, is the latest European country to take this action.
Google Partners With NCERT
- Google has expanded its educational initiatives in India through a strategic partnership with the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT). This collaboration aims to make quality education more accessible by launching YouTube channels in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, for students in grades 1-12.
- In addition, Google has partnered with NPTEL to offer credentialed courses on YouTube, providing certification opportunities for learners. This move builds on Google’s long-standing commitment to promoting accessible education through digital tools, AI, and partnerships with Indian organizations.
- Google and NCERT’s partnership focuses on delivering educational content tailored for diverse linguistic and learning needs across India.
- The initiative will make educational resources available in a variety of formats and languages, ensuring that students, teachers, and parents can access engaging content in their preferred language.
- The content will cater to a broad range of subjects, supporting India’s education system by bridging language barriers and making learning inclusive for all. Google’s use of AI further enhances the educational experience. By analyzing video content, AI identifies key concepts and provides relevant definitions and images sourced from Google’s Knowledge Graph.
- This feature will support learners across multiple subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry, offering instant explanations and enriching the video content with relevant resources. In addition to NCERT, Google’s collaboration with the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL) brings credentialed courses to YouTube.
- These courses, covering topics from pure sciences to rocket propulsion, offer learners the chance to gain certifications from prestigious IITs. By offering a direct pathway to online certification via the NPTEL-SWAYAM portal, Google expands access to world-class learning opportunities beyond traditional institutions.
India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Surges to 203 GW
- The total installed capacity in the country in the renewable energy sector has increased to 203 gigawatts (GW) from earlier installed capacity of 76.38 GW in the past 10 years.
- In a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, said the government has taken several steps and initiatives to promote and accelerate renewable energy capacity in the country.
- The minister said as of 31st October this year, the non-fossil fuel-based installed capacity has a share of about 46.5 percent in the total installed power generation capacity of the country. He further added that India has committed to the UNFCCC to achieve 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
2024 Champions Of The Earth
- 2024 Champions of the Earth, the United Nations’ highest environmental honor, were awarded to six extraordinary individuals and organizations for their outstanding leadership, courageous actions, and sustainable solutions to combat land degradation, drought, and desertification.
- This prestigious accolade recognizes trailblazers from various sectors who are at the forefront of efforts to protect both people and the planet. Since its inception in 2005, the award has celebrated 122 laureates.
- This year’s focus was on champions restoring degraded land, increasing drought resilience, and preventing desertification.
- Almost 40% of the world’s land is degraded.
- Desertification and devastating droughts are increasingly common.
- By 2050, more than 75% of the global population could face drought impacts.
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)
- Aims to prevent, halt, and reverse ecosystem degradation.
- Led by UNEP and FAO to revive billions of hectares of land and aquatic ecosystems.
QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025
- QS Quacquarelli Symonds, renowned for its expertise in university rankings, has released the third edition of the ‘QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025’.
- This prestigious ranking evaluates universities based on their sustainability initiatives, considering factors like environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance.
- The 2025 edition has brought notable improvements for Indian institutions, especially the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with IIT Delhi securing a top spot.
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) has emerged as the top Indian university in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2025, placing at 171st globally. This represents an impressive improvement of 255 ranks from last year’s global position of 426th.
- IIT Delhi’s remarkable rise is attributed to its continued commitment to sustainability through green campus initiatives, innovative research, and collaborative projects focused on sustainable development.
- The institution has long been a leader in environmental research, with numerous projects dedicated to reducing carbon footprints and promoting clean energy. IIT Delhi’s improvement is a testament to its unwavering focus on integrating sustainable practices into its academic and operational frameworks.
Current Affairs 12 December 2024 Question
- QS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025 Which Institute Is At Top In
India
A. IIT Ropar
B. IIT Delhi
C. IIT Mandi
D. IIT Kanpur
ANSWER: B - Rosh Hashanah Is Celebrated For
A. New Year Of Jews
B. New Year Of Muslims
C. Spring Season Of Jews
D. Rice Harvest Festival Of North East
ANSWER: A - Which Indian Temple Was Selected By UNESCO For The 2023 Award Of
Distinction For Its Conservation
A. Abathsahayeswarar Temple
B. Mahabodhi Temple
C. Vrindavan Chandrodaya Temple
D. Kamakhya Temple
ANSWER: A - Which Organization Has Launched An AI Model For Weather Prediction Called
GenCast
A. Microsoft
B. World Bank
C. Google
D. World Meteorological Organization
ANSWER: C - Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) Scheme Is An Initiative
Of Which Ministry
A. Ministry of Women and Child Development
B. Ministry of Education
C. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
D. Ministry of Agriculture
ANSWER: B - Subaru Telescope, Is Operated By Which Country
A. France
B. Japan
C. Russia
D. China
ANSWER: B - Pilibhit Tiger Reserve Is Located In Which State
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Gujarat
D. Madhya Pradesh
ANSWER: A - Nazca Lines, Is Located In Which Country
A. Peru
B. Chile
C. Brazil
D. Colombia
ANSWER: A - Which Day Is Observed As International Day Of Persons With Disabilities
Annually
A. 2 December
B. 3 December
C. 4 December
D. 5 December
ANSWER: B - National Pollution Control Day Is Observed On Which Day In India
A. December 1
B. December 2
C. December 3
D. December 4
ANSWER: B - Kalughat Intermodal Terminal, Is Located In Which State
A. Gujarat
B. Uttar Pradesh
C. Bihar
D. West Bengal
ANSWER: B - Which Organization Released The International Debt Report 2024
A. World Bank
B. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
C. World Trade Organization (WTO)
D. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
ANSWER: A - All India Home Price Index (HPI) Is Released By Which Institution
A. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD)
B. Ministry of Finance
C. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
D. State Bank of India
ANSWER: C - Which Organization Launched The Business For Land Initiative
A. World Health Organization (WHO)
B. International Labour Organization (ILO)
C. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
D. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
ANSWER: C - John Mahama Has Been Elected As New President Of Which Country
A. Rwanda
B. Ghana
C. Kenya
D. Nigeria
ANSWER: B - Hindon River Is A Tributary Of Which River
A. Yamuna
B. Narmada
C. Krishna
D. Kaveri
ANSWER: A - Which Country Joined The US And Bahrain In The Comprehensive Security
Integration And Prosperity Agreement
A. Canada
B. United Kingdom
C. Australia
D. New Zealand
ANSWER: B - Which Country Experienced The Fall Of The Assad Dynasty As Rebels Seized Its
Capital, Damascus
A. Libya
B. Syria
C. Iraq
D. Yemen
ANSWER: B - Who Has Been Appointed As The 26th Governor Of The Reserve Bank Of India
A. Rishabh Sharma
B. Raghuram Rajan
C. Sanjay Malhotra
D. Vivek Joshi
ANSWER: C - Which Of The Following Is The Earliest Known Teacher Of Complete
Materialism
A. Makkhali Gosala
B. Ajita Kesakamblin
C. Mahavira
D. Dashratha
ANSWER: B
