In Current Affairs for 17 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 17 December 2023
India’s First Yoga Policy
- Uttarakhand, famously known as “Devbhoomi,” is set to become the first Indian state to implement a dedicated Yoga Policy, aimed at transforming the state into a global yoga destination.
- With Rishikesh already recognized as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” this initiative builds on the state’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy while aligning with the AYUSH policy’s success.
- The policy, envisioned by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, integrates yoga, Ayurveda, and wellness into a comprehensive development strategy for tourism, health, and employment.
- Planned Development for Yoga: The policy seeks to establish Uttarakhand as a global hub for yoga by promoting wellness tourism, standardizing yoga centers, and incentivizing the establishment of new yoga and wellness institutions.
- Infrastructural Focus: It includes provisions for registration of yoga centers, a subsidy scheme for their development, and the creation of uniform course standards certified by the Yoga Certification Board.
- Employment Generation: The establishment of 50 new yoga and wellness centers and Yoga Grams will create substantial job opportunities for local youth and professionals.
- Integration with Healthcare: The government aims to integrate yoga and Ayurveda into the healthcare system, with AYUSH teleconsultation services and district-level AYUSH hospitals already underway.
- Research and Education: Efforts are being made to enhance research and education in medicinal plants, with a proposal to establish an All India Institute of Ayurveda in Uttarakhand.
- Global Outlook: The state is hosting the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo, featuring participation from over 3,000 experts and delegates from 50 countries.
- Draft Refinement: After drafting the Yoga Policy in 2023, consultations with experts, stakeholders, and public feedback are being incorporated for finalization.
- Tourism and Ayurveda Promotion: Rishikesh’s promotion as a “Yoga City” and the branding of local herbs like “Kilmora” by their English names aim to enhance their global market reach.
- Global Recognition for Ayurveda: India now exports AYUSH products to over 150 countries, with the sector adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML.
Credit Guarantee Scheme Via e-NWR
- Union Government launched the ‘Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR-Based Pledge Financing.’ Under this scheme, farmers will now be able to get a loan through their produce.
- After submitting their produce to warehouses registered with the Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA), they will be issued an electronic negotiable warehouse receipt (e-NWR). This receipt can be used as a guarantee against default to obtain low-interest loans from banks and other lending institutes.
- Farmers, farmers’ producer organisations, farm cooperatives, and MSMEs will be eligible under this scheme. Launching the scheme in New Delhi, Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution Minister Pralhad Joshi said that this is another pivotal initiative by the government to bring farmers into the institutional network of banking and finance.
- Highlighting its benefits, Mr Joshi said that this scheme will prevent post-harvest distress sale that forces many farmers to sell their produce at below market price. He added that this will also reduce risks for banks and eligible lending institutes by providing a secure portfolio.
- Mr Joshi called for making more quality warehouses and urged banks to be more liberal in lending to farmers. The minister highlighted that this scheme will be a key step in making India’s food secure.
National Adaptation Fund For Climate Change
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has adopted 125 districts under the National Adaptation Fund for climate change. There are 107 districts among the adopted drought-hit districts that face moderate, high and very high levels of drought.
- Since the fund was introduced in 2015, 30 projects have been sanctioned in 27 states and union territories with a total project cost of over 847 crore rupees.
- The fund for climate change is used for the betterment of agriculture, livestock, water, coastal wetland management, forest conservation, coastline protection and management.
- The Climate Hazard and Vulnerability Atlas of India published by the India Meteorological Department provides details on the drought-prone districts where the drought-normalised vulnerability index is high, very high and moderate.
Gadhimai Mahotsav
- World’s bloodiest festival continues to be frowned upon by animal activists campaigning vigorously for decades, but it couldn’t stop more than two crore people flocking to Gadhimai Mahotsav this year.
- This is a Hindu Festival held once every five years in Gadhimai Temple of Bariyarpur in Bara district of Madhesh Province of Nepal near the Indo-Nepal border.
- The festival witnesses the world’s largest animal sacrifice that takes place on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami of the Lunar Calendar. Devotees sacrifice Water buffalo, goats, cocks and ducks and fly off doves in the Gadhimai premise when their wishes are accomplished by divine intervention.
- This quinquennial festival saw lakhs of visitors coming to the fair not only from Nepal but from various states of India.
- Animal sacrifice starts only when a shaman as per rituals sacrifices his blood and five animals from forests like rat, duck, cock, dove and boar. A priest said that a lamp illuminates automatically after shamanic sacrifice signaling that the Goddess is ready to accept sacrifices from the devotees.
- Several NGOs from around the world, India and Nepal like Human Society International, Sneha;s Care and vegetarianism supporting civil society have been campaigning during Gadhimai Mahotsav to prevent controversial mass animal sacrifice.
- During the 2009 festival, more than five lakh animals were slaughtered. Locals claim that this ritual is being practised for more than 600 years and is an untouchable cornerstone of faith. There is a lack of political will as no party wants to offend religious sentiments.
- In 2024, the Supreme court of India ordered the state government to restrict exporting and transporting animals for sacrifice. The Supreme Court of Nepal ordered an end to the animal sacrifice in 2019, but the order widely remains ignored. Now, sacrifices happen inside four walls to prevent onlookers from witnessing the slaughter.
India Launches First Diabetes Biobank
- India’s first diabetes biobank has been established in Chennai, a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF).
- This biobank, a crucial step in advancing scientific research, will collect, process, store, and distribute biological samples to study diabetes, its causes, variations, and related disorders, contributing to global health research.
- The biobank aims to facilitate advanced research into the causes of diabetes, focusing on its unique patterns in India and related health conditions. Dr. V. Mohan, chairman of MDRF, highlighted that the biobank would aid in identifying novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and developing personalized treatment strategies for diabetes.
- The facility houses blood samples from two major ICMR-funded studies: the ICMR-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study and the Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes, which will provide critical data for future research. The biobank’s establishment is expected to support longitudinal studies that track diabetes progression and complications, leading to better management and prevention.
- By fostering collaborative research, the biobank will enhance India’s contribution to the global fight against diabetes. The repository will also help in developing cost-effective, disease-specific biobanks using advanced specimen storage and data-sharing technologies.
Taste Atlas Reveals 2024-25 Top Food Cities
- Food is a significant aspect of cultural exploration, with many travelers seeking out destinations known for their unique culinary experiences.
- In line with this, Taste Atlas, a renowned food and travel guide, has recently revealed its rankings for the Top 10 Best Food Cities in the World for 2024-25.
- European cities dominate the list, particularly from Italy, while Mumbai in India makes a notable appearance in the top 5, showcasing the global recognition of India’s diverse food culture.
NCL Launches ‘CHARAK’
- Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal’s guidance, has launched the ‘CHARAK’ project – Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal, aimed at providing free treatment for economically weaker sections suffering from life-threatening diseases.
- The initiative will benefit residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with annual family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh, covering diseases like malignancy, TB, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and others.
- This project aligns with NCL’s long-standing commitment to improving the socio-economic condition of the region.
- Targeted Beneficiaries: Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra with family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh.
- Covered Diseases: Malignancy, TB, cardiovascular issues, HIV, organ transplant, burns, neurological disorders, and more.
- Free Treatment: Provided at NCL’s dedicated hospital or specialized empanelled hospitals nationwide.
- Past Investments: Over Rs 1,000 crore spent on CSR projects in the last 10 years, impacting nearly 10 lakh people.
- Ongoing Efforts: The CSR expenditure target for this financial year is Rs. 172.97 crore, with previous fiscal year spending at Rs. 157 crore.
- Focus on Healthcare: CHARAK is a continuation of NCL’s broader social responsibility initiatives, prioritizing healthcare for vulnerable communities in the region.
ISRO’s Successful CE20 Engine Sea-Level Test
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a milestone by completing a sea-level test of its CE20 cryogenic engine, at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, this test is crucial for upcoming space missions.
- The CE20 engine is designed to power the upper stage of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3).
- India food delivery Testing cryogenic engines at sea level presents unique challenges. The nozzle’s high area ratio leads to an exit pressure of about 50 mbar.
- Flow separation inside the nozzle can result in vibrations, heat issues, and potential damage. Typically, ISRO conducts tests at a High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility, but this is complex and costly.
- To address sea-level testing challenges, ISRO developed a Nozzle Protection System. This innovative system simplifies the testing process, making it more affordable and less complicated.
- It mitigates the risks associated with flow separation, ensuring the nozzle’s integrity during tests. Restarting a cryogenic engine poses additional challenges.
- It requires starting the engine in a vacuum without closing the nozzle and utilising a multi-element igniter. ISRO previously demonstrated that the CE20 engine can start in a vacuum, which is achievement.
Current Affairs 17 December 2024 Question
- India Launches First Diabetes Biobank In
A. New Delhi
B. Chennai
C. Bangalore
D. Bhubaneshwar
ANSWER: B - India’s First Yoga Policy Launched In
A. Kerala
B. Uttarakhand
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Himachal Pradesh
ANSWER: B - Mehrauli Archaeological Park, Is Located In Which City
A. Delhi
B. Bhopal
C. Jaisalmer
D. Hyderabad
ANSWER: A - White- Winged Wood Duck Is Found In Which Northeastern Part Of India
A. Meghalaya and Mizoram
B. Nagaland and Tripura
C. Assam and Arunachal Pradesh
D. Manipur and Mizoram
ANSWER: C - Where Was 4th National Conference Of Chief Secretaries Chaired By The Prime
Minister Held
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Hyderabad
ANSWER: C - Consumer Confidence Survey Is Released By Which Institution Bi-monthly
A. Reserve Bank of India
B. NITI Aayog
C. Ministry of Finance
D. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
ANSWER: A - Which City In The World Tops The List In Taste Atlas 2024
A. Mumbai
B. Naples
C. Madrid
D. Bologna
ANSWER: B - In Which Year The Government Of India Launched The FAME Scheme
A. 2016
B. 2018
C. 2015
D. 2020
ANSWER: C - Switzerland Suspends ‘Most Favoured Nation’ Status To Which Country
A. India
B. Sri Lanka
C. Germany
D. Italy
ANSWER: A - International Universal Health Coverage Day Observed On Which Day
A. 13th December
B. 12th December
C. 14th December
D. 15th December
ANSWER: B - Which Family Tops List In The World’s Richest Families 2024 Bloomberg’s List
A. Ambanis
B. Waltons
C. Al Nahyan
D. Al Thani
ANSWER: B - François Bayrou Named As New Prime Minister Of Which Country
A. France
B. Italy
C. Sweden
D. Denmark
ANSWER: A - National Energy Conservation Day Observed On Which Day
A. 13th December
B. 12th December
C. 14th December
D. 15th December
ANSWER: C - In Which City Will The Ministry Of Culture Set Up The ‘Kalagram’ Cultural
Village During The Maha Kumbh
A. Varanasi
B. Haridwar
C. Prayagraj
D. Rishikesh
ANSWER: C - How Many Indian Heritage Conservation Projects Won Unesco’s Asia-Pacific
Cultural Heritage Conservation 2024 Awards
A. Two
B. Three
C. One
D. Four
ANSWER: A - Where Was The 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) Launched
A. Mumbai
B. Dehradun
C. New Delhi
D. Kochi
ANSWER: B - What Is The Main Goal Of The Upgraded ‘Rajmarg Saathi’ Initiative By NHAI
A. Reduce Traffic Congestion
B. Enhance Highway Safety
C. Improve Fuel Efficiency
D. Support Tourism
ANSWER: B - In Which State Was The 21st Livestock Census Launched
A. Punjab
B. Haryana
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Rajasthan
ANSWER: B - Which AI Platform Powers The Kumbh Sah’ai’yak Chatbot For The Maha
Kumbh Mela 2025
A. Google AI
B. Microsoft AI
C. IBM Watson
D. Krutrim AI
ANSWER: D - In The Mauryan Empire, The Post Devatadhyaksha Is Related To
A. Store House
B. Crown Lands
C. Customs
D. Religious Institutions
ANSWER: D
