Current Affairs One - Liner : 22nd & 23rd December 2024

The Maharashtra Assembly passed the Maharashtra Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2024 on December 20, 2024. This bill aims to modernize the state's prison system by introducing high-security prisons, open prisons for women, and temporary prisons. It also focuses on the rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates into society.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India's first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on December 21, 2024. This 1 km stretch is part of a pilot project using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology developed by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CSIR - CRRI and NHAI.
The 22nd Divya Kala Mela 2024 was held from December 12 to December 22, 2024, at India Gate in New Delhi. It showcased the talents of around 100 Divyang entrepreneurs and artisans from 20 states and Union Territories, achieving record sales of over ₹3.5 crores. The event featured various artistic performances, emphasizing inclusion and empowerment for persons with disabilities.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) granted full authorisation to In-Solutions Global (ISG) as a Payment Aggregator on December 13, 2024. Backed by JP Morgan, this approval allows ISG to enhance its digital payment solutions for merchants across various sectors, ensuring fast, secure, and reliable transactions.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) partnered with Landis+Gyr to enhance energy efficiency for utilities on December 13, 2024. The collaboration aims to provide innovative solutions to meet sustainability goals, improve operational efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.

The Centre announced that the Indian pharmaceutical sector was recognized as the third largest globally, valued at $50 billion in FY 2023-24, on December 21, 2024. This announcement highlights India's significant position in the global pharma market.
In the first half of FY 2024-25, India saw substantial growth in the production of key minerals and non-ferrous metals. Iron ore production increased by 5.5% to 135 MMT, manganese ore by 6.2% to 1.7 MMT, primary aluminum by 1.2% to 20.90 LT, and refined copper by 4.6% to 2.50 LT.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation between India and Kuwait was signed on December 22, 2024, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Kuwait. The aim of the MoU is to institutionalize bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, including joint military exercises, training, coastal defence, maritime safety.

Anmolpreet Singh scored the third-fastest List-A century in just 35 balls during the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 match against Arunachal Pradesh on December 21, 2024. His innings included 12 fours and 9 sixes, helping Punjab chase down a target of 165 runs in just 12.5 overs.
India will host the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup for the first time in the second half of 2025. This event will be held in Santiago, Chile, and will feature young shooting talents from around the world.
The Indian U19 Women's team won the inaugural U19 Women's T20 Asia Cup in Bangladesh by defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs on December 22, 2024. The match was held at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka.
The 2025 FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup will be held in Santiago, Chile from December 1-15, 2025. This 11th edition will feature 24 teams and marks the fourth time Chile has hosted the event.

The Survey Vessel INS Nirdeshak was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 18, 2024, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This vessel is part of the Survey Vessel (Large) project and is designed to conduct hydrographic surveys, aid in navigation, and support maritime operations.
The Indian Army received 360 Nagastra-1 loitering munitions from Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) on December 15, 2024. These "kamikaze drones" are designed for precision strikes, significantly boosting India's self-reliance in defense technology.
The seventh Missile Cum Ammunition (MCA) barge, LSAM 14, was launched on December 12, 2024, in Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra. This barge supports the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, aiding in the transportation and embarkation of ammunition for the Indian Navy.

National Farmers' Day, also known as Kisan Divas, was observed on December 23, 2024. The theme for this year was “Empowering Farmers through Technology”, focusing on advancements in agricultural technology to improve farmers' lives. This day honors the contributions of farmers and marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India's fifth Prime Minister.

Justice Manmohan was sworn in as a Supreme Court Judge on December 5, 2024. He previously served as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and has had a distinguished career in law, handling high-profile cases and serving as a Senior Advocate.
Suman Berry was appointed as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) with additional charge on December 16, 2024. He succeeded Bibek Debroy, who passed away on November 1, 2024.
Justice Madan Lokur, a former Supreme Court judge, was appointed chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council on December 19, 2024. His term will last until November 12, 2028, marking the first time an Indian jurist has held this position.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Kuwait's highest civilian award, the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, on December 22, 2024. Presented by the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, it recognizes his efforts in strengthening India-Kuwait relations.

Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder of Epigamia, passed away on December 21, 2024, at the age of 42 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. He played a key role in transforming Epigamia into a leading yogurt brand in India.
Jodhaiya Bai, a renowned Baiga tribal artist and Padma Shri awardee, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 86 in Lodha, Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh. Her significant contributions brought international recognition to Baiga art.

Questions:

1 On which National Highway (NH) was India's first bio-bitumen-based stretch constructed?

2 What is the name of the highest civilian award of Kuwait that Prime Minister Narendra Modi received in December 2024?