Current Affairs One - Liner : 29th & 30th December 2024

• National:
• Indore's Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport became India's first zero-waste airport on December 22, 2024. The airport features a state-of-the-art recycling plant that processes both wet and dry waste, converting organic waste into compost.

• On December 20, 2024, Kissht partnered with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as a strategic investor and brand ambassador. This collaboration aims to enhance digital financial growth by increasing the reach and trust of Kissht's credit financing services through Tendulkar's endorsement and marketing campaigns.
• The Karnataka Government declared December 26 as Computer Data Entry Operators' Day to honor the birth anniversary of Charles Babbage, the "father of the computer". This recognition acknowledges the essential role of data entry operators in the digital age.
• The Government of Andhra Pradesh declared Ratha Saptami as a state festival on December 19, 2024. The festival will be celebrated for three days at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy Temple in Arasavalli, Srikakulam district, starting on February 4, 2025.
• Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, became the youngest female to scale the highest peaks on all seven continents on December 24, 2024. She completed the Seven Summits Challenge by reaching the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica.
• On December 25, 2024, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and the National Quantum Mission (NQM) launched India's first Undergraduate (UG) minor programme in Quantum Technologies. The programme aims to equip students with skills for the quantum revolution, positioning India as a global leader in quantum innovation.
• On December 26, 2024, the Madhya Pradesh government announced the translocation of 14 tigers to Rajasthan, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh under the animal exchange programme. This initiative aims to maintain ecological balance and reduce human-animal conflicts.
• On December 30, 2024, the Haryana government announced a 25% increase in the Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) limit for state employees. Effective from January 1, 2025, the gratuity will be raised from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh.
• The Kagyed Dance Festival in Sikkim is celebrated on the 28th and 29th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan calendar, which falls in December. During this festival, masked monks perform intricate dances to honor eight Tantric deities, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
• International:
• The traditional love song Sevdalinka, known as the Balkan Blues, was recognized by UNESCO on December 27, 2024. This recognition highlights its cultural significance and historical value, dating back to the 16th century.
• Banking:
• The Central Bank of Sri Lanka imposed a LKR 2 million penalty on Indian Bank for non-compliance with the Financial Transactions Reporting Act. This penalty was announced on December 23, 2024. Indian Bank has since taken steps to prevent future non-compliance.
• The Government of Mizoram signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with State Bank of India (SBI), Mizoram Rural Bank (MRB), and Mizoram Co-operative Apex Bank Ltd. (MCAB) on December 18, 2024, to provide loans under the Bana Kaih Scheme.
• Economy:
• India achieved its highest-ever coal production of 997.826 million tonnes in the financial year 2023-24 on December 30, 2024, marking an 11.71% increase compared to the previous year.
• MoUs:
• On December 20, 2024, the SatCom Industry Association-India (SIA-India) signed a MoU with the Ghana Space Science and Technology Institute (GSSTI) in Accra, Ghana. The aim is to enhance collaboration in satellite communications and space technology, promoting socio-economic development in both countries.
• Sports:
• The Haryana Steelers won the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 title by defeating the Patna Pirates on December 29, 2024, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.
• Koneru Humpy clinched her second women's title at the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York on December 29, 2024. She showcased her exceptional skills in the world of chess.
• Jasprit Bumrah became the fastest Indian to reach 200 Test wickets during the Boxing Day Test against Australia on December 29, 2024. He achieved this milestone in 44 Test matches, surpassing Mohammed Shami's previous record.
• Lakshya Sen won the bronze medal at the King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 on December 29, 2024, in Shenzhen, China. He defeated Alex Lanier with a score of 21-17, 21-11 in the third-place playoff match.
• Apps & Portals:
• On December 25, 2024, the Gujarat government launched the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform to overcome language barriers. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's Bhashini Team, it uses Speech-to-Text technology to improve accessibility and communication for citizens.
• The Kreeda App, India's first sports management mobile app, was launched in Andhra Pradesh (AP) on December 19, 2024. It aims to modernize sports management with tools for scheduling, team management, and performance tracking.
• Committees:
• On December 29, 2024, Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) meeting in Ramban. The meeting was attended by elected representatives and district officials, with the District Collector as the Member Secretary. The aim was to review ongoing projects and enhance awareness of public welfare schemes.
• Appointments:
• On December 26, 2024, Bollywood stars Salman Khan and Tiger Shroff were named as brand ambassadors for the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The event will be held in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025.
• Obituaries:
• Former US President Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100. He was the longest-lived US president in history and was renowned for his extensive humanitarian work and dedication to peace.

Questions:

1 What is the new Death-cum-Retirement Gratuity (DCRG) limit for Haryana state employees, as announced on December 30, 2024?

• A) Rs 15 lakh
• B) Rs 20 lakh
• C) Rs 25 lakh
• D) Rs 30 lakh

Answer: C) The Haryana government announced a 25% increase in the DCRG limit, raising it from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh, effective January 1, 2025.

2 Which state government launched the SWAR platform to address language barriers?

• A) Maharashtra
• B) Gujarat
• C) Karnataka
• D) Tamil Nadu

Answer: B) The SWAR platform was launched by the Gujarat government on December 25, 2024.