Current Affairs One - Liner : 7th December 2024

• National:
• India has expanded the world's largest grain storage scheme in the cooperative sector, with storage units of 9,750 metric tonnes at PACS in 11 states. Over 500 additional PACS are identified for further enhancement. This scheme aims to reduce food grain wastage, enhance food security, and provide better storage facilities for farmers.

• Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda launched a 100-day intensive TB elimination campaign in Panchkula, Haryana, on December 7, 2024. The campaign covers 347 districts across 33 states and Union Territories, targeting high-risk groups to enhance TB detection, reduce diagnostic delays, and improve treatment outcomes as part of the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis Elimination.
• The 4th Mekong-Ganga Dhamma Yatra started in New Delhi on December 7, 2024. This pilgrimage aims to strengthen cultural ties between the Mekong and Ganga civilizations and promote the enduring message of the Dhamma globally.
• On December 6, 2024, the Indian government launched PM e-Vidya DTH Channel No. 31, dedicated to Indian Sign Language (ISL). This 24x7 channel provides educational content for hearing-impaired students, special educators, and interpreters.
• On December 4, 2024, the Telangana government signed an agreement with Google to establish the Google Safety Engineering Centre (GSEC) in Hyderabad. This center will focus on AI-driven security solutions and cybersecurity research. It is the first of its kind in the APAC region and the fifth globally. The GSEC aims to enhance cybersecurity capabilities in India.
• On December 4, 2024, the Assam government announced a ban on the public consumption of beef. The ban extends to restaurants, hotels, public functions, and community spaces across the state. This decision aims to promote community harmony and respect religious sentiments.
• Banking:
• Federal Bank launched the Esteem Savings Account for senior citizens on December 3, 2024. This account is designed for individuals aged 55 and above, offering complimentary insurance cover, airport lounge access, and special family benefits.
• The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) covers 99.6% of Indian exports. This agreement offers significant market access to EFTA countries, enhancing trade and economic ties. It aims to boost Indian exports, diversify markets, and promote economic cooperation.
• In the past five years, India's Ministry of Corporate Affairs has shut down over 2.33 lakh shell firms. These actions aim to enhance corporate transparency and prevent financial crimes such as money laundering and tax evasion.
• Between April and November 2024, the compensation cess collection under the GST mechanism increased by 6.5%. This growth rate exceeded the Budget Estimate growth rate of 4.1%.
• In October 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) led global gold purchases by adding 27 tonnes to its reserves. This brought its total gold purchases for the year to 77 tonnes, a five-fold increase from 2023. Other central banks, like those of Turkey and Poland, also significantly increased their gold reserves.
• On December 5, 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Employment announced India's unemployment rate fell to 3.2%. This reflects data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) covering July 2023 to June 2024. The improvement is due to strong economic growth and job creation.
• Science & Technology:
• NASA announced the SWIM (Sensing With Independent Micro-swimmers) robots project on December 1, 2024. These small, autonomous robots are designed to explore the subsurface oceans of icy moons like Europa and Enceladus.
• Important Days:
• Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on December 7 to honor India's military personnel. The 2024 theme, "Saluting the Valour and Dedication of Our Armed Forces," emphasizes the courage and commitment of the armed forces. Funds collected on this day support the welfare of servicemen, ex-servicemen, and their families.
• Appointments:
• India assumed the chairmanship of the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) on December 7, 2024. Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran officially took on this role.
• Shammi Silva officially became the president of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) on December 6, 2024. He succeeded Jay Shah, who moved on to become the chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Questions:

1 How many districts are covered under the 100-day TB elimination campaign launched on 7th December 2024?

• A) 250
• B) 500
• C) 347
• D) 400

Answer: C) The campaign targets 347 districts across 33 states and Union Territories to intensify TB detection and improve treatment outcomes in high-risk areas.

2 Who has been appointed as the chairperson of the 68th Session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND)?

• A) Syed Akbaruddin
• B) Jaishankar Menon
• C) T. S. Tirumurti
• D) Shambhu S Kumaran

Answer: D) Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran officially took on the role of chairperson of the 68th Session of the CND, representing India's commitment to addressing global challenges in narcotics control.