Daily Current Affairs December 16

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs December 16. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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December 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs December 16

1. Where will the Viraasat Sari Festival 2024 be hosted?
A) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
B) Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi
C) India International Centre, New Delhi
D) Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi
E) Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi
Answer: B) Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: Third edition of the Viraasat Sari Festival 2024
• Dates: December 15–28, 2024
• Venue: Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi
• Organized by: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India

Key Features of the Festival:

• Objective: Celebrate India’s handloom heritage, focusing on regional diversity in sari weaving.
• Event Highlights:
  • 80 Stalls: Artisans and weavers retailing local handloom saris and handicrafts.
  • Thematic Displays: Unique weaves and designs of handloom saris from across India.
  • Live Demonstrations: Traditional loom work and sari weaving techniques demonstrated on-site.
  • Workshops & Talks: Discussions on sustainability and preservation of traditional weaving arts.
  • Cultural Performances: Folk dances showcasing India’s cultural richness.
  • Regional Cuisines: Offering authentic dishes from different parts of India.

Significance of the Handloom Sector:

• Cultural Heritage:
  • Handloom saris like Paithani, Banarasi, Kancheepuram, Pochampally, Kota Doria, and Pashmina reflect India’s diverse cultural and artistic traditions.
• Economic Importance:
  • The handloom industry employs over 35 lakh people, predominantly women, contributing to rural livelihoods.
  • Known for its zero defect, zero environmental impact products, aligning with sustainability goals.
• Government Initiatives:
  • Promoting high-quality branded handloom products to ensure authenticity and enhance market appeal.

Impact of the Event:

• Empowering Artisans:
  • Direct consumer access increases artisans’ earnings and visibility.
• Preserving Heritage:
  • Promotes the art of sari weaving to ensure its continuity.
• Consumer Awareness:
  • Educates buyers about the authenticity and history of handloom saris, encouraging conscious purchases.

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2. What event does Vijay Diwas commemorate in India?
A) India’s victory in the Kargil War
B) India’s first nuclear test in Pokhran
C) India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war
D) India’s Independence Day celebrations
E) India’s formation of the National War Memorial
Answer: C) India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war

Event and Significance:

• Event: Vijay Diwas marks India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war.
• Date: December 16, 1971.
• Outcome:
  • Pakistan surrendered after a 13-day war.
  • The war led to the liberation of Bangladesh, marking the creation of a new nation.
  • Lieutenant General A.A.K. Niazi of the Pakistani Army signed the Instrument of Surrender in Dhaka, under the leadership of India’s Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora.

Leaders of the Victory:

• Prime Minister of India: Indira Gandhi
• Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw: Led India’s military operations.
• Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora: Supervised the Eastern Command.

Observance of Vijay Diwas:

• The day is observed annually with:
  • Wreath-laying ceremonies at war memorials.
  • Tributes at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
  • Cultural events and military parades to honor the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 16

3. Which team won the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Karnataka
C) Madhya Pradesh
D) Mumbai
E) Gujarat
Answer: D) Mumbai

Event and Outcome:

• Event: Final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024.
• Winner: Mumbai defeated Madhya Pradesh by 5 wickets.
• Venue: Played in front of over 15,000 fans.

Match Summary:

• Madhya Pradesh Innings:
  • Scored 174/8 in 20 overs.
  • Rajat Patidar remained unbeaten on 81 off 54 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes).
• Mumbai Innings:
  • Chased the target successfully, scoring 180/5 in just 17.5 overs.
  • Key contributions:
    • Suryakumar Yadav: 48 off 35 balls.
    • Ajinkya Rahane: 37 off 30 balls.
    • Suryansh Shedge: 36* off 15 balls.
    • Atharva Ankolekar: 16* off 6 balls.

Turning Point:

• The 52-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane laid the foundation.
• Late fireworks by Suryansh Shedge and Atharva Ankolekar sealed Mumbai’s victory.

Historical Context:

• Mumbai’s Second SMAT Title:
  • First title won in 2022 under Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy.
  • Second title won in 2024 under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy.
• Madhya Pradesh: Still awaiting their maiden SMAT title.

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs December 16

4. Which legendary tabla player, known as the “Iron Man of Tabla,” passed away at the age of 73 in December 2024?
A) Ustad Alla Rakha
B) Pandit Ravi Shankar
C) Zakir Hussain
D) Shivkumar Sharma
E) Anindo Chatterjee
Answer: C) Zakir Hussain

Event and Demise:

• Event: Tabla legend Ustad Zakir Hussain passed away at the age of 73 in San Francisco, US.
• Date of Death: December 15, 2024.
• Cause of Death: Complications due to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Life and Legacy:

• Born: March 9, 1951, in Mumbai, India.
• Father: Ustad Alla Rakha, another legendary tabla maestro.
• Contribution: Zakir Hussain is widely regarded as the greatest tabla player of his generation, celebrated for his immense talent and global influence.

Awards and Achievements:

• Grammy Awards: Won four Grammy Awards in his career, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier in 2024.
• Padma Awards:
  • Padma Shri in 1988
  • Padma Bhushan in 2002
  • Padma Vibhushan in 2023

Musical Career:

• Began playing the tabla at a young age under his father’s guidance.
• Collaborated with India’s iconic classical musicians:
  • Ravi Shankar
  • Ali Akbar Khan
  • Shivkumar Sharma
• International Collaborations:
  • Worked with John McLaughlin (1973), Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck, George Harrison, and Mickey Hart.
  • His projects helped blend Indian classical music with jazz and global sounds.

Tributes and Impact:

• Tributes:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge paid heartfelt tributes.
  • Musicians and filmmakers, such as Ricky Kej and Hansal Mehta, honored his contributions to Indian music.
• Global Ambassador of Indian Music: Zakir Hussain played a pivotal role in introducing Indian classical music to a global audience.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs December 16

5. Which agency has been appointed as the nodal body for measuring, reporting, and verifying India’s Green Steel Taxonomy?
A) Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
B) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
C) National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST)
D) Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
E) National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Answer: C) National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST)

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of India’s first-ever Taxonomy of Green Steel
• Location: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
• Date: December 16, 2024
• Announced by: Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Steel & Heavy Industries

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandates:
  • Define and regulate green steel production in India.
  • Introduce a star-rating system to classify steel based on emission intensity.
  • Promote innovation to achieve significant CO2 emission reduction in steel manufacturing.
• Objectives:
  • Support India’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • Align the steel sector with India’s net-zero emission target by 2070.

Salient Features of Green Steel Taxonomy:

• Green Steel Definition:
  • Steel with emission intensity below 2.2 t-CO2e per tonne of finished steel (tfs) qualifies as Green Steel.
• Star Rating System:
  • Five-Star: Below 1.6 t-CO2e/tfs
  • Four-Star: 1.6–2.0 t-CO2e/tfs
  • Three-Star: 2.0–2.2 t-CO2e/tfs
  • Non-Green Steel: Above 2.2 t-CO2e/tfs
• Scope of Emissions:
  • Covers Scope 1, Scope 2, and limited Scope 3 emissions (e.g., raw material beneficiation).
• Nodal Agency:
  • National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) will manage measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes.
• Certification Frequency:
  • Issued annually, with updates based on plant performance.
  • Thresholds reviewed every three years for technological alignment.

Important Terms Explained:

• Green Steel Taxonomy:
  • A framework to define, regulate, and certify low-emission steel production.
• Scope Emissions:
  • Scope 1: Direct emissions from production processes.
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
  • Scope 3: Limited emissions from material beneficiation and processing.
• National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST):
  • The appointed nodal agency for certification and star ratings.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs December 16

6. Who was recently elected as the President of Georgia in December 2024?
A) Salome Zourabichvili
B) Bidzina Ivanishvili
C) Mikheil Saakashvili
D) Mikheil Kavelashvili
E) Giorgi Gakharia
Answer: D) Mikheil Kavelashvili

Event and Date:

• Event: Mikheil Kavelashvili elected as the President of Georgia.
• Date: December 16, 2024.
• Election Process: Kavelashvili was elected by a 300-seat electoral college, replacing direct presidential elections under Georgia’s 2017 constitutional reforms.

President-Elect Mikheil Kavelashvili:

• Age: 53
• Career:
  • Former professional footballer with notable achievements, including:
    • Played for Dinamo Tbilisi, Manchester City, Spartak Vladikavkaz, and Grasshoppers Zurich.
    • Represented the Georgian National Team with 46 appearances and 9 goals.
  • Transitioned into politics after retirement, joining the Georgian Dream Party and co-founding the People’s Power movement, known for its anti-Western rhetoric.

Political and International Significance:

• Georgian Dream Party:
  • Kavelashvili’s election reflects the party’s increasing control over Georgian politics.
  • Critics argue the party’s stance undermines Georgia’s EU aspirations and aligns the nation closer to Russia.
• Controversial Laws:
  • Co-authored a law requiring organizations receiving over 20% foreign funding to register as “pursuing the interest of a foreign power,” mirroring similar Russian policies.
• Public Reaction:
  • Sparked protests due to his perceived lack of qualifications and concerns over growing authoritarianism.
  • Government responded with forceful crackdowns, drawing international criticism from the EU and the U.S.
• EU Relations:
  • The EU temporarily halted Georgia’s EU accession talks following the approval of controversial laws in 2023.

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7. Who has been appointed as Google’s Country Manager and Vice President for India in December 2024?
A) Sanjay Gupta
B) Sundar Pichai
C) Shantanu Narayen
D) Preeti Lobana
E) Arundhati Bhattacharya
Answer: D) Preeti Lobana

Event and Appointment:

• Event: Appointment of Preeti Lobana as Google’s Country Manager and Vice President for India.
• Date: December 16, 2024.
• Previous Position Holder: Sanjay Gupta, who has transitioned to the role of President, Asia Pacific.

Preeti Lobana’s Profile:

• Experience:
  • Over 30 years of leadership experience in technology and financial industries.
  • Previously served as Vice President for gTech at Google, leading global operations and innovative ad solutions.
• Previous Roles: Held senior leadership positions at:
  • NatWest Group
  • American Express
  • Standard Chartered Bank
  • ANZ Grindlays Bank
• Education:
  • Alumni of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, specializing in strategy and leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Driving Innovation:
  • Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster customer empowerment and nationwide innovation.
• Strengthening Commitment to India:
  • Focus on supporting India’s digital economy and expanding AI-driven solutions.
• Building High-Performing Teams:
  • Nurture diverse talent to ensure operational excellence.
• Integration of Technologies:
  • Oversee cutting-edge solutions for Google’s customers and partners.

India’s Importance for Google:

• India is a strategic market for Google’s global operations, offering:
  • A rapidly growing digital economy.
  • Opportunities for AI innovation and collaboration with Indian businesses.
  • Efforts to bridge the digital divide and expand access to technology.

Transition of Leadership:

• Sanjay Gupta has been elevated to President of the Asia Pacific region after playing a pivotal role in strengthening Google’s presence in India.

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs December 16

8. Where has India’s first Diabetes Biobank been set up?
A) Hyderabad
B) Bengaluru
C) Mumbai
D) Chennai
E) New Delhi
Answer: D) Chennai

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of India’s first Diabetes Biobank
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Announced by: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF)

Purpose and Importance:

• Purpose:
  • Collect, process, and store biological samples to advance research on diabetes causes, variations, and related disorders.
• Importance:
  • Aid in identifying novel biomarkers for early diagnosis.
  • Develop personalized treatment strategies for diabetes.
  • Facilitate longitudinal studies for tracking diabetes progression and complications.

Key Studies Supported by the Biobank:

1. ICMR-INDIAB Study:
   • Surveyed over 1.2 lakh individuals across 31 states and UTs.
   • Found 10.1 crore people with diabetes and 13.6 crore with prediabetes.
   • Highlighted the diabetes epidemic, especially in less-developed states.
2. Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes:
   • Focused on diabetes diagnosed at a young age.
   • Enrolled 5,546 participants with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
   • Found the average age of diagnosis as 12.9 years for Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 21.7 years for Type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Long-term Research Potential:

• Supports longitudinal studies to improve diabetes management and prevention.
• Enhances collaborative research to contribute to the global fight against diabetes.
• Aims to develop cost-effective biobanks using advanced technologies for specimen storage and data sharing.

Important Terms Explained:

• Diabetes Biobank:
  • A repository that collects, stores, and distributes biological samples for diabetes research.
• ICMR-INDIAB Study:
  • India’s largest study on diabetes, covering metabolic disorders across all states and UTs.
• Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes:
  • A national study focusing on diabetes cases diagnosed at a young age.

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9. Where was the Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile successfully tested by the U.S. Armed Forces?
A) Edwards Air Force Base, California
B) Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
C) Area 51, Nevada
D) Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
E) White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
Answer: B) Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida

Event and Location:

• Event: Successful testing of the Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile (Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon – LRHW).
• Test Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
• Date: December 16, 2024.

Test Details and Missile Capabilities:

• Speed Achieved: Over 3,800 miles per hour (Mach 5), more than five times the speed of sound.
• Significance of Test:
  • First live-fire trial of the complete LRHW system, including the ground-based launcher and operations center.
  • Demonstrated the ability to strike distant, well-defended targets with precision.
    Deployment Plans:
• Navy:
  • Plans to deploy the LRHW system on Zumwalt-class destroyers and submarines.
• Army:
  • Operational deployment planned by 2025.

Strategic Importance:

• Combines speed, range, and maneuverability, making it capable of outpacing traditional missile defenses.
• Considered critical for maintaining deterrence and precision targeting capabilities.

Concerns and Criticism:

• High Production Costs: Developing hypersonic technology involves significant investment.
• Global Tensions: Escalates competition with countries like China and Russia, who are also advancing hypersonic missile programs.

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs December 16

10. Which three countries are participating in the Desert Knight trilateral air combat exercise?
A) India, France, USA
B) India, UAE, Russia
C) India, France, UAE
D) India, Japan, UAE
E) India, France, Australia
Answer: C) India, France, UAE

Event and Location:

• Event: Desert Knight – a trilateral air combat exercise.
• Location: Arabian Sea, approximately 350-400 km southwest of Karachi.
• Duration: Three days.

Objective and Purpose:

• Enhance trilateral defence cooperation between India, France, and UAE.
• Improve interoperability among air forces for complex combat scenarios.
• Foster operational synergy through realistic combat manoeuvres.

Participants and Assets:

1. India:
   • Aircraft: Sukhoi-30MKI, Jaguars, IL-78 mid-air refuellers, and AEW&C systems.
   • Base: Jamnagar, West Coast of India.
2. France:
   • Deployed Rafale jets from the Al Dhafra airbase in the UAE.
3. UAE:
   • Participated with F-16 fighter jets from Al Dhafra airbase.

Strategic Importance:

• Indo-Pacific and Persian Gulf Focus: Strengthens ties in critical regions amid geopolitical challenges.
• Response to China: Addresses China’s growing influence and assertive activities.
• Builds on the 2022 trilateral defence framework for technology, defence, and environment cooperation.

Bilateral Partnerships:

1. India-France:
   • Regular defence exercises include:
     • Shakti (Army)
     • Varuna (Navy)
     • Garuda (Air Force)
2. India-UAE:
   • Defence collaboration includes participation in exercises like Desert Flag, hosted by the UAE.

Previous Trilateral Exercises:

• Maritime Partnership Exercise 2023 – focused on both traditional and non-traditional security threats, strengthening collaborative frameworks.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 16

11. Which European country became the first to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2024?
A) Germany
B) France
C) United Kingdom
D) Spain
E) Italy
Answer: C) United Kingdom

Event and Date:

• Event: UK’s entry into the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership).
• Date: December 15, 2024.
• Significance: The UK became the first European nation to join the CPTPP, reflecting its post-Brexit trade strategy aimed at strengthening ties with Indo-Pacific nations.

What is the CPTPP?:

• The CPTPP evolved from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) after the United States withdrew in 2016.
• Founding Members: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
• Economic Significance:
  • Accounts for approximately 15% of global GDP.
  • Represents a market with 500 million consumers.
  • Focuses on reducing trade barriers and expanding market access across the Indo-Pacific.

Economic Opportunities for the UK:

• Membership could add up to £2 billion annually to the UK economy.
• Key sectors to benefit:
  • Financial Services: Expanded access to emerging markets.
  • Manufacturing and Food Production: Lower tariffs and favorable rules of origin provisions.
  • Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Simplified export processes.

Post-Brexit Significance:

• The CPTPP membership aligns with the UK’s strategy to diversify trade beyond reliance on EU countries.
• Enhances the UK’s position as a leader in global trade by opening up opportunities in fast-growing Indo-Pacific economies.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 16

12. Which Indian state became the first to unveil a dedicated Yoga Policy?
A) Karnataka
B) Kerala
C) Uttarakhand
D) Himachal Pradesh
E) Maharashtra
Answer: C) Uttarakhand

Event and Location:

• Event: Uttarakhand becomes the first Indian state to implement a dedicated Yoga Policy.
• Location: Rishikesh, already recognized as the Yoga Capital of the World, is central to this initiative.
• Announced by: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

Vision and Key Provisions of the Yoga Policy:

• Objective: Establish Uttarakhand as a global hub for yoga.
• Focus Areas:
  • Promoting wellness tourism.
  • Standardizing yoga centers and courses with certification from the Yoga Certification Board.
  • Establishing 50 new yoga and wellness centers and Yoga Grams to generate employment for local youth.
• Infrastructural Development:
  • Subsidy schemes to encourage the development of yoga centers.
  • Creation of uniform course standards to maintain quality and authenticity.

Government Initiatives Under AYUSH:

• Integration of Yoga and Ayurveda into healthcare with:
  • AYUSH teleconsultation services.
  • District-level AYUSH hospitals.
• Research and Education:
  • Proposal to set up the All India Institute of Ayurveda in Uttarakhand.
  • Promotion of medicinal plants and local herbs like Kilmora for global markets.

Global Impact:

• Hosting of the 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo, which saw:
  • Participation of 3,000 experts from over 50 countries.
• India’s AYUSH sector now exports products to 150 countries, adopting technologies like AI and ML to advance research and innovation.

Significance:

• Enhances Uttarakhand’s global recognition as a wellness and spiritual hub.
• Aligns with India’s broader AYUSH mission under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Creates employment opportunities and promotes sustainable tourism.

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13. Which state observes Nupi Lal Numit to honor the legacy of its women?
A) Assam
B) Manipur
C) Nagaland
D) Mizoram
E) Tripura
Answer: B) Manipur

Event and Location:

• Event: Nupi Lal Numit 2024 observed to honor the courage and resilience of Manipuri women.
• Location: Nupi Lal Memorial Complex, Manipur.
• Led by: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

Historical Significance of Nupi Lal:

• The Nupi Lal uprisings occurred in 1904 and 1939:
  • Women-led movements against British colonial injustices.
  • These protests were pivotal in bringing about political and social changes in Manipur.

Government Initiatives for Women Empowerment:

• Ima Nongthangleima Yaipha Tengbang Scheme:
  • Financial assistance for unemployed women above 40 years.
• Ima Markets:
  • Markets established in every district to promote women’s economic participation.
• Support for Women Athletes:
  • Financial aid and creation of training centers for women in sports.
• Educational Initiatives:
  • Scholarships for civil service coaching.
  • Support for NEET/JEE preparation to promote academic excellence.

Cultural Celebrations:

• The event featured:
  • Nupi Lal drama.
  • Performances by local artists showcasing Manipur’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Participation of government officials, MLAs, students, and women across the state.

Call for Unity and Peace:

• Chief Minister N. Biren Singh emphasized peace, unity, and collaboration to address current crises.
• Minister Th. Biswajit Singh called for gender equality and greater women’s involvement in decision-making processes.

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14. Which organization launched the ‘CHARAK’ initiative to provide free health treatment to economically weaker sections?
A) Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
B) Coal India Limited (CIL)
C) Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)
D) Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)
E) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Answer: C) Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL)

Event and Initiative:

• Event: Launch of the ‘CHARAK’ initiative.
• Initiative Name: Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal (CHARAK).
• Launched By: Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal.

Objective and Target Beneficiaries:

• Objective: Provide free treatment for life-threatening diseases to economically weaker sections.
• Beneficiaries:
  • Residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts.
  • Annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh.

Diseases Covered:

• The program includes treatment for the following diseases:
  • Malignancy (cancer)
  • Tuberculosis (TB)
  • HIV
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Organ transplants
  • Burn injuries
  • Neurological disorders

Treatment Facilities:

• Treatment will be provided at:
  • NCL’s dedicated hospital (Nehru Shatabdi Chikitsalay – NSC).
  • Specialized empanelled hospitals across India.

NCL’s Commitment to CSR:

• NCL has a strong focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR):
  • Over ₹1,000 crore spent on CSR projects in the last 10 years.
  • Impacted nearly 10 lakh people.
  • CSR expenditure in the previous fiscal year: ₹157 crore.
  • CSR target for the current financial year: ₹172.97 crore.

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15. What is the main purpose of the Jalvahak Scheme launched by the Indian government?
A) To promote passenger ferry services along major rivers
B) To incentivize long-haul cargo transportation via inland waterways
C) To boost tourism along the National Waterways
D) To reduce operating costs for rail freight transport
E) To establish new shipping ports along coastal areas
Answer: B) To incentivize long-haul cargo transportation via inland waterways

Event and Scheme Details:

• Event: Launch of the Jalvahak Scheme.
• Purpose: Promote long-haul cargo transportation via inland waterways to reduce logistics costs and decongest roads and railways.
• Launch Date: December 15, 2024.
• Launched By: Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).

Key Features of the Jalvahak Scheme:

• Targeted Waterways:
  • National Waterway 1 (Ganga River)
  • National Waterway 2 (Brahmaputra River)
  • National Waterway 16 (Barak River) via Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
• Incentives:
  • Up to 35% reimbursement on total operating expenditure for cargo transportation over 300 km.
  • Cargo owners can claim reimbursements up to ₹10 lakh.
• Economic Impact:
  • Aims to decongest rail and road networks.
  • Promotes sustainable, eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

Fixed Scheduled Services:

• The scheme commenced with the flagging off of cargo ships from Kolkata:
  1. MV Trishul: Carrying 1500 tonnes of cement to Pandu (Guwahati) via IBPR.
  2. MV AAI: Carrying 1000 tonnes of gypsum to Patna.
  3. MV Homi Bhaba: Carrying 200 tonnes of coal to Varanasi.
• Fixed transit timelines for cargo:
  1. Kolkata to Patna: 7 days
  2. Patna to Varanasi: 5 days
  3. Kolkata to Pandu: 18 days

Goals and Investment Plans:

• By 2027: ₹95.4 crore investment to achieve a modal shift of 800 million tonne-kilometres.
• By 2030: Target to move 200 million tonnes of cargo via waterways.
• By 2047: Target to move 500 million tonnes of cargo, supporting India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Strategic Importance:

• Reduces Logistics Costs:
  • India aims to lower logistics costs from 13% to 9% of GDP by 2030.
• Promotes Blue Economy: Utilizes India’s 20,236 km of inland waterways, including rivers and canals.
• Addresses Underutilization:
  • Cargo movement on waterways increased 700% from 18.07 million tonnes (2013-14) to 132.89 million tonnes (2023-24).

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Over All Review

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