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December 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs December 19

1. When is Minorities Rights Day observed annually?
A) December 15
B) December 16
C) December 17
D) December 18
E) December 19
Answer: D) December 18

Event and Location:

• Event: Minorities Rights Day Celebrated Nationwide
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Commemoration of UN Statement:
  • Marks the adoption of the United Nations Statement on the Rights of Minorities (1992).
  • Advocates freedom, equality, and inclusion for religious, linguistic, and ethnic minorities.
• Awareness and Empowerment:
  • Promotes awareness of minority rights and fosters social harmony.
  • Aligns with the government’s vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” (Together, Growth for All, Trust for All).

Achievements and Significance:

• Event Leadership:
  • Chief Guest: Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for Minority Affairs.
  • Presiding Officer: Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities.
• Key Announcements:
  • Release of a book on Sikhism authored by Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura.
  • Launch of the third edition of the NCM Newsletter.
  • Introduction of the Minority Day Quiz on minority communities in India.
• Exhibition Highlights:
  • Showcased initiatives and schemes implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  • Displayed the National Commission for Minorities’ efforts toward minority welfare.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Commission for Minorities (NCM):
  • A statutory body established in 1992 under the National Commission for Minorities Act.
  • Protects and promotes the interests of six officially recognized minority communities in India: Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians.
• United Nations Statement on the Rights of Minorities (1992):
  • A declaration emphasizing the protection of minorities’ cultural, linguistic, religious, and ethnic identity.
• Minority Day Quiz:
  • An interactive initiative introduced by the NCM to spread awareness about India’s diverse minority communities.

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 19

2. What is the mascot of the 38th National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand?
A) Peacock
B) Tiger
C) Monal
D) Elephant
E) Snow Leopard
Answer: C) Monal

Event and Location:

• Event: Uttarakhand unveils mascot, logo, anthem, and tagline for the 38th National Games 2025
• Location: Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote Sportsmanship:
  • Engage over 10,000 athletes, officials, and coaches across 38 sports.
  • Foster youth participation and highlight traditional Indian sports like yoga and mallakhamb.
• Cultural Integration:
  • Showcase Uttarakhand’s heritage through the Monal-inspired mascot and vibrant logo.
  • Promote sports culture across the state with the ceremonial National Games torch.

Achievements and Significance:

• Mascot and Logo:
  • Mascot “Mauli”: Inspired by the Monal, Uttarakhand’s state bird, symbolizing the state’s uniqueness.
  • Logo: Represents Uttarakhand’s biodiversity and natural beauty, incorporating Monal’s vibrant colors.
• Tagline:
  • “Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak” (From Resolve to Zenith): Highlights determination and ambition in sports and life.
• Key Sports Events:
  • Inclusion of traditional sports reflects the state’s cultural ethos.

Important Terms Explained:

• Monal:
  • The state bird of Uttarakhand, known for its vibrant plumage, representing beauty and grace.
• Yoga and Mallakhamb:
  • Traditional Indian sports showcasing physical endurance, flexibility, and strength.

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs December 19

3. India recently became the 3rd largest exporter in the smartphone market. What was India’s rank in 2019 in this sector?
A) 10th
B) 15th
C) 23rd
D) 18th
E) 5th
Answer: C) 23rd

Event and Location:

• Event: India Emerges as the 3rd Largest Exporter in the Smartphone Market
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Boost Domestic Manufacturing: Leverage initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to reduce import dependency and enhance manufacturing capacities.
• Increase Exports: Set targets to export 70-75% of total production under PLI for FY 2024-25.
• Economic Growth: Enhance foreign exchange reserves and create jobs through increased manufacturing and exports.

Achievements and Economic Impact:

• Export Growth:
  • November 2024 exports reached ₹20,395 crore, a significant 92% increase compared to ₹10,634 crore in November 2023.
  • India advanced from 23rd in 2019 to 3rd in 2024 in global smartphone exports.
• Economic Contributions:
  • Increased foreign exchange reserves.
  • Job creation in manufacturing, supply chains, and related sectors.
  • Improved trade balance by reducing the import-export gap.

Important Terms Explained:

• Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme:
  • Objective: Encourage domestic manufacturing with financial incentives based on output.
  • Aim: Reduce import dependency and promote exports.
  • Key Success: Attracted foreign and domestic companies, improving global competitiveness of Indian products.
• Trade Balance:
  • Indicates the difference between exports and imports, with a favorable trade balance boosting the economy.
• Foreign Exchange Reserves:
  • Assets in foreign currency held by a nation’s central bank, crucial for economic stability.

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs December 19

4. What was the growth percentage of net direct tax collections in FY24 by December 17?
A) 14.85%
B) 15.30%
C) 16.45%
D) 17.50%
E) 18.20%
Answer: C) 16.45%

Event and Location:

• Event: Net Direct Tax Collection sees 16.45% growth to ₹15.82 lakh crore
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Improved Tax Collection Mechanism:
  • Enhanced efficiency in advance tax collection and refunds.
  • Broad-based tax compliance supporting fiscal stability.
• Components of Tax Growth:
  • Corporate Tax and Non-Corporate Tax contributed significantly.
  • Surge in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) collections due to robust market activity.

Achievements and Significance:

• Corporate Tax Growth:
  • Gross collections rose to ₹9.24 lakh crore, net collections at ₹7.42 lakh crore.
• Non-Corporate Tax Growth:
  • Gross collections rose to ₹9.53 lakh crore, net collections at ₹7.97 lakh crore.
• Advance Tax Collections:
  • Increased by 21% to ₹7.56 lakh crore, reflecting strong compliance and growth.
• Refunds:
  • ₹3.39 lakh crore issued, a 42.49% increase compared to the previous fiscal year.

Important Terms Explained:

• Net Direct Tax:
  • Includes income tax, corporate tax, securities transaction tax, and other levies after accounting for refunds.
• Advance Tax:
  • Taxes paid in installments during the financial year, reflecting expected liabilities.
• Securities Transaction Tax (STT):
  • A tax levied on transactions in the stock market, contributing to direct tax revenues.
• Fiscal Deficit:
  • The gap between government revenue and expenditure, reduced by higher tax collections.

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5. What is India’s projected economic growth rate for FY26 according to Ind-Ra?
A) 6.2%
B) 6.4%
C) 6.6%
D) 6.8%
E) 7.0%
Answer: C) 6.6%

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s FY26 Economic Outlook: Modest Growth Amid Tightening
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Economic Growth Drivers:
  • Investments are projected to grow by 7.2% in FY26, compared to 6.7% in FY25.
  • Consumption growth is estimated at 6.9%, supported by improved rural demand due to favorable monsoons and rising rural wages.
• Fiscal Target:
  • Achieve a fiscal deficit of 4.5% by FY26, with nominal GDP growth of 10.2% and 10% growth in capital expenditure.

Achievements and Significance:

• Inflation and Monetary Policy:
  • Inflation is projected to ease to 4.3% in FY26, down from 4.9% in FY25.
  • Gradual repo rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), with a potential reduction of 100-125 bps.
• Sectoral Performance:
  • Agriculture: Growth expected to slow to 3.8% after robust performance in FY25.
  • Industry and Services: Stable growth is anticipated.

Challenges and Risks:

• External Challenges:
  • Rupee depreciation projected to ₹86.87 per USD due to external shocks like capital outflows and tariff wars.
  • Risks from global uncertainties, including US tariff threats and a stronger dollar.
• Urban Demand:
  • Concerns about slower growth in urban consumption impacting overall economic performance.

Important Terms Explained:

• Fiscal Deficit:
  • The difference between the government’s total expenditure and its total revenue, excluding borrowings. Achieving 4.5% by FY26 aligns with fiscal discipline goals.
• Capital Expenditure (Capex):
  • Investments by the government in physical assets like infrastructure, crucial for long-term economic growth.
• Repo Rate:
  • The rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks. Lowering the repo rate reduces borrowing costs, boosting investment and consumption.

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs December 19

6. Who has been appointed as the new Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI)?
A) CS Setty
B) Dinesh Kumar Khara
C) Rama Mohan Rao Amara
D) Rajnish Kumar
E) Arundhati Bhattacharya
Answer: C) Rama Mohan Rao Amara

Event and Location:

• Event: Rama Mohan Rao Amara appointed as SBI’s new Managing Director
• Location: State Bank of India Headquarters, Mumbai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Leadership Transition:
  • Rama Mohan Rao Amara replaces CS Setty as the Managing Director of SBI.
  • Appointment approved for three years by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• Key Role:
  • Strengthen SBI’s leadership team comprising the Chairman and four MDs.
  • Lead SBI through critical phases of growth, innovation, and operational efficiency.

Achievements and Significance:

• Extensive Experience:
  • Joined SBI as a probationary officer in 1991.
  • Previously served as Deputy Managing Director and Chief Risk Officer at SBI.
  • Held leadership roles in international banking as CEO of SBI’s Chicago branch and President & CEO of SBI California.
• Strategic Selection Process:
  • Recommended by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) after interviewing nine candidates.

Important Terms Explained:

• Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC):
  • Chaired by the Prime Minister, responsible for senior-level appointments in public sector undertakings and banks.
• Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB):
  • Official headhunter for directors in state-owned banks and institutions, ensuring merit-based appointments.

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs December 19

7. What rare title was conferred upon Indian educationist Arun Kapur by Bhutan’s King?
A) Druk Thuksey
B) Dasho
C) Bura Marp
D) Dzongda
E) Gyaltshen
Answer: B) Dasho

Event and Location:

• Event: Arun Kapur conferred the title of ‘Dasho’ and Red Scarf by Bhutan’s King
• Location: Changlimithang Stadium, Thimphu, Bhutan

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognition for Education Contributions:
  • Honored for significant contributions to education in India and Bhutan.
  • Acknowledged for efforts in establishing The Royal Academy and developing the Bhutan Baccalaureate system.
• Rare Honor:
  • The ‘Dasho’ title and Red Scarf (Bura Marp) are usually conferred on senior Bhutanese officials.

Achievements and Significance:

• Previous Awards:
  • In 2019, Arun Kapur was awarded the ‘Druk Thuksey’ for his work in education in Bhutan.
• Leadership Roles:
  • Served as the head of Vasant Valley School, Delhi, for 29 years until 2020.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dasho Title and Red Scarf:
  • The ‘Dasho’ title is a traditional Bhutanese honor given to high-ranking officials.
  • The Red Scarf (Bura Marp) is a mark of distinction and is accompanied by a ceremonial sword (Patang).
• Druk Thuksey:
  • Means “Son of the Heart of Bhutan.”
  • Awarded for significant contributions to the socio-economic and cultural development of Bhutan.
• Bhutan Baccalaureate:
  • An innovative educational framework emphasizing holistic student development, co-developed by Arun Kapur.

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs December 19

8. Where was the first-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin conducted?
A) Bihar
B) Assam
C) Uttar Pradesh
D) West Bengal
E) Odisha
Answer: B) Assam

Event and Location:

• Event: First-ever satellite tagging of a Ganges River Dolphin
• Location: Assam

Mandates and Objectives:

• Data Collection:
  • Study habitat preferences, migratory patterns, and the home-range dynamics of Ganges River Dolphins.
  • Address existing knowledge gaps for evidence-based conservation.
• Technology Use:
  • Lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos systems ensure functionality even with the dolphin’s brief surfacing times (5-30 seconds).

Achievements and Significance:

• Global First:
  • This is the first instance of satellite tagging of Ganges River Dolphins globally.
• Ecological Impact:
  • Ganges River Dolphins serve as umbrella species, aiding the conservation of river ecosystems.
  • Their protection supports ecological balance and aquatic biodiversity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Project Dolphin:
  • Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to conserve Ganges River Dolphins.
  • Focus: Protect habitats and address threats affecting dolphin populations.
• National CAMPA Authority:
  • Stands for Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority.
  • Objective: Fund conservation and afforestation projects across India.
• Argos System:
  • A satellite-based system designed for wildlife tracking and environmental monitoring.
  • Essential for species like Ganges River Dolphins due to their elusive behavior.

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs December 19

9. Where has the Indian Army established its AI Incubation Centre?
A) New Delhi
B) Hyderabad
C) Pune
D) Bengaluru
E) Chennai
Answer: D) Bengaluru

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Army inaugurates AI Incubation Centre (IAAIIC)
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Mandates and Objectives:

• Develop AI Solutions for Defence:
  • Focused on predictive maintenance, advanced surveillance, decision support systems, and autonomous platforms.
  • Enhance the Army’s operational capabilities and decision-making through AI technologies.
• Promote Indigenous Talent:
  • Cultivate local expertise in AI and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.
  • Align with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative for self-reliance in defence technology.

Achievements and Significance:

• Collaboration with BEL:
  • Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) provides infrastructure and IT capabilities.
• Supercomputing Support:
  • A supercomputer from CDAC will facilitate AI training and solution development.
• Innovation Hub:
  • Platform for collaboration among startups, academia, and industry to drive innovation in defence AI.

Important Terms Explained:

• AI Incubation Centre:
  • A facility focused on developing artificial intelligence-based technologies tailored for the Indian Army’s operational needs.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat:
  • India’s self-reliance initiative promoting domestic production and reducing reliance on imports across sectors, including defence.
• Predictive Maintenance:
  • Technology-driven monitoring to anticipate and prevent equipment failures, ensuring operational readiness.

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 19

10. Which two companies are collaborating on space debris removal using laser-equipped satellites?
A) JAXA and ISRO
B) Mitsubishi and InspeCity
C) Orbital Lasers and InspeCity
D) Astroscale and Orbital Lasers
E) ispace and InspeCity
Answer: C) Orbital Lasers and InspeCity

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Japan Collaborate to Address Space Debris
• Location: Global Space Operations, involving Indian and Japanese firms

Mandates and Objectives:

• Space Debris Management:
  • Use of laser-equipped satellites to vaporize debris, enabling easier spacecraft servicing.
  • Address the growing issue of space junk, critical for safe orbital operations.
• Collaboration Goals:
  • Strengthen India-Japan space partnerships across space debris removal and lunar exploration.
  • Enhance local production and innovation under India’s Make in India initiative.

Achievements and Significance:

• Partnership Highlights:
  • Indian firm InspeCity and Japanese company Orbital Lasers signed a preliminary agreement.
  • Testing of the debris removal technology is planned after 2027.
• Broader Collaboration:
  • The LUPEX mission (2026) aims at lunar polar exploration, extending India-Japan cooperation to Moon exploration.

Important Terms Explained:

• Space Debris:
  • Refers to defunct satellites, fragments, and other objects orbiting Earth, posing risks to operational spacecraft.
• Laser-Equipped Satellites:
  • Advanced satellites using lasers to vaporize or reduce debris in orbit, ensuring safer space operations.
• LUPEX Mission:
  • The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) is a joint India-Japan initiative for Moon’s polar region exploration, planned for 2026.

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 19

11. What is the theme of the 10th International Forest Fair held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh?
A) Sustainable Forest Practices for All
B) Minor Forest Produce for Global Trade
C) Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce
D) Collaboration for Sustainable Forestry
E) Enhancing Economic Potential of Forest Products
Answer: C) Women Empowerment through Minor Forest Produce

Event and Location:

• Event: 10th International Forest Fair
• Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promotion of Sustainable Forest Practices:
  • Foster awareness about forest resources and the economic potential of minor forest produce.
  • Encourage sustainable forest management to preserve ecological balance.
• Empowerment of Women:
  • Highlight the role of women, who constitute 50% of the workforce managing minor forest produce.
  • Promote gender equality in the forestry sector.
• International Collaboration:
  • Enhance global dialogue on forestry with representatives from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Australia.

Achievements and Significance:

• Stalls and Exhibitions:
  • Over 300 stalls showcasing forest-related products, government initiatives, and services.
  • Provides a platform for networking among policymakers, traders, producers, and scientists.
• Health Services:
  • Free medical consultations with Ayurveda doctors and daily OPD services, promoting holistic health.
• Focus on Local Communities:
  • Empower local populations by highlighting the economic and social importance of forests.

Important Terms Explained:

• Minor Forest Produce (MFP):
  • Non-timber forest products such as bamboo, medicinal plants, and honey.
  • Plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, especially women.
• Sustainable Forest Management:
  • Practices ensuring the long-term health and productivity of forests while supporting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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12. Which state is set to become the first in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) after Independence?
A) Gujarat
B) Uttar Pradesh
C) Uttarakhand
D) Maharashtra
E) Himachal Pradesh
Answer: C) Uttarakhand

Event and Location:

• Event: Uniform Civil Code to be implemented in Uttarakhand from January 2025
• Location: Uttarakhand, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Implementation of UCC:
  • The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across Uttarakhand from January 2025.
  • Aims to ensure justice, equity, and uniformity in personal laws for all citizens.
• Empowerment:
  • The UCC is expected to empower women and children by providing equal rights in personal matters.

Achievements and Significance:

• First State Post-Independence:
  • Uttarakhand becomes the first state in India to implement UCC after Independence.
• Legislative Steps:
  • Formation of a five-member expert committee chaired by retired judge Ranjana Prakash Desai in 2022.
  • Passage of the UCC Bill 2024 by the state assembly on February 7, 2024.
  • Presidential assent received, and notification issued on March 12, 2024.

Important Terms Explained:

• Uniform Civil Code (UCC):
  • Refers to a common set of laws governing personal matters like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
  • Promotes unity and equality while aligning with the Constitution’s directive principles.
• Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas:
  • A governance principle emphasizing inclusive development, equal opportunities, and fostering trust among all communities.

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