Daily Current Affairs December 18

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 18. 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.

TO PURCHASE OUR BANKING AWARENESS (2024 Edition) – CLICK HERE

December 18 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs December 18

1. What is the theme of International Migrants Day 2024?
A) “Empowering migrants for a sustainable future”
B) “Integrating migrants into global economies”
C) “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights”
D) “Fighting discrimination against migrants worldwide”
E) “Promoting global mobility with equity”
Answer: C) “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights”

Event and Location:

• Event: International Migrants Day 2024.
• Date: Observed annually on December 18, globally.

Purpose:

• Celebrate the contributions of migrants to both host and home societies.
• Raise awareness of the challenges migrants face, such as exploitation, discrimination, and integration difficulties.
• Advocate for fair and inclusive migration policies that uphold migrants’ dignity and human rights.

Key Contributions of Migrants:

• Labour Market:
  • Address skill shortages and demographic challenges.
  • Drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Economic Growth:
  • Boost productivity in host countries.
  • Support families through remittances to home countries.
• Cultural Impact:
  • Enrich cultural diversity.
  • Strengthen global connections and social cohesion.

Migration Challenges:

• Displacement:
  • Driven by conflicts, climate change, and economic pressures.
  • Increasing humanitarian needs and tragic deaths during transit.
• Exploitation:
  • Migrants face unsafe working conditions, discrimination, and rights violations.

History and Significance:

• Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2000 to promote awareness about migrants’ rights and contributions.
• In 1990, the UN adopted the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, which came into force in 2003.

Theme for 2024:

• “Honouring the contributions of migrants and respecting their rights”.
  • Highlights the need for equitable policies and recognizes migrants’ role in society.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

Sports – Daily Current Affairs December 18

2. Whose record did Jasprit Bumrah surpass to become India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in Australia?
A) Anil Kumble
B) Kapil Dev
C) Ravichandran Ashwin
D) Harbhajan Singh
E) Zaheer Khan
Answer: B) Kapil Dev

Event and Location:

• Event: Jasprit Bumrah becomes India’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket in Australia.
• Location: The Gabba, Brisbane, during the third Test of the ongoing series.

Bumrah’s Record-Breaking Feat:

• Surpassed Kapil Dev’s tally of 51 wickets in Test matches in Australia.
• Achieved this milestone on December 18, 2024, with the dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne.
• Bumrah now holds 52 wickets in just 10 Test matches, averaging 17.21.

Comparison with Kapil Dev:

• Kapil Dev took 51 wickets in 11 Tests at an average of 24.58.
• Bumrah achieved 52 wickets in 20 innings, including three five-wicket hauls.

Performance in the Series:

• Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the current series with 21 wickets in six innings.
• Recorded an exceptional series average of 10.71 with two five-wicket hauls, one of which was during this Test at The Gabba.

Historical Significance:

• Bumrah joins Kapil Dev as the only Indian bowlers to have taken 50+ wickets in Australia.
• Third on the list of Indian bowlers in Australia is Anil Kumble, with 49 wickets.

Bumrah’s Growing Legacy:

• Bumrah is close to reaching another milestone, needing seven wickets to become the sixth pacer and 12th Indian to reach 200 Test wickets.
• Solidifies his status as one of India’s greatest pacers with consistent performances in overseas conditions.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

3. Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement after which Test match?
A) Third Ashes Test
B) Third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane
C) Final World Test Championship
D) First Test in the England series
E) IPL 2025 Final
Answer: B) Third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane

Event and Location:

• Event: Ravichandran Ashwin announces retirement from international cricket.
• Location: Brisbane, during the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test, on December 18, 2024.

Career Overview:

• Test Matches: Played 106 Tests, taking 537 wickets, making him India’s second-highest Test wicket-taker.
• ODIs and T20Is:
  • ODIs: Played 116 matches, taking 156 wickets.
  • T20Is: Played 65 matches, taking 72 wickets.
• Batting:
  • Scored 3503 Test runs, including 6 centuries and 14 fifties.

Notable Achievements:

• All-Time Test Wickets: Ranked seventh globally with 537 wickets.
• Five-Wicket Hauls: Achieved 37 five-wicket hauls, second only to Muttiah Muralidaran’s 67.
• World Test Championship (WTC):
  • First bowler to take 100 WTC wickets.
  • Highest wicket-taker in the WTC with 195 wickets.
• Unique Feats:
  • Dismissed the most left-handed batsmen in Tests (268).
  • Holds the Indian record for most instances (4) of scoring a century and taking a five-wicket haul in the same Test.

Legacy:

• A pivotal player in India’s spin attack and a key figure in Test cricket successes.
• Integral to India’s achievements in the World Test Championship.
• Will continue to influence cricket through franchise leagues, including the IPL, where he has secured a contract with Chennai Super Kings.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

4. Who previously held the record for the fastest Test century in women’s cricket before Nat Sciver-Brunt?
A) Ellyse Perry
B) Smriti Mandhana
C) Chamani Seneviratna
D) Charlotte Edwards
E) Mithali Raj
Answer: C) Chamani Seneviratna

Event and Location:

• Event: Nat Sciver-Brunt sets the record for the fastest Test century in women’s cricket.
• Location: Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
• Date: December 15, 2024.

Nat Sciver-Brunt’s Record:

• Scored the fastest Test century by a woman, reaching 100 runs off 96 balls.
• Surpassed the previous record of 106 balls set by Sri Lanka’s Chamani Seneviratna in 1998.
• Sciver-Brunt’s innings ended at 128 runs after being run out.

Historic Context:

• This was the first women’s Test match in South Africa in 22 years.
• England’s performance stood out on a flat pitch, with South African bowlers struggling to maintain control.

England’s Women’s Test Cricket:

• England has not won a women’s Test match since 2014 (against India in Scarborough).
• The infrequent scheduling of women’s Tests, often limited to four days, has resulted in many drawn matches.

Maia Bouchier’s Debut Century:

• Marked her Test debut with a century, showcasing a bright future for England’s women’s cricket.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

Obituary – Daily Current Affairs December 18

5. What was Tulsi Gowda primarily known for?
A) Wildlife photography
B) Ecological conservation and afforestation
C) Writing books on forest ecosystems
D) Campaigning for tribal rights
E) Developing forest management software
Answer: B) Ecological conservation and afforestation

Event and Location:

• Event: Tulsi Gowda, the “Encyclopedia of Forests,” passed away on December 16, 2024.
• Location: Karnataka, India.

Early Life:

• Born in 1944 in Honnali village, Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka.
• Faced significant challenges, including:
  • Losing her father at the age of 2.
  • Growing up in poverty and working as a day laborer with her mother.
  • Receiving no formal education but gaining immense knowledge of forests through experience.

Career and Contributions:

• Started her journey at a forest nursery under the Karnataka Forest Department’s Agasur project.
• Worked for 35 years as a daily wage laborer before gaining a permanent position in the forest department.
• Key Achievements:
  • Planted and nurtured over 1 lakh trees across Karnataka.
  • Strengthened 1 community reserve, 5 tiger reserves, 15 conservation reserves, and 30 wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Played a vital role in preventing poaching and mitigating forest fires.

Recognition and Awards:

• Padma Shri Award (2021): Honored for her unmatched contributions to environmental conservation.
• Revered as the “Tree Goddess” and “Encyclopedia of Forests” by the Halakki tribal community.

Legacy:

• Hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a guiding light for environmental conservation.
• Her efforts serve as a blueprint for ecological preservation, inspiring future generations to protect nature.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

 

Awards – Daily Current Affairs December 18

6. Which award did the Ayodhya Ram Temple project receive for its exceptional safety measures?
A) National Safety Council Gold Award
B) Sword of Honour
C) Global Excellence in Architecture Award
D) International Construction Safety Prize
E) British Safety Gold Star
Answer: B) Sword of Honour

Event and Location:

• Event: The Ayodhya Ram Temple project receives the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’.
• Location: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Sword of Honour Award:

• Conferred By: British Safety Council.
• Significance:
  • Recognizes exceptional safety management and adherence to global safety standards.
  • Eligibility requires achieving a five-star safety assessment and passing a rigorous on-site activity evaluation.

Additional Recognition:

• Golden Trophy: Awarded by the National Safety Council to Larsen & Toubro (L&T), the primary construction firm, for outstanding safety measures.

Construction Progress:

• First and second floors, including the “Shikhar”, are in the final phase of construction.
• Completion expected by June 2025.

Statue Carvings:

• Marble statues of Shri Ram Darbar and sages (e.g., Maharishi Valmiki, Ahilya Devi, Nishad Raaj) to be completed by January 2025.

Architectural and Structural Details:

• Constructed entirely using Bansi Paharpur stone from Rajasthan, with 15 lakh cubic feet of stone used.
• Key contributors include artist Vasudev Kamath, architects Shri Sompura and Shri Jay Kaktikar, and institutions like CBRI and M/s TCE.

Significance of the Award:

• Highlights the importance of safety management in large-scale construction projects.
• Establishes the Ayodhya Ram Temple as a model project for global construction safety practices.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

7. What is the primary theme of Suryabala’s novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary?
A) Rural India’s struggles with modernization
B) Cultural and ideological conflicts faced by Indian youth abroad
C) The history of Hindi literature in India
D) Gender issues in Indian society
E) Environmental concerns in Indian villages
Answer: B) Cultural and ideological conflicts faced by Indian youth abroad

Event and Location:

• Event: Suryabala’s novel Kaun Des Ko Vasi: Venu Ki Diary wins the 34th Vyas Samman 2024.
• Location: Awarded by the KK Birla Foundation.

About the Novel:

• Published in 2018, the novel explores:
  • Cultural dilemmas and ideological conflicts faced by Indian youth abroad, particularly in the United States.
  • The identity crisis and sense of alienation experienced by Indians trying to adapt to a foreign land while staying connected to their roots.
  • Themes of spiritual and cultural detachment and the struggle to reconcile Indian heritage with new realities.

About the Author:

• Suryabala:
  • Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in 1943.
  • Earned an MA and PhD in Hindi literature from Kashi Vishwavidyalaya (Banaras Hindu University).
  • Authored over 50 novels, biographies, and children’s books, many of which have been adapted into television serials.
  • Renowned for addressing social issues and reflecting deep cultural insights.

About the Award:

• Vyas Samman:
  • Instituted in 1991 by the KK Birla Foundation.
  • Recognizes outstanding Hindi literary works published in the last 10 years.
  • Includes a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque.
  • Selection for 2024 chaired by Prof. Ramji Tiwari, an eminent litterateur.

Other Awards by KK Birla Foundation:

• Saraswati Samman: ₹15 lakh prize for exceptional literary works in any Schedule VIII language.
• Bihari Puraskar: Recognizes contributions to Indian literature.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

8. Who won the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2024?
A) Rodri
B) Jude Bellingham
C) Vinicius Jr
D) Erling Haaland
E) Lionel Messi
Answer: C) Vinicius Jr

Event and Location:

• Event: The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024.
• Location: Doha, Qatar.
• Date: December 17, 2024.

Key Winners of the Awards:

1. The Best FIFA Men’s Player:
   • Winner: Vinicius Jr (48 points).
   • Recognized for his outstanding performances, claiming his first FIFA Best Player award.
2. The Best FIFA Women’s Player:
   • Winner: Aitana Bonmati (52 points).
   • Retained her title for a second consecutive year.
3. The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper:
   • Winner: Emiliano Martinez.
   • Secured the title with 26 points, backed by strong performances.
4. The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper:
   • Winner: Alyssa Naeher.
   • Recognized for her exceptional contributions to her team.
5. The Best FIFA Men’s Coach:
   • Winner: Carlo Ancelotti.
   • Honored for his achievements with Real Madrid.
6. The Best FIFA Women’s Coach:
   • Winner: Emma Hayes.
   • Recognized for her leadership at Chelsea FC.

Additional Awards:

• FIFA Puskás Award: Won by Alejandro Garnacho for the best goal of the year.
• FIFA Marta Award: Awarded to Marta for her contributions to football.
• FIFA Fan Award: Guilherme Gandra Moura.
• FIFA Fair Play Award: Thiago Maia.

Team Selections:

• The Best FIFA Men’s 11: Featured players like Emiliano Martinez, Ruben Dias, Jude Bellingham, and Vinicius Jr.
• The Best FIFA Women’s 11: Included Aitana Bonmati, Alyssa Naeher, Caroline Graham Hansen, and others.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

 

Defence – Daily Current Affairs December 18

9. What is the main objective of the upgraded SARAT tool by INCOIS?
A) To improve maritime trade efficiency
B) To enhance sea rescue operations
C) To predict natural disasters
D) To monitor underwater biodiversity
E) To develop coastal infrastructure
Answer: B) To enhance sea rescue operations

Event and Location:

• Event: INCOIS upgrades the Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT).
• Location: Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandate: Improve the precision and efficiency of maritime search and rescue operations.
• Objective: Accurately predict drift patterns of missing objects or individuals to assist rescue agencies.

Key Features of SARAT Version 2:

• Enhanced Visuals:
  • Colour-coded regions for better identification of high-probability search areas.
  • High-resolution graphics for detailed mapping.
• Customisation Options:
  • Allows users to select from 60 object types to tailor search operations.
• Accurate Drift Predictions:
  • Utilizes ocean current data, wind patterns, and wave conditions for precise modeling.

Operational Benefits:

• Concentrates search efforts on smaller, high-probability areas.
• Increases the speed and reliability of rescue missions.

Important Terms Explained:

• SARAT (Search and Rescue Aid Tool):
  • First launched in 2016 to assist in sea rescue missions.
  • Incorporates environmental factors like wind, currents, and waves to predict drift.
• INCOIS (Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services):
  • An organization under the Ministry of Earth Sciences focused on ocean data and research.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 18

10. What is the primary reason for Israel’s settlement expansion in the Golan Heights?
A) To improve tourism in the region
B) To address water scarcity issues
C) To enhance national security and infrastructure
D) To promote education and renewable energy
E) To expand trade with neighboring countries
Answer: C) To enhance national security and infrastructure

Event and Location:

• Event: Israel approves a $11.13 million settlement expansion plan in the Golan Heights.
• Location: Golan Heights, a region captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and annexed in 1981.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandate: Strengthen infrastructure and population in the Golan Heights to ensure national security amidst regional instability.
• Objective: Double the population, improve infrastructure, and develop strategic projects such as education facilities and renewable energy initiatives.

Strategic Importance:

• Vital for Israel’s defense due to its elevated topography.
• A key source of water resources for the region.

Settlement Expansion Details:

• Includes infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and a student village.
• Golan Regional Council to manage population growth with allocated funding.
• Proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing post-Assad instability in Syria.

Legal Status and Criticism:

• The Golan Heights is classified as “occupied territory” under international law.
• Only the United States recognizes Israel’s sovereignty over the region.
• Strong opposition from Arab nations like UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Syrian territorial rights.

Rising Tensions:

• Increased Israeli airstrikes in Syria since December 8, 2024.
• Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, criticized Israeli actions but refrained from direct confrontation due to Syria’s internal challenges.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

11. What is the primary objective of the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?
A) To reduce carbon emissions in developed countries
B) To promote wind energy globally
C) To mobilize USD 1,000 billion for solar energy by 2030
D) To establish nuclear power plants in member nations
E) To focus on geothermal energy adoption
Answer: C) To mobilize USD 1,000 billion for solar energy by 2030

Event and Location:

• Event: Moldova joins the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• Location: The ISA Framework Agreement was signed in New Delhi, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandate: Promote renewable energy adoption and sustainability globally.
• Objective:
  • Mobilize over USD 1,000 billion for solar projects by 2030.
  • Reduce the cost of financing and solar technology.
  • Scale solar deployment in developing nations and foster global R&D collaborations.

Key Details of ISA:

• Foundation: Established during COP21 in Paris in 2015 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande.
• Headquarters: Gurugram, India.
• Membership: 120 signatory nations, with 100 full members, including Moldova.

Notable Projects and India’s Role:

• Solarization of Malawi’s Parliament and Seychelles’ cold storage facilities.
• Capacity-building through technical training programs for member nations.
• India leads by example, solarizing government and healthcare buildings worldwide.

Moldova’s Membership:

• Significance: Demonstrates Moldova’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainability goals.
• Regional Expansion: Moldova joins shortly after Armenia, the 104th full member of the ISA.

Impact and Vision:

• Unites solar-resource-rich nations to foster energy security.
• Provides transformative solutions to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
• Advances Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and global energy transitions.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs December 18

12. What is the primary purpose of the Kisan Kavach bodysuit?
A) To improve crop yields
B) To protect farmers from pesticide exposure
C) To enhance soil fertility
D) To provide weather-resistant clothing
E) To facilitate sustainable irrigation practices
Answer: B) To protect farmers from pesticide exposure

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Kisan Kavach, India’s first indigenous anti-pesticide bodysuit.
• Location: Bangalore, Karnataka.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandate: Leverage science and technology to address agricultural challenges.
• Objective: Safeguard farmers from pesticide-induced health risks such as breathing disorders, vision loss, and fatalities.

Development:

• Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, in partnership with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
• Supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Key Features:

• Durability: Washable and reusable for up to a year.
• Advanced Technology: Fabric deactivates pesticides on contact using nucleophilic hydrolysis.
• Affordability: Priced at ₹4,000, with plans for scaled-up production to reduce costs.

Launch Event:

• Distribution of the first batch to farmers.
• Attended by Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale (Secretary, DBT), Dr. Maneesha Inamdar (Director, BRIC-inStem), and Dr. Alka Sharma (Senior Adviser, DBT).

Government Focus:

• Supports the Modi government’s BioE3 biomanufacturing policies.
• Boosts India’s biotech sector, contributing to a targeted $300 billion bioeconomy.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

13. What is the primary aim of Uber’s ‘Moto Women’ initiative?
A) To reduce urban traffic congestion
B) To provide safer transport options for women
C) To increase the number of bike taxis in India
D) To promote eco-friendly mobility solutions
E) To support first-and-last-mile connectivity
Answer: B) To provide safer transport options for women

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ‘Moto Women’, a women-centric bike taxi service.
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandate: Enhance safety and inclusivity in urban mobility.
• Objective:
  • Provide a secure transportation option for female riders.
  • Empower women drivers with flexible earning opportunities.

Key Features of ‘Moto Women’:

• Exclusive pairing of female riders with female drivers.
• 300 women drivers currently participating in the pilot program.
• Safety features include:
  • Trip Tracking: Share ride details with up to five trusted contacts.
  • Privacy Protection: Anonymization of phone numbers and drop-off addresses.
  • RideCheck: Monitors irregularities like route deviations or long stops.
  • 24×7 Safety Helpline: Offers priority support for both riders and drivers.

Significance in Urban Mobility:

• Addresses safety concerns, particularly for women, in urban transport.
• Empowers women drivers, enabling flexible earnings.
• Part of Bengaluru’s booming bike taxi market, which records over 1 million monthly rides.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

14. What is the primary goal of establishing AYUSH Chairs in foreign universities?
A) To train local practitioners in modern medicine
B) To promote global recognition and research on AYUSH systems
C) To expand the export of Indian pharmaceuticals
D) To replace traditional medicine practices in foreign countries
E) To conduct yoga workshops internationally
Answer: B) To promote global recognition and research on AYUSH systems

Event and Location:

• Event: India establishes AYUSH Chairs in five countries.
• Location: Bangladesh, Australia, Mauritius, Latvia, and Malaysia.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Mandate: Promote global awareness and recognition of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy).
• Objective:
  • Facilitate academic exchange, research, and development of AYUSH systems.
  • Integrate AYUSH into global health systems through strategic partnerships and initiatives.

Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives:

• Signed 24 MoUs with countries for cooperation in traditional medicine.
• Established 15 MoUs with international institutes for setting up AYUSH Chairs.
• Created 42 AYUSH Information Cells in 38 countries.

Role and Function of AYUSH Chairs:

• Promote AYUSH research and education in host countries.
• Indian experts deployed to foreign universities with financial support from the Ministry.
• Host universities provide accommodation and local hospitality.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Scholarships for foreign nationals to study AYUSH in India.
• Collaboration with international stakeholders for the development of AYUSH products and services.
• Celebration of Yoga Day and Ayurveda Day globally to enhance public awareness.

Significance:

• Strengthens India’s soft power and global leadership in traditional medicine.
• Enhances the global acceptance of AYUSH as an integral part of sustainable healthcare solutions.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

---

---

Over All Review

DOWNLOAD TODAY’S CURRENT AFFAIRS PDF – CLICK HERE

You Must Also Read Daily Current Affairs December 17