Daily Current Affairs and GK | 28 December 2024

Topic: Personality in News

1. Osamu Suzuki passed away at the age of 94.

• On December 25, Osamu Suzuki, the former chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation, died at the age of 94 from malignant lymphoma.
• The company was run by Osamu Suzuki for more than 40 years. At the age of 91, he declared his retirement in 2021.
• He began working for Suzuki Motor in 1958, rose to the position of chairman in 2000, and was elected president in 1978.
• He was the global automaker's longest-serving CEO.
• He was the chairman of Suzuki Motor Corporation and a Japanese businessman.
• He was awarded Padma Bhushan by Government of India in 2007.

Topic: Indian Economy

2. According to the Finance Ministry, the Indian economy will expand by about 6.5% in real terms during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.

• Finance Ministry's Department of Economic Affairs said this in its monthly economic report for November.
• The estimate is in line with the RBI's updated FY25 growth prediction of 6.6%.
• GDP growth was predicted by the July Economic Survey to be between 6.5 and 7 percent.
• The expectation for economic growth in Q3FY25 is favorable, according to the November monthly economic report from the finance ministry.
• Sales of domestic tractors and two- and three-wheelers increased significantly in October and November, indicating strong rural demand.
• A strong increase in air travel within that time frame suggests that urban demand has recovered.
• In the first half of 2024–2025, India grew by an average of 6%.
• Additionally, reduced food and core inflation in November 2024 contributed to an easing of inflationary pressures.
• Between July and September, India's GDP growth unexpectedly dropped to a seven-quarter low of 5.4%.

Topic: MoUs /Agreements

3. NeGD and IPA signed MoU for digital transformation in India’s maritime sector.

• The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on December 24, 2024.
• This strategic partnership aims to drive digital transformation in India's maritime sector.
• For this, NeGD’s technical expertise will be integrated with IPA’s deep insight into the maritime sector (ports, shipping, etc.) and logistics industries at national and international levels.
• Under this MoU, a strong framework to streamline the logistics system, enhance operational efficiency and modernise the port ecosystem.
• The key focus will be on advanced software development, system integration, capacity building, and the adoption of emerging technologies.
• This MoU strengthens India's maritime capabilities and is in line with the national vision to become a global leader in the digital transformation of port operations.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

4. 45th PRAGATI meeting has been chaired by PM Modi.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed eight significant projects, including six metro projects of urban transport and one project each relating to road connectivity and thermal power.
• He emphasized that government officials at both central and state levels must understand that project delays not only increase costs but also deprive the public of the intended benefits.
• In the meeting, he also reviewed public grievances related to the banking and insurance sectors.
• He stressed on the importance of timely rehabilitation and resettlement of project-affected families during the implementation of projects.
• He also reviewed PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
• PRAGATI is a unique integrating and interactive platform.
• Its main aim is to address the common man’s grievances while simultaneously monitor and review important programs and projects of the Government of India.

Topic: Indian Economy

5. Rural areas saw a 9% increase in Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE) in 2023–24 compared to 2022–23.

• The MPCE in urban areas increased by around 8% in 2023–24 compared to 2022–23.
• In rural India, the average MPCE has been estimated to be 4,122 rupees, based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24.
• According to estimates, the average MPCE in urban India is 6,996 rupees.
• Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2023-24 has been released by the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation.
• More than 2.6 lakh households nationwide were surveyed.
• According to data, consumption in rural areas is increasing more quickly than in urban areas.
• The urban-rural consumption gap is closing significantly.
• In MPCE, the urban-rural divide decreased from 84% in 2011–12 to 71% in 2022–2023.
• According to the survey, non-food items continue to account for the majority of a household's typical monthly expenses, accounting for roughly 53% in rural areas and 60% in urban ones.
• In both rural and urban households, beverages, refreshments, and processed foods continue to account for the largest portion of food expenditures in 2023–2024.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

6. On Good Governance Day, Dr. Jitendra Singh introduced the "Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi" initiative.

• The initiative is part of the "Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur". It seeks to improve Panchayati Raj Institutions' capability and competence.
• Through creative tools and frameworks for capacity-building, the "Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi" initiative seeks to develop Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
• The initiative, piloted in Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh, uses mobile apps, chatbots driven by artificial intelligence, and e-learning platforms to improve service delivery.
• To commemorate Good Governance Day, the Minister introduced five pioneering initiatives.
• Along with the introduction of the 1600th e-learning course, the first initiative launched by Dr. Jitendra Singh was the introduction of a new dashboard on the iGOT Karmayogi platform.
• The Viksit Panchayat Karmayogi initiative was introduced as the second initiative.
• The publication of the CPGRAMS Annual Report 2024 was the third initiative.
• The Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System is thoroughly reviewed in the report.
• The Single Simplified Pension Application Form is the fourth initiative. For retired officials, it transforms the pension processing process.
• Nine different forms are combined into a single, efficient digital format.
• The Compendium of Pension Related Instructions, 2024, was another important initiative launched.

Topic: Miscellaneous

7. AIM and UNDP launched the seventh edition of the Youth Co: Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025.

• The seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025 has been launched by the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in association with the Citi Foundation.
• The main aim of the initiative is to foster social entrepreneurship and drive sustainable development.
• Till 2024, Youth Co: Lab has conducted six national theme-specific youth social innovation and entrepreneurship dialogues in India.
• This year it will be implemented in collaboration with AssisTech Foundation (ATF), India's leading organization accelerating Assistive Technology (AT) innovation for People with Disabilities.
• The 2025 programme aims to support 30-35 early-stage startups through a springboard program.
• Young founders aged 18–32 who are passionate about solving real-world challenges or creating meaningful co-innovation opportunities for disability inclusion will be part of this challenge.
• Youth Co:Lab was created in 2017 by UNDP and Citi Foundation.

Topic: Indian Economy

8. Current account gap narrows to 1.2% of GDP in July-Sept: RBI

• India's current account deficit (CAD) stood at $11.2 billion or 1.2% of GDP in the July-September quarter of 2024-25.
• During the second quarter of 2023-24, the CAD was $11.3 billion or 1.3% of GDP.
• During April-September 2024 (H1 2024-25), the current account deficit was $21.4 billion or 1.2% of GDP.
• Merchandise trade deficit increased to $75.3 billion in the second quarter of 2024-25. It was $64.5 billion in the same period of 2023-24.
• Net services receipts increased to $44.5 billion in Q2 2024-25 from $39.9 billion.
• Service exports have increased in different categories, such as computer services, business services, travel services, and transportation services.
• Net foreign direct investment recorded an outflow of $2.2 billion in Q2 2024-25 compared to $0.8 billion outflow in the same period of 2023-24.

Topic: Miscellaneous

9. 100th anniversary celebration of Belagavi Session was inaugurated on 26 December.

• The Congress session in 1924 was presided by Mahatma Gandhi at Belagavi.
• On this occasion, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Veera Soudha memorial.
• Deputy CM D K Shivakumar inaugurated the renovated photo gallery at Veera Soudha.
• Belagavi Session:
  • It was the only Congress session that was presided by Mahatma Gandhi.
  • It was the 39th session of the Indian National Congress.
  • The session emphasized the importance of promoting Khadi as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance against British economic policies.
  • The Session began with ‘Vande Mataram’ sung by Paluskar.

Topic: Sports

10. World Boxing formed new Asian body.

• Asia became new member of the World Boxing. It will play key role in the growth and development of Asian Boxing.
• The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) will have seven key positions in the newly formed organizational structure.
• Ajay Singh has been appointed as a board member of this Asian body.
• Indian officials will have representation across all key commissions including BFI secretary general.
• Lovlina Borgohain will be part of the newly formed Athlete Commission and will raise voice for Asian and global boxing.
• Narender Kumar Nirwan will officiate as part of the Constitution Commission.
• D P Bhatt will be part of the newly formed Sports and Competition Commission.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

11. The Gold Award won by RINL in the AP State Energy Conservation Awards-2024 competition.

• RINL, the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, has won the prestigious “Gold Award” in the State Energy Conservation Award 2024 competitions.
• The award was conducted by the State Energy Conservation Mission of Andhra Pradesh for its significant initiatives towards energy conservation in the Iron & Steel category.
• RINL GM Shri Uttam Brahma and DGM Shri VVVS Pulla Reddy received the Gold Award from Shri K. Vijayanand, IAS, at the closing ceremony of Energy Conservation Week held recently at Vijayawada.
• RINL was conferred this prestigious Gold Award for implementation of energy conservation efforts and efficiency in waste energy during the last three years.

Topic: MoUs/ Agreements

12. An MoU signed between Manipur and Uttar Pradesh for the ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ program.

• The MoU was signed between the two states during a program in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.
• The aim of the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' program is to increase interaction between the people of different states or union territories and promote mutual understanding.
• The States undertake activities to promote sustained and structured cultural engagement in the areas of language learning, culture, traditions and music, tourism and food, sports and sharing of best practices, etc.
• The MoU has come into force from the date of signing and will be valid for three years, which can be renewed for another three years.
• On the occasion of 140th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel i.e. 31 October 2015, Prime Minister launched 'Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat' initiative.
• It aims to showcase the rich culture and heritage, food, handicrafts and customs of the 36 states and union territories of the country.

Topic: Space and IT

13. Chinese astronauts make history with the world’s longest spacewalk, surpassing the US record.

• China's space program achieved a milestone when two of its astronauts completed a nine-hour spacewalk.
• Shenzhou-19 crew members Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong surpassed a 22-year-old US record with their nine-hour extravehicular activity (EVA).
• Both astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have set a new world record for the longest space journey.
• They arrived at the Tiangong space station in October 2024 and will return to Earth, landing in Inner Mongolia, in April or May 2025.
• The previous record of eight hours and 56 minutes was set by US astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms on March 12, 2001, according to NASA.
• In early 2024, Shenzhou-18 astronauts Ye Guangfu and Li Guangsu set China's previous EVA record by spending eight hours and 23 minutes outside Tiangong.