Daily Current Affairs- 19th December 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 19th December 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Russia made the cancer vaccine government to give free to these citizens from 2025

• Russia's Health Ministry said that we have succeeded in making a cancer vaccine. This information was given by Andrei Kaprin, director of the Radiology Medical Research Center of the Russian Ministry of Health on the radio. According to the Russian news agency TASS. 

NATIONAL

Uttarakhand to Implement Uniform Civil Code from January 2025

• Uttarakhand will become the first Indian state to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) starting January 2025, fulfilling a key promise made by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the 2022 assembly elections. The UCC aims to establish uniform personal laws on marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption, regardless of religion or caste, while excluding tribal communities. 

SPORTS

Nat Sciver-Brunt Sets Record for Fastest Test Century

• Sciver-Brunt became the first and only woman cricketer to score a Test century in less than 100 balls, reaching her hundred off just 96 balls. This feat broke the previous record held by Sri Lanka's Chamani Seneviratna, who had scored a century off 106 balls in 1998. 

Pranav Venkatesh wins FIDE World U-18 Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess titles

• In Chess, India’s Pranav Venkatesh made history by clinching both the FIDE World Under-18 Youth Rapid and Blitz titles in Slovenia. The top-seeded Indian Grandmaster from Chennai triumphed in the Rapid category, scoring an impressive 9.5 points to secure the gold medal. Russia’s Alexander Khripachenko claimed silver with 9 points, while Ukraine’s Roman Pyrih earned the bronze with 7.5 points. 

OBITUARY

Pandit Sanjay Marathe, Renowned Singer and Musician, Passes Away

• Pandit Sanjay Ram Marathe, a distinguished classical singer and harmonium artist, passed away on December 15, 2024, at the age of 68 due to a severe heart attack. His death occurred at a private hospital in Thane, Maharashtra. He was the eldest son of the legendary musician Pandit Ram Marathe and left behind a profound legacy in Indian classical music and theatre. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Rama Mohan Rao Amara Appointed as SBI’s New Managing Director

• The Indian government has appointed Rama Mohan Rao Amara as the new Managing Director (MD) of the State Bank of India (SBI) for three years. His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and follows a recommendation by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB). Amara takes over the position previously held by CS Setty, who assumed charge as Chairman of SBI in August. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Goa Liberation Day

• Goa Liberation Day is celebrated every year on December 19 to mark the freedom of Goa from Portuguese rule in 1961. This ended the struggle of freedom fighters against the 451 years of colonial rule. Goa gained independence on this day and became an integral part of India. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

FIFA Football Awards 2024

• The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 were held in Doha, Qatar, on December 17, where several individuals were honoured for their exceptional performances throughout the year.

FIFA The Best Award 2024 winners are 

The Best FIFA Men’s Player:

• Winner: Vinicius Jr (48 points)
• Second: Rodri (43 points)
• Third: Jude Bellingham (37 points)

The Best FIFA Women’s Player:

• Winner: Aitana Bonmati (52 points)
• Second: Barbra Banda (39 points)
• Third: Caroline Graham Hansen (37 points)

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper:

• Winner: Emiliano Martinez (26 points)
• Second: Ederson (16 points)
• Third: Unai Simon (13 points)

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper:

• Winner: Alyssa Naeher (26 points)
• Second: Cata Coll (22 points)
• Third: Mary Earps (11 points)

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach:

• Winner: Carlo Ancelotti (26 points)
• Second: Xabi Alonso (22 points)
• Third: Luis de la Fuente (11 points)

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach:

• Winner: Emma Hayes (23 points)
• Second: Jonatan Giraldez (20 points)
• Third: Arthur Elias (13 points)

 Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw Wins Jamsetji Tata Award

• Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Chairperson of Biocon Group, was awarded the prestigious Jamsetji Tata Award by the Indian Society for Quality (ISQ) for her exceptional contributions to the biosciences sector in India. The award recognises her role in leading Biocon to a global position while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality. 

Tom Cruise honoured with the US Navy’s highest civilian award

• Hollywood star Tom Cruise has received the US Navy’s highest civilian honour for his “outstanding contributions” to the military through his work on screen.
• It was with the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun that Cruise shot to fame, with the film’s record-breaking success boosting military enlistment.
• The Distinguished Public Service Award was presented to Cruise on Tuesday at the Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey, reports BBC.com.