Daily Current Affairs- 20th December 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 20th December 2024

INTERNATIONAL

India Partners with France to Establish Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a Global Cultural Landmark

• India has partnered with France Museums Development to establish Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum as a global cultural landmark. This ambitious project is an integral part of the Central Vista Redevelopment Project and is set to span approximately one lakh 55 thousand square meters across the iconic North and South Blocks in New Delhi. External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were present at the signing ceremony between the National Museum and France Museums Developpement in New Delhi. 

India Moldova Signs Migration and Mobility Partnership Pact

• The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Moldova, Mihail Popsoi, was on an official visit to India on 15-16 December 2024. During his visit, India and Moldova signed three agreements, including a Migration and Mobility Partnership agreement, to strengthen the bilateral ties. 

Shankar Sharma was appointed as Nepal’s ambassador to India

• Nepal’s President, Ramchandra Paudel, has reappointed Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma as the Resident Ambassador of Nepal to India. Alongside this, Dr. Netra Prasad Timsina was named the Resident Ambassador of Nepal to Malaysia. These appointments were made under Article 282 (1) of Nepal’s Constitution, following recommendations from the Council of Ministers. 

NATIONAL

West Bengal government launches 'Banglar Bari' housing scheme

• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched the “Banglar Bari” housing scheme, a state-funded initiative aimed at providing affordable housing to the people of West Bengal. The scheme is entirely funded by the state government, with an expenditure of Rs 14,773 crore. The state is committed to bearing the costs if the Centre does not contribute. 

Indian Army launches AI incubation centre in Bengaluru

• Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru through a virtual ceremony, highlighting the Army’s commitment to adopting innovative technologies and empowering its personnel with Artificial Intelligence. 

SPORTS

Most Test Wicket for India in Overseas:Bumrah Breakes Kapil Record

• Indian men’s cricket team vice-captain and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah set a new record by taking the wicket of Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne at Brisbane in the second innings of the third Test match of the Border Gavaskar Trophy on 18 December 2024. This was Bumrah's 52nd Test wicket in Australia, and he broke the record of Kapil Dev’s 51 wickets in Australia. 

Real Madrid outclass Pachuca to win Intercontinental Cup

• Real Madrid triumphed in the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup, defeating Mexico’s Pachuca 3-0 in a dominant performance at Lusail Stadium, Qatar, Vinicius Jr, who won the FIFA Best Men’s Award, played a pivotal role in the win, contributing with an assist and a penalty goal. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

Good Governance Week 2024

• Good Governance Week 2024 is scheduled to take place from December 19 to December 24, 2024. As part of this national initiative, the Prashasan Gaon Ki Ore campaign will be held across more than 700 districts, states, and union territories of India.

 RANKING

National Institute of Siddha sets Guinness World Record

• The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) in Tambaram, Chennai, has made history by setting a Guinness World Record for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously.
• This achievement underscores the growing recognition of Siddha medicine, a traditional Indian system known for its non-invasive, drug-free treatments. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

ADB signs loan agreement for Maharashtra Sustainable Climate Project 

• Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement with the government of India to provide a $42 million loan for the Maharashtra Sustainable Climate-Resilient Coastal Protection and Management Project. The loan amount will be utilized to restore and stabilize Maharashtra's coastline.