Daily Current Affairs- 21st December 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 21st December 2024

NATIONAL

Defence ministry inks Rs 7,628 cr contract with L & T to procure Vajra guns

• The defence ministry sealed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Ltd for procurement of K9 Vajra artillery guns for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 7,628 crore which is expected to significantly bolster the force's strike capability. 

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

• The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 will take place from January 17-22 across Delhi NCR, marking India’s growing role as a global hub for mobility. With over 1,500 exhibitors and an expected 500,000 visitors, the event is set to become the world’s second-largest auto show. 

SPORTS

India to host 12th World Para Athletics Championships in 2025

• India will, for the first time, host the prestigious World Para Athletics Championships in 2025. Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium, in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, will be the venue of the 12th World Para Athletics Championships, to be held in September /October 2025.
• This is the second major tournament to be hosted by New Delhi in 2025, as it will also host the 2025 Boxing Cup Final & 3rd World Boxing Congress for the first time.

 OBITUARY

Om Prakash Chautala passed away

• Om Prakash Chautala, the veteran politician and former Chief Minister of Haryana, passed away at the age of 89 on December 20, 2024, in Gurugram after suffering a cardiac arrest. A stalwart of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) and a key figure in Haryana’s political history, his death marks the end of an era. 

Malayalam actress Meena Ganesh passes away

• Meena Ganesh, a legendary Malayalam cinema and serial actor, passed away on December 19, 2024, at the age of 81. She was a revered figure in Malayalam theatre and cinema, known for her versatile performances in over 100 films and numerous stage productions. Despite her absence from acting in recent years due to health issues, Meena’s legacy in the Malayalam entertainment industry continues to be celebrated.

 IMPORTANT DAYS

World Meditation Day

• First-ever World Meditation Day is set to be observed on December 21, marking a global initiative to promote well-being, peace and mindfulness across nations. Earlier this month, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution, co-sponsored by India, to designate the 21st of December as World Meditation Day.

 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Madhav Gadgil receives UNEP’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2024

• The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has awarded prominent Indian environmentalist Madhav Gadgil the Lifetime Achievement Award, the United Nations’ highest environmental honor. With this accolade, Gadgil joins the hall of fame alongside other esteemed laureates such as David Attenborough and Joan Carling. 

Swapan Chaudhuri received the 'Rashtriya Tansen Samman' for 2023

• Swapan Chaudhuri from Kolkata received the 'Rashtriya Tansen Samman' for 2023. Sanand Nyas Sanstha from Indore was awarded the 'Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman' for 2023. The awards were presented during the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh 2024, held in Gwalior to mark the centenary year of legendary music maestro Tansen 

RANKING

India's Ranking in the Travel and Tourism Development Index

• According to the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024 report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), India is ranked 39th among 119 countries. In the previous index published in 2021, India was ranked 54th. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Tata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans for rooftop solar systems

• Tata Power Renewable Energy, a unit of Tata Power, has partnered with state-run Canara Bank to drive the adoption of rooftop solar systems under the government-backed PM Surya Ghar Scheme, offering affordable financing options to Indian households.