CURRENT AFFAIRS 22 & 23-12-2024

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Mathematics Day 2024 observed on December 22.

• National Mathematics Day is observed on December 22 every year to honor the birth anniversary of legendary Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.

• The day highlights the significance of mathematics in human development and aims to increase awareness.

• In 2012, the Indian government declared December 22 as National Mathematics Day to mark Ramanujan’s 125th birth anniversary.

• Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on December 22, 1887, in Tamil Nadu, India.

• He contributed over 3,500 mathematical formulas, impacting various fields of mathematics.

• Ramanujan was the first Indian to be elected as a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.

• Known as the "Man Who Knew Infinity," he made groundbreaking work in number theory, infinite series, and continued fractions.

• In 1918, he became the second Indian to be awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Society, making him one of the youngest to receive this honor.

National Farmers' Day 2024 celebrated on December 23.

• National Farmers' Day is celebrated on December 23 to honor farmers' vital role in the nation's progress.

• The day highlights farmers' contributions to food security, rural economies, and agricultural heritage.

• National Farmers' Day marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India.

• The government has implemented several initiatives to improve farmers' socio-economic conditions.

• Key programs supporting farmers include Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), PM-KISAN, and PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana.

• PM-KISAN launched on December 1, 2018, is a Central Sector scheme fully funded by the Government of India.

• PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana, introduced on September 12, 2019, is a voluntary pension scheme for farmers.

• The scheme was launched by PM Modi in Ranchi, Jharkhand, to provide financial security to farmers.

AWARDS

The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait's highest honour, has been conferred on PM Modi.

• PM Modi has been awarded Kuwait's highest honor, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer.

• This recognition marks the 20th international honor conferred on Prime Minister Modi.

• The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer is a prestigious knighthood order in Kuwait.

• It is typically awarded to heads of state, foreign sovereigns, and members of royal families.

• The honor is a gesture of friendship and diplomatic recognition.

• Previous recipients include Prince Charles of the UK and former US Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

• The award highlights PM Modi's growing international stature and diplomatic ties.

• The recognition underscores the strong relationship between India and Kuwait.

Hindi poet Gagan Gill, English writer Easterine Kire among recipients of Sahitya Akademi Awards

• The Sahitya Akademi has announced its 2024 awardees, recognizing 21 laureates across Indian languages.

• Hindi poet Gagan Gill is honored for his poetry collection Main Jab Tak Aaye Bahar.

• English author Eastrin Kire is awarded for her novel Spirit Nights.

• Marathi critic Sudhir Rasal receives the award for his critical work Vindanche Gudyroop.

• The award celebrates literary excellence across diverse languages in India.

• The award honors outstanding books in 24 Indian languages, initiated in 1954, with the first awards given in 1955.

• Recipients receive a copper plaque (designed by Satyajit Ray), a shawl, and a cash prize.

• Sahitya Akademi, India’s national academy of letters, was established in 1954 under the Ministry of Culture.

SPORTS

India will host the ISSF Junior World Cup for the first time in the second half of 2025.

• India will host the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup for the first time.

• The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has been awarded the hosting rights for this prestigious event.

• The competition will feature Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun categories.

• It will be India's third ISSF-level event after the senior World Cup in Bhopal (2023).

• This marks the ninth major ISSF championship to be held in India.

• India has previously hosted six ISSF competitions, including two World Cup Finals.

• The country has also organized four senior ISSF World Cups.

• The ISSF Junior World Cup will be a significant addition to India's track record in international shooting events.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

23rd India-China Special Representatives Meeting Held in Beijing.

• The 23rd meeting of India-China Special Representatives took place in Beijing on December 18, 2024.

• National Security Advisor Ajit Doval (India) and chinese foreign minister Wang Yi led the discussions.

• Both sides committed to ensuring peace and tranquillity along the border.

• The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral relations for mutual benefit.

• The successful implementation of the first disengagement agreement from 2020 was reaffirmed.

• Discussions covered diplomatic and military measures for border peace.

• Both parties agreed on further efforts to maintain stability in the region.

• The meeting emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue for long-term cooperation.

RANKING AND INDEX

India ranks 39th among 119 nations in WEF tourism development index.

• India ranks 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024.

• The ranking covers 119 countries globally.

• India has improved its position due to enhanced infrastructure and supportive government policies.

• In 2021, India was ranked 54th in the same index.

• The country’s new ranking is 38th under the updated methodology.

• The improvement reflects India's growing tourism and travel sector.

• Stronger infrastructure has played a key role in India's progress.

• Government initiatives have positively impacted India’s tourism development.

MISCELLANEOUS

India’s forest cover has increased by 1,445 square kilometres.

• India’s forest cover increased by 1,445 sq km, as reported in the India State of Forest Report 2023.

• Total forest and tree cover now spans 827,357 sq km, or 25.17% of the country’s land area.

• Of this, 715,343 sq km is forest cover, while 112,014 sq km is classified as tree cover.

• Chhattisgarh saw the largest rise in cover with an increase of 684 sq km, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Odisha (559 sq km each).

• Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha recorded the highest growth in forest cover, with increases of 242, 180, and 152 sq km, respectively.

• Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra are the leading states in total forest and tree area.

• Lakshadweep (91.33%) has the highest percentage of forest cover relative to its land area, followed by Mizoram (85.34%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (81.62%).

• India’s mangrove cover is estimated at 4,992 sq km, and bamboo-bearing areas have shown growth.

• Timber production potential from trees outside forests stands at 91.51 million cubic meters annually.

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