🌟 Current Affairs Today – 16 December 2024 🌟

Essential Updates for Judiciary, APO, and JLO Aspirants

India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue: Strengthening Maritime Cooperation

The inaugural India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue was successfully held in Manila, marking a milestone in bilateral maritime collaboration and commemorating 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Key Discussions

Maritime Challenges: Emphasized adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for a rules-based maritime order.
Areas of Cooperation:
- Maritime Industry & Ocean Economy
- Marine Scientific Research
- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
- Navy and Coast Guard Partnerships
- Maritime Law Enforcement

Leaders

India: Joint Secretary Muanpuii Saiawi
Philippines: Assistant Secretary Marshall Louis Alferez

Significance

This dialogue strengthens India-Philippines maritime security efforts and lays a framework for future cooperation, with the next meeting scheduled in New Delhi, 2025. Learn more about the importance of such dialogues on India’s Maritime Diplomacy.

Govt Launches Udaan Yatri Café: A Boon for Air Travelers

The Udaan Yatri Café initiative is set to enhance airport experiences while creating employment opportunities for physically challenged individuals.

Key Details

Launch Date: December 21, 2024
Pilot Project Location: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata
Objective: Provide affordable refreshments such as tea, snacks, and water at AAI-operated airports.

Significance

Enhances cost-effectiveness of air travel.
Aligns with India’s aviation growth under the UDAN Scheme, which recently achieved a milestone of 5,05,412 passengers in a single day.

François Bayrou Appointed French Prime Minister

Amid political turbulence, François Bayrou, leader of the MoDem Party, was appointed as France’s new Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron.

Key Highlights

Challenges: Stabilize government post-no-confidence vote and ensure passage of the 2024 budget.
Predecessor: Michel Barnier (shortest tenure in French history).

This move aims to bring much-needed political stability to France’s Governance.

Lakhpati Baideo Scheme: Empowering Assam’s Women Entrepreneurs

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the upcoming rollout of the Lakhpati Baideo Scheme, aimed at empowering women through financial assistance.

Key Features

₹10,000 provided to women Self-Help Group (SHG) members via banks.
Part of Assam’s holistic development programs, including flood relief and infrastructure projects.

Additional Schemes

Orunodoi Scheme: Monthly financial aid for women.
Flood Relief Allocation: ₹353 crore for 6.86 lakh families affected by 2024 floods.

Tuna Fish Export Infrastructure Gets Boost in Andaman

The Department of Fisheries approved a ₹58.91 crore plan under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to develop tuna fish export infrastructure in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Key Initiatives

Acquisition of 7 deep-sea fishing vessels.
Establishment of 29 cold storages and ice plants.
Notification of a Tuna Cluster to improve export quality.

Learn about the tuna potential of the region at Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA).

Sweden Joins NATO Brigade in Latvia

Sweden approved long-term participation in NATO’s Multinational Brigade in Latvia, marking its first deployment to an allied nation since joining NATO in March 2024.

Details

Deployment: 600 mechanized infantry by early 2025.
Current Brigade Composition: Forces from 13 NATO members, including Denmark, Italy, and Canada.

Explore NATO’s current strategy and expansion initiatives here.

FAQs

1. What was discussed during the India-Philippines Maritime Dialogue?

Discussions focused on maritime challenges, including navy cooperation, maritime law enforcement, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).