30 December 2024 Current Affairs Today brings crucial updates for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, covering the Surya Kiran exercise, ISRO’s SpaDeX mission, and strategic advancements in India’s healthcare and energy sectors..
Table of Contents
1. 18th Edition of Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran to Be Held in Nepal
Key Highlights
- The Surya Kiran military exercise, a symbol of defense cooperation between India and Nepal, will be held in Saljhandi, Nepal, starting 31 December 2024.
- Primary Objectives:
- Enhance interoperability between the Indian and Nepali Armies.
- Focus on jungle warfare, counter-terrorism in mountainous terrains, and disaster relief operations under the United Nations Charter.
- Improve aviation tactics, medical training, and environmental conservation.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
- This exercise reflects the deep-rooted friendship and trust shared by India and Nepal.
- During a recent visit to India, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Nepali Army COAS, emphasized expanding defense cooperation, including agreements on joint exercises and technological enhancements.
2. ISRO to Launch SpaDeX Mission on December 30, 2024
Mission Overview
- Launch Date: December 30, 2024
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C60, deployed from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- Objective: Demonstrate in-space docking technology, essential for future space exploration and India’s space station initiatives.
- Satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), weighing 220 kg each, will perform rendezvous and docking maneuvers in low Earth orbit.
Significance for India
- Marks India’s potential to become the fourth nation to achieve in-space docking.
- Paves the way for advanced missions like lunar exploration and interplanetary operations.
3. DPIIT Signs MoU with boAt to Support Startups
Details of the Partnership
- Collaboration focuses on fostering Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and manufacturing startups.
- Key Initiatives:
- Mentorship programs for product development.
- Assistance with international expansion and scaling operations.
- Access to industry resources for startups.
Significance
- Strengthens India’s position as a global hub for entrepreneurship.
- Encourages innovation and scalability among DPIIT-recognized startups.
4. Dr. Sandip Shah Appointed Chairperson of NABL-QCI
Profile and Contributions
- Dr. Sandip Shah, MD Pathology (Gold Medalist), has been appointed as Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).
- Achievements:
- Launched India’s first drive-through COVID testing facility.
- Developed innovative healthcare practices in pathology and molecular diagnostics.
Role of NABL
- NABL accreditation ensures the reliability of testing services, enhancing India’s global competitiveness in products and services.
5. BFI Chief Ajay Singh Appointed Board Member of New Asian Boxing Body
Key Appointments
- Ajay Singh: Board Member.
- Lovlina Borgohain: Athlete’s Commission.
- Hemanta Kumar Kalita: Olympic Commission.
Significance
- India’s growing influence in global boxing governance is evident, with representation across multiple commissions to shape the sport’s future.
6. NTPC and CCTE Forge Partnership to Explore Thorium-Based Nuclear Energy
Innovative Fuel Deployment
- Fuel: Aneel, a thorium-based nuclear fuel, combines thorium and enriched uranium for cleaner energy.
- Benefits:
- Reduces nuclear waste.
- Enhances energy security through the use of domestic thorium reserves.
- Improves reactor efficiency while reducing operational costs.
Significance
- This partnership aligns with NTPC’s commitment to clean energy transition and supports India’s long-term energy goals.
7. RBI Allows Interoperability Between Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) for UPI Payments
New Guidelines
- Full-KYC PPIs (like Paytm, PhonePe, MobiKwik) can now conduct UPI transactions via third-party applications.
- Impact:
- Streamlines payment processes across multiple platforms.
- Increases flexibility for PPI users, especially in rural areas.
8. Two CMFRI Scientists Honored by NAAS
Awards and Contributions
- Dr. Eldho Varghese: Recognized for statistical innovations in fisheries research.
- Dr. T.G. Sumithra: Pioneered studies on fish microbiomes and antimicrobial resistance.
Significance
- Highlights India’s advancements in marine sciences and sustainable aquaculture.
9. Reliance Acquires Healthcare Startup Karkinos for ₹375 Crore
Details
- Focus: Early cancer detection and affordable care.
- Impact:
- Expansion of Reliance’s healthcare portfolio.
- Enhanced accessibility to oncology services through partnerships with hospitals and technology-driven solutions.
FAQs on Current Affairs Today
Q1. When will the 18th Surya Kiran military exercise begin?
The exercise starts on 31 December 2024 in Saljhandi, Nepal.
Q2. What is the primary objective of ISRO’s SpaDeX mission?
To demonstrate in-space docking technology, essential for advanced space missions and India’s space station initiatives.
Q3. How does DPIIT’s MoU with boAt benefit startups?
The partnership provides startups with mentorship, resources for scaling, and international expansion opportunities.
Q4. What is Aneel fuel, and why is it important?
Aneel is a thorium-based nuclear fuel that reduces waste, enhances reactor efficiency, and boosts energy security.
Q5. Who has been appointed Chairperson of NABL?
Dr. Sandip Shah is the new Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
Q6. How will RBI’s interoperability guidelines affect digital payments?
Users can now link their digital wallets with UPI apps, allowing seamless transactions across platforms.
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