Introduction to Current Affairs Today
Stay updated with the latest significant current affairs today shaping the national and international landscape. From literary losses to corporate acquisitions, this blog compiles the most important current affairs of 27 December 2024 for aspirants of Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams.
Table of Contents
1. M.T. Vasudevan Nair Passes Away at 91
A Literary Titan Leaves a Legacy
M.T. Vasudevan Nair, one of India’s most celebrated literary figures, passed away at the age of 91. A revered Jnanpith Award winner, he was a towering presence in Malayalam literature and cinema.
Prolific Career
- Writings: Authored 9 novels, 19 short story collections, essays, and memoirs.
- Screenplays: Wrote 54 screenplays during his illustrious career.
- Films: Directed 6 films, blending literature and cinema seamlessly.
Iconic Works
- Naalukettu (The Ancestral House): A masterpiece that encapsulates the cultural ethos of Kerala.
- Other notable works: Asuravithu, Manju, and Kaalam.
Awards and Recognitions
- Jnanpith Award (1995): India’s highest literary honor.
- Padma Bhushan (2005): India’s third-highest civilian honor.
- Lifetime achievement in Malayalam cinema with the J.C. Daniel Award (2013).
- Kerala’s Kerala Jyothi Award (2022): The highest civilian honor in the state.
M.T.’s contributions to literature and cinema remain timeless, inspiring generations to come.
2. Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh Appointed as Mizoram Governor
Leadership Changes Announced by President Droupadi Murmu
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has appointed Gen. (Dr.) Vijay Kumar Singh as the Governor of Mizoram. This marks a significant addition to his illustrious career spanning defense and politics.
Key Appointments
- Outgoing Governor of Mizoram: Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, now appointed as Governor of Odisha, replacing Shri Raghubar Das.
About Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh
- Defense Career: Served as the 24th Chief of Army Staff of India.
- Political Career: Held ministerial roles in road transport, civil aviation, and external affairs during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure.
Mizoram at a Glance
- Capital: Aizawl.
- Chief Minister: Lal Thanhawla.
- Formation Date: February 20, 1987.
3. South Korea-Philippines FTA Implementation
Strengthening Trade Relations
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between South Korea and the Philippines aims to enhance bilateral trade and stabilize supply chains.
Key Features
- Tariff Elimination:
- South Korea: Removes tariffs on 94.8% of products.
- Philippines: Eliminates tariffs on 96.5% of products.
- Sectoral Benefits:
- Immediate tariff removal for South Korean cargo trucks and passenger vehicles.
- Gradual removal for eco-friendly vehicles within five years.
Broader ASEAN Impact
- South Korea’s 5th FTA with an ASEAN member, following agreements with Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
4. UNGA Adopts Milestone Cybercrime Treaty
A Historic Move Against Global Cyber Threats
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, marking a significant step in addressing global cyber threats.
Key Highlights
- First Criminal Justice Treaty: Negotiated in over 20 years.
- Focus: Tackles cybercrimes such as terrorism, trafficking, drug smuggling, and financial crimes.
- Victim-Centric Approach: Emphasizes justice for vulnerable groups.
- Implementation Timeline:
- Open for signature in Hanoi, Vietnam, next year.
- Takes effect 90 days after the 40th signatory ratifies it.
5. Turkey-Syria Maritime Negotiations
Energy and Infrastructure Diplomacy
Turkey is set to negotiate maritime boundaries with Syria, aiming to bolster energy exploration in the Mediterranean.
Key Points
- Energy Influence: The agreement will enhance energy exploration capabilities for both nations.
- Reconstruction Benefits: Turkish companies are poised to benefit from Syria’s post-war rebuilding efforts.
6. Maia Sandu Sworn in for Second Term as Moldovan President
A Pro-European Leader
Maia Sandu has been sworn in for her second term as President of Moldova, emphasizing Moldova’s European integration.
Election Highlights
- Vote Share: Secured 55.03% in the runoff.
- Turnout: 54% of eligible voters participated.
Challenges
- Russian Aggression: Moldova faces security concerns amid the Ukraine conflict.
7. Key Bureaucratic Appointments in India
Highlights
- Vineet Joshi: Appointed as Higher Education Secretary, succeeding K. Sanjay Murthy.
- Arunish Chawla: New Revenue Secretary, also holding additional charge as Secretary, Ministry of Culture.
- Sanjay Sethi: Appointed Secretary, National Commission for Minorities.
8. Sapphire Media Acquires Big 92.7 FM
NCLAT Approves Strategic Acquisition
The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has upheld Sapphire Media’s resolution plan for acquiring Big 92.7 FM.
Significance
- Big 92.7 FM operates 58 radio stations across India.
- Acquisition enhances Sapphire Media’s presence in media and outdoor advertising.
9. Krishan Kumar Aurora Passes Away at 88
Legacy of a Pharmaceutical Pioneer
Krishan Kumar Aurora, Chairman Emeritus of Pharmed Limited, passed away at 88. Known for innovation and leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, his legacy remains unmatched.
10. Amitava Chatterjee Appointed MD & CEO of J&K Bank
New Leadership
Amitava Chatterjee, with over three decades of banking experience, takes over as the MD and CEO of J&K Bank. He succeeds Baldev Prakash.
11. UltraTech Cement Acquires India Cements
Strategic Expansion
UltraTech Cement has acquired a 32.72% stake in India Cements Ltd (ICL), making it a subsidiary.
Impact
- Strengthens UltraTech’s presence in the southern cement market.
Conclusion
The events of 27 December 2024 highlight transformative changes across sectors, from leadership appointments and trade agreements to landmark treaties and literary legacies. For judiciary and legal aspirants, these updates serve as crucial knowledge points for exams and beyond.
FAQs on Current Affairs Today
Q1. What significant events occurred on 28 December 2024?
Several important events unfolded, including the passing of Jnanpith Award winner M.T. Vasudevan Nair, leadership changes in Mizoram and Odisha, the implementation of the South Korea-Philippines FTA, and the adoption of a milestone UN Cybercrime Treaty.
Q2. Why is M.T. Vasudevan Nair a notable figure in Indian literature?
M.T. Vasudevan Nair was a literary icon who authored nine novels, including the classic Naalukettu, 19 short story collections, and 54 screenplays. He was a recipient of the Jnanpith Award and Padma Bhushan for his contributions to literature and cinema.
Q3. What is the significance of the South Korea-Philippines FTA?
The FTA strengthens trade ties, eliminates tariffs on over 90% of products, and stabilizes supply chains, marking it as a major step in ASEAN economic cooperation.
Q4. Who has been appointed as the new Governor of Mizoram?
Gen. (Dr.) V.K. Singh, a former Chief of Army Staff and Union Minister, has been appointed the Governor of Mizoram.
Q5. What does the UN Cybercrime Treaty aim to achieve?
The treaty addresses global cybercrime challenges by tackling crimes like terrorism, trafficking, and financial fraud while promoting international collaboration and victim-centric justice.
Q6. What is the significance of UltraTech Cement acquiring India Cements?
This acquisition makes India Cements a subsidiary of UltraTech, expanding UltraTech’s market presence, particularly in the southern region.
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