Current Affairs Today – 19 December 2024

Introduction

Keeping abreast of current affairs today is essential for aspirants preparing for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams, as it enhances legal knowledge and general awareness. The events of 19 December 2024 bring significant developments across diverse domains, including agriculture, governance, sports, and international relations. From the launch of India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit Kisan Kavach aimed at safeguarding farmers, to Mizoram’s Bana Kaih scheme supporting self-reliance among entrepreneurs and farmers, the updates highlight innovation and progress. Additionally, cricket legend Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement, leaving behind a remarkable legacy, and Hollywood icon Tom Cruise was honored by the US Navy for his contributions to military awareness. Dive into these updates to stay informed and gain insights crucial for your exam preparation.

1. India’s First Anti-Pesticide Bodysuit for Farmers: Kisan Kavach

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the Kisan Kavach, India’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit designed to protect farmers from harmful pesticide exposure.

Key Features:

• Technology: The bodysuit uses nucleophilic-mediated hydrolysis to neutralize pesticide chemicals upon contact.
• Durability: Washable and reusable up to 150 times; lasts approximately a year.
• Affordability: Priced at ₹4,000, making it accessible to farmers across economic strata.

Collaboration:

• Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bengaluru, in partnership with Sepio Health Pvt Ltd.

Significance:

• Protects farmers from health issues like breathing disorders and vision loss caused by pesticide exposure.
• Promotes sustainable agricultural practices.

Who launched Kisan Kavach? Dr. Jitendra Singh.
What is its primary technology? Nucleophilic-mediated hydrolysis.

2. Six-Point Strategy to Boost Farmers’ Income

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan outlined a six-point strategy in the Lok Sabha aimed at improving farmers’ income.

Highlights:

1. Increasing Production: Advanced farming techniques.
2. Reducing Costs: Fertilizer subsidies and mechanized farming.
3. Fair MSP: Ensuring record purchases under Minimum Support Price schemes.
4. Disaster Relief: Financial aid for unforeseen calamities.
5. Agricultural Diversification: Mixed farming and allied activities.
6. Organic Farming: Encouraging eco-friendly practices.

Achievements:

• Monthly income of farmers increased from ₹2,115 (2002-03) to ₹10,218 (2018-19).
• Distributed 24.6 crore soil health cards under the Digital Agriculture Mission.

What are the six strategies for farmers’ income growth? Increasing production, cost reduction, MSP, disaster relief, diversification, and organic farming.

3. CBIC Launches Taxpayer-Friendly Initiatives

CBIC Chairperson Sanjay Kumar Agarwal introduced four key initiatives to enhance the taxpayer experience and promote ease of doing business.

New Initiatives:

1. Revised Citizen’s Charter: Updated service standards for key taxpayer services.
2. Ease of Doing Business Tab: Platform for taxpayer suggestions.
3. Revamped Citizen’s Corner: Simplified access to tax-related information.
4. CBIC Archives: Digital archive showcasing the evolution of indirect taxes in India.

Significance:

• Aims to build trust with taxpayers and enhance governance.
• Encourages voluntary tax compliance.

What is CBIC’s Ease of Doing Business tab? A platform for taxpayer suggestions on improving tax procedures.

4. Riya Shirish Thatte Wins Gold at National Shooting Championship

In the Women’s 25m Pistol Final at the 67th National Shooting Championship, Riya Shirish Thatte secured gold after defeating Punjab’s Simranpreet Kaur Brar.

Key Highlights:

• Riya’s first senior national title.
• Defeated Simranpreet 7-2 in a shoot-off after tying with 31 hits in the decider.
• Olympian Rahi Sarnobat finished third.

Who won gold in the Women’s 25m Pistol Final? Riya Shirish Thatte.
Where was the 67th National Shooting Championship held? New Delhi.

5. Mizoram’s ‘Bana Kaih’ Scheme for Farmers & Entrepreneurs

The Mizoram government signed an MoA with SBI, Mizoram Rural Bank, and Mizoram Cooperative Apex Bank Ltd to implement the Bana Kaih scheme, launched in September 2024.

Key Features:

• Collateral-Free Loans: Up to ₹50 lakh with 100% interest subvention for timely repayment.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP): Pilot MSP of ₹30 per kg for paddy in Kolasib and Mamit districts.
• Special Category Support: ₹1 lakh grant under the Chief Minister’s Special Category Scheme.

What is Mizoram’s Bana Kaih scheme? A program to promote self-reliance through financial aid to farmers and entrepreneurs.

6. Ravichandran Ashwin Retires from International Cricket

India’s legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement, marking the end of a stellar 13-year career.

Career Highlights:

• Tests: 537 wickets (2nd highest after Anil Kumble).
• ODIs: 156 wickets and 707 runs.
• T20Is: 72 wickets and 184 runs.
• Part of India’s 2011 World Cup and 2013 ICC Champions Trophy-winning teams.

Who is India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests? Ravichandran Ashwin.

7. ADB and Papua New Guinea Sign $100 Million Loan Agreement

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $100 million loan to strengthen governance and accountability in Papua New Guinea.

Objectives:

• Improve fiscal management and governance frameworks.
• Integrate climate change considerations into public sector management.

Which country signed a $100 million loan agreement with ADB? Papua New Guinea.

8. Tom Cruise Honored with US Navy’s Highest Civilian Award

Hollywood actor Tom Cruise received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the US Navy.

Recognition:

• For his contributions to military awareness through films like Top Gun: Maverick and A Few Good Men.
• The Navy acknowledged his efforts in boosting public appreciation for military service.

Which award did Tom Cruise receive from the US Navy? Distinguished Public Service Award.

FAQs

1. What is the Kisan Kavach, and how does it protect farmers?
The Kisan Kavach is an anti-pesticide bodysuit using nucleophilic-mediated hydrolysis to neutralize pesticides, safeguarding farmers’ health.

2. How has CBIC improved taxpayer services?
CBIC introduced initiatives like a revised Citizen’s Charter, an Ease of Doing Business tab, a revamped Citizen’s Corner, and a digital CBIC archive.

3. What are the key features of Mizoram’s Bana Kaih scheme?
The scheme offers collateral-free loans up to ₹50 lakh, MSP for key crops, and grants under the Chief Minister’s Special Category Scheme.

4. What is Ravichandran Ashwin’s legacy in cricket?
Ashwin retired as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests with 537 wickets and contributed to India’s World Cup victories in 2011 and 2013.

5. Why was Tom Cruise honored by the US Navy?
Cruise received the Distinguished Public Service Award for promoting military awareness through films like Top Gun.

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