Current Affairs Highlights (December 13, 2024)
International News:
- Journalist Killings in 2024 : According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), 54 journalists lost their lives globally in 2024 while performing their duties. A third of these deaths—18 journalists—were attributed to Israeli forces, with 16 in Gaza and 2 in Lebanon. Over the past five years, Palestine has been marked as the most dangerous country for journalists. The report highlights journalists’ ongoing risks in conflict zones and underscores the urgent need for greater protection and accountability in war reporting.
- Gaza Strikes : Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on December 12, 2024, claimed 33 lives, including 12 guards securing aid trucks in southern Gaza. The strikes occurred amidst a 14-month-long war that has devastated the region. The United Nations and other organizations have repeatedly emphasized the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from the UN General Assembly, the violence continues to escalate, with severe impacts on civilians and infrastructure.
National News:
- AI Weather Model Revolution : Google’s DeepMind has introduced a groundbreaking AI model, GenCast, capable of surpassing traditional weather forecasting systems. Based on a probabilistic diffusion approach similar to AI image generators, the model generates multiple forecasts to represent atmospheric behavior accurately. This innovation offers significant advancements in accuracy and efficiency, requiring less time and computing resources than conventional methods, as detailed in a Nature journal article.
- Parliament Winter Session Highlights : India’s Parliament saw notable developments on December 12, 2024. The Lok Sabha debated amendments to disaster management laws aimed at enhancing the efficiency of national and state authorities. Additionally, the two-day Constitution debate began, marking the 75th anniversary of its adoption. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is poised to deliver her maiden speech during the session. Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha faced disruptions as political tensions rose over allegations against Opposition leaders and debates surrounding a no-trust notice against the Chairman.
- Simultaneous Polls Legislation : The Union Cabinet approved two Bills facilitating simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. These proposals include amendments to the Constitution and laws governing Union Territories with Legislative Assemblies. The move has sparked criticism from leaders in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, who argue that it undermines democratic principles and federalism.
TamilNadu News:
- Youngest World Chess Champion : D. Gukesh, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, made history by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion. This victory, achieved after 58 intense moves, breaks Garry Kasparov’s record of nearly four decades. The match, held in Sentosa, Singapore, showcased Gukesh’s extraordinary skills, earning him global recognition.
- Dindigul Hospital Fire Tragedy : A devastating fire at a private hospital in Dindigul claimed six lives, including a child and two women, on December 12, 2024. The blaze trapped victims in the hospital’s elevator, causing fatalities primarily from suffocation. Thirty-two people were rushed to a government hospital, with three in critical condition on ventilators. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols in healthcare facilities and the urgent need for improved fire safety measures.
