Current Affairs Highlights (December 16, 2024)
International News:
- Ustad Zakir Hussain Tribute: Tabla loses its vibrant voice : The world mourns the loss of Ustad Zakir Hussain, an iconic ambassador of Indian classical music, who passed away in San Francisco, USA. The tabla virtuoso, known for transforming the instrument into a global symbol of peace and humanity, left an indelible mark on world music.
- Syria rebel leader meets U.N. envoy in Damascus : Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), met with U.N. envoy Geir Pedersen in Damascus to discuss updating a 2015 resolution reflecting shifts in Syria’s political landscape. HTS is a key player in Syria’s post-conflict reality.
- Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte : In France’s Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, Cyclone Chido has claimed “several hundred” lives, with fears the toll may rise to thousands. French rescue teams are responding to the widespread destruction in this impoverished region.
- Sri Lankan President’s India visit : Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. His visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, includes planned talks with PM Modi on trade, energy, and maritime security.
National News:
- India-Bangladesh 1971 war veterans’ exchange marks Vijay Diwas : As part of Vijay Diwas celebrations, eight veterans from India and Bangladesh’s Liberation War participated in commemorative events in Dhaka and Kolkata, symbolizing the enduring bond between the two nations.
- Ayodhya Ram Temple wins international safety award : The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya received the prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ from the British Safety Council, recognizing excellence in safety management during the project.
- ‘One Nation One Election’ Bill delayed : 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.
- India Women dominate West Indies in T20I opener : India Women registered a commanding 49-run win against the West Indies in the first T20I at Mumbai’s D.Y. Patil Stadium, marking their ninth consecutive victory over the Caribbean side in the format. Key performances included Jemimah Rodrigues scoring 73 and Smriti Mandhana contributing 54, taking her yearly tally past 600 runs. Mandhana also rose to fourth in the list of 2024’s highest run-scorers in women’s T20Is. India posted their highest-ever total against the West Indies (195/4) while restricting them to 146/7 in reply.
TamilNadu News:
- Tamil Nadu Faces Rising Thermal Discomfort by 2050: Study : A recent study has warned that residents of Tamil Nadu could face significant thermal discomfort due to rising temperatures and urbanization. Northern coastal regions experience over 100-125 discomfort days annually, a figure projected to double to 200-250 days by 2050. The report calls for urgent climate adaptation measures, combining grey (infrastructure) and green (nature-based) solutions to mitigate health risks. This is especially important as the State’s urban population is expected to grow from 48.45% (2011 Census) to 60% by 2036.
