Vijay Diwas, observed annually on December 16, commemorates India's decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. How many Pakistani soldiers surrendered to Indian forces during this historic event?

The 1971 Indo-Pak war, lasting just 13 days, concluded with the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers, marking one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.

16th December 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Table of Contents

National News

Pioneering Green Steel: India’s New Framework

India reached a significant milestone in its commitment to decarbonizing the steel sector and transitioning toward a low-carbon economy. Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister of Steel & Heavy Industries, officially released India’s first-ever Taxonomy of Green Steel during an event at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The release of this framework positions India as a global leader in defining and advancing green steel production, a sector crucial to achieving the nation’s environmental and sustainability targets.

India Launches First Diabetes Biobank in Chennai

India’s first diabetes biobank has been established in Chennai, a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). This biobank, a crucial step in advancing scientific research, will collect, process, store, and distribute biological samples to study diabetes, its causes, variations, and related disorders, contributing to global health research.

VIRAASAT Sari Festival 2024: Celebrating India’s Handwoven Heritage

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is set to host the third edition of the “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024” from 15th to 28th December 2024 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. Building on the overwhelming success of its previous editions, which garnered an impressive footfall of 20,000 across all age groups, this year’s event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of India’s handloom heritage, focusing on the diverse traditions of sari weaving. By uniting handloom weavers, designers, sari enthusiasts, and buyers, the festival seeks to highlight the cultural and economic importance of the handloom sector, while providing artisans with a platform to showcase and retail their creations.

International News

Cyclone Chido Hits Mozambique, Wrecks Havoc in Mayotte

Cyclone Chido, a Category 4 storm, caused widespread destruction in Mayotte before making landfall in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province on December 15, 2024. This powerful storm wreaked havoc on Mayotte, leaving entire neighborhoods flattened and causing severe damage. After crossing the Mozambique Channel, Cyclone Chido intensified and impacted northern Mozambique, with strong winds exceeding 200 km/h and heavy rainfall, threatening lives and properties.

UK Joins Indo-Pacific Bloc: A Post-Brexit Trade Milestone

On December 15, 2024, the United Kingdom officially became the first European nation to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). This significant move, a result of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy, aims to boost the country’s economy by providing new business opportunities and trade benefits across the Indo-Pacific region. The UK’s entry into the bloc was formalized after the ratification of the accession treaty by most CPTPP members, with several more expected to follow.

Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile Tested by US Armed Forces

The U.S. military has successfully tested its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), also known as “Dark Eagle,” bringing it closer to being fielded as a crucial asset in modern warfare. The test, conducted at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, demonstrated the missile’s ability to travel at speeds exceeding 3,800 miles per hour (Mach 5), and its capability to strike distant and well-defended targets. This achievement marks a major milestone in hypersonic technology development for the U.S. military, with future operational deployment planned by 2025.

Mount Semeru Eruption in East Java

Mount Semeru, located in East Java, Indonesia, erupted on 15th December, spewing a thick column of white-to-grey ash rising up to 1,000 meters into the sky. This eruption prompted an aviation warning from Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, which issued an orange Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation. Flight restrictions were placed within a 5-kilometer radius of the volcano.

Mikheil Kavelashvili Becomes Georgia’s New President

Mikheil Kavelashvili, the 53-year-old former footballer, was elected president of Georgia on December 16, 2024, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. His victory comes amid growing concerns over Georgia’s alignment with Russia, following constitutional changes that replaced direct presidential elections with a 300-seat electoral college. Kavelashvili’s candidacy, strongly backed by the Georgian Dream party, reflects the ruling party’s increasing authoritarian tendencies, as critics warn that this election may undermine Georgia’s European Union aspirations.

State News

Uttarakhand Unveils India’s First Yoga Policy to Become Global Yoga Hub

Uttarakhand, famously known as “Devbhoomi,” is set to become the first Indian state to implement a dedicated Yoga Policy, aimed at transforming the state into a global yoga destination. With Rishikesh already recognized as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” this initiative builds on the state’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy while aligning with the AYUSH policy’s success. The policy, envisioned by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, integrates yoga, Ayurveda, and wellness into a comprehensive development strategy for tourism, health, and employment.

Nupi Lal Numit 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Manipuri Women

Manipur recently commemorated Nupi Lal Numit 2024, a significant event honoring the courage and resilience of the women who fought for justice and freedom in the Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939. The commemoration was led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex. This day not only highlights the pivotal role of Manipuri women in history but also celebrates their continued progress in various sectors. The Chief Minister’s speech emphasized the importance of empowering women through various initiatives, while calls for peace and unity across the state resonated strongly.

Defence News

Desert Knight: A Strategic Trilateral Air Combat Exercise

India, France, and the UAE have initiated the trilateral air combat exercise “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea. This operation aims to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability among their air forces, and prepare for complex combat scenarios. Conducted in a strategically important region, the exercise underscores growing trilateral ties amid evolving global security challenges and geopolitical tensions.

Schemes News

NCL Launches ‘CHARAK’ for Free Health Treatment in Singrauli

Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), under the Ministry of Coal’s guidance, has launched the ‘CHARAK’ project – Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal, aimed at providing free treatment for economically weaker sections suffering from life-threatening diseases. The initiative will benefit residents of Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts with annual family incomes below Rs. 8 lakh, covering diseases like malignancy, TB, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and others. This project aligns with NCL’s long-standing commitment to improving the socio-economic condition of the region.

Govt Unveils ‘Jalvahak’ Scheme to Boost Inland Waterways Cargo Movement

The Indian government has launched the Jalvahak incentive scheme to encourage long-haul cargo transportation via national waterways. Aimed at decongesting road and rail networks and promoting sustainable transport, the scheme offers direct incentives for transporting goods over 300 km on waterways.

Important Days News

Vijay Diwas 2024: Celebrating India’s 1971 Victory

Vijay Diwas, observed annually on December 16, commemorates India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 Indo-Pak War. This 13-day war, triggered by the humanitarian crisis in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), ended with the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and the liberation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.

Remembering Sardar Patel on His Death Anniversary

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the “Iron Man of India,” played an instrumental role in India’s freedom struggle and the integration of the country after independence. As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India, his efforts in uniting the princely states and his contributions to the freedom movement were crucial for India’s sovereignty and unity.

Appointments News

Google Appoints Preeti Lobana as India Head

Tech giant Google has announced the appointment of Preeti Lobana as its new Country Manager and Vice President for India. This strategic move comes as Google aims to bolster its presence and commitment to India’s rapidly evolving digital economy. Lobana, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience, takes over the reins from Sanjay Gupta, who has transitioned to a larger role as the President of the Asia Pacific region.

Sports News

Mumbai Clinches Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024

Mumbai showcased a stellar performance to defeat Madhya Pradesh by five wickets and claim the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024. The final, highlighted Mumbai’s depth in batting and resilience under pressure. Despite a valiant effort by MP skipper Rajat Patidar, whose unbeaten 81 anchored his team’s innings, Mumbai successfully chased a challenging target of 175 in just 17.5 overs, showcasing their dominance in the T20 format. This win marks Mumbai’s second SMAT title, their first being in 2022.

Obituaries News

Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain Passes Away at 73

Padma Bhushan Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla player, passed away at the age of 73 in a US hospital due to heart-related problems. His music and legacy will continue to inspire generations.