December 2nd Week Current Affairs: Key Highlights for CDSE & OTA Aspirants

Staying updated with current affairs is essential for CDSE and OTA aspirants, as it not only enhances general awareness but also plays a significant role in clearing competitive exams. This blog covers the most important events and developments from the second week of December 2024, spanning international conflicts, national milestones, advancements in health and defense, and significant global initiatives. From the fall of the Assad regime in Syria to India’s strides in nuclear submarine programs, and breakthroughs in malaria prevention, these topics are curated to help aspirants stay informed and exam-ready. Let’s dive into this week’s most impactful news.

• The Syrian civil war is an ongoing multi-sided conflict in Syria involving various state-sponsored and non-state actors. In March 2011, popular discontent with the rule of Bashar al-Assad triggered large-scale protests and pro-democracy rallies across Syria, as part of the wider Arab Spring protests in the region. After months of crackdown by the government’s security apparatus various armed rebel groups such as the Free Syrian Army began forming across the country, marking the beginning of the Syrian insurgency. By mid-2012, the insurgency had escalated into a full-blown civil war.
• On December 8, 2024, the Bashar al-Assad regime (fell following a ten-day offensive carried out by rebel forces, beginning with the rebels’ seizure of Aleppo on November 30. The armed coalition was led by Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA). The upheaval put an end to over fifty years of the Assad family’s rule of Syria and four years of largely frozen dynamics in the Syrian civil war, which has been ongoing since 2011. Amid the fall of the capital city, Damascus, to HTS and aligned forces, deposed President Assad fled to Moscow. Rebels freed Assad regime prisoners throughout the offensive as they seized new territory. Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah—longtime supporters of Assad’s government—did not send significant support to his Syrian Arab Army (SA) during the rebel offensive. Concurrently, the Kurdish-dominated Syrian Defense Forces (SDF), which controls parts of northeastern Syria, continue to clash with Arab tribes that accuse the group of discrimination while Turkey and its proxies continue attacks on Kurdish forces. Factionalized fighting has made space for the self-proclaimed Islamic State to maintain a presence and launch attacks. Additionally, Israel regularly strikes Iranian and Syrian military positions in Syria and has increased attacks, including hitting the Damascus and Aleppo airports, since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.
• Summary of World Malaria Report 2021 in 2020, 29 of the 85 countries that were malaria-endemic accounted for 96% of malaria cases. India contributed 1.7% of malaria cases and 1.2% deaths globally. Between 2019 and 2020, all high burden to high impact (HBHI) countries except India reported increases in cases and deaths (and in India, the rate of reduction decreased compared with pre-pandemic years). Globally, there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases in 2020 in 85 malaria endemic countries, increasing from 227 million in 2019. Most of this increase came from countries in the WHO Africa Region, which accounted for 95% cases. Malaria deaths increased by 12% globally in 2020 compared with 2019, to an estimated 627 000. The percentage of total malaria deaths in children aged under 5 years reduced from 87% in 2000 to 77% in 2020.
• There were an estimated 14 million more malaria cases and 47 000 more deaths in 2020 compared to 2019 due to disruptions to services during the pandemic. However, things could have been far worse if not for the efforts of malaria-endemic countries to maintain essential health services. Another is engineering mosquitoes that slow the growth of malaria-causing parasites in the gut thereby preventing transmission of malaria to humans. The other method is using genetically modified mosquitoes that can spread resistance to malaria-causing parasites by thriving and mating with wild mosquitoes.
• The recent proposal by the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Rate Rationalisation to change GST rates for the apparel sector has led to concerns in the textile and apparel industry on the impact of the proposed changes on jobs and MSMEs.
• The GoM is said to be considering increasing the GST rates to 18% from 12% for garments priced above ₹1,500 each and to 28% for garments priced above ₹10,000.
• “Take the case of woollen sweaters. It is not a luxury, but a necessity in northern States. It is not possible to get woollen sweaters at less than ₹1,500 and the proposal is to increase the GST on it by 50% from 12% to 18%. In the case of wedding clothing, the garments are all priced above ₹10,000 each. The entire wedding clothing segment will either get into the informal sector or get wiped out,” said Rahul Mehta, Chief Mentor, the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI). All handwoven garments are priced more than ₹1,500 and increasing the rate on these garments will hit the handloom weavers.
• India is developing an indigenous nuclear attack submarine program that includes: The first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) built by India. The lead vessel, INS Arihant, was commissioned in August 2016. The second, INS Arighaat, was commissioned in August 2024. The third, INS Aridhaman, is expected to be commissioned in 2025.
• Project 77-class submarines – A new fleet of nuclear submarines that will include nuclear attack submarines. The submarines will be powered by a miniature pressurized water reactor (PWR). The project is expected to continue until 2025.
• Nuclear attack submarine program – A program that aims to revolutionize the Indian Navy’s capabilities and boost domestic defense manufacturing. The first submarine is expected to be operational by 2036. The program is estimated to cost around ₹35,000 crore and involves various indigenous stakeholders. The goal is to achieve “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in defense by 2047.
• INS Tushil, latest multi role stealth guided missile frigate, commissioned into Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Russia.
• Raksha Mantri describes the ship as proud testament to India’s growing maritime strength and significant milestone in long standing ties with Russia.
• “SAGAR is a symbol of India’s commitment towards collective security, maritime cooperation and sustainable development in Indian Ocean Region; We have always received Russia’s support in this endeavour”.
• INS Tushil (F 70), the latest multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia on December 09, 2024. Raksha Mantri, in his address, described the commissioning as a proud testament to India’s growing maritime strength and a significant milestone in the long-standing friendship between India & Russia, which are bound together by shared values, mutual trust, and special & strategic privileged partnership.
• World meditation day – Meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across cultures, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, it is embraced worldwide, transcending its spiritual origins to become a universal tool for personal well-being and mental health.
• The world is coming together on the 21st of December 2024 on the occasion of World Meditation Day to meditate with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, this is going to be the most historic and largest meditation event.
• Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana is a scheme under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This scheme is for people aged 70 years and above. Under this scheme, every family gets a health cover of Rs 5 lakh annually. If there are several elderly people living in the same house, then this cover will be divided among them.
• Important things about this plan: Registration for this scheme can be done through PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app. After registration, eKYC process has to be completed. Under this plan, benefits are covered for various treatments such as coronary angioplasty, hip fracture, gall bladder removal, cataract surgery, prostate resection, and stroke.
• Initially an assured rate of return of 7.40% per annum for the year 2020-21 per annum will be provided and thereafter to be reset every year in line with the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS). The finance minister will approve an annual reset rate of return at the beginning of every financial year.
• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a legally binding international agreement that aims to address desertification and drought.
• Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen Area (12 December 2024). France welcomes the agreement reached at the Council of the EU to authorize Romania’s and Bulgaria’s full, effective integration into the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025.
• Seventeen years after Romania and Bulgaria joined the European Union, they have been given the green light to become members of its border-free Schengen travel zone. The decision by fellow EU member states means that from 1 January 2025, it will be possible to drive all the way to France, Spain or Norway without a passport. It’s a moment of huge relief for the 25 million people who live in Romania and Bulgaria, and who will finally feel accepted as full members of the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said it was a “day of joy.”
• On November 29, the Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). The Scheme is aimed at providing PVTG households and habitations with: basic facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved access to education, health and nutrition, road and telecom connectivity, and sustainable livelihood opportunities. In addition, saturation will also be ensured for schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination, 100% immunisation, PM Poshan, PM Jan Dhan Yojana, etc. This initiative is part of the Pradhan Mantri-PVTG Development Mission announced in India’s 2022-23 Union Budget. The govt has allocated Rs 15,000 crore over three years to develop them.
• Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are indigenous communities in India that are considered more vulnerable than other scheduled tribes. The Indian government created the list of PVTGs to improve the living standards of these groups. The government identifies PVTGs based on a number of criteria, including: Low literacy levels, Economic backwardness, Pre-agricultural technology, and Declining or stagnant population. The government has recognized 75 PVTGs in India, which are spread across 18 states and one union territory. Odisha has the highest number of PVTGs with 13. The government has implemented the Scheme for Development of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) to prioritize the protection and development of these communities. The scheme came into effect in April 2008.
• PM Poshan Scheme: Provides nutritious meals to schoolchildren, encourages local food growth, supplements in needful areas, and ensures transparent implementation. PM Poshan Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Scheme, also known as the National Nutrition Mission or Poshan Abhiyan, is a program of the Government of India aimed at addressing malnutrition and related issues among children and mothers. Launched in March 2018, the scheme operates with a multi-sectoral approach, involving various ministries and departments to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective implementation.
• PM Poshan Scheme – In September 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the Government Scheme called Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman, or PM-POSHAN, aiming to provide one hot cooked meal in Government and Government-aided schools. With a financial outlay of Rs 1.31 trillion, this scheme replaced the national Mid-day Meal Scheme. It’s launched for an initial five-year period, from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• PM Poshan Scheme Objectives – The primary objective of the PM Poshan Scheme is to reduce the prevalence of stunting, under-nutrition, anemia, and low birth weight in children, as well as to address the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating mothers. Malnutrition, which includes both undernutrition and overnutrition, is a significant public health concern in India, affecting millions of children and women across the country.
• Gene therapy for hemophilia is a treatment that aims to improve the blood’s ability to clot by introducing a functional gene into the patient’s cells. Some novel gene therapies for hemophilia include: Roctavian: This adeno-associated viral vector-based gene therapy is for adults with severe hemophilia A. It increases the levels of FVIII in the blood by expressing a gene for FVIII in the liver. Hemgenix: This gene therapy from CSL Behring is for hemophilia B. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2022. Valoctocogene Roxaparvovec and Etranacogene Dezaparavovec: These are novel gene therapies for hemophilia A and B. Gene therapy can be effective for several years, but the exact effect may be unpredictable. Some possible limitations and safety concerns include:
  • Pre-existing neutralizing antibodies toward the vector
  • Liver health
  • Age
  • Inhibitor status
  • Infusion reactions
  • Liver damage
  • Adverse effects from immune suppressants or steroids
• Cabinet approves One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) – The Prime Minister in his address to the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August, 2022, had pointed out the importance of Research and Development in our country in the Amrit Kaal. He had given the clarion call of “Jai Anusandhan” on the occasion. The NEP 2020 has also identified research as a corequisite for outstanding education and development in our country. The establishment of Anusandhan National Research Foundation by the Government of India was a step in this direction. In response to the vision of making India Atmanirbhar and Viksitbharat@2047, the Union Cabinet approves One Nation One Subscription scheme to provide country-wide access to international high impact scholarly research articles and journal publications to students, faculty and researchers of all Higher Education Institutions managed by the central government and state governments and Research & Development Institutions of the central government.
• Gukesh Dommaraju (born 29 May 2006), also known as Gukesh D, is an Indian chess grandmaster and the reigning World Chess Champion. A chess prodigy. Gukesh is the youngest world champion, the youngest player to have surpassed a FIDE rating of 2750, doing so at the age of 17, and the third-youngest to have surpassed 2700 at the age of 16. He earned the grandmaster title at the age of 12 and remains the third-youngest grandmaster in chess history.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) recently secured final forest clearance after a significant government push. While the forest clearance is secured, the project’s wildlife clearance remains under scrutiny at the Supreme Court of India. The project requires two key forest clearance conditions to be met: realigning its canal and shifting proposed powerhouses away from forest land, both with potential environmental implications.
• Reporters Without Borders is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization headquartered in Paris, which focuses on safeguarding the right to freedom of information. It describes its advocacy as founded on the belief that everyone requires access to the news and information, in line with Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that recognises the right to receive and share information regardless of frontiers, along with other international rights charters. RSF has consultative status at the United Nations, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, and the International Organisation of the Francophonie.
• Who report on drowning There are around 300 000 annual drowning deaths worldwide. Drowning disproportionately impacts children and young people. Children aged under 5 years account for nearly a quarter of all drowning deaths. Drowning is the fourth leading cause of death for children aged 1–4 years and the third leading cause of death for children aged 5–14 years. Ninety-two percent of drowning deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Resolutions endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly and the World Health Assembly provide a roadmap for global drowning prevention efforts.