CURRENT AFFAIRS 17 December, 2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS 17 December, 2024

1. SLINEX 2024: STRENGTHENING SRI LANKA-INDIA NAVAL TIES –

• The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) is a significant annual event that fosters maritime cooperation between the two nations. Initiated in 2005, SLINEX has grown in scope and importance over the years, strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
• The 2024 edition of SLINEX will be held from December 17 to December 20, 2024, at Visakhapatnam under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, focusing on enhancing interoperability, strengthening mutual understanding, and promoting regional maritime security.

2. ISRO SUCCESSFULLY TESTS CE20 CRYOGENIC ENGINE –

• On December 12, 2024, ISRO successfully completed a critical milestone with the sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
• This test, conducted on November 29, 2024, was a crucial step for upcoming space missions and demonstrated the engine’s restart-enabling systems under ambient conditions.
• The CE20 cryogenic engine, developed indigenously by ISRO, plays a vital role in enhancing India’s space exploration capabilities.

3. CENTRE EARNS ₹8,625 CRORE VIA DISINVESTMENT IN 2024-25 –

• The Indian government has so far collected ₹8,625 crore through various minority stake sale disinvestment transactions during the current financial year 2024-25, according to MoS Finance Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
• While no specific disinvestment target has been set for FY25, the government continues its policy of strategic disinvestment and privatization, aiming to enhance efficiency and economic potential in sectors where competitive markets have matured.

4. INDIA’S DATA CENTRE INDUSTRY SET TO SURPASS $100 BILLION BY 2027 –

• India’s data centre market is undergoing a significant transformation, with investments expected to exceed $100 billion by 2027, marking a massive leap from the $60 billion invested between 2019 and 2024.
• Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have emerged as the primary hubs for data centre development, with Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, and Bengaluru dominating the industry.
• This surge in demand is driven by sectors like BFSI, technology, fintech, media, and the booming generative AI industry, positioning India as a global leader in digital infrastructure.

5. RUSSIA OFFERS VISA-FREE TRAVEL FOR INDIANS IN 2025 –

• Indians may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia as part of a new initiative expected to begin in the spring of 2025. This move follows bilateral discussions between India and Russia in June 2024, aimed at easing visa restrictions and encouraging group tourist exchanges.
• Currently, Indian nationals require visas to visit Russia, but the upcoming agreement could significantly streamline travel processes, boosting tourism and strengthening bilateral ties.