Daily Current Affairs 12 December, 2024 1. Places of Worship Act, 1991 Context: Multiple parties moved the Supreme Court on the eve of a Special Bench hearing petitions challenging the validity of the Places of Worship Act, 1991, which preserves the character of religious places as they existed on August 15, 1947. Places of Worship Act, 1991 Read more>> 2. Impeachment of High Court Judge Context: The Opposition has started efforts to move an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge. Impeachment Procedure Read more>> UPSC PYQ 2019: Consider the following statements: 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (inquiry) Act, 1968. 2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India. 3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 3. Novel Gene Therapy: one-time solution for Haemophilia Context: Scientists in India have reported success with using gene therapy to treat severe haemophilia A, a rare hereditary condition resulting from a faulty gene which triggers severe, spontaneous, and potentially fatal bleeding episodes. Key Highlights: 4. ILO Social Dialogue Report regarding Workplace Rights Context: ILO has released report regarding Workplace Rights. Highlights: International Labour Organization (ILO) The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a United Nations agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice by setting international labour standards. 5. WHO Report – Malaria in Region South-East Asia Context: The World Health Organisation (WHO) South East Asia Region contributes about 1.5% of the burden of malaria cases globally and India accounted for about half of all estimated cases in 2023. Key Highlights of Report: The World Health Organisation (WHO) Malaria 6. Olive Ridley turtle and Irrawaddy Dolphin Context: Key Highlights: Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) 7. Google Introduces AI Model ‘Gemini 2.0’ Banking/Finance 1. Asian Development Bank: India Growth Forecast Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday lowered its India growth forecast for the current financial year (FY25) to 6.5 per cent from 7 per cent earlier. Highlights: Asian Development Bank 2. Sustainability-Linked Bond (SLB) Context: Sustainability-linked bond (SLBs) deals have fall this year, prompting bankers and investors to question whether the $319 billion market will ever regain favour. Highlights: Sustainability Linked Bond Agri Business 1. Drone Technology in Pineapple Cultivation Context: In an attempt to promote widespread adoption of drone technology, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ernakulam under ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) demonstrated use of drone for nutrient spraying in pineapple fields. Highlights: ‘Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) 2. India shortens down its target for ethanol blending Context: India to scale down ethanol blending target to 18% for ESY 2024-25 amid compatibility concerns.  Highlights: Ethanol blending is the process of mixing ethanol with gasoline to reduce the use of fossil fuels. 3. UN draft resolution on “Agriculture Development, Food Security, and Nutrition” Context: The draft resolution voicing concern about severe food crisis erupting in different world regions, particularly in developing countries and net food importers. Key Highlights: The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that was established in 1945 after World War II to maintain international peace and security. The UN’s headquarters are located in New York City. Facts to Remember 1. Indian grandmaster D Gukesh draws Ding Liren in World Chess Championship. 2. Google’s Willow Quantum Computing Chip Quantum Computing Quantum computing is a multi dimension field which includes aspects of computer science, physics, and mathematics that facilitates quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than traditional computers. 3. Saudi Arabia to Host 2034 World Cup