Current affairs 18 December 2024

India becomes 3rd largest exporter of smartphones in the world.

• India has become the 3rd largest exporter of smartphones in the world, which was on the 23rd rank in 2019.
• The country’s smartphone exports have also breached the 20 thousand crore rupees mark in a single month, in November 2024.
• This achievement outshines the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme commitment to export 70-75 percent of production value in the financial year 2024-25.

Russia's Visa-Free Entry for Indians from 2025.

• From March 2025, Indian tourists may travel to Russia visa-free, following bilateral discussions to ease visa requirements.
• Moscow saw a 1.5x rise in Indian visitors in H1 2024, with 28,500 travelers, mainly for business or work.
• India is a priority market for Moscow, with over 60,000 visitors in 2023, a 26% growth from 2022.

Uttarakhand to Introduce India's First Yoga Policy.

• Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami announced plans for a yoga policy to integrate Ayurveda and yoga, aiming for a health revolution.
• Initiatives include Ayush Grams, Ayush teleconsultation, 50 yoga centres, and promoting traditional herbs globally.
• At the 10th World Ayurveda Congress, experts emphasized integrating Ayurveda into global healthcare and using AI to advance Ayush systems.

Britain Implements First Codes of Practice on Online Safety.

• Britain’s online safety regime came into effect, requiring social media platforms like Meta's Facebook to address criminal activities and enhance safety features.
• Ofcom published its first codes of practice focused on combating illegal content, such as child sexual abuse and suicide.
• Fines of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover will be imposed on companies failing to comply.

India, Sri Lanka Boost Defence & Energy Collaboration.

• India and Sri Lanka agreed to finalize a defence pact, enhance energy ties with electricity grid connectivity, and build petroleum pipelines.
• A ferry service will connect Rameshwaram and Talaimannar, boosting connectivity.
• Key discussions included Tamil aspirations and fishermen’s livelihood issues.