Current affairs 19 December 2024

India Established First Diabetes Biobank in Chennai.

• India’s first diabetes biobank has been launched in Chennai through a collaboration between ICMR and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation to tackle the growing diabetes epidemic.
• It serves as a repository of biological samples, enabling researchers to study genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors contributing to diabetes.

IIT Kharagpur Secures 2nd Rank in India for QS Sustainability 2025.

• IIT Kharagpur ranked 2nd in India and 202nd globally in the QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2025, showing a leap of 147 places from 2024.
• Achieved 23rd position in Asia, excelling in Environment Research, Sustainability, Knowledge Exchange, Employability, Opportunity, and Governance.
• Highlights its commitment to sustainability and global academic excellence.

Uber Launches "Moto Women" Bike Taxi Service in Bengaluru.

• Uber's Moto Women initiative introduced a bike taxi service exclusively for women, connecting female riders with female drivers, with 300 women drivers operating initially.
• Aimed at enhancing safety and convenience for women while empowering female drivers with flexible earning opportunities.
• Bengaluru, known for embracing innovation, leads the launch of this inclusive mobility solution.

CBDT Launches Campaign for Income and Transaction Mismatches.

• The CBDT launched an e-campaign addressing mismatches in Annual Information Statement (AIS) and Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for FY 2023-24 and FY 2021-22, reminding taxpayers to file revised or belated returns.
• Taxpayers can file updated ITRs by March 31, 2025, with feedback options via the AIS portal.
• This initiative leverages technology for compliance, transparency, and economic growth.

India's Exports Reach $67.8 Billion in November 2024.

• Merchandise Highlights: April-Nov exports grew 2.17% to $284.31 billion; November merchandise exports dipped to $32.11 billion due to lower petroleum exports.
• Top Growth Sectors: Electronic goods (+54.72%), engineering goods (+13.75%).
• Imports: $87.63 billion in November, up 27.47%; gold imports peaked at $14.8 billion, widening the trade deficit to $37.84 billion.