Daily Current Affairs and GK | 8 and 9 December 2024

Topic: Sports

1. Bangladesh won the U-19 Asia Cup by defeating India by 59 runs.

• Bangladesh defeated India in the final to lift the Men’s Asia Under-19 Cricket Cup.
• Indian captain Mohammad Amaan scored the highest 26 runs while all-rounder Hardik Raj chipped in 24 in 21 balls.
• In the end, Bangladesh bowled out India for 139 inside 36 overs.
• The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup is a tournament contested by the Asian men's under-19 national cricket teams of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) members.
• It was first held in 1989 in Bangladesh while the second edition was played after 14 years in 2003 in Pakistan.
• It was renamed as the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup in 2007. 

Topic: International News

2. Burkina Faso's military junta appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as prime minister.

• Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo was Communications Minister and spokesperson of the government.
• Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo will be the West African country's new Prime Minister, junta leader Ibrahim Traore said.
• Traore had issued a decree dismissing PM Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela.
• Burkina Faso’s ruling military junta appointed a new PM, a day after dissolving the government.
• The junta in Burkina Faso seized power in September 2022.

Topic: Miscellaneous

3. At the age of 74, the oldest wild bird in the world lays her first egg in four years.

• In Hawaii, a 74-year-old Laysan albatross named Wisdom laid her first egg in four years.
• Last week, a Laysan albatross named Wisdom made a comeback to the Pacific Ocean's Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
• Every year, Wisdom goes back to the same nesting location to be with her partner and, if feasible, lay one egg.
• For the Laysan albatross species, known as mōlī in Hawaiian, this is their typical behaviour.
• Millions of them come back to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge every year to lay their eggs and rear their young.
• A Laysan albatross typically lives for 68 years.

Topic: Important Days

4. December 6 declared as the day of remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi in the American state of Nebraska.

• A statue of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled at the state capitol building in Nebraska, and December 6 was declared as Gandhi's Remembrance Day in the US state.
• It honored the principles of non-violence, tolerance, and justice espoused by the iconic Indian leader.
• The bust of Mahatma Gandhi was unveiled by Governor Jim Pillen of Nebraska on 6 December at the Governor’s Office in the iconic Nebraska State Capitol premises in Lincoln.
• This is the first installation of a statue of Gandhiji in any of the state capitol complexes in the nine states falling under the consular jurisdiction of the Indian Consulate in Seattle.
• The declaration said that Gandhi, a global symbol of peace, non-violence, and justice, has inspired countless individuals and movements across the world with his unwavering commitment to truth and human dignity.
• In November 2023, the operations of the first Indian consulate in Seattle commenced, with its consular jurisdiction covering the nine states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Alaska in the US Pacific Northwest.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

5. Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in Jaipur inaugurated by PM Modi.

• On 9 December, the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Rajasthan.
• The theme of the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 is ‘Replete, Responsible, Ready.'
• It aims to highlight the immense potential of the state as an investment and business hub.
• The summit will run for three days from December 9 to 11, during which the Rajasthan Global Business Expo will also be organised.
• The main objective of the summit is to promote Rajasthan as a progressive and sustainable destination for global investments.
• It is being attended by over 5,000 participants including industry leaders, investors and international dignitaries.
• The event will feature 12 regional thematic sessions, focusing on important topics such as water security, sustainable mining, inclusive tourism, agri-business innovation, sustainable finance, and women-led startups.

Topic: Important Days

6. December 21 designated as World Meditation Day by the UNGA.

• Resolution co-sponsored by India was unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
• December 21 marks the Winter Solstice. According to Indian tradition, this marks the start of "Uttarayana."
• Additionally, it occurs precisely six months following the International Day of Yoga, which is celebrated on June 21st, the Summer Solstice.
• India was part of the core group of nations that oversaw the resolution's unanimous adoption, along with Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra.
• The Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Portugal, Slovenia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Burundi, and the Dominican Republic all cosponsored the resolution, which was introduced by Liechtenstein.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

7. 4^th edition of India Internet Governance Forum inaugurated by Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada.

• This event will focus on bridging the digital divide and enhancing safety and trust in the online environment.
• The event will also focus on leveraging advanced technologies for nation-building.
• During the event, the emphasis will be on the need for a secure, inclusive, and ethically governed Internet.
• The theme for 4th edition of the India Internet Governance Forum is “Innovating Internet Governance for India.”

(Source: News on AIR)

Topic: Defence

8. Defence Minister to commission ‘INS Tushil’ in Russia.

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will commission the multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate ‘INS Tushil’ at Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been on a three-day visit to Russia.
• He and his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov will co-chair the 21st meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.
• Both leaders will review the entire range of multi-faceted relations between the two countries in the field of defence, including military-to-military and industrial cooperation.
• They will also exchange views on contemporary regional and global issues of mutual interest.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will also pay tribute at ‘The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’ in Moscow.
• He will also interact with the members of the Indian community.

Topic: Banking System

9. RBI introduced podcasts as a tool for the dissemination of useful information.

• Reserve Bank of India will launch podcasts for wider dissemination of information related to interest to the public.
• In recent years, RBI has expanded its communication toolkit and techniques to enhance transparency and better connect with the people.
• The RBI as a central bank has been spreading public awareness activities including through social media over the last few years.
• RBI is using traditional as well as new-age communication techniques as a key part of its toolkit to ensure transparency and a greater impact of its decisions.
• RBI has revised GDP forecast for 2024-25 to 6.6 per cent from 7.2 per cent earlier.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

10. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024 will be honoured to former Chilean President Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria.

• This decision was taken by the jury headed by former National Security Advisor and former Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon.
• She is one of the world's most prominent voices for human rights, peace and equality.
• In her various roles as founding director of UN Women, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and President of Chile, she has championed gender equality and the rights of the most vulnerable segments of the population at home and around the world.
• Michelle Bachelet has been honored for her steadfastness in promoting peace, gender equality, human rights, democracy and development even under challenging circumstances and for her contribution to strengthening India-Chile relations.
• During her two terms as President of Chile, from 2006 to 2010 and 2014 to 2018, she introduced significant education and tax reforms.
• From 2010 to 2013, Bachelet was the first director of UN Women, dedicated to advocating for the rights of women and girls.
• She later served as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2018 to 2022.
• The award is given to doctors, nurses, paramedics, and staff for their selfless service, unwavering dedication, and perseverance in the face of adversity.
• Named after one of the most notable leaders of the twentieth century, the award aims to honor women, men, and institutions who have done exemplary work in the service of humanity.
• Established in 1986, the award is given annually to individuals or organizations by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust.
• The award carries a cash prize of 2.5 million Indian rupees and a citation.

Topic: Important Days

11. International Anti-Corruption Day 2024: 9 December

• Every year on 9 December, International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated.
• The theme of International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity.”
• The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) organizes annually international Anti-Corruption Day (IACD).
• The UN General Assembly adopted 9 December as International Anti-Corruption Day to raise awareness about corruption. This day is being celebrated every year since 2005.
• In 2003, UN General Assembly adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The convention came into force in December 2005.
• India was ranked 93rd in the Global Corruption Index 2023.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

12. Urjaveer scheme has been launched by the Union Minister Manohar Lal.

• Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, launched the ‘Urjaveer’ scheme in Vijayawada along with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
• The main aim of the scheme is to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.
• It will create a network of individuals dedicated to making energy conservation a way of life.
• Under this programme, a network of individuals dedicated to making energy conservation a way of life will be created. 
• Under this initiative, Andhra Pradesh will not only contribute to India’s energy-saving goals but will also empower citizens to actively participate in sustainable practices.

Topic: Indian Economy

13. SEBI imposed a penalty of ₹9 lakh on Reliance Securities.

• SEBI imposed this penalty because Reliance Securities flouted market norms and stock broker rules.
• Reliance Securities Ltd (RSL) is a SEBI-registered stock broker.
• SEBI, NSE and BSE carried out onsite inspection of the books of accounts, records, and other documents of authorised persons of Reliance Securities Ltd.
• The inspection was carried out from April 2022 to December 2023.
• SEBI issued a show-cause notice to Reliance Securities on August 23, 2024.