IMPORTANT DAYS
International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 observed on December 9.
• International Anti-Corruption Day is observed every year on December 9th.
• The 2024 theme is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity.”
• Organized annually by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• The UN General Assembly designated December 9th as International Anti-Corruption Day to promote awareness.
• This day has been celebrated globally since 2005.
• The United Nations Convention against Corruption was adopted in 2003 and came into force in December 2005.
• India ranked 93rd in the 2023 Global Corruption Index.
• The day aims to encourage action towards reducing corruption worldwide.
December 6 was declared Mahatma Gandhi Remembrance Day in Nebraska, USA.
• December 6 declared as the day of remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi in the American state of Nebraska.
• A statue of Gandhi was unveiled at the Nebraska State Capitaol building.
• The unveiling took place at the Governor’s Office in Lincoln, Nebraska.
• Governor Jim Pillen led the unveiling ceremony on December 6.
• This is the first Gandhi statue in any state capitol under the Seattle Indian Consulate’s jurisdiction.
• The statue honors Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, tolerance, and justice.
• Gandhi is celebrated globally as a symbol of peace and human dignity.
• The Seattle Indian Consulate began operations in November 2023, covering nine U.S. states, including Nebraska.
December 21 designated as World Meditation Day by the UNGA.
• UNGA Designates December 21 as World Meditation Day: The resolution was co-sponsored by India and unanimously adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
• December 21 coincides with the Winter Solstice, marking the start of "Uttarayana" in Indian tradition.
• Link to International Day of Yoga: World Meditation Day falls six months after the International Day of Yoga, observed on June 21 (Summer Solstice).
• India, Liechtenstein, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Mexico, and Andorra led the adoption of the resolution.
• Several countries, including the Dominican Republic, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Mauritius, co-sponsored the resolution.
• Resolution Introduced by Liechtenstein: The proposal was brought forward by Liechtenstein in collaboration with other nations.
• Countries from diverse regions, including Mongolia, Morocco, and Portugal, supported the initiative.
• Unanimous Adoption: The resolution was passed with full consensus, emphasizing global recognition of meditation's importance.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Urjaveer scheme has been launched by the Union Minister Manohar Lal.
• The 'Urjaveer' scheme was launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal in Vijayawada.
• The initiative was introduced alongside Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu.
• Its primary goal is to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy efforts.
• The scheme aims to create a community focused on making energy conservation a lifestyle.
• It seeks to build a network of individuals committed to sustainable energy practices.
• Andhra Pradesh will contribute significantly to India’s energy-saving objectives.
• The programme encourages citizens to actively engage in energy conservation.
• 'Urjaveer' empowers individuals to adopt and promote sustainable energy solutions.
AWARDS
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024
• The 2024 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development will be awarded to former Chilean President, Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria.
• The decision was made by a jury chaired by former National Security Advisor, Shivshankar Menon.
• Bachelet is recognized globally for her advocacy of human rights, peace, and equality.
• She has championed gender equality and supported vulnerable populations through roles at UN Women, UN Human Rights, and as President of Chile.
• Bachelet is honored for her consistent work in promoting peace, gender equality, and human rights, even in difficult times.
• As President of Chile (2006-2010, 2014-2018), she introduced key education and tax reforms.
• Bachelet served as the first Director of UN Women (2010-2013) and as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (2018-2022).
• The award, established in 1886, includes a 2.5 million rupee cash prize and a citation, recognizing outstanding contributions to humanity.
DEFENCE
Defense 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.
• Rajnath Singh is on a three-day visit to Russia to strengthen defence ties.
• The Defence Minister will co-chair the 21st India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation.
• During the meeting, both leaders will discuss military, industrial, and defence cooperation between the two nations.
• They will also review broader issues of regional and global interest.
• Rajnath Singh paid tribute at the 'Tomb of the Unknown Soldier' in Moscow.
• The Defence Minister will interact with members of the Indian community in Russia.
• The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations and foster closer defence collaboration.
SPORTS
Bangladesh won the U-19 Asia Cup by defeating India by 59 runs.
• Bangladesh defeated India by 59 runs to win the U-19 Asia Cup.
• The final saw Bangladesh clinch the Men’s Asia Under-19 Cricket Cup.
• Indian captain Mohammad Amaan top-scored with 26 runs in the final.
• All-rounder Hardik Raj contributed 24 runs off 21 balls for India.
• Bangladesh bowled India out for 139 runs in just 36 overs.
• The ACC Under-19 Asia Cup is contested by under-19 cricket teams from ACC member countries.
• The tournament began in 1989 in Bangladesh, with the second edition held in 2003 in Pakistan.
• The competition was renamed the ACC Under-19 Elite Cup in 2007.
SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in Jaipur inaugurated by PM Modi.
• PM Modi inaugurated the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 on December 9 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC).
• Summit Theme: The summit's theme is ‘Replete, Responsible, Ready,’ highlighting Rajasthan's investment potential.
• The summit spans three days, from December 9 to 11, with the Rajasthan Global Business Expo also taking place.
• Aims to position Rajasthan as a progressive, sustainable destination for global investments.
• Over 5,000 attendees, including industry leaders, investors, and international dignitaries.
• 12 thematic sessions covering key topics like water security, sustainable mining, and agri-business innovation.
• Sessions will address inclusive tourism, sustainable finance, and women-led startups.
• Investment Focus: The summit emphasizes Rajasthan's vast business opportunities and its readiness for global investments.