IMPORTANT DAYS

World Human Rights Day 2024 celebrated on December 10.

• World Human Rights Day is celebrated annually on December 10.

• UN's Declaration: The United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

• Theme for 2024: "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" focuses on immediate action.

• Promotes Equality: Advocates for a world where justice and equality prevail for all.

• Universal Rights: Guarantees the rights of every individual, no matter their nationality, gender, religion, or ethnicity.

• Global Awareness: Aims to raise awareness about human rights issues worldwide.

• Focus on Action: Emphasizes the need for urgent action to protect human rights.

• Inspiration for Change: Serves as a reminder that human rights are fundamental and should be protected everywhere.

Rajasthan government will celebrate 10 December as Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas every year.

• Rajasthan will celebrate 10th December as Pravasi Rajasthani Diwas annually.

• The announcement was made by CM Bhajan Lal Sharma during the Pravasi Rajasthani Conclave at the Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit in Jaipur.

• The state government will also award the Pravasi Rajasthani Samman every year.

• The summit included seven sector-specific sessions and five country-specific sessions.

• Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan addressed the agribusiness session.

• He highlighted the Central Government’s six-point strategy for agriculture and farmer welfare.

• A session on sustainable infrastructure development was also part of the summit.

• The summit featured sessions on the US, Malaysia, Germany, Singapore, and Korea.

APPOINTMENTS

Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as RBI Governor.

• Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

• His tenure will begin on December 11, 2024, for a period of three years.

• He will succeed Shaktikanta Das, whose six-year term ends on December 10, 2024.

• Malhotra previously served as the Revenue Secretary.

• He played a key role in shaping tax policies, including direct and indirect taxes.

• He has served as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.

• Malhotra has held significant roles in sectors like finance, taxation, power, IT, and mining.

• Shaktikanta Das’s term as RBI Governor began on December 12, 2018, and was extended in 2021.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

After Assad’s ouster, Syria’s rebels started work to form the government.

• Following Bashar al-Assad's ouster, Syrian rebels began forming a new government.

• After Assad's departure, the rebel alliance took initial steps to establish governance.

• The Syrian civil war, sparked during the Arab Spring, has lasted for 13 years.

• Over 500,000 Syrians have died, and millions have been displaced due to the conflict.

• Assad, who assumed power in 2000, belongs to the family that has ruled Syria since a 1970 coup.

• Assad initially presented himself as a reformist but responded to Arab Spring protests with violent crackdowns.

• Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) was formed at the onset of the civil war.

• The final phase of the war began when HTS and the Free Syrian Army seized Aleppo and freed political prisoners from Saydnaya prison.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Bima Sakhi Yojana launched by Prime Minister Modi .

• Bima Sakhi Yojana Launched by PM Modi, this initiative empowers women aged 18 to 70 years.

• The scheme aims to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness among women.

• Women will receive specialized training along with a stipend for the first three years.

• Role of LIC Agents: After training, participants can become LIC agents.

• Graduate Insurance Sakhis: Graduates can qualify for Development Officer roles at LIC.

• PM Modi laid the foundation for the university’s main campus in Panipat, Haryana.

• Campus and Research Centers: The university will be spread over 495 acres, with six regional research centers.

• The university, built at a cost of Rs 700 crore, will focus on crop diversification and horticultural research.

Tamil Nadu launched the “Kalaignar handicrafts scheme” to empower artisans and craftsmen.

• Tamil Nadu introduced the “Kalaignar Handicrafts Scheme” to empower artisans and craftsmen.

• The scheme aims to benefit people involved in 25 different trades/crafts.

• It focuses on skill enhancement, support, and entrepreneurial development to expand existing trades.

• Artisans will receive financial support of up to Rs 3 lakh, with a 25% subsidy (max Rs 50,000).

• Beneficiaries will enjoy a 5% interest subsidy on loans.

• Applicants must be at least 35 years old to qualify for the scheme.

• The initiative is designed to boost the growth of traditional craftsmanship.

• The PM Vishwakarma Yojana, launched in 2023, also supports artisans across 18 trades with end-to-end assistance.

AWARDS

UNESCO has selected the Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu for the Award of Distinction for 2023.

• UNESCO awarded the Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Thukkatchi, Tamil Nadu, the 2023 Award of Distinction for its cultural heritage preservation.

• The 1,300-year-old temple was built by Kings Vikrama Chola and Kulothunga Chola.

• The temple once featured five prakarams (outer enclosures).

• It houses multiple shrines dedicated to various deities.

• Key deities include Soundaryanayaki Ambal, Aadhi Sarabeshwarar, and Ashtabhuja Durga Parameshwari.

• Other prominent shrines are dedicated to Pillayar, Murugan, and Chandikeswarar.

• The temple also features shrines for two Bhairavars, two Suryas, and two Naagar.

• This recognition is part of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

RANKING AND REPORTS

As per the UBS report, India’s billionaire count has reached to 185.

• India’s billionaire count surged to 185 in 2024, ranking third globally, behind China and the US.

• The number of billionaires in India grew by over 20%, up from 153 in 2023.

• China's billionaire count declined, contrasting with India's growth.

• From 2015 to 2020, global billionaire wealth grew at an average annual rate of 10%.

• India’s billionaire wealth has nearly tripled, increasing by 263%, reaching $905.6 billion.

• Between 2015 and 2020, Chinese billionaire wealth more than doubled.

• India now ranks among the top three countries for billionaire wealth and count.

Union Minister Jitin Prasada inaugurated the fourth edition of the India Internet Governance Forum.

• Union Minister Jitin Prasada inaugurated the 4th edition of the India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) on December 9-10, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center.

• The event is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI).

• IIGF 2024 aimed to explore key aspects of Internet governance and showcase India’s leadership in the global digital space.

• The theme of the forum was “Innovating Internet Governance for India.”

• Key discussions focused on bridging the digital divide and improving trust and safety online.

• IIGF 2024 highlighted the importance of empowering connections through better access, inclusion, and digital rights.

• A major topic was Responsible AI, emphasizing ethical and beneficial use of AI for society.

• IIGF is the Indian chapter of the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF).