IMPORTANT DAYS
International Human Solidarity Day 2024 celebrated on December 20.
• International Human Solidarity Day is celebrated on December 20 each year.
• It aims to promote sharing and unity to eliminate poverty and celebrate diversity.
• Solidarity emphasizes helping those who benefit the least, from those who benefit the most.
• Solidarity was recognized as a core value of international relations in the 21st Century by the Millennium Declaration.
• World Solidarity Fund established by the UNGA on December 20, 2002, to combat global poverty.
• UN Recognition: In 2005, the UN officially designated December 20 as International Human Solidarity Day.
• The World Solidarity Fund was set up in February 2003 under the UNDP to aid development.
• The Fund's goal is to fight poverty and promote social development in the poorest regions of the world.
NATIONAL NEWS
Masali Village became India’s first solar border Village.
• Masali village, located in Gujarat's Banaskantha district, is India's first solar-powered border village.
• Situated 40 kilometers from the Pakistan border, it has achieved 100% solar energy coverage.
• Under the PM Suryaghar Yojana, solar rooftops have been installed on 119 homes in the village.
• The village, with a population of around 800, generates over 225 kilowatts of electricity through solar power.
• The solar initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable energy in border areas.
• The Border Development Project aims to cover 11 such villages with solar energy.
• This move helps ensure energy security and reduces reliance on external power sources.
• The project is a key step towards improving infrastructure and quality of life in border regions.
SPORTS
latest rankings were released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
• The Indian men’s hockey team finishes 2024 in 5th place in the FIH World Rankings.
• The Indian women’s hockey team is ranked 9th in the world.
• The latest rankings were released by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on December 19.
• The Indian men’s team made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning two consecutive medals for the first time since 1972.
• Top Men's Team: Olympic champions, the Netherlands, lead the men’s rankings with 3,267 points.
• Men’s Team Rankings: England is in 2nd place with 3,139 points, while Belgium holds 3rd with 3,124 points.
• Top Women’s Team: The Netherlands tops the women’s rankings, followed by Argentina and Belgium in 2nd and 3rd.
• India's Position: India’s women’s team holds 9th place in the FIH World Rankings.
The 2025 Para Athletics World Championships will be hosted in Delhi.
• Delhi will host the 2025 Para Athletics World Championships, marking India's first time hosting the event.
• The global governing body, WPA, made the announcement on December 19, 2024.
• The Championships will take place from September 26 to October 5, 2025.
• The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will host the Para Athletics World Championships and the World Para Athletics Grand Prix (March 11-13, 2025).
• The 2025 event will be the 12th edition of the Para Athletics World Championships.
• This will be the fourth time Asia hosts the Para Athletics World Championships.
• Over 1,000 athletes from more than 100 countries are expected to compete.
• The event is anticipated to strengthen India's bid to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships.
GOVERNMENT SCHEMES
Arvind Kejriwal announced a new health scheme for the elderly population.
• Sanjeevani Yojana: A new health scheme launched by the Delhi government for residents aged 60+.
• Elderly residents will receive free medical treatment at both government and private hospitals.
• If procedures are unavailable or have long wait times at government facilities, patients will be referred to private hospitals at no cost.
• The scheme covers all medical expenses, regardless of income.
• The scheme ensures complete healthcare for senior citizens in Delhi.
• Delhi government has increased the number of beneficiaries for the old-age pension scheme by 80,000.
• The initiative is aimed at improving healthcare for the elderly population.
• Ensures elderly citizens receive timely and affordable treatment without financial burden.