IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness 2024 observed annually on 27 December
• The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed annually on 27 December.
• The first observance of this day took place on 27 December 2020.
• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the day through a resolution on 7 December 2020.
• The day highlights the importance of preventing, preparing for, and partnering to fight epidemics.
• Epidemics are characterized by the rapid spread of a disease to many people in a short period within a specific area.
• When an epidemic spread across continents or globally, it is referred to as a pandemic.
• The observance of this day emphasizes global cooperation to strengthen epidemic preparedness.
• The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in managing health threats.
APPOINTMENTS
Arunish Chawla has been appointed as new Revenue Secretary.
• Arunish Chawla has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary.
• He succeeds Sanjay Malhotra, who was appointed RBI Governor in December 2024.
• After Malhotra’s appointment, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth took on the additional charge of the Revenue Department.
• Finance Secretary and DIPAM Secretary will retain the additional charge of the Department of Public Enterprises.
• Chawla is an IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, previously serving as Pharmaceutical Secretary.
• As Revenue Secretary, Chawla will also serve as ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council.
• Chawla is set to retire in July 2028.
• Amit Agrawal will replace Chawla as Pharmaceutical Secretary; Agrawal is currently the CEO of UIDAI.
NATIONAL NEWS
Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister, died on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.
• Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92.
• He served as Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
• Widely recognized as the architect of the 1991 economic reforms, he played a key role in India's liberalisation.
• From 2004 to 2014, he held two terms as the 13th Prime Minister of India, leading the UPA government, which was led by the Congress.
• After 33 years of service, he retired from the Rajya Sabha in April 2024.
• Born on September 26, 1932, in a village in undivided Punjab.
• He took office as Prime Minister on May 22, 2004, following the 2004 general elections.
• Manmohan Singh was sworn in for a second term on May 22, 2009.
• The Union government announced a seven-day national mourning period after his passing.
• As Prime Minister, he introduced key policies like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
• His government also enacted the Right to Information Act in 2005 and the National Food Security Act in 2013.
• He authored "India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth," an early analysis of India's trade policy.
BANKING, ECONOMY AND FINANCE
RBI has formed 8-member committee to develop a framework for the ethical use of AI.
• RBI has established an 8-member committee to create a framework for the ethical use of AI in the financial sector.
• The committee will be led by Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya, a professor at IIT Bombay’s Computer Science and Engineering Department.
• Its objective is to develop the Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of Artificial Intelligence (FREE-AI) for financial services.
• The committee will evaluate the current state of AI adoption in India's financial industry and globally.
• It will assess the risks associated with the use of AI in financial services.
• The committee will provide recommendations on evaluating AI applications.
• It will also suggest ways to mitigate risks arising from AI usage in finance.
• The committee will propose a monitoring framework for the ongoing evaluation of AI in financial services.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
After 250 years, the Bald eagle has been officially declared a US national bird.
• After 250 years, the Bald Eagle has officially been declared the national bird of the US.
• The Bald Eagle has long served as a national emblem for the United States.
• Symbolizing strength, courage, freedom, and immortality, the Bald Eagle has been a powerful icon for generations.
• Protected by the National Emblem Act of 1940, it is illegal to hunt or sell the Bald Eagle.
• Once on the verge of extinction, the Bald Eagle's population has significantly recovered since 2009.
• The Bald Eagle is native to North America.
• It is prominently used in official US documents, including treaties and commissions.
• The Bald Eagle’s status as a symbol is deeply ingrained in US history and culture.
STATE NEWS
Punjab has become the fifth state to achieve 100% piped water supply to rural households.
• Punjab becomes the 5th state to achieve 100% piped water supply to rural homes under the 'Har Ghar Jal' scheme.
• 15 major canal water projects are underway to tackle water quality and scarcity issues, costing Rs 2174 crore.
• These projects will benefit around 25 lakh people and 4 lakh families in 1706 villages.
• The initiatives aim to address water access and improve living conditions in rural Punjab.
• Punjab has achieved ODF (Open Defecation Free) status across all its villages under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).
• More than 10,435 villages in the state have attained ODF Plus (Desirable) status.
• 1,289 villages have earned the ODF Plus (Ideal) status for outstanding sanitation.
• These achievements contribute significantly to public health and rural development in Punjab.
SPORTS
Maheshwari and Anantjeet clinched the skeet mixed team national title.
• Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan won the skeet mixed team title at the 2024 National Shooting Championship.
• They defeated Mairaj Ahmad Khan and Areeba Khan 44-43 in a thrilling final.
• Ganemat Sekhon and Abhay secured the bronze medal, beating Raiza and Ishaan 44-41.
• Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Maheshwari Chauhan previously placed 4th at the Paris Olympics.
• The National Shooting Championship 2024 took place at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
• The mixed team event saw intense competition between top Indian shooters.
• Anantjeet and Maheshwari's victory adds to India's growing reputation in shooting sports.
• The Championship showcased India's top shotgun shooting talents in a thrilling competition.