CURRENT AFFAIRS 27-12-2024

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.

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