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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda Launches Intensified 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign in HaryanaOn 7 December 2024, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), launched the intensified 100-day Tuberculosis (TB) elimination campaign to accelerate the fight against TB in Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign will culminate on March 24, 2025.
- During the launch, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda also introduced national guidelines for the new drug-resistant TB regimen called BPaLM. These guidelines aim to streamline and standardize treatment.
i.The campaign is part of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aligning with the vision of a “TB-Mukt Bharat” (TB-free India) by 2025.
ii.This nationwide initiative covers 347 districts in 33 states and Union Territories (UTs), aiming to strengthen the NTEP.
About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW):
Union Minister– Jagat Prakash Nadda (Rajya Sabha- Gujarat)
Minister of State (MoS)- Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao (Constituency- Buldhana, Maharshtra )Anupriya Patel (Constituency- Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, UP)
>> Read Full News
Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched the ‘Urjaveer’ scheme in Andhra PradeshOn December 7 2024, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Power (MoP) along with Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP), Nara Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated the ‘Urjaveer’ scheme at Poranki in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh (AP).
- The Urjaveer Scheme, implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is designed to promote the use of energy-efficient appliances while offering economic benefits to individuals.
- This initiative aims to transform AP into a 100% green energy state, focusing on sustainable development and energy conservation.
Note: New Delhi(Delhi) based EESL is a Joint Venture(JV) of Public Sector Undertakings(PSUs) under the MoP.
About ‘Urjaveer’ scheme:
i.As part of the Urjaveer initiative, the government aims to involve and train 1,12,000 private registered electricians on the Urjaveer platform. These electricians will become Urjaveers, equipped to promote energy-efficient appliances and assist the general public in adopting energy-saving technologies.
ii.Women and young individuals, aged 18 and above, can take part in the Urjaveer scheme by registering as ‘Urjaveers’ on the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) platform.
- They have the opportunity to earn incentives for each successful sale made through their references on EESL’s e-commerce website (eeslmart.in).
- The AP government aims to create 1 lakh ‘Urjaveers’ to promote energy efficiency across the state.
iii.Women can work from home, making it convenient to participate in the scheme. The government is also creating co-working spaces to support household income growth.
iv.Role of Trained Urjaveers:
Trained Urjaveers play a crucial role in promoting energy-efficient appliances, educating the public about their benefits, and driving the adoption of energy-saving technologies. Urjaveers will focus on six key products:
- 6 Watt (W) Light Emitting Diode (LED) bulbs
- 20 Watt (W) LED tubelights
- 30 Watt (W) Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) ceiling fans
- 5-star rated air conditioners (ACs)
- Induction cooking stoves
- 10 Watt (W) LED inverter bulbs
Other Initiatives:
i.Additional initiatives of EESL include providing energy-efficient induction stoves to over 55,000 Anganwadi centers in Andhra Pradesh (AP) under a separate scheme.
ii.Additionally, beneficiaries of the Pradhan MantriAwasYojana (PMAY) will receive free energy-efficient appliances, such as lights and fans.
About Andhra Pradesh (AP):
Chief Minister (CM)- Nara (N) Chandrababu Naidu
Capital– Amaravati
Wildlife Sanctuaries- Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary
India Assumes 1st Time Chairmanship of 68th UN CND
On December 6 2024, India assumed the Chairmanship for the first time of 68th session of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). The announcement was made by the Indian Embassy of Austria marking a significant milestone in the country’s global leadership.
- Ambassador Shambhu S Kumaran, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Vienna( Austria) assumed the Chairmanship of the CND.
- The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and serves as the Governing Body of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) headquartered in Vienna. It is composed of 53 Member States elected by ECOSOC for a period of four years.
i.This reinforces India’s growing leadership role on the global stage and its commitment to addressing international issues through established multilateral mechanisms.
ii.As Chair, India aims to advocate for the interests of the Global South, in addressing illicit drug trafficking, substance abuse and the availability of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
DPIIT Partners with Flipkart to Support Indian Startups through USD 100 Million Fund
On December 09 2024, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOC&I) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi (Delhi) based Flipkart Private Limited, India’s homegrown e-commerce market, to enhance the growth of tech startups across India.
- This partnership is an extension of Flipkart’s Leap and Ventures initiative, which includes a USD 100 million venture fund.
i.The partnership will provide startups with access to critical industry reports, government research and fast tracked patent applications, enabling them to seize timely opportunities.
ii.The collaboration is designed to accelerate the transformation of ideas into impactful solutions, contributing to India’s position as a global innovation leader.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India at COP29: Key Initiatives and Demands for Global Climate FinanceIndia participated COP29, the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22, 2024.Through various side events, in collaboration with international agencies, India underscored its commitment to addressing climate challenges.
- India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) partnered with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to host a panel on integrating disaster-resilient infrastructure into national adaptation strategies.
- India’s approach at COP29 focused on accountability, green credit, fair financing, and achievable climate goals for its developing economy.
- Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh delivers India’s National Statement at the High-level Segment of the CoP29.India’s renewable energy capacity has almost tripled since 2014 and is set to achieve the 500 gigawatts target by 2030.
Maritime Safety Committee 109th session from 2nd – 6th December 2024The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) conducted its 109th session from 2nd December to 6th December 2024 at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Headquarters in London, United Kingdom (UK).
- The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Mayte Medina of the United States, supported by Vice-Chair, Capt. Theofilos Mozas of Greece.
- The session approved interim guidelines on the safety of ammonia-fueled ships which will lead to wider adoption of ammonia as a marine fuel.
Amendments to mandatory instruments
Ammonia cargo as fuel (IGC Code)
MSC 109 adopted amendments to Paragraph 16.9.2 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code) so that ammonia can be used as fuel on ammonia carriers.
- The amendments will enter into force on 1st July 2026.
Captain Ian Finley receives International Maritime award
Captain Ian Finley, Permanent Representative of the Cook Islands, was awarded with the prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2023 at the annual IMO Awards Ceremony, held in London on 2nd December 2024.
Crew Of Tanker & Tugboat Wins Exceptional Bravery At Sea 2024 Award
i.The IMO awarded the 2024 Exceptional Bravery at Sea Award to the Captain and crew of the oil tanker Marlin Luanda and the Captain and crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya.
- Captain Avhilash Rawat and the crew of the Marlin Luanda were recognised for their exceptional courage and leadership when an uncrewed aerial device struck the tanker on 26th January, 2024.
- Captain Jorge Fernando Galaviz Fuentes and the crew of the tugboat Pemex Maya were recognized for their heroic efforts during Hurricane Otis, a category five storm that hit Mexico’s Pacific coast on 25th October, 2023.
BANKING & FINANCE
BoB Unveiled Two New MSME Offerings : ‘Baroda Mahila Swavalamban’ and ‘Baroda Smart OD’On December 09 2024, Bank of Baroda (BOB), India’s leading Public Sector Bank (PSB), unveiled two new loans schemes targeting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The loan schemes are ‘Baroda Mahila Swavalamban’, a loan scheme designed specifically to support women entrepreneurs and ’ Baroda Smart OverDraft(OD)’, a digital OD facility targeting Goods and Services Tax (GST)-registered MSMEs.
- The main objective of both these new schemes is to ease access to financing for the MSME sector.
i.Baroda Mahila Swavalamban offers competitive interest rates starting at 9.15%, the scheme is linked to the Baroda Repo Linked Lending Rate (BRLLR).
- The borrowers can avail loans ranging from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 7.5 crore, with relaxed margin requirements for capital expenditure(capex).
ii.i.Baroda Smart OD will use technology-driven credit assessments based on GST returns , banking activity, and online transactions.
About Bank of Baroda (BoB):
Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)–Debadatta Chand
Headquarters- Vadodara, Gujarat
Tagline- India’s International Bank
Established – 1908
>> Read Full News
IDFC FIRST Bank Launches India’s first AI-Powered Holographic Digital Avatar of Amitabh Bachchan for Customer Engagement
On December 6 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Infrastructure Development Finance Company Limited (IDFC) FIRST Bank Limited unveiled the first-of-its-kind Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered holographic digital avatar of its Brand ambassador Amitabh Bachchan.
- This pioneering technology was presented through a Holographic Extended Reality (HXR) device, allowing customers to interact directly with the avatar, offering an immersive and personalized banking experience.
- The first device was launched at the bank’s Juhu branch in Mumbai with plans for future deployment in high footfall branches and strategic locations nationwide.
i.The avatar provides insights into key services, such as Zero Fee Banking, Mobile Banking, Monthly Interest Credits, and the BRAVO Current Account.
ii.This initiative aims to IDFC FIRST Bank’s commitment to its digital first strategy, setting a new benchmark in customer service and engagement in the banking sector.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
ISA & USAID Join Forces to Boost Renewable Energy Connectivity
On December 9 2024, Gurugram(Haryana) based International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance grid interconnections and promote sustainable energy systems.
- The collaboration aims to expand the adoption of renewable energy, improve cross border energy connectivity and develop unified grids to facilitate large scale clean power transfer.
Note: The MoU reaffirms a key commitment outlined in the US-India Joint Statement issued in September 2024.
i.The partnership expands renewable energy transmission networks in regions such as South Asia, the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and Africa. USAID will leverage its technical expertise and innovative financing to support ISA’s objectives.
ii.A key component of this partnership is the creation of regional clean energy markets and the development of financial models to support transregional grid connections and supergrids.
iii.This partnership aligns with ISA’s One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG) programme, which seeks to promote cross border energy trade and ensure reliable, affordable access to renewable energy, driving global progress toward a sustainable energy future.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
3 Indians on BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring Women List 2024: Aruna Roy, Vinesh Phogat & Pooja SharmaOn December 3 2024, London (the United Kingdom (UK))-based British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) released the 12th edition of BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women List 2024. This latest edition of the list has featured 3 Indian women: former civil servant and renowned social activist Aruna Roy; three-time Olympian-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, and performer of funerary rites, Pooja Sharma, for their exceptional contributions to social activism, sports and breaking societal barriers.
- Apart from them, the list has included two Indian-origin women: Sunita Williams, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Astronaut and Sneha Revanur, 20-year old Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert.
- The theme of the 2024 list is “Resilience”.
About British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):
Chairman- Samir Shah
Headquarters- London, the United Kingdom (UK)
Established- 1922
>> Read Full News
Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet to be Conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024On December 6, 2024, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust announced that Former President of Chile, Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria will be conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 in recognition of her exemplary contributions to human rights, peace, and equality.
- Michelle Bachelet was selected by the International Jury of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, chaired by Shivshankar Menon, former Foreign Secretary and National Security Advisor (NSA).
i.The recipient of the award receives a monetary award of Rs 25 lakh along with a citation.
ii.The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2023 has been jointly awarded to Argentine-Israeli classical pianist Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad.
About Chile:
President- Gabriel Boric
Capital- Santiago
Currency- Chilean Peso (CLP)
>> Read Full News
“Polarization” Named Merriam-Webster’s 2024 Word of the Year
On December 10 2024, the word “polarization” was announced as Merriam-Webster Word of the Year 2024.
- This term gained attraction in 2024, especially during the United States of America(USA) presidential election, which underscored the growing divide in political opinions and beliefs.
- Other words that stood out in the data in 2024 are demure,’ ‘totality ‘and ‘allision’ .
i.Polarization, defined as “division into two sharply distinct opposites,” often describes the extreme political, cultural and ideological divides in the USA and globally.
The word “polarization” has historical roots dating back to the early 1800s and continues to shape discussions on the current state of global affairs. The polar in polarization is from Latin polaris, which describes the Earth’s poles and Polaris is also a name for the North Star.
Note: The word “authentic” was Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Vaibhav Chaturvedi Appointed as Ex-officio Member of IBBIOn December 7, 2024, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) appointed Vaibhav Chaturvedi as the ex-officio member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
- The appointment was made in accordance with the provisions of clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 189 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016).
- Currently, Vaibhav Chaturvedi is the Chief General Manager (CGM), Credit Risk Regulation at Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
- This initiative underscores the importance of a coordinated approach in tackling the challenges of stressed assets and insolvency.
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI):
i.The IBBI established under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) of 2016 plays a pivotal role in the implementation and enforcement of the Code.
ii.Its primary objective is to oversee the insolvency and bankruptcy process, promoting transparency, accountability and efficiency in resolving stressed assets.
iii.The IBC aims to restore credit discipline in the financial sector by facilitating timely and transparent insolvency resolutions.
iv.The move aligns with the broader goal of enhancing synergy among regulatory bodies such as the RBI, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
About Vaibhav Chaturvedi:
i.Vaibhav Chaturvedi served as a General Manager, Stressed Assets Resolution in RBI from May 2017 .
ii.From July 2005 to June 2011,he held the position of Executive Assistant to the Deputy Governor of RBI.
iii.He has also served as the Consultant at The World Bank, Washington D.C.,United States (US).
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI):
Chairperson– Ravi Mital
Headquarters-New Delhi, India
Established- October 01, 2016
Rajeev Mehta becomes 1st Indian elected as Secretary General of FCA On December 01 2024, Rajeev Mehta, former Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) Secretary General, was elected as the Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) for a period of four years during the 37th FCA’s General Assembly held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- He became the first administrator from India to hold this position. He will replace Rusni Abu Hassan(Malaysia).
- Prior to the appointment, he served as the Secretary General of the Fencing Association of India (FCI).
About Rajeev Mehta:
i.Rajeev Mehta started his career as the President of the Kho Kho Federation Federation of India (KKFI) and had a meteoric rise in Indian sports.
ii.He has worn multiple hats by being the associate vice president of Hockey India (HI) and also the former president of the Uttarakhand Football Association (UFA).
iii.From 2017 to 2022, he served as the President of the Fencing Association of India (FCI).
iv.He also served as the Secretary General of the IOA for eight years from 2014 to 2022 simultaneously.
About Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA):
The Constitution of the FCA was amended on September 7, 2015 and the name was adopted during the General Assembly meeting of the Asian Fencing Confederation held in Nantong China in August 2007.
President – H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem Sultan AlQasimi
Headquarters– Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Members – 46
Established- 1988
Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo Appointed as the PM of Burkina FasoOn 7 December 2024, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, former communications minister, was appointed as the new Prime Minister (PM) of Burkina Faso (West African Country) by the military junta. He succeeds Apollinaire Joachim Kyelem de Tambela.
- This change followed a decree issued by junta leader Ibrahim Traore, which announced the dismissal of PM Apollinaire Joachim Kyélem de Tambèla and the dissolution of the national government.
Note: A Military Junta is a form of government controlled by a group of military leaders. The junta in Burkina Faso seized power in September 2022.
About Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo:
i.Ouedraogo, a seasoned journalist and close ally of Ibrahim Traore, has had a long career in communications, including key positions at Burkina Faso’s state broadcaster, where he served as editor-in-chief and director.
ii.Ouedraogo, previously served as the country’s Communications Minister and government spokesperson.
iii.He remained a key civilian figure in the military administration and remained in the role across three cabinet reshuffles.
Other Points:
i.Burkina Faso’s transitional government functions based on a constitution that was endorsed by a national assembly made up of military officers, civil society members, and leaders from traditional and religious groups.
ii.Initially, the junta pledged to hold elections by July 2024, under pressure from the regional bloc ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). However, in May, the junta extended the transition period by five years.
About Burkina Faso:
Interim President– Ibrahim Traoré
Prime Minister (PM)- Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo
Capital– Ouagadougou
Currency– West African Communaute Financiere African (CFA) Franc (XOF)
Jayen Mehta’s Tenure extended as MD of GCMMF by 5 years
Jayen Mehta, Managing Director (MD) of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which markets Anand Milk Union Limited (AMUL) dairy products, received a 5 year extension, ensuring his leadership until 2029-2030. The decision was made at the board meeting of GCMMF held in November 2024.
- He temporarily took over as MD in January 2023, following the departure of R.S. Sodhi, who had led the company since 2010.
i.Jayen Mehta joined GCMMF in 1991 and held several significant positions, including Brand Manager, Group Product Manager and General Manager in the Marketing Department gained 34 years of experience.
ii.He is also a member of the Standing Committee of Marketing at the International Dairy Federation (IDF).
iii.He has been recognized as a member of Campaign Asia’s Asia Pacific Power List 2024, celebrating the most influential marketers in the region.
Note: GCMMF (Amul) is a cooperative federation of 36 lakh milk producers across Gujarat, supported by 18,600 village societies and 18 district unions, handling over 300 lakh litres of milk daily. It is now recognized globally as the world’s strongest food and dairy brand.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Iran Successfully Launches Saman-1 and Fakhr-1 Satellite into OrbitOn December 6 2024, Iran has successfully launched its indigenously developed Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Unit(OTU) or space tug, the Fakhr-1 nanosatellite, and an additional research payload into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) through its domestically developed two-stage Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), Simorgh. This marked a significant milestone in Iran’s space program.
- These payloads were launched from the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal in rural Semnan province in Tehran, Iran.
- This also marked the 8th successful launch of Simorgh, developed by the Iranian Ministry of Defence. It has also created a new national record by lifting a combined payload weight of 300 kilogram (kg), showcasing its ability to handle complex, multi-payload missions.
About Saman-1:
i.It is designed and developed by technicians from the Iranian Space Research Centre (ISRC).
ii.It is a space tug, which aims to boost satellites in LEO up to higher orbits such as geosynchronous orbit.
iii.This would eliminate the requirement for larger launch vehicles and reduce the cost of fuels. It was 1st test-launched in 2022.
About Fakhr-1 Satellite:
i.It is a communication satellite, designed and developed by the Iranian Army in collaboration with SA Iran Corporation, and Tehran (Iran)-based Malek Ashtar University of Technology.
- It is named after the Iranian scientist, Dr. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh.
ii.The satellite has a 3 cubic units (3U) size and weighs less than 10 kg.
iii.Its main objective is to validate the ability of the Simorgarh rocket’s second stage to deploy various satellites.
iv.It is equipped with key subsystems which include: the energy management, radio communications, central computer, power, and flight dynamics.
- Most of these subsystems were developed indigenously and launched for the 1st time.
About Iran:
President- Masoud Pezeshkian
Capital – Tehran
Currency- Iranian Rial (IRR)
OBITUARY
Former Karnataka CM & Padma Vibhushan Awardee Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna passed away On December 10 2024, Somanahalli Mallaiah(SM) Krishna, former Chief Minister (CM) of Karnataka and former Governor of Maharashtra passed away at the age of 92 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was born on May 1 ,1932 in Somanahalli, Mysore(Karnataka).
- In 2023, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan, the 2nd highest civilian award of India, in recognition of his contributions to Indian politics.
About SM Krishna:
i.SM Krishna began his political career in 1962 by winning the Maddur Vidhana Sabha seat as an independent, defeating K.V. Shankar Gowda.
ii.From 1971–2014, he served as a Member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and represented Karnataka’s Mandya constituency.
iii..He held the position of Speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly between 1989–1993 and served as Deputy Chief Minister (DyCM) of Karnataka from 1993 to 1994.
iv.He served as the 10th CM of Karnataka from 1999 to 2004 and led the state during which he laid the foundation for Bengaluru’s emergence as an Information Technology (IT) hub.
v.He also served as the 19th Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008 and also the Union Minister of External Affairs under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government from 2009–2012.
vi.He later joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in March 2017 after ending a 50 year long career in Indian National Congress (INC).
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime 2024 – December 9The United Nations (UNs) International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime is annually observed across the globe on 9th December to mark the adoption of the “Genocide Convention” which focuses on the Prevention and punishment of Genocide, and to honour the victims of Genocide.
- 9th December 2024 marks the 76th anniversary of the “Genocide Convention”, the first human rights treaty adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Background:
i.On 11th September 2015, the UNGA adopted a resolution A/RES/69/323, designated 9th December of each year as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
ii.The first observance of the day was on 9th December 2015.
>> Read Full News
International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 – December 9The United Nations (UN)’s International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is annually observed across the globe on 9th December aims to spread awareness about the negative impacts of corruption and the role of the UN Convention on combating and preventing corruption.
- The day highlights the role of everyone including, Individuals, non-governmental organisations (NGO), law enforcement and media persons in tackling the issues of corruption.
- The theme of IACD 2024 is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow’s Integrity”.
Background:
i.On 31 October 2003, the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted the United Nations Convention against Corruption and requested that the Secretary-General designate the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as the secretariat for the Convention’s Conference of States Parties (resolution 58/4).
ii.The UNGA also designated 9 December as IACD, to raise awareness of corruption and of the role of the Convention in combating and preventing it.
iii.The Convention entered into force in December 2005.
About United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC):
Director General(DG)- Ghada Fathi Waly
Headquarters- Vienna, Austria
Established-1997
>> Read Full News
Human Rights Day 2024 – December 10The United Nations (UN)’s Human Rights Day (HRD), also known as International or World Human Rights Day, is annually observed on 10th December worldwide to raise awareness about human rights, transcending distinctions of race, colour, religion, gender, origin, or status.
- 2024 celebrates the 76th anniversary of the UDHR, alongside the 31st anniversary of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
- The theme of HRD 2024 is “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now”
Events in India:
i.On 10th December 2024, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) hosted a program at the Plenary Hall of Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi to mark HRD, with President Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest.
- The event was followed by a National Conference on ‘Mental Well-being: Navigating Stress from Classroom to Workplace.’
ii.The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) released three publications, including Hindi and English journals with scholarly articles on human rights issues by experts, and a book titled ‘Advisories’ issued by the NHRC to protect human rights.
iii.The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), organized the three-week “Hamara Shauchalay: Hamara Samman” (HSHS) campaign, launched on World Toilet Day (November 19) and ending on December 10.
Background:
i.On 4 December 1950, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/423 (V) and declared the 10th December of every year as HRD.
ii.The first-ever HRD was observed on 10th December 1950.
About the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC):
UNHRC is an intergovernmental body within the UN system, consisting of 47 members, with the mission to promote and protect human rights worldwide.
President– Omar Zniber
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established – 2006
>> Read Full News
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