Current Affairs - December 9, 2024 Current Affairs

Gorakhpur will host India’s first Integrated Waste Management City-cum-Learning Centre by September 2025. Situated in Suthni village, Sahjanwa, the 40-acre facility will process 700 tons of waste daily, transforming dry and wet waste into charcoal and Bio-CNG. This initiative is backed by a ₹300 crore investment from NTPC, reflecting a significant step toward sustainable waste management and energy generation.

The United Kingdom joined the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) alongside the US and Bahrain. This agreement aims to enhance regional maritime security and navigation safety through initiatives like the Geospatial Acceleration Initiative, utilizing U.S. expertise. The UK's participation builds on its £1 billion Strategic Investment Partnership with Bahrain, reinforcing collaboration on securing vital maritime corridors.

Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), a prominent leader in India’s shipbuilding and ship repair industry, won two awards at the 3rd PSU Transformation Awards 2024. The awards, received for innovative advancements in maritime technology, recognized HSL’s pioneering fender arrangement in Tugs for Submarines and its innovative method for installing Retractable Thrusters in Diving Support Vessels. These accolades highlight HSL's commitment to technological excellence and its significant contributions to the shipbuilding industry.

India provided 2,200 metric tonnes of rice to Myanmar as part of its humanitarian assistance efforts. This initiative reflects India's commitment to its ‘Act East’ and ‘Neighbourhood First’ policies, aiming to support Myanmar amid its severe challenges. Myanmar remains the deadliest country for landmine casualties, with 1,052 civilian casualties in 2023, including 20% children, underlining the significance of India's support to its neighbouring country.

HDFC SKY is a youth-targeted investment plan designed for individuals under 25. It offers zero brokerage across all segments for the first year and a suite of financial tools for ₹499 annually. Key features include SKY Learn, research-backed advisory services, and advanced analytical tools to promote financial literacy and market confidence among young investors. This initiative aims to empower youth with essential financial knowledge and investment capabilities.

Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, declared Damascus liberated, marking the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government and ending the 54-year Assad dynasty. This dynasty started in 1971 under Hafez al-Assad and continued with Bashar al-Assad's 24-year rule. The event signifies a major shift in Syria's political landscape, with Bashar al-Assad's whereabouts remaining uncertain amid changing geopolitical dynamics.

International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on December 9 to raise awareness about the damaging effects of corruption. The day highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance and society. Designated by the United Nations in 2003, this day encourages global efforts to prevent and combat corruption, emphasizing the role of youth in shaping a corruption-free future. The 2024 theme focuses on youth engagement in fostering integrity and promoting a just society.

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat and the Revenue Secretary, has been appointed as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). A 1990-batch IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, he succeeds Shaktikanta Das. Malhotra brings over three decades of experience across diverse sectors such as finance, taxation, power, IT, and mining. His extensive background in policy reforms, fiscal health, and sectoral leadership positions him as a strong choice for this key position in India’s financial governance.

The International Conclave 2024 on "Insolvency Resolution: Evolution & Global Perspective" was hosted in New Delhi by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) in collaboration with INSOL India. The event included key discussions led by RBI Deputy Governor M. Rajeshwar Rao on the IBC's impact on bank asset quality and IBBI Chairperson Ravi Mital's insights into mediation and creditor-led insolvency resolutions, reflecting on global practices and evolving mechanisms.

The Rising Rajasthan Investment Summit, inaugurated by PM Modi, centred around the theme "Replete, Responsible, Ready." The three-day event emphasized 12 key sectors, including water security, sustainable mining, tourism, and women-led startups. With eight country sessions featuring global participants, the summit aimed to enhance water management, trade, and tourism, supporting Rajasthan’s ambitious goal of doubling its economy with investments of ₹30 lakh crore.

The UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report 2024 highlights India's rise to 185 billionaires, marking a 20% increase from 153 in 2023. This positions India third globally in billionaire count, following the US and China. The growth reflects India's thriving family-owned businesses and emerging sectors such as pharmaceuticals, edtech, and fintech. Over the past decade, billionaire wealth in India has surged by 263%, underlining the nation's economic dynamism.

Bangladesh emerged victorious in the U19 Asia Cup Final against India by 59 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. Despite India's historical success in the tournament, they fell short of the 199-run target set by Bangladesh, leading to the latter successfully defending their title. This win highlighted Bangladesh's strong performance in the competition.

Rahul Narwekar, a BJP MLA, was elected unopposed as the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker after the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) decided not to file a nomination. This election took place ahead of the trust vote for the Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government. The Mahayuti alliance, which includes BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP factions, holds a significant majority with 230 seats in the 288-member Assembly.