Current Affairs - December 26, 2024 Current Affairs

Amitava Chatterjee, previously serving as Deputy Managing Director at State Bank of India, has been appointed as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of J&K Bank. He will succeed Baldev Prakash, whose term concludes on December 29, 2024. Chatterjee's tenure as MD & CEO will span three years, beginning December 30, 2024.

The Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships took place in Doha, Qatar, where Indian weightlifter Parv Chaudhary secured two bronze medals in the 96 kg category. His achievements included a bronze in the clean and jerk and another in the total lift, with a combined weight of 303 kilograms. India’s overall performance at the event resulted in a medal tally of 12, including 3 gold, 4 silver, and 5 bronze medals.

The 86th edition of the Senior National Badminton Championships was held in Bengaluru. M Raghu (Karnataka) secured the Men's Singles title, while Devika Sihag (Haryana) triumphed in the Women's Singles category. The event also featured winners in Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, showcasing exceptional talent across various categories.

Maia Sandu was sworn in as President of Moldova for her second term on December 24, 2024, following her re-election in the November 2024 Moldovan presidential elections. Her priorities include European integration, national security, and economic growth, alongside a call for active citizen involvement in achieving these goals.

Madhya Pradesh has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal as a "Go-To Global Destination for 2025" due to its rich heritage, stunning wildlife, and natural beauty. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 9 Tiger Reserves, and cultural landmarks like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, the state has become a hub for tourism. The MP Tourism Board's active international promotion further enhances its appeal as a top global travel destination.

Arunish Chawla, a 1992-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary in the Ministry of Finance. He succeeds Ajay Seth and will also continue to be in additional charge of the Ministry of Culture. Chawla’s extensive career includes pivotal roles in economic policy, public administration, and infrastructure development, such as managing Patna Metro Rail Corporation and serving as joint secretary in the Finance Ministry’s Expenditure Department. His appointment aligns with the government’s focus on implementing tax reforms, digital transformation, and fiscal policy reviews.

Veer Bal Diwas is observed annually on December 26 to honour the martyrdom of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh, the young sons of Guru Gobind Singh. At the ages of nine and seven, they chose death over renouncing their faith under the tyranny of Wazir Khan, Governor of Sirhind. This day, instituted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, commemorates their courage and unwavering righteousness, serving as an inspiration for justice and fortitude in the Sikh/Khalsa community and beyond.

The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness is observed annually on December 27 to emphasize the importance of strengthening public health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, this day draws lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, urging global partnerships, education, and resilience in healthcare systems. It serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to address health threats effectively.

Madhya Pradesh is set to translocate 14 tigers to Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha as part of an animal exchange program. These tigers will be relocated from reserves like Bandhavgarh, Panna, Kanha, and Pench, with veterinary supervision to ensure their safety. Additionally, the Centre has approved two new tiger reserves in the state: Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary and Madhav National Park, further emphasizing its commitment to wildlife conservation.

The SVAMITVA Scheme is an initiative by the government to provide a 'Record of Rights' to rural households, enabling them to monetize their properties and access credit facilities. The scheme utilizes drone technology to conduct surveys and create a record of property rights, promoting better village-level planning and economic development. By providing a formal record of property ownership, the scheme aims to empower rural households and improve their overall socio-economic well-being.