10th December 2024 current affairs

National news

SC Grants Permanent Commission to Woman Army Officer

On December 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of India granted a permanent commission to Lt. Col. (a woman officer in the Army Dental Corps) who had been unfairly denied benefits given to her male counterparts. The Court’s decision underscores its commitment to promoting gender equality in the armed forces.

• Background: The appellant, a commissioned officer since 2008, was denied a third chance to apply for a permanent commission, unlike other officers in similar positions. While the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) had granted age relaxation to others, the appellant was excluded due to her non-participation in a previous case. The Court ruled that this exclusion was discriminatory and set aside the AFT’s decision.
• Court’s Observations: The Court emphasized that the appellant, being in a similar situation to her counterparts, should have automatically received the same benefits, including age relaxation. It referred to previous rulings, such as Amrit Lal Berry vs. Collector of Central Excise and K.I. Shephard vs. Union of India, stating that citizens should not be deprived of benefits that were extended to others in similar circumstances. The Court also pointed out that the government should have implemented these benefits without needing further legal intervention.
• Impact on Women in the Armed Forces: This ruling is part of a broader movement to ensure permanent commissions for all women in the Army. In a similar ruling from February 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to grant permanent commissions to all female officers. The Court further ordered the government to comply with this directive by January 2025, emphasizing the need for timely implementation.

International news

Merriam-Webster Picks Polarization As Word of the Year 2024

Merriam-Webster has chosen polarization as the 2024 Word of the Year, reflecting a year defined by deep societal, cultural, and political divides. The word was selected based on a significant increase in searches and usage, capturing the growing tension and extremism across various domains in 2024.

Definition of Polarization:

• Meaning: Polarization refers to causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings, often leading to extremes rather than consensus.
• Implication: It highlights a shift towards opposing extremes and a challenge in finding middle ground.

Context in 2024:

• U.S. Presidential Election: The contentious race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump underscored the deep political divides, with voters expressing heightened concerns over ideological extremes.
• Broader Usage: The term was widely applied to describe divides in political ideologies, race relations, and societal issues, emphasizing the growing difficulty in bridging opposing views.

Cultural Usage: Polarization was also used in discussions on pop culture, such as controversies over Taylor Swift’s private jet use and the Olympics. Debates on celebrity memes, tech trends, and nepo baby discussions further illustrated this divide.

Historical Perspective: The term polarization has roots in the early 1800s, initially used in scientific contexts before being adopted to describe societal divides.

Top 10 Words of 2024:

1. Polarization
2. Demure
3. Fortnight
4. Totality
5. Resonate
6. Allision
7. Weird
8. Cognitive
9. Pander
10. Democracy

Dubai Breaks Record with World’s Largest Gold Bar, Weighing Over 300 KG

On December 7-8, 2024, Dubai unveiled the world’s largest gold bar, setting a new Guinness World Record. Weighing 300.12 kg (661 lb 10 oz) and valued at approximately $25 million (₹211 crore), the gold bar was created by the Emirates Minting Factory. The crafting process took 8 to 10 hours, with the bar adhering to Guinness standards.

Record-Breaking Gold Bar:

• Weight & Value: The bar weighs 300.12 kg and is valued at ₹211 crore ($25 million).
• Craftsmanship: Created by the Emirates Minting Factory, it took 8-10 hours to complete.
• Symbol of Excellence: This achievement highlights Dubai’s position as a global leader in the precious metals industry.

Public Display at Dubai Gold Souk Extension:

• The gold bar was displayed in a glass case outside the Emirates Minting Factory shop at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension.
• The public gathered in large numbers to capture photos and view the bar up close, making the event a historic moment for many.

Gold Market Context:

• Gold prices in India remained steady at ₹79,150 per 10 grams (99.5% purity).
• Dubai continues to lead in the global gold market, setting high standards for craftsmanship and trade.

Visitor Experience: The display of the world-record gold bar at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for visitors to see this monumental creation. The event solidified Dubai’s reputation as a luxury and trade hub.

State news

Bihar’s Sex Ratio Drops to 882: Government Acts Against Female Foeticide

Bihar has seen a concerning decline in its sex ratio at birth (SRB), now at 882 females per 1,000 males, down from 894 in 2022-23. This places the state among the worst performers in India regarding child gender ratio. In response, the state government has taken urgent action to address the issue, with a focus on enforcing the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act and launching awareness campaigns to combat female foeticide and improve gender equality.

Critical Statistics and Government Response:

• Decline in SRB: Bihar’s SRB has worsened, with specific areas like Vaishali, Bhojpur, and Saran showing the sharpest declines.
• Government Initiatives: The state has committed to stricter enforcement of the PC-PNDT Act and is implementing the Mukhyamantri Kanya Utthan Yojna, a comprehensive scheme aimed at supporting a girl child from birth through education, and promoting gender equality.
• Ministerial Commitment: Health Minister Mangal Pandey emphasized that female foeticide is both a moral and social issue, urging the community to value daughters equally to sons.

Awareness Campaigns and Law Enforcement:

• The government is prioritizing community engagement and mindset changes through mass awareness campaigns to celebrate the birth of girls.
• District-level Enforcement: District magistrates have been directed by the social welfare department to ensure strict adherence to the PC-PNDT Act, particularly in districts with significant SRB declines like Vaishali and Bhojpur.
• Key Officials’ Remarks: Additional Chief Secretary Harjot Kaur Bamhrah stressed the need for widespread sensitization to save the girl child and foster a cultural shift towards gender parity.

Bihar’s government is focusing on both law enforcement and community awareness to address the alarming drop in its sex ratio at birth and to prevent further gender imbalances in the state.

Bihar:

• Capital: Patna
• Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
• Governor: Rajendra Arlekar

PM Modi Launches LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana for Women Empowerment

On December 8, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana, a transformative initiative by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) aimed at empowering women by integrating them into the insurance sector. The scheme focuses on training and enrolling women as career agents, providing them with financial independence and contributing to societal welfare.

Key Features of Bima Sakhi Yojana:

• Eligibility and Scope: The program is open to women aged 18-70, who have completed at least the 10th grade. LIC will offer training and financial support for three years to enable them to become successful career agents.
• Earnings and Opportunities: Women enrolled in the program are expected to earn an average of ₹15,000 monthly by selling approximately 24 policies annually.
• Financial Assistance: Selected candidates will receive stipends over three years—₹7,000 in the first year, ₹6,000 in the second year, and ₹5,000 in the third year—along with commissions based on their sales.

Socio-Economic Impact:

• The scheme aligns with key government initiatives such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao and Lakhpati Didi, promoting financial inclusion and social security for women.
• By empowering women as insurance agents, the program aims to strengthen household incomes, promote gender equality, and expand LIC’s reach into underserved areas, especially in rural regions.

Market and Policy Context:

• LIC’s Investment: LIC’s Chairman, Siddhartha Mohanty, announced an initial investment of ₹840 crores in the scheme’s first year, expecting a significant increase in premium income.
• Regulatory Reforms: With reforms allowing 100% FDI in insurance, LIC’s market share has grown from 58.50% to 61.07% during April-September 2024, strengthening its position in the industry.

Future Goals:

• The initiative aims to integrate at least one Bima Sakhi in every panchayat, thereby ensuring social security coverage for all.
• After the contract term, women trained under the program will have the opportunity to become permanent LIC agents, contributing to their long-term empowerment and broader national development.

The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a significant step towards the financial empowerment of women, aiming to transform the insurance sector and improve women’s socio-economic status across India.

Haryana:

• Capital: Chandigarh
• Chief minister: Nayab Singh Saini
• Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya

Defence news

INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy

INS Tushil, a Russian-built guided missile frigate, was officially commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 8, 2024, at Kaliningrad, Russia. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officials, marking a significant milestone in India-Russia naval cooperation.

Key Highlights:

• A Milestone in Naval Cooperation: The commissioning of INS Tushil underscores the growing strength of India’s naval capabilities, particularly in response to the increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.
• Part of Strategic Deal: INS Tushil is the first ship in a series of four stealth frigates under a 2016 deal between India and Russia, valued at USD 2.5 billion. This deal aims to bolster India’s maritime power.

Collaboration between India and Russia:

• Technology Integration: INS Tushil is an upgraded version of the Krivak III-class frigate under Project 1135.6, and incorporates 26% indigenous content. It features advanced technologies developed by Indian defense firms, including BrahMos Aerospace and Bharat Electronics.
• Strategic Significance: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized that this collaboration strengthens technological excellence between India and Russia, with future focus areas including artificial intelligence (AI), cyber security, and counter-terrorism.

INS Tushil’s Operational Capabilities:

• Specifications: The frigate weighs 3,900 tonnes and measures 125 meters in length, designed to provide enhanced stealth and stability.
• Strategic Role: INS Tushil will significantly enhance India’s naval capacity, enabling it to address increasing regional threats. The ship’s advanced design and capabilities will reinforce India’s maritime defense and ensure the security of critical trade routes in the Indian Ocean and key global maritime corridors.

INS Tushil’s commissioning marks an important step in strengthening India’s defense ties with Russia and significantly enhances the Indian Navy’s operational readiness in the face of growing regional maritime challenges.

Indian Navy: General Knowledge

• Founded Year: The Indian Navy was founded on October 2, 1934, as the Royal Indian Navy under the British colonial government. After India gained independence in 1947, it was renamed the Indian Navy.
• Current Head: The current Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) of the Indian Navy is Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, who took office on November 30, 2021.

Award news

Payal Kapadia’s Landmark Golden Globe Nomination

Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia has made history by becoming the first Indian director to receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director (Motion Picture). Her critically acclaimed film All We Imagine As Light has not only earned her this prestigious nomination but also a nod for Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language) at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. These historic nominations reflect the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and Kapadia’s exceptional talent as a storyteller.

Historic Golden Globe Nominations:

• Best Director (Motion Picture): Payal Kapadia becomes the first Indian director ever to be nominated for this prestigious category.
• Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language): All We Imagine As Light is also nominated for this category, showcasing its international appeal.

About the Film:

• All We Imagine As Light is an Indo-French co-production featuring actors Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, and Hridhu Haroon.
• The film tells the story of Prabha, a nurse grappling with personal struggles, and her roommate Anu, as they explore their desires during trip to a beach town.
• The film made history as the first Indian entry in the Cannes Film Festival competition section in 30 years and won the prestigious Grand Prix award.

Other Prestigious Awards:

• Best International Film at the New York Film Critics Circle.
• Best International Feature at the Gotham Awards 2024.

Golden Globe Best Director Nominees:

• Jacques Audiard for Emilia Perez.
• Sean Baker for Anora.
• Edward Berger for Conclave.
• Brady Corbet for The Brutalist.
• Coralie Fargeat for The Substance.

Telugu Woman Banker Honored as Rising Star in Banking 2024

Bharati Kolli, a 43-year-old woman from Vizianagaram district in Andhra Pradesh, has been honored as one of the Rising Star Women Leaders of Banking for 2024 by the prestigious women’s group, Women We Admire. This recognition highlights her outstanding contributions to the banking sector, particularly in the field of data management.

Currently serving as the Director of the Data Management Office at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) at its New York headquarters, Bharati Kolli’s expertise and leadership in data management have earned her significant accolades. Her work continues to inspire many, reinforcing her position as a trailblazer in the banking and financial services industry.

Career and Achievements

• Bharati Kolli is acknowledged for her expertise in data and analytics, specializing in finance, operations, risk, and regulatory compliance.
• She has worked with several Fortune 100 clients, developing solutions that enhance growth, cost savings, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
• Bharati has demonstrated strategic thinking and leadership in her role, excelling in client-facing roles and managing communications with C-suite executives.
• Her journey includes over 10 years of experience in big-4 management consulting, where she led significant data initiatives for mid-to-large-sized financial institutions.
• She played a key role in fostering a data-driven culture within financial institutions.

Important days

World Human Rights Day 2024: Date, History, Significance & Theme

World Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10, serving as a powerful reminder of the global commitment to uphold equality, freedom, and human dignity. Human rights form the foundation of a fair and just society, acting as a preventative, protective, and transformative force for good. On this day, individuals, communities, and nations come together to reaffirm their dedication to building a better, more equitable future.

History of World Human Rights Day:

The history of World Human Rights Day is deeply tied to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.

• Adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR):
• On December 10, 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the UDHR, marking a significant milestone in the global pursuit of justice and equality. This declaration is the first comprehensive global statement of human rights, outlining fundamental freedoms to which every person is entitled, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.
• Official Recognition of Human Rights Day:
• The UN General Assembly formally established Human Rights Day on December 4, 1950, through Resolution 423 (V). This resolution invited member states and organizations to celebrate the day in a manner that they felt was most appropriate. The purpose of this day is to honor the adoption of the UDHR and remind the world of its collective responsibility to uphold these human rights principles.

World Human Rights Day 2024 Theme: The theme for World Human Rights Day 2024 is:
“Our rights, our future, right now.”

This theme emphasizes the urgency of protecting human rights and ensuring that every person, regardless of their background, can access the rights and freedoms guaranteed under international law. It calls for collective action to safeguard human rights in the present and shape a better future for all.

Sports news

Aarit Kapil: Young Chess Prodigy Makes History by Defeating a Grandmaster

Aarit Kapil, a 9-year-old chess prodigy from Delhi, has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster (GM). In a thrilling game during the ninth round of the KIIT International Open Tournament, Aarit triumphed over Raset Ziatdinov, a 66-year-old Grandmaster from the United States. Aarit achieved this feat at the remarkable age of 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days, setting a national record and becoming the third-youngest player globally to defeat a Grandmaster under classical time control.

Historical Context:

• Youngest Indian to Beat a GM: Aarit is now the youngest Indian to ever defeat a chess Grandmaster.
• Global Ranking: He is the third-youngest player globally to defeat a GM under classical time control.
• World Record Holder: The current world record holder for the youngest player to defeat a GM is Ashwath Kaushik, an Indian-origin chess player from Singapore, who achieved this at 8 years, 6 months.

The Game Against Raset Ziatdinov:

• Opponent’s Profile: Ziatdinov, although a seasoned Grandmaster, was 66 years old and past his competitive prime.

Game Dynamics:

• Opening Phase: Ziatdinov initially held a positional advantage, using a better pawn structure.
• Aarit’s Resilience: Despite being in a slightly disadvantageous position, Aarit displayed incredible resilience and strategic thinking.
• The Turning Point: After 63 moves, Ziatdinov made a critical error, losing a knight.
• Aarit’s Capitalization: Aarit seized the opportunity, converting the mistake into a decisive advantage, and won the game.

Kush Maini Makes History with F2 Constructors’ Championship Win

Kush Maini, an Indian racing driver, made history by becoming the first Indian to win the FIA Formula 2 (F2) Constructors’ World Championship. This monumental victory was secured with Invicta Racing and marked the culmination of a remarkable year for Maini, who also made history earlier by becoming the first Indian to claim an F2 pole position.

Key Highlights of Maini’s F2 Championship Success:

1. Historic Firsts for India:

1. First Indian to Win F2 Constructors’ Championship: Maini’s victory with Invicta Racing was a groundbreaking achievement in Indian motorsport.
2. First Indian to Secure an F2 Pole Position: Earlier in the season, Maini made history by becoming the first Indian to claim a pole position in the F2 series.
3. Maini’s Contribution to Invicta Racing’s Success:

2. Maini’s strong performances played a crucial role in Invicta Racing’s title win, with five podium finishes and a race victory in Hungary.
3. His consistency and pivotal contributions were essential in securing the Constructors’ Championship for Invicta Racing, who finished the season with a 34.5-point lead over Campos Racing, Maini’s former team.
4. Season Performance and Key Moments:

3. Despite facing several challenges throughout the season, Maini demonstrated resilience and skill, consistently finishing in the points.
4. He secured five podiums throughout the season, including a memorable victory in Hungary.
5. Pole Position in Jeddah: One of his standout achievements was setting a pole position at the Jeddah Grand Prix, which helped set the stage for Invicta Racing’s dominant campaign.

Maini’s achievement not only highlights his talent and determination but also strengthens India’s presence in the global motorsport arena. His success serves as an inspiration for future Indian drivers aspiring to make their mark in Formula racing.