“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Human Rights Day 2024

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

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Our rights, our future, right now.”

 “SPORTS”

9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Stuns Chess Grandmaster

Nine-year-old Aarit Kapil, a budding chess prodigy from Delhi, made history by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat a chess Grandmaster. In a thrilling encounter during the ninth round of the KIIT International Open Tournament, Aarit emerged victorious against Raset Ziatdinov, a 66-year-old Grandmaster from the United States. At just 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days old, Aarit not only set a national record but also became the third-youngest player globally to achieve this feat under classical time control.

“DEFENCE”

INS Tushil Commissioned into Indian Navy

INS Tushil, a Russian-built guided missile frigate, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Kaliningrad, Russia, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, and other senior officials. This event marks a significant milestone in India-Russia naval cooperation and highlights the growing maritime strength of India, especially in the face of increasing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Sanjay Malhotra Appointed as New RBI Governor

Sanjay Malhotra, a seasoned bureaucrat and 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, whose tenure ends on 10th December 2024. Malhotra brings over three decades of diverse experience spanning finance, taxation, power, IT, and mining.

 “NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Payal Kapadia’s Landmark Golden Globe Nomination

Payal Kapadia has etched her name in the annals of Indian cinema by becoming the first Indian director to receive a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director (Motion Picture). Her film All We Imagine As Light not only earned her this historic recognition but also secured a nomination for Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language) at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. These nominations underscore the global impact of Indian cinema and Kapadia’s exceptional storytelling.

SC Grants Permanent Commission to Woman Army Officer

On December 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of India exercised its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to grant permanent commission to a woman Army officer, Lt. Col., who had been unfairly excluded from the same benefits extended to her counterparts. This ruling highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure equal opportunities for women in the armed forces, reflecting the Court’s commitment to addressing discrimination based on gender.

Merriam-Webster Picks Polarization As Word of the Year 2024

Merriam-Webster’s announcement of “polarization” as the 2024 Word of the Year underscores a year marked by deep divisions. Chosen based on a rise in searches and usage, the word encapsulates the societal, cultural, and political divides that shaped 2024. From the contentious U.S. presidential election to ongoing ideological clashes, polarization was not only discussed but lived across different spheres. Its broader applications span politics, pop culture, and global events, reflecting the tension between extremes and the difficulty of finding middle ground.

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

Dubai has unveiled the world’s largest gold bar, setting a new Guinness World Record on December 7-8, 2024. Weighing 300.12 kg, the bar is valued at approximately $25 million (Rs.211 crore). Displayed at the Dubai Gold Souk Extension, this monumental gold bar is a symbol of Dubai’s commitment to excellence in the precious metals industry. The Emirates Minting Factory, which crafted the bar, spent 8 to 10 hours creating it, ensuring it met Guinness standards. Visitors were able to capture the historic moment with a photo beside the gold bar, further enhancing Dubai’s status as a global leader in gold and luxury trade.