Current Affairs 07 & 08 December 2024

Current Affairs 07 & 08 December 2024

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1. R Prasad Meena appointed as Director General in National Human Rights Commission
Senior IPS officer R. Prasad Meena has been appointed as the Director General (Investigation) in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), according to an order from the Personnel Ministry. A 1993-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, Meena currently serves as the Special Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF). His tenure as Director General (Investigation) in the NHRC will continue until his retirement on July 31, 2025, the order stated.
Foot notes:
  • Leadership Role: As Director General, R Prasad Meena will play a crucial role in leading the National Human Rights Commission's efforts to protect and promote human rights in India.¹
  • Investigation Division: Meena will likely oversee the Investigation Division, which is responsible for investigating human rights violations and recommending actions to the government.
  • Experience and Expertise: Although Meena's background and experience are not specified, his appointment suggests that he has the necessary expertise and experience to lead the Commission's work.
  • Collaboration with Other Officials: Meena will work closely with other officials, including the Secretary General, Bharat Lal, and the Registrar (Law), Joginder Singh, to ensure the effective functioning of the Commission.
  • Challenges Ahead: As Director General, Meena will face significant challenges, including addressing human rights violations, promoting awareness about human rights, and ensuring the Commission's recommendations are implemented by the government.
2. Hyderabad girl Diya Loka won The Diana Award for 2024
Diya Loka, an ardent environmentalist and founder of E-Cycle, has been honoured with The Diana Award for 2024. This prestigious accolade, named in memory of Princess Diana, recognizes young individuals for their outstanding contributions to social action and humanitarian efforts. Supported by The Duke of Cambridge and The Duke of Sussex, the award is regarded as one of the highest honours a young person can achieve.
Foot notes:
  • Seventeen-year-old Diya Loka is committed to combating e-waste, a critical environmental issue, through impactful local and global awareness campaigns.
  • At the age of 14, she founded E-Cycle, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and collecting electronic waste, with a primary focus on Hyderabad.
  • Her efforts have resulted in the collection of over 10,000 kilograms of e-waste and the mentoring of more than 5,000 individuals.
  • E-Cycle has evolved into a global movement, engaging hundreds of young change makers worldwide.
  • Diya's work has gained national recognition, earning sponsorships from prominent organizations such as Meta, The Wall Street Journal, and SOIF Futures.
  • She has collaborated with renowned institutions like CIE, IIIT, and Recykal, contributing to projects focused on advocacy and digital marketing for environmental causes.
About Hyderabad:
Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
Mayor: Gadwal Vijayalakshmi
3. Bangladesh won U19 Asia Cup
Defending champions Bangladesh clinched the ACC U19 Men’s Asia Cup title by defeating India by 59 runs in the final held in Dubai. Set a target of 199, India, led by Mohamed Amman, was bowled out for 139 with over 14 overs remaining. Bangladesh's bowlers, Iqbal Hossain Emon and Azizul Hakim, were instrumental in the victory, claiming three wickets each. Earlier, after being put into bat, Bangladesh posted a total of 198, thanks to key contributions from Mohammad Shihab James (40), Rizan Hossan (47), and Farid Hasan (39). 
Foot notes:
  • The ACC Men’s Under-19 Asia Cup, established by the Asian Cricket Council in 1989, showcases the best young talent from Asian nations.
  • Over its 11 editions, the tournament has become a key platform for emerging cricketers, with the latest edition concluding in Dubai on Sunday.
  • India is the most successful team in the competition’s history, having won eight of the 10 previous tournaments.
  • India missed the final only twice, in 2017 and 2023.
  • Bangladesh claimed their maiden title in 2023 by defeating the United Arab Emirates in the final, held in Dubai.
  • The young Tigers are on the brink of a second consecutive title, defeating India in the 2024 final by 59 runs.
  • Batting first, Bangladesh set a target of 198 runs before delivering a clinical bowling performance to secure the victory.
4. England became 1st team to reach 500,000 Test cricket runs
The England cricket team has been outstanding on their tour of New Zealand, closing in on a dominant series victory. After securing an eight-wicket win in the first Test, they are poised to take an unassailable lead in the series. In the second Test, England built a commanding lead, nearing the 500-run mark. Despite being bowled out for 280 in their first innings, they staged a remarkable comeback by dismissing New Zealand for just 125. The Three Lions are firmly in control, leaving New Zealand with a daunting task ahead.
Foot notes:
  • The Record-Breaking Moment: England reached the 500,000-run milestone in their 1082nd Test match, spanning 147 years, with 18,900 individual innings played. They have now scored a total of 500,126 runs in Test cricket.
  • England's Dominance: The team's achievement is a testament to their dominance in Test cricket. They have been playing the format for nearly a century and a half, with their first Test match dating back to 1877.
  • Top Run-Scorers: England is followed closely by Australia, who have scored 428,794 runs in Test cricket, and India, who have scored 278,700 runs.²
  • Most Centuries: England also holds the record for the most centuries in Test cricket, with 929 centuries scored by their batsmen. Australia is second on this list, with 892 centuries.
  • A Historic Achievement: England's achievement is a historic moment for the sport, marking a significant milestone in the team's illustrious cricketing history.
5. Harish Duhan selected as CMD of SECL
Harish Duhan holds a Bachelor's degree in Mining from Nagpur University, a First Class Mine Manager Certificate, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management. He joined Coal India in 1989, starting his career with Western Coalfields Limited (WCL). The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) has recommended Harish Duhan for the position of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Schedule ‘B’ Central PSU. 
Foot notes:
  • Expertise in implementing First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects, digitization initiatives, and developing solar projects for Coal India.
  • Area General Manager of the Nigahi Project under Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL).
  • General Manager of the Corporate Project Planning Department at NCL, a Coal India subsidiary.
  • The management, officers, and employees of South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) have congratulated him on his selection as CMD.
  • Duhan was selected for the position of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of SECL by the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB).
  • His appointment is subject to necessary clearances and approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and will take effect after the retirement of P.S. Mishra on January 31, 2025.
6. Shammi Silva Takes Over as ACC President
Shammi Silva of Sri Lanka has assumed the role of President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), succeeding India’s Jay Shah, who recently took over as Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC).  On behalf of the ACC, Silva expressed deep appreciation for Shah’s outstanding leadership and significant contributions during his tenure.  Silva’s tenure comes at a crucial juncture, with the ACC focusing on the upcoming Asia Cup and working to solidify Asia’s standing as a global cricket powerhouse. 
Foot notes:
  • New Leadership: Silva, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket, assumed the presidency of the ACC on December 6, 2024, and will lead the organization in promoting and developing cricket in Asia.
  • Silva expressed his delight at being appointed, stating that it's a great honour to lead the ACC and that he looks forward to working closely with all member nations to elevate the game.
  • Silva aims to build on the successes of his predecessor, Jay Shah, who achieved remarkable milestones during his tenure, including securing high-value commercial rights for ACC Asia Cup tournaments and introducing a new pathway events structure.
  • As ACC President, Silva will face challenges such as addressing the evolving landscape of Asian cricket and ensuring the continent's continued dominance in the global cricketing scene.
  • Silva brings valuable experience and expertise to the role, having served as the chairman of the ACC Finance & Marketing Committee before being appointed as President.
7. Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo appointed as Burkina Faso’s PM
Burkina Faso's ruling military junta appointed a new prime minister a day after dissolving the government without offering an explanation. Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, who previously served as the communications minister and government spokesperson, has been appointed to the role. In Ghana, the ruling party's presidential candidate conceded defeat in Saturday's election. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan carried out a cabinet reshuffle. 
Foot notes:
  • Ouedraogo's appointment comes after President Traore terminated the duties of the previous Prime Minister, Apollinaire Joachimson Kyelem de Tambela, and dissolved the government.¹
  • Before becoming the Prime Minister, Ouedraogo served as the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
  • The appointment was announced through a presidential decree read out on public television by the General Secretary of the government, Mathias Traore.
  • Ouedraogo's appointment marks a new chapter in Burkina Faso's governance, and it will be interesting to see how he navigates the country's challenges.
  • As the new Prime Minister, Ouedraogo will play a crucial role in shaping Burkina Faso's relationships with other countries and international organizations.
8. Australian lender ANZ names former HSBC wealth chief Nuno Matos as CEO
Australian lender ANZ Group announced on Monday the appointment of Nuno Matos, a former HSBC executive, as its new CEO. He will succeed Shayne Elliott, who is set to retire in July 2025 after serving nine years in the role.  Matos, 57, brings 30 years of experience in retail, commercial, and wholesale banking. He most recently served as the CEO of Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC, leaving the bank in August after losing out on the CEO position. 
 
Foot notes:
  • Matos will succeed Shayne Elliott, who is retiring after a nine-year tenure as CEO of ANZ.
  • Matos has over 30 years of experience in retail, commercial, and wholesale banking, having worked in various markets, including Hong Kong, the UK, the US, Spain, France, Brazil, Mexico, and Peru.
  • Before joining ANZ, Matos held senior roles at HSBC, including CEO of HSBC Bank plc and HSBC Europe, where he oversaw the transformation of its European business.
  • ANZ Chairman Paul O'Sullivan believes Matos' experience in leading bank transformations and integrations will be beneficial to the company, particularly with its recent acquisition of Suncorp Bank.
  • Matos will receive a $2.5 million fixed remuneration per annum, along with a short-term variable remuneration target of 80% of fixed remuneration and a long-term variable remuneration annual maximum opportunity at 135% of fixed remuneration
9. SECI Won PSU Transformation Award for Innovation
The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), a government-owned entity under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has been honored with the 3rd PSU Transformation Award in the “Innovative Product Development” category. This recognition was awarded for their innovative model of providing "Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) Supply to DISCOMs on a Demand Following Basis." The award was presented during a ceremony held on December 5, 2024, in New Delhi.
Foot notes:
  • Award Recognition: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has won the 3rd PSU Transformation Award for "Innovative Product Development".
  • Innovative Initiatives: SECI was recognized for its innovative initiatives in developing new products and services, which have helped to promote the growth of renewable energy in India.
  • Renewable Energy Solutions: SECI has been at the forefront of developing innovative renewable energy solutions, including solar, wind, and hybrid power projects.
  • Government's Renewable Energy Goals: SECI's innovative product development has helped to support the government's ambitious renewable energy goals, which aim to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in India's energy mix.
  • Industry Recognition: The award is a testament to SECI's commitment to innovation and excellence in the renewable energy sector, and recognizes its position as a leader in the industry.
10. International Civil Aviation Day observed on 7th December
International Civil Aviation Day (ICAD) is observed annually on December 7 to recognize the significant role of civil aviation in global development. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, the day emphasizes the crucial contribution of aviation to economic growth, cultural exchange, and worldwide connectivity. ICAD was first celebrated in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Chicago Convention, a pivotal agreement that established international aviation standards.
Foot notes:
  • Promote Aviation's Role: Recognize aviation’s critical role in global trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
  • Highlight Sustainability: Emphasize efforts to minimize aviation’s environmental impact, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
  • Encourage Innovation: Inspire advancements in aviation technology, safety, and operational efficiency.
  • Foster Global Cooperation: Strengthen international partnerships to establish unified aviation standards and practices.
  • Acknowledge Contributions: Appreciate the dedication of aviation professionals, including pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and regulatory authorities.
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