Current Affairs 10 December 2024

Current Affairs 10 December 2024

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1. Sanjay Malhotra appointed as new RBI Governor
Sanjay Malhotra has been appointed as the new Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Shaktikanta Das, whose term ends on December 10, 2024. Malhotra, a seasoned IAS officer from the Rajasthan cadre, brings over three decades of experience in finance, taxation, and IT. With degrees from IIT Kanpur and Princeton University, his leadership as Revenue Secretary and in other key roles positions him to guide the RBI through transformative times for India's economy.
Foot notes:
  • Malhotra is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Rajasthan cadre.
  • He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and a Master's degree in Public Policy from Princeton University.
  • Malhotra has over 33 years of experience in finance, taxation, and public policy.
  • His experience in fiscal policymaking and tax administration is expected to play a vital role in shaping India's monetary policy.
  • He will need to balance the need to control inflation with the need to support economic growth.
2. Bharati Kolli Recognized as Rising Star Woman Leader in Banking
Bharati Kolli has been recognized as a Rising Star Woman Leader in Banking for 2024. She serves as the Director of the Data Management Office at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the largest bank globally. Kolli has an extensive background in working with Fortune 100 companies, leveraging data intelligence and analytics to create solutions for growth, cost savings, and regulatory compliance. Her contributions are part of an evolving approach to banking that emphasizes innovation and data-driven strategies.
Foot notes:
  • Bharati Kolli has been honored by Women We Admire, a platform that recognizes women leaders in various fields, including banking.
  • Kolli is the Director of the Data Management Office of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China's largest bank and the largest bank in the world.
  • She has worked with several Fortune 100 clients and built solutions that benefit growth, cost savings, risk, and regulatory compliance through data foundations, intelligence, and analytics.
  • Bharati Kolli is a Telugu woman banker who has made a name for herself in the banking industry, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
  • Kolli is one of the many women leaders recognized by Women We Admire as Rising Star Women Leaders of Banking for 2024, a list that includes other notable women in the banking industry.
  • Bharati Kolli's achievement is an inspiration to women in banking and finance, showing them that they too can achieve great things with hard work and dedication.
3. 9-Year-Old Aarit Kapil Creates Chess History
Nine-year-old Aarit Kapil has made history by becoming the youngest chess player to win a national title in India. Competing in the 2024 National Under-9 Chess Championship, Aarit outperformed seasoned young competitors, demonstrating extraordinary strategic skills and maturity beyond his years.  Born in 2015, Aarit has already achieved a peak Elo rating of 1825, which is remarkable for his age. His victory highlights his potential to make a significant impact on the international chess scene as he continues to grow and refine his game.
Foot notes:
  • Aarit Kapil has become the youngest Indian to defeat a Grandmaster, achieving this feat at the age of 9 years, 2 months, and 18 days.
  • He is now the third-youngest player in the world to defeat a Grandmaster, behind Singapore's Ashwath Kaushik and Serbia's Leonid Ivanovic.
  • Aarit Kapil defeated 66-year-old Raset Ziatdinov from the United States in the ninth round of the KIIT Open International tournament.
  • Throughout the match, Aarit showed calm composure and maturity that was way ahead of his age, ultimately capitalizing on Ziatdinov's crucial error to claim the win.
  • Aarit Kapil will next compete in the Under-13 National Championship in Durgapur and the Under-9 National Championships in Pune.
  • This historic win has cemented Aarit Kapil's position as a rising star in the world of chess, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this young prodigy.
4. Devajit Saikia Appointed as BCCI Acting Secretary
Devajit Saikia, currently the joint secretary of the BCCI, has been appointed as the acting secretary following Jay Shah’s assumption of the ICC Chairman role on December 1, 2024. This decision, made by BCCI President Roger Binny, aligns with Clause 7(1)(d) of the BCCI constitution, which allows the president to delegate secretary responsibilities. Saikia, who also serves as the Advocate General of Assam, will hold this role until a permanent appointment is finalized, expected in September 2025.
Foot notes:
  • Saikia hails from Assam and is a former first-class cricketer, having played four matches between 1990 and 1991 as a wicketkeeper-batter.
  • He is currently the BCCI joint secretary and has been appointed as acting secretary by BCCI President Roger Binny in a stop-gap arrangement till a permanent secretary is appointed.
  • Binny used his constitutional powers to appoint Saikia as acting secretary, citing clause 7(1) (d) of the BCCI constitution.
  • Saikia will continue in this role till September next year before the vacancy is permanently filled up.
  • Saikia has also served as the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) and has been a part of the ACA administration since 2016.
  • As acting secretary, Saikia will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activities of the BCCI and ensuring the smooth functioning of the organization.
5. Swede Joakim Alexandersson appointed India women's U-20 and U-17 chief coach
Swedish football coach Joakim Alexandersson has been appointed as the chief coach for the India women’s U-20 and U-17 national teams. This appointment is part of a collaboration between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Swedish Football Association. The AIFF has outlined plans for extensive training camps, exposure matches, and long-term development aimed at improving the country's performance in upcoming tournaments like the Asian Games 2026 and AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
Foot notes:
  • Alexandersson, 48, has an extensive playing career as a defender, mostly for IF Elfsborg, and was a former Sweden U21 international. He began his coaching career as a youth director and coach at IF Elfsborg in 2014, leading multiple youth league titles and player promotions to senior teams.
  • Alexandersson will commence his coaching stint in India with the two-month-long U20 national camp beginning in Bengaluru from December 10, 2024.
  • Four Indian women coaches - Nivetha Ramadoss, Amrutha Aravind, Sradhanjali Samantaray, and Nidhi - along with two goalkeeper coaches, KK Hameed and Dipankar Choudhury, will assist Alexandersson.
  • Two friendly matches between India U20 and Maldives are likely to be played on December 30, 2024, and January 2, 2025.
  • The AIFF plans to have longer camps for seven to eight months for the women football teams and arrange 10-12 exposure matches a year against competitive opponents.
  • Alexandersson aims to improve India's women's football team, currently ranked 13 in Asia, and is looking forward to the challenge, citing India's "big potential" in the sport.
6. Nilabhra Sengupta Takes Charge as CVO of BEL
Nilabhra Sengupta, a 1997 batch officer from the Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE), has been appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bengaluru. His role will focus on ensuring adherence to ethical practices, promoting transparency, and overseeing vigilance functions within the organization.
Foot notes:
  • Sengupta, a 1997 batch IRSSE officer, has been appointed as CVO of BEL for a tenure of 3 years from the date of assumption of charge of the post.
  • Prior to Sengupta's appointment, Ms. Kalyani Sethuraman, IRAS (1994 Batch), was holding the additional charge of CVO, BEL, since February 15, 2024.
  • As CVO, Sengupta will be responsible for ensuring that the rules and procedures of the government and company are adhered to, and that discretionary powers are exercised judiciously.
  • The Vigilance Department at BEL plays a vital role in preventing corruption and ensuring transparency in all official dealings. It focuses on preventive and punitive vigilance, as well as detective and surveillance activities.
  • Sengupta's key responsibilities will include investigation of complaints, preventive vigilance, surprise inspections, and scrutiny of procurement and contracts files.
  • Sengupta is a 1997 batch IRSSE officer, and his appointment as CVO of BEL is a significant development in his career.
7. Shaji N Karun Wins JC Daniel Award 2023      
Renowned filmmaker Shaji N. Karun has been honored with the 2023 J.C. Daniel Award, the highest recognition in Malayalam cinema. This lifetime achievement award acknowledges his significant contributions to the industry, including works that have garnered national and international acclaim. The award includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, a citation, and a statuette. Known for films like Kutty Srank, which won Best Feature Film in 2010, Karun has played a pivotal role in the new wave of Malayalam cinema.
Foot notes:
  • The JC Daniel Award 2023 includes a purse of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, and a statuette.
  • The jury, chaired by TV Chandran, praised Shaji for infusing creative energy into new-wave Malayalam cinema, a movement that redefined the way Malayalam films were perceived globally.
  • Shaji's films have earned international acclaim, showcasing Malayalam cinema on the global stage. His films, such as 'Piravi', 'Swam', and 'Vanaprastham', have been screened at over 70 international film festivals, including Cannes.
  • Shaji has won seven National Film Awards and seven State Film Awards for his contributions to Malayalam cinema. He was also awarded the Padma Shri by the Union Government and 'The Order of Arts and Letters' by the French government.
  • Shaji was the founding chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy and currently serves as the chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).
  • Shaji N Karun's work has had a significant impact on Malayalam cinema, and this award is a testament to his immense influence on the industry, both in India and internationally.
8. Lt Gen KJS Dhillon Won Crossword Books Award
Lieutenant General (Retired) K.J.S. Dhillon, also known as "Tiny" Dhillon, has won the Crossword Book Award in the Best Non-Fiction category for his memoir, Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye. The award ceremony took place in Mumbai, where the honor was presented by journalist Bachi Karkaria. The book offers a detailed account of Dhillon's experiences, from his childhood to his tenure as the Commander of the Chinar Corps in Kashmir. This recognition highlights the memoir’s compelling narrative and Dhillon’s contributions to India's defense and leadership.
Foot notes:
  • The Crossword Books Award is one of the most respected literary awards in India, recognizing excellence in writing across various genres.
  • "Operation Khukri" is a gripping narrative that recounts the true story of the Indian Army's daring mission to rescue over 1,000 Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) soldiers who were trapped in Sierra Leone in 2000.
  • Lt Gen KJS Dhillon is a highly decorated military officer with over 35 years of service. He has commanded various units and formations, including the IPKF, and has been involved in several counter-terrorism operations.
  • The Crossword Books Award is a testament to Lt Gen Dhillon's exceptional writing skills and his ability to tell a compelling story that showcases the bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers.
  • "Operation Khukri" has received widespread critical acclaim for its authentic and engaging portrayal of military operations. The book has been praised for its attention to detail and its ability to convey the complexities of modern warfare.
9. International Human Rights Day celebrated on 10 December
World Human Rights Day, celebrated annually on December 10, serves as a powerful reminder of the global commitment to equality, freedom, and human dignity. This day highlights the importance of human rights, which are fundamental to a just and fair society. Human rights act as a preventative, protective, and transformative force for good, ensuring that people everywhere can live with respect and dignity. On this day, individuals, communities, and nations unite to reaffirm their dedication to creating a better, more equitable future.
Foot notes:
  • On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the UDHR, a historic milestone in the pursuit of global justice and equality. It was the first global enunciation of human rights, outlining the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, regardless of race, religion, gender, or nationality.
  • World Human Rights Day is not just a commemoration but also a call to action for nations, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the protection and promotion of human rights.
  • The day underscores the importance of tackling discrimination, oppression, and inequality. It serves as both a reminder of the ongoing struggles and a celebration of the progress made in defending human rights.
  • World Human Rights Day recognizes the relentless work of activists, organizations, and governments in protecting the rights of individuals. It also serves to encourage further participation in the global fight for fairness.
  • Theme: The theme for this year's observance is: “Our rights, our future, right now.” This emphasizes the urgency of securing human rights for all, today, as the foundation for a just and equal future.
10. Former Karnataka CM SM Krishna passed away
Former Karnataka Chief Minister S.M. Krishna passed away on December 10, 2024, at the age of 92. He had been ailing for some time and passed away at his residence in Bengaluru. Krishna served as Karnataka's Chief Minister from 1999 to 2004, during which he was instrumental in transforming Bengaluru into a global IT hub. He also held other significant positions, including External Affairs Minister of India from 2009 to 2012 and Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.
Foot notes:
  • Krishna was a remarkable leader admired by people from all walks of life.
  • Krishna played a crucial role in developing Bengaluru into a tech hub, significantly impacting the fortunes of Karnataka and India as a key player in the global IT map.
  • In 2023, Krishna received the Padma Vibhushan at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi for his contribution to the field of Public Affairs.
  • Krishna served as Karnataka's 16th Chief Minister from October 1999 to May 2004 and was the External Affairs Minister from 2009 to 2012. He was also the Governor of Maharashtra from 2004 to 2008.
  • Tributes poured in for Krishna, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing him as a remarkable leader who always worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others.
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