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Current Affairs 11 December 2024
1. Indian Shuttler Manav Choudhary Won in Odisha Masters 2024 Badminton
Indian shuttler Manav Choudhary emerged victorious in the
Odisha Masters 2024 (Para), showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. The prestigious tournament witnessed top para-shuttlers from across the country, making Manav's win a remarkable feat. His agility, strategic gameplay, and resilience were key factors in securing the title. This victory not only highlights Manav’s growing dominance in para-badminton but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the field. It is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excelling on both national and international stages.
Odisha Masters 2024 (Para), showcasing his exceptional talent and determination. The prestigious tournament witnessed top para-shuttlers from across the country, making Manav's win a remarkable feat. His agility, strategic gameplay, and resilience were key factors in securing the title. This victory not only highlights Manav’s growing dominance in para-badminton but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the field. It is a testament to his hard work and commitment to excelling on both national and international stages.Foot notes:
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Manav Choudhary defeated Mohammed Munawar of the UAE with a convincing score of 21-16, 21-12.
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With this win, Choudhary has advanced to the next round of the tournament, where he'll face tougher competition.
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While Choudhary had a great start, other Indian players like Rajesh Srikar and Gagan Balyan faced tough challenges in the Men's Singles Qualification Round, losing to Chinese opponents.
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The Odisha Masters 2024 is an important tournament for Indian shuttlers, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable experience.
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This win is a significant milestone in Manav Choudhary's career, and we can expect to see more of him in upcoming tournaments.
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As Choudhary advances to the next round, he'll be facing stronger opponents, and it'll be exciting to see how he performs under pressure.
2. Japan won 20th Asian Women’s Handball Championship
Japan clinched the title at the 20th Asian Women’s Handball
Championship, demonstrating their dominance in the sport. The tournament featured intense competition among the top teams from Asia, but Japan’s consistent performance set them apart. Their players displayed remarkable skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the matches, earning well-deserved recognition. This victory further cements Japan’s position as a powerhouse in Asian women’s handball. The win also serves as a motivation for the team as they aim to achieve greater success on the global stage.
Championship, demonstrating their dominance in the sport. The tournament featured intense competition among the top teams from Asia, but Japan’s consistent performance set them apart. Their players displayed remarkable skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the matches, earning well-deserved recognition. This victory further cements Japan’s position as a powerhouse in Asian women’s handball. The win also serves as a motivation for the team as they aim to achieve greater success on the global stage.Foot notes:
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The 20th Asian Women's Handball Championship took place from December 3 to 10, 2024, in New Delhi, India, featuring eight teams from across Asia.
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Japan defeated title holders South Korea 25-24 in a thrilling final match, securing their second title in the championship.
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Japan's first title was won in 2004, and this victory marks a significant milestone in their handball history.
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As the winner of the Asian Women's Handball Championship, Japan has qualified for the 2025 World Women's Handball Championship, along with the top three teams - South Korea, Kazakhstan, and Iran.
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The championship saw a total of 20 matches played, with 1,061 goals scored at an average of 53.05 goals per match.
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Japan's team demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament, winning all their matches and ultimately emerging as champions.
3. IIT Delhi Rises to Lead Indian Universities in Global Sustainability Rankings 2025
IIT Delhi has emerged as the leading Indian university in the
Global Sustainability Rankings 2025, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and innovation. The rankings recognize institutions excelling in areas such as environmental impact, energy efficiency, and social responsibility. IIT Delhi’s initiatives in renewable energy, waste management, and community engagement have set benchmarks for other institutions. This achievement underscores the institute’s dedication to addressing global challenges through research and education. As a leader in sustainability, IIT Delhi continues to inspire transformative change both within India and internationally.
Global Sustainability Rankings 2025, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development and innovation. The rankings recognize institutions excelling in areas such as environmental impact, energy efficiency, and social responsibility. IIT Delhi’s initiatives in renewable energy, waste management, and community engagement have set benchmarks for other institutions. This achievement underscores the institute’s dedication to addressing global challenges through research and education. As a leader in sustainability, IIT Delhi continues to inspire transformative change both within India and internationally.Foot notes:
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Environmental Impact: IIT Delhi has been ranked 55th globally in the Environmental Impact category, which accounts for 45% of the overall score.
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Social Impact: IIT Delhi is ranked 362nd globally in the Social Impact category.
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Governance: IIT Delhi has demonstrated strong governance, with a focus on sustainability and social responsibility.
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Improvement: IIT Delhi's improvement is a testament to its unwavering focus on integrating sustainable practices into its academic and operational frameworks.
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Other Indian universities that made significant improvements in the rankings include IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Madras.
4. India’s Inflation Hits 6.2% in October, Exceeding RBI’s Limit
India's inflation rate surged to 6.2% in October, surpassing
the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) upper tolerance limit of 6%. The rise was driven by higher food prices, particularly in essential commodities like vegetables and pulses. This unexpected increase has raised concerns about household budgets and economic stability. Economists anticipate potential policy adjustments by the RBI, including interest rate hikes, to curb inflationary pressures. The development underscores the need for targeted measures to stabilize prices and maintain growth momentum in the economy.
the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) upper tolerance limit of 6%. The rise was driven by higher food prices, particularly in essential commodities like vegetables and pulses. This unexpected increase has raised concerns about household budgets and economic stability. Economists anticipate potential policy adjustments by the RBI, including interest rate hikes, to curb inflationary pressures. The development underscores the need for targeted measures to stabilize prices and maintain growth momentum in the economy.Foot notes:
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Food Inflation: Vegetable prices have skyrocketed by 42.18%, while fruit prices have increased by 8.43%. Oils and fats have also seen a significant rise of 9.51%.
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Core Inflation: Excluding food and fuel, core inflation has risen to a 10-month high of 3.67%, driven by telecom tariff hikes and increased gold prices.
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Housing and Electricity Costs: Housing inflation has increased to 2.81%, while electricity costs have risen by 5.45% year-on-year.
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The RBI aims to keep inflation within a range of 2-6%, with a medium-term target of 4%. This surge in inflation has diminished hopes of a policy rate cut in the near future, with experts redicting that any rate cut may be pushed to next year.
5. Tan Kim Her Rejoins as India's Doubles Badminton Coach
Tan Kim Her has been reappointed as India's doubles
badminton coach, a role he previously held from 2015 to 2019. Known for his expertise in grooming talent, Tan played a crucial role in nurturing doubles players such as Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy during his earlier tenure. His return aims to strengthen India's doubles contingent, especially ahead of key international tournaments like the Paris Olympics 2024. The Malaysian coach is recognized for his tactical acumen and ability to develop winning combinations in men's, women's, and mixed doubles. His comeback is expected to boost India's performance in global badminton competitions.
badminton coach, a role he previously held from 2015 to 2019. Known for his expertise in grooming talent, Tan played a crucial role in nurturing doubles players such as Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy during his earlier tenure. His return aims to strengthen India's doubles contingent, especially ahead of key international tournaments like the Paris Olympics 2024. The Malaysian coach is recognized for his tactical acumen and ability to develop winning combinations in men's, women's, and mixed doubles. His comeback is expected to boost India's performance in global badminton competitions.Foot notes:
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Tan Kim Her's reappointment was approved by the Indian sports ministry, and he will coach the team until the Asian Games 2026.
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During his first stint, Tan Kim Her played a crucial role in the advancement of the Indian doubles team, including Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, who won the gold medal in doubles at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
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This time around, Tan Kim Her will not only coach the doubles team but also be responsible for identifying and training Indian coaches with potential, as well as developing a revamped coaching system.
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Tan Kim Her has coached several national teams, including England, Malaysia, and South Korea, and was also the men's doubles coach for Japan, helping them win the 2021 World Championships and a bronze medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
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Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty have welcomed Tan Kim Her's return, citing his conviction and guidance as key factors in their success.
6. Ajay Seth Assumes Additional Charge as Revenue Secretary
Ajay Seth, the current Secretary of the Department of
Economic Affairs, has assumed additional charge as the Revenue Secretary. His appointment comes at a critical time as India focuses on strengthening its fiscal policies and revenue collection mechanisms. With his extensive experience in economic and financial management, Seth is expected to drive reforms and ensure seamless coordination between the two departments. This dual role highlights the government’s confidence in his leadership and strategic vision.
Economic Affairs, has assumed additional charge as the Revenue Secretary. His appointment comes at a critical time as India focuses on strengthening its fiscal policies and revenue collection mechanisms. With his extensive experience in economic and financial management, Seth is expected to drive reforms and ensure seamless coordination between the two departments. This dual role highlights the government’s confidence in his leadership and strategic vision. Foot notes:
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Ajay Seth is a 1987-batch IAS officer from the Karnataka cadre, with over 33 years of experience in public finance and taxation.
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Seth has held various important positions in the Union Government, Karnataka state government, and the Asian Development Bank.
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He was awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Public Administration in 2013 for transforming Karnataka's commercial tax administration.
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Seth will oversee the Department of Revenue, which handles tax administration, including direct and indirect taxes, and investigates economic offenses.
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Seth will hold both the positions of Economic Affairs Secretary and Revenue Secretary until a permanent replacement is appointed.
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This appointment ensures continuity in the Department of Revenue's functioning and reflects significant administrative shifts in India's financial governance.
7. Mohamed Al-Bashir appointed as Syria’s caretaker Prime Minister
Mohamed Al-Bashir has been appointed as Syria’s caretaker
Prime Minister, a crucial role during a period of political transition. His appointment comes amidst ongoing challenges, including economic instability and efforts to rebuild the nation after years of conflict. Al-Bashir is expected to focus on stabilizing governance, addressing humanitarian needs, and preparing for the next electoral process. His leadership will be instrumental in fostering national unity and advancing Syria’s reconstruction efforts. This development marks a significant step in the country’s journey toward political and economic recovery.
Prime Minister, a crucial role during a period of political transition. His appointment comes amidst ongoing challenges, including economic instability and efforts to rebuild the nation after years of conflict. Al-Bashir is expected to focus on stabilizing governance, addressing humanitarian needs, and preparing for the next electoral process. His leadership will be instrumental in fostering national unity and advancing Syria’s reconstruction efforts. This development marks a significant step in the country’s journey toward political and economic recovery.Foot notes:
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Al-Bashir was appointed by the rebels who toppled President Bashar al-Assad, with the backing of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a former al Qaeda affiliate
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He will lead the interim authority until March 1, as announced in his address on state television.
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Rebuilding Syria will be a massive task, with the country facing significant challenges, including a devastated economy, destroyed cities, and a large number of refugees.
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The US has urged the rebels to ensure an inclusive transition process, respecting minority rights and preventing Syria from being used as a base for terrorism.
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Refugees have started returning to Syria, with some European countries pausing asylum applications from Syrians. Banks and shops have reopened in Damascus, and there are signs of normalcy returning.
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Al-Bashir's appointment has significant implications for the region, with Israel launching airstrikes on Syrian army bases and announcing plans to impose a "sterile defense zone" in southern Syria.
8. Google Partners with NCERT to Launch YouTube Channels in 29 Indian Languages
Google has partnered with the National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to launch YouTube channels offering educational content in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language. These channels will cater to students from grades 1 to 12, aligning with the curriculum to provide accessible learning, especially in remote areas. Google’s collaboration also includes offering credentialed courses through the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), enhancing learning opportunities across India.
Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to launch YouTube channels offering educational content in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language. These channels will cater to students from grades 1 to 12, aligning with the curriculum to provide accessible learning, especially in remote areas. Google’s collaboration also includes offering credentialed courses through the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), enhancing learning opportunities across India.Foot notes:
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The NCERT will develop educational content that's aligned with the curriculum for grades 1-12, covering various subjects in engaging and accessible formats.
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The channels will be available in 29 Indian languages, including Indian Sign Language, to cater to diverse linguistic needs and make education more inclusive.
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Google is leveraging AI to analyze video content, identify key concepts, and provide relevant definitions and images, making learning more interactive and effective.
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The "Key Concepts" feature uses AI to surface definitions and images from Google's Knowledge Graph, based on the video's transcript and metadata, to aid comprehension.
9. UNICEF day celebrated on 11th December
The UNICEF Foundation Day commemorates the
establishment of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and its vital role in protecting the rights and well-being of children globally. In 2024, this observance holds special importance as the world celebrates 78 years of UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing children's lives. Initially created to address the urgent needs of children in countries ravaged by World War II, its primary mission was to provide emergency assistance, focusing on nutrition and healthcare for war-affected children and mothers across Europe and China.
establishment of the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and its vital role in protecting the rights and well-being of children globally. In 2024, this observance holds special importance as the world celebrates 78 years of UNICEF’s unwavering commitment to enhancing children's lives. Initially created to address the urgent needs of children in countries ravaged by World War II, its primary mission was to provide emergency assistance, focusing on nutrition and healthcare for war-affected children and mothers across Europe and China.Foot notes:
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Advocacy for Children’s Rights: UNICEF has consistently championed the protection of children's rights, ensuring they are safeguarded from exploitation, abuse, and violence, while promoting equal opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.
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Focus on Health and Nutrition: A core goal of UNICEF is improving child health and nutrition. Through initiatives addressing malnutrition and providing vaccines against deadly diseases, UNICEF has impacted millions of children, significantly lowering mortality rates and improving overall health outcomes.
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Education for All: UNICEF is dedicated to ensuring children in marginalized communities have access to quality education. Its programs aim to reduce the education gap between privileged and underprivileged children, promoting inclusive learning environments.
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Protection from Exploitation: UNICEF continues to fight against child labor, trafficking, and exploitation. Its global campaigns advocate for stronger policies and legal frameworks to protect children from various forms of harm.
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Global Collaboration: UNICEF Foundation Day emphasizes the importance of global cooperation in addressing children's challenges. Partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local communities ensure a comprehensive and sustainable approach to meeting the needs of children worldwide.
10. Emcer onboards Kareena Kapoor as brand ambassador
Emcer, a leading brand in the tiles and ceramics industry, has
onboarded Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor as its brand ambassador. Known for her elegance and versatility, Kareena perfectly aligns with Emcer's ethos of style, sophistication, and quality. Her association is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility and strengthen its appeal among premium consumers. Through this collaboration, Emcer aims to position itself as a trendsetter in the home décor segment. The partnership signifies a fusion of luxury and innovation, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to excellence.
onboarded Bollywood icon Kareena Kapoor as its brand ambassador. Known for her elegance and versatility, Kareena perfectly aligns with Emcer's ethos of style, sophistication, and quality. Her association is expected to enhance the brand’s visibility and strengthen its appeal among premium consumers. Through this collaboration, Emcer aims to position itself as a trendsetter in the home décor segment. The partnership signifies a fusion of luxury and innovation, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to excellence.Foot notes:
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Emcer aims to solidify its position in the market through this partnership, leveraging Kareena's elegance, grace, and timeless appeal to showcase its innovative ceramic solutions.
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Emcer has launched its new brand proposition, #NotJustTiles, which positions the brand as a premium lifestyle choice that goes beyond just tiles. This campaign highlights Emcer's dedication to superior design, innovation, and functionality.
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Kareena Kapoor, known for her iconic style, exemplifies Emcer's vision of transforming everyday spaces into luxurious environments. She's excited to partner with Emcer, admiring their vision of creating beautiful and functional works of art.
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The #NotJustTiles campaign will unfold in multiple phases, rolling out across various platforms, including cinema, OTT, digital media, and outdoor advertising.
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With Kareena on board, Emcer is confident that her association will elevate their position as a symbol of luxury, design excellence, and modern living.
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