Daily Current Affairs- 28th December 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 28th December 2024

NATIONAL

AIM & UNDP Launch Youth Co:Lab 2025 to Empower Disability-Inclusive Innovation

• The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Citi Foundation, have unveiled the 7th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY    

Nvidia Unveils the Jetson Orin Nano Supercomputer

• Nvidia has recently announced the launch of its Jetson Orin Nano Super Generative AI supercomputer, marking a significant advancement in affordable AI solutions. With a price tag of $249, this new model is significantly more affordable than its predecessor, which was priced at $499. The new Jetson Orin Nano promises to deliver exceptional AI performance, making it an ideal choice for various users, including hobbyists, developers, and students. 

OBITUARY

Osamu Suzuki Passed Away Aged 94

• Osamu Suzuki, the long-serving chairman and CEO of Suzuki Motor Corporation, passed away at the age of 94 on Christmas Day 2024. Widely credited for transforming Suzuki into a global automotive powerhouse, he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the Indian car market. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Ola Electric CMO Anshul Khandelwal, and CTO Suvonil Chatterjee resign

• Ola Electric Mobility's Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), Anshul Khandelwal, and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Suvonil Chatterjee, resigned with immediate effect on Friday, December 27. In a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges today, the homegrown electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer said that both Khandelwal and Chatterjee resigned due to personal reasons. 

Dr. Sandip Shah Appointed as the Chairperson of NABL-QC

• Sandip Shah, an eminent medical professional and visionary leader, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI). NABL works to improve the quality of testing and calibration services, ensuring trust in the products and services used by consumers, businesses, and regulators. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

MoU Signed Between National e-Governance Division and Indian Ports Association to drive digital transformation in India’s maritime sector

• The National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Indian Ports Association (IPA) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi on December 24, 2024. The agreement was formalised by Shri Nand Kumarum, IAS, President and CEO of NeGD, and Shri Vikas Narwal, IAS, Managing Director of IPA, in the presence of Dr. Arvind Bhisikar, Executive Director (IT) of IPA, and Shri Rajnish Kumar, Chief Operating Officer of NeGD, along with their respective teams. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Sachin Tendulkar inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame becomes 6th Indian to be inducted

• Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has been awarded honorary membership of the prestigious Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), one of the oldest and most influential sporting institutions in Australia. Founded in 1838, the MCC oversees the management of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a venue that has hosted countless historic matches, remains one of the most revered grounds in world cricket. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI Allows UPI Payments via Third-Party Apps for PPI Holders

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that holders of full-KYC prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) such as digital wallets, gift cards, and metro rail cards can now make and receive Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payments through third-party applications like Google Pay and PhonePe. This move aligns with RBI’s Payments Vision 2025, promoting seamless payment interoperability and enhancing digital payment adoption. Previously, UPI payments involving PPIs were restricted to the issuer’s mobile application.