Daily Current Affairs- 9th December 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 9th December 2024

INTERNATIONAL

Ghana's ex-President John Mahama wins third attempt at the presidency

• Ghana’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, has made a historic return to power after defeating the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the presidential election. The victory marks Mahama’s third attempt to reclaim the presidency after defeats in 2016 and 2020. 

India, Norway forge deeper economic ties, plan to launch startup bridge

• Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal proposed to launch a startup bridge between Norway and India, as the two countries discuss various ways to boost trade ties. Norwegian Ambassador to India, May-Elin Stener, suggested that the startup initiative could be launched during the Indo-Nordic summit next year. 

NATIONAL

Amit Shah unveils 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveiled an 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. On this occasion, Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and many other dignitaries were present. 

Urjaveer scheme has been launched by Union Minister Manohar Lal

• Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, launched the ‘Urjaveer’ scheme in Vijayawada along with Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu. The main aim of the scheme is to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives.

 SPORTS

Bangladesh defeat India in the final to lift U19 Asia Cup

• In Men’s Asia Cup Under-19 Cricket, Bangladesh defeated India in the final to lift the cup. The defending champions beat India by 59 runs at Dubai International Stadium. Chasing the target of 199 runs, India were all out at 139 runs in 35.2 overs. Indian captain Mohammad Amaan scored the highest 26 runs while all-rounder Hardik Raj chipped in 24 in 21 balls. 

Norris Wins Abu Dhabi GP 2024

• Lando Norris delivered an exceptional performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, claiming victory in a race marked by incidents, penalties, and emotional moments. His triumph ended McLaren’s 26-year wait for a constructors’ championship, a feat last achieved in 1998. 

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Anti-Corruption Day

• International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on 9 December since the passage of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption on 31 October 2003 to raise public awareness for anti-corruption.
• International Anti-Corruption Day 2024 theme is “Uniting with Youth Against Corruption: Shaping Tomorrow's Integrity.” The theme aims to involve the youth in anti-corruption efforts. Under this theme, the youth will be targeted to educate them about corruption and its impacts and motivate them to take action. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

Jitin Prasada inaugurated the Fourth Edition of the India Internet Governance Forum

• The India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2024 was held on December 9-10, 2024, at the Bharat Mandapam Convention Center, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The event was inaugurated by the Union Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Commerce and Industry, Shri Jitin Prasada, in the presence of Shri S. Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet to be conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize

• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 will be conferred on former Chilean president and prominent human rights voice Michelle Bachelet, a statement issued by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said on Friday (December 6, 2024). The international jury for the award was chaired by former National Security Adviser Shivshankar Menon. 

RANKING

UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report: India surged third globally

• India has seen a remarkable increase in its billionaire count, reaching 185 in 2024, marking a 20% rise from 153 in 2023. This surge places India third globally, following the US and China. The UBS Billionaire Ambitions Report highlights India’s growing wealth, driven by family-led businesses and diverse sectors, including pharma, fintech, and edtech.