Current Affairs One - Liner : 26th December 2024

The E-Shram Portal has registered 30.48 crore workers nationwide as of December 19, 2024, with Uttar Pradesh leading at 8.37 crore registrations. Launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on August 26, 2021, this portal aims to support unorganized workers by providing them with unique identification and access to social security benefits.

According to OAG (Official Airline Guide) data, the Mumbai-Delhi route became the eighth busiest domestic flight route in the world in 2024. Airlines deployed 7.96 million seats on this route, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. This route is the only domestic route from India in the global top 10.
On December 25, 2024, Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of 10,000 new Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). This initiative aims to set up 2 lakh PACS within five years, enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting rural development.

On December 5, 2024, Nvidia partnered with the Vietnamese government to establish an AI Research and Development Center and an AI Data Center in Vietnam. This collaboration aims to leverage Vietnam's talent pool and foster innovation in sectors like healthcare, education, transportation, and finance.

On December 25, 2024, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) approved the 200th fund as part of its efforts to promote ease of doing business and provide a world-class regulatory environment in India's International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs).
On December 20, 2024, the World Bank approved an $800 million loan for the development of Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh's new capital city. The funding is part of the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Program, aimed at creating a sustainable, climate-resilient urban hub.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved Canara Bank's plan to sell stakes in its two subsidiaries, Canara Robeco Asset Management Company and Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company, via an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on December 5, 2024.

On December 25, 2024, the Government of India announced plans to cut the fiscal deficit to 4.5% of GDP by FY26. The strategy focuses on improving public spending quality and strengthening the social security net. This aligns with the fiscal consolidation path set in the FY 2021-22 Budget.

Premier Explosives Limited and Global Munition Limited signed an MoU on December 13, 2024, in Mumbai. The aim is to establish a joint venture for manufacturing defence and aerospace products, enhancing India's self-reliance in these sectors.

On December 25, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the World Malaria Report 2024. The report highlights a 97% reduction in malaria cases in India, alongside a significant drop in malaria-related deaths. India's target is to achieve malaria-free status by 2030.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India's (IWAI) Intermodal Terminal (IMT) at Kalughat, Bihar, received a five-star SVAGRIHA rating from the GRIHA Council on December 4, 2024. This recognition highlights the terminal's sustainable practices, including the use of recyclable materials, energy optimization, and waste management.

Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th, is a public holiday in several Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Traditionally, it was a day for giving gifts to servants and tradespeople.

Arunish Chawla was appointed as the new Revenue Secretary on December 25, 2024. He previously served as Secretary in the Department of Pharmaceuticals and will also hold additional charge as Secretary in the Ministry of Culture.
The board of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Bank approved the appointment of Amitava Chatterjee as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer on December 24, 2024. He will assume the role on December 30, 2024, succeeding Baldev Prakash.
On December 24, 2024, Aisake Valu Eke was elected as the new Prime Minister of Tonga. He will officially assume office in February 2025, succeeding Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni, who resigned earlier in December.

Afcons Infrastructure was awarded the Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE) Award 2024 on December 24, 2024. This marks their seventh consecutive win at both the Global and India levels, showcasing their commitment to innovation and excellence in knowledge management.
On December 6, 2024, REC Limited received the Golden Peacock Award 2024 for Excellence in Corporate Governance. This award, presented in London, recognizes REC's commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.

MT Vasudevan Nair, a legendary Malayalam writer, passed away on December 25, 2024, at the age of 91 in Kozhikode, Kerala. Renowned for his storytelling, he authored nine novels, 19 short story collections, and 54 screenplays.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92 in Delhi. He was honored for his economic reforms and contributions to U.S.-India relations. Leaders worldwide have paid tribute to his legacy.

Questions:

1 Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, served as the ___ Prime Minister of India.

2 Who has been appointed as the new Revenue Secretary of India on December 25, 2024?