Current Affairs One - Liner : 8th & 9th December 2024

Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, launched in 2015, completed 9 years on December 3, 2024. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility for persons with disabilities by improving public places, transport, and digital platforms.

At the age of 74, Wisdom, the oldest known wild bird, has laid her first egg in four years at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii. Tagged in 1956, Wisdom continues to inspire with her resilience and longevity.
India has become the most targeted nation for mobile malware attacks, accounting for 28% of global incidents between June 2023 and May 2024. This surpasses the United States (27.3%) and Canada (15.9%). The rise in attacks highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in India.

December 6 has been declared as the Day of Remembrance for Mahatma Gandhi in the American state of Nebraska. This recognition was made by Governor Jim Pillen, who also unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared December 21 as World Meditation Day in 2024. This resolution, co-sponsored by India and other countries, recognizes the benefits of meditation for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

On December 2, 2024, Razorpay partnered with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to enhance digital payments security in India. This collaboration aims to educate businesses and end customers on protecting themselves against digital fraud.
According to SIPRI, Indian arms makers recorded a combined revenue of USD 6.7 billion in 2023, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The three Indian companies in the top 100 are Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL).
Goldman Sachs reports that women-centric welfare schemes in nine Indian states account for 0.5% of India's GDP in FY25, with a combined allocation of $18 billion. Maharashtra leads with an allocation of $5.4 billion. These schemes aim to support women's welfare and have significant economic and social implications.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced podcasts on December 8, 2024, to disseminate useful information to the public. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and engage a wider audience, especially the younger generation.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) raised India's FY25 growth forecast to 6.8% on December 4, 2024. This adjustment reflects strong investment and agricultural output, with public infrastructure spending and private consumption expected to sustain growth.

Two Indian astronauts completed initial training for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS, a joint effort between ISRO and NASA. The training, which began in August 2024, included mission orientations and SpaceX suit fittings.

Bangladesh won the U-19 Asia Cup 2024 by defeating India by 59 runs on December 8, 2024, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium during the final match of the tournament.
Max Verstappen won the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix on December 1, 2024, at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar. This race is part of the Formula 1 World Championship series.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned the Indian Navy's new multi-role stealth-guided missile frigate INS Tushil at the Yantra Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia, on December 9, 2024.

The International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide 2024 is observed on December 9, 2024. The theme is "A Living Force in World Society: The Legacy of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide".
International Day of Banks is observed annually on December 4. The theme for 2024 is "Empowering Sustainable Development Through Finance". This day highlights the role of financial institutions in supporting global sustainable development goals, such as eradicating poverty and tackling climate change.
Bodhi Day is celebrated on December 8th, marking the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama under the Bodhi tree. The theme for 2024 is "Embracing the Noble Eightfold Path", encouraging reflection on and commitment to the Buddha's teachings.

On December 8, 2024, Burkina Faso's military junta appointed Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo as prime minister. Ouedraogo, previously the communications minister and government spokesperson.

Former Chilean President Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria was honored with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024 on December 7, 2024, recognizing her contributions to human rights, gender equality, and democracy.

Questions:

1 What is the new growth forecast for India's FY25 according to the OECD?

2 Who was honored with the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in 2024?