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Current Affairs Daily Digest – September 12 & 13 2024

1. Algeria Joins BRICS New Development Bank

Algeria has been officially approved to join the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB), as announced by the bank’s president, Dilma Rousseff, during the ninth annual meeting in Cape Town. The NDB, created by the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in 2015, focuses on financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging economies and developing nations.

Expansion and Membership

Since it started, the NDB has grown to include other members besides the original BRICS countries. In 2021, Bangladesh, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay became members. Algeria’s inclusion, based on a positive review of its economic performance, marks an important step in its involvement in the global financial system.

2. Mexico’s Senate passes controversial judicial reform bill

Mexico has become the first country in the world to allow voters to elect judges at all levels, following a vote in the Senate. This judicial reform was approved with 86 votes in favor and 41 against, reaching the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution. The decision came after protesters disrupted debate on the issue by invading the upper house.

The Mexican Senate has passed a judicial reform that allows judges to be elected by popular vote.

Supporters and Critics

Supporters of the reform believe it will make judges more accountable to the public, giving the people a direct say in who interprets the law. However, critics argue it threatens Mexico’s system of checks and balances by potentially increasing the influence of the ruling Morena party over the judiciary.

3. India Remains Top Source for Sri Lanka Tourism in 2024

Recent data shows that Sri Lanka has become one of the top travel destinations for Indians in 2024. India remained the leading source of tourists to Sri Lanka in the first eight months of the year.

How Many Indians Visited Sri Lanka?

Nearly 260,000 Indians visited Sri Lanka during this period, while the total number of tourists who visited the island nation reached 1.36 million.
According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the number of tourists arriving in 2024 grew by 50.7% compared to the same time in 2023.

Sri Lanka’s tourism boom brought in $2.17 billion USD during this period, a 66.1% increase from the previous year, as reported by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. This boost is significant for the country’s economy.

4. Nepal became 101st member of ISA

Nepal has officially become the 101st country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member. On September 9th, Nepal handed over its Instrument of Ratification to the ISA in New Delhi, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.

What is the ISA?

The ISA is a global intergovernmental organization focused on promoting the use of solar power to achieve a carbon-neutral future. Its goal is to increase the adoption of solar energy solutions worldwide to help fight climate change.

When Was the ISA Launched?

The ISA was launched as a joint initiative by India and France during the COP21 conference in Paris in 2015. Originally intended for solar-rich countries, the ISA expanded in 2020, allowing all UN member states to join following an amendment to its Framework Agreement.

5. Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram by GOI

India’s Home Minister, Amit Shah, has announced that Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram.

Why is Port Blair being renamed?

Amit Shah explained that the renaming is part of an effort to remove colonial legacies from the country. He emphasized the historical importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India’s freedom struggle, highlighting that the islands played a significant role in shaping the nation’s independence journey.

He said, “Inspired by the vision of PM Narendra Modi Ji to free the nation from colonial imprints, today we have decided to rename Port Blair as Sri Vijaya Puram.”

The new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, symbolizes India’s victory in its freedom struggle. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have deep connections to India’s fight for independence:

It was the place where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose first unfurled the Indian flag, the Tiranga.
The islands also housed the Cellular Jail, where freedom fighters like Veer Savarkar were imprisoned.
Historically, the islands served as a naval base for the Chola Empire, and today they remain crucial to India’s strategic and developmental goals.

6. R. Ravindra appointed as Ambassador To Iceland

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed R. Ravindran as India’s next ambassador to Iceland. He is set to replace B. Shyam in this role.

Who is R. Ravindran?

R. Ravindran is a 1999 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who is currently serving as India’s Deputy Permanent Representative at the United Nations. His extensive diplomatic experience makes him well-suited for the position, and he is expected to take up his new assignment soon, according to the MEA.

Career Highlights

Indian Embassy in Cairo (2001-2003): Early in his career, Ravindran served in Egypt, contributing to India’s diplomatic relations in the region.
Tripoli, Libya (2004-2007): He continued his service in North Africa, stationed at the Indian embassy in Tripoli.
Regional Passport Officer, Bengaluru (2007-2010): He served as the Regional Passport Officer, overseeing passport-related services in southern India.
India’s Embassies in Colombo and Côte d’Ivoire: His diplomatic career also included stints in Sri Lanka and Côte d’Ivoire, further enhancing his expertise in international relations.
With his diverse experience, R. Ravindran is well-prepared to strengthen India’s ties with Iceland.

7. RS Sharma Appointed Non-Executive Chairperson of ONDC

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has appointed RS Sharma as its Non-Executive Chairperson. Sharma is a well-known figure in India’s digital landscape, having held leadership positions in several key government agencies.

Who is RS Sharma?

RS Sharma is a highly respected civil servant who has played a major role in India’s digital initiatives. He has previously served in significant roles such as:

Director General and Mission Director of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) – where he helped develop and implement the Aadhaar program.
Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) – where he contributed to the regulation and expansion of telecom services in India.
CEO of the National Health Authority (NHA) – overseeing the development of digital health services, including the CoWin platform used during the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Contributions

Throughout his career, RS Sharma has been a driving force behind India’s digital transformation. He played a key role in projects like:

Aadhaar, India’s unique identification system.
The CoWin platform, which enabled mass COVID-19 vaccinations.
ONDC, where he guided its transition from a pilot project to a nationwide initiative promoting digital commerce.
His extensive experience in digital governance positions him to lead ONDC into its next phase of growth and innovation.

8. 63rd Subroto Cup International Football Tournament

The Subroto Cup International Football Tournament, a top inter-school football event, marked its 63rd edition in 2024. This prestigious competition, known for attracting talented young footballers from both India and abroad, concluded with an exciting finale on September 11, 2024, in New Delhi.

Tournament Overview

Venue: The tournament was held in New Delhi, India’s capital.
Duration: The competition for the under-17 boys category ran from September 2 to September 11, 2024.
This event continues to be an important platform for nurturing young football talent and promoting the sport across schools internationally.

9. Indian Origin lecturer win the prize for literature in Singapore

Prasanthi Ram, a 32-year-old Indian-origin lecturer from Nanyang Technological University, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the Singapore Literature Prize for English Fiction for her debut short story collection, Nine Yard Sarees. The book, which was published at the end of 2023, explores themes of family and identity across different cultures and continents.

Topic of the Story

Nine Yard Sarees is a short story cycle that delves into the lives of a Tamil Brahmin family spread across various global locations, including Singapore, Sydney, New York, and Connecticut. The stories reflect on the experiences and challenges faced by the family members as they navigate their identities and traditions in diverse settings.

Prasanthi Ram’s Remarks

In her reaction to winning the award, Prasanthi Ram expressed profound surprise and gratitude. She shared:

“I am completely in shock. I’m so humbled that the judges saw merit in Nine Yard Sarees, especially since I wrote this manuscript while I was a caregiver to my late father.”

Her work was praised by The Straits Times as “one of the best debuts of Singapore fiction,” highlighting the significance of her achievement and the impact of her writing.

10. National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024

On September 11, 2024, President Smt Droupadi Murmu hosted a distinguished ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan to present the National Florence Nightingale Awards for the year 2024. This prestigious event celebrated the outstanding contributions of nursing professionals in India, underscoring their vital role in the healthcare system.

Background of the Awards

The National Florence Nightingale Awards were established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. They aim to:

Recognize Exceptional Services: The awards honor nursing personnel who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service in the healthcare sector across the country.

Honor Florence Nightingale’s Legacy: Named after Florence Nightingale, the British nurse renowned for her pioneering work in modern nursing practices, the awards commemorate her contributions and set high standards for nursing excellence.

By celebrating these achievements, the awards highlight nurses’ critical role and inspire continued excellence and commitment within the profession.

Table of Awardees