Current affairs 12 January 2024

India to chair, host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee in 2024.

• India is set to chair and host UNESCO's World Heritage Committee from July 21 to 31, 2024, in New Delhi.
• This marks the first time India will lead the committee, a significant recognition of its cultural and natural heritage.
• The decision was made at UNESCO's 19th extraordinary session in 2023, following India's proposal and consultation with UNESCO Director-General.

PM to inaugurate 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik, Maharashtra.

• PM Modi will inaugurate the 27th National Youth Festival in Nashik on January 12, addressing the youth of the nation.
• National Youth Day, celebrated on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary, involves more than 88,000 MY Bharat volunteers Volunteers to conduct road safety awareness events, visit Anganwadi centers for storytelling sessions, and disseminate information about Government schemes.

SBI, DAY-NRLM to facilitate Enterprise Financing for rural SHG women.

• Additional Secretary Charanjit Singh and SBI Chief General Manager Shantanu Pendsey sign MoU on Svyam Siddha financial product for SHG women-led enterprises in rural India.
• The MoU aims to enable 2 Crore Lakhpati Didis from SHG women.
• Svyam Siddha by SBI is tailored for SHG women entrepreneurs, offering loans up to Rs. 5 lakhs and an easier documentation process.

,

Global unemployment set to reach 5.2% in 2024: ILO reports.

• The International Labour Organization predicts a slight increase in the global unemployment rate to 5.2% in 2024.
• The rise is attributed to increased joblessness in advanced economies.
• The report highlights concerns, especially in high-income countries, where employment growth is expected to turn negative in 2024, with only modest improvements anticipated in 2025.

US and UK forces thwart 26th Houthi attack on Red Sea.

• US and UK forces successfully intercepted and neutralized 21 drones and missiles launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels targeting the Southern Red Sea and international shipping lanes.
• The Houthi rebels are considered a militant group and have been involved in various conflicts.
• They are based in Yemen and have been accused of launching attacks against civilian and military targets.