Table of Contents
National News
India’s First Bio-Bitumen Stretch Inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This stretch is a milestone in India’s road development sector, being the first to employ lignin-based bio-bitumen technology. The technology, developed by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CSIR – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental, represents a significant step forward in India’s sustainability and self-reliance goals.
Justice Madan Lokur Appointed Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council
Former Supreme Court Judge of India, Justice Madan B Lokur, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The appointment, confirmed in a letter dated December 19, 2024, is effective immediately and extends until November 12, 2028. The IJC is a critical advisory body to the UN, ensuring the impartiality, professionalism, and independence of its internal justice system. Justice Lokur’s appointment is a notable achievement for India, reflecting his distinguished career and global legal stature.
International News
Trump Appoints Sriram Krishnan as Senior AI Policy Advisor
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan, who has a notable background in tech, will work closely with David Sacks, who has been named the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Together, they will focus on ensuring America’s continued leadership in AI, shaping and coordinating AI policy across government, and collaborating with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
India-Kuwait Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership
India and Kuwait marked a historic milestone in their bilateral relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first official visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024. The visit culminated in the elevation of their ties to a “Strategic Partnership,” signifying deeper cooperation across trade, defence, energy, and cultural domains. Kuwait also honored PM Modi with its highest civilian award, ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,’ in recognition of his role in fostering bilateral ties.
Economy News
Govt Infuses ₹500 Cr in IFCI to Boost Financial Health
The Indian government has decided to infuse ₹500 crore into the state-owned Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) to strengthen its financial health ahead of the company’s restructuring. This infusion will likely increase the government’s stake in IFCI beyond its current holding of 71.72% as of September 2024. The decision was approved as part of the first Supplementary Demand for Grants for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, with funds reallocated from savings in the capital section, ensuring no additional cash outflow.
SEBI Bans 9 Entities, Impounds ₹21 Crore in Front-Running Case
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an interim order banning Sachin Bakul Dagli, an equity dealer with PNB MetLife, and eight other entities from the securities market for their involvement in a front-running scheme. This fraudulent activity, operational for over three years, generated illegal gains of ₹21.16 crore by misusing non-public trade information. The investigation, covering the period from January 1, 2021, to July 19, 2024, revealed a systematic violation of SEBI’s PFUTP regulations and the SEBI Act.
Defence News
Govt Forms Committee to Assess IAF’s Capability Development Amid Rising Threats
The Indian Government has formed a high-level committee under Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to assess the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability development. This comes amid growing concerns over China’s expanding air power and Pakistan’s strengthening air force. The committee will evaluate the IAF’s requirements, focusing on indigenous design, development, and acquisition projects. It is expected to submit its report in the next two to three months. This move highlights the urgent need to address gaps in IAF’s fighter aircraft and missile capabilities, especially considering regional threats.
Agreements News
ISRO, ESA Join Hands for Human Spaceflight Advancements
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a landmark agreement to enhance collaboration in human space exploration. This partnership aims to foster astronaut training, mission implementation, and joint research experiments. Signed by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher, the agreement establishes a robust framework for cooperation, strengthening the relationship between the two premier space agencies.
Schemes News
Kejriwal Launches Dr Ambedkar Scholarship for Dalit Students Abroad
Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP supremo, unveiled the Dr Ambedkar Samman Scholarship, a scheme designed to fund Dalit students from Delhi who wish to pursue higher education in top foreign universities. The announcement, made in the run-up to the Delhi Assembly elections, aims to honor Babasaheb Ambedkar and serves as a strong rebuttal to the BJP’s alleged disrespect toward him. The Delhi government will bear all costs associated with education, travel, and accommodation for Dalit students admitted to premier global institutions.
Important Days News
National Farmers Day 2024: Date, History, and Importance
National Farmers’ Day, celebrated annually on December 23, is a tribute to the backbone of India’s agrarian economy—its farmers. Known as Kisan Diwas, this day also commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who was a staunch advocate for farmers’ welfare and rural development. The day highlights the importance of empowering farmers and addressing their concerns to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the nation.
Science and Technology News
SpaDeX Mission: ISRO’s Leap Towards Space Docking Technology
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission in December 2024, aiming to make India the fourth country to achieve space docking technology. The mission, aboard PSLV-C60, involves two 220-kg spacecraft—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—that will demonstrate autonomous in-space docking. This breakthrough will enable ISRO to advance its space ambitions, including lunar missions, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), and satellite servicing.
Awards News
PM Modi Honoured with Kuwait’s Top Civilian Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honour, the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, by Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al Sabah. This prestigious accolade marks the 20th international honour received by PM Modi, symbolizing his contributions to fostering global partnerships and India’s growing influence on the world stage.
Sports News
Third Fastest List-A Century Anmolpreet’s Record Breaking Knock
Punjab’s top order batter, Anmolpreet Singh, scripted a history by scoring a third fastest List A century in just 35 balls during Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh in Ahmedabad. This incredible feat places him behind only Jake Fraser McGurk (29 Balls) and AB de villiers (31 Balls) in all time records for List A centuries.
India Clinches Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup title
India clinched the inaugural U10 Women’s Asia cup T20 title by defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final held at the Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur on December 22, 2024. The victory was powered by a stellar half century from Gongadi Trisha and an impressive bowling performance, highlighting India’s dominance in the tournament.
India to Host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025
India has been announced as the host of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun 2025. This prestigious event highlights India’s growing reputation as a global hub for shooting sports. It marks the ninth top-level shooting championship hosted by the country over the past decade and adds another accolade to the National Rifle Association of India’s (NRAI) commendable track record.
Obituaries News
Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away 42
Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of the popular brand Epigamia, tragically passed away at the age of 42. known for his entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership, Rohan played a pivotal role in transforming Epigamia into a household name. His untimely demise has left the business community and his admirers deeply saddened.
21st December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
20th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
19th December 2024 Current Affairs (Dail...
