24th December 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

Republic Day 2025: 15 States, 11 Ministries to Present Tableaux

The Ministry of Defence announced the theme for the Republic Day 2025 tableaux as “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Development). This year’s tableaux will showcase the dynamic relationship between India’s rich heritage and its ongoing development. The display will take place on Kartavya Path and feature creative exhibits from various states, Union Territories, and central ministries. Aimed at highlighting India’s diversity, the Republic Day tableaux will offer a glimpse of the country’s cultural roots and modern progress.

UDAAN Yatri Cafe: A Solution To Expensive Airport Food

To address growing concerns about overpriced food and beverages at airports, the Indian government has launched the ‘Udaan Yatri Cafe’ initiative. This project aims to offer affordable refreshments to passengers, starting with a pilot at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The initiative was proposed after Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha raised the issue in Parliament, emphasizing the need to reduce the financial burden on air travelers.

Centre Ends No Detention Rules In Schools

The government of India abolished the ‘No-detention policy’ for students in class 5 and 8 who fail their year end exams. This significant amendment to the Right of children to free and compulsory education rules, 2010 is aimed at improving learning outcomes among students. The revised policy mandates that students who failed their annual exams will be required to retake within two months, failing which they will have to repeat the academic year.

International News

Ex-IMF Chief Rato Faces New Prison Sentence For Corruption

Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief Rodrigo Rato has been sentenced to nearly five years in a prison by a Madrid-court for corruption related offences. The 75 year old, who previously served as IMF Chairman from 2004 to 2007 and as deputy prime minister in Spain’s People Party (PP Government), has denied any wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision.

State News

Madhya Pradesh Named “Go-To Global Destination for 2025” by WSJ

Madhya Pradesh has earned global recognition as one of the Wall Street Journal’s “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025,” showcasing its rich heritage, unique wildlife, and natural beauty. This prestigious acknowledgment builds upon the state’s ongoing efforts to establish itself as a premier travel destination. With iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, as well as an array of vibrant cultural experiences, Madhya Pradesh is solidifying its position on the global tourism map.

Business News

Adani Group Acquires 85.8% Stake in Air Works for Rs 400 Crore Enterprise Value

The Adani Group has announced the acquisition of an 85.8% stake in Air Works, India’s largest private-sector Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) company, at an enterprise value of Rs 400 crore. This move solidifies Adani’s position in the defence and civil aviation MRO sectors, marking a strategic expansion into an integrated aviation services ecosystem. With operations spanning 35 cities, over 1,300 personnel, and approvals from aviation authorities in 20+ countries, Air Works brings expertise in both civil and defence MRO services.

Appointments News

Justice GS Sandhawalia as Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Centre has officially notified the appointment of Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia as the new Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Justice Sandhawalia, the senior-most puisne Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, has been appointed following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium. His appointment comes after a delay of more than three months and after the retirement of Justice Rajiv Shakdher in October 2024.

V. Ramasubramanian Appointed NHRC Chairperson

The post of Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) remained vacant since Justice (retd) Arun Kumar Mishra completed his tenure on June 1, 2024. The appointment of former Supreme Court judge, V. Ramasubramanian, was confirmed by President Droupadi Murmu on December 23. Ramasubramanian’s appointment marks a new chapter in the NHRC, following Mishra’s tenure from June 2021 to June 2024.

Ranks & Reports News

3 Indians in Forbes’ 2024 Power Women List

Forbes has unveiled its 21st annual list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, a prestigious ranking that celebrates influential figures across business, entertainment, politics, philanthropy, and policymaking. This year, three Indian women have made their mark on the global stage with remarkable achievements in their respective fields. They include Nirmala Sitharaman, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, whose contributions to their industries have earned them prominent spots on the list.

India Ranks 49th in Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024

India has made remarkable progress in the 2024 Network Readiness Index (NRI), jumping 11 places from 60th in 2023 to 49th, with an improved score of 53.63. This achievement reflects the country’s strengthened commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and technology adoption. The NRI, published by the Portulans Institute, evaluates how effectively nations use technology for governance and citizen engagement, and India’s rise in the rankings signifies its growing role as a global leader in technological advancements.

Important Days News

New Consumer Protection Apps Launched on National Consumer Day 2024

On National Consumer Day 2024, the Department of Consumer Affairs launched three new apps aimed at enhancing consumer protection and addressing deceptive online practices. These apps are part of a larger initiative to empower consumers in the digital age, addressing emerging challenges such as dark patterns in e-commerce. This marks a significant step forward from the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, which laid the foundation for safeguarding consumer rights in India. The new tools highlight the government’s ongoing commitment to consumer empowerment and digital transformation.

National Consumer Day 2024- Date, Theme, History and Significance

Every year, 24th December marks the celebration of National Consumer Day in India. This significant day is observed to raise awareness about consumer rights and the responsibilities of businesses toward their customers. It commemorates the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act of 1986, a landmark legislation that redefined consumer rights in the country. For 2024, the theme is “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice”, emphasizing the role of technology in empowering consumers.

Science and Technology News

AIM & UNDP Launch Youth Co:Lab 2025 to Empower Disability-Inclusive Innovation

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Citi Foundation, have unveiled the 7th edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. Launched globally in 2017 and introduced in India in 2019, Youth Co:Lab has empowered over 2,600 youth-led social innovation teams and reached 19,000+ participants. This year, the initiative focuses on fostering social entrepreneurship to enhance opportunities and well-being for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), aiming to advance Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Sports News

Russian Tennis Star Deniil Savelev Banned For 2 Years Over Doping

Russian Tennis Player, Daniil Savelev has been handed a two-year suspension for violating doping regulations. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced that Savelev tested positive for the prohibited substance meldonium in July 2024. Although ITIA acknowledged that the doping was unintentional, Savelev accepted the suspension, which will be effective until August 2026.

India Squad For Champions Trophy 2025

The upcoming Champions Trophy 2025 marks the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams competing in a round-robin format. Hosted by Pakistan, often referred to as the “cornered tigers,” the tournament is scheduled to run from 19 February to 9 March, with 10 March reserved as a contingency day for the final. Following their triumph in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, India is set to face Pakistan in this championship. As per the latest updates from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the match fixtures have been confirmed, with India scheduled to play at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on 1 March 2025.

 Awards News

Jaishankar Receives Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Award for Leadership

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was honored with the Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi National Eminence Award for Public Leadership by the South Indian Education Society (SIES) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to India’s foreign policy and leadership on the global stage. In his acceptance speech, Jaishankar emphasized India’s growing assertiveness on the international platform, underlining the importance of confidence in the nation’s capabilities.

Books and Authors News

“The Unyielding Judge: A Tribute to Justice A.N. Grover’s Legacy”

At the launch of ‘The Unyielding Judge: The Life and Legacy of Justice A.N. Grover,’ Attorney General R. Venkataramani highlighted the importance of judicial integrity, reflecting on how a judge’s resistance to temptation defines their stature in human values. The event paid tribute to Justice Grover, renowned for his role in the landmark 1973 Kesavananda Bharti case, which upheld the basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution.