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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 17th December current affairs 2024, curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.
Our comprehensive Current Affairs December 2024 coverage aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your scores in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and all State Government Exams. Explore our Current Affairs tailored to simplify your exam preparation.
National news
VIRAASAT Sari Festival 2024: Celebrating India’s Handwoven Heritage
The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, is set to host the third edition of the “Viraasat Sari Festival 2024” from 15th to 28th December 2024 at Handloom Haat, Janpath, New Delhi. Building on the overwhelming success of its previous editions, which garnered an impressive footfall of 20,000 across all age groups, this year’s event promises to be an extraordinary celebration of India’s handloom heritage, focusing on the diverse traditions of sari weaving. By uniting handloom weavers, designers, sari enthusiasts, and buyers, the festival seeks to highlight the cultural and economic importance of the handloom sector, while providing artisans with a platform to showcase and retail their creations.
Objective:
To celebrate India’s handloom heritage, promote regional sari weaving traditions, and provide artisans a platform to showcase and retail their creations.
Significance of Handloom Sector
- Cultural Heritage: Represents India’s regional identity with saris like Paithani, Banarasi, Kancheepuram, and Pashmina.
- Economic Importance: Employs over 35 lakh people, primarily women, and aligns with sustainable development goals (zero defect, zero environmental impact).
- Government Initiatives: Promoting eco-friendly handloom products, ensuring authenticity, and supporting artisans’ livelihoods.
The Ministry of Textiles: Minister: Shri Giriraj Singh
Uttarakhand Unveils India’s First Yoga Policy to Become Global Yoga Hub
Uttarakhand, famously known as “Devbhoomi,” is set to become the first Indian state to implement a dedicated Yoga Policy, aimed at transforming the state into a global yoga destination. With Rishikesh already recognized as the “Yoga Capital of the World,” this initiative builds on the state’s rich cultural and spiritual legacy while aligning with the AYUSH policy’s success. The policy, envisioned by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, integrates yoga, Ayurveda, and wellness into a comprehensive development strategy for tourism, health, and employment.
Key Features of the Yoga Policy
Planned Development:
- Promote wellness tourism and yoga institutions.
- Standardize yoga centers and incentivize new setups.
Infrastructure Focus:
- Registration of yoga centers and subsidies for development.
- Uniform course standards certified by the Yoga Certification Board.
Employment Generation: Creation of 50 new yoga and wellness centers and Yoga Grams to generate jobs for local youth.
Uttarakhand:
- Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Bhararisen (Summer)
- Founded: 9 November 2000
- Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Governor: Gurmit Singh
International news
WHO’s World Malaria Report 2024: Key Highlights and India’s Progress
In December 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) released the “World Malaria Report 2024: Addressing inequity in the global malaria response”. The report highlights a concerning rise in global malaria cases while summarizing efforts to control and eliminate malaria across 83 countries worldwide.
Malaria Deaths:
The majority of malaria deaths in 2023 occurred in 4 countries:
- Nigeria: 30.9%
- Democratic Republic of the Congo: 11.3%
- Niger: 5.9%
- Tanzania: 4.3%
Malaria-Free Countries:
- As of November 2024, 44 countries and 1 territory (Cabo Verde) have been certified malaria-free by WHO.
- Several other countries are on track to achieve this status.
India’s Notable Progress
India has shown significant development in combating malaria:
- Exiting the HBHI Group: In 2024, India exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group due to impressive progress.
- Reduction in Malaria Cases: Between 2017 and 2023, malaria cases in India reduced by 69%, from 6.4 million to 2 million.
- Reduction in Malaria Deaths: Malaria deaths decreased by 68%, from 11,100 in 2017 to 3,500 in 2023.
World health organization:
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 7 April 1948
- Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Banking news
Edelweiss Mutual Fund Launches India’s 1st ETF for Capital Markets and Insurance Sectors
In December 2024, Edelweiss Mutual Fund, a leading asset management company, launched India’s first Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) dedicated to the capital markets and insurance sectors.
Key Highlights
New Fund Offer (NFO):
- Opened for subscription on December 10, 2024.
- Minimum subscription amount: Rs. 5,000.
- Investments post-NFO can be made in multiples of Re. 1.
- NFO closes on December 24, 2024.
- The ETF will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase on January 8, 2025.
Objective: The ETF aims to replicate and track the BSE Capital Markets & Insurance Total Return Index (TRI), which includes top companies in:
- Broking
- Life Insurance
- General Insurance
- Financial Product Distribution
Award news
Aryna Sabalenka Wins 2024 WTA Player of the Year Award
On December 2024, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 singles player from Belarus, was honored with the 2024 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Player of the Year Award. This marks her 1st career win of the prestigious award. Sabalenka has achieved 23 career titles:
- 17 titles in singles
- 6 titles in doubles
2024 WTA Awards Winners
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced winners across 5 Player Awards and 3 Player Service Awards.
| Category | Winner |
| Player of the Year | Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) |
| Doubles Team of the Year | Jasmine Paolini & Sara Errani (Italy) |
| Most Improved Player of the Year | Emma Navarro (USA) |
| Newcomer of the Year | Lulu Sun (New Zealand) |
| Comeback Player of the Year | Paula Badosa (Spain) |
About Women’s Tennis Association (WTA)
- Chairman & CEO: Portia Archer
- Headquarters: Florida, United States of America (USA)
- Established: 1973
Appointment news
Mikheil Kavelashvili Becomes Georgia’s New President
Mikheil Kavelashvili, the 53-year-old former footballer, was elected president of Georgia on December 16, 2024, marking a significant shift in the nation’s political landscape. His victory comes amid growing concerns over Georgia’s alignment with Russia, following constitutional changes that replaced direct presidential elections with a 300-seat electoral college. Kavelashvili’s candidacy, strongly backed by the Georgian Dream party, reflects the ruling party’s increasing authoritarian tendencies, as critics warn that this election may undermine Georgia’s European Union aspirations.
Georgia:
- Capital: Tbilisi
- Official language: Georgian
- Continent: Europe, Asia
- President: Salome Zourabichvili
State news
Nupi Lal Numit 2024: Honoring the Legacy of Manipuri Women
Manipur recently commemorated Nupi Lal Numit 2024, a significant event honoring the courage and resilience of the women who fought for justice and freedom in the Nupi Lal uprisings of 1904 and 1939. The commemoration was led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the Nupi Lal Memorial Complex. This day not only highlights the pivotal role of Manipuri women in history but also celebrates their continued progress in various sectors. The Chief Minister’s speech emphasized the importance of empowering women through various initiatives, while calls for peace and unity across the state resonated strongly.
Historical Significance: The Nupi Lal uprisings saw Manipuri women leading protests against British colonial injustices, driving political and social change.
Government Efforts: The Chief Minister emphasized addressing ongoing crises through State-Central collaboration and resolving critical issues, including locating missing persons.
Manipur:
- Capital: Imphal (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: N. Biren Singh
- Governor: Lakshman Acharya
Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024: Key Highlights and Developments
The Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit 2024 (RRGIS 2024) was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9th December 2024 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre (JECC) in Rajasthan.
- Duration: 3 Days (9th December to 11th December 2024)
- Theme: “Replete, Responsible, Ready”
Investment Agreements:
- The Rajasthan Government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth over ₹35 lakh crores during the summit.
- The agreements aim to boost industrial and infrastructural growth in the state.
Renewable Energy Initiatives:
- The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) approved the development of a 2 GW (2000 MW) Solar Park project under the Rajasthan Solar Development Corporation.
- Tata Power announced a massive investment of ₹1.2 lakh crore in renewable energy projects across Rajasthan, including solar and wind power initiatives.
About Rajasthan
- Chief Minister: Bhajan Lal Sharma (Constituency – Sanganer)
- Governor: Haribhau Bagade
- Capital: Jaipur
National Parks in Rajasthan
- Mukundra Hills National Park
- Ranthambore National Park
- Sariska National Park
Uttar Pradesh: First State to Fully Adopt GeM Platform
Uttar Pradesh (UP) became the first Indian state to fully adopt the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform in December 2024.
- Objective: Enhance transparency and eliminate unethical practices in public procurement.
- Savings: The state government is expected to save over ₹2,000 crore annually through GeM-based procurement of goods and services.
Key Highlights
Enforcement of Guidelines:
- GeM integration ensures strict adherence to procurement rules.
- Promotes efficiency and transparency in public procurement processes.
Prohibited Practices:
- Price discovery bids and offline contracts.
- Quantity-based bids.
- Request for samples during bid evaluations.
- This initiative positions Uttar Pradesh as a leader in adopting digital governance for public procurement.
GeM portal:
- Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Platform
- Launch Date: August 9, 2016
- Launched by: Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India
Managed by: GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), under the Department of Commerce
Purpose of GeM
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is an online platform launched to facilitate transparent, efficient, and cost-effective procurement of goods and services by government departments, ministries, and public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Uttar Pradesh:
- Capital: Lucknow (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: Yogi Adityanath
- Governor: Anandiben Patel
Punjab Becomes First State to Enact ‘Punjab State (Development and Promotion of Sports) Act 2024’
On December , 2024, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann approved the enactment of the Punjab State (Development and Promotion of Sports) Act 2024, making Punjab the 1st state in India to focus on enhancing sports infrastructure and ensuring transparency in player selection.
Key Highlights of the Act
Objectives:
- Promote the growth of sports across all levels.
- Ensure fair player selection at district, state, and national levels.
- Foster transparency within sports associations.
Adoption of Best Practices: The Act aligns with National and International best practices to develop sports infrastructure and administration within the state.
Financial Transparency:
- Accounts must be maintained by a Chartered Accountant.
- An annual income and expenditure statement must be published by May 31 each year.
National Sports Policy (NSP) 2024
- Formulated by: Department of Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), New Delhi.
- Objective: Promote sports excellence and development in India.
Key Focus:
- Build on the existing 2001 policy to enhance global sports achievements.
- Foster economic growth and social progress through sports.
- Align with the Government of India’s “Viksit Bharat” vision for nation-building.
Key Initiatives under NSP 2024:
- Khelo India Scheme: Grassroots sports promotion.
- Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): Support for elite athletes.
- National Sports Governance Bill 2024: Ensures transparency and accountability in National Sports Federations (NSFs).
About National Sports Governance Bill 2024
- Aims to address longstanding issues of factionalism and mismanagement in NSFs.
- Provides solutions to restore transparency and accountability in sports bodies.
About Punjab
- Capital: Chandigarh
- Chief Minister (CM): Bhagwant Singh Mann
- Governor: Banwarilal Purohit
Defence news
Desert Knight: A Strategic Trilateral Air Combat Exercise
India, France, and the UAE have initiated the trilateral air combat exercise “Desert Knight” over the Arabian Sea. This operation aims to strengthen defence cooperation, enhance interoperability among their air forces, and prepare for complex combat scenarios. Conducted in a strategically important region, the exercise underscores growing trilateral ties amid evolving global security challenges and geopolitical tensions.
Key Objectives and Purpose
- Trilateral Defence Cooperation: Strengthen strategic military ties between India, France, and the UAE.
- Air Force Interoperability: Enhance the ability of the air forces to work together during complex combat situations, ensuring effective collaboration in joint operations.
- Realistic Combat Scenarios: Provide a platform for the three countries to engage in intensive operations, simulating real-world challenges to improve skills and operational readiness.
Participants and Assets
India:
Aircraft:
- Sukhoi-30MKI: Multi-role combat aircraft.
- Jaguars: Deep penetration strike aircraft.
- IL-78: Mid-air refuellers.
- AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) systems for surveillance and operational support.
- Base: Jamnagar, India (West Coast).
France:
- Aircraft: Rafale jets, known for their multi-role capabilities.
- Base: Al Dhafra airbase, UAE.
UAE:
- Aircraft: F-16 fighter jets.
- Base: Al Dhafra airbase, UAE.
Award news
President Droupadi Murmu Confers National Panchayat Awards 2024
On December , 2024, the Hon’ble President of India, Droupadi Murmu, conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2024 upon 45 awardees, including 42 Panchayats and 3 Capacity Building Institutes, for their outstanding contributions to sustainable and inclusive development.
- Organized by: Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
- Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Key Highlights
Participation:
- A total of 1.94 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) participated in the competition.
- 42% of the 42 award-winning Panchayats are led by women, showcasing their leadership in rural governance.
Evaluation Process:
- Panchayats were assessed on their performance across 9 Localisation Sustainable Development Goals (LSDG) themes.
- Evaluations were conducted by committees at the Block, State, and National levels to ensure fairness and transparency.
Prize Money:
- Rs 46 crore was awarded to 45 winners.
- The prize money was directly transferred to the respective bank accounts of the winners.
About Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR)
- Union Minister: Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh (Constituency: Munger, Bihar)
- Minister of State (MoS): S.P. Singh Baghel (Constituency: Agra, Uttar Pradesh)
- This initiative highlights the importance of local governance and the role of Panchayats in achieving sustainable rural development across India.
Sports news
Mumbai Clinches Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
Mumbai clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 by defeating Madhya Pradesh by five wickets in a high-pressure final. Mumbai’s batting depth and resilience proved crucial in chasing a competitive target of 175 in just 17.5 overs. Despite a valiant unbeaten knock of 81 runs by MP skipper Rajat Patidar, Mumbai showcased dominance in the T20 format to secure their second SMAT title after 2022.
Match Summary
Madhya Pradesh Innings: 174/8 in 20 overs
- Key Performer: Rajat Patidar remained unbeaten at 81 off 54 balls (5 fours, 3 sixes).
- Other batters failed to capitalize, leading to a below-par total.
Mumbai Innings: 180/5 in 17.5 overs
- Suryakumar Yadav: 48 runs off 35 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes).
- Ajinkya Rahane: 37 runs off 30 balls.
- Suryansh Shedge: Match-winning 36* off 15 balls (3 fours, 3 sixes).
- Atharva Ankolekar: 16* off 6 balls, finishing in style.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
- Founded: 2006-07
- Type of Tournament: Domestic T20 Cricket Tournament
- Organized by: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Key Features
Format:
- The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a Twenty20 (T20) format cricket competition.
- It is contested by state teams from across India.
Inception: The tournament was introduced as the national T20 championship for domestic cricket in India. It replaced the earlier Ranjit Singh Trophy and was named after Syed Mushtaq Ali, a famous cricketer from India.
Structure:
- The tournament is played in a league format followed by knockout rounds.
- State teams are divided into groups, and they compete in round-robin matches to qualify for the final stage.
Science and tech news
India Launches First Diabetes Biobank in Chennai
India’s first diabetes biobank has been established in Chennai, a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). This biobank, a crucial step in advancing scientific research, will collect, process, store, and distribute biological samples to study diabetes, its causes, variations, and related disorders, contributing to global health research.
Purpose and Importance
- Collects, processes, stores, and distributes biological samples to study diabetes and related disorders.
- Aims to identify novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and develop personalized treatment strategies.
- Focuses on unique diabetes patterns in India.
Key Studies Stored
ICMR-INDIAB Study:
- Covered 1.2 lakh individuals across 31 states/UTs.
- Revealed India’s diabetes epidemic affecting 10 crore people.
Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes:
- Tracks diabetes cases diagnosed at a young age.
- Enrolled 5,500+ participants.
- Highlights prevalence of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in youth.
Long-term Potential
- Supports longitudinal studies to track diabetes progression.
- Enhances India’s contribution to global diabetes research.
- Develops cost-effective, disease-specific biobanks using advanced storage and data-sharing technologies.
Indian council of Medical Research:
- Founded: 1911
- Headquarters: New Delhi
- Head: Dr. Rajiv Bahl
