18th December 2024 current affairs

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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 18th 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

Vice President Dhankhar Inaugurates GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior

On the occasion of the inauguration of the GSI Geoscience Museum in Gwalior, Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, along with several distinguished dignitaries, marked the opening of this state-of-the-art facility. The museum, housed in the historic Victoria Market Building, serves as a hub of knowledge and a tribute to Earth’s geological wonders. The event celebrated the fusion of tradition with modern innovation and showcased the significant contributions of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in exploring the nation’s geological resources.

Museum Overview

• Dedicated to showcasing Earth’s geological wonders.
• Features interactive exhibits and rare geological specimens.

Exhibit Galleries

Gallery I: Planet Earth – Its Uniqueness in Diversity

• Highlights geological phenomena like volcanoes, meteorites, and magnetic fields.
• Displays: Antarctic rocks, gemstones, volcanic rocks from Japan, dinosaur eggs.
• Includes interactive models, multimedia displays, and digital storyboards.

Gallery II: Evolution of Life on Earth

• Chronicles life’s history, from ancient ecosystems to modern humans.
• Features fossils, immersive exhibits, and sections on evolution and mass extinctions.

Notable Contributions

• First Ticket Issued: By Shri Satish Chandra Dubey.
• Special Recognition: Shri R.V. Karanth honored for donating his gemstone collection.

Future Goals and Impact

• Aims to be a resource for researchers, educators, and geoscience enthusiasts.
• Promotes understanding of Earth’s processes and sustainable development.
• Reflects GSI’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and resource management.

Madhya Pradesh:

• Capital: Bhopal (Executive Branch)
• Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
• CM: Dr. Mohan Yadav

India Becomes the First Country to Launch ‘Taxonomy of Green Steel’ to Promote Sustainable Steel Production

On December, 2024, India took a groundbreaking step in sustainable manufacturing by unveiling the ‘Taxonomy of Green Steel’. The announcement, made by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy from the Ministry of Steel (MoS) and the Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises (MoHI&PE), marked India as the first country globally to introduce such a framework, which aims to define and regulate green steel production based on emission intensity.

Key Highlights of the Green Steel Taxonomy

Framework Introduction: The new ‘Taxonomy of Green Steel’ defines green steel in terms of emission intensity, focusing on the reduction of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions during steel production.

Emission Limit: The limit for green steel production is set at 2.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions per tonne of finished steel (tCO2e/tfs). Steel producers will qualify their products as “green steel” if their emissions fall below this threshold.

Star Rating System: The star rating system will define the quality of green steel based on its emission intensity. The upper limit for rating will be reviewed every three years to keep up with technological advancements and industry needs.

Stakeholder Consultations: During the event, the Ministry of Steel also organized consultations with stakeholders to gather suggestions for two critical initiatives:

• National Mission on Green Steel (NMGS): A mission aimed at promoting sustainable practices within India’s steel industry.
• Green Steel Public Procurement Policy (GSPPP): A policy to incentivize the procurement of green steel by government bodies.

Review of Inputs: The suggestions and inputs received from various stakeholders during these consultations will be considered and incorporated into the final drafts of both the NMGS and GSPPP.

Significance of Green Steel for India’s Environmental Goals

• Global Leadership: India’s introduction of a taxonomy for green steel positions it as a global leader in the shift towards eco-friendly industrial practices, particularly in steel production, which is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions.
• Technological Advancements: The taxonomy will ensure that India’s steel industry keeps pace with advancements in green technologies, allowing for continuous improvement in the environmental performance of steel manufacturing.

About the Ministry of Steel (MoS)

• Union Minister: H.D. Kumaraswamy, representing Mandya, Karnataka, leads the Ministry of Steel (MoS).
• Minister of State (MoS): Bhupathi Raju Srinivas Varma, representing Narasapuram, Andhra Pradesh, is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Steel.

International news

Russia Offers Visa-Free Travel for Indians in 2025

Indians may soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia as part of a new initiative expected to begin in the spring of 2025. This move follows bilateral discussions between India and Russia in June 2024, aimed at easing visa restrictions and encouraging group tourist exchanges. Currently, Indian nationals require visas to visit Russia, but the upcoming agreement could significantly streamline travel processes, boosting tourism and strengthening bilateral ties.

Key Developments

1. Bilateral Discussions (June 2024)

• India and Russia engaged in talks to ease visa restrictions.
• The discussions focused on enabling smoother travel for citizens of both countries.

2. Current Visa Process for Indians Traveling to Russia

• Visa Requirement: Indian travelers need a visa issued by the Russian Embassy or Consulates.
• E-Visa Option: Introduced in August 2023. E-visas are processed in approximately four days, simplifying travel procedures for Indian citizens.

3. Growing Tourism Numbers

• Indian Visitors to Moscow (2023): Over 60,000 Indian tourists visited Moscow, marking a 26% increase compared to 2022.
• Business Tourism (2024): India ranked third among non-CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries for business tourism. 1,700 e-visas were issued in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

RUSSIA:

• Capital: Moscow
• Currency: Russian Ruble
• Continent: Europe, Asia
• Prime minister: Mikhail Mishustin

Economy news

Wholesale Inflation Eases to 1.9% in November Amid Cooling Food Prices

In November 2024, India’s wholesale inflation moderated to 1.9%, down from 2.4% in October 2024. This marks a notable slowdown in inflation, largely driven by a decrease in food price inflation. However, there are continuing challenges, particularly in the prices of manufactured products. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Food Price Inflation

Food Inflation Deceleration:

• Food price inflation eased to 8.9% in November, down from 11.6% in October.
• This is a significant improvement, especially after food inflation reached a 25-month high in October.
• The primary drivers of the slowdown in food inflation were vegetables, whose price rise slowed considerably from 63% in October to 28.6% in November.
• However, potato prices continued to rise sharply, with an 82.8% increase in November. This rise in potato prices was a major contributor to the still-high food inflation figures.

Edible Oils and Fats: Prices of edible oils and fats continued to see sharp increases. The rate of increase surged to 28% in November, compared to 20.2% in October, indicating that the supply-demand imbalance in these goods persists.

Pulses, Fruits, Wheat, and Paddy: Inflation in pulses, fruits, wheat, and paddy persisted, though at a slower pace than earlier in the year. The government’s interventions may have provided some relief in these categories, but the overall food price inflation remains elevated due to specific items.

Manufactured Products Inflation

Price Increases in Manufactured Goods: Prices for manufactured products saw an uptick in November, rising by 2%.

Fuel and Power

Decline in Fuel Prices:

• Fuel and power prices remained in deflationary territory, with a 5.83% year-on-year decline.
• Despite global crude price fluctuations, domestic fuel prices remained subdued, contributing to a lower inflation rate in this category.

Banking news

Public Sector Banks Record Net Profit of Rs 85,520 Crore In First Half FY2024-25

In the first half of FY 2024-25, Public Sector Banks (PSBs), including the State Bank of India (SBI), reported a net profit of ₹85,520 crore, marking an impressive 26% growth compared to ₹67,850 crore during the same period in the previous year. This significant achievement underscores the operational efficiency and financial resilience of PSBs, driven by improved asset quality, robust credit monitoring, and enhanced operational efficiency.

SBI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Founded: 1 July 1955
• Key people: Challa Sreenivasulu Setty (Chairman); Kameshwar Rao Kodavanti (CFO);

BharatPe Launches ‘Shield’ Fraud Protection Plan for UPI Transactions

In December 2024, BharatPe, a leading financial technology company for merchant payments, launched a new fraud protection plan named “Shield”. This initiative is designed to safeguard users from fraudulent Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions and enhance security during digital transactions.

Key Features of the Shield Plan

Complimentary Fraud Protection:

• BharatPe is offering 30 days of complimentary fraud protection for users making their first UPI transaction on the BharatPe app.
• This complimentary service covers transactions up to Rs. 5,000.

Affordable Subscription After Free Period: After the complimentary period, users can continue using the Shield plan for just Rs. 19 per month.

Comprehensive Coverage:

• The Shield plan covers various risks, including computer fraud, phishing attacks, and unauthorized transactions that may occur due to phone loss.
• It also includes a pre-reporting period, enabling users to file claims for any fraudulent losses incurred up to 10 days prior to reporting the issue.

24/7 Support:  Users can access round-the-clock assistance for reporting fraud and filing claims via the BharatPe app, chatbot, and toll-free helplines.

BharatPe’s Innovative History

• Founded in 2018, BharatPe is renowned for pioneering solutions in the financial sector.
• In 2018, it introduced India’s first UPI-compatible QR code and zero Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) payment service.
• In August 2024, the company rebranded its Postpe app to the BharatPe app and expanded into the consumer payments space by launching its UPI Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP).

Bharatpe:

• CEO: Nalin Negi (3 Jan 2023–)
• Founded: April 2018
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Defence news

INS Nirdeshak: Indian Navy’s New Survey Ship Commissioned

The Indian Navy is set to commission INS Nirdeshak, a new survey ship, on December 18, 2024, at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. This event, with Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth as the Chief Guest, signifies a major leap in India’s naval capabilities. The vessel, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, is the second ship under the Survey Vessel (Large) Project. INS Nirdeshak will enhance India’s maritime presence, especially in the Indian Ocean Region, and will continue the legacy of the original Nirdeshak, which served the Navy for 32 years before being decommissioned in 2014.

Operational Role and Strategic Importance

Maritime Operations:

• Designed to support sea floor mapping, maritime navigation, and naval operations.
• Strengthens India’s maritime operations and strategic positioning.

Strategic Positioning:

• Enhances India’s presence in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Bolsters international cooperation in marine surveys.
• Technological Evolution and Legacy

Legacy of INS Nirdeshak: The original vessel served for over 30 years, setting a high standard for the new ship.

Technological Advancements: The new vessel incorporates advanced design and technology, reflecting the evolving capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Indian navy:

• Head: Incumbent Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi
• Founded: 26 January 1950

SLINEX 2024: Strengthening Sri Lanka-India Naval Ties

The Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) is a significant annual event that fosters maritime cooperation between the two nations. Initiated in 2005, SLINEX has grown in scope and importance over the years, strengthening the bilateral relationship between India and Sri Lanka. The 2024 edition of SLINEX will be held from December 17 to December 20, 2024, at Visakhapatnam under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. The exercise will be conducted in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase, focusing on enhancing interoperability, strengthening mutual understanding, and promoting regional maritime security.

Overview

• Purpose: SLINEX is an annual naval exercise aimed at enhancing maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.
• Inception: Initiated in 2005, the exercise has grown in significance, strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
• Dates: December 17 to December 20, 2024
• Location: Visakhapatnam, under the Eastern Naval Command

Exercise Phases

Harbour Phase (17-18 December 2024)

Focus:

• Professional and social exchanges between the naval forces of India and Sri Lanka.
• Enhancing mutual understanding and building camaraderie among the personnel.

Sea Phase (19-20 December 2024)

Activities:

• Special Forces Operations
• Gun Firings
• Communication Drills
• Seamanship Practices
• Navigation Evolutions
• Helicopter Operations

Participating Units

India

• INS Sumitra: A Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) of the Eastern Fleet.
• Special Forces Team

Sri Lanka

• SLNS Sayura: Offshore Patrol Vessel.
• Embarked Special Forces Team

Significance of SLINEX 2024

• Strengthening Maritime Cooperation: SLINEX 2024 aims to bolster the strong maritime relationship between India and Sri Lanka.
• Enhancing Interoperability: The exercise allows both navies to improve their operational interoperability, share best practices, and enhance coordination between forces.
• Regional Maritime Security: SLINEX contributes to promoting a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment in the Indian Ocean Region, addressing emerging security challenges.

Sri lankha:

• Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
• Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
• President: Anura Kumara Dissanayake
• Prime minister: Harini Amarasuriya

Award news

UNESCO Announces Winners of 2024 Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards

On December , 2024, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) announced the winners of the 2024 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation, also known as the Heritage Awards, at its regional office in Bangkok, Thailand.

This prestigious recognition honors outstanding projects that contribute to the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. This year, a total of 8 projects from 5 different countries received the awards. The countries honored include India (2 projects), Thailand (1), China (3), New Zealand (1), and Japan (1).

Key Highlights of the Awards:

Award of Excellence (Highest Honor): The Inari-yu Bathhouse Restoration Project in Tokyo, Japan won the Award of Excellence, the highest honor of the UNESCO heritage awards.

India’s Honored Projects:

• Abathsahayeshwarar Temple in Tamil Nadu was honored with the “Award of Distinction” for its exceptional conservation efforts.
• The Sir Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Parsee Charitable Institution (BJPCI) Conservation Project in Maharashtra received the “Award of Merit” for its outstanding heritage preservation.

About UNESCO:

• Director-General (DG): Audrey Azoulay
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Member Nations: 194
• Established: 1945

Air India Receives Prestigious Global Awards for Service Excellence and Innovation

In December 2024, Air India Limited, India’s leading airline based in New Delhi, received two prestigious global accolades, emphasizing its ongoing transformation and commitment to service excellence.

Good Design Award Australia 2024:

Air India’s Vista Verve in-flight product was awarded the Good Design Award Australia 2024. This prestigious award recognizes the innovation and design excellence of Vista Verve, which includes exclusive tableware, Slovakian lead-free glassware, and luxurious linens with premium mattress toppers. These elements underscore the airline’s commitment to luxury, sustainability, and comfort for passengers.

The Vista Verve product is being gradually introduced across the airline’s network, with its availability on key international routes, including to the United Kingdom (UK) (London Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham) and select United States of America (USA) routes (New York, Newark, and Washington).

APEX Awards at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards:

Air India also won three APEX Awards at the Future Travel Experience (FTE) Awards in Singapore, highlighting its leadership in providing an exceptional global passenger experience.

About Air India Limited:

• Chairman: Natarajan Chandrasekaran
• Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
• Founded: 1932

Agreement news

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, Navy Sign MoU for Logistics Education

Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya  GSV and the Indian Navy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance education, research, and training in logistics for the Navy, aimed at improving logistics capabilities and aligning with national initiatives like the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan and National Logistics Policy.

Key Points of the MoU

MoU Signing

Signatories:

• Vice Admiral Deepak Kapoor, Controller of Logistics, Indian Navy
• Manoj Choudhary, Vice Chancellor, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV)

Objectives of the Collaboration Strengthen the Indian Navy’s logistics framework.

Focus on key areas:

• Supply Chain Management
• Multimodal Transportation
• Sustainability in Logistics
• Alignment with National Initiatives

Supports the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan 2021 and the National Logistics Policy 2022 aimed at improving national logistics efficiency.

Technological Integration:

Exchange of expertise in emerging technologies, including:

• AI Applications
• Predictive Analytics
• Blockchain Technology for logistics optimization
• Educational Opportunities for Navy Officers

Indian Navy officers will have the opportunity to pursue academic degrees and management programs at GSV, with a focus on logistics and management.

Partnership with Other Defence Services: GSV already has partnerships with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, broadening its educational support to all three services.

Sports news

India Clinches Women’s Junior Asia Cup Title

The Indian women’s junior hockey team successfully defended their title at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, defeating China 3-2 in a thrilling penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This victory marks India’s second consecutive win at the tournament, having also won the 2023 edition. The victory in Muscat, Oman, secured India’s qualification for the 2025 FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup in Chile.

Tournament Results

Semi-Finals:

• India defeated Japan 3-1.
• China triumphed over South Korea 4-1.

Top Five Finishers:

• India (Champions)
• China (Runners-up)
• Japan (Third place)
• South Korea (Fourth place)

Malaysia (Fifth place, defeating Thailand to secure qualification)

Historic Achievement for India

India’s victory in the 2024 Women’s Junior Asia Cup is part of a historic double success for Indian hockey in Muscat. The Indian men’s junior team had also won the 2024 Men’s Junior Asia Cup, marking a landmark achievement for Indian junior hockey in both the men’s and women’s categories.

About the Women’s Junior Asia Cup

• Organizing Body: The tournament is organized by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
• Player Age Group: The competition is open to players under 21 years.
• Purpose: The Women’s Junior Asia Cup serves as a qualification tournament for the FIH Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup.
• First Edition: The tournament was first held in 1992 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Most Successful Team: South Korea holds the record for the most titles, with four wins.
• India’s Titles: India has now won two titles at the Women’s Junior Asia Cup, in the 2023 and 2024 editions

Science and tech news

Snakebite Cases Declared as a “Notifiable Disease” in India

In November 2024, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) declared snakebite cases as a “Notifiable Disease” in India, mandating that all government and public health facilities report snakebite cases and deaths. This move is part of the broader National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), launched earlier in March 2024. The initiative aims to reduce snakebite fatalities by 50% by 2030 and strengthen the country’s ability to monitor and respond to such incidents.

What is a Notifiable Disease?

• A notifiable disease is any disease that must be reported to public health authorities by law. Reporting these cases allows health officials to monitor the disease’s spread, track outbreaks, and implement timely actions to prevent and control it.
• In India, several diseases are classified as notifiable, including Leprosy, Tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, Cholera, and Hepatitis, among others.

Reason for Declaring Snakebite as a “Notifiable Disease”

Life-threatening Nature: Snakebites are life-threatening and can result in severe consequences, including death, long-term health complications, and permanent disability in some cases.

• Need for Effective Surveillance: By making snakebites notifiable, India aims to establish a robust surveillance system to monitor snakebite cases accurately. This will allow health authorities to identify high-risk areas, track snakebite fatalities, and pinpoint the contributing factors behind these deaths.
• Improved Clinical Management: An accurate and timely reporting system will help in better clinical management of snakebites, ensuring that resources and treatments are directed where they are most needed.

About the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW)

• Union Minister: Jagat Prakash Nadda, Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, serves as the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
• Minister of State (MOS): Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, representing Buldhana, Maharashtra, is the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

ISRO Successfully Tests CE20 Cryogenic Engine

On December 12, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed a crucial milestone with the sea-level hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. This test, conducted on November 29, 2024, marks a significant achievement in the development of cryogenic technology for India’s future space missions, particularly those requiring higher payloads and advanced propulsion systems.

Challenges and Innovations in Testing

Cryogenic engine testing at sea level poses several challenges, mainly due to the engine’s high area ratio nozzle, which has an exit pressure of around 50 mbar. The key challenges involved:

• Flow Separation: At sea level, cryogenic engines tend to experience flow separation at the nozzle exit, which could result in severe vibrations and potentially cause mechanical damage to the engine. This phenomenon occurs because the engine’s nozzle design is optimized for operation in space, where the pressure is much lower.
• Mitigation Through Innovations: To address these challenges, ISRO developed an innovative Nozzle Protection System, which successfully mitigated the risks associated with flow separation. The system ensured that the engine could function without excessive vibrations or damage, simplifying the test procedure.
• Multi-Element Igniter: Another key achievement was the successful demonstration of the multi-element igniter. This system is crucial for the engine’s ability to restart in space, making it a vital component for long-duration missions where multiple burns are required.

ISRO:

• Founded: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Head: Sreedhara Panicker Somanath

Manastu Space Technologies Delivers iBooster Green Propulsion System to DRDO

In December 2024, Manastu Space Technologies Private Limited, a deep-technology startup based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, successfully delivered the iBooster Green Propulsion System to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This marks a significant milestone following four years of extensive research and development, supported by DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF).

Key Features of the iBooster Green Propulsion System:

Target Satellite Range: Designed for satellites weighing between 100 to 500 kilograms (kg).

Critical Operations:

Plays a vital role in essential satellite functions, including:

• Orbit raising
• Station-keeping
• Deorbiting

Eco-friendly Propellant: The system is powered by a proprietary hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-based fuel, offering a safer, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional toxic fuels. Additionally, it is more cost-effective compared to other high-priced alternatives.

About Manastu Space Technologies:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Tushar Jadhav
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Established: 2017

DRDO:

• Date founded: 1958
• Headquarters: DRDO Bhavan, New Delhi, India
• Agency executive: : Sameer V. Kamat, Chairman, DRDO;

Books and author

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Launches “New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024”

On December, 2024, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, launched the book titled “New Bharat – Modi’s Vision and Development 2019-2024” at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. The event was attended by Navneet Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, and other distinguished dignitaries.

Key Details:

• Author: Ravi Prashar
• Publisher: Hindustan Times
• Focus: The book highlights the developmental initiatives and schemes undertaken during the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2019 to 2024, showcasing his vision for India’s growth and progress.

Minister Shekhawat’s Remarks:

Union Minister Shekhawat emphasized that the book reflects the nation’s development journey and illustrates the transformation of India’s global perception under PM Modi’s leadership. The launch event highlighted the significant strides India has made in various sectors over the past five years.

Important days

Pensioners Day in India: Honouring D.S. Nakara’s Fight for Pension Rights

Pensioners Day is observed annually on 17th December in India to honor D.S. Nakara, a retired government official who became the face of the fight for the rights and dignity of pensioners. This day commemorates the 1982 Supreme Court judgment, which ensured equality and justice for pensioners, guaranteeing them the same pension benefits, irrespective of their retirement date.

History of Pensioners Day: The origins of Pensioners Day can be traced back to a landmark legal battle in 1982, led by D.S. Nakara, who had retired from the Department of Defense. Here’s a detailed look at the history:

• The Discriminatory Pension System: In 1979, a liberalized pension system was introduced, but it only benefited those officials who retired after March 31, 1979. This created a discriminatory situation, where pensioners who retired before this date were denied the enhanced pension benefits, despite having served the nation for decades.
• D.S. Nakara’s Legal Challenge: D.S. Nakara, who retired before the cutoff date, was denied the pension benefits under this new system. He challenged this discriminatory policy in court, arguing that it violated the constitutional principle of equality guaranteed under Article 14 of the Indian Constitution.
• The Supreme Court Ruling: In a historic judgment in 1982, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of D.S. Nakara. The Court declared that the discriminatory pension policy was unconstitutional. The judgment emphasized that pension is a right and not a mere bounty, and it should be available equally to all eligible retired employees, regardless of their retirement date.
• This decision effectively ensured that pension benefits would be provided equally to all eligible individuals, giving pensioners a sense of dignity and economic security.
• The Magna Carta of Pensioners: The Supreme Court’s judgment was celebrated as the “Magna Carta of Pensioners,” as it upheld the principles of justice and equality for pensioners, guaranteeing them economic security in their post-retirement life.