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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 27th 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
India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023:
The 18th edition of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR 2023) was released on December 21, 2024, by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav at the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
Forest & Tree Cover Statistics:
Total forest and tree cover in India stands at 827,357 sq km (25.17% of the country’s geographical area).
- Forest cover: 715,343 sq km (21.76% of India’s area).
- Tree cover: 112,014 sq km (3.41% of India’s area).
The total area of forest cover has increased by 1,445 sq km since 2021, with a notable rise of 156 sq km in forest cover.
Top States with Largest Forest Cover:
- Madhya Pradesh (MP) has the highest forest cover at 77,073 sq km.
- Arunachal Pradesh (AR) follows with 65,882 sq km.
- Chhattisgarh ranks third with 55,812 sq km.
About Forest Survey of India (FSI): FSI was established in 1981, evolving from the Pre-Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR), a project initiated in 1965 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Government of India (GoI).
The ISFR is published biennially, and it provides valuable insights into the state of forest resources in India.
Losar Festivities Illuminate Ladakh with Culture and Unity
Ladakhi Losar, marking the New Year in the Tibetan calendar, is a vibrant festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across Ladakh. Deeply rooted in the region’s culture and heritage, Losar is more than a festive occasion; it is a time for reflection, community bonding, and the preservation of Ladakhi traditions. This year’s celebrations are particularly notable as they coincide with Christmas and New Year, creating a grand and inclusive festive atmosphere.
Overview:
- Ladakhi Losar marks the New Year in the Tibetan calendar, celebrated with enthusiasm across Ladakh.
- Organized by LAHDC Leh with the Culture Academy, Leh.
- Festivities (Dec 20-31) included cultural performances, choirs, and market promotions in Leh.
Purpose & Vision:
- Bring traditions closer to urban areas and inspire villagers to preserve customs.
- Offer tourists a glimpse into Ladakhi heritage.
Culture & Heritage:
- Focus on preserving traditions while adapting to modern times.
- Promoted eco-friendly practices like cleaning homes, lighting butter lamps, and fostering harmony.
- Featured traditional dishes and community feasts.
Adapting Traditions:
- Emphasis on systematic adaptation to balance heritage and change.
- Gradual development respecting Ladakhi societal values.
Cultural Documentation: LAHDC’s initiative documents the culture of 133 villages in Leh through audio, video, and written formats for preservation.
Significance:
- Promotes unity, wisdom, and harmony.
- Highlights Ladakhi culture globally with messages of love, kindness, and peace.
Ladakh:
- Capitals: Leh, Kargil
- Lieutenant Governor: B. D. Mishra
Indore Airport Launches Waste Processing Unit In Green Initiative
IndiGo’s CSR initiative, IndiGoReach, has launched the Zero Waste Airport Project at Indore Airport, in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and AAS Foundation, Indore. This project aims to create a sustainable and eco-friendly airport by utilizing the 4R strategy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. By reducing the environmental impact of airport operations, the initiative sets a new benchmark for waste management in aviation, focusing on behavioral change, stakeholder engagement, and training.
Key Features:
Material Recovery Facility (MRF):
- Inaugurated by Shri Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation.
- Sorts dry waste into 10 categories for recycling.
- Offers guided tours to showcase waste segregation processes.
Wet Waste Processing Unit:
- Converts organic waste into nutrient-rich compost.
- Compost used for airport landscaping.
Delhi Waste Management Plant: Processes 750 kg of daily waste on-site, reducing landfill dependency.
Self-Sustaining Model: Income from compost and recycled materials will fund green workers’ salaries from the third year onward.
Public Awareness and Engagement: Campaigns and waste segregation practices encourage responsible waste disposal by passengers and staff.
Madhya Pradesh:
- Capital: Bhopal (Executive Branch)
- Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel
- CM: Dr. Mohan Yadav
Agreement news
GSV and Indian Navy Sign MoU to Enhance Logistics Education and Research
In December 2024, Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) based in Vadodara, Gujarat, and the Indian Navy (IN) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve logistics education, research, and training for the Navy.
Key Details:
- Signatories: The MoU was signed by Vice Admiral Deepak Kapoor, Controller of Logistics of the Indian Navy, and Professor Manoj Choudhary, Vice-Chancellor of GSV.
- Objective: The partnership aims to strengthen the Indian Navy’s logistics capabilities by focusing on supply chain management, integrated transportation systems, and sustainable logistics practices.
- Technology Integration: The MoU also promotes the sharing of expertise and case studies on Artificial Intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and blockchain technology to improve logistics operations.
- National Initiatives: The collaboration aligns with and supports significant national projects like the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) 2021 and the National Logistics Policy (NLP) 2022.
About GSV: Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) was established in 2022 as a central university under the Ministry of Railways (MOR), aiming to advance education in logistics and related fields.
Gujarat:
- Capital: Gandhinagar
- Governor: Acharya Devvrat
- Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel
Banking news
ADB to Lend USD $500 Million to India for Sustainable Infrastructure
On December, 2024, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $500 million loan agreement.
The loan, with a sovereign guarantee, will support green infrastructure projects aligned with India’s climate goals.
The funds will be channeled through India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) to finance projects in energy transition, urban development, education, and healthcare.
Key Objectives:
- Empower IIFCL: Focus on integrating green practices in infrastructure development.
- Sustainable Projects: Ensure that infrastructure projects in sectors like energy, connectivity, and healthcare are both economically viable and environmentally sustainable.
- Minimizing Carbon Footprint: Projects will be designed to reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to India’s net-zero emissions target.
Enhancing IIFCL’s Capacity:
- Sustainability Unit: The loan agreement includes establishing a dedicated sustainability unit within IIFCL.
- Environmental Framework: The unit will develop and enforce a sustainability framework, creating a scoring system to assess the green credentials of infrastructure projects.
- Building Institutional Capacity: Strengthening IIFCL’s ability to handle the growing demand for climate-aligned infrastructure in India.
Asian development bank:
- Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines
- Founded: 19 December 1966
- President: Masatsugu Asakawa (until February 23, 2025), Masato Kanda
Award news
100th Edition of Tansen Sangeet Samaroh Celebrated in Gwalior
The 100th edition of the Tansen Sangeet Samaroh, one of India’s most iconic classical music festivals, took place from December 15 to 19, 2024, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (MP). This prestigious festival was organized by the Department of Culture, MP, with Dharmendra Singh, the Culture Minister of MP, as the chief guest at the award ceremony.
Highlights of the Event:
Honoring Music Legends: Renowned tabla player Padma Shri Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri was conferred with the ‘Rashtriya Tansen Samman 2023’, recognizing his contributions to Indian classical music.
Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman: The ‘Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman 2023’ was awarded to Sanand Nyas Institution of Indore for its role in preserving and promoting classical music and cultural heritage. The award was accepted by Jayant Madhav Bhise, President, and Sanjeev Babikar, Secretary of Sanand Nyas.
About the Awards:
- Rashtriya Tansen Samman: Established in 1980 by the MP Government, this is India’s highest music award in the classical music field. It includes a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh and a citation plaque.
- Raja Mansingh Tomar Samman: This award recognizes outstanding contributions to Indian classical music, drama, and cultural events, with a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh and a citation plaque.
- Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri: Born in 1945 in Kolkata, West Bengal, Pandit Swapan Chaudhuri is a renowned tabla virtuoso.
He has received multiple prestigious awards, including the Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1996) and the Padma Shri (2019) in the field of Art-Music-Tabla.
Pandit Chaudhuri has also earned the American Academy of Artists Award and was nominated for the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
Gwalior as UNESCO City of Music: Gwalior, a city known for its rich musical heritage, is recognized by UNESCO as a City of Music, reflecting its historical significance in the cultural and classical music landscape.
69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar (AVRSP 2024) Conferred to Railway Officials
In December 2024, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, representing the Ministry of Railways (MOR), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoI&B), and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), presented the prestigious 69th Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar (AVRSP 2024) to 101 Railway officials and 22 Railway Zones at a ceremony held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The theme for this year’s ceremony was “Mai Hoon Bhartiya Rail,” celebrating the pride and dedication of Indian Railways.
Key Highlights of the Ceremony:
Dignitaries Present: The event was attended by Satish Kumar, Chairman & CEO of the Railway Board, Union Minister of State (MOS) V Somanna (MoR and Ministry of Jal Shakti), Union MoS Ravneet Singh (MoR and Ministry of Food Processing Industries), along with members of the Railway Board and General Managers (GMs) from various Railway Zones and Production Units.
About the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar: The AVRSP is awarded to railway employees for exceptional performance in various fields.
The awards are presented in two categories:
- Individual Awards: Recognizing personal achievements in different aspects of railway services.
- Shields to Best-Performing Railway Zones: Awarded to the top-performing zones for their excellence.
Key Areas of Recognition:
Innovation and Productivity Enhancement: 15 employees and officers were honored for driving innovation and improving productivity, focusing on reducing import dependency and promoting indigenous technology.
Bravery and Selflessness in Safeguarding Lives: 16 employees were recognized for their exceptional bravery and selfless acts in ensuring the safety of passengers and staff, particularly in safeguarding railway property and preventing accidents.
About Indian Railways (IR):
- Chairman & CEO: Satish Kumar
- Headquarters: New Delhi, Delhi
- Established: 1853
Science and tech news
Shenzhou-19 Astronauts Set World Record for Longest Spacewalk
In December 2024, two astronauts from China’s Shenzhou-19 mission aboard the Tiangong Space Station (TSS) successfully completed their first Extravehicular Activity (EVA), setting a new world record for the longest spacewalk, lasting 9 hours. This historic achievement surpassed the previous record of 8 hours 56 minutes, set by NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms in 2001.
Key Details:
- Mission Commander Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong conducted the spacewalk outside the Tiangong Space Station in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- The astronauts wore second-generation “Feitian” spacesuits, which marked a significant advancement over the first-generation suits used in China’s first spacewalk in 2008.
- During the spacewalk, they completed tasks such as installing debris protection on the exterior of the space station.
History of Spacewalks:
- 1965: The Soviet Union became the first country to conduct a spacewalk, lasting about 12 minutes.
- 2008: China’s first spacewalk was performed by Zhai Zhigang during the Shenzhou-7 mission, lasting nearly 19 minutes.
- May 2024: Shenzhou-18 astronauts Ye Guangfu and Li Guangsu set China’s previous EVA record of 8.5 hours working outside the TSS.
About Shenzhou-19 Mission:
Launch Date: October 2024
- The Shenzhou-19 spaceship was launched with Mission Commander Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong, and Wang Haoze onboard. The mission will last 6 months, and its purpose is to continue operations at the Tiangong Space Station.
- The spacecraft was launched atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China.
About China:
- President: Xi Jinping
- Capital: Beijing
- Currency: Renminbi (CNY)
State news
Governance Reshuffle: President Droupadi Murmu’s New Appointments and Transfers
In a significant move to address political, administrative, and security challenges, President Droupadi Murmu announced the appointment of two new governors and reassigned three others across five states. This reshuffle is part of a strategic approach to strengthen leadership in regions facing unrest, administrative issues, and security concerns. The states involved are Kerala, Bihar, Odisha, Manipur, and Mizoram.
- Ajay Kumar Bhalla Appointed as Governor of Manipur Replaces: Anusuiya Uikey
- Arif Mohammed Khan Transferred to governor Bihar Previous Role: Governor of Kerala
- Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar Transferred to governor Kerala Previous Role: Governor of Bihar
- Hari Babu Kambhampati Transferred to governor Odisha Previous Role: Governor of Mizoram
- General Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh Appointed as Governor of Mizoram Replaces: Hari Babu Kambhampati
Political and Administrative Implications
Addressing Regional Challenges: Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s appointment to Manipur is vital due to the state’s ongoing ethnic violence and security concerns. His leadership is expected to bring stability and effective governance.
Balancing Political Dynamics: The exchange of governors between Kerala and Bihar reflects efforts to ease political tensions and ensure smoother governance in both states.
Strategic Appointments:
- General V.K. Singh’s military experience brings a strategic perspective to Mizoram, enhancing its security framework.
- Hari Babu Kambhampati’s transfer to Odisha ensures continuity in leadership and administration.
Administrative Expertise:
- All appointments highlight the emphasis on appointing experienced and capable leaders to address the complex challenges facing these states.
- This reshuffle aims to strengthen governance and resolve key issues in these states, ensuring more effective leadership in the face of growing political, administrative, and security concerns.
Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, has introduced the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Yojana, aiming to support Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad. The announcement, made just before the Delhi Assembly elections, is seen as a strategic move to win over Dalit voters, linking the initiative with the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of educational empowerment for marginalized communities.
Purpose of the Scheme
Objective: To support Dalit students pursuing higher education abroad.
Coverage: The scheme will cover all educational expenses, including:
- Tuition fees
- Travel costs
Other essential expenditures
Goal: To remove financial barriers, ensuring Dalit students can pursue their educational aspirations without monetary constraints.
Political Context and Criticism
- Announcement Timing: Just before the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP introduced the scheme to appeal to Dalit voters by linking it to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy.
- Opposition: The BJP has criticized the initiative, accusing AAP of rebranding unfulfilled promises from previous years and questioning its transparency and funding.
- AAP’s Defense: AAP’s Chief Minister, Atishi, emphasized the government’s consistent commitment to education, pointing out that 25% of the Delhi government’s budget has been allocated to education in the last decade. The new scholarship program is presented as part of the effort to realize Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of educational empowerment for marginalized communities.
Appointment news
Tonga Elects Aisake Valu Eke as New Prime Minister
Tonga’s parliament has elected veteran politician Aisake Valu Eke as its new Prime Minister after Siaosi Sovaleni’s abrupt resignation. The political transition comes at a time of significant challenges, including strained monarchy-government relations, economic hardships, and the aftermath of natural disasters.
Maia Sandu Sworn in as President of Moldova for 2nd Term
Ms Maia Sandu was sworn in as the President of the European country of Moldova for her second term of four years on 24 December 2024.
- Ms Maia Sandu first became the President of Moldova in 2020. She is the first woman to become the President of the country after it gained Independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
- According to the constitution of Moldova, a person can be the President of the country for two terms of four years each.
- During her rule, the country moved away from Russia and sought closer ties with the European Union. In 2022, Moldova applied for membership in the 27-nation European Union.
About Moldova It is a landlocked country in Europe.
- Capital: Chișinău
- Currency: Moldovan leu
- President : Maia Sandu
Sports news
33 medals for India at Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting C’ship 2024
The young Indian weightlifters finished their campaign at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 with a credible 33 medals – seven gold,16 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Jyoshna Sabar of Uttar Pradesh stood out with three gold medals and a new Asian record.
In the 2023 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, the Indian weightlifting contingent finished with a total of 42 medals.
Organiser &Host of the 2024 Championships: The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024 was organized by the Asian Weightlifting Federation in Doha, Qatar from 19-25 December 2024.
Notable Performers:
- Jyoshna Sabar (Uttar Pradesh) led with 3 Gold Medals and set a new Asian record in the women’s youth 40kg category (Total Lift: 135kg).
- Payal won 2 Gold and 3 Bronze medals.
- Sanjana won 5 Silver medals.
Details of Medal Winners:
Asian Junior Weightlifting Championships 2024:
Silver Medalists:
- Sanjana – Women’s 76kg (Clean and Jerk, Total)
- Nilam Devi – Women’s Junior 55kg (Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Total)
- Maibam Martina Devi – Women’s Junior +87kg (Total, Clean and Jerk)
- Valluri Ajaya Babu – Men’s Junior 81kg (Snatch)
Bronze Medalists:
- Payal – Women’s Junior 45kg (Total, Clean and Jerk)
- Shankar Lapung – Men’s Junior 61kg (Total)
- Maibam Martina Devi – Women’s Junior +87kg (Snatch)
Asian Youth Weightlifting Championships 2024:
Gold Medalists:
- Jyoshna Sabar – Women’s Youth 40kg (Total, Snatch, Clean and Jerk)
- Payal – Women’s Youth 45kg (Total, Snatch)
- Koyel Bar – Women’s Youth 55kg (Clean and Jerk)
- Sairaj Pardeshi – Men’s Youth 81kg (Total)
Silver Medalists:
- Preetismita Bhoi – Women’s 45kg (Clean and Jerk)
- Koyel Bar – Women’s 55kg (Total)
- Sanjana – Women’s 76kg (Snatch, Clean and Jerk, Total)
- Sairaj Pardeshi – Men’s 81kg (Snatch, Clean and Jerk)
- K Oviya – Women’s 81kg (Clean and Jerk)
Bronze Medalists:
- Payal – Women’s 45kg (Clean and Jerk)
- Babulal Hembrom – Men’s 49kg
- Asmita Dhone – Women’s 49kg (Clean and Jerk)
- Koyel Bar – Women’s 55kg (Snatch)
- Parv Chaudhary – Men’s 96kg (Clean and Jerk, Total)
M Raghu & Devika Sihag crowned 2024 Sr National Badminton Champion
Important days
International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness, observed annually on December 27, serves as a global reminder of the critical importance of investing in public health systems to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2020, this observance aims to raise awareness, educate the public, and strengthen partnerships for epidemic preparedness. Born out of the experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, the day highlights the urgent need for resilient healthcare systems and collaborative international efforts to address health threats effectively.
Global Insights:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes building resilient health systems.
- Epidemic preparedness includes raising awareness, sharing scientific knowledge, and implementing education and advocacy programs.
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgency for strong public health systems.
Obituary news
Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh passes away at 92
Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away in New Delhi last night. He was 92. Dr Singh breathed his last at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. He was admitted to the Emergency ward of AIIMS around 8 PM in a critical condition.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, served from 2004 to 2014. Here are some key points about his tenure as Prime Minister:
- Tenure: Dr. Manmohan Singh served as India’s 14th Prime Minister for two consecutive terms, from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014.
- Economic Reforms: He is widely credited with being the architect of India’s economic liberalization in the early 1990s as the Finance Minister. As Prime Minister, he continued to implement key economic reforms, including measures aimed at boosting India’s global trade, improving infrastructure, and increasing foreign investment.
- Strengthening Foreign Relations: Dr. Singh played a significant role in strengthening India’s foreign relations, particularly with countries like the United States, Russia, China, and the neighboring South Asian nations. The Indo-US nuclear deal in 2008 was one of the most significant foreign policy achievements of his tenure.
- Leadership During Global Financial Crisis: His leadership during the 2008 global financial crisis was praised for steering India’s economy through turbulent times while maintaining growth rates. His government also introduced several fiscal stimulus measures to counter the global downturn.
- Focus on Social Welfare: Dr. Singh’s government focused on inclusive growth, with a strong emphasis on social welfare programs such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI), which aimed to improve transparency and reduce corruption in governance.
