December 2024 Current Affairs: Important National and International Highlights

December 2024 Current Affairs saw key developments across India and the world. Highlights include India’s windfall tax removal, ISRO’s collaboration with the European Space Agency, the Global Plastic Treaty talks in South Korea, and the vibrant Hornbill Festival in Nagaland. This article provides a concise summary of these major events and their significance.

December 2024 Current Affairs: Important National and International Highlights

• Government scrops windfall tax on domestic crude oil export of fuel.
  • Windfall tax – It is a higher tax imposed on specific industries when they make unusual and above-average profits. The term windfall refers to an unexpected rise in profits, and the tax on windfall gain is known as windfall tax.
  • Objective:
    • The primary objective of windfall taxes is to appropriate a portion of these unordinary profits.
    • It is also used as a supplementary revenue system for the government.
• Recently global plait ice treaty – 5th edition took place in Busan, South Korea. It was an attempt to create global standards to regulate the use of single-use plastic. The governing body inter-governmental Negotiation committee (INC) proposed plans and was setup in 2022. 170 delegates who gathered in Busan, South Korea, failed to agree on a framework assignment, and the treaty was inconclusive.
• The union women and child development ministry plan to set up 17,000 creches within Anganwadi centres areas India under ‘Palna scheme’. This initiative aims to provide a safe daycare facility, enhancing cognitive, nutritional, and health development of children.
  • It is a centrally sponsored scheme.
  • Ministry of women and child development is the nodal ministry.
  • The scheme is implemented under Mission Shakti.
• Recently a Bilateral Military exercise “Agni Warrior 2024” between India Singapore was held in “Maharashtra.”
• “Hornbill festival is celebrated in Nagaland every year on 1st December for 10 days. This is the 26th edition and was started in the year 2000. Hornbill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh, and Korea, Wales, and Japan were the partner countries in this year’s Hornbill festival.
• Ministry of Home Affairs – Has approved the release of ₹944 crore to Tamil Nadu from the state disaster response fund for providing relief to the people affected by cyclone Fengal.
• “Dhimsa” is a tribal dance form that is performed primarily by Porja caste women in Andhra Pradesh. It originated in Koraput district in Odisha. This expressive dance is dominated by the movements of feet and hands of the group performing the dance in a circle.
• ISRO and European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a (technical implementing plan) for ground tracking support for Indian’s Gagan Yaan missions. It will ensure continuity in data flow and communication with the orbital module for monitoring and orbital operations.
• (OSCE) is a regional security-oriented intergovernmental organization comprising member states in Europe, North America, and Asia. Its mandates include issues such as arm contracts, promotion of human rights freedom of the press, and free and fair elections. It employs around 3,460 people mostly in field operations but also in its secretariat in Vienna, Austria, and its institutions. It has observer states at the United Nations. OSCE had its origins in 1975. Its predecessors came together during the era of the Cold War.
• The PSLV – 59/PROBA – 3 missions, this propulsion system is a part of bit control subsystem and is used for maintaining orientation and pointing in space.
• Donald Trump’s proposal to impose high tariffs on three of its trading partners, and this would open up “high opportunities for India.” Trade Watch Quarterly Report – By NITI Aayog 25% of the tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and an additional 10% on those from China.
• The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, which rebelled against military JUNTA (ARMED) forces of Myanmar, has said it is ready for mediation talks with (JUNTA). They are fighting for a decade of Kon Kang ethnic minority in northern sham state.
• Signed BRI initiative (BRI) cooperation frameworks, an agreement which is expected to pave the way for the implementation of BRI project. BRI is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013. The initiative is known as OBOR. It plans to create two new trade routes that connect China with the rest of the world.
• The United States has approved a possible $1.17 billion deal to sell India support equipment for MH 60 R multi-role helicopters under its foreign military sales program. Recently Government of India and USA signed a deal related to MQRB Reaper drones, which was concluded in the month of November.
• South Korea’s president Yoon Suk Yeol imposed martial law – and accused opposition of being against state. National assembly of South Korea. It is South Korea’s first declaration of martial law in 40 years.
• Navy chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi acknowledged that the country’s second nuclear Ballistic Missile submarine INS “ARIGHAAT” sees fully fired a submarine-launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM).
• Parakh stands for performance, Assessment, Review, and Analysis Knowledge for Holistic Development. Its objectives include:
  • Competency-based assessment
  • Data-driven policymaking
  • Alignment with NEP – 2020
  • Empowerment of educators
• The WTO general council has reappointed Dr. Ngozi Okongo Iweala as Director General for a second four-year term starting September 1, 2025. Ngozi Okongo Iweala became the first woman and first African to lead the WTO when she assumed office on March 1, 2021.
• India – Cambodia’s first joint Tabletop Exercise code named “CIN BAX” began on 1 December 2024 at the foreign training Node, Pune Maharashtra. Tabletop military exercise – A discussion-based event where personnel with specific roles and responsibilities meet in a classroom setting or small group.
• The term “Brain Rot” has been announced as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024.
• The aim of the campaign is to make a barrier-free and conducive environment for Divyangjans (PWDs) all over the country. About: It was launched by the Prime Minister of India on International Day of Persons with Disability.
• Indian Navy conduct an Impressive Operational Demonstration at Blue Flag Beach in Puri, Odisha, on December 4, 2024, as a part of Navy Day celebration. The theme for Indian Navy Day 2024 strength and power through Innovation and Indigenization reflects the Navy’s ongoing focus on enhancing its defense capabilities, through cutting-edge technology and self-reliance.
• India among the top 10 global suppliers in 2023, win all sectors achieving export conceding & billion. Ministry of commerce and Industry highlights robust government initiatives driving export growth.
• Launched by P.M. Narendra Modi has greatly transformed the country’s infra-structure development. It focuses on improving accountability and collaboration between federal and regional authorities. It has played a key role in speeding up infrastructure projects. It has overseen infrastructure projects worth 205$ billion showing its significant impart of India’s development.
• India is participating in the 16th conference of parties of United Nations convention to combat diversification (UNCCD) which began on December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is the first conference is being held in West Asia.
• In a groundbreaking development, Uber has launched Asia’s first water transport service, Uber shikhara on picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• West Bengal tourism sector has gained international recognition with UNESCO declaring it a top destination for heritage tourism. C.M. Mamta Banerjee highlighted the State’s significant progress in areas like religion, heritage, and tea tourism.
• Pamban Bridge connects Rameshwaram on Pamban Island to Mandapam on mainland Tamil Nadu. Total length of 2.078 km with 99 span featuring 18.3 meter girders and 63 meter navigational span.
• Sanjay Malhotra, 56, officially assumed office as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term. A Princeton-educated revenue secretary and veteran bureaucrat with over three decades of civil service experience, Malhotra succeeds Shaktikanta Das, who served as RBI governor for six years.
• Human Rights Day (HRD) is celebrated annually around the world on 10 December every year.
• The date was chosen to honor the United Nations General Assembly adoption and proclamation, on 10 December 1948, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the new United Nations. The formal establishment of Human Rights Day occurred at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly on 4 December 1950, when the General Assembly declared resolution 423(V), inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day as they saw fit. The day is normally marked both by high-level political conferences and meetings and by cultural events and exhibitions dealing with human rights issues. Besides, it is traditionally on 10 December that the five-yearly United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights and Nobel Peace Prize are awarded. Many governmental and non-governmental organizations active in the human rights field also schedule special events to commemorate the day, as do many civil and social-cause organizations.
• Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet to be conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace prize.
• The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 will be conferred on former Chilean president and prominent human rights voice Michelle Bachelet, a statement issued by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust said on Friday (December 6, 2024).
• President Michelle Bachelet is one of the world’s most prominent voices for human rights, peace, and equality. In her various roles as the founding director of UN Women, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and as President of Chile, she has spoken strongly for gender equality and the rights of the most vulnerable sections of the population at home and across the world.
• International Debt Report 2024: The International Debt Report (IDR) is a longstanding annual publication of the World Bank featuring external debt statistics and analysis for the low- and middle-income countries that report to the World Bank Debtor Reporting System (DRS). For five decades, the IDR, along with the associated International Debt Statistics (IDS) database, has helped shape policies in development finance by sharing timely and comprehensive external debt data and analysis with the international community. Drawing on data collected through the World Bank’s Debtor Reporting System, the IDR has tracked evolving borrowing patterns and new lending instruments over the years, measured the impact of initiatives to relieve debt burdens, and promoted best practices in debt recording and reporting.
• Maharashtra is intensifying efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Lonar Lake in Buldhana district, officials have confirmed. The state government is preparing to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the goal of having the lake recognized globally, to boost tourism, research, and conservation efforts in the region.
• National Hindi Day is celebrated every year on 14 September. The reason for celebrating this day is that on 14 September 1949, the Constituent Assembly declared Hindi as the official language of India. Literary figures like Kaka Kalelkar, Hazariprasad Dwivedi, and Seth Govinddas made tireless efforts to make Hindi the official language.
• Payal Kapadia earns two nominations for the movie All We Imagine as Light for Best Motion Picture in English Language.
• The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024, by a voice vote on Wednesday. The bill seeks to repeal the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, by incorporating the provisions for the constitution and composition of the Railway Board into the Railways Act, 1989.
• Speaking during the debate on the proposed legislation, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the bill will simplify the legal structure for operations of the Indian Railways. He also allayed concerns of privatization and over-centralization of the Indian Railways raised by some members. Vaishnaw said there was no question of privatizing the Indian Railways, adding that the infrastructure being developed was for the nation. He also said the supremacy of Parliament was not being affected by this legislation.
• Aryna Sabalenka was crowned Player of the Year as all the winners of the 2024 WTA Awards were announced on Monday, 9 December. The tennis world number one picked up the top accolade as voted for by the international media, having won the Australian Open and US Open in an outstanding 2024 season on tour.
• Uttar Pradesh (UP) became the first state in India to fully adopt the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform in December 2024. The state’s adoption of GeM aims to improve transparency. GeM’s standardized rules and policies reduce the chances of violations and loopholes. It also aims to eliminate unethical practices and save money—the state government estimates that GeM-based procurement will save over Rs 2,000 crore annually.
• The Syrian civil war is an ongoing multi-sided conflict in Syria involving various state-sponsored and non-state actors. In March 2011, popular discontent with the rule of Bashar al-Assad triggered large-scale protests and pro-democracy rallies across Syria, as part of the wider Arab Spring protests in the region. After months of crackdown by the government’s security apparatus, various armed rebel groups such as the Free Syrian Army began forming across the country, marking the beginning of the Syrian insurgency. By mid-2012, the insurgency had escalated into a full-blown civil war.
• Summary of World Malaria Report 2021.In 2020, 29 of the 85 countries that were malaria-endemic accounted for 96% of malaria cases. India contributed 1.7% of malaria cases and 1.2% deaths globally. Between 2019 and 2020, all high burden to high impact (HBHI) countries except India reported increases in cases and deaths (and in India, the rate of reduction decreased compared with pre-pandemic years). Globally, there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases in 2020 in 85 malaria endemic countries, increasing from 227 million in 2019. Most of this increase came from countries in the WHO Africa Region, which accounted for 95% cases. Malaria deaths increased by 12% globally in 2020 compared with 2019, to an estimated 627 000. The percentage of total malaria deaths in children aged under 5 years reduced from 87% in 2000 to 77% in 2020. There were an estimated 14 million more malaria cases and 47 000 more deaths in 2020 compared to 2019 due to disruptions to services during the pandemic. However, things could have been far worse if not for the efforts of malaria-endemic countries to maintain essential health services. Another is engineering mosquitoes that slow the growth of malaria-causing parasites in the gut thereby preventing transmission of malaria to humans. The other method is using genetically modified mosquitoes that can spread resistance to malaria-causing parasites by thriving and mating with wild mosquitoes.
• India is developing an indigenous nuclear attack submarine program that includes: Arihant-class submarines the first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) built by India. The lead vessel, INS Arihant, was commissioned in August 2016. The second, INS Arighaat, was commissioned in August 2024. The third, INS Aridhaman, is expected to be commissioned in 2025. Project 77-class submarines.A new fleet of nuclear submarines that will include nuclear attack submarines. The submarines will be powered by a miniature pressurized water reactor (PWR). The project is expected to continue until 2025. Nuclear attack submarine program.A program that aims to revolutionize the Indian Navy’s capabilities and boost domestic defense manufacturing. The first submarine is expected to be operational by 2036. The program is estimated to cost around ₹35,000 crore and involves various indigenous stakeholders. The goal is to achieve “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” in defense by 2047.
• Gukesh Dommaraju (born 29 May 2006), also known as Gukesh D, is an Indian chess grandmaster and the reigning World Chess Champion. A chess prodigy, Gukesh is the youngest world champion, the youngest player to have surpassed a FIDE rating of 2750, doing so at the age of 17, and the third-youngest to have surpassed 2700 at the age of 16. He earned the grandmaster title at the age of 12 and remains the third-youngest grandmaster in chess history.
• Uttar Pradesh (UP) became the first state in India to fully adopt the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform in December 2024. The state’s adoption of GeM aims to:
• World meditation day – Meditation is an ancient practice that involves focusing one’s attention on the present moment. Rooted in religious, yogic, and secular traditions across cultures, meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, it is embraced worldwide, transcending its spiritual origins to become a universal tool for personal well-being and mental health.
• The Lok Sabha passed the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 by a voice vote Wednesday. The bill seeks to repeal the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905 by incorporating the provisions for constitution and composition of the Railway Board into the Railways Act, 1989.
• Maharashtra is intensifying efforts to secure UNESCO World Heritage status for Lonar Lake in Buldhana district, officials have confirmed. The state government is preparing to submit a proposal to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) with the goal of having the lake recognised globally, to boost tourism, research, and conservation efforts in the region.
• Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana is a scheme under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). This scheme is for people aged 70 years and above. Under this scheme, every family gets a health cover of Rs 5 lakh annually. If there are several elderly people living in the same house, then this cover will be divided among them.
• Former President of Chile Michelle Bachelet to be conferred the Indira Gandhi Peace prize.
• National Hindi Day is celebrated every year on 14 September. The reason for celebrating this day is that on 14 September 1949, the Constituent Assembly declared Hindi as the official language of India. Literary figures like Kaka Kalelkar, Hazariprasad Dwivedi, and Seth Govinddas made tireless efforts to make Hindi the official language.
• PM Poshan Scheme: The Pradhan Mantri Poshan Scheme, also known as the National Nutrition Mission or Poshan Abhiyan, is a program of the Government of India aimed at addressing malnutrition and related issues among children and mothers. Launched in March 2018, the scheme operates with a multi-sectoral approach, involving various ministries and departments to ensure comprehensive coverage and effective implementation. PM Poshan Scheme.In September 2021, the Union Cabinet approved the Government Scheme called Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman, or PM-POSHAN, aiming to provide one hot cooked meal in Government and Government-aided schools. With a financial outlay of Rs 1.31 trillion, this scheme replaced the national Mid-day Meal Scheme. It’s launched for an initial five-year period, from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Gene therapy for hemophilia is a treatment that aims to improve the blood’s ability to clot by introducing a functional gene into the patient’s cells. Some novel gene therapies for hemophilia include: Roctavian: This adeno-associated viral vector-based gene therapy is for adults with severe hemophilia A. It increases the levels of FVIII in the blood by expressing a gene for FVIII in the liver. Hemgenix: This gene therapy from CSL Behring is for hemophilia B. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2022. Valoctocogene Roxaparvovec and Etranacogene Dezaparavovec: These are novel gene therapies for hemophilia A and B. Gene therapy can be effective for several years, but the exact effect may be unpredictable. Some possible limitations and safety concerns include: Pre-existing neutralizing antibodies toward the vector
  • Liver health
  • Age
  • Inhibitor status
  • Infusion reactions
  • Liver damage
  • Adverse effects from immune suppressants or steroids
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) recently secured final forest clearance after a significant government push. While the forest clearance is secured, the project’s wildlife clearance remains under scrutiny at the Supreme Court of India. The project requires two key forest clearance conditions to be met: realigning its canal and shifting proposed powerhouses away from forest land, both with potential environmental implications.
• INS Tushil, latest multi role stealth guided missile frigate, commissioned into Indian Navy in the presence of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Russia.Raksha Mantri describes the ship as proud testament to India’s growing maritime strength and significant milestone in long standing ties with Russia.”SAGAR is a symbol of India’s commitment towards collective security, maritime cooperation and sustainable development in Indian Ocean Region; We have always received Russia’s support in this endeavour”.
• Sanjay Malhotra, 56, officially assumed office as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term. A Princeton-educated revenue secretary and veteran bureaucrat with over three decades of civil service experience, Malhotra succeeds Shaktikanta Das, who served as RBI governor for six years.
• Romania and Bulgaria join the Schengen Area (12 December 2024) France welcomes the agreement reached at the Council of the EU to authorize Romania’s and Bulgaria’s full, effective integration into the Schengen Area on 1 January 2025.
• FIFA World Cup 2034: Saudi Arabia is set to host the FIFA World Cup 2034, following a historic bid process that began on 4 October 2023. The Kingdom’s bid received the highest evaluation score in FIFA history, leading to its selection as the official host nation on 11 December 2024.
• The green steel taxonomy defines the concept of “green steel” by specifying its emission intensity, setting a threshold of 2.2 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of finished steel. Steel with an emission intensity higher than the specified threshold will not be eligible for a green rating.
• Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh is set to become India’s first Integrated Waste Management City-cum-Learning Centre by September 2025. The project will be spread across 40 acres in Suthni village, Sahjanwa. The project’s goals include: Making Gorakhpur garbage-free, Promoting sustainable waste management practices, Creating jobs, Boosting revenue, and Serving as a learning hub for technical expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is windfall tax?
   • Windfall tax is a higher tax imposed on industries when they achieve unexpected, above-average profits. It helps the government capture a portion of these extraordinary earnings.
2. Why was the windfall tax on domestic crude oil export removed?
   • The government decided to scrap this tax to possibly stimulate the industry, encourage more exports, and maintain a competitive edge in global markets.
3. What is the objective of the Palna Scheme?
   • The Palna Scheme aims to provide safe daycare facilities in Anganwadi centers across India, improving the cognitive, nutritional, and health development of children.
4. What is the Global Plastic Treaty about?
   • The treaty aims to set global standards for regulating single-use plastics. However, the fifth edition of the treaty discussions in Busan, South Korea, ended without an agreement.
5. When and where is the Hornbill Festival celebrated?
   • The Hornbill Festival takes place annually in Nagaland from December 1 for 10 days. It celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the state, featuring traditional performances, crafts, and cuisine.
6. What is the Agni Warrior 2024 exercise?
   • It is a bilateral military exercise between India and Singapore held in Maharashtra. The exercise fosters defense cooperation and enhances operational coordination between the two nations.
7. What is the Dhimsa dance, and where is it performed?
   • Dhimsa is a tribal dance performed by Porja caste women in Andhra Pradesh, often in a circle, emphasizing synchronized hand and foot movements. It originated in the Koraput district of Odisha.
8. What is the collaboration between ISRO and ESA?
   • ISRO and the European Space Agency have signed a technical implementing plan to provide ground tracking support for India’s Gaganyaan mission, ensuring seamless data flow and communication.
9. What is Parakh Rashtriya Sarvekshan?
   • Parakh (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis Knowledge for Holistic Development) focuses on competency-based assessments, data-driven policymaking, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
10. What is the significance of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2024?
    • Former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, known for her advocacy of human rights and gender equality, was honored with the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for her global contributions to peace and development.