December 2024 Current Affairs: Key Highlights You Need to Know

December 2024 Current Affairs: The third and fourth weeks of December 2024 brought several noteworthy developments across environmental policy, international relations, technological advancements, defense, education, and sports. From Delhi’s year-round ban on firecrackers to India-France’s collaboration on the world’s largest museum, these updates mark significant milestones. The period also witnessed progress in ecological conservation, maritime diplomacy, healthcare, and education. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most important national and global updates that are relevant for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like NDA, UPSC, and other government exams. Stay informed with these key highlights! 🚀

December 2024 Current Affairs: Key Highlights

• Delhi govt imposes permanent ban on crackers, Supreme Court informed. The Delhi government, on Thursday, announced a complete ban on all types of firecrackers in the national capital with immediate effect throughout the year, starting from January 1, 2025. According to a government order issued in this regard, the sale, storage, and use of firecrackers will be completely banned. During the hearing on Thursday, the Delhi government informed the apex court about the complete ban on firecrackers amid the increasing air pollution in the city.
• The Air Quality Index is based on measurement of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions. Most of the stations on the map are monitoring both PM2.5 and PM10 data, but there are few exceptions where only PM10 is available.
• International relations the Korean conflict is an ongoing conflict based on the division of Korea between North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and South Korea (Republic of Korea), both of which claim to be the sole legitimate government of all of Korea.
• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram has unveiled an innovative polar sundial at its Space Museum’s ‘Rocket Garden.’
• The sundial combines advanced design with scientific precision to provide Indian Standard Time (IST) and the date. It features a 3D-printed miniature of the Rohini series RH200 sounding rocket serving as the upright element (style) casting the shadow.
• Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) is a Government of India scheme for model residential school for Indian tribals (ST, Scheduled Tribes) across India. It is one of the flagship interventions of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and was introduced in the year 1997-98 to ensure tribal students get access to quality education in the remote tribal areas. EMRSs are set up in States/UTs with grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India. As per the budget 2018-19, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an Eklavya Model Residential School by the year 2023.
• India, France sign pact for world’s largest museum in Delhi. India and France partnered to transform New Delhi’s North and South Blocks into the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. External affairs minister S Jaishankar highlighted this as a key cultural collaboration and a demonstration of India’s soft power the external affairs minister made these remarks during an event where India’s National Museum and France Museums Development signed an agreement. Under this partnership, the French agency will provide expertise and share best practices to transform the British-era landmarks into a “global cultural landmark,” envisioned as the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum. The event was attended by union culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, French ambassador to India Thierry Mathou and union culture secretary Arunish Chawla.
• Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955 grants citizenship to people who migrated from Bangladesh to Assam, India: Pre-1966 migrants individuals who entered Assam before January 1, 1966 are considered Indian citizen 1966–1971 migrants Individuals who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971 can apply for citizenship after a 10-year waiting period and registration with the government. They are not allowed to vote during this time post-1971 migrants individuals who entered Assam after March 25, 1971 are considered illegal immigrants and are ineligible for citizenship.
• In a major boost to the cause of ecological conservation, the Supreme Court has asked the Rajasthan government to formally recognise all the sacred groves in the state. These sacred groves are portions of forests that are believed to be sacred by many cultures across the country. The apex court also suggested an identification of traditional communities that have historically protected sacred groves and designate the areas as ‘Community Forest Resource’ under Section 2(a) of the Forest Rights Act.
• All 17,130 police stations across India are now linked through the CCTNS platform. The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a centralized online platform conceptualized under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Launched in 2009 with a budget of ₹2,000 crore, it is part of India’s National e-Governance Plan. It aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated system to enhance the efficiency and transparency of police operations at the police station level. Classified as a Mission Mode Project (MMP), the system provides law enforcement with tools for investigation, data analytics, policymaking, and delivering citizen-centric services.
• The Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista Gangetica) has been satellite-tagged for the first time by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). Rationale the satellite tagging aims to gather critical data on the dolphins’ seasonal and migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat utilization, especially in fragmented or disturbed river systems. This information is vital for formulating effective conservation strategies.
• Recently INS Nirdeshak, the second Survey Vessel Large (SVL), was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam’s Naval Dockyard. About: INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of the Survey Vessels (Large) (SVL) Project, has been commissioned to enhance hydrographic surveys navigation, and maritime safety using advanced systems like Multi-Beam Echo Sounders, and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). The SVL Project aims to modernize the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey fleet by replacing the aging Sandhayak class ships. The project comprises four ships; they are Sandhayak Nirdeshak, Ikshak, and Sanshodhak. Indigenous Manufacturing: Built with over 80% indigenous content, the project supports the government’s Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiatives. Maritime Diplomacy and Security: The ship will act as a credible tool for maritime diplomacy, assisting friendly nations in oceanic surveys, which supports India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region initiative). It enhances India’s leadership in the Indian Ocean Region by improving maritime security.
• Recently, the Opposition parties have decided to submit a notice (under Article 67(b)) to move a motion of no-confidence against the Vice-President who also serves as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. The motion of no-confidence with respect to the Rajya Sabha is an informal term and is not mentioned in the Constitution. Pairs of Olive Ridley Sea turtles have begun emerging on the sea waters off Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary along the Odisha coast, marking the commencement of the annual mass nesting of these endangered marine species. The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. These turtles are carnivores and get their name from their olive-coloured carapace. They are best known for their unique mass nesting called Arribada, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Recently, the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways launched the ‘Jalvahak’ scheme to promote inland waterways and cargo movement. Objective: It aims to unlock the trade potential of inland waterways, reduce logistics costs, and alleviate congestion in road and rail networks. It incentivises long-haul cargo movement on National Waterways (NW). Incentives: Provides reimbursements up to 35% of operating expenses for cargo movement on NW 1, 2, and 16 via the Indo-Bangladesh Protocol Route. It encourages hiring of vessels owned by private operators, promoting competition and efficiency.
• In Tamil Nadu, there has been controversy over tungsten mining rights awarded to Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) in Madurai District. Villagers and environmental activists have protested, fearing that the mining will destroy the region’s rich flora. The Ariti biodiversity heritage spot is located near the mining area. The Tamil Nadu government has called for the cancellation of the tungsten mining rights. Tungsten is a mineral that is mined in many countries around the world, including China, Russia, and Canada. In India, tungsten is found in several states, including Karnataka: Has concentrated reserves in the Chitradurga and Mysuru regions. Rajasthan: The Degana mines in the Nagaur district are historically significant for tungsten mining. Andhra Pradesh: Has scheelite deposits in the Srikakulam district.
• The Union Government has approved a Rs 19,744 crore National Green Hydrogen mission that aims to make India a ‘global hub’ for using, producing, and exporting green hydrogen. It is a program to incentivise the commercial production of green hydrogen and make India a net exporter of the fuel. The Mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilization, and export of Green Hydrogen. Sub Schemes: Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT): It will fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and produce green hydrogen. Green Hydrogen Hubs: States and regions capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilization of hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
• The Polavaram Project is an under construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in the Eluru District and East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh. The project has been accorded National project status by the Central Government of India. Its reservoir back water spreads up to the Dummugudem Anicut (i.e. approx 150 km back from Polavaram dam on the main river side) and approx 115 km on Sabari River side. Thus back water spreads into parts of Chhattisgarh and Odisha States. It gives a major boost to the tourism sector in Godavari Districts as the reservoir covers the famous Papikonda National Park. Polavaram hydro electric project (HEP) and National Waterway 4 are under construction on the left side of the river. It is located 40 km upstream of Sir Arthur Cotton Barrage in Rajamahendravaram City and 25 km from Rajahmundry Airport.
• India has set up its first diabetes biobank in Chennai. This partnership between the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation aims to enhance research by providing access to a vast repository of biological samples aimed at facilitating advanced research on diabetes, the variations of the Indian type, and other related disorders, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in collaboration with the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) has set up the country’s first diabetes biobank.
• Russia wins 13th edition of Admiral’s Cup sailing regatta. KANNUR(KERALA): Russia won the 13th edition of the ‘Admiral’s Cup’ sailing regatta that concluded at the Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala here. The Russian team consisted of Lt Gorkunov Petr llyich and Cdt Loshichinina Polina Vladislavovna. In a significant move to support the agricultural sector and address rising input costs, the Reserve Bank of India has announced an increase in the limit for collateral-free agricultural loans, including loans for allied activities. The existing loan limit of ₹1.6 lakh per borrower has been raised to ₹2 lakh. This decision acknowledges the impact of inflation and the increasing cost of agricultural inputs on farmers. It aims to provide enhanced financial access to farmers, ensuring they have sufficient resources to meet their operational and developmental needs without the burden of providing collateral.
• The Kumbaya Story: A 28-minute documentary about women’s empowerment, gender, and rural livelihoods in India. The film won the Founder’s Award in the Feature category at the tve Global Sustainability Film Awards. It was also recognized at the 2024 Africa Movie Academy Awards and is Kenya’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars.The history of the song “Kumbaya” The song “Kumbaya” has a complex history, including: Origins: The song may have originated with the Gullah Geechee people of coastal Georgia and South Carolina. The first known recording was in 1926 by H. Wylie, a Gullah Geechee man. American folk revival: The song became popular during the American folk revival of the 1950s and 1960s, when musicians like Pete Seeger and Joan Baez recorded their own versions. Civil rights movement: The song became associated with the civil rights movement after nonviolent activists sang it during the 1965 Selma-Montgomery march. Student protests: In 1966, student protesters in Indiana changed the lyrics to protest corruption in the city.
• Ded India’s Most Favored Nation (MFN) status under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) on December 11, 2024, effective January 1, 2025. This means that dividend payments from Swiss entities to Indian investors will be taxed at 10% instead of the current 5%. The suspension is due to a 2023 Indian Supreme Court ruling that clarified how the MFN clause should be interpreted. The court ruled that the Indian government must explicitly notify the benefits of the MFN clause under the Income Tax Act, which adds procedural complexity to the treaty. Switzerland views this as a breach of reciprocity and believes that taxpayers in both countries should be treated equally.
• Odisha Masters 2024 badminton: Rithvik Sanjeevi Satish Kumar wins men’s singles title; Tanvi Sharma goes down in final. Defending men’s singles champion Sathish Karunakaran, who won the Guwahati Masters title last week, was knocked out in the semi-finals by Tharun Mannepalli.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) released the World Malaria Report 2024 which provides an assessment of the global fight against malaria. The report includes the following findings: Global cases in 2023, there were 263 million cases of malaria, with 94% of cases in the WHO African Region. India’s progress India’s malaria cases and deaths have decreased significantly, with cases dropping 69% from 2017 to 2023 and deaths dropping 68%. India officially left the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group in 2024 vulnerable populations. The report highlights the need to focus on reaching populations most vulnerable to malaria, including children under five, women and girls, Indigenous Peoples, migrants, people with disabilities, and people in remote areas. Climate change and humanitarian emergencies are displacing populations and making them more vulnerable to malaria. The WHO also has a Global Malaria Programme that includes work on surveillance and rapid diagnostic test kits.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a river interlinking initiative that transfers water from the Ken River in Madhya Pradesh to the Betwa River in Uttar Pradesh: Purpose the project aims to address water scarcity in the drought-prone Bundelkhand region by providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial purposes. Components the project includes the Daudhan Dam, canals, and powerhouses. The Ken-Betwa Link Canal is 221 km long and includes a 2 km tunnel. Phases the project is implemented in two phases: Phase I: Construction of the Daudhan Dam complex and its subsidiary units. Phase II: Construction of the Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project, and Kotha Barrage Benefits. The project is expected to generate significant socio-economic and ecological benefits. Approval The project received Union Cabinet approval in December 2021.
• The PM SVAMITVA scheme, or Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology, is a program that aims to establish clear property ownership in rural areas of India: Objectives the scheme’s objectives include: Providing property ownership solutions Empowering rural households economically Reducing property-related disputes. Facilitating monetization of properties enabling bank loans providing a basis for property tax assessment.
• SpaDeX along with 24 PS4-Orbital Experiment Module (POEM-4) payloads was launched on a PSLV-C60 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh). The spacecraft was designed and realised by the UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) with support of other ISRO centres. U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, is lead centre of ISRO for building satellites and developing associated satellite technologies.
• Recently, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has launched the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme, which was announced in the Union budget 2024.About the Scheme: The scheme aims to provide students with internship opportunities to address youth unemployment. It seeks to provide internships to 1 crore young people over the next five years. Applicants will get a monthly stipend of ₹4,500 from the government, and an additional ₹500 by companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives consisting of one year. A one-time grant of ₹6,000 will be provided upon enrollment, along with insurance coverage under the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.
• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 is a law in India that prohibits the marriage of people under the legal age. The Act was enacted to replace the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929. The Act’s main objectives are to: Prohibit child marriages protect and provide relief to victims. Increase punishment for those who promote, abet, or solemnize child marriages.
• China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra) on the Tibetan plateau. The ambitious project aims to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than tripling the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the current world leader in hydropower. Course of the river Brahmaputra. The Brahmaputra, originating in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows through India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before entering Bangladesh and emptying into the Bay of Bengal. As a perennial river, it sustains communities through irrigation, fisheries, and inland transport. While it enriches agriculture by depositing fertile alluvial soil, its lower course poses challenges with recurring, devastating floods in Assam and Bangladesh due to climatic and geographical conditions.
• The average monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) in India for 2023-24 is estimated to be: Rural: Rs 4,122 Urban: Rs 6,996. These estimates do not include the value of items that households receive for free through social welfare programs. Here are some other findings from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES): Non-food items contribute the most to the average monthly expenditure, accounting for 53% in rural areas and 60% in urban areas. The gap between urban and rural MPCE has decreased from 84% in 2011-12 to 70% in 2023-24. The increase in average MPCE in 2023-24 was the highest for the bottom 5% to 10% of India’s population, both in rural and urban areas.
• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday (January 1, 2024) said that disposal of the toxic waste from the Union Carbide factory in Bhopal will not have a negative impact on the environment in Pithampur where it is to be incinerated.
• The H-1B is a visa in the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 101(a)(15)(H), that allows United States employers to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. It is the largest visa category in the United States in terms of guest worker numbers.
• Fisheries extension services are programs that help fishers and aquaculture stakeholders improve their skills,8 knowledge, and practices. The goal of these services is to help fishers and their communities improve their quality of life and socioeconomic conditions.
• Prime Minister Modi paid an official visit to Kuwait marking a historic moment in India-Kuwait relations. The last Indian prime minister to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. Key Highlights. Strategic Partnership: India and Kuwait agreed to elevate their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of defense was signed, aiming to strengthen ties through joint military exercises, training, coastal defense, and maritime safety. Both the nations signed the Executive Program on Cooperation in the Field of Sports for 2025-2028. It will strengthen cooperation in the area of sports.
• Recently, India’s first bio-bitumen national highway was inaugurated in Nagpur district of Maharashtra. The 1 km stretch of Nagpur-Mansar National Highway project has been made using asphalt mixed with 15% bio-bitumen.
• This is the country’s first national highway built with bitumen obtained from a crop residue called lignin. Pune-based Biotech Company Praj Industries and Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) have jointly constructed this road. Bio-bitumen road construction will: – Reduce construction costs Create jobs Reduce pollution caused by burning stubble. What is bio-bitumen? Bio-bitumen is a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based bitumen. It is free from petroleum. It is also known as bio-asphalt. Production: – It is produced from organic materials such as bio-char, vegetable oils, crop stubble, algae, lignin and similar substances. Utility: – Depending on the source material and production methods, bio-bitumen may have a lower environmental impact than conventional bitumen. Bio-bitumen production uses renewable resources, promoting more renewable resources for road construction. Bio-bitumen road is 40% more sustainable than conventional asphalt road.
• INS Surat is a stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy: Features The INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Visakhapatnam class, which is part of Project 15B. It’s the first AI-enabled warship of the Indian Navy, and is equipped with advanced weapons and sensors. Armament the INS Surat has a variety of weapons, including:16 Brahmos anti-ship cruise missiles 32 Barak 8ER surface-to-air missiles. Leonardo 76mm naval gun twin 533mm torpedo launchers. Anti-submarine rocket launchers four AK-630M 30mm close-in weapon systems Two 12.7mm heavy machine guns Speed the INS Surat can reach speeds of over 30 knots (56 km/h). Construction the INS Surat was built using the block construction methodology, which involves building the hull in two different locations and joining them together. Naming the INS Surat is named after the commercial capital of Gujarat, India. The city has a rich maritime history and vessels built there in the 16th and 18th centuries were known for their longevity. Delivery the INS Surat was delivered to the Indian Navy within 31 months, making it the fastest indigenous destroyer ever built.
• The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 was released on December 21, 2023 by the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The report includes the following key findings: Forest and tree cover the total forest and tree cover in India is 25.17% of the country’s geographical area, which is an increase from 24.62% in 2021. This includes 21.76% forest cover and 3.41% tree cover. Mangrove cover the total mangrove cover in India is 4,992 sq km, which is a decrease of 7.43 sq km from 2021. Bamboo bearing area the estimated bamboo bearing area in India is 1,54,670 sq km, which is an increase of 5,227 sq km from 2021. Carbon stock India’s carbon stock has reached 30.43 Bt of CO2 equivalent, which is 2.29 Bt more than 2005. States with the most forest and tree cover. The top three states with the largest forest and tree cover are Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. States with the most increase in forest and tree cover. The top four states with the most increase in forest and tree cover are Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) was originally called the Pre-Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) when it was established in 1965. It was reorganized as the FSI in 1981.
• Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Larsen & Toubro Limited for procurement of 155 mm/52 calibre K9 VAJRA-T Self-Propelled Tracked Artillery Guns for the Indian Army under Buy (Indian) category at a total cost of Rs 7,628.70 crore. The contract was signed by senior officials of the Ministry and representatives of L&T in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in South Block, New Delhi on December 20, 2024.
• HDFC Bank became the first Indian lender to execute a gold forward deal from Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Anahat Singh Clinches Western India Slam 2024 Squash Title, Wins Ninth PSA Challenger of the Year. Anahat Singh won her ninth PSA Challenger title this year by winning the West India Slam 2024 women’s singles title, defeating Akanksha Salunkhe 3-0.

FAQ for Law Exam Aspirants

Citizenship & Constitutional Law

Q1: What is Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955?

• It grants citizenship to migrants from Bangladesh to Assam based on their date of entry:
  • Before January 1, 1966 → Recognized as Indian citizens.
  • Between January 1, 1966 – March 24, 1971 → Can apply for citizenship after 10 years but cannot vote during this period.
  • After March 25, 1971 → Considered illegal immigrants and are not eligible for citizenship.

Q2: What is the process for acquiring Indian citizenship under the Citizenship Act, 1955?

Citizenship can be acquired by:

1. Birth – If born in India before July 1, 1987, or after 1987 with one Indian parent.
2. Descent – If born outside India to Indian parents.
3. Registration – For certain categories, including Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
4. Naturalization – After residing in India for at least 12 years (including 1 year before applying).
5. Incorporation of Territory – When a new territory becomes part of India.

Criminal Law & Protection Laws

Q3: What is the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006?

• It bans child marriages in India and increases punishments for those who facilitate or solemnize them.
• Legal marriage age:
  • Men → 21 years
  • Women → 18 years
• Punishment:
  • 2 years imprisonment & ₹1 lakh fine for parents, priests, and any involved parties.
  • Child marriages are voidable at the request of the minor within 2 years of attaining majority.

Q4: What is the punishment for illegal child marriages under the Indian Penal Code (IPC)?

• Section 366 IPC: Kidnapping a woman to compel marriage → Imprisonment up to 10 years.
• Section 375 IPC: If a girl is below 16 years, sexual intercourse is considered rape, even with consent.

Constitutional Provisions & Governance

Q5: What is the PM SVAMITVA scheme, and how does it help in legal property ownership?

• A government initiative to digitally map rural land and issue property ownership documents.
• Helps in:
  • Reducing land disputes.
  • Providing legal proof of ownership for bank loans.
  • Preventing land encroachment.

Q6: What is the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)?

• A centralized digital police network connecting 17,130 police stations.
• Provides a unified database for tracking criminals and case investigations.
• Helps law enforcement with investigations, data analytics, and policy-making.

Q7: What are the legal provisions for recognizing sacred groves as Community Forest Resources?

• The Forest Rights Act (2006), Section 2(a) allows traditional forest dwellers to claim community rights over forests.
• The Supreme Court directed Rajasthan to formally recognize sacred groves as Community Forest Resources, granting legal protection to forests managed by indigenous communities.

International Law & Treaties

Q8: Why did Switzerland suspend India’s MFN status under the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)?

• Switzerland increased dividend tax for Indian investors from 5% to 10%.
• Reason: A 2023 Supreme Court ruling clarified that India must explicitly notify MFN benefits under tax treaties.
• Switzerland considers this a violation of reciprocity under international tax laws.

Q9: What legal agreements were signed between India and France for the Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum?

• India’s National Museum & France Museums Development Agency signed an agreement to convert Delhi’s North & South Blocks into the world’s largest museum.
• Legal aspects:
  • France will provide expertise & conservation techniques.
  • The agreement promotes India’s cultural soft power under international law.

Environmental & Wildlife Laws

Q10: What are the legal provisions for protecting the Ganges River Dolphin?

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The dolphin is listed under Schedule I, giving it the highest protection.
• Conservation measures:
  • Satellite tagging by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) to monitor movement.
  • National Dolphin Action Plan (2021-2030) aims to restore dolphin habitats.

Q11: What legal framework protects Olive Ridley turtles in India?

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Classified as Schedule I species, granting the highest protection.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules: Prevents construction near nesting sites like Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Odisha).
• International Law:
  • CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) restricts trade of sea turtles.
  • Bonn Convention (CMS) mandates international cooperation for marine species migration.

Maritime & Defense Laws

Q12: What legal framework governs the commissioning of INS Nirdeshak?

• Falls under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) for maritime sovereignty.
• Part of India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative for maritime security.
• Strengthens hydrographic surveys for naval operations & international maritime law compliance.

Q13: What is the legal significance of the Jalvahak scheme for inland waterways?

• Governed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Act, 1985.
• Provides 35% reimbursement on cargo movement via inland waterways, reducing road congestion & emissions.

Banking & Financial Laws

Q14: What are the legal implications of increasing the collateral-free farm loan limit?

• The RBI raised the collateral-free agricultural loan limit from ₹1.6 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
• Falls under the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

Q15: What is the legal significance of HDFC Bank’s gold forward deal?

• First Indian bank to execute a gold forward trade at GIFT City.
• Regulated under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) Act, 2019.

Education & Fundamental Rights

Q16: What are Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), and what constitutional provisions support them?

• Government-run schools for Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure quality education in remote areas.
• Funded under Article 275(1) of the Constitution.
• Aligns with Article 15 & Article 46, which promote educational & economic interests of Scheduled Tribes.

Employment & Labor Laws

Q17: What is the Prime Minister’s Internship Scheme (PMIS)?

• Launched to address youth unemployment by providing internships to 1 crore students.
• Stipend: ₹4,500 (Govt) + ₹500 (Corporate Social Responsibility).
• Legal framework:
  • Falls under the Apprentices Act, 1961.
  • Companies offering internships get tax incentives.