Daily Current Affairs 23rd Dec, 2024: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 23rd Dec, 2024. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 23rd Dec, 2024. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 23rd Dec, 2024 Current affairs test.
International News
Donald Trump Names Sriram Krishnan as Senior AI Policy Advisor
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Krishnan, known for his extensive expertise in technology, will collaborate with David Sacks, who will serve as the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Their efforts will focus on strengthening America’s leadership in AI, formulating policies across government departments, and coordinating with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
India and Kuwait Establish Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Kuwait on December 21-22, 2024, led to the elevation of India-Kuwait relations to a “Strategic Partnership.” This milestone highlights deeper cooperation in areas such as trade, defense, energy, and culture. During the visit, PM Modi was honored with Kuwait’s highest civilian award, ‘The Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer,’ in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral ties.
National News
Justice Madan Lokur Becomes Chairperson of UN Internal Justice Council
Justice Madan B. Lokur, a former Supreme Court Judge of India, has been appointed Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The appointment, announced in a letter dated December 19, 2024, is effective immediately and will continue until November 12, 2028. The IJC plays a critical role in maintaining the fairness, professionalism, and independence of the UN’s internal justice mechanisms. This prestigious appointment highlights Justice Lokur’s illustrious legal career and elevates India’s profile on the global stage.
India’s First Bio-Bitumen Highway Segment Unveiled by Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated India’s pioneering bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra. This project marks a significant achievement in India’s road infrastructure, being the first to utilize lignin-based bio-bitumen technology. The innovation was developed by Praj Industries in partnership with CSIR – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Oriental Consultants. The initiative underscores India’s commitment to sustainability and self-reliance.
Economy News
SEBI Bars Nine Entities and Recovers ₹21 Crore in Front-Running Case
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has issued an interim order banning Sachin Bakul Dagli, an equity dealer at PNB MetLife, along with eight other individuals, from the securities market. The ban follows allegations of their involvement in a front-running scheme that illicitly earned ₹21.16 crore over three years by misusing confidential trade information. SEBI’s investigation revealed multiple violations of the SEBI Act and Prohibition of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) regulations during the period from January 2021 to July 2024.
Government Infuses ₹500 Crore into IFCI for Restructuring
The Indian government has allocated ₹500 crore to the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) to bolster its financial health ahead of a planned restructuring. This move is expected to increase the government’s stake in IFCI, which currently stands at 71.72% as of September 2024. The funding, approved under the first Supplementary Demand for Grants for 2024-25, involves reallocating savings within the capital section without additional cash outflows.
Defence News
Committee Formed to Evaluate IAF’s Capability Amid Regional Threats
The Indian government has established a high-level committee, chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, to assess the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) capability development in light of growing regional threats from China and Pakistan. The committee will focus on indigenous design and procurement projects for fighter aircraft and missile systems, aiming to address critical gaps. The committee’s findings are expected within two to three months.
Agreements News
ISRO and ESA Partner for Human Spaceflight Advancements
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed an agreement to collaborate on human space exploration. The partnership, formalized by ISRO Chairman S. Somanath and ESA Director General Dr. Josef Aschbacher, includes astronaut training, mission planning, and joint research. This collaboration strengthens the ties between the two space agencies and marks a significant step in advancing human spaceflight technology.
Schemes News
Delhi Government Launches Scholarship for Dalit Students Abroad
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has launched the Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship, a scheme aimed at funding Dalit students from Delhi pursuing higher education at top international universities. The initiative, unveiled ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, seeks to honor Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy. It promises to cover all expenses related to education, travel, and accommodation for eligible students.
Science &Technology News
SpaDeX Mission: ISRO Ventures into Space Docking Technology
ISRO is set to launch the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission in December 2024 aboard PSLV-C60, marking India’s entry into space docking technology. The mission involves two 220-kg spacecraft—SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target)—demonstrating autonomous docking capabilities. This advancement will support future initiatives, including lunar exploration, the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS), and satellite servicing.
Sports News
Anmolpreet Singh’s Record-Breaking Century
Punjab cricketer Anmolpreet Singh achieved the third-fastest List-A century in just 35 balls during the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Arunachal Pradesh in Ahmedabad. His performance places him behind Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls) and AB de Villiers (31 balls) in the all-time records.
India to Host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025
India has been selected to host the ISSF Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun event in 2025. This announcement reinforces India’s reputation as a prominent host for shooting sports, marking the ninth international shooting event organized by the country in the past decade.
India Wins Women’s U19 T20 Asia Cup
India’s Women’s U19 cricket team secured the inaugural T20 Asia Cup title with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the final at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur. The match was highlighted by Gongadi Trisha’s half-century and an impressive bowling display, showcasing India’s dominance.
Awards News
PM Modi Receives Kuwait’s Top Civilian Honor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded the Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer, Kuwait’s highest civilian honor, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait. This recognition is Modi’s 20th international accolade, reflecting his contributions to fostering global cooperation and enhancing India’s international standing.
Obituaries News
Epigamia Co-Founder Rohan Mirchandani Passes Away at 42
Rohan Mirchandani, co-founder of the popular yogurt brand Epigamia, has passed away at the age of 42. Renowned for his visionary entrepreneurship, Rohan played a significant role in making Epigamia a household name. His sudden demise has deeply saddened the business community and his admirers.
Important DaysÂ
National Farmers’ Day: Commemorating Chaudhary Charan Singh
National Farmers’ Day, or Kisan Diwas, is celebrated annually on December 23 to honor India’s farmers and recognize their vital role in the economy. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, who championed agricultural reforms and rural welfare. The celebration underscores the importance of addressing farmers’ challenges to ensure the country’s sustainable growth.
