Introduction to Current Affairs Today:
Stay updated with the latest events and insights from 28 December 2024. This compilation covers significant national and international events, including key appointments, prestigious awards, landmark achievements, and notable obituaries, specifically tailored for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exam aspirants.
Table of Contents
1. Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92
Personal Details and Early Life
Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, passed away in New Delhi at 92. Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab (undivided India), he was married to Gursharan Kaur and had three daughters.
Academic Excellence
- Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University.
- First-Class Honours in Economics from the University of Cambridge (1957).
- Doctorate (D.Phil) in Economics from Oxford University (1962).
Career Highlights
- Held prestigious roles, including Chief Economic Advisor, Finance Secretary, and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
- As Finance Minister (1991–1996), he spearheaded the 1991 economic liberalisation, transforming India’s economy.
Prime Ministerial Tenure (2004–2014)
- Led India for two consecutive terms under the UPA coalition.
- Achieved an average economic growth rate of 7.7%.
- Introduced transformative policies like MGNREGA, Right to Education Act, and Food Security Act.
Challenges
Faced criticism over scandals such as:
- 2G spectrum allocation case
- Commonwealth Games scam
- Coalgate controversy
Honours and Legacy
- Awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.
- Remembered as a visionary economist, his contributions shaped modern India’s economic policies.
2. Vijayveer Sidhu Wins Gold at 67th National Shooting Championship
Event Highlights
- Gold Medalist: Vijayveer Sidhu (Punjab) in the Men’s 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol event.
- Defeated Rio Olympian Gurpreet Singh 28-25 in the finals.
Junior Event
- Gold: Raajwardan Ashutosh Paatil (Maharashtra) in the Junior 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol event with 31 hits.
Notable Moment
- Gurpreet Singh announced his retirement, marking the end of his illustrious shooting career.
3. Northeast Frontier Railway Signs MoU with IRCON
Details of the Collaboration
- Objective: Maintenance of electrification infrastructure in Lumding and Tinsukia divisions.
- Duration: 2-year contract for maintenance and breakdown services.
- Significance: Leverages IRCON’s expertise in challenging terrains, ensuring efficient operations.
4. National Equestrian Championships: Gold for ARC Riders
Gold Medalists
- Inaara Mehta Luthria, Freya Thakkar, and Hayden Hussain from the Amateur Riders’ Club.
Event Highlights
- Inaara scored a remarkable 78.63% in the Dressage Team Sub Junior category.
- ARC’s legacy in nurturing top athletes like Hriday Chheda continues with this achievement.
5. Mankind Pharma Partners with Innovent Biologics
Focus
- Licensing and commercializing Sintilimab for cancer treatment in India.
- Goal: Enhance accessibility to advanced immunotherapy solutions.
6. Meghalaya Teen Receives Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
Awardee: Kisen Wanniang
Act of Bravery
- Rescued four children from drowning during heavy rains.
- Recognized by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
7. Osamu Suzuki Passes Away at 94
Legacy
- Former Suzuki Motor Corp. Chairman, known for his transformative leadership.
- Served Suzuki for over four decades, shaping it into a global automotive leader.
8. Bald Eagle Officially Declared US National Bird
Historical Context
- Though a symbol since 1782, President Joe Biden formalized the Bald Eagle as the US national bird in 2024.
9. Fortis Healthcare Appoints Leo Puri as Chairman
Appointment Details
- Effective December 27, 2024.
- Puri brings four decades of expertise, guiding Fortis towards strategic growth.
10. Sachin Tendulkar Honoured by MCC
Recognition
- Awarded Honorary Membership of the Melbourne Cricket Club for his extraordinary cricketing achievements.
FAQs on Current Affairs Today
Q1. What is significant about 28 December 2024 current affairs?
The day marked key events such as the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, Vijayveer Sidhu’s gold win at the 67th NSCC, and Meghalaya’s Kisen Wanniang receiving the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.
Q2. Who won the Men’s 25m Rapid-Fire Pistol title at the 67th NSCC?
Vijayveer Sidhu from Punjab clinched the gold medal.
Q3. What was Dr. Manmohan Singh’s major contribution as Finance Minister?
He introduced the 1991 economic liberalisation, transforming India’s economic framework.
Q4. What is the significance of the Mankind Pharma-Innovent collaboration?
It brings the advanced immunotherapy drug Sintilimab to India, addressing critical gaps in cancer treatment.
Q5. Who was awarded the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for bravery in 2024?
15-year-old Kisen Wanniang from Meghalaya saved four children from drowning.
Q6. Why was Sachin Tendulkar honored by MCC?
Tendulkar was awarded honorary membership for his legendary cricketing career and significant contributions to the sport.
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