Current Affairs Today – 24 December 2024: Key Highlights for Judiciary, APO & JLO Exams
Stay ahead in your preparation with the latest updates from December 24, 2024 i.e. Current Affairs Today. This day’s events bring milestones in sustainable development, international relations, consumer protection, and sports, making it essential reading for aspirants.
Table of Contents of Current Affairs Today
1. India’s First Bio-Bitumen National Highway Inaugurated
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway on NH-44, Mansar, Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking a revolutionary step in sustainable infrastructure.
Key Features of the Project
- Material: Constructed using lignin-based bio-bitumen, derived from crop residues.
- Specifications: A 1-kilometer stretch mixed with 15% bio-bitumen is 40% stronger than traditional asphalt roads.
- Environmental Impact:
- Reduces stubble burning and greenhouse gas emissions by 70%.
- Decreases dependency on imported bitumen.
- Generates revenue for bio-refineries, boosting rural economies.
Collaboration Partners
Executed by CRRI, Praj Industries, NHAI, and Oriental, showcasing India’s leadership in integrating biotechnology with infrastructure.
Significance
This innovation contributes to India’s sustainability goals while setting a benchmark for industrial growth.
Which material is used for India’s first bio-bitumen highway? Lignin-based bio-bitumen.
2. India and Kuwait Sign Key Bilateral Agreements
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait, to discuss sectors like pharmaceuticals, IT, and security. The nations elevated their ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Indian Community’s Contribution
PM Modi appreciated Kuwait for ensuring the welfare of over 1 million Indians contributing to its development.
Honour for PM Modi
The Amir awarded PM Modi the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer, Kuwait’s highest civilian honor. This marks Modi’s 20th international honor, underscoring India’s global prominence.
What honor was conferred upon PM Modi by Kuwait? The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer.
3. Consumer Protection: Launch of Apps on National Consumer Day
The Department of Consumer Affairs launched three tools—Jago Grahak Jago App, Jagriti App, and Jagriti Dashboard—on National Consumer Day 2024 to enhance online safety.
Features
- Jago Grahak Jago App: Alerts users about unsafe URLs during online activity.
- Jagriti App: Allows users to report deceptive patterns, with complaints processed by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
- Jagriti Dashboard: Provides real-time monitoring of e-commerce complaints.
Technological Edge
Developed using AI technology with insights from IIT (BHU), ensuring a safer and more transparent digital marketplace.
Which apps were launched on National Consumer Day to protect consumers in the digital space? Jago Grahak Jago App, Jagriti App, and Jagriti Dashboard.
4. India Wins Inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup
India’s Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team secured the inaugural ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup title, defeating Bangladesh by 41 runs in the final held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Match Highlights
- India’s Performance: Gongadi Trisha top-scored with 52 runs.
- Bowling Stars: Aayyushi Shukla claimed 3 wickets, with Parunika Sisodia and Sonam Yadav contributing 2 wickets each.
Historic Achievement
Led by Niki Prasad, the Indian team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing their dominance in the region.
Who captained India in the Under-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup? Niki Prasad.
5. India to Host ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup in 2025
India will host the ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup for the first time, marking a milestone in shooting sports.
Details
- Features competitions in Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun.
- Organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
- Scheduled for the second half of 2025.
India’s Rising Influence
This event continues India’s legacy of hosting nine ISSF events in the last decade, cementing its status as a global hub for shooting sports.
When will India host the ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup for the first time? 2025.
6. Tom Cruise Honored with US Navy’s Highest Civilian Award
Hollywood icon Tom Cruise received the Distinguished Public Service Award for his contributions to military awareness, particularly through Top Gun: Maverick.
Impact of Top Gun
- Renewed interest in military careers among younger audiences.
- Highlighted the sacrifices and skills of military personnel.
Cruise joins the ranks of legends like Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks who previously received this honor.
For which role did Tom Cruise gain recognition that boosted military enlistment? Maverick in Top Gun.
7. Anahat Singh Triumphs at Western India Slam 2024
Indian squash sensation Anahat Singh claimed her ninth PSA Challenger title of 2024, winning the Western India Slam in Mumbai.
Performance Highlights
- Defeated India’s Akanksha Salunkhe with straight sets (11-8, 11-8, 11-8).
- Recorded her first PSA win against Salunkhe, marking a breakthrough year.
Tournament Overview
The event featured over 700 players from 12 countries, celebrating global squash talent.
Who won the Western India Slam 2024 women’s singles title? Anahat Singh.
8. Honda and Nissan Begin Merger Talks
Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announced discussions about a potential merger to tackle rising competition from Tesla and China’s EV giants.
Projected Impact
- Would form the world’s third-largest auto group by vehicle sales.
- Plans for combined sales of ¥30 trillion and profits exceeding ¥3 trillion.
Timeline
- Discussions to conclude by June 2025.
- Holding company to launch in August 2026.
Which two Japanese automakers are merging to create the world’s third-largest auto group? Honda and Nissan.
FAQs on Current Affairs Today
1. What is the significance of India’s first bio-bitumen highway?
The highway showcases India’s ability to integrate sustainable technologies, reduce stubble burning, and minimize reliance on imported bitumen.
2. Why was PM Modi awarded Kuwait’s highest civilian honor?
PM Modi received the Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer for his leadership and contributions to strengthening India-Kuwait relations.
3. What is the purpose of the National Consumer Day apps?
The apps aim to protect users from deceptive practices, promote transparency, and enhance consumer rights in the digital space.
4. Who captained India in the Under-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup?
Niki Prasad led the Indian team to victory in the inaugural edition.
5. What is Honda and Nissan’s merger timeline?
The merger discussions will conclude in June 2025, with a holding company established by August 2026.