CURRENT AFFAIRS
National Affairs
June 2024:
● Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra introduced AI in wildlife protection to track and
safeguard wildlife【47†source】.
● Igatpuri Lake in the Western Ghats saw the installation of a floating solar plant with a
10 MWp capacity【47†source】.
● Ladakh became the first Union Territory to achieve full functional literacy under the Nav
Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (ULLAS)【47†source】.
● Delhi International Airport launched India's first self-service check-in luggage
system【47†source】.
● Abhyas, developed by DRDO, was successfully tested as a High-Speed Expendable
Aerial Target【47†source】.
July 2024:
● The One DAE One Subscription (ODOS) initiative launched by the Department of
Atomic Energy in Mumbai aims to improve scientific research access【48†source】.
● India aims to become a USD 30 trillion economy by 2047 as part of the Vision for
Viksit Bharat【48†source】.
● The Ideas4LiFE initiative was launched at IIT Delhi to collect innovative ideas
encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors【48†source】.
August 2024:
● India conducted successful trials of the high-speed train corridor project linking key
metro cities【47†source】.
● India-ASEAN relations were strengthened with new trade agreements aimed at
boosting economic ties【47†source】.
These events showcase India's progress in various fields such as technological innovation,
environmental initiatives, and economic development.
Here are the key national affairs from June to December 2024:
1. G-20 Summit and India's Presidency (Sep 2024): India successfully hosted the G-20
summit under its presidency. The summit highlighted issues like climate change, global
health, and economic resilience. India played a significant role in steering discussions
towards sustainable growth【36†source】【35†source】.
2. Fifteenth Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies (Nov 2024): The
Indian government released grants under the 15th Finance Commission for rural local
bodies in states like Haryana, Tripura, and Mizoram. The funding aims to bolster rural
governance and development【36†source】.
3. Digital India Common Service Centres (Nov 2024): MeitY launched 4,740 Digital India
Common Service Centres across rural India, aimed at improving digital access to
services and promoting e-governance【36†source】【35†source】.
4. Water Conservation Awareness - Jal Utsav (Nov 2024): NITI Aayog initiated "Jal
Utsav", a 15-day campaign to raise awareness about water conservation, management,
and sustainability. This aligns with the government's focus on addressing water scarcity【
36†source】.
5. Biofuel Development from Methane and CO2 (Dec 2024): IIT Guwahati developed a
pioneering biological method for converting methane and CO2 into biofuels, showcasing
India's growing focus on clean energy innovations【35†source】.
6. India’s Total Fertility Rate Declines (Dec 2024): India's Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
reached 2.0, meeting the global target, which reflects success in population control and
family planning programs【35†source】.
7. Indian Agricultural Reforms (Dec 2024): New government initiatives aimed at
revitalizing Indian agriculture, boosting farmer incomes, and promoting sustainable
practices were rolled out to enhance the agricultural sector【35†source】【36†source】.
8. Rare Species Discovery in Bihar (Nov 2024): A rare Common Cat Snake was spotted
in Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve, a significant discovery in the state's biodiversity
conservation efforts【36†source】.
These events emphasize India's leadership in global governance, technological advancements,
rural development, and environmental sustainability.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
June 2024:
● G7 Summit (June 13-15, Italy): Global leaders focused on geopolitical challenges and
their economic impact, including issues like AI, climate change, food security, and
economic recovery【56†source】.
● World Refugee Day (June 20): The UNHCR highlighted the rising global refugee crisis,
exacerbated by conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa【56†source】【57†source
】.
July 2024:
● NATO Summit (July 9-11, Washington, DC): The summit marked NATO's 75th
anniversary, with discussions on a new security strategy for NATO’s southern flank【
56†source】【57†source】.
● Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit (July 24): Held in Kazakhstan,
the summit focused on security, economic development, and trade in Central Asia【
56†source】【57†source】.
● Quad Summit: India hosted the Quad summit, focusing on Indo-Pacific trade, critical
technologies, human rights, and climate change【56†source】【57†source】.
August 2024:
● Rwanda Elections: President Paul Kagame, seeking re-election after holding power
since 2000, faced elections amid his continuous dominance【56†source】【57†source】.
September 2024:
● UN Summit of the Future (Sept 22-23): This summit aimed to strengthen
multilateralism and create a global pact to address future challenges【57†source】.
● General Debate of the 79th UN General Assembly (Sept 24): World leaders discussed
global issues and national policies in the annual session【57†source】.
October 2024:
● People’s Republic of China Anniversary (Oct 1): Marked the 75th anniversary with a
focus on China's economic challenges【56†source】.
● Russia-China Diplomatic Relations (Oct 2): The 75th anniversary of Russia-China ties
was marked by strengthened relations, with discussions on a “no limits” friendship【
56†source】.
November 2024:
● Iran's Regional Influence: Iran continued to assert its influence in the Middle East,
focusing on its nuclear program and alliances with various regional actors【56†source】.
December 2024:
● US-China Trade Talks: As tensions over trade and technology continue, December saw
key talks aimed at de-escalating conflicts【56†source】.
T
Defence and Security
June:
● Defence Cooperation with Russia: India and Russia held strategic dialogues focusing
on increasing defence cooperation, including the supply of advanced military hardware
like the S-400 missile system.
● National Defence Strategy Review: India emphasized enhancing its defence
mechanisms in response to emerging threats like cyber warfare and space-based
attacks【64†source】.
July:
● India-US Defence Pact: India and the United States signed a significant Defence
Supply Arrangement (SoSA), aimed at strengthening military supply chains and
enhancing strategic defense cooperation. The pact includes the appointment of liaison
officers and prioritization of defence-related goods during critical times【66†source】.
August:
● Indigenous Defence Products: The Indian Ministry of Defence showcased multiple
indigenous systems, including artillery and drones, as part of its push towards
self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
● Cybersecurity Challenges: India bolstered its cybersecurity strategy to counter
evolving threats from foreign state-sponsored actors【65†source】.
September:
● Defence Tech Innovations: India focused on adopting new-age technologies in warfare,
like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapon systems, aimed at enhancing
military resilience in the face of non-traditional threats【65†source】.
October:
● Defence Budget Expansion: The Indian government announced an increase in the
defence budget to accelerate modernization, particularly in areas like advanced
weaponry, cyber warfare capabilities, and space security【64†source】.
● China and the Quad Alliance: India continued its strategic defense partnerships within
the Quad alliance, enhancing collaboration with Japan, the US, and Australia to counter
Chinese maritime assertiveness【66†source】.
November:
● Defence Strategy Shifts: The government emphasized an ‘Adaptive Defence’ strategy
to address new global challenges, including information warfare, cyber threats, and
space-based defense mechanisms. This approach focuses on proactive measures and
advanced technological integration【65†source】.
● Sino-India Border Tensions: Continued attention was given to India’s defense
preparedness along the northern borders with China, particularly around areas like
Ladakh.
December:
● India's Defence Diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific: India has significantly enhanced its
military cooperation with countries in the Indo-Pacific region, countering growing Chinese
influence and ensuring stability through joint military exercises and defence dialogues【
66†source】【65†source】.
These points cover significant updates related to national and international defence and security
policies impacting India, along with the evolving defense technologies and strategic
partnerships.
Science and Technology
June 2024:
● Space Research: India's ISRO successfully launched the Gaganyaan mission to
prepare for its first crewed space mission.
● New Energy Sources: Researchers from IIT Bombay innovated a method for efficient
hydrogen fuel production from waste, contributing to clean energy solutions.
July 2024:
● AI Advancements: Google's new quantum computing chip, Sycamore 2, achieved a
significant breakthrough in solving complex calculations previously deemed impossible.
● Biotechnology: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science developed a biosensor
capable of detecting diseases in the early stages with high accuracy.
August 2024:
● Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: MIT engineers designed a robot capable of
self-repair, which will have applications in hazardous environments like space
exploration【75†source】.
● Nanotechnology: Researchers from the University of California introduced a new
nanomaterial for next-gen batteries, boosting energy efficiency【75†source】.
September 2024:
● Space Exploration: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope provided unprecedented
data on exoplanets and their atmospheres, enhancing understanding of potential
extraterrestrial life【75†source】.
● Medical Innovations: A new AI-driven diagnostic tool was developed in India for
early cancer detection.
October 2024:
● Clean Energy Technology: A collaboration between Japan and India led to the
unveiling of the world's first solar-powered hydrogen plant, marking a milestone in
renewable energy【76†source】.
● Space Missions: India’s Chandrayaan 3 continued its exploration of the Moon, bringing
back key data on lunar surface elements【75†source】.
November 2024:
● Quantum Computing: Google launched its latest quantum chip, Willow, capable of
solving intricate problems within minutes, showcasing immense computing power【
76†source】.
● Sustainable Tech: Researchers created a bio-degradable alternative to
microplastics, aiming to reduce environmental pollution【75†source】.
December 2024:
● Innovative Hydrogen Fuel: Researchers in Japan developed a method for hydrogen
fuel production from water using solar energy, aiming to support clean fuel use【
76†source】.
● Hyperloop Technology: India's first Hyperloop test track was completed at IIT
Madras, paving the way for faster, sustainable transportation【76†source】.
These breakthroughs across various domains highlight the continuous evolution of science and
technology with advancements in AI, space exploration, energy sustainability, and medical
diagnostics.
