UPSC Year Ender 2024: Top Current Affairs of 2024 Made it to Headlines

PWOnlyIAS January 01, 2025 05:53 841 0

Top current affairs of 2024 for UPSC aspirants are available here month-wise. Explore all the top news stories to get a 2024 recap.

UPSC Year Ender 2024: Top Current Affairs of 2024 Made it to Headlines

Top Current Affairs of 2024: The year 2024 witnessed several pivotal events that shaped India’s socio-economic, political, and global standing. From groundbreaking elections to significant policy announcements, these developments hold immense relevance for UPSC aspirants and general awareness enthusiasts. This compilation provides a month-by-month breakdown of the top news stories of 2024, offering a clear and structured overview of the year’s key highlights.

Top Current Affairs of 2024 for UPSC Aspirants

With impactful developments across political, economic, environmental, and global domains, the year 2024 has been a significant one. These events are critical for UPSC aspirants, as they form the backbone of General Studies preparation. To help you stay updated, here’s a month-wise breakdown of the most important current affairs of 2024, specifically curated for UPSC preparation.

January 2024

  • India’s Electricity Demand Projections: The International Energy Agency (IEA) projected that India’s electricity demand would outpace China’s, becoming the world’s fastest-growing by 2026, with an annual average growth rate of 6.5% over 2024-2026.
  • Bilkis Bano Case: Supreme Court Strikes Down Remission: The Supreme Court of India overturned the remission granted by the Gujarat government to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case during the 2002 communal riots, emphasizing the rule of law and equality under Articles 14 and 21.
  • India-Myanmar Border Fencing: The Indian government initiated the installation of smart fencing along 300 kilometers of the India-Myanmar border to curb illegal migration and ethnic conflicts.
  • NITI Aayog’s Focus on Fisheries: A national workshop emphasized the untapped potential of marine fisheries, aiming to double seafood exports and enhance cold-chain infrastructure.

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February 2024

Here are the Top News Stories from February 2024:

  • Interim Budget 2024-2025: Presented by the Finance Minister, the interim budget emphasized “Viksit Bharat by 2047,” focusing on inclusive development and sustainability. It introduced fiscal allocations for critical infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
  • Uttarakhand’s Uniform Civil Code Bill 2024: The bill was passed on February 07, 2024. The Uttarakhand government tabled a Uniform Civil Code Bill focusing on marriage, inheritance, and divorce equality, marking a significant step toward legal uniformity.
  • Demand for Full Statehood for Ladakh: Widespread protests in Ladakh demanded statehood and inclusion in the Sixth Schedule to safeguard cultural and environmental interests.
  • Launch of Smart Gram Panchayat Digitization Project
    The Ministry of Panchayati Raj introduced a pilot project extending digital connectivity to rural areas through the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface on 13th February 2024.
  • Water Pollution Amendment Bill 2024: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on February 5, 2024.The Parliament passed a bill updating pollution control measures, emphasizing penalties for non-compliance and improved water management.

March 2024

Here is a list of current affairs topics in 2024 from March:

  • Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2024
    The prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards were conferred to 94 eminent artists for their contributions to performing arts, including music, dance, and drama.
  • ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex
    The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar, highlighting its historical significance.
  • Six Indian Heritage Sites on UNESCO Tentative List: Six sites, including Gwalior Fort and the Bhojeshwar Mahadev Temple, were added to India’s UNESCO Tentative List, emphasizing India’s rich cultural heritage.

April 2024

Here are the Top News Stories from April 2024:

  • 134th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
    Celebrated on April 14, 2024, Dr. Ambedkar’s contributions as the architect of the Indian Constitution and a social reformer were commemorated nationwide, emphasizing his fight for equality and justice.
  • Excavation of 5,200-Year-Old Harappan Settlement
    Archaeologists unearthed an ancient Harappan necropolis at Padta Bet in Gujarat, offering new insights into early human settlements and cultural practices.
  • 50 Years of the Chipko Movement
    April marked the 50th anniversary of the Chipko Movement, a grassroots environmental conservation effort where villagers hugged trees to prevent deforestation in Uttarakhand.
  • World Health Day 2024 Observed
    Celebrated on April 7, the theme for this year was “My Health, My Right,” highlighting the importance of equitable healthcare access worldwide.
  • Srinagar Vies for Global Craft City Tag
    The World Crafts Council International assessed Srinagar for the Global Craft City designation, recognizing its rich tradition in crafts like Pashmina shawls and carpets.

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May 2024

Here are the Top news headlines from May 2024:

  • Chithirai Festival Celebration
    Thousands of devotees participated in the Chithirai Festival in Madurai, celebrating the celestial union of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. The event featured iconic rituals, including the Lord Kallazhagar entering the Vaigai River.
  • Ajrakh from Kutch Gets GI Tag: The traditional textile craft, Ajrakh, from Kutch in Gujarat, was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) certificate, recognizing its intricate hand-block printing and rich historical significance.
  • India’s First Research Testbed for Norwesters: A research facility was proposed in Odisha to study Norwesters, or Kalbaisakhi, thunderstorms that impact eastern India. This initiative aims to enhance weather predictions and save lives during severe storms.

June 2024

Here are the top news of the year 2024 from June:

  • 2024 Indian General Election Results: Results of the general election were declared on 4th and 5th June 2024, with a new government taking office, marking a major political shift.
  • Chenab Rail Bridge Trial Run Completed: Indian Railways successfully conducted a trial run of an eight-coach MEMU train on the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir. The bridge, part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, symbolizes engineering excellence.
  • India-US Strategic Partnership Strengthened at G7 Summit: The Indian Prime Minister met the US President at the G7 Summit in Italy, furthering discussions on key global issues such as defense, climate action, and emerging technologies.
  • Patna High Court Strikes Down Bihar’s 65% Quota Policy: The Patna High Court ruled against the Bihar government’s policy to increase reservation beyond the 50% limit, emphasizing the need to balance social justice and meritocracy.

July 2024

Here are the Top News Stories from July 2024:

  • ISRO’s Mars Mission Update: ISRO successfully launched its Mars Orbiter Mission-2, focusing on advanced scientific exploration of the Red Planet.
  • Indian PM’s Visit to Russia: The Prime Minister of India signed nine key MoUs with Russia, focusing on sectors like trade, climate action, and technology. The agreements aimed to enhance bilateral ties, including defense cooperation and the establishment of new trade routes such as the Northern Sea Route.
  • Assam Floods Displace Over 360,000 People: Heavy monsoon rains caused widespread flooding in Assam, claiming over 50 lives and affecting thousands. The floods highlighted the urgent need for enhanced disaster management systems and sustainable river basin management.
  • Sela Tunnel Inauguration in Arunachal Pradesh: The Sela Tunnel, a strategic infrastructure project in Arunachal Pradesh, was inaugurated. It provides all-weather connectivity to the Tawang region, bolstering defense preparedness and promoting tourism.

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August 2024

Here are the Top News highlights from August 2024:

  • Ayushman Bharat Expansion: The government expanded its flagship health insurance scheme, covering an additional 50 million beneficiaries.
  • Chhattisgarh Approves Country’s Third Largest Tiger Reserve
    Chhattisgarh approved the establishment of India’s third-largest tiger reserve. This step aims to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts and biodiversity in the state.
  • Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation and Its Impact on India-Bangladesh Relations
    Sheikh Hasina stepped down as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amidst political unrest. This development raised concerns about India-Bangladesh relations, especially regarding cross-border issues and trade agreements.
  • India at Paris Olympics 2024
    India secured six medals at the Paris Olympics, including a silver in Javelin Throw by Neeraj Chopra and a bronze by the Indian Hockey Team. The performance showcased India’s rising talent in global sports.

September 2024

Here are the Top 5 News Stories from September 2024 extracted from the document:

  • Port Blair Renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram
    The Indian government renamed the capital of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Sri Vijaya Puram to honor its historical and cultural significance. This aligns with efforts to decolonize India’s heritage and recognize its connection to the Chola dynasty.
  • Sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit
    Held in Wilmington, Delaware, the Quad Summit saw discussions on Indo-Pacific security, climate action, and health initiatives. Key outcomes included the announcement of the Quad Cancer Moonshot initiative and enhanced maritime collaboration through MAITRI.
  • Unified Pension Scheme Approved
    The Indian government introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), set to be implemented in April 2025. It will integrate the benefits of existing pension schemes for employees and retirees.
  • Mega Archaeological Find in Kerala
    Excavation in Palakkad, Kerala, revealed a 2,500-year-old megalithic burial site. This rare discovery provided insights into burial practices linking the Mesolithic and Iron Age periods in South India.

October 2024

Here are the Top News Stories from October 2024:

  • 16th BRICS Summit 2024: Hosted by India, the summit emphasized the BRICS nations’ role in global economic stability and innovation. Discussions focused on digital public goods and sustainable development initiatives.
  • Banjara Virasat Museum Inauguration: The Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the Banjara Virasat Museum in Washim, Maharashtra. It highlights the Banjara community’s cultural heritage and honors leaders like Sant Sevalal Maharaj.
  • Supreme Court Advocates Ban on Child Betrothals: The Supreme Court recommended amendments to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, to outlaw child betrothals, emphasizing the need to protect children’s rights and autonomy.

November 2024

  • Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Agreement Signed
    India signed the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework Agreement with several nations to boost trade, enhance digital connectivity, and strengthen economic ties across the Indo-Pacific region.
  • India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant Commissioned
    The first large-scale green hydrogen plant was inaugurated in Gujarat, a major step toward India’s renewable energy goals and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  • G20 Rio Summit Concludes
    The 19th G20 Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focusing on global hunger eradication, climate change, and inclusive economic development. The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty was launched during the summit.
  • Launch of Unified Pension Scheme
    The Indian government announced the Unified Pension Scheme, set to integrate multiple pension benefits under one umbrella, starting April 2025, aiming to improve retirement benefits and administration.
  • Supreme Court Guidelines on Property Demolitions
    The Supreme Court issued nationwide guidelines to curb illegal demolitions, emphasizing due process and protection of property rights under Article 21 of the Constitution.

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December 2024

  • India’s First Space Docking Mission Launched: On December 30, 2024, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its inaugural space docking mission, the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This mission deployed two 220-kilogram spacecraft into a 470-km circular orbit, demonstrating critical space docking and power transfer technologies. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away at 92: On December 26, 2024, former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, renowned for instituting pivotal economic reforms, passed away at the age of 92. 

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Top Current Affairs of 2024 FAQs

The Indian General Election and Delhi State Assembly elections were key political highlights.

The defense, space, and manufacturing sectors recorded substantial growth.

India reaffirmed its net-zero emissions target by 2070 at a major climate summit.

India achieved a GDP growth of 6.8% in the first quarter and maintained strong momentum throughout the year.

The census is crucial for planning and policy-making, as it provides comprehensive data on demographics and resources.
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