IMPORTANT DAYS
National Consumer Day 2024 observed on December 24.
• National Consumer Day is observed annually on December 24th.
• The theme for National Consumer Day this year is "Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice."
• The day emphasizes the significance of the consumer movement.
• It raises awareness about consumers' rights and duties.
• The Consumer Protection Act, 1986 was enacted on this day.
• On July 20, 2020, the 1986 Act was replaced by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 .
• The day aims to promote consumer justice in the digital age.
• It encourages the adoption of virtual hearings for accessible and efficient resolution.
• As per the Consumer Protection Act, every Indian consumer has got six rights:
✓ Right to security
✓ Right to Information
✓ Right to choose
✓ Right to have a say
✓ Right to grievance and redressal
✓ Right to education of consumer rights.
APPOINTMENTS
V. Ramasubramanian appointed as the Chairperson of the NHRC.
• V. Ramasubramanian appointed as NHRC Chairperson on December 23.
• The appointment was made by President Droupadi Murmu.
• Priyank Kanoongo and Dr. Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi (Retd.) join NHRC as members.
• Ramasubramanian served as a Supreme Court judge from September 23, 2019, to June 29, 2023.
• His appointment follows the retirement of former NHRC Chairperson Arun Kumar Mishra on June 1.
• Vijaya Bharti Sayani had served as acting NHRC Chairperson after Mishra's term ended.
• Justice Ramasubramanian's tenure as NHRC chairperson begins after Mishra’s retirement.
• The new appointments aim to strengthen the NHRC's role in human rights protection.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur appointed chairperson of U.N. Internal Justice Council
• Former Supreme Court judge, Justice Madan B Lokur, has been appointed president of the United Nations Internal Justice Council.
• His appointment is effective immediately and will last until November 12, 2028.
• Justice Lokur previously served as a judge on Fiji’s non-resident Supreme Court panel in 2019.
• He became the first Indian judge to hold a position in another country’s Supreme Court.
• His new role at the UN will involve overseeing internal justice matters.
• Justice Lokur's appointment highlights his international legal recognition.
• He has an extensive judicial career, having served in the Indian Supreme Court.
• His leadership is expected to contribute to the UN’s internal justice system until 2028.
STATE NEWS
Madhya Pradesh recognized as a top global destination for 2025 by Wall Street Journal.
• Madhya Pradesh has been recognized as one of the ‘Go-To Global Destinations for 2025’ by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
• The state's rich heritage, wildlife, and natural beauty play a key role in this recognition.
• The honor emphasizes Madhya Pradesh's status as a world-class tourist spot.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Khajuraho, Panna, and Bandhavgarh, are highlighted.
• The state offers a blend of culture, adventure, and scenic landscapes.
• Visitors can experience thrilling wildlife encounters in renowned Tiger Reserves.
• Cultural richness and breathtaking sites make Madhya Pradesh a unique travel destination.
• The recognition underscores the state's growing appeal to global travelers.
NATIONAL NEWS
Total 15 tableaux have been selected from various states and UTs for Republic Day Parade 2025.
• A total of 15 tableaux have been chosen for the Republic Day Parade 2025.
• The theme for this year’s tableaux is "Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas."
• States and UTs like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, and Gujarat are among the selected participants.
• Union Territories such as Chandigarh and Dadar Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu will also feature.
• 11 Ministries and the Union Government Department have been selected for the parade.
• The tableaux will highlight India’s rich cultural heritage and developmental achievements.
• The selected tableaux will represent the diverse strengths of different states and UTs.
• The Republic Day Parade 2025 will showcase a blend of tradition and progress.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SpaDeX mission is set to be launched by ISRO on December 30.
• India’s SPADEX mission, set to launch on December 30, aims to demonstrate spacecraft docking and undocking technology.
• The mission will be launched using PSLV-C60 from Satish Dhawan Space Center, Sriharikota.
• SPADEX is a cost-effective technology demonstration focused on in-space docking with two small spacecraft.
• The technology is crucial for India's future space endeavors, including lunar missions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).
• In-space docking is essential for missions that require multiple rocket launches to achieve shared goals.
• With this mission, India will become the fourth country to possess space docking capabilities.
• The SPADEX mission involves two 220 kg spacecraft launched into a 470 km circular orbit.
• PSLV-C60 will place the spacecraft into orbit at a 55° inclination, with a local time cycle of 66 days.
RANKING AND INDEX
India has jumped from 60th position to 49th position in the 'Network Readiness Index'.
• India has climbed 11 spots to secure 49th place in the Network Readiness Index 2024.
• The Network Readiness Index assesses how countries use technology for governance, citizen engagement, and broader impact.
• The 2024 index is published by the Washington DC-based Portulans Institute.
• The USA ranks first in NRI 2024 with a score of 78.96, followed by Singapore and Finland.
• India's position improved from 60th in 2023 to 49th in 2024, with an increased score of 53.63.
• In 2023, India had a score of 49.93, reflecting significant progress in technology and innovation.
• India's advancements in AI, mobile networks, and broadband contributed to its improved ranking.
• The country is using technology for global research and to enhance citizens' lives.
• India's focus on digital infrastructure continues to drive its growth in the global tech landscape.
SPORTS
Shahu Tushar Mane won Gold medal at senior national shooting championship in Bhopal.
• Shahu Tushar Mane won the gold medal in the men's 10m Air Rifle event at the 67th National Shooting Championship in Bhopal.
• He defeated Dhanush Srikanth, who took home the silver medal.
• Yash Vardhan claimed the bronze, finishing ahead of Rudrankksh Patil.
• In the junior men's 10m Air Rifle final, Rudrankksh Patil secured the gold medal.
• Abishek Sekhar from Karnataka earned the silver in the junior competition.
• Haryana’s Himanshu bagged the bronze in the junior men's event.
• In the 10m Air Rifle Youth event, Madhya Pradesh's Yash Pandey won silver.
• West Bengal’s Abhinav Shaw finished with the bronze in the youth competition.
MISCELLANEOUS
'Track and Trace Mechanism' has been approved by GST Council.
• The GST Council has approved the implementation of a 'Track and Trace Mechanism' for high-risk commodities prone to tax evasion.
• The mechanism will initially focus on monitoring cigarettes and pan masala to curb tax evasion.
• A unique code will be placed on these products, enabling the government to track them effectively.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) supports such mechanisms under its Tobacco Control Convention and Illicit Trade Protocol.
• Countries like the European Union, the UK, and Turkey already use similar systems to track the tobacco supply chain.
• These nations require all stakeholders involved in the tobacco industry to register and use unique IDs.
• The system aims to reduce illegal trade and tax leakage in the tobacco sector.
• It will also enhance compliance and improve monitoring of the tobacco and related industries.