December 2024 saw the One Nation One Election Bills introduced, the death of Dr Manmohan Singh, D. Gukesh becoming world chess champion, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, the Ken–Betwa link launched and ISRO's SpaDeX lift-off. Major items are grouped below by GS paper.

In this compilation: 27 major items, grouped by GS theme · 10-question quiz at the end.

Timeline: key events of December 2024

Places in news, December 2024

Polity & Governance

1. One Nation One Election Bills introduced

• The 129th Constitution Amendment Bill and a UT laws Bill were introduced on 17 December.
• They propose simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls (new Article 82A).
• Both were sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Why it matters for UPSC: Pros and cons of simultaneous elections.

Syllabus: GS2 – Elections

2. Opposition notice to remove the Vice President

• A notice under Article 67(b) was moved against Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar.
• The Deputy Chairman rejected it on technical grounds.
• It was the first such notice.

Why it matters for UPSC: Neutrality of presiding officers.

Syllabus: GS2 – Parliament

3. Conduct of Election Rules amended

• Public access to CCTV and webcast footage of polling was restricted.
• The change followed a High Court order on document access.
• Critics said it hurts transparency.

Why it matters for UPSC: Election transparency.

Syllabus: GS2 – Elections