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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 13th December current affairs 2024, curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.
Our comprehensive Current Affairs December 2024 coverage aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your scores in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and all State Government Exams. Explore our Current Affairs tailored to simplify your exam preparation.
National news
CM Dhami inaugurates 10th World Ayurveda Congress 2024 at Dehradun
The 10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 was inaugurated by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun on 12th December 2024. This biennial event, organized by the Union Ministry of Ayush and the World Ayurveda Foundation, runs from 12th to 15th December 2024.
- The theme for this edition is “Digital Health – an Ayurveda Perspective,” focusing on integrating modern technology with traditional Ayurvedic practices. The conference explores advancements in digital health, including telemedicine, mobile health apps, and wearable technology, to enhance healthcare delivery.
- The World Ayurveda Congress was first held in Kochi, Kerala in 2002, and aims to promote Ayurveda as a global healthcare system. The Arogya Expo showcases leading Ayurvedic products and research from institutions across India and the world.
Uttarakhand:
- Capitals: Dehradun (Winter), Bhararisen (Summer)
- Founded: 9 November 2000
- Chief minister: Pushkar Singh Dhami
- Governor: Gurmit Singh
Ist India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 Concludes in New Delhi
The first India Maritime Heritage Conclave 2024 concluded on 12th December 2024 in New Delhi, showcasing India’s rich maritime legacy dating back to the Harappan period. The Conclave brought together key ministers, maritime experts, and industry leaders from India and abroad to discuss the future of India’s maritime sector.
Organized by: The Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, with collaboration from the Ministries of Labour, Youth Affairs, Education, Tourism, and Culture.
Inaugural Address: The event was inaugurated by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on 11th December 2024. The Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the Conclave, with Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Union Minister for Culture and Tourism), Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (Union Minister for Labour and Youth Affairs), and Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel participating.
Objectives of the Conclave:
- Highlighting India’s maritime heritage.
- Charting a roadmap for India to become a global maritime hub.
- Creating awareness about employment opportunities in the maritime sector.
- Integrating maritime heritage into India’s education system.
- Promoting Indian maritime heritage as a tourist destination and ensuring its preservation.
Additionally, the Government of India is developing the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat to preserve and promote this rich history. The Conclave was also attended by representatives from four state governments: Gujarat, Goa, Bihar, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Intensified 100-Day TB Elimination Campaign Launched
On December 2024, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), launched the intensified 100-day Tuberculosis (TB) elimination campaign to accelerate the fight against TB in Panchkula, Haryana. The campaign will culminate on March 24, 2025.
During the launch, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda also introduced national guidelines for the new drug-resistant TB regimen called BPALM. These guidelines aim to streamline and standardize treatment.
Campaign Overview:
- Duration: 100 days (ends on 24 March 2025, World TB Day)
- Aim: Accelerate efforts to achieve “TB-Mukt Bharat” (TB-free India) by 2025.
- Coverage: 347 districts across 33 States and Union Territories.
- Objective: Strengthen the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
New Drug-Resistant TB Guidelines:
- Guidelines Introduced: BPALM Regimen
- Streamlines and standardizes treatment for drug-resistant TB.
About the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW):
- Union Minister: Jagat Prakash Nadda (Rajya Sabha, Gujarat)
Ministers of State (MoS):
- Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao (Buldhana, Maharashtra)
- Anupriya Patel (Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh)
Banking news
$500 million ADB loan to develop sustainable infrastructure in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $500 million financial intermediation loan on 12 December 2024 to support environmentally sustainable infrastructure development in India. Here are the key details:
Loan Details
- Recipient: India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), owned by the Government of India.
- Guarantee: Sovereign Guarantee The Government of India will repay the loan if IIFCL defaults.
Utilization of Loan
Infrastructure Financing: The funds will finance greenfield (new) and brownfield (existing) projects.
Sectors Covered
- Connectivity and Energy Transition: Sustainable transport and renewable energy projects.
- Urban Development: Includes sustainable urban infrastructure.
- Education and Healthcare: Projects aimed at improving social infrastructure.
- Capacity Building: Strengthen IIFCL’s ability to integrate green technologies and implement best practices in infrastructure development.
India’s Climate Financing Gap
- India faces significant climate-related challenges such as floods, droughts, and cyclones.
- To combat these, India needs to invest heavily in sustainable infrastructure but faces a $1 trillion climate financing gap.
About India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL)
- Establishment: 2006.
- Ownership: Wholly owned by the Government of India.
- Registration: Non-Banking Finance Company – Non-Deposit taking Infrastructure Financing Company (NBFC-ND-IFC) under RBI.
- Purpose: Provides long-term loans for viable infrastructure projects in sectors like:
- Transportation, Energy, Water, Sanitation, Communication, and Social Infrastructure.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Managing Director: Padmanabhan Raja Jaishankar.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB)
- Establishment: 1966.
- Headquarters: Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
- Members: 69 countries from the Asia-Pacific region.
- Objective: Promote economic development and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Bank of Baroda Launches New Loan Schemes for MSMEs
On December, 2024, Bank of Baroda (BOB), a leading Public Sector Bank, launched two new loan schemes for the MSME sector:
- Baroda Mahila Swavalamban – Aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.
- Baroda Smart OverDraft (OD) – A digital OD facility for GST-registered MSMEs.
Key Features
Baroda Mahila Swavalamban:
- Competitive interest rates starting at 9.15%, linked to Baroda Repo Linked Lending Rate (BRLLR).
- Loan range: ₹20 lakh to ₹7.5 crore.
- Relaxed margin requirements for capital expenditure.
Baroda Smart OverDraft: Technology-driven credit assessments based on GST returns, banking activity, and online transactions.
Objective: Both schemes aim to simplify and improve access to financing for the MSME sector, fostering growth and sustainability.
About Bank of Baroda (BOB)
- Managing Director & CEO: Debadatta Chand
- Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat
- Tagline: India’s International Bank
- Established: 1908
IDFC FIRST Bank Introduces AI-Powered Holographic Digital Avatar of Amitabh Bachchan
On December , 2024, IDFC FIRST Bank unveiled India’s first AI-powered holographic digital avatar featuring its brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan. The innovative technology uses Holographic Extended Reality (HXR) to provide an immersive and personalized banking experience.
Deployment
- The first device was launched at the bank’s Juhu branch in Mumbai.
- Plans are in place to expand deployment across high footfall branches and strategic locations nationwide.
Key Features of the Avatar Offers insights into banking services, including:
- Zero Fee Banking
- Mobile Banking
- Monthly Interest Credits
- BRAVO Current Account
Objective: This initiative underscores IDFC FIRST Bank’s commitment to its digital-first strategy, enhancing customer engagement and setting new benchmarks in the banking sector.
About IDFC FIRST Bank
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Focus: Combining innovation and customer-centricity in the financial services domain.
State news
Himachal Government launches Him Bhog Atta and five Welfare scheme
On the completion of two years of his government, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu launched six welfare schemes aimed at improving various sectors of the state’s development. The schemes were launched in a ceremony held in Bilaspur, where the Chief Minister also distributed financial assistance to the beneficiaries. Here is an overview of the welfare schemes:
Him Bhog Atta
- Objective: Promote natural farming by using maize grown through natural farming methods.
- Details: The maize is procured from 1,506 farmers across 10 districts. The government aims to encourage natural farming and plans to enroll 36,000 farmers in the Rajiv Gandhi Natural Farming Start-up Scheme.
Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana
- Objective: Prevent child exploitation and support children from vulnerable families.
- Details: Monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 for children below 18 years of age, benefiting 23,000 children from widows, destitute women, divorced women, and disabled parents.
- Annual Budget: Rs 53.21 crore.
Himachal Pradesh Subtropical Horticulture, Irrigation and Value Addition Project (HP Shiva)
- Objective: Promote horticulture development in nine districts.
- Details: The scheme will cover 6,000 hectares and promote fruit cultivation (oranges, guavas, litchi, plums). It is expected to benefit 15,000 farming families, producing 1.3 lakh metric tonnes of fruit annually by 2032, with a market value of Rs 400 crore.
- Total Budget: Rs 1,292 crore.
E-Taxi under Rajiv Gandhi Start-up Swarojgar Yojna
- Objective: Provide electric taxis to promote self-employment.
- Details: 16 electric taxi owners were handed the keys, with a 50% subsidy on vehicle purchases. The electric vehicles will be leased to the state government for five years.
Cow Dung Purchase Scheme
- Objective: Boost farmers’ income by purchasing organic and vermicompost from farmers.
- Details: The government will buy cow dung at Rs 300 per quintal, with payments directly transferred to the farmer’s account.
Mobile Ayush Healthcare Units
- Objective: Provide healthcare to remote regions.
- Details: Five mobile units were launched to offer Ayurveda, Unani, or Homeopathy treatments in tribal areas like Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti, Chamba, and Sirmaur district.
Mukhyamantri Sukh-Ashray Yojana
- Objective: Support orphaned children with education, care, and support.
- Details: Financial assistance of Rs 1.90 crore was released for eligible beneficiaries. The scheme offers support until the children reach 27 years of age.
- These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing welfare, agriculture, education, and healthcare needs for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh:
- Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
- Chief minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
- Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla
‘Urjaveer’ Scheme: A Step Towards 100% Green Energy in Andhra Pradesh
On December 2024, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Power (MOP) along with Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP), Nara Chandrababu Naidu, inaugurated the ‘Urjaveer’ scheme at Poranki in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh (AP).
The Urjaveer Scheme, implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is designed to promote the use of energy-efficient appliances while offering economic benefits to individuals.
This initiative aims to transform AP into a 100% green energy state, focusing on sustainable development and energy conservation.
About the Scheme:
Objective: Promote the use of energy-efficient appliances to make Andhra Pradesh a 100% green energy state.
- Implementing Agency: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
- A Joint Venture (JV) of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Ministry of Power.
Andhra Pradesh:
- Capital: Amaravati
- Chief minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
- Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
Appointment news
Vaibhav Chaturvedi Appointed as Ex-Officio Member of IBBI
Vaibhav Chaturvedi was appointed as the ex-officio member of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) under the provisions of Section 189(1)(c) of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Current Role: Vaibhav Chaturvedi serves as the Chief General Manager (CGM), Credit Risk Regulation at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)
- Chairperson: Ravi Mital
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- Established: October 1, 2016
Functions and Objectives
- Implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016:
- Promotes transparency, accountability, and efficiency in insolvency and bankruptcy processes.
- Oversees resolution of stressed assets.
Credit Discipline: Facilitates timely and transparent insolvency resolutions to restore confidence in the financial sector.
About IBC, 2016
- Aims to restructure and resolve insolvencies efficiently.
- Strengthens the financial ecosystem by ensuring timely interventions and resolutions
Rajeev Mehta Elected Secretary General of Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA)
Rajeev Mehta, former Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), was elected as the Secretary General of the Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA) for a term of four years during the 37th FCA General Assembly held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
- First Indian: He is the first Indian administrator to hold this prestigious position, succeeding Rusni Abu Hassan (Malaysia).
- Previous Role: Rajeev Mehta previously served as the Secretary General of the Fencing Association of India (FCI).
About Fencing Confederation of Asia (FCA)
Establishment:
Constitution amended on September 7, 2015.
The name “Fencing Confederation of Asia” was adopted during the General Assembly in Nantong, China, in August 2007.
- President: H.H. Engr. Sheikh Salem Sultan AlQasimi.
- Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
- Members: 46 countries.
Award news
2024 Nobel Prize winners Honoured in Stockholm and Oslo
The 2024 Nobel Prizes were awarded on 10th December 2024 in ceremonies held in Stockholm and Oslo. The Nobel Prizes were established by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and businessman, who left his fortune to create these prestigious awards to honor those who have conferred the greatest benefit to humanity.
Nobel Prize Winners of 2024:
Physics
- John Hopfield (American)
- Geoffrey Hinton (British-Canadian)
- For their work in physics related to artificial intelligence and neural networks.
Chemistry
- David Baker (American)
- Demis Hassabis (British)
- John Jumper (American)
- For their contributions to the understanding of protein folding and its applications.
Physiology or Medicine
- Victor Ambros (American)
- Gary Ruvkun (American)
- For their pioneering work in the discovery of microRNA and its significance in gene regulation.
Literature
- Han Kang (South Korea)
- For her exceptional literary contributions, especially in examining complex human emotions.
Economics
- Daron Acemoglu (Turkish-American)
- Simon Johnson (British-American)
- James Robinson (American)
- For their work on the economics of democracy and the role of institutions in economic development.
Peace
- Nihon Hidankyo (Organization of Japan)
- For their tireless efforts in advocating for nuclear disarmament and peace.
Previous Year’s Winners (2023):
- Physics: Pierre Agostini (France), Ferenc Krausz (Hungary), Anne L’Huillier (France)
- Chemistry: Moungi Bawendi (American), Louis Brus (American), Aleksey Yekimov (Russian)
- Physiology or Medicine: Katalin Karikó (American), Drew Weissman (American)
- Literature: Jon Fosse (Norway)
- Economics: Claudia Goldin (American)
- Peace: Narges Mohammadi (Iran)
About the Nobel Prize:
- Foundation: The Nobel Prize was established by Alfred Nobel, who passed away on 10th December 1896. His fortune was used to create the Nobel Foundation, which began awarding prizes in 1901.
- Categories: The prizes are awarded in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace, and Economics (since 1969).
- Prize Money: Winners receive a cash award of 11 million Swedish kroner. If multiple recipients share a prize, the money is divided among them.
BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women List 2024
On December 2024, London (the United Kingdom (UK))-based British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) released the 12th edition of BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women List 2024. This latest edition of the list has featured 3 Indian women: former civil servant and renowned social activist Aruna Roy; three-time Olympian-turned-politician Vinesh Phogat, and performer of funerary rites, Pooja Sharma, for their exceptional contributions to social activism, sports and breaking societal barriers.
Theme: Resilience
The 12th edition of the BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women List highlights women from around the globe for their exceptional contributions across various fields.
Indian Women Featured
- Aruna Roy: Former civil servant and renowned social activist.
- Vinesh Phogat: Three-time Olympian-turned-politician, celebrated for her achievements in sports and leadership.
- Performer of funerary rites, recognized for breaking societal barriers.
Indian-Origin Women Featured
Sunita Williams: NASA Astronaut and a symbol of inspiration in space exploration.
Sneha Revanur: A 20-year-old Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert and innovator.
About BBC
- Chairman: Samir Shah
- Headquarters: London, United Kingdom (UK)
- Established: 1922
Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2024
On December, 2024, the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust announced that Former President of Chile, Veronica Michelle Bachelet Jeria will be conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2024 in recognition of her exemplary contributions to human rights, peace, and equality.
Reason for Recognition: For her exemplary contributions to human rights, peace, and equality.
Award Details
- Monetary Award: Rs 25 lakh
- Additional: Citation
About Chile
- President: Gabriel Boric
- Capital: Santiago
- Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
Science and tech news
Iran Successfully Launches Saman-1 Space Tug and Other Payloads into Low Earth Orbit
On December , 2024, Iran successfully launched its Saman-1 Orbital Transfer Unit (OTU), Fakhr-1 nanosatellite, and an additional research payload into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Launch Vehicle: The payloads were carried by Iran’s domestically developed Simorgh Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV), marking its 8th successful launch.
- Launch Site: The mission took place from the Imam Khomeini Space Launch Terminal in Semnan province, Tehran.
- Payload Capacity: The launch set a new national record, lifting a combined payload weight of 300 kg, showcasing Simorgh’s capability to handle complex, multi-payload missions.
About Iran
- President: Masoud Pezeshkian
- Capital: Tehran
- Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
Sports news
Dommaraju Gukesh: Youngest Chess World Champion at 18
Dommaraju Gukesh’s rise to becoming the youngest chess world champion is a story of relentless ambition, focus, and resilience. At the age of 18, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in a grueling three-week-long contest in Singapore, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest chess world champion in history. His journey from a young boy declaring his ambition to this historic feat showcases extraordinary dedication and talent.
Key Highlights of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024
- Champion: D Gukesh of India, crowned the youngest chess world champion at the age of 18.
- Defending Champion: Ding Liren of China, the 2023 champion.
- Venue: Singapore
- Format: 14-round “classical” chess event, with a prize fund of $2.5 million.
- Final Score: Gukesh – 7.5, Ding – 6.5.
- Decisive Game: Gukesh secured the title by winning the 14th game, after Ding’s critical blunder while playing black.
Early Ambition and Rise to Fame
- At the age of 11, Gukesh declared his ambition to become the youngest chess world champion, a now-viral moment.
- Gukesh missed the world’s youngest grandmaster title by just 17 days but went on to become India’s youngest grandmaster.
- He replaced Viswanathan Anand as the top-ranked Indian player after 36 years.
Historical Significance
- Gukesh joins an illustrious list of 18 world champions since 1886, including legends like Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Viswanathan Anand.
- He is the first teenager to become a chess world champion.
