Table of Contents
Daily Current Affairs 13th December 2024 Daily GK Update
Current Affairs Quiz 2024, Daily gk updates and Current affairs play a major role in any competitive exam. so here we are providing the current affairs quiz on a daily basis for Bank, SSC, Railway and Other Government Competitive Examinations.
Here you can find Current Affairs Quiz for IBPS PO Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for IBPS RRB PO Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for IBPS RRB Clerk Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for RBI Assistant Mains, Current Affairs Quiz for RBI Grade B, Current Affairs Quiz for SSC.
National News
HPCL inks pact with Sea6 Energy to convert seaweed biomass into fuels
- Government-owned oil major HPCL and Sea6 Energy Private Limited have entered into a MoU for R&D collaboration to take up joint development and commercialisation of technologies for valorising seaweed biomass.
- Under this MoU, HPCL will develop and scale up technologies jointly with Sea6 Energy for the conversion of seaweed biomass into fuels and chemicals. While these technologies are being developed and piloted, Sea6 Energy will also work on the upstream portion of making seaweed farming and harvesting more cost-effective.
- Seaweeds provide an attractive alternative to traditional biomass as far as biofuel production is concerned because it doesn’t compete with food security, does not require fertilisers or irrigation, and can be practised in areas unsuitable for traditional agriculture such as coastlines.
- Moreover, seaweeds grow much faster than terrestrial crops, with some species capable of doubling their biomass in just a few days and they are an excellent option for carbon capture for meeting India’s net-zero commitments by 2070.
- Sea6 Energy Private Limited headquartered in Bengaluru, was founded in 2010 to develop innovative solutions for key global problems.
India participates in the 2nd meeting of the Supply Chain Council (SCC) as Vice-Chair, under India-Pacific Economic Framework
- India participated in the 2nd meeting of the Supply Chain Council as vice-chair. India was represented by Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce.
- The Chair (United States) of SCC highlighted the significant progress made since the last meeting in September 2024 and shared an update on the APT relating to Chemicals, in efforts are being made, to promote greater chemicals trade and diversify sources through various work streams, and enhance international business matchmaking.
- The Supply Chain Council was formed under the Agreement relating to Supply Chain Resilience under IPEF to pursue targeted, action-oriented work to strengthen the supply chains for those sectors and goods most critical to national security, public health, and economic well-being in the India-Pacific region which represents about 40 % of Global GDP and 28% of Global trade in goods and service.
- India signed the Supply Chain Resilience Agreement (Pillar-II) in November 2023 under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), a 14-member plurilateral grouping in the region.
- The Agreement aims to enhance supply chains critical to national security and economic stability. It officially came into effect on February 24, 2024. As part of the agreement, Supply Chain Council (SCC) was established, with India serving as Vice Chair and the United States as Chair.
- It is very timely that under IPEF, India has also been elected as the Chair for Action Plan Team on Pharma/Healthcare. Currently, Thailand, Singapore, and New Zealand have joined the APT on Pharma/Healthcare led by India.
IEPFA and ACCA Sign MoU to Boost Financial Literacy and Investor Protection Across India
- The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) have signed an MoU to enhance financial literacy, investor education, and protection in India, focusing on both urban and rural sectors.
- The collaboration will implement the “Financial Education for You” (FEFY) program, a four-year initiative targeting students in grades 6 to 9 to build a strong foundation for sound financial decision-making.
- ACCA will provide digital content for free and train school educators to effectively deliver the curriculum, ensuring widespread access to financial literacy tools.
- The pilot phase will begin in select schools, using interactive and experiential learning techniques to promote responsible financial behavior among students.
Nepal Army chief conferred honorary rank by President Murmu
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred the honorary rank of ‘General of Indian Army’ on Nepal’s Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel at a ceremony in New Delhi.
- He was honoured for his commendable military prowess and immeasurable contribution to further fostering Nepal’s long and friendly association with India.
- Since 1950, the army chiefs of Nepal and India have had a unique tradition of being conferred the title of Honorary General.
- General Sigdel, an alumnus of the Nepali Military Academy, was commissioned into the Nepali Army in February 1987. He assumed command of the Nepali Army as Chief of Army Staff on September 9, 2024.
Banking and Financial
ADB cuts India FY24 GDP growth forecast to 6.5%, 7% in FY25 on weak demand
- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has lowered India’s economic growth forecast to 6.5 per cent for the current financial year from its earlier estimate of 7 per cent due to lower-than-expected growth in private investment and housing demand.
- The multilateral development bank has also lowered India’s growth forecast for 2025-26 financial year.
- Asia and the Pacific’s economies are projected to grow 4.9 per cent in 2024, slightly below ADB’s September forecast of 5 per cent.
Updated GDP List
- ADB – 6.5% (FY24), 7%(FY25)
- S&P – 6.8% (FY25), 6.9% (FY26)
- RBI –6.6% (FY24)
- Morgan Stanley – 6.3% (FY25)
- Moody Ratings – 2% (CY24)
- IMF – 7% (FY25), 6.5% (FY26)
- World Bank – 7% (FY25)
India’s FDI Journey hits $1 Trillion
- India has crossed a milestone of $1 trillion in cumulative foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows since April 2000, led by improved global competitiveness, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and a business-friendly environment, according to the commerce and industry ministry.
- Taiwanese companies are increasingly shifting their supply chains to India due to global trade tensions, with FDI from Taiwan surpassing $665 million between 2018 and 2024.
- This achievement was bolstered by a nearly 26% rise in FDI to $42.1 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year, reflecting India’s growing appeal as a global investment destination.
- Over the last decade (April 2014 to September 2024), total FDI inflows amounted to $709.84 billion, accounting for 68.69% of the overall FDI inflow in the past 24 years.
- In June 2024, India saw an increase in outward FDI commitments to $2.14 billion compared to $1.14 billion in June 2023, despite a decrease from $2.22 billion in May 2024.
Appointment
Mohammad al-Bashir appointed Interim Prime Minister of Syria
- The Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS rebels in Syria, appointed Mohammad al-Bashir as the transitional Prime Minister of Syria after Bashar al-Assad’s government fell.
- Mohammad al-Bashir will remain the head of the transitional government in Syria until 1st March 2025.
- Mohammad al-Bashir is part of the rebel jihadist organisation HTS that swept into the capital, Damascus, on 8 December 2024, bringing to an end five decades of rule by Assad’s family.
- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fled from the country and is believed to be in Moscow, Russia, which was the biggest supporter of the Assad government and maintains a military base in the country.
About Syria
- Capital: Damascus
- Currency: Syrian pound (SYP)
- Official language: Arabi
Rahul Narwekar of BJP re-elected Speaker of 15th Maharashtra Assembly
- Rahul Narwekar of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was re-elected as the 15th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker.
- Rahul Narwekar, who was the Speaker for two and a half years in the previous 14th Legislative Assembly, was elected unopposed.
- On 6 December, the Governor of Maharashtra, C P Radhakrishnan, administered the oath of Protem Speaker to Kalidas Sulochana Nilkanth Kolambakar.
- The Protem Speaker administered the oath of office to the newly elected 288 members of the assembly and presided over the election of the Speaker of the House.
About Maharashtra
- Capital – Mumbai
- Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis (3rd time)
- Deputy Chief Minister – Eknath Sindhe & Ajit Pawar
- Governor – C P Radhakrishnan
- Legislative Assembly Speaker – Rahul Narwekar
- Legislative Assembly Seats – 288
Rabindra Mahto re-elected Speaker of 6th Jharkhand Legislative Assembly
- Rabindra Nath Mahato of the ruling party, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), was unanimously re-elected Speaker of the 6th Jharkhand Legislative Assembly.
- Rabindra Nath Mahato was the Speaker of the previous 5th Jharkhand Legislative Assembly also.
- Rabindra Nath Mahato is the first person to be elected Speaker of the Assembly for two consecutive terms.
- Inder Singh Namdhari is the only other person who has been the Speaker of the Jharkhand assembly twice but not for two consecutive terms.
About Jharkhand
- Capital – Ranchi
- Chief Minister – Hemant Soren
- Governor – Santosh Kumar Gangwar
- Legislative Assembly Speaker – Rabindra Mahto
Awards
National Panchayat Awards 2024
- The National Panchayat Awards 2024 honoured 45 exceptional Panchayats for their contributions to sustainable and inclusive development in rural India. The event was presided over by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, with Hon’ble Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh.
- During the prestigious ceremony, 45 Panchayats from diverse regions were honoured in recognition of their exemplary work in rural development. A booklet titled ‘Best Practices on Works of Awardee Panchayats’ was unveiled, documenting the innovative and impactful practices implemented by the award-winning Panchayats.
- The National Panchayat Awards are usually celebrated on April 24th every year, in conjunction with National Panchayati Raj Day (due to the General Elections to the Lok Sabha held earlier in 2024, the award ceremony was rescheduled to 11th December this year.).
- This day commemorates the enactment of the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, which came into effect in 1993 and granted Panchayats constitutional status as institutions of local self-governance. It is a day to recognize the importance of Panchayats in India’s democratic structure and the crucial role they play in rural development.
- The National Panchayat Awards 2024 are awarded under several categories, with the primary focus on recognizing grassroots governance, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The categories are as follows:
- Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar – This award recognizes the top 3 Gram Panchayats (GPs) under each of the 9 Localization of Sustainable Development Goal’s thematic areas.
- Nanaji Deshmukh Sarvottam Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar– Awarded to the top 3 GPs, Block Panchayats (BPs), and District Panchayats (DPs) with the highest average score across all 9 themes.
- Gram Urja Swaraj Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar – Awarded to the top 3 GPs for their significant contributions to adopting and utilizing renewable energy sources.
- Carbon Neutral Vishesh Panchayat Puraskar– Given to the top 3 GPs for their efforts in achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
- Panchayat Kshamta Nirmaan Sarvottam Sansthan Puraskar – Awarded to the top 3 institutions that have provided exemplary institutional support to Panchayats in achieving the Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs).
- The awards also emphasize the role of Panchayats in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on the Localization of SDGs (LSDGs).
Defence
BEML secures ₹136 crore contract from Ministry of Defence for High Mobility Vehicles
- Defence PSU BEML Limited has secured ₹136-crore contract to supply indigenously designed High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) 8×8.
- These vehicles will be deployed for the Battlefield Surveillance System (BFSS) project.
- The HMVs will primarily be manufactured at the Palakkad plant, with additional production in other divisions as determined by management based on operational feasibility.
Defence Ministry signs ₹13,500-crore deal with HAL for 12 Su-30MKI aircraft
- In a significant step toward bolstering India’s defence capabilities and promoting the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI aircraft.
- The deal, valued at approximately ₹13,500 crore, includes associated equipment and is inclusive of taxes and duties. The aircraft will feature a homegrown content of 62.6%, achieved through the indigenisation of numerous components manufactured by the Indian defence industry.
- The Russian-origin Su-30MKI jets are being procured for the Indian Air Force. These jets are now manufactured by the HAL under an intergovernmental framework.
- The Su-30MKIs will be produced at HAL’s Nashik division, “The supply of these aircraft would enhance the operational capability of the Indian Air Force and strengthen the defence preparedness of the country.
Sports
Ladakh to host Khelo India Winter Games from Jan 23
- The dates for the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) have been announced, with Ladakh set to host the ice events from January 23 to 27, 2025, while Jammu and Kashmir will host the snow events from February 22 to 25, 2025.
- The Khelo India Winter Games began in 2020. Nearly 1,000 athletes, including 306 women, participated in the inaugural edition.
- Participation has grown significantly over the years, with more than 1,350 athletes in 2021 and over 1,500 in 2022, reflecting the increasing appeal of the Games in Jammu and Kashmir.
- The 2024 edition of KIWG witnessed over 1,200 participants, including more than 700 athletes, 141 support staff, 113 technical officials, and over 250 volunteers. A total of 136 medals were contested.
- For the first time in 2024, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, along with the Sports Authority of India, managed the technical aspects of the Games in collaboration with the National Sports Federations and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
- This marks the second consecutive year that UT Ladakh will host a segment of the Khelo India Winter Games. Prior to 2024, Jammu and Kashmir hosted all events. In February 2024, Leh successfully hosted ice events such as skating and hockey, while Gulmarg continued to host snow events like skiing and snowboarding.
Haris and Wyatt-Hodge crowned ICC Players of the Month for November 2024
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the ICC Players of the Month for November 2024 as Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and England’s Danni Wyatt-Hodge.
- Pakistan pacer Haris wins after his destructive bowling spells in Australia secured Pakistan’s first ODI series victory in the country since 2002, while England’s evergreen Wyatt-Hodge produced trademark fireworks in her side’s convincing short-format victory over South Africa.
- Both players win their maiden Player of the Month awards.
ICC Men’s Player of the Month
- June 2024 – Jasprit Bumrah (India)
- July 2024 – Gus Atkinson (England)
- August 2024 – Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)
- September 2024 – Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka)
- October 2024 – Noman Ali (Pakistan)
- November 2024 – Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
ICC Women’s Player of the Month
- June 2024 – Smriti Mandhana (India)
- July 2024 – Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka)
- August 2024 – Tammy Beaumont (England)
- September 2024 – Harshitha Madavi (Sri Lanka)
- October 2024 – Amelia Kerr (New Zealand)
- November 2024 – Danni Wyatt-Hodge (England)
Important day
12 December – International Universal Health Coverage Day
- International Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day is celebrated annually on December 12 to raise awareness about the need for strong, resilient health systems and universal health coverage.
- Theme 2024 – Health: It’s on the Government!
- It was first launched on December 12, 2012, when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) unanimously supported the resolution to make UHC a priority of countries as integral and necessary for the fulfilment of human rights and international development.
- In 2014, it was proclaimed as UHC Day by the Universal Health Coverage Coalition. Thus, UNGA declared December 12 International Universal Health Coverage Day in 2017.
Join Best test series for Current Affairs
Click here to Buy Yearly Current Affairs
Download Online Mock Test Mobile APP
Recommended PDF’s for 2024:
- Computer Capsule 2022 : Download PDF
- Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise Online Test Series 2022
- Banking Awareness (Theory+MCQ’s) Complete PDF : Download Now
- Get FREE Study Materials & PDFs for IBPS , RBI, SBI, LIC AAO , LIC Assistant, NIACL & Other Exams Over the mail and Whatsapp
2024 Preparation Kit PDF |
|
Most important PDF’s for Bank, SSC, Railway and Other Government Exam : Download PDF Now |
|
| AATMA-NIRBHAR Series- Static GK/Awareness Practice Ebook PDF | Get PDF here |
| The Banking Awareness 500 MCQs E-book| Bilingual (Hindi + English) | Get PDF here |
| AATMA-NIRBHAR Series- Banking Awareness Practice Ebook PDF | Get PDF here |
| Computer Awareness Capsule 2.O | Get PDF here |
| AATMA-NIRBHAR Series Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise PDF 2020 | Get PDF here |
| Memory Based Puzzle E-book | 2016-19 Exams Covered | Get PDF here |
| Caselet Data Interpretation 200 Questions | Get PDF here |
| Puzzle & Seating Arrangement E-Book for BANK PO MAINS (Vol-1) | Get PDF here |
| ARITHMETIC DATA INTERPRETATION 2.O E-book | Get PDF here |
3
