Daily Current Affairs- 13th December 2024

Daily Current Affairs- 13th December 2024

NATIONAL

Doordarshan announced as the official broadcast partner for Hockey India League 2024-25

• Doordarshan has been announced as the official broadcaster for the upcoming season of the Hockey India League (HIL) which is set to begin on December 28.
• This marks a significant moment as the league makes its return after a seven-year hiatus bringing both men’s and women’s competitions together for the first time, making it a historic event for Indian hockey, The much-anticipated season will feature 8 men's teams and 4 women's teams, with matches taking place in Rourkela and Ranchi. 

World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 commenced in Uttarakhand

• The World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo 2024 officially commenced at Dehradun in Uttarakhand with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurating the event at Dehradun
• The Ayurveda Congress is set to be a landmark event, bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners from across the globe to explore the synergies between ancient healing traditions and cutting-edge innovations in the healthcare industry. 

Defence Ministry signs ₹13,500 crore deal with HAL for Su-30MKI aircraft

• The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. The agreement, valued at approximately ₹13,500 crores inclusive of taxes and duties, was finalized on Thursday, as part of the government’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative to boost self-reliance in defence manufacturing. 

SPORTS

Gukesh beats China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever World Champion in chess history

• India’s Gukesh etched his name in history by dethroning China’s Ding Liren to claim the 2024 World Chess Championship becoming the sport’s youngest-ever title holder at 18 years old. 

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to host Khelo India Winter Games 2025

• The Union Territory of Ladakh and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will jointly host the Khelo India Winter Games 2025. An announcement was made to this effect on 11 December 2024 by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The 2024 edition of the Khelo India Winter Games was also co-hosted by Ladkah and Jammu and Kashmir. 

India finished sixth in the Asian Women's Handball Championship

• India achieved their best-ever sixth-place finish at the Asian Women's Handball Championship, losing to China 30-41 in the playoff. Japan secured their second title, upsetting South Korea 25-24 in a thrilling final. Kazakhstan claimed the bronze medal, defeating Iran 28-22. 

OBITUARY

Legendary Gujarati Singer Purushottam Upadhyay Passes Away

• Purushottam Upadhyay, the celebrated Gujarati singer and composer, passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in the world of music. Known for his melodious voice and timeless compositions, he contributed significantly to Gujarati music over the years. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Bhavesh Jain Appointed as MD & CEO of TransUnion CIBIL

• TransUnion CIBIL which is into insights and information has appointed Bhavesh Jain as Managing Director and CEO. He will replace Rajesh Kumar, who recently resigned after five years. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

President Droupadi Murmu awards Honorary General Rank to Nepali Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigde

• President Droupadi Murmu, honored Nepal’s Army Chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, with the prestigious honorary rank of ‘General of the Indian Army.’ This event, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, reflects the enduring tradition of mutual respect and deep military ties between India and Nepal, which dates back to 1950. This ceremony also emphasizes the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen their defense collaboration and friendly relations. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Bank of Baroda launches new MSME offerings

• Bank of Baroda, announced two new offerings for MSMEs namely 'Baroda Mahila Swavalamban', a loan scheme especially for women entrepreneurs and 'Baroda Smart OD', a digital overdraft facility that provides quick short-term working capital finance to GST-registered MSMEs using an alternative credit assessment method based on their digital footprint.