In November 2024, India’s retail inflation eased to a three-month low of 5.48%, driven by a decline in food prices, especially vegetables. What was the retail inflation percentage recorded in October 2024, the highest in 14 months?

Retail inflation in October 2024 stood at 6.21%, marking a 14-month high. November 2024 Data: Inflation eased to 5.48%, primarily due to a seasonal decline in vegetable prices. RBI's Inflation Target: The RBI aims to maintain inflation within a band of 2-6%. Food Inflation's Role: Food inflation, accounting for 40% of the CPI, eased from 10.87% in October to 9.04% in November.

13th December 2024 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

Table of Contents

National News

22nd Divya Kala Mela

The 22nd edition of the Divya Kala Mela, inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar at India Gate, New Delhi, from December 12-22, 2024, celebrates the talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Divyang artisans and entrepreneurs. This event is a powerful initiative by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) and the National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), aimed at enhancing the visibility and economic independence of persons with disabilities (PwDs). With a history of successful Mela editions across 21 cities, this year’s event features over 100 participants from 20 states and Union Territories.

Ratapani Declared India’s 57th Tiger Reserve

India has expanded its tiger conservation footprint with the declaration of Madhya Pradesh’s Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as its 57th tiger reserve. The creation of these reserves highlights India’s commitment to protecting its tiger population, which constitutes over 70% of the global wild tiger population.

ADB Grants $500 Million for Green Infrastructure and Solar Rooftops in India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $500 million loan to support India’s efforts to expand renewable energy and build climate-resilient infrastructure. The loan is part of ADB’s ongoing commitment to help India meet its sustainable development goals, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and infrastructure that can withstand the effects of climate change. This initiative will not only aid in reducing carbon emissions but also provide long-term solutions to address India’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

International News

President Murmu Confers Honorary General Rank to Nepal Army Chief

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.

Trump Named Time’s Person of the Year

Time magazine has named Donald Trump as its Person of the Year for 2024, marking the second time he has received this prestigious recognition. The decision highlights Trump’s substantial political influence, his historic comeback following his victory in the November 5 election over Vice President Kamala Harris, and his role in reshaping the American presidency. Time’s recognition of Trump underscores the significant impact he has had on American politics and the world stage.

Elon Musk Reaches $400 Billion Milestone and Created History

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has recently made history by becoming the first individual to surpass a net worth of $400 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. This remarkable achievement reflects his growing influence and success across multiple ventures, including SpaceX, Tesla, and his AI project, xAI. Musk’s wealth trajectory has been fueled by a combination of insider share sales, stock market performance, and strategic political connections, making him the richest person in the world.

Bangladesh Court Stays ‘Joy Bangla’ Slogan Decision

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has stayed a High Court verdict that declared ‘Joy Bangla’ as the country’s national slogan. The slogan, popularized by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during Bangladesh’s liberation movement, had been officially recognized as the national slogan under the previous government led by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina. The Supreme Court’s decision comes amidst political shifts and changes in government policy, highlighting the complexities surrounding national identity and governance in Bangladesh.

State News

Delhi Govt. Announces ₹2,100 Monthly Aid for Women

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has unveiled the Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana, promising to increase financial assistance for eligible women from ₹1,000 to ₹2,100 per month post-elections. This initiative, aimed at empowering women financially, was announced at an event with a large gathering of AAP’s women supporters. The scheme, which mirrors successful programs in other states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, will begin registration on December 13, 2024, with a focus on women aged 18 and above who do not pay taxes or receive government pension.

UP Set to Lead India in Cow Milk Production

Cow protection and welfare have always been a key focus in Uttar Pradesh, especially under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, both as the Chief Minister and the Peethadheeshwar of Gorakshapeeth. The state has seen significant efforts to promote indigenous cow breeds, enhance milk production, and provide welfare to cows. These initiatives, supported by infrastructure developments such as veterinary colleges, are set to transform Uttar Pradesh into a leader in cow milk production.

Economy News

India’s Retail Inflation Eases to 5.48% in November

India’s retail inflation moderated to 5.48% in November from 6.21% in October, marking a significant decline driven by easing food prices, particularly vegetables. This shift brought inflation back within the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target range, raising expectations of a potential rate cut in early 2025. Additionally, industrial production showed positive growth, adding to the optimism for the economy. However, core inflation and volatile food prices remain concerns.

Industrial Output Growth Slows to 3.5% in October 2024

India’s industrial output growth slowed to 3.5% in October 2024, a sharp drop from 11.9% recorded in the same month last year. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for October 2024 stood at 149.9, up from 144.9 in October 2023. The slowdown was driven by weaker performance in the mining, electricity, and manufacturing sectors, as per data released by the Ministry of Statistics.

Summits and Conferences News

World Ayurveda Congress Kicks Off in Dehradun

The 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) and Arogya Expo were inaugurated in Dehradun, marking a historic milestone in the global promotion of Ayurveda. The event witnessed the presence of eminent personalities, including Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav; Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, etc. With a focus on the theme “Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective,” the event aims to explore the integration of Ayurveda with modern technological innovations to redefine global healthcare delivery.

Appointments News

Bhavesh Jain Appointed as MD & CEO of TransUnion CIBIL

TransUnion CIBIL, a leading insights and information company, has announced Bhavesh Jain as its new Managing Director and CEO, succeeding Rajesh Kumar, who resigned after a five-year tenure. Jain has been instrumental as the Chief Revenue Officer at TransUnion CIBIL for the past five years, bringing decades of experience from Citi, Kone, and Thomson Reuters. His appointment highlights the company’s focus on enhancing financial inclusion and digital transformation in India.

Important Days News

International Day of Neutrality 2024: Promoting Peace and Stability

The International Day of Neutrality, observed annually on December 12, highlights the vital role neutrality plays in fostering global peace and security. This day aims to raise public awareness about the importance of neutrality in intergovernmental relations and its contribution to strengthening global stability and harmony.

Science and Technology News

India to Launch Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035

India is poised to reach new heights in space exploration with ambitious plans to establish the Bharat Antariksha Station by 2035 and land an Indian astronaut on the Moon by 2040. Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Space, Jitendra Singh, unveiled this roadmap during a press conference, emphasizing the country’s quest for self-reliance and leadership in global science and technology.

Books and Authors News

“Dr. Dinesh Shahra Unveils Dalai Lama’s Secret to Happiness”

On December 12, 2024, Dr. Dinesh Shahra, a renowned philanthropist, author, and thought leader, launched his book, Dalai Lama’s Secret to Happiness, at the prestigious Library of Tibetan Works & Archives (LTWA) in Dharamshala. This event highlighted the significance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s teachings and their impact on promoting peace and happiness. The event was attended by scholars, dignitaries, and cultural representatives, all gathered to celebrate Tibetan culture, spirituality, and the wisdom shared through Dr. Shahra’s latest work.

Awards News

Indian Film “The Kumbaya Story” Wins tve Global Sustainability Film Award

The Indian film “The Kumbaya Story” has achieved international recognition by winning the Transforming Society Short Film category at the 13th tve Global Sustainability Film Awards (GSFA). The event was held at the iconic BAFTA venue in London. This accolade underscores India’s growing influence in the realm of sustainability-focused storytelling. The awards celebrate powerful narratives that inspire solutions for a sustainable future.