19th-20th December, 2023

1. Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju has flagged off India’s first winter scientific expedition to the Arctic from New Delhi.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
4. Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has launched public grievance mobile application called “Janavani- Kalushya Nivarani” for registering various types of complaints related to environmental pollution.
5. 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee has been held in Botswana from December 4-9, 2023.
6. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has notified an increase in gratuity limit from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs for LIC agents.
7. Reliance General Insurance company has introduced “Reliance Health Global” insurance policy to provide Indians with access to global healthcare.
8. Maharashtra has become largest economy and Uttar Pradesh has becomes 2n largest economy in India as per the online blogging platform soic.in.
9. ICRA has revised GDP growth projection for India to 6.5% from 6.2% for the FY 2024.
10. India has topped global remittance chart at USD 125 billion in 2023 as per the World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief.
11. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has released the fifth LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2023 report.
12. Indian Akash air defence missile system has destroyed 4 targets simultaneously at Exercise Astrashakti.
13. World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh has been honoured with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit for her distinguished services to the country.
14. “Against All Odds: The IT Story of India” and “Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs” have been announced as the joint winners of the ‘Gaja Capital Business Book Prize‘ 2023.
15. International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
16. International Migrants Day
17. World Arabic Language Day
18. Minority Rights Day
19. Haryana has defeated Rajasthan to win Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023.
20. Haryana has topped the medal tally of first Khelo India Para Games with 105 medals.
21. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Saudi Arabia to protect the rights of skilled labourers from India.
22. Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed 37 billion Japanese Yen loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor.
23. Ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has passed away.
24. World Health Organisation has officially recognised ‘Noma’ as a neglected tropical disease.
25. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has been elected for a third time as the President of Egypt.

National News

1. Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju has flagged off India’s first winter scientific expedition to the Arctic from New Delhi.
   • More about Arctic expedition–
     • Researchers will study climate change, space weather, sea-ice and ocean circulation dynamics, ecosystem adaptations, etc.
     • First batch of the maiden Arctic winter expedition includes researchers from NCPOR, IIT Mandi, IITM Pune, and Raman Research Institute.
     • Priority research areas for the Arctic expeditions include atmospheric, biological, marine, and space sciences, environmental chemistry, cryosphere studies, terrestrial ecosystems, and astrophysics.
     • NCPOR facilitates Arctic expeditions by reviewing research proposals through an open call for applications.
       Source: PIB
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated world’s largest meditation centre ‘Swarved Mahamandir’ in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
   • Key features of Swarved Mahamandir–
     • It is a seven-floor superstructure.
     • It can seat 20,000 people at a time for meditation.
     • Verses of Swarveda have been carved upon the walls of Mahamandir.
       Source: ET

     
     

   
   
3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched second edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
   • Key points–
     • Second edition will be held between December 17 to 30, 2023 and it is a part of the government’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam programme.
     • Its objective is to revive living bonds between Kashi and Tamil Nadu, fostering a people-to-people connect, and strengthening ties based on shared heritage.
     • It aims to bring together traditions of knowledge and culture from Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
     • First edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam was held from November 16 to December 16, 2022.
       Source: ET

     
     
   
   
   
   

State News

1. Telangana State Pollution Control Board (TSPCB) has launched public grievance mobile application called “Janavani- Kalushya Nivarani” for registering various types of complaints related to environmental pollution.
   Source: The Hindu

International News

1. 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee has been held in Botswana from December 4-9, 2023.
   • Key points–
     • Committee has inscribed of 55 cultural practices submitted by 72 State Parties, including Garba dance from India.
     • It reflects international efforts to safeguard and recognize diverse cultural practices globally.

   • What is intangible cultural heritage?
     • It includes oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge, practices and skills relating to nature, universe and craftsmanship.

Source: UNESCO

Banking and Economy

1. Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) has notified an increase in gratuity limit from Rs 3 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs for LIC agents.
   • Objective–
     • To bring substantial improvements to the working condition and benefits for agents.

   • What is gratuity?
     • Gratuity is an amount that an employee of an organisation, receive when you leave an organisation for reasons such as retirement.

   
   
   
   

2. Reliance General Insurance company has introduced “Reliance Health Global” insurance policy to provide Indians with access to global healthcare.
   • More about policy–
     • Policy will cover expenses for overseas treatment, including critical illnesses.
     • It covers travel, accommodation, and end-to-end Visa services.
     • It provides sum-insured coverage of up to USD 1 million.
       Source: Business Standard
3. Maharashtra has become largest economy and Uttar Pradesh has becomes 2nd largest economy in India as per the online blogging platform soic.in.
   • More about ranking–
     • Maharashtra leads with a GDP share of 15.7% of country’s total GDP.
     • Uttar Pradesh ranks 2nd with a GDP share of 9.2% and Tamil Nadu has secured 3rd place with 9.1% share.
   • Ranking of states on the basis of GDP share-

4. ICRA has revised GDP growth projection for India to 6.5% from 6.2% for the FY 2024.
   • Reason for revision–
     • ICRA has revised projection as ICRA feels the deflation in commodity prices will be sustained and there is expectation of better growth in the October-December period.
       Source: ET

   
   
   
   

Reports and Indices

1. India has topped global remittance chart at USD 125 billion in 2023 as per the World Bank’s latest Migration and Development Brief.
   • Global Remittance Trends–
     • Remittances to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) grew by 3.8% in 2023, reaching a total of USD 669 billion.
     • India emerged as the top remittance recipient, with an impressive USD 125 billion, showcasing its economic resilience.
     • Resilient labour markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries played a crucial role in supporting migrants’ ability to send money home.

   • Key Remittance Recipient Countries-

2. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has released the fifth LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) 2023 report.
   • Objective–
     • It aims to improve logistics performance across states by assessing progress of states.
   • More about LEADS report–
     • Report ranks states on the basis of their logistics ecosystem.
     • It identifies key logistics-related challenges faced by stakeholders, and makes suggestions.
   • Performance Highlights from LEADS 2023:
   • Costal Group–
     • Achievers: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu
     • Fast Movers: Kerala, Maharashtra
     • Aspirers: Goa, Odisha, West Bengal
   • Landlocked Group–
     • Achievers: Haryana, Punjab, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh
     • Fast Movers: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand
     • Aspirers: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand
   • North-East Group–
     • Achievers: Assam, Sikkim, Tripura
     • Fast Movers: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland
     • Aspirers: Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram
   • Union Territories–
     • Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
     • Fast Movers: Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
     • Aspirers: Daman & Diu/ Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh
       Source: PIB

Defence News

1. Indian Akash air defence missile system has destroyed 4 targets simultaneously at Exercise Astrashakti.
   • Key points–
     • India has become the first country to demonstrate the capability of engaging four targets simultaneously at such ranges by command guidance using a single firing unit.
     • Exercise Astrashakti- 2023 It took place at Air Force Station Suryalanka in Andhra Pradesh.

       Source: The Hindu

Awards

1. World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director, Poonam Khetrapal Singh has been honoured with Bhutan’s National Order of Merit for her distinguished services to the country.
   • Key points–
     • Poonam Khetrapal Singh is the first woman Regional Director of the WHO South-East Asia Region.
     • She has played a pivotal role in supporting transformative healthcare leadership in Bhutan from 2014 to 2024.
     • Under her leadership Bhutan has become one of the first countries to eliminate measles and rubella ahead of schedule.
       Source: WHO

2. “Against All Odds: The IT Story of India” and “Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs” have been announced as the joint winners of the ‘Gaja Capital Business Book Prize’ 2023.
   • Key points–
     • ‘Against All odds’ is written by S ‘Kris’ Gopalakrishnan and N Dayasindhu and Krishnan Narayanan.
     • ‘Winning Middle India’ is written by TN Hari and Bala Srinivasa
   • About Gaja Capital Business Book Prize–
     • It was instituted in 2019 to encourage Indian entrepreneurs, writers, and journalists to tell their stories to the world.
     • It consists prize money of Rs 15 lakh.
       Source: TOI

Important Days

1. December 17– International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
   Source: nswp
2. December 18– International Migrants Day; Theme– Act Today
   Source: UN
3. December 18– World Arabic Language Day; Theme– Arabic – the Language of Poetry and Arts
   Source: unesco
4. December 18– Minority Rights Day; Theme– Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
   Source: wion

Sports

1. Haryana has defeated Rajasthan to win Vijay Hazare Trophy 2023.

2. Haryana has topped the medal tally of first Khelo India Para Games with 105 medals.
   • Key points–
     • Inaugural edition of the Khelo India Para Games 2023 took place in New Delhi from 10th to 17th December 2023.
     • Mascot- ‘Ujjwala’
     • ‘Ujjwala’ is represented by a sparrow, symbolizing that strength comes in many forms and emphasizing the unbreakable spirit of the human.
     • Top 3 states in Khelo India Games-

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Saudi Arabia to protect the rights of skilled labourers from India.
   • More about MoU–
     • Skilled labourers in India can register themselves at NSDC portal by providing details such as the name of country in which they are working and with whom they will be working.
     • Skilled labourers from all categories can register and registration process will be free of cost.

2. Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed 37 billion Japanese Yen loan for Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System Corridor.
   • More about ADB financing–
     • ADB had already approved a $1,049 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) for the project in 2020 to support construction of RRTS.
     • RRTS will have multi-modal hubs to ensure smooth interchange with other transport modes.
   • What is RRTS?
     • RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network which aims to ensure “balanced and sustainable urban development” through better connectivity and access across the NCR.
       Source: PIB

Miscellaneous

1. Ruler of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has passed away.
   • He will be succeeded by his half-brother, Crown Prince Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah.
     Source: livemint

2. World Health Organisation has officially recognised ‘Noma’ as a neglected tropical disease.
   • About Noma disease–
     • It is a severe gangrenous disease of the mouth and face, primarily affects malnourished young children (between the ages of 2 and 6 years) in regions of extreme poverty.
       Source: WHO

3. Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has been elected for a third time as the President of Egypt.
   • More info–
     • Abdel Fattah El-Sisi was the Chief Guest on India’s 74th Republic Day celebrated on 26 January, 2023.
       Source: The Hindu
     
     

   
   

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