Daily Current Affairs 04 December 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 04 December 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on First Woman DG Of ICFRE, World Malaria Report 2023, Indian Navy Day 2023.

Top 25 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 04 December 2023

International News

1.US Reports ‘White Lung Syndrome’ Outbreak

• Recent reports highlight Ohio as the first U.S. state to experience a surge in cases of a pneumonia-like illness dubbed ‘white lung syndrome.’ The outbreak, primarily affecting children, has led to a significant number of hospitalizations, causing concern among health officials.
• White Lung Syndrome is identified by distinct white patches observed on chest X-rays in affected children. The term encompasses a range of respiratory disorders, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, and conditions related to silica exposure.

2.India Resumes Venezuelan Crude Oil Imports, Explores Direct Deals

• Indian refiners, including Reliance Industries, have reinitiated the import of Venezuelan crude oil through intermediaries. The move comes in the wake of the temporary lifting of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, opening avenues for direct deals between Indian companies and Venezuela’s state-owned oil firm, PDVSA.
• Reliance (RELI.NS), one of India’s major conglomerates, is set to engage in discussions with PDVSA executives next week regarding direct crude oil sales. The easing of U.S. sanctions in October prompted a resurgence in Venezuelan oil exports, mainly facilitated by middlemen and traders, particularly to China.
• Notable transactions involve trading house Vitol selling 1.5 million barrels to Indian Oil Corp (IOC.NS) and 500,000 barrels to HPCL-Mittal Energy (HMEL), a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corp (HPCL.NS) and Mittal Energy Investmen

3.World Bank’s Innovative Approach to Scaling Climate Finance Through Securitization

• The President of the World Bank, Ajay Banga, has outlined a strategic initiative aimed at scaling up climate financing through securitization.
• This innovative approach, led by the Private Sector Investment Lab (PSIL), focuses on creating a model of “originate-to-distribute” to attract substantial investments from deep-pocketed investors for climate-related projects.
• PSIL, launched under the World Bank’s umbrella, collaborates with a group of 15 finance leaders, including Larry Fink of BlackRock, Thomas Buberl of AXA SA, and Noel Quinn of HSBC Plc. The collective effort aims to reduce investment risks in climate projects in emerging economies and encourage private capital to contribute to emission reduction initiatives.

4.India Re-Elected to International Maritime Organization with Highest Vote Tally

• India has been re-elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council for the 2024-25 biennium with the highest tally. The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, expressed gratitude for the international support.
• India’s re-election places it among the ten states with the “largest interest in international seaborne trade,” alongside influential nations such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• The IMO Council, serving as the executive organ of the International Maritime Organization, holds a pivotal role in supervising the organization’s work. Responsible for overseeing maritime industry regulations, the council supports and shapes global trade, transportation and all marine operations.

National News

5.MoT Launches National Best Tourism Village and National Best Rural Homestays Competition 2024

• In a bid to boost Rural Tourism and enhance sustainable development, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has announced the National Best Tourism Village Competition 2024 and the National Best Rural Homestay Competition 2024.
• Building on the success of the previous edition in 2023, where 25 villages were recognized for their excellence, these competitions aim to strengthen rural economies and foster community involvement. This initiative is part of the comprehensive National Strategy and Roadmap for the Development of Rural Tourism in India.
• The Ministry, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management, has undertaken strategic initiatives outlined in the National Strategy and Roadmap. The goal is to create a conducive environment for Rural Tourism growth by actively engaging governments, industry stakeholders, NGOs and local communities.

6.India’s Concerns Lead to Non-Signing of COP28 Health & Climate Declaration

• India, a notable absentee from the list of signatories at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), refrained from endorsing the COP28 Declaration on Climate and Health.
• The primary point of contention arises from India’s apprehensions about the practicality and achievability of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for cooling within its healthcare infrastructure.
• India, facing significant healthcare challenges, expressed reservations about committing to the reduction of greenhouse gases for cooling applications within its healthcare facilities.
• A central objective of the declaration is a commitment to combating inequalities within and among countries. It stresses policies that accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3, focusing on good health and well-being.

7.India Achieves Remarkable Environmental Milestone: Emission Intensity Falls 33% Ahead of Schedule

• India has successfully slashed its GDP emission intensity by 33% between 2005 and 2019, exceeding its target 11 years ahead of schedule.
• A government report, ‘The Third National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,’ outlines the nation’s substantial progress in decoupling economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
• Despite a cumulative annual GDP growth rate of 7%, India’s emissions increased by only 4% per year during 2005-2019. This remarkable feat showcases India’s ability to achieve sustainable economic growth while curbing emissions.

8.Gajraj System: AI-Based Elephant Protection on Indian Railways

• The Indian Railways has initiated a pioneering step towards wildlife conservation by deploying the “Gajraj system,” an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solution designed to prevent elephant fatalities on railway tracks.
• This surveillance system is being implemented along a 700-kilometer stretch in forest areas to alert locomotive pilots of elephants’ presence on the tracks, thereby mitigating the risk of collisions.
• The system send Alerts to the train controller, station master, train drivers, and other stakeholders, when an elephant steps onto the track, the system detects the presence. The system proved notably effective in its initial deployment, with improvements based on field experience.

State News

9.MP CM Paid Tribute To Bhopal Gas Leak Victims On 39th Anniversary

• To mark the 39th anniversary of the world’s worst industrial disaster, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan paid tribute to the victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy that occurred on December 2 and 3, 1984.
• This tragic incident unfolded in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, when methyl isocyanate (MIC) leaked from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) factory, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and leaving a lasting impact on survivors.
• In remembrance of the tragedy, the people of Bhopal organized a candle march, with women carrying placards seeking compensation, healthcare, and justice. The march, starting from Sidhi Colony and concluding at the memorial near the factory, served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by survivors.

10.Shri Amit Shah At Mati Kala Mahotsav, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, recently addressed the Khadi Mati Kala Mahotsav in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, emphasizing the multidimensional and multi-purpose aspects of the Khadi movement.
• In his address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the historical significance of Khadi, tracing its origins back to Mahatma Gandhi. He emphasized how Gandhi Ji linked Khadi with the freedom movement, using it as a means to connect impoverished individuals with employment.
• The Khadi Mati Kala Mahotsav witnessed the distribution of essential tools and equipment, including electric potter wheels, agro-based food processing industry tool kits, incense stick making machines, plumbing kits, and traditional charkhas.

11.Kolkata Inaugurated FITEXPO INDIA 2023

• The FITEXPO INDIA 2023, one of Asia’s premier sports, fitness, and wellness trade expos, commenced on December 1 at the Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan in Kolkata.
• The mega expo, sprawling over 3 lac sq feet of indoor and outdoor space, is set to captivate over 5000 fitness, sports, and wellness enthusiasts. With an expected footfall of over 1.25 lac, FITEXPO INDIA 2023 is poised to be a colossal success.
• Described as a ‘Kumbh Mela‘ for sports, fitness, and wellness, FITEXPO INDIA connects with the growing base of enthusiasts and practitioners. Mr. Gagan Sachdev, founder-director of the expo, emphasized the significant growth of the Indian sports, fitness, and wellness sector, now five times larger under initiatives like Khelo India and Fit India.

12.Karnataka’s Ambitious Plan for Economic Growth: Targeting Rs 1.4 Trillion Annual Investments

• The Karnataka government is embarking on a strategic journey to elevate the state’s economic landscape, eyeing an impressive annual investment of Rs 1.4 trillion, a substantial 75% increase from the current levels.
• The overarching goal is to position Karnataka as a premier investment destination in Asia, particularly focusing on future technology and advanced manufacturing.
• The government has strategically identified key sectors for concentrated efforts, including aerospace and defence, electronic components, core manufacturing, warehousing and logistics. Additionally, special attention is directed towards emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, textiles, semiconductors, space tech, and med tech.

Economy News

13.Decline in FDI Inflows from Cayman Islands and Cyprus to India

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India witnessed a substantial contraction from the Cayman Islands and Cyprus during April-September in the current fiscal year, contributing to an overall decline of 24% in FDI inflows.
• FDI from the Cayman Islands experienced a sharp decline of 75%, plummeting from USD 582 million in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year to USD 145 million in April-September of the current fiscal.
• Inflows from Cyprus contracted significantly, registering a staggering drop of over 95% to USD 35 million during the six-month period. This stark decrease is compared to the USD 764 million recorded in April-September of the preceding fiscal year.

14.FDI Landscape: ₹1 Lakh Crore Proposals from India’s Border Neighbors; 50% Cleared

• Since April 2020, India has attracted FDI proposals totaling ₹1 lakh crore from countries sharing its land borders, including China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Afghanistan.
• A crucial development came in April 2020 when the government mandated prior approval for such investments to safeguard domestic firms amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
• An inter-ministerial committee has been established to thoroughly scrutinize FDI proposals. The sectors attracting the most interest include manufacturing (heavy machinery, automobile, auto components), computer software and hardware, trading, e-commerce, and light engineering/electrical manufacturing.

15.India’s Manufacturing Sector Shows Resilience in November with a PMI of 56

• In November, India’s manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) exhibited a positive trajectory, reaching 56, a slight uptick from October’s 55.5. While still below the September figure of 57.5, this rise indicates a rebound from the slowest rate of expansion recorded in October since February.
• The encouraging manufacturing data follows the revelation that India’s economy expanded impressively by 7.6% in the second quarter, underscoring a robust recovery. The manufacturing sector’s improved performance is a noteworthy component contributing to this economic growth.

Business News

16.LIC Introduces Framework for Shareholder’s Director: Enhancing Board Structure

• Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), a leading insurance and investment corporation in India, has announced a significant update in its governance structure.
• As per the Life Insurance Corporation of India (Shareholders’ Director) Regulations, 2023, notified in the Gazette of India on December 1, 2023, LIC has outlined a new framework for the addition of a shareholder’s director to its board.
• The appointed person can extend their tenure for an additional four years. The appointed shareholder’s director cannot hold a similar position in more than two companies simultaneously.
• This new regulation represents a strategic move by LIC to enhance its governance structure and involve its shareholders more directly in its decision-making process.

17.Infosys Inks Pact With Shell For Sustainable Data Centres

• Indian IT services giant Infosys has recently announced a strategic partnership with energy company Shell to drive the adoption of immersion cooling services in data centers.
• This collaboration aims to harness the strengths of both organizations in digital and energy domains, supported by a network of partners, to create an integrated solution for environmentally friendly data centers.
• The collaboration intends to leverage AI-based digital solutions to establish environmentally responsible data centers capable of managing high computing loads efficiently through optimized hardware.

Important Days News

18.Indian Navy Day 2023

• Indian Navy Day, observed annually on December 4, is a significant day in India, honoring the bravery, dedication, and achievements of the Indian Naval forces.
• This day holds great importance as it commemorates the strategic and victorious Operation Trident during the Indo-Pakistan War in 1971.
• The theme for Indian Navy Day 2023 is “Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain.”

Ranks & Reports

19.Nandan Nilekani, KP Singh, Nikhil Kamath On Forbes Asia Heroes Of Philanthropy List

• Three prominent Indian business leaders – Nandan Nilekani, KP Singh and Nikhil Kamath, have earned a coveted spot on the 17^th edition of Forbes Asia’s Heroes of Philanthropy list.
• Nadan Nilekani, co-founder and chairman of the renowned tech giant Infosys, has been acknowledged for his substantial contribution of Rs.3.2 billion (USD 38 million) to his alma mater, IIT Bombay.
• KP Singh, chairman emeritus at DLF, made a remarkable move in August by divesting his remaining direct stake in the renowned real estate firm he once chaired. The divestment, amounting to 0.59% shareholding, generated a substantial Rs.7.3 billion.
• Nikhil kamat, co-founder of Zerodha, is another notable name on the list. While the specifies of his philanthropic contributions are not detailed in the available information, his inclusion underscores the growing trend of business leaders across diverse sectors engaging in philanthropy.

20.World Malaria Report 2023: Malaria Cases Surge To 249 Million In 2022, 16 Million Above Pre-Pandemic Levels

• Despite efforts to expand access to prevention measures, a new WHO report reveals a concerning trend: malaria cases globally rose to 249 million in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 16 million.
• The global malaria response faces numerous challenges, including COVID-19 disruptions, drug and insecticide resistance, humanitarian crises, resource constraints, and climate change impacts. These factors particularly affect high-burden countries.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted malaria services, causing a surge in cases. Five million additional malaria cases in 2022, with Pakistan facing the largest increase, indicate a setback in achieving the WHO global malaria strategy’s 2025 milestones.

Appointments News

21.Madagascar Court Confirms Andry Rajoelina’s Election To The Presidency

• Madagascar’s Constitutional Court has recently confirmed the re-election of President Andry Rajoelina from the Young Malagasies Determined political party, marking his third term in office. The court declared Rajoelina the winner with 59% of the votes cast.
• The election took place amid significant challenges, including the withdrawal of ten out of thirteen presidential contenders. The opposition parties, critical of Rajoelina’s candidacy for a third term, urged their supporters to abstain from voting, contributing to a historically low voter turnout of 46%.
• Rajoelina emerged victorious, defeating his two closest rivals, Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko and ex-President Marc Ravalomanana, who secured 14% and 12% of the votes, respectively.

22.Kanchan Devi Becomes First Woman Director General Of ICFRE

• Kanchan Devi, 1991-batch Indian Forest Service Officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the first woman Director General (DG) of the Indian Council of Forestry Research Education (ICFRE).
• Kanchan Devi brings to her new role an impressive track record of over 30 years in the realm of forestry. Her extensive expertise spans a myriad of aspects, including forest management, administration, education, human resource development, research, and extension.
• Established in 1986 under the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests, ICFRE is the largest organization responsible for forestry research in India.

Awards News

23.India’s President Presents National Awards 2023 for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

• The International Day of Persons with Disabilities witnessed a grand ceremony in New Delhi as President Droupadi Murmu bestowed the National Awards for the Empowerment of Divyangjan 2023 upon 21 individuals and 9 institutions.
• On this prestigious occasion, 30 outstanding individuals, institutions, organizations, states and districts were honored for their remarkable achievements and contributions to the empowerment of Divyangjan. The awards spanned various fields, recognizing the diverse talents and efforts that contribute to the holistic development of the disabled community.

Sports News

24.Vaishali Rameshbabu Becomes Grandmaster, Creating History with Brother Praggnanandhaa

• Vaishali Rameshbabu, a 22-year-old chess player from India, has recently earned the title of Grandmaster at the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain.
• This achievement makes her only the third woman from India to become a Grandmaster, following in the footsteps of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli.
• Her victory over Turkish FM Tamer Tarik Selbes was pivotal in crossing the 2500 FIDE rating threshold required for the Grandmaster title.

Miscellaneous News

25.Cyclone Michaung Likely To Enter Andhra Pradesh

• The deep depression looming over the Bay of Bengal has rapidly intensified, evolving into a severe cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung‘ as per the latest update from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Cyclone Michaung is forecasted to make landfall near Bapatla on the morning of December 5, around 12 pm. Eight districts—Tirupati, Nellore, Prakasam, Bapatla, Krishna, West Godavari, Konaseema, and Kakinada—have been put on high alert.
• The IMD predicts the wind speed to escalate to severe cyclonic levels, with a maximum sustained speed ranging between 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph. The impending cyclone is poised to unleash heavy rains across significant portions of Tamil Nadu, southern Andhra Pradesh, and southern Odisha.

04 December 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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