Daily Current Affairs 12 December 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 12 December 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on New CM of Madhya Pradesh, Universal Health Coverage Day 2023, Dr. Gao Yaojie Passed Away.

Top 19 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 12 December 2023

International News

1.UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali Officially Ends After 10 Years

• The United Nations has officially ended its decade-long peacekeeping mission in Mali after 10 years, responding to the government’s claim that the force was inadequate in addressing the escalating threat of violent extremism.
• This move marks the conclusion of the deadliest peacekeeping mission globally, with over 300 personnel casualties. The withdrawal comes as Mali grapples with persistent challenges from Islamic extremist insurgency since 2012.
• The UN mission in Mali has incurred a heavy toll, with more than 300 personnel losing their lives during the peacekeeping operation. The challenging terrain and persistent threat of violent extremism have contributed to the mission’s high casualty rate, making it the deadliest peacekeeping mission in the world.

2.China Unveils World’s First 4th-Generation Nuclear Reactor

• China has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to shift away from traditional coal-fired power plants and decrease its reliance on foreign technologies.
• Recently, the Shidao Bay nuclear power plant in eastern Shandong province commenced commercial operations, heralding the era of next-generation gas-cooled nuclear reactors.
• The Shidao Bay plant distinguishes itself by utilizing two high-temperature reactors cooled by gas, a departure from conventional pressurized water cooling systems.
• A noteworthy aspect of the Shidao Bay project is its emphasis on domestically developed technology. More than 90 percent of the plant’s equipment is of Chinese design, showcasing the nation’s capability to innovate and implement advanced nuclear solutions independently.

3.Poland’s Parliament Elects Donald Tusk as Prime Minister

• In a historic vote on December 11, former EU leader Donald Tusk returned as Poland’s Prime Minister after nearly a decade, marking a significant shift from eight years of stormy national conservative rule.
• Tusk’s leadership is expected to usher in a new-pro-European era, with promises to restore democratic standards and improve ties with European allies.
• The parliamentary vote in support of Tusk was 248-201 in the 460-seat lower house of parliament. Tusk’s leadership is anticipated to usher in a new era, with a focus on restoring democratic values and improving Poland’s relations with the EU.

State News

4.Bhajan Lal Sharma newly elected Chief Minister of Rajasthan

• Bhajan Lal Sharma, a prominent figure in Rajasthan’s political landscape, is set to become the state’s next Chief Minister. At 56 years old, he brings a wealth of political experience and accomplishments to the position.
• Sharma’s electoral triumph, coupled with his extensive political background, reflects the BJP’s strategic choice for leadership. As he takes on the responsibilities of the state’s top office, all eyes will be on the new leadership to address the challenges and contribute to the development of Rajasthan.
• In addition to Bhajan Lal Sharma’s appointment, Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa have been named as his two deputies. The role of Speaker will be held by MLA Vasudev Devnani, who comes with prior experience as the state Education Minister.

5.Mohan Yadav is the newly elected Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has officially announced Mohan Yadav as the chief minister-elect for Madhya Pradesh, solidifying its victory in the November 17 polls.
• The BJP appointed Rajendra Shukla and Jagdish Devda as deputy chief ministers for Madhya Pradesh. Rajendra Shukla, hailing from the Rewa constituency, and Jagdish Devda, representing Mandsaur, bring diverse perspectives and experiences to support Chief Minister Mohan Yadav in his leadership.
• Adding another significant development, Narendra Tomar has been elected as the Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker. His role as Speaker will be instrumental in maintaining parliamentary decorum and facilitating smooth legislative proceedings.

Defence News

6.India, Vietnam Armies Start 11-Day Hanoi Exercise

• The Indian and Vietnamese Armies have initiated an 11-day military exercise in Vietnam, commencing on December 11. This collaborative endeavor, named “VINBAX-23,” reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and is a response to shared concerns over China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea.
• The joint military exercise is part of an expanding strategic engagement between India and Vietnam, emphasizing their commitment to counterbalance China’s increasing aggression in the South China Sea. This collaboration aims to foster a collaborative partnership and enhance interoperability between the Indian and Vietnamese forces.
• The military exercise, VINBAX-23, spans from December 11 to 21 and is hosted in Hanoi. The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, including 39 from the Bengal Engineer Group’s engineer regiment and six from the Army Medical Corps. Correspondingly, Vietnam has deployed 45 personnel for the drill.

Banking News

7.Bank Of India Launches Nari Shakti Savings Account For Women

• In a significant move towards women’s financial empowerment, Bank of India has recently introduced the Nari Shakti Savings Account. This exclusive savings bank product is designed to cater specifically to women aged 18 and above who possess an independent source of income, marking a progressive step in fostering economic independence for women.
• The Nari Shakti Savings Account is conceptualized as a robust financial savings tool, aiming to support working women with an independent income source. The primary objective is to empower women, enabling them to become self-reliant and experience a higher degree of financial freedom.
• In a commendable gesture, Bank of India has pledged to contribute Rs. 10/- to the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund for every new Nari Shakti Account opened. This fund will be dedicated to the socio-economic development of underprivileged women and the girl child, reflecting the bank’s commitment to social responsibility.

Important Days News

8.Universal Health Coverage Day 2023

• Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, observed annually on December 12, serves as a global reminder of the essential need for a healthcare system that provides equitable and comprehensive health care with financial protection for all.
• The theme for UHC Day 2023, “Health For All: Time for Action,” underscores the urgency for leaders to implement policies ensuring equitable access to essential health services without financial hardship.
• Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2012, the day emphasizes the importance of progressing towards universal health coverage as a vital international development priority.

9.International Day of Neutrality 2023

• The International Day of Neutrality, observed annually on December 12, holds paramount significance in promoting global peace, sovereignty, and the resolution of conflicts through diplomatic means.
• Recognized by the United Nations, this day sheds light on the importance of countries adopting a neutral stance in international affairs to maintain impartiality and contribute to global security.
• Neutrality, as defined by the United Nations, is a legal status resulting from a nation’s decision to abstain from participating in wars between other states. It involves maintaining an impartial attitude towards belligerent parties, aiming to foster peace and avoid taking sides in conflicts.

Schemes News

10.‘NAMO Drone Didi’ Scheme: Drones for Women’s Self-Help Groups

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative, NAMO Drone Didi, announced on November 30, aims to empower 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural purposes.
• This innovative approach harnesses technology to empower rural women, positioning them at the forefront of the agricultural revolution. NAMO Drone Didi addresses the need for modernizing agricultural practices and boosting productivity.
• By placing cutting-edge drone technology in the hands of rural women, the scheme transforms them into key players in the rural economy. This initiative also opens doors for young start-ups to explore the untapped potential of drone aeronautics.

11.PM SVANidhi Scheme Disbursed Rs 9,790 Cr Loans to Street Vendors

• The PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, launched during the COVID-19 outbreak, has emerged as a crucial initiative in supporting urban street vendors.
• The scheme, designed as a micro-credit program, has disbursed an impressive total of Rs 9,790 crore in loans to beneficiaries, as disclosed by the government in the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
• The primary objective of the PM SVANidhi scheme is to provide collateral-free working capital loans to urban street vendors, with amounts reaching up to Rs 50,000.
• The number of street vendor beneficiaries has seen a steady increase, reaching 56,58,744 as of December 5, 2023. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri noted that this number is continually rising, reflecting the scheme’s ongoing success in reaching and supporting a growing number of urban street vendors.

Agreements News

12.Tata Power, Indian Oil Ink Deal For 500+ EV Charging Points At Pumps

• In a significant move towards bolstering the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in India, Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Ltd (TPEVCSL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
• The collaboration aims to set up more than 500 EV charging points across the country, with a focus on creating a robust intercity charging network. The strategic collaboration between Tata Power and IOCL has a primary objective of building a reliable and expansive intercity charging network.
• By establishing EV charging points in major cities and along crucial highways, the partnership seeks to enhance the convenience and accessibility of charging infrastructure. The EV charging points will be strategically placed in key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Kochi.

Awards News

13.Golden Globe Awards Nominations 2024

• The glitz and glamour of Hollywood took center stage on Monday morning as the nominees for the 81^st annual Golden Globe Awards were revealed, setting the tone for the much-anticipated 2024 awards season.
• “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” emerged as the frontrunners, both earning significant attention with 10 and 8 nominations, respectively.
• In the television categories, HBO’s “Succession” led the pack with nine nominations for its final session. “The Bear” and “Only Murders in the Building” followed closely with five nods each. The article highlights the competitive races in both drama and comedy categories.
• Netflix emerged as the leading media company with 28 nominations, showcasing its diverse lineup of series and movies, including “Maestro,” “The Crown” and “The Diplomat.” Warner Bros. Discovery closely trailed with 27 nominations, buoyed by recognition for “Barbie,” “Succession” and “Barry.”

14.Veteran actor Kabir Bedi awarded Italy’s civilian honour ‘Order of Merit’

• Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the country’s highest honour awarded to civilians, at a private ceremony held in Mumbai.
• This award, the most prestigious Italian honorific one, ultimately recognizes his unconditional feeling and passionate dedication to Italy. The “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” stands as a testament to Italy’s appreciation for those who have made outstanding contributions to society, embodying the nation’s values of merit and excellence.
• Established on March 3, 1951, the order is bestowed to individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including arts, literature, economy, public service, and social, philanthropic, and humanitarian activities.

15.Indian Scientist Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar Receives Karmaveer Chakra Medal-2023

• In a momentous ceremony on Nov 27, 2023, in New Delhi, Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar was honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Medal and Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship by ICONGO in collaboration with the United Nations, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to R&D in Physical & Bio-Science and Microbiological Studies.
• The Rex Karmaveer Chakra Medal, hailed as one of the most distinguished civilian honors, is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional contributions on a global scale towards the well-being of humanity.
• Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar’s exemplary work in advancing scientific knowledge and promoting the understanding of Biological Sciences has rightfully earned him this esteemed accolade.

16.Noted Hindi Writer Pushpa Bharati to Receive 33rd Vyas Samman

• The literary world is set to celebrate as the 33rd Vyas Samman, 2023, is announced to honor the accomplished Hindi writer Pushpa Bharati for her 2016 memoir, “Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein.” This prestigious award is bestowed by the KK Birla Foundation, recognizing outstanding contributions to Hindi literature.
• Born in 1935 in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Pushpa Bharati embarked on her literary journey, earning an MA in Hindi literature from Prayag University in 1955. With a career spanning decades, she has crafted a diverse body of work, earning critical acclaim for her unique writing style and language proficiency.
• Instituted in 1991, the Vyas Samman acknowledges exceptional Hindi literary works by Indian citizens published in the last 10 years. The award includes a cash prize of ₹4 lakh, a citation, and a plaque, recognizing the profound impact of the recipient’s contribution to the literary landscape.

Sports News

17.Travis Head wins ICC Men’s Player of Month award for November 2023

• The cricket world witnessed outstanding performances in November 2023, with Australian batter Travis Head and spin maestro Nahida Akter earning the prestigious ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards, respectively.
• In a thrilling display of cricket prowess, Travis Head played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumphant journey to their sixth ICC Cricket World Cup title. The highlight of his outstanding performance was an explosive century that not only earned him the Player of the Match award in the semi-final against South Africa but also significantly contributed to Australia’s victory in the blockbuster final against India in Ahmedabad.
• Travis Head’s outstanding Player of the Match performances in both the semi-final against South Africa and the final against India solidified his claim to the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award. His explosive batting, leadership on the field, and crucial contributions in high-stakes matches marked him as a standout player.

18.Asad Shafiq Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket

• Pakistan’s cricket fraternity bids farewell to one of its stalwarts as Asad Shafiq, the middle-order batter, announces his retirement from all forms of the game at the age of 37.
• Making his mark across all three formats, Asad Shafiq represented Pakistan in 77 Tests, 60 ODIs, and 10 T20Is. While his performances in white-ball cricket were moderate, Shafiq emerged as a shining star in the Test arena, showcasing his skills as one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters in varied conditions.
• Known for his composure and ability to navigate challenging situations, he played a pivotal role in stabilizing Pakistan’s middle order. His departure marks the end of an era for a batter who served as a reliable backbone for the team in the longest format.

Obituaries News

19.Dr. Gao Yaojie, Renowed AIDS Activist Dies At 95

• Dr. Gao Yaojie, a trailblazing Chinese doctor and activist, passed away at the age of 95 in her home in the United States. Columbia University professor Andrew J. Nathan, who had legal power of attorney for Gao, confirmed her passing.
• As a roving gynecologist, Gao spent days on the road treating patients in remote villages. Her firsthand encounter with an HIV patient in 1996 exposed the disastrous consequences of blood banks using dirty needles and pooling leftover blood for transfusions.
• Gao rose to prominence as China’s most prominent AIDS activist, exposing blood-selling schemes that infected thousands with HIV. She was known for her fearless exposure of the AIDS virus epidemic in rural China during the 1990s.

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

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