Daily Current Affairs 22 November 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 22 November 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on 17th Film Bazaar, ‘Brand Ambassador of Bengal,’ India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue, World Fisheries Day 2023.

Top 23 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 22 November 2023

National News

1.Anurag Thakur Launched Inaugural VFX And Tech Pavilion At 54th IFFI

• Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, inaugurated the VFX and Tech Pavilion at the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
• This pavilion, a first in the history of Film Bazaar by NFDC at IFFI, is set to be a focal point for showcasing the latest advancements in film-making technology, encompassing animation, visual effects, virtual reality, and CGI.
• The Pavilion is expected to unveil possibilities and advancements in moviemaking through virtual worlds, intelligent characters, and personalized experiences.

International News

2.Union Minister Shri Anurag Singh Thakur Launches 17th Film Bazaar At IFFI, Goa

• The Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, inaugurated the Film Bazaar, the largest South Asian film market at Marriott Resort, Goa.
• Initiated by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), the Film Bazaar is now in its 17th year and is recognized as the fifth-largest and most globalized industry worldwide.
• The Film Bazaar plays a pivotal role in connecting local filmmakers with global producers and distributors, fostering collaboration and the exchange of creative ideas on an international scale.

State News

3.“Ghol” Fish Declared State Fish of Gujarat

• In a significant move to recognize and promote the rich aquatic biodiversity of the region, the ‘Ghol’ fish has been officially declared the state fish of Gujarat.
• The announcement was made by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel during the inaugural ceremony of the first Global Fisheries Conference India 2023 held at Gujarat Science City.
• The Ghol fish, scientifically known as Protonibea diacanthus, is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific region, spanning from the Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. Commonly referred to as the Black Spotted Croaker fish, it holds cultural and economic importance in many coastal communities.

Defence News

4.Indo-US Joint Special Forces Exercise “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023” Commences in Meghalaya

• The 14th edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise, known as “VAJRA PRAHAR 2023,” commenced at the Joint Training Node in Umroi, Meghalaya.
• Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR, initiated in 2010, stands as a testament to the robust partnership between the Indian Army and the US Army Special Forces.
• The exercise focuses on the exchange of best practices and experiences, with a primary emphasis on joint mission planning and operational tactics.
• The inaugural edition of VAJRA PRAHAR took place in 2010, with subsequent editions reinforcing the commitment to mutual learning and interoperability. The ongoing 14th edition, spanning from November 21 to December 11, 2023, is hosted at Umroi Cantonment, Meghalaya

Economy News

5.Foreign Direct Investment in India Witnesses a 24% Contraction in H1 FY24

• Foreign direct equity investments in India have experienced a significant downturn, recording a 24% decline to $20.5 billion during the first half of the financial year 2023-24.
• The contraction in FDI inflows is observed against the backdrop of uncertainties and challenges in the global economy.
• While the government has not officially attributed the decline to specific factors, the prevailing global economic conditions are likely contributors.
• Comparing the data to the previous financial year, foreign direct equity investments had already decreased by over a fifth, amounting to $46.03 billion.

Banking News

6.Private banks make largest single-day govt bond purchase in 7 years

• Indian private sector banks recently orchestrated the most substantial single-session acquisition of government bonds in seven years, marking a significant shift in the country’s financial landscape.
• Private sector banks collectively purchased government bonds totaling a net value of 83.43 billion rupees ($1 billion) in a single session.
• This transaction represents the largest such purchase since November 15, 2016, according to data from the Clearing Corp of India.

7.Govt cancels IDBI Bank asset valuer appointing bid, fresh RFP to be issued

• The government announced the cancellation of the bid process for appointing an asset valuer for the strategic sale of IDBI Bank Ltd.
• The decision stems from a lack of sufficient interest from bidders, as only a single bid was received. The move aims to attract broader participation by reviewing and adjusting some of the bid criteria.
• As part of the strategic sale process initiated by DIPAM on September 1, bids were invited for appointing an asset valuer, with the original deadline set for October 9.  The deadline was later extended to October 30.

Important Days News

8.World Fisheries Day 2023

• World Fisheries Day is observed annually on November 21st to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries management and to draw attention to the critical role of small-scale fishers in ensuring food security and livelihoods for millions around the world.
• This global event serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges facing fisheries, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change.
• The roots of World Fisheries Day can be traced back to 1997 when the “World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers” convened in New Delhi.
• The forum’s founding declaration advocated for a global mandate of sustainable fishing practices and policies, paving the way for the establishment of World Fisheries Day.

Summits & Conferences News

9.India-Australia 2+2 Dialogue

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently engaged in bilateral talks with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles in New Delhi.
• The discussions were part of the India-Australia 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and strengthening the strategic relationship between the two nations.
• The 2+2 dialogue is a strategic format involving the foreign and defence ministers of India and its allies. This format facilitates discussions on critical strategic and security issues, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s concerns and sensitivities.
• The recent dialogue covered various critical areas, including anti-submarine warfare, air-to-air refuelling, security in the Indo-Pacific region, hydrography cooperation, and collaboration in sectors such as critical minerals, space, education, science, and technology.

10.Modi skips BRICS-Plus meet on Israel-Hamas

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India did not participate in the virtual BRICS-Plus joint meeting on the Middle East situation in Gaza. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represented India at the meeting, emphasizing India’s stance on terrorism.
• The meeting, attended by leaders such as Putin, Xi Jinping, Lula da Silva, and Ramaphosa, addressed the crisis in Gaza and featured key figures like UN General-Secretary António Guterres.
• Government sources clarified that Modi’s absence from the meeting was due to his commitment to the ongoing election campaign. The Prime Minister’s focus on domestic issues took precedence over the virtual BRICS-Plus gathering.

Schemes News

11.SATHI Program Faces Cancellation Under Department of Science and Technology

• SATHI (Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institutes) program under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has recently been cancelled.
• This move has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on research funding, particularly in the context of the anticipated introduction of the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the potential influence of the private sector in shaping the research landscape.
• Launched in 2020, the SATHI program aimed to establish centers equipped with advanced analytical instruments, fostering collaboration and resource-sharing among institutions.
• SATHI operated on a consortium model, where a lead organization hosted advanced research equipment, providing access to partner institutions lacking such resources.

12.7 Comprehensive Changes in Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS)

• The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance has notified seven key changes in the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS).
• This government-sponsored savings instrument, designed for individuals aged 60 years or employees aged 55 years or more but less than 60 years, has undergone substantial modifications.
• One notable change is: Maximum deposit limit for SCSS has been raised to Rs 30 lakh from Rs 15 lakh, effective from April 1, 2023. This aligns with the announcement made in Budget 2023.

13.Centre Allocates Rs 1,100 Crore for Inland Waterways and Ayush Projects

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced a substantial grant of over Rs 1,100 crore for the development of 25 inland waterways projects to enhance connectivity and infrastructure in the Northeast region
  
• Out of the allocated funds, Rs 850 crore has been earmarked for Assam alone, supporting 15 key inland waterways projects. The focus is on expediting crucial projects and ensuring their completion by January 2024.
• Notable projects such as permanent jetties at Bogibeel in Dibrugarh and the renovation of a jetty at Badarpur in Karimganj are set to be completed. Additionally, the construction of a permanent jetty at Sonamura in Tripura is on track for timely completion.

Ranks & Reports News

14.Delhi’s Khan Market world’s 22nd priciest high street retail location

• Real estate consultant Cushman & Wakefield has unveiled its ‘Main Streets Across the World’ report, shedding light on prime retail rental rates globally.
• Delhi’s upscale Khan Market has secured the 22nd spot, marking a slight drop from the 21st position last year. The annual rent per square foot stands at USD 217.
• Despite the slip, New York’s Fifth Avenue continues to dominate as the world’s most expensive retail destination.
• Milan’s Via Montenapoleone climbed to second place, displacing Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui to third.

Appointments News

15.Microsoft Names Aparna Gupta As Leader Of Global Delivery Center

• Microsoft has recently announced the appointment of Aparna Gupta as the new Global Delivery Center (GDC) leader.
• In this role, Ms. Gupta is set to spearhead customer innovation and delivery excellence, playing a pivotal role in advancing Microsoft’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to its global clientele.
• Microsoft’s Global Delivery Center (GDC) serves as the delivery arm of Industry Solutions Delivery. Over the years, it has expanded its footprint to include two more locations: Bangalore and Noida.
• Aparna Gupta brings over 25 years of industry expertise and extensive Microsoft experience to her new role. Having joined Microsoft six years ago as the India lead for Commercial Software Engineering (now ISE), she has consistently made a positive impact on the business.

16.Colin Jackson Appointed Intl Ambassador For 2023 Tata Steel Kolkata 25KS

• The former 110m hurdles world record holder, Colin Jackson, has been announced as the International Event Ambassador for the upcoming edition of Tata Steel Kolkata 25K event scheduled on Sunday, 17th December 2023.
• Instituted in 2014, the TSK 25K has been a catalyst for a running revolution in eastern India. It has not only become a celebration of Kolkata’s vibrant sporting spirit but has also achieved the status of a World Athletics Elite Label Road Race.
• Jackson‘s illustrious career includes notable achievements such as winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in 1986 and claiming gold at the Stuttgart World Championships in 1993, setting a world record in the 110m hurdles with a remarkable time of 12.91 seconds.

17.Mamata Banerjee Names Sourav Ganguly As The ‘Brand Ambassador of Bengal’

• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared former cricketer and ex-president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly, as the “Brand Ambassador of Bengal.”
• Expressing her rationale for choosing Sourav Ganguly as the Brand Ambassador, Banerjee stated, “Sourav Ganguly is a very popular figure, and he can work for the young generation in a very good manner.”
• Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her inaugural address at the Bengal Global Business Summit 2023, unveiled a series of ambitious policies aimed at transforming the economic landscape of the state.

Sports News

18.ICC moves men’s U-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) Board has made a decisive move by relocating the upcoming men’s Under-19 World Cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa.
• This decision comes in the wake of the ICC’s provisional suspension of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), prompted by concerns of government interference in the administration of cricket in the island nation
• An ICC Board member revealed that the decision to shift the U19 World Cup to South Africa was formally approved at a recent ICC Board meeting in Ahmedabad.

19.ICC Bans Transgender Players From International Women’s Cricket

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has recently implemented a ban on transgender cricketers from participating in international women’s cricket at the highest level.
• The move is said to be in alignment with the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) guidelines, considering cricket’s inclusion in the 2008 Olympics.
• The decision comes on the heels of controversary sparked by Canada’s Danielle McGahey, who became the first transgender cricketer to participate in an official international match just two months ago.
• The 29-year-old opening batter playing in all six of Canada’s matches during the Women’s T20 World Cup Americans region qualifiers event in Los Angeles.

20.AIFF and Odisha Govt Ink MoU For FIFA-AIFF Academy

• All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Government of Odisha, in collaboration with FIFA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy.
• The ceremony, graced by the presence of Mr. Arsene Wenger, FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, marked a crucial step toward nurturing and developing football talent in India.
• Arsene Wenger expressed that the goal is to recognize talent and, by bringing the best talents together with proper coaching, education, and competitive environments, many can achieve successful careers.
• Mr. Tushar Kanti Behera, the Sports Minister of Odisha stated “The AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy is the first of its kind in India, which is a testament to Odisha’s rapidly-growing standards as a global sports hub.”

21.ICC to Introduce Stop Clock to Regulate Pace of Play

• Cricket’s governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), is set to implement shot clocks in men’s One Day International (ODIs) and T20 International (T20Is) as part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and enhance the pace of play.
• The trial, scheduled to run from December to April, involved imposing penalty runs on the bowling side if they fail to commence a new over within 60 seconds on three occasions during a match.
• From December 2023 to April 2024, the stop clock rule will be in effect. Bowlers will face penalties if they fail to commence a new over within 60 seconds on three occasions during a match.
• This innovative approach is a part of the ICC’s broader efforts to make the game more dynamic and engaging for fans.

Miscellaneous News

22.IISR-Kozhikode Develops New High-Yielding Pepper Variety

• The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR) in Kozhikode has achieved a significant milestone in the field of agriculture with the successful development of a groundbreaking black pepper variety named ‘IISR Chandra.’
• The research team at IISR took a unique approach in developing ‘IISR Chandra’ by crossing two distinct pepper varieties – Cholamundi and Thommankodi.
• With its long spike, compact setting and bold berries, this variety has the potential to yield an impressive 7.5 kg of pepper per vine. Additionally, its optimal spike intensity surpasses that of any currently cultivated black pepper varieties, making it an attractive choice for farmers.

23.IIT Ropar Discovers Rare Metal ‘Tantalum’ In Sutlej River, Punjab

• A groundbreaking discovery has been made by a team of researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Ropar. The team has identified the presence of tantalum, a rare metal, in the sand of the Sutlej River in Punjab.
• Tantalum, with the atomic number 73, is a rare and remarkable metal. The metal is ductile in its pure form, allowing it to be stretched into thin wires without breaking. Notably, tantalum has an extremely high melting point, surpassed only by tungsten and rhenium.
• Tantalum plays a pivotal role in the electronic sector, where capacitors made from this metal can store more electricity in smaller sizes with minimal leakage compared to other capacitor types.

22 NOVEMBER 2023 CURRENT AFFAIRS | ALL EXAMS IMP. CURRENT AFFAIRS | ASHISH GAUTAM SIR

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