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Daily Current Affairs 23 November 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update) |

Table of Contents

Read the most important current affairs of 23 November 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on INS Sumedha in Mozambique, ‘Water Smart Kid Campaign’, Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023.

Top 22 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 23 November 2023

National News

1.President of India Launches ‘New Education for New India’ Campaign in Odisha

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched the ‘New Education for New India’ campaign by Brahma Kumaris, Sambalpur, in Sambalpur, Odisha on November 22, 2023.
The President’s address underscores the significance of moral education in shaping responsible citizens and fostering a positive societal outlook. The campaign aims to instill moral values in students, contributing to the creation of a better society.
Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya’s efforts in providing avenues for character-building and self-realization are acknowledged as valuable contributions to the pursuit of happiness and peace.

International News

2.Israel and Hamas Reach Truce Deal, Set to Release 50 Hostages

Israel and Hamas have reached a significant diplomatic breakthrough in their ongoing conflict. As part of the deal, Palestinian militants are set to release 50 women and children who were kidnapped during a raid into southern Israel on October 7.
The agreement also includes a four-day truce for besieged Gaza residents after weeks of intense warfare. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum group expressed happiness about the pending partial release, emphasizing the lack of clarity regarding specific individuals.
Hamas welcomed the “humanitarian truce,” indicating that 150 Palestinians would be released from Israeli jails.

3.ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023 Kicks Off In South Jakarta, Indonesia

The ASEAN-India Millet Festival 2023, a collaborative effort between the Indian Mission to ASEAN and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, has taken center stage in Indonesia from November 22 to 26.
The festival boasts the participation of five Indian FPOs and two start-ups, showcasing unique millet-added products such as cookies, namkeen, khakhra, cakes, and more.
The five-day festival aims to contribute to raising awareness about millets and represents a step towards implementing the ASEAN-India Joint Leaders’ Statement on Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition in Response to Crises.

4.Israel Officially Designates Lashkar-e-Taiba as a Terrorist Organization

Ahead of the 15th anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Israel has officially declared the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as a terrorist organization.
This move is part of Israel’s commitment to supporting the global war on terror. The announcement emphasizes Israel’s proactive stance against terrorism.
The announcement coincides with Israel’s ongoing military operation in the Gaza Strip, initiated after the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli targets.

State News

5.Kerala’s Responsible Tourism Mission Earns Global Recognition from UNWTO

Kerala‘s pioneering Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission has achieved global acclaim by securing a spot on the prestigious list of Case Studies curated by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The Kerala RT Mission was officially launched on October 20, 2017, by Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala.
Designated as the nodal agency by the Government of Kerala, the RT Mission is entrusted with disseminating and implementing the principles and initiatives of Responsible Tourism throughout the state.

6.Meghalaya Launches ‘Water Smart Kid Campaign’ For Youth Water Conservation Awareness

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma launched the ‘Meghalaya Water Smart Kid Campaign,’ to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness among the younger generation regarding water conservation
This initiative, operating under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), aims to educate children about the vital importance of water conservation. Additionally,
To address the urgent need for water conservation and sustainability, the Meghalaya State Government has undertaken various interventions. The state is currently constructing 1000 water reservoirs to harness water effectively.

7.Odisha Achieves Rs 50,000 Crore Mining Revenue in the Financial Year 2021-22, Announces Chief Secretary

Odisha Chief Secretary P K Jena announced a significant milestone in the state’s economic landscape during the 77th annual technical meeting of the Indian Institute of Metals.
The mining sector, a crucial contributor, has propelled Odisha’s revenue from Rs 4,900 crore in 2016-17 to an impressive Rs 50,000 crore in the fiscal year 2021-22.
The surge from Rs 4,900 crore to Rs 50,000 crore showcases the sector’s pivotal role in reshaping Odisha’s financial fortunes.

Defence News

8.Indian Army Heads To Australia For Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23

An Indian Armed Forces contingent, comprising personnel from all three services, embarked on a journey to Perth for the second edition of AustraHind-23 – a collaborative military exercise between the two nations.
This joint exercise, spanning two weeks from Nov 22 to Dec 6, aims to enhance inter-operability and conduct multi-domain operations in urban and semi-urban terrains, adhering to the United Nations peacekeeping operations protocol.
The Indian contingent comprises 60 personnel from a battalion of the esteemed Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army. Additionally, an officer from the Indian Navy and 20 personnel from the Indian Air Force are part of this diverse team.
Participants will engage in multi-domain operations, simulating scenarios in urban and semi-urban environments. This aligns with the United Nations peacekeeping operations protocol, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring global peace and security.

9.Indian Navy deploys INS Sumedha in Mozambique to boost interoperability

Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived at Maputo, Mozambique on November 21, 2023, as part of the ongoing Extended Operational Deployment to Africa.
This strategic port call aims to fortify long-standing diplomatic relations, enhance maritime cooperation, and promote interoperability between the Indian and Mozambican navies.
The regular deployment of Indian Naval ships overseas aligns with the Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ and fostering international cooperation with friendly nations.

Economy News

10.10% fewer fresh formal jobs created in Apr-Sep period, shows EPFO data

Recent data from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) reveals a 10.1% decline in new subscribers during the first half of the fiscal year 2023-24, indicating a slowdown in formal job creation.
This downturn is significant in light of the continuous rise in self-employment, prompting concerns about the informal nature of job growth in the Indian economy.
One concerning trend is the 9.54% reduction in subscribers aged 18-28, a demographic typically associated with first-time entrants into the job market.
This decline hints at challenges in sustaining a robust labor market, raising questions about the overall health of employment opportunities for young individuals.

11.Anticipated Deceleration in Growth for ‘Unsecured Retail Loans’ in FY24

Recent regulatory measures implemented by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are set to reshape the landscape of unsecured retail loans in Mumbai.
Crisil Ratings predicts a notable deceleration in the growth of these loans, contrasting sharply with the robust 45% expansion observed last year.
The recent RBI directive instructing banks and NBFCs to allocate more capital for consumer loans is expected to have significant repercussions. Compliance with these guidelines is estimated to cost a substantial ₹84,000 crore in capital.

Business News

12.Nippon Life India AIF Set to Mobilize ₹1,000 Crore for Private Credit Expansion

Nippon Life India Asset Management has entered the realm of private credit, aligning with the shifting trends following regulatory tightening by banks and mutual funds withdrawing from promoter funding.
Nippon Life India Alternative Investment Fund aims to raise a substantial `1,000 crore, targeting investors such as high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
Having already invested 100 crore in two strategic deals, the fund is poised for further growth with a green shoe option to secure an additional 1,000 crore.
Nippon aims for investments ranging between 50 crore and 100 crore per deal, emphasizing an average maturity of 2.5 to 3 years.

Summits & Conferences News

13.Bengal Secures Investment Commitments of Rs 3.76 Trillion: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Announces

The 7th edition of the Bengal Global Business Summit (BGBS) concluded with a resounding success, as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee revealed investment pledges worth an impressive Rs 3.76 trillion.
The summit saw the active participation of approximately 40 countries, providing what Banerjee described as “superb encouragement.”
Banerjee emphasized Bengal’s strategic position as the gateway to the North East of India, boasting proximity to Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Highlighting the accessibility to international hubs such as Singapore, Bangkok, and Malaysia, she expressed confidence in Bengal emerging as a future industrial powerhouse.

14.2nd CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave 2023

The 2nd edition of the CII India Nordic Baltic Business Conclave is taking place in New Delhi on 22-23 November 2023.
This initiative aims to foster collaboration between India and the Nordic Baltic Eight (NB8) countries, known for their prowess in innovation and technology.
The NB8, comprising Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden, represents a formidable force in innovation and technology.
This collaboration holds immense promise, especially given India’s increasing emphasis on technology as a driver of economic growth.

Ranks & Reports News

15.Successful Implementation of the State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023 by PARAKH

The inaugural State Educational Achievement Survey (SEAS) 2023, conducted on 3rd November 2023, marked a significant milestone in the education sector.
Organized by the Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development (PARAKH), the national assessment regulator, this survey aimed to identify areas for improvement in student learning across various grades.
The primary objective of SEAS 2023 was to assess the learning competencies of students at the end of foundational, preparatory, and middle educational stages, with a special focus on Language and Mathematics.
Established in January 2023 by NCERT in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, PARAKH serves as a guiding force for student assessment and evaluation across all recognized school boards in India.

Appoitments News

16.India’s CAG Girish Chandra Murmu elected vice-chair of UN external auditors’ panel

Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, has been elected as the vice-chair of the UN Panel of External Auditors.
This recognition not only highlights India’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of external audit but also showcases its active role in shaping the global audit landscape.
The independent body is composed of representatives from 12 countries. Together, they conduct financial, performance, and compliance audits of UN entities, ensuring transparency and accountability in the organization’s financial activities.

Sports News

17.Max Verstappen won the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023

Max Verstappen emerged on top at the end of an action-packed Las Vegas Grand Prix, beating Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez.
Max Emilian Verstappen is a Belgian and Dutch racing driver and the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Formula One World Champion.
Ferrari’s Leclerc passed Sergio Perez on the final lap to clinch second place, while British star Lando Norris ended up in hospital after a third-lap 180mph crash. Lewis Hamilton finished seventh.

Books & Authors News

18.NIF Book Prize For 2023 To Be Revealed On December 1st

The Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIF) Book Prize has unveiled its shortlist, comprising five outstanding works.
The winner is slated to be announced on December 1, adding anticipation to the literary community.
1)Achyut Chetan’s “Founding Mothers of the Indian Republic”
2)Rotem Geva’s “Delhi Reborn: Partition and Nation Building in India’s Capital”
3)Akshaya Mukul’s biography, “Writer, Rebel, Soldier, Lover: The Many Lives of Agyeya”
4)Gita Ramaswamy’s memoir, “Land Guns Caste Woman”
5)Taylor C. Sherman’s “Nehru’s India: A History in Seven Myths”

Obituaries News

19.Malayalam writer P. Valsala passes away at 85

Award-winning Malayalam writer P. Valsala, aged 85, breathed her last in Kozhikode. Ms. Valsala is a trailblazer among women writers in Malayalam.
Born in August 1938, P. Valsala is particularly celebrated for her critically acclaimed work, ‘Nellu.’ This literary masterpiece delves into the lives of tribal communities in Wayanad, offering a poignant exploration of their experiences.
Ms. Valsala’s illustrious career saw her receiving the Sahitya Akademi Award and Ezhuthachchan Puraskaram for her outstanding contributions to Malayalam literature. P. Valsala’s literary journey extended beyond novels, encompassing over 20 novels, 300 short stories, biographies, and travelogues.

Miscellaneous News

20.The Langlands Program: World’s Largest Mathematics Project

Five years ago, in 2018, Dr. Langlands was awarded the Abel Prize, one of the highest honors for mathematicians, for “his visionary program connecting representation theory to number theory.”
This groundbreaking initiative, known as the Langlands Program, has its roots in a 17-page letter written by Dr. Langlands to the French mathematician André Weil in 1967, setting forth a series of tentative ideas.
The program’s inception was motivated by a desire to bridge the gap between these two distant branches of mathematics, each with its unique set of principles and problems.
The Langlands Program stands as a testament to the enduring curiosity and ingenuity of mathematicians.

21.Cyclone ‘Michaung’ To Hit Bay Of Bengal, The Fourth Storm This Year

The Bay of Bengal is once again on high alert as meteorological conditions indicate the potential development of another cyclonic storm, closely following the impact of cyclonic storm ‘Midhili’ on several northeastern states.
According to the latest updates from Skymetweather, the upcoming cyclonic storm is poised to be the fourth to hit the Bay of Bengal this year, marking the sixth storm overall in Indian waters. The affected regions are anticipated to include India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
The genesis of the upcoming tropical storm is traced back to the Gulf of Thailand. Meteorological conditions over the Gulf and adjoining Malay Peninsula indicate the potential for cyclonic circulation.

22.Saffron From Kishtwar In Jammu and Kashmir Gets GI Tag

Kishtwar saffron, a prized spice cultivated and harvested in the Kishtwar Region of Jammu and Kashmir, has recently been bestowed with the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry.
Saffron, with its Sanskrit name ‘Kum-Kum’ or ‘Lohit,’ stands as a cultural heritage in the region. The spice is also utilized in medicines and as a subtle, digestive, sedative, and exhilarant flavor in cooking.
Known as ‘Zafron’ in Persian, it is not just a condiment used in cooking but also finds its place in Hindu traditions. Hindus in India use saffron as a mark (Tilak) on the forehead, considering its aroma and color as auspicious.