Daily Current Affairs 28 November 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 28 November 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on S&P Global Ratings, New Chairman of Fino Payments Bank, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary.

Top 25 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 28 November 2023

National News

1.Center Renames Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centers to Ayushman Arogya Mandir

• The Union Government has recently made a significant decision to rebrand the existing Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) as ‘Ayushman Arogya Mandir’ with the tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam.’
• This move, communicated through a letter to all States and Union Territories by the Union Health Ministry, aims to enhance the identity and outreach of these primary healthcare facilities. The rebranding process is expected to be completed nationwide by the end of 2023.
• States and Union Territories are urged to swiftly execute the rebranding process to meet the deadline set by the end of 2023. The timely completion of this initiative is crucial to ensure a seamless transition and to project a unified identity for these health and wellness centers.

International News

2.New Zealand Abandons Landmark Smoking Ban for Generation to Fund Tax Cuts

• New Zealand’s recently elected government has decided to abandon its groundbreaking law aimed at banning smoking for future generations.
• The move is driven by the government’s intention to finance tax cuts, but public health officials are expressing concerns about the potential consequences, foreseeing thousands of lives at risk, especially within Māori communities.
• The 2022 legislation, considered a world-first, established a progressively increasing smoking age, preventing those born after January 2009 from legally purchasing cigarettes. The primary goal was to curtail smoking-related fatalities and alleviate the strain on the health system.

3.Indian-Origin Ex-MP Dave Sharma wins Australian Senate Seat

• Dave Sharma, the trailblazing Indian-origin politician, has secured a significant political comeback by winning the New South Wales Liberal Senate race.
• This victory marks a pivotal moment in Sharma’s political career, as he replaces the retired former foreign minister, Marise Payne.
• Sharma, who initially made history in 2019 as the first Indian-origin lawmaker in Australian Parliament, brings a wealth of diplomatic and foreign policy expertise to the Senate.

4.UK Detects First Human Case Of H1N2 Pig Virus

• On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) disclosed the first human case of H1N2, or the pig virus, discovered through routine national flu surveillance.
• The affected individual experienced mild illness and fully recovered, raising questions about potential pig-to-human transmission. The H1N2 virus’s discovery in humans prompts reflections on the 2009 swine flu pandemic.
• The current situation raises awareness of risks associated with zoonotic transmission, where viruses move from animals to humans. The virus in question contains genetic material from various sources, including pigs, birds, and humans.

Defence News

5.NATPOLREX-IX: Indian Coast Guard’s Pollution Response Exercise

• The 9th National Level Pollution Response Exercise (NATPOLREX-IX) was carried out by the Indian Coast Guard on November 25, 2023, off Vadinar, Gujarat.
• This event aimed to assess the readiness and coordination of various agencies in responding to a marine oil spill, as per the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP).
• The exercise saw participation from representatives of central and coastal state governments, ports, oil handling agencies, and more than 31 foreign observers and 80 delegates.

Economy News

6.RBI extends payments infrastructure scheme by 2 years till Dec 2025, expands scope

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced a two-year extension of the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) scheme until December 31, 2025.
• This move is aimed at promoting digital transactions at the grassroots level and includes an expansion of beneficiaries under the scheme.
• Acknowledging industry feedback, the PIDF scheme will now encourage the deployment of emerging modes of payment acceptance. This includes technologies such as soundbox devices and Aadhaar-enabled biometric devices.

7.S&P Global Ratings Revises India’s Growth Projections

• S&P Global Ratings has upgraded its GDP growth projection for India in the financial year 2024 to 6.4%, up from the previous estimate of 6%.
• This upward revision is attributed to the resilience of domestic economic forces, effectively counterbalancing challenges posed by elevated food inflation and weakened export performance.
• However, the optimism for India’s economic performance takes a hit in the financial year 2025, with the GDP growth projection being revised downward to 6.4% from the earlier forecast of 6.9%.

8.India’s Engineering Exports Experience Divergent Trends Across Global Markets in October

• After facing a challenging first half of the year, India’s engineering exports showcased notable positive growth in key markets such as the US, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE during October.
• United States: Engineering exports to the US surged by 2.2% year-on-year, reaching $1.39 billion in October.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Shipments to the UAE experienced a growth of 2.9%, totaling $348.6 million.
• Despite a 1.6% contraction in cumulative growth during the first seven months of the current financial year (2023-24), October marked the third consecutive month of positive year-on-year growth for India’s engineering exports, registering a robust 7.2% increase.

Business News

9.HDFC Securities Launches Mobile Trading App HDFC SKY on AWS Cloud

• HDFC Securities, a leading investment service provider in India, has successfully launched its mobile trading app, HDFC SKY, on Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud.
• HDFC Securities is set to achieve a significant cost reduction of up to 50% by leveraging AWS cloud services, demonstrating the cost efficiency and scalability of cloud infrastructure.
• HDFC Securities, with AWS as its preferred cloud provider, ensures a secure and low-latency trading experience for the growing base of tech-savvy retail investors who prefer mobile trading.

10.IndiGo Unveils AI-Powered Chat Assistant “6Eskai” After Air India

• IndiGo, India’s largest airline, announced on Monday the launch of its Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered chat assistant named “6Eskai.”
• This innovative tool is designed to cater to customer inquiries in a diverse range of languages, marking a significant step forward in enhancing customer service in the aviation industry.
• IndiGo’s move comes in the wake of Air India’s introduction of its own AI-powered chat assistant, “Maharaja,” on November 10.
• While Maharaja utilizes Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI service, 6Eskai is powered by the advanced technology of Microsoft’s GPT-4, demonstrating the rapid evolution and adoption of AI in the aviation sector.

11.SEBI Plans To Introduce Same Day Trade Settlement By March 2024

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has unveiled an ambitious plan to revolutionize the settlement process in the country’s financial markets.
• In a recent announcement, SEBI Chief Madhabi Puri revealed that the regulatory body is actively working on a roadmap to implement same-day settlement of trades by March 2024.
• Additionally, there are plans for the introduction of an optional parallel system for instantaneous settlement.
• The regulatory body aims to achieve same-day settlement by the end of March 2024, marking a significant leap from the existing T+0 settlement cycle.

12.Sebi reduces minimum issue size for social stock exchange to Rs 50 lakh

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted approval for Not for Profit Organisations (NPOs) to enhance their fundraising capabilities through the social stock exchange.
• To support NPOs on the social stock exchange, SEBI has decided to decrease the minimum issue size for public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments (ZCZP) from Rs 1 crore to Rs 50 lakh.
• This reduction aims to make fundraising more accessible for NPOs, fostering a conducive environment for social impact initiatives.

Appointments News

13.Col Sunita BS Appointed First Female Commanding Officer at Armed Forces Transfusion Centre

• In a historic moment on November 21, 2023, Colonel Sunita BS, an officer in the Army Medical Corps, etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to assume the role of Commanding Officer at the Armed Forces Transfusion Centre (AFTC) in Delhi Cantt.
• A proud graduate of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences Rohtak, Col Sunita holds a Post Graduate degree (MD & DNB) in Pathology.
• Before her historic appointment at AFTC, Col Sunita served in the challenging position of Commanding Officer at a strategically important Field Hospital in Arunachal Pradesh.

14.Rajat Kumar Jain Xerox India And Walt Disney India’s Ex-MD Appointed As Fino Payments Bank Chairman

• Mumbai-based Fino Payments Bank has recently received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the appointment of Rajat Kumar Jain as Part-time Chairman.
• The approval is effective from November 24, 2023, until November 01, 2025, signifying a crucial development for the bank.
• Rajat Kumar Jain, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, boasts an impressive background with over three decades of strategic leadership experience.
• Currently serving as a non-executive director on various boards, including those of Aditya Birla and Mahindra conglomerates, Jain’s extensive knowledge is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Fino Payments Bank’s future trajectory.

15.HDFC Bank appoints former NABARD chairman Harsh Kumar Bhanwala as director

• HDFC Bank’s Board of Directors has greenlit the nomination of Harsh Kumar Bhanwala as the Additional Independent Director. The tenure for this position is set for three years, commencing from January 25, 2024.
• His Past roles include Chairman & Managing Director of India Infrastructure Finance Company, Senior Vice President at IL&FS Water, and Managing Director of the Delhi State Cooperative Bank.
• Simultaneously, the HDFC Bank Board has given the nod for the appointment of V Srinivasa Rangan as the new Executive Director (whole-time Director). This three-year term is effective from November 23, 2023.

Awards News

16.Ministry Of Power Honored With Medal For Excellence At IITF 2023

• The Ministry of Power, Government of India, has been recognized and honored with the Special Appreciation Medal for Excellence in Display at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2023.
• The prestigious award was bestowed upon the Ministry for its outstanding contribution to the 42nd edition of the IITF, held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, from November 14 to 27, 2023.
• The Ministry received this accolade for the remarkable Power Pavilion it set up at the trade fair. The Pavilion was inaugurated with grandeur on November 14, 2023, by the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh.
• The Special Appreciation Medal was received by Shri Ajay Agarwal, Director at the Ministry of Power, and Shri Harjit Singh, Chief General Manager (Corporate Communications) at NTPC.

Books & Authors News

17.The book, titled ‘Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers’ by Sharmishtha Mukherjee

• The book, titled ‘Pranab, My Father: A Daughter Remembers’ authored by Sharmishtha Mukherjee is being brought out by Rupa Publications.
• The book is a mirror to the father-daughter relationship between Pranab Mukherjee and Sharmishtha.
• Mukherjee’s life from an unprepossessing village in West Bengal’s Birbhum district to a roller-coaster career thereafter are the highlights of an about-to-be-released biography penned by his daughter, classical dancer Sharmishtha Mukherjee.

Sports News

18.Vidya Pillai Clinches 6-Red Snooker World Title

• Seasoned cueist Vidya Pillai achieved a monumental milestone in her illustrious career as she secured the IBSF 6-Red Snooker World Championship title in Doha, Qatar, just days before her 46th birthday.
• The Bengalurean showcased a stellar performance, dominating her opponents throughout the championship, with a standout victory of 4-1 against compatriot Anupama Ramachandran in the title clash.
• In the semifinal clash against Bai Yulu, Vidya showcased her expertise with a notable run of 33 in the second frame and an impressive clearance of 63 in the fourth.
• Notably, in 2017, she made history as the first Indian woman to reach the finals of the WLBSA World Women’s Snooker Championship.

19.Italy defeat Australia to win Davis Cup for first time since 1976

• Italy fulfilled their potential as one of the most promising tennis nations in the world by defeating Australia 2-0 to become Davis Cup champions for the first time since 1976.
• The world number four clinched victory in the second singles rubber after Matteo Arnaldi dug deep to beat Alexei Popyrin 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 in the opening clash.
• Italy had booked their place in the final of Davis Cup 2023 on Saturday after defeating Novak Djokovic’s Serbia, and Matteo Arnaldi again showed the country’s determination as he opened the final, which was held in the Spanish city of Malaga, with a tense 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Alexei Popyrin, reports Xinhua.

20.Odisha to Host Ultimate Kho Kho Season 2 from December 24, 2023

• Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) is all set to enthrall audiences with its grand second edition, scheduled to commence on December 24, 2023 and conclude on January 13, 2024.
• The Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha, will play host to this high-octane sporting event, promising excitement and entertainment to the millions of fans eagerly anticipating its return.
• The upcoming season will feature India’s top 145 players, showcasing the best talent in the country. Notably, 33 young talents aged between 16 to 18 will add a youthful vigor to the competition.
• Six franchises, including defending champions Odisha Juggernauts, Chennai Quick Guns, Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Khiladis, Rajasthan Warriors and Telugu Yoddhas, will compete for the coveted crown.

Obituaries News

21.C.K. Gopinathan, a Director On The Board Of Dhanlaxmi Bank Passed Away

• The banking community and shareholders of Kerala-based Dhanlaxmi Bank mourned the sudden demise of Mr. C.K. Gopinathan, a director on the bank’s board and a significant shareholder.
• Appointed to the board of Dhanlaxmi Bank in August 2016, Gopinathan brought his extensive knowledge and insights to the table. As one of the major shareholders, holding a 7.5 percent stake as of September 2023, he played a crucial role in the bank’s strategic decisions.
• Beyond his role in the banking sector, Gopinathan wore multiple hats. He served as a Director of C.K.G Supermarket Limited and held the position of Managing Director at C.K.G Securities and Investments Limited.

Miscellaneous News

22.Merriam-Webster: Word Of The Year For 2023 is ‘authentic

• With controversies surrounding ‘deepfake’ videos making headlines, Merriam-Webster Dictionary recently disclosed some of the most searched words of the year 2023.
• Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2023 is “authentic.”. The term often revolves around identity, whether national or personal, influencing discussions on cuisine, self, voice, and more.
• Merriam-Webster, an American company renowned for its publication of reference books, particularly dictionaries, holds the distinction of being the oldest dictionary publisher in the United States. Merriam-Webster’s citation file encompasses over 16 million entries, capturing individual instances of word usage.

23.Indian Immunologicals Unveils Measles and Rubella Vaccine for Children

• A live-attenuated MR vaccine named Mabella was launched in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu, as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Human Biologicals Institute (HBI), a division of the Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL).
• Developed through an exclusive partnership with the Polyvac Institute of Vietnam, Mabella promises to be a crucial tool in the global fight against deadly measles and rubella.
• The vaccine’s launch addresses the pressing need to control these infectious diseases, which claim approximately one lakh lives of children worldwide.
• The significance of Mabella extends beyond its immediate impact on public health, marking a significant stride in the continuous efforts to combat preventable diseases.

24.Angkor Wat Becomes the 8th wonder of the world

• Angkor Wat, located in the heart of Cambodia, has recently earned the prestigious title of the 8th wonder of the world, surpassing Italy’s Pompeii.
• This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only the largest religious structure in the world but also a testament to architectural brilliance and cultural significance.
• Angkor Wat is an expansive temple complex that spans approximately 500 acres and serves as the largest religious monument in the world.
• Originally constructed in the 12^th century by King Suryavarman II, the temple was dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu. Over time, it transformed into a major Buddhist temple, reflecting the transition from Hinduism to Buddhism.

25.Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is set to become the second home for Asiatic lions

• After Gir National Park and Sanctuary, the Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (BWLS) is set to become the second home to Asiatic lions.
• The Gujarat Forest Department presented its proposal to make BWLS the second home to the lions as part of “Project Lion @ 2047”.
• Project Lion is an initiative launched by the Government of India in 2021 to conserve and protect the Asiatic Lion and its habitat.
• The project aims to address the threats faced by the Asiatic lion population in India, which is found only in the Gir National Park and Sanctuary in Gujarat.

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

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