Daily Current Affairs 30 November 2023, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

Read the most important current affairs of 30 November 2023. Today Current Affairs covers the headlines on Nepal Approves Same-Sex Marriage, ‘Classic Imperial’ Luxury Cruise, UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award.

Top 24 Current Affairs and News Headlines of 30 November 2023

National News

1.MNCs Granted Approval for Deploying Advanced Train Collision Avoidance System on Indian Railways

• The Indian government has granted approval to two multinational corporations, Siemens AG from Germany and Kyosan Electric Manufacturing Co from Japan, to deploy the automatic train collision avoidance system known as Kavach on the Indian Railways.
• This marks a significant expansion of the initiative, which was previously undertaken by three Indian companies—Medha Servo Drives, HBL Power Systems, and Kernex Microsystems.
• Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in New Delhi that the deployment of the Kavach system is set to increase from the current 1,500 km per annum to an impressive 5,000 km per annum by 2025-26.
• This substantial boost in deployment capacity is expected to enhance the country’s capability to implement Kavach, an indigenously developed open-source technology.

2.Union WCD Minister Launches ‘Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children’

• The Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, recently launched the Anganwadi Protocol Divyang Children in a national outreach program at Vigyan Bhawan on November 28, 2023.
• The event aimed to strengthen the overall well-being of Divyang children and was attended by key officials, experts and stakeholders from various ministers and organizations.
• Union Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani highlighted the ongoing efforts, with over 4.37 core children receiving support for meals and ECCE, 4.5 crore children aged 0 to 3 benefiting from take-home relations and home visits and more than 8 crore children monitored for growth and health referrals.

3.Modi Govt Plans 7 New Bills For Winter Session

• The upcoming Winter Session of the Parliament is poised to witness significant legislative activity, with the Narendra Modi government planning to introduce seven new Bills alongside addressing 11 pending bills.
• The proposed legislations cover a diverse range of topics, from establishing a Central Tribal University in Telangana to providing women’s quota in Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry Assemblies.
• While the government is focused on introducing new bills, the session’s key business will involve addressing pending bills, including The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, The Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill.

International News

4.Nepal Becomes First South Asian Nation To Register Same-Sex Marriage

• The Constitution of Nepal, adopted in 2015, took a bold step by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Nepal became the first South Asian country to formally register a case of same-sex marriage.
• This event occurred in the Dordi Rural Municipality of Lamjung district in Western Nepal, where the union of trans-woman Maya Gurung, 35, and gay man Surendra Pandey, 27, was legally recognized.
• In 2007, Nepal’s Supreme Court had already set the stage by allowing same-sex marriage, laying the foundation for the recent groundbreaking development. Fast forward to June 27, 2023, when the Supreme Court issued an interim order in response to a writ petition, temporarily legalizing same-sex marriage.

State News

5.Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates ‘Classic Imperial’ Luxury Cruise In Kerala

• On November 29, Nitin Gadkari virtually marked the inauguration of ‘Classic Imperial,’ a luxury cruise vessel, in Kochi. This event was a significant milestone in the efforts to promote cruise tourism in the region.
• Nishith K. John is the entrepreneur behind ‘Classic Imperial.’ The vessel, touted as the largest of its kind built in Kerala, can accommodate 150 people at a time.
• ‘Classic Imperial’ has been constructed in adherence to the stringent safety standards set by the Indian Registrar of Shipping. The vessel’s specifications prioritize the safety and security of passengers, reflecting a commitment to ensuring a secure and enjoyable cruising experience.

Defence News

6.MAHASAGAR, Indian Navy’s Initiative Between Maritime Heads

• On November 29, 2023, the Indian Navy marked a significant milestone with the inaugural edition of MAHASAGR, a high-level virtual interaction aimed at promoting active and security and growth in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• The event brought together heads of navies and maritime agencies from Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
• The chosen theme, “Collective Maritime Approach towards Countering Common Challenges,” underscored the imperative for harmonizing and collaborating capacities and capabilities in the IOR. The dialogue focused on developing a united front against challenges that transcend individual national boundaries.

Economy News

7.OECD Sees India Growth a Bit Under the Weather

• The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has revised its growth projections for India, anticipating a further slowdown in the coming fiscal years.
• The Indian economy is expected to grow at 6.3% in FY24, slightly under the 6.7% growth seen in Q2FY24. However, the outlook for FY25 is even more conservative, with a projected growth of 6.1%.
• The OECD report points to adverse weather-related events as a significant factor affecting India’s economic performance. Additionally, the global economic outlook is considered a key driver of the projected slowdown.

8.U.S. Pension Fund’s Index Switch Could Infuse Nearly $4 Billion into Indian Equities

• A strategic move by the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board (FRTIB), a major U.S. pension fund with assets surpassing $600 billion, is poised to bring substantial investments to Indian equity markets.
• The FRTIB’s decision to transition from the MSCI EAFE index to the MSCI ACWI IMI ex USA ex China ex Hong index is expected to trigger a massive $28 billion global equity reshuffling, with India emerging as a key beneficiary.
• Analysts anticipate an influx of approximately $3.6 billion (Rs 30,000 crore) into Indian equities as a consequence of the FRTIB’s index switch. The move, set to commence in 2024, is likely to significantly alter the weightage of Indian shares, attracting fresh funds to the country.

9.Women’s Labor Force Participation Reaches Record High of 24% in Q2FY24, Unemployment Trends Shift

• The second quarter of FY24 witnessed a historic surge in women’s labor force participation, reaching an all-time high of 24%, according to official data. While this is a positive development, deeper analysis reveals nuances in the employment landscape for women.
• Overall Unemployment Rate: The overall unemployment rate remained steady at 6.6%, with a marginal increase in men’s unemployment to 6% from the previous quarter’s 5.9%.
• Women’s Unemployment Rate: Notably, the women’s unemployment rate dipped below 9% for the first time in five years, reflecting a positive trend.
• Women’s Urban Unemployment: In urban areas, the women’s unemployment rate further declined to 8.6% in Q2FY24, showing improvement compared to the 9.1% recorded in the previous quarter.

Business News

10.Adani Power to Co-fire Green Ammonia at Its Mundra Power Plant

• Adani Power Ltd (APL) has announced its pioneering green ammonia combustion pilot project at the Mundra power plant in Gujarat. This initiative aligns with APL’s commitment to adopting sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint.
• Adani Power is set to co-fire green ammonia, produced from green hydrogen, along with conventional coal in the boiler of a 330 MW unit at the Mundra plant. This innovative approach aims to blend up to 20% green ammonia with the total fuel requirement for the boiler.
• Green ammonia, derived from green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy, serves as a carbon-neutral feedstock for the boilers.

Important Days News

11.Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare, 30 November

• Every year on November 30, the world solemnly observes the Day of Remembrance for All Victims of Chemical Warfare. This day, designated by the United Nations, serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating toll of chemical warfare on both troops and civilians. It reflects on the grim reality of conflict, honors the lives lost, and underscores the ongoing efforts to eliminate the use of chemical weapons.
• The primary objective of this day is to honor and mourn the lives lost due to chemical warfare, whether military or civilian. It aims to raise global awareness about the ban on chemical weapons, highlighting the associated risks as Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs).

Summits & Conferences News

12.2 day Seminar On Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi & Mahima Cult Legacy Launhed In Bhubaneswar

• Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the two-day ‘International Seminar on Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and the legacy of Mahima Cult‘ in Bhubaneswar.
• Shri Pradhan, in his inaugural address, emphasized the significance of the literary contributions of Santha Kavi Bhima Bhoi and Santha Balaram Das’s Laxmi Puran. Shri Pradhan expressed his admiration for the enduring relevance of Bhima Bhoi’s philosophy, stating that it remains a guiding principle for society.
• Rooted in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Odisha, the Mahima Cult represents a unique religious movement focusing on simplicity, equality, and devotion to the formless Divine.
• Mahima Gosein and his disciple, Bhima Bhoi, played pivotal roles in the late 19th-century Odia society, leaving an indelible mark through the Mahima Movement.

13.COP28: A Comprehensive Guide to Key Information

• COP28 is the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It is a global summit where world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and activists come together to discuss and take action on climate change.
• COP came into existence in 2010. It facilitates the exchange of best practices and innovations across vital sectors crucial to decarbonisation efforts in the areas of energy, transport, buildings, industry, finance and nature.
• COP28 will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30, 2023, to December 12, 2023. It is expected that around 70,000 participants will attend. COP28 is an important opportunity for world leaders to come together and take action on climate change.

14.India Takes Center Stage on QUAD’s Climate Initiatives at COP28

• The upcoming Conference of Parties (COP28) in the UAE will witness an unusual alliance between developed nations like the US and emerging economies like India, united under the banner of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD).
• India, holding the QUAD presidency for 2023, is strategically aligning its climate efforts with the alliance’s goals. The QUAD nations—US, Japan, Australia, and India—are set to collaborate on climate adaptation, resilience initiatives, and sustainable lifestyle promotion, collectively addressing climate challenges.
• The India Pavilion at COP28 is slated to host significant events under the QUAD umbrella, highlighting the alliance’s commitment to climate action. Notable sessions include discussions on climate adaptation, resilience for seaport infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region, and the sustainable lifestyle mantra known as LiFE.

Schemes News

15.Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra Launched in SWGH

• An impressive launch marked the initiation of the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in South West Garo Hills, orchestrated by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) at MFC, Ampati.
• The nationwide initiative, a pivotal component of the Hamara Sankalp Viksit Bharat campaign, aims to inform and empower citizens about the various flagship schemes programs introduced by the Central Government.
• The core objective of the Viksit Bharat Yatra is to raise awareness and facilitate the delivery of welfare scheme benefits to the vulnerable population. The campaign focuses on reaching out to citizens, disseminating information, learning from the people and enrolling beneficiaries in the process.

16.Cabinet Approves Scheme For Providing Drones To Women Self Help Groups

• Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Cabinet has greenlit a Central Sector Scheme, allocating Rs. 1261 Crore for 2024-25 to 2025-26, aimed at providing drones to Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).
• The objective is to bring about a positive transformation in the lives of women engaged in agriculture and contribute to the overall growth of the sector.
• A total of 15,000 Women SHGs in various states, situated in these identified clusters, will be selected to receive drones for providing rental services to farmers for agricultural purposes.
• The scheme provides Central Financial Assistance at 80% of the cost of drones and related accessories/ancillary charges, up to a maximum of Rs. Eight Lakh.

17.Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has recently approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• The PM-JANMAN is designed to implement 11 critical interventions, spanning across nine ministries, including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. The comprehensive approach ensures that various facets of the PVTGs’ challenges are addressed collaboratively.
• The Ministry of Ayush plays a pivotal role in the PM-JANMAN initiative by establishing Ayush Wellness Centres in line with existing norms. These wellness centres aim to provide traditional Ayush healthcare facilities to PVTG habitations.

18.Government Extends PMGKAY Scheme for 5 More Years, to Cost 11.8 Lakh Crore

• In preparation for the upcoming general elections in April-May, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has announced a five-year extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme.
• This initiative aims to provide 5 kilograms of free foodgrains per month to 81.35 crore poor citizens, incurring a cost of approximately ₹11.80 lakh crore for the exchequer.
• Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur revealed that the extension would be effective from January 1, 2024. The scheme, initially introduced in 2020 as a pandemic relief measure, was last extended until December 31, 2023.

Awards News

19.Abdullahi Mire Wins 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award

• Abdullahi Mire, a Somali refugee, has been named the 2023 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award Global Laureate for his work championing the right to education for displaced children.
• Mire, who grew up in the Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya, has put over 100,000 books in the hands of displaced children and youth in the country. He will be presented with the award at a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland, on December 13, 2023.
• The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award was established in 1954. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization for outstanding service to refugees.
• The UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award consists of a commemorative medal and a monetary prize of USD 100,000. The global laureate is expected to reinvest the prize in the humanitarian initiatives they are being recognized for.

Appointments News

20.Mizoram Governor Appoints Air Force Officer as India’s First Woman Aide De Camp

• Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati has appointed Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, a distinguished officer from the 2015 batch of the Indian Air Force, as India’s first Woman Aide-De-Camp (ADC) from the Indian Armed Forces.
• Squadron Leader Manisha Padhi, having formally assumed her duties, reported to the Governor this forenoon. With a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force, she brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
• Prior to this historic appointment, she served in various capacities at Air Force Station, Bidar, Air Force Station, Pune and Air Force Station, Bhatinda. Her journey through these postings reflects not only her dedication to her profession but also her ability to excel in diverse and challenging environments.

21.Leadership Transition at RMAI: Puneet Vidyarthi Appointed President for 2023-2025 Term

• The Rural Marketing Association of India (RMAI), a leading organization for rural marketers, announced key leadership changes during its 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Puneet Vidyarthi has been appointed as the President for the term 2023-2025, succeeding Biswabaran Chakrabarti, who served as the incumbent President since 2019.
• With a wealth of experience, including his previous position as Associate Vice President and Head of Marketing and Digital Innovations at JCB India Ltd, Vidyarthi brings a strategic and innovative perspective to his new role.

Sports News

22.Hockey Punjab Wins 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023

• In a thrilling final match, Hockey Punjab emerged victorious over Hockey Haryana to clinch the gold medal at the 13th Hockey India Senior Men National Championship 2023. The tournament was held from November 17 to 28, 2023, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Led by their captain, Harmanpreet Singh, Hockey Punjab defeated Hockey Haryana with a close margin of 9-8 after the match was tied 2-2 at regulation time. This marks Hockey Punjab’s fourth title in the tournament’s 13 editions.
• The Hockey Unit of Tamil Nadu secured the bronze medal, defeating Hockey Karnataka in a decisive match. This victory placed them at third position in the tournament.

Science & Technology News

23.Railways To Upgrade ‘Kavach’ To LTE: Ashwini Vaishnaw

• In a bid to enhance railway safety and address concerns over increasing accidents, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the Ministry of Railways’ plans to upgrade its indigenous anti-collision system, Kavach, to 4G/5G (LTE-based) technology.
• Kavach, developed indigenously, has been deployed across more than 1,465 route kilometres (rkm), with ongoing work for an additional 3,000 rkm. The Ministry of Railways aims to expedite the implementation of this anti-collision system and make it more efficient over longer ranges.
• Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw disclosed that tenders for the next-generation Kavach would be released between May and June next year. The ministry plans to float tenders for the upgrade of the existing Kavach technology to LTE by the next month.

Obituaries News

24.Henry Kissinger, Nobel Peace Prize winner, passed away

• Henry Kissinger, a towering figure in American foreign policy, passed away on November 29, 2023, at the age of 100. He served as the United States Secretary of State under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and played a pivotal role in shaping US foreign policy during the 1970s.
• Kissinger was born Heinz Alfred Kissinger in Fürth, Germany, on May 27, 1923. Kissinger entered government service in the 1960s, serving as a consultant to the National Security Council and the Council on Foreign Relations. He also taught at Harvard University and Columbia University.
• During his tenure, Kissinger played a key role in several major foreign policy initiatives, including:
  • The opening of relations with China
  • The SALT I arms control agreement with the Soviet Union
  • The Paris Peace Accords, which ended the Vietnam War

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

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