Current Affairs december-23rd-2023
National News
1. Empowering National Security: Telecom Bill 2023 Approved by Parliament
- In a pivotal move, the Lok Sabha recently gave its approval to the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, a significant legislation empowering the government to temporarily assume control of telecom services in the interest of national security.
- Spearheaded by Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the bill not only addresses the allocation of satellite spectrum but also grants the government authority to take possession of a telecom network during public emergencies or for public safety reasons.
- Provisions for stopping transmission and intercepting messages during crises underscore the necessity of such measures to prevent offenses and incitement in times of national emergencies.
2. Revolutionizing Geoscience Exploration: Ministry of Mines Unveils NGDR Portal
- The Ministry of Mines has introduced a game-changing initiative with the launch of the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR)
- Developed in collaboration with the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), this online platform aims to democratize critical geoscience data.
- The NGDR Portal serves as a comprehensive solution, facilitating the access, sharing, and analysis of geospatial information across the nation.
- Stakeholders from various industries and academia can leverage this platform for informed decision-making through in-depth analysis of geospatial information.
Banking News
3. Addressing Liquidity Challenges: RBI Boosts Support in 7-Day VRR Auction
- Responding to a liquidity deficit nearing an 8-year high of ₹2.27-lakh crore, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to increase liquidity infusion through the 7-day variable rate repo (VRR) auction on December 22.
- RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das acknowledged the liquidity challenges, attributing the recent easing to increased government spending and a balanced liquidity distribution among market participants.
- The central bank remains vigilant in monitoring liquidity conditions, adjusting its strategies to address the evolving economic landscape.
Important Days News
4. Celebrating Judicial Excellence: JAG Corps Day Marks 40 Years
- The Judge Advocate General (JAG) Department of the Indian Army commemorates its 40th Corps Day on December 21, 2023.
- This celebration echoes the historic introduction of the Bill for the Army Act in Parliament in 1949, shaping the legal dispensation within the military.
- The JAG Department plays a pivotal role in handling military-related disciplinary cases and litigation, providing legal counsel on matters of military, martial, and international law.
- Its collaboration with the Adjutant General contributes to maintaining discipline through the application of military law.
5. Honoring Mathematical Brilliance: National Mathematics Day 2023
- December 22 marks National Mathematics Day, an occasion dedicated to honoring the brilliance of Srinivasa Ramanujan, one of history's greatest mathematicians.
- Designated in 2012 by the Manmohan Singh government, this day coincides with Ramanujan's birth anniversary.
- National Mathematics Day aims to propagate the significance of mathematics in various aspects of life and inspire critical thinking and logical reasoning, mirroring Ramanujan’s unconventional approach to learning.
Schemes News
6. Empowering MSMEs: MSME Ministry Unveils 3 RAMP Sub-Schemes
- Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Narayan Rane introduced three innovative sub-schemes under the existing RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Productivity)
- These initiatives promote the adoption of sustainable technology, support circular economy projects, and address the challenge of delayed payments. The MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme) aims to propel enterprises towards adopting green technology.
- The MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) marks the government’s first-ever support for circular economy projects. Additionally, the MSME Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments modernizes dispute resolution processes.
7. Expanding Healthcare Reach: Government's Ambitious Goal for Ayushman Bharat
- The Indian government aims to achieve comprehensive coverage for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) by January 26, incorporating 270 million additional individuals into its flagship health scheme.
- With over 280 million people already possessing Ayushman cards, granting access to quality healthcare for those below the poverty line, the government seeks to extend coverage to a minimum of 550 million people.
- The proliferation of Ayushman cards has led to a notable surge in hospitalizations, emphasizing the scheme's positive impact on healthcare access across the nation.
- The National Statistical Office reports an approaching 3.16 percent hospitalization rate per 100,000 beneficiaries this fiscal year, surpassing the national average of 2.9 percent.
8. Leading the Solar Revolution: Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh
- Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have emerged as trailblazers in the deployment of higher capacities under the "Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects"
- Launched in December 2014 and expanded to 40,000 MW in March 2017, this initiative aims to establish 50 solar parks by 2023-24.
- The scheme's primary objective is to support Renewable Energy (RE) developers by providing ready-to-use land and transmission infrastructure, including essential elements such as land, roads, power evacuation systems, and water facilities.
Ranks & Reports News
9. NITI Aayog's Global Green Growth Report Unveiled by Bhupender Yadav
- Shri Bhupender Yadav, the Hon’ble Minister for the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and the Ministry of Labour & Employment, unveiled a G20 report titled ‘A Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy’ in New Delhi.
- NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Global Development Network (GDN), published the report based on the G20 international conference held in July 2023.
- The report encapsulates discussions from a policy conference, focusing on green and sustainable growth, engaging 40 leading thinkers in shaping a new growth model covering energy, climate, technology, policy, jobs, trade, global finance, and multilateralism.
Appointments News
10. Sanjay Singh Takes Helm as Chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI)
- In a decisive victory, Sanjay Singh, currently the UP Wrestling Association vice president, secured the position of Chief of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) with an overwhelming 40 votes.
- While Anita Sheoran’s panel faced defeat in the presidential race, they managed to secure the crucial post of secretary general.
- This dynamic shift in leadership also saw Satyapal Singh Deshwal emerging as the new treasurer. Sanjay Singh's election marks a significant development in the wrestling landscape, shaping the future of the sport in the country.
11. ICICI Bank Receives RBI Nod for Sandeep Batra’s Re-Appointment
- ICICI Bank's Sandeep Batra receives RBI approval for re-appointment as the Executive Director, effective from December 23, 2023, to December 22, 2025.
- Acknowledging Batra's contributions, the Board of Directors sanctioned his reappointment for an additional two years.
- Batra, overseeing crucial domains on the bank’s Board, has played a pivotal role in areas such as credit, corporate communications, data science, finance, human resources, legal, operations, customer service, technology, and secretarial groups.
Awards News
12. IREDA’s Pradip Kumar Das Bags 'CMD of the Year' for the Second Consecutive Year
- Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director of Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), secures the prestigious “CMD of the Year” award under the Mini-Ratna category for the second consecutive year.
- The recognition also highlights IREDA’s commitment to corporate governance and social responsibility.
- IREDA’s achievements extend to being a runner-up in categories such as Operational Performance Excellence, Corporate Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability, and Inclusivity- Contribution of Women and Differently-Abled In.
13. Hardik Singh Crowned Men’s FIH Player Of The Year 2023
- Indian hockey team midfielder, Hardik Singh, achieves the title of Men’s FIH Player of the Year at the FIH Hockey Star Awards 2023.
- His outstanding contributions to India’s bronze medal victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics add another feather to his cap.
- The awards ceremony also recognizes Dutch player Xan de Waard as the Women’s FIH Player of the Year and Savita Punia as the Best Goalkeeper of the Year for the third consecutive time.
14. Crompton Greaves Honored with National Energy Conservation Award 2023
- Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. (CGCEL) receives the National Energy Conservation Award 2023 from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and the Ministry of Power.
- The award, presented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on National Energy Conservation Day, underscores Crompton’s consistent excellence in categories such as fans and lights.
Agreements News
15. ArSRLM Partners with SBI for Empowering Self-Help Groups in Arunachal Pradesh
- The Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) forges a strategic alliance with the State Bank of India (SBI) to empower self-help groups (SHGs) in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to provide comprehensive banking services to around 12,000 SHGs promoted under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
- This initiative focuses on streamlining SHG bank linkage, covering savings, credit, insurance, and remittances, contributing to the socio-economic development of the state.