Current Affairs november-30th-2023
National News
Uttarakhand Tunnel Rescue Operation:
- On November 23, 2023, a remarkable feat of resilience unfolded in Uttarakhand, India, as 41 workers trapped for 17 days in the collapsed Silkyara-Barkot tunnel were successfully evacuated.
- The joint efforts of the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities exemplified human determination in the face of adversity.
- This 5 km tunnel is a crucial component of the Char Dham project, designed to enhance all-weather connectivity to the prominent Hindu shrines of Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Bengaluru's Circular Railway Project:
- Bengaluru, India's bustling IT hub, is set to undergo a transformative change with the introduction of a 287-km circular railway.
- This ambitious project aims to connect key towns around Bengaluru, potentially becoming India's largest suburban railway network.
- While the timeline remains unspecified, sources within the South Western Railway (SWR) suggest a realization within the next five years if all progresses smoothly.
International News
ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF):
- The 4th edition of the ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) unfolded in Langkawi, Malaysia, on November 28, 2023.
- This annual event highlights collaborative efforts in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) between India and the 10 ASEAN Member States.
- With a focus on showcasing social innovations, AIGIF contributes to strengthening governance in grassroots innovation ecosystems.
- The 2023 edition witnessed the participation of 17 Indian student innovators and grassroots innovators, alongside representatives from 11 countries.
Anak Krakatau Volcano Eruption:
- Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano, located in the Sundra Strait, erupted on a Tuesday morning, casting a volcanic ash cloud approximately 1 km high into the sky.
- This event adds to the growing concern over the volcano's heightened activity since April last year.
- The eruption, monitored by the volcano's Observation Post, lasted 130 seconds, releasing ash observed to be gray to black in color. Prevailing winds carried the ash in a northerly direction.
State News
Telecom Center of Excellence in Saharanpur:
- Uttar Pradesh approved the establishment of India's first Telecom Center of Excellence in Saharanpur, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath laying the foundation stone on December 5, 2023.
- Costing Rs 30 crore, this state-of-the-art center aims to drive innovation and growth in the telecommunications sector, functioning as a hub for research and development.
- The strategic choice of the IIT Roorkee campus in Saharanpur promises employment opportunities for the state's youth.
Defence News
Amritsar to Host Military Literature Festival:
- Amritsar is set to host the second district-level edition of the Military Literature Festival in early 2024.
- Aimed at spreading awareness about the armed forces and inspiring youth, this edition emphasizes Punjab and Punjabiyat, exploring the military history of the region.
- Discussions will delve into the strategic vision of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and his significant contributions to the Indian nation.
Banking News
RBI's Vigilance Against Unauthorized Forex Trading Platforms:
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) strengthened its efforts to safeguard investor interests by updating its 'Alert List' of unauthorized forex trading platforms.
- The latest update includes 19 additional entities, bringing the total to 75. This move aims to curb illegal forex trading activities, protecting consumers from potential financial risks.
Important Days News
International Day of Solidarity With the Palestinian People 2023:
- November 29th annually marks the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People since 1978.
- Turkey's steadfast commitment to this day is evident in diplomatic efforts, financial support, and humanitarian aid, advocating for a just resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict and addressing pressing needs in Gaza.
- This day symbolizes a collective commitment to champion the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
Schemes News
AMA Bank Scheme Revolutionizing Gram Panchayat Banking in Odisha:
- In a groundbreaking move, Odisha's Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the "AMA Bank" scheme, a pioneering initiative set to provide banking services through CSP Plus outlets in all unbanked Gram Panchayats (GPs) of the state.
- This visionary project positions Odisha as the first state in India to conceptualize and implement such a comprehensive scheme for financial inclusion.
- The scheme's inclusive nature extends to doorstep banking services for vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and pregnant women, ensuring convenient access to Direct Benefit Transfers and bridging the financial services gap in rural areas.
UP CM Yogi Adityanath Introduces Hot Cooked Meal Scheme in Anganwadi Centers:
- Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has unveiled the 'Hot Cooked Meal Scheme' in Uttar Pradesh, a transformative initiative focused on providing nutritious meals to children aged 3 to 6 years at Anganwadis.
- Modeled after the successful Midday Meals program, this scheme aims to offer 70 grams of food grains per beneficiary per day in the form of hot-cooked meals.
- Adityanath's commitment to early childhood nutrition is further evidenced by the foundation stone laying for 3,401 Anganwadi centers in 35 districts, with an estimated investment of Rs.403 crore, aiming to strengthen the foundation of early childhood education and nutrition in the state.
Awards News
Vijayawada Railway Station Attains IGBC's Platinum Rating:
- Vijayawada Railway Station has been honored with the prestigious platinum rating by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for its commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
- This recognition, the highest bestowed by IGBC, highlights the station's dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in creating a greener transportation hub.
- This achievement is not only a testament to the commitment of Vijayawada Railway Station but also a source of pride for the South Central Railway (SCR) zone, marking Vijayawada as only the second station within the zone to achieve this esteemed rating.
IFFI 2023: 'Endless Borders' Wins Golden Peacock; Rishab Shetty Honored:
- The 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) concluded in Goa with the film 'Endless Borders' securing the prestigious Golden Peacock.
- This cinematic celebration witnessed 15 films, including 12 international and 3 Indian films, competing for the coveted award.
- 'Kantara,' a Kannada film, scripted history by becoming the first in its language to win an award at IFFI.
- Kannada actor and filmmaker Rishab Shetty received the Special Jury Award for his pan-Indian blockbuster.
- The event also saw the legendary Michael Douglas receiving the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award, and 'Panchayat Season 2' securing the Best Web Series Award.
Books & Authors News
India's Moment: Changing Power Equations Around The World Book Launch:
- The book titled 'India's Moment: Changing Power Equations around the World,' authored by Professor (Dr.) Mohan Kumar, was recently launched in London by the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, Vikram Doraiswami.
- Delving into India's unique approach to international negotiations and its evolving positions, the book explores fundamental factors shaping the country's stance on the global stage.
Sports News
Rahul Dravid's Extended Term as India's Head Coach:
- In the realm of sports, Rahul Dravid, the acclaimed former cricketer, has accepted the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) offer to extend his term as India's head coach.
- This extension ensures his leadership of the national team until at least the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.
- Dravid's continued guidance, marked by impressive achievements, will commence with India's upcoming tour of South Africa, emphasizing the team's growth under his mentorship.
Science & Technology News
Agnikul's Revolutionary 3D-Printed Engine and Agnibaan Rocket:
- Chennai-based startup Agnikul is set to make history with its groundbreaking rocket, Agnibaan, featuring the world's first 3D-printed engine, the Agnilet.
- Successfully test-fired in early 2021, this single-piece 3D-printed marvel signifies a significant milestone in India's 3D printing technology.
- Agnibaan, unlike traditional sounding rockets, offers high customizability as a single-stage launch vehicle capable of carrying payloads of up to 300 kg to orbits around 700 km high.