Current Affairs 24 November 2023

We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 24 November 2023, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2023 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

NIEPVD signed MoU with Nation Book Trust & Daisy Forum of IndiaOn November 20, 2023, the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities/(Divyangjan)-NIEPVD signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with New Delhi(Delhi) based National Book Trust (NBT) and Daisy Forum of India (DFI) to promote inclusivity.

•  The MoU with NBT aims to establish a Universal Design Center for Reading in Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
• The MoU with DFI aims to create and disseminate accessible books through Sugamya Pustakalaya, an online library designed for persons with print disabilities in India.

Note: These partnerships highlights NIEPVD’s commitment towards breaking barriers and creating an inclusive environment for persons with disabilities(PwDs) and, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge and education.
MoU with NBT:
Signatories:
The MoU was signed by Er. Manish Verma, Director (Offg/Officiating), NIEPVD, and Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT India.
Key Points:
i.This aims to make reading materials more accessible to individuals with visual disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities for learning and education.
ii.The Universal Design Center will feature the NBT’s collection of publications and accessible learning materials including: Physical books, Braille books, E-books, Audio books.
MoU with DFI:
Signatories:
The MoU was signed by Er. Manish Verma, Director (Offg), NIEPVD, and Dipendra Manocha, President, DFI.
Key Points:
i.The collaboration will utilize various accessible formats, including DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) , E-Pub(electronic publication), BRF(Braille Ready Format), and others, to address their diverse needs.
ii.Sugamya Pustakalaya is a collaborative effort between DFI, NIEPVD, and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). It uses Access Infinity platform developed by TCS.
Additional info:
i.NBT is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education (MoE) and is dedicated to the promotion of books and the habit of reading.
ii.DFI is a leading organization advocating for accessible reading materials for persons with print disabilities.
About National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD):
It is under the administrative control of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Offg/Officiating Director– Er. Manish Verma
Headquarters– Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Establishment– 1943

Survey of India & Genesys International Partnered for 3D Digital Twin-mapping Programme in IndiaThe Survey of India (SoI), the National Survey and Mapping Organization of India, and Genesys International, an Indian mapping company that provides Geospatial solutions, have formed a strategic partnership to create a three-dimensional (3D) digital twin-mapping programme in India.

• With this partnership, Genesys thus becomes the 1st company to have a public-private agreement with SoI for digital twinning.

Note: The 3D digital twin will be used by government departments for new initiatives.
About the Partnership:
i.This aims to develop digital twins of major cities and towns of India, using Genesys’ all-India highly-accurate navigable maps, the Genesys constellation of sensors and SOI’s Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network(902 stations), which allows for real-time high precision positioning data.
ii.The partnership is in line with India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022, promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in geospatial data production and usage.
iii.This also signifies a pivotal move towards delivering geospatial content aligned with the National Geodetic Framework.
Digital Twins:
i.It is a virtual replica of a physical object or system, and encompasses data, simulations, and real-time information, mirroring its real-world counterpart.
ii.It enables continuous monitoring of physical entities and seamlessly integrates data from various sources for comprehensive insights.
Working:
i.Integrating CORS data, Genesys will ensure that its Digital Twins faithfully mirror the dynamic urban landscape with unparalleled precision.
ii.The integration empowers applications such as urban planning, telecom signal assessment, disaster management, etc with accurate and reliable geospatial insights.
Points to note:
i.The partnership will introduce the India Map Stack initiative, using high-precision 3D data, Digital Terrain Models (DTM), Digital Surface Models (DSM), and ortho imagery to create accurate and detailed representations of the urban landscape.
ii.Genesys will license its geospatial data products through a “Content-as-a-Service” model.
About Survey of India (SoI):
Surveyor General of India– Hitesh Kumar S. Makwana
Headquarters– Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Established in– 1767

Kishtwar Saffron from J&K receives GI tag
Kishtwar Saffron brand, which is cultivated and harvested in the Kishtwar Region of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the GI Registry under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• This recognition emphasizes the distinctive identity and exceptional quality of saffron grown in the Kishtwar region. The saffron is cultivated in the elevated terrains of Kishtwar and some parts of Kashmir.
• Kishtwar’s saffron, locally known as Kumkum, is also a key cash crop in Jammu’s isolated mountainous district of Kishtwar that has high medicinal value.

Other noted products of J&K that got the GI tags in 2023: Basohli Pashmina Woolen Products(Textiles); Bhaderwah Rajmash(Agriculture), Ramban Sulai Honey(Food Stuff).

BANKING & FINANCE

ADB Approved USD 6.5 Million Loan to Greenway The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Greenway Grameen Infra Private Limited have signed a USD 6.5 million senior secured loan agreement for the Greenway Carbon Credits Gender Finance Project.

• The financing also includes a USD 3.25 million first-loss liquidity reserve from the Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF)

About the Project:
i.The project aims to facilitate the production and distribution of 1 million subsidized Greenway Jumbo Stoves to rural households in Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
ii.The improved cookstoves reduce household fuel consumption by 65%, smoke emissions by 70%, and carbon dioxide(CO2) emissions by 22.9 million tons.
iii. Greenway will sell the carbon credits generated from the use of improved cookstoves to international buyers.

• This is done through its subsidiary SDG 13 Ventures Private Limited (located in Singapore).

iv.The financial aid from ADB will allow Greenway to bridge the gap between the time it takes to sell the carbon units and the general operation costs.
What is Carbon finance?
i.Carbon finance is a financial mechanism that can be used to mitigate climate change.
ii.Carbon credits are generated from projects that reduce greenhouse gas(GHG) emissions.
iii.These credits can be sold to international buyers, who can use them to offset their own emissions.
CIDF:
i.The Climate Innovation and Development Fund (CIDF) is a blended finance facility with initial of USD 25 million that is managed by ADB.
ii.It was established in 2021 with initial funding from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Goldman Sachs.
iii.CIDF aims to support innovative non-sovereign climate change projects in South and Southeast Asia.
About Asian Development Bank (ADB):
President  – Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters – Mandaluyong City, Manila, Philippines
Established in – 1966
Members – 68 members – 49 from the region

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

IWAI & Amazon signs MoU to utilize Ganga River for Cargo MovementOn November 22, 2023, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Amazon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) enabling Amazon to utilize the Ganga River (National Waterway/NW 1) for cargo movement, transporting customer shipments and products.

• The first ship with e-commerce cargo will soon be flagged off from Patna, Bihar to Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
• This collaboration is a significant step towards realizing the Prime Minister (PM)’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 by enhancing inland waterways as an affordable and sustainable mode of transportation and promoting cargo movement through Inland Water Transport using NW-1.

Signing Ceremony:
The MoU was signed in presence of the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) and Secretary of MoPSW, T. K. Ramachandran, and Chairman of IWAI, Sanjay Bandopadhyaya, among others.
How will this MoU beneficial for Amazon?
This will enable Amazon to ensure faster, cost-effective, and sustainable package delivery, benefiting millions of sellers with wider reach. It also lowers its transportation cost, and new possibilities for all e-commerce companies to leverage the extensive inland waterways in India.

• Collaboratively, IWAI and Amazon will explore and implement innovative solutions for the evolving e-commerce industry, fostering a greener and more resilient logistics ecosystem.
• In January 2023, Amazon had a dedicated air cargo network in India through Amazon Air.

Key Points:
i.According to a World Bank Report, Rail and road transport consume 18.5% and 91.6% respectively, more fuel than water transport, highlighting water transport as the most environmentally friendly mode.
ii.Sagarmala has initiated 113 projects worth Rs 7,030 Crores for RoRo/RoPax and Inland Water Transport.

• 15 projects worth Rs 1,100 Crores have been completed, and 32 projects worth Rs. 3,900 crores are under implementation.

iii.Maritime India Vision 2030 aims to increase water transport volumes by over 200 MMT (Million Metric Ton) by 2030 and exceed 500 MMT by 2047, as per the Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 launched during the Global Maritime India Summit 2023.
About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):
Chairperson– Sanjay Bandopadhyaya
Headquarters– Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Parent Ministry– Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Establishment– 1986

Blue Dart Partners with India Post to Provide Parcel Locker Service at Post OfficesBlue Dart Express Limited(Blue Dart) has partnered with India Post to introduce an automated digital parcel lockers service at selected post offices across India.

• With this, Blue dart aims to offer an additional delivery method to its customers.

Key Points:
i.This partnership with India post will enable consignees to conveniently retrieve their shipments from digital parcel lockers.
ii.To implement this initiative, Blue Dart has partnered with Pune(Maharashtra) based Podrones Logistics Private Limited, a last-mile technology and parcel locker company.
iii.Under this partnership, India Post’s Smart Parcel delivery system (ANVIT) will collaborate with Blue Dart’s expertise to harness the potential of Smart Parcel technology to promote efficient and reliable logistics solutions.
Additional info:
i.These lockers will enable the customers to retrive their parcels from the digital lockers using assigned code(one time password-OTP).
ii.This eliminates the need for personal receipts or signing for a package.
Note: India post launched ANVIT as a pilot project in Pune, Maharashtra in 2021.
About India Post:
India Post functions under Department of Post, Ministry of Communications
Director General (Posts) – Alok Sharma
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Established in – 1854
About Blue Dart Express Limited:
Chief Executive Officer(CEO) – Balfour Manuel
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in – 1983

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

4 Indians featured on BBC 100 Women List 2023: Dia Mirza, Harmanpreet Kaur, Arati Kumar-Rao & Jetsunma Tenzin Palmoi.On November 21, 2023, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) released the 11th edition of the list of BBC 100 Women 2023 which includes four Indian women viz. Actress Dia Mirza, Cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, Photographer Arati Kumar-Rao, and Tibetan Buddhist nun Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo.

• It is list of 100 inspiring and influential women from around the world for 2023.

ii.Harmanpreet Kaur and Dia Mirza are named under the Entertainment & Sport category while Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo is acknowledged under the category of Culture and education.
iii.The list features 28 Climate Pioneers from across the globe who are inspiring and leading their communities to tackle the devastating impact of climate change. This includes Indian photographer Arati Kumar-Rao.
About British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC):
Chairman– Dame Elan Closs Stephens
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
>> Read Full News

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

UN Panel of External Auditors: India’s CAG Girish Chandra Murmu Elected as Vice-Chair for 2024 Girish Chandra Murmu, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, was elected as the Vice-Chair of the United Nations (UN) Panel of External Auditors for 2024.

• The Panel has elected Pierre Moscovici, First President of Cour des comptes, French Republic, as its Chair for 2024 

Note:
The announcements were made during the 63rd session of the Panel held at the UN Headquarters in New York, the United States of America (USA) from 20-21 November 2023.

• The session was chaired by Isma Yatun, chair of the panel (2023) and Chairperson of the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia

About UN Panel of External Auditors:
The Panel of External Auditors comprising of Heads of 12 Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) globally, oversees the external audit of the UN Secretariat, Funds and Programmes, and Specialized Agencies.
Executive Secretary– Sejong Lee
About Girish Chandra Murmu:
i.Girish Chandra Murmu, a 1985 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre, has been serving as the CAG of India since 8th August 2020.
ii.He served as the Principal Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) to the now Prime Minister(PM) of India Narendra Modi for 7 years, when he was the CM of Gujarat.
iii.He was the first Lieutenant(Lt) Governor of the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.
iv.In May 2023, he was re-elected as External Auditor of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a 4-year term from 2024 to 2027 and he has been holding this position in WHO since 2019.
v.He is also a member of the Governing Boards of the International Organization of  Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).
vi.He was also elected as the Chairman of the Asian Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) from 2024-2027.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approves Acquisition of Additional Stake in Niva Bupa Health Insurance by Bupa Singapore
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the acquisition of an additional stake in Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company by Bupa Singapore Holdings. The Proposed transaction is approved under the green channel route, adhering to Regulation 5A and Schedule III of CCI (Procedure in regard to the transaction of business relating to combinations) Regulations, 2011.

• Acquirer- Bupa Singapore Holdings Pte. Ltd. (Bupa Singapore)
• Target- Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (Niva Bupa)

i.Bupa Singapore is an investment holding company and a subsidiary of the British United Provident Association Limited (“Bupa”) i.e., the ultimate parent entity of the group to which Bupa Singapore belongs.
ii.Bupa Singapore is an existing shareholder of Niva Bupa. The proposed transaction relates to the secondary purchase of shares by Bupa Singapore in Niva Bupa from Fettle Tone LLP (Proposed Transaction).
iii.Following this acquisition, the shareholding of Bupa Singapore will increase to approximately 63% equity stake in Niva Bupa.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

OneWeb India Becomes 1st firm to get IN-SPACe Approval for Satellite Broadband Service in India
OneWeb India has become the first firm to receive the authorisations from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to launch Eutelsat OneWeb’s commercial satellite broadband services in India.

• With this, OneWeb India aims to extend internet services to rural and unconnected areas and territorial waters of India on a 24×7 basis using the Eutelsat OneWeb constellation.
• The authorisation valid for 5 years is subject to the assignment of the spectrum by the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), Ministry of Communication for both the gateways and user terminal operations.
• The OneWeb constellation comprises 648 satellites orbiting Earth in circular polar orbits at 1,200-kilometer altitude and shall provide 21 Gbps throughput over India.
• OneWeb India already holds licenses from DoT and has obtained approvals to establish and operate gateways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

Note:

• Eutelsat OneWeb, a part of France based  Eutelsat Group is a low earth orbit (LEO) operator.
• OneWeb India is part of the Bharti Group, which operates Airtel, and subsidiary of Eutelsat Group.
• IN-SPACe is the agency of the Government of India, responsible for regulating space activities and granting authorisation for conducting space activities in India.

SPORTS

Novak Djokovic Defeats Jannik Sinner to Win his seventh ATP Finals titleNovak Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Jannik Sinner (Italy) to win the men’s singles title in Nitto Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) finals 2023, held from 12th -19th November 2023 at the Pala Alpitour stadium in Turin, Italy.

• This marks Novak Djokovic’s 7th ATP finals title, which includes 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023. With this, Djokovic broke Roger Federer’s record of six ATP Finals titles.
• Rajeev Ram(United States of America-USA) and Joe Salisbury(United Kingdom-UK) won the ATP Finals men’s doubles 2023 title by defeating Marcel Granollers(Spain) and Horacio Zeballos (Argentina) in the finals.
• The ATP Finals is the final event of the ATP Tour season and the finals will be played by the world’s best eight qualified singles players and doubles teams.
• Iga Swiatek(Poland) defeated Jessica Pegula(U.S.A) to win the women’s singles title at the 2023 GNP Seguros Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Finals.
• Laura Siegemund(Germany) and Vera Zvonareva(Unflagged – Russia) defeated Nicole Melichar-Martinez(U.S.A) and Ellen Perez(Australia) to win the Women’s Doubles title at the WTA Finals.

About The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP):
Chairman – Andrea Gaudenzi
Headquarters – London, United Kingdom(UK)
Established – 1972
>> Read Full News

OBITUARY

Former Mr. India Nongthombam Maipak Passed Away
Nongthombam Maipak, former Mr India title holder and veteran bodybuilder of Manipur passed away in Imphal, Manipur at the age of 88. He was born on June 12, 1935 at Uripok Sorbon Thingel Sinam Leikai in Imphal West District, Manipur.

• He was popularly known as Mister Maipak and ‘Son of Manipur’.
• He won the Mr. India title in 1970 and then represented India in the Mr. Universe competition held from September 25-26, 1971 in Paris, France.
• He was honoured with the ‘Best Indian Style Mythological Pose,’ in the 1971 Mr. Universe competition and secured the 10th position out of 72 contestants.
• Mister Maipak was also a popular athlete in the hammer throw, shot put and discus throw events.
• He represented Manipur in the 1958 Delhi National Games in the hammer throw event, where he broke the national record.
• He also served as a sub-inspector in the Manipur police from 1970-1973 and later joined the education department of Manipur in 1977.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Day 2023 – November 15World Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Day is annually observed across the globe on the 3rd Wednesday of November to raise awareness about COPD, one of the most widespread illnesses across the globe.
22nd World COPD Day was observed on 15th November 2023.

• World COPD Day 2022 was observed on 16th November 2022.
• World COPD Day 2024 will be observed on 20th November 2024.

Theme:
The theme for World COPD Day 2023 is “Breathing is Life – Act Earlier”

• The theme highlights the importance of early lung health, early diagnosis and early interventions.
• The theme is chosen by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD).

Background:
i.World COPD Day is organised by GOLD in collaboration with international COPD patient groups and medical specialists.

• GOLD is a member of the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS).

ii.The 1st World COPD Day was observed on 20th November 2002.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
i.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems.

• The two main forms of COPD are Chronic bronchitis and Emphysema.

ii.According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, COPD is the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. COPD is the 7th leading cause of poor health worldwide.
v.COPD is included in WHO Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
About the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD): 
Chair – Alvar G. Agusti
Headquarters – Fontana, Wisconsin, United States of America (USA)
Established in – 1997

World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence 2023 – November 18World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence is annually observed across the globe on 18th November to create awareness about the impact of child sexual exploitation, abuse, and violence.

• The day aims to end Child Sexual Exploitation and Violence and bring hope to the survivors

18th November 2023 marks the 2nd observance of the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.
Background:
i.On 7th November 2022, United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) adopted a resolution A/RES/77/8  and proclaimed the 18th November of every year as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence.

• The resolution was sponsored by Sierra Leone and Nigeria, and co-sponsored by more than 120 countries.

ii.The day was first observed on 18th November 2022.
>> Read Full News

World Toilet Day 2023- November 19 The United Nations (UN) World Toilet Day is annually observed across the globe on 19 November to raise awareness about 3.5 billion people without access to safe sanitation and to encourage action to address the global sanitation crisis.

• The global campaign theme of World Toilet Day 2023 is, “Accelerating Change”.
• The hummingbird is the symbol of World Toilet Day 2023, because a toilet is small but mighty, just like a hummingbird.

Background:
i.On 24 July 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a resolution (A/RES/67/291) titled “Sanitation for All” and designated the 19 November of every year as World Toilet Day.
ii.The 1st UN recognised World Toilet Day was observed on 19 November 2013.
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy in Bhubaneswar
Odisha Chief Minister (CM) Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the All India Football Federation (AIFF)-International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Talent Academy at Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha in the presence of Arsene Wenger, Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA and former Arsenal manager.

• This strategic initiative is a collaborative effort between AIFF, FIFA, and the Odisha government to elevate football development in India.
• A total of 50 talented football players, including 15 from Odisha, in the Under-14 category, will be selected for the AIFF-FIFA academy from across India.
• The academy will be headed by a FIFA-appointed coach along with various coaches and staff from AIFF and the Odisha government.
• The inaugural event was held during the India vs Qatar encounter in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 joint qualification campaign in the Kalinga Stadium.

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