Daily Current Affairs December 10 & 11 2023 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Aditya Birla Health Launches ‘Activ One’ Product Offering 100% Returns           

• Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL), the health insurance division of Aditya Birla Capital, a prominent and diversified financial services provider in India, has introduced ‘Activ One.’
• This streamlined and all-encompassing health insurance plan is designed to offer policyholders personalised solutions, addressing not only their health insurance requirements but also fostering their journey towards optimal well-being.
• Packed with cutting-edge features like complete health returns, claim protection, no sub-limits, super reload, and super credit, Activ One stands as ABHICL’s most extensive offering to date.
• This all-inclusive product provides customers with a singular solution for both their health assurance and health insurance requirements.

The key features of the policy include:

• 100% health returns: Empowers policyholders to reclaim their entire premium by adopting an active and healthy lifestyle.
• Claim protection: This feature ensures that policyholders receive coverage for all specified non-medical expenses associated with hospitalization. This encompasses costs for items such as face masks, cotton, gloves, oxygen cylinders, and more.
• No sub-limits: There are no restrictions on room rent, ICU charges, specified modern treatments such as robotic surgeries, oral chemotherapy, etc., and more, up to the Sum Insured. This empowers our policyholders to make healthcare decisions based on their needs rather than being constrained by arbitrary limitations.
• Super reload: This functionality provides an unlimited refill up to the base sum insured within a policy year, ensuring that policyholders do not exhaust their health insurance coverage.
• Super credit: Policyholders can counteract medical inflation as their Sum Insured grows by up to six times by the sixth year of their policy, regardless of claims, without any additional premium payments.
• CEO of Aditya Birla Health Insurance : Mayank Bathwal

28 Virtual Digital Asset Platforms Successfully Register with FIU-India to Ensure Compliance with PMLA Norms          

• As many as 28 Virtual Digital Assets (VDA) service providers, including WazirX, Coin DCX and Coin Switch, have registered themselves with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND).
• The Finance Ministry in March, 2023 had stated that entities dealing in VDAs, crypto exchanges and intermediaries would be considered “reporting entities” under the Prevention of money laundering Act (PMLA).
• Accordingly, crypto exchanges and intermediaries dealing with VDAs were required to perform KYC of their clients and users of the platform.
• 28 entities have registered themselves for providing services related to VDAs.
• These include Neblio Technologies Pvt Ltd operating trading platform Coin DCX, Zanmai Labs Pvt ltd (WazirX), Bitcipher Labs LLP (Coinswitch), Nextgendev Solutions Pvt Ltd (CoinswitchX), Awlencan Innovations India Ltd (Zebpay).
• Under the anti-money laundering law, reporting entities are required to maintain KYC details or records of documents evidencing the identity of its clients and beneficial owners as well as account files and business correspondence relating to its clients.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and United Nations Development Programme Ink Memorandum of Understanding to Advance Sustainable Infrastructure Development                                 

• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in promoting sustainable infrastructure development and address development challenges in Asia and beyond.

Key Highlights :

• AIIB is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the “Infrastructure for Tomorrow,” infrastructure that is inclusive and sustainable socially, environmentally and economically.
• UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crises, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone.
• The AIIB-UNDP agreement recognizes the two parties’ shared objectives in supporting national climate goals and the 2030 Agenda through financing sustainable development initiatives in common members of operations.
• Under the MoU, AIIB and UNDP plan to co-invest and leverage multilateral funding and private financing in developing countries, collaborate on measuring the impact of investments for climate goals and the SDGs and pursue joint technical assistance and exploration of innovative derisking instruments, knowledge sharing, joint advocacy and policy support work.
• Operationally, such efforts may translate into both institutions exploring innovative financing solutions and developing a pipeline of programming opportunities that can be scaled up with AIIB financing.

About AIIB :

• Founded : 16 January 2016
• Headquarters : Beijing, China
• President : Jin Liqun
• Membership : 109 member states
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a multilateral development bank whose mission is financing the Infrastructure for Tomorrow infrastructure with sustainability at its core.

About UNDP :

• Established: 22 November 1965
• Headquarters: New York, United States
• Administrator : Achim Steiner
• The UNDP is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development.
• It was founded with the merging of the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance (EPTA) and the Special Fund.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurates ‘Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam’ in Vijayawada

• Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam, at TummalapalliKalakshetram, Vijayawada in the presence of Smt R K Roja, Minister for Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Buggana Rajendranath, Minister for Finance, Government of Andhra PradeshSmt V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Key Highlights

• Smt R K Roja, Minister for Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh expressed her gratitude to the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture, Government of India for bringing the inaugural edition of Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam to Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh and stressed on the importance of music and urged the youth to pursue classical music.
• Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in her welcome address remarked that the event endeavours to commemorate the contributions of the Telugu language in promoting classical music and emphasized that the festival aims to establish a cultural identity for the region by showcasing the local traditions and promoting local artisans, crafts and cuisine.
• This three-day classical music extravaganza will host a variety of activities, including classical music performances by renowned musicians of the country and an exhibition and sale of regional cuisine, local handicrafts and handlooms.
• Shri Malladi Vishnu, Vice Chairman, AP Planning Commission and MLA, Vijayawada Central, Smt. Rayana Bhagya Lakshmi, Mayor of Vijayawada, Smt Sandhya Purecha, Chairman, Sangeet NatakAkademi and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

India to host 27th WAIPA World Investment Conference in New Delhi

• Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• This year’s conference is themed “Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth”.
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal on the main day of the conference, will deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action.
• The Minister will also chair a closed-room roundtable of Private Equity.
• Shri Goyal will also launch the Experience India Centre (EIC), showcasing the best of India’s offerings across services, technology, and products through a variety of technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping.
• EIC will provide delegates and participants from around the world an opportunity to engage and interact with some of India’s leading startups, and learn about India’s rich products, services and tourism offerings, experience its vibrant culture through an immersive experience like Touch/Feel, Taste, Smell, Vision, Sound, and other self-exploratory means.
• The startups represent India’s emerging indigenous capabilities and its emerging global leadership.
• The wall Bharat and the Living Traditions will exhibit traditions like Madhubani, Katha, Warli, Mata ni pachedi etc.

About WAIPA

• The World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies was created in 1995 in Geneva, as a non-governmental organization. Its mission is to empower and support investment promotion agencies in the important work they do to develop their economies; to be a voice for IPAs internationally; and to serve as a bridge between the public and private sectors. The association has more than 120 member agencies representing more than 100 countries.

DARPG launches Scheme and Web-portal for National Awards for e-Governance 2024

• The Web portal (http://www.nceg.gov.in) for National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2024 was launched.
• The formal launching was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG).
• The Central Ministries / Departments as well as the Principal Secretaries (AR) and (IT) and the DCs/DMs of all the 28 States and 8 UTs of India as well as Award Winners of NAeG 2023  were invited for the launch ceremony in hybrid mode.
• The web portal for National Awards for e-Governance 2024 has been made live on 8^thDecember, 2023.
• The advertisement  in this regard  has also appeared in newspapers on 2^ndDecember, 2023 and the last date for submission of nominations is 29^th December, 2023.
• The portal, namely,  www.nceg.gov.in for due registration and the submission of applications for the NAeG, 2024 will also be operational from 8^th December 2023 to 29^th December, 2023.
• The National Awards for e-Governance Scheme is recognized amongst the most competitive and prestigious digital governance  awards schemes in the country and objective of the Scheme is to recognize and promote excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives.
• The Purpose is also to encourage innovations in successful e-Governance solutions
• The NAeG Awards, 2024 will consist of: (i) Trophy, (ii) Certificate  and (iii) an incentive of Rs 10 lakh for Gold Awardees and Rs 5 Lakhs for Silver Awardees to be awarded to the District/organisation for being  utilised for implementation of project/programme or bridging resources gaps in any area of public welfare.
• This year 16 Awards are being conferred under the NAeG 2024. Of these 10 will be Gold Awards and the remaining 6 will be silver Awards
• The NAeG 2024 has three categories under which States/UTs can apply; 2 categories under which Central Ministries/Departments and Districts can apply and one category under which Academic/Research Institutions and Startups can apply.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India Pledges $1 Million in Immediate Relief Aid to Papua New Guinea Following Mount Ulawun Volcanic Eruption

• India announces a $1 million relief assistance package for Papua New Guinea in the aftermath of the Mount Ulawun volcanic eruption.
• The financial aid is designated for immediate relief and will support rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Papua New Guinea.

About Ulawun  :

• Ulawun is the highest mountain in New Britain and the second in the Bismarck Archipelago at 2,334 metres, and is one of the most active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea.
• India, as a close friend and in solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea, will provide immediate relief assistance to aid rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts.
• Since the volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun on November 20, more than 26,000 people have been evacuated to other places, due to which there is an urgent need for humanitarian relief.
• India had supported the island nation during the crisis and devastation caused by natural disasters such as the earthquake in 2018 and the volcanic eruption in 2019.
• Disaster risk reduction and management is a key pillar of India’s Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative (IPOI) announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2019.

About Papua New Guinea :

• Prime Minister : James Marape
• Capital : Port Moresby
• Currency : Kina

Dubai Unveils World’s Largest Concentrated Solar Power Project during COP28

• The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has been inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
• This marks the launch of the world’s largest Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) project.

Key Highlights :

• Built at an investment of 15.78 billion, the 950 MW project utilises three hybrid technologies.
• The three hybrid technologies used are 600 MW from a parabolic basin complex, 100 MW from a CSP tower, and 250 MW from photovoltaic solar panels.
• According to Guinness World Records, the project includes the world’s tallest solar tower at 263.126 metres and the largest thermal energy storage capacity with a capacity of 5,907 megawatt hours.
• The project covers 44 square kilometres and consists of 70,000 heliostats that track the movement of the Sun.
• The Molten Salt Receiver (MSR) on top of a solar power tower is an important element that converts solar radiation into thermal energy.
• It will provide the benefits of clean energy to approximately 320,000 residences and reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1.6 million tonnes annually.
• The MSR consists of over 1,000 thin tubes that enable the sun’s rays to be absorbed and transferred to the molten salt within these tubes.
• Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is instrumental in achieving the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emission Strategy 2050 with a current capacity of 2,627MW.

India Allocates Rs.100 Crore Annually to Support International Solar Alliance for Energy Transition in Developing Economies (2022-2025)  

• The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed that the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration states in Para 38(v) that G20 members “will pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, as well as demonstrate similar ambition with respect to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances by 2030.”
• The Government of India has taken several steps and initiatives to promote and accelerate renewable energy capacity in the country with the target to achieve 500 GW of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.

Some of major steps taken are as follows:

28. Announcement of structured bidding trajectory to invite bids for 50 GW of renewable energy capacity annually for the next 5 yearse., from Financial Year 2023-24 till Financial Year 2027-28.
29. Declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2030 vide notification dated 20th October, 2023.

• Release of the Procedure for Implementation of Uniform Renewable Energy Tariff on 25th October 2023.

1. Setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers on a plug and play basis.
2. Laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity for evacuation of renewable power.
3. Waiver of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) charges for inter-State sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025.

• Launch of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules to strengthen local manufacturing.
• Launch of the National Green Hydrogen Mission with an overarching objective of making India the Global Hub for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.

1. Permitting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100 percent under the automatic route.

• Under the existing bilateral Memorandum of Understandings/ Agreements, Government of India has been in discussion with countries to collaborate efforts on multilateral platforms to support energy transition.
• Government of India is also engaging with countries at several other multilateral initiatives such as QUAD, IPEF, IRENA, COP28, CEM/MI to support the energy transition efforts globally.
• The Government of India is providing an assistance of 100 crore per year to the International Solar Alliance for the financial years 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 to help energy transition, especially in developing and emerging economies.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

Lok Sabha Discusses Jammu and Kashmir Bills for Reservation and Reorganisation

• Lok Sabha deliberated on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Key Highlights :

• Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004: The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 is to be amended by the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
• This Act provides for reservation in jobs and admission to professional institutions to members of the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other socially and educationally backward classes.
• Amendment to 2019 Reorganisation Act : On the other hand, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2019 is to be amended by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
• The 2019 Act amended the Second Schedule of the 1950 Act to specify the total number of seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to be 83.
• The proposed Bill increases the total number of seats to
• Reserved Seats : The Bill reserves 7 seats for Scheduled Castes and 9 seats for Scheduled Tribes.
• The Bill adds that the Lieutenant Governor may nominate up to two members from the Kashmiri migrant community to the Legislative Assembly.
• One of the nominated members must be a woman.

Definition of Migrants :

• Migrants are defined as persons who migrated from the Kashmir Valley or any other part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir after 1st November 1989 and are registered with the Relief Commissioner.
• Changes in Seat Distribution : Earlier there were 37 seats in Jammu which have now become 43, there were 46 seats in Kashmir earlier which have now become 47 and 24 seats have been kept reserved for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• Overall Assembly Changes: Previously, there were 107 seats in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which has now increased to 114.
• The number of nominated members in the Assembly has increased from 2 to 5.
• All groups of displaced people asked the Delimitation Commission to take cognizance of their representation and it is a matter of joy that the Commission has made a provision that 2 seats will be reserved for displaced Kashmiri people and 1 seat to be reserved for the people displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Gives Green Signal to Chennai’s First Urban Flood Mitigation Project Worth ₹561.29 Crore

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi sanctioned a ₹561.29 crore urban flood mitigation project for Chennai after the impact of Cyclone Michuang in Tamil Nadu.
• The project is funded under the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF)
• The approved project is titled ‘Integrated Urban Flood Management activities for Chennai Basin Project.’
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with Tamil Nadu Minister for Finance & Human Resources Management Thangam Thenarasu and Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena also carried out an aerial survey of areas ravaged by cyclone Michuang in-and-around Chennai.
• The Prime Minister spoke with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and has assured all possible help from the Central Government.
• The Ministry of Home Affairs, under PM’s direction, will release the central share of the second instalment of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) – ₹493.60 crore to Andhra Pradesh and ₹450 crore to Tamil Nadu.
• He added that the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other central agencies are assisting the state government in the relief & rescue operations and leaving no stone unturned to bring back normalcy.

About Tamil Nadu :

• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
• Capital: Chennai
• Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
• National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
• Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

Lakadong Turmeric from Meghalaya Receives Geographical Indication Status                 

• Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

What is Lakadong Turmeric?

• It is considered to be one of the world’s best varieties of turmeric, with a curcumin content of around 6.8 to 7.5%.
• It is darker in colour and is grown organically without the use of fertilisers.
• It is found in the Lakadong area of Jaintia Hills, and has high curcumin content.

What are the other products that received GI Tag from Meghalaya?

• Garo Dakmanda: It is a hand-woven lower garment which is part of the traditional attire of Garo women in Meghalaya.
• Garo Chubitchi: It is an alcoholic beverage consumed by the Garo community during feasts and ceremonies. It is a rice-based fermented drink.
• Larnai Pottery: It is a type of pottery made of black clay. The art form has been passed down through generations.

About GI Tag :

• A GI, a kind of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), is primarily an agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicraft and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory.
• A GI is a label that is applied to products that have a specific geographical origin and that have characteristics related to a particular location.
• The tag is valid for a period of 10 years after which it is renewed.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.

About Meghalaya :

• Governor : Phagu Chauhan
• Chief Minister : Conrad Sangma
• Capital : Shillong

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

NTPC Wins Two Silver Awards in Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Awards

• NTPC, India’s largest integrated power company, has been declared as the winner at the Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Awards 2023 in an online broadcast held.
• NTPC stands out as the only PSU in India to secure dual accolades in the Technology Awards category.
• The company received the coveted silver awards in two distinct categories: “Best Advance in Corporate Wellbeing Technology” and “Best Advance in Augmented and Virtual Reality.”
• This recognition underscores NTPC’s commitment to innovation and technological excellence, placing it at the forefront of advancements in corporate wellbeing and immersive technologies.
• The Silver Award in the “Best Advance in Corporate Wellbeing Technology” Category was won by NTPC for its efforts in leveraging Technology to design an Individual-Centric Health Care Ecosystem which overcomes the limitations posed by the diversity and remoteness of NTPC Sites and provides effective medical services to all employees across all locations, thereby facilitating employees to contribute fully towards achievement of company goals.
• An example of the same is the step taken towards enhancing healthcare accessibility and services for employees and dependents, by the introduction of the revolutionary Tele-Consultation, Tele-ICU, and Tele-Emergency Services at nine NTPC stations in September 2023, in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals.
• The initiatives reflect NTPC’s EVP of “People before PLF (Plant Load Factor)” through which NTPC prioritizes the safety, health, and well-being of its employees, their dependents and the extended workforce as a core value that guides all operations.
• The Silver Award in the “Best Advance in Augmented and Virtual Reality “Category was won by NTPC for being a leader in adapting innovative technologies.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

ZPM Chief Lalduhoma Set to Take Oath as New Chief Minister of Mizoram           

• Lalduhoma will take oath as the 6^th Chief Minister (CM) of Mizoram.
• His swearing-in ceremony will be held at Raj Bhawan in Aizawl.
• Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati will administer the oath to Mr Lalduhoma.
• During the ceremony, several other ZPM leaders also took oath as ministers.
• Lalrinpuii is the lone woman minister in the 12-member council of ministry.
• 7 of the 12 ministers are first time winners.
• The other ministers who took oath include, Sapdanga, Vanlalhlana, C. Lalsawivunga, Lalthansanga, Dr. Vanlalthlana, P.C. Vanlalruata, Lalrinpuii, all cabinet ministers rank F. Rodingliana, B. Lalchhanzova, Prof. Lalnilawma and Lalnghinglova Hmar, all ministers of state rank.

Key Highlights :

• Lalduhoma is the leader of the Zoram Nationalist Party, a regional political party in Mizoram.
• His party secured a significant victory, winning 27 out of 40 seats in the Assembly.
• The ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) got 10 seats while the BJP got 2 seats.
• Congress could win only a single seat.
• Congress was once a dominant party in the state.
• It ruled for about 20 years post Mizoram’s statehood.
• Lalduhoma’s oath-taking would mark the end of almost 40 years long bi-polar politics in Mizoram.
• The 6-year-old party – the Zoram People’s Movement – is built through a people’s movement echoing “Kalphung Thar”.

About Lalduhoma :

• He was selected for the Indian Police Service(IPS) rank in 1977.
• During his illustrious career, he even served as security incharge of former prime minister Indira Gandhi’s security in 1982.
• After quitting IPS, he became a congress MP in 1984.
• He later resigned from Congress and became the first MP to be disqualified under the anti-defection law in November 1988.
• Lalduhoma played an active role in ending the insurgency in Mizoram, which paved the way for the signing of the Mizoram Peace Accord in 1986.
• He later formed Mizo National Front (Nationalist) which was later renamed to Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) in 1997.
• In 2003, he won the assembly polls as a ZNP candidate.
• In 2017, Zoram Nationalist Party joined a six-party coalition to form Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM).
• In the 2018 Mizoram Assembly Elections, Lalduhoma got elected as an Independent MLA, as ZPM wasn’t recognised by the Election Commission of India(ECI) yet.
• In 2019, ZPM got recognised as a political party by the ECI.
• In 2020, Lalduhoma was disqualified as MLA under the anti-defection law.
• In 2021, he contested the bye-elections as a ZPM candidate from Serchhip and won.

About Mizoram :

• Governor : Kambhampati Hari Babu
• Capital : Aizawl
• Tiger Reserve : Dampa Tiger Reserve
• National Park : Murlen National Park, Phawngpui Blue Mountain National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries : Khawnglung Wildlife Sanctuary, Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ramsar Site : Pala Wetland

India-born media veteran Dr. Samir Shah appointed as the new chairman of the BBC

• Dr Samir Shah, an India-born media executive with over 40 years of experience in TV production and journalism, has been named as the United Kingdom (UK) government’s preferred candidate to take over as the new BBC chairman.
• Dr Shah will replace Richard Sharp, who was forced to resign after his communication with former prime minister Boris Johnson came under scrutiny.
• Shah will now be quizzed by cross-party MPs of the House of Commons Media Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee for pre-appointment scrutiny before formally taking charge of the public service broadcaster.

About Dr Samir Shah :

• The 71-year-old was born in Aurangabad and moved to England in 1960.
• With a career spanning more than 40 years in TV production and journalism, Dr Shah has a wealth of experience to bring to the position of BBC Chair.
• He was previously the head of current affairs and political programmes at the BBC.
• The CEO and owner of Juniper, an independent television and radio production company, Dr Samir Shah has served as a non-executive director of the BBC between 2007 and 2010.
• He was honoured with a CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 for services to television and heritage.
• Besides, the Oxford University alumnus is a race relations expert who co-authored the government’s Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report in 2021.
• He was named on a three-member panel set up by the government to independently review the unrest that took place in the city of Leicester last year, as community groups clashed in the aftermath of an India-Pakistan cricket match.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Government Plans to Generate ₹1,200 Crore through Sale of 8% Stake in IRCON via Offer for Sale (OFS) with Floor Price Fixed at ₹154 per Share               

• The Union government has proposed to sell 8% stake in IRCON International through an offer for sale (OFS).

Key Highlights : ·       

• The government will offload about 3.76 crore shares, which represents 4% stake through the OFS, and in the case of oversubscription, an additional 4% stake will be under sale.
• The offer for sale will take place on December 8, 2023 through a separate window on the stock exchanges.
• As of September-end, the government holds 73.18% stake in the company.
• Non-retail investors can place their bids on December 7, which is the T day, and retail investors can participate in the OFS on December 8 (T+1).
• Post issue (including green shoe option), government’s holding will come down to around 65%.
• IRCON International Limited is a Central public sector enterprise under the Railway Ministry.
• It was set up to utilise the Indian Railways experience in helping developing nations of the world to install or maintain their own railways and also to execute railway projects for the private sector.

About IRCON :

• Founded : 27 April 1976
• Headquarters : New Delhi, Delhi, India

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

REC signs 200 million euro loan with German Bank KfW to propel distribution sector reforms

• REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power, has signed a 200 million Euro loan agreement with the German bank KfW.
• This marks REC’s sixth line of credit under the Indo-German Development Cooperation and demonstrates the corporation’s commitment to enhancing the distribution infrastructure of DISCOMs in line with the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Government of India.
• This occasion marks a significant step in REC’s ongoing commitment to reform the distribution sector in the country.
• REC is the nodal agency to implement the RDSS scheme.
• The government launched the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to help DISCOMs improve their operational efficiencies and financial sustainability by providing result-linked financial assistance to DISCOMs to strengthen supply infrastructure based on meeting pre-qualifying criterial and achieving basis minimum benchmarks.
• The signing event was graced by Ms. Carolin Gassner, Director (South Asia), KfW; Mr. Wolf Muth, Country Director (India), KfW; and Dr. Juergen Welschof, Head of the Division from KfW, along with the officials from the German Embassy. Mr. T.S.C. Bosh, Executive Director (BDM, I&L) along with Smt. Valli Natarajan, Executive Director (SOP) and Mr. Saurabh Rastogi, CGM (BDM) attended the event on behalf of REC.

About REC

• REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE established in 1969, under Ministry of Power, provides long term loans and other finance products for Power-Infrastructure sector comprising of Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Renewable Energy and new technologies like Electric Vehicles, Battery Storage, Green Hydrogen etc. More recently REC has also diversified into the Non-Power Infrastructure sector comprising of Roads and expressways, Metro Rail, Airports, IT Communication, Social & Commercial Infrastructure (Educational Institution, Hospitals), Ports and Electro-Mechanical (E&M) works in respect of various other sectors like Steel, Refinery, etc. The loan book of REC exceeds Rs 4,74,275 Crore.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India to take on hosts South Africa in their first T20 International in Durban

• India will take on hosts South Africa in their first T20 International in Durban.
• Suryakumar Yadav-led young squad has many new names as the senior brass of the team comes in during the Test format of the tour.
• Aiden Markram is leading the South African squad and they have also included many emerging players who will show their potential in the great team.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

Human Rights Day: 10th December

• Human Rights Day 2023 is observed on the 10th of December 2023.
• Human Rights Day’s first observation was started in 1948 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
• The day was popular to all when the UN issued a Human Rights Stamp which covered and understood the concept by millions of people.
• It was issued by the United Nations Postal Administration in 1952, which received over 200,000 advanced orders.
• The Declaration of Human Rights aims to establish a common standard of living for all people across the planet and to encourage all UN Members of State, to increase the standard of living among people in their respective countries.

Nobel Prize Day: 10th December

• Nobel Prize Day 2023 is observed on the 10th of December 2023.
• Alfred Nobel’s father was an engineer himself and Alfred Nobel expressed early interest in engineering, and explosives in particular.
• Nobel became interested in stabilizing the unpredictable explosive nitroglycerin. While conducting the experiments an unexpected accident took place which cost the life of his brother.
• But Nobel continued his work ultimately succeeding in inventing dynamite as a superior and more stable version of nitroglycerin.
• Alfred Nobel went on to invent an even better alternative to dynamite in the form of gelignite.
• Later he re-evaluated his life’s goals and decided to use his earnings to set up a prize that recognized the best in humanity.
• The prizes in the different categories reflect his own interests in various fields.
• Alfred Nobel died on 10 December 1896, in Sanremo, Italy, at his very last residence, Villa Nobel, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

International Mountain Day: 11th December

• International Mountain Day 2023 is observed on the 11th of December 2023.
• In the United States, there was a tradition where students skip classes and visit the nearby mountains and surround them for recreation.
• This is a kind of celebration in the United States.
• The United Nations General Assembly declared the International Year of Mountains in 2002.
• The U.N. establishes December 11 as International Mountain Day each year for the protection and sustainability of mountains.
• Mountain Day is established and celebrated in Japan as a national holiday for people.

UNICEF Foundation: 11th December

• UNICEF Foundation Day 2023 is observed on the 11th of December 2023.
• UNICEF was created by the N. Relief Rehabilitation Administration in 1946 to provide relief funds for children and mothers affected by World War II with immediate aid.
• In that same year, the U.N. General Assembly founded the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to further institutionalize post-war relief work.
• UNICEF relies entirely on contributions from governments and private donors.
• In 2019, UNICEF’s 137 government partners, along with intergovernmental organizations and inter-organizational arrangements, contributed $4.7 billion.

Daily CA One- Liner: December 10 & 11

• Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated Krishnaveni Sangeetha Neerajanam, at TummalapalliKalakshetram, Vijayawada in the presence of Smt R K Roja, Minister for Tourism, Government of Andhra Pradesh, Shri Buggana Rajendranath, Minister for Finance, Government of Andhra PradeshSmt V Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre – Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.
• The Web portal (http://www.nceg.gov.in) for National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2024 was launched
• NTPC, India’s largest integrated power company, has been declared as the winner at the Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Awards 2023 in an online broadcast held
• Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited (ABHICL), the health insurance division of Aditya Birla Capital, a prominent and diversified financial services provider in India, has introduced ‘Activ One.’
• As many as 28 Virtual Digital Assets (VDA) service providers, including WazirX, Coin DCX and Coin Switch, have registered themselves with the Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND).
• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in promoting sustainable infrastructure development and address development challenges in Asia and beyond.
• India announces a $1 million relief assistance package for Papua New Guinea in the aftermath of the Mount Ulawun volcanic eruption.
• The fourth phase of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has been inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
• The Union Minister for New & Renewable Energy and Power has informed that the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration states in Para 38(v) that G20 members “will pursue and encourage efforts to triple renewable energy capacity globally through existing targets and policies, as well as demonstrate similar ambition with respect to other zero and low-emission technologies, including abatement and removal technologies, in line with national circumstances by 2030.”
• Lok Sabha deliberated on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi sanctioned a ₹561.29 crore urban flood mitigation project for Chennai after the impact of Cyclone Michuang in Tamil Nadu.
• Meghalaya’s Lakadong turmeric has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• Lalduhoma will take oath as the 6^th Chief Minister (CM) of Mizoram.
• Dr Samir Shah, an India-born media executive with over 40 years of experience in TV production and journalism, has been named as the United Kingdom (UK) government’s preferred candidate to take over as the new BBC chairman.
• The Union government has proposed to sell 8% stake in IRCON International through an offer for sale (OFS).
• REC Limited, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Power, has signed a 200 million Euro loan agreement with the German bank KfW.
• India will take on hosts South Africa in their first T20 International in Durban.
• Human Rights Day 2023 is observed on the 10th of December 2023.
• Nobel Prize Day 2023 is observed on the 10th of December 2023.
• International Mountain Day 2023 is observed on the 11th of December 2023.
• UNICEF Foundation Day 2023 is observed on the 11th of December 2023.