Daily Current Affairs 16 January 2024 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
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NATIONAL NEWS
Ex-Ayutthaya: India-Thailand First Naval Exercise Connects to Ayodhya
In a historic move, the Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy (RTN) joined forces for the maiden bilateral exercise named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ in December 2023.
- This maritime collaboration, symbolizing the invincible spirit, holds profound significance as it connects the ancient cities of Ayodhya in India and Ayutthaya in Thailand, reflecting shared historical narratives and rich cultural ties dating back centuries.
Kerala comes up with Operation AMRITH to tackle AMR
The Kerala Drug Control Department recently launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health) to prevent the overuse of antibiotics in the state. The aim is to conduct surprise raids in pharmacies to detect over-the-counter (OTC) sales of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.
- AMR, or antimicrobial resistance, refers to the ability of bacteria and microbes to resist the drugs used to inhibit or kill them. Recognized as a “silent pandemic,” AMR was associated with approximately 5 million deaths globally in 2019, with 1.3 million deaths directly attributed to it.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Oxford scientists launch first human vaccine trials for deadly Nipah virus
Scientists at the University of Oxford in the U.K. have launched first-in-human vaccine trials for the deadly Nipah virus which impacts many Asian countries, including India.
- This initiative is a significant step forward in addressing the severe impact of the virus on various Asian countries, including India. The trials will be conducted on 51 individuals aged 18 to 55 and are led by the Oxford Vaccine Group.
Switzerland to host Ukraine peace summit at Zelensky’s request
Switzerland agreed to host a global peace summit on Ukraine at the request of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Neutral Switzerland has previously acted as a broker to resolve conflicts and could now help find a resolution for the war that began when Russia sent troops into Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.
BANKING & FINANCE
YES BANK deploys SmartFin, powered by Veefin’s Supply Chain Finance solution
Yes Bank has introduced SmartFin, a digital Supply Chain Finance (SCF) platform in collaboration with Veefin Solutions.
- The initiative aims to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by leveraging SCF models for enhanced working capital efficiencies.
- The initiative reflects Yes Bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing its digital offerings, particularly in the realm of working capital efficiencies.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India acquires five lithium blocks in Argentina
India’s state-owned firm Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) signed a 2 billion-rupee ($24 million) lithium exploration pact for five blocks in Argentina, the federal Ministry of Mines said.
- The project will help India strengthen lithium supplies, while developing lithium mining and downstream sectors of both the countries,” mines minister Pralhad Joshi said.
- India, among the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters, has been pursuing overseas pacts to secure key minerals in resource-rich countries such as Australia, Argentina and Chile.
Wholesale inflation rises to nine-month high of 0.73% in December
Wholesale price inflation rose to 0.73 per cent in December, the highest level in nine months, due to a sharp jump in food prices even though prices of fuel, power and manufactured products contracted on a year-on-year basis, as per official data released.
- Wholesale food inflation surged to 9.38 per cent in December 2023 as against a deflation of 1.02 per cent recorded in the same month previous year. Onion price surged by 91.77 per cent year-on-year.
- Price of pulses in the wholesale market in December 2023 was 19.6 per cent higher when compared with the same month previous year. Paddy became costlier by 10.54 per cent, milk by 6.95 per cent, fruits by 4.85 per cent and vegetables by 26.30 per cent year-on-year during the month under review. However, potatoes, wheat, eggs, meat and fish became cheaper during this period, the data released by the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry showed.
AWARDS
Deepa Bhandare made history by winning Distinguished Best Environment Officer Award
Deepa Bhandare, associated with Shri Datta Cooperative Sugar Factory (SSK) in Shirol taluka of Kolhapur, emerged as a trailblazer as she clinched the prestigious Best Environment Officer Award at the ceremony.
- The award, conferred by VSI Chairman Sharad Pawar, marks a historic moment as Bhandare becomes the only woman in the long and illustrious history of Maharashtra’s sugar industry to receive this accolade.
- Upon joining the sugar industry, one of Bhandare’s initial actions was a testament to her commitment to inclusivity. Recognizing the lack of facilities for women, she spearheaded the construction of a ladies’ washroom at the sugar mill.
Deepti Sharma and Pat Cummins shine as ICC players of the month for December 2023
The cricketing world witnessed outstanding performances in December 2023, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) duly recognized the brilliance of Australia’s Pat Cummins and India’s Deepti Sharma.
- Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, capped off a stellar year with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for December. Cummins played a pivotal role in Australia’s Test series triumph against Pakistan, displaying exceptional leadership and bowling prowess.
- India’s Deepti Sharma made history by winning her maiden ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for December. Sharma’s exceptional performances across all three formats, especially against England and Australia, earned her this well-deserved recognition.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
I-STEM To Launch ‘Samavesha’ At IISc Bengaluru To Enhance Research Collaboration
The Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map, known as I-STEM, is set to embark on a groundbreaking initiative named ‘Samavesha.’ The inauguration ceremony of ‘Samavesha’ is scheduled to take place at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru.
- This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, aims to transform research collaboration in the country by facilitating easier access to scientific facilities and laboratories.
- The project’s core objective is to optimize the utilization of research resources on a nationwide scale. In 2024, I-STEM plans to conduct approximately 50 ‘Samavesha’ events across India.