Daily Current Affairs 17 November for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
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NATIONAL NEWS
International Conference on Plant Health Management 2023 held in Hyderabad
The International Conference on Plant Health Management (ICPHM) 2023 held in Hyderabad, India, from 15th to 18th November.
- This significant event is organized by the Plant Protection Association of India (PPAI), an institution with a rich legacy of 50 years in advancing plant protection both nationally and internationally.
- The conference aims to provide a platform for global collaboration in fostering innovation and sustainability in the field of Plant Health Management.
Assam Cabinet approves merger of SEBA, AHSEC into a single board
The Assam Government has approved the merger of the Board of Secondary Education (SEBA) and Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC). Based on a cabinet communique, the state government will now be creating a common body for the Class 10 and Class 12 boards in Assam.
- The SEBA has been conducting the Class 10 exams and AHSEC was given the responsibility for holding Class 12 board examinations.
- The cabinet has approved the Assam Secondary Education (Government Schools) Service (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2023 and the Assam Secondary Education (Provincialised Schools) Service (2nd Amendment) Rules, 2023.
- As per the amendment, the cabinet has approved for streamlining the recruitment procedure of graduate and postgraduate teachers, including subject teacher in vocational subjects.
UP govt signs MoUs with CSIR, DRDO to promote research in medical sector
The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is focusing on connecting the proposed Bulk Drugs Park in Lalitpur with technology along with research and innovation to provide high-quality and affordable medicines and medical devices.
- For this, the government has linked big institutions of the Government of India like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) with the Bulk Drug Park and made them its knowledge partners.
- Moreover, the Yogi government has organized an Investors Connect webinar and signed an MOU with around 1,500 stakeholders to make the state a hub for the medical sector with the latest technology.
Solar-Powered ‘Ramayana’ Vessels to Navigate Saryu River in Ayodhya
In a remarkable initiative, two solar-powered ‘mini-cruise’ ships are set to commence operations in the sacred Saryu River in Ayodhya, just ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in January next year.
- Varanasi-based Alaknanda Cruise, under the leadership of director Vikas Malviya, will pioneer this unique service, providing an immersive experience centered around the life and teachings of Lord Ram.
- The introduction of solar-powered ‘Ramayana’ vessels along the Saryu River represents a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. By leveraging sustainable energy sources and advanced technology, Alaknanda Cruise seeks to create an unforgettable experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage associated with Lord Ram and the sacred city of Ayodhya.
BANKING & FINANCE
Jio Financial Services seeks RBI approval to convert from NBFC to CIC
Jio Financial Services, the demerged entity of energy-to-telecom conglomerate Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), has asked for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval for conversion into a core investment company (CIC).With this conversion, Jio Financial could refine its financial operations and streamline its investment approach.
- Meanwhile, Jio Financial Services had recently received RBI approval for the appointment of Isha Ambani, Anshuman Thakur, and Hitesh Sethia as its directors.
IndusInd Bank Launches ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ on UPI
IndusInd Bank has taken a significant leap in the realm of digital payments with the launch of its groundbreaking initiative – the ‘IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card’ on the UPI platform.
- This collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of seamless and versatile payment options for customers.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Medium, small NBFCs’ AUM to grow at CAGR of 25-30% in FY24, FY25: ICRA
Medium and small NBFCs, defined as those with AUM of up to Rs 10,000 crore, are expected to grow at a CAGR of 25-30 per cent over FY24 and FY25, according to ICRA.
- The growth will be led by a lower base and larger share of high-growth segments such as affordable housing, microfinance, secured business loans, used vehicle loans and unsecured loans (personal, consumption loans and unsecured business loans), it said, based on an assessment of 105 medium and small NBFCs.
TDB-SIDBI MoU To Boost Indian MSMEs Through Tech-Focused Financing
In a significant move to bolster the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector in India, the Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate easier access to credit for enterprises engaged in the development and commercial application of indigenous or imported technology.
- Through this MoU, TDB and SIDBI have entered into a credit alliance, wherein TDB and SIDBI shall refer additional funding needs of companies they have previously funded to each other.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYÂ
Indian Navy launches anti-submarine warfare craft ‘Amini’; 4 of eight India-made crafts launched in 2023
The Indian Navy launched its most advanced and state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft, named Amini.The vessel is named after a strategically important island in the Lakshadweep archipelago on India’s western coast, almost 400 km off Kochi, Kerala.
- This is the fourth in the series of eight anti-submarine warfare shallow watercrafts being built in India by domestic shipyards for the Indian Navy.
- The 77-meter-long anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft has a displacement of 900 tonnes, a maximum speed of 25knots (46.3kmph) and an endurance of approximately 1800Nautical miles (3333kms).
- These vessels are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters and Low-Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine-laying operations.