Daily Current Affairs 19 December for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
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NATIONAL NEWS
Bhashini AI Translates PM Modi’s Speech In Indian languages
In a recent event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to talk to a Tamil-speaking audience, bypassing the language barrier. He used Bhashini, an AI-based translation tool, during a speech at the cultural festival Kashi Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi.
- Bhashini, also known as BHASa INterface for India or Digital India Bhashini, is an AI-driven language translation tool. It is a particularly helpful tool for a country that has a massive diversity of languages.The tool was used to translate PM Modi’s speech into Tamil in real-time.
- Bhashini enables people to speak in their own language while communicating with speakers of other Indian languages. Its aim is to facilitate convenient translation services in Indian languages, incorporating voice-based access, and expanding the use of vernacular languages.
India Launches ‘Barracuda,’ Nation’s Fastest Solar Electric Boat
India has unveiled ‘Barracuda,’ the nation’s fastest solar electric boat, at the Navgathi Yard in Panavally, Alappuzha.This cutting-edge vessel was jointly developed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Navalt.
- The Barracuda, named after the swift long fish, is designed by Navalt for workboat purposes. With a top speed of 12 knots and a range of 7 hours on a single charge, the 14-metre long and 4.4-metre wide vessel harnesses twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar power.
Saint Lucia’s Tax Inspectors without Borders (TIWB) programme launched in partnership with India
Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB), a joint initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), launched a programme in Saint Lucia. India has been chosen as the Partner Administration and will provide Tax Experts for this programme.
- This programme is expected to be of 12-18 months’ duration in which India, in collaboration with the TIWB Secretariat and support of the UNDP Country Office, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, aims to aid Saint Lucia in strengthening its tax administration by transferring technical knowledge and skills to its tax administration, and through sharing of best practices.
- The focus of the programme will be on effective use of automatic exchange of information under the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) framework.
BANKING & FINANCE
India tops global remittance flows at $125 billion in 2023: World Bank
India saw the highest amount of remittance inflows in the world in 2023 at $125 billion, driven by several factors, including the country’s agreement with the UAE, for promoting the use of dirhams and rupees for bilateral trade, the World Bank said.
- In a report, the World Bank further said growth in remittances in India is expected to halve to 12.4 per cent in 2023 from a historic peak of 24.4 per cent in 2022.
- Remittances are expected to increase by $14 billion and rise to $125 billion in 2023, increasing India’s share in South Asian remittances to 66 per cent in 2023 from 63 per cent in 2022. India was followed by Mexico ($67 billion), China ($50 billion), the Philippines ($40 billion) and Egypt ($24 billion).
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
ICRA Upgrades FY24 GDP Growth FY2024 GDP growth to 6.5 per cent from 6.2 per centForecast to 6.5%
Domestic rating agency ICRA has revised its forecast for India’s .However, the revised forecast is still much lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) 7 per cent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth estimate for the ongoing fiscal.
- Earlier this month, the RBI had revised upwards its GDP estimate to 7 per cent from 6.5 per cent, calling the revised number a “conservative” one.
Genrobotics chosen among top three Indian startups at global AI summit
Genrobotics, a Kerala-based startup acclaimed for leveraging technology for social change, has been adjudged among top three Artificial Intelligence (AI) startups of India at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 organised by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in New Delhi.
- Genrobotic’s G-gaiter Robotic Technology won the award in ‘AI Game Changers’ category at the December 12-14 summit held at Bharat Mandapam, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Genrobotics was honoured for its outstanding innovation in healthcare by developing G Gaiter — an advanced AI-powered robotic gait trainer.
SPORTS
Under-19 Asia Cup | Bangladesh crushes UAE to lift trophy
Wicketkeeper-batter Ashiqur Rahman Shibli continued his splendid run with a second century in five matches as Bangladesh crushed UAE by 195 runs to win the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai.
- Opening the batting, Ashiqur smashed 12 fours and one six in his knock of 129 (149 balls) as Bangladesh posted 282/8 after hosts UAE opted to field.
- In reply, UAE surrendered meekly to fold up for 87 in 24.5 overs as Bangladesh clinched the eight-nation tournament with five wins from as many games.
AWARDS
Indian Armed Forces officers awarded ‘Golden Owl’ for outstanding performance at DSCSC Sri Lanka
All three Indian Armed Forces officers undergoing the Command and Staff Course at Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) in Sri Lanka have been awarded the ‘Golden Owl’ for their outstanding performance.
- The DSCSC course is a program designed to prepare senior officers for leadership roles in joint operations and higher command.
- The three officers ranked first amongst the foreign student officers in the Air Force, Army and Navy wings respectively.The “Golden Owl” award admires analytical skills, strategic thinking, and potential for future leadership.
Djokovic and Sabalenka Clinch 2023 ITF World Champion Titles with Stellar Performances
In a fitting recognition of their outstanding achievements on the tennis court, Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka have been named the 2023 ITF World Champions by the International Tennis Federation.
- Both players showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout the year, earning this prestigious honor.Djokovic, in particular, set a new record with his eighth ITF World Champion award.
Amongst the leaders in gender equality, Finland awards International prize to Aghanistan-based NGO
Finland, awarded the International Gender Equality Prize for 2023 to an NGO in Afghanistan that works to promote and protect the rights of women in Afghanistan. The organisation Afghan Women Skills Development Center does important humanitarian work to promote the safety of Afghan women.
- Ever since the Taliban came into power, Afghanistan is an example of a country where women’s human rights are systematically suppressed and girls have been denied access to secondary education and women to higher education.
- Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attended the ceremony and presented the EUR 300,000 Prize to the organisation’s representative, Mahbouba Seraj, in Tampere.