Daily Current Affairs 30 December 2023 for Banking/Insurance/SSC and other related exams.
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NATIONAL NEWS
Gujarat to launch country’s first submarine tourism in Dwarka
The Gujarat government is set to introduce a submarine service for tourists in the state, to help them explore the marine life in Dwarka, an ancient city believed to be lost under the sea.
- The state government has signed a memorandum with Mazgaon Dock shipbuilders for the project in the city, which holds cultural significance as the ‘city of the Hindu God Lord Krishna’.
- This will be the first underwater tourism facility in India through a submarine. As per the current plan, the government aims to operationalise the project before Diwali in October 2024.
Kerala CM launches new board for transparent job recruitment processes in state PSU
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated an autonomous board established by the state government to recruit efficient and skilled candidates for public sector units through a transparent selection process.
- The board aims to enhance the efficiency of public sector institutions in the state, he said during the inauguration of the Kerala Public Enterprises (Selection and Recruitment) Board, and it’s office at Vellayambalam.
ULFA signs peace accord with Centre, Assam govt
The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) signed a peace accord with the Central government and the Assam government in the presence of union home minister Amit Shah and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. With this Memorandum of Settlement, the ULFA faction has formally agreed to shun violence and join the mainstream.
- The Central government had been holding unconditional negotiations with the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led faction for over 12 years.The peace pact has brought the decades old insurgency a step closer to a complete closure.
Navy unveils new Admirals’ epaulettes in ‘true reflection of Indian rich maritime heritage’
Doing away with yet another colonial symbol, the Indian Navy unveiled a new design of the epaulettes for the Admirals, inspired by the “Rajmudra” (royal stamp) of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- The new shoulder strap designs, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Navy Day celebration at Sindhudurg, earlier this month, draws from the naval ensign based on the Maratha emperor’s seal.
- The new design is a true reflection of our rich maritime heritage. Adoption of the new design reaffirms our commitment to the two pillars of Panch-Pran (five resolutions announced by the Prime Minister) – Virasat Par Garv (pride on the heritage) and Ghulami ki Mansikta se Mukti (freedom from slave mentality).
Paramilitary forces to switch to ‘Sandes App’ for official communication, document sharing
In a strategic move aimed at bolstering data security and prioritizing indigenous technology, paramilitary forces are set to transition to the ‘Sandes App’ for all official communication and document sharing in the new year. The ‘Sandes App,’ developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), emerges as a robust alternative.
- This shift underscores the growing importance of safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring secure messaging platforms within security organizations.
- The ‘Sandes’ application is an open source-based indigenous instant messaging platform tailored to meet the stringent security requirements of government organizations.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Argentina formally rejects BRICS membership
Days ahead of formally joining BRICS, Argentine President Javier Milei has sent letters to leaders of member nations informing his withdrawal from the planned entry into the group.
- In his letter to the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Javier Milei said that the decision taken by the previous government has been reversed.
- The announcement of the addition of six nations including Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates was set to take effect from January 1, 2024. However, Argentina pulled off its name after Milei took over as the president.
BANKING & FINANCE
Govt raises interest rates on two small savings schemes by 10-20 bps for Jan-March 2024
The government, announced the interest rates for small savings schemes applicable in the January-March 2024 quarter. As of March 31, 2024, select small savings schemes and post office schemes will witness an increase in their interest rates, according to the government’s official announcement on December 29, 2023.
- The government has hiked interest rates for Sukanya Samriddhi Account Scheme and three-year time deposit.
Interest rates for Jan-March 2024
Savings Deposit: 4 per cent
1-Year Post Office Time Deposits: 6.9 per cent
2-Year Post Office Time Deposits: 7.0 per cent
3-Year Post Office Time Deposits: 7.1 per cent
5-Year Post Office Time Deposits: 7.5 per cent
5-Year Recurring Deposits: 6.7 per cent (6.5 per cent earlier)
National Saving Certificates (NSC): 7.7 per cent
Kisan Vikas Patra: 7.5 per cent (will mature in 115 months)
Public Provident Fund: 7.1 per cent
Sukanya Samriddhi Account: 8.2 per cent
Senior Citizens Savings Scheme: 8.2 per cent
Monthly Income Account: 7.4 per cent.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Defence Secretary Opens HAL’s Aero Engine R&D Facility In Bengaluru
Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane inaugurated a new design and test facility at Aero Engine Research and Development Centre (AERDC) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- The AERDC is currently involved in the design and development of several new engines including two strategic engines – Hindustan Turbo Fan Engine (HTFE) of 25 kN thrust for powering trainers, UAV’s, twin engine small fighter aircraft or regional jets and Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE) of 1200 kN thrust for powering light and medium weight helicopters (3.5 to 6.5 tonnes in single/ twin engine configuration).
- In addition, the newly developed facility has set-ups for testing Air producer of Jaguar, Gas Turbine Starter Unit (GTSU) – 110 M2 and 127E of Light Combat Aircraft, Auxiliary Power Units of Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG)-60 for An-32 aircraft. Set-ups to carry out various critical tests for engine components and Line Replacement Units (LRUs) have also been established within the new facility.
APPOINTMENTS
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar Appointed as Ex-Officio Chancellor of Pondicherry University
The Vice President of India Jagdeep Dhankhar has been appointed the ex-officio Chancellor of Pondicherry University.
- A communication from Rajneesh Bhutani, Registrar-in-charge of the University, said this was consequent to a modification of Statute1(1) of the Pondicherry University Act 1985.
AWARDS
Gujarat Claims The Title Of India’s Petro Capital
Gujarat, the western state of India, has recently ascended to the esteemed position of India’s Petro Capital. This monumental achievement comes as a testament to the state’s pivotal role in the country’s petroleum sector. The region’s extensive infrastructure and strategic investments have solidified its dominance in the realm of petroleum-related industries.
- The Indian petroleum landscape witnessed a significant shift with Gujarat’s steady progression, catapulting it to the forefront of the nation’s petrochemical sphere.
- The state’s geographical advantage, encompassing a robust coastline and favorable trade routes, has been instrumental in fostering its growth as the hub for petroleum-related activities