Current Affairs - December 16, 2023 Current Affairs

The Maldives government, deviating from the 'India First' policy, chose not to renew the hydrography agreement with India, citing national security concerns and the safeguarding of sensitive information.

China has achieved a significant physics milestone with the operationalization of the world's deepest lab, the Deep Underground and Ultra-low Radiation Background Facility (DURF), located more than 2,000 meters below ground.

Rijul Maini, a 24-year-old medical student from Michigan, triumphed in the Miss India USA 2023 pageant, showcasing her beauty, talent, and cultural pride in the 41st edition of the event held in New Jersey.

Bhavish Aggarwal's venture, Krutrim SI Designs, introduced a family of multilingual AI models named Krutrim Pro, specifically designed for the Indian ecosystem, operating in 22 Indian languages with a focus on cultural connect and accessibility at India-first cost structures.

The RBI imposed penalties on these cooperative banks due to deficiencies in regulatory compliance, emphasizing the need to address gaps in adhering to banking regulations. The cooperative banks include Indapur Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd, Janakalyan Sahakari Bank Ltd, The Patan Urban Co-operative Bank Ltd, Pune Merchants Co-operative Bank Ltd, and Pune Municipal Corporation Servant’s Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd.

The United Kingdom(UK) government, under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is considering additional steps to protect teenagers below 16 from online threats, indicating a focus on online safety for the youth.

The successful flight trials of the Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator, conducted by DRDO at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga, Karnataka, mark a significant milestone for India's stealth combat drone project, codenamed Ghatak.

Dr. Srinivas Naik Dharavath, Chairman of Real Vision Homes Pvt Ltd, was honoured with the Visionary Leader Icon Award of the Year 2023 by AASRAA at the 5th National Summit in New Delhi.

Poonawalla Housing Finance has transformed into Grihum Housing Finance following its acquisition by TPG Capital Asia, which now holds a substantial 99.02% equity stake in the company.

Vijay Diwas is observed annually on December 16, commemorating the valour and sacrifice of the Indian armed forces during the 1971 war against Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The Barracuda, India's fastest solar-electric boat, was launched in Alappuzha, marking a significant advancement in eco-friendly maritime transportation.

The collaboration between IDFC FIRST Bank, LIC Cards, and Mastercard has resulted in the introduction of two co-branded credit cards—LIC Classic and LIC Select—tailored to meet the financial requirements of policyholders across India.

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) from Pune has entered into a significant contract with the Ministry of Defence for the 10-year procurement of Electronic Fuzes, promoting self-reliance in ammunition.

The India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) operates by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between India and Korea, facilitating the swift clearance of goods. Mr. Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), inaugurated the India-Korea Electronic Origin Data Exchange System (EODES) to ensure swift clearance of goods under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

The State Bank of India (SBI) made a strategic move by investing ₹49.99 crore in Canpac Trends Private Limited, aiming for capital appreciation in the paper packaging industry.