Daily Current Affairs 18th November 2023: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 18th November 2023. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 18th November 2023. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 18th November 2023 Current affairs test.
National News
1. Ayodhya to Launch Solar-Powered ‘Ramayana’ Cruise Ships on Saryu River
- In a significant development, Ayodhya is set to launch two solar-powered ‘mini-cruise’ ships on the Saryu River, coinciding with the upcoming inauguration of the Ram Temple.
- These ‘Ramayana’ vessels symbolize a unique fusion of tradition with modern sustainable technology.
- Operated by Alaknanda Cruise, the initiative aims to offer visitors a memorable journey, steeped in the rich cultural and spiritual legacy of Lord Ram and Ayodhya.
2. India Records a Historic High in Patent Grants for 2023-24
- Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal revealed that India’s patent office granted an unprecedented 41,010 patents up to mid-November this fiscal year.
- This achievement reflects a 31.6% growth in patent applications in 2022, as reported by the World Intellectual Property Organization, continuing India’s 11-year streak of growth.
- Prime Minister Modi attributes this increase to the rising innovative spirit among India’s youth, viewing it as a positive indicator for the future.
State News
3. Kochi Featured in Conde Nast’s Top Places to Visit in 2024
- Kochi, a bustling city in Kerala, has been listed among the best places to visit in Asia in 2024 by Conde Nast Traveller.
- This distinction honors Kochi’s efforts in offering enriching experiences to travelers while maintaining eco-friendly practices and preserving its cultural heritage.
- Notably, Kochi International Airport is recognized as the first airport globally to run entirely on solar power, showcasing Kerala’s commitment to sustainability.
Economy News
4. DGFT Predicts a Boom in India’s E-Commerce Exports
- The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) anticipates a significant increase in India’s e-commerce exports, projecting a rise from the current $1.2 billion to $200 billion in the next 6-7 years.
- These projections were shared by DGFT, Santosh Kumar Sarangi, during the ‘E-commerce Exports’ conference hosted by Ficci.
- Sarangi credits this optimistic outlook to India’s diverse products, continuous innovation, and the adaptability of Indian entrepreneurs to meet specific market needs.
Important Days News
5. World Day for Prevention and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence
- The United Nations observes November 18 as the “World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence.”
- This day is dedicated to addressing the widespread issue of child sexual abuse and violence, affecting numerous children globally.
- The observance aims to mobilize global efforts in protecting children, promoting recovery, and eradicating these severe violations.
Summits & Conferences News
6. Highlights from the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit
- The 2nd Voice of Global South Summit, a notable virtual event hosted by India, recently concluded.
- It served as a platform for member countries to express their views and priorities, focusing on the theme “Together for Everyone’s Growth with Everyone’s Trust.”
- The summit discussed global challenges following recent events and explored strategies to maintain progress towards a more inclusive and equitable world order.
Ranks & Reports News
7. BofA Survey Ranks Japan and India as Top Markets in Asia Pacific
- According to a Bank of America (BofA) fund manager survey, Japan and India emerged as the most favored markets in the Asia Pacific region.
- The survey shows Japan leading with a net 45% overweight and India following with 25%.
- In contrast, Thailand, China, and Australia are viewed less favorably, with net underweight figures.
8. India Claims Third Spot in Global Unicorn Rankings
- India has achieved the third position globally in the unicorn startup sector, boasting 72 unicorn companies.
- BYJU’s leads as the first Indian company on the global stage, ranked 36th with a valuationof $11.50 billion.
- The United States tops the list with 668 unicorns, followed by China with 172 unicorns, holding a combined valuation of $641.67 billion.
Banking News
9. Kotak Mahindra Bank Names Ashok Vaswani as New MD & CEO
- Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd.’s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Ashok Vaswani as the new Managing Director & CEO.
- Vaswani, 62, with a rich background from Citigroup and Barclays, is set to assume his role from January 1, for a three-year term.
- He succeeds Dipak Gupta, with the banking community eagerly anticipating the new strategic direction under Vaswani’s leadership.
Important Days News
10. Observing World Prematurity Day 2023
- World Prematurity Day is celebrated annually on November 17, focusing on the theme “Small actions, big impact: Immediate skin-to-skin care for every baby everywhere.”
- This day raises awareness about the challenges faced by premature babies and their families, emphasizing the importance of addressing premature birth, a major global health issue.
Appointments News
11. NITI Aayog Welcomes Four Distinguished Fellows
- NITI Aayog has recently appointed four Distinguished Fellows for a one-year term.
- They include Dr. Anoop Singh, a member of the fifteenth Finance Commission, Dr. O.P Agrawal, a seasoned urban transport expert, Dr. Ajai Chowdhry, HCL co-founder, and Sh. V. Lakshmikumaran, a legal expert with 35 years of experience.
- Their diverse expertise is expected to significantly contribute to addressing India’s social, economic, and technical challenges.
12. Alok Sharma Appointed as New Chief of SPG
- Alok Sharma, a senior IPS officer, has been named the new director of the Special Protection Group (SPG), tasked with protecting the Prime Minister.
- Following the demise of former SPG chief Arun Kumar Sinha, Sharma, the current additional director general of SPG, takes over immediately as per the government order.
Obituaries News
14. Prominent Art Historian B.N. Goswamy Passes Away
- Celebrated art historian B. N. Goswamy passed away at 90 in Chandigarh.
- Goswamy, who authored over 26 books, was renowned for his expertise in Pahari paintings and other Indian art forms.
- The Indian government recognized his contributions with the Padma Shri in 1998 and the Padma Bhushan in 2008.
15. Acclaimed Novelist A.S. Byatt Dies at 87
- Renowned British novelist A.S. Byatt, known for her book “Possession: A Romance” which won the Booker Prize in 1990, passed away at 87.
- Byatt’s influential literary career spanned almost six decades, earning her a place among the most significant writers and critics of her era.
