Daily Current Affairs 14th December, 2023

Daily Current Affairs 14th December 2023: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation

Dear Readers,

This post contains important current affairs of 14th December2023. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 14th December2023. 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 14th December2023 Current affairs test.

National News

1. SEBI’s Initiative to Lower NCD Face Value:

• SEBI suggests decreasing the face value of Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) from ₹1 lakh to ₹10,000.
• This move is intended to encourage more participation from non-institutional investors and enhance risk management in the corporate bond market.
• A requirement for merchant banker due diligence is set for private placements.
• Additionally, a framework for subordinate units in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) has been approved.

2. RBI’s Approval of HDFC Bank’s Offline Payment Solution:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has sanctioned HDFC Bank’s ‘Offline Retail Payments’ solution for banks and financial entities.
• This new product enables customers and merchants to conduct transactions offline.
• It’s part of the ‘On Tap’ application opportunity under the Regulatory Sandbox framework.
• HDFC Bank implemented a successful pilot of this program in collaboration with Crunchfish AB.

3. Bank of India’s Nari Shakti Savings Account:

• The Bank of India has introduced the Nari Shakti Savings Account, specifically designed for women with independent income.
• The account offers benefits like personal accident insurance, health insurance discounts, locker facility rebates, and more.
• The initiative is aimed at promoting the financial empowerment of working women.

4. Universal Sompo’s “Muskaan” Health Insurance for Domestic Workers:

• Universal Sompo has launched “Muskaan,” a health insurance policy tailored for domestic workers.
• The insurance provides comprehensive coverage for medical needs and accidents.
• It caters to the specific requirements of domestic employees, including caregivers, drivers, and housekeepers.

5. IDFC FIRST Bank and Mastercard’s Youth-Focused Credit Card:

• IDFC FIRST Bank and Mastercard have collaborated to introduce the FIRST SWYP credit card, targeting the youth demographic.
• Features of the card include joining benefits, year-round discounts, an EMIfy option, and a milestone rewards program.
• This is IDFC FIRST Bank’s second youth-oriented credit card.

National News:

6. Unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi Statue in Delhi:

• Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh unveiled a 10-feet tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi.
• The statue is a homage to Gandhi’s significant contributions to India’s independence and societal upliftment.

7. IREDA’s New Retail Division:

• The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) initiated a retail division focused on segments like PM-KUSUM, Rooftop Solar, and Business-to-Consumer (B2C).
• Operational since December 5, 2023, the division aims to provide loans in the renewable energy sector.

8. “HaritSagar” Green Port Guidelines by Ministry of Ports:

• The Ministry of Ports has released the “HaritSagar” guidelines, advocating eco-friendly practices at Major Ports.
• The guidelines emphasize ship-to-shore power supply, alternate fuel usage, and renewable energy adoption to diminish carbon intensity.

9. Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme:

• The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, has initiated the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme.
• The program’s objective is to develop local community skills around Ramsar Sites for nature tourism and alternative livelihoods.

10. Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI (YUVAi) Initiative:

• The YUVAi initiative, focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI), will be showcased at the GPAI Summit 2023.
• This is a joint effort between the National e-Governance Division and Intel India to provide AI training to the youth.

International News:

11. Italy’s Withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Project:

• Italy has officially withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road initiative after a four-year association.
• The decision was influenced by unfulfilled expectations and a decline in Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

State News:

12. Gujarat’s Agreement with Airports Authority of India:

• The Gujarat government has signed an MOU with the Airports Authority of India for the development of 11 greenfield airports and the expansion of 9 existing ones.
• The agreement includes the provision of necessary land and utility services.

13. Cheetah Breeding Center in Gujarat’s Banni Grasslands:

• The Central Government has sanctioned the establishment of a cheetah breeding center in the Banni Grasslands of Gujarat.
• The proposal was submitted to the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management Authority.

Awards and Honours:

14. NTPC’s Achievement of Two Silver Awards:

• NTPC has been recognized with two silver awards in Brandon Hall Group’s Excellence in Technology Awards, specifically for corporate wellbeing technology and augmented reality innovations.

MOUs and Agreements:

15. India-ADB Loan Agreement for Uttarakhand:

• India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $200 million loan agreement for a climate-resilient power system development project in Uttarakhand.

16. NMCG’s Agreement for a Sewage Treatment Plant in Mathura:

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga has signed an agreement for constructing a sewage treatment plant at Gokul Barrage in Mathura.

17. Ministry of Defence’s Contract with TCIL:

• The Ministry of Defence has entered into a contract with TCIL for the Digital Coast Guard project, valued at Rs 588.68 crore.

Science & Technology:

18. Iran’s Milestone in Space Exploration:

• Iran has successfully launched a capsule carrying animals into space, marking a significant step in its space program’s preparation for human missions.
• This launch is notable for being the heaviest biological capsule in Iranian space history.

Important Days:

19. Observance of National Energy Conservation Day:

• National Energy Conservation Day was observed on December 14, 2023.
• This day, initiated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, is dedicated to promoting energy efficiency and reducing consumption.