Current Affairs 16 December 2023

Ruby Thakur
December 16, 2023
219

In Current Affairs for 16 December 2023, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.

Current Affairs 16 December 2023

Pune Surpasses China

In a momentous occasion for India, Pune has etched its name in the prestigious ‘Guinness World Record‘ books by hosting the largest reading activity in collaboration, surpassing China’s previous record.
At SP College, a remarkable total of 3,066 parents gathered to read aloud to their children, creating a magical atmosphere and leaving an indelible mark in history.

The previous record, held by China, stood at 2,884 simultaneous readers.
This extraordinary feat was orchestrated by the National Book Trust as part of the Pune Book Festival, where parents immersed themselves in reading aloud from the book “निसर्गाचा नाश करू नाका” by Kshipra Shahane for an exhilarating three minutes.

ADB Allocates $200M To Improve Sanitation

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has taken a significant stride in fostering sustainable urban development by approving a USD 200 million loan to bolster the Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission-Urban 2.0.
This initiative, committed to making all cities garbage-free by 2026, aims to introduce international best practices, integrate new technologies, and adopt climate- and disaster-resilient approaches in municipal solid waste management.

The ADB’s financing will play a pivotal role in the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0-Comprehensive Municipal Waste Management in Indian Cities Program, with a specific emphasis on improving sanitation practices.
This ambitious undertaking seeks to engage the private sector, strengthen women’s participation in sanitation and service delivery, and enhance waste management facilities in 100 cities across eight states.
According to ADB Urban Development Specialist, Alexandra Conroy, “Municipal waste management is a major issue in India’s rapidly growing urban centres.
This ADB program will help develop municipal solid waste management and sanitation facilities and practices in 100 cities across eight states.
Having a clean environment free from garbage and pollution coupled with quality urban basic services like water supply and sanitation will ensure that citizens are healthy, happy, and productive–essential to the country’s sustainable economic growth.

The financial support from ADB will be strategically allocated to upgrade and establish waste management facilities.
This includes bio-methanation plants, composting plants, managed landfills, material recovery facilities, and plastic waste processing facilities.
Additionally, the funds will support the construction of communal toilets and urinals, as well as the acquisition of sweeping equipment.

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Nyholm Prize

In a significant recognition of her outstanding contributions to chemistry education, Professor Savita Ladage from Mumbai’s Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, has been awarded the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry’s Nyholm Prize for Education.
Her unwavering dedication to advancing chemistry education in India and mentoring fellow educators has placed her among the esteemed winners of this accolade.

Professor Ladage’s tireless advocacy for the significance of chemical education has earned her this esteemed award. She has played a pivotal role in mentoring chemistry educators and spearheading impactful teacher and student programs that have significantly contributed to the enhancement of chemistry education in the country.
The Nyholm Prize places Professor Ladage in an illustrious group of past winners in the RSC’s prize portfolio. Notably, 60 individuals from this list have later received Nobel Prizes for their exceptional contributions, a testament to the prestigious nature of this accolade. The distinguished laureates include 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B. Goodenough.
In addition to the honor, Professor Savita Ladage will be bestowed with £5,000, a medal, and a certificate as part of the Nyholm Prize. This acknowledgment reflects not only her personal achievements but also the broader impact of her work on the field of chemistry education.

UWW Rising Star Of The Year

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal has been named the Rising Star of the Year among women by the United World Wrestling (UWW), the sport’s global governing body.
The 19-year-old dynamo, competing in the 53 kg category, has had a remarkable season that has not only garnered accolades but has also overshadowed senior stalwart Vinesh Phogat in the same weight class.

Antim Panghal embarked on her remarkable journey this season with a silver in the Asian Championships, making a statement by defeating Japan’s Akari Fujimani, who had not lost a senior match in her career.
The 19-year-old from Haryana further solidified her prowess by defending her U20 world champion title in Jordan, showcasing her dominance on the international stage.
Hailing from Haryana, Antim Panghal has etched her name in history as the only two-time junior world champion for India, a testament to her exceptional skill and dedication to the sport.

Golden Owl Award

In Sri Lanka, three Indian officers were awarded the prestigious Golden Owl award by Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremasinghe at the graduation ceremony held yesterday evening.
The officers were undergoing Command and Staff course at Sri Lanka’s Defence Services Command and Staff College at Colombo.
The officers, Wing Commander Sumeet Mahajan, Major Rohit and Lieutenant Commander Sunny Sharma received the award for standing first amongst the foreign student officers.

Haitham Bin Tarik

Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tarik, will arrive in New Delhi on a three-day state visit to India.
He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including senior Ministers and officials.
He is scheduled to hold bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. External Affairs Ministry said, the first state visit of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik marks a significant milestone in the diplomatic relations between India and Oman.
The visiting dignitary will be given a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhawan tomorrow morning. He will meet President Droupadi Murmu later in the evening. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will also call on the Sultan of Oman.

India and Oman share a longstanding history of friendship and cooperation, built on the foundation of mutual trust and respect, and strong people-to-people ties going back centuries.
India and Oman are strategic partners and the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two nations has flourished over the years.
The visit will be an opportunity to explore avenues for future collaboration between India and Oman for regional stability, progress and prosperity.

Aktocyte Tablets For Cancer

Scientists from the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Bengaluru-based IDRS Labs have united their expertise to develop Aktocyte tablets for the treatment of pelvic cancer.
The tablets, designed as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, regenerative nutraceutical, immunomodulator, and antioxidant, mark a significant advancement in cancer care, according to a statement from the DAE.
The collaboration reflects a synergy of knowledge and resources from leading institutions, combining their strengths to address the challenges posed by pelvic cancer treatment, specifically focusing on minimizing the side effects associated with radiotherapy.

The primary aim of this collaborative effort is to minimize the side effects of radiotherapy, a crucial aspect of cancer treatment.
Radiotherapy is a common therapeutic approach, but it often comes with significant side effects that impact patients’ quality of life.
By developing Aktocyte tablets as an adjuvant to cancer radiotherapy, the researchers aim to enhance the treatment’s efficacy while reducing its adverse effects.
Aktocyte tablets have been designed with multiple functions, making them a versatile addition to cancer treatment.
Acting as a regenerative nutraceutical, the tablets aim to support the body’s natural healing processes.
Additionally, they function as immunomodulators, enhancing the body’s immune response to cancer cells.
The antioxidant properties of Aktocyte further contribute to protecting healthy cells from damage during the course of radiotherapy.

Iran Waives Visa Requirements

Iran has decided to unilaterally cancel visa requirements for visitors from 33 more countries including India.
The list also includes Russia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Japan and the UAE.

The decision is aimed at boosting tourist arrivals and attracting more visitors from countries around the world.
Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, Ezzatollah Zarghami said, efforts to boost tourism can neutralize Iranophobia campaigns.
As a result of the decision, people of 45 countries or territories will be able to visit Iran without a visa now.

PACE Mission

NASA PACE mission is all set for its 2024 launch the Plankton Aerosol Cloud Ocean ecosystem mission with the aim of enhancing our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere.
The PACE mission will continue and improve NASA’s 20-year record of satellite observations of global ocean biology, aerosols, and clouds.
PACE will help us better understand how the ocean and atmosphere exchange carbon dioxide, measure key atmospheric variables associated with air quality and Earth’s climate, and monitor ocean health, in part by studying phytoplankton, tiny plants and algae that sustain the marine food web.

Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a primary science instrument on board, is specifically designed to measure the ocean’s color across a wide spectral range, from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared.
By analyzing the ocean color, scientists can gain valuable insights into its health and ecosystem.
PACE mission will also feature two advanced polarimeters, the Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) and the Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP2).

Engineers and technicians are now preparing the ground equipment for processing and fuelling before the final encapsulation.
The PACE mission not only represents an exciting milestone in NASA’s scientific exploration but also holds the promise of groundbreaking discoveries in aerosol, cloud, and ocean research.
Through the collaboration of sophisticated instruments and cutting-edge technology, the world can expect a deeper understanding of our planet’s delicate ecosystem and its role in shaping our future.

Current Affairs 16 December 2023 Question

Which City Made Guinness World Record For Largest Reading Activity
A. Hyderabad
B. Pune
C. New Delhi
D. Lucknow
ANSWER: B
Pune Made Guinness World Record For Largest Reading Activity & Surpassed
A. Japan
B. Russia
C. China
D. Pakistan
ANSWER: C
Which Book Did Parents Read Aloud From During The Guinness World Record Event In Pune
A. “निसर्गाचग िगश करू िगकग” By Kshipra Shahane
B. “The Art Of Parenting” By Savita Ladage
C. “A Journey Through Indian Literature” By Prajakta Mali
D. “The Magic Of Reading Together” By Vikram Kumar
ANSWER: A
Purpose Of ADB’s $200 Million Loan For Swachh Bharat Mission-urban 2.0
A. Enhance Waste Management And Sanitation
B. Power Supply
C. Establish Air Purifiers
D. Make Water Treatment Plant
ANSWER: A
Haitham Bin Tarik Relates To Which Country
A. Saudi Arabia
B. UAE
C. Oman
D. Iran
ANSWER: C
Aktocyte Tablets Developed For Treatment Of
A. Blood Cancer
B. Pelvic Cancer
C. Throat Cancer
D. Stomach Cancer
ANSWER: B
PACE Mission Is Launched By
A. ISRO
B. ESA
C. NASA
D. JAXA
ANSWER: C
Who Received Nyholm Prize For Education In Chemistry
A. Anita Panghal
B. Savita Ladage
C. Meira Chand
D. Anita Desai
ANSWER: B
What Award Did Indian Wrestler Antim Panghal Receive
A. Arjuna Award
B. Khel Ratna Award
C. Rising Star of the Year by UWW
D. E-Sports Award
ANSWER: C
In Which Country Did 3 Indian Officers Receive The Golden Owl Award
A. Sri Lanka
B. Russia
C. UAE
D. USA
ANSWER: A
Which Institution Launched Its Retail Division, For Providing Loans To Borrowers In The PM-KUSUM Scheme
A. NABARD
B. IREDA
C. SIDBI
D. NHB
ANSWER: B
Who Was SR Bommai In Famous SR Bommai Judgment By Supreme Court
A. Owner Of A Newspaper
B. Chief Minister Of A State
C. A Civil Servant
D. A Lawyer In Supreme Court
ANSWER: B
Which Country Has Recently Devalued Its Currency Peso Against Dollar
Significantly Recently
A. Chile
B. Argentina
C. Bolivia
D. Paraguay
ANSWER: B
The Term “Wakayama Soryu” That Was Recently In News, Denotes
A. A Fossil
B. An Asteroid
C. An Art Work
D. A Tradition
ANSWER: A
PM- Devine Scheme Is A New Venture Of Government Exclusively Targeted For Infrastructure Projects In
A. Most 150 Backward Districts
B. Most Backward Tribal Areas
C. North East India
D. Coastal Regions
ANSWER: C
Peace Activist Ali Abu Awwad, Recipient Of Indira Gandhi Prize For Peace, Disarmament, & Development Belongs To
A. Qatar
B. Palestine
C. Bangladesh
D. India
ANSWER: B
Antim Panghal Plays Which Sports
A. Badminton
B. Cricket
C. Wrestling
D. Athletics
ANSWER: C
Khan Younis, Seen In The News, Is A City In Which Country
A. Israel
B. Afghanistan
C. Ukraine
D. Syria
ANSWER: A
Who Has Been Named As ‘Person Of The Year 2023’ By Time Magazine
A. Volodymyr Zelensky
B. Taylor Swift
C. Simone Biles
D. Xi Jinping
ANSWER: B
Which Indian Woman Took Top Spot From India, In The Forbes’ List Of 100 Most Powerful Women In 2023
A. Mary Kom
B. Nirmala Sitharaman
C. Roshni Nadar
D. Madhuri Buch
ANSWER:B