Current affairs 19 November 2023

India To Become World’s Third-Largest Economy By 2027.

• According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman India is expected to overtake Japan and Germany to emerge as the third largest economy in the world by 2027.
• Observing that Indo-Pacific is undoubtedly the world's most economically dynamic region, Sitharaman said it encompasses 60% of global GDP, and almost 50% of global merchandise trade.
• According to the UNCTAD, India was the 2nd largest exporter of ocean-based goods and services among developing countries in 2020.

IndusInd Bank Launches "IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card" on UPI.

• IndusInd Bank goes live with RuPay Credit Card on UPI with the launch of IndusInd Bank Platinum RuPay Credit Card, in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India.
• IndusInd Bank RuPay credit card customers can now conveniently initiate UPI payments by simply linking their credit cards with the UPI-enabled Apps.
• Individuals can make transactions seamlessly on both online and offline platforms and earn accelerated rewards on their UPI transactions.

Indian Navy Launches 4th Anti-Submarine Warfare Craft, named "Amini".

• Amini, the fourth in a series of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) projects built for the Indian Navy, was launched at Kattupalli in Tamil Nadu.
• The ship has been named Amini to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Amini at Lakshadweep, located about 400 km west of Kochi.
• The 77m long ASW SWC ships with a displacement of 900 tons have a maximum speed of 25 knots and endurance of approx 1800 NM.

Solar-Powered "Ramayana" Vessels to Navigate Saryu River in Ayodhya.

• Two solar-powered mini-cruise ships is launched on the Saryu River in Ayodhya before the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Jan 2023.
• The service will be provided by Alaknanda Cruise, a company based in Varanasi.
• Aim: To offer a unique experience to those who wish to explore the river and its surroundings in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner.
• The Ramayana ships are equipped with modern amenities, and their goal is to disseminate knowledge about Lord Ram's life.

Biden Appoints Shakuntala Bhaya To The Administrative Conference of US.

• US President Joe Biden has appointed Indian American Shakuntla L Bhaya to serve in a key role.
• Bhaya was appointed as a member of the Council of the Administrative Conference of the United States.
• It is among the several new appointments announced by Biden.
• Her practice focuses on representing individuals who are seriously injured as a result of businesses and people making unsafe decisions.