Current affairs 08 December 2023

Garba of Gujarat inscribed in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

• Garba of Gujarat has been inscribed in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity by UNESCO.
• This decision was taken at the Botswana convention of UNESCO.
• Garba of Gujarat is the 15th ICH element from India to join this list.
• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Intangible Cultural Heritage is underway in Botswana.

Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road Initiative.

• Italy has withdrawn from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), more than four years after becoming the only Group of Seven (G7) nation to sign up.
• The decision was long-anticipated and signals a strategic shift in Italy’s approach to its relationship with China.
• The Belt and Road Initiative, spearheaded by Chinese President Xi Jinping, aims to enhance China’s influence globally by investing in infrastructure projects across participating countries.

Saudi Arabia introduces 96-hour Umrah stopover visa for Indian.

• Saudi Arabia has introduced a 96-hour stopover visa for Indians traveling to the West or the Middle East.
• This initiative, part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to streamline Umrah visits, was announced by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan.
• The Umrah Visa, valid for 90 days, enables holders to reside and travel within Saudi Arabia, ensuring an efficient and convenient pilgrimage experience.

Government decides to implement component of "Nari Adalat" in phased manner.

• DUnion Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani has informed the Rajya Sabha that the Government has decided to implement the component of Nari Adalat in a phased manner under Mission Shakti.
• In the first phase, Assam and the Union Jammu and Kashmir have been selected by her Ministry to implement the component of Nari Adalat.
• The Central government is implementing Mission Shakti as an umbrella scheme for the safety, security and empowerment of women.

Samir Shah Picked as New Chairman of the BBC.

• India-born Media Executive Samir Shah named as UK's Preferred Candidate for BBC Chair.
• He will replace Richard Sharp, who had been forced to resign after his communication with former prime minister Boris Johnson came under scrutiny.
• His appointment will almost certainly be ratified by a parliament committee.
• Samir Shah has worked in television for more than 40 years and has held a number of roles at the BBC, including as head of current affairs.