Thailand Has Lifted Visa Obligations for Indians

• Thailand has lifted the visa obligations for Indian nationals, enabling them to travel to the country without a visa from 10^th November 2023, to 10^th May 2024.
• This initiative is designed to attract a greater number of Indian travellers to visit Thailand.
• India has been Thailand's fourth largest source market for tourism in the year 2023.

New Mushroom Species Discovered in Western Ghats

• Scientists at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) in Kerala, India, have discovered a novel variety of mushroom called Candolleomyces albosquamosus.
• It is part of the Candolleomyces genus, which comprises a modest number of 35 acknowledged species worldwide.

Lionel Messi Wins Eighth Ballon d’Or 2023

• Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati have been recognized as the recipients of the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards.
• With his contribution in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup triumph since 1986, Messi clinches his eighth Ballon d’Or award.

India Submits ‘Letter of Request’ To France

• India has significantly bolstered its naval capacities by officially submitting a Letter of Request (LoR) to the French government.
• This action indicates India's intention to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft for the Indian Navy.
• The acquisition process will be facilitated through a government-to-government agreement, further solidifying the strategic partnership between India and France.

Dr. Mandaviya Addresses 76^th Session of the WHO

• The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya addressed the 76^th session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for South-East Asia.
• Dr. Mandaviya was also unanimously elected as Chairperson of the 76^th session of the regional committee of South-East Asia.