Current Affairs (8th December, 2023)
Current Affairs
International Civil Aviation Day 2023
- International Civil Aviation Day is observed every year on December 7.
- This day is commemorated to raise awareness about the vital role international civil aviation plays in the social and economic development of nations.
- The inaugural celebration took place on December 7, 1994, marking the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Convention on International Civil Aviation.
- The theme for this year is "Advancing Innovation for Global Aviation Development."
- This theme underscores the pivotal role of innovation in shaping the future of civil aviation on a global scale.
Armed Forces Flag Day 2023
- The Armed Forces Day is celebrated on December 7 every year.
- This day commemorates a historical event with roots dating back to August 28, 1949, when the Ministry of Defence designated it as a day for remembrance and fundraising.
- The initiative encourages citizens to support by buying badges and stickers, with the funds collected directed towards improving the well-being of our armed forces personnel.
Google Reveals AI Model ‘Gemini’
- Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is introducing Gemini, its most recent and advanced AI model to date.
- With the aim of surpassing competitors such as OpenAI's GPT-4 and Meta's Llama 2, Gemini signifies a significant advancement for the tech giant in the ever-changing landscape of artificial intelligence.
- Gemini is the inaugural AI model to emerge from Alphabet after the consolidation of its esteemed AI research entities, DeepMind and Google Brain.
- This merger has resulted in the establishment of a unified division known as Google DeepMind, led by CEO Demis Hassabis of DeepMind.
Taylor Swift as Time Magazine's Person of the Year
- Time Magazine has named Taylor Swift as its Person of the Year for 2023.
- This recognition follows her achievement as the most-played artist on Spotify.
- As Taylor Swift is honoured with the prestigious title, it stands as a testament to her multifaceted impact on music, culture, and society.
Gujarat's ‘Garba’ Dance Makes to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
- The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, has officially announced that the Garba dance has been granted official recognition by UNESCO.
- It has earned a prestigious place on the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity."
- The addition of Garba dance to UNESCO's list occurred during the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- This recognition was conferred under the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The Garba dance, deeply ingrained in the cultural tapestry of Gujarat, has long served as a symbol of devotion to the Goddess Mother, particularly during the auspicious Navratri festival.
ZPM Leader Lalduhoma to Become CM
- Lalduhoma, the leader of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) and the legislative party, is set to be sworn in as the new Chief Minister of Mizoram.
- Lalduhoma will take the oath of office at 11 am in a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan on December 8.
- The ZPM achieved victory in the Mizoram Assembly elections held on November 7, securing a total of 27 out of 40 seats.
- This electoral success led to the defeat of the incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF), which was led by Zoramthanga.
Indian-origin Media Executive to Head BBC Board
- The U.K. government has chosen Samir Shah as the new chair of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
- A 71-year-old media executive, Shah was born in Aurangabad and relocated to the U.K. in 1960.
- Boasting more than four decades of experience in the media industry, Shah has occupied diverse roles, including serving as a non-executive director at the BBC.