Current Affairs GK 18th December 2023

1. Parliament Passes Post Office Bill, 2023, Replacing 125-Year-Old Indian Post Office Act, 1898 –

• The Indian Parliament recently approved the Post Office Bill, 2023, marking a significant overhaul of the 125-year-old Indian Post Office Act, 1898. The new legislation aims to modernize and consolidate the legal framework governing post offices in India.

Key Provisions-

1. Enhanced Powers for National Security- The Bill grants post office employees the authority to open, detain, or intercept any item during transmission in the interest of national security or public safety. However, this power is subject to specific conditions.
2. Immunity for Post Office Employees- While providing immunity for post office employees from liability in delivering services, the Bill includes conditions. Officers are exempt unless they act fraudulently or willfully cause loss, delay, or misdelivery of services.
3. Interception Authority- The Central Government, through notification, can empower officers to intercept, open, or detain items in transit by the post office. This authority extends to situations involving security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergencies, or public safety.
4. Duty Evasion and Prohibited Items- Post office officers can deliver items, suspected of duty evasion or being prohibited by law, to customs or relevant authorities. The handling of such items will follow legal provisions.
5. Liability Exemption- The post office and its officers are exempt from liability for any loss, misdelivery, delay, or damage incurred during the provision of services, except in cases of fraudulent or willful misconduct.
6. Recovery of Sums- The Bill includes provisions for the recovery of sums due in respect of services provided by the post office. Failure to pay charges for services renders the amount recoverable as if it were an arrear of land revenue.
7. Exclusive Privilege and Standards- The post office retains the exclusive privilege of issuing postage stamps. The Central Government may prescribe standards for addressing items, including address identifiers and the usage of postcodes.

2. India Tops Global Remittance Charts with $125 Billion in 2023: World Bank Report –

• The World Bank’s latest report reveals India’s leading position in global remittances, reaching $125 billion in 2023. While remittances to low- and middle-income countries grew by 3.8%, challenges include declines in the Middle East and North Africa. The report underscores the crucial role of inclusive labor markets and social protection policies.
• Global Remittance Growth- Remittances to LMICs grew by an estimated 3.8% in 2023, reaching a total of USD 669 billion.
• India’s Leadership- India emerges as the top remittance recipient, securing its significant position in the evolving remittance landscape.
• Contributors to Growth- Resilient labor markets in advanced economies and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries played a pivotal role in supporting migrants’ ability to send money home.
• Regional Highlights- In South Asia, remittance flows to India experienced notable growth, contributing to the region’s overall positive trend. South Asia witnessed a 7.2% increase in remittances in 2023.
• Indian Economy’s Performance- The Indian economy outperformed forecasts, reaching USD 125 billion in remittances for the year. This surge was fueled by a tight labor market in the United States and robust employment growth in Europe.
• Regional Declines- The Middle East and North Africa saw a second consecutive year of declining remittance flows, mainly due to a sharp drop in flows to Egypt.
• Top Five Recipient Countries- Apart from India, the top five remittance recipient countries include Mexico (USD 67 billion), China (USD 50 billion), the Philippines (USD 40 billion), and Egypt (USD 24 billion)..

3. Goa Liberation Day –

• Goa Liberation Day 2023, celebrated annually on December 19, holds special significance as it commemorates the liberation of the state from Portuguese colonial rule. The year 2023 marks the 62nd anniversary of this momentous occasion, highlighting the resilience and determination of the people of Goa in their quest for freedom.
• Goa Liberation Day 2023/ Edition: 62nd
• The history of Goa Liberation Day is rooted in the struggle against colonial tyranny. Goa, with a cultural and religious identity distinct from the rest of India, remained under Portuguese rule for about 451 years. Despite India gaining independence from British rule in 1947, the Portuguese refused to relinquish control over Goa.
• The Indian government engaged in diplomatic discussions, but when negotiations failed, it resorted to the military option to liberate the region. In 1961, on December 19, the Indian Army successfully captured Goa, marking the end of centuries of Portuguese colonial rule. The liberation was a pivotal moment in Goa’s history, symbolizing the triumph of the people’s will over oppression.