026e3d5b039d7-THE CLAT POST 2022 November

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S. No. Contents
1. Broadcasting Only Through Prasar Bharati And Trai 4
2. Agni Prime And Other Active Missiles Of India 6
3. Ethiopia-Tigray Issue 9
Indian Currency Design Mechanism, Internationalisation Of Rupee, Evolution Of Coinage

4. 12
System In India
5. Removal Of Governor Power Of Governor And Tamil Nadu , Kerala Governor Issues 15
6. Ganga Utsav 2022 17
7. Self-Employed Women’s Association (Sewa) 18
8. Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates Approved 20
9. Meeting Of The Sco Council Of Heads 21
10. Anti-Superstition Laws In India 23
11. First Amendment To The Indian Constitution 25
All About Cop27 : ‘Living Amazon Report’ 2022, Carbon Border Tax, India’s Net Zero Strategy
12. Methane Alert And Response System, Mangrove Alliance For Climate, Provisional State Of 28
Global Climate Report, 2022 , Severe Climate Disasters Of 2022
13. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022 32
14. No Money For Terror Conference 2022 34
Third Attempt For Artemis I, Launch Vehicle Mark 3 And Navic, India’s First Private Launch
15. 35
Vehicle, Risat-2
16. Jharkhand Assembly Reservation Bills 39
17. India’s First Sovereign Green Bonds Framework 41
18. Law Commission Of India 42
19. Pay Parity In Cricket 44
20. 19th Asean-India Summit 45
21. Current Affairs Practice Sheet (CAPS) 47
22. National 63
23. International 78
24. Science & Technology 85
25. Appointmens & Resignations 86
26. Awards & Recognition 91
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27. Books & Author 98
28. Important Days 99
29. Obitury 106
30. Ranking 108
31. Sports 112
32. Summit's & MoU's 119
33. Banking And Economy 125
34. 137
Shahdara Bar Association introduces new dress code for law interns in court premises from
35. 140
December 1
Delhi High Court orders Telegram to disclose identities of channel operators sharing Dainik
36. 140
Jagran ePapers sans authorisation
President nominates Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of Supreme Court as Executive Chairman of
37. 141
NALSA
Consensual sex with married woman on false promise to marry her won't amount to rape:
38. 141
Kerala High Court
39. Supreme Court launches its online RTI Portal 142
Bombay High Court grants bail to POCSO accused, says minor girl was capable of
40. 142
understanding consequences of her act
41. 144
42. 145
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November, 2022
BROADCASTING ONLY THROUGH PRASAR BHARATI AND TRAI

News
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry issued an advisory stating that no Ministry or department of the
governments at the Centre, States and Union Territories and their associated entities should enter into broadcasting or
distribution of broadcasting activities in future.
 Those already broadcasting their content have been told to get it done through the public broadcaster, Prasar
Bharati, and the entities distributing the broadcasting content have been asked to "extract themselves" from it by
December 31, 2023.
 The Ministry said the advisory had been issued in view of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI)
recommendation, the Supreme Court judgment in the Cricket Association of Bengal case and the Law Ministry's
legal opinion.
About TRAI’s Recommendation and its Significance

The advisory stated that the I&B Ministry was the nodal agency for all broadcasting-related issues and that the Centre
had the sole authority to grant licences for involving "posts and telegraphs, telephones, wireless, broadcasting and other
like forms of communication."
In 2012, the TRAI had suggested that the Central and State governments, their companies, undertakings, joint ventures
with the private sector and the entities funded by the governments should not be allowed to enter the business of
broadcasting and, or, distribution of TV channels. It relied upon the Sarkaria Commission’s recommendation and
the Cricket Association case verdict.
The Supreme Court had noted that control of the state actually meant control of the government, which in turn meant
control of the political party or parties currently in power.
 It had also stated that public service broadcasting should be controlled by a corporation or corporations established
by statute, and that the constitution of such a corporation or corporations should guarantee their objectivity in
matters of politics, the economy, and society, as well as in matters pertaining to other public issues.
 The advisory urged them to support variety and pluralism of viewpoints.
The TRAI had cited the opinions of the Sarkaria Commission and the Verghese Committee in the context of the
demand by some States to have their own broadcasting stations, noting that for controlling the "centrifugal" tendencies,
the demand for either a concurrent or an exclusive power to the States regarding broadcasting could not be supported.
Prasar Bharti’s Independence

"The importance of Prasar Bharati, which is an independent statutory body, should also not be lost sight of.
o The TRAI has suggested that the body should fulfil the legitimate aspirations of government entities as regards
broadcasting activities, while at the same time recommending the 'arm’s length' relationship between Prasar Bharati
and the government be further strengthened to enhance its autonomy and functional independence," said the
advisory.
Based on the recommendation, the Ministry said, the existing operational broadcasts in respect of some of the Central
government ministries and departments and some State governments had already been brought under Prasar Bharati’s
ambit through memoranda of understanding.
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o To implement the latest decision, the entry of Central/State/Union Territory governments into the broadcast
activity for educational purposes would be allowed through Prasar Bharati route via "suitable" agreements. All such
existing activities would also have to be brought under its purview. Till then, uninterrupted broadcast of the
ongoing education channels and other scheduled programmes would be allowed.
o Under the existing policy guidelines, government universities, colleges, schools, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, certain
autonomous bodies and agricultural universities are eligible to set up community radios.
About Prasar Bharti

 Prasar Bharati is a legally independent organisation. It is the nation's public service broadcaster.
 In 1997, it was founded under the Prasar Bharati Act.
 The primary goal of the Prasar Bharati Corporation is to grant Doordarshan and Akashvani autonomy in order to
"inform and entertain the audience."
 Shashi Shekhar Vempati is the currently the CEO of the Prasar Bharti.
About TRAI
o The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 created the TRAI on February 20th, 1997.
o The TRAI's goals are:
o The goal of TRAI is to foster the circumstances necessary for the country's telecommunications industry to develop.
o The Central Government once had control over telecom services regulation, including the fixation/revision of
tariffs.
o It also tries to create an environment of fair and open policies that encourages equal opportunity and fosters healthy
competition.
o The head office of the TRAI is located at New Delhi.
o The current chairperson of TRAI is PD Vaghela, an IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, batch of 1986.
1. Prasar Bharti was founded in which of the following (b) Non-Governmental Organisation
years? (c) Think Tank
(a) 1997 (d) Constitutional Body
(b) 1999
(c) 2002 4. TRAI was established in which of the following
(d) 2004 years?
(a) 1991
2. TRAI’s recommendation was based on which report (b) 1993
of which of the following commissions? (c) 1995
(a) Sarkaria Commission (d) 1997
(b) Mandal Commission
(c) Vishwanathan Commission 5. Who is the current CEO of Prasar Bharti?
(d) Verma Commission (a) Shashi Shekhar Vempati
(b) Gaurav Dwivedi
3. TRAI can be categorised as which of the following (c) DPS Negi
kinds of body? (d) Ms. Neerja Sekha
(a) Statutory Body
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1. (a) Prasar Bharati is a legally independent business of broadcasting and, or, distribution of
organisation. It is the nation's public service TV channels. It relied upon the Sarkaria
broadcaster. In 1997, it was founded under the Commission’s recommendation and the Cricket
Prasar Bharati Act. Association case verdict.
2. (a) In 2012, the TRAI had suggested that the Central 3. (a) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
and State governments, their companies, (TRAI) is a regulatory body set up by the
undertakings, joint ventures with the private Government of India under section 3 of the
sector and the entities funded by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act,
governments should not be allowed to enter the 1997. Therefore, it is a statutory body.
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4. (d) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act,
(TRAI) is a regulatory body set up by the 1997.
Government of India under section 3 of the 5. (a) Shashi Shekhar Vempati is the currently the
CEO of the Prasar Bharti.
AGNI PRIME AND OTHER ACTIVE MISSILES OF INDIA

News
India successfully test-fired 'Agni Prime' - a new generation of ballistic missiles - from off the coast of Odisha. Defense
officials claimed that the "Agni Prime third "'s straight successful test had "proved the precision and reliability of
the system" and that all test objectives had been reached.
o Performance was validated using data obtained by many tracking systems, including radar, telemetry and electro-
optical systems, the officials said.
o The first test was in June last year, with the second six months later - in December. On both those occasions too
the missile 'followed textbook trajectory and met all mission objectives with a high level of accuracy', officials said.
o The successful test of the 'Agni Prime' underlines India's endeavour for its defence sector to be self-reliant.
o It is developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The new generation
medium-range ballistic missile Agni Prime (Agni-P) was successfully test-fired from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island
at Odisha coast.
About Agni Prime

The 'Agni Prime', or 'Agni-P', is a nuclear-capable new-gen advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
o It is a two-stage canisterised missile with a maximum range of 2,000 km.
o It weighs 50 per cent less than the Agni 3 missile and has new guidance and propulsion systems. In addition, since
it is canisterised, it can be launched from rail or road, be stored for longer periods and can be transported as per
operational requirements.
o The sixth and most recent Agni series missile variant (under IGMDP - Integrated Guided Missile Development
Program).
o The missile has numerous independently targetable re-entry vehicles and may launch several warheads at various
sites over a range of 1,000–2,000 kilometres.
o The 10.5-meter-tall missile, which has a 1.2-meter diameter, can transport warheads weighing up to 1.5 tonnes.
o It is capable of high-altitude manoeuvres while focusing on a target.
o After a few launches with user assistance, these missiles will be incorporated into the armed forces.
o Its navigation and steering system is dual redundant.
o The Agni-P missile would improve India's capacity for effective deterrence.
About Integrated Guided Missile Development Program

Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam came up with the idea to help India become self-sufficient in missile technology. It received
government approval in 1983 and was finished in March 2012.
The 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A) developed under this program are:
a. Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile.
b. Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges, i.e., Agni (1,2,3,4,5)
c. Trishul: Short-range low-level surface to air missile.
d. Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
e. Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile.
Types of Name of the Type of Missile Operational Speed

Missiles Missile Range
Air-to-air MICA Air-to-Air Missiles 500 m to 80 Mach 4

missiles km
Astra Missile Air-to-Air Missiles 80-110 km Mach 4.5 +
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Novator K-100 Medium Range air- 300–400 km Mach 3.3
to-air missile
Trishul Short-Range 9 km There were problems

Surface-To-Air surface to air in this missile as it
Missiles missile could not hit its
targets. Hence, this
programme was
officially closed in
2008 by the Ministry
of Defence (MoD).
This missile was not
inducted by the
Indian Armed Forces.
India, decided to
import Barak Missiles
from Israel.
Akash Missile Medium-range Akash -1S (18 Mach 2.5 to 3.5

(There are 3 surface-to-air – 30 Km)
Variants at different missile Akash Mk-II
stages of (35 – 40 Km)
development –
Akash-1S, Akash Akash-NG
Mark-II, Akash-NG) (More than
50 Km)
Barak 8 Long-Range 100 km Mach 2

surface to air
Missile
Prithvi Air Defence exo-atmospheric 2000 km Mach 8

(PAD) interceptor missile
Surface-to- Agni-I Medium-range 700-1250 km Mach 7.5

surface Missiles ballistic missile
Agni-II Intermediate- 2,000–3,000 Mach 12

range ballistic km
missile
Agni-III Intermediate- Around 5–6 km/s

range ballistic 3,000 km
missile
Agni-IV Intermediate- Around Mach 7

range ballistic 4,000 km
missile
Agni-V Intercontinental Around Mach 24

ballistic missile 5,000 km
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Prithvi I Short-Range 150 km –
Ballistic Missile
Prithvi II Short-Range 350 km –

Ballistic Missile
Dhanush Short-Range 350 – 600 km –

Ballistic Missile
Shaurya Medium-Range 750 to 1,900 –

Ballistic Missile km
Prahaar Short-Range 150 km –

Ballistic Missile
Cruise Missiles BrahMos Supersonic cruise 290 km Mach 2.8 to 3 Mach

missile
BrahMos II Hypersonic cruise 450 – 600 Mach 7

missile km
Nirbhay Subsonic cruise 1,000 – 1500 Mach 0.8

missile km
Ballistic Missile Prithvi Air Defence Exo-atmospheric Altitude – 80 Mach 5+

Defence (BMD) (PAD) Anti-ballistic km
Systems / missile
Interceptor
Missiles Prithvi Defence Exo-atmospheric Altitude – Mach 4.5
Vehicle (PDV) Anti-ballistic 150 km
missile
Advanced Air Endoatmospheric Altitude – 30

Defence (AAD) Anti-ballistic km
/Ashwin Ballistic missile
Missile Interceptor
Submarine
Launched Sagarika (K-15) Ballistic Missile Around 750
Ballistic Km
Missiles
K-4 Ballistic Missile Around
3,000 km
K-5 Ballistic Missile Around

5,000 km
Amogha Anti-Tank Guided 2.8 km

Missile
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Anti-Tank Nag Anti-Tank Guided 500 m – 4 230 m/s
Missile Missile km
Helina Anti-Tank Guided 7 – 10 km

Missile
6. India successfully test-fired 'Agni Prime' - a new (b) Vikram Sarabhai

generation of ballistic missiles - from off the coast (c) Homi Bhabha
of which of the following? (d) Satish Dhawan
(a) Odisha
(b) Andaman & Nicobar 9. Which of the following is the Short-range surface-
(c) Kerala to-surface ballistic missile.
(d) Maharashtra (a) Prithvi
(b) Agni
7. Which of the following is the maximum range of (c) Trishul
the Agni Prime Missile? (d) Nag
(a) 500kms
(b) 1000kms 10. Integrated Guided Missile Development
(c) 1500kms Program received Government approval in which of
(d) 2000kms the following years?
(a) 1974
8. Who among the following is the father of (b) 1983
Integrated Guided Missile Development (c) 1987
Program in India? (d) 1991
(a) APJ Abdul Kalam
6. (a) India successfully test-fired 'Agni Prime' - a new Prithvi: Short-range surface-to-surface ballistic
generation of ballistic missiles - from off the missile.
coast of Odisha. Agni: Ballistic missiles with different ranges, i.e.,
7. (d) The 'Agni Prime', or 'Agni-P', is a nuclear- Agni (1,2,3,4,5)
capable new-gen advanced variant of the Agni Trishul: Short-range low-level surface to air
class of missiles. It is a two-stage canisterised missile.
missile with a maximum range of 2,000 km. Nag: 3rd generation anti-tank missile.
8. (a) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam came up with the idea to Akash: Medium-range surface-to-air missile.
help India become self-sufficient in missile 10. (b) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam came up with the idea to
technology. It received government approval in help India become self-sufficient in missile
1983 and was finished in March 2012. technology. It received government approval in
9. (a) The 5 missiles (P-A-T-N-A) developed under 1983 and was finished in March 2012.
this program are:
ETHIOPIA-TIGRAY ISSUE
News
The first formal African Union-led peace talks between an Ethiopian government team and Tigray forces (since
the war of 2020 with Tigray), in South Africa, scheduled from October 24, are happening at a time when Ethiopian
forces and allies have made some gains in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region.
o For the rest of the world, the development spells some hope of reconciliation between the federal government and
Tigray which was a prominent force in the country’s ruling coalition until Ethiopia’s current leader and Nobel
Peace laureate (2019) Abiy Ahmed became the Prime Minister in 2018.
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o In November 2020, Abiy ordered a military offensive in the northern Tigray region and promised that the conflict
would be resolved quickly. One year on, the fighting has left thousands dead, displaced more than 2 million people
from their homes, fuelled famine and given rise to a wave of atrocities.
o Ethiopia was struggling with significant economic, ethnic and political challenges long before a feud between Abiy
and the region’s former ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), bubbled over into unrest.
What is the Ethiopia-Tigray Issue?

o The Tigray conflict has its roots in tensions that go back generations in Ethiopia.
o The country is made up of 10 regions – and two cities – that have a substantial amount of autonomy, including
regional police and militia.
o Because of a previous conflict with neighbouring Eritrea, there are also a large number of federal troops in Tigray.
Regional governments are largely divided along entrenched ethnic lines.
o Before Abiy Ahmed came to power, the TPLF had governed Ethiopia with an iron grip for decades, overseeing a
period of stability and economic growth at the cost of basic civil and political rights.
o The party’s authoritarian rule provoked a popular uprising that ultimately forced Abiy’s predecessor, Hailemariam
Desalegn, to resign.
o In 2018, Abiy was appointed by the ruling class to quell tensions and bring change, without upending the old
political order. But almost as soon as he became prime minister, Abiy announced the rearrangement of the ruling
coalition that the TPLF had founded – the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Front, or EPRDF, which was composed
of four parties – into a single, new Prosperity Party, ostracizing the TPLF in the process.
o In his drive for a new pan-Ethiopian political party, Abiy sparked fears in some regions that the country’s federal
system – which guarantees significant autonomy to ethnically-defined states such as Tigray – was under threat.
Leaders in Tigray withdrew to their mountainous heartland in the north, where they continued to control their own
regional government.
o Tensions boiled over in September 2020, when the Tigrayans defied Abiy by going ahead with regional
parliamentary elections that he had delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Abiy called the vote illegal and
lawmakers cut funding to the TPLF leadership, setting off a tit-for-tat series of escalations between the regional and
the federal government.
o On November 4, 2020, after accusing the TPLF of attacking a federal army base outside Tigray’s regional capital
Mekelle and attempting to steal its weapons, Abiy ordered a military assault against the group, sending in national
troops and fighters from the neighboring region of Amhara, along with soldiers from Eritrea.
o Abiy declared the offensive a success after just three weeks when government forces took over Mekelle, and installed
an interim administration loyal to Addis Ababa.
Why did Abiy Won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Less than a year before Abiy launched an assault on his own people, he described war as “the epitome of hell” during
his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize. He was awarded the honour for his role in ending a long-running
conflict with neighbouring Eritrea and for pushing significant reforms in Ethiopia.
Eritrea was once a part of Ethiopia, but won independence in 1993 after a 30-year armed struggle. From 1998 to 2000,
Ethiopia and Eritrea fought a war that killed thousands on both sides, which led to a long, dangerous stalemate and a
total freeze in cooperation.
Once in power, Abiy moved quickly to normalize relations with Eritrea, in part by accepting the ruling of an
international commission on boundaries between the two states.
Current Status
Aid deliveries into Tigray are “not matching the needs” of the stricken region, the United Nations food agency has said,
even as a ceasefire takes hold in war-torn northern Ethiopia.
The World Food Programme (WFP) and its partners “urgently need access to all parts of the region to deliver food and
nutrition assistance to 2.3 million vulnerable people,” the WFP said in a statement on Friday.
Restoring aid deliveries to Tigray was a key part of an agreement signed on November 2 to end a two-year war that has
killed untold numbers of people and unleashed a humanitarian crisis.
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The WFP said all four road corridors into Tigray had reopened since the ceasefire and humanitarian flights were flying
into main cities, allowing a significant increase in aid supplies to reach the region.
Geographical Importance of Ethiopia

o It is a landlocked nation known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia that is situated in the Horn of Africa.
o The nation is fairly small, with identical north-south and east-west proportions, and it entirely falls inside the
tropical latitudes.
o Addis Ababa is the nation's capital.
o Ethiopia is among the oldest nations in the world, and over the course of its millennia-long history, its territorial
size has changed.
o In terms of land area, it is the tenth-largest nation in Africa.
o Ethiopia is bordered by Kenya to the north, South Sudan to the east, Djibouti and Somalia to the west, Sudan to the
southeast, Eritrea to the south, and Eritrea.
o It is the world's most populous landlocked nation.
11. In which of the following years did Abiy Ahmed won (b) 4
the Nobel Peace Prize? (c) 6
(a) 2018 (d) 8
(b) 2019
(c) 2020 14. Which of the following is the Capital of Ethiopia?
(d) 2021 (a) Mogadishu
(b) Asmara
12. First formal African Union-led peace talks between (c) Addis Ababa
an Ethiopian government team and Tigray forces (d) Cairo
held at which of the following places?
(a) South Africa 15. Abiy Ahmed ordered a military offensive in the
(b) Nigeria northern Tigray region in which of the following
(c) Egypt years?
(d) Congo (a) 2019
(b) 2020
13. How many countries are part of Horn of Africa? (c) 2021
(a) 2 (d) 2022
11. (a) For the rest of the world, the development spells the purposes of this article is defined as the
some hope of reconciliation between the federal region that is home to the countries of Djibouti,
government and Tigray which was a prominent Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia, whose cultures
force in the country’s ruling coalition until have been linked throughout their long history.
Ethiopia’s current leader and Nobel Peace 14. (c) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s sprawling capital in the
laureate (2019) Abiy Ahmed became the Prime highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, is the
Minister in 2018. country’s commercial and cultural hub.
12. (a) The first formal African Union-led peace talks 15. (b) In November 2020, Abiy ordered a military
between an Ethiopian government team and offensive in the northern Tigray region and
Tigray forces (since the war of 2020 with Tigray), promised that the conflict would be resolved
in South Africa, scheduled from October 24, are quickly. One year on, the fighting has left
happening at a time when Ethiopian forces and thousands dead, displaced more than 2 million
allies have made some gains in Ethiopia’s people from their homes, fuelled famine and
northern Tigray region. given rise to a wave of atrocities.
13. (b) Horn of Africa, region of eastern Africa. It is the
easternmost extension of African land and for
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INDIAN CURRENCY DESIGN MECHANISM,
INTERNATIONALISATION OF RUPEE, EVOLUTION OF COINAGE
SYSTEM IN INDIA
News
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor T Rabi Sankar said there are many advantages to internationalisation of
the rupee but, at the same time, there are risks associated with it which are unavoidable if India wants to become an
economic power.
o In July this year, RBI came out with a scheme permitting rupee settlement of international trade.
o The Reserve bank of India in its announcement on July 11, 2022, had allowed domestic traders to settle their import
and export bills in Indian Rupee. This is a bold but effective move aimed at arresting the ongoing volatility in the
foreign exchange market and its impact on the value of the rupee.
o India is a prominent nation among the Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs), not only in terms
of the geographical area it occupies but also in terms of the size of its population. India’s huge energy requirements
are thus inevitable.
About Internationalisation of Rupee

Internationalisation of the rupee is a process that involves increasing use of the local currency in cross-border
transactions. It involves promoting the rupee for import and export trade and then other current account transactions
followed by its use in capital account transactions.
o The rupee is fully convertible in the current account but only partially convertible in the capital account.
o The two parts of the balance of payments are the current and capital accounts. While the capital account is made
up of the cross-border movement of capital through investments and loans, the current account primarily deals
with the import and export of commodities and services.
Need for Internationalisation of Rupee

The dollar makes up 88.3 percent of the world's foreign exchange market activity, followed by the euro, the Japanese
yen, and the pound sterling. The rupee comes in at just 1.7 percent, demonstrating how far it needs to be pushed to gain
international recognition.
o The 'exorbitant' benefits in the case of the dollar, an international currency, include immunity from Balance of
Payments crises since the USA can cover its foreign deficits with its own currency.
Recent Controversy regarding Rupee

Several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, led by party chief Arvind Kejriwal, asked the government to put pictures of
Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh on currency notes in order to bring “prosperity” to the country.
Change in design and form of bank notes and coins

Changes in the design and form of bank notes and coins are decided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the central
government.
Any change in design of a currency note has to be approved by the RBI’s Central Board and the central government.
Changes in the design of coins are the prerogative of the central government.
Role of the RBI play in issuing notes

The central bank internally works out a design, which is put before the RBI’s Central Board. Section 22 of The Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934, gives RBI the “sole right” to issue banknotes in India.
o Section 25 states that “the design, form, and material of bank notes shall be such as may be approved by the Central
Government after consideration of the recommendations made by the [RBI’s] Central Board”.
The RBI’s Department of Currency Management — currently headed by Deputy Governor T Rabi Sankar — has the
responsibility of administering the core function of currency management.
o According to the RBI website, the Department addresses policy and operational issues relating to the “designing of
banknotes; forecasting demand for notes and coins; ensuring smooth distribution of banknotes and coins
throughout the country and retrieval of unfit notes and uncurrent coins from circulation; ensuring the integrity of
bank notes”, etc.
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Evolution of Coinage system in India
The Kushans, who hailed from the Central Asian region and ruled till 3rd century AD, were the first to use the image of
Goddess Lakshmi on their coins
o “The Kushans also depicted Oesho (Shiva), moon deity Miro and Buddha in their coinage,” informs numismatist
Amarbir Singh.
Punch Marked Coins:

o The first known coins are thought to have been "punch marked" coins produced between the seventh and sixth
centuries BC and the first century AD.
o These coins were made using a process known as "punch marking," hence the name. These bear symbols that were
each individually punched on the coin and are primarily composed of silver.
Dynastic Coins:
o These coins' earliest examples come from the Indo-Greeks, Saka-Pahlavas, and Kushans. Between the second
century BC and the second century AD, these coins are often dated.
Indo Greeks:
o Apart from the portraits of the issuers, the silver coins of the Indo-Greeks are characterised by Hellenistic traditions,
with Greek gods and goddesses playing a significant role.
Sakas:
o Perhaps the first coins with dates are those made by the Western Kshatrapas during the Saka era, which began in
AD 78.
o The calendar used by the Indian Republic is from the Saka era.
Kushans:
o Oesho (Shiva), the moon god Miro, and Buddha were all portrayed on Kushan coinage, which was produced in the
Central Asian region.
o Vima Kadphises is largely credited with creating the earliest Kushan coins.
o The iconographic shapes of Kushan coins were typically taken from Indian, Greek, Mesopotamian, and Zorastrian
mythology.
o The three main Indian gods that were depicted were Siva, Buddha, and Kartikeya..
Satavahana:
o It is disputed when they came to power, with estimates ranging from 270 BC to 30 BC.
o Their coins were primarily made of copper and lead, though there are also documented silver issues.
o These coins included animal themes like elephants, lions, bulls, horses, etc., frequently in opposition to natural
motifs like hills, trees, etc.
o The Kshatrapa types served as inspiration for the images and bilingual legends on the silver coins of the
Satavahanas.
Western Kshatrapa:
o The legends on the coins were often written in Greek and also included Brahmi and Kharoshti.
o The first coins with dates are thought to be the Western Kshatrap coins.
o The "bull and hill" and "elephant and hill" types of copper coins are the most prevalent.
Gupta:
o The Kushanic custom of having the ruler on the obverse and an Indian god with a Brahmi legend on the reverse
was continued by the Guptas (4th–6th centuries AD).
o The earliest Gupta rulers are Samudragupta, Chandragupta II, and Kumaragupta, and their coins frequently honour
dynastic succession as well as significant socio-political events, such as marriage alliances and the horse sacrifice,
or alternatively the artistic and personal achievements of royal members (Lyrist, Archer, Lion-slayer etc.).
14
British Coins:
o The British East India Co. at Madras Presidency minted coins labelled as the Three Swamy Pagoda, which depicts
Lord Balaji flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side.
Other Coins:
o Ancient India had extensive trading connections with China, the Middle East, and Europe (Greece and Rome). This
trade was conducted primarily on land along the path that became known as the silk route and primarily through
sea trade.
o Roman coins also circulated in their original shape in South India, a region with a booming marine trade, albeit
occasionally cut as a protest against foreign control.
16. Indian Rupee makes up to how much of the (b) Section 21

world’s foreign exchange market activity? (c) Section 22
(a) 0.8 % (d) Section 25
(b) 1.2%
(c) 1.7% 19. The RBI’s Department of Currency Management is
(d) 2.0% currently headed by who among the following?
(a) T Rabi Sankar
17. How were the first to use the image of Goddess (b) Shaktikanta Das
Lakshmi on their coins (c) MD Patra
(a) Kushans (d) MK Jain
(b) Sakas
(c) Gupta 20. The RBI Internationalised the Indian rupee in which
(d) British of the following years?
(a) 2018
18. Which section of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, (b) 2019
gives RBI the “sole right” to issue banknotes in India? (c) 2020
(a) Section 20 (d) 2022
16. (c) The dollar makes up 88.3 percent of the world's 1934, gives RBI the “sole right” to issue
foreign exchange market activity, followed by banknotes in India.
the euro, the Japanese yen, and the pound 19. (a) The RBI’s Department of Currency Management
sterling. The rupee comes in at just 1.7 percent, — currently headed by Deputy Governor T Rabi
demonstrating how far it needs to be pushed to Sankar — has the responsibility of
gain international recognition. administering the core function of currency
17. (a) The Kushans, who hailed from the Central Asian management.
region and ruled till 3rd century AD, were the 20. (d) The Reserve bank of India in its announcement
first to use the image of Goddess Lakshmi on on July 11, 2022, had allowed domestic traders to
their coins. “The Kushans also depicted Oesho settle their import and export bills in Indian
(Shiva), moon deity Miro and Buddha in their Rupee. This is a bold but effective move aimed
coinage,” informs numismatist Amarbir Singh. at arresting the ongoing volatility in the foreign
18. (c) The central bank internally works out a design, exchange market and its impact on the value of
which is put before the RBI’s Central Board. the rupee.
Section 22 of The Reserve Bank of India Act,
15
REMOVAL OF GOVERNOR POWER OF GOVERNOR AND TAMIL
NADU , KERALA GOVERNOR ISSUES
News
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TR Baalu urged “all like-minded MPs” to support a proposal to remove the
Tamil Nadu governor, R N Ravi.
o Baalu said, “Members of Parliament belonging to DMK and like-minded political parties are requested to kindly
visit Anna Arivalaiyam Headquarters to read and sign in a memorandum addressed to the Hon’ble President of
India, pertaining to the immediate withdrawal of the Governor of Tamil Nadu… The proposal is to be addressed to
President Droupadi Murmu…”
The DMK’s call for removal comes when Governors in several non-BJP-ruled states, including Kerala and Punjab, have
expressed disagreements with the government on various issues.
o In Kerela, the State Cabinet resolved to request Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan to promulgate an ordinance
removing him as the sole chancellor of State universities.
o The government wants to supplant Mr. Khan with “renowned academic experts” as chancellors of various varsities.
It was still being determined whether the government would appoint a separate chancellor for each of the 14
universities in the State.
o The Cabinet cited that the M. M. Punchhi Commission, constituted in 2007 to study Centre-State relations, had
vouched against granting Governors the chancellor’s powers.
Governor’s Appointment and Removal

o Under Article 155 and 156 of the Constitution, a Governor is appointed by the President and holds office “during
the pleasure of the President”.
o If this pleasure is withdrawn before completion of the five-year term, the Governor has to step down.
o As the President works on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister and the council of ministers, in effect, the
Governor can be appointed and removed by the central government. Thus, a Governor is a representative of the
Union government in states.
o Article 163 of the Constitution says the Governor will normally be aided and advised by the Council of Ministers
except in those functions which require his discretion.
o While the Governor’s duties and responsibilities lie in a particular state, there is no provision for impeaching the
Governor.
o There are no provisions laid down in the Constitution for the manner in which the Governor and the state must
engage publicly when there is a difference of opinion. The management of differences has traditionally been guided
by respect for each other’s boundaries.
Governor-state relations
Although envisaged as an apolitical head who must act on the advice of the council of ministers, the Governor enjoys
certain powers granted under the Constitution, such as giving or withholding assent to a Bill passed by the state
legislature, assenting to the convening of the state legislative assembly, determining the time needed for a party to
prove its majority, and which party must be called first do so, generally after a hung verdict in an election.
All these powers have been flashpoints recently — to cite two instances, when the Maharashtra Governor had Devendra
Fadnavis sworn in as the chief minister in 2019 amid a hung verdict, only for his government to fall in 80 hours; and
when the Punjab Governor in September refused to allow a special session of the Assembly for a vote of confidence in
the AAP government.
Supreme Court on the Powers of Governor

In Surya Narain Choudhary vs Union of India (1981), the Rajasthan High Court held that the pleasure of the
President was not justiciable, the Governor had no security of tenure and can be removed at any time by the President
withdrawing pleasure.
In BP Singhal vs Union of India (2010), the Supreme Court elaborated on the pleasure doctrine. It upheld that “no
limitations or restrictions are placed on the ‘at pleasure’ doctrine”, but that “does not dispense with the need for a cause
for withdrawal of the pleasure”.
16
o This ruling had come in response to a PIL filed by BJP leader BP Singhal, who had challenged the removal of the
Governors of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana and Goa on May 2, 2004 by the President on the advice of the newly
formed UPA government.
o In its judgment, the Bench, while noting that the President can remove the Governor from office “at any time
without assigning any reason and without giving any opportunity to show cause”, the power to remove can’t be
exercised in an “arbitrary, capricious or unreasonable manner”.
o “The power will have to be exercised in rare and exceptional circumstances for valid and compelling reasons… A
Governor cannot be removed on the ground that he is out of sync with the policies and ideologies of the Union
Government or the party in power at the Centre. Nor can he be removed on the ground that the Union Government
has lost confidence in him,” the Bench ruled.
o The Bench held that the court will presume that the President had “compelling and valid” reasons for the removal
but if a sacked Governor comes to the court, the Centre will have to justify its decision.
Various Commissions
Over the years, several panels and commissions have recommended reforms in how Governors are appointed and how
they function, such as the Administrative Reforms Commission of 1968, the Sarkaria Commission of 1988, and
the
National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution, headed by retired CJI M N Venkachaliah, in
2001.
The Sarkaria Commission had recommended that Governors are not sacked before completing their five-year tenure,
except in “rare and compelling” circumstances. Recommendations have also been made for a provision to impeach the
Governor by the Assembly. However, none of these have been implemented.
21. The M. M. Punchhi Commission was constituted (b) Article 165

in which of the following years? (c) Article 170
(a) 2007 (d) Article 174
(b) 2008
(c) 2010 24. Who among the following is the Governor of Tamil
(d) 2012 Nadu?
(a) Arif Mohammad Khan
22. Which of the following is the term of the Governor (b) RN Ravi
of a State? (c) Mangubhai Patel
(a) 3 years (d) C.V. Ananda Bose
(b) 5 years
(c) 6 years 25. National Commission to Review the Working of
(d) Pleasure of the President the Constitution constituted in 2001 was headed
by who among the following?
23. Which articles of the Constitution of India provides (a) MN Venkachaliah
that the Governor will be aided and advised by the (b) RC Lahoti
Chief Minister and his Council? (c) JS Khehar
(a) Article 163 (d) HL Dattu
21. (a) The Cabinet cited that the M. M. Punchhi 23. (a) Article 163 of the Constitution says the
Commission, constituted in 2007 to study Governor will normally be aided and advised by
Centre-State relations, had vouched against the Council of Ministers except in those
granting Governors the chancellor’s powers. functions which require his discretion.
22. (d) Under Article 155 and 156 of the Constitution, 24. (b) Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader TR
a Governor is appointed by the President and Baalu urged “all like-minded MPs” to support a
holds office “during the pleasure of the proposal to remove the Tamil Nadu governor, R
President”. N Ravi.
17
25. (a) National Commission to Review the
Working of the Constitution, headed by
retired CJI M N Venkachaliah, in 2001.
GANGA UTSAV 2022

News
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) initiative of the Union Jal shakti ministry is holding the Ganga
Utsav-The River Festival 2022 on Friday to celebrate rivers and spread awareness on the significance of river
rejuvenation across basins in India.
o “NMCG will be taking Ganga Utsav-The River Festival 2022 to newer heights through active and inspirational
participation of multiple stakeholders.
o One of the main objectives of Ganga Utsav 2022 is to celebrate our rivers and spread awareness on the significance
of river rejuvenation across river basins in India.
o Dedicating the grand event to the 75 years of Indian Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav), the aim is to hold
similar events at more than 75 locations in states to celebrate the rivers of India,” the ministry said in a statement.
o The main event is being held in New Delhi’s Major Dhyan Chand Stadium with dance and musical performances
by several renowned personalities.
o Activities such as puppet shows, film screenings, painting, pottery and nest-making workshops are also being
organised.
o The ministry will also felicitate big contributors to the Clean Ganga Fund.
About Ganga Utsav

Ganga Utsav was first organised in 2017 with a different name – Ek Shaam Ganga Ke Naam.
o It was then renamed Bal Ganga Mela in 2018. The third edition was a three-day virtual event because of the Covid-
19 pandemic, and returned to a physical event in 2021.
o The intention is to hold comparable ceremonies in more than 75 locations throughout states to commemorate
India's rivers as part of the major celebration of the country's 75th anniversary of independence (Azadi ka Amrit
Mahotsav).
o The festival will feature a variety of genres, including poetry, discussion, storytelling, music, art, and culture.
o Districts will host a number of awareness-raising events to engage the populace and spread word about Namami
Gange as a widespread movement.
National Mission for Clean Ganga

o Every year, the NMCG celebrates the event to improve the public-river connection.
 The National Ganga Council (NMCG) was established in 2016 to take the role of the National Ganga River Basin
Authority (NRGBA).
 On the first day of Ganga Utsav 2021, the NMCG was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for posting the
most handwritten note images to Facebook in a single hour.
o With a focus on promoting stakeholder engagement and public participation towards the rejuvenation of the river
Ganga, it emphasises the importance of Jan Bhagidari (People's Participation) in the resuscitation of Ganga.
Other Initiatives
Ganga Action Plan: It was the first river action plan to capture, divert, and treat home sewage in an effort to improve
the water quality.
The Ganga Action Plan phase-2's goal of cleaning up the Ganga River is furthered by the National River Conservation
Plan.
National River Ganga Basin Authority: It was formed in the year 2009 under Section-3 of the Environment Protection
Act 1986.
Clean Ganga Fund: It was established in 2014 with the goals of cleaning up the Ganga, building waste treatment
facilities, and preserving the biological diversity of the river.
Bhuvan-Ganga Web App: It ensures that the whole population is involved in the surveillance of pollution entering the
Ganges River.
Ban on Waste Disposal: 2017 saw a prohibition on rubbish disposal in the Ganga from the National Green Tribunal
(NGT).
18
26. The National Mission for Clean Ganga is an Initiative (b) 2009
of which of the following ministry? (c) 2010
(a) Urban Development (d) 2012
(b) Water and Sanitation
(c) Cooperation 29. First Ganga Utsav was organised in which of the
(d) Jal Shakti following years?
(a) 2015
27. The National Ganga Council was established in (b) 2016
which of the following years? (c) 2017
(a) 2012 (d) 2018
(b) 2014
(c) 2016 30. National Green Tribunal put a ban on rubbish
(d) 2018 disposal in Ganga in which of the following years?
(a) 2015
28. National River Ganga Basin Authority was (b) 2016
established in which of the following years? (c) 2017
(a) 2007 (d) 2018
26. (d) The National Mission for Clean Ganga 28. (b) National River Ganga Basin Authority: It was
(NMCG) initiative of the Union Jal shakti formed in the year 2009 under Section-3 of the
ministry is holding the Ganga Utsav-The River Environment Protection Act 1986.
Festival 2022 on Friday to celebrate rivers and 29. (c) Ganga Utsav was first organised in 2017 with a
spread awareness on the significance of river different name – Ek Shaam Ganga Ke Naam.
rejuvenation across basins in India. 30. (c) Ban on Waste Disposal: 2017 saw a prohibition
27. (c) The National Ganga Council (NMCG) was on rubbish disposal in the Ganga from the
established in 2016 to take the role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
National Ganga River Basin Authority
(NRGBA).
SELF-EMPLOYED WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (SEWA)

News
Elaben Bhatt, 89, noted Gandhian, leading women’s empowerment activist, and renowned founder of the Self-
Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) passed away in a hospital in Ahmedabad after a brief illness.
o She was the recipient of national and international awards, including the Padma Bhushan, the Ramon
Magsaysay Award, the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize and many other accolades.
o She was globally recognised as a woman leader who founded many institutions and carried out pioneering work in
organising the informal sector for self-employment and empowerment of women not only in India but across South
Asia.
o Elaben was the Chairperson of Sabarmati Ashram and recently resigned as the Chancellor of Mahatma
Gandhi-founded Gujarat Vidhyapith.
o In 2007, she became the part of a group of world leaders called the Elders, founded by Nelson Mandela to
promote human rights and peace across the world.
o She was also a Member of the Rajya Sabha and of the Planning Commission of India in the 1980s.
o She served in many international organisations, including Women’s World Banking, a global network of
microfinance organisations, of which she was co-founder and had served as Chairperson. She also served as an
advisor to the World Bank, and addressed the United Nations General Assembly.
o She joined the Textile Labour Association in 1955, a union that emerged after a textile strike led by Mahatma
Gandhi in 1918.
o Ela Bhatt’s work at the women’s wing of the union and continuous interaction with women migrants in the textile
sector led her to conceptualize the self-help group.
19
About SEWA
Founded by her in 1972, SEWA is one of the largest cooperatives working for women, with a base of over two million
members from around 18 States in the country and in neighbouring nations.
o The Textile Labour Association (TLA), which Anasuya Sarabhai and Mahatma Gandhi founded in 1920, gave
birth to SEWA. However, the TLA was unable to register as a trade union until 1972 since its members were not
considered to be employees because they did not have a "employer."
o Following the anti-reservation riots in which the Bhatt family was attacked for supporting Dalit quotas in medical
education, the TLA broke apart from SEWA in 1981.
o SEWA Bank was founded in 1974 to offer modest loans to underprivileged women.
o The International Labour Organization recognised this project as a microfinance movement.
o Any self-employed person can join SEWA for a low annual membership cost of just Rs 10.
o Its network is spread across 18 Indian states, in other countries of South Asia, in South Africa, and Latin America.
o By empowering women via skill development and training, it has assisted in helping people recover from personal,
and even political or social disasters.
o It supported cooperative textile production, consumption, and marketing—which formed the backbone of India's
industrialization—while also giving women jobs.
o Additionally, it had a significant impact on how India's labour movement and trade unionism developed.
o Successes of SEWA's fight include the Unorganized Workers Social Security Act (2008), the National Rural
Livelihoods Mission (2011), and the Street Vendors Act (2014).
o The SEWA microfinance approach is thought to have served as a model for the PM Street Vendors Atmanirbhar
Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi) programme.
To keep cooking fires going through the lockdowns during the epidemic, SEWA established Anubandh, an e-commerce
network to link vendors and buyers.
31. SEWA was founded in which of the following years? (c) Hansa Mehta
(a) 1972 (d) Niraja Gopal Jayal
(b) 1976
(c) 1980 34. Elaben became the part of a group of world leaders
(d) 1982 called the Elders in which of the following
years?
32. Textile Labour Association broke off from SEWA in (a) 2005
which of the following years? (b) 2006
(a) 1981 (c) 2007
(b) 1985 (d) 2009
(c) 1989
(d) 1998 35. Elaben joined Textile Labour Association in which of
the following years?
33. Who among the following was the founder of (a) 1952
SEWA? (b) 1955
(a) Renuka Ray (c) 1958
(b) Elaben Bhatt (d) 1962
31. (a) Founded by her in 1972, SEWA is one of the founder of the Self-Employed Women’s
largest cooperatives working for women, with a Association (SEWA) passed away in a hospital
base of over two million members from around in Ahmedabad after a brief illness.
18 States in the country and in neighbouring 34. (c) In 2007, she became the part of a group of
nations. world leaders called the Elders, founded by
32. (a) Following the anti-reservation riots in which Nelson Mandela to promote human rights and
the Bhatt family was attacked for supporting peace across the world.
Dalit quotas in medical education, the TLA 35. (b) She joined the Textile Labour Association in
broke apart from SEWA in 1981. 1955, a union that emerged after a textile strike
33. (b) Elaben Bhatt, 89, noted Gandhian, leading led by Mahatma Gandhi in 1918.
women’s empowerment activist, and renowned
20
NUTRIENT BASED SUBSIDY RATES APPROVED

News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved
₹51,875 crore subsidy for phosphatic & potassic fertilisers for the rabi season.
o “This will enable smooth availability of all P&K fertilizers to the farmers during Rabi 2022-23 (October-March) at
the subsidized / affordable prices of fertilizers and support the agriculture sector.
o The volatility in the international prices of fertilizers and raw materials has been primarily absorbed by the Union
Government.
NBS Regime
Under the NBS regime – fertilizers are provided to the farmers at the subsidized rates based on the nutrients (N, P, K &
S) contained in these fertilizers.
o Also, the fertilizers which are fortified with secondary and micronutrients such as molybdenum (Mo) and zinc are
given additional subsidy.
o The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is announced by the Government on an annual basis for each nutrient on a per kg
basis – which are determined taking into account the international and domestic prices of P&K fertilizers, exchange
rate, inventory level in the country etc.
o NBS policy intends to increase the consumption of P&K fertilizers so that optimum balance (N:P:K= 4:2:1) of NPK
fertilization is achieved.
o This would improve soil health and as a result the yield from the crops would increase, resulting in enhanced income
to the farmers.
o Also, as the government expects rational use of fertilizers, this would also ease off the burden of fertilizer subsidy.
o It is being implemented from April 2010 by the Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
NBS Regime
o Based on the nutrients (N, P, K, and S) that these fertilisers contain, farmers are given fertilisers at subsidised rates
under the NBS regime.
o Additionally, additional subsidies are provided for fertilisers that are enriched with secondary and micronutrients
like zinc and molybdenum (Mo).
o Each nutrient's subsidy on P&K fertilisers is declared by the government on a yearly basis and is calculated on a per-
kg basis, taking into consideration the price of P&K fertilisers both domestically and abroad, the currency rate, the
amount of stock in the nation, and other factors.
o The goal of NBS policy is to boost the consumption of P&K fertilisers in order to reach the ideal balance (N:P:K=
4:2:1) of NPK fertilisation.
o As a result of the increased crop output brought about by this, the farmers would earn more money. This would
improve the soil's health.
o Additionally, as the government anticipates sensible fertiliser use, this would reduce the need for fertiliser subsidies.
The Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers' Department of Fertilizers began implementing it in April 2010.
36. Who among the following is the minister of 38. This has been implemented by the Department of
Chemicals and & Fertilizers? Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers since
(a) Mansukh Mandaviya which of the following years?
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan (a) 2008
(c) Narendra Modi (b) 2009
(d) Amit Shah (c) 2010
(d) 2012
37. Under the NBS regime – subsidy is not provided for
which of the following nutrient content? 39. Who among the following chaired the Cabinet
(a) N Committee on Economic Affairs?
(b) P (a) Prime Minister
(c) L (b) Home Minister
(d) S (c) Finance Minister
(d) Agriculture Minister
21
(b) Biannual Basis
40. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is announced by the (c) Biennial Basis
Government on an (d) Triennial Basis
(a) Annual Basis
36. (a) Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and 39. (a) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs,
Family Welfare and Minister of Chemicals and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on
Fertilizers. Wednesday approved ₹51,875 crore subsidy for
37. (c) Under the NBS regime – fertilizers are provided phosphatic & potassic fertilisers for the rabi
to the farmers at the subsidized rates based on season.
the nutrients (N, P, K & S) contained in these 40. (a) Each nutrient's subsidy on P&K fertilisers is
fertilizers. declared by the government on a yearly basis
38. (c) The Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers' and is calculated on a per-kg basis, taking into
Department of Fertilizers began consideration the price of P&K fertilisers both
implementing it in April 2010. domestically and abroad, the currency rate, the
amount of stock in the nation, and other factors.
MEETING OF THE SCO COUNCIL OF HEADS

News
China hosted a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government.
o Each year, the SCO Heads of Government convene to discuss the organization's trade and economic agenda and to
adopt the SCO's annual budget.
o India has assumed leadership of the SCO for the remainder of 2023 and will welcome all SCO leaders at a
summit in Delhi, which is anticipated to take place in the middle of 2023.
o The SCO summit 2022 was previously held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Highlights of the Meeting

o The heads of delegations from the SCO member nations reviewed priority actions to boost trade, economic,
cultural, and humanitarian cooperation within the organisation. They also discussed important concerns of global
and regional development.
o According to India, the entire value of its commerce with SCO members is just USD 141 billion, with significant
room for growth.
o China accounts for the majority of India's commerce with the SCO, which will surpass $100 billion in 2022, while
trade with Russia will be less than $20 billion.
o Less than USD 2 billion worth of trade is conducted with Central Asian nations, while USD 500 million is traded
with Pakistan.
o India stated that connectivity projects should respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Member States as
well as international law while criticising China's BRI (Belt and Road Initiative), which traverses through portions
of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
o India emphasised the need for improved connectivity in the SCO region based on the primacy of Central Asian
states' interests, which will unlock this region's economic potential and may be enabled through the International
North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and Chabahar port.
o India highlighted its dedication to combating the threat of climate change as well as its accomplishments in this
area.
o India made a bid for more trade through the INSTC, of which it is a member, and Iran's Chabahar port in an effort
to boost bilateral trade with Central Asian nations.
o After the conference, a joint statement reiterating support for the BRI, "including the work to promote the
alignment of the 'Belt and Road' construction with the establishment of the Eurasian Economic Union," was
released, listing all nations with the exception of India.
22
About SCO
The Shanghai Five, which included Tajikistan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, existed prior to the
establishment of the SCO in 2001.
The Shanghai Five (1996) was the result of several boundary delineation and demilitarisation negotiations between
China and the four former Soviet republics to maintain peace along the boundaries.
The Shanghai Five was renamed the SCO after Uzbekistan joined the organisation in 2001.
Pakistan and India joined in 2017.
Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan are the current members. Iran is
expected to join the SCO permanently in 2023.
It is a permanent intergovernmental international organisation. It was created in 2001. The SCO Charter was signed
in 2002, and entered into force in 2003.
o It’s a Eurasian political, economic and military organisation aiming to maintain peace, security and stability in the
region.
o It is seen as a counterweight to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), It is a nine-member economic
and security bloc and has emerged as one of the largest transregional international organisations.
o The official language of the SCO is Russian and Chinese and it has its Secretariat in Beijing.
o Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
o Each year, a different Member State takes on the role of Chairman.
41. SCO 2022 Summit was held in which of the following (c) 2001
countries? (d) 2002
(a) China
(b) India 44. What was the name of SCO prior to its
(c) Russia establishment?
(d) Uzbekistan (a) Shanghai Three
(b) Shanghai Four
42. India joined SCO in which of the following years? (c) Shanghai Five
(a) 2012 (d) Shanghai Six
(b) 2015
(c) 2017 45. Where is the headquarter of SCO located?
(d) 2020 (a) Beijing
(b) Tashkent
43. SCO was established in which of the following years? (c) Shanghai
(a) 1996 (d) Moscow
(b) 1998
41. (d) The SCO summit 2022 was previously held in existed prior to the establishment of the SCO
Samarkand, Uzbekistan. in 2001.
42. (c) Pakistan and India joined in 2017. 44. (c) The Shanghai Five, which included Tajikistan,
Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia,
Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan are existed prior to the establishment of the SCO
the current members. Iran is expected to join in 2001.
the SCO permanently in 2023. 45. (a) The official language of the SCO is Russian and
43. (c) The Shanghai Five, which included Tajikistan, Chinese and it has its Secretariat in Beijing.
China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia, Executive Committee of the Regional Anti-
Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent.
23
ANTI-SUPERSTITION LAWS IN INDIA
News
In the aftermath of the alleged human sacrifice of two women in Kerala, the ruling CPI (M) in the state has stressed the
need for a new legislation to curb such superstitious practices and urged strict implementation of the existing laws in
this regard.
o The "witchcraft killing" that took place in Elanthoor of Pathanamthitta district has recast a focus on the severity of
superstitious beliefs existing in the state and the necessity for a strong fight against the menace, the state secretariat
of the Left party.
Anti-Superstition Laws in India

While presently there exists no nationwide legislation to deal with superstitious practices, black magic, or human
sacrifice in particular, certain sections of the Indian Penal Code enlist penalties applicable for such incidents.
o Section 302 (punishment for murder) takes cognisance of human sacrifice, but only after the murder is
committed.
o Likewise, Section 295A (Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class
by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) works to discourage such practices.
o Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution makes it a fundamental duty for Indian citizens to develop the
scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.
o Other provisions under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act of 1954 also aim to tackle the debilitating impact of
various superstitious activities prevalent in India.
State Specific Laws

Bihar (1999): Bihar was the first State to enact a law to prevent witchcraft, identification of a woman as a witch
and“eliminate torture, humiliation and killing of women.” The Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act came into
force in October 1999. The Act describes a witch as a “woman who has been identified as a witch by someone else,
having the power or intention of harming any person through the art of black magic, evil eyes, or “mantras”” and it is
deemed that she will cause harm to other people or the community in any manner.
Anyone who identifies a person as a “witch” and acts to aid this identification can face a jail term of up to three months,
or a fine of Rs 1,000, or both. In case of physical or mental torture, the jail term could be extended to six months, and
the fine to Rs. 2,000. All offences under the Act are cognisable and non-bailable.
Jharkhand (2001): Jharkhand enacted a similar law in 2001 -- the Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act. The law,
however, hasn’t been effective. A document on the Jharkhand Police website claims that the passage of the Act “has not
adequately prevented the identification and murder of women labelled as witches.”
“Given the severity of the outcomes of identification [women as witches], abetment in identification and curing of
‘witches’, which almost inevitably lead to horrific crimes being committed against the women so identified, including
death, inhumane treatment, mutilation, rape and various forms of mental and physical torture, the penal provisions of
the Act do not adequately punish the instigators of these crimes or prevent others from engaging…” the comment reads.
In 2021, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad, the then Chief Justice of Jharkhand High Court,took suo moto cognizance of an
incident where five of family in Gumla were killed after a village council sentenced them to death on the charge of being
“witches”.
“It is very unfortunate that the Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act, 1999 has been in operation since the year
1999 and the same has been adopted by the State of Jharkhand but concrete steps have not been taken to achieve the
object and intent of the Act, 1999,” the Chief Justice said in the March 2021 order.
Chhattisgarh (2005): Chhattisgarh is one of the worst-affected States in terms of witchcraft-related crimes and targeted
violence against women. A witch is called a “tonahi” in the State. In 2005 the State enacted the Chhattisgarh Tonahi
Pratadna Nivaran Act 2005 along the lines of Bihar and Jharkhand.
As per the law, a person convicted for identifying someone as a witch can be sentenced to up to three years of rigorous
imprisonment with a fine. The jail term can extend up to five years if the victim is mentally or physically harassed. The
24
law adds that when a fine is imposed, the court shall take into consideration the physical and mental damage caused to
the victim including the cost of treatment.
Odisha (2013): Following the directions of the Odisha High Court to frame a law to deal with rising cases of witch-
hunting in the State, the Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Bill was passed by the Assembly in 2013. The law
includes provisions of imprisonment up to seven years and a penalty for offenders. The bill also provides for a penalty
for a witch doctor, or a person claiming to be a black magician.
Earlier this year, the Odisha State Commission for Women (SCW) sought stringent provisions in the existing Act after
finding them inadequate. The panel demanded both jail and pecuniary punishment for persons found involved in
sorcery-related crimes.
Maharashtra (2013): The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil
and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013 was passed after the murder of anti-superstition activist Dr. Narendra
Dabholkar the same year. Dr. Dabholkar headed the anti-superstition outfit Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan
Samiti (MANS). The law was enacted to “bring social awakening and awareness in the society and to create a healthy
and safe social environment with a view to protect the common people in the society against the evil and sinister
practices…” It enlists provisions for the prevention and eradication of human sacrifice and other inhuman practices.
Punishment under the act is imprisonment of not less than six months and up to seven years, with a fine of not less
than Rs 5,000 and up to Rs 50,000.
Rajasthan (2015): The State enacted the Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2015 to “provide for effective
measures to tackle the menace of witch-hunting and prevent the practice of witchcraft.” The law prohibits witch-
hunting and practising witchcraft. The punishment for crimes mentioned in the Act goes up to a jail term of not less
than one year and up to seven years with a fine of not less than Rs. 50,000.
A person claiming to have supernatural or magical powers to control or cure a witch can be punished with rigorous
imprisonment from one to three years, with a fine not less than Rs 10,000. A person who performs a ritual to free a
woman from an evil spirit can face up to three years in prison.
All those found involved in the unnatural death of a woman due to witch-hunting can be sent to jail for seven years,
extendable to imprisonment for life. They may also be fined up to Rs 1 lakh.
Assam (2015): The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, which received the
President’s assent in 2018, provides for the complete prohibition of witch hunting. “No person shall identify, call,
stigmatise, defame or accuse any other person as witch by words, or by signs or indications or by conducts or actions or
any other manner or instigate, aid or abet such an act or commit witch hunting,” the law states.
Punishment under the law can go up to seven years with a fine which may extend to Rs 5 lakh. The Act also stipulates
punishment for involving the community and lists the measures the police can take to protect people from witch-
hunting.
Karnataka (2020): The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act,
2017 came into effect in January 2020 after it was notified by the BJP government— which initially opposed it when it
was the Opposition party. The law bans several practices related to black magic and superstition, like forcing a person
to walk on fire at religious festivals and the practice of piercing rods from one side of the jaw to the other.
The law states that a court can direct the police to issue the name of a person convicted under the Act in local
newspapers. “Inhuman, evil practices and black magic and advertisement, practice, propagation or promotion of such
activities in violation of the Act” is punishable with up to seven years of imprisonment and with a fine ranging from Rs
5,000 to Rs 50,000.
Superstitious Killings in India

o Six deaths were connected to human sacrifices, according to the NCRB's 2021 report, while 68 deaths were
committed for witchcraft.
25
o Chhattisgarh (20) reported the most incidents of witchcraft, followed by Madhya Pradesh (18) and Telangana
(11).
o According to the NCRB research, 88 people died in India in 2020 as a result of witchcraft, while 11 people perished
as part of "human sacrifices."
46. Which article of the Indian Constitution makes it a (b) Karnataka

fundamental duty for Indian citizens to develop the (c) Chhattisgarh
scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry (d) Bihar
and reform.
(a) Article 51A (c) 49. Which section of the Indian Penal code provides
(b) Article 51A (f) punishment for Murder?
(c) Article 51A (g) (a) Section 300
(d) Article 51A (h) (b) Section 302
(c) Section 307
47. As per the data of NCRB, which state tops the list of (d) Section 309
most crimes related to witchcraft?
(a) Madhya Pradesh 50. The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of
(b) Chhattisgarh Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act,
(c) Bihar 2017 came into effect in which of the following year?
(d) Uttar Pradesh (a) 2017
(b) 2018
48. Which of the following was the first State in India to (c) 2019
enact a law to prevent witchcraft etc.? (d) 2020
(a) Maharashtra
46. (d) Article 51A (h) of the Indian Constitution women.” The Prevention of Witch (Daain)
makes it a fundamental duty for Indian Practices Act came into force in October 1999.
citizens to develop the scientific temper, 49. (b) Section 302 (punishment for murder) takes
humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. cognisance of human sacrifice, but only after the
47. (b) Chhattisgarh (20) reported the most incidents murder is committed.
of witchcraft, followed by Madhya Pradesh (18) 50. (d) The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication
and Telangana (11). of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic
48. (d) Bihar was the first State to enact a law to prevent Act, 2017 came into effect in January 2020 after
witchcraft, identification of a woman as a witch it was notified by the BJP government— which
and“eliminate torture, humiliation and killing of initially opposed it when it was the Opposition
party.
FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

News
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a PIL challenging changes made to the right to freedom of speech and
expression by the first amendment to the Constitution in 1951, with the petitioner contending that the amendment
damages the basic structure doctrine.
About First Amendment

Just over a year into the working of the Constitution, then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru introduced a Bill to
amend the Constitution. On May 18, 1951, the amendment Bill was referred to a Select Committee which considered
the issue for six days. The amendment officially came into effect on June 18, 1951.
o The Constitution (First Amendment) Bill sought to make several consequential changes — from exempting land
reforms from scrutiny to providing protections for backward classes in the Constitution. Notably, it also expanded
on the scope of the restrictions on the right to free speech.
The First Amendment made two key changes with regards to the Article 19(1)(a):
26
 First, it introduced the qualification “reasonable” to the restrictions that Article 19(2) imposed. In a 2015
paper, legal scholar Gautam Bhatia placed this term in context, and traced its origins to debates in the Constituent
Assembly. The insertion of the term “reasonable”, he argued, keeps the door open for the courts to step in and
examine the legitimacy of the restrictions imposed by Parliament.
 Second, the amendment introduced into the Constitution the specific terms “public order” and “incitement to an
offence”. This set of new, narrower terms in the provision were necessitated by two Supreme Court rulings in
1950, that went against the state’s power to curb free speech.
Verdicts passed by the Supreme Court

Brij Bhushan v State of Delhi (March 1950), and Romesh Thappar v State of Madras (May 1950) were the verdicts
in these cases that essentially promoted the first amendment.
ROMESH THAPPAR CASE:

In 1949, the Madras government (Tamil Nadu had not been created then) had banned ‘Cross Roads’, a left-leaning
magazine, for its criticism of the government’s foreign policy. This led to the first significant free speech ruling by the
Supreme Court in Romesh Thappar v State of Madras.
The petitioner had challenged Section 9(1-A) of the Madras Maintenance of Public Order Act, 1949 as unconstitutional.
This provision authorised the government to impose restrictions for the wider purpose of securing “public safety” or the
“maintenance of public order”.
The court had to define the terms “public safety” and “public order”, and examine if they fell within the scope of the
restrictions allowed in Article 19(2). The government argued that the words “undermining the security of the State” in
Article 19(2) could be equated with “public safety” and “maintenance of public order.”
In its majority opinion in the case, the court disagreed with the government and struck down the provision as
unconstitutional. The court found a vast difference in degrees between the two provisions.
Justice Fazal Ali dissented from the majority view and said that disrupting public order is a means to undermine the
security of the State.
BRIJ BHUSHAN CASE:

In 1950, the Chief Commissioner of Delhi issued a “pre-censorship order” on the RSS mouthpiece ‘Organiser’ which too
was critical of the government. Its publisher Brij Bhushan challenged Section 7(1)(c) of the East Punjab Public Safety
Act, which allowed pre-publication scrutiny of material “prejudicial to public safety or the maintenance of public order”.
The issue in this case was essentially the same as the one in Romesh Thappar. And the verdict of the Supreme Court
followed the same pattern as in the earlier case.
Then Chief Justice of India Hiralal Kania, and Justices M Patanjali Sastri, Mehr Chand Mahajan, Sudhi Ranjan Das, B K
Mukherjea formed the majority that struck down the law. Justice Fazal Ali again dissented.
What is the argument?

In his plea, the petitioner, Senior Advocate K Radhakrishnan, said Section 3(1) of the 1951 Amending Act substituted
original Clause (2) of Article 19 – dealing with reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression
guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) – with a new Clause (2), which contained “two objectionable insertions” allowing
restrictions also “in the interest of public order” and “in relation to incitement to an offence”.
o The new Clause (2) also omitted the expression “tends to overthrow the State” as appearing in the original Clause
(2).
o The petition contended that these two insertions protect Sections 124A (sedition), 153A (promoting enmity
between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc, by words,
either spoken or written, or by signs or by visible representations or otherwise and doing acts prejudicial
to maintenance of harmony, 295A (deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of
any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief)
of the Indian Penal Code “from the vice of unconstitutionality”.
27
o “The two questionable expressions inserted unduly abridge the fundamental right under Article 19 (1)(a),” the
petition said. This undue abridgement “does not advance or sub serve any constitutional objectives” but “damages,
inter alia democracy and republicanism and supremacy of the Constitution”, Radhakrishnan submitted.
o The plea urged the court to declare Section 3 (1)(a) and 3 (2) of the First Amendment “beyond the amending power
of Parliament” and void since the “same damage the basic or essential features of the Constitution and destroy its
basic structure”.
51. In which of the following years did the First (b) 2

Amendment to the Constitution of India was (c) 3
passed? (d) 4
(a) 1950
(b) 1951 54. Who among the following was the Chief Justice of
(c) 1952 India in 1951?
(d) 1953 (a) Hiralal Kania
(b) M Patanjali Sastru
52. Which of the following articles provides for the (c) Mehr Chand Mahajan
Freedom of Speech and Expression? (d) Sudhi Ranjan Das
(a) Article 19(1)(a)
(b) Article 19(1)(b) 55. The Supreme Court has the power to hear the
(c) Article 19(1)(c) Judicial review under which of the following
(d) Article 19(1)(d) articles?
(a) Article 25
53. The First amendment to the Constitution added how (b) Article 32
many reasonable restrictions under 19(2)? (c) Article 132
(a) 1 (d) Article 226
51. (b) On May 18, 1951, the amendment Bill was Article 19 – dealing with reasonable restrictions
referred to a Select Committee which on the freedom of speech and expression
considered the issue for six days. The guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) – with a new
amendment officially came into effect on Clause (2), which contained “two objectionable
June 18, 1951. insertions” allowing restrictions also “in the
52. (a) In his plea, the petitioner, Senior Advocate K interest of public order” and “in relation to
Radhakrishnan, said Section 3(1) of the 1951 incitement to an offence”.
Amending Act substituted original Clause (2) of 54. (a) Then Chief Justice of India Hiralal Kania, and
Article 19 – dealing with reasonable restrictions Justices M Patanjali Sastri, Mehr Chand
on the freedom of speech and expression Mahajan, Sudhi Ranjan Das, B K Mukherjea
guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) – with a new formed the majority that struck down the law.
Clause (2), which contained “two objectionable Justice Fazal Ali again dissented.
insertions” allowing restrictions also “in the 55. (b) Being possessed of such potential for unleashing
interest of public order” and “in relation to constitutional mischief in the future, its vires
incitement to an offence”. cannot be sustained; (iii) The power of judicial
53. (b) In his plea, the petitioner, Senior Advocate K review vested in this Court under Article 32 and
Radhakrishnan, said Section 3(1) of the 1951 the High Court under Article 226 is part of the
Amending Act substituted original Clause (2) of basic structure of the Constitution.
28
ALL ABOUT COP27 : ‘LIVING AMAZON REPORT’ 2022, CARBON
BORDER TAX, INDIA’S NET ZERO STRATEGY METHANE ALERT
AND RESPONSE SYSTEM, MANGROVE ALLIANCE FOR CLIMATE,
PROVISIONAL STATE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE REPORT, 2022 ,
SEVERE CLIMATE DISASTERS OF 2022
News
At COP27, the decision to set up a loss and damage fund has earned the conference a place among the major
milestones in global climate change response. But on many other fronts, the final agreement delivered little.
o But on most other parameters, the Sharm el-Sheikh meeting — the 27th session of the Conference of Parties to
the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP27 — proved to be an underachiever.
o The meeting was built up as the ‘implementation COP’ or the meeting that would accelerate the actions being taken
on climate change. The final agreement had little to justify that expectation.
The COP 27 was supposed to be delivered on three fronts, namely; Mitigation, Adaptation and Finance.
Mitigation
Going into the conference, it was expected that COP27 would respond to the growing urgency for greater emission cuts.
Most scientific estimates now suggest that the 1.5 degree Celsius target for temperature rise is likely to be breached
within a decade. With current efforts to reduce emissions, the world is headed to a temperature rise of about 3 degree
Celsius from pre-industrial times by the end of this century.
o One of the ideas, floated by the European Union, was to ask every country to strengthen their respective climate
actions every year from now to 2030, a radical suggestion that was unlikely to have met with approval from most
countries.
o As of now, the countries have to upgrade their climate actions every five years. The latest upgrade was just this year.
Another idea was to call for a phase-down of all fossil fuel use. This was unlikely to have done much to reduce emissions
in the short term, but would still have been meaningful towards the larger objective of curbing the use of the main
causes of global warming.
o The idea, proposed by India, was initially expected to be opposed by developed countries, especially since their
dependence on oil and gas has increased in the last one year.
o However, after initial hesitation, both the EU as well as the United States backed the proposal.
Adaptation
Most of the conversation on climate actions is focused on mitigation efforts. Developing countries, who are more
vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, have often argued that adaptation is not given sufficient attention.
Adaptation involves efforts that help a country to negate or deal with the impacts of climate change.
o At the Glasgow climate meeting, an effort was initiated to define global goals on adaptation, just as the 2 degree or
1.5 degree Celsius targets serve as the global goal for mitigation.
Defining global goal on adaptation is much more complex, considering that benefits of adaptation accrue locally, not
at a global level. If at all, there would be multiple global goals on adaptation.
o It was hoped that COP27 would make some progress on identifying the adaptation goals. However, nothing much
was delivered on this track, except for expressing support to the Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh work programme that is
scheduled to finish its work next year.
An important initiative on adaptation came from the UN Secretary General, who unveiled plans of the World
Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to set up early warning systems in areas that do not have them.
o About one-third of the world, including about 60 per cent of Africa, is not equipped with early warning and climate
information systems. The WMO said this needs to be corrected in the next five years. The COP27 agreement said it
fully supported the initiative, and invited development organisations and international financial institutions to help
the effort.
Finance
29
The biggest disappointment came in matters related to money. The developed countries have not yet delivered on their
promise to mobilise USD 100 billion every year, something that should have happened in 2020.
o The COP27 agreement, for the first time, quantified the financial needs for climate action.
o It said about USD 4 trillion had to be invested in the renewable energy sector every year till 2030 if the 2050 net
zero target was to be achieved.
o At least USD 4-6 trillion was required every year for global transformation to a low-carbon economy. About USD
5.9 trillion was needed by the developing countries in the pre-2030 period, just to implement their climate action
plans.
o The developed countries have said they will ensure the USD 100 billion flow from 2023. A parallel discussion is going
on to scale up this amount from 2025.
o Additionally, the COP27 agreement has urged international financial institutions to simplify their procedures and
priorities, so that it is easier for developing countries to access money for climate actions.
Mangrove Alliance for Climate

In an effort to achieve the goal of carbon sinking by restoring mangrove plantations, the Mangrove Alliance for Climate
(MAC) was launched at the 27th session of the COP in partnership with India.
o The UAE and Indonesia launched the alliance which aims to improve global conservation and restoration of
mangrove ecosystems. It now has partners in India, Australia, Japan, Spain, and Sri Lanka.
According to the annual report published by The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) titled "the State of The World's
Mangroves 2022," a total of 5,245 square kilometres of mangrove forest has been lost since 1996. This loss is caused
by direct human impacts such as clearing and conversion, soil erosion, flooding, or storms.
Over the past decade, losses have decreased to 0.04 per cent annually, and river mouths and deltas have seen significant
gains. However, it should be noted that even a 1% reduction in mangrove loss could prevent the release of 200
million tons of carbon.
Mangrove Alliance for Climate ( MAC) is an initiative to raise awareness of the significance of mangroves and
their role in reducing global warming.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, announced
the initiative by promising to plant over 3 million mangroves in the next two months and 100 million mangroves by
2030.
The official website of MAC stated the aim of the initiative: "the MAC seeks to scale up, accelerate conservation,
restoration and growing plantation efforts of mangrove ecosystems for the benefit of communities globally, and
recognize the importance of these ecosystems for climate change mitigation and adaptation.”
Further, the G20 Summit under Indonesia's presidency will be held in Bali between November 15 and 16 will
strengthen the alliance.
Mangroves are found in 123 nations and are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics. Mangrove forests
serve as natural barriers against storms and rising tides and also save more than $65 billion by preventing property
damage every year.
Mangroves in India
Nearly half of South Asia's total mangrove cover is in India. The country has a mangrove cover of 4,992 square kilometres
which has only increased by 17sq km since 2019, according to the Forest Survey report 2021.
o The largest mangrove forest in the world can be found in West Bengal, followed by Gujarat and the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
India’s Net Zero Strategy Methane Alert and Response System

India on November 14, 2022 announced its long-term strategy to transition to a “low emissions” pathway at the United
Nations Conference of Parties (COP) ongoing in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, which is premised on expanding its
nuclear power capacity by at least three-fold in the next decade, apart from becoming an international hub for producing
green hydrogen and increasing the proportion of ethanol in petrol.
30
LT-LEDS (Long Term-Low Emission Development Strategy)
The LT-LEDS are a requirement resulting from the 2015 Paris Agreement and are qualitative in nature.
o According to the Paris Agreement, nations must describe how they will transform their economies so they can work
toward the larger climate objective of cutting emissions by 45 percent by 2030 and reaching net zero around 2050
rather than just achieving short-term Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets.
o The four main factors that support India's long-term low-carbon development strategy form the basis of the
Strategy.
o India's historical contribution to cumulative global Green House Gas emissions has been negligible, despite making
up only about 17% of the world's population.
o According to its own national needs, India is dedicated to and actively pursuing low-carbon development initiatives.
India must increase its climatic resilience.
o The mission of LiFE, Lifestyle for the Environment, also informs the design of LT-LEDS.
o LiFE argues for a paradigm change away from mindless and harmful consumption and toward conscious and
purposeful utilisation.
‘Living Amazon Report’ 2022

Living Amazon Report, 2022, was released at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt November 8, 2022. According to a new
report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), vast tracts of the Amazon rainforest, which serve as carbon sinks and the
planet’s lungs, are in crisis. Some 35 per cent of the rainforest is either totally lost or highly degraded.
o An estimated 17 per cent of the Amazon forests have been degraded, while another 18 per cent have been converted
for other purposes.
o The report outlined the current status of the Amazon biome and basin, summarised key pressures and drivers of
change and outlined a conservation strategy. A biome is an extensive area marked by its vegetation, soil, climate
and wildlife.
Provisional State of Global Climate Report, 2022

Global mean temperatures for 2022 are currently estimated to be about 1.15 degree Celsius higher than pre-
industrial times, a new assessment by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has said.
o The widely acknowledged danger mark for temperature rise is considered to be 1.5 degree Celsius from pre-
industrial times, which is the average for the period 1850-1900.
o The assessment is based on temperature data from January to September this year. Data from the remaining three
months might make the annual mean for 2022 slightly different from the 1.15 degree Celsius number.
o The WMO said the year was still likely to end up being the fifth or sixth warmest year on record (since 1850).
o The warmest year on record so far has been 2016, when the global mean temperatures were measured to be
about 1.28 degree Celsius higher than pre-industrial times. This number for 2016 was earlier known to be 1.1
degree Celsius, but recently the WMO revised it upwards after taking into account the measurements of one more
international dataset.
o The estimate for 2022 is part of the provisional State of Global Climate Report that the WMO publishes every
year. The final report for this year is due only in April next year, but like so many other reports and analyses that
are timed around the climate change conference, the provisional State of Global Climate Report is meant to update
climate negotiators on the latest trends and nudge them towards more urgent action.
Severe Climate Disasters of 2022

Pakistan floods: The worst in the country’s recent history
The World Meteorological Department cited a research analysis conducted as part of the World Weather
Attribution group and said, “Human-caused climate change likely increased the intense rainfall that flooded large
parts of Pakistan.” Pakistan recorded 62 per cent less than normal rainfall in the month of March, and the
warmest April preceding the monsoon season. Glaciers melted as a result of these heat waves, which led rivers
to swell. Access to basic necessities became difficult for 33 million people of Pakistan’s 220 million population.
Extreme rainfall further triggered the most devastating floods from June to September. Over 1,500 people were killed,
with millions being displaced and developing serious health issues such as skin infections, malaria and diarrhoea. A
national emergency was declared on August 26, 2022. According to a Reuters report, the overall damages in the nation
were estimated at about $30 billion.
31
Hurricane Ian in the US: Costliest climate-induced disaster of the year
NASA data revealed that warm ocean waters in the Gulf of Mexico powered Hurricane Ian in the US towards the end of
September, making it one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the country in recent memory. About 101 lives were lost,
and monetary losses worth more than $100 billion, were suffered, according to Reuters.
The escalation brought severe floods, relentless rains and strong winds to southwestern Florida. According to a New
York Times report, “La Niña”, a climate phenomenon, fueled “favorable conditions for hurricanes in the North Atlantic
over the past three years.” Warmer ocean waters strengthen and sustain such storms, it added.
European droughts: Likely to have been the ‘worst in 500 years’

Europe was struck by two extreme heat waves in June and July. As per a quarterly disaster report published by insurance
agency Aon in October, heat waves claimed approximately 16,000 lives.
Following the deadly summer heat, many regions of Europe witnessed severe droughts since the beginning of this year,
which worsened in the month of August. Water levels in Europe’s biggest rivers – Rhine, Po, Loire, and Danube – shrunk,
and dry conditions continue to prevail in different parts of the continent.
Spain and Portugal: Driest climate in 1200 years

An atmospheric high-pressure system, which causes dry air to descend over subtropical regions in the Northern
Hemisphere during winter and spring seasons, called Azores high, has the ability to block wet weather outlets. This
caused dry conditions in Iberian peninsula in southwestern Europe, and the Mediterranean region. Spain and Portugal
hence faced the driest weather in 1,200 years, along with wildfires.
As The Guardian reported, scientists claim that the “most frequent Azores highs could only have been caused by the
climate crisis, caused by humanity’s carbon emissions.” Rainfall in the region is likely to drop by 10-20% by 2100, severely
impacting food production.
India recorded natural disasters almost every day in 2022

According to a report by Centre for Science and Environment and Down To Earth magazine, India recorded “extreme
weather events on 241 of 273 days” in the first nine months of the year. Thunderstorms, persistent rains, cyclones,
droughts, heat waves, lightning, floods and landslides occurred all throughout these months. Himachal Pradesh
recorded the highest number of deaths (359), followed by Assam and Madhya Pradesh.
Overall, these disasters claimed about “2,755 lives, affected 1.8 million hectares (ha) of crop area, destroyed over 416,667
houses and killed close to 70,000 livestock.” The CSE report describes these disasters as “the watermark of climate
change.”
56. COP 27 was held in at which of the following (b) Australia

places? (c) India
(a) Glasgow (d) Japan
(b) Sharm el-Sheikh
(c) Expo City Dubai 59. The largest Mangrove Forest in the world can be
(d) Madrid found in which of the following places?
(a) West Bengal
57. Which of the following was the warmest year (b) Gujarat
recorded? (c) Andaman and Nicobar Islands
(a) 2012 (d) Maharashtra
(b) 2016
(c) 2019 60. UNFCCC was signed in which of the following years?
(d) 2021 (a) 1992
(b) 1994
58. UAE along with which of the following has launched (c) 1996
the Mangroves Alliance? (d) 1997
(a) Indonesia
32
56. (b) On 20 November, the 27th Conference of the conservation and restoration of mangrove
Parties to the United Nations Framework ecosystems. It now has partners in India,
Convention on Climate Change (COP27), that Australia, Japan, Spain, and Sri Lanka.
took place in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm 59. (a) The largest mangrove forest in the world can
el-Sheikh, concluded with a historic decision to be found in West Bengal, followed by Gujarat
establish and operationalize a loss and damage and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
fund. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest
57. (b) The warmest year on record so far has been in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World
2016, when the global mean temperatures were Heritage Site.
measured to be about 1.28 degree Celsius higher 60. (a) In 1992, countries joined an international treaty,
than pre-industrial times. This number for the United Nations Framework Convention on
2016 was earlier known to be 1.1 degree Climate Change, as a framework for
Celsius, but recently the WMO revised it international cooperation to combat climate
upwards after taking into account the change by limiting average global temperature
measurements of one more international increases and the resulting climate change, and
dataset. coping with impacts that were, by then,
58. (a) The UAE and Indonesia launched the inevitable.
alliance which aims to improve global
DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION BILL 2022

News
The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was introduced by the government in the Lok Sabha in 2019. The law was
withdrawn in August 2022 because to the provisions' inadequacy in fulfilling international standards for data privacy.
o The new bill has been introduced after a revamp of the provisions.
Salient Features of the Bill:

The new bill aims to create a Data Protection Board (DPB) to make decisions about data protection.
o In order to ensure that the relevant institutions are following the legislation, it also aims to establish Data Protection
Officers or independent data auditors within significant enterprises.
Additional rights with regard to their personal data were granted to the data principals (the people whose data it is).
The owners of the data may request that the companies in question remove or erase their data.
With regard to data, this bill imposed additional obligations or duties on the companies.
o Companies will not be compelled to keep user data that is no longer essential for marketing purposes.
o The handling of personal data by businesses that could threaten minors is not appropriate (children under 18 years
of age).
The new data protection law was introduced with the goal of adding another level of security to the residents' personal
information.
o The new bill also lowers the rules governing the movement of data across international borders, which was a worry
for major digital firms.
o For start-ups, it also makes compliance needs easier.
The bill also lists the circumstances in which government agencies may violate proposed legislation in case of
emergencies, such as:
o Sovereignty and integrity of India,
o Security of the state,
o Friendly relations with foreign states,
o Maintenance of public order or preventing incitement to any cognisable offence.
33
 In contrast to the previous edition, the right to portability has been eliminated.
 To address non-consent-based justifications for data processing, the term "deemed consent" has been created.
 Alternative dispute resolution procedures like arbitration are acknowledged.
 The new idea also does away with algorithmic accountability and hardware certification.
 By enforcing severe penalties in the event of a breach, a form of deterrent against data leaks has been created for
the benefit of end users.
 Additionally, there is a clause regarding approval for data sharing, and only when the end user grants consent may
the data be written.
India Strengthened Data Protection Regime

Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India 2017:
Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of India, decided by a nine-judge Supreme Court panel in August 2017,
established India's basic right to privacy as an integral component of life and liberty under Article 21.
B.N. Srikrishna Committee 2017:
In August 2017, the government established an expert committee for data protection, which was headed by Justice B N
Srikrishna. The group's report and a draught data protection bill were both submitted in July 2018.
The report makes numerous proposals for strengthening India's privacy laws, including those for a Data Protection
Authority, the right to be forgotten, data localization, and limitations on data processing and gathering.
Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021:
Social media sites are required by IT Rules (2021) to take greater care with the content they host.
61. The Personal Data Protection Bill was first (c) Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record
introduced in which of the following years? Association v. Union of India
(a) 2017 (d) Shreya Singhal v. Union of India
(b) 2018
(c) 2019 64. Right to privacy is a part of which of the following
(d) 2020 articles?
(a) Article 14
62. Justice BN Srikrishna Committee was established in (b) Article 19
which of the following years? (c) Article 21
(a) 2016 (d) Article 25
(b) 2017
(c) 2018 65. Under which of the following circumstances does
(d) 2019 government agencies may violate proposed
legislation in case of emergencies?
63. Which of the following cases established basic right (a) Sovereignty and integrity of India
to privacy as integral component of life? (b) Security of the state
(a) Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of (c) Friendly relations with foreign states
India (d) All of the above
(b) Indian Young Lawyers Association vs The State
Of Kerala
61. (c) The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 was report and a draught data protection bill were
introduced by the government in the Lok Sabha both submitted in July 2018.
in 2019. The law was withdrawn in August 2022 63. (a) Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of
because to the provisions' inadequacy in India, decided by a nine-judge Supreme Court
fulfilling international standards for data panel in August 2017, established India's basic
privacy. right to privacy as an integral component of life
62. (b) In August 2017, the government established an and liberty under Article 21.
expert committee for data protection, which was 64. (c) Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd) v. Union of
headed by Justice B N Srikrishna. The group's India, decided by a nine-judge Supreme Court
panel in August 2017, established India's basic
34
right to privacy as an integral component of life o Sovereignty and integrity of India,
and liberty under Article 21. o Security of the state,
65. (d) The bill also lists the circumstances in which o Friendly relations with foreign states,
government agencies may violate proposed o Maintenance of public order or preventing
legislation in case of emergencies, such as: incitement to any cognisable offence.
NO MONEY FOR TERROR CONFERENCE 2022

News
IN REMARKS aimed at Pakistan and China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that while some countries
support terrorism “as part of their foreign policy”, others do so by “blocking action against terrorists”. Asking the world
to unite against such “overt and covert backing of terror”, Modi said a “cost” must be imposed on such countries.
o The third 'No Money for Terror' (NMFT) Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing was held in
New Delhi, India.
About the Conference

The French government launched the "No Money for Terror" conference in 2018, with the goal of concentrating
on international collaboration to cut off funding for terrorism.
o The conference took place in Australia in 2019.
It provided a distinctive forum for participating states and organisations to discuss the efficacy of the current global
counterterrorism financing environment and the initiatives necessary to address new challenges.
The 2022 Conference was attended by delegates from 72 countries and 15 international organisations.
Regime Change in Afghanistan:

o In light of the fact that the last regime change in Afghanistan had resulted in the 9/11 attacks, India advised the
international community to be aware of the threats posed by this one.
o The instability of the regional governments and the rising power of Al Qaeda and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria
(ISIS) have become serious threats to security.
Stress on Terrorist's Safe Havens:

o India emphasised that the resources and havens of terrorists should never be disregarded by the international
community.
o It's critical to call out the hypocrisy of those who sponsor and support them.
o It is crucial that this conference, the participating nations, and the organisations do not adopt a biased or
complacent viewpoint towards the difficulties this region faces.
Threats from Emerging Technologies:

o Terrorists and terrorist organisations are quite familiar with the intricacies of contemporary weapons and
information technologies, including the Dark Web and cryptocurrency.
o Countries should be concerned about how terrorism has evolved from dynamite to the metaverse and from AK-47s
to virtual assets.
o Distributed infrastructure is utilised for online radicalization and cyberterrorism.
o Each nation is free to take action against the link in the chain that is closest to it.
Cost of Terrorism Supportive Countries:

o Some nations' foreign policies include terrorism support. They support them financially, ideologically, and
politically.
o Those nations that encourage terrorism must pay a price. It is also necessary to segregate groups and people that
try to foster support for terrorists.
66. Third 'No Money for Terror' (NMFT) Ministerial (a) New Delhi
Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing was (b) Paris
held at which of the following places? (c) Melbourne
35
(d) Karachi
69. National Investigation Agency was established in
67. Which of the following countries launched the "No India in which of the following years?
Money for Terror" conference? (a) 2005
(a) France (b) 2007
(b) Pakistan (c) 2009
(c) China (d) 2011
(d) India
68. "No Money for Terror" conference was launched 70. National Crime Records bureau was established in
in which of the following years? which of the following years?
(a) 2017 (a) 1986
(b) 2018 (b) 1990
(c) 2019 (c) 1992
(d) 2020 (d) 1998
66. (a) The third 'No Money for Terror' (NMFT) the goal of concentrating on international
Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism collaboration to cut off funding for terrorism.
Financing was held in New Delhi, India. 69. (c) In January 2009, in the wake of the 26/11 terrorist
67. (a) The French government launched the "No attack, the National Investigation Agency was
Money for Terror" conference in 2018, with established to deal with terrorist crimes.
the goal of concentrating on international 70. (a) It was set-up in 1986 under the Ministry of
collaboration to cut off funding for terrorism. Home Affairs based on the recommendations
68. (b) The French government launched the "No of the National Police Commission (1977-1981)
Money for Terror" conference in 2018, with and the MHA’s Task Force (1985).
THIRD ATTEMPT FOR ARTEMIS I, LAUNCH VEHICLE MARK 3 AND

NAVIC, INDIA’S FIRST PRIVATE LAUNCH VEHICLE, RISAT-2
News
NASA's Artemis 1 moon mission, the agency's first big step toward returning astronauts to the lunar surface, launched
to the moon on Nov. 16 on a critical test flight to return astronauts to the moon.
o Artemis 1 is the first test flight of the agency's new Space Launch System megarocket and the Orion spacecraft.
The SLS rocket launched the uncrewed Orion spacecraft on an approximately 25-day mission, during which it will
orbit the moon before returning to Earth.
About Artemis 1
Artemis 1 is the first stage of a series of missions designed to send humans to the moon as part of the Artemis program.
o It is an uncrewed mission of NASA.
o It is NASA's follow-up to the Apollo lunar missions from fifty years ago and is named after the sister of Apollo from
Greek mythology.
o It will put the agency's Orion crew capsule and Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to the test.
o Since the Saturn V rockets that were employed in the 1960s and 1970s, the SLS is the largest new vertical launch
system that NASA has developed.
o Prior to the first flight with crew aboard Artemis II, Artemis I's main objectives are to show Orion's systems in a
spaceflight environment and to guarantee a safe re-entry, descent, splashdown, and recovery.
o Even though it has a return-to-Earth target, unlike most Orbiter missions, it is still merely a lunar Orbiter mission.
Upcoming Artemis Missions

Artemis II:
o The launch date is 2024.
o The purpose of Artemis II, which will have a crew aboard Orion, is to verify that all of the spacecraft's systems will
function properly when it has people on board.
36
o However, the launch of Artemis II will resemble that of Artemis I. The Orion spacecraft will carry a four-person
crew while it and ICPS make two Earth orbits before heading in the direction of the Moon.
Artemis III:
o It is slated for 2025 and is anticipated to be the first lunar mission since the Apollo missions to carry men there.
Launch Vehicle Mark 3 and NavIC

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) heaviest rocket Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3 or GSLV Mark
3) which took off from the second launch pad (SLP) of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota has
successfully orbited 36 satellites of U.K.-based OneWeb.
This is OneWeb’s 14th launch, bringing the constellation to 462 satellites. This launch represents more than 70%
of its planned 648 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite fleet that will deliver high-speed, low-latency connectivity worldwide.
The 43.5 metre LVM3 weighing around 644 tonne carried 36 satellites weighing 5,796 kg or about 5.7 tonne. With this
launch, LVM3 has made its entry into the global commercial launch service market.
About LVM3 and OneWeb

LVM3-M2 is the dedicated commercial satellite mission of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Central Public Sector
Enterprise (CPSE) under the Department of Space, Government of India.
o This mission is being undertaken as part of the commercial arrangement between NSIL and m/s Network Access
Associates Limited (m/s OneWeb Ltd), a U.K. based company. OneWeb is a joint venture between India’s
Bharti Enterprises and the U.K. government.
o With only four more launches to go, OneWeb remains on track to activate global coverage in 2023, while its
connectivity solutions are already live in regions north of 50-degrees latitude.
o This partnership with NSIL and ISRO demonstrates OneWeb’s commitment to provide connectivity across
the length and breadth of India by 2023.
Launch Vehicles Developed by ISRO

Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV): The Satellite Launch Vehicle, or SLV, was the name given to the first rocket
constructed by ISRO.
The Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle, or ASLV, came next.
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV): Small satellites up to 150 kg could be launched by the SLV and ASLV
into lower earth orbits.
Before PSLV appeared on the scene, ASLV was in operation until the early 1990s.
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): Since its initial launch in 1994, PSLV has served as ISRO's primary rocket.
However, compared to those deployed in the 1990s, today's PSLV is significantly more advanced and powerful.
It is the first launch vehicle made in India that have liquid stages.
By far, ISRO's PSLV rocket has been the most dependable, with 52 of its 54 successful launches.
It successfully launched two spacecraft that later travelled to the Moon and Mars, namely Chandrayaan-1 in 2008 and
Mars Orbiter Spacecraft in 2013.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV): The considerably more potent GSLV rocket is designed to send
heavier satellites farther into space. 18 missions have been completed by GSLV rockets to this point, four of them were
unsuccessful.
o To change the earth's orbit, 10,000 tonnes of satellites may be required.

o The Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), a locally built stage, is the third stage of the GSLV Mk II.
o ISRO is now completely self-sufficient in launching its satellites thanks to Mk-III variants.
 The European Arianne launch vehicle was previously utilised to carry its heavier satellites into orbit.
 The Chandrayaan-2 mission to the moon, which was the rocket's first operational flight, was launched in 2019 using
the GSLV Mark-III.
37
The GSLV Mark-III is now known as the Launch Vehicle Mark-III by ISRO.
o The Geostationary Orbit (GEO) will continue to be referred to as A GSLV. The LVM3 will perform trips to the moon,
sun, and GEO, LEO, and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
NavIC
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on a series of improvements to the NavIC, or India’s
equivalent of the Global Positioning System (GPS), so that more people are motivated to install it and use it.
o Plans are also afoot to make its reach global rather than circumscribe it to India and a limited territory around it.
About NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation)

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), or the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), is a
constellation of seven satellites that is akin to the American GPS, the European Galileo and the Russian GLONASS,
and can be used to track location.
o The first of these satellites (IRNSS-1A) were launched in 2013 and the latest in 2018.
o Currently, NavIC satellites orbit earth in a geostationary or geosynchronous (GEO) orbit, or about 36,000 km from
earth. MEO orbits occupy a space between GEO and Low Earth Orbit (LEO), or about 250-2,000 km from earth.
o NavIC’s reach is only 1,500 km beyond Indian territory. But for our ships and airplanes travelling beyond that we’d
need satellites in Medium Earth Orbit.
India’s First Private Launch Vehicle

Chennai headquartered space-tech start-up Agnikul, has set up India’s first-ever launchpad that will be operated
by a private player, at Sriharikota.
o The facility was inaugurated by S. Somanath, chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary,
Department of Space, recently.
o The facility, which was designed by Agnikul and executed in support with ISRO and IN-SPACe (Indian
National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) has two sections to it: the Agnikul launchpad (ALP)
and the Agnikul mission control center (AMCC).
Agnikul’s first launch, which will be a controlled and guided mission, a vertical launch, using its patented engine will
happen from this launchpad.
o The mission will be a technology demonstrator that will mirror Agnikul’s orbital launch but at a reduced scale.
o Agnibaan is Agnikul’s highly customizable, two-stage launch vehicle, capable of taking up to 100 kg
payload to orbits around 700 km high (low Earth orbits) and enables plug-and-play configuration.
o Agnilet is the world’s first single-piece 3-D printed engine fully designed and manufactured in India and
was successfully test-fired in early 2021, making Agnikul the first company in the country to test its engines
at ISRO. Agnibaan and Agnilet will be used in the Agnikul’s first launch.
About Agnikul
Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, Moin SPM and Professor S.R. Chakravarthy from IIT Madras,
Agnikul is an IIT Madras incubated startup.
o It became the first Indian company to sign an agreement with ISRO in December 2020.
o The agreement signed under the IN-SPACe initiative sanctioned Agnikul access to the Indian space agency’s
expertise and facilities to build Agnibaan and its launchpads.
o IN-SPACe was conceived in June 2020 following the Central government’s decision to open up the space
sector and enable the participation of Indian private sector in the gamut of space activities.
o It acts as a single-window, independent, nodal agency which functions as an autonomous agency in Department of
Space.
RISAT-2
ISRO’s RISAT-2 satellite, launched in 2009, has made an uncontrolled re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.
o The space agency on Thursday said the RISAT-2 satellite, weighing about 300 kg, made an uncontrolled re-entry in
the Indian Ocean near Jakarta on October 30.
o RISAT-2 was launched by the PSLV-C12 launch vehicle 13 years ago.
o ISRO said that though the initial designed life of the satellite was four years, due to proper maintenance of orbit
and mission planning by the spacecraft operations team in ISRO and by economical usage of fuel, RISAT-2
provided very useful payload data for 13 years.
38
About RISAT-2
The first "eye in the sky" for India, RISAT-2, keeps watch over the nation's borders as part of counterterrorism and
counter infiltration efforts.
o Israel Aerospace Industries' X-band synthetic-aperture radar served as the main sensor on the Risat-2 "spy" satellite.
o Due to delays with the locally manufactured C-band for the Risat-1 satellite, Risat-2 was built more quickly in the
wake of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks.
o The satellite, which was the first specialised reconnaissance satellite launched by India, has the ability to monitor
all kinds of meteorological conditions day and night.
71. Agnikul was founded in which of the following (b) Apollo

years? (c) Hercules
(a) 2015 (d) Leto
(b) 2016
(c) 2017 74. The first satellite under NavIC was launched in
(d) 2020 which of the following years?
(a) 2012
72. Which of the following satellite was launched to (b) 2013
keep watch over the nation's borders as part of (c) 2015
counterterrorism and counter infiltration efforts. (d) 2017
(a) RISAT 1
(b) RISAT 2 75. Artemis III is slated to be launched in which of the
(c) RISAT 2B following years?
(d) EOS 1 (a) 2024
(b) 2025
73. Artemis is the sister of which of the following (c) 2027
Greek Gods? (d) 2030
(a) Zeus
71. (c) Founded in 2017 by Srinath Ravichandran, 74. (b) NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation),
Moin SPM and Professor S.R. Chakravarthy or the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
from IIT Madras, Agnikul is an IIT Madras System (IRNSS), is a constellation of seven
incubated startup. satellites that is akin to the American GPS, the
72. (b) The first "eye in the sky" for India, RISAT-2, European Galileo and the Russian GLONASS,
keeps watch over the nation's borders as part of and can be used to track location. The first of
counterterrorism and counter infiltration these satellites (IRNSS-1A) were launched in
efforts. 2013 and the latest in 2018.
73. (b) It is NASA's follow-up to the Apollo lunar 75. (b) It is slated for 2025 and is anticipated to be the
missions from fifty years ago and is named after first lunar mission since the Apollo missions to
the sister of Apollo from Greek mythology. carry men there.
39
JHARKHAND ASSEMBLY RESERVATION BILLS
News
The Jharkhand Assembly, unanimously cleared two Bills, one increasing reservation in vacant government posts
and services in the state to 77%, and the second, using land records with 1932 as the cut-off year to determine
domicile status and who among the people fit the definition of local residents.
o Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the Bills will come into force only after the Centre carries out amendments to
include these in the Ninth Schedule, putting it beyond judicial scrutiny.
o (In a 2007 landmark ruling in I R Coelho vs State of Tamil Nadu, a 9-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme
Court unanimously ruled that laws cannot escape the “basic structure” test if inserted into the Ninth
Schedule after 1973. It was in 1973 that the basic structure test was evolved in the Kesavananda Bharati case as
the ultimate test to examine the constitutional validity of laws.)
Jharkhand Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment) Bill, 2022

The first Bill, ‘Jharkhand Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (Amendment) Bill, 2022’, raised reservation
from 60% to 77%.
o Within the reserved category, the Scheduled Castes will get a quota of 12%, up from 10%; 27% for OBCs, up from
14%; 28% for Scheduled Tribes, a 2% increase; and 10% for Economically Weaker Sections.
o OBCs and STs constitute more than 65% of the state population.
o Official sources said the reservation will not apply to admissions in government-run universities or colleges.
Jharkhand Local Persons Bill, 2022:

It aims at granting local residents “certain rights, benefits, and preferential treatment” over their land; in their stake in
local development of rivers, lakes, fisheries; in local traditional and cultural and commercial enterprises; in rights over
agricultural indebtedness or availing agricultural loans; in maintenance and protection of land records; for their social
security; in employment in private and public sector; and, for trade and commerce in the state.
About Ninth Schedule

 The 77% reservation breaches the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the 1992 Indra Sawhney v Union of
India verdict.
 However, placing a legislation in the Ninth Schedule shields it from judicial scrutiny.
 Previously, the Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in
Educational Institutions and of Appointments or Posts in the Services under the State) Act, 1993, reserved
69 % of the seats in colleges and jobs in the state government.
Why include in Ninth Schedule?

o The Constitution (First Amendment) Act of 1951 added the Schedule, which contains a list of federal and state
legislation that cannot be challenged in court.
o 13 new statutes were added to the Schedule by the first Amendment. There are currently 284 protected
statutes as a result of later revisions made over time.
o It was established by the new Article 31B, which the government introduced along with Article 31A to safeguard
legislation pertaining to agrarian reform and the abolition of the Zamindari system.
o Article 31B protects particular laws or enactments, whereas Article 31A covers "classes" of laws.
o The majority of the laws covered by the Schedule relate to agriculture and land, although there are other topics on
the list as well.
o Additionally, Article 31B operates retroactively, which means that if legislation are added to the Ninth Schedule
after being ruled unconstitutional, they are regarded as having been there from the beginning and are therefore
lawful.
o Despite the fact that Article 31B forbids judicial review, the Supreme Court has previously stated that even laws
listed in the Ninth Schedule would be subject to review if they infringed Fundamental Rights or the Constitution's
fundamental principles.
Ninth Schedule completely Exempt from Judicial Scrutiny

 Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): The court upheld the Golaknath decision and established a
new concept of "Basic structure of the Indian Constitution," stating that "all provisions of the constitution may
40
be amended, but amendments that will abrogate or remove the basic structure of the constitution, including
Fundamental Rights, are suitable for being struck down by the court."
 Waman Rao v. Union of India (1981): In this significant decision, the SC said that "those constitutional
modifications made before April 24, 1973 (the day on which the Keshavananda Bharati decision was given) are
legitimate and constitutional, but those adopted after the indicated date are subject to constitutionality challenges."
o I R Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007): It was decided that if a law entered into force after April 24, 1973, it
must pass muster under Articles 14, 19, and 21.
o In addition, the court reaffirmed its earlier decisions and stated that any act that does not adhere to the fundamental
principles of the constitution is subject to challenge and judicial review.
o Additionally, it was decided that once the constitutionality of a statute listed in the ninth schedule has been
upheld, it cannot be contested in the future.
76. The Jharkhand Assembly has increased reservation (a) Waman Rao v. Union of India
in vacant government posts and services in the (b) Keshvananda Bharti v. State of Kerala
state to which of the following? (c) Indra Sawhney v. Union of India
(a) 55% (d) I R Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu
(b) 69%
(c) 77% 79. Which of the following articles to the Constitution
(d) 85% of India forbids Judicial Review?
(a) Article 31A
77. Placing the law which schedule of the Constitution (b) Article 31B
of India shields it from the Judicial Review? (c) Article 31C
(a) Sixth Schedule (d) Article 32
(b) Seventh Schedule
(c) Eighth Schedule 80. Who among the following is the Chief Minister of
(d) Ninth Schedule Jharkhand?
(a) Hemant Soren
78. In which of the following cases it was decided that (b) Hemant Biswas Sarma
if a law entered into force after April 24, 1973, it (c) Raman Singh
must pass muster under Articles 14, 19, and 21. (d) Jai Ram Thakur
76. (c) The Jharkhand Assembly, unanimously cleared April 24, 1973, it must pass muster under Articles
two Bills, one increasing reservation in vacant 14, 19, and 21.
government posts and services in the state to 79. (b) Despite the fact that Article 31B forbids
77%, and the second, using land records with judicial review, the Supreme Court has
1932 as the cut-off year to determine domicile previously stated that even laws listed in the
status and who among the people fit the Ninth Schedule would be subject to review if
definition of local residents. they infringed Fundamental Rights or the
77. (d) The Constitution (First Amendment) Act of Constitution's fundamental principles.
1951 added the Ninth Schedule, which contains 80. (a) Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the Bills
a list of federal and state legislation that cannot will come into force only after the Centre carries
be challenged in court. out amendments to include these in the Ninth
78. (d) I R Coelho v. State of Tamil Nadu (2007): It Schedule, putting it beyond judicial
was decided that if a law entered into force after scrutiny.
41
INDIA’S FIRST SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS FRAMEWORK
News
The final Indian Sovereign Green Bonds Framework has been authorised by the Union Minister for Finance and
Corporate Affairs. It will be possible to raise money for green projects by issuing sovereign green bonds.
About Sovereign Green Bonds.

Companies, nations, and international organisations all offer green bonds, which guarantee fixed income payments to
investors while only funding initiatives that benefit the environment or the climate.
o The initiatives could involve, among other things, green buildings, sustainable transportation, and renewable
energy.
o These bonds' earnings are designated for environmental projects. This is different from regular bonds, which allow
the issuer to use the proceeds for a variety of things.
o According to the London-based Climate Bonds Initiative, by the end of 2020, 24 national governments would have
issued sovereign green, social, and sustainability bonds worth a total of USD 111 billion.
What is Sovereign Green Bonds Framework?

The Framework closely follows the Prime Minister's explanation of India's "Panchamrit" pledges at the Conference of
Parties (COP) 26 in Glasgow in November 2021.
o India's dedication to its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets, set forth under the Paris Agreement,
would be further strengthened.
o In order to approve important choices for the issuing of Sovereign Green Bonds, the Green Finance Working
Committee (GFWC) was established.
o The framework has received a "Good" governance score and a "Medium Green" rating from the independent second
opinion provider CICERO in Norway.
o The project or solution is given the "Medium Green" classification if it "represents important progress towards the
long-term objective, but is not quite there yet."
o The framework excludes all fossil fuel-related projects as well as biomass-based renewable energy initiatives that
depend on feedstock from "restricted zones."
Benefits of SGB
o Governments and authorities are sent a strong signal of intent about climate change and sustainable development
by sovereign green issuance.
o Sovereign issuance can assist jump-start these significant capital inflows, as the International Energy Agency (IEA)
World Energy Outlook 2021 estimates that 70% of the additional USD 4 trillion investment to reach net-zero is
necessary in emerging/developing nations.
o The formation of a sovereign green benchmark could eventually result in the emergence of a thriving market for
the issuance of green bonds by foreign investors.
81. Who among the following is the Union Minister for 83. International Energy Agency (IEA) World Energy
Finance? Outlook 2021 estimates how much percentage of
(a) Nirmala Sitharaman the additional USD 4 trillion investment to reach
(b) Rajnath Singh net-zero is necessary in emerging/developing
(c) Kiren Rijuju nations?
(d) Dharmendra Pradhan (a) 50%
(b) 65%
82. According to the London-based Climate Bonds (c) 70%
Initiative, by the end of 2020, how many national (d) 85%
government would have issued sovereign green
bonds? 84. The Framework closely follows the Prime Minister's
(a) 20 explanation of India's ______ pledge at the COP 26.
(b) 23 (a) Panchamrit
(c) 24 (b) Panchtantra
(d) 25 (c) Panchavarsha
(d) Panchaang
42
85. Who among the following issued the First Green (b) IMF
Bond in the world? (c) Poland
(a) World Bank (d) Denmark
81. (a) The current Finance Minister of India is net-zero is necessary in emerging/developing
Nirmala Sitharaman. nations.
82. (c) According to the London-based Climate Bonds 84. (a) The Framework closely follows the Prime
Initiative, by the end of 2020, 24 national Minister's explanation of India's "Panchamrit"
governments would have issued sovereign pledges at the Conference of Parties (COP) 26 in
green, social, and sustainability bonds worth a Glasgow in November 2021.
total of USD 111 billion. 85. (a) In 2008, the World Bank issued its first green
83. (c) International Energy Agency (IEA) World bond in response to such increasing demand.
Energy Outlook 2021 estimates that 70% of the Since the issuance of the first green bond, the
additional USD 4 trillion investment to reach market's grown considerably, as shown below.
LAW COMMISSION OF INDIA

News
The Centre has established the Law Commission of India, which will be led by Justice (retd) Rituraj Awasthi, former
Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. Former Kerala High Court judge Justice K T Sankaran, M Karunanithi, and
law professors Anand Paliwal, D P Verma, and Raka Arya will be on the panel, according to Law Minister Kiren Rijiju.
o Justice Awasthi was appointed Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in October 2021 and retired in July of this
year. He presided over the Bench that upheld the state government's ban on women and girls wearing the hijab in
educational institutions in March of this year.
Law Commission of India

The Law Ministry describes the Law Commission of India as a non-statutory body that is constituted by a
notification of the Government of India, with definite terms of reference to carry out research in the field of law. The
Commission makes recommendations to the Government (in the form of Reports) as per its terms of reference.
o The first Law Commission in Independent India was constituted in 1955, and has so far submitted 277
reports. According to the Law Ministry’s website, the “Law Commission of India provides excellent thought
provoking and vital review of the laws in India”.
o The first Law Commission was established during the British Raj era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 and
was chaired by Lord Macaulay.
22nd Law Commission

The Commission headed by Justice Awasthi is the 22nd Law Commission of India. The tenure of the 21st Law
Commission, which was headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B S Chauhan, came to an end on August 31 2018.
The 22nd Commission has been constituted two and a half years after it was approved by the Union Cabinet on
February 19, 2020, just before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. A petition had been moved in the Supreme Court
subsequently against the delay in constituting the 22nd Commission.
An official release at the time of Cabinet clearance had said the Commission would have a tenure of three years from
the date of publication of the Order of Constitution in the Official Gazette.
Objective and Composition of the Commission:

o It serves the Ministry of Law and Justice as an advisory council.
o On a referral from the Central Government or suo-motu, the Law Commission conducts legal research, reviews
Indian laws already in effect, and proposes new legislation.
o The commission will include four full-time members, including a member-secretary, in addition to a full-time
chairperson.
43
o The ex-officio members of the commission will be the law and legislative secretaries in the law ministry.
o Additionally, it will only have a maximum of five part-time members.
o The Commission will be led by a retired Supreme Court justice or a Chief Justice of a High Court.
Important Recommendations of the Commission

o The Law Commission advocated abolishing the death sentence for all crimes, with the exception of those related to
terrorism and acts of war against the state, in its 262nd Report.
o To strengthen governance and stability, it had recommended holding the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections
at the same time in its report on electoral changes from 1999.
o The Law Commission of India also suggested the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022, which would
replace the Identification of Prisoners Act, 1920.
o In its suggestion from 2018, the 21st Law Commission stated that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is "not essential nor
desirable at this stage."
86. Who among the following is the chairman of the (b) 200th
recently constituted Law Commission of India? (c) 252nd
(a) Justice Rituraj Awasthi (d) 262nd
(b) Justice K T Sankaran
(c) Justice M Karunanithi 89. The First Law Commission in Independent India was
(d) Anand Paliwal constituted in which of the following years?
(a) 1955
87. Which of the following kind of body is the Law (b) 1958
Commission of India? (c) 1962
(a) Statutory Body (d) 1970
(b) Constitutional Body
(c) Advisory Body 90. Who among the following was the Chairman of
(d) Think Tank First Law Commission of India?
(a) Lord Dalhousie
88. Law Commission in which report recommended to (b) Lord Curzon
abolish death penalty except for terrorism (c) Lord Bentick
activities? (d) Lord Macaulay
(a) 160th
86. (a) The Centre has established the Law Commission 88. (d) The Law Commission advocated abolishing the
of India, which will be led by Justice (retd) death sentence for all crimes, with the exception
Rituraj Awasthi, former Chief Justice of the of those related to terrorism and acts of war
Karnataka High Court. Former Kerala High against the state, in its 262nd Report.
Court judge Justice K T Sankaran, M 89. (a) The first Law Commission in Independent
Karunanithi, and law professors Anand Paliwal, India was constituted in 1955, and has so far
D P Verma, and Raka Arya will be on the panel, submitted 277 reports. According to the Law
according to Law Minister Kiren Rijiju. Ministry’s website, the “Law Commission of
87. (c) It serves the Ministry of Law and Justice as an India provides excellent thought provoking and
advisory council. On a referral from the Central vital review of the laws in India”.
Government or suo-motu, the Law Commission 90. (d) The first Law Commission was established
conducts legal research, reviews Indian laws during the British Raj era in 1834 by the
already in effect, and proposes new legislation. Charter Act of 1833 and was chaired by Lord
Macaulay.
44
PAY PARITY IN CRICKET
News
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a “pay equity policy”, saying that its centrally-contracted
men and women players would get the same match fees.
o This means the women players will now get Rs 15 lakh per Test match, Rs 6 lakh for a One-Day International (ODI),
and Rs 3 lakh for a T20 International. Till now, they were paid Rs 1 lakh for a white-ball match, and Rs 4 lakh for a
Test.
o The annual retainership for women cricketers remains the same — Rs 50 lakh for Grade A, Rs 30 lakh for Grade B
and Rs 10 lakh for Grade C. The men, who play more games, are paid Rs 1-7 crore, depending on their grade.
o With this, India has become the second country in international cricket to implement equal pay. Earlier this year,
New Zealand Cricket had announced equal match fees for its women players.
The four major tennis tournaments—the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open—offer equal prize
money as a result of efforts to increase pay equity between male and female players.
Global Gender Gap Index 2022

o Out of a total of 146 nations, India came in at position 135 on the list.
o India's overall rating increased from 0.625 (in 2021) to 0.629, which is the seventh-highest rating it has received in
the previous 16 years.
o India placed 140th out of 156 nations in 2021.
o India performs poorly among the 146 competing nations in economic participation and opportunity (percentage of
women in the labour force, wage equality for equivalent employment, and earned income), despite an increase in
its score from 0.326 to 0.350 since 2021.
o India was ranked 151st out of 156 nations in 2021.
o Only Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan behind India on this criterion, and India's score is significantly lower than the
average for the world.
91. Women Cricketers will now get how much rupees (c) England
for a single test match? (d) India
(a) 10 Lakh Rupees
(b) 12.5 Lakh Rupees 93. Who among the following is currently the President
(c) 15 Lakh Rupees of BCCI?
(d) 20 Lakh Rupees (a) Jay Shah
(b) Sourav Ganguly
92. Which of the following is the First country to (c) Roger Binny
announce pay parity in Cricket? (d) Kapil Dev
(a) Australia
(b) New Zealand
45
94. What is India’s rank in the Global Gender Gap
Index? 95. BCCI was formed in which of the following years?
(a) 123 (a) 1909
(b) 135 (b) 1913
(c) 141 (c) 1928
(d) 145 (d) 1931
91. (c) This means the women players will now get Rs Cricket in India. He was the president of
15 lakh per Test match, Rs 6 lakh for a One-Day Karnataka State Cricket Association from 2019
International (ODI), and Rs 3 lakh for a T20 to 2022
International. Till now, they were paid Rs 1 lakh 94. (b) Out of a total of 146 nations, India came in at
for a white-ball match, and Rs 4 lakh for a Test. position 135 on the list.
92. (b) With this, India has become the second country India's overall rating increased from 0.625 (in
in international cricket to implement equal pay. 2021) to 0.629, which is the seventh-highest
Earlier this year, New Zealand Cricket had rating it has received in the previous 16 years.
announced equal match fees for its women 95. (c) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
players. was set up on December 4, 1928 by a group of
93. (c) Roger Michael Humphrey Binny is an Indian players at Delhi's Roshnara Club to end the
former international cricketer who is the 36th British monopoly in cricket. BCCI had 6 regional
and incumbent president of Board of Control for bodies as its first members.
19TH ASEAN-INDIA SUMMIT

News
The Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) and India had the 19th Summit to commemorate the 30th
Anniversary of Asean-India dialogue relations on November 12, 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This year’s summit is
remarkable on three counts.
o The relationship is now elevated to comprehensive strategic partnership (CSP) level. A decade ago, the 2012
Commemorative Summit endorsed the Strategic Partnership (SP) between India and Asean. Ten years later, the
relationship is now upgraded to the CSP.
o For the first time, the Indian delegation was headed by the vice-president, which was a correct decision. The Asean
Summits do not need high level political participation. Several high-level political leaders attended it. This is
because many of them are on an Asia tour to attend: the COP27, Asean Plus Summit, the APEC and G20. One flight,
four stops!
o Indo-Pacific has gained the centre stage. Asean has issued the leaders’ declaration on mainstreaming four priority
areas of the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific within Asean-led mechanisms. This is nothing but to clearly
recognise Indo-Pacific as a reality moving ahead. India’s strategic position in the Indian Ocean and IPEF-
membership makes it an essential economic power.
About India-Asean relations

o Its dialogue partners include India and several other countries, including the United States, China, Japan, and
Australia.
o The ASEAN-India dialogue relationship began in 1992 with the formation of a sectoral partnership.
o In December 1995, this progressed to full dialogue partnership, and in 2002, to summit-level partnership.
o Trade and people-to-people ties have traditionally been the foundation of India-ASEAN ties due to shared historical
and cultural roots; however, a more recent and pressing area of convergence has been balancing China's rise.
o In contrast to China's aggressive policies, both India and ASEAN seek to establish a rules-based security architecture
for peaceful development in the region.
o India's fourth largest trading partner is ASEAN.
o India signed a goods FTA (Free Trade Agreement) with ASEAN in 2009, followed by a services and investment FTA
in 2014.
o Since the FTA's implementation, bilateral trade has nearly doubled to over USD 87 billion in 2019-20, before falling
to USD 79 billion in 2020-21 due to a pandemic-driven slowdown.
46
o The ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) was established to conduct policy research, advocacy, and networking activities
with Indian and ASEAN organisations and think tanks.
o India provides financial assistance to ASEAN member countries through a variety of mechanisms, including the
ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, the ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund, and the ASEAN-India Green Fund.
o Several connectivity projects have been undertaken by India, including the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral
(IMT) Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Project.
o India is also attempting to establish a Maritime Transportation Agreement with ASEAN, as well as plans for a railway
link from New Delhi, India, to Hanoi, Vietnam.
o India and the majority of ASEAN countries conduct joint naval and military exercises.
o The first Asean-India Maritime Exercise will take place in 2023.
o In 2016, the military exercise dubbed "Watershed" was held.
o In defence matters, Vietnam has traditionally been a close friend, but Singapore is also an important partner.
About ASEAN
o ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – into one organisation.
o It's a regional organisation that encourages economic, political, and security cooperation.
o The founding fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, signed the
ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) in August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand.
o Its chairmanship is rotated annually based on the alphabetical order of Member States' English names.
o ASEAN countries have a combined population of 650 million people and a combined GDP of USD 2.8 trillion.
96. The 19th ASEAN Summit was held in which of the (a) 2022
following palces? (b) 2023
(a) Singapore (c) 2024
(b) Cambodia (d) 2025
(c) Laos
(d) Thailand 99. How many Countries are part of ASEAN?
(a) Eight
97. The ASEAN-India dialogue relationship began in (b) Ten
which year with the formation of a sectoral (c) Twelve
partnership? (d) Fifteen
(a) 1985
(b) 1988 100. India signed goods Free Trade Agreement with
(c) 1992 ASEAN in which of the following years?
(d) 1996 (a) 2009
(b) 2011
98. The first Asean-India Maritime Exercise will take (c) 2012
place in which year? (d) 2014
96. (b) The Association of South East Asian Nations 98. (b) The first Asean-India Maritime Exercise will
(Asean) and India had the 19th Summit to take place in 2023.
commemorate the 30th Anniversary of Asean- 99. (b) ASEAN brings together ten Southeast Asian
India dialogue relations on November 12, 2022 in states – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Phnom Penh, Cambodia. This year’s summit is Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore,
remarkable on three counts. Thailand and Vietnam – into one organisation.
97. (c) The ASEAN-India dialogue relationship began 100. (a) India signed a goods FTA (Free Trade
in 1992 with the formation of a sectoral Agreement) with ASEAN in 2009, followed by a
partnership. services and investment FTA in 2014.
47
CURRENT AFFAIRS PRACTICE SHEET (CAPS)
National Credit Framework
Passage (Q.101-Q.105) : The government on Wednesday began the process of public consultations on the National
Credit Framework (NCrF) which seeks to integrate academic and vocational domains to ensure flexibility and mobility
between the two. The NCrF has been proposed as part of the National Education Policy (NEP).
The NEP had envisioned the NCrF for opening numerous options for inter-mingling of school and higher education
with vocational education and experiential learning, thus mainstreaming skilling and vocational education. It will also
enable students who have dropped out of the mainstream education to re-enter the education ecosystem.
Launching the draft for public consultation, Union Minister for Education [1] said NCrF is a next generation,
multidimensional instrument under NEP.
“National Credit Framework is an umbrella framework for skilling, re-skilling, up-skilling, accreditation and evaluation
encompassing our people in educational and skilling institutions and workforce,” he said.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/centre-launches-ncrf-for-public-consultation/article66032000.ece
101. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above 103. Union Minister for Education and Skill
passage? Development, launched the National Curriculum
(a) Dharmendra Pradhan Framework for Foundational Stage consisting of
(b) Piyush Goyal how many Balvatika Kendriya Vidyalayas in its pilot
(c) Ashwini Vaishnav project?
(d) Smiriti Irani (a) 10 (b) 22
(c) 36 (d) 49
102. Which of the following is TRUE with regards the
Credit Earning as per the released draft? 104. The Name of Ministry of Human Resource
(a) The total 'Notional Learning hours in a year' for Development was changed to the Ministry of
assignment of Credits will be 1200 hours. Education in which of the following years?
(b) A minimum of 40 credits may be earned for 1200 (a) 2019 (b) 2020
hours of learning every year with 20 credits per (c) 2021 (d) None of the above
semester of six months.
(c) Each Credit will come with 30 hours of learning- 105. Right to Education was made a fundamental right in
30 hours per credit. which of the following years?
(d) All of the above (a) 1996 (b) 1998
(c) 2002 (d) 2005
101. (a) Launching the draft for public consultation, Framework for Foundational Stage and the pilot
Union Minister for Education Dharmendra project of Balvatika 49 Kendriya Vidyalayas
Pradhan said NCrF is a next generation, across the country.
multidimensional instrument under NEP. 104. (b) The Cabinet has approved the renaming of the
102. (d) The total 'Notional Learning hours in a year' for Ministry of Human Resource Development to
assignment of Credits will be 1200 hours. A the Ministry of Education under NEP 2020.
minimum of 40 credits may be earned for 1200 105. (c) The Constitution (Eighty-sixth Amendment)
hours of learning every year with 20 credits per Act, 2002 inserted Article 21-A in the
semester of six months. Each Credit will come Constitution of India to provide free and
with 30 hours of learning- 30 hours per credit. compulsory education of all children in the age
103. (d) Union Minister for Education and Skill group of six to fourteen years as a Fundamental
Development, Dharmendra Pradhan on Right in such a manner as the State may, by law,
Thursday launched the National Curriculum determine.
48
Two new Indian beaches receive 'Blue Flag' Certification
Passage (Q.106-Q.110): Two Indian beaches, Minicoy Thundi beach and [1], located in Lakshadweep, have received the
International eco-label ‘Blue Flag’, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change said in a press release on
Wednesday.
“Two more Indian beaches have made it to the list of Blue Beaches. Minicoy, Thundi Beach and [1] - both in Lakshadweep
- are the proud entrants in the coveted list of Blue Beaches, an eco-label given to the cleanest beaches in the world,"
said Union Environment Minister, Bhupender Yadav.
With the new additions, the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag Certification is [2].
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi congratulated the people of Lakshadweep for the achievement. He tweeted, “This is
great! Congratulations, particularly to the people of Lakshadweep, for this feat. India’s coastline is remarkable and there
is also a great amount of passion among our people to further coastal cleanliness."
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/two-new-indian-beaches-receive-blue-flag-certification-11666794718742.html
106. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of
passage? stringent environmental, educational, safety,
(a) Kadmat Beach and accessibility criteria must be met and
(b) Kiltan Beach maintained.
(c) Kavaratti Beach (d) International Coastal Clean-Up Day is observed
(d) Kalpeni Beach on 20th September every year.
107. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above 109. Which of the following countries tops the list of the
passage? Blue Flag Certification?
(a) 10 (a) France
(b) 12 (b) Spain
(c) 14 (c) U.K.
(d) 21 (d) Bahamas
108. Which of the following is not true regarding Blue 110. Who among the following is responsible for giving
Flag Certification? the label of Blue Flag Certification?
(a) Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest (a) Foundation for Environment Education
beaches of the world. (b) Foundation of Environment Elements
(b) There are nearly 33 criteria that must be met to (c) Foundation of Environmental Elevation
qualify for a Blue Flag certification. (d) Firm of Elemental Environment Education
106. (a) Two Indian beaches, Minicoy Thundi beach and 109. (b) Spain tops the list with 566 such beaches; Greece
Kadmat beach, located in Lakshadweep, have and France follow with 515 and 395, respectively.
received the International eco-label ‘Blue Flag’, 110. (a) It is accorded by the international jury
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and composed of eminent members - United
Climate Change said in a press release on Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
Wednesday. United Nations World Tourism Organisation
107. (b) With the new additions, the number of beaches (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation
certified under the Blue Flag Certification is for Environmental Education (FEE) and
twelve. International Union for Conservation of Nature
108. (d) International Coastal Clean-Up Day is observed (IUCN).
on 18th September every year.
49
World’s Population Touches 8 Billion
Passage (Q.111-Q.115): The human population touched 8 billion on Tuesday (November 15), a milestone that heralds
both opportunities and challenges — especially for India, which is set to become the world’s most populous country by
[1] by surpassing China.
While the United Nations hailed the 8-billion figure as “a testament to humanity’s achievements”, it also sounded a
note of caution.
“The growth of our population is a testament to humanity’s achievements, including reductions in poverty and gender
inequality, advancements in health care, and expanded access to education. These have resulted in more women
surviving childbirth, more children surviving their early years, and longer, healthier lifespans, decade after decade,” the
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said.
However, in a report, [2], UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said rapid population growth
can make challenges of hunger and poverty steeper.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/worlds-population-touches-8-billion-how-india-is-placed-8270044/
111. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) 60% of the global population lives in a region
passage? where the fertility rate is below replacement
(a) 2023 level.
(b) 2024 (d) Countries with the highest fertility levels tend to
(c) 2025 be those with the Highest income per capita.
(d) 2027
114. According to UN, India’s fertility rate has hit at
112. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above which of the following?
passage? (a) 2.1 births per woman
(a) Liu Zhenmin (b) 2.3 births per woman
(b) António Guterres (c) 2.5 births per woman
(c) David Malpass (d) 2.8 births per woman
(d) Kristalina Georgieva
115. United Nations Population Fund was established in
113. Which of the following is NOT CORRECT? which of the following years?
(a) More than half the world’s population lives in (a) 1965
Asia. (b) 1967
(b) It took the global population 12 years to grow (c) 1990
from 7 billion to 8 billion. (d) 1992
91. (a) The human population touched 8 billion on the two most populous countries with more
Tuesday (November 15), a milestone that heralds than 1.4 billion people each. According to UN, it
both opportunities and challenges — especially took the global population 12 years to grow from
for India, which is set to become the world’s 7 billion to 8 billion, it will take approximately
most populous country by next year by 15 years until 2037, for it to reach 9 billion.
surpassing China. India is projected to surpass According to the UN, 60% of the global
China as the most populous nation in 2023, population lives in a region where the fertility
according to the latest medium variant data rate is below replacement level.
from the United Nations Department of Countries with the highest fertility levels tend to
Economic and Social Affairs. be those with the lowest income per capita.
92. (a) However, in a report, Liu Zhenmin, UN Under- 94. (a) According to UN, India’s fertility rate has hit 2.1
Secretary-General for Economic and Social births per woman i.e., replacement-level fertility
Affairs, said rapid population growth can make and is further declining.
challenges of hunger and poverty steeper. 95. (b) It was established as a trust fund in 1967 and
93. (d) As of 2022, more than half the world’s began operations in 1969.
population lives in Asia, China and India being
50
In 1987, it was officially renamed the United abbreviation, ‘UNFPA’ for the United Nations
Nations Population Fund but the original Fund for Population Activities was retained.
‘Eat Right Station’ Certification

Passage (Q.116-Q.120): The Food Safety and Standard Association of India (FSSAI) awarded [1] Railway Station a 4-star
‘Eat Right Station’ certification for providing ‘"high-quality, nutritious food to passengers", the Ministry of Railways said
in a press release on Friday.
Railway stations are awarded the certificate after an FSSAI-empaneled third-party audit agency rates them on a scale of
1 to 5 for food storage and hygiene practices.
“The 4-star rating indicates full compliance by the station to ensure safe and hygienic food is available to passengers,"
the ministry added.
The certification is part of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement- a large-scale effort by FSSAI to transform the country’s food
system to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for all Indians.
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bhopal-railway-station-gets-4-star-eat-right-station-certificate-
11668166314954.html
116. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (d) 2020
passage?
(a) Bhopal 119. Which of the following is TRUE about Food Safety
(b) Gwalior and Standards Authority of India?
(c) Indore (a) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(d) Jabalpur (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body.
(b) It was established under the Food Safety and
117. Which of the following is the tagline of the Eat Right Standards Act, 2006.
Movement? (c) Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
(a) Sahi Bhojan, Behtar Jeevan Government of India is the administrative
(b) Behtar Bhojan, Sahi Jeevan Ministry of FSSAI.
(c) Khayega India, Khelega India (d) All of the above
(d) Behtar Swasth, Sabki Zimmedari
120. Which of the following States topped the recent
118. Eat Right Movement is aligned with the National State Food Safety Index?
Health Policy of which of the following year? (a) Tamil Nadu
(a) 2015 (b) Gujarat
(b) 2017 (c) Maharashtra
(c) 2018 (d) Assam
116. (a) The Food Safety and Standard Association of healthcare and flagship programmes like
India (FSSAI) awarded Bhopal Railway Station a Ayushman Bharat, POSHAN Abhiyaan,
4-star ‘Eat Right Station’ certification for Anaemia Mukt Bharat and Swachh Bharat
providing ‘"high-quality, nutritious food to Mission.
passengers", the Ministry of Railways said in a 119. (d) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
press release on Friday. (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body
117. (a) It is an initiative of FSSAI to transform the established under the Food Safety and
country’s food system in order to ensure safe, Standards Act, 2006 (FSS Act).
healthy and sustainable food for all Indians. Its Ministry of Health & Family Welfare,
tagline is ‘Sahi Bhojan, Behtar Jeevan’. Government of India is the administrative
118. (b) It is aligned to the National Health Policy 2017 Ministry of FSSAI.
with its focus on preventive and promotive Headquarters: Delhi.
51
120. (a) Overall: Goa stood first, followed by Manipur and
Tamil Nadu topped the State Food Safety Index Sikkim.
followed by Gujarat and Maharashtra. Among UTs:
Among Smaller States: Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh
secured first, second and third ranks.
Olive Ridley Turtles

Passage (Q.121-Q.125): Pairs of Olive Ridley Sea turtles have begun emerging on the sea waters off [1] along the Odisha
coast, marking the commencement of the annual mass nesting of these endangered marine species.
[1] in Kendrapara district, 150 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar, is the world’s largest rookery for Olive Ridley Sea
turtles.
Forest personnel on patrolling drives have sighted pairs of mating turtles. For undisturbed breeding of the aquatic
animals, prohibition on sea fishing continues to remain in force in the marine sanctuary, said forest officials.
Apart from [1], these threatened aquatic animals turn up at the Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district and the Devi
river mouth in Puri district for mass nesting.
On the serene surface of sea waters, the turtle surveying teams spotted hundreds of mating pairs along the [1] coast.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/environment/olive-ridley-sea-turtles-sighted-off-odisha-coast-mark-
commencement-of-annual-mass-nesting-101669018622517.html
121. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the 123. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above
Olive Ridley Turtle? passage?
(a) The Olive Ridley turtles are the smallest and (a) Gahirmatha
most abundant of all sea turtles found in the (b) Rourkela
world. (c) Kollam
(b) They migrate thousands of kilometres between (d) Kalaburagi
feeding and mating grounds in the course of a
year.
(c) These turtles are carnivores and get their name 124. Which of the following Operations has been carried
from their olive-coloured carapace. out to save Olive Ridley Sea Turtle?
(d) They are found in warm waters of Indian oceans (a) Operation Olivia
only. (b) Operation Redley
(c) Operation Olive Turtles
122. The Olive Redley’s are best known for their (d) Operation Olive Protection
unique mass nesting also known as which of the
following? 125. What is the scientific name of the Olive Ridley
(a) Cliff Side nest (a) Eretmochelys olivacea
(b) Oriole Nests (b) Lepidochelys olivacea
(c) Arribada (c) Dermochelys coriacea
(d) Pendent (d) Caretta caretta
121. (d) The Olive ridley turtles are the smallest and are found in warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic
most abundant of all sea turtles found in the and Indian oceans. The Odisha’s Gahirmatha
world. Marine Sanctuary is known as the world’s largest
These turtles are carnivores and get their name rookery of sea turtles.
from their olive-colored carapace. They migrate 122. (c) They are best known for their unique mass
thousands of kilometers between feeding and nesting called Arribada, where thousands of
mating grounds in the course of a year. They
52
females come together on the same beach to lay Olive Ridley turtles as they congregate along the
eggs. Odisha coast for breeding and nesting from
123. (a) Pairs of Olive Ridley Sea turtles have begun November to December. It also intercepts
emerging on the sea waters off Gahirmatha unlawful trawling activities.
along the Odisha coast, marking the 125. (b) The olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) is
commencement of the annual mass nesting of the smallest and most abundant of all sea
these endangered marine species. turtles, growing up to 80 cm and weighing less
124. (a) Every year, the Indian Coast Guard’s “Operation than 50 kg.
Olivia”, initiated in the early 1980s, helps protect
Center Restricts use of Glyphosate

Passage (Q.126-Q.130): The government has restricted use of herbicide Glyphosate and its derivatives, fearing health
hazards and risk to human beings/animals, a move opposed by an industry association AGFI citing endorsements from
global studies and regulatory bodies.
Glyphosate and its formulations are widely registered and currently used in more than 160 countries, including the EU
and the USA. Farmers across the globe have been using it for safe and effective weed control for over 40 years.
"The use of Glyphosate is hereby restricted and no person shall use Glyphosate except Pest Control Operators (PCOs),"
said a notification issued by the agriculture ministry on October 25.
The companies have been asked to return the certificate of registration granted for Glyphosate and its derivatives to the
Registration Committee for incorporation of the warning in bold letters "The use of Glyphosate formulation to be
allowed through PCOs" on the label and leaflet, it said.
https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/govt-restricts-use-of-glyphosate-in-agriculture-industry-
body-opposes-it-122102700756_1.html
126. Who among the following is the Minister In-charge (c) Bihar
for the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare? (d) Uttar Pradesh
(a) Narendra Singh Tomer
(b) Pralhad Joshi 129. How many countries have banned or restricted the
(c) Sarbananda Sonowal use of the glyphosate?
(d) Parshottam Rupala (a) 20
(b) 28
127. Herbicide Glyphosate was developed in which of the (c) 32
following years? (d) 35
(a) 1970
(b) 1972 130. The final notification restricting Glyphosate comes
(c) 1988 more than two years after a draft was issued by the
(d) 1991 ministry on the basis of a report from which of the
following State Government?
128. Consumption of herbicide Glyphosate is highest in (a) Kerala
which of the following years? (b) Maharashtra
(a) Gujarat (c) Tamil Nadu
(b) Maharashtra (d) Uttar Pradesh
126. (a) Narendra Singh Tomar is an Indian politician Herbicide is an agent, usually chemical, for
and a member of the 17th Lok Sabha. He is the killing or inhibiting the growth of unwanted
incumbent Minister of Agriculture & Farmers plants, such as residential or agricultural weeds
Welfare. and invasive species
127. (a) It is an Herbicide, developed in 1970.
53
128. (b) Presently, its consumption is highest in 130. (a) The final notification restricting Glyphosate
Maharashtra as it is becoming a key herbicide in comes more than two years after a draft was
sugarcane, maize and many fruit crops. issued by the ministry on July 2, 2020. The draft
129. (d) Some 35 countries have banned or restricted the was issued following a report from the Kerala
use of glyphosate. These include Sri Lanka, government for prohibiting the distribution,
Netherlands, France, Colombia, Canada, Israel sale and use of this herbicide.
and Argentina.
Sandalwood Spike Disease

Passage (Q.131-Q.135): In a significant study to find out why sandalwood spike disease (SSD) has almost wiped-out
sandalwood from forests of southern India, scientists from National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) and Bengaluru’s
Institute of Wood Science and Technology have reported that the disease was spreading through sandalwood seedlings.
While it is known that sap-sucking insect vectors transmit phytoplasmas, this team found SSD was spreading through
seeds too. In the last three years, over 200 seeds from SSD-affected trees and over 500 seedlings generated using
commercially purchased seeds were screened for the presence of SSD phytoplasma.
Dr Amit Yadav and his team at Pune’s NCCS in collaboration with Dr R Sundarraj from the Bengaluru-based institute
were behind the study that has been published recently in Biology – an international, peer-reviewed journal.
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/disease-wiping-sandalwood-population-south-india-seedlings-8261225/
131. In which of the following years was the disease found

for the first time? 134. What is the Status of Sandalwood in the IUCN Red
(a) 1899 (b) 1901 List?
(c) 1905 (d) 1910 (a) Vulnerable
(b) Endangered
132. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) Critically Endangered
passage? (d) Least Concern
(a) Phytoplasmas
(b) Mycoplasmas 135. Which of the following is TRUE?
(c) Norovirus (a) About 1% to 5% of sandalwood trees are lost
(d) Campylobacter every year due to the disease.
(b) Union Ministry of AYUSH has allocated Rs. 50
133. Indian Sandalwood is known as which of the lakhs to fight the disease.
following? (c) Institute of Wood Science and Technology
(a) Santalum album (IWST), Bangalorel joined hands with the Pune-
(b) Santalum spicatum based National Centre for Cell Sciences for a
(c) Fusanus spicatus three-year study of the Disease.
(d) beta santalol (d) All of the above
131. (a) Presently, there is no option but to cut down and oil, which is used mainly in the perfume industry
remove the infected tree to prevent the spread but also has medicinal properties.
of the disease. The disease was first reported in 134. (a) IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Kodagu, Karnataka in 1899. 135. (d) In an effort to combat the killer disease, the
132. (a) It is an infectious disease which is caused by Institute of Wood Science and Technology
phytoplasma. Phytoplasmas are bacterial (IWST), Bangalorel joined hands with the Pune-
parasites of plant tissues — which are based National Centre for Cell Sciences for a
transmitted by insect vectors and involved in three-year study, initiated by the Union
plant-to-plant transmission. Ministry of AYUSH with a financial allocation of
133. (a) Sandalwood (Santalum album) has been part of Rs. 50 lakhs.
Indian culture and heritage for thousands of IWST is a Centre of Excellence for Sandalwood
years, and was one of the first items traded with Research and Wood Science.
other countries. The heartwood yields fragrant
54
Supreme Court upholds EWS Quota
Passage (Q.136-Q.140) : A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on Monday, in a [1] majority decision, upheld the
validity of the [2] Constitutional Amendment which provides 10% reservation in government jobs and educational
institutions to the ‘economically weaker sections of the society but excludes the ‘poorest of poor’ among Scheduled
Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and Other Backward Classes
(OBC) from its scope.
Justices Dinesh Maheshwari, Bela M. Trivedi and J.B. Pardiwala delivered the majority opinions on the five-judge Bench
in an hour-long session which saw the pronouncement of a Constitution Bench judgment live-streamed for the first
time. Chief Justice U.U. Lalit, on his last working day, and Justice S. Ravindra Bhat, gave the minority view, which Justice
Bhat authored.
On whether reservation on the sole basis of economic criteria violated the Basic Structure of the Constitution, Justice
Maheshwari took the expansive view that reservation was an “instrument of affirmative action by the state” and should
not be confined to just SCs, STs, SEBCs, and the non-creamy layer of OBCs, but also include “any class or sections so
disadvantaged as to answer the description of ‘weaker section’”.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-upholds-validity-of-ews-quota/article66106470.ece
136. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) Your family should not own a residential plot
passage? (other than in notified municipalities) of area
(a) 5:0 200 square yards or more.
(b) 4:1 (d) All of the above
(c) 3:2
(d) 1:4 139. The SC in a landmark judgment had capped the
reservation limit to 50%. What is the name of that
137. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above case?
passage? (a) Indira Sawhney case
(a) 100th (b) Maneka Gandhi v UOI
(b) 101st (c) Keshvanand Bharti case
(c) 102nd (d) All of the above
(d) 103rd
140. In July 2021, which of the following states became the
138. Which of the following is the additional criteria for first state in the country to provide one percent
EWS category apart from the annual income limit? reservation for the transgender community in all
(a) You should be a ‘general’ category candidate. government services?
(b) Your family should not own a residential flat of (a) Maharashtra
area 1000 square feet or more. (b) Tamil Nadu
(c) Odissa
(d) Karnataka
136. (c) A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment
Monday, in a 3:2 majority decision, upheld the which provides 10% reservation in government
validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment jobs and educational institutions to the
which provides 10% reservation in government ‘economically weaker sections of the society but
jobs and educational institutions to the excludes the ‘poorest of poor’ among Scheduled
‘economically weaker sections of the society but Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Socially and
excludes the ‘poorest of poor’ among Scheduled Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and
Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Socially and Other Backward Classes (OBC) from its scope.
Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and 138. (d) You should be a ‘general’ candidate.
Other Backward Classes (OBC) from its scope. Your family should not own agricultural land of
137. (d) A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on size 5 acres or more.
Monday, in a 3:2 majority decision, upheld the
55
Your family should not own a residential flat of reservation for the transgender community in
area 1000 square feet or more. all government services. The government
139. (a) One of the most crucial ones is Indra Sawhney v submitted a report to the High Court in this
Union of India. This 1992 case laid down a regard, informing that a notification had already
ceiling limit within which reservations can be been issued after amending the Karnataka Civil
granted: more than 50% of positions should not Service. The job could be given to males or
be reserved (the ‘50% rule’). females, from the same category, in case of the
140. (d) On 21 July 2021, Karnataka became the first state non- availability of transgender candidates.
in the country to provide one percent
Russian Banks open Vostro Accounts in India

Passage (Q.141-Q.155): Russia is the only country to engage with India’s rupee-based trade gambit for now, and [1]
Russian banks have been permitted to open special Vostro accounts to pave the way for such export-import transactions,
the country’s top trade official said on Tuesday.
“For Rupee trade to happen, you require a balance of trade because it is not an international currency,” said Commerce
Secretary Sunil Barthwal. “So if there is a balance of trade, it can flourish… as of now, it is with Russia only,” he added.
“We want to promote rupee trade because it is in the nation’s interest and unnecessarily, we won’t have to look for
dollars,” he observed, adding that the Commerce Ministry was working with the Department of Financial Services, the
central bank and traders to expedite its adoption.
Among the [1] Russian banks, Gazprombank had opened an account with Kolkata-based UCO Bank, while others had
opened an account with private lender [2]. The central bank, Mr. Barthwal said, has to issue some guidelines to move
the process forward.
https://www.thehindu.com/business/nine-russian-banks-open-vostro-accounts-for-rupee-trade/article66141871.ece
141. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) It is often used if a bank has no branches in a
passage? foreign country.
(a) 6 (d) The main difference between a deposit account
(b) 7 and a Nostro account is that the former is held
(c) 8 by foreign institutions while individual
(d) 9 depositors hold the latter.
142. Which of the following are the first foreign lenders 144. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above
to have received approval from the RBI towards passage?
settling international trade transactions in rupee? (a) IndusInd Bank
(a) Sberbank and VTB Bank (b) HDFC Bank
(b) Alfa Bank and VTB Bank (c) ICICI Bank
(c) VTB Bank and Credit Bank of Moscow (d) Axis Bank
(d) Credit Bank of Moscow and Sberbank
145. Who among the following is the Governor of the
143. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about a Nostro Reserve Bank of India?
Account? (a) Shaktikanta Das
(a) A Nostro account is an account held by a bank (b) B.P. Kanungo
in another bank. (c) N.S. Vishwanathan
(b) It allows the customers to deposit money in the (d) Viral V. Acharya
bank's account in another bank.
141. (d) Russia is the only country to engage with India’s export-import transactions, the country’s top
rupee-based trade gambit for now, and nine trade official said on Tuesday.
Russian banks have been permitted to open 142. (a) Russia’s two largest banks — Sberbank and VTB
special Vostro accounts to pave the way for such Bank — are the first foreign lenders to have
56
received approval from the RBI towards settling with private lender IndusInd Bank. The central
international trade transactions in rupee. bank, Mr. Barthwal said, has to issue some
143. (d) The main difference between a deposit account guidelines to move the process forward.
and a Nostro account is that the former is held 145. (a) The present Governor- Shakthikanta Das is a
by individual depositors while foreign Post Graduate of History. But those two had
institutions hold the latter. non-economic backgrounds associated with
144. (a) Among the nine Russian banks, Gazprombank economic or financial management in the civil
had opened an account with Kolkata-based services.
UCO Bank, while others had opened an account
Cyclone Sitrang
Passage (Q.146-Q.150): The India Meteorological Department on Tuesday warned of a low-pressure area that is likely
to form over the southeast & east-central Bay of Bengal in the coming two days which may intensify into a possible
cyclonic storm affecting states of Odisha, West Bengal and North Andhra Pradesh.
"It is likely to move west-northwestward and concentrate into a depression by October 22 morning over central Bay of
Bengal. It is very likely to intensify further into a cyclonic storm over west-central BoB (Bay of Bengal) subsequently," a
press release by India Meteorological Department said.
After Asani, the March cyclone which was named by Sri Lanka, this cyclone -- once it forms -- is expected to be named
after Thailand's proposal [1] as per the list posted by IMD in April 2020. The list, which has a total of 169 names including
13 names proposed by each member country, is arranged in a manner that all get to decide it in a sequential method.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-sitrang-over-bay-of-bengal-this-weekend-details-here-
101666154009375.html
146. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) 1891
passage? (d) 1896
(a) Cyclone Sitrang
(b) Cyclone Amphan 149. Where is the headquarter of the Indian
(c) Cyclone Phailin Meteorological Department located?
(d) Cyclone Hudhud (a) Shimla
(b) Pune
147. In 2018, which was the last October cyclone in the (c) Delhi
Bay of Bengal? (d) Bengaluru
(a) Cyclone Katrina
(b) Cyclone Nilam 150. For the Indian Ocean region, a formula for naming
(c) Cyclone Titli cyclones was agreed upon in which of the following
(d) Cyclone Irma years?
(a) 2000
148. Indian Meteorological Department was formed in (b) 2001
which of the following years? (c) 2003
(a) 1875 (d) 2004
(b) 1880
146. (a) After Asani, the March cyclone which was In 2018, Titli was the last October cyclone in the
named by Sri Lanka, this cyclone -- once it forms Bay of Bengal.
-- is expected to be named after Thailand's 148. (a) Indian Meteorological Department was
proposal ‘Sitrang’ as per the list posted by IMD established in the year 1875 with its
in April 2020. headquarters at Culcutta. The headquarter was
147. (c) Named by Thailand, Sitrang is the first tropical shifted to Shimla in 1905, to Pune in 1928 and
cyclone of the post-monsoon season of 2022. then to Delhi in 1944.
57
149. (c) Indian Meteorological Department was countries in the region - Bangladesh, India,
established in the year 1875 with its Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
headquarters at Culcutta. The headquarter was and Thailand - all contributed a set of names
shifted to Shimla in 1905, to Pune in 1928 and which are assigned sequentially whenever a
then to Delhi in 1944. cyclonic storm develops.
150. (d) For the Indian Ocean region, a formula for
naming cyclones was agreed upon in 2004. Eight
India’s Biggest Hyperscale Data Centre

Passage (Q.151-Q.155): Inaugurating north India’s first hyperscale data centre [1] in Greater Noida on Monday, Uttar
Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the state had achieved the target of installing [2] of storage capacity with
an investment of Rs 20,000 crore within a year of launching its data centre policy.
Spread over an area of 3 lakh square feet in Knowledge Park in Greater Noida, [1] was built at a cost of Rs 5,000 crore
and is the country’s biggest and UP’s first data centre, officials said. On the occasion, MoUs worth Rs 39,000 crore were
also signed between the UP government and Hiranandani Group for investment in the state.
Speaking at the event, Adityanath said, “Earlier, when Uttar Pradesh implemented its data centre policy, the total
storage capacity in the country was only 400 MW. We set a target of [2] of storage capacity by 2026 with an investment
of Rs 20,000 crore. And, this target has been achieved in the very first year of the policy. Today, proposals of 600 MW
have been received from many investors of the country and abroad.”
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/cm-up-met-rs-20000-cr-investment-target-in-data-storage-
capacity-in-a-yr-8241632/
151. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above creating new avenues for investment and huge
passage? employment opportunities.
(a) Yotta D1 (c) [1] features Internet peering exchanges and
(b) Dotta D1 direct fibre connectivity to and from global
(c) Yoda D1 cloud operators, making it extremely useful for
(d) Photon D1 global connectivity.
(d) All of the above
152. Which of the following will replace [2] in the above
passage? 154. The first Data Centre in India was launched in which
(a) 250 MV of the following years?
(b) 300 MV (a) 2005
(c) 450 MV (b) 2008
(d) 600 MV (c) 2010
(d) 2012
153. Which of the following correctly portrays the
significance of a Data Centre in India? 155. Currently, how many Data Centers are there in
(a) The data centre will increase data storage India?
capacity of the country, which until now stood (a) 138
at 2% only despite the fact that 20% of the (b) 142
world’s data is consumed by Indians. (c) 150
(b) It is also expected to increase Gross State (d) 152
Domestic Product (GSDP) significantly while
151. (a) Inaugurating north India’s first hyperscale data installing 250 MW of storage capacity with an
centre ‘Yotta D1’ in Greater Noida on Monday, investment of Rs 20,000 crore within a year of
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launching its data centre policy.
said the state had achieved the target of
58
152. (a) Inaugurating north India’s first hyperscale data Yotta D1 features Internet peering exchanges
centre ‘Yotta D1’ in Greater Noida on Monday, and direct fibre connectivity to and from global
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cloud operators, making it extremely useful for
said the state had achieved the target of global connectivity.
installing 250 MW of storage capacity with an 154. (b) The first Data Centre was launched in
investment of Rs 20,000 crore within a year of Hyderabad in 2008.
launching its data centre policy. These NDCs form the core of e-Governance
153. (d) The data centre will increase data storage Infrastructure in India by providing services to
capacity of the country, which until now stood various e-Governance initiatives undertaken by
at 2% only despite the fact that 20% of the the Government of India.
world’s data is consumed by Indians. 155. (a) Currently, there are about 138 data centres (DCs)
It is also expected to increase Gross State across India with at least 57% of the current IT
Domestic Product (GSDP) significantly while capacity being in Mumbai & Chennai.
creating new avenues for investment and huge
employment opportunities.
India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp

Passage (Q.156-Q.160): India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), stablished under the Department of Posts, Ministry of
Communication with 100% equity owned by the Government of India, conducted India’s First Floating Financial
Literacy Camp with an initiative called [1] to promote Financial Literacy ‘By the women, for the women’, in [2] today.
India, being a large & growing economy, still finds it challenging to spread financial literacy across demography, as an
enormous share of population still resides in rural areas. IPPB created a new legacy with the help of world’s largest
postal network to extend its reach to the last mile and bridge financial inclusion gaps.
In a pursuit to carry the GoI mandate, IPPB initiated Financial Inclusion journey to resurgent rural India where reach
and communication always remained a barrier. Right from the inception, Postmen/ Gramin Dak Sevaks have been
reaching out to the masses in every corner of the country, offering digital banking services at their doorsteps.
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1873190
passage? (d) 2020
(a) Niveshak Didi
(b) Investor Didi 159. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was launched in
(c) Gyaani Didi which of the following?
(d) Paise wali Didi (a) 2009
(b) 2011
passage? (d) 2018
(a) Srinagar
(b) Delhi 160. Who among the following is the minister in-charge
(c) Jaipur for Ministry of Communication?
(d) Ahmedabad (a) Ashwini Vaishnav
(b) Dharmendra Pradhan
158. IPPB was created in which of the following years? (c) Mansukh Mandaviya
(a) 2010 (d) G. Kishan Reddy
(b) 2015
156. (a) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), stablished initiative called ‘Niveshak Didi’ to promote
under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Financial Literacy ‘By the women, for the
Communication with 100% equity owned by the women’, in Srinagar, J&K today.
Government of India, conducted India’s First 157. (a) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), stablished
Floating Financial Literacy Camp with an under the Department of Posts, Ministry of
59
Communication with 100% equity owned by the of January 2022, the bank has more than 5 crore
Government of India, conducted India’s First customers.
Floating Financial Literacy Camp with an 159. (c) The PMMY is a scheme launched in 2015 for
initiative called ‘Niveshak Didi’ to promote providing loans up to 10 lakhs to the non-
Financial Literacy ‘By the women, for the corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.
women’, in Srinagar, J&K today. 160. (a) Ashwini Vaishnaw (born 18 July 1970) is an
158. (c) India Post Payments Bank, abbreviated as IPPB, Indian politician and former IAS officer
is a division of India Post which is under the currently serving as the Minister of Railways,
ownership of the Department of Post, a Communications and Electronics & Information
department under Ministry of Communications Technology in Government of India, since 8 July
of the Government of India. Opened in 2018, as 2021.
G-20 Summit 2022

Passage (Q.161-Q.165): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to [1] on Monday, November 14 to attend the two-day
long G-20 summit. The prime minister has around 20 engagements lined up within 45 hours, including several bilateral
meetings with other world leaders and a community event to connect with the Indian diaspora in Indonesia.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said the prime minister will participate in three key sessions - food and energy security,
digital transformation and health. The prime minister will join other leaders from around the globe in discussing several
issues, including the state of the global economy, issues relating to energy, environment, agriculture, health and digital
transformation.
He is also expected to focus on India’s perspective on addressing key global challenges in the areas of health, post-
pandemic economic recovery and energy and food security at the summit.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/g20-summit-2022-narendra-modi-to-visit-indonesia-schedule-pm-in-bali-
2296809-2022-11-13
161. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (d) Ashwini Vaishnav
passage?
(a) Bali 164. The permanent secretariat of G20 is located at which
(b) Jakarta of the following cities?
(c) Singapore (a) New York
(d) Kuala Lumpur (b) Paris
(c) Belarus
162. Who is the founder of G20? (d) None of the above
(a) Group of Seven
(b) G4 nations 165. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about G20?
(c) Group of eight (a) The G20 members represent more than 80
(d) WTO percent of world GDP
(b) It represents 75 percent of international trade
163. Who among the following is the Indian G20 Sherpa? (c) It represents 60 percent of the world population.
(a) Nirmala Sitharaman (d) It represents 90 percent of the world’s nuclear
(b) Prakash Javadekar weapon.
(c) Piyush Goyal
161. (a) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Bali 162. (a) The Group of Seven is an intergovernmental
on Monday, November 14 to attend the two-day organization consisting of Canada, France,
long G-20 summit. The prime minister has Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and
around 20 engagements lined up within 45 the United States. The heads of government of
hours, including several bilateral meetings with the member states, as well as the representatives
other world leaders and a community event to of the European Union, meet at the annual G7
connect with the Indian diaspora in Indonesia. Summit.
60
163. (c) The secretariat will be guided by an apex Sherpas together with finance ministers and
committee that will be headed by the prime central bank governors.
minister and will include the finance minister, 165. (d) The G20 holds a strategic role in securing future
home minister, external affairs minister, and the global economic growth and prosperity.
G20 Sherpa, who is commerce minister Piyush Together, the G20 members represent more
Goyal. than 80 percent of world GDP, 75 percent of
164. (d) The G20 has no permanent secretariat. Agenda international trade and 60 percent of the world
and the work coordination is completed by G20 population.
leaders; personal representatives, known as
Child Welfare Police Officers to be Appointed

Passage (Q.166-Q.170): The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked the States/Union Territories to appoint a Child Welfare
Police Officer (CWPO) in every police station to exclusively deal with children, either as victims or perpetrators.
Acting on an advisory issued by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, the Home Ministry referred to
provisions under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which calls for designating at least one
officer, not below the rank of an Assistant Sub-Inspector, CWPO in every police station.
In a note to all Directors-General of Police, the Home Ministry said the Commission had further requested that a Special
Juvenile Police Unit in each district and city headed by an officer not below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of
Police be established.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/home-ministry-asks-states-to-appoint-child-welfare-police-
officers/article66091919.ece
166. The Central Adoption Resource Authority can be (c) 1,15,414 cases of kidnapping and abduction
categorised as which of the following? involving 1,18,549 children were reported in
(a) Non-Governmental Organization 2021.
(b) Constitutional Body (d) Goa has the lowest rate of crime against children
(c) Statutory Body at 6.2 as well as the lowest number of cases
(d) Independent Institution registered in 2021 at 51.
167. Who among the following is the Women and Child 169. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
Development Minister of India? (NCPCR) was set up in which of the following years?
(a) Maneka Gandhi (a) 2002
(b) Smriti Irani (b) 2005
(c) Dr. Harsh Vardhan (c) 2008
(d) Kiren Rijuju (d) 2010
168. Which of the following is NOT TRUE about the 170. Which of the following is TRUE about NCPCR?
Status of Crimes Against Children in India as per the (a) It is under the administrative control of the
NCRB 2021 data? Ministry of Women & Child Development.
(a) The total number of crimes against children (b) It inquiries into complaints relating to a child's
increased from 1,28,531 in 2020 to 1,49,404 in right to free and compulsory education under
2021. the Right to Education Act, 2009.
(b) Madhya Pradesh topped the country with 19,173 (c) It monitors the implementation of POCSO Act,
cases. 2012.
(d) All of the above
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166. (c) CARA is a statutory body of the Ministry of 169. (b) NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007
Women & Child Development. It functions as under the Commissions for Protection of Child
the nodal body for adoption of Indian children Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005.
and is mandated to monitor and regulate in- 170. (d) It is under the administrative control of the
country and inter-country adoptions. Ministry of Women & Child Development. It
167. (b) The current minister for the Ministry of Women inquiries into complaints relating to a child's
and Child Development is Smriti Irani having right to free and compulsory education under
held the portfolio since 31 May 2019. the Right to Education Act, 2009. It monitors
168. (d) Nagaland had the lowest rate of crime against the implementation of POCSO Act, 2012.
children at 6.2 as well as the lowest number of
cases registered in 2021 at 51.
IMT TRILAT
Passage (Q.171-Q.175): Incidentally, the first-ever India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral, [1] maritime exercise began
a new chapter in the Indian Navy's growing efforts to enhance the security of the east coast of southern Africa and the
Indian
Ocean Region as a whole. The problem of maritime piracy is as old as the history of maritime navigation. However, with
the rapid growth in international trade through maritime navigation, the growth of piracy in the past two decades has
been unprecedented. Piracy is not only a threat to the freedom of maritime navigation but also causes destabilizing
effects on global and regional trade and security. The negative humanitarian impact of this threat on sea, piracy or the
lifeline of maritime shipping can no longer be ignored.
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/us/india-supports-strengthening-maritime-security-in-gulf-of-
guinea20221123061501/
171. Which of the following will replace [1] in the above (c) INS Tarkash
passage? (d) INS Arihant
(a) IMT TRILAT
(b) IMT TRIMAT 174. ‘Satyamev Jayate’ were included on the flag below
(c) IMT TRISURFACE the Ashoka emblem in the Devanagri script in the
(d) MPT TRINAVY Naval Ensign in which of the following years?
(a) 2008
172. Where is the [1] being held? (b) 2010
(a) India (c) 2012
(b) Mozambique (d) 2014
(c) Tanzania
(d) South Africa 175. Who among the following is presently the Chief of
Naval Staff in India?
173. The Indian Navy is represented by which of the (a) Admiral R. Hari Kumar
following in the exercise mentioned in the passage? (b) Admiral Karambir Singh
(a) INS Tabar (c) Admiral Satish Namdeo Ghormade
(b) INS Talwar (d) Admiral Sanjay Mahindru
171. (a) Incidentally, the first-ever India-Mozambique- 172. (c) The Indian Navy participated in the first edition
Tanzania Trilateral, (IMT TRILAT). maritime of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral
exercise began a new chapter in the Indian Exercise (IMT TRILAT), a Joint Maritime
Navy's growing efforts to enhance the security of Exercise among the Indian, Mozambique and
the east coast of southern Africa and the Indian. Tanzanian navies commenced at Dar Es Salaam,
Tanzania.
62
173. (c) The Indian Navy is represented by the guided 175. (a) Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar
missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak lauded the commissioning of INS Vikrant as a
helicopter and MARCOS (Special Forces). landmark event for the country. The Indian
174. (d) In 2014, yet another change was made when the Navy has given assurances to the government
words ‘Satyamev Jayate’ were included on the that it will become 'Atmanirbhar' (self-reliant)
flag below the Ashoka emblem in the by 2047, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari
Devanagri script. Kumar said on Saturday.
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IMPORTANT ONE LINERS FOR OLETs

NATIONAL
Centre bans PFI, affiliates for 5 years, says major threat to internal security
 The Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates were banned by the Centre for a period of five years, days after law
enforcement agents tried in a campaign to suppress the activities of the group. The Ministry of Home Affairs used the
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to enact the ban, claiming that the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its affiliates
pose a “major threat to internal security of the country” and are connected to terrorist organisations like the ISIS.
 Centre also mentioned, they also promote “anti-national sentiments… radicalise a particular section of society with
the intention of creating disaffection.”
 After the ban, the Popular Front of India (PFI) made an announcement that it was breaking apart.
 According to the law, if the Central Government is satisfied following an investigation that “any person has custody
of any moneys, securities, or credits which are being used or are intended to be used for the purpose of the unlawful
association, the Central Government may, by order in writing, prohibit such person from paying, delivering,
transferring, or otherwise dealing in any manner.”
 The Popular Front of India (PFI), is an Indian Muslim political organisation.It is an extreme and exclusivist brand of
Muslim minority politics is practised.
 Popular Front of India (PFI) was established in 2006 as a result of the union of the National Development Front (NDF)
and the Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD).
 It promotes accommodations for Muslims. The group staged demonstrations in 2012 in opposition to the purported
detention of innocent people under the UAPA statute.
About Popular Front of India (PFI):

Founded: 22 November 2006
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman: OMA Abdul Salam
General Secretary: Anis Ahmed
Adani Green commissions world's largest wind-solar plant

 Renewable energy major, Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) commissioned the world’s largest wind-solar hybrid
power plant with a 600 MW capacity in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
 The hybrid plant comprises a 600 MW solar and 150 MW wind plant. The plant has a 25-year power purchase
agreement (PPA) with the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) at Rs 2.69/ unit.
 This 600 MW Hybrid plant is housed in two AGEL subsidiaries namely Adani Hybrid Energy Jaisalmer Two Ltd
(AHEJ2L) and Adani Hybrid Energy Jaisalmer Three Ltd (AHEJ3L).
 The co-located hybrid power plant will not only reduce intermittency of RE power but shall also help the Nation in
optimal utilisation of the transmission network. Earlier this year in May, AGEL had operationalised India’s first hybrid
power plant with a capacity of 390 MW at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan.
 “With the successful commissioning of this 600 MW plant, AGEL now has a total operational generation capacity of
6.7 GW, including operational hybrid power generation capacity of 1 GW, the largest in the world,” the company said
in its stock exchange filing on Thursday. This puts AGEL’s total renewable portfolio at 20.4 GW.
About Adani Group:

Founded: 1988
Headquarters: Ahmedabad
Founder: Gautam Adani
About Rajasthan:
Governor: Kalraj Mishra
Capital: Jaipur (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister: Ashok Gehlot
Sweden's Saab To Set Up Facility In India To Make M4 Rocket Launcher For Indian Army And Export
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 Swedish defence firm Saab announced its plan to set up a manufacturing facility in India for the Carl-Gustaf M4
shoulder-fired weapon system under the NDA government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to bolster indigenous defence
manufacturing, a company official said. Production at the new facility is expected to begin in 2024, even though the
firm is yet to reveal the location.
 A new company, Saab FFV India, will make the latest rocket launchers in India for the Indian armed forces, along
with components for users of the weapon system around the world, the company said. The facility will be the firm’s
first manufacturing facility for the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system outside Sweden. Saab is currently in talks with the
army to take the proposal forward. The Carl-Gustaf weapon system has been in service with the Indian Army since
1976, and its earlier M2 and M3 variants have been licence-produced in India.
 The company is looking at the 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) route to set up the new venture, but will pursue
the 74% FDI option with an Indian partner if the former doesn’t work out.
About Sweden:
Capital: Stockholm
Currency: Swedish krona
Prime Minister: Magdalena Andersson
About Indian Army:
Founded: 1 April 1895, India
Notable commanders: Field Marshal K. M. Cariappa, OBE; Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, MC; General K. S.
Thimayya, DSO
Gurugram To Get "World's Largest Safari", Park To Cover Over 10,000 Acres
 World’s largest jungle safari park to be developed in Haryana. The World’s largest jungle safari park is spread across
an area of 10000 acres in the Aravalli Mountain Range of Gurugram and Nuh District. This project will be the largest
such project in the world. The proposed area to build the World’s largest jungle safari park is Aravalli hills.
 The park will also include a large herbarium, an aviary, four zones for big cars, a large area for herbivores, an area for
exotic animal/birds, an underwater world, natural trails, visitors, tourism zones, botanical garden, biomes, equatorial,
tropical, coastal, desert, etc.
 For the making of the World’s largest jungle safari park an Aravalli Foundation will be set up which will manage the
project. The design and operation will be managed by an international EOI, and two more companies with
international experience.
About Haryana:
Capital: Chandigarh
Governor: Bandaru Dattatreya
Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar
Telangana govt enhances ST reservation from 6% to 10% with immediate effect

 The Telangana government issued an order to increase the reservation for the Scheduled Tribe communities from 6
percent to 10 percent. The order issued by the Tribal Welfare Department informed that the enhanced reservations
would apply in the educational institutions and to services under the state government with immediate effect.
 In 2017, the Telangana Assembly passed a bill enhancing the reservation of the ST population to 10 percent.
 The latest order has increased the reservation for various sections in the state up to 54 percent.
 Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has announced the increase of the ST Quota to 10 percent.
 The reservation report, highlights the fact that the ST population has risen more compared to others since 1986 when
6 percent reservation was announced.
About Telangana:
Founded: 2 June 2014
Capital: Hyderabad
Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan
Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao
CBI launches 'Operation Garuda' against illicit drug trafficking
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 The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched a multi-phase ‘Operation Garuda’. Operation Garuda will
help to disrupt, degrade, and dismantle networks with international linkages through the rapid exchange of criminal
intelligence on drug trafficking and coordinated law enforcement action across international jurisdictions through
Interpol.
 Operation Garuda is a Global Operation that was initiated in close coordination with Interpol and Narcotics Control
Bureau.
 Operation Garuda was initiated to combat the smuggling of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances, with a special
focus on the Indian Ocean Region.
 In this operation apart from CBI and NCB, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and
Manipur also participated in Operation Garuda.
 During this special operation, 6600 suspects were checked, 127 new cases were registered, and 175 persons including
six absconder’s offenders were arrested.
About Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

Founded: 1 April 1963
Founder: Government of India
Centre Extends AFSPA In Districts Of Arunachal Pradesh & Nagaland For Six Months
 AFSPA in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, has been applied to
12 districts in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh for an additional six months, according to the federal government. In
order to aid the military forces in carrying out the anti-insurgency operations, it has also been expanded in some areas
of five more districts of the two northeastern states.
 The AFSPA will be extended for six months starting in nine districts of Nagaland: Dimapur, Niuland, Chumoukedima,
Mon, Kiphire, Noklak, Phek, and Zunheboto.
 The AFSPA will be also extended for six months starting in 16 police station areas in four additional districts: Kohima,
Mokokchung, Longleng, and Wokha. This was announced in a notification by the Home Ministry.
About Nagaland:
Founded: 30 November 1963
Capital: Kohima (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
Governor: Prof Jagdish Mukhi
About Arunachal Pradesh:
Capital: Itanagar (Executive Branch)
Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
Governor: B. D. Mishra.
25 Per Cent Extra Seats To Be Created For Foreign Students In Universities, HEIs: UGC's New Guidelines
 UGC Guidelines for International Students: The University Grants Commission (UGC guidelines) said that higher
education institutions (HEIs) nationwide would now be able to add up to 25% extra seats for international students
and must have a transparent admissions procedure for them. Last month, the draught of “Guidelines for Admission
and Supernumerary Seats of International Students in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes in Higher
Educational Institutions in India” was made available to the public for comment.
 Over and beyond their overall sanctioned enrolment for undergraduate and graduate programmes, HEIs may
generate up to 25 percent of supernumerary seats for overseas students.
 The choice on additional seats must be made by the relevant higher education institutions in accordance with the
detailed directives and laws issued by the regulatory agencies, taking into account the infrastructure, faculty, and
other criteria.
About University Grants Commission (UGC):

Founded: 1956
Sector: Higher education
First executive: Shanti Swaroop Bhatnagar
66
Agency executive: D. P. Singh (Chairperson)
Telangana govt introduces 'Aasara' pension as social safety net to poor

 The Telangana government has introduced ‘Aasara’ pensions as a part of the state’s welfare measures and social safety
net strategy. The ‘Aasara’ pensions aim to secure life for all the poor. It is a welfare scheme for the older section of the
state, widows, physically disabled, and beedi workers to avail pension facilities. Under the Asif Nagar Mandal
jurisdiction 10,000 new Aasara pensions have been sanctioned.
 The Aasara pension scheme was launched on 8th November 2014 by the Government of Telangana.
 The scheme provides pensions to old people, windows, patients suffering from elephantiasis or AIDS, physically
disabled persons, beedi workers, and single women.
 On 7th March 2022, the Finance Minister of Telangana allocated Rs. 11,728 crores to the Aasara Pension scheme.
About Telangana:
Founded: 2 June 2014
Capital: Hyderabad
Governor: Tamilisai Soundararajan
Chief Minister: K. Chandrashekar Rao
Kiren Rijiju, Anurag Singh Thakur launch Fit India Freedom Run 3.0 on Gandhi Jayanti at Major
Dhyanchand National Stadium, New Delhi
 In honour of Gandhi Jayanti, Fit India Freedom Run 3.0 was officially introduced at the Major Dhyanchand National
Stadium in New Delhi. The third edition of Fit India Plog Run, one of the largest national activities initiated by the
Government of India at the height of the Covid-19 epidemic in 2020, was jointly introduced by Union Ministers of
Law and Justice Shri Kiren Rijiju and Shri Anurag Singh Thakur.
 October 2, marked the beginning of the third iteration of the Fit India Freedom Run, which will last until October 31.
 Along with a sizable number of participants, the event also included the former health minister of India, Shri
Harshvardhan Goel, the secretary of sports, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, the director general of the Sports Authority of
India, Shri Sandip Pradhan, and the ambassador for Fit India, Ripu Daman Bevli.
About Delhi:
Chief Minister: Arvind Kejriwal
Capital: New Delhi
L. Governor: Vinai Kumar Saxena
Education Ministry launches PM Modi's young authors mentoring scheme YUVA 2.0
 The Prime Minister’s Scheme for Mentoring Young Authors, known as YUVA 2.0 (Young, Upcoming and Versatile
Authors), was launched by the Department of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education on October 2. In order
to promote India and Indian literature abroad, it is an author mentoring programme for young and aspiring writers
(under 30 years old).
 YUVA 2.0 aims to artistically and ingeniously emphasise the viewpoints of the younger generation of authors on the
issue of “Democracy (institutions, events, people, constitutional ideals – past, present, future)” as part of the India@75
Project (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav).
 In light of the last edition’s enormous effect, which includes broad participation from young and aspiring authors in
22 more Indian languages in addition to English, YUVA 2.0 is now being produced.
Ahead of festive season, KVIC to organize a mela of traditional handloom and handicraft products at Delhi’s
Dilli Haat from 1-15 Oct
 Khadi and Village Industry Commission (KVIC), a statutory body under the Ministry of MSME, is organizing a Scheme
of Fund for the Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) Mela at Dilli Haat, New Delhi. The SFURTI Mela will
be organized from 1st October 2022 to 15th October 2022.
 The national-level exhibition of Traditional products from SFURTI clusters is being organized for the first time to
promote Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. SFURTI is initiated by MSME Ministry to promote cluster development.
 Under the SFURTI Mela, traditional artisans are organized into clusters for manufacturing value-added traditional
products to enhance their income.
 The clusters will cover traditional sectors including handloom, handicrafts, khadi, coir, agro-products, etc.
67
 Till now, SFURTI has supported 498 clusters across the country directly benefiting around three lakh artisans.
HM Amit Shah announces Scheduled Tribe status for Pahari community in J&K
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah announces that Pahari Community in Jammu and Kashmir will get a Scheduled
Tribe (ST) status and political reservations before Assembly elections. The abolition of Articles 370 and 35A in August
2019 paved the way for providing reservations to deprived sections of Jammu and Kashmir.
 The ST quota in J&K carries 7% spots in government jobs and educational institutions.The Gujjars and Bakerwals
community were getting ST benefits since 1991.
 The Paharis were given a 4 percent quota in the OBC category from January 2020. The Centre formed the Justice
Sharma Commission in March 2020, however it seemed to upset the Gujjars and Bakerwals.
First green tech based incubation centre of India to come up at NIT Srinagar
 At the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, a technology company incubator centred on green technology
(Green Technology incubation facility) called the “Greenovator Incubation Foundation” will soon open. The
Department of Science and Technology (DST) is supporting a three-year initiative known as Inclusive TBI (i-TBI) for
educational institutions, idea generators, innovators, and entrepreneurs to support innovative ideas, startup
initiatives, and promote self-employment and job creation through incubation.
 All of the money required to establish the Green Technology incubation facility centre will be provided by the
Department of Science and Technology. Startups will have access to the co-working space, which includes conference
spaces, a prototype lab, and other amenities.
 In addition to office space, financial support in the form of seed money would be provided on an individual basis with
equity in accordance with DST criteria.
 Saad Parvez, the center’s CEO, described the forthcoming centre as the first of its type in the area and claimed that it
would foster ideas that would lead to entrepreneurship and self-employment.
ECLGS: Finance Ministry increases loan limit to Rs 1,500 cr for aviation sector
 The Union Finance Minister allowed airlines to avail of up to Rs 1,500 crore loan under the Emergency Credit Line
Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS). The ECLGS will help them to recover their cash flow problems. Earlier, an airline could
only avail of a loan of not more than Rs 400 crore under the ECLGS. In 2020, the Centre started to provide collateral-
dree and government-guaranteed loans to businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
 The Finance Minister’s decision will likely benefit the financially affected airlines.It is a positive approach for the
airlines to secure their working capital and funds for operation.
 The Department of Financial Services has informed that it has enhanced the maximum loan amount eligibility for
airlines under the ECLGS to 100 percent of their total credit outstanding. The modification in the policy aims to give
necessary collateral-free liquidity at reasonable interest rates
Centre sets up 9-member taskforce for monitoring cheetahs in Kuno National Park
 The Center has established a Task Force to oversee the introduction of cheetahs in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National
Park and other suitably specified places. The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) would support the
Cheetah Task Force’s operations and provide all essential assistance. Principal Secretaries of Madhya Pradesh’s Forests
and Tourism, as well as Dr. Amit Mallick, Inspector General of the NTCA in New Delhi, will be among the task force’s
nine members.
 The Task Force will be active for two years, according to a statement from the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and
Climate Change.
 Additionally, the Task Force for Cheetah Introduction Project Monitoring will keep an eye on the cheetahs’ adaption
to the Kuno National Park ecosystem and their hunting prowess.
 Additionally, it will advocate for the construction of tourism-related infrastructure in the surroundings of Kuno
National Park and adjacent Protected Areas.
Justice Dinesh Sharma to head UAPA tribunal related to the ban on PFI
 The government of India has appointed Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma of the Delhi High Court as the presiding officer
of the tribunal for the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), related to the ban on the Popular Front of India
(PFI) and its associates. Once an organisation is banned under the provisions of UAPA, a tribunal is set up by the
government to adjudicate whether there are sufficient grounds for the decision.
68
 The office memorandum, issued by the Department of Justice in the Law Ministry on October 3, mentioned that
Justice Sharma’s time as head of the UAPA tribunal will count as “actual service”. Chief Justice S.C. Sharma of the
Delhi High Court appointed Justice Sharma to head the tribunal that will examine the ban.
To boost traditional sports, CM Baghel inaugurated ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’

 Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has inaugurated the state’s own Olympics. The aim is to provide a
centerstage to the village level sports so that a feeling of pride for the culture is inculcated. Secondly, to channelise
the energy of the local youths which is very important for our society, Baghel inaugurated the grand multi-sport event
at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in Raipur, claiming to revive the age-old-tradition of traditional games namely
‘langdi’, ‘bhaura’, ‘bati’ (kancha), and ‘pitthul’. The event will continue till January 6, 2023 and as many as 14 types of
traditional sports have been included in the team and individual categories of separate age groups.
 The traditional sports competition of Chhattisgarh will be held in group and singles categories. A total 14 types of
traditional sports have been included in the Chhattisgarh Olympics 2022-23.
About Chhattisgarh:
Capital: Raipur
Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel
Governor: Anusuiya Uikey
PM Modi declares Gujarat’s Modhera as India's first 24x7 solar-powered village

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared Modhera village in poll-bound Gujarat as the country's first 24x7
solar-powered village. Modhera, which is famous for a centuries-old Sun temple built during the Chalukya, will also
be known as a “solar-powered village”, Modi said.
 Addressing a rally, Modi said, “We shall no longer pay for electricity, but will instead sell it and earn from it. Earlier,
the government supplied power to residents; now, with the installation of solar panels, citizens will now produce their
own electricity.”
 The Modhera village is located 25 km from the Mehsana district of Gurajat, and about 100 km from the state capital
of Gandhinagar. The village has a ground-mounted solar power plant, and over 1,300 rooftop solar systems with 1kW
capacity have been installed on houses to generate electricity.
First seminar of Agni Tattva campaign under LiFE mission held in Leh
 Power Foundation of India in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) is currently running a campaign to create
awareness on Agni Tattva under LiFE - Lifestyle for environment. This campaign includes conferences, seminars,
events, and exhibitions across the country involving educational institutions, communities, and relevant
organisations to create awareness of the core concept of Agni Tattva, an element that is synonymous with energy and
is amongst the five elements of Panchmahabhoot.
 The first conference of the Agni campaign was organised in Leh yesterday, on the theme of ‘Sustainability and Culture’.
It witnessed participation from key stakeholders working in the areas of energy, culture, and sustainability, from
diverse fields such as administration, policymakers, academics, and start-ups.
 The conference was inaugurated by Shri R K Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Speaking on the occasion, he
said that Ladakh always had a sustainable lifestyle, however, increased modernisation is leading to an imbalance in
the ecosystem of the region, and this not only adversely impacts the region but could also alter the monsoon cycle of
the entire country since it is inter-linked with the Himalayan ecosystem. He further added that the UT administration
of Ladakh has laid out a clear roadmap to reverse this imbalance and move toward sustainable development. He
emphasised several key areas.
Pakistan to join closing ceremony of SCO anti-terror exercise hosted by India

 Pakistan has confirmed that it will attend the Shanghai cooperation organisation’s anti-terror exercises in India.
Pakistan, which is a part of SCO will take part in counter-terror drills in Haryana’s Manesar in October. These
exercises will be conducted under the ambit of the SCO regional anti-terrorism structure (RATS).
 A three-member Pakistani delegation will take part in the meeting in Delhi. While the SCO as a grouping came into
existence in 2001, India and Pakistan became members of it in 2017.
 India will be hosting the SCO RATS council meeting on October 14th this year in Delhi. New Delhi has also proposed
holding a SCO joint anti-terrorist exercise (JATE) in Manesar this year.
69
 37th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO
RATS) took place in Tashkent under the chairmanship of India.
India's space economy expected to be worth USD 12.8 billion by 2025

 India’s space economy is likely to be worth nearly $13 billion by 2025, with the satellite launch services segment set to
witness the fastest growth due to increasing private participation, according to a report released.
 India’s space economy was pegged at $9.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to touch $12.8 billion by 2025, according to
the report titled ‘Developing the Space Ecosystem in India: Focusing on Inclusive Growth’. In dollar terms, the satellite
services and applications segment would be the largest with a turnover of $4.6 billion by 2025, followed by ground
segment at $4 billion. The satellite manufacturing stands at $3.2 billion and launch services at $1 billion.
 The growing demand for smaller satellites is set to boost satellite manufacturing in the country. It will attract global
start-ups in the sector to help incubate space tech companies here, said the report released by the Indian Space
Association (ISpA) and Ernst and Young.
Union Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurates Water Sports Center in Himachal Pradesh
 Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated a Water Sports Center in the Koldam
Barmana, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The Water Sports Centre, the very first of its kind in Himachal Pradesh, has
been jointly initiated by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged between SAI and NTPC during the event. The centre will
be dedicated to training athletes in water sports like Rowing, Canoeing and Kayaking.
 Anurag Thakur said that this water sports centre at NTPC Koldam would be a big sports facility for the children of
Himachal Pradesh in future. He said that this water sports center has a straight range of 3 km, which is found in some
places. Many of our water sports athletes will come here to learn. Good coaches have also been arranged. There are
very good facilities here.
About Himachal Pradesh:

Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter);
Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur
Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
Ethanol subsidy scheme extended till March 2023

 The Centre has extended the timeline for disbursement of loans up to March 31 under the ethanol blending
programme interest subsidy scheme, notified first in 2018, to facilitate entrepreneurs to complete their projects while
availing of government support.
 The Food Ministry issued a notification on October 6 stating the applicants who have submitted their applications to
DFPD after the date of notification of the scheme but within the cut-off date prescribed in the notification. Loans
were disbursed to them prior to the in-principle approval of DFPD, will also be eligible for interest subvention under
the scheme. The applicants have been asked to complete their projects within two and half years after receiving their
first instalment, said the notification.
 Immense benefits can accrue to the country by 20% ethanol blending by 2025, such as saving Rs 30,000 crore of foreign
exchange per year, energy security, lower carbon emissions, better air quality, self-reliance, use of damaged
foodgrains, increasing farmers’ incomes, employment generation, and greater investment opportunities.
5th edition of Megha Kayak festival begins in Ri Bhoi

 Meghalaya is all set to host the four-day long mega global adventure sports spectacle, ‘Megha Kayak Festival, 2022’
starting October 13 at the picturesque Umtrew River at Umtham Village. The 2022 edition of the festival will witness
over 100 participants from close to 20 countries across the globe, featuring some of the best-known athletes. The
festival will include white water kayaking events in three competition categories – Downriver Time Trial, Extreme
Slalom and Downriver Freestyle for professionals as well as intermediate and amateur racers.
 ‘Megha Kayak Festival’ is receiving an overwhelming response with participation assured from leading adventure
water sports nations like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Canada to name a few.
About Meghalaya:
Capital: Shillong;
Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal Sangma;
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Governor: D. Mishra (additional charge).
PM Modi flags off 4th Vande Bharat Express train in Himachal's Una
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fourth Vande Bharat Express Train of India. He also launched a slew
of development projects in Himachal Pradesh. PM Modi flagged off the inaugural run of the new Vande Bharat Express
Train from Amb Andaura to New Delhi. He also laid the foundation stone of Bulk Drug Park.
 In Chamba district, he laid the foundation stone of two hydropower projects and launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana-III in Himachal Pradesh.
 Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur highlighted the ninth visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to
Himachal Pradesh in five years.
 The Vande Bharat Express Train launched in Himachal Pradesh is much lighter and capable of reaching higher speeds
in a shorter duration.
Rajnath Singh launches website for citizens to contribute to Armed Forces fund
 Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh will be launching the ‘Maa Bharati Ke Sapoot’ (MBKS) website for the Armed
Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (AFBCWF) during a function at the National War Memorial Complex in New
Delhi. The AFBCWF is a Tri-service fund utilised to grant immediate financial assistance of ex-gratia to the next of
kin and dependents of Battle Casualties. Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to be the ‘Goodwill Ambassador’.
 The Chief of Defence Staff, all three Service Chiefs, Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees and other prominent officials
of the MoD, corporate heads, chairman & managing directors of banks, personnel from the sports field and celebrities
are expected to attend the function. On occasion, the ten of kins of fallen heroes and soldiers disabled in active
military operations will also be felicitated. Parents and relatives of many war-decorated soldiers have also been
invited.
Eastern Naval Command conducts offshore security exercise 'Prasthan'

 ‘Prasthan’ an Offshore Security Exercise was conducted by the Eastern Naval Command in the Offshore Development
Area (ODA) off Kakinada. ‘Prasthan’ is a half-yearly exercise that was conducted in the KG basin to validate SOPs,
address various contingencies and strengthen the command and control organization toward Maritime security.
 It aims to integrate the efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in offshore defense.
 The exercise aims to refine the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and response actions to several contingencies
in the Offshore Defence Area.
 The Prasthan exercise is conducted every six months and it is an important element of ensuring offshore security as
per the Defence Ministry.
 The exercise was conducted onboard Drill rigs Platinum Explorer and DDKG of ONGC and RIL located about 40 nm
south of Kakinada.
Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid elected as new president of Iraq

 The Iraqi Parliament chose Kurdish politician, Abdul Latif Rashid to lead the country. Rashid won more than 160
votes against 99 for the incumbent Saleh. Rashid, 78, is a British-educated engineer and was the Iraqi minister of
water resources from 2003-2010. Outgoing President Saleh reportedly walked out of the parliament building as the
votes were tallied.
 Rashid was born in 1944 in the northeastern Sulaymaniyah region of Iraq. He graduated as a civil engineer from the
University of Liverpool in 1968. He went on to complete his engineering doctorate in 1976 from the University of
Manchester.
 Rashid has a long history in Iraqi politics. He served as the minister of water resources from 2003 to 2010 and then as
the senior adviser to the President. He can speak speaks Kurdish, Arabic and English.
 Rashid is a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party. He was also the former spokesperson for the
PUK in Britain.
About Iraq:
Capital: Baghdad
Currency: Dinar
President: Abdul Latif Rashid
Prime Minister: Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani
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Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates India’s First Aluminum Freight Rake
 Union Minister for Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
inaugurated India’s First Aluminum Freight Rake - 61 BOBRNALHSM1 at Bhubaneswar Railway Station today. The
rake’s destination is Bilaspur.
 This is a dedicated effort for Make in India program as it has been fully designed and developed indigenously in
collaboration with RDSO, HINDALCO and Besco Wagon.
 The tare is 3.25 tons lower than normal steel rakes, 180 ton extra carrying capacity resulting in higher throughput per
wagon.
 The reduced tare will reduce carbon footprint as lower consumption of fuel in empty direction and more transport of
freight in loaded condition. A single rake can save over 14,500 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.
 Iron industry consumes a lot of Nickel and Cadmium which comes from import. So, proliferation of Aluminum
wagons will result in less import. At the same time, this is good for local aluminum industry.
India to host 90th General Assembly of INTERPOL from 18th to 21st Oct
 India is hosting the 90th General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organization, INTERPOL from 18th
to 21st of October in New Delhi.
 The General Assembly is INTERPOL’s supreme governing body, comprising representatives from each of 195 member
countries. It meets once a year.
 India is one of the oldest members of Interpol and joined the organization in 1949. All member countries of INTERPOL
have agreed to ensure and promote the widest possible assistance between all criminal police authorities in the
prevention and suppression of ordinary law crimes.
 The role of INTERPOL is to enable police around the world to work together to make the world a safer place.
Gwalior: Shah inaugurates ‘Gatha Swaraj Ki’ gallery in Scindia Museum

 Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated a gallery-cum-exhibition depicting the history of prominent
Maratha commanders at the sprawling Jai Vilas Mahal of Scindias, the erstwhile rulers of Gwalior. Shah was in Gwalior
to lay the foundation for the terminal building and expansion of the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Airport.
 Shah visited the museum in the palace and inaugurated the ‘Gatha Swaraj ki-Maratha Gallery’ depicting the history
of the main Maratha rulers including the Scindias, Gaikwads, Holkars, Nevalkars, Bhosales and the Pawar.
 As per the booklet about the gallery, the word “Swaraj” was first used by Sakharam Ganesh Deoskar in a Bangla book-
“Shivajir Mahatva” on the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1902. The word “Swaraj” was used by Bal Gangadhar
Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar, the Bhartiya Jan Sangh and Indian National Congress among others. Union
civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the royal descendant, his wife Priyadarshini Raje and their son
Mahanaryaman welcomed Shah in the palace.
India stands third in the world in terms of fish production: MoS Dr. L Murugan
 Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L Murugan has recently said that India
stands third in the world in terms of fish production. India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture
nation in the world after China.
 He said, India stands third in the world in terms of fish production. Making specific reference to Karnataka, the Union
Minister said that 734.77 crore rupees was allocated to the state under the flagship scheme of Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) from 2020-21 till date for the development of infrastructure facilities.
 The vision is to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector.
 The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’in the fisheries sector.
 Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is the implementing agency.
Centre approves India’s 1st cable-cum-suspension bridge across Krishna river

 The central government has approved the construction of an iconic cable stayed-cum-suspension bridge across the
Krishna river connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and passing through the Nallamala forest range. The
decision was announced by the union minister for road transport and national highways Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari said
the iconic bridge will have several unique features like the longest glass pedestrian walkway across a river, gopuram-
like pylons, signature lighting and a large navigational span.
 The two-storeyed cable bridge with a four-lane carriageway across the Krishna river was approved last week by the
standing committee on finance for the union ministry of road transport and national highways.
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 The bridge begins at Somasila at Kollapur in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district and Atmakur in Andhra Pradesh’s
Kurnool district.
 At present, the people from Telangana are forced to travel for a long distance via Kurnool to reach pilgrim centres
like Mahanandi, Ahobilam, Tirupati.
India stands third in the world in terms of fish production: MoS Dr. L Murugan
 Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L Murugan has recently said that India
stands third in the world in terms of fish production. India is the 3rd largest fish producing and 2nd largest aquaculture
nation in the world after China.
 He said, India stands third in the world in terms of fish production. Making specific reference to Karnataka, the Union
Minister said that 734.77 crore rupees was allocated to the state under the flagship scheme of Pradhan Mantri Matsya
Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) from 2020-21 till date for the development of infrastructure facilities.
 The vision is to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of fisheries sector.
 The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’in the fisheries sector.
 Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying is the implementing agency.
Centre approves India’s 1st cable-cum-suspension bridge across Krishna river

 The central government has approved the construction of an iconic cable stayed-cum-suspension bridge across the
Krishna river connecting Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and passing through the Nallamala forest range. The
decision was announced by the union minister for road transport and national highways Nitin Gadkari. Gadkari said
the iconic bridge will have several unique features like the longest glass pedestrian walkway across a river, gopuram-
like pylons, signature lighting and a large navigational span.
 The two-storeyed cable bridge with a four-lane carriageway across the Krishna river was approved last week by the
standing committee on finance for the union ministry of road transport and national highways.
 The bridge begins at Somasila at Kollapur in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district and Atmakur in Andhra Pradesh’s
Kurnool district.
At present, the people from Telangana are forced to travel for a long distance via Kurnool to reach pilgrim centres
like Mahanandi, Ahobilam, Tirupati.
World Cup hosts Qatar set to host 2023 AFC Asian Cup
 The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee has confirmed the Qatar Football Association (QFA)
as the host association for the AFC Asian Cup 2023. The 11th AFC Executive Committee meeting was chaired by AFC
President Shaikh Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
 He congratulated the QFA on their successful bid and also conveyed the appreciation of the Asian Football Family to
the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and the Korea Football Association (KFA) for their proposals.
 Qatar is the reigning AFC Asian Cup Champions and will be hosting the most prestigious men’s tournament for the
third time.
 The AFC Executive Committee also deliberated upon the bidding proposals for the AFC Asian Cup 2027.
India Gate, the flagship brand of KRBL, has been recognized as the world's Number one
 India Gate, the flagship brand of KRBL, has been recognized as the world’s No. 1 Basmati Rice Brand in a market study
conducted by a leading global research company. The quantitative study by Mordor Intelligence covers research of
White and Brown Basmati Rice Category across continents like the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East
& Africa. The research has been done using methodologies like Primary & Secondary Research, Data Triangulation,
and Insight Generation.
 Mordor Intelligence, a leading global research company founded in 2014 has been conducting studies providing
insights to 4000+ enterprises across 100+ countries across multiple industries.
 Since its introduction in 1998, India Gate Basmati Rice has been working continuously to deliver its purpose of
enriching lives through Basmati Rice, a nutritional wonder of nature.
 Over the years, India Gate has developed a successful global consumer franchise, as evidenced by the fact that it is
exported to over 90 countries and sells 8+ cr. packs annually.
 The grains of India Gate Basmati Rice is aged to perfection, which makes them longer, fluffier, non-sticky, and full of
beautiful aroma, setting them apart from the others.
PM inaugurates PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
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 The PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022 will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Indian Agricultural
Research Institute in New Delhi. More than 13,500 farmers from all around the country and about 1,500 agri
entrepreneurs are expected to attend the two-day event.
 The Prime Minister will officially open 600 Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the ministry of
chemicals and fertilisers.
 PMKSK will provide agri-inputs like fertilisers, seeds, and implements; testing facilities for soil, seeds, and fertilisers;
awareness-raising activities for farmers; details on various government programmes; and regular capacity building for
retailers at block/district level outlets.
 During the occasion, the PM will also introduce the One Nation One Fertilizer initiative, Bhartiya Jan Urvarak
Pariyojana.
PM Modi lays foundation stone of new strategic air base in Gujarat's Deesa
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Indian Air Force (IAF)’s new airbase at Deesa in
Banaskantha district of Gujarat and described it as an effective center of India’s security. He said the Deesa air base,
mere 130 kilometers from the Indo-Pak border, will be able to give a better response to any threat coming from the
western side.
 Although the land for Deesa airbase was allotted an in-principle approval given to Indian Air Force (IAF) by the
Vajpayee government way back in 2000, the project was put on a back burner by the UPA government for the next 14
years. Although the project was revived when Narendra Modi took over as PM, it was the 2017 massive floods in
Banaskantha that really kick-started the project.
 It was then Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who got the airbase approved by the government along with the
₹1,000 crore funding.
 While PM Modi said the Deesa airbase will provide faster offensive capability to the IAF in this sector, the new airfield
will also plug a crucial tactical gap between forward air bases at Naliya, Bhuj in Gujarat, and Phalodi in Rajasthan.
 The Deesa air base will be the fire wall between enemy aircraft taking off from Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Shahbaz F-
16 airbase in Jacobabad in Pakistan with Gujarat’s more than a trillion dollar industrial complex in and around
Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Vadodara as target to economically hit India in the worst-case scenario. Deesa will also
make Pakistani cities of Hyderabad, Karachi, and Sukkur vulnerable with its deep penetration strike aircraft.
India, France re-elected as President, Co-President of International Solar Alliance

 In the third assembly of ISA, Union Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh has been re-elected as
the President of International Solar Alliance. France Minister of State for Development Chrysoula Zacharopoulou has
been re-elected as Co-President.
 The Third Assembly of the International Solar Alliance has been attended by 34 ISA Members ministers. 53 Member
countries and 5 Signatory and Prospective Member countries participated to the Assembly.
 India and France were re-elected as the President and Co- President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a
term of two years at the virtual meeting of the Third Assembly held on 14 October. Four new Vice-Presidents were
also chosen to represent the four regions of ISA. The representatives of Fiji & Nauru for Asia Pacific Region; Mauritius
& Niger for Africa Region; UK & Netherlands for Europe and others Region, and Cuba and Guyana for Latin America
and Caribbean Region assumed the vice presidency.
PM Modi launches Mission LiFE movement at Kevadiya in Gujarat

 Mission LIFE movement is launched by PM Modi in order to protect the environment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
issued a stern warning. After the global launch of Mission LiFE at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat in the presence of UN
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the PM addressed the crowd and asserted that lifestyle changes can help to
mitigate climate change.
 The PM noted, reiterating India’s commitment to combating the threat of climate change, that a circular economy
and reduce, reuse, recycle principles have been ingrained in Indian culture for thousands of years.
 India is the best example of economic progress and environmental protection.
 The PM referred to Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of trusteeship and said that the Mission LiFE invites us to be
environmental trustees.
 PM Modi praised Gujarat’s initiatives in the fields of environmental preservation and renewable energy.
Windergy 2023 to be Held in Chennai in Next Year
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 The 5th edition of India’s only comprehensive International Trade Fair and Conference, Windergy India 2023 will be
held from 4th October to 6th October 2023. The Windergy India 2023 will be organized by the Indian Wind Turbine
Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) and PDA Ventures Pvt Ltd, the three-day trade fairs and conference will provide
a vibrant platform to meet and interact with policymakers, regulatory authority, international and domestic
technology, solution and services providers from the wind power industries.
 Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) was established in 1998 and is the apex business
association and voice of the Indian wind Industry. IWTMA has been at the forefront of the policy framework and
regulatory intervention with proactive engagement with Central and State policymakers, Investors, and Stakeholders.
Indian, US militaries conduct "Tiger Triumph" humanitarian assistance exercise

 The Indian and US militaries carried out a three-day joint humanitarian assistance exercise in Vishakhapatnam in
line with the growing strategic cooperation between the two countries. The Tiger Triumph exercise was the second
collaboration between the Indian and US Militaries to coordinate disaster relief in the region.
 The first exercise took place over the course of nine days in November 2019 and featured more than 500 US Marines
and sailors.The first exercise included 1200 Indian sailors, soldiers, and Airmen.
 This year, the military exercise involved fifty combined participants, and it focused on staff planning, with an
emphasis on processes for streamlining diplomatic, operational, and logistical coordination.
 Tiger Triumph marked the third time in 2022 that Indian and US militaries have worked together in Vishakhapatnam.
‘Diye jalao, patake nahin’: Delhi govt kicks off campaign for green Diwali
 Delhi government has launched the ‘Diye Jalao, Patake Nahin’ (light up lamps, not firecrackers) campaign at Central
Park in New Delhi. The Delhi government on Friday lit 51,000 diyas at Central Park in Connaught Place here to mark
the launch of its campaign for a pollution-free Diwali. The campaign aims at promoting a quieter and pollution-free
Diwali.
 Volunteers take part in the Delhi government’s campaign for a pollution-free Diwali. Diwali is one of the biggest
festivals in India. People across the country mark the festival in special ways by making rangolis, organising Diwali
parties and preparing delicious dishes and sweets. However, air and noise pollution have been a cause of concern on
this auspicious occasion. Bursting crackers is a major cause for pollution.
India successfully testfires new-gen nuclear-capable 'Agni Prime' ballistic missile off Odisha Coast
 The Agni Prime New Generation Ballistic Missile was successfully tested by India on October 21 off the coast of Odisha.
Around 9.45 this morning, a test launch of the ballistic missile took place. The missile successfully completed the test,
covering its full range, and all of its test goals were achieved.
 The Agni Prime, also known as “Agni-P,” is a two-stage canisterized missile from the Agni class that is nuclear-capable
and has a maximum range of 2,000 kilometres.
 The Agni Prime missile has updated guidance and propulsion technologies and weighs 50% less than the Agni 3
missile.
 This test has demonstrated the system’s accuracy and dependability.
 Agni Prime underwent its first test on June 28, 2021, and it underwent its second test on December 18, 2021.
PM Modi launches recruitment drive ‘Rozgar Mela’ for 10 lakh personnel

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a mega recruitment drive, Rozgar Mela, for ten lakh personnel today. On
this occasion, appointment letters for various posts of Central Government were handed over to 75 thousand of newly
inducted appointees in the first tranche.
 While addressing the new appointees through video conferencing, the Prime Minister said, this is another step to
provide employment opportunities to youth. He said, several steps have been taken by the government to provide
employment and self employment opportunities in the last eight years. He said, India is marching towards becoming
self-reliant in every sector and the target of becoming a developed nation can be achieved with the contribution of
everyone. He said, India is the fifth biggest economy now and this feat has been achieved due to the reforms
undertaken in the last eight years. He said, the government has set a target to spend 100 lakh crore rupees on
infrastructure development in the country. He said, works for creating robust infrastructure in the country are
creating several employment opportunities for the people.
14th Tribal Youth Exchange Programme Held In New Delhi
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 Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with Ministry of Home Affairs today organised 14th Tribal Youth
Exchange Programme for the development of Tribal Youth in New Delhi.
 The aim of the programme is to sensitize tribal youth to rich cultural heritage of the country and to enable them to
appreciate the concept of unity in diversity.
 Its objective is also to expose them to development activities and industrial advancement and help the tribal youth to
develop emotional linkages with their peer groups in other parts of the country and enhance their self-esteem.
 220 selected youth in the age group of 18 to 22 years are participating in the programme from Left Wing Extremism-
affected districts of Sukma and Rajnandgaon of Chhattisgarh, Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh and Jamui of Bihar.
 The duration of each Tribal Youth exchange Programme is of 7 days.
Punjab govt. announces restoration of old pension scheme

 The Punjab Government decided to restore the old pension scheme for its employees. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
announced that the government has decided to implement the old pension scheme as a Diwali gift for its employees.
The decision was taken as an in-principle decision to the effect of the cabinet meeting. The decision aims to benefit
lakhs of employees.
 Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the employees will be given the option to join the old pension
scheme.
 The government was considering restoring the scheme for government employees for a month.
 Restoration of the old pension scheme was discontinued in 2004 and it has been one of the major demands of state
government employees.
Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya all set to celebrate Diwali with spectacular arrangements, PM Narendra Modi to be
the chief guest
 Lord Rama, an avatar of the almighty Vishnu, is a popular Hindu deity. Lord Rama was born at Ayodhya, according
to the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. Ayodhya Ram Mandir Diwali 2022 is very special as it is going to be
celebrated as Ayodhya Deepotsav. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took part in the Ayodhya Deepotsav.
 The Babri Masjid, a mosque built by the Mughals in the sixteenth century, is thought to be located near the Ram
Janmabhoomi, the reputed birthplace of Rama. In the 1850s, a fierce disagreement developed.
 The remains of a Hindu temple were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted by the Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI) between 1978 and 2003.
Country's first Migrant Monitoring System launched for information on migrant women –
 India’s first ‘Migration Monitoring Systems’ was inaugurated by the Maharashtra Women and Children Development
Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha in Mumbai. The website-based Migration Tracking System will track the movement
of vulnerable seasonal migrant beneficiaries. The Migration Monitoring Systems aims to provide information about
migrant pregnant women, lactating women, and children.
 The system provides updated information about migrant pregnant women, lactating women, and children in a single
system.
 Maharashtra Women and Children Development Minister Mangalprabhat Lodha launched the ‘Migration Monitoring
Systems’.
 The state department has created website-based Migration Tracking System (MTS) to track the movements of
vulnerable seasonal migrant beneficiaries through individual unique identification numbers.
 The information about seasonal migrant women and children will be available on a single platform with the ‘Migration
Monitoring Systems’.
In Kerala, ‘honesty shops’ on school campuses help inculcate virtues among children
 Honesty Shops have been opened in 15 schools in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The Honesty Shops are a part of
the Student Police Cadet (SPC) project which aims to provide valuable lessons on truth, and integrity for students. In
these honestly shops there is no salesman at the counters and students can drop the money for each item in the
collection box kept in the shop.
 The honesty shops have been launched under the Student Police Cadet (SPC). The SPC project was conceived to
inculcate better civic sense among students and mold them as responsible youth.
 The objective of the Honestly shops is to provide students a chance to experience the virtue of honesty.The schools
have switched off the CCTV facilities towards the shop to instill confidence among the students.
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Hon'ble Prime Minister launches the first phase of “Rozgar Mela”
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 22 launched the Rozgar Mela recruitment drive to hire 10 lakh personnel.
In the first tranche, 75,000 new appointees will be given jobs. The new recruits, selected from across the country, will
join 38 government ministries and departments. They will be appointed across various levels viz. Group A, Group B
(Gazetted), Group B (Non-Gazetted) and Group C.
 The Prime Minister’s Office said this will be a significant step of the government towards providing job opportunities
for the youth and ensuring the welfare of the citizens. It said that as directed by the prime minister, all ministries and
department are working towards filling up existing vacancies against sanctioned posts. The recruitment will take place
across central armed forces personnel, sub-inspectors, constables, LDCs, Stenos, PAs, income tax inspectors, MTS
among others.
Jal Jeevan Mission: UP ranks at the bottom, Gujarat achieve 100 percent household tap water supply
 Gujarat has been declared as a 100 percent ‘Har Ghar Jal’ state. In Gujarat, households in rural areas have access to
safe drinking water through taps under the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ mission. About 91,73,378 houses in the state have water
connections according to the government record. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the state and people
of Gujarat who has shown their enthusiasm for the Jal Shakti mission.
 Gujarat has achieved this milestone on the occasion of the Gujarati New year.The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ was launched by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019.
 The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ aims to make available 55 liters of water per person every day to each rural household through
household tap connections by 2024.
Every state to have an National Investigation Agency office by 2024: Home minister Amit Shah
 Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Housing and Cooperation, spoke today at the start of a two-day “Chintan Shivir” in
Surajkund, Haryana. The Chintan Shivir is being attended by Chief Ministers of the States, Home Ministers of States,
Lieutenant Governors, and Administrators of Union Territories. Utilizing all internal security resources to their fullest
potential is necessary in order to combat the issues facing the country.
 In his speech, Shri Amit Shah stated that this Chintan Shivir, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being held
to give the nation a unified platform to fight threats like cybercrime, the proliferation of drugs, and cross-border
terrorism jointly.
 Because crimes are evolving and growing more international in scope nowadays, all States will need to come up with
a coordinated approach to combat them.
Odisha CM launches first common agricultural credit portal for farmers

 Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik has launched a common credit portal SAFAL’ (Simplified Application for
Agricultural Loans) for the welfare of farmers. SAFAL is an abridged application for agricultural loans that will enable
farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to access over 300 term loan products from more than 40 partner banks. It has also
been integrated with Krushak Odisha and will have access to 70-plus model project reports. The application can
revolutionise credit provisions for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs.
 The application is a one-stop solution for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to avail formal sector credit from public and
private sector banks, Regional Rural Banks, State Cooperative Banks, and Small Finance Banks.
 The portal will ease the loan application process benefiting both the farmers and banks significantly, the chief minister
said. It will also reduce information asymmetry by sending farmers real-time notifications at every stage of their loan
application.
About Odisha
Capital: Bhubaneswar
Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik
Governor: Ganeshi Lal
Delhi L-G Vinai Kumar Saxena rolls out 1-time amnesty scheme for properties in city
 Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has launched a one-time property tax amnesty scheme “SAMRIDDHI
2022-23”, which will provide a major relief to lakhs of residential and commercial property owners in the city.
SAMRIDDHI, an acronym for Strengthening and Augmentation of Municipal Revenue for Infrastructure
Development in Delhi, will start on October 26 and end on March 31, 2023, with no further extensions.
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 The scheme aims at solving thousands of pending court cases since the unit area method for property tax calculation
came into existence from 2004.
 The scheme will benefit both the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the city’s residents.
 Under this scheme, the residential properties will have to pay tax for 1+5 years (the ongoing financial year and last
five years), while the commercial properties will be able to pay taxes for 1+6 years (current year + last 6 years).
New elephant reserve, India's 33rd, to come up in Uttar Pradesh

 The Centre has approved the setting up of the Terai Elephant Reserve (TER) at Dudhwa-Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh.
The Terai Elephant Reserve is the 3rd Elephant Reserve in India which is spread over 3,049 sq km. The Terai Elephant
Reserve includes protected areas, forest areas, and corridors for the conservation of wild elephants.
 The Terai Elephant Reserve will be developed in the joint forest areas of Dudhwa and Piliphit tiger reserve. This will
cover the conservation of four wild species including tiger, Asian elephant, swamp deer, and one-horned rhinoceros.
 The Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that the move will help conserve transboundary migratory elephant
populations.
 The reserve through implementing human-elephant conflict mitigation strategies will protect the villagers living in
the Indo-Nepal border area of Uttar Pradesh.
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INTERNATIONAL
Poland chooses US to build its first nuclear power plant

 Poland has chosen the U.S. government and Westinghouse to build the central European country's first nuclear
power plant, part of an effort to burn less coal and gain greater energy independence.
 Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said late Friday on Twitter that Poland would use the "reliable, safe technology"
of the Westinghouse Electric Company for the plant in Pomerania province near the Baltic Sea coast. The exact
location remains to be identified.
 Protests by residents and environmentalists, the 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine and
budget shortages led to the scrapping of the project.
 Russia's invasion of Ukraine this year and its use of energy to put economic and political pressure on European
nations have added urgency to Poland's search for alternative energy sources.
A check over of the U.S.’s much anticipated National Security Strategy

 The United States has launched its much anticipated National Security Strategy (NSS). All U.S. Presidents are
mandated by the Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986 to bring out their NSS, to
communicate the executive’s vision of national security to the legislative. As a comprehensive document, the NSS
reflects certainty about how the government of the day views the national security agenda.
 The Biden administration’s NSS primarily focuses on the current decade as a ‘decisive’ one in which the U.S. seeks
to sustain U.S. leadership, improve the U.S. economy, build on a vast network of alliances and partnerships; counter
China as its strategic competitor and Russia as a disruptor, and boost U.S. competitiveness and defend democracy.
The document portrays the ambitious agenda of the Biden administration to cover a comprehensive set of
transnational challenges tying the domestic with the international.
Lula defeats Bolsonaro to again become Brazil's president

 Brazil’s electoral authority said that Luiz Incio Lula da Silva of the leftist Worker’s Party defeated incumbent Jair
Bolsonaro to become the country’s next president. With 98.8 per cent of the votes tallied in the runoff vote, da Silva
had 50.8 per cent and Bolsonaro 49.2 per cent, and the election authority said da Silva’s victory was a mathematical
certainty. Da Silva’s inauguration is scheduled to take place on January 1, 2023.
 Da Silva the country’s former president from 2003-2010 has promised to restore the country’s more prosperous past,
yet faces headwinds in a polarised society. His victory marks the first time since Brazil’s 1985 return to democracy
that the sitting president has failed to win reelection. His inauguration is scheduled to take place on January 1.
Sharjah International Book Fair opens under the theme ‘Spread the Word’
 Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has opened, the 41st edition
of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), which is taking place from November 2 to13 at the Expo Centre
Sharjah, according to the Emirates News Agency (WAM). Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy
Ruler of Sharjah, was also present at the inauguration of the event, which is organized by the Sharjah Book
Authority, under the theme ‘Spread the Word.’
 This year’s SIBF edition features 2,213 publishers from 95 countries, including 1,298 Arab and 915 foreign publishing
houses. Around 150 prominent Arab and foreign writers, thinkers, innovators, and artists from 15 countries will
participate in the fair’s activities, across 1,500 events and various dialogue sessions, including 200 cultural events.
 The Sharjah Ruler took a souvenir photo with the scholars who contributed to the project of the ‘Historical
Dictionary of the Arabic Language’ from linguistic academies in the Arab world.
 He also honoured the cultural personality for this edition, the Sudanese historian, Professor Yusuf Fadl Hasan.
Switzerland creates world record for operating the longest passenger train!
 In a feat, Switzerland has created a world record by operating the longest passenger train on the planet! The world’s
longest electric passenger train is designed to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the country’s first train system.
The longest passenger train, it ran in the Swiss Alps with 100 coaches!
 The longest train ran through the UNESCO World Heritage Site for 24.9 km. As per International Rail Journal, the
RhB took nearly eight months for the preparation of this gala spectacle. Weighing a colossal 2990 tons, the train
managed to maintain an average speed of 30-35 km per hour.
Highlights of the world’s longest train:
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1. The Swiss transport company, Rhaetian Railway (RhB), operated the train on the Bernina/Albula trail from Preda
to Bergen.
2. The length of the train is 1.9 km!
3. There are 100 contemporary and 25 four-car Capricorn EMUs.
4. During its journey, the train crossed 22 tunnels and 48 bridges.
5. Switzerland’s Albula Line is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
6. The train weighed a massive 2990 tons.
Indonesia hands over G20 Religion Forum presidency to India in Bali

 Indonesia on Thursday handed over the Presidency of the R20 summit, the religious grouping of the Group of 20
Forum, to India which New Delhi will host in 2023.
 The handover ceremony was held for government and religious leaders from India which will host the G20 Religion
Forum in 2023.
 R20 is part of a series of G20 events initiated under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency.
 It is being held from November 2-3 this year in Bali, Indonesia to mobilize global leaders to help ensure that religion
functions as an open and dynamic source of solutions, rather than problems, in the 21st century.
 India and Indonesia share two millennia of close cultural and commercial contact. The Hindu, Buddhist and later
Muslim faith travelled to Indonesia from the shores of India. The stories from the great epics of Ramayana and
Mahabharata form sources of Indonesian folk art and dramas.
Netanyahu and far-right tipped to win Israel election

 Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu sealed his return to power, as the final vote count from elections
this week gave him and his far-right allies a clear majority in parliament. Results released by the electoral
commission said that with 99 per cent of votes counted, Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party had earned 32 seats in
Israel’s 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.
 Combined with 18 for two ultra-Orthodox Jewish parties and 14 for the rising extreme-right alliance called Religious
Zionism gave the bloc supporting Netanyahu 64 seats.
 The parties backing centrist caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid won 51 seats, a definitive win for Netanyahu that
spells an end to Israel’s unprecedented era of political deadlock, which forced five elections in less than four years.
 While many candidates cited security as a concern, none pledged to revive moribund peace talks with the
Palestinians. Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said the projected results highlighted “growing
extremism and racism in Israeli society”.
TRENDS: Russia becomes India's top oil supplier in October 2022

 Surpassing traditional suppliers Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Russia has emerged as the top oil supplier to India in
October. This comes amid an ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine that has also seen many Western nations
issue sanctions against Russian Federation.
 The data shows that Russia, which made up for just 0.2 per cent of all oil imported by India in the year to March 31,
2022, supplied 935,556 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to India in October — the highest ever. Russia now supplies
almost 22% of India’s total crude imports, ahead of Iraq’s 20.5 per cent and Saudi Arabia’s 16 per cent.
 India’s appetite for Russian oil swelled ever since it started trading on discount as the West shunned it to punish
Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
 India imported just 36,255 barrels per day of crude oil from Russia in December 2021 as compared to 1.05 million
bpd from Iraq and 952,625 bpd from Saudi Arabia.
 In June, Iraq was India’s top supplier with 1.04 million bpd of oil. Russia in that month became India’s second biggest
supplier.
 Imports dipped marginally in the following two months. They stood at 876,396 bpd in September before rising to
835,556 bpd in October.
 Iran’s powerful paramilitary Revolutionary Guard launched a new satellite-carrying rocket, seeking to demonstrate
the hard-line force’s prowess even as anti-government protests rage across the country.
 The Ghaem 100, Iran’s first three-stage launch vehicle, will be able to place satellites weighing 80 kg (180 pounds)
in an orbit 500 km (300 miles) from the earth’s surface, IRNA said.
 Amirali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Guard’s aerospace division, which developed the Ghaem-100, said the
rocket would be used to launch Iran’s Nahid satellite for the Telecommunications Ministry.
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 Iran has one of the biggest missile programs in the Middle East. The country says its satellite program, like its
nuclear activities, is aimed at scientific research and other civilian applications. Over the past decade, Iran has sent
several short-lived satellites into orbit and in 2013 launched a monkey into space. The program, however, has had
several failed satellite launches in recent years, blamed on technical issues.
 Iran successfully launched its first military satellite in April 2020, drawing a sharp rebuke from Washington.
Netherlands emerged as the top buyer of Indian petro-products amid Russia-Ukraine War
 The Netherlands has emerged as the top destination for India’s petroleum product exports such as petrol and diesel
in the first half of the current fiscal year. This change comes in the wake of the Ukraine war, with India continuing
to buy discounted crude oil from sanctions-hit Russia.
 This bump in exports has also resulted in the Netherlands becoming the third biggest market for India’s overall
exports, thereby replacing China. China is now displaced to the 4th position, accounting for just 3.3% of total
outbound shipments.
 India is a key Asian refining hub, with an installed capacity of nearly 250 million tonnes per annum across 23
refineries. South Africa and Brazil also ramped up refined petroleum product purchases including those of ATF
from India in H1, making it to the top 10 petroleum product export markets for Indian refiners.
US Treasury removes India from its Currency Monitoring List after two years
 The US Department of Treasury removed India along with Italy, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam from its Currency
Monitoring List. China, Japan, Korea, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan are the seven economies that are
a part of the current monitoring list, the Department of Treasury said in its biannual report to the Congress.
 China’s failure to publish foreign exchange intervention and broader lack of transparency around key features of its
exchange rate mechanism makes it an outlier among major economies and warrants Treasury’s close monitoring,
said the report.
 The countries that have been removed from the list have met only one out of three criteria for two consecutive
reports, it said.
 The move came on a day when Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen visited New Delhi and held talks with Finance
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. On her first visit to India, United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen quoted
President Joe Biden, saying that India is an “indispensable partner to the United States”.
India announces additional contribution of $5 million to ASEAN-India science and technology fund
 India announced an additional contribution of USD 5 million to the ASEAN-India science and technology fund to
enhance cooperation in sectors of public health, renewable energy and smart agriculture.
 The announcement came during the three-day visit of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to Cambodia for ASEAN-
India and East Asia summits. He addressed the ASEAN-India summit. Vice President Dhankhar highlighted the
global concerns on food and energy security, and emphasised the role of the East Asia Summit (EAS) mechanism
in promoting free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific with freedom of navigation and overflight.
 ASEAN-India Science & Technology Collaboration formally started in 1996 with the establishment of the ASEAN
India S&T working group (AIWGST).
 Initially, the collaborative S&T projects and activities between India and ASEAN were supported through ASEAN
India Fund (AIF) but in 2008, a dedicated ASEAN India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF) with an equivalent
amount of USD 1 million was established jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Science and
Technology (DST) to support R&D (Research and Development ) projects and associated project development
activities.
 The AISTDF was enhanced to an equivalent amount of USD 5 million through an announcement by the Prime
Minister of India on the sidelines of the ASEAN-India Summit in Malaysia in November 2015.
G7 ‘global shield’: Bangladesh among first to receive climate funding

 Pakistan, Ghana and Bangladesh will be among the first recipients of funding from a G7 ‘Global Shield’ initiative to
provide funding to countries suffering climate disasters, the programme announced at the COP27 summit in Egypt.
 The Global Shield(GS), coordinated by G7 president Germany, aims to provide rapid access for climate-vulnerable
countries to insurance and disaster protection funding after floods or drought. It is being developed in collaboration
with the ‘V20’ group of 58 climate vulnerable economies. Germany has contributed $175.17 million in funding to
Global Shield while other countries including Denmark and Ireland have contributed a little over $41 million.
 The GS will close urgent protection gaps in countries by designing, funding, and facilitating interventions.
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Natasa Pirc Musar: Slovenia elects lawyer as first female president
 Natasa Pirc Musar, won the second round of Slovenia’s Presidential elections. Natasa Pirc Musar becomes the first
female President of the country. She won 58.86 percent of votes in the runoff, while the opposition right-wing
politician and the former Foreign Minister Andze Logar won 46.14 percent of votes.
 The new President of Slovenia, an EU, and NATO member state will replace the Borut Pahor. Borut Pahor has been
active in politics for 30 years.
 Borut Pahor was formerly a fashion model who served two five-year terms and is often referred to in public as the
Instagram President for his use of the social network.
 Natasa Pirc Musar is the new President, he formerly was a TV representative who became a lawyer and campaigned
on human rights rules of law and social welfare issues.
 Natasa Pirc Musar is a Slovenian Attorney and book author, former Information Commissioner, Journalist, and the
former President of Slovenia’s Red Cross.
India-Russia-Iran plan trilateral meet on Afghanistan on sidelines of Moscow format meet

 India participated in the fourth Meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, which was
held in Moscow on November 16. Special envoys and senior officials from Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan also participated in the meeting.
 “During the meeting, the participants discussed issues related to Afghanistan, including the current humanitarian
situation and the ongoing efforts of various stakeholders to provide assistance, intra-Afghan talks, formation of an
inclusive and representative government, efforts to counter threats of terrorism and ensuring regional security,”
Ministry of External Affairs said.
 It was introduced in 2017 on the basis of the six-party mechanism for consultations among special representatives
from Russia, Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, Iran and India.
 The Moscow format meeting’s main objective is to facilitate the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan and
secure peace in that country as soon as possible.
Indian delegation and Taliban officials had come face-to-face for the first time at the Moscow Format meeting in
Russia in 2021. JP Singh, the joint secretary who heads the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran desk in the external affairs
ministry, had led the Indian delegation at the Moscow Format.
Ukraine, Russia extend Black Sea grain deal for 120 days
 Russia and Ukraine have agreed to extend a UN-brokered grain export deal for another 120 days, officials
announced. World leaders praised the breakthrough for helping “avoid global food shortages” at a crucial time.
 Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said that the Black Sea grain deal between Ukraine and
Russia will be extended for another 120 days.
 He said continuing the grain export agreement brokered by Turkey with the UN was “another important step in the
global fight against the food crisis.”
 Russia’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the deal would be extended “without changes in terms of scope” to
the current agreement.
 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement “by all parties to continue the Black Sea Grain
Initiative to facilitate the safe navigation of export of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine.”
 Guterres also emphasized the necessity to remove remaining obstacles to export food and fertilizer from Russia.
“Both agreements signed in Istanbul three months ago are essential to bring down the prices of food and fertilizer
and avoid a global food crisis,” Guterres said.
FIFA World Cup 2022: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar arrives in Qatar's Doha to attend the opening ceremony
 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has joined the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other
dignitaries in the inauguration of FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Dhankhar is in Doha for a two-day visit to represent
India at the inauguration of FIFA’s showpiece event. Besides attending the inaugural ceremony of the Football
World Cup, the Vice President will also interact with members of the Indian community during the visit. The
60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor will host the opening ceremony on 20 November 2022 just before the
first match between host Qatar and Ecuador.
 Besides attending the inaugural ceremony of the Football World Cup, the Vice President will also interact with
members of the Indian community during the visit. The Vice President’s visit would be an opportunity to join a
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close and friendly country Qatar as it hosts a major sporting event and also acknowledge the role played and support
extended by Indians in this World Cup.
Kazakh President Tokayev wins re-election with 81.3% of vote

 Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has secured a second term in a snap election, winning 81.3 percent of the
vote. The Central Asian nation’s Central Election Commission made the announcement citing preliminary data.
 Tokayev had been widely expected to extend his rule over the oil-rich nation by seven more years with a strong
mandate to continue his increasingly independent foreign policy, as the former Soviet republic navigates the Russia-
Ukraine crisis.
 Tokayev faced no real opposition candidates in a nation where critics are sidelined and all five of his competitors
were virtually unknown.
 Tokayev won his first election in 2019 with the backing of his predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, but the two fell
out this year amid violent unrest in the nation of 20 million. Present vote consolidated his power as an independent
leader.
 In less than a year, Tokayev suppressed the worst anti-government demonstrations in his country’s history,
neutralised his all-powerful predecessor, and stood up to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
New Zealand Supreme Court rules voting age of 18 is discriminatory

 New Zealand’s voting age has been ruled discriminatory by the country’s highest court. The case was brought by
advocacy group make it 16 in 2020, in a bid to lower the voting age from 18 to 16.
 The Supreme Court found the current voting age of 18 was inconsistent with the country’s Bill of Rights, which gives
people a right to be free from age discrimination when they turn 16.
 The group argues there is no reason to stop 16 year olds voting when they can drive, work full-time and pay tax.
 Political parties in New Zealand have mixed views on the subject.The Green Party wants immediate action to lower
the voting age to 16, but the largest opposition party, the National party, does not support the shift.
 “Obviously, we’ve got to draw a line somewhere,” National party leader Christopher Luxon said. “We’re comfortable
with the line being 18. Lots of different countries have different places where the line’s drawn and from our point
of view, 18 is just fine.”
India takes over as Council Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)

 India will take over the chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence for 2022-23 at a meeting of the body
in Tokyo, the Ministry of Electronics and IT said. This development comes on the heels of assuming the Presidency
of the G20, a league of the world’s largest economies.
 In the election to the Council Chair, India had received more than a two-thirds majority of first-preference votes
while Canada and the United States of America ranked in the next two best places in the tally – so they were elected
to the two additional government seats on the Steering Committee, the ministry said in a statement.
 GPAI is an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and the use of Artificial
Intelligence. GPAI is a congregation of 25 member countries, including the US, UK, European Union, Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore. India joined the GPAI
in 2020 as a founding member.
Kazakh President Tokayev wins re-election with 81.3% of vote

 Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has secured a second term in a snap election, winning 81.3 percent of the
vote. The Central Asian nation’s Central Election Commission made the announcement citing preliminary data.
 Tokayev had been widely expected to extend his rule over the oil-rich nation by seven more years with a strong
mandate to continue his increasingly independent foreign policy, as the former Soviet republic navigates the Russia-
Ukraine crisis.
 Tokayev faced no real opposition candidates in a nation where critics are sidelined and all five of his competitors
were virtually unknown.
 Tokayev won his first election in 2019 with the backing of his predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, but the two fell
out this year amid violent unrest in the nation of 20 million. Present vote consolidated his power as an independent
leader.
 In less than a year, Tokayev suppressed the worst anti-government demonstrations in his country’s history,
neutralised his all-powerful predecessor, and stood up to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
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New Zealand Supreme Court rules voting age of 18 is discriminatory
 New Zealand’s voting age has been ruled discriminatory by the country’s highest court. The case was brought by
advocacy group make it 16 in 2020, in a bid to lower the voting age from 18 to 16.
 The Supreme Court found the current voting age of 18 was inconsistent with the country’s Bill of Rights, which gives
people a right to be free from age discrimination when they turn 16.
 The group argues there is no reason to stop 16 year olds voting when they can drive, work full-time and pay tax.
 Political parties in New Zealand have mixed views on the subject.The Green Party wants immediate action to lower
the voting age to 16, but the largest opposition party, the National party, does not support the shift.
 “Obviously, we’ve got to draw a line somewhere,” National party leader Christopher Luxon said. “We’re comfortable
with the line being 18. Lots of different countries have different places where the line’s drawn and from our point
of view, 18 is just fine.”
India takes over as Council Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)

 India will take over the chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence for 2022-23 at a meeting of the body
in Tokyo, the Ministry of Electronics and IT said. This development comes on the heels of assuming the Presidency
of the G20, a league of the world’s largest economies.
 In the election to the Council Chair, India had received more than a two-thirds majority of first-preference votes
while Canada and the United States of America ranked in the next two best places in the tally – so they were elected
to the two additional government seats on the Steering Committee, the ministry said in a statement.
 GPAI is an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and the use of Artificial
Intelligence. GPAI is a congregation of 25 member countries, including the US, UK, European Union, Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, and Singapore. India joined the GPAI
in 2020 as a founding member.
In a first, turbaned Sikh appointed deputy mayor of Canada's Brampton

 Brampton city in Canada got its first turbaned Sikh deputy mayor with the appointment of Harkirat Singh. Harkirat
Singh, who represents wards 9 and 10, has been appointed deputy mayor from 2022-26. The deputy mayor presides
at council and other committee meetings and assumes ceremonial and civic event duties on behalf of the mayor if
the mayor is absent or unavailable.
 In the present Canadian Parliament there are 18 Sikhs members. Currently Harjit Sajjan, Bardish Chagger are the
two Sikhs who are ministers in the Justin Trudeau government in Canada. Prior to his role as councillor, he served
a four-year term as school trustee at the Peel District School Board.
Cuttack Bali Yatra enters Guinness Book of World Records

 Cuttack Baliyatra has made it into the Guinness World Record after achieving the feat of making 22,000 paper boats
in 35 minutes. During the Baliyatra festival, more than 2,100 students from 22 schools made paper boats and created
a world record at an event organized at Barabati Stadium by the district administration and Cuttack Municipal
Corporation.
 The world record was attempted to attain global recognition for Cuttack’s Baliyatra, the largest open-air trade fair
in the state.
 The headquarters of the Guinness World Records in London was contacted for an attempt to make 10,000 paper
boats in just 15 minutes.
 The record book authorities had issued the protocol for organizing the event and the administration roped in
around 3,000 students who have also imparted training on making paper boats.
Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba elected for consecutive 7th time from Dadeldhura district
 In Nepal, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has elected for the consecutive 7th time from the home district of
Dadeldhura. The counting of votes continues for parliamentary and provincial elections in the country. Senior
Nepali Congress leader, Mr. Deuba defeated an independent candidate Sagar Dhakal by a margin of over 12
thousand votes. The 77-year-old Nepali Congress president Deuba is currently holding the post of Prime Minister
for the fifth term.
The parliamentary and provincial elections were held on 20th of November in Nepal. It was the second general
election since the promulgation of the constitution in 2015. Deuba secured 25,534 votes against his nearest rival
Sagar Dhakal, 31, an independent candidate who received 1,302 votes. Deuba has never lost any parliamentary
election in the five decades of his political career
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Europe Names Its First Disabled Astronaut
 The European Space Agency has named the first ever “parastronaut” in a major step towards allowing people with
physical disabilities to work and live in space. The 22-nation agency said it had appointed British Paralympic
sprinter John McFall to take part in a feasibility study during astronaut training to assess the conditions needed for
people with disabilities to take part in future missions.
 Notably: McFall, who lost his right leg due to a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, won a bronze medal in the 100
metres at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
 The announcement came as ESA appointed a new set of astronauts for the first time since 2009 after whittling down
22,500 valid applications. ESA posted openings last year for people fully capable of passing its usual stringent
psychological, cognitive and other tests who are only prevented from becoming astronauts due to the constraints
of existing hardware in light of their disability. It received 257 applications for the role of astronaut with a disability.
McFall will work with ESA engineers to understand what changes in hardware are needed to open professional
spaceflight to a wider group of qualified candidates, the agency said.
Qatar seals 27-year LNG deal with China as competition heats up

 QatarEnergy announced a 27-year natural gas supply deal with China, calling it the “longest” ever seen as it
strengthened ties with Asia while Europe scrambles for alternative sources. The state energy company will send
four million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually from its new North Field East project to China Petroleum and
Chemical Corporation (Sinopec).
 Asian countries led by China, Japan and South Korea are the main market for Qatar’s gas, which is increasingly
being sought by European countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Negotiations with European countries have
struggled as Germany and others baulked at signing the type of long-term deals made with Asian nations. North
Field is at the centre of Qatar’s expansion of its liquefied natural gas production by more than 60 percent to 126
million tonnes a year by 2027.
India calls for peace, security and prosperity in Indo-Pacific

 India and Asean in a joint statement reaffirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability,
maritime safety, freedom of navigation and overflight in the Indo-Pacific region, and also commitment to peaceful
resolution of disputes, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS.
 They called for establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and enhancing cooperation against terrorism as
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar addressed the 19th Asean-India Summit in Phnom Penh.
 India hailed the deep cultural, economic and civilizational ties that have existed between India and South East Asia
from time immemorial and stated that the India-ASEAN relationship forms the central pillar of India’s ACT-EAST
policy. India reiterated its support to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific.
 As part of maintaining “ASEAN-Centrality”, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of deepening dialogue and
coordination through ASEAN-led mechanisms including the ASEAN-India Summit, the East Asia Summit, the Post-
Ministerial Conference with India (PMC+1), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the ASEAN Defense Ministers’
Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus), the Expanded ASEAN Maritime Forum (EAMF).
India, Australia wargames Austra Hind 22 to begin on November 28, 2022

 The bilateral training exercise “AUSTRA HIND 22” between contingents of the Indian Army and the Australian
Army begins at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise will continue till 11th of December. This is
the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent from both
armies. During the exercise, participants will engage in a variety of tasks ranging from joint planning, joint tactical
drills, sharing basics of special arms skills and raiding a hostile target. The joint exercise, besides promoting
understanding and interoperability between the two armies, will further help in strengthening ties between India
and Australia.
The Australian Army contingent comprised soldiers from the 13th Brigade of the 2nd Division. The Indian Army is
represented by troops from the DOGRA Regiment. The exercise “AUSTRA HIND” will be a yearly event that will be
conducted alternatively in India and Australia. The aim of the exercise is to build positive military relations, imbibe
each other’s best practices and promote the ability to operate together while undertaking multi-domain operations
in Semi deserts terrain under a UN peace enforcement mandate.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
SpaceX launches first Falcon Heavy mission since 2019 from Florida
 SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, the world’s most-powerful active rocket, lifted off for the first time in more than three years,
from Florida’s Cape Canaveral, with Elon Musk’s company sending a group of satellites into orbit for the U.S. Space
Force.
 The rocket system, representing three Falcon 9 boosters strapped side-by-side, lifted off at a SpaceX launch pad.
The rocket’s two side boosters were due to land in synchrony on adjacent concrete slabs along Florida’s east coast
roughly eight minutes after liftoff. The Heavy carried a handful of classified payloads toward geostationary orbit for
the U.S. Space Force on a mission called USSF-44.
 USSF-44 is the fourth launch for the SpaceX Falcon Heavy overall and its first since June 2019. That low flight rate
stands in stark contrast to the company’s Falcon 9 workhorse, which has flown more than once per week this year
on average. And while the overwhelming majority of those Falcon 9 launches have used pre-flown boosters, Falcon
Heavy launched on three brand-new first stages.
ISRO plans to return to Mars, explore dark side of moon with Japan
 The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has turned its attention to Venus and is collaborating with Japan
to examine the moon’s dark side, following trips to the moon and Mars. ISRO‘s next mission at the Akash Tattva
conference here was that the space agency also intended to send a probe to Mars.
 A Japanese rocket will launch an ISRO-built lunar lander and rover into orbit with a planned landing site close to
the south pole of the moon.
 “The rover will then move to the area of the moon that is always in shadow and never receives sunlight.”
 The examination of the area was fascinating since anything that had persisted in the PSR zone was analogous to
something that had been frozen for aeons.
 The Aditya L-1 will be a special mission in which a payload-carrying 400-kg class satellite will be deployed in an
orbit around the Sun so that it may continually view the star from a location known as the Lagrange Point L-1.
India’s first privately built rocket set for suborbital launch with 3 payloads
 India’s first privately developed rocket, Vikram-S by Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace is poised to create history
as it undergoes final launch preparations at the ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)’s launchpad in
Sriharikota for launch between November 12-16. The mission ‘Prarambh’, meaning ‘the beginning’, since it is the
first mission for Skyroot, was unveiled by ISRO chairman S. Somanath in Bengaluru after the technical launch
clearance from the Space regulator IN-SPACe.
 Skyroot, a two-time national award winner, is the first start up to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with ISRO in this regard. Skyroot’s launch vehicles are named ‘Vikram’ as a tribute to the founder of the Indian
Space programme and renowned scientist Vikram Sarabhai. “Vikram-S rocket getting launched is a single-stage
sub-orbital launch vehicle which would carry three customer payloads and help test and validate majority of the
technologies in the Vikram series of space launch vehicles.
NASA's next-generation Artemis mission heads to moon on debut test flight

 The United States space agency NASA has launched its Artemis-1 mission from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida.
About eight minutes after launch, the core stage’s engines cut off and the core stage separated from the rest of the
rocket. After this, the Orion spacecraft was propelled by the Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS). NASA also
deployed the four solar arrays of the Orion spacecraft. After completing “translunar injection”, Orion separated
itself from the ICPS and is now on its way to lunar orbit.
 For the first time in 50 years since the end of the Apollo program, the launch of Artemis 1 is an ambitious US mission
to return astronauts to the surface of the Moon.
 The Artemis 1 launch will also be the first flight of NASA’s 21st century moon-exploration program.
 With Artemis 1 on the surface of the Moon, NASA aims to demonstrate new technologies, business approaches and
capabilities that are essential for future explorations, including Mars. The launch aims to further aid in the study of
the Moon, its origin and history.
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India's first privately built rocket, Vikram-S, launched by ISRO
 Vikram-S Rocket, India’s first privately developed rocket launched from the Indian Space Research Organization
(ISRO) at the Sriharikota launchpad. The launch of Vikram-S Rocket by ISRO is a historic moment.
 The Vikram-S Rocket is developed by Hyderabad-based start-up Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited, and it is a 6-
meter gall and hits a peak altitude of 89.5 kilometers. After five minutes of launch, the Vikram-S Rocket splashed
into the Bay of Bengal. The mission was titled Prarambh.
 The Vikram-S Rocket is a single-stage solid fuelled, sub-orbital rocket developed over two years by incorporating
advanced technologies that include carbon composite structures and 3D printer components.
 The Vikram-S Rocket is equipped with a gross lift-off mass of 545kg, and a payload mass of 80kg. Vikram-S carried
three customer payloads which will map the measurement and validation of certain flight parameters and payload
integration processes.
 The Skyroot firm was launched in June 2018 by two engineers Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka.
The firm aims to open space for all, he is pushing the boundaries of today’s techno. It is working towards a future
where space becomes a part of our lives and claims that such a transition will transform humankind like never
before.
 Initially, Skyroot built ticket components to send satellites into space. After the Indian government opened the
sector to private firms, it promptly signed up with ISRO, which allows the such players to use the agency’s launching
facilities. The start-up formally entered the space and technology industry with an agreement with ISRO in
September 2011.
APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS
Samsung’s de facto leader, Jay Y. Lee, formally takes the top job
 Samsung Electronics Co. officially appointed Lee Jae-yong as its executive chairman, formalizing the all-
encompassing leadership role he has long played at South Korea’s largest business. The 54-year-old, Lee has been
vice chairman of Samsung Electronics, the crown jewel of South Korea’s biggest business conglomerate, since 2012.
He takes over a position previously held by his father, Lee Kun-hee, who died two years ago after being incapacitated
by a 2014 heart attack.
 The appointment comes as Samsung, the world’s biggest maker of memory chips and smartphones, faces mounting
business headwinds amid a sharp downturn in worldwide tech demand, caused by soaring inflation, interest rates
and a gloomy economic outlook. Samsung reported a 31% drop in third-quarter profit and said geopolitical
uncertainties were likely to dampen demand until early 2023, as the global economic downturn slashed appetite for
electronic devices.
About Samsung
Founded: 13 January 1969
Founder: Lee Byung-chul
Headquarters: Suwon-si, South Korea
Mata Amritanandamayi appointed as Chair of C20

 The Government of India has appointed Mata Amritanandamayi as the Chair of Civil 20 (C20), an official
engagement group of the G20. The G20 members consist of 19 countries plus the European Union and C20 is its
platform for civil-society organisations (CSOs) to bring forth non-government and non-business voices to the G20
leaders. India will assume the Presidency of the G20 for one year from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023 and
the G20 Leaders’ Summit will take place in New Delhi. Mata Amritanandamayi said she was grateful to the Indian
government for arranging such a high-level representation of the voices of the common people.
 In the initial C20 online meeting the Mata said poverty in rural areas was a key issue to address while moving ahead
as a society. “Hunger, conflict, extinction of species, and environmental destruction are the most important issues
facing the world today. We should put in sincere effort to develop solutions. If scientists of all fields—computer
science, mathematics, physics, engineering and so on—would all work together, then we would be able to create
more innovative methods of predicting environmental catastrophes, and thereby we would be able to save many
lives. Often, we see a lack of multidisciplinary and integrated effort. This is the need of the hour,” she said.
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Vetsa Rama Krishna Gupta takes over the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat
Petroleum
 Vetsa Rama Krishna Gupta has taken over the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat
Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), post-superannuation of Arun Kumar Singh. According to Bharat
Petroleum’s official statement, Gupta has an illustrious career spanning over 24 years at the company, in various
Finance roles, V R K Gupta is Director (Finance) in the company and holds the additional charge of Director (HR).
 Under his able leadership, BPCL swiftly completed the merger of BORL and BGRL, wholly owned subsidiaries, with
BPCL, along with smooth onboarding of BORL and BGRL employees into the BPCL family.
 He is currently a Board member in BPRL (Bharat Petro Resources Limited) and Fino Paytech Limited and was also
a Board member in the recently amalgamated companies BORL (Bharat Oman Refineries Limited) & BGRL (Bharat
Gas Resources Limited), as well as, MAFFL (Mumbai Aviation Fuel Farm Facility Private Limited).
 Gupta joined BPCL in August 1998 and has a well-rounded experience across Finance functions covering
Commercial Finance, Corporate Accounts, Risk Management, Business plan, Budgeting, Treasury operations, etc.
Two CRPF women officers promoted to IG rank for the first time
 Two women officers of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Seema Dhundiya and Annie Abraham, have been
promoted to the rank of Inspector General for the first time on Wednesday after their induction into the force in
1987.
 Inspector general Seema Dhundiya will head the Bihar Sector of the CRPF while IG Annie Abraham will be posted
as the head of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) of the CRPF.
 Notably, the Rapid Action Force of the CRPF is being headed by a woman officer for the first time since its raising
in 1992.
 Speaking to HT, IG Annie Abraham said, “No doubt about it, that it is a great achievement so far.”
 Abraham added, “The paramilitary forces are extremely challenging for women. We remain in one of the most
difficult areas of the country, and that is precisely what we are there for- be it counter-insurgency, be it anti-
terrorism, be it elections. So, it is absolutely challenging for women on account of meeting the typical expectations
of the family, as well as to meet the professional requirements. Both the things have to be managed and it’s a fine
balance that women have to keep.”
FICCI names Subhrakant panda as next president

 The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on Wednesday named Subhrakant Panda
as its next president.
 Panda, the Managing Director of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA), currently serves as the senior vice-
president of FICCI.
 In a statement, FICCI said Panda would succeed Sanjiv Mehta as president of the apex chamber at the conclusion
of its 95th AGM to be held on December 16-17.
 Panda said, "I consider it a privilege to helm this great institution at a crucial time. Even as the India growth story
gathers momentum, there is work to be done pushing the reforms agenda further, besides engaging with
stakeholders on important issues such as decarbonisation and sustainability."
 Panda has been active in FICCI for two decades and was the first chairman of the FICCI Odisha State Council.
MoE sets up panel to strengthen assessment, accreditation of higher educational institutions

 The Ministry of Education has set up a high-level panel to strengthen the assessment and accreditation of higher
educational institutions, on November 4, 2022. The panel will be headed by Dr K Radhakrishnan, Chairperson,
Board of Governors, IIT Kanpur. He is also the chairperson of the Standing Committee of IIT Council.
 “The mandate of the committee includes strengthening the assessment and accreditation processes and preparing
a road map for the National Accreditation Council envisioned in the National Education Policy, 2020. India has one
of the largest and diverse education systems in the world,”.
 “Accreditation plays a vital role in making quality assurance an integral part of the functioning of higher
educational institutions. Accreditation assists the institutions to understand their strengths and weaknesses
through an informed review process, thus facilitating identification of internal areas of planning and resource
allocation by them,” the official said.
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K V Kamath becomes an independent director for Reliance Industries
 Reliance Industries has appointed K V Kamath as the Independent Director of the company for a period of five
years. The Board of Directors has, at its meeting held, based on the recommendation of the human resources,
nomination and remuneration committee considered and recommended to the shareholders for approval the
appointment of Shri K. V. Kamath.
 KV Kamath has also been appointed as an Independent Director and non-executive Chairman for Reliance Strategic
Investment Limited (RSIL). RSIL will be renamed as Jio Financial Services Limited (“JFSL”) and the scheme of
demerger approved by the board of directors for demerger of the financial services business.
 Currently the Chairman of the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), Kamath has
served as Chairman of Infosys. In 2015 he was appointed as the first President of the New Development Bank set up
by the BRICS countries from where he retired in 2020. Under his leadership, ICICI Bank transformed itself into a
diversified, technology-driven financial services group across banking, insurance and asset management in India,
and a global presence. He retired as Managing Director and CEO in 2009 and continued as the Chairman of ICICI
Bank till 2015.
Hockey: Macau's Tayyab Ikram elected as new FIH president

 Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) CEO, Mohammad Tayyab Ikram of Macau was elected as the new president of the
International Hockey Federation (FIH), succeeding India’s Narinder Batra as its full-time chief. Ikram defeated Marc
Coudron of Belgium 79-47 in the 48th FIH Congress held virtually. Out of 129 national associations, 126 casted valid
votes. The duration of Ikram’s term will be for two years, in order to complete the mandate of the previous chief,
Batra, who resigned on July 18.
 Seif Ahmed was the acting president of the FIH following Batra’s resignation from the top post after the Delhi High
Court asked him to stop functioning as the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief. Batra, who became the FIH
president in 2016, resigned from the post in July. He also gave up his International Olympic Committee (IOC)
membership which was directly linked with his IOA position.
KISHOR K BASA APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE NATIONAL MONUMENTS AUTHORITY

 Professor Kishor Kumar Basa has been appointed as the chairman of the National Monument Authority (NMA).
The Department of Culture of the Government of India issued an official notification in this regard. He will have a
tenure of three years. Basa is the vice chancellor of Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo University in Baripada and
also the chairman of the Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA), which is the
largest anthropological association in India. He had been teaching archaeological anthropology and museum
studies since 1980 and was the former head of the department of Anthropology at Utkal University.
 Basa was the recipient of the Surajmal Saha Memorial Gold Medal for securing the 1st position in the whole of
Odisha in the HSC Exam in 1973 and Professor Ghanshyam Dash Memorial Gold Medal for 1st Class 1st in BA History
(Honours) exam in 1977 at Utkal University. He secured his PhD from the University of London in 1991.
Former Karnataka HC Chief Justice appointed as Law Commission of India chairperson

 The central government appointed chairperson and members of the Law Commission over two and a half years
after it was constituted. Retired Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Rituraj Awasthi appointed as the chairperson
of the commission.
 The Law Commission is constituted for three years and the 22nd Law Commission was notified on February 24,
2020. The law panel has been lying vacant since the retirement of former Supreme Court judge Justice BS Chauhan
in 2018.
 The government has said the issue related to the Uniform Civil Code might be taken up by the 22nd law panel.
 Former Kerala High Court judge Justice KT Sankaran, Professor Anand Paliwal, Professor DP Verma, Professor Raka
Arya and M Karunanithi have been appointed as members of the commission.
 Justice Rituraj Awasthi was a judge of the Allahabad High Court and retired in July this year as the Chief Justice of
Karnataka High Court. He had headed the HC bench which upheld the ban on wearing hijab by Muslim girls in
government colleges in Karnataka.
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Justice D.Y. Chandrachud sworn in as 50th Chief Justice of India
 Senior-most Supreme Court judge and Chief Justice of India-designate Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud is all set to
become the 50th head of the Indian judiciary when President Draupadi Murmu would administer the oath of office
to him at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
 Justice Chandrachud, born on November 11, 1959, was elevated to the top court on May 13, 2016.
 He has been part of several Constitution benches and landmark verdicts of the top court including on matters
relating to the Ayodhya land dispute, the right to privacy and adultery. Justice Chandrachud was also part of the
benches which delivered path-breaking judgements on decriminalising same-sex relations after it partially struck
down Section 377 of the IPC, the validity of the Aadhaar scheme and the Sabarimala issue.
 Recently, he was among the two judges of the apex court Collegium which had objected to the method of
“circulation” adopted for eliciting the views of its members on the appointment of judges to the top court.
 After completing his BA with Honours in Economics from St Stephen’s College, New Delhi, Justice Chandrachud
did his LLB from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, and obtained an LLM degree and a Doctorate in Juridical
Sciences (SJD) from Harvard Law School, USA.
Olympic Gold medallist Neeraj Chopra becomes ‘Friendship Ambassador’ of Switzerland Tourism
 Switzerland Tourism has appointed Olympic Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra as the ‘Friendship Ambassador’. In his
new role, the talented Indian sports superstar will showcase and promote the adventurous, sporty, and stunning
outdoors of Switzerland to Indian travellers. As Switzerland Tourism’s ‘Friendship Ambassador’, Chopra will share
his experiences in the country to showcase it as the ideal destination for outdoors and the best destination for
hiking, biking, soft and extreme adventure and of course snow sports, for everyone be it beginners or seasoned pros.
 The athlete also donated his gold-winning javelin to The Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland in September
this year. The museum founded by the International Olympic Committee in 1993 showcases the richness and
diversity of Olympism through history, culture, design, technology, and sociology with sports as the main element.
Mary Kom’s gloves as well as Dhyan Chand’s hockey was already a part of the exhibits at the Museum.
Greg Barclay unanimously re-elected as ICC Chairman for two-year term

 New Zealand’s Greg Barclay unanimously re-elected as the International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman for
another two-year term after his rival, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, pulled out of the
contest late. Barclay, who served his first stint as ICC chair between 2022 and this November, will now be in the
position until 2024. Barclay, an Auckland-based commercial lawyer, was originally appointed as the ICC Chair in
November 2020. He was previously the Chair of New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and was a director of the ICC Men’s
Cricket World Cup 2015. In July, Barclay publicly expressed his desire to continue for a second term.
 Besides Barclay’s re-election, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah was elected as the head
of ICC’s all powerful Finance and Commercial Affairs (F&CA) committee at the board meeting. Shah will have the
responsibility of heading ICC’s most important committee. Al the major financial policy decisions are taken by the
F&CA committee before it is ratified by the ICC board.
Senior IAS officer Gaurav Dwivedi appointed CEO of Prasar Bharati

 Senior IAS officer, Gaurav Dwivedi was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati.
A 1995-batch officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, Mr. Dwivedi will have a five-year tenure from the date he assumes
charge. Earlier, Mr. Dwivedi was the Chief Executive Officer of MyGovIndia, the citizen engagement platform of
the government. He has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for his excellent work in administration. He
replaces Shashi Shekhar Vempati.
 Shashi Shekhar Vempati was the CEO of Prasar Bharati from 2017 to 2022. After Mr. Vempati completed his five-
year tenure, Director General of Doordarshan Mayank Agrawal was given the additional charge of CEO Prasar
Bharati in June this year.
 Prasar Bharati is India’s state-owned public broadcaster, headquartered in New Delhi. It is a statutory autonomous
body set up by an Act of Parliament and comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and Akashvani All India
Radio, which were earlier media units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Govt appoints Arvind Virmani as full-time member of NITI Aayog

 Former Chief Economic Advisor, Arvind Virmani has been appointed as a full time member of NITI Aayog. The
other existing Members of NITI Aayog are VK Saraswat, Ramesh Chand and VK Paul. While Suman Bery is the Vice
Chairman of NITI Aayog, Parameswaran is the incumbent CEO of the think tank. The Prime Minister has approved
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the appointment of Shri Arvind Virmani, Founder, Chairman, Foundation for Economic Growth & Welfare as Full-
Time Member, NITI Aayog with immediate effect and until further orders, on the same terms and conditions as are
applicable to Full-Time Members of NITI Aayog.
 Virmani was Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry from 2007-09. He was Executive Director at the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) till end 2012. He served as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of
the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on monetary policy from February 2013 to August 2016.
IFS Officer Bandaru Wilsonbabu Appointed as Ambassador of India to the Union of Comoros
 Bandaru Wilsonbabu, presently the Indian ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar has been concurrently
accredited as the next ambassador to the Union of Comoros, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. He
is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
 An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 2004 batch, Wilsonbabu earlier served as the joint secretary in the
Eurasia division. Ties between India and Comoros have grown manifold during the past three years.
T20 World Cup fallout: BCCI sacks 4-member selection committee led by Chetan Sharma
 The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has dissolved the four-member National Selection Committee
headed by Chetan Sharma after India team’s uninspired performance in T20 World Cup. Apart from chief selector
Chetan Sharma, other members of the selection committee were Sunil Joshi, Harvinder Singh and Debashish
Mohanty.
 The BCCI invited fresh applications for the position of National Selectors for the senior men’s team and deadline to
submit the applications is 28th November. A release by cricket’s apex governing body in the country mentioned the
criteria for those who wish to apply for the positions.
 A release by cricket’s apex governing body in the country mentioned the criteria for those who wish to apply for the
positions. “Should have played a minimum of 7 Test matches or 30 First Class matches, or 10 ODI and 20 First Class
matches,” read the official BCCI statement. “Should have retired from the game at least 5 years ago and no person
who has been a member of any Cricket Committee (as defined in the rules and regulations of BCCI) for a total of 5
years shall be eligible to be a member of the Men’s Selection Committee,” the release added.
Retired IAS Arun Goel assumes charge as new Election Commissioner of India
 President Droupadi Murmu has appointed retired IAS Arun Goel as the Election Commissioner in the Election
Commission with effect from the date he assumes the office. A Punjab cadre officer of the 1985 batch, Goel will join
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey in the poll panel. Till
recently, Mr Goel was the heavy industries secretary and has also served in the Union Culture ministry. He was to
retire on December 31, 2022, but his voluntary retirement came into effect on November 18.
 Former Chief Election Commissioner Sushil Chandra had retired in May this year, handing charge to Rajiv Kumar.
The poll panel has been a two-member body since and had to handle several crucial issues including the demands
for disqualification of Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren. The poll panel will have its full strength when it
decides the election schedule for Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura and Karnataka in the coming months.
Pakistan PM picks Lt Gen Asim Munir as new army chief

 Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Lieutenant General Asim Munir as the new army chief of the
country, replacing incumbent General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Information minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced
the appointment on Twitter ending weeks of speculation over what some call the most powerful position in the
South Asian nation.
 Pakistan’s military has directly ruled the country of 220 million people for nearly half of its 75-year history.
 Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad will take charge as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
 PM Sharif held a cabinet meeting earlier where he selected Munir from a list of six nominees for the top military
post.
Romal Shetty Designated As CEO Of Deloitte India

 Senior consultant Romal Shetty has been nominated CEO-designate of Deloitte India after a months-long selection
process, according to an email sent to the firm’s partners late. The nomination committee, after considering
multiple candidates, zeroed in on Shetty, who leads Deloitte’s consulting practice in India. The next step is for its
Indian equity partners to confirm his candidacy.
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 Romal Shetty has 20 years of experience in advisory services across large-scale transformation programs covering
the business and technology domain and has worked in over 30+ countries across risk and consulting domain.
Shetty’s key focus areas are financial and operational turnaround, customer experience, product innovation,
revenue management, analytics, business continuity, risk management, cost reduction, managed services and
process reengineering. He is a Fellow Member of the ICAI and a Certified Information Systems Auditor.
PT Usha all set to become first woman president of Indian Olympic Association
 PT Usha was elected to become the president of the Indian Olympics Association (IOA). The Minister of Law and
Justice of India announced on Twitter to congratulate the legendary Indian athletes. PT Usha becomes the first
woman president of the IOA.
 She also expressed her intentions to run for IOA on 2. She was the only contender for the election of the top position
in the sports organization.
 PT Usha is one of the most accomplished athletes in India.She has won 11 medals including four gold at the Asian
Games between 1982 and 1994. She also won four gold medals at the Seoul Asan Games in 1986.
 She has participated in 200m, 400m hurdles, and 4×400 relays. Umesh Sinha the returning officer for the IOA
elections has reported that the process was underway on 25th November.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Ex-ISRO chief K Sivan among 67 to get Rajyotsava Award

 Former ISRO Chairman K Sivan, actors Dattanna, Avinash and Sihi Kahi Chandru are among 67 personalities who
will be awarded Rajyotsava Award this year, by the Karnataka government. The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 1
lakh, a gold medal and a citation, will be distributed on November 1, the state formation day.
 This is the first time that the Karnataka government formed an expert committee to identify achievers from various
fields for the awards given on November 1. Previously, the selection was made from a list of applicants. There has
been criticism from some sections that awards are given to those with affiliations to the BJP and right-wing groups.
 The Rajyotsava Prashasti or Rajyotsava Awards, the second highest civilian honor of the Karnataka state of India
are conferred annually by the Karnataka Government on the occasion of the establishment of the state on 1
November celebrated as the Kannada Rajyotsava.
63 personnel named for 'Union Home Minister's Special Operation Medal 2022'
 63 police officers from Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Telangana, and Jammu & Kashmir have been awarded the
‘Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal’ for the year 2022. The award was given by the Ministry of Home
Affairs (MHA) for four special operations conducted by them in areas of terrorism, border actions, arms control,
prevention of narcotics smuggling, and rescue operations.
 In total, 63 police officers have been awarded the special medal on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
 The officers belonged to Telangana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Delhi, and the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir.
 The medals were awarded at the ‘Run For Unity’ event to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The ‘Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal‘ was constituted in 2018.
PM confers 'Friends of Liberation War Honour' posthumously on Edward M Kennedy Sr

 Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conferred the prestigious ‘Friends of Liberation War’ honour on former
US Senator Edward M Kennedy posthumously in Dhaka for his contribution to the liberation of Bangladesh. The
honour was handed over to his son Edward M Ted Kennedy Junior.
 Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recalled the great contribution of Edward Kennedy Senior with gratitude. She said
that Kennedy Senior took a bold stand against the genocide committed by Pakistan on innocent Bengali people
despite the US government’s role during the 1971 liberation war.
 Recalling the strong opposition mounted by Kennedy Senior against the US government policy of supplying arms
to Pakistan, Prime Minister Hasina said that Kennedy worked hard to stop US military and economic aid to Pakistan
till the end of the war. She recalled that Kennedy visited the refugee camps in West Bengal where a large number
of people from the then East Pakistan had fled to escape from Pakistan army brutality.
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Puneeth Rajkumar posthumously conferred 'Karnataka Ratna' award at rain-hit event
 The Karnataka government honored the late actor with the Karnataka Ratna award on . The late Kannada Power
Star Puneeth Rajkumar‘s last film, Gandhada Gudi, was released on 28th October 2022. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar,
Puneeth Rajkumar’s wife, received the state’s highest civilian award on her husband’s behalf.
 The event was also attended by Shiva Rajkumar, Appu’s elder brother. Puneeth Rajkumar became the ninth
recipient of the prestigious award with his posthumous honor. The award was presented by renowned actors
Rajnikanth and Junior NTR, along with the Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murthy.
 Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on October 29, 2021, at the age of 46, after suffering a cardiac arrest. The news of
his untimely death had sent shock waves across the country. The Sandalwood actor first starred in the 1976 film
Premada Kanike as an infant. He was only six months old when he was cast in this thriller film, directed by V.
Somashekar. After kickstarting his career as a child artist, he received a national award in 1985 for his performance
in the film Bettada Hoovu.
Malayalam novelist Sethu chosen for Ezhuthachan Puraskaram

 Noted Malayalam fiction writer, Sethu (A. Sethumadhavan) has been selected for the Kerala government’s
prestigious ‘Ezhuthachan Puraskaram’ this year in recognition of his overall contribution to the Malayalam language
and literature. He focussed on modernising the literature by standing beyond the definitions of movements and
trends.
 Apart from this, he was the recipient of several awards, including both from the Kendra Sahitya Akademi and the
Kerala Sahitya Akademi awards, his well-known works include Pandavapuram, Kaimudrakal, Adayalangal, Kiratam,
Araamathe Penkutty and Kilimozhikalkkappuram. Several of his works have been translated into various Indian
and foreign languages and also inspired several movies.
 A banker by profession, the 80-year-old’s noted works include ‘Pandavapuram’ and ‘Atayalangal’ (novels) and
‘Petiswapnangal’ and ‘Sethuvinte Kathakal’ (short story). Sethu is also a recipient of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi
Award and the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for both novels and short stories.
French govt to honour Aruna Sairam with Chevalier award

 Carnatic vocalist, composer, collaborator, humanitarian and speaker, Aruna Sairam has been honoured with the
French government’s highest honour, Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des award. Aruna Sairam has been selected
for this award not just for her singing prowess, but also for her contribution towards the development of the Indo-
France relationship.
 Aruna Sairam began her classical training under her mother, Rajalakshmi Sethuraman. She then became a disciple
of legendary vocalist, Sangita Kalanidhi T. Brinda, thereby continuing an illustrious line of women singers of the
Tanjore tradition for more than eight generations. Later, she was mentored by several other maestros of our country.
 Her music has erased geographical borders when she was the first to incorporate Abhang, a Western Indian musical
form, into a traditional, South Indian concert. By interacting with national and international musicians, Aruna
communicates beyond regional contexts, using melody as a language of human expression.
NSA Ajit Doval, late CDS Gen Rawat to be awarded with Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman
 The Uttarakhand government announced that this year’s Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman would be given to National
Securtiy Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval, poet Prasoon Joshi, and three other individuals for their notable achievements.
On November 9, the recipients will be honoured with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman.
 Every year, the government of Uttarakhand honours individuals with the Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman in
recognition of their accomplishments in their various disciplines.
 Prasoon Joshi serves as the Central Board of Film Certification’s chairperson.
 Films like Fanna, Bhag Milkha Bhag, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, Black, and Delhi-6 among others have
included writing by Prasoon Joshi.
 He has penned lyrics for other national initiatives, like the Dettol Swach Abhiyan, Tata Jagriti Anthem, Poshan
Anthem, etc.
International Kannadiga award for royal family's YKC Wadiyar

 Member of the erstwhile royal family, Yaduveer Krishnaraja Chamaraja (YKC) Wadiyar has been selected for the
International Kannada Rathna award. It is presented annually by Dubai Kannadigas to mark Kannada Rajyothsava.
The award will be presented to YKC Wadiyar during Vishwa Kannada Habba on November 19 at Sheikh Rashid
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Auditorium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in association with Kannadigaru Dubai Sangha as part of celebration
of the 67th Kannada Rajyothsava. Besides, Vishwamanya Award would be presented to achievers in various fields.
 A decision to this effect was taken in a preparatory meeting on Vishwa Kannada Habba, chaired by the president of
Namma Kundapura Kannada Balaga Gulf Sadanand Das, in Dubai recently. It was decided to present Karnataka
Rathna Dr Puneeth Rajkumar Award, from this year to achievers in service in the Gulf nations, on behalf of
Kannadigaru Dubai. The first award will be presented to Karnataka Sangha Bahrain.
National Fisheries Development Board Receives 'India Agribusiness Awards 2022'

 National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, a vibrant organization under the Department of
Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India was one of the organisation
to be awarded with “India Agribusiness Awards 2022” for the best Agribusiness Award under Fisheries Sector.
During the event for commemorating the services & support extended to the fisheries sector by playing a crucial
and exemplary role dedicated to the stakeholders for supporting various need-based projects for technology
upgradation, species diversification in aquaculture, dissemination of new and improved fish varieties, promoting
seaweed cultivation, ornamental fisheries, training & capacity building etc.
 While Haryana has received the ‘India Agribusiness Awards 2022’ in the best state category for their contribution
in the areas of agriculture.
 To bring a significant increase in fish production and productivity, improve the livelihoods of fishers, promote
entrepreneurship opportunities in fisheries, employment generation, promote hygienic handling and marketing of
fish and increase fish consumption.
UK: Indian-origin Nobel Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan awarded Royal Order Of Merit
 India-born Nobel laureate Professor Venki Ramakrishnan has been awarded the prestigious Order of Merit by
Britain’s King Charles III in recognition of his distinguished service to science. The 70-year-old UK-based molecular
biologist is among six appointments made to the historic order by the late Queen Elizabeth II before her death in
September and the first to be appointed by Charles. The Order of Merit is an exclusive mark of honour conferred
by the British sovereign.
 Professor Venki was born in Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu and studied biology in the US before moving to the UK
where he is the Group Leader of the leading research hub MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology at Cambridge
University.
 He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2009 for his work on ribosomal structure and was knighted by the
Queen in 2012. He was President of the UK’s Royal Society from November 2015 until November 2020.
Kerala Tourism Wins Responsible Tourism Global Award At London World Travel Mart
 The Kerala Tourism has bagged the prestigious Responsible Tourism Global award at the World Travel Mart held
in London. State Tourism Minister PA Mohammed Riyas received the award on behalf of the department at London.
The award was given for the STREET project implemented by the Responsible Tourism Mission under the Kerala
Government. The Jury made special remarks about the water street project implemented at Maravanthuruthu in
Kottayam district.
 STREET is an acronym for Sustainable, Tangible, Responsible, Experiential, Ethnic, and Tourism hubs, which was
implemented by the Responsible Tourism Mission under the Government of Kerala on March 31, 2022. The STREET
Project is an initiative that promotes water conservation and protection with public participation.
 Under the project, the deepening and cleaning of canals and other water bodies take place to promote tourism, as
Kerala is famous for its backwaters and also preserve the water bodies to be maintained in good condition.
Shlok Mukherjee from Kolkata wins Doodle for Google contest 2022
 Google announces Shlok Mukherjee as the winner of the 2022 Doodle for Google competition. Sholk Mukherjee is
from Kolkata and he was declared the winner for India for his inspiring Doodle titled ‘India on the Centre State’.
His doddle is also featured on Google.co.in on 1. Shlok Mukherjee has showcased India’s scientific achievements
and advancements through his doodle.
 The Doodle for Google contest has been held in India since 2009.In this competition, students from classes 1 to 10
can participate.The entries of the students are evaluated by Google executives and a jury panel consisting of industry
leaders and creative thinkers.
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 The theme for this year’s Doodle for Google competition was ‘In the next 25 years, My India will. Sholk Mukherjee
received Rs 5,00,000 college scholarship, and a Rs 2,00,000 techno package for their school or nonprofit
organization.
 He also got a trophy of achievement, Google hardware devices, and fun Google collectibles.For the 2022 Doodle for
Google, the judging panel included Bollywood actress Neena Gupta, comic book editor, and stand-up comic
Kuriakose Vaisian, social influencers and founders of Slayypoint, Abhyudaya Mohan, and Gautami Kawale, and
Alika Bhatt, artist, teacher, YouTuber, Tedx speaker, and entrepreneur.
Rich haul for NMDC at PRCI Excellence Awards 2022

 National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) bagged the Champion of Champions Award, sweeping the
16th PRCI Global Communication Conclave 2022, to bring home fourteen Corporate Communication Excellence
Awards. The awards were presented at the Global Communication Conclave organised by Public Relations Council
of India (PRCI) in Kolkata.
 NMDC won Gold awards for Most Resilient Company of the Year; Internal Communication Campaign, Corporate
Brochure; Best PSE Implementing CSR.
 It won Silver Awards in the categories of Best Use of CSR for Childcare; Corporate Community Impact; Best
Corporate Event; Unique HR Initiatives; Annual Report; Arts, Culture & Sports Campaign
 It also won Bronze Awards for Visionary Leadership; Website of the Year; Innovative Environmental Program and
Consolation Award for Best Use of Social Media.
NTPC Quality Control Team from Unchahar ABHYUDAYA received the “GOLD” award
 NTPC’s QC Team from Unchahar ABHYUDAYA has won the “GOLD” award in the 47th International Convention
on Quality Control Circle (ICQCC-2022). The convention is being held from 15th-18th November in Jakarta. The
theme for ICQCC-2022 was “Built Back Better through Quality Efforts”. NTPC QC Team presented on “Frequent
Choking of Collecting tanks of AHP-IV”.
 Shri Reyaz Ahamad (Facilitator), Shri Mahesh Chandra, Shri Virendra Kumar Yadav and Shri Laxmi Kant worked
relentlessly towards providing unique, pragmatic, and quality solutions to the problem at hand.
 In March 2022, NTPC had been declared the “Dream Employer of the Year” at the 30th Session of the World HRD
Congress. NTPC’s efforts to create a future-ready workforce were recognized when NTPC was selected as a 2022
ATD BEST award winner by The Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA. The awards and recognitions are
a testimony that people practices at NTPC are at par with the best companies in the world.
Dalai Lama receives Gandhi Mandela Award

 The 14th Dalai Lama was conferred the Gandhi Mandela Award 2022 at Thekchen Choeling in Dharamshala’s
McleodGanj by Himachal Pradesh governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The Tibetan spiritual leader, receiving
the peace prize from the New Delhi-based Gandhi Mandela Foundation. The event was attended by former Chief
Justice of India Justice KG Balakrishnan and former Supreme Court Justice Gyan Sudha Misra.
 This time, the awardee, Dalai Lama, was selected by a jury including former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan
and Justice Dipak Misra, former Supreme Court Judge Gyan Sudha Misra, former Chief Justice of Nepal Justice
Kedarnath Upadhyay and former Chief Justice of Bangladesh Justice MD Tafazzul Islam.
 The award is given to personalities who have carried forward the legacies of Gandhi and Mandela by making
significant contributions in the fields of Peace, Social Welfare, Culture, Environment, Education, Healthcare, Sports
and Innovation.
Khalid Jawed’s 'The Paradise of Food' wins the JCB Prize for Literature 2022
 Author Khalid Jawed’s “The Paradise of Food”, translated by Baran Farooqi from Urdu, won the fifth JCB Prize for
Literature. The book, originally published as “Ne’mat Khana” in 2014, is the fourth translation to win the award and
the first work in Urdu. “The Paradise of Food” tells the story of a middle-class joint Muslim family over a span of
fifty years where the narrator struggles to find a place for himself, at odds in his home and the world outside.
 Jawed received the prize money of Rs 25 lakh along with a trophy, a sculpture by Delhi artist duo Thukral and Tagra,
“Mirror Melting”. Baran Farooqi also received an additional Rs 10 lakh for the award. The winner was selected by a
panel of five judges, consisting of journalist and editor AS Panneerselvan, author Amitabha Bagchi, author-
academician Rakhee Balaram, translator-historian J Devika and author Janice Pariat.
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 A shortlist like none other in the award’s history, which only included translation, also featured International
Booker-winning novel “Tomb of Sand” by Geetanjali Shree (translated from the Hindi by Daisy Rockwell) and
“Imaan””by Manoranjan Byapari (translated from the Bengali by Arunava Sinha).
MoS for Education Subhash Sarkar confers National Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar 2021-22 in Akashwani
Bhawan, New Delhi
 Thirty-nine schools from across the country have been awarded the Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar for the 2021-22
academic session. Minister of State for Education Dr Subhash Sarkar conferred National Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar
2021-22 in New-Delhi.
 The schools selected from among the total 8.23 lakh entries are 28 government and aided while 11 are private schools.
A total of 39 schools have been selected for the national award including 34 in the overall category and five in sub-
categories by the national selection committee. The schools will get an award money of Rs 60,000 each. Besides,
every school will get a certificate of participation showing the category-wise scores and overall rating of the school.
 The Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar has been instituted by Ministry Of Education to recognize, inspire and celebrate
excellence in sanitation and hygiene practice in schools. The purpose of the SVP is to honor schools that have
undertaken significant steps towards fulfilling the mandate of the Swachh Vidyalaya Campaign.
Urdu writer Khalid Jawed wins 2022 JCB Prize for Literature
 Author Khalid Jawed’s “The Paradise of Food”, translated by Baran Farooqi from Urdu, won the fifth JCB Prize for
Literature. The book, originally published as “Ne’mat Khana” in 2014, is the fourth translation to win the award and
the first work in Urdu. “The Paradise of Food” tells the story of a middle-class joint Muslim family over a span of
fifty years where the narrator struggles to find a place for himself, at odds in his home and the world outside.
 Jawed received the prize money of Rs 25 lakh along with a trophy, a sculpture by Delhi artist duo Thukral and Tagra,
“Mirror Melting”. Baran Farooqi also received an additional Rs 10 lakh for the award. The winner was selected by a
panel of five judges, consisting of journalist and editor AS Panneerselvan, author Amitabha Bagchi, author-
academician Rakhee Balaram, translator-historian J Devika and author Janice Pariat.
 A shortlist like none other in the award’s history, which only included translation, also featured International
Booker-winning novel “Tomb of Sand” by Geetanjali Shree (translated from the Hindi by Daisy Rockwell) and
“Imaan””by Manoranjan Byapari (translated from the Bengali by Arunava Sinha).
Chiranjeevi named the India Film Personality of the Year 2022 at IFFI
 At the opening ceremony of the 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi was
honoured with the Indian Film Personality of the Year 2022 award. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting
Anurag Thakur announced that the Indian Film Personality of the Year award will be conferred upon megastar
Chiranjeevi. In a career spanning nearly four decades, Chiranjeevi has acted in more than 150 films, primarily in the
Telugu film industry.
 Chiranjeevi is a renowned Indian actor, film producer, philanthropist and politician who has predominantly worked
in Telugu cinema. Actor Chiranjeevi has starred in over 150 films in his career. He has acted in Telegu, Tamil, and
Hindi movies. His debut with Punadhirallu in 1978 set the screen for him.
 In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to
Indian cinema and was presented with an honorary doctorate from Andhra University.
 In his four decade film career, Chiranjeevi has won the Andhra Pradesh state’s highest film award, the Raghupathi
Venkaiah Award, three Nandi Awards, and nine Filmfare Awards, Telugu.
Kathak exponent Dr Uma Sharma felicitated with 'Sumitra Charat Ram Award'
 Kathak exponent Dr. Uma Sharma has received the prestigious ‘Sumitra Charat Ram Award’ for Lifetime
Achievement in recognition of her contribution in the field of Indian classical music and dance. She is a renowned
classical dancer who has been awarded Padma Shri (1973) and Padma Bhushan (2001) for her unique contribution
to the cultural tradition of this country. She received the award from former governor of Jammu and Kashmir Karan
Singh and Sarod player Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in a ceremony organized at Kamani Auditorium by Shriram Bharatiya
Kala Kendra (SBKK).
 For the last 11 years ‘Sumitra Charat Ram Award’ for Lifetime Achievement has been presented to honour eminent
Artists who have made a lasting contribution to the field of Indian Classical Music & Dance.
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Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong, winner of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize 2022
 The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, for this 2022 Edition, has
been given to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong from Cameroon, President of the NGOs #Afrogiveness and Positive Youths
Africa. The Prize is named after its benefactor, former Indian artist, writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh (1924-
2013) who was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
 Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong, with 7-year experience as a journalist, strived to change the perception related to mental
illness.
 With training in art therapy and psychology, she founded two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) –
Afrogiveness Movement and Positive Youths Africa (PYA).
 These two NGOs are peace education initiatives that aim to help traumatized survivors of interfaith and
intercultural conflicts in African countries to heal using the universal language of the arts.
 They operate in nine African countries – Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Mali, Niger, Nigeria,
Sudan, and Togo.
 Through these NGOs, Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong is promoting tolerance and non-violence by reintegrating survivors
from opposing sides of war and conflicts into their host communities.
Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Awarded for Atal Pension Yojana enrolment
 Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) has bagged the national award from Pension Fund regulatory and
Development Authority (PFRDA) for significant enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY). So far, the bank has
enrolled 3,34,687 (cumulative) accounts under APY. During 2022-23, the bank enrolled 69,132 accounts against the
target of 50,320.
 Notably: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority is the regulatory body under the jurisdiction of
Ministry of Finance, Government of India for overall supervision and regulation of pension in India.
 PFRDA has given a target of an average 80 accounts per branch, the bank has achieved an average of 110 accounts
against the target. This achievement is highest among all other banks in South India. At present, the bank has 629
branches in the nine districts from Vijayapura to Mangaluru. KVGB is playing a pivotal role in implementing all the
three social security schemes (PMJJBY, PMSBY and APY) launched by central Government. The bank’s priority is to
ensure access to social security benefits to villagers and people from unorganised sector.
NIIT Chairman and Founder Rajendra Singh Pawar honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award by FICCI
 The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), felicitated Rajendra Singh Pawar, Chairman
& Founder, NIIT with ‘Lifetime Achievement Award 2022’ at the 8th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards
ceremony. The award recognises Pawar for his immense contribution and exemplary work in the field of education
as well as creating the IT Training industry.
 The selection of Award was done by a high-level jury panel, Chaired by Dr R. A. Mashelkar, Indian National Research
Professor and Chancellor, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai and former Director General of CSIR.
 NIIT has played a key role in shaping the growth of the Indian IT sector, by creating skilled manpower to drive its
momentum. Along with revolutionizing the IT Training industry, he is now also involved in establishing an
innovative model in Higher Education through the not-for-profit NIIT University.
 For an outstanding contribution in his field, Pawar has been awarded the country’s prestigious civilian honour,
Padma Bhushan, by the President of India in 2011.
39 schools across country awarded Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar for 2021-22

 Thirty-nine schools from across the country were awarded the Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar for the 2021-2022
academic session by the Ministry of Education. The schools were selected from among a total of 8.23 lakh entries.
Out of which 28 were government and aided schools and 11 were private schools.
 The awarded schools include two Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, one Navodaya Vidyalaya, and three Kendriya
Vidyalayas.
 The Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar honors the school that has taken exemplary work in the field of water, sanitation,
and hygiene.
 It also provides a benchmark and roadmap for the schools to make further improvements.
 The schools are rated on six broad parameters of water, toilets, handwashing with soap, operation, and
maintenance, behavioral change, and capacity building.
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eGramSwaraj and Audit Online of Ministry of Panchayati Raj wins GOLD AWARD under the National
Awards for e-Governance
 e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (eGramSwaraj and AuditOnline) of Ministry of Panchayati Raj has won the
GOLD AWARD under the category “Excellence in Government Process Re-engineering for Digital Transformation”
of the National Awards for e-Governance.
 The award is a recognition of the excellent and exemplary work done by Team eGovernance and supported by Team
NIC-MoPR. Various stakeholders, especially Panchayati Raj Institutions which adopted e-Panchayat applications
very fast, have helped in making the e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project successful by strengthening the Panchayati
Raj System and making it effective, transparent and efficient.
 To strengthen e-Governance in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) across the country, Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(MoPR) has launched eGramSwaraj, a user friendly web-based portal. eGramSwaraj aims to bring in better
transparency in the decentralised planning, progress reporting and work-based accounting.
Film Bazaar concludes at IFFI in Goa; Bangladesh film 'Agantuk' wins Prasad DI award
 The 5-day long Film Bazaar concluded at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa with Bangladesh
feature film ‘Agantuk’ being named the winner of the Prasad DI award. The Biplob Sarkar-directed movie was
screened in the Viewing Room section, which presents Indian and South Asian films looking for film festivals, world
sales, distribution partners and also finishing funds.
 From the Work in Progress (WIP) Lab section of Film Bazaar, the Kannada film ‘Mithya’ bagged the Prasad Post-
production award, while the multilingual Nepali, Kumaoni, and Hindi film ‘Bahadur’ won the Moviebuff
Appreciation Award.
 Two short movies, ‘Perianayaki’ by Bala Murali Shingade and Suchana Saha’s animated film ‘Priyo Ami’, received
the under the “Film Bazaar Recommends (FBR) ” category. The French Institute Award by the French Embassy was
given to ‘Kissa – E – Circus’ by Savita Singh which was showcased in the co-production market.
Team Purple’s ‘Dear Diary’ Claims 75 Creative Minds Prize at IFFI

 Team Purple, with its newly minted “Dear Diary” was named the winner of the 75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow
talent campus, a segment of the International Film Festival of India. The winning film “Dear Diary” told a story of
a woman who is forced to confront her past trauma when she meets with her sister, who wants to visit the same
venue where her abuse previously took place. The films were judged by a three-member jury chaired by celebrated
filmmaker Mani Ratnam along with CEO and Shorts TV founder Carter Pilcher and Armstrong Pame, deputy
secretary (Films-I) at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
 The second edition of ‘75 Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ at International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa
concluded with the award ceremony of the “53-Hour Challenge”. The competition provided a challenge to the 75
Creative Minds selected from all over the country to produce a short film on their idea of India@100, all in 53 hours.
The event involved participants, aged between 18-35 years, who hailed from different aspects of filmmaking and
from across India. Among their challenges was to work in five teams and produce a short film in the space of just
53 hours and on a budget of no more than $1,000.
Union Minister Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan presents National Gopal Ratna Award
 Union Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, and Dairying Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan conferred the
National Gopal Ratna Award to the farmers, Cooperatives, and technicians involved in Artificial Insemination for
their exemplary contribution towards milk production in India.
 The award was conferred during the National Milk Day event at Dr. Babu Rajendra Prasad International Convention
Centre, GKVK Campus, Bengaluru.India is the highest milk producer with a 33 percent contribution to global
production.
 There are 222 cooperatives in the countries with over 17 million farmers supplying milk. The National Milk Day was
celebrated to commemorate the 101st birth anniversary of Dr. Verghese Kurien, also known as the ‘Father of White
Revolution.
 National Gopal Award is one of the highest National Awards in the livestock and dairy sector field. The National
Gopal Ratna Award has an objective to recognize and encourage all individuals like farmers rearing indigenous
animals. AI Technicians and Dairy cooperative societies, Milk Producer Companies, and Dairy Farmer’s Producers
Organizations working in this sector.
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Sangeet Natak Akademi announces 128 winners of Akademi Puraskar
 The Sangeet Natak Akademi has announced 128 winners of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar)
for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 for their significant contribution to the fields of music, dance, theatre,
traditional/folk/tribal music/dance/theatre, puppetry and contribution/scholarship in the performing arts. The
General Council of the Akademi also announced 10 eminent personalities in the field of performing arts as Akademi
Fellows. While the winners of the Akademi Puruskar will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, Akademi fellows will get
Rs 3 lakh each and both will also receive a tamrapatra and angavastram.
 Among the Akademi Fellows are Bharatnatyam exponent Saroja Vaidyanathan, Kerala-based Kathakali dancer
Sadanam Krishnan Kutty, Manipuri dancer Darshana Jhaveri, Banaras-based Hindustani classical vocalist
Chhannulal Mishra, Carnatic music clarinet player A.K.C Natarajan, Hindustani classical singer of Gwalior gharana
Malini Rajurkar, two-time Grammy nominee and tabla maestro Swapan Chaudhuri and Cochin-based Hindustani
and Carnatic music vocalist T. V. Gopalakrishnan, among others. With these 10 new Akademi Fellows, the tally of
fellows has increased to 39.
 Apart from these, the Akademi has also announced the names of 86 artists from the field of the performing arts
who have won the one-time Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Award under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), which
commemorates 75 years of India’s independence. These include artists above the age of 75 years who haven’t been
accorded any national honour in their career. These artists will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
 Additionally, the Akademi also announced the names of 102 artists for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for
the years 2019, 2020, and 2021.
BOOKS & AUTHOR

“Delhi University – Celebrating 100 Glorious Years” authored by Hardeep Singh Puri
 Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India(GOI), Hardeep Singh
Puri has authored a new book titled “DELHI UNIVERSITY: Celebrating 100 Glorious Years”. The Book is Published
by Rupa Publications India. Amitabh Bachchan, Indian Actor, has written the foreword of the book. This Book
Highlights the viewpoints of Universities most distinguished alumni and faculty of 15 contributors.
 Delhi University: Celebrating 100 Glorious Years is an eclectic collection of personal narratives and reflections of
some of the University’s most distinguished alumni and faculty—Amitabh Bachchan, Kiren Rijiju, Dinesh Singh,
Meenakshi Gopinath, Shashi Tharoor, Bibek Debroy, Imtiaz Ali, Raian Karanjawala, Sanjeev Sanyal, Arnab
Goswami, Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, Lakshmi Puri, Namita Gokhale and Vijay Shekhar Sharma.
Giriraj Singh unveiled a booklet on "Agenda for Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Rural
Development”
 Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh unveiled the booklet ‘Agenda for Members
of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Rural Development’. The ‘Agenda for Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions for
Rural Development” booklet will provide information about all the schemes such as MGNREGA, Deen Dayal
Antyodaya Yojna- National Rural Livelihood Mission, PM Awas Yojna- Grameen, PM Gram Sadak Yojna, etc. will
be available to the representative and the general public.
 The ‘Agenda for Members of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Rural Development’ book will be brought in regional
languages soon.
 The Minister said that the booklet will be made available at each Gram Panchayat in the country.
 The book can form the basis for an informed discussion on the different schemes of the Ministry of Rural
Development among members of the Gram Panchayats.
Book “Winning the Inner Battle” authored by Australian All-rounder Cricketer Shane Watson
 A new book titled “Winning the Inner Battle Bringing the best version of you to cricket” is authored by Shane
Watson. This book will give you all of the information that you will ever need to deeply understand how to bring
the best version of yourself every time your best performance is needed.
 Shane Watson is one of Australian cricket’s finest all-rounders, representing his country 298 times. Shane Watson’s
new book, Winning the Inner Battle, which explores the mental side of the game through his own experiences of
revitalising his career after he had considered retirement in 2015.
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A Book nalanda until meet again launched by Ruskin Bond
 Gautaam Borah, a senior management professional and the author of the widely acclaimed book ‘Monetising
Innovation’, launches his new book ‘Nalanada – Until we meet again’ on November 13, 2022.
 The book was launched by legendary writer Ruskin Bond. With his new book, Gautaam delivers a movie like
experience that includesaction, adventure, romance, passion, grit & intuition and mystery. The book will lead you
to travel through all these in a jaw dropping race.
 ‘Nalanda- until we meet again’ is a gripping story of romance, vengeance, and an age-old mystery. It’s a story of Neil
and Aanchal. Neil meets Aanchal at the iconic University of Oxford and they fall in love. Back in India, Aanchal
joins an NGO and Neil a telecom company. Neil is propelled into a ruthless journey when he becomes a victim of
corporate politics. Aanchal’s politician father charters a different path for her and she disappears.
Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore’s new book 'The World: A Family History' to release on November 21
 British Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore has released a new book titled ‘The World: A Family History’. In ‘The
World: A Family History’, Montefiore he tells how humanity evolved by the stories of different and famus families.
The two-part book, which will be published by Hachette India, will tell the story of humankind in “a ground-
breaking, single narrative that will forever shift the boundaries of what history can achieve”.
 The begins with the story of a family some 9,50,000 years ago. In the coming pages, Montefiore takes the readers
on an epic journey through the families that have shaped the world, including the Caesars, Medicis, Incas,
Ottomans, Mughals, Bonapartes, Habsburgs, Zulus, Rothschilds, Rockefellers, Krupps and Churchills.
IMPORTANT DAYS
30 October 2022:113th Birth anniversary of Homi Jehangir Bhabha
 113th Birth anniversary of Indian nuclear physicist Homi Jehangir Bhabha who is also known as the father of the
Indian nuclear program. He was born on 30 October 1909 in Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India (now
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India). His invaluable contributions to the field of science continue to inspire generations
of young minds in the country. Homi J Bhabha was born into a prominent wealthy Parsi family.
 On 24 January 1966, Bhabha died when Air India Flight 101 crashed near Mont Blanc. The official reason for the
crash-A misunderstanding between Geneva Airport and the pilot about the aircraft’s position near the mountain.
However, there are assassination claims like the involvement of a foreign intelligence agency to paralyse India’s
nuclear program.
 Homi J Bhabha was the founding director and professor of physics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research
(TIFR).
 Homi J Bhabha was also the founding director of the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET). It is now
named the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in his honour.
World Cities Day 2022: 31st October

 World Cities Day brings Urban October to an end on 31st October each year and was first celebrated in 2014. As
with World Habitat Day, a global observance is held in a different city each year and the day focuses on a specific
theme. A different city hosts the event each year. This year’s global observance is planned in Shanghai, China under
the theme “Act Local to Go Global.”
 Urbanisation is a marker of national economic growth. Such development, however, faces social, economic,
demographic and environmental challenges. Some of the most visible challenges to rapid urbanisation are
displacement of original inhabitants, felling of trees, animals losing their habitats, issues of healthcare, food supply
and pollution. World Cities Day helps address these challenges by bringing together all stakeholders of local and
global urban development.
World Thrift Day 2022: 31st October

 World Thrift Day is celebrated every year on October 31, across the world. World Thrift Day, also often called World
Savings Day. However, India does this a day earlier, marking it on October 30 every year. The day is significant as
it is an occasion to generate awareness about the concept of saving money in a bank (so as to enrich the money
supply in the country) instead of keeping it locked away at home.
 This year, the theme of World Thrift Day is “Saving prepares you for the future”, closely linked with last year’s theme
that focused on the importance of savings. The day is often observed by conducting informative campaigns and
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releasing schemes that promote savings. The focus of this theme will be to emphasise the importance of being
financially prepared for a rainy day instead of impulsively spending all at once.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day 2022: 31st October

 The National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated every year on October 31st to commemorate the birth
anniversary of India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year will mark the 147th birth anniversary
of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who is also known as the Iron Man of India.
 The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas provides an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation
towards upholding the unity, integrity, and security of our country. In honour of Sardar Vallabhbha Patel, the
government of India constructed the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel near the Narmada River in
Gujarat which symbolizes the strength of unity in India. The main objective of the celebration is to uplift the nation’s
unity and spread awareness about Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to Indian history.
World Vegan Day 2022: 01st November

 World Vegan Day is celebrated every year on November 1 to encourage people to follow the vegan lifestyle and
spread awareness about veganism. The day is dedicated to the practice of abstaining from use of animal products
and exploitation of animals. All across the world, World Vegan Day is celebrated a day after Halloween. Halloween
falls on October 31, and a day after is celebrated as World Vegan Day to advocate the benefits of avoiding and
banning the exploitation of animals, extending our love and care to other species and the natural environment.
 According to World Vegan Day, this year’s theme will be based on the animal rights-focused campaign ‘Future
Normal’.
 Veganism is said to have existed for more than 2000 years. Prominent figures like Pythagoras, the famed Greek
mathematician, and philosopher believed in veganism which commits to not harming animals ever.
 World Vegan Day originated in England in 1994, when vegan animal rights activist Louise Wallis established the
day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society.
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 2022: 2nd November,
Theme, History and Significance
 November 2nd has been observed as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (IDEI)
since 2013. The day came into existence when the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed a resolution in
December 2013. The day draws attention to impunity, i.e., culprits going unpunished, to crimes against journalists.
It took a couple of years of work and extensive lobbying from IFEX (formerly International Freedom of Expression
Exchange) and others to get the Resolution for marking the day passed.
 The main event to celebrate the 2022 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is a High-
Level Multi-Stakeholder Conference on the Safety of Journalists with the theme “Protecting Media to Protect
Democracy” in Vienna, Austria. This year’s slogan is Knowing the “Truth is Protecting the Truth”.
 IDEI brings attention to crimes against media persons and how criminals often get away with such offences. To
observe the day, states are urged to do their best to contain violence against journalists, to ensure accountability,
and bring perpetrators to justice.
Vigilance Awareness Week 2022 – 31st October to 6th November

 Central Vigilance Commission observes Vigilance Awareness Week during the week in which 31st of October, the
birthday of the late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls. This year, Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed from 31st
October to with the following theme: “Corruption-free India for a developed Nation”.
 As a precursor to Vigilance Awareness Week 2022, the Central Vigilance Commission had carried out a three-month
campaign highlighting certain preventive vigilance initiatives as focus areas for all the Ministries/ Departments/
Organizations.
 The Central Vigilance Commission has the mandate under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 to fight
corruption and to ensure integrity in public administration.
World Tsunami Awareness Day 2022: 05th November

 In December 2015, the UN General Assembly designated November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day, calling on
countries, international bodies and civil society to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk
reduction. UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) facilitates the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day in
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collaboration with the rest of the United Nations system. The date of November 5 was chosen to mark the story of
“Inamura-no-hi” (burning of the rice sheaves) in western Japan. This earthquake occurred in 1858.
 The theme of World Tsunami Awareness Day 2022 in Asia-Pacific: Early Warning and Early Action Before Every
Tsunami. This day is celebrated to raise awareness for early warnings and actions to protect people, save lives, and
prevent the hazard from becoming a disaster.
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 6
November
 On November 6th, the UN observes the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in
War and Armed Conflict. The day seeks to make people aware of the consequences that war and conflict have on
the environment. This day was established to protect the environment as a source of security and peace and to
prevent its use in military conflicts. We are all encouraged to speak up and reaffirm our commitment to protecting
our threatened planet, even in the face of armed aggression.
 The United Nations attaches great importance to ensuring that action on the environment is part of conflict
prevention, peacekeeping and peacebuilding strategies because there can be no durable peace if the natural
resources that sustain livelihoods and ecosystems are destroyed. The goal of the day is to raise awareness about the
environmental consequences of war and conflict. War and armed conflict have a wide range of negative effects on
the natural environment.
National Cancer Awareness Day 2022: 7th November

 National Cancer Awareness Day 2022 is celebrated every year on 7th November in India. This day is important
because it educates people about the serious risk of cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
cancer is the second most deadly disease that causes death among people.
 According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second most deadly disease that causes death
among people. The condition of people dying of cancer is a serious threat to India. In the year 2020, 8.5 lakh people
in India died of cancer. For this reason, National Cancer Awareness Day 2020 is celebrated every year on 7 November
to raise awareness about this type of cancer.
 In India, the need for awareness about this condition arises from the fact that a large number of cancer cases are
detected at a later stage, thus reducing the chances of survival. The objective of celebrating this day at the national
level is to increase education and awareness among the people regarding cancer disease and to sensitize all the
stakeholders including the government to take action.
CV Raman's 134th birthday: Remembering India's first Nobel Prize-winning physicist

 CV Raman was born on 7th November 1888, in Trichinopoly, Tamil Nadu, and died on 21st November 1970, in
Bangalore. CV Raman was one of India’s greatest scientists. Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was a physicist who
made discoveries that were broader than modern science and were called the Raman Effect, the phenomenon of
change of wavelength of light when a beam is scattered in a medium.
 CV Raman was born on 7th November 1888, in Tamil Nadu’s Trichinopoly. He completed his Master’s degree in
Physics from the Presidency College, University of Madras, in 1907, and worked as an accountant in the finance
department of the Indian government. In 1917, he joined the University of Calcutta as a professor of Physics. Raman
initially worked as a student in the field of optics and acoustics. Raman continued his research at the Indian
Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Calcutta while he worked as a professor at the university. He
later became an honorary scholar at the association.
World Radiography Day 2022: 8th November

 Every year on November 8, World Radiography Day is observed to honour the discovery of X-radiation, also known
as X-rays. This day in 1895 saw the completion of German scientist Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen’s discovery of X-
radiation, or X-rays. For this accomplishment, he was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901. This year, we
will be celebrating the 11th International Day of Radiology on 11 November and this is observed by all the medical
imaging professionals from across the world.
 The theme of International Day of Radiology 2022 is “Radiographers at the Forefront of Patient Safety.” This theme
aims to encourage all radiologists, radiographers, radiological technologists, and professionals to recognize and
promote the essential role of radiology in the treatment of a patient.
 World Radiography Day celebrates the anniversary of the discovery of X¬rays in 1895 and is used as a platform to
raise public awareness of radiographic imaging and therapy. Radiographic imaging plays an important role in the
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diagnosis and the treatment of patients but it is equally crucial that the radiation level is kept to the minimum
required so that it improves the health of patients instead of harming them.
AInfant Protection Day 2022: 7th November

 Every year, November 7 is celebrated as Infant Protection Day. This day is celebrated with the sole purpose of raising
awareness about the safety of newborn lives and giving them proper care. The day has been set to discuss how to
best safeguard and nurture young children at one of their most important and vulnerable developmental stages.
 The main reason behind the commemoration of Infant’s Protection Day is to take steps to protect the lives of
infants. On this day, the government hopes to raise awareness about the protection and nurturing that infants
require. This day also seeks to provide every child with the strong health and immunity they deserve.
 While highlighting the need of improving immunological support, this day also emphasises the measures that the
government should take into account in order to promote effective healthcare systems.
 According to the data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Bulletin of Registrar General of India (RGI), the
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has reduced from 37 per 1000 live births in 2015 to 30 per 1,000 live births in 2019 at
National Level.
National Legal Services Day 2022: History, Significance, Theme, Objectives, Purpose & More
 National Legal Services Day is marked every year on 9th November to celebrate the commencement of the Legal
Services Authorities Act, 1987 which came into force on this very day in 1995. This day was established with a
mandate to offer support and help to weaker sections of society including Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes,
women, disabled persons, natural calamities victims, and human trafficking victims.
 National Legal Services Day is crucial in raising public knowledge about various provisions of the Legal Services
Authorities Act as well as litigants’ rights. The Day is commemorated to educate citizens about the various aspects
of the Legal Services Authorities Act and litigants’ rights. Each jurisdiction arranges legal help camps, Lok adalats,
and legal aid programmes on this day.
Uttarakhand Foundation Day : History, significance & More

 Uttarakhand Foundation Day is observed on November 9 every year. Also known as Uttrakhand Divas, it is
celebrated to mark the establishment of the 27th state of India. Uttarakhand did not come into existence with
India’s independence. It is one of the newer states that was created under the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act,
2000.
 The state of Uttarakhand has very rich natural resources which include glaciers, rivers, dense forests and snow-
capped mountain peaks. It also houses the four most sacred and revered Hindu temples also known as the Char
Dham of Uttarakhand. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. The capital of the state is Dehradun and
the winter capital is Gairsain.
 When Uttarakhand Kranti Dal was formed, with the aim of achieving statehood, a widespread movement to achieve
statehood swept the region in 90s. It kept on for years. Subsequently, the state of Uttarakhand was formed, initially
as Uttaranchal. The then-president, K. R. Narayanan, approved the bill on August 28, 2000, which later turned into
an act. Finally, on January 1, 2007, Uttaranchal was officially renamed Uttarakhand.
Public Service Broadcasting Day 2022: 12th November

 Public Service Broadcasting Day is being celebrated on 12th November every year to commemorate the only visit of
Mahatma Gandhi to All India Radio in Delhi in 1947. On 12 November 1947, Mahatma Gandhi addressed the
displaced people (a refugee from Pakistan), who had temporarily settled at Kurukshetra in Haryana after partition.
Gandhiji had reportedly said that he saw the medium of radio as Shakti, the miraculous power of God. Gandhiji
began his speech saying, “My brothers and sisters who are suffering, I do not know if only you or some other people
are also listening to it.
 The day was declared as Public Service Broadcasting Day or (Jan Prasaran Diwas) in 2001, after it was conceptualised
by Suhas Borker, Convenor, Jan Prasar. Prasar Bharati has been given the responsibility of public service
broadcasting, deepen democratic traditions and provide opportunities to all diverse communities and cultures.
Mahatma Gandhi had decided to visit the studio of All India Radio, to convey his message through radio, as he
couldn’t visit refugees of Partition stationed at Kurukshetra in Haryana.
World Pneumonia Day 2022:12th November
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 World Pneumonia Day is a global event observed every year on 12 November to spread awareness and educate
people to combat Pneumonia disease, which is a world’s biggest infectious killer of adults and children, responsible
for the majority of death of children below five around the world. The day is also focused on creating ample
opportunity and encourage for the global action mainly in the low and middle income countries to fight the toll
due to pneumonia and other respiratory infection.
 This year 2022, World Pneumonia Day theme is based on the Worldwide Pneumonia Awareness Campaign –
“Pneumolight 2022”, with a theme and slogan “Pneumonia Affects Everyone”, with an aim to amplify the effect of
awareness campaigns by illuminating monuments worldwide. This year 2022, with the support of 42 countries 228
monuments will be illuminated to mark the World Pneumonia Day, with an intention to raise visibility of World
Pneumonia Day, 2022 globally.
World Kindness Day 2022:13th November

 World Kindness Day is celebrated on November 13 every year. The day inspires people to appreciate the kindness
and positive power in society. Kindness has no constraints and goes far beyond the feelings of race, religion, politics,
and gender. This day help us to move forward in a helpful and kind spirit toward the people. There are many ways
in which a person can show kindness toward the other person.
 One can be kind to their parents who are providing for you or your teachers who are making you a better human
being. People these days celebrate this day by sending messages through social media platforms. It’s an
international holiday that is observed in many countries including but not limited to the U.S., Canada, Australia,
Italy, and India.
 This year the day is being celebrated with the theme is ‘Be kind whenever possible.’
 The purpose of World Kindness Day as outlined by the World Kindness Movement is “to highlight good deeds in
the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.”
Vice President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar offers floral tributes at statue of Birsa Munda at the Parliament
premises
 November 15 is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or Tribal Pride Day to honour tribal freedom fighter, Birsa
Munda. On November 10, 2021, the Union Cabinet declared November 15 as ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’ marking the
birth anniversary of the revered leader and saluting his contributions to India’s freedom movement. Prime Minister
Narendra Modi dedicated a museum in Ranchi in memory of Birsa Munda also known as Dharti Aaba. PM Modi
said that observance of the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on Birsa Munda’s birth anniversary will serve as an opportunity
to celebrate the glorious tribal culture and contribution to national development.
 He was Born in 1875, Birsa Munda led a rebellious movement against British colonial rule and conversion activities
in the areas of the Bengal Presidency, which today are part of Jharkhand.
 His rebellion in the Munda belt of Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon helped in the revival of traditional tribal
culture. Birsa Munda gave the slogan of ‘Abua Raj Ete Jana, Maharani Raj Tundu Jana,’ which translates as “Let the
queen’s kingdom end and our kingdom be established.”
National Press Day 2022: 16th November

 National Press Day is observed on November 16 every year to acknowledge and honour the Press Council of India
(PCI). The day marks the presence of an independent and responsible press in the country. The Press Council of
India also examines the quality of reportage of the Indian press and keeps a check on journalistic activities.
 Independent Press is often called the voice of the voiceless, a connecting link between the all-powerful rulers to the
downtrodden ruled. It brings out the ills and malaise of the system and helps the government find the solutions to
these, in the process strengthening the values of the democratic system of governance. No wonder why it’s called
one of the four pillars of a strong democracy, and the only one where commoners directly participate. The other 3
are the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary – a gang of select few.
International Day for Tolerance 2022: 16th November

 International Day for Tolerance is observed on November 16 every year with an aim to build tolerance among diverse
cultures and spread the message that tolerance is an integral part of society. The day is specifically recognized to
educate people about the harmful consequences of intolerant society and its impact on the nation.
 The significance of celebrating the day is to raise awareness about the tolerance and its impact on cultures and
socio-economic groups. Tolerance should be promoted on both personal as well as professional level to make the
world a better place to live. Tolerance and non-violence are essential criteria for cohabitation. The goal of the day
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is to get people to appreciate the beauty of many viewpoints, ethnicities, faiths, and ideologies while also
recognising the cultural diversity that exists. The main goals of this global movement are to promote the behaviour
of respecting others’ rights and freedoms and to inform people about the negative repercussions of intolerance.
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022

 World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) runs from 18 to 24 November every year. It’s an international
initiative to increase awareness of the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial
medicines. The purpose of the week is to increase awareness of global antimicrobial resistance, encourage best
practices among the general public, health workers and policymakers to avoid the further emergence and spread of
drug-resistant infections.
 This year, the theme of WAAW is “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together.” World Antimicrobial Awareness
Week (WAAW) is a global campaign that is celebrated annually to improve awareness and understanding of AMR
and encourage best practices among the public, One Health stakeholders and policymakers, who all play a critical
role in reducing the further emergence and spread of AMR.
Naturopathy Day:
 National Naturopathy Day is observed in India every year on November 18th, to promote positive mental and
physical health through drug-free therapy. National Naturopathy Day was established on November 18th 2018 by
the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.
On November 18th 1945, Mahatma Gandhi became the Chairman of the All India Nature Cure Foundation Trust
and signed the agreement aimed at making the benefits of Nature Cure available to all classes of people, therefore,
this day was chosen to be observed as National Naturopathy Day.
 Central Council for Research in yoga and naturopathy is organizing the 5th Naturopathy day at World peace dome
MIT Art, Design and Technology University campus, Pune. On this Occasion an International Conference on Yoga
and Naturopathy is being organized by CCRYN. This conference will see renowned speakers in the field of
naturopathy and from “World Naturopathic Federation”. The Theme for this year’s event is “Naturopathy: an
Integrative medicine”. In this conference we will learn about developments in the field of naturopathy from eminent
researchers and practitioners in relation to education, research, integrative medicine, public health in addition to
exploring newer avenues and areas in naturopathy.
Indian Army Celebrates 242nd Corps of Engineers Day

 Indian Army is celebrating the 242nd Corps of Engineers Day on 18th November. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh,
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande have conveyed their
best wishes to all ranks of the Corps of Engineers on the occasion. On the occasion of Corps day, Engineer-in-Chief
and Senior Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Engineers Lt Gen Harpal Singh has called upon the Corps to put
in bigger efforts to be prepared for the future challenges and rededicate towards being a reliable, versatile and
omnipresent arm of the Army.
 The Corps of Engineers provides combat engineering support, develops infrastructure for armed forces and other
defence organisations and maintains connectivity along our vast borders besides providing succour to populace
during natural disasters. These tasks are executed through four pillars of the Corps – Combat Engineers, Military
Engineer Service, Border Road Organisation and Military Survey.
 The Corps of Engineers has three groups, i.e. Madras Sappers, Bengal Sappers and Bombay Sappers which were
amalgamated into the Corps on 18 Nov 1932. Since its inception, history is replete with colossal exemplary
contributions of the Corps of Engineers both in war and peace.
World Toilet Day 2022: 19th November

 The United Nations observes World Toilet Day on November 19 annually. The main aim is to raise public awareness
of broader sanitation systems such as wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and hand washing. The 2022
campaign ‘Making the invisible visible’ explores how inadequate sanitation systems spread human waste into rivers,
lakes and soil, polluting underground water resources.
 The central message of World Toilet Day 2022 is that safely managed sanitation protects groundwater from human
waste pollution. Currently, the world is seriously off track to meet the promise of Sustainable Development Goal
(SDG) 6.2: to ensure safe toilets for all by 2030.
 The 2022 theme is ‘Making the Invisible Visible’ and explores how inadequate sanitation systems spread human
waste into rivers, lakes and soil, polluting underground water resources.
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World Children’s Day 2022: 20th November
 World Children’s Day is celebrated on November 20 annually. The day aims to promote international togetherness
and awareness among children as well as to improve their welfare. November 20 marks the anniversary of the UN
General Assembly adopted a Declaration and Convention on children’s rights. This year, the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) wants to remind world leaders to “fulfil the promise of the UN Convention on the Rights
of the Child”.
 The theme for International children’s day is, “Inclusion, for every child”. This theme means that every child
belonging to any society, community or nationality is entitled to equal rights.
 The United Nations (UN) says, “World Children’s Day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate,
promote and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for
children.”
World Television Day 2022: 21st November

 World Television Day is observed on 21 November, every year. It is a day that recognizes the value and impact of
television in our lives. We all know television plays a crucial role in society and in an individual’s life. It is our daily
source of entertainment and information. All the entertainment and information that we receive from television
helps us to stay updated about the world. To highlight the importance of television as something beyond an
electronic tool, World Television Day is celebrated annually on November 21.
 The United Nations General Assembly declared November 21 to be World Television Day (through resolution 51/205
of December 17, 1996) in recognition of the growing influence television has on decision-making by drawing
attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security as well as its potential role in sharpening the focus on other
important issues, including economic and social problems.
 On 21 and 22 November 1996 the United Nations held the first World Television Forum, where leading media figures
met under the auspices of the United Nations to discuss the growing significance of television in today’s changing
world and to consider how they might enhance their mutual cooperation. That is why the General Assembly decided
to proclaim 21 November as World Television Day.
World Fisheries Day 2022: 21st November

 World Fisheries Day is annually celebrated on 21st November. This day is dedicated to highlighting the critical
importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries in the world. World Fisheries
Day also explores finding solutions to the increasingly interconnected problems that the world is facing to follow
sustainable models of our ocean ecosystems while safeguarding the interest and growth and development of the
fisherfolk community all across the world.
 Fisheries sector play an important role in the socio-economic development of fisherfolk or coastal community in
our world. The sector has been recognized as a powerful income and employment generator as it stimulates growth
of a number of subsidiary industries, and is a source of cheap and nutritious food besides being a foreign exchange
earner. Most importantly, it is the source of livelihood for a large section of economically backward population of
our world. Hence it is very important to tackle the challenges faced by this industry for the development of our
world and to address these problems only we have World Fisheries Day!
World Heritage Week commencing from November 19 to 25

 The Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums is celebrating World Heritage week commencing from
November 19 to November 25, 2022. The World Heritage Week is observed to promote the conservation of culture
and heritage. The week – long celebration aims to create awareness about traditions and culture. The World
Heritage Week is celebrated by UNESCO and several other international organisations. In India. The World
Heritage Week is celebrated by the Archaeological Survey of India.
 Being a signatory to the World Heritage Convention, India undertakes various initiatives on World Heritage Day
(18 April) and World Heritage Week (19-25 November) each year, to celebrate the spirit of the World Heritage
Convention. Some of these initiatives include providing free admission at ticketed monuments, publishing books
on World Heritage, involving youth and children through painting competitions and heritage walks, among others.
 The Member States of UNESCO adopted the World Heritage Convention in 1972. 191 state parties have ratified this
World Heritage Convention including India. World Heritage sites belong to all the people of the world, irrespective
of the territory on which they are located.
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Prasar Bharati celebrates silver jubilee of its establishment
 Prasar Bharati celebrated the silver jubilee or 25 years of its establishment on 23 November, 2022. It was on this day
in 1997, that it came into being as a statutory autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament. It comprises the
Doordarshan and All India Radio. Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi said, Prasar Bharati has stood firmly with
the people during the challenges faced by the country and the world.
 It is the largest statutory autonomous public broadcasting agency in India which was established in 1997.
 It was established under an Act of Parliament and consists of Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio.
 In September 1990, the Parliament passed the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act.
 This act made provision for the establishment of a Broadcasting Corporation of India named Prasar Bharati.
 The Prasar Bharati Act provides for the establishment of a Broadcasting Corporation, to be known as Prasar Bharati,
and define its composition, functions, and powers. The Act grants autonomy to All India Radio and to Doordarshan,
both of which were previously under government control.
 The Act received the assent of the President of India on 12 September 1990 after being unanimously passed by
Parliament. It was finally implemented in November 1997.
OBITURY
Women's rights activist & SEWA founder Ela bhatt passed away
 Renowned women’s rights activist Ela Bhatt, the founder of SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), died here
on Wednesday due to age-related issues, her associates said.
 Bhatt, 89, a Padma Bhushan recipient, was a pioneer in the field of women empowerment and had received
international recognition due to her work.
 “It is with profound grief that we announce the passing away of our beloved and respected founder, Smt. Elaben
Bhatt, a pioneer in advocating for women workers’ rights, we strive to carry her legacy forward,” SEWA Bharat
tweeted.
Arunachal Pradesh BJP legislator passes away

 Jambey Tashi, MLA from Lumla assembly seat in Arunachal Pradesh, passed away due to following illness. He was
48. Tashi was the sitting MLA from the Lumla Assembly constituency of Tawang district. He was holding the post
of Advisor to the Planning and Investment Minister of the state. He died in a hospital in Guwahati.
 Born on October 7, 1974, Tashi was actively involved in social activities right from the beginning and became an
Anchal Samiti member in 2001. He was elected to the legislative assembly from his home constituency Lumla in
2009 unopposed and was appointed as Chairman State Medicinal Plants Board till 2011 and later became
Parliamentary Secretary for Civil Aviation. He was re-elected to the legislative assembly for the 2nd term and held
the post of Parliamentary Secretary.
Independent India’s first voter, Shyam Saran Negi, passes away in Himachal Pradesh
 Three days after casting his vote for the 34th time, India’s oldest voter Shyam Saran Negi died on November 5, 2022
at his home in Kalpa in Himachal Pradesh. He was 106. Negi, who was the Election Commission’s brand ambassador,
voted for the Himachal Pradesh Assembly election through postal ballot on November 2. It was the last vote for the
man who was 31 when India gained Independence.
 The Election Commission has mourned the demise of the first voter of Independent India, Shyam Saran Negi. The
Commission said, he was not just the first voter of Independent India, but a man with exceptional faith in
democracy. He inspired millions to vote, even before his demise, he voted for the ensuing Himachal Pradesh
Assembly Elections through postal ballot on the 2nd of this month, the Commission said.
Mahendra Kumar Sharma, pioneer of Indian women’s cricket, passes away

 Mahendra Kumar Sharma, the man who pioneered women’s cricket in India through the registration of the
Women’s Cricket Association of India (WCAI) in 1973, has passed away.
 He leaves behind a huge legacy in women’s cricket. In 1973, he registered WCAI under Societies Act in Lucknow,
which kickstarted the journey of women’s cricket in the country.
 WCAI was in existence for the next 32 years until BCCI took over the operation of women’s cricket in India in 2006.
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 For the first five years of its existence, Sharma was the founding secretary of WCAI. He was in charge when India
got to host its first-ever women’s cricket world cup in 1978. This was when the organisation was largely dependent
on donations from individual and the government.
 WCAI also got to host the 1997 edition of the tournament, which was won by Australia.
Batman legend Kevin Conroy tragically passes away at the age of 66

 Kevin Conroy, an actor and voice actor best known for playing Batman in several animated movies and series, has
passed away at the age of 66. Kevin played Batman in a variety of projects, and Mark Hamill took on the role of the
Joker. The acclaimed animated series, which launched in 1992 and continued until 1996, is where Conroy first voiced
Batman.
 His portrayal of Batman in various other DC productions, including the video games Injustice and Batman: Arkham,
has received a lot of positive attention. He also appeared in several DC Universe Animated Original Movies,
including Batman: Gotham Knight (2008), Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009), Justice League: Doom (2012),
Batman: The Killing Joke (2016), and Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (2019).
Karnataka: PM Modi mourns death of mathematician RL Kashyap

 85-Year-old Renowned mathematician and great scholar Padma Shri Awardee Shri Rangasami Lakshminarayan
Kashyap or RL Kashyap passed away. RL Kashyap translated around twenty-five thousand Sanskrit mantras into
English language. Apart from Mathematics, RL Kashyap has also made many important contributions to the field
of Veda. He received many international awards for his immense contributions to the fields of science and
technology. Kashyap also wrote more than 250 research papers.
 RL Kashyap was the founder of a spiritual organization called Sakshi Trust and was among the recipients of the
Padma Shri award in 2021, which seeks to recognize achievements in all fields and disciplines that involve the
element of public service.
 RL Kashyap was a mathematician who also studied electrical engineering. In the later days, Kashyap worked as a
professor of Electrical engineering at America’s Perdue University. He also developed the Ho-Kashyap rule, A
pivotal algorithm in Pattern recognition, with another professor in Harvard, Yu-Chi Ho. After presenting Kashyap
Information Creation (KIC) which is related to the discipline of maths, Kashyap came to the fore on the world stage.
Mehran Karimi Nasseri, Who Inspired ‘The Terminal,’ Dies in Paris Airport
 An Iranian refugee, Mehran Karimi Nasseri, who lived for 18 years in Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and whose
intriguing tale inspired the 2004 Steven Spielberg film “The Terminal,” passed away in that same airport. The cause
of death, in Terminal 2F, was a heart attack, a representative for the airport. His exact age was not immediately
known, but he was in his late 70s.
 His days were punctuated by the rhythm of flights and the presence of travelers, whose numbers swelled in the
morning and dwindled at night, leaving him mostly alone to sleep on his preferred curved bench. Airport employees
would routinely give him their meal coupons, and flight attendants would give him toiletries left over by first-class
passengers. The New York Times Magazine noted in a 2003 profile of Mr. Nasseri that he seemed “both settled —
and ready to go.”
Gulam Abbas Moontasir, a legend of Indian basketball, dies aged 80

 The former India basketball captain and Arjuna awardee, Gulam Abbas Moontasir, passed away in Mumbai. He was
born in Mumbai in 1942. He started playing in Nagpada by the American missionaries, later he started getting
inclined towards basketball. From Nagpada Basketball Association to the International stage, he has always been
an aggressive player with a unique physical style on the court.
 His basketball debut came in 1960 in an exhibition game against Australia. He captained the national team in the
1969 and 1975 Asian Basketball Championships in Bangkok. He was part of the Indian team at the 1970 Asian Games,
which finished sixth after topping a group that also contained China, Thailand and Malaysia. In the same year,
Muntasir was selected in the Asian All-Star team and received the Arjuna Award, the first basketball player to
receive this honour. He was suspended for three years due to constant bickering with referees and officials in the
country. He was also among the country’s sports icons who shot for the 1987 film ‘Freedom Run’ to promote national
integration.
Veteran Punjabi actress Daljeet kaur khangura passed away
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 Daljeet Kaur, a veteran actor well-known for her lead roles in several superhit Punjabi movies, died in Punjab's
Ludhiana district on Thursday.
 The 69-year-old was suffering from brain tumour for the past three years and was in a deep coma for the last one
year, according to her cousin, Harinder Singh Khangura.
 Daljeet was one of the most famous faces of Pollywood. She took a break from acting after she lost her husband
Harminder Singh Deol in a tragic road accident. After several years, in 2001, she decided to step back into the
industry, and it didn’t take long before she again turned everyone’s favourite with her work.
Rasna founder Areez Khambatta passes away at 85

 The founding chairman of the popular drink Rasna, Areez Pirojshaw Khambatta has passed away. The 85-year-old
industrialist, who was suffering from a prolonged illness. Decades back, his father Phiroja Khambatta started a
modest business which Areez took to being the largest concentrate manufacturer in the world, with a presence in
over 60 countries. He created affordable soft drink packs of Rasna in the 1970s as an alternative to soft drink
products sold at high costs. It is sold at 1.8 million retail outlets in the country.
 Khambatta was the former chairman of the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthostis (WAPIZ). He also served as the
past president of the Ahmedabad Parsi Panchayat and the vice president of the Federation of Parsi Zoroastrian
Anjumans of India.
Veteran Actor Vikram Gokhale Dies At 77

 Veteran Bollywood actor Vikram Gokhale passed away recently at the age of 77. He was seen in many popular
Bollywood movies like Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Mission Mangal, Aiyaary, Bhool Bhulaiya, and others. For his
contribution to Theatre acting, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, Sangeet Natak Akademi,
conferred him with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2011. A veteran of screen and stage, Vikam Gokhale was a
noted actor in Marathi theatre and cinema before making his debut in Hindi films at the age of 26 in Amitabh
Bachchan-starrer Parwana (1971).
 Over a career spanning more than 40 years, he appeared in various films, most notably Agneepath (1990), Hum Dil
De Chuke Sanam (1999), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Natsamrat (2015), Hichki (2018), and Mission Mangal (2019). In
2010, he received the National Award for Best Actor for his work in the Marathi film Anumati.
RANKING
BPCL recognized as India's most sustainable Oil and Gas Company in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
2022
 Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), ‘Maharatna’ and a Fortune Global 500 Company has once again
achieved the No.1 rank in the Indian oil and gas sector for its sustainability performance in the 2022 edition of the
S&P Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) rankings. This is the 3rd
consecutive year that BPCL is at the top of the DJSI Indices in India having achieved a score of 65 percentage points,
against an industry average score of 31 which is far better than last year’s score of 59 against an industry average
score of 39 on DJSI platform.
 This benchmarking is a complete assessment of economic, environmental and social criteria with a strong focus on
long-term shareholder value.
 BPCL is creating a vibrant ecosystem for green energy transition and realize its aspirations for achieving Net-Zero
emissions.
About Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
Chairman: Arun Kumar Singh;
Headquarters: Mumbai;
Founded: 1952.
Google buys Twitter-backed AI avatar startup Alter for $100 mn: Report
 Tech giant Google has acquired Alter, an artificial intelligence (AI) avatar startup that was working on using AI to
generate avatars for social media users and brands to express their virtual identity. According to TechCrunch,
Google buys the startup for about $100 million in an effort to improve its content game and compete with TikTok.
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 The U.S. and Czech-headquartered, Alter started as Facemoji, a platform that offered plug-and-play technology for
helping game and App developers add avatar systems to their Apps. Among its investors are Play Ventures, Roosh
Ventures and Twitter, which invested $3 million in the startup. Later Facemoji rebranded as Alter.
 According to several media reports, Google had acquired Alter, an AI Avatar Startup, two months back. However,
they have not released any official statement regarding the same yet. Reportedly, some of the top executives of Alter
have updated their LinkedIn profiles mentioning their collaboration with Google. However, they have not
specifically hinted towards the acquisition. As per several media reports, a Google spokesperson has confirmed the
acquisition of Alter by Google but has denied to unveil further details about the financial and transaction details.
Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab top 2020-21 Performing Grade Index

 Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab have topped the 2020-21 Performing Grade Index (PGI) that assesses school
education at the district level, the Union education ministry said in a report on Thursday. Arunachal Pradesh
emerged as the least performing in the seventh slot, the lowest allocated to any state this year.
 PGI analyses the school education on 70 indicators grouped under outcomes and governance management
categories. The categories are further divided into domains of learning outcomes, access, infrastructure and
facilities, equity, and governance. Scores of over 950 out of 1000 points come under the highest achievable level 1.
The lowest grade is level 10 for scores below 551.
 Punjab, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Kerala topped PGI 2019-20. Kerala, Punjab,
Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh have achieved level 2 (901 to 950 points) in PGI
2020-21. Kerala, Punjab, and Maharashtra have scored the highest 928 points.
 Chandigarh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh scored 927, 903, 903, and 902 points. Like in previous years,
no state made it to level 1.
Women attain just 74% of men’s wealth at retirement; gender wealth gap in APAC largest in India at 64% :
Report
 A new study revealed that India has the widest gender wealth gap (64%) as compared to other APAC countries.
This is largely due to the higher burden of caregiving responsibilities. The 2022 WTW Global Gender Wealth Equity
report found that opportunities for women in leadership positions are also limited, with only 3% of women in the
workforce occupying senior positions in India.
 “Women also tend to assume childcare responsibilities at a young age for the region, resulting in financial impacts
from which women have limited capacity to recover. Compounding this is that long term financial decisions
generally rest with men and financial literacy for working women tends to be lower,” stated the report.
 South Korea has been found as the best performing country in the APAC region in terms of gender wealth gap. “In
South Korea, the earnings limits embedded in social security benefits limit the accumulation of male relative to
female wealth,” the report said. The report highlights that across the 12 markets in the APAC region, the gender
wealth gaps ranges from 64 per cent in India to 90 per cent in South Korea.
India has cheapest manufacturing cost globally, bags 31st position: Report
 India has been ranked as the nation with the cheapest manufacturing cost ahead of China and Vietnam, according
to a report. According to the US News and World Report, out of 85 nations, India has bagged the 31st position in
the overall Best Countries ranking.
 The report evaluates 85 countries across 73 attributes. Attributes are grouped into 10 sub-categories, including
adventure, agility, entrepreneurship, open for business, social purpose and quality of life.
 Under the open for business sub-category, India has scored 100 per cent when it comes to cheap manufacturing
costs. India featured at the 37th spot in the ‘Open for Business’ category. But in ‘favourable tax environment’, it has
scored 16.2 out of 100; 18.1 in the ‘not corrupt’ category and 3.5 in ‘transparent government policies’.
 Similarly, under the ‘quality of life’ segment, India has scored 1.9 in ‘income equality’; 4.3 in ‘safe’; 2.3 in ‘well-
developed public health system’; and 9.9 in ‘economically stable’ sub-parameter.
Eight warmest years on record witness upsurge in climate change impacts

 The global mean temperature in 2022 is estimated to be 1.15 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial (1850-1900)
average, likely making the eight years from 2015 the warmest on record, the World Meteorological Organisation
said in a report.
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 The report titled ‘WMO Provisional State of the Global Climate 2022’ released at the 27th Conference of Parties to
the UNFCCC stated that the rate of sea level rise has doubled since 1993 and has risen by nearly 10 mm since January
2020 to a new record high this year.
 The past two-and-a-half years account for 10 per cent of the overall rise in sea level since satellite measurements
started nearly 30 years ago, the report stated. “The global mean temperature so far in 2022 has been 1.15 degree
Celsius above the 1850-1900 average. If the current anomaly continues to the end of the year, the analysis would
place 2022 as either the fifth or sixth warmest year on record (from 1850), and in each case marginally warmer than
2021. The eight years — 2015 to 2022 — are likely to be the eight warmest years on record,” the report read.
 Despite La Nina conditions keeping the global temperature low for the second consecutive year, this would make
2022 as either the fifth or sixth warmest year on record. The 10-year average for the period 2013-2022 is estimated to
be 1.14 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline. This compares with 1.09 degrees Celsius from 2011 to 2020,
as estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment report.
Reliance Industries among top 20 in Forbes' World's Best Employers rankings 2022
 According to Forbes’ World’s Finest Employers rankings 2022, Reliance Industries, the nation’s largest corporation
by revenues, profits, and market value, is India’s best employer and the 20th best company to work for globally. Oil-
to-telecom-to-retail conglomerate Reliance, with 2,30,000 employees, is ranked 20th – the highest-ranked Indian
firm. It is ranked above Mercedes-Benz of Germany, US beverage maker Coca-Cola, Japanese auto giants Honda
and Yamaha, and Saudi Aramco.
 The global ranking was topped by South Korean giant Samsung Electronics, followed by US giants Microsoft, IBM,
Alphabet and Apple.
 US companies occupy rankings from 2nd to 12th, followed by German automaker BMW Group at 13th. The world’s
largest online retailer Amazon is ranked 14th in the list and French giant Decathlon is at 15th rank.
 There is no Indian company other than Reliance in the top 100. HDFC Bank is ranked 137th. Bajaj (173rd), Aditya
Birla Group (240th), Hero Motocorp (333rd), Larsen & Toubro (354th), ICICI Bank (365th), HCL Technologies
(455th), State Bank of India (499th), Adani Enterprises (547th) and Infosys (668th) are the other companies on the
list.
FAO'S State of Food and Agriculture report 2022

 The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA) is one of the annual flagship report released by the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO). It provides comprehensive insights into the various issues related to the field of
food and agriculture based on science-based assessment.
 The report assessed various drivers of agricultural automation, including the recently developed digital
technologies.
 Based on 27 case studies, the report analyzed the business case for the adoption of these digital automation
technologies across various agricultural production systems in the world.
 It identified various challenges that are preventing inclusive adoption of these technologies, especially by small-
scale producers. It recognized two major barriers for their adoption – low digital literacy and lack of supportive
infrastructure like connectivity and access to electricity.
 The report recommended policies that will enable disadvantaged groups to access the agricultural automation
technologies, which will help in the creation of sustainable and resilient agri-food systems.
India ranks high in climate protection, bags 8th position in Climate Change Performance Index
 The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2023 released which was published by three environmental
non¬governmental organizations viz. Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and the Climate Action Network (CAN)
International. India rose two spots to rank eighth out of 63 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index
2023 (CCPI). In the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use categories, the country was rated “high”. In the
Climate Policy and Renewable Energy categories, it earned a “medium” rating.
 The CCPI evaluates 59 countries and the European Union, which together generate over 90 per cent of global
greenhouse gas emissions. Using standardised criteria, the CCPI looks at four categories, with 14 indicators:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Renewable Energy, Energy Use, and Climate Policy. In 2022 and 2021, India stood in the
10th spot. In 2020, it ranked ninth on the list. Since signing the Paris Agreement in 2015, India has updated its
Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). At the COP26 Summit in Glasgow, the country announced its
commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
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Jal Jeevan Mission rankings: Several Uttar Pradesh districts excel, Shahjahanpur on top
 Shahjahanpur has become number one in the country in giving maximum number of tap connections in a month.
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, Shahjahanpur has created history in providing tap connections to every household in
rural areas.
 According to the data given on the website of Jal Jeevan Mission, Bulandshahr, Bareilly, Mirzapur have also got a
place in this survey. This achievement is being considered as a big leap in the matter of rural drinking water supply.
In this survey, districts are selected across the country on the basis of the progress of the scheme.
 The names of Shahjahanpur, Bulandshahr and Bareilly have been registered among the best performing districts of
UP in October. In the ranking of districts, Shahjahanpur topped the best performing category by scoring 689990
marks. Bulandshahr is second by scoring 657180 marks and Bareilly is third in this category by scoring 619114 marks.
 In Jal Jeevan Survekshan-2023, districts across the country are selected in 5 categories. In four categories, the
districts with 100 percent tap connections in a month as front runners, the districts with 75 to 100 percent tap
connections as high achievers, the achievers category, the districts providing 50 to 75 percent tap connections as
performers. And districts with 0 to 25 percent tap water are included in the aspirant category.
`India climbs six places to 61st rank in network readiness index

 India has moved up by six slots to improve its position and rank 61st as per the Network Readiness Index 2022 (NRI
2022) report prepared by a US-based Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit research and educational
institute. In a statement issued by the Telecom Ministry, it was stated that India’s overall score has improved to
51.19 in 2022 from 49.74 in 2021. The NRI 2022 report ranks a total of 131 economies that together account for about
95 per cent of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
 According to the report, India ranked first in ‘AI talent concentration,’ second in ‘Mobile broadband internet traffic
within the country,’ and third in ‘Annual investment in telecommunication services,’ fourth in ‘ICT Services
exports,’ fifth in ‘FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions,’ and sixth in ‘AI scientific publications.’
 While India’s overall rank is 61st the country’s rank among lower-middle-income countries is 3rd. In each of the 4
pillars of the score, India’s score was higher than the average score in the group. On the other hand, India ranked
11th within the Asia and Pacific region.
Times Higher Education Employability Rankings: IIT Delhi in top 50

 The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi has been placed at the 28th position in the Top 50 of Times Higher
Education Global Employability University Ranking and Survey (GEURS). IIT Delhi is the only Indian institute to
rank in the top 50. The varsity was ranked 27th last year.
 It is followed by IISc at rank 58 and IIT Bombay at rank 72. A total of seven Indian universities have ranked it in the
top 250.
 Three US institutes have taken the top 3 positions including Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California
Institute of Technology, and Harvard University, respectively.
 The University of Cambridge and Stanford University have retained their position of fourth and fifth, respectively.
PM Modi remains world’s most popular leader with approval rating of 77 %

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains the world’s most popular leader with an approval rating of 77 percent. This
was revealed in a Global Leader Approval Ratings released by a US based consulting firm Morning Consult.
 The Indian PM is followed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at 69 per cent and Australian PM
Anthony Albanese at 56 per cent, on the second and third spots, respectively. US President Joe Biden and UK’s new
PM Rishi Sunak come lower down the list with approval ratings of 41 per cent and 36 per cent, respectively.
 While 19 per cent of those surveyed disapproved of PM Modi’s leadership, the figure stood at 52 per cent and 46 per
cent for Biden and Sunak, respectively. While higher approval ratings suggest that the people of the country believe
that things in their country are going in the right direction, disapprovals suggest a perception that they have gone
off on the wrong track.
 The latest approval ratings are based on data collected from 16th to 22nd of this month. It is based on a seven-day
moving average of adult residents in each country, with sample sizes varying by country. In the earlier rating too,
Prime Minister Modi had topped the ranking.
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SPORTS
Akanksha Vyavahare creates Weightlifting National Records in 40kg category at Khelo India tournament
 Akanksha Vyavahare, who is a Maharashtra-based weightlifter has created three new national records in the 40kg
weight category at the Khelo India National Ranking Women’s Weightlifting Tournament. Akanksha Vyavahare
was also a part of the Target Olympics Podium Scheme and created records in snatch, clean and jerk, and total.
 Akanksha has improved her existing snatch national record by lifting 60kg.She recorded 71 kg in the clean jerk and
the process registered a total lift of 131 kg.
 The opening ceremony of the Khelo India National Ranking Women’s Weightlifting Tournament was felicitated by
Tokyo Olympics Silver medalist Mirabai Chanu.
 Mirabai Chanu won the gold medal in Phase 1 of the Khelo India Weightlifting Tournament in Himachal Pradesh.
India beat Australia 5-4 in shootout, claim 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup crown
 Indian junior men’s hockey team defeated Australia to win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2022 in a shootout 5-4 after a 1-
1 draw at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This is the third time India has won the Sultan
of Johor Cup. India scored the first goal with Sudeep Chirmako’s field goal in the 14th minute. However, Australia
came back in the second quarter as Jack Holland equalised with India.
 In the shootout, both teams ended with 3-3 scoreline, forcing the match into sudden death. Uttam Singh scored
twice in the shootout, including in sudden death, while Vishnukant Singh, Ankit Pal, Sudeep Chirmako also
sounded the board for India. For Australia, Burns Cooper, Foster Brodee, Brooks Joshua and Hart Liam entered
their names on the scoresheet.
 The Indians have won the age group tournament twice in 2013 and 2014 and finished second best four times in 2012,
2015, 2018 and the last edition of the event in 2019. The tournament was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup 2022: Spain Successfully Defend The World Cup Title By Defeating
Colombia 1-0
 Spain, defending champions won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against the first-time finalists Colombia. Spain
won the match after an own goal in the 82nd minute of the finals by Colombian defender Ana María Guzmán
Zapata. The final match of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was played between Spain and Colombia in the Patil
Sports Stadium. Spain won by 1-0 in the finals of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup against Colombia.
 Spain took the lead with Christina’s goal; however, it was rebounded by the Colombian goalkeeper.
 The score remained 0-0, until the own goal from Colombia in the prime time of the game.
 The two teams played against each other in the group phase in which Spain won by 1-0.
 FIFA President Gianni Infantino along with other officials of the Asian Football Federation and All India Football
Federation (AIFF) was also present during the finals.
 India was the host of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup this year and unfortunately team India was not able to
clear the group stages after losing three matches.
Max Verstappen wins record-breaking 14th race of the season at Formula One's Mexican Grand Prix
 Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished in first place at the Mexican Grand Prix 2022 to claim his record-setting
14th win of the season. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez finished second and third respectively.
Verstappen 14th victory of the season sees him pass Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel for the most race
wins in a single season in Formula One history. Verstappen is now the most successful driver in the history of the
Mexican GP, having secured his fourth title. It was the 34th race win of his career & 14th win of the 2022 season.
 Earlier in October, Verstappen claimed his second career world championship at the Japanese Grand Prix, and last
week he won the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, which saw him share the record for the number of season race
wins. With his victory in Mexico, Verstappen also broke the record for the most points accumulated in a single
season, previously set by Lewis Hamilton in 2019.
Suryakumar Yadav becomes 1st Indian player to score 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year
 Star Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav has became the first Indian player to score 1,000 T20 International runs in a
calendar year. The batter accomplished this feat in his side’s final Super 12 stage match against Zimbabwe in
Melbourne cricket ground (MCG), Australia. In the match, Suryakumar put his perfect finishing touches to make
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sure India finished their innings on a high. He scored 61 not out of just 25 balls, consisting of six fours and four
sixes. In 28 innings this year, Suryakumar has scored 1,026 runs at an average of 44.60.
 Suryakumar Yadav has now joined Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan on the elite list of batters who have scored more
than 1000 T20I runs in a calendar year. Rizwan, who has 924 runs in 23 T20Is this year, scored a total of 1326 runs
in 29 matches in 2021. Surya is only the second player in T20I history to have scored more than 1000 runs in one
calendar year. Now he has a total of 1026 runs in 28 T20I matches this year.
 Surya made his T20I debut for India against England in March last year, and since then he has been on a roll. He
has played a total of 39 T20I matches in total for India, in which he has scored 1270 runs.
ICC Player of the Month 2022: Virat Kohli, Nida Dar awarded for October 2022
 The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for October
2022. India veteran batter Virat Kohli has been named as the ICC men’s Player of the Month for October. Meanwhile,
Pakistan’s veteran all-rounder Nida Dar has been selected as ICC Women’s Player of the Month, thanks to her
sensational form in the Women’s Asia Cup.
 Both Kohli and Dar were elected winners following a global vote conducted among media representatives, ICC Hall
of Famers, former international players, and fans registered at icc-cricket.com.
 Virat Kohli has been in phenomenal touch this past month, delivering brilliant performances throughout the
ongoing ICC T20 World Cup and has been an integral part of India’s semifinal qualification. The 34-year-old played
four innings in October and had 205 runs in his kitty, including a match-winning 53-ball unbeaten 82 against
Pakistan in India’s Super-12s opener.
 Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza and South Africa’s David Miller were the other nominees for the award along with Kohli,
but the Indian batter beat them to claim the title.
 For her key contributions to Pakistan’s semi-final surge in the Women’s Asia Cup in Bangladesh, Nida Dar takes
home the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for October.
 Scoring 145 valuable runs at an average of 72.50 during the month and taking eight key wickets, the influential all-
rounder underlined her importance to the Pakistan cause despite falling short in the knockout stages.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Charlotte Edwards, Abdul Qadir inducted into ICC Hall of Fame
 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the latest legends who join the prestigious list of cricketing
greats that make up the ICC Hall of Fame. Following a voting process that included existing Hall of Famers, media
representatives plus senior executives from the Federation of International Cricketers (FICA) and the ICC, West
Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul, England Women’s team legend Charlotte Edwards and Pakistan legend Abdul
Qadir become inductees number 107, 108 and 109 respectively.
 Shivnarine Chanderpaul is one of the most instantly recognisable figures in the history of West Indies cricket. With
an unorthodox batting technique, he made his debut at 19 and quickly began to excel against opposition bowlers.
 Over the course of a 20-year international career, Charlotte Edwards became one of the most significant players in
the history of women’s cricket. Starting her international journey as a 16-year-old, she soon announced herself by
striking a world-record unbeaten 173 against Ireland in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Pune.
 Qadir passed away in 2019 at the age of 63, but his influence of the game in Pakistan and the wider world is still felt
strongly today. Often labelled the saviour of leg-spin bowling during the 1970s and 80s, Qadir was renowned for
outfoxing some of the greatest batters in the game with his dynamic action and majestic variation.
Bhagat, Ramadass bag gold at BWF Para Badminton World Championships

 Pramod Bhagat and Manisha Ramadass won gold medals in singles at the BWF Para-Badminton World
Championships in Tokyo. The reigning Paralympic gold medallist Bhagat beat compatriot Nitesh Kumar 21-19, 21-
19 in 53 minutes in an all-Indian SL3 final.
 This is Bhagat’s fourth World Championships gold in singles and sixth overall in the marquee event.
 Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar went down 21-14, 18-21, 13-21 to Indonesia’s Hikmat Ramdani-Ukun Rukaendi in the SL3-
SL4 men’s doubles final.
 Manisha Ramadass beat Japan’s Mamiko Toyoda 21-15, 21-15 in half an hour in the SU5 final.
 Bhagat has won a total of six gold, two silver, and three bronze medals in singles and doubles in the six
championships he has played.
Uttar Pradesh to Host Khelo India National University Games in 2023-24
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 Uttar Pradesh government to host Khelo India National University Games in 2023-2024 in four cities. Khelo India
National University Games will be conducted in four cities of Uttar Pradesh including Lucknow, Gorakhpur,
Varanasi, and Noida.
 In the Khelo India National University Games, 4,500 athletes will participate representing 150 universities across
the country.
 There will be 20 disciplines including basketball, judo, kabaddi, wrestling, swimming, boxing, rowing, etc.
 Uttar Pradesh has got the opportunity to host the National University Games for the first time after Odisha and
Karnataka.
 Disciplines like kabaddi, judo, archery, and fencing will be organized in Noida and rowing will be organized in
Gorakhpur.
Indian boxer Lovlina Borgohain wins gold at Asian Boxing Championships

 Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain beat Ruzmetova Sokhiba of Uzbekistan 5-0 in the Asian Boxing
Championships 2022 women’s 75kg final for her first continental gold medal in Amman, Jordan on Friday.
 Lovlina Borgohain won bronze medals in the 2017 and 2021 Asian Boxing Championships and was competing in her
first final. While for Ruzmetova Sokhiba of Uzbekistan, it was her second straight silver medal.
 As many as six Indians - five women and one man - qualified for the finals at the Asian championships.
 World championships silver medallist Saweety Boora and 2022 bronze winner Parveen, along with competition
debutant Alfiya Pathan won gold medals while Minakshi had to settle for silver.
 Saweety Boora, who won silver at the Asian Championships in 2015 and bronze last year, defeated Gulsaya Yerzhan
of Kazakhstan 5-0 in the women’s 81kg. Parveen, 22, beat Kito Mai of Japan 5-0 in women’s 63kg for her first Asian
medal.
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Mumbai beats Himachal in low-scoring final to clinch maiden title
 Domestic giants Mumbai produced a near-perfect performance to beat Himachal Pradesh by three wickets in the
final and won their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy title at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The 15th edition of the
Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, a Twenty20(T20) competition that is played in India, was held from 11th October 2022 to
.
 Put into bat first, Himachal posted a total of 143/8 in 20 overs with Ekant Sen (37 off 29) top-scoring for them. In
reply, Mumbai chased down the target in 19.3 overs with three wickets in hand. Sarfaraz Khan scored 36 runs and
Tanush Kotian claimed three wickets, which paved the way to win the trophy.
The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a domestic T¬20 cricket championship in India, which is organised by the Board
of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), among the teams from the Ranji Trophy. The tournament is named after a
former Indian test cricketer Syed Mushtaq Ali. The first match was held in 2006¬07 and the trophy was won by
Tamil Nadu under the captaincy of Dinesh Karthick and also Rohit Sharma scored the first ever T20 century in the
match. Until now, Tamil Nadu is the most successful team of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, by winning it thrice.
2022 IBSA Blind Football Asia/Oceania Championships

 Kerala Governor Arif Muhammad Khan inaugurated the IBSA Blind Football Women’s Asian/Oceania
Championship 2022 at Kochi, Kerala. The IBSA Blind Football Women’s Asian/Oceania Championship 2022 is being
held from 11th November 2022 to .
 This is the first time in India that a para football event will have 10 men’s teams and 2 women’s teams.This para
football event is a qualifier for the World’s Championships Birmingham 2022 and the Paris Paralympics 2024.
 IBSA Blind Football Women’s Asian/Oceania Championship 2022 will be India’s biggest para football event.The
event will help to spread awareness about the game.
 Ten teams are participating in the event including India, China, Thailand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Korea,
Japan, Iran, Australia, and Uzbekistan.
Pakistan vs England, T20 World Cup Final 2022: ENG crowned champions, beat PAK by five wickets
 England were crowned the champions after they defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets in the final at the iconic Melbourne
Cricket Ground (MCG), Australia. They are the first team to hold the ODI and T20 World Cups at the same time
after their memorable win over New Zealand in the 2019 50-over final at Lord’s. England also emulated West Indies
to become only the second team in the history of the competition to lift two titles in the T20 World Cup.
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 England were in the box-seat after captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to field first, restricting Pakistan to
just 8-137. Ben Stokes used all his experience to score 52 from 49 balls just when his team needed it most as England
chased down Pakistan’s meagre total of 137/8 with six deliveries remaining at the MCG.
 T20WC Men’s Player of the Tournament: Sam Curran (12 wickets in six matches). Sam Curran was adjudged the
man of the match for his performance where he took three wickets for just 12 runs from his four overs in the game.
West Midlands to host Kabaddi World Cup in 2025

 The Kabaddi World Cup will be held in the West Midlands region of the United Kingdom. The Kabaddi World Cup
2025 will be hosted out of Asia for the first time announced by the World Kabbadi Federation (WKF).
 The region will host the sport’s most prestigious global tournament which will feature the world’s best kabaddi
players from leading men’s and women’s teams from India, Iran, and Pakistan. The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will
take place in the West Midlands during the first quarter of 2025.
 The Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will be the first edition after the 2020 edition that could not be held due to Covid-19.
 The previous three editions of the Kabaddi World Cup were all held in India with the hosts emerging as the winner
of the three editions.
 Kabaddi World Cup 2025 will be organized by England Kabbadi, Scottish Kabaddi, and the British Kabbadi League.
Sri Lanka to host U-19 Men's T-20 World Cup 2024

 International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the venue for Under-19 Men’s and Women’s T-20 World cup.
ICC announced that the 2024 Under -19 men’s T-20 World Cup will be hosted by Sri Lanka while the 2026 edition
will be staged in Zimbabwe and Namibia.
 The 2025 Under -19 women’s T20 World Cup will be held in Malaysia and Thailand, and 2027 Under -19 women’s
event will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
 The hosts are selected via a competitive bidding process overseen by a Board sub-committee chaired by Martin
Snedden.
 ICC also declared the qualification pathway for the 10-team 2024 women’s T20 World Cup. Eight teams will qualify
for the event automatically comprising the top three teams from each group from 2023, T20 World Cup.
Switzerland beat Australia to win first Billie Jean King Cup title
 Switzerland won their first Billie Jean King Cup title on Sunday after Belinda Bencic beat Australia's Ajla
Tomljanovic in straight sets in the second match of the finals to give them an unassailable 2-0 lead.
 Jil Teichmann had earlier prevailed 6-3 4-6 6-3 over Storm Sanders in a thrilling contest to put Switzerland ahead
before Olympic champion Bencic saw off Tomjlanovic 6-2 6-1 to clinch the best-of-three contest.
 The teams also clashed in the semi-finals of last year's event in Prague, where Teichmann overcame Sanders and
Bencic defeated Tomljanovic before Switzerland went on to finish runners-up to Russia.
 Olympic champion Bencic, who had not dropped a set all week, was in complete control against Tomljanovic and
delivered a commanding performance, swiftly wrapping up victory in an hour and 15 minutes.
 In a brilliant battle between two left handers, Teichmann dominated affairs in the first set but Sanders, struggling
with a leg injury and needing courtside treatment, twice rallied from a break down in the second in a stirring revival.
Asian Airgun Championship: India bags 4 more Gold medals in Korea, taking total tally of yellow metal to
17
 India won four more Gold medal in air pistol events to take their gold tally to 17 in the Asian Airgun Championship
in at Daegu in Korea yesterday. Shiva Narwal won the men’s 10m air pistol, while Sagar Dangi picked up the junior
men’s gold.
 Shiva got the better of experienced Korean Park Daehun in the men’s air pistol final, taking him down 17-13 in a
close contest. He also had the Korean’s number in the ranking round where he topped with 253.7. Park was second
with 250.2.
 In addition, both the men’s and women’s youth teams also won their respective competitions to make it another
successful day for India.
 India’s Vijayveer Sidhu also picked up a bronze in the event, after he finished the ranking round in third place with
248.0.
 In the junior men’s air pistol, it was a 1-2 finish for India, as Sagar Dangi overcame Samrat Rana 17-13 to claim gold.
 India’s third gold came in the men’ 10m air pistol Youth event, when the trio of Sandeep Bishnoi, Sahil and Amit
Sharma beat a Korean team 16-8 in the gold medal clash.
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Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Gagan Narang elected in IOA Athletes Commission
 Olympic medallists MC Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu and Gagan Narang were among 10 eminent
sportspersons elected as members of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) Athletes Commission. All the 10 elected
members of the apex body, five men and as many women, won unopposed in the polls. Under the new constitution
of the Indian Olympic Association which was adopted on November 10, the athletes commission is to have equal
representation of male and female members.
 Winter Olympian Shiva Keshavan, table tennis player Sharath Kamal, women’s hockey captain Rani Rampal, fencer
Bhavani Devi, rower Bajrang Lal and former shot putter Om Prakash Singh Karhana are the other six members of
the elected panel.
 All the 10 members, out of which five are female, are Olympians. Keshavan is the only Winter Olympian. The
immediate task of the Athletes Commission would be to identify eight Sportspersons of Outstanding Merit (SOM)
who would then be voting members of the IOA’s General Assembly. One of the criteria is that the sportsperson
should have retired from the sport, and should have won a medal in the Olympics, Asian Games or Commonwealth
Games.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games: The meaning behind the mascot

 The Phrygian cap, the symbol of the French republic but wearing sneakers as a nod to the present, was
unveiled as the mascot for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Olympic Phryge ((pronounced fri-jee-uhs) is a bit smaller,
the Paralympic Phryge is a bit slimmer and has a blade on his right leg because it is a Phyrge with an impairment.
 The Paralympic mascot is different in that one of the legs is a runner’s blade. The Paris Games organisers defended
the fact that the toy replicas of the mascot are almost all made in China. One of the mascot’s eyes is blue and one
of the two is draped in two ribbons in the colours of the French flag, in the style of a cockade, or knot of ribbons,
which was another symbol of republicanism during the Revolution.
 The mascots were unveiled in a press conference in Paris by Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet, Beijing 2008
wheelchair tennis men’s doubles champion Michael Jeremiasz and Gwladys Epangue, a bronze medallist in
taekwondo from Beijing 2008.
Achanta Sharath Kamal becomes first Indian to be elected in ITTF's Athletes' Commission
 Star Indian paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal has become the first player from India to get elected in the Athletes’
Commission of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The online elections took place between 7 to 13
November 2022. 10 athletes were elected for the ITTF Athletes’ Commission for a four-year term from 2022 to 2026.
Eight athletes were elected from Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, North America, and Oceania region and two
were highest-voted para-athletes.
 Amongst all elected players Sharath Kamal got the second highest votes after 2012 table tennis World Cup silver
medallist Elizabeta Samara of Romania. Sharath Kamal was also recently elected as the member of the Athletes’
Commission of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Sharath has already been selected for Major Dhyan Chand
Khel Ratna Award, the country’s highest sports recognition this year. He also received the Padma Shri, India’s
fourth-highest civilian honour, in 2019.
Vice president Dhankhar to attend FIFA world cup inauguration in Qatar

 Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will attend the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar. The two-day visit is
as per the invitation of the ruler of Qatar, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Ministry of External Affairs
stated that Dhankhar will visit Qatar on November 20-21.
 After attending the opening ceremony of the World Cup, he will interact with the Indian diaspora in Qatar. The
Ministry of External Affairs explained that it should be an opportunity to acknowledge the role and support played
by Indians in the World Cup. The Ministry said that India-Qatar relations are strong in the fields of trade, energy,
security, health, culture, education and defence.
 2023 will mark 50 years of India-Qatar diplomatic relations. Qatar plays a major role in India’s energy sector. India
is a major partner in the food security of the Gulf countries.
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FIFA World Cup 2022 kicks off in Qatar
 The 22nd FIFA men’s world cup was formally declared open at a colourful ceremony held at the Al Bayt Stadium in
Al Khor, Qatar on 20 November. It is for the first time that an Arab country is hosting the football tournament. 32
teams will play for the most coveted prize in international football, with the final scheduled to take place on
December 18 at the Lusail stadium, the biggest one among the eight stadiums being used to host the World Cup.
On December 18, 2022, Qatar’s National Day, the opening game takes place at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor between
Qatar and Ecuador.
 The 22nd FIFA men’s world cup will be held in Qatar from 20 November to 18 December 2022.
 It is the first time that an Arab country will host the tournament.A total of 32 teams will participate in the world
cup. La’eeb is the official mascot of the Cup. It is inspired by the keffiyeh, a traditional headdress worn by Arab
men.
Max Verstappen wins 2022 F1 finale in Abu Dhabi

 Formula One (F1) world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull team won the season ending F1 Abu Dhabi race in
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The battle for second place remained a major story with Charles Leclerc and
Sergio Perez entering the race tied at 290 points, but it was Leclerc who came out on top with a second-place finish
on the Yas Marina Circuit.
 Max Verstappen was his record 15th title of the 2022 season. He also ended the 2022 season as the world F1
champion. He won his first F1 world championship title in 2021. He also holds the record for winning a maximum
15 races in a single season. He broke the previous record of 13 race victories in a season jointly held by seven-time
world champion Michael Schumacher (2004 season) and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel (2013 season).
Jagadeesan breaks world record for highest ever List A score

 Tamil Nadu batter Narayan Jagadeesan broke the world record for the highest individual score in men’s List A
cricket by hammering 277 off 141 balls against Arunachal Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the Chinnaswamy
in Bangalore. Tamil Nadu became the first team to breach the 500- mark in List A cricket before winning the Group
C match by 435 runs, making it the highest victory margin at this level. The previous record was Somerset’s 346-run
win over Devon in 1990.
 This was after the 26-year-old Jagadeesan became the first-ever player to score five consecutive centuries in men’s
List A cricket. He also went past Alistair Brown and Rohit Sharma to set a new record for the highest individual
score.
 Brown’s previous high of 268 for Surrey came against Glamorgan in 2002. The Indian record for highest List A score
of 264 by Rohit in an ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens in 2014.
 Jagadeesan’s first wicket partnership of 416 with Sai Sudharsan (154) is the highest stand for any wicket in List A
cricket.
Bhukya, Patri win National U-13 badminton titles

 Telangana’s Nishanth Bhukya and Odisha’s Tanvi Patri became the boys and girls’ singles’ champions at the 34th
Under-13 National Badminton Championships, notching contrasting wins at the UP-Badminton Academy.
 Fourth-seeded Bhukya came from behind to beat Andhra Pradesh’s Akhil Reddy Boba 19-21, 21-12, 22-20 in 44
minutes whereas Patri took just 22 minutes to brush aside local challenger and 15th-seeded Divyanshi Gautam 21-
7, 21-10.
 Patri won her maiden National U-13 Ranking Tournament in Maharashtra earlier this month, and Patri was in
sublime touch against Agra’s Gautam.
 Tossing and placing the shuttle well, Patri kept Gautam on her toes with cross-court volleys to take the first game.
 In the second round, Gautam tried to narrow the lead after trailing 5-9, dribbling the shuttle at the net, Patri was
too good in her placements and forced Gautam to commit a series of unforced errors before wresting the game as
well as the match.
 In the boy’s final, Bhukya found Boba quite tough to handle in the first game as the Andhra shuttler raced to a 15-11
lead before winning the game at 21-19.
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first male player to score in 5 World Cups
 Cristiano Ronaldo creates history as he became the first male player to score in five World Cups in Portugal’s
opening game in Qatar against Ghana. Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 65th minute from the penalty spot to open
the scoring at Doha’s stadium 974, which was also the 118th goal of his country.
 The 37-year-old striker converted a penalty in the 65th minute to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.
 He has now scored a goal in every World Cup since 2006 when he again converted a penalty against Iran in the
group stage.
 Ronaldo scored at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and another at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and four in
2018 Russia.
Canada wins maiden Davis Cup title, ousts Australia 2-0 in final
 Canada won their first Davis Cup title after Felix Auger-Aliassime beat Australia’s Alex de Minaur by 6-3, 6-4 in the
second match of the finals. Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is world number six, had to guard against three break points
in the first set but also found his rhythm in the eighth game.
 Auger-Aliassime retained his balance in the second set as he defended two break points in the second game.
 He impressively fought his way back from 0-40 to hold his serve in the sixth game. Earlier Denis Shapovalov gave
Canada, beaten finalist in 2019 to Spain, the first point with a 6-2, 6-4 win over Thanasi Kokkinakis.
 Shapovalov has dropped both his singles matches this week and needed treatment on his back during a three-set
loss in the semi-finals to Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.
 The 2022 Davis Cup is the 110th edition of the Davis Cup, a tournament between national teams in men’s tennis. It
is sponsored by Rakuten. The Russian Tennis Federation were the defending champions, but they and Belarus were
eliminated from competing in international events due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Indian Players won men's and women's singles, mixed doubles, doubles and team titles in Championship
 Indian players won men’s and women’s singles, mixed doubles, doubles, and team titles in USIC International
Railway Sports Association Table Tennis Championship. The Table Tennis Championship was organized by
Northwestern Railway Sports Association under the aegis of the Railway Sports Promotion Board from 21st
November to 2 in Jaipur.
 In the Table Tennis Championship give teams participated including the Czech Republic, Denmark, France,
Switzerland, and India.
 The championship was inaugurated by Mr. Gautam Arora, AGM, NWR on 2.
 The event was felicitated by Chairman CTT, USIC Mr. Sebastian Picca, Director Activity Mr. Kevin Lebure, Secretary
Railways Sports Promotion Board Mr. Prem Lochab, and General Secretary northwest Railways Sports Association
Mr. Anuj Kumar Tayal.
 Indian players made the country and Indian Railway proud by securing the first position in men’s and women’s
team events.
IBA Youth World Championships: Ravina wins gold as Indian pugilists finish dominant campaign with 11
medals
 Young Indian boxers Vishwanath Suresh, Vanshaj, and Devika Ghorpade recorded a commanding 5-0 win to bag
gold at the IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championships 2022 in La Nucia, Spain. Vishwanath won
India’s first gold at the championship after defeating Ronel Suyom of the Philippines in the men’s 48kg final.
 Bhawan Sharma bagged a silver medal in the women’s 48kg category as she conceded a 0-5 loss against Uzbekistan’s
Gulsevar Ganieva.
 The IBA Youth Men’s and Women’s World Boxing Championship 2022 was held at La Nucia from 14th November
to 2.
 To promote the sport and the spirit of boxing in all its forms, in the light of its education, culture, and sports values,
and to encourage the development of boxing throughout the world.
 To promote the highest standards concerning the organization, judging, referring, coaching, training, education,
and medical and anti-doping controls in the sport of boxing.
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Madras Boat Club women lift Adyar trophy
 The Madras Boating Club women won the 81st Annual Madras-Colombo Rowing Regatta, which was held in
Colombo, Sri Lanka. The 81st Annual Madras-Colombo Rowing Regatta was held on 2, and they were awarded the
Adyar Trophy. The Men’s category was bagged by Colombo Rowing Club, and they were awarded Deepam Trophy.
 The first-ever Madras-Colombo Rowing Regatta was held in 1898 and is considered the oldest sporting encounter
held between Sri Lanka and India.
 The Madras Boat Club and the Colombo Rowing Club host the Regatta and this year Colombia Rowing Club’s turn
to host the Indian team.
 The main event of the Regatta is the men’s boat race, considered the second oldest boat race in the world.
 The overall winners of the men’s event are awarded with the prestigious Deepam Trophy while the women’s
championship is awarded Adyar Trophy.
SUMMIT'S & MOU's

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan signs MoU with FIFA and AIFF for implementing Football4Schools initiative in
India
 Union Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on behalf of the
Ministry of Education signed an MoU in Mumbai today with FIFA and All India Football Federation for the
‘Football4Schools’ initiative in India. FIFA President, Mr. Gianni Infantino and President, All India Football
Federation, Shri Kalyan Chaubey signed the MoU on behalf of respective organizations. Minister of State, Ministry
of Home Affairs and Youth Affairs & Sports, Shri Nisith Pramanik; Minister for School Education and Marathi
Language- Maharashtra Shri Deepak Kesarkar; Commissioner, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti Shri Vinayak Garg &
officials of All India Football Federation were also present on the occasion.
 Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said that sports has been given a place of pride in NEP 2020 and the Football
4 Schools program espouses the spirit of NEP2020. Sports has been given a place of pride in NEP 2020. Prime
Minister Shri Narendra Modi has laid emphasis on mainstreaming of sports with education and Football4Schools
program is a step towards translating Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of making sports as a way of life
as well as creating well-rounded citizens, he further added.
Gujarat govt’s big move for Uniform Civil Code ahead of assembly polls
 With Gujarat headed to Assembly elections and awaiting the release of the poll schedule, state Home Minister
Harsh Sanghavi announced that the cabinet had decided to form a committee for the implementation of the
Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state.
 Gujarat is the second BJP-ruled state after Uttarakhand to constitute a committee of experts on the UCC. Chief
Ministers of Himachal Pradesh and Assam, also ruled by the BJP, too have backed the UCC proposal.
 Addressing a press conference in Gandhinagar, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala said, “From the days of our
youth, we have been making demand for Ram Janmabhoomi, for (abrogation of) Article 370, for UCC. I want to
congratulate and express my gratitude to Chief Minister Bhupendra Pate, he has taken the next step towards
fulfilling an old demand of the BJP.” “Like Ram Mandir and Kashmir, this issue (of UCC) has been passed by the
Gujarat government (in the cabinet). A committee will be formed soon and based on the committee’s report, the
way for implementing this law will open up in the state of Gujarat.”
 The committee will be constituted under the leadership of a retired judge of the High Court. The cabinet has given
the Chief Minister the right to constitute the committee and it is expected to comprise three-four members. Its
scope of work too will be decided.
ECI to host two day International Conference on ‘Role, Framework & Capacity of Election Management
Bodies’
 Election Commission will host a two-day international conference beginning 31st of October in New Delhi on the
theme ‘Role, Framework & Capacity of Election Management Bodies’. The conference will be inaugurated by Chief
Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The concluding session will be chaired by Election Commissioner Anup
Chandra Pandey.
 ECI leads the Cohort on Election Integrity – which was established as a follow on to the ‘Summit for Democracy’
held in December last year. Nearly 50 Participants from Election Management Bodies from 11 countries are expected
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to join the event. These include Armenia, Mauritius, Nepal, Cabo Verde, Australia, Chile, Federal States of
Micronesia, Greece, Philippines, São Tomé and Príncipe, and the US. Many more countries will be represented by
their Missions in New Delhi.
Cabinet approves signing of a MoU between India and Denmark on cooperation in the field of Water
Resources Development and Management
 The Union cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday approved a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Denmark on cooperation in the field of Water Resources Development
and Management.
 The areas of cooperation envisaged in the MoU are digitalization and ease of information access; integrated and
smart water resources development and management; aquifer mapping, groundwater modelling, monitoring and
recharge; efficient and sustainable water supply at household level; river and water body rejuvenation; water quality
monitoring and management; climate change mitigation and adaptation among others.
 “The MoU will broadly strengthen cooperation in the field of water resources development and management; rural
water supply; and sewage/wastewater treatment through direct collaboration between officials, academics, water
sectors and industry in the areas under scope of cooperation," the Cabinet said in a press release.
 In September 2020, the Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi
had launched a Joint Statement on establishment of Green Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
Union Minister Bhupender Yadav to lead Indian delegation at COP 27 in Egypt

 Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav will lead Indian delegation to attend the 27th
Session of Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27). The conference is scheduled to be held at Sharm El-
Sheikh, Egypt from 6th to 18th November. At COP 27, countries come together to take action toward achieving the
world's collective climate goals as agreed under the Paris agreement and the convention. Heads of States and
Government will attend the conference. India is fully engaged with the process and is supportive of the efforts by
Government of Egypt for substantive outcomes at COP 27.
 Environment, Forest and Climate Change Ministry said, India is committed to both domestic action and multilateral
cooperation on climate change, and will continue to fight all global environmental concerns in the call to protect
humanity’s planetary home. India is looking forward to substantial progress in the discussions related to climate
finance and clarity on its definition. The goal of 100 billion US Dollars per year of climate finance by 2020 and every
year thereafter through 2025 is yet to be achieved.
Guyana President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to be chief guest at 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention at
Indore
 Guyana President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali will be the chief guest at the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention.
It will be held from 8th to 10th January next year in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The theme of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya
Divas is Diaspora: Reliable Partners for India’s Progress in Amrit Kaal. Member of Parliament of Australia, Zaneta
Mascarenhas will be the guest of honour at the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas which will be held on 8th January
next year.
 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs and provides an
important platform to engage and connect with overseas Indians. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated once in every
two years to strengthen the engagement of the overseas Indian community with the Government of India and
reconnect them with their roots. The 9th of January was chosen as the day to celebrate this occasion because it was
on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi returned to India from South Africa.
Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference & Expo 2022 inaugurated in Kochi
 The 15th iteration of Kerala’s Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference, which is taking place in Kochi, comes to an
end. Among those attending the farewell event are Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, State Minister for
Housing and Urban Affairs Kaushal Kishore, and State Transport Minister Antony Raju.
 The UMI-2023 will be introduced during the event, and Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and MOS Housing & Urban
Affairs Kaushal Kishore will present the Awards for Excellence in Urban Transport.
 The conference is attended by senior officials from the federal and state governments, decision-makers, managing
directors of metro rail companies, chief executives of transportation companies, and foreign experts.
 “Azadi @ 75 — Sustainable Aatmanirbhar Urban Mobility” will be the main emphasis of the meeting.
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 The event places a lot of attention on developing state and local capacity to deal with issues related to urban
transportation.
Urban Mobility India Conference 2022: Challenges and Solutions to India's Urban Public Transport System
 In Kerala, the 15th edition of the Urban Mobility India Conference & Expo opens in Kochi on 4th of November.
Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan jointly
inaugurated the three-day conference.
 The meet is focus on the theme, ‘Azadi @ 75 — Sustainable Aatmanirbhar Urban Mobility‘.
 Senior officers from the central and state governments, policymakers, Managing Directors of Metro Rail Companies,
Chief Executives of transport undertakings, and international experts are participating in the conference.
 A total of 12 sessions were held on day two, including research symposiums on topics like ‘Electric and Clean Urban
Mobility’ , ‘Sustainable Transport Planning’ and ‘Urban Transport Governance’. The Plenary Session was on
‘Strengthening the Ecosystem to Accelerate Shift to Public Transport’.
The 42nd INCA International Conference will be hosted by Dehradun

 Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmit Singh (Retd.) inaugurated the 42nd International Congress of the Indian
National Cartographic Association (INCA) in Dehradun. The 42nd International Congress is being organized by the
National Hydrographic Office from 9th November to 11th November 2022 at Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
 The theme of the 42nd International Congress of the Indian National Cartographic Association is Digital
Cartography to Harness Blue Economy.
 INCA is devoted to the cause of Cartography as a graphic mode of communication. It has its fold many eminent
scholars, professionals, and industrialists as Honorary fellows, life fellows, life members, members, associate
members, and student members. The majority of its members are practicing Cartographers from Multiple
Organizations and Universities.
Kochi to host 18th international telemedicine conference

 Telemedicine Society of India (TSI) and Kerala Chapter hosts the 18th Edition of the International Telemedicine
Conference at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. The inaugural ceremony was felicitated by Mr. S. Somnath, Chairman of
ISRO, Mr. Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice Chancellor, of Kerala University of Health Science, and Dr. Rethan Kelkar,
IT Secretary of Kerala. The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. S. Somnath, Chairman, of ISRO.
 Telemedicon 2022 is an annual global conference for healthcare professionals, providers, health insurance
providers, online pharmacy chains, industrialists, academic scientists, research scholars and scientists, and medical
and engineering stakeholders from various fields of telemedicine, telehealth, e-health, m-health, and digital health.
The conference is held in collaboration with government agencies, private organizations, and national and
international professional societies.
 The core theme of the Telemedicon 2022 is ‘Strengthening Health Systems Through Sustainable Telemedicine and
Digital Health’.
PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit to be held in Varanasi on 11 November

 Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to inaugurate the two-day PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit.
The PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit will be held at the Deendayal Hastkala Sankul (Trade Centre
and Museum) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
 The primary objective of the summit is to bring together greater awareness about the PM Gati Shakti National
Masterplan with a focus on infrastructure development in the waterways.
 PM Gati Shakti Multimodal Waterways Summit is a transformative approach for improving logistics efficiency and
reducing logistics costs to ensure first and last-mile connectivity.
 The Ministry has identified 101 projects estimated to cost around 62 thousand crore rupees under Gati Shakti which
are aimed to be completed by 2024.
 PM Gati Shakti was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and aims to provide Multimodal connectivity
Infrastructure to various special economic zones and enhance logistical efficiency.
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PM Modi to gift Kullu shawl, Kanal brass set to world leaders at G20 Summit in Bali
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will gift the local artifacts made in Himachal Pradesh to the world leaders at the
upcoming G20 Summit. The G20 Summit will take place in Indonesia’s capital city, Bali. Himachal Pradesh is going
to witness the assembly elections which are scheduled on .
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea behind this is to promote Himachal Pradesh’s art and culture so that it travels
in wide countries.
 PM Modi will hand over the local artifacts like Chamba Rumals, Kinnauri Shawl, Himachal Mukhate, Kangra
Miniature Paintings, Kullu Shawl, and Kanal Brass Set to the World leaders.
 Prime Minister also unveiled the logo, theme, and website for India’s Presidency of the G20.
India joins Mangrove Alliance for Climate at COP27 in Egypt

 The Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) is an intergovernmental alliance that seeks to expand and hasten the
progress towards the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. Its members include the UAE,
Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, and Spain.
 The alliance will raise global awareness about the role of mangroves as a nature-based climate change solution. It
will ensure the rehabilitation of mangrove forests at the global level.
 India is among the first five countries to join the MAC, at the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP27)
at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. The others are Australia, Japan, Spain, and Sri Lanka.
 The move is in line with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to create an additional carbon sink
of 2.5- 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalent, through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
NIIFL, JBIC join hands to promote and enhance Japanese investments in India
 National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIFL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to promote and enhance Japanese investments into India.
 The MoU outlines a partnership framework between NIIFL and JBIC which is considering the establishment of a
bilateral India-Japan Fund (IJF). JBIC and the Government of India will invest in the India-Japan Fund, which will
make equity investments in environmental preservation and low carbon emission strategies,” said NIIFL.
 “In addition, JBIC will consider providing debt financing under their Global action for Reconciling Economic growth
and Environmental preservation (GREEN) initiative to investee companies of funds managed by NIIFL,” NIIFL
added.
 “We are delighted to partner with JBIC for this initiative. The climate sector and the energy transition in India will
offer significant opportunities for investment and the India-Japan Fund, which is expected to be operational early
next year, will participate in these opportunities and promote collaboration between Indian and Japanese
companies. Through this partnership we aim to support the economic and environmental cooperation between
India and Japan, which should translate to increased investment by Japanese companies and investors into India,”
said Chief Executive Officer, NIIFL.
India, Finland agree to explore new areas of cooperation

 India And Finland agree to carry mutual cooperation between the two countries to a new level and enhance
partnership in areas such as digital partnership in Future ICT, Future Mobile Technologies and Digital Education.
 The decision was taken during a meeting between Finland’s Minister of Education and Culture Petri Honkonen and
Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh at North Block in New Delhi.
 He was accompanied by a high level delegation which later held a separate meeting with the Indian delegation in
the presence of the two Ministers.
 Honkonen’s visit comes in the wake of the announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Finnish
counterpart Sanna Marin during a Summit meeting on 16 March last year.
 Minister Singh also reiterated India’s focus on collaboration even in Startups. He also recalled that following the
signing of the joint declaration during the visit of Mika Lintilä, Minister of Economic Affairs, Finland on 18th April
2022, both sides have initiated collaboration in Quantum Technologies. Indian side has already identified four
premier institutes viz IISER, Pune, IIT Madras, TIFR Mumbai and C-DAC Pune to work with Finnish institutions
on joint development of Quantum Computer.
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LeadIT Summit 2022 hosted by India and Sweden at COP27, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
 India and Sweden hosted the LeadIT Summit, on the sidelines of COP27 at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt. The
Leadership for Industry Transition- LeadIT initiative focuses on low carbon transition of the hard to abate industrial
sector.
 Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav emphasised that co-development is the
only option to meet the targets that the world has taken for itself and without it, low carbon transition could be
delayed by decades. He said, the low carbon transition of the industrial sector will not only contribute towards the
reduction in required greenhouse gas emissions.
 The Minister said, it has several co-benefits that include increasing resilience to changes in climate, enhanced
energy security, innovation, socio-economic development and job creation. He also highlighted that the current
phase of LeadIT is set to conclude in 2023 and the next year is the time to reflect on the performance and
achievements so far.
 The summit concluded with the adoption of the summit statement by the members of LeadIT which re-emphasized
the commitment to continue pursuing the low-carbon transition of the industry. The members also committed to
providing technical assistance to new members and emerging economies.
Official Launch of The Pandemic Fund at G20

 The G20 Presidency of Indonesia is hosting the official launch of the Pandemic Fund on the margins of the G20
Joint Finance and Health Ministers’ Meeting in Bali, Indonesia in the presence of Joko Widodo, President of
Indonesia.
 At the launch, the Pandemic Fund, now with new name and logo, will provide the latest progress the Governing
Board has made since its establishment on September 8, 2022, to get operational – an important step toward
strengthening global health architecture.
 Drawing on lessons from COVID-19, which exposed huge weaknesses and under investment in pandemic
prevention, preparedness and response (PPR), particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the Pandemic
Fund is intended to strengthen the capacity of these countries to mitigate the risks of future global health threats.
It will provide a dedicated stream of long-term financing for PPR and address critical gaps through investments and
technical support at the national, regional, and global levels. The Pandemic Fund is also expected to incentivize
countries to prioritize this agenda and increase their own efforts.
 This is the first time the international community has come together around a funding mechanism dedicated to
investing in pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response in developing countries – a testament to
multilateralism, said Dr. Chatib Basri, co-Chair of the Pandemic Fund Governing Board.
NCW launches Digital Shakti 4.0 for making women digitally skilled
 The National Commission for Women (NCW) launched the fourth phase of the Digital Shakti Campaign, a pan-
India project on digitally empowering and skilling women and girls in cyberspace.
 Digital Shakti started in June 2018 to help women across the nation to raise the awareness level on the digital front,
to build resilience, and fight cyber-crime in the most effective ways.
 The Digital Shakti 4.0 is focused on making women digitally skilled and aware to stand-up against any
illegal/inappropriate activity online.
 It is helping women in reporting & redressal mechanisms, data privacy and usage of technology for their benefits.
 In line with its commitment to creating safe spaces for women and girls online, Digital Shakti 4.0 is focused on
making women digitally skilled and aware of standing up against any illegal/inappropriate activity online. NCW
launched it in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation and Meta, said by the Ministry of Women and Child
Development.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah chairs first session on ‘Global Trends in Terrorist Financing and
Terrorism’ theme of the 3rd 'No Money for Terror' Ministerial Conference in New Delhi
 Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the first session of the 3rd 'No Money for Terror' Ministerial Conference
on ‘Global Trends in Terrorist Financing and Terrorism’ theme in New Delhi today. In his opening address, the
Union Home Minister said that terrorism is, undoubtedly, the most serious threat to global peace and security, but,
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the financing of terrorism is more dangerous than terrorism itself, because the 'Means and Methods' of terrorism
are nurtured from such funding. Furthermore, the financing of terrorism weakens the economy of countries of the
world.
 Shri Amit Shah said that India condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and we believe that no reason
can justify an act, such as taking innocent lives. While expressing his sympathy for the victims of terrorist attacks
all over the world, he said that we should never compromise with this evil.
 Union Home Minister said that India has been a victim of terrorism for several decades, which is sponsored from
across the border. He said that Indian security forces and civilians have had to deal with incidents of extremely
serious terrorist violence perpetrated in a sustained and coordinated manner. Shri Shah said that the international
community has a collective approach that terrorism must be condemned in all its forms, but, the forms and
manifestations of terrorism are continuously evolving due to technological revolution.
 He said that today, terrorists and terrorist groups understand the nuances of modern weapons & information
technology, and the dynamics of the cyber & financial space very well, and use them. He said that this
transformation of terrorism from "Dynamite to Metaverse" and "AK-47 to Virtual Assets" is definitely a matter of
concern for the countries of the world, and, we all have to work together to formulate a common strategy against
it.
India launches official website of SCO for 2023-“For a SECURE SCO”

 India has launched the official website of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as it will host the next SCO
summit as a chairman of organisation in 2023. The website highlights the events that will be undertaken under the
chairmanship of India next year.
 The theme of the event is “For a SECURE SCO”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had floated the concept of SECURE
at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China in 2018. Explaining the SECURE concept, the
Prime Minister said ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’
for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and ‘E for environment protection.
 India received the SCO rotating presidency in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. India will hold the presidency of the
grouping for a year until September 2023.
 Russian President Vladimir Putin extended his good wishes to India for hosting the 23rd edition of the summit next
year. Apart from Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping also congratulated India on assuming the presidency of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) for 2023. “We will support India for its presidency next year,” Jinping
stated at SCO Summit in Uzbekistan. Notably, India will take over the rotating annual chairmanship of the SCO,
which is now held by Uzbekistan.
India, European Commission sign Intent of Cooperation pact on high-performance computing, quantum
tech
 India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content
and Technology (DG CONNECT), European Commission signed an “Intent of Cooperation on High Performance
Computing (HPC), Weather Extremes & Climate Modeling and Quantum Technologies”.
 The agreement builds on commitments by both sides for deepening technological cooperation on quantum and
high-performance computing during the India-EU leaders meeting on May 8. “Moreover, the signing of the
agreement assumes significance in the context of the decision to set up EU-India Trade and Technology Council
(TTC)” on April 25, an EU statement said.
 The agreement signed is aimed at facilitating collaboration on high performance computing applications using
Indian and European supercomputers in areas such as bio-molecular medicines, Covid-19 therapeutics, mitigating
climate change, predicting natural disasters and quantum computing, the statement said.
 MeitY secretary Alkesh Kumar Sharma said high performance computing is tackling some of the world’s biggest
challenges and the demand for such systems is increasing rapidly in various domains. Under this partnership, India
and the EU will leverage expertise from both sides to optimise high performance computing towards developing
advanced technology solutions in multiple fields.
India to set up e-office of Indian Ocean Rim Association secretariat

 India participated in the 22nd Council of Ministers’s meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held at
Dhaka in Bangladesh. The Indian delegation was led by Minister of State for External Affairs Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan
Singh.
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 During his remarks, Mr. Singh reaffirmed the country’s strong commitment to strengthening IORA to promote
peace, security and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region as well as in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted the
country’s contributions as coordinator of the IORA priority areas of Disaster Risk Management and Science,
Technology and Innovation towards capacity building and strengthening of IORA Secretariat.
 On the challenges posed by climate change, the Minister highlighted the initiatives of LiFE – Lifestyle for
Environment and International Year of Millet in 2023.
 The COM adopted the ‘IORA’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific’ (IOIP) which would guide enhancement of IORA’s
engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. India led the process of development of the IOIP. Dhaka Communique was
adopted as the Outcome Document of the 22nd COM Meeting.
Union Health Ministry rolls out country’s first suicide prevention policy
 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled the National Suicide Prevention Strategy — the first-of-its-
kind policy formulated by the government to prevent suicides as a public health priority.
 According to the ministry, the policy that will set the stage for promotion of mental health and prevention of
suicides in the coming decade.
 The goal of the strategy is to reduce suicide mortality in the country by 10 per cent by 2023. The strategy provides a
framework for multiple stakeholders to implement activities for prevention of suicides in the country.
 1. it seeks to establish effective surveillance mechanisms for suicide within the next three years.
 2. it seeks to establish psychiatric outpatient departments that will provide suicide prevention services through the
District Mental Health Programme in all districts within the next five years.
 3. it aims to integrate a mental well-being curriculum in all educational institutions within the next eight years.
 4. is to strengthen surveillance of suicide and further generation of evidence through evaluation, that will ensure
improvement in the programme quality.
BANKING AND ECONOMY

RIL Becomes First Indian Company to Post Earnings Call On Metaverse
 Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) posted the proceedings of its Q2 FY 2022-23 earnings call on the metaverse. This
is the first time in the history of corporate India that a company has used metaverse to engage with its stakeholders.
 The RIL metaverse was produced in partnership with GMetri, a no-code metaverse creation platform. One doesn’t
need to wear an AR/VR headgear to access it. Using it, analysts across the world tracking the company can toggle
with slides and graphics placed on different screens as per the multiple buckets in the results presentation. They
can also download the RIL Q2 22-23 media release and the transcript of the media and analyst call in PDF formats.
 The RIL metaverse also has a special section comprising quotations from RIL Chairman and Managing Director,
Mukesh Ambani.
 Instead of sitting at the game console and watching the game unfold on the screen, what if you can participate as
the player inside the game? What if you sitting in Delhi can take dinner with your family living in Mumbai at a
restaurant table located in Kolkatta? Yes, the metaverse is a virtual world where people interact via their digital
avatars.
Gi technology: RBI Revokes Authorisation Certificate of Chennai-Based GI Technology

 The Reserve Bank has revoked certificate of authorisation of Chennai-based GI Technology Private Limited over
governance concerns in the company. The company is in business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment
instruments.
 Governance concerns and non-compliance with regulatory requirements” are the reasons for revocation of
Certificate of Authorisation (CoA), the central bank said in a statement. Following the revocation of the CoA, GI
Technology cannot transact the business of issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments, it said.
Following the revocation of the CoA, GI Technology cannot transact the business of issuance and operation of
prepaid payment instruments, it said. However, customers or merchants having a valid claim, if any, on the
company as PSO, can approach the company for settlement of their claims, the Reserve Bank added.
 The Reserve Bank of India, in the exercise of the powers conferred on it under Section 8 of the Payment and
Settlement Systems Act, 2007, has revoked the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of the Chennai-based GI
Technology Private Limited over governance concerns in the company.
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 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) previously informed that it has cancelled the Certificate of Authorisation (CoA) of
two Payment System Operators (PSOs): Muthoot Vehicle & Asset Finance, and Eko India Financial Services. The
authorisation was cancelled for non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
RBI to launch pilot project of digital rupee in wholesale segment

 The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) will launch the pilot project of Digital Rupee in the wholesale segment today. Digital
Rupee will be used for settlement of secondary market transactions in government securities. In a statement, RBI
said that use of E-Rupee is expected to make the inter-bank market more efficient. Settlement in central bank
money will reduce transaction costs by pre-empting the need for settlement guarantee infrastructure or for
collateral to mitigate settlement risk.
 RBI said that based on the learnings from this pilot, other wholesale transactions, and cross-border payments will
be the focus of future pilots. Nine banks - State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank,
ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, IDFC First Bank and HSBC have been identified for participation in
the pilot. The first pilot use of Digital Rupee in the retail segment is planned for launch within a month in select
locations in closed user groups comprising customers and merchants.
HDFC ERGO launches first of its kind arm yield insurance policy
 HDFC ERGO on Monday announced the launch of a technology backed farm yield insurance policy for farmers.
 “This is a first-of-its-kind insurance solution, where a satellite-based index will be used to provide localized farm
level coverage. It will provide comprehensive cover across the crop life cycle from sowing to harvesting, basis
satellite-based data." the company said in a press release.
 The product is targeted at farmers under corporate/farm input company (FIC) contracts and is valid for food,
oilseed, commercial or horticulture crops.
 “A threshold Index value is calculated for every yield by using the historical satellite imaging data of the specific
crop and a remote sensing mechanism available in the public domain. The threshold/benchmark index will be then
compared with the actual index value arrived at by the reference satellite for the insured crop, to determine if the
yield is at loss," the company added.
UPI Transactions rise 7.7% To 730 Cr in October

 Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) using Unified Payments Interface BHIM-UPI recorded a new high, transactions
rose by 7.7 per cent in October to 730 crore(7.3 Billion). The total value for the month stood at more than ₹12.11 lakh
crore. In September, UPI transactions stood at 678 crore with a total value of ₹11.16 lakh crore.
 The number of instant interbank fund transfer through IMPS (Immediate Payment Service) in October stood at
48.25 crore and the value was at Rs 4.66 lakh crore. In terms of transactions, it was higher by 4.3 per cent compared
to September, according to the monthly data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) released.
 The NETC FASTag, which facilitates automatic toll collection at NHAI’s toll booths across the country, registered a
9.3 per cent growth in the number of transactions compared to 28.3 crore in September. The corresponding value
of transactions stood at Rs 4,451.87 crore in October as against Rs 4,244.76 crore in September.
Indian Exim Bank inks pact with Southern Africa’s leading bank to boost India-Africa trade
 Export-Import Bank of India (India Exim Bank) has concluded a Master Risk Participation Agreement for
supporting trade transactions with FirstRand Bank (FRB) Limited. The agreement was signed in Johannesburg on
the sidelines of the India – Southern Africa Regional Conclave.
 Africa has positioned itself as a key partner in the global arena, a global investment and trading hub, a US$ 2.2
trillion market and a population base of over 1 billion, Africa offers a great market potential.
 With a largest arable landmass in the world, housing 30% of global minerals reserves, and 8% of the world’s oil
reserves , the continent offers promising long-term sustainable growth prospects which would be further enhanced
by deeper integration of Africa into the global economy.
 In fact, in the coming years, Africa is to benefit from strong fundamentals including a young and growing
population, the world’s fastest urbanization rate, and accelerating technological change .
 The continent’s young population with a growing labour force is a highly valuable asset in an ageing world. By 2034,
Africa is expected to have the world’s largest working-age population of 1.1 billion.
 Urbanisation is a common feature of most economies in Africa, according to estimates, an addition of 187 million
Africans are expected to live in cities.
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Centre ‘doubles’ fertilizer subsidy as prices see a surge
 To insulate farmers from the sharp increases in the prices, the Centre announced a doubling of fertiliser subsidy to
Rs 2.15 trillion from the budgeted level for FY23. The move was necessitated by a sharp spike in global prices of urea,
DAP and MoP in the last one year.
 “Despite rising fertiliser prices globally, we have protected our farmers from such price hikes. In addition to the
fertiliser subsidy of Rs 1.05 trillion in the Budget, an additional amount of Rs 1.10 trillion is being provided to further
cushion our farmers,” the Finance Minister said.
 The Centre said the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) rates for phosphatic and potassic (P&K) fertilisers for the kharif
season (April-September, 2022) will be Rs 60,939 crore, as against Rs 57,150 crore for the whole of last year. These
soil nutrients are largely imported.
 The budget outgo on fertiliser subsidy was at Rs 1.6 trillion in FY22. Retail prices of phosphatic and potassic (P&K)
fertilisers, including DAP were ‘decontrolled’ in 2010 with the introduction of a ‘fixed-subsidy’ regime as part of NBS
mechanism. However, the subsidy on DAP saw an increase to 60% of cost in FY22, from a little over 30% previously.
 According to fertiliser ministry data, imported urea prices have risen by more than 145% to $930 a tonne in April
2022 from $380 a tonne a year ago. Similarly, prices of DAP and MoP have risen by 66% and 116% to $924 a tonne
and $590 a tonne in April 2022, respectively, compared to the year-ago period.
India Post Payments Bank conducts India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp
 India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), stablished under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100%
equity owned by the Government of India, conducted India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp with an
initiative called ‘Niveshak Didi’ to promote Financial Literacy ‘By the women, for the women’, in Srinagar, J&K
today.
 India, being a large & growing economy, still finds it challenging to spread financial literacy across demography, as
an enormous share of population still resides in rural areas. IPPB created a new legacy with the help of world’s
largest postal network to extend its reach to the last mile and bridge financial inclusion gaps.
 In a pursuit to carry the GoI mandate, IPPB initiated Financial Inclusion journey to resurgent rural India where
reach and communication always remained a barrier. Right from the inception, Postmen/ Gramin Dak Sevaks have
been reaching out to the masses in every corner of the country, offering digital banking services at their doorsteps.
 To take the Financial Literacy drive ahead, IPPB, in collaboration with Investor Education and Protection Fund
Authority (IEPFA) under the aegis of Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), launched the initiative called ‘Niveshak
Didi’ to promote Financial Literacy “By the women, for the women” concept. ‘Niveshak Didi’ initiative is based on
the ideology of women for women as rural area women feel more comfortable to share their queries with a female
itself.
 Three representatives ‘Niveshak Didi’ from the Kashmir valley were given certificates during the recent IEPFA
Conference in Srinagar, J&K, by the Union Minister of State for Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Shri Rao Inderjit Singh
and the Member of Parliament (Srinagar), Dr. Farooq Abdullah along with Smt. Anita Shah Akella, CEO IEPFA &
JS MCA & other dignitaries from IEPFA, Department of Posts, India Post Payments Bank, CSC e-governance,
Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Central Reserve Police Force.
India’s foreign exchange reserves finally jump by $6.56 billion to snap two weeks of fall
 India’s foreign exchange reserves logged their biggest weekly jump since September 2021 and also rose for the first
time in three weeks for the week ended October 28, helped by gains in both foreign currency assets and gold
reserves. The foreign exchange reserves of Asia’s third largest economy rose by $6.56 billion to $531.08 billion for
the week ending Oct 28, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India.
 The foreign currency assets (FCA), a major component of the overall reserves, rose by $5.77 billion to $470.84 billion
in the reporting week. Even gold reserves increased by $556 million to $37.76 billion.
 Experts said the surge in the reserves during the reporting week was on account of valuation gains arising out of
depreciation of the US dollar against major currencies.
 The US Dollar Index (DXY) has fallen from around 112 at the beginning of October to around 111 at the end of the
month. The index is a measure of the value of the greenback against six major currencies — the Euro, UK Pound,
Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Swedish Kroner and Swiss Franc.
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SBI records highest ever quarterly profit with 74% jump in Q2
 State Bank of India reported 74 per cent year-on-year increase in net profit at ₹13,265 crore for quarter ended
September, buoyed by robust loan sales, higher interest income and lower provisions. This marks the highest ever
quarterly net profit posted by the bank.
 The bank’s net interest income rose by 13 per cent to ₹35,183 crore, while its operating profit expanded to ₹21,120
crore, up 17 per cent year-on-year. Robust growth in advances at ₹30,35,071 crore, up 20 per cent year-on-year
boosted the bank’s financials in the September quarter.
 The bank’s gross non-performing assets (NPA) at 4 per cent or ₹1,06,804 crore and net NPA at 0.8 per cent or ₹23,572
crore was at decadal best levels. Slippages or accounts which turned bad during the quarter at ₹2,399 crore almost
halved from year-ago level, while credit cost eased to 0.28 per cent in Q2. Provisioning cost during the quarter was
₹2,011 crore, down 25 per cent year-on-year. An improvement in asset quality and robust loan growth took bank’s
return on assets and return on equity to a 20-year best levels of 0.76 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively. The
bank’s capital adequacy ratio stood at 14 per cent and its common tier-1 capital was 10 per cent in Q2.
GoI appointed non-executive Chairman in four Public Sector Banks

 Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and Punjab & Sind Bank are the four banks where Non-
executive Chairman has been appointed on their Boards. The approval is given by the Appointments Committee of
the Cabinet (ACC).
 Vijay Srirangam has been appointed as part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman of
Canara Bank for three years.
 K G Ananthakrishnan has been appointed as part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman of
Punjab National Bank for a term of three years.
 Srinivasan Varadarajan has been appointed as part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive Chairman
of Union Bank of India for a term of three years, according to an order issued by the Department of Personnel &
Training.
 The Centre has also appointed Charan Singh as a part-time Non-Official Director as well as Non-Executive
Chairman of Punjab & Sind Bank for a term of two years.
GreenCell Express secures $40 million loan from ADB to produce 255 e-buses
 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $40 million financing package with GreenCell Express Private Limited
(GEPL) to develop 255 electric battery-powered buses (e-buses) to serve 5 million people a year on 56 intercity
routes in India and enhance the safety of passengers, especially women, through improved security features
including panic buttons connected to command controls for immediate response.
 The financial package comprises $20.5 million loan (in equivalent Indian rupee) from ADB’s ordinary capital
resources, ADB’s administration of a $14 million loan from the Clean Technology Fund (CTF), grants worth $325,000
from the CTF and $5.2 million from Goldman Sach’s and Bloomberg’s the Climate Innovation and Development
Fund (CIDF).
 ADB also assisted in mobilizing an additional parallel loan of $20.5 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank.
 “Decarbonization of public transport in India is essential for the country to reach its net-zero climate commitments,
and it’s important to ensure safety and security of women passengers to make travel more inclusive,” said ADB
Private Sector Operations Department Director General Suzanne Gaboury.
 “By providing safe transport for women, these intercity buses will enhance their ability to participate in economic
and livelihood opportunities,” “Electrifying transportation is a key driver of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in
our cities.
 GEPL is a wholly owned subsidiary of GreenCell Mobility Private Limited (GreenCell), a platform company of Green
Growth Equity Fund (GGEF). GGEF is an Indian alternative investment fund in India managed by EverSource
Capital with a mandate to mobilize institutional capital into green infrastructure in India.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency signs MoU with SIDBI to finance green MSMEs
 The government body for energy efficiency Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power has
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for
MSMEs.
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 The MoU will aim to promote energy efficiency financing for MSMEs and explore the internet of things (IoT)-based
solutions, greening MSMEs, capacity building of various stakeholders, etc., BEE said.
 To encourage MSME units to undertake energy saving investments in plant and machinery to reduce energy
consumption, enhance energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions, and improve the profitability of the units in the
long run.
 SIDBI announced partnerships with multiple stakeholders to help MSMEs become more energy efficient in their
operations to support India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030 targets. SIDBI had signed MoUs with
German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH for operating
a Risk Sharing Facility (RSF) that provides credit guarantees to loans from commercial banks or non-banking
financial companies (NBFCs).
SBI commits to finance 1000 entrepreneurs in Nagaland through partnership with Business Association
 The State Bank of India (SBI) in collaboration with the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has decided to help
1000 entrepreneurs with financing.
 An MoU has been signed between the two parties to facilitate ease of doing business and finance MSMEs of Naga
entrepreneurs in the state, reported Eastern Mirror.
 The NIIE trade fair culminated positive impact with huge promise and commitment to finance 1000 entrepreneurs
through the iconic signing of an MOU between SBI and BAN, which will bring hope and huge respite to the genuine
entrepreneurs of the state.
BAN will facilitate the identification, and preparation of MSME through project screening
Central bank digital currency could end RBI-ESMA row

 The deadlock between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Securities and Market Authority (ESMA)
over the inspection of Indian financing clearing houses may be broken by a new-age product – the central bank
digital currency(CBDC).
 European lenders such as HSBC, Deutsche, Standard Chartered, Barclays and make up anything between 15% and
25% of the trades in the so-called negotiated dealing system order matching segment (NDS-OM) run by the Clearing
Corporation of India Ltd (CCIL), which is one of the central counterparties for settlement of trades.
 “The RBI does not want any foreign agencies inspecting entities regulated by it, which is a fair point. But in the
current situation where it has been implemented the world over, it is difficult to make an exception here,” said a
senior banking executive. “India needs these institutions here more and not complying with these norms will mean
an unsustainable capital charge on banks, which could force them to pull out of the country.”
Per capita income rose in real terms by 33.4 per cent: Centre
 Per capita income of population in India has increased in real terms by 33.4 per cent since the enactment of National
Food Security Act (NFSA) in 2013, the Centre has told the Supreme Court.
 The Union government said this rise in per capita income of people has taken a large number of households to
higher income class.
 “During last eight years, since the enactment of NFSA, per capita income of the population in India has increased
in real terms by 33.4 per cent. The rise in per capita income of people is bound to have taken a large number of
households to higher income class and they may not be as vulnerable as they were in 2013-14,” the Centre said.
 Referring to the increase in per capita income, the Centre said the upper limit of 75 per cent for rural and 50 per
cent for urban population who were considered vulnerable in 2013-14, would have gone down considerably.
 “Non-exclusion of non-eligible households in NFSA increases the subsidy burden on the Union government,” it
said.
 The Union government also informed the top court that about 4.7 crore ration cards have been added in the last
eight years under NFSA.
Bank of Maharashtra tops list of PSU lenders in credit growth in Q2 FY23

 The second quarter of 2022–23 saw the Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) outperform other public sector lenders in terms
of percentage loan growth. According to public sector bank issued quarterly data, the lender saw a 28.62 percent
increase in gross advances at the end of September 2022, totaling Rs 1,48,216 crore.
 Union Bank Of India came in second with an increase of 21.54 percent to Rs 7,52,469 crore. The largest lender in
the nation, State Bank of India, took third place with an 18.15% increase in gross advances.
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 However, SBI’s total loans were almost 17 times higher at Rs 25,47,390 crore as compared to Rs 1,48,216 crore of BoM
in absolute terms.
 BoM had the highest increase of 22.31 percent in Retail-Agriculture-MSME (RAM) loans during the reviewed period,
followed by Bank of Baroda with 19.53 percent and SBI with 16.51 percent.
 BoM led the list for low-cost Current Account Savings Account (CASA) deposits with 56.27 percent, followed by
Central Bank of India at 50.99 percent.
Union Bank of India rings 104th Foundation Day with launch of Vyom App - Elets BFSI
 The country’s fifth largest public sector bank, Union Bank of India, marked its 104th foundation day on 11 November
2022, after being founded on 11 November 1919 and having its first head office inaugurated by the Father of the
Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. On this occasion, the bank introduced a super app called Union Vyom, as well as several
other digital products.
 Union Vyom App, the bank’s super app, is a one-stop shop for all financial goods. The Vyom app is equipped to
provide consumers with a one-of-a-kind banking experience in which they may conduct transactions that go beyond
traditional banking. Aside from online transactions, customers can obtain Retail, MSME loan, credit card, invest in
5000+ mutual fund schemes, and purchase insurance goods without requiring any assistance. The app is also
enabled with lifestyle category products such as booking of flights, hotels, gift cards, cabs, donations & much more.
India's Industrial Output Jumps 3.1% In September Vs 0.8% Fall In August: Official Data
 India’s industrial output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grew 3.1 per cent in September,
supported by a double-digit increase in electricity generation. This is compared with a contraction of 0.8 per cent
in the previous month and a growth of 4.4 per cent in September 2021.
 According to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, the country’s industrial
production during April-September 2022 jumped 7 per cent, compared with 23.8 per cent in the year-ago period.
 India’s electricity sector output grew in double-digits at 11.6 per cent year-on-year to 187.4 on the IIP in September,
mining saw a 4.6 per cent jump to 99.5, and manufacturing posted a 1.8 per cent rise to 134.3, according to the
official data.
 “For the month of September 2022, the Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with base 2011-12
stands at 133.5 The Indices of Industrial Production for the mining, manufacturing and electricity sectors for the
month of September 2022 stand at 99.5, 134.3 and 187.4 respectively. These quick estimates will undergo revision in
subsequent releases as per the revision policy of IIP”.
Retail inflation eases to 6.77% in October, lowest in three months

 India’s retail inflation, which is measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), fell to a three-month low of 6.77% in
October, down from 7.41% in September, due to weaker food price rises and a strong year-on-year base.
 This is the 10th consecutive time that the CPI print has come above the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) upper margin
of 6%. The RBI’s tolerance band is 2-6%. The Central Government has mandated the RBI to maintain retail inflation
at 4% with a margin of 2% on either side for a five-year period ending March 2026.
 The overall food inflation, which accounts for nearly half the CPI basket, came in at 7.01% in October as against
8.60% in the preceding month.
 “The dip in the CPI inflation to a sub-7% reading in October 2022 has offered relief, with the print only marginally
exceeding expectations (6.7%) and recording a healthy sequential moderation from 7.4% in the previous month,”
said Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist at ICRA.
 “A favourable base effect and a sequential downtick in the prices of fruits and oils and fats helped to cool food and
beverages inflation to 7.0% in October 2022, in spite of the impact of the unseasonal rainfall on vegetables,” Nayar
stated.
Reliance bags ₹1,424cr contract to develop India's first Multi Modal Logistics Park in Chennai
 According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has been
awarded the project to build India’s first multimodal logistics park (MMLP) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. A crucial cog
in the Centre’s logistics overhaul, the MMLP will be spread over 184 acres and cost Rs 1,424 crore. The project will
get adequate connecting infrastructure support through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) formed between central
and state agencies. RIL emerged as the winning bidder for the public-private-partnership (PPP) project, with its
own investment pegged at Rs 783 crore. The Centre expects the first phase of the project to be completed in two
years.
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 The project would likely be monitored by the highest levels of the government, as it falls under the high-priority
list of projects inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Centre’s project monitoring system.
Moreover, it is one of the several flagship projects announced under the Bharatmala Project of MoRTH, which
envisions the building of 35 such MMLPs.
 The Centre plans to build 15 of these within the next two years. Under the National Logistics Policy (NLP) and PM-
GatiShakti, it wants to bring down logistics costs to under 10 per cent of the GDP in a bid to make exports
competitive and supply chains more efficient.
5G expected to power up to 2% of GDP by 2030: Report

 The launch of 5G services will strengthen India’s position as an economic and technology powerhouse globally and
is expected to boost 2% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), amounting to approximately $180 billion by
2030, according to a new report by industry body Nasscom.
 The report titled, “5G — Unfolding India’s era of digital convergence” was released on the side lines of Nasscom
Tech Innovation Conclave (NTIC) 2022, added that “5G is expected to create new value through hyper-connectivity
and become a catalyst for digital transformation across industries”.
 “For India, 5G provides an opportunity for industries to augment the pace of digitisation at the grassroots level and
for consumers to gain with economies of scale,” said Debjani Ghosh, president, Nasscom. However, she said that
“achieving this will require effective ecosystem collaboration between telcos, OEMs, infrastructure companies, and
the government to increase consumer adoption and market readiness to unlock large-scale benefits of 5G”.
 Sectors such as healthcare, energy and utilities, manufacturing, and retail are expected to benefit the most from
large-scale 5G adoption. For example, certain aspects such as adequate infrastructure upgradation and fiberisation
for 5G deployment, along with network densification need to be addressed to realise the utmost benefit of the
technology across industries, the report noted.
RBI shortlists five banks to work on its digital currency pilot project
 State bank Of India(SBI), ICICI Bank, IDFC First Bank, HDFC Bank and Yes Bank are among a shortlist of at least
five lenders that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has roped in to work on the retail pilot project of the central bank
digital currency (CBDC).
 The report said, citing people familiar with the matte, that the Reserve Bank of India could add more banks to run
the pilot, which is expected to launch soon. “Five banks have been shortlisted to run the pilot along with the help
of NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) and RBI. Some customer and merchant accounts will be chosen
to roll out the retail digital rupee pilot soon,”
 The RBI is working on two fronts to test the central bank digital currency (CBDC): one for the wholesale market,
for which a pilot project is already underway, and the other for retail (CBDC-R).
 The central banker is also weighing whether to build a new framework for its digital currency or make retail CBDC
interoperable with the current digital payments system.
SBI gets Euro 150 mn loan from German KfW for solar projects
 State Bank of India has signed a 150 million euro (Rs 1,240 crore) loan agreement with the German development
bank KfW for funding solar projects.
 The long-term loan, under the Indo-German solar partnership, will facilitate new and upcoming capacities in the
solar sector and further contribute to the country’s goals announced during the COP26.
 In 2015, New Delhi and Berlin had signed a memorandum of understanding to foster solar energy through technical
as well as financial cooperation. Through this agreement, Germany had expressed its willingness to provide the
concessional loans to India in the range of 1 billion euros through KfW.
 The successful closure of the phase-1 under the solar partnership- promotion of solar/PV between SBI and KfW,
paves the way for the current phase-2 in our partnership with this German lender, Ashwini Tewari, a managing
director at SBI said. With this facility, he added, the bank has taken another step towards sustainable financing
arrangements for meeting the nation’s renewable capacity goals and upholding environmental and social standards.
Wipro to set up European Works Council for employees

 IT company Wipro has reached an agreement with employee representatives on setting up a European Works
Council, the company said. The creation of Wipro’s EWC is the first to be established by an Indian headquartered
company.
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 Senior vice president & CHRO, Wipro Europe stated: “Setting up the EWC strengthens the already successful
cooperation with employee representations in many European countries. Wipro aims to provide the best employee
experience and create an inclusive environment that welcomes everyone and nurtures an overall sense of belonging.
The EWC will help us in getting even better as we assimilate employee perspectives on a consistent basis. It also
demonstrates that Wipro is applying and adopting European employment standards as a responsible global
employer.“
 Wipro’s EWC is the first to be established by an Indian headquartered company, and builds upon a number of years
of successful, constructive working with Works Councils at local and national level across several European
countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Finland. The creation of an EWC follows a
request by employees under an EU directive establishing the opportunity in companies with more than 1,000
employees across multiple European locations. Wipro’s EWC agreement was successfully negotiated with employee
representatives from 13 different countries.
Maximum tenure of PSU banks' MD and CEO raised to 10 years

 Government has decided to provide longer tenure to Managing Director and other whole-time directors of the
public sector banks. Now the appointment can be made initially for up to 5 years, which can be extended for the 5
more years.
 The amendment would be called Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment
Scheme, 2022.
 Earlier, the MD or executive director of a public sector undertaking (PSU) bank was eligible for a maximum tenure
of 5 years or 60 years whichever was earlier. This is also applicable for whole-time directors of all Central Public
Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). Now, The term for the appointment has been extended to 10 years, from the earlier 5
years, subject to superannuation age of 60 years, as per government notification of 17 November.
 A whole-time director, including the managing director, shall devote his whole time to the affairs of the nationalised
bank and shall hold office for such initial term not exceeding five years and extendable up to a total period, including
the initial term, not exceeding 10 years, as the central government may, after consultation with the Reserve Bank,
specify and shall be eligible for re-appointment,” the notification said.
Goldman Sachs sees India’s growth slowing next year, cuts GDP forecast
 Goldman Sachs Group Inc. sees India’s economic growth slowing next year, citing a hit to consumer demand from
higher borrowing costs and fading benefits from pandemic reopening, while lowering its growth forecast. Gross
domestic product (GDP) may expand by 5.9% in calendar year 2023 from an estimated 6.9% this year.
 “Growth will likely be a tale of two halves, with a slower first half as the reopening boost fades, and monetary
tightening weighs on domestic demand. In the second half, growth is likely to re-accelerate as global growth
recovers, drag from net exports diminishes, and investment cycle picks up”.
 India’s export growth fell sharply in October. It contracted 16.7% annually from 4.8% growth. September. This
indicates a decrease in global demand.
 India’s exports saw a contraction for the first time in the post-pandemic phase and the last time exports contracted
was back in February 2021. “We expect weakening exports to have important implications for India’s growth. The
consistent slowdown across months in core import growth and weak industrial output data suggest that domestic
growth momentum peaked in Q2”.
Airtel Payments Bank rolls-out e-KYC based on face authentication

 Airtel Payments Bank introduces a new option, Face authentication-based electronic KYC. Previously a user had to
link his Aadhaar card to his account before completing OTP verification or biometric fingerprint authentication.
 However, now you need to verify your face to register an account. Recently, a mobile application for authentication
was created by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Now, business correspondents will only need
a smartphone or a document to open an account.
 According to Anubrata Biswas, MD & CEO of Airtel Payments Bank, the KYC capability employs the Face
Authentication RD program, which is based on AI/ML.
 It will help prevent fraud by matching the person’s photo to the image recorded in Aadhaar and enabling secure
user onboarding.
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ICICI Bank surges on launching two new products for NRI customers at GIFT City branch
 Private sector lender ICICI Bank has launched two new products – loan against deposits(LAD) and dollar bonds –
for non-resident Indians at its GIFT City branch in Gujarat. The bank is the first to offer these products in GIFT
City.
 Loan against Deposits (LAD): LAD resembles a loan in foreign currency against a deposit in India (including Rupee
NRE FDs).The customers can avail LAD for their short-term cash requirement without having to prematurely close
their Term Deposits and thereby avoid paying a penalty for breaking the deposit. They can avail up to 95%* of their
deposit value. With a simple documentation process, customers can get flexible tenure with fixed or floating interest
rates.
RBI report says, Indian economy on track and likely to grow at 7% in 2022-23
 The seventh edition of the Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2021-22 is released by the Reserve Bank of India
(RBI). Which seeks to provide comprehensive data about the regional economies of India.
 It covers sub-national statistics on socio-demographics, state domestic product, agriculture, price and wages,
industry, infrastructure, banking, and fiscal indicators across the states during various time periods ranging from
1951 to 2021-22. Two new sections have been included in the recent edition – health and environment.
 The Indian economy showed remarkable resilience to multiple consecutive shocks it experienced since early 2020.
It retained the macroeconomic stability and sustained the momentum of economic growth’s recovery.
 The macroeconomic outlook is positive in the current fiscal. However, India is still impacted by global headwinds.
 Karnataka has the highest total installed capacity of grid-interactive renewable power among all states. It had total
installed capacity of 15,463 megawatts (MW).
Ayush market has reached 18 billion US dollar mark: Ayush Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
 Union Ayush Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal informed that AYUSH has grown by 17 percent in 2014-20 to reach
US dollars 18.1 billion. The Minister was speaking at the inauguration of ‘AYUR-UDYAMAH’ at New Delhi, where
he also released the RIS report titled ‘AYUSH Sector in India: Prospects and Challenges.
 On the occasion, the All-India Institute of Ayurveda – Incubation Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (AIIA
ICAINE) the first-of-its-kind incubation center under the Ministry of Ayush to promote Start-ups was also launched.
 AIIA ICAINE was launched by the Union Minister of Food and Processing Industries Shri Pashupati Paras Ji.
 As per the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) report, despite a slump in economic
activity in 2020 due to the pandemic, the industry is projected to reach US$ 20.6 billion in 2021 and US$ 23.3 billion
in 2022.
India's CAD pegged at 3-3.2% of GDP in FY23: CEA V Anantha Nageswaran

 Robust domestic economic activity and an uptick in oil import bills, India’s current account deficit is expected to
be 3-3.2 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) for FY23, according to Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V Anantha
Nageswaran.
 India’s current account balance recorded a deficit of 1.2 per cent of GDP in 2021-22, against a surplus of 0.9 per cent
in 2020-21.
 The Reserve Bank of India expects CAD to have widened modestly in the first half (April-September 2022) but shrink
in the second half (October 2022-March 2023). Overall, CAD is expected to be under 3 per cent of GDP for FY23.
 CEA Nageswaran said India’s annual import cover remains quite comfortable and the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) does not consider India’s external sector to be in a zone of vulnerability.
 According to the RBI’s assessment (in the state of economy report), India’s foreign exchange reserves at $ 530.0
billion, as on November 4, covered 8.6 months of imports projected for 2022-23. The foreign exchange reserves’
cover of imports (on a balance of payments basis) declined to 10.4 months at end of June 2022, from 11.8 months at
the end of March 2022.
Tata Consumer Products to acquire packaged water giant Bisleri for about ₹7,000 crore
 Tata Consumer is set to acquire India’s largest packaged drinking water company, Bisleri, for an estimated Rs 6,000-
7,000 crore. Chairman Ramesh Chauhan is aiming to disinvest Bisleri International to Tata Consumer Products
three decades after selling soft drink brands Thums Up, Gold Spot and Limca to Coca-Cola.
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 The current management will continue for two years as part of the deal. Chauhan’s ill health and daughter Jayanti’s
lack of interest in the business is driving him to sell off the company. Selling Bisleri was a painful decision, he said,
but believes that the Tata Group will take ‘even better’ care of it.
 There have been other interested parties such as Reliance Retail, Nestle and Danone. The report stated that talks
between Tata and Chauhan have been going on for the past two years.
 The Tata Group houses its consumer business under Tata Consumer Products Ltd (TCPL) which also sells packaged
mineral water under the brand Himalayan and with brands as Tata Copper Plus Water and Tata Gluco in the
hydration segment.
 The deal would provide the Tata group FMCG arm a larger play into the fast-growing bottled water segment.
Unemployment rate dips marginally to 7.2% in July¬-September 2022

 Unemployment rate for persons aged 15 years and above in urban areas declined to 7.2 per cent during July-
September 2022 from 9.8 per cent a year ago, the National Statistical Office (NSO) said.
 India’s urban unemployment rate dropped for the fifth consecutive quarter in the July-September period of 2022-
23 (FY23) to 7.2 per cent, according to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the National
Statistical Office (NSO).
 The unemployment rate in current weekly status terms for all ages in the September quarter (second quarter or Q2)
of FY23 is the lowest unemployment rate recorded in more than four years, from the time the NSO launched India’s
first computer-based survey in April 2017.
 The unemployment rate among men and women has been estimated at 6.6 and 9.4 per cent, respectively. It has
been showing continuous decline since the April-June quarter (first quarter, or Q1) of 2020-21, when it was estimated
at 12.6 per cent.
RBI adds GSTN in financial information providers list under account aggregator norm
 With a view to facilitate cash flow-based lending to MSMEs, it has been decided to include Goods and Services Tax
Network (GSTN) as a Financial Information Provider (FIP) under the Account Aggregator (AA) framework.
Department of Revenue shall be the regulator of GSTN for this specific purpose and Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Returns, viz. Form GSTR-1 and Form GSTR-3B, shall be the Financial Information.
 Facilitate cash flow lending to the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The AA network had been in
discussion with the GSTN network for their onboarding for a long time as this would give financial institutions
access to data regarding small businesses, which would help them to extend loans to such businesses.
 All major public sector banks and private sector banks are live on the network and many large non-banking finance
companies (NBFCs) have also gone live, expert are saying.
BOB opens its first dedicated mid-corporate branch in Kochi

 Bank of Baroda opened its first mid-corporate Branch in Kerala at Kochi. The branch was inaugurated by Debadatta
Chand, Executive Director in the presence of S. Rengarajan, GM (Head – Mid Corporate Cluster South), and Sreejith
Kottarathil, Zonal Head-Ernakulam.
 The key focus of mid corporate branch is to increase corporate book size and income to improve turnaround time
(TAT) for corporate proposals and provide enhanced service to corporate customers.
 The branch will cater to mid-corporate, large corporate, and PSU borrowers and provide corporate loans, trade
finance, forex, and cash management services.
 The Bank recently reorganized its corporate banking model. The corporate banking vertical has been divided into
two units — large corporates and mid-corporates – to effectively serve both customer segments.
Flipkart and Axis Bank partner to launch Super Elite Credit Card
 Axis Bank, India’s third largest private sector bank, and Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace have
partnered to launch the ‘Super Elite Credit Card. To scale the Flipkart SuperCoins reward program and enhance the
customer shopping experience, this card will serve extensive value to shoppers.
 Following the three million milestones recently achieved for the existing Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card, this
partnership enables yet another avenue for customers on the platform to unlock and enjoy unique rewards.
 The Super Elite Credit Card will offer an activation benefit of 500 Flipkart SuperCoins with 4X SuperCoins earned
for every transaction and rewards up to Rs 20,000 across Flipkart, Myntra, etc.
 SuperCoins are rewards that customers can earn on each purchase across Flipkart, Myntra, and Cleartrip.
135
IDFC First Bank launches sticker-based debit card, FIRSTAP
 IDFC First Bank has introduced a sticker-based debit card, called FIRSTAP. The launch is in association with the
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The FIRSTAP is launched to facilitate transactions by simply
tapping the sticker on a Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled point-of-sale terminal.
 The launch of sticker-based debit cards is in line with the bank’s customer-centric philosophy. The number of
transactions being carried out via contactless cards is growing fast.
 As a customer-first bank, IDFC claims to be committed to using contactless technology for frictionless digital
transactions.
 With stickers as the form factor in the wearable category, the debit card is convenient to carry around and enables
fast check-out.
 The sticker-based debit card is one-third the size of a regular debit card, thus, making the sticker applicable to a
wide range of devices and objects.
 As per the company, customers can affix the sticker-based debit card on any surface of choice, such as cell phones,
identity cards, wallets, AirPodsand airpod cases.
Canara Bank launches Electronic Bank Guarantee with NeSL

 Canara Banks steps into digital banking on its 117th Founder’s Day with the issuance of an Electronic Bank
Guarantee (e-BG) in partnership with National E-Governance Service Limited (NeSL). The Canara Bank will now
offer an API-based digital workflow of Bank guarantees which will eliminate physical insurance, stamping,
verification, and paper-based record maintenance.
 The platform will offer several advantages such as greater transparency, better monitoring systems, and secured
transmission of Bank Guarantees to beneficiaries.
 Canara Bank General Manager Mahesh M Pai informed that achieving the milestone of being the first public sector
to roll out an electronic bank guarantee is a proud moment.
 The futuristic vision of “One Bank, One App” was the aim for creating the bank Mobile app.
 It was also ranked 1st under the Digital Payment performance on 31st March 2022 by the Ministry of Electronics &
Information Technology.
MUDRA LOAN NPA at just 3.3, % in 7 years

 Over seven years since launch, borrowers of Mudra loans – essentially micro and small enterprises – have paid their
EMIs (equated monthly instalments) to banks. Non-performing assets of banks for Mudra loans – including those
extended during the Covid-19 pandemic when small enterprises were the worst hit – are lower than the average
NPAs of the sector as a whole, data obtained under the Right to Information Act reveals.
 Nearly ₹5,000 crore of loans or 16.32 per cent of the total bank assets in Maharashtra under the Pradhan Mantri
MUDRA Yojana to help small businesses are unpaid as of June 2022, as per official data.
 Parbhani district in the backward Marathwada region of Maharashtra has the highest non-performing assets (NPAs)
at 60.54 per cent.
 As per the data, ₹30,019 crore was taken as loan under the MUDRA scheme as of June 2022 by more than 52 lakh
borrowers in Maharashtra. Out of this, ₹4,898 crore taken by 6.19 lakh borrowers has been classified as NPAs.
 As far as Mudra loan is concerned, out of the total outstanding of Rs 6,204 crore as on March, Rs 695.50 crore was
NPA, which is 11.24 per cent of the total outstanding loan in Hariyana. The NPA of the public sector banks was over
18.63 per cent, followed by Sarv Haryana Gramin Bank (10.84 per cent) and private sector banks (3.55 per cent).
BSE signs up TAC Security as cyber security partner

 Risk and vulnerability management company TAC Security announced that it is the official cyber security partner
for the stock exchange-BSE.
 The cyber security company said it signed an agreement with the oldest stock exchange to ensure that the BSE is
empowered with the highest possible level of cybersecurity. It said the alliance was a significant stride in the
longstanding relationship between the two institutions.
 BSE will get a holistic view of their risk-vulnerability management on a single platform using TAC Security’s ESOF
(Enterprise Security in One Framework), the company said.
 “It is an honour and privilege to be protecting Asia’s biggest and essential stock market body.” said Trishneet Arora,
Founder, and CEO. “We aim to ensure the highest-level cybersecurity for an organisation that defines the stock
136
market of the country. It is truly a step towards providing organizations across the globe with the next – generation
of Vulnerability Management.”
SEBI orders mutual fund houses to pay dividends within seven days of the record date
 Mutual funds (MFs) have to pay dividend to unit-holders in seven working days after declaration of record date. In
a circular issued, SEBI said the record date will be two working days from the issue of public notice on dividend
payment.
 The transfer of redemption proceeds to the unit-holders should be made in three working days from the date of
redemption, it said. On paying redemption proceeds for schemes investing at least 80 per cent of total assets
overseas, the transfer of redemption proceeds should be made in five working days from the date of redemption, it
said.
 The list will be published within 30 days, said SEBI. In case of delay in payment of redemption proceeds, MFs have
to pay an interest of 15 per cent per annum to unit-holders and the cost will be borne by the fund houses, it added.
137
LEGAL CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. Recently, Kerala Governor warned ministers that the democratic republic by radicalism, terrorism and
statements of individual ministers that lower the religious fundamentalism.
dignity of the Governor’s office can invite action 1st Amendment: The First Amendment was passed
including withdrawal of pleasure. The pleasure in 1951 by the Provisional Parliament, members of
doctrine is a concept derived from English common who had just finished drafting the Constitution as
law, under which the crown can dispense with the part of the Constitutional Assembly. The First
services of anyone in its employ at any time. In India, Amendment Act amended articles 15, 19, 85, 87, 174,
Article 310 of the Constitution says every person in 176, 341, 342, 372 and 376. The immediate reason for
the defence or civil service of the Union holds office the amendments were a series of Supreme Court and
during the pleasure of the President, and every High Court judgments that had struck down
member of the civil service in the States holds office provisions of public safety laws, press related laws
during the pleasure of the Governor. However, and criminal provisions that were deemed to be
Article 311 imposes restrictions on the removal of a incompatible with the constitutional right to
civil servant. It provides for civil servants being given freedom of speech.
a reasonable opportunity for a hearing on the Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sc-
charges against them. Under Article 164, the Chief plea-constitution-first-amendment-8239228/
Minister (CM) is appointed by the Governor; and the
other Ministers are appointed by the Governor on 3. The Supreme Court bench led by Justice D.Y.
the CM’s advice. It adds that Ministers hold office Chandrachud, has said that those conducting the
during the pleasure of the Governor. In a ‘two-finger test’ on alleged rape victims will be held
constitutional scheme in which they are appointed guilty of misconduct. The court held that the sole
solely on the CM’s advice, the ‘pleasure’ referred to reason behind using the “regressive” test on
is also taken to mean the right of the CM to dismiss traumatised sexual assault survivors is to see
a Minister and not that of the Governor. In short, the whether the woman or girl was “habituated” to
Governor of an Indian State cannot remove a sexual intercourse. The two-finger test, carried out
Minister on his own. by a medical practitioner, involves the examination
Source: of her vagina to check if she is habituated to sexual
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/tussle- intercourse. The practice is unscientific and does not
in-kerala-can-governor-khan-dismiss-a-state- provide any definite information. Moreover, such
minister-8216988/ ‘information’ has no bearing on an allegation of rape.
A woman who has been sexually assaulted
2. The Supreme Court (SC) has agreed to examine a PIL undergoes a medical examination for ascertaining
(Public Interest Litigation) challenging changes her health and medical needs, collection of evidence,
made to the right to freedom of speech and etc. The court ordered that the guidelines be
expression by the first amendment to the circulated to private and government hospitals.
Constitution in 1951. The court said there is a legal Source:
issue, which arises for consideration, and has sought https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/anyone-
the Center’s views. Petitioner’s Arguments: Section conducting-two-finger-test-on-sexual-assault-
3(1) of the amending act substituted original Clause survivors-will-be-held-guilty-of-misconduct-
(2) of Article 19 with a new Clause (2), which supreme-court/article66076364.ece
contained two objectionable insertions Original
Clause (2) of Article 19 was dealing with reasonable 4. Recently, the Supreme Court has decided to examine
restrictions on the freedom of speech and expression a petition challenging a provision in the election law
guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a). New Clause (2), that imposes a blanket ban on under trials, persons
contained “two objectionable insertions” allowing confined in civil prisons and convicts serving their
restrictions also “in the interest of public order” and sentence in jails from casting their votes. Denying
“in relation to incitement to an offence.” The the right to vote does not comply with the
amendment also neglects national security by requirements for legitimate punishment. If a
dropping the expression ‘tends to overthrow the convicted person can vote if she is out on bail, why
State’ which raises grave concern in the context of is the same right denied to an under trial who is not
the dangers posed to the concept of secular yet found guilty of a crime by a court of law. Even a
judgment-debtor (a person who has not paid his
138
debt despite a court verdict) who has been arrested Puppet and rubber stamps. Under Article 155 and 156
and detained as a civil person is deprived of her right of the Constitution, a Governor is appointed by the
to vote. Detainment in civil prisons is unlike President and holds office “during the pleasure of
imprisonment for crimes. The ban lacks reasonable the President”. Thus, a Governor is a representative
classification based on the nature of the crime or of the Union government in states. Article 163 of the
duration of the sentence imposed unlike in countries Constitution says the Governor will normally be
like South Africa, United Kingdom, France, aided and advised by the Council of Ministers except
Germany, Greece, Canada, etc. This lack of in those functions which require his discretion.
classification is anathema to the fundamental right While the Governor’s duties and responsibilities lie
to equality under Article 14 (right to equality). in a particular state, there is no provision for
Source: impeaching the Governor. If this pleasure is
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/suprem withdrawn before completion of the five-year term,
e-court-examines-poll-law-which-deprives-under- the Governor has to step down. As the President
trials-civil-prison-detainees-their-right-to- works on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister
vote/article66076670.ece and the council of ministers, in effect, the Governor
can be appointed and removed by the central
5. Recently, the Union government in the Supreme government.
Court said it is considering Remote Voting Facility Source:
for Non-Resident Indians (NRI), especially migrant https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyd
laborers, to cast their votes remotely while ensuring ay-explainers/dmk-wants-tamil-nadu-guv-gone-
the integrity of the electoral process. In 2020, the how-a-governor-can-be-sacked-8249686/
Election Commission officials proposed the idea of
using blockchain technology to enable remote 7. A Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in a 3:2
voting. The aim is to overcome the geographical majority decision, upheld the validity of the 103rd
hurdles in voting. The Commission has been Constitutional Amendment which provides 10%
considering the possibility of remote voting which reservation in government jobs and educational
will allow people to cast the ballot from their place institutions to the ‘economically weaker sections of
of work. The Representation of the People the society but excludes the ‘poorest of poor’ among
(Amendment) Bill of 2017 had proposed the removal Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST),
of an “unreasonable restriction” posed by Section Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC)
20A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and Other Backward Classes (OBC) from its scope.
requiring overseas electors to be physically present The 103rd constitutional amendment cannot be said
in their electoral constituencies to cast their votes. to breach the basic structure of the Constitution.
The Bill was later passed in 2018, but lapsed with the The EWS quota does not violate equality and the
dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. Currently, only basic structure of the constitution. Reservation in
the following voters are allowed to cast their votes addition to existing reservation does not violate
through postal ballot: Service voters (armed forces, provisions of the Constitution. The reservation is an
the armed police force of a state and government instrument of affirmative action by the state for the
servants posted abroad), Voters on election duty, inclusion of backward classes. Basic structure can’t
Voters above 80 years of age or Persons with be breached by enabling the state to make provisions
Disabilities (PwD), Voters under preventive for education. Reservation is instrumental not just
detention. for inclusion of socially and economically backward
Source: classes into the society but also to class so
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/conside disadvantaged. Reservations for EWS does not
ring-ways-to-facilitate-nris-to-cast-vote-centre- violate basic structure on account of 50% ceiling
tells-sc/article66082958.ece limit fixed by Mandal Commission because ceiling
limit is not inflexible.
6. Recently, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Source:
called for a proposal to remove the Tamil Nadu https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sc-
Governor. In recent years, the bitterness between upholds-validity-of-ews-quota/article66106470.ece
states and Governors has been largely about the
selection of the party to form a government, 8. Weeks ahead of elections in certain states, the
deadline for proving majority, sitting on Bills, and Central Government has amended the Electoral
passing negative remarks on the state Bond Scheme. Electoral bonds are money
administration. Due to this, Governor is referred to instruments like promissory notes, which can be
with negative terms like an agent of the Centre, bought by companies and individuals in India from
139
the State Bank of India (SBI) and donated to a opt and contribute up to 8.33% of their actual
political party, which can then encash these bonds. salaries as against 8.33% of the pensionable salary
The bonds are only redeemable in the designated capped at Rs 15,000 a month towards pension. Under
account of a registered political party. A person the pre-amendment scheme, the pensionable salary
being an individual can buy bonds, either singly or was computed as the average of the salary drawn
jointly with other individuals. Electoral Bond during the 12 months prior to exit from membership
Scheme: Electoral Bonds Scheme was launched in of the Pension Fund. The amendments raised this to
2018 to to cleanse the political funding in India. The an average of 60 months prior to exit from the
central idea behind the electoral bonds scheme is to membership of the Pension Fund. The court held the
bring about transparency in electoral funding in amendment requiring members to contribute an
India. Further, only the political parties registered additional 1.16 % of their salary exceeding Rs 15,000
under Section 29A of the Representation of the a month as ultra vires the provisions of the
People Act, 1951 which secured at least 1% of votes Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous
polled in the last General Election to the Lok Sabha Provisions Act, 1952.
or the State Legislative Assembly are eligible to Source:
receive Electoral Bonds. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explaine
Source: d-the-supreme-court-order-on-pf-
https://www.thehindu.com/elections/centre- pensions/article66112704.ece
amends-electoral-bond-scheme-to-open-a-fresh-
one-week-window-for-sales-of-such-bonds- 11. Retired High Court Chief Justice Rituraj Awasthi has
starting-nov-9/article66108560.ece been appointed as the chairperson of the 22nd law
commission of India which was constituted in 2020.
9. Kerala High Court restrained the Governor of the The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory
state in his capacity as Chancellor of universities, body constituted by the Government of India from
from passing final orders on the show cause notices time to time. The first Law Commission of
he issued to Vice-Chancellors of eight universities. independent India was established in 1955 for a
The Governor had issued the notices to the Vice- three-year term. The first Law Commission was
Chancellors citing violation of University Grants established during the British Raj era in 1834 by the
Commission (UGC) norms in their appointment. For Charter Act of 1833 and was chaired by Lord
State Universities, in most cases, the Governor of the Macaulay. It works as an advisory body to the
state is the ex-officio chancellor of the universities in Ministry of Law and Justice. The Law Commission
that state. While as Governor he functions with the undertakes research in law and review of existing
aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, as laws in India for making reforms therein and
Chancellor he acts independently of the Council of enacting new legislations on a reference made to it
Ministers and takes his own decisions on all by the Central Government or suo-motu. Apart from
University matters. For Central University, under having a full-time chairperson, the commission will
the Central Universities Act, 2009, and other have four full-time members, including a member-
statutes, the President of India shall be the Visitor of secretary. Law and Legislative Secretaries in the Law
a central university. With their role limited to Ministry will be the ex-officio members of the
presiding over convocations, Chancellors in central commission. It will also have not more than five
universities are titular heads, who are appointed by part-time members. A retired Supreme Court judge
the President in his capacity as Visitor. The Vice or Chief Justice of a High Court will head the
Chancellor too are appointed by the Visitor from Commission.
panels of names picked by search and selection Source:
committees formed by the Union government. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ex-cj-
Source: rituraj-awasthi-is-law-commission-
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/k chief/article66109001.ece#:~:text=Ex%2DCJ%20Awa
erala-high-cour sthi%20is%20Law%20Commission%20chief,-
The%20Hindu%20Bureau&text=The%20Central%2
10. In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has 0Govt%20is%20pleased,and%20Justice%20KT%20S
upheld the Employees’ Pension (Amendment) ankaran%2C%20Prof.
Scheme, 2014 but quashed the threshold limit of Rs
15,000 monthly salary for joining the pension fund. 12. Recently, Karnataka High Court, while dismissing a
Under Article 142, the Supreme Court ruling gives case filed under the Protection of Children from
EPFO members, who have availed of the EPS, Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act), saying the
another opportunity over the next four months to Law Commission of India will have to rethink the
140
age of consent for Adolescents. The court said, the the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and
aspect of consent by a girl of 16 years, but who is social development of the child.
below 18 years, would have to be considered, if it is Source:
indeed an offense under the Indian Penal Code https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/explaine
and/or the POCSO Act. The Act, It defines a child as d-should-the-age-of-consent-be-changed-for-
any person below eighteen years of age and regards adolescents/article66112727.ece#:~:text=%E2%80%9
the best interests and welfare of the child as a matter CAny%20consensual%20sex%20after%20the,be%20
of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure more%20than%20five%20years.
1.
Interns will now be required to wear white shirt, blue coat and trousers to distinguish them from practicing lawyers.
Delhi's Shahdara Bar Association (SBA) recently passed a resolution prescribing a dress code for law interns to
distinguish them from practicing lawyers at the Karkardooma courts.
In a notification issued on November 24, the SBA expressed concern over the fact that interns wearing the same black
coats that lawyers wear, causes confusion.
To overcome this problem, interns will now be required to wear white shirt, blue coat and trousers.
"All the member of SBA Regd. are hereby informed that the interns are appearing in the courts wearing black coats and
many times it is difficult to differentiate between the advocates and the interns. It is unanimously decided by the executive
committee that there shall be a dress code for the interns ie white shirt and blue coat and trousers," reads the notification.
The SBA has urged advocates to make sure that their interns adhere to the new dress code from December 1. If
interns fail to follow the same, they will not be allowed to appear in courts, the notification states.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/white-shirt-blue-coat-trousers-shahdara-bar-association-introduces-
dress-code-for-law-interns-in-court-premises-from-december-1
2.
The Court cited its earlier order stating that Telegram has to adhere to Indian law and disclose details like IP addresses,
mobile numbers and devices used in operating channels involved in copyright infringement.
The Delhi High Court recently ordered messaging platforming Telegram to disclose the identities of users or owners of
channels who were unauthorizedly sharing Dainik Jagran ePapers [Jagran Prakashan Limited v. Telegram FZ LLC &
Ors].
Justice Navin Chawla gave Telegram the liberty to furnish the information in a sealed cover, noting that the issue is no
longer in dispute following the High Court’s order in Neetu Singh & Anr v. Telegram FZ LLC & Ors.
In that order, the Court had held that Telegram has to adhere to Indian law and disclose details like IP addresses, mobile
numbers and devices used in operating channels involved in copyright infringement, if ordered to do so by Indian
courts.
“In view of the above, the defendant no.1 (Telegram) shall comply with the direction issued by this Court vide order dated
29.05.2020 within a period of three weeks from today. The information may be disclosed by the defendant no. 1 in a sealed
cover. On perusing the information, the Court shall consider if any further directions are required to be passed on the next
date of hearing,” the Court said.
The matter will now be considered on March 27, 2023.
Justice Chawla was dealing with a 2020 suit filed by the Jagran Prakashan Limited Group contending that its ePapers
can be accessed only after subscription, but were being made available for free on various Telegram channels.
The Court had passed an order in May 2020 directing Telegram to disclose the identities of the users and owners of the
channels. However, Telegram said that though it has taken down the channels, there are certain issues in disclosing the
identities since its rules do not allow the same, and that it did not have the information either.
141
Counsel appearing for Jagran informed the Court about the order passed by Justice Prathiba M Singh directing
Telegram to disclose the identities of infringers in a similar case noting that just because its servers are in some other
country does not mean that it will not comply with India law.
Advocate Jeevesh Mehta appeared for Jagran Prakashan Limited, while Advocates S Bansal, M Gupta and Vedant
represented Telegram.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/delhi-high-court-orders-telegram-to-disclose-identities-of-channel-
operators-sharing-dainik-jagran-epapers-sans-authorisation
3.
The notification was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on November 25, 2022
The President of India has nominated Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul of the Supreme Court of India as the Executive
Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
The notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice on November 25, 2022, reads,
"In exercise of the powers conferred under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Services Authorities Act,
1987, the President is pleased to nominate Hon’ble Shri Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as
Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority, with immediate effect"
The Chief Justice of India is the NALSA's Patron-in-Chief, according to the Legal Services Authority Act of 1987. The
President, in collaboration with the Chief Justice of India, appoints an active or retired Supreme Court Judge as
Executive Chairman.
As per convention, the post of Executive Chairman of NALSA is occupied by the second senior judge of the Supreme
Court. It was previously held by current Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
Justice Kaul is the senior most judge after CJI. He is former Chief Justice of Madras High Court and Punjab and Haryana
High Court. He is also a former judge of Delhi High Court, where he also served as an acting Chief Justice.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/president-nominates-justice-sanjay-kishan-kaul-of-supreme-court-as-
executive-chairman-of-nalsa
4.
The Court said that a promise made by the accused to a married woman that he would marry her, is a promise which is
not enforceable under law and, therefore, rape under Section 376 of IPC will not be attracted.
The Kerala High Court recently held that consensual sex with a married woman on the basis of false promise of marriage
will not amount to rape since such promise is not enforceable under law [Tino Thankachan v State of Kerala].
Justice Kauser Edappagath reiterated his previous decision that the promise alleged to have been made by the accused
to a married woman that he would marry her, is a promise which is not enforceable under law and, therefore, the offence
of rape under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) will not be attracted.
“It is a case where the victim who is a married woman voluntarily had sex with her lover. She knew pretty well
that she cannot enter into a lawful marriage with the petitioner, in as much as she is a married woman.
Recently this Court in XXX Vs. State of Kerala [2022 KHC 296] has held that the promise alleged to have been
made by the accused to a married woman that he could marry her is a promise which is not enforceable in law.
Such an unenforceable and illegal promise cannot be a basis for the prosecution under Section 376 of IPC. Here,
no question of promise to marry arise, since, the victim is a married woman and she knew that legal marriage
with the petitioner was not possible under the law,” the order said
The Court was considering a petition filed by the accused to quash all the criminal proceedings pending against him for
offences under Sections 376 (punishment for rape), 417 (punishment for cheating), and 493 (cohabitation caused by a
man deceitfully inducing a belief of lawful marriage) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
According to the first information statement, both the accused and the victim, who are natives of India. had met through
Facebook in Australia. The said relationship developed into a love affair and they decided to marry. But the marriage
did not take place. In the meanwhile, on two occasions they had consensual sexual intercourse.
142
During the relevant period, the woman was still married though separated from her husband and divorce proceedings
were still going on.
The prosecution case was that the accused after giving a false promise of marriage, sexually assaulted the woman on
several occasions and, thereby, committed the offence of rape.
The Court noted that it was evident from the first information statement that the sexual intercourse was consensual in
nature. The woman consented to sex persuaded by the promise of marriage given by the petitioner.
“It is settled that if a man retracts his promise to marry a woman, consensual sex they had would not constitute an offense
of rape under Section 376 of IPC unless it is established that consent for such sexual act was obtained by him, by giving
false promise of marriage with no intention of being adhered to and that promise made was false to his knowledge,” the
order said
The Court noted that the basic ingredients of Section 376 of the IPC are not attracted since the woman knew that the
promise cannot be enforced since she was a married woman.
"An unenforceable and illegal promise cannot be a basis for the prosecution under Section 376 of IPC. Here, no question of
promise to marry arise, since, the victim is a married woman and she knew that legal marriage with the petitioner was not
possible under the law," the Court said.
The Court also held that and there was nothing on record to attract the ingredients of Sections 417 and 493 of the IPC.
Therefore, the Court quashed the case against the accused on the ground that a man’s promise to marry an already
married woman would not attract provisions of rape under Section 376.
The petitioner was represented by advocate Mahesh V Ramakrishnan. The respondent was represented by Public
Prosecutor Sangeetha Raj.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/consensual-sex-with-married-woman-on-promise-to-marry-her-wont-amount-
to-rape-kerala-hc
5.
The portal can be used only by Indian citizens to file RTI applications, first appeals and to make payment for fees, copying
charges, etc.
The Supreme Court on Thursday launched its online portal through which citizens can file applications under the Right
to Information Act (RTI Act) in relation to the apex court.
The portal can be accessed here.
On Tuesday this week, the Supreme Court had activated a test version of the online portal.
Before beginning to hear matters at 10:30 AM today, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud announced that the online
RTI portal would be active shortly.
"RTI Portal of Supreme Court is all ready and will be operating within 15 minutes...In case there are teething problems, we
will look at it and rectify it," he clarified.
The portal can be used only by Indian citizens to file RTI applications, first appeals and to make payment for fees,
copying charges, etc.
The applicant can pay the prescribed fee through internet banking, credit/debit card of Master/Visa or UPI.
The fee per RTI application is ₹10.
Until the launch of the portal, RTI applications in relation to the Supreme Court had to be filed physically.
Various public interest litigation (PILs) had been filed before the Supreme Court seeking an online RTI portal for the
Court.
During the hearing of one such plea last week, a Bench of CJI Chandrachud and Justice Hima Kohli had said that the
portal would be rolled out soon.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/supreme-court-launches-online-rti-portal-2
143
6.
The Court stated that although a minor's consent was immaterial, whether or not she consented to sexual intercourse was
a matter of evidence given that she voluntarily accompanied the accused.
The Bombay High Court recently granted bail to a 22-year-old man, arrested last year for allegedly raping a 15-year-old
girl [Faizan Wahid Baig vs The State of Maharashtra].
The Court granted relief to the accused after noting that the two were in a relationship and the survivor, though a minor,
was capable of understanding the consequences of her act.
The allegation against the applicant was that he took the survivor to his aunt's house and raped her before threatening
her not to disclose the event to anybody.
Justice Bharati Dangre observed that according to the survivor's statement, she voluntarily accompanied the applicant
to his aunt's place.
"Taking an overall view of the material compiled in the charge-sheet, it appears that the applicant though minor, was
capable of understanding the consequences of her act and she voluntarily accompanied the applicant to her aunt’s
place," the Court held.
The Court stated that although her consent was immaterial given that she was a minor, in a case where she voluntary
accompanied the applicant and admitted that she was in love with him, whether or not she consented to sexual
intercourse would be a matter of evidence.
"Till what point of time, she accompanied the applicant and whether she resisted the actual physical indulgence, when
according to her, the applicant forcibly committed sexual intercourse with her against her wishes, will have to be
determined," it added.
Further, the Court stated that the time gap between the incident and when it was disclosed by the girl to her family was
crucial as it was open to her to disclose it to the applicant's aunt, who she met right after the incident.
"The time gap between these two events is also crucial as it was always open for the prosecutrix to disclose the aunt about
the forcible act if it was committed in her house, but she continued to remain silent and disclosed the incident only when
an objection was taken for she establishing contact with the applicant," the Court recorded.
Further, the Court stated that the possibility of the young boy being smitten by infatuation could not be ruled out and
though he may take the consequences of the accusations levelled against him, further incarceration was not necessary.
"This is however, subject to the stipulation that he shall, in no way establish contact with the prosecutrix and shall move
himself along with the family from the area where the prosecutrix is residing and shall not enter in no way make any
attempt to establish contact with him, either physically or virtually," the Court made it clear.
Therefore, the Court directed the applicant to be released on bail on furnishing a PR bond to the extent of ₹25,000 with
one or two sureties of the like amount.
https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/bombay-high-court-grants-bail-pocso-accused-minor-girl-capable-
understanding-consequences-act
144
LEGAL CROSSWORD
COMPLETE THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE BELOW
145
CROSSWORD ANSWER KEY
1. Ballot 5. Forfeiture 9. Exculpate 13. Pardon 17. Malice
2. Certiorari 6. Implicate 10. Bestiality 14. Hearsay 18. Cognate
3. Clemency 7. Affidavit 11. Injunction 15. Deceit 19. Amenable
4. Consummate 8. Cannibalism 12. Adjudicate 16. Easement 20. Executor
146

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026e3d5b039d7-THE CLAT POST 2022 November

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1. Broadcasting Only Through Prasar Bharati And Trai 4

2. Agni Prime And Other Active Missiles Of India 6

Indian Currency Design Mechanism, Internationalisation Of Rupee, Evolution Of Coinage

6. Ganga Utsav 2022 17

7. Self-Employed Women’s Association (Sewa) 18

8. Nutrient Based Subsidy Rates Approved 20

9. Meeting Of The Sco Council Of Heads 21

10. Anti-Superstition Laws In India 23

11. First Amendment To The Indian Constitution 25

13. Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2022 32

14. No Money For Terror Conference 2022 34

16. Jharkhand Assembly Reservation Bills 39

17. India’s First Sovereign Green Bonds Framework 41

18. Law Commission Of India 42

19. Pay Parity In Cricket 44

20. 19th Asean-India Summit 45

21. Current Affairs Practice Sheet (CAPS) 47

24. Science & Technology 85

25. Appointmens & Resignations 86

26. Awards & Recognition 91

28. Important Days 99

29. Obitury 106

30. Ranking 108

31. Sports 112

32. Summit's & MoU's 119

33. Banking And Economy 125

BROADCASTING ONLY THROUGH PRASAR BHARATI AND TRAI

About TRAI’s Recommendation and its Significance

Prasar Bharti’s Independence

About Prasar Bharti

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

AGNI PRIME AND OTHER ACTIVE MISSILES OF INDIA

About Agni Prime

About Integrated Guided Missile Development Program

Types of Name of the Type of Missile Operational Speed

Air-to-air MICA Air-to-Air Missiles 500 m to 80 Mach 4

Astra Missile Air-to-Air Missiles 80-110 km Mach 4.5 +

Trishul Short-Range 9 km There were problems

Akash Missile Medium-range Akash -1S (18 Mach 2.5 to 3.5

Barak 8 Long-Range 100 km Mach 2

Prithvi Air Defence exo-atmospheric 2000 km Mach 8

Surface-to- Agni-I Medium-range 700-1250 km Mach 7.5

Agni-II Intermediate- 2,000–3,000 Mach 12

Agni-III Intermediate- Around 5–6 km/s

Agni-IV Intermediate- Around Mach 7

Agni-V Intercontinental Around Mach 24

Prithvi II Short-Range 350 km –

Dhanush Short-Range 350 – 600 km –

Shaurya Medium-Range 750 to 1,900 –

Prahaar Short-Range 150 km –

Cruise Missiles BrahMos Supersonic cruise 290 km Mach 2.8 to 3 Mach

BrahMos II Hypersonic cruise 450 – 600 Mach 7

Nirbhay Subsonic cruise 1,000 – 1500 Mach 0.8

Ballistic Missile Prithvi Air Defence Exo-atmospheric Altitude – 80 Mach 5+

Advanced Air Endoatmospheric Altitude – 30

K-5 Ballistic Missile Around

Amogha Anti-Tank Guided 2.8 km

Helina Anti-Tank Guided 7 – 10 km

6. India successfully test-fired 'Agni Prime' - a new (b) Vikram Sarabhai

ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS

What is the Ethiopia-Tigray Issue?

Why did Abiy Won the Nobel Peace Prize?

Geographical Importance of Ethiopia