Latest Current Affairs For November, 2022

Ministry of Rural Development launched ‘Nai Chetna’ Gender Campaign

‘Nai Chetna’ campaign was launched by the Ministry of Rural Development and involves sensitizing women, especially in rural areas.

Aim: To enable women to acknowledge, prepare, and take support in situations of comprise.

This campaign was launched on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women on 25th November 2022.

The campaign also aims to raise awareness about the institutional mechanisms available for women to fight gender-based violence.

KVIC Chairman inaugurates the ambitious Re-Hab Project

KVIC Chairman, Manoj Kumar has inaugurated the ambitious Re-Hab Project (Reducing Human Attacks using Honey Bees) by Khadi and Village Industries Commission at village Chausla, District Nainital.

He has also distributed 330 Bee-boxes, bee-colonies and toolkits along with the honey extractors to the rural beneficiaries in Chausla village, free of cost.

As a new initiative, the Re-Hab project will be run by KVIC at selected locations for a period of one year.

Power Ministry launches scheme for procurement of aggregate power

Ministry of Power has launched a scheme for procurement of aggregate power of 4500 MW for five years under SHAKTI Policy.

Aim: To help states that are facing power shortage and help generation plants to increase their capacities.

PFC Consulting Limited has been designated as the nodal agency.

Under the scheme, PFC Consulting Ltd has invited bids for the supply of 4,500 MW.

Supply of electricity will commence from April 2023. 

Tamil Nadu CM inaugurates SIPCOT industrial park

Tamil Nadu CM, M K Stalin has inaugurated the SIPCOT Industrial Park at Eraiyur in Perambalur district, Tamil Nadu.

He has also laid the foundation stone for the Phoenix Kothari Footwear Park.

SIPCOT (State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited) industrial park in the industrially backward district of Perambalur.

The park established on 243.49 acre in Eraiyur on the Chennai-Tiruchy national highway.

7th Global Technology Summit organised in New Delhi

The 7th Global Technology Summit has been organised from 29th Nov - 1st Dec 2022 in New Delhi in a hybrid format.

This summit is India’s annual flagship event on Geotechnology and is co-hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs and Carnegie India.

2022 theme: Geopolitics of Technology

Ministers and senior government officials from the US, Singapore, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil, Bhutan, the European Union, and other countries has participated in the Summit.

India-Malaysia joint military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2022 begins

A joint military exercise between India-Malaysia, Harimau Shakti-2022 has been started at Pulai Klang in Malaysia.

The military exercise will culminate on the 12th December 2022.

Aim: To enhance the defence cooperation between Indian Army and the Malaysian Army.

The combat troops of the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and the Royal Malay Regiment of the Malaysian Army participated in the exercise.

It is an annual training event has been conducted since 2012.

Ministry of Health awarded at 41st IITF 2022

The pavilion of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has won the Outstanding Contribution towards Public Communication and Outreach award at 41st India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2022 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

2022 theme of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: Heal in India, Heal by India.

The Health Pavilion has showcased various initiatives, schemes and achievements of the Union Health Ministry.

IITF 2022 Theme: Vocal for Local, Local to Global. 

Madras Boat Club women won 2022 Adyar trophy

The Madras Boat Club (women) has clinched the Adyar trophy at the 81st Annual Madras-Colombo Rowing Regatta at Colombo, Sri Lanka.

While, The Colombo Rowing Club (men) has lifted the Deepam trophy at the event.

The first-ever Madras-Colombo Regatta was held in 1898 and is considered to be the second oldest sporting event next only to Oxford - Cambridge Regatta.

The two rowing clubs, the Madras Boat Club and the Colombo Rowing Club organise the regatta alternately.

R.K Singh inaugurates Mobile Health Clinics 'Doctor Apke Dwar'

R.K. Singh (Minister of Power) has inaugurated REC’s CSR initiative for procurement, operation and maintenance of ten Mobile Health Clinics (MHC) at Bhojpur, Bihar.

Total cost of project: Rs. 12.68 crore. 

Out of 10 MHCs, three are exclusively for women, that will provide door-step primary health care service to the underprivileged population across all 14 blocks of Bhojpur, Bihar.

Each MHC will organize over 20 camps per month and check 50-70 patients every day.

Iranian film ‘Nargesi’ wins ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 53

Nargesi (Iranian film), Directed by Payam Eskandari has won the ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal at the 53rd edition of IFFI.

This award conferred to a film that best reflects Mahatma Gandhi's ideals of peace, tolerance and non-violence.

Other awards:

Indian Film Personality of the Year – Chiranjeevi. 

Best Film (Golden Peacock)- I Have Electric Dreams. 

Best Actor (Female)- Daniela Marin Navarro (for I Have Electric Dreams). 

Best Actor (Male)- Vahid Mobasheri (for No End). 

India’s first private launchpad set up by AgniKul Cosmos at Sriharikota

AgniKul Cosmos (space-tech startup) has set up India's first private launchpad and mission control centre at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

The launchpad is designed and operated by AgniKul.

It has incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras, plans to guide and control its upcoming launches from this facility.

In its first launch, a two-stage launch vehicle, ‘Agnibaan’ is intended to carry a payload of up to 100 kg to around 700 km altitude.

PT Usha set to become first woman President of IOA

The legendary PT Usha is set to become the first woman President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) as she emerged as the lone candidate for the top post for the December 10 elections.

She is a multiple Asian Games gold medallist and a fourth-place finisher at the 1984 Olympics 400m hurdles final.

Usha will also become the first Olympian and first international medallist to head the IOA in its 95-year-old history.

International award on behalf of snow leopard conservation alliance

Indian snow leopard experts, Charudutt Mishra and Koustubh Sharma, along with Chyngyz Kochorov (Kyrgyzstan) have received the Madrid-based BBVA Foundation’s Worldwide Biodiversity Conservation Award on behalf GSLEP.

The Global Snow Leopard Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP) is a 12-nation intergovernmental alliance.

12 countries: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. 

S&P cuts India's growth forecast to 7% for FY23

S&P Global Ratings has slashed the economic growth forecast of India for current fiscal year (FY23) to 7% and 6% in the next fiscal year.

The firm has also announced that the domestic demand-led economy will be less impacted by the global slowdown.

S&P had in September (2022) projected the Indian economy to grow 7.3 per cent in 2022-23 and 6.5 per cent in next fiscal year (2023-24).

It projected inflation to average 6.8% in the current fiscal year.

Avani Lekhara receives 2022 Para Sports Person of Year award

Avani Lekhara has been awarded the 2022 Para Sports Person of the Year, while Shrey Kadyan was recognized as the Special Sportsperson of the Year at the Turf 2022 and India Sports Awards of FICCI.

Former Ranji cricketer, Sarkar Talwar has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement of the Year award.

Odisha was recognized as the best state for promoting sports.

The All India Chess Federation won the National Sports Federation of the Year Award.

FSSAI approves Yak as a ‘food animal’

The Food Safety and Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the Himalayan Yak as a ‘food animal’.

Reason: To help check decline in the population of the high-altitude bovine animal.

Food Animals are those that are raised and used for food production or consumption by humans.

The decision comes after the latest census (2019), showed that India has 58,000 yaks.

This was around 25% drop from the last livestock census carried out in 2012.

Prasar Bharati hosting ABU General Assembly 2022 in New Delhi

Prasar Bharati (India’s Public Service Broadcaster) is hosting the 59th Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) General Assembly 2022.

The conference was started in New Delhi on 25th November and will continue till 30th November 2022.

2022 Theme: Serving the People: Media’s Role in Times of Crisis.

The event coincides with Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to mark the 75th year of the India’s Independence.

ABU HQ: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 

Prasar Bharati CEO: Gaurav Dwivedi. 

Clean-a-thon organised at Miramar beach, Goa

The Clean-a-thon has been organized at the Miramar Beach, Goa.

The event is a collaborative effort by Government of Goa, IFFI, Divyaj Foundation and Bhamla Foundation.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur and Goa CM, Pramod Sawant will be flagging off the clean up drive.

Aim: To make the entire coastline of Goa pristine again.

This clean up mission is a reflection of PM Modi’s vision and mission “Swachch Sagar, Surakshit Sagar”. 

Bihar CM launches Har Ghar Gangajal project in Rajgir

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar has launched the Har Ghar Gangajal project in Rajgir with an aim to provide Ganga water on tap in the parched areas of the state.

The scheme will help to harvest the excess water of the Ganga during the monsoon season.

The water will be stored in reservoirs in Rajgir and Gaya before being channelled to three treatment-and-purification plants.

This scheme is part of the Jal, Jeevan, Hariyali scheme of Bihar govt.

Bengaluru to host G20 Finance Ministers meeting in February 2023

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that Bengaluru will host a meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in February 2023.

She made announcement at the Vananam Startup Inclusivity Summit in Bengaluru.

She has also encouraged the Start ups to utilise this event to showcase their profile to the visiting international guests.

Different cities in India have been selected to host G-20-related meetings in 2023.

Indian and Australian Army begins bilateral exercise “AUSTRA HIND 22”

The bilateral training exercise between Indian and Australian Army, “AUSTRA HIND 22” has started at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on 28th Nov and will continue till 11th Dec 2022.

It is the first exercise in the series of AUSTRA HIND with participation of all arms and services contingent.

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.

FDI equity inflows dip 14% during April-September to $26.9 bn

As per the data of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) equity inflows into India has been declined by 14% to $26.9 billion during the April-September 2022.

Singapore emerged as the top investor with USD 10 billion FDI.

It was followed by Mauritius (USD 3.32 billion), UAE (USD 2.95 billion), USA (USD 2.6 billion), the Netherlands (USD 1.76 billion), and Japan (USD 1.18 billion).

Ravi Kumar Sagar conferred with the prestigious Dr. Kalam Seva Puraskar

Ravi Kumar Sagar (22), one of the youngest founders and CEO of RK'S INNO group was conferred with the most prestigious Dr. Abdul Kalam Seva Puraskar.

Reason: For his persistent service to society

Dr. Kalam Seva Purasakar is hosted every year by Vandhe Bharat Foundation and LeadIndia Foundation.

The award is conferred on the birth anniversary of Dr. Kalam for recognizing various people who have been doing extraordinary work for society.

Canara Bank launches Electronic Bank Guarantee with NeSL

Canara Bank has launched an Electronic Bank Guarantee (e-BG) in partnership with National E-Governance Services Limited (NeSL).

With this, bank can offers an API based digital workflow of Bank guarantees.

It will eliminate physical issuance, stamping, verification and paper-based record maintenance of Bank Guarantees paving the way to augment integration of Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) framework into Business.

Canara Bank CEO: Lingam Venkat Prabhakar

IDFC First Bank launches sticker-based debit card

IDFC First Bank has launched a sticker-based debit card named FIRSTAP.

It was launched in association with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Aim: To facilitate transactions by simply tapping the sticker on a Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled point-of-sale terminal.

The sticker-based debit card is one third the size of a regular debit card.

This card comes with a complimentary personal accidental cover and 24/7 concierge services.

Odisha launches Anemia eradication programme ‘AMLAN’

Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik has launched AMLAN- ‘Anemia Mukta Lakhya Abhiyan’ programme.

Aim: To ensure complete eradication of anemia problem among women and children. 

The programme will be implemented with joint efforts of departments including Health and Family Welfare, School and Mass Education, Women and Child Development, Mission Shakti and ST and SC Development Department.

The state has formulated a multi-pronged approach for accelerated reduction of anaemia.

International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women 2022

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women has been observed every year on November 25 to pay tribute to the Mirabal sisters, the Dominican Republic activists who were murdered at the order of Rafael Trujilllo in 1960.

2022 theme: UNITE! Activism to End Violence against Women & Girls. 

On 7 February 2000, the General Assembly has adopted the resolution 54/134 to officially designate 25 November as day for Elimination of Violence against Women. 

India's unemployment rate eases to 7.2% in July-September 2022

As per the NSO 16th Periodic Labour Force Survey, unemployment rate of India for people aged 15 years and above in urban areas has been relaxed to 7.2% in the fiscal second quarter (July - Sep 2022) from 9.8%.

Indication: Sustained economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.

The survey also showed that the unemployment rate among females (aged 15 years and above) in urban areas slowed to 9.4% and among males in urban areas eased to 6.6% (July-September).

13th bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr-2022

The 13th edition of bilateral exercise between the Indian navy and the Royal Oman navy, Naseem Al Bahr-2022 was organised on the coast of Oman.

The exercise was conducted from 19 to 24 Nov 22.

The exercise organised in three phases: harbour phase, sea phase and debrief.

The Indian Navy’s guided missile stealth frigate, INS Trikand, offshore patrol vessel, INS Sumitra, and Maritime Patrol Aircraft, (MPA) Dornier were participated in the exercise.

IAF to conduct Joint HADR Exercise 'Samanvay 2022'

Indian Air Force has conducted the annual Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise 'Samanvay 2022' from 28th-30th November 2022 at Air Force Station Agra.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of institutional Disaster Management structures and contingency measures.

The exercise will also see participation by representatives from the ASEAN countries.

Rajnath Singh will be Chief Guest for the Capability Demonstration events on 29th Nov 2022.

India wins IEC Vice Presidency and SMB Chair for 2023-25

India has won the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25.

India has secured the 90% of votes cast by full members of IEC during its General Meeting in San Francisco, USA.

India’s Vimal Mahendru will be the IEC Vice President representing India.

IEC: International standard-setting body, that publishes international Standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies.

The book ‘India: The Mother of Democracy’ launched by Dharmendra Pradhan

Dharmendra Pradhan (Union Education & Skill Development Minister) has released the new book title, ‘India: The Mother of Democracy’.

The book was published by Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).

The event was also attended by Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, (Chairperson, ICHR) and Prof. Umesh Ashok Kadam (Member Secretary, ICHR).

The book is an attempt to showcase the democratic ethos ingrained in India since the dawn of civilisation.

India’s proposal to protect Leith’s softshell turtle adopted in Panama

India's proposal to strengthen the protection of Leith’s Soft-shelled Turtle has been adopted by the Conference of Parties to CITES in its 19th Meeting at Panama.

Proposal: Transferring Leith’s Softshell Turtle from Appendix II to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora. 

Reason: To ensure that legal international trade in the species does not take place for commercial purposes.

Status: Critically Endangered by IUCN

Anwar Ibrahim sworn in as new Prime Minister of Malaysia

Anwar Ibrahim(75) has been sworn-in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, by King Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah at the palace in Kuala Lumpur.

Neither Anwar nor ex-premier Muhyiddin Yassin had won the simple majority (112 seats) needed to form a government.

Anwar started his political career as a student leader before joining United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), where he rose to become deputy PM and finance minister.

Malaysia currency: Malaysian ringgit 

BillBox unveils contactless wearable payment solution

BillBox has launched TapTap, a wearable device that enables contactless payments.

This card was launched in association with NSDL Payments Bank and Visa.

Aim: To simplify payments and offer users convenience.

It has been launched with silicon band, silicon strap and silicon loop which will be available in white, black and blue colours. 

MD & Group CEO of BillBox: Viraj Majmudar

NSDL Payments Bank MD & CEO - Abhijit Kamalapurkar; Headquarters - Mumbai, Maharashtra. 

Army Red Team wins 72nd Inter Services Volleyball Championship 2022-23

The Army Red Team has won the 72nd Inter Services Volleyball Championship 2022-23 title, after defeating the Army Green.

The closing ceremony of the Championship was conducted at Eagles Indoor Volleyball Stadium in Secunderabad.

The event provided an opportunity to outstanding sportsmen for getting selected to the Services Volleyball team.

The trophy was presented by Telangana and Andhra Sub Area officiating GoC, Brigadier K Somashankar.

Delhi University launches Financial Support Scheme

The Delhi University has launched a Financial Support Scheme (FSS) for those students who come from an economically weaker background and have enrolled in full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university.

Eligibility criteria:

Category 1: Students whose family annual income is less than Rs 4 lakh will get up to 100% of fee relaxation.

Category 2: Candidates whose family income is between Rs 4 and 8 lakh will get a fee waiver of 50%. 

NIIT Chairman, Rajendra Pawar awarded Lifetime Achievement Award by FICCI

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) has honoured Rajendra Singh Pawar (Chairman & Founder, NIIT) with 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award 2022.

The award ceremony held at the 8th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards in New Delhi.

Reason: For his contribution and exemplary work in the field of education as well as creating the IT Training industry.

FICCI:

President: Sanjiv Mehta

Founded: 1927

Headquarters: New Delhi

Former minister Golak Naik passes away

Former Minister, Golak Bihari Naik has been passed away at the age of 65.

He started his political career with BJP and later joined the Biju Janata Dal.

He was elected to Odisha Assembly thrice, twice as BJP candidate from Khunta and once as BJD nominee from Udala constituency.

He served as a minister in the Naveen Patnaik-led government from 2000 to 2009.

He had served as minister of the Textiles, Fisheries and Animal Resources in the BJD-BJP coalition government.

DPIIT launches startup applications for registration on MAARG portal

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has launched startup applications for registration on the MAARG portal.

Purpose: To provide further boost the startup ecosystem by catalysing the startup culture and building a strong and inclusive ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship in India.

The MAARG is  National Mentorship Platform by Startup India.

MAARG portal refers to Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience and Growth.

JNPA inaugurates Continuous Marine Water Quality Monitoring Station

Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and Department of Civil Engineering (IIT Madras) have developed a Continuous Marine Water Quality Monitoring Station (CMWQMS) and launched Electric Environmental Monitoring Vehicle (EV).

The monitor station and vehicle were inaugurated by Chairman of JNPA, Sanjay Sethi.

Aim: To assist in managing the marine water and air quality in the port area.

With this, JNPA will be able to reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of vehicles.

Credit-deposit ratio of Northern and Western regions declined in 2022

As per the recent RBI data, the Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio of the Northern and Western Regions have been declined in 2022.

While the North-Eastern, Eastern, Central and Southern Regions improved.

CD ratio indicates that how much of each rupee of deposit goes towards credit markets in a particular region.

Low CD ratio: It suggests relatively poor credit growth compared with deposit growth.

High CD ratio: Strong demand for credit, relatively slower deposit growth.

Balances under SDF to be included in Liquidity Coverage Ratio

As per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the overnight balances under the standing deposit facility (SDF) will be eligible as ‘Level 1 High Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA)’ for computation of the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR).

Reason: To enhance the ability of banks to achieve LCR.

LCR promotes short-term resilience of banks to potential liquidity disruptions.

It also ensures that banks have sufficient HQLAs to survive an acute stress scenario lasting for 30 days.

India successfully test-fires intermediate range ballistic Agni-3 missile

India has successfully launched an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile, Agni-3 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

It is a routine user training launch, carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.

Agni series missiles: Agni-1 (700km), Agni-2 (2,000km), Agni-3 (3,000 km), Agni-4 (4,000 km) and Agni -5 (longest striking range of 5,000 km).

With Agni and BrahMos (tactical cruise missile), India can easily take care of targets between 30 to 5,000 kms.

Sports ministry announced 2021 Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Awards

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the 2021 Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and will be awarded on 30th November 2022.

The National Selection Committee was constituted under the chairpersonship of Secretary (Youth Affairs).

Winners: Naina Dhakad (Land Adventure category); Shubham Dhananjay Vanmali (Water Adventure), and Group Captain Kunwar Bhawani Singh Samyal (Life Time Achievement). 

Award: Statuettes, certificates and Rs. 15 lakh each. 

8th joint military EX GARUDA SHAKTI organised in Karawang, Indonesia

The eighth edition of joint military exercise between India and Indonesia, "Garuda Shakti" has been organised in Sangga Buana Training Area, Karawang, Indonesia.

The exercise was commenced on 21 November 2022.

Aim: To enhance understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the Special Forces of both armies. 

It also focus on a high degree of physical fitness, tactical drills, and techniques.

Chief of Indian Army: General Manoj Pande

ISRO conducts 200th consecutive launch Of 'RH-200' sounding rocket

ISRO has conducted the 200th consecutive successful launch of RH200 (sounding rocket) from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, Thiruvananthapuram.

Sounding Rockets: It is used for the scientific community for carrying out experiments on meteorology, astronomy and similar branches of space physics.

RH-200: It is a two-stage rocket capable of climbing to a height of 70 km bearing scientific payloads.

The ‘200’ in the name denotes the diameter of the rocket in mm.

Karnataka tops the Grid Interactive Renewable Power Capacity list

According to the seventh edition of RBI statistical publication titled ‘Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2021-22’, Karnataka has topped the total installed capacity of grid-interactive renewable power of all the states of the country.

The state had a total installed capacity of 15,463 megawatts (mw).

TN (15,225 mw) placed second, followed by Gujarat (13,153 mw),  Maharashtra (10,267 mw).

In this edition, two new sections health and environment are introduced.

Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong gets UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize for 2022

The 2022 Edition of UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize has been given to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong from Cameroon.

She is a President of the NGOs #Afrogiveness and Positive Youths Africa.

Reason: For the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence.

The Prize is named after its benefactor, former Indian artist, writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh (1924-2013) who was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.

This award is awarded every two years to individuals.

Prize money: US$ 100,000

14th Dalai Lama receives 2022 Gandhi Mandela Award

The 14th Dalai Lama was conferred the Gandhi Mandela Award 2022 at Thekchen Choeling McleodGanj, in Dharamshala.

The award was presented by Himachal Pradesh governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.

The Tibetan spiritual leader is the recipient of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize.

Gandhi Mandela Award:

It has constituted an international prize, the Gandhi Mandela Award.

The foundation instituted the award on the 150th birth anniversary of MK Gandhi.

Sarbananda Sonowal launches Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the India’s first National Centre of Excellence for Green Port & Shipping (NCoEGPS).

The announcement was made by minister at the recently concluded “INMARCO 2022” in Mumbai.

Aim: To develop a regulatory framework and alternate technology adoption road map for Green Shipping to foster carbon neutrality and circular economy (CE) in shipping sector in India.

21st World Congress of Accountants held in Mumbai

ICAI has hosted the 21st World Congress of Accountants 2022 from November 18-21, 2022 at Jio World Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

The 4-day event was inaugurated by Om Birla (Speaker of Lok Sabha) and attended by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. 

Theme 2022: “Building Trust Enabling Sustainability”. 

WOCA has been organised in every four years since 2002. 

WCOA has been held under the auspices of the International Federation of Accountants. 

Goldman Sachs reduces India's GDP growth to 5.9% in 2023

As per the Goldman Sachs, the economic growth forecast of India has been reduced to 5.9% in 2023, from an estimated 6.9% growth in 2022.

Reason: As the boost from the post-COVID reopening fades and monetary tightening weighs on domestic demand.

Goldman Sachs has also expected that inflation will drop to 6.1% in 2023, from 6.8% in 2022.

Recently, RBI has also pegged the domestic growth rate at 7% for 2022-23.

India economist at Goldman Sachs: Santanu Sengupta

Rasna’s founder Areez Khambatta passes away

Founder and chairman of Rasna group, Areez Khambatta has been passed away at the age of 85 due to cardiac arrest in Ahmedabad.

Khambatta had established the popular orange-flavoured beverage brand in 1976.

He was awarded the President of India’s Home Guard and Civil Defence Medal, as well as the Paschimi Star, Samarseva, and Sangram Medals.

He was honoured with the National Citizen’s Award for his outstanding contribution in the field of commerce.

India's Jindal wins Botswana coal-fired power plant project

India's steel, mining, and infrastructure company, Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL) has won the tender to build a 300-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Botswana.

It is the only fossil fuel-based power plant the Southern African country plans to procure in the next 20 years.

Under the project, Jindal will finance the plant and recouping its investments from selling electricity to the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).

UN climate summit adopts 'loss and damage' fund

The UN's COP27 climate summit has approved the creation of a special fund, "loss and damage fund".

Reason: To cover the damages suffered by vulnerable nations battered by the impacts of global warming.

The expected monetary compensation from the L&D fund is estimated to be nearly $500 billion and rising by $200 billion annually.

The committee will provide recommendations on few subjects at the COP28, which is set to be held in UAE in 2023.

Crisil cuts FY23 GDP growth forecast to 7%

Rating agency, Crisil has reduced the India growth forecast for the current fiscal from 7.3% to 7%.

Reason: The slowdown in global growth and its impact on India’s exports and industrial activity.

As per the Crisil, the growth of country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will slow considerably to 6% (FY24) from 6.5%.

The revised forecast for the current fiscal includes Q2GDP growth expectation of 6.5% against 13.5% in Q1, and just 4.5% GDP expansion in the second half.

India, EU sign pact on climate, quantum tech

India and EU have signed a pact for cooperation in high-performance computing in areas of bio-molecular medicines, Covid therapeutics, mitigating climate change and predicting natural disasters.

The agreement was signed by Alkesh Kumar Sharma (MeitY secretary) and Roberto Viola (DG, Directorate General of Communication, Networks, Content and Technology).

It allows the two sides to explore the frontiers of quantum technologies jointly.

South Western Command conducts “SHATRUNASH’’ in Rajasthan

South Western Command of the Indian Army has organised Integrated Fire Power Exercise named “SHATRUNASH’’ at MFFR in Thar desert, Rajasthan.

During the exercise, Indian army has used multi farious firing platforms in an integrated manner involving both ground & aerial manoeuvres.

Various actions included ion of troops, offensive ground actions involving comprehensive coordination incorporating contemporary technologies in a multi domain environment. 

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wins Presidential election of Kazakhstan

President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (69) has secured a second term in snap presidential election after winning 81.31% of the vote.

He came to power in 2019, before that, he has served as acting president after the resignation of president, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

During his tenure, he had changed the name of capital from Nur-Sultan (2019) back to Astana.

He has also approved a constitutional amendment to increase the presidential term from five years to seven.

Veteran actress, Tabassum Govil passes away

Veteran actress Tabassum Govil, who was popularly known as Baby Tabassum has been passed away at the age of 78 due to a cardiac arrest.

She started her career as a child artist in 1947 with Nargis.

The actress later starred in films like Jogan, Deedar, Bahar, Bari Behen and more.

Her last movie was Swarg, which released in 1990.

She was best known for hosting Phool Khile Hain Gulshan Gulshan - India's first talk show.

A book ‘Nalanada – Until we meet again’ launched by Ruskin Bond

A new book titled, ‘Nalanada – Until we meet again’ has been launched by legendary writer Ruskin Bond.

The book was written by Gautaam Borah, who is also the author of the widely acclaimed book ‘Monetising Innovation’.

The book is a gripping story of romance, vengeance, and an age-old mystery.

Ruskin Bond books: The Room on the Roof (first novel); Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra; A Flight of Pigeons; The Blue Umbrella

Odisha CM announces Chief Minister’s award, scholarship

Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik has announced “Mukhyamantri Siksha Purashkar Yojna”, an award and scholarship programme.

Aim: To encourage healthy competition between different state schools and to recognise excellence in education.

The award will be given to 50,000 (students), 1,500 (Principals, school management committees, alumni, Gram Panchayats and district administrations).

This programme will cost Rs 100 crore per year.

Former Indian ambassador Abasara Beuria passes away

Former Indian ambassador, Abasar Beuria has been passed away at the age of 80.

He started his career as a lecturer and then as a bank officer before joining IFS.

He served as the chairman of the Institute of Odia Studies & Research (IOSR).

He was involved as a member of the Indian delegation in bilateral and multilateral international talks including the Non-Alignment Summit, Commonwealth Heads of Governments Conference, and G-77 Conventions.

India to take over Chair of Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence

India has assumed the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) from France on 21st November 2022.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar (Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology) has represented the country at the GPAI meeting in Tokyo for the symbolic takeover from France.

GPAI is an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and the use of AI.

India joined the GPAI in 2020 as a founding member.

NCPCR launches training module for Child Welfare Committees

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has launched a training module for Child Welfare Committees (CWC).

Aim: To enhance knowledge and skills improvement of its members to deliver effective and timely service for protection and rehabilitation of children.

The module is a 15-day programme for training CWCs. 

NCPCR has also launched the ‘GHAR –GO Home and Re-Unite’ portal for Restoration and Repatriation of Child.

Anamalai Tiger Reserve launches ‘jumbo trails’ in Coimbatore

The Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) has launched ‘jumbo trails', with the aim to educate visitors to the tiger reserve about elephants, the flora, and fauna of ATR and the aboriginal tribes. 

The tourists will be taken from Sethumadai to Kozhikamuthi elephant camp. 

The programme is organised by the Advanced Wildlife Management Training Centre (Attakatti) and implemented by Keelpoonachi Eco Development Committee. 

The income from the initiative will be used to help tribal people. 

Tata Power Solar Systems ties up with Union Bank of India

Tata Power Solar Systems Limited (TPSSL) has tied up with Union Bank of India (UBI) to help MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) sector switch to solar solutions.

TPSSL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL).

Objective: To improve access to green energy and save on the cost of electricity, thus making MSMEs more profitable.

The association will be implemented under UBI’s solar scheme called ‘Union Solar’.

Novak Djokovic clinches men's single 2022 ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) has secured the men's single ATP Finals (2022) title, after defeating Norway’s Casper Ruud.

Djokovic has defeated his opponent by 7-5, 6-3 in summit clash.

He has now equalled the record of Swiss legend Roger Federer, who has six ATP title wins.

He has won ATP finals in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2022 (Turin, Italy).

Doubles:  Rajeev Ram (United States) and Joe Salisbury (United Kingdom). 

Khalid Jawed’s 'The Paradise of Food' wins 2022 JCB Prize for Literature

The book titled "The Paradise of Food" authored by Khalid Jawed,  has been awarded the JCB Prize for Literature 2022.

It was translated into English from Urdu by Baran Farooqi and published by Juggernaut.

The literary work is the fourth translation and the first Urdu work to win the JCB Prize.

Award: Rs 25 lakh prize and the trophy (a sculpture titled ‘Mirror Melting’ by Delhi artist duo Thukral and Tagra).

First winner: Benyamin (2018)

India’s GDP is likely to grow at a growth rate of about 7% in 2022-23 according to a RBI report.

As per the RBI report, India’s GDP is expected to grow at a growth rate between 6.1% and 6.3% in the June-September quarter of the current fiscal.

In its report, RBI said that the Indian Economy has shown resilience to multiple shocks since early 2020. However, India is still sensitive to global headwinds.

RBI has released the seventh edition of its statistical publication titled “Handbook of Statistics on Indian States 2021-22”.

This seventh edition incorporates two new sections-Health and Environment. It also incorporates nine new tables.

Government has raised the maximum tenure of the Managing Director and other whole-time directors of PSU Banks to 10 years.

Finance Ministry issued a notification on 17 November to amend Nationalised Banks (Management and Miscellaneous Provisions) Scheme, 1970.

The maximum tenure of the Managing Director and other whole-time directors of PSBs has been raised from 5 years to 10 years, while the superannuation (retirement) age has been retained at 60.

Earlier, the maximum tenure of an MD or the executive director of a PSU bank was 5 years or until they reach 60, whichever was earlier.

Government appoints Managing Directors from Whole-time Directors (WTD) of public sector banks.

Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) recommends the names of Whole-time Directors (WTDs).

No Shave November is an initiative to raise cancer awareness.

No Shave November is an initiative that is brought up every year as the winter season approaches.

It is an initiative in which a person does not perform shaving/ grooming activities but allows them to grow with the aim of raising awareness about cancer.

For many years, no-shave November has been a tradition, but in 2009, the Chicago-based Hill family decided to reinvent the activity.

The motive behind this was to raise funds for the charity. Currently, Matthew Hill Foundation is working for the cause.

A similar initiative is “Movember”, which is based on men growing out their moustaches in November.

The movement gained momentum over time and began to address a variety of male health issues, such as prostate cancer, mental health issues, testicular cancer.

Movember has grown into a community where both men and women can take part. The men are called Mo Brothers and the women are called Mo Sisters.

About $12 million has been raised through the "No Shave November" initiative, and $87.9 million from "Movember", for cancer awareness, research, and prevention.

In India, various schemes were launched to fight cancer at the national level as well as at the state level as well.

National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) has been implemented up to the district level.

National Cancer Grid (NCG) was established which is a network comprising cancer centres, research institutes, patient groups and charitable organizations across the country.

NCG established the Koita Centre for Digital Oncology (KCDO) with an aim to promote the use of digital technologies and tools to improve cancer care across India in August 2022.

World Heritage Week 2022 will be celebrated from 19 to 25 November.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) will celebrate World Heritage Week at some famous sites in Aurangabad, Maharashtra from 19 November to 25 November.

During this period, an exhibition of old photographs and drawings will be held at Cave No. 13 of Ellora.

Classical dance performances will be held at Ellora, Daulatabad (Devagiri) Fort and Bibi Ka Maqbara on November 19, 20 and 25.

The Ajanta and Ellora caves are included in World Heritage sites, while other highly preserved monuments in the region include the Daulatabad (Devagiri) Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara, and the Aurangabad Caves.

Entry to Archaeological Survey of India monuments will be free for all on November 19 to mark the beginning of World Heritage Week.

World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on 18 April.

In 1972, UNESCO's member states adopted the World Heritage Convention.

This World Heritage Convention has been ratified by 191 State Parties, including India.

The Convention was officially ratified by India on November 14, 1977.

SEBI introduces new option for appointment, removal of Independent Director

SEBI has introduced a new option for appointment and removal of independent directors from the boards of companies.

Two parameters: (1) threshold for ordinary resolution, (2) threshold for majority of minority shareholders.

Currently, a special resolution to be passed, in which 75% of 'yes' votes are needed from a company's board.

Under the alternate mechanism, if the special resolution does not get the requisite majority, then two other thresholds would be tested.

Veteran Punjabi actor, Daljeet Kaur passes away

Daljeet Kaur, a veteran actor well-known for her lead roles in several superhit Punjabi movies, has been passed away at 69 due to brain tumour.

She started her career in movies with 'Daaz' in 1976.

She has starred in several hit movies, including 'Putt Jattan De' (1983), 'Mamla Garbar Hai' (1983), 'Ki Banu Duniya Da' (1986), 'Patola' (1988) and 'Saida Jogan' (1979).

Daljeet Kaur was also a national hockey and kabaddi player.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022: 18 - 24 November

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is observed every year from November 18 to 24.

Aim: To spread awareness about antibiotic or antimicrobial resistance.

Theme 2022: Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together

According to WHO, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines.

This day was first observed in 2015.

WHO HQ: Geneva, Switzerland; 

Chief: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

InsuranceDekho partners with LIC to offer latter's products

InsuranceDekho has teamed with Life Insurance Corp of India to provide the latter's products on its platform.

This partnership will help to provide insurance policies and establish 100% penetration in the remotest towns of the country.

Currently, InsuranceDekho has more than 330 products from 45 insurers on its platform.

LIC (India's largest life insurer) has been looking to enhance and diversify its distribution mix through partnerships and tie-ups.

Tripura CM launches ‘Amar Sarkar’ portal

Tripura chief minister, Manik Saha has launched a new portal, ‘Amar Sarkar’ with an aim to provide bridge between the people and the government.

The portal will help people to register their problems and complaints through village committee officials.

A total of 78 departments, including the panchayat department, has been included in the webportal.

Earlier, the state government had launched the ‘Har Ghar Sushasan’ initiative.

India becomes the world's second largest producer of steel

Minister of Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia has informed that India has become the second largest producer of steel at global scale.

The per capita steel consumption grew from 57.8 kilogram to 78 kilogram, with a registered growth of 50% in the last 8 years.

In case of installed capacity of steel, the country has moved from 100 million tonnes a year to almost 150 million tonnes.

China is the biggest steel producing country, which accounted for 57% of world steel production. 

4th Edition of Indian Chemicals Council Sustainability Conclave

Secretary Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Arun Baroka has inaugurated 4th Indian Chemicals Council (ICC) Sustainability Conclave in New Delhi.

Theme: Boardrooms to Community-ESG, Carbon Neutrality, Operational Safety, Greener Solutions. 

Aim: Promote sustainability in the management of the entire life cycle of chemicals.

It was jointly organized by UNEP,  International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) in cooperation with MoC&F and MoEF&CC.

Tamil Nadu introduces India’s first elephant death audit framework

Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has introduced, first of its kind initiative in India, an elephant death audit framework.

Reason: Detailed and transparent process for recording and monitoring elephant deaths.

The document also help to study the conditions of avoidable and unnatural deaths, while preparing developing preventative strategies.

It also specifies a methodical standard process for carrying out an autopsy to ascertain the causes of an elephant's demise.

Suraj Bhan appointed as chairman of NPS Trust

Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority (PFRDA) has appointed Suraj Bhan as the chairman of the National Pension System Trust (NPS Trust) with effect from November 12, 2022.

He has been a Trustee on the Board of NPS Trust since 2018.

He joined the Indian Economic Service in 1983 and retired as Director General of Labour Bureau, Chandigarh, in January 2018.

About PFRDA:

Founded: 23 August 2003

HQ: New Delhi

Chairperson: Supratim Bandyopadhyay

Michelle Obama's book 'The Light We Carry' released

Michelle Obama has released her new book titled, 'The Light We Carry' in November 2022.

This book is a collection of practices and perspectives to deal with challenging times.

The book will be published simultaneously in 14 languages and 27 countries around the world.

Her memoir, “Becoming” was one of the best-selling books of all time, that was released in 2018.

She served as first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

C V Ananda Bose appointed as Governor of West Bengal

Former IAS officer, C V Ananda Bose has been appointed as the Governor of West Bengal.

He is a 1977 batch (retired) Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Kerala cadre.

He has replaced Manipur Governor, La Ganesan, who had taken the additional charge of West Bengal since after the incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar was nominated as the vice president candidate.

He had worked as an administrator in the National Museum and district collector of Quilon district in Kerala.

Sandhya Devanathan appointed as head of Meta India

Meta has appointed Sandhya Devanathan as the Vice President and Head of Meta India.

She will take charge on January 1, 2023 and will report to Dan Neary (Vice President, Meta APAC).

She joined Meta in 2016 and build out the Singapore and Vietnam businesses and teams as well as Meta’s e-commerce initiatives in Southeast Asia.

Presently, she is working as Vice President - Asia-Pacific, Gaming at Meta.

Prior to this, she worked with Citibank and Standard Chartered.

Sharath Kamal becomes first Indian to elected in ITTF Athletes' Commission

Achanta Sharath Kamal (TT Player) has become the first Indian to be elected in the Athletes’ Commission of the International Table Tennis Federation.

He will serve in the Commission from 2022 to 2026.

Elected Athletes: Elizabeta Samara, Achanta Sharath Kamal, Daniely Rios, Omar Assar, Melissa Tapper, Stefan Fegerl, Jon Persson, and Liu Shiwen. 

Elected Para-Athletes: Ingela Lundback and Kelly van Zon

Sharath is also selected for 2022 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

US  imposes $1.4 mn fine on Air  India  over delay in refunds

The US Department of Transportation has fined Air India $1.4 million (around Rs 11.3 crore) for delaying refunds worth $121.5 million (around Rs 985 crore) to passengers whose flights were cancelled during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Air India is among the six airlines that were probed by the US government.

Totally, over $600 million in refunds were paid and $7.25 million penalties imposed against six airlines for “extreme delays in providing refunds”.

National Newborn Week 2022: 15 to 21 November

National Newborn Week is celebrated every year from 15 to 21 November to reinforce the importance of neonatal health as a priority area of the health sector.

Main causes of newborn death: Prematurity; Complications during birth; Severe infections; Causes of newborn deaths in India. 

This day is observed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) was launched in 2014, in response to global Every Newborn Action Plan (of WHO).

Max Life launches Smart Wealth Advantage Guarantee Plan

Max Life Insurance has launched Smart Wealth Advantage Guarantee Plan, a non-linked, non-participating individual life insurance savings plan. 

It offers guaranteed returns, life insurance cover and financial protection all combined in one product. 

Features:

One can choose premium payment term, deferment period and income duration.

Income returns up to 30-40 years with lump sum at maturity.

Inbuilt ‘Additional Accidental Death Benefit’- amount equal to 50% of sum assured

ESAF Bank gets top 'Best in Class' ESG Ratings

ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF SFB) was honoured with the 'Best in Class' rating for ESG practices from CareEdge Ratings.

ESG practices refers to Environment, Social, and Governance.

With this recognition, it has become an entity with global ESG standards.

ESAF is also the first Indian member bank of the Global Alliance on Banking on Values (GAVB).

About ESAF Small Finance Bank:

MD and CEO: Kadambelil Paul Thomas

HQ: Thrissur, Kerala

Global Skill Summit co-chaired by Dharmendra Pradhan and Piyush Goyal

The first virtual Global Skill Summit was co-chaired by Dharmendra Pradhan (Education Minister) and Piyush Goyal (Union Minister of Commerce and Industry).

The summit was jointly organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Ministry of Education (MoE) and Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).

Aim: To facilitate overseas mobility of the skilled workforce. 

IFSCA signs MoU with RBI for supervision of regulated entities

The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) has signed an MoU with RBI for collaboration in the field of regulation and supervision of regulated entities.

Aim: To strengthen the safety, stability and soundness of respective financial ecosystems.

It also aims to ensure the conducive environments for optimal business development and economic growth.

IFSCA is responsible for development and regulation of financial products, services and institutions. 

SBI and Germany's KfW sign agreement for solar projects

SBI has signed a 150 million euro (Rs 1,240 crore) loan agreement with the German development bank KfW for funding solar projects.

This loan will facilitate new and upcoming capacities in the solar sector and further contribute to the goals announced during the COP26.

India and Germany had signed an MoU in 2015 to foster solar energy through technical as well as financial cooperation.

This is the second loan from KFW to SBI as part of the solar partnership with India. 

A book title, 'The World: A Family History' authored Simon Sebag Montefiore

A book title, 'The World: A Family History', that was authored by Simon Sebag Montefiore, will be released on November 21.

The book will be published by Hachette India.

This book tells the story of humanity from prehistory to the present day.

Through this book, the author takes the readers on an epic journey through the families that have shaped the world, including the Caesars, Medicis, Incas, Ottomans, Mughals, Bonapartes.

Books: Stalin: The Court of The Red Tsar

National Epilepsy Day: 17 November

India has recognized National Epilepsy Day on 17th November annually to raise awareness about Epilepsy.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 2022 theme is “There is no NEAM without ME”.

November is observed as the Epilepsy Awareness Month to educate and aware people about the signs, symptoms and impact of this disease.

Epilepsy: A disease that affects the central nervous system of the brain. 

International Epilepsy Day: Second Monday of February

Government nominates Vivek Joshi as Director on RBI’s central board

The government has nominated Vivek Joshi as a Director of the central board of RBI, with effect from November 15, 2022, until further orders.

He is the secretary of the Department of Financial Services.

He has also served as joint secretary with the Department of Expenditure from 2014 to 2017, where he was responsible for formulation of public procurement policies for the Centre and appraisal of publicly funded projects and schemes.

Arunachal Pradesh launches drone-based livestock vaccines delivery service

TechEagle (drone delivery startup) has organised the world’s first vaccine delivery for Animal Husbandry in Arunachal Pradesh, India.

This service was carried out by TechEagle in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry department and EY.

Aim: To robust Healthcare ecosystem of the animals. 

The flight took off from Roing to Paglam, which covered aerial distance of 29 km (road distance:120 km) in 20 minutes.

It has used its hybrid drone Vertiplane X3 for the maiden flight.

Sumeet Anand conferred with Legion d’Honneur by Emmanuel Lenain

Emmanuel Lenain (Ambassador of France to India) has conferred the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) to Sumeet Anand (President of FICCI).

Reason: For contributions in the fields of business and industry, and promoting Indo-French education ties.

Sumeet Anand is a founder of IndSight Growth Partners, and President of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

The Legion d’Honneur was created in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Govt appoints Dr Arvind Virmani as full-time member of NITI Aayog

The government of India has appointed Dr Arvind Virmani as a full time member of NITI Aayog with immediate effect.

He was Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry from 2007-09.

He had also worked as the Executive Director at IMF till 2012.

He served as a member of the Technical Advisory Committee of RBI on monetary policy from 2013 to 2016.

Other existing Members: VK Saraswat, Ramesh Chand and VK Paul.

Vice Chairman of NITI: Suman Bery

CEO: Parameswaran Iyer

Bank of Maharashtra tops PSU lenders’ list in Q2 Credit Growth

According to published quarterly numbers of public sector banks (PSBs), Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has emerged as the top performer among public sector lenders in terms of loan growth in percentage terms during the second quarter of 2022-23.

BoM has recorded a 28.62% increase in gross advances at Rs 1,48,216 crore at the end of September 2022.

It was followed by Union Bank of India, State Bank of India.

Jaipur International Airport receives Aerodrome licence from DGCA

Jaipur International Airport Limited has received the Aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Earlier, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) was the licence holder.

Now the private player, which is operating the Jaipur airport since October 2021, has become the new licence holder.

The licence is given to an airport operator for ensuring complete management of the airport in accordance with the concession agreement.

Actor Kevin Conroy, voice of Batman's animated series, passes away

Actor Kevin Conroy, who gave his voice to Batman on Warner Bros’ TV show Batman: The Animated Series, has been passed away at 66.

The acclaimed animated series, which launched in 1992 and continued until 1996, is where Conroy first voiced Batman.

He also appeared in several DC Universe Animated Original Movies, including Batman: Gotham Knight (2008), Superman/Batman: Public Enemies (2009), and Justice League vs. the Fatal Five (2019).

Gaurav Dwivedi appointed as Prasar Bharati CEO

A 1995-batch officer of Chhattisgarh cadre, Senior IAS officer, Gaurav Dwivedi has been appointed the Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati for five years.

Presently, he is posted as Principal Secretary, Commercial Tax, in the Chhattisgarh government.

Prior to this, he was also served as the CEO of MyGovIndia, which was launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2014.

Prasar Bharati founded: 23 November 1997; HQ: New Delhi. 

Veteran Telugu actor Krishna passes away

Veteran Telugu actor, Ghattamnaneni Siva Rama Krishna Murthy, known as Krishna has been passed away at 80 due to cardiac arrest.

He was the father of Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.

He was active in the Telugu film industry for over six decades and has worked in over 350 films.

He began his career with minor roles in films such as ‘Kula Gothralu’ (1961), ‘Paravu Prathishtha’ (1963) and ‘Padandi Mundhuku’ (1962).

He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2009.

India wins gold in 10m air rifle mixed event at Asian Airgun C'ship

Arjun Babuta and Mehuli Ghosh clinched the gold medal in 10 m air rifle in the mixed team category at Asian Airgun Championship 2022, being held in Daegu, South Korea.

In the 10 m air rifle mixed team junior event, Divyansh Singh Panwar and Ramita won gold medal against Sri Karthik Sabari Raj Ravishankar and Nancy.

Kanishka Dagar clinched bronze in 10 m air pistol youth women’s event.

While, Sandeep Bishnoi received gold in the 10 m air pistol junior men’s event.

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas 2022: 15th November

Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is observed on 15th November across the nation, to commemorate the contributions of tribal communities in the nation's history and culture.

On this day, President Droupadi Murmu has paid tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Ulihatu village in Jharkhand.

Birsa Munda:

He was born on 15th November 1875 in a Munda tribe.

Location: Chotanagpur Plateau area (Khunti district of present Jharkhand).

He was died at 25 in British custody at the Ranchi jail. 

World population crosses 8-billion mark: UN

According to the ‘World Population Prospects 2022’ report, which was released on World Population Day (11 July), the global population reach the mark of eight billion on 15th November 2022.

It was also projected that India will surpass China as the world’s most populous country in 2023.

The latest projections by UN has also suggested that the global population could grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050.

G7 launches climate ‘Shield’ fund

The G7 nations has launched a plan named 'Global Shield' at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference on November 14, 2022.

It is a climate fund, and provide funds to disaster-hit countries.

It is backed by 170 million euros in funding from Germany and 40 million euros from other donors including Denmark and Ireland.

It is coordinated by Germany and the V20 group.

The V20 refers to the Vulnerable Twenty Group of Ministers of the Climate Vulnerable Forum.

Sharath Kamal to receive 2022 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna

Sharath Kamal Achanta (Table Tennis player) has been selected for 2022 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and will be awarded on 30th November by President of India.

Arjuna Awards: This year 25 sportspersons have been selected for this award.

Five coaches have been chosen for Dronacharya Award in the regular category and three coaches in lifetime category.

Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime Achievement: Ashwini Akkunji C, Dharamvir Singh, B.C Suresh and Nir Bahadur Gurung.

India wins silver at 2022 Para Shooting World C'ship in Mixed 50m Pistol

The Indian pistol team of Singhraj, Manish Narwal and Deepender Singh has bagged a silver medal in the P4- Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 event at the 2022 Para Shooting World C'ship 2022, held at Al Ain, UAE.

Indian finished with a total score of 1579-13x.

The South Korean team of Sea Kyun Park, Aeekyung Moon and Jungnam Kim, won the gold medal with an aggregate score of 1592-21x.

While, the Turkey has secured the bronze medal with a total of 1574-23x.

Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, Mirabai elected as IOA Athletes Commission member

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.

Other six members: Shiva Keshavan, Sharath Kamal, Rani Rampal, Bhavani Devi, Bajrang Lal and Om Prakash Singh Karhana.

All the 10 elected members of the apex body are Olympians.

As per the new constitution of IOA, the athletes commission is to have equal representation of male and female members.

Carlos Saura to receive Lifetime Achievement Award at 53rd IFFI, Goa

Carlos Saura (Spanish Film Director) will be conferred the Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 at the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at Goa.

This announcement was made by L Murugan (MoS, Information and Broadcasting).

Carlos was honoured with the Golden Bear for Best Director at Berlin International Film Festival for Deprisa Deprisa in 1981.

Spotlight country: France

Opening Film: Alma and Oskar

Closing film: Perfect Number

7th Edition of Amur Falcon Festival observed in Manipur

The 7th edition of the Amur Falcon Festival has celebrated in Tamenglong district, Imphal, Manipur.

Aim: To spread awareness about the protection and conservation of the Amur Falcon.

Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) is the world’s longest-flying migratory bird.

It is generally celebrated in the first or second week of November to strengthen human-nature relationships.

The first edition of the Amur Falcon Festival was celebrated in 2015.

West Midlands to host Kabaddi World Cup in 2025

The World Kabaddi Federation (WKF) has announced that the West Midlands will host the 2025 Kabaddi World Cup.

The tournament will take place across the West Midlands during the first quarter of 2025.

The UK region will become the first destination outside of Asia to host this prestigious global tournament.

The 2025 Kabaddi World Cup will be organized by England Kabaddi, Scottish Kabaddi, and the British Kabaddi League.

President of World Kabaddi Federation: Ashok Das

Shiva Thapa clinches silver medal at Asian Boxing Championships

Shiva Thapa has clinched a silver medal at the 2022 Asian Elite Boxing Championships held in Amman, Jordan.

He had to settle for a silver medal after losing to Uzbekistan’s Ruslan Abdullayev in the men’s 63-kg finals.

India finished the Championships with 12 medals, which included four gold, two silver and six bronze.

All the gold medals came through women’s boxers, Lovlina Borgohain, Saweety Boora, Parveen and Alfiya Pathan.

World Kindness Day 2022: 13 November

The World Kindness Day is observed November 13 every year to promote kindness and support this fundamental attribute that links people from all walks of life.

The theme for World Kindness Day 2022 is 'Kindness makes you live longer'.

This day was commenced in 1998 by an organisation named World Kindness Movement during the 1997 Tokyo conference.

In 2019, under Swiss law, this organisation was registered as an official NGO.

PM Modi to embark on three-day visit to Indonesia

PM Modi has embarked the visit to Indonesia from November 14, to attend the 17th G20 Summit in Bali.

Summit theme: "Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.

Three working sessions will be held as part of the G20 Summit Agenda.

These are food and energy security, health, and digital transformation.

At the closing session, the Indonesian President will symbolically hand over the G20 Presidency to PM Modi.

India will formally assume G20 Presidency from December, 2022.

DigiLocker integrated with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission

DigiLocker has successfully integrated with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, so that users can digitally store their health records and link them with their Ayushman Bharat health account.

Aim: Digital Empowerment of citizens by providing access to authentic digital documents.

The issued documents in the DigiLocker system are deemed to be at par with the original physical documents.

With this, users can now utilize DigiLocker as a Personal Health Records app.

World Diabetes Day 2022: 14 November

The World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14 to bring the attention of the people to health threats posed by diabetes.

The theme of World Diabetes Day 2022 is “access to diabetes education". 

This day was first observed in the year 1991 by the declaration of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

This day mark the birth anniversary of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, have discovered insulin.

Natasa Pirc Musar becomes first female president of Slovenia

Nataša Pirc Musar (Lawyer, 54) has won a runoff vote to become Slovenia’s first female president.

Pirc Musar has secured 54% of the votes, while her rival, former Foreign Minister Andze Logar has won 46%.

She is a former TV presenter who became an influential lawyer.

She campaigned on human rights, the rule of law and social welfare issues.

She had also represented former US first lady, Melania Trump in copyright and other cases in her native Slovenia.

Sri Lanka to host U19 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.

Under-19 Men's:

The 2024 Under -19 men’s T-20 World Cup will be hosted by Sri Lanka.

The 2026 edition will be staged in Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Under-19 Women's:

The 2025 Under -19 women’s T20 World Cup will be held in Malaysia and Thailand.

The 2027 Under -19 women’s event will be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.

England beat Pakistan to win 2022 T20 World Cup

In cricket, England has won their second T-20 world cup, after defeating Pakistan by five wickets at the Melbourne Cricket ground, Australia on November 13, 2022.

They are now the only side who are the defending ODI and T20 World Cup champions.

Sam Curran was named Player of the Match as well as Player of the series.

Most runs: Indian batsman Virat Kohli (296). 

Most wickets: Sri Lanka's Wanindu Hasaranga (15). 

Total number of participants: 16

ISRO is set to launch 36 satellites of the UK’s global communications network OneWeb.

The satellites will be launched from Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mark III (GSLV MkIII) from Satish Dhawan Space Center on 23 October.

GSLV MkIII will be used for the first time for launching a commercial satellite.

The cryogenic engine stage and the equipment bay assembly have been completed.

NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) has signed a contract with OneWeb for launching broadband communication satellites in low earth orbit.

It will be the company's 14th mission to deploy satellites into orbit.

In the next few months, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) will launch at least six commercial missions.

OneWeb is a London-based global communications network. Bharti Global is a major investor in OneWeb.

Currently, India has three operational launch vehicles – the PSLV, GSLV, and GSLV Mk III.

GSLV Mk III:

It is a three-stage launch vehicle developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

It has been designed to launch communication satellites into geostationary orbit.

WPI inflation eased to 18 month low of 10.7% in September 2022 as compared to 12.41% in August 2022.

WPI Food Index based food inflation decreased to 8.08% in September 2022 from 9.93% in August 2022.

As per the Commerce and Industry Ministry data released 14 October, WPI inflation declined amid a fall in prices of Food index.

The rise in prices of crude petroleum and natural gas, mineral oils, chemicals, and chemical products, basic metals, electricity, and textiles were the main contributors to inflation in September 2022.

The WPI inflation was 11.8% in the corresponding month of the previous year (September 2021).

The WPI inflation continued to fall in September for the fourth consecutive month.

It remained in double-digits for the 18th consecutive month beginning April last year.

The Wholesale inflation reached at a record high level of 15.88% in May this year.

Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil won a gold medal at the Shooting World Championships in Egypt.

On 14 October, Indian shooter Patil won a gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle event at the ISSF World Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

Along with this, he has also secured a place in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

He defeated Italy's Danilo Dennis Sollazzo 17-15 in the gold medal match.

He is the second Indian after Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to achieve this feat.

Bindra won a gold medal in this event in 2006 in Zagreb, Croatia.

Rudrankksh entered the competition for the first time in the World Championship.

Earlier, India won a bronze medal in the women's 25m pistol team junior event.

In the bronze medal match, the trio of Esha Singh, Namya Kapoor, and Vibhuti Bhatia beat Germany 17-1.

World Students Day: 15 October

World Students Day is observed every year on 15 October in India.

World Students Day is observed to honour former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

Since 2010, World Students Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.

The theme for this year’s World Students’ Day is not announced yet.

The theme for World Students Day 2021 was 'Learning for people, planet, prosperity, and peace.”

World Students Day is only observed in India. It has not been officially declared by United Nations.

As per the UN, October 15 is celebrated as the International Day of Rural Women.

The world observes International Students’ Day on November 17. UN celebrates World Childrens’ Day on November 20.

Abdul Latif Rashid has been elected as the new president of Iraq.

Rashid replaced Barham Saleh as head of state after two rounds of votes in parliament on 13 October.

Mohammed Shia al-Sudani was named as prime minister-designate.

Al-Sudani replaces caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi.

Al-Sudani will now have 30 days to form a government.

In an October 2021 parliamentary vote, influential Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr emerged as the biggest winner. He failed to form the government.

Rashid hails from Sulaimaniyah, a major city in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region of northern Iraq.

Under Iraq’s power-sharing system, the premiership falls under Shia blocs and the speaker of parliament is a Sunni.

The presidency is reserved for Kurdish groups to nominate.

Iraq:

It is a country in Western Asia bordered by Turkey, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Persian Gulf.

Capital of Iraq: Baghdad

Type of government: Federal parliamentary republic

Currency of Iraq: Iraqi Dinar

The new Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Mobility Policy-2022 have been approved by the Uttar Pradesh cabinet.

The policy has been approved in an attempt to promote faster adoption of clean mobility solutions and create a conducive ecosystem for electric vehicles in Uttar Pradesh.

The policy aims to develop an eco-friendly transport system in Uttar Pradesh.

It also aims to make Uttar Pradesh a global hub for manufacturing of electric vehicles, batteries and related equipment.

100% road tax and registration fee exemption will be granted on the purchase of all categories of electric vehicles during the first 3 years of the new policy.

This exemption will continue in the fourth and fifth years if electric vehicle is manufactured in the state.

Electric Vehicle Manufacturing and Mobility Policy-2022 have a provision for a three-pronged incentive system.

This includes incentives to consumers for purchasing EVs; to manufacturers of EVs, EV batteries and related components; and to service providers developing charging/swapping facilities.

Under the new policy, the state government will give huge subsidy on the purchase of electric vehicles. Subsidies are provided below.

15% subsidy will be given on factory cost for purchasing two-wheeler EV up to a maximum of Rs 5,000 per vehicle subject to first two lakh EVs purchased. 

Rs 12,000 per three-wheeler EV subject to a maximum first 50,000 such EVs purchased. 

Up to Rs 1 lakh per four-wheeler electric vehicle subject to maximum of first 25,000 EVs purchased. 

A subsidy of up to Rs 20 lakh per e-bus subject to maximum of first 400 such e-buses. 

10% subsidy on factory cost for purchasing e-goods carriers of up to Rs 1,00,000 per vehicle to a maximum of first 1,000 carriers. 

Subsidy up to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh per project to the service providers developing 2,000 charging and battery swapping facilities in the state. 

Capital subsidy of up to Rs 5 lakh per swapping station to the service providers developing facilities of 1,000 such swapping stations. 

India slipped six places in the Global Hunger Index.

India ranks 107th position out of 121 countries on Global Hunger Index 2022. In 2021, India’s rank was 101st in the Global Hunger Index.

India with a score of 29.1 has been kept in the ‘serious’ category of hunger level.

India is behind its neighbours Nepal (81), Pakistan (99), Sri Lanka (64), and Bangladesh (84).

India’s GHI score has reduced from 38.8 in 2000 to 28.2 by 2014. Since then India’s registered higher scores in GHI than 28.2.

The proportion of undernourishment in India has increased from 14.8 in 2014 to 16.3 in 2022 and wasting in children under five years jumped from 15.1 in 2014 to 19.3 in 2022.

India’s score has improved in Stunning in children under five. It has reduced from 38.7 in 2014 to 35.5 in 2022.

India’s under-five mortality has reduced from 4.6 in 2014 to 3.3 in 2022.

China and Kuwait are Asian countries that are ranked at the top of the list.

17 countries have been collectively ranked between 1 and 17 with a score of less than 5.

Belarus, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Chile, China, Croatia, Estonia, Hungary, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey and Uruguay are the top 17 countries.

South Asian region has the highest hunger level, highest child stunting rate, and highest child wasting rate in the world.

Yemen is at the last position in the Global Hunger Index 2022.

The Global Hunger Index scores are based on four indicators- Undernourishment, Child stunting, Child wasting, and Child mortality.

MHA completes mother tongue survey of 576 languages

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has successfully completed a mother tongue survey with field videography of 576 languages and dialects across the country.

According to the annual report of the Home Ministry for 2021-22, it has been planned to set up a web archive at NIC to preserve and analyse the original flavour of each indigenous mother tongue.

The Linguistic Survey of India is a regular research activity in the country since the 6th Five Year Plan.

Arfa Khanum Sherwani to receive 2022 Kuldip Nayar Patrakarita Samman Award

The Gandhi Peace Foundation has announced that the prestigious Kuldip Nayar Patrakarita Samman for 2022 to Arfa Khanum Sherwani (The Wire’s senior editor) and Ajit Anjum (independent journalist and YouTuber).

The announcement was made at a press conference held at New Delhi’s Press Club of India by the well-known academic and author, Ashis Nandy.

Ravish Kumar was the first person who was honoured with this award in 2017, followed by Marathi journalist Nikhil Wagle.

MoHUA launches ‘Transport4All Challenge Stage-2’

Hardeep Singh Puri (MOHUA) has launched the ‘Transport4All Challenge Stage-2’.

Under this, startups will be engaged to develop solutions to transport problems in 46 cities.

Aim: To enhance mobility experience, focuses on digital innovation and invites cities, citizens and innovators to develop contextual solutions to improve formal as well as informal public transport. 

The minister has also launched the ‘Citizen Perception Survey’ under the Ease of Living Index-2022.

Virat Kohli becomes first batter to score 4000 runs in T20Is

Indian batsman, Virat Kohli has scripted history as he became the first batter in history to reach 4000 runs in T20 Internationals.

He reached the landmark in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 against England in Adelaide, Australia.

Earlier, he became the all-time leading run-scorer in the men's T20 World Cups against Bangladesh in Adelaide.

He broke record of Mahela Jayawardene (1016 runs), which was set in 2014. 

NPCI launched BHIM app open-source license model

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has launched the BHIM App open-source license model.

Under the new model, the source code of the BHIM app will be licensed to regulated entities participating in the UPI ecosystem.

Presently, a large number of banks do not have a mobile banking app and by licensing the source code of BHIM to such banks, NPCI bridge this gap by extending all available features of UPI to these entities.

NPCI CEO: Dilip Asbe

SBI report: CAD likely to be lower at 3% this fiscal

State Bank of India has lowered the current account deficit (CAD) at 3% for this fiscal (2022-23) as against the minimum consensus of 3.5%.

Reason: Rising software exports, remittances and a likely $5-billion jump in forex reserves via swap deals.

CAD: The country is importing more goods and services than it is exporting. 

The biggest impact on CAD is oil imports, which form as much as 30% of the country's import bills.

Odisha to be made slum-free by 2023-end

Odisha CM, Naveen Patnaik has announced that Odisha will be made slum-free by December, 2023.

He has also declared Hinjilih (his constituency) and Digapahandi town in Ganjam district as ‘slum free’ and dedicated 707 ‘Biju Adarsh Colonies’ in 33 urban areas of the state.

He also declared that land rights will be given to 2.5 lakh families by next year.

Slum dwellers are being given land rights for their houses in ‘Biju Adarsh Colonies’, being built across the state.

Indian Army launches single window facility 'Veerangana Sewa Kendra'

Indian Army has launched a single window facility named Veerangana Sewa Kendra (VSK) for welfare and grievances redressal of Veer Naris.

The Indian Army has launched this facility with a motto of "Taking Care of Our Own, No Matter What”.

The project was inaugurated by President Army Wives Welfare Association at the Directorate of Indian Army Veterans premises located at Delhi Cantt.

The VSK will be available on www.indianarmyveterans.gov.in.

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar to attend 17th East Asia Summit

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar will attend the ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and the 17th East Asia Summit, that will be organsied in Cambodia (current Chair of ASEAN). 

He will also have bilateral meetings with Cambodian Prime Minister, Hun Sen and other dignitaries at Phnom Penh.

External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar will also participate in the summit. 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations and is being celebrated as the ASEAN-India Friendship Year. 

Athlete, Neeraj Chopra becomes 'Friendship Ambassador' of Switzerland

Olympic medalist, Neeraj Chopra has been appointed as the ‘Friendship Ambassador’ by Switzerland Tourism.

Role: To showcase and promote the adventurous, sporty, and stunning outdoors of Switzerland to Indian travellers.

He was also visited the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, where he donated his gold-winning javelin.

With this he hopes to encourage more people to take up the sport.

Since 2017, he has been travelling in Switzerland to participate in competitions.

NFDB awarded “India Agribusiness Awards 2022”

National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad was awarded India Agribusiness Awards 2022 at the 'AgroWorld 2022', held from 9th - 11th November 2022.

Category: ‘Best Agribusiness Award under Fisheries Sector’. 

NFDB comes under the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI.

While, Haryana has received the 'India Agribusiness Awards 2022' in the best state category for their contribution in the areas of agriculture.

Uttar Pradesh to host 2023 Khelo India National University games

The third edition of Khelo India National University Games (2023-24) will be held in four cities of Uttar Pradesh.

These cities are Lucknow (main host city), Gorakhpur, Varanasi and Noida.

Navneet Sehgal (UP’s Additional Chief Secretary) announced that around 4,500 athletes will represent 150 universities across the country.

The inaugural edition of the Khelo India National University Games was held in Odisha (2020) while Karnataka was the host for the second edition.

ISRO's Cryogenic engine successfully passes hot test for LVM3

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested the hot test on indigenously developed, cryogenic engine, at Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu.

This engine will power the heaviest rocket of ISRO, the LVM-3 (Previously called as GSLV-Mk3).

LVM-III went through the hot test at an uprated thrust level of 21.8 tonnes for the first time.

Aim: To test that the engine can support a payload capability of up to 450 kg with additional propellant loading.

Krishify integrates with e-NAM’s Platform of Platforms

Krishify (Social networking platform) has integrated with the Platform of Platforms (PoPs) portal by e-NAM, National Agricultural Market.

e-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading portal that seeks to network existing Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMC)

Aim: To create a unified national market for agrarian commodities for farmers, traders, and other intermediaries.

Krishify will provide advisory services to farmers.

CEO and Co-Founder, Krishify: Rajesh Ranjan

QS Asia University Rankings 2023 released

IIT-Bombay has ranked 40th (Last year: 42nd) in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asia University Rankings 2023, followed by IIT Delhi (46).

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore is placed at the 52nd spot followed by IIT Madras (53), IIT Kharagpur (61), IIT Kanpur (66), and University of Delhi (85).

Top 4: China’s Peking University; National University of Singapore, Tsinghua University, Beijing, and The University of Hong Kong

Iconic Brazilian singer, Gal Costa passes away

Renowned Tropicalia and Brazilian singer, Gal Costa has been passed away at 77.

Her known studio albums are - Aquarela do Brasil, Dindi, Que Pena, A Pele do Futuro, and Baby. 

She was born in the northeastern state of Bahia, Brazil.

She debuted her professional career on the night of 22 August 1964 at the concert Nós, por exemplo.

In 2011, she was honoured with the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

IMF approves $4.5 billion loan for Bangladesh to combat economic crisis

The IMF has agreed to provide a $4.5 billion support package to Bangladesh, to stabilise economy and protect the vulnerable people.

Bangladesh is the third South Asian country, after Sri Lanka and Pakistan, to secure a bailout package from the IMF.

The amount will be disbursed in seven installments till December 2026.

The first installment of $447.48 million will be cleared in February 2023.

The Finance ministry officials calculated the interest rate to be around 2.2%.

RazorpayX launches digital lending solutions for NBFCs and fintechs

Razorpay has launched RazorpayX Digital Lending 2.0, a complete digital lending solution for NBFCs and FinTechs.

Aim: To support the new digital lending guidelines issued by RBI.

It will help in automating direct disbursals & repayments between the borrower’s and the Regulated Entity’s account, which was mandated by the RBI recently.

It also make easier for NBFCs and Fintechs to work together more efficiently than ever before.

Indian Navy participates Malabar Naval Exercise in Japan

India has participated in 26th International Malabar Naval Exercise, organised in Yokosuka of Japan.

The naval exercise also joined by Australia, Japan and the USA.

The exercise will continue till the 18th of next month.

From India, Indian Naval Ships Shivalik and Kamorta have been demonstrated at the event.

The MALABAR exercise was initiated in 1992 between the navies of India and the United States.

Later, it was joined by Japan in 2015, Australia in 2020.

All India Rubber Industries Association elects Ramesh Kejriwal as president

Ramesh Kejriwal has been elected as president the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) for 2022-23.

He has succeeded Dr. Sawar Dhanania.

Role: Leading forward the road map of AIRIA for rubber industries in the country.

Prior to this, he was a Managing Committee Member of AIRIA and had served as the Eastern Region Chairman.

Shashi Singh has also appointed as the senior vice president of AIRIA.

AIRIA was set up in 1945, is an apex body for rubber industries.

Muthoottu Mini Financiers introduces Safe lock Gold Loan facility

Muthoottu Mini Financiers (Gold loan NBFC) has introduced Safe lock Gold Loan facility with an objective to avail the benefits of a locker by pledging any quantity of gold for a minimum loan amount of Rs 100.

The annual charges for using this facility is Rs 300.

With this, the customer will have insurance coverage for the pledged gold jewellery.

This facility can be obtained at any time through online and offline channels and repay as per the customer's convenience.

FM Nirmala Sitharaman approves Sovereign Green Bonds framework

FM Nirmala Sitharaman has approved the final Sovereign Green Bonds framework of India.

Green bonds: They are financial instruments, that will help to generate funds for investment in environmentally sustainable and climate-suitable projects.

The Ministry has also constituted a Green Finance Working Committee (GFWC), chaired by CEA, GoI.

The committee will meet at least twice a year to support Finance Ministry with selection and evaluation of projects.

Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary notified as 17th wildlife sanctuary of TN

Tamil Nadu CM, M K Stalin has declared the Cauvery South Wildlife Sanctuary as 17th wildlife sanctuary of state.

The sanctuary was notified under Section 26-A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

It covers reserve forest areas in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri districts, which is a home to 35 species of mammals, 238 species of birds and many more.

This sanctuary will connect Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary (TN) with the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).

Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report released

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Minister of Jal Shakti) has released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2022.

As per the report, the total annual ground water recharge for India is 437.60 billion cubic meters (BCM).

The annual ground water extraction is 239.16 BCM.

Over-exploited Units: Out of 7089 assessment units, 1006 units have been categorized as Over-exploited.

The report also shown improvement in ground water conditions in 909 assessment units.

Aruna Miller becomes first Indian-American to be Lt Governor Of Maryland

Aruna Miller (58) has become the first Indian-American politician to win the election of Lieutenant Governor in the state of Maryland.

She is also the first South Asian woman to serve at such an important position.

She was born in Hyderabad, India in 1964 and was immigrated to the United States when she was seven-years-old.

She became a US citizen in 2000.

In the absence of Governor, the Lieutenant Governor fills in as the state's second-highest elected official.

India to host 2023 women’s World Boxing Championship

The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has confirmed that the 2023 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships will be hosted by India, in New Delhi.

This will be the third time, when the prestigious women’s competition will be held in India.

Earlier, the event was organised in 2006 and 2018 in New Delhi.

The tournament is likely to be held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The 2023 men’s world championship will be held in Tashkent in May.

IBA President: Umar Kremlev

Three Indian women featured in 2022 Forbes' Asia's Power Businesswomen

Three Indian women entrepreneurs have been featured in the Forbes' Asia's Power Businesswomen 2022 list, which features 20 women from the Asia-Pacific region.

Steel Authority of India chairperson, Soma Mondal; Mamaearth's co-founder, Ghazal Alagh; and Emcure Pharma executive director, Namita Thapar are the top Indian business leaders in the Asia's power list.

Other women: Choi Soo-yeon (CEO of Naver); Anna Nakajima and Mizuki Nakajima (co-founders of Coly). 

UAE-based Emirates NBD invests $100 mn more in India

UAE-based bank, Emirates NBD will invest an additional amount of USD 100 million in its India operations, and will open two more branches in Chennai and Gurugram.

The lender, having the largest presence in the Middle East region, and invested USD 300 million in the last five years of its operations in India in three tranches.

Its current presence is not as a wholly-owned subsidiary, which is preferred by RBI for units of foreign lenders.

Kerala govt to reimburse tech license cost to startups

Kerala govt has launched a scheme to reimburse the expense incurred by the startup ventures to procure technology licenses from government research institutions.

Under the project 'Technology Transfer Scheme', implemented through Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), the government will reimburse upto ₹10 lakh to startups purchasing or sourcing technology.

It has invited applications from eligible startups to avail the benefits offered by the scheme.

KSUM CEO: Anoop Ambika

Bureau of Energy Efficiency, SIDBI signs MoU to finance green MSMEs

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has signed an agreement with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to promote energy efficiency financing for MSMEs.

SIDBI acts as the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing and development of MSMEs.

Besides direct financing, it is also a project executing agency for Partial Risk Sharing Facility (PRSF) that guarantees energy efficiency projects.

DMRC, BEL sign for development of indigenous train control system

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has signed an MoU with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the development of an indigenous Communication Based Train Control system (i-CBTC).

This development comes under the 'Make in India' initiative of the Government of India under the aegis of Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

CBTC is being adopted by many countries for its feature of moving block which allows high frequency of trains. 

Holger Rune wins Men's singles 2022 Paris Masters title

Holger Rune (Danish player,19) has defeated the six-time champion, Novak Djokovic to clinch his first Men's single, 2022 Masters title in Paris.

He has become the youngest winner of the Paris tournament since Boris Becker in 1986.

He is the fifth first-time Masters winner this season and will be the first Danish man to break into the top 10.

While the Men's double was won by Wesley Koolhof ( Netherlands) and Neal Skupski (United Kingdom). 

Maharashtra topped the Mutual Fund penetration in India

According to latest data, released by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), Maharashtra (60), New Delhi (42), and Goa (28) have the maximum MF penetration in India.

Reason: High income levels, Higher literacy rates, and Substantial inflows from corporations and high-networth individuals (HNIs).

While Jharkhand is one of the top 10 states with 13%.

AMFI determines MF penetration as the ratio of state assets managed by MFs to their Gross State Domestic Product.

Reliance set to acquire METRO Cash & Carry India in Rs 4,060 crore deal

Reliance Industries will acquire German retailer, METRO AG's Cash & Carry business in India in a deal estimated at around 500 million euros (Rs 4,060 crore).

The deal includes 31 wholesale distribution centres, land banks and other assets owned by METRO Cash & Carry in India.

It will help Reliance Retail to expand its presence in the B2B segment.

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, subsidiary of Reliance Industries, is the holding company of all the retail companies.

Shivnarine, Charlotte, and Abdul Qadir inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), Charlotte Edwards (English) and Abdul Qadir (Pakistani) have been inducted into ICC's Hall of Fame.

Shivnarine was inducted in 107th ICC's hall of Fame and finished with 20,988 international runs, 41 centuries and 125 half-centuries across formats.

Charlotte was inducted in 108th ICC's Hall of Fame, her 5992 runs in women's ODIs are the second most in the game's history.

Qadir was the 109th inductee on the list.

First private rocket of India will launch in November 2022

India's first private rocket, Vikram-S is ready to launch between November 12 and 16, from ISRO's launchpad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

It is a single-stage sub-orbital launch vehicle, which would carry three customer payloads, and validate the majority of the technologies in the Vikram series of space launch vehicles.

The rocket was developed by the Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad).

This rocket will launch under their maiden mission named 'Prarambh' (the beginning). 

Dr Subhash Babu becomes first Indian received Bailey K Ashford Medal

Prominent Indian physician and scientist, Dr. Subhash Babu has received the prestigious 2022 Bailey K. Ashford Medal.

He was also honoured with the 2022 Fellow of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (FASTMH) award.

He is also the first Indian to receive such prestigious award.

Reason: For his outstanding research and contributions to tropical medicine.

He is the Scientific Director of International Centre for Excellence in Research-India Programme.

PM Modi unveiled logo and theme for India’s G20 presidency

PM Modi has unveiled the logo, theme and website of India's G20 presidency in New Delhi on November 8, 2022.

About G20 logo:

Logo takes inspiration from India’s national flag – saffron, white and green, and blue.

It juxtaposes planet Earth with the lotus (National flower), that reflects growth amid challenges.

Below the G20 logo, word 'Bharat' is written in the Devanagari script.

Theme: 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' or 'One Earth One Family One Future'. 

GSMA elects Bharti Airtel CEO, Gopal Vittal as Deputy Chair

The GSMA (UK-based grouping of global mobile carriers) has elected Bharti Airtel CEO, Gopal Vittal as Deputy Chair for two-year term (Jan 2023- Dec 2024).

He is the second Indian after Sunil Mittal (Bharti Enterprises Chairman) to be named a top GSMA functionary.

Mittal had served at the highest level as GSMA’s Chair during 2016-18.

While, CEO of Spain’s Telefónica Group, José María Álvarez-Pallete López will continue as the GSMA Chair.

Anant Goenka appointed as interim MD of Zensar Tech

Zensar Technologies Ltd has appointed Anant Goenka as interim managing director, who is presently working as MD at Ceat Ltd.

He has been appointed for a term up to the next annual general meeting of the company or 31 July 2023 whichever is earlier subject to requisite approvals.

Reason: As the present CEO Ajay Bhutoria is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed health condition.

There would be no remuneration payable to Anant Goenka in his capacity as interim MD.

Mathura-Vrindavan to become a carbon neutral tourist destination by 2041

UP government aims to make one of India’s largest pilgrimage centres, Mathura-Vrindavan a “net zero carbon emission” tourist destination by 2041.

This means that tourist vehicles will be banned from the entire Braj region, which includes famous pilgrim centres such as Vrindavan and Krishna Janmabhoomi.

Instead, only electric vehicles used as public transport will be allowed into the area.

All 252 water bodies and 24 forests in the area will also be revived.

India's first voter Shyam Saran Negi passes away

Shyam Saran Negi, the first voter of independent India has been passed away at the age of 106 in Kinnaur, HP.

He had cast his vote for the 34th time on November 2 for the Himachal assembly polls.

He would be cremated with full honours at his village in Kalpa.

In 1951, he was a member of the polling team and vividly remembers that he cast his first vote in Shonthong polling station.

Negi was also made the brand ambassador by the Election Commission.

Aibawk cluster becomes the first cluster to be completed under SPMRM

Aibawk cluster in the Aizwal district of Mizoram has become the first cluster to be completed under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM).

SPMRM was launched by the  Prime Minister in February 2016.

Aim of scheme: To provide amenities to rural areas which are perceived to be urban and have the potential to stimulate local economic development.

Such clusters were selected for well-planned and holistic development.

India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme

The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance has  notified India Infrastructure Project Development Fund Scheme (IIPDF Scheme) for Financial Support for Project Development Expenses of PPP Projects.

Aim: To improve the quality and pace of infrastructure development in the country.

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are being encouraged to bring private capital and efficiency in execution and operation of infrastructure projects. 

Budgetary outlay: Rs. 100 Crore

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav led Indian delegation at COP 27

Bhupender Yadav (Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister) will lead Indian delegation to attend the 27th Conference of Parties of the UNFCCC (COP 27).

The conference will be scheduled to held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt from 6th to 18th November.

Aim: To take action toward achieving the world's collective climate goals as agreed under the Paris agreement and the convention. 

India will also emphasize again its invitation to all countries to join the LiFE movement. 

Asian Hockey Federation CEO, Tayyab Ikram elected as FIH president

Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) CEO, Mohammad Tayyab Ikram (Macau) has been elected as the new president of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) for two years.

He has succeeded Narinder Batra (India) as its full-time chief.

He has defeated Marc Coudron (Belgium) in the 48th FIH Congress.

Batra became the FIH president in 2016, resigned from the post in July.

After the resignation of Batra, Seif Ahmed had served as the acting president of the FIH.

Indian men’s squash team won gold at 2022 Asian Team Championships

The Indian men’s team has clinched its first-ever gold at the Asian Squash Team Championships, held in Cheongju, South Korea.

The Indian team has defeated Kuwait by 2-0 in final.

Saurav Ghoshal and Ramit Tandon have won their games in the final to dole out a 2-0 defeat to Kuwait.

The first game was won by Ramit against Ali Aramezi and the second game won by Saurav against Ammar Altamimi.

It is the biggest win of Indian Men’s Team since 2014 Asian Games Gold.

RIL appoints KV Kamath as independent director

KV Kamath has been appointed as an Independent Director and non-executive Chairman for Reliance Strategic Investment Limited (RSIL) for 5 years.

Currently, he is the Chairman of the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development.

He was retired from ICICI Bank as MD & CEO in 2009 and continued as chairman till 2015.

He was also appointed as the first president of BRICS Countries bank, NBD.

RSIL will be renamed as Jio Financial Services Limited (JFSL).

ADB to fund Smartchem Technologies' farm efficiency initiative

ADB has approved the funding to the farm efficiency initiative of Smartchem Technologies Limited (STL) of USD 30 million.

The loan facility will be for a tenure of 5 years.

The ADB has also given approval for a technical assistance grant of USD 5,00,000 for building capacity for Soil Nutrition Managemen in India.

This loan would be the first agribusiness "Blue Loan" of ADB.

STL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Corporation.

KSRTC Grama Vandi wins national recognition

The city circular service of the Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has won the national ‘Commentation Award in Urban Transport’ in the category of ‘City with the best Public Transport System’.

The ‘Grama Vandi’ was launched by the KSRTC in association with local self-government institutions, has also won Award of Excellence in Urban Transport.

The awards was instituted by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.

IPPB conducts India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp

India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has conducted First Floating Financial Literacy Camp of India in Srinagar, J&K.

Aim: To promote Financial Literacy ‘By the women, for the women’. 

It was launched with an initiative called ‘Niveshak Didi’.

This concept is based on the ideology of women for women as rural area women feel more comfortable to share their queries with a female itself.

IPPB:

CEO: J. Venkatramu

Founded: 1 September 2018

Madhya Pradesh government launched Ladli Laxmi 2.0

Madhya Pradesh CM, Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the flagship scheme 'Ladli Laxmi 2.0' with an aim to encourage girls to pursue higher education and make them independent.

They will also provide monetary benefits to eligible girl children to ensure quality education.

The scheme had also ensure that the parents must not marry their girl child before the age of 18.

CM has also announced 'Ladli Laxmi Vatika' (garden), that will be developed in every district of MP. 

Art critic Vijayakumar Menon passes away

Eminent art critic, Vijayakumar Menon has been passed away at 76.

He has authored many books such as Adhunika Kaladarsanam; Ravivarma Padanam; Bharathiya Chitrakala-Irupatham Noottandil; and Bharathiya Lavanya Darsanavum Kala Parasparyavum.

He has translated many plays from foreign languages to Malayalam.

He was awarded with Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Award for best book on art; Kerala Sahitya Akademi’s endowment for Scholarly Literature; Kesari Puraskaram.

Minister for Social Justice inaugurates Shilp Samagam-2022

Dr. Virendra Kumar (Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment) has inaugurated the SHILP SAMAGAM-2022 in New Delhi.

The event is organized from 1-15, November, 2022.

The event was attended by the Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Ramdas Athwale.

Aim: To showcase and sell handicraft products. 

Some products are Cane & Bamboo Handicraft Items (Assam), Madhubani Paintings (Bihar), Aari work Sozni Work Kashmiri Shawls (J&K), etc.

Education ministry released Performance Grading Index for 2020-21

The Ministry of Education has released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) for States and UT for 2020-21.

Aim: To promote evidence-based policy-making and highlight course correction for quality education. 

Findings:

Total of seven States/UTs have attained Level -2 grading in 2020-21: Kerala, Punjab, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh. 

Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh are the new entrants with the highest achieved level.

President Droupadi Murmu launched govt projects in Sikkim

President, Droupadi Murmu who is on her two day of Sikkim, will inaugurate and lay the foundation for various central and state government projects in the virtual mode from Gangtok.

The projects include. 

Atal Setu viaduct: Connect West Bengal and Sikkim at Rangpo on National Highway 10.

Two-lane Chisopani traffic tunnel, which include approach roads in East Sikkim. 

Ganju Lama Girls Hostel, Ravangla in South Sikkim under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram.

Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates 'Baji Rout National Football Tournament'

Union Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated the 'Baji Rout National Football Tournament' in Dhenkanal in Odisha.

Aim: To attract the younger generation towards football.

Recently, the govt of India has signed an MoU with FIFA and  All India Football Federation for 'Football For School' initiative.

Under the programme, the govt has been targeted to rope about two crore fifty lakh school students towards football.

IMFA MD, Subhrakant Panda appointed as President of FICCI

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Subhrakant Panda as President, who is currently serving as Senior Vice President of FICCI.

He is also serving as the Managing Director of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd. (IMFA).

He will succeed Sanjiv Mehta (CEO & Managing Director, Hindustan Unilever  Limited (HUL)) as President at the 95th Annual General Meeting, scheduled to be held on December 16 and December 17, 2022.

Indian Carnatic vocalist, Aruna Sairam honoured with Chevalier Award

Carnatic vocalist, Aruna Sairam was honoured with the French government's highest honour- Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des award.

She was selected for her singing prowess and her contribution towards development of the Indo-France relationship.

She has started her classical training under her mother, Rajalakshmi Sethuraman.

She is a disciple of legendary vocalist, Sangita Kalanidhi T. Brinda. 

Aruna Sairam is recipient of Padma Shri (2009) and the Sangita Kala Nidhi. 

Suryakumar Yadav becomes world’s No.1 T20I batter

Indian batter, Suryakumar Yadav (32) has become the world’s number one batter in T20 Internationals and also become the second Indian player to hold the top T20I batter ranking.

He has overtaken Pakistan opener, Mohammad Rizwan.

In T20I, he has scored one century and 11 fifties from 37 appearances for India.

Devon Conway (NZ) has ranked third with 792 points.

In Women's T20I format, Beth Mooney (Australia) topped the list, while Indian Smriti Mandhana ranked second. 

Vishal Kapoor appointed as CEO of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) has appointed Vishal Kapoor as its chief executive officer (CEO).

He replaced Arun Kumar Mishra, who hold this position last year.

He will take charge after completing his tenure as the joint secretary at the Ministry of Power.

As joint secretary, he led various government interventions, schemes, and reforms in the distribution sector.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited:

Ministry: Ministry of Power

Chairman: K. Sreekant

Niva Bupa & IDFC FIRST Bank partner for Bancassurance

Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited (NBHICL) has partnered with IDFC FIRST Bank to provide best-in-class health insurance solutions to the bank’s customers.

It is the first bancassurance partnership of NBHICL for FY 23.

Benefit: With this partnership, NBHIC can expand its reach through bank for their services, and address the healthcare related concerns of the bank's customers.

Previously, NBHIC was known as the Max Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited.

Bank of India launches special deposit scheme

The Bank of India has launched a special fixed deposit scheme named Star Super Triple Seven Fixed Deposit.

This special scheme is providing 7.25% rate of interest (7.75 per cent for citizens) on a deposit for 777 days, for limited period.

The bank has raised interest rate on its existing 555-days fixed deposit scheme to 6.30%.

And, on other maturities from 180 days to less than 5 years, it has raised interest rates by 25 basis points.

Garuda Aerospace, IISc sign MoU for research projects, geographical surveys

Garuda Aerospace has signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) for collaborative research operations and services using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The Department of Aerospace Engineering (DoAE) at IISC will provide support them for future operations.

It will provide developments of digital input processing packaging tools, including yield estimation from a given image, diagnoses of crops, and mapping of fields.

CEO Garuda: Agnishwar Jayaprakash

India emerges as leading defence exporter to African nations

As per the report, by the India EXIM bank, India has emerged as a leading defence exporter Africa's maritime, aerospace and defence requirements with Mauritius, Mozambique and Seychelles.

These countries has become the major buyers of Indian arms during 2017-2021.

Report title: 'Reinvigorating India's Economic Engagements with Southern Africa'. 

The report was released at the inauguration of the CII-Exim Bank Regional Conclave on India-Southern Africa Growth Partnership.

Central Vigilance Awareness Week 2022: 31st Oct to 6th Nov

Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) has observed Vigilance Awareness Week from 31st October 2022 (birth of Vallabhbhai Patel) to 6th November, 2022.

Theme 2022: Corruption free India for a developed Nation. 

During the Vigilance Awareness Week, public meetings held at district and block levels in order to raise public awareness against perils of corruption.

CVC has the mandate under the CVC Act, 2003 to fight corruption and to ensure integrity in public administration.

Khattar launches ‘CM dashboard’ for live monitoring of departments

Haryana CM, Manohar Lal Khattar has launched the “CM dashboard” to access the real-time data of all departments and decisions taken on major schemes.

It will provide live monitoring of every department at the block, district and panchayat levels.

This will enable tracking of methodology and analysis of reports, and also help the govt in comparing the old data with new data.

He has also launched a dedicated e-Upphar portal to auction gifts received by him.

Arunachal Pradesh's Hollongi Airport renamed as Donyi Polo Airport

The Union Cabinet committee, chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the naming of greenfield airport at Hollongi, Itanagar, as Donyi Polo Airport.

This reflect the people’s reverence of the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo), that symbolize the traditions and rich cultural heritage of the state.

It is the third airport of state after Pasighat and Tezu airports.

The airport was developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at a cost of ₹646 crore.

A Book “Nuclearization of Asia” released by French author, Rene Naba

A book titled “De la Nucléarisation de l’Asie“ (Nuclearization of Asia), authored by Rene Naba (French) has been released. 

The book is bilingual book, and will be available in both French and English.

The book discusses the nuclear emergency and threat posed by the nexus of Pakistan and China.

The book was published by Golias.

He is also a writer of “Pakistan facing the challenge of the post­ Western world and Eurasia”, published in 2018. 

Goa hosts CANSO Asia Pacific Conference

The three day Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO) Conference is being organised in Goa from 1st to 3rd November 2022.

Aim: To turn the Complete Air Traffic System (CATS) Global Council’s vision for the skies of 2045 into a reality.

The delegates and exhibitors from the Asia Pacific region and beyond has discussed and collaborated on the key issues.

Theme: Think Global, Collaborate Regional, Accomplish Local. 

SEWA founder, Elaben Bhatt passes away

A noted Gandhian, and founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), Elaben Bhatt has been passed away at the age of 89.

She was the Chairperson of Sabarmati Ashram and recently resigned as the Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi-founded Gujarat Vidhyapith.

In 2007, she joined the group of world leaders called the Elders (founded by Nelson Mandela) to promote human rights and peace across the world.

Awards: Padma Bhushan (1985), Ramon Magsaysay Award (1977). 

Meghalaya launched Citizen Engagement and Communication Programme

CM Conrad Sangma has launched the Citizen Engagement and Communication Programme at Tura, West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.

With this programme, the state govt can create awareness about the correct information of schemes to avail benefits to citizens.

The govt has launched various welfare programmes and information should be spread for the larger benefit of the public.

Aim: to increase the penetration of all schemes so that governance is improved in all aspects.

DRDO successfully conducts flight-test of Phase-II AD-1 missile

DRDO has conducted a successful maiden flight-test of Phase-II Ballistic Missile Defence interceptor AD-1 missile from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.

This flight-test was carried out with the participation of all BMD weapon system elements.

AD-1 is a long-range interceptor missile.

It is designed for both low exo-atmospheric and endo-atmospheric interception of long-range ballistic missiles as well as aircraft.

It is propelled by a two-stage solid motor.

VR Krishna Gupta assumes additional charge of Chairman of BPCL

Vetsa Rama Krishna Gupta has assumed the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

He has replaced Arun Kumar Singh, who superannuated on 31st October 2022.

Gupta has joined BPCL in August 1998 and has an experience across Finance functions (Commercial Finance, Corporate Accounts, Risk Management, Budgeting, Treasury operations, etc).

Presently, he is serving as a Board member in BPRL and Fino Paytech Limited.

China launches 2nd lab module Mengtian for its space station

China has successfully launched a second lab module, Mengtian, by using a Long March-5B Y4 rocket (one of China's biggest rockets).

It was launched from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site on the coast of the southern island province of Hainan.

Scientific equipment will be used for studying microgravity and carrying out experiments in fluid physics, materials science, combustion science, and fundamental physics. 

Arunachal Pradesh to get Northeast’s first fish museum

Fisheries Minister Tage Taki has announced that Arunachal Pradesh will soon get a fish museum, the first of its kind in the Northeast.

The museum would be a part of the Integrated Aqua Park (IAP), sanctioned by the Union Ministry of Fisheries.

The existing Tarin Fish Farm, located at high-altitude Bulla village, would be upgraded as the IAP.

PM Modi had announced one IAP for each state and UT under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampad Yojana for bringing blue revolution.

Edward M Kennedy posthumously honoured with 'Friends of Liberation War’

Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina has conferred the prestigious ‘Friends of Liberation War’ honour on former US Senator Edward M Kennedy posthumously.

Reason: For his contribution to the liberation of Bangladesh.

The honour was handed over to his son Edward M Ted Kennedy Junior.

Edward Kennedy Senior took stand against the genocide committed by Pakistan on innocent Bengali people despite the US government’s role during the 1971 liberation war.

Ranipur tiger reserve becomes 53rd tiger reserve of India

Ranipur Tiger Reserve of Uttar Pradesh has become the 53rd tiger reserve of India.

The tiger reserve is spread across over 529.36 sq km, of which the core area is 230.32 sq km and buffer area is 299.05 sq km.

It is also the fourth tiger reserve in UP.

Other three tiger reserves of state: Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Amangarh.

Amangarh is a buffer zone of the Jim Corbett National Park and is located in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor.

While Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is located in Lakhimpur.

PM Modi inaugurated Global Investors Meet ‘Invest Karnataka 2022’

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has addressed the inaugural function of Invest Karnataka, the Global Investors Meet via video conferencing.

Aim: To attract prospective investors and setting up development agenda for the next decade.

The country sessions would each be hosted by the partner countries - France, Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, Japan, and Australia.

The meet will be attended by the top industry leaders including Kumar Mangalam Birla, Vikram Kirloskar.

Centre restricts use of common weedicide glyphosate

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has issued a notification to restrict the use of glyphosate.

Reason: Health hazards for humans and animals.

Only authorised Pest Control Operators are allowed to use it.

The notification was based on a 2019 report by the Government of Kerala on prohibiting the distribution, sale and use of glyphosate and its derivatives.

Some 35 countries including Sri Lanka and France have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate. 

Bengaluru's Namma Metro Rail launches QR ticketing service on WhatsApp

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has partnered with the WhatsApp to launch Namma Metro's WhatsApp chatbot-based QR ticketing service.

The chatbot is integrated with Unified Payments Interface (UPI) powered payments on WhatsApp.

It will allow 'Namma Metro' commuters to purchase tickets and recharge their travel pass right within WhatsApp.

WhatsApp chatbot is available in English and Kannada for all commuters of 'Namma Metro'.

HDFC ERGO launches Farm Yield Insurance Policy

HDFC ERGO has launched a technology backed farm yield insurance policy for farmers.

In this policy, 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 product is targeted at farmers under corporate/farm input company (FIC) contracts.

It is valid for food, oilseed, commercial or horticulture crops.

India's first hyperscale data centre inaugurated in Greater Noida

Uttar Pradesh CM, Yogi Adityanath has inaugurated North India's first hyper-scale data centre Yotta Yotta D1 in Greater Noida.

It was built at the cost of Rs 5,000 crore and spread over an area of 3,00,000 square feet.

Hiranandani Group firm Yotta Infrastructure has also signed MoU with Uttar Pradesh to invest Rs 39,000 crore in over the next 5-7 years.

Corporates like Adani, WebWerks, Sify, STT and NTT have also submitted their investment proposals.

GST revenues cross ₹1.51 lakh crore in October

The gross GST revenues of India has touched the mark of ₹1,51,718 crore in October 2022.

Central GST (CGST) revenues for the month were ₹26,039 crore.

State GST (SGST) was ₹33,396 crore and IGST revenues were ₹81,778 crore (including Rs 37,297 crore collected on import of goods).

This mark the second highest monthly collections since the launch of the indirect tax regime.

The highest GST collections in a month were recorded in April 2022, at ₹1,67,540 crore.

PM Modi inaugurated 3,024 newly constructed flats for EWS

PM Modi has inaugurated 3,024 newly constructed EWS flats at Kalkaji in Delhi under Phase I of ‘In-Situ Slum Rehabilitation’ Project.

He has also handed over keys to eligible beneficiaries at Bhoomiheen Camp, Vigyan Bhawan.

These flats have been constructed at a cost of about Rs 345 crore.

Objective of the rehabilitation project is to provide a better and healthy living environment to the residents of the Jhuggi Jhopri clusters, with proper amenities and facilities.

Tata Steel's Jamshedpur plant achieve ResponsibleSteel certification

Tata Steel has received India’s first ResponsibleSteel certification for three facilities in Jamshedpur steel plant.

Three production facilities: Steel Works, Tubes Division and Cold Rolling Mill (Bara). 

ResponsibleSteel is the first global multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative of steel industry.

Aim: To address challenges including climate change, diversity, human rights and more.

Tata Steel has been a member of ResponsibleSteel since October 2020.

Malayalam writer, A Sethumadhavan selected for 2022 Ezhuthachan Puraskaram

Noted Malayalam novelist and short story writer, A Sethumadhavan has been selected for 2022 Ezhuthachan Puraskaram.

Reason: For his valuable contribution to Malayalam language and literature.

He has also served as the chairman of South Indian Bank, director of State Bank of Travancore and chairman of National Book Trust.

Ezhuthachan Puraskaram is the highest literary award of Kerala government.

The award carries a cash award of Rs 5 lakh and a citation.

Meghalaya signs MoU with Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for MSME borrowers

The Meghalaya government has signed an MoU with the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGFTMSE), under the Ministry of MSME, to help facilitate flow of credit to MSME borrowers.

Aim: To implement the Meghalaya Credit Guarantee Scheme. 

Presently, the loans taken by MSME borrowers are covered under CGTMSE against a risk coverage of 75% of the loan amount under various MSME schemes.

Tata AIA Life and Medix partner to offer critical illness cover

Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata AIA) has tied up with Medix to offer consumers access to a local and global network of accredited medical specialists during serious illnesses.

This service is complementary for policyholders who have purchased eligible life insurance products across term, savings, and pension plans.

This partnership would also offer the Personal Medical Care Management facility in India, bringing world class, healthcare advice to consumers.

BSE Technologies to launch of KYC Registration Agency

BSE Technologies (subsidiary of BSE) has launched of KYC Registration Agency (KRA), which maintains KYC records of investors in an electronic form.

KRA is a Sebi-regulated intermediary that grants the market participants authorisation for investors' Know Your Client (KYC).

KRAs need to independently validate records of those clients (existing as well as new) whose KYC has been completed using Aadhaar as an Officially Valid Document (OVD).

Healthysure, ManipalCigna Health to launch flexi top-up insurance

Healthysure has partnered ManipalCigna Health Insurance to launch India's first flexi top-up insurance plan.

This plan will allows employees to personalize and upgrade their corporate health insurance plans.

Employees can upgrade their cover, by paying a nominal add-on premium.

With this, they will be able to eliminate the need of buying independent personal health cover and it also save up to 90% of premium spending.

Sebi extends deadline for rules on direct ETF transactions

SEBI has extended the deadline for implementation of the Rs 25 crore-threshold rule for direct ETF transactions with asset management companies to May 1, 2023.

This is the second time the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

Rule: To enhance liquidity in units of ETFs in stock exchange platforms, direct transactions with AMCs will be facilitated for investors only when the transaction amount is greater than Rs 25 crore.

Govt appoints IFS Rajesh Ranjan as next Indian envoy to Ivory Coast

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Dr. Rajesh Ranjan has been appointed as the next Indian Ambassador to the West African nation of Cote d'Ivoire.

Presently, he is serving as the High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Botswana.

Prior to this, he has served in the Indian Embassy in Moscow as Second/Third Secretary dealing with Political and Commercial issues.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

Indian Navy joins trilateral exercise with Mozambique, Tanzania

India has participated in the first edition of India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT) commenced at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania on 27 October.

Indian Navy has represented the guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS (Special Forces).

Objectives: (1) Capability development to address common threats through training and sharing of best practices, (2) Enhancing interoperability, and strengthening maritime cooperation. 

India wins Sultan of Johor Cup 2022 in Malaysia

Indian Under 21 men’s hockey team has won the 10th edition of Sultan of Johor Cup title, after defeating Australia in 2022 final, held in Johor Bahru, Malaysia from 22 to 29 October 2022.

Earlier, India has won two titles in 2013 and 2014.

The top-scorer of tournament was Sharda Nand Tiwari from India, with seven goals to his name.

The Player of the Match: Sudeep Chirmako

Sultan of Johor Cup was started in 2011.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva elected new president of Brazil

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (76) has been elected as new president of Brazil after defeating incumbent president, Jair Bolsonaro.

He has secured 50.83% of the votes, whereas his opponent, Bolsonaro got 49.17% votes.

He was served as the president of Brazil for two terms from 2003 to 2006 and then 2007 to 2011.

India has had excellent relations with Brazil under his government.

He visited India as the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in 2004, 2007 and 2008.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag win men's doubles French Open 2022 title

In Badminton, the Indian duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy have won the men's doubles final of the French Open 2022 in Paris.

The Indian duo has defeated Chinese Taipei’s Lu Ching Yao and Yang Po Han in finals.

Other winners of French Open (Badminton) 2022:

Men's singles: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)

Women's singles: He Bingjiao (China)

Women's doubles: Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralidharan (Malaysia). 

Mixed doubles: Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong (China )