Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: November 24, 2022
Current Affairs constitute a crucial portion of all government exams like UPSC, RRB, SSC etc. Remaining updated regarding the happenings of the world also assesses a candidate’s cognitive skills. Keeping abreast with the daily news, be it national or international, impacts the exam’s final outcome. Reading the newspapers and keeping an eye on the trending news will cover the preparation of current affairs.
Current Affairs: International
UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon 2022
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath recently inaugurated the four-day UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon (UIAH) 2022 event being organised at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida.
A total of 603 students, under the guidance of 100 mentors, will focus on tackling 20 problem statements.
Agriculture, drinking water and sanitation, education, energy/sustainability, and health and hygiene are the five sub-themes under the umbrella theme, LiFE.
About UIA Hackathon:
The UIA Hackathon, being organised jointly by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), was inaugurated on 22 November.
The two days of the hackathon will comprise a 36-hour non-stop event where students from various countries will use their skills to provide solutions to complex problems.
Students taking part in the hackathon must be proficient in coding or software development in User Interface and User Experience design (UI/UX), Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Internet of Things (IoT), and data analysis.
Objective of the Hackathon:
The primary aim of the UIAH 2022 is to explore novel technologies and skills and create solutions for social causes.
It will also focus on nourishing potential, sourcing incubation programmes, and creating potential start-ups.
The nodal agency will make the teams, assign mentors to each team, and ensure that language and culture barriers between the students do not become an issue.
Question:
UNESCO-India-Africa Hackathon 2022, recently inaugurated in which of the following states/UT?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Delhi
C. Gujarat
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Person in News
Lachit Barphukan
The three-day-long celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Ahom General Lachit Barphukan has begun in New Delhi today.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated an exhibition on this occasion at Vigyan Bhawan this morning.
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijijju will attend the cultural event as the Chief Guest in the evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the closing ceremony on Friday, 25th November.
About Lachit Barphukan:
Lachit Barphukan is remembered as one of the greatest army commanders in the Ahom kingdom. Known for leading the Battle of Saraighat on the Brahmaputra in 1671, he foiled a drawn-out attempt by Mughal forces led by Raja Ramsingh-I to retake Assam.
The Ahoms, who ruled Assam for over 600 years, have a record as one of the longest reigns in the world.
Lachit Barphukan was seriously ill when the Ahoms confronted the mighty Mughals at Saraighat in 1671.
Despite his ill health, Lachit Barphukan as a true general led from the front and defeated the Mughals.
About the Event:
Assam Handloom Minister UG Brahma said that the life and culture of Assam’s village, as well as the events of Lachit Barphukan, will be displayed in the exhibition.
The main objective of organising the 400th birth anniversary celebration in the national capital is to sanitise the people of the country on the bravery and war skills of Lachit Barphukan.
Question:
The celebration of the 400th birth anniversary of Lachit Barphukan began in New Delhi today. He belongs to which of the following dynasties?
A. Kamata
B. Kuch
C. Ahoms
D. Mughal
Answer: C
Current Affairs: Environment
Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessels
In line with the country’s ‘Make in India’ commitment to sourcing equipment and systems from indigenous firms, including MSMEs, the Indian Coast Guard laid the keel for two Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessels, GSL Yard 1267 and 1268, recently at the Goa Shipyard.
The two Pollution Control Vessels (PCVs) are indigenously designed and developed by the Goa Shipyard, to be delivered by February 2025 and August 2025, respectively.
About PCVs:
The PCVs will be equipped with state-of-art technology, advanced and highly-sensitive pollution control equipment, navigation and communication equipment, sensor and machinery.
Ships will be capable of carrying out dedicated oil spill response operations for containment, recovery, separation and dispersal of pollutants.
The vessel will be fitted with the latest pollution control equipment, including two flush-type side sweeping arms enabling it to contain oil spills whilst in motion.
Features:
Advanced software would assist in predicting the spread of the complex oil spill pattern, and the Dynamic Positioning System will enable the vessel to be manoeuvred in restricted areas with precision.
The vessel is being designed to recover the lightest to the most viscous oil at the rate of 300 tons per hour.
The vessels are also equipped with fire-fighting and salvage systems.
Question:
Which shipyard recently laid the keel for the GSL Yard 1267 and 1268, two Coast Guard Pollution Control Vessels?
A. Cochin Shipyard
B. Mazagon Shipyard
C. Goa Shipyard
D. Western India Shipyard
Answer: C
Current Affairs: National
Film Bazaar Inaugurated by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur
Film Bazaar, the largest South Asian film market, was inaugurated recently in Goa by Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur.
The initiative, organised on the sidelines of the 53rd International Film Festival of India(IFFI), encourages creative and financial collaboration between the South Asian and International film communities.
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L. Murugan, Secretary, Ministry of I & B Apurva Chandra, along with representatives from the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), and the film industry, among others, attended the event.
What Is a Film Bazaar?
Created and organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Film Bazaar has evolved into South Asia’s global film market from its humble beginnings in 2007.
Every edition witnesses increased national and international participation.
Over the years, films such as Lunch Box, Margarita With A Straw, Chauthi Koot, Qissa, Ship of Theseus, Titli, Court, Anhe Ghore Da Daan, Miss Lovely, Dum Lagake Haisha, Liar’s Dice and Thithi have been through one or more program of the Bazaar.
Details:
Over five days, Film Bazaar becomes the converging point for film buyers and sellers worldwide.
The focus is on discovering, supporting and showcasing South Asian content and talent in filmmaking, production and distribution. The Bazaar also facilitates the sales of world cinema in the South Asian region.
Question:
Film Bazaar, the largest South Asian film market, was inaugurated recently in which of the following states/UT?
A. Goa
B. Jammu and Kashmir
C. Maharashtra
D. Delhi
Answer: A
Current Affairs: International
Qatar Signs World’s ‘Longest’ Gas Supply Deal with China
QatarEnergy recently announced a 27 years natural gas supply deal with China, calling it the “longest” ever seen as it strengthened ties with Asia at a time when Europe is scrambling for alternative sources.
Details:
The state energy company will send four million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually from its new North Field East project to China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (Sinopec).
The deal “marks the longest gas supply agreement in the history of the LNG industry”.
Asian countries led by China, Japan and South Korea are the main market for Qatar’s gas, which is increasingly being sought by European countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
About North Field:
North Field is at the centre of Qatar’s expansion of its liquefied natural gas production by more than 60% to 126 million tonnes a year by 2027.
North field accounts for approximately 10% of the world’s known reserves.
China is the first country to seal a deal for North Field East.
Question:
Qatar recently signed the world’s ‘longest’ gas supply deal with China for a period of
A. 10 years
B. 13 years
C. 22 years
D. 27 years
Answer: D
Current Affairs: International
India, EU Sign Agreement for Cooperation in High-Performance Computing, Quantum Tech
India and the European Union (EU) recently signed an agreement on cooperation in hi-tech areas such as climate modelling and quantum technologies, building on the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) launched by the two sides earlier this year.
Rationale:
The agreement signed on Monday, 21st November, aims to facilitate collaboration on high-performance computing applications using Indian and European supercomputers in areas such as bio-molecular medicines, Covid-19 therapeutics, mitigating climate change, predicting natural disasters and quantum computing.
About High-Performance Computing:
High-performance computing is tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges, and the demand for such systems is increasing rapidly in various domains.
Under this partnership, India and the EU will leverage expertise from both sides to optimise high-performance computing towards developing advanced technology solutions in multiple fields.
About India-EU TTC:
The India-EU TTC is a strategic mechanism that gives New Delhi access to advanced technologies and allows the two sides to set standards in crucial areas such as 5G and artificial intelligence.
This is the first such trade and technology council set up by India with any of its partners. For the EU, it is only the second such body, following the first one set up with the US.
Question:
India recently signed an agreement for cooperation in high-performance computing and quantum tech with which of the following global trade blocks?
A. BRICS
B. EU
C. ASEAN
D. G20
Answer: B
Current Affairs: Awards and Recognitions
UNESCO Madanjeet Singh Prize for 2022
The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence, for the 2022 edition, has been given to Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong from Cameroon, president of two NGOs: Afrogiveness and Positive Youths Africa. She received the Prize at an official ceremony held recently at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
About Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong:
As a journalist for seven years, Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong has strived to change the way mental illness is viewed and represented in society.
Trained in art therapy and psychology, she became the founder and president of two NGOs: Afrogiveness Movement (#Afrogiveness) and Positive Youths Africa (PYA).
What Is the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize?
The UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize for the Promotion of Tolerance and Non-Violence is awarded every two years to individuals or institutions for their exceptional contributions to promoting tolerance and non-violence through the arts, education, culture, science and communication. The laureate will receive US$ 100,000.
The Prize is named after its benefactor, former Indian artist, writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh (1924-2013), who was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
The Prize, which contributes to the mandate of UNESCO in promoting peace, is managed by the Social and Human Sciences Sector of UNESCO.
Question:
Who among the following received the 2022 edition of the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize?
A. Manon Barbeau
B. François Houtart
C. Aung San Suu Kyi
D. Franca Ma-ih Sulem Yong
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Person in News
Shrikrishna Rajagopala Appointed as Chairman of Joint Academic Chair of Ayurveda at Western Sydney University
The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India and Western Sydney University jointly announced the appointment of a Joint Academic Chair in Ayurveda. AIIA’s associate professor Shrikrishna Rajagopala has been appointed as the academic chair in Ayurvedic Medicine.
About the Programme:
This programme will organise collaborative research projects and help candidates develop short- and medium-term academic courses, provide students tutorials, conduct sensitisation programmes, workshops and seminars, and serve as a credible source of Ayush-related information for Australia.
Rationale:
The focus of this position will be to build capacity for the scientific validation of Ayurvedic medicine and aligned inventions such as Ayurveda, herbal medicine, yoga and meditation.
About Shrikrishna Rajgopala:
Rajagopala is currently the Head of the Department of Kaumarabhritya (paediatric department) at AIIA.
He has 28 years of experience, and his expertise is in clinical and pharmacological research of Ayurveda interventions for asthma, cerebral palsy, Covid-19, anaemia and muscular dystrophy.
About AYUSH Academic Chairs:
The Ministry of Ayush has established a programme for Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign institutions to give more opportunities and resources for research collaboration and to strengthen cultural ties.
The programme has also added momentum to the ongoing initiatives of the Ministry of Ayush in placing India as a global healthcare destination.
Western Sydney University is the first Australian university to participate in this global programme.
What Is the Ministry of AYUSH?
AYUSH is the acronym of medical systems such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
The Ministry of AYUSH was set up on the 9th of November 2014 to revive the knowledge of traditional Indian systems of medicine
It focuses on education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy
Minister of AYUSH: Sarbananda Sonowal
Question:
Who has recently been appointed as chairman of the Joint Academic Chair of Ayurveda at Western Sydney University?
A. Kaustabh Pathak
B. Rajesh Chander
C. OP Chaudhary
D. Shrikrishna Rajagopala
Answer: D
Current Affairs: National
Karmayogi Prarambh Module
As part of the government’s ‘Rozgar Mela’ (employment fair), Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently distributed over 71,000 appointment letters to the new recruits via video conferencing.
Physical copies of appointment letters were handed over at 45 locations across the country, except Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, where the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
What Is Karmayogi Prarambh Module?
The module is an online orientation course for all new appointees in various government departments.
It will include a code of conduct for government servants, workplace ethics and integrity, human resource policies and other benefits and allowances that will help them acclimate to the policies and transition smoothly into the new roles.
About Rozgaar Mela:
The Rozgar Mela is a step towards fulfilling the Prime Minister’s commitment to accord the highest priority to employment generation.
The Rozgar Mela is expected to act as a catalyst in furthering employment generation and providing meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment as well as direct participation in national development.
Earlier in October, 75,000 appointment letters were handed over to newly inducted appointees under Rozgar Mela.
The physical copies of the appointment letters to the new appointees will be handed over at 45 locations across the country (except Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh).
In addition to the categories of posts filled earlier, posts of teachers, lecturers, nurses, nursing officers, doctors, pharmacists, radiographers, and other technical and paramedical posts are also being filled.
A significant number of posts are being filled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
Question:
Karmayogi Prarambh Module, recently launched by PM Modi, is associated with
A. Employment
B. Moral Policing
C. Cyber Security
D. Women Empowerment
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Awards and Recognitions
USA’s 1st Global Humanitarian Award
An Indian journalist has been honoured with a humanitarian award for his work and efforts in helping scores of people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during the deadly second wave in India.
Details:
Danish Manzoor Bhat, originally hailing from Kashmir Valley, was honoured with Jaipur Foot USA’s first Global Humanitarian Award this week at a ceremony held at the Consulate General of India in New York.
Achievement of Danish Manzoor Bhat:
He collected and distributed more than 1000 oximeters in Bengaluru to those who could not afford them, bringing these essential supplies to patients’ doorsteps.
His efforts also ensured that these oximeters were kept in rotation, enabling more patients to use them.
He also supports ‘Rescuing Indians’, a not-for-profit that helps Indians stranded overseas.
About USA’s 1st Global Humanitarian Award:
The award has been constituted to honour and recognise the “selfless work of Indians” who went above and beyond to help those in need during the difficult years of the pandemic.
The award was presented in the Indian High Commission New York by Consul General Randhir Jaiswal, IAS and Prem Bhandari, Chairman, JaipurFoot USA. Deputy Consul General Varun Jeph was also present at the private ceremony.
Question:
A recent awardee of the Jaipur Foot USA’s 1st Global Humanitarian Award for COVID-19 relief efforts, journalist Danish Manzoor Bhat is associated with which state/UT?
A. Jammu and Kashmir
B. Lakshadweep
C. Kerala
D. Rajasthan
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Science and Technology
Kochi Green Hydrogen (KGH2) Hub
India Hydrogen Alliance (IH2A) and the government of Kerala recently announced the proposal to build the Kochi Green Hydrogen (KGH2) Hub.
Details:
The proposal envisages a potential capital expenditure of USD 575 million to build a 60-tonnes per day (TPD) green hydrogen plant with a 150 MW Electrolyser, Storage and Infrastructure, which could achieve giga-watt scale and build the hydrogen economy in Kerala.
IH2A and the Kerala Government shared the plan after a consultation meeting between the government, industry and funding agencies, as per IH2A.
What Is Hydrogen Hub:
IH2A’s KGH2 Hub plan is modelled after the Hydrogen Valley projects in the EU to create production, storage, transmission and end-use infrastructure for green hydrogen (in compressed gas and liquified form) within a 50-km radius cluster in Kochi.
The plan focuses on the transport use case in the first phase, aligning with the state government’s plans for zero-emission transport to power Hydrogen-ICE retrofitted bus fleets of 60 buses and build the required infrastructure.
In the second phase, industrial demand for green hydrogen from refineries, fertiliser and chemical plants is expected to drive capacity expansion and scale up the KGH2 hub.
What Is Hydrogen Demo Valley?
In parallel with these initiatives, so-called Hydrogen Valleys (localised, large-scale integrated “ecosystems” based on hydrogen as a common vector), co-financed by the European Commission, are under construction especially driven by the industrial sector in various European countries.
The hydrogen demo Valley project aims to create an infrastructural hub for testing and demonstrating hydrogen technologies covering production, storage, distribution and utilisation of hydrogen and blends of natural gas and hydrogen for applications in the energy, industrial and transport sectors.
Efforts by Kerala:
Green Hydrogen is part of Kerala’s Net Zero Pathway. The government of Kerala is actively collaborating with industry and investors to replicate the hydrogen valleys in Europe in Kerala.
The proposed Kochi Green Hydrogen Hub is significant for its scale and focuses on building hydrogen infrastructure.
The Kochi Green Hydrogen Hub is the first of its kind in the country in its current form and scale.
Kerala intends to lead project development and show the path forward on green hydrogen commercialisation in India.
Question:
Which state recently announced the proposal to build the Green Hydrogen (KGH2) Hub?
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