Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: November 3, 2022
Government examinations like the SSC, RRB NTPC, UPSC CDS, Railways, and so on include a current affairs section. In the test, the current affairs part has more weightage. The preparation part of this section is crucial. Successfully cracking this section is completely dependent on how informed is the candidate, about current events. In order to help all the candidates score well in this section, we have analysed the most recent news from The Hindu, Indian Express, the Economic Times, and so on.
Current Affairs: Economy
RBI Launches Digital Rupee Pilot Programme
India’s first Digital Rupee pilot project has been rolled out by the Reserve Bank of India. The Digital Rupee (e₹) will be used for issuing virtual currency for transactions in government securities.
Details:
The money will be in virtual form, just like other cryptocurrencies, but the Digital Rupee will not be decentralised. It will be regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Digital Rupee will be completely legal and acceptable to the Indian Government.
The launch is being carried out in two phases.
This is the first pilot phase where the Digital Rupee has been launched for wholesale transactions, i.e., for large transactions.
What is Digital Rupee?
Digital Rupee, also known as Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), is a digital form of currency notes issued by a central bank.
It is substantially not different from banknotes, but being digital, it is likely to be easier, faster and cheaper. It also has all the transactional benefits of other forms of digital money.
Where will it be Applicable?
Digital Rupee will be used for large payments and settlements.
According to the RBI, it will be used as the settlement amount on the purchase and sale of government securities, i.e., government bonds. It will also be used for retail transactions soon.
How does it work?
Similar to checking the bank balance, one can check the balance in the wallet. CBDC will be based on blockchain technology. Individuals will be able to pay it to whomever they want to pay, and it will reach their account.
CBDC – Classified into Two Types:
Retail (CBDC-R): Retail CBDC would be potentially available for use by all.
Wholesale (CBDC-W): Is designed for restricted access to select financial institutions.
9 Banks Identified for Participation in Digital Rupee’s Wholesale Pilot:
The nine banks are the State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, IDFC First Bank and HSBC.
Features of Digital Rupee:
CBDC will be the digital token of the country
It will make business transactions easy
Money transfers from smartphones will be quick and hassle-free
Digital Rupee will help get rid of the problem of fake currency
The cost of printing paper notes will be saved
Digital currency will always be there after it is issued
CBDC cannot be damaged
Question:
Consider the following statements about the Central Bank Digital Currency, recently launched by the central bank
CBDCs cannot be used for retail transactions
It will be used as the settlement amount on the purchase and sale of government securities
15 banks were identified for participation in Digital Rupee’s wholesale pilot
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. Only 1 and 3
B. Only 2
C. Only 1 and 2
D. Only 3
Answer: B
Current Affairs: Report and Indexes
World Energy Outlook Report 2022
The International Energy Agency (IAE) has recently released its annual World Energy Outlook Report 2022 at a time of the first global energy crisis.
According to the report, energy demand in India is expected to be the highest globally during the current decade, aided by rapid urbanisation and industrialisation.
Key highlights:
According to the report, spot prices of natural gas have regularly exceeded USD250 per barrel of oil, and this, coupled with high coal prices, has accounted for 90% of the upward pressure on electricity costs around the world.
With electrification being pursued globally, any upward pressure on electricity costs diverts money away from activities which will ultimately reduce carbon emissions and makes electrification more expensive and difficult.
The report highlights the question of whether the energy crisis will catalyse further action or just serve as a setback to the clean energy transition, with countries like Japan providing major funding for nuclear, low-emission hydrogen and ammonia.
Points Regarding India in the Report:
India’s energy demand would increase by more than 3 per cent per year in the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) from 2021 to 2030.
India became the world’s second‐largest coal producer in 2021 (in energy terms), overtaking Australia and Indonesia,
Oil demand meets a further quarter of the energy demand growth and rises to nearly 7 million barrels per day by 2030.
Renewables will meet 30 per cent of demand growth by 2030, notably through a rapid increase in solar PV deployment.
What is the International Energy Agency?
The International Energy Agency is an autonomous Intergovernmental Organisation established in 1974 in Paris, France.
Its mission is to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for its member countries and beyond. Its mission is guided by four main areas of focus: energy security, economic development, environmental awareness and engagement worldwide.
India became an Associate member of IEA in March 2017, but it was in engagement with IEA long before its association with the organisation.
The World Energy Outlook Report is released by the IEA annually.
Question:
Which of the following reports is not published by the International Energy Agency?
A. Global Energy and CO2 Status Report
B. World Energy Outlook
C. Energy Technology Perspectives
D. Global Coal Energy Emissions Report
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Geopolitics
Black Sea Grain initiative
India has said the suspension of the Black Sea Grain initiative, an UN-brokered deal that allowed food exports from Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, is expected to exacerbate further food security, fuel and fertiliser supply challenges faced by the world, particularly in the global South.
What is Black Sea Grain initiative?
The UN-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative was signed during a ceremony in Istanbul in July. Under the deal, ships transporting grain from three Ukrainian ports travel along an agreed corridor to markets worldwide.
It was launched by Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the United Nations to reintroduce vital food and fertiliser exports from Ukraine to the rest of the world.
Aim of the Initiative:
The aim is to contribute to the prevention of global hunger, to reduce and address global food insecurity, and to ensure the safety of merchant ships delivering grain and food material.
What is the Deal?
This UNSC debate comes after Russia requested the meeting following its decision to suspend participation in the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
Following the Russia-Ukraine Conflict, huge stock of grains built up in silos, with ships unable to secure safe passage to and from Ukrainian ports.
The deal allowed exports from three key Ukrainian ports: Chornomorsk, Odesa, and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi.
Fact:
According to UN News, Ukraine and Russia account for roughly 30 per cent of the world’s exported wheat and barley, one-fifth of its maize, and over half of its sunflower oil.
Russia is also the world’s largest exporter of fertilisers, accounting for 15 per cent of global exports.
Question:
Which of the following is not a party of the Black Sea Grain initiative?
A. Türkiye
B. Ukraine
C. United Nations
D. Poland
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Days and Events
India Water Week-2022
President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the 7th edition of India Water Week (IWW) at the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, is organising the 7th edition of India Water Week (IWW) from 1st to 5th November with the motive to raise awareness, conserve and use water resources in an integrated manner.
Theme:
The theme of the 7th India Water Week is ‘Water Security for Sustainable Development and Equity’.
About the Event:
The five-day-long programme is set to bring together experts, planners and stakeholders from across the globe.
The focus is to build dialogue and action plans and address issues for the sustainability of water resources development as well.
In addition, it also aims for a management system in accordance with sustainable development goals.
IWW- 2022, a Multi-Disciplinary Conference:
A multi-disciplinary dialogue in the form of a conference discussing the theme of “Water Security for Sustainable development and Equity” is one of the major components of the event.
A large group of international and national persons of eminence will be imparting their experiences in the field of water management.
The latest development and solutions are available for the areas of water management for sustainable development.
Denmark, Singapore and Finland are the partner countries for India Water Week.
Question:
Which of the following is not a partner country for India Water Week-2022, organised recently in Greater Noida UP?
A. Denmark
B. Singapore
C. Finland
D. Germany
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Environment and Ecology
Dolphins Return to Ganga as Water Quality Improves
Dolphins have started coming back to the Ganga river with improvement in the quality of its water through the Namami Gange Programme.
The government recently claimed that with the completion of 23 projects under the ambitious programme started in 2014, the State has successfully stopped flowing more than 460 MLD of sewage into the Ganga in the State.
Dolphin Population:
Dolphins have also been seen breeding in Brijghat, Narora, Kanpur, Mirzapur and Varanasi, which is likely to increase their number further in the coming days.
At present, the population of dolphins in Ganga in Uttar Pradesh is estimated to be around 600.
Improved Water Quality:
There has been a lot of improvement in dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical demand (BOD) and faecal coliform (FC) parameters as well. The river water quality assessment carried out during 2014-2022 at 20 locations in Uttar Pradesh reveals.
What is the Namami Gange Programme?
The Namami Gange programme was launched in 2014 with the objective of rejuvenating Ganga by adopting an integrated approach which focused on the interception and diversion of sewage by tapping the drains flowing into the river Ganga.
Fact:
The distribution range of the Ganges river dolphins in India covers seven states: Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The Ganges River Dolphin, also called ‘Susu,’ is the National Aquatic Animal of India.
It is one of the National Symbols of India.
Gangetic Dolphins are found in the river systems of Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna, and Karnaphuli–Sangu in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Question:
The Ganges River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India is also called as
A. Sangai
B. Susu
C. Gayal
D. Fishing Cat
Answer: B
Current Affairs: Environment and Ecology
Ranipur Tiger Reserve
Uttar Pradesh’s Ranipur Tiger Reserve has become the 53rd tiger reserve of India.
Details:
The tiger reserve is spread across over 529.36 sq km, of which the core area is 230.32 sq km and the buffer area is 299.05 sq km.
Besides this, it is also the fourth tiger reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
Apart from Ranipur, the state has three tiger reserves– 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, Pilibhit Tiger Reserve is in Pilibhit.
The UP government also approved the notification of Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.
About Ranipur Tiger Reserve:
Currently, the Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary in the Chitrakoot district has no tigers of its own. However, officials have often spotted pugmarks in the area.
As per a report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), RWS is an important corridor for the movement of tigers.
Ranipur tiger reserve is covered by northern tropical dry deciduous forests and is home to mammals like megafauna tiger, leopard, bear, spotted deer, sambhar, and chinkara, among others.
As per the state government, establishing this tiger reserve will lead to the opening of eco-tourism in the area and the creation of immense employment opportunities.
Question:
Which of the following Tiger reserves is not located in Uttar Pradesh?
A. Ranipur
B. Dudhwa
C. Amangarh
D. Bandhavgarh
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Environment
HARIT Aaykar Initiative to Create Micro Forests
The CBDT recently concluded the Special Campaign 2.0 on a high note by launching HARIT Aaykar (Hariyali Achievement Resolution by Income Tax department) initiative on 31st October 2022 by planting and inaugurating the Aaykar Aranya, a series of micro forests near Attari on the India-Pakistan border.
About the Initiative:
Under this initiative, the Department resolves to increase the green cover by planting trees and creating micro-forests in and around Income Tax Department’s buildings and other public areas.
What are Micro Forests?
A micro-forest is a small, planted forest that maximises tree density and biodiversity.
A micro-forest is an urban sanctuary, a dense pocket of vegetation in the city or the suburbs.
It contains trees, shrubs, climbers, and groundcovers densely planted to create a mini-ecosystem that has a cooling effect and dramatically improves the amenity of the area.
The Miyawaki method, which Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki devised in the 1980s, is a technique to create micro forests over small plots of land.
Question:
The HARIT Aaykar initiative recently launched by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is associated with which of the following?
A. Black Money
B. Micro forests
C. Sustainable Agriculture
D. Money Laundering
Answer: B
Current Affairs: International
International Open Access Week-2022
CSIR-NIScPR recently celebrated International Open Access Week-2022.
What is International Open Access Week?
International Open Access Week is celebrated worldwide to create awareness about open-access scholarly publishing among researchers and publishers.
It is celebrated globally during the last full week of October.
International Open Access Week is organised by the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC) in partnership with the Open Access Week Advisory Committee.
It was founded in 2008 by SPARC and partners in the student community.
This year’s theme seeks to encourage connection and collaboration among the climate movement and the international open community.
What is Done in the Whole Week?
Different outreach activities are organised, such as talks, seminars, symposia, or the announcement of open access mandates or other milestones in open access, in order to highlight the various aspects and opportunities of Open Access Publishing.
In the year 2022, International Open Access Week entered its fifteenth year of celebration.
What is CSIR-NIScPR?
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) was formed following the merger of CSIR-NISCAIR and CSIR-NISTADS.
CSIR-NIScPR is one of India’s largest Open Access publishers, which publishes 15 Diamond Open Access scholarly journals.
CSIR-NIScPR neither charges any publication fee to authors nor any subscription fee to the readers.
Question:
International Open Access Week is celebrated in which of the following month of the year?
A. April
B. July
C. October
D. December
Answer: C
Current Affairs: Defence
Roadmap to Develop Mangarh Dham as Tribal Destination
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently called for preparing a roadmap to develop Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan’s Banswara district as a tribal destination with a prominent identity at the global level.
Mangarh Dham, situated near the Rajasthan-Gujarat border, is known for the massacre of tribals by the British Indian Army in 1913.
What and Where is Mangarh Dham/Hillock?
Located amid picturesque Bhil villages on a hill at the far end of southern Rajasthan, Mangarh Dham is split between Rajasthan and Gujarat.
It is a site of a tribal uprising where a massacre of over 1500 Bhil tribaldom fighters occurred in 1913.
Who are the Bhils?
The word Bhil is derived from “Veel”, which means “bow” in the Dravidian language.
Bhils are commonly referred to as Rajasthan’s bowmen. They are India’s most widely dispersed tribal communities.
They are South Asia’s largest tribe.
Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of the Bhil tribe.
About the National Monuments Authority:
Established under the Ministry of Culture in accordance with the requirements of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains AMASR (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2010.
The NMA has been delegated specific tasks for conserving and preserving monuments and sites, including controlling the banned and restricted areas surrounding centrally designated monuments.
Question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently called for preparing a roadmap to develop Mangarh Dham in Rajasthan’s Banswara is associated with which of the following Tribes?
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