Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: October 21, 2022
When practised frequently, the general awareness section of many competitive examinations is the simplest to score well on. Any competitive exam’s General Awareness section preparation must include the regular practice of keeping up with current events in the globe, country, state, etc. In Embibe’s Current Affairs series, we have compiled the finest of the day’s most recent news. The questions on this page were chosen by our experts based on the significant happenings of the day.
Current Affairs: Economy
NHAI InvIT
National Highways Infra Trust (NHAI InvIT), the infrastructure investment trust sponsored by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to support the Government of India’s National Monetization Pipeline, has raised a sum of Rs 1,430 crore from domestic and international investors through the placement of its units, for part funding its acquisition of three additional road projects from NHAI.
These InvIT bonds will be listed on BSE and NSE, providing an opportunity for investors to invest and trade.
What is NHAI’s InvIT?
NHAI InvIT is the infrastructure investment trust sponsored by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to support the government’s National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP).
NHAI’s InvIT is a Trust established by NHAI under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and SEBI (Security and Exchange Board of India) regulations.
What are InvITs?
Infrastructure investment trusts are institutions similar to mutual funds, which pool investments from various categories of investors and invest them into completed and revenue-generating infrastructure projects, thereby creating returns for the investor.
The capital market regulator notified the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014, on September 26, 2014, and these trusts are likely to help facilitate investment in the infrastructure sector.
In the case of Public-private partnership (PPP) projects, it refers to the infrastructure developer or a special purpose vehicle holding the concession.
Success in Funding:
The success of the follow-on issuance of units by NHAI InvIT demonstrates its attractiveness to sophisticated institutional investors.
Their participation in this round supports the National Monetization Pipeline, in which NHAI has the largest share and is crucial for the Prime Minister and Minister of Road Transport and Highways’ vision of developing the roads sector in the country.
Current Affairs: Defence, Geopolitics
Kamikaze Drones
A new wave of deadly Russian air attacks on Ukraine has killed more than 25 people and wounded more than 100, according to authorities in Kyiv, in the most extensive attacks since the early days of the war.
The current attacks, which began on October 10, have targeted at least 10 regions across the country and used Russian missiles as well as Iranian-made drones, according to Ukrainian authorities.
What are Kamikaze Drones?
‘Kamikaze’ derives from a tactic of attack adopted by the Japanese during World War II.
In a suicide attack mission, pilots of fighter planes carrying explosives would crash into an enemy target to cause maximum damage.
The drones have also been repeatedly used by Russia elsewhere in Ukraine in recent weeks to target urban centres and infrastructure, including power stations.
They are comparatively cheap, costing about US$20,000, and can be used in swarms.
How are these drones used for attacks?
Inspired by the Japanese tactic, the modern Kamikaze drones are also on suicide bombing mission. These get destroyed the moment they hit their targets.
The Iranian-made Shaheds have been rebranded as Geran-2 drones by Russia.
These are also called “loitering munitions,” which can linger over targets before nose-diving into them. They can be fired one after the other from racks.
They can hover around much longer than a cruise missile.
How can they be defended?
These drones are most likely vulnerable to electronic jamming and traditional anti-aircraft cannons.
The difficulty for Ukraine comes in deciding where to place limited stocks of air defences.
The drones can fly hundreds of kilometres (Iran claims in excess of 2,000 km, or 1,243 miles) and loiter for hours before locking onto a target.
Ukraine could be turning to Israel for protection against drone attacks; Israel has for long successfully defended against attacks by Iranian drones.
Question:
Kamikaze Drones that are recently used in the Ukraine war are mainly manufactured by which of the following countries?
A. Russia
B. Turkey
C. France
D. Iran
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Defence
Sprut-SDM1 Light Amphibious Tank
Russia will field its Sprut-SDM1 light amphibious tank for the Indian Army’s upcoming tender for light tanks and has submitted technical details of the same.
Why does India need Light Battle tanks?
The Indian Army, searching for light tanks for a while, has recently started Project Zorawar.
The project calls for the induction of light tanks to enable faster mobilisation and deployment in high-altitude conflict zones.
Following the stalemate with China in eastern Ladakh, the Indian Army saw an urgent need to deploy light tanks to counter the PLA.
Beijing possesses a variety of lightweight tanks, whereas India typically employs heavyweight tanks like the T-90 and T-72.
In the last two years, China has deployed the third-generation modern light tank ZTQ 15 (Type 15), the latest ZTL-11 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers and the CSK series of assault vehicles along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
The Indian Army also wants an active protection system to protect the tank from anti-tank-guided missiles and munitions. Due to its exceptional fighting capabilities and performance, this amphibious tank can be used by marines and land troops.
What is Sprut-SDM1 Light Amphibious Combat Vehicle?
The Sprut-SDM1 is the only light amphibious combat vehicle in its category with the firepower of the main battle tank and outfitted with a 125 mm tank gun.
Sprut-SDM1 could employ any ammunition manufactured in India for the T-72M1 and T-90S tanks. The tank is outfitted with a guided missile system that can outgun armoured targets, including those with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA).
The SPRUT-SDM1 is designed to provide fire support to forces engaged in combat with heavily armoured targets, destroy enemy strongholds and defences, conduct battle surveillance, and maintain combat security.
Sprut could operate day and night on mountainous terrain with thin air, at extremely high and low temperatures, traverse water obstacles, and fire its cannon while afloat. It can also disembark from ships.
The Sprut can be transferred by military cargo planes, landing ships, or by parachuting with a crew. The tank has a range of 500 kilometres without refuelling.
Question:
India is planning to purchase Sprut-SDM1 Light Amphibious Tank from which of the following countries?
A. France
B. USA
C. Russia
D. Israel
Answer: C
Current Affairs: National
National Maritime Heritage Complex
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi recently reviewed the site work progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat.
What is the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)?
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal is being developed as a one of its kind project to not only display India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage but also help Lothal to emerge as a world-class international tourist destination.
Lothal was one of the prominent cities of the Harappan civilisation and is known for the discovery of the oldest man-made dockyard. A maritime heritage complex in Lothal is a fitting tribute to the city’s historical legacy and heritage.
The boost to the tourism potential through this project will also augment the economic development of the region for a total of 3500 crore rupees.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for this project, and in March 2019, the master plan was given approval.
Features of the project:
It will have several innovative and unique features such as Lothal mini recreation to recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle; four theme parks –
The Memorial theme park,
Maritime and Navy theme park,
Climate theme park Adventure and Amusement theme park, and
The world’s tallest lighthouse museum.
Fourteen galleries highlighting India’s maritime heritage starting from the Harappan times till now; the coastal states pavilion displays the diverse maritime heritage of states and UTs, among others.
Question
The National Maritime Heritage Complex is being built in which of the following states?
A. Maharashtra
B. Sikkim
C. Gujarat
D. Goa
Answer: C
Current Affairs: National
Integrated Portal for Pensioners
Union Minister Jitendra Singh recently launched an integrated portal aimed at ensuring “ease of living” for the central government pensioners.
The portal—www.ipension.nic.in—will act as a one-stop solution for all pensioners’ needs.
About the portal:
The portal has been developed in collaboration with the State Bank of India and is aimed at “Ease of Living” for the central government pensioners.
All remaining 16 pension disbursing banks will now begin their integration with BHAVISHYA.
What is BHAVISHYA?
BHAVISHYA is a Portal for Pension Payment, and Tracking System is being integrated with the Pension Seva portal of SBI and will enable Pensioners to get all information and services in one place with a single login.
On completion of all phases of this integration, the retirees can choose a Bank and Branch for opening an online Pension Account, check their monthly pension slips, Form 16, and Status of Life Certificate as well as change their Pension Disbursing Bank through BHAVISHYA.
The ‘BHAVISHYA’ platform was made mandatory for all central government departments from 01.01.2017.
BHAVISHYA has recently been rated as the 3rd best portal among all Government of India service portals by the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA).
The following portals have now been merged with the BHAVISHYA window: CPENGRAMS, ANUBHAV, ANUDAAN, SANKALP & Pension DASHBOARD.
Question:
BHAVISHYA is a portal for
A. Environmental crime tracking
B. Pension Payment and Tracking
C. Child crime tracking
D. Education aid tracking
Answer: B
Current Affairs: Defence
India, UK to create new Defence Industry Joint Working Group (JWG) for cooperation
Defence industry organisations from India and the UK have come together to create a new Defence Industry Joint Working Group for more effective cooperation.
Details:
The inaugural meeting of the UK-India Defence Industry Joint Working Group was held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
DefExpo will see representation from 20 UK defence companies.
UK industry is already integrating Indian defence suppliers into their global supply chain, manufacturing defence equipment not just for India but for the world.
The Joint Working Group and more details:
The JWG is part of an ongoing initiative between the two countries to strengthen the defence and security partnership.
The UK recently issued its first Open General Export License in the Indo-Pacific region to India, shortening delivery times for defence procurement.
The UK industry is already integrating Indian defence suppliers into its global supply chain.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) recently conducted a subject matter expert exchange with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) during the visit of Eurofighter Typhoon, Voyager and A-400 in New Delhi and also held joint-flying exercises with the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Question:
Recently India has proposed to create a new Defence Industry Joint Working Group for cooperation with which of the following European Nations?
A. Germany
B. France
C. UK
D. Italy
Answer: C
Current Affairs: Sports
India and Saudi Arabia were shortlisted for the AFC Asian Cup in 2027
India and Saudi Arabia will compete for the hosting rights of the 2027 Asian Cup as three other interested nations have withdrawn their bids.
If India wins the bid, it will be the first time the country will host the continental showpiece event. Saudi Arabia has won the continental title three times but never hosted the tournament.
On the contrary Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee has confirmed the Qatar Football Association (QFA) as the host association for the AFC Asian Cup 2023.
What is the AFC Asian Cup?
The AFC Asian Cup is the primary association football competition contested by the senior men’s national teams of the members of the Asian Football Confederation, determining the continental champion of Asia.
It is the second oldest continental football championship in the world after Copa América.
Founded: 1956
Headquarters: Doha, Qatar
Next date: Fri, 16th Jun 2023 – Sun, 16th Jul, 2023
Current champions: Qatar (1st title)
Number of teams: 24 (finals); 47 (eligible to enter qualification)
Most successful team(s): Japan (4 titles)
Question:
Which country is going to host the AFC Asian Cup tournament?
A. India
B. UAE
C. Japan
D. Qatar
Answer: D
Current Affairs: National
Japan seeks GI tag for nihonshu
The Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, has filed an application seeking a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage.
It is learnt that this is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry here.
What is nihonshu?
nihonshu is regarded as a special and valuable beverage made from fermenting rice.
People traditionally drink nihonshu on special occasions, such as festivals, weddings or funerals, but it is also consumed on a daily basis.
Thus, it is an integral part of the lifestyle and culture in Japan.
The sake market (almost all are nihonshu) is the second largest brewed liquor (such as beer) market in Japan.
How is nihonshu made?
For making nihonshu, three main raw materials—rice, koji-kin (a type of fungal spore) and water—are required.
Its production follows an alcoholic fermentation method called parallel multiple fermentation and involves raw material treatment, koji making, starter culture-making, mash making, pressing, heat sterilisation and bottling.
The rice and koji used should originate in Japan.
What is a GI Tag?
A GI is a label that is applied to products that have a specific geographical origin and have characteristics that are related to that particular location.
Question:
Which country recently filed an application seeking a GI tag from India for nihonshu, an alcoholic beverage?
A. China
B. Japan
C. Malaysia
D. Philippines
Answer: B
Current Affairs: National
Asia’s largest Compressed Bio-Gas Plant in Punjab
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri recently inaugurated Asia’s largest Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Lehragaga, in Punjab’s Sangrur.
Details:
The plant has been commissioned with a foreign direct investment of approximately ₹220 crores by Verbio AG, one of Germany’s leading bio-energy companies.
The CBG plant at Sangrur is spread across an area of 20 acres.
Currently, the plant’s production is about six tonnes per day, but soon it will process 300 tonnes of paddy straw per day to produce 33 TPD of compressed biogas using eight digesters of 10,000 cubic metres.
Environment Friendly:
The plant will not only ensure that citizens of Sangrur and nearby areas breathe cleaner air but also contribute towards India’s COP26 climate change target and the target of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
The plant will reduce stubble burning of 40,000 – 45,000 acres of fields, translating into an annual reduction of 150,000 tons of CO2 emissions.
What is Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)?
BioGas is produced naturally (through a process of anaerobic decomposition) from waste/biomass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, sugarcane press mud, municipal solid waste, sewage treatment plant waste, etc. After purification, it is compressed and called CBG, which has high methane content.
Question:
Asia’s largest Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant was recently inaugurated in which state?
A. Uttar Pradesh
B. Rajasthan
C. Haryana
D. Punjab
Answer: D
Current Affairs: International
World Spice Congress
The 14th World Spice Congress (WSC), organised by Spices Board India in association with various trade and export farmers, will be held during 16-18 February 2023 at CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Centre, Maharashtra.
Rationale:
The congress will discuss on customised production of quality spices to meet the requirements of the consumers, thrust on organic production, ways to arrive at a consensus on the vast and varied trade and quality regulations, value addition, product innovation and new initiatives, integrating the supply chain for better output and a better understanding of the challenges and prospects of the industry, etc.
Theme:
The 14th edition of the WSC is going to be all and only about spices. “The theme chosen is ‘Vision 2030: SPICES’ (Sustainability–Productivity–Innovation–Collaboration–Excellence and Safety).”
About World Spice Congress:
World Spice Congress (WSC), the conglomeration of the global spice industry, has become the aptest platform to deliberate the concerns and considerations of the sector over its three-decades-long presence.
Organised under the leadership of the Spices Board, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India with support from various trade and export forums, the World Spice Congress provides an opportunity to get to know the sector in a better way.
Trade, sustainability, quality and food safety initiatives, recent developments, concerns and future prospects are discussed and deliberated in detail by the key players of the industry- the producers, traders, processors, exporters and regulators from across the world.
Question:
The 14th World Spice Congress (WSC) will be organised in which of the following cities?
A. Thiruvananthapuram
B. Chennai
C. Kocchi
D. Mumbai
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Defence
India-Africa Defence Dialogue
The recent India-Africa Defence Dialogue was organised on the sidelines of 12th DefExpo 2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Details:
India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) was institutionalised at DefExpo 2020 to be held biennially during successive DefExpos.
The IADD explores new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter-terrorism.
The first-ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow in conjunction with DefExpo 2020.
Theme:
“Adopting Strategy for Synergising and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation”.
The outcome of the Dialogue:
The IADD adopted a ‘Gandhinagar declaration’ as an outcome document.
It proposes to enhance cooperation in the field of training in all areas of mutual interest by increasing training slots and deputation of training teams, empowerment and capability building of the defence forces of Africa,
Participation in exercises and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters
India offered fellowships for experts from African countries through Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis.
Facts:
Fifty African countries participated in the dialogue, including 20 Defence Ministers, seven Chiefs of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs and eight Permanent Secretaries.
A Joint Declaration named the ‘Lucknow Declaration’ was adopted in IADD 2020.
Question:
In which of the following cities was the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (AIDD) recently held?
A. Gandhinagar
B. Lucknow
C. Delhi
D. Kolkata
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Defence
Deesa Airbase
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for a new air base at Deesa in the Banaskantha district of north Gujarat near the India-Pakistan border.
The air base, after its completion, will reduce the long pending strategic gap of 355 km between the Air Force station in Bhuj and Uttarlai.
Deesa air base will emerge as an effective centre for the country’s security.
Why is Deesa airbase crucial for India?
The Deesa air base will be the firewall between enemy aircraft taking off from Mirpur Khas, Hyderabad, Shahbaz F-16 airbase in Jacobabad in Pakistan, with Gujarat’s more than a trillion dollar industrial complex in and around Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar and Vadodara as a target to economically attack/hit India in the worst-case scenario.
When Deesa airbase becomes operational, it will bridge the crucial gap between Gujarat’s Bhuj air base and Uttarlai, which is located in Rajasthan.
How far is Deesa air base from the Indo-Pak border?
The Deesa air base is mere 130 kilometres from the Indo-Pak border, and it will be able to respond better to any threat coming from the western side of the border or Pakistan.
How much time and money will it take to construct the Deesa air base?
Deesa air base will be coming up in 2 phases with a total cost of ₹1000 crores, and it is expected to be operational in the next two years in 2024.
When was the approval given for the Deesa air base?
The land for the Deesa airbase was allotted, and in-principle approval was given to Indian Air Force (IAF) by the Vajpayee government way back in 2000.
The project could not really take off in the next 14 years.
The project was revived back in 2017 after massive floods in Banaskantha, which really gave the impetus to the project.
Which aircraft will be deployed at the Deesa air base?
According to media reports, IAF will deploy its air defence fighters like MiG-29 and Tejas on this base to intercept and destroy any incoming enemy fighters.
Question:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for a new air base at Deesa in which of the following states/UT?
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