Current Affairs 2023
Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
Vide notifications dated 06.12.2022, in exercise of the power conferred by Article 223 of the Constitution of India, the President, is pleased to appoint Shri Justice Tashi Rabstan, senior-most Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, with effect from 08.12.2022 consequent upon the retirement of Shri Justice Ali Mohd Magrey, Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Sebi approves appointment of Sundararaman Ramamurthy as MD & CEO of BSE
Markets regulator Sebi approved the appointment of Sundararaman Ramamurthy as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the leading stock exchange BSE. In a regulatory filing, BSE said the appointment is subject to acceptance of the offer made to him and fulfillment of terms and conditions including approval from the shareholders.
Indian's Observation Satellite-6 (EOS-6) was launched
The third generation Indian satellite for monitoring the oceans, formally named Earth Observation Satellite-6 (EOS-6) was launched by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in partnership with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) among others, from its First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. The ocean observing mission is a follow-up to OceanSat-1 or IRS-P4 and OceanSat-2 launched in 1999 and 2009, respectively. The satellite was launched aboard the proven launch vehicle PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) on its 56th flight (24th flight of the PSLV-XL version). The Oceansat-3 was placed in the polar orbit at a height of about 740 kilometers above sea level. While at 1100 kilograms, it is only slightly heavier than Oceansat-1, for the first time in this series it houses three ocean observing sensors viz Ocean Color Monitor (OCM-3), Sea Surface Temperature Monitor (SSTM), and Ku-Band scatterometer (SCAT-3). There is also an ARGOS payload. All these sensors have their own importance for India’s blue economy aspirations.
Deepa Malik becomes Ni-Kshay Mitra and national ambassador for TB Mukt Bharat Campaign
Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Arjuna Awardee, India’s First Woman Paralympic Medalist and President of the Paralympic Committee of India, Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik has pledged her support to the TB Mukt Bharat campaign by becoming its national ambassador and a Ni-Kshay Mitra. Dr. (h.c) Deepa Malik expressed her commitment to the TB Mukt Bharat campaign, launched by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in March 2018, when she participated in TB awareness activities at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Pavilion at the 41st India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. She further extended her support to the campaign by becoming a Ni-Kshay Mitra, an initiative launched by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu which strives to provide aid to TB-afflicted patients on three levels nutritional, additional diagnostic, and vocational support. She has adopted 5 TB patients herself as a Ni-Kshay Mitra and encouraged people to enroll in this scheme as well, highlighting that if everyone participates in their capacity by disbanding stigma, spreading awareness, and providing aid, India will conquer TB very soon.
India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term
India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term. By securing over 90% of the votes cast by full members of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) during its General Meeting held recently in San Francisco, USA, India’s representative, a member of the Indian National Committee of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and various technical committees of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS-India), was elected.
Representation of BIS (India) in policy and governance bodies of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and IEC ensures that Indian viewpoints on the important strategic and policy matters are put forth and it also provides opportunities to align the national standardization priorities with International best practices. BIS is continually expanding its international footprints by working on the growth mantra provided by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumers Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal. Currently, BIS (India) is represented in various policy and governing bodies of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and IEC such as the ISO Council, ISO Technical Management Board (TMB), IEC SMB, IEC Market Strategy Board (MSB), IEC Business Advisory Committee (BAC), etc.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is an international standard-setting body that publishes international Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. Standardization Management Board (SMB) is an apex governance body of the IEC responsible for technical policy matters. Shri Vimal Mahendru will be the IEC Vice President representing India.
India jumps 2 spots higher, and now ranks 8th as per Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI, 2023)
India has been ranked among the top 5 countries in the world, and the best among the G20 countries, based on its Climate Change performance. India jumps 2 spots higher, and is now ranked 8th as per Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI, 2023) published by German Watch, New Climate Institute, and Climate Action Network International based in Germany. The latest report of CCPI, released at COP 27 in November 2022, shows Denmark, Sweden, Chile, and Morocco as the only four small countries that were ranked above India as 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th respectively. The first, second, and third ranks were not awarded to any country. In effect, therefore, India’s rank is the best among all large economies.
India takes over as Council Chair of Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)
India assumed the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), an international initiative to support responsible and human-centric development and use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This comes close on the heels of India taking over the presidency of G20, a league of the world’s largest economies in Bali, Indonesia.
Shri Vinit Kumar (IRSEE) takes over the charge of CEO, KVIC
Shri Vinit Kumar (IRSEE) takes over the charge of CEO, KVIC Central Office, KVIC Mumbai. He is appointed as CEO, Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVlC), Mumbai under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Shri Vinit Kumar, an IRSEE officer of the 1993 batch, has served as the Chairman of Syama Prasad Mukherjee Port, Kolkata before taking over as the Chief Executive Officer of Khadi and Village Industries Commission and also served as Chief Electrical Engineer in Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation Ltd. and looked after World Bank funded MUTP project before joining as CEO, KVIC. Shri Kumar joined the administrative post of Secretary, at Central Railway and gained experience in general administration. He worked in Central Railway in the Mumbai suburban system, one of the densest suburban systems in the world in maintenance and operations of rolling stock and traction installations. He also worked in Pune and Nagpur in independent charge of traction assets and locomotive workshops.
Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta Elected as a Member of International Committee for Weight and Measures (CIPM)
CIPM is a supreme international committee, which is responsible for the Development and Implementation of Weight and Measures globally. Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta is among 18 members worldwide from different countries. He is the 7th Indian to be on the prestigious international committee. In a historic election, Prof. Venu Gopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL), New Delhi, has been elected as a member of the prestigious International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM). Prof. Gopal was declared an elected Member of CIPM in the recently held 27th General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) meeting during Nov. 15-18, 2022 in Paris, France. The election of Prof. Gopal is not only significant for CSIR-NPL and the advancement of metrology in the country, wherein metrology is the backbone of industries and national missions of Govt. of India i.e. ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, ‘Clean and green India”, “Swasth Bharat, Sashakt Bharat”, etc., but is also the pride of the nation as it would enhance India’s global visibility and participation in global decision making. Prof. Achanta is among 18 elected members from different countries and the 7th personality in Indian history elected to CIPM after a few decades.
53rd International Film Festival of India held in Goa
The world’s finest films and its stellar creators under one umbrella, the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India kicked off with a grand opening ceremony at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, in Panaji, Goa. Conducted jointly by the National Film Development Corporation and Entertainment Society of Goa, this edition of the film fiesta is showcasing a collection of 280 films from 79 countries. 25 features and 20 non-feature films will be showcased in the Indian Panorama section from a broad spectrum of entries.
Spanish film director Carlos Saura honoured with Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award at 53rd IFFI
Celebrated Spanish film Director Carlos Saura has been honoured with the prestigious Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement award at the gala opening ceremony of the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The Spanish Director is being honoured with the award as a befitting accolade for his immense contribution to international cinema. His daughter Anna Saura accepted the award on behalf of the eminent filmmaker at the opening ceremony of IFFI 53.
IFFI 53 Film Personality of the Year Award goes to Megastar Chiranjeevi
The IFFI Indian Film Personality of the Year Award for 2022 goes to megastar and actor-producer Chiranjeevi Konidela. The announcement has been made by the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur, at the grand opening of the 53rd edition of IFFI, the International Film Festival of India, in Goa. In an illustrious film career spanning more than four decades, Chiranjeevi starred in more than 150 feature films in Telugu, as well as some films in Hindi, Tamil, and Kannada. He is regarded as one of the most successful and influential actors in Telugu cinema. He captured the imagination of the masses with his performance in Initlo Ramayya Veedilo Krishnayya in 1982. He is admired for his zestful dance performances and fight sequences brimming with power. His influence has claimed him the title of a Megastar. In 2006, he was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, for his contributions to Indian cinema.
Shri Arun Goel appointed as Election Commissioner
The President is pleased to appoint Shri Arun Goel, IAS (Retd.) (PB: 1985) as the Election Commissioner in the Election Commission with effect from the date he assumes office.
India climbs up six slots and now placed at 61st rank as per Network Readiness Index 2022
India has improved its position by six slots and is now placed at 61st rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2022 (NRI 2022) report released recently. In its latest version of 2022, the NRI Report maps the network-based readiness landscape of 131 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact covering a total of 58 variables. The report has been prepared by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit, nonpartisan research and educational institute based in Washington DC.India has not only improved its ranking but also improved its score from 49.74 in 2021 to 51.19 in 2022. It is noteworthy that India leads in several indicators. The report states that India secured 1st rank in “AI talent concentration”, 2nd rank in “Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country” and “International Internet bandwidth”, and 3rd rank in “Annual investment in telecommunication services” and “Domestic market size”, 4th rank in “ICT Services exports”, 5th rank in “FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions” and “AI scientific publications”. NRI-2022 report states that India has a greater network readiness than would be expected given its income level. India is ranked 3rd out of 36 in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Ukraine (50) and Indonesia (59). India has a score higher than the income group average in all pillars and sub-pillars.
ISRO makes history by successfully launching India’s maiden private Vikram-suborbital (VKS) rocket
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history today by launching successfully India’s maiden private Vikram-suborbital (VKS) rocket. ISRO says, "Mission Prarambh is successfully accomplished", while Skyroot Aerospace said, "Vikram-S makes history as the first private rocket of India to grace the skies". Skyroot was the first StartUp to sign an MoU with ISRO for launching its rockets. It was the nation's first private launch, it is also the maiden mission of Skyroot Aerospace, named "Prarambh".
21st World Congress of Accountants organised in Mumbai
The WCOA 2022 has been organised by the International Federation of Accountants. IFAC, founded in 1977, is the global organization for the accountancy profession dedicated to serving the public interest by strengthening the profession and contributing to the development of strong international economies. IFAC is comprised of 180 members and associates in 135 countries and jurisdictions, representing more than 3 million accountants in public practice, education, government service, industry, and commerce.
Noting ‘trust’ as one of the themes of the World Congress of Accountants 2022, the Finance Minister said trust is essential for creating sustainable livelihoods for people and sustainable manufacturing and services sectors. “I am sure, the World Congress will come out with ideas as to how the world can be better governed with enhanced transparency with sustainability”
The WCOA 2022 is the platform for the exchange of ideas through interactive discussions for accounting, finance, and business professionals. Over six thousand professionals related to accountancy are attending the Congress including more than 1,800 foreign delegates from 100 nations.
Ms Bharati Das took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
Ms Bharati Das took charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA). Ms Das is the 27th Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry of Finance, Government of India. Ms Bharati Das, a 1988-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, is appointed by the Government of India as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, with effect from October 18, 2021. Prior to that, Ms Das has served as Principal Chief Controller of Accounts (Pr. CCA) Central Board of Direct Taxes, Pr. CCA Ministry of External Affairs, Pr. CCA Ministry of Home Affairs and CCA, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Director, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Port, Shipping & Waterways. The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) is ‘the Principal Advisor’ on Accounting matters to the Union Government. CGA is responsible for establishing and managing a technically sound Management Accounting System and preparation & submission of the accounts of the Union Government. CGA is also responsible for exchequer control and internal audits for the central Government.
NTPC team wins GOLD award in 47th ICQCC-2022
NTPC’s QC Team from Unchahar ABHYUDAYA has won the "GOLD" award in the 47th International Convention on Quality Control Circle (ICQCC-2022). The convention is being held from 15th-18th November in Jakarta. The theme for ICQCC-2022 was "Built Back Better through Quality Efforts".NTPC QC Team presented on "Frequent Choking of Collecting tanks of AHP-IV".The QC team members - Shri Reyaz Ahamad (Facilitator), Shri Mahesh Chandra, Shri Virendra Kumar Yadav, and Shri Laxmi Kant worked relentlessly towards providing unique, pragmatic, and quality solutions to the problem at hand. In March 2022, NTPC had been declared the “Dream Employer of the Year” at the 30th Session of the World HRD Congress. NTPC’s efforts to create a future-ready workforce were recognized when NTPC was selected as a 2022 ATD BEST award winner by The Association for Talent Development (ATD), USA. The awards and recognitions are a testimony that people's practices at NTPC are at par with the best companies in the world.
MALABAR 22 CULMINATES
The 26th edition of the multinational maritime exercise MALABAR 22 culminated in the seas off Japan on 15 November 2022. This edition also marked the 30th anniversary of the exercise and was hosted by the JMSDF. The Indian Navy was represented by Eastern Fleet ships Shivalik and Kamorta led by Rear Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. Malabar series of exercises began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between the navies of India and US and gained further prominence with the joining of the navies of Australia and Japan.
Shri Gaurav Dwivedi appointed CEO, Prasar Bharati
The President of India has today appointed, after due recommendation by the Selection Committee, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, as Executive Member (Chief Executive Officer) in Prasar Bharati for a period of five years from his assumption of charge. Shri Dwivedi is an Officer of the Indian Administrative Service, Batch of 1995, of the Chattisgarh cadre.
INDO-FRENCH AIR EXERCISE GARUDA-VII CULMINATES AT AIR FORCE STATION, JODHPUR
The seventh edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF), 'Exercise Garuda-VII' concluded at Air Force Station, Jodhpur. The FASF participated in the exercise with Rafale fighter aircraft and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, while the IAF contingent comprised Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA 'Tejas', and Jaguar fighter aircraft. This fighter element was complemented by the IAF's Flight Refuelling Aircraft, AWACS, and AEW&C, as well as Mi-17 helicopters and the newly inducted LCH 'Prachanda'. Exercise Garuda-VII provided the two Air Forces with the opportunity for professional interaction and sharing of operational knowledge and experience. With meticulous planning and execution of various phases of the exercise, personnel of the IAF and the FASF were exposed to realistic air combat simulations and the associated Combat Support Operations. This enabled the participating contingents to engage in wide-ranging interactions, providing valuable insight into each other's best practices. The exercise also provided a platform for cultural exchange between the Air Force personnel of both countries.
PM inaugurates Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru. Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru is built at a cost of around Rs. 5000 crores. The terminal will double the passenger handling capacity of the airport to 5-6 crore passengers per annum, from the current capacity of about 2.5 crores.Terminal 2 is designed as a tribute to the Garden city of Bengaluru and the passenger experience is meant to be a “walk in the garden”. Passengers will travel through 10,000+ square meters of green walls, hanging gardens, and outdoor gardens. The Airport has already established a benchmark in sustainability with 100% usage of renewable energy across the campus. Terminal 2 has been created with sustainability principles woven into the design. Based on the sustainability initiatives, Terminal 2 will be the largest terminal in the world to be pre-certified platinum rating by US GBC (green building council) prior to commencing operations. The theme of ‘Naurasa’ unites all the commissioned artworks for Terminal 2. The artworks reflect the heritage and culture of Karnataka as well as the broader Indian ethos.
PM unveils 108-feet-long bronze statue of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi unveiled a 108-foot-long bronze statue of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in Bengaluru. The statue is built to commemorate the contribution of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the founder of the city, towards the growth of Bengaluru. Conceptualised and sculpted by Ram V Sutar of the Statue of Unity fame, 98 tonnes of bronze and 120 tonnes of steel have gone into making this statue. The role of Sri Nadaprabhu Kempegowda in the making of Bengaluru is unparalleled. He is remembered as a visionary who always put the welfare of people above everything else.
Justice DY Chandrachud takes oath as 50th Chief Justice of India
Justice D Y Chandrachud took charge as the 50th Chief Justice of India. The senior-most judge of the apex court, Justice Chandrachud is set to serve as CJI for a period of two years, succeeding Uday Umesh Lalit. Justice Chandrachud was elevated to the top court on May 13, 2016. He has been part of several Constitution benches and landmark verdicts of the top court including on matters relating to the Ayodhya land dispute, the right to privacy and adultery.
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi appointed as the Chairman of 22nd Law Commission
Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Retired Chief Justice, Karnataka High Court has assumed charge as Chairperson, 22nd Law Commission of India along with Justice K.T. Sankaran, Retired Judge, Kerala High Court as Member and Shri M. Karunanithi, Advocate, Madurai, Tamil Nadu as Part Time Member.
Shri Giridhar Aramane assumes the office of Defence Secretary
Shri Giridhar Aramane, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre, assumed the office of Defence Secretary. Before taking charge, Shri Aramane laid a wreath at National War Memorial in New Delhi and paid homage to the fallen heroes. He saluted the brave hearts who sacrificed their lives while protecting the nation. In his 32 years of experience in IAS, Shri Aramane has held various important portfolios in the Central Government as well as Andhra Pradesh government. Prior to his current assignment, Shri Aramane was Secretary, of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Earlier, he was an Additional Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat. Apart from Cabinet Secretariat, Shri Aramane looked after Exploration Division in the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and was Executive Director in charge of inspections in the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority. In the Andhra Pradesh Government, Shri Aramane served as Principal Secretary in Urban Development Department; Managing Director of AP State Finance Corporation, and Secretary (Finance Department). He also held the post of the Collector & DM of the Chittoor and Khammam districts. Shri Aramane did B Tech in Civil Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, and M Tech from IIT, Madras. He is MA (Economics) from Kakatiya University, Warangal.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva becomes Brazil president
Left leader Luiz Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, a former factory worker and Brazil’s first working-class president, scripts an astonishing political comeback as he beats far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the Brazil elections. Da Silva received 50.9 percent of the vote and incumbent Jair Bolsonaro 49.1 percent, according to the country’s election authority. Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was born in October 1945 in Caetes in the Northeast of Brazil. In the 1970s, Lula joined the labour movement. In 1980, he founded the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) or Worker’s Party, a left-wing party with progressive ideas. In 2002, Lula became Brazil’s first working-class president. In 2010, he stepped down after two terms with approval ratings close to 90 percent. During his term, he presided over an economic boom that lifted millions of Brazilians from poverty. Lula is the first person to be democratically elected as president of Brazil three times.
PM lays foundation stone of C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara, Gujarat
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the C-295 Aircraft Manufacturing Facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. He also visited an exhibition showcasing technological and manufacturing strides in the aerospace industry under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Spain Retains FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup Crown
Defending champions Spain won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup with a 1-0 victory over first-time finalist Colombia whose campaign ended in heartbreak after an own goal in the summit clash at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Indian Wins Sultan of Johor Cup 2022
The Indian junior men's hockey team (Under 21) defeated Australia 5-4 on a penalty shootout in a nail¬biting final at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru, Malaysia to win the Sultan of Johor Cup 2022 title. India won their third Sultan of Johor Cup title.
Career Scope in Comparative literature
Comparative literature is an interdisciplinary field that studies literature from different countries, cultures, and languages. This field offers various career opportunities, and its scope is not limited to just academia. Comparative literature graduates can work in a variety of fields, including p →
Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)
Foundation Date: December 8, 1991 Headquarters: The Republic of Belarus Executive Secretaries: Sergei Lebedev Member Countries: 12 Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) was established on December 8, 1991, and the leaders of the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and Ukraine signed an a →
What is Bitcoin?
In 2009, an unknown programmer by the name of Satoshi Nakamoto put forward a whitepaper that proposed a creation of new form of digital currency - cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency functions the same way as regular currencies do in that its used as a means of exchange, unit of account and a store of va →
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Headquarter: New Delhi Function and Objective of the Organization: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)has been established under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which consolidates various acts & orders that have hitherto handled food-related issues in various Ministries →
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