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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW) flags off India’s 1st International Cruise Liner “Costa Serena” in Mumbai
- This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s “Dekho Apna Desh” initiative to the middle class to prefer domestic tourism over international tourism.
About Costa Serena:
i.The Costa Serena was constructed by Fincantieri (Shipbuilding company) at its Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy and was inaugurated in Marseille, France.
- The Costa Serena is the tenth vessel to join the 17-ship fleet of Costa Crociere (Costa Cruises).
ii.Costa Cruises, Italy, operating under Carnival Corporation, announces domestic sailings in India.
Routes
Costa Serena’s primary operational routes are Mumbai, Kochi (Kerala), Goa and the Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep.
Government Initiatives:
i.Indian government initiatives include concessions, uniform rates, and upgradation of cruise terminals.
ii.A crucial move was the conditional Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) exemption for foreign flag vessels shifting to coastal operations, significantly reducing financial burdens.
Sagarmala Programme:
i.Development of cruise tourism and lighthouse tourism are being actively considered under MoPSW’s flagship scheme Sagarmala Programme.
ii.Over a period of the last 9 years Sagarmala Programme has completed 11 Projects worth Rs.267 crores promoting coastal & cruise tourism and Island Development.
Maritime India Vision 2030:
The vision is to transform India into a premier cruise hub in the Asia Pacific region.
Target: Increase annual cruise passengers to 18 lakhs by 2030, up from 4.72 lakhs.
Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047:
i.The Maritime Amritkaal Vision 2047, introduced during the Global Maritime India Summit 2023 in Mumbai, is set to reshape India’s cruise tourism industry.
ii.By 2047, India aims to have 25 operational cruise terminals, with an estimated 5 million passengers annually.
Free Nation Scheme PMGKAY will be extended till 2028
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution had declared that the central government would allocate over ₹2 lakh crore in 2023 for food subsidies under NFSA and various other welfare programs.
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana:
i.The scheme was initially rolled out in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ii.PMGKAY is operated by the Department of Food and Public Distribution under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
iii.This program is a part of the existing Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana welfare initiative.
iv.The scheme provides 5 kg of food grain per person per month and is provided free of cost for all the beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013 (Antodaya Anna Yojana & Priority Households) including those covered under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Previous Extensions:
- Phase I and II ( 8 months) : April 2020 to November 2020
- Phase III to V (11 months) : May 2021 to March 2022
- Phase VI ( 6 months) : April 2022 to Sept 2022
- Phase VII (3months): October 2022 to December 2022
- Phase VIII (12 months): January 2023 to December 2023
About National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013:
i.The National Food Security Act, 2013 aims to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle approach, by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to people to live a life with dignity.
ii.NFSA provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidised foodgrains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
iii.The eligible persons will be entitled to receive 5 Kgs of foodgrains per person per month at subsidised prices of Rs. 3/2/1 per Kg for rice/wheat/coarse grains respectively.
iv.The existing Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households, which constitute the poorest of the poor, will continue to receive 35 Kgs of foodgrains per household per month.
Norway to Fund USD 44.7mn to Support India’s Hunger Project in Uttarakhand
- Norway will aid in promoting food security by improving productivity for small-scale producers of food, and by developing local value chains and markets.
What is THP?
It is a non-profit organization that works to end hunger and extreme poverty across 12 countries in Africa, Latin America and South Asia. In India, it is currently working in the five states of Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Odisha, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand.
- In Uttarakhand, it will be implemented in 3 districts, 9 blocks, 172 gram panchayats and 145 van panchayats.
Key Points:
i.The project strengthens the political leadership of Elected Women’s Representatives (EWRs) in Gram Panchayats by organizing capacity-building training.
- Their empowerment will lead in conserving forests, promoting sustainable living, and collaborating with local communities.
ii.It also focuses on strengthening Van Panchayats (Forest Councils) which in turn will ensure food security and livelihood opportunities for marginalized households.
iii. Project outcomes include advanced environment-friendly development, institutional processes for forest conservation, climate risk mitigation, and improved food security for marginalized households.
Colors Collaborates with Ministry of WCD to Support BBBP
India’s leading Hindi General Entertainment Channel (GEC) and Viacom18 Media Private Limited’s Flagship Channel COLORS has announced a collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) to support the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative to raise awareness about the social evil of girl child abandonment.
- The collaboration aims to raise awareness around girl child abandonment through their latest social drama show “Doree” which will be aired from 06th November 2023.
- The channel will also raise awareness about the 24-hour emergency toll-free child helpline number (1098) amongst viewers.
In 2015, the Government of India (GoI) introduced the scheme “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (BBBP) to address gender discrimination and women empowerment in India.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Swedish Firm Saab AB Becomes India’s first 100% FDI in Defence Sector
About Saab AB FDI:
The FDI proposal is valued at around Rs 500 crore.
- With this, Saab is set to establish a facility to manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket launchers in India.
- The facility will support the production of the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian Armed Forces as well as components for users of the system around the world.
- SAAB FFV India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Saab was Incorporated in 2022.
About Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system:
The man-portable coilless rifle Carl-Gustaf M4 is suitable for a wide range of ammunition that can target all kinds of targets, including built-up areas and armoured vehicles, and can also be used to illuminate battlefields during night-time operations.
- The anti-tank, anti-personnel Carl-Gustaf M4 is less than one meter in length and weighs less than seven kilograms and its range varies between 400m and 2100m depending upon its target.
- The Indian Army has been using Carl-Gustaf weapon system since 1976 as a main shoulder-launched weapon.
FDI in Defence Sector:
i.In April 2001, the ‘Defence Industry’ sector was opened up for full
participation by the Indian private sector and FDI was capped at 26% subject
to licensing.
ii.In August 2014, the FDI cap was raised to 49% and in June 2016 it was raised to 100%, subject to government’s approval beyond 49%.
Government approval.
- As per the extant FDI policy, foreign investment up to 49% is permitted under the automatic route; beyond 49% and up to 100% is permitted through Government approval.
iii.In May 2020, FDI limit in was raised to 74% from existing 49% under Automatic Route and up to 100% by Government Route wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded.
About Saab AB:
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Micael Johansson
Headquarters – Stockholm, Sweden
Established – 1937
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023: Kerala RT Mission & Soar Excursions, Ahmedabad Bagged Awards
- Kerala RT mission won the award under Best for local sourcing, craft and food category for promoting sustainable and women-inclusive initiatives.
- Soar Excursions won the award under Best for meaningful connections category.
Responsible Tourism established the Responsible Tourism Awards in 2004. The award was later renamed as “World Responsible Tourism Awards”.
About Responsible Tourism Partnership:
Managing Director– Harold Goodwin
Headquarters– London, United Kingdom
>> Read Full News
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
ACC Extends Tenure of A S Rajeev, MD & CEO of BoM & Matam Venkata Rao, MD & CEO of CBI
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has extended the tenure of A S Rajeev, Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) for 6 months till his superannuation.
- He has been serving as the MD & CEO of BoM since December 2018.
Note:
Previously in August 2021, AS Rajeev’s tenure as MD & CEO was extended for a period of 2 years beyond December 2021.
About A S Rajeev:
i.A S Rajeev is a qualified Chartered Account. Prior to his appointment as MD & CEO of BoM, A S Rajeev served as the Executive Director of Indian Bank since 2016.
ii.He has over 30 years of banking experience in Syndicate Bank, Vijaya Bank and Indian Bank.
iii.He is a director on the board of Exim Bank, New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL).
iv.He is also a member of the Management committee of Indian Banks Association and Governing Body of National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune, Maharashtra.
v.He also served as a member of various committees of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
vi.He also served as a Director of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
Govt extends tenure of MV Rao, MD & CEO of CBI
The ACC has also extended the tenure of Matam Venkata Rao(M V Rao), MD & CEO of Central Bank of India (CBI) till 31st July 2025.
- MV Rao has been serving as the MD & CEO of CBI since March 2021.
About Matam Venkata Rao:
i.He is a Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers.
ii.Prior to joining CBI, he has worked as the Executive Director of the Canara Bank.
iii.He joined Allahabad Bank as Agricultural Field Officer in 1988 and worked in various capacities.
Note: Both BoM and CBI are Publis Sector Banks(PSBs)of India.
About Bank of Maharashtra (BoM):
Managing Directors (MDs) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – A S Rajeev
Headquarters – Pune, Maharashtra
Established in – 1935
Tagline – Ek Parivaar, Ek Bank (One Family One Bank)
About Central Bank of India (CBI):
Managing Directors (MDs) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Matam Venkata Rao
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established in – 1911
Tagline – Central to you since 1911
Centre Appoints Nodal officers to Act against Film Piracy on Digital Platforms
The government has appointed 12 nodal officers from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to combat film piracy. The authorised nodal officers now have the power to block pirated film content across various platforms.
- The action has been taken under Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
- The officers will handle complaints related to film piracy, ensuring action will be taken within 48 hours of receiving a complaint.
- The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 amends the Cinematograph Act, 1952 to address issues relating to film certification, unauthorised recording, exhibition of films and film piracy.
- Cinematograph Act, 2023 has provisions to impose severe penalties on those indulging in film piracy, the penalties include a minimum jail term of 3 months and fine of Rs. 3 lakh.
Dabur India Ltd Appoints Former CEC Sushil Chandra as New Non Executive Independent Director
Dabur India Limited appointed Mr. Sushil Chandra, the former (24th) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India as an Additional director, in the category of Non-Executive Independent Director for a period of 5 years with effect from November 2, 2023, till November 1, 2028.
- Sushil Chandra is a 1980 batch Indian Revenue Services (IRS) (Information Technology) officer. He previously served as Chairperson of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
- He started his career in the Indian Engineering Service, then joined the 1980 Batch of IRS.
- Before his role as Member of CBDT, he held the position of Director General of Income Tax, Gujarat and Principal Chief Commissioner, Gujarat.
- On February 15, 2019, he was appointed as the Election Commissioner of India and took office as the CEC of India on April 13, 2021.
- He superannuated on May 15, 2022 after serving in 16 elections, including 5 as CEC.
Note:
- Dabur India Ltd. is one of India’s leading Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Companies.
- With this appointment, Dabur India Limited now has 10 Non Executive Independent Directors on its board.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
New technology for converting CO2 to CO developed with Potential for Application in Steel Sector
- In this regard, a team of researchers led by Dr. Arnab Dutta and Dr. Vikram Vishal, alongside dedicated scholars at the NCoE-CCU, secured a patent for their CO2 to CO conversion technology.
- This achievement is on the lines of India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, and has potential for application in the steel sector.
Key Points:
i.CO is a widely used chemical compound in various industries, particularly in the form of synthesis gas (syn gas).
ii.Presently, CO is produced through the partial oxidation of coke or coal, resulting in significant CO2 emissions as a byproduct. Now, this new technology will significantly reduce carbon footprints, and lower associated costs.’
iii.NCoE-CCU is backed by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology (MoST). It is currently being scaled up through the recently established start-up, UrjanovaC Private Limited.
Spear Corps Test Fires New Generation Rocket and Turret Ammunition From Rudra
The Spear Corps (the aviation unit of the Indian Army) successfully test fired the New Generation Rocket and Turret ammunition from the first Indigenous Attack Helicopter Rudra.
- It also enhances the Army’s strike capability and lethality in the mountains.
About Rudra:
i.The Rudra is a weaponised version of the Advanced Light Dhruv helicopter of 5.8 Ton class powered by two Shakti Engines.
ii.It was designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet the requirements of Indian Army and Indian Air Force(IAF).
iii.It can be used for a variety of missions such as reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare, and close air support.
ENVIRONMENT
Cnemaspis rashidi: New Species of Gecko Discovered in Western Ghats near Rajapalayam
- The new species was named after Prof. Rashid Sayyed, father of Amit Sayyed.
- The research paper on the new species was published in Asian Journal of Conservation Biology(AJCB), an international peer-reviewed journal of conservation research.
About Cnemaspis rashid:
i.The new species rashidi belongs to the genus Cnemaspis, which is a genus of diurnal (day) geckos found in Asia and is one of the most diverse genera of geckos.
ii.The suggested common name of the new species is Rashid’s dwarf gecko, as it is the smallest among the genus.
- It is approximately 2 inches long from its snout to vent.
Note: So far, 93 species of gecko have been documented and this is the 94th species.
iii.Cnemaspis rashidi showcases colour pattern of yellow, white, and black on its back and has eyes of deep brown shade.
iv.The dwarf gecko, found in limited numbers, is endemic to the Western Ghats.
Lysionotus namchoomii: New Epiphytic Plant Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
Scientists at the Arunachal Pradesh Regional Center of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have discovered a new species of epiphytic plant named as Lysionotus namchoomii, from the Pakke-Kessang district of Arunachal Pradesh, in the eastern Himalayas.
- The new species is named after Late Chau Phunkyoo Nomchoon, a renowned Social Reformer from the Khampti community in Arunachal Pradesh.
- The findings were described in the international peer reviewed journal, Turczaninowia.
Note: An epiphyte, also called air plant, is a plant which grows on another plant, without being a parasite.
Genus and Species:
i.The new species namchoomii belongs to the genus Lysionotus, which is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae.
- Lysionotus species are primarily epiphytic, lithophytic, or terrestrial evergreen erect or climbing subshrubs.
ii.These plants were collected from altitudes reaching approximately 1,299 meters above sea level.
iii.About 50% of species under Lysionotus are endemic, its native range extends from the Himalayas to Japan and Indo-China.
iv.The new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered on International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List
- The plant is also threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and agriculture.
Features:
i.Lysionotus namchoomii is a small, evergreen shrub. It has thick leaves and purple flowers.
ii.The leaves are opposite, elliptic to oblong, and up to 8 centimeter (cm) long.
iii.The flowers are solitary, and up to 2 cm long. The corolla is 5-lobed, the stamens are 4 and the ovary is superior.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Tsunami Awareness Day 2023- November 5
- The UN Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) facilitates the observance of World Tsunami Awareness Day in collaboration with the rest of the UN system.
The theme of WTAD 2023 is “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future”.
- This is in line with the focus of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (13 October).
Note: The word “tsunami” comprises the Japanese words “tsu” (meaning harbour) and “nami” (meaning wave).
Background:
i.On 22 December 2015, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/70/203 and declared the 5 November of every year as World Tsunami Awareness Day
ii.WTAD was initiated by the Government of Japan, drawing from its own history of handling tsunamis effectively.
iii.The first WTAD was observed on 5 November 2016.
About Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (IOC-UNESCO):
Executive Secretary– Dr. Vladimir Ryabinin
Member States– 150
Headquarters– Paris, France
Established in– 1960
>> Read Full News
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2023 – November 6
- 6th November 2023 marks the observance of the 22nd International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/56/4 on 5th November 2001 and declared the 6th November of every year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict.
ii.The first International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is observed on 6th November 2002.
About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
Executive Director– Inger Andersen
Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya
Established in – 1972
>> Read Full News
STATE NEWS
Odisha Govt Signed 3 MoUs with 3 Entities to Develop Semiconductor Manufacturing and Launched Various Initiatives
About the MoUs:
i.The MoU with the IESA will facilitate capacity building and promote Odisha’s semiconductor ecosystem through events and conceptualisation of knowledge material.
ii.The MoU with Synopsys involves engagement in areas such as the O-Chip programme, talent transformation, workforce development, readiness assessment of Odisha in semiconductors and the Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) domains, and internship and placement assistance to students of engineering institutions.
iii.The MoU with the ESC will promote Electronics and Information Technology (IT)/Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS) exports. ESC will be provided with built-up space to set up a dedicated office for Odisha.
Odisha4Silicon-2023:
The Odisha government also successfully hosted Odisha4Silicon-2023, a pioneering program to build a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the region.
- The program is set to display Odisha’s immense potential in the semiconductor sector, emphasizing its commitment to technology and innovation.
Note: The Odisha4Silicon-2023 programme would bring new job opportunities for youth and pave way for inclusive development.
Other Initiatives:
The event also witnessed the launch of the pan-India Design Challenge under O-Chip organised by Electropreneur Park, Bhubaneswar (Odisha); IESA Odisha Chapter; and The Campus Connect Programme which aims at fostering innovation, skill development and industry-academia collaborations in Odisha.
Key Points:
i.Odisha’s electronics and Information Technology (IT) ministry notified “Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy 2023” which offers competitve and comprehensive bouquet of incentives to investors.
ii.Odisha government has also launched Odisha Semiconductor Fab and Fabless Innovation and Acceleration Programme (O-Chip) to catalyse the development of an ecosystem in Odisha.
About Odisha:
Chief Minister– Naveen Patnaik
Governor– Raghubar Das
Dance (Folk)– Ranapa Dance and Jodi Sankha Dance
President Murmu inaugurates Parvati Bhawan, Navdurga Path Skywalk Project in J&K
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated a 250-metre ‘Navdurga Path’ skywalk and the remodelled ‘Parvati Bhawan’ at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K).
About the Skywalk:
The skywalk is a pedestrian flyover that is built at an elevation of 20 feet above the existing track and cost Rs.15.69 crore.
About Parvati Bhawan :
i.Parvati Bhawan is linked to skywalk to ensure that pilgrims proceed directly to the shrine after depositing their luggage.
- It has 1,500 lockers that cater to 10,000 to 15,000 pilgrims every day.
ii.It has been fully remodelled at a cost of around Rs.15 crore.
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Current Affairs Today (AffairsCloud Today)
| Current Affairs 7 November 2023 |
|---|
| Sarbananda Sonowal (MoPSW) flags off India’s 1st International Cruise Liner “Costa Serena” in Mumbai |
| PMGKAY will be extended till 2028 |
| Norway to Fund USD 44.7mn to Support India’s Hunger Project in Uttarakhand |
| Colors Collaborates with Ministry of WCD to Support BBBP |
| Swedish Firm Saab AB Becomes India’s first 100% FDI in Defence Sector |
| ACC Extends Tenure of A S Rajeev, MD & CEO of BoM & Matam Venkata Rao, MD & CEO of CBI |
| Centre Appoints Nodal officers to Act against Film Piracy on Digital Platforms |
| Dabur India Ltd Appoints Former CEC Sushil Chandra as New Non Executive Independent Director |
| New technology for converting CO2 to CO developed with Potential for Application in Steel Sector |
| Spear Corps Test Fires New Generation Rocket and Turret Ammunition From Rudra |
| Cnemaspis rashidi: New Species of Gecko Discovered in Western Ghats near Rajapalayam |
| World Tsunami Awareness Day 2023- November 5 |
| International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict 2023 – November 6 |
| Odisha Govt Signed 3 MoUs with 3 Entities to Develop Semiconductor Manufacturing and Launched Various Initiatives |
| Global Responsible Tourism Award 2023: Kerala RT Mission & Soar Excursions, Ahmedabad Bagged Awards |
| President Murmu inaugurates Parvati Bhawan, Navdurga Path Skywalk Project in J&K |
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