Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Examinations: November 18, 2022
For competitive examinations like the UPSC, SSC, Bank PO, Bank Clerk, IBPS, Railways, Government Jobs, UPPSC, MPSC, and other state exams, this section includes GK and Daily Current Affairs Quizzes with MCQs on National Affairs, International Affairs, Economy, Banking Affairs, Polity, Geography, Environment, Sports, etc. You may use this current events quiz to prepare for the General Awareness component of entrance examinations for government jobs like those for Banking, SSC, Insurance, Railways, and more. The current events quiz will also help you outshine the crowd with all the facts you get from this post.
Therefore, use our daily Current Affairs quiz to succeed in any Indian competitive test. Let’s take today’s quiz on current events now.
Current Affairs: Days and Events
World Philosophy Day 2022
World Philosophy Day is commemorated on the third Thursday of November every year.
This year it will fall on 17th November.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed it an International day in 2005.
However, that was not always the case. World Philosophy Day was first celebrated on 21st November 2002.
On this day, UNESCO aimed to raise public awareness about philosophy and how vital it is, not only to connect the world today but to the past and present, as well as for a better understanding of the future.
Theme:
The 2022 World Philosophy Day theme is ‘The Human of the Future’. UNESCO and Le Fresnoy – National Studio of Contemporary Arts has organised a symposium and exhibition.
History:
The first celebration of World Philosophy Day took place in 2002. After it, UNESCO deemed it necessary to institutionalise the celebration of philosophical reflection around the world in 2005.
Two years later, in 2007, UNESCO published a 726-page multilingual program and meeting document on the Records of the General Conference, 33rd session, Paris, 2005.
It was to commemorate World Philosophy Day and emphasise its importance among young people and as a discipline.
The UNESCO General Conference in 2005 aimed to popularise philosophy, especially in the teaching world by celebrating World Philosophy Day.
Significance:
World Philosophy Day is commemorated to encourage people to learn about philosophy and how to speak out their philosophical thoughts.
Philosophy as a discipline is vital in understanding the world better. It is also a stepping stone towards peaceful coexistence among people from around the world.
There seems hardly any coincidence that World Philosophy Day falls close to International Tolerance Day.
The day also helps us understand the importance of analysis, research, and study of the events of the past as well as the present.
This can help us gain access to the future world and how to take on the challenges in our lives better.
Question:
World Philosophy Day is commemorated every year on the third Thursday of which of the following months?
A. July
B. September
C. October
D. November
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Environment and Ecology
Climate Change Performance Index
India rose two spots to rank eighth out of 63 countries in the Climate Change Performance Index 2023 (CCPI).
In the ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Energy Use’ categories, the country was rated “high”. In the ‘Climate Policy and Renewable Energy’ categories, it earned a “medium” rating.
What Is Net Zero?
Net zero means achieving a balance between the greenhouse gases put into the atmosphere and those taken out.
About CCPI:
The rankings by Germanwatch, New Climate Institute and the Climate Action Network are based on how well the countries are doing to halve their emissions by 2030 — an essential aspect to keep the 1.5-degree Celsius goal within reach and prevent dangerous climate change.
The CCPI evaluates 59 countries and the European Union that contribute to the generation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Rankings for the CCPI are decided as per a standardised criterion, with 14 indicators across four primary categories: Renewable Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Climate Policy, and Energy Use.
India’s Performance Assessment:
In 2020, India was ranked ninth on the CCPI list and stood at the tenth position in 2021 and 2022.
However, with evident efforts towards the 2030 targets under the Paris Agreement – reducing emissions by 45 per cent to keep global warming to 1.5-degree celsius – the country has now bagged the eighth position.
India was ranked ninth in the GHG emissions category, ninth in the Energy Use category, eighth in the Climate Policy category and 24th in the Renewable Energy category, as per a report by Business Standard. The country has scored 67.35 points on the index.
No Winners for the First Three Places:
Though 63 countries were evaluated for the CCPI index, no country won any of the first three places.
The CCPI report states that “no country performed well enough in all index categories to achieve an overall very high rating”.
Denmark was ranked fourth, while Sweden and Chile were ranked fifth and sixth, respectively.
Regarding the world’s current biggest polluter, China, the report said that the country’s massive plans for new coal-fired power plants pushed China 13 positions below.
The country is ranked at the 51st position, whereas it was at the 38th position in 2022.
Question:
What is India’s ranking in the recently published Climate Change Performance Index 2023 by Germanwatch?
A. 6th
B. 8th
C. 10th
D. 12th
Answer: B
Current Affairs: Report and Indexes
World Bank Report on India’s Urban Infrastructure
A new World Bank report estimates that India will need to invest $840 billion over the next 15 years—or an average of $55 billion per annum—into urban infrastructure if it is to meet the needs of its fast-growing urban population effectively.
Title of the Report:
The report, titled “Financing India’s Urban Infrastructure Needs: Constraints to Commercial Financing and Prospects for Policy Action”, underlines the urgent need to leverage more private and commercial investments to meet emerging financial gaps.
Highlights of the Report:
By 2036, 600 million people will be living in urban cities in India, representing 40 per cent of the population.
This is likely to put additional pressure on the already stretched urban infrastructure and services of Indian cities – with more demand for clean drinking water, reliable power supply, and efficient and safe road transport, amongst others.
The central and state governments currently finance over 75 per cent of city infrastructure, while urban local bodies (ULB) finance 15 per cent through their own surplus revenues.
Recommendations:
Over the medium term, the report suggests a series of structural reforms, including those in the taxation policy and fiscal transfer system – which can allow cities to leverage more private financing.
In the short term, it identifies a set of large high-potential cities that have the ability to raise higher volumes of private financing.
Question:
According to the recent world bank report, how much does India need to invest in Infrastructure over the next 15 years to meet the needs of its fast-growing urban population effectively?
A. $840 billion
B. $900 billion
C. $1000 billion
D. $1020 billion
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Polity and Governance
Madhya Pradesh Govt Implements Panchayat Extensions to Scheduled Areas Act
Madhya Pradesh government has implemented the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act in the state, which aims to preserve the tribal population from exploitation with the active involvement of the Gram Sabhas.
The PESA Act also gives special powers to the Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas, especially for the management of natural resources.
Details:
President Droupadi Murmu made the formal announcement at a function organised by the state government on the occasion of ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Divas’, which marks the birth anniversary of tribaldom fighter Birsa Munda — in Shahdol district.
The announcement was made in the presence of around one lakh tribal people, including women and youth, who had arrived from different parts of the state to celebrate the occasion.
Know All About PESA Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act, 1996:
To promote local self-governance in rural India, the 73rd constitutional amendment was made in 1992.
Through this amendment, a three-tier Panchayati Raj Institution was made into a law.
However, its application to the scheduled and tribal areas under Article 243(M) was restricted.
After the Bhuria Committee recommendations in 1995, Panchayat Extension to Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act 1996 came into existence to ensure tribal self-rule for people living in scheduled areas of India.
The PESA conferred the absolute powers to Gram Sabha, whereas the state legislature has given an advisory role to ensure the proper functioning of Panchayats and Gram Sabhas.
The power delegated to Gram Sabha cannot be curtailed by a higher level, and there shall be independence throughout.
The PESA is considered to be the backbone of tribal legislation in India.
PESA recognises the traditional system of the decision-making process and stands for the people’s self-governance.
Powers and Functions Provided to the Gram Sabhas under PESA:
Right to mandatory consultation in land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation of displaced persons
Protection of traditional beliefs, the culture of the tribal communities
Ownership of minor forest products
Resolution of the local disputes
Prevention of land alienation
Management of village markets
Right to control production, distillation, and prohibition of liquor
Exercise of control over money-lending
Any other rights involving the Scheduled Tribes
Question:
Which state government recently implemented the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act?
A. Andhra Pradesh
B. Arunachal Pradesh
C. Madhya Pradesh
D. Rajasthan
Answer: C
Current Affairs: Defence
Operation Barkhane
French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced the end of the decade-long Operation Barkhane in Africa.
What Is Operation Barkhane?
France began its military operations in the Sahel in January 2013.
Titled Operation Serval, it was limited to targeting Islamic extremists linked to al-Qaeda who took control of northern Mali.
However, in 2014, the mission was scaled up, renamed Operation Barkhane and was aimed at counter-terrorism.
What Was the Objective of This Operation?
The objective was to assist local armed forces in preventing the resurgence of non-state armed groups across the Sahel region.
Around 4,500 French personnel were deployed with the local joint counter-terrorism force.
Why Did France Pull Out?
First, France’s relations with the military rulers grew hostile after a series of coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea.
Relations between France and Mali soured after the latter expelled the French ambassador when he disagreed with the junta’s decision to remain in power until 2025.
In addition, France was contemptuous of Malian authorities negotiating a peace deal with insurgent groups.
Secondly, since Operation Barkhane was widely perceived as a failure, anti-French sentiments and questions over France’s intentions flared up, with a further demand for France’s withdrawal from the region.
Question:
Which military operations did France stop in the Sahel region of Africa recently after ten years of occupation?
A. Operation Barkhane
B. Operation Enduring
C. Operation Desert Storm
D. Operation Wrath of God
Answer: A
Current Affairs: Economy
Vostro Accounts
Russia becomes the first country to facilitate rupee-based export-import transactions, says Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal. The Ministry is working with Department of Financial Services, RBI; traders to expedite adoption.
Three months after the Reserve Bank of India allowed trade settlement in Indian rupees, the Union government has given approval to nine banks to open special Vostro accounts.
Out of the nine, three have opened accounts, which are Gazprombank with UCO Bank (Kolkata), and VTB and Sberbank with their own branch offices.
What is a Nostro account?
A Nostro account is an account held by a bank in another bank. It allows the customers to deposit money in the bank’s account in another bank. It is often used if a bank has no branches in a foreign country.
Understanding Nostro account:
Let’s presume bank “A” does not have any branches in the US, but bank “B” does. Now, to receive the deposits in the US, “A” will open a Nostro account with “B”.
Now, if any customers in the US want to send money to “A”, they can deposit it into A’s account in “B”. “B” will transfer the money to “A”.
The main difference between a deposit account and a Nostro account is that the former is held by individual depositors while the latter is held by foreign institutions.
What is a Vostro account?
A Vostro account is just another name for a Nostro account. It is an account held by a bank that allows customers to deposit money on behalf of another bank.
A Nostro account is a Vostro account for the bank that opens the account.
Understanding Vostro account:
In the above example, the account will be called a Vostro account for bank “B”. The Vostro account accepts payments on behalf of the account holder’s bank.
If a person deposits money in the Vostro account, it will be transferred to the account holder’s bank.
Nostro and Vostro accounts are held in a foreign denomination.
In the case of Sberbank and JSC VTB, these two banks will now be allowed to open Vostro accounts that will accept payments on behalf of the Indian banks, in Indian rupees, by the traders in Russia.
The traders will no longer be required to send the payments to India in US dollars. They can now simply deposit the money, in ‘₹’, in the Vostro accounts in the two banks.
These two banks will then transfer the money to the account holder banks in India.
Question:
Russia becomes the first country to facilitate rupee-based export-import transactions. Through which of the following type of account will it be done?
A. Nostro Account
B. Vostro Account
C. Loro Account
D. Exchange Earners’ Foreign Currency Accounts
Answer: B
Current Affairs: International
First Global Media Congress
The first edition of Global Media Congress kicked off in Abu Dhabi recently, with calls for media to share their experience and contribute ideas to find solutions to global challenges.
Theme:
The three-day event, taking place under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Media Industry”, sees participation from more than 1,200 media sector pioneers, specialists, and influencers from six continents in the globe, with more than 30 debates and workshops featuring more than 162 globally renowned speakers.
Details:
The conference and workshops for young media persons will offer a platform for journalists, tech firms, content creators, digital marketing professionals, streaming giants, entertainment executives, regulators and key media stakeholders to share ideas and exchange experiences.
In addition, the exhibition hosts more than 170 prominent media establishments and companies from 29 countries worldwide, showcasing the latest international technologies specialised in these vital sectors.
Question:
The first edition of Global Media Congress was recently held in
A. Abu Dhabi
B. Dubai
C. Jakarta
D. Colombo
Answer: A
Current Affairs: National
NCW Launches the Fourth Phase of Digital Shakti Campaign
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched the fourth phase of the Digital Shakti Campaign for empowering women and girls with necessary digital skills.
About Digital Shakti 4.0:
The Digital Shakti 4.0 is focused on making women digitally skilled and aware to stand-up against any illegal/inappropriate activity online. NCW launched the campaign in collaboration with CyberPeace Foundation and Meta.
What is Digital Shakti?
Digital Shakti started in June 2018 to help women across the nation to raise the awareness level on the digital front, to build resilience, and to fight cyber-crime in the most effective ways.
Through this project, over 3 Lakh women across India have been made aware of cyber safety tips and tricks, reporting and redressal mechanisms, data privacy, and usage of technology for their benefit.
Facts:
Digital Shakti started in June 2018 to help women across the nation to raise the awareness level on the digital front.
Through this project, over 3 Lakh women across India have been made aware of cyber safety tips and tricks.
It is helping women in reporting and redressal mechanisms, data privacy, and usage of technology for their benefit.
Question:
The fourth phase of the Digital Shakti campaign launched recently is associated with
A. children
B. women
C. handicapped people
D. transgenders
Answer: B
Current Affairs: International
CEC Shri Rajiv Kumar Invited as an International Observer for the Forthcoming Elections in Nepal
The Chief Election Commissioner of India Shri Rajiv Kumar has been invited by the Election Commission of Nepal as an International Observer for the forthcoming elections to Nepal’s House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly.
Elections are scheduled in Nepal on 20th November, 2022, for the Federal and Provincial elections to elect 275 members of the Federal Parliament and 550 seats of the seven Provincial Assemblies.
Shri Rajiv Kumar will be leading a delegation of ECI officials as the State guest in Nepal from 18th November to 22nd November, 2022. During his visit, Shri Kumar would be visiting Polling stations at Kathmandu and the areas around.
What will ECI do in this regard?
The Election Commission of India has always been in the forefront with fellow Election Management Bodies (EMBs) and relevant international organisations/associations in promoting the cause of democracy worldwide, through bilateral as well as multilateral interactions and has always endeavoured to promote contacts, facilitate exchange of knowledge and sharing of best practices with a view to strengthen democratic institutions and processes.
ECI’s India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) has by far trained more than 2200 officers from 109 countries of whom 70 officers from Nepal have also been trained as a part of capacity building initiatives.
A capacity building program for 25 officials from the Election Commission of Nepal is also scheduled to be held from 13th to 24th March, 2023, at IIIDEM.
Facts:
ECI would be hosting two more International conferences on the theme of “Inclusive and Accessible Elections” and “Technology in Elections” as parts of Cohort activities under the “Summit for Democracy—Year of Action”.
ECI had been chairing the Association of World Election Bodies, which is the world’s largest international organisation in the field of election management, since September 2019 to October 2022. A-WEB currently comprises 119 Election Management Bodies (EMBs) from 109 countries.
Question:
Which of the following neighbour countries has recently invited the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Rajiv Kumar, as an International Observer for the forthcoming elections?
A. Bangladesh
B. Sri Lanka
C. Nepal
D. Myanmar
Answer: C
Current Affairs: National
Millet Mission Launched by Assam Government
The Assam government recently launched a special programme aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and doubling farmers’ income.
A special initiative, Assam Millet Mission, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for this purpose.
About the Mission:
The day which marks the launching of the Assam Millet Mission is targeted to raise the nutrition quotient and to double farmers’ income. The mission will also increase crop productivity and contribute to crop diversification.
With the launch of the millet mission, the farmers of Assam can diversify their cropping practices and other than conventional crops, they can extend their farming to grow millets.
Fact:
While the state government will observe 2023 as the ‘year of millets’, the plan is to expedite a full-fledged millet mission in the state for seven years starting 2022-23. Millets have a low carbon footprint and have the ability to survive and grow in a warm climate with very little water.
Question:
Which northeastern state recently launched the millet mission?
A. Arunachal Pradesh
B. Mizoram
C. Nagaland
D. Assam
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Days and Events
National Epilepsy Day 2022
Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder that causes frequent seizures.
Epilepsy affects the functions of the brain, resulting in losing a sense of balance and surroundings.
People of any age can suffer from this; however, issues can vary from person to person.
Every year, 17th November is observed as National Epilepsy Day in India to generate awareness about this chronic disorder characterised by recurrent fits.
Although the root cause of the condition remains unclear, experts have identified several causes that can put a person at a higher risk of developing epilepsy.
Epilepsy Symptoms
The main symptom that a person with epilepsy faces is seizures. However, the symptoms of an episode will depend on the type of seizure experienced by an individual.
The most recurring symptoms include temporary loss of awareness and consciousness, muscle jerks, uncontrolled muscle movements, blank stare looks, confusion, and problems with thinking, talking, and understanding.
In addition to this, lack of vision, taste, smell, feelings, numbness, upset stomach, and goosebumps, are some of the other symptoms.
The psychic symptoms of the condition include experiencing deja vu, anxiety, dreading, and feeling fear.
Question:
When is the National Epilepsy Day observed in India every year?
A. 15th June
B. 19th September
C. 12th August
D. 17th November
Answer: D
Current Affairs: National
The Wangala – 100 Drums Festival of Meghalaya
The 46th edition of Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival and one of Meghalaya’s most famous post-harvest carnivals, began recently at Wangala Dam Chibragre near Tura in West Garo Hills district.
During this festival, the girls in the village perform different kinds of dances. Drums and bamboo flutes are played to the tunes of the folk songs of the region.
What Is the Wangala Festival?
The Wangala Festival of Meghalaya is a popular festival among the Garos of Meghalaya, India.
Wangala Festival is a harvest festival held in honour of Saljong, the Sun-god of fertility.
The celebration of the Wangala Festival marks the end of a period of toil, which brings good output from the fields.
It also signifies the onset of winter.
Details:
The Hundred Drums Wangala Festival Committee is organising the three-day post-harvest festival.
Over ten dancing contingents from across the Garo Hills take part in the festival.
The festival is also held in the neighbouring tribal-dominated areas of Bangladesh.
Question:
Wangala Festival, also known as the 100 Drums Festival, is celebrated in which of the following northeastern states of India?
A. Arunachal Pradesh
B. Mizoram
C. Nagaland
D. Meghalaya
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Appointments and Retirements
Govt Nominates Vivek Joshi as Director in RBI’s Central Board
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently announced that the government had nominated Vivek Joshi to its central board.
Joshi, who is the secretary of the Department of Financial Services, will hold the position of Director at RBI.
The nomination has come into effect from November 15, 2022, until further orders.
He is also currently posted as Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India under the Ministry of Home Affairs since January 2019.
About Joshi:
Joshi holds a PhD. and Masters in International Studies (International Economics) from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva (Switzerland).
He completed his PhD. under the guidance of Prof Richard Baldwin in Trade Economics in 2010.
He is also an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) and the University of Roorkee (now, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee), where he finished his Executive Master’s in International Business in 2006 and B.E. in Mechanical Engineering in 1987, respectively.
Question:
Who among the following has recently been nominated as Director in RBI’s central board?
A. Adar Poonawala
B. Vivek Joshi
C. Ratnesh Shulka
D. Mohan Singh Tripathi
Answer: B
Current Affairs: National
UP Government to Build Ramayana and Mahabharata Circuits Under New Tourism Policy
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently approved the state’s new tourism policy aimed at establishing Uttar Pradesh as the hub of religious and spiritual tourism in the country.
Details:
Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Bithoor and other such “places of significance” will be included in the Ramayana circuit.
Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Govardhan, Barsana, Nandgaon, and Baldev will be included in the Krishna circuit.
The Buddhist circuit will include Kapilvastu, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Kaushambi, Shravasti, Ramgram and other places.
The Jain circuit will also be extended from Deogarh, Hastinapur, to Parshwanath Digambar Jain temple, Ramnagar.
The Mahabharata circuit has also been envisaged and places like Hastinapur, Kampilya, Echhatra, Barnawa, Mathura, Kaushambi, Gonda and Lakshagriha have been selected.
The Shaktipeeth circuit will also be developed. It will extend from Vindhyavasini Devi, Ashtabhuja to Devipatan, Naimisharanya, Maa Lalita Devi, Maa Jwala Devi, Shakumbhari Devi from Saharanpur to Shivani Devi, Chitrakoot, and Sheetla Mata in Mau district.
A Sufi Kabir circuit will also be developed along the same lines. It is proposed to be extended from Amethi, Maghar, Sant Kabir Nagar to Kabirdas’ Karmabhoomi—Lahartara in Varanasi.
Question:
Which of the following cities will not be a part of the Jain Circuit recently announced by the UP Government in the new tourism policy?
A. Deogarh
B. Hastinapur
C. Ramnagar
D. Mathura
Answer: D
Current Affairs: Art and Culture, Diplomacy
Patan Patola Scarf
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Bali for the G20 Summit, presented world leaders with unique gifts, displaying the rich art and culture of Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.
Details:
PM Modi presented US President Joe Biden with Kangra miniature paintings.
He presented UK PM Rishi Sunak with ‘Mata Ni Pachedi’, a handmade Gujarat textile offered in temples.
Australian leader Anthony Albanese was presented with ‘Pithora’, a tribal folk art from Chhota Udaipur.
He presented Agate bowls from Kutch to the leaders of France, Germany, and Singapore.
His Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni received a ‘Patan Patola’ scarf.
What is Patan Patola?
The ancient art of double ikat or patola woven in pure silk dates back to the 11th century. The patola fabrics bear an equal intensity of colours and design on both sides.
This peculiar quality has its origins in an intricate and difficult technique of dyeing or knot dyeing, known as ‘bandhani’, on the warp and weft separately before weaving.
One of the major practitioners of the dwindling art form is the Salvi family from North Gujarat.
Question:
Recently PM Modi gifted a ‘Patan Patola’ scarf to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at the G20 Summit. This scarf is ancient weaving art form majorly associated with which state?
A.Rajasthan
B. Gujrat
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: B
Current Affairs: International
First Global Media Congress
The first edition of Global Media Congress kicked off in Abu Dhabi recently, with calls for media to share their experience and contribute ideas to find solutions to global challenges.
Theme:
The three-day event, taking place under the theme “Shaping the Future of the Media Industry”, sees participation from more than 1,200 media sector pioneers, specialists, and influencers from six continents in the globe, with more than 30 debates and workshops featuring more than 162 globally renowned speakers.
Details:
The conference and workshops for young media persons will offer a platform for journalists, tech firms, content creators, digital marketing professionals, streaming giants, entertainment executives, regulators and key media stakeholders to share ideas and exchange experiences.
In addition, the exhibition hosts more than 170 prominent media establishments and companies from 29 countries worldwide, showcasing the latest international technologies specialised in these vital sectors.
Question:
The first edition of Global Media Congress was recently held in
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