NATIONAL:
1. S-400 Missile
Why in news – Indian Air Force deployed S-400 missile units on China, Pak border.
Key Points –
• In 2018-19, India agreed with Russia to procure S-400 missiles.
• It can detect aerial targets to a range of 400 kilometres (surveillance range up to 600km).
• It can hit target up to altitude of up to 30km.
• It is a mobile long-range surface-to-air missile system developed by Russia.
• It can intercept all sorts of aerial attacks, including drones, missiles, rockets and even fighter jets.
Other Similar Systems –
• THAAD (USA) – It is a one-dimensional missile system as it can fire only one type of missile. It cannot intercept a fighter jet.
• Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3, USA) – It can intercept aerial targets at a range of 180 km.
• Iron Dome (Israel) - intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells (4 to 70 kilometres).
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Development Projects in Bangladesh
Why in news – Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh jointly inaugurate three development projects in Bangladesh.
Key Points –
• Indian-assisted development projects are –
(a) Khulna-Mongla Port Rail Line - Connects Mongla Port (Bangladesh’s 2nd largest port) and Khulna.
(b) Unit II of Maitree Super Thermal Power (Khulna).
(c) Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link: Connects Bangladesh to Tripura.
2. Bolivia – Israel Ties
Why in news – Bolivia severed diplomatic ties with Israel over disproportionate attack on Gaza.
Key Points –
• Colombia and Chile recalled their ambassadors.
About Bolivia (Capital: La Paz, Sucre) –
• Landlocked country in South America.
• Borders - Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru.
• Highest point - Mount Sajama.
• Lake Titicaca –
(a) Largest freshwater lake in South America (between Peru and Bolivia).
(b) Highest navigable lake in the world.
(c) Highest of the world's large lakes.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. ISA Assembly
Why in news – India hosted the 6th Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly in New Delhi
Key Points –
• Key Highlights –
(a) Increase in the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Cap for solar projects from 10% up to 35% of the project cost.
(b) ISA announced that Global Solar Facility (GSF) is set to receive a capital contribution of $35 million dollars.
(c) After Africa, GSF aims to expand to regions such as Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Value Addition –
• It meets annually at the ministerial level.
• ISA Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA, in which each Member Country is represented.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
Why in news – Gwalior and Kozhikode joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN).
Key Points –
• Globally, 55 cities joined UCCN on World Cities Day (31 October).
• They were acknowledged for their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies.
• Kozhikode - City of Literature.
• Gwalior –
(a) City of Music.
(b) Home to Mian Tansen (Ramtanu Pandey) and Baliti Bawra.
(c) Birthplace of Gwalior Gharana (the oldest Hindustani musical Gharana)
Value Addition –
• Other Indian cities on UCCN - Mumbai (Film), Chennai (Music), Hyderabad (Gastronomy), Varanasi (Music), Jaipur (Crafts and Folk art) and Srinagar (Crafts and Folk art).
SCIENCE – TECH:
1. Bletchley Declaration
Why in news – "Bletchley Declaration" is the world's first agreement on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Key Points –
• It was signed at the United Kingdom AI Safety Summit.
• Summit venue - Bletchley Park (Britain's code-breaking center during World War II).
• Signatories - European Union and 28 other countries including India, US, UK, China, France, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
• South Korea will co-host a mini virtual AI summit in next 6 months.
• It recognises AI’s potential to enhance human well-being as well as risks posed by AI including frontier AI.
• Frontier AI refers to highly capable foundation generative AI models that could possess dangerous capabilities that can pose severe risks to public safety.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Why in news – Dholes have made a rare appearance in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha.
Key Points –
• Dhole is a wild Asian carnivore of the dog family.
• IUCN status – Endangered.
• Protection - Protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• Distribution - India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Thailand.
REPORTS:
1. Annual Report on Road Accidents in India-2022
Why in news – Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released Annual Report on Road Accidents in India-2022.
Key Points –
• Report has been prepared as per the Asia Pacific Road Accident Data (APRAD) base project (software).
• Key findings –
(a) 4.6 lakh accidents (around 1.68 lakh lives lost, 9.4% increase in comparison to 2021).
(b) India has the highest number of accident-related deaths, followed by China.
(c) Rural areas reported greater number of road accidents.
Value Addition –
• MoRTH has formulated multi-pronged road safety strategy (aka 4Es) –
(a) Education: Awareness campaigns.
(b) Engineering (both roads and vehicles): Road Safety Audits.
(c) Enforcement: Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019.
(d) Emergency Care: Good Samaritan protection.
BIHAR:
1. Celesta 2023
Why in news – IIT-Patna to host a 3-day techno-management festival “Celesta 2023”.
Key Points –
• It's an exploration of the transformative power of technology and nature.
POINTERS:
• Who has won the "Best Actor OTT Performer of the Year" - Rajkummar Rao.
• Which became the first state in India to have hallmarking centres in all districts – Kerala.
• With the beginning of the tourist season, which country has temporarily removed visa requirements for travellers from India – Thailand.
• In which dictionary has the word 'Bazball' related to cricket been added - Collins.
• As per Periodic Labour Force Survey Report 2022-23, the Female Labour Force Participation Rate in the country has improved to what percent in 2023 - 37%.
• Who has become the fastest bowler to take 100 wickets in ODI cricket - Shaheen Afridi.
• Who was awarded the best photographer in under-10 category at the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year (WPY) competition held in London - Vihaan Talya Vikas.
• Who has partnered with Tata Play Fiber to launch India's first WiFi6-Ready Broadband Network – Nokia.
• Who has become the first South African batsman to score more than 500 runs in an edition of the Cricket World Cup - Quinton de Kock.
• Recently, Which drone company has received certification from DGCA - Throttle Aerospace Systems.
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