Correct Answer :   Austria

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The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue took place on 9 November 2023, at the OPEC Secretariat in Vienna, Austria.

* The co-chairs of the meeting were HE Haitham Al Ghais, Secretary General of OPEC, and HE Hardeep Singh Puri, Honourable Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs of the Republic of India.


Focused Discussions on Key Energy Issues :

* The open and candid discussions during the meeting were centered around crucial issues related to oil and energy markets.
* The emphasis was particularly on ensuring availability, affordability, and sustainability to guarantee the stability of energy markets globally.


Outlooks and Recognition of India’s Role :

* Recognizing the pivotal role of India in global economic growth and energy demand, the parties acknowledged the World Oil Outlook 2023.
* This forecasted India as the fastest-growing major developing economy, projecting long-term growth of 6.1% between 2022-2045 and accounting for over 28% of incremental global energy demand during the same period.

Cooperation and Future Prospects :

* Acknowledging the need for continued cooperation and dialogue, both sides expressed their commitment to exploring further areas for collaboration.
* The meeting highlighted the excellent state of the OPEC-India Dialogue and the positive relationships developing between OPEC, its member countries, and major Indian oil companies.
* The dialogue was commended for its continued growth and strength.


HE Haitham Al Ghais Commends Balanced Approach and Global Leadership :

* HE Haitham Al Ghais commended India’s balanced, realistic, and pragmatic approach towards energy issues.
* He praised India’s G20 Presidency, acknowledged the remarkable Chandrayan mission, and highlighted India’s leadership role in addressing global issues of great importance.


Hardeep S. Puri emphasizes the natural bond between India and OPEC :

* Hardeep S. Puri, on the other hand, stressed the essential and natural nature of the close ties between India and OPEC.
* As India stands as the third-largest energy consumer, crude oil importer, and the fourth-largest global refiner, the collaboration between India and OPEC becomes not only essential but also natural.

Calls for Stability and Prosperity :

* Puri urged OPEC to continue playing its key role in maintaining and ensuring market stability for the benefit of consumers, producers, and the global economy.
* He emphasized that as India continues on a trajectory of stable and robust economic growth, deeper collaboration with OPEC has the potential to contribute significantly to the long-term prosperity and stability of global oil markets.

Progress and Next Steps :

* The meeting acknowledged the remarkable progress achieved so far in the framework of the dialogue, particularly at the technical and research levels.
* Experts from both India and OPEC had met recently under the umbrella of the 5th Technical Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue.


Successful Conclusion and Future Plans :

* The 6th High-Level Meeting of the India-OPEC Energy Dialogue concluded with both parties underscoring the importance of fostering enhanced cooperation.
* It was agreed to hold the next High-Level Meeting during the course of 2024 in India.
* This commitment marks a positive step forward in the continued collaboration between India and OPEC, emphasizing the shared goal of ensuring stability and prosperity in the global energy landscape.

Correct Answer :   November 13

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World Kindness Day, observed annually on November 13, promotes acts of kindness to foster compassion, empathy, and goodwill worldwide. This day encourages people and societies across the world to engage in acts of big or small kindness to make a more compassionate and peaceful world. It is a chance to take stock of the positive effects that kindness has on people and society as a whole.


World Kindness Day 2023 Theme :

* Although the subject for World Kindness Day 2023 is yet to be disclosed, the theme from the previous year was “Be Kind, Wherever Possible.” This theme served as a reminder to infuse kindness into every facet of life.

* The 2023 theme is expected to continue advocating for a universal commitment to fostering understanding, empathy, and positive interactions.


World Kindness Day History :

* World Kindness Day is a relatively recent observance, believed to have originated in 1998 with the establishment of the World Kindness Movement (WKM). The WKM, a coalition of nations and organisations advocating for goodwill and kindness globally, initiated the celebration. The primary goal is to inspire people to incorporate good deeds into their daily lives.   

* The movement traces its roots to a Tokyo conference in 1997, where delegates from various countries deliberated on the role of compassion and kindness in society. The first World Kindness Day was observed on November 13, 1998, in Japan and Singapore. It has since been celebrated by numerous countries as an annual event.

World Kindness Day Significance :

* There is no reason why the world should not observe a dedicated day towards promoting global kindness. It underscores the essence of compassion, asking people and communities to show empathy, and promoting our unity in a single global community.

* The day is marked mainly for enlightenment on how small acts of kindness can change the lives of people and the whole community. It sets off a ripple effect of widespread goodwill from helping their neighbours to just volunteering.

* World Kindness Day is not just about personal benefits, but it sees kindness as central to de-stressing, fostering happiness and creating strong relationships within families, friendships and workplaces.

* It also supports anti-bullying campaigns that fight for mutual respect and tolerance. The day serves as an avenue for promoting social and environmental causes where organisations and individuals can extend kindness to all.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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India is playing host to the 33rd Conference of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific. The event, slated from November 13 to 16, 2023, is unfolding in the city of New Delhi.


Dignitaries Grace the 33rd WOAH Regional Commission Conference in New Delhi :

* Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala, will lead the inauguration and conclusion ceremonies.
* Adding to the dignified presence, Union Ministers of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Dr. Sanjeev Balyan and Dr. L Murugan, are actively participating in the conference.


Decision and Venue :

* The decision to hold this significant gathering was solidified during the 90th General Session of the World Assembly of Delegates of the WOAH in Paris in May 2023.
* The esteemed Hotel Taj Mahal in New Delhi was chosen as the venue for this regional commission conference, offering a blend of elegance and functionality to the proceedings.

Host and Participants :

* Under the aegis of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the conference is drawing delegates from 36 member countries, including India.
* Senior officers from regional and international organizations, along with representatives from the private sector and private veterinary organizations in the region, are actively participating.
* The diverse participant pool promises a wealth of perspectives in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the veterinary and animal husbandry domain.


Navigating Pandemic Challenges :

* Against the backdrop of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference underscores the critical role of scientific expertise in assessing risks at the human-animal-environment interface.
* It aims to emphasize the necessity of enhancing resilience and capacity in Veterinary Services to prepare for future challenges.
* Face-to-face Regional Conferences like this one continue to play a crucial role in facilitating closer contact, active dialogue, and meaningful debates among delegates, invited experts, and key regional partners.


A Week of Dialogue and Networking :

* The conference will foster valuable discussions and build essential networking relationships for a week
* The conference serves as a platform for exchanging insights, sharing best practices, and collectively strategizing for a more robust future in animal health and husbandry.
* The active participation of key figures from the government, scientific community, and private sector is contributing to the success of this event and enhancing the overall regional approach to animal welfare and health.

Correct Answer :   Uttarakhand

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Uttarakhand is on the brink of making history as it prepares to become the first state in India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

In a move towards legal uniformity and gender equality, the state government is set to convene a special session post-Diwali to clear the UCC Bill, marking a significant departure from the diverse personal laws that currently govern citizens based on their religious affiliations.


The Emphasis on Gender Equality :

* The impending UCC implementation in Uttarakhand places a notable emphasis on gender equality and equal rights for daughters in ancestral properties.
* The move is part of a broader effort to create a legal framework that ensures fair treatment and opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their gender, sex, religion, or sexual orientation.


Key Recommendations and Omissions :

* A five-member panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, completed a draft report in June, which is expected to be handed over to the state government in the coming days.
* The report is likely to include strong recommendations on issues such as live-ins, a ban on polygamy and polyandry, and a push for raising the marriage age of girls. However, notably absent is a suggestion to raise the marriageable age of women from 18 to 21.

Article 44 of the Constitution and Directive Principles :

* The Uniform Civil Code falls under Article 44 of the Constitution, advocating for a uniform civil code across the country’s territory.
* However, as Article 37 clarifies, directive principles are guiding principles for government policies and are not enforceable by courts.
* The UCC proposal is a significant step toward legal modernization and aligns with the constitutional directive to work towards a uniform civil code for all citizens.


Challenges and Resistance :

* While the UCC initiative has gained momentum, it has encountered resistance from orthodox groups within various communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and other minority groups.
* These groups argue that their customs, often rooted in traditions dating back to British rule, should remain untouched.

National Outlook :

* Uttarakhand’s bold move towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code is expected to set a precedent for other states.
* States like Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Assam are also gearing up to pass the code, reflecting a broader national trend toward legal reform.
* As of now, Goa stands as the only state with a civil code, introduced during Portuguese rule.


Kerala’s Stance :

* It’s worth noting that the Kerala Legislative Assembly, in a historic move, passed a resolution unanimously against the UCC in August.
* Terming it “unilateral and hasty,” Kerala became the first state in the country to formally oppose the UCC, showcasing the diversity of opinions and perspectives on this crucial legal reform.

Correct Answer :   Rajesh Dhankhar

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Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar, took over command of the Eastern Fleet, the Sword Arm of the Eastern Naval Command, from Rear Admiral Gurcharan Singh, on 10 November 2023. The change of guard took place at an impressive ceremony held at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.

Rear Admiral Rajesh Dhankhar was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 01 July 1990 and is a specialist in Navigation & Direction. The Flag Officer is an alumnus of the prestigious Naval Academy, Defence Services Staff College, and has done his Higher Command Course in Japan.

During his illustrious career spanning 33 years, the Flag Officer has tenanted specialist appointments onboard warships Pondicherry, Godavari, Kora and Mysore. The officer has also done instructional tenures in the erstwhile Project 15 Training Team, Navigation & Direction School and at Officer's Cadet School, Singapore.

His command appointments include Executive Officer onboard INS Delhi, and as Commanding Officer onboard INS Gharial, Mumbai and Vikramaditya. His notable staff and operational appointments include those as Joint Director and Director at Directorate of Naval Plans, Principal Director/ Cmde(Pers) at the Directorate of Personnel.

In Flag rank, he has tenanted the duties of Chief Staff Officer (Training), Flag Officer Sea Training and Commandant, Naval War College. The officer also tenanted additional duties of Chairman Carrier Acceptance Trials Team to oversee the acceptance trials of INS Vikrant.

The Flag Officer is a recipient of the Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) in 2015 for Non Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) of Indian nationals from Aden and Al-Hodeida, Yemen.

Over the past 11 months, the Eastern Fleet, under the command of RAdm Gurcharan Singh, has maintained a very high level of combat readiness and operational tempo and participated in various Mission Based and operational deployments, and several bilateral and multilateral engagements with friendly foreign navies..

Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Ayodhya

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More than 22 lakh ‘diyas’ illuminated the banks of the Saryu river in Ayodhya during the seventh edition of the Deepotsav, setting a new world record for lighting a large number of lamps simultaneously at one place.


Ayodhya: 22+ Lakh ‘Diyas’ Illuminate, Sets World Record :

The 22+ lakh ‘diyas’ (earthen lanterns), 6.47 lakh more than the previous year, were lit by 25,000 volunteers at the 51 ghats of Ram Ki Paidi along the river. The representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records, using drones to count the lamps, officially recognized Ayodhya’s achievement, echoing the city with triumphant chants of ‘Jai Shri Ram.’


Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Extends Congratulations :

Upon receiving the certificate from the Guinness Book of World Records, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended warm greetings to the entire Ayodhya and its residents. Since the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, Deepotsav has evolved into a major event in the state, attracting larger crowds and more significant participation each year.


Illuminating Progress: A Journey Through the Years :

The growth of Deepotsav over the years reflects Ayodhya’s commitment to this grand celebration. In 2017, the event saw the lighting of 1.71 lakh lamps, and the numbers have been consistently increasing since then. In 2018, 3.01 lakh lamps were lit, followed by 4.04 lakh in 2019, 6.06 lakh in 2020, 9.41 lakh in 2021, and an astonishing 15.76 lakh in 2022, showcasing the remarkable progression of this festival.

Distinguished Participation and Global Recognition :

CM Adityanath, Governor Anandiben Patel, and other cabinet members actively participated in the event, lighting lamps and performing prayers at the banks of the Saryu River. What made the seventh Deepotsav even more special was the presence of diplomats from 54 countries who witnessed the celebration. The live telecast of the event reached over 100 countries, adding a global touch to this traditional festival.


A Cultural Extravaganza :

The festivities were not confined to lamp lighting alone. Cultural presentations by artists from 21 states, 11 tableaus, and Ramlila performances from countries like Russia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal added a vibrant and diverse flavor to the event. The talents of 2,500 artists from India and abroad illuminated Ayodhya, making it a melting pot of cultural richness.


An Unparalleled Event Coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti :

This year’s Deepotsav, coinciding with Hanuman Jayanti, became an unparalleled event in Ayodhya. With only 70 days left for the consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram Lalla on January 22, the event marked a significant milestone in the lead-up to this auspicious occasion.

Correct Answer :   November 11th

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National Education Day is celebrated every year on November 11th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, India’s first Education Minister. Azad was a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s education system.

He was a strong advocate for universal primary education, girls’ education, and free compulsory education for all children under the age of 14. He also played a key role in establishing some of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the University Grants Commission (UGC).


National Education Day 2023 Theme :

The theme for National Education Day 2023 is “Embracing Innovation.” This theme highlights the importance of innovation in education and the need to promote creative and progressive teaching methods. In today’s rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever for students to be equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to new challenges. Innovation in education can help us to achieve this goal by creating a more engaging and interactive learning environment that encourages students to explore their creativity and develop their problem-solving skills.

On National Education Day, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions across India organize a variety of events and activities to promote the significance of education and celebrate the achievements of students and teachers. These events may include seminars, conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural performances. The day is also an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in the field of education and to identify areas where further improvement is needed.

National Education Day for Students :

As students, we can play an important role in celebrating National Education Day by reflecting on our own educational journey and identifying ways to improve our learning experience. We can also use this day to advocate for the importance of education for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances. Here are some specific things that students can do to celebrate National Education Day:

* Attend events and activities organized by your school or college. This is a great way to learn more about the importance of education and the contributions of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.

* Participate in discussions and debates about education policy and reform. This is a way to make your voice heard and to help shape the future of education in India.

* Volunteer your time to help other students learn. You could tutor younger students, mentor at a local school, or volunteer at a library or community center.

* Donate to organizations that are working to improve education in India. There are many organizations working to make education accessible and affordable for all children. Even a small donation can make a big difference.

National Education Day is a reminder of the importance of education in our lives. It is a day to celebrate the progress that has been made in the field of education and to recommit ourselves to building a better future for all children.

Correct Answer :   South East Asia

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An elusive Attenborough's long-beaked echidna which was feared extinct after disappearing for six decades has been rediscovered in a remote part of Indonesia.

* It is also known as Sir David's long-beaked echidna or the Cyclops long-beaked echidna.

* It is one of three species from the genus Zaglossus that inhabits the island of New Guinea.

* It is named in honour of naturalist Sir David Attenborough.

* Habitat: It lives in the Cyclops Mountains, which are near the cities of Sentani and Jayapura in the Indonesian province of Papua.

* It is the smallest echidna species.

* Echidnas are nocturnal and shy, making them difficult to find at the best of times.

* It appears so unlike other mammals is because it is a member of the monotremes -- an egg-laying group that separated from the rest of the mammal tree-of-life about 200 million years ago.

* Conservation status

* IUCN Red List : Critically Endangered

* CITES : Appendix II.


Source : The Hindu

Correct Answer :   10th Nov 2023

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Former Governor of Nagaland and senior BJP leader Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya passed away in Mumbai on Friday (10th Nov 2023) morning. He was 92 and leaves behind two children and his wife. According to family sources, the funeral was held on Friday (10th Nov 2023) evening at Mumbai.

* Acharya who hailed from Udupi in Karnataka, breathed his last at his Mumbai residence.

* The BJP veteran had also worked with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.

* Acharya had served as governor of Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and also handled the responsibilities as the governor of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.

* In his condolence message, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said Acharya remained committed to the organisation’s ideology.

Governor, CM and others condole :

* Nagaland governor La Ganesan and chief minister Neiphiu Rio led others in condoling the demise of former governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, who passed away in Mumbai on Friday (10th Nov 2023).

* In a condolence message to Mrs. Kavita Acharya, governor La Ganesan said that the loss of a loved one was always challenging, adding that the loss of former governor PB Acharya has left a void in all.

* Governor said late Acharya’s remarkable qualities as a genuinely warm, hospitable, generous and down to earth person would always be remembered. Ganesan also said that late Acharya’s compassionate nature and unwavering concern for the welfare of the staff of Raj Bhavan Kohima would forever be cherished.

* “His dedications to helping the less fortunate, particularly the orphans and destitute leaves behind a legacy of kindness and compassion,” governor said.

Correct Answer :   Pankaj Tripathi

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In a significant move to enhance awareness and security on digital payment platforms, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has appointed Bollywood actor "Pankaj Tripathi" as the “UPI Safety Ambassador.”

This strategic partnership aims to address growing concerns about the safety of digital payment systems, particularly the United Payments Interface (UPI).


Partnership Announcement on Social Media :

The NPCI officially announced its collaboration with Pankaj Tripathi on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). In a video, the acclaimed Bollywood actor shed light on various initiatives by NPCI, including UPI, RuPay and IMPS, aimed at simplifying digital payments and ensuring their security. Tripathi emphasized the extensive reach of UPI payments, spanning cities, towns and even the remotest villages across the country.


Digital Landscape in India :

The digital payments ecosystem in India has experienced remarkable growth, driven by government initiatives, increased interest internet and smartphone penetration and the surge in e-commerce activities. Private sector players have also contributed to the ecosystem by offering a diverse range of digital payment services.

UPI Transaction Statistics :

As of the end of the calendar year 2022, UPI’s total transaction value reached Rs.125.95 trillion, marking a substantial 1.75 times year-on-year growth, as reported by NPCI.

This accounted for nearly 86% of India’s GDP in FY22. In FY 2022-21, 8,840 crores of Digital Payment Transactions were recorded, with 87.20% of current and savings accounts linked to Aadhaar numbers and 81.05% linked to mobile numbers. By the end of the calendar year 2023, UPI’s total transaction volume has reached 83.75 billion.


Key UPI Safety Tips :

Pankaj Tripathi emphasized several key UPI safety tips to instill confidence in users and ensure secure digital transactions. These include:

* Do not share UPI PIN with anyone.
* Always verify the UPI ID of the person before making a payment
* Entering UPI PIN means money getting deducted from your account
* Scanning QR is for making a payment, not for receiving money
* Enter UPI PIN on UPI PIN page only
* Check SMS when money is deducted
* Strictly follow the key UPI Safety Shield Tips


User Support and Assistance :

The NPCI encourages users to utilize the help section within the UPI app for any transaction-related issues. The organization has a dedicated team of experts available 24×7 to assist users with concerns or problems related to UPI transactions.