Correct Answer :   Sunil Narine

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Mystery spinner Sunil Narine on Sunday (5 November 2023) announced his retirement from international cricket. The 35-year-old played 6 Tests, 65 ODIs and 51 T20Is and was part of the T20 World Cup-winning West Indies side in 2012.

The T20 globetrotter last played for the senior national team in 2019 in T20I cricket. His last Test was in 2013 while he had not played an ODI after 2016.

Sunil Narine also announced he would retiring from domestic 50-over competition at the end of the ongoing Super 50 Cup in which he is representing Trinidad and Tobago.

Narine, who has been a globetrotter in T20 cricket in the recent past, added that he would continue playing the shorter formats of the game in franchise-based leagues across the globe.

Narine's record for the West Indies in international cricket is impressive. He took 92 wickets in 65 ODI matches and 48 wickets in 47 T20 International matches. In addition, he played six Test matches, taking 21 wickets with best figures of 6-91. These statistics underscore Narine's significant impact on the West Indies team and his crucial role in their successes over the years.

However, Narine's career was not without controversy. His bowling action was reported multiple times. Notably, he had missed West Indies's victorious campaign in T20 World Cup in 2016 and the 2015 World Cup as he was working on remodeling his bowling action, which was first reported in the Champions League T20 in 2014..

Source : India Today

Correct Answer :   Chile

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Chile has become the 95th member of the International Solar Alliance ISA.

Chile handed over the Instrument of ISA ratification during the meeting of Ambassador Juan Angulo of Chile with Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy) in Ministry of External Affairs Abhishek Singh in New Delhi on 6th Nov 2023..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   7th November

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National Cancer Awareness Day in India is celebrated on November 7th every year in India to spread awareness around symptoms, severity and treatment of different kinds of cancer.

Theme 2023 : The theme of National Cancer Awareness Day 2023 is Close the care gap.


History of National Cancer Awareness Day in India :

National Cancer Awareness Day was kickstarted by Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare in India in September 2014. A committee was formed and November 7 was designated as the day for annual observance aiming to inform and educate masses about cancer, its treatment, and how early action can drastically improve survival rates.

Significance of National Cancer Awareness Day :

More than 50% of cancer cases are in advanced stages when detected which can greatly affect chances of survival. However, early detection can help in full recovery. Spotting the cancer or pre-cancerous changes early with the help of various screening methods will allow time for efforts that can help slow down or prevent cancer development..

Source : Hindustan Times

Correct Answer :   IIT Madras

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IIT Madras has become the first Indian Institute of Technology to establish an international campus on the picturesque Zanzibar Island in East Africa.

Inaugurated by the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, this historic initiative signifies a brighter educational future, facilitated by a memorandum of understanding between India and Tanzania, ushering in a new era of global education and cooperation.


A Historical Milestone :

* The establishment of the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus represents a remarkable achievement for both India and Tanzania.
* This endeavor reflects the Indian government’s commitment to spreading the excellence of India’s education system to international arenas.
* While the initial campus is located in the Bweleo district, approximately 15 kilometers south of Zanzibar Town, there are plans for a permanent campus to be jointly developed by the Government of Zanzibar and the Government of India.


Academic Offerings :

* To kickstart its operations, the IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus is offering Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master of Technology (MTech) programs, with a focus on Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
* These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for skills in data-driven technologies and are expected to pave the way for more academic offerings in the near future.
* Notably, the first batch of students admitted to IITM Zanzibar comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, Nepal, and India, with a commendable 40 percent representation of women.

State-of-the-Art Facilities :

* The IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus boasts modern and comprehensive facilities to cater to the needs of its students. Accommodation in well-equipped dormitories is available, ensuring a comfortable stay.
* The campus features fully-furnished offices, state-of-the-art classrooms, and an impressive auditorium to facilitate a conducive learning environment.
* Dining facilities, a dispensary, and planned sports facilities ensure that students have access to a holistic campus experience.


Open to All Nationalities :

* The courses offered at IITM Zanzibar are open to students of all nationalities, including Indians. This openness encourages a diverse learning environment that fosters global perspectives and cross-cultural collaboration.
* Apart from the comprehensive curriculum in Data Science and AI, students can explore a range of opportunities during their studies.
* These opportunities include study abroad and semester exchange programs with IIT Madras’ partner institutions in the UK, Australia, and other countries, internships with relevant companies, and the possibility to fulfill some course requirements at the IIT Madras campus in Chennai, India.


Commencement of Classes :

* The IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus opened its doors for classes during the academic year 2023-24, with the first semester commencing in October 2023.
* The student body comprises individuals from various countries, representing the global spirit of education.
* A total of 45 students have been admitted to pursue a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Data Science and AI, as well as a two-year Master of Technology degree in the same field.

Correct Answer :   135th

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November 7, 2023, marks the 135th birth anniversary of the renowned Indian physicist, Sir Chandrasekhar Venkata Raman, who is celebrated for his groundbreaking discovery of the Raman Effect.

This discovery revolutionized the field of physics and earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize. As we pay tribute to this great scientist on his birth anniversary. Let’s delve into some interesting facts about his life and contributions that continue to inspire generations of scientists and researchers.


Interesting Facts About CV Raman :

Here are some interesting facts about the renowned Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman, also known as CV Raman:

* Nobel Prize Achievement: CV Raman was the first Indian to receive a Nobel Prize in the sciences. He won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930 for his groundbreaking work on the scattering of light and the discovery of the Raman Effect.

* Early Research: Raman’s interest in scientific research began at an early age. His first research paper on the diffraction of light was published while he was still an undergraduate student in 1906.

* Dual Career: At the age of 19, Raman started his career as an Assistant Accountable General in the Indian Finance Service in Kolkata. While working in the finance service, he continued to pursue his passion for scientific research.

* Academic Journey: Despite his job in the financial sector, Raman’s heart was set on advancing his scientific pursuits. He continued to conduct research and published papers in prestigious international journals like Nature and Physical Review.

* Academic Positions: In 1917, Raman left his government job and accepted the Palit Chair of Physics at Calcutta University. He was awarded two honorary positions at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IASCs) in 1919, allowing him to pursue independent research in acoustics and optics.

* Leadership Roles: Raman served as the first Indian Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bangalore from 1933 to 1937 and was the head of the physics department there until 1948.

* Raman Research Institute: After retiring from IISc in 1948, CV Raman established the Raman Research Institute in Bengaluru in 1949. He served as the director and remained active in the institute until his passing in 1970.

* Awards and Honors: Throughout his life, CV Raman received numerous awards and honors, including the Lenin Peace Prize and the Franklin Medal, in addition to the Nobel Prize and the Bharat Ratna.

Correct Answer :   1st Nov 2023

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Renowned musician and researcher Leela Omchery passed away on Wednesday (1st Nov 2023). She was 94.

Omchery was a pioneer in the domain of music and was touted as one of the best the country has ever produced. She also served as a faculty in Delhi University. The country honoured her with Padma Shri in 2009. She was married to renowned playwright Omchery N. N. Pillai.

In her illustrious career spanning decades, Leela Omchery won the prestigious fellowship in the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi(1990) and the UGC National Associate Award for her contribution to music.

She was born on May 31, 1929, as the daughter of Kamukara Parameswara Kurup and Lakshmikutty in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari district.

Her brother is the famous Indian singer late Kamukara Purushothaman. Apart from Carnatic music, she had a profound mastery of Hindustani, Sopanam Sangeetham, folk songs and dance. She was a resident of Delhi and during her twilight years, wrote many short stories collection..

Source : Kerala Kaumudi

Correct Answer :   IIT Kanpur

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The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has established a Center of Excellence (CoE) named ATMAN (Advanced Technologies for Monitoring Air-quality iNdicators). The CoE is a significant step towards the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government of India, focusing on building indigenous low-cost sensor manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) capabilities to enhance air quality across urban and rural areas of India.


Aligning with India’s Vision for Sustainable Technologies :

* The CoE ATMAN aims to translate sustainable technologies and business models into practical products and services accessible to millions globally.
* It represents a pivotal move towards achieving self-reliance in air quality monitoring and management.


Philanthropic Support for Cutting-Edge Technology :

* Supported by philanthropic entities, including Bloomberg Philanthropies, Open Philanthropy, and the Clean Air Fund, ATMAN aims to address critical air quality challenges with cutting-edge technology.
* This support not only demonstrates global recognition of India’s air quality issues but also facilitates research and development in this crucial field.


Initiatives Underway at ATMAN :

* This initiative of establishing the Center of Excellence—ATMAN has firmly positioned the institute at the forefront of efforts to combat air pollution.
* Through ATMAN, IIT Kanpur is dedicated to the meticulous evaluation of health risks associated with air pollutants, as well as a comprehensive review of air quality standards.

AMRIT: Revolutionizing Rural Air Quality Monitoring :

* There are several projects that are currently underway at ATMAN. The Ambient Air Quality Monitoring of Rural Areas using Indigenous Technology (AMRIT) is a flagship project that will deploy a dense Sensor Ambient Air Quality Monitor (SAAQM) network with 1,400 nodes across rural areas in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
* This initiative is the first of its kind to monitor air quality comprehensively in these regions, where data has been limited to cities and towns. The CoE team will be working with the State Pollution Control Board of Bihar and Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh on AMRIT to enhance air quality action in these states.


DHSA: Dynamic Hyper-Local Source Apportionment :

* The Dynamic Hyper-local Source Apportionment (DHSA) is a cost-effective approach to source apportionment that is currently being pioneered in Lucknow and Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
* The data from DHSA will enable city authorities to make informed decisions in their air quality action planning. The long-term vision is to scale DHSA systems across cities in India to inform about emission and sources of air pollution on a dynamic scale based on this project.

PM2.5 Prediction and Airshed Management :

* The PM2.5 Prediction and Airshed Management is a project that utilizes micro-satellite imagery, sensor-based ambient air quality networks, and machine learning to predict PM2.5 levels at finer resolutions.
* Additionally, the CoE is developing an airshed approach to address air pollution on a larger scale with data-driven policy decisions. This project promises to revolutionize air quality prediction and management, enabling policymakers to take proactive measures.


Cutting-Edge Technology at the Heart of ATMAN :

* The CoE is at the forefront of indigenous air quality sensor fabrication, combining it with artificial intelligence and machine learning models to ensure precise and reliable results.
* The technology’s optimization involves careful sensor placement to maximize overall citizen satisfaction with air quality information available to the public.


A Stride Towards Cleaner Air :

The CoE ATMAN represents a significant stride towards achieving cleaner air for the nation. The holistic approach of the CoE, combining innovative sensor technology with AI/ML capabilities, is poised to set a precedent for sustainable air quality management worldwide. With its collaborative projects and visionary initiatives, IIT Kanpur is playing a vital role in addressing one of India’s most pressing environmental challenges and paving the way for a healthier and cleaner future.

Correct Answer :   Bangladesh

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Bangladesh will host the 24th Asian Archery Championships in 2025 after winning votes in the bid at the World Archery Asia Congress held  in Bangkok, Thailand.

* A total of twenty four member countries of the Asian continent participated in the congress.

* Bangladesh and China applied for bids as host countries for the 24th Asian Archery Championship.

* The 23rd Asian Archery Championship will begin on Sunday (5 Nov 2023) in Bangkok, Thailand..

Source : DD News

Correct Answer :   IIT Gandhinagar

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The First Australia India Education and Skill Council (AIESC) meeting will be held at IIT Gandhinagar in Gujarat Monday(6th Nov 2023).

The Ministry of Education said that the AIESC, earlier the Australian India Education Council (AIEC), is a bi-national body established in 2011 to guide the strategic direction of the education, training, and research partnerships between the two countries.

The scope of this forum was enhanced in alignment with the national priorities of both countries to bring focus on promoting internationalisation, two-way mobility, and collaboration in the domains of education as well as the skill ecosystem. This is the first time that education and skilling are being brought under the same institutional forum.

The meeting will be jointly chaired by  Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Australian Education Miniaster Jason Clare and Brendan O'Connor, Minister for Skills and Training, Government of Australia.

This meeting will provide a platform for academic and skill experts to discuss a wide range of mutually agreed priorities, with the ultimate aim of shaping the future of education and skilling in both our nations..

Source : AIR

Correct Answer :   November 6th

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The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, observed on November 6th each year, is a significant global initiative aimed at raising awareness about the severe consequences of war and armed conflicts on the environment.

This day was established by the United Nations to underscore the importance of safeguarding the environment as a source of security and peace while preventing its exploitation during military conflicts.

The occasion calls on individuals, nations, and organizations to speak out and reiterate their commitment to protecting our threatened planet, even in the face of armed aggression.

The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict is a vital occasion on the international calendar. It not only reminds us of the catastrophic consequences of environmental damage during times of conflict but also emphasizes the role of sustainable development and global cooperation in preventing these issues.

As we mark this day, we are called to reaffirm our commitment to protecting our planet, even in the face of adversity, and to work towards a world where the environment remains a source of security and peace.

Historical Background :

The roots of this important day can be traced back to November 5, 2001, when the United Nations General Assembly took a momentous step by adopting resolution A/RES/56/4. This resolution declared November 6th of each year as the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict. The decision was a response to growing global concerns about the environmental consequences of warfare and the need to address these issues on a global scale.


Reinforcing Commitment :

On May 27, 2016, the United Nations Environment Assembly further reinforced its commitment to this cause by adopting resolution UNEP/EA.2/Res.15. This resolution explicitly recognized the critical role of healthy ecosystems and sustainably managed resources in reducing the risk of armed conflict. It also reaffirmed the UN’s strong dedication to the full implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined in General Assembly resolution 70/1, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.” This emphasis on sustainable development is key to ensuring that environmental protection remains at the forefront of global priorities even in times of armed conflict.

Significance of the Day :

* The International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness between environmental preservation and global peace and security. It highlights the following key points:

* Environmental Consequences of Conflict: War and armed conflict often result in devastating environmental damage. This includes the destruction of ecosystems, pollution, deforestation, and the contamination of water sources, all of which have long-lasting impacts on both the environment and human well-being.

* Promoting Peace and Security: Protecting the environment can be a means of preventing conflict and promoting peace. Sustainable resource management and ecosystem preservation can mitigate the root causes of many conflicts, such as competition over scarce resources.

* Sustainable Development Goals: The day underscores the importance of aligning environmental protection efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to peace, prosperity, and the planet.

* Global Collaboration: It encourages nations and individuals to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on strategies to prevent the exploitation of the environment during times of conflict.