Correct Answer :   Hitesh Kumar S Makwana

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Senior bureaucrat Hitesh Kumar S Makwana has been appointed as Surveyor General of India as part of a senior-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the Centre on Monday (6th Nov 2023).

Makwana, a 1995-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre, is currently an Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He has been appointed as the Surveyor General of India, Survey of India, Department of Science and Technology in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary by keeping the recruitment rules for the post in abeyance, an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

Abhishek Singh, Chief Executive Officer of National e-Governance Division, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, has now been appointed as Additional Secretary in the ministry.

The officer will continue to hold the additional charge of the post of Chief Executive Officer, Karmayogi Bharat, it said.

Niraj Verma, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, will be Administrator, Universal Service Obligation Fund in the Department of Telecommunications, the order said.

Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey, a 1998-batch IAS officer of Karnataka cadre, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty for Advance Cell of 16th Finance Commission, Department of Economic Affairs, it said.

Senior IAS officer Anurag Agarwal has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Pallavi Jain Govil, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, will be the Director General of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

Rupinder Brar will be the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, Deepti Gaur Mukerjee has been appointed as Additional Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Sudeep Jain named Additional Secretary in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Amit Kumar Ghosh will be Additional Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Shakil P Ahamed has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Ministry of Textiles, Gitanjali Gupta will be the Additional Secretary, NITI Aayog, Caralyn Khongwar Deshmukh has been named as Additional Secretary in the Department of Rural Development and Rajeev Kumar Mital will be Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor in the Department of Atomic Energy.

Srikant Nagulapalli has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Power Ministry, Rahul Sharma will be Additional Secretary, the Cabinet Secretariat and Manmeet Kaur Nanda has been named as Joint Secretary in the Cabinet Secretariat, the order said.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has also approved the in-situ upgradation of four officers..

Source : The Print

Correct Answer :   Sangram

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Indian Coast Guard ship 'Sangram' was decommissioned on Wednesday (8th Nov 2023) with full honours in a traditional armed force ceremony held at Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) jetty, Goa.

Inspector General AK Harbola, TM Commander Coast Guard Region (North West), was the Chief Guest and DIG K Balasubramaniam, TM (Retd), was the Guest of Honour for the ceremony.

"As the sun disappeared over the horizon on 08 Nov, in a traditional armed force ceremony held at MPA jetty, Goa. India Coast Guard Ship Sangram decommissioned with full honours. Chief Guest of ceremony was IG AK Harbola,TM,COMCG(NW) & Guest of Honour DIG K Balasubramaniam,TM(Retd)," the Indian Coast Gaurd said in a post on X.

On November 4, India Coast Guard Ship Samar was decommissioned with full honours at the India Coast Guard Jetty in Kochi.

The Chief Guest of the Ceremony was Additional Director General S Paramesh, PTM, TM, in the presence of Guest of Honour DG Dr P Paleri, PTM, TM (Retd).

The ship was commissioned on February 14, 1996, at Goa by the then Prime Minister of India, PV Narashimha Rao and was based at Mumbai under the operational command of Commander Coast Guard Region (West). Further, the ship was rebased at Kochi in 2009, according to a press release by the Indian Coast Guard.

Samar, meaning "battle," is a projection of Indian Coast Guard's will and commitment "to strive and protect" the maritime interests of the nation.

Built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd, the ship boasts of the unique distinction of being the first indigenously constructed vessel of The Indian Coast Guard with a gross displacement of more than 1800 gross tonnage, a triumph for the Indian shipbuilding industry, the release stated..

Source : ANI News

Correct Answer :   Gujarat

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Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman today (7th Nov 2023) launched 12 Goods and Services Tax (GST) Seva Kendras at Gyandham School, Vapi, in Gujarat.

The Union Finance Minister also gave away prizes to 6 customers with a cheque award of Rs 10 lakh to who participated in Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar scheme. The winners had uploaded their valid GST bills on the app after making a purchase.

Speaking on the occasion, the Finance Minister said these state-of-the-art centres will help in increasing the Ease of Doing Business in the country. While congratulating Gujarat in taking lead in establishing such centres, the Finance Minister said it will prove to be a role model for other states to follow. The Finance Minister of Gujarat, Shri Kanubhai Desai, was present on the occasion along with Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) besides senior officials of the GST department.

Speaking about the Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar scheme, the Finance Minister said that the common citizen of the country can make a valuable contribution to the development of the nation by asking for a bill from the trader or shopkeeper while making a purchase. It is the right of the consumer to take the bill and it is the duty of the trader-shopkeeper to pay the bill, Smt. Sitharaman added.

The Finance Minister said that such incentives will encourage more and more people to take bills and upload bills on the portal for participate in the scheme.

Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar (MBMA) is a scheme was launched by the CBIC on 1st Sept. 2023 to promote the culture of generating bills/invoices during sale purchase transactions. A campaign in support of the MBMA scheme to create awareness among the people is already going on.

State Finance Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai thanked the Union Finance Minister for gifting the GST Seva Kendra to Vapi on the occasion of Diwali and said when GST was implemented, many concerns were expressed but by taking the views of all the members of the GST Council in every state, the Union Finance Minister, as the chairperson of the GST Council, has always given priority to the interests of the people.

“It was the dream of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi that the dream, ‘One Nation, One Tax' has now come true. Due to its business friendly policies, Gujarat has now become the growth engine of the country’s economy. The campaign Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar has been a great success,” he said.

The 12 GST Seva Kendras opened today are located at Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Godhra, Vapi, Mehsana, Palanpur, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Gandhidham. GST Seva Kendra is a dedicated service centre established by the Government of India to assist taxpayers with GST (Goods and Services Tax) related issues.

Correct Answer :   IREDA

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In a significant move towards reinforcing transparency and accountability, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, has recently unveiled a dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) portal. This portal marks a crucial step in IREDA’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, providing a platform to manage CSR initiatives with increased transparency and efficiency.


Objective of CSR Portal :

The core objective of the newly launched CSR portal is to enhance transparency in managing CSR requests from various organizations and institutions. Accessible 24/7, the portal incorporates a comprehensive CSR policy and a proposal checklist, ensuring effective scrutiny of CSR requests. By embracing transparency and accessibility, IREDA aims to streamline the execution of its social welfare projects, making them easily accessible to the public.


Key Features of the CSR Portal :

* Accessibility: Stakeholders can access the portal at any time with the accessibility of 24/7, fostering a dynamic and responsive platform for CSR management.
* CSR Policy: The portal incorporates a well-defined CSR policy, providing guidance for both the organization and potential collaborators.
* Proposal Checklist: A detailed checklist is available within the portal, facilitating a systematic review of CSR requests, ensuing that initiatives align with IREDA’s mission.
* Efficiency: The CSR portal is designed to enhance the efficiency of CSR initiatives, promoting a streamlined process from request to execution.
* Public Awareness: By making CSR efforts readily available to the public, IREDA aims to create awareness and engagement, fostering a sense of community involvement.

Official Launch at Vigilance Awareness Week 2023 :

The official launch of the CSR portal took place during the valedictory function of the “Vigilance Awareness Week 2023” at IREDA’s registered office in Delhi. Dr. Praveen Kumari Singh, Additional Secretary at the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), inaugurated the portal in the esteemed presence of Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of IREDA, Ajay Kumar Sahani, Chief Vigilance Officer and other senior officials.


Insights from CVC’s Additional Secretary :

Dr. Praveen kumari Singh commended IREDA for its forward-thinking approach, particularly highlighting the launch of the whistle-blower portal in 2021, making IREDA the first Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to provide such an online platform. She emphasized the pivotal role IREDA plays in advancing sustainable development goals, especially in the fight against climate change.

CMD’s Commitment to Renewable Energy and CSR :

IREDA’s CMD, Pradip Kumar Das, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to advancing renewable energy and corporate social responsibility while upholding the values of transparency and ethics. The newly introduced CSR portal symbolizes IREDA’s steadfast dedication to better serve communities and stakeholders.


Progressive Approach to CSR :

IREDA’s launch of the CSR portal is a testament to its progressive approach to CSR initiatives, leveraging technology to enhance transparency and efficiency. This commitment aligns with the broader mission of promoting renewable energy and contributing to sustainable development goals, establishing IREDA as a responsible and forward-thinking organization..

Correct Answer :   Eknath Shinde

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir on November 7, 2023.

he statue, a symbol of cultural pride, was installed at the 41 National Rifle (Maratha LI) camp, which is located in close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC) separating India and Pakistan.


CM Shinde’s Pride in the Monument :

* During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Shinde expressed his pride in having a magnificent equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj situated near the India-Pakistan border.
* This event signifies the importance of preserving cultural heritage even in challenging regions.


Distinguished Guests in Attendance :

* The inaugural event saw the presence of notable personalities, including Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mangantiwar and Lt. Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha.
* Their participation added significance to the occasion, highlighting the unity and cultural exchange between the two regions.

Diwali Celebration with Jawans :

* As part of the celebration, Chief Minister Shinde also shared the joy of Diwali Faral (traditional Diwali snacks) with the soldiers stationed at the camp.
* This gesture reflects the spirit of camaraderie and festivity during the festival of lights.


Unique Sourcing of Materials :

* The statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj holds a special connection to Maharashtra.
* The soil and water used in the statue’s construction were sourced from five different forts across the state, including Shivneri, Torna, Rajgarh, Pratapgarh, and Raigarh.
* This unique touch enhances the statue’s cultural authenticity.


Collaborative Efforts :

* The statue’s creation was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Amhi Punekar Foundation and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Smark Samiti.
* It symbolizes the dedication and cooperation of organizations and individuals in preserving historical legacies.

Historical Foundation Stone Laying :

* The foundation stone of the statue was laid on Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year Day, at the Indian Army camp.
* This marked the beginning of the statue’s journey to Kupwara, further strengthening the cultural connection between the regions.


Notable Previous Installations :
* This isn’t the first instance of honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Jammu and Kashmir.
* In January 2022, the Maratha Regiment unveiled two other statues of the legendary king, with one of them being installed at an astonishing altitude of 14,800 feet above sea level near the Line of Control.
* These installations continue to foster cultural exchanges and historical remembrance in challenging terrains.

Correct Answer :   $553 Million

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The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has revealed a substantial investment of $553 million in Adani Ports’ container terminal project located in the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka. This significant financial commitment aims to boost private-sector investments that support economic development and strategic partnerships in the region.


US Financial Involvement :

* The DFC, led by Chief Executive Officer Scott Nathan, shared its intention to contribute $553 million to the project. This move demonstrates the United States’ commitment to enhancing economic growth and development in the region, positioning Sri Lanka strategically along major shipping routes to serve the growing economies.


The Colombo West International Terminal :

* Adani Ports initiated this project in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and John Keells Holdings. The consortium, named Colombo West International Terminal Pvt. Ltd., has adopted a Build-Operate-Transfer model with a 35-year duration, where Adani Ports holds a majority stake of 51%.

Background and Political Shifts :

* The decision to invest in the Colombo West International Terminal comes following political shifts and project adjustments. Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s administration ousted the governments of India and Japan from the East Container Terminal project, citing the West terminal as a compromise solution. Adani Ports was brought in as New Delhi’s representative in this project.


Addressing Corruption Allegations :

* Adani Group has faced allegations of corruption in 2023, with reports from Hindenburg in January and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project in August. However, DFC CEO Scott Nathan downplayed these allegations, stating that Adani Ports’ subsidiary was not implicated in any of the accusations. He emphasized the commitment of the United States and DFC to maintain high standards of transparency and due diligence when selecting partners.


Geostrategic Implications :

* The involvement of the DFC in this Indian conglomerate-led port project in Sri Lanka holds significance, especially in the context of China’s expanding presence in the region. China Merchants Group has recently announced plans to construct a logistics complex at the Colombo Port, with an estimated cost of $392 million. * This development occurs amidst ongoing concerns raised by both India and the United States about Chinese research vessels visiting Sri Lanka’s ports.

Correct Answer :   Santosh Kumar Jha

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Santosh Kumar Jha is set to be next Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), a PSU under the Ministry of Railways. He has been recommended for the post by the Public Enterprises Selection Panel (PESB) panel on Thursday (2nd Nov 2023). Presently, he is serving as Director (Operations & Commercial) in the same organisation.

Jha has been recommended for the post of CMD of Konkan Railways from a list of five candidates, who were interviewed by the PESB selection panel in its selection meeting held on November 2, 2023.

The candidates who were on the list were each one from Bridge & Roof Company (India) Ltd., IRCON International Ltd, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) and Indian Railways Service of Electrical Engineering.

Jha is an Indian Railway Traffic Services (IRTS) officer of 1992-batch. He holds M. Sc. (Geology) from Lucknow University and an MBA (Marketing) from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai. He has rich experience over 28 years of experience in operations, infrastructure planning and business development. He has hands on experience as head of operations on major divisions of Indian Railways.

As CMD of Konkan Railways, Jha will be the Chief Executive of the corporation and will be accountable to its Board of Directors and the Government. He will be responsible for the efficient functioning of the corporation for achieving its corporate objectives and performance parameters..

Source : PSU Watch

Correct Answer :   Droupadi Murmu

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On November 9, Uttarakhand observes its 23rd Foundation Day, and President Draupadi Murmu will participate, marking the first instance in 23 years that a President has been part of Uttarakhand’s Foundation Day program.


President Droupadi Murmu’s Significant Visit to Uttarakhand

* India’s President, Smt Droupadi Murmu, is on a visit to Uttarakhand from November 7 to 9, 2023.
* This three-day visit carries immense importance for both the state and the President, aligning with the celebration of Uttarakhand Foundation Day.
* This day commemorates the state’s establishment and honors its distinct cultural identity.


First Day: Convocation and Interaction – November 7, 2023

* I.Emphasizing Education and Agricultural Technology in Pantnagar

* II.A Commitment to Welfare and Development

Second Day: Recognizing Academic Excellence – November 8, 2023

* On the second day of her visit, President Murmu served as the guest of honor at the 11th convocation of Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University in Srinagar (Garhwal).
* This occasion commemorated the academic accomplishments of the university’s graduates and highlighted the significance of higher education in Uttarakhand.


Third Day: Celebrating Uttarakhand Foundation Day – November 9, 2023
* The highlight of President Murmu’s visit to Uttarakhand is her involvement in the central program organized at the Police Lines in Dehradun to mark the occasion of Uttarakhand State Foundation Day.


Commemorating Uttarakhand Foundation Day :

* Uttarakhand Foundation Day, also known as Uttarakhand Divas, is celebrated on November 9 every year.
* It commemorates the day when Uttarakhand, formerly known as Uttaranchal, was officially formed as the 27th state of the Republic of India on November 9, 2000.
* Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain had specific developmental needs overlooked by the larger state administration. The creation of Uttarakhand aimed to address these issues and promote regional development.

Celebrating Culture and Identity :

* Uttarakhand is characterized by its hill culture, diverse traditions, languages like Kumaoni and Garhwali, and its unique folk music and dances.
* The day reflects the triumph of the tireless spirit of its people and their rich history, highlighting the essence of Uttarakhand’s distinct cultural heritage.


Progress and Ongoing Goals :

* This day is also a reminder of the state’s development goals and the progress it has made since its formation.
* Uttarakhand has overcome several challenges in areas like ecological conservation, sustainable tourism, and creating economic opportunities for the hill communities.
* The celebration of Uttarakhand Foundation Day serves as a platform to discuss these achievements and challenges, fostering a sense of unity and responsibility among the people..

Correct Answer :   November 8

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World Radiography Day is observed each year on November 8 to commemorate the discovery of x-radiation by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen in 1895.


History of World Radiography Day :

* On November 8, 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made a groundbreaking discovery. The precursor to this event, known as the European Day of Radiology, took place on February 10, 2011, to commemorate the anniversary of Wilhelm Rontgen's passing on February 10, 1923. This initiative was organised by the European Society of Radiology (ESR).

* World Radiography Day was established as an annual event on November 8, coinciding with the anniversary of Roentgen's discovery of X-rays. This new observance replaced the European Day of Radiology, which had previously been held on February 10.

Theme of World Radiography Day 2023 :

* The theme chosen for World Radiography Day 2023 is “Celebrating Patient Safety."

* This theme underscores the vital responsibility of healthcare professionals in upholding the efficiency of healthcare systems and safeguarding the health and safety of patients..


Source : Mint

Correct Answer :   Brussels

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NATO on Tuesday (7th Nov 2023) announced the formal suspension of a key Cold War-era security treaty in response to Russia’s pullout from the deal.

The alliance said its members who signed the treaty are now freezing their participation in the pact.

Most of NATO’s 31 allies have signed the Treaty of Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, which was aimed at preventing Cold War rivals from massing forces at or near mutual borders. It was signed in November 1990.

NATO was established on 4 April 1949. Its headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium.

NATO said that “a situation whereby Allied State Parties abide by the Treaty, while Russia does not, would be unsustainable”.

Russia’s foreign ministry announced earlier Tuesday that Moscow had finalised its withdrawal.

In response, NATO said, allies who had signed “intend to suspend the operation of the CFE Treaty for as long as necessary, in accordance with their rights under international law. This is a decision fully supported by all NATO Allies”.

NATO underlined that its members remain committed “to reduce military risk, and prevent misperceptions and conflicts”..


Source : Indian Express