Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid elected as new president of Iraq

 The Iraqi Parliament chose Kurdish politician, Abdul Latif Rashid to lead the country. Rashid won

more than 160 votes against 99 for the incumbent Saleh. Rashid, 78, is a British-educated

engineer and was the Iraqi minister of water resources from 2003-2010. Outgoing President

Saleh reportedly walked out of the parliament building as the votes were tallied.

 Rashid was born in 1944 in the northeastern Sulaymaniyah region of Iraq. He graduated as a civil

engineer from the University of Liverpool in 1968. He went on to complete his engineering

doctorate in 1976 from the University of Manchester.

 Rashid has a long history in Iraqi politics. He served as the minister of water resources from 2003

to 2010 and then as the senior adviser to the President. He can speak speaks Kurdish, Arabic and

English.

 Rashid is a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) party. He was also the former

spokesperson for the PUK in Britain.

About Iraq:

Capital: Baghdad

Currency: Dinar

President: Abdul Latif Rashid

Prime Minister: Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani

SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

INS Arihant carries out successful launch of submarine launched ballistic missile

 INS Arihant carried out a successful launch of a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) on

October 14, 2022. The missile was tested to a predetermined range and impacted the target area

in the Bay of Bengal with very high accuracy. All operational and technological parameters of the

weapon system have been validated.

 The successful user training launch of the SLBM by INS Arihant is significant to prove crew

competency and validate the SSBN programme, a key element of India’s nuclear deterrence

capability. A robust, survivable and assured retaliatory capability is in keeping with India’s policy

to have ‘Credible Minimum Deterrence‘ that underpins its ‘No First Use’ commitment.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Student’s Day 2022:15th October

 October 15 is celebrated as World Students’ Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr

APJ Abdul Kalam, a celebrated Aerospace scientist and former President of India. The day is

marked to acknowledge his efforts toward students and education. Dr Kalam was born on

October 15, 1931. He served as an inspiration to many students to achieve and do something

remarkable. After his tenure as the President came to an end, he became a visiting faculty at the

Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Shillong, IIM-Indore and IIM- Ahmedabad.

 Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was a dedicated student with a deep passion to learn. Despite financial

constraints, he completed his graduation in Physics and later studied Aerospace Engineering at

the Madras Institute of Technology.

 He became India’s most famous nuclear scientist and was known as the ‘Missile Man of India’.

He played a crucial role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998.

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Birth Anniversary:

 Avul Pakir Jainuladbeen Abdul Kalam born on 15th October 1931 was an Indian aerospace

scientist and the 11th president of India. He served as the President of India from 2002 to 2007.

He was known as the Missile Man of India for his works and development of ballistic missiles and

launch vehicle technology.

 He has spent more than four decades serving as a scientist and science administrator at Defence

Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

He was constantly involved in the civil space program of India and military missile development.

He was also the recipient of several prestigious awards which includes Bharat Ratna.

 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam was a man of many talents and has served the nation throughout his life. He

has made efforts to improve and develop society. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s contribution has pushed

society to achieve its progress. Here are a few significant contributions of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

RANKING

Several IITs boycott Times Higher Education World University Rankings, IISc only entry in top 300

 Times Higher Education Rankings 2023 has been announced. This year, the Indian Institute of

Science, Bangalore has secured the top place among Indian universities. Five Indian universities

made it into the world’s top 500 varsities. IISc has been placed under the 251-300 bracket. The

complete list of the top 10 Indian Universities is enlisted below.

 In total, 22 Indian universities made it below rank 800 – three of which were debutant entries.

DTU, Graphic Era University, IIT Indore, IIIT, Delhi, Jamia Hamdard University, JNU, Kalasalingam

Global Hunger Index 2022: India slips six places, ranked 107 of 121 countries

 India ranks 107 out of 121 countries on the Global Hunger Index in which it fares worse than all

countries in South Asia barring war-torn Afghanistan. India’s score of 29.1 places it in the

‘serious’ category. India also ranks below Sri Lanka (64), Nepal (81), Bangladesh (84), and

Pakistan (99). Afghanistan (109) is the only country in South Asia that performs worse than India

on the index.

 China is among the countries collectively ranked between 1 and 17 having a score of less than

five. India’s child wasting rate (low weight for height), at 19.3%, is worse than the levels recorded

in 2014 (15.1%) and even 2000 (17.15%), and is the highest for any country in the world and

drives up the region’s average owing to India’s large population.

 India’s GHI score has decreased from a 2000 GHI score of 38.8 points, considered alarming, to a

2022 GHI score of 29.1, considered serious.

 India’s proportion of undernourished in the population is considered to be at a medium level,

and its under-five child mortality rate is considered low.

Rank in 2022 Country Score

1-17 Belarus <5

69% drop in wildlife population globally in 50 years: Living Planet Report 2022

 There has been a 69 per cent decline in the wildlife populations of mammals, birds, amphibians,

reptiles and fish, across the globe in the last 50 years, according to the latest Living Planet Report

by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

 Biodiversity loss and climate crisis should be dealt with as one instead of two different issues as

they are intertwined, the international wildlife conservation organisation said in the report,

highlighting the link between the two issues for the first time. The highest decline (94 per cent)

was in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, the report released October 13, 2022

showed. Africa recorded a 66 per cent fall in its wildlife populations from 1970-2018 and the

Asia Pacific 55 per cent, according to the WWF report. Freshwater species populations globally

reduced by 83 per cent, confirming that the planet is experiencing a “biodiversity and climate

crisis”, the organisation found. Habitat loss and barriers to migration routes were responsible for

about half of the threats to monitored migratory fish species, it noted.

 WWF identified six key threats to biodiversity — agriculture, hunting, logging, pollution, invasive

species and climate change — to highlight ‘threat hotspots’ for terrestrial vertebrates.

 The Living Planet Index (LPI), featuring about 32,000 populations of 5,230 species across the

world, showed that vertebrate wildlife populations are plummeting at a particularly staggering

rate in tropical regions of the world. Mangroves continue to be lost to aquaculture, agriculture

and coastal development at a rate of 0.13 per cent per year, according to the findings.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Sebi issues guidelines for inter-operable regulatory sandbox

 Financial products or service providers whose business models fall within the remit of more than

one financial sector regulator such as Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Sebi, IRDAI (Insurance

Regulatory and Development Authority of India), PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory &

Development Authority) and IFSCA (International Financial Services Centres Authority) will be

considered for the testing under Inter-operable Regulatory Sandbox (IoRS).

 “To obviate the need of innovators, to engage with different regulators regarding their hybrid

product, a common window has been made available,” the Securities and Exchange Board of

India (SEBI) said in a press release.

 IoRS has been prepared by the Inter-Regulatory Technical Group (IRTG) on FinTech. The group

was constituted under the aegis of the Financial Stability and Development Council-Sub

Committee (FSDC-SC). The group, in addition to the members from financial sector regulators,

has representation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of

Electronics and Information Technology.

IIP witnesses contraction of 0.8% in August against growth of 2.4% in July

 India’s industrial production slipped to an 18-month low, contracting by 0.8 per cent in August,

mainly due to a decline in output of the manufacturing and mining sectors, according to official

data. The data showed that the previous low in industrial output growth was a contraction of 3.2

per cent in February 2021.

 Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index which details out the growth of various sectors in

the economy. The Eight Core Industries comprise more than 40 percent of the weight of items 

included in IIP. These are Electricity, steel, refinery products, crude oil, coal, cement, natural gas

and fertilisers.

 It is compiled and published monthly by the National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of

Statistics and Programme Implementation.

 The previous low in industrial output growth was a contraction of 3.2 per cent in February 2021.

Factory output, measured in terms of the IIP, had expanded by 13 per cent in August 2021. The

IIP grew by 2.2 per cent in July this year. The data released by the Statistics and Programme

Implementation Ministry showed that for the month of August 2022.

 Capital goods output, which is a barometer of investments, rose five per cent in August 2022

compared to 20 per cent growth in the year-ago month.

Current Affairs PDF- OCTOBER 14, 2022

NATIONAL

5

th edition of Megha Kayak festival begins in Ri Bhoi

 Meghalaya is all set to host the four-day long mega global adventure sports spectacle, ‘Megha

Kayak Festival, 2022’ starting October 13 at the picturesque Umtrew River at Umtham Village.

The 2022 edition of the festival will witness over 100 participants from close to 20 countries

across the globe, featuring some of the best-known athletes. The festival will include white water

kayaking events in three competition categories – Downriver Time Trial, Extreme Slalom and

Downriver Freestyle for professionals as well as intermediate and amateur racers.

 ‘Megha Kayak Festival’ is receiving an overwhelming response with participation assured from

leading adventure water sports nations like New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany, France,

and Canada to name a few.

About Meghalaya:

Capital: Shillong;

Chief Minister: Conrad Kongkal Sangma;

Governor: D. Mishra (additional charge).

PM Modi flags off 4th Vande Bharat Express train in Himachal’s Una

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fourth Vande Bharat Express Train of India. He

also launched a slew of development projects in Himachal Pradesh. PM Modi flagged off the

inaugural run of the new Vande Bharat Express Train from Amb Andaura to New Delhi. He also

laid the foundation stone of Bulk Drug Park.

 In Chamba district, he laid the foundation stone of two hydropower projects and launched the

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III in Himachal Pradesh.

 Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur highlighted the ninth visit of Prime Minister

Narendra Modi to Himachal Pradesh in five years.

 The Vande Bharat Express Train launched in Himachal Pradesh is much lighter and capable of

reaching higher speeds in a shorter duration.

Rajnath Singh launches website for citizens to contribute to Armed Forces fund

 Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh will be launching the ‘Maa Bharati Ke Sapoot’ (MBKS)

website for the Armed Forces Battle Casualties Welfare Fund (AFBCWF) during a function at the 

National War Memorial Complex in New Delhi. The AFBCWF is a Tri-service fund utilised to grant

immediate financial assistance of ex-gratia to the next of kin and dependents of Battle

Casualties. Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan to be the ‘Goodwill Ambassador’.

 The Chief of Defence Staff, all three Service Chiefs, Param Vir Chakra (PVC) awardees and other

prominent officials of the MoD, corporate heads, chairman & managing directors of banks,

personnel from the sports field and celebrities are expected to attend the function. On occasion,

the ten of kins of fallen heroes and soldiers disabled in active military operations will also be

felicitated. Parents and relatives of many war-decorated soldiers have also been invited.

Eastern Naval Command conducts offshore security exercise ‘Prasthan’

 ‘Prasthan’ an Offshore Security Exercise was conducted by the Eastern Naval Command in the

Offshore Development Area (ODA) off Kakinada. ‘Prasthan’ is a half-yearly exercise that was

conducted in the KG basin to validate SOPs, address various contingencies and strengthen the

command and control organization toward Maritime security.

 It aims to integrate the efforts of all maritime stakeholders involved in offshore defense.

 The exercise aims to refine the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and response actions to

several contingencies in the Offshore Defence Area.

 The Prasthan exercise is conducted every six months and it is an important element of ensuring

offshore security as per the Defence Ministry.

 The exercise was conducted onboard Drill rigs Platinum Explorer and DDKG of ONGC and RIL

located about 40 nm south of Kakinada.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Odisha MP Aparajita Sarangi elected Asia Pacific Group’s Inter-Parliamentary Union panel member

 Lok Sabha member from Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi has been elected as a member to the

executive committee of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The Parliamentarian from Odisha

bagged 12 out of the total of 18 available votes in the election to the post held at Kigali, Rwanda.

Sarangi will represent India at the 15-member executive committee of the union.

 Notably, this will be the first time in 20 years, that India will have her representative in the

international committee.

 The Indian Parliamentary Delegation is being led by Harivansh, Deputy Chairperson in Rajya

Sabha. Aparajita Sarangi, Harivansh and Sasmit Patra attended a meeting called by the Governing

Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union following her nomination. The 145th InterParliamentary Union Assembly is being held currently in Kigali, Rwanda.

About Inter-Parliamentary Union:

Founded: 1889;

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

President: Saber Hossain Chowdhury

Secretary General: Martin Chungong

SUMMIT’S & MOU’s

Tata Power, 75F Smart Innovations partner for energy-efficiency solutions

 Tata Power Trading Company (TPTCL) has signed an agreement with 75F Smart Innovation India

to jointly promote automation and energy efficiency solutions in the commercial building space. 

This will include industry verticals like IT/ITeS, BFSI hospitality, healthcare, education,

government, and retail.

 The collaboration of TPTCL and 75F will offer solutions in the space of HVAC optimization and

smart building automation powered by the finest technology like cloud, IoT, and AI.

 The solutions by a collaboration of TPTCL and 75F will help commercial buildings with centrally

air-conditioned spaces attain assured savings in their HVAC energy consumption.

 TPTCL holds a category-I trading license and is engaged in the business of energy sourcing,

trading, and energy efficiency services.

MWCD to organize National Conference on Skilling in Non- Traditional Livelihood for Girls “Betiyan

Bane Kushal”

 The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is set to organize a National Conference

on skilling in Non-traditional Livelihood (NTL) for girls. The program is named “Betiyan Bane

Kushal“, under the banner of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao on the occasion of the International Day of

the Girl Child on 11th October 2022.

 The conference will emphasize convergence between ministries and departments to ensure that

girls build their skills in a diverse set of platforms.

 The set of professions includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

 The event will witness the signing of MoUs with the Ministry of Skill Development and

Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Minority Affairs for the Skilling of young girls.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Paytm Partners with Jana Small Finance Bank for Deployment of Card Devices, Aims to Further Drive

Digitisation Among Merchants

 Paytm brand has partnered with Jana Small Finance Bank to deploy card machines to further

drive digitisation among merchants across the country. This partnership will enable Jana Small

Finance Bank to extend Paytm’s All-in-one EDC machines to its existing and potential customers,

providing a one-stop solution for all their digital payment needs. With over 4.5 million devices

deployed, Paytm remains the market leader in offline payments. Paytm’s EDC devices and All-inOne POS devices have revolutionised digital payments in India with their flexibility of accepting

multiple payment methods.

 Paytm’s card machines provide a feature-rich payments solution that has enabled a robust

growth of businesses for our merchant partners. This partnership will help expand our reach and

deploy card machines across India’s small cities and towns.

 This partnership is in line with our vision to become the leading digitised bank of aspirational

India to further financial inclusion in the country.

 MSME is a key priority for our Bank and we serve their needs in 150 cities. Our offerings are

digital and this relationship with Paytm will further enhance our services to our customers.

RBI norms on unhedged Fx exposure unlikely to impact banks much

 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) tweaked guidelines for banks on incremental capital and

provisioning requirements in relation to unhedged foreign currency exposures, amid the

weakness in the rupee vis-a-vis the US dollar. The rupee has depreciated about 10 per cent 

against the US dollar thus far in 2022, and as a result there has been greater scrutiny of firms’

unhedged exposure through borrowings in foreign currencies.

 “Entities which do not hedge their foreign currency exposures can incur significant losses during

the period of heightened volatility in foreign exchange rates. These losses may reduce their

capacity to service the loans taken from the banking system and increase their probability of

default thereby affecting the health of the banking system,” the RBI said. The revised rules will

come into force from January 1, 2023.

 The incremental provisioning requirement is in the range of 20 basis points (bps) to 80 bps. In

cases where banks face a potential loss or hit to earnings before interest and depreciation (Ebid)

of more than 15 per cent but up to 30 per cent, lenders will have to increase provisioning by 20

bps, the RBI said.

JSW Steel Joined UNGC Initiative

 JSW Steel has joined the United Nations Global Impact (UNGC) initiative. The UNGC encourages

companies to conduct business responsibly by aligning their operations and strategies with the

UN’s 10 principles. JSW Foundation, the social arm of the JSW Group, is a member of UNGC and

part of the India local network of UNGC.

 A majority of JSW’s strategic focus areas and organizational goals have been formulated to align

with the UN SDGs.

 The formal membership with JSW and UNGC will continue executing operations and practices

sustainably.

 The initiative also commits companies to take actions to advance broader Social benefits through

the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Current Affairs PDF- OCTOBER 13, 2022

INTERNATIONAL

53rd Capacity Building programme in Field Administration for Civil Servants of Bangladesh inaugurate

 53rd Capacity Building Programme in the Field Administration for the Civil Servants of

Bangladesh was inaugurated at National Centre for Good Governance (NCGC) at Mussoorie. This

institute is the only institute that has trained 1,727 field-level officers of Bangladesh Civil Service

such as Assistant Commissioners, SDMs, and Additional Deputy Commissioners.

 In 2014, the National Center for Good Governance was established by the Government of India.

 The center focuses on good governance, policy reforms, training, capacity building, and working

as a think tank.

 The center has taken up capacity building of civil servants of several foreign countries in

partnership with MEA.

NATIONAL

Google launches Play Points in India

 Google is set to launch Play Points, a global rewards Programme for users in India. Users will earn

points when they purchase with Google Play, including in-app items, apps, games, and

subscriptions. The reward program has four levels known as platinum, gold, silver, and bronze. 

The levels will provide members with perks and prizes. The levels and tiers are based on the

number of points they have collected.

 Google has partnered with developers of popular apps and games across the world to help users

to redeem their points on special in-app items.

 Google Play in partnership with more than 30 titles that include games from global studios like

Miniclip, in India.

 This will help them to engage their user, drive discovery, and acquire users across markets that

have Google Play Points.

 More than 2.5 billion people in over 190 countries use Google Play every month to discover

apps, games, and digital content.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Roger Binny to replace Ganguly as BCCI president, Shah to remain secretary

 India’s 1983 World Cup hero, Roger Binny is set to become the new BCCI president, replacing

Sourav Ganguly. Binny will assume charge on October 18, when the BCCI annual general meeting

will be held, in Mumbai. Jay Shah will continue as BCCI secretary, the most influential position in

the board. Rajiv Shukla will also stay on as the board’s vice president.

 Binny, 67, has a lot of experience in cricket administration. He has served in different positions at

the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) over the years, and has been its president since

2019. Prior to that, Binny also was part of the KSCA administrations led by Patel and Anil Kumble

(2010-12). The age-cap rule, which has led to end of Patel’s run, will also restrict 1983 World

Cup-winner Binny’s tenure to one term of three years.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Sight Day 2022th 13th October

 World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness

about vision impairment, vision care and other issues related to eyes. This year, the day is being

observed today i.e. on 13 October. This day is observed to increase awareness about the

importance of eye health and to honour ophthalmologists – medical professional who diagnoses

and treats human eye and vision problems – who work tirelessly around the globe to combat the

issue.

 Continuing the theme of last year, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

(IAPB) confirmed that this year’s theme will also be “Love Your Eyes”. This comes following the

success of last year’s campaign. 3.5 million pledged to prioritize their eye health.

World Sight Day 2022:13th October

 World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October to raise awareness

about vision impairment, vision care and other issues related to eyes. This year, the day is being

observed today i.e. on 13 October. This day is observed to increase awareness about the

importance of eye health and to honour ophthalmologists – medical professional who diagnoses

and treats human eye and vision problems – who work tirelessly around the globe to combat the

issue.

 Continuing the theme of last year, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness

(IAPB) confirmed that this year’s theme will also be “Love Your Eyes”. This comes following the

success of last year’s campaign. 3.5 million pledged to prioritize their eye health.

 Millions of people around the world do not have access to basic healthcare facilities. While most

of the causes of blindness are preventable, most cases end up with visually impaired because

they do not have proper treatments. It is a day to raise awareness about getting regular eye

checkups as a means to care for your eyes. The gift of sight is often taken for granted.

SUMMIT’S & MOU’s

Aviation Minister inaugurates 4th Heli-India Summit 2022

 Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the 4th Heli-India Summit 2022.

The civil enclave will be built in Jammu for Rs 861 crore and Srinagar’s present terminal will be

expanded three times from 20,000 square meters to 60,000 square meters for Rs 1500 crores.

 The 4th Heli-India Summit 2022 is inaugurated with the theme of ‘Helicopters for Last Mile

Connectivity’ at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Srinagar in the presence of

Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir Majon Sinha.

 During the summit Scindia highlighted the decrease in VAT on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from

26.5 percent.

 The Jammu and Kashmir government has set a new project for air connectivity in the Union

Territory with a 360 percent increase in refueling, increasing the air connectivity to Jammu and

Kashmir.

 From 1947 to 2014, India had only 74 airports, but today there are 141 airports with 67 added in

the last seven years according to the Civil Aviation Minister.

BOOKS & AUTHOR

South Indian Bank enters World Book of Records for ‘101 Oonjals’

 South Indian Bank bagged a world record for staging and swinging the highest 101. The South

Indian Bank has organized an event ‘Onnichirikkam Oonjaladam’ and was accoladed with the

World Book of Records award for ‘staging and swinging 101 Oonjals’. The event ‘Onnichirikkam

Oonjaladam’ saw people gathered in large numbers to celebrate unity and prosperity during the

ongoing festival season. Swings were made using wood and rope in the traditional way.

 The World Book of Records team presented the Award to South Indian Bank officials. All 101

swings were staged and swung together by the people. There was happiness and togetherness

during the event. Seeing everyone taking part in something together naturally brings happiness

to all of us. An Oonjal is a sturdy rectangular plank suspended by iron link chains hooked to the

ceiling of a hall or balcony. Oonjals are a part of a ritual at the weddings of a section in Tamil

Nadu. In Kerala, the swinging tradition forms an integral part of Onam festivities.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Retail inflation rises to 7.41% in September

 India’s retail inflation accelerated to 7.41 per cent in September from a year ago on higher food

and energy costs, the highest since April and above the upper end of the RBI’s 2-6 per cent

tolerance band in each month this year. Data released by the National Statistics Office showed 

consumer price index-based inflation (CPI) in September rising to 7.41 per cent from a year ago,

compared to August’s 7 per cent.

 The latest reading will pressure the RBI to accelerate policy tightening further, even at the cost of

the economy, after raising its key repo rate to a three-year high of 5.9 per cent in four

increments this year to tame surging prices. That suggests the central bank would need to act

more aggressively and mirror the policy path of major central banks in the West — fight inflation

at any cost, including a recession — despite RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das’ statement that the

policy was aimed to control inflation while minimising any impact on economic growth.

World Bank extends unconditional loan of $250 million for SALT project in Andhra Pradesh

 The World Bank has extended an unconditional loan of $250 million to the Supporting Andhra’s

Learning Transformation (SALT) project in appreciation of the path-breaking reforms

implemented by the state government. The reforms initiated under the SALT project have

brought about a paradigm shift in the way education was imparted and the outcomes had been

encouraging according to Special Chief Secretary B. Rajasekhar (School Education).

 The SALT Project is the first project in the school education sector to be funded by the World

Bank without any precondition.

 Approximately ₹53,000 crores has been spent on school education in the last three years.

 In the academic year 2022-2023, more than 40,31,239 children were studying in government

schools.

IDBI Bank partners Vayana Network on supply chain finance

 IDBI Bank said that it has agreed to cooperate with Vayana Network as its first fintech partner to

provide end-to-end digitization services. According to the bank, this alliance intends to help

increase the penetration of supply chain finance in India, which now accounts for only 5% of

total outstanding banking assets and less than 1% of the country’s GDP.

 The adoption of end-to-end digitalization would allow IDBI Bank to offer comprehensive digital

solutions to corporate banking and small business clients. The bank already has an established

CMS and e-trade platform. This technology is meant to speed up customer experiences by

cutting down on paperwork and transaction processing time.

 The supply chain finance market in India is currently valued at over 60,000 crore and is

anticipated to expand by 17% annually, according to J Samuel Joseph, deputy managing director

of IDBI Bank. “We sought out this relationship to take advantage of the opportunities present in

the current SCF market. In order to add value for our corporate banking and MSME clients, we

are actively participating in a wide range of activities as part of our core strategy, according to

Joseph.

Current Affairs PDF- OCTOBER 12, 2022

INTERNATIONAL

EU passes single charger reform for electronic devices

 According to a new law passed by the European Union parliament, all new smartphones, tablets

and cameras will have a single standard charger from late 2024. The law was adopted with a vote

of 602 in favour, and 13 against. It mandates smartphone, laptop and camera manufacturing 

companies to adopt a standard charger, at least in Europe. Makers of laptops will have extra

time, from early 2026, to also follow suit.

 EU policymakers say the single charger rule will simplify the life of Europeans, reduce the

mountain of obsolete chargers and reduce costs for consumers. It is expected to save at least

200 million euros ($195 million) per year and cut more than a thousand tonnes of EU electronic

waste every year.

 The European Union’s 27 countries are home to 450 million people who count among the

world’s wealthiest consumers. Regulatory changes in the bloc often set global industry norms in

what is known as the Brussels Effect. The EU move is expected to ripple around the world.

About European Union:

Founded: 1 November 1993, Maastricht, Netherlands;

Founders: Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg.

NATIONAL

Union Minister Anurag Thakur inaugurates Water Sports Center in Himachal Pradesh

 Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Singh Thakur inaugurated a Water Sports

Center in the Koldam Barmana, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The Water Sports Centre, the very

first of its kind in Himachal Pradesh, has been jointly initiated by the Sports Authority of India

(SAI) and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) was also exchanged between SAI and NTPC during the event. The centre will be dedicated

to training athletes in water sports like Rowing, Canoeing and Kayaking.

 Anurag Thakur said that this water sports centre at NTPC Koldam would be a big sports facility

for the children of Himachal Pradesh in future. He said that this water sports center has a

straight range of 3 km, which is found in some places. Many of our water sports athletes will

come here to learn. Good coaches have also been arranged. There are very good facilities here.

About Himachal Pradesh:

Capital: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter);

Chief Minister: Jai Ram Thakur

Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar

Ethanol subsidy scheme extended till March 2023

 The Centre has extended the timeline for disbursement of loans up to March 31 under the

ethanol blending programme interest subsidy scheme, notified first in 2018, to facilitate

entrepreneurs to complete their projects while availing of government support.

 The Food Ministry issued a notification on October 6 stating the applicants who have submitted

their applications to DFPD after the date of notification of the scheme but within the cut-off date

prescribed in the notification. Loans were disbursed to them prior to the in-principle approval of

DFPD, will also be eligible for interest subvention under the scheme. The applicants have been

asked to complete their projects within two and half years after receiving their first instalment,

said the notification.

 Immense benefits can accrue to the country by 20% ethanol blending by 2025, such as saving Rs

30,000 crore of foreign exchange per year, energy security, lower carbon emissions, better air

quality, self-reliance, use of damaged foodgrains, increasing farmers’ incomes, employment

generation, and greater investment opportunities.

SPORTS

Taylor fritz wins 2022 Japan Open men’s singles title

 America’s Taylor Fritz registered a 7-6(3), 7-6(2) victory against countryman Frances Tiafoe in the

final to clinch the Japan Open Tennis Championships men’s singles title, on Sunday.

 Immediately following seven days in hotel quarantine in Seoul, Fritz completed a perfect five-day

stretch in Tokyo to claim his third title of a career-defining year. With this, the third seed became

the 10th different American singles champion at the ATP 500 event and the first since Pete

Sampras in 1996.

 “It is crazy, I don’t even think it’s set in just how fast the last four or five days have been,” said

Fritz after the match.

 “It’s so crazy, and I couldn’t have written it any better. It’s exactly what I needed for the Race To

Turin, for my ranking, to kind of put me in a good position for the end of the year, so it’s

amazing,” he added.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Ananth Narayan Gopalakrishnan assumes charge as whole-time member at Sebi

 Former banker Ananth Narayan Gopalakrishnan took charge as the fourth whole time member

(WTM) in the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi). Narayan, who has been a member of

various advisory committees of Sebi and RBI, has been appointed for an initial period of three

years.

 Before assuming charge, Narayan was an associate professor at SP Jain Institute of Management

& Research. He has over two and half decades of experience in the banking and financial

markets, during which he held the position of Regional Head of Financial Markets for ASEAN and

South Asia at Standard Chartered Bank.

 He has strong expertise in foreign currency, interest rates, derivatives and debt capital markets.

Narayan has also worked with Deutsche Bank and Citibank.

About SEBI:

Founded: 12 April 1992

Sector: Securities market

Headquarters: Mumbai

Chairperson : Madhabi Puri Buch

Law Ministry notifies appointment of Chief Justices to Karnataka and J&K High Courts

 The central government announced the appointment of two judges as chief justices of the high

courts in Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Karnataka. It also announced the transfer of the chief

justice of the J&K high court to the Rajasthan high court.

 According to the Constitution’s provisions, Justice Prasanna B. Varale has been named the

Karnataka High Court’s Chief Justice.

 Justice AM Magrey has been named the Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

 Justice Pankaj Mithal has been appointed Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, according to

Kiran Rijiju.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Arthritis Day 2022:12th October

 World Arthritis day is observed on 12 October every year and it is a global health awareness

event that helps create awareness about rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. This day aims

to bring people around the world on a single platform so that their voices are heard and more

support is provided for better treatment options for the people affected with rheumatic and

musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

 The theme for World Arthritis day 2022 is “It’s in your hands, take action”. The theme aims to

encourage people with arthritis, their caregivers, families, and the general public so that they

don’t feel that they are alone in this situation.

 World Arthritis day (WAD) plays a major role in encouraging people, medical organizations, and

governments across the world to participate in the campaign to spread awareness.

 World arthritis day (WAD) was established by Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI). The

first event for World Arthritis day was organized on 12 October 1996.

SUMMIT’S & MOU’s

PM addresses United Nations World Geospatial International Congress

 Addressing the Second United Nations World Geospatial International Congress via video

message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that steps taken by India over the past few years

has been of empowering the “last person at the last mile’’, reflecting the theme of this year’s

conference — ‘Geo-Enabling the Global Village: No one should be left behind’.

 Welcoming the international delegates to India, the Prime Minister said, “We have been working

on a vision of Antyodaya which means empowering the last person at the last mile, in a mission

mode. 450-million unbanked people, a population greater than that of USA, were brought under

banking net and 135-million people, about twice the population of France, were given insurance.

Sanitation facilities were taken to 110-million families and tap water connections to over 60-

million households. India is ensuring no one is left behind.’’

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Indians Can Soon Pay Through UPI In Europe

 Pay in Europe using UPI soon: NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and European payment

services provider Worldline established a corporation due to which Indians will soon be able to

make payments through UPI (United Payments Interface) across Europe. The National Payments

Corporation of India (NPCI)’s international division is called NIPL.

 The aim of the collaboration between NIPL and Worldline is to increase the adoption of Indian

payment methods in Europe.

 Worldline will increase convenience for Indian clients in the European markets as part of the

cooperation by enabling point-of-sale (POS) systems at businesses to accept payments from UPI

(United Payments Interface).

 The total number of UPI (United Payments Interface) transactions in 2021 was 38.74 billion, with

a value of USD 954.58 billion.

 In terms of actual cards, NPCI has so far distributed 714 million locally manufactured RuPay

cards.

India’s optimism misplaced, says Nomura, sharply moderates GDP growth forecast to 5.2% in FY24

 Nomura predicts that India’s growth will drastically slow down to 5.2% in 2023–24 (FY24) from

7% in the current fiscal year due to the spillover effects of the global downturn. The Japanese

brokerage urged policy vigilance in the face of global challenges and emphasised that macro

stability, not development, should be the first focus.

 In FY20, the economy grew at 4%, a multi-year low. It is anticipated that growth will decelerate

in FY24, just before the following national elections.

 Nomura predicts that inflation would average 6.8% in FY23, slightly higher than the Reserve Bank

of India’s prediction of 6.7%, and then decline to 5.3% in FY24.

Current Affairs PDF- OCTOBER 11, 2022

INTERNATIONAL

US, India Partner to Accelerate Sustainable Energy Transition

 India and US announced the launch of a new energy task force to support the large-scale

integration of renewable energy needed to support the clean energy transition. The

announcement will strengthen the India-US partnership in the critical energy sector to new

levels. There was also a bilateral meeting between Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Hardeep Singh Puri and US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, after which the announcement

was made.

 During the bilateral meeting, the two leaders underscored the critical importance of clean

energy engagement to strengthen energy security.

 The two leaders underscored the importance of ensuring reliable energy supplies to ensure

balanced energy markets including India’s support for the US initiative to release crude oil from

the strategic petroleum reserves.

China more self-reliant in defence production, outranks India by massive margin, says study

 India stands at fourth position among 12 countries of the Indo-Pacific in self-reliant defence

production, says a study by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) that

assessed self-reliance in arms production. China dominated the list leaving others behind by a

long margin.

 “China dominates the ranking, reaching a self-reliance score more than two and a half times

higher than Japans,” the study by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), a

think tank on global security issues says. The study covered Australia, China, India, Indonesia,

Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Vietnam could

not be included in the final ranking due to a lack of data.

 Despite the long-term efforts, India remains one of the largest importers of major arms globally.

NATIONAL

Pakistan to join closing ceremony of SCO anti-terror exercise hosted by India

 Pakistan has confirmed that it will attend the Shanghai cooperation organisation’s anti-terror

exercises in India. Pakistan, which is a part of SCO will take part in counter-terror drills in

Haryana’s Manesar in October. These exercises will be conducted under the ambit of the SCO

regional anti-terrorism structure (RATS).

 A three-member Pakistani delegation will take part in the meeting in Delhi. While the SCO as a

grouping came into existence in 2001, India and Pakistan became members of it in 2017.

 India will be hosting the SCO RATS council meeting on October 14th this year in Delhi. New Delhi

has also proposed holding a SCO joint anti-terrorist exercise (JATE) in Manesar this year.

 37th meeting of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of the Shanghai Cooperation

Organization (SCO RATS) took place in Tashkent under the chairmanship of India.

India’s space economy expected to be worth USD 12.8 billion by 2025

 India’s space economy is likely to be worth nearly $13 billion by 2025, with the satellite launch

services segment set to witness the fastest growth due to increasing private participation,

according to a report released.

 India’s space economy was pegged at $9.6 billion in 2020 and is expected to touch $12.8 billion

by 2025, according to the report titled ‘Developing the Space Ecosystem in India: Focusing on

Inclusive Growth’. In dollar terms, the satellite services and applications segment would be the

largest with a turnover of $4.6 billion by 2025, followed by ground segment at $4 billion. The

satellite manufacturing stands at $3.2 billion and launch services at $1 billion.

 The growing demand for smaller satellites is set to boost satellite manufacturing in the country.

It will attract global start-ups in the sector to help incubate space tech companies here, said the

report released by the Indian Space Association (ISpA) and Ernst and Young.

SPORTS

Indian Olympic Association names Goa as host of 37th National Games

 The Indian Olympic Association has confirmed that Goa will host the 37th edition of the National

Games in October next year. The state government of Goa also conveyed its in-principle approval

to IOA to host the National Games in 2023. The Goa delegation may receive the IOA flag at the

Closing Ceremony of the 36th National Games on 12th October 2022 in Surat, Gujarat.

 The 37th National Games will be decided to keep in view of the dates of the 19th Asian Games,

which will be held from 23rd September to 8th October 2022 in Hangzhou, China.

 Goa got the rights to host the National Games in 2008 but hasn’t been able to host the games for

a number of reasons. Goa was set to host the 36th edition of the National Games but the IOA

had to shift the venue to Gujrat, who agreed to conduct the event in a short span of time.

About Goa:

Capital: Panaji

Goa Chief Minister: Pramod Sawant

Goa Governor: S. Sreedharan Pillai

Pooja Patel becomes first athlete to win gold in Yogasana at 36th National Games in Gujarat

 At the 36th National Games, Pooja Patel of Gujarat has become the first athlete to win gold in

Yogasana. Yogasana is one of the five sports to be played at the National Games this year for the

first time. This Indian indigenous sport made its debut at the Khelo India University Games

earlier this year.

 As far as the medal table of the 36th National Games is concerned, Services Sports Control Board

is leading the chart with a total of 113 medals, including 51 gold, 33 silver, and 29 bronze.

Haryana is second on the table with 95 medals (31 gold, 29 silver, 35 bronze), followed by 

Maharashtra (119), Karnataka (84), and Tamil Nadu (67). Maharashtra has fewer gold medals

than Haryana, which is why it has been placed third on the table.

Harmanpreet Kaur, Mohammed Rizwan win ICC Player of the month crowns in September

 The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the winners of the ICC Player of the Month

awards for September 2022. India’s inspirational captain Harmanpreet Kaur is named the

recipient of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award, While Pakistan ace Mohammad Rizwan

claims the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award.

 Harmanpreet Kaur becomes India’s first winner of the ICC Women’s Player of the Month. The

India skipper was at her brilliant best during the ODI series, scoring 221 runs across the three

matches, maintaining a strike rate of 103.47 and only being dismissed once.

 Mohammad Rizwan secures his first-ever ICC Men’s Player of the Month crown after a

remarkable spell of scoring throughout September and sees him overcome fellow nominees

Cameron Green (Australia) and Axar Patel (India) to the prize.

 The Pakistan star amassed a mammoth 553 runs from ten T20Is, covering performances in the

Men’s Asia Cup and the subsequent home T20I series against a touring England side.

About ICC:

Founded: 15 June 1909

Chairman: Greg Barclay

CEO: Geoff Allardice

Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Cristiano Ronaldo scripts yet another incredible record, nets 700th club goal of his career

 Cristiano Ronaldo reached another historic landmark in his extraordinary career by scoring his

700th club goal to seal Manchester United’s comeback win over Everton. The 37-year-old

Portuguese forward becomes the first and only player in this present generation to score seven

times a hundred goals in football history. His 700th club goal extends his tally over Lionel Messi

with Argentina forward scoring 691 goals for Fc Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain.

 Having started his career in 2002, 700 goals means Ronaldo has averaged 35 goals a season.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s 700th club goal comes 20 years and two days after his first goal for Sporting

Lisbon.

 The five-time Ballon d’Or winner scored his first professional goal on October 7, 2002, at the age

of 17 years, 8 months, and 3 days. He scored a brace in Sporting Lisbon’s 3-0 win against

Moreirense.

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

AMCs to freeze non-PAN card MF portfolios from April 2023, says AMFI

 A Balasubramanian has been re-elected as the chairman of the Association of Mutual Funds in

India (AMFI), and Radhika Gupta as the vice-chairperson of the industry body. As the chairman of

AMFI, A Balasubramanian will also continue as the ex-officio chairman of the AMFI Financial

Literacy Committee. The chairman and the vice-chairperson will hold office until the conclusion

of the 28th AGM.

 At the recently conducted board meeting of AMFI, post the 27th annual general meeting (AGM)

held in September, Vishal Kapoor (chief executive officer, IDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd.) has 

been re-elected as the chairman of the AMFI Committee of Certified Distributors, while Sundeep

Sikka (ED & CEO, Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd.) has been elected as chairman of

AMFI ETF Committee.

About AMFI:

Founded: 22 August 1995

AMFI CEO: N.S.Venkatesh (23 Oct 2017–)

AMFI Headquarters: Mumbai

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day of the Girl Child 2022: 11th October

 International Day of the Girl Child is observed on October 11 to raise awareness about the

importance and potential girls hold as the future of our society. In 2022, we commemorate the

10th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl (IDG). The International Day of the Girl Child

focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’

empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights.

 This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is “Our time is now—our rights, our

future”. The focus is on the multitude of challenges put in front of girls’ path to reach their

potential. This has been made worse by the ongoing crises of climate change, COVID-19 and

humanitarian conflict around the globe. Girls struggle with issues related to their education, their

physical and mental wellness, and leading a life without violence.

Current Affairs PDF- OCTOBER 10, 2022

NATIONAL

PM Modi declares Gujarat’s Modhera as India’s first 24×7 solar-powered village

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday declared Modhera village in poll-bound Gujarat as the

country’s first 24×7 solar-powered village. Modhera, which is famous for a centuries-old Sun

temple built during the Chalukya, will also be known as a “solar-powered village”, Modi said.

 Addressing a rally, Modi said, “We shall no longer pay for electricity, but will instead sell it and

earn from it. Earlier, the government supplied power to residents; now, with the installation of

solar panels, citizens will now produce their own electricity.”

 The Modhera village is located 25 km from the Mehsana district of Gurajat, and about 100 km

from the state capital of Gandhinagar. The village has a ground-mounted solar power plant, and

over 1,300 rooftop solar systems with 1kW capacity have been installed on houses to generate

electricity.

First seminar of Agni Tattva campaign under LiFE mission held in Leh

 Power Foundation of India in association with Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) is currently running a

campaign to create awareness on Agni Tattva under LiFE – Lifestyle for environment. This

campaign includes conferences, seminars, events, and exhibitions across the country involving

educational institutions, communities, and relevant organisations to create awareness of the

core concept of Agni Tattva, an element that is synonymous with energy and is amongst the five

elements of Panchmahabhoot.

 The first conference of the Agni campaign was organised in Leh yesterday, on the theme of

‘Sustainability and Culture’. It witnessed participation from key stakeholders working in the areas

of energy, culture, and sustainability, from diverse fields such as administration, policymakers,

academics, and start-ups.

 The conference was inaugurated by Shri R K Mathur, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh. Speaking

on the occasion, he said that Ladakh always had a sustainable lifestyle, however, increased

modernisation is leading to an imbalance in the ecosystem of the region, and this not only

adversely impacts the region but could also alter the monsoon cycle of the entire country since it

is inter-linked with the Himalayan ecosystem. He further added that the UT administration of

Ladakh has laid out a clear roadmap to reverse this imbalance and move toward sustainable

development. He emphasised several key areas.

SPORTS

Verstappen wins Japanese GP, clinches second F1 world championship title

 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his second Formula One world championship amid scenes of

confusion on Sunday after closest rival Charles Leclerc was handed a five-second post-race

penalty.

 Red Bull’s Verstappen crossed the line first and was then awarded the title when Ferrari’s

Charles Leclerc who had emerged second was pushed back to third after receiving the penalty.

Leclerc’s drop meant Verstappen’s compatriot Sergio Perez finished second.

 According to FIA rules, the staggered points only come in “if a race is suspended in accordance

with Article 57, and “cannot be resumed”. The race was resumed, so the FIA said full points were

awarded for Verstappen after a brief twist.

Harshada Garud wins bronze medal in women’s 45kg category at Asian Weightlifting C’ship 2022

 Indian weightlifter Harshada Garud, a reigning junior world champion, won a bronze medal in

the women’s 45kg category at the Asian Weightlifting Championships 2022 in Manama, Bahrain

yesterday. Harshada Garud lifted 68kg in snatch and followed it up with the best effort of 84kg in

clean and jerk for a combined total of 152kg.

 The 18-year-old Indian weightlifter was tied with the Philippines’ Rose Ramos on 152kg but won

the medal as she had a better snatch lift of 68kg, for which she was awarded a bronze in the

section. Vietnam’s Khong My Phuong took the gold with a total lift of 166kg and S Nafisatul

Hariroh of Indonesia won silver with 162kg. The Asian Weightlifting Championships 2022 will

conclude on October 16.

OBITURY

SP Founder Mulayam Singh Yadav Passes Away

 Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav died at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram at 8:16

am on Monday morning due to multiple organ failure, according to people familiar with the

matter.

 Yadav is one of the most prominent leaders of Uttar Pradesh. He has served as the chief minister

of the state thrice and has also served in the Union government as the minister of defence. He

has been elected 10 times as MLA and 7 times as Lok Sabha MP. 

APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Gulf Oil ropes in Smriti Mandhana as brand ambassador

 Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has signed on as a brand ambassador of lubricant

manufacturer Gulf Oil India. India women’s vice-captain joins current men’s cricket ace Hardik

Pandya and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as an ambassador for the company. Through

the partnership, Gulf Oil stated that it aims to ‘celebrate women power’ and ‘inspire female

audience in the country’, while also honouring the achievements of Indian women cricketers.

With this association, Gulf Oil claims to have become the first company in the lubricant space to

appoint a woman cricketer as ambassador to represent the organisation and its ethos.

 Gulf Oil recognises that the dynamics of the automotive segment has evolved with more women

playing a pivotal role in the decision-making process of vehicular purchase and its further

maintenance. With the addition of Smriti Mandhana to its group of ambassadors, the

organisation claims to have taken cognizance of the changing consumer demographics and is

determined to appeal and cater to the new developing customer landscape in the segment.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Mental Health Day 2022: 10th October

 World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year. On this day, various programs

are designed to draw attention to mental health issues and their effects on those affected and

the lives of their caregivers. In India, World Mental Health Day is marked on the final day of the

Mental Health Awareness Campaign Week campaign, launched last year by the Ministry of

Health and Family Welfare.

 The theme or rather the slogan for 2022’s celebration of World Mental health Day is “Make

mental health & well-being for all a global priority.” World Health Organisation (WHO) mentions

that before the COVID-19 pandemic, about one in eight people worldwide suffered from mental

issues. Proper infrastructural and economic support for mental health, however, was lacking. The

global pandemic raised mental stress for people all over the world. Lives were left permanently

altered by the virus. Recent armed conflicts between nations and religious violence have added

to this stress.

SUMMIT’S & MOU’s

India to host UNSC members for special meeting on counterterrorism on October 28, 29

 India will host diplomats of the United Nations Security Council along with other member states

for a key meeting of counterterrorism Committee in Mumbai and New Delhi on October 28-29.

 India is currently the Chair of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee for the year

2022.

 During a press conference on Saturday in New York, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN

Ruchira Kamboj said that UN CTC members will pay homage to the victims of horrific 26/11

terror attacks in Mumbai.

 She also said that the special meeting of the UNSC CTC on “Countering the Use of New and

Emerging Technologies for Terrorist Purposes” will be held on October 28 and in New Delhi on

October 29.

RANKING

World Economic Forum Launches ‘Education 4.0 India Report’

 Titled Education 4.0 Report’, the report explains how technology can address learning gaps and

make education accessible to all. The information was published under Education 4.0 India

initiative, launched in May 2020 and has convened over 40 partners from the education

technology, government, academic and start-up communities.

 Even as the Covid-19 pandemic has subsided in most parts of the world, the school-to-work

transition process is still facing significant hurdles in India, a World Economic Forum (WEF) report

stated.

 India is the second largest market for online education after the US. With conducive policies and

initiatives of the government, such as the National Education Policy 2020 and over 5000 EdTech

start-ups across the learning lifecycle, the current education environment is potent for digital

transformation. But, a lack of coordinated efforts has resulted in an isolated skilling ecosystem

that has not been able to achieve its maximum potential, the WEF report said.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) holds National Workshop on ‘Ease of

Doing Business’

 In New Delhi, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) held a

national workshop on the topic of “Ease of Doing Business.” Shri Parameswaran Iyer, CEO of Niti

Aaayog, gave the keynote speech at the workshop. Parameswaran Iyer emphasised the

significance of India’s ranking on international indexes. Parameswaran Iyer emphasised how the

Ease of Doing Business programme, together with other initiatives, took centre stage as one of

the most crucial pillars in the effort to make India a desirable investment location.

 The vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for ease of living and Ease of doing Business was

also discussed by Shri Iyer.

 The panellists also offered insightful commentary on the subsequent wave of changes that will

significantly improve the Ease of doing Business throughout the nation.

 Representatives of the governments of Maharashtra and the NCT of Delhi also gave

presentations, stressing the changes they had carried out that had helped India’s standing in the

World Bank’s Doing Business Report.

Current Affairs PDF- OCTOBER 09, 2022

NATIONAL

To boost traditional sports, CM Baghel inaugurated ‘Chhattisgarhiya Olympics’

 Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghel has inaugurated the state’s own Olympics. The aim is

to provide a centerstage to the village level sports so that a feeling of pride for the culture is

inculcated. Secondly, to channelise the energy of the local youths which is very important for our

society, Baghel inaugurated the grand multi-sport event at Balbir Singh Juneja Indoor Stadium in

Raipur, claiming to revive the age-old-tradition of traditional games namely ‘langdi’, ‘bhaura’,

‘bati’ (kancha), and ‘pitthul’. The event will continue till January 6, 2023 and as many as 14 types

of traditional sports have been included in the team and individual categories of separate age

groups.

 The traditional sports competition of Chhattisgarh will be held in group and singles categories. A

total 14 types of traditional sports have been included in the Chhattisgarh Olympics 2022-23.

About Chhattisgarh:

Capital: Raipur

Chief Minister: Bhupesh Baghel

Governor: Anusuiya Uikey

SPORTS

Billiards World Championship: Pankaj Advani wins world title number 25

 Indian cueist, Pankaj Advani defended his World Billiards Championships (150-up) title for the

5th time, beating compatriot Sourav Kothari in the best-of-7 frames final at the High End Snooker

Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for a record 25th title at the global level. Pankaj’s last world title

came over 12 months ago in Qatar where he won the IBSF Six-Red Snooker World Cup.

 In the first frame, Advani made his intentions clear that this title was his from word go. He

opened the proceedings without any delay to secure the first frame with a 149 break while his

opponent, who is still seeking his maiden IBSF World title, had yet to score a point in the 150-up

format.

Hockey: Indian star Harmanpreet Singh named men’s FIH Player of the Year 2021-22

 India men’s hockey team defender and vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh has been voted the FIH

Player of the Year for the second year running. The 26-year-old became just the fourth player to

win the Player of the Year award (men’s category) in consecutive years, joining an elite list that

includes Teun De Nooijer (Netherlands), Jamie Dwyer (Australia) and Arthur van Doren

(Belgium). The India vice-captain has scored an incredible 18 goals from 16 games, with two hattricks, in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2021-22.

 With those 18 goals, he ended the season as the top scorer for India and now holds the record

for most goals scored by a player in a single season of the Pro League. Harmanpreet was also in

terrific form at the Asian Champions Trophy last year in Dhaka, where he scored 8 goals in 6

games, scoring in every single game as India finished on the podium. His performances were also

crucial to the Indian team that won a silver medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth

Games.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

In a first, Chandrayaan-2 maps abundance of sodium on Moon

 Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter’s X-ray spectrometer ‘CLASS’ has mapped an abundance of sodium on

the moon for the first time, as per the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). As

Chandrayaan-1’s X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (C1XS) detected sodium from its

characteristic line in X-rays, this opened up the possibility of mapping the amount of sodium on

the Moon.

 The abundance of sodium was mapped in a recent work published in ‘The Astrophysical Journal

Letters’ for the first time using CLASS (Chandrayaan-2 Large Area Soft X-ray Spectrometer), the

national space agency. Built at the U R Rao Satellite Centre of ISRO in Bengaluru, CLASS provides

clean signatures of the sodium line thanks to its high sensitivity and performance,”.

About ISRO:

Chairman: S. Somanath

Foundation Date: 15th August, 1969

Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Post Day 2022: 9th October

 World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the

Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. This day celebrates the role of the post

in people’s and businesses’ everyday lives. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress

held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the

celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal

products and services.

 The theme for World Post Day 2022 is ‘Post for Planet’. The Post is the world’s largest logistics

network. Every year, more than 150 countries celebrate World Post Day in a variety of ways. In

certain countries, World Post Day is observed as a working holiday.

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Day 2022: 9th October

 On 9 October 1946, the Indian government established the Indian Foreign Service for India’s

diplomatic, consular and commercial representation overseas. Indian Foreign Service (IFS) will

grow from strength to strength in the coming years and will help advance India’s interests

globally, said External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar as he greeted the members of foreign

service on the IFS Day 2022. The history of the Service and this day goes back to September

1946, when, on the eve of India’s Independence, the Government of India decided to create a

service called the Indian Foreign Service for India’s diplomatic, consular and commercial

representation overseas.

 According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the origin of the Indian Foreign Service can

be traced back to British rule when the Foreign Department was created to conduct business

with the “Foreign European Powers”. Subsequently known as the “Indian Foreign Department”,

it went ahead with the expansion of diplomatic representation, wherever necessary, to protect

British interests, the MEA said.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd Observed Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas

 To create cybersecurity awareness among all employees, Indian Renewable Energy Development

Agency Ltd. (IREDA) observed the “Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas”. On this occasion, Shri Alok Kumar,

Information Security Consultant, AKS IT Services, shared his insights with IREDA employees on

the practice of cyber hygiene.

 Cyber Jaagrukta Diwas is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs that requires all

government organizations to spread cybersecurity awareness. It is observed on first Wednesday

of every month. The purpose is to create awareness and sensitize the Internet users on

safeguarding against cyber frauds and cybercrimes.

 The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has requested all offices/branches/sections, PSUs, etc., to

observe Cyber Jagrookta (Awareness) Diwas on the first Wednesday of every month and prepare

an Annual Action Plan in this regard. 

BANKING AND ECONOMY

IFC Launches Financing Platform to Respond to Global Food Crisis and Build Resilient Food Systems

 The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector investment arm of the World

Bank, has introduced a new, $6 billion funding facility to boost the private sector’s capacity to

respond to the Global Food crisis and aid in food production in response to mounting food

insecurity. Rising levels of hunger and malnutrition (Global Food Crisis) have already been made

worse by climate change and increasingly extreme weather events that are destroying harvests

and lowering yields. The conflict in Ukraine and an unequal worldwide recovery from the COVID19 pandemic have exacerbated to this trend.

 A significant portion of the funding of Financing Platform Launched by IFC (International Finance

Corporation), which will be offered through the new Global Food Security Platform, will assist

the delivery of food stocks to nations with food instability and sustainable production of those

stocks.

 The Financing Platform Launched by IFC (International Finance Corporation) will add to the

World Bank ‘s $30 billion pledge to address the food crisis.

Gross direct tax collections rise 24% to Rs 8.9 lakh crore in FY23

 The gross direct tax collections has increased by over 23 per cent to eight lakh ninety eight

thousand crore rupees in the current financial year as compared to last year. Finance Ministry

said, the provisional figures of direct tax collections still continue to register steady growth.

 Direct Tax collection, net of refunds, stands at seven lakh forty five thousand crore rupees which

is 16.3 per cent higher than the net collections for the corresponding period of last year. The

Ministry said, this collection is over 52 per cent of the total budget estimates of direct taxes for

the current fiscal. The refunds amounting to one lakh 53 thousand crore rupees have been

issued during 1st April to 8th October this year, which are 81 per cent higher than refunds issued

during the same period in the preceding year.

Issuance of Concept Note on Central Bank Digital Currency

 The Reserve Bank Of India(RBI) has released a concept note on the Central Bank Digital Currency

(CBDC). The CBDC is a digital form of currency notes issued by a central bank. While most central

banks across the globe are exploring the issuance of CBDC, the key motivations for its issuance

are specific to each country’s unique requirements.

 This Concept Note explains the objectives, choices, benefits and risks of issuing a CBDC in India,

referred to as e-₹ (digital Rupee). The e-₹ will provide an additional option to the currently

available forms of money. It is substantially not different from banknotes, but being digital it is

likely to be easier, faster and cheaper. It also has all the transactional benefits of other forms of

digital money.

 The purpose behind the issue of this Concept Note is to create awareness about CBDCs in

general and the planned features of the digital Rupee, in particular. The Note also seeks to

explain Reserve Bank’s approach towards introduction of the digital Rupee.