DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Dec. 2, 2022

FIA cancels the Chinese Grand Prix Formula One 2023 due to covid restriction imposed in China

Tags: place in news Sports

FIA cancels the Chinese Grand Prix Formula One 2023

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) or Federation of International Automobiles which organizes the Formula One or F1 motor racing championship has cancelled the Chinese Grand Prix 2023 due to the covid related restriction imposed in the country.

The race was scheduled to be held in Shanghai on 16 April 2023. Last time a F1 race was held in China was in 2019.

Thousands of people across the cities in China have been demonstrating against the governments strict zero covid policy. Many cities in China are under lockdown as record daily virus cases are being reported across China. The new season of the F1 will start from Bahrain on 5 March 2023. The 2023 season will feature a record 24 races which included the Chinese race also.

Formula One (F1)

  • The F1 World Championship season consists of a series of motor car races, known as the Grands Prix. 
  • It is organised by FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) or Federation of International Automobiles.
  • Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton hold the record for the most F1 world championships titles, both having won the title on seven occasions. 
  • F1 world Champion 2022: Mark Verstappen of Red Bull team 
  • FIA Headquarters - Paris, France


A fine performance by Sheldon Jackson and Jani help Saurastra win the Vijay Hazare trophy 2022-23

Tags: place in news Sports

Vijay Hazare trophy 2022-23

A fine century by Sheldon Jackson (133 runs) and Chirag Jani’s  hat trick(3 for 43) helped Saurashtra defeat  Maharashtra's to win their second Vijay Hazare Trophy title (2022-23) in  the final played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad , Gujarat.

Saurashtra won the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in 2007-08.

Himachal Pradesh was the 2021-22 winner.

Batting first, the Maharashtra team scored 248 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, helped by   captain Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fourth century in five matches in the tournament to help Maharashtra post 248 for 9. Ruturaj scored 108 runs. Saurashtra scored 249 for 5 in 46.3 overs.

Sheldon Jackson was the player of the match while Ruturaj Gaikwad was declared the Player of the series.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 

The Vijay Hazare Trophy named after a famous Indian batsman Vijay Hazare. It is an annual domestic limited-overs cricket domestic competition. It is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 

The tournament was started in the 2002-03 season.

Tamil Nadu is the most successful team having won the trophy five times.


First 'Divya Kala Mela' for divyang artist starts in New Delhi

Tags: Festivals place in news National

First 'Divya Kala Mela' for divyang

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the Divya Kala Mela in Kartavya Path (earlier known as Raj Path) at India Gate, New Delhi on 2 December 2022. Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhowmik was also present on the occasion.

The mela is being organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment from 2 -7 December 2022.

Dr. Virendra Kumar said that Divya Kala Mela will be organized across the country.

The Mela s aims to provide a great platform for the products and craftsmanship of Divyang artisans, craftsmen and artisans from across the country.

Around 200 Divyang artisans, artists and entrepreneurs from 22 states and union territories will showcase their products and skills in the fair.


Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot National Youth Conference on ‘Vayu: The Vital Life Force’ starts in Bhubaneshwar

Tags: Environment place in news

Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot National Youth Conference on ‘Vayu

The second conference in the Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot series, titled ‘Vayu – The vital life force’ started at the Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, and Odisha on 2 December 2022. The first conference in the Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot series ‘Akash for Life’ was held in Dehradun in November 2022.

The Conference will be formally inaugurated by the Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal  and the Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav at Bhubaneswar on 3 December 2022.

The conference in Bhubaneswar is being organized by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with Central Pollution Control Board from 2 -4 December 2022. 

The Conference is focused on varied air quality issues ranging from scientific discussions on climate change and pollution control to enriching our understanding on air quality from ancient scriptures and texts.

Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot

The Government of India is organizing  a campaign “Sumangalam'' across the country for finding solutions to the environmental issues with an Indian perspective based on traditional knowledge .

In a blend of the modern and the traditional knowledge, the government of India is going to organise five national conventions across the country on the Panchmahabhoot- the five elements for solving environmental issues for the betterment of society. In the traditional knowledge system the human body or the universe is made of Panchmahabhoot. It consists of Aakash, Vaayu Jal, Prithvi and Agni.


‘Swar Dharohar Festival’ to showcase Indian culture starts at the India Gate in New Delhi

Tags: Festivals place in news

The “Swar Dharohar Festival” a music, arts and literature festival to showcase the iconic art and culture of India started at the Central Vista, India Gate, New Delhi on 2 December 2022.

The “Swar Dharohar Festival” is being organized by the Union Ministry of Culture with the ‘Swar Dharohar Foundation’ from 2 -4 December 2022.

Swar Dharohar festival was inaugurated today by Chief Guest Mehtab Ali (Sitar Player) and Pt. Lalit Prasad (Classical Vocal). On the first day Classical Performance, Ghazal, Kavi Sammelan, Mushaira, Sufi Performance were organised.

Swar Dharohar foundation was founded by a group of young artists in 2006, with an aim of creating a safe space and a global platform for young and talented artist while at the same time popularising Indian Art, Music and its Heritage.


Hansraj Gangaram Ahir assumed charge as Chairperson, National Commission for Backward Classes

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Hansraj Gangaram Ahir assumed charge as Chairperson, National Commission for Backward Classes

Hansraj Gangaram Ahir assumed charge as Chairperson, National Commission for Backward Classes on 2 December 2022. He belongs to Maharashtra and is an Agriculturist by profession.

Hansraj Gangaram Ahir has been elected four times Member of Parliament and also has been the member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council.

He has also been the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers.

National Commission for Backward Classes 

The National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) was set up by the Government of India in 1993 under the National Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1993.

The commission was accorded a constitutional status by the One Hundred and Second Amendment Act, 2018 which inserted a new article 338 B in the constitution.

Functions of the Commission 

The commission recommends the inclusion of any communities in the backward class list to the central government.

It investigates and monitors all matters relating to the safeguards provided for the socially and educationally backward classes under the Constitution or under any other law.

It advises the government on the socio-economic development of the socially and educationally backward classes and to evaluate the progress of their development under the Union and any State.

Composition and qualification of the members of the NCBC

The NCBC consists of 5 members; Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and three members.

The Chairperson must be an eminent socio-political worker belonging to the socially and educationally backward classes.

The   Vice-Chairperson and all other Members out of whom, at least two shall be appointed from amongst persons belonging to the socially and educationally backward classes

At least one other member shall be a women.

Term of the members 

They are appointed by the President of India and have a 3 year term. They are not eligible for appointment for more than two terms.


2022 Navy Day to be celebrated at Visakhapatnam

Tags: place in news Defence

2022 Navy Day to be celebrated at Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy will hold its annual Navy Day celebration 2022 at Visakhapatnam as per the Prime Minister's vision to move significant events and festivities out of the national capital. 

The Indian Air Force Day which is observed on 8 October was held for the first time outside Delhi in Chandigarh. The Indian Army has also announced that the Next Army Day parade 2023 will be held outside New Delhi in the Army’s Southern Command area on 15 January 2023.

The Navy Day which is observed on 4 December every year is usually held in New Delhi in presence of the Commander in Chief, President of India.

This year for the first time it will be held outside New Delhi.  This year the Indian Navy is all set to demonstrate India’s combat prowess and capability through an ‘Operational Demonstration’ at Visakhapatnam on 04 December 2022.

Navy Day is observed on 4 December to commemorate Operation Trident of the Indian Navy launched on 4 December 1971 to block the Karachi port of Pakistan and cripple its war effort against India. It was a highly successful mission. 

Chief of Naval Staff: Admiral R Hari Kumar


Sanjay Malhotra assume charge as Revenue Secretary

Tags: Economy/Finance Person in news

Sanjay Malhotra assume charge as Revenue Secretary

Senior bureaucrat Sanjay Malhotra assumed the charge as the secretary in the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance on 1 December 2022.  Sanjay Malhotra replaced Tarun Bajaj, who retired on 30 November 2022.

A 1990-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, Malhotra was working as an officer on special duty (OSD) in the revenue department since October this year.

Malhotra takes over as the top bureaucrat in the revenue department at a time when the government is preparing for the Union Budget 2023-24 to be tabled in Parliament on1 February 2023.

Departments under the Union Ministry of Finance 

There are 6 departments under the Union Ministry of Finance. Each department performs specific functions. These departments are as follows:

 Department of Expenditure

It is responsible for the implementation of the recommendations of the Finance Commission and Central Pay Commission, monitoring of audit comments/ observations, and preparation of Central Government Accounts.

Secretary: Dr. T. V. Somanathan (He is also currently the Finance Secretary.)

Department of Economic Affairs

The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, assists the Central Government in maintaining sound public finances developing sound economic policies and preparing for future economic challenges and opportunities, and leading India's bilateral and multilateral and financial engagements.

 Secretary: Ajay Seth

Department of Revenue 

It exercises control in respect of matters relating to all the Direct and Indirect Union Taxes through two statutory Boards namely, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

Secretary :Sanjay Malhotra

Department of Financial Services 

The mandate of the Department of Financial Services covers the functioning of Banks, Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies and the National Pension System. 

Secretary: Vivek Joshi 

DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management)

It deals with all matters relating to management of Central Government investments in equity including disinvestment of equity in Central Public Sector Undertakings. 

Secretary:  Tuhin Kanta Pandey 

Department of Public Enterprises 

The Department of Public Enterprises is the nodal department for all the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and formulates policy pertaining to CPSEs.

Secretary: Ali Raza Rizvi 

Union Finance Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman


Central government to disinvest its stake in Nagarnar steel company of NMDC

Tags: Economy/Finance

Nagarnar steel company of NMDC

The Union Finance ministry has invited bids for the NDMC Steel Plant (NSL) at Nagarnar in Chhattisgarh and has offered to sell 50.79% of its stake in the company.

The 3 million tonnes per annum NSL steel plant, promoted by National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is still under construction and is expected to become operational in March 2023. 

In October 2020, the government of India had approved a proposal to demerge the Steel plant of the NMDC and also the proposal to sell the entire government stake in the steel plant to a strategic investor.  

This will clear the way for the government for further disinvestment in NDMC.

Disinvestment in NSL 

Under the disinvestment proposal the government will sell its entire 50.79% stake in NSL to strategic investors.  The 10% share in the NSL will be retained by NMDC. The 39.21 % shares of the NSL will be sold to the public and the company will be listed on NSE and BSE. 

The entire disinvestment process will be handled by the Department of Investment & Public Asset Management (DIPAM).

Disinvestment 

When the Central Government or the State Government sell its equity shares in Public sector companies, or company's assets to a private company or person is called as disinvestment in India 

Strategic Disinvestment: 

When the government decides to transfer the ownership and control of a public sector company to some other entity, either private or public, the process is called strategic disinvestment. 

DIPAM (Department of Investment and Public Asset Management)

It comes under the Union Ministry of Finance, Government of India 

It was earlier called the Department of Disinvestment which was later renamed as Department of Investment and Public Asset Management in 2017.

Function 

It deals with all matters relating to management of Central Government investments in equity including disinvestment of equity in Central Public Sector Undertakings. 

The Four major areas of its work relates to Strategic Disinvestment, Minority Stake Sales, Asset Monetisation and Capital Restructuring.


RBI implements 4 tiered regulatory norms for Urban Cooperative Bank

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RBI implements 4 tiered regulatory norms for Urban Cooperative Bank

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has notified a four tier structure for Urban Co-Operative Banks (UCB) in India on 1 December 2022. Earlier the UCB in India were divided into two categories by the RBI.

Committee on UCB 

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) of India had set up an Expert Committee on Urban Co-Operative Banks on February 15, 2021 under the Chairmanship of Shri N. S. Vishwanathan, former Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank to examine the issues in the urban co-operative banking sector, and to suggest suitable changes to strengthen its regulation and supervision.

 New Categorisation of UCB in India 

RBI has now categorized Urban Co-Operative Banks in India into four tier depending upon the deposit with the bank

Tier 1: UCB are those banks having deposits up to Rs 100 crore operating in a single district or having branches in contiguous districts. 

Tier 2: UCBs with deposits more than Rs.100 crore and up to Rs.1000 crore.

Tier 3 - UCBs with deposits more than Rs.1000 crore and up to Rs.10, 000 crore. 

Tier 4 - UCBs with deposits more than Rs.10, 000 crore.

Minimum Net worth Requirement of the banks 

The minimum net worth (have a minimum capital and reserves) requirement for the Tier 1 UCBs operating in single districts shall be Rs 2 crore.

For other UCB it shall be Rs 5 crore.

Those UCBs which do not meet the requirement, have to achieve the minimum net worth of ₹2 crore or ₹5 crore in a phased manner in five years. The banks will have to achieve the 50% minimum net worth requirement in three years and the remaining 50% in next two years. 

What is a Primary Urban Co-operative Bank? 

Primary Co-operative Banks, popularly known as Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) are registered as cooperative societies under the provisions of, either the State Cooperative Societies Act of the State concerned under the provisions of the or the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002. 

Who regulates the UCB?

There is a duality of control over the UCB. It is regulated by the Registrar of Cooperatives and also by the RBI.

UCB registered under the State Cooperative Societies Act are regulated and supervised by the Registrar of Cooperative Societies (RCS) of the State concerned.  

UCB which are set up under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002 are regulated by the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS).

Regulation of banking function 

The Banking Regulation Act 1949 was made applicable on these banks from 1 March 1966.

The Reserve Bank regulates and supervises the banking functions of UCBs under the provisions of Banking Regulation Act, 1949.


Legendary Odia actress Jharna Das passed away

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Odia actress Jharna Das passed away

Legendary Odia actress Jharana Das passed away aged 77 on 2 December. She was suffering from old age-related illnesses.

Important facts 

  • President Draupadi Murmu has expressed deep sorrow over his demise.

  • Das, a winner of the state government’s prestigious 'Jaydev Puraskar' for her lifetime contribution to Odia film industry. 

  • Born in 1945, Jharana Das started her acting career in the 60s and had won several accolades for her brilliant performance in landmark films like 'Shree Jagannath', 'Nari', 'Adinamegha', 'Hisabnikas', 'Pujafula', 'Amadabata', 'Abhinetri', 'Malajanha' and 'Heera Nella'.

  • Das had also worked as a child artist and announcer with the All India Radio (AIR), Cuttack. 

  • She had also worked as an assistant station director of Doordarshan in Cuttack. 

  • Her direction in the biographical documentary on former Odisha chief minister Harekrushna Mahtab was lauded by many.

  • Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has decided to conduct his last rites with full state honours.


Russia refuses to give Pakistan 30-40 percent discount on crude oil

Tags: International News

Russia refuses to give Pakistan 30-40 percent discount on crude oil

On 1 December, Russia denied Pakistan a 30–40 percent discount on Russian crude oil after the Pakistani delegation demanded a reduction in the price during talks in Moscow.

Important facts

  • Earlier this week, a Pakistani delegation demanded oil concessions during talks in Moscow.

  • Pakistani officials said that they should also be given oil with a discount of 30-40 per cent on the price like India.

  • Pakistan's official delegation was on a three-day visit to Moscow starting on the 29th of November. 

  • Russia also promised to consider Pakistan's demand and to share its mind later on through diplomatic channels.

  • Russian crude oil can be processed in Pakistan's refineries, and in the past one private refinery had used Russian crude oil to deliver finished products.

  • Russia can offer crude at the rates it is providing to its large client countries, which are reliable and sound economies, at a suitable time.


Government of India set up a panel to set a timeline for adoption of common standard charger in India

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panel to set a timeline for adoption of common standard charger in India

The Department of Consumer Affairs under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has formed a committee to set a timeline for the adoption of USB Type-C as the standard charging port for electronic products, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.

The committee will be headed by the Additional Secretary in the Department of Consumer Affairs, Nidhi Khare.

Why need a single charger?

A customer has to buy different types of charger for different electronic products like feature phones, smart phones, laptops, tablets etc.   A lot of e-waste is generated when the customer buys a new model of phone or laptop because they have to buy a new charger. 

To reduce the e waste the government wants a single charger so that customers do not have to change chargers every time they buy a new electronic product.

Why USB type C charger 

USB (Universal Serial Bus) type C charger has a faster charging capability and also it can be used for multiple electronic products which require chagrin capability of 65 watts or less.

Recently the European Union has announced adoption of a common charger for small electronic devices by 2024. 

India is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of chargers in the world. 


Vijender Sharma elected as the President of the Institute of Cost Accountant of India

Tags: Economy/Finance Person in news

Vijender Sharma elected as the President of the Institute of Cost Accountant of India

The Institute of Cost Accountant of India (ICMAI) has elected Vijender Sharma as the President and Rakesh Bhalla as the Vice-President of the Institute for the year 2022-23.The Institute conducted the election for President and Vice-President on Nov 28, 2022 in New Delhi.

 Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)

It is a statutory body set up on 28 May 1959 under the Cost and Works Accountants Act, 1959. It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.

The ICMAI is a professional body for the regulation of the profession of cost and management accountancy in India.

The ICMAI Institute is the 2nd largest Cost & Management Accounting body in the world and the largest in Asia. 

The Institute is headquartered in Kolkata having four Regional Councils in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai, 113 Chapters in India and 10 overseas Centers. 

The Institute is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Confederation of Asian & Pacific Accountants (CAPA) and the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA). 


Govt approves Production Linked Incentive scheme for drones and drone components

Tags: Economy/Finance National News

Linked Incentive scheme for drones and drone components

The government has approved the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones and drone components for implementation during 2022-23 to 2024-25 with an outlay of 120 crore rupees on 2 December.

Important facts

  • The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

  • The objective of this scheme is to incentivize the manufacturing of drones and drone components in the country with a focus to make the indigenous' industries globally competitive.

  • Support under the scheme will be provided only to companies engaged in the manufacturing of drones and drone components in India.

  • As per the guidelines, the minimum annual sales turnover to claim the benefit of PLI should be Rs 2 crore for drones and Rs 50 lakh for single component segment for MSMEs and startups.

  • Non-MSMEs must have an annual sales turnover of Rs 4 crore for drones and Rs 1 crore for components segment.

  • Empowered Group of Secretaries chaired by the Cabinet Secretary will monitor the scheme.


National Pollution Control Day

Tags: Important Days

National Pollution Control Day

National Pollution Control Day is observed on December 2 every year.

Important facts

  • The main purpose of organising this day is to spread awareness about the management and control of industrial disasters and to promote efforts towards preventing pollution arising due to industrial or human activities.

  • The day is dedicated to encourage the adoption of pollution control acts to prevent environmental pollution caused by human negligence and industrial emissions.

  • The day is observed in the memory of those who died in the Bhopal gas disaster in 1984 on 2 and 3 December.

  • On the night of December 2, 1984, there was a leakage of 'Methyl Isocyanite' gas from the plant of the American company Union Carbide India Limited, which converted the city of Bhopal into a giant gas chamber.

  • More than 15,000 people died due to the leakage of about 30 tonnes of methyl isocyanite gas and lakhs of people were affected by this horrific tragedy.

Significance of the day

  • This day is celebrated to create awareness among people to prevent any industrial disaster.

  • According to the National Health Portal of India, air pollution causes more than 7 million deaths worldwide every year, of which about 4 million are due to household air pollution.


Supreme Court seeks government’s response on ‘Project Great Indian Bustard’ conservation programme

Tags: Environment National News

'ProjectGreat Indian Bustard'

The Supreme Court on November 28 sought the government's response on developing a conservation program called 'Project Great Indian Bustard' to address the crisis faced by the critically endangered bird species.

Important facts

  • A public interest litigation was filed in the country's top court, in which an appeal was made to give directions to save the Godavan i.e. Great Indian Bustard bird.

  • In fact, many Great Indian Bustards or Godavan have died due to criss-crossing of power transmission lines in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

  • While hearing the petitions filed in this context, the court sought answers from the government and advised to start Project Great Indian Bustard.

  • The Supreme Court has advised to start 'Project Great Indian Bustard' on the lines of 'Project Tiger' for the rescue of an endangered bird Great Indian Bustard.

About Great Indian Bustard

  • It is considered India's most critically endangered bird species and especially found in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

  • It is one of the heaviest flying birds endemic to the Indian subcontinent.

  • It is the state bird of Rajasthan.

  • These birds are on the verge of extinction, with barely 50 to 249 surviving, according to a 2021 report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

  • It is a large bird with brown-and-white feathers with black crown and wing markings. It is one of the heaviest birds in the world.

  • Its habitat is Arid grasslands.

  • IUCN Status - Critically Endangered.

  • Listed in Wildlife Protection Act’s Schedule 1.

  • The cause of the decline in numbers is Hunting, Intensification of agriculture, Power lines.


Greener cooling pathway can create a $1.6 trillion investment opportunity in India: World Bank

Tags: Reports Environment

Greener cooling pathway can create a $1.6 trillion investment opportunity in India

Recently. a report titled "Climate Investment Opportunities in India's Cooling Sector" was released by the World Bank. The report states that an investment opportunity of $1.6 trillion could open up in India by 2040.

Highlight of the report

  • India also has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly and create nearly 3.7 million jobs. 

  • The report states that India is experiencing higher temperatures every year. India is likely to see a drastic reduction in the expected carbon-dioxide (CO2) levels over the next two decades.

  • The report states that by 2030, more than 160-200 million people across the country could be exposed to deadly heat waves annually if alternative and innovative energy-efficient technologies are not adopted.

  • The report states that around 34 million people in India will face job losses due to loss of productivity related to heat stress.

  • The World Bank has said that by 2037 the demand for cooling is expected to exceed the current level by eight times.

  • The current food loss due to heat during transportation of food items is close to $13 billion annually.

  • Thus, there is a need to shift towards a more energy-efficient route that can lead to a substantial reduction in the expected CO2 levels.

  • Recognizing this challenge, the World Bank said India is already implementing new strategies to help people adapt to rising temperatures.

Suggestions by the report

  • The report proposes a roadmap to support India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) 2019, through new investments in three major sectors like Building construction, Cold chains and Refrigerants.

  • The report recommends large-scale adoption of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), India's affordable housing program for the poor.

  • It has also been proposed to create a policy for cooling that can consume 20-30% less electricity than efficient conventional cooling solutions.

  • The report recommends improving the gap in the cold chain distribution network to avoid wastage of food and medicines.


Third T20 World Cup cricket tournament for Blind to be held in India

Tags: Sports Sports News

Third T20 World Cup cricket tournament for Blind to be held in India

The third T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind will be held from December 5 to 17, 2022 in India.

Important facts

  • The participating countries of the World Cup 2022 are Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and India.

  • Around 150 players from all countries will participate in the tournament and there will be a total of 24 matches across nine cities in India.

  • The tournament is being organised to mark the World Disability Day celebrations universally.

  • The inauguration of the World Cup on December 5 at Tau Devi Lal Indoor Stadium, Gurugram.

  • Former India batter Yuvraj Singh is the brand ambassador of the tournament.

About T20 World Cup cricket tournament for Blind

  • Cricket World Cup for the Disabled is an initiative of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) in association with Samarthanam Trust.

  • This championship has been organised since 2012.

  • Since its inception, Samarthanam Trust has organized over 30,000 visually impaired matches.


First Sylhet-Silchar Festival

Tags: Festivals State News

First Sylhet-Silchar Festival

The first Sylhet-Silchar Festival to celebrate the close cultural ties between the neighbouring regions of India and Bangladesh began on December 2, 2022 in Assam's Barak Valley.

Important facts

  • Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Minister AK Abdul Momen led a delegation of around 75 members to participate in the two-day event.

  • The festival is being organised by the 'India Foundation' in association with the 'Bangladesh Foundation for Regional Studies' under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture.

  • The objective of the festival is to promote bilateral relations between the two countries.

  • The event is being organised to commemorate 75 years of India's independence and 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation from Pakistan.

  • Sylhet is located in north-east Bangladesh.

About Sylhet-Silchar Festival 

  • 2022 is the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan. 

  • Among the many similarities between India and Bangladesh, there are significant links between the cities of Silchar and Sylhet.

  • To celebrate the age-old people-to-people connect of the region, the India Foundation proposes to organise the first Silchar-Sylhet Festival on December 2-4, 2022, in Silchar city of Assam.

  • The festival aims to revive the common values and shared heritage of both the cities and their people separated by international boundaries.

  • The festival will showcase tribal culture, cuisine, literature, arts and crafts.

About Barak Valley

  • The Barak Valley is located in the southern region of Assam. The main city of the valley is Silchar.

  • The region is named after the Barak river. The Barak valley mainly consists of three administrative districts of Assam - Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi.


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