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By admin: Oct. 17, 2022

Iraq’s Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement refuses to join new government

Tags: Person in news International News

Iraqi firebrand Shia leader Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement announced its refusal to join a new government being formed by Prime Minister-designate Mohammad Shia al-Sudani. This is likely to prolong the political instability in the country. The Moqtada al-Sadr’s movement announcement came after the Iraqi Parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid, a 78-year-old Iraqi Kurd, as Iraq’s new president on 13 October 2022. 

The newly elected President named al-Sudani as prime minister in a bid to end a year of political gridlock in the country since the October 2021 elections.

Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, supported by Iran backed Coordination Framework coalition parties has one month, within which to form a government.

Political instability in Iraq

• The democratic institutions built in oil-rich Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Dictator Saddam Hussein remain fragile, and neighbouring Iran wields major influence in the Shia majority Iraq. 
• After the toppling of Saddam Hussein there has been bitter sectarian conflict between the Iraqi populations divided into Kurdish, Sunni, and Shia groups.
• To tackle the sectarian problem a new power sharing system has been developed in Iraq .The President by convention is Kurdish, the Prime minister a Shiite Arab and the parliament speaker a Sunni Arab.
• Iraq has been without a new government since elections last October, when candidates loyal to Mr. Sadr won the single biggest bloc of seats and eclipsed rival Shiite political parties backed by Iran. His relationship with Iran is also not good.
• Moqtada al-Sadr, who  has the ability to mobilise tens of thousands of his supporters with a single tweet, has repeatedly demanded early elections, while the Coordination Framework wants a new government in place before any polls are held.
• Tensions between the two rival Shia camps boiled over on August 29 when more than 30 al-Sadr supporters were killed in clashes with Iran-backed factions and the army. 

Republic of Iraq

In ancient times the region where modern Iraq is was known as Mesopotamia (Land between the rivers).

The modern state of Iraq was created in 1921 by Britain.

It gained its independence from Britain in 1932.

It is an Oil rich Arab country and it is the largest supplier of crude oil to India.

Capital: Baghdad

Currency: Iraqi Dinar 

President: Abdul Latif Rashid

12th Defence Expo dedicated to Indian defence companies to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 18 October to 20 October

Tags: place in news Defence Summits

India’s flagship exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security systems, Defence Expo 2022 will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 18-22 October 2022. Earlier the 12th Defence expo was proposed to be held in the month of March 2022 but was postponed due to the logistics problems being experienced by participants. The 11th Defence expo was held in Lucknow in 2022.

Theme of the Defence Expo 2022

The theme of the 12th Defence Expo is Path to Pride 

Defence Ministers explains the theme of the defence expo 2022  

Speaking  at the curtain raiser press conference in Gandhinagar on  17October 2022 ,Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that 'Path to Pride' was not just a theme of DefExpo 2022, but a ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision of a ‘New India’. 

He said that the DefExpo 2022 during ‘Amrit Kaal’ reflects India's resolve to be among the leading nations in the defence & aerospace sectors in the next 25 years.

First time defence expo exclusively for Indian companies 

For the first time only Indian companies have been invited for the defence expo. Foreign defence companies which have set up a joint venture with Indian companies can also participate in the expo. A record 1340 companies are participating in the expo.

For the first time, States/Union Territories (UTs) have been invited to set up pavilions at the event.  

International participation

Seventy five (75) countries have confirmed their participation in the DefExpo 2022.

The defence minister will host the second India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on October 18, while the Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave will take place on October 19. 

More than 53 African countries have been invited for IADD and 44 for IOR+ conclave. 

Defence Expo 

It is organised by the Union Ministry of Defence. The main purpose behind the expo is to promote defence exports from India as well as invite foreign companies to explore defence tie-ups and business in India.

Traditionally, the Defence expo has been held in New Delhi every two years 

Later it was shifted to Panaji, Goa (2016), Chennai (2018) and Lucknow (2020).

President appoints Justice D Y Chandrachud as the 50th Chief Justice of India

Tags: National Person in news

In a tweet on 17 October 2022, the Union Minister for Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju said that the President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Supreme Court Judge. Justice D Y Chandrachud as the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI) with effect from 9th November 2022. 

The incumbent Chief Justice Uday Umesh Lalit, who took charge as CJI on 27 August 2022, will retire on November 8 this year. 

Justice Chandrachud, who is set to be the 50th Chief Justice of India, would have a tenure of two years. He is due to retire on November 10, 2024.

Under article 124 clause 2 of the Indian constitution the President of India has the power to appoint the Chief Justice of India. 

Supreme Court and its Chief Justice 

The Supreme Court of India came into existence on 26 January 1950. The Federal Court which was set up under the Government of India act 1935 was converted into the Supreme Court of India.

Its first sitting was held on 28 January 1950.

The first Chief Justice of India was Harilal J.Kania.

The 16th Chief Justice of India, Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud, is the longest-serving Chief Justice. He was Chief Justice of India for over 7 years (February 1978 – July 1985).

The 22nd Chief Justice of India, Kamal Narain Singh, is the shortest-serving Chief Justice. He was the Chief Justice of India for 17 days (25 November 1991 – 12 December 1991).

Nirmala Sitharaman returns to India after a six day visit to the United States

Tags: Economy/Finance Summits Person in news

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman returned to India after a successful 6 days (11-16 October 2022) visit to the United States of America. She was in America to attend the 46th Annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meeting held at Washington D.C. from 10-16 October 2022.

The minister also attended G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting. India will take over the chairmanship of the G-20 from Indonesia after a summit meeting in November 2022.

She also met the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and World Bank President David Malpass.

Annual Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group meeting

The Boards of Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) normally meet once a year to discuss the work of their respective institutions. The Annual Meetings, which generally take place in September/October, have customarily been held in Washington for two consecutive years and in another member country in the third year.

The 2023 Annual meeting will be held in Marrakech, Morocco. 

The Annual Meetings include meetings of the Development Committee, the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the Group of Ten, the Group of Twenty-Four, and various other constituencies.

The Inaugural Meeting of the Boards of Governors was held in Savannah, Georgia, USA in March 1946. The first Annual Meetings were held in Washington in 1946.

International Monetary Fund and World Bank 

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank were set up in 1944 after an International conference held at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, United States in 1944.

Both the international financial institutions are also called Bretton Woods twins or Bretton Woods’s sisters.

Both the institutions were set up to perform different functions.

The IMF was set up to provide loans to the member countries facing a balance of payment crisis.

The World Bank provides loans to the member countries for development purposes.

At present 189 countries are members of the IMF. Country which is a member of the IMF, automatically becomes a member of the World Bank.  

Both the institutions headquarters are at Washington D.C, United States of America 

World Bank Group

 The World Bank was initially called the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).  It was set up to provide loans to the countries for economic development purposes. Later on the World Bank created new institutions according to the emerging different needs of the member countries. 

At present the World groups includes five institutions:

• International  Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD),
•  International Financial Corporation(IFC), 
• International Development Assistance (IDA), 
• Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) and  
• International Center for Settlement of International Dispute (ICSID).

3rd edition of Confederation of Indian Industry’s renewable energy conference starts in New Delhi

Tags: Environment place in news Summits

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government of India is organising the 3rd edition of the International Conference & Exhibition on ‘Pathways for Global Partnership in Green Energy: Powering Atma Nirbhar Bharat & the World’ in New Delhi from 17-19 October 2022 .

This initiative aims at furthering global partnership and take concerted steps to develop green economy and unified to power a clean and green world.

The Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goel addressed the conference and said that “India has the potential to grow into a global supplier of renewable energy equipment”. He reiterated India’s commitment to achieve 500 GW renewable energy generation by 2030. 

PM Modi has announced India’s commitment to carbon net-zero by 2070. Also, India has set a target to achieve 50% renewables in the overall energy mix by 2030.

While Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India focuses on elevating domestic manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing net-zero targets, it also has immense potential to be the global epicentre for renewable energy and green hydrogen ecosystem.

Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) 

It is a business lobby group of top business houses in India.

It was set up in 1895.

 It works to create and sustain an environment conducive to the growth of industry in India, partnering industry and government alike through advisory and consultative processes.

Headquarters: New Delhi

President: Sanjiv Bajaj

Qatar to host the 18th AFC Asian Cup 2023 in place of China

Tags: Sports

The Asian Football Confederation executive committee in its meeting on 17 October 2022 has confirmed that Qatar will host the 18th Asian Cup 2023 in place of the tournament's original hosts, China. Earlier this year China expressed its inability to host the Asian Cup due to its strict Zero covid policy which has seen total lockdown in parts of China.

The continental championships were awarded to China in 2019 and were scheduled to take place in 10 Chinese cities from June 16 -July 16 next year.

Qatar beat Indonesia and South Korea to win the right to host the 2023 Asian football cup.

Qatar is also holding the FIFA men’s football world cup 2022 to be played in the month of November -December 2022.

Qatar are the reigning AFC Asian Cup champions and will be hosting the continent's most prestigious men's tournament for the third time after staging the 1988 and 2011 editions.

India, Saudi Arabia shortlisted as potential host for AFC Asian Cup 2027 

At the meeting, All India Football Federation and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation were shortlisted as the potential host of the 2027 AFC Asian cup. 

The final decision will be taken in the next meeting of the executive council of the AFC to be held in February 2023.

AFC Asian Cup

The first AFC Asian cup was held in 1956 in Hong Kong. It is held every four years.

After the 2004 Asian cup the AFC decided to hold the next Asian cup in 2007.

The 17th Asian Cup was held in UAE in 2019 and it was won by Qatar.  

Asian Football Federation (AFC)

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six Confederations making up FIFA.

 It was formed in 1954 in Manila, Philippines and at present 47 countries are its member.

 Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

AFC President:  Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa of Bahrain

Maharashtra wins men and women’s team won the 2nd Goalball National Championship

Tags: place in news Sports

Maharashtra’s men and women’s team won the 2nd Goalball National Championship held at Maharishi Dayanand University Rohtak, Haryana.  In both the men’s and women’s final played at Rohtak on 16 October 2022, the Maharashtra team defeated the Uttarakhand men and women’s team.

The 3 day (14-16 October) 2nd Goalball National championship 2022 was organised by the Goalball federation of India in Rohtak and saw the participation of 10 teams .

Goalball is a Paralympic sport which is played by blind sportspeople. 

Prime Minister Inaugurates 600 Pradan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras

Tags: Government Schemes National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi on 17 October, 2022.

Important facts

• The Prime Minister also inaugurated 600 Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras (PMKSK) under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.

• The Prime Minister also launched the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Fertilizer Project - One Nation One Fertilizer.

• One Nation, One Fertilizer will free the farmer from all kinds of confusion regarding the quality and availability of manure.

• During the event, the Prime Minister also released the 12th instalment of Rs 16,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) through Direct Benefit Transfer.

• The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Agriculture Startup Conclave and Exhibition.

• During the programme, the Prime Minister also launched an e-magazine on fertilisers, 'Indian Age'.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samruddhi Kendras

• 3.25 lakh fertilizer shops will be developed across the country as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samridhi Kendra (PMKSK).

• These will be the centres where farmers can not only buy fertilizers and seeds but also conduct soil tests and get useful information about farming techniques.

• Under this scheme, retail fertilizer shops in the country will be converted into PMKSK in a phased manner.

India to meet $2 trillion export target by 2030: Piyush Goyal

Tags: Economy/Finance

Speaking at the Exporters Conclave held at Chennai on 16 October 2022, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goel said that India will achieve the export target for goods and services to $ 2 trillion by 2030.

India’s total export in 2021-22 was 671.81 billion. India exported $417.81 billion worth of goods in 2021-22 and the service sector export in 2021-22 was $254 billion. 

In the current financial year the export of goods from India in the first six months (April -September 2022) was $$229.05 billion.

The Minister also said that by 2047, the country will become a $ 30 trillion economy with 25 per cent share in exports.

In 2021-22, the share of exports in the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 21.4% .The share of the export of goods to the GDP was 13.3% in 2021-22 while the share of the service sector was 8.1% of GDP.

The Export conclave was organised by the Federation of the Indian Export Organisation (FIEO).

Federation of the Indian Export Organisation (FIEO)

It was set up by the Union Ministry of Commerce in 1965 as an apex export promotion body in India.

It works to bring together and coordinate all the stakeholders engaged in the promotion of exports from India.

It provides the crucial interface between the International Trading community of India with the Central and State Governments, Financial Institutions, Ports, Railways, Surface Transport and all engaged in Export Trade Facilitation.

Headquarters: New Delhi

President of FIEO: Dr A Sakthivel

India can attract FDI worth $475 billion in next 5 years; EY-CII report India can attract FDI worth $475 billion in next 5 years; EY-CII report

Tags: Economy/Finance

According to a recent report of Ernst and Young (EY) -Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) titled “Vision – Developed India: Opportunities and Expectations of MNCs”, India’s focus on reforms and economic growth will result in foreign direct investment (FDI) of $475 billion in the next five years”.  In 2022-23 the total FDI in India was $84.8 billion.

Reasons for expecting record $475 billion in the next 5 years  

The report is based on the survey done by the EY-CII with the Multinational Companies (MNC). The report has listed some factors which are making India a favourite Investment destination for the MNC’s. They are as follows;

Most of the Multinational companies (MNC) expects the Indian economy will perform significantly better in the next three to five years and in the long term.

India is seen as an emerging manufacturing hub in global value chains, a growing consumer market, and a global leader in the digital transformation of government and private sectors alike.

The Government initiative like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) which seeks to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and create global champions in manufacturing will also help India in attracting significant investment.

Ernest and Young Global limited is a British multinational consultancy company. Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) is an Indian business lobby of companies in India.

‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for Divyangjan organised in Alwar, Rajasthan

Tags: State News

A ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for the distribution of resources and aids to ‘Divyangjan’ was organised in Alwar, Rajasthan on 17 October, 2022.

Important facts

• It was organised under the ADIP scheme by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD) in association with ALIMCO, Social Justice and Empowerment Department and District Administration.

• The chief guest of the function, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Pratima Bhowmik, inaugurated it.

• A total of 2933 accessories of different categories worth about Rs 2 crore will be distributed free of cost among 1564 pre-identified Divyangjans.

• These Divyangjans were registered during the camps organized at the block level.

Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADP) Scheme

• The Scheme for Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for purchase/fitting of assistive devices/devices-APID was launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

• The scheme was implemented with effect from 1st April, 2017.

• It aims to assist the needy persons with disabilities in purchasing durable, sophisticated and scientifically made, modern equipment for the disabled.

PM Modi distributed PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman cards in Gujarat

Tags: Government Schemes State News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed Ayushman cards to the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana- Chief Minister Amrutam (PMJAY-MA) in Gujarat on October 17.

Important facts

• The Prime Minister distributed Ayushman cards through video conference in a program organised in Gandhinagar, the capital of Gujarat.

• Ayushman PVC cards will be distributed to more than 50 lakh beneficiaries under PMJAY-MA scheme in Gujarat.

• This card is made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material.

• The Centre's PMJAY scheme, which provides health care facilities to the economically weaker sections, was linked to Gujarat's Chief Minister Amrutam and Mukhyamantri Amrutam Vatsalya (MAV) health schemes in 2019.

• Now all the beneficiaries of state schemes are eligible to get PMJAY-MA card.

• The “Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA)” scheme was launched in 2012 by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi to protect poor citizens from the cost of medical treatment and illness.

Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

• It is the world's largest health insurance scheme which is fully funded by the government.

• It was launched in February 2018.

• Under this scheme a sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family is provided for secondary care (which does not include specialist) as well as tertiary care (which include specialist).

• Under this, the health benefit package includes surgery, medicine and daily treatment, cost of medicines and diagnosis.

World Trauma Day

Tags: Important Days

World Trauma Day is observed annually on 17 October. 

Important facts

• This day is celebrated to focus on the importance of saving lives and safety during the most critical moments of preparedness and adopting important measures.

• On this day people from all over the world come together to remember those killed or injured as a result of violence and trauma.

• According to the World Health Organisation, trauma is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide.

• Trauma can mean any kind of physical and mental injury.

• The reasons for such injuries can be many such as road accidents, fires, burns, falls, natural or man-made disasters and violent acts etc.

• Every six minutes in India, a person dies due to a road accident.

Background of the day

• World Trauma Day was started in 2011 in New Delhi, India.

• In India, about one million people suffer head injuries every year, of which 75 to 80 percent are due to road accidents.

• 50 percent of people die due to head injuries and 25 percent of people become disabled.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Tags: International News

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed annually around the world on 17 October to highlight the issues of poverty, hunger and violence.

Important facts

• The day intends to find ways to reduce and eradicate poverty.

• Every year on this day people from all backgrounds, social origins and beliefs gather together to show their solidarity with the poor.

• Its aim is to raise awareness about the struggles of people living in poverty.

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) believes that the lasting fight against poverty can be fought through education, science and the support of a creative economy.

Theme of 2022

• The theme of International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2022 - ‘Dignity for all in practice.’

• This year's theme is based on the dignity of man, which is not only a fundamental right but is the basis of all other fundamental rights.

Background of the day

• On 17 October 1987, more than a million people gathered at the Trocadero in Paris.

• He declared that poverty is a violation of human rights of an individual and there is a need to ensure that these rights are respected.

• Trocadéro is the place where the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed in 1948.

• On 22 December 1992, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

Global scenario of poverty

• Around 689 million people worldwide live in extreme poverty and live on less than $1.9 each day.

• About 1.3 billion people in 107 developing countries live in multidimensional poverty. They account for 22 percent of the global population.

• About 84.3 percent of multidimensionally poor individuals live in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

Poverty in India

• According to the National Poverty Line in 2011, about 21.9% of the population in India is below the poverty line.

• Presently the poverty line is INR 1,059.42 per month in rural areas and INR 1,286 per month in urban areas.

• Poverty in India is estimated by the Task Force of NITI Aayog under the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation through the calculation of the poverty line on the basis of data obtained by the National Sample Survey Office.

Railway minister inaugurates India’s first aluminium Freight Rake

Tags: National National News

On 16 October 2022, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s first aluminium freight rake at Bhubaneswar railway station.

Important facts

• The first Aluminum Freight Rake - 61 BOBRNHSM1, was flagged off by the Minister whose destination is Bilaspur.

• A dedicated effort of Make in India programme, it is indigenously designed and developed in collaboration with RDSO, Hindalco and Besco Wagons.

• Apart from freight trains, Indian Railways is also introducing aluminum passenger coaches in the near future.

Features of Aluminium Rake

• It is fully Lock Bolted construction with no welding on superstructure.

• The tare is 3.25 tons lower than normal steel rakes, 180 ton extra carrying capacity resulting in higher throughput per wagon.

• Higher payload to tare ratio is 2.85.

Significance 

• This will reduce the carbon footprint as there will be less fuel consumption and more transportation of goods.

• A single rake can save over 14,500 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.

• Its cost is 35% more than the normal cost as all its structure is made of aluminium.

• Low maintenance cost due to high corrosion and abrasion resistance.

Indian Naval Academy to conduct Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2022 in Kerala

Tags: Defence

Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala will conduct Indian Navy Sailing Championship 2022 at Marakkar Watermanship Training Centre in Kerala.

Important facts

• Championship 2022 will be organised from 18 -21October 2022. 

• This mega championship is the largest intra-Navy sailing regatta in which nearly 100 yacht persons from all three Indian Naval Commands will participate.

• This Sailing Championship is one of the events organised by the Indian Navy to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Khelo India.

India to host 90th General Assembly of INTERPOL

Tags: National Summits National News

India will host the 90th General Assembly of the International Criminal Police Organisation, INTERPOL, in New Delhi from October 18 to 21, 2022.

Important facts

• The General Assembly is the highest governing body of Interpol consisting of representatives of 195 member states. Its meeting is held once a year.

• The General Assembly is being held in India after 25 years, last held in 1997 on the occasion of India's 75th Independence Day celebrations.

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah proposed the event to Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock during an official visit to New Delhi in August 2019.

Agenda of the meeting 

• The agenda is expected to include presentations, workshops and discussions on the following subjects -

1. The future of policing

2. Policing and today’s crimes

What is INTERPOL?

• The International Criminal Police Organisation, or Interpol, is an intergovernmental organisation with 194 members.

• It was formed in 1923 as the International Criminal Police Commission, and it was named Interpol in 1956.

• India joined Interpol in 1949, and is one of its oldest members.

• It is the world’s largest international police organisation.

• Its work focuses on public safety and combating terrorism, crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes, environmental crimes, etc.

• Headquartered - Lyon, France

What is the Interpol General Assembly?

• It is the supreme governing body of Interpol, and consists of representatives of all its member states.

• Each country is represented in the Assembly by one or more representatives, who are usually the heads of law enforcement agencies.

• The General Assembly also elects the members of the Interpol Executive Committee.