1. Elon Musk finally acquires the micro blogging site Twitter
Tags: Economy/Finance International News
South African born American billionaire Elon Musk on 28 October 2022 completed the acquisition of the microblogging site Twitter for $44 billion.
As part of the agreement, the world’s richest man will pay $54.20 per share to common shareholders and will consequently operate the social media giant as a private entity henceforth.
Billionaire and Chief Executive officer (CEO) of Tesla Elon Musk is now the new owner of Twitter and has fired the social media company’s four top executives, including Indian-origin CEO Parag Agrawal and legal executive Vijaya Gadde.
The 51-year-old has promised to transform Twitter by loosening the service's content moderation rules, making its algorithm more transparent and nurturing subscription businesses, as well as laying off employees.
Background to the deal
On 14 April 2022 Twitter revealed in a securities filing that Musk has offered to buy the company outright for about $44 billion.
On July 8, Musk says he will abandon his offer to buy Twitter after the company failed to provide enough information on the number of fake accounts.
Twitter sued Musk on July 12 to force him to complete the deal.
A court in Delaware, United States asked Musk to close the deal by 28 October 2022.
Twitter Company
The microblogging site was founded in 2006 in California, United States by Jack Dorsey, Evans Williams, Biz Stone and Noah Glass.
The social site provides an online microblogging service that distributes short messages of no more than 280 characters—called tweets.
Headquarters of Twitter: San Francisco, California, United States
2. President of India presents Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President’s Bodyguard
Tags: National News
President Draupadi Murmu presents the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Bodyguards (PBG) during a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 27, 2022.
Important facts
The event is special because the President's bodyguards are celebrating 250 years of its founding.
It is being celebrated along with the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' being celebrated across the country.
About President’s Bodyguard
The President's Bodyguard is the oldest regiment of the Indian Army.
It was established in 1773 as the Governor-General's bodyguard (later the Viceroy's bodyguard).
As the personal guard of the President of India, it is the only military unit of the Indian Army which has the privilege of carrying the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner of the President.
In the year 1923, this honor was given to the bodyguards of the President by the then Viceroy Lord Reading on the occasion of completion of 150 years of service of the bodyguards.
After that all the Viceroys presented silver trumpets and trumpet banners to the bodyguards.
On January 27, 1950, the regiment was renamed as President's Bodyguard.
Each President continued the practice of honoring this regiment.
Instead of a coat of arms (the custom in the colonial era), the president's monogram appears on the banner.
The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad presented his Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's bodyguards on May 14, 1957.
The President's bodyguards were formed in Banaras (Varanasi) by the then Governor-General Warren Hastings.
Its initial strength was 50 cavalry, later another 50 cavalry were also included in it.
The President's bodyguards consist of selected male soldiers with certain physical characteristics.
3. Tata, Airbus to make C-295 transport aircraft for IAF in Gujarat
Tags: Defence National News
A consortium led by the Tata group and Airbus will manufacture the C-295 transport aircraft in Gujarat, the government said in a statement on 27 October.
Important facts
The total cost of the project is ₹21,935 crore.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the transport aircraft manufacturing project for the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Vadodara, Gujarat on October 30.
As part of the contract, 16 aircraft will be delivered in flyaway condition and 40 will be manufactured in India.
It will manufactured by the Indian Aircraft Contractor, Tata Consortium of Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) led by TASL.
This is the first project of its kind in which a military aircraft will be manufactured in India by a private company.
The aircraft can also be used for civilian purposes.
The first 16 fly-away aircraft will be received between September 2023 and August 2025.
The first Made in India aircraft is likely to be received by September 2026.
Aircraft capability
C-295MW is a transport aircraft of 5-10 tonne capacity with contemporary technology.
It will replace the ageing Avro aircraft of IAF.
It has a rear ramp door for quick reaction and para dropping of troops and cargo.
Short take-off/land from semi-prepared surfaces is another of its features.
It will strengthen the logistic capabilities of the IAF.
4. Record horticulture production in 2021-22
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
India's production of horticultural crops consisting of fruits, vegetables, spices and medicinal plants increased to a record 342.3 million tonnes (mt) in the crop year 2021-22 (July-June) as against 334.6 million tonnes recorded in 2020-21.
Important facts
According to the third advance estimate released by the agriculture ministry on October 27, the increase in production over the previous year was due to growth in the cultivation area.
The area under horticultural crops was 28 million hectare in 2021-22 compared to 27.4 million hectare in the previous year.
The horticultural crops production continues to be higher than the foodgrain production.
According to the fourth advance estimate of foodgrain production released in August, India's production of rice, wheat and pulses in the crop year 2021-22 was estimated at a record 315.7 million tonnes.
Vegetable production is estimated to increase by 2.1% to 204.8 million tonnes in 2021-22 as compared to 200.4 million tonnes as per the final estimates for 2020-21.
Onion production is estimated to increase by 17% to 31.2 million tonnes in 2021-22 from 26.6 million tonnes in the previous year.
At the same time, potato production is estimated to decline by 5% to 53.3 million tonnes in the 2021-22 crop year, from 56.1 million tonnes in 2020-21.
Tomato production is estimated to decline by 4% to 20.3 million tonnes as compared to 21.1 million tonnes as per the final estimates for 2020-21.
The third advance estimate of fruit production is estimated to be 107.2 million tonnes in 2021-22 as compared to 102.5 million tonnes in the 2020-21 crop year.
Production of Banana is estimated to increase by more than 32.45 million tonnes (2%) in 2021-22 over the previous year, while Mango production is estimated to be 20.3 million tonnes in 2021-22 which is the same level as compared to the previous year.
5. Saudi Aramco executive jailed for one week in Chamoli for carrying satellite phone
Tags: National News
A senior British executive of oil giant Saudi Aramco had to spend nearly a week in a Chamoli in Uttarakhand jail after taking a banned satellite phone to a yoga retreat.
Important facts
Fergus MacLeod, head of investor relations at Saudi Aramco, was released after paying a fine of ₹1,000.
McLeod, who was arrested on July 12, said he was unaware of the ban on satellite phones, which were used by terrorists who attacked Mumbai in 2008.
McLeod reportedly turned on the satellite phone in his hotel room but claimed he did not use it.
About Satellite Phone
It is a type of mobile phone that connects to other phones or telephone networks by radio via orbiting satellites rather than at terrestrial cell sites, as cellphones do.
Its advantage is that its use is not limited to areas covered by cell towers, it can be used in most or all geographic locations on the Earth's surface.
These phones are capable of receiving and making calls anywhere in the world, even in remote parts, be it the Himalayas or an uninhabited island in the Pacific.
The concept of satellite phones is not new. Actually, the first satellite phone was launched by Motorola in 1989.
6. Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise ‘Simbex’ - 2022
Tags: Defence National News
The Indian Navy is hosting the 29th edition of the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) in Visakhapatnam from October 26 to 30, 2022.
Phases of SIMBEX-2022
Port Phase at Visakhapatnam from 26th to 27th October 2022
Sea phase in the Bay of Bengal from 28 to 30 October 2022
Important facts
Two ships from the Republic of Singapore Navy, RSS Stalwart (a Formidable Class Frigate) and RSS Vigilance (a Victory Class Corvette) arrived at Visakhapatnam on 25 October 2022 for participation in the exercise.
The Harbor Phase saw extensive professional and sporting interactions between the two navies which included cross deck visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) and planning meetings.
About SIMBEX series of exercises
It began in 1994 and was initially known as Exercise Lion King.
The scope and complexity of the exercise has risen substantially over the past two decades to include advanced naval drills covering a wide spectrum of maritime operations.
The exercise exemplifies the high level of cooperation between India and Singapore in the maritime sector.
It also highlights the commitment and contribution of the two countries towards enhancing maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
7. Cyclone Sitrang
Tags: International News
Bangladesh has been devastated by Cyclone Sitarang, where densely populated, low-lying areas have been badly affected.
Important facts
This cyclone named by Thailand is the first tropical cyclone of the post-monsoon season of 2022.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted that a low pressure area is likely to form over southeast and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal.
Due to this, the low pressure area may turn into a cyclonic storm which may affect Odisha, West Bengal, northern part of Andhra Pradesh and adjoining areas.
About Cyclone Sitrang
A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that originates from warm tropical oceans, characterised by low atmospheric pressure, high winds and heavy rainfall.
The name of this cyclone is given by Thailand.
Cyclone Sitarang comes after Cyclone Asani, which developed in the Bay of Bengal in early May this year.
This will be the second cyclonic storm of 2022.
Cyclones forming in the North Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are named by the IMD.
Thirteen countries – Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen – have been warned of tropical cyclones and storm surge by the IMD.
Common names of Cyclone
Hurricanes – In the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific
Typhoons – In Southeast Asia
Cyclone – In the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific around Australia
8. Narendra Singh Tomar presides over the 7th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting on Agro-Forestry
Tags: Person in news International News
The 7th ASEAN-India Ministerial Meeting (AIMMAF) on Agriculture and Forestry was held virtually on 26 October 2022. The meeting was co-chaired by the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar.
Agriculture Ministers of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam also participated in the meeting.
In the meeting, the progress in implementation of various programs and activities under the Medium Term Action Plan of ASEAN-India Cooperation (Year 2021-2025) was reviewed. The meeting also welcomed the 30th anniversary of ASEAN-India relations.
Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)
It is considered to be one of the most successful regional groups in the world.
It was set up in 1967 as a group of South-East Asian nations.
At present there are 10 members in the group. They are:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The headquarters of ASEAN: Jakarta, Indonesia.
9. Rishi Sunak appointed as the 57th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom by King Charles
Tags: Person in news International News
King Charles of the United Kingdom appointed Rishi Sunak as the 57th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 25 October 2022 at Buckingham Palace in London.
He is the third Prime Minister of this year after Boris Johnson and Elizabeth Truss and will enter Downing Street as the youngest Prime Minister in two centuries. He is 42 years old.
is also the first Asian to become the Prime Minister.
Rishi Sunak who was the Chancellor of the Exchequer (finance minister) during Boris Johnson's regime lost to Elizabeth Truss in a contest to be the next Prime minister.
However he was elected as the leader of the Conservative party after Truss resigned after being in office for just 44 days.
Who is Rishi Sunak?
Rishi Sunak's father and mother are of Punjabi descent and were born in Kenya and Tanzania respectively, which were part of British Empire.
They migrated to the United Kingdom in 1970’s and Rishi Sunak was born in England.
He is married to Akshata Murthy, the daughter of Indian billionaire and one of the founders of Infosys Company, Narayana Murthy.
Important things to know
10 Downing Street
It is the official residence of the Prime Minister of United Kingdom
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence of the United Kingdom's sovereigns since 1837 and today is the administrative headquarters of the Monarch.
Robert Walpole is considered to be the first Prime Minister of Britain (1721-1742) and also the first Prime Minister in the world.
10. Russia accuses Ukraine of building ‘Dirty Bomb’
Tags: Russia-Ukraine International News
Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu in a phone call to his counterpart from the United States, Britain, France and Turkey has accused Ukraine of nearly completing building a ‘dirty bomb’. However Ukraine, France, the United States and the United Kingdom has rejected the Russian accusations.
The Russian claims that “two organisations in Ukraine have specific instructions to create a so-called ‘dirty bomb’.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and it has been almost 9 months of the conflict.
What is a dirty bomb?
It is a bomb which contains radioactive material such as uranium along with a conventional explosives. The explosives when detonated scatters the radioactive material in the air contaminating a wide area. The radioactive material used to make dirty bomb is not a highly enriched uranium which is used to make of nuclear weapon but it could be radioactive materials from hospitals, nuclear power stations or research laboratories.
It is cheaper and easier to make than nuclear weapons.
Impact of Dirty Bomb
The Dirty bomb itself does not cause massive casualty but due to radioactive fallout, it can cause serious illness such as cancer in the area. It can cause massive panic in the targeted area. A wide area around the blast zone would also have to be evacuated for decontamination, or abandoned completely.
According to the BBC “the Federation of American Scientists has calculated that if a bomb containing 9g (0.3oz) of cobalt-60 and 5kg of TNT were to be exploded at the tip of Manhattan, in New York, it would make the whole area of the city uninhabitable for decades.”
For this reason, dirty bombs are known as weapons of mass disruption.
Instances of the use of Dirty Bomb
According to BBC there has been to three known instances of use of dirty bombs, but they were defused before it could explode
In 1996, rebels from Chechnya planted a bomb containing dynamite and caesium-137 in Moscow's Izmailovo Park. The caesium had been extracted from cancer-treatment equipment.
In 1998, Chechnya's intelligence service found and defused a dirty bomb that had been placed near a railway line in Chechnya.
In 2002, Jose Padilla, a US citizen who had contacts with al-Qaeda, was arrested in Chicago on suspicion of planning a dirty-bomb attack.
