NATIONAL:
1. Dr Dilip Mahalanabis
Why in news - The physician, Dr. Dilip Mahalanabis, passed away at a Kolkata hospital on Oct 16.
Key Points –
• He pioneered Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as a simple, effective remedy for dehydration.
• The Lancet called ORS as “the most important medical discovery of the 20th century.’’
• In 2002, Dr Dilip Mahalanabis was awarded the Pollin Prize by Columbia University (equivalent of Nobel in paediatrics).
2. GI tag for Nihonshu
Why in news - The Embassy of Japan has filed an application seeking Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Nihonshu.
Key Points –
• Nihonshu/Japanese sake, an alcoholic beverage.
• This is the first time a product from Japan has filed for a tag at the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai.
3. Closure of COFMOW
Why in news - The M/o Railways announced the closure of COFMOW, New Delhi, with effect from Dec 1, 2022.
Key Points –
• COFMOW - Central Organisation for Modernisation of Workshops.
• It is based on recommendations by Sanjeev Sanyal, member of the PM’s Economic Advisory Council.
• Next in line to be shut down is the Central Organisation for Railway Electrification by the end of 2023.
4. GI (Geographical Indication) Mahotsav
Why in news - The first-ever 'GI Mahotsav' began in Varanasi from Oct 16 to 21, 2022.
Key Points –
• It showcased the region-specific GI tagged products from 11 states/UTs of north India.
• It is being organised by department for the promotion of industry and internal trade (DPIIT), M/o commerce.
• 11 states/UTs - UP, MP, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, HP, J&K, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Haryana.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Israel's Capital
Why in news - Australia has reversed a previous government's recognition of West Jerusalem as Israel's capital.
Key Points –
• It agreed to again recognize Tel Aviv as the capital.
• Former PM Scott Morrison formally recognized West Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2018.
2. Ulf Kristersson
Why in news - Sweden’s parliament elected Ulf Kristersson as the country’s new prime minister.
SUMMITS & CONFERENCES:
1. Interpol’s 90th General Assembly
Why in news - The inaugural session of Interpol’s 90th General Assembly held in New Delhi.
Key Points –
• It is being held in India after 25 years (1st - 1997).
• Interpol recently declined to issue a Red Notice against Khalistani separatist Gurpantwant Singh Pannun (Chief Sikhs For Justice).
About Interpol (1923) –
• Full form - International Criminal Police Organisation.
• Facilitates criminal investigation of police forces across the globe.
• Hq - in Lyon, France.
• Current chief - Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi.
2. SCO Coordinators Meet
Why in news - India hosted the Shanghai Coordinators Organization national coordinator meeting in Delhi.
Key Points –
• India took over the presidency of the SCO at Samarkand in Uzbekistan in Sept 2022.
• India assumed the Chairmanship of SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure of SCO from Oct 28, 2021 for a period of one year.
ECONOMY:
1. MSP Hike
Why in news - The government announced minimum support price (MSP) for rabi crops for 2023-24.
Key Points –
• MSP for wheat was hiked by Rs 110 to Rs 2,125 per quintal.
• It was approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by PM Modi.
• MSP is recommended by Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices (CACP).
• MSP is the rate at which the government buys grain from farmers.
• Currently, the government fixes MSPs for 23 crops grown in both the Kharif and rabi seasons.
AWARDS & HONOURS:
1. Ballon d’Or Awards
Why in news – The 66th edition of award was announced on Oct 17, 2022 in Paris, France.
Key Points –
• Winners –
• Man - Karim Benzema (Real Madrid).
• Woman - Alexia Putellas (Barcelona).
• Karim Benzema becomes only the 2nd player besides Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the award since 2008.
• The greatest number of Ballon d’Or was received by Lionel Messi (7 times).
SECURITY:
1. Joint Working Group (JWG)
Why in news - India and the U.K. to create a new Defence Industry JWG for more effective cooperation.
Key Points –
• The U.K. recently issued its first Open General Export License in the Indo¬Pacific region to India.
• The inaugural meeting was held on the side-lines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar.
2. 12th Def Expo
Why in news – PM Modi inaugurated ‘DefExpo 2022’ in Gandhinagar, GJ.
Key Points –
• Theme - Path to Pride.
• Initiatives by PM Modi –
• Unveiled HTT-40 – the indigenous trainer aircraft designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Launched Mission DefSpace – to develop innovative solutions for the Defence Forces in the Space domain.
• Laid the foundation stone of 52 Wing Air Force Station Deesa.
• This year’s DefExpo is the first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies.
SCIENCE–TECH:
1. World’s Largest Genomic Study
Why in news - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad has become part of the study.
Key Points –
• The genomic study covers 54 lakh individuals.
• The study by name “A saturated map of common genetic variants associated with human height” was published in Nature science journal recently.
BOOKS & AUTHORS:
1. Book ‘Pandemic Disruptions and Odisha’s Lessons in Governance’
Why in news - Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik released the book written by Dr. Amar Patnaik.
STATES/UTs:
1. Restoration of Waterbodies
Why in news - An expert committee to submit an action plan for the restoration of polluted waterbodies in Meghalaya.
Key Points –
• It is headed by B.K. Lyngwa.
POINTERS:
• In which state the Indian Navy Sailing Competition held recently - Kerala.
• Which country will host the 2023 Asian Cup football tournament recently – Qatar.
• Which country is set to scrap the remarriage ban on pregnant women – Japan.
• Which state government has recently abolished contractual recruitment system – Odisha.
• Who has taken charge as the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) - Ms. Bharti Das.
• Coal India Limited (CIL) will set up 1190 MW solar power project in which state – Rajasthan.
• Where is the 22nd edition of the World Blockchain Summit being held from Oct (17 to 19) 2022 - Atlantis, Dubai.
• Which country has become the third largest producer of fish in the world – India.
• Which Indian submarine has successfully launched a Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) - INS Arihant.
• Recently, India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD)was held in which city - Gandhinagar, Gujarat.