NATIONAL:
1. Quota for “General” Poor
Why in news - By a majority of 3:2, a 5-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the 103rd amendment.
Key Points –
• It came into effect from January 31, 2019.
• 103rd Amendment - Inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6) to provide up to 10% reservation to EWS to non-OBC and non-SC/ST population.
• It empowered government to provide reservation on the basis of economic backwardness.
• SC said that the exclusion of classes covered in Article 15(4) and 16(4) i.e., OBCs and SC/STs does not damage the basic structure.
• Indra Sawhney judgment (1992) – SC imposed a 50% ceiling on reservations.
2. Vedic Clock
Why in news – Ujjain (MP), the city of Mahakal is to get the world’s first Vedic clock.
Key Points –
• It would be synced with the position of the Sun.
• Foundation stone of 300-year-old Jiwaji Observatory was laid in Ujjain.
3. Double-Decker Expressway
Why in news – Country's first double-decker expressway to be built on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.
Key Points –
• Project cost – Rs 2000 crores.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. World Travel Market 2022
Why in news - India participated in World Travel Mart started in London (Nov 7-9).
Key Points –
• Theme - The Future of Travel Starts Now.
• The Indian delegation was led by Arvind Singh.
• In 2019, the contribution of travel and tourism to India's GDP was 5.19%.
IMPORTANT DATES:
1. Guru Nanak Jayanti 2022
Why in news - PM Modi participated in the 553rd birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.
Key Points –
• It marks the birth anniversary of the first Sikh guru and the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
• He was born in Rai Bhoi Ki Talwandi (Nanakana Sahib), near Lahore (in Pakistan), in 1469.
• He advocated the 'Nirguna' (devotion to and worship of formless divine) form of bhakti.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Early Warning System
Why in news - World Meteorological Organisation unveiled a 5-year program to set up early warning systems across the world.
Key Points –
• Aim - to save lives and minimise destruction from growing number of climate disasters.
• It was launched by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.
• It envisages an investment of $ 3.1 billion between now and 2027.
• WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas.
IMPORTANT DATES:
1. World Radiography Day 2022
Why in news – It is observed on Nov 8 to honour the discovery of X-radiation (X-rays).
Key Points –
• Theme - Radiographers at the Forefront of Patient Safety.
• Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen discovered X-rays in 1895.
• For this, he was awarded Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
2. 134th CV Raman Birth Anniversary
Why in news – India, on November 7, celebrated the 134th birthday of scientist CV Raman.
Key Points –
• He was first Asian physicist to receive the Nobel prize.
• He won Nobel for 'Raman Effect' or the Raman scattering' in 1930.
• He was born on November 7, 1888, in Tamil Nadu's Tiruchirappalli.
3. Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas
Why in news – M of Education to celebrate this day in educational institutions on November 15.
Key Points –
• November 15 is the birth anniversary of Birsa Munda who is revered as “Bhagwan” by tribal communities.
4. National Cancer Awareness Day
Why in news – It is observed on November 7 to highlight the significance of diagnosis, treatment, and early detection of the disease.
Key Points –
• It coincides with the birth anniversary of the Nobel scientist Madame Curie.
• She is remembered for her discovery of radium and polonium, and her huge contribution to the fight against cancer.
APPOINTMENTS:
1. Kishore Kumar Basa
Why in news – He has been appointed as the chairman of the National Monuments Authority (NMA).
SPORTS:
1. Asian Continental Chess Championship 2022
Why in news – R Praggnanandhaa and P V Nandhidhaa won the titles in the championship.
Key Points –
• R Praggnanandhaa - Open section.
• P V Nandhidhaa - Women's section.
STATES/UTs:
1. Uttarakhand Gaurav Samman
Why in news – NSA Ajit Doval and late CDS General Bipin Rawat have been selected for the year 2022.
Key Points –
• Other awardees - Prasoon Joshi, Girish Chandra Tiwari and Viren Dangwal.
• The award began in 2021and is the highest state-level civilian awards after Uttarakhand Ratna.
BIHAR:
1. Pilot Baba Dham
Why in news – A 111 feet high statue of Lord Shiva was inaugurated in Pilot Baba Dham in Sasaram on Nov 7.
Key Points –
• It is the 4th tallest Shiva statue in the country and the tallest statue of Lord Shiva in Bihar.
• A new Somnath temple has been constructed in Pilot Baba ashram itself.
• The 2nd tallest Buddha statue (80 feet) of Bihar is also present in Pilot Baba Dham.
POINTERS:
• Recently State Bank of India (SBI) has started Gram Seva program in how many states of India – 6 states.
• Recently, who has been declared as its National Icon by the Election Commission of India - Pankaj Tripathi.
• Which state has signed an MoU with Tata Technologies Limited to develop technical educational institutions (polytechnics and ITIs) into technological hubs – Chhattisgarh.
• Recently, the Dy Chief Minister of which state has launched Vande Mataram initiative – Maharashtra.
• Recently, UNCTAD has estimated the economic growth rate of India to be what percent – 5.7%.
• Recently, whose book “Jeete ji Allahabad” has received the Valley of Words award – Mamata Kalia.
• Recently, who has been honored with the Global India Award in Canada – Anil Agarwal.
• Who been awarded the 32nd Bihari Award for his 2015 literary criticism book 'Pacharang Chola Pahar Sakhi Ri' - Madhav Hada.
• The annual Joint Military Training (JMT) between the Indian Air Force (lAF) and the Royal Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has commenced at which place - Kalaikunda (WB).
• UIDAI has recently launched which chatbots for better user experience - Aadhar mitra.