Current Affairs November 2023

A 17-day multi-agency rescue operation in Uttarakhand successfully concluded on November 28, 2023, with the safe evacuation of 41 workers trapped in the Silkyari tunnel.

1. The tunnel collapse occurred on the 12th November 2023 due to a landslide during its construction, trapping the workers inside.
2. The trapped workers were supplied with essential provisions such as dry food, meals, oxygen, and communication instruments through dedicated pipelines during the operation.
3. On the 17th day, all 41 workers were successfully taken out of the tunnel, and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed them with garlands.
4. The workers are reported to be in good health and are currently receiving care at the Community Health Center at Chinyalisaur.
5. The successful outcome of the rescue operation was attributed to the swift and diligent actions of various central and state government agencies, with unwavering cooperation from the Center and continuous communication from the Prime Minister.

Q: What was the cause of of the 17-day-long multi-agency rescue operation in Uttarakhand in November?

• a) Earthquake
• b) Tunnel collapse due to a landslide
• c) Flood
• d) Industrial accident

Ans : b) Tunnel collapse due to a landslide

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh unveiled the crest of Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer Yard 12706 (Imphal) in New Delhi on November 28, 2023.

1. Crest Design: The crest design includes the Kangla Palace on the left and ‘Kangla-Sa’ on the right. The Kangla Palace is a significant historical and archaeological site in Manipur, while the ‘Kangla-Sa’ is a mythical being with a dragon’s head and lion’s body, representing the protector of the people and the state emblem of Manipur.
2. Symbolic Tribute: The crest serves as a tribute to the sacrifice made by the people of Manipur for India’s independence, sovereignty, and security.
3. Indigenous Shipbuilding: The ship, Yard 12706 (Imphal), is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding, showcasing technological advancement. It is considered one of the most technologically advanced warships globally.
4. Project 15B Destroyer: Yard 12706 (Imphal) is the third among the four Project 15B stealth-guided missile destroyers. It holds the distinction of being the first capital warship named after a city in the North-Eastern region.
5. Significance: The ship signifies the commitment to national security and pays homage to the historical and cultural heritage of Manipur.

Q: What is depicted on the crest of Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer Yard 12706 (Imphal)?

• A. Taj Mahal
• B. Kangla Palace and ‘Kangla-Sa’
• C. Red Fort
• D. Himalayan Mountains

Ans :B. Kangla Palace and ‘Kangla-Sa’

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a sortie in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas in Bengaluru on November 25, 2023, as part of a push for Make in India. The visit to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru was to review the progress of the production of Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, for which the Indian Air Force has ordered 83 aircraft.

1. The Chief of Airforce, Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari, recently received the first LCA twin-seater trainer aircraft from HAL in Bengaluru.
2. The Prime Minister has been advocating for indigenous production of defense products and has set a target of five billion dollars in defense exports by 2024-25.
3. India’s defense exports reached an all-time high of 15,920 crore rupees during the financial year 2022-23.

Question: How many Light Combat Aircraft Tejas has the Indian Air Force ordered?

a) 50 aircraft
b) 65 aircraft
c) 83 aircraft
d) 100 aircraft

Ans : c) 83 aircraft

Justice M. Fathima Beevi, the first female Judge appointed to the Supreme Court of India, passed away on 23 November 2023 at the age of 96 in Kollam, Kerala.

1. Starting as an advocate in Kerala, she progressed to become a district and sessions judge in 1974, later joining the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal in 1980.
2. In 1983, she was appointed as a High Court judge, and in 1989, she made history by becoming the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court of India.
3. During her tenure as a Supreme Court judge, she achieved the distinction of being the first Muslim woman in the higher judiciary and the first woman to become a Supreme Court Justice in an Asian country.
4. Following her retirement in 1993, Justice Beevi served as a member of the National Human Rights Commission and later as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Q.: Who was the first female Judge appointed to the Supreme Court of India ?

a) Sarojini Naidu
b) Arundhati Roy
c) M. Fathima Beevi
d) Kiran Bedi

c) M. Fathima Beevi

On November 22, 2023, an Indian Armed Forces contingent of 81 personnel departed for Australia to participate in the second edition of Joint Military Exercise AUSTRAHIND-23.

1. The exercise will take place in Perth, Australia, and is scheduled to continue until the 6th December 2023.
2. The Indian Army contingent is comprised of 60 personnel from a Battalion of the GORKHA Rifles, while the Australian Army contingent consists of 60 personnel from the 13th Brigade.
3. In addition to the Army, personnel from the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will also participate, along with 20 personnel each from the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force on the Australian side.
4. The main objectives of the exercise, as stated by the Ministry of Defence, include fostering a collaborative partnership, sharing best practices, promoting interoperability in multi-domain operations, and exchanging ideas through the joint rehearsal of tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting tactical operations.

Q.: Where will the AUSTRAHIND-23 joint military exercise be conducted?

• A. New Delhi, India
• B. Perth, Australia
• C. GORKHA Rifles, India
• D. 13th Brigade, Australia

Ans : B. Perth, Australia