Current Affairs November 2023

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued blocking orders against 22 illegal betting apps and websites on November 5.

1. One of the blocked apps, Mahadev Book, is at the center of a political controversy in poll-bound Chhattisgarh.
2. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted investigations against an illegal betting app syndicate and subsequently conducted raids on Mahadev Book in Chhattisgarh.
3. The investigations revealed alleged unlawful operations of the Mahadev app.
4. The owners of Mahadev app are currently in custody and have been arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for alleged money laundering.

Q.: Which illegal betting app was at the center of a political controversy in Chhattisgarh?

a. Mahadev Book
b. Betting Pro
c. Gamblers’ Paradise
d. Bet Master

Ans : a. Mahadev Book

Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal launched the domestic sailing of the first International Cruise Liner ‘COSTA SERENA’ in India at Mumbai on November 3, 2023.

1. Costa Cruises, a prominent European cruise company operating under the Italian flag, is known for providing high-end inter-country cruise experiences.
2. Costa Cruises is expected to carry approximately 45,000 passengers on its next two-month voyages, who would have otherwise booked from international destinations.
3. The significant advantage is offering an international cruising experience for Indians in Indian waters.

Question: What is the name of the first International Cruise Liner to commence domestic sailing in India?

Options:
a) COSTA SERENA
b) Ocean Voyager
c) Indian Cruise Explorer
d) Royal India Odyssey

Answer: a) COSTA SERENA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘World Food India 2023,’ a mega food event, in New Delhi on November 3, 2023.

1. The event is a three-day exhibition held at Bharat Mandapam at Pragati Maidan.
2. More than 1,200 exhibitors and participants from over 80 countries are participating in the event.
3. The Prime Minister distributed Seed Capital Assistance to over one lakh Self Help Groups’ members and inaugurated the Food Street at the event.
4. Various pavilions have been set up to showcase India’s rich food culture to the world.
5. Approximately 50 dialogue sessions are planned, focusing on various aspects of the Food Processing Industry.
6. The mega food event has a special focus on millets.

Q.: What is the special focus of ‘World Food India 2023’ ?

a) Organic farming
b) Seafood processing
c) Millets
d) Dairy products

ans : c) Millets

Indian Railways will operate a special Bharat Gaurav train tour to the North Eastern States, starting from Delhi on November 16, 2023.

1. The tour will cover various destinations in the North Eastern States, including Guwahati, Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Kaziranga in Assam, Unakoti, Agartala, and Udaipur in Tripura, Dimapur and Kohima in Nagaland, and Shillong and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya.
2. The tour will span 15 days and offer fully air-conditioned accommodations with three types: AC -1, AC -2, and AC -3.
3. The initiative aligns with government programs like “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and “Dekho Apna Desh,” aimed at promoting domestic tourism.
4. The tourist train is equipped with enhanced security features, including CCTV cameras, electronic safes, and dedicated security guards assigned to each coach.

Q.: Indian Railways announced the operation of a special Bharat Gaurav train tour to which part of the country?

A) Western States
B) Northern States
C) Southern States
D) North Eastern States

Ans : D) North Eastern States

The Number 4 Squadron (Oorials) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) based at Air Force Station Uttarlai (Barmer) is transitioning from the MiG-21 to the Su-30 MKI. A formal induction ceremony took place at Air Force Station Uttarlai on October 30, 2023, with a combined flypast by the MiG-21 and Su-30 MKI, marking the last MiG-21 sortie for the squadron.

1. This transition is a significant moment in the squadron’s history, as it had been operating the MiG-21 since 1966.
2. The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter in service of the IAF and was inducted in 1963, participating in major conflicts.
3. The induction of the Su-30 MKI aircraft reflects the IAF’s commitment to modernization and safeguarding the nation’s skies.
4. The conversion of the squadron to Su-30 MKI means that the IAF now operates only two squadrons of the MiG-21.
5. The IAF aims to phase out the MiG-21 aircraft by the year 2025.

Q.: Which aircraft was the first supersonic fighter in service with the Indian Air Force?

A) Su-30 MKI
B) MiG-21
C) Mirage 2000
D) Tejas

Ans : B) MiG-21