This is the current affairs of 25 to 27 November 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. The Indian government started preparations to prevent which mysterious disease spreading in China and issued an alert to all the states?
a. Mysterious Pneumonia
b. Mysterious Heart Disease
c. Mysterious Blood clotting
d. Mysterious Cancer
Answer: a. Mysterious Pneumonia
The Health Ministry has alerted all states:
– The Central Health Ministry has decided to review preparedness measures for dealing with diseases in light of the health situation of people in China in November 2023.
– All states/union territories have been advised to stay on alert.
Indication of an Increase in Diseases:
– According to the Public Health Institute, it is crucial to consider the current influenza and cold season, which has led to an increase in respiratory-related illnesses.
– Mainly, the responsibility for this has been attributed to common causes such as influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2, etc.
– The Indian government is closely monitoring this situation.
Health Ministry’s Advisory:
– There should be no shortage of beds and staff in hospitals.
– Maintain stocks of essential medicines and antibiotics.
– There should be no shortage of oxygen cylinders in hospitals.
– Adequate availability of oxygen plants and ventilators.
– Keep PPE kits and testing kits available.
– Review the infection control protocols established to prevent the spread of infections.
Surveillance Platform ‘ProMed’ Issues Alert:
– The surveillance platform ‘ProMed’ has issued the first alert worldwide about this disease.
– This platform keeps track of information about diseases spreading among humans and animals. It previously issued an alert about Covid in December 2019.
WHO has asked the Chinese government for details on this mysterious respiratory disease and has formally requested a detailed report.
Detailed data on the disease.
– How and where the disease has spread among children.
– Which areas are most affected by the disease.
– Whether the disease has spread from a new virus in children.
– Whether any deaths have occurred due to the disease.
## Dr. Ram Shankar, an infectious disease specialist from Sweden, explained what the disease is and how much of a threat it poses in India.
What is this disease, does it have a name?
– Data about this disease, similar to China Corona, is not being released.
– However, Chinese official authorities are calling this disease mysterious pneumonia.
– Some people are saying that it is walking pneumonia. This disease spreads through bacterial infection, known as mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria.
Symptoms of the disease spreading in China:
– Cough
– Sore throat or irritation in the throat
– Fever
– Swelling in the lungs
– Swelling in the bronchial tubes
Some Cases Reported in China’s Neighboring Countries:
– The mysterious disease spreading in China has once again raised concerns in the global medical community.
– The magnitude of the epidemic can be estimated from the fact that all hospitals within a radius of about 800 kilometers around Beijing are filled with patients.
– Some cases have also been observed in neighboring countries like Vietnam.
– This suggests that the disease is spreading, and other countries might be at risk.
– India needs to be vigilant about this disease.
Can this disease cause deaths like COVID?
– While COVID was a viral infection, the mysterious pneumonia disease is said to be a bacterial infection.
– Even after having COVID, pneumonia occurred, causing difficulty in breathing.
– If mysterious pneumonia is a bacterial infection, there are many antibiotics available to reduce it.
– This could potentially save lives of the patients.
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2. In which fighter plane did Prime Minister Narendra Modi fly and become the first Prime Minister to do so?
a. Mirage-2000
b. Sukhoi – 30 MKI
c. LCA Tejas
d. Rafale
Answer: c. LCA Tejas
– On November 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became a co-pilot for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. He flew for about 30 minutes.
– The aircraft was piloted by a pilot from the Indian Air Force.
– LCA Tejas took off from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport in Bangalore.
Details of the Flight:
– Date: November 25, 2023
– Departure: HAL Airport, Bangalore
– Aircraft: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
– The first Prime Minister to fly in a combat aircraft
Note:
– Before this, on April 8, 2023, President Draupadi Murmu took a flight on a Sukhoi-30 MKI combat aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.
– Draupadi Murmu is the third President and the second female President to take such a flight.
Other Dignitaries who have Flown in Combat Aircraft:
– PM Narendra Modi: LCA Tejas (November 2023)
– President Draupadi Murmu: Sukhoi-30 MKI (April 2023)
– Rajnath Singh: LCA Tejas (September 2019)
– Nirmala Sitharaman: Sukhoi-30 MKI (January 2018)
– Kiran Rijiju: Sukhoi-30 MKI (May 2016)
– Rajiv Pratap Rudy: Sukhoi-30 MKI (February 2015)
– Rao Inderjit Singh: Sukhoi-30 MKI (August 2015)
– Pratibha Patil: Sukhoi-30 MKI (November 2009)
– A.P.J. Abdul Kalam: Sukhoi-30 MKI (June 2006)
– George Fernandes: Sukhoi-30 MKI (June 2003)
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi said: The flight on Tejas was successfully completed. This experience was unbelievably enriching, – significantly boosting my confidence in our country’s indigenous capabilities. It has instilled in me a renewed sense of pride and optimism about our national capabilities.
About Tejas:
– Tejas is a lightweight and multi-role fighter jet.
It has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
– Its top speed is 2205 km/h.
– The range of Tejas is 3000 kilometers.
Note:
– Currently, the Indian Air Force operates two squadrons of Tejas:
1- No. 45 Squadron, ‘Flying Daggers’
2- No. 18 Squadron, ‘Flying Bullets’
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3. Which neighboring country of India applied for BRICS membership?
a. Pakistan
b. Sri Lanka
c. Bangladesh
d. Nepal
Answer: a. Pakistan
– The spokesperson for the Foreign Office, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, has officially requested inclusion in BRICS in November 2023.
– In the BRICS Summit held in South Africa in 2023, six new members were formally included.
– The five current BRICS countries are: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
– Six new member countries from January 1, 2024: Argentina, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Iran.
– Total number of members: 11
China Increasing Its Influence in BRICS:
– It is believed that China’s pressure has increased the number of BRICS members from five to eleven. Now, China wants to include Pakistan and some other countries in it.
– Earlier, India had initially expressed unwillingness to increase the number of BRICS members, but later agreed to it.
– In reality, three countries among the BRICS members – Russia, China, and India – are powerful. Due to the war with Ukraine, Russia’s military and economic position has been affected, and China provided substantial assistance. As a result, Russia is under China’s influence.
– Taking advantage of this, China wants to make BRICS a major organization compared to Western countries and become its leader.
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4. When is Indian Constitution Day celebrated?
a. 23 November
b. 24 November
c. 25 November
d. 26 November
Answer: d. 26 November
– On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly accepted the Constitution of India.
– Whereas, the Indian Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950.
Constitution Day:
– In the year 2015, the Indian government declared November 26 as Constitution Day.
– Before this, the day was celebrated as Law Day.
– November 26 was chosen to emphasize the significance of the Constitution and to propagate the thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
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5. Who unveiled the statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar in the Supreme Court complex?
a. Prime Minister
b. President
c. Union Home Minister
d. Union Law Minister
Answer: b. President (Draupadi Murmu)
– On November 26, 2023 (Indian Constitution Day), President Draupadi Murmu inaugurated the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the premises of the Supreme Court.
– The unveiling of the statue, which is more than 7 feet tall, took place in the presence of Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other justices.
The demand to install the statue
– The decision to install the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was made at the request of lawyers associated with the Ambedkarite movement.
– In December 2022, all these lawyers wrote a letter to the Chief Justice, demanding the installation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue in the premises of the Supreme Court.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statues and where they are installed
– In November 2023, the statue of Ambedkar was installed in the premises of the Supreme Court.
– In October 2023, in the United States, a statue of Ambedkar was installed under the name ‘Statue of Equality’ (the tallest statue).
– Telangana Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao unveiled the 125-foot statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on April 14, 2023.
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6. Which state government banned Halal labeling on food items, medicines and cosmetics like dairy products, sugar, bakery items, peppermint oil, namkeen and edible oils?
a. Bihar
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Rajasthan
d. Karnataka
Answer: b. Uttar Pradesh
– The Uttar Pradesh government has imposed a ban on the manufacture, storage, and sale of food items, medicines, and beauty products labeled as “halal.” This ban has been enforced across the entire state.
Under which rule has the decision been made by the UP government?
– The UP government has issued two types of orders for the ban on halal labeling.
– One order was issued by the State Food Commissioner’s office, stating that such labeling goes against the Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 to ensure the quality of food products.
– The second order states that there is no provision under the rules of the Drugs and Cosmetic Products Act of 1940 to “label medicines and cosmetic products as halal.”
– The order also mentions that creating confusion among consumers is a punishable offense under the law.
## What is ‘Halal’ and why is there recent discussion about it?
What does ‘Halal’ mean?
– ‘Halal’ is an Arabic word.
– It means a product made according to Islamic Sharia.
How is ‘Halal’ used, and when is meat considered ‘Halal’?
– In India, the term ‘Halal’ is also used for a slaughtering technique for animals.
– In this technique, the blood vessels in the animal’s neck (carotid artery) are cut so that its blood drains slowly, causing the animal to die.
– During this process, individuals affiliated with Islam recite prayers known as ‘Shahada.’
– This technique is predominantly used by Muslims.
– Another technique for slaughtering is called ‘Jhatka,’ where a quick strike to the animal’s neck causes it to die instantly.
– This technique is used by Hindus and Sikhs.
What two things are banned in Islam?
1- Pork (pork meat)
2- Alcohol
Can non-meat products also be considered ‘Halal’?
– According to the Indian Express newspaper, in Islamic law, ‘Halal’ means ‘permissible’ – it has no connection with meat.
– Therefore, vegetarian food is generally accepted or considered ‘Halal’ unless it contains alcohol. This applies to fish and conch as well.
The term ‘Halal’ can also be used for products other than food:
– For example, medications or capsules may use byproducts of animals.
– In such cases, consideration of ‘Halal’ is crucial because Muslims may prefer not to use capsules containing gelatin from pork fat.
– Similarly, the term ‘Halal’ can be used in the context of personal care, products, packaging materials, animal feed, etc.
How did the matter of ‘Halal’ come up?
– A person from Lucknow raised this issue.
– He filed an FIR at the Hazratganj police station in Lucknow.
– He alleged that “some companies are issuing Halal certificates to increase their sales within a community,” which is a fraud against public trust.
– This is how the discussion about the term ‘Halal’ came into focus.
– On November 18, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government imposed a ban on labeling all food items, including dairy products, bakery items, peppermint oil, snacks, and edible oil, with the ‘Halal’ label.
What is Halal certification, and who issues them?
– Halal certification simply informs the consumer whether a product complies with the conditions considered Halal or not.
– In India, there is no official regulator for Halal product certification.
– A few decades ago, some organizations formed a board called the ‘National Quality Board,’ and several affiliated organizations emerged from this initiative.
– Under the Society Registration Act, this is just a society and has no connection with the government.
– Many organizations started distributing Halal certification after registering with this private board.
– Initially, certificates were only provided for meat-related products.
– From 1993, certification was extended to other products like cosmetics, soap, and oil.
– According to The Indian Express, the validity of certification from various Halal certifying agencies is recognized among Muslim consumers, along with acceptance by regulators in Islamic countries, considering their identity and reputation.
Organizations providing Halal certification in India:
– Halal India, Chennai
– Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust, Delhi
– Halal Council of India and Jamiat Ulema, Mumbai
– Additionally, several private organizations also distribute certifications.
Note – These organizations are not affiliated with any government entity, and their certifications are not government-approved. However, Halal India’s certification is recognized by various international bodies, including the Public Health Ministry of Qatar, the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates, and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia. These recognitions are crucial for Islamic countries.
Uttar Pradesh
– Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
– Governor: Anandiben Patel
– Capital: Lucknow
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7. Uttar Pradesh government declared 25th November as “No Non Veg Day” on the birth anniversary of which great man?
a. Yogi Adityanath
b. Sadhu TL Vaswani
c. Lal Bahadur Shastri
d. Rabindnath Tagore
Answer: b. Sadhu TL Vaswani
– On November 25, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government ordered the closure of all slaughterhouses and meat shops.
Great Personalities Advocating the Principle of Non-Violence
– In our country, the birthdays of great personalities who advocated the principle of non-violence are celebrated as Non-Violence Day.
– Such occasions include Mahavir Jayanti, Buddha Jayanti, Gandhi Jayanti, and Sadhu T.L. Vaswani Jayanti.
About Sadhu T.L. Vaswani
– He was born on November 25, 1879, in Hyderabad.
– His full name is Sadhu Thanshawdass LilaRam Vaswani.
– He was an Indian educator and a freedom fighter.
– Vaswani led the “Meira Movement” in education.
– He founded the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Pune.
Ban on Halal Labeling Branding as Well
– On November 18, the Uttar Pradesh government imposed a ban on placing Halal labels on all food items, including dairy products, bakery items, peppermint oil, snacks, and cooking oil.
– The Food Safety and Drug Administration, Uttar Pradesh (FSDAUP), has seized approximately 2500 kilograms of Halal-certified products by November 24.
– Note: Muslim organizations have criticized the ban on Halal, and legal options are being explored.
Uttar Pradesh
– Chief Minister: Yogi Adityanath
– Governor: Anandi Ben Patel
– Capital: Lucknow
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8. Where was the 2+2 meeting of India and Australia held on 20 November 2023?
a. Perth
b. Washington DC
c. New Delhi
d. Melbourne
Answer: c. New Delhi
– The meeting between the two countries has been organized to strengthen strategic relations.
Ministers who participated in the talks:
– In the India-Australia 2+2 meeting, India’s Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar met with Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
– Before the meeting, the Australian Defense Minister and Foreign Minister visited the National War Memorial in Delhi.
Note: Prior to this, the India-U.S. 2+2 meeting took place in Delhi between November 9 and 10, 2023.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the discussions covered the following issues:
– Defense and Security
– Trade and Investment
– Critical Minerals
– Energy
– Climate Change
– Science and Technology
– Space
– Education
– People-to-People Connectivity
– Regional and Global Issues
What is a 2+2 Meeting?
– A 2+2 meeting is a format of discussions between the foreign and defense ministers of India and its strategic partners on political and security issues. India has held 2+2 meetings with four major strategic partners: the United States, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
Australia:
– Prime Minister: Anthony Albanese
– Capital: Canberra
– Currency: Australian Dollar
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9. Where was the exercise ‘Vajra Prahar 2023’ held between the Indian and US armies?
a. Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh
b. Patna, Bihar
c. Umroi, Meghalaya
d. Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Answer: c. Umroi, Meghalaya
– Vajra Prahar 2023, the 14th edition of the joint military exercise between the Indian and U.S. armies, commenced in Umroi, Meghalaya, in November 2023.
– The objective is to share best practices and experiences in areas such as joint mission planning and operational tactics.
– The exercise will include drills related to counter-terrorism campaigns.
Vajra Prahar 2023:
– Location: Umroi, Meghalaya
– Duration: From November 21 to December 11
– Edition: 14th (in the year 2023)
– This exercise is a joint training between the Indian and U.S. armies.
– The first edition of Vajra Prahar took place in India in 2010.
Other joint military exercises between India and the U.S. include:
– Vajra Prahar (Army)
– Yudh Abhyas (Army)
– Malabar (Navy)
– Indian Army Chief: General Manoj Pandey
– Indian Navy Chief: Admiral R. Hari Kumar
– Indian Air Force Chief: Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari
United States:
– President: Joe Biden
– Capital: Washington, D.C
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10. When is National Organ Donation Day celebrated?
a. 25 November
b. 26 November
c. 27 November
d. 28 November
Answer: c. 27 November
– Every year, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare observes it on November 27.
– Its purpose is to encourage people to donate organs.
– A healthy individual, by donating organs after death, can save lives.
– People can donate organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, etc., through this initiative.
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11. When is World Environment Protection Day celebrated?
a. 23 November
b. 24 November
c. 25 November
d. 26 November
Answer: d. 26 November
– This day is observed to maintain environmental balance and create awareness among people to improve the environment.