This is the current affairs of 2 & 3 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. Where will the 2+2 meeting of America and India take place on 9 and 10 November 2023?
a. Tel Aviv
b. Washington DC
c. New Delhi
d. New York
Answer: c. New Delhi
– The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, will visit New Delhi next week for the ‘2+2’ meeting.
– This meeting will be held with the Indian Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, and the Minister of Defense, Rajnath Singh.
– This meeting is scheduled to take place between November 9th and 10th, 2023.
– The information was released by the US State Department on November 2, 2023.
– This meeting is the fifth annual dialogue in this format and the first one after the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Likely topics of discussion in the 2+2 meeting:
– Bilateral and global concerns and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
– Discussion on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
– Ukraine-Russia dispute.
– Discussion on reforms of international financial institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
– India-Canada dispute (related to the killing of a Canadian Khalistani separatist).
– Discussion on China and South Asia.
– US-India defense industry cooperation.
What is the 2+2 meeting?
– The 2+2 meeting is a format of dialogue between the foreign and defense ministers of India and its strategic partners on strategic and security issues.
– India has held 2+2 meetings with four major strategic partners: the United States, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
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2. With which neighboring country of India, Bhutan started the process of establishing diplomatic relations and resolving the border dispute?
a. Pakistan
b. China
c. Sri Lanka
d. Bangladesh
Answer: b. China
– There are no political relations between China and Bhutan. However, both countries have made efforts to establish diplomatic relations and resolve border disputes.
– This is a matter of concern for India because the security of Bhutan’s international borders lies with the Indian military.
Visit of the King of Bhutan to India
– During this meeting with China, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, arrived in India on November 3 as part of an eight-day visit.
– He will be in India from November 3 to November 10, 2023.
– During this visit, discussions will be held to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Bhutan.
– It is believed that the King of Bhutan will hold talks with India regarding changes in relations with China.
China and Bhutan’s 25th Round of Talks
– The 25th round of border talks between China and Bhutan was held in Beijing on October 23 and 24, 2023.
– This meeting took place between Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
– During this meeting, both countries expressed their desire to reach a swift resolution on the demarcation of borders.
– An operational agreement was signed between the two countries during this session.
– This agreement will advance their 3-step roadmap initiated in 2021 for the resolution of their border issues.
– In the same meeting, China also expressed its willingness to initiate diplomatic relations with Bhutan.
– Note: (Bhutan does not have diplomatic relations with China as it maintains a policy of not establishing diplomatic relations with any of the permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.)
Why is the 25th Round of Border Talks between China and Bhutan important?
– The border talks between Bhutan and China, taking place after a gap of seven years, indicate improved relations between the two countries.
– Bhutan shares a border of approximately 470 kilometers with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and west.
– Since 1984, Bhutan and China have engaged in 24 rounds of talks to resolve disputes by 2016.
– However, the 25th round of talks occurred in 2017, following the Doklam standoff between Indian and Chinese troops.
Concerns for India
– In light of India’s border disputes with China, China’s proximity to Bhutan is a matter of concern.
– India is concerned that China may not raise the issue of the Doklam border dispute in this meeting.
– India is apprehensive about the initiation of full diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan.
What do experts have to say about this meeting between China and Bhutan?
– In fact, China shares land borders with 14 countries, and it has resolved its border disputes with 12 of these countries.
– However, China still has ongoing border disputes with two countries, India and Bhutan.
– The border dispute between Bhutan and China encompasses an area of approximately 764 square kilometers.
– In 2020, China laid claim to a wildlife sanctuary in Bhutan, which Bhutan rejected.
– However, in 2021, China and Bhutan agreed to resolve the border dispute in three phases. – Several rounds of talks have taken place since then.
– According to senior journalist and foreign affairs expert Prakash K, it seems that the October 2023 meeting indicates that both countries may have reached a final decision.
– It appears that the area around the Doklam Plateau, which is located in western Bhutan, might be ceded to China in return for some concessions in the northern-central area of Bhutan. Such an outcome is suggested.
– Although Bhutan has not established full diplomatic relations with China to date, China has mentioned during this meeting its willingness to initiate diplomatic relations with Bhutan.
– If viewed from this perspective, Bhutan will need to work on its relations with neighboring countries again.
– This is not a direct concern for India, but India needs to pay attention to it.
– However, if China gains territory in the Doklam region, it could be a matter of concern for India because it would bring China closer to India’s Siliguri Corridor, causing significant complications.
– India and Bhutan had a Friendship Treaty in 1949, which stated that Bhutan would consult with India on all external relations decisions it takes.
– However, this provision was removed in 2007-08.
– Nevertheless, the treaty still contains a provision that both countries will negotiate an agreement for their national security.
– So India hopes that they can still discuss the Doklam dispute with Bhutan.
– Besides, the Prime Minister of Bhutan recently stated that they would make any decision by talking to India.
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3. Where did the statewide movement take place demanding Maratha reservation?
a. Gujarat
b. Punjab
c. Karnataka
d. Maharashtra
Answer: d. Maharashtra
– After attempting to suppress the Maratha reservation movement by force, it had ignited throughout the state.
– However, the state government and several political parties had to reach an agreement with the protesters through negotiations.
– On November 1, 2023, all political parties in the state of Maharashtra expressed their consent for Maratha reservation.
– Under the leadership of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra, all parties agreed on Maratha reservation.
– After the agreement on the proposal for Maratha reservation, 32 leaders of various parties in the state signed it.
– Following this agreement, Manoj Jarange, who was on a hunger strike demanding Maratha reservation, ended his hunger strike on November 2, 2023.
– However, the hunger striker Manoj Jarange has given the government time until January 2, 2024.
– Agriculture Minister Dhananjay Munde said that discussions on Maratha reservation will be held in the legislature session.
– Now, during the legislative session, discussions on Maratha reservation will take place on December 8, 2023.
Reasons for the Demand for Maratha Reservation:
– In Maharashtra, the Maratha community constitutes 33% of the population.
– Out of the 33% Marathi population (approximately 40 million people), 90 to 95% of the Maratha community consists of landless farmers.
– The Maratha community in Maharashtra has the highest rate of suicide.
– In 1997, the Maratha community conducted a protest for Maratha reservation in government jobs and educational institutions.
– The Maratha community believes that not all Marathi people belong to the economically advanced castes, but mostly have ties to the Kunbi, or the agricultural community.
– The Kunbi community is classified as OBC in Maharashtra, so the Maratha community wants to include themselves in it.
What Did CM Shinde Say to Agree on Maratha Reservation?
– Shinde stated that he has initiated a two-dimensional program for this.
– More time will be needed for this process.
– The State Backward Class Commission was instructed to gather empirical data as soon as possible.
– We will eliminate the deficiencies and shortcomings pointed out by the Supreme Court while canceling the reservation.
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4. India started the process of purchasing 26 Rafale marine jets (Rafale M) from which country for deployment on the aircraft carrier ‘Vikrant’?
a. France
b. Russia
c. America
d. Japan
Answer: a. France
– According to The Hindu newspaper, India informed France about the decision to purchase around 26 Rafale naval jets in late October 2023.
– India sent a Letter of Request (LoR) to the French government for this purpose.
– India will procure these 26 Rafale maritime jets from France’s Dassault Aviation company.
– The acquisition will be done under a government-to-government framework.
– These 26 Rafale maritime jets (Rafale Marine Jets) are meant for the Indian Navy.
– These jets will be deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
When will these 26 Rafale maritime jets be delivered?
– The Ministry of Defence is still awaiting a response from the French side.
– After receiving a response from the French government, discussions will take place regarding pricing and other details.
What are Rafale Maritime Jets (Rafale Marine Jets)?
– The Rafale Maritime Jets are the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet.
– Currently, the Indian Air Force has 36 Rafale fighter jets.
Key Features of Rafale Maritime Jets (Rafale Marine Jets):
– Advanced twin engines.
– Capable of air-to-air missile launching.
– Equipped with the Hammer air-to-surface smart weapon system.
– Scalp cruise missiles (dangerous missiles launched over long distances in the air).
– Capable of carrying a larger payload.
Approval to Purchase These Marine Jets Was Granted in July 2023:
– Approval for the purchase of these 26 Rafale Maritime Jets was granted during a meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) held on July 13, 2023, under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
– In addition, approval was also granted for the purchase of three additional Scorpene submarines.
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5. When is Karnataka Rajyotsava or Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated?
a. 1 November
b. 2 November
c. 3 November
d. 4 November
Answer: a. 1 November
– Karnataka State Formation Day is celebrated every year on November 1st.
– In the year 1956, on November 1st, Karnataka state was formed by merging the Kannada-speaking regions of South India.
– Karnataka State Formation Day means “Karnataka State Festival.”
Chief Minister of Karnataka – Siddaramaiah
Capital – Bangalore
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6. Parumala Perunnal festival is celebrated in which state?
a. Kerala
b. Uttar Pradesh
c. Maharashtra
d. Jharkhand
Answer: a. Kerala
– It is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the state of Kerala.
– In Malayalam, “Perunnal” means a grand festival or celebration.
– It is a religious festival that lasts for a week.
Kerala
– Chief Minister – Pinarayi Vijayan
– Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
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7. Which autonomous body related to youth was launched by PM Modi?
a. My Bharat
b. My India
c. Hp Bharat
d. My Bharat
Answer: a. My Bharat
– On the occasion of National Unity Day on October 31, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (My Bharat).
– This will be an autonomous body.
– Through this, the focus will be on developing leadership skills and skill development among the youth.
– It will be launched on October 31, National Unity Day.
The establishment of ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ (My Bharat) will promote the following:
– Development of Leadership Skills in Youth:
– Improvement in leadership skills through experiential education and the development of programmatic skills, shifting from individualistic approaches.
– Investing more in youth and grooming them into social innovators and community leaders.
– Shifting government focus on youth leadership development and transforming youth from passive recipients to “active catalysts” of development.
– Better alignment between the aspirations of youth and community needs.
– Consolidation and enhancement of existing programs in youth capacity building.
– Working as a one-stop shop for young people and ministries.
– Creating a centralized youth database.
Improving two-way communication in integrating activities of youth government initiatives and other stakeholders involved in youth development.
Ensuring the creation of a physical ecosystem.
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8. In which stadium was the statue of great cricketer Sachin Tendulkar unveiled in November 2023?
a. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
b. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
c. Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
d. Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata
Answer: b. Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
– The ‘Mumbai Cricket Association’ has installed this statue near the Sachin Tendulkar Stand in the stadium on 1 November.
– This statue is dedicated to the 50 years of Sachin Tendulkar’s life.
– Sachin mentioned that this statue is dedicated to every individual who stood by him. This journey would not have been possible without them.
– The statue of Sachin was crafted by Pramod Kamble, who hails from Ahmednagar, Maharashtra.
Dignitaries Present at the Ceremony
– In this grand ceremony, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, ICC President Sharad Pawar, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, President of the Mumbai Cricket Association Amol Kale, and Sachin’s wife and daughter were also present.
– Other dignitaries also attended the ceremony.
Sachin Tendulkar
– He was born on April 24, 1973, in Mumbai.
– Sachin started playing cricket at the age of 14.
– He is considered one of the greatest batsmen in the history of cricket.
– He has received India’s highest civilian honor, the ‘Bharat Ratna.’
– He is the youngest person to be honored with the ‘Bharat Ratna.’
– He was the first cricketer to receive the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award.
– In 2008, he was also honored with the Padma Vibhushan.
– Sachin made significant contributions to the 2011 World Cup.
– He retired from international cricket at the Wankhede Stadium in 2013.
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9. Who became the bowler who took the most wickets for India in the ODI World Cup?
a. Mohammed Siraj
b. Jasprit Bumrah
c. Mohammed Shami
d. Kuldeep Yadav
Answer: c. Mohammed Shami
– Mohammad Shami achieved this feat against Sri Lanka on November 2, 2023.
– In this match, Mohammad Shami took 5 wickets by giving away 18 runs in 5 overs.
– With this achievement, he became the highest wicket-taker in the history of the World Cup with a total of 45 wickets.
– Prior to this, the record was held by Zaheer Khan and Anil Kumble, who had taken 44 wickets each.
Mohammad Shami:
– He was born on September 3, 1990, in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh.
– He is an Indian international cricketer who plays domestic cricket for Bengal.
– He made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Pakistan in January 2013.
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10. Art galleries will be established in 22 districts of which state?
a. Maharashtra
b. Bihar
c. West Bengal
d. Gujarat
Answer: c. West Bengal
– The Information and Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister, Indranil Sen, made this announcement in November 2023.
– This announcement was made during the ongoing Charukal Utsav celebration in the state.
– The festival is scheduled to take place from November 2 to November 9.
When will the art galleries be established?
– According to The Hindu newspaper, within the next 6 months, an art gallery will be established in each of the 22 districts.
– These galleries will provide a platform for talented young artists to showcase their work.
– This initiative aims to promote local art and culture.
– The process of establishing the first gallery in Chandannagar, Hooghly district, has already begun.
What is an art gallery?
– An art gallery is a room or building where visual art is exhibited.
– In Western cultures from the mid-15th century, a gallery was a long, narrow covered passageway along a wall, first used in the 1590s as a place for art.
West Bengal
Chief Minister – Mamata Banerjee
Governor – Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar
Capital – Kolkata
