Today's Current Affairs 12th October 2023

INTERNATIONAL

India, China hold 20th round of military talks In Ladakh

• India and China held their 20th corps commander-level meeting at the Chushul-Moldo border in Ladakh.
• The recent round of talks built on the progress made during previous Corps Commander meetings held on August 13 and 14.
• In 2019, the Indian government revoked the special autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into two union territories – Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh.
• China is the world's most populous country, with over 1.4 billion people.
• The capital of China is Beijing.

 NATIONAL

UP Declares Gangetic Dolphin as State Aquatic Animal

• Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made Gangetic Dolphin as state Aquatic animal.
• CM yogi also launched the “Meri Ganga Meri Dolphin 2023” campaign.

Union Cabinet approves setting up of ‘Mera Yuva Bharat’ autonomous body for youth development

• The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of an autonomous body named “Mera Yuva Bharat” (my Bharat).
• This initiative aligns with the National Youth Policy and targets individuals between the ages of 15-29.
• Mera Yuva Bharat will be officially launched on 31st October, 2023, which coincides with National Unity Day.

 Operation Ajay set to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel

• External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar announced this operation, emphasizing the government’s commitment.

About Israel:

• Capital: Jerusalem
• Official language: Hebrew
• Continent: Asia
• Prime minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
• Founded: 14 May 1948

Dr. Jitendra Singh launches the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System 2.0 Public Grievance portal and Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard

• This campaign, themed “Digital Darpg,” aimed at enhancing service delivery, utilizing emerging technologies, and ensuring efficient management within government offices.Collaborating with 27 Senior Officials, including Right to Service Commissioners from States/yuts, darpg identified 164 services for pan-India e-service delivery, in addition to the 56 mandatory e-services.

 SPORTS

Manikanta H Hoblidhar Sets New National Record in 100m Sprint

• The 62nd National Open Athletics Championships 2023 kicked off with a bang in Bengaluru.
• Manikanta Hoblidhar from Services etched his name in the record books by smashing a new national record in the men’s 100m category.
• He powered his way to victory, crossing the finish line in first place with a remarkable timing of 10.23 seconds.
• He made a remarkable turnaround in the Services meet, clinching the gold with a time of 10.31 seconds.

11th Sultan of Johor Cup to Be Held In Johor, Malaysia In November 2023

• This prestigious tournament is set to take place from October 27 to November 4. Notably.
• This year’s edition will feature eight teams, expanding from the customary six.

 SUMMITS AND MOU’S

IGNOU & ICAI ink MoU for academic collaboration

• Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has recently renewed and restructured its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
• Nageshwar Rao, is the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, and CA Aniket Sunil Talati is the President of ICAI.
• The MoU was officially signed by CA Jai Kumar Batra, Secretary of ICAI, and Dr. Alok Chaube, Registrar of IGNOU.

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

MRPL Secured ‘Best Innovation in Refinery’ Award For 2022-23

• mrpl bestowed by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas at the 26th Energy Technology Meet 2023.

About Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL):

• Parent organization: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation
• Headquarters: Mangaluru
• Founded: 7 March 1988
• Key people: Subhash Kumar, (Chairman); M. Venkatesh; (md)

 BOOKS AND AUTHORS

Vivek Agnihotri launches his latest book “The Book of Life: My Dance with Buddha for Success”

• Vivek Agnihotri, director of The Kashmir Files, has launched his latest book, “The Book of Life: My Dance with Buddha for Success” in Lucknow.
• He also directed a medical drama film ‘The Vaccine War’ in 2023. Balram Bhargava is the writer of the book on which the movie is based.
• Bhargava’s book, ‘Going Viral – Making of Covaxin: The Inside Story’, documents his experiences.

 BANKING AND ECONOMY

Bharti Group to Acquire French Insurer AXA’s 49% Stake in Bharti AXA Life Insurance Co.

• For almost twenty years, Bharti axa Life Insurance co was a joint venture between Bharti Group and axa.
• The acquisition by Bharti Group, conducted through its Bharti Life Ventures arm, is expected to conclude by December this year.
• Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises: Sunil Bharti Mittal