Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC - 25th November 2023

National News 

1.India To Chair International Sugar Organisation 

• India is set to take the helm as the chairman of the International Sugar Organisation (ISO) in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the country. 
• As the world’s largest consumer and second-largest producer of sugar, this leadership role reflects India’s growing influence in the global sugar sector. 
• The chairmanship for 2024 brings a unique opportunity for India to lead the global sugar sector towards more sustainable practices. 
• The focus will be on uniting member countries to adopt environmentally friendly approaches in sugarcane cultivation, sugar and ethanol production, and the efficient utilization of by-products. 

2.Generic drugs for 4 rare diseases made available in India 

• Providing relief to patients with rare diseases across India, the Union Health Ministry has made available generic drugs to support the care and treatment of four ailments: Tyrosinemia Type 1, Gaucher's Disease, Wilson's Disease, and the Dravet-Lennox Gastaut Syndrome. This means that the cost of these drugs will be slashed by between 60 and 100 times of their current market value. 
• The Ministry is also in the process of making available drugs for more rare diseases, including Phenylketonuria and Hyperammonemia, over the next few months. "The approvals for these drugs are awaited," said V.K. Paul, NITI Aayog's member with expertise on health issues. He added that this initiative would also result in patients' costs dropping from crores to mere lakhs. 
• A rare disease is a health condition of particularly low prevalence that affects a small number of people. It collectively afflicts 6% to 8% of the population in any country at any given time, so India could have 8.4 crore to 10 crore such cases, said the Ministry. Nearly 80% of these diseases are genetic in nature. 
• A rare disease afflicts 6% to 8% of the population in any country at any given time. 
• "To bring in these drugs C a special initiative was taken, and discussions were held with academia, pharma industries, organisations, the Drug Controller, and the Department of Pharmaceuticals. Thirteen rare diseases were prioritised. We particularly worked on sickle cell dis- ease, and on the syrup for children under five who can't be administered tablets," said Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. 
• "This venture is purely a non-commercial venture guided only with the motive to serve those in acute need. For years, the Health Ministry through various schemes has been trying to financially help as many patients as possible but this is a more sustainable measure for not just patients in India but also worldwide," he said.

International News

3.India And EU Ink Semiconductor Agreement To Boost Supply Chain 

• India and the European Union (EU) marked a significant milestone on Friday by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on semiconductors. 
• This collaborative effort aims to establish a robust supply chain, promote innovation, and align both regions with global developments in the semiconductor industry. 
• The agreement emphasizes the identification of areas for collaboration in research, development, and innovation among universities, research organizations, and businesses 

4.World’s Biggest Iceberg On The Move After 30 Years 

• The world’s largest iceberg, named A23a, has embarked on a rare journey after being largely stationary for more than three decades. 
• Weighing nearly a trillion metric tonnes and spanning an area of 4,000 square km, this colossal iceberg originated from West Antarctica’s Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf in 1986. 
• For the first time in more than 30 years, A23a is on the move. Strong winds and ocean currents are propelling it past the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

5.Outbreak of respiratory disease ‘H9N2’ in children in China 

• In the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (avian influenza virus) in China in October 2023, a meeting was held recently under the chairmanship of DGHS to discuss preparedness measures against human cases of avian influenza in the country. The report was given to WHO. 
• Chinese officials have attributed the rise in respiratory illnesses and reports of clusters of pneumonia in children to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the spread of known pathogens. 
• The World Health Organization has reported a potentially worrying increase in clusters of respiratory illnesses and pneumonia in children in China, following an official request. 
• The spread of known pathogens such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 has been increasing in northern China since mid-October. 
• The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the spread of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illnesses among children in northern China. India is at low risk from the avian influenza case as well as clusters of respiratory disease reported from China. H9N2 virus 
• The H9N2 virus is a subtype of influenza virus A, which causes human influenza as well as bird flu. ‘Influenza viruses’ are RNA type viruses and belong to the ‘Orthomyxoviridae’ class. 
• According to the United States National Center for Biotechnology Information, H9N2 viruses are found exclusively in wild birds. 
• The first case of H9N2 virus was detected in turkey flocks, a flock of migratory birds, in Wisconsin, United States, in 1966. In humans, the first case of H9N2 virus infection was reported in Hong Kong in 1998. The first case of H9N2 influenza virus in India has been detected in Maharashtra. 

6.Afghanistan announces permanent closure of its 22-year- old diplomatic mission in India 

• The Afghanistan Embassy has announced the permanent closure of its diplomatic mission in India on 24 November 2023, citing 'continued challenges from the Government of India'. It expressed gratitude to the people of India for their support and assistance to Afghanistan over the last 22 years. 
• In a statement, the embassy expressed its strong belief that the decision to close the mission and transfer custodial authority of the mission to the host country is in the best interests of Afghanistan. 
• The decision, effective from November 23, has been taken after the embassy ceases operations on September 30, 2023. The Afghanistan Embassy hopes that the attitude of the Government of India will change favorably to allow the mission to operate normally. 
• The Afghan community in India has almost halved since August 2021 as many Afghan refugees, students and businessmen have left the country, and very limited new visas have been issued. 
• Earlier in the beginning of November, North Korea has decided to close its diplomatic mission in Nepal and the North Korean mission in India will look after the affairs of Nepal. 

7.DGCA alerts airlines to fake navigational signals 

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday issued an advisory to Indian airlines detailing mitigating measures to be taken in the event of spoofing of (fake) navigational signals, following incidents near the Iranian airspace and a U.S. advisory.
• GPS spoofing is "the surreptitious replacement of a true satellite signal that can cause a GPS receiver to output an erroneous position and time", according to the U.S. Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics.  
• In view of reports of the Geo Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) jamming over West Asia and an advisory from the USA's Federal Aviation Administration for its airlines on September 27, the DGCA formed a committee on October 4. 
•  In its circular, the DGCA has provided comprehensive mitigation measures and action plans for aircraft operators, pilots, air navigation service providers, and air traffic controllers. These include developing "contingency procedures in coordination with equipment manufacturers, and assessing operational risk by conducting a safety risk assessment," it said. 

8.Hornbill Festival 2023 (December 1-10) – A Cultural Extravaganza In Nagaland 

• The Hornbill Festival 2023 is scheduled to occur from Friday, December 1, 2023, to Sunday, December 10, 2023. 
• This 10-day extravaganza, initiated in 2000, has evolved into a mesmerizing spectacle of colorful costumes, rhythmic beats, and musical narratives, offering a unique window into the cultural tapestry of Nagaland. 
• Named after the hornbill, a culturally significant bird embodying fidelity, beauty, and grace in Naga folklore, the Hornbill Festival symbolizes the collective celebration of identity. 
• In 2022, it attracted 1,026 foreign tourists and 48,413 domestic visitors, with an impressive local footfall of 90,860, totaling 140,299. \

9.Closely monitoring outbreak of avian influenza cases: govt. 

• There is low risk to India from both the avian influenza cases reported from China as well as the clusters of respiratory illness, the Health Ministry said on Friday. The statement comes following reports indicating clustering of cases of respiratory illness in children in northern China for which World Health Organization (WHO) has also issued a statement.
• The Ministry maintained that it is closely monitoring the reported outbreak of H9N2 cases and clusters of respiratory illness in children in northern China. It, however, maintained that there is a need for strengthening surveillance among human, animal husbandry and wildlife sectors, and improving coordination. It maintained that India is prepared for any kind of public health emergency. 
• The Ministry also noted that based on the currently available information, an increase in incidence of ment by WHO indicates a respiratory diseases in China have been reported in the last few weeks. 
• "The usual causes of respiratory illness in children have been implicated. and there has been no identification of an unusual pathogen or any unexpected clinical manifestations," said the Ministry. 
• The Ministry also informed that a meeting was recently held to discuss preparedness against huⁿman cases of Avian Influenza in the country against the backdrop of a human case of H9N2 (Avian influenza virus) in October 2023 in China that was reported to WHO. "The overall risk assess low probability of human to human spread and low case fatality rate among human cases of H9N2 reported to WHO so far," it 
• According to a senior official, India is embarking on a "One Health" approach to adopt a holistic and integrated roadmap towards addressing such public health issues. "There has also been a significant strengthening of health infrastructure especially since the COVID pandemic. PM-Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission is developing capacities of health systems and institutions across the continuum of care at all levels," he said. 

10.Trust between India, Australia will help Indo-Pacific region 

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said it is the trust between like minded partners such as India and Australia that is helping in efforts to secure a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region along with a rules- based international order. 
• In his virtual address at the sixth edition of the Australia-India Leadership Dialogue (AID), Mr. Jaishankar said a driving force of the relationship is the convergence in understanding of, and approach to, the geostrategic envi- ronment, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• The AIL.D has quite aptly used the phrase Bridges of Bharosa (trust) as one of its themes, he noted. 
• In this complicated world, it is the bharosa or trust between like-minded partners such as India and Australia, along with others, that is helping us in our efforts to secure a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region along with a rules based international order," Mr. Jaishankar said. 
• His remarks come amid China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. 
• Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong also virtually addressed the forum.

State News 

11.Andhra Pradesh 'caste census' to begin on Dec. 9, says Minister 

• The Andhra Pradesh government will begin a caste census on December 9, said the Backward Classes Welfare Minister Srinivasa Venu Gopala Krishna on Friday. 
• Speaking at the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) office at Tadepalli, Mr. Gopala Krishna said that the government was aiming at undertaking a comprehensive exercise which would change the social and economic status of the poor. 
• "It is important to have a caste census to transform the living standards of peo- ple," he said. Noting that Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy 
• The State's Welfare Minister said, "No govt. has undertaken a caste census after Independence." was "renowned for ensuring social justice", the Mi-mnister said: "No government has undertaken a caste census after Independence only a population census." He added that the mere mention of the census, which has long remained a "goal" of the YSRCP, had the Opposition parties in the state trembling".
• As per a government press release, various caste representatives from across the State are being consulted for the exercise. Mr. Gopala Krishna said that the census would be undertaken in a "scientific" manner, adding that leaders from the Telugu Desam Party were "misleading the people, by saying that the exercise would have no sanctity if volunteers were involved.

12.Drilling snags hold up tunnel rescue 

• Rescue teams were not able to move even an inch closer to the 41 workers trapped in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi of Uttarakhand by Friday evening, as the entire day was taken up in fixing snags in the drilling machine and using radar to scan the debris ahead for any further obstacles. 
• There are only ten metres of debris left between rescuers and the trapped workers, but officials say it is difficult to anticipate when this last leg of the operation will be completed. 
• Some progress was made on alternative rescue efforts by drilling vertically into the tunnel, as well as drilling efforts being made from the other end. 

13.Read up Punjab case verdict on giving assent to Bills, SC tells Kerala Governor 

• The Supreme Court on Friday asked the office of Kerala Governor Arif Mo hammed Khan to read up the court's latest judgement holding Governors responsible for acting within the four corners of the State Legislature without flexing a non-existent veto power over Bills presented to them for assent. 
• The judgement, in a plea filed by Punjab against its Governor Banwarilal Purohit, clarified that a Governor cannot indefinitely sit on Bills. "The Punjab judgement will entirely cover our case... He [Governor] has been sitting on our Bills for two years," advocate K.K. Venugopal, for Arif Mohammed Khan 

Defence News 

14. India-Nepal joint military exercise ‘Surya Kiran-XVII’ started in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand 

• Nepal Army contingent comprising 334 personnel arrived in India to participate in the 17th edition of joint military exercise Surya Kiran. This exercise will be conducted from 24 November to 07 December 2023 at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. 
• The Indian Army contingent of 354 personnel is being led by a battalion of the Kumaon Regiment. The Nepal Army contingent is represented by the Tara Dal battalion. 

• Surya Kiran is an annual exercise, it was started in the year 2011 in Vairangte (Mizoram). The 16th edition was held from 16 to 29 December 2022 at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi (Nepal). 
• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous areas and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. 
• The exercise will focus on the employment of drones and counter drone measures, medical training, aviation aspects and environmental protection. Through these activities, the soldiers will enhance their operational capabilities, hone their fighting skills and strengthen their coordination in challenging situations. 
• The exercise will provide a platform to the troops of India and Nepal to exchange ideas and experiences; Share best practices and foster a deeper understanding of each other's operational processes. 

Business News 

15.Svatantra Microfin’s Strategic Acquisition Of Chaitanya India Fin Credit 

• Svatantra Microfin Private Limited, founded by Ananya Birla, is set to acquire Chaitanya India Fin Credit Private Limited, a subsidiary of Sachin Bansal’s Navi Group, in a significant deal valued at Rs 1,479 crore. The transaction is anticipated to be finalized by the end of 2023. 
• The acquisition positions Svatantra as the second-largest microfinance company in India, boasting a broad reach of over 3.6 million active customers through 1,517 branches across 20 states. 
• The combined entity is projected to hold assets worth Rs 12,409 crore as of March 31, 2023, establishing a robust presence in the Indian microfinance sector. 

16.Warren Buffett’s Exit From Paytm: A Rs 507 Crore Loss

• Warren Buffett-led Berkshire Hathaway has made headlines by completely divesting its 2.46% stake in One 97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm. 
• Berkshire Hathaway exited Paytm by selling its entire 2.46% stake at an average price of Rs 877.2 per share. The transaction, resulting in a Rs 507 crore loss. 
• Prior to the exit, Paytm’s shares experienced a 3.23% decline, reaching Rs 893. The market response underscores the dynamic nature of investor sentiments, reflecting both challenges and opportunities for Paytm as it navigates its path to recovery. 

Economy News 

17.Indian Rupee Hits Record Low At 83.38 Against US Dollar 

• The Indian rupee closed at a new low of 83.38 against the US dollar, marking a alight decline from the previous close of 83.34. 
• This drop was attributed to increased dollar demand from oil companies and intervention by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to mitigate a steeper fall. 
• The primary factor contributing to the rupee’s decline was the heightened demand for dollars from oil companies. This demand, coupled with RBI interventions, played a crucial role in shaping the day’s forex market dynamics. 
• The Reserve Bank of India actively intervened to stabilize the rupee, preventing a more significant depreciation. Despite these efforts, the currency closed at a new low, indicating the challenges faced by the central bank in managing the forex market. 

18.India said to be set to miss divestment targets by half this fiscal year 

• India will struggle to raise even half the proceeds it had targeted from planned sales of state-run firms this year and will miss divestment targets for the fifth straight year, sources said, as elections shift ment priorities. 
• The government may fall short of its divestment goal by 130,000 crore ($3.6 billion) in 2023/24, two government sources told Reuters. New Delhi had targeted 51,000 crore from divestment proceeds for the current fiscal year that ends March 31, 2024. 
• In 2023/24, about 30,000 crore of the 51,000 crore target was expected through stake sales in IDBI Bank and the privatisation of stateowned NMDC Steel. 
• However, delays in vetting of interested buyers for IDBI by the Reserve Bank of India have stretched the sale timeline beyond the 2024 elections. 
• The sale of NMDC Steel will not conclude this year due to State elections and general elections next summer. The company's main plant is in the mineral rich State of Chhattisgarh, where it is a major employer and unions have protested the sale. 
• While it may still achieve some smaller divestments this year, it would still be well short of half its overall target. 
• "No privatisation will take place in this tenure of the government," said Subhash Chandra Garg, formler er Finance Secretary. "Fonts get divestment and privatisation for next six months because of lack of political interest.” 

Schemes and Committee News 

19.‘AGNI’ Initiative To Promote Innovations By Ayurveda Practitioners 

• The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has introduced the “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI). 
• This initiative is strategically designed to encourage Ayurveda practitioners to contribute, document, and validate innovative medical practices for the betterment of educational and academic realms. 
• AGNI serves as a dedicated platform for Ayurveda practitioners to share their innovative practices and experiences across diverse disease conditions. 

Banking News 

20.Bandhan Bank Board Approves Reappointment Of Chandra Shekhar Ghosh As MD & CEO 

• The board of directors at Bandhan Bank has given the green light for the reappointment of Chandra Shekhar Ghosh as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD&CEO). 
• The Kolkata-based private sector lender has extended Ghosh’s tenure for a period of three years. The current term is set to expire on July 09, 2024. 
• Chandra Shekhar Ghosh brings to the table over three decades of experience in microfinance, banking, and development. His leadership has played a crucial role in steering Bandhan Bank through various challenges and contributing to its growth. 

21.RBI Takes Action Against Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank’s Governance Issues 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on Friday that it has superseded the board of Abhyudaya Cooperative Bank for a duration of 12 months. 
• This action comes as a response to certain material concerns arising from observed poor governance standards within the bank. 
• The RBI invoked its powers under Section 36 AAA, read in conjunction with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, specifically applicable to cooperative societies.
• This move signifies the regulator’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and stability of financial institutions in the country. 

22.RBI Imposes Fine Of ₹10.34 Crore On BoB, Citibank, And IOB 

• The Reserve Bank of India, on 24 November, took stringent measures against Citibank, Bank of Baroda, and Indian Overseas Bank, imposing penalties totaling ₹10.34 crore. 
• Indian Overseas Bank bore the brunt of a ₹1 crore penalty for non-compliance with specific directions issued by the RBI on ‘loans and advances – statutory and other restrictions.’ 
• Citibank, a major player in the banking sector, faced a hefty penalty of ₹5 crore for failing to comply with various directives. 
• Bank of Baroda found itself in the regulatory crosshairs as the RBI imposed a penalty of ₹4.34 crore. 

23.Mastercard And U GRO Capital Collaborate For MSME Financing 

• Mastercard, a prominent global technology company in the payments industry, has forged a strategic partnership with U GRO Capital, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) specializing in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) financing. 
• This collaboration aims to provide financial solutions to small businesses in India, addressing the longstanding challenge of limited access to capital faced by MSMEs. The Mastercard and U GRO Capital partnership is designed to create a holistic digital supply chain financing solution. 
• By leveraging technology and financial expertise, the collaboration intends to bridge the credit gap and foster the growth of entrepreneurial ventures in India. 

24.Falling recovery, delay in resolution dent IBC's success 

• MUMBAI alling recovery rates from 43% to 32% between March 2019 and September 2023, and an increase in the average resolution time from 324 to 653 days versus the stipulated 330 days have emerged as impediments to the success of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), according to a report by CRISIL Rating. 
• "There are two reasons for this. First, limited judicial bench strength and delays in identification and Mixed bag 
• Limited Judicial bench strength and delays in identification and acknowledgement of default are limiting IBC's success: CRISIL
• CRISIL says the IBC, since its inception in 2016, has improved credit culture in India by resolving stressed assets 
• Creditors realise 329% of the admitted claims under IBC as compared with 5-20% recovery under other mechanisms 
• The ratings agency adds that bad-loan cases are getting sorted before reaching the IBC's gates due to the deterrence effect of acknowledgement of default. Second, significant delay in the admission stage (650 days in fiscal 2022 increased from about 450 days in fiscal 2019) has suppressed recoverage rates," the rating agency said. 
• CRISIL said since its inception in 2016, the IBC has improved credit culture in India by resolving a significant amount of stressed assets with better recovery rates compared with the previous mechanisms. Importantly, it has set such deterrence that large bad-loan cases are getting sorted before reaching the IBC's gates, it said. 
• On average, creditors have realised 32% of the admitted claims and 169% of the liquidation value. Other mechanisms had an average recovery rate of 5-20%, CRISIL said. 

Important Day News 

25.International Day For The Elimination Of Violence Against Women 2023 

• November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a pivotal day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness and address the global issue of violence faced by women. 
• This day, part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence campaign, aims to shed light on the pervasive nature of violence against women and promote proactive measures to prevent such atrocities. 
• The global theme for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence in 2023 is a powerful call to action: “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.” 

Science and Technology News 

26.Scientists Uncover Mysterious Cosmic Ray Surpassing Three-Decade Record 

• Scientists have detected a rare and extremely high-energy particle falling to Earth that is causing bafflement because it is coming from an apparently empty region of space. 
• The particle, named Amaterasu after the sun goddess in Japanese mythology, is one of the highest-energy cosmic rays ever detected. 
• With an estimated energy level of 240 exa-electronvolts (EeV), comparable to the record-breaking Oh-My-God particle discovered in 1991, the source and nature of this cosmic phenomenon remain elusive. 

27.Centre exempts CERT-In from purview of RTI Act 

• The Union government has added the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) among a list of organisations that are exempted from the ambit of the Right to Information Act. 
• The CERT-In is the national nodal agency for responding to computer security incidents as and when they occur. One of its primary objectives is enhancing "security awareness among common citizens". It functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. 
• There are 26 other intelligence and security organisations established by the Union government such as the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, National Technical Research Organisation that are exempt under RTL CERT-In is India's nodal agency that responds to computer security breaches. 
• The RTI Act, enacted in 2005, said the legislation shall not apply to intelligence and security organisations specified in the Se- cond Schedule, "provided that the information per- taining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations shall not be excluded." 
• On Friday, the Department of Personnel and Training issued a notification stating that "in exercise of the powers conferred by section 24 (2) of the RTI Act, 2005 (22 of 2005), the Centre hereby makes the following further amendment to the said Act, namely: "In the Second Schedule to the RTI Act, 2005, after serial number 26 and the entry relating thereto, the following serial number and entry shall be inserted, namely: 27 Indian Computer Emergency Response Team" 
• The last time an amendment was made to the Second Schedule of RTI was in 2016 when the Strategic Forces Command was added to the list of exempted organisations. Two other organisations of the Ministry of Defence the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Border Roads Development Board are also placed in the Second Schedule. 
• The CERT-In has been probing major cyber attacks in the recent past; it was the first responder to the ransomware attack on November 23, 2022 at AIIMS which had crippled the "Hospital Information System (HIS) and e-Hospital" system for several day. 

Report News 

28. Report: US Granted $677 Billion In Aid To 213 Countries From 2001 To 2023

• According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States emerges as the foremost aid provider in 2022.
• A comprehensive analysis indicates that the US has disbursed a staggering $677 billion in aid to 213 countries from 2001 to 2023. This financial assistance spans various nations, addressing diverse needs and challenges. 
• The aftermath of the 9/11 attacks and subsequent events in Afghanistan resulted in the country receiving a total of $111 billion of aid between 2001 and 2023. 
• Examining the recipients of US aid, Israel emerges as the second-highest beneficiary, receiving $65 billion, followed closely by Iraq at $64 billion. 

Sport's News 

29.Imad Wasim Retires From International Cricket 

• Imad Wasim, the 34-year-old all-rounder from Pakistan, has decided to retire from all forms of international cricket. This marks the end of a journey that saw him don the green jersey for 121 appearances across ODIs and T20Is. 
• Imad Wasim leaves behind a commendable record, having played in 55 ODIs and 66 T20Is for Pakistan. His contributions extend beyond the boundary, with 1472 runs and 109 wickets to his name. 
• Wasim bid adieu to international cricket with a memorable performance in his last match against New Zealand earlier this year. His quick-fire 31 off 14 balls and two wickets were a fitting end to a remarkable career. ]

30.According to Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, 'Khelo India Para Games-2023' will be held in New Delhi for the first time

• Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur announced the first-ever Khelo India Para Games, which will be held in New Delhi from 10-17 December 2023. 
• In this, Para athletes will compete for honors in 7 disciplines including Para Athletics, Para Shooting, Para Archery, Para Football, Para Badminton, Para Table Tennis and Para Weight Lifting. The events will be held at 3 SAI stadiums – IG Stadium, Shooting Range at Tughlakabad and JLN Stadium. 
• This announcement is a major step towards the government's initiative to develop Para sports in the country, and the event will help in identifying talented Para athletes who will be assisted with adequate support from SAI and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 
• Khelo India Games have played a vital role in this scheme, a total of 11 Khelo India Games have been conducted since 2018 – 5 Khelo India Youth Games, 3 Khelo India University Games and 3 Khelo India Winter Games have been successfully conducted. Over 1350 participants from 32 states and union territories, including the Services Sports Control Board, are expected to participate in the first Khelo India Para Games. Indian para athletes won an unprecedented 111 medals at the recently concluded Asian Para Games in Hangzhou.