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Important Current Affairs 13th November 2020

National

Finance Minister announces Economic Stimulus Package 4.0

• The Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitaraman announced the Economic Stimulus Package 4.0.

• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for 10 sectors. Rs 1.46 trillion to be provided.

• Rs 6,940 crore scheme to promote manufacture of API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients).

• Rs 18,000 crores allocated to Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). The implementation of the programme will generate 7.8 million jobs.

Operation Green Scheme: Centre announces 50 percent subsidy for air transportation of fruits, vegetables

• The central government on November 11, 2020 announced a new scheme- Operation Green- under which a 50 percent subsidy will be provided to the Himalayan and North-Eastern states for air transportation of 41 notified fruits and vegetables to any place in the country.

• Under the scheme, the airlines will provide direct air transport subsidy to the supplier, consignor, consignee or agent by charging only 50 percent of the actual contracted freight charges. The balance 50 percent will be claimed by the airlines as subsidy from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

Banking and Economy

Moody’s projects India GDP for 2020 at -8.9%; 2021 forecast at 8.6%

• Rating Agency Moody has projected the GDP of India at -8.9% for the calendar year 2020. Earlier this was projected at -9.6%.

• Apart from this, India’s GDP growth for Calendar year 2021 is projected at 8.6% by Moody’s from 8.1% earlier.

Paytm launches “Payout Links” for small businesses

• Paytm has launched “Payout Links” for businesses, enabling them to instantly process payouts to customers, employees and vendors, without collecting their bank details.

• It is aimed at helping small businesses in sectors like gaming, retail, export, manufacturing and e-commerce.

HDFC Bank Launches SmartHub Merchant Solutions 3.0 for SMEs

• The private sector lender HDFC Bank has launched SmartHub Merchant Solutions 3.0, India’s first comprehensive banking and payment solution for merchants.

• The new solution will allow merchants and self-employed professionals to instantly open a current account and start accepting payments in-store, online, and on-the-go.

• SmartHub 3.0 will be available in app based, web based and a range of PoS devices.

Acquisitions and Mergers

TCS to acquire Deutsche’s Postbank Systems AG

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced an agreement under which the company will acquire 100% of the shares of Postbank Systems AG (PBS) from Deutsche Bank AG.

• PBS has close to 1,500 employees and post the acquisition, they will become a part of TCS. The acquisition is expected to finalise by year end.

• The transaction is subject to customary regulatory and governmental approvals.

Appointments and Resignations

Kash Patel named Chief of Staff to acting US Defence Secretary

• Indian-American Kash Patel has been named as the Chief of Staff to the Acting US Defence Secretary Chris Miller. The new appointment comes a day after Donald Trump fired Defence Secretary Mark Esper and designated Chris Miller, as the Acting Secretary.

• Kash Patel, currently on the National Security Council staff. He replaces Jen Stewart, who resigned earlier in the day.

Days

World Kindness Day

• World Kindness Day is held globally on 13 November to highlight good deeds in the community focusing on the positive power and the common thread of kindness which binds us.

• The theme for 2020 World Kindness day is Kindness: The World We Make – Inspire Kindness.

• World Kindness Day was first celebrated in 1998 by The World Kindness Movement.

Books and Authors

Maharashtra Governor releases a book ‘Majhi Bhint’

• Maharashtra Governor, Bhagat Singh Koshyari has released the book ‘Majhi Bhint’ (My Wall) authored by former Maharashtra Minister of Education Rajendra Darda at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.

• The book is a compilation of selected Facebook posts of Rajendra Darda pertaining to a range of issues written over the last four years.

Nepal President unveils pictorial anthology on Mahatma Gandhi

• A pictorial anthology on Mahatma Gandhi in the Nepali language was released by President Bidya Devi Bhandari to mark his 151st birth anniversary and bring the Nepalese youth closer to the revered global peace icon.

• The book titled Maile Bujheko Gandhi or the Gandhi as I understood, was released at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhawan in Kathmandu in the presence of Ambassador of India to Nepal, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

• The book has been published by the Embassy of India along with the B P Koirala India-Nepal Foundation to “cherish the values of the Mahatma’s universal teachings with our Nepali friends.

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Important Current Affairs 12th November 2020

National

Digital/Online media now under govt regulation

• Digital/Online media has been brought under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• Currently, there is no law or autonomous body governing digital content.

• The 2nd Schedule of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules 1961 has been amended to include following entries viz. Films and Audio-Visual programmes, News and current affairs content.

Government scales up goal of PM-KUSUM scheme to 30.8 GW of solar capacity by 2022

• The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) issued an order to scale-up and expand Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme.

• According to the new order by the Ministry, the target of the scheme now is to achieve an enhanced solar capacity of 30.8 GW (gigawatt) by the year 2022. For the target to be achieved, the central financial support has also been revised to Rs. 34,035 crores.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had earlier in February 2019 the launch of PM-KUSUM Scheme and aimed at providing water and financial security to the Indian farmers. At that time, the scheme had the aim of adding a solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022 and the total financial support to be provided was Rs. 34,422 crores.

Union Cabinet approves PLI scheme for ten key sectors to boost manufacturing

• The Union Cabinet on November 11, 2020, approved the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for ten major sectors including pharmaceutical drugs, auto components, and automobiles for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and export.

• The financial outlay approved by the government for the 10 sectors over a period of 5 years is worth nearly Rs. 2 lakh crores.

• The Union Minister, Prakash Javadekar also informed that the Production Linked Incentive Scheme will also help in creating jobs. He also added that manufacturing is 16% of GDP and it needs to increase.

India’s first solar-based water supply project launched in Arunachal Pradesh

• India’s first solar-based Integrated Multi-Village Water Supply Project (IMVWSP) was dedicated to the people of Arunachal Pradesh by Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

• The solar-based lift water supply project for 39 villages in Lower Dibang Valley district in northeastern Arunachal Pradesh was commissioned at a cost of Rs 28.50 crore.

• The project is designed to provide drinking water to 17,480 people and has been conceived as an integrated project with an element of drinking water, green energy and tourism component in it.

• He also launched the “Arunachal Jal Sankalp“, a state government dedicated flagship programme to supplement the Jal Jeevan Mission and to sustain the drinking water systems.

Banking and Economy

RBI to evaluate impact of ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ campaign

• The Reserve Bank of India will evaluate the impact of multi-media public awareness campaign ‘RBI Kehta Hai’, which was launched in 14 languages to educate the public about safe banking and financial practices.

• ‘RBI Kehta Hai’ was the first even 360-degree campaign initiated by the central bank using all mass media, including media such as television, radio, newspapers, hoardings, web banners, gifs, social media and SMS.

Awards

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu presents 2nd National Water Awards

• The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu presented the National Water Awards (NWAs) for 2019 on 11 November 2020. This is the second edition of the award.

• The award ceremony has been organised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation is from 11 & 12 November, 2020 through virtual platform.

• Among the states category, Tamil Nadu bagged the Best State Award, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

• The NWA awards are given to motivate the individuals/organizations to adopt the best usage practices in the field of water resources conservation and management and create awareness among the people about importance of water.

Ruskin Bond conferred with Tata Literature Lifetime Achievement Award

• Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most cherished authors, has been conferred the 11th Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award for 2020, to recognise his very long literary life of almost seventy years.

• Apart from this, renowned poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has been named as the Poet Laureate of the Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2020.

Indian Astronomers collaborate with 2020 Nobel Physics Nobel Laureate for Thirty Meter Telescope Project

• Indian astronomers have collaborated with the 2020 Physics Nobel Laureate Prof. Andrea Ghez for the design of back-end instruments and possible science prospects of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project.

• The Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) is a proposed extremely large telescope (ELT) which is planned to be installed at Maunakea on the island of Hawaii.

• The TMT project is an international partnership between CalTech, Universities of California, Canada, Japan, China, and India, to revolutionize the understanding of the universe and the enigmas in it.

China’s Chen Meng claims ITTF Women’s World Cup title

• The world number one Chen Meng beat Chinese compatriot Sun Yingsha to win her maiden International Table Tennis Federation(ITTF) Women’s World Cup table tennis title in held in Weihai, China.

• The 2020 ITTF Women’s World Cup was the 24th edition of the ITTF-sanctioned event.

Obituary

Bahrain PM Sheikh Khalifa dies at 84

• The Prime Minister of Bahrain, Sheikh Khalifa passed away on November 11, 2020. He was 84. Prince Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa was the world's longest-serving Prime Minister.

• Prince Khalifa took over the post of Bahrain’s Prime Minister since its independence in 1971.

Days

Public Service Broadcasting Day

• Public Service Broadcasting Day is celebrated every year on November 12 to commemorate the first and only visit of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947.

• Mahatma Gandhi addressed the displaced people (refugee from Pakistan), who had temporarily settled at Kurukshetra in Haryana after partition.

World Pneumonia Day

• World Pneumonia Day is observed globally on 12th November every year. The day is celebrated to raise awareness, promote prevention and treatment and produce action to combat the disease.

• The day was celebrated on November 12 in 2009 by the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia.

Books and Authors

Thavaasmi book launched by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu

• Vice President of India, Venkaiah Naidu has launched the book titled “Thavaasmi: Life and Skills through the lens of Ramayana”.

•  The book was authored by Rallabandi Srirama Chakradhar and co-author by Amara Sarada Deepthi.

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Important Current Affairs 11th November 2020

National

Prime Minister addressed at the 20th Summit of SCO Council of Heads of State

• The 20th Summit of SCO Council of Heads of State was held on November 10, 2020, in Video Conference Format.

• The Meeting was chaired by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led the Indian delegation.

• All SCO Member States were represented by their Presidents, while India and Pakistan were represented at the level of Prime Minister.

• The Secretary General of the SCO Secretariat, Executive Director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, the Presidents of the four Observers (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia) of the SCO also attended the meeting.

• This was the third meeting that India participated after becoming a full member in 2017.

• India will host the next regular Meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government on November 30, 2020 in virtual format.

Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri to inaugurate 13th Urban Mobility India Conference 2020

• The 13th Urban Mobility India (UMI) Conference was organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on 09 November 2020.  It was inaugurated by Shri Hardeep S. Puri, Minister of State (IC) Housing and Urban Affairs.

• The day-long Conference was held via Video Conference on the theme “Emerging Trends in Urban Mobility”.

• The conference focused on innovative measures taken at national and international level to address the challenges posed by Covid-19 pandemic to provide accessible and convenient transport to the people.

• The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, had issued the National Urban Transport Policy, 2006 (NUTP) to ensure safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable and sustainable access for the growing number of city residents to jobs, education, recreation and such other needs within our cities.

Obituary

‘Scooby-Doo’ Co-creator Ken Spears passes away

• American television editor, writer, and producer Ken Spears, who co-created the beloved animated series “Scooby-Doo” has passed away. He was 82.

• Ken was also the co-founder of television animation production company, Ruby-Spears Productions, along with the late Joe Ruby.

• Together, Spears and Ruby created Scooby-Doo, Dynomutt, Dog Wonder, and Jabberjaw, among other programs.

Sports

Mumbai Indians wins IPL 2020 trophy

• Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals in the final of Dream11 Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to lift their fifth IPL trophy.

• Rohit Sharma adjudged Game Changer of the Match in the final of IPL 2020.

• Trent Boult named the Player of the Match in the final of IPL 2020.

• Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul bags the Orange Cap.

• Game Changer of the Season: KL Rahul.

• Delhi Capitals’ Kagiso Rabada wins the Purple Cap.

• Emerging Player of the season: Devdutt Padikkal (RCB).

• Rajasthan Royals speedster Jofra Archer emerges as the Most Valuable Player.

Appointments and Resignations

Former chief secretary MM Kutty to be chairperson of CAQM

• Former Chief Secretary of Delhi, M.M. Kutty was appointed as the chairperson of Commission for Air Quality Management(CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

• The CAQM was formed on October 28 after dissolving several pollution-monitoring bodies, including most prominently the 22-year-old, Environment Pollution Prevention & Control Authority (EPCA) that has so far addressed air pollution in the Delhi NCR.

Indian Oil Corp (IOC) director Akshay Kumar Singh appointed as new MD & CEO of Petronet LNG

• Akshay Kumar Singh, the Indian Oil Corp (IOC) director-pipelines, has been appointed as the new managing director and chief executive of Petronet LNG Ltd, India’s biggest gas importer.

• Singh replaces Prabhat Singh who completed his five-year term on September 13, 2020.

• Petronet is a joint venture of IOC, GAIL, Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and BPCL.

Days

National Education Day

• In India, the National Education Day is celebrated on 11 November every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India.

• The day was announced by the Ministry of Human Resource Development on 11 September 2008.

• Maulana Abul Kalam Azad served as education minister from 15 August 1947 to 2 February 1958.

World Science Day for Peace and Development

• World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated each year on November 10 every year. This day is celebrated to highlight the important role that science play in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues.

• This year World Science Day for Peace and Development theme is “Science for and with Society”.

• This year the focus of World Science Day is on “Science for and with Society in dealing with the global pandemic.”

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Important Current Affairs 7th November 2020

NATIONAL

Two-day joint coastal security exercise ‘Sagar Kavach’ begins

• A two-day joint coastal security exercise, “Sagar Kavach” was launched at Paradip Coast, Odisha. The exercise is being carried out by a joint effort of the state of Odisha and West Bengal governments.

• The main purpose of the exercise is to carry out the exercise on the coast of Paradip this year, just like every year after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The exercise is being carried out to prevent a repeat of the Mumbai attacks by sea.

• More than 10 such departments, including the Indian Navy, the Indian Coast Guard, the Odisha Police, the local fishermen, the forest department, and the port marine department, have joined the joint exercise.

• It will run for two days, with red and green forces being formed to infiltrate and prevent attacks. This year for coastal security the exercise was named “Sagar Kavach”.

India’s special forces conducted ‘Bull Strike’ triservice exercise

• Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) has conducted a three-day Tri-Service Combat Exercise code-named “Bull Strike” at Teressa Island in Nicobar Group of Islands. The exercise focussed on interoperability and synergy among three services – Army, Navy and Air Force to maximise combat potential.

• The exercise saw participation from three services components of ANC, elements of Indian Army’s Parachute Brigade, MARCOS (Marine Commando Force) and Special Forces.

• The training activities included combat free fall and paradrop from Advanced Airlifter C-130J “Super Hercules” by a company of Para Commandos, action by MARCOS of Indian Navy and Special Heli Borne Operations (SHBO) by Indian Army Ghatak platoons.

• Search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation procedures were also practised by the participating troops.

Centre forms committee to assess existing TRP system of TV channels

• The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has constituted a four-member committee, to assess the existing Television Rating Points (TRP) of TV channels. The committee will be chaired by Prasar Bharati CEO, Shashi S Vempati.

• The committee will be responsible to address the ‘needs of the stakeholders’ and make necessary recommendations for a rating system which shall be ‘robust, transparent and accountable’.

• It will have to submit its report to the Information and Broadcasting minister within two months.

• The need to form such committee was felt after the alleged TRP scam in which it was alleged that certain TV channels manipulated TRPs in return for payment.

• TRP is calculated in India by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) using a device called Bar-O-Meter, which is installed in over 45,000 households across the country.

• The device collects data about a programme or channel watched by members of these households on the basis of which weekly ratings are issued by BARC.

DMC launched "Plastic Lao MASK LE JAO" initiative

• In Uttarakhand, Dehradun Municipal Corporation (DMC) has launched an initiative named Plastic Lao MASK LE JAO to fight against the menace of plastic waste and contain the spread of C-19.

• It has distributed Five thousand face masks in exchange for plastic waste.

• Municipal commissioner of Dehradun, Vinay Shankar Pandey, who was the first to bring plastic waste from his house and get a face mask, and create awareness in the public against plastic waste and also the importance of masks.

India receives 2nd batch of Three Rafale Aircraft

• India receives the second batch of three Rafale Aircraft, bringing total Rafale Jets with IAF to eight.

• The second batch of three Rafale jets landed in Jamnagar, Gujarat on 4th November 2020, after flying non-stop from France.

• Earlier, the first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 28 and they were officially inducted in the Indian Air Force on 10 September at Ambala Air Base in Haryana.

• With the arrival of the second batch, the IAF now has a total of eight Rafale fighter aircraft. As per the information by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, the induction of all 36 jets will be completed by 2023.

Chacha Chaudhary becomes the Brand Ambassador for NamamiGange Project

• The iconic Indian superhero, Chacha Chaudhary, whose brain works faster than a computer has now come forward to join hands with the NamamiGangeProgramme.

• Diamond Toons will conceptualize and publish this new ‘Talking Comics’ with Chacha Chaudhary spreading awareness on the cultural and spiritual significance of River Ganga and deploy best available knowledge across the masses for Ganga rejuvenation. The teaser was released during Ganga Utsav 2020.

Syska Group announces Rajkummar Rao as its new brand ambassador

• Fast Moving Electrical Goods (FMEG) company Syska Group, has roped in actor Rajkummar Rao as the new face of the brand.

• Rao will work closely with the company to promote the Syska products across LED and fan segments.

• The partnership will also see Syska Group launch a new ad campaign with Rajkummar focusing on LED and fans.

• The company aims to leverage the actors strong connect with urban audiences, as well as with those from Tier 2 and 3 markets, which make up the large segment of its target groups.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

NDDB Chairman Dilip Rath elected to IDF

• National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Chairman, Dilip Rath has been unanimously elected to the board of global dairy body International Dairy Federation (IDF).

• He has been associated with IDF for the last 10 years as Member Secretary of Indian National Committee and as a member of the Standing Committee on Dairy Policy and Economics.

• Rath has played a key role in signing the Dairy Declaration at the IDF World Dairy Summit in Rotterdam in October 2016 between IDF and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

• India ranks first among the world’s milk-producing nations and has the largest bovine population in the world.

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Cancer Awareness Day 2020

• The National Cancer Awareness Day is observed annually in India on November 7, to spread awareness on cancer, its symptoms and treatment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally.

• In 2018, approximately 18 million cases were there globally, of which, 1.5 million were in India alone. In 2018, there were around 0.8 million cancer deaths in India against 9.5 million globally.

SUMMITS AND MOU’S

Shaktikanta Das Chairs 40th SAARC Central Bank Governors Meet

• The 40th Meeting of the SAARCFINANCE Governors’ Group was held virtually, under the Chairmanship of Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor, RBI.

• The meeting was attended by the Governors from SAARC central banks. During the meeting, Mr Das also inaugurated the SAARCFINANCE Sync, a closed user group secure communication network.

• In his opening remarks, Governor Shri Das highlighted the close partnership and co-operation among the member countries in jointly fighting the pandemic.

• The group took stock of the macroeconomic situation in the SAARC region; discussed the current SAARCFINANCE initiatives; and the way ahead.

• The Governors reaffirmed their commitment to continued co-operation and sharing of central bank experiences.

• SAARCFINANCE is a network of central bank governors and finance secretaries of the SAARC region.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the current chair of SAARCFINANCE.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Hariharan wins JC Daniel award for lifetime contributions in Malayalam cinema

• Noted filmmaker Hariharan has been selected for the JC Daniel Award, the state government’s highest honour for lifetime contributions to Malayalam cinema.

• The award carries a purse of Rs 5 lakh, a citation, and a sculpture. Hariharan was chosen for the prestigious award by a jury chaired by MT Vasudevan Nair with director Harikumar, actor Vidhubala, State Chalachitra Academy chairman Kamal and Cultural Department Secretary Rani George as members.

• Hariharan, who initially skilled with cinematographer U Rajagopal in Madras, later assisted administrators M Krishnan Nair, AB Raj, and JD Thottanm for seven years. In 1972 he directed the film ‘Girls Hostel’. Later he got here up with a few of the evergreen films in Malayalam.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

WhatsApp's payments service gets NPCI nod

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has finally allowed Facebook-owned messaging platform "WhatsApp" to roll out its payments service in the country in a “graded” manner.

• The announcement by NPCI came after the organisation made a crucial change to its regulations concerning the use of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

• The change puts a limit on single third parties such as WhatsApp or its rivals Google Pay and Walmart’s PhonePe where they can only handle 30 per cent of overall UPI transaction volumes.

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Important Current Affairs 5th November 2020

INTERNATIONAL

Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara wins 3rd term

• The incumbent President of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, has won a third 5-year term in a landslide victory, gaining more than 94 per cent of the votes polled.

• The 78-year-old, Mr Ouattara was first sworn in as the president in 2010 and then re-elected in 2015. Apart from this, he has also served as the Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire from November 1990 to December 1993.

Sarbananda Sonowal lays foundation stone of Indo-Israeli CoE

• The Chief Minister of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal has laid the foundation stone of Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Vegetables Protected Cultivation at Khetri on the outskirts of The Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Protected Cultivation is estimated to be set up at an investment of Rs 10.33 Crore.

• The CoE will provide exposure to the latest Israeli technologies to the farmers of Assam and help them in maximizing their production and income. It would also boost agricultural and horticultural production in Assam leading to greater economic rewards to state’s farmers.

NATIONAL

NMCG organises three-day virtual 'Ganga Utsav 2020'

• Ganga Utsav-2020 has been organised by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) jointly with the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The three-day-long Ganga Utsav-2020 has been organised from 02 to 04 November 2020, virtually amidst C-19 precautions.

• The annual event is organised to spread awareness about river Ganga and the need to keep the river clean and rejuvenated. The 2020 edition marks the 12th anniversary of Ganga being accorded the status of National River, on 4th November 2008.

India-US-Japan-Australia kick-starts Malabar Naval Exercise-2020

• The Navies of India, the US, Japan and Australia began the four-day-long phase first of the Malabar naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal.

• From the Indian side, destroyer Ranvijay, frigate Shivalik, off-shore patrol vessel Sukanya, fleet support ship Shakti and submarine Sindhuraj will be part of the drill. US Navy Ship USS John S McCain (Guided-missile destroyer), Australian Navy Ship HMAS Ballarat (long-range frigate) and Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship (JMSDF) Ship JS Onami (destroyer) are participating along with Indian Navy units.

• The Malabar exercise started in 1992 as a bilateral drill between the Indian Navy and the US Navy in the Indian Ocean. Japan became a permanent member of the exercise in

Indian Naval Ship ‘Airavat’ reaches Port Sudan under ‘Mission Sagar-II’

• As a part of Mission Sagar-II, the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat has reached Sudan with 100 tonnes of food aid. Under Mission Sagar-II, INS Airavat will deliver food aid to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea amid the C-19 pandemic.

• The government of India has launched this initiative to provide assistance to friendly foreign countries to overcome natural calamities and C-19 pandemic.

• Mission Sagar-II follows the Mission Sagar-I, which was undertaken in May-June 2020, wherein India provided food and medicines to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros.

• It is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours and further strengthens the existing bond.

SPORTS

West Indies batsman M. Samuels retires from all forms of cricket

• West Indies batsman, Marlon Samuels has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

• The 39-year-old had informed Cricket West Indies (CWI) about his retirement in June this year, having last played for his country in December 2018 against Bangladesh.

• He has played 71 Tests, 207 ODIs, and 67 T20s at the international level, has scored 11,134 international runs including 17 centuries across all formats. He also has 152 international wickets to his name.

Obituary

Violin Maestro, Padma Awardee TN Krishnan passes away

• Noted violin maestro and Padma awardee, TN Krishnan passed away. His full name was Tripunithura Narayanaiyer Krishnan.

• He was born on 6 October 1928, in Tripunithura, Kerala and later around 1942, he settled in Chennai. He was conferred with many prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri (1973), the Padma Bhushan (1992) and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1974) among others.

6th & shortest served CM of Bihar Satish Prasad Singh passes away

• Former Chief Minister and Socialist of Bihar, Satish Prasad Singh passed away. He was born on January 1, 1936, in Korchakka(now known as Satish Nagar) Village, Khagaria district, Bihar.

• Satish Prasad Singh, the leader of Soshit Samaj Dal became the 6th and the shortest- served CM of Bihar for 5 days(28 January to February 1, 1968) with the support of Indian National Congress(INC).

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

India successfully test-fires enhanced version of PINAKA rocket system

• The enhanced version of PINAKA rocket system was successfully flight tested by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the coast of Odisha. This enhanced version of the Pinaka rocket would replace the existing Pinaka Mk-I rockets. While Mk-1 had a range of 40 km, the new variant can hit a target 45 to 60 km away.

• The design and development of Pinaka were done by DRDO laboratories based in Pune, namely Armament Research and Development Establishment, ARDE and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory, HEMRL.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Tsunami Awareness Day: 5 November

• World Tsunami Awareness Day was observed across the world on 5 November. The day is celebrated to spread awareness among people across the world in matters related to the dangers of tsunami.

• In 2020, World Tsunami Awareness Day encourages the development of national and community-level, local disaster risk reduction strategies to save more lives against disasters. This year’s observance promotes “Sendai Seven Campaign,” target.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

ADB approves USD 132.8 mn loan to improve power distribution in Meghalaya

• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 132.8 million loan to Meghalaya, to improve and upgrade the power distribution network in the state. The fund will help in improving the distribution system & financial sustainability of the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL).

• The MePDCL has a huge outstanding against the power purchased from central power generating stations and to the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). The loan will support in clearing the power outstanding dues.

• The project will construct 23 substations; renovate and modernize 45 substations, including the provision of control room equipment and protection systems; install and upgrade 2,214 kilometres of distribution lines and associated facilities covering three out of the six circles in the state.

• It will replace antiquated electromechanical meters with smart meters, which will benefit about 180,000 households.

• The project will help develop a distribution sector road map and a financial road map for the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL). These road maps will strengthen the capacity of MePDCL to operate and manage the distribution networks.

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Important Current Affairs 3rd November 2020

INTERNATIONAL

IBM, Indian Oil Corporation collaborate for digital services

• Tech giant IBM stated it has collaborated with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to transform the latter’s customer experience using digital tools. Around 12,400 IOCL distributors covering about 130 million consumers can now use the IndianOil One mobile app and portal, developed by IBM Services. The IndianOil One mobile app and portal are part of Indian Oil’s Project ePIC, an integrated platform for Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Distribution Management System (DMS).

• This platform ensures real-time updates to inventory, orders, and invoices, thereby reducing the time to order fulfilment. Indian Oil can respond more quickly to customer service requests, including grievances using the platform. The platform also presents a unified customer experience across various access devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and desktops.

NATIONAL

India-Pak border to light up with 8000MW renewable park

• India’s border areas with Pakistan in Rajasthan would soon be illuminated with renewable energy. The state government will soon ink an MoU with National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to establish Ultra Mega Renewal Energy Power Park.

• The park to be set up near borders areas will be of 8,000 megawatts (MW) capacity, which will comprise 4,310 MW of wind energy; 3,760 MW of solar energy and 120 MW of power from biomass. Currently, Rajasthan’s solar generation capacity is 4,883 MW.

• The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) would be signing a separate MoU with the NTPC and the SECI to materialise the GoI Mega Power Park project. Rajasthan has over 1000 kilometre-long international border which is currently supplied power through traditional methods. The Rajasthan government had also approved a proposal for setting up solar power parks to generate 10,000 MW green energy with an investment of Rs 50,000 crore. The state has given nod to the proposal of Adani Green Energy Limited to set up solar power parks at five locations and a solar panel manufacturing unit which will generate around 7,500 direct and indirect jobs.

India’s first ‘tyre park’ to come up in West Bengal

• In West Bengal, Kolkata will soon feature India’s first “Tyre Park”, where artworks made from scrap and defective parts will be on display. The West Bengal Transport Corporation will launch this Tyre Park.

• The Tyre Park, which will come up at the Esplanade area, would have a small cafe where people can sit, relax and enjoy the craftsmanship made from tyres. No scrap material can be labelled as waste, it can be reused and converted into an art form. Scrap tyres, lying as waste in various bus depots, have been reworked and converted to colourful shapes by the in-house team of WBTC.

Indian Railways launches ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative for security of women

• The Indian Railways has introduced a new initiative called “Meri Saheli” to provide safety and security to women passengers during their train journeys. The Meri Saheli initiative has been launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways.

PM Modi inaugurates ‘Arogya Van’ in Gujarat’s Narmada district

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Arogya Van’ in the Narmada district of Gujarat. PM Modi was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Governor Acharya Devvrat. PM also inaugurated Arogya Kutir, Ekta Mall, and Children Nutrition Park.

SPORTS

Indian boxers Amit Panghal wins gold at the Alexis Vastine International

• Indian boxers Amit Panghal, Sanjeet and Ashish Kumar have won gold medals at the recently concluded Alexis Valentine International Boxing Tournament held in Nantes, France. The tournament was the first international event that Indian boxers were a part of since the c -19.

• Amit Panghal, the silver medalist at the 2019 AIBA World Boxing Championships in the 52 kg-weight categories, overcame the challenge from American boxer Rene Abraham.

• Sanjeet was up against France’s Soheb Bouafia in the 91 kg final bout and produced a clinical performance to win the top honours.

• In the 75 kg weight category, Indian boxer Ashish Kumar won the gold medal after his opponent from the USA, Joseph Gerome Hiks, gave him a walkover due to injury.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

India Successfully test fires BrahMos Missile from Sukhoi 30 MKI

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully test-fired an air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from a Sukhoi fighter aircraft in the Bay of Bengal. The aircraft took off from an airbase in Punjab & reached the Bay of Bengal after mid-air refuelling.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

PVG Menon appoints as CEO of Electronics Sector Skill Council of India

• The Electronics Sector Skill Council of India (ESSCI) announced the appointment of PVG Menon as its chief executive officer. Menon will be responsible for overseeing the operations of ESSCI and work closely with its governing Council on strategic issues related to the growth of the electronic systems design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry in India.

• ESSCI works with industry, the National Skill Development Corporation, and the Ministry of Electronics and IT to provide both skilling and re-skilling services to the industry.

Rajiv Jalota becomes new chairman of Mumbai Port Trust

• Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, Rajiv Jalota has been appointed as the chairman of Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT). The appointment committee of the Union cabinet issued the order for the central deputation. The post of MbPT chairman was vacant after former chairman Sanjay Bhatia retired on July 31 and was appointed as Lokayukta of Maharashtra.

• Jalota, who is the first Goods and Services Tax (GST) commissioner of Maharashtra, is currently the additional chief secretary in the higher and technical education department of the state government. He first served as sales tax commissioner and then as GST commissioner from January 2015 to January 2020.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Malayalam writer Paul Zacharia selected for Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2020

• Noted Malayalam writer, Paul Zacharia has been selected for this year’s Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, the Kerala government’s highest literary honour. Zacharia was chosen for his contribution to Malayalam literature during the past five decades.

• A five-member jury, headed by Kerala Sahitya Akademi President Vyshakhan, selected him for the award. ‘Salam America’, ‘Oridath, ‘Aarkkariyam’, ‘Bhaskara patelarum ente jeevithavum’ are among his various literary works. Zacharia also won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award in 1979 and the Kendra Sahitya Akademi Award in 2004.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

RBI imposes monetary penalty on DCB Bank for rule violations

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalty on DCB Bank and Jio Payments Bank for various rule violations. The central bank has imposed a penalty of Rs 22 lakh on DCB Bank for non-compliance with certain provisions on marketing/distribution of mutual fund/insurance etc. The penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

• In the case of Jio Payments Bank, the RBI imposed a penalty of Rs 1 crore for non-compliance with RBI directions on timely submission of application in the case of reappointment of Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer under Section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (the Act).

ICICI Lombard, FreePaycard to offer health insurance solutions

• ICICI Lombard in partnership with Freepaycard, an online pre-paid card trading platform, has launched Group Safeguard Insurance. This strategic partnership will make the bite-sized health insurance solutions, designed specifically for Freepaycardmembers, available at its multi-category partner retail outlets. Freepaycard members can add these health solutions on the go while shopping for other essential goods or services.

• The plan will be offered to the members of Freepaycard, allowing them to receive an assured amount in case of any injury or hospitalization for treatment. The insurance offering is a customized hospitalization product that comes in three variants – Hospital Daily Cash Benefit, Death Benefit, and Special Vector-borne Disease-related Hospitalization Benefit.

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Important Current Affairs 1st November 2020

OBITUARY

Former Gujarat CM Keshubhai Patel passes away

• Former Chief Minister of Gujarat, Keshubhai Savdasbhai Patel passed away. He had served as the Chief Minister of the state for a few months in 1995 and then from March 1998 to October of 2001.

• He was a six-time member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly and was a part of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) till 2012.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Cities Day: 31 October

• The United Nations General Assembly has designated the 31st of October as World Cities Day. The Day is celebrated to promote the international community’s interest in global urbanization, push forward cooperation among countries in meeting opportunities and addressing challenges of urbanization, and contributing to sustainable urban development around the world.

• 2020 Theme: Valuing Our Communities and Cities

National Unity Day: 31 October

• In India, the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 since 2014, to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This year marks the 145th anniversary of the great leader who played an instrumental role in India’s struggle for independence, and later during the integration of the country.

• He was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat.

• He was the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of independent India.

• He played an important role in the integration of many Indian princely states to make an Indian federation.

International Internet Day 2020

• International Internet Day is observed on 29th October every year. It aims to honour a momentous day in the history of telecommunications and technology. This day also highlights the sending of the 1st electronic message which was conveyed from one computer to another computer in the year 1969.

• Charley Kline who was a student programmer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), he discovered the transmission of first-ever electronic message in the world ‘LO’ on 29th October 1969.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Om Puri awarded Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously at IIFFB 2020

• Late Indian actor, Om Puri was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the third edition of the India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB 2020). The award was received by his wife Nandita Puri. The three-day film festival, based in Boston USA. Another highlight of the festival was a conversation with chef Vikas Khanna, recipient of the “Pride of India Award”.

• Malayalam film “Kaanthi” bagged the Best Feature Film Award, while the Best Male Actor was won by Victor Banerjee for playing a priest in Josef: Born In Grace. The Best Female Actor went to Shylaja Ambu for Kaanthi at the Boston festival.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

World’s first scientoon book “Bye Bye Covid-19” by Anandiben Patel

• World’s 1st scientoon book entitled “Bye Bye Covid-19”, was released by Anandiben Patel, Governor, Uttar Pradesh. The book was written by ‘scientoonist’ Dr Pradeep Srivastava, former Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow. It is further planned to make a 3D version of the book. The book has been published by Vigyan Prasar.

• The 220 pages book contains comprehensive information on novel Covid-19 pandemic, its symptoms and its prevention through precautions.

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Important Current Affairs 30th October 2020

INTERNATIONAL

Japan to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050

• Japanese Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga has stated that the country will achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Prime Minister stated he intends to make a sustainable economy a pillar of his growth strategy and put maximum effort into achieving a green society.

• Suga emphasized the need to shift away from fossil fuels to counter climate change as an opportunity rather than a burden. As per Japan’s current energy plan, 56 per cent of its energy requirements come from fossil fuels.

NATIONAL

BharatPe launches digital gold on its platform

• A leading merchant payment network, BharatPe has announced the launch of digital gold on its platform. The launch of this new category of fintech product is in line with the company’s commitment to offering the entire gamut of financial products to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

• BharatPe’s merchants will be able to buy and sell 99.5 per cent pure 24-carat gold. Merchants can choose to buy in rupees or grams, any time of the day and from anywhere, by using the BharatPe app.

• To facilitate this, BharatPe has also partnered with Safegold, a digital platform that allows customers to buy, sell and receive vaulted gold.

• SafeGold has appointed IDBI Trusteeship Services to protect the interest of merchants with regard to their gold purchases.

PM Modi Inaugurates 4th edition of India Energy Forum

• PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 4th India Energy Forum by CERAWeek organised by HIS Markit.

• The theme of this edition is "India's Energy Future in a World of Change". India is the third-largest and the fastest-growing aviation market in terms of domestic aviation and Indian carriers are projected to increase their fleet size from 600 to 1200 by 2024.

• According to PM, India’s Energy Plan aims to ensure energy justice while fully following India’s global commitments for sustainable growth.

• This means more energy is needed to improve the lives of Indians with a smaller carbon footprint. He envisioned India’s energy sector to be growth-centric, industry-friendly and environmentally conscious.

Kerala becomes the first state to fix floor price for vegetables

• Kerala becomes the first state in the country to fix the floor price for vegetables.

• The floor price will be 20 per cent above the production cost of the vegetable. Even if the market price goes below the floor price, the product will be procured at the floor price from the farmers.

• This is the first time in the country that the floor price is being fixed for vegetables produced in the state.

Odisha CM launches 'Sumangal' & Student Scholarship web portals

• Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik has launched two web portals named 'Odisha State Scholarship Portal' and 'Sumangal Portal'.

• The former portal is to help eligible students of the state to avail scholarship benefits in a seamless and transparent manner, while the latter one is to help people avail inter-caste marriage incentives.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Yashvardhan K. Sinha appointed as new Chief Information Commissioner

• Government of India has approved the name of Former Foreign Service officer, Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha as the new Chief Information Commissioner. He was already the Information Commissioner and was also the most senior. The post of CIC chairman had been vacant for several months after Bimal Zulka retired.

• A Marathi journalist, Uday Mahurkar has been selected for the post of Information Commissioner. Uday Mahurkar worked as a deputy editor in India Today Group and is considered close to the Sangh Parivar. Uday Mahurkar has also written a book on Prime Minister Modi titled “Merging with a Billion” and “Center Stage: Inside Narendra Modi”.

SUMMITS AND MOU’S

Microsoft & NSDC tie-up to empower 1 lakh women with digital skills

• Microsoft has collaborated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to impart digital skills to more than one lakh underserved women in India over the next ten months. This initiative is an extension of Microsoft’s partnership with NSDC to provide digital skills to over 1 lakh youth in the country.

• The programme will curate a series of live training sessions and digital skilling drives to help create opportunities for young girls and women, particularly first-time job seekers and those whose jobs may have been impacted by C-19, to join the future workforce.

India Post, US Postal Service sign pact for electronic exchange of customs

• Indian Posts & US Postal Service entered into an agreement for the electronic exchange of customs data related to postal shipments. It will enable to transmit & receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival.

• The agreement will make it possible to transmit and receive electronic data of international postal items prior to their physical arrival at the destination and would enable customs clearance of postal items in advance in line with the evolving global postal framework.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

Dr Satish Mishra bags "Dr Tulsi Das Chugh Award-2020

• The National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) has selected the Principal Scientist, Division of Molecular Parasitology and Immunology, (CSIR-CDRI)-Lucknow, Dr Satish Mishra for "Dr.Tulsi Das Chugh Award 2020".

• He is awarded for his research work on Malaria parasite's life cycle which is a complex process involving two hosts and three invasive stages.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

DMRC & SBI card launch multi-purpose smart card

• The SBI Card in association with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation launched a contactless multi-purpose card that can function as a credit card and as a metro smart card.

• The credit card Delhi Metro SBI Card is designed for regular commuters on Delhi Metro.

• It will enable its users to use it as a smart card with an auto-top up facility whenever the balance is below Rs 100.

• The credit card facility will automatically recharge a top-up value of Rs 200 from the user’s linked card/bank account.

• The card offers an enhanced daily commute experience to millions of metro commuters together with a rewarding experience on their daily purchases.

• The DMRC has identified 100 stations to put up kiosks from where commuters can purchase the card.

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Important Current Affairs 25th October 2020

INTERNATIONAL

World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore for Sand Dune Park in Goa

• India’s first sand dune parks and interpretation centres are set to be developed in Goa. World Bank has sanctioned around Rs.3 crore under the programme. The Goa state biodiversity board has proposed the project, which will be implemented with financial assistance from the World Bank.

• Andorra has joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF), to become its 190th member.

• Andorra is a microstate situated between France and Spain. However, it is the largest microstate in Europe.

• IMF’s Membership allows the Andorran government to benefit from IMF policy advice, especially as the country tackles the crisis caused by COVID-19 and can now receive an annual review or “health check” of its economy by the IMF, tap technical assistance, and access IMF lending if needed.

Saad al-Hariri reappointed as Lebanon Prime Minister

• Former Lebanese Prime Minister, Saad al-Hariri has been re-appointed to the post, after winning a slim majority of votes in parliament election. Hariri received 65 parliamentary votes out of 118, giving him the mandate to form his new government.

• In October 2019, Hariri announced his resignation amid 2019-20 mass-protests. Previously he had served as Prime Minister of Lebanon from 9 November 2009 to 13 June 2011 and then from 18 December 2016 to 21 January 2020.

• Hariri is the third person to be tasked with forming a government this year, after academic Hassan Diab, who succeeded in forming a government but resigned and then diplomat Mustafa Adib.

NATIONAL

Mandi district bags top position for implementation of PMGSY

• Union Ministry of Rural Development has declared the list of top-performing 30 districts in the country for implementing the PMGSY programme.

• Himachal Pradesh's, Mandi district has bagged top position among 30 districts of the country in the successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).

• Himachal Pradesh has also secured the second position at the national level for construction of roads under PMGSY.

India gets Chairmanship of ILO Governing body after 35 years

• India has assumed the Chairmanship of the Governing Body of International Labour Organization (ILO), after a gap of 35 years.

• The Labour and Employment Secretary, Apurva Chandra, has been elected as the Chairperson of the Governing Body of the ILO for the period October 2020- June 2021.

• Chandra is a 1988 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Maharashtra Cadre. He would preside over the upcoming the Governing Body’s meeting, to be held in November 2020.

• The Governing Body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General.

• At present, ILO (Headquarter- Geneva, Switzerland) has 187 members. It meets three times a year, in March, June and November.

NITI Aayog panel for reforms in urban planning education

• NITI Aayog has constituted a 14-member advisory committee to look into introducing reforms in the urban planning education system. The panel will be headed by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar.

• The members of the committee include Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog and secretaries of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs(MoHUA), Ministry of Education(MoE) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

• The committee will examine the current system in terms of multidisciplinarity, curriculum and other related issues at the level of graduates and postgraduates against the challenges of rapid urbanization.

• The committee will examine the urban planning education system in India and examine the availability, demand and supply of the qualified urban planners in India.

IMPORTANT DAYS

United Nations Day: 24 October

• 24th October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.

• The United Nations was founded in 1945 to support collective action to realize peace, development and human rights for all.

• With the ratification of the UN Charter by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United Nations officially came into being.

World Polio Day: 24 October

• The World Polio Day is celebrated annually on October 24, to raise awareness for polio vaccination and eradication of polio.

• World Polio Day provides an opportunity to highlight global efforts toward a polio-free world and honour the tireless contributions of those on the frontlines in the fight to eradicate polio from every corner of the globe.

• The Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. 2020 theme for World Polio Day is “A win against polio is a win for global health.”

• As of August 2020, Afghanistan and Pakistan are the only two nations which remain with the continued transmission of wild poliovirus.

World Development Information Day: 24 October

• The United Nations’ World Development Information Day is held on October 24 every year.

• The day aims to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them for overall growth and development.

• The General Assembly in 1972 established World Development Information Day to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.

• The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide with United Nations Day, 24 October, which was also the date of the adoption, in 1970, of the International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

Mastercard partners with Atlantis to expand Digital First Program in India

• Mastercard has entered into a partnership with Atlantis to expand the Digital First Program in India.

• The partnership aims to provide the users of Mastercard, a technology solution that enables them to enjoy a best-in-class digital banking experience.

• After the launch in India, the partnership will expand to Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. The partnership allows the users of the Mastercard to have immediate account access and convenient payments.

Bank of Baroda ties up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) has entered into a tie-up with Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), whereby the bank will be one of the preferred financiers for the entire range of vehicles sold by the latter.

• India’s third-largest public sector bank, in a statement, stated that under the tie-up, customers can avail customised solutions such as high on-road funding of 90 per cent, long repayment period of 84 months, no prepayment or foreclosure charges.

• On the other hand, TKM dealers will benefit from ‘digitised supply chain finance’ with competitive interest rates.

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Important Current Affairs 23rd October 2020

NATIONAL

Tamil Nadu Government launched “Smart Black Board Scheme”

• The state government of Tamil Nadu has launched the Smart Black Board scheme in 80,000 government schools of the state. The initiative aims to ensure a better teaching environment as well as lead towards Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

• Under this Smart Black Board scheme, audiovisual teaching material would be possible, that can even be fed into the computer screens in classes using widely available pen drives. The Tamil Nadu Govt has taken an important decision to lessen syllabus for season 2020-21 by 40 per cent.

Asan Conservation Reserve becomes Uttarakhand’s First Ramsar site

• Asan Conservation Reserve has become Uttarakhand’s first Ramsar site, making it a ‘Wetland of International Importance’, announced the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Reserve is located on the banks of Yamuna river near Dehradun district in Garhwal region of the Himalayan state.

• “Asan Conservation Reserve cleared five out of the nine criteria needed to be declared as a Ramsar site and get identified as a Wetland of International Importance. It cleared the category on species and ecological communities, one on water-birds and another on fish. Ramsar declares Asan Conservation Reserve as a site of international importance. With this, the number of Ramsar sites in India goes up to 38, the highest in South Asia and Uttarakhand gets its first Ramsar site.

Andhra Pradesh CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launched ‘YSR BIMA’ for BPL families

• The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched ‘YSR Bima’, a scheme to provide financial assistance through insurance cover to the beneficiary in case of death or accident of their families members. All families with white ration cards are eligible for YSR Bima scheme. Village/ward volunteers will visit the families and enrol the names of the primary householders.

• The claim amount will be directly credited into the beneficiary bank account within 15 days of making the claim.

• Apart from this, immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 will be provided to the families through village and ward secretariats.

• The scheme will benefit 1.41 crore BPL families of the state.

• An amount of Rs 510 crore would be paid by the state government annually as an insurance premium for this scheme.

• This will also make Andhra Pradesh as the first state in the country to single-handedly fund the insurance scheme.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

“INS Kavaratti” commissioned into Indian Navy

• The Chief of Army Staff, General MM Naravane has commissioned the ‘INS Kavaratti’, the last of four indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes, into the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.

DRDO successfully conducts final trial of Nag anti-tank guided missile

• Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully carried out the final trial of the third generation, anti-tank guided missile ‘NAG’, from the Pokhran field firing ranges in Rajasthan.

• The successful final user trial of the missile makes the Nag anti-tank missile ready for induction in the Indian Army. Following the final trial, the missile will now enter into the production phase.

OBITUARY

Renowned economist Dr Jayanta Madhab passed away

• The renowned economist from Assam, Dr Jayanta Madhab passed away. He worked as financial adviser to Calcutta Metropolitan Development Corp and has served as a director at the ADB.

• He was the founder chairman of North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd. He was also the financial advisor of the Chief Minister from 2003-2009.

First woman officer of  IAF’s Vijayalakshmi Ramanan passed away

• Indian Air Force 1st woman officer, Wing Commander (retd) Dr Vijaylakshmi Ramanan passed away. She was born in February 1924, she did her MBBS and later was commissioned in the Army Medical Corps on August 22, 1955. Besides having served as a gynaecologist at various Air Force Hospitals, including here, she had also attended to the troops wounded during wars and performed administrative duties.

• Ramanan was promoted to the rank of Wing Commander in August 1972 and honoured with the Vishist Seva Medal five years later.

• She had retired in February 1979. Ramanan was also trained in Carnatic music and had been an artist with the All India Radio at a very young age.

APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATIONS

Lewis Hamilton named ambassador of LG Signature

• LG Electronics has named Lewis Hamilton a global ambassador for its home solutions brand, LG Signature. Hamilton, the epitome of skill, style and precision will be seen communicating the brand's philosophy.

• In the new campaign, he will share with audiences his thoughts on how to lead a stylish, sophisticated life, and what motivates him to be the best in his field.

Parle agro Named Priyanka Chopra Jonas as brand ambassador

• Parle Agro has roped in Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the national brand ambassador to maximise reach and awareness of its fruits plus fizz portfolio ‘B-Fizz’.

• The campaign will be aggressively promoted across IPL on Hotstar and YouTube. B-Fizz is a unique and refreshing apple juice-based malt flavoured carbonated drink that is set to revolutionize the taste experience of consumers across age groups.

BANKING AND ECONOMY

ECI constitutes committee to examine issues concerning expenditure limits

• The Election Commission of India has set up a 2-member committee to examine the issue of revising the expenditure limit for candidates for Lok Sabha and assembly polls.

• The committee will comprise of Shri Harish Kumar, Ex. IRS and DG (Investigation), Shri Umesh Sinha, Secretary-General and DG (Expenditure). The need to set up this committee was felt in view of the increase in the number of electors and the rise in the Cost Inflation Index.

• It will submit its report within 120 days of its constitution.

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