Current Affairs PDF - November 1 15 2019 PDF

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Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019
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Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019
NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
Contents
......................... ... .... ......... ...... .... ....................................................
News Headlines: November 1-15, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 1, 2019 ................................................................................................................. 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 2, 2019 ................................................................................................................ 4
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 9, 2019 ............................................................................................................... 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 10, 2019 ............................................................................................................. 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 11, 2019 .............................................................................................................. 12
Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 14, 2019 ............................................................................................................ 14
November 1, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Ekta Diwas: PM Modi inaugurated Technology Demonstration site ....................................................................................... 16
Sharjah International Book Fair 2019 .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Defence Minister: attends SCO meeting; signs Bilateral Engagement with Uzbekistan ....................................................... 17
Fact Box: Sardar Patel National Unity Award ................................................................................................................................ 17
PM Modi to visit Thailand for ASEAN, East Asia and RCEP summits ..................................................................................... 18
Girish Chandra Murmu sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of J&K ................................................................................... 18
IIIT Hyderabad create first ever Indian Brain Atlas ...................................................................................................................... 19
Bamboo Tech Parks in J&K and Ladakh ........................................................................................................................................ 20
IIT Delhi launches Global Alumni Endowment Fund .................................................................................................................. 20
Union Territory of Ladakh gets Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development ..................................................... 21
ASI: Gottiporlu-a historic trade centre ............................................................................................................................................. 21
COP25 cancelled .................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
PM Modi and Angela Merkel to co-chair 5th Biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations ................................................ 22
Radha Krishna Mathur sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT ....................................................................... 23
November 2, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Dustlik 2019: India Uzbekistan joint Military Exercise ................................................................................................................ 24
Mumbai and Hyderabad included in UNESCO Creative Cities Network ............................................................................... 24
ICCR to organize 3-day ‘Takhat Darshan Yatra’ for Sikh youths from 10 nations .............................................................. 24
Chandrayaan 2: Argon 40 found in Lunar Exosphere ................................................................................................................ 25
Eritrea, Saint Kittis sign ISA Framework Agreement .................................................................................................................. 25
Coal India to produce 1 billion tons of coal by 2024 .................................................................................................................. 26
5 lakh government vehicles to be converted into e-vehicles ...................................................................................................... 26
Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019 ....................................................................................................... 27
State Formation Day celebrated by Several States ....................................................................................................................... 27
Kanpur is world’s most polluted city: Guinness World Records 2020 .................................................................................... 27
Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2019 ......................................................................................................... 28
Employees can now generate Universal Provident Fund account number online ................................................................. 29
Global Microscope for Financial Inclusion report 2019: EIU ..................................................................................................... 29
India Germany sign Agreements ...................................................................................................................................................... 30
November 3, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 30
India-US Economic and Financial Partnership Meeting held ..................................................................................................... 30
PM Modi releases commemorative coin .......................................................................................................................................... 31
India to host 20th SCO’s CHG meeting in 2020 ......................................................................................................................... 31
First Government Hospital Robotic Surgery facility in Safdarjung Hospital ........................................................................... 31
What is New Colombo Plan Mobility Program? ........................................................................................................................... 32
SCOJtEx-2019: Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise ......................................................................................... 32
8th Indo German Energy Forum ...................................................................................................................................................... 32
Govt to set up anti-human trafficking units in all districts with Nirbhaya Fund .................................................................. 33
IIT Delhi, ISRO to set up Space Technology Cell ........................................................................................................................ 33
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2
OECD: Economic Outlook for South East Asia ............................................................................................................................ 34
Madrid to host COP 25 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Pooja Gehlot wins silver in UWW Under-23 World Championships ....................................................................................... 34
India-ASEAN Summit, 2019 .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
November 4, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 35
PM Modi meets Indonesian President and Thailand PM ............................................................................................................ 35
Container Cargo Movement first time in River Brahmaputra ................................................................................................... 36
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival held at Kolkata ......................................................................................... 36
Govt releases new political maps of J&K and Ladakh .................................................................................................................. 36
National Research Institute of Unani Medicine inaugurated ...................................................................................................... 37
‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ unveiled for flood mitigation in Chennai ................................................................................... 38
JCB Prize for Literature for 2019: Madhuri Vijay ......................................................................................................................... 38
eCAPA 2019: First-ever Arts Exposition for talents with Intellectual Challenges ................................................................. 39
Odisha tagged with Maharashtra under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat ..................................................................................... 39
Sri Lanka hosts biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference ..................................................................................... 39
India, Uzbekistan sign MoUs in fields of Military Medicine and Military Education ............................................................ 40
November 5, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
November 5: World Tsunami Awareness Day ............................................................................................................................. 40
Govt. launches ICEDASH for faster customs clearance .............................................................................................................. 41
Aditya Mishra appointed chairman of Land Ports Authority of India ...................................................................................... 41
Govt. launches ATITHI app for improved customs clearance .................................................................................................. 42
6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G20 countries ............................................................................................................. 42
CARAT- 2019: US-Bangladesh Navy exercise ............................................................................................................................. 42
MSDE, IBM jointly launches Skills Build platform ....................................................................................................................... 43
ADB to give $451Mn for Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor power links ............................................................. 43
November 6, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata .............................................................................................................. 44
DRDO’s Igniter Complex inaugurated ............................................................................................................................................ 44
Rajnath Singh to co-chair 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission .................................................................... 45
Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019 .............................................................................................................................. 45
ICAR report on Stubble Burning ...................................................................................................................................................... 45
Kolkata students create Guinness World Records for largest astrophysics assemble ......................................................... 46
India withdraws from RCEP .............................................................................................................................................................. 46
International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management held in New Delhi ................................................. 47
First BIMSTEC Ports Conclave at Visakhapatnam ...................................................................................................................... 47
11,000 scientists in 153 countries declare climate emergency ................................................................................................... 48
November 7, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 48
World Customs Organization recognised HS Code for India’s Signature Fabrics-A Boost for Khadi Exports ............. 48
GRSE delivers Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant to Indian Coast Guard ........................................................... 48
Freedom on Net 2019 report-China the worst abuser of internet freedom .......................................................................... 49
IIT-Madras launches country’s first standing wheelchair: Arise ............................................................................................... 49
Voyager 2: NASA’s Solar System Explorer reaches interstellar space ..................................................................................... 50
NMCG organized ‘Ganga Utsav’ in New Delhi ............................................................................................................................ 50
FSSAI released draft regulations of Safe Food and Healthy Diet for school children .......................................................... 50
Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari wins Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award by PCI ......................................... 51
NASSCOM Foundation’s Social Innovation Forum (NSIF) award ........................................................................................... 51
ReSAREX-2019: ICG conducts Regional level Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise-2019 ................................... 52
Finance Minister: Rs 25,000 crore Fund for stuck Housing Projects ...................................................................................... 52
NASSCOM Report: India-third largest startups hub in the world ............................................................................................ 52
November 8, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
Guinness World Record of most students assembling radio kits simultaneously created .................................................... 53
10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine held in New Delhi ........................................................................................ 53
Samudra Shakti: India- Indonesian Joint Naval exercise ............................................................................................................. 54
Tiger TRIUMP: First Tri-services amphibious exercise between India and US ..................................................................... 54
RBS Earth Heroes Awards 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................... 55
Infosys Prizes 2019 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 55
Books on teachings of Guru Nanak Dev launched ...................................................................................................................... 56
19th IORA ministerial meet held at Abu Dhabi, UAE ................................................................................................................. 56
PM Modi to attend BRICS ................................................................................................................................................................. 57
GoI releases Steel Scrap Recycling Policy ....................................................................................................................................... 57
November 9, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
MSDE distributes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificates to candidates ............................................................... 57
IAF launches multiplayer version of ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’ game ...................................................................... 58
Indian Railways launches online applications to strengthen IT enablement ........................................................................... 58
Ayodhya Verdict ................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
IndAIR: CSIR-NEERI’s web facility launched ................................................................................................................................. 59
Shaala Darpan portal for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti launched ................................................................................................ 59
FICCI study on Onion Price Rise: India should follow Israel, Brazil ........................................................................................ 60
11th edition of Bal Sangam festival begins ...................................................................................................................................... 61
PM Modi inaugurates Integrated Check Post at Kartarpur Corridor ....................................................................................... 61
NCRB Report: Accidental and Suicidal Deaths in India – Farm suicides decline .................................................................. 62
November 10-11, 2019 ................................................................................................................................................................................ 62
India attends the ADIPEC-Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference .............................................. 62
Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan passed away ............................................................................................... 63
Def Connect: Ministry of Defence showcases the innovations of iDEX initiative ................................................................. 63
10 November: World Science Day for Peace and Development .............................................................................................. 64
Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth awarded George Schaller Lifetime Award ...................................................................... 64
Indian Oil to set up new 2G Ethanol Plant in Panipat ................................................................................................................. 64
Marengo Sachintendulkar: Newly discovered spider species named after cricketer ............................................................ 65
Facts Box: Ayodya Verdict ................................................................................................................................................................. 65
First case of sexually transmitted Dengue confirmed in Spain .................................................................................................. 66
Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan organized in New Delhi .................................................................................................... 66
November 11: National Education Day ........................................................................................................................................... 67
NASA unveils its first electric plane ................................................................................................................................................. 67
World’s first CNG port terminal to be built in Gujarat .............................................................................................................. 68
Dal Lake, J&K to be declared Eco-Sensitive Zone ........................................................................................................................ 68
November 12, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
November 12: World Pneumonia Day ............................................................................................................................................ 69
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019 .................................................................................................................................................................. 69
NCAER Survey: Business Confidence fell by 15% ........................................................................................................................ 70
Brown to Green Report, 2019: Performance of G20 countries on Climate Change .......................................................... 70
Iran discovers new oil field with 53 Bn barrels of reserves ....................................................................................................... 70
Price Restriction on locally produced natural gas removed-To Boost Investment ................................................................ 71
Facts Box: Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative ......................................................................................................................................... 71
Who are the Kung Fu Nuns who received Asia Society’s Game Changer Award? ............................................................. 72
Justice Sanjay Karol sworn in as Chief Justice of Patna HC ....................................................................................................... 72
NASA: A Huge X Ray burst detected from outer space ............................................................................................................ 73
Swachh- Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
Thousands of migratory birds dead in Sambhar Salt Water Lake, Rajasthan ........................................................................ 73
November 12: Public Service Broadcasting Day ........................................................................................................................... 74
President’s rule imposed in Maharashtra ........................................................................................................................................ 74
India to host 19th Council of Heads of Governments of SCO in 2020 ................................................................................. 74
November 13, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Sri Lanka becomes first South Asian nation to criminalise match-fixing related offences .................................................. 75
India attends International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture .................................................. 75
9th BRICS Trade Ministers Meet held in Brazil ........................................................................................................................... 76
Facts Box: Drafts Security Code ....................................................................................................................................................... 76
2nd edition of Paris Peace Forum held in France ........................................................................................................................ 77
International Lavi fair being organised in Himachal Pradesh .................................................................................................... 78
India International Trade Fair Begins .............................................................................................................................................. 78
SC Verdict: Karnataka MLA Disqualification case ....................................................................................................................... 79
Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna Scheme: Haryana includes more crops ....................................................................................... 79
6th World Congress on Rural and Agricultural finance ............................................................................................................. 79
What is ‘Project Zero’ introduced by Amazon in India? ............................................................................................................. 80
Justice Muhammad Raffiq sworn in as Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC .................................................................................. 81
Pravind Jugnauth sworn in as Mauritius PM .................................................................................................................................. 81

November 14, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
SC Verdict: CJI Office under RTI act ............................................................................................................................................... 81
Central Electricity Authority Data: India’s Electricity Demand fell to a 12-year low ............................................................ 82
Dhaka Global Dialogue held in Bangladesh ................................................................................................................................... 82
UNDP Green Climate Fund: India gets 43 million USD to boost climate in 3 coastal states ............................................ 82
India’s Ravi Prakash wins BRICS-Young Innovator Prize ........................................................................................................... 83
India attends IUCN’s 7th Regional Conservation Forum held at Islamabad .......................................................................... 83
BHIM UPI goes global: Demonstrated at Singapore FinTech Festival .................................................................................... 84
IIT Guwahati: Paper based sensors for faster assessment of milk freshness ......................................................................... 84
Nita Ambani elected to board of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art ........................................................................ 85
Assam launches Sishu Suraksha App for child right violations ................................................................................................. 85
Fact Box: Mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh .................................................................................................................. 86
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to be chief guest at Republic Day 2020 ........................................................................... 86
LANCET Report on Health and Climate Change, 2019 ............................................................................................................ 86
November 15, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 87
West Bengal celebrates ‘Rosogolla Dibas’ to mark GI Tag granting ..................................................................................... 87
11th Maitree Diwas: North East Industrial Corridor to be set up ............................................................................................. 87
UP govt launches e-Ganna app, web portal .................................................................................................................................. 88
Indo-French collaboration: Largest FDI project of Indian Railways ........................................................................................ 88
UNICEF Report: India Second largest in Pneumonia deaths ..................................................................................................... 88
Andhra Pradesh launches ‘Nadu-Nedu’ programme ................................................................................................................... 89
UNESCO’s World Heritage Week .................................................................................................................................................... 90
2nd Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan Diplomats ........................................................................ 90
14 November: World Diabetes Day ................................................................................................................................................. 90
Chandrayaan 3: India’s 2nd attempt to land on Moon by November 2020 .......................................................................... 91
11th BRICS Summit .............................................................................................................................................................................. 91
Arunachal: First International Buyer-Seller Conference of Agriculture ................................................................................... 92
NASA renames Ultima Thule to ‘Arrokoth’ .................................................................................................................................. 92
Multiple Choice Questions ......................................................................................................................................................................... 93

News Headlines: November 1-15, 2019

Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 1, 2019

India
Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel celebrated as National Unity Day on October 31
Delhi Police and ITBP awarded Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019.
Excavation by ASI in Gottiprolu (AP) indicate it as a Trade Centre of Early Historic Period
Bamboo Technology Parks to be set up in the two new UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
Over 80% adolescents in India suffer from hidden hunger says UNICEF’s report, ‘Adolescents, Diets
and Nutrition: Growing Well in a Changing World’
Eritrea and Saint Kitts & Nevis ink International Solar Alliance’s (ISA) Framework Agreement;
membership rises to 83
ICCR to organised three-day ‘Takhat Darshan Yatra’ for Sikh youths from 10 nations in November
Kendriya Vidyalaya Sansthan (KVS) organising ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat Parv’ at India Gate from
Oct 31 to Nov 3
Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi among winners of Mother Teresa Memorial Awards 2019 of
Harmony Foundation
ISRO: Chandrayaan-2 orbiter detects Argon-40 on lunar exosphere
Kanpur is the most polluted city in the world: Guinness World Records 2020
Gurudas Dasgupta, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader and former parliamentarian, dies in Kolkata
at 83
Film producer Champak Jain passes away
Veteran Telugu actor Geetanjali dies in Hyderabad at 72
Cyclone Maha batters Lakshadweep and Kerala coast
Sex Ratio, Birth Rate & Death Rate
The Central Bureau of Health Intelligence’s (CBHI) National Health Profile (NHP) 2019 released.
Sex ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) in the country has improved from 933 in 2001 to 943
in 2011.
In rural areas the sex ratio has increased from 946 to 949.
In urban areas the sex ratio has increased from 900 to 929
Kerala has recorded the highest sex ratio in respect of total population (1,084), rural population
(1,078) and urban (1,091)
Birth rate reduced from 25.8 in 2000 to 20.4 in 2016
Death rate declined from 8.5 to 6.4 per 1,000 population over the same period
MAMI
Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai International Film Festival concluded on October 25
Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) is the public trust that organises the festival annually
Actress Deepika Padukone is the Chairperson of the trust
Golden Gateway Award in the International Competition section won by Ljubomir Stefanov and
Tamara Kotevska’s ‘Honeyland’
Golden Gateway Award in the Indian Gold section won by ‘Eeb Allay Ooo!’ directed by Prateek Vats
Core Sector Growth
Output of eight core infrastructure industries contracted by 5.2% in September
During the April-September period, the growth of core industries slowed to 1.3%, against 5.5% in the
year-earlier period
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 40,129.05 (+77), NSE Nifty: 11,877.45 (+33.35)

India loses case filed by the US at the WTO against domestic export incentive schemes; WTO says
these schemes are inconsistent with the international trade norms
InterGlobe Aviation Ltd., which runs IndiGo, places an order for 300 A320neo family aircraft worth
over $33 billion
India among four nations with most conducive environment for financial inclusion: The Economist
Intelligence Unit’s 2019 Global Microscope on Financial Inclusion report
MG Motor India opens its first digital studio — a showroom with no car on display — in Bengaluru
UNESCO Creative Cities
66 cities around the world have been designated as UNESCO Creative Cities by the Director-General
of UNESCO, Audrey Azoulay
Cities were selected for their tangible contribution to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
through innovative thinking and action.
Hyderabad (Gastronomy) and Mumbai (Film) are the two cities selected from India
World
World Cities Day celebrated on October 31 with its theme as ‘Changing the world: innovations and
better life for future generations’
Twitter bans political advertisements to ‘curb misinformation’
Pakistan violated its obligations under the Vienna Convention in Kulbhushan Jadhav case: ICJ
President Judge Abduylqawi Yusuf
Federal Reserve cuts US’ benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.50%-1.75%
S. House of Representatives recognises killing of 1.5 mn Armenians by Ottoman Empire (Turkey) in
1915-23 as ‘genocide’
WhatsApp sues Israeli cyber-surveillance firm NSO Group for using its messaging service for spying
Sports
Shiva Thapa (63kg) and Pooja Rani (75kg) clinch gold medals at Olympic Boxing Test event in Tokyo
Switzerland’s Roger Federer wins men’s singles title at Swiss Indoor tennis at Basel
Austria’s Dominic Thiem wins men’s singles title at Vienna ATP tennis
Tiger Woods won Zozo Championship golf in Japan for his 82nd US PGA Tour victory, equalling the
54-year-old record held by Sam Snead
India
Formation days of 6 states celebrated on November 1 — Chhattisgarh in 2000, Haryana in 1966,
Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh in 1956
Elections to the Jharkhand Assembly will be held in five stages from Nov 30 to Dec 20; vote counting
on December 23
Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority declares public health emergency in the
Delhi-NCR region because of high air pollution
PM Modi and Chancellor Angela Merkel co-chair 5th Indo-German Inter-Governmental Consultations
in New Delhi
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar holds talks with his German counterpart Heiko Mass in New
Delhi
Fourth Indian Navy-Russian Federation Navy Staff Talks held in New Delhi
Punjab govt. to institute Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Award for Promotion of Peace and Interfaith
Understanding
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 40,165.03 (+35.98), NSE Nifty:11,890.60 (+13.15)
India’s forex reserves reach a new lifetime high of USD 442.583 billion in the week ended October 25
Telecom regulator TRAI fixes phone call ring time at 30 sec for mobiles and 60 sec for landline
phones
Now formal sector workers can generate UAN (universal account number) from EPFO (Employees’
Provident Fund Organization) portal directly
India and the US hold 7th Meeting of the Economic and Financial Partnership (EFP) in New Delhi
Cochin Shipyard wins Rs 3,000 crore contract to build aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy.
US govt.’s Award for Corporate Excellence presented to PepsiCo India for saving more than 17 billion
litres of water
World
Sikh pilgrims from India would only need a valid ID and not a passport to travel to Kartarpur: Pakistan
Google agrees to buy wearables maker Fitbit for USD 2.1 billion
US House of Representative approve procedure to impeach President Donald Trump
Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot owner PSA Group announce $48-billion merger
India
Women help desks, more anti-human trafficking units to be set up using Nirbhaya fund: WCD Minister
Smriti Irani
MP BJP MLA from Pawai, Prahlad Lodhi, disqualified from Assembly following his conviction in a
criminal case
New J&K, Ladakh Maps
The government released the maps of newly created Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu and Kashmir,
and Ladakh and the map of India depicting these UTs.
The UT of Ladakh consists of two districts of Kargil and Leh while the rest of the erstwhile state of
J&K is in the UT of J&K.
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is part of the newly created UT of J&K, while Gilgit-Baltistan is in
the UT of Ladakh.
IFFI
Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2019 to be held in Goa from
November 20 to 28
French actress Isabelle Huppert to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award
Rajinikanth to receive special award titled ‘Icon of Golden Jubilee of IFFI’
Economy & Corporate
China’s Fosun Tourism acquires Thomas Cook brand; the British travel group had declared
bankruptcy in September
Thomas Cook India retains the right to use the brand name till 2024.
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin meets RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das in Mumbai
Unemployment Rate
Unemployment data was released by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) on November
1
India’s unemployment rate in October 2019 rose to 8.5%, the highest level since August 2016
Urban unemployment rate for October 2019 stood at 8.9%, rural unemployment rate was 8.3%
Among States, Tripura and Haryana saw unemployment levels of more than 20% (the highest)
Unemployment was the lowest in Tamil Nadu at 1.1%
Peace & Security Index
India ranks 133rd among 167 countries in 2019 Women, Peace, and Security Index

Index compiled by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security and National Geographic
Norway, Switzerland and Finland are the top 3 ranked countries
Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen are the bottom 3 ranked countries
PM’S Thailand Visit
PM addresses ‘Sawasdee PM Modi’ community event in Bangkok on Nov 2
Thai translation of Tamil classic ‘Tirukkural’ released
Commemorative Coins marking Guru Nanak’s 550th Birth Anniversary released
PM to attend 16th ASEAN-India Summit on Nov 3 and the 14th East Asia Summit on Nov 4 in Bangkok
PM to attend the 3rd Summit meeting of nations negotiating a RCEP agreement on Nov 4
RCEP-Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
SCO Meeting
18th meeting of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation)
held at Tashkent in Uzbekistan on November 2, 2019.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the as the Special Envoy of PM Modi
Sand Art Award
Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has won Italian Golden Sand Art Award 2019
Pattnaik will get the award at the International Scorrana Sand Nativity in Italy being held from
November 13 to 18
World
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurates Indian govt. supported Guru Nanak Chair at the
University of Birmingham
International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists observed on November 2
Sports
South Africa defeat England to lift Rugby World Cup in Yokohama, Japan
IISF
5th India International Science Festival (IISF) being organised in Kolkata from November 5 to 8, 2019
Theme: RISEN India – Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival will be organised as part of the 5th IISF
India
AYUSH Minister of State (Independent Charge) Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurates National Research
Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders in Hyderabad
25 lakh JCB Prize for Literature for 2019 won by Madhuri Vijay for the novel ‘The Far Field’
‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ and ‘Coastal Flood Warning System App (CFLOWS-Chennai)’ launched for
flood mitigation in Chennai
Economy & Corporate
Industrialist and Chairman of Modi Enterprises Krishan Kumar Modi dies at the age of 79
World
India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise ‘Dustlik 2019’ will be held near Tashkent from Nov 4-13
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holds talks with his Uzbekistan counterpart Major General Bakhodir
Nizamovich Kurbanov in Tashkent
PM Modi attends 16th India – ASEAN Summit in Bangkok
Celebrations marking 50 years of operation of Aditya Birla Group in Thailand organised
Nepal: President Bidya Devi Bhandari removes Governors of all seven provinces appointed by
previous govt.
9th round of India Bangladesh Friendship dialogue held in Cox’s Bazar on November 1-2

Sports
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty wins women’s singles title at WTA Finals in Shenzhen
India’s Lakshya Sen wins men’s singles title at SaarLorLux Open Badminton in Germany
India
SCO Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue-2019 being held in New Delhi from
November 4 to 7
IPS officer Aditya Mishra appointed as the chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex:40,301.96. 50 (+136.93), NSE Nifty: 11,941.30 (+50.70)
India opts out of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) after its core concerns
remained unresolved
launches IT initiative ICEDASH for improved monitoring and pace of customs clearance of imported
goods
launches IT initiative ATITHI to facilitate electronic filing of customs baggage and currency
declarations by arriving international passengers
ADB to give USD 451 mn loan for Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor power links
Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launches Skills Build platform in Collaboration with
IBM
World
PM Modi attends 14th East Asia Summit in Bangkok
US-Bangladesh Navy exercise ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)- 2019’ in
Chattogram from Nov 4 to 7
Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference being held in Colombo (Nov 4-7) under the theme Equal
Access to Justice and the Rule of Law
‘Quad’ countries (India, US, Japan, Australia) hold consultations on the situation in Indo-Pacific in
Bangkok
TV presenter Ellen DeGeneres to receive Carol Burnett Award at 2020 Golden Globe awards in Los
Angeles
F1 US Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas of Finland wins Formula One United States Grand Prix at Austin
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of UK and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen of Belgium finish second and
third respectively.
Hamilton wins 2019 Drivers world championship title
Mercedes also won 2019 Constructors’ title
2 out of 21 races in 2019 season remaining: Brazilian Grand Prix (Nov 17) and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
(Dec 1)
Sports
India B defeated India C by 51 runs to win Deodhar Trophy in Ranchi
USA’s Wesley So wins World Fischer Random chess championship in Oslo
Rory McIlroy wins WGC-HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai
India
India-US defence exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’ to be held off Visakhapatnam and Kakinada in Andhra
Pradesh from November 13 to 21
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivers Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie

Besant to the Indian Coast Guard in Kolkata
Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik inaugurates DRDO’s Igniter Complex at High Energy
Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune
Centre reconstitutes Nehru Memorial Museum and Library; PM is President and Defence Minister is
Vice-President
Bihar: Use of government vehicles more than 15 years old banned
IIT, Madras launches country’s first indigenously designed standing wheelchair named ‘Arise’
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Jal Shakti Ministry, organise ‘Ganga Utsav’ in New Delhi
Tata Literature Awards
Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest will be held from November 14-17.
Marathi and English writer Shanta Gokhale wins Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement award
2019
Malayalam poet K. Satchidanandan wins Poet Laureate award
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 40,248.23 (–53.73), NSE Nifty: 11,917.20 (–24.10)
RBI imposes penalty of Rs 5 crore on The Mehsana Urban Co-operative Bank, Gujarat for violating
loan giving norms
RBI hikes cash withdrawal from the scam-hit Punjab & Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank to Rs
50,000 per account
India’s sugar output in 2019-20 to be 21.6 million tonnes, 21.5% lower than previous year: Indian
Sugar Mills Association
International Import Expo (CIIE) in Beijing: India among 15 nations given designation of ‘Guest
Countries of Honour’
Flipkart launches ‘MarQ TurboStream’ streaming stick, price starts Rs 3,499
World
US notifies UN of its withdrawal from the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement from November 4, 2020
NASA’s Voyager 2 becomes second spacecraft after Voyager 1 in 2012 to reach interstellar space
World Tsunami Awareness Day observed on November 5
India provides Rs. 38 crores for setting up Nepal-Bharat Maitri Polytechnic at Heated town
Busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela unveiled at Tolstoy Farm in South Africa by Mahatma
Gandhi Remembrance Organisation
India contributes USD 1 million for World Food Programme’s humanitarian activities in North Korea
Fujifilm buying Xerox’s stake in Fuji Xerox making it a wholly owned subsidiary
Asian Shooting Championships In Doha
14th Asian Shooting Championship is being held in Doha.
Deepak Kumar: Bronze in men’s 10m air rifle
Manu Bhaker: Gold in women’s 10m air pistol
Manu Bhaker, Yashaswini Singh Deswal & Annu Raj Singh: Bronze in women’s 10m air pistol team
event
Elavenil Valarivan, Anjum Moudgil and Apurvi Chandela: Silver in women’s 10m air rifle team event
India
SC orders incentives of Rs 100 per quintal for Punjab, Haryana and UP farmers who shun stubble-
burning
Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari wins Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award given by Press
Council of India
Coast Guard conducts Regional level Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise-2019
(ReSAREX-2019) off Goa coast
Himachal Pradesh-based start-up NotOnMap (NoM) wins NASSCOM Foundation’s Social Innovation
Forum (NSIF) award
Finland Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto visits India
National School of Drama’s 11th Bal Sangam to be held in New Delhi from November 9 to 12
GCTOC Bill
President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the ‘Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organised
Crime (GCTOC) Bill’
The anti-terror legislation was passed by the State Assembly in March 2015
Under the new Act, intercepted telephonic conversations would now be considered as legitimate
evidence
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 40,469.78 (+222), NSE Nifty: 11,961 (+44)
Cabinet approves establishment of a ‘Special Window’ to complete stalled housing projects in the
Affordable and Middle-Income Housing sector
IORA Meeting
The 19th IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) Council of Ministers Meeting will be held on November
7 in Abu Dhabi.
Theme of the meeting is ‘Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean’
Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry V Muraleedharan is leading the Indian delegation.
World
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
observed on November 6
Freedom House releases its ‘Freedom on the Net’ report for 2019, titled ‘The Crisis of Social Media’
India gained $755 mn in additional exports to US due to US-China trade war in the first half of 2019:
UNCTAD
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh co-chairs 19th IRIGC-M & MTC meeting with his Russian counterpart
General Sergey Shoigu in Moscow
IRIGC-M & MTC: Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation
Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri inaugurates Mathadhis building for Budhanilkantha Narayan
Temple in Kathmandu
Davis Cup
International Tennis Federation agrees to shift India’s Asia/Oceania Group I Davis Cup tie against
Pakistan from Islamabad to a neutral venue
The new venue of the November 29-30 tie will now be decided by the Pakistan Tennis Federation
(PTF)
All India Tennis Association (AITA) has named former India player Rohit Rajpal as the non-playing
captain
Sports
Brendon Todd of US wins PGA Tour’s Bermuda Championship golf tournament in Los Angeles
French cyclist Jacques Dupont, who won gold at the 1948 Olympic Games in London, dies at 91
India
Navies of India and Indonesia hold exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ in the Bay of Bengal on Nov 6-7
Gujarat govt. bans ‘no entry’ board in kitchens of restaurants, hotels in the state

Punjab Assembly passes Bill excluding CM’s advisers from office-of-profit category
Guinness World Record of most students (268) assembling radio kits simultaneously created at India
International Science Festival in Kolkata
Sahitya Akademi award and Padma Shri winner litterateur Nabaneeta Dev Sen dies in Kolkata at 81
10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine organised in New Delhi
Books On Guru Nanak
Three new books launched on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev to commemorate his 550th birth
anniversary
The books are titled ‘Guru Nanak Bani’, ‘Nanak Bani’, and ‘Sakhian Guru Nanak Dev’
Union ministers Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Harsimrat Kaur Badal launched the books
Infosys Prizes
Six professors awarded Infosys Prize 2019 for science and research
Each winner gets $100,000 and a gold medal.
Engineering & Computer Sciences: Sunita Sarawagi
Humanities: Manu V. Devadevan
Life Sciences: Manjula Reddy
Mathematical Sciences: Siddhartha Mishra
Physical Sciences: G. Mugesh
Social Science: Anand Pandian
REHA
RBS Earth Heroes Awards (REHA) announced by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) Group
‘Climate Change’ was theme for the 2019 awards
Bholu Abrar Khan of Bharatpur (Rajasthan): Green Warrior
Dimbeshwar Das of Assam: Green Warrior
Ela Foundation of Pune: Earth Guardian
Aishwarya Maheshwari (UP): Save the Species
Sathish (Tamil Nadu): Save the Species
Jalal Ud Din Baba (J&K): Inspire
Pramila Bisoyi (Odisha): Lifetime Achievement
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 40,653.74 (+184), NSE Nifty: 12,016 (+50)
BIMSTEC Conclave of Ports being held at Vishakhapatnam on November 7-8
IRDAI bars Anil Ambani’s Reliance Health Insurance from selling policies due to its weak financial
health
Rising Himachal, the Global Investors Meet 2019, held at Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh
Hero MotoCorp launches India’s first BS-VI compliant motorcycle Splendor iSmart
Mercedes-Benz launches ‘V-Class Elite’ MPV at Rs 1.10 crore
World
ICJ sentences Congolese rebel chief Bosco ‘Terminator’ Ntaganda to 30 years in jail for war crimes
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan re-elected as President of UAE
‘No Money For Terror’ Ministerial Conference organised in Melbourne, Australia
WhatsApp unveils ‘Catalogs’ to let small enterprises showcase products
Sports
Rohit Sharma becomes second cricketer after Pakistan’s Shoaib Malik (111) to play in 100 T20
Internationals

Current Affairs –NAVEEN

News Headlines: November 9, 2019
KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
India
withdraws SPG (Special Protection Group) protection from Sonia Gandhi, Rahul and Priyanka
10th Meeting of Heads of Departments of SCO Member States, dealing with the prevention and
Elimination of Emergency Situations, held in New Delhi
Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting to review preparedness to deal with Severe Cyclone ‘Bulbul’
over West Bengal and Odisha
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis resigns; asked to continue as ‘acting chief minister’ by Governor
Bhagat Singh Koshyari
IAF launches multiplayer version of its interactive mobile game ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’
3 Guinness World Records At IISF
Students created 3 Guinness World Records at India International Science Festival (IISF) held in
Kolkata from November 5 to 8
Students created Guinness WR by forming the world’s largest prototype of a human chromosome
1,598 students created a Guinness WR for the largest astrophysics lesson and assembly of
spectroscopes
268 students created Guinness WR of most students assembling radio kits simultaneously
MFI Borrowing Limits
RBI on November 8, 2019 increased the household income limits for borrowers of NBFC-MFIs from Rs
1 lakh to Rs 1.25 lakh for the rural areas.
The limit has been increased from Rs 1.6 lakh for urban or semi-urban areas to Rs 2 lakh
Moody’s Credit Rating Outlook
India’s credit ratings outlook was cut to negative by Moody’s Investors Service
The foreign currency rating was retained at Baa2, the second-lowest investment grade score
Economy & Corporate
Country’s foreign exchange reserves touch a fresh lifetime high of USD 446.098 billion in the week to
November 1
introduces Steel Scrap Recycling Policy that aims to reduce steel scrap imports
Kumar Mangalam Birla conferred ABLF (Asian Business Leadership Forum) Global Asian Award in
Dubai
World
UNGA votes 187-3 to condemn United States’ continued embargo against Cuba
Donald Trump fined $2 million by US Court for misusing charity for political ends
5 killed as earthquake of 5.8 magnitude strikes Iran’s Azerbaijan province
Sports
International Hockey Federation (FIH) selects India to host Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2023
IHF names Spain and the Netherlands named as the co-hosts of the 2022 Women’s World Cup
CBSE will be observing Fitness Week in the second and third week of November as a part of Fit India
Movement
Ayodhya Verdict
Supreme Court settles the long pending Ayodhya land dispute case
In a unanimous decision, a five-judge Constitution bench ruled that the 2.77 acres of the disputed
land will remain with the Central government and be handed over to a Trust for the construction of a
temple
The bench also ruled that a suitable five-acre plot must be found for a mosque at a prominent place

in the town
Kartapur Corridor
Integrated Check Post of Kartarpur Corridor inaugurated by PM Modi at Dera Baba Nanak in
Gurdaspur, Punjab
First Jatha of Sikh pilgrims enters Pakistan through Kartarpur Corridor to pay obeisance at Darbar
Sahib Gurudwara
MMR
Latest Sample Registration System (SRS) 2015-2017 bulletin for Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)
released on October 7, 2019
India’s MMR declined from 130 per 1 lakh live births in 2014-2016 to 122 per 1 lakh live births in
2015-2017.
Karnataka has shown the highest percentage decline in MMR
UP and MP have shown an increase by 15 points each
India
Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan being organised in New Delhi from November 9 to 11
Indo-Russian joint tri-service exercise codenamed INDRA 2019 to be held from December 10-19
Assam Civil Service officer Hitesh Dev Sharma replaces Prateek Hajela as NRC (National Register of
Citizens) Coordinator
Dhrupad maestro and Padma Shri awardee Ramakant Gundecha dies at 56 in Bhopal
Economy & Corporate
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship confers the National Entrepreneurship Awards
2019 to Enterprises and Ecosystem builders in New Delhi
Govt decides to import 1 lakh tonnes of onion to control price rise; MMTC to import and NAFED to
distribute
World
Brazil’s former President Lula da Silva walks free from jail after spending a year and a half behind
bars for corruption
Mauritius PM Pravind Kumar Jugnauth gets another five-year term as his Militant Socialist Movement
(MSM) wins 38 out of 62 seats in Parliament
Ullas Karanth, Director, Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru, awarded the George Schaller Lifetime
Award in Wildlife Conservation Science
India
Many killed as Cyclone Bulbul hits West Bengal, Odisha and Bangladesh
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh announces installing of a Chair in the name of the Guru Nanak Dev in 11
universities
Economy & Corporate
Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to attend Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and
Conference in UAE from November 10 to 12
World
World Science Day for Peace and Development celebrated on November 10; Theme: ‘Open science,
leaving no one behind’
Australia: 3 people died, thousands displaced by bushfires in New South Wales, Queensland
US Court retains H-1B visa rule giving work permit to spouses
Iran announces discovery of a new oil field with 53 billion barrels of reserves in Khuzestan province
Bolivia: President Evo Morales calls for fresh elections after Organization of American States

questions the validity of his victory
Fuzhou Open Badminton Winners
Men’s Singles: Japan’s Kento Momota
Women’s Singles: China’s Chen Yufei
Men’s Doubles: Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo
Women’s Doubles: Japan’s Yuki Fukushima & Sayaka Hirota
Mixed Doubles: China’s Wang Yilü & Huang Dongping
Fed Cup Tennis
France beat Australia 3-2 to win Fed Cup women’s team tennis tournament in Perth
France defeated hosts Australia 3-2 to win Fed Cup women’s team tennis tournament in Perth
Kristina Mladenovic won two singles for France
Ashleigh Barty and Ajla Tomljanovic won one singles each for Australia
Doubles match won by French pair of Kristina Mladenovic and Caroline Garcia
India
Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant resigns as Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises
after his party exits NDA
Environment Ministry organising ‘Swachh – Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan’ cleanliness-cum-awareness drive in
50 beaches in 10 states from November 11 to 17
Himachal Pradesh: International Lavi fair being organised in Shimla district’s Rampur from November
11 to 14
Public Service Broadcasting Day will be celebrated on November 12
Birth anniversary of India’s first education minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad celebrated as National
Education Day on November 11
Former Chief Election Commissioner (1990-96) Tirunellai Narayanaiyer Seshan dies in Chennai at the
age of 87
Economy & Corporate
Industrial production contracts by 4.3% in September 2019
India-ASEAN Business Summit in New Delhi on November 11-12; theme: ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’.
World
Mohammad Imran appointed as the new High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India
Dhaka Global Dialogue being organised in Bangladesh from November 11 to 13
Bolivia’s president Evo Morales resigns amid allegations of fraud in October 20 election; was in power
since 2006
Spain’s governing Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) wins 120/350 seats in general elections
Sports
World Para Athletics Championships in Dubai: Sundar Singh Gurjar wins gold in men’s F46 javelin
throw
Saurabh Chaudhary wins silver in men’s 10m air pistol event at Asian Championship in Doha
Purav Raja and Ramkumar Ramanathan win men’s doubles title at $54,160 Challenger tennis
tournament in Kobe, Japan
Russia’s Sergey Karjakin and Armenia’s Levon Aronian finish joint first at Grand Chess Tour in
Bucharest
Russia’s Sergey Karjakin and Armenia’s Levon Aronian finish joint first at Grand Chess Tour Superbet
rapid and blitz chess championship in Bucharest
John Kipkorir Komen of Kenya (men’s) and Greece’s Eleftheria Petroulaki (women’s) win races at
Athens Marathon
India beat Bangladesh by 30 runs in 3rd T20I at Nagpur to win 3-match series 2-1
Deepak Chahar becomes the first Indian to get a hat-trick in T20 Internationals
National Junior Chess championship in Gurugram: Aradhya Garg (boys), Srishti Pandey (girls) win
titles
President’s Rule In Maharashtra
President signs proclamation imposing President’s rule in Maharashtra under Article 356
The Assembly has been kept under suspended animation.
Union Cabinet had recommended President’s rule after Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari submitted a
report in this regard
India
550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev celebrated as Prakash Parv; President attended event at
Sultanpur Lodhi, Kapurthala, Punjab
Economy & Corporate
Prakash Javadekar given charge of the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises after
Arvind Sawant’s resignation
Haryana Govt. sets up Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to promote industries in the state
Amazon introduces ‘Project Zero’ in India to block counterfeit goods
Haryana’s BBY
Haryana govt. brings more crops under the ‘Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna (BBY)’ Scheme
Under BBP, farmers get compensated for selling their crop at a price lower than that fixed by
government
World
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar represents at the second annual Paris Peace Forum held in
France
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal attends 9th BRICS trade ministers meet in Brasilia
Bolivia’s President Evo Morales resigns, takes political asylum in Mexico
Sports
Indian Oil Corporation win the All India Beighton Cup Hockey tournament in Kolkata
Sri Lanka becomes the first South Asian nation to criminalise offences related to match-fixing
India
Office of Chief Justice of India is public authority, falls under Right to Information Act, says Supreme
Court
SC upholds disqualification of 17 rebel Cong-JD(S) MLAs in Karnataka by the Speaker on July 23 but
allows them to fight bypolls
LCA Tejas’ naval variant makes successful night-time arrested landing at SBTF (Shore Based Test
Facility) in Goa
Justice Muhammad Raffiq takes charge as Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court
Ajay Kumar Mittal who is now the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court
India gets USD 43 million from Green Climate Fund to boost climate resilience in 3 coastal states of
AP, Maharashtra and Odisha
Rs 2 lakh fine, imprisonment for those found guilty of hoarding sand in Andhra Pradesh
IITF
39th India International Trade Fair (IITF) being held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from November 14

to 27
Theme: ‘Ease of Doing Business’
This year the status of ‘Partner Country’ has been accorded to Afghanistan
South Korea will be the Focus Country
Bihar and Jharkhand will be the focus states.
Economy & Corporate
Retail price-based consumer inflation spikes to 16-month high of 4.62% in October
BHIM UPI goes global; QR code-based payments demonstrated at Singapore FinTech Festival
India’s Ravi Prakash wins USD 25,000 BRICS-Young Innovator Prize for inventing an affordable
indigenous milk chilling unit
Godrej Locks to observe 3rd Home Safety Day on November 15
World
BRICS Summit being held in Brasilia on November 13-14; theme: ‘BRICS: Economic Growth for an
Innovative Future’
New Zealand’s Parliament votes in favour of a bill to legalize euthanasia; referendum to be held in
2020 for it to go into effect
Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani elected to the board of Metropolitan Museum of Art in
New York
India pledges USD 5 million in 2020 to the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine
Refugees in the Near East
Hollywood veteran Robert De wins Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Life Achievement Award
India
SC refers to 7-judge bench pleas seeking review of its September 28, 2019 verdict allowing women,
girls into Sabarimala
SC dismisses petitions seeking review of its Dec 14, 2018 verdict that had upheld purchase of 36
Rafale fighter jets by the govt.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attends 11th Maitree Diwas celebrations in Tawang, Arunachal
Pradesh
Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria, IAF Chief, flies in basic trainer aircraft HTT-40, developed by
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, in Bengaluru
‘Rosogolla Dibas’ (Rasgulla Day) celebrated in West Bengal to mark the granting of GI tag for ‘Banglar
Rosogolla’ in 2918
AP CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy launches ‘Nadu-Nedu’ programme aimed at transforming government
schools
Britain’s Prince Charles presents Commonwealth ‘Points of light’ award to Kerala-based Jolly
Johnson, the founder of Helping Hands Organisation (H20), during India visit
Conference of Indian Society of Aerospace Medicine (ISAM) being held at the Institute of Aerospace
Medicine in Bengaluru: Nov 14-16
Renowned mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh dies in Patna at the age of 74
Children born in India will face higher burden of climate change says ‘Lancet Countdown on Health
and Climate Change’ report
Delhi High Court judge Sangita Dhingra Sehgal appointed as a member of the Competition
Commission of India (CCI)
Water Resources Ministry finalises committee to draft a new National Water Policy (NWP) that will be
headed by former Planning Commission member Mihir Shah
India and China running 2-week programme to train diplomats from Afghanistan at External Affairs
Ministry’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in New Delhi
Economy & Corporate
eases KYC norms for migrants to open bank account. They can give a self-declared local address as
sufficient proof of residence in case it is different from one mentioned in Aadhaar document.
International Symposium on Lighting (iSoL) organised at International Centre for Automotive
Technology (ICAT), Manesar
Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation declines to 0.16% in October, lowest since June 2016
Chandra Shekhar Ghosh, founder, MD and CEO of Bandhan Bank, is the Business Standard Banker of
the Year for 2018-19
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) launches new BS VI-compliant bike SP 125 at Rs 72,900
Publisher Westland launches new children imprint ‘Red Panda’
World
‘112 service’ of UP Police wins 3rd prize in emergency response category at international call centre
event organised by the Dubai Police
Catalan poet Joan Margarit wins 125,000 euros Cervantes Prize for 2019, the Spanish-speaking
world’s highest literary honour
MoS for External Affairs V Muraleedharan visits Kazakhstan; calls on Chairman of the Majilis, the
Lower House of the Kazakh Parliament, in capital Nur-Sultan
Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 starts year-long journey home from asteroid Ryugu, about 300
million kilometres from Earth
Facebook says it has removed 5.4 billion fake accounts so far this year
World Diabetes Day observed on November 14; birth anniversary of Frederick Banting who discovered
insulin
Sports
India sprinter Dutee Chand in Time 100 Next list that features 100 rising stars in various fields
November 1, 2019
Ekta Diwas: PM Modi inaugurated Technology Demonstration site
PM Modi inaugurated the Technology Demonstration Site at Kevadia, Gujarat on October 31, 2019. The
inauguration was a part of the National Unity Day celebrations that commemorates the birth anniversary of
Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
The security personnel showcased different technologies being used by them in the event.
Highlights
The site consisted of displays of police and paramilitary forces.
It showcased various modern technologies that included lethal and non-lethal arms
CRPF, CISF, BSF, NSG and other State Police contingents displayed their modern technology centering
on various themes like modernization of forces, aviation security, digital initiatives, etc
The Ministry of Home Affairs introduced the initiative of “112”, one number for all emergencies
There were also stalls that displayed gallantry medals and honors received by CRPF-Central Reserve
Police Force personnel.
There were also exhibitions by Gujarat Police showcasing Vishwas project
The theme of CISF-Central Industrial Security Force was centered on integrating modern technology
with a focus on faster and efficient facial recognition technology at airports
The NSG-National Security Guards showcased modern security kits, remote controlled vehicles and
equipment and modern weaponry.
Sharjah International Book Fair 2019
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) 2019, an annual international book fair was inaugurated in
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It was inaugurated by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the
sovereign ruler of Emirate of Sharjah and the Federal Supreme Council Member. The debut edition of SIBF
was launched in 1982.
Key Highlights
The year 2019 marks the 38th edition of 11-day Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Nearly 1800
exhibitors from 77 countries are participating in 2019 Fair. SIBF will showcase about 987 activities
presenting scientific, knowledge and literary themes.
SIBF 2019 will carry the theme of- Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC), ‘Open Books Open Minds’, to
promote books and reading across age groups and communities.
The Guest of Honour country at 38th SIBF is Republic of Mexico.
The Principal Guest of Honour at 38th SIBF is Steve Harvey, America’s most-loved host.
Fair will bring together a host of Arab and international guests and celebrities such as Orhan Pamuk, the
first Turkish novelist to win 2006 Nobel Prize for Literature; leadership guru, Robin Sharma. Also, a number
of Indian authors and personalities are expected to be part of this event.
Defence Minister: attends SCO meeting; signs Bilateral Engagement with Uzbekistan
Defence Minister Raj Nath Singh is to attend key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
at Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He will also participate in bilateral engagements with the Uzbekistan Government.
The Minister is to represent India in the meeting of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of SCO at
Tashkent. The Council meets to discuss on multilateral economic cooperation in the SCO region.
Highlights of the visit
The Minister will sign bilateral agreements and hold a meeting with his Uzbekistan Counterpart. It is
to be noted that the first ever India-Uzbekistan bilateral military exercise “Dostlik 2019” is to begin
between November 4 and November 13, 2019.
The meeting is the third CHG meeting that is being attended by India after it became a member of
SCO. The last two meeting were held in 2017 at Sochi, Russia and in 2018 at Dushanbe in Tajikistan.
Council of Heads of Government
The CHG is the second highest decision-making body in the SCO. The Indian representative of the CHG is
PM Modi.
The Council of Heads of the State is the top decision-making body in the SCO. It meets during the SCO
summits that are held once in a year. President Ram Nath Kovind represents India at the Council.
Fact Box: Sardar Patel National Unity Award
Centre government has instituted ‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’, the highest civilian award in field of
contribution to unity and integrity of India, in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, most popularly known
as Iron Man of India or the founding father of the Republic of India. It will be announced on occasion of
National Unity Day on the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31 October. The institution of award was
notified by Union Ministry of Home Affairs on 20 September 2019.
About Sardar Patel National Unity Award
The award recognizes the notable and inspiring contributions made by any institution or organization or
individual to promote cause of national unity and integrity as well as to reinforce the value of a strong and
united India.
In a given year not more than three Awards would be given and it would not be conferred posthumously
except in very rare and highly deserving cases. Nominations for award would be invited every year and the
applications would need to be filed online on website designed by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Eligible: All citizens, without distinction of race, religion, caste, age or occupation, gender, place of birth,
and any institution or organization would be eligible for Award. Any Indian national or organization or
institution based in India would be able to nominate an individual for consideration for this Award.
Individuals may also nominate themselves for the award. State Governments, Union Territory (UT)

Administrations and Ministries of Union Government may also send nominations and recommendations on
the on-line portal www.nationalunityawards.mha.gov.in
Award Committee would be constituted by Prime Minister, and would include Cabinet Secretary, Principal
Secretary to Prime Minister, Secretary to President, Home Secretary as Members and 3-4 eminent persons
selected by PM.
Award shall be conferred by: President of India by a Sanad (an Indian government charter, warrant, diploma,
patent or deed) under his hand and seal and presented by him in a presentation ceremony along with Padma
award presentation ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Prize: The award does not have any monetary grant or cash award attached to it and would consist of a
medal and a citation.
PM Modi to visit Thailand for ASEAN, East Asia and RCEP summits
PM Modi will embark a three-day visit to Thailand to participate in the ASEAN, East Asia and RCEP summits.
In 2018, India had hosted the Indo-ASEAN summit commemorating its 25th anniversary, where all the 10
ASEAN leaders participated. Later the Delhi Declaration was adopted where the leaders agreed to further
strengthen and deepen ASEAN-India strategic partnership.
Highlights: ASEAN
The Prime Minister is to co-chair the summit on the first day
He will release a commemorative coin marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev
He will also release the Thai translation of classic Tirukkural
PM will also co-chair the ASEAN-India summit along with Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-cha
Highlights: East Asia Summit
The theme of the East Asia summit was chosen by Thailand and the theme is “Advancing
Partnerships for sustainability”. In September 2019, India co-hosted the India-ASEAN workshop on
the theme “Sustainable use of marine resources”
This year, in 2019, the 14th East Asia summit is to focus on reviewing the future direction of East
Asia cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues
Highlights: RCEP
The leaders of RCEP will discuss and review the state of negotiations that are ongoing in Bangkok.
Girish Chandra Murmu sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of J&K

Girish Chandra Murmu (59) took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir on 31 October 2019. He was administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy by Justice Gita Mittal,
Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court at function held at Raj Bhawan at the foothills of the
Zaberwan range. He will preside over the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (position now abolished),
Satya Pal Malik who now moves to Goa for the remainder of his tenure as the governor.
The reorganization of erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir into Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and
Ladakh came into existence on the birth anniversary of Iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The
creation of two new UTs of J&K and Ladakh follows a landmark decision by centre to abrogate Article 370
and 35A of constitution on 5 August 2019.
About Girish Chandra Murmu
Born 21 November 1959, G C Murmu is an MBA in public service and also holds a post graduate in political
science. He is a 1985 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre and has served as
principal secretary to Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
He took charge as the first Lieutenant Governor of J&K after the formation of new Union territory of Jammu
and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
NOTE: Lieutenant Governors are appointed by President of India for a term of 5years.
IIIT Hyderabad create first ever Indian Brain Atlas
Researchers at International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-H), Hyderabad, have created the first-
ever Indian Brain Atlas referred to as IBA 100. The research has been published in a peer-reviewed journal–
Neurology India.
The Indian human brain atlas construction was undertaken by team of IIITH researchers was led by Jayanthi
Sivaswamy from Centre for Visual Information Technology (CVIT) in collaboration with Department of
Imaging Sciences and Interventional Radiology (DISIR), Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences
and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram.
Standard Brain Atlases
The earliest known brain atlas, ‘the Talairach and Tournoux atlas’, was created by manually drawing post-
mortem brain sections of a 60-year-old French woman. It was in 1993 that Montreal Neurological Institute
(MNI) and International Consortium for Brain Mapping (ICBM) created first digital human brain atlas.
Recently, MNI and ICBM released other brain atlases that are widely used as a standard in neuroscience
studies, but these ‘standard’ brain templates created using Caucasian brains are not ideal to analyze brain
differences from other ethnicities, such as Indian population.
Even Chinese and Korean brain templates had been constructed but until now there was no corresponding
template constructed for the Indian-specific population.
Key Highlights of Study
Study has revealed that Indian brain, on an average, is smaller in height, width and volume when compared
to Caucasian and eastern (Chinese and Korean) populations. The differences were found even at structure
level, like in volume of hippocampus and so on.
The implications of the findings includes better and early diagnosis of treatment outcomes of neurological
problems or brain related ailments such dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and other
brain-related ailments.
Baseline: Since birth, the brain grows at an alarming rate, but according to experts, it is around age 20-30,
that the brain is said to be fully developed, or mature. Therefore researchers collected the scans from an
equal number of healthy male and female subjects who fell in age group of 21-30 years, considered as the
baseline.
Curbing Misdiagnosis: Medical practitioners depend on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan to decide
on line of treatment and since the references they use are the one’s created by MNI, based on Caucasian
brains, thus the revelations by current findings on Indian brains, show that the differences in MRI scans that
can emerge by comparisons (because Indian brains are smaller than Caucasian) can be alarming and lead
to misdiagnosis.
Way Ahead: The next step would be to prepare atlases for different age groups to study age related affects
on brain anatomy. Researches will now collect MRI scans to create brain atlases for different age groups,
such as 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and 50-60, which will be beneficial to track brain and see how it ages over time
and in the long run understand dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s etc.
Bamboo Tech Parks in J&K and Ladakh
The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Council (NEC) will set up new Bamboo Technology parks in
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh Union Territories. The nodal agency CBTC (Cane and Bamboo Technology
Centre) under the Ministry of NEC will implement the project.
Highlights
The model of bamboo cultivation, harvesting and utilization that is existing in the North Eastern
Region is to be replicated in Jammu, Leh and Srinagar regions
The model will be in consonance with the National Bamboo Mission
Similar steps that were taken during the erection Bamboo Industrial Park in Dima Hasao district of
Assam are to be followed.
CBTC-Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre
CBTC has been expanding livelihood opportunities from rich harvest of bamboos for more than two
decades. It was formed to exploit the unused bamboo sector in the North East India. The CBTC along with
the United Nations Development Programme implements the Technology Management Programme. It has
been renewed under the North Eastern Council.
The Centre involves in resourcing talent scouting, technology sourcing, training, market linkage to give a
new age thrust to the age old bamboo sector.
IIT Delhi launches Global Alumni Endowment Fund
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has formally launched its Global Alumni Endowment Fund with an
initial commitment of Rs 250.crore from nearly 20 corporate leaders and alumni of institution. The
Endowment Fund was launched by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 31 October 2019.
Key Highlights
Along with this, the IIT Delhi, which is known for highest number of startups launched by its alumni among
all IITs in country, also launched of ‘Each One Teach One’ initiative wherein IIT Delhi invites alumni, wealthy
individuals and corporates to support education of one student per year costing up to $10,000, which will
get added to IIT Delhi Endowment Fund.
IIT-D aims to achieve a target corpus of $1 billion by 2025 for newly launched fund that will work towards
the development of institute, encourage innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Currently, all IIT-ians put
together are 4th-largest producers of unicorn start-ups in the world (after Stanford, Harvard and University
of California), with IIT Delhi alumni leading the pack b creating 14 out of 24 Indian unicorns
What is an Endowment Fund?
It is an investment fund established by a foundation (universities, nonprofit organizations, churches and
hospitals etc.) that makes consistent withdrawals from invested capital. It means that endowment funds
are basically investment portfolios where initial money is provided by donations to a foundation. The
running of an endowment fund is governed by investment, withdrawal and usage policy.
The capitals in endowment funds are generally utilized by a foundation for specific needs or to further a
company’s operating process. These are typically funded entirely by donations that are deductible for
donors.
Need: In latest QS World University ranking 2020, IIT Delhi was ranked at 182, thus if it aims to be one of
the top institutes in world, there is still a lot of scope for improvement. IIT Delhi needs to increase number
of faculty in institution particularly those having international experience. IIT-D also needs to upgrade its

infrastructure to ensure its campus, course content and research facilities are completely world class.
Endowments will put IIT Delhi on the global map for education along with prominent foreign universities and
would also allow Indian institutions to confidently engage in long-term planning without sustainability risk
to critical projects.
Significance: The endowments have become integral part of financial health of educational institutions and
through this alumni are playing critical role in supporting and nurturing future generations of learners. While
India is still far from the size and importance of endowment funds of Institutions such as Harvard, Yale or
Columbia, the launching of fund is the first right step in this direction.
Union Territory of Ladakh gets Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Prakash Javadekar approved the proposal
of New Regional Centre of the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development at Ladakh.
Objectives
To promote alternative and innovative livelihoods for climate change vulnerable cold-desert
communities
To strengthen and establish the solutions and approaches towards addressing water scarcity.
To facilitate conservation of important cold desert habitats and biodiversity
To foster climate smart communities in the Himalayan landscape
About the Institute
The GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable Development has its
headquarters located at Kosi-Katarmal, Uttarkhand. The regional Centres of the institute are located in
Kullu-to cover the Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh regions
Srinagar-To cover Uttarkhand region
Gangtok-To cover Sikkim and West Bengal hills
Itanagar-to cover North Eastern Region
The institute caters to environment management, policies for sustainable development of communities and
conservation of natural resources in the Indian Himalayan Region.
Significance
The Trans Himalayan landscape lies above 3,000 Mean Sea Level and is characterized by extreme cold
climate. It has very sparse vegetation. The annual rainfall in these regions is 9-10 cm with more than 300
sunny days.
The Institute helps in understanding the landscape and its components in a better way. This will aid in
developing strategies and implementation plans for addressing the issued of environmental conservation
and sustainable development.
ASI: Gottiporlu-a historic trade centre
The Archaeological Survey of India has discovered the remains of huge settlement during its first phase of
excavation at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh. It has uncovered a mass settlement that
was surrounded by a massive brick enclosure
Highlights
The experts unearthed the Hindu god, Lord Vishnu sculptures and wide variety of pottery of early
centuries of current era
The site lies on the bank of Swarnamukhi river
Drone images and topographical studies helped in identifying the settlement that is surrounded by a
fortification. The fortification was evident in the southern and eastern sides while its other arm
seems to have been leveled due to modern settlements
The Brick Enclosure
The massive brick enclosure is the outstanding discovery of the excavation. The bricks are baked and
exposed to a length of more than 75 metres with average width of 3.4 metres. They rise to a height of

2 metres and run in a curvi linear pattern
The Archaeologists also discovered a rectangular brick tank exposed near the inner lining of the
curved brick structure
Period of the excavations
The brick sizes are comparable with the Satavahan period structures in the River Krishna valley
Based on the brick sizes, the period of excavations are placed between 2nd and 1st century BC. They
are around 2000 years old
Antiquities
A female terracotta figurine with two hands lifted upwards was also retrieved.
Interesting pottery were also found. There were conical jars that are widely distributed in Tamil Nadu
and are considered to be imitated variety of Roman Amphorae jars.
A series of broken terracotta pipes fitted into one another were also revealed. It proves that the
period had a good drainage system.
Trade Centre
The presence of these jars prove that it was an important trade centre of the period. Also it implies that
liquid commodities were transported as amphorae wares are often used to carry liquid items. Also, the
site’s proximity with the sea coast suggests that it could have serves as a strategic settlement involved in
maritime trade.
Tools
The tools found were made of stones
COP25 cancelled
On October 30, 2019, the Chile Government cancelled the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)
summit and the COP25 conference due to the ongoing protests in the country. The country’s president in a
press meet said that the ongoing violent protests have plagued the country for weeks and it is currently not
in a situation to hold international conferences.
While the United Nations is searching alternatives to conduct the conferences, Spain has offered to host
COP25. This is the second time a country is cancelling to host COP25. In November, 2018, Brazil withdrew
from hosting the COP25 citing economic reasons
COP25
The Conference of Parties is the supreme body of the UNFCCC-United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change. The first COP was held in Berlin, Germany in 1995. The Climate change decisions and
solutions of the United Nations revolved around the COP agreements. the last COP 24 was held at Katowice,
Poland in May 2019.
APEC
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is an inter-governmental forum for 21 Pacific rim countries. These
countries account for nearly 50% of the world’s trade and account to 57% of world GDP. It was established
in 1989. India is an observer of APEC since 2011 and has applied for its membership.
PM Modi and Angela Merkel to co-chair 5th Biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will co-chair the fifth Biennial
Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) in New Delhi on 1 November 2019. The two leaders will also hold
talks and discuss a host of bilateral issues including agriculture economic partnership, trade and
investment.
Key Highlights
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. The Chancellor is
accompanied by several Ministers and State Secretaries of Federal Government, as well as a high-powered
business delegation.

Under the IGC format, counterpart Ministers from both the countries will hold initial discussions in their
respective areas of responsibility.
During the 5th Biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC), the two sides will discuss the entire gamut
of bilateral issues including science, education, technology, people to people contact and cultural
exchanges. Discussions will also be held on deepening of cooperation in traditional sectors like transport,
skill development and energy, as well as explore possibilities for cooperation in newer areas like green
urban mobility and artificial intelligence (AI). Moreover, two countries are likely to sign around 20
agreements.
India-Germany
Germany is India’s largest trading partner in Europe and is also a leading investment partner with being the
seventh largest foreign direct investor (FDI) in India. Both countries have established a Strategic
Partnership that is characterized by a high degree of trust and mutual understanding. Moreover, the two
Leaders have regularly interacted on sidelines of many multilateral meetings.
There are over 1,700 German companies active in India and more than 600 Indo-German joint ventures (JVs)
in operation. Most of the German investments in India are in sectors of services sector (particularly
insurance), transportation, automobiles, metallurgical industries, electrical equipment, chemicals,
construction activity and trading.
NOTE: Angela Merkel announced that she will step down as Chancellor of Germany in 2021 and would not
seek re-election as leader of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union( CDU), following recent election
setbacks. She has held post since 2000.
Radha Krishna Mathur sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT
Radha Krishna Mathur (65) was formally sworn in as first ever Lieutenant Governor of newly carved Union
Territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019. He was nominated to be the first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh by
President of India on 25 October 2019. He was administered Oath of Office and Secrecy by Chief Justice of
Jammu and Kashmir High Court Gita Mittal.
On 31 October 2019 the reorganization of erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories of
Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh came into existence. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Iron man of
India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is credited with merger of over 560 states into Union of India.
Key Highlights
Centre has also appointed Umang Narula, a 1989-batch IAS officer, as the advisor to newly-appointed Lt
Governor of Ladakh. At present, Umang is posted as principal secretary to Jammu and Kashmir Governor
Satya Pal Malilk.
SS Khandare, a 1995-batch IPS officer, has been appointed Head of Police of Union Territory of Ladakh.
About Radha Krishna Mathur
He is a retired 1977 batch IAS officer of Tripura cadre. In November 2018, he retired as Chief Information
Commissioner(CIC) of India. He has also held position as- Union Defence Secretary, Union Defence
Production Secretary, Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Secretary and Chief Secretary of
Tripura.
New Provision for Ladakh as a UT
The creation of two new Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh follows a landmark decision by
the centre to abrogate Article 370 and 35A of the constitution on 5 August 2019.
Under the new provision, Ladakh will be a Union Territory on the lines of Andaman and Nicobar, directly
governed by Lieutenant Governor. Ladakh will have two Hill councils directly under Lieutenant Governor.
Also, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir will be common for both Ladakh and J&K.
Moreover, the Scheduled Lists of 106 central laws will be applicable to two newly carved UT’s, which
includes the Aadhaar Act, 2016, Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009.
Moreover, the bodies such as SC commission, ST commission and Minority commission will be setup in
both UTs.
NOTE: Ladakh has a population of nearly 3 lakh and is strategically located as it shares borders with
Pakistan as well as China.
November 2, 2019
Dustlik 2019: India Uzbekistan joint Military Exercise
India will conduct its first ever military exercise with Uzbekistan in a 10-day session on counter terrorism
tactics. The exercise will be held at Chirchiq Training Area, Uzbekistan between November 4 and November
13, 2019. The Defence Minister Shri Raj Nath Singh during his 3 day visit met the Indian contingent
participating in the joint exercise.
Highlights of the Exercise
The aim of the exercise is to focus on counter-insurgency and counter terrorism operation in
mountainous, rural and urban regions.
From India a 45-member contingent have been trained for firing heli-borne operations, mountain craft,
combat conditioning, tactical operations and house-intervention drills under UN mandate. This
contingent is participating in the exercise
As a part of the exercise, the Indian army will conduct training cordon and search operation, mobile
vehicle check posts and room intervention.
The Uzbekistan army will conduct training on tactical drills and survival skills in deserts and
mountains.
On the concluding day, both the countries will depict near-actual operations situations for a period of
24-hour.
Significance
The exercise will build inter-operability skills and confidence between the two armies and enable sharing of
best practices between the two. As Uzbekistan is a key country in central Asia, India has been trying to
reach out to Uzbekistan by means of various new areas of cooperation.
Mumbai and Hyderabad included in UNESCO Creative Cities Network
On October 30, 2019, 66 cities were designated by UNESCO as Creative Cities. The cities are named creative
based on their mission to place creativity and creative economy at the core of their urban development to
make their city safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development Goal
From India, Hyderabad and Mumbai were included in the list of Creative Cities this year. They were
announced on World Cities Day.
Till now the following cities were included in the list for the respective categories
Varanasi-Music
Chennai-Music
Jaipur-Crafts and Folk art
About Creative Cities Network
The network brings together cities that base development on music, arts, music, design, folk crafts,
literature, cinema, digital arts or gastronomy. Mumbai was selected based on cinema and Hyderbad was
selected based on Gastronomy.
Mumbai for its cinema-centric aura gained the name “City pf Dreams” and Hyderabad known for its Biryani
and other food items has gained the name “The Home of Haleem and Biryani”. In 2010, Haleem was
honored with the Geographical Indication status and hence became the first meat-based product from India
to win the prestigious tag.
ICCR to organize 3-day ‘Takhat Darshan Yatra’ for Sikh youths from 10 nations
To mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, the Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR) will be organizing a three-day ‘Takhat Darshan Yatra’ for Sikh youths from various

countries as part of its birth anniversary celebrations.
Key Highlights
The ICCR is also organising a first-of-its-kind programme including an International Youth Seminar (IYS) on
Teachings of Baba Guru Nanak Dev ji and Sikhism’s Contribution in Universal Well being on 6 November
2019. The seminar will be based on topics like spiritual traditions in Sikhism and the idea of ‘vasudhaiva
kutumbakam’ (the entire world is one family); sikhism and its historic role in protecting ‘the idea of India’
and Sikhism and its culture of service to humanity.
The seminar will be followed by a, three-day ‘Takhat Darshan Yatra’ for to three takhats at- Patna Sahib in
Patna, Bihar; the Golden Temple (or Sri Harmandir Sahib or Darbar Sahib) in city of Amritsar, Punjab and
Hazur Saheb in Nanded, Maharashtra.
Participants: About 40 Sikh youths from United States, United Kingdom (UK), Malaysia, Netherlands, South
Africa, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Italy and Thailand will participate in the seminar. Another group of 20
youth from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University (DU) along with their foreign
counterparts will be taken to various religious places associated with Sikh Gurus. The youngsters will
depart to their representative countries on 11 November 2019.
About Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
It is an autonomous organisation of Union Government established on 9 April 1950. It was founded by
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the 1st Education Minister of independent India. It is involved in India’s external
cultural relations, via cultural exchange with other countries as well as their peoples.
Chandrayaan 2: Argon 40 found in Lunar Exosphere
The Chandrayaan 2 detected Argon 40 in the lunar Exosphere. Argon 40 is one of the isotopes of Argon, a
noble gas. The ISRO has given the detailed process by which Argon 40 reaches the Lunar exosphere
Argon is an important constituent of lunar exosphere. It originates from the radioactive disintegration of
Potassium-40 beneath the moon’s surface. The gas is released during moon quakes.
Highlights
The CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atomspheric Composition Explorer 2) payload in the Chandrayaan 2 orbiter is a
neutral mass spectrometer. It detects constituents in the lunar neutral exosphere. IT now detected Argon 40
from an altitude of 100 km capturing day-night variations. The gas in the Lunar exosphere condenses during
lunar night. The gas is being released after lunar dawn.
Potassium 40
Potassium is a radioactive isotope of Potassium. It has a long shelf life of 1.25×109 years. It is a rare
example of an isotope that undergoes beta decay. Potassium-40 is important for potassium-argon dating.
When a mineral that contains Potassium 40 decays it creates fresh Argon-40 that remains locked up in the
mineral. As the rate at which the conversion occurs is known, it helps to determine the time since the
mineral was formed based on the K40 and Ar40 atoms.
Eritrea, Saint Kittis sign ISA Framework Agreement
Two new countries Eritrea and Saint Kitts and Nevis have signed the International Solar Alliance’s (ISA)
Framework Agreement at the second Assembly of ISA held in New Delhi. With this the total number of
countries who have so far signed the ISA framework agreement have reached to 83.
About International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The ISA is an Indian initiative which was launched by the Prime Minister of India and President of France on
30 November 2015, in Paris, France, on sidelines of COP-21. This treaty-based inter-governmental
organization is an alliance of 121 solar resource-rich sunshine countries lying fully or partially between
tropic of cancer and tropic of capricorn as prospective members. The ISA is now perceived as key towards
achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and objectives of Paris Agreement on Climate
Change.
Objectives: ISA aims to lower the cost of energy, increase investment in renewable energy, as well as train

and share knowledge and technological know-how among the member countries. ISA’s overarching
objective is to collectively address key common challenges to scaling up of solar energy in ISA member
countries.
ISA Assembly: It is the supreme decision-making body of ISA. It gives directions on various administrative,
financial and programme-related issues.
The second ISA Assembly was hosted by Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and
presided by MNRE Minister R K Singh who is also the President of ISA. Brune Poirson, the French Minister
for Ecological and Inclusive Transition is the current co-president of ISA. The first ISA Assembly was held in
October 2018.
Coal India to produce 1 billion tons of coal by 2024
On November 2, 2019, the coal Ministry has announced that Coal India Limited (CIL) will produce 750
million tons of coal by the end of financial year 2020-21. It will further increase the coal production to 1
billion tons by 2023-24.
Currently CIL has a target of 660 million tons of coal production. This is 82% of country’s coal output.
Highlights
At the 45th Foundation Day of CIL, the Minister of Coal and Mines announced the above target. Also,
the ministry is to boost new jobs by 10,000.
Coal India Limited is to get associated with Jal Shakti Abhiyan to conserve water and provide treated
mine water to the populace in and around mining areas.
Under the Corporate Social Responsibility the CIL will participate in Tuberculosis Eradication
Programme of GoI and will help eradicate the disease in and around mining areas.
Significance
As the demand for power is rising steeply, there is enough opportunity for both government and
private sectors to produce coal without adversely impacting each other.
With government’s recent decision of 100% FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in coal sector, the coal
import will be greatly minimized.
5 lakh government vehicles to be converted into e-vehicles

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar flagged off the electric vehicles
procured by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in New Delhi.
Highlights
The minister announced that all the 5 lakh government vehicles are to be converted into electric
vehicles.
The process is to be carried out in phased manner
The purpose of the step is to reduce the dependence of the country on Petrol and Diesel
This will save 832 million litres of petrol and diesel and will reduce 2.23 million tons of carbon-
dioxide being released.
Significance
This will aid in achieving India’s commitment towards reducing GHG (Green House Gas) emission by
33% to 35% by 2030 as compared to 2005
India is home to 14 out of 20 most polluted cities in the world. Electric Vehicles help improve the
scenario by reducing local concentrations of pollutants in cities.
Requirements to achieve EV plan
According to the NITI Aayog, the following steps will help implementing EV based plans successfully
Providing Charging infrastructure
Increasing the efficiency of vehicles before converting all the vehicles to electric. This can be
achieved by incentivising developments to increase vehicle efficiency.

Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019

Teams of Delhi Police Special Cell and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) were awarded Union Home
Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019. A 25-member team of Odisha Police has also been awarded
the medal, along with the others.
Key Highlights
The Delhi Police Special Cell received the honour for thwarting a terror strike by two Jaish-e-Mohammad
(JeM) terrorists, Abdul Latif Ganai and Hilal Ahmad in January 2019. The JeM members were planning an
attack in the national capital during the 2019 Republic Day celebrations.
16-member team of border guarding force ITBP was also given the honour for successful Nanda Devi
Search and Rescue Mission. This mission involved the successful retrieval of 7 dead bodies near Nanda
Devi in Pithoragarh after a 500 hours operation.
About Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal
The prestigious Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal was instituted in June 2018. It aims to promote
high professional standards of Investigation of Crime in State and Union Territory Police and Central
Investigating Agencies (CIAs) in India.
Eligibility: Police Officers of States and Union Territories (UTs), Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs),
Central Police Organisations (CPOs) and security organisations involved in special operations are eligible
for the medal.
State Formation Day celebrated by Several States
Eight Indian States namely Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana
and Madhya Pradesh celebrated their formation day in November 1, 2019. PM Modi and President Ram Nath
Kovind and several other leaders wished the states for their prosperity.
The day is celebrated as “Rajyotsav” by the state of Karnataka every year.
There are 28 states and 9 Union Territories in India as on November 2, 2019.
Kerala
Kerala was created on November 1, 1956. Prior to its formation it was three independent provinces namely
Malabar, Travancore and Cochin. It got its name from its first ruler Keralian Thamboran.
Chattisgarh
The state of Chattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh on November 1, 2000. It is the 10th largest
state in India. The step was taken for easy administration and also to reduce naxalism in the region. There
are about 25 million people living in Chattisgarh.
Haryana
The state of Haryana was carved out of Punjab on November 1, 1966. The state was a boon to the country
as it led the Green Revolution movement in terms of crop output.
Punjab
The movement led by the Akali Dal resulted in the formation of Punjabi-majority Punjab state, Union
Territory of Chandigarh and Haryanvi-Hindi majority Haryana state. The formation of the state dates back to
the Punjabi suba movement in the 1950s
Madhya Pradesh
The State of Madhya Pradesh was formed on November 1, 1956. It is the second largest state of India in
terms of area and is the sixth largest populous state.
Tamil Nadu
For the first time since its formation Tamil Nadu is celebrating its formation day. It was formed based on
the Linguistic Reorganization of States in 1956.
Odisha was the first state to be formed on linguistic basis.
Kanpur is world’s most polluted city: Guinness World Records 2020
The city of Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh held the title for the world’s most polluted city in the latest edition of
Guinness World Records. The book, ‘Guinness World Records 2020’, lists thousands of new record titles and
holders that will educate curious readers of all age groups. It is released annually by publisher Penguin
Random House. This year, about 80 record breaking achievements by Indians that have made it to latest
edition of book.
Kanpur: The Most Polluted City in the World
A report by World Health Organization (WHO) analyzed that the most polluted city in the world is Kanpur in
northern India, with an average PM2.5 level of 173 micrograms/m3 for the year 2016. This PM2.5 level is
more than 17 times higher than WHO recommended maximum of 10 micrograms/m3.
What is PM2.5?
It refers to atmospheric particulate matter(PM) that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers (i.e.
nearly 3% diameter of a human hair). The PM2.5 are very small particles like dust, soot and ash and the
prolonged exposure of it can cause cancer, lung and heart conditions.
Cause of PM2.5 pollution: Some PM2.5 particles are emitted directly from a source, like construction sites,
unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires while most particles form in atmosphere as a result of complex
chemical reactions like SO2 and NO2, which are pollutants emitted from power plants, industries and
automobiles.
NOTE: Out of the world’s 20 most PM2.5-polluted cities, 14 are in India.
Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2019
This year’s Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice (MTMA) dedicated to the memory of the
Saint of Kolkata, went to a number of people from India and abroad. The awards will be presented to the
laureates on 3 November 2019 in Mumbai.
Key Highlights
The 2019 edition of award recognises the exemplary and humanitarian work done by social activists in
fields and issues related to modern forms of slavery and for victim rehabilitation. The awards are in
currently in its 15th year.
The annual award is established by the Harmony Foundation and is endorsed by Missionaries of Charities.
The theme by Harmony Foundation for 2019 is ‘Combating Contemporary Forms of Slavery’.
Harmony Foundation has taken this initiative to recognise individuals and organizations engaged in
campaign to initiate practical ways to eradicate the modern day slavery evil which includes child labour,
bonded labour, human trafficking, organ trafficking and child militants.
2019 laureates of Mother Teresa Memorial Awards:
Kailash Satyarthi, India: For fighting child labour and trafficking in India and Southeast Asia. He is the
founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan. He also won the Nobel Peace Prize (2014) for his work.
Robert Bilheimer, United States: For using his skills as a filmmaker to raise awareness about modern forms
of slavery and inspiring fight against them.
Junior Nzita Nsuami: For leading an international campaign through United Nations (UN) against the use of
child soldiers in war. He is a former child soldier.
Ajeet Singh: For his efforts in creating the first red-light area in India free of commercial sexual exploitation
of children.
Alezandra Russell: For helping neglected and ignored young boys in red-light districts of Thailand. He is the
founder of Urban Light.
Hasina Kharbhih: For rescuing and empowering over 72,000 vulnerable victims from fate of human
trafficking. She is the founder of Impulse Empower.
Rob Williams: U. For persistently protecting and supporting children in armed conflicts in some of the
world’s most hostile regions. He is CEO of WarChild UK.
Priti Patkar: For his holistic approach in trying to abolish intergenerational prostitution. She is an activist
and social worker from India.
PRERANA: For their holistic approach in their attempts to abolish intergenerational prostitution and
protecting children vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation and trafficking.
Four Associations also received awards:
Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH)– USA: For raising awareness over the decades in
medical community and civil society about unethical organ harvesting (especially in China).
Free A Girl: for uniquely reintegrating former sex workers into civil society by training them to become
future advocates. It is a relief organization dedicated to free young girls from forced prostitution as well as
prosecutes offenders.
JEEVIKA (Jeeta Vimukti Karnataka): For freeing over 30,000 bonded labourers and for its commitment to
total eradication of practice in Karnataka.
Office for Rescue of Yazidis: For working in one of the world’s most hostile regions to rescue all vulnerable
Yazidi women and girls from evil clutches of Islamic State (IS) group.
Employees can now generate Universal Provident Fund account number online
Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), the retirement fund body has launched a facility for formal
sector workers to themselves obtain the Universal Provident Fund Account Number on-line. Now the
workers in formal sector can themselves generate Universal Account Number from the EPFO’s portal
directly. Till now the workers used to apply through their employers to get Universal Account Number.
Key Highlights
The EPFO has developed an internet-based system for workers to get registered on its digital platform. The
system was launched by Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar during the EPFO’s 67th Foundation Day
celebrations in New Delhi.
A system DigiLocker was also launched for over 65 lakh EPFO pensioners through which they can download
their pension-related documents including the Pension Payment Order.
Global Microscope for Financial Inclusion report 2019: EIU
The 2019 edition of ‘Global Microscope: The enabling environment for Financial Inclusion’ report was
released by Economist Intelligence Unit’s (EIU). The report is a benchmarking index that assesses enabling
environment for financial access as well as underscores the evolving landscape of financial inclusion in
selected countries. The year 2019 was 12th edition of report.
Key Highlights of Report
The overall environment for financial inclusion has improved worldwide. India, Mexico, Colombia, Peru and
Uruguay now have the most favourable conditions for inclusive finance, with Colombia being ranked at first
position followed by Peru, Uruguay and Mexico and India ranked 5th.
India was ranked among top countries with most promising environment for financial inclusion in terms of:
effective financial consumer , allowing non-banks to issue e-money and proportionate customer due
diligence.
Only four countries namely India, Colombia, Jamaica and Uruguay scored perfectly across all four
parameters. Moreover, India, South Africa, Tanzania, Mexico and Uruguay were among top countries that
safeguard e-money via some sort of deposit insurance or protection.
About Global Microscope for Financial Inclusion report
It is produced by Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research and analysis division of The Economist
Group. The EIU was created in 1946 and is the world leader in global business intelligence.
The Microscope report was first published in 2007 and was originally developed for countries in Latin
American and Caribbean regions but in 2009 it was expanded into a global study. The 2019 edition of Global
Microscope report also features 11 new gender focussed indicators that measure financial inclusion for
both women as well as men.
The report is a benchmarking index that assesses enabling environment for financial access in 55 countries
across 5 categories.
Five parameters across which countries are assessed-
(a)Government and Policy Support
(b)Products and Outlets
(c)Stability and Integrity
(d)Consumer Protection
(e)Infrastructure
India Germany sign Agreements
Around 17 agreements were signed between India and Germany in the fields of agriculture, ayurveda, yoga,
maritime technology and others. German Chancellor Angela Merkel along with her team, signed the
agreements with PM Modi and his cabinet. The German team led by the Chancellor is on a two-day visit to
India.
Highlights: Artificial Intelligence
Agreements were signed to strengthen the fields of Artificial Intelligence. The countries are to use
the AI to focus on Health, Environment, Mobility and Agriculture.
The DST (Department of Science and Technology) and the German Federal Ministry of Education will
organize a bilateral workshop in Berlin in 2020. This will help to identify areas of mutual interest.
The first stakeholder meeting in the area of AI for health was conducted in Berlin and the countries
agreed to conduct the next meeting in India.
The countries will focus AI in Agriculture in following terms
The aim is to increase efficiency and to save resources, reduce food loses and waste
Both the ministries will establish open training data sets for AI application that will also
address legal issues.
Highlights: Digital Transformation
The countries recalled the Joint Declaration in the field of Digitization-Empowerment and Economic
Impact that was signed in May 2017 in Berlin.
The countries are to set up “Digital Experts Group” to identify areas of mutual cooperation and give
recommendations to future policy.
The countries agreed to create linkages between German Platform Industries 4.0 and upcoming CII
Smart Manufacturing Platform
They also agreed to consult each other in identifying best possible approaches on cyber security
November 3, 2019
India-US Economic and Financial Partnership Meeting held
The 7th India-US Economic and Financial partnership meeting was held in New Delhi. It was Co-chaired by
Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman and US Secretary Steven T Minuchin. The leaders took efforts to
improve mutual cooperation on wide range of multilateral subjects. It included combating financing of
terrorism and anti-money laundering.
Highlights
India and US discussed policies related to stimulate economic growth
The countries noted significant steps taken by India to strengthen financial sector that includes
Plans to merge state-owned banks
PSB recapitalization plans
Both the sides also discussed capital flows, external economic environment and investment
promotion related issues
The US offered its support to stand by India for its Presidency of G20 summit in 2022.
The Financial Regulatory Dialogue was also held alongside where the financial regulatory
developments in both the sides were discussed
In 2017, the US helped the Indian city Pune by financing governmental needs in support of
government’s Smart City initiative.

PM ModiNAVEEN
releases commemorative coin
KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
PM Modi is on an official visit to Thailand to attend the ASEAN, RCEP and East Asia Summits. He addressed
the Indian diaspora in the country at the “Sawasdee PM Modi” event in the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Highlights of his address
North East India to be the gateway to South East Asia as a part of India’s Act East Policy
India announced itself open-defecation free on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary
Around 8 crore homes have received free LPG connections in 3 years.
GoI is working to achieve the goal of house for every poor by 2022, when India celebrates 75 years of
independence.
Princess Maha Chakri Srindhorn is an expert in Sanskrit language and has deep interest towards
culture. India has shown its gratitude to her by bestowing the Padma Bhushan and Sanskrit Samman
award to her.
Commemorative coin
Prior to his speech, the PM released a commemorative coin marking 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
Dev and also released the Thai translation of Tamil classic Tirukkural.
India to host 20th SCO’s CHG meeting in 2020
The Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Council of Heads of Government of SCO at Tashkent
in Uzbekistan. He represented as a Special Envoy of PM Modi at the conference. During the meet, it was
decided that the next meeting of Council of Heads of Government in 2020 is to be conducted in India
Highlights
The military exercise “CENTER 2019”, SCO joint military exercise that was held by Russia was
congratulated at the summit. 20,000 units of military equipment, 128,000 soldiers and 600 aircraft
participated in the event. The military chiefs from China, Kazakhstan, India, Kyrgystan, Uzbekistan,
Pakistan and Tajikistan participated in the event.
India called upon the member countries to strengthen and implement existing international laws and
mechanisms to combat terrorism.
India listed its recent initiatives to provide an enabling economic ecosystem for partner countries to
invest and do business in India. It includes allowing 100% foreign investment in coal mining, easing
sourcing norms for single brand retailers, approving 26% overseas investment in digital media, etc
India also announced that it is ready to share its experience and expertise in skill development, tele
medicine, resource mapping, launching satellites, affordable pharmaceuticals, hospitality, tourism,
finance, etc.
First Government Hospital Robotic Surgery facility in Safdarjung Hospital
The Robotic Surgery Facility was opened in the Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi. It is one of the biggest
tertiary care referral centre of India under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It caters to all poor
patients of uro-oncological cancers like bladder cancer, kidney failure, kidney cancers from different parts
of the country.
With the new Robotic surgery facility, it becomes the first Government hospital in India to begin the
minimally invasive surgery facility.
Highlights
The hospital has so far done 25 surgeries using robotic system. It includes kidney cancer, bladder
cancer and advanced reconstructive surgeries.
Around 21 operation theaters (OT) have been dedicated to the renal transplant OTs and robotic OTs
for urology cancers and kidney failures for poor patients in India.
The Robotic surgeries will go live from November, 2019.
Safdarjung Government Hospital
The LIVE 3-D Laproscopic Surgeries Web cast that shows complex uro-oncology and reconstructive
surgeries is first in its kind.
The programme of live telecast in the hospital has been integrated with the E-Health online education
programme of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The programme connects 52 medical colleges
all over India
The hospital also has a National Robotic training center.
What is New Colombo Plan Mobility Program?
The New Colombo Plan Mobility Program is a signature initiative of Government of Australia, which will
provide Australian University students the opportunities to gain cross-cultural awareness and experiences
that are vital to today’s globally connected workforce.
Key Features
As part of the 2020 New Colombo Plan Mobility Program, the Australian government will support over
11,196 students from 40 Australian universities to participate in 685 projects in 36 locations across the
Indo-Pacific. Since 2014, more than 60,000 students have been awarded New Colombo Plan scholarships
and mobility grants.
The 2020 Mobility Program round also includes more than 1,600 Australian university students taking part
in study and projects in India by mobilising students through 64 exciting Indian projects. This includes the
development of Indian physical education programs as well as another on improving organic waste
management and drinking water quality in 2020. Besides strengthening the ties between two nations, the
move is expected to deepen the understanding of business environment and culture in India.
SCOJtEx-2019: Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Joint Exercise on
Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue- ‘SCOJtEx-2019’ in New Delhi. The four day exercise will be held from
4-7 November 2019. The joint exercise is being hosted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
The SCOJtEx will be followed by a meeting between SCO experts and officials of ministries responsible for
prevention as well as elimination of emergency situations.
About SCOJtEx-2019
Objective: To rehearse the disaster response mechanism, share knowledge, experience and technology for
mutual coordination.
Participant: All the eight SCO member countries will be participating- India, Pakistan, China, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Representatives from Brazil, Mongolia, South Africa,
International Search & Rescue Advisory Group, ASEAN Coordination Centre for Humanitarian Assistance
(AHA) Centre are invited as observers. Other participants include representatives from embassies of all SCO
member nations, heads of state disaster response forces (SDRF) and representatives of other stakeholders.
Key Features:
Focus of Joint Exercise will be to test the region’s preparedness and resilience towards effective activation
of Inter-governmental interaction for immediate response. The exercise will also provide an opportunity to
enhance coordination as well as co-operation involving multi-agency operations in an earthquake scenario.
This simulation exercise will be conducted as per the methodology and guidelines of International Search
and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), a network of disaster-prone and disaster-responding countries as
well as organizations dedicated to operational field coordination and urban search and rescue (USAR).
During exercise, discussions will be held on role and responsibilities of many organisations and teams,
including those involved in emergency medical services, as well as urban search and rescue at both national
and international levels.
Discussions will be also held on the role of humanitarian system, emergency response and assessment
team, United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), on-site operations coordination
centre local emergency management authority and humanitarian civil-military coordination.
8th Indo German Energy Forum
The eighth Indo-German Energy Forum was conducted in Delhi to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.
Both the countries signed eight agreements in the following sectors
Thermal Power Plants
Demand-side energy
renewable energies
low carbon growth strategies
green energy corridors
Highlights
The forum finalized future collaboration between the countries that include Flexibilisation of existing
coal fired power plants and promotion of energy efficiency
Indo-German Solar Partnership that was founded in 2015 was recognized in the forum. The forum
also signed agreement to promote the niche markets for solar energy
The Forum also signed agreements on building materials and credit lines for financing corresponding
measures
Indo-German Energy Forum
The Forum was established in 2006 to enhance and deepen the strategic political dialogue on the
ongoing energy transition in both the countries.
The high level meeting of the forum is chaired by respective ministries of environment, renewable
energy of both the countries
At the forum, the countries exchange experiences for both the governments to address challenges in
the ongoing global energy transition.
Govt to set up anti-human trafficking units in all districts with Nirbhaya Fund
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development will be setting up anti-human trafficking units in all
districts of the country with the help of Nirbhaya Fund. The announcement in this regard was made by
Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani.
Key Highlights
Besides these anti-human trafficking units, women help desks will also be set up in all police stations
across the country using Nirbhaya Fund. The initiative is an example of interdepartmental cooperation
leading to effective governance in the country.
The recommendation to set up anti-human trafficking units and women help desks (WHDs) was given by the
Empowered Committee (EC) under Nirbhaya framework chaired by WCD Secretary Rabindra Panwar on 22
October 2019.
All the anti-human trafficking units and women help desks will be set up at a cost of Rs.100 crores each
which will be fully funded by the centre.
This initiative will strengthen women safety as well as will instill a greater sense of security among them.
The step will also go a long way in addressing women and children safety in the country.
About Nirbhaya Fund
The fund was announced by the Centre in 2013 to support the initiatives of government and Non-
Governmental Organisation (NGOs) working towards the safety of women.
The fund is a corpus of Rs. 10 billion and is administered by Finance Ministry’s Department of Economic
Affairs (DEA). While the Women and Child Development Ministry, along with several other concerned
ministries, will work out details of structure, scope and application of Nirbhaya fund.
IIT Delhi, ISRO to set up Space Technology Cell
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi will set up a Space Technology Cell in collaboration with the
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the space agency of country at the IIT campus.
With the move, IIT Delhi have joined the league of other premier institutions where the Space Technology
Cells (STCs) have been set up, such as Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc) Bangalore, IIT Kharagpur,
IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee. The Space Technology Cells (STCs) here

play a major role in taking up space technology research and applications to the newer heights.
About IIT-D’s Space Technology Cell (STC)
The Space Technology Cell will work for carrying out focused research projects in space technology domain
with specific deliverables.
ISRO also proposed that IIT Delhi as an Institute becomes ISRO’s academic partner in research areas such
as Artificial Intelligence (AI), nano-technology, functional textiles, smart manufacturing or any other area of
joint interest.
OECD: Economic Outlook for South East Asia
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development released its report in Economic Outlook for
South East Asia. The report was presented at the ASEAN summit, 2019. This year the title of the report is
“Reponding to Environmental Hazards in Cities”
Highlights
India’s GDP will grow at the rate of 6.6% in the years 2020-2024. This is below than its average
growth of 7.4% in the years 2013-17
Sustaining the efforts taken in the health and banking sectors will be a challenge for India. India will
also face difficulties in bridging the disparity between urban and rural infrastructure
According to the report, China will have to bridge the gap between supply and demand of its digital
talent when it steps to improve digital literacy and increase access to digital services
Among ASEAN countries, Vietnam and Philippines will remain as growth leaders.
The report predicts that the emerging trade tensions between USA and China will affect emerging
Asian market
In 2016 coal and oil produced 39% of South East’s energy sector. This is to increase to 44% in 2040.
OECD recommends implementation of ASEAN Clean Coal Technology for power plants to reduce
pollution caused by these factors.
Madrid to host COP 25
The Spanish capital city of Madrid will be hosting the world’s annual climate conference, called COP-25
(Conference of the Parties) from 2 to 13 December 2019. This decision was taken following Chile’s stepping
down as host for the COP-25 event due to the ongoing street protests in South American country.
Key Highlights
The decision came just a day after the acting Spanish government issued a communique that indicated
Spain would be willing to host the conference. Later, the hosting country was confirmed by Patricia
Espinosa, the executive secretary for UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The COP25 was earlier scheduled to take place in Santiago for two weeks from 3 December 2019.
What is Conference of the Parties (COP)?
The COP is the supreme decision-making body of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC). All States that are Parties to Convention are represented at COP which meets every year, unless
the Parties decide otherwise. The COP meets in Bonn (the seat of UNFCCC secretariat), unless a Party
offers to host its session. The first COP meeting was held on March 1995 in Berlin, Germany.
At the COP the Parties review the implementation of Convention and any other legal instruments that COP
adopts and take decisions necessary for promoting effective implementation of Convention, which includes
institutional as well as administrative arrangements.
COP Presidency rotates among 5 recognized UN regions, namely, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe Africa,
Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and Others. There is also a tendency that the COP
venue also shifts among these groups.
COP Conference: The annual summit is a key event which allows representatives from about 200 countries
to monitor as well as discuss current situation of world’s warming climate.
Pooja Gehlot wins silver in UWW Under-23 World Championships

Wrestler Pooja Gehlot (53kg) claimed the second silver medal for India after going down to Japan’s Haruna
Okuno in the finals of UWW Under-23 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Tournament Highlights
She lost with 0-2 to Japan’s 2017 world champion Haruna Okuno in the final summit clash. She had entered
UWW finals after beating Zeynep Yetgil of Turkey in the semifinals of tournament. Ravinder (61kg) had won
the first silver for India in tournament against Turkey’s Haci Karakus.
Three-time World Junior Championships medallist Sajan Bhanwal (77kg) missed out on a bronze in Greco-
Roman category.
Ravi (97kg) reached the repechage (wild card) round at U-23 Wrestling World Championships
About U-23 Wrestling World Championships
It is the Amateur Wrestling World Championship organized by United World Wrestling (UWW), the
international governing body for sport of amateur wrestling. The tournament began in 2017.
India-ASEAN Summit, 2019
PM Modi attended the 16th India-ASEAN summit held at Bangkok. The current ASEAN summit is being held
in Bangkok, Thailand and the next ASEAN summit is to be conducted in Vietnam in 2020.
Highlights
India has allocated 1 billion USD as line of credit to improve physical and digital connectivity.
India highlighted that the India-ASEAN summit, 2018 and Singapore informal summit has brought
India and ASEAN closer
India looks forward for cooperation in the areas of engineering, agriculture, science and ICT.
India has also expressed its readiness to improve its partnership and capacity building in areas of
research, agriculture, engineering, science and ICT.
India also highlighted that it is looking forward to strengthen cooperation in the areas of blue
economy and maritime security
India believes that Act East Policy is a significant cornerstone of the Indo-Pacific Strategy
Significance of ASEAN for India
ASEAN comprises of Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei,
Myanmar, Lao PDR and Vietnam.
ASEAN is India’s fourth largest trading partner. India’s trade with ASEAN stands at 81.33 billion USD.
FDI inflows from ASEAN between 2000 and 2018 into the country has been 68.91 billion USD. The FDI
outflows from India to the countries have been 38. 672 billion USD.
November 4, 2019
PM Modi meets Indonesian President and Thailand PM
PM Modi on the sidelines of 35th ASEAN summit and 14th East Asia Summit, met the President of
Indonesia H.E. Joko Widodo and the Thailand PM Prayut Chan-o-Cha (Gen (retd)).
Highlights of the meetings: Indonesia President
The leaders discussed the threat to extremism and terrorism and agreed to work closely. The meeting
on terrorism is important for India’s interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Also, they discussed on trade, investment and connectivity and Indo-Pacific
India has asked for greater market access in the region in the fields of pharmaceuticals, agricultural
products and automotive.
The meeting also gains its importance as India and Indonesia are celebrating their 70th anniversary
of establishment of diplomatic relations. The countries are close maritime neighbors having
historical and cultural linkages. Also India’s ‘Act East Policy’ is complimented by Indonesia’s ‘Look
West’ policy.
Highlights of the meetings: Thailand PM
The leaders welcomed the 20% increase in the bilateral trade between the countries
They agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in defence industries sector
PM Modi discussed ways to enhance connectivity between the two countries in the areas of digital
connectivity and physical connectivity.
India and Thailand are close maritime neighbors. India’s Act East Policy is complimented by the
Thailand’s Look West Policy as that of Indonesia.
Container Cargo Movement first time in River Brahmaputra
A landmark container cargo consignment will sail on inland waterway from the Haldia Dock Complex,
Kolkata to the Inland Waterways Authority of India terminal at Pandu in Guwahati. It is to begin on
November 4, 2019. The main objective of the waterway is to improve connectivity to the North Eastern
Region. The containers will carry edible oil, petrochemicals, beverages, etc.
About the voyage
The voyage will sail for a 12 to 15 days. It is 1425 km long.
It is expected to establish technical and commercial viability of the IWT (Inland Waterway Transport)
route.
The water way is to be integrated with National Waterway-1 (river Ganga), NW-97 (Sunderbans), NW-2
(River Brahmaputra), Indo-Bangladesh Protocol (IBP) route.
India-Bangladesh
The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWTT) between India and Bangladesh will allow
mutually beneficial arrangements for the use of waterways for movement of goods between the
countries.
Two stretches of Bangladesh waterways Sirajganj-Daikawa and Ashuganj-Zakiganj are being
developed on the IBP route at a total cost of Rs 305.84 crores. 80% of the project cost is being borne
by India. These two routes will provide seamless navigation to and from North East India.
Vigyanika-International Science Literature Festival held at Kolkata
Vigyanika is the International Science Literature Festival that is organised as a part of fifth India
International Science Festival (IISF) at Kolkata. It also features a Science Book Fair where more than 30
publishers are to display their scientific publications
Highlights of the event
Vigyanika is an annual event organised by Ministry of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences
It is coordinated by the CSIR-NISCAIR (National Institute of Science Communication and Information
Resources), Vigyan Bharati and Vigyan Prasar
The event will host panel discussions, paper presentations and invited talks on themes related to
public engagement with science, science communication.
It will also feature innovative formats of science communication such as poetry, drama and magic.
The Science Book Fair is the most attractive feature of the event. Several Scientific institutes will also
display their scientific publications that includes journals, encyclopedias, science magazines and
other knowledge products. The fair is also organizing competitions like debates, cartoon, etc on
scientific topics
Govt releases new political maps of J&K and Ladakh

The Union goverment released the political maps of newly formed Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu &
Kashmir and Ladakh as well as the map of India depicting these new UTs. This development comes as the
erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized as the new UT of Jammu and Kashmir and the new
UT of Ladakh on 31 October 2019, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and supervision of
Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Key Highlights
The new maps depicting the new UTs of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, as created on 31 October 2019,
along with the map of India, are prepared by Survey General of India.

The newly created UT of Ladakh consists of two districts of Kargil and Leh while the rest of the erstwhile
state of Jammu and Kashmir is in UT of J&K. The Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is the part of UT of J&K,
while Gilgit-Baltistan is in UT of Ladakh.
The Union Territories (UTs) of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were created after on recommendation of
Parliament, the President effectively dismantled Article 370 of Indian Constitution and gave assent to the
Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
In the history of India, this is for the first time that a state was converted into two UTs. The total number of
states in country has now risen to 28, while the total UTs have gone up to 9. The UT of J&K will now have a
legislature such as Puducherry while Ladakh will stay a UT without legislature such as Chandigarh.
Jammu and Kashmir Map
In 1947, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir had 14 districts namely- Udhampur, Anantnag, Poonch,
Jammu, Gilgit, Baramulla, Leh and Ladakh, Kathua, Reasi, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Gilgit Wazarat, Chilhas and
the Tribal Territory.
However by 2019, the government of erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir had reorganised the areas of
these 14 districts into 28 districts. The names of new districts were – Srinagar, Pulwama, Kargil, Ramban,
Kupwara, Bandipur, Ganderbal, Budgam, Kulgam, Shupian, Doda, Kishtivar, Samba and Rajouri. Out of these,
the Kargil district was carved out from the area of Leh and Ladakh district. The newly created map now
depicts UT of J&K as comprising 22 districts.
Ladakh Map
The Leh district of newly formed Union Territory of Ladakh has been defined in Jammu and Kashmir
Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) Second Order, 2019 (issued by President), to include areas of
districts of Gilgit, Chilhas, Gilgit Wazarat and Tribal Territory of 1947, in addition to the remaining areas of
Leh and Ladakh districts of 1947 (after carving out the Kargil District).
National Research Institute of Unani Medicine inaugurated

On November 3, 2019, the Union Minister of State (independent charge) for AYUSH inaugurated the National
Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders. The institute was upgraded from Central Research
Institute of Unani Medicine.

Significance NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
The concept of AYUSH was brought by the National Rural Health Mission, 2005 to revitalize local
health traditions. AYUSH includes 6 Indian systems of medicine that includes Ayurveda, Yoga,
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy.
Under National Ayush Mission, several steps were taken to improve the field and to make the
traditional medicine available all over the country. It also aims at solving the problem of unavailability
of doctors in the country.
GoI is also planning to export the technical knowledge behind the industry to African and European
countries. Recently it signed MoUs with Germany to fuse biotechnology with Ayurvedic Practices.
The concept of mainstreaming AYUSH was an idea in the 9th five year plan. By this the AYUSH
doctors are co-located in various health facilities like Primary Health Centre, Community Health
Centre and District hospitals
National Institutes
National Institutes or Central Institutes are established by Government of India and are supported by
agencies like ICAR, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, CSIR, DST, DAE, Ministry of HRD, etc.
‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ unveiled for flood mitigation in Chennai
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu unveiled the ‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ atlas and the ‘Coastal Flood
Warning System App (CFLOWS-Chennai)’ for flood mitigation in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Both the atlas and the
CFLOWS-Chennai are intended as decision support systems covering aspects, including preparedness and
prevention. Such initiatives to effectively tackle urban flooding are likely to be replicated in other Indian
cities including Mumbai, Maharashtra.
What is Red Atlas Action Plan Map?
It is a first of its kind ready reckoner map, prepared by Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to aid state
government of Tamil Nadu in effective flood mitigation in Chennai which witnessed the worst deluge in
2015.
The atlas is aimed at flood mitigation, preparedness, operations and management aspects. The manual
besides showcasing the probable scenarios for different rainfall periods also provides information on
corporation wards that are likely to be affected due to flooding, and the areas that may need evacuation in
Chennai by taking into account all historical datasets.
The over 200-page atlas was prepared by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for
Coastal Research (NCCR) and National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in
association with TN State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Greater Chennai Corporation. Also,
the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to Centre government, IIT-Bombay, IIT Madras and
Institute of Remote Sensing of Anna University participated from the academia.
What is ‘Coastal Flood Warning System App (CFLOWS-Chennai)’?
The CFLOWS-Chennai is a complete webGIS-based decision support system. It can be used both for
mitigation planning operations before flooding as well as in real time to for aspects like relief work.
CFLOWS is an integrated system that involves coupling models of regional weather forecasts, storm surges
and captures about 796 flood scenarios.
JCB Prize for Literature for 2019: Madhuri Vijay
The 27-year-old, Madhuri Vijay has won the JCB Prize for Literature 2019 for her debut novel ‘The Far Field’.
She has been selected from a shortlist featuring novels from five accomplished writers. She is also a
recipient of Henfield Prize and the Pushcart Prize.
About JCB Prize for Literature
It is an annual Indian literary award founded in 2018. It is the richest literary honour in the country. It is

awarded to a distinguished work of fiction by an Indian writer working in English or to a translated fiction by
an Indian writer.
Publishers are allowed, per imprint, to enter 2 novels originally written in English and 2 novels translated
into English from any another language. In case of a winner whose book has been translated into English
from a different language, the translator receives an additional prize of Rs.10 lakh.
The award consists of cash prize of Rs.25 lakh (US$38400). The award is funded by English construction
manufacturing group JCB, which established the JCB Literature Foundation to maintain this award.
eCAPA 2019: First-ever Arts Exposition for talents with Intellectual Challenges
India’s first-ever Arts Exposition for talents with intellectual challenges called ‘eCAPA 2019 – Art from the
Heart’ was inaugurated in New Delhi. This exposition will continue till 14 November 2019 at STIR Gallery,
Chattarpur Farms.
About ‘eCAPA 2019 – Art from the Heart’
It is a unique nationwide platform cum social venture for artists blessed with Down Syndrome, Autism,
Mental Retardation, Seizure Disorder and Dyslexia. It will showcase their visual and performing arts.
Objective: The exposition seeks to create an exclusive platform for showcasing the visual and performing
art talents of young adults with intellectual challenges.
Significance: During the event, the divyang artists will be presenting their varied skills in areas such as
doodles, drawings, paintings, dance and music. It will also provide them with opportunities to find mentors
in visiting artists and eminent masters of different crafts.
Odisha tagged with Maharashtra under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
As part of Union Government’s ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, the state of Odisha is tagged with
Maharashtra to organize different programmes to promote art, culture and tourism of their respective
states.
Accordingly, a large contingent of Maharashtra will be hosted by Bhubaneswar (Odisha capital) to
showcase the culture and art of Maharashtra. At the 4 day event Maharashtra’s cultural groups will perform
traditional dances like Povada, Lavani, Tamasha and will also offer traditional songs, which will strengthen
the ties between the citizens of two states. Similarly Odisha Government will hold a similar program in
Maharashtra like as Cycle Rally will be undertaken from Nagpur to Puri.
What is Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat?
It is an initiative of Union Government to pay tribute to Sardar Patel, who played a key role in integrating the
nation, for his great contributions to the nation. The exchange programme is being run at behest NITI
Aayog.
The initiative seeks to build bonds between people of different states of India. The programme is giving
boost to existing cultural connect between different parts of e country and enhancing interaction between
people living in different states.
About Odisha’s Culture Heritage
Odisha is also known as Utkala which literally means ‘the land of excellent art and culture.’ The state has
been a home for exemplary endeavour in t field of art, sculpture, craft, as well as architecture for more than
2000 years. The land is blessed with nature’s beauty and has encouraged many musicians, dancers, artists,
and craftsmen to create their finest works.
Odisha boasts of a glorious history and rich cultural heritage and tradition with splendid varieties of art
forms and enchanting monuments including ancient caves, sculptures and skillfully built temples. The Sun
temple at Konark and Jagannath temple at Puri continue to remind the world of Odisha’s proud past.
Sri Lanka hosts biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference
The biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference is being held in Colombo, Sri Lanka from 4-7
November 2019. India will be represented at the conference by Union Minister for Law and Justice Ravi
Shankar Prasad.
About Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference 2019

Theme for 2019 CLM Conference is- ‘Equal Access to Justice and the Rule of Law’.
Law Ministers and Attorney Generals from Commonwealth countries will be participating in the four-day
conference. The conference will be chaired by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Justice and Prison Reforms, Thalatha
Atukorala.
Objective: The Conference seeks to address challenges faced by millions of people seeking to resolve legal
disputes.
Significance:
Since the access to justice is fundamental for democracy and peace to flourish, thus the Commonwealth
countries are working actively through mutual support and encouragement to address barriers that may
remain, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Such event is more significant in the current global context in which obstacles to justice are prevalent in
many forms which includes barriers like lack of legal aid, poverty, corruption and distrust of justice system.
India, Uzbekistan sign MoUs in fields of Military Medicine and Military Education
India and Uzbekistan signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoU), for enhancing bilateral cooperation in
fields of Military Medicine and Military Education between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The
MoUs were signed during the three-day visit by Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh to Tashkent
(Uzbekistan capital) from 1-3 November 2019. This was the first visit by an Indian Defence Minister to
Uzbekistan in nearly 15 years.
Key Highlights of Meet
During the meeting, bilateral consultations were held between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his
Uzbekistan counterpart Major General Bakhodir Nizamovich Kurbanov.
The MoU inked after the meet were the byproduct of interactions emanating from MoU on Military Education
signed between India and Uzbekistan in October 2018.Two Institution-to-Institution MoUs on training and
capacity building between institutes of higher military learning of India and Uzbekistan were also signed.
Two defence ministers also witnessed the first-ever exchange over a video-link between College of Defence
Management in Secunderabad, Telangana and Armed Forces Academy of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Both defence ministers also presided over the opening of first-ever India-Uzbekistan Joint Exercise called-
Dustlik-2019, that will be held from 4-13 November 2019 at Chirchiq Training Area near Tashkent.
India- Uzbekistan Relation
Earlier in September 2018, after the visit of then Defence Minister of Uzbekistan to India, both sides (India
and Uzbekistan) expressed satisfaction at the enhanced level of defence engagements. This enhanced level
of engagement is reflected in the first-ever meeting of Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation
(in February 2019), visit of Defence Secretary of India to Uzbekistan (in March 2019) and the first-ever
Defence-Industry Workshop organised in Tashkent (in September 2019).
India has also offered a concessional line of credit of $40 million US for the procurement of goods and
services by Uzbekistan from India. The direct exchange in relation to training, capacity building and
education between Armed Forces on both sides has also witnessed significant growth.
India and Uzbekistan would continue to work together to further raise their level of engagement in defence
sphere in keeping with strategic partnership between two countries. This would be based on higher level of
mutual trust and respect between two countries as well as on their shared views and approaches on a range
of regional and international issues which includes promoting regional stability and security and combatting
extremism and terrorism.
November 5, 2019
November 5: World Tsunami Awareness Day
On November 5th, every year the World Tsunami Day is marked by the United Nations. UN designated the
day in 2015. The day will promote Target (d) of the Sendai Seven Campaign that focuses in reducing
disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services.
Global Actions
After 3 weeks of the deadly December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, international community came
together in Kobe, Japan and adopted the 10-year Hyogo Framework for Action. IT was the first
comprehensive global agreement on disaster risk reduction
Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System was created to monitor sea level and
disseminate alerts to national Tsunami information centres.
In Honor of a Japanese
The date was chosen in honor of a Japanese farmer. The name of the story is popularly known as “Inamura-
no-hi” meaning “burning of the rice sheaves”. During 1854, the farmer saw a tide receding. Understanding
the sign of looming Tsunami, he set fire to his entire harvest to warn the villagers. Later he also built an
embankment and planted trees as a buffer against the future waves.
Significance
The UN calls on countries, international bodies to observe the day to raise awareness and share
innovative approaches to risk reduction
By the end of 2030, around 50% of World Population living in coastal areas are to get exposed to
storms, tsunamis and flooding.
Investment towards early warning systems, resilient infrastructure and education is important to save
people and their assets.
Govt. launches ICEDASH for faster customs clearance
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman launched a new IT initiatives called
ICEDASH for improved monitoring and pace of Customs clearance of imported goods. ICEDASH would be
key drivers for further improvement in Customs especially as it would reduce interface and increase
transparency of Customs functioning.
What id ICEDASH?
It is an Ease of Doing Business monitoring dashboard of Indian Customs. It will help the public see daily
Customs clearance times of import cargo at various ports and airports. With ICEDASH, Indian Customs will
provide an effective tool that helps businesses compare clearance times across ports and plan their
logistics accordingly, thus taking a lead globally.
This dashboard has been developed by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs) in collaboration
with NIC (National Informatics Centre). ICEDASH can be accessed through the CBIC website.
About National Informatics Centre (NIC)
It is the premier science and technology organisation under Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeiTY) that works in informatics services and information and communication technology
(ICT) applications.
NOTE: CBIC is India’s nodal national agency responsible for administering GST, Customs, Central Excise,
Service Tax & Narcotics in country.
Aditya Mishra appointed chairman of Land Ports Authority of India
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the
appointment of Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Aditya Mishra as the chairman of the Land Ports
Authority of India (LPAI). He was appointed on the recommendations of a search-cum-selection panel.
Aditya Mishra is a 1989 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre. He is presently posted as ADG, CBCID,
Uttar Pradesh Police. He has been appointed as LPAI chairman for a period of five years from the date of
assumption of the charge.
About Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)
LPAI is a statutory body set up by Land Ports Authority of India Act, 2010 on 1 March 2012. It works under
Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It develops, sanitises, upgrades, maintains and manages facilities for cross-border movement of
passengers as well as goods at designated points along India’s international borders. It also manages
several Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) all across Borders of India.
Govt. launches ATITHI app for improved customs clearance
Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman launched ‘ATITHI’ app, an IT initiative
to facilitate electronic filing of customs baggage and currency declarations by arriving international
passengers.
About ATITHI app
ATITHI app is an easy to use mobile application for international travelers to file Customs declaration in
advance. Passengers can use this app to file declaration of dutiable items as well as currency with Indian
Customs even before boarding the flight to India.
The ATITHI app has been introduced by CBIC (Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs). It is available
on both, iOS and Android.
Benefits: ATITHI app will facilitate hassle free and faster clearance by Customs at the airports and will
enhance the experience of international tourists and other visitors at Indian airports. The app would also
create a tech savvy image of India Customs and would encourage tourism and business travel to India
Way Forward: CBIC must strive to develop IT-based insights for focused policy making. It should also use
technology in each sphere of its activity and while facilitating genuine business it must identify ways to
detect and stop frauds especially in GST.
6th Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of G20 countries
An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is taking part in the 6th
Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit of the G20 countries, being held in Tokyo, Japan from 3-5 November 2019.
The summit is being attended by Presiding Officers of Parliaments of G20 countries.
The Parliamentary summit is unofficially called P20. It was jointly hosted and organised by Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU), an international organisation (headquartered in Geneva) and the House of
Councillors of National Diet of Japan.
Highlights of P20 Summit
The summit will have sessions on separate themes pertaining to trade, technology and sustainable
development.
First Session was based on theme- ‘Promotion of Free, Open and Fair Trade and Investment’.
Second Session was based on theme- ‘Utilization of Innovative Technology towards a human-centred
Future Society’
Third Session was based on theme- ‘Efforts towards Resolution of Global Challenges and
Achievement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs: Financing for Development, Need for
Transparent and Effective Government, etc.)’.
During its three sessions, the Summit reviews topics such as opening investment, supporting free trade,
solving global challenges facing SDGs as well as taking advantage of technological innovations to support
human-centered future.
At the end of the summit, a joint statement will also be adopted by the Parliamentary speakers attending the
meet. The statement thus adopted would act as Parliamentary inputs to the main G20 Heads of
Government/States Conference to be held in 2020.
CARAT- 2019: US-Bangladesh Navy exercise
The biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise dubbed as ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT)
– 2019’ is being held in Chattogram (or Chittagong City) in Bangladesh. The CARAT is a yearly exercise
conducted between the navies of Bangladesh and United States in the Bay of Bengal. The first edition of
exercise was held in 2011.
About ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training’: CARAT – 2019
The second phase of exercise is being conducted from 4 to 7 November 2019 with different subject-based
training and exercise.
The opening ceremony of CARAT- 2019 was attended by Assistant chief of naval staff (operations)
Bangladesh Navy and the Commander logistic group, Western Pacific Command Task Force 73 (CTF-73) of
US Navy.
The CARAT- 2019 exercise provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of operational activities
of the Navies of two countries (US- Bangladesh) and to get acquainted with advanced technology through
various theoretical and practical training.
MSDE, IBM jointly launches Skills Build platform
The Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the Skills Build platform
in collaboration with IBM, an American multinational IT (information technology) company.
About Skills Build platform
SkillsBuild offers digital learning content from IBM and partners like CodeDoor, Skillsoft and
Coorpacademy. The programme offers a 2-year advanced diploma in IT, networking and cloud computing at
Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) & National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs). The platform co-created and
designed by IBM will also be extended to train ITI & NSTI faculty on building skills in Artificial Intelligence
(AI).
The digital platform will also provide a personal assessment of cognitive capabilities and personality via
MyInnerGenius to the enrolled students. They will then learn foundational knowledge about digital
technologies, as well as professional skills like resume-writing, communication and problem solving. The
Students will also receive recommendations on role-based education for specific jobs that include technical
as well as professional learning.
This initiative is also part of IBM’s global commitment to create a job-ready workforce and to build Next-Gen
of skills needed for new collar careers. The platform is deployed with support of leading NGOs such as
Unnati and Edunet Foundation. Thereby, IBM Volunteers along with NGOS will offer students personalised
coaching and experiential learning opportunities.
Significance
This Skills Build platform initiative will help youth to scale themselves as per changing market trends. The
platform will also help students develop technical as well as professional skills needed for competitive ‘new
collar’ jobs. It will also reinforce IBM’s commitment in enabling life-long learning in India and aligning with
Skills India initiative by Union Government.
ADB to give $451Mn for Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor power links
The Asian Development Bank will provide a $451 million (appx. Rs.3,200 crore) loan to strengthen power
connectivity between southern and northern parts of Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC) in
Tamil Nadu. As per ADB, the Manila-headquartered multilateral agency the total cost of the project is
$653.5 million, of which the government will provide $202.5 million.
About Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC)
On January 2019 Tamil Nadu Government passed a bill to amend Tamil Nadu Industrial Township Area
Development Authority Act, 1997 (TNITADA) to turn CKIC project worth Rs.64.48 billion into reality.
The first phase of CKIC project will have Madurai-Virudhnagar-Dindigul-Theni and Thoothukudi-Tirunelveli
nodes. The focus of CKIC will be on manufacturing.
ADB has been assisting in developing CKIC, which covers Tamil Nadu’s 23 out of 32 districts, accounting for
64% of Tamil Nadu’s area and 70% of state population. The ADB project will allow more power, (which
includes renewable energy) to be transferred from new generation facilities in south CKIC to north, where
demand is high.
The project includes constructing 400- kilovolt kV network to pool power generated at renewable and
thermal power plants in Thoothukudi district to Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu. An extra-high voltage
765- kV transmission link for transferring 9,000 MW of extra capacity will be esablished from Virudhunagar
in southern CKIC northwards to major industrial center of Coimbatore and state capital Chennai. The
estimated date of completion of project is by end of 2024.
CKIC will help in promoting Tamil Nadu’s economic development by delivering a more reliable and
competitive power supply for industry and services within the state, which will in turn increase jobs and
improve livelihoods.
November 6, 2019
5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata
The 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) is being held in Kolkata, West Bengal from 5-8 November
2019. The four-day festival was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference.
About 5th India International Science Festival (IISF)
IISF Objective: To instill scientific temper among people, showcase India’s contribution in field of Science
and Technology as well as encourage translation of its benefits to people. It also aims to build a strategy
for inclusive advancement of Science and Technology.
IISF 2019 theme: RISEN- Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation.
The 5th edition of annual event is jointly organized by Union Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth
Sciences and Vijnana Bharati (or VIBHA). More than 12,000 school and college students from across India
are expected to attend event.
Four world records would be attempted at IISF includes- the largest astrophysics lesson and assembly of
stereotypes by more than 1750 students, assembling Radio kits by more than 400 students, largest
electronics lesson and assembly of optical media communication units at a single location with
participation of over 950 students and largest human image of a human chromosome formed by more than
400 students.
Vigyanika– International Science Literature Festival and International Science Film Festival (ISFFI) would
also be showcased at the festival.
Background
The IISF was first started in 2015 with the vision of promoting science and technology by showing public
how STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) provides us solutions to improve our lives.
The first IISF was held at IIT Delhi in December 2015, in which India had set world record with 2000 school
students performing two experiments.
DRDO’s Igniter Complex inaugurated
A Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) Igniter Complex was inaugurated at High Energy
Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune. The main purpose of the laboratory is to design, process,
evaluate ignition systems for any kind of DRDO projects.
About the Igniter Complex
The new complex is equipped with sieve shaker, granulating machine, planetary mixer, pelleting
machine, etc.
A design, modelling, simulation laboratory are a part of the complex.
The complex also has an assembly centre and a testing centre.
HEMRL
HEMRL develops rocket, pyrotechnic devices, gun propellants, high-explosive systems. Ignition is the crucial
phenomenon in all these systems. HEMRL had developed ignition system for Prithvi, Agni, Nag, Akash,
Pinaka, etc. It has also transferred the technology to Ordance factory, Pune. It also performs research on
high-power explosives and on pyrotechnics.
A Brief History
In December 2015, a high-level committee that investigated a fire accident at the igniter complex had
suggested this new complex. The committee found that there are grave risks to humans in making and
designing of ignition systems and recommended advanced and remote controlled facility.

Rajnath Singh to co-chair 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military
and Military-Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) in Moscow, Russia. He is on a visit to Russian
Federation from 5-7 November 2019.
19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission
At the India-Russia IGC on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will
discuss Agreement on Reciprocal Logistics Support (ARLS) with his Russian counterpart Defence Minister
of Russian Federation General Sergei Shoigu. The ARLS is an arrangement that will allow access to both
India and Russia to each other’s military facilities for expanding logistics support, supplies and fuel and
operational turnaround of Indian military.
The ARLS will be especially beneficial for Indian Navy as it has a large number of Russian origin ships that
will get access to Russian ports for supplies and refueling. This will also be crucial for joint exercises.
Besides Navy, the air force too will benefit by finding it easier to deploy aircraft for same purpose. This
access will also be for ports in Russian part of Arctic, thus allowing access to energy resources there. Even
Russia, will also be able to access Indian ports and air bases.
Key Highlights of Visit
During his visit, Indian Defence Minister is scheduled to inaugurate India-Russia Defence Industry
Cooperation Conference, along with Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis kiManturov. At the
Conference discussion will be held on ways to promote defence industrial cooperation between India and
Russia as well as technology transfer and investment in India in defence industry under ‘Make in India’
programme.
He will also hold extensive discussions with his Russian counterpart General Sergei Shoigu on all areas of
military-to-military cooperation as well as defence industrial cooperation.
He is also scheduled to visit St Petersburg where he will place wreath at Piskarevsky Memorial Cemetery
honouring soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during World War-II.
Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019
The State Government of Himachal Pradesh is organizing Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019, a
flagship business event, at Dharamshala on 7 -8 November 2019. The event will be attended by diplomats,
leaders from senior policy makers, corporate sector development agencies and investors from across the
globe. The event will also be attended by Union Commerce and Industry and Railway Minister, Piyush Goyal,
who will highlight about government investment and policies for promoting investment in Himachal Pradesh
and hill states of India.
About Rising Himachal Global Investors’ Meet 2019
The Global Meet will showcase investment opportunities and policy & regulatory environment in 8 focus
sectors for boosting manufacturing and employment generation in Himalayan State. These 8 focus sectors
include- (1) agri-business and post-harvest technology, (2) housing and urban development, (3)
manufacturing and pharmaceuticals, (4) civil aviation, hydro and renewable energy, (5) wellness, tourism
and hospitality, (6) healthcare and AYUSH, (7) IT-ITeS and electronics, (8) education and skill development.
The Rising Himachal Summit is promoted by Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and
Facilitation Agency through the India Investment Grid (IIG), a Union government’s initiative to showcase
investment opportunities across states and sectors in India on a single interactive platform. Invest India
under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, helps investors looking for options and investment
opportunities in India.
During the two days Global Investors’ Meet there will also be a session on ‘Growing economic ties between
Invest India and United Arab Emirates (UAE)’.
ICAR report on Stubble Burning
On 4th November, 2019, the ICAR’s Creams Laboratory bulletin stated that there has been reduction of 12%
in incidents of Stubble Burning as compared to the same period in 2018.
Highlights of the report
There were 31,402 burning events in the three states Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana as on
October 1, 2019
The state wise reduction in stubble burning as compared to 2018 is as follows
Uttar Pradesh-48.2%
Haryana-11.7%
Punjab-8.7%
The report says that the reduction is mainly due to the launch of Central Scheme “Promotional of
Agricultural Mechanization of In-Situ Management of Crop Residue in Punjab, UP and Haryana and
NCT of Delhi”. The main purpose of the scheme is to subsidize machinery required.
Delhi
New Delhi is worst affected due to stubble burning in the three states. This year (2019) the Air quality Index
of Delhi reached 999. This is the highest recorded AQI of Delhi in its history. According to WHO norms the
AQI should be under 100.
Also, the PM 2.5 (Particulate Matter) concentration was more than 80% as against 50% of the normal
course.
Western Disturbances
The Stubble burning smoke reaching Delhi is greatly influenced by the Western Disturbances. When these
Cyclonic circulation are strong and persistent the smoke deposited in the city decreases.
The disturbances are capable of carrying the smoke far and spread them wide when they are strong. The
weakening of these disturbances lately due to global warming is also one of the reasons for the increased
stubble smoke in Delhi.
Kolkata students create Guinness World Records for largest astrophysics assemble
The Guinness World Records for the largest astrophysics lesson (45 minutes) and assembly of
spectroscopes was successfully achieved by Kolkata students at Science City, Kolkata. The record was
attempted on the first day of 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019 in which over 1,598
students participated. The session was dedicated to Meghnad Saha and Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman.
The session was organized by Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, who were conferred a
memento at the end of the programme, on behalf of the Guinness Book of World Records.
Spectroscopes are used by Astronomers to know details such as temperature, chemical composition, etc.
of celestial objects hundreds or millions of light years away from Earth. Moreover, a small personal model
of advanced spectroscopes can be easily made by anyone using a box made of cardboard that has a very
narrow window used to channel light into spectroscope. Then a piece of a Compact Disc is used to split the
light by a process called diffraction.
5th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019: IISF is the largest science festival in world. Kolkata is
the host city of the 5th IISF-2019. The city is home to renowned scientific institutions that have been
workplace of pioneering scientists who gave shape to science in India.
India withdraws from RCEP
On November 4, 2019, India decided against joining Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
trade deal as India did not receive any credible assurance on market access and non-tariff barriers. This
paved way for the other 15-members to go ahead and sign the deal keeping the door open for India to join at
later date.
Reasons of Withdrawal
Trade Deficit
India has trade deficit with at least 11 of 15 RCEP countries. It has doubled in the last five years from 54
billion USD in 2013-14 to 105 billion USD in 2018-19. Of this China alone accounts to 53 billion USD. Signing

the RCEP will widen trade deficit and will empty foreign exchange reserve of India at a faster rate.
Domestic market
Australia and New Zealand are now in search of free access to market their diary products. Similarly
Indonesia and Vietnam are looking for places to dump their less quality rubber. India being the largest
market in the world, dumping such less expensive goods will affect domestic goods of India
The China Factor
The RCEP deal is in favor of China. China is now looking for greater access (as an alternate) to Indian
market with the trade war with the US. A failure to find an alternate will have a cascading effect on Chinese
economy and its global ambitions. India by not signing the RCEP deal has refused to be a willing dumping
ground of China’s trade imperialism.
International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management held in New Delhi
The ‘International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management for Climate Smart Agriculture and
Global Food and Livelihood Security’ is being held at National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC) Complex
in New Delhi. The five day-long conference will be held from 5-9 November 2019.
Key Highlights of Conference
Objective: To deliberate upon various issues and challenges of soil and water conservation.
Organiser: The conference was jointly organized by Soil Conservation Society of India (SCSI) in association
with World Association of Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC), China and International Soil
Conservation Organization (ISCO), U.S.A.
Participants: A total of 400 Delegates comprising of national and international experts from 21 countries
namely Japan, China, Spain and Egypt, etc., are participating in conference. The participants are expected to
share effective cutting-edge technological breakthroughs in ensuring global food security.
At the occasion ‘Special Issue of Indian Farming by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research’ and ‘7 Years
of International Conference’ and ‘Abstract Book of the Conference’ were released.
The dignitaries also conferred ‘Soil Conservation Society of India (SCSI) Awards – 2019’ to various
scientists and students for their contributions in respective fields of researches.
First BIMSTEC Ports Conclave at Visakhapatnam
Between November 7 and November 8, 2019, the Ministry of shipping is hosting the first ever BIMSTEC
Ports’ Conclave. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multisectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation is an
international organization that involves South East Asian and South Asian countries. India’s growing
interests in the region makes the conclave crucial and significant. Also, the conclave will be a path way for
India’s maritime security measures and its interests in the Indo-Pacific region
The investment opportunities and best practices adopted for productivity and safety of the ports are
to be discussed in the event.
The Conclave includes sessions on “Port led Industrial Development and Tourism Development”
The Conclave will also encourage Cruise Tourism. BIMSTEC nations with diverse historical and
cultural heritages are ideal places to develop Cruise Tourism
The Conclave will also adopt new technological solutions to maximize efficiency and productivity of
the available spaces, time and resources in the ports. With the region being one of the fastest
growing markets in the world, the supply chain are necessitating expansion beyond national
boundaries, resulting in putting tremendous pressure on existing port infrastructure.
The other discussions in the conclave are as follows
Emergent roles of ports in the global supply chain
Safe and Secure ports
Port Services-Delivering Value
Green Port Operations
11,000 scientists in NAVEEN

153 KUMAR
countries declare climate emergency
| navkmorya75@gmail.com |
In a paper published in the journal BioScience, 11,258 signatories (69 from India) declared Global Climate
Emergency. They presented climate change trends and methods to mitigate the threat. The report was titled
“World Scientists”
It is based on the scientific analysis of more than 40 years of publicly available data. It illustrates several
key climate change indicators since the scientists from 50 nations met at the First World Climate
Conference in Geneva in 1979.
Highlights
The scientists present a list of measures called “Vital Signs” that better represent climate change. It
includes measures of human activities that can change climate like air travel, meat production and
fertility rate. These activities have been termed as backward steps that are worsening climate change
further. In 20 years, the world fertility rate has reduced greatly claims the report.
They present 14 measures of impacts of climate change like number of extreme weather events,
ocean heat content, ocean acidity, etc.
Massive energy efficiency and conservation practices to cut out “Neither use nor dig out fossils under
the earth.”
The following are the six key objectives of the report
Replacing fossil fuels
Restoring and protecting ecosystems
Cutting pollutants like methane and soot
Eating less meat
Converting the economy to carbon-free
Stabilizing population growth
November 7, 2019
World Customs Organization recognised HS Code for India’s Signature Fabrics-A Boost for Khadi
Exports
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has allocated separate HS code for signature fabric of India. HS
stands for Harmonized System and was developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The code is
used by customs officers to clear commodities entering or crossing international border.
HS Code
It is a multi purpose International Nomenclature that describes type of goods being shipped. The code
follows Kyoto Convention of 1974. It is being used by more than 200 countries. The code aids countries in
collection of international trade statistics and forms a basis for customs tariffs. This helps in better reach
of the product and increases its global popularity.
World Customs Organization
The WCO is an inter governmental organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It was founded in 1952.
It administers the technical aspects of WTO, agreements on customs valuation and rules of origin. It works
towards the development of international conventions, rules of origin, supply chain security, IPRs, customs
reforms and modernization, etc.
India’s Signature Fabric
Khadi is the term used for fabrics that are hand spun and hand woven. It is recognized as signature fabric of
India. It gained its importance since the freedom movement of boycott.
According to Indian Flag Code, Khadi is the only material allowed to be used for the flag. If flying flag is
made with any other material the offense is punishable by law with imprisonment up to 3 years and fine.
GRSE delivers Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant to Indian Coast Guard
Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) delivered Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) ICGS Annie Besant
to Indian Coast Guard (ICGS) in Kolkata, West Bengal. This is second in the series of five such FPVs being
built by GRSE for Indian Coast Guard and the 101st warship to be delivered by shipyard.
The entire design of these FPVs has been developed in-house by GRSE as per requirements specified by
ICG. At present GRSE has a strong order book position of about Rs.27,400 crore under which there are a
total of 22 warships at various stages of construction.
About ICGS Annie Besant
It is a medium-range vessel with 50 metres in length, 7.5 metres in width and displacement of nearly 308
tonnes. It is designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of over 1,500 nautical miles.
The ICGS Annie Besant is equipped with three main engines with advanced control systems, water jet units
as well as an Integrated Bridge System (IBS) with all communication and navigation systems. It is also
fitted with 40/60 gun as main armament.
The FPV is capable of operations in maritime zones of country. It has powerful, fuel-efficient platforms
which are designed to perform multipurpose operations such as patrolling, rescue operations, anti-
smuggling and anti-poaching.
Freedom on Net 2019 report-China the worst abuser of internet freedom
The Freedom of Net report 2019 titled “The Crisis of Social Media” was released by the The Freedom House,
an international watchdog. The report recorded an overall decline in global internet freedom status between
July 2018 and May 2019.
India obtained an overall score of 55 and was reported to be “partly free”.
Highlights
Pakistan, with a score of 26, for the ninth consecutive year was declared as “not free” in terms of
freedom status
China obtained a score of 10 and was adjudged “not free”. Also, China was termed the worst abuser
of internet freedom for the fourth consecutive year
On the whole, 65 countries were assessed. Out of these, 33 showed an overall decline in internet
freedom. Improvement was seen only in 16 countries.
Ethiopia recorded the highest improvement in terms of internet freedom
US had an overall score of 77. The online environment of the US was reported to be free from state
censorship and vibrant. However, there was a decline in overall internet freedom in the US for the
third straight year.
Countries like Malaysia, Armenia showed positive trends in the internet freedom status
Iceland ranked the highest with an overall score of 95. It was recorded as the world’s best protector
of internet freedom. The country had no civil or criminal cases registered against the users for online
expression.
IIT-Madras launches country’s first standing wheelchair: Arise
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has launched country’s first indigenously designed standing
wheelchair named as ‘Arise’ in presence of Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment
Thawarchand Gehlot at the institute.
About Wheelchair ‘Arise’
The assistive device enables a differently-abled person requiring a wheelchair to shift from sitting to
standing position, and vice versa, independently and in a controlled manner. The testing partners for Arise
included individual users, hospitals, NGOs, rehabilitation centres and clinicians who provided inputs.
The device was designed and developed by TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development
(R2D2) at IIT Madras in collaboration with Phoenix Medical Systems.
The project was also supported from foreign countries such as United Kingdom (UK) and moreover, the
commercialisation of Standing Wheelchair technology was made possible with support from Wellcome
Trust (UK) through an ‘Affordable Healthcare in India’ Award. This award brought together research and
manufacturing partners.
Since Arise is a novel, mass-manufacturable mechanical design (one Indian patent granted, other Indian, US
and China patents pending), and with Phoenix’s manufacturing capabilities, it will be made available at an
affordable price of around Rs.15,000.
Voyager 2: NASA’s Solar System Explorer reaches interstellar space
NASA’s Voyager 2 has exited heliosphere and has entered interstellar space. It is now at 11 billion miles
from the earth. Information from the spacecraft takes 16.5 hours to reach earth at the speed of light. (Light
from the sun takes 8 minutes to reach earth)
The spacecraft joined its twin voyager 1 on December 10, 2018. The Voyagers were launched to study the
outer solar system up close. Voyager 2 will target Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune and Uranus.
Evidence
Till November 5, 2019, the space around the spacecraft was surrounded by plasma flowing out from the
sun. This outflow is called solar wind and envelopes the planets in the solar system. However, recently,
scientists detected no electrical current of plasma to detect density, pressure, temperature. This confirms
that the spacecraft has left the heliosphere and entered inter stellar space.
The firsts
Voyager 2 is the first spacecraft to study all four planets together. It includes Jupiter, Neptune, Saturn
and Uranus
It is the first spacecraft that discovered 14th moon of Jupiter.
It is the first human-made object to fly by Neptune
Voyager 2 also discovered 5 moons of Neptune. It identified a “Great Dark Spot” at Neptune. Also the
spacecraft discovered that there are four rings around Neptune.
NMCG organized ‘Ganga Utsav’ in New Delhi
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) organized the ‘Ganga Utsav’ in Major Dhyanchand stadium in
New Delhi to mark the 11th anniversary of Ganga being declared as national river. It was organized in
coordination with Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
About Ganga Utsav
The event was organised in a bid to create awareness and gather public participation in efforts to clean
River Ganga and its tributaries. It is celebrated every year on 4 November because Ganga was declared as
the country’s national river on this day in 2008.
Such events play an important role in drawing public attention to the cause of Ganga and play a vital role in
creating general awareness about keeping Ganga and its tributaries clean. Besides, it also showcases the
efforts being put in by NMCG and Union ministry to maintain the ‘aviralta’ and purity of river Ganga.
Several students also participated in the event, where they learned methods to save the river and had an
interactive session with Director-General of NMCG Rajiv Ranjan Mishra about conservation of river waters.
FSSAI released draft regulations of Safe Food and Healthy Diet for school children
The food regulator, FSSAI-Food Safety and Standards Authority of India released draft regulations for
school children. The draft was titled “food Safety and Standards (Safe Food and Healthy Diets for School
Children) Regulations, 2019. The regulator has sought comments from stake holders within 30 days.
Highlights of the regulations
A complete ban was imposed on the sale of soft drinks, potato wafers and other junk foods within 50
meters of school campus. Also the advertisements of these junk foods were banned.
The foods that are referred to HFSS (High in Fat, Salt and Sugar) cannot be sold in school canteens,
mess premises or hostel kitchens. They should also be not sold to school children. These foods are
also banned by the regulator within 50 meters of school campus.
The school campus should be converted to “” Eat Right School” ensuring safe and healthy food. They
should adopt comprehensive programmes to promote healthy diets and safe foods.
A license or registration should be obtained by the School Authority or Food Business Operators

(FBO) contracted by the School Authority selling school meals. The FBOs contracted for operation of
Mid-say meal scheme should also obtain a registration license complying with requirements of
hygienic and sanitary practices
The schools should take help of nutritionists and dietitians in preparing menu for children
periodically.
Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari wins Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award by PCI
The Press Council of India (PCI) has awarded this year’s Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for
Excellence in Journalism to Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari. The awards will be presented
on the occasion of National Press Day on 16 November 2019.
The selection of awardees was carried out by a jury comprising of eminent members of PCI like Jai Shankar
Gupta, Balwinder Singh and Ashok Upadhyaya among others.
About National Awards for Excellence in Journalism
The Awards have been instituted to recognize outstanding contribution of journalists or photo journalists of
the country in print journalism.
The award is given in eight categories such as Raja Ram Mohan Roy National Award for Excellence in
Journalism among others. It carries a cash prize and a citation for each category.
Only for the Raja Ram Mohan Roy award for excellence in journalism, the cash prize is worth Rs.1,00,000
and the jury committee itself decides the nominations for category and therefore no entries are invited.
Other Winners of National Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2019
These entire awards carry a citation and a cash prize of Rs.50000.
Gender Based Reporting category: Anuradha Mascarenhas, Indian Express Senior Editor and Ruby Sarkar of
Deshbandhu are the joint winners
Rural Journalism category: Sanjay Saini, Correspondent, Dainik Bhaskar, Mandi, and Raj Chengappa, Group
Editorial Director, India Today, are the joint winners
Developmental Reporting category: Shiva Swarup Awasthi, Senior Reporter of Dainik Jagran, and Anu
Abrahim, Sub-Editor of Matrubhumi, Calicut
Financial Reporting category: Sandeep Singh, Indian Express Associate Editor and Special Correspondent
Krishn Kaushik
Photo Journalism-Single News Picture category: P G Unnikrishnan, Senior Photographer, The Mathrubhumi,
and Akhil E S, News Photographer, Mathrubhumi
Photo Journalism-Photo Feature category: Sipra Das, Consulting Editor (Photography), India Empire
Magazine and Parliamentarian Magazine
Sports Reporting category: Saurabh Duggal , Hindustan Times
NASSCOM Foundation’s Social Innovation Forum (NSIF) award
NASSCOM Foundation, the Indian IT industry body’s social arm, and Bangalore based software firm Mphasis
announced the winners of the 11th edition of NASSCOM Social Innovation Forum (NSIF) award. The NSIF is
an ecosystem of over 2,200 social innovations, awarding over 90 social innovation projects, and has given
more than Rs.1.5 crore in catalytic grants.
In 2019 edition of awards, seven organisations were declared winners across a range of categories who will
receive catalytic grants for innovatively applying technology for social impact. The winners will receive
Rs.10 lakh each as catalytic grants and a 12-month Support to Scale industry mentorship from experts,
worth more than Rs.20 lakh.
Winners of Award
1. Meraki Foundation: in Education category, won the award for upskilling low income parents towards
holistic learning of their wards so as to act early to unleash a child’s potential
2. Inali Foundation: won for Accessibility for developing an ‘affordable’ myoelectric prosthetic arm.
3. PadCare Labs Pvt. Ltd., a Pune-based startup: won for Healthcare for developing ‘Sanicure’, a
smokeless sanitary napkin disposal system.
4. MHS City Lab: won the Financial Inclusion award for ‘NEEV’ a digital tool for affordable low-income
housing
5. Watsan Envirotech Pvt. Ltd.: won Environment award.
6. NotOnMap (NoM), a Himachal Pradesh-based Community-based tourism start-up: won for Other
Social issues for creating livelihood for culturally hidden communities
7. Bombay Bijlee
ReSAREX-2019: ICG conducts Regional level Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise-2019
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the ‘Regional Level Search and Rescue Workshop and Exercise
2019’: ReSAREX- 19 off Goa coast. The two-day event was organised by Coast Guard District
Headquarters-11 (Goa) to test efficiency and preparedness of ICG.
About ReSAREX- 19
The exercise comprised of a search and rescue workshop and table top exercise, followed by a search and
rescue exercise at sea
Participants: Dornier aircraft, 5 ICG ships, 2 Chetak helicopters were used for workshop. Moreover, the
resources from Captain of Ports, Indian Mission Control Centre (Bengaluru), State Marine Police, Goa
Medical College, Goa state administration and Marmugao Port Trust were also pressed into service.
Need: With increase in maritime and fishing activities being further complicated by frequent cyclones, the
maritime search and rescue services still remains a challenge and need to respond to every situation with
utmost clarity, and by exercising full coordination with other support agencies. The workshop also assumes
significance in the wake of recent search and rescue operations carried out during cyclones Kyaar and
Maha.
Finance Minister: Rs 25,000 crore Fund for stuck Housing Projects
On November 7, 2019, Government of India announced the establishment of Rs 25,000 crore fund for home
buyers whose money is stuck in stalled projects. According to the Ministry of Finance, there are over 1600
such projects comprising of 4.58 lakh housing units across the country. The “Special Window” will prioritize
debt financing in the Affordable and middle-income housing sector.
About the fund
Rs 10,000 crore is to be provided by GoI towards the fund. Other firms like LIC and SBI along with
sovereign wealth funds and pension funds will contribute Rs 15,000 crore
The fund is to be set up as Category II Alternate Investment Fund.
The fund is to be registered with SEBI as an escrow account.
Highlights
Under the special window, the projects that have been declared as NPAs (Non Performing Assets)
and other projects that are undergoing insolvency at NCLT are also allowed to be kick started
Significance
The fund infusion will help provide employment to workers and also help restore trust between buyers
and developers
Reviving housing sector will increase demand for cement and iron and steel industries that will
generate more employment
The special window will help releasing the stress in other major sectors of the Economy
NASSCOM Report: India-third largest startups hub in the world
The Nasscom report on Indian Tech Start-Up Ecosystem said that India continues to the third largest start-
up ecosystem after China and US. India has added more than 1300 tech start-ups in 2019 according to the
report. Between January to September in 2019, there were 8900 to 9300 startups as compared to
7700-8200 a year ago.
Highlights
The investment in startups in the period January-September, 2019 touched 4.4 billion USD.
The indirect jobs that created by the startup ecosystem can jump to 39 to 44 lakh by 2025 from 14 to
16 lakh in 2019
The Indian startups have the potential to grow about 4 to 5 times by 2025
Around 18% of the startups are leveraging deep-tech, fin tech, retail tech that are the most mature
sectors with strong metrics
In 2019, the startups created 60,000 direct jobs as compared to 40,000 in 2018
Seven new unicorns were added in 2019. This takes the total number of unicorns in the country to 24
which is the third highest number of unicorns in a single country in the world. Unicorn refers to tech
startup that reaches 1 billion USD market value. 71% of these unicorns are B2B focused.
NASSCOM
NASSCOM is National Association of Software and Services Companies. It is a non-profit trade association
of Indian IT and BPO industries.
November 8, 2019
Guinness World Record of most students assembling radio kits simultaneously created
The Guinness World Record of most students assembling radio kits simultaneously was created on the third
day of 5th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2019 being held in Kolkata. This is the 2nd Guinness
World Record at IISF 2019 as earlier on first day of IISF more than 1,598 students had created a Guinness
World Record for Largest astrophysics lesson and assembly of spectroscopes.
Record Highlights
Although 490 students participated in the event but a record 268 succeeded in completing process of
assembling radio kits simultaneously in the stipulated hours. The participants students all from city and
districts accomplished the record feat in 2 hours at an event in Science City Expo.
A representative of Guinness World Records presented a certificate and memento to Union Minister of
Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan who took it on behalf of students.
5th IISF 2019: IISF is the world’s largest science festival. For year 2019 the host city is Kolkata. The first
was held in December 2015 at IIT Delhi. Since 2015 it is held annually with the vision of promoting science
and technology by showcasing public how Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
provides us solutions to improve our lives.
10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine held in New Delhi
The 10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) was inaugurated by Vice President M Venkaiah
Naidu in New Delhi. The conference will be held from 7-10 November 2019. This is the first time that the
biennial conference is being held in India.
Key Highlights of Conference
Objective: The conference intends to aim at lectures, discussions and talks on affordable emergency care
for all sections of the society, bridging gaps in healthcare and creating a positive impact on society.
Mission: To promote High standards of diagnosis and management of Acute and critical aspects of illness
and injury affecting patients of all ages as well as to promote Academic and scientific activity in the field of
Emergency Medicine.
Participants: Over 2000 emergency medicine experts from over 32 distinct nations are participating in the
conference. Eight keynote speakers, including a specialist in emergency and injury or trauma-care from the
World Health Organization (WHO) will also speak at ACEM 2019.
It is organized by Asian Society for Emergency Medicine (ASEM) and Society for Emergency Medicine India
(SEMI) in support of other organizations to build strategies for emergency care across Asia.
Need of the Hour: For improving architecture of emergency medicine in India-
To invest in providing timely and high-quality Emergency Health Services (EHS) in India.
To include Emergency medicine and trauma care in curriculum of Undergraduate courses and train
them to deal with other emergencies like accidents, heart attacks, natural calamities, and others.
To train Medical students to deal with the whole gamut of situations relating to emergency medicine.
To create a well-structured Emergency Medical services to save lives during medical emergencies.
To work on bystander training and protocols for trauma resuscitation.
There is a also need to develop programs and manuals to train citizens in emergency first aid procedures
like Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). This could help in saving a life while waiting for emergency
services.
Emergency Medicine experts must also collaborate with government in developing standardized treatment
manuals for all hospitals dealing with emergency and trauma cases in the country.
Governments Effort: The Government of India has made it mandatory for all medical college hospitals to
have full-fledged Emergency Departments by 2022 with an aim to improve trauma care.
Samudra Shakti: India- Indonesian Joint Naval exercise
The Navies of India and Indonesia are holding bilateral naval exercise called ‘Samudra Shakti’ in Bay of
Bengal on 6-7 November 2019. This year is the second edition of India, Indonesia Bilateral Naval Exercise.
The inaugural edition of exercise was held at the port of Surabaya, Indonesia in November 2018.
About Ex- Samudra Shakti
Objective: To strengthen bilateral relations, expand maritime co-operation, enhance interoperability and
exchange best practices between the Navies of India and Indonesia.
Participants: As part of exercise INS Kamorta, India’s anti-submarine warfare corvette, is jointly exercising
with Indonesian warship KRI Usman Harun, a multi-role corvette. The joint exercise also include- weapon
firing drills, manoeuvres, air defense exercises, surface warfare exercises, helicopter operations and
boarding operations.
The harbor phase of exercise was conducted on 4-5 November at Visakhapatnam. It included professional
interactions in form of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), simulator drills, cross deck visits, sports
fixtures, social interactions and planning conferences.
Tiger TRIUMP: First Tri-services amphibious exercise between India and US
India and US are to jointly conduct Tiger TRIUMP, the first ever tri-services amphibious exercise. It is to be
conducted in Visakhapatnam and Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. It includes field training and events that
simulate humanitarian assistance in disaster times. The event will also hold simulations in moving disaster
relief forces from ship to shore.
Highlights
More than 1200 Indian sailors, airmen and soldiers are to participate in the exercise
From the US side, around 500 marines, airmen and sailors will participate.
It is a nine-day exercise and begins on November 13, 2019.
The soldiers from both the sides will become familiar with each others’ support capabilities during
the exercise
The US will conduct casualty evacuation simulations from shore to ship
Indian Air Force will perform cross deck-landings
The forces will demonstrate advance inter operability, naval integration and will exchange best
practices
The forces will also embark each others’ vessels participating in the exercise. This will help the
forces to become familiar with the counterpart’s tactics, procedures and techniques.
Significance
The exercise will help both the countries to exchange knowledge and to establish professional and
personal relationship
The exercise acts as a platform for the countries to become familiar with their counterpart’s aviation
capability
It boosts the capability of the Indian and US troops in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and
counter terrorism.
RBS Earth Heroes Awards 2019
RBS India, the innovation and operations hub of Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) announced the winners of
RBS Earth Heroes Awards (REHA), who have played significant role in combating climate change. The year
2019 is the 9th edition of REHA and the theme for 2019 awards was- ‘Climate Change’.
RBS Earth Heroes Awards (REHA)2019 Winners
1. Bholu Abrar Khan of Bharatpur (Rajasthan): Green Warrior
2. Dimbeshwar Das of Assam: Green Warrior
3. Ela Foundation (Pune): Earth Guardian
4. Aishwarya Maheshwari (Uttar Pradesh): Save the Species
5. Sathish (Tamil Nadu): Save the Species
6. Jalal Ud Din Baba (Jammu & Kashmir): Inspire
7. Pramila Bisoyi (Odisha): Lifetime Achievement
About RBS Earth Heroes Awards (REHA)
The awards were instituted by Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in association with World Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2011.
Objective: REHA are an attempt to recognise the grit and determination of individuals and institutions who
work exceptionally hard as well as went beyond their call of duty with an aim to preserve and protect the
critical eco-systems and environment.
Significance: Under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is a critical and urgent need for
climate change mitigation,thus by recognising and rewarding those who are working towards this goal of
environment conservation, RBS India is creating a value cycle that will urge more citizens to take up greater
responsibility to mitigate climate change and conserve earth.
Categories: The award categories include:-
RBS Earth Hero Award (Felicitation)-Individual
RBS Earth Guardian Award (Rs.1,50,000)- Institution
RBS Save The Species Award (Rs. 1,50,000)- 2 Individuals
RBS Inspire Award (Rs, 1,50,000)- Individual or Institutional
RBS Green Warrior Award (Rs. 1,50,000 each)- 2 individuals
Infosys Prizes 2019
The winners of the Infosys Prize 2019 in six categories were announced by Infosys Science Foundation
(ISF). The awardees were selected from 196 nominations by a panel of 6 jurors. The awards to winning
professors will be conferred by Nobel laureate Amartya Sen on 7 January 2020.
Infosys Prize 2019 for science and research awardees
Awarded for contributions is given in six categories of science and research –
1. Engineering & Computer Sciences: Sunita Sarawagi, for her research in databases, data mining,
machine learning (ML) as well as natural language processing, and for important applications of
these research techniques.
2. Humanities: Manu V. Devadevan, for his original and wide-ranging work on pre-modern South India.
3. Life Sciences: Manjula Reddy, for her groundbreaking discoveries concerning the structure of cell
walls in bacteria.
4. Mathematical Sciences: Siddhartha Mishra, for his outstanding contributions to Applied
Mathematics. This included designing numerical tools for solving problems in real world.
5. Physical Sciences: Mugesh, for his seminal work in chemical synthesis of small molecules and
nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
6. Social Science: Anand Pandian, for his imaginative work on ethics, selfhood and the creative process.

About Infosys Prize NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
It is an annual award given by the Infosys Science Foundation. It is conferred to scientists, researchers,
engineers and social scientists of Indian Origin (not necessarily born in India). The prize was awarded in
2008 and is ranked among the highest monetary awards in India to recognize research.
The prize for each category includes a citation certificate, a gold medal, and prize money of $100,000
(around 70 lakh in Indian Rupees) and the prize purse is tax free in hands of winners in India.
Books on teachings of Guru Nanak Dev launched

Union Food Processing Industries Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Union Human Resource Development
(HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched the three books on teachings of Guru Nanak Dev at Sri
Guru Teg Bahadur Khalsa College in New Delhi. The books published in Punjabi were launched to
commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
The book launch comes ahead of inauguration of Kartarpur Corridor which will be held on 9 November
2019. The corridor will connect the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab with Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in
Pakistan.
About The Books
The three Punjabi titles are- ‘Guru Nanak Bani’, ‘Nanak Bani’, and ‘Sakhian Guru Nanak Dev’. They have been
published by National Book Trust (NBT) to spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev’s writings among
readers of Indian sub-continent.
Guru Nanak Bani: The book contains various verses from original Bani of Guru Nanak Dev which have been
collated theme-wise. It is compiled by Bhai Jodh Singh. The ‘Guru Nanak Bani’ has already published by NBT
in five Indian languages (Urdu, Odia, Marathi, Hindi and Gujarati) and will soon be translated in 15 Indian
languages so that the teachings of Guru Nanak Devji reach millions of Indians across the nation.
Nanak Bani: The book is a collection of five prominent writings (paanch bania) of Guru Nanak Dev. It is
compiled by Manjit Singh.
Sakhian Guru Nanak: The book is based on these life stories of Guru Nanak Dev and contains ‘Janamsakhis’
(literally meaning birth stories) are writings which profess to be biographies of Guru Nanak. This is an
illustrated book especially meant for children. It is compiled by Jagtarjit Singh
19th IORA ministerial meet held at Abu Dhabi, UAE
The 19th Indian Ocean Rim Association COM (Council of Ministers) meeting was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE on
November 7, 2019. Minsters from 22 countries attended the meeting.
The meeting was chaired by UAE. The Chairmanship passes from Republic of South Africa that held the
chair between the period 2017-19. For the period of 2019-2021, UAE will hold the chairmanship assisted by
Bangladesh.
Highlights
The meeting was preceded by 21st Committee of Senior Officials (CSO). The CSO is being held twice
a year.
Theme: Promoting a shared destiny and path to prosperity in Indian ocean
The meeting focused on growth, sustained development and economic cooperation in the IORA
region
Significance
The IORA is a broad platform that connects the world’s most dynamic regions of south, west and
south east Asia, Africa and Oceania through seas.
India is the largest contributor to IORA Special Fund. Recently India contributed 1 million USD to the
fund. India also shares expertise to strengthen the association
India hosted the first Indian Ocea Dialogue in 2015. It was held at Kochi and the Kochi Consensus
was released. It focused on maritime security challenges, information sharing, cooperation in

disaster relief and economic cooperation.
PM Modi to attend BRICS
PM Modi is to attend the 11th BRICS summit that is to be conducted in Brazil on November 13, 2019. He
will be accompanied by a large business delegates during the visit. The theme of 2019 BRICS summit
is Economic Growth for an Innovative Future
Highlights
PM is to attend restricted sessions during the visit. The sessions will focus on opportunities and
challenges for the national sovereignty in the world.
BRICS Plenary session is to be held where the leaders are to discuss BRICS cooperation for economic
development of member nations
Meeting of BRICS Business Council is also planned during the summit. During the session the MoUs
between the BRICS countries and Investment Promotion agencies are to be signed
A joint Declaration will be issued at the end of the summit.
About BRICS
BRICS comprises of 5 major economies namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The member
countries of BRICS grouping hold 42% of world’s population, 17% of world trade and 23% of world GDP. In
2018, BRICS commemorated its 10th anniversary in Johannesburg. The two main pillars of BRICS are
It helps to consult on issues of mutual interests through meetings
Also it helps to promote several sectors like agriculture, education, health, finance, trade, technology
and communication.
GoI releases Steel Scrap Recycling Policy
The National Steel Policy that was released on November 8, 2019 aims at developing globally competitive
steel industry. It aims at creating 300 million tons of steel per annum by 2030. The policy was released by
Ministry of Steel
Objectives of the Policy
The policy aims at promoting scientific collection and processing activities of recyclable ferrous and
non-ferrous scraps.
The objective of the policy is to produce high quality ferrous scrap that helps to increase high quality
steel production.
It also aims in relieving cities from Extra Low Voltages and boost the reuse of ferrous scrap. Extra
Low Voltage systems are deployed in commercial and residential buildings for better security and
control. It mainly consists of CCTV and Intercom.
It also promotes the ‘6R’ principle. It includes Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Recover, Remanufacture and
Redesign
Significance
The Policy provides guidelines for collection, shredding and dismantling activities in a safe and sound
environment.
The Policy will envisage a framework to establish metal scrapping centers in the country.
It will help in setting up environmentally sound ferrous scrap handling systems.
India is currently importing metal scraps from African countries. Around 70% of the metal scraps
comes from these countries. The policy will help reduce dependency on imports.
November 9, 2019
MSDE distributes Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificates to candidates
Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced and distributed Recognition of
Prior Learning (RPL) certificates to 500 candidates to boost their morale.
About Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program
Recognition of Prior Learning certificates: The certified candidates are trained as well as assessed on their
skill set under Recognition of prior Learning program of MSDE’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana
(PMKVY). The certification will mobilise quality workforce and will reduce employer dependence for
recognition, particularly for women who form a large part of workforce.
RPL Program: It is a program of Skill India that aims to certify the workforce as per National Skills
Qualifications Framework (NSQF) to rewards and enhance value of skilled manpower. RPL recognizes and
certifies skills acquired through informal means, thus bringing about a major shift from un-organized sector
to organized economy.
IAF launches multiplayer version of ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’ game
The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched the multiplayer version of its interactive mobile game named ‘Indian Air
Force – A Cut Above’. The game lets users experience the thrill of flying a combat aircraft. The single-player
version of the game was first launched by then Chief of Air Staff (COAS), B S Dhanoa, on 31 May 2019.
About ‘Indian Air Force – A Cut Above’
The game is a combat simulator that lets the players choose from an array of IAF’s fighter aircraft, such as
Tejas, Rafale Mirage-2000, Su-30 among others. The game allows Indian Air Force aspirants to experience
first hand the roles of an air warrior, and means to apply and appear for recruitment from the comfort of a
mobile phone. It is available for Android and iOS.
The newly released multiplayer version has two modes- Team Battles, where players team up, and Death
Match, a free for all where the last man standing is winner.
Indian Railways launches online applications to strengthen IT enablement
Indian Railways has launched three applications to strengthen its Information Technology (IT)-enabled
services which will help ensure proper monitoring of projects being undertaken by Railways. The
applications has been launched for all-India roll out and seeks to ensure proper monitoring of projects and
boost vision of Digital India.
Online Applications
CRS Sanction Management System: It is an important aspect in construction, maintenance and up-
gradation of railway assets in which all works pertains to level crossings (closure, manning, shifting etc.)
and minor bridges.
Rail-road crossing GAD approval system: It will expedite preparation, processing and approval of General
Agreement Drawings (GADs) related to the construction of Road Over Bridges (ROB) and Road Under
Bridges (RUB). This project for online e-Governance platform was developed by Union Ministry of Railways
and Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and has been running successfully since 2014. Now, a
module has been developed to cover cases of construction of ROBs or RUBs for States & Union Territories
also.

TMS (Track Management System) for construction: This Application has been developed for new assets
being constructed by construction organization. The assets master data can now be regularly filled during
stage of construction and completion of assets, by construction/project officials before itself final scrutiny
and test check by open line officials.
Ayodhya Verdict
The Supreme Court on November 9, 2019 pronounced its judgement on Ayodhya Ram Janma Bhoomi-Babri
Masjid land dispute case. The security arrangements were tightened across the country before the
pronouncement of the verdict. Section 144 was imposed in UP, Delhi and other states. Also schools and
educational institutions were closed for the safety of the students.
SC verdict
Supreme Court cleared way for the construction of Ram Temple in the disputed 5-acre land. The court said
that the Hindu side established their arguments that they possessed the outer courtyard. The Muslim side
failed to prove the possession. It directed the center to allot 5-acre land to the Sunni Waqf Board for the
construction of a mosque.
The verdict was pronounced by a 5 judge bench headed by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi. The
bench also comprised of justices Ashok Bhushan, S A Bobde, D Y Chandrachud and S Abdul Nazeer. In a
verdict 5-0, all the justices stood unanimous.
Timeline of Ayodhya Land Dispute
1885: First Suit filed by Mahanth Raghubar Das to construct Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
1949: Idols of Lord Ram found in side Babri Masjid.
Between 1950 and 1990 5 other suits were filed both by Hindu and Muslim religious organizations
1992: Babri Masjid was demolished by dozens of right-wing activists.
2010: The Allahabad High Court pronounced a judgement that divided the disputed land among three
litigants namely Nirmohi Akhara, Sunni Waqf Board and Ram Lalla.
IndAIR: CSIR-NEERI’s web facility launched

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
(CSIR-NEERI) has launched the country’s first interactive online repository, called IndAIR or Indian Air quality
Interactive Repository. The repository is one of few such facilities in the world and has the maximum
number of studies-262 concerning Delhi-NCR.
About IndAIR
Objective: The project aims to make air quality research and studies in an easily accessible web format for
the public, media, researchers and academics.
NEERI has been working to develop a web repository of all research that has been done on subjects in India.
The endeavour will be first comprehensive effort to inventorise surviving Indian research and analysis on air
pollution, its causes and effects.
It has archived about 700 scanned materials from pre-internet era, 170 reports and case studies, 1,215
research articles, 100 cases and more than 2,000 statutes to provide the history of air pollution research
and legislation in India.
IndAIR began to document important milestones in India to make them available to public, help
academicians and also enable policy-makers to frame legislations. The web facility would also be a useful
platform for scientific community to share its current work and exchange ideas.
The website reveals air pollution was recognised as a subject in India even in 1905, when a study was
carried out for Bengal Smoking Nuisance Ac and showcases how discussions on the ills of air pollution
began wholeheartedly in 1970s, while studies were undertaken as early as 1950s.
Shaala Darpan portal for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti launched
The Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development Sanjay Dhotre launched the Shala Darpan
Portal for Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS). It is an end to end e-Governance school automation and
management system for NVS.
What is Shala Darpan portal?
It provides an integrated platform to meet the educational and administrative needs of all stakeholders
(students, parents and teachers) and is capable of sending and receiving effective dialogue between every
stakeholder. It will integrate all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas with a common standard which includes
around 636 schools and 2.67 million students.
This single integrated platform is developed for knowledge dissemination and information sharing for
22,000 employees and more than 2 lakh students across NVS’s schools and offices. The platform at
minimum cost of Rs.6 crore abides by Guidelines for Indian Government Websites(GIGS).
Major Components: It includes integrated content management portal which consists of 636 websites of
Navodaya schools across India. It will contain information relating to service record, transfer or posting,
disciplinary action and ACR tracking. Apart from strengthening budget and finance management system,
the portal will also improve mess management and hostel conditions
This portal has been designed from Open Source Technology and hence the cost incurred was very low
(meagre budget) and up-dation cost in future will remain low.
The major effect will be end to end info sharing, proper analytical details, better transparency in evaluation
of teachers and students both, 654 bilingual platform for each schooland role-based access to have better
evaluation at every stage.
What are Navodaya Vidyalayas?
They are co-educational residential schools established by Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti which is an
autonomous organization under Union Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) to provide
quality modern education. The Navodaya Vidyalayas and its teachers plays a crucial contribution in
educationally uplifting the rural children.
FICCI study on Onion Price Rise: India should follow Israel, Brazil
India is witnessing price hikes in retail onion up to Rs 100 per kg currently in November 2019. Government
had introduced the TOP-Tomato Onion Potato Scheme in 2018-19 Budget to address this problem. However,
the scheme has not taken off well.
The FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry) on Novmber 8, 2019, submitted a
report to the GoI analyzing the problem. The Federation has also provided solutions to the current problems
being faced in the country due to price rise of Onions.
Highlights of the study
Around 40% of total onions produced were damaged this year (2018-19) in the periods of heavy
rainfall due to lack of post-harvest storage facilities
FICCI suggests long term solution studying Brazil and Israel models. It recommends low cost
technologies for storing Onions
Israel stores onions in open ventilated warehouses. The warehouses are ventilated through
continuous forced air.
Brazil stores onions in low-cost well ventilated silos systems. They are built at farm levels.
Brazil also uses refrigerated rooms to store the vegetables.
The report says that for the first time GoI is incurring a buffer stock loss of 57,000 tons. This is 25%
of the total buffer stock
India’s current measures
In India very few startups use farm level refrigeration for perishables
GoI through “Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture” promoted low cost thatched
bamboo storage. According to the study, India lacks in storage systems that sustain monsoon.
In India Onion is cultivated throughout the year in several places. Onion scarcity occurs only during
July to September. In order to maintain regular supply during the lean period GoI stores onions in
ventilated warehouses. The losses are high in these systems. Around 20% to 40% of onions are lost
11th edition of Bal Sangam festival begins
The Eleventh edition of Bal Sangam festival is being organised by National School of Drama (NSD) in its
premises in New Delhi. The four-day festival will be held from 9 to 12 November 2019.
About Bal Sangam festival
It is a confluence of folk and traditional art forms performed by children. It will showcase enthralling folk
and traditional performing arts and folk theatre dedicated to children.
As many as 12 States including Odisha, Assam, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab are participating in festival.
At the event 12 folk presentations and 3 folk theatres programme will be displayed.
The festival includes martial arts, folk dance, street play performances and acts such as magic shows,
juggling and puppetry. Besides this there will also be many types of art and craft workshops.
About National School of Drama (NSD)
Besides being one of the world’s foremost theatre training institutions, it is only one of its kind in India. In
1959, NSD was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi as one of its constituent units. Later in 1975, NSD was
registered as an autonomous organization under Societies Registration Act, 1860 and thus became an
independent entity. It is fully financed by Union Ministry of Culture.
PM Modi inaugurates Integrated Check Post at Kartarpur Corridor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of Kartarpur Corridor at Dera
Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur in Punjab. Moeover, the first Jatha of Sikh pilgrims also entered Pakistan through
Kartarpur Corridor. Earlier, PM Modi also flagged off the first batch of over 500 Indian pilgrims led by Akal
Takhat Jathedar Giani Harpreet Singh to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib via corridor.
About ICP at Kartarpur Corridor
Objective: The rationale behind the establishment of ICP is to secure country’s borders while facilitating
legitimate trade and commerce.
Facilities Provided: ICPs house all regulatory agencies such as Immigration, Customs, border security,
among others, together with all support facilities like parking, warehousing, banking, hotels etc. in a single
complex. The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) is the implementing agency.
Background: To celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Nanak Devji in the
year 2019, India has signed an agreement with Pakistan on 24 October 2019, on the modalities and formal
framework for operationalisation of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at Zero Point, International Boundary, Dera
Baba Nanak. The ICP would thus facilitate, Indian Piligrims to visit to Gurudwara Kartapur Sahib in Pakistan.
About Kartarpur corridor
It connects Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur, Punjab in India to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal,
Pakistan. Kartarpur Gurdwara is known as the the final resting place of Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder
of Sikh faith. It is located on the banks of river Ravi and is just over 4 km from Dera Baba Nanak shrine in
Punjab.

NCRB Report: Accidental and Suicidal Deaths in India – Farm suicides decline
The National Crime Records Bureau released the “Accidental and Suicidal Deaths in India report” on
November 8, 2019. According to the report, the suicides in the cities were 10.6 in 2015 and it reduced to
10.3 in 2016. The data was released for 36 states and Union Territories and 53 metropolitan cities.
Around 8.684 deaths occurred due to natural forces. Out of this, 38.2% were due to lighting, 8.9%
were due to floods and 15.4% were due to sun stroke.
Out of all the accidental and suicidal deaths 43.4% were due to traffic accidents, 7.3% were due to
drowning, 10.2% were due to sudden deaths, 5.6% were due to poisoning, 4.1% were due to accidental
fires.
Around 4,09,537 persons died in accidental deaths in 2016
Highlights of the report: Farm Report
Number of farmers who committed suicide in the year 2015 were 8,007 and in 2016 the number came
down to 6,270
The suicides of farm workers increased from 4595 in 2015 to 5109 in 2016
Maharashtra had the highest number of farmer suicide followed by Karnataka, Karnataka, Madhya
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Chattisgarh.
The major cause of farmer suicides was indebtedness. Apart from this the other reasons were illness
and alcohol addiction.
The report published was for the year 2016. Data collection for the year 2017 and 2018 accidental and
suicides have begun in July 2019 and will be published by December 31, 2019.
November 10-11, 2019
India attends the ADIPEC-Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference
Minister of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Shri Dharmendra Pradhan will represent India at the ADIPEC-
Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference between November 10-12, 2019.
Highlights
During the visit, minister will inaugurate the “India Pavilions” along with members and leader from CII,
FIPI and DGH-Directorate General of Hydrocarbons. Indian Pavillion is a platform to showcase Indian
Cinema in the overseas market.
As a part of the workshop, India will conduct a road show to attract foreign investment, especially in
the field of oil and gas.
The Minister is to meet his UAE counterpart on the sideline of his visit and discuss issues of steel
sector and hydrocarbon. The discussions are to be held under the recently developed India-UAE
Strategic Partnership during PM Modi visit to UAE
Significance
India is to use this opportunity to find new markets of steel in the middle east countries.
ADIPEC is one of the most influential global conference in the field of oil and gas. More than 1,45,000
delegates from all over the worl are to attend the conference.
Interacting with the policy makers, investors and leaders will help India gain investment
opportunities.
Former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan passed away
Tirunellai Narayana Iyer Seshan, the man behind several electoral reforms passed away due to a cardiac
arrest. He was 87 years old and was not well for the past couple of years. He was the 10th Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC). He served between 1990 and 1996
About TN Seshan
TN Seshan was a 1955 batch retired IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre. He was born in Palakkad district of
Kerala. Before becoming a CEC, he served around 18 cabinet secretaries. He has also won the Ramon
Magsaysay Award for his services in 1986. The award is considered as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
In 1997, he unsuccessfully contested the Presidential Elections against KR Narayanan.
Electoral Reforms by Seshan
Mr Seshan is credited for introducing Election Commission’s constitutional powers that keep the
politicians under check
During his tenure the two additional Election Commissioners were appointed by the centre.
It was during his period as the CEC the following were made offensive
Bribing voters
Distributing alcohol during elections
Approaching voters to appeal on caste or community basis
Using official machinery for campaigning
Using worship places for campaigning
Use of loud speakers and high-volume music
The following laws were implemented during his period
Implementation of strict Code of Conduct
A limit was imposed on the election expenditure of the candidate
Issuance of voter IDs
Def Connect: Ministry of Defence showcases the innovations of iDEX initiative
Ministry of Defence (MoD) is organizing the “Def Connect” event on November 11, 2019. The main objective
of the event is to showcase the accomplishments of iDEX-Innovations for Defence Exellence.
Highlights
The event will bring together several stakeholders such as MoD selected startups, nodal agencies of
Indian Navy and Indian Air Force, Industrial Associations, DRDO, Defense PSUs, etc.
The iDEX portal and the DISC-Defense India Startup Challenge are to be launched during the event
More than 350 startups are to participate in the event
Significance
The event will help bridge the gap between stakeholders. It will act as a precursor to the forthcoming
DefExpo 2020 that is to be held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in 2020.
The event will also help in achieving the defense production target of Rs 35,000 crore by 2024.
iDEX iniative
It was introduced in 2018 by the Ministry of Defense
The initiative aims at creating an ecosystem that will encourage technology development in the
Defense sector
The iDex will be operated by the DIO-Defense Innovation Organization. The main functions of DIO
includes
Check the reports submitted by iDEX
Provide high level policy guidance
The Ministry had also set the Technology Development Fund alongside to hasten the initiative.
10 November: World Science Day for Peace and Development
Ever year 10th of November is celebrated as World Science Day for Peace and Development. It was
established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2001 with the
objective of highlighting important role and importance of science in society and in our daily lives as well as
the need to engage wider public in debates on emerging and important contemporary issues relevant to
science.
About World Science Day for Peace and Development
Objective:
Strengthening public awareness on role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies
Renewing national and international commitment for use of science for benefit of societies
Promoting national as well as international solidarity for shared science between countries
Drawing attention to challenges faced by science and raising support for scientific endeavour
Celebrations of World Science Day 2019 included-
2019 Theme: ‘Open science, leaving no one behind’. The theme focuses that open Science is not only an
issue of science being open to research community, as in ‘open access’ and ‘open data’ but also refers to a
science open to society.
Award-giving ceremony: of PhosAgro (Russian chemical company)/ IUPAC/ UNESCO grants in green
chemistry for young scientists. This aims to support green chemistry solutions and encourage young
scientists to get involved in this field. The grants programme is part of PhosAgro/IUPAC/UNESCO
partnership in Green Chemistry for Life.
Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth awarded George Schaller Lifetime Award
Wildlife biologist K. Ullas Karanth was awarded the Wildlife Conservation Society’s George Schaller Lifetime
Award in Wildlife Conservation Science for his contribution to the field of conservation. He is the first
recipient of WCS’s award.
WCS George Schaller Lifetime Award in Wildlife Conservation Science
The award is instituted by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), New York. It is named after WCS’s Dr.
George Schaller, considered to be one of the greatest wildlife scientists and conservationists globally. The
Lifetime Award was created to honour WCS colleagues for outstanding contributions to saving wildlife and
wild places.
About Dr. K. Ullas Karanth
He joined WCS in 1988 and was inspired to become a wildlife biologist by the work of Dr. Schaller. He is
currently the Director of Centre for Wildlife Studies, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
His research is described as pioneering and groundbreaking with focus on ecology of tigers, predator-prey
population ecology, sympatric predators and other large mammals, and mitigation of human-wildlife
conflicts. He has also provided research expertise to projects across many countries including- Russia,
Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Africa and Latin America.
Other Awards Received: Sanctuary Asia Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), the J. Paul Getty Award for
Conservation Leadership (2007), the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2010) and the Padma Shri (2012).
Indian Oil to set up new 2G Ethanol Plant in Panipat
The Indian Oil Corporation recently received environment clearance from Ministry of EFoCC (Environment,
Forest and Climate Change), to set up a new 2G Ethanol plant at Panipat. Indian Oil will invest Rs 766 crore
in setting up the plant.
Highlights NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
The Ethanol produced in the plant will be exclusively used to blend transportation fuels
The project also aims at doubling farmers income
Significance
The Government is trying in every way to reduce the dependence on petroleum products like petrol and
diesel. The GoI recently notified that no Environmental Clearance is required for sugar mills to produce
more ethanol from sugarcane juice.
Ethanol as Fuel
Ethanol is most often used as motor fuel. It is predominantly used as a biofuel additive for gasoline. Brazil
was the first country to produce Ethanol run car (the first ethanol run vehicle in the world) in 1978.
Ethanol in India
India initiated the use of Ethanol as a fuel in 2003. India began its journey with E5 fuel which uses 5%
Ethanol and 95% diesel. In 2006, India began its second phase of E10 biofuel which consists of 10% Ethanol
and 90% Diesel.
India is yet to launch E15 officially. However, the E15 outlets have grown from 180 in the year 2016 to 394.
Indian Government has set a target of 22.5%. In November, 2019, IOCL, HPCL and BPCL announced that
they are investing 586 million USD to achieve the target. Around 7 ethanol producing units will be launched
according to the plan.
While other countries have entered E100, India is just putting its baby steps towards biofuel. However, the
potential is huge. According to IEA (International Energy Agency), around 25% of world energy demand will
come via India in 2040.
Marengo Sachintendulkar: Newly discovered spider species named after cricketer
Dhruv Prajapati, a junior researcher pursuing a PhD in spider taxonomy with Gujarat Ecological Education &
Research (GEER) Foundation, recently discovered two new species of spiders. He has named one of the
species as Marengo sachintendulkar after Indian crickter Sachin Tendulkar and other as Indomarengo
Chavarapatera which is inspired by Saint Kuriakose Elias Chavara who was a campaigned towards creating
awareness about education in Kerala.
The findings of his study have been published in September issue of ‘Arthropoda Selecta’, a Russian journal.
His discovery of two flat-bodied spiders has been included in World Spider Catalogue also. As part of his
postgraduation in zoology from Gujarat University, he had documented 78 unique species of spiders found
on the varsity’s campus alone.
Key Highlights of Research
The two new species belong to Indomarengo genus and Marengo genus of Asian jumping spiders.
Marengo sachintendulkar: It was found in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. He collected the specimens of
this species in 2015, but the research and identification work was completed in 2017.”
Indomarengo Chavarapatera: It was found in Kerala. Its specimen was collected by his colleague, however
he continued the work of identification and research which also concluded in 2017.
There are nearly 48,000 types of spiders found worldwide, spread across 120 families.
Facts Box: Ayodya Verdict
Supreme Court recently pronounced its judgement on disputed land in Ayodhya in the Ram Janma Boomi-
Babri Masjid case. In 5-0 verdict of the 5-bench judgement, SC said that the land should be handed over to
the Hindu trust to build a Hindu temple. It also ordered the GoI to allocate 5 acres of land to the Muslim
community to build a Mosque
SC’s judgement was based on ASI’s finding. The case was the longest in the history of Supreme Court after
Keshvanand Bharti case.
ASI’s findings
Under Allahabad High Court’s court, the disputed site was taken by the ASI for investigation
On the whole there were 2 excavations conducted at the disputed site. One in 1976 and the other in
2003.
ASI found a circular temple that belonged to 7th century
ASI said that the disputed Mosque structure was built in 16th century on top of the ruins of the
building
ASI also found ruins of Buddhist and Jain temples at the site. They were dated after 7th century
Among the ruins ASI found the remains of Kushan and Shung period to Gupta period
The Upcoming Ram Temple
The current blueprint of the temple finalized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad resembles the original temple
A total of 212 pillars are to be erected.
The temple will be 128 feet high, 140 feet in width and 270 feet in length.
No steel is to be used in the mammoth structure.
75 lakh cubic feet of sandstone will be used.
The temple will have 5 entrances.
First case of sexually transmitted Dengue confirmed in Spain
A case concerning a 41-yearold man from Madrid, Spain spreading dengue through sexual contact was
confirmed by Spanish health authorities. This is the world first ever instance to be reported of the dengue
virus spreading through sexual contact which until recently was thought to be transmitted only by
mosquitoes.
Case Highlights
The man concerned in this case contracted dengue after having sex with his male partner who picked up the
virus from a mosquito bite during a trip to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. His dengue infection was
confirmed in September 2019 and it puzzled doctors because he had not travelled to a country or not even
resided in an area which was known to have reported cases of fever before.
However since his partner presented the same symptoms as him and had previously visited Cuba, the
analysis of their sperm carried out by health authorities revealed that not only did both of them have dengue
but it was exactly the same dengue virus which circulates in Cuba.
Later, the Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), an European
Union (EU) agency which monitors health and disease in Europe, notified that to their knowledge, this is the
first sexual transmission of the dengue virus.
About Dengue fever
It is caused by one of the five serotypes or strains of the dengue virus. Until now the virus has only been
known to be transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected mosquito.
Vector: Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
Incubation Period: following exposure to virus is anywhere between 3 to 5 days.
Most Common Symptoms: high-grade fever, joint pain, muscle pain and general fatigue.
There is no vaccine against the virus, as a result of which treatment is largely based on controlling
symptoms an individual has.
Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan organized in New Delhi
The first ever Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan or Sanskrit World Conference was organised in New Delhi
from 9 to 11 November 2019. In this first-of-its-kind global conference, thousands of delegates and Sanskrit
lovers from across the world participated.
About Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan
The three-day mega event provided a platform for discussing ideas, theories and research findings in the
ancient Sanskrit language. It was attended by thousands of Sanskrit lovers from 17 countries. The gathering
showed that Sanskrit continues to be prevalent in the society as it is used by the people across the country.
It was organised by Samskrita Bharati, a non-profit organisation (NGO) working for the continuing
protection, development, propagation and revival of Sanskrit language.
The first day of event witnessed huge footfall including foreigners, students and women. An exhibition titled
‘Sanskriti Pradarshini’ has also been put up, which is displaying manus, models and charts that establish
different phases of the development of Sanskrit as a popular language, not only in India but also across the
globe.
November 11: National Education Day
Every year on November 11, India celebrates National Education Day on November 11 to commemorate the
birth anniversary of Maulana Abdul Azad, the first Education Minister of India. He was the man behind the
establishments of the premier institutes of the country like IITs, IIScs, etc.
Highlights
The Day is being celebrated since 2008
Campaigns and Programs are organized on this day every year to spread awareness about education
and for the citizens to learn about the importance of education.
The main objective of the day is to attract more people towards education and to increase the literacy
rate of the country
Maulana Azad
Maulana Azad was an independence activist and one of the senior leaders of the Indian National
Congress.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in 192 for his contributions towards
education
He founded the University Grants Commission (UGC) that supervises the higher education across the
country.
His primary objective was free primary education.
He was born on November 11, 1888. He learned Arabic and Urudu. In 1912, he began a weekly Urudu
newspaper called the “Al-Hilal”.
He found the Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy and Sahitya Academy to promote the
education system of the country.
NASA unveils its first electric plane
The United States space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) unveiled an early
version of its first all-electric experimental aircraft, named as X-57 “Maxwell” at its aeronautics lab in the
California desert, US.
About X-57 “Maxwell”
It was under development since 2015 and remains at least a year away from its first test flight in skies.
NASA targets to fly this airplane in late 2020.
It will be the NASA’s first crewed X-plane to be developed in two decades. It is adapted from Italian-made
Tecnam P2006T twin-engine propeller plane.
Features:
NASA’s X-57 venture is aimed at designing and proving technology as per the standards that commercial
manufacturers can adapt for government certification. These will include standards for airworthiness and
safety, as well as for energy efficiency and noise.
Its final modification (Mod IV) will feature narrower, lighter-weight wings fitted with total 14 electric
engines- 6 smaller ‘lift’ props along leading edge of each wing. It will also have 2 larger ‘cruise’ props at tip
of each wing. Lift propellers will be activated for take-off and landings, but retract during flight’s cruise
phase.
The plane will be propelled by 14 electric motors powered by specially designed lithium ion batteries. Since
electric motor systems are more compact with fewer moving parts than internal-combustion engines
(ICE’s), they are simpler to maintain and weigh much less, thus requiring less energy to fly. Moreover they
also are quieter that conventional engines.
Challenge: To improve battery technology to store more energy to extend plane’s range, with faster re-
charging. At present due to plane’s battery limitations, the Maxwell’s design is intended for use in short-haul
flights as an commuter plane/ air-taxi for a small number of passengers.
World’s first CNG port terminal to be built in Gujarat
Gujarat government has given its approval to a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) terminal facility at
Bhavnagar port. This would be the world’s first CNG port terminal. The approval for this was given by
Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board headed by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.
World’s first CNG port terminal
Background: The Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK-
based Foresight Group to set up this port terminal at Bhavnagar in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit held in
January 2019. The existing port at Bhavnagar is administered by Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB).
Company Involved: The terminal will be jointly built by Foresight Group and Mumbai-based Padmanabh
Mafatlal Group. The consortium of company will invest Rs.1,900 crore out of which Rs.1,300 crore will be
invested in 1st phase and Rs.600 crore in 2nd phase.
Features:
The existing Bhavnagar port have a capacity to handle three MMTPA cargo, and new terminals would take
the overall capacity to nine MMTPA.
The proposed CNG terminal at Bhavnagar port will have a cargo capacity to handle of 1.5 million metric
tonne per annum (MMTPA) and will also develop facilities such as Ro-Ro terminal, liquid cargo terminal and
container terminal.
Developing CNG and other terminals on north side of existing port would require major modifications in
existing infrastructure, including dredging in water channel of port basin, construction of two lock gates as
well as off-shore infrastructure for CNG transportation.
Dal Lake, J&K to be declared Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Jammu and Kashmir Government will set up a 10-member committee that will declare Dal Lake, an Eco-
sensitive Zone. The decision is being taken based on the study conducted by the DCI-Dredging Corporation
of India
Findings of DCI
The Encroachments and pollution has shrunk the lake from its original size of 22 square kilometers to
about 10 square kilo meters (according to DCI-Dredging Corporation of India).
The capacity of the lake has shrunk to 40%
The water quality has deteriorated due to untreated sewage water and solid waste flowing into the
lake
Clogging in the lake has diminished circulation and has led to extensive growth of water hyacinth that
has emerged as a health hazard
Night Soil discharge from 800 to 900 houseboats is polluting the water body
The depth of the lake has reduced in many places due to the absence of desilting.
Eco-Sensitive Zones
The ESZs are called Ecologically Fragile Areas. A region or territory is notified as ESZ by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate change. In General, the regions are around wild life sanctuaries, protected
areas and National Parks.
ESZ Legislations
There is no provision in the Constitution that talks about ESZ. Besides, no laws speak about ESZ.
The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 mentions the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
Section3(2)(V): The act says that the GoI can restrict areas where industrial operations shall
not be carried out.
Environment (Protection) rules, 1986
Rule 5(1): It says that GoI can prohibit or restrict industries and other operations based on
Considerations of Biological Diversity
Maximum allowable limits of concentration of pollutants in the area is exceeded
Land Use is not environmentally compatible
Proximity to protected areas
According to the rules, the provisions can be changed by the committee set up by the Ministry
of EFoCC.
November 12, 2019
November 12: World Pneumonia Day
World Pneumonia Day is being marked every year since 2009. The day was hosted by the Global Coalition
against Child Pneumonia for the first time in 2009. The coalition includes several organizations across the
world like CARE, Save the Children, PATH, UNICEF, WHO, etc.
Theme for 2019: “Healthy Lungs for all”
Highlights
This year global organizations have come together and created an initiative “Stop Pneumonia”. It includes
WHO, UNICEF, ISGlobal, Save the Children, etc. The 2019 World Pneumonia Day is being launched by this
organization.
The initiative will hold a conference in Barcelona, Spain between 29-31 January, 2020 to set pathways for
the governments to meet the SDGs on child survival and to achieve GAPPD.
Objective
To create awareness about the world’s leading killer of children under 5 (according to WHO)
To create action plans to combat pneumonia
To prevent and treat pneumonia
GAPPD
The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia and Diarrhea was launched by WHO and
UNICEF. It aims to accelerate pneumonia control. The aim of the organization is to reduce deaths due to
pneumonia to less than 3 per 1000 live births by 2025.
India’s plans
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched programs under MAA, UIP and ICDS
initiatives to eradicate pneumonia.
Also, the government has taken actions at the grass root levels to create awareness on preventing
pneumonia through ASHA and Anganwadi workers
According to WHO
In India around 300,000 die due to Pneumonia
It is concentrated in few handful of countries all over the world. It includes Nigeria, China,
Pakistan, India, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo
The United Nations celebrated the first World Pneumonia Day in 2009.
Guru Nanak Jayanti 2019
The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Guru of Sikhs, is celebrated
every year on Kartik Purnima as Guru Nanak Jayanti or Guru Parva or Prakashotsav or Prakash Parv. It is
one of the most sacred festivals in Sikhism and is celebrated all over the world. This year Prakash Parv will
take place on 12 November and will mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev ji.
As part of celebrations of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, India and Pakistan inaugurated
Kartarpur Corridor for Shri Darbar Sahib on 9 November 2019. Thereby Indian Sikh devotees will for the first
time pay obeisance at the feet of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Kartarpur Sahib, Pakistan through the corridor.
Kartarpur Corridor Significance
Guru Nanak Dev had a special attachment with Kartarpur. Thus the gurudwara built here is known as Shri
Darbar Sahib Kartarpur or Kartarpur Sahib has a great importance in Sikhism. . Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara is
built at the place where he died.
Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara: It falls in Narowal district of Pakistan’s Punjab province. Guru Nanak Dev lived in
Kartarpur for last 18 years of his life and finally died here. He built Kartarpur on the banks of river Ravi. It is
the second holiest site in Sikhism after the birth place of Guru Nanak Dev in Talwandi in Pakistan, now
known as Nankana Sahib, which is the first sacred site for Sikhs.
NCAER Survey: Business Confidence fell by 15%
According to National Council of Applied Economic Research, the Business Confidence of India dipped to
lowest in six years. It fell by 15% between the period July and October 2019
Highlights
The Business Confidence Index dipped to 103.1 from 100.4 in October 2013. This is the lowest in the
period of 6 years
The survey reported that positive growth was witnessed in Managing Inflation, Managing Exchange
Rate, Overall Economic Growth, pushing economic reforms, managing conducive political climate,
managing government finance, external trade negotiations and managing unemployment
The Business Confidence Index witnesses an upswing in the firms with annual turn over less than 1
crore rupees and other micro firms.
The Political Confidence Index fell by 35.6% between July and October 2019.
The Economic Growth rate declined by 5% in October 2019 as compared to July 2019.
NCAER
The National Council of Applied Economic Research is a Delhi based think tank that was established in
1956. The aim of the body is to give support to both government and private sector economic researches.
The TATA Foundation and other premier organizations came together to form the think tank with the
support of GoI. It was founded in PM Nehru’s period. Since 1991, the council is tracking the business
confidence in the country on a quarterly basis.
Brown to Green Report, 2019: Performance of G20 countries on Climate Change
The Brown to Green Report is the most comprehensive review of climate actions of G20 nations. The report
covers 80 indicators and is developed by experts from 14 research organizations.
G20 countries are responsible for 80% of global Green House Gas emissions.
Every year between 1998 and 2017, the G20 countries lost 142 billion USD on an average due to
extreme weather events.
According to the report, India is the only country that is close to 1.5-degree Celsius temperature rise.
It is the scenario set by the global scenario in the Paris Agreement that will lead to disastrous
consequences. India has set ambitious NDCs and is investing more in long term goals.
Russia, France, Italy, Germany and India were the highest ranked countries that faced economic
losses from extreme weather events. Around 181 countries were taken for the ranking
Brazil and Germany were the only two countries with long term goals.
The other countries like Russia, Indonesia, China, Saudi Arabia, EU and Turkey are lagging ambitious
NDC targets as required by Paris Agreement
Australia was the worst performing country in terms of climate response according to the report.
G20 Groupings
There are around 20 members in the G20 grouping including India. The Grouping was established with the
aim of discussing policies pertaining to promotion of international financial stability. Collectively, the
grouping account to 90% of the world GDP with two-third world population and 80% of world trade.
Iran discovers new oil field with 53 Bn barrels of reserves
Iran has discovered a new oilfield with 53 billion barrels of crude oil in Khuzestan province, home to Iran’s
Khuzestan’s crucial oil industry. The announcement however did not reveal how much oil could be produced

from the reservoir but the find could boost country’s battered economy amid stringent US sanctions.
Key Highlights of Discovery
The new oil field discovered is 2,400 square kilometres (925 square miles), with the deposit some 80
metres (260 feet) deep.
The discovery of field is expected to boost country’s proven 150 billion barrel reserves by a third. It could
also become Iran’s second-largest field after one in Ahvaz containing 65 billion barrels.
Iran’s Oil Reserves:
Iran currently has about proven crude oil reserves of 155.6 billion barrels and this new oil filed discovery
would add about 34% to its total reserves.
At present, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) ranks Iran as having world’s fourth-largest
proven deposits of crude oil and world’s second-largest deposits of natural gas. If the size of new oil
reserves is proven to be accurate, it would lift the country to 3rd place, just below its regional enemy Saudi
Arabia.
Iran is also a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
Price Restriction on locally produced natural gas removed-To Boost Investment
GoI has been reforming the oil and gas sector lately. Steps are being taken to free up pricing of oil and gas
sector to scale up oil and gas production and to increase investment in the sector. To achieve this, GoI on
November 11, 2019 removed price restriction on locally produced oil and natural gas.
Current Pricing System
The current pricing system of oil and gas is based on the New Exploration Licensing Policy. According to
the policy, the producers cannot charge gas from deep sea below government-prescribed ceiling. GoI has
fixed this ceiling at 8.43 USD per mmBTU. The ceiling is to be removed under the new regulation.
Significance
Gas producers were critical about this low pricing that affected the investment adversely. Though, the
prices seem increasing at initial period, it will get reduced in long term. As more investors compete in the
market, the prices will gradually fall after reaching a saturation peak point.
Kelkar Panel
The move was suggested by the Kelkar Panel. The Panel suggested to increase the ceiling gradually and
remove it completely to increase the investment.
Kelkar Panel was set up by the Petroleum Ministry to boost domestic production of oil and gas and to help
India achieve energy security. It was set up in 2013 under the Finance secretary Vijay Kelkar. The Kelkar
Committee submitted its report in 2013
Facts Box: Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative
The Indo-Pacific Initiative was proposed by PM Modi for a safe and secure maritime at the East Asia
Summit. This indicates that India is ready to play a bigger role in the region where China has been pushing
its military assertiveness.
Facts of Indo-Pacific Initiative
The idea of the initiative was mooted by the PM when he addressed the East Asia Summit in
Thailand.
The main objective of the initiative is to achieve safe, secure and a stable maritime domain.
The initiative aims to achieve this by creating partnerships among interested states by sustainably
using marine resources.
To take the initiative forward, India will organize a Indo-Pacific Conclave in Chennai early next year.
Japan, Australia and Thailand support the initiative already. And many more ASEAN countries are
expected to express their support to the initiative in the near future.
The initiative is considered by the experts as an incremental step to the Shangri la dialogue.
Significance of the initiative
This will give confidence to minor players of ASEAN that their role in the region will not be diluted
It will ensure freedom of navigation, freedom of overflights and the disputed are resolved as per
international conventions
Who are the Kung Fu Nuns who received Asia Society’s Game Changer Award?
The Kung Fu Nuns of the Drukpa Order, some of the Himalayas’ most prominent human rights advocates,
received Asia Society’s prestigious Game Changer Award in New York for their path-breaking work to
empower women and dismantle gender stereotypes in Himalayas. They received the award for their heroic
activism and being a true symbol of women empowerment.
With this recognition, the Kung Fu Nuns join the likes of iconic Indian leaders Indra Nooyi, Dev Patel and
Mukesh Ambani who have also been honored by Asia Society in previous years for breaking the glass
ceiling with their courage and inspiring their fellow citizens.
About Asia Society Game Changer Awards
The Asia Society founded in 1956, is a nonpartisan, non-profit educational institution. It is dedicated to
promote mutual understanding as well as strengthen partnerships in a global context among people,
leaders and institutions of Asia and United States.
Each year, the Asia Society honor individuals, organizations, or even movements that have inspired,
enlightened, and shown true leadership in areas that reflect core pillars of Asia Society’s arts and culture,
policy and business, as well as education.
This year’s Game Changer Awards given by Asia Society along with its founding partner, Citi group was to
honor women who are applying their unique vision and talent to make the world a better place.
Who are The Kung-Fu Nuns?
The Kung Fu Nuns are the fearless Indian daughters who represent a new generation of Buddhists using
spirituality to inspire real-life action & impact. They are a strong community of 700 nuns who belong to the
Drukpa Lineage, a 1000-year-old Buddhist tradition that began in Himalayas.
The nuns were encouraged by the spiritual leader and founder of the Drukpa order Gyalwang Drukpa, to train
in Kung Fu to build confidence as leaders. He flouted centuries of Buddhist tradition that barred nuns from
physical exercise.
They are the only Buddhist nuns in world to practice the Kung Fu, a martial art form. The nuns use their
martial arts expertise to challenge gender roles in India’s conservative culture and promote gender equality
and environmentalism.
Justice Sanjay Karol sworn in as Chief Justice of Patna HC
Justice Sanjay Karol has been sworn in as the 43rd Chief Justice of Patna High Court. His oath for office
and secrecy was administered by Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan at the Raj Bhavan in Patna. He succeeded
Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi, who has been transferred as Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Chennai.
His swearing-in ceremony was also attended by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister
Sushil Kumar Modi, state ministers, judges of the High Court and other senior officials.
About Justice Sanjay Karol
Career: Born and brought-up Himachal Pradesh, Justice Karol was elevated to higher judiciary as judge in
high court of Himachal Pradesh on 8 March 2007. He had served as advocate general of Himachal Pradesh
for 5 years. Before being appointed as the Chief Justice of Tripura high court on 9 November 2018, Justice
Karol had also been on the senior panel of central government in Supreme Court.
Background
On 17 October 2019, the Supreme Court collegium made recommendation to central government to transfer
Justice Karol as Patna high court Chief Justice while his predecessor Chief Justice Amreshwar Pratap Sahi
was recommended to be transferred as chief justice of Madras high court. Then on 30 October, Central
government finally issued notification regarding transfer of judges as per the recommendation of collegium
with condition that they would assume charge of their respective office on or before November 13.
High Courts in India

Article 214 of constitution of India states that- each state of India shall have a High Court. The Chief
Justice of a High Court is appointed by President with consultation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the
Governor of respective State, in accordance to Article 217 of Indian constitution.
NASA: A Huge X Ray burst detected from outer space
NASA’s NICER (Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer) telescope detected a sudden spike of X Rays.
The spike was caused by a massive thermo nuclear flash on the surface of a pulsar.
Pulsar
A Pulsar is a neutron star whose compact core is left behind when a massive star runs out of fuel. It
later collapses under its own weight and explodes.
A Pulsar spins rapidly and becomes a host to several X-Ray emitting hotspot. As the object spins it
produces regular pulses of high-energy radiation.
Findings
The Explosion releases as much as energy in 20 seconds as that released by the sun in 10 days.
The Explosion was caused as the hydrogen gas accredited and formed a disk. As the disk becomes
denser, the gas ionizes. This traps more and more energy inwards causing the explosion
Significance
Like other astronomical bodies, the sun emits X Rays as well. Therefore, studying about these sources will
help to learn about the future of the sun.
Swachh- Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is undertaking a mass cleanliness-
cum-awareness drive in 50 identified beaches under the programme called ‘Swachh- Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan’,
from 11 -17 November 2019.
About Swachh- Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan
Objective: To strive to make coastal areas across country clean, and to create awareness amongst citizens
about the importance of coastal ecosystems so as to save marine creatures from plastic waste, industrial
effluents and other harmful substances.
Environment Education Division of the MoEFCC and Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM)
under the aegis of Ministry will be responsible for the overall coordination for drive in 50 beaches.
Respective State Governments and Central Ministries will also be actively participating in beach cleaning
drives.
Identified Beaches: Government has identified beaches in 10 coastal States/Union Territories (UTs) after
the consultation with respective States/UTs. These are in- Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha,
Puducherry, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Maharashtra.
Participants: The cleaning drives undertaken in all beaches will involve institutions, school/college students
of Eco-clubs, volunteers, district administration, local communities among others.
State Nodal Agencies for Eco-clubs will facilitate the week long intensive cleanliness drive in all 10
States/UTs. Nodal teachers from respective Eco-clubs will be present at the sites during entire cleanliness
drive. To monitor the implementation of the drive, Environment Ministry officials have also been deputed.
Beach cleaning activities: A minimum of one Kilometre stretch of the beach shall be identified for beach
cleaning activity in which will be a duration of two hours will be spent on daily basis. At about 15 identified
beaches, beach sand cleaning machines shall also be deployed. Thereafter collected waste will be
processed as per extant Waste Management Rules, 2016.
On completion of the cleanliness drive, best three beaches will be suitably awarded along with a Certificate
of Appreciation for all the participating Eco-clubs.
Thousands of migratory birds dead in Sambhar Salt Water Lake, Rajasthan
Thousands of migratory birds were found dead near Sambhar lake in Rajasthan. This is the second time
such incident has occurred in a week. The birds belonged to 15 speicies. It included Pied Avocet, Northern

Shoveller, Kentish Plover, Brahminy Duck and Tufted Duck. The samples have been sent to the National
Institute of Higher Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal.
Scientists say that the birds have died at different times. This means that there could be poisoning or an
avian disease.
Sambhar Lake
The lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in India. It spreads over 190 to 230 square kilo meters in Jaipur
district, Rajasthan. Every year more than a lakh of migratory birds visit the lake.
However, the recent development activities in the region, especially extension of salt pan operations have
led to lesser number of migratory birds coming to the lake. Also, the Birds are now migrating a month earlier
as compared to their usual migratory time.
November 12: Public Service Broadcasting Day
Every year 12 November is celebrated as Public Service Broadcasting Day to commemorate the first and
only last live visit of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, to the studio of All India Radio, Delhi in 1947. He
addressed the displaced people from AIR studio, who had temporarily settled at Kurukshetra in Haryana
after partition.
Public Service Broadcasting Day
The day was declared as Public Service Broadcasting Day or (Jan Prasaran Diwas) in 2000, after it was
conceptualised by Suhas Borker, Convenor, Jan Prasar.
Prasar Bharati has been given the responsibility of public service broadcasting, deepen democratic
traditions and provide opportunities to all diverse communities and cultures.
On 12 November 1947, Gandhi had decided to visit the studio of All India Radio, to convey his message
through radio, as he couldn’t visit refugees of Partition stationed at Kurukshetra in Haryana.
Public Service Broadcasting Day 2019: To mark the occasion a function will be organized at the premises
of All India Radio in New Delhi.The words, which were spoken by Gandhi on that day, became a treasure and
a snippet of the speech is played every year on November 12.
President’s rule imposed in Maharashtra
Due to a stalemate over government formation after assembly polls in the state of Maharashtra, President’s
rule was imposed. The rule was imposed according to Article 356(1)
President’s rule has been imposed in the state for the third time in its history since its formation in 1960.
Article 356(1)
If the President receives a report from the governor of the state and is satisfied that a situation has arisen
where the State Government cannot preside its duties according to the provisions of the constitution, he
may by Proclamation
Assume to himself the functions of the State Government
May vest certain powers on the Governor or other body or authority other than the State Legislature
Declare that the powers of the State Legislature is exercisable under the authority of the Parliament
Previous President’s Rules
The first President rule was declared in the state in 1980. This is was because the then PM Smt Indira
Gandhi dismissed the PDF (Progressive Democratic Front) headed by Sharad Pawar.
The second President’s rule was imposed in 2014 when Prithvi Raj Chavan resigned as Chief Minister
losing support from an ally NCP.
Though there has been President’s rule due to political reasons in the state, this is the first time, President
rule is imposed due to inability of the political parties to form a government.
India to host 19th Council of Heads of Governments of SCO in 2020
India will be hosting the 19th Council of Heads of Government of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in
2020. This was informed by SCO Secretary General Vladimir Norov. This will be for the first time that India
will host the high level meeting of the China-led eight-member economic and security bloc.

About SCO NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) aka Shanghai Pact was created in 2001 in Shanghai by China.
Apart from China, its founding members were Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
India and Pakistan were admitted as full members in 2017. At present, SCO has four observer States viz.
Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia; and has six dialogue partners viz. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia,
Nepal, Turkey and Sri Lanka. It is also known as Alliance of the East. In terms of geographical coverage and
population, it is world’s largest regional organization.
SCO summits
SCO holds two types of summits every year viz. Summit of Heads of States and Summits Heads of
Governments. These summits are organized in member states. The latest Summit of heads of government
was held in Tashkent in November 2019. It was proposed in Tashkent Summit that India would take the
initiative to hold the 2020 meetings of the Heads of Government.
November 13, 2019
Sri Lanka becomes first South Asian nation to criminalise match-fixing related offences
Sri Lanka has become first South Asian nation to criminalise several offences related to match-fixing. The
move comes after Sri Lankan parliament passed of a bill related to it labelled as “Prevention of Offences
Related to Sports”. Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry worked closely with International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Anti-
Corruption Unit (ACU) during the process of drafting bill.
Key Highlights of Bill
The newest legislation covers all sports. As per it if a person is found guilty of committing an offence
related to corruption in sports, then he may find himself jailed for a term up to 10 years and will also be
required to pay other fines.
The bill criminalises ‘acts of omission’, which includes failure to report corrupt approaches. This means
that, Sri Lankan cricketers who are approached by corruptors will now have to report these approaches not
only to ICC’s ACU, but also to a Special Investigation Unit (SIU) appointed by Sri Lankan government.
The legislation not only punishes any person related to a sport who is directly involved in fixing, but also
those who provide inside information.
The bill also introduces jail term for- curators who prepare surfaces to suit betting operators or match
officials who deliberately misapply rules for money, if found guilty.
It is also now illegal for former players and others involved in sports to provide corrupt figures access to
current players.
What led to the Legislation?
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been under investigation by International Cricket Council’s ACU since 2017.
Former cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya was charged under ICC Code and accordingly handed a two-year ban.
Recently, Shakib Al Hasan all-rounder of Bangladesh was also handed a two-year ban, with 1 year being
suspended for not reporting a suspected match-fixing offer to ICC’s ACU.
India attends International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
India attended the eighth session of the International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and
Agriculture (ITPGRFA) at Rome, Italy. Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Tomar attended the session
representing India.
The Treaty is in harmony with the Convention on Biological Diversity. The treaty was negotiated through
FAO.
About the session
The Governing sessions of the treaty are biennial.
Around 146 countries participated in the session
International organizations such as FAO, UN were also part of the session
About the Treaty
It is also known as the “Seed Treaty”. It is an international agreement to ensure food security by exchange
of world’s plant genetic resources of food and agriculture. It also aims at conservation and sustainable use
of seed varieties
Objectives
The International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture is based on the following
principles
Countries depend on plant genetic resources to produce food
To provide a broad integrated global system that will provide easy access of genetic materials to
scientists, farmers and plant breeders
To help farmers on crop selection that adapts to unpredictable environmental changes and human
needs.
The treaty provides a list of 64 crop species and their facilitated access.
India’s Nodal Agencies of the Treaty
In India, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation is the nodal agency that fulfills the objective of the
treaty. However, the ministry responsible to fulfil the treaty is Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change as the guidelines of the treaty are completely based on environment resilience.
India’s Legislation
The Indian laws that abide by the treaty are as follows
Protection of plant varieties and farmers rights act
Biological Diversity Act, 2002. Along with the treaty, the act is also pursuant to India’s commitment
towards United Nation Convention on Biological Diversity.
9th BRICS Trade Ministers Meet held in Brazil
The 9th BRICS Trade Ministers Meet was held in Brasilia, Brazil. It was attended by Union Minister
Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, during which he deliberated on global economic climate with his
counterparts from other member nations.
Key Deliberations at Meet
The global economic outlook is facing grave challenges amidst growing protectionism and rising trade
tensions manifested in unilateral measures, therefore, Trade and Investment cooperation between BRICS
nations must be advanced.
Growing trend of non-tariff barriers (NTBs) which deny market access is leading to economic uncertainty as
well as raising the cost of doing trade for developing countries especially Ministry of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Thus it is important to preserve rules-based trading system and adequate
low-cost finance to provide sustainability for MSME. A win-win mindset is also needed from all concerned
countries to spur trade & promote equity.
The need of the hour is to develop digital infrastructure, digital skills and institutions particularly in
developing and less developed world.
With a view to balanced and equitable outcomes, the BRICS member countries must look at ways and
means to increase cooperation amongst themselves across all modes of services.
What is BRICS?
It is an abbreviation for an association of 5 major emerging national economies, namely- Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa. The association was founded in 2006 and was originally grouped as first four
as “BRIC”, before South Africa joined it in 2010. The BRICS countries comprises of 42% of the world’s
population, having 23% of global GDP.
Facts Box: Drafts Security Code
The Union Government recently circulated the Draft Security Code that integrates existing labor laws and
provides new initiatives to provide social security to workers of unorganized sector, insurance and helath
benefits to gig workers. It includes drivers of private vehicle hiring services as well. The code also aims at
corporatization of organizations like ESIC And EPFO.

Key Features of the Code NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
Insurance, life cover, PF for unorganized sector employees

According to the code, the Central Government shall formulate welfare schemes for the workers of
unorganized sector from time to time on matters relating to life, disability, maternal benefits, health,
old age protection.
While framing schemes the government will look out for key initiative relating to the workers’ housing,
educational scheme for their children, funeral assistance, old age assistance, etc
Corporatization of ESIC and EPFO
The world body for the EPFO And ESIC related world bodies have been added in the scheme. This will bring
an end to the autonomous body status of organizations that are responsible for pension, retirement and
insurance. It aims to make the EPFO a more structured national body.
Gig Worker
The Gig workers will get insurance, health and maternal benefits under the security code.
Maternal Benefits
Every woman worker under the act will be entitled to payment of maternity benefit. The payment is to be at
the rate of average daily wage for the period of her actual absence.
Merging existing labor laws
The Code on Social Security will merge the following laws
Employees Compensation Act, 1923
Employees Insurance Act, 1948
Maternal Benefit Act, 1961
Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
Cine Workers Welfare Fund Act, 1981
Unorganized Workers’ Social Security act, 2008
2nd edition of Paris Peace Forum held in France
The second edition of annual Paris Peace Forum is being held at la Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris,
France from 11 to 13 November 2019. It included a two-day event of debate sessions aimed at finding
global solutions for global issues. More than 30 heads of state and government attended the forum and
India was represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
About Paris Peace Forum
It is an international event on global governance issues and multilateralism, held annually in Paris, France.
The Forum convenes heads of states, national and local representatives, representatives from international
organizations among others for the purpose of discussing in depth major global challenges and finding
practical solutions.
At the forum over 100 projects coming from all across the world, that have put in practice specific solutions
to governance challenges are showcased.
First edition of Annual Paris Peace Forum: It was held on 11–13 November 2018, at the Grande Halle de la
Villette, Paris in commemoration of 100th anniversary of Armistice day, with Justin Vaïsse as president.
Second Annual Paris Peace Forum Objective: To find solutions to global challenges ranging from economic
inequalities, climate change and terrorism to disinformation, migration and cyber security.
India’s Deliberations at the Forum
India called for coordinated action by nations, bilaterally or multilaterally and build ‘national capacities’ so
as to prevent the forces of terrorism and extremism from building presence in the digital domain.
On issues pertaining to governance of cyberspace: Countries should consider entering into arrangements for
speedy action and mitigation for specific security threats, including cyberattacks on critical infrastructures.
India’s support to Christchurch Call to Action Summit (or Christchurch Call), ‘to eliminate terrorist and
violent extremist content online’ shows India’s commitment to work with like-minded countries for ensuring
that entire digital space serves towards advancement of our societies and economies, without endangering

their safety and security.
Moreover, all countries need to arrive at a global understanding if not a global regulation, in order that
cyberspace remains open, safe and secure.
What is Christchurch Call?
It is a political summit initiated by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and co-chaired by her and
French President Emmanuel Macron in the aftermath of Christchurch mosque shootings of 15 March 2019
in New Zealand. It was held on 15 May 2019 in Paris, France, at which the non-binding agreement
Christchurch Call was signed by 18 leaders (including India) from around the globe to encourage tech
companies and countries to restraint online extremism.
International Lavi fair being organised in Himachal Pradesh
The four-day-long International Lavi fair is being organised in Rampur district of Shimla, Himanchal Pradesh
from 11 to 14 November 2019. It was inaugurated by Himachal Pradesh Governor Bandaru Dattatreya. The
governor also inaugurated ‘Kinnauri market’ and an exhibition organised by various government
departments.
About International Lavi fair
The Lavi Fair, is almost 400 years old and dates back to time when Raja Kehari Singh of Rampur Bushahr
state signed a treaty to promote trade with Tibet. For centuries this fair has remained an important trade
fair between India and Tibet. It has been a unique example of glorious, social, cultural, economic history and
legacy of Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh.
Every year, the main attraction during the fair is sale and purchase of Chamurthi horses– an endangered
species of horse which traces its origin to the Tibet region. Chamurthi horses are also known as the ‘ship of
the cold desert’.
The Lavi fair has its own historical importance and is famous not only for trading activities but also for its
age old long traditions, which even today remains as vibrant as ever. It plays an important role in preserving
the rich cultural heritage of state and restoring old glory.
The fair provided a good opportunity for promotion and sale of woollens, dry fruits and other traditional
crafts and products, besides benefiting the traditional craftsmen and farmers. Such trade fairs also provide
self-employment opportunities to the rural people.
India International Trade Fair Begins
The 39th India International Trade Fair is to begin in New Delhi on November 14, 2019. Around 25,000 people
are expected to visit the fair.
Theme: “Ease of Doing Business”
The theme is inspired from India’s 63rd rank in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business.
Highlights
The Fair is to serve as a convergence point for the government agencies, non-government institutions
and private sector enterprises
Countries including Vietnam, UK, Turkey, Tunisia, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Iran, Indonesia, Hong
Kong, Egypt, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Australia and Bahrain are to participate in the fair
The preferences are given to Bihar and Jharkhand states this year
The fair is to offer equal opportunities to large corporations, MSME, artisans and self-help groups to
promote their products
Significance
With India growing as a hotspot of startups, giving equal opportunities to them in these fairs will
boost their growth and eventually will boost the growth of the economy. Such steps by the
government shows the importance given to the startups in its governing actions. These steps fetch
an increased growth rate predictions for the country in 2020-21 by organizations like IMF, World Bank,
G20 though they pin down the current growth rate of the country
With increased importance to artisans and MSME along with large corporates will help boost GoI
recent schemes aiming on increasing exports and reducing imports especially in the field of
handicrafts.
SC Verdict: Karnataka MLA Disqualification case
The Supreme Court on November 13, 2019, pronounced its judgement on the legality of disqualification of
15 dissident MLAs by the then Karnataka Assembly Speaker under Anti-Defection law
Verdict
The Apex Court upheld the disqualification of the MLAs by the speaker. The Court clarified that the
disqualification is till their re-election and not till the end of the term of the house as ruled by the speaker.
The speaker had ruled that the MLAs cannot contest in further elections including the by polls to be held in
December, 2019 and till the end of the tenure of the 15th Karnataka Assembly
Article 190
It explains the vacation of seats by the members of Houses of legislature of state. The article gives the
power for the MLA to resign addressing the speaker. However, the article also gives power to the speaker
the power to reject the resignation
Anti-Defection Law
The tenth schedule of the Constitution lays down the process by which legislators can be disqualified on
grounds of defection by the presiding officer of the legislature. A MLA is deemed to have been defected
if he voluntarily gives up his membership of the party
If he disobeys party leadership on a vote
Background – The Politics
In 2018, in the assembly elections of the 224 seats, BJP won 104, INC won 80 and JD won 37. The Janata
Dal-Indian National Congress coalition formed the government after 2018 elections. In July 2019, after BJP
swept the parliamentary elections (coalition hardly won only 2 seats), 17 MLAs of the coalition submitted
resignations to the speaker. Following this the then Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy resigned losing trust
vote and B S Yediyurappa was sworn in as the CM, as after resignation, BJP became the single largest
party.
The MLAs were disqualified by the speaker to contest elections based on anti-defection law. In July a
petition was filed by MLAs challenging their disqualification by the then speaker of the Karnataka Assembly.
Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna Scheme: Haryana includes more crops
The state government Haryana has decided to bring more crops under its ‘Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna
(BBY)’ scheme. The decision was taken at a BBY’s review meeting which was presided by Haryana Chief
Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
About Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojna (BBY) scheme
BBY is a scheme for vegetable growers. Under it farmers get compensated for selling their crop at a price
lower than that fixed by government. The scheme launched in January 2018 then included potato, onion,
tomato and cauliflower. It has been very successful in past two years it.
For getting the scheme benefits, the state’s farmers have to register themselves on ‘Meri Fasal Mera Byora
(MFMB)’ portal and if they get a price lower than price fixed by government for their crop on its sale in the
mandis, the difference will be paid as incentive to the farmers directly into their bank accounts.
More crops that will be includes under BBY are– Carrots, peas, kinnow, guava, capsicum and brinjal will
also be included. Under BBY the price of carrots has been fixed at Rs.700/ quintal and peas
Rs.1100/quintal. However, the rate of capsicum and brinjal will be decided on the recommendation of the
committee constituted under the Haryana Kisan Kalyan Ayog chairman.
6th World Congress on Rural and Agricultural finance
The World Congress on Rural and Agricultural Finance (WCRAF) began in New Delhi on November 12, 2019.
It aims at bringing together stakeholders of rural and agricultural finance all over the world. The Congress is
an opportunity to strengthen business relations and to promote products and services.
Background NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
The Congress is held at regular intervals of 3 year period.

The first Congress was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2005.
The second congress was held in Bangkok in 2007.
The third Congress was held in 2010 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The fourth Congress was held in Paris in 2013
The 5th Congress was held in Dakar, Senegal in 2016.
6th Congress
The 6th WCRAF is being held in New Delhi. The Congress is co-hosted by NABARD-National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development, Asia Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association and Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Theme: “Rural and Agricultural Finance: Critical Input to achieve Inclusive and Sustainable Development”
Objectives
To promote Global value chains in agriculture
To help in tackling food security
To ensure agriculture is in line with sustainability, natural resource conservation and social harmony.
To achieve the objective the financial institutions should constantly evolve innovatively to provide rural
people stable and constant financial services.
Significance
The Congress gives importance to financial institutions that promote agricultural and rural finances. These
financial systems also help maintain social and environmental balances with their strong efforts.
The Congress aims at achieving the SDG Goals 1 and 2
SDG-1: Economic Growth should be inclusive providing sustainable development and promoting equality to
end poverty by 2030
SDG-2: To promote investment in agriculture to enhance sustainable agricultural productivity and
sustainable food production.
What is ‘Project Zero’ introduced by Amazon in India?
To block selling of counterfeit goods on its platform, e-commerce giant Amazon has introduced ‘Project
Zero’ in India, in a bid to ensure that customers receive authentic goods when shopping on Amazon.
What is ‘Project Zero’?
It introduces additional proactive mechanisms and powerful tools to identify, block and remove
counterfeits. More7,000 brands have already enrolled in Project Zero across United States, Europe and
Japan. A number of Indian brands participated in a pilot to help Amazon test the experience in India.
How does Project Zero work? It combines advanced technology and innovation of Amazon along with
sophisticated knowledge that brands listed of platform have of their own intellectual property as well as
how best to detect counterfeits of their products. It does so through 3 powerful tools:
(1) Automated protections
(2) Self-Service Counterfeit Removal Tool– It works in a seamless manner and has brought relief to brand
owners.
(3) Product serialization– It is enabled by a unique code that brands apply within their manufacturing and
packaging process. It allows Amazon to individually scan and confirm authenticity of every single purchase
of a brand’s enrolled products through Amazon’s marketplace.
Significance: Project Zero will ensure that customers always receive authentic goods when shopping on
Amazon. It could also lead to many more brands in India (from small and emerging entrepreneurs to large
multi-national brands) partner with Amazon to drive counterfeits to zero and deliver a great shopping
experience for customers.

Justice Muhammad Raffiq sworn in as Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC

Justice Muhammad Raffiq was sworn in as 8th Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court. His oath for office
and secrecy was administered by Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy at the Raj Bhavan in Shillong. He has
succeeded Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal who is presently the Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court.
About Justice Muhammad Raffiq
He started his law practice in 1984 and practiced exclusively in Rajasthan High Court in almost all branches
of law. He served as an advocate from 1999 to 2006 and in 2008, he was appointed as a Judge at the
Rajasthan High Court. He has also served as acting Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court twice.
Justice Raffiq (59) has been recognized as an expert on Indian Constitution, land acquisition, tax, service
and company law cases.
Pravind Jugnauth sworn in as Mauritius PM
The incumbent Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth was sworn in for five-year term after elections
in which his coalition consolidated its grip on parliament. His swearing-in took place at the residence of
President Barlen Vyapoory.
Key Highlights
The 57 year old Jugnauth took the helm of one of Africa’s wealthiest countries without going through a vote
when his father stepped down in 2017. The decisive victory of his centre-right Morisian Alliance in the 7
November elections has now strengthened his legitimacy.
PM Pravind Jugnauth’s proposed new cabinet includes 23 members includes three women. It includes
newcomer Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah, who will take over the gender equality Ministry.
The Morisian Alliance claimed 42 of 70 seats in parliament, defeating centre-left National Alliance of Navin
Ramgoolam, which secured 17 seats, and Mauritian Militant Movement of Paul Berenger, which garnered
nine seats.
NOTE: Since attaining independence from Britain in 1968, Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius has
become one of most stable democracies in Africa. Mauritius, situated roughly 1,800 kilometres (1,100
miles) off the eastern coast of Africa, has evolved from a poor, agriculture-based economy to a relatively
wealthy financial services hub and tourist beacon.
November 14, 2019
SC Verdict: CJI Office under RTI act
On November 13, 2019, the Supreme Court upheld the 2010 judgement of Delhi High Court that the RTI
(Right To Information) act was applicable to the office of CJI (Chief Justice of India) as well.
Key Findings of the Judgement
The CJI office and the SC are not two different public authorities. Under Article 124, SC includes
office of CJI and the other judges as well
The relationship between the CJI and the judges would neither be fiduciary nor be beneficial.
The judgement said that under Section 6(2) of the act, the motive of the seeker of information is not a
relevant consideration.
The Public Information Officer has vast discretion under the RTI act. The PIO should make sure
judicial independence and accountability are well maintained as they go hand in hand. It is important
for the SC to maintain confidentiality in certain aspects of judicial administration.
Background
In 2010, the CIC (Central Information Commission) ordered the SC CPIOs (Central Public Information
Officer) to provide information on personal assets possessed by the judges of SC. The order was
challenged at the Delhi HC to which it ruled that SC and CJI have statutory duty to furnish information
regarding administration and functioning of the SC.
Appeals were filed to SC on HC verdict in 2010. Though filed in 2010, it was heard and referred to a
Constitution bench only in 2016 and the judgement was pronounced now.

Central Electricity Authority Data: India’s Electricity Demand fell to a 12-year low
According to the data released by the Central electricity Authority (CEA), the electricity demand of the
country fell by 13% in October 2019 as compared to October 2018. This is the lowest in 12 years.
Highlights
Sharp reduction in the industrialized states like Maharashtra and Gujarat indicating an economic
slowdown is the major reason for the decline in demand.
Electricity demand of the country was 98 billion units in October 2019 as against 112 billion units in
October 2018.
Power demand in Madhya Pradesh declined by 26%, Karnataka declined by 25%, Maharashtra
declined by 22%, Gujarat by 19%, Telangana by 16% and Andhra Pradesh by 16%.
Reasons
The slowdown is deep rooted in industrial sectors.
The Infrastructure sector output contracted to the lowest in 14 years.
The Automobile sector in the country recently cut hundreds of thousands of jobs due to
unprecedented decline in sales
Dhaka Global Dialogue held in Bangladesh
The first edition of Dhaka Global Dialogue was held from 11-13 November 2019 in Bangladesh. The three
day long programme was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina.
About Dhaka Global Dialogue
Organised by: The programme was jointly organised by New Delhi based Observer Research Foundation
(ORF) and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS).
Participants: More than 150 delegates from 50 countries participated in the conference to discuss some of
the most pressing global imperatives in context of the Indo-pacific region. It included large number of policy
makers, law makers, scholars, strategic experts, industry leaders and professionals of various fields.
Key Deliberations:
The geographical location of Bangladesh is advantageous and strategic and thus could act a bridge
between South Asia and South-East Asia on which it needs to build further. It is believed that the Asian
Century which will be shaped by stories of transformations in the east and its collective rise.
Bangladesh annually loses nearly 2% of its GDP due to climate change issues but Bangladesh is also an
example of adaptive resilience which could be emulated by other countries globally.
Principle of Bangladesh’s foreign policy remains, ‘friendship to all, malice to none’. Bangladesh has become
a role model for other countries for its peaceful resolution of maritime disputes and land boundary
agreement with neighbouring India and Myanmar.
Significance of Dhaka Global Dialogue: It will act as a platform for countries in this region on the way of
achieving environmentally sustainable peace and prosperity. Participants also agreed upon that peace and
stability in the maritime domain will be critical to Asia’s rise.
UNDP Green Climate Fund: India gets 43 million USD to boost climate in 3 coastal states
With the help pf 43 million USD from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), India has begun
the project that will positively impact over 10 million people living on the coastline. The funds are to be
obtained from the Green Climate Fund that was established under United Nations Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC). The objective of the fund is to assist developing countries.
Highlights
The 6-year project will help to build climate resilient livelihoods of 1.7 million people
The coastal states that are to benefit from the fund are Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Under the project, the plan is to sequester minimum of 3.5 million tons of carbon dioxide in the next
30 years.
The project will also restore 15,000 hectares of coral reefs, mangroves, salt marshes and sea

marshes
Significance
The funds will help in improving shoreline protection
It aligns well with the NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) of India under Paris Agreement and
National Action Plan on Climate Change.
The project will help the shoreline communities to restore eco system and promote climate resilient
livelihood like sustainable farming of mud crabs.
The initiative will also help to provide benefits for female-headed households, vulnerable
communities, young people and elderly.
India’s Ravi Prakash wins BRICS-Young Innovator Prize
India’s Ravi Prakash has won the BRICS-Young Innovator Prize at 4th BRICS -Young Scientist Forum’s
Conclave held during 6-8 November2019 in Brazil. He won the first first prize carrying $25,000 for inventing
an affordable indigenous milk chilling unit for smaller and marginal rural dairy farmers.
Key Highlights
Ravi Prakash He is a PhD scholar of ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Bangalore. He was a
part of 21-member delegation sent to Brazil by Department of Science and Technology (DST) for the 4th
BRICS-Young Scientist Forum (YSF), 2019.
Technology: It can be used for chilling milk from point of production by bringing down the temperature of
raw milk from 37C to 7C within half an hour (30 minutes) using nano-fluid based phase change materials.
This innovation of affordable indigenous milk chilling unit is of great socio-economic importance for all the
developing countries by preserving the quality and safety of milk just after production. It will add value in
farmer’s kitty.
About BRICS Young Innovator Prize
Background: On July 2014, during the 6th BRICS Summit held in Fortaleza, Brazil, Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi mooted the idea of youth engagement and desired to develop an innovative mechanism to
engage, network and connect BRICS youth. Eventually, India’s proposal for creating a BRICS-Young Scientist
Forum received unanimous support and was endorsed by BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation
Ministers at 2nd Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Ministerial Meeting held in Brasilia on March
2015.
Objective: To recognise and reward best results related to innovation, research and development projects
representing technological innovation and a potential contribution to science and technology sector of
BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries.
The prize specially recognizes young talented researchers and entrepreneurs, whose outstanding
innovations make a profound impact on socio-economic environment as well as life conditions in societies
of BRICS nations.
India attends IUCN’s 7th Regional Conservation Forum held at Islamabad
International Union for Conservation of Nature organized the 7th Regional Conservation Forum in Islamabad,
Pakistan. Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change represented India at the forum.
More than 500 representatives from different countries, corporate sector and NGOs participated in the
forum
Reports from the Forum
Rapid melting of Himalayan Glacier to cause food and water shortage to 800 million people in South
Asia and South-East Asia including China.
36% Glaciers in the regions of Himalayas and Hindukush are to vanish by 2100.
The Himalayan and the Mekong basin are at greater risks. Failing to take timely actions will affect
millions of people in the region
The Shrinking Glaciers are the biggest challenge to the policy makers. This is because they contribute

to the seasonal run off. This is very common in the climatically drier western regions. It increases the
risks of outburst floods adding to the expansion of unstable proglacial lakes.
The increasing Global Warming is decimating the glaciers of Hindu Kush Himalaya region. In the
coming years, it is predicted that if current situation continues, the entire food production base in the
region might get vanished.
The rate of Global Warming is greater than in any other part of the world
10 inches of ice melted in the Himalayan region between 1975 and 2000. However, this increased
twice by 2016. Between 2000 and 2016, the ice melting in the region increased to 20 inches.
Significance
The Hindu Kush Himalayan region is the origin of 10 major river basins. IT provides livelihoods to
over 240 million people directly and around 1.9 billion people indirectly. Around 3 billion people are
dependent on the food produced in the basin.
The Himalayan Glaciers are considered the third pole of the world mainly because of the sheer
volume of the ice they hold.
BHIM UPI goes global: Demonstrated at Singapore FinTech Festival
As a first step towards internationalization, a global pilot demo of BHIM UPI QR-based payments began on
13 November 2019 with a live transaction at merchant terminal at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2019.
The Indian contingent with participation of 43 companies and start-ups was one of the largest at Singapore
FinTech Festival 2019 being held between 11 and 15 November.
Background: In May 2018 Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested the launch of BHIM UPI QR code-based
payments internationally after launching RuPay International card and SBI’s UPI based remittance app in
Singapore, as an achievement for fintech cooperation between India and Singapore.
Key Highlights
This is the first time that BHIM app has gone international and the first transaction under the pilot run was
demonstrated by Jawed Ashraf, High Commissioner of India to Singapore.
The project is being jointly developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and Singapore’s
Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS). This QR code-based system would allow anyone with a BHIM app
to scan Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR) at NETS terminals in Singapore for payments.
The project is targeted to go fully live by February 2020 and cover thousands of terminals in Singapore, after
Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) approval. Moreover, by February 2020, it is also expected that all RuPay
cards, including domestic ones, will be acceptable in Singapore.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also inked between Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI)
and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) for working towards access of TPCI dashboard to Business
sans Borders (BSB).
What is Business sans Borders (BSB)?
It is a hub for connecting trade platforms of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and is currently running
a pilot with SMEs in Southeast Asia and India. It is a project conceived by Monetary Authority of Singapore
and Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Once BSB is fully rolled out, it will allow
millions of SMEs across region to reach a wider market domestically and internationally and access
ancillary services such as credit facilities, logistics, insurance, as well as legal and professional services.
Currently, The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), is already connected to BSB through a platform
provided by Mastercard GlobalLinker. CAIT have about 70 million traders in India as its members.
IIT Guwahati: Paper based sensors for faster assessment of milk freshness
The IIT-G on November 13, 2019 has developed paper-based sensor to make assessment of freshness of
milk by simple and instantaneous method. The method can be used to check the quality of milk at the point
of milk collection ans also in home kitchens.

Concept NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |
The method detects quantity of ALP (Alkaline Phosphate) in the milk to determine its freshness and quality.
ALP is a metalloprotein found in raw milk samples. It is an important bio marker in quality control in milk.
The ALP compounds are destroyed during pasteurization. Therefore, detecting ALP compounds can help in
detecting inadequate pasteurization in milk.
Method
Researches have used a simple filter paper and made the final product highly inexpensive. The team
modified the chemical composition of the filter paper by loading it with anti-ALP elements that captures the
presence of ALP in the milk.
The paper turns blue-green color if milk contains ALP compounds.
Highlights
The method takes 13 minutes to detect ALP compounds
Using the paper, the scientists could detect down to 0.87 units of ALP per milliliter of milk
The accuracy of the method is 91% to 100%
Significance
India is the largest milk producer in the world. It accounts to 20% of world milk production. Milk production
has been constantly growing in India over the years from 55.6 tons in 1992 to 176.3 million tons in 2018.
Nita Ambani elected to board of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art
Educationist, Philanthropist and Businesswoman Nita Ambani has been named the Honorary Trustee of
New York City’s The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest U.S. art museum. In the museum’s 150-year of
history, she is the first Indian Trustee. Her election took place at the meeting of the Museum’s board and
the announcement in this regard was made by Daniel Brodsky, the Chairman of Museum.
Key Highlights
The 149-year-old Metropolitan Museum of Art, is considered as the largest and most visited art museums in
the world. The museum draws billionaires, celebrities and millions of visitors a year to see art spanning
5,000 years from around the world.
Nita Ambani: She is the Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation. She is the wife of Asia’s
richest person and Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani. She is first Indian to be so honoured.
Why is She elected? For her commitment to The Met and to preserving and promoting India’s art, culture
and heritage. The Met also noted that the Reliance Foundation has sponsored key cultural events such as
‘Abbaji’, the annual concert of legendary musician Ustad Zakir Hussain, among the many efforts to
recognize cultural legends of India and ensure their relevance to a younger generation.
In October 2017, the museum had also announced that Reliance Foundation promised a generous gift
(without stating the amount of gift) to support exhibitions that explore and celebrate the arts of India.
Assam launches Sishu Suraksha App for child right violations
On the occasion of Children’s Day on 14 November 2019, the Assam State Commission for Protection of
Child Rights (ASCPCR) launched a mobile app called ‘Sishu Suraksha’, an e-complaint box for child right
violations. The ASCPCR decided to develop an e-complaint box, keeping in mind the mission of a Digital
India.
About Sishu Suraksha App
Objective of App: To empower citizens to take moral responsibility of protecting future generations.
The name Sishu Suraksha means child protection in English. It will enable users from all over Assam to
lodge complaints about violation of child rights, in swipe of their fingers.
The e-complaint box will run on android and iOS devices. The app can be used by anyone in the state to
lodge a complaint which will be directly registered at Commission.
The app will ease the people as one of the major challenges is that most people are not aware of where to
go and report a case of child rights violation.
Need: In monitoring visits to various districts in state, the Assam State Commision for Protection of Child
Rights excercising the powers and functions mandated under the Commission for protection of Child
Rights Act 2005 (CPCR Act, 2005) observed that the message of protection of rights of children is yet to
reach the masses. ASPCR also reported that there has been a 55% increase in number of child trafficking
cases in the state in 2019.
Fact Box: Mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh
Renowned mathematician Vashishtha Narayan Singh, who came to be known as India’s Einstein, passed
away in Patna on 14 November. Born in Bihar, the 74 year old Vashishtha was suffering from a prolonged
mental illness schizophrenia from the last 35 years. He earned worldwide recognition when he challenged
Einstein’s theory.
About Vashishtha Narayan Singh
He was born in a poor family in Basanatpur village of Bihar’s Bhojpur district on 2 April 1942. He moved to
America in 1965 and finished his PhD on ‘reproducing kernels and operation with a cycle vector‘ from
University of California, Berkely in 1969. He then went on to become an associate professor at Washington
University and later even worked in US Space Agency NASA where he surprised many people with his
mathematic skills. But in 1971 he returned to India and worked at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay and ISI Kolkata.
He was fond of books, pens and diaries and after he returned from the US, he brought back 10 boxes of
books with him. It is also said that at the time of launch of Apollo, the mathematical calculation done by
Vashishtha Narayan were exactly same as computer’s calculations.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to be chief guest at Republic Day 2020
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has accepted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to be Chief Guest
at India’s Republic Day celebrations in 26 January 2020.
Key Highlights
Prime Minister Modi met Bolsonaro on the sidelines of 11th BRICS Summit, which is being held in Brasilia,
Brazil. During the meeting, PM Modi invited the President of Brazil to be chief guest at Republic Day in 2020
which was accepted by Bolsonaro with pleasure.
Both leaders agreed to comprehensively enhance strategic partnership between the two countries as well
as discussed other areas of cooperation including space and defence sectors.
India-Brazil: Both countries look forward to discuss matters relating to trade in upcoming visit. The
Brazilian President informed PM Modi that a large business delegation will accompany him to India,
PM Modi has also outlined areas for potential investment from Brazil, including in areas of animal
husbandry, agricultural equipment, post-harvest technologies and biofuels. He also welcomed decision of
the Brazilian President to grant visa-free travel to Indian citizens.
Previous Invitees at Republic Day celebrations
In 2016, former French President François Hollande was the chief guest. In 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan of United Arab Emirates (UAE) took part in the Republic Day celebrations as chief
guest. The year 2018 Republic Day celebrations was historic as leaders of 10 ASEAN nations attended the
event as chief guests. In 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the chief guest and he was
also the second South African president, after Nelson Mandela, to attend the grand event as its chief guest.
About Jair Bolsonaro
He is a 38th president of Brazil. Initially, he joined the politics as a city councillor in Rio De Janerio. Before
joining Social Liberal Party (PSL) in 2018, he was the member of Christian Democratic Party (CDP). In 2018,
he was nominated as the presidential candidate of PSL and became the front-runner after the arrest of Lula
Da Silva in April 2018. He then took over the office as the President of Brazil on 1 January 2019.
LANCET Report on Health and Climate Change, 2019
On November 13, 2019, the Lancet journal published report on “Health and Climate Change, 2019.” The
Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change is a comprehensive yearly analysis that tracks the
progress across 41 indicators. The project is a collaboration of 120 experts from premier institutions all

over the world including WHO and World Bank.
Highlights of the report: India
In India, diarrheal infections were the major cause of child mortality
The average yield potential of rice and maize in the country declined by 2% since 1960s
The average yield potential of winter wheat and soybean has declined by 1%
Due to increased sea level, there will be rise in infections like gastroentitis, cholera, etc. The climate
suitability for Vibro bacteria that causes Cholera will increase the disease by 3% as compared to
1980s
Malnutrition is the responsible for two-thirds of deaths under five
Highlights of the report: World
Climate Change threats to fisheries and aquaculture according to the report are as follows
Sea-level rise
Sea surface temperature rise
Ocean Acidification
Intense and Frequent extreme weather events
Mortality due to Dengue will increase globally
WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature measurement): WBGT is the measure of heat stress that takes
into account humidity, temperature, wind speed, cloud cover and sun angle.
The report warned according to WBGT that 22 billion additional hours of work will be lost due
to extreme heat.
The temperature rise will lead to productivity loss at 0.8 to 5%.
November 15, 2019
West Bengal celebrates ‘Rosogolla Dibas’ to mark GI Tag granting
West Bengal celebrated the ‘Rosogolla Dibas’ or Rasgulla Day on 14 November 2019 to mark the granting of
Geographical Indication (GI) tag of ‘Banglar Rosogolla’ or Bengal’s Rasgulla to the state on this day two
years ago (14 November 2017).
Rosogolla Dibas celebrations
The statue of Nobin Chandra Das, inventor of the Bengal variant of the sweetmeat, was garlanded across
the state.
For the first time in the history of West Bengal’s sweetmeat industry, almost all sweet shops in state are
dedicated this day to Rosogolla.
At state government’s ‘Misti Hub’ in the northeastern fringes of Kolkata city, new varieties of Rosogollas
have been displayed at outlets of popular sweetmeat brands. The hub is run by West Bengal Housing
Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO).
Reason behind Celebrations: For years, West Bengal and Odisha were involved in a tug-of-war to stake a
claim to the origin of the sweetmeat. Thereby, while West Bengal was granted GI tag for ‘Banglar Rosogulla’
or the Bengal variant of the sweetmeat in 2017, Odisha got the GI tag for ‘Odisha Rasagola’ or the Odisha
variant earlier in 2019. A Geographical Indication (GI) tag identifies a product as originating from a
particular region.
11th Maitree Diwas: North East Industrial Corridor to be set up
Defense Minister on November 14, 2019 addressed at the 11th Maitree Diwas in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.
During his address, he announced several new plans of the government to develop the region
Government new plans
Government plans to set up a North East Industrial Corridor. It will help create job opportunities for
the people in the North East
The Arunachal Corridor, in specific will act as a bridge between India and South East Asia
The corridor will help boost employment opportunities and promote trade and tourism

Government is implementing the “Act East Policy” through development of North East India
Hollongi Airport is to be set up near Itanagar. Also, three major strategic railway lines are to be
established
Government plans all weather connectivity to the local population. The connectivity will also facilitate
the movement of armed forces.
The plans are to be executed by 2024.
Maitree Diwas
Maitree Diwas is a 2-day socio-military cultural program that is jointly organized by Tawang Civil
Administration and Indian Army. The program is organized to celebrate special relationship between the
people of Tawang and the Indian army. This year, the theme was
Theme: Know your army.
The objective of the event is to encourage the youths to join armed forces
UP govt launches e-Ganna app, web portal
Uttar Pradesh government has launched a dedicated web portal and a mobile application, named as ‘e-
Ganna’, for sugarcane farmers of the state. It was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at a function
in Lucknow. Chief Minister also informed that during the last three years of his government, a record
amount has been paid to farmers by sugar mills.
About web portal and e-Ganna App
The sugar mills will now issue the cane supply slip to farmers online. The step is to ensure that sugarcane
farming becomes a profitable venture for farmers.
Both web and app will help in eradicating cane mafia and middleman and strengthen cane development
societies. Moreover, besides ensuring transparency in the process of getting slips, the web and portal will
also facilitate sugarcane supply by farmers to mills and check irregularities.
The app shows state government’s relentless commitment to pursue the goal set by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi to double farmers’ income.
Indo-French collaboration: Largest FDI project of Indian Railways
The Indian Railways and Alstom came together in the intention of transforming the freight transportation of
India. In line with the collaboration, the MELPM-Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited has been
established. MELPM will now manufacture 800 electric locomotives for freight services with the foreign
investment of 3.5 billion Euros.
Highlights
The locomotives including the bogies have been redesigned
Under the agreement, around 10 locomotives are to be delivered by the end of 2019-20 financial year
and 100 locomotives by the end of March 2021
A factory along with township has been set up as part of the project in Madhepura, Bihar. The factory
can manufacture 120 locomotives per year.
More than 300 engineers from India and France are working on the project currently
Significance
More than 90% of the parts of the locomotives are to be manufactured in India. This is being done
under Make in India initiative
The project under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiative will set up skill centers that will impart
training to local people
More than 50% jobs are allocated to the locals of the region.
Benefits
As the locomotives are 100% electrified it will not only bring down operational cost but will also reduce
congestion faced by the railways
UNICEF Report: India Second largest in Pneumonia deaths
On November 14, 2019, United Nations’ new report on Pneumonia stated that India has the second largest
deaths of children under the age of five due to Pneumonia in 2018. Globally more than 800,000 children
died due to Pneumonia under the age of 5.
The report stated that though the disease is preventable through vaccines, more than 10 million die annually
due to the disease
Highlights
The five countries that were responsible for more than half of child deaths due to Pneumonia were
Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ethiopia
Pneumonia is responsible for 15% of deaths in children under 5.
The report named the disease as “Forgotten Epidemic”
Around half of pneumonia deaths are associated with air pollution
Highlights: Causes
The report mentions the following as the causes of Pneumonia in children under the age of 5
Inadequate Health Care
Lack of access to drinking water
Indoor Air Pollution
Burden of under nutrition
Highlights: Suggestions
The report suggests following suggestions
Increased investments to fight against the disease
Strong Global Commitment and an integrated platform. Countries should come together to exchange
ideas and pneumonia eradication measures
Andhra Pradesh launches ‘Nadu-Nedu’ programme
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched the ‘Nadu-Nedu’ programme which
seeks to transform government schools into vibrant and competitive institutions. The programme is set to
turn a new leaf over education sector and will provide opportunities to weaker sections and underprivileged.
Key Features
Objective: To transform all government schools with required infrastructure and up-gradation of skills
besides setting up of English labs in addition to providing basic amenities such as clean environs, running
water, furniture, compound wall, blackboard, toilets, renovation and involve parent committee.
Phase 1: In first phase, the scheme will be implemented in 15,715 schools and will cover all schools in three
years’ time.
The scheme has a budget of Rs.12,000 crores and for the first year, Rs.3,500 crores will be spent for the
development of infrastructure.
Under the programme English medium will be introduced in Classes 1 to 6. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister
highlighted that many people benefit from switching to English language from Telugu. He also stated that
the decision was taken after due consideration and visualizing what our future generation requires in new
age of Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Robotics.
Need: The 2011 census revealed that Andhra Pradesh’s illiteracy rate is 33% and thus to uplift marginalised
sections the state have to take bold decisions such as switching over to English medium. English medium
schools are needed to prepare the future generation of students to boldly face and meet up requirements of
highly dynamic and technology-driven world.
Way Forward
The Andhra government will soon be introducing Amma Vodi on 9 January 2019, where they will incentivize
mothers to send their children to school. His government will also take care of fees reimbursement in all
degree and professional colleges and there will be 1-year training for youth to gear up for jobs.
Apart from this, a skill development university will be set up and under its umbrella, all 25 Skill Development
Centres (SDC) will function to have an interface with education and industry.
UNESCO’s World Heritage Week

World Heritage Week is celebrated by UNESCO between November 19, 2019 and November 25, 2019. The
Objective of celebrating World Heritage Week is to increase awareness among people about safety and
preservation of cultural heritages and monuments.
UNESCO Heritage sites in India
There are 37 UNSECO World Heritage sites in India. It includes 29 cultural site, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed
site.
India’s plans
Several schools and colleges are celebrating World Heritage Week in India by organizing quiz and painting
competitions. The Archaeological Survey of India and several other museums are organizing heritage
programs highlighting the significance of the ancient monuments and their preservation
The heritage sites celebrating the week includes Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Delhi Red Fort, Delhi Darwaza,
Bhadra Gate, etc.
Significance
A great effort was made by the National Research Laboratory for Conservation, Lucknow to save the stone
structure of Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. It was built by the Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar in 1777.
It is important to respect and protect such heritages of the country. The week celebration instills sense of
safety and preservation of the monuments across the country.
2nd Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan Diplomats
The 2nd Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan Diplomats is being held at External
Affairs Ministry’s Foreign Service Institute (FSI) in New Delhi from 11-23 November as part of both countries
efforts to work together for development of war-torn Afghanistan. India-China are also looking at other
areas to cooperate in Afghanistan.
Key Highlights
10 young diplomats from Afghanistan are participating the course. So far a total of 179 Afghan diplomats
had been trained at FSI, more than any other country.
The participants would get an exposure to modern India’s economic and technological developments and
would also undertake study tours to experience India’s cultural heritage. The diplomats will undertake study
tours in India before travelling to China for further training.
The intensive two-week course would include training modules on various topics covering India’s foreign
policy, diplomatic skills, multilateral diplomacy and key international issue. The course is part of India-China
joint projects in third countries.
Background
The 1st Joint India-China Capacity Building Programme for Afghan diplomats was held at elite Foreign
Service Institute (FSI) from 15 to 26 October 2018 as part of an understanding reached between Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Wuhan Informal Summit (2018) where two
countries decided to work together on programmes for Afghanistan. The first batch containing 10 Afghan
diplomats was trained in 2018 at FSI.
14 November: World Diabetes Day
Every year 14 November is observed as World Diabetes Day (WDD), a primary global awareness campaign
focusing on diabetes. The need to create a day for the awareness of diabetes came in response to growing
concerns about escalating health threats due to diabetes. As of now about 21,463 people have tested their
risk of type 2 diabetes and despite such a high number of people suffering from it, there is little awareness
about the condition and its effect on everyday life.
About World Diabetes Day
Background: The World Diabetes Day was created by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World
Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, to create awareness about diabetes among common people. The day 14
November also marks the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with
Charles Best in 1922. While WDD was first created in 1991, the day became official United Nations Day in
2006.
Objective: To provide a platform to promote International Diabetes Federation (IDF) advocacy efforts
throughout the year.
Symbol: WDD campaign is represented by a blue circle logo on a white background– the blue circle stands
as the global symbol for diabetes awareness. The symbol was adopted after UN passed a resolution on
diabetes in year 2007.
2019 Theme: Family and Diabetes. It focuses on raising awareness of impact that diabetes has on family
and support network of those affected with the disease.
Chandrayaan 3: India’s 2nd attempt to land on Moon by November 2020
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced their intention to send a second mission to soft-
land on the Moon planned for November 2020 dubbed as Chandrayaan 3 mission. The Indian Space
Agency’s first and recent attempt went awry on 7 September 2019 and resulted in a partial failure of
Chandrayaan 2 mission after communication was lost with mission’s lander (Vikram) and rover (Pragyan)
which crash-landed on Moon while attempting a soft-landing.
However, the Chandrayaan 2 mission is still survived by the Orbiter which has captured highest resolution
visuals ever taken of Moon by its High-Resolution Camera (OHRC) from an altitude of ~100 km.
About Chandrayaan 3 Mission
Chandrayaan 3 will not feature an orbiter of its own: For the new mission, engineers and scientists at
Indian space agency will only design and build an entirely new lander and rover. Since Chandrayaan 2
mission already has a functional orbiter that is currently in orbit around Moon, Chandrayaan 3 will not
feature an orbiter of its own. However, no final decision has been taken by ISRO on the number of payloads
on the lander.
Additional ‘Detachable Module’: The lander and rover will be accompanied by an additional ‘detachable
module’ that packs engine and fuel needed for journey and this module will tentatively be called ‘Propulsion
Module’.
The Chandrayaan 3 mission will also feature fewer orbital manoeuvers than Chandrayaan 2, which had a
total of 6 orbit raises around Earth and the Moon.
11th BRICS Summit
PM Modi attended the 11th BRICS summit and invited business leaders from BRICS nations to invest in India,
especially in infrastructure development.
Highlights of the summit
The BRICS countries discussed in creating a common crypto currency for mutual payments. The step
was being discussed to reduce the share of payments in USD.
PM Modi proposed the first meeting of BRICS Water Ministers in India.
India is to host BRICS Digital Health Summit. The Summit will focus on innovative solutions to healthy
lifestyle
India will also host BRICS Youth summit that will focus on hackathon, startups and games
Also, BRICS workshop on digital forensics is to be held in India
BRICS Business Council
The BRICS Business Council created a road map to achieve 500 billion USD trade target among BRICS
nations by next summit. An agreement was signed between New Development Bank and BRICS Business
Council to achieve this.
India-Russia
PM Modi met his Russian counterpart Mr Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS summit.
During their meet, the leaders noted their satisfaction that the 25 billion USD trade target between the
countries to be achieved by 2025 has already been achieved.
Also, the leaders discussed about the first bilateral regional forum to dismantle the barriers of trade
at regional level.
India-Brazil
PM Modi met the President of Brazil Mr Jair MEssias Bolsonaro and invited him to be the Chief Guest at the
Republic Day celebrations, 2020.
After the meet, PM Modi outlines areas of animal husbandry, agriculture, post-harvest technologies
and biofuels as areas of potential
The leaders also discussed about space and defense sectors
India-China
PM Modi met the Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 11th BRICS summit.
The countries have agreed to hold the next round of border talks after the leaders’ meet. The 21st
round of border talks were held in 2018 by Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Chinese counterpart.
The Chinese President appreciated the 2nd Informal Summit in Chennai. He also invited PM Modi for
the 3rd informal summit to be held in China in 2020.
The leaders reviewed the preparations for celebrating the 70th anniversary of establishment of
diplomatic relations between the countries.
Arunachal: First International Buyer-Seller Conference of Agriculture
The first buyer seller meet on horticulture and agriculture produce for the state was held in Arunachal
Pradesh. It was organized by APEDA-Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development
Authority, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
International buyers from 7 countries participated in the meet. It includes Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia,
Bangladesh, Oman, UAE and Greece.
The products of Arunachal Pradesh that were showcased in the event were fruits, large cardamom,
Kiwi, Mandarin oranges, pineapple, organic products, spices, flowers and king chilly.
Significance
The event aimed to promote agricultural products of Arunachal Pradesh. It also aimed to facilitate market
linkages for agricultural exports from NER (North Eastern Region). It also acted as a platform for the B2G
and B2B meetings of international importers and exporters and the farmers in the NER.
The event was a great opportunity for the producers of the NER, especially Arunachal Pradesh to explore
new opportunities of horticulture and agriculture.
Arunachal Pradesh
Around 75% to 80% of land in Arunachal Pradesh is still unexplored. The state is blessed with 5 types of
agro-climatic zones. It has great potential for horticulture crops
NASA renames Ultima Thule to ‘Arrokoth’
The US Space Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently renamed
farthest cosmic body, earlier known as ‘Ultima Thule’ to ‘Arrokoth’ or Sky. NASA has renamed the distant
space rock after it was criticized over the old name’s Nazi connections.
Key Highlights
The rock which was studied in the farthest flyby ever conducted by a spacecraft was previously named as
Ultima Thule to mean something like “farthest place”, but immediately attracted controversy because the
word ‘Thule’has been associated with Nazis in the past. Therefore, the object will now be known as
Arrokoth, a Native American term meaning ‘Sky’.
The new name Arrokoth symbolizes ‘icy-object’ which was undisturbed since the solar system was formed
about 4.5 billion years ago. The name also reflects the wondering about the stars and looking at the sky and
was given because of its natural position.
The name was proposed by members of New Horizons team, who led the mission to study the object. They
presented the new name to International Astronomical Union (IAU) and Minor Planet Center (MPC) which
officially names and categorises Kuiper Belt objects.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which state government has decided to partner with MIT-based Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-
PAL)?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Kerala
[C] Odisha
[D] Sikkim
Answer: Odisha
The Odisha government has decided to partner with Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) for
targeted intervention in a set of social sectors including poorest of the poor through policy formulation
and evaluations based on experimental research. The co-founders of J-PAL are Nobel laureates Abhijit
Banerjee and Esther Duflo. The Massachusettes Institute of Technology (MIT)-based J-PAL is known for
its experimental research studies or randomized controlled trials. It has worked extensively in Africa as
well India and its evaluations have helped improve outcomes of social sector initiatives.
2. What is the theme of 2019 edition of World Cities Day (WCD)?
[A] Designed to Live Together
[B] Inclusive Cities, Shared Development
[C] Changing the world
[D] Promoting a better urban future
Answer: Changing the world
The World Cities Day (WCD) is observed every year on 31 October 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. The 2019 theme “Changing the world: innovations and a better life for
future generations” discusses how urbanization can be used to achieve sustainable development.
3. Which golfer has won the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan?
[A] Anirban Lahiri
[B] Jyoti Randhawa
[C] Gaganjeet Bhullar
[D] Tiger Woods
Answer: Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods made history after he won the 2019 Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd US PGA Tour
victory. according to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Woods equals legendary golfer Sam Snead 54-year-old
record, who won 82 titles throughout his career.
4. Which state government has launched a new initiative “Meal in exchange for plastic waste”?
[A] Tamil Nadu
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Odisha
In an effort to raise awareness about the perils of using plastic, the Kotpad Notified Area Council (NAC)
in Koraput district of Odisha is providing free meals to the poor in exchange for a kilogram of plastic
waste. The new initiative is being carried out under the State government’s ‘Aahar’ scheme. The

programme entails a meal for anyone who brings a kilogram of used polythene bags, plastic bottles and
cups. Under the Aahar scheme, poor people in urban areas of the state are provided a meal comprising
rice and ‘dalma’ (lentils with vegetable) at a cost of Rs 5.
5. John Witherspoon, who passed away recently, was the noted actor and comedian of which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Japan
[D] China
Answer: United States
John Witherspoon, the US actor and comedian, has passed way . He was best known for his role as
rapper Ice Cube’s father in the comedy trilogy Friday. He made his film debut in the 1980 ‘The Jazz
Singer’ and appeared in Hollywood Shuffle, Boomerang, Vampire in Brooklyn and The Ladies Man
6. Saint Kittis and Nevis, which recently signed ISA Framework Agreement, is an island country of which
ocean?
[A] Pacific Ocean
[B] Indian Ocean
[C] Arctic Ocean
[D] Atlantic Ocean
Answer: Atlantic Ocean
India hosted the 2nd International Solar Alliance (ISA) assembly in New Delhi on 30th-31st October
2019. In it, two countries – Eritrea and Saint Kittis and Nevis – have signed the ISA’s Framework
Agreement and took the total number of signatories to 83. The ISA was jointly launched by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande at the UN Climate Change
Conference in Paris in November 2015. It is a major global initiative for contributing to the
implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy.
The Saint Kittis and Nevis is an island country in the West Indies, which is the region of the North
Atlantic Ocean.
7. Girija Kir, who passed away recently, was the noted author of which language?
[A] Marathi
[B] Tamil
[C] Telugu
[D] Odia
Answer: Marathi
Girija Kir (86), the noted Marathi author, has passed away in Bandra, Maharashtra on 31st October 2019.
Kir has written dozens of novels, stories, travelogues and children’s books. She also worked as an
assistant editor of ‘Anuradha’ magazine for 10 years from 1968 to 1978. Kir has won several awards for
her writings, which largely originated from her on-field experiences in labour colonies, residences of
patients suffering from leprosy and tribal areas. Her recent book ‘Janmathep’ was based on her study of
inmates at Pune’s Yerawada jail.
8. UNESCO has designated which Indian city as Creative City of Gastronomy?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Hyderabad
[D] Varanasi
Answer: Hyderabad
On the occasion of World Cities Day (WCD-2019), UNESCO has announced that Mumbai and Hyderabad
have been designated as Creative City of Films and Creative City of Gastronomy, respectively. By joining
the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), the cities pledge to share their best practices and develop
partnerships involving public and private sectors as well as civil society to strengthen creation,
production, distribution and dissemination of cultural activities, goods and services. Beside this,
Chennai and Varanasi are designated as UNESCO cities of music while Jaipur is the City of Crafts and
Folk Arts.
9. On which date, the 2019 edition of World Thrift Day (WTD) is observed in India?
[A] October 31
[B] October 30
[C] October 29
[D] October 28
Answer: October 31
The World Thrift Day (WTD) is celebrated every year on 31st October worldwide to promote savings and
financial security of individual and nation as a whole. In India, due to death of late Prime Minister Indira
Gandhi on the same day in 1984 this day is being celebrated on 30th October. The day was established
to inform people all around the world about the idea of saving their money in a bank rather than keeping
it under their mattress or at home.
10. Who is leading the Indian delegation at the 35th ASEAN Summit?
[A] Ram Nath Kovind
[B] Venkaiah Naidu
[C] Narendra Modi
[D] Rajnath Singh
Answer: Narendra Modi
The 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit 2019 has started in Bangkok,
Thailand on 1st of November with theme ‘Advancing Partnership for sustainability’. During 5-days
summit East Asia summit (EAS) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Summit (RCEP) will be also
held. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend this summit on 3rd and 4th November. The ASEAN is a
group of 10 member countries that encourages political,economic and social co-operation in the region.
The summit would discuss comprehensive and sustainable ASEAN economic development and s on
negotiations related to the RCEP including market opening. The RCEP is a proposed Free Trade
Agreement ( FTA) between the 10 members state of ASEAN and its partner countries.
11. Which IIT has decided to set up space technology cell in collaboration with ISRO?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Madras
Answer: IIT Delhi
IIT Delhi has decided to set up a space technology cell in collaboration with the Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO). The cell would work for carrying out focused research projects in the space
technology domain with specific deliverables. It is also proposed that IIT Delhi as an institute becomes
academic partner of ISRO in research areas such as or example AI Artificial Intelligence, Nano-
technology, functional textiles and smart manufacturing or any area of joint interest.

12. India’s first-ever Arts Exposition for talents with intellectual challenges “eCAPA 2019” has started in
which city?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Kochi
[C] Dehradun
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
India’s first-ever Arts Exposition for Artists blessed with Down Syndrome, Autism, Mental Retardation,
Seizure Disorder and Dyslexia has started in New Delhi on 3rd November 2019. The “eCAPA 2019 – Art
from the Heart” is a unique nationwide platform-cum social venture for such artists to showcase their
visual and performing arts. The aim of this exposition is to create an exclusive platform to showcase
the visual and performing art talents of young adults with intellectual challenges. It will also provide
Divyang artists with opportunities to find mentors in the visiting artists and eminent masters of different
crafts. This exposition will continue till 14th November at STIR Gallery, Chattarpur Farms.
13. Which city is hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 25) after Chile withdraws?
[A] New York
[B] Paris
[C] Madrid
[D] New Delhi
Answer: Madrid
The Spanish capital city of Madrid will host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 25) from 2nd to
13th December 2019. The decision was taken after Chile withdrew as host for the event due to the
ongoing street protests in the South American country. The annual Conference of the Parties (COP)
summit is a key event which allows representatives from around 200 nations to monitor and discuss the
current situation of the world’s warming climate.
14. Which country will be the partner country at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2019)?
[A] Afghanistan
[B] China
[C] Japan
[D] Russia
Answer: Russia
Russia will be the partner country at the Golden Jubilee of International Film Festival of India (IFFI-2019)
in Goa. It will be held from November 20 to 28 with close to 250 films from various countries being
screened. The fest will honour superstar Rajinikanth with a special ‘Icon of Golden Jubilee’ award
presented in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema. The Life Time Achievement
(LTA) award for a Foreign Artiste will be conferred on French Actress Isabelle Hupert. During the 50th
IFFI, 50 films of women directors will be showcased.
15. Which noted philanthropist has won the 2019 Sasthaaram Award?
[A] M Padmakuma
[B] K P Nandakumar
[C] V A Shrikumar Menon
[D] Unni Menon
Answer: K P Nandakumar
Dr K.P. Nandakumar, the noted Homoeopathic doctor and philanthropist, has won the 2019 Sasthaaram

Award for his contributions to the art and socio-cultural realms. The award was instituted by the
Thamarakkulam Sri Sabarimala Ayyappa Swami temple of Vadakkanthra in 2015 with the intention of
honouring those who contributed to the art and socio-cultural fields in Palakkad. It consists of Rs
25,000, a citation and a plaque, and would be presented at a function to be held on December 22.
16. Which Indian sand artist has been selected for Italian Golden Sand Art Award 2019?
[A] Manisha Swarnkar
[B] Dhanraj Shelke
[C] Sudarsan Pattnaik
[D] Nitish Bharti
Answer: Sudarsan Pattnaik
Internationally acclaimed sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik has been selected for the prestigious Italian
Golden Sand Art Award 2019. He will be felicitated during the International Scorrana Sand Nativity in
Italy, which is going to held from 13th to 18th Nov. He will also represent India in this fest.
17. Which IIT has launched the Rs 250 crore Global Alumni Endowment Fund?
[A] IIT Delhi
[B] IIT Kharagpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Kanpur
Answer: IIT Delhi
President Ram Nath Kovind has recently launched the IIT Delhi global alumni endowment fund at
Rashtrapati Bhavan that will have an initial commitment of more than Rs 250 crore. As per the scheme,
the student will receive an aid of $10,000 from the alumni endowment fund. The aim of the endowment
model is to achieve a target corpus of USD 1 billion over a period of 7 years. This first-of-its-kind fund in
India will work towards the development of the University, nurturing innovation, and keeping alive the
entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of India.
18. The Madhya Pradesh government has decided to set up Sikh museum and research centre in which city?
[A] Bhopal
[B] Jabalpur
[C] Indore
[D] Gwalior
Answer: Jabalpur
To mark the 550th ‘Prakash Parv’ of Guru Nanak Dev, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to
set up Sikh museum and research centre in Jabalpur at the cost of Rs 20 crore. Chief Minister Kamal
Nath hasalso decided to develop six Sikh places associated with the founder of Sikhism in the state as
religious tourist spots. These centres are: Tekri Sahib (Bhopal), Imli Sahib and Betma Sahib (Indore),
Gurdwara (Omkareshwar), Gurunanak Ghat Gurudwara (Ujjain) and Gwari Ghat Gurudwara (Jabalpur).
19. The Indo-French exercise ‘Shakti-2019’ has started at which region?
[A] Udaipur
[B] Jodhpur
[C] Bikaner
[D] Jaipur
Answer: Bikaner
The 14-day long joint Indo-French exercise ‘Shakti-2019’ has started at the Mahajan field firing ranges in
Bikaner, Rajasthan. The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability between the two armies and
further strengthening the military relations between them. The exercise will facilitate both the armies to
know each other better, share their operational experience and enhance awareness through information
exchange.
20. The 2019 meeting of Council of Heads of Government (CHG) of SCO was held in which city?
[A] Tashkent
[B] Bishkek
[C] Ashgabat
[D] Baku
Answer: Tashkent
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has represented India at a meeting of Council of Heads of Government
(CHG) of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tashkent on November 1-2. It was the 3rd CHG
meeting of the SCO after India became the member of the grouping in 2017.The SCO is an influential
regional security grouping which is seen as a counterweight to NATO. The aim of the SCO is to maintain
peace, stability and security of the region. The SCO represents over 40% of humanity and nearly 20% of
the global GDP.
21. The 1st-ever India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise “Dustlik-2019” has started in which region?
[A] Bukhara
[B] Shahrisabz
[C] Samarkand
[D] Tashkent
Answer: Tashkent
The first-ever India-Uzbekistan joint military exercise titled “Dustlik-2019” has started at Chirchiq
Training Area near Tashkent on 4th November. During the 9-day exercise, an Indian Army contingent will
train along with Uzbekistan Army. The exercise will enable sharing of best practices and experiences
between the Armed Forces of the two countries and will lead to greater operational effectiveness.
22. Which country has won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan?
[A] Japan
[B] England
[C] South Africa
[D] Singapore
Answer: South Africa
The South African team “Springboks” has won the 3rd edition of Rugby World Cup 2019. In the final, they
defeated England at International Yokohama Stadium in Yokohama, Japan. With this win, Springboks
became the 2nd team after New Zealand to win three World Cup titles.
23. Which Indian sportsperson has won the 2019 SaarLorLux Open badminton tournament in Germany?
[A] Srikanth Kidambi
[B] Lakshya Sen
[C] Parupalli Kashyap
[D] B Sai Praneeth
Answer: Lakshya Sen
Lakshya Sen from Uttarakhand has won the 2019 SaarLorLux Open badminton tournament at
Saarbrücken in Germany. He defeated Sen Weng Hong Yang of China in an exciting final on 3rd
November.
24. Which Indian organization is hosting the 2019 SCO Joint Exercise on Earthquake Rescue?
[A] NDRF
[B] CISF
[C] CRPF
[D] BSF
Answer: NDRF
On 4th November 2019, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization (SCO) Joint Exercise on Urban Earthquake Search and Rescue in New Delhi. The National
Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is hosting the event which will continue till 7th of this month. The
purpose of the exercise is to rehearse the disaster response mechanism, share knowledge, experience
and technology for mutual coordination. This simulation exercise will also provide an opportunity to
enhance the coordination and co-operation involving multi-agency operations in an earthquake
scenario.
25. The biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference has recently begun in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Colombo
[C] Tokyo
[D] Male
Answer: Colombo
In Sri Lanka, the biennial Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference has recently begun in Colombo
under the theme Equal Access to Justice and the Rule of Law. In the 4-day conference participated by
Law Ministers and Attorney Generals from Commonwealth countries seeks to address challenges faced
by millions of people seeking to resolve legal problems or disputes. Union Minister for Law and Justice
Ravi Shankar Prasad isrepresenting India at the conference.
26. The Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) has started in which city?
[A] Dehradun
[B] Shimla
[C] Gurugram
[D] Lucknow
Answer: Gurugram
The 13th edition of the Asia Pacific Golf Summit (APGS) has started in Gurugram at the DLF Golf &
Country Club till November 6. It is for the first time India is hosting the summit with theme “A 5G
Mindset For Golf’s Future In Asia”. The summit is supported by the Union Ministry of Tourism & will see
international speakers discuss various operational and business aspects of golf in the context of the
summit.
27. The ‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ has been launched by which union ministry?
[A] Ministry of Defence
[B] Ministry of Earth Sciences
[C] Ministry of External Affairs
[D] Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Answer: Ministry of Earth Sciences
The first-of-its-kind-ready-reckoner ‘Red Atlas Action Plan Map’ has been launched by Vice-President M
Venkaiah Naidu along with the ‘Coastal Flood Warning System App (CFLOWS-Chennai). The ‘Red Atlas
Map’ is prepared by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences to aid Tamil Nadu government in effective
flood mitigation in Chennai which witnessed the worst deluge in 2015. The purpose of the atlas is to

flood mitigation, preparedness, operations and management aspects. The CFLOWS-Chennai is a
complete webGIS-based decision support system that can be used both for mitigation planning
operations before flooding and in real time to for aspects like relief work.
28. Which Indian author has won the JCB Prize for Literature 2019?
[A] Madhuri Vijay
[B] Pradip Krishen
[C] Anjum Hasan
[D] KR Meera
Answer: Madhuri Vijay
US based-Indian author Madhuri Vijay has won the JCB Prize for Literature 2019 for her debut novel ‘The
Far Field’ at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur. It is the most expensive Indian award for writing. She also
received a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, along with a sculpture by Delhi artist duo Thukral & Tagra entitled
‘Mirror Melting’.
29. Pooja Gehlot has won India’s 2nd silver in Under-23 World Wrestling Championships in which category?
[A] 57kg
[B] 53kg
[C] 63kg
[D] 65kg
Answer: 53kg
Pooja Gehlot (53kg) has won India’s 2nd silver at the 2019 U-23 World Wrestling Championships in
Budapest, Hungary. In the final, she defeated by Japan’s Haruna Okuno by in the finals of
championships. India’s first silver was won by Ravinder (61kg).
30. The documentary of which Indian Football league has won the ‘BAFTA Scotland’ Awards 2019 in the
‘Single Documentary’ category?
[A] Churchill Brothers
[B] Lonestar Kashmir
[C] Real Kashmir
[D] Madhya Bharat
Answer: Real Kashmir
The documentary on Real Kashmir Football Club has bagged the prestigious British Academy of Film and
Television Awards (BAFTA) and Scotland Awards 2019 at a glittering ceremony in Glasgow, Scotland.
The documentary narrates the journey of former Rangers ace David Robertson as the coach of Real
Kashmir FC, which is currently India’s second tier football league. The hour-long film won in the ‘Single
Documentary’ category.
31. The National Tribal Festival (NTF-2019) is being held in which city?
[A] Kanpur
[B] Patna
[C] Mumbai
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
The 15-day National Tribal festival (or Aadi Mahotsav ) will be held in New Delhi from 16th of November
2019. The theme of the festival is a celebration of the spirit of tribal culture, craft, cuisine and
commerce. The festival will feature exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, art, paintings, fabric,
jewellery and much more through two hundred stalls. Approx 1000 tribal artisans from 27 states will
participate in the event.
32. What is the theme of the 5th India International Science Festival (IISF)?
[A] Science for Transformation
[B] Science for New India
[C] RISEN India
[D] Boost New India
Answer: RISEN India
On 5th November 2019, the 5th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF) inaugurated by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with theme “RISEN India – Research, Innovation and Science Empowering
the Nation” at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata through video conference. The prime objective
of the 4-day fest is to instil scientific temper among the masses. The event will showcase India’s
contribution in the field of science and technology over the years and encourage translation of its
benefits to people. It also aims to build a strategy for inclusive advancement of Science and
Technology.
33. Who is leading Indian delegation at the 15th meeting of the Governing Council of SACEP?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Om Birla
[C] Prakash Javadekar
[D] Ram Nath Kovind
Answer: Prakash Javadekar
The 15th meeting of the Governing Council of South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP)
is being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In it, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar is leading the
Indian delegation. The SACEP is an inter-governmental organization established in 1982 by the South
Asian governments to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of the
environment in the region. Its member countries are – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
34. Which country has decided not to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) deal?
[A] India
[B] United States
[C] New Zealand
[D] United Kingdom
Answer: India
During the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summit in Bangkok, India has decided
not to join the RCEP deal as negotiations failed to address New Delhi’s outstanding issues and
concerns. The summit included China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and the 10-nation
ASEAN grouping. The RCEP negotiations were meant to create the world’s biggest free trade region that
represented half the world’s population and one-third of the global GDP. Beside, RCEP summit, Prime
Minister Narendra Modi took part in 16th India-ASEAN summit and 14th East Asia summit.
35. Who has been selected for 27th Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2019?
[A] M Mukundan
[B] Anand
[C] K Jayakumar
[D] Rani George
Answer: Anand
Noted writer Anand has been selected for the 27th Ezhuthachan Puraskaram for his overall contributions
to Malayalam language and Literature. It is the highest literary honour of the Kerala government. The
prize is named after Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language. It consists of a purse of Rs 5 lakh
and a citation.
36. Which Indian-origin researcher has won the Australian government’s ‘Early career researcher of the
year 2019’ award?
[A] K S Mukherjee
[B] Nishant Patil
[C] M K Sanoo
[D] Neeraj Sharma
Answer: Neeraj Sharma
Indian-origin researcher, Dr Neeraj Sharma has won the Australian government’s ‘Early Career
Researcher of the Year (Physical Sciences)’ for developing next-generation battery systems such as
sodium-ion battery that will leave minimal environmental impact. The awarded research explores
inherently safe solid-state batteries, energy-dense lithium-sulfur batteries, dual function solar batteries
and methods for recycling. DR. Sharma is researcher at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) of
Sydney.
37. Which IIT has launched ‘Arise-A Standing Wheelchair’ for disabled?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Bombay
[C] IIT Indore
[D] IIT Kanpur
Answer: IIT Madras
The IIT Madras has launched the newly designed ‘Arise-A Standing Wheelchair’ standing wheelchair for
disabled at IIT Madras Research Park. The standing wheelchair is designed by TTK Center for
Rehabilitation Research & Device Development (R2D2). The purpose of this wheelchair is that it will help
a person in a wheelchair to stand without any help.
38. Which team has clinched the 2019 Deodhar Trophy?
[A] India C
[B] India B
[C] India A
[D] India E
Answer: India B
Parthiv Patel-led India B has clinched the 47th edition of the Deodhar Trophy 2019 with a comprehensive
51-run win over India C in the final at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi,Jharkhand.
39. Who has been appointed as the chairman of the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI)?
[A] Virat Singh
[B] Nitish Rana
[C] Aditya Mishra
[D] Ishan Porel
Answer: Aditya Mishra
Aditya Mishra, a 1989 batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the chairman of
the Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) for a period of 5 years. The LPAI is a statutory body that works
under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and
managing border infrastructure in India. It manages several Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) all across
Borders of India.
40. Which IT initiative has recently launched as an Ease of Doing Business (EODB) monitoring dashboard of
the Indian Customs?
[A] TECHDASH
[B] CUSTOMDASH
[C] ICEDASH
[D] PORTDASH
Answer: ICEDASH
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently launched two new IT Initiatives – ICEDASH and
ATITHI – for improved monitoring and pace of customs clearance of imported goods and facilitating
arriving international passengers. ICEDASH is an Ease of Doing Business (EODB) monitoring dashboard
of the Indian Customs that allows public see and compare import clearance times at all ports and
airports across India. The ATITHI app will facilitate hassle-free and faster clearance by Indian Customs
at the airports and increase the experience of international tourists and other visitors at the airports.
41. Who led Indian parliamentary delegation at the 6th G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit?
[A] S Jaishankar
[B] Om Birla
[C] Piyush Goyal
[D] Nitin Gadkari
Answer: Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla represented the Indian parliamentary delegation at the 6th Parliamentary
Speakers’ Summit of the G20 Countries in Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the summit is to strengthen the
role of legislatures in global affairs. The Parliamentary summit is unofficially called P20, which is jointly
organized by House of Councillors of National Diet of Japan and Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
42. The students of which city has created Guinness World Records with largest astrophysics assemble?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Mysuru
[C] Pune
[D] New Delhi
Answer: Kolkata
On the first day of India International Science Festival (IISF- 2019), the Guinness World Records for the
largest astrophysics lesson (45 minutes) and assembly of spectroscopes was successfully achieved at
the Science City in Kolkata with the participation of over 1,598 students. A small personal model of
advanced spectroscopes can easily be made by anyone using a box made of cardboard that has a very
narrow window used to channel light into the spectroscope. A piece of a Compact Disc (CD) is used to
split the light by a process called diffraction. This attempt is dedicated to Meghnad Saha and Sir C V
Raman. The astronomers use spectroscopes to know details like temperature, chemical composition,
etc. of celestial objects hundreds or millions of light years away from us.
43. DRDO Igniter Complex has come up in which DRDO’s laboratory?
[A] Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Robotics (CAIR)
[B] Defence Research & Development Establishment (DRDE)
[C] Armaments Research & Development Establishment (ARDE)
[D] High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
Answer: High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Igniter Complex has recently inaugurated by
Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik at High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL)
in Pune, Maharashtra. The purpose of the laboratory is to design & develop any kind of ignition systems
for key DRDO projects. Ignition is a crucial and highly critical phenomenon in the ignition chain of Rocket
motor. The Ignition system for Agni, Prithvi, Akash, Nag, Pinaka, Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile
(LRSAM), etc. have been designed and developed in HEMRL. The technology for AKASH, Nag missiles
and Pinaka Mk-I Rocket has been transferred to Ordnance Factory, Dehu Road, Pune and private
industries.
44. Which union ministry has released 5th edition of Wastelands Atlas 2019?
[A] Ministry of Rural development
[B] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[C] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[D] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Answer: Ministry of Rural development
In an effort to productively use India’s wastelands, the Union Ministry of Rural development has released
with the 5th edition of Wasteland Atlas -2019 that provides State and district wise distribution of
different categories of wastelands area in the country and will be helpful in addressing land degradation.
This is significant as it also takes into account 12.08 MHa of unmapped area of Jammu and Kashmir
(J&K) for the first time. The changes in wastelands between 2008-09 and 2015-16 have been presented
in the Atlas. The new wastelands mapping exercise was carried out by National Remote Sensing Centre
(NRSC) using the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRSS) data. It is helpful in rolling back the wastelands
for productive use through various land development programmes and schemes. The last edition was
published in 2011.
45. Sara Damnjanovic, who won the Miss Asia Global Title 2019, is from which country?
[A] France
[B] Vietnam
[C] Serbia
[D] Spain
Answer: Serbia
Sara Damnjanovic from Serbia has won the 5th edition of Miss Asia Global Title 2019’ at Gokulam
Convention centre in Kochi, Kerala. The title is given to the winner from Asian region. Nguyen Thi Yen
Trang from Vietnam was awarded Miss Asia title i.e. given to the winner from the rest of the world.
Samiksha Singh from India won the sub-title of ‘Miss Beautiful Face’ Title. The Next ‘Miss Asia Global
Title 2020’ will be held in Malaysia.
46. The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched the Skills Build platform in
collaboration with which company?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Infosys
[C] Facebook
[D] IBM
Answer: IBM
The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has recently launched the SkillsBuild
platform in collaboration with IBM to offer digital learning content from IBM and partners such as

CodeDoor, Coorpacademy and Skillsoft. This initiative is part of IBM’s global commitment to create a
job-ready workforce and to build the next generation of skills needed for new collar careers. As part of
the programme, a two-year advanced diploma in IT, networking and cloud computing, co-created and
designed by IBM, will be offered at the Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) & National Skill Training
Institutes (NSTIs).
47. The International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management for Climate has started in
which city?
[A] Paris
[B] Colombo
[C] Kathmandu
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
In New Delhi, the International Conference on Soil and Water Resources Management for Climate has
been organized jointly by the Soil Conservation Society of India in association with World Association of
Soil and Water Conservation (WASWAC), China and International Soil Conservation Organization (ISCO),
USA on November 6, 2019. The aim of the 5-day long conference is to deliberate upon the various
issues and challenges of soil and water conservation. Over 400 national and international experts are
expected to share effective cutting-edge technological breakthroughs in ensuring global food security.
48. CARAT- 2019 is the biggest Naval Exercise between which of the following countries?
[A] France & India
[B] India & Sri Lanka
[C] United States & Bangladesh
[D] Sri Lanka & Bangladesh
Answer: United States & Bangladesh
The 2nd phase of the biggest US- Bangladesh Navy exercise titled ‘Cooperation Afloat Readiness and
Training (CARAT)- 2019’ is conducted in Chattogram from 4 to 7 November with different subject-based
training and exercise. The exercise provides an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the
operational activities of the Navies of two countries and to get acquainted with advanced technology
through various theoretical and practical trainings.
49. On which date, the 2019 edition of World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) is observed?
[A] November 5
[B] November 4
[C] November 6
[D] November 7
Answer: November 5
The World Tsunami Awareness Day (WTAD) is observed every year on 5th of November to spread
awareness about precautionary measures against tsunami and share innovative approaches to risk
reduction. In 2019, the day promotes Target (d) of the “Sendai Seven Campaign,” which focuses on
reducing disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services.
50. Danakil Depression, which is in news recently, is associated to which African country?
[A] Morocco
[B] Ethiopia
[C] Algeria
[D] Kenya
Answer: Ethiopia
The Danakil Depression is the northern part of the Afar Triangle or Afar Depression in Ethiopia. It is one
of the world’s hottest as well as lowest places on Earth (100 m below sea level). The hot springs in
Danakil Depression offer a research opportunity for studying extremophile microbes. It is in news
recently because according to new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, active and naturally
occurring life cannot be sustained at Danakil. It identifies two barriers: a) magnesium-dominated brines
that cause cells to break down; and b) an environment having simultaneously very low pH and high salt.
Hence, the combination of both barriers makes adaptation highly difficult.
51. Which country has banned the Islamist outfit ‘Allar Dol’?
[A] India
[B] Bangladesh
[C] Pakistan
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: Bangladesh
The Government of Bangladesh has banned the Islamist outfit ‘Allar Dol’ because it poses threat to
public safety and security. It is the 9th Islamist group to be banned for extremism and militancy in
Bangladesh.The Allah’r Dol was formed in 1995 with the aim to establish Caliphate through armed
struggle. In 2004, it merged with banned militant organisation Jama’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB).
After arrest of leaders of JMB following serial blasts of 2005, some of its leaders left it to re-organise
Allar Dol.
52. Which country has recently approved the world’s first drug for Alzheimer’s Disease “GV-971”?
[A] China
[B] India
[C] United States
[D] France
Answer: China
The world’s first multi-targeting and carbohydrate-based drug “GV-971” for Alzheimer’s disease is
extracted from brown algae. Recently, China has approved this home-grown seaweed-based drug to
potentially cure disease. The drug is the only Alzheimer’s medicine out of more than 320 developed by
pharmaceutical companies around the globe to survive clinical trials. The orally taken drug can treat
mild to moderate forms of the disease and improve cognition. The Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible
and progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking ability and the capability to carry
out simple tasks.
53. India’s CO2 emissions growth poised to slow sharply by what % in 2019, according to an analysis
published in Carbon Brief?
[A] 3%
[B] 1%
[C] 4%
[D] 2%
Answer: 2%
According to an analysis published in Carbon Brief, India’s Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions growth is
expected to slow down by 2% in 2019. The emissions are lower than the annual increase seen in any
year since 2001 due to a slower growth in coal-based power generation and rise in renewable power
generation. The Oil demand growth slowed to 2.6% in the first eight months of 2019, compared with

4.6% in 2018, and 5% on average over the past 10 years. Carbon Brief is a site that tracks emission and
CO2 trends.
54. Which Indian leader co-chaired IRIGC-M&MTC meeting in Moscow?
[A] Piyush Goyal
[B] Venkaiah Naidu
[C] Rajnath Singh
[D] Narendra Modi
Answer: Rajnath Singh
In Moscow, the 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military-Technical
Cooperation (IRIGC-M&MTC) meeting has been co-chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh and Russian
Defence Minister General Sergey Shoigu. Both sides agree to constitute specific working groups for
after-sales support of key defence platforms. The Russian Defence Minister assured robust Russian
participation in DefExpo 2020 i.e. scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow between
February 5-8. Russia also assures full support in increasing India’s defence capabilities under ‘Make in
India’ initiative.
55. Which state / UT government is organizing the theater festival “Mohan Rakesh Natya evam Samman
Samaroh”?
[A] MP
[B] Punjab
[C] UP
[D] Delhi
Answer: Delhi
To pay tribute to legendary playwright Mohan Rakesh, the 4-day festival titled “Mohan Rakesh Natya
evam Samman Samaroh” is being organized by the Delhi government’s art and culture wing “Sahitya
Kala Parishad” held at the Kamani Auditorium from November 11, 2019. The purpose of the event is to
provide a platform to the upcoming talents in the field of theatre. Rakesh was widely-known as one of
the brains behind the ‘Nai Kahani’ (New Short Story) literary movement of Hindi literature in the 1950s &
also wrote the first modern Hindi play titled “Ashadh Ka Ek Din” in 1958.
56. The Union Ministry of Shipping is hosting the first-ever BIMSTEC Ports’ Conclave in which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] Visakhapatnam
[C] Mumbai
[D] Kolkata
Answer: Visakhapatnam
The first-ever ‘BIMSTEC Ports’ Conclave’ is has been inaugurated by Union Shipping Minister Mansukh
Mandaviya at Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh on 7th November 2019. The 2-day Ports’ conclave of
BIMSTEC nations is expected to explore the possibility of increasing economic cooperation by furthering
EXIM trade and coastal shipping. The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is an International Organization of 7 nations of South Asia and South East Asia.
Its member states are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
57. The first-ever tri-services exercise “Tiger TRIUMPH” is being conducted between India & which country?
[A] United States
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] Spain
Answer: United States
The first-ever tri-services India-US amphibious exercise titled “Tiger TRIUMPH” is being conducted from
November 13 to 21 near Visakhapatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. Approx 1,200 Indian soldiers,
sailors and airmen and 500 US marines, sailors and airmen will participate in the 9-day exercise. The
training pertains to developing either counter-terrorism or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
capabilities.
58. Who has been chosen for the Tata Literature Live! Lifetime Achievement Award for 2019?
[A] Shanta Gokhale
[B] Arun Kolatkar
[C] K Satchidanandan
[D] Bhau Panchbhai
Answer: Shanta Gokhale
The 10th edition of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest will be held from 14-17 November 2019. In
it, noted Marathi literature Shanta Gokhale will be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award for 2019.
While, a pioneer of modernism in Malayalam poetry K Satchidanandan will receive the Poet Laureate for
2019. Both the awards will be conferred for their work which has made a significant impact in the Indian
literary field.
59. Which noted journalist has been chosen for the 2019 Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award?
[A] Akhil E S
[B] Saurabh Duggal
[C] P G Unnikrishnan
[D] Gulab Kothari
Answer: Gulab Kothari
Rajasthan Patrika group chairman Gulab Kothari has been chosen for the prestigious 2019 Raja Ram
Mohan Roy Award for his outstanding contribution towards journalism. The award will be presented by
the Press Council of India (PCI) on the occasion of the National Press Day (NPD).
60. Harmonized System (HS) code, which is in news recently, is associated to which field?
[A] Insurance
[B] Rural Banking
[C] Khadi
[D] Medical
Answer: Khadi
In order to exclusively categorize Khadi products in exports, the Union Ministry of Commerce and
Industry has issued a Harmonized System (HS) code to separate Khadi from the general textile products
in India. The HS code is a 6-digit identification code developed by the World Customs Organization
(WCO) and is used by customs officers to allow products to cross international borders. It is an
international nomenclature for the classification of products. It allows participating countries to classify
traded goods on a common basis for customs purposes. The code follows from the Kyoto Convention of
1974 and is used by over 200 countries.
61. Abhisek Sarkar, who won award at 2019 Dhaka Lit-fest, is from which state?
[A] West Bengal
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Bihar
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: West Bengal
On 7th November, the 9th edition of the Dhaka Lit-fest has started with a galaxy of writers and book
lovers thronging the venue ground at the Bangla Academy. The special focus of this year’s lit-fest is on
Indigenous Languages as the UNESCO has marked 2019 as the year of Indigenous Language Protection.
On the first day of the event, West Bengal-based writer Abhisek Sarkar and Bangladeshi poet
Rofiquzzaman Rony were given the Gemcon Young Literature Award and Gemcon Young Poetry Award
for their manus, “Nishiddho” and “Dhoashar Tamate Rong,” respectively.
62. Who has become the first Indian man cricketer to complete 100 T-20 Internationals?
[A] Ravindra Jadeja
[B] Virat Kohli
[C] Rohit Sharma
[D] Dinesh Karthik
Answer: Rohit Sharma
Stand-in skipper Rohit Sharma has become the first Indian man and second in world cricket to complete
100 T-20 Internationals. He reached the milestone when he led the team in the 2nd match against
Bangladesh at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Shoaib Malik with 111 games from Pakistan
is the only player to have played more than 100 T20 Internationals. Rohit is currently the top-scorer in
T20 format with 2452 runs at a strike-rate of 136.67 with 4 hundreds and 17 half-centuries.
63. Which country has protested over the inclusion of the region of Kalapani in the new political map of
India?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Bhutan
[C] Nepal
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: Nepal
Nepal has recently formally protested over the inclusion of the disputed area of Kalapani on the fringes
of Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand as part of Indian Territory in the new political map of India.
Kalapani is claimed by Nepal as a part of its Darchula district. It has been controlled by India’s Indo-
Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) since the 1962 war with China.
64. Nabaneeta Dev Sen, who passed away recently, was the renowned poet of which language?
[A] Odia
[B] Marathi
[C] Bengali
[D] Tamil
Answer: Bengali
Legendary Bengali poet-novelist, Nabaneeta Dev Sen (81) has passed away in Kolkata on 7th of
November. Besides a poet, novelist, columnist and writer of short stories and travelogues, Dev Sen was
also known for her research on the Ramayana. She worked as a teacher at the Oxford University and the
Colorado College in the US. She also taught Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University. She married
Nobel laureate economist Amartya Sen in 1958. They got divorced in 1976. She won the Sahitya
Akademi award in 1999 for her book ‘Naba-Nita’, and was also the recipient of the Padma Shri in 2000.
65. Which Indian armed force has conducted ReSAREX – 19 off Goa coast?
[A] Indian Air Force
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Army
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Answer: Indian Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has recently conducted a 2-day rescue exercise, the Regional Level Search
and Rescue Workshop and Exercise 2019 (ReSAREX- 19) off Goa shore, Panaji. The event was organized
by the Coast Guard District Headquarters-11 (Goa) and comprised search and rescue workshops with
table top exercises.
66. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been elected as the new President of which country?
[A] Turkmenistan
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Kazakhstan
[D] UAE
Answer: UAE
The UAE Supreme Council has re-elected His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan as President
of the UAE for a fourth five-year term. He was first elected President on 3rd November 2004, following
the death of his father Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The President of UAE is the head of state of
the country.
67. The National Cancer Awareness Day (NCAD) is observed on the birth anniversary of which noted
scientist?
[A] Satyendra Nath Bose
[B] C V Raman
[C] Har Gobind Khorana
[D] Madame Curie
Answer: Madame Curie
In India, the National Cancer Awareness Day (NCAD) is observed every year on 7th of November to
spread awareness about cancer prevention and early detection for the general public. The day also
coincides with the birth anniversary of the eminent scientist Madame Curie, who is remembered for her
discovery of radium and polonium, and her huge contribution to the fight against cancer. Her work led to
the development of nuclear energy and radiotherapy for the treatment of cancer.
68. Who has become the first Indian to be appointed as General Vice President (GVP) of IODA?
[A] Rajesh Reddy
[B] Vinaya Shetty
[C] Mohit Kumar
[D] Nidhi Sharma
Answer: Vinaya Shetty
Dr Vinaya Shetty from Mumbai has become the first Indian and Asian to be elected to the position of
General Vice President (GVP) of International Organisation Development Association (IODA) since its
inception in 1986. The IODA is a non-profit association & has members from 50 countries that are
initiating and supporting organizational and societal change processes all over the world. IODA is a
community as well as a platform for OD (Organisational Development) professionals to connect, share
and exchange ideas.
69. Indian Navy conducted the bilateral maritime Ex Samudra Shakti-19 with which country?
[A] Vietnam
[B] Malaysia
[C] Indonesia
[D] Maldivies
Answer: Indonesia
The bilateral naval exercise named “Samudra Shakti-2019” has been conducted between the Indian and
the Indonesian Navies in the Bay of Bengal from 06 Nov to 07 Nov 19. The joint exercises include
manoeuvres, Surface Warfare exercises, Air Defence exercises, Weapon firing drills, Helicopter
Operations and Boarding Operations.
70. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has partnered with which bank for payment related services?
[A] BoB
[B] SBI
[C] Central Bank of India
[D] Dena Bank
Answer: Central Bank of India
The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has partnered with Central Bank of India (CBI) for payment
related services. Through this partnership, CBI will be able to offer an array of services including transfer
of funds through GeM Pool Accounts (GPA), advising of electronic Performance Bank Guarantees (e-
PBG) and Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) to the registered users on the portal. The GeM is an initiative of
the Government of India which offers a one stop platform for facilitating online procurement of goods
and services by Central and State government organizations. It provides tools for Direct Purchase,
bidding and reverse auction for ensuring transparent and efficient procurement.
71. Spain and which country have been named co-hosts of the 2022 Women’s Hockey World Cup?
[A] Italy
[B] France
[C] Poland
[D] Netherlands
Answer: Netherlands
India will host the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup from 13th to 29th of January. While, Spain and the
Netherlands have been named as the co-hosts of the 2022 Women’s World Cup scheduled to be held
from 1st to 22nd of July.The decisions were made during FIH’s Executive Board Meeting in Lausanne,
Switzerland on 9th November 2019.
72. Who has been named country manager at Google India?
[A] Sanjay Gupta
[B] Jay Kumar
[C] Ajay Jain
[D] Rushiraj Pawar
Answer: Sanjay Gupta
Sanjay Gupta, the former Star and Disney India managing director, has been appointed new country
manager and vice-president of sales and operations for Google India. He will take his new role in 2020
and will be based in Mumbai. At Star and Disney, Gupta played an important role in making it the India’s
largest media company and increased its digital footprint with Hotstar, which is India’s largest OTT
platform. He also built Star’s sports business through acquisitions of cricketing properties and launch of
the Pro-Kabaddi League (PKL) and football league – Indian Super League (ISL).
73. Which American University has collaborated with AIIMS on genetic testing?
[A] Harvard University
[B] Stanford University
[C] Michigan University
[D] Yale university
Answer: Michigan University
The University of Michigan in partnership with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi
and the Kasturba Medical College in Manipal on genetic testing in India. The $2.3 million grant from the
National Institute of Health over 5 years will help the University of Michigan and Indian geneticists
identify and confirm genetic changes that are the basis of developmental disorders.
74. Which state has topped India’s first-ever ranking of states on justice delivery?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Haryana
Answer: Maharashtra
Maharashtra has topped the list of 18 large-medium States in the overall first-ever ranking of Indian
States on justice deliver to its citizens. Kerala acquired 2nd position followed by Tamil Nadu, Punjab and
Haryana. The ranking is part of the India Justice Report(IJR) 2019. It is an initiative of Tata Trusts in
collaboration with Centre for Social Justice, Common Cause, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative,
DAKSH, TISS- Prayas and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy.The report has been prepared based on publicly
available data of different government entities on the four pillars of justice delivery — police, judiciary,
prisons and legal aid.The report highlights the fact that even the best performing States scored less
than 60% in their performance on capacity across the police, judiciary, prisons and legal aid.
75. Which city hosted the 2019 conference of the ‘No Money For Terror’?
[A] Melbourne
[B] New Delhi
[C] Paris
[D] New York
Answer: Melbourne
India will host the 3rd edition of the conference of the “No Money For Terror” in 2020, which is the
ministerial-level grouping of 70 countries that focuses on countering terror financing, terror and
radicalisation. The decision was announced during the 2nd ‘No Money For Terror’ Conference in
Melbourne on 7th November 2019. The conference is organised by Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of
over 100 countries, jointly called The Egmont Group. The group was set up in 2018 & is a much smaller
version of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that has a single-point agenda to crack down on terror
financing.
76. Which country has assumed the Chairship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for 2019-2021?
[A] Israel
[B] UAE
[C] India
[D] South Africa
Answer: UAE
The 19th IOCR-COM (Council of Ministers) meeting was held in Abu Dhabi under the theme of
“Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean” from 5-7 November 2019. In it,

the United Arab Emirates (UAE) assumed the Chairship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for
2019-2021. IORA is the most innovative, unique and broad-based platform for inter-regional partnership,
connecting through the seas the world’s most dynamic regions of South, South-East and West Asia,
Oceania and Africa. India is the largest contributor to the IORA Special Fund. Recently, it made a fresh
contribution of $1 million to the fund.
77. The 10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) was held in which city?
[A] Mumbai
[B] Chennai
[C] Bangaluru
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
The 10th Asian Conference of Emergency Medicine (ACEM) has recently inaugurated by Vice President
M Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi. The aim of the conference is to develop programs and manuals to train
citizens in emergency first aid procedures such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation as it will help in
saving a life while waiting for emergency services. It must be noted that the Government of India (GoI)
has made it mandatory for all medical college hospitals to have full-fledged Emergency Departments by
2022 to improve trauma care.
78. India’s first air pollution web repository “IndAIR” has been launched by which organisation?
[A] BARC
[B] CSIR
[C] DRDO
[D] ISRO
Answer: CSIR
India’s first air pollution web repository – IndAIR – have been launched by National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) along with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) that documents air quality studies done in the last 60 years. The aim of the project is to make air
quality research available to everyone. The Indian Air quality Interactive Repository (IndAIR) has archived
approximately 700 scanned materials from pre-Internet era (1950-1999), 1,215 research articles, 170
reports and case studies and 100 cases, to provide the history of air pollution research and legislation.
Such a repository on air pollution is one of the first in the world.
79. Special Protection Group (SPG) Act, sometimes seen in news, was enacted by Parliament of India in
which year?
[A] 1988
[B] 1987
[C] 1986
[D] 1984
Answer: 1988
The Special Protection Group (SPG) is an armed force of India for providing proximate security to the
Prime Minister of India and former Prime Ministers of India and members of their immediate families
wherever in the world they are. It was formed in 1988 by an act of the Parliament of India. It is in news
recently because the Central Government has decided to withdraw SPG security cover to the Congress
president Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha member Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka
Gandhi Vadra. They will now be protected with Z-plus security by the Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF). The decision to withdraw the SPG cover given to the family of former Prime Minister Rajiv

Gandhi was taken after a detailed security assessment
80. The Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan has started in which city?
[A] Shimla
[B] Pune
[C] Ranchi
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
The Sanskrit Bharati Vishwa Sammelan has started in New Delhi on 9th of November 2019. Thousands
of Sanskrit lovers from 17 countries are attending the 3-day mega event.
81. Which Indian personality has been conferred 2019 ABLF Global Asian award?
[A] Mukesh Ambani
[B] Gautam Adani
[C] Azim Premji
[D] Kumar Mangalam Birla
Answer: Kumar Mangalam Birla
Kumar Mangalam Birla, the chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, has been conferred the ABLF Global
Asian Award for powerful individuals whose business footprint and commitment to excellence have
engaged international interest and attention. The Asia Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) is backed by
the UAE government, and currently runs in three forms- talks, awards and publications.
82. Legendary poll reformer TN Seshan, who passed away recently, hold the post of CEC for how many
years?
[A] 5
[B] 4
[C] 6
[D] 7
Answer: 6
Former Chief Election Commissioner Tirunellai Narayanaiyer Seshan has passed away in Chennai on
10th of November 2019. He was known for cracking the whip on money and muscle power in elections,
and proved to be a nemesis for political parties. His work as CEC got an international recognition when
he was given the Ramon Magsaysay award for 1996. He was the only one to hold the post of CEC for 6
years from 1990 to 1996 in the last 50 years.
83. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed to merge which Central paramilitary force with ITBP?
[A] BSF
[B] Assam Rifles
[C] CISF
[D] SSB
Answer: Assam Rifles
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has proposed to merge Assam Rifles with the Indo-Tibetan Border
Police (ITBP) and to serve under the operational control of the MHA. At present, the Assam Rifles (a
Central paramilitary force) is under the administrative control of the MHA and operational control of the
Army, i.e. the Ministry of Defence. The Army is opposed to this proposal.
84. Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant (FFEP), sometimes seen in news, is associated to which country?
[A] Iran
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Russia
[D] United States
Answer: Iran
Iran has recently restarted enriching uranium to 5% at its Fordow underground mountain nuclear plant in
a new departure from its commitments under a landmark international 2015 nuclear pact. Iran’s latest
move comes after the passing of a deadline it set for the remaining parties to the 2015 pact to come up
with a mechanism that would allow foreign firms to continue doing business with Iran without incurring
US penalties.
85. Which state assembly has passed resolution demanding lifting of traffic restrictions on NH 766?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Kerala
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Kerala
The Kerala Legislative Assembly has passed a resolution demanding the Union government to lift the
travel restrictions on National Highway-766 (NH-766)to safeguard the right of the people of north Kerala
to move freely. The resolution pointed out that the NH 766 is a survival route for the people of Wayanad
which lacks rail and connectivity and water routes. The NH-766, which links Kerala & Karnataka through
the Bandipur forest, is also an important route for the transportation of vegetables, grain and
construction materials between the two States. The night travel (9pm-6 am) on the forest stretch of
NH-766 had been banned since 2009 in the name of protecting wildlife.
86. Ramakant Gundecha, who passed away recently, was the renowned maestro of which classical
Hindustani musical form?
[A] Dhrupad
[B] Khyal
[C] Tarana
[D] Ghazal
Answer: Dhrupad
Ramakant Gundecha (56), the Padma Shri-awardee Dhrupad vocalist, has passed away in Bhopal,
Madhya Pradesh on 9th November 2019. He was the younger one among the famous Gundecha brothers
(Umakant-Ramakan).They were the founders of the Gurukul Drupad Sansthan in Bhopal.
87. Shafali Verma, who has become the youngest Indian cricketer to international fifty, is from which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Odisha
[C] UP
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Haryana
The 15 year-old Shafali Verma from Haryana has become the youngest Indian cricketer to score a half-
century in international 50 & surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s 30-year-old record.She achieved this feat by
scoring 73 runs off 49 balls in the first T20I against West Indies at the Daren Sammy National Cricket
Stadium in Saint Lucia.
88. The 50th WEF annual Meeting 2020 is being held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Paris
[C] Davos
[D] New York
Answer: Davos
In Switzerland, the 50th anniversary of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting is being held
in Davos in January. Over 100 Indian CEOs, several political leaders and many Bollywood stars are
expected to participate in the meeting. The annual meeting of rich and powerful from across the world is
expected to be even a bigger affair this time because it would be its 50th anniversary.
89. Brazil is hosting the 2019 BRICS summit under which theme?
[A] BRICS: 4th Industrial Revolution
[B] BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future
[C] BRICS: Unite for Climate Awareness
[D] BRICS: Nature & Future
Answer: BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future
Brazil is hosting 11th edition of BRICS summit 2019 in its capital Brasilia from 13th to 14th November
under the theme ‘BRICS: Economic Growth for an Innovative Future’. The BRICS counties – Brazil, Russia,
India, China and South Africa – contains 23% of the global GDP and around 17% of the share in world
trade. It started off primarily with an economic aspect but has now actually diversified into the political,
security issues, socio-economic issues, and also people-to-people connections.
90. What is the theme of 2019 edition of International Day of Radiology (IDoR) ?
[A] Cardiac Imaging
[B] Sports Imaging
[C] Emergency Imaging
[D] Brain Imaging
Answer: Sports Imaging
The International Day of Radiology (IDoR) is observed every year on 8th of November to promote the role
of medical imaging in modern healthcare. The day coincides with the anniversary of the discovery of x-
rays. The 2019 theme ‘Sports Imaging’ , focuses on musculoskeletal radiology which plays a crucial role
of imaging in the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of sports injuries.
91. The world’s first CNG port terminal is scheduled to be built in which Indian city?
[A] Bhavnagar
[B] Chennai
[C] Pune
[D] Dehradun
Answer: Bhavnagar
The Gujarat Government has recently given its nod to the world’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
terminal at Bhavnagar with a proposed investment of ₹1,900 crore. It will be developed jointly by U.K.-
headquartered Foresight Group and Mumbai-based Padmanabh Mafatlal Group.The proposed CNG port
terminal will have a capacity to handle 1.5 Million Metric Tonne Per annum (MMTPA).
92. On which date, the 2019 edition of Public Service Broadcasting Day (PSBD) is celebrated in India?
[A] November 13
[B] November 11
[C] November 12
[D] November 10
Answer: November 12
The Public Service Broadcasting Day (PSBD) is celebrated every year on 12th of November to
commemorate the first and last visit of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi to the studio of All
India Radio (AIR – Delhi) in 1947. The Father of the Nation addressed the displaced people, who had
temporarily settled at Kurukshetra in Haryana after partition.
93. Sundar Singh Gurjar is is an Indian Paralympic javelin thrower in which category?
[A] F57
[B] F46
[C] F45
[D] F48
Answer: F46
Sundar Singh Gurjar from Jaipur has defended World Para Athletics Championships title in the men’s
F46 javelin throw event. He has also secured Tokyo Paralympic Games quota, along with the bronze
winner Ajeet Singh and Rinku in Dubai.Gurjar not only defended his London Worlds 2017 title but also
became the only 2nd Indian to have clinched two World Championships medals after Devendra
Jhajharia’s gold and silver in 2013 Lyon and 2015 Doha Championships.The F46 category athletes have
a single below or above the elbow amputation.
94. Who has become the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Men’s T20 match?
[A] R Ashwin
[B] Jasprit Bumrah
[C] Deepak Chahar
[D] Mohammed Siraj
Answer: Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar has become the first Indian male cricketer to take a hat-trick in T20Is. He achieved this
feat against Bangladesh at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur & also took his first 5-wicket
haul in T20Is. With the victory at Nagpur, India won the three-match bilateral series 2-1. Here, Chahar
won the Player of the match award for the final match and also the Player of the series award. Earlier, in
2012, Ekta Bisht became the first Indian (Man/Woman) to take a hat-trick in T20Is.
95. What is the theme of 2019 edition of World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) ?
[A] Science, a Human Right
[B] Science for Global Understanding
[C] Celebrating Science Centres and Science Museums
[D] Open science, leaving no one behind
Answer: Open science, leaving no one behind
The World Science Day for Peace and Development (WSDPD) is celebrated every year on 10 November
to highlight the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates
on emerging scientific issues.It also underlines the importance and relevance of science in our daily
lives. The 2019 theme is “Open science, leaving no one behind”.
96. Which country has discovered a new oil field in Khuzestan with 53 billion barrels reserve?
[A] Saudi Arabia
[B] Iran
[C] Turkmenistan
[D] Uzbekistan
Answer: Iran
Iran has recently discovered a new 80m deep oil field in its southwestern province of Khuzestan with
over 50 billion barrels of crude.The new oil field stretches nearly 200km from Khuzestan’s border with
Iraq to the city of Omidiyeh. It could become Iran’s second-largest field after one containing 65 billion
barrels in Ahvaz. Though, out of the amount at the new site, only a tenth – 2.2 billion barrels can be
extracted due to technological limitations.
97. Pliosaurs, which are in news recently, are known from which geologic period?
[A] Pleistocene
[B] Oligocene
[C] Jurassic
[D] Carboniferous
Answer: Jurassic
Paleontologists have recently discovered the rare bones of huge Jurassic sea predator “Pliosaurs” in a
cornfield in the village of Krzyzanowice in Poland. The remains of pliosaurs are rare in Europe. The
ancient sea monster measured up 30 feet long and lived about 150 million years ago. They had powerful,
large skulls and massive jaws with large, sharp teeth. Their limbs were in the form of fins and were
mostly found in the prehistoric seas that covered modern-day Europe.
98. Which Indian wildlife biologist has been conferred the George Schaller lifetime award?
[A] Latika Nath
[B] Biju Das
[C] Purnima Sharma
[D] K Ullas Karanth
Answer: K Ullas Karanth
Wildlife biologist Dr. K Ullas Karanth has been conferred the George Schaller Lifetime Award in Wildlife
Conservation Science for his contribution to the field of conservation. He is the first recipient of the
award instituted by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) of New York in honour of Dr. George
Schaller, who is considered one of the greatest wildlife scientists and conservationists globally.
Dr.Karanth is the Director of Centre for Wildlife Studies (Bengaluru). His area of research and study
focused on the ecology of tigers, sympatric predators and other large mammals, predator-prey
population ecology, and mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.
99. Thomas Dennerby, who has taken charge as Indian Head Coach of Indian Women’s U-17 team, is from
which country?
[A] Denmark
[B] Portugal
[C] Sweden
[D] Spain
Answer: Sweden
Thomas Dennerby from Sweden has taken charge as Head Coach of Indian Women’s U-17 team for the
FIFA U-17 World Cup. He has rich coaching experience of 30 years in which he guided Sweden women’s
national team to a 3rd-place finish in the FIFA World Cup in 2011, and a quarterfinal spot in the 2012
London Olympics.
100. What is the theme of 2019 edition of World Pneumonia Day (WPD)?
[A] Healthy Lungs for all
[B] Every Breath Counts: Stop Pneumonia Now
[C] Innovate to End Child Pneumonia
[D] Universal access to pneumonia prevention and care
Answer: Healthy Lungs for all
The World Pneumonia Day (WPD)?is observed every year on 12th of November to raise awareness about
pneumonia, the world’s leading infectious killer of children under the age of 5. The 2019 theme is
“Healthy Lungs for all” to raise awareness, promote prevention and treatment and produce action to
combat the disease.
101. Which space agency has detected huge X-ray burst from outer space?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] JAXA
[D] Roscosmos
Answer: NASA
According to NASA Scientists, they have detected a massive thermonuclear X-ray explosion from outer
space through their Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) telescope on the International
Space Station (ISS).The explosion released as much energy in 20 seconds as the Sun does in nearly 10
days. The X-ray burst has came from an object named “J1808” i.e., located about 11,000 light-years
away in the constellation Sagittarius. NASA spotted the burst because it sent out an intense beam of x-
rays that got picked up by its orbital observatory NICER.
102. Which space agency has launched first all-electric experimental aircraft ” X-57 Maxwell”?
[A] LAPAN
[B] JAXA
[C] CNES
[D] NASA
Answer: NASA
NASA has recently launched its first all-electric experimental aircraft (or X-plane). The aircraft has been
designated as X-57, and will be known as “Maxwell” for short. The aircraft is expected to take its first
test flight by late 2020 from Edwards Air Force Base in the desert of southern California.
103. Who has been sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Mauritius?
[A] Navin Ramgoolam
[B] Nando Bodha
[C] Ameenah Gurib
[D] Pravind Jugnauth
Answer: Pravind Jugnauth
Pravind Jugnauth has been sworn-in as new Prime Minister of Mauritius for a 5-year term after elections
in which his coalition consolidated its grip on parliament. His swearing-in took place at the residence of
President Barlen Vyapoory.
104. How many times the President’s rule has been imposed in Maharashtra?
[A] 6
[B] 3
[C] 4
[D] 5
Answer: 3
As per Article 356 (1) of the Constitution,President Ram Nath Kovind approved a proclamation imposing
President’s Rule in Maharashtra, following a recommendation from Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari. It
has been imposed in Maharashtra for 6 months due to inability of political parties to form a government
after 2019 assembly election.The Assembly will be kept under suspended animation.The President’s
Rule can be revoked before the 6-month period if a situation emerges for formation of a stable
government, If political parties fail to form a government within 6 months, Maharashtra will have to go
for another election. However, this is the 3rd instance when President’s Rule has been imposed in the
59-year-old history of the state. The present-day Maharashtra came into existence on 1st May 1960.
105. The 7th edition of North East Festival (NEF-2019) was held in which city?
[A] Lucknow
[B] Laddakh
[C] New Delhi
[D] Guwahati
Answer: New Delhi
The 7th edition of the North East Festival (NEF-2019) was held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for
the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi on 11th November. The aim of the 3-day fest is to showcase and create
awareness about India’s North-East, and to promote entrepreneurship and tourism. The festival was an
attempt to bring the best of the region under one roof and build bridges.
106. India’s first elephant memorial has come up in which city?
[A] Agra
[B] Kanpur
[C] Lucknow
[D] Mathura
Answer: Mathura
To honour elephants that passed away due to trafficking & abuse, India’s first elephant memorial has
been launched by India-based conservation charity Wildlife SOS in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The memorial
symbolizes the sacrifice of these gentle giants who lost their lives while suffering brutality at the hands
of humans. It highlights 5 rescued elephants whose lives represent plight of captive elephants & why it
is critical to ensure others do not suffer a similar fate. The memorial has been set up with the support of
UP forest department.
107. On which date, the 2019 edition of National Legal Services Day (NLSD) is celebrated?
[A] November 11
[B] November 9
[C] November 10
[D] November 8
Answer: November 9
In India, the National Legal Services Day (NLSD) is celebrated every year on 9th of November to make
people aware of the various provisions under the Legal Services Authorities Act (LSAA) of 1987 and the
right of the litigants. The act was enacted with effect from 9th November 1987. Hence, to commemorate
the occasion, the day of enactment was first celebrated in 1995 as NLSD.
108. Which union ministry has launched ‘Swachh- Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan’?
[A] Ministry of Jal Shakti
[B] Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries
[C] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[D] Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
Answer: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has launched a mass
cleanliness-cum-awareness drive in 50 identified beaches under the programme called ‘Swachh- Nirmal
Tat Abhiyaan’ from 11 -17 November 2019. The purpose of the initiative is to strive to make coastal
areas across the country clean and to create awareness amongst citizens about the importance of
coastal ecosystems so as to save marine creatures from plastic waste, industrial effluents and other
harmful substances. The identified beaches are in 10 coastal States/ UTs viz. Gujarat, Daman & Diu,
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha.
109. Which state government has decided to institute Suraj award to promote organ donation?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Odisha
Answer: Odisha
To encourage organ donation, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced an annual award in
the name of Suraj Sethi, whose organs were transplanted in six persons following hisdeath in a road
accident on October 29.He was a resident of Bhanjanagar in Ganjam district & was working at Surat.
110. Which state government has decided to launch Sishu Suraksha app to help report child rights
violations?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Assam
[C] Tripura
[D] Karnataka
Answer: Assam
The Assam State Commission for Protection of Child Rights has decided to launch a mobile app “Sishu
Suraksha” on the occasion of National Children’s Day. The purpose of the app is to empower citizens to
take moral responsibility of protecting future generations. The app can be used by anyone in the state to
lodge a complaint which will be directly registered at Commission.
111. Which state government has launched e-Ganna App for sugarcane farmers?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a dedicated web portal and a mobile application “e-Ganna
App” for sugarcane farmers of the state. Now, the ane supply slip will be issued to the farmers by sugar
mills online. The portal and the App will ensure transparency in the process of getting slips, and
facilitate sugarcane supply by farmers to mills and check irregularities. It will also help in eradicating
cane mafia and middleman and strengthen cane development societies.
112. Which country is the focus country at the 39th India International Trade Fair (IITF)?
[A] South Africa
[B] South Korea
[C] Vietnam
[D] Malaysia
Answer: South Korea
The 39th edition of India International Trade Fair (IITF-2019) has started at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi
with theme ‘Ease of Doing Business’. In the 14-day Trade Fair, the status of ‘Partner Country’ has been
accorded to Afghanistan and South Korea is the Focus Country. Bihar and Jharkhand are the focus
states.
113. Which Indian sprinter has been listed in the TIME 100 Next?
[A] Dutee Chand
[B] Hima Das
[C] Sarita Gayakwad
[D] Sathi Geetha
Answer: Dutee Chand
Indian sprinter Dutee Chand has been named in the TIME 100 Next i.e., an expansion of the TIME 100 list
of the most influential persons in the world. The list is an initiative of TIME magazine. It highlights 100
rising stars who are shaping the future of business, entertainment, sports, politics, health, science,
activism etc. Dutee had won two silver medals — 100m, 200m — at Jakarta Asian Games and became
the first Indian sprinter to win the 100-m at the World University Games.
114. The Good Air Summit (GAS-2019) has been organized under which theme?
[A] Making India Responsible
[B] Making India Breathe
[C] Making India Clean
[D] Making India Green
Answer: Making India Breathe
In New Delhi, the Good Air Summit (GAS-2019) has been organized by the Integrated Health and
Wellbeing Council (IHWC) under the theme ‘Making India Breathe’. Over 2,000 students took the pledge
to make environment greener and pollution-free at the summit. The purpose of the summit is to make
the young children and citizens take responsibility for Good Air and bringing changes in the behaviour of
individuals towards keeping society clean of pollutions. Here, the students joined the nationwide drive
‘Good Air Movement’ that aims to cover Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Ahmedabad to Aizawl by 2025 to
create mass awareness and mobilize public action towards good air goals as well as engage and
educate 50 crore people.
115. The UN Women has proposed to partner with which state’s gender park?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Answer: Kerala
The UN Women has proposed to partner with Kerala’s Gender Park to take forward projects and
campaigns aimed at securing gender parity in South Asia. The aim of partnership is to make The Gender
Park (a gender equity and empowerment initiative) as the South Asian hub of UN Women. The 3-key
areas of co-operation of the partnership will be setting up of the Gender Data Centre at The Gender Park
in Kozhikode, holding events during the 64th session of Commission on Status of Women (CSW64) in
March 2020 and 75th session of UN General Assembly in September 2020 and launch of a focused
campaign called 16 Days of Activism in Kerala from November 25 to December 10, 2019. This
partnership marks recognition of Kerala’s long and hard campaigns and policy initiatives to achieve
gender justice and parity.
116. The 7th edition of IUCN Asia Regional Conservation Forum 2019 was held in which city?
[A] Beijing
[B] Colombo
[C] Islamabad
[D] New Delhi
Answer: Islamabad
The 7th edition of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Asia Regional Conservation
Forum was held in Islamabad, Pakistan. During the summit, experts said that the rapid melting of
glaciers and reduced snowfall in the Himalayas due to climate change will cause water and food
shortage for more than 8 hundred million people inhabiting the region if effective adaptation and
mitigation measures are not implemented before 2030. The Himalayan mountain range is 2,500Km long
with an average width of around 300 kilometers spanning China, Pakistan, India, Nepal and Bhutan. It is
home to around 15,000 glaciers, holding around 600 billion tonnes of ice, which feed major perennial
river systems including the Indus and Mekong, and sustain 1.65 billion people.
117. India has partnered with which countries to explore an alternative to SWIFT?
[A] South Africa & Maldives
[B] Bangladesh & Sri Lanka
[C] Russia & China
[D] France & Japan
Answer: Russia & China
India, Russia and China have decided to explore an alternative to the US-dominated Society for
Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) payment mechanism to smoothen trade with
countries facing American sanctions. The new system is expected to work as a gateway model when
messages on payments are trans-coded in accordance with a certain financial system. They will connect
their financial messaging systems to bypass the SWIFT international money transfer network. In it,
Russia’s financial messaging system SPFS will be linked with China’s CIPS (China International
Payments System). Since, India does not have a domestic financial messaging system, it plans to link
the Central Bank of Russia’s platform with a service that is under development.
118. Which tech giant has introduced ‘Project Zero’ in India to remove counterfeit products?
[A] Paytm
[B] Amazon
[C] Flipkart
[D] Indiamart
Answer: Amazon
E-commerce major Amazon has rolled out ‘Project Zero’ in India that will provide brands with additional
tools to identify and remove counterfeits from its platform. The Project Zero features three tools viz.
‘automated protections’, ‘self-service counterfeit removal tool’ and ‘product serialization’. The brands
will have to sign up for the initiative to access the tools.
119. Who led Indian delegation at the 8th Session of Governing Body of Seed Treaty in Rome?
[A] Parsottambhai Rupala
[B] Abhishek Singh Chauhan
[C] Krishna Raj
[D] Narendra Singh Tomar
Answer: Narendra Singh Tomar
Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar has attended the 8th session of the Governing Body of

International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) at FAO
Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The ITPGRFA (also known as Seed Treaty) is a comprehensive international
agreement for ensuring food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the
world’s plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA), as well as the fair and equitable
benefit sharing arising from its use. It also recognizes farmers’ rights, subject to national laws.
120. Which country has become the first South Asian nation to criminalize offences related to match-fixing
& sports betting?
[A] Bangladesh
[B] Pakistan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] India
Answer: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has become the first South Asian nation to criminalize several offences related to match-fixing
after it passed a bill labelled “Prevention of Offences Related to Sports” in which offences related to
corruption in sports will carry a prison term of up to 10 years, as well as various fines. The legislation
not only seeks to punish any person related to a sport who is directly involved in fixing, but also those
who provide inside information. If a curator prepares a pitch to benefit betting operators or any other
ground staff or support staff receives money or any other reward to disclose the condition of the playing
surface comes under the ambit of a criminal offence.

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Current Affairs [PDF] - November 1-15, 2019

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News Headlines: November 1-15, 2019

Current Affairs – News Headlines: November 1, 2019

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Current Affairs –NAVEEN

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PM Modi and Angela Merkel to co-chair 5th Biennial Inter-Governmental Consultations

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5 lakh government vehicles to be converted into e-vehicles

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Union Home Minister’s Special Operation Medal for 2019

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Govt releases new political maps of J&K and Ladakh

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National Research Institute of Unani Medicine inaugurated

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Significance NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |

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About Commonwealth Law Ministers’ Conference 2019

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Rajnath Singh to co-chair 19th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission

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11,000 scientists in NAVEEN

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Books on teachings of Guru Nanak Dev launched

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IndAIR: CSIR-NEERI’s web facility launched

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Key Features of the Code NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |

Insurance, life cover, PF for unorganized sector employees

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Background NAVEEN KUMAR | navkmorya75@gmail.com |

The Congress is held at regular intervals of 3 year period.

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Justice Muhammad Raffiq sworn in as Chief Justice of Meghalaya HC