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Current Affairs Pocket PDF – October 2020

Table of Contents
NATIONAL AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
CABINET APPROVALS ................................................................................................................................................. 5
PARLIAMENT NEWS ................................................................................................................................................... 6
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS................................................................................................................................... 7
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION ................................................................................................................................. 12
FESTIVALS ................................................................................................................................................................. 17
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS ......................................................................................................................................... 17
GOVT SCHEMES ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ........................................................................................................................................... 23
VISITS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
FOREIGN VISIT .......................................................................................................................................................... 27
BANKING & FINANCE.................................................................................................................................................... 28
RBI IN NEWS .............................................................................................................................................................. 28
BANKING TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................... 29
LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS ........................................................................................................................................ 30
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED................................................................................................................................ 30
OTHER BANKING NEWS ........................................................................................................................................... 30
FINANCE NEWS ......................................................................................................................................................... 33
ECONOMY & BUSINESS ................................................................................................................................................. 35
GDP & GROWTH RATE .............................................................................................................................................. 35
ECONOMY NEWS ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
BUSINESS NEWS ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 37
MoU’s BETWEEN COUNTRY ..................................................................................................................................... 37
MoU’s WITH STATES ................................................................................................................................................. 38
MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION........................................................................................................................... 39
OTHER MoU’S IN CONTENT FORMAT ..................................................................................................................... 40
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 41
APPOINTMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................ 41
NATIONAL .................................................................................................................................................................. 41
INTERNATIONAL....................................................................................................................................................... 42
BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS .................................................................................................................... 44
RESIGNATIONS .......................................................................................................................................................... 45
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS ........................................................................................................... 45

AWARDS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 47
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF NOBEL PRIZE .............................................................................................................. 47
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENCE & BRAVERY ................................................................... 48
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS ................................................................................................................................. 49
RECOGNITIONS ......................................................................................................................................................... 50
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT .............................................................................................. 50
SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE............................................................................................................................ 52
SUMMITS .................................................................................................................................................................... 52
CONFERENCE ............................................................................................................................................................ 52
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS ......................................................................................................................................... 53
COMMITTEES............................................................................................................................................................. 53
MEETINGS .................................................................................................................................................................. 53
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS IN CONTENT FORMAT .............................................................................................. 56
INDEX ............................................................................................................................................................................. 56
RANKING .................................................................................................................................................................... 56
REPORTS .................................................................................................................................................................... 58
ACQUISITION & MERGERS ........................................................................................................................................... 61
DEFENCE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 62
EXERCISE ................................................................................................................................................................... 62
TESTING ..................................................................................................................................................................... 63
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY............................................................................................................................................. 66
SATELLITES LAUNCHES ........................................................................................................................................... 66
NATIONAL .................................................................................................................................................................. 66
INTERNATIONAL....................................................................................................................................................... 68
ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................................. 68
SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................................... 69
CRICKET ..................................................................................................................................................................... 69
BADMINTON & TENNIS ............................................................................................................................................ 69
ARCHERY & SHOOTING ............................................................................................................................................ 70
BOOKS & AUTHORS....................................................................................................................................................... 71
OBITUARY ...................................................................................................................................................................... 73
NATIONAL .................................................................................................................................................................. 73
INTERNATIONAL....................................................................................................................................................... 77
IMPORTANT DAYS ........................................................................................................................................................ 78
APPS & WEB PORTAL ................................................................................................................................................... 90
AC GAZE.......................................................................................................................................................................... 91

NATIONAL AFFAIRS
CABINET APPROVALS
Cabinet approvals on October 7, 2020
On October 7, 2020, Union Cabinet met and congratulated its chair i.e. Prime Minister Narendra Modi for
completing 20 years as a democratically elected leader. The following are the decisions taken during the
meeting.
• Cabinet Approved to complete East -west Metro corridor project at cost of 8,575 cr
• Cabinet approved ‘Natural Gas Marketing Reforms’ to make natural gas price mechanism transparent
• Cabinet approves MoU between Zoological Survey of India and Canada’s iBOL
• Cabinet approves Ratification of 7 Persistent Organic Pollutants listed under Stockholm
• Central Govt approved MoC in the field of Cyber security between India and Japan
Read More Details Here: Cabinet approvals on October 7, 2020
Cabinet Approvals on October 14, 2020

On October 14, 2020, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the following
proposals, which were detailed by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Keshav
Javadekar during a press conference.
 Cabinet approved Special Package J&K and Ladakh under DAY-NRLM
 Cabinet approved Rs. 5718 cr World Bank aided project STARS to Strengthen School Education
System
 Cabinet approved India-Australia MoU for collaboration in R&D for sustainable groundwater
management
Read More Details Here: Cabinet Approvals on October 14, 2020
Cabinet approvals on October 21, 2020

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the following proposals which were
detailed by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Keshav Javadekar during a press
conference.
 Cabinet approved Productivity Linked Bonus and non-Productivity Linked Bonus for 2019-2020.
 Cabinet approved extension of Market Intervention Scheme for procurement of apples in J&K for
2020-21.
 Union Cabinet approved adoption of Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act.
Read More Details Here: Cabinet approvals on October 21, 2020
Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries on October 21, 2020

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the following proposals which were
detailed by Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Keshav Javadekar during a press
conference.
 Cabinet approves MoU between ICAI, India and CPA, Papua New Guinea
 Cabinet approves Mutual Recognition Agreement between ICAI, India and MICPA, Malaysia
 Cabinet approves MoU between India and Nigeria on Cooperation in the Exploration and uses of
outer space
Read More Details Here: Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries on October 21, 2020
Cabinet Approvals on October 29, 2020

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals which
were detailed by Union Minister Prakash Keshav Javadekar, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
during a press conference.

• Cabinet approves Externally Aided Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project – Phase II and Phase
III
• Cabinet approves Extension of Norms for Mandatory Packaging in Jute Materials under the Jute
Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987.
Read More Details Here: Cabinet Approvals on October 29, 2020
Cabinet approval with Foreign Countries on October 29, 2020

Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the following
proposals:
• Cabinet approves MoC between India and Japan to cooperate in the field of ICT
• Cabinet approves MoU between India and Cambodia on cooperation in Health and Medicine
Read More Details Here: Cabinet approval with Foreign Countries on October 29, 2020
PARLIAMENT NEWS
President gives Assent for Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment of Certain
Provisions) Bill, 2020
The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and
Amendment of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020 which will amend 5 Acts viz. the Income-tax Act, 1961,
Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, Finance Act, 2019, the Direct Tax Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020
and the Finance Act, 2020.
Read More Details Here: President gives Assent for Taxation and Other Laws (Relaxation and Amendment
of Certain Provisions) Bill, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind Gives Assent to 3 labour codes along with Companies (Amendment)
Bill, 2020
President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the three labour codes viz. Code on Social Security
2020, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Condition Code 2020, and the Industrial Relation
Code 2020.
Read More Details Here: President Ram Nath Kovind Gives Assent to 3 labour codes along with
Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2020
Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020 comes into effect from September 29,
2020
The Ministry of Home Affairs has redefined guidelines on how non-governmental organisations can
accept, transfer and utilise foreign donations and contributions by amending the provisions of the
Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) with Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment
Act, 2020 which has come into force w.e.f. September 29, 2020. Notably, the amendment in Section 13 of
FCRA empowers the MHA to freeze the FCRA Bank account in case of any contravention of the FCRA law
and can also suspend FCRA registration of an organization up to 360 days from current 180 days.
President Ram Nath Kovind gives Assent to Disturbed Areas (Amendment) Bill in Gujarat
President Ram Nath Kovind has given Assent to the Gujarat Disturbed Area (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The
Act will prohibit transfer of Assets (Immovable Property) in disturbed areas and protects tenants from
vacating the properties. The Act prohibits sale of property by members of one religious community to
those from another community in areas declared as “Disturbed Areas”. The main aim of the act is to stop
polarisation and to check attempts to cause “Demographic Imbalance”. The act provides for the formation
of a “monitoring and advisory committee” to keep check on demographic structure in disturbed areas.

Ministry of Home Affairs Amended J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989; DDCs will be Created
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has amended the Jammu and Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 under
the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019 by removing a provision in Section 10 that requires payment of
honorarium to panches and sarpanches (village head) in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir
(J&K). The amendment also provides for the creation of District Development Councils (DDCs) in each
district of J&K which will have jurisdiction over the entire district excluding areas designated as
municipality or Municipal Corporation. The term of the DDCs will be 5 years.
Read More Details Here: Ministry of Home Affairs Amended J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989; DDCs will be
Created
STATEWISE NATIONAL NEWS

Andhra Pradesh
AP CM Launched Rs 650 crore Jagananna Vidya Kanuka Scheme to Provide Free Kits to Govt
School Students
To combat child labour and help poor parents choose the education for their children, YS Jagan Mohan
Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has launched Rs 650 crore Jagananna Vidya Kanuka scheme at
Punadipadu ZP High School Krishna District. Under the scheme free kits will be provided to 42.32 lakh
government school students from Class 1 to 10.
Assam
Sarbananda Sonowal Launched ‘Kritagyata’, 1st of its kind webportal to Expedite Pension Claims
in Assam along with “CyberSafety” campaign
Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Sarbananda Sonowal launched an on-line pension submission and tracking
system “Kritagyata” during a function held at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati. Created on
the lines of “Bhabhisya” portal of Government of India, Kritagyata is first portal of its kind among all the
states in the country for the convenience of pensioners by expediting their pension-related claims. Assam
Police celebrated its 70th foundation day, i.e. Assam Police Day on October 1, 2020.
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal Launches “Swa-nirbhar Naari:Atmanirbhar Asom”

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched “Swa-nirbhar Naari: Atmanirbhar Asom” for
empowering the economically disadvantaged women in the State. The scheme is expected to create more
than 3.72 Lakh Sustainable Individual Assets and 822 Community Assets. It will benefit around 4 Lakh
Families. It will be implemented in convergence with several schemes of Assam state government
departments and missions such as Assam State Rural Livelihood Mission, Agriculture & Horticulture,
Fishery, Environment & Forest, Handloom & Textiles, Sericulture, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry.
Sarbananda Sonowal Laid foundation stone for India’s 1st Assam Agar International Trade
Centre at Dabidubi
Chief Minister (CM) of Assam laid the foundation stone of Assam Agar International Trade Centre, a first-
of-its-kind in India at Dabidubi in Golaghat district of Assam. This initiative is on the lines of doubling the
farmer’s income in the state by 2022. This project will promote the business of the farmers as well as the
entrepreneurs associated with agarwood plantation and trade in Assam which results in boosting
Assam’s economy.
Goa
Goa CM Pramod Sawant launches ‘DISHTAVO’ – Online E-Learning Platform
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated DISHTAVO (Digital Integrated System for Holistic
Teaching and Virtual Orientations) Youtube Channel, a unique initiative of the Directorate of Higher
Education (DHE), Government of Goa. DISHTAVO Program aims to create online E-content in form of

video lectures of syllabus for colleges affiliated to Goa University. Goa has become the first and only State
to take the entire syllabus of higher education on e-platform.
For the 1st time in India, Goa Govt ties up with India Posts to Enroll 11,000 Farmers in PM Kisan
Samman Nidhi scheme
Goa state government has tied up with India Posts to enroll 11,000 farmers in the Pradhan Mantri (PM)
Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Through this tie up the postman will be utilized to benefit farmers. This is
India’s 1st such initiative and a unique drive.
Gujarat
Gujarat to get Country’s First Ever Two Organic Spices Seed Parks at Patan, Banaskantha
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani released Sanction letters to two Farmer Producer Organisations
(FPOs) for the Country’s First Ever Organic Spices Seed Park in Patan & Banaskantha districts for
production of Cumin & Fennel Seeds. (i) Fennel seeds (Saunf) – Banaskantha; (ii) Cumin seeds (Jeera) –
Patan.
Haryana
Vijai Vardhan, IAS Appointed as the New Chief Secretary of Haryana; Succeeds Keshni Anand
Arora
Government of Haryana appointed Vijai Vardhan, currently serving as the Additional Chief Secretary
(ACS) of Revenue and Disaster Management and Financial Commissioner Revenue (FCR) as the new Chief
Secretary of Haryana following the superannuation of Keshni Anand Arora. His tenure as the Chief
Secretary is till his superannuation date 30th November 2021.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Launched ‘Gram Darshan’: 6,197 Gram Panchayats to Go
Digital
Manohar Lal Khattar, Chief Minister of Haryana launchd “Gram Darshan” a platform aimed to enable the
digital accessibility of data of 6197 gram panchayats of Haryana and to ensure that every village has their
own website. Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala was also present at the digital launch. Gram Darshan is
launched to ensure that villagers should have digital access to the details of various development schemes
and projects of their village so that they can put forth their demands to the government of Haryana.
Haryana CM Manohar Lal Launches a State-of-the-Art Mobile Water Testing Laboratory Van
To address the pressing need of testing water at the doorstep, Manohar Lal, Chief Minister (CM) of
Haryana launched a state-of-the-art Mobile Water Testing Laboratory Van, an innovative solution for
Water testing of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED). He also launched ‘Swachhta
Pakhwada’ in Panchkula.
Jammu & Kashmir

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Inaugurated 23 Road and Bridges Project in Jammu Region
Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) (Independent Charge), Development of North Eastern
Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space
inaugurated 23 roads and bridges projects worth Rs.73 Crore in Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Reasi of
Jammu region over a virtual platform.
J&K LG Manoj Sinha Announced “My Town My Pride” Programme to Deliver Service in Urban
Area
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) announced the “My Town My Pride”
programme to deliver services governance at doorsteps to the people in urban areas. This 2 day

programme will be held on 19th & 20th October 2020 as a part of the public outreach initiative in the
towns of J&K.
PFC Signed & Exchanged Agreement with JKPCL for Liquidity Infusion Scheme Under
“Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan”
Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC), India’s leading Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC)
owned by Government of India and Jammu Kashmir Power Corporation limited (JKPCL) signed and
exchanged an agreement for Liquidity Infusion Scheme under “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” for the
Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
J&K Becomes First UT to Operationalise PFMS at District Level

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) became the first Union Territory in the country to operationalise Public
Financial Management System (PFMS) at the district level with the e-inauguration of eight district offices
by Additional Controller General of Accounts Subodh Kumar Mathur.
Karnataka
Karnataka govt Approves to Implement Bhagyalakshmi scheme through Sukanya Samriddhi
Yojana of the postal department Instead of LIC
Karnataka Cabinet presided by Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, approved to implement a redesigned
Bhagyalakshmi scheme under the Sukanya Samriddhi Account scheme of India Post, instead of the Life
Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India from 2020-21. The decision was made as the interest rate offered
by the LIC was less. Under the scheme, India post provides an interest rate of 7.6% on deposits. Annually,
the public can make a minimum investment of Rs 250 and maximum of Rs 1.5 lakh.
Maharashtra
MCGM, Google Collaborate to Mark Containment Zones in Mumbai on Google Maps
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) (also known as Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC)) has collaborated with Google to mark Containment Zones in Mumbai on Google
Maps. The Containment areas will be shaded in Grey on Google Maps.
Maharashtra’s Women & Child Welfare Department launched digital platform “Tarang Suposhit
Maharashtracha” to provide nutritional requirements of mother & children
Yashomati Thakur, Maharashtra’s Minister of Women and Child Welfare launched the digital platform
“Tarang Suposhit Maharashtracha”, of the Women and Child Department, Government of Maharashtra.
The initiative aims to fulfil the nutritional needs of the lactating mothers and children of the state.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya Govt Partners with Israel to Set up One of a Kind ‘Centre of Excellence’ on high-value
vegetables
To improve and promote the livelihoods of farmers, the Meghalaya government entered into partnership
with Israel to establish a one of a kind Centre of Excellence on high value vegetables in the state.
Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma launched “micro ATM” in Shillong

Chief Minister (CM) of Meghalaya, Conrad Kongkal Sangma, launched “micro automated teller machine
(ATM)” and distributed the same to the Business Correspondent Agents (BCAs) during an event,
organised at Yojana Bhavan in Main Secretariat, Shillong. The initiative is promoted by the Meghalaya
State Rural Livelihood Society (MSRLS) in partnership with Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB) and National
Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

New Delhi
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Launched “Yudh Pradushan Ke Virudh”, Mega Anti-Pollution
Campaign
Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister (CM) launched a mega anti-pollution campaign, “Yudh Pradushan
Ke Virudh” to reduce pollution levels in Delhi. As part of this campaign Delhi government to use a
technology developed by Pusa Agriculture Institute in order control the threat of stubble burning. CM
announced that ‘Green Delhi App’, a photo-based complaint lodging App will be launched shortly to take
action against specific pollution activities reported by Delhi citizens.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Launched ‘Red Light On Gaadi Off’ Campaign to Reduce Air Pollution
In a bid to reduce air pollution, Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister (CM) of Delhi launched ‘Red Light On Gaadi
Off’ Campaign. Under this antipollution campaign, people will be encouraged to turn off the engines of
their vehicles while waiting at traffic signals.
Odisha
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Virtually Launched 1st of its kind mission ‘Sujal- Drink from Tap’ to
Ensure Quality Drinking Water
Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik launched the “Sujal- Drink from Tap mission”, an initiative to
enable a 24-hour supply of quality drinking water to all the urban areas of Odisha. Odisha is set to become
the first state to provide piped water connection to all urban areas of the state by March 2022. The Drink
from Tap mission was launched in Salia Sahi, Bhubaneswar and Masanichandi, Puri.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launched Electricity Consumer Service Portal “Mo Bidyut” & Mobile
App
Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha launched the electricity consumer service portal “Mo Bidyut”
and mobile application, over a virtual platform. The portal was developed by the Energy Department and
dedicated to the public under the 5T (Team work, Transparency, Technology, Time leading to
Transformation) mechanism, an initiative of the government of Odisha.
FICCI Selected as National Industry Partner for the 3rd “Make in Odisha” Conclave
Government of Odisha selected the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) as
its national industry partner for the 3rd edition of the “Make in Odisha” conclave. Industrial Promotion
and Investment Corporation of Odisha Limited (IPICOL) owned by the government of Odisha is the nodal
investment promotion and industrial facilitation agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)
with the FICCI for the promotion and investor outreach activities which has to be carried out until the
next edition of the “Make in Odisha” conclave.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launched 2 Web Portals: Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal
& Sumangal Portal
Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha launched 2 web portals over a virtual platform. The two portals
are, Integrated Odisha State Scholarship Portal which provides scholarship to the eligible students and
Sumangal Portal provides incentive to inter-caste marriage couples.
Punjab
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Launches Construction of 750 Rural Stadiums
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh virtually launched the construction of 750 Rural Stadiums and
Playgrounds in Punjab. The stadium will facilitate youths to channelize their energy in a constructive
manner. It is being built at a cost of INR 105 Crores under Punjab’s ‘Rural Transformation Strategy’ and
‘Tandarust Punjab Mission’.

Punjab Cabinet Approved Dr BR Ambedkar SC Post Matric Scholarship Scheme
Punjab Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh approved the launch of state’s Post
Matric Scholarship Scheme “Dr. BR Ambedkar SC Post Matric Scholarship Scheme” to be effective from
academic session 2021-22. This scheme will replace the Centre’s “Post Matric Scholarship Scheme”,
which became defunct in 2018, to facilitate Scheduled Caste (SC) students to pursue higher education in
government and private institutions. The outlay of the scheme is estimated to be about Rs 600 crore.
Punjab CM Launched Phase 2 of Urban Environment Improvement Programme

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh virtually launched the phase-II of Rs 11,000 crore Urban
Environment Improvement Programme (UEIP), from Bachat Bhawan, Ludhiana in Punjab. The project
envisages development of the state’s infrastructure and efficient service delivery systems to the urban
population. The state has spent Rs 3,000 crore in the first phase of UEIP scheme.
Tamil Nadu
Edappadi K. Palaniswami, CM of Tamil Nadu Signs 14 MoUs Worth Rs 10,055 Crore
Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Chief Minister(CM) of TamilNadu signed 14 Memorandums of Understanding
(MoUs) worth Rs 10,055 crore in investments, that is expected to generate employment opportunities
for about 7,000 people.
Read More Details Here: Edappadi K. Palaniswami, CM of Tamil Nadu Signs 14 MoUs Worth Rs 10,055
Crore
K. Shanmugam, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Gets Another 3-month extension

Centre approved another 3-month extension of service (from November 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021) to
Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam, a 1985-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. This
is his second extension of service following a 3-month extension (August 1- October 31, 2020). He was
due to retire from service on July 31, 2020.
Tamil Nadu Govt Implements Smart Black Board Scheme in 80,000 Govt Schools
In order to ensure a better teaching environment, the Tamil Nadu government is implementing the Smart
Black Board scheme in 80,000 government schools. The Smart Class Room scheme of the Central
Education Ministry is being implemented in 7500 schools of the state. The smart black board scheme
envisages the use of audio visual teaching material. This material can be fed into the computer screens in
classes using widely available pen drives.
Tamil Nadu Governor gives Assent to 7.5% NEET Quota Bill; Government School students to
benefit
Tamil Nadu (TN) Governor Banwarilal Purohit gave his Assent to “Tamil Nadu Admission to
Undergraduate Courses in Medicine, Dentistry, Indian Medicine and Homeopathy on Preferential Basis
to Students of Government Schools Bill 2020”. It provides 7.5% reservation to students of state
government schools who have cleared the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance (NEET) Test in admission to
medical courses.
Telangana
Telangana Govt Signs Tripartite Agreement between DET, GIZ and Siemens India to Implement
New Initiative IGnITE
In order to implement a new initiative, Indo-German Initiative for Technical Education(IGnITE),
Telangana government has signed a tripartite agreement between Department of Employment and
Training(DET), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), India and Siemens
Limited, India in presence of Ch Malla Reddy, Minister of labour and Employment. The initiative focuses
on industry’s need and practices and training the trainees.

Telangana CM Chandrasekhar Rao Launches ‘Dharani’ Portal for Land & Property Registrations
Telangana Chief Minister, K Chandrasekhar Rao launched ‘Dharani’ Portal for Land & Property
Registrations at Mudu Chintalapalli village of Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana. The portal is a one-
of-its-kind integrated Land Record Management System.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand CM Launches Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat launched the Mukhya Mantri Saur Swarojgar Yojana
at the Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali Auditorium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The scheme is aimed at
promoting self-employment of the youth and promoting the production of Green Energy.
Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat Inaugurates Integrated Model Agricultural Village

Scheme
Uttarakhand Chief Minister (CM) Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the Integrated Model Agricultural
Village Scheme (Ekikrit Adarsh Krishi Gram Yojana) in partnership with NABARD (National Bank for
Agriculture and Rural Development) in the state at Doiwala in Dehradun. The scheme will help in
strengthening the economy of farmers and in the doubling of their incomes.
Asan Conservation Reserve becomes Uttarakhand’s first wetland to make it to Ramsar

Convention
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced that Ramsar Convention has
declared The Asan Conservation Reserve (ACR) in Dehradun as a site of international importance. ACR
has been included in the ‘List of Wetlands of International Importance’ established by Article 2.1 of the
convention This is the first wetland from Uttarakhand, to be recognised by Ramsar.
Read More Details Here: Asan Conservation Reserve becomes Uttarakhand’s first wetland to make it to
Ramsar Convention
Uttar Pradesh
UP Governor Launches “Safe City Project” – Women’s Safety Campaign in Lucknow; UP CM
Launches Mission Shakti
Uttar Pradesh (UP) Governor Anandiben Patel launched “Safe City Project” – a women’s safety campaign
in Lucknow, UP. “Safe City Project” is a 180-day-long campaign under which police and other
departments will work towards strengthening the security of women in public places. UP Chief Minister
(CM) Yogi Adityanath launched “Mission Shakti” to ensure safety and dignity of women and girls.
West Bengal
WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Launches ‘Pathashree Abhijan’ scheme for Road Repair
West Bengal (WB) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched ‘Pathashree Abhijan’ scheme for Road
Repair. The scheme has been launched to repair 7, 000 stretches of road which includes 12, 000
kilometres of road in a time-bound manner.
LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

Rajnath Singh Launched iDEX4Fauji during iDEX Virtual Event from New Delhi
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, launched first of its kind initiative ‘iDEX4Fauji’ during the iDEX
(Innovations for Defence Excellence) event which was held virtually from New Delhi. He also launched
the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 4), and Product Management Approach (PMA) guidelines.

South Eastern Railway Launched “Operation My Saheli” to Improve Security of Women
Passengers
The South Eastern Railways (SER) launched the project, “Operation my Saheli (Friend)” to enhance the
security of women passengers in the train throughout the entire journey from the originating point to
their destinations.” Operation my Saheli” is executed under the Framework of “Nirbhaya Fund” and no
additional expenditure is provided by the Head of Railways.
Union Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot launches “Ambedkar Social Innovation & Incubation
Mission (ASIIM)”
Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot virtually launched “Ambedkar
Social Innovation & Incubation Mission (ASIIM)” under Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes
(SC)(VCF-SC). It has been launched to promote innovation, enterprise among SC students in Higher
Education Institutions and to help them become Job Givers.
PM Inaugurates ‘Atal Tunnel’- World’s Longest Highway Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Atal Tunnel’ – World’s Longest Highway Tunnel in Manali,
Himachal Pradesh. The 9.02 Kilometre Long Tunnel has been constructed by Border Roads Organisation
(BRO) at a cost of INR 3, 300 crores. It connects Manali and Lahaul-Spiti Valley. The Tunnel is built in the
Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas at an altitude of 3000 Meters from the Mean Sea Level (MSL).
Narendra Modi inaugurated Virtual Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a virtual summit of overseas and resident Indian Researchers
and Academicians namely “Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit 2020” via video
conferencing which will continue till October 31, 2020 i.e. Sardar Patel Jayanti. During the summit he
encouraged indigenous vaccine production. It is organized by 200 academic institutes and S&T
departments, led by Principal Scientific Advisor, Krishnaswamy VijayRaghavan.
SUNIDHI Project Launched to Digitise CMPFO Services

On the occasion of 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 2020), the Coal Mines
Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO) launched the information technology (IT) project Superior New-
generation Information and Data Handling Initiative (SUNIDHI) to digitise its entire provident fund and
pension related activities.
Union Minister launches ‘Tribes India E-Marketplace’, Largest Market of Tribal Products &
Tribal Entrepreneurship Development Programme
On the Occasion of Gandhi Jayanthi (October 2, 2020), Union Minister for Tribal Affairs, Arjun Munda
virtually launched ‘Tribes India E-Marketplace’ (market.tribesindia.com), which is India’s largest
handicraft and organic products marketplace. It is an initiative of Tribal Cooperative Marketing
Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
Piyush Goyal Virtually Inaugurates Renaming of Naugarh Railway Station to Siddharthnagar

Railway Station
Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry & Railways inaugurated the renaming of 115-
year-old Naugarh railway station to Siddharthnagar railway station, located at Siddharthnagar district in
Uttar Pradesh(UP), through a video link.
NMCG, WII and the Forest Department launched 1st of its kind “My Ganga My Dolphin” campaign
On the occasion of Ganga River Dolphin Day i.e. on October 5, 2020, the National Mission for Clean Ganga
(NMCG), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and the Forest Department launched a Dolphin-based

ecotourism programme namely “My Ganga My Dolphin campaign”. This first-of-its-kind initiative,
dolphin safaris will begin in Kahalgaon (Bihar), Bijnor, Brijghat, Prayagraj and Varanasi (all in Uttar
Pradesh), and Bandel (West Bengal).
Union Minister Smriti Irani Launches First-Ever Brand & Logo for Indian Cotton
Union Minister for Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani launched First-Ever Brand & Logo for Indian Cotton
through virtual mode on occasion of World Cotton Day on October 7, 2020. India’s Premium Cotton is set
to be known as ‘Kasturi Cotton’ in World Cotton Trade. India produces 51% of the total organic cotton
production in the world. A Mobile Application “Cott-Ally” has been developed by Cotton Corporation of
India (CCI) to provide news about weather conditions, Crop situation and Farm practices.
Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, Yesso Naik Launches National Clinical Management Protocol
based on Ayurveda and Yoga
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan, and Minister of State (MoS) (Independent
Charge) for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha), Shripad Yesso Naik virtually released
the National Clinical Management Protocol (NCMP) based on Ayurveda and Yoga for management of
COVID-19. The protocol will contribute to mainstreaming of AYUSH for management of COVID-19.
PM Modi Launches ‘Jan Andolan’ Campaign for COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ‘Jan Andolan’ (People’s Participation) campaign for following
COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour. The awareness campaign will promote COVID-19 behaviour ahead of
the upcoming festive season and the reopening of the economy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the
citizens to “Wear Mask, Wash Hands, Follow Social Distance and Practice ‘Do Gaj Ki Doori’ (a distance of
two yards)”.
Ramesh Pokhriyal “Nishank” Virtually Inaugurated Gyan Circle Ventures of IIIT Sri City, Andhra
Pradesh
Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Ministry of Education (MoE) virtually inaugurated the Gyan
Circle Ventures, a MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology) funded Technology
Business Incubator (TBI) of Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Sri City (Chittoor), Andhra
Pradesh (AP) through Video Conference from New Delhi. Gyan Circle Ventures would function as a
Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0) incubation centre.
Union Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot Inaugurates International Conference on Mental Health:

Looking Beyond COVID-19
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot virtually inaugurated the
“International Conference on Mental Health: Looking Beyond COVID-19”. The conference was organized
by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment in association with University of Melbourne, Australia.
Rajnath Singh Virtually Inaugurates 44 bridges Built by BRO & LaysFoundation Stone for
Nechiphu Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh
Rajnath Singh, Union Defence Minister virtually inaugurated 44 bridges, built by Border Roads
Organisation (BRO) across 7 States/UTs (Union Territories) in border areas. Most of these bridges are in
strategically important areas and will help armed forces to ensure quick movement of troops and
weapons. He also laid the Foundation Stone for 450 meters long, ‘Nechiphu Tunnel’, a bi-lane tunnel, on
the road to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Nechiphu Tunnel is the important tunnel that will ensure all
weather connectivity across Nechiphu Pass.

TRIFED, IIT Kanpur and Chhattisgarh MFP Federation E-Launch “Tech for Tribals” Initiative
Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT) Kanpur & Chhattisgarh MFP (Minor Forest Produce) Federation virtually launched “Tech for
Tribals” Initiative. The initiative aims for holistic development of Tribals with focus on Entrepreneurship
development, soft skills, Information Technology (IT) and Business Development.
Union Minister Harsh Vardhan Launches Second Phase of “Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana”
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan virtually launched the Second Phase of
“Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana” from Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi. It will benefit underprivileged patients.
The program is funded by Coal India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Nitin Gadkari Launched Blasting Process for one of the Asia’s Longest Bi-directional Road
Tunnel “Zojila Tunnel” in J&K
Union Minister Nitin Jairam Gadkari of Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) & Ministry of
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) initiated the first blasting process for the construction of
one of the longest bi-directional road in Asia i.e. 14.15 Km Zojila Tunnel with altitude of about 3000 m in
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar valley and Leh (Ladakh
plateau) on National Highway (NH)-1. The project will be implemented by National Highways and
Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) while its construction work will be carried by
Hyderabad (Telangana) based Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL).
Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ virtually launched ‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program for IP Literacy; IP
Literacy Week to be observed on Oct 15-23, 2020
On the occasion of 89th birth anniversary of former President and Scientist Late Dr. APJ (Avul Pakir
Jainulabdeen) Abdul Kalam i.e. on October 15, 2020, Union Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, Ministry
of Education (MOE) virtually launched the ‘KAPILA’ Kalam Program for Intellectual Property (IP) Literacy
and Awareness campaign. It was also decided to celebrate October 15th to October 23rd, 2020 as
‘Intellectual Property (IP) Literacy Week’.
Shri Parshottam Rupala Launched Rs. 10,000 cr Ayushman Sahakar for creation of healthcare
by cooperatives
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Shri Parshottam Rupala launched a new scheme of National
Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) namely “Ayushman Sahakar” to involve co-operatives in
creating healthcare infrastructure. As a part of the scheme, a loan worth Rs 10,000 crore will be provided
by NCDC to prospective cooperatives to set up healthcare facilities.
MoS Mansukh Mandaviya e-launches Development of Indigenous Software Solution for VTS,
VTMS
Minister of State (MoS) (I/C) for Shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya e-launched the development of
Indigenous Software solution for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and Vessels Traffic Monitoring Systems
(VTMS) in New Delhi. The indigenous VTS and VTMS software will help in determining the position of
shipping Vessels, position of other traffic and other meteorological hazard warnings, and traffic
management within a port or waterway.
MoS Prahlad Singh Patel Launches ‘Life in Miniature’ project

Union Minister of State (MoS) for Culture and Tourism (I/C), Prahlad Singh Patel virtually launched “Life
in Miniature” project, it is a collaboration between National Museum, New Delhi, Ministry of Culture and
Google Arts & Culture. The project enables Hundreds of miniature paintings from the National Museum’s
collections to be viewed through Google Arts & Culture app.

1st Virtual India – International Food & Agri Week held on Oct 16th -22nd 2020; Inaugurated by
Narendra Singh Tomar
The first ever virtual “CII Agro & Food Tech: India -International Food & Agri Week” was organized from
October 16-22, 2020 which was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Ministry
of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) during the 14th edition of the Agro and Food Tech. It was
organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the MoAFW, Ministry of Fisheries,
Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAHD) and Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). MoFPI also
started an awareness campaign named “Anna Devo Bhava” to mark this occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Launched ‘Kisan Suryoday Yojana’ for the farmers & Launched
2 other Projects in Gujarat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated 3 Key Projects in Gujarat. Gujarat Chief Minister,
Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister, Nitin Patel were present during the virtual launch. The Projects
are: (i) Launching of Kisan Suryodaya Yojana (Electricity Scheme for Farmers). (ii) Inauguration of
Paediatric Heart Hospital attached with U.N Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre & Mobile
Application for Tele-Cardiology. (iii) Inauguration of Girnar Ropeway, Junagadh.
NITI Aayog’s AIM & Australia’s CSIRO Launched India–Australia Circular Economy Hackathon (I-
ACE)
Ramanan Ramanathan, Mission Director Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Additional Secretary NITI
(National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog launched ‘India–Australia Circular Economy
Hackathon (I-ACE)’ which will be organized by NITI Aayog’s AIM on December 7-8, 2020 in association
with Australia’s national science agency, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
(CSIRO). It has been launched on the lines of the virtual summit between the Prime Minister (PM) of India
Narendra Modi and Australian PM Scott John Morrison held on June 4th, 2020.
Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates 24X7 Direct Port Entry Facility at VOC Port, Tuticorin
Minister of State (MoS) (I/C) for Shipping, Mansukh Mandaviya virtually inaugurated 24X7 Director Port
Entry (DPE) facility for containers at the V. O. Chidambaranar Port Trust (Formerly Tuticorin Port Trust),
Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu). The facility will bring efficiency and reduce dwell time, it will also lower tariff
cost and improve competitiveness of shippers in International Trade.
NITI Aayog, QCI Launched NPMPF to Transform Infrastructure Sector in India; Electricity Access
in India Report Also Released
NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and Quality Council of India (QCI) launched the
‘National Program and Project Management Policy Framework (NPMPF)’ to transform the infrastructure
sector in India. It was launched by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises Nitin Jairam Gadkari along with Union Minister Piyush Goyal, NITI Aayog CEO
Amitabh Kant, and QCI Chairman Adil Zainulbhai. Nitin Gadkari also unveiled the Indian Infrastructure
Body of Knowledge (InBoK), a book on the practice of program and project management in India.
Indian Army Launches Software for Infrastructure Management & Secure Application for
Internet (SAI)
Indian army launched a software named ‘Infrastructure Management System (IMS)’ for automation of
functions related to infrastructure development and management for ascertaining availability of land,
planning and monitoring of works, and environment conservation. The software was inaugurated by
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Manoj Mukund Naravane during the Army Commanders Conference
held on 28th October 2020.

Harsh Vardhan Launches DST Initiative SERB–POWER for Women Scientists
Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology e-launched a scheme titled ‘SERB-POWER’
(Science and Engineering Research Board-Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory
Research), which is designed exclusively for women scientists. The scheme has been initiated by SERB, a
Statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
PM Modi Inaugurates 4th Edition of 2020 India Energy Forum by CERAWeek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurated the 4th Edition of India Energy Forum by CERAWeek
(Cambridge Energy Research Associates). CERAWeek is a global platform to understand best-practices,
discuss reforms, and inform strategies for accelerating investments into Indian Oil and Gas value chain.
The Theme of 2020 edition is “India’s Energy Future in a world of Change”. This is the fifth such event
organized by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
FESTIVALS
“Kati Bihu” Festival Celebrated in Assam
Kati Bihu is one of the set of three Bihu festivals (agricultural festivals) was celebrated in the state of
Assam. The Kati Bihu is also known as Kongali Bihu, the festival of the poor (the word “Kongal” means
“poor”) is celebrated in mid-October when the crops are at growing stage and the granaries of the farmers
are depleting.
6th India International Science Festival 2020, headed by CSIR to be held Virtually from 22nd to
25th December, 2020: Harsh Vardhan
Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, at
a review meeting held in New Delhi announced that the 6th edition of India International Science Festival
(IISF) 2020 will be held from 22nd to 25th December, 2020. IISF 2020 will be organized at a virtual
platform and will be spearheaded by Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) with support of all
other concerned ministries and departments.
OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

Indian Railways Rolled Out User Depot Module across Western Railway
Indian Railways has publicized User Depot Module (UDM) developed by CRIS (Centre for Railway
Information Systems) across all User Depots of Western Railway.
NITI Aayog and Netherlands Signed SoI on Decarbonization and Energy Transition Agenda
A Statement of Intent (SoI) was inked between NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog
and Embassy of the Netherlands in New Delhi, to combine the expertise of both nations (Indo-Dutch) in
supporting the decarbonisation and energy transition agenda for accommodating cleaner and more
energy. It was signed by NITI Aayog Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amitabh Kant and Ambassador of the
Netherlands to India Marten van den Berg.
MEA brings Indo-Pacific, ASEAN Policies under One Unit

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is creating a new Oceania Territorial Division by integrating Indo-
Pacific and ASEAN divisions within it. Through this move, India is seeking to align policies in the regions
stretching from Western Pacific (Pacific Island) to Andaman Sea. India will focus administrative and
diplomatic attention in the region which is seeing growing Military assertiveness of China.
Union Minister Sadananda Gowda addresses “CII Life Sciences Conclave 2020”
Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Sadananda Gowda addressed the “CII Life Science Conclave
2020” through virtual mode. The Conclave was organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The

Theme of Life Sciences Conclave 2020 is – “Energizing Make in India through Life Sciences Sector”. The
Indian pharma sector is worth USD 40 billion at present, and has the potential to become a global
pharmacy hub in the future. Note: The Indian Pharma Sector is expected to grow into a 65-Billion-Dollar
industry by 2024 and 120 Billion Dollar industry by 2030.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses International Webinar on Textile Traditions

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the first of its kind International Webinar on Textile Traditions
organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Uttar Pradesh Institute of Design (UPID).
The theme of the International Webinar was “Weaving Relations: Textile Traditions”. The webinar was
held to commemorate the 151st Birth Anniversary celebrations of Mahatma Gandhi.
Famous Chilli of Sikkim “Dalle Khursani” Earns GI Tag

On the basis of an application filed by the North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation
Limited (NERAMAC) on behalf of Sikkim, the red cherry pepper chilli of Sikkim, “Dalle Khursani” earned
the geographical indication (GI) tag from the Union Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
Trade (DPIIT). It is considered as one of the hottest chilli in the world with medicinal values.
Puducherry Airport Becomes AAI’s first 100% Solar-Powered Airport at a Cost of Rs 2.8cr
The Airport Authority of India (AAI) achieved a major feat on October 2, 2020, by converting the Union
Territory of Puducherry’s airport into its first entirely solar-powered airport in the country i.e.
“absolutely power-neutral” airport with the commissioning of 500KWp (kilowatts peak) ground-
mounted solar power plant at a cost of Rs 2.8 crore.
Delhi-Mumbai e-way to have India’s 1st 5 “Animal Bridges”

The Delhi-Mumbai Greenfield expressway will be completed by 2024. The expressway will have India’s
first five animal overpass or “animal bridges” with a combined length of over 2.5 km for safe passage of
wildlife. These bridges are inspired from the Wildlife crossings in the Netherlands. These will ensure no
disturbance and no chance of any conflict to the Ranthambore Wildlife Corridor connecting
Ranthambhore and Mukundra (Darrah) wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan as the wild animals will get such
passage at every 500 metres interval.
MoHUA Partnered with Swiggy to Take Street Food Business Online under PM SVANIDHI
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Swiggy, a food ordering and delivery platform in India, to on board street food vendors on its ecommerce
platform, a first of its kind initiative. This will provide online access to thousands of consumers and help
these vendors grow their businesses across cities.
NITI Aayog, MNRE and Invest India organized the Global Symposium ‘India PV Edge 2020’
NITI Aayog, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Invest India jointly organized a Global
Symposium ‘India PV Edge 2020’ virtually. It was organized to inform global Photovoltaics (PV) about
opportunities in India. India is the third largest solar capacity country in the world. It has set an ambitious
target of 450 GW of renewable capacity by 2030, which includes 300 GW of solar capacity.
TN’s Guidance & WEF to Setup India’s & South Asia’s 1st Advanced Manufacturing Hub
Guidance, a nodal investment promotion and facilitation agency of Tamil Nadu (TN) has joined hands
with the World Economic Forum (WEF) in set up India’s and South Asia’s first advanced manufacturing
hub (AMHUB) in Tamil Nadu. This collaboration is in line with the Tamil Nadu Electronics Hardware
Manufacturing Policy 2020.

PM Modi addressed Invest India conference in Canada virtually
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually delivered the keynote address at the Invest India Conference in
Canada which aims to showcase opportunities to the business community in Canada for investing in India
in the agricultural, medical, educational and business front. It should be noted that India is proactively
monetizing assets across the sectors of Airports, Railways, Highways, Power Transmission lines, etc. Real
Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) & Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) have been fully enabled for
monetization of assets.
DST, IBM India Collaborate to promote STEM Career opportunities among Students
International Business Machines (IBM) India joined hands with the Department of Science and
Technology (DST) to expand the scope of two DST initiatives Vigyan Jyoti and Vigyan Prasar. The
initiatives aim to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning among
students, especially girl students to inspire them to pursue careers in STEM.
Goa Becomes India’s 1st ‘Har Ghar Jal’ State by Providing FHTCs to Every Rural Household
Goa has become the first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ state in the country under Central Governments Jal Jeevan Mission
(JJM) by providing 100% tap water connections in Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTCs)
covering 2.30 lakh households.
Delhi Cabinet Approved First-of-its-kind ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’ & World’s 2nd Smog
Tower at Connaught Place
Delhi has become the first state in the country to have the ‘Tree Transplantation Policy’ for the
preservation of trees which was approved by the state’s cabinet headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
on October 9, 2020. This policy is a part of Delhi’s movement of “Yuddh, Pradushan Ke Viruddh” against
the air pollution levels. The state cabinet also gave its nod for the installation of the second smog tower
in the world after China and 1st in Delhi worth Rs 20 crore at Connaught Place within 10 months.
Kerala becomes First State in India to go Digital in Public Education

The state of Kerala has become the First State in India to make the public education sector completely
digital. It has been implemented at a cost of INR 42.36 Crores, out of which KIIFB has contributed INR
34.75 crores. All the classrooms have been converted into high-tech classrooms and have been
implemented as part of the Public Education Rejuvenation Mission.
Kerala Govt Sets Up ‘Kerala Karshaka Kshemanidhi Board’, 1st of its Kind Welfare Board for
Upliftment of Farmers
Kerala Government has formed ‘Kerala Karshaka Kshemanidhi Board’ (Kerala Farmers Welfare Fund
Board) – a Board for upliftment of Farmers in the State. It is the first time in India that a Welfare Fund
Board has been formed for upliftment of farmers. The State Cabinet has appointed Dr. P. Rajendran as
Chairman of Kerala Farmers Welfare Fund Board.
NITI Aayog Announced Governing Structure of India Energy Modelling Forum (IEMF)
NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog and United States Agency for International
Development (USAID) jointly launched the India Energy Modelling Forum (IEMF) under the US–India
Strategic Energy Partnership (SEP). For its constitution, on October 8, 2020 NITI Aayog announced its
governing structure. IEMF aims to engage Indian researchers, knowledge partners, think tanks and
national and international government agencies and departments for long-term energy planning. Prayas
Group, Pune (Maharashtra) will be the first convener of the steering committee.

Nirmala Sitharaman Announced Rs 73,000 cr Stimulus to Boost Consumer Spending amid
COVID-19 slowdown
Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman announced measures of Rs 73,000
crore to stimulate consumer spending before the end of this Financial Year (FY21) to fight the COVID-19
lockdown induced slowdown, during a press conference in New Delhi.
Read More Details Here: Nirmala Sitharaman Announced Rs 73,000 cr Stimulus to Boost Consumer
Spending amid COVID-19 slowdown
PM Modi Released Rs.100 Coin to Honour Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the new coin of Rs.100 denominations to honour the legacy of
Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia on the occasion of her birth centenary over a virtual event. She was born on
12th October 1919. Prahlad Singh Patel, Union Minister of Culture and the family members of Vijayaraje
Scindia participated in the event. She served as a member of parliament from 1957 to 1967. She served
as the vice president of BJP till 1998. She penned her autobiography “The last Maharani of Gwalior” with
the support of author Manohar Malgonkar.
India provides USD 1 Million to UNRWA for Palestinian Refugees

The Government of India contributed USD 1 Million (Approximately INR 7.3 Crores) to the United Nations
Relief and Works Agency in Near East (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees. It will help in improving the lives
of Palestine refugees suffering due to the pandemic. The funding will be utilised for Education,
Healthcare, Relief and Social Services of the Palestine refugees.
GoI notifies Directorate General of Shipping as National Authority for Recycling of Ships
Government of India (GoI) notified Directorate General of Shipping as National Authority for Recycling of
Ships under Section 3 of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019. As apex body, DG Shipping will administer,
supervise and monitor all activities related to recycling of ships. The National Authority of Ship Recycling
will be set up in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. As per Ship Recycling Act, 2019 India has accepted to follow Hong
Kong Convention for Ship Recycling under International Maritime Organization (IMO).
CRPF Collaborates with IIT Delhi, DRDO and JATC to Augment its R&D Capabilities
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has collaborated with Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT)
Delhi, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and Joint Advanced Technology Centre
(JATC), a joint initiative of DRDO and IIT Delhi, to augment its Research and Development capabilities.
Jewar at Gautam Budh Nagar to Become one of the Aerotropolis of India

Uttar Pradesh government stated that with International airport arising in Jewar in Gautam Budh Nagar,
Uttar Pradesh will become one of the aerotropolis of the country. The Jewar airport, that is to be managed
by Flughafen Zürich AG (FZAG), based in Kloten, Switzerland, will become India’s largest airport having
six runways.
NITI Aayog, AWS launch 1st of its Kind Frontier Technology Cloud Innovation Centre in India
National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog launched First of its Kind, Frontier Technologies
Cloud Innovation Center (CIC) with Amazon Web Services (AWS). CIC will help in addressing societal
challenges through digital innovation with focus on agriculture, healthcare and skill development. The
core mission of CIC is to identify and deploy the latest technologies to drive continuous innovation in
delivering citizen services. CIC is part of the AWS CIC Global Program.

Nitin Gadkari Laid Foundation Stone for India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park in Assam
Virtually
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport, Highways and MSMEs virtually laid the foundation
stone for India’s first Multi-modal Logistic Park (MMLP) at Jogighopa in Assam. The Rs 693.97 crore park
will provide direct air, road, rail and waterways connectivity to the people. On the occasion for sharing
land and logistics in Jogighopa, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between NHIDCL
and Ashoka paper mills, Government of Assam.
CSIR-CMERI Develops Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility

In an effort to address the issue of ‘Sustainable Processing of Municipal Solid Waste’, Council of Scientific
& Industrial Research (CSIR)-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI) developed
Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Processing Facility. The CSIR-CMERI MSW Technology intends
to achieve a Zero-Landfill and a Zero Waste City and envisions to develop job creation opportunities.
Surat’s BRTS becomes India’s Longest BRTS Network with a coverage of 108 kms
Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani inaugurated the newly expanded Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)
route from Kumbhariya to Kadodara, Surat virtually from Gandhinagar. With the opening of this BRTS
corridor, Surat became the only city in the country to have Longest BRTS network with 108 kms.
14 States reported reduction in prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH): MoHFW

In accordance with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) 14 states have reported a
reduction in parasitic intestinal worm infection or Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH) which has a
harmful effect on children’s physical growth and can cause anaemia and under-nutrition.
Read More Details Here: 14 States reported reduction in prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases
(STH): MoHFW
Third Phase of National Supercomputing Mission to commence from January, 2021

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology has
stated that the 3rd Phase of the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) will commence from January,
2021. This phase will take the computing speed to 45 Petaflops (PF). The works on Phase Three will
include Three systems of 3 PF each and one system of 20 PF as a national facility.
Haryana Topped Anemia Mukt Bharat Index in India

The 8th Governing Body Meeting of the State Health Society of the National Health Mission (NHM) was
held in Chandigarh where Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) Index was released which has been topped by
Haryana with a score of 46.7 among all the 29 states in the country. The meeting was presided over by
the Haryana chief secretary, Vijai Vardhan. Anemia Mukt Bharat is an initiative of the Union Ministry of
Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) to reduce the
prevalence of anemia all over India.
India Meteorological Department Dedicated 1st “Flash Flood Guidance Services” for South Asia
India Meteorological Department (IMD) has dedicated first of its kind “Flash Flood Guidance services
(FFGS)” for South Asian countries namely India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka to issue impact-
based forecasting of floods. It was launched by Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences,
who was the chief guest of a virtual event which was attended by distinguished National and International
dignitaries.
India Releases Commemorative Postage Stamp on 75th Anniversary of UN

Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications (MoC), Government of India released a
commemorative postage stamp on the 75th anniversary of the United Nations (UN) Organisation. Dr. S

Jaishankar, Union external affairs minister was the chief guest of the event. Note– Dr. S Jaishankar
mentioned the release of the commemorative stamp as a ‘befitting tribute’ to the 75 years of the UN.
5 States to get Conservation Centres to protect vultures: Action Plan for Vulture Conservation
2020-2025
In accordance with the Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025 which was approved on October
5, 2020 by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), the five states viz. Uttar Pradesh (UP), Tripura,
Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get vulture conservation and breeding centre each. Vulture
Multi-Species Action Plan (Vulture MsAP) was adopted at the Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of the
Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP12) held
in Manila, the Philippines in 2017.
Read More Details Here: 5 States to get Conservation Centres to protect vultures: Action Plan for Vulture
Conservation 2020-2025
Kerala becomes First State in the country to Fix MSP for Vegetables
Kerala became the First State in the Country to fix Minimum Support Price (MSP)/Base Price for 16
Agricultural items which include Vegetables, Fruits and Tubers to support farmers and boost agricultural
sector. On October 21, 2020, Kerala Cabinet cleared the proposal to introduce base prices. The scheme
will come into effect from November 1, 2020, which is celebrated as Keralapiravi day.
India and Maldives get Three new UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

International Coordinating Council (ICC) of UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization) Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme included Panna Biosphere Reserve
(Madhya Pradesh) in India, Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve (Maldives) and Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve
(Maldives) to UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The MAB-ICC which met online from 27-
28th October, 2020 approved these additions.
President signs Ordinance to Constitute Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR &
Adjoining areas
President Ram Nath Kovind promulgated the ‘Commission for Air Quality Management in National
Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Ordinance, 2020’ for Air Quality Management in Delhi-National
Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas. The commission will be headquartered at Delhi. The
commission will supersede all other bodies and authorities on the aspect of air quality management and
will have “exclusive jurisdiction” in the domain of air quality.
Kabartal Wetland of Bihar Designated as Ramsar Site

Ramsar Convention declared Kabartal Wetland also known as Kanwar Jheel in Begusarai, Bihar as a site
of international importance. Kabartal Wetland has been included in the ‘List of Wetlands of International
Importance’ established by Article 2.1 of the convention. Kabartal Wetland is the 2436th site of Ramsar.
GOVT SCHEMES
PM Modi Launches Physical Distribution of Property Cards Under the SVAMITVA Scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a physical distribution of property cards, a legal document of
owning their houses under the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in
Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme over a virtual platform. This will support to make rural India self-
sufficient. The SVAMITVA is a central government scheme that aims to provide an integrated property
validation solution for rural India.

AAI plans to develop 100 Airports, Waterdromes, Heliports under UDAN Scheme by 2024
Airports Authority of India (AAI) is planning to develop at least 100 Airports, Waterdromes, and Heliports
by 2024 under UDAN (“Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik”)-Regional Air Connectivity Scheme. The Fourth
Anniversary of the UDAN Scheme was observed on 21st October, 2020.
AP CM Jagan Mohan Reddy Launched “YSR Bima” Scheme for Families of Accident Victims to Get
Rs.10000 Aid
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP) launched the “YSR Bima” scheme to
provide insurance cover for death or permanent disability of any family member of the beneficiary. The
scheme provides an immediate financial aid of Rs.10000 for the families of the victims.
Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi District Bags Top Position for Implementation of PMGSY
The Union Ministry of Rural Development declared the list of the top performing 30 districts in the
country for implementing the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) programme. In this list,
Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh won top position among 30 districts of India. Himachal Pradesh
secured 2nd position at the national level for construction of roads under PMGSY.
Uttar Pradesh secures First Rank in Disbursing Loans under PM SVANidhi Scheme; PM Modi
distributes Loans
Uttar Pradesh has secured First Rank in Disbursing Loans under PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi
(PM SVANidhi) scheme by approving the highest number of loans under the scheme in the country. On
27th October, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed Loans to around 3 Lakh beneficiaries.
Madhya Pradesh secures second in the list with over 1.25 Lakh Beneficiaries, followed by Telangana (53,
777) in Loan Disbursement Category. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh ranked first in all categories viz
Applications of Loan, Sanction of Loan and Disbursements of loans under the scheme.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India set to build Cancer Hospital, Cricket Stadium in Maldives
India will build 100-bedded Cancer Hospital and 22,000-seater Cricket Stadium, in Hulhumale (Maldives)
under USD 800 Million Line of Credit (LoC) extended to Maldives in 2019. The Export-Import Bank
(EXIM) of India extended the LOC for development of infrastructure projects in Maldives. India will
partner with Housing Development Corporation Limited of Maldives for the development of Central Park
and renovation of Arrival Jetty in Hulhumale. It will benefit both the visitors and residents.
US Commits USD 1.9 Million to India to Support Informal Sector Workers, Micro Enterprises
United States (US) committed USD 1.9 Million (approximately INR 14 Crores) to support informal
workers, whose lives have been affected due to COVID-19. The Financial Assistance has been extended
by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID will support Revive Alliance, founded
by Samhita-Collective Good Foundation and co-funded by Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, Omidyar
Network India, and Ford Foundation.
India, Myanmar 19th round of FOC held virtually; Webinar on Kaladan multimodal Project also
Organized
The 19th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) between India and Myanmar was held virtually to
review the entire gamut of relations, including border cooperation and the ongoing restoration work on
earthquake damaged pagodas in Bagan. The Indian delegation was led by Foreign Secretary Harsh
Vardhan Shringla and the Myanmar delegation was led by Permanent Secretary, U Soe Han. Apart from
the above FOC, a webinar was organised between both nations on the Kaladan multimodal project.

Dr Harsh Vardhan Chaired 5th Special Session of the WHO Executive Board
Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) virtually chaired the
5th Special Session of Bureau of the Executive Board as Chairman of the Executive Board of the World
Health Organization (WHO). The objective behind this session was to ensure the full and effective
implementation of the terms of resolution WHA (World Health Assembly) 73.1 on COVID-19 response. It
should be noted that Harsh Vardhan is the chair of the WHO Executive Board.
COVID-19 to push 150 Million People into Extreme Poverty: World Bank
According to the Biennial report ‘Poverty and Shared Prosperity 2020: Reversals of Fortune’ released by
the World Bank Group around 150 Million People will be pushed into Extreme Poverty by the end of 2021
due to COVID-19. This is the first rise in Extreme Poverty Percentage in 20 years. The pandemic is
expected to push 88 Million-115 Million people into extreme poverty in 2020.
16-year-old Aava Murto becomes Finland’s PM post for 1 day

As part of the United Nations International Day of Girl Child (11th October, 2020), 16-year old Aava Murto
assumed the post of Finland’s Prime Minister for one day on 7th October, 2020 to raise awareness about
gender equality. It was done as part of the “Girls Takeover” Program. The Prime Minister of Finland is
Sanna Marin, Capital city is Helsinki and Currency is Euro respectively.
School Closure due to COVID-19 may cost Around USD 420 Billion Loss to India: World Bank
According to the World Bank Report titled “Beaten or Broken? Informality and COVID-19 in South Asia”
the closure of schools due to COVID-19 pandemic in India will cause a loss of between USD 420 Billion &
USD 600 Billion in Country’s Future Earnings, in addition to learning losses. The report has been jointly
prepared by the joint product of Office of Chief Economist for the South Asia Region (SARCE) and
Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment (MTI) Global Practice.
India, Japan & Five Eyes Alliance demand access to end-to-end encrypted chats from tech
companies
Members of the Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance (United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand.) Along with India, Japan has asked Big Tech Companies to find a solution for
Law Enforcement Agencies to access end-to-end encrypted chats. The Countries highlighted that
encryption has become a tool for terrorists and child traffickers, and poses risk to thousands of innocent
lives. India, Japan are not members of the Intelligence Alliance.
India, Mexico hold 5th India-Mexico Bilateral High-Level Group on Trade, Investment and
Cooperation
The 5th Meeting of India-Mexico Bilateral High Level Group on Trade, Investment and Cooperation
(BHLG) took place virtually on 9th October, 2020. Following were the MoUs signed during the meet: (i)
MoU was signed between the Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) of India
and the Mexican Chamber of Electronics, Telecommunications and Information Technologies (CANIETI).
(ii) MoU was signed between Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and
Mexican Business Council of Foreign Trade, Investment and Technology (COMCE) for promotion of
development of business relations between India and Mexico.
World Economic Forum shifts Annual Meeting 2021 from Davos to Lucerne
World Economic Forum (WEF) has changed the venue of the Annual Meeting 2021 from Davos to
Lucerne-Burgenstock, Switzerland. The meeting will be held between May 18 - 21, 2021 on the theme
“The Great Reset”, in both physical and digital modes. The changes have been made due to the Pandemic.

ASEAN-India Track 1.5 Dialogue focuses on cyber security during COVID-19 pandemic
The 2nd Edition of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-India Track 1.5 Dialogue took place
virtually. The summit was organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in partnership with the
External Affairs Ministry (EAM). The summit held discussions on cooperation safety in the virtual and
cyber area during the pandemic.
Debt Crisis has increased in Developing Countries due to Pandemic: World Bank
According to International Debt Statistics 2021 released by the World Bank Group, COVID-19 has
deepened the Debt Crisis in Developing Countries. The International Debt Statistics 2021 has been
prepared by the Debt Statistics Team of Development Data Group (DECDG) at the World Bank. The Top
10 Borrowers with largest end-2019 External Debt Stock are Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia,
Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Turkey and South Africa. According to the report, the total External Debt Stocks
of India in 2019 was USD 560,035 Billion.
India appointed as Vice-Chair of OECD Working Group on GLP; Dr Ekta Kapoor appointed as
Vice-Chair
India has been designated as ‘Vice-Chair’ of Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Working Group of the
Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to recognise the contributions of the
Indian GLP Programme.
3rd Assembly of International Solar Alliance held virtually; ISA Solar Awards Presented for the
1st Time
The 3rd Assembly of the International Solar Alliance was held in a virtual mode where India and France
were re-elected as the President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a term of
two years at the virtual third Assembly of ISA. During the assembly, a report prepared by the World
Resources Institute (WRI) was presented which identified the sources of funds, opportunities and
constraints, in scaling up solar investments and the contribution of ISA in assisting Member countries.
Notably, ISA is working with WRI to develop a roadmap for mobilization of USD 1 Trillion by 2030 and
for implementing the vision of One Sun, One World, One Grid.
Read More Details Here: 3rd Assembly of International Solar Alliance held virtually; ISA Solar Awards
Presented for the 1st Time`
India, Netherlands Collaborates in E-Health Initiative

India and Netherlands discussed a joint thrust in the e-health sector to provide digital health facilities
and security to Indians and help Netherlands to accelerate the digital transformation of health. This
collaboration is part of National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) of India.
Singapore Becomes 1st Country to attach Facial Verification in National Identification Database
Singapore became the World’s First Country to attach Facial verification in the National Identification
Database. The function is called “SingPass Face Verification”. Using “SingPass Face Verification” a number
of Government services can be accessed online. The SingPass digital identity scheme provides access to
400 online services which includes tax declarations, and public housing applications.
Israeli Embassy to have first ‘Water Attache’ in India from January, 2021
India and Israel share a strategic partnership in water management. In order to boost it further, Israel
will have a first separate ‘Water Attache’ in India from January 2021 which will share the former’s best
practices and technologies for advancements in India’s water management and agriculture sectors.
Notably, water is one of the biggest challenges in India post-COVID.

Andorra Joins International Monetary Fund as 190th Member
Andorra formally joined the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as 190th Member as Ambassador of
Andorra, Elisenda Vives Balmana signed IMF’s Articles of Agreement at IMF Headquarters in Washington
D.C., USA (United States of America). Andorra had applied for membership to the IMF in January 2020.
The capital and currency of Andorra are Andorra la Vella & Euro respectively.
ICG/IOTWMS Conducts ‘IOWave20’ – Mock Tsunami Drills

UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Intergovernmental
Coordination Group for Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (ICG/IOTWMS) conducted
an Indian Ocean-wide mock Tsunami Drill – ‘IOWave20’ (Indian Ocean Wave2020) on October 6, 13 and
20, 2020. Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) participated in the IOWave20 Exercise in its
capacity as National Tsunami Warning Centre for India and also Tsunami Service Provider for the entire
Indian Ocean Region.
Delhi Airport Emerges as Second Safest Aerodrome Globally based on Covid-19-related safety
protocols: DIAL
The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi operated by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL),
a consortium led by GMR with a score of 4.6 out of 5 has been certified as the Second Safest Aerodrome
Globally for effective implementation of Coronavirus-related health and safety protocols. The safe travel
score is an initiative by Safe Travel Barometer, it has assessed more than 200 airports. Singapore’s Changi
Airport secured the first place with a score of 4.7 out of 5.
NATO to set up New Space Center in Ramstein, Germany

Defence Ministers of 30 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Member States are planning to set
up a New Space Center in the NATO Air Force High Command Base in Ramstein, Germany. It would serve
as a coordination center for space observation. In December 2019, NATO leaders declared that Space will
be the alliance’s “Fifth Domain” of operations after land, sea, air and cyberspace.
Third India- USA 2+2 Dialogue held in New Delhi on Oct 27, 2020; Signed BECA & 4 other MoU’s
India hosted the third India-United States (US) 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in New Delhi where India side
was represented by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam
Jaishankar and the US side was represented by Secretary of State Michael Richard Pompeo also known
as Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Thomas Esper.
• India, U.S sign five agreements including ‘Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement’
• ISRO-NASA satellite NISAR scheduled to be launched by 2022
• India, US vow to deepen cooperation in jointly combating COVID-19
• Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi
Read More Details Here: Third India- USA 2+2 Dialogue held in New Delhi on Oct 27, 2020; Signed BECA
& 4 other MoU’s
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla virtually Addresses Sixth BRICS Parliamentary Forum
Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla virtually addressed the Sixth BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China & Republic
of South Africa) Parliamentary Forum. Theme of the meeting – “BRICS partnership in the interest of the
global stability, general safety and innovative growth: parliamentary dimension.” Chairman of the 6th
BRICS Forum – Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of Russia, Vyachaslav Volodin.
Pakistan to Remain in FATF’s Grey List till February 2021

Marcus Pleyer of Germany, President of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Global Terror Financing
Watchdog announced that Pakistan will remain on the grey list of FATF till February 2021. The decision
was made since Pakistan failed to fulfil 6 out of 27 mandates to check terror funding.

European Commission, ICSSR Signed Implementing Arrangement to Enhance Scientific
Cooperation
The European Commission and the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) signed a new
implementing arrangement to enhance scientific cooperation. It was virtually signed by an Ambassador
of the European Union to India, Ugo Astuto, and the Member Secretary of the Indian Council of Social
Science Research (ICSSR), Virendra Kumar Malhotra.
India extends USD 1 Billion Line of Credit for Development projects in Central Asia
India has extended USD 1 Billion (~ INR 7, 350 Crores) Line of Credit for Development Projects in Central
Asian Countries. The announcement was made by India during the Second Meeting of the India-Central
Asia Dialogue held virtually on 28th October, 2020. The virtual Meeting was chaired by External Affairs
Minister, S Jaishankar.
Read More Details Here: India extends USD 1 Billion Line of Credit for Development projects in Central
Asia
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Participated in 10th Round of Ministerial UK-India

Economic and Financial Dialogue
The 10th Round of Ministerial the United Kingdom (UK)-India Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD)
was held virtually where India was represented by Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Ministry of Finance and UK delegation was led by Chancellor of Exchequer,
Rishi Sunak. India and the UK inked landmark agreements on financial services, infrastructure and
sustainable finance, helping to boost jobs and investments in both countries. Both sides established a new
U.K.-India strategic collaboration to accelerate the development of GIFT City (Gujarat International
Finance Tec-City) & A new UK-India Partnership on Infrastructure Policy and Financing to support the
Indian National Infrastructure Pipeline with UK commercial expertise and financing was signed.
Nitin Gadkari: Feni Bridge connecting India & Bangladesh to be completed by December 2020
Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways announced that the 1.8 kilometre Feni
Bridge, the Reinforced Cement Concrete(RCC) bridge over the river Feni which connects Sabrum in
Tripura, India and Ramgarh in Chittagong, Bangladesh will be completed by December 2020. The Feni
Bridge is being constructed by the National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd
(NHIDCL), a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) at
a cost of Rs.129 crores.
VISITS
FOREIGN VISIT
COAS MM Naravane & FS Harsh Vardhan Shringla Conclude 2 Day visit to Myanmar; Agree to
operationalize Sittwe port by Q1 of 2021
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General MM Naravane and Foreign Secretary (FS) Harsh Vardhan Shringla
concluded the two-day visit to Myanmar on October 4-5, 2020. India and Myanmar reviewed the progress
made in bilateral relations in recent years by regular high-level visits and interactions. During the meet,
India announced a Grant of USD 2 million (approximately INR 15 Crores) for construction of Border Haat
Bridge at Byanyu/Sarsichauk in Chin State to improve economic connectivity between Mizoram and
Myanmar.

Overview of EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Tokyo, Japan
External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar visited Tokyo, Japan for a two-day visit from October 6-7,
2020. On October 6, 2020, EAM S. Jaishankar participated in the Second QUAD (Quadrilateral Security
Dialogue) held between India, Australia, Japan & United States of America (USA) in Tokyo, Japan.
Read More Details Here: Overview of EAM Jaishankar’s visit to Tokyo, Japan
BANKING & FINANCE

RBI IN NEWS
RBI Defers Basel III provisions amid COVID Uncertainty; Borrowing Limit for Banks & States
Extended till Mar 31, 2021
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deferred implementation of provisions made under Basel III capital due to
uncertainty related to COVID crisis. In this regard, RBI will repel the final tranche of the capital
conservation buffer (CCB) and the implementation of Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) by six months i.e.
April 1, 2021.
Read More Details Here: RBI Defers Basel III provisions amid Covid Uncertainty; Borrowing Limit for
Banks & States Extended till Mar 31, 2021
GOI’s WMA Limit for 2nd half of FY 2020-21 Fixed at Rs 1,25,000 Crore: RBI
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in consultation with the Government of India (GoI) has fixed Rs 1,25,000
crore as the Ways and Means Advances (WMA) limit for the 2nd half of the financial year (FY) 21, i.e.,
October 2020 to March 2021. When GOI utilises 75% of the WMA limit, RBI may trigger fresh floatation
of market loans. Interest Rate on WMA/Overdraft: The interest rate on WMA is equal to the repo rate
(current repo rate is 4%). In case of overdraft, the interest rate is 2% above the repo rate.
RBI excludes 6 PSBs from Second Schedule of RBI Act

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) excluded six public sector banks (PSBs) from the Second Schedule of the RBI
Act, 1934 following their merger with other banks with effect from April 01, 2020. The six banks are
Syndicate Bank, Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC), United Bank of India, Andhra Bank, Corporation Bank,
and Allahabad Bank. OBC and United Bank of India merged into Punjab National Bank; Syndicate Bank
into Canara Bank; Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank into Union Bank of India; and Allahabad Bank into
Indian Bank. After the consolidation, there are 12 PSBs in the country, seven large PSBs, and five are
smaller ones.
Highlights of Bi- Monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) 2020-21: October 2020
The 6-member 25th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was held
from October 7-9, 2020 which was headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
• In a First, RBI to Buy State Government Bonds; Rs 20,000 crore-OMO auction next week
• RBI broadens co-origination model for PSL to “Co-Lending Model”, all NBFCs collaborate with banks
• RBI allows 24×7 x 365 availability of RTGS system from December
• RBI Revised Limit for Risk Weight to Rs 7.5 cr to Rs 5 Cr
Read More Details Here: Highlights of Bi- Monthly Monetary Policy Committee 2020-21: October 2020
Digital payments increased in 5 years to 3,434.56 cr in FY20; RBI to Adopt NGTA for Managing
Forex, Gold Reserves
In accordance with the latest data of Reserve Bank of India (RBI), between 2015-16 and 2019-20, digital
payments increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 55.1% from 593.61 crore in FY2015-16 to
3,434.56 crore in FY19-20.

Read More Details Here: Digital payments increased in 5 years to 3,434.56 cr in FY20; RBI to Adopt NGTA
for Managing Forex, Gold Reserves
RBI Pegs Minimum NOF for HFCs at Rs 25 cr; Issued guidelines for PSO’s SRO & on QR Codes:
October 2020
RBI issued the revised regulatory framework for housing finance companies (HFCs) under which the
minimum net owned funds (NOF) size for HFCs is fixed at Rs 25 crore. It also finalized guidelines to set
up Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for Payment System Operators (PSOs) under Companies Act, 2013
as a NPO body and NGO will serve as a watchdog to guard against unprofessional practices within an
industry or profession. RBI decided the two interoperable QR codes in existence – Unified Payments
Interface (UPI) QR and Bharat QR will continue as at present.
Read More Details Here: RBI Pegs Minimum NOF for HFCs at Rs 25 cr; Issued guidelines for PSO’s SRO &
on QR Codes: October 2020
Banks to Deploy on-tap TLTRO funds in 6 sectors; NBFCs wrote to RBI to include them as
Beneficiaries
On October 21, 2020, the RBI has informed that banks can deploy money drawn from this TLTRO in six
sectors – agriculture, agri-infrastructure, secured retail, MSMEs, drugs, pharmaceuticals and healthcare
as announced during a Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) 2020-2021 meeting Reserve Bank
of India (RBI) announced to conduct on-tap targeted long-term repo operations (TLTRO) worth Rs 1 lakh
crore with tenors of up to three years at a floating rate linked to the policy repo rate till March 31, 2021.
Read More Details Here: Banks to Deploy on-tap TLTRO funds in 6 sectors; NBFCs wrote to RBI to include
them as Beneficiaries
RBI Revises Norms for Housing Finance Firms: October 2020

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released final guidelines for housing finance companies (HFC) stating
that these home financiers should have at least 60% of their net assets deployed in the business of
providing finance for housing by March 31, 2024, with individual loans making up at least 50% of all
assets. Also HFCs should also have minimum net owned funds (NOF) of Rs 20 crore to commence housing
finance as its principal business.
BANKING TECHNOLOGY
Indian Bank Launched ‘IB-eNote’, Green-Tech Initiative
Indian Bank launched IB-eNote, a green initiative to enable a total paperless working environment. This
tool enables processing and tracking of notes put up by various offices digitally. The bank for this
initiative has customised SharePoint, one of the features of Microsoft Office. The Bank also launched ‘Ind
Guru’, an e-learning platform for its employees.
Axis bank Launches ACE Credit Card in Collaboration with Google pay & Visa
Axis Bank Limited in collaboration with Google Pay and Visa launched its ACE Credit Card in India. The
card is designed to increase participation of users in the digital economy. It also aims to bring a seamless,
digital experience to users from application to issuance.
SBI Card in Association with DMRC Launched ‘Delhi Metro- SBI Card’, a Credit cum Smart Card for Delhi
Metro Commuters
SBI Card and Payment Services ltd. (SBI Cards) in association with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
launched ‘Delhi Metro- SBI Card’, a Multipurpose Credit Card for Delhi Metro Commuters. The card
functions as a credit card and also as a metro smart card.

LOANS ISSUED BY BANKS
LOANS ISSUED BY RECEIVED BY AMOUNT KEY NOTES
Japan Bank for NTPC Rs. 3,582 crore NTPC (formerly known as National
International Co- Thermal Power Corporation Limited)
operation (JBIC) Limited signed foreign currency loan
agreement with Japanese Government’s
financial institution, Japan Bank for
International Co-operation (JBIC) for JPY
(Japanese Yen) 50 billion (approx. USD
482 million or Rs. 3,582 crore) under its
Global Action for Reconciling Economic
growth and Environment preservation
(GREEN) initiative. It should be noted
that this is the first funding for NTPC Ltd
under JBIC’s GREEN. Apart from NTPC,
State Bank of India (SBI) also signed a
loan agreement of $1 billion with JBIC.
AGREEMENTS & MoUs SIGNED

BANKS SIGNED WITH KEY NOTES
State Bank of India Hindustan Unilever To provide Digital Payment Solutions and Financing solutions
to HUL’s retailers and distributors. As part of the MoU, SBI will
provide instant paperless overdraft facility up to INR 50,000 to
retailers for their billings and financing facilities to HUL’s
Distributors.
SBI NABARD National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development
(NABARD) has inked three Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with State Bank of India (SBI) to extend credit support
for various NABARD projects in Gujarat.
Indian Bank Ministry of Housing Indian Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
and Urban Affairs with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA),
(MoHUA) Government of India and Small Industries Development Bank
of India (SIDBI) at New Delhi, to pay subsidy to street vendors
under the Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi
(PM SVANidhi) Scheme.
OTHER BANKING NEWS

SBI Cards Partners with Amex to Provide Differentiated Offers to Its Customers
SBI Cards & Payment Services Ltd (SBI Cards) partners with American Express Global Network Services
(Amex) to provide global benefits and offer exclusive privileges to their premium consumer segments
in India.
New Development Bank Approves Loan for Mumbai Metro, Delhi-Meerut RRTS Project
New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Nations approved
USD 241 Million (approximately INR 1760 Crores) for Mumbai Metro Rail Project, and USD 500 Million
(approximately INR 3670 Crores) for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
Project.

NABARD to Undertake Sanitation Literacy Campaign to Promote Literacy on ”WASH”
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) to undertake a Sanitation Literacy
Campaign (SLC) to promote literacy on” WASH” (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) in 2,000 villages across
the country covering 1 lakh rural population. SLC will start from October 2, 2020 to January 26, 2021.
Indian Bank Introduced Kisan Credit Card Loan Scheme for Tamil Nadu Fishermen
Indian Bank introduced Kisan credit card loan scheme for fishermen in Tamil Nadu. Under this scheme,
loans up to Rs 2 lakh as working capital can be availed with 7% interest rate. This loan will be provided
under the MUDRA scheme. The borrowers will be given a Rupay Kisan Credit Card.
NABARD Launched Refinance Scheme for WASH Programme, Earmarked Rs 800 cr for FY 21
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) launched a special refinance scheme to
support the government’s Water, Sanitisation and Hygiene (WASH) programme. For this purpose, Rs 800
crore has been earmarked for the financial year 2020-21. This facility is an effort to promote a sustainable
and healthy lifestyle in rural areas.
ADB to Invest 15 Million USD in Avaada Energy to Expand Renewable Energy Capacity in India
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an agreement to invest 15 million USD (Rs.109.9 crore) in
Avaada Energy Private Limited (AEPL) to support the company to scale the photovoltaic solar energy
generation capacity in India. This 15 million USD investment of ADB will be provided as 7.5 Million USD
each from both ADBs Ordinary Capital Resources and Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund (LEAP).
ICICI Bank in partnership with Visa Launched the 1st of its kind Debit Card Facility for Availing
LAS
ICICI Bank in partnership with Visa introduced a debit card facility for customers who avail Loan Against
Securities (LAS) from the bank. The card is available on the Visa platform. With this introduction, ICICI
bank becomes the 1st bank in India to launch this facility after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed
banks to issue electronic cards to customers availing an Overdraft (OD) facility, that are only in the nature
of personal loan with no specific end-use restriction.
Nirmala Sitharaman Launched Indian Bank’s Business Mentoring Programme ‘MSME Prerana’
Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, launched “MSME Prerana” an online
business mentoring programme for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by Indian Bank in
collaboration with Poornatha & Co, at the bank’s headquarters in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. As per Indian
Bank, it is the first-of-its-kind initiative by a bank in India for the MSME sector.
Exim Bank Supported USD 310 mn LoC to Republic of Zimbabwe for Repowering of Hwange
Thermal Power Station
Export-Import (EXIM) bank of India on behalf of the Government of India supported Line of Credit (LoC)
of USD 310 million to the Republic of Zimbabwe to finance repowering of Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Exim Bank Extends 400 Million USD LoC to Maldives for Greater Malé Connectivity Project
The Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India has extended a 400 million USD (around Rs.2933 crore) line of
credit (LoC) to the Republic of Maldives for the Greater Malé connectivity project. The LoC was signed by
Nirmit Ved, The General Manager of Exim Bank and Ibrahim Ameer, Finance Minister, Government of
Republic of Maldives in Malé, Maldives. On behalf of the Government of India EXIM Bank has extended 3
LoCs of value 1240 million USD (around Rs. 9094 crore) to the government of Republic of Maldives.

HDFC Bank and Apollo Hospitals Partners to Launch the HealthyLifeProgramme, a 1st of its kind
Initiative of India
HDFC Bank and Apollo Hospitals partnered to launch The HealthyLifeProgramme, a holistic healthcare
solution which makes healthy living accessible and affordable on Apollo’s digital platform, Apollo 24/7.
It is a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. It is exclusively created for HDFC Bank customers who will get
round the clock access to the emergency Apollo Doctor at free of cost on Apollo 24/7. It was launched
digitally by Aditya Puri, Managing Director of HDFC Bank.
Jana SFB becomes Sponsor Bank of Ashoknagar Co-operative Bank & Becomes 1st SFB to do so
under the Bank Sponsorship Programme
Jana Small Finance Bank (SFB) becomes Sponsor Bank of Ashoknagar Co-operative Bank Limited. With
this partnership, Jana SFB becomes the 1st SFB to go live under the bank sponsorship programme.
Recently Ashoknagar Co-operative Bank Ltd has launched ‘Rupay Debit Card’ facility for its customers
with the sponsorship of Jana SFB.
Fino Payments Bank Set to Add Another 300 Points at BPCL Outlet in Tamil Nadu
Fino Payments Bank announced its plan to add an additional 300 points at the Bharat Petroleum
Corporation Limited (BPCL) outlet to its existing 1075 in Tamil Nadu (TN). This is aimed to support the
truck drivers to get a fleet card recharged by paying equivalent cash. The SmartFleet initiative is a first of
its kind in India which provides assistance to the transporters to efficiently manage their funds.
Indian Bank partnered with IITMIC to Launch Credit Facility for Startups “IND Spring Board”
Indian Bank in collaboration with IIT Madras Incubation Cell (IITMIC) has launched an exclusive credit
facility of up to Rs 50 crore for start-ups namely “IND Spring Board”. The e- launch was also attended by
the BOD of Indian Bank, customers of the Bank and representatives from print & electronic media.
Zenpay Solutions, RBL Bank and YAP join hands to Digitalise Salary Accounts for SMEs, MSMEs
In order to drive financial inclusion to issue salary cards to its customers across India, Zenpay Solutions
partnered with RBL bank and YAP. The corporate expense and salary payment solution helps the
employees who work with SMEs (Small and medium-sized enterprises) and MSME (Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprise) to receive digital payments through a salary account.
IKEA in Partnership with Citibank India and Mastercard Launched a Co-Branded Card, ‘IKEA
Family Credit Card by Citi’
In order to make shopping at IKEA, home furnishing company more affordable, convenient and
rewarding, it has launched ‘IKEA Family Credit Card by Citi’, in partnership with Citibank India and
Mastercard. This card is IKEA’s first co-branded card in India. It is a first for any co-branded card in India,
to have a full digital in-store card application process with instant verification and immediate usage.
World Bank Sanctions approx Rs 3 crore for Goa to develop India’s first Sand Dune Parks
World Bank sanctions Rs 3 crore (approximately) for Goa to develop India’s first sand dune parks as the
World Bank (WB) has approved a proposal drafted by the Goa state biodiversity board for the same. The
idea of parks to preserve sand dunes was first mooted by former National Institute of Oceanography
(NIO) scientist and ex-member of the Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) Antonio Mascaren who has
been now appointed as the principal investigator for the project, with Dr. Pradip Sarmokadam acting as
the co-investigator.
SVC Co-operative Bank in Partnership with NPCI Launches Rewards Programme

SVC Co-operative Bank (Formerly known as The Shamrao Vithal Co-operative Bank Ltd.) entered into
partnership with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to launch a rewards programme. The

loyalty management program is designed to make the banking experience more rewarding for the
customers of the bank.
IndusInd Bank Becomes the 1st bank in India to Go Live on RBI’s Account Aggregator Framework
IndusInd Bank announced that it has gone live as a Financial Information Provider (FIP) under the new
Account Aggregator (AA) Framework of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). IndusInd Bank becomes the 1st
bank in India to do so. The bank went live as FIP with DigiSahamati Foundation, a self-organised
Collective of the Account Aggregator ecosystem.
PNB Launched Tracking & Monitoring Staff Accountability Cases (TMSAC) Portal & 2020
Vigilance Manual
Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s 2nd largest public sector bank launched the PNB Tracking &
Monitoring Staff Accountability Cases (TMSAC) portal and PNB’s 2020 Vigilance Manual, as a part of the
Vigilance Awareness Week (VAW) – 27th October 2020 to 2nd November 2020.
CSB Bank Partners with IIFL Finance for Managing Gold Loan Assets in Untapped Locations
CSB Bank Ltd entered into partnership with IIFL finance Ltd, a NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company)
to source and manage retail gold loan assets in untapped locations. Under the partnership, IIFL will act
as a Business Correspondent (BC) of the Bank.
FINANCE NEWS
Flipkart Partnered with Bajaj Allianz to Launch Cyber Insurance, ‘Digital Suraksha Group
Insurance’
Flipkart and Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company partnered to offer ‘Digital Suraksha Group
Insurance’ for customers who wish to cover themselves against financial losses resulting from cyber-
attacks, cyber frauds, or other such malicious activities on various online platforms. Digital Suraksha
Group Insurance will be introduced on Flipkart’s platform.
BOB Financial Solutions Limited partners with Mastercard to Launch Four New variants of BOB
Credit Cards
Bank of Baroda Financial Solutions (BFSL), a subsidiary of Bank of Baroda (BoB) has partnered with
Mastercard to launch four new variants of BOB Credit Cards. The credit cards will serve customers across
different economic segments including affluent customers, first-time credit card owners, two variants
exclusively for Chartered Accountants, and Cost & Management Accountants.
Narendra Singh Tomar Launched PNB’s Financial Inclusion Initiative Gram Sampark Abhiyan
To commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (October 2, 2020), Punjab National
Bank (PNB) has launched a 3 months long nationwide campaign of financial inclusion and literacy
initiative “Gram Sampark Abhiyan”. It was launched by Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Narendra Singh Tomar on the lines of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. The campaign is centered on four key
themes viz. digital, credit, social security and financial literacy.
Chqbook Launched India’s 1st ‘Financial Control Center’ on Mobile to Empower Small Business
Owners
Chqbook (Chqbook.com), India’s first Neobank for small business owners like kiranas, merchants,
chemists, and others running proprietorships has launched India’s 1st ‘Financial Control Center’, a new
mobile platform to empower 60 million small business owners of India.

EarlySalary in Collaboration with NPCI Launched ‘Salary Card’, a Zero-Touch Digital card
Powered by RuPay
EarlySalary in collaboration with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) launched ‘Salary Card’,
a Zero-Touch Digital card. The Salary Card credit solution is powered by Rupay. It provides instant access
for salaried professionals, allowing them to make purchases instantly across merchants in India. Vivifi
India Finance Private Limited (Vivifi) has launched FlexPay, which offers credit on Unified Payments
Interface (UPI).
IRDAI Introduces Standard Life Product, ‘Saral Jeevan Bima’; Mandated Life Insurers to launch
by Jan 1, 2021
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) released Guidelines for Standard Life
Insurance Product ‘Saral Jeevan Bima’. The insurance scheme should be mandatorily offered by All Life
Insurance Companies from January 1, 2021. The minimum amount under the product will be INR 5 Lakh,
and maximum amount will be upto INR 25 Lakhs.
Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Launched, ‘Invest 4G’ a Unit Linked
Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan
Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) Life Insurance Company Limited launched, ‘Invest 4G’ a
Unit Linked Individual Life Insurance Savings Plan. It is an individual life insurance savings plan that can
be customized according to the individuals’ goals and changing requirements.
Paytm in Partnership with Various Credit Card Issuers to Introduce 2 Million Co-Branded Credit
Cards for Indian Consumers
Paytm in partnership with various credit card issuers will introduce 2 million co-branded credit cards
for consumers in India in the next 12–18 months. The company had digitised the entire credit card
experience on Paytm app, in order to include a digital application process and help customers track
issuance of their new credit card.
USAID Announced 5 Million USD to Support COVID-19 Initiatives of India

United States (US) Agency for International Development (USAID) announced two new awards of total 5
Million USD (around Rs.36.8 crore) to Catalyst Management Service’s COVID Action Collaborative (CAC)
and the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Wadhwani AI). These two new awards are also a
part of the continuous support of the US government to the COVID-19 initiatives of India.
ICICI Lombard in Partnership with FreePaycard Partners Launched Group Safeguard Insurance
ICICI Lombard General Insurance Co. Ltd. in partnership with FreePaycard Retail Pvt.Ltd, an online pre-
paid card trading platform launched Group Safeguard Insurance for the members of FreePaycard. The
customized hospitalization product comes in 3 variants namely, Hospital Daily Cash Benefit, Death
Benefit or the Personal Accident Cover, and Special Vector-borne Disease-related Hospitalization Benefit.
IFSCA approves Bullion Exchange Regulations, 2020 & Global In-House Centres Regulations,
2020
International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) approved the International Financial Services
Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020 and International Financial Services Centres
Authority (Global In-House Centres) Regulations, 2020 during a meeting chaired by Injeti Srinivas,
Chairman of IFSCA. The regulations are:
• International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020
• International Financial Services Centres Authority (Global In-House Centres) Regulations, 2020

Read More Details Here: IFSCA approves Bullion Exchange Regulations, 2020 & Global In-House Centres
Regulations, 2020
ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GDP & GROWTH RATE
ORGANIZATION YEAR RATE
World Bank FY21 Contract by 9.6%
As per World Bank’s latest South Asia Economic Focus
forecasts, India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected
to contract by 9.6% (-9.6%) in FY21. On the other hand, it
expects a 5.4% rebound in FY22. Regional growth (South
Asia) is expected to contract by 7.7% in 2020, after topping
6% annually in the past five years, and rebound to 4.5% in
2021.
International Monetary FY21 Contract by 10.3%
Fund (IMF) International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World
Economic Outlook (WEO-October 2020), titled “A Long and
Difficult Ascent” projected India’s gross domestic product
(GDP) to contract 10.3% (i.e.-10.3 %) in comparison to June
forecast of 4.5% amid COVID19. On global front, the
economy growth is downgraded to -4.4% as compared to
5.2% projected earlier. On the other hand, for FY21-22
Indian economy is expecting a rebound of 8.8% growth rate
higher than the 6% forecast earlier.
ECONOMY NEWS
CSC Partners with HelpAge India to Afford Digital Literacy to Rural Elderly Citizens
Common Services Centre (CSC) under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
partnered with HelpAge India, a non-profit organisation focused on the concerns of elders. CSC
Academy, the education arm of CSC and HelpAge India has signed a MoU under the project of
“Aalambana” of HelpAge India which will be implemented for a period of 1 year, to offer digital literacy
to the rural elderly citizens of India (above the age of 55).
Axis Bank in Partnership with Vistara, Launched Industry 1st Co-Branded Forex Card, ‘Axis Bank
Club Vistara Forex Card’
Axis Bank Ltd in partnership with Vistara, India’s full service carrier launched a Co-Branded Forex Card,
‘Axis Bank Club Vistara Forex Card’ to cater the needs of international travellers. This is the 1st-ever
collaboration by a bank and an Indian airline for a co-branded forex card. The multi-currency forex card
enables customers to travel to international destinations in a cashless and hassle free manner.
WTO Upgraded its World Merchandise Trade Forecast at 9.2% in 2020 from 12.9%
World Trade Organization (WTO) lowered its projection on the volume of world merchandise trade in
2020 to 9.2% as compared to 12.9% fall in April 2020. This is due to the strong trade performances in
June-July, 2020 due to easing of lockdowns in many parts of the world. For 2021, WTO forecasts a 7.2%
world trade increase, far below the April estimate of 21.3% growth (Between 21% to 24%) and pre-
pandemic level.

Bond trade platform ‘BondEvalue’ set for New Year launch in India
Singapore-based bond exchange, BondEvalue, co-founded by India-origin entrepreneurs Rajaram
Kannan and Rahul Banerjee, is all set to launch a blockchain-platform in 2021 to facilitate investment in
bonds by individuals. Recently, BondEvalue got approval as a global Recognised Market Operator (RMO)
from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). The RMO allows BondbloX Bond Exchange (BBX), the
world’s first blockchain-based bond exchange, to trade globally a wide range of fixed-income securities.
Remittances to India to Fall by 9% in 2020: World Bank Report

As per the latest estimates published in the World Bank’s ‘Migration and Development Brief 33’,
remittance to India will fall by 9% to USD 76 billion due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and global
economic recession. The top 5 countries in 2020 to receive foreign remittances are expected to be India,
China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt, unchanged from 2019.
BUSINESS NEWS
Google India Launches ‘‘Make Small Strong’’ Campaign for Small Businesses; Partners with Zoho,
Instamojo, Dunzo and Swiggy
Google India has launched a nation-wide campaign, ‘Make Small Strong’ to support small businesses and
drive demand through customer support. It has entered into partnership with Zoho and Instamojo to help
SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) to build a digital presence. It has also partnered with Dunzo and
Swiggy to expedite small businesses’ on-boarding process. Also, Google in partnership with Doordarshan
plans to launch Namaste Digital.
RGICL Partnered with SatSure Analytics for Crop Insurance Business Operations
Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (RGICL), a 100% subsidiary of Reliance Capital announced
its partnership with Bengaluru based SatSure Analytics, a wholly owned subsidiary of SatSure AG,
Switzerland to improve its operations of its crop insurance business and satellite based crop monitoring
and predictive analytics support for risk management.
Amazon India in Partnership with IRCTC launches Online Reserved Train Ticket Bookings
Amazon India has partnered with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to offer
their customers the facility to book train tickets on amazon. Amazon.in has waived the service and
payment gateway transaction charges for the introductory period.
Microsoft, AICTE Collaborate to Skill Students, Educators in Next-Generation Technology

Microsoft has partnered with All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to empower students,
educators in Next-Generation Technology such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT),
Data Science and Cloud Computing.
Mastercard Partners with Signzy for Global Rollout of Video KYC

In order to rollout Signzy’s video-based KYC (Know Your Customer) solution to its banking customers
globally, Mastercard has entered into partnership with Signzy, a leading RegTech startup. The customers
of Mastercard, with this partnership will benefit from a 100% paperless, remote and secure on boarding
solution for end-users.
BBNL and TCIL Selects Hughes India to provide High-Speed Satellite Connectivity to 5,000
Remote Gram Panchayats
Hughes Communications India Private Limited (Hughes India) has been selected by Bharat Broadband
Nigam Limited (BBNL) and Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL) to provide high-speed

satellite connectivity to 5,000 remote gram panchayats in 15 states and UTs of India including Ladakh,
Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram & Tripura among others by August 2021.
PhonePe in Association with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Launched Car and Bike Insurance
Products on its Platform
PhonePe in association with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company launched car and bike insurance
products on its platform. This launch enables more than 230 million registered PhonePe users to insure
their vehicles, in under 2 minutes, without having to upload any documents before making a purchase.
They can also view their policy documents instantly on the app.
Tata Motors Partnered with HDFC Bank for Financing of Passenger Vehicles
TATA Motors has collaborated with HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation) Bank for
financing of its passenger vehicles. In this regard, Tata Motors introduced two new schemes viz. “Gradual
Step Up Scheme” and “TML Flexi Drive Scheme” which will be available till November 2020.
Mastercard Partners with Atlantis to Expand Digital First Program in India

In order to address the increasing demand for digital payment solutions for everything, Mastercard has
entered into partnership with Atlantis to expand the Digital First Program in India. The partnership aims
to provide the users of Mastercard, a technology solution that enables them to enjoy a best-in-class digital
banking experience.
IOCL Partners with IBM for Digital Services

Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) entered
into partnership to transform the customer’s experience of IOCL. Under this partnership, IBM developed
Indian Oil One mobile app & portal which will be used by about 130 million consumers covered by about
12,400 IOCL distributors. The Indian Oil One mobile app & portal are part of Indian Oil’s Project ePIC
(Electronic Platform for Indian Oil customers), a digital transformation project.
MoU’s & AGREEMENTS

MoU’s BETWEEN COUNTRY
COUNTRIES MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
India SJVN SJVN Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Govt. of India (GoI) for the year 2020-21 as per which the former has
the target to achieve 9680 Million Units of electricity generation
during FY21 under “Excellent” category. It should be noted that SJVN
has set a target of achieving installed capacity of 5000 MW (Mega
Watt) by 2023, 12000 MW by 2030 and 25000 MW by 2040.
India’s Taiwan’s Taiwan- India’s National Maritime Foundation (NMF) signed a Memorandum
National Asia Exchange of Understanding (MoU) with Taiwan’s Taiwan-Asia Exchange
Maritime Foundation (TAEF) Foundation (TAEF) to foster cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
Foundation as part of Taiwan’s South bound policy. NMF Director General Vice
(NMF) Admiral Pradeep Chauhan (Retd) and TAEF Chairman Dr. Hsin-
Huang Michael Hsiao presided over the signing via
videoconferencing.

MoU’s WITH STATES
STATE MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
Gujarat Danish Water Forum Gujarat Water Supply and Sewerage Board, Government of
(DWF) Gujarat signed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Danish Water Forum (DWF) in the water sector
through an online interactive platform to establish Indo-
Danish Water Technology Alliance in Gujarat and to
contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal (SDG) 6, ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’.
Ladakh NDDB National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Union
Territory (UT) Administration of Ladakh signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct a survey
for promotion of dairying and rural livelihood in the region.
The survey will collect required details to prepare a roadmap
for development & promotion of dairying in Ladakh.
Uttar Pradesh Zurich Airport The Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP) and the Zurich
International AG (ZAIA) Airport International AG (ZAIA) signed a 40-year concession
agreement which grants licence to Zurich Airport for
designing, building and operating the Noida International
Airport (NIA) (also known as Jewar Airport) at Jewar,
outskirts of Delhi. The concession agreement was signed
with the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited
(YIAPL), a special purpose vehicle incorporated by Zurich
Airport for this project.
Gujarat Hindustan Zinc Limited Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), a subsidiary of Vedanta
(HZL) Limited, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the government of Gujarat to set up World’s Biggest
Zinc smelter complex in Doswada GIDC (Gujarat Industrial
Development Corporation), Tapi, Gujarat. This 300 KTPA
(Kilo Tonnes Per Annum) greenfield facility of HZL is the first
of its kind in Gujarat with zero liquid discharge. This is one of
the largest MoU signed under Gujarat’s modified industrial
policy, that provides benefits to companies that invest in
backward tribal districts.
Telangana BSE BSE (formerly known as Bombay Stock Exchange) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding with the Industries and
Commerce Department, Government of Telangana along
with GlobalLinker to support micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) of the state to raise equity funds.
Punjab GAME Punjab Government signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with The Global Alliance for Mass
Entrepreneurship (GAME) for a 2-year project on
transforming the ease of doing business MSMES (Micro,
Small & Medium Enterprises) in Punjab. The agreement is
supported by Omidyar Network India (ONI) under its
ReSolve Initiative. Dr KP Krishnan, Chair of the GAME
Taskforce on MSME, who is a former Secretary, Government
of India will lead the project.

MoU’s BETWEEN ORGANIZATION
ORGANIZATION MoU’s WITH FIELD / PURPOSE
AgniKul Cosmos Alaska Aerospace Indian Aerospace Startup AgniKul Cosmos signed a
Corporation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alaska Aerospace
Corporation to test launch Indian made Agnibaan Rocket from
Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska (PSCA) on Kodiak Island in the
United States.
IFFCO Prasar Bharati Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and
Prasar Bharati inked MoU to broadcast and promote new
agriculture technology and innovations during a program
organised in Prithvi Bhavan, New Delhi. The IFFCO is the world’s
biggest fertiliser cooperative and has prepared a
Nanotechnology based alternative of Urea. As a part of MoU, DD
Kisan will broadcast various innovative techniques adopted in
the agriculture field in easy language through a 30 minutes’
program series of approximate 25 episodes.
Tata Steel CSIR Tata Steel and Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work
together in the areas of Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage
(CCUS). Both sides have signed the MoU to meet India’s growing
energy demands and to build a strong ecosystem to meet
commitments under the Paris Agreement. CCUS plays a vital part
in India’s fight against Climate Change and Global Warming.
BIAL Virgin Hyperloop Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) and Virgin
Hyperloop signed a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to conduct a feasibility study for
Hyperloop corridor from Kempegowda International Airport,
Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR airport). If this project succeeds, this will
be India’s 1st Hyperloop transportation system.
FLO NSDC Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women’s wing of FICCI and
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) signed a MoU
under the 3C initiative of FLO to empower women with
employability through skill training and to promote women
entrepreneurship.
C-DAC NSM The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC)
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With the
National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) Host Institutes to
establish supercomputing infrastructure with assembly and
manufacturing in India.
IIT Jodhpur NHAI To share expertise for the betterment of highway infrastructure.
The Signing of the MoU was held at IIT Jodhpur Campus in the
presence of Santanu Chaudhury, Director of IIT Jodhpur, and
Ajay Bishnoi, General Manager (Technical) and Project Director,
NHAI, Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Jodhpur.
BSE ICCI BSE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Inventivepreneur Chamber of Commerce & Industries (ICCI) to
support Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs) and start-ups &
promote their listing on the exchange.

Delhi Transport NBCC Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) signed a Memorandum of
Corporation Understanding (MoU) with the National Building Construction
Corporation (NBCC) to establish the first of its kind multilevel
bus depots with all modern facilities at Hari Nagar and Vasant
Vihar in Delhi.
OTHER MoU’S IN CONTENT FORMAT

NHPC & PFC Inked MoU with Power Ministry detailing targets for FY 2020-21
Power Finance Corporation Ltd (PFC) and NHPC Limited have signed a performance-based MoU with
Ministry of Power (MoP) in New Delhi detailing various targets to be achieved during FY 2020-21.
Read More Details Here: NHPC & PFC Inked MoU with Power Ministry detailing targets for FY 2020-21
MoD Signs Contract worth 409 cr with EEL for supply of Multi-Mode Hand Grenades to Indian
Army
The Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with private company Economic
Explosive Ltd (EEL) for supply of 10,00,000 Multi-Mode Hand Grenades to the Indian Army at an
approximate cost of Rs. 409 Crores. Notably, these grenades will replace the hand grenade design of
World War-II vintage. These grenades have been designed by Chandigarh based Terminal Ballistic
Research Laboratories (TBRL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and are being
produced by EEL, Nagpur.
ISLRTC and NCERT Signed MoU to Make Educational Materials Accessible for Deaf Children
Indian Sign Language Research and Training Center (ISLRTC) and The National Council of Educational
Research and Training (NCERT) signed a MoU to convert the NCERT educational materials into Indian
Sign Language (ISL). This ensures the accessibility of NCERT materials to the Indian students with
hearing impairment in their preferred mode of communication (ISL).
Atal Innovation Mission, CGI India sign SOI to boost innovation in Schools
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) with CGI India to promote
innovation in schools. CGI India will adopt 100 schools with Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) in Bengaluru,
Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai to promote and train students. The opportunity will provide the
students hands-on experience using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) tools.
IIT-K and ASI Signed MoU with Two Italy Institutes for Protection of Monuments
Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) in Uttar Pradesh (UP) and Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) have inked MoU with Italy’s Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, and Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle
Arti E Paesaggio, Venice for creating a network of sharing skills for restoration and protection of historical
monuments.
India Post, US Postal Service Inked MoU for Electronic Exchange of Customs Data
Department of Posts (DoP), Government of India (India Post) and United States Postal Service (USPS)
have inked MoU for Electronic Exchange of Customs data related to postal shipments. The MoU was
signed on the lines of Third India- USA 2+2 Ministerial dialogue held in New Delhi.
Cochin Shipyard Limited and Italy’s Fincantieri Signs MoU in Shipping Industry
Cochin Shipyard Limited and Fincantieri S.P.A. of Italy virtually signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) for cooperation in the areas of Design, Ship Building, Ship Repair, Marine Equipment
Manufacturing and also for Training & Skill Development.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

APPOINTMENTS
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
AS
Shekhar Kapur President FTII Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
(MIB) announced the appointment of
Renowned Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur as
the new President of Film and Television
Institute of India (FTII) Society and
Chairman of FTII Governing Council which
runs the FTII, an autonomous film School
under the MIB at Pune, Maharashtra. His
tenure will run till March 2023. He
succeeds Brijendra Pal Singh.
Dinesh Kumar Khara Chairman SBI The Government of India appointed Dinesh
Kumar Khara, the current Managing
Director of State Bank of India as the new
Chairman of SBI for a period of three years
effective from 7th October 2020. Dinesh
Kumar Khara succeeds Rajnish Kumar as
the new Chairman, whose 3-year term
ended on 7th October 2020.
J Venkatramu Managing India Post The Appointments Committee of the
Director (MD) Payments Bank Cabinet approved the appointment of J
& Chief (IPPB) Venkatramu as Managing Director (MD) &
Executive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of India Post
Officer (CEO) Payments Bank (IPPB) for a period of three
years. J Venkatramu will succeed Suresh
Sethi, who served the post till March, 2020.
M Rajeshwar Rao Deputy Reserve Bank of Government of India appointed M
Governor India (RBI) Rajeshwar Rao as the new 4th deputy
governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
responsible for Financial regulations. He
will succeed NS Vishwanathan, the former
4th Deputy Governor of RBI, who resigned
in March 2020 before the completion of his
term (June 2020). M Rajeshwar Rao is
currently serving as the executive director
of RBI.
MA Ganapathy Director BCAS Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
General chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
approved the appointment of MA
Ganapathy IPS as the New Director General
(DG) of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
(BCAS), under the ministry of Civil Aviation.
He will hold the position till the 29th

February 2024, the date of his retirement
or until further order. He succeeds Rakesh
Asthana, who was appointed as DG of
Border Security Force (BSF) in August
2020.
Rajkiran Rai G Chairman Indian Banks’ At the meeting of the Managing Committee
Association (IBA) of the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA),
Rajkiran Rai G, Managing Director (MD) and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Union Bank
of India(UBI), has been elected as the
Chairman of the Association for the term
2020-21. He succeeds Rajnish Kumar.
While, Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman,
Dinesh Kumar Khara Deputy
State Bank of India (SBI), was elected as
Chairman
Deputy Chairman of the Association for the
year 2020-21. He is one among the 3
deputy chairman namely, CH S S
Mallikarjuna Rao, MD & CEO of Punjab
National Bank and Madhav Kalyan, CEO of
J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, India.
Apurva Chandra Chairperson International Apurva Chandra, Secretary (Labour and
Labour Employment), Ministry of Labour and
Organisation (ILO) Employment was elected as the
Chairperson of the Governing Body of the
International Labour Organisation (ILO) for
the period October 2020- June 2021. It is to
be noted that India assumes the
Chairmanship of the Governing Body of ILO
after 35 years.
INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME APPOINTED AS ENTITY / PLACE KEY NOTES
Sheikh Nawaf Al- Emir Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Ahmad Al-Jaber (83), Crown prince of Kuwait (State of
Al-Sabah Kuwait) sworn in as new emir (16th Emir of
Kuwait) during a session of the National
Assembly in Kuwait. He succeeds Sheikh
Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (91 years
old), who died on September 29, 2020 in the
United States.
Sadyr Zhaparov Acting Prime Kyrgyzstan Parliament of Kyrgyzstan (also known as
Minister Jogorku Kenesh) appointed Sadyr Zhaparov,
as the Acting Prime Minister (PM) of
Kyrgyzstan. He was appointed following the
resignation of the former PM Kubatbek
Boronov amid post-election vote rigging
protests. The capital and currency of
Kyrgyzstan are Bishkek & Kyrgyzstani Som
respectively.

Bishr al- Prime Minister Jordan Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of Jordan
Khasawneh appointed Bishr al-Khasawneh, policy
advisor to the king, as new Prime Minister of
the country and also instructed him to form
a new government. His appointment comes
after King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein
accepted the resignation of Prime Minister
Omar al Razzaz.
Dr. Michael Irani Interim President International Dr. Michael Irani of Great Britain (GBR) was
Weightlifting appointed as the Interim President of the
Federation (IWF) International Weightlifting Federation
(IWF). He takes over as Interim President
from Intarat Yodbangtoey. Ursula Papandrea
was appointed as the Acting president after
the resignation of Tamás Aján.
Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister New Zealand Jacinda Ardern leader of the Labour Party
won the 2nd term as the Prime Minister of
New Zealand with her landslide victory in
the 2020 General Elections. The Labour
Party won the election with 49% of the votes
and its coalition partner the Green Party
won 8% i.e., 10 seats.
Saad El-Din Prime Minister Lebanon Saad El-Din Hariri was elected as the Prime
Hariri minister of Lebanon. He succeeds Mustapha
Adib. Saad El-Din Hariri has been in the post
of PM twice. He belongs to the Future
Movement political party. The Capital of
Lebanon is Beirut.
Wavel President Seychelles India origin Wavel Ramkalawan, of the
Ramkalawan opposition Linyon Demokratik Seselwa
(LDS) was elected as the President of
Seychelles by defeating incumbent Danny
Faure of United Seychelles party. The capital
and currency of Seychelles are Victoria &
Seychellois rupee respectively.
Alpha Condé President Guinea Alpha Condé (82 years old), the incumbent
president of Guinea and leader of Rally of
the Guinean People (Rassemblement du
Peuple Guinéen – RPG) party won the 3rd
term as the President of Guinea by winning
the 2020 presidential elections held on 18th
October. He won the election against Cellou
Dalein Diallo with 59.49 % votes. Diallo got
33.5% votes in the election. The capital and
currency of Guinea are Conakry and Guinean
Franc respectively.
Luis Alberto President Bolivia Bolivia’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal
“Lucho” Arce formally announced that Luis Alberto
Catacora “Lucho” Arce Catacora won the Presidential
elections in Bolivia. Luis Arce will succeed

Bolivia’s Interim President Jeanine Anez
Chavez of the Democrat Social Movement
Party. Luis’s Party Movement for Socialism
(MAS) captured 55.1 % of votes and won the
elections. The capital and currency of Bolivia
are Sucre (Constitutional & Judicial), La Paz
(Executive & Legislative) & Boliviano (BOB)
respectively.
BRAND & CAMPAIGN AMBASSADORS

PERSON NAME BRAND / CAMPAIGN KEY NOTES
Sourav Ganguly Brand Ambassador Kolkata based Real Estate Developer Bengal
Peerless Housing Development Company Limited
appointed Former National Cricket Team Captain
and Current President of Board of Control for
Cricket in India (BCCI), Sourav Ganguly as its Brand
Ambassador.
Ajinkya Rahane Brand Ambassador and Hudle, a sports tech startup, announced the
Advisor appointment of Indian cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane as
its brand ambassador and advisor of the company.
Ajinkya Rahane will be the face of the brand and he
will also provide the strategic inputs of his
experience in professional sports and guide the
team.
Chetan Anand Brand Ambassador Chetan Anand, Indian Badminton player and
Commonwealth Games (CWG) medallist was
appointed as the brand ambassador of ‘Transform’,
India’s first home-grown badminton brand which
was virtually launched on 7th October 2020.
Constantina Dita Brand Ambassador The World Athletics named Constantina Dita,
Romanian long-distance runner and the Champion
of 2008 Beijing Olympics as the brand ambassador
of World Athletics Half Marathon Championships
2020 which will be held on 17th October 2020 at
Gdynia, Poland. She won the 2004 Chicago
Marathon and came second in the 2005 Chicago
Marathon (major City Marathons).
Vishal V. Sharma Ambassador Vishal V. Sharma has been appointed as the next
Permanent Representative of India to UNESCO’s
Permanent Delegation of India, with the rank of
Ambassador. He will take up the assignment shortly.
He succeeds Jawed Ashraf, a 1991 batch IFS (Indian
Foreign Service) officer. Vishal V. Sharma is the
third political appointee among Indian ambassadors
and high commissioners worldwide.
Rohit Sharma Brand Ambassador Rohit Sharma, Indian Cricketer appointed as the
brand ambassador of Dr Trust, healthcare firm. The
right handed batsman will feature in a new
integrated campaign for Dr Trust.

RESIGNATIONS
PERSON NAME RESIGNED AS ENTITY / PLACE
Omar al-Razzaz Prime Minister King of Jordan, Abdullah II accepted the
resignation of Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz.
The monarch dissolved the parliament on 2nd
October 2020, at the end of its 4-year term. The
capital and currency of Jordan are Amman and
Jordanian Dinar respectively.
Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah Prime Minister The Kuwaiti government, headed by Prime
Minister(PM) Sabah Al Khalid Al Sabah submitted
its resignation to Emir Nawaf Al Ahmed Al Jaber
Al Sabah in anticipation of the upcoming general
elections that are due to be held in November,
2020. He took charge as the PM in 2019. The emir
named Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-
Sabah, currently the deputy head of the National
Guard, as crown prince of Kuwait.
Sooronbai Jeenbekov President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, the President of
Kyrgyzstan announced his resignation to end the
commotion and disorder caused by the results of
the 2020 Parliament elections. The capital and
currency of Kyrgyzstan are Bishkek and
Kyrgyzstani Som respectively.
OTHER APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Surjeet Singh Deswal DG of ITBP was Given Additional Charges as DG of National Security Guard
Surjeet Singh Deswal (SS Deswal), Director General (DG) of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been
given the additional charges as the DG of the Counter Terror Force – National Security Guard (NSG)
following the retirement of Anup Kumar Singh (AK Singh), incumbent chief of NSG, on September 30.
Govt Sets up Panel to Screen all Chinese Foreign Investment Proposals Headed by Ajay Kumar
Bhalla
The Government of India has set up a screening panel to examine all Chinese foreign investment
proposals. The panel is headed by the home secretary, Ajay Kumar Bhalla and secretary of the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as a member.
Madhabi Puri Buch, 1st women Whole-Time Member of SEBI gets a Year Extension
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
approved the term extension of appointment of Madhabi Puri Buch, Whole-Time Member (WTM),
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for one year effective from October 4, 2020 or until further
orders, whichever is earlier. She is the 1st & only woman WTM and also the 1st from the private sector
to be appointed a SEBI Board member.
R.K. Chhibber, CMD of J&K Bank Gets Another 6 Months Extension: RBI
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) extended the term of Rajesh Kumar (R.K.) Chhibber as Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank for another 6 months, effective from October
10, 2020 or till the appointment of Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), whichever
is earlier. Prior to this, he got an extension of 3 months with effect from July 10, 2020.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal Gets Additional Charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food
and Public Distribution
Ram Nath Kovind, President of India, as advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has assigned Union
Minister Piyush Goyal with additional charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution following the death of Ram Vilas Paswan. Piyush Goyal is currently serving as the Cabinet
Minister of Railways and Commerce and Industry.
Government sets up Panel of Secretaries under Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to Streamline
Telecom Spectrum Allocation
Central Government has formulated a panel of secretaries under cabinet secretary ‘Rajiv Gauba’ to
streamline telecom spectrum allocation process and examine the possibility of making the auction of
spectrum an annual calendar event. The panel comprises the secretaries of home, defence, railways,
telecom, Information and Broadcasting (I&B) and department of space.
Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC Gets Extension on His Term till July 2025
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) extended the tenure of Gurdeep Singh, the Chairman
and Managing Director(CMD) of NTPC limited. He will serve as the CMD till July 2025, which makes him
as the one of the longest serving chief of NTPC Ltd.
SC Appointed One-Man Panel to Monitor Stubble Burning under its Former Judge Madan
Bhimarao Lokur
The Supreme Court (SC) bench headed by Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and comprising of Justices
Ajjikuttira Somaiah Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian has directed to formulate a one-man committee
under former SC judge Madan Bhimarao Lokur to monitor and prevent stubble-burning by farmers in
Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh (UP) this winter, which worsens the air quality in Delhi- National
Capital Region (NCR).
SEBI Constitutes a Market Data Advisory Committee Headed by Madhabi Puri Buch, for Market
data
In an effort to set up Data Culture through Data Democratization in the Indian securities market, The
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted a Market Data Advisory Committee,
Standing Committee. The committee is headed by Madhabi Puri Buch, Whole Time Member, SEBI.
IRDAI sets up panel under P Umesh to Examine Need for Standard Cyber Liability Insurance
The cases of cyberattack and high-profile data breaches have increased amid COVID-19 pandemic. In
order to curb this situation, on October 20, 2020, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of
India (IRDAI) set up a 9-member panel under P Umesh, Consultant-Liability Insurance, to explore the
possibility of a basic standard cyber liability insurance product for individuals and establishments that
can manage their cyber risks. The working group will submit its report within two months.
ECI Constitutes Committee to Examine Issues on Expenditure Limits of Candidates

The Election Commission of India (ECI) constituted a committee to examine the issues regarding the
limits of expenditure for a candidate. The committee comprises Harish Kumar, former Indian Revenue
Service IRS officer and Director General (Investigation) and Umesh Sinha, Secretary General of ECI and
DG (Expenditure). The committee will submit the report within 120 days.
NITI Aayog’s Panel Headed by NITI Aayog VC Rajiv Kumar to Reform Urban Planning Education
System
NITI Aayog constituted a 14-member advisory committee headed by Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman (VC) of
NITI Aayog to evaluate the reforms in the urban planning education system. The committee will review

the urban planning education system in India and examine the availability, demand and supply of the
qualified urban planners in India. Also, the committee will review the current system in terms of
multidisciplinary, curriculum and other related issues at the level of graduates and post graduates against
the challenges of rapid urbanization.
Justice Bansi Lal Bhat gets 3rd Extension as Officiating Chairperson of NCLAT till December 31,
2020
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has extended the tenure of Justice Bansi Lal Bhat as the officiating
Chairperson of National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) till 31st December 2020 or till a
regular Chairperson is appointed or until further orders.
AWARDS
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF NOBEL PRIZE
AWARD NAME AWARD WINNER FIELD KEY NOTES
Right Livelihood Award 4 Member Awardees Equality, Right Livelihood Award Foundation
also known as the Democracy, announced the four winners of the 2020
Alternative Nobel Prize Justice and Right Livelihood Award which is also
Freedom known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”.
The four activists Ales Bialiatski of
Belarus, Nasrin Sotoudeh of Iran, Bryan
Stevenson of the United States (US) and
Lottie Cunningham Wren of Nicaragua
shared the 2020 award for their
contribution towards equality,
democracy, justice and freedom.
Nobel Prize Harvey J. Alter, Physiology or The Head of the Nobel Committee,
Charles M. Rice & Medicine Thomas Perlmann announced the Nobel
Michael Houghton Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2020
jointly to 2 Americans Harvey J. Alter
and Charles M. Rice and one British-born
scientist Michael Houghton for
discovering the Hepatitis C virus, a major
global health problem that causes
cirrhosis and liver cancer at the Nobel
Assembly at Karolinska Institutet in
Stockholm, Sweden.
Nobel Prize Roger Penrose Physics Goran K. Hansson, secretary-general of
the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences,
announced the Nobel Prize in Physics
2020. One half of the 2020 Nobel Prize in
Physics was given to Roger Penrose
(United Kingdom-UK) for his discovery
that black hole formation is resilient
prediction of the general theory of
relativity and the other half jointly to
Reinhard Genzel (German) and Andrea
Ghez (America) for their discovery of a
supermassive compact object at the
centre of our galaxy (Milky Way). The
award comprises a gold medal and prize

money of 10 million Swedish kronor
(more than $1.1 million).
Nobel Prize Emmanuelle Chemistry Goran K. Hansson, secretary-general of
Charpentier, Jennifer the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences,
A. Doudna announced the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
2020 jointly to Emmanuelle Charpentier
of France and Jennifer A. Doudna of the
United States for the development of a
method for genome editing, namely
‘CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors’. The
method is one of gene technology’s
sharpest tools. This is the 1st time 2
women have jointly won the Nobel Prize
in Chemistry.
Nobel Prize Louise Glück Literature Mats Malm, Permanent Secretary of the
Swedish Academy announced the Nobel
Prize in Literature 2020 to Louise Glück,
American Poet and essayist “for her
unmistakable poetic voice that with
austere beauty makes individual
existence universal”. In past, she has
won Pulitzer Prize for her poetry book,
The Wild Iris (1992).
Nobel Peace Prize United Nations (UN) Peace Berit Reiss-Andersen, Chair of the
World Food Norwegian Nobel Committee announced
Programme (WFP) the Nobel Peace Prize 2020 to the United
Nations (UN) World Food Programme
(WFP) for its efforts to fight hunger, for
its contribution to improving peace
conditions in conflict-affected areas and
for acting as a driving force in efforts to
prevent the use of hunger as a weapon of
war and conflict.
Nobel Prize Paul R. Milgrom and Economic Professor Göran K. Hansson, Secretary
Robert B. Wilson Sciences General of the Royal Swedish Academy
of Sciences announced the Nobel Prize in
Economic Sciences or Sveriges Riksbank
Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of
Alfred Nobel 2020 jointly to 2 American
economists namely, Paul R. Milgrom and
Robert B. Wilson for “improvements to
auction theory and inventions of new
auction formats”.
AWARDS IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SCIENCE & BRAVERY

IACC Lifetime and Ratan N. Tata Bravery The Indo-American Chamber of
Global Excellence Commerce (IACC) conferred IACC
Awards Lifetime and Global Excellence Awards
to Ratan N. Tata for his pioneering role
in the Business Relations of India-USA
(United States of America) and for his
lifetime achievement in Global
Leadership. It is to be noted that this is
the 1st time IACC conferred the
Lifetime Achievement award to any
individual. This award was announced

in virtual event of IACC “COVID
Crusader Award-2020”.
GOLD Stevie® Award Seema Gupta Lifetime Seema Gupta, Director (Operations) of
Achievement- Power Grid Corporation of India
Business Limited (POWERGRID), a PSU (Public
Sector Undertaking) under Ministry of
Power, Government of India has been
named the winner of GOLD Stevie®
Award in the Lifetime Achievement-
Business category in the 17th annual
Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
OTHER IMPORTANT AWARDS

2020 Gandhi Sanjay Singh Being Sanjay Singh, Member of Parliament (MP) of
Award instrumental in Rajya Sabha and the leader of Aam Aadmi
the diplomatic Party (AAP) has been chosen as the recipient
intervention of the “2020 Gandhi Award”. He was
recognised with the award for being
instrumental in the diplomatic intervention
of India to remove the image of Mahatma
Gandhi on the beer bottles of Malka
brewery, an Israeli private company.
UNSDG Action Confederation of Integration, In the 3rd edition of United Nations
Award 2020 Indian Industry (CII) Convergence, Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDG)
Joint Action and Action Awards 2020, The Confederation of
holistic Solution Indian Industry (CII) Foundation received
Approach – the UNSDG Action Award 2020 from the
Industry United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) in partnership with the Government
of Punjab for their work on crop residue
management. CII received the award under
the category of “Integration, Convergence,
Joint Action and holistic Solution Approach –
Industry”. The Special Humanitarian Action
Award 2020 was conferred upon Action
Sonu Sood and SPS Oberoi, Dubai based
businessman and philanthropist over a
virtual ceremony presided by Vini Mahajan,
Chief Secretary of Punjab. Click here
CEO of the Year Pravir Krishna Exemplary and Pravir Krishna, Managing Director (MD) of
and Visionary Inspirational Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development
Leadership Award Leadership Federation of India (TRIFED) received the
CEO of the Year and Visionary Leadership
Award for his exemplary and inspirational
leadership. The awards were presented at
the virtual edition of National Awards for
Excellence – PSU hosted by the World
Human Resource Development (HRD)
Congress. The TRIFED team led by Pravir

Krishna won the collective award for the
investment in the start-ups category.
Central Bank of Bank of Ghana (BoG) Excellence in the Central Banking organised a virtual award
the Year Award Central banking ceremony to honour the winner of the
2020 Community Annual Central Banking Awards 2020. The
2020 awards mark the 7th edition of the
Annual Central Banking Awards. The award
recognises the excellence in the central
banking community. The Bank of Ghana
(BoG) received the Central Bank of the Year
Award 2020 and Ernest Addison, the
governor of BoG received the award on
behalf of the bank. Click here
United Global Himalayan Financing for Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE) of India,
Nations(UN) Expedition (GHE) of Climate Friendly won the 2020 United Nations(UN) Global
Global Climate India Investment Climate Action Awards under Financing for
Action Awards Climate Friendly Investment for its efforts to
combat climate change amid COVID-19
pandemic. The winners of 2020 awards
were selected by the international advisory
panel as a part of Momentum for change.
The 13 projects that won the 2020 awards
fall within the 3 focus areas: Climate Neutral
Now, Women for Results and Financing for
Climate Friendly Investment.
RECOGNITIONS
NAME RECOGNITION
Iqbal Singh Chahal Iqbal Singh Chahal (I.S. Chahal), Municipal Commissioner of the Municipal
Corporation of Greater Mumbai(MCGM), Maharashtra was honoured with
“COVID Crusader Award-2020”, instituted by Indo-American Chamber of
Commerce (IACC), apex bi-lateral Chamber a collaboration of India-US
Economic Engagement and the US Consulate in Mumbai. He became the
first Indian Bureaucrat to be recognised with this global recognition.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS IN CONTENT FORMAT

Union Minister Piyush Goyal releases results of 1st Edition of National Startup Awards 2020
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal released the results of the First Edition of National
Startup Awards 2020 in a virtual ceremony. The First Ever National Startup Awards has been conceived
by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
Read More Details Here: Union Minister Piyush Goyal releases results of 1st Edition of National Startup
Awards 2020
Britain’s Prince William & Sir David Attenborough Launched “The Earthshot Prize”, an
Environmental Award to Support Climate Change
Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge along with Broadcaster and Naturalist Sir David
Attenborough launched the Earthshot Prize, a new environmental prize with an aim to encourage change
and support to repair the planet in the next 10 years (2030). The Earthshot prize comprises 5 prizes of 1
million pounds (around Rs.9.5 crores) awarded each year for the next 10 years.

India’s Eight Beaches get International Blue Flag Certification
Eight Beaches of India have been awarded “BLUE FLAG” certification by Denmark based Foundation for
Environmental Education (FEE). India became the First Country to be awarded the Coveted International
Blue Flag certification for 8 beaches in one attempt. It was selected by an International Jury consisting of
eminent members from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism
Organization (UNWTO), FEE & International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Read More Details Here: India’s Eight Beaches get International Blue Flag Certification
India-Assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan Won the 2020 Brunel Medal
for Excellence in Civil Engineering at Annual ICE Awards 2020
India-Assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project, a Bhutan-India Friendship project in Bhutan won the
2020 Brunel Medal for Excellence in Civil Engineering at the Annual Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
Awards 2020 organised by the United Kingdom (UK) based ICE. India funded the Mangdechhu power
plant of cost Rs.4500 crores through a 70% loan and 30% grant.
DBS Named Asia’s Safest Bank for 12th Consecutive Year: Global Finance’s Safest Banks 2020
Global Finance, New York based trade publication released the list of World’s 50 Safest Banks 2020 which
named DBS Bank, Singapore as the Safest Bank in Asia for the 12th consecutive year. DBS secured the 4th
rank as the safest commercial bank in the world and 14th safest bank globally from 2019 and 2018. Global
Finance has named State Bank of India(SBI) as the Safest Bank in India.
Top 3 World’s Safest Bank & Asia’s Safest Bank 2020:
Rank Top 3 World’s Safest Banks 2020 Top 3 Safest Banks in Asia 2020
1 KfW (Germany) DBS Group (Singapore)
2 Zuercher Kantonalbank (Switzerland) Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation(Singapore)
3 BNG Bank (Netherlands) United Overseas Bank(Singapore)
14 DBS Bank (Singapore)
Late Actor Om Puri Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at 3rd IIFFB 2020
At the 3rd India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) 2020 based in Boston, United States of
America(USA) held as a virtual event from 16th to 18th October 2020, the Lifetime Achievement Award
2020 was accorded to Late Actor Om Puri which was received by his wife Nadita Puri. Chef Vikas Khanna
was honoured with “Pride of India” a special award at the 3rd IIFFB 2020.
Other Awards of IIFFB 2020:
Award Winner
Best Feature Film Award 2020 Kaanthi directed by Ashok R Nath
Best Actor (male) 2020 Victor Bannerjee for “Josef: Born In Grace”
Best Actor (female) 2020 Shylaja Ambu for “Kaanthi”
Best Short Film 2020 Better Than Neil Armstrong directed by Alireza Ghasemi
Best Film With A Social Cause 2020 Baitullah directed by Jitendra Rai

SUMMITS, EVENTS & CONFERENCE

SUMMITS
SUMMITS VENUE KEY POINTS
RAISE 2020 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated & addressed
‘Responsible AI for RAISE 2020 – ‘Responsible AI for Social Empowerment
Social Empowerment - 2020’ – A 5-day Global AI (Artificial Intelligence) Summit
2020’ which took place virtually from October 5-9, 2020. The
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
in partnership with NITI Aayog organized the summit.
G20 Leaders Summit As a part of the Finance Track for the G20 Leaders Summit
2020 2020, the 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors meeting was held virtually on October 14,
2020. It was organized under the Saudi Arabian
- Presidency where Indian side was represented by Union
Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala
Sitharaman. During this meeting, the G20 Finance
Ministers and Central Bank Governors agreed to extend
the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) by 6 months
i.e. till June 2021.
G20 Youth 20 Summit The first-ever virtual G20 Youth 20 (Y20) Summit was
virtually hosted from Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia for
exchanging ideas and dialogues for the empowerment of
- youth Post COVID where Indian side was represented by
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Youth Affairs and
Sports (MYAS). The theme of the Summit was
“Government – Youth dialogue on post-COVID-19
opportunities”.
CONFERENCE
CONFERENCE VENUE KEY POINTS
GCTC Energy Security Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Conference 2020 Pradhan addressed the ‘GCTC Energy Security Conference
2020’ organized by Global Counter Terrorism Council
- (GCTC), it took place from September 29, 2020 to September
30, 2020. The Theme of ‘GCTC Energy Security Conference
2020’ is – “Energy Security Architecture in Post Covid-19
World”. India has 16% of the global population, but still uses
only 6% of the world’s primary energy (petroleum, natural
gas, coal, biomass, flowing water, wind, and solar radiation).
Fourth World Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin
Conference on Women Irani, addressed the High-level meeting on the 25th
(FWCW) - anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women
(FWCW) – Beijing +25 virtually. The theme of the event was
“Accelerating the realisation of gender equality and the
empowerment of all women and girls”.
India-Bangladesh Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani addressed the
Virtual Conference on inaugural session of ‘India-Bangladesh Virtual Conference on

Textiles and Apparel - Textiles and Apparel Sector’ organized by Confederation of
Sector Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Bangladesh
Chambers of commerce and Industry (FFBCCI).
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS

COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE NAME COMMITTEE HEAD KEY NOTES
3-member interim G. Subramonia Iyer The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved a 3-
Committee of Directors member interim Committee of Directors (CoD) to
(CoD) exercise the powers of Managing Director (MD) &
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dhanlaxmi Bank
Ltd till a new MD & CEO takes charge. G.
Subramonia Iyer will head (Chairman) the CoD, G.
Rajagopalan Nair and P.K Vijayakumar will serve as
its members.
AICTE Constituted a M.S. Ananth Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ Union Minister of
Committee Education informed K. Somaprasad, Member of
Parliament (MP) in Rajya Sabha, that All India
Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has
constituted a Committee to Prepare the
Professional Engineers Bill. The committee is
chaired by M.S. Ananth, Former Director of Indian
Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M).
High-level Committee Prime Minister Narendra Central government set up a high-level 70-member
Modi committee headed by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi to commemorate the 400th birth anniversary
of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The mandate of the
committee includes approval of policies, plans,
programmes and supervision and guiding the
commemoration, besides deciding broad dates for
detailed programmes of celebration.
MEETINGS
MEETING NAME VENUE KEY POINTS
GST Council Meeting Video Conference The 42nd GST Council meeting was held video
conferencing from New Delhi under the
chairmanship of Union Finance Minister Nirmala
Sitharaman where it was decided that this year’s
compensation cess collected amounting to Rs
20,000 crore will be disbursed to the states.
Click here
Joint Consultative Commission India and Bangladesh held the 6th Joint Consultative
(JCC) meet Commission (JCC) meet through a virtual platform.
The meeting was co-chaired by A. K. Abdul Momen,
Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and S Jaishankar,
External Affairs Minister of India. A Website will be
- launched on 50 years of victory and friendship

between two countries, and documents relevant to
the 1971 victory will be available for the public on
the website. Also, India and Bangladesh decided to
form a ‘High Level Monitoring Committee’ to review
progress of implementation of 3 Line of Credit
Projects concluded between them.
G20 Sherpa Meeting Video Conference The 3rd edition of G20 Sherpa Meeting took place
(virtually) under Saudi Arabia’s Presidency. The
meeting discussed the actions taken by the forum
for tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic. Suresh Prabhu,
Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha represented
India at the meeting. He is India’s Sherpa (Emissary)
to G7 and G20. Note: The First-Ever Virtual G20
Leaders Summit will take place virtually from
November 21 to 22, 2020. It will be chaired by Saudi
Arabia’s King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
United Nations General The 75th session of the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA 75) Assembly (UNGA 75) was held virtually for the first
time amid COVID -19 from September 15 to
September 30, 2020. It was hosted by the United
- States of America (USA) from New York and under
the Presidency of Volkan Bozkir of Turkey. The
event was held under the theme “The Future We
Want; the UN We Need: Reaffirming our Collective
Commitment to Multilateralism”.
India-Norway Joint Commission The 6th session of India-Norway Joint Commission
Meeting was held virtually where Indian delegation was led
by Union Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Norwegian
- delegation was led by Ms. Ine Marie Eriksen Soreide,
Foreign Minister of Norway. Both sides showed
their satisfaction on Dialogue on Trade and
Investment (DTI) which accelerated participation of
Norwegian companies in the flagship programmes
of India.
Plenary Meeting Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs
Nirmala Sitharaman virtually attended the Plenary
- Meeting of the International Monetary and Financial
Committee (IMFC) The discussions were held on
IMF Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda titled
“Catalyzing a Resilient Recovery”.
Meeting of Ministers of (Law The 7th meeting of Ministers of (Law and) Justice of
and) Justice of the Shanghai the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) 5+
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States was virtually hosted by Indian
- Minister of Law & Justice, Communication and
Electronics & Information Technology, Ravi Shankar
Prasad, which saw the adoption of Joint statement
by SCO member states.

Meeting of the World Bank (WB) Video Conference Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs
Development Committee Nirmala Sitharaman participated in the 102nd
Plenary Meeting of the World Bank (WB) Development
Committee Plenary through video conferencing
from New Delhi. The agenda points of the meet
were: Leaning Forward to Save Lives; Scale-up
Impact and Get Back on Track: World Bank Group
(WBG) COVID-19 Crisis Response; and Update Joint
IMF (International Monetary Fund)-WBG Staff Note:
Implementation and Extension of the Debt Service
Suspension Initiative.
India, Chile hold First Joint India, Chile held their First Joint Commission
Commission Meeting Meeting virtually. This is the first institutionalized
dialogue between two countries at the level of
- Foreign Ministers. The meeting was co-chaired by S.
Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister (EAM), India
and Andres Allamand Zavala, Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Chile. Chile designated
India as a Priority Country in its Foreign Policy.
India-Oman Joint Commission The 9th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission
Meeting Meeting (JCM) was held virtually which was co-
chaired by Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State
(MoS) for Commerce and Industry and Qais bin
Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce,
- Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman. The
JCM was held to review the recent developments in
trade and investment ties and on economic situation
amid COVID-19. It should be noted that in July 2020,
Oman signed the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
Framework Agreement.
Meeting of Prosecutors General 18th meeting of Prosecutors General of Shanghai
of Shanghai Cooperation Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Member States was
Organisation (SCO) virtually organized by the General Prosecutor’s
Office of Uzbekistan from Tashkent where India was
- represented by Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta.
It should be noted that India will host the next
meeting of Prosecutors General in 2021. Also, it will
host the 2020 SCO Council of Heads of Government
on November 30th.
World Bank (WB)- IMF Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Dr
(International Monetary Fund) Harsh Vardhan virtually addressed the World Bank
annual meeting (WB)- IMF (International Monetary Fund) annual
meeting from New Delhi which was held on the
themes of “Unleashing the South Asian Century
- through Human Capital for All” and “Investing in
Covid-19 Vaccines and Primary Healthcare Delivery
System”. The Minister highlighted that India used
the “Whole of Society, Whole of Government”
approach to manage the challenges posed by the
global pandemic.

Ministerial Meeting of G-20 Anti- Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public
Corruption Working Group Grievances & Pensions, Jitendra Singh addressed the
1st Ever Ministerial Meeting of G-20 Anti-
- Corruption Working Group virtually. During the
Meeting, The Union Minister stated that India has
committed to the policy of Zero Tolerance against
Corruption and Unaccounted money.
Meeting of Shanghai India hosted the 19th Meeting of Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers of
Foreign Economy and Foreign Trade virtually. Union
Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal,
- Minister of State for Commerce and Industry,
Hardeep Singh Puri participated in the Meeting.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the first-ever
SCO Start-up Forum ahead of SCO Trade Minister
Meeting on 28th October, 2020.
India-Mexico Joint Commission The 8th India-Mexico Joint Commission Meeting was
Meeting held virtually on 29th October, 2020. The meeting
was co-chaired by S. Jaishankar, External Affairs
- Minister of India and Marcel Ebrard, Minister of
Foreign Affairs of the United Mexican States. The
Countries agreed to strengthen their ‘Privileged
Partnership’.
COMMITTEES & MEETINGS IN CONTENT FORMAT

Cabinet Committee on Security Approves Proposal for Establishment of ASCON Phase IV
Network
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved proposal for establishment of Army Static Switched
Communication Network (ASCON) Phase IV Network worth INR 7796.39 Crore (approximately). It will
be implemented by Public Sector Firm Indian Telephone Industries Limited (ITI), Department of
Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications (MOC) and will become operational in 3 years.
INDEX
RANKING
INDEX / SURVEY RELEASED BY / KEY NOTES
NAME CONDUCTED BY
CRI Index 2020 Oxfam and Development India => 129th Rank
Finance International Out of 158 countries in the Third Edition of
(DFI) Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index or
CRI Index 2020 released by Oxfam and Development
Finance International (DFI). According to the report,
India has spent only 4 percent of its budget on health
during the Pandemic, which is the Fourth Lowest in
the world. Nigeria, Bahrain and India are among the
World’s worst performing countries in tackling
inequality during the pandemic.

Top 3 country:
1. Norway
2. Denmark
3. Germany
Passport Index 2020 Arton Capital’s India => 58th Rank
According to Arton Capital’s Passport Index 2020,
India has been ranked 58th in the list of World’s
Most Powerful Passports. New Zealand topped the
list & Afghanistan placed at bottom.
Top 3 country:
1. New Zealand
2. Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Switzerland,
Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Australia
3. Sweden, Belgium, France, Finland, Italy, Spain
Intellectual Property Office of Controller According to Intellectual Property India’s Annual
India’s Annual Report General of Patents, Report for 2018-19, Chandigarh University, Mohali,
Designs and Trademarks Punjab has emerged as the Leading Stand-Alone
University in India for filing 336 Patents, which is the
highest number of patents in a year. The reports
were released by the Office of Controller General of
Patents, Designs and Trademarks, Government of
India.
Top 3 Institute:
1. Indian Institute of Technology (Collective) – 557
Patents
2. Chandigarh University, Punjab – 336 Patents
3. Shoolini University, Himachal Pradesh – 185
Patents Click here
Global Hunger Index Concern Worldwide and India => 94th Rank among 107 countries with a
(GHI) 2020 report Welthungerhilfe score of 27.2. Although there is improvement in a
score as compared to 38.9 in 2000, 37.5 in 2006, and
29.3 in 2012 but still it represents a serious level of
hunger. As per the report the worldwide hunger is at
“moderate” level but there are nearly 690 million
people across the world who are undernourished.
Click here
The Cost of a Plate of United Nations World India => 28th Rank
Food-2020 Food Programme (UN- In accordance with the “The Cost of a Plate of Food-
WFP) 2020” released by United Nations World Food
Programme (UN-WFP), on an average Indian spends
3.5% of his/ her daily income for a plate of food as
compared to 0.6% by an Individual from New York,
United States (US). The report has ranked 36
countries where India stood at 28th position. The
most expensive plate of food is of South Sudan where
people on average would have to spend 186% of
their daily salary on basic ingredients. UN-WFP is the
2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.

State of Global Air 2020 United States (US)-based India => 1st Rank
Health Effects Institute The 3rd State of Global Air 2020 (SOGA 2020) report
(HEI) and Institute for was released by United States (US)-based Health
Health Metrics and Effects Institute (HEI) and Institute for Health
Evaluation’s (IHME) Metrics and Evaluation’s (IHME) Global Burden of
Global Burden of Disease Disease (GBD) Project in which India recorded the
(GBD) highest annual average PM 2.5 concentration
exposure in the world in 2019 followed by Nepal
(2nd), and Niger (3rd). India has managed to reduce
the number of people exposed to household air
pollution from 73% to 61% over a period of 10 years
because of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Top 3 country:
1. India
2. Nepal
3. Niger Click here
Lowy Institute Asia Sydney (Australia) based India => 4th Rank with score 39.7
Power Index 2020 Lowy Institute According to Lowy Institute Asia Power Index 2020
Edition released by Sydney (Australia) based Lowy
Institute, India with a score of 39.7 (out of 100) is the
4th most powerful country in Asia.
Top 3 country:
1. United States with score 81.6
2. China with score 76.1
3. Japan with score 41
India Tourism Statistics Published by Ministry of Uttar Pradesh (UP), tops the Domestic Tourist Visits
(ITS) at a Glance – 2020 Tourism list 2019, with ~53.6 crore tourists (i.e., 23.1% of the
total domestic tourists’ travellers visited in 2019).
UP was followed by Tamil Nadu (~49.4 crore
tourists) & Andhra Pradesh (~23.7 crore tourists).
Similarly, in terms of Foreign Tourist Visits list 2019,
Tamil Nadu tops the list, with ~ 68 lakh foreign
tourists, i.e, 21.9 % of the total travellers visited in
2019. Tamil Nadu was followed by Maharashtra
(~55 lakh tourists) and UP (~ 47 lakh tourists).
Click here
REPORTS
REPORT NAME SUBMITTED BY KEY NOTES
NSS Report- Time Use in India Launched by MoSPI India’s first Pan India time use survey (TUS)
2019 titled “NSS Report- Time Use in India 2019”
where NSS is National Sample Survey, was
released by the Ministry of Statistics and
Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in the
form of 2,140-page report.
A Neglected Tragedy: The Global UN Inter-Agency Group For the first time a report on stillbirths titled
Burden of Stillbirths for Child Mortality “A Neglected Tragedy: The Global Burden of
Estimation (UN-IGME) Stillbirths” has been released by UN Inter-
Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation
(UN-IGME) which was co-created by United

Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World
Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank and
the United Nations (UN) Department of
Economic and Social Affairs, Population
Division. Click here
The human cost of disasters: an UNDRR The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
overview of the last 20 years Reduction (UNDRR) published the report
(2000-2019) titled “The human cost of disasters: an
overview of the last 20 years (2000-2019)”
which states that climate change is the major
cause for the doubling of natural disaster in
the past 20 years (2000- 2019). The report
was released to mark the International Day for
Disaster Risk Reduction on 13th October
2020.
Global Tuberculosis Report 2020 World Health According to the Global Tuberculosis Report
Organization (WHO) 2020 released by World Health Organization
(WHO), there has been a 25 to 30 % drop in
Tuberculosis (TB) across three high-burden
countries – India, Indonesia and Philippines
between January-June 2020. WHO has
collected data from 200 countries for the
report, the reduction in case notifications may
lead to dramatic increase in additional TB
deaths. According to the report, India has the
highest burden of drug-resistant TB. India
(27%), China (14%) and Russian Federation
(8%) had the largest share of Tuberculosis in
the world.
State of Climate Services 2020 United Nations World On the occasion of the International Day for
Report: Move from Early Meteorological Disaster Risk Reduction i.e. on October 13,
Warnings to Early Action Organization (UN- 2020, the “State of Climate Services 2020
WMO) Report: Move from Early Warnings to Early
Action” released by United Nations World
Meteorological Organization (UN-WMO)
which is produced by 16 international
agencies and financing institutions. Notably,
the September month was the warmest of
2020 in accordance with the United States
(US) National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA).
International Migration Outlook Jose Angel Gurria The secretary-general at OECD (Organisation
2020 Trevino for Economic Co-operation and Development)
Jose Angel Gurria Trevino unveiled the 44th
edition of “International Migration Outlook
2020” in which India emerged as the second
largest source country both in terms of the
“total” inflow of new migrants to OECD
countries during 2018 and also as regards the
number of Indians acquiring citizenship of

these countries. Notably, migration from India
to OECD countries increased sharply by 10%
and reached 3.3 lakh. It represents 5% of the
overall migration to OECD countries. China
grabbed the top spot.
Trade and Development Report United Nations According to “Trade and Development Report
2020 – From Global Pandemic to Conference on Trade 2020 – From Global Pandemic to Prosperity
Prosperity for All: Avoiding and Development for All: Avoiding Another Lost Decade”
Another Lost Decade (UNCTAD) released by the United Nations Conference on
Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Global
Trade is expected to fall by 7-9% in 2020 due
to the Pandemic.
The Future of Jobs Report 2020 World Economic According to the Third Edition of “The Future
Forum (WEF), COVID- of Jobs Report 2020” released by the World
19 and Technological Economic Forum (WEF), COVID-19 and
Advances Technological Advances will disrupt around
85 Million Jobs by 2025. The WEF report is
based on the Future of Jobs Survey, which is
based on projections of senior Business
Leaders from 300 Global firms who together
employ over a million workers.
Human Mobility, Shared UNDP A report “Human Mobility, Shared
Opportunities: A Review of the Opportunities: A Review of the 2009 Human
2009 Human Development Development Report and the Way Ahead” was
Report and the Way Ahead released by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) stating how governments
can shape migration to benefit development
and boost recovery. In accordance with the
Research by the International Monetary Fund
(IMF) and the World Bank (WB), a percentage
increase in the migrant share of the
population in high income countries boosts
per capita income by 2%. If immigrants
increased the workforces of wealthy countries
by 3%, that would boost world GDP by
US$356 billion by 2025.
The World’s Women 2020: United Nations (UN) Which stated that no country has achieved the
Trends and Statistics goal of Gender equality however the attitudes
of discrimination have slowly changed. The
status of women has improved with regard to
education, early marriage, childbearing and
maternal mortality but remains stagnant in
other areas. In India, the ratio of female-to-
male labour force participation rate was 29.80
in 2019 as against the desired ratio of 50%.

ACQUISITION & MERGERS

General Atlantic to Buy 0.84% stake in Reliance Retail for Rs 3,675 Crore
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) announced that General
Atlantic will buy 0.84% stake in RRVL, a subsidiary of RIL for Rs 3,675 crore. This investment values
RRVL at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.285 lakh crore. With this investment, RRVL gets total funding
over Rs 16,000 crore within September 2020.
CCI Approved Acquisitions of Certain Real Estate Projects of RMZ Group & CoWrks by Brookfield
Private Capital (DIFC) Limited
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) under Section 31(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 has
approved the acquisition of certain real estate projects of RMZ Group and 100% equity shareholding in
CoWrks India Pvt Ltd. by Brookfield Private Capital (DIFC-Dubai International Financial Centre) Limited.
Mubadala Investment Company Will Invest Rs.6247.5 Crore for 1.4% Stake in RRVL
Mubadala Investment Company, Abu Dhabi based sovereign wealth fund, invested Rs.6247.5 crore for
1.4% stake in the Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited.
This investment of Mabadala marks the 5th investment into RRVL.
GIC, TPG to invest about $1 billion in Reliance Retail

The Government of Singapore Investment Corporation (GIC), and United States based Texas Pacific Group
(TPG) will invest a combined USD 1 Billion (INR 7, 350 Crores) in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited
(RRVL). GIC will invest INR 5, 512 Crore for 1.22% stake while TPG Capital Management will invest INR
1, 838 Crore to own 0.41% equity stake in RRVL.
ADIA to Invest Rs.5512.50 Crore in RRVL

The Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) announced that the wholly owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi
Investment Authority (ADIA) is set to invest Rs.5512.50 crore in the Reliance Retail Ventures
Limited(RRVL) for 1.20% stake. The investment value of RRVL at pre money equity value of Rs.4.285 lakh
crore.
CCI Approves Acquisition of CG Power and Adani Green Energy Ten Ltd’s Solar Energy
Generation Assets
On October 14, 2020 The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given approval to the following
acquisitions, (i) The acquisition of more than 50% equity share capital of CG Power and Industrial
Solutions Limited (CG Power) by Tube Investments of India Limited (TIIL). (ii) The acquisition of solar
energy generation assets of Adani Green Energy Ten Limited (AGE10L) by Adani Green Energy Twenty-
Three Ltd (AGE23L).
RBI Gives Approval to Maple II B.V., to Acquire 5-9.99% Stake in RBL bank
RBI (Reserve Bank of India) has given approval to Maple II B.V., (affiliated to Baring Private Equity Asia)
to acquire over 5% but up to 9.99% of the paid-up share capital of the RBL Bank Limited (formerly known
as Ratnakar Bank).

DEFENCE
EXERCISE
EXERCISE NAME VENUE / PARTICIPATING KEY NOTES
COUNTRIES
Bilateral Exercise Northern Bay of Bengal, The 2nd edition of Indian Navy (IN) –
Bongosagar India– Bangladesh Bangladesh Navy (BN) Bilateral Exercise
Bongosagar was held in Northern Bay of
Bengal which was followed by 3rd edition of
IN – BN Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) from 4
to 5 October 2020 at the same venue. Notably,
this edition of Exercise Bongosagar has
greater significance as it is conducted during
Mujib Barsho, the 100th birth anniversary of
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Sagar Kavach Coastal areas of Kerala, A two days long half yearly Coastal Security
Karnataka and Lakshadweep Exercise “Sagar Kavach” was held on October
8-9, 2020, along the coastal areas of Kerala,
Karnataka and Lakshadweep to check Coastal
Security mechanism and validate Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs). It assesses the
preparedness of security agencies to deal with
an asymmetric threat from sea.
Suraksha Kawach (security Lullanagar Pune, Indian Army A joint anti-terrorist exercise “Suraksha
shield) and Maharashtra Police Kawach (security shield)” between Indian
Army and Maharashtra Police at Lullanagar
Pune (Maharashtra) was organized by
Agnibaaz Division (41 Artillery Division) of
Southern Command of the Indian Army, along
with equipment display. It was carried out
taking all safety norms of COVID-19.
SLINEX-20 Off Trincomalee in Sri Lanka, India’s policy of ‘Neighbourhood First’ and
India-Sri Lanka vision of ‘Security and Growth for all in the
Region (SAGAR)’ is boosting interactions with
neighbouring countries including Sri Lanka
with which Indian Navy (IN) initiated an 8th
Edition of annual Sri Lanka Navy (SLN)
bilateral maritime exercise SLINEX-20 from
October 19-21 October 2020 off Trincomalee
in Sri Lanka. The exercise is being conducted
in a non-contact ‘at-sea-only’ format amid
COVID-19. Click here
Quadrilateral India Ocean Region (IOR) The naval exercise Malabar is held annually
between the troika of India, United States (US),
and Japan but this year i.e. the 24th edition of
exercise will also see a participation of
Australia making it 1st “quadrilateral” naval
exercise. This Quad exercise will take place in
India Ocean Region (IOR) viz. Bay of Bengal

and the Arabian Sea in a non-contact format
amid COVID-19. The naval exercise will be
held on November 3-6 and November 17-20
with an objective of free and open navigation
in the Indo-Pacific.
TESTING
MISSILES NAME TESTING LOCATION FEATURES
BrahMos Integrated Test Range India successfully test fired the surface-to-surface
(ITR) at Chandipur, Supersonic Cruise Missile BrahMos with a Strike Range of
Odisha over 400 Kilometres from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at
Chandipur, Odisha. It was jointly conducted by Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) &
BrahMos Aerospace.
Laser-Guided Anti- KK Ranges Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
Tank Guided successfully test fired the Indigenously developed Laser-
Missile (ATGM) Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) from Main Battle
Tank (MBT) Arjun at KK Ranges in Armoured Corps Centre
and School (ACC&S) in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. It has a
range of upto to 5 kilometres. The Laser Guided Missile has
been developed by Armament Research & Development
Establishment (ARDE), Pune in association with High
Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL), Pune and
Instruments Research & Development Establishment
(IRDE), Dehradun.
Shaurya Abdul Kalam Island test Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
range off Dhamra, successfully test-fired a new version of indigenously
Odisha developed canister launched hypersonic nuclear-capable
‘Shaurya’ missile from the Abdul Kalam Island test range off
Dhamra, Odisha to a target in Bay of Bengal. Shaurya, a
surface-to-surface medium range missile is a land version of
Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) K-15 (B-05)
and can be used by both the Navy and the Army.
SMART Dr. Abdul Kalam Island Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
successfully flight tested the Supersonic Missile assisted
release of Torpedo (SMART) from Dr. Abdul Kalam Island,
formerly known as Wheeler Island off the coast of Odisha.
SMART will be used for anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
operations beyond torpedo range.
Tsirkon (Zircon) White Sea, Northern Russia successfully test-fired the Tsirkon (Zircon)
Hypersonic Cruise Russia Hypersonic Cruise Missile. The missile successfully hit a
Missile target in the Barents Sea. The test was carried out from
Frigate Admiral Gorshkov Vessel located in White Sea,
Northern Russia. The Missile successfully hit its target at a
distance of 450 Kilometres in Four and Half Minutes, and
reached hypersonic speeds of more than Mach 8.
Rudram 1 Interim test range India successfully test-fired its first indigenous anti-
Balasore, off the coast of radiation missile, Rudram 1, a New Generation Anti-
Odisha Radiation Missile (NGARM) integrated on Su-30MKI fighter
aircraft of Indian Air Force. It was Developed by Defence

Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this air-
to-surface missile was tested at the interim test range
Balasore, off the coast of Odisha in the Bay of Bengal. It has
been designed for suppression of enemy air defenses
(SEAD).
SeaGuardian Coast of Sariku in Japan’s Coast Guard started testing “SeaGuardian” – a
Northeastern Japan Maritime Surveillance Drone in the coast of Sariku in
Northeastern Japan, along the coasts of Sea of Japan. The
drone is being tested amidst rising tensions between China
& Japan in the East China Sea.
Nuclear-capable Integrated Test Range India successfully conducted the night trial of indigenously
Prithvi-2 Missile (IPR), Balasore, Odisha developed Nuclear-capable Prithvi-2 Missile at the
Integrated Test Range (IPR), Balasore, Odisha. Prithvi-2 is a
surface-to-surface Short Range Ballistic Missile (SRBM).
This is the second night trial of the missile, the First Trial of
Prithvi-2 was tested successfully after sunset on September
23, 2020. The launch was carried out by Strategic Force
Command of the Army and monitored by scientists of
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
BrahMos Indian Navy’s The supersonic cruise missile, “BrahMos” was successfully
indigenously-built test fired from Indian Navy’s indigenously-built stealth
stealth destroyer INS destroyer INS (Indian Naval Ship) Chennai to a target in
(Indian Naval Ship) Arabian Sea. This 290 Km missile range has a top speed of
Chennai Mach 2.8 nearly three times the speed of sound. The range
of the new land attack version of the missile has been
extended to 400 km from the original 290 km.
Standoff Anti-Tank Integrated Test Range India successfully Test-fired Standoff Anti-Tank Missile
Missile (SANT (ITR), Chandipur, (SANT Missile) from a roof-top launcher at Integrated Test
Missile) Odisha Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha. The missile is equipped
with Lock-on After Launch and Lock-on Before Launch
capabilities. The Missile hit the designated static target with
high accuracy. SANT Missile is an air-to-surface missile
being developed by Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) for Indian Air Force (IAF). The missile
is an upgraded version of Helicopter Launched Nag (HeliNa)
Missile. It is additionally equipped with an advanced node-
mounted seeker.
Anti-Ship Missile Arabian Sea Indian Navy Missile Corvette INS Prabal launched an Anti-
(AShM) Ship Missile (AShM) on its Target in Arabian Sea. It was
launched from Arabian Sea and the missile accurately
homed in on its target. The anti-ship missile was fired
during a practice drill. The missile was fired by INS Prabal
as part of a mega naval drill which involves aircraft carrier
INS Vikramaditya, Warships, attack helicopters, aircraft and
other assets of Indian Navy.
Anti-Ship Missile Bay of Bengal On October 30, 2020, Indian Navy’s Guided Missile Corvette
(AShM) INS Kora (Indian Naval Ship) tested fired Anti-Ship Missile
(AShM) in Bay of Bengal. The missile successfully hit the
target at maximum range with precise accuracy. INS Kora is
a Kora-class guided missile corvette of Indian Navy. It was

commissioned into service in 1998. It was designed by the
Navy under Project 25A, and is equipped with Kh-35 Anti-
Ship Missile.
ARMY, NAVY & AIR FORCE NEWS

Pentagon Approved India’s Request to Buy US$90mn of Spare Parts for C-130J Super Hercules
Cargo Aircraft
United States (US) Department of Defence i.e. The Pentagon has approved India’s request to buy USD 90
million worth of equipment, spare parts and logistical support for its fleet of C-130J Super Hercules cargo
aircraft, procured from the US. The sale would be executed by defence major Lockheed-Martin.
ICG Ship Kanaklata Barua Commissioned at Kolkata

Jiwesh Nandan, additional secretary, Ministry of Defence commissioned the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)
Ship ‘Kanaklata Barua’, the last in the series of 5 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) through video conferencing
at Kolkata, West Bengal. The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd designed and
indigenously built the 49 metre ship as per requirements specified by ICG.
DRDO Launches Nirbhay Cruise Missile; Aborts Mission due to Technical Snag
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the Nirbhay Cruise Missile from
Odisha’s test facility, the mission was aborted due to technical snag. Nirbhay is India’s first indigenously
developed Cruise Missile and has been developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL). The two-stage
Missile is powered by a solid rocket booster in the first stage & Turbofan, Turbojet in the second stage.
Myanmar to get 1st Submarine “INS Sindhuvir”; To Be Handed Over by India under SAGAR
The Myanmar Navy is all set to receive its first submarine namely “Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sindhuvir”, a
Kilo class submarine which will be handed over by India under its vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth
for All in the Region) to provide guaranteed security for all maritime partners. The Myanmar Navy will
initially use INS Sindhuvir for training and orientation purposes for its Navy personnel as it has a capacity
of staying underwater for almost 45 days.
Indigenously-Built Stealth Corvette ‘INS Kavaratti’ commissioned into Indian Navy in

Visakhapatnam
Chief of Army Staff, General MM Naravane commissioned the Anti-Submarine Warfare stealth corvette
“INS Kavaratti” into Indian Navy at the Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam. INS Kavaratti is the last of 4
indigenously built Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) stealth corvettes under Project 28 (Kamorta Class).
India Successfully Completes Final Trial of Nag Missile; Missile ready for Induction into Army
India successfully carried out the 10th and Final User Trial of Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) at
Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. With the successful trial, the missile is now ready for induction
into the Indian Army. The Nag missile was fired from a Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA). The Missile
developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be essential for stopping the
advance of enemy tanks. The missile can be fired from both Land and Air based platforms. It has a range
of 4 – 7 Kilometres.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

SATELLITES LAUNCHES
SATELLITE NAME COUNTRY PURPOSE
SS Kalpana Chawla NASA National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
launched the Northrop Grumman Cygnus resupply
spacecraft named “SS Kalpana Chawla” after its astronaut
Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-born woman to enter
space and was one of the seven crew members who died
in the Space Shuttle in Columbia disaster when the
spacecraft disintegrated during its re-entry into the
Earth’s atmosphere in 2003. The spacecraft was
launched on an Antares rocket from the Mid-Atlantic
Regional Spaceport (MARS) at NASA’s Wallops Flight
Facility in Virginia, United States. It should be noted that
this delivery is the Northrop Grumman’s 14th contracted
cargo flight to the space station.
Maritime Surveillance CNES & ISRO France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and
Satellites India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will
jointly launch Constellation of Maritime Surveillance
Satellites for Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The Satellite
will trace illegal spillage of oil by ships. It will be the first
space-based system in the world capable of tracking
ships continuously.
India Sat Launched by NASA The National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) has chosen ‘India Sat’, an indigenous
experimental satellite developed by 3 students from
Tamil Nadu namely, M. Adnaan of Thanthonrimalai, M.
Kesavan of Nagampalli and V. Arun of Thennilai for
launch in suborbital space in June, next on NASA’s
sounding rocket 7.
OTHER SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY NEWS

NATIONAL
Dr. Harsh Vardhan Launched CSIR Technologies for Rural Development Under the Joint
Initiative of IIT Delhi, UBA, VIBHA & CSIR
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare
launched a set of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) technologies for rural development
under the joint initiative of CSIR, Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
and Vijnana Bharti (VIBHA) over a virtual event organised on the occasion of the 40th Foundation Day of
CSIR – National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS), a constituent
laboratory of CSIR.
ISRO to Launch Venus mission” Shukrayaan-1″ in 2025 with France’s CNRS Participation
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has selected the VIRAL (Venus Infrared Atmospheric Gases
Linker) instrument co-developed with the Russian federal space agency Roscosmos and the LATMOS
attached to the CNRS. Notably this will be the first time a French payload will be flown on an Indian
exploration mission.

Indian Railways Launches Portal for Freight Business Development
Indian Railways (IR) launched Freight Business Development (FBD) exclusively for freight clients. The
Portal has been developed by Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). Indian Railways has
launched the portal to maximize its revenues from freight operations.
ICMR, Biological E Developed Purified Equine Antiserum to Treat COVID-19

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Hyderabad based Biological E Limited have
developed highly purified ‘equine antisera’ for prophylaxis and treatment of the COVID-19. It was isolated
by the ICMR-led National Institute of Virology, Pune (Maharashtra). The pre-print version of this study
has been posted on Research Square platform. Antibodies from horses, known as equine antisera.
C-DAC to Commission India’s fastest HPC-AI Supercomputer ‘PARAM Siddhi – AI’ with NVIDIA
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) will commission India’s largest HPC-AI
supercomputer, ‘PARAM Siddhi – AI’ in order to be at par with international standards in AI (Artificial
intelligence) supercomputing research and innovation.
ICG Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Vigraha’ launched to enhance Coastal Security

The Seventh Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Vigraha’ of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was launched at
Kattupalli Port, Chennai. The vessel has been built by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). This is the first time that a
private sector shipyard has designed & constructed an offshore patrol vessel class ship. ‘Vigraha’ is the
last in the series of Seven OPVs contracted to Larsen & Toubro by the Defence Ministry in 2015.
India Meteorological Department Launches Impact-Based Cyclone Warning System

India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a dynamic, impact-based cyclone warning system to
reduce economic losses and damage to property caused by the cyclones that hit Indian coast annually.
The system has been commissioned from this cyclone season (October-December). The announcement
of the launch was made by Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director- General (DG) of IMD on October 6, 2020
while giving presentation on ‘Chasing the Cyclones’, organised as part of World Space Week (October 4-
10) celebrations by the Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS)’s Delhi chapter.
Stellapps Launches ‘mooPay’, a First-of-its-Kind Fully Automated Direct Payment Platform for
Dairy Farmers in Rajasthan
Stellapps, an IIT Madras incubated dairy-tech startup and World Economic Forum (WEF)’s technology
pioneer launched ‘mooPay’ in Bhilwara district of Rajasthan. The first-of-its-kind fully automated direct
payment platform is for dairy farmers in Rajasthan. This platform is one of the Fintech solutions
developed by Stellapps for dairy and dairy farmers.
FSSAI’s New Food Safety Compliance System (FoSCoS) to Become Operational Across India from
November 2020
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) announced that cloud based, upgraded new food
safety compliance online platform “Food Safety Compliance System(FoSCoS)” will become operational
across India from 1st November 2020. The FoSCoS will replace the Food Licensing and Registration
System (FLRS).
Rattan Lal Kataria Launches Mobile App for Geo Tagging of Components of Projects under
PMKSY-AIBP
Union Minister of State (MoS) for Jal Shakti, Rattan Lal Kataria launched a Mobile Application for Geo
Tagging of components of projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Accelerated Irrigation
Benefits Programme (PMKSY-AIBP). The Ministry of Jal Shakti has developed the mobile application with
the help of Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications & Geo-informatics (BISAG-N).

IIT Kharagpur & TCS Developed novel industry 4.0 Technology to set new trends in Advanced
Manufacturing Sector of India
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
developed a novel Industry 4.0 Technology for remotely controlled factory operations and real time
quality correction during industrial production. This will set a new trend in the advanced manufacturing
sector of India. The project was funded by the Department of Heavy Industry, Government of India and
TCS. This technology has been reported in the CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology.
INTERNATIONAL
NASA’s SOFIA Discovered Water on Sunlit Surface of Moon, on Clavius Crater
For the first time, National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Stratospheric Observatory
for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has confirmed water on the sunlit surface of the Moon. SOFIA has
detected water molecules (H2O) in Clavius Crater, one of the largest craters visible from Earth, located in
the Moon’s southern hemisphere. The results are published in the latest issue of Nature Astronomy.
ENVIRONMENT
ARI Scientists Discovered 2 New Species of Wetland Plants in Western Ghats: Eriocaulon
parvicephalum & Eriocaulon karaavalense
Scientists of Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) have discovered two new species of pipewort, a type of
wetland plants in the areas along the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and Karnataka. The species found in
Sindhudurg in Maharashtra is named Eriocaulon parvicephalum and the species found Kumta in
Karnataka is named Eriocaulon karaavalense.
Scientists Discovered New Family of Bony Fish “Aenigmachannidae” in Western Ghats, Kerala
The team of Scientists from Germany, United Kingdom(UK), Switzerland and India discovered a new
family of bony fish in the Western Ghats in Kerala. The new family is named ‘Aenigmachannidae’. Ralf
Britz from Senckenberg Museum, Germany was the lead author of the report published in ‘Scientific
Report’, an open access mega journal of the Nature Publishing Group.
Scientists Found New & Rare Perennial Woody Herb “Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis” in
Kasaragod, Kerala
A team of researchers discovered a new species of perennial woody herb in the northern laterite plateaus
in Kasaragod, Kerala. The new species “Lepidagathis ananthapuramensis” is named after the temple
Ananthapura lake temple dedicated to Ananthapadmanabha, since it was found in its neighbourhood. The
article on the discovery is published in Phytotaxa, a journal on plant taxonomy.
Added 544 species to India’s Diversity in 2019: Animal Discoveries 2019 & Plant Discoveries
2019 of ZSI & BSI Launched by Babul Supriyo
The Scientists have discovered around 544 new species from India during 2019, the list of these new
discoveries were released as two books, Animal Discoveries 2019 and Plant Discoveries 2019 by the
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). The ZSI and BSI have been
releasing these books since 2007 and the 2019 list marks the 13th edition of this collection. The Animal
discovery 2019 has listed 364 species as new to science and 116 species as first data from India. Plant
Discoveries 2019 has listed 180 new plant species which includes seed-bearing plants, ferns, fungi, algae
and various species of microbes and 73 new data are found from India

Echinops sahyadricus: New Species of Flowering Plant discovered in Sahyadri Mountains,
Maharashtra
The team of researchers (Sushant More, Harshal Bhosale & Fabio Conti) discovered a new species of
flowering plant named “Echinops sahyadricus” (common name – Sahyadri globe thistle) in Rajgad Fort
located in Sahyadri hills, Westenern Ghats, Pune, Maharashtra. The discovery is published in the Nordic
Journal of Botany.
SPORTS
CRICKET
Australian Cricketer Alyssa Healy Broke MS Dhoni’s Record of Most Dismissal by Wicket Keeper
Australian woman cricketer and wicket keeper Alyssa Healy broke the record of “Most Dismissal by
Wicket Keeper” by MS Dhoni’s who made 91 dismissals in 98 T20 Internationals (T20I) for India. Healy
has played 114 T20Is for Australia and broke the record with 92 dismissals in the shortest format of the
game during the match against New Zealand in the 2nd T20I of the three match series at Allan Border
Field at Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Pakistan Cricketer Umar Gul Announces Retirement from All Forms of Cricket
Pakistan Fast Bowler Umar Gul announced retirement from all forms of Cricket. He is a Right-arm Fast
Medium Bowler. He was part of the 2009 Twenty 20 World Championship winning Pakistan Team which
took place in England.
BADMINTON & TENNIS

French Open 2020 – Overview
The 124th Edition of French Open (also known as Roland Garros) took place at the Roland Garros
Stadium, Paris, France from 27th September – 11th October, 2020. Note: French Open is a Clay Court
Tennis Tournament.
French Open 2020 Winners:
Category Winner Runner-up
Men’s Singles Rafael Nadal (Spain) Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Women’s
Singles Iga Swiatek (Poland) Sofia Kenin (USA)
Kevin Krawietz (Germany), Andreas Mies Mate Pavic (Croatia), Bruno Soares
Men’s Doubles (Germany) (Brazil)
Women’s Timea Babos (Hungary), Kristina Mladenovic Alexa Guarachi (Chile), Desirae
Doubles (France) Krawczyk (USA)
Read More Details Here: French Open 2020 – Overview
DANISA Denmark Open 2020 Badminton World Federation (BWF) Tournament – Overview
DANISA Denmark Open 2020 took place from October 13-18, 2020 in Odense, Denmark. Denmark Open
is an annual Badminton Tournament held in Denmark, organized by Danmarks Badminton forbund. The
winners of the DANISA Denmark Open 2020 are:
Category Winner Runner-up
Men’s Singles Anders Antonsen (Denmark) Rasmus Gemke (Denmark)
Women’s
Singles Nozomi Okuhara (Japan) Carolina Marin (Spain)

Marcus Ellis (England), Chris Langridge Vladimir Ivanov (Russia), Ivan Sozonov
Men’s Doubles (England) (Russia)
Women’s Yuki Fukushima (Japan), Sayaka Hirota Mayu Matsumoto (Japan), Wakana
Doubles (Japan) Nagahara (Japan)
Mark Lamsfuss (Germany), Isabel Chris Adcock (England), Gabby Adcock
Mixed Doubles Herttrich (Germany) (England)
ATHLETIC & FOOTBALL

Odisha, IRFU sign agreement to sponsor Indian National Rugby Team for 3 years
The State Government of Odisha signed an Agreement with Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) to
sponsor the Indian National Rugby Team for a period of 3 years (till 2023). The agreement was signed at
the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It was signed by R Vineel Krishna, Director of Sports & Youth
Services Department, Odisha and Maneck Unwala, President of IRFU.
ARCHERY & SHOOTING

Indian Shooters Elavenil, Shahu Mane Bag Gold, Silver Medals in Sheikh Russel International Air-
Rifle Championship 2020
Indian Shooter Elavenil Valarivan won the Gold Medal in the Women’s event, while Shahu Tushar Mane
won the Silver Medal in the Men’s event in the Sheikh Russel International Air Rifle Championship 2020
that held virtually. Shooters from six countries – India, Bangladesh, Korea, Bhutan, Indonesia & Japan)
participated in the 60-shot competition. Japan’s Naoya Okada won the Gold in the men’s event.
Read More Details Here: Indian Shooters Elavenil, Shahu Mane Bag Gold, Silver Medals in Sheikh Russel
International Air-Rifle Championship 2020
OTHER SPORTS NEWS

Lewis Hamilton wins 2020 Eifel Grand Prix; Equals Schumacher’s record of 91 GP victories
Mercedes Driver Lewis Hamilton (Britain) won the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix held at Nurburgring,
Germany. With this win, Lewis Hamilton equalled Michael Schumacher’s All-time record of 91 Grand
prix victories.
Lewis Hamilton wins Portuguese GP; Overtakes Schumacher in Record 92nd F1 Victory
British Driver Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) won the 2020 Portuguese Grand Prix held at Algarve
International circuit, Portugal. With this win, Lewis Hamilton became the most successful driver of
Formula One with 92 wins. Hamilton has moved one ahead of Schumacher’s all time record of 91 wins.
Tanmay Srivastava, India Under-19 World Cup Winner Retires

Tanmay Manoj Srivastava, Uttar Pradesh batsman and who was part of India’s Under-19 World Cup
winning team in 2008 announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket. At the age of 18,
current Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli took over the captaincy of the Under-19 team. Under Virat
Kohli, the Under-19 World Cup was won in 2008.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

BOOK NAME AUTHOR KEY NOTES
Bapu – The Launched by Manish On 2nd October 2020, on the occasion of the 151st Birth
Unforgettable Sisodia Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Manish Sisodia, the
Deputy Chief minister of Delhi launched the coffee-table
book titled “Bapu – The Unforgettable” over a virtual
event organised by the Delhi Archives & Department of
Art, Culture and Language, Government of Delhi.
Hindustan Times also partnered with these
organizations to organize the event.
The Very, Extremely, Anand Neelakantan Anand Neelakantan, the author of Baahubali series,
Most Naughty Asura authored this first kid’s book titled “The Very,
Tales for Kids Extremely, Most Naughty Asura Tales for Kids”,
published by Puffins Publishers Private Limited under
the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Discovering the Heritage Kumar Padmapani Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State(MoS)
of Assam Bora with foreword (Independent Charge-I/C) Development of North
by Amitabh Bachchan Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO (Prime Minister’s
Office), Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic
Energy and Space released a Coffee Table Book on
“Discovering the Heritage of Assam”. It was authored by
Kumar Padmapani Bora with foreword by Amitabh
Bachchan. It is published by Penguin Enterprise. His 1st
book was ‘North-East India in India-Asean Relations: A
Strategic and Developmental Perspective’.
The Khalistan GBS Sidhu GBS Sidhu, a former special secretary of Research and
Conspiracy: A Former Analysis Wing (R&AW), India’s external intelligence
R&AW Officer Unravels agency authored a book titled “The Khalistan
the Path to 1984 Conspiracy: A Former R&AW Officer Unravels the Path
to 1984” that portrays the first person accounts on the
facts and the roles of senior politicians in the creation
and sustenance of Khalistan movement. The book
published by HarperCollins will be released on 24th
October 2020.
Deh Vechwa Karani Released by Prime Prime Minister Narendra Modi, released “Deh Vechwa
Minister Narendra Karani” (dedicating one’s life for a noble cause) the
Modi autobiography of former Union Minister, Balasaheb
Vikhe Patil and renamed the Pravara Rural Education
Society as Loknete Dr. Balasaheb Vikhe Patil Pravara
Rural Education Society over a virtual platform. The
book was published by Rajhans Prakashan. He received
the Padma Bhushan for Social Works in 2010.
Mr Prime Minister, We Pradeep Goorha Pradeep Goorha authored his 2nd book titled “Mr Prime
Shrank the Dragon Minister, We Shrank the Dragon”, published by
Partridge Publishing India is set to be released. The
Fiction book is based on the reality around the issues
along the Northern borders of India and the illegal
occupation of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit-

Baltistan by Pakistan. His debut book was “Survival
Redux”, a historical fiction published by Createspace
Independent Pub in 2016 in the United States of
America.
The Battle of Belonging Shashi Tharoor Renowned Author and Politician Shashi Tharoor is set
to release his new book titled “The Battle of Belonging”
in November 2020. The book is published by Aleph
Book Company. Shashi Tharoor described this book as
his “magnum opus” on the Theory, evolution and
practice of Nationalism across the globe and especially
in India.
On the Trails of Buddha: Deepankar Aron, IRS Jagdeep Dhankar, Governor of West Bengal released the
A Journey to the East (Indian Revenue book “On the Trails of Buddha: A Journey to the East”
Service) Officer authored by Deepankar Aron, IRS (Indian Revenue
Service) Officer. The book is published by Niyogi Books
Private limited. The foreword of the book was written
by Padma Bhushan Lokesh Chandra.
TB Harega, Desh Jeetega! Launched by S. Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare, S.
Pangnyu Phom Pangnyu Phom launched a handbook on “TB Harega,
Desh Jeetega!” –an elected Representative’s book on
Tuberculosis in Kohima, Nagaland. The Handbook will
engage Members of Legislative Assembly (MLA),
members of Zila Parishad, Gram Panchayat or Gram
Sabha to address social stigma surrounding
Tuberculosis. India has committed to end Tuberculosis
by 2025, which is five years ahead of Global ‘End TB’
target of 2030.
Portraits of Power: Half a N K (Nand Kishore) Veteran Economist and bureaucrat N K (Nand Kishore)
Century of Being at Singh Singh released his autobiography titled “Portraits of
Ringside Power: Half a Century of Being at Ringside”. The book
portrays the life of NK Singh who played an active role
in the development of the Indian economy. He is
currently serving as the Chairman of the 15th Finance
Commission. The book is published by Rupa
Publications India. He edited the book “The New Bihar”
along with Nicholas Stern of London school of
Economics. He was honoured by Japan with its highest
national decoration “The order of the Rising Sun, Gold
and Silver Star” in 2016.
The Fixer: Winning Has a Suman Dubey Suman Dubey has authored his debut novel, titled “The
Price. How Much Will Fixer: Winning Has a Price. How Much Will You Pay?”.
You Pay? The book is set to be released on October 26, 2020. The
book portrays the thrilling tale of Neil Upadhyay, an ex-
cricketer-turned-fixer. The book is published by Rupa
Publications India.
Night of the Restless Sarbpreet Singh The book recounts the Sikh massacre or anti-Sikh riots
Spirits: Stories from of 1984. The book narrates many stories of ordinary
1984 people, that capture the horrors and uncertainties of
1984 through the eyes of Sikhs around the world. The
book is published by Penguin.

Bye Bye Corona Dr. Pradeep Kumar Anandiben Patel, Governor of Uttar Pradesh (UP)
Srivastava, released the world’s first scientoon book titled “Bye Bye
Scientoonist and Corona” at an event organised at Raj Bhawan, Lucknow.
former Senior The book was authored by Dr. Pradeep Kumar
Principal Scientist at Srivastava, Scientoonist and former Senior Principal
CSIR-CDR Scientist at CSIR-CDRI (Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research – Central Drug Research Institute)
and published by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous agency
under the Department of Science and Technology (DST),
Government of India.
OBITUARY
NATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
GS Amur Veteran Kannada Dharwad, Karnataka Veteran Kannada writer and noted
writer critic of both Kannada & English
literature GS Amur (95) passed away in
his residence in Bengaluru, Karnataka
due to age related ailments. He was
born in 1925 in Bommanahalli,
Dharwad, Karnataka.
Haji Hussain Ansari Minister of Minority Deoghar district, Haji Hussain Ansari, Minister of
Welfare Jharkhand. Minority Welfare of Jharkhand passed
away at the age of 73 at Medanta
hospital in Ranchi, Jharkhand due to
cardiac arrest after recovering from
COVID-19. He was the senior leader of
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) party.
He was also the sitting chairman of Haj
committee. He is the first and only
Muslim to become minister of
Jharkhand.
Pradeep Maharathy MLA Puri, Odisha Veteran Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Member
of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and
former Odisha minister, Pradeep
Maharathy passed away at the age of
65 at a private hospital in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha after tested
positive for COVID-19. He was born in
1955.
Naseeb Pathan Leader of Uttar Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh Passed away at the age of 52 in
Pradesh (UP) Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh due to
Congress coronavirus. Pathan Hails from Bijnor,
Uttar Pradesh He is a former Congress
Legislature Party (CLP) President in
Uttar Pradesh.

Ashwani Kumar Former Director of Sirmaur, Himachal Ashwani Kumar, the former Director of
Central Bureau of Pradesh Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Investigation (CBI) and former governor of Manipur and
Nagaland committed suicide and was
found dead in his residence in Shimla.
He was born on 15th November 1950
in Nahan, Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh.
He was currently serving as the vice
chancellor of a Private university in
Shimla.
KK Usha Former Chief Justice Thrissur, Kerala Passed away at the age of 81 in a
(C.J.) of Kerala High private hospital at Kochi, Kerala due to
Cour t(HC) cardiac arrest. She was the first woman
to be directly elevated to the High
Court bench from the bar and become
Chief Justice. She was born on 3rd July
1939 in Thrissur, Kerala.
Ram Vilas Paswan Union Minister of Khagaria, Eastern Passed away at the age of 74 in a
Consumer Affairs, Bihar hospital at New Delhi due to heart
Food and Public ailments. He was born on 5th July 1946
Distribution at Khagaria, Eastern Bihar. He was the
leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP)
and a stalwart of socialist movements.
He was elected to the Lok Sabha for the
first time in 1977 with highest margin
as a member of Janata Party and he
held the Guinness record for winning
his constituency, Hajipur, with the
highest margin for many years
Avinash Kharshikar Producer and Producer and Veteran Marathi Actor
Veteran Marathi Avinash Kharshikar, known for his
Actor sense of humour passed away due to
- heart attack at the age of 68 in a
private hospital at Thane, Maharashtra.
Avinash Kharshikar started his career
in Marathi film industry in 1978.
Carlton Chapman Former Indian Bengaluru, Karnataka Passed away at the age of 49 at
football team Bengaluru, Karnataka due to heart
captain attack. He was born on 13th April 1971
in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He is India’s
leading midfielder played from 1995 to
2001. He was the captain of the Indian
team when India won the South Asian
Football Federation Gold Cup in 1997.
B. Vijaya Reddy Veteran film-maker West Godavari Veteran film-maker B. Vijaya Reddy,
district of Andhra known as Vijay in the Kannada film
Pradesh industry passed away due to cardiac
arrest in a private hospital in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu at the age of 84. He was
born on 15th July 1936 in

Tadepalligudem, West Godavari
district of Andhra Pradesh.
Vinod Kumar Singh Bihar Minister Vinod Kumar Singh, Bihar Minister for
Backward and Extremely Backward
Classes Welfare passed away in
Medanta Hospital in Delhi, following a
- brain haemorrhage. He was around the
age of 50. He was a BJP (Bharatiya
Janata Party) MLA (Members of the
Legislative Assembly) from Pranpur
Assembly constituency of Katihar
district in northeast Bihar.
Chongshen Nagaland’s Minister Tuensang, Nagaland Passed away at the age of 78 in Naga
Mongkosungkum of Environment, Hospital Authority in Kohima. He was a
(C.M.) Chang Forest & Climate member of Nationalist Democratic
Change and Justice & Progressive Party (NDPP). He was also
Law a former Lok Sabha MP (Member of
Parliament). He was born on April 1,
1942, in Noksen Village, Tuensang
district in Nagaland.
Rajan Veteran Kannada Mysuru, Karnataka Veteran Kannada Music Composer
Music Composer Rajan of the popular Rajan – Nagendra
duo passed away at the age of 85 in his
residence at Bengaluru, Karnataka. He
was born in 1933, in Mysuru,
Karnataka. The Rajan-Nagendra Duo
won the Kannada State Awards for
Best Music Director for Eradu Kanasu
(1973-1974) and Parasangada
Gendethimma (1978-1979).
Shobha Naidu Renowned Anakapalli, Renowned Kuchipudi dancer Padma
Kuchipudi dancer Visakhapatnam Shri Shobha Naidu passed away at the
age of 64 in a private hospital
Hyderabad, Telangana. She was a
disciple of the legendary guru Vempati
Chinna Satyam. She was the Principal
for Kuchipudi Art Academy,
Hyderabad. She was born at Anakapalli
in Visakhapatnam district in 1956.
Akkitham Achuthan Malayalam Poet Palakkad, Kerala ‘Mahakavi’ (great poet) Akkitham
Namboothiri Achuthan Namboothiri, renowned
Malayalam Poet passed away at the age
of 94 at a private hospital in Thrissur,
Kerala. He is the last Malayalam poet to
be called as ‘Mahakavi’. He is a
recipient of Jnanpith Award (2019),
India’s highest literary honour and
Padma Shri (2017). He was born on
March 18, 1926.

Bhanu Athaiya Bollywood Costume Kolhapur, Kolhapur Who was the first Indian to win the
Designer State (now Oscars Award passed away at the age
Maharashtra), British of 91 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was
India born on 28th April 1929. Her book
titled “The Art of Costume Design” was
published by HarperCollins in 2010.
She presented this book to the Dalai
Lama in 2013. She won the Oscar
award for best costume design in 1983
for the film Gandhi directed by Richard
Attenborough.
P.S. Carnatic vocalist and Thanjavur, Madras Padma Bhushan P.S. Narayanaswamy,
Narayanaswamy guru Presidency (now esteemed Carnatic vocalist and guru
Tamil Nadu), British for hundreds of Carnatic students
India passed away at the age of 86 at his
residence in Mylapore, Chennai. He
was born on 24th February 1934. He
received the Padma Bhushan for arts in
2003. He also received the Sangeet
Natak Akademi Award and
Kalaimamani Award from the
Government of Tamil Nadu for his
contribution to Carnatic music.
Kishore Bhimani Veteran Sports Kolkata, West Bengal Passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal
Journalist and due to cardiac arrest. He was one of the
Commentator leading cricket commentator in the 80s
and 90s. He worked as an editor of the
sports page in “The Statesman”, a
leading newspaper of Kolkata. He
received the lifetime achievement
award for his contributions to sports
and media in 2013 at the 5th H&G
Clinic Journalism Awards 2012. His
book “The Accidental Godman” was
published by Manjul Publishing House
Pvt. Ltd. in 2012.
Dr. B Former Indian Passed away at the age of 95 at a
Venkataraman Administrative private hospital in Delhi. His wife Leela
Service (IAS) officer Venkataraman was a renowned dance
and the Authority of - critic.
Chola History and
Architecture
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Retired Wing Madras (now First woman commissioned officer of
Ramanan Commander Chennai), British the Indian Air Force (IAF) passed away
India at the age of 96 due to old age-related
ailments at her daughter’s residence in
Bengaluru, Karnataka. She was born in
February 1924.

Nayani Narasimha Former & First Devarakonda, Who is popularly known as “Narsanna”
Reddy Home Minister of Telangana passed away at a private hospital in
Telangana Hyderabad, Telangana. He was born in
Neredugomma village near Nalgonda
which is currently in Devarakonda,
Telangana. He served as MLA from
Musheerabad assembly constituency
thrice (twice represents Janata party &
once represents TRS party).
Mahesh Kanodia Former Member of Mehsana, Gujarat Passed away at the age of 83 at his
Parliament (MP) and residence in Gandhinagar, Gujarat due
renowned Gujarati to prolonged illness. He was born on
musician and singer 27th January 1937 in Kanoda village,
Mehsana district, Gujarat. Mahesh
Kanodia represented the Patna Lok
Sabha constituency in the parliament
as a member of the Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) for three terms between
1991 and 1999.
Naresh Kanodia Veteran Gujarati Gujarat Passed away at the age of 77 at the UN
actor and former Mehta Institute of Cardiology and
MLA Research Centre, Ahmedabad. He is
also a musician. He was known as a
‘Superstar’and ‘Amitabh Bachchan’ of
the Gujarati cinema. He was born on
August 20, 1943 at Kanoda village,
Gujarat. He served as a BJP (Bharatiya
Janata Party) MLA from Karjan
constituency between 2002 and 2007.
Naresh Kanodia received the
Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Award at a
ceremony held in Mumbai in 2012 to
mark the centenary of Indian cinema.
Keshubhai Savdas Former Chief Junagadh, Gujarat Passed away at the age of 92 at a
Patel Minister of Gujarat hospital in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He
and veteran leader was born in 1928 in Visavadar,
of Bharatiya Janata Junagadh, Gujarat. His political party
Party (BJP) and named “Gujarat Parivartan Party”
founder of Gujarat (formed in 2012) was later merged
Parivartan Party with BJP in 2014. Keshubhai Savdas
(GPP) Patel served as the Chief Minister of
Gujarat for 2 terms (1995 and 1998 to
2001) as a member of BJP elected from
the Visavadar constituency.
INTERNATIONAL
PERSON NAME FIELD BORN PLACE KEY NOTES
Najeeb Tarakai Afghanistan Afghanistan Passed away at the age of 29 due to a road
cricketer accident on October 2, 2020 in Jalalabad,
Afghanistan. The top-order right-handed

batsman has played 12 T20I (Twenty20
Internationals) and 1 ODI (One Day
International) for Afghanistan. He was born on
February 2, 1991 in Afghanistan.
Mario José Mexican scientist Mexico City, Mario José Molina, the only Mexican scientist to
Molina Mexico receive the Nobel Prize, passed away at the age
of 77 in his native Mexico City, Mexico. He
shared the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry with
Frank Sherwood Rowland of the United States
(US) and Paul Crutzen of the Netherlands for
their 1970 research on the damage to Ozone
layer. He was born on 19th March 1943 in
Mexico City, Mexico. He also received the
Presidential Medal of Freedom from Former
American President Barack Obama on 8th
August 2013.
Charlie Moore American Athlete Pennsylvania, 1952 Olympic 400 metre(m) Hurdles
United States of Champion passed away due to pancreatic
America cancer at the age of 91. He was born in August
1929 in Pennsylvania, United States of America
(USA). Charlie Moore won the gold in the 1952
Helsinki Olympic 400m Hurdles in 50.8
seconds and tied his Olympic record he set in
the quarterfinals.
John R Reid Former captain of Auckland, New John R Reid, former captain of New Zealand’s
New Zealand’s Zealand Cricket Team and the oldest surviving Test
Cricket Team Cricketer passed away at the age of 92 in
Auckland, New Zealand. He was born on 3rd
June 1928. He was appointed as ICC
(International Cricket Council) match referee in
1993.
Mesut Yilmaz Former Turkish Istanbul, Turkey A veteran Politician who served as the PM for
Prime Minister three terms passed away at the age of 72 in a
(PM) hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. He was born on
6th November 1947.
IMPORTANT DAYS
OBSERVED DATE / WEEK DAYS KEY NOTES
September 30, 2020 International Translation United Nations (UN) International
Day Translation Day (ITD) is annually celebrated
across the globe on 30th September to
recognise the contributions of the language
professionals towards the developing and
strengthening world peace and security and
in connecting the nations and facilitating
dialogue. The UN’s first International
Translation Day was celebrated on 30th
September 2018. International Federation of

Translators (Fédération Internationale des
Traducteurs – FIT) observes the ITD 2020
with the theme “Finding the words for a
world in crisis”.
October 1, 2020 International Day of Older United Nations (UN)’s International Day of
Persons Older Persons is annually observed across
the globe on 1st October to recognise the
elderlies as an asset to the society who are
capable of contributing to the development
process. The 1st October 2020 marks the
30th Anniversary of the International Day of
Older Persons. The theme of the International
Day of Older Persons 2020 is “Pandemics: Do
They Change How We Address Age and
Ageing?”. Click here
October 1, 2020 International Coffee Day Observed annually on October 1 to celebrate
coffee and recognize the efforts of people
who are associated with the coffee industry
namely, farmers, roasters, baristas, coffee
shop owners globally. The day also promotes
fair trade coffee and raise awareness for the
coffee growers. International Coffee
Organisation (ICO) launched its first official
International Coffee Day in Milan, Italy in
2015 as part of Expo 2015, a World Expo
hosted by Milan.
October 1, 2020 World Vegetarian Day Celebrated annually on October 1. It is
observed to promote Joy, Compassion and
life-enhancing possibilities of Vegetarianism.
The World Vegetarian Day was founded in
1977 by North American Vegetarian Society
(NAVS), and endorsed by International
Vegetarian Union in 1978. It is also the First
Day of Vegetarian Awareness Month
(October).
October 1-31, 2020 Breast Cancer Awareness The Breast Cancer Awareness Month is
Month annually observed across the globe in the
month of October from 1st October to 31st
October to create awareness and focus the
attention on the early detection and
treatment of Breast Cancer as well as the
palliative care of this disease.
October 2, 2020 International Day of Non- The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Violence Non-Violence is observed annually on
October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma
Gandhi, the leader of the Indian
independence movement and pioneer of the
philosophy and strategy of non-violence. The
day is observed to spread the message of
non-violence, including through education

and public awareness. In India, to mark the
birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi
Jayanti is celebrated. The 2020 marks the
151st birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Also, The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) organized a webinar titled
‘Swachhata Ke 6 Saal, Bemisaal’ to celebrate
the 6th anniversary of Swachh Bharat
Mission-Urban (SBM-U).
October 2, 2020 World Day for Farmed Annually celebrated on 2nd October to
Animals enhance the needs to treat the farm animals
as sentient beings and the importance of farm
animal welfare. The International Animal’s
Welfare Organisation, World Animal
Protection in association with Asia for
Animals(AfA) coalition celebrates this day.
October 4, 2020 World Animal Day Annually observed on the 4th October to
enhance the status of animals to improve the
welfare standards of animals around the
world and celebrate the relationship of
animals and human beings. The day aims to
create awareness about the major role of the
animals in protecting the environment and
the wellbeing of humans. Heinrich
Zimmermann, a German Editor, Writer and
animal protection activist organised the first
World Animal Day on 24th March 1925 at the
Sport Palace in Berlin, Germany. The day is
being celebrated on 4th October aligned with
feast of St Francis of Assisi.
October 4-10, 2020 World Space Week (WSW) The largest annual space event in the world
i.e. World Space Week (WSW) is celebrated
annually from October 4-10 at the
international level under the United Nations
(UN) resolution 54/68 of 6 December 1999 to
celebrate the contributions of space science
and technology to the betterment of the
human condition. The WSW 2020 is being
celebrated on the theme of “Satellites
Improve Life” and in WSW 2021 theme will
be “Women in Space”.
October 2-8, 2020 Wildlife Week Annually celebrated across India between 1st
and 8th October with an aim to protect and
preserve the flora and fauna of India. The first
Wildlife Week was observed in 1957. The
Wildlife Week 2020 is celebrated from 2nd
October to 8th October 2020. Wildlife Week
2020 marks the 66th Wildlife Week which is
celebrated under the theme RoaR (Roar and
Revive) – Exploring Human-Animal

Relationships. Prakash Keshav Javadekar also
launched a report of the Central Zoo
Authority and The Energy and Resources
Industries(CZA-TERI) titled “Economic
valuation of ecosystem services, National
Zoological Park, New Delhi” a first of its kind
report on the importance of the zoos to the
wellbeing of humans.
October 5, 2020 World Teachers’ Day World Teachers’ Day, also known as
International Teachers Day is observed
annually on October 5 to celebrate the
teaching profession around the world and
also to provide an opportunity to consider
issues related to teachers and teaching. The
day commemorates the anniversary of the
adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO
Recommendation concerning the Status of
Teachers in a conference summoned by
UNESCO (United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization) in Paris,
France. Since October 5, 1994 the day has
been celebrated. Theme of 2020– “Teachers:
Leading in crisis, reimagining the future”.
October 5, 2020 United Nations World Observed on 5th October. It is celebrated
Habitat Day annually on First Monday of October. The
World Habitat Day is observed to reflect on
the state of human settlements and to
emphasize the basic right of adequate shelter
to all. The Theme of World Habitat Day 2020
is “Housing for All – A Better Urban Future”.
The Global Observation of the Day will be
hosted by the city of Surabaya, Indonesia.
October 7, 2020 World Cotton Day The world Cotton Day is held annually on
October 7 since 2019 to recognize the
importance of cotton as a global commodity
grown in over 75 countries across five
continents and to highlight its central role in
job creation and maintaining economic
stability in several least-developed countries.
The Cotton-4 group (Benin, Burkina Faso,
Chad and Mali) initiated the cotton sectoral
initiative at the World Trade Organization
(WTO) to improve the global trade rules
related to cotton.
October 8, 2020 Indian Air Force (IAF) day The Indian Air Force (IAF) day is held
annually on October 8 as on this date the Air
Force in India was officially raised in 1932 as
the supporting force of the Royal Air Force of
the United Kingdom (UK). The year 2020
marked its 88th anniversary.

October 8, 2020 World Sight Day World Sight Day is observed annually on the
second Thursday of October, this year (2020)
it falls on October 8. The day aims to create
awareness globally about blindness and
vision impairment. Globally, IAPB has a
leadership role in preparing the annual
World Sight Day. Theme of World Sight Day
2020– ‘Hope in Sight’.
October 9, 2020 World Post Day The World Post Day is observed annually on
9th October. It aims to bring awareness about
the role of Post in the lives of people,
business and its contribution to global social
and economic development. It is observed to
celebrate the anniversary of establishment of
Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in
Bern, Switzerland. It was declared as World
Post Day by the Universal Postal Union (UPU)
Congress in Tokyo, Japan in 1969.
October 9-15, 2020 National Postal Week National Postal Week will be observed in
India from October 9-15, 2020. During the
National Postal Week awareness is observed
to generate awareness about the role and
activities of India Post among public and
media at National level. Department of Posts,
Ministry of Communication, Government of
India is observing the National Postal Week.
Click here
October 9, 2020 World Egg Day Observed annually on the 2nd Friday of
October, this year (2020) the day falls on
October 9. The day aims to raise awareness of
the benefits of eggs and their importance in
human nutrition. The day was established by
the International Egg Commission (IEC) in
1996 in a conference held at Vienna.
October 10, 2020 World Mental Health Day Observed annually on October 10 to raise
awareness about mental health issues
globally and mobilize efforts in support of
mental health. The theme for World Mental
Health Day 2020, as per the World Federation
for Mental Health (WFMH) is “Mental Health
for All: Greater Investment – Greater Access”.
As per the recent report of the World Health
Organisation (WHO), India is the most
depressed country in the world.
October 10, 2020 World Day Against the Annually observed across the globe on 10th
Death Penalty October. The 10th October 2020 marks the
18th World Day Against the Death Penalty
which is dedicated to the rights to effective
legal representative of the individuals facing
death penalty. The first World Day Against

the Death Penalty by the World Coalition
Against the Death Penalty was observed in
2003. The World Day Against the Death
Penalty 2020 focuses on the ‘Access to
counsel – A matter of life or death’.
October 10, 2020 World Migratory Bird Day Celebrated bi-annually on the second
(WMBD) Saturday in May and in October. WMBD 2020,
in October falls on October 10. The UN
(United Nations) led awareness-raising
campaign highlights the need to conserve the
migratory birds and their habitats, as they
face threats. The day also aims to spotlights
their ecological importance and calls for their
global conservation through international
cooperation. Theme of World Migratory Bird
Day 2020- “Birds Connect Our World”.
Click here
October 11, 2020 International Day of the The United Nations (UN) International Day of
Girl Child the Girl Child is observed annually on October
11 to recognize the rights of the girls and to
promote their empowerment and the
fulfilment of their human rights. The day also
highlights the need to address the challenges
faced by them around the world. Theme of
International Day of the Girl Child 2020– “My
Voice, Our Equal Future”. The year 2020
commemorates the 25 years of adoption of
the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
Action.
October 12, 2020 World Arthritis Day (WAD) Annually observed across the globe on 12th
October to create awareness about rheumatic
and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) and to
share information and support the RMDs
patients and their caregivers. The first World
Arthritis day was observed on 12th October
1996. The theme of 2020 World Arthritis Day
(WAD) is “It’s in Your Hands, Take Action”.
World Arthritis Day (WAD) was established
by Arthritis and Rheumatism International
(ARI) in 1996.
October 11, 2020 World Obesity Day Annually celebrated on 11th October till
2019. The day was relaunched as the new
Unified World Obesity Day on 4th March
2020. The World Obesity day aims to create
and raise awareness, encourage advocacy
and improve policies on obesity. The first
World Obesity Day was observed on 11th
October 2015. The theme of World Obesity
Day 2020 – 4th March 2020 was “The Roots
of Obesity Run Deep”. The World Obesity

Federation established World Obesity Day on
11th October 2015.
October 13, 2020 International Day for The United Nations (UN) ‘s International Day
Disaster Risk Reduction or for Disaster Risk Reduction or International
International Day for Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) is annually
Disaster Reduction (IDDR) observed across the globe on 13th October to
promote a global risk awareness and disaster
reduction. The first International Day for
Disaster Risk Reduction was observed in
1989. The theme of International Day for
Disaster Risk Reduction 2020 is “it’s all about
governance” which is associated with the
Target E of Sendai Framework.
October 14, 2020 World Standards Day World Standards Day or International
Standards day is annually celebrated on
October 14 by the members of the
International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC), International Organization for
Standardization (ISO) and the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU). Theme of
World Standards Day 2020– “Protecting the
planet with standards”. World Standards Day
2020 poster competition Winner- Jyoti Bisht
from India.
October 14, 2020 International E-Waste Day The Third International E-Waste Day was
observed on 14th October, 2020. The day is
observed to raise awareness about e-waste
recycling and encourage consumers to
recycle e-waste. It aims to sensitise the youth
on E-waste. It is annually observed on 14th
October. International E-Waste Day has been
observed since 2018 by WEEE (Waste
Electrical & Electronic Equipment) Forum.
International E-Waste Day 2020 Theme -
Education.
October 15, 2020 International Day of Rural United Nations (UN)’s International Day of
Women Rural Women is annually observed across the
globe on 15th October to recognise the role
and contribution of rural women in
agriculture and rural development, food
security and eradicating rural poverty. The
day also promotes gender equality and
elimination of gender discrimination. The
First International Day of Rural Women was
observed on since 2008. The theme of
International Day of Rural Women 2020 is
“Building rural women’s resilience in the
wake of COVID-19”.
October 15, 2020 Global Handwashing Day Celebrated annually on October 15. The
global advocacy day aims to raise awareness

and understanding about the importance of
handwashing with soap as an effective and
affordable way to prevent diseases and save
lives. Theme of Global Handwashing Day
2020 – “Hand Hygiene for All.” The Uttar
Pradesh government has launched a social
campaign HathDhonaRokeCorona on the
occasion of the global handwashing day.
October 15, 2020 World Students Day Observed annually on 15th October to
celebrate the Birth Anniversary of India’s
11th President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. This is
Abdul Kalam’s 89th Birth Anniversary. The
theme of World Student Day 2020 is
“Learning for People, Planet, Prosperity and
Peace”. He is recipient of Padma Bhushan
(1981), Padma Vibhushan (1990), Bharat
Ratna (1997). He is also known as ‘Missile
Man of India’ for work on Development of
Ballistic Missile and Launch Vehicle
Technology.
October 16, 2020 World Food Day The United Nations (UN)’s World Food Day is
annually celebrated on October 16 to
commemorate the founding date of the Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN
in 1945, this year (2020) marks the 75th
anniversary of FAO. Theme of World Food
Day 2020– “Grow, Nourish, Sustain.
Together”. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra
Modi Released Commemorative Coin of Rs 75
denomination.
October 15, 2020 Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Observed throughout the country on October
Diwas 15, 2020. It is celebrated to recognise the
contribution of women farmers in various
aspects of agriculture. It was decided in 2016
that every year 15th October will be
celebrated as “Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas”
by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’
Welfare.
October 17, 2020 International Day for the United Nations (UN)’s International Day for
Eradication of Poverty the Eradication of Poverty is annually
observed across the globe on 17th October to
create and raise awareness on the needs to
eradicate poverty and about the life
conditions of the people living in poverty. The
first International Day for the Eradication of
Poverty was observed on 17th October 1993.
The theme of 2020 International day for the
Eradication of Poverty is “Acting together to
achieve social and environmental justice for
all”.

October 17, 2020 World Trauma Day Observed annually on October 17 to create
awareness about the increasing rate of
accidents and injuries that cause death and
disability globally. The day also highlights the
need to prevent trauma.
October 20, 2020 International Chefs Day Annually celebrated on October 20 to
celebrate the profession of chefs and educate
people about healthy food globally. The day
also highlights the duty of chefs to pass their
knowledge and culinary skills to the next
generation of Chefs. 2020 International Chefs
Day campaign theme– ‘Healthy Food for the
Future!’.
October 20, 2020 World Osteoporosis Day Annually observed across the globe on 20th
(WOD) October to raise awareness on the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
Osteoporosis. The day aims to make the
prevention of Osteoporosis and fractures a
global health priority by reaching out to
healthcare professionals, patients, media and
the general public. The first WOD was
celebrated on 20th October 1996. The year-
long campaign of WOD 2020 will feature
“That’s Osteoporosis”. The International
Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) has been
organising the events of the WOD since 1996.
October 20, 2020 Third World Statistics Day The United Nations (UN) Third World
Statistics Day was observed on 20th October.
It is observed to emphasise the importance of
data authenticity and credibility. The World
Statistics day is observed every Five Years.
The theme of Third World Statistics Day is –
“Connecting the world with Data we can
trust”. The Day will be celebrated across the
world under the collaborative endeavour and
guidance of the United Nations Statistics
Commission.
October 21, 2020 Police Commemoration Observed annually on October 21. It is
Day observed to honour the loyalty and supreme
sacrifice of police personnel for the nation. It
is observed to remember the sacrifice of Ten
policemen who were killed in an ambush by
Chinese Troops on October 21, 1959 in
Ladakh’s Hot Spring area.
October 21, 2020 Global Iodine Deficiency Global Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD)
Disorders (IDD) Prevention Day is also known as World
Prevention Day Iodine Deficiency Day is annually observed
on 21st October. The day aims to create
awareness of the needs of the Iodine, an

essential dietary mineral required for the
normal function, growth and development.
October 22, 2020 International Stuttering Annually observed across the globe on 22nd
Awareness Day(ISAD) October to create awareness about Stuttering,
a speech disorder which is also known as
stammering and how the condition affects the
fluency of speech. The first International
Stuttering Awareness Day was observed on
22nd October 1998. The theme of 2020 ISAD
is “Journey of Words – Resilience and
Bouncing Back”.
October 23, 2020 International Snow Annually celebrated on the 23rd October
Leopard Day since 2014 to create awareness about the
conservation and preservation of Snow
Leopards, the majestic wild cats which are
listed among the most threatened animals.
The Snow Leopard’s 12 range countries
(Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Pakistan,
Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, India,
China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Afghanistan)
endorsed the “Global Snow Leopard and
Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)”,
initiated by the Kyrgyz government to
conserve the snow leopards and their high
mountain ecosystem. The snow leopard
range states have agreed to work under
GSLEP to identify and secure around 20 snow
leopard landscapes across the states by 2020
– “Secure 20 by 2020”.
October 24, 2020 United Nations (UN) Day Annually on October 24 since 1948 which
marks the entry into force of the UN Charter
in 1945. The year 2020 marks its 75th
anniversary. During the high-level event of
the 75th anniversary celebrations political
declaration was adopted. The declaration was
negotiated through an intergovernmental
process under the theme “The future we
want; the United Nations we need:
reaffirming our collective commitment to
multilateralism”.
October 24, 2020 The Raising Day of Indo- Annually observed on October 24. This year
Tibetan Border Police (2020) marks the 59th year of its existence.
(ITBP) ITBP Force (ITBPF) was raised on October
24, 1962 under the Central Reserve Police
Force Act, 1949.
October 24, 2020 The International Day of Observed annually on 24th October, 2020. It
Diplomats is observed to highlight contributions made
by diplomats in shaping the world and in
making the planet a better place. The
International Day of Diplomats was First

proposed by Indian Poet-Diplomat Abhay K.
It was first observed in Brasilia on October
24, 2017.
October 24, 2020 World Polio Day Annually observed across the globe on 24th
October to create awareness about the polio
infection and the vaccines that prevent the
polio infection and highlight the global efforts
to eradicate polio. The theme of 2020 World
Polio Day is “A win against polio is a win for
global health”. The Rotary International
established the World Polio day on 24th
October to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Jonas Salk, the American
virologist and medical researcher who led the
first team to develop the vaccine against the
poliomyelitis (commonly known as polio).
October 24, 2020 World Development Annually on October 24 to focus on
Information Day improving the dissemination of information
and mobilizing public opinion, especially
among young people. The date marks the
adoption of the International Development
Strategy for the Second United Nations (UN)
Development Decade in 1970 an also coincide
with United Nations Day i.e. October 24. The
UN General Assembly (UNGA) established
this day in 1972.
October 24-30, 2020 Disarmament Week The United Nations (UN) Disarmament Week
is held annually, which starts on the
anniversary of the founding of the UN i.e.
October 24 till October 30. This week
highlights the danger of the arms and also
promotes awareness and better
understanding of disarmament issues to
maintain international peace and security. It
should be noted that Sustainable
Development Goal (SDG) 16 of 2030 Agenda
recognizes significant reduction in illicit arms
flows is necessary for peaceful, just and
inclusive societies.
October 27, 2020 World Day for Audiovisual The United Nations (UN) World Day for
Heritage Audiovisual Heritage is annually celebrated
on October 27 globally to commemorate the
adoption of the Recommendation for the
Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving
Images in 1980 by the 21st General
Conference of UNESCO (United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization). Theme of World Day for
Audiovisual Heritage 2020– ‘Your Window to
the World’.

October 27, 2020 Infantry Day Indian Army annually celebrates the Infantry
Day on 27th October to commemorate the
courage and sacrifice of the Infantrymen who
fought in the first military event of India after
independence on 27th October 1947 against
Pakistan intruders in Kashmir. The day also
honours all the martyrs of India. The 27th
October 2020, marks 74th Infantry Day
celebrated by the Indian Army.
October 27 to November 2, Vigilance Awareness Week The ‘Vigilance Awareness Week’ 2020 is
2020 observed in India from October 27 to
November 2, 2020 by Central Vigilance
Commission (CVC). This year the week is
being observed on the theme “Satark Bharat,
Samriddh Bharat (Vigilant India, Prosperous
India)”. In this regard, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the
three-day National Conference on Vigilance
and Anti-Corruption organized by Central
Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on the theme of
vigilance week.
October 28, 2020 International Animation Annually celebrated across the globe on
Day (IAD) October 28 and this year (2020) marks the
19th anniversary of IAD. The day is
celebrated to recognize, honour and celebrate
the artists, the scientists and also the
technicians behind animated art including
animated movies. In 2002, ASIFA created the
IAD. October 28 was chosen as the day
commemorates the first public performance
of Charles-Émile Reynaud’s Théâtre Optique
(an animated moving picture system) held at
Grevin Museum in Paris, France, on October
28, 1892.
October 29, 2020 International Internet Day Annually celebrated on 29th October since
2005 to mark the anniversary of the first
internet transmission on 29th October 1969.
The day aims to celebrate the people who
supported to build the internet and provide a
chance to reflect on the changes brought by
the internet. They worked on the Advanced
Research Projects Agency Network
(ARPANET), funded by the United States(US)
Defense Department.
October 29, 2020 World Stroke Day Annually observed on October 29 to raise
awareness about stroke prevention,
treatment and recovery. The day highlights
the seriousness of strokes and the need to
ensure better care and support for survivors.
The theme of the World Stroke Day 2020

webinar is ‘Get Ready to join the Movement’.
The central idea for the World Stroke Day
2020 campaign is Join the Movement with the
hashtag ‘1 in 4’.
APPS & WEB PORTAL

APP & WEB NAME LAUNCHED PURPOSE
BY
PM SVANidhi Durga Shanker Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of
Mishra Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the API
(Application Programming Interface) integration
between the PM SVANidhi Portal and the SBI (State
Bank of India)’s eMudra portal. This launch is a part
eMudra of Prime Minister Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar
Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme. This integration will
ease uninterrupted data flow between the 2 portals
in a secure ambience and accelerate the loan
sanctioning and disbursement process that benefits
the street vendors who seek working loan capital
under the scheme.
P-MIS MoHUA The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
(MoHUA) launched Project Management
Information System (P-MIS) Portal developed by
National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPD) to
monitor the progress of their projects and to
monitor and manage the loans. The P-MIS portal
will be hosted on the NIC Server.
https://scienceandtech.cmpdi.co.in/ Coal Ministry During the 56th meeting of Standing Scientific
Research Committee of the Ministry, Anil Jain,
Secretary, of Coal ministry launched a website
(https://scienceandtech.cmpdi.co.in/) to
disseminate and promote Research and
Development (R&D) activities in the coal sector.
The website was developed by Central Mines
Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDI), R&D
arm of Coal India Limited (CIL).
(http://arhc.mohua.gov.in/) Ministry of A webinar was conducted at the launch of
Housing and Affordable Rental Housing Complex (ARHC) portal
Urban Affairs (http://arhc.mohua.gov.in/) and for the releasing
(MoHUA) of guidelines and guidebook, from New Delhi which
was addressed by Union Minister of State (MoS I/C)
Hardeep Singh Puri, Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs (MoHUA). He also launched a National
Report on ANGIKAAR – a campaign for change
management for PMAY-U (Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana-Urban) beneficiaries. The report is a
recollection of various activities under the
campaign i.e. October 2019-October 2020.

CuRED Harsh Vardhan Union Minister for Science & Technology, Harsh
Vardhan launched ‘CuRED’ or ‘CSIR Ushered
Repurposed Drugs’ (Council for Scientific and
Industrial Research-CSIR) a website for providing
information on Repurposed Drugs for COVID-19.
The website provides information regarding
clinical trials of diagnostics and devices in which
CSIR is involved.
Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Sector Leather Sector Skill Council (LSSC), a non-profit
Leather Employees India (SCALE Skill Council organization (NGO) launched “Skill Certification
India) (LSSC) Assessment for Leather Employees India (SCALE
India)” Android app for enhancing the quality
assurance of the leather industry. Union Minister of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship,
Mahendra Nath Pandey unveiled the SCALE India
app during a virtual event. The app will serve as a
one-stop solution for skilling, learning, assessment
and employment needs of the leather and leather
products industry.
e-Dharti Geo Portal Hardeep Singh Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (MoS) (I/C) of
Puri the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Launched “e-Dharti Geo Portal” which will integrate
the legacy drawings like maps and lease plans in
Management Information System (MIS) named as
e-Dharti and enable it with Geographic Information
System(GIS). The Land and Development Office
(L&DO) of MoHUA deals with around 60000
properties which includes commercial, residential,
industrial and institutional properties.
AC GAZE
Department of Fertilizers Ranked 3rd Among 65 Ministries/Department: DMEO
The Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), NITI Aayog conducted a Data Governance
Quality Index Survey to assess the performance of the ministries/departments based on the
implementation of Central Sector Schemes (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). The Department
of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers ranked 3rd among the 65 ministries/departments with
4.11 on a scale of 5. The Department of fertilizers also secured 2nd rank among the 16 Economic
Ministries/Departments.
Indian Navy Helicopters Undertakes Aerial Seeding Initiative at Visakhapatnam for GVMC
The Indian Navy partnered with Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) for the Aerial
Seeding Initiative at Visakhapatnam. This initiative aims to enhance the green cover in and around
Visakhapatnam. Two UH3H helicopters with 2 tons of seed balls undertook the aerial seeding. Around
6.25 tonnes of seed balls were dropped in the region around Pedagantyada, Aganampudi, Naidu Thota,
Chinamushidiwada, and Pavuralakonda in Bheemili.

“The Biodiversity map of Mumbai”: First of its Kind Map on Mumbai’s Rich Flora & Fauna by
Rohan Chakravarty
“The Biodiversity map of Mumbai” made by Rohan Chakravarty, artist and cartoonist is a first of its kind
map on the rich flora and fauna of Mumbai. This map was created for the ‘Biodiversity by the Bay’
campaign initiated by the Ministry of Mumbai’s Magic (MMM), a youth collective for climate action with
an intention to inspire pride in all the biodiversity treasures of Mumbai. This was used as a part of the
campaign’s social media strategy on September 30.
IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List 2020 Released, Mukesh Ambani Tops
Mukesh Ambani, chairman of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) topped the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich
List 2020 with the total wealth of 6,58,400 Cr. He retains this position for the 9th consecutive year.
Hinduja brothers secured the second spot followed by Shiv Nadar & family. Smita V Crishna, who ranked
28th spot overall is the richest woman in the list followed by Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Biocon founder,
who is also the richest self-made women in India.
China to Send World’s 1st Mining Robot, ‘Asteroid Mining Robot’ into Space by November 2020:
IEEE Spectrum report
An IEEE Spectrum report stated that Origin Space, the Beijing-based company is set to send world’s first
mining robot named ‘asteroid mining robot’ into space by November 2020 to identify and extract
resources. The mining robot will be launched into space by a Chinese Long March series rocket. The 30-
gram spacecraft, NEO-1, is likely to be launched as a secondary payload on a Chinese Long March rocket.
This company also has another mission, Yuanwang-1 (‘Look up-1’), nicknamed ‘Little Hubble’, which is
to be launched by late 2021 or early 2022.
Indian Private Firm Alpha Design Technology Limited to upgrade Pechora surface to Air Systems
Indian Private Firm Alpha Design Technology Limited (ADTL) bagged INR 591 crore contract for
upgrading and digitising 16 Soviet Era Pechora missile and radar systems. ADTL has partnered with
Russian entities for the project which will be executed in four years. It will be a major boost to indigenous
defence manufacturing.
IIT Kharagpur Developed iMediX – Telemedicine Homecare Technology for COVID-19

Indian Institute of Technology(IIT) – Kharagapur’s Department of Computer Science &
Engineering(CSE) has developed iMediX, a telemedicine technology for homecare amid COVID-19 to
provide critical health care support to the patients through remote consultation by a physician. The
device highlights the digital healthcare system and promotes social distancing protocol. The system is
adopted for public use at the IIT Kharagpur on campus healthcare system. On a trial basis the base model
has been installed at Swasthya Bhawan, West Bengal.
INS Sahyadri & Kora were Declared as Best Ships in Fleet Award Function 2020
Indian Navy Ship (INS) Sahyadri and INS Kora were awarded the Best Ship trophies among the Capital
Ships and Corvettes & similar classes of ships respectively. The awards were presented at the Fleet Award
Function (FAF) 2020 organised by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam to mark the successful performance
of the Operational Cycle of the Eastern Fleet. The FAF is organised every year to mark the resilience and
perseverance of Indian Navy personnels appointed onboard ships of Poorvi Beda or Sword Arm of
Eastern Naval Command (ENC).
Mukesh Ambani tops Forbes India Rich List 2020

Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries topped the Forbes India Rich List 2020 and remains
the wealthiest Indian for the 13th year in a row. Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group came second,

and Shiv Nadar, Chairman of HCL Technologies came third in the list. Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman of
Poonawalla Group which includes Serum Institute of India entered the Top 10 list at Rank 6.
Bhuvan Bam named Myntra’s First Digital Brand Ambassador

Youtuber Bhuvan Bam has been named as Fashion e-commerce platform Myntra’s First Digital Brand
Ambassador. He has been appointed to strengthen Myntra’s Digital presence ahead of the Festive Season.
The collaboration will create content to ensure that Myntra’s features go beyond traditional forms of
communication.
Nilesh Shah, MD of Kotak AMC is Re-Elected as the Chairman of AMFI

Nilesh Shah, the Managing Director (MD) of Kotak Mutual Fund was re-elected as the Chairman of the
Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). He will hold the office of chairman till the conclusion of the
next Annual General Meeting (AGM) and he will also continue as the chairman of the AMFI Financial
Literacy Committee. Saurabh Nanavati, CEO of Invesco Mutual Fund was re-elected as the vice chairman
of AMFI.
GSFC launches indigenous Calcium Nitrate and boronated Calcium Nitrate

Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals India Ltd (GSFC) launched an Indigenous variety of Calcium
Nitrate and Boronated Calcium Nitrate. Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Mansukh
Mandaviya launched the products virtually. Calcium Nitrate is a water-soluble fertilizer in agriculture,
and also in wastewater treatment. The indigenous variety will provide a cheaper alternative to the farmer
community in India.
Polish Footballer Robert Lewandowski named as UEFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2019/2020
Robert Lewandowski (Poland) who represents the club Bayern Munich has been named as the UEFA
(Union of European Football Associations) Men’s Player of the Year 2020. He finished ahead of Kevin De
Bruyne (Manchester City) & Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich). It is an association football award given to
footballers playing for men’s football clubs in Europe. It is given for performances in both club and
national team competitions.
AIFF announces ‘Indian Football – Forward Together’ as its new motto

All India Football Federation (AIFF) – the apex body for Football in India has announced the launch of a
new motto – ‘Indian Football. Forward Together’. The motto reflects the core values of the organization
– passion, respect, leadership, teamwork, integrity, professionalism and inclusivity.
Nihal Sarin emerges winner in Chess.com’s 2020 Junior Speed Online Championship
Sixteen-Year Old Indian Chess Player Nihal Sarin emerged winner in Chess.com’s 2020 Junior Speed
Online Chess Championship. He defeated Russia’s Alexey Sarana in the final. With this win, Sarin will
qualify for the 2020 Speed Chess Championship Final which will feature the world’s best players. Nihal
Sarin hails from Thrissur, Kerala.
Anantkumar Surendraray Dave, Ex-Gujarat HC Acting Chief Justice Passed Away at 62

Anantkumar Surendraray Dave, Former acting Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court passed away at the
age of 62 at a private hospital in Ahmedabad after prolonged illness. He was born on December 5, 1957,
in a tribal village in Panchmahal district. He also served as an Additional Judge of the Gujarat High Court,
before his appointment as a permanent Judge.
Heeng Cultivation starts in India for the First Time

Heeng (Ferula assa-foetida) commonly known as Asafoetida cultivation has been started in India for the
first time. The first plantation of Heeng was done in Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh. Council of

Scientific & Industrial Research Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) introduced
six accession of Heeng from Iran through National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR). It is a
perennial plant and can be grown in unutilized sloppy land of cold desert regions.
Kharif foodgrain production likely to be record 144.52 million tonnes in 2020-21: Narendra
Singh Tomar
Narendra Singh Tomar, while addressing a digital conference organised by Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII), stated that according to the initial estimates, food grain production is projected to be
144.52 million tonnes in the 2020-21 kharif season. As per the official data, during the 2019-20 kharif
season, food grain production stood at 143.38 million tonnes. During the first quarter of 2020-21 fiscal,
this sector grew 3.4% The main kharif crop is Rice.
IAA India and UNICEF Partners to Promote Gender Equality in Ads

India Chapter of International Advertising Association (IAA India) partners with the United Nations
Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to support the evidence and real time validation based research on gender
representation and stereotypes in TV and advertisements in India. IAA will provide technical insights to
the research and share the findings to the advertising industries to support responsible and gender
empowering policies.
India and Kazakhstan Explores Co-Production and Co-Development of Defence Products

Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary (DIP-Defence Industries Production), while speaking at the inaugural of the
India-Kazakhstan Defence Cooperation Expo, a two-day virtual expo jointly organized by FICCI
(Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and Ministry of Defence stated that many
Indian companies are already in talks with Kazakhstan defence industries for co-production and co-
development in defence production and for opening a new chapter in the heavy engineering sector.
Religare Health Insurance Rebrands as ‘Care Health Insurance’

Religare Health Insurance has rebranded itself as Care Health Insurance from September 01, 2020. As
per the company statement, the rebranding is an adoption of its principal deliverable ‘Care’ and the
policies across the continuum of care, will continue to focus on customer-centricity, product innovation
and financial inclusion. The health insurance company is headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana. Anuj Gulati
is the founding Managing Director and CEO of the company.
BoB Signed MoU with Mahindra & Mahindra for Tractor Finance Business
Bank of Baroda (BoB) signed a MoU with Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) for tractor finance business.
This aims to enhance the agriculture business and support farmers to avail loans to buy tractors. BoB will
provide the facility to the customers of M&M through its 5000 rural and semi urban branches. BoB has
partnered with Gromax under the Mahindra stable as preferred Brand.
RRVL Gets of Rs.5550 Crore from Alyssum Asia Holdings

Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd (RRVL), a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) received the
subscription amount of Rs. 5550 crores from Alyssum Asia Holdings II Pte.Ltd., a unit of KKR, a global
investment firm and allocated 81348479 equity shares to KKR. KKR has picked up 1.28% stake in RRVL
for its investment of Rs.5550 crores.
IMF cuts Asia’s Growth Forecast

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has slashed its Economic Forecast for Asia. The IMF expects
Asia’s Economy to contract 2.2% in 2020, the decline is 0.6 of a percentage point larger than its forecast
in June. The decline in economic growth is due to sharp slumps in countries like India, Philippines and

Malaysia. Asia’s economy is expected to grow 6.9% in 2021 due to boost from strong recoveries in China,
United States and European region.
Aishwarya Sridhar, First Indian Woman to Win Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2020
Aishwarya Sridhar became the first and youngest Indian Woman to Win Wildlife Photographer of the
year 2020. The 2020 awards mark the 56th year of the Wildlife photographer of the Year Award. The
award show was organised by the National Museum of History, London. Aishwarya won the award for
her photograph titled “Light of Passion” featuring fireflies.
Vega ropes in Rohit Sharma as Brand Ambassador

Beauty Accessories Brand VEGA has appointed Rohit Sharma as its Brand Ambassador. Rohit will endorse
men’s personal grooming electronics range under the ‘Vega Men’ brand. The campaign will go live from
October, 2020.
MSME Ministry introduces AI & ML in its portal ‘Champions’

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has introduced Artificial Intelligence (AI) &
Machine Learning (ML) for Strengthening its single window system portal ‘Champions’. The
conceptualization and scope analysis has been done with the help of National Informatics Centre (NIC)
based on guidance provided by the team of Intel. AI & ML will help in understanding issues on a real-time
basis on available social media and online data.
IMD Operationalised Advanced High-resolution Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi and
India
India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the ministry of Earth Science has operationalised
ENFUSER – ENvironmental information FUsion SERvice, a high resolution city scale model for Delhi. The
ENFUSER will identify the hotspots of air pollution and pollution up to street levels. The System for
Integrated modelling of Atmospheric composition (SILAM), the Air quality forecast model for India was
improved with the implementation of global emission inventories CAMS-GLOB v2.1 supplemented with
EDGAR v4.3.2 for coarse and mineral-fine anthropogenic particulate matter at 10km resolution.
ENFUSER and SILAM are developed in collaboration with Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI).
Russian Soyuz Spacecraft launched with 1 NASA Astronaut & 2 Russian Cosmonauts
Russian Soyuz MS-17 spacecraft carrying (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) NASA
astronaut Kate Rubins and two Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Sergey Kud-Sverchkov was
launched from Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. This marks the last scheduled Russian flight
carrying a U.S. crew member. The crew boarded the International Space Station on 14th October 2020.
Astrosat, India’s first Multi-Wavelength Astronomical Observatory Completes 5 years of Imaging

Celestial Objects in Space
Astrosat, the first multi-wavelength astronomical observatory of India completed its 5 years of imaging
celestial objects in space, on September 28, 2020. It was launched by the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO) on September 28 2015. It has carried out 1,166 observations of 800 unique celestial
sources proposed by scientists from India and abroad. The Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT), a 3-in-
1 imaging telescope simultaneously observing the visible, the near-ultraviolet (NUV), and the far-
ultraviolet (FUV) spectrum is one of the five payloads on board AstroSat.
Nokia selected by NASA to build first ever cellular network on the Moon
Finland based Nokia has been selected by the National Aeronautical Space Agency (NASA) to build the
first ever 4G cellular network on the Moon. NASA has awarded USD 14.1 Million to Nokia for the project.
It is being built for communication purposes of NASA’s ARTEMIS Program to the Moon by 2024. Nokia &

Intuitive Machines are partnering for this Mission. The grant is part of USD 370 Million worth of contracts
signed under NASA’s “Tipping Point” selection to advance research and development for space
exploration.
ADTL Signed to Build & Run Rs.753 Crore Worth MiG-29 Simulator Centre for IAF
Alpha Design Technologies Ltd. (ADTL), Bengaluru based company has signed the 1st of 2 phased Defence
contracts with the Ministry of Defence and Russia’s RAC MiG. ADTL will build, run and maintain the
Rs.753 crores worth two types of fighter aircraft simulators. Pilots of Indian Air Force (IAF) will train on
these simulators before flying MiG-29.
UIDAI Introduce Aadhaar PVC card, a New Form of Aadhaar

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) introduced a new form of Aadhaar, namely, Aadhar
polyvinyl chloride (PVC) card. The Aadhaar PVC card has enhanced security features and is more
convenient to carry. The pocket-sized verifiable identity card can be obtained at a price of Rs 50. Aadhaar
card holders can order the new Aadhaar PVC card even if their mobile number is not registered in
Aadhaar.
ICMR Approved “COVIRAP” – COVID-19 Testing Kit Developed by IIT Kharagpur

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved the “COVIRAP”, low cost portable COVID-19
test kit developed by the Researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kharagpur. The device
delivers high quality and accurate results within an hour. The device reduced the testing cost to around
Rs.500 which can be further reduced by the government’s intervention. With a minimum infrastructure
the cost for developing this device is around Rs.5000.
Scientists Found India’s First Dragonfly Fossil of 2.5mn Years Old in Jharkhand
A team of scientists from West Bengal headed by Mahasin Ali Khan, assistant professor of Botany at Sidho-
Kanho-Birsha University found India’s first Dragonfly fossil in Latehar, Jharkhand. The fossil belongs to
the late Neogene Period and it is expected to be around 2.5 million years old. The findings of the discovery
are published in the October 10 edition of Current Science journal.
Pernod Ricard India Foundation and WWF India Partners to Secure Future of Assam’s Wild
Elephants
Pernod Ricard India Foundation and World Wide Fund for Nature-India (WWF India) partners to
conserve the Asian elephant in Assam through effective human-elephant conflict management. The
project will work across 150 villages in Kamrup, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts. It will also
train community members on effective situation management by developing a toolkit and forming anti-
depredation squads, which will help them protect their property, crops, and lives.
NTPC Ranks 1st Among Indian PSUs in Forbes “World’s best Employers 2020”
NTPC Limited, owned by the government of India and one of India’s largest energy corporations tops the
list of Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) featured in the 4th annual “World’s Best Employer 2020”
list published by Forbes. The final list comprises 750 multinational corporations headquartered in 45
countries.
M. Venkaiah Naidu, VP of India Launched a Coffee Table Book and Rating Systems
M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India on the occasion of inaugurating the Confederation of Indian
Industry (CII)’s Green Building Congress 2020 through virtual mode, launched a coffee table book and
Rating systems on Healthcare, Logistics and Net Zero Water. He mentioned that buildings and
construction account for 39% of the world’s energy related CO2 (Carbon dioxide) emissions. 2020 marks
the 125th anniversary of CII.

‘Ayurveda for Covid-19 Pandemic′ to be the main theme of 5th Ayurveda Day
It should be noted that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 of 2030 Agenda recognizes significant
The Ayurveda Day is observed every year from 2016, on the day of Dhanwantri Jayanti. This year is the
5th Ayurveda Day, which falls on November 13, 2020. A webinar will be organised on the theme of
‘Ayurveda for Covid-19 Pandemic’ on the day. The Ministry of AYUSH will organise various activities to
mark the Day, with a special focus on concerns related to the present pandemic and how Ayurveda can
help in immunity building in this context.
Researchers from Netherlands Cancer Institute Discovered a New Pair of Salivary Glands,
‘tubarial glands’
Researchers from the Netherlands Cancer Institute have discovered a new pair of salivary glands that is
hidden between the nasal cavity and throat. The team proposed the name ‘tubarial glands’ for the new
discovery. The new glands were found out when using a new type of scan namely, Prostate-Specific
Membrane Antigen(PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography(CT) scan. The
paper was published by the team in ‘Radiotherapy and Oncology’.
Parle Agro Appointed Priyanka Chopra Jonas & Jr. NTR as Brand Ambassadors
Parle Agro has appointed Priyanka Chopra Jonas as the national brand ambassador and Junior
Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (Jr. NTR) as the brand Ambassador for Southern India. Priyanka and Jr.
NTR will be campaigning for “B-Fizz”, the new product of the Parle Agro’s Fruit plus fizz portfolio.
Priyanka will feature in the television commercials (TVC) for National Media and Jr. NTR will feature in
the southern market.
METLDEX to be first tradeable real-time base metals indices in country: MCX

MCX (Multi-Commodity Exchange of India) launched India’s first real-time Base Metals Index i.e MCX
iCOMDEX Base Metal METLDEX in the commodity derivatives segment. Until now, Domestic Metal Prices
were hinged to the London Metal Exchange (LME). METLDEX is based on Five base metals – Zinc, Copper,
Nickel, Lead, and Aluminium.
World Junior Badminton Championships 2020 cancelled

The World Junior Badminton Champions 2020 scheduled to be held in New Zealand from January 11-24,
2021 has been cancelled due to Pandemic. Badminton World Federation has stated that they have
accepted a proposal to stage the 2024 edition in New Zealand as a replacement for the edition lost.
ESI scheme extended to Arunachal Pradesh

The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced the extension of Employees’ State Insurance (ESI)
scheme for the first time to Arunachal Pradesh with effect from 1st November 2020. Under the issued
notification all the factories in the district of Papum Pare with 10 or more employees are eligible for
coverage under ESI Act 1948. Employees with wages up to Rs. 21000 per month (Rs.25000 for persons
with disabilities) are eligible for the scheme.
Arunachal Pradesh builds War Memorial at Bum La, Arunachal Pradesh

The State Government of Arunachal Pradesh has built a War Memorial at Bum La in Arunachal Pradesh.
The memorial is a tribute to Joginder Singh of 1st Battalion, Sikh Regiment, who received the Highest
Gallantry Award ‘Param vir Chakra’ during 1962 Sino-India war. Indian Army organised the Inauguration
ceremony of Joginder War Memorial at Bum La on October 23, coinciding the day on which the Battle of
Tongpen La (Bum La) took place in 1962.

ACKO Partners with Finserv MARKETS to Offer Two & Four Wheeler Insurance
ACKO General Insurance, partnered with Finserv MARKETS, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv to offer two and
four wheeler insurance policies. Under this partnership, customers can buy the ACKO insurance for the
vehicles on the Finserv MARKETS platform and will also offer seamless and affordable insurance
products to customers of Finserv markets.
Base Year of Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers revised from 2001 to 2016
The Labour and Employment Ministry has revised the base year of the Consumer Price Index for
Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) from 2001 to 2016 to reflect the changing consumption pattern. It gives
more weightage to spending on health, education, recreation and other miscellaneous expenses, while
reducing the weightage given to food and beverages. CPI-IW index is used to measure inflation in retail
prices, for regulation of Dearness Allowance (DA) of government employees and industrial workers, and
for fixing and revising minimum wages in scheduled employments.
Arunachal Pradesh Government, SAI sign MoU for Development of Sports Infrastructure at NCoE
Sports Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh & Sports Authority of India (SAI) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) virtually for development of Infrastructure at the National Centre
of Excellence (NCoE) in Itanagar. NCoE has facilities for Wushu, Weightlifting and Boxing.
Venkaiah Naidu, VP of India Launches Virtual Festival of ‘Parampara Series 2020-National

Festival of Music and Dance’
M. Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India launched the virtual festival of ‘Parampara Series 2020-
National Festival of Music and Dance’. The Parampara Series 2020 is organised by Natya Tarangini in
partnership with the United Nations. This has been organized to coincide with the World Day for Audio-
visual Heritage 2020 on October 27. For the 24th year the Natya Tarangini has organised the Parampara
Series.
Government eMarketplace integrated with the Central Public Procurement Portal

Government of India Initiative eMarket called GeM (Government eMarketplace) has been integrated with
eProcurement System of India Central Public Procurement Portal (CPPP) for creation of a Unified
Procurement System. This will consolidate the entire public buying foods and services into a single
platform. This will improve buying and selling experience and processes for ministries, departments and
other agencies involved in the system. The GeM portal was launched in August 2016 by Ministry of
Commerce for online purchases of goods and services by all Central Government Ministries and
Departments.

GA Questions Asked in Exams
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J&K Becomes First UT to Operationalise PFMS at District Level

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma launched “micro ATM” in Shillong

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Punjab CM Launched Phase 2 of Urban Environment Improvement Programme

K. Shanmugam, Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary Gets Another 3-month extension

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Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat Inaugurates Integrated Model Agricultural Village

Asan Conservation Reserve becomes Uttarakhand’s first wetland to make it to Ramsar

LAUNCHES & INAUGURATION

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PM Inaugurates ‘Atal Tunnel’- World’s Longest Highway Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh

Narendra Modi inaugurated Virtual Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV)

SUNIDHI Project Launched to Digitise CMPFO Services

Piyush Goyal Virtually Inaugurates Renaming of Naugarh Railway Station to Siddharthnagar

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PM Modi Launches ‘Jan Andolan’ Campaign for COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour

Union Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot Inaugurates International Conference on Mental Health:

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MoS Prahlad Singh Patel Launches ‘Life in Miniature’ project

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PM Modi Inaugurates 4th Edition of 2020 India Energy Forum by CERAWeek

OTHER NATIONAL NEWS

MEA brings Indo-Pacific, ASEAN Policies under One Unit

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses International Webinar on Textile Traditions

Famous Chilli of Sikkim “Dalle Khursani” Earns GI Tag

Delhi-Mumbai e-way to have India’s 1st 5 “Animal Bridges”

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Kerala becomes First State in India to go Digital in Public Education

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PM Modi Released Rs.100 Coin to Honour Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia

India provides USD 1 Million to UNRWA for Palestinian Refugees

Jewar at Gautam Budh Nagar to Become one of the Aerotropolis of India

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CSIR-CMERI Develops Sustainable Municipal Solid Waste Processing Facility

14 States reported reduction in prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiases (STH): MoHFW